After the Gu of the Red Chamber

Not to mention the infighting between Wang Ziteng's ambition and the royal family of Beirong, which eventually led to the innocent death of the young sixteenth prince. The dispatch of troops finally led to the dispatch of the elite soldiers of the eight tribes of the Beirong, and finally became a battle of the world.

On the other hand, in order to raise money for military expenses and water control, Lin Ruhai also brought Tu Lei to a place in the south of the Yangtze River and held an auction.

Needless to mention the ups and downs along the way, if it weren't for the fact that the two older bookboys beside Brother Lei were really powerful, and the killers they sent were far inferior to them (Xiao Heihei proudly raised his head), maybe Lin Ruhai and Tu Lei would have died sooner or later. He was plotted against by others.

Furthermore, even though there is an account of the abolished prince and the experience of Tu Lei's previous life, it is definitely not an easy task to hold this auction, not to mention other things, just finding someone to bid is not an easy task.

Although Lin Ruhai is from Jiangnan, he definitely has connections, but most of the scholars he knows are from the Jiangnan area, and most of those scholars are from families of scholars. The fragrance of this book is definitely there, but the money... But It's hard to say.

What's more, the scholars in the Jin Dynasty were notoriously humble, and it was really not easy for them to bid for things like madmen.

Moreover, when they arrived at a place in the south of the Yangtze River, they also vaguely heard that someone deliberately sabotaged the auction to prevent the merchants from bidding, so as to give the deposed prince a good look.

Originally, Tu Lei was thinking about how to mention Lin Ruhai to find more salt merchants without any trace. After all, the Jiangnan area has the most ability to spend money, and the most money to spend is the Jiangnan salt merchants. Lin Ruhai hinted that he didn't believe those salt merchants would think of a way to share the worries of the Holy One.

Unexpectedly, Lin Ruhai did not take the usual route, but wrote a letter directly, and invited Xue Yi, the head of the Xue family, to come and help.

Although the Xue family is the youngest among the four major families, the Xue family is well-known as a family of imperial merchants. Not only is it rich, but it is also well-versed in business. .

However, although the Xue family is one of the four major families, the Lin Jia family has already broken off their relationship. It is said that the Xue family does not need to help Lin Ruhai, but Tu Lei never expected that Xue Yi not only came by himself, but also brought his second son. My younger brother Xue Yuan is here.

At this moment, Xue Yi could already tell that he looked like he was in the next world, his body was thin and pale, his face was rather weak, and he had to rely on Xue Yuan to support him when he walked, which showed that his body was really weak. good.

As soon as Xue Yi arrived, he bowed solemnly to Lin Ruhai and said, "Thank you, Mr. Lin, for giving my Xue family such an opportunity to serve the court."

Don't look at the fact that the Xue family is known as one of the four major families. In fact, because the Xue family is a merchant, as time goes by, it has been farther and farther away from the court. , who would really regard their Xue family as one of the four major families.

The so-called Huangshang is just a good name, and others are a little more cautious when they want to make a move. Although the names of the in-laws Wang Family and Rongguo Mansion are useful, but one of these two is far away in the capital, and the other is far in the northeast. It's not urgent, and the Rongguo Mansion has been in decline over the years. If the Xue family wants to be safe, they still have to rely on themselves.

However, it is not easy for a merchant to become an official. This world emphasizes agriculture and merchants. According to the laws of the Jin Dynasty, imperial examinations are not allowed within three generations of merchants. Besides, Pan'er is not that material, but Yuandi's son Xue Biao Quite a bit of talent.

Although the matter of this auction is small, it is something His Majesty has ordered to do. If the Xue family manages it well, they may have some face in front of His Majesty. The housing was allocated out, so that the second brother's family and three generations could not be allowed to take the imperial examination.

It was also because of this idea that Xue Yi was very concerned about the auction. Not only did he come here sick, but he also brought his younger brother and Xue Biao here, just for the purpose of asking Lin Ruhai for advice.

"Master Xue is too polite." Lin Ruhai hurriedly got up to greet him, looked at Xue Yi's face, and sighed: "Master Xue is very righteous, I would like to thank Master Xue on behalf of the people in Liaoyang Mansion and Henan."

Lin Ruhai sighed inwardly, such a fate could not be redeemed by manpower. If he remembered correctly, Xue Yi died at the end of this year, and because of Xue Yi's death, Aunt Xue had to go to Beijing to seek refuge with Mrs. Wang. In the end, all the Xue family's wealth of millions was given to the Wang family at a low price.

He originally wanted to save Xue Yi, but seeing Xue Yi's obvious serious illness, Lin Ruhai shook his head secretly. With the wealth of Xue's family, why can't he find a good doctor? It can be seen that Xue Yi's illness is really hopeless .

Lin Ruhai hurriedly said: "Master Xue, why don't you rest for a while, and let's talk in detail after Master Xue recovers."

Xue Yi coughed a few times, and said with a wry smile: "I know my own body very well, so there is no need to slow down."

There is no way to slow down, he can only hope that everything can be done before he dies.

Although Xue Yi didn't say it clearly, the strong sense of despair in those words, not to mention Lin Ruhai who knew it well, even Xue Yuan could hear it a bit.

That's all for Lin Ruhai, but Xue Yuan couldn't help the red eyes. Before Xue Yi brought him here, he explained the matter to him in detail. He is willing to give up the opportunity to enter, no matter how much money it is. As long as this matter is done well, it will be done according to the Holy Spirit's will, and money is not a problem at all.

Xue Yi coughed a few more times, pulled Xue Yuan over and said, "This is my second brother Xue Yuan, he is the most reliable person, if you have something to do, you might as well tell my second brother."

He smiled strangely, and said again: "My younger brother specializes in maritime business, and he also knows a little about Westerners, and he knows quite a few Western merchants. I suggest that we invite some Westerners to participate in this auction. .”

If you want to earn money, naturally you can't focus all your eyes on the one-acre land of the Jin Dynasty. Although those Westerners are weird, they are straightforward when paying money, and they seldom default on it, so they are good trading partners.

In addition, he also heard some rumors that someone deliberately sabotaged the auction. Although he didn't know who the person who made the trick was, he didn't believe that person had that ability, and even the Westerners talked about it together. .

Lin Ruhai's eyes lit up, and he thanked him solemnly. Xue Yi's proposal was in line with his thoughts. Although he didn't know who was behind the scenes, he must have made sure that he dared to speak out. Shanxi merchants came to help, but Shanxi merchants are smart, and it may not be easy to earn more money. Moreover, Shanxi merchants are not as good as Western merchants.

No matter how powerful that person is, it is not so easy to convince those Western businessmen.

Overjoyed, Lin Ruhai had a detailed discussion with Xue Yi and Xue Yuan.

Although he knew from his dream that Xue Yuan was quite familiar with maritime affairs, and even brought his children to the West together, he never expected that Xue Yuan's ability was far beyond what he knew, and he could speak more about Western affairs. It's clear, but he's also quite proficient in Western languages, not just French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, and even a little bit of Russian.

Lin Ruhai couldn't help admiring: "Second master Xue's talent, I'm afraid it's rare even in the Lifan Academy."

Don't think that the Lifan Academy is specialized in foreign affairs, but those people in it probably don't even know Russia is there, let alone the West. There are not many people who can speak foreign languages ​​in there. It is to let the translators of those Westerners come over to discuss.

Even if Lin Ruhai doesn't know how to do it, but he also knows that communication is the most important thing in foreign affairs, but the practice of the Lifan Court has been practiced for many years. He is the censor, so it's not easy to control.

Xue Yuan smiled shyly when Lin Ruhai praised him, but Xue Yi's eyes lit up, and he continued quickly: "Speaking of which, my younger brother has also been in contact with Westerners a lot, so he knows some foreign languages, but it's just a good mouth. My nephew is even better, he can even read Western books, but it's a pity that because of the rule that three generations of merchants are not allowed to take the imperial examination, it is really a pity that they can't serve the court if they want to serve the court."

Originally, he planned to explain himself slowly after getting acquainted with Lin Ruhai, but his body was getting weaker and weaker, and he was afraid that time was running out, so Xue Yuan couldn't wait.

Lin Ruhai pondered for a moment, "It's time to meet your son."

Xue Yi and Xue Yuan's eyes lit up, and they quickly asked the boy to bring Xue Biao. Xue Biao has been running around with his father since he was a child, and has been with sailors from various countries for a long time. To put it bluntly, his foreign language is probably worse than The Chinese language is stronger, and it is really natural to learn the languages ​​of various countries.

Lin Ruhai couldn't help nodding after a brief examination, and praised: "Your son is really smart."

It's not that he hasn't dreamed of Xue Biao in his dreams, but because Xue Biao is a foreigner, he doesn't meet Daiyu many times, he just thinks that this child is handsome, and he doesn't know how much better than his cousin Xue Pan Forget it, to be honest, she is far less eye-catching than her younger sister Xue Baoqin.

However, in my memory, Xue Biao is a person with a good personality. He takes care of his mother very filially, and treats his younger sister Baoqin very well. The power circled among the Mei family, Xue family, and Jia family, and finally forced the Mei family to recognize Bao Qin as a daughter-in-law.

For this reason, Xue Biao also married Mrs. Xing's niece, in order to get the help of the Rongguo Mansion. Although Xing Xiuyan is considered stable, it is a bit unsuitable to match Xue Biao because of her background.

Thinking of this, Lin Ruhai couldn't help feeling a little bit emotional. Speaking of it, both Xue Biao and Xue Baoqin were excellent, but they were better than Sanchun and Baoyu brought up by Jia's mansion. It's a pity that a single word of Shang restricted their identities. It's a pity that even this marriage is inferior to others.

Lin Ruhai's heart moved, and he immediately thought of his own son, Brother ⑩. Jia Min was happy, and it might be a boy, so the existence of Brother ⑩ was somewhat embarrassing. Although Mei Min was generous, she was afraid of villains. [-]. My brother played tricks on his marriage.

The so-called family has a good wife, three generations will not worry about it, if you marry a bad one, like Mrs. Wang, let alone three generations, even one generation will worry about it.

This Xue Baoqin is not only born very well, she is definitely not inferior to Daiyu in terms of color, what is even more rare is that she has traveled all over the world, has a broad vision, a big heart, and talent is not inferior to her sister Baochai, apart from being born in a merchant, there is really nothing to choose up.

Lin Ruhai inquired without any trace, and sure enough, Xue Baoqin was born, and his age was exactly the right age for Brother て'er, and because of his young age, Xue Yuan had not yet betrothed to the Mei family by Xue Yuan. Lin Ruhai pondered slightly, revealing a little The meaning of marriage.

Upon hearing Lin Ruhai's intentions, not only Xue Yuan was overjoyed, but even Xue Yi was a little jealous. Although Lin て was a concubine, everyone knew that the Lin family did not have many children. It is beyond the reach of others.

What's more, Jia Min didn't know whether the child was a boy or a girl. If Jia Min gave birth to a daughter, Lin し would be the future head of the Lin family. Where would she look for such a good marriage?

Xue Yi felt a little regretful, but it's a pity that Baochai girl is a bit older than Lin て, and she really doesn't deserve it in age, otherwise this good marriage might be her daughter's.

Not only that, when Lin Ruhai heard that Xue Yuan intends to let his son take the imperial examination and is still looking for a mentor for Xue Biao, Lin Ruhai pondered for a while, and said with a smile: "I am also somewhat interested in Western affairs. If Xue Yuan The second master doesn't mind it, why don't you ask your son to be my disciple."

Now that they are in-laws, Lin Ruhai doesn't mind helping out more. Besides, this Western matter is not obvious now, but it will be of great use in the future. By taking Xue Biao as his apprentice, Brother Lei can learn more about the situation in Western countries It's also good.

After all, Brother Lei's identity meant that he couldn't leave Beijing often, and there were a few broad-minded people around him, letting him know that the world is big and extremely important. I'm afraid he is stronger than the sons of many first-rank officials in Beijing. It is also a good thing to have such a child by Brother Lei's side and let him know how big the world is.

This was really a surprise. Xue Yi and Xue Yuan's eyes lit up, and Xue Yi stood up and said bluntly: "Don't worry, my lord, this auction will be covered by my Xue family. My Xue family will definitely take care of this auction." Make it as good as it gets.”

Xue Yi even planned that if there were not many people bidding, at worst, he would be willing to take blood and take pictures of the things cruelly. As long as he gave the child a good background, even if he gave up his Xue family's million dollars, he would Absolutely no grudges.

Xue Yuan's face was full of emotion, and he felt a little ashamed. Speaking of which, this time, it was his daughter who told Master Lin's concubine to kiss him, and it was his son who had to worship Master Lin as his teacher, and he was the second wife of Xue's family who could take the imperial examination. Well, it was his room that took the big advantage, but the elder brother's room got nothing.

Xue Yi felt ashamed secretly, and hurriedly said: "I am very grateful for the kindness of Lord Lin. Speaking of which, my elder brother also has a son under his knees. He has a simple temperament. I don't know if my lord...whether..."

He intentionally gave up this opportunity to Pan'er, but he was really reluctant. In the end, he even said whether or not. He only hoped that Lin Ruhai would raise his hand. Anyway, one is accepted, and the other is also accepted. He also accepted Xue Pan. up.

The smile on Lin Ruhai's face paused, there should be some limit to bluffing people with a simple temperament.

Besides, if he wanted to accept Bawang Xue as his disciple, then everyone might as well go to sleep and stop daydreaming, but looking at Xue Yi's expression, it seemed that he hoped so.

Lin Ruhai coughed lightly in embarrassment and said, "This old man has limited energy, so I'm afraid I won't be able to teach many children, and besides, I have to take care of brother Lei's progress."

Even if he was confident that he had the ability to train Xue Pan back, he would not be able to accept Xue Pan as his disciple, he would be ashamed, he might accept Xue Pan as his disciple, even if Xue Yi would subsidize him in private, no matter how much money he had.

Upon hearing this, Xue Yi blushed a little, knowing that Master Lin is a shrewd person, and he already knew about his little overlord, so he hurriedly said: "The dog is stupid, don't dare to bother Master Lin."

"There." Lin Ruhai said with a smile: "But Master Xue is really interested, and Ruhai has some suggestions."

He paused and said, "I don't know Master Xue, but do you know about Jiangnan Academy?"

This Jiangnan Academy is the number one academy in the south of the Yangtze River. There are indeed many celebrities in the academy. It can be said that it is the most famous school in the south of the Yangtze River. I don't know how many people are proud to be able to enter the Jiangnan Academy.

But few people know that there is a lot of price to be paid behind becoming famous. Not to mention that Jiangnan Academy is located on the mountain, and the old mountain leader is the most strict. Can't get off.

He didn't believe that after Xue Pan was in the hands of the old mountain chief, he still had the time to do bully things!

Even the two brothers Xue Yi and Xue Yuan never expected to earn much more from this trip. Not only did Tiao'er's imperial examination qualifications stabilize, but even Tiao'er had to pay homage to a good master. Even Bao Qin had to marry into an official family. In comparison, the money spent by the Xue family this time is nothing.

What's more, all the items auctioned at this auction are really good things, and they can still earn money if they can buy them for such a small amount of money.

Xue Yi generously pointed directly at the whole box of antique toys from the auction, and said with a smile: "Take these things back, and make up for Girl Qin in the future."

The Lin family is also a scholarly family, so the dowry for Qin girl should be very expensive. You can't just buy some rare head and face jewelry to show off your wealth. These antique toys are just right, and they can also give Qin girl a long face.

Xue Yuan thanked Xue Yi again and again, and said another annoyance, "Thank you big brother, my brother really took advantage of this time."

Xue Yi waved his hand indifferently, "My brother, what's there to talk about, besides..." He sighed helplessly, "Brother Pan is too disappointing, and I can't blame others."

If Pan'er strives for strength, with Master Lin's temper, it is unreasonable to accept Tiao'er but refuses to accept Pan'er. In the end, it is his own child who does not strive for anger and cannot blame others.

However, Master Lin is also kind, he pointed out the way for Pan'er, and wrote a letter. With the help of Master Lin, as long as he is ruthless and sends Pan'er to Jiangnan Academy, even if he can't become an official, it's his nature anyway. You can also turn around.

Xue Yuan's face blushed, and he was embarrassed to say anything, so he could only smile awkwardly.

Xue Yi pondered and said: "In any case, our family can be said to have accepted Master Lin's favor this time, so we might as well give Master Lin another big gift."

Xue Yuan was taken aback, "Brother, we are just merchants, so how can we help Mr. Lin? Besides, the adults are so sentimental, it seems a bit too much."

Although the Xue family was able to change the lintel with the help of Mr. Lin, but it is too much to talk about the favor of an adult.

Not to mention that in this auction, their Xue family made great efforts, and they spent a lot of money openly and secretly.

Furthermore, even though Baoqin is the son of the Lin family, he also plans to let Baoqin marry him with half of Xue's second room property.

Xue Yi said: "What do you know, do you know who are the disciples in front of and behind Master Lin?"

The great good fortune given by Mr. Lin is here!

Xue Yuan frowned and thought for a long time, then pondered: "I heard that he is the distant nephew of a Beijing official, but this attitude..."

Those who do business have the worst eyes. Even if Xue Yuan seldom greets the officials of the Jin Dynasty, it can be seen that the brother named Qin Jun really does not look like an ordinary countryman. To put it bluntly, if He didn't know Brother Jun's identity, when he saw Brother Jun for the first time, he might have misunderstood him as the son of some first-rank official in Beijing.

Xue Yi said directly: "There are rumors in Beijing that Qin Jun is the illegitimate son of the deposed prince!"

As soon as these words came out, Xue Yuan was so frightened that he even dropped the teacup in his hand, and the tea splashed wet his clothes, but Xue Yuan didn't realize it. He opened his mouth for a long time before he found his voice, "Then what about my scorpion?" match!"

Even if he is the illegitimate son of the deposed prince, he is still a member of the royal family. His family is just a businessman, so he deserves to be called a brother and brother with the royal family!

Xue Yuan was trembling with excitement, and rushed to Xue Biao's side, twisting his ears and asking him to take good care of his senior brother, who is the emperor's grandson!How can ordinary people be able to climb up.

Xue Yi sighed: "So our Xue family really owes Lord Lin a big favor."

Although it is inevitable that there are some risks in making friends with the son of the deposed prince, compared with the benefits it brings, the risks of this idea are really nothing.

"What elder brother said is true." Xue Yuan spoke incoherently excitedly, "what elder brother said is very true, we really owe Mr. Lin a great favor this time."

No wonder the eldest brother said that he would give a big gift. For such a big event, a gift should be given, but what can the Xue family do?

Xue Yuan dragged his private house for a while, but felt that he was either unworthy or not enough to repay Lin Ruhai's favor.

Xue Yi said with a smile: "There is a limit to what we can do to help with the important affairs of the government, but there is room for us to do our best when it comes to business affairs."

Xue Yuan murmured: "Brother, do you mean...?"

Xue Yi asked without answering, "Who do you think is the person who tried to sabotage this auction?"

Even if it is him, he also knows that although Lin Ruhai is in charge of the auction, behind it is the abolished prince. The purpose is to raise money for military expenditure in the Northeast and water control in Henan. Whoever dares to destroy the auction is a sinner of the Jin Dynasty .

Who dares to risk the disgrace of the world and try to sabotage the auction?

Is its purpose in Dajin?Or the abandoned prince after the auction?

Hearing what Xue Yi said, Xue Yuan couldn't help but his face darkened, "No matter who it is, that person is too selfish."

Xue Yi nodded, "Master Lin is an official after all, and has many scruples. It may be difficult to investigate this matter, but we are businessmen, so we don't have to care about rules or irregularities."

For businessmen like them, the only difference is that the money is in place, and the money is not in place. Besides, they also have some face in the Jiangnan area, and they are local snakes. If they can't find anything, it will be a joke.

Xue Yuan nodded slightly, "My brother understands."

This is not only a gift to Mr. Lin, but also to help their Xue family. After all, Tiao'er and the son of the deposed prince have become brothers.

No matter who wants to spoil the matter of abolishing the crown prince, that is, wants to ruin the matter of their Xue family, they must not bear it.

Xue Yi and Xue Yuan are businessmen, there are not many merchants around, and they have the most money. Moreover, the merchants have a way of doing business. Once the Xue family got angry, it didn't take long to find out who was behind the scenes who deliberately sabotaged the auction.

To everyone's surprise, the person who wanted to spoil the auction was another great family in the south of the Yangtze River—the Gao family. The Xue family is rich.

However, the status of the Gao family in the south of the Yangtze River is really not low, and there is no other reason for it. The current minister of the Ministry of Industry is the Gao family, and there are people in the Gao family, so it is naturally different.

But the most important thing is that today's third concubine is from the Gao family!