The Royal Merchant of the Red Chamber

Several people raised their heads, and saw a few tall horses approaching directly in front of them, and sitting on top of them were young masters and brothers wrapped in silk and brocade.The first one has a handsome face and a sharp temperament, and is looking at Jia Baoyu with a smile on his face at the moment.

A flash of surprise flashed in Jia Baoyu's eyes, and he immediately said, "Brother Feng, didn't you go to Xihai Yanzi?"

The man immediately laughed and said: "The battle is over, the army of one hundred thousand is returning to the court, what am I doing here by myself?"

Jia Baoyu immediately turned his head and introduced to everyone: "This is Feng Ziying, the son of General Shenwu. The two behind are Chen Yejun and Wei Ruolan. They went to Xihaiyanzi with the army a few years ago to fight. I admire them the most. Such a person, even if he becomes an official, he will rely on his own efforts to fight on the battlefield, instead of relying on family connections to step on other people's heads to climb up."

"Don't give us a high hat." Wei Ruolan interrupted Jia Baoyu's praise a little shyly, and cupped her hands and said, "We're under Wei Ruolan."

Shi Xiangyun's fiancé?

This thought was the first thing that flashed in Xue Pan's mind, and then he cupped his hands with a smile and said, "I'm Xue Pan, I'm not as righteous as all the young masters, but I'm just a dandy with nothing to do."

A flash of surprise flashed in the eyes of those three people, Feng Ziying asked first, "Are you the Jinling Xue Pan who messed up the capital?"

"It seems that I am quite famous now!" Xue Pan rubbed his nose and laughed at himself.

Wei Ruolan at the side greeted and said, "It's not only famous, it's simply famous!"

After all, there are not many who dare to confront Nan'an Palace head-on.

Xue Pan casually hooked the corners of his mouth, and Zhen Baoyu also cupped his hands together and said: "I'm Zhen Yong, I mean Zizhan."

Feng Ziying sized Zhen Baoyu up, and said in amazement: "You are that Baoyu from the Zhen family, and you really look exactly like a phoenix egg."

"No, it's more heroic and elegant than Phoenix Egg." Wei Ruolan joked, "Phoenix Egg is full of makeup and delicacy!"

So everyone burst into laughter.Jia Baoyu also scratched his head in embarrassment.

I heard Feng Ziying say: "It's better to meet each other by chance, or find a place to get together, how about having a drink?"

Everyone nodded after hearing this, and then all looked at Xue Pan.

Xue Pan was very grateful for General Shenwu's wife's rescue of Xue's mother and daughter in Nan'an Palace.Ai Wu Ji Wu Xia only took a high look at Feng Ziying.I had nothing to do today, but when I heard Feng Ziying's invitation, I happily accepted it.He also took the initiative to ask someone to go to Fuyuan Restaurant for a drink, after all, it was his own business.Everyone had no objections, so the brigade walked towards the Fuyuan Pavilion.

Because they are the young masters, although the business of Fuyuan Pavilion was very good near noon, they still got a high-quality private room very smoothly.By the way, I arranged seats for the long followers who followed the young master to have a drink in the lobby.Only then did everyone calmly go up to the private room on the third floor.

When passing by the second floor, I could see a group of people who looked like scholars gathering together to talk loudly, their expressions were very excited.Attracting people's attention.Xue Pan frowned indistinctly, then lowered his head and directed at Xiao Er, who was leading the way, and said, "Go and tell them to keep their voices down so that they don't disturb other guests' meals."

The little girl responded in a low voice, and hurriedly bowed forward, politely asking everyone to lower their volume.

Unexpectedly, one of them not only refused to listen to the persuasion, but even more excitedly said loudly: "The king of Nan'an County fought bloody battles and made great contributions to protecting the country. His family members who stayed in Beijing were bullied by the son of a vulgar merchant. In order to calm things down, the king of Nan'an County not only Instead of pursuing the matter, he personally came to the door to make an apology...The Xue family is just relying on the favor of the new emperor, and they don't pay attention to the heroes. If things go on like this, I am afraid that they will be another traitor who will harm the country and the people. Yang Guozhong and his like."

The other immediately interjected: "Not only that, but this Jinling Xue family even recruited a group of untouchable merchants to commit crimes, wantonly disrupting the order in Beijing, and causing the prices of daily necessities to be in chaos... Disregarding the life and death of the people, the disaster of the country!"

"Using money to oppress people, arrogant and domineering..."

The waiter in the shop heard the scolding from everyone, and cold sweat broke out on his anxious face.He repeatedly persuaded in a low voice: "Guest officials, please don't talk nonsense..."

One of the scholars suddenly said: "This Fuyuan restaurant is also a business of the Xue family in Jinling. No wonder the waiter in this shop doesn't let us talk, because he is afraid of offending the owner. Looking at the sly eyebrows and eyes, I am afraid that he is also a gangster."

When the waiter in the store heard this, his fair face flushed with anger.Dissatisfied, he scolded: "Why are the guest officials so ignorant? I don't want you to make any noise because I feel that your noise will affect other guests. It is said that scholars are the most polite. Personal anger is just talking nonsense like this, indiscriminate. At best, it is a sour and rotten scholar who is useless to the country and the family, what right do you have to pay attention to my character?"

When the scholars heard this, they shouted angrily: "Be careful what you say, we are all students who are going to Beijing to rush for the exam, and we have a bright future, how can you, a shop boy who is illiterate, be able to criticize you."

"Although I am illiterate, I am a hundred times better than you unreasonable and sour people. The world often talks about self-cultivation, family harmony, and state governance. I think you people don't even understand the basics of right and wrong. How can you talk about your future?" ? But they are just some scumbags who seek fame and fame. You are slandering our owner in this restaurant today. Dare you say that you are not trying to please the king of Nan'an County to get a promotion? You just rely on slandering others to get a promotion, regardless of the consequences How about your character, it can be seen that it is average." The waiter in the shop sneered and said disdainfully.

"you--"

"Okay!" Jia Baoyu on the other end yelled violently, applauded again and again and said, "This is a very good speech. I think this little brother is the one with a big hill in his chest!"

Immediately stepped forward and bowed and asked, "Dare to ask my little brother Gao's name."

The waiter in the store was blushed by Jia Baoyu's sudden action, and saw that he came up with his boss.Knowing that this person's status is by no means ordinary, he immediately turned his body to get out of the way and said: "The villain is just a shop boy, why would you dare to be such a gift as a son."

"As the saying goes, heroes don't ask about their backgrounds. I see that your words are well-founded and well-organized, and you don't look like an ordinary shop waiter... Have you ever studied?" For a while, Xue Pan became interested.

But seeing the waiter in the store blushed, he bowed and shouted: "I've seen Young Master's."

After straightening up his waist, he said again: "The villain Tian Wenjing is the son of Tian Yangsheng, the head manager of the Fuyuan Museum in Beijing. My father sent me to the library to study for a few years, but I can read some words and understand some principles."

"Ahem..." Xue Pan almost choked on his own saliva.There was a Li Wei before, and he got him to the Jingcheng Chamber of Commerce to help him manage the affairs.Now another Tian Wenjing pops up...

This is the red building, right?Is it the Red Mansion?

When the group of scholars next to him heard Tian Wenjing call Xue Pan the young master, they immediately understood and sneered, "So you are Xue Pan. No wonder the waiter in this shop won't let us reprimand you for your villainous behavior. It turns out that the master came and tried every means to get him." Flattery. Pooh!"

Xue Pan curled his lips in disdain, and said in a neutral tone, "Are you literate?"

The few scholars didn't know why, but proudly raised their heads and said: "Of course, we are all candidates who came to Beijing to catch up for the exam—"

Xue Pan pointed to the black lacquered wooden board with chicken nuggets by the wall and asked, "Do you know what is written on it?"

The few scholars looked over and saw that it said "The restaurant is elegant, please don't make loud noises, hindering other people's dining."

Those scholars immediately blushed.But he said forcefully: "Since it's a restaurant, why don't people talk about it?"

"I didn't tell you not to talk. But talking is not a loud noise. It's not a shrew swearing at the street. What are you shouting?" Xue Pan hooked his lips in a leisurely manner. "This second floor is specially prepared for scholars or people who like elegance. Every table is surrounded by green trees, it is leisurely and quiet, with an elegant atmosphere and the sound of the piano. If you like loud noises and talk, you can go to The lobby of the first floor. The following are ordinary traffickers, they like to talk loudly. Or you can go to the private room on the third floor, which has its own soundproof equipment, no matter how loud you are, you can’t be heard by others. You guys just ignore it. The noise on the second floor... It can be seen that they can't understand people's words. Or... are they here to find fault?"

Xue Pan's words immediately resonated with everyone on the second floor.They have endured these scholars for a long time, but generally the people in the lobby on the second floor are ordinary people who have a little land at home for them to live affluently, but their backing is not strong.Hearing that these people were all candidates who came to Beijing to rush for the exam, and they spoke bad things about the Xue family in Jinling, which has been in the limelight recently, so I didn't dare to offend them too much.Now when they heard that Xue Pan came forward in person, they all responded immediately: "Master Xue's words are justified."

Those few scholars were blushing when they were said, and one of them couldn't hold back his face and said: "We are all candidates for the exam in Beijing. How can I have the same knowledge as you, a vulgar merchant who oppresses people with money. You have said so much, but Don’t be upset that we are doing justice for the King of Nan’an.”

Xue Pan shrugged his shoulders disapprovingly, "Justice is not something everyone deserves to say. What is the reason for our family and Nan'an Palace, and how much do you know?"

"It's all about you relying on the support of the new emperor to oppress people with money. Concubine Nan'an and the princess are orphans and widows, but women and children are oppressed by you—"

Xue Pan snorted, "Even orphans and widows are not what ordinary people can talk about. You'd better not talk nonsense. Otherwise, you won't lose money by stealing chickens, but you will cause a lot of trouble instead."

"You're threatening us. Don't think we'll be afraid. We all help each other when we see injustice... Besides, we all went to Beijing to rush for the exam—"

"Isn't he just a mere judge?" Xue Pan raised his eyebrows leisurely: "I really thought everyone was afraid of you. In the past, I, Xue Pan, dared to provoke Nan'an County's palace, but today I am afraid of you little judges?"

"What are you going to do?" The expressions of several scholars changed suddenly. "We are all scholars, scholars, farmers, businessmen, how can you, a vulgar businessman, be able to threaten us."

"You will be frightened like this. Then you should not embarrass the scholars. With your temperament, you are just a shoe-carrier among the scholars. Believe it or not, I can make you mess up in the circle of scholars with just one word." Not going down?" Xue Pan curled his lips in disdain.

The scholar was furious, pointed at Xue Pan and said, "Don't be too arrogant, Zhu Zi. He is just a treacherous man who is favored by the new emperor. I will act righteously and sit upright. I just don't want to say how much you oppressed women and children." That's all. Don't you dare to frame us in front of the new emperor. How could you believe such a wise lord, the sage, who would believe the slander of a villain like you. Not to mention anything else, even the king of Nan'an County would not allow you to be so overbearing."

Even though he said that in his mouth, he was secretly happy in his heart.If this Xue Pan really couldn't help but do something to them.I'm afraid the king of Nan'an County will not sit idly by, after all, they are all for justice for the palace.At that time, they only need to cry in front of Nan'an County King...

The intention is so obvious, let alone Xue Pan.Even Jia Baoyu and Feng Ziying understood.Immediately curled his lips in disdain, Jia Baoyu gave a piss, and muttered: "It's another group of snobs trying to catch fame..."

Xue Pan folded his chest disapprovingly and said, "I think too much. What kind of people are you on the cards? I'm afraid it will pollute the ears of the Holy Majesty if you tell it to me. It's just... do you know who my master is?"

Several people looked at each other in blank dismay, and finally spoke with disdain. "Now I'm thinking about using power to overwhelm others. No matter who you are, under the bright and bright world, you will not be allowed to frame a candidate who is going to Beijing to rush for the exam."

One of them said proudly, "I'm not afraid that you will know that my uncle is Wang Hongxu, Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry."

The other also reported his family background: "My second uncle is Luan Tingfang."

……

When everyone heard this, they couldn't help but shook their heads in amused manner.Well, feelings are the children of officials, no wonder such a bold person dared to provoke this dumb bully!

Xue Pan looked at them with pity, and said, "My master is Zhuang Shaoyou, and my senior brothers are San Yuan and Di Lin Mozhi."

For a moment, everyone was dumbfounded.If you say that Lin Mozhi is just the model and goal of all scholars, then Zhuang Shaoyou is the existence that all scholars can only look up to.It is rumored that the descendant of Zhuangzi, the great Confucian handed down by the emperor himself, almost all scholars will be reminded and remembered on the first day of school, a person who is still alive and is praised as a "sage" by the world.His influence is immeasurable among Hanlin Qingliu.Moreover, this person also has a well-known vice—that is, to protect his shortcomings, and he is extremely inclined to heinous ones.

And this person is actually the first teacher of the dude Xue Pan...

Things that eight poles can't think of.

Seeing this, Xue Pan sighed softly.In this era of fighting for parents and background, it really is the last word that the backing is hard!

Just like the two sides are at war, since Xue Pan has let out his harsh words, he has no interest in these people.Immediately, Shi Shiran stretched his waist and told Tian Wenjing, "Take us to the private room."

Tian Wenjing looked up at Xue Pan, and immediately walked forward with a bowed body, leading him to Room No. [-] in Tianzi.

The private room is naturally decorated very elegantly and comfortably, in line with the pretentious taste of the upper class.After serving tea, cakes and ordering food, Tian Wenjing retreated respectfully.Only then did Feng Ziying pat the table and laughed, "It's so satisfying, so satisfying!"

Jia Baoyu also leaned back and laughed. "Did you see that the faces of those scholars turned green?"

"It's so fun." Wei Ruolan clapped her palms and laughed loudly: "I used to wonder why some people always said that my father is...my uncle is... I finally found the reason today. It's so fun."

"Let's try changing it tomorrow." Chen Yejun said with a smirk on his face, "My father is Chen Shiyuan, a merchant from the Ministry of War. Haha..."

Xue Pan smiled calmly and said, "Where is this! Just wait, sooner or later they will cry and beg me."

Feng Ziying said in surprise: "Are you serious?"

"Of course." Xue Pan raised his eyebrows and said, "I've been bullied so much, it's not in my character not to fight back!"

Everyone was speechless for a while, and they realized more and more that the overlord must take revenge.But everyone was also very tired of the behavior of those scholars, so they didn't mention it.

It's just that Feng Ziying casually persuaded: "They are all self-inflicted, and it doesn't matter. Just don't blame the brothers for talking shallowly, the King of Nan'an..."

"Why, do you have a good relationship with the King of Nan'an?" Xue Pan raised his eyebrows in surprise and asked.

"Which card am I, I can have friendship with him." Feng Ziying smiled self-deprecatingly. "I just admire him for being a man."

Wei Ruolan also interjected: "Yes, he volunteered to go to the front line when he was 12 years old. He started as a small soldier in the front line and now leads an army of [-] troops. His outstanding achievements are well-deserved."

Chen Yejun also sighed and said: "Although some of us have been on the battlefield, there is no need for us to go to places that are too dangerous. It's just a little credit, even if there is danger, it is limited. But the King of Nan'an County is really hard-pressed... and the current loyal and pure prince is also a good show."

Xue Pan's heart moved when he heard this, and he couldn't help asking: "I heard what the king of Nan'an County said about this battle. The king won in one fell swoop. Is that true?"

"It's completely true, there is no lie at all." Feng Ziying shook her head and sighed: "This is also a bloody man. In comparison, we are nothing more than nothing."

"I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed." Wei Ruolan shook her head and sighed.

"That's not really what I said. It's just that everyone has their own responsibilities." Xue Pan said disapprovingly: "Although I don't understand military affairs, I also know that the transfer of the three armies must be done in accordance with orders and prohibitions, and cooperate tacitly. Prince Zhongchun took the initiative Inviting Ying to serve as a vanguard officer and go deep into the enemy army, although his heroism is convincing. But without the tacit cooperation of all of you, cutting off the enemy's retreat and making dumplings for them... It is hard to say what the final result will be. So you guys There is no need to belittle yourself. In my opinion, you are already heroes if you dare to fight on the battlefield. As children of rich and noble families, I don’t have the guts to go to the front line.”

Jia Baoyu also said, "I don't dare either."

So everyone suddenly felt that their image had grown tall again.The eyes looking at Xue Pan and others became more cordial and comfortable.

Xue Pan followed the trend and asked calmly: "In the past few days, I have heard people say that Prince Zhongchun's ears are callused. But I don't know what kind of person this is. Can you tell me about it?"

Feng Ziying looked at each other three times, and said: "If you want to say that this Prince Zhongchun is only 16 years old this year, it is also the first time he has been on the battlefield. However, he is kind, righteous, upright, and aboveboard, not like a prince. And he is in the army. When I was in high school, I ate and lived with everyone else, and I didn't have any pretensions."

"What's even more rare is that Prince Zhongchun is superb in martial arts. He is good at riding and shooting, and he is sure to hit the target. It is said that he captured the enemy's head this time. "Wei Ruolan danced and said, "Whoo, the leader of the enemy dismounted immediately. Prince Zhongchun tactfully shouted in Fan language, the leader is dead, so hurry up and surrender—"

"Fan language?" Xue Pan repeated inexplicably.

"Yes, these are barbarians from outside the feudal clan. The ones with yellow hair and blue eyes are quite different from us in appearance, and they frighten everyone to death." Chen Yejun patted his chest and said, "We were also frightened when we first saw it. What a jump! They came across the ocean on a big ship, and that ship could shoot cannons... At the beginning, many soldiers died, but it was the king of Nan'an who had an idea and attracted those soldiers to come ashore. It’s an advantage.”

Xue Pan nodded thoughtfully.

Wei Ruolan asked strangely, "Brother Xue, what's wrong with you?"

Feng Ziying turned the corner and said with a smile: "I heard that Brother Xue has always been very interested in matters outside the domain. I'm afraid this time he is also interested in those barbarians!"

"Do you all know where are the captured barbarians?" Xue Pan leaned over and asked.

"Because they are all related to barbarians... it seems that people from Honglu Temple took them away in the end!" Feng Ziying asked with some uncertainty.

"Brother Xue, if you really care about this, I'll go back and ask my father." Chen Yejun agreed.His father is the minister of the Ministry of War, and he knows the arrangements of these things well, so he just goes back and asks.

Xue Pan immediately cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Then I will trouble Brother Chen."

"No trouble, no trouble, just a word." Chen Yejun waved his hand quickly and smiled.

Xue Pan got up and brought a cup of tea to Chen Yejun, holding the cup himself and said, "Tea instead of wine, thank you brother."

These Xue Pan moved their minds about the [-] captives, and some people in the imperial city also expressed their opinions on this battle.

The king of Nan'an County begged respectfully: "The artillery of these barbarians is very powerful. If we only talk about the power of military fire, we are at an absolute disadvantage. I implore your majesty to order the Ministry of Industry to study the benefits of artillery, and change the military supplies as soon as possible. .”

On the dragon chair, Tu Zhen asked with a secret face: "Did you properly arrange the captured barbarian gunboats in this battle?"

"My minister has placed heavy guards on the guard. I implore the Holy One to send someone who is skilled in artillery from the Ministry of Industry to study gunboats along the West Sea." Nan'an County King said with his fists clasped.

Tu Zhen pondered for a while, then said, "No, I will send someone to drive the barbarian's gunboat into Tianjin Wei. I want to see for myself... how powerful the barbarian's artillery fire is."