Chapter 221 Second Visit to Jia Mansion

On the long river, golden waves ripple, boats sail one after another, and one or two bird calls are mixed in the fishermen's calls. The cuckoo's voice is the easiest to identify. Most of them hide in the branches on both sides, carefully watching the hustle and bustle of the world. The footless bird skims the water lightly to avoid the swifts flying overhead.

Swifts are the most numerous birds in the capital. September every year is the last season for swift viewing in the capital. After autumn, they will fly away in groups. No one knows where they will go, but they will gradually fly back at the end of February of the following year.

Chen Heng stood on the dock and could still feel the last warmth in the autumn wind. He looked up and saw no sign of the boat from Yangzhou. He could only look around boredly. In the green mountains in the distance, a peak of the pagoda emerged, and the golden tiles reflected the color of beeswax in the sun.

The great rivers and the beautiful capital. In the jumping eyes, everything around is faithfully recorded. Chen Heng was still in a daze, but suddenly a familiar voice called out from behind him.

"Master Chen."

Chen Heng and Xinda looked back and found that it was Chunyan, Baoqin's maid. Looking behind them, the Xue family's carriage was parked not far away. On the carriage, the curtain was slightly lifted, and Baoqin's smile was slightly revealed behind it. The curtain fell again, covering and separating the inside and the outside.

"Are you here?" Chen Heng nodded to Chunyan. Today was the day when Xue Zhen's family went to Beijing, and he knew that Baoqin would definitely come.

Chunyan looked at Chen Heng more. The clothes he wore today were picked by Daiyu herself. The color and shape were the azure Taoist robe that Chen Heng rarely wore. There was a white crane with a cry and bright wings on it, flying from the hem of the leg to the waist.

"Master, do you want to sit over there?" Chunyan pointed to the driving position of the carriage, where there was still an empty seat. Chen Heng smiled, neither agreeing nor refusing. He only led Xinda to the side of the carriage and stood still, and greeted the people in the carriage, saying, "Second brother is late."

"You always need to think about dressing up when going out." Baoqin leaned against the wall of the carriage and chuckled. Today she came to pick up her father, but she didn't dare to continue to dress like a man. Listening to the deep and powerful voice outside, she teased again, "Unlike big brother, now you don't even have to think about what to wear when you go out."

"Ha." Chen Heng laughed awkwardly, and shamelessly accepted the other party's teasing, and said with a smile, "You can see this?"

"According to your own taste, you just wear a few sets of green clothes." Qingyang's joking voice came from the car, "This set looks Shu Ya and pleasing to the eye. As expected, only Sister Lin can control you."

Chen Heng shook his head and defended himself, "As for clothes, it's enough to wear them and keep warm." He felt that his aesthetic taste was not bad, but he had a lot of things to do on weekdays, so he rarely thought about dressing up, and just wanted to be relaxed and comfortable.

"Whatever big brother says, that's what it is." Baoqin smiled and said, "It's a rare holiday, big brother, don't you plan to take sister Lin out for some fun?"

"Of course I will." Chen Heng admitted generously that tomorrow is Li Zhi's birthday, and the court specially gave him three days off. First, there have been many good things recently, and Li Zhi himself is happy. Second, it can relax the tense nerves of officials of all ranks who have little money but a lot of work.

Thinking about it this way, it would be great if Li Zhi had a birthday every month. Chen Heng smacked his lips twice. Resting on the eighth day of every month is not enough for the officials in Beijing to relax and have fun.

"Where are you going to take Sister Lin?"

"Let's go to Xiangshan Temple to see the maple leaves."

"This place is nice. It's really comfortable to enjoy the flowers and arrange them in autumn."

"Haha, I'm smart, right?"

The two chatted with each other. Coincidentally, they ran into Wucheng Bingmasi again this time. It was still the well-known Lu Yingxiong. When he saw Chen Heng, he smiled and bowed, and said happily: "It's fate. I can meet Mr. Chen every time I come to the dock. I haven't congratulated Mr. Chen on his promotion to the sixth department yet."

From the eighth-rank Zhishuling of the Ministry of War to the seventh-rank Jieshizhong of the Sixth Department. Although there is only one rank difference, the changes inside and outside are not enough to say that he has been promoted. That's a monkey on his butt - lawlessness. Lu Yingxiong was really unbelievable and felt that he had the benefit of someone above him.

Chen Heng was not surprised, after all, the ship that came this time was from Yangzhou. He nodded, stopped chatting with Baoqin, and said with a smile: "Lord Lu is here for the official ship in Yangzhou, right?"

"That's right." Lu Yingxiong laughed and asked curiously, "Why did Lord Chen come this time?"

"Still to pick someone up." Chen Heng also laughed. Hearing this, Lu Yingxiong took a closer look at the carriage beside Chen Heng and said hurriedly: "In this case, I won't disturb Lord Chen's reunion with his family."

He clasped his hands and left before Chen Heng could explain more. The latter had to explain to the people in the car: "It has caused some misunderstandings to my second brother."

"They are all trivial matters, it doesn't matter." Baoqin said lightly, and smiled to find a way out for the other party, "Big brother and brother are as close as brothers, and it's just like saying that they are relatives."

This is right, Chen Heng accepted it calmly, and there is really no need to say more about his friendship with Xue Ke.

After waiting for a while, the three official ships heading north from Yangzhou directly occupied the gap between the civilian ships and domineeringly crossed the dock. The officers and soldiers of the Military Affairs Department swarmed up like a school of fish, examining the crowds around them while moving down the tax silver sent from Yangzhou one by one.

When the group of people finished their business and left, Xue Ke and Xue Zhen came out of the cabin. They took the official ship and did not experience many storms on the journey north.

"Hold on." When Xue Ke saw Chen Heng, he didn't even care about his own sister. He jumped over the board in a few steps, rushed to his friend, and held his arms.

"Hahahaha, Brother Xue." Chen Heng also laughed and held the other person's arm tightly. The two have not seen each other for more than a year, and their feelings of longing can only be conveyed through letters. But it was troublesome to send letters in ancient times. When they were most diligent, they only corresponded once a month.

"That's great, that's great." Xue Biao said happily, looking at Chen Heng up and down, "Why is he taller again? He looks more impressive."

"Brother Xue is as charming and suave as before." Chen Heng looked at Mr. Yu in front of him and asked curiously, "Why are you so dark?"

"I've been living by the Bao'an Lake for the last month, and I've been comparing techniques with several painters from Huizhou." Xue Biao said proudly, but Xue Ai, who didn't know when he came, snorted displeasedly. The provincial examination is coming next year, but this son is still out of tune, which really worries his old father.

When the two juniors saw him, they stopped thinking for a long time. Chen Heng saluted and said, "Uncle Xue."

When saying hello, Chen Heng couldn't help but feel uneasy. With just a few words, I tricked my uncle's precious daughter into transporting her to Shenzhou. She had to transport her by sea and by land. After all the hard work, I couldn't bear to look directly at Uncle Xue's expression.

Xue Ai glanced at the two people standing side by side, looked at Chen Heng again, and suddenly said in an unusually kind manner: "Well, it's hard for you and Bao Qin to stay here for a long time."

As he said this, Chen Heng thought that Xue Ai was going to secretly poison him. Busy and scared, he said: "This is what my nephew should do. Uncle, the journey went smoothly. Are you tired at all?"

"Everything is fine, everything is fine." Xue Ai replied with a smile, and patted Chen Heng on the shoulder very affectionately, "You are now serving in the imperial court. Come here today, so I won't delay your official business."

Chen Heng shook his head and mentioned the court's holiday for officials. Bao Qin in the car continued what Chen Heng said and added: "Dad, if you have anything to say, why don't you go back to the inn and talk about it."

Hearing the voice of his beloved daughter, Xue Ai's face inevitably showed excitement and longing, and he kept saying, "Good boy, I will listen to you." After saying this, he pulled his wife and got into Bao Qin's carriage.

The driver had his own choice. Chen Heng and Xue Biao were walking slowly behind. The former said suspiciously: "Why do I feel that something is wrong with your father?"

"No way." Xue Biao shook his head and joked, "Are you afraid now? When you asked Xinda to come to find my sister, weren't you very bold?"

When Chen Heng heard this, he turned around and looked behind him. Only then did Xinda realize that the secrets he had done had been accidentally leaked by the unscrupulous young master of the Xue family. When Chen Heng asked him to take the letter to Yangzhou to invite people, Director Zhao recommended Baoqin at that time. Said that no one can handle this except her. Because Xinda didn't want to delay his second brother's divorce, he sneaked into Xue's house to discuss countermeasures with Xue Biao under the guise of delivering a letter to Xue Biao.

Giving Xinda a look that said, "Be careful when you go back." Chen Heng couldn't help but think wildly: If that's the case, why didn't Uncle Xue say anything to him?

Chen Heng asked this question to Xue Biao, who couldn't figure it out either. He just explained: "I guess the business of the store is not bad, and the previous academic administrator left Yangzhou again. My father has been in a better mood recently, which is normal."

In this regard, Chen Heng decided not to comment too much, but to take one step at a time before speaking.

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Accompanying the Xue family to the inn where they were staying, Chen Heng did not stay long. Once the Xue family is reunited, talking is indispensable. Secondly, there is something else going on at the Lin family, and I need to go back by myself. Chen Heng made an appointment with Xue Biao to meet again on another day, so Chen Heng paid no attention to them and the congratulatory gifts that came with them.

Riding light and fast horses all the way, Chen Heng led Xinda back to Lin Mansion. It was lunch time at home, because I was thinking of going to Jia's house for a banquet in the evening. Jia Min didn't ask the chef to prepare any heavy dishes, but only picked some light flavors to prevent everyone from losing their appetite at night.

When Daiyu saw Chen Heng rushing back, she was a little surprised and a little surprised. She hurriedly asked in a low voice: "Brother Xue family didn't leave you to eat?"

The two elders were talking about Lin Jue. Seeing that they had no time to pay attention, Chen Heng also turned sideways and responded in a low voice: "They eat as a family, so it's not troublesome for me to have one more person."

That's the truth. Daiyu nodded and told Chen Heng that it was rare for him to come to the capital. When we go out to play tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, remember to call the Xue brothers and sisters together.

"Okay, I saved it." Chen Heng responded happily. Lin Ruhai saw his obedient look, and a faint sneer flashed in his heart. This is what your kid will do after he gets married.

"Are all the birthday gifts prepared by the people of Yangzhou at the Xue family?" Lin Ruhai asked aloud.

"Yeah." Chen Heng stopped his chopsticks and replied, "I guess it will be sent to the palace tomorrow or the day after." Chen Heng didn't ask much about this matter. Xue Ai used to be an imperial merchant, and he didn't know the way to deliver gifts to the palace, even Master Chen and Lin, together, were not as clear as the other party.

Seeing Lin Ruhai, she asked more questions, "Dad, you are still eating." Lin Daiyu protested in a low voice, how could anyone ask about things while eating.

Lin Ruhai is also angry, oh? You are only allowed to hold Heng'er and talk, but I am not allowed to ask a few questions.

"Hahaha, it's okay." Chen Heng hurriedly smoothed things over. Jia Min looked at the father and daughter and smiled secretly, saying: "After dinner, we are going to see your grandmother. Remember to change into some nicer clothes."

It was rare for Chen Heng to have a day off, and Lin Daiyu didn't want to go. As a result, several relatives came to the Jia family, and the old lady said that she had been tired recently and often felt unwell.

Jia Min had no choice but to ask someone to tell Chen Heng in the morning that he would accompany him back to Jia's mansion in the afternoon. Getting rid of Chen Heng is equivalent to getting rid of Daiyu. Jia Min told Daiyu about this, and Daiyu nodded in agreement.

After the family had eaten and tidied up briefly, they got into the carriage from the door. It was the same two cars as before. Lin Jue learned the lesson and squeezed into a car with his father and brother instead of leaning towards his sister.

After arriving at Jia's Mansion, their family got out of the car and felt that Jia's Mansion was a little different today. There were four or five carriages parked at the door, and it looked like a big battle. I don't know who the distinguished guest is in front of me, so people can't help but guess.

Lin Ruhai frowned when he saw this scene. Jia Min was even more surprised. She thought it was just an ordinary family dinner. But it is no longer appropriate to turn around and walk away now. The couple looked at each other, didn't say much, and just darkened their faces in tacit understanding.

The two leading elders both had the same expression. How could Chen Heng and Daiyu not see something different? Lin Jue is still ignorant and feels that everything is fresh and interesting.

Chen Heng saw the stupid look of his younger brother and quickly gave Daiyu a look. Sister Lin understood, walked to Lin Jue, and gave him a squeeze. The latter was quite smart. Although he was in pain, he didn't scream. He only turned his head and looked at his sister in confusion.

Daiyu didn't say a word, she just winked at her parents. Lin Jue saw it and understood immediately. Immediately, he straightened up his expression, pretended to be harmless to humans and animals, and followed closely behind Chen Heng.

"Brother, you have to protect me."

"Shhh."

Lin Ruhai led the family up the steps, and Jia She had already led several people out to greet them. Chen Heng looked again, but only recognized Jia Lian, Jia Baoyu and Xue Pan. There were two other teenagers who I really couldn't recognize, they just didn't look very friendly.

"Brother-in-law, I'm just waiting for your family." Jia She came up with a very affectionate tone.

Lin Ruhai smiled faintly. He didn't recognize the two juniors who suddenly appeared, so he simply took a second look. The two of them were also smart, and they immediately understood Lin Ruhai's eyes, "Uncle Lin, this is Wang Ren, and this is my younger brother Wang Yi."

His surname was Wang. Lin Ruhai smiled again and nodded without replying to these two boys. If a second-grade official wants to show off, he has to accept it.

Jia Lian smiled and said: "Dad, if you have anything to say, let's wait until my uncle's family comes in. The old lady has been talking about her younger brothers and sisters since she woke up this morning. She has been counting the hours to get here."

Jia She just smiled and said: "That's right, brother-in-law, please come with me to see your mother."

Everyone entered the door, and there was not much chatter on the way. Jia Lian said cheerfully, saying that a few more relatives came to the house, including Li Wen and Li Qi from the second sister-in-law's family. There is Mrs. Dafang’s natal relative and her daughter Xing Xiuyan. Old Mrs. Jia likes to be lively, and she deliberately wants everyone to bump into each other, so that they will not know each other if they meet on the road in the future.

Chen Heng listened carefully and thought to himself that if Xue Biao hadn't done it because of him, the two of them might have met here for the first time today.

With a little more emotion in his heart, Chen Heng followed everyone and walked into Jia's house again. Wu pressed through the crowd and rushed directly to Rongqing Hall. First they saw Mrs. Jia sitting high up, and then a group of juniors came up to discuss the order of teeth.

Mrs. Jia was most happy to see her precious daughter and granddaughter come together. She didn't care about the men saying goodbye and left. She just took Jia Min and Daiyu and introduced Li Wen, Li Qi and Xing Xiuyan.

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What happened next was unclear after Chen Heng left. He just followed Lin Ruhai all the way to the Hall of Rongxi, where he met Wang Ziteng, whom he had met once before.

The latter has been very leisurely recently. Today he only wore unobtrusive casual clothes. When he saw Jia She leading Lin Ruhai in, he had already stood up and said with a smile: "It's a coincidence today. I didn't expect to meet Brother Lin. It's really great." "

"Brother Wang, you're welcome. I just met him in Linjing Hall yesterday." Lin Ruhai smiled faintly, her tone sounded like a joke, and it was difficult for people to think carefully.

Wang Ziteng raised his eyebrows, glanced at Chen Heng very gracefully, and said with a smile: "Is this your favorite disciple? I always feel that he looks familiar."

Seeing Wang Ziteng's surprised look, Chen Heng was also secretly surprised. They had met each other before during the duel in Linjing Hall. He didn't know why Wang Ziteng meant to say they looked familiar. Chen Heng was in Shenzhou that day. Although he was with Li An, he was more like a follower. He didn't expect that Wang Ziteng would also write it down.

He didn't know how to act properly, so he just followed Lin Ruhai and showed a smile that was neither too far nor too close. This Wang Ziteng had a very good memory. He remembered it immediately and said immediately: "Are you an official who went to Shenzhou with Prince Zhongshun?"

"That's right." Chen Heng bowed politely.

In fact, Wang Ziteng knew Chen Heng's origins early, but today was the first time they met in private, so he deliberately talked about Chen Heng. Sure enough, Wang Ziteng grabbed Qiao and said a few words, "You are to be feared later in life." Then, under Jia She's guidance, he and Lin Ruhai sat on the left and right sides.

This scene is a bit funny. As the host, Jia She felt like he was sitting on pins and needles in the hall. Below is a first-class nobleman, and a second-class civil servant. The two of them picked up the tea cups together and began to swallow slowly in tacit understanding. Behind them are another group of juniors from various families. Chen Heng and Jia Lian sat closely behind, leading others to act as guests.

It was already very difficult for Jia She to chat with someone. How could he resist when Zhu Lin and Wang arrived at the same time? Jia Lian was also weak and couldn't exert his energy. He said a lot of words, and the two of them responded in a moderate way.

Forget it, Jia Lian thought. He couldn't ask for help from these two Bodhisattvas anyway. Let Daddy worry about his own troubles. Although he didn't know much about court affairs, he knew the ways of the world. It was obvious that the uncle was waiting for the aunt. If these two people started fighting, it would be useless to help anyone. It would be better to leave quickly.

Jia Lian glanced at Baoyu. This devil was the best person to talk to here, so he could just borrow him to take the blame. Baoyu understood and stood up to take his peers out to play.

Wang Ziteng, who was ready to talk about things, naturally agreed quickly and told Wang Ren and Wang Yi to be careful. When Baoyu was about to lead everyone out to leave space for Wang and Lin, Wang Yi suddenly pointed at Chen Heng who was still sitting and said, "Brother, don't you want to go with us?"

Wang Yi was smart. He knew that Wang Ziteng had blocked Lin Ruhai in private, and there must be something official. These two people are talking about serious things, and you, a young boy, are squeezing beside them. How ignorant are you?

Hearing the other party's impatient tone, Chen Heng smiled, and before he could speak, Wang Ziteng had already said, "Don't be rude, Zhixing is already an official appointed by the court, and he is on duty in the six departments. Yi'er, do you think everyone is as unreliable as you?" He paused, "When you see Zhixing in the future, either call him brother or call him Lord Chen."

Being scolded by his own father, Wang Yi felt deeply embarrassed. He glanced at Chen Heng, who was calm and composed. The latter didn't even look at him straight, but only looked at Lin Ruhai beside him, and said, "I'm a little tired from walking in the front, teacher, I want to sit down and rest."

As the saying goes, fathers and sons fight together, and brothers fight together. At this time, leaving Uncle Lin here alone. Wouldn't that be a waste of Lin Ruhai's teaching?

Lin Ruhai was very pleased, curled his lips, and said to Chen Heng affectionately: "If you don't want to move, sit down and accompany me." He also told Lin Jue, "Go and have fun with your cousin."

"Oh." Lin Jue got the order and stood up carefully again.

Today is Monday syndrome, I will write 6,000 words first. Brothers, please read it first, and ask for votes by the way. Tomorrow is the last day of the month, I will see if I can write 8,000 words, hahahahaha. Thanks in advance.