The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Jinling is really lively today.

After getting off the boat at the dock, Chen Heng and others waited for a while, then got into the carriage rented by Liu Xianglian and began to travel through Jinling City.

On the way to the inn alone, they saw three or four carriages running along the street, and from time to time they would throw coins and wedding candies at the people on the road.

On the carriage, the servants wearing green clothes and hats scattered things while shouting: There is happiness in the Zhen Mansion, rejoice with the people, and celebrate with the whole city.

Such a formation really shocked the Chen family in the car. Chen Heng didn't urge Liu Xianglian to drive forward until they drove away.

Folks in the south of the Yangtze River have similar behaviors every time an elder in the family celebrates their birthday. But most people will only choose relatives and neighbors to send some decent wishes. It is really rare for the Zhen family to scatter things directly on the street.

Even Zicuckoo who came out of Rongguo Mansion was shocked by this scene. She was sitting next to Daiyu and couldn't help but said in surprise to Madam: I only heard about the wealth of the Zhen family in Jinling, but I didn't expect... to be so wealthy.

It was also the first time for Lin Daiyu to see it. She shook her head gently and patted Zicuckoo's hand. When a family goes out for a visit, there are certain things that should be left unsaid, so there is no need to say more.

Chen Heng looked thoughtful. He had always heard about the power of the Zhen family in Jiangnan. He just entered Jinling City today and saw some glimpses of glory. It is said that Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue are the four great families in Jinling, but looking at the style of the Zhen family, it looks like the formation of a local emperor in the south of the Yangtze River.

Master, Madam, the inn has arrived.

Liu Xianglian's voice came from outside. Because he was away from home, his name for Chen Heng also changed.

Together with Zicuckoo, he helped Daiyu get out of the carriage. Chen Hengcai led his family into the inn. The innkeeper who greeted him took a look at the guest's clothes and asked first, Did the guest come to attend the Zhen family's birthday banquet?

Chen Heng was really surprised when he heard this. He smiled directly and asked: What's the difference?

The shopkeeper is a smart person. When the customer asked such a question, he knew that he had guessed well. He immediately replied with a smile: If you are a distinguished guest coming to celebrate the Zhen family's birthday, you only need to show me the invitation card. Not only will the rent be waived, but there will also be several upper rooms reserved for you to rest.

If you do business like this, wouldn't the shopkeeper's business be at a loss? Liu Xianglian raised her eyebrows subconsciously. He has been in Huating County Yamen for a long time. The concept of money is no longer the casual look of the capital. He also knows how difficult life is for a small family, even a copper coin has to be broken in half.

Your distinguished guests don't know. The shopkeeper smiled softly, stroking his palms, with a look of joy on his face. I'll take your names and go to Zhen's house later. Then I can get more rent money from their manager.

Chen Heng was shocked when he heard this, and immediately said: The shopkeeper is saying that all guests of the Zhen family will be treated like this this time?

That's right, the shopkeeper said to Yourong, otherwise, how can we say it's our Zhen Mansion in Jinling. Not to mention hundreds of guests, even if they come twice as many, the Zhen Mansion can afford to entertain them.

Chen Heng chuckled and nodded directly. Then he asked: If we were not guests of the Zhen family, would there be any house left for us today?

The guests are joking. If we open the door for business, there is no reason to drive the guests out. The rich shopkeeper left some words and explained, It's just that in the past few days, all the rooms in the inns in the city have been booked by the Zhen family. . If guests want to stay, they may not be able to find a better room.”

When Chen Heng heard this, he already knew what was going on. When you go out, there is no need to wrong your wife just because of some face. He glanced at Liu Xianglian, who quickly took out the invitation. The shopkeeper took it and took a look, the smile on his face became even bigger, and he called directly: Wang Er, Wang Er, come and lead the distinguished guest to the second floor.

Hey. A young waiter heard this and invited the Chen family to the upstairs room with a smile on his face. The shopkeeper is also a real person and directly opened two upper rooms for the Chen family to stay temporarily.

After putting away the guest's luggage properly, the waiter said, If your guest needs anything, just call me. Our inn is not far from the Qinhuai River. If you have nothing to do in the afternoon, you can go and have some fun. It's just that it's best not to go out at night and just stay at the inn. ’

These words sounded really baffling, but Chen Heng kept them in mind without showing any signs of it on his face. Instead, he smiled and thanked his younger brother for the reminder. Why didn't Daiyu understand him? She saw her husband's eyes rolling around. After the waiter left, he warned: If you want to go out, remember to take Brother Liu with you.

Liu Xianglian had just come from the next room and heard Madam's voice. She immediately said, Madam, don't worry, I'm here. No matter where you want to go, you will be safe.

Brother Liu, why don't you understand what I mean? What my wife meant was to advise me to go out less often. Chen Heng smiled secretly in his heart, looked at Daiyu proudly, raised his eyebrows and said: Madam, the second brother said he knows.

These two people include the third brother Xinda. When the husband-in-law really wants to go up to the house to remove the tiles, they will find a wooden ladder so that the husband-in-law can climb with less effort and avoid falling down. Daiyu held her forehead slightly and whispered: Just don't hurt yourself.

A glimpse of one spot reveals the whole leopard, and even the waiter has to be so careful in giving instructions. Daiyu knows that there must be some unrest in Jinling City. She is a weak woman, and it is not easy for her to know how to protect herself. But Chen Heng had some curiosity hidden in his heart and tried his best to see a more realistic Jinling City.

After dinner at the inn, Chen Heng changed into more ordinary clothes and took Liu Xianglian out. Under Daiyu's concerned eyes, the two of them walked out of the inn gate and headed north towards the Qinhuai River.

This road was peaceful and ordinary at first. The closer you get to the brightly lit place, the more you can see the difference. There were only a few people on the small street at first, and then they came to the main street. I saw the speeding carriage, running towards the river like moths.

The two of them were new arrivals and were unprepared for this. If Liu Xianglian hadn't reacted quickly and pulled Chen Heng beside him, they would have almost been hit by a carriage.

It's so late at night. How can you learn to walk like a blind man? You can't walk without eyes. The driver of the car was very angry with the two people who didn't have eyes. While waving the riding crop and continuing to accelerate, he turned around and cursed at the two men.

When Liu Xianglian heard this, she felt angry and was about to catch up with him to find out what happened to him. When he was in the capital, he was also a figure who fought with noble children on the streets. How could he not know the nature of these people?

The more cowardly you are now, the more trouble you will have in the future.

Chen Heng quickly stopped him and smiled as he accepted his first lesson in Jinling. He just pulled Liu Xianglian and continued walking towards the distance. Along the Qinhuai River, there are painted boats, small boats, hawkers, and boatmen who take guests to brothels. Dots of firelight dotted the bow of the ship and floated on the water waves. Like flying fire and fireflies, smearing the tenderness of the night.

Entering the downtown area, red sleeves were flying all over the streets. A girl from Yishui raised her handkerchief to greet guests. Guests coming from north to south might be seduced by a certain beauty and walk into the building with great interest.

A person dressed like Chen Heng doesn't have a lot of money at first glance. Even the turtle slave at the door looked down upon the grandeur of the man who came on foot and had no intention of entertaining him at all.

After passing several stores, Chen Heng also noticed this contempt. He smiled at Liu Xianglian and said, If I had known this, I should have dressed better.

It's as if someone else dares to enter. Liu Xianglian smiled evilly and said: It doesn't matter, just go in and make a circle. I can't accept girls and boys here.

Ha. Chen Heng couldn't help but smile, and directly led Liu Xianglian to continue crossing. Maybe they were tired from walking, so they found a secluded stall halfway along the road, and saw that the owner was a cheerful middle-aged man who was very talkative. Chen Heng went directly in, found a seat, and ordered some refreshments and fruits.

The craftsmanship of this shop is really good, and the snacks and pastries they make are very delicious. Chen Heng wanted to bring Daiyu a piece, so he talked to the store owner about the name of the pastry. A few people chatted for a while. When the store owner saw that Chen Heng and Liu Xianglian were very talkative, he asked with a smile: The customer is from out of town.

Yes, yes, he is from Yangzhou. I heard that Jinling City has been very lively recently, so I brought my brothers to have a look. Chen Heng replied with a smile.

Hey, Yangzhou is a good place. The store owner praised, Your fireworks place is not bad compared to our Jinling. Why do customers come to Jinling to find such unhappiness...

How does the store know that we are unhappy? I think the Qinhuai River is very lively. Coming here today is a worthwhile trip.

The shopkeeper mistakenly thought that Chen Heng was being arrogant, so he laughed and said: I don't believe this. I have been setting up a stall on this street for ten years, and I know the situation on the street best. The two customers didn't even have a carriage. The owner of the building must be too lazy to talk to you.

Chen Heng could only smile and nod, pretending to be disappointed and said: That's true. If I had known what would happen today, I should have gone to the car dealership to rent a carriage during the day.

No. The store owner wiped the tables and chairs with a towel. It was now Xushi, just late at night. Although it is the busiest time in the Qinhuai River, the business of the stalls is still in the latter half of the night. Now that I have some free time, the store owner is more interested in chatting and giving some information to the two out-of-town tourists.

But even if you rent a carriage, those smart waiters can still tell the clues. Seeing Chen Heng's ears pricked up, the store owner felt relieved and proudly showed off, You drive the rented carriage. The car must not dare to run fast. If you look at it like this, others will know that you have no background in Jinling.

There is such a thing?! Liu Xianglian was shocked when she heard this. Even the capital didn't have this method of judging people.

Otherwise, why would we be in Jinling? The shopkeeper came to Chen Heng's table and sat down, getting himself a cup of tea. There was a hint of envy in his tone, The faster the car, the more likely it is that the guest coming has a rich background. Don't offend easily...

What if I bump into someone? Chen Heng couldn't help but ask, thinking of what he had just experienced.

That's not a problem. The shopkeeper shook his head and said words that made people feel horrified. It would be better if he was directly hit and killed. We should pay some money and settle the matter. I'm afraid that he would be crippled. It would be troublesome to take care of it.

This... this... these words are really frightening to hear. Chen Heng asked in a deep voice: Does the government here not care?

Whatever. The store owner looked at Chen Heng with a strange look on his face and replied, Didn't he lose money?

This is a human life. Liu Xianglian exclaimed, Just pay some money and settle the matter?

How about I have a good father. The store owner felt that these two customers were really young and inexperienced. Look at the vendors on this street...

Following the direction of his fingertips, Chen Heng and Liu Xianglian looked towards the dimly lit area. I saw various shops and vendors, arranged in an orderly manner along the long streets along the river. Occasionally, a small boat would row close to the shop, shouting at the shop owner to order the distinguished guests in the building to eat, and business was booming.

Liu Xianglian felt that everything was quite normal. Isn't that what the night view of the fireworks field was all about? Chen Heng took a closer look, comparing Yangzhou and Songjiang. He frowned and said, Why are these bosses all men?

Hey, that's right. The shopkeeper praised, The customers have good eyesight. He slapped his mouth and continued to explain, Do you know why?

Seeing both of them shaking their heads, the store owner excitedly talked about the Shaobing Man. The whole story, just told by others, made Liu Xianglian angry. He kept shouting and asking: Isn't there any royal law that can control them? These lawless people should really be caught and beheaded.

The original intention of the store is to tell customers an interesting story and open the eyes of outsiders. I didn’t expect that this handsome young man would act like a king when he opened his mouth and behead him when he didn’t.

This is such a trouble-making statement. The store owner immediately frowned and waved a towel to drive away the customers, Go away, go away. I was kind enough to tell you interesting things, but you actually want to cause trouble for me.

You... Liu Xianglian was furious. He just said some fair things, why did the store still confuse right and wrong.

It was rare for Chen Heng to meet a local talkative person, so he quickly took out a couple of coins from his pocket, stuffed it into the other person's hand, and apologized repeatedly, Don't be angry with the store, don't be angry with the store. This brother of mine is a businessman, and his words are a bit careless.

After collecting the money, the store owner's face suddenly improved a lot. He carefully looked around before letting the two of them return to their original positions. He lowered his voice and explained, You guys are too confused. If the king's method works, can we live like this?

I also accept the guest's courtesy and give you some pointers. The store owner pondered for a moment, In Jinling, we want to live a peaceful life. Stay away from the carriage, and the wives and daughters at home are less likely to go out. When you see young people in fine clothes, People can run as far as they want.

Thank you, thank you. Chen Heng thanked Liu Xianglian with cupped hands, and suppressed Liu Xianglian to keep quiet. He had done so properly, but suddenly a rich male voice came from the side.

If you really want to live with such caution, you might as well just die. People are inhumane, good people are bullied, and bad people enjoy the benefits. God is really unfair, and state officials are unscrupulous.

A rough-looking man in black clothes came from nowhere. As soon as he came out of the shadows, he said something that made the store owner frown.

What kind of god is this? You are just a dragon crossing the river, and you are causing trouble for me when you get here. The shopkeeper thought he was working with Chen Heng and others, so he quickly threw out the money he got and shouted directly: Let's go, go quickly. Don't cause trouble for me. I still have a family to take care of me. Please forgive me and let me go. Be a villain.

Chen Heng knew that he could not stay here any longer after hearing these annoying words from the former arrogant Hou Gong. He had no choice but to pull Liu Xianglian up and walk towards the street. But just now, when the nearby shops saw them, they all lowered their heads and pretended to be busy. Deeply afraid of these three evil stars, I sat in my stall.

Chen Heng turned his head and asked the man walking beside him, What do you call me, brother?

My surname is Mao. This man didn't have much interest in Chen Heng. He only looked at Liu Xianglian who kept silent and praised, Brother just spoke uprightly and he is very to my liking. I wonder what I call my little brother?

Liu Erlang. Liu Xianglian gave his name casually. He heard the other person's accent and that he was not a local, so he asked Chen Hengfa, Brother Mao, are you here to visit Jinling?

Come to do something. Seeing that Liu Xianglian didn't mean to have a close friendship, the rugged-looking man's interest suddenly dimmed, and he said the words carefully. Then he cupped his hands and walked toward the shadows.

Liu Xianglian stared at his back for a long time, then suddenly said to Chen Heng, Master, this person is a practicing master.

Can you tell? Chen Heng looked at him strangely, but could no longer see the figure of the other party. How is his kung fu? Can you tell?

The bottom plate is calm and powerful, so the skill must be good. I don't know where the skill in hand is from. Liu Xianglian is an expert after all. When he said it, Chen Heng knew it. Thinking of the Zhen family birthday party tomorrow, he always felt that it would not be peaceful.

Go back to the inn, we have things to do tomorrow.

Okay. Liu Xianglian nodded repeatedly. He didn't bring a sword when he went out tonight. With bare hands, I suddenly saw people from the world, and I really wanted to let you go back early.

After returning to the inn, I rested for the night. I just got up the next day and the Chen family had not yet come downstairs after breakfast. The carriage that the Zhen family came to pick up guests had already stopped at the door of the inn.

The waiter who came to express his congratulations couldn't help but congratulate: It's such a great honor for our distinguished guest to have the Zhen family come to pick him up in person.

Chen Heng smiled and said nothing more. She led Daiyu downstairs, got on the carriage and ran to Zhen's house.

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There is no need to overstate the excitement at the entrance of Zhen's Mansion. It is just that the vast area of ​​​​the Zhen's house is already shocking. The two houses of the Jia family occupy one street, which is already considered powerful in the capital. But when it comes to the Jinling Zhen family, everything is worse.

There are almost two streets of mansions, and the walls are so long that they can't be seen at the end, as if they cover half of the sky.

The Zhen Mansion has been expanded three times. When the Supreme Emperor visited the south of the Yangtze River, he stayed at the Zhen family four times. This honor alone makes every guest who comes to the door deeply feel the magnificence of Zhen Mansion.

There are sixteen porters at the door and three stewards responsible for supervision. Chen Heng and others submitted the post, and one of the stewards said loudly: My aunt of the Lin family of the capital - Mr. Chen, the magistrate of Huating County, is here with his family. As soon as the sound fell, he lowered his head and whispered to the distinguished guest, Miss, aunt, hurry up Please go inside.

After passing the door, the nanny who was waiting here took the initiative to lead Daiyu and Zicuckoo away. The couple exchanged glances, and when they parted, they both missed each other.

Don't worry, I know what's going on. Chen Heng said softly, nodding to Daiyu.

If... Daiyu hesitated, My husband just asked someone to come to the backyard to find me. Let's take a walk together.

Chen Heng saw the other party's worry and could only continue to nod with a smile. He knew that Daiyu was worried that she would be wronged, but there was no need to go into detail if these things really happened.

He and Liu Xianglian followed the Zhen family servants to the courtyard. There was a loud voice coming from behind.

The Gu family of the capital—Master Gu is here————

The Prince Consort of Jinling Jingyang——came here with two distinguished guests————

The prince consort was already considered a relative of the emperor. When the people around him saw the few people coming in at the door, they all moved around to avoid him. With some courtesy, Chen Heng didn't want to cause trouble. Under the guidance of the servant, he dodges towards the potted plants.

After these people left, the Zhen family servants continued to take Chen with them. The two of them moved forward.

That Mr. Gu just now is the second son of Prime Minister Gu of the capital. I came here specially from my hometown for the old lady's birthday.

It's really amazing. Chen Heng thought deeply before he came up with this compliment.

The servant said proudly: It's not just them. Even the governor of Zhejiang is coming to congratulate the old lady on her birthday today.

While they were talking, the servants had already led the two of them down the hall. The location here is not far or close to the main hall. It's not considered disrespectful, nor is it considered preferential treatment.

Liu Xianglian saw this and snorted. He just sat down silently with his master, as if he didn't want to say anything. Chen Heng saw his unhappiness and didn't pay much attention to him. A pair of eyes wandered across the guest's face.

The Zhen family is full today, and those who can come are more or less related to each other. It would be a pity not to take a closer look at these interpersonal relationships.

He was enjoying watching it, and Zhen Xi behind him also learned about Chen Heng's arrival. He was talking to Jia Lian about his family affairs at this time. He waved away the servant who reported the matter, and Zhen Xi said to Jia Lian in front of him: Cousin, why don't you come with me to see him?

You kid doesn't know how powerful he is. Jia Lian complained in his heart and quickly spoke to stop Zhen Xi. Don't let your good days go by to make yourself miserable.

We are all relatives. If he has some free time later, we can just ask him to drink alone after the birthday banquet is over.

Hearing the timidity in Jia Lian's mouth, Zhen Xi smiled noncommittally. A seventh-grade county magistrate, so what if His Majesty appreciates him? Today's scene is that even if Zhizhou comes, he still has to sit outside. Only high-ranking officials above the fourth-grade prefect are eligible to enter with the emperor's relatives.

Forget it, then please ask my cousin to accompany me to accompany Mr. Gu and the Prince Consort.

Okay, okay. Jia Lian agreed quickly. As long as he doesn't seek bad luck against Chen Heng, Zhen Xi is willing to do anything. The former was his cousin's husband, who had broken bones and connected tendons. The other party dared to order Xue Pan to be killed, but he didn't have the ability to let his civil servant brother-in-law suffer.

Why bother? Why don't you just live your life peacefully? Jia Lian shook his head in his heart, packed his clothes, and followed Zhen Xi out.

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Zhen Baoyu in the back was sitting with Jia Baoyu. After all, Xue Pan, this idiot, was here. He and Ma Yin sat together, giving two treasures, and chatted about the excitement of the past in Jinling.

Just in the middle of speaking, Zhen Baoyu suddenly slapped the table and said with a smile, Guess who is here?

Who is it? Ma Yin heard Zhen Baoyu's joy.

It's the county magistrate named Chen.

When Xue Pan heard this, his face changed drastically and his eyes showed fear. Jia Baoyu, who was beside Zhen Baoyu, looked happy and almost got up and ran back.

Let's go, do you want to go over and have a look? Zhen Baoyu looked at Xue Pan's expression, and her interest increased even more. The former little bully of Jinling has changed his face now. How can he not be curious, how can he not be itchy.

No, no. Xue Pan shook his head repeatedly.

It's not up to you. Ma Yin didn't care about him and just smiled and took Xue Pan's hand. Zhen Baoyu will definitely let the person he wants to see see.

It’s my birthday today, if there are any typos, I’ll wait until tomorrow to correct them. Thank you, thank you, please vote