The Red Mansions

Shenjing, Ningguo Mansion, backyard hall

  Qin Keqing and the three ladies of the You family were sitting together. The beauty's jade face, which had become more and more gorgeous due to her pampering, was full of worries. Her bright and moist eyes looked at the young man worriedly.

  Jia Heng warned: "Ke Qing, please stay at home and wait a month or two before I come back from Shandong."

  Under Qin Keqing's curved eyebrows, her beautiful eyes were as clear as water, and she said softly: "My husband is fighting outside, so be careful all the way. Fu'er and I are waiting for you at home."

  Her husband said that he did not accompany her, but he had been fighting outside in the past few years, and every time there was danger, from the hard days in Liutiao Alley to the present wife of the Duke...

  At this moment, Second Sister You's gentle and graceful face was as calm as water, and her eyes looked at the young man with concern.

  The uncle is going out to fight again.

  Youshi, on the other hand, looked at her with deep affection and pursed her lips, clearly wanting to speak but holding back.

  It used to be a saw-mouthed gourd, but now it's like a dumpling in a teapot that cannot be poured out at all.

  Jia Heng said: "Okay, it's not like I haven't gone out to fight before."

  He didn't think there was anything different about this expedition. Maybe he would uncover some secrets about Longji's reign?

  After that, Jia Heng did not stay any longer, but planned to go to Congcui'an to look for Miaoyu and briefly talk to Miaoyu about the retrial of Suzhou Weaving Chang Jin's case.

  At this moment, the voice of the nanny came from under the eaves of the corridor, saying: "Uncle, the old lady sent Miss Yuanyang away and said she wanted to invite the uncle over."

  Apparently Jia's mother heard that Jia Heng had returned, so she summoned Jia Heng to Rongqing Hall to talk and inquire about the situation of the expedition to Shandong.

  Jia Heng had just returned to the capital. With such a big war going on, Jia Mu sent someone over to ask about Jia Heng's situation.

  Qin Keqing was quite considerate and said softly: "My husband, please go first."

  Jia Heng said: "The army will go out tomorrow. I will come to accompany you later."

  I guess I don't have time to spend time with Keqing. After Xianning hears the news later, he will definitely come over to check on the situation.

  Jia Heng said, walked out of the hall, raised his eyes to look at the slim girl waiting under the eaves, and whispered: "Yuanyang, what's wrong?"

  Yuanyang said softly: "I heard that the uncle is going to lead the army again, so the old lady wanted to ask about the situation. Miss Lin and Miss Bao are staying there."

  Jia Heng nodded and said warmly: "While there is still some time, I will go to the old lady to talk."

  While the two were talking, they walked along the Chaoshou corridor towards Rongguo Mansion.

  Yuanyang couldn't help but ask: "Uncle, this trip to Shandong is so hasty, will the war be difficult?"

  Jia Heng held Yuanyang's slender catkins, smiled softly, and said, "Actually, it's not bad."

  Yuanyang pursed her pink lips and said softly: "Didn't I say before that there was no war?"

  "This time it really happened suddenly." Jia Heng said in a low voice.

  At this moment, Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall——

  Jia Mu was talking with Mrs. Wang and Aunt Xue, while Chai Dai and Feng Wan, who were next to them, were waiting anxiously.

  A well-dressed nanny, with an old face full of joy, entered the hall and whispered: "Old lady, Uncle Heng is here."

  While he was talking, the young man in python suit with an upright figure and a calm face was seen striding into the hall holding the three-foot sword on his waist.

  Jia Mu seemed to be a little reproachful and said: "Brother Heng, I just heard from Mr. Baoyu that there is a riot in Shandong, and you want to lead troops to quell the chaos again? Not long after you came back, you are going out again. ?”

  Jia Heng nodded, sat down, and said in a clear voice: "The military situation is in turmoil. We need to go to Shandong to quell the chaos. Does the old lady know what happened in the court?"

  Jia Mu sighed and said, "I just heard from Mr. Baoyu that such a big thing happened to the Shi family. It's so good. Why is Shandong so chaotic?"

  Jia Heng said: "This sudden incident in Shandong caused Marquis Shi to die for his country. It is indeed sad. Old lady, let someone go to Shi's house to express condolences."

  In fact, I really don't blame him for not warning him in advance, because he had calculated so well that he didn't have much time to return to Shenjing, and when Chen Yuan and others raised their troops, they were so fast that they didn't give people any time to react.

  Jia's mother sighed and said, "The body hasn't been recovered yet. I don't know what to do with the funeral?"

  Jia Heng just sighed and didn't know how to comfort Jia Mu.

  There was hope in Jia Mu's old eyes, and she asked, "Brother Heng, how sure are you of going there this time?"

  The death of Baoling Hou Shi Nai made Jia's mother more worried about the Shandong war.

  As soon as these words came out, everyone in Rongqing Hall looked at the young man in python suit.

  Jia Heng said: "Old lady, in military matters, the outcome is unpredictable. No one can say for sure, so we have to do our best."

  Jia Mu nodded her head, a look of recognition appeared on her old face, and said with relief: "I did my best. You are used to fighting, and you know what you are doing, so I won't give you any more advice."

  At this moment, Baochai and Daiyu looked at the young man with moist, almond-shaped eyes under their thin eyebrows.

  Xiang Yun turned to look at the young man, but there was an indescribable look of shame and annoyance in his eyes. Brother Heng was playing with Sister Baoqin like that, and he didn't know how to play with her...

  Well, no, she doesn't bully Brother Heng like that.

  The girl didn't know if she remembered all the absurdities in the dream again. A light blush appeared on both sides of her face as cute and innocent as a Fuji apple, and her cute and bright eyebrows were full of embarrassment.

  Jia Heng said: "Old lady, don't worry too much. Although the situation in Shandong is as urgent as a spark, the court is no longer the same court that faced the chaos in the Central Plains for two years. The army in Beijing is still preparing food and fodder, waiting to send troops early tomorrow morning to rush to Shandong. "

  In the words of later generations, the overall situation is stable and improving, and thunderstorms are only isolated phenomena and do not yet constitute systemic risks.

  Jia Zhengdao: "Since Ziyu said this, it seems that there will be no serious problem."

  In fact, not only Jia Zheng thought so, but even Emperor Chongping and the courtiers of the Han Dynasty felt that it was only a matter of time before Jia Heng could put down the rebellion.

  Jia Mu nodded and said softly: "You, Yu'er and Bao Yatou go and talk first."

  Jia Heng didn't say much else, but looked at Baochai and Daiyu who were not far away, and said, "Sister Xue, sister Lin, let's go to the Grand View Garden to talk."

  In such a short time, it was obviously too late to say goodbye one by one, so I could only say farewell to Chai Dai.

  Without saying anything else, everyone watched Jia Heng leave Rongqing Hall with Baochai and Daiyu.

  On the other hand, there was a lot of envy in Li Wan's beautiful eyes under her green and dark eyebrows, but it was impossible to leave Rongqing Hall with Jia Heng and Chai Dai at this moment.

  At this moment, Baoyu watched this scene quietly, his big face like the moonlight in the Mid-Autumn Festival was full of trance, and he felt a piece of emptiness in his heart.

  In the Grand View Garden, under a covered bridge built with blue bricks and white stones and arched like a bow, the gurgling stream flows through the rocks. If you occasionally look down, you can see silver carp and bighead carp walking along the grass in the stream.

  Jia Heng, Baochai and Daiyu walked quickly toward the garden and said: "The spring and summer scenery in the garden can be seen at a glance."

  "Go to Sister Xue." Jia Heng gently took Baochai's soft, white hands and whispered to Daiyu beside him.

  Baochai's face, as white and flawless as a pear blossom, with red haze floating on both sides, followed Jia Heng to Hengwu Garden.

  Daiyu's beautiful face was as red as drunkenness, her delicate and straight Qiong nose seemed to be snorting slightly, and her bright starry eyes under her smoky eyebrows were more of a look of shame and annoyance.

  Really, as the old lady said just now, all the sisters in the house are watching her and Sister Bao's joke.

  If he hadn't been going on an expedition later, she wouldn't have come with him.

  As the three of them talked, they walked slowly to Hengwu Garden, while Ying'er, Zijuan, and Xiren followed closely behind.

  It is midsummer, and under the green walls of Zhuzhou, patches of vines and vines are planted lushly, with small yellow or white flowers blooming. When the breeze blows, they sway gently for a few times, and the aroma is floating, refreshing and refreshing. Vibrate.

  Jia Heng held Baochai's soft, white hands and walked into the side room. The room was just like Baochai's character, with many decorations and a sense of simplicity.

  Jia Heng pulled Baochai and Daiyu to sit on the bed and looked at them.

  Baochai said softly: "Brother Heng, how many soldiers and horses will you bring this time?"

  Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "This expedition brought [-] Beijing camp cavalry. This time, many rebels from the Shandong Guards Station, together with the followers of the White Lotus Sect, gathered a lot of people before and after. The [-] Beijing camp troops and horses plus the Henan As well as the troops and horses from Baoding rushing to rescue, the two sides attacked, and there were more than [-] troops in front and behind."

  Instead of just relying on the [-] cavalry from the Beijing camp to calm down the chaos in Shandong, the government troops stationed in Baoding, Hebei, and the soldiers and horses from Henan jointly attacked the chaos in Shandong.

  Baochai's apricot eyes twinkled, and she looked at the young man with full eyes, and said softly: "Brother Heng should be victorious very quickly this time and make a triumphant return as soon as possible."

  Jia Heng nodded and said: "You two should be good at home, pay attention to your diet and daily life, and play as you normally would with your sisters. Don't worry about the war on the front line."

  As he said that, he looked at Daiyu aside and said warmly: "Sister Lin is the same."

  Daiyu's starry eyes showed concern, and she said softly: "Brother Heng is fighting outside. He has no eyesight, so he should be careful."

  While the three of them were talking, they entered the side room.

  Jia Heng looked at Baochai, gently hugged the girl's shoulder, and whispered: "Sister Xue, please take care of yourself." Baochai's jade cheeks were slightly flushed, obviously in front of Daiyu, she was so intimate by Jia Heng and frivolous, feeling a little uncomfortable.

  Daiyu on the side was not much better. Although she had been intimate with Jia Heng before, she was obviously not desensitized and was still extremely shy.

  Jia Heng said: "Sister Xue, take care of Sister Lin more when you are at home."

  In fact, he has always had the beauty of Chai Dai, but both of them have noble temperaments, so they cannot be rash and abrupt, they can only do it step by step.

  "Brother Heng, I can do it, huh~" Baochai responded, but saw the young man coming closer and puckering his lips.

  Daiyu wanted to leave, but was teased. She could only turn her face to the side in shame, feeling sulky.

  He thought about hugging him all day long.

  However, while he was thinking wildly, the young man turned his face again and came closer.

  I don’t know how long it took, but under Daiyu’s curved eyebrows, her pair of bright starry eyes were condensed like mist, and her face as bright as a narcissus blushed like a blush, and it was so beautiful that she said: "Brother Heng, don’t make trouble~ "

  But he felt that Baochai's aura seemed to be coming closer and imprinted on his lips.

  On the other side, Er Baochai didn't dare to see the two of them being intimate at all, but her moist and clear apricot eyes narrowed slightly, feeling extremely embarrassed.

  After Jia Heng finished talking to Baochai and Daiyu, he didn't say much. He looked at Chaidai, who was already extremely embarrassed, and whispered: "You guys stay here, I'll go see Miaoyu and tell her something." It’s about retrialing the case.”

  "Brother Heng, let's go." Baochai and Daiyu said almost in unison, and immediately looked at each other, their faces full of shame and annoyance.

  Jia Heng followed and left Hengwuyuan without saying much else.

  When Jia Heng left, Baochai's plump cheeks were as hot as fire, and he said softly: "Brother Heng, he can be quite mischievous sometimes."

  Daiyu snorted softly and said, "I'm afraid something worse will happen in the future. Sister Bao just indulges him like this."

  I'm afraid that one day she and Sister Bao will be left to serve him...

  Well, I can’t think about it anymore, I already have a picture in my mind.

  Baochai didn't know what she was thinking of, but her face, which was as white as snow, was also as red as a blush, and it was so beautiful.

  Grand View Garden, Eicui Nunnery

  It was afternoon, and the bright and warm sunlight shone in the courtyard. At this moment, the shadow of the house was reflected in the glow on the gable with hanging vines.

  Miaoyu was sitting opposite Xing Xiuyan, playing chess across an apricot-yellow chessboard.

  Since this Yanni became pregnant with Liujia, she has become increasingly lethargic. After taking a nap, in the evening, she played chess with Xing Xiuyan.

  Because Cuicui'an is located in a remote place and Miaoyu is raising a baby and prefers peace and quiet, she has not received any news about the retrial of the Suzhou Weaving case or even the news about Jia Heng's upcoming expedition to Shandong.

  At this moment, the conversation between Su Su and Jia Heng came from outside.

  After a while, the tall and tall young man walked in and asked, "Miaoyu, Xiuyan, are you playing chess?"

  Miaoyu raised her eyes to look at the young man with a calm face, her bright eyes filled with joy, and asked: "Aren't you busy today?"

  Xing Xiuyan's face paused slightly, and she also put down a black chess piece in her hand and said, "Brother Heng."

  Jia Heng said: "Lead the troops to Shandong tomorrow and come over to see you and Xiuyan."

  Miaoyu frowned her beautiful eyebrows, her beautiful eyes were as moist as water, her heart couldn't help but asked in surprise: "Going to Shandong?"

  Jia Heng came forward, held the beauty's slender hand, and said, "There is trouble in Shandong."

  With that said, he explained the situation in detail.

  Miaoyu's face was bright and beautiful, and under her smoky brows, her clear eyes were filled with worry, and she whispered, "Why is there such a big mess?"

  "Yeah, one day can't let people live in peace for a while." Jia Heng's face paused slightly, holding the beauty's slender catkin, and said: "And I have good news for you. Today, I asked the palace for grace. Your father The case may be retried.”

  When Miaoyu heard this, her delicate body trembled, and she felt a mixture of emotions welling up in her heart, and asked: "Is father's case going to be retried?"

  Jia Heng said: "Yes, I actually asked the Jinyi Mansion to investigate secretly at the beginning. Your father should not have participated in the conspiracy. It was indeed King Zhongshun who framed the case. As for the other details, you don't have to worry too much. This case will not be solved for long. There will be a retrial.”

  While speaking, he stretched out his hand and gently stroked the tear stains on Miaoyu's fair and jade-like face. He felt sorry for her and said with relief, "Okay, don't cry, don't have fetal force."

  Miaoyu gently caressed her swollen belly and nestled her head in the boy's arms. Her beautiful jade cheeks turned red with shame.

  Jia Heng raised his eyes to look at Xing Xiuyan and said softly: "Xiuyan, I originally thought about accepting you as a guest in the next few days, but now I can only wait."

  After comforting Miaoyu, it was nightfall and the lanterns were starting to come on. Jia Heng did not stay in Caocui'an for too long, but went to the back hall of the house.

  At this moment, Princess Xianning and Li Chanyue had obviously heard the news, and were talking to Qin Keqing across a table, accompanied by Chen Xiao and Yaruo.

  In the past few days, Princess Xianning and Li Chanyue were not in the palace, but at Prince Meng's Palace and Prince Zhou's Palace, arranging the marriage of Chen Xiao and Yaruo.

  "Sir." Princess Xianning stood up slowly. Under her slender eyebrows, her clear eyes looked at the boy in the python suit with some concern, and said, "I have heard all about it. Sir, he will go on an expedition tomorrow." ?”

  Jia Heng nodded and said: "Xianning, I will lead the army to go out tomorrow. You can take care of the house in Beijing."

  Although Xianning plays for fun and makes trouble, it is still relatively reliable at critical moments.

  Princess Xianning's voice was clear and loud as she said, "Don't worry, sir. I will come over to see Sister Qin and Fu'er from time to time."

  Then, Jia Heng raised his eyes to look at Ya Ruo, with complex colors seemingly surging in his eyes.

  "Brother Heng." Ya Ruo came forward, jumped into Jia Heng's arms, and hugged Jia Heng's waist.

  Jia Heng gently stroked Ya Ruo's head, with some endearment in his eyes, and said warmly: "Brother Heng went to fight, so the marriage can only be postponed for a while. I can only wait until I come back to marry you."

  Yaruo raised her beautiful face, her eyes were firm, and she whispered: "Brother Heng, I will follow Sister Xiaoxiao and protect Brother Heng on the road."

  Jia Heng smiled, with warm eyes, and said: "You are still protecting me. Stay at home and be a bride."

  He lowered his eyes and looked at the innocent and innocent girl with clear eyes, and felt a little fondness in his heart.

  Qin Keqing, Princess Xianning, Li Chanyue, Second Sister You, and Third Sister You looked at the young man talking to Yaruo with full eyes. For some reason, they didn't feel any jealousy.

  In the eyes of everyone, Yaruo is just a little girl.

  ……

  ……

  Let’s not mention for the moment that Jia Heng said goodbye to his family members in Rongning and Rongning in Shenjing City, but let’s go back a little bit. After the fall of Jining Fucheng, King Chen Qin of Chu left Jining Fucheng in a hurry under the protection of Zhou Dianjun of the royal palace. , heading towards Jinan Mansion along the spacious and straight official road.

  The troops and horses were not in order, and the flags were scattered. They marched all the way to the border of Tai'an Prefecture. At this time, it was already covered in night and the bright moon was in the sky. The grass on both sides of the official road was swaying in the wind. There was a slight sound of wind and cranes, and the feeling of soldiers all over the grass and trees.

  Zhou Dianjun's face was covered with blood, and he panted: "Your Majesty, brothers have been running all day, please rest."

  King Chen Qin of Chu was also out of breath at this moment and asked: "Zhou Dianjun, are there any pursuers behind you?"

  Zhou Dianjun said: "Your Majesty, we can no longer catch up."

  Chen Qin also secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said: "The whole army dismounts and rests immediately."

  While talking, the large group of soldiers and horses who had fled for their lives got off their horses one after another and took out dry food and water bags from their horses to replenish their strength.

  At this time, Prince Palace Chief Shi Liao Xian's fair face was full of solemnity and he said: "Your Majesty, Jining Palace has suddenly fallen, and there are still traces of Jurchens. I'm afraid this has been planned for a long time. Your Majesty can't return to Jinan Fucheng anymore. Jinan Fucheng is too dangerous."

  Chen Qin picked up the brown paper bag and took a bite of beef. The hair on his originally fair and clear face was messy, and his face was full of dust. His eyes flashed and asked: "Liao Changshi said that the soldiers and horses of the guard station have been Unreliable?"

  This vassal king was not incompetent, and he also understood the implication of Liao Xian's words.

  Liao Xian said: "Your Majesty, all the guardsmen have rebelled, and traces of the Jurchens have appeared. If this hadn't been planned for a long time, and I don't believe it, and they launched it so brazenly, it's obvious that a big change has happened in Shandong."

  King Chu frowned and whispered, "What do you mean, Mr. Liao?"

  Liao Xian whispered: "Ask for help from the imperial court and send people to Jinan Fucheng to spread the news. If the prince's daughter's son cannot sit down in court, he can go to Henan first, where Marquis Zhongjing is."

  "Sir, my father asked me to organize the affairs of the village. Now that such a big mess has occurred, I just walked away. Where is my father..." King Chu hesitated.

  Liao Xian said: "At this point, even if the prince returns to Jinan Fucheng, can the overall situation be saved? How about mobilizing troops and horses from Henan to cooperate with the imperial court in the follow-up campaign, and at the same time inform the imperial court of Shandong news?"

  The King of Chu thought for a while, nodded heavily, and said, "As you said, Denglai should also send someone to spread the news."

  As Liao Xian expected, the situation in Shandong was in ruins. The soldiers and horses of Taichang, Wuding and other guard posts had already captured the city and were rapidly sweeping across the entire Qilu land.