The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Jia Lian called to his entourage in the corridor, and someone immediately ran in and handed a gift box into his hand. Jia Lian did not let Chen Hengduo wait, so he sent this thing to the owner's house while joking.

Chen Heng opened the brocade box and saw a folding fan wrapped in blue cloth. This thing is not very novel. He thought of Wang Xifeng's all-round intelligence and Jia Lian's human sophistication. He took out the folding fan and played with it in his hand. After opening the fan and looking around, he exclaimed: It's Mr. Dongpo's signature and painting.

Seeing Chen Heng's surprise, Jia Lian nodded with satisfaction. They all say that the best way to give gifts is to give them what you like. If you give it to an official, you should pay more attention to this. Jia Lian laughed and told Chen Heng the origin of this fan.

When Mr. Dongpo was an official in Yuhang, someone in the territory sued the people for arrears of 20,000 yuan and refused to repay. Mr. Dongpo summoned the defendant for questioning, and then he realized that this person's family was in trouble. It happened that Mr. Dongpo knew that this person's family was in trouble. He made a living by making fans, so he asked him to go home and bring him twenty fans.

Write good running script, cursive script, and draw dead wood, bamboo and stone. He also ordered this person to take out the fans and sell them for one thousand yuan a fan. It won't take long and everything will be sold. People who came after hearing the news couldn't buy it even if they wanted to, and they really regretted it.

Chen Heng naturally knew this allusion. Dongpo's painting of fans is often used as a metaphor for parents who love the people as much as their children. Chen Heng always thought that the demeanor of the sages was a folk tale, only used as an exhortation. Now when he looked at the authentic calligraphy on the fan, he realized that this was indeed the case. He immediately said: This thing is too valuable.

Although he said this, his eyes could not hide his love for this thing. Let’s not talk about the workmanship of the fan, which is based on ancient methods and techniques. In addition, Mr. Dongpo's handwriting and the origin of this fan are added. Even if Chen Heng guessed Wang Xifeng and Jia Lian's intentions, he still couldn't put it down.

Seeing Chen Heng's reaction, Jia Lian was even more happy. When he discussed with Wang Xifeng to give this gift, he first wanted to use it to praise Chen Heng as an official who cared about the people and had the character of Mr. Dongpo. The second is to use this to point out one's own difficulties. My good brother-in-law, Mr. Dongpo can help a bunch of people in the country with his own righteousness. It's better for you to ignore your relatives until they die.

I just ask you to show your noble hand and inscribe twenty fans for our family.

Jia Lian looked at Chen Heng expectantly. As of now, it all depends on what the other person wants. As long as Chen Heng nodded and accepted the gift, it meant that the matter was successful. If Chen Heng pushes this fan, there is no need to say anything. After everyone has eaten today's meal, we will go back and discuss it later.

With just one gift, you can tell everything that is difficult to put on the table one by one. The human kindness and wisdom of Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng are evident.

Cousin Lao, thank my sister-in-law for my kindness.

As soon as Chen Heng finished speaking, Jia Lian's face was already smiling, and she said repeatedly: Your sister-in-law understands how to take care of my sister. When I went out, I said this gift was too light. She said that you and your sister would definitely like it. Hey, speaking of it, I am not as good as her.

Chen Heng smiled, put the folding fan in the brocade box, placed it on the long table between the two of them, and listened to Jia Lian continue to talk. From the beginning to the end, Baoyu, who was sitting down, felt disgusted by Jia Lian's warmth and approach. If he had a choice, he really didn't want to do these ridiculous things.

He suppressed the nausea in his heart and deliberately stood up and walked around. Then she remembered that when she left Beijing, the old lady told her to listen to Jia Lian when she went out this time. What’s more, I thought that Jia Lian was so funny, all for the sake of his own family. Jia Baoyu had no choice but to bite the bullet and continue to sit on pins and needles.

Since the topic turned to the poetry and paintings of literati through Dongpo Fan, Jia Lian kept talking about Chen Heng's calligraphy. This was also the master's proud skill. Jia Lian praised it a few times and suggested going to Chen Heng's study to see his calligraphy.

Chen Heng knew that Jia Lian wanted to create a space where the two of them could talk alone. He left everyone behind and led Jia Lian to the study alone.

As soon as he arrived here, Jia Lian admired a few calligraphy works and began to talk out loud, pointing out his family's difficulties. In fact, he shouldn't have said this. It's just that Chen Heng never took the initiative to ask about the Jia family's situation from beginning to end, so he had no choice but to do this.

After a while, Chen Heng, under Jia Lian's anxious look, finally said, I didn't know there were so many difficulties in my house...

It's a pity, it's a pity. If the brother-in-law's words were 'there are so many difficulties at home', then it would be a big deal. Jia Lian sighed sincerely: Who says otherwise? They all think that the ostentation at home is a sign of wealth. But running such a big family requires your sister-in-law to spend a lot of thought and energy. It is really frustrating every day.

This is strange, didn't Baochai marry in? Chen Heng asked: Is Sister-in-law Feng still in charge of the house?

Yes. Jia Lian knew what was strange about Chen Heng and explained happily, Originally, the old lady intended to let her younger siblings learn to be housekeepers. Unexpectedly, the second aunt said that the bride had just started her career and was not familiar with the situation at home. She also said that your sister-in-law was in charge. Everything has always been in order at home. If there is such an unreasonable change of people, if anything happens to the younger siblings, they will be compared. The old lady also agrees, so she will let your sister-in-law continue to run the family.

Damn it, how could this Baoyu mother be so wise? Chen Heng immediately felt that it was a scam, and he understood it after thinking about it carefully. Without the Lin family's windfall, the Jia family's Grand View Garden almost emptied the family's cash.

You must know that the Lin family's windfall wealth is not limited to the accumulation of four generations of Lin family princes. There is also the dowry for Jia Min's marriage, which is Jia's mother's biological daughter. It can be seen how much her dowry will be.

Under such a situation, Mrs. Wang was able to suppress Baochai from taking charge of Rongguo Mansion. It's just that the current situation is too dangerous and terrible. He had to rely on Wang Xifeng's ability to settle the accounts to be so tolerant.

Chen Heng wanted to understand this. When he saw Jia Lian saying this, his eyebrows were slightly raised, and he couldn't help showing his joy. He also speculated that the other party may not be unaware, but that one of the couple was greedy for money and the other was lustful. They are all arrogant people, and they may not have the intention to use this to gain power and let their families see what they are capable of.

Human hearts are so interesting. Chen Heng chuckled secretly, uncovered the mystery and went straight to the topic. My cousin wants to make a living in Songjiang Mansion?

Good brother-in-law, that's exactly what it is. Jia Lian was overjoyed when he heard this, and even praised him, Everyone knows that where my brother-in-law is, there must be gold hidden underground. I am so shameless as to come here to seek a chance for fate.

Chen Heng laughed. Li Zhi wanted to show them a way out and stabilize the situation between the government and the opposition. There was no need for him to deviate from this matter, and he said directly: The shopping street will be completed at the end of the month, and I really need some shops for people to settle in. I wonder, cousin, what kind of business do you want to do?

I'm afraid that my brother-in-law will make fun of me if I tell you. Jia Lian's face changed, and he said with a slightly consultative tone, Our family is in such a difficult situation, so cousin, I naturally want to make as much money as possible. But my cousin doesn't study much, so he can't read for a while. I can’t figure out what to do for a living.”

Listen to this, how can I make an honest living? I came to Songjiang with the intention of making a lot of money. Chen Heng narrowed his eyes slightly, put his hand on the case, and said with a half-smile: Brother Jia is joking, if I really have such a business, I'm afraid I will be tempted.

Hearing the disgust in Chen Heng's words, Jia Lian immediately hesitated. He knew that he was testing the bottom line and testing the horse's hooves. He quickly made up for it and said: Hey, how could I not know my brother-in-law's temperament? You are going to be an official in the court in the future, how can you care about making a living? What I just said was definitely not my brother's intention. I just ask my brother-in-law to be considerate of the family. If you have any difficulties, please give me some advice.

Knowing that Jia Lian had given up, Chen Heng nodded. He was also thinking about what kind of business in Songjiang would be suitable for the current Jia family. Business gangs from all over the country immediately gathered in Songjiang. There were Fujian and Zhejiang merchants selling tea, and Zhejiang and Jiangsu merchants selling silk. Shanxi merchants and Huizhou merchants were even more capable and engaged in business. They could sell anything and make a living.

Compared with these people, apart from their family relationship, there is really nothing worth mentioning about the Jia family. If you really want to make a living, you only need some hard-earned money, and slowly add up.

Seeing Chen Heng's thoughtful expression, Jia Lian hurriedly lowered his voice and looked at him expectantly. Good brother-in-law, you must use your magical powers to save our family.

Looking the luxuriously dressed Jia Lian up and down, Chen Heng's eyebrows suddenly lit up and he said: I think about it carefully, there is really something suitable for my cousin to do. It's just...

Just what? My dear brother-in-law, please come to me quickly. Jia Lian said eagerly with a look of joy on his face.

Heh. Chen Heng chuckled and asked, Cousin, are you willing to go to sea?

Ah?! Jia Lian was immediately dumbfounded. Such a thing was not something a good person would do. There are bad storms at sea, and if you are not careful, you will die without a burial place. That's... that's...

Just when Jia Lian should be neither, nor should he be. News suddenly came from outside that Daiyu returned home early. Chen Heng quickly summarized what he was thinking. He left a sentence: Cousin, go back and think about it carefully. If you intend to do it, we will discuss it later.

After speaking, he didn't wait for Jia Lian's reaction. He got up directly and went outside to meet his wife.

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After Chen Heng and Jia Lian slipped away to the study, Jia Baoyu, who was out of breath, started chatting with Liu Xianglian. The two of them had some friendship in the capital. It's just that Liu Xianglian was a libertine back then, and their friendship wasn't very deep. But this person is more pleasing to the eye than Chen Heng.

As long as Jia Baoyu likes anyone, he can mostly chat with them. Liu Xianglian didn't want to refute the Lord's face, so she immediately accompanied him and said a few words. He is now considered a member of the Chen family, and there is no need to betray Rongguo Mansion's reputation. When chatting, the interest was not high.

The two parties were chatting one after another when they suddenly heard the news that Daiyu was back. Jia Baoyu was so worried that he didn't even know where to put his hands. But this was not the Rongguo Mansion after all. Even if he had the intention to rush to the door to pick him up, the etiquette would not be appropriate.

Under Baochai's scrutinizing gaze, Baoyu, who began to feel uneasy in his heart, could not notice anything strange about his wife. He couldn't help but rub his hands together, looking restless. He was so heartbroken that Chen Heng had picked up Daiyu outside, and the couple came in laughing. When Jia Baoyu saw this scene, he immediately felt like a deflated rubber ball, half leaning on the back of the chair, with an unclear expression.

He took off his cloak slightly and handed it to Qingwen who looked solemn. Daiyu bowed lightly and said to Baoyu and Baochai: Cousin, cousin.

Baochai did not sit still, but bowed directly in return, and looked at the other person carefully. Different from the taciturn nature of Zhen Mansion, Daiyu today is quite radiant. Just by looking at Shu's relaxed features, she knew that Chen Heng would be good to him after marriage.

Sister Lin, I just talked about you to my brother-in-law before, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to see you today. After all, he was coming to ask for help, so Baochai reached out to express his kindness.

Daiyu did not treat the guests coldly. She stepped forward and held Baochai's hand. She looked at Chen Heng half-complainingly and said, When I went out, I told my husband to let his cousin stay at home for dinner. Why did he do that? forget.

Sister, please don't accuse my good brother-in-law unjustly. He told us about this as soon as we met. Jia Lian returned to the hall and explained Chen Heng as soon as he opened his mouth.

Chen Heng raised his eyebrows and looked at Daiyu with a look look. The latter suppressed his smile, only pursed his lips, and looked at Baoyu who came up to say hello.

Jia Baoyu looked at their happy faces, folded their hands and saluted, and said with a complicated expression: Long time no see, Sister Lin, everything is going well.

His current mentality is also complicated. I am afraid that Daiyu will have a good life, but I am also afraid that Daiyu will have a bad life.

You shameless boy, did you ask my wife like this? Chen Heng rolled his eyes. He had a winner's mentality and was too lazy to argue with the sour fool. Daiyu nodded, shook her head, and said to Baochai, I'm afraid my cousin will have to worry about my sister-in-law.

Baochai also sighed in his heart. Everyone knows their own difficulties and understands their own difficulties. Only Baoyu was single-minded and only thinking about the trivial things in his heart. It's not about making her angry and mischievous, nor is it about being considerate.

He's just confused occasionally, so he doesn't worry about it. To be honest, on weekdays, he takes better care of me. Xue Baochai cared about Baoyu's face both in and out of words.

Even Chen Heng was moved when he heard this and couldn't help but secretly say. If this woman were not in the Xue family, she would have a vast world of her own.

What a pity, what a pity.

Daiyu came back, and Jia Lian was still sitting next to Chen Heng. It's just that Xinda and others moved down one position and introduced Daiyu to the left position. Although there is some distance between the couple, when one of them starts chatting with relatives, the other's eyes are always on the other.

Looking like this, even Jia Lian secretly wondered if he treated Wang Xifeng too badly on weekdays? But when I think about Wang Xifeng's fierce temper, I feel that she is to blame for everything. How could the ladies of the Great Yong Dynasty take care of their husband's concubines? If you are so jealous, you deserve to suffer some pain and get some cold looks.

As soon as Lin Daiyu arrived, Baochai talked more. Everyone chatted and laughed for a while, and heard that Daiyu came back early because she was worried about Chen Heng. She even laughed at the other party's bridal posture. Chen Heng was even more happy and said, Qingqing loves me.

What a bad idea he had. He proudly said this three times in front of Baoyu, which made Baoyu secretly feel sad. When it was time for dinner, everyone moved their seats and went to the table to open the table.

Because there is still a second wife at home, Liu Xianglian and others are needed to accompany him. Today’s family banquet is also divided into two places: front and back.

In the backyard, Baochai saw Daiyu and Yinglian feeling like sisters. For a moment, I didn’t know if the other party was just acting on occasion, or if it was just like this every day.

She deliberately asked Yinglian a few questions about her birth history, and heard that she was an orphan from Gusu, with a poor family background, and had even fallen into the hands of evildoers. Only then did she understand why Daiyu treated this woman like this.

Turns out he’s not a threat…

But Baochai also had doubts in his heart. For a family born in this way, he would just find a concubine to pass him off. Chen Heng was ignorant and went to His Majesty for advice. Why didn't Sister Lin persuade and stop her? Instead, she allowed such a family to sit on an equal footing with her and share the title of Mrs. Chen's wife.

Daiyu didn't know what Baochai was thinking. She was surrounded by the two and only thought about taking care of the guests. Behind them, only the rhododendrons, warblers, and snow geese were left waiting.

Hey, why is Qingwen missing? It turns out that this girl and her wife asked for life and went to the front to wait on the master's table.

Hey, it’s also fun and lively.

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Xinda is already the manager of foreign affairs in the family and is also a blood relative. Previously, the Chen family's family was not well-established, and it was difficult for Xinda to serve when he was away from home. Now that he is on his own land, how can Chen Heng let Xinda do some chores like serving?

Tonight, Xinda and Liu Xianglian of their family are drinking with the two young masters of the Jia family. The people who were standing there were Pan You'an and Qingwen.

Jia Lian and Jia Baoyu were both familiar with these two people. Just looking at Pan Youan, Jia Lian remembered another thing that happened today. While everyone was eating and drinking, he quickly took out two documents from his arms, handed them to his brother-in-law, and said, This is what the old lady asked me to bring to my brother-in-law.

Chen Heng took it and saw that it was indeed a contract of betrayal between Pan Youan and Siqi. As soon as he accepted it, Jia Lian taught the old servant a lesson for the 'new master' and said boldly: Since the old lady has shown mercy, she has allowed you to go to my brother-in-law's place. You still need to remember the past teachings at home and do your best in everything. good.

Yes, I will remember the Second Master's teachings. Pan You'an didn't dare to say anything and responded hurriedly, still acting like a slave.

That girl Siqi is already on her way here. We were in a hurry and didn't take her with us. When she gets to Songjiang, remember to treat her well. Jia Lian took the identity of the young master of Rongguo Mansion and taught her a lesson.

But after hearing his words, Pan Anxin felt his head heat up. Looking forward to the stars and the moon, I finally looked forward to my cousin.

You'an. Chen Heng suddenly called out, and Pan You'an, who was just waking up from a dream, stopped his silly fun and came to the master's side. I saw the other party handing the newly obtained deed of betrayal directly into Pan Youan's hands, and said generously: Take it.

Brother-in-law, you... Jia Lian was very surprised. Immediately give the deed of sale to the other party, and Pan Youenke will become a free agent from now on. Can such a person be used with confidence?

Jia Baoyu blinked at the side, and he subconsciously looked at Qingwen who was holding the wine bottle. Seeing that there was no look of surprise on the girl's face, she knew that this was not the first time Chen Heng had done this.

It's okay, my employees never talk about this. Chen Heng waved his hands, as if he really didn't have any knowledge of people. Even if you hold a deed of betrayal, you will still be stabbed in the back.

After hearing these words, Qingwen's beautiful eyes were filled with ripples. I even feel that my master has a different kind of pride and willfulness that is different from ordinary scholars. Seeing that Chen Heng's glass was empty, she hurriedly came up and poured half a glass, and then advised: Master, drink slowly, Madam is thinking about you.

Chen Heng nodded, and while Jia Lian was in a daze, he asked him, I have something I want to ask my cousin about.

What is it? Jia Lian laughed hurriedly and signaled Chen Heng to just ask. Now it's time for the two of them to get along well. Not to mention asking about things, Jia Lian is very willing to do some things personally.

Cousin, can you tell me something about the situation of the Zhen family, so that it will be easier for me to deal with in the future. Chen Heng tapped the wine glass with his finger. He has a good memory and cannot forget the scene in Zhen Mansion that day.

When Mao Daqing first committed the murder that day, the uncle of the Zhen family kept calling Bao Yong's name, quite anxiously. Only when Mao Daqing rushed towards Zhen Baoyu, Zhen Xi's voice paused briefly. The other person's eyes widened at that time, and most people would think that he was worried about his brother's safety.

But only Chen Heng saw the disappointment in Zhen Xi's eyes when Mao Daqing was stopped by Ma Yin.

This uncle of the Zhen family wants to see Zhen Baoyu die.

I was very tired from working overtime yesterday. There is no way to update it, it will look like this at the end of the year. Alas, it is difficult to deal with. Friday and Saturday, find a way to break out.