The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

I don’t know how Xue Biao drank wine. When he returned to the inn, he already looked angry. Baoqin looked at his brother's appearance and knew that Xue Pan must have meant nothing good. Quickly asking Chun Yan to bring a pot of tea, she asked with a half smile: Why didn't you go out to drink, why did you come back so angry?

Aren't you angry? Xue Biao just sat down and spread his hands to complain, From the moment I arrived at the field, my cousin and Brother Lian have been pulling me together and repeatedly saying that this business is a good one. What they say is a good one. You just want to tell me. There is a way to do this this time, so let me quickly spend money to make a fortune with them.

Saying this, Xue Tao sneered after taking a sip of tea, I really borrowed the Buddha's golden bowl and went to the temple to find someone for alms - he is so handsome. How can I know how to give it to them? Is the path left a good one? But there are so many money-making businesses in the world, why should I have to go with them? Wouldn't it be better if I go directly to Chi Xing and ask?

Brother, don't be angry. Seeing Xue Biao drink up the tea in one gulp, Bao Qin quickly poured a cup and asked softly, Then how did brother respond to them?

Hey. Xue Biao suddenly gave a bad laugh, I said that my parents and elders have the final say in business matters at home, and my sister also has the final say. Several good brothers know me. Apart from reading and painting, I have never done anything in my life. Other fun.”

As he spoke, Xue Biao put his hands on the table and shook his head proudly, No wonder Chixing often told me in private that when you have some money in your pocket, you should stay away from people who want to partner with you. I didn't expect this to happen. On the three of them.

After hearing this, Xue Baoqin felt a little more relieved. She was afraid that her brother would drink some wine and be coaxed into the basket by someone from the Jia family. When doing business with others, you should look at the person first and then the matter.

With a person like Xue Pan and a reputation like Jia Lian. No matter how good a thing is, if it falls into their hands, it won't make a big deal. If the Jia family really wanted to get things done in Songjiang, they would send a capable steward who would be much more prudent than these few people.

They are just a bunch of young men who drink and have fun on weekdays, but they can be counted on to be of some use at critical moments. Bao Qin thought for a while and asked again: What did I ask my brother to inquire about?

It's really strange when you say this. Xue Biao suddenly changed his sitting posture, frowned, and said cautiously, I looked at the posture of the three of them talking together. It seems that Jia Lian and cousin Xue have an affair. After careful consideration, when it came time to make a decision, they turned their attention to Baoyu again.

What about the back? Baoqin became more energetic after hearing this.

What else can we do? Our cousin-in-law hesitated for a long time and felt that both of them were reasonable. My cousin and Jia Lian had no choice but to come up with their own ideas and repeat them.

This is how Xue Biao spent the day's banquet. Thinking about it now, he was very annoyed deep down. This isn't a place to eat. It's obviously a place to listen to complaints about the lawsuit. He hesitated for a while and said cautiously: Sister, I looked at the Jia family's first and second bedrooms, and I'm afraid there is a gap.

Baoqin nodded in approval, and she also saw it. No wonder when he was a guest at the Huating County Yamen last time, the eldest brother specifically said that Jia Lian came to Songjiang this time to take Baoyu out to experience things. It's no wonder that her cousin couldn't bring out good tea, as she was afraid that Wang Xifeng was already stumbling upon her in the dark.

A good deal is about to get entangled with the internal conflicts of a wealthy family. Baoqin couldn't help but sigh, I'm afraid this matter won't be easy to handle.

Yes. My cousin-in-law is now married and has a family. It is said that the second wife of the family should live alone in the future and work out her own future. Xue Biao suddenly remembered a rumor and couldn't help but ask Bao Qin.

I have always heard that the power of the Jia family's foreign affairs is all in the hands of the second bedroom. Otherwise, why would the second bedroom live in Rongxi Hall and the eldest bedroom in the side courtyard. Now look at the appearance of the three of them, I think the rumor should be real……

That's all. After all, it's other people's family affairs. We don't have to worry about it. How can we freely comment on the grudges of the previous generation outside tonight? Baoqin was worried that he would make mistakes if he spoke too much, so he stopped talking to his brother.

Xue Biao thought so, and they just came back from Guangzhou. He didn't have a deep understanding of the current situation of each company, so he simply changed his mind and said, Didn't Zhixing say that tomorrow we will welcome business firms from all over the city in the city? Sister, can you go when you arrive?

Of course I'm going. Baoqin glanced at his brother, It's not just me, brother, don't run away secretly.

Suddenly his sister guessed what he was thinking, and Xue Biao was speechless. He held half of the sentence on his lips before he spoke again, already smiling innocently: How could I leave my sister and run away while I'm away from home?

Brother, it's good if you know. Bao Qin smiled before getting up and sending Xue Biao out.

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The next day's banquet was held at the Songjiang government office. With the completion of the Chengnan Commercial Street, it is natural that Shangfeng must personally handle such matters in the limelight.

Chen Heng had no intention of making himself the focus of the banquet, and only told Liu Yanzhang vaguely about family matters. The latter also knew the name of Pei Huaizhen and Pei Shoufu. In this regard, Liu Zhizhou, in addition to expressing a few regrets and regrets, also understood Chen Heng's desire to keep a low profile.

Today's banquet was still divided into the inner hall and the outer hall. Needless to say, Zhang Shangde, Feng Zhu, and Wang Shouyi were all present. From the moment he entered the government office, he was led to sit in the inner hall.

The status of the people sitting in the outfield is actually not bad. In addition to the local gentry, there were also merchants who came to sit down. The wealth of these people is indeed inferior to that of business gangs from all over the world. But no matter how small the mosquito legs are, they are still meat. Songjiang Prefecture Government and Huating County Government work together to naturally hope that these guests can have a home away from home experience and stay in Songjiang to do business in the future.

Chen Heng's table is located at the first seat in the outfield. While interacting with Liu Yanzhang, the magistrate of the inner hall, he could also take care of the foreign guests. When talking to these people, Chen Heng wanted to drink tea instead of wine, but no one dared to come up and actively persuade him to drink.

Before the banquet started, Zhang Shangde and others were sent into the inner hall. Chen Heng sat back in his seat and looked around at the guests sitting with him. There are Xue Biao and Bao Qin from Yangzhou, Hu Yuan, a relative of the Hu family who has not been seen for a long time, Xia Jingui who came specially from the capital, and Jia Lian, Bao Yu and Xue Pan are here.

In terms of status, the last four should actually be admitted to the inner hall. It was only when these four people heard that Chen Heng was sitting outside that they ignored Liu Yanzhang's coaxing and insisted on sitting here.

It's hard to say what Xia Jingui's thoughts are. Chen Heng looked at Jia Lian and Xue Pan looking around and guessed what they wanted to do.

He subtly withdrew his gaze and saw that everyone was looking at him. Chen Heng chuckled lightly, picked up his chopsticks and said with a smile, Everyone, eat quickly, don't wait for the food to get cold.

Seeing Mr. Chen speak, people at the dozen or so tables nearby moved their chopsticks in surprise. I thought that on such an important occasion, Mr. Chen would say a few words before the meal. However, Mr. Chen didn't mean this, and everyone was happy and relaxed.

Hu Yuan saw everything in his eyes and couldn't help but feel a little surprised and proud. When Chen Heng was still studying in Yangzhou Academy, he felt that this son was definitely not a creature in the pool. Today's majesty that responded to everyone's call made him even more proud of his own way of looking at people.

Back then, Gao Zhen listened to the nonsense said by the clan leader and prevented his second brother from marrying the daughter of the Chen family. Where can I find this gold noodle? Let me sit at the head table today. With some subtle thoughts in mind, Hu Yuan suddenly saw Chen Heng put a piece of fish in his bowl.

Unfortunately, the eldest brother is here. I haven't had the chance to entertain him well in the past two days. I asked Brother Xue to drink more wine with the eldest brother today. It's all my brother's wish.

Hearing Chen Heng's polite words, Hu Yuan's heart felt as sweet as honey. He chuckled softly and said: If one family doesn't talk to each other, why should we brothers be so polite?

After all, his family members were present. Even though he knew that this was not the place to talk, Chen Heng still asked cautiously. Is everything okay at home?

It's all good. Your sister and your brother-in-law's shop is in full swing. This girl Yuanyuan has already started reading and practicing calligraphy, and she has been clamoring all day long to see your uncle.

Chen Heng smiled and nodded, and gave Hu Yuan another look. He indicated that after the banquet was over, they could go back home and slowly reminisce about old times. He turned his gaze to Xue Zhu on the other side and looked at the other person's lack of sleep. He couldn't help but wonder: What have you been doing these past few days? Why are you so haggard?

It's hard to explain in words. Xue Biao shook his head, lowered his voice and raised his eyes. Seeing him like this, Chen Heng didn't know who the problem was, so he had to give up with a chuckle.

Brother-in-law, let me toast you. Chen Heng was still whispering to Xue Pan, but Xue Pan suddenly said in a strong voice. Seeing Chen Heng's slightly surprised look, Xue Pan secretly thought something was wrong and hurriedly explained: Brother-in-law, just drink tea, just drink tea.

That’s okay. Chen Heng smiled and raised the teacup to signal slightly.

After drinking this wine, the atmosphere at the table gradually became lively. For some social activities, there are two relatives and friends on the left and right to take care of them. Apart from eating some light side dishes, Chen Heng focused all his energy on chatting with others.

Most of the people who can come to the government office today have some background and connections. There are many wealthy businessmen and families in various places in Jiangnan. The opening of Songjiang Port will only be a good thing for them and will not do any harm at all.

Such a match makes Chen Heng and Daiyu the favorites of this place. Chen Heng in front, Xue Biao and Hu Yuan also helped to carry it. Daiyu, who was behind, took Yinglian and sat beside Mrs. Zhizhou, accepting greetings and goodwill from the ladies of various families.

After all, Songjiang Mansion is different from Zhen Mansion. Chen Heng has already made a name for himself here. Needless to say, the official wife of the Chen family has also gained some fame along with Baochai. The county magistrate is not as good as the current one. No matter how powerful the daughter-in-law of Rongguo Mansion is, she is separated by thousands of mountains and rivers, and it is difficult to have time to deal with her on weekdays.

But this Master Chen is actually Huating's parent official. Everyone will look at his eyes when eating or drinking from now on.

Daiyu's temperament doesn't really like these things that come and go. I just couldn't stand these ladies asking about the enrollment of Yunjian Academy as soon as they came up. Now even Liu Zhizhou's juniors have enrolled in school. The teacher-student relationship was picked up for free, and everyone must not hurry up and get close to it.

The front hall and back house were busy for a while, and it was time for the third round of drinks. Suddenly a doorman ran in outside the door and led a servant in yellow to Liu Yanzhang and whispered.

I don't know what he said, but Liu Yanzhang took Huang Yigong to his seat. Soon, some news spread inside and outside the government office. About the day after tomorrow, the imperial envoy will arrive at Songjiang Mansion. Someone is secretly rumoring that Liu Yanzhang's position is expected to rise due to his meritorious service in supervising the port this time.

Seeing that he was about to take off his official robe, Liu Yanzhang abandoned the distinguished guests in the inner hall. He carried the wine glass directly to the outfield, stood at Chen Heng's table, and smiled at the people who were about to get up, pressing his hands. Everyone, sit down, everyone, sit down. I'm just here to see how well everyone is eating... From now on, I'll have to trouble you about the affairs of Chengnan Commercial Street.

Everyone in the outfield looked at Liu Yanzhang's happy expression, and most of them confirmed their guesses. Seeing that the pending Songjiang prefect finally had a clue, everyone became more respectful towards Liu Yanzhang.

After leading everyone to have a drink, Liu Yanzhang pulled Chen Heng in front of everyone and said warmly: Hang Xing.

Sir. Holding the teacup in his hand, his attitude was naturally more modest. In addition to his tall and straight figure, Chen Heng had no choice but to lean forward slightly.

The current situation in Songjiang Prefecture is due to your contribution. I know it in my heart, and the people of Songjiang also know it. From now on, I hope you will take charge of all affairs in the prefecture and help me share my worries.

Chen Heng gave Liu Yanzhang plenty of face, and Liu Yanzhang's etiquette was also thorough. In front of everyone, he boasted about his number one general. Liu Yanzhang even called the chief registrar of Lou County from the corner and told him: From now on, you don't have to ask the government office for any major or minor affairs in Lou County. You can report them directly to Zhi Xing.

Not only the chief registrar of Lou County, but also everyone else in the venue was shocked when they heard this. The magistrate of Huating County is going to take charge of a whole county. When did the newly promoted Liu Futai have such a good relationship with Mr. Chen?

Sir Chen... The chief secretary of Lou County did not dare to have any objections. He hurriedly filled the glass with wine and half-bent down, he respectfully said to Chen Heng, Please choose a date to move to the Lou County government office. I will definitely lead the Sixth Class. The guards in the sixth room are waiting for you.

This can be regarded as an unexpected surprise. Chen Heng responded with tea, accepted the kindness of the chief registrar, and sent Liu Yanzhang back to the inner hall. When he came out again, everyone looked at him very differently.

Now that both the south and north of the city are in Master Chen's hands, from now on Songjiang Mansion will probably have two masters, one big and one small.

This reaction fell directly on everyone's words and deeds, and there is no need to say more words of congratulations. The people who had toasted before found a reason to come over again, and their attitude was even more respectful and cautious.

When the news reached the backyard, Daiyu still didn't know whether her husband was promoted. Mrs. Liu beside her had already called her granddaughter, asking her to toast Daiyu in public and call her Sir.

Daiyu didn't want the children to get too involved in adults' entertainment, so she asked the students to step aside with just a few words of humility. In front of Mrs. Liu, he praised the child a few times.

Having a teacher like you to teach her is truly a blessing that this child has cultivated over several lifetimes.

Daiyu shook her head and chuckled, not knowing how to answer.

But her surprise was not over yet.

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A few days later, the imperial envoy who rushed to Songjiang not only read out the appointment of Liu Yanzhang, but also had an additional decree for Daiyu.

I don't know if it was Li Zhi's will or the power of his long-lost father-in-law. It may also be due to the fact that Chen Heng was appointed magistrate of Huating County for less than half a year. The reward that was supposed to be given to him was given to Daiyu in the form of Mrs. Gaoming.

After the imperial envoy who announced the edict left, Daiyu, who held the edict in hand, was still in a daze. The Xingxing Siguan who had just conveyed the order praised her in Li Zhi's tone. She was said to be a virtuous husband and a good steward of the family. In addition, he has both political integrity and talent, and often carries out educational activities in Songjiang. My beloved is able to serve his country wholeheartedly because he has such a wife to support him.

What a happy thing, why are you still dumbfounded and silent. Chen Heng stepped forward and patted Daiyu's hand gently.

Mrs. Chen, who had just come to her senses, looked at the other party in surprise, and then complained: Did your husband know this earlier?!

Hahaha. Chen Heng laughed. The answer to the mystery had been revealed. He simply stopped hiding his secrets and said directly, When Mr. Futai submitted a petition to request merit, I asked him to write down Yunjian Academy. I want your Majesty and my father-in-law to mention it. , you can definitely guess my thoughts.”

Chen Heng looked at the imperial edict in Daiyu's hand with great pride, With it, you only need to put the edict in the academy, and no one will dare to comment on you in the future.

Zijuan and Qingwen thought the same way. The two girls came up to her happily and kept congratulating the newly promoted seventh-grade Mrs. Haoming.

After listening to the auspicious words for a while, Daiyu waved her hand to signal the two girls to stay silent. She took Chen Heng to find another place. Together, she and her husband carefully avoided the servants who removed the incense table, and went straight to the quiet courtyard to look for it.

When she could no longer hear the joyous sounds outside, Daiyu said worriedly: My husband, please tell me the truth. But because of my affairs, you asked His Majesty to record this credit on my head.

Facing his wife, Chen Heng didn't need to hide too much and nodded directly: There is such a consideration. But madam, you don't have to think too much. Our family has just established a foothold in Songjiang not long after arriving. A rash promotion will inevitably lead to too much limelight. , even more arousing criticism. Since I can’t get any benefits, I can’t ask for more benefits from His Majesty.”

Just be patient. He held the lady's hand and felt the soft touch from his palm. Even though they have been married for a long time, Chen Heng is still excited. He chuckled and replied, It is said that a true man is the one who makes his wife a wife. I thought His Majesty would only give a good life to someone of the eighth or ninth grade. Who would have thought that His Majesty would give him a seventh-grade life...

After all, husband and wife are one body, Daiyu thought again and again. I still know that my husband-in-law is worried about the impact of gossip on me. She obviously felt very sweet in her heart, but she opened her mouth and said proudly: Actually, my husband, you don't have to worry too much. Yu'er never paid attention to those words outside.

It's really hard to figure out how this arrogance could come out of nowhere after getting married. Chen Heng simply reached out and held Daiyu's waist. After the two of them were close to each other, he said: After all, why haven't I heard Madam say that she likes or is happy?

In broad daylight, Daiyu couldn't help but clenched her fist and hit Chen Heng on the back several times. After a long time, he said softly: Yu'er naturally likes and is happy.

What do you like? What are you happy about? Chen Heng asked. He seems to know how to deal with tsundere. Be as direct as you can. If you really have to work hard, good things can easily turn into bad things.

Daiyu thought for a moment and knew that if she didn't give an explanation now, she might not be able to escape her husband's Wuzhishan. He simply stood on tiptoe and said close to Chen Heng's ear: I like my husband, and I'm even more happy that my husband can always think about me.

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The wife of the family was given the title of Mrs. Haoming, and she was supposed to make a flowing banquet to entertain relatives, friends and neighbors. Just considering family affairs, Chen Heng and Daiyu both intend to postpone it until the end of the year.

Relatives such as Xue Biao and Hu Yuan prepared some gifts. Just accept these things. While Chen Heng was chatting with visitors at home, he learned another piece of news from Hu Yuan from Yangzhou.

I heard that there was a robbery in Ping'an Prefecture, and the military rations transported from Jiangxi to the border areas were robbed by bandits. The imperial envoy sent from the capital will arrive in Jinling soon to try the Zhen family case.

Chen Heng and Xue Biao listened for a while, and the latter hurriedly asked: This world is really getting more and more uneven. Who is the imperial envoy here this time?

I heard that he is the third master of the Shi family - Shi Ding, the Marquis of Zhongjing.

Hu Yuan has been traveling abroad all year round, and he also knows the faces of the four great families in Jinling. Chen Heng was stunned when he heard this. He didn't expect this person to come?

When he was working on the history of the Ministry of War, he had heard of the name of this third master of historians. Shi Xiangyun's father is the eldest of these three brothers. Because of his untimely death, the title of family title was freely given to his second brother Shi Naide. This Shi Nai succeeded Baolinghou, and now he has left local officials alone.

Shi Ding, the third child, relied on his own bravery to fight for a title on the battlefield, and was regarded as a leading representative of the descendants of the noble family. It can also be seen from his title loyalty that Li Zhi recognized Shi Ding's ability.

There were only three loyal titles in the Great Yong Dynasty. The old prince Yi Zhong is the cousin of the Supreme Emperor. Prince Zhongshun is Li Zhi's biological brother. The remaining Zhong fell on Shi Ding, the Marquis of Zhongjing.