[Red Chamber] Jia Huan's Army

When the lanterns first came on on the sixth day of the first lunar month, the banquet in the Lin Mansion officially began.It is said that they are inviting familiar officials, but they are all in the Yangzhou government. It is also necessary to pay attention to this invitation. For example, although the highest official of a government, Mr. Li, the magistrate of Yangzhou, has always been on friendly terms with Lin Ruhai, it is not easy not to invite him; If you are a magistrate, then the two co-prefects must be invited, especially one of them is Master Wu who is in charge of Yangzhou's local salt and grain and has a close friendship with Lin Ruhai.In addition, with the guest of honor, you also need to accompany the guests.Considering Mo Lian's main purpose this time, Lin Ruhai actually invited well-known businessmen who are familiar with the adults and young people from aristocratic families to accompany the guests.Therefore, in a developed place like Jiangnan, even the status of merchants has gradually become more common. If it is in the capital, with such an arrangement on the table, I am afraid that those who have always been arrogant will throw their sleeves and leave on the spot.

Mo Lian and Jia Huan have been by Lin Ruhai's side all the time, which can be regarded as the reason made up on the spur of the moment.Unlike Jia Huan who really wholeheartedly helped entertain the guests, Mo Lian watched coldly from the sidelines. These officials and businessmen looked familiar and relaxed. I'm afraid there were not many such gatherings in private.

Like most gatherings, this dinner was one of fine dining, wine and entertainers.The exchange of toasts between you and me, coupled with the laughing and flattering words of several businessmen who are used to winking, made the atmosphere quite lively.In addition, Lin Ruhai had stated in advance that today's banquet was only for getting acquainted with the two nephews, so instead of talking about official business, they only talked about love affairs. In such a hearty time, most of the guests at the table relaxed a lot.Once a person relaxes, there will be many clues to follow in the spoken words.

"Your Majesty is very lucky to see the two young masters with extraordinary appearances." A reddish-faced businessman toasted with a wine cup, "If there is anything I need, I will definitely do my best."

This merchant surnamed Wang is the most obedient big salt merchant under Lin Ruhai's subordinates. Although he has the natural shrewdness of a merchant, he is still a man of principle, so he has been able to cooperate with Lin Ruhai for a long time, and even his status as an unambiguous salt merchant now benefits from this. , is an available person.

Lin Ruhai drank the wine and said modestly, "Where. It's great to have your promise. I thank them on their behalf." Everyone also complimented a few words, and the topic turned to other places.

"I heard that Mr. Li has a happy event recently, and I would like to congratulate you here." At this time, another person opened his mouth and toasted the Yangzhou prefect who hadn't said much all night.

"Isn't that so?" said Tongzhi Master Zhao, "I don't know how that skinny horse tastes like. I really envy Master Li to enjoy the blessings of all people." He is related to him, and he is also the eldest prince on the bright side. This is exactly the opposite of Mr. Li, the protégé of He Xiang, and he is merciless even on the bright side.Who here doesn't know that Mr. Li is a student of He Xiang, and also married his teacher's niece, so he has always been famous in official circles for "strict control of his wife".

In contrast, this Master Li is much more low-key.He was not angry when he heard the words, and replied calmly: "Zhao Tongzhi was joking, but he was sent by his ignorant filial piety, and he hasn't had time to arrange it. If Zhao Tongzhi is willing, he will send it to the house today."

Zhao Tongzhi just felt that he had punched the cotton with a punch, which was very boring, but he seemed narrow-minded, so he snorted coldly: "I deserve it."

Mo Lian looked at this little episode, and hooked the corners of his mouth inexplicably.Let Jia Huan, who was sitting on the side drowsy, take a few more glances, and suddenly regained his energy, slandering: "I don't know who is going to be unlucky."

Jia Huan really guessed right, Mo Lian watched the two officials come and go and hide needles in the cotton, but the people around him seemed to have not seen it, and they already realized that the battle for heir apparent had already been brought to the fore.And the local officials in the south of the Yangtze River can't be twisted together, and there are many loopholes, which are beneficial to the evidence collection plan and do no harm. I am really sorry for myself if I don't make good use of it.Right now, he thought of a good way.

Mo Lian and Lin Ruhai exchanged colors, and then someone said: "I heard that the Holy Majesty is going to send imperial envoys to the south of the Yangtze River. I wonder if the two young masters from the capital have heard of it?"

Mo Lian nodded and said, "I heard from Brother Zhen in the East Mansion that the candidate for this time has a close relationship with that person, and I won't reveal anything else."

As soon as Mo Lian said this, everyone present changed their expressions, only Zhao Tongzhi seemed delighted.Who knows that Ningguo Mansion is on the boat of the eldest prince, since Jia Zhen can say so, then the imperial envoy this time must be from the eldest prince.What their subordinates need to do now is to hide their tails as much as possible, and then make more trouble for the Second Prince's faction.As for the officials sent by the second prince, it only took a moment to change their expressions. For them, what is more important now is to go back and think about countermeasures.The rest of the people complained endlessly in their hearts, and they were afraid that they would be the fish in the pond who would suffer in the end of the fight between the two factions.

So in the following time, no matter how hard the entertainers tried, it was useless to try to liven up the atmosphere.Everyone here has their own thoughts, only looking forward to going back to discuss it, how can they be in the mood to sit here and chat.So a dinner party ended so hastily.Lin Ruhai sent everyone away one by one with a good demeanor, without any embarrassment on his face.

Jia Huan was sure that he saw Mo Lian and Lin Ruhai exchanging glances, but unfortunately he was still at a loss, unable to understand what the two men were planning, and what it had to do with what Mo Lian said afterwards.After thinking for a long time to no avail, Jia Huan didn't want to bother, so he let go of the matter.

After the banquet, Mo Lian was actually watching Jia Huan all the time, seeing that he was as confused as he thought, but he was not at all curious about the next countermeasures, he was really helpless.After following him for such a long time, he still hasn't made any progress in these detours. Sure enough, he shouldn't have expectations for his brain.Even though he thought so, he didn't take the initiative to step forward to explain his doubts.In Mo Lian's mind, it would be better if Jia Huan didn't know these things, anyway, he was like a fish in water in the military camp, and he didn't have the qualifications to intrigue in the court.Moreover, it is not difficult for him to protect such a person.It's better to let him keep this "not making progress", and he can still enjoy Jia Huan's admiring eyes from time to time, which makes Mo Lian's always calm heart very gratified.Therefore, the logic of the inner world of ordinary people who don't speak much is beyond the imagination of ordinary people, and Mo Lian is exactly like this.

On the contrary, seeing Jia Huan's ignorance and ignorance, Lin Ruhai couldn't see it, so he decided to educate this nephew.So Jia Huan was dragged into the study by Lin Ruhai, looking like he was going to talk by candlelight at night.

"Sit down." Lin Ruhai's attitude was kind, "I haven't had a chance to have a good talk with you in Yangzhou for so long."

Jia Huan was a little nervous about having a night chat with his elders, so he nodded cautiously and sat down as promised.Then wait for Lin Ruhai to speak.

Lin Ruhai could also see Jia Huan's restraint, and said with a smile, "Huan'er doesn't have to be so restrained. I see that you are very confused about today's matter, but why are you puzzled?"

Jia Huan saw that Lin Ruhai had asked such a question, so he didn't hide it, and asked: "My nephew can only see that this is what you discussed with His Highness, but I really don't understand how His Highness's words have anything to do with our purpose? Doesn't this expose our tracks?"

Lin Ruhai nodded. Although this child is not very sensitive to intrigue in the officialdom, he is good at watching people's faces, seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages, which is also a good means of self-protection. "Actually, it's not an exposure. According to their understanding, the imperial envoy is still in the capital, so naturally he can't think of you. As for why this is necessary, it's just to let them mess up. Fishing in muddy water is easy. The busier they are I'm afraid it's easier to expose yourself if you plant a frame. When the time comes, the evidence will naturally be available."

Only then did Jia Huan suddenly realize, but he was puzzled and said: "Then why would they easily believe His Highness's words? If anyone came here to talk nonsense, wouldn't they check it out?"

It's rare for this child to think of these things, and Lin Ruhai became more and more satisfied: "There is no harm in doing or not doing the contradictions that have been put on the surface. Besides, they have to make preparations first based on the idea that they would rather believe it." What's more, even if you don't believe it, we have ways to make them believe it in the dark."

Jia Huan thought about it, and found that it was true. Anyway, his side was in the dark, and these officials who were in the open would suffer a lot.

Since he valued Jia Huan and was more satisfied with his performance after such a conversation, Lin Ruhai then elicited what he mainly wanted to say to him today: "I don't know Huan'er, do you know why His Highness didn't answer these questions with you?"

Hearing Lin Ruhai's sudden question, Jia Huan was taken aback, he hadn't thought about this kind of question yet.Thinking back carefully, Jia Huan finally saw the clue.When talking about these issues, Mo Lian would take the initiative to explain to him, but at some point, Mo Lian would only explain to him when he asked.Today, although Mo Lian saw his confusion, he didn't ask, so he didn't mention it anymore.If Lin Ruhai hadn't mentioned such a difference, Jia Huan would never have thought of it.But why?Don't trust yourself anymore?Jia Huan was the first to deny this reason.If you no longer trust yourself, you will not let yourself participate in such secrets.To protect yourself?Jia Huan shook his head and denied it, he still had self-knowledge, a little man like him really didn't deserve the protection of a prince, not to mention that he was not a delicate little girl.Then the most likely thing is that Mo Lian realized that he was not suitable for being an official, and had given up on cultivating himself as a confidant, so he no longer taught the conspiracy and conspiracy of the officialdom. stocking strategy.Thinking about it this way, Jia Huan's expression turned a little dark. Fortunately, he still felt good about himself, so he was already in such a passive position unconsciously.

Lin Ruhai didn't think too much about it. Seeing Jia Huan's face was not good, he only thought that he couldn't accept this problem for a while when he found out, but he didn't expect that because of his kindness, Jia Huan got into the corner of the horns and began to loathe himself. .Lin Ruhai looked at Jia Huan who was sitting blankly on the chair, and persuaded him, "Since ancient times, being with a king is like being with a tiger, even if you are with the prince. I think you have a very close personal relationship with the fourth prince, but the way you get along is not like a king and a minister. Dangerous. Therefore, I hope to remind you with this, so as not to mistake myself in the future.”

Lin Ruhai has always been a gentleman, and being able to say such a thing behind Mo Lian's back is already the limit. If it wasn't because he wanted to remind this child who has gained his favor, he wouldn't say something similar to provocative words now, so No more deep talk.

"Uncle's words are like enlightenment, Jia Huan thank you here." Jia Huan knew that Lin Ruhai was also thinking of himself, although he was depressed, he would not be rude to him.It's just that I tossed and turned after going back, and had no sleep all night.