The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Master Pei left at the end of November last year.

It is extremely easy for an old man of this age to be unable to withstand the severe cold in winter.

Judging from the descriptions of the younger members of the Pei family, the wife's departure was due to physical and mental exhaustion, which was difficult to cure.

The younger generation of the Pei family did not stay in the county government office for too long. There has always been a saying among the people that it is inconvenient for people who are pregnant with filial piety to visit their homes. But places like the county government are a little different. People generally believe that the government is protected by the righteous gods in heaven and earth, so there is no need to pay too much attention to it.

The children of the Pei family did not accept Chen Heng and Daiyu's repeated attempts to stay. Leaving only two letters from Master Pei and Mr. Xie, he got into his carriage and left quietly.

Farewell to a distant visitor, Chen Heng couldn't control the sadness in his heart. After just saying a few words to Daiyu, he went to his study room with a somewhat panicky mood. Take out Master Pei's letter and read it slowly.

But just the first sentence of this letter made Chen Heng forcefully organize his emotions, break a big gap again, and burst into tears.

Heng'er, if you read this letter, it means that my teacher has already traveled far away. You don't need to be overly sad, and don't live in a haze. The end of human life is actually determined by heaven and earth. As the saying goes, time lasts for hundreds of generations. They are also passers-by. The scriptures say that the seasons change, and the grass and trees reincarnate. This is the rise and fall of all things.

Thinking of the years when you studied under my teacher is still the happiest time in my later years. Unfortunately, when I returned to Yangzhou, my teacher was already in Luling, Jiangxi. I didn't see with my own eyes the scene of students being named on the gold medal list and returning home in glory. I feel very regretful in my heart. However, in those days, I drank a lot as my teacher, so I consider it as your celebration.

I have often heard that Mr. Tai was fond of wine and would often get drunk after drinking too little. Now I know the joy and wonder of it.......

The letter is very long. In it, Pei Huaizhen tells interesting things about his life after returning to his hometown. This doesn't look like a farewell letter, but more like a letter home. Just like the teacher's diligent instructions for many years, they ring in my ears endlessly.

Towards the middle of the reading, Pei Huaizhen patiently explained his behind-the-scenes affairs. Make it clear that you don't want students to take time off to pay their respects, and don't feel guilty or guilty for missing the last moment.

You are all local officials now. You must not ignore the national affairs and the livelihood of the people because of my personal selfishness. The times are difficult, and injustices often happen in the government and the public. I teach you day and night, just in the hope that you can make decisions for the people. , Ask for orders for the people. If you go to a county, you will level up a county. If you sit in a state, you will rule a state. Don't forget this way, and you can be a teacher with a smile on your face.

After reading this, Chen Heng really couldn't help it. He could only raise his head silently from his position and let the tears fall down his cheeks. Those trembling hands seemed afraid to hold them too tightly. I am deeply afraid that if I am not careful, I will scratch the letter paper.

Vaguely, he seemed to be able to see that Pei Huaizhen was still the same as before. Sitting in the courtyard of his home in Yangzhou, facing the golden light of the morning, with a gentle smile on his face, he taught himself knowledge.

This person has passed away, how can the living not regret and be upset? Chen Heng sat blankly, not knowing what to say or what to think. After a long silence, he could only continue to lower his head in a daze. In the second half of the letter, the teacher is mostly sharing his life.

He was full of ambition when he first entered officialdom. After being depressed and frustrated, he worked hard to govern in the countryside. After that, there were several ups and downs, and many times the boss suppressed and made things difficult for me. Finally, I met the Ming Lord in my middle age. I thought it would be the time to show off my lifelong ambitions. But after a vigorous reform, he sadly stepped down as a loser.

The joy of fighting against the sky is endless. Pei Huaizhen wrote at the end of the letter, It wasn't until my time at Yangzhou Academy that I realized the significance of my later years. I will teach you what I have learned in this half-life of wandering. I hope you can step on my teacher and see a better world.

Just this word, nothing more. Chen Heng was silent and thinking. In this silent mourning, I recall my past.

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Late at night, Chen Heng, who had been sitting in the study all day, finally got up and came to his wife's room. Daiyu's eyes were also red. She is a very affectionate person, and her relationship with Master Xie is also deep. The death of such an honest and honest elder was an even heavier blow to Daiyu.

The couple looked at each other in silence, they both knew each other. No matter how much words you say, they all seem pale and feeble at this moment. They just hugged each other on the bed silently, feeling each other's breathing in silence.

Brother, Master Xie has left.

Yeah. Chen Heng nodded. Yu'er hadn't called herself that for a long time since they got married.

I haven't told Master Xie yet that I have become a mountain chief myself. I have also started to teach girls to read and practice calligraphy like her. The hand holding the husband's waist tightened slightly. Daiyu choked with sobs.

Yu'er. Master's wife's spirit in heaven will definitely know. Chen Heng couldn't help but raise his hand and caress his beloved wife's face. With swiping fingertips, he gently wiped away the other person's tears.

Two little beings, silently help and rely on each other during difficult moments in life. Compared with them, the world is so big and the time is so long. Fortunately, they have each other to comfort their souls and accept another lesson that life has taught them.

The difficulty of separation between life and death cannot be explained in a few words.

Suddenly there was a roar of thunder outside the window. First a few drops of rain fell in front of the half-open window, and then it started to rain heavily. Zicuckoo, who was guarding the door, suddenly remembered that she had forgotten to close the window for the master and his wife. I wanted to go in, but I was worried that it would be too rash. I had to stay outside the door all night, listening to the last rain of spring.

In a few days, it will be the beginning of summer in the fifth year of Jianping.

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Du Yunjing arrived at the Huating County Government Office on the second day. Although Master Pei made it clear that there was no need to bother the students to go there to worship. Chen Heng did not dare to fail to inform him, especially to Qian Dayou, Jiang Yuanbai and others.

Pei Huaizhen was not only his teacher, but also the leader of these friends. As soon as Du Yunjing came to the door, tears couldn't stop falling. He held Chen Heng and talked for a long time, mostly talking about old things in the academy.

When the Yangzhou flood came, everyone gathered together to rejoice, but at the same time they were embarrassed and worried about the safety of Chang Luoshan. There were scenes of me being poorly prepared when I went to class for the first time, being ridiculed by the mountain leader, and Du DaDa, who was also afraid of time.

The real separation actually happened so quietly. Du Yunjing was also puzzled and a little confused. He wanted to hold a funeral ceremony for the mountain chief in Songjiang. Why did Chen Heng reject him? Chen Heng didn't know what to say, but Chen Heng knew it in his heart. If these students dared to do this, Master Pei would be very angry and scold them for being extremely stupid.

Then we have to do something for the mountain chief. Du Yunjing spread his hands, with a bit of eagerness hidden under his sad face.

Chen Heng knew that Du Yunjing wanted to do something for Master Pei to do his best. It's just that his mind is very messed up now, and he doesn't know how to comfort the other person. He could only say: Teacher must not want to see us do this.

Seeing that he could not convince Chen Heng, Du Yunjing had no choice but to give up his plan. Among them, Chen Heng served tea in front of Pei Huaizhen and performed the apprenticeship ceremony. If we want to accomplish this, we can't do it without Chen Heng taking the lead.

Du Yunjing looked at Chen Heng and saw that he was packing his things. I couldn't help but asked curiously: Where are you going at this time?

It will be the beginning of summer in a few days. I have to go to the fields to take a look. Chen Heng said solemnly, with an indescribable perseverance on his face. I won't worry if I don't go take a look.

Are you going out at this time? Du Yunjing was shocked.

It is precisely because of this time that I want to go. After Chen Heng answered, he walked out without hesitation.

Today, not only is he going out, Daiyu will also go back to Yunjian Academy to continue teaching in the afternoon. Busyness may be a way to deal with grief. But they know better that the teacher hopes to see the juniors live a good life with perseverance.

After leaving the house like this, Chen Heng sat on the carriage driven by the guards and first inspected the neighboring fields in the south of the city. Last night's rain and wind had dispersed, but the sky was still very gray. Occasionally, a few raindrops splashed and scattered in front of the sight, leaving people stunned.

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The fifth day of May is the beginning of summer. The seventh solar term of the year is also the beginning of the growing days. It is rainy in spring and showery in summer. The rain came suddenly and went away even more inexplicably.

Listening to the trickling sound of rain falling from the lotus leaves, Chen Heng, wearing wooden clogs and coir raincoat, led several county officials' entourage out from under the tree. In front of their sight is Zhangjiaji, which belongs to Yunjian Township.

Zhang is also a popular surname in Songjiang Prefecture. Since the Qin and Han Dynasties, people with the surname Zhang have lived and worked hard here. This place is not far from Fucheng. Because there are many fertile fields in the village, Chen Heng included it as one of the must-visit places.

When we arrived at Zhangjiaji, we first took a stroll in the fields outside. Seeing green crops standing neatly in the water, it looks like green growth. Chen Heng was also happy that this family gathering was in good order and he finally did not forget the county government's warning document.

After entering the village, he asked the villagers from Zhangjiaji to invite the villagers to come to him. When Chen Heng saw the other person, he was surprised by how young he was. The county magistrate couldn't help but laugh and said: I thought this village was an old man, but I didn't expect it to be...

The smiling Li Zheng bowed slightly, stood beside Chen Heng, and said, My father was the previous Li Zheng, and because he did well in his tenure, the villagers in the village agreed to write a letter recommending me as Li Zheng.

Chen Heng nodded, knowing that what this person said was true. After the Li Zheng and Chang systems were established in the Tang Dynasty, they evolved to today. Although the county government has direct power to appoint and remove village chiefs and Li Zheng, they generally do not directly refute those recommended by the people. After all, the popularity of this village is also what the county magistrate has to consider.

Accompanied by Zhang Jiazheng, Chen Heng walked around the village. Seeing that the rice in the fields was neat and tidy, the people in the streets often smiled with natural and genuine joy. Chen Heng knew that the people's livelihood here was very good, so his attitude towards Zhang Lizheng became more and more friendly.

Zhang Lizheng was very panicked. The county magistrate in front of him had removed the local squires from Zhaojiacun as soon as he took office. I don't know why I've been crazy these past few days, so I've been looking around in various villages when I have nothing to do. Many Li Zheng who did not perform well were reprimanded by the magistrate in person.

Looking at Chen Heng's pleasant expression, Zhang Lizheng was deeply afraid that if the other party's conversation changed, it would suddenly turn into a storm and be embarrassing. Accompanying me so cautiously, I met a pair of grandfather and grandson returning from the fields on the way.

Chen Heng paused slightly and looked at the old man leading the cattle in front of him. The little grandson on the cow's back couldn't help but smile at him. He couldn't help laughing and asked the child's age.

Five years old. The shepherd boy smiled and stretched out his palm.

Chen Heng boasted to the other party that he knew how to help the family with farming at a young age. He was really well-behaved and sensible. Unexpectedly, the child replied: You don't look very big, so why do you talk like...my grandpa?

Chen Heng laughed and couldn't wait to react. Li Zheng beside him had already scolded him, Tiedan'er, what are you talking nonsense to the boss?

It's okay, it's okay. Chen Heng quickly waved his hand and stopped the scolding Li Zheng and the old man who wanted to apologize. He held the grandfather and grandson for a few words on the side of the road, and learned from the other party that the farm cow was a thing given by the county government. Chen Heng nodded happily and asked Goudaner about his father's whereabouts.

He's going to fix something... for the adults... The old man looked at Chen Heng carefully. He really couldn't think of the noun.

Grandpa, it's a shopping street. My father went to build a shopping street. He is young and has a good memory. As soon as Tiedan'er finished speaking, his grandfather couldn't help but nodded in agreement. Yes, yes, that's it.

It's difficult for the elderly. Your son is working for the county government, and you have to work hard to farm the fields at your age.

Before Chen Heng finished speaking, the old man waved his hand and said: It's not hard if you have cattle. As long as you take the cattle back later, you can let me cultivate a few more acres of land.

A plowing cow can really help people a lot in their farming work. Chen Heng laughed and put down the old man's probing words. He looked directly sideways at Rimasa and asked, How many cows have been allocated to your village?

Sir, there are twenty of them. They all stick to the people who are doing the corvee first. There are young and strong people in the family, but they are not ranked. Li Zheng answered carefully.

With the old man as a precedent, there is no need to look too far where the remaining cows will go. After Chen Heng said goodbye to the grandfather and grandson, he walked half a circle in the village and went to see the so-called village guardian.

Many of these people have disabilities, and the villagers take good care of them. Chen Heng also praised: You are doing well, have you ever read a book?

Zhang Cunli didn't know that the county magistrate was interested in talents, and thought that the boss wanted to learn more. This is fair and square, and illiteracy is not enough. He immediately said anxiously: I know some words, but I don't read many books.

What a pity, Chen Heng sighed inwardly. This person is already over forty, and it is too late for him to study hard again.

Can you understand all the official documents issued by the county government?

I understand, I understand. Li Zheng responded quickly, fearing that if he didn't answer well, the hat would be taken off his head.

Chen Heng said no more, only affirmed the other party a few words, and then prepared to leave Zhaojiaji.

Halfway back to the city, the starry night was vast and it no longer rained. Chen Heng was bored sitting on the carriage and suddenly wanted to get out of the carriage and take a walk. Naturally, the servants and attendants who were traveling with him did not dare to dissuade him. I had no choice but to let the master get out of the car and take a stroll, while he drove behind.

Above our heads is the vast starry sky, with the Milky Way flowing and the bright moon in the sky. There are endless fields all around, but at the end, some mountain peaks block the view. The dirt road underfoot was very muddy due to the recent rain. Fortunately, I was wearing wooden clogs, so if I walked carefully, it wasn't too difficult.

Chen Heng became very interested and asked his entourage: Tell me, which star in the sky is the North Star?

This is really the right person to ask. The entourage is all local villagers and has grown up in the village since childhood. They raised their heads to identify it in the sky for a while, pointed to a certain place in the sky, and said, Look, sir, that's the one.

Chen Heng raised his head and stopped to watch for a long time. He suddenly remembered that there had been rumors among the people in ancient times. The North Dipper is the ruler of death, and the South Dipper is the ruler of life. After people die, they will return to the palace on Beichen Star. That is where the souls of our ancestors and ancestors return. Just look up and you can see it.

It is precisely because of this cultural context that the people of this land will always believe that even if their ancestors leave, they will protect their descendants in the dark.

Master Pei...

Chen Heng looked at the twinkling Beichen Star and silently missed his ancestors who traveled far away in his heart.

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When I get home that night, I will definitely miss dinner. Fortunately, Daiyu left some side dishes, enough to fill her stomach. Sitting together with the two ladies, Chen Heng couldn't help but talk about what he saw today. Daiyu and Yinglian also shared interesting stories about the academy and female students.

I heard that these children had finished reciting the Book of Songs and were about to start reading the next one. Chen Heng thought for a while and put forward some of his own opinions on Daiyu's following the Book of Filial Piety.

This book is naturally good. Chen Heng agreed. If you don't read this book, I'm afraid it will be difficult to get a foothold in the world in the future. But Yu'er, I personally think you can wait a little longer. Read some Rites first, and then Consider the Classic of Filial Piety.”

Why?! Daiyu blinked, somewhat confused about her husband's arrangement. The Book of Rites is far more difficult than the Book of Filial Piety.

What do you think... Chen Heng took a bite of vegetables. Recently, the family has been vegetarian. The couple planned to observe mourning for half a year and perform some of the younger generation's duties for the two deceased mentors. These children were trafficked by their biological parents. They didn't say anything, but they probably didn't know what they were thinking.

At this time, if we blindly teach people to read the Classic of Filial Piety. Teaching them how to support their parents and elders and be kind-hearted, I'm afraid it will be counterproductive and it will be easy for them to do the wrong thing with good intentions.

When Daiyu heard this, she immediately understood what her husband meant. She just nodded, and Yinglian beside her already asked aloud: According to what your husband said, when is the appropriate time to teach the Sutra of Filial Piety?

Don't worry, wait until they have achieved a little bit of learning. You can take them on a study tour to expand their knowledge before making further calculations. The other things are also reflected in the words and deeds of us people. Chen Heng suddenly had something in his heart. Enlightenment, he murmured, The virtue of a gentleman is the virtue of a villain.

Daiyu looked at Chen Heng's dazed expression in amusement, and couldn't help but fall silent and watch silently. Yinglian said happily: Sister Lin taught me this sentence. It comes from the Analects of Confucius...

Under the expectant gazes of Chen Heng and Daiyu, Yinglian thought for a long time before cautiously saying: Is it the Yan Yuan chapter?

Exactly, exactly. Chen Heng laughed, nodded to Daiyu, and joked: Shan Zhang Lin is indeed very knowledgeable and has the Midas touch to turn stone into gold.

Seeing Yinglian showing a bit of shyness, Daiyu hurriedly explained: Sister Yinglian has a smart temperament. Although she studied late, she has been influenced by her since childhood. Even reading books is easier than ordinary students. Read deeply and calmly.”

This is the way to study. Chen Heng ate a few more mouthfuls of food before encouraging him to Yinglian, Writing poems and lyrics can be a form of entertainment. Only the knowledge in the books of sages is a treasure that cannot be bought with a lot of money.

Yinglian studies very hard. She has been studying in the academy with Daiyu for a long time, and she also knows the saying that scholars often say, There is a golden house in a book to encourage learning. She couldn't help but ask: If this is the case, why are there so many poor scholars in the world?

Because, the things read in books are dead things after all. Knowledge... Chen Heng gestured with his hands, You have to use it and turn it into wisdom in your brain. That's when it comes into play.

Is there such a thing?! Yinglian couldn't help being dumbfounded. She still thought that she had endorsed it day and night and had just entered the world. Now listening to Chen Hengyi's words, she was probably just standing on the long steps in front of the mountain.

Don't be in a hurry. Only by reading thousands of books, traveling thousands of miles and seeing thousands of things can you learn. Chen Heng encouraged Yinglian again. He hoped that this lady would not give up her path of study. If you don't If you are eager to manage the world and make money, reading books will be a lifelong matter.

Oh. Yinglian nodded slightly, feeling more determined in her heart to keep up with her husband and sister Lin.

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As night fell, Chen Heng walked into Daiyu's room and saw Daiyu making a sachet under the lamp. He lifted his robe, sat next to his wife, and asked aloud: Okay, why are you doing this? Be careful of hurting your eyes.

Daiyu glanced at the other party and complained: You are wearing all the old ones, and you don't know how to tell me. When you go out like this, others think that the two ladies of the Chen family have not taken good care of you, and they have ignored other people's gossip.

Hahaha. Chen Heng chuckled, not daring to answer. He just took off the sachet from his waist, placed it in the palm of his hand, and said, You gave this sachet to me when I took the provincial examination. For so many years, I didn't even notice it without you telling me.

Even though she was happy in her heart that the other party paid attention to her, Daiyu still pursed her lips and lowered her head to do her work.

Seeing that Daiyu was focused on the sachet, Chen Heng said attentively: Good madam, since you have raised your hand today. I wonder if there is anything my madam wants that I can help you with.

Daiyu especially loved rubbing her hair against Chen Heng's temples these days, and she even enjoyed the tenderness in front of her. He immediately said, It's been a long time since you made an origami crane for me, sir. How about you fold one for me today?

With such a soft and soft tone, you can get not just one, but ninety-nine or ten thousand. Chen Heng responded with a smile, stood up and walked to the table. Daiyu stared at the back of the proud young man from behind. I saw the other person under the lamp again, earnestly fulfilling his little wish. The pain in my heart also dissipated a lot unconsciously.

If it comes time for each other to grow old together and my husband is no longer alive, I'm afraid I won't be able to stay for long. Daiyu thought like this, and suddenly understood what Master Xie said, Spring is him, summer is him, autumn and winter are him, and day and night are him. If you don't want to live as a teacher, you don't want to live. I just want to be with him. Let’s go to the same place together and become an underground couple. It will also prevent him from being alone on the road and making me think about him in my dreams.”

After thinking about it like this, Daiyu started making the sachet more seriously. When Chen Heng came up with the paper crane as if he was offering a treasure, she put down her needle and thread slightly and started joking with her husband.

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After the beginning of summer, a few days passed. Pan You'an suddenly ran into the house in a hurry, found the master's study, opened the door and said: Sir, sir, we are here.

Chen Heng was looking at the nostalgia of various towns. Seeing his happy look, Chen Heng said directly: Is Si Qi here? Okay, okay, I will allow you a few days off. Just go back and spend time with her.

Oops. Pan You'an stamped his feet anxiously and said hurriedly, My good lord, we have a guest at home.

It's not that your sweetheart is here, why are you so happy? Chen Heng raised his eyebrows and asked as he stood up, Who is here?

They are brothers and sisters of the Xue family in Yangzhou.

Ha, good guys, they turned out to be Xue Biao and Bao Qin? The two brothers and sisters still know about coming back? ? ? Chen Heng smiled happily and ran straight into the hall without even bothering to change his clothes.

As soon as I arrived in front of the hall, I saw a pair of men dressed as men, commenting on the various furnishings in the hall. It seems that there are different opinions.

Brother Xue, second brother. Chen Heng only glanced at the back and recognized Xue Biao on the left and Bao Qin on the right.

Baoqin heard the sound and turned half sideways. Wearing a blue hat, Zhan Yan said happily: Long time no see, big brother.

Sorry, sorry, I went to the hospital. The doctor said it was lumbar muscle strain. Later I saw a Chinese medicine doctor and he said that I was weak from sitting for a long time. Then I got a needle in my foot, and damn, the pain was relieved immediately. Chinese medicine is really good, he can really do it with just one shot. When I go out, I dare not bend my back. It's much better now that I'm back. However, the Chinese medicine doctor said that I should take medicine for another day to recuperate. So there was no update yesterday, hahaha. I owe you two days of updates and will make up for it later. Thank you thank you.