The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Due to limited circumstances, Fan Zhicheng could not stay in Songjiang Mansion for long. ɱCongratulating Li Zhi was a top priority. The two days he could spare was his limit. As soon as he saw Chen Heng this time, he would take a boat or a speedboat to chase the mission.

After resting at the inn last night, he rushed to Huating County Government Office this morning and tried his best to persuade Chen Heng to take him for a tour. He wanted to take a good look at the changes in this place accompanied by the person involved. If possible, it would be great to persuade Chen Heng to take him to Chuansha Hall in person.

It just so happened that Chen Heng also asked him for something, so he agreed readily. After properly arranging the county government affairs, Chen Heng led Liu Xianglian, Pan Youan and others to accompany Fan Zhicheng to play.

Because most of the men in the jurisdiction participate in corvee work in Chuansha Hall. Most of the people coming and going on the street are old people playing with their grandchildren. Their first stop was at the open space in the south of the city that was still under construction.

This place is at the base of the city wall, next to Songjiangwei's military parade ground, and directly opposite is the popular Guandi Temple. Two streets away is Zhengmeng Academy, a private school. Fan Zhicheng saw that there were nearly a hundred skilled carpenters setting up sheds and beams here and working hard. Then he asked: Master Chen, what are you going to build here?

The sea breeze became colder and colder, and the white air coming out of the mouth drifted in front of the nose. Chen Heng was wrapped in a big cloak and pretended to be mysterious: Master Fan, go in and take a look, won't you know?

Seeing that Chen Heng was trying to show off, Fan Zhicheng smiled and couldn't wait to cross the door. Songjiang Fucheng is not a big place. As soon as he stepped through the gate, Fan Zhicheng noticed the gaps between the wooden buildings and the crowding visible to the naked eye.

This kind of layout structure is very inconsistent with the life aesthetics of Eastern people, Fan Zhicheng murmured in his heart. It is a common problem among Jiangnan people to like poetic and picturesque pastoral mountain residences. He took two more steps in, walked around the screen wall, and found a strange landscape. A model of a sea ship, several times smaller, was placed in the middle of the small courtyard.

In the slightly messy and crowded small courtyard, various construction timbers are piled up. However, these things intentionally avoid the sea ship model in the middle. Fan Zhicheng felt an inexplicable suddenness in his heart, and walked towards several rooms in the depths. As we got closer, the sound of reading in the room became clearer.

Fan Zhicheng stood outside the corridor, listened for a while, and then asked Chen Heng beside him: Is this a school run by adults?

Chen Heng smiled and nodded, and introduced the origin of these boys to the other party. When I heard about these people, I found them all from the almshouse. Fan Zhicheng looked around strangely, and his last gaze fell on the model of the courtyard.

Fan Zhicheng thought for a long time and finally sighed: It seems that Mr. Chen wants to open a naval school.

Master Fan, we are so familiar with each other, so don't hurt me by talking casually. Chen Heng laughed out loud and retorted directly.

If you want to run a naval school, it is not the scope of a local business. In addition to reporting it to the court for instructions, we also have to wait for the court to select an imperial envoy to take charge of the matter. At that time, there will be no room for oneself to speak.

Chen Heng folded his hands in his sleeves and shook his head to explain the cause and effect to Fan Zhicheng, I'm just training some crew members for some merchants to go to Nanyang. The crew members left by Lord Fan will go back soon. Ha, this is an urgent matter. . I have had friendship with them before, and I can’t just ignore them when they beg me for help.”

I don't believe your explanation. Fan Zhicheng sighed. But he also knew that a country as huge as Dayong was just like its mortal enemy, Tsarist Russia. As long as they are bent on launching an ocean-going project, no one can stop Dayong. The focus is only on Dayong's court, whether you want it or not.

To implement a policy, we must first check whether there are vested interests who come out to defend it. Fan Zhicheng thought about the history of his country's prosperity and knew that as long as there were the first group of people to eat crabs, the others would naturally follow. Otherwise, how could Dayong have the famous saying Everything in the world is prosperous.

Compared with the Dayong officials I met before, Mr. Chen has a sophistication and maturity beyond his years. The former is more dedicated to making changes at the upper levels, while Mr. Chen’s eyes seem to have been fixed on the middle and lower levels, which have a larger number of people. By reaching more people, it creates an unstoppable wave.

If we follow this route, will we achieve twice the result with half the effort, or will we achieve twice the result with half the effort? Fan Zhicheng couldn't judge whether it was good or bad, so he could only say sincerely: I really want to congratulate you.

As Fan Zhicheng said this, there was a faint anxiety in his heart, about the prospects and future of his country. An excellent diplomat must have the vision of a statesman. He has vaguely seen the scene of Dayong ships running rampant in the Southeast Asia in the future.

Chen Heng heard the sourness in the other party's words, and immediately smiled and said: I hope the British people can also have Lord Fan's broad-mindedness.

One sentence woke up Fan Zhicheng from his sleep. Also, what to worry about something so far away. The real enemy at present is Britain. Dayong may be a strong enemy in the future, but now it is the means used by his country to check and balance Britain.

Mature politicians will focus on the predicament at hand. Compared with it, the troubles in the future will be left to the people of the future. Fan Zhicheng smiled and shook his head, walking with Chen Heng in the cold wind.

Master Chen specially invited me here, but do you want to ask for my help?

That's right. Chen Heng admitted openly and replied with a smile: I would like to ask Mr. Fan to introduce some teachers to me. Chen Heng is not greedy and has limited resources at hand, so he cannot afford it. Bigger stall.

As long as they are boatmen or sailors who can speak Dayong dialect. It would be great if you could introduce some Frankies to me. The treatment here will definitely not be bad. With money on hand, Chen Heng opened the door The recruitment conditions are also very neat.

I can ask Mr. Chen. Fan Zhicheng agreed readily, before a major breakthrough in voyage technology occurred. Two countries separated by thousands of miles will never have conflicts of fundamental interests.

But I also have something that I would like to ask Mr. Chen for help.

Master Fan, please tell me. Chen Heng was a little surprised, but he still asked immediately. For the sake of those boatmen and sailors with ocean-going experience, as long as the demands were not particularly excessive, he had the intention in his heart to agree.

I hope that the trade agreement can be signed for another three years according to the original conditions. I wonder if Mr. Chen can say a few good words for us in front of His Majesty. Fan Zhicheng said loudly.

This is impossible. Chen Heng shook his head and refused. The previous three-year agreement was a temporary measure. Now I still want to imitate cats and tigers. Do you think my surname is Xiao or Nalan?

Refusal was not enough, Chen Heng directly poked Fan Zhicheng's lung tube. Lord Fan, you might as well save it and tell the British mission.

No matter how you say it, Dayong is now the actual center of the world. Regardless of the output value and type of manufacturing industry, it is the highest in the world today. This has always been the case since the Qin and Han Dynasties. They are the ones who want to pursue themselves. The initiative is in their own hands, so why bother to lower themselves.

This is just the first step in price negotiation, and Fan Zhicheng is not angry. If Chen Heng could really agree, he would look down on the other party and revise his own evaluation of Chen Heng.

Then we will continue to sign for three years, and we can slowly negotiate other conditions. Fan Zhicheng, who wanted to kill the British with a stick, tried his best to win favorable factors for his country.

The group of people had already passed through the gate and returned to the lively main street. Chen Heng was blowing the cold wind and still said harsh words, Master Fan thinks too highly of me. I am just a local magistrate now, how can I decide the major events in the court.

This was a disguised rejection, and Fan Zhicheng smiled bitterly. He knew Chen Heng's influence on Li Zhi, but what could he do if the other party refused to fall for it.

We are willing to inject capital into Master Chen's school and shipyard, and introduce a group of the country's most outstanding scholars to the school. They will bring all their knowledge to teach students in the school. Even if you need it in the future, we will You can place an order at Dayong's shipyard and help you expand your ship sales in Europe.

Da Yong is not short of money. The conditions are a bit tempting, but they are all benefits that are not immediately available. Chen Heng still shook his head and said, What Master Fan can give us, the Britons and Francois can also give us. Master Fan, what do you think?

We just defeated the British. Fan Zhicheng said angrily. One of his subordinates was a defeated general, and the other was a defeated general of his subordinates. They were also used as threats by Chen Heng, which made Fan Zhicheng very angry.

So the British people need Dayong's products more than Lord Fan. Chen Heng said bluntly. This sentence hit Fan Zhicheng's Achilles' heel again.

Although Britain and the Red Haired Fan are in a state of truce, the turbulent situation has just ended, and no one can predict when the war will resume again.

What a far-sighted politician likes to do most is to be prepared for danger in times of peace and worry about things that have not happened. Fan Zhicheng looked up to the sky and sighed. Through a few words, he had already tested Dayong's bottom line. Coming here to renew the trade contract this time is probably going to be even more difficult.

Chen Heng also understood the reason for the other party's entanglement, but now his team of businessmen was cultivating Nanyang aggressively. Whatever the benefit, of course you have to give priority to your own family.

In the next few years, it would not be in Dayong's immediate interests to quarrel with Hongmao Fan. Rather than hiding some words and destroying each other's personal relationship, it is better to just open the skylight and say it openly.

I understand, thank you Mr. Chen for your advice. Fan Zhicheng raised his hands and thanked him, I will help Mr. Chen make arrangements for the school teacher's affairs when I get back.

Chen Heng nodded, unwilling to say more on this matter. When those teachers come, give them money when they should be paid, and entertain them well when they should be entertained. Nowadays, everyone in the world thinks of the great Yong's reputation. If they say something unpleasant, Chen Heng goes out and shouts. Come to Songjiang Prefecture School to teach five students, and I will apply for Songjiang household registration for free. There are many Hongmao people who are willing to come.

In fact, if Hong Mao Fan really wants to talk to Dayong, it's not impossible to do so. It's just that they will definitely not be able to agree to the conditions that Dayong wants. At this time, the relationship between Hongmaofan and the Japanese shogunate is very close.

Japan is Dayong's close enemy, and the two countries are almost as close as one another's bedside. Chen Heng wanted Hongmao Fan to spit out this piece of fat meat from Japan, but unfortunately Dayong's navy couldn't eat it at the moment. In this case, it would be better not to mention it.

Master Chen, where should we go next...

Hearing Fan Zhicheng's question, Chen Heng thought for a moment and suddenly laughed out loud and said: I have a place that I have never had the chance to go to. I will borrow Mr. Fan's golden face today and we will go there together.

When Fan Zhicheng heard this, he suddenly became interested. Are there any places in Songjiang Prefecture that Mr. Chen can't go to?

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Ma'am, ma'am. It's not good.

When Xueyan hurried into the house, Daiyu was reading to Yinglian. The book the two of them read today is the Book of Songs, and they have already read from Fengji to Yaji.

What's the matter? The female teacher Dai Yu put down her book and looked at Xue Yan who was in a hurry, the smile on her face was not gone.

Xue Yan didn't expect that the second lady was here, and originally wanted to tell her in her ear. In this situation, we have no choice but to speak out in public, otherwise what will happen to Mrs. Zhen's face?

First Madam, Second Madam, Master... Master, he...

Seeing that Chen Heng was involved in this matter, he also saw the difficulty in Xue Yan's hesitation in speaking. Daiyu and Yinglian's expressions gradually darkened. Before the two ladies could ask further questions, Xue Yan finally gritted his teeth and said: The servant who was accompanying me just now reported back that the master is following Mr. Fan to the brothel. He asked the government to prepare a carriage to go there because he is worried that the master will get drunk.

Daiyu was stunned when she heard this, and asked in a tone of disbelief: What did you say?

Madam, the master has gone to a brothel! Xue Yan repeated.

What this meant was that Chen Heng was not here, otherwise Xue Yan would have to be arrested and beaten up.

Only then did Daiyu become convinced of what she had heard. She was stunned for a moment. She finally laughed and said, I know, I know. You idiot. I thought it was something big and big, and it's been going on for a long time. Daiyu shook her head, waved her hand and said, Go down and let Zijuan arrange the carriage. Remember to bring back a pot of tea.

Oh. Xue Yan nodded and said nothing more. I just took a careful look at Daiyu and saw that she did not look angry, so I felt a little relieved.

After the girl left, the two read poems again. Yinglian took advantage of the opportunity and asked, Sister, are you really not angry?

Daiyu also asked strangely: Sister Lian, do you think I will be angry? She couldn't help showing her small tiger teeth and smiled sheepishly, I don't look like a Hedong lion. Why, sister, I usually Is it fierce?

Zhen Yinglian laughed and hurriedly explained: No, no, my sister misunderstood. I just didn't expect that your husband would suddenly go to this place...

Hahaha. Daiyu chuckled and said confidently: Sister, don't worry, I can probably guess what my husband wants to do. After saying that, she couldn't help but tease a little bitterly, Besides, as for his If you have some skills, you can dig a few more pieces of land.

Hahahahahaha. Yinglian couldn't help but was amused by Sister Lin's verbal skills.

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Master Chen, you just brought me here??? Fan Zhicheng was really puzzled. Not only him, but Liu Xianglian who was accompanying him was also very puzzled. The latter has known Chen Heng for several years, and he can count on one hand the number of times he has been here.

What? Mr. Fan doesn't like it? Chen Heng looked at the scenery of Ruanjia Lane as he walked, with a curious expression on his face.

Ruanjia Lane is located outside the south of the city. It is one of the three major fireworks places in Songjiang Prefecture, and it is as famous as Suzhou and Yangzhou. The famous Liu Rushi also settled here temporarily. I don’t know how many stories of talented men and beautiful women have been told here. Some of them finally got married, and some even separated from each other.

The excitement on this street is much better than in the city. The elderly and children cannot be seen. There are quite a lot of idle talents. Because Chen Heng and Fan Zhicheng were wearing casual clothes, they didn't cause much commotion.

Ruanjia Lane consists of two streets and eight lanes, and there are countless famous brothels in it. Although it is winter, festive ribbons are still hung on the eaves lined on both sides, and there are even considerate turtle slaves standing at the door loudly soliciting guests. It's just that the sisters are not plucking the strings on the axis in the corridor, and they have to distinguish the slight sound from the wind.

Chen Heng and Fan Zhicheng were both here for the first time. Fortunately, they took Liu Xianglian with them when they went out today. This person was a frequent visitor to the Fireworks Place, and he was extremely familiar with Ruanjia Lane. He asked about the busiest brothel on the street. The group of people walked a short distance and arrived at the entrance of Baiyun Tower.

They originally planned to come over to chat for a while, have tea, and look at the winter mountains outside the city. Unexpectedly, Liu Xianglian's appearance was really outstanding, and she was recognized by the turtle slave as soon as she entered the door. Within a moment, the madam from the building led a few maids over, saluted Chen Heng and said, I am so lucky to have Master Qingtian here today.

Chen Heng was still wondering how he was recognized. Liu Xianglian, who was standing behind him, coughed rather shyly. Now, let Shangfeng know his personal preferences.

Chen Heng suddenly realized it, and simply smiled at the old bustard and said: There is no need to work hard to entertain, just call a few quieter maids to come over and serve wine and dishes.

This is the parent official of Huating County, and his business is within the other party's jurisdiction. How could the old bustard take Chen Heng's words seriously? He arranged for a girl from Yishui as soon as he left the house.

The leading bartender girl is as beautiful as a flower. The serving maid who came in together was also quite pretty, and she was even more articulate. Finally, there are several young and inferior maidservants who are responsible for handling chores for the former.

Chen Heng looked around and found only the last group of people left, and asked Pan Youan to invite the first two out. The county magistrate has orders, and others dare not disobey them. This made Fan Zhicheng very anxious, and he hurriedly asked: You are such a disgrace. What's the point of drinking? You can't even play with the drinking order.

Although Liu Xianglian doesn't drink, she deeply agrees.

Just call a few singers to come. Chen Heng laughed. He didn't expect that people from Hongmao Fan were also very particular about Dayong literati. Fan Zhicheng then gave up and sat down and said, I thought Mr. Chen would take me to Chuansha Hall to see your shipyard.

It's something that hasn't happened yet. When the shipyard is finished, please invite Brother Fan to come over and have a look. Chen Heng smiled and took the initiative to change the title.

Half an hour passed like this, and I was slightly tipsy from the wine. The atmosphere in the wing became more and more lively. Chen Heng suddenly pointed at a little maid and asked: You. Yes, that's you.

When the little maid saw the distinguished guest waving to her, she hurriedly came up with the wine bottle. Just as he was about to pour wine for the county magistrate, Chen Heng had already stopped him and asked: The accent you just spoke with, do you think you are a native of Songjiang?

The little maid nodded repeatedly.

Where are you from? Chen Heng asked pleasantly.

Back to Sir, this is Jixian Township.

What a coincidence, isn't this one of the eight townships under his rule? Chen Heng nodded and asked: You are not very old, how old are you this year?

Sir, my little slave is eleven years old. The little maid's childish words were very surprising. The child's face was heavily smeared with rouge and gouache, and he looked like he was thirteen or fourteen years old.

How did you come here? Chen Heng smiled and asked patiently.

It was my parents who sent me... Fortunately, this maid was quite clever. As soon as she spoke, she remembered the old bustard's teachings and quickly changed her words, They sent me here to give me a way to survive.

Okay, I understand. Chen Heng's tone became gentler, and he asked when the other party came. When the other party said it, it turned out that in the middle of this year, families in the countryside who had suffered disasters began to sell their sons and daughters.

Fan Zhicheng, who was still happily drinking, felt something was wrong when he saw Mr. Chen holding the child and asking questions. He poured Chen Heng a glass of wine himself and couldn't help but laugh: Okay, Mr. Chen, you actually used me as a shield.

Hahaha. Chen Heng shook his head and let the little maid go without further explanation.

Drink, drink. Chen Heng took the initiative to persuade him with a glass.

The two of them began to concentrate on drinking, but Liu Xianglian behind them saw what Chen Heng meant. He quickly pulled Pan Youan over and whispered to him. The latter nodded repeatedly, not knowing what Liu Xianglian said. He hurriedly ran out the door, and after a while, he returned to Liu Xianglian and made a two-character sign with his hand.

After the reception banquet, Chen Heng sent Fan Zhicheng back to the inn to rest. Sitting in the carriage going back, Pan Youan reported back to Chen Heng in the carriage: Sir, the madam refused to accept the money at first. She said that if you like it, you can just take the child back. It will be her own blessing. I After asking a few more questions, she said that it would only cost twenty taels of silver.

Sir, this is a lion's mouth. Liu Xianglian has been hanging out here all year round, and he knows the market very well. Generally, a girl like this can be sold for five taels of silver in the land of fireworks, which is a lot.

I know, let me think about it, let me think about it carefully. Chen Heng frowned, showing a thoughtful look.

After arriving home, Chen Heng saw the two ladies. Seeing his preoccupied look, Lin Daiyu simply smiled and asked, My husband saw something new and strange in Ruanjia Lane today, so that you will still be thinking about that place when you return home.

Okay, you are actually getting angry with me. Chen Heng stopped laughing and said hurriedly: Madam, please don't laugh now. If I can't do it for my husband, I still ask my wife to donate generously for a while.

Daiyu also became energetic when she heard that her husband wanted to spend money. This is the first time Chen Heng has spoken after getting married. Even though Daiyu usually dresses inconspicuously and stands out, the dowry for her wedding and the betrothal gift from the Chen family were all held in Daiyu's hands. Not to mention Chen Heng's salary of twelve taels per month and the monthly dividends sent from his hometown.

How much do you want for your husband? Lin Daiyu asked with great interest. As a rich little woman, she would use this to make a fool of herself.

I can't say for the moment. I'll give it some thought to my husband tonight. Chen Heng put aside his mundane matters and said to the two beauties under the lamp, Eat first, eat first. When our family eats in the future, I will try my best to Don’t talk about things outside.”

I'm afraid I won't even believe what my husband said. Yinglian laughed.

Seeing her becoming more and more comfortable and relaxed in this home, Chen Heng was also very happy. He hurriedly teased himself and said with a smile: If you do it again, I will drink three drinks as a penalty.

As soon as he finished speaking, he was glanced at by Daiyu and rolled his eyes, making the head of the family feel itchy.

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On the 20th of the twelfth lunar month, a group of officers and soldiers suddenly poured into Ruanjia Lane, which was always busy as usual. The owners and guests here were all very puzzled when they saw this scene. Wait until Liu Xianglian, dressed in official robes, walked into the center of the street with a few catchers and several wooden boxes. He also called the heads of each brothel to the front and announced in front of everyone.

The county magistrate has an order, ordering each of your families to quickly bring all the children under fifteen in your building.

A group of people were confused, looking left and right, hesitant. Another bold person asked: Bantou Liu, is there anyone among us who is harboring any important criminal from the imperial court?

You are still smart, you have guessed all this. Liu Xianglian smiled inexplicably, and hurriedly waved her hand to coax, Don't worry, it's a good thing. You go and call everyone here. Remember, no one is missing, I will turn back to my brothers and go door to door to check if they find anyone harboring someone...

He patted the shackled brother and threatened, My brother will not be merciful when it comes to his affairs.

Yes Yes Yes.

Youdao means good people don't fight with officials. Don't look at these brothels, which in the eyes of ordinary people, pride themselves on taking both black and white. In front of the county government's real swords and guns, everyone was very honest.

Not long after, the young children were picked out by the heads of various families.

Among all the female dolls, there were only thirty male dolls. Liu Xianglian roughly estimated the number, and felt a chill in her heart. There were as many as one or two hundred people in front of her.

Ahhhh, it’s too late. Sorry, but the word count is still enough.