The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

When Chen Heng left the study, he was still dizzy. After walking a few steps along the corridor, he couldn't help but walk into the courtyard. Now that the sunset has faded and night has come, the bright moon has yet to rise. There is a big tree in the courtyard in front of the study. Chen Heng could not recognize the name of this tree, but felt that the rustling sound of it swaying in the night was like his own thoughts.

Teacher, it seems that he really agrees with me marrying my sister.

When he thought about it again in his dazed mind. What came up immediately was a burst of ecstasy. But no one could tell this ecstasy, so Chen Heng had no choice but to keep it to his lips and act like a villain hiding his secret.

He was thinking this in the night. But he didn't know that someone came with a lamp on the corridor. There were several figures, but they were all silent. He was sneaking around, like a wandering god walking at night with a lantern on his head. Chen Heng was brave and was not frightened at all. He stared at the lights from far to near.

younger sister?!

He recognized the person.

Lin Daiyu was startled. She held the food box in her hand and looked around before she saw someone in the courtyard. She subconsciously took a step forward, then restrained herself and stopped when she reached the steps. She blushed and asked, Brother...what are you doing here?

Chen Heng didn't know that Sister Lin already knew about it. He thought that he had done a perfect job and said very proudly: It's a little hot in front of me. Now I'm standing here to wake up. Let's blow some wind and relax a bit.

Oh. Daiyu responded and lowered her head. Chen Heng was far away and could not see clearly. But Zicuckoo could clearly see the young lady's red face. Knowing that the young lady was thin-skinned, she hurriedly added: Master Chen, it's time to eat soon. Go back to the house and have a rest, don't let the cold wind blow.

The evening breeze in October means you have to worry about it. Lin Daiyu, whose thoughts were in a mess, was prompted by Zijuan and said repeatedly: Brother, hurry... follow me to the main hall.

Okay. When a beautiful lady invites you, there is no reason to refuse. Chen Heng readily agreed and walked in front of them to lead the way. Now when I tell the teacher, he is working with a certificate, and he does things in a relaxed and casual manner.

There will be good days ahead, so there is no need to rush now. Chen Heng thought about it, his face became even more proud, and he didn't notice the abnormality of Daiyu not saying a word at all.

When they arrived at the main hall, Lin Ruhai was already waiting here with a smile. Seeing Chen Heng and Daiyu come in together, he first laughed heartily and only asked Chen Heng to sit next to him.

Jia Min came with Lin Jue. When the family arrived, they lit the lights, opened the windows, and laid out the dishes on the table. While eating, even Lin Jue noticed something was wrong. Why is my father so good at drinking today? He drinks whenever he wants. The eldest brother, who usually drank slowly, was even more surprised. He even toasted his father with several glasses of wine.

That's all, sister, you won't be sick. Why is your face redder than that of dad and eldest brother? ? ? Lin Jue looked at it again and again, but couldn't understand the reason.

Naturally, Jia Min couldn't hide the problem that Lin Jue could see. But she was the mother of the family, so Lin Ruhai would definitely not hide anything that happened in this three-thirds of an acre of land from her. Therefore, she was the calmest and only urged the children to eat well.

The change of status between son-in-law and student did not make much difference to Lin Ruhai. He had always regarded Chen Heng as his junior, and his happiness today was all because Daiyu had a reliable home.

Everyone at the table ate thoughtfully. When Jia Min took Lin Ruhai back to the house, he immediately asked his servants to stay outside. She grabbed her husband and asked, You are so happy tonight, but what happened at home? ?”

Officials have already achieved this level, and it is already impossible to go further. Since it is not something outside, after thinking about it, only things at home can make my husband so happy.

The couple sat on both sides of the soft couch together. Lin Ruhai, who was drunk, took Jia Min's hand and said proudly: Madam, you might as well take a guess.

Jia Min was scratching her head in her heart, they were an old couple, how could they want to mess around with Ru Hai. She was impatient and said immediately: I'll ask the steward to pack some bedding for you. You can sleep in the study tonight.

Good guy, I can't even let myself go to other houses. Lin Ruhai immediately held up her hands and begged for mercy: Madam, calm down, hahahaha, madam doesn't know something. Heng'er was in the study room and expressed her feelings to my husband.

Really? Jia Min was shocked when she heard this. She really didn't expect Chen Heng to have such courage. This kind of major life matter should be done as soon as you say it, and mentioned as soon as you say it.

She didn't bother to ask Lin Ruhai if he agreed. Looking at the way they were drinking just now, they just held hands and called each other son-in-law and father-in-law instead.

Lin Ruhai had already agreed, so Jia Min naturally didn't want to be a bad guest. It is strange to say that the child who often came to study at home when he was a child will become his son-in-law in the blink of an eye.

Jia Min thought about it, but still felt a little worried and said: Why doesn't Heng'er go back and discuss it with his family first about such a big matter?

Don't worry, madam. Lin Ruhai comforted her. Generally, the father-in-law has two choices when it comes to his son-in-law: he likes him at first sight and dislikes him at first sight. The hidden changes that followed were all due to the change in his daughter's feelings. Lin Ruhai is the former to Chen Heng. Even though he was such a satisfied son-in-law, he couldn't bear to let Chen Heng have a bad impression in front of Jia Min.

He went to His Majesty to ask for a decree, and then His Majesty will come forward to grant the marriage, hahahaha... Speaking of the student's proud achievement, Lin Ruhai laughed loudly, Madam, what are you worried about?

Jia Min was speechless for a moment. She was indeed a student taught by her husband. When asking for a marriage, there is always a backup plan. She shook her head helplessly and said with a complicated mood: That's it, that's it.

She was touched by Chen Heng's thoughtful consideration for Daiyu, but also felt that her precious daughter was destined for life in a blink of an eye, and she didn't know what to think. I didn’t even have much choice. My daughter, who was pregnant in ten months, was about to be abducted by Heng’er?

But if Jia Min really wanted to say no, she thought about it, and she really couldn't say it. No matter what, it is a rare good thing that two juniors can be happy with each other.

Children and grandchildren will have their own blessings, let them be. Lin Ruhai patted Jia Min on the back, saying it not only to the other party, but also to herself.

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Chen Heng drank a little too much today, but he didn't feel tired when he returned to the house. Today's news couldn't be better, so much so that he is still full of energy.

It is said that drunkenness makes people cowardly. Chen Heng suddenly wanted to see Daiyu. Seeing Xinda preparing things for himself to wash, he immediately stood up and said, I'm going out, don't worry about me.

You're all drunk like this, second brother, where are you going? ? ? Xinda was very anxious and turned around. Chen Heng had already run to the door. When he chased him out the door, he had already disappeared from the corridor with a lantern.

In the slightly cool air, only the words Don't worry, I'm not going out, I'm just walking around at home.

Xinda had no choice but to take a single piece of clothing to keep cool and follow him quietly.

Chen Heng didn't pay attention to the movement behind him. He waved his sleeves and walked quickly with a lantern. After passing through corridors and two arches, I stood in front of Daiyu's courtyard.

The light is on in the small window. Several silhouettes were projected on the window paper. Although their whispers could not be heard, judging from the movements of the figures, it could be seen that the sister had not rested yet and was playing with the purple cuckoo and snow geese.

Chen Heng gathered his courage, walked across the yard, and stood on the porch. He whispered to the person inside: Sister.

The sound of thunder on the ground floated into the house and suppressed the noise of the fight inside. Daiyu, who had just been teased by Zijuan, thought she was hallucinating. When I paid closer attention, I heard the haunting sound of 'sister' again.

She got up in a panic and was about to open the door. Chen Heng had already spoken out to persuade: Sister, just come to the window.

Zijuan was puzzled when she heard this, Master Chen, you are too stupid. This is already done at the door, so what else can we do through the window? Isn’t this the three hundred taels of silver that are missing here?

Daiyu was also overwhelmed by the surprise, and all her previous wisdom was gone. Now she did whatever her brother said. He just obediently came to the window, pushed the window leaves completely open, and saw a figure standing in the corridor holding a lamp.

Brother————

Her voice was full of affection, mixed with two parts of tenderness and one part of surprise.

Sister. Chen Heng chuckled, with a silly look on his face. The evening breeze was blowing, rustling the leaves in the courtyard. Daiyu looked very distressed and said hurriedly: I just drank wine, why don't you take a good rest in the house. There is too much wind, what can I do?

Chen Heng scratched his head and felt Lin Ruhai nodded, feeling more courageous and said bluntly: I miss you.

Daiyu...Daiyu...How could Daiyu not know this? If she asked, she would have guessed what Chen Heng was thinking. He looked around and tried to cover up each other. Who would have thought that her brother, who was really crazy about drinking and eating, was so bold and direct tonight.

She shrank subconsciously, but looking at Chen Heng in the distance, she still said hurriedly: Come closer and blow less.

Chen Heng remained still, raising his eyebrows and smiling softly, Sister, don't you miss me?

Brother, have you been distracted by someone? Daiyu's face turned red crazily, and she really wanted to jump out of the window and scratch the person in front of her. She inherited Jia Min's temper tantrum, and when she wanted to speak, she was shy and said, I just know how to talk drunkenly, but I don't want to listen.

Chen Heng laughed, then stepped up the steps and placed the lantern in his hand on the bench on the corridor. He hid his hands in his sleeves and stood quietly on the porch in front of the window.

Brother, why are you standing so far away?

In fact, Chen Heng was quite close. Although there was a wall between them, they were only one hand apart.

I just drank because I was afraid you would smell the alcohol. Chen Heng chuckled.

Daiyu nodded, not knowing what to say for a moment. She even felt her face getting hot and hot, if it weren't for Zijuan winking at her repeatedly. She was afraid that she really didn't know how to say this.

Brother came here specially, don't you have anything to say... to me?

How important it is to be transparent with the teacher. Although Chen Heng drank, he felt that his thoughts were clearer. He just said: There are indeed some things, but it would be better to wait until we come back tomorrow to talk about it.

Daiyu pursed her lips and said with a rather evil intention: Brother, even if you don't tell me, I will know.

Chen Heng didn't believe her nonsense. Even if she guessed it seven or eight hundred times, she still wouldn't be able to guess it right. He immediately shook his head and said: You will never guess it.

Okay. Daiyu deliberately put down her words, Tonight I will write down what my brother will say tomorrow in a brocade bag and hide it. When my brother comes back tomorrow, we will find out.

That's fine. Seeing that his sister was playing tricks, Chen Heng had no reason not to agree, What if my sister didn't guess right?

Then I will promise my brother something. Daiyu was very proud, her bright eyes flashed, What if my sister guesses right?

Okay, okay, then I also promise you something. Chen Heng felt that he was sure of victory, and he said it even more cheerfully.

A gentleman's words.

It's hard to chase a horse.

It was a joke for both of them to make a gentleman's alliance like this. The faint fragrance floats, and the moon quietly climbs up the wall. The moonlight is very good tonight. If you look around, you can see the shadows of flowers and plants reflected on the snow-white wall.

Southerners love to plant flowers and plants at home, and Lin Ruhai and Daiyu are no exception. Chen Heng saw the two scenes intertwined and being held in his arms by the moonlight, giving him a unique and elegant artistic conception. He couldn't help but turn his head and look at Daiyu on his side.

The girl is about to turn fifteen. Although she has not been sick or injured in recent years, her figure is still thin. The neck is slender, the eyebrows are curved, and the eyes are smart and pretty, shining brightly when looking. Only the blush on the cheeks adds to the charm and tenderness, which is really heart-stirring.

Chen Heng was stunned for a moment. The latter suppressed the panic in his eyes, turned his head slightly, buried his face in his hands, and half leaned against the window, Brother, stop looking.

How do you know I'm looking at you? Chen Heng laughed and looked away. The silver light gallery is as beautiful as white practice. He looked into the distance and then at the bright disk on the treetops. I couldn't help but say: It's really a good time and beautiful scenery.

Daiyu took a small light fan, which was used to cover her ears and steal bells, and put it on the tip of her nose while looking at the scenery. If the weather is warmer, we can go out and walk on the moon.

This time, it was her turn to peek at Chen Heng. The tall and straight young man was wearing bright-colored clothes, with large sleeves swinging under his horizontal wrists. He has a handsome profile, bright and lively eyes, and a high bridge of nose. That's all, it's just the smile on the other person's lips that makes people panic.

Walking on the moon is a custom in Wuyue and other places. It was the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, and all the women of small families would go out to play together. Because it steps on the moonlight all the way, it is also commonly known as the walking moon. Nowadays, every full moon night. There are boys and girls who go out for this reason. Yangzhou people love this even more.

The night wind gradually picked up, blowing gently on the two of them. Chen Heng smiled and nodded, saying: The moon in the capital is a bit different from the moon in the south of the Yangtze River.

What's the difference? Lin Daiyu looked sideways at her sweetheart.

The moonlight in the capital is brighter, while the moonlight in the south of the Yangtze River is gentler.

They are all the same moonlight, how can there be such a thing? Daiyu smiled and shook her head, then asked: I heard from Sister Qin that there is a Crescent Lake in the Western Region. Every full moon night, the immortal sand fox will come here to drink water. I heard that the sand fox is beautiful, Just like the fairies in the sky, they don’t know whether the rumors are true or false.”

Hahaha, sister. Chen Heng laughed, My second brother must have tricked you into this matter. He also shook his head and praised, But I have also heard of the reputation of Crescent Lake. If my sister wants Look, we can go there once in the future.

There are some things that are good if you talk about them. Chen Heng also felt relaxed and comfortable when talking about promises.

Really? Daiyu's eyes flashed with anticipation. She never doubted the promise her brother made to her.

Well. Chen Heng looked at the distance and said longingly, There is so much beauty in the world. I should take you to see more of what is good about staying at home.

But the Western Region is so far away...

It's okay, I'll just ask for the order to be released when the time comes. Chen Heng said unconcernedly, Wouldn't it be a pity not to see the lonely smoke in the desert and the sun setting over the long river in your lifetime?

Good guy, Master Chen really drank too much. Zijuan thought in her mind that Master Chen tried his best to hide it, but still accidentally let it slip. After all, it's just a situation where the husband sings and the wife follows.

There was a cover-your-mouth chuckle coming from behind. Daiyu was really embarrassed, so she covered her face with a small fan and said, It's cold in the night, brother, please come back.

Okay. Chen Heng smiled and nodded. He came here just to see his sister. After seeing it, my heart is satisfied. Going back this time will definitely be a good dream.

Sister, please rest early. Chen Heng held the lantern and was about to walk into the night. But Daiyu said again: Well, brother will come back tomorrow.

Chen Heng was stunned for a moment, then left with a big smile.

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The next day, I rushed to the Yamen. Chen Heng noticed that his colleagues were discussing the mission to Beijing. After listening for a long time, he realized that the British people coming today would be Hongmao Fan and Franconian the day after tomorrow. In addition to them, there will also be missions from Jianguo, North Korea, and the Japanese coming here later.

These missions came to send congratulatory gifts to Li Zhi. Exchanges between the two countries are commonplace. There have been similar cases in previous years. Colleagues have discussed more about the location of these countries.

Among the officials in the six departments, the oldest is not even thirty. Unlike the mature and prudent Shangguan in the court, these people are very curious about things outside.

Fu Qingyuan is from the North and is most familiar with Korean and Japanese customs. Take this opportunity to educate colleagues about local customs. Someone asked the newcomer Chen Heng again, but the latter did not show off his knowledge. I just echoed that in places such as Suzhou and Hangzhou, foreigners are very common.

While they were talking, Li Zhi sent someone again and called Chen Heng and Fu Qingyuan to meet him in Linjing Hall.

Hahahaha, let’s go have dinner. I’ve been writing pretty well lately, and I’ve mentioned a little bit about my career line. The exam is almost here. When I wrote this book, I had hoped to finish it in February, and I hoped to finish it on time.