The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Everything yesterday seemed like a spring dream without a trace. Chen Heng took a shower after getting up and felt refreshed.

Sister Lin's haircut is over, and the only thing left for him is to move. Chen Heng realized more and more clearly that as the two of them grew up, if he still stayed in the Lin Mansion, he would not be able to concentrate on his studies.

After staying in the Lin Mansion for a few more days, Lin Ruhai chose a day to allow his students to move. The ancients always liked to do things according to the old almanac.

On February 24th, after packing everything, Chen Heng and Xinda quietly moved out of the Lin Mansion. Lin Jue is the most curious about this kind of thing. He has grown up and gradually realized the intrigue between his elder brother and sister. Recently, he has always looked at Chen Heng inexplicably.

After sending away the brat who came to help, Chen Heng said goodbye to Daiyu and got on the carriage to his new home. Liu Xianglian and Qian Dayou had been waiting here for a long time. As soon as the carriage stopped, they couldn't wait to move up and carry their luggage.

After all, he is a scholar. There are so many books even when moving house. Liu Xianglian praised Chen Heng's things. Qian Dayou also laughed at the side, This is not bad. If those families have been studying for generations, they will have to prepare seven or eight book boxes.

Hurry up and help. After packing up, we will go to eat. The laborer who came to the door was even polite to them. Chen Heng put his hands on his hips and kept directing Qian and Liu.

After being so busy for half an hour, Chen Heng finally settled down in his new home. As for the cleaning issue, the Lin family has already sent people to clean it up. The courtyard where Chen Heng lives is the largest of the three courtyards. There are two or three main rooms inside, and three or five wing rooms, which are arranged in a crescent shape around the courtyard.

Qian Dayou walked around the empty study room and said with a smile: Zhixing, you should hang some calligraphy treasures here.

Go to the entrance of Xiangshan Temple and look for the scholars who set up stalls. It costs five cents a pair. You can buy as much as you want. Liu Xianglian laughed and quickly came up with a bad idea. If you are embarrassed to bargain, I will come forward for you. I guarantee you will do it. They regard me as their confidant, so they have to give me half for sale and half for free.

Chen Heng sneered and said hurriedly: Don't mess around. He opened the wooden window and let the cool breeze of early spring blow away the flying dust in the house. He stretched out his hand again, led the two friends, and said as they walked, Let's go to the pavilion to have tea first.

The three of them went to the courtyard as company. Along the rockery, climb halfway up. Xinda was so excited that he couldn't wait to fetch well water and boil water for several people to make tea.

Sitting here, you can see the lush green mountains of the capital and hear the sounds of people outside the courtyard wall. There is a courtyard wall in the middle, so that the two can only hear each other's voices. It takes the meaning of no one can be seen in the empty mountain, only the sound of people's voices can be heard.

Qian was very interested and named the pavilion for Chen Heng. Let's call it Qingzhuo Pavilion. When Liu Xianglian heard this, she quickly asked what she meant. Chen Heng accepted his friend's words and said with a chuckle: It should come from the sentence 'Qing Si washes his tassel, Zhuo Si washes his feet'.

Qian Da nodded, took the tea prepared by Xinda, and said happily: Practice knows me. Get quietness from the bustling city, follow it or hold it, but stay single-minded.

If that's the case, why not change the name to Qingzu Pavilion? Keep it in mind, and pay more attention to the traces of your journey. A burst of laughter came from the steps in the distance.

When everyone applauded, they all looked around. Seeing that it was Bao Qin who was dressing up as a man, he led the servants and maids up step by step. After entering the pavilion, Baoqin raised his hand and bowed to the three of them, saying, I hope you won't be surprised if you come uninvited.

I'm here uninvited. I'm an elegant guest. You know my heart and I'm a close friend. Chen Heng laughed and said to Qian and Liu, In my opinion, let's call it Qingzu Pavilion. We scholars are both You must understand the truth, and more importantly, you must harmonize your words and deeds. These two words are really deeply rooted in my heart.”

Shan. Qian Dayou read the name silently twice. He really felt that his intentions were higher and he couldn't help but praise, She is indeed Xue Shanniao's sister. As soon as she says it, she is extraordinary.

Hahaha, what does this Xue Shan bird mean? Chen Heng was very curious about this name. Qian Dayou hurriedly explained, I have been away from Yang for a long time, but I don't know that brother Xue Biao has a great reputation in the Yangzhou painting circle. His painting of mountain birds is almost a leader.

Chen Heng was overjoyed when he heard this. He didn't expect that his friend had already made such a big name. He asked again: What about Brother Jiang?

He. Qian Dayou showed a teasing smile, The world only knows that he is Brother Xue's good friend. But he himself doesn't care. He always says to everyone he meets, not only do I know Brother Xue, but I am also a classmate and good friend of Chen Jieyuan.

Hahahaha. Chen Heng clapped his hands and laughed, saying no more. I just drank a cup of tea with my friends and continued chatting about various other things.

During this period, Xue Baoqin took out several paintings that Xue Biao gave to Chen Heng as a gift for moving house. When Chen Heng displayed the scroll, he saw a young man in Tsing Yi walking past the scholars looking at the list. There are green bamboo shadows and the academy's classrooms in the surrounding area.

When Chen Heng saw him, he remembered his early days in the academy. Xue Biao's painting should have been painted after the academy's monthly exams, when everyone was looking at the results. This situation makes me miss the past.

The second painting is similar. It is a scene of Chen Heng, Qian Dayou, and Jiang Yuanbai gathered in the dormitory, playing and reading together. Chen Heng was overjoyed and hurriedly asked Xinda to hang the painting in the study, saying: After waiting for Brother Xue for so many years, I finally got the painting.

The painting is exquisite, its shape is wonderful, and its expression is self-sufficient. In time, this Xue scorpion may be famous all over the world. Liu Xianglian's eye for painting was taught at home day by day. After reading it, she sighed, Suddenly I felt that I really regretted not going to an academy to study hard in this life.

You are a wealthy guest who has traveled to three mountains and five mountains. You have seen all the beautiful scenery in the world. We are also envious of you. Chen Heng comforted, and Liu Xianglian immediately laughed out loud after hearing this. Everyone has his own destiny, and if he lives his life like this, he may not be unwilling to do so.

Bao Qin took a look at the situation at home for Chen Heng and led the topic elsewhere, Brother, aren't you going to recruit some servants and maids?

The head of the family hurriedly shook his head and said calmly: A white body is far from the time to enjoy it.

Baoqin nodded, noted the matter in his mind, and said no more. But Liu Xianglian said: There are too many people in the family, so I feel uncomfortable. If you ask me, just you and me are enough. If any blind thief comes to the door, I will punch him out with three punches and two kicks.

Chen Heng laughed and asked Bao Qin how he was visiting the house in the capital today. The latter guided everyone to look at the house next door and said with a smile: Before going to Beijing, my elder brother Qian Dingzhu Wan told me that I should live next to my eldest brother. I must not follow his wishes...

Okay, okay. Chen Heng said hello three times. Qian Dayou exclaimed: Isn't there someone still living next door?

I made a price they wouldn't refuse. Bao Qin, a rich little woman, smiled confidently. The three men were speechless for a moment and hurriedly expressed their admiration.

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After the day of moving house, Chen Heng's life gradually returned to calm. I only spent the whole day with Qian Dayou, reading in the morning and in the middle of the night. The two ate and slept together, were each other's good companions, and supervised each other's homework.

After Bao Qin took care of the new house, she bought a kitchen woman and a concierge for Chen Heng from outside. This was a good friend's wish. Chen Heng declined it several times before accepting it with a smile.

After studying like this until April, Daiyu suddenly found a slave for her brother. Qingwen, who had just recovered from a serious illness, was somehow persuaded by Sister Lin. I received an errand from the Chen family and received two taels of silver every month.

The money is said to be a lot, but it is said to be a lot less. Compared with the various invisible incomes in Jia's house, it is naturally far inferior. Chen Heng couldn't refuse the Lin family's kindness, not to mention that when his parents came to Beijing, the family would need some servants, so he asked Qingwen to work in the house as an errand.

We have something to say first. Chen Heng looked at Qingwen in front of him, who was led by Zijuan, On weekdays, when you are at home, you only need to do things like serving tea and pouring water. Don't worry about things outside. There are difficult decisions to make. If you have any questions, you can ask Xinda first.

Chen Heng is planning to make Xinda his cousin his chief manager. He has followed me for several years and knows my temper best. Qingwen nodded silently. She had only been to the outer wall of Jia Mansion a few days ago. Seeing that Baoyu was still eating and drinking, and completely forgetting about himself, he was quite disheartened.

The first reason why she could accept Daiyu's invitation today was to find a place to stay temporarily. The second is that the heart is dead and the intention is gone, and it is all about muddle through. Chen Heng looked at her like this, how could he not know what the other person was thinking. However, he didn't want to interfere too much. Everyone has their own destiny, so let the little maid go her own way.

There is an extra maid in the house, and the happiest one is Xinda. He was finally freed from the tedious labor. It’s not like the second brother doesn’t have a few friends in the capital. At one time, Wen Yu from the Ministry of Revenue came to visit, and at another time, colleagues from the Ministry of War came to visit. Du Yunjing and Fu Qingyuan were frequent visitors.

When these people come to the house, Xinda has to be in charge and take care of everything in the house. I have to wait for everyone to drink tea and pour water. I am really exhausted and exhausted. With Qingwen's help, he had some free time.

Although Liu Xianglian regarded himself as the bodyguard of the Chen family, the rest of the family did not dare to treat him as a bodyguard, and treated him as a distinguished guest at home.

Chen Heng saw Xinda's joy in his eyes and just smiled without saying a word. He continued to get up and return to the study, taking Qian Dayou with him to read and write together.

Apart from anything else, with Qingwen in the family, life does have to be more meticulous. This maid is a smart person, but because of Baoyu, she has become taciturn. This is exactly what Chen Heng wants, and everything should be peaceful. Only Qingwen wanted to sleep in the room next door to Chen Heng in the middle of the night. When she was ready to wait for her master to get up late at night, Chen Heng kicked her out impatiently.

I'm sleeping well, you don't have to worry about me, just go to your room and rest.

Qingwen was also speechless. How could a maid not be a maid, so why should she be called a maid? She had no choice but to regard this matter as a quirk of the new master's family and live in confusion.

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I studied with Qian Dayou until May, but suddenly bad news came from the palace. The emperor's concubine suddenly died of illness, which shocked the nobles in the capital.

The concubine's surname was Zhen. Chen Heng only heard that she was from the Zhen family in Jinling, but he didn't know the details. But when such a noble person dies due to illness, some national taboo etiquette is indispensable in the capital. Everywhere in the restaurants and alleys, there is a lack of laughter and laughter. The children of various families and prefectures were also ordered repeatedly to prevent them from going out and causing trouble.

Xue Pan, who had just been pardoned and released from prison, did not dare to show up at this time. He just hid in Lixiangyuan and stayed with his mother all day long. This stupid overlord has never suffered such a loss in his life. Although he had good food and drink in prison, his courage suddenly became much less courageous after suffering this disaster.

Many of his former playmates wanted to invite him to block Chen Heng at the door of Chen's house and cause trouble for the instigator. Xue Pan was also too afraid to come, saying that he was not feeling well. He still remembers the moment when Chen Heng turned around and threw down the token. He was so decisive in his killing. It was really fresh in his memory.

Chen Heng was so focused on studying at home that he had no time to pay attention to the little thoughts of his noble disciples. As soon as June passed, a message came from Sister Lin, saying that Lian's second sister-in-law in Rongguo Mansion had a difficult childbirth a few months ago, and that she could save her next life only after leaving the son and leaving the mother behind. Now that Wang Xifeng is in good health, news is gradually coming out, and the nobles from all over the country are quietly learning about it.

Since moving to a new home, most of the communication between Chen Heng and Daiyu has been through letters. Or you can only meet the teacher once or twice when you come to see the teacher for advice.

He couldn't comment too much on Wang Xifeng's affairs. She only thinks about Jia Yuanchun, who is pregnant with Liujia in the palace, and wonders if fate will be lenient to her.

In July, the national taboo ends. On the streets of the capital, many talents taking the exam have appeared. The provincial examination is about to take place, and countless people with hidden dragons and crouching tigers appear one after another. In the streets and alleys, there are many excellent poems and poems by talented people.

This is just an outpost until the provincial examination is over. Once October arrives, the excitement in the capital really begins. The annual examination, which is held every three years, can include almost all the elites from all over the world. The heroes are vying to test their skills, hoping to test their abilities with God.

When Qiu Gui released the results, Chen Heng took half a day off and went out to relax with Qian Dayou. They found a secluded place in a nearby restaurant and saw all kinds of life under the list, which made them more determined to study hard.

In early September, Chen Heng waited patiently day by day. Chen Qi finally took the Gu family to Beijing together with Xue Biao and Jiang Yuanbai. Being able to see the two of them at this time, the result is naturally needless to say.

Zhixing, hahaha, we didn't disappoint you, did we? Jiang Yuanbai never changed his true colors, laughing heartily when he was proud, and enjoying himself when he was frustrated.

Xue Biao couldn't help but snorted coldly, looking around, This Chen Mansion is really amazing. There are actually four people in this small room.

Hahahaha, Chen and Qian said to him to make him laugh. Chen Heng led a group of friends to meet his parents.

When the family reunited after a long absence, Mrs. Gu inevitably shed tears. Her son, who has been more sophisticated than his peers since he was a child, has never asked her mother to worry too much.

But the precocious the person, the earlier and faster he flies. Mrs. Gu always felt that before she could spend time with her son, he had already grown into the backbone of the family.

Chen Qi's focus was the strangest. He walked around his new home and couldn't help asking privately: Heng'er, tell me the truth. How much money did you embezzle when you were an official?

Chen Qi rubbed his hands anxiously, Our family is no longer what it used to be, and our life is much better than that of ordinary families. You must not make a mistake, there is no turning back in life, there is no regret medicine.

Chen Heng didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he had to invite Xinda to explain to his father. Chen Qi was half convinced and reluctantly admitted that this house was the result of a reward from His Majesty.

As soon as the family comes around, although there are some complaints in life. But Chen Heng was more motivated to study, and it was really nice to have all his friends by his side. Chen Heng kept nothing personal about his knowledge and experiences over the years and described them all in detail. Not only does it allow oneself to review the past and learn new things, but it also involves brainstorming to see if everyone has any new insights.

Several children have their own things to deal with, but Chen Qi and Gu are in trouble. They were very unaccustomed to Qingwen in front of them.

It's not that Qingwen is showing off her temper or showing off her temper. It just happened that Qingwen was too attentive and wanted to be in front of the master and his wife in everything, which made it difficult for Chen Qi and Gu. The two elders have been real people who have made their own efforts all their lives, and Qingwen took on the attitude of serving Mrs. Jia and Baoyu. When the two concepts of life conflict, they will inevitably cause their own inconvenience.

When Chen Heng learned about this, he was still discussing knowledge with his friends in the study. After hearing what his parents meant, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Sister Lin and I really did something wrong with good intentions. Chen Heng had no choice but to call Qingwen over again. The little girl thought that she had done something wrong, and she couldn't help but look a little worried.

To be fair, her life in the Chen family was much easier. There is no more intrigues in Yihongyuan, and no more attacks on people.

Although there are more affairs and more fatigue, the young master who can't stand his own family is more worry-free. He doesn't have to serve at night, and he doesn't have to use words to please him. The longer time went by, the more she liked the plainness of Chen's house.

Don't worry. Chen Heng noticed Qingwen's uneasiness. This girl has been in the house for more than half a year, and now she has a sense of belonging. My parents are both real people. You take care of them as half-elders, but instead It makes it easier for them.”

As soon as Chen Heng pointed it out, Qingwen understood the beauty. She talks more now than when she first entered the house, and immediately said timidly: Master, there is no such thing as a slave. Every day, I bring tea and water, arrange the meals, and get two taels of silver. I...

When Qingwen first entered the house, the Chen family signed a short contract with her. It will last for three years. Once the time is up, both parties will consider continuing the employment.

Looking at the whole capital, it is difficult to find such a clean and trouble-free master. Although Qingwen couldn't say much about the benefits of Chen's house, she was very reluctant to move to another place.

It's okay. Chen Heng shook his head and reassured, You did very well in the past, just like before. If nothing happens, just take out the books in my room to dry them.

Yes. Qingwen had no choice but to take the order and go find Xinda. Winter is coming soon, so we need to seize the time to clean up the house. There are only four or five servants in the Chen family, and there are many things to do. Everyone has to divide their own errands.

When she arrived at the Chen Mansion, Qingwen had no little girl at her disposal, so she had to do everything by herself. Chen Heng paid money to invite her, so naturally he couldn't treat her as a young lady just because of her beauty.

Don't listen to anything that doesn't touch Yang Chun Shui. Just do the work honestly. After working like this every day, it is naturally impossible to keep armor like the Jia family.

But Qingwen felt very at ease every night when she slept in the hut. Chen Heng did not regard her as a servant, only as a day laborer who came to work in the house. Who would be willing to continue to be Sun Xingzhe at the foot of Wuzhi Mountain without a layer of tight curse on his head?

Before winter, Daiyu waited for the Chen family to settle down before visiting Chen's father and mother with gifts. The two elders had already heard from their son that His Majesty had proposed a marriage, and their attitude toward Daiyu was love and respect.

The little girl has a sweet mouth and is very decent in her words and deeds. Mrs. Gu also couldn't understand how such a beautiful and outstanding official lady could fall in love with her own boy.

Chen Qi was more worried. After discussing with his mother-in-law, they both felt that after Chen Heng's trial was over, he would have to go back and buy more betrothal gifts.

Gu, who has a straightforward temper, took advantage of the opportunity to be alone with Daiyu in private. He took the daughter of the Lin family by the hand and said, Our family doesn't have many rules. You are a well-educated and sensible person. From now on, you and Heng'er will have the final say.

Daiyu didn't have much to say, so she had to convey to Jia Min the Lin family's good intention of inviting Gu to visit. This was an early meeting between the two families. Mrs. Gu was a little nervous, thinking about the style of the former magistrate's wife, and couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Fortunately, after Daiyu returned home, she said many good things about Gu to Jia Min. Hearing the words of his future mother-in-law, Jia Min couldn't help but nod.

If she really doesn't want to care about you and Heng'er in the future. The Chen family is a good family. Jia Min has seen too many disputes in the back house and knows that having a worry-free mother-in-law is very good to Daiyu. Good thing, Don't worry, she can respect our family, and my mother will naturally respect her too. As for the future, it's all yours and Heng'er's responsibility.

On the winter solstice, Mrs. Gu was invited to the Lin Mansion. As expected, Jia Min treated each other with courtesy, and the two ladies finished the meal politely. Mrs. Gu just got up and went home, when she saw Chen Heng and Chen Qi. She couldn't help but said: I can't believe that one day I can be the in-laws of the prefect.

When Chen Heng heard that it was a good result, he didn't ask any further questions. There are only a few months left before the examination, and there is no room for a moment of respite.

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Just after the Lantern Festival in the fourth year of Jianping, the imperial court announced the candidates for the examination for the new subject. As soon as the candidates were announced, scholars all over the world were in an uproar. In addition to Wei Yinghong, the Minister of Rites, serving as the chief examiner, Cao Tingshou, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, and Lu Xuan, the left minister of the Ministry of Industry, served as deputy examiners.

These people are all top scorers in previous examinations. There are six of them in total. In addition to these six past champions, they serve as chief and deputy examiners. The eighteen real estate examiners are mainly the second-ranked Jinshi in the past.

Such a gathering of stars only frightened many candidates into giving up the idea of ​​taking the exam. Who can be confident about fighting out from under the noses of these people? Some people are timid about this, but naturally there are also those who are confident.

On the tenth day of February, Chen Heng got up early and was still studying at home. Xinda suddenly walked in happily and said: Second brother, you have already signed up.

Chen Heng let out a sigh of relief, the exam was finally coming. Xue Biao, Qian Dayou, Jiang Yuanbai and others who got up later had serious expressions on their faces. After more than ten years of hard study, we have finally reached the final sprint.

The 12th was Daiyu's sixteenth birthday. Due to the examination, Chen Heng did not go there in person and only asked Xinda to hand over a gift. Daiyu didn't have much in mind to celebrate, her whole heart was focused on her brother. Together with Baoqin, she went to Wenchang Temple countless times and asked for all the talismans they could find. I just hope that my brother can win the championship in one fell swoop and get what he wants.

Time passed day by day, and the eighth day of March finally arrived. The spring breeze was chilly, so Chen Heng stopped reading at night and only played chess with his friends, then went back to their houses to sleep.

On the ninth day of the lunar month, it was still dark. Xinda, who hadn't slept all night, gently opened Chen Heng's door.

Second brother, it's time to get up.

Chen Heng had a big heart and slept deeply. Cinda called twice more before waking the client up. He jumped up from the bed, changed his clothes and got out of bed. As soon as Chen Heng walked out of the house, he heard the watchman outside shouting from the streets: The examination is coming soon, candidates must not be late.

All the way into the main hall, Chen Qi and Gu, who had been waiting for a long time, couldn't help but rub their hands and said excitedly: Eat quickly, eat quickly.

After finishing the simple chores, Chen Heng went out with everyone and met his next door neighbor Xue Biao. Everyone neatly rode in carriages and rushed to Gongyuan. When they arrived at the ground, they saw a huge crowd here, and the talents of the world for three years gathered together.

The night wind in early spring was a bit strong. Chen Heng led everyone out of the carriage and kept stamping on the spot. Their position was neither far nor near, and they could only vaguely see the entrance of Gongyuan, which was manned by several officers and soldiers.

Soon, a gong sounded, and the gate of Gongyuan was officially opened. All the people present held their breath, as the moment that decided their fate finally arrived.

Hahahahaha, if you can try it, it will come as soon as it comes.