The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The sky was occupied by half-dark clouds, with cumulonimbus flowing below. The white clouds above are illuminated by the bright sun, and the golden edge is revealed. With the weather like this, it's really hard to tell whether it will rain or whether it will be sunny.

The early spring weather in Jiangnan is often so changeable. Chen Heng withdrew his scrutinizing gaze and continued to listen to Jia Yucun beside him describing the changes in Chuansha Hall.

This street can lead directly from the port to the main street in the city. From now on, the caravans who come here to unload their goods can go directly out of the west gate along this road. Once they reach Chidao, they can follow the way you came and go directly to Fucheng.

Jia Yucun's tone was filled with pride that was difficult to hide. Chen Heng could hear the other party's inner pride and glanced everywhere again.

It's been a few months since I last came here. Naturally, the original appearance of the street was still fresh in his memory. Chen Heng briefly thought about the simple and crowded appearance of the street in the past. Looking at the spacious avenue now, he couldn't help but nod, showing some approval.

Are there proper arrangements for the people who are relocating on the street? Chen Heng took the initiative to ask with concern. No matter what year it is, demolition is not an easy task.

We should not only worry about the future blueprint, but also not forget the obstacles that are difficult to detect at the first step. Chen Heng is the person in charge appointed by Li Zhi, so it is most appropriate for him to come out and ask questions.

Everything is settled. Jia Yucun is a veteran official, how could he make mistakes on such a big matter. All the houses and shops on both sides will be moved back two rooms. Jia Yucun stretched out his hand and gestured. For the people inside who need to be relocated, the government office has also circled the wasteland outside the city. Once they are turned into fertile land, they will be moved according to the number of people in their families. Ding, start dividing the land for compensation. When the time comes, adults will get one acre, and children will get half an acre.

Well done, well done. Chen Heng agreed with this approach. Such proper disposal should not affect the people who originally lived here. He immediately said boldly, I will definitely state this clearly in the memorial and ask for credit from Mr. Jia.

Jia Yucun's heart felt hot when he heard this. The reason why he worked so hard in Chuansha Hall was not just for Chen Heng to be able to speak in front of Li Zhi. When this person is in a good mood, he has many ideas. Just walking past a noodle shop, Jia Yucun thought about Chen Heng's temperament. He pointed to the shop here and said, Their fish soup noodles are really good. When you come back later, you can have a taste here.

How could Chen Heng refuse Jia Yucun's kind invitation, let alone such a people-friendly move. He directly agreed to the matter, chatted with the store owner for a few words, and asked about the situation at home before giving up.

Du Yunjing, who was watching the scene clearly, couldn't help but secretly take a look at Jia Yucun. When I was in the academy before, why didn't I realize that Jia Xuezheng was so good at being an official? After thinking about it this way, Du Yunjing began to wonder again. How could a person like Jia Yucun, who was good at being an official, resign in the first place?

I don't know that I have already left the impression in the minds of students that I can be an official. Jia Yucun was still focused on the front and continued to lead the way for Chen Heng and others. After leading everyone along a long road, the scenery at the end of the street suddenly became clear.

The port, which has been re-expanded and renovated, is still as dilapidated as it was in the past. The road paved with bluestones continues forward. On the right side of the line of sight is a specially set aside store location, with some private houses interspersed among the stores.

On the left side, near the beach, there are various trees planted. These things can be used not only to resist the sea breeze, but also to grip the soil through tree roots. When you reach the end of the forest, you will find a neat and clean port hidden among them.

Chen Heng first stopped in the distance and looked at the six ferries in detail. I touched various architectural structures again, and I really couldn't control the joy in my heart. He invited Jia Yucun: Excuse me, Mr. Jia, please tell me the details of the dock.

These are all political achievements that he has supervised day and night. Jia Yucun is eager to publicize them more. After hearing Chen Heng's invitation, wherever he went, he began to explain the magical functions of each place in more detail.

This kind of port laid out by the sea is simply not suitable for use with wood. Chuansha Hall is subject to typhoons every summer. From the very beginning, Jiayu Village has mainly used stone materials, and then used thick logs as the structure.

The more Chen Heng listened, the happier he became, looking around the port like a child. After looking at all the places, he pointed to the ferry and asked: Are these six places where the ships can be unloaded?

There are three or four places left as backup. Jia Yucun pointed to the right side of the port. Going over there is the place where boats are parked. When the sea breeze comes, boatmen can enter the river or enter the city along this waterway.

Seeing that Jia Yucun even considered this, Chen Heng was very happy for his ability to recognize people. He knew that it would be safest to leave this matter to Jia Yucun.

Let's go on to see the shipyard. As soon as he saw the port, Chen Heng couldn't wait to wave.

The dock is right next to the port, slightly inland and still some distance from the beach. When Jia Yucun walked in with everyone, a group of craftsmen were busy laying the keel.

No matter what age a man sees this kind of process, he cannot control his excitement. Ignoring the obstruction of others, Chen Heng took Liu Xianglian and Jia Yucun directly and ran to the craftsman's office.

The craftsmen who were still concentrating on their work were really startled when they turned around and saw several people wearing official robes. Dare to put down his tools and salute, Chen Heng quickly waved his hand and said kindly: Old man, there is no need to be polite, just treat me as an ordinary spectator.

Ordinary spectators cannot come here. The craftsman muttered in his heart, and then at Chen Heng's request, he introduced the sand ship in front of him to several officials.

Sand boats are what the people call them. In the Ministry of Industry of Dayong, the official name of such boats is Qianliu Dachun. Just from the name, you can see the huge size of the sand ship.

After other craftsmen laid the keel, the craftsman who spoke took Chen Heng in a circle around the sand ship. Introducing the subsequent processes, such as watertight compartments, etc.

Although he didn't see what the big ship looked like after it was completed, Chen Heng could still see some clues from the huge keel. Thinking that this giant ship would set sail and go out to sea in the future, Chen Heng's mind widened. I couldn't help but put my hands on the hull of the boat, feeling the hardness of the wood with my fingertips.

Hurry up, hurry up again. The people of Dayong couldn't wait any longer. Chen Heng turned to the craftsman and asked, How long will it take to build it?

The craftsman took a careful look at Jia Yucun and saw that the other person lowered his head and ignored him. He answered cautiously: For the first batch, the shipyard has only ordered three sand ships. It will be completed by the end of May at the latest. If there are more manpower, it can be completed by mid-April.

Hearing this, Chen Heng waved his hand and said, If there are not enough people, then recruit them. He turned to Jia Yucun and ordered, It doesn't matter if there are more shipbuilders. You can talk to them later. If Those who are willing to take care of apprentices can get a little extra salary.

He wanted to use this order from the Chamber of Commerce to train a group of skilled craftsmen for the shipyard in Songjiang Prefecture.

There are also people who ask for good things that allow them to spend money. Jia Yucun was all amused and nodded hurriedly. Xiao Ping, who was standing not far from them, subconsciously frowned. My Lord said it was easy and simple. This account will still have to be recorded at the Huating County Yamen.

Spending money like this is like running water, even if the county government has a gold mountain in hand, it is not enough. Xiao Ping was very worried about the financial prospects of the county government. But now is really not the time for persuasion. If you have anything to say, you can only wait until you go back in the evening to talk privately.

However, Xiao Ping thought about it in his mind and felt that there was a high probability that he would not be able to persuade Mr. Chen.

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That night, Jia Yucun naturally prepared a banquet for Chen Heng and others. While chatting with each other, he actually inquired about Chen Heng. He wanted Chen Heng to come forward and persuade Du Yunjing to move the Maritime Administration's official office directly to the grounds of Chuansha Hall. To facilitate passing merchants, they can directly apply for entry documents here.

You Jia Yucun is really greedy. Chen Heng, who was laughing, refused his request directly. The step from Chuansha Hall to Fucheng is an essential process, although there is a suspicion of neglecting the near in favor of the far. How can people in Songjiang Prefecture be mobilized if the flow of people is immobile.

Chen Heng deliberately located Fucheng New Street opposite Ruanjia Lane. Just waiting for the caravans coming and going to have fun in Songjiang Mansion for a few more days. Otherwise, why would he give stores to business gangs in various places? He wouldn't be thinking about their money.

If Jia Yucun eats all the cake, not only the government officials will be criticized. Even if Jia Yucun is an official, he won't be able to wear it for long.

The interests involved are too great for a single Sichuan Sha Tong judge to be able to handle. If Jia Yucun really wants to do what he wants, he will be transferred out of here by the Ministry of Personnel in half a year at most. Free up a good job and find another job.

Jia Yucun, who didn't get a bargain, couldn't help but secretly thought it was a pity. It's not that he didn't miss Chen Heng's concerns, but he was still fascinated by the beautiful political achievements. After all, he is the chief seal officer of Chuansha Hall, so he naturally considers the local area more in everything.

Drink, drink. Chen Heng was afraid that he would say something mindless again, so he hurriedly picked up the wine glass and motioned to Jia Yucun and Du Yunjing to drink together.

Drunk all night. After getting up the next day, Chen Heng asked the accompanying officers to bring the letter back to Fucheng. This letter is addressed to Liu Yanzhang, the magistrate of Songjiang. He took the first step this time and came to inspect the port and shipyard. Seeing that everything was correct, I naturally wanted to invite Shangfeng to come over and attend the important event of the opening of Chuansha Hall.

There is also a tacit understanding among officials. If you encounter someone with whom you are not on good terms with, you can start from the beginning and find fault with them. Liu Yanzhang's deliberate waiting can be regarded as Songjiang Mansion's care for Chen Heng.

If anything happens, you should take care of it quickly before I come. As long as I can't see it, there will be no unpleasant words in the note addressed to His Majesty.

Chen Heng knew Liu Yanzhang's good intentions. He knew that when he returned to Huating County this time, he would prepare a small gift for Mr. Liu. The greetings and farewells in official circles are all about showing respect to each other.

Don't waste other people's good intentions towards you. Otherwise, if word spreads, you will inevitably have the impression of being arrogant and arrogant.

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After breaking up with Chen Heng, Mao Daqing hid in the deep mountains and old forests for a while. Now I don't know where he has wandered to. Just looking at Mao Daqing's running posture on the mountain road, it is obvious that he is no stranger to this place.

After walking like this for half a day, crossing the stream and passing through the mountains and forests, he came to a mountain village. This cottage is very well built. At the locked gate, there were several open and hidden sentries. On the wooden low wall, there are many minions patrolling with guns. As soon as these people saw Mao Daqing, they all showed up to say hello.

Brother Mao, where have you been recently?

Why did you come back so injured, Brother Mao?

The big boss told us that if you come back, we will order you to go to the Yiqi Head Hall to see him immediately. This person obviously had a good relationship with Mao Daqing. When the other party entered the village gate, he whispered into the other party's ear, I see that the boss looks bad. Brother Mao, please walk slower. I will go in first to report to you and explore the way for you.

I accept your love, good brother. Mao Daqing patted the other party warmly, which made the latter look a little proud and said proudly: As long as I can help Brother Mao.

Mao Daqing couldn't help but smile and waited for him to slowly walk up the mountain road and almost reach the main village. A strong man in yellow clothes walked quickly towards him. He was very muscular and had a thick beard on his lips. When this man saw Mao Daqing, he couldn't help complaining: You, look at the good things you have done.

Master, Daqing is here to apologize to you. Mao Daqing didn't wait for his brother to finish speaking, and he was already kneeling on the mountain road.

The strong man in front of him was startled and hurriedly stretched out his hand to pull Mao Daqing up from the ground. He knew that his brother was very skilled in martial arts, even though he was just a small leader in the village. But his reputation was very high, and Mao Daqing had to resolve many of his brothers' family feuds. For such a popular figure, if other brothers in the village see Mao Daqing kneeling like this, I don't know what they will think.

Brother, you are confused. Why are you talking about this false courtesy with your eldest brother? The headmaster stretched out his hand to pat the corner of Mao Daqing's clothes and said to him, My Lord already knows what you did in Jinling. The black-clothed envoy He arrived at our village last night and asked to see you by name. When you meet him later, remember not to contradict him. Admit your mistake and leave other matters to my elder brother.

I know. Mao Daqing nodded in response, but his expression was very calm, and there was no sign of surprise at all. I just thought to myself: I finally forced the Lord’s people over. He had been waiting for the Lord's messenger for a long time. This time, through the affairs of the Zhen family, I finally 'invited' the other party to the cottage.

In this way, I followed the big boss to the dark room of the main village. As expected, I saw several mountain leaders sitting quietly and waiting with a man. The latter's dress is really interesting, with a black robe and cape covering his whole body, and a mask on his face. Even among the rogue bandits, this person's appearance is somewhat unique and weird.

Mao Daqing, you are so brave. As soon as this man spoke, he had a faint Beijing accent, and his words were full of official flavor. Although the other party deliberately concealed it, Mao Daqing could still tell the other party's background despite traveling all year round.

The man in black continued, The Lord specifically ordered you to stay safe and keep yourselves, but you went to Jinling to do such an important case.

It's interesting to say that Mao Daqing is willing to be humble in front of the big boss. Facing the person who even the head of the family was trying to avoid, he stiffened his neck and said, If the Lord wants to blame me, the envoy can just take me to see him. Let me see, he has been secretly supporting us. , but who is the Lord who is unwilling to show his face?

You... The man in black didn't expect that the other party would dare to refute, and was about to get angry. Seeing that the situation was not good, the boss in front of Mao Daqing hurriedly came up to comfort him and handed him the steps downhill.

Mao Daqing is his man. How could such a brave and trustworthy brother really be held accountable by the man in black? The headmaster winked at Mao Daqing and helped the man in black back to his position.

The man in black and the master behind him are also the village's bread and butter. In these years, the brothers don't have to go out to rob homes and houses all the time, either because they have to rely on each other's generous financial support. Even in recent years, he has been able to escape repeated arrests by the government because of his master's ability to plan secretly.

It was difficult to offend both sides, so the boss had no choice but to offend his own golden face. The man in black saw that the boss had repeatedly vouched for Mao Daqing, and he also knew that he could not easily intervene in the affairs of the village.

After all, they are a group of sluts who can't stand up to the public eye and only know how to act based on their own emotions. The man in black sighed in his heart, and said coldly: In Ping'an Prefecture, there are many ruthless gangsters who dare to kill people, set fires, and are obedient. If you continue to behave like this in the future, I will report it to the Lord and give you the quota for the cottage. Replace it.”

My lord, please calm down. My lord, please calm down. It's all because of my lack of discipline. The head of the house became more and more anxious as he listened. He knew that what the man in black said was true. Although there were not many cottages of their size in the mountains of Ping'an Prefecture, there were one or two that were comparable. Without the secret support of the Lord, where can I find such a life of a god with no worries about food and clothing?

Don't worry, Sir, this matter will never happen again in the future. I promise not to delay the Lord's important events. The brothers in Qingfeng Village will all obey the Lord's orders. The leader turned his head and winked at Mao Daqing, Daqing , quickly make amends to your lord.

It's best this way. The man in black snorted, but stared at Mao Daqing with his eyes, obviously asking for a guarantee.

Mao Daqing thought about it for a long time, then raised his hands and clasped his fists, tilted his head and apologized: This is the fault of the villain. If the master punishes him, Daqing will never complain.

Seeing that Da Qing gave in, the headmaster immediately said happily: Sir, this brother of mine is always true to his word and is the most trustworthy. Don't worry, since he promised not to cause trouble, I guarantee...

While the man was talking enthusiastically, Mao Daqing asked loudly: I just have something to ask you, sir. If you don't tell me, Daqing will come from where he came from and go back to where he went. He won't stay in Qingfeng Village, and will continue to give you some advice. Brother is causing trouble.

As soon as these words came out, many people were shocked. If people like Mao Daqing want to leave, I don't know how many child soldiers under his command will follow. The man in black also knew how much effort the Lord put into these people. Even if he didn't want to pay attention to them, he could only hold his nose and let Mao Daqing ask questions.

Three years ago, the Lord said something was about to happen. Three years have passed, and there is still no news at all. I wonder if you can say it accurately, but we have no idea whether we can do it or not.

When others heard it, it turned out to be this. Each has a different expression, either worried or expecting. After exchanging glances back and forth, some people complained in their hearts that Mao Daqing was ignorant. These days of eating and drinking are not enough. Do you have to live a life of licking blood from the edge of a knife to feel comfortable?

The plan has changed. Didn't the Lord ask you to recruit troops secretly and wait patiently? Mao Daqing, are you going to disobey the Lord's order? The man in black immediately became furious when he heard Mao Daqing's questioning tone. Mao Daqing dared to ask him like this today, and he would dare to ask the Lord like this in the future. He is really a ruffian with no respect for his superiors.

I can afford to wait, but my family in Jiuquan can't afford to wait. Mao Daqing also replied angrily, Master, how many of our brothers in the village have remembered to avenge their relatives over the years. When I was invited by you to go up the mountain, you promised me that you would rebel against the world and avenge my family.

Master, please don't forget the oath you made that day.

I...I... The boss hesitated for a long time, looking at Mao Daqing and then at the masked man. Finally he said, Good brother, how could I forget? Not only is your brother Mao missing a whole family, my family is also waiting for me under the Nine Springs.

At this point, the headmaster's eyes were slightly red, he glanced around at the brothers, and said: I know that everyone has lived a good life these years. Some of them married the girls they robbed, and some of them got married and had children in the village. . But don’t forget why we gathered here in the first place!

Seeing that it was the elder brother who was taking the lead in speaking, the others had no choice but to reply one after another. After declaring that they share the same hatred with the enemy, the head master took advantage of the situation and pressed towards the man in black, saying: Sir, you see that the brothers are waiting for the Lord's order. You might as well give me a correct word, so that I can appease them in the future.

The man in black was silent for a moment, then slowly said: Let them all get out.

Hey, there's a door. The leader grinned and waved his hands repeatedly, telling all the brothers to leave. Seeing that the irrelevant people were gone, the man in black took a few sips of tea and finally said: The incident has occurred in the past two years. Just prepare with peace of mind and contact the commanders of the various cottages in Ping'an Prefecture privately.

Sir, do you really mean what you say? The headmaster's face looked surprised and happy. Now, I can finally give an explanation to my brothers.

Yes. The man in black nodded and warned again and again, You should hurry up and prepare. Don't miss the Lord's important event when the time comes.

Sir, don't worry. Each of our brothers in the cottage will be as good as ten. When the time comes, we will never show any signs of cowardice. The headmaster rubbed his hands together excitedly and said with a shy smile, It's just that, sir, our brothers in the cottage have not opened for a long time. ”

Damn it, you bandits are really robbing your own family. The man in black suppressed his displeasure and said, In ten days, there will be a batch of grain and grass shipped from Jiangxi to the North. They will pass by Ping'an Prefecture...

Sounds like military rations? The headmaster frowned slightly when he heard this. The military rations are escorted by officers and soldiers. Although there are many brothers in the family, it would not be good if they were folded on top.

Just take people with you, and the officers and soldiers won't make things difficult for you.

Okay, sir, don't worry. Hearing this, the headmaster felt at ease. What's more, I didn't expect that the master's background was so profound that even the officers and soldiers could cooperate inside and outside. He said hurriedly, We still have some people left behind. When the time comes, let them put on military robes, pull them over and kill them on the spot. I'm sure even the gods won't be able to notice.

Be more careful and don't let outsiders see the clues. The man in black gave another instruction. Afterwards, the two of them whispered for who knows how long before the master sent the man in black to leave through the back door of the cottage.

When the boss appeared again, Mao Daqing and others knew that the man in black must have left. They didn't say anything, they just looked at the master silently. Seeing him nodding, Mao Daqing showed a slightly excited expression.

Finally, I can finally avenge my family.