The Red Mansions

Chapter 709

Yangzhou, Zhenjia Manor

"Crack!"

When the mother-in-law left, Zhen Qingyu's face was covered with a layer of coldness, and she threw down the teacup on the table, a cold light flashed in her phoenix eyes, and her heart was extremely irritable.

She was so mad, every time he was on the boat, he came over to pester her obsessively. and not see? !

As the bead curtains kept ringing, Zhen Xue stepped into the room with some green skirts. Seeing the teacup tiles on the carpet and the steaming heat, she said softly, "Sister, what's the matter?"

In fact, I also have some guesses in my heart, and I know that I was rejected by that person.

"It's not that heartless and ungrateful white-eyed wolf!" Zhen Qing cursed in a low voice, seeing the evil spirit on her seductive and beautiful face.

Zhen Xue sighed softly, approached, and persuaded softly: "Sister, everyone in Yangzhou is attracting attention now, and there are too many people looking at it. If you come here, I don't know how to make people think about it. Even if it is organized, it will not be very good."

She felt that it was reasonable not to see him at this time, so she sailed carefully.Um……

Zhen Qing's expression changed, she glanced at Zhen Xue, and said, "Your sister still speaks for him, it's not in vain for him to look at you high."

When Zhen Xue heard the words, she felt her cheeks blushing, and said anxiously: "Sister, I'm not speaking for him, my sister is looking for someone like this, and my sister can't be too..."

Is it true that as Ziyu said, the residual poison in my sister's body has not been eliminated?

Zhen Qing's gorgeous cheeks were also a little unnatural, and she said angrily, "What are you talking about, I'm looking for him for business."

The two elder sisters chattered for a while, but they calmed down. It seemed inappropriate to meet at this time, with faint phoenix eyes, they whispered: "I don't know if Fourth Uncle Shui will be involved in the matter of rectification. I was thinking about writing another letter."

"Sister, how could my sister be able to control such a person? When did my sister bow her head and compromise when she saw him?" Zhen Xue said softly, her eyebrows curved.

Zhen Qing curled her lips, and said coldly: "Last time I asked him to call my sister, didn't he call me? He also called you."

Zhen Xue: "..."

How can you take it seriously when a man is on the bed? He even asked her to call her brother, even though she just ignored him.

Zhen Qing pursed her pink lips, and said softly, "He doesn't want to give anything now, and just takes so much advantage of our sisters, do you think it's fair?"

Zhen Xue sighed lightly, and said, "Sister, it's not fair to say what you are doing.

Zhen Qing sighed faintly, looked at Zhen Xue with dim eyes, and said in a low voice: "Sister, what do you think he is our sister?"

Zhen Xue's delicate body shook when she heard the words, her delicate and greasy cheeks paused, and she said in a low voice: "He has a bright future, so he shouldn't be with us and other sisters... it's just an entangled fate That's all."

When it came to the end, the beauty's voice became weaker and weaker, and her heart inevitably felt a sense of loss.

On the boat along the way, the man sometimes thought about it in the name of Kan Xin'er, but it was like a dream, somewhat unreal, and occasionally fell into self-doubt.

There will always be a day when he gets tired of playing, when he thinks about it, he should abandon her and his sister like shoes.

But my sister didn't understand, and wanted to hold him back.

Zhen Qing's alluring and beautiful jade face was frosty and cold, and she said in a low voice: "Tomorrow, let's go back to Jinling to see the old lady."

She won't let go, and she will find that bastard to settle accounts when she has a chance later.

At this time, they suddenly heard a noise under the eaves, which was clearly the crying of Zhen Qing's son, Chen Chun, the son of King Chu.

Zhen Qing said softly: "Sister, I'll go and have a look."

Not long after, the nanny brought Chen Chun over, and the little boy stopped making noise immediately, and called out, "Mother."

Zhen Qing straightened her face, looked at the nanny coldly, and scolded: "What's going on?"

The mother smiled and said: "Princess, how long does it take for the little prince to go to grandma? He said that staying in the house is a little boring, and he wanted to go out to have fun. The doctor prescribed two medicines, but he didn't take them."

Zhen Qing came over, took her son's hand, a smile appeared on her cold and charming face, and said, "Chun'er, I can see my grandmother tomorrow."

Chen Chun raised his face and asked: "Mother, my cousin said that there are many interesting things in Yangzhou, and she said that she wants to visit Uncle Heng."

Zhen Qing was speechless for a moment.

She had just looked for it, but they refused to see her.

Earlier on the boat, although Jia Heng and Chen Chun were not very close, after all they got along for a while, Jia Heng still knew how to coax the children, bought a slingshot for Chen Chun, and then the children eliminated some barriers to Jia Heng, and Zhen Qing also He was so happy that he wished his own son could call Jia Heng godfather.

"Chun'er, then go see your Uncle Heng with your sister Xinxin tomorrow, okay?"

There is always some reconciliation, why not meet up tomorrow and see if he can sell himself on the matter of Shuiyu.

……

……

On the other side, Jia Heng and Lin Ruhai finished their discussion, and when they returned to the wing room, they saw Chen Xiao waiting on the chair for a while. It was night, the rain was beating the plantains, and the world was becoming more and more quiet.

Jia Heng stepped forward and asked the girl in the green skirt naturally, "Are you back? Did you find anything?"

Speaking, came to the table, picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for Chen Xiao, handed it over, and said, "Come, have a sip of tea."

Chen Xiao glanced at Jia Heng, but without thanking her, she reached out to take the teacup, feeling a little strange deep in her heart.

After pondering for a moment, he said in a low voice, "Yangzhou is in a turbulent state now, not only salt merchants, but also Jurchens. The Jinsha Gang on Chongming Island, I heard that a big Jurchens has come."

Jia Heng's eyes flickered coldly, and he asked, "Jurchen big shot? How do you say? Do you know the specific identity?"

If he can send secret spies to Jurchen, it is not surprising that others can also send secret spies.

Chen Xiao took a sip of tea, moistened her throat, and said, "It seems to be called Shi Ye, and now the Jinsha Gang, who is engaged in smuggling business in Chongming Island, is receiving him. Maybe they are discussing sea trade smuggling. Ever since Li Zan went to the north Sit in town and strictly order Xuanfu and other places to investigate smuggling, Jurchen came to Yangzhou to open up trade routes."

As an ancestral rebel force, the White Lotus Sect has hidden secrets hidden in the Jinsha Gang, even longer than the secret spies of the Jinyi Mansion.

However, Liu Jixian's previous report was just that the secret agents of the Jinyi Mansion learned of the people coming from the north from a few words from the salt merchants. As for how many people came, who they were, and what their purpose was, they are not quite clear.

Jia Heng frowned, and muttered: "Master Shi?"

As I kept talking about it, I felt more and more familiar with this title, as if I had heard it somewhere before.

Jia Heng pondered for a moment, and said in a low voice: "Those who can be called masters among the Jurchen are presumably personal and have a high ranking. They are usually nobles. Could it be that the Jurchen Baylor is a big shot?"

Chen Xiao shook his head, thinking on his jade face, and said softly: "Our people have some eyeliners in the Jinsha Gang, but most of them are young people. It's okay to inquire about the news, and we don't know the core secrets."

Jia Heng came to the Xuan Chuang, stood there for a while, walked back, looked at Chen Xiao, and said in a deep voice: "Then you continue to be watched by people to see if you can find out where they are. Liu Jixian from the government will assist you."

Chen Xiao heard that her jade face was still frosty, but the clear eyes under Liu Ye's slender eyebrows cast a glance at Jia Heng, and said mockingly, "It's thanks to you that you figured it out."

Jia Heng smiled lightly, and said: "The Princess of the Han Dynasty has become the Holy Maiden of the White Lotus, and it's thanks to you that you figured it out."

Chen Xiao snorted softly, and stopped bickering with Jia Heng.

Jia Heng looked at the girl with clear eyebrows and said, "Anyway, you are also from the old Chen family, so you should only do something for the family."

As he said that, he stretched out his hand to pinch the girl's face. In fact, Chen Xiao and Xianning have similar eyebrows and eyes, tall and tall, with the same waist and thin legs, and a cold complexion. Acacia?
Of course, it wasn't for this reason, but he was rather curious about the White Lotus Sect.

"Huh?" Chen Xiao narrowed her eyes coldly, looked at Jia Heng dangerously, and said, "You don't believe what you say?"

Jia Heng put down his hands and asked, "I'm used to it, but why is your face so tense every day?"

Chen Xiao gave Jia Heng a cold look, but did not answer.

Jia Heng didn't take it seriously, and said: "Personal enmity is personal enmity, and state affairs cannot be abolished. The ancestors of the Chen family lost a lot of blood in laying down this foundation. Personal honor and disgrace are not worth mentioning in front of the family, the country, and the world. You don't have to suffer and hate every day."

Chen Ling narrowed her eyes a little, pursed her pink lips, and said in her heart, when you know the truth, let's see who looks bitter and hateful.

next day
Jia Heng didn't stay in the Yamen of Yanyuan for a long time, but first went to Yangzhou Jiangbei Daying to sit in the Yamen, mainly to inspect the soldiers of Jiangbei Daying, it was only a preliminary audit, to check the real situation of the soldiers, to restrain the soldiers, He did not deal with any generals, nor did he mention any elimination plan.

This move made Shui Yu secretly heave a sigh of relief, but it also made all the generals uneasy and panicked.

No one knew what this Uncle Yongning was up to, the knife was hanging above his head, and he didn't drop it for a long time.

And this scene fell into the eyes of Yangzhou salt merchants, especially at the noisy meeting of Yangzhou Salt Institute, Jia Heng still did not appear, many people let go of their worries, and it seems that they may not be here. To rectify the salt affairs.

Yangzhou Yanyuan yamen, in the evening, the twilight is getting darker, and lanterns have been hung on the eaves of the gatehouse.

Jia Heng had just returned to the courtyard and stepped into the wing room, but saw the tall girl with cold face and clear eyes standing with her knees hugged, and said, "I found out some clues."

"So fast?" Jia Heng was slightly surprised, staring at the girl and asked.

It can only be said that snakes have snake ways, and rats have rat ways.

"Those people's whereabouts haven't been found yet, but their purpose, other than smuggling, seems to be...for you." Chen Xiao said coldly, looking at Jia Heng with some amusement.

Earlier, Duoduo led the Jurchen guards to sneak into Yangzhou City, while the boats and other personnel stayed on the island, and the spies of the White Lotus Sect apparently captured a few words.

Jia Heng's eyes dimmed a little, and he said coldly, "You came here for me?"

Chen Xiao said softly: "I heard from the Jinsha gang that the tenth master is very interested in you, and people inquired about you a lot. When a Batulu was drinking with the Jinsha gang with his singer in his arms, he got drunk. As I said, the master said Yongning Bo should not stay."

Jia Heng looked solemn, and said in a low voice: "It seems that the Jingying quelled the chaos in the Central Plains and attracted the attention of the Jurchens."

The speed at which the central dynasty suppressed rebellions was often the standard for measuring the ability of the central dynasty. If, like in the late Ming Dynasty, bandits corrupted several provinces, everyone in the world would know that this was a sign of the central government losing control and a change of dynasty, and Jurchen would naturally step up their southward invasion.

But how powerful the Central Plains Rebellion was in the front, it was wiped out in one fell swoop later, and spread to Jurchen, why didn't he pay attention to him?
When the Jinyi Mansion told the Jurchen to come, he had an indescribable intuition that he might have to confront these people.

Jia Heng figured out the cause and effect, and was silent for a while, when Chen Xiao asked why, he said, "Xiaoxiao, maybe I know who this tenth master is?"

"Who?" Chen Xiaoxiu frowned, her clear eyes flickered, and she asked subconsciously, and suddenly there was a hint of anger in her picturesque eyebrows.

Why did this person call her Xiaoxiao again?
Under Jia Heng's sword-like eyebrows, he looked at Chen Ling with burning eyes, and said in a low voice: "In the intelligence collected by Jinyi earlier, the origins of the sons of the slave chief were described. The son of the slave chief, Doduo, was originally ranked fifteenth, but because For Baylor Ezhen, discuss important issues together, and rank tenth among all Baylors."

In fact, he is from a place called "Lecture Forum of Hundred Schools" in his previous life, and the TV series "Secret History of Xiaozhuang" has gathered some Jurchen information in this life. In fact, there are many deviations in the history of this life, but this man Duo is indeed calling the ten kings, and they really exist.

I wonder if Huang Taiji's daughter-in-law is still called Da Yuer?
As for Duduo, the creator of the ten-day massacre in Yangzhou, the man with the most military exploits among the kings of the Qing Dynasty, and the title of Prince Yu, is this trying to squat him in the grass?

Chen Xiaoqing's eyes flickered, and she said, "If this is the case, what is he doing for you?"

"I think he might want to assassinate me to avoid future troubles." Jia Heng smiled lightly and said, "It's just like your botched assassination at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda."

It is impossible for him to go anywhere in Yangzhou, and he always brings hundreds of guards with him, and there are always times when he is greeted and sent, and the defense is neglected.

Besides, I'm not afraid of thieves stealing, but I'm afraid of thieves thinking about it.

Chen Xiao said coldly: "Clumsy? Clumsy, don't use me to help you check."

Jia Heng looked at the girl with cold eyes, and asked, "Xiaoxiao, why didn't you put poison on your weapon back then?"

He remembered that there seemed to be someone hiding under the carriage that day, and it must have been Chen Xiao.

Chen Xiao's complexion became more frosty, and he said, "I don't need poison."

"Stubborn, since you suspect that your father died of poison, you should treat him in the same way." Jia Heng narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice.

"You...!" Chen Xiao was furious, raised a fist, and punched Jia Heng head-on, the blow filled with anger, with a piercing sound.

But Jia Heng dodged easily, raised his hand to control the runaway girl, met a pair of angry eyes, and said in a low voice: "It seems that there is indeed another reason here."

Otherwise, Chen Xiao wouldn't break the defense like this.

"You bastard!" Seeing that she was trying to set her own words again, Chen Ling stepped down and stepped on Jia Heng's official boots hard, but saw that the young man only frowned and looked at herself calmly.

Chen Xiao calmed down for a moment, pursing her lips and remaining silent.

Jia Heng sighed and said: "It's a pity for King Zhou, if he is here, the pressure in northern Xinjiang will be relieved a lot."

Chen Xiao's delicate body trembled, and the clear eyes under her beautiful eyebrows were in a daze. Looking at the handsome young man, the anger and coldness in her eyes gradually faded away.

"Let's look forward, don't live in hatred." Jia Heng said, gently pinching the girl's face again, which immediately attracted Chen Xiao's glaring.

In the study room, the lights were brightly lit, and the candlelight projected on the screen was bright and brilliant, projecting two figures on the bookcase.

Jia Heng came back and sat opposite Lin Ruhai across a small table, talking together.

Daiyu wore a water-green long dress embroidered with plum blossoms, and her hair was tied up in a cloud bun with jade hairpins. She sat quietly beside Jia Heng, lifted the teapot, and served tea for the two of them.

He took a cup of tea, handed it to the young man, and said softly, "Brother Heng."

People in Lubian are like the moon, and their arms are frosty and snowy.

Two lines of poems floated in Jia Heng's mind, and he thanked him. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the girl with brows, brows, star eyes, and snow-skinned beauty. feel.

Jia Heng withdrew his thoughts, looked up at Lin Ruhai who was drinking tea with his head bowed, and asked, "Uncle, what did you say about today's salt affairs?"

He didn't go to the salt affairs wrangling meeting.

Lin Ruhai put down the teacup, and said: "It's strange to say that several salt merchants are a little reluctant, but the system of leading merchants to the shore cannot be neglected lightly. The home is 10 taels, which can be used to supply border salaries. Liu Shengzao, the salt transport envoy, said that this method is feasible, but it needs to be increased to 80 million taels. The salt merchants will coordinate part of this silver, and the salt price can fluctuate by 100%. In doubt."

To put it bluntly, seeing the imperial court sending cabinets and military planes to Yangzhou, showing a look of sharpening their knives, the Yangzhou salt merchants were also a little frightened, thinking about cutting their flesh to ensure safety in exchange for the court's compromise and concession.

This is also a feature of the state tax package system, which is often donated by salt merchants and repaid. In special times, it often becomes a means of extortion against salt merchants, and then the salt merchants pass it on to others.

Jia Heng thought for a moment, then said in a low voice: "The price of salt fluctuates by [-]%, so the people who suffer are the common people. They toss and turn, but they are still unscathed in the end."

Lin Ruhai nodded, and said: "Master Qi also knows, that's why he used it as a tax and silver supplement, and went straight to delay the army. When the court really believed it, the money was borrowed from the warehouse, which made the country's salt class even worse, and then let them get confused. pass."

It is equivalent to increasing taxes and adding more and more, but it is still added to ordinary people.

Jia Heng said: "But Qi Pavilion's old policy is really out of date."

It’s really impossible to open China and France, at least today’s big men can’t play, otherwise the integration of border affairs and salt affairs will cause private capital to flow to the north, and it is indeed a good strategy to solve the problem of unbalanced and insufficient development.

Lin Ruhai said: "I think so too, but Mr. Qi Ge is a bit stubborn. When we look back, Zi Yu and Mr. Qi Ge will have a good discussion."

Jia Heng said: "It is necessary to have a good discussion, but it is not good to publicize this matter. Uncle, I will go to the Jinling Household Department and the Ministry of War in two days to discuss payment and armaments."

Yes, he planned to leave Yangzhou for a few days, just to appease the hearts of the salt merchants in Yangzhou.

At this moment, an old servant from outside came to report, saying: "Master, Mr. Wang has sent an invitation card."

With that said, a bronzing invitation card was delivered.

Jia Heng took the invitation card and looked down, with a look of surprise gradually appearing on his face.

"Wang Shouqi invited me to Huanhualou tomorrow night." Under Lin Ruhai and Daiyu's puzzled eyes, Jia Heng said loudly.

Lin Ruhai frowned, and said in a deep voice: "Huanhualou, this is planning to test Ziyu. This Wang Shouqi is an old fox. Ziyu should be careful. It's better not to go to this banquet."

Daiyu asked, "Daddy, where is Huanhualou?"

Huanhualou, why does the name sound unserious?

Jia Heng turned his eyes to look at Daiyu, and said in a warm voice: "The Qinglou Chuguan is not a good place."

Daiyu's heart skipped a beat when she heard the words, her starry eyes were full of embarrassment, and she said, "How can this master of the Wang family invite me to have a talk there?"

Jia Heng said softly: "Who knows what he thinks? Besides, it's already evening now, it's time to eat, my sister will see if the back kitchen has prepared the food."

Lin Ruhai said warmly: "Yu'er, I'm discussing business with your eldest brother Heng, you can go back and rest first, and call you after dinner."

I still have to talk about confidential things later, it's not good to let my daughter stay here, and I don't know what Ziyu thinks, so I let Yu'er come with me every time, sitting aside and listening.

Daiyu pursed her lips, obviously a little unhappy. When she was in Jia's house, girls naturally seldom did this kind of little daughter's attitude, but perhaps with Lin Ruhai by her side, she was more sensitive than before, and instead released her. Many natures.

"Daddy and Big Brother Heng are chatting first, then I'll go over first." Said, Daiyu stood up gracefully, like the daffodils in the pond gently blown by the summer wind, she walked out of the study room gracefully.

After Daiyu left, Lin Ruhai asked, "Where are the soldiers from Henan?"

Jia Heng wanted to mobilize Henan soldiers and horses, which he had revealed to Lin Ruhai earlier.

"The cavalry army of Henan Dusi is already on the way, but there is still an opportunity missing. I don't want to delay for too long, but if I want to stop Youyou's mouth, I need a tenable reason." Jia Heng whispered road.

Investigating the case is not so easy. They have been operating in Yangzhou for so many years. Although the secret agents of the Jinyi Mansion have collected some clues, even if they use this as an excuse, they cannot sweep all the people. .

No way, it is still necessary to find a breakthrough from the Jurchens, colluding with the Eastern captives, colluding with the enemy country, which is much more serious than murder and arson, which is a serious crime of treason.

Lin Ruhai said: "Ziyu, don't be in a hurry, you can take your time. It's like launching a war. Although it is vigorous and vigorous, it will also cause endless troubles. When a person is alive, he should not only seek the country, but also seek his own life."

Jia Heng nodded, and said solemnly: "I will write down what uncle said."

This is what relatives are willing to tell you.

Seeing Jia Heng's sincere attitude, modesty and prudence, Lin Ruhai's eyes were a little gentle, and he said: "Ziyu, you are young, and your future is boundless."

Although he is a young man, he does not have the arrogance of a young man suddenly ascending to a high position.
Jia Heng said: "Uncle is too famous."

Jia Heng chatted with Lin Ruhai for a while, then said softly: "Uncle, when I want to go to Jinling to collect my salary, I will stop by Gusu to pay homage to some aunts, this time I will take my younger sister with me."

Not only to worship Jia Min with Daiyu, but also to worship Miaoyu's parents. Miaoyu's parents were buried in a random grave because they were criminals. He also needs to visit and write to Miaoyu later. , When the situation in Yangzhou stabilizes, Miaoyu can come to Suzhou with Yuanchun to relocate the grave.

After all, after eating other people's white tiger steamed buns, one has to show some kindness to their relatives.

When Lin Ruhai heard Jia Heng mention Daiyu's mother, his elegant face showed a gloomy expression, and he sighed, "Speaking of which, during Qingming last year, I went back to Gusu to worship the ancestors and went to see Yu'er's mother once. Take Yu'er with you."

The ancestral mausoleum of the Lin family is in Suzhou, and they have to go back to worship their ancestors and visit their tombs every Ching Ming Festival.

Jia Heng nodded and agreed: "Then uncle, I'll talk to my sister right now."

Just now I saw Daiyu feeling a little emotional, and I have to coax her later. After dinner in the past few days, although I also told stories to Daiyu, it was obviously not as good as when I was alone with Daiyu on the boat. The two of us were together all day long. Talking and laughing.

Lin Ruhai nodded and watched Jia Heng leave without thinking about anything else.

Not to mention that his own daughter is not very old, even the young man in front of him has a family, so how could he have any affection for a little girl.

Even, in Lin Ruhai's heart, he regarded Jia Heng as a peer.

If it wasn't for Jia Heng's generation of jade characters, but anyone who is of a literary generation is really Yu'er. This is your uncle Heng, come and call him uncle.

(End of this chapter)