The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Chen Heng knew that Shi Ding would never give up. The reason why the other party did not take off his official robe to vent his anger was entirely because of the golden reputation of Lin Ruhai and Li Zhi. After hurriedly returning to the county office, the first thing he did was to collect all the files in the state capital involving Ping'an Prefecture.

After the county magistrate issued an order, the civil servants in Huating County naturally had to work overtime. That night, countless files and documents were sorted out and transferred to Chen Heng's study.

After watching it for three days, Chen Heng carefully sorted out what he was thinking. Only then did he record the key points on the document. He drove the post station's fast horse as his envoy and ran towards the capital.

This is the second letter he sent to the capital this month, only slightly later than the memorial sent by Shi Ding. Although both of them have the power to perform secret music independently, their weight is different.

They all had to go to the imperial court to start a quarrel. Shi Ding, as the imperial envoy, casually issued a memorial saying that the Ministry of War would rush for six hundred miles. As for the memorial sent out by Chen Heng, he would have to travel hundreds of miles to rush it. It's not that he didn't use the six-hundred-mile expedited privilege, it's just that what he said in the document was to postpone the suppression of bandits.

This kind of content can get you hundreds of miles of expedited work. Directly bypassing the review of the cabinet and submitting it directly to the emperor in a secret manner is already a symbol of the untiring grace of the Holy Spirit. If you are greedy and use the six hundred miles to rush, the Ministry of War may turn a blind eye to save face.

The Imperial Censor was afraid that Chen Heng would be scolded for relying on His Majesty's favor and ignoring the court's laws and decency.

Given the speed of delivering the letter, the first thing Li Zhi saw was naturally Shi Ding's complaint. Li Zhi himself felt a little baffled when he saw his favorite general scolding his favorite civil servant in the memorial. He originally wanted to let Chen Heng and Shi Ding, two capable ministers, work closely together to help him eliminate a local hidden danger.

Who would have thought, things haven’t started yet. The two men under his command caused trouble first. I noticed that Shi Ding denounced Chen Heng in his letter as an arrogant scholar and a complacent person. Li Zhi also wanted to laugh. His first reaction was, could there be a private conflict between the two people?

Thinking of this, he sent his eunuch to call Lin Ruhai. As soon as the monarch and his ministers met, Li Zhi asked directly: Ruhai, your good son-in-law and Shijia Sanlang have a private grudge?

Lin Ruhai was stunned when he heard this. His first reaction was naturally, had his son-in-law cheated on him? I can think of the message that this guy Xinda conveyed to me. Lin Ruhai's keen political sense kicked in and he replied directly: As far as I know, this child has never made enemies with anyone.

Li Zhi talked about this matter in the name of his son-in-law. Lin Ruhai must first focus on the elders' perspective on the younger ones. No matter what Li Zhi has to say next, this perspective is the most suitable to excuse and plead guilty for his son-in-law.

Li Zhi smiled, picked up Shi Ding's memorial, and handed it to Lin Ruhai.

Read it for yourself first, then tell me what you think after reading it.

I obey the decree. Lin Ruhai took it carefully and took a look, quickly reviewing the contents of the memorial. After a moment, he hesitated and said: This kid is not prudent enough in his work. He has crossed the line by discussing important military matters without authorization. He also dares to refute His Majesty's Imperial Envoy. I ask Your Majesty not to despise or condone him. Now I have made it clear that I will punish him well. I will give this kid a long memory and learn some rules!!

Li Zhi really wanted to laugh when he heard this, and said quietly: Just verbal punishment?!

How about we fine him another half-year suspension of salary? Lin Ruhai heard Li Zhi's tone and asked again.

Okay, I know that this good father-in-law is reluctant to punish his good son-in-law. Li Zhi waved his hand nonchalantly. He had already got the news he wanted. He said directly, Since it's not a personal feud, it's a business matter. I think this guy's memorial is on the way. Let's wait for now, and let's see what his defense is.

Lin Ruhai nodded in agreement. This result was the best for Chen Heng. Unexpectedly, Li Zhi then asked: Chixing really didn't tell you in private, why are you opposed to this?

Thinking of the previous disputes caused by this matter in the court, Lin Ruhai said without hesitation: Your Majesty, I really don't know. This child rarely has time to discuss anything with me now.

When Li Zhi heard this, he immediately said lukewarmly: They are all fledglings with wings, and they only want to fly on their own wings. But they don't know that no matter what they do, in the end we, the elders, will have to come out to wipe their butts.

Lin Ruhai knew that Li Zhi's words were not only scolding Chen Heng, but also a subtle nod to Prince Li Xian. The latter's views on suppressing bandits are surprisingly consistent with Chen Heng's.

Because my beloved eldest son has a different opinion from me. Li Zhi was very angry for a while. He even ordered the prince to shut himself up and think about his mistakes, and not to meet with the ministers in the court. Li Zhi felt that it was these sour ministers who had led my prince into mischief. As a result, Li Xian learned some kindness that a woman should not have.

Thinking of this, Lin Ruhai didn't dare to speak casually. Seeing Li Zhi looking at him again, Lin Ruhai smiled bitterly: Who said he is the son-in-law I chose? That's all. Since he doesn't want to tell me, I just need to pay more attention to him.

Seeing the resourceful ministers of Humerus, they were helpless to deal with their juniors. The anger that had accumulated in Li Zhi's heart dissipated slightly.

Because when Chen Heng pleaded guilty for the Jinling City Gate incident, Li Zhi had privately approached Lin Ruhai. Judging from the other party's reaction at the time, Chen Heng indeed rarely discussed matters with his father-in-law. With this matter as a basis, Li Zhi himself did not doubt Lin Ruhai's words at this moment.

After clearing up his depression, Li Zhi secretly cursed Chen Heng as a fool. At the same time, he turned to ask Xia Shouzhong, What has the prince done recently?

With the court ministers present, Xia Shouzhong answered very cautiously and simply said: His Royal Highness has been studying in the East Palace recently. Even the grandson is staying in the palace and has not gone out.

Li Zhi cursed loudly when he heard this: I asked him to shut himself up and think about his mistakes. Why did he shut up my great-grandson as well? He frowned and thought for a while, then said directly: Preach my decree, call the crown prince and Li Jun together. Come to the palace and have dinner with you.

Seeing that Li Zhi had to deal with housework, Lin Ruhai took the opportunity to leave, got up and left Linjing Hall with Xia Shouzhong.

In the evening, Lin Ruhai returned to the house and hurriedly called Xinda to the study. The latter was anxious because he had not received a reply for a long time. Before leaving Songjiang, Chen Heng gave such urgent instructions that Xinda did not dare to delay his brother's important event.

Don't be anxious. Lin Ruhai looked at the child's anxious expression and hurriedly comforted him, There is something going on in the court in the past two days. Once it is settled, you can go back and tell Chi Xing the news.

Yes, sir.

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That night, Li Jun, who had had dinner in the palace, rushed to his father Li Xian as soon as he returned to the East Palace and said proudly: Dad, what do you think the emperor said to the child today?

Li Zhi dared to be angry with Li Xian, but Li Xian did not dare to be angry with Li Zhi. He slowed down his reading, glanced slightly at his obedient son, and couldn't help scolding: How dare you spread the words your grandfather told you everywhere? Be careful what you do.

The child looked at Grandpa and asked me to deliver a message to Dad. Li Jun was somewhat favored in front of Li Zhi. When it comes to speaking, he is also very bold.

Seeing his son's beaming expression, Li Xian sneered, said nothing, and just continued reading in silence. How could Li Jun not understand him? He turned directly behind his father, squeezing his father's shoulders and talking about Chen Heng.

After giving an overview of Shi Ding's accusation against Chen Heng, Li Jun didn't bother to comment. Li Xian couldn't help but nod and praise: Master Chen is indeed a capable minister. He has only been in Songjiang for half a year, and he knows the civil affairs and the people's hardships. Alas...

Your evaluation is not exactly the same as what Grandpa Huang said, but it can also be regarded as completely different. Li Jun curled his lips and said to Li Xian: Dad, I think Grandpa Huang means to punish Chi Xing severely.

Confused, he is an official of the imperial court. How dare you call him by his first name? Li Xian glared at Li Jun. He didn't explain to his son until he admitted his mistake and apologized, If your grandpa really wants to punish him, he won't I will ask you to come into the palace to accompany me.

That's?! Li Jun's talent is cleverness, but there are many twists and turns. He doesn't have Li Zhi's sophisticated imperial skills, nor does he have Li Xian's maturity.

Seeing that the only son couldn't figure it out after thinking for a long time, Li Xian reluctantly explained to him: Your grandfather wanted to see your father's reaction. And whether it was your father's hint that he asked Mr. Chen to come forward to help him.

After listening to this, Li Jun really wanted to laugh. The grandson who had just made amends couldn't help but said with pride: Who can I ask for help, but I can't find a seventh-grade county magistrate.

Seeing that his son was talking more and more outrageously, Li Xian looked displeased and immediately snorted. Seeing that his father was about to get angry again, Li Jun immediately pursed his lips and began to think about his mistakes.

Just by thinking about it carefully, he understood the danger. There are many ways to think about the same thing in the world. At best, it is absolutely impossible for the prince to have any personal relationship with the local magistrate, so it should be regarded as a coincidence. But if we look at it from another angle, even local county magistrates can come out to support the prince. Doesn't that further prove that the prince's followers have spread throughout the government and the public and have won the hearts of the ministers? !

The prince is so powerful, capable and loyal, so should he go a step further and aspire to be the leader of Yuce?

Li Jun, who was so frightened that he broke into a cold sweat, was slapped awake by his father before he could express his feelings about the dangers of the royal family. Li Xian scolded: Even if your grandfather is very suspicious, he is definitely not as dirty as you think.

Dad, how do you know what I'm thinking? Li Jun couldn't help shouting.

It's all written on your face. Li Xian scolded angrily and added, It's just that Mr. Chen is dedicated to making decisions for the people, but your father can't let him suffer because of himself. You can go to your grandfather tomorrow to deliver a message , just say that dad wants to go to the palace to meet his old man.

Li Jun was very puzzled when he heard this. Grandpa gave you three orders to shut up and think about your mistakes. At this critical moment, why do you still want to ask your son to speak for you?

Dad, I'm afraid it's not good.

The bright candlelight in the palace shone on Li Jun's worried face. If you show up at this time, wouldn't it mean that yellow mud falls into your crotch and cannot be washed away?

Knowing that grandpa is very suspicious, he doesn't want to step aside to protect himself, but he still rushes up at the risk of bad luck? How can there be such a truth in being a minister?

Li Xian guessed Li Jun's thoughts and immediately said: Jun'er, my original thoughts were similar to yours. But your father and I learned a lot from Master Chen's behavior before.

When Li Jun heard this, he couldn't help but asked anxiously: Dad, do you really have private messages with Mr. Chen?!

What nonsense are you talking about?! Li Xian got angry after hearing this. He had already thought about how to deal with the child in the future. At the moment, he still explained patiently, Do you still remember Mr. Chen's use of the token in Jinling City?

Of course I remember. How could Li Jun forget this?

When the news reached the East Palace that day, Li Xian was having dinner with his family. After eating for a while, the prince learned about this and was frightened to death. He rushed to the palace in panic and was about to apologize to Li Zhi when he explained the history of the token.

Unexpectedly, Li Zhi had already obtained the secret letter explaining Chen Heng's explanation. Seeing Li Xiancheng's fearful look, Li Zhi even said with a smile: Don't worry about him using the token. I know why you gave him the token. I don't blame you. I can use a token to protect their family. His safety is also a great blessing.

Li Xian finally felt at ease and returned to the East Palace wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Li Jun thought about what happened and didn't know what his father had learned. It's just a small thing, what can you learn from it?

Hearing his son's question, Li Xian smiled calmly and said, Fortunately, I have received your kindness and shown my sincerity.

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Only two days later, Li Jun successfully delivered the message for Li Xian. Li Zhi was in a good mood after just finishing the test on his grandson's homework. Hearing that the prince wanted to see him, and thinking that it was almost time for reflection, he asked Xia Shouzhong to go over and invite Li Xian to the Jingdian Hall.

After all, they were biological father and son. After not seeing each other for many days, Li Zhi also missed Li Xian very much. After keeping each other so lukewarm for several days, Li Zhi felt a little distressed when he saw that Li Xian looked a little haggard.

As soon as he met him, Li Zhi couldn't help but ask: I've only allowed you to stay in the palace for a few days, and you are like this. If you are really wronged in your heart, you can just go to the palace and tell me, why do you need to harm your body? After reading so many books, how can I not know how to understand the body's hair and skin and the principles of being taught by one's parents?

When you are angry, who dares to speak up? With this thought in his mind, Li Xian emotionally said a few words of introspection, and after a few common words, he turned the conversation between father and son to the matter of Chen Heng and Shi Ding.

How could Li Zhi not know the purpose of his visit, but he still wanted to say, I want you to study hard in the East Palace. It would be better for you to care about the outside world.

Dad, didn't you ask Jun'er to deliver the message to me? Li Xian complained in his heart, but he didn't dare to say it. He just said: Dad, I will go back soon, and my son will continue to study hard in the palace.

Li Zhi did not answer the other party's words. He wanted to see how Li Xian defended Chen Heng's 'coincidence', so he waved his hand to let the prince speak first.

Earlier, I didn't understand my father's intentions, so I just relied on my own knowledge. Jun'er suddenly told me about Mr. Chen a few days ago, but I suddenly wanted to understand something.

Hearing what Li Xian said, Li Zhi immediately became interested. He sat upright on the throne and said, Tell me, what does my prince want to understand?

Li Xian had prepared a whole set of words last night, but looking at Li Zhi's expression at the moment, he felt that these words were cumbersome. Instead of making a long speech at this moment, it would be better to get straight to the point.

Even the local county magistrate can figure things out. How can his father, who has spent his life in the military, not be able to figure it out? As soon as these words came out, Li Zhi immediately smiled. Seeing Li Zhi's expression, Li Xian felt confident and continued, Master Chen is far away and only thinks about the people of Songjiang. This is his strength and also his weakness.

The people of Songjiang are the people of Dayong. Aren't they the people of Hunan, Hunan and Guangxi? The people of Jiangxi, Shanxi, Shandong and other places have been harassed by bandits for a long time. My father intends to restore a peaceful world to the people of the world. As a son and a minister, you should resolve all difficulties. , just go head-on.

Seeing Li Xian speak so sincerely, it really hit Li Zhi's heart. The latter immediately smiled and said: That's right. Prince, do you really think that I don't know how difficult it is for the people in Jiangnan to do corvee work? But if the bandit soldiers are not eliminated for a day, and Jiangnan is relatively peaceful, how much benefit will it bring to the world? Which one is more important? , why you just can’t figure it out.”

If we really try to explain it according to this statement, things will make sense. After all, as long as the battle is successful, Dayong will have at least fifty years of internal stability. In such an internal environment, there are a group of civil servants who have grown up to govern the world, and rising stars like Chen Heng to take over. Any emperor would be interested in suppressing bandits.

As for failure? The shortcomings of human nature are not only ordinary people who like to take advantage of opportunities, but even emperors and generals cannot escape it. Most of the time in one's life, one cannot escape the word 'gamble'. The only difference is whether you have the capital and chips to go to the table. It is even said that the gambling nature of emperors, generals and ministers is much stronger than that of ordinary people. Because most of these people are winners.

According to what the prince said, what Zhixing said and did, is it right or wrong?

Knowing that Li Zhi's words meant something, Li Xian immediately said: It's okay to be wrong. He just fulfilled his duty as a minister.

Li Xian's words not only excused Chen Heng, but also found a suitable excuse for his previous confrontation in the court.

Such exculpatory words were quite useful to Li Zhi. He already understood the prince's intention and asked: Then do you think I should reward him or punish him?

Father, according to what I see, this is the reward that deserves it. Li Xian was so courageous. At this time, he actually dared to ask for credit for Chen Heng.

Li Zhi showed a strange smile and asked: Why is this?! I sent him down to the place to let him train himself. Although he had merit in governing Songjiang, he took credit for himself and directly contradicted the imperial envoy I sent. I will not punish him. He has already shown mercy, but you still want me to reward him?

When Taizong has something to say, it is clear to those who listen to it, but it is secret to those who believe it. Only when there are honest ministers like Mr. Chen in the court who are willing to speak out can the way of speech be broadened. My father will not have to listen to what one or two ministers say all day long.

At critical moments, Li Zhi's idol is more useful. After moving the famous Li Erfeng out, Li Xian's words made Li Zhi laugh heartily and said repeatedly: Okay, okay, then what do you think I should reward him for?

Li Xian was also prepared and said directly: Father, I will reward him with a token.

Hahahahahaha.

When Li Zhi laughed, he also believed it. It was a complete coincidence that Chen Heng and Prince Li Xian had the same opinion. Today's father-son conversation was really interesting.

Li Zhi was so happy that he couldn't help but step down from the throne, took Li Xian's hand to the front of the palace, looked at the vast Fengtian Square, and said loudly: Xian'er, you are my prince. Sooner or later, the world of Dayong will be destroyed. I want to hand it over to you. As a father, you really don’t know the danger of this matter? I can’t wait to give you a Yong who can eliminate the evil. You have a soft temper and lack the decisiveness to kill. This is my beloved place. , which is why I worry about you.

I often think about how you will deal with these disasters if I am no longer here in the future. As Li Zhi said, he sighed, I do these things all for you and Jun'er. ah.

No matter how much Li Xian dared to say, he looked moved when he heard this.

After all, he is just the prince and the next emperor, so why bother with Li Zhi? The current head of the family is still Li Zhi, his father. As a prince, you should occasionally call yourself a son-in-law in front of the emperor.

It's my son who has made my father worried.

You and I, father and son, are talking about this. Li Zhi hummed proudly, holding Li Xian's hand tightly, and said proudly, Just watch carefully and see what kind of prosperous world our father will hand over to us. It’s in your and Jun’er’s hands.”

When things have developed to this point, Chen Heng's letter is no longer so important. When it was brought into the palace, Li Zhi only glanced at it briefly and threw it aside. He also knew that what Chen Heng said was true. If the people of Songjiang continued to do corvee rounds one after another, it would indeed be easy for the people to complain.

But the people are complaining. Isn’t that your fault, Chen Chixing? I asked you to go down and govern the place, just to solve these matters and fulfill your duties loyally to the court. You have been studying with Master Pei for many years. Is it possible that you don't have the ability to calm down?

A decree sent back Chen Heng's secret letter, but Li Zhi did not punish him too much. True to what Prince Li Xian said, he gave Chen Heng a token and ordered him to assist Shi Ding in preparing military supplies and to lead a military camp counselor.

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Ten days later, it was early June. Chen Heng, who was far away in Songjiang, was dumbfounded when he received this decree. No, Your Majesty, I just had a quarrel with Marquis Zhongjing, and you asked me to assist him in preparing military supplies.

After that, if...if we lose the battle, will the problem be on me or on the other party?

Chen Heng intended to resign, but the emperor's order was already pressing upon him, and he could not resist it even if he wanted to. With the hot imperial gold medal in hand, Chen Heng took the letter brought back by his father-in-law Lin Ruhai.

He had previously had doubts about Shi Dingduo. In addition to asking his father-in-law for his reputation, he also focused on asking about his interpersonal relationships in the capital.

Lin Ruhai's reply was very detailed. After introducing the situation of Shi Ding's family, he also talked about some of the interpersonal relationships, both overt and covert. These are all things that are easy to inquire about. Chen Heng looked at them for a long time, but found a suspicious point.

Lin Ruhai said in the letter that although Shi Ding had good relations with many of the sons of the Four Kings and Eight Gongs, he only had a conflict with Wang Shuirong of Beijing over a singing girl from the capital. Half of the people in the capital knew that Shi Ding and Shui Rong did not have a good personal relationship. Even when they occasionally met at gatherings of four princes and eight princes, they went their own ways.

Seeing this, Chen Heng couldn't help but click on the letter and wonder, Wang Shuirong of Beijing and Shi Ding didn't have a good relationship?

Thinking of Shui Rong's face that made everyone smile, and the other party's reputation for being courteous to virtuous corporals and treating scholars favorably, he really couldn't figure out why the two of them had a conflict over a singer.

But three people make a tiger, this is what the people in the capital say, and over time everyone has come to accept the conflict between Shui Rong and Shi Ding.

While Chen Heng was thinking about countermeasures, Jia Lian and Xue Pan, who had been silent in Songjiang for a long time, finally found someone who was willing to join forces. The two parties invested a total of one thousand taels of gold and ten thousand taels of silver to manage the spice business together.

They came today to ask Chen Heng to plot a site for them so that they could recruit workers and build shops. This matter has been promised before, and Chen Heng will definitely not go back on his word. After writing the note and asking them to take it to Pan Youan, Chen Heng asked casually: How are you going to sell these spices in Beijing?

Cargo ships going to Nanyang can take a ride with merchants from various places. But if you have to go there together to go to Beijing, it will inevitably increase extra costs. The other party is not a philanthropist, so there is no reason for him to please him in every possible way just to save the face of the Rongguo Mansion. A cargo ship only has so much storage space. If you don't bring anything with you, it will be a loss of real money.

Hearing this, Xue Pan said carelessly: Where else can we go? Of course we can cross the river from Songjiang and then go straight through Ping'an Prefecture. This official road is closest to the capital. We should get to the capital quickly so that we can sell everything. go.

Xue Pan's abacus was good, and if he sold the things early, they could take the money to place an order at the shipyard in Songjiang Prefecture. We always use the boats of merchant gangs from various places, so we are no longer begging for food.

Ping An State? Ping'an Prefecture again? ! Chen Heng was very suspicious and asked directly: Who introduced you to this trade route.

There's no one. Xue Pan shook his head strangely. When he saw Chen Heng frowning, he said carefully, Sister...brother-in-law, ah no, Mr. Chen, this is what I made with Brother Jia. Trade routes.”

It is best if spices and other things are not exposed to water as much as possible during transportation. Each family has its own way of preserving this item, but no one will teach Xue Pan the skill of keeping the bottom of the box for nothing. Such as the Xia family in the capital, whenever someone asks about this matter. Xia Jingui was afraid that he would bring his servants and knock on the door.

Mr. Chen, I know what you are worried about. But this Ping'an State is very big. There are hundreds of thousands of mountains there. Let's hire more bodyguards to protect us. If we raise the flags of two families along the way, I don't believe that there are really brave bandits who dare to Come out to rob Rongguo Mansion's goods.

Xue Pan said very confidently.

The number of words today is also good, there are 6 and 8. I wish you all good luck.