The Royal Merchant of the Red Chamber

After everyone chatted for a while, Jia Rong came in again.I greeted the three wives of Xing Wang Xue and Sister Feng, and then said to Jia Zhen: "All the gentlemen from various houses are here, and they are drinking and talking in the front hall. Rong Te came to invite father to go to the front and talk The old men of the family have dinner."

Jia Zhen nodded slowly, and asked, "Where is the old lady—"

"Early, I sent my servant to carry sixteen boxes of rare fruits to the temple. The son kowtowed to the old man himself, and explained everything to the old man according to his father's wishes. The old man was very happy and ordered to engrave [-] pieces in a hurry. Scatter the insidious writings." Jia Rong stood with her arms tied, and replied with a respectful face.

Only then did Jia Zhen respond with satisfaction.Turning around, he smiled at the wives and said, "Since that's the case, I'll go out to make arrangements first."

Everyone was polite again, Jia Zhen cupped her hands and went to the front.Jia Rong wanted to follow, but was stopped by Sister Feng. "How is your daughter-in-law doing today? You can't care about her because of the noise inside and outside."

Jia Rong replied indifferently: "It's not good. Auntie will know when she comes back and have a look."

With that said, he walked away.

Seeing it in his eyes, Xue Pan was slightly taken aback.

Didn't it mean that Rong'er and his wife are in harmony with each other, and the phoenix sings in harmony?I don't see this pie today.

Jia Baoyu also came up to Xue Pan and whispered, "Something's wrong. Is it Rong'er and her daughter-in-law who are arguing?"

Xue Pan shook his head, expressing that he did not know.

Jia Baoyu was silent for a while, then turned around and clamored to see Qin Keqing.I was persuaded by Mrs. Wang's three or two words.You Shi immediately set up a meal, and everyone had lunch in the back garden with the beautiful scenery.Sister Feng couldn't sit still anymore, so she quietly went back to her wife and went to see Rong's daughter-in-law's room.

When Jia Baoyu saw him, there was another row.

Xue Pan had no choice but to grab Jia Baoyu and said with a smile: "My nephew and daughter-in-law are sick, why are you going to be my uncle's Babaer, wouldn't it add to the trouble? And go for a walk with me -- you have always admired the King of Jingjing His character and talent, he is also at the residence today, I happened to take you to meet him."

Jia Baoyu cares about both sides, but in the end he is still reluctant to part with Xue Pan.I had to hold Sister Feng's hand and give several instructions before following Xue Pan to the front.

At that time, in the main hall, there was clanging of operas, gongs and drums blaring, and the boys playing ten games were making a fuss.A cloud of guests toasted to each other, Jia Baoyu looked around for a long while, and Fox asked, "Where is Prince Beijing, why didn't I see it?"

Xue Pan smiled lightly and said, "Maybe I misremembered. He didn't come in person, but sent someone to bring a birthday gift with a name sticker."

When Jia Baoyu heard this, he curled his lips dejectedly, turned around and was about to go back.He was grabbed by Xue Pan.

"I'm not talking about you, you are a big man, you spend all your time in the embroidery room of your daughter's house. In the past, it was fine for my sisters to mess around, but now I don't even let the house of my nephew and daughter-in-law go. You are not afraid of people if you spread it. Say it nicely. You are thirteen this year, and you thought it was a childhood sweetheart, so naive!"

Seeing that Xue Pan was really annoyed, Jia Baoyu had no choice but to hold back his displeasure, and followed Xue Pan in the crowd.

Jia Lian was sitting at the banquet watching a play and drinking, when he glanced this way, he couldn't help being surprised.Quickly pushed Jia Rong and said, "Look, did Baoyu and Xue's cousin come out?"

Jia Rong looked intently and couldn't help but replied, "That's right!"

"It's rare!" Jia Lian sighed, got up quickly and went to meet him, and asked with a smile, "What kind of wind is blowing today that it actually blows Baoyu into the front hall?"

Jia Baoyu didn't speak, but Xue Pan replied with a smile: "It's not interesting after dinner later. Why don't you come out for a stroll."

So at the invitation of Jia Lian, he sat down at the table.Jia Lian saw that Xue Pan's business was getting more and more prosperous, and was thinking about how to ask for help.It's just that they are not close on weekdays, so naturally they can't talk in front of Xue Pan.Now that he has the opportunity, he will naturally try his best to flatter him.He was born handsome and good at talking, so he made Xue Pan smile for a while.

Immediately put down the chopsticks and smiled: "I heard that courtesy requires people to ask for something. Today, Lian's second brother is so considerate, so he can't just show filial piety to me, right?"

Jia Lian also put down his chopsticks and said with a smile, "It's not because I heard that Xue's cousin made money well, so I took the liberty to ask. Not to mention anything else, your second elder brother is also tactful in managing the house, I wonder if it's okay..."

Before he finished speaking, he saw Xue Pan frowning lightly, and couldn't help being surprised.A wave of eagerness also cooled down for a while.

Xue Pan looked at Jia Lian for a long time, and sighed, "You are also the eldest son of a noble family, why do you think about managing affairs and management all day long? I remember that you also have an official position. Wouldn't it be better to think about it carefully?" good."

Jia Lian blushed and sighed softly: "It's just an official position donated, there is nothing serious to do."

"No matter how small the court affairs are, they are more decent than your housework all day long." Xue Pan shook his head and said nonchalantly, "It's not that I'm talking about you, you're just like the manager and comprador in the mansion every day. I think you still Quite a pleasure."

Jia Lian sighed softly, and said with some embarrassment: "Isn't this the old lady's order!"

Xue Pan glanced at him, but smiled silently.

For Jia Lian, Xue Pan's perception is pretty good.At least one thing about the stone nerd shows that Jia Lian still has two parts of humanity.But to say that Jia Lian is a good person is not enough.Xue Pan looked down on the point of provoking flowers and grass, especially.

It's not any other reason, Gain Jia Lian is a bit too vegan.Just like what Jia Mu once said, all the smelly and smelly things are drawn into the house, as if they have never seen a woman in hundreds of lifetimes.

Jia Lian naturally saw the disdain in Xue Pan's eyes.He concealed his confusion by toasting and drinking, calmed down his emotions, and asked tentatively: "Cousin Xue is naturally a big man with a chest. Your means are extraordinary, and ordinary people can't compare. Brother also I just want to learn a lot from my cousin."

"I don't have the pretensions that the eldest son of the dignified first-rank general of the Rongguo Mansion works for me." Xue Pan shook his head, unceremoniously cutting off Jia Lian's thoughts.

Jia Lian's face was gloomy for a while, and he stayed aside dejectedly,

Seeing this, Xue Pan shook his head and said, "I see that although you are a glib person, you still have some conscience in your heart, unlike some people, I feel tired even looking at him-if you can eat hard , I can help you find a way out. It depends on how you think."

Jia Lian's heart moved, and he quickly asked, "I don't know what it is?"

Xue Pan opened his mouth, closed it again, blinked his eyes and said, "I can't say it yet—let me ask, if he agrees, then I can say something else."

When Jia Lian heard this, he became more and more uncertain.Feeling apprehensive for a while, it is not clear whether Xue Pan is evasive and prevaricated, or there is a real thing.

Hastily got a glass of sake and handed it to Xue Pan, laughed and said: "In that case, I will rely on my cousin."

Xue Pan waved his hand, and said nonchalantly: "Just listen to me—it will take three to five days to make a difference."

Hearing this, Jia Lian could only nod embarrassingly.The movements in his hands became more and more attentive, but he knew that Xue Pan said what he said and had a domineering temper.I dare not ask about the details.

Xue Pan ate two mouthfuls of food under Jia Lian's service, and after listening to the play for a while, he felt a headache from the sound of drum music.Coupled with Jia Baoyu's constant urging, he got up and left the main hall, returning to the backyard.

Although the Ningguo Mansion was not as grand as the Rongguo Mansion, it was more magnificent than ordinary families.It's the height of autumn, with yellow flowers all over the ground and white willows in waves.Pavilions, terraces and pavilions are surrounded by mountains and rivers.Rockery, flowers and stones, don't have a special feeling.The two of Xue Pan shuttled along the cobblestone-paved narrow path, and specially chose the quiet and secluded path, which was very interesting for a while.

Not long after walking, I suddenly heard the voice of a person coming from the front of the rockery.Jia Baoyu and Xue Pan immediately looked at each other, and tiptoed over.

From the crevices in the rocks, one can see Wang Xifeng, who looks slightly angry and impatient, and a handsome young junior.Jia Baoyu stared intently for a while, then leaned closer to Xue Pan's ear and whispered, "It seems to be Jia's nephew, named Jia Rui."

Afraid that Xue Pan would not understand, he immediately added: "His parents died early, and his grandfather is Jia Dairu who is now in charge of the private school. Last time I had a face-to-face meeting with him because of Qin Zhong's trouble in the school. He stopped Sister Feng from doing it. What?"

Xue Pan was stunned.Knowing that this is Jia Rui, who has become obscene and heartbroken after meeting Sister Feng.Although he despises his character, but thinking that he lost his life in the end, and was so tired that the old man sent a white-haired man to a black-haired man, he felt a little bit unbearable.Immediately coughed lightly, turned around and said with a smile: "No one is innocent, what are you two uncles and sisters talking about?"

When Jia Rui heard this, he almost collapsed on the ground in fright.On the contrary, Sister Feng glared at Xue Pan angrily, and reprimanded: "Fart your mother. Even if my mother really climbs the wall, she won't look down on him as a worthless wretch."

This is true.For a moment, Jia Rui blushed in embarrassment.

Xue Pan gave him a disgusted look, and said disdainfully: "I still don't get up and go back to the front yard. It's sneaky, it makes people sick."

Upon hearing this, Jia Rui immediately got up from the ground and walked forward.

Xue Pan said again: "Come back!"

Jia Rui was photographed by Xue Pan's prestige, so he stopped in fear and turned back.

"Today's incident involves Sister Feng's son Qingyu. If it is accidentally spread—be careful with your skin."

Jia Rui was aware of Xue Pan's tricks, so he immediately agreed with haste.Before Xue Pan could speak again, he ran away like a hen being chased by a dog.

Seeing this, Sister Feng ridiculed again.

Jia Baoyu said disdainfully, "It's really irresponsible."

Xue Pan looked at him in surprise, but he didn't expect such words to come out of Jia Baoyu's mouth.However, because of his previous temperament, Xue Pan still ordered seriously: "It's not just him, I also told you this. I know you are used to telling funny things in the world to make the servant girl laugh. It's just today's matter You have to say it a little bit--you are my brother, so naturally I won't embarrass you. But those maids, one counts as one, I can just drag them out and stick them to death. I just don't know if you believe it or not."

Xue Pan's words are serious, and Jia Baoyu cannot help being contemptuous.Immediately nodded solemnly, imitating Xue Pan's appearance, pursing his lips and drawing the appearance of needlework with his fingers, and solemnly said: "I will never say anything."

Although Sister Feng was upright in her heart, she was still a little apprehensive when this happened to her. After hearing Xue Pan's words, she felt relieved for a while.

So the three of them went back to the garden in the backyard in silence.Immediately, an old woman came up to lead the way, and after going around in circles, they arrived at Tianxiang Tower.At that time, Madam Xing, Madam Wang, Madam Xue, and Youshi were playing cards at a table. When they saw the three of them filing in, they couldn't help but said with a smile: "What are you doing in the front hall and backyard?" Went somewhere?"

Xue Pan smiled and said, "I met you when I came here."

And You Shi came over with the play list and asked everyone to order plays, Xue Pan naturally shirked it.Youshi knew Xue Pan's habits, so he didn't care.Then he gave the play list to Sister Feng.Sister Feng received Xue Pan's love today, and she didn't know how to be grateful.Seeing this situation, he immediately smiled and said: "You all concentrate on playing cards and don't listen to the opera very much. Cousin Xue is also impatient with this. He simply asked the people below to stop the opera, and just played some gentle tunes, and filled the garden Zi's ​​chrysanthemums are also good."

You Shi saw that Sister Feng and Mrs. Xue's sloppy efforts today knew that she wanted to curry favor with Xue's family, and because of Jia Lian's diligence before, she didn't think much about it, and said with a smile: "If that's the case, that's all."

So Sister Feng handed the play list to the girl who was waiting on the side.After a while, I saw that the babbling and humming stopped on the stage, and the voiceless sound was played instead.Xue Pan suddenly felt that his swollen head was much cleaner.

Jia Baoyu pulled Sister Feng's sleeve and asked, "You just went to Keqing's room to see, how is she?"

"I'm a little sicker, and I'm not in a good mood. I comforted her a few words, but it's okay. I just want to eat the yam cake our family made a few days ago." Sister Feng sighed in a low voice.

When Baoyu heard this, he quickly said: "Then make it for her. What is it worth? I also heard from Rong'er that her illness is not very serious. As long as she eats well, she will not be afraid."

Xue Pan's heart moved, he glanced at Baoyu, and asked in a low voice, "When did you ask?"

Baoyu laughed and said, "Just now - when you chatted with Lian's second brother."

Xue Pan nodded.No matter how you say it, Baoyu's temper of pity for fragrance and jade is actually a good one.It's just that Qin Keqing's status is special, and she is not a chaste woman.It was inevitable that some good words would come out in the future, so Xue Pan deliberately put a distance between her and Jia Baoyu.

Jia Baoyu watched Xue Pan remain silent, mistakenly thinking that he was dissatisfied and difficult to express in front of everyone.Immediately leaned over to Xue Pan's side and said, "I just asked casually, I didn't say anything else."

Xue Pan smiled and replied, "I didn't say anything else."

Another richly dressed little girl came to serve tea.So Xue Pan and the two stopped talking and listened to the song silently.It wasn't until the ladies in front had played enough cards, removed the banquet, and finished their dinner that they prepared their chariots and horses and went home.

When they were in the carriage, Xue Zhizhang also asked: "Baoyu is used to messing around with the inner courtyard, so that's all. Why did you also mess around with the inner courtyard?"

Xue Pan yawned and said, "No one was there. I just sat with Baoyu for a while. The rest was to talk to Sister Feng. Don't worry, father. We are all relatives. If there is any suspicion I will remember the place."

Xue Zhizhang nodded and said no more.Instead, he sighed: "When I arrived at Ningguo Mansion today, I didn't see anyone from the Lin family, so I knew it was Daiyu's incident that made them feel bad."

Mrs. Xue said disapprovingly: "I don't even look at what their own family is doing, there is no such bullying."

"Brother Lin and his nephew are now obliged to run errands and cannot return it. It is lonely that Daiyu is the only one left in the Lin family. It just so happens that Baochai is also detained at home to prepare for marriage. See if Daiyu can be brought over to live in Duan Time, firstly, to relieve Daiyu's silence, and secondly, our family Baochai also has a companion."

Mrs. Xue was overjoyed when she heard the words, and immediately said: "Master's words are very true. I will pack it up tomorrow and go to the Lin family to pick him up."

Xue Zhizhang nodded and smiled, and said no more.

After a while, the carriage returned to the house.Xue and his wife naturally returned to Ruirong Hall to rest, but Xue Pan diverted to Wutong Garden because of what he said earlier.Sure enough, the lights in the house were still on.

Xue Pan stepped in, only to see Ying'er sitting on a low couch beside her, fiddling with needlework, and Baochai sitting behind the table, writing and calculating.Xue Pan joked with a smile: "Why, are you writing your own dowry list?"

Xue Baochai was caught off guard and was teased by Xue Pan.Hastily put down the writing brush in his hand, walked up and said: "I haven't seen you for a long time, brother, and he made fun of me as soon as he came."

Xue Pan sat casually on the beauty's couch at the side, looked at Baochai and said, "Have you had dinner and what did you eat?"

Baochai replied: "I just ate it. I miss Jiangnan's side dishes a little bit, so I specially asked the master in the small kitchen to cook some. I ate a whole bowl of rice!"

Xue Pan nodded and said with a smile: "That's right. I'm afraid that there is no one at home, and you are too lazy to move and only take one bite. After a long time, your health will not be good. This person lives for a lifetime, and everything else is useless, only eating Drink well to be worthy of yourself."

When Baochai heard this, she took a look at Xue Pan and said, "Brother, what you said is very meaningful?"

"It doesn't mean anything. It's just seeing the grandmother Xiaorong in Ningguo Mansion lingering on the sick bed at a young age, and I feel something." Xue Pan said, took the juice that Yinger handed over, and sighed softly: "Although people have misfortunes and blessings, it is inevitable. But you should also cherish the blessings and know the blessings, so that you can last for a long time!"

"I still said that there is no meaning, how much meaning do these two sentences reveal?" Baochai said, casually took a round stool and sat down opposite Xue Pan, and said casually: "In my opinion, Ronger in Ningguo Mansion Most of the daughter-in-law's illnesses are actually heart problems. Besides herself, there are naturally others. As long as the heart knot is resolved, it will be fine."

Xue Pan's heart moved, and he asked Baochai, "You seem to know something, how did you know?"

Baochai just smiled and said nothing.After a while, he opened his mouth and said, "I'm just a boudoir daughter, what can I know? But I guess, Rong's daughter-in-law's illness, there are many people in the two prefectures who don't know about it."

Xue Pan shook his head amusedly and said, "I haven't seen you for a few days, and my sister has learned to play the game."

Baochai said helplessly, "I don't want to either. It's just that I'm bored in the mansion all day, worrying about food and clothing, and it doesn't make much sense. When I'm free, I naturally think about this and that. Ying'er is like a wind ear. When the wives, grandmas and girls from Rongning Second Mansion come to see me, she also chats with those little girls. Whether intentionally or not, these things will be known."

Xue Pan pondered for a moment, then said: "Not to mention anything else, Rongning and Ning's Second House is too flamboyant from the master to the slave."

"In order to build a world, there are naturally those who are respectful and courteous, and there are also those who are arrogant. As long as each has the means, he will naturally have a smooth life. It's just an old saying that if the king does not keep secrets, he will lose his ministers, and if his ministers do not keep secrets, he will lose his integrity. Rong Ning There is nothing wrong with the second government's publicity, but it is too indiscreet. I heard that their family has always had progressive things as a daily routine. There is no one in Manshenjing who doesn't know. I don't know if His Majesty will hear these words. I will feel uncomfortable." Baochai said seemingly casually.

Xue Pan glanced at her, but didn't speak.

Seeing this, Baochai said again: "The ancients said that if you know yourself, you know your enemy, you will win every battle. I don't care to inquire about the affairs of Rongning and Ningfu, and rumors have spread to my ears. But there are some things in some places that I want to inquire about, but there is no way to find out." .”

Xue Pan laughed and said, "Said a lot, so is this serious sentence?"

Baochai smiled shyly, and said, "After all, she is still a girl in a boudoir, and she is too embarrassed to cut straight to the point!"

Xue Pan shook his head, and said helplessly, "Tell me, what is it that stumps our female Zhuge?"

Hearing this, Baochai said in a serious tone: "The rules in the palace have been great since ancient times. If you want to come to the palace, the rules are not too small. I am not afraid of this, but I am worried that people who have lived in the palace for a long time will not only have the rules, but also have a big heart. I'm getting older too. I'm new here again, I'm afraid..."

Xue Pan looked at Baochai in surprise, and said, "You want me to help you find out about the Palace of Zhongchun?"

Baochai nodded, and said with a slight smile, "It's best to be quiet. I don't want my husband to think that I'm an unruly woman."

Xue Pan mourned for Prince Zhongchun for a while, and said with a smile, "Don't worry, this matter is on my shoulders. I guarantee that everything will be leak-proof, and no one will notice it."

Only then did Baochai smile and say, "Thank you brother, I knew he was the best for me."

After speaking, he walked behind Xue Pan and kneaded Xue Pan himself.He said in his mouth: "This is the massage technique I just learned from my mother. How about trying it, brother?"

The pair of catkins pressed on the neck were moderately heavy, and the technique was skillful. Xue Pan closed his eyes and meditated, and said with a smile: "It's really good, it's cheaper than that kid. If you dare to treat my sister badly, hehe!"

When Baochai behind her saw this, the curvature of her lips deepened slightly.There was an indescribable emotion in his eyes.It's just that the strength in his hands has become softer——