Heir of the Red Chamber

Speaking of which, Jia Baoyu cannot be blamed entirely.

He is only ten years old now, even if he is blown into the sky by Mrs. Jia Muwang and others, he will inevitably commit some problems such as lack of self-discipline.In addition, none of the male and female masters of Rongguo Mansion really knew self-discipline from old to young, so it was inevitable for Jia Baoyu to waste his time in such a gentle and rich township.

In the past, the second wife, Mrs. Wang, no matter how much she favored Jia Baoyu, she always wanted to let her son improve. From time to time, she sent people to beat the maids around Jia Baoyu, and she would watch Jia Baoyu write a few pages of big characters. Baoyu will be very happy when he is studying.

It's a pity that since the Lin family adopted an heir, Jiamu Wang and Mrs. Jia's plans have been put to waste, and the restraint on Jia Baoyu has become more and more relaxed.This is also human nature, the more they can't get it, the harder it is to let go, so that they only think about other people's children and property, but ignore the family.Or they think that Jia Baoyu is a great fortune anyway, and he doesn't need to study hard like ordinary people to have a bright future, so they can let it go for now?

All in all, when Jia Zheng didn't know who had listened to the instigation, after checking Jia Baoyu's homework, he rewarded him with a meal of fried pork with bamboo shoots. Seeing how pitiful, Mrs. Wang, who was in pain, let out a groan, crying for Jia Baoyu, and at the same time bringing up Jia Zhu who had gone away. He didn't enter the main courtyard either, and rested at Aunt Zhao's place indiscriminately.

At this moment, Mrs. Wang only had eyes for Jia Baoyu, a precious lump who had been greatly wronged. Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng had all been forgotten, but there was also one less lawsuit.

Jia Baoyu has been living in the Bisha closet in Jiamu's yard, and it is impossible not to alarm Jiamu for such a big movement.So Jia's mother also wiped her tears with distress, and the next day she took time out of her busy schedule to call Jia Zheng over and scolded him.It's nothing more than saying something like the old Duke taught their brothers when they were alive.

Jia Zheng could only bow his head and listen to the old mother's benevolent instructions, he was speechless, no matter whether what Jia's mother said was right or not, he couldn't really agree, saying that the old man had a temper like burning charcoal when he was young, which was not pleasing to the eye Which son is put down is a board.

In fact, which family has never beaten a son?That is Rongguo Mansion, the second master taught and taught his son to be a riotous disobedient offender, I don't know how I thought that the second master Jia beat his mother and father.

The servants of the Rongguo Mansion have always dared to say anything, and they are most willing to arrange gossip about their master. After Lin Ya sent Chen Xiao to the Chen Mansion, when he came to the Lin Mansion in the capital comfortably in a carriage, there were servants staying behind Tell him what's new in Rongguo Mansion in recent days, it's also good to relieve boredom.

It's not that the Lin family still values ​​the Jia family.According to Lin Ya's instructions, the stewards were asked to talk about all the important and famous things about the people in Beijing and China in the past two years.Although Rongguo Mansion has unworthy descendants and no one who can speak loudly in the court, it is the family of the first wife, so the stewards still list Rongguo Mansion as an important family.It's just that other people's families are talking about weddings and funerals, which man is promoted or relegated, only the Rongguo family, it's all a joke.

Lin Ya only raised his eyelids when he heard this, and didn't even bother to frown for this family.

He has business to do on this trip to Beijing.On the surface, he must firstly prepare for the next spring, and secondly, prepare to send him to the door of the Zeng family's old grandpa, grandpa, grandpa, grandpa, grandpa, grandpa, and grandpa to see and hire him seriously; secretly, he also wants to meet the third prince, Chu Ronghua, again. Talk about friendship, and then visit Lin Ruhai's old friends and contemporaries.

I just arrived in Beijing today. After getting off the car, Lin Ya almost walked while listening to the stewards report on various matters. Needless to say, trivial matters. Just hearing that a serious master is going to Beijing, the mansion received famous invitations It is half the height of a person, not counting those who are self-confessed and seniority waiting for Lin Ya to send a post to visit first. If the whole family agrees, Lin Ya is too exhausted to socialize. How can there be time to see stupid people? joke.

After taking a comfortable bath, An Sheng lay down on the couch, and Lin Ya sent people to Zeng Chen's second mansion with soil instruments to greet the elders of the Zeng family and Mr. Chen's mother and son. Itinerary to visit Zeng's family.

This was Lin Ya's grandson-in-law's first visit to the Zeng family's door, so he had to be serious.

Before Lin Ya got up in the morning, the stewards who had received special instructions from Lin Ruhai checked the gifts to be given to the masters of the Zeng family again.These are not the same as the earth ceremonies yesterday. They were selected by the master Lin Ruhai who opened a storehouse after the marriage was agreed in the two letters.

Lin Ruhai had already given instructions, saying that since the uncle is still young, it doesn't matter whether you pass this subject or not, and those who go to Beijing to serve are all rewarded with top-notch rewards, but there must be no mistakes in hiring a grandma, otherwise There is no need to look at the old faces of several lifetimes, and no one in the family can escape.

After the stewards inspected the things together in twos, and carefully instructed the servants who were going to carry the things today, Lin Ya, who had regained his energy, was served by Fu Sheng Shou Sheng and other servants, dressed neatly, and came out with a hug. the door.

This time, I was going to visit my future father-in-law's house. Even if the exhaustion from the days of boating and traveling had not passed, Lin Ya could no longer take a car, but rode a fat and strong horse that was transported to the capital early and raised, and was led by a groom. Walking slowly all the way, earning enough eyes on the way to Zeng's house.

The three servants of Fu Lu Shou had followed Lin Ya for a long time, and at this time they each rode a tall horse and followed behind, winking each other's eyes from time to time, showing a tacit smirk.

Lin Ya didn't need to look back, just by hearing the occasional coughing sound behind him, he could guess that the boys were secretly laughing at him. Although his expression was still as indifferent as ever, the roots of his ears couldn't help but turn a little red.Not to mention the boys, even himself, thinking of the toss and toss this morning, he also smiled.

In fact, Lin Ya woke up very early today.In his previous life, he didn't care about marriage at all. Apart from registering with the Civil Affairs Bureau, he couldn't leave it to others. He didn't care about anything, and he didn't care about anything.Therefore, as a human being in two lives, this is the first time he has visited his wife's elders seriously. It would be a lie to say that he is not nervous. Even when he opened his eyes in the morning, he dreamed of the old master Zeng's exam. He couldn't answer it anyway. , woke up in a hurry.

Of course, Lin Ya would not say such a shameful thing. After waking up, he lay down for more than half an hour as if nothing had happened, until he came up with an answer that he thought was reasonable, which should satisfy Mrs. Zeng, and then called for someone to come in. , It officially started a toss.

Lin Ya's skin looks good no matter how he dresses up. He is usually not too picky, but he wears whatever clothes the servants bring. But this morning, he suddenly developed that picky nerve. Holding five or six pieces of clothes did not satisfy Lin Ya, and the purse fan cover was too frivolous or inelegant, he picked and picked, until he was urged outside, he reluctantly picked it up and changed it to his liking.Before going out, he turned around and saw that the couch that could accommodate four or five people was full of clothes and accessories, and several boxes and cages were opened wide, Lin Ya couldn't help but twitched the corners of his mouth.

Maybe when they really get married in the future, this group of people will tell his wife what they eat inside and outside, so that they can cheat a few of them for money.

Lin Ya gritted his teeth bitterly, and made up his mind to clean up these outrageous things when he went back today.Because he didn't dare to run horses in the busy city, Lin Ya thought up all the tricks to rub the boys on the way to Zeng's house.

But the premise is that he must first pass the level of the Zeng family who are waiting in full force.

The Zeng family also showed great sincerity. As soon as Lin Ya and his party turned into the alley occupied by Zeng's mansion, the eldest grandson of the Zeng family's generation, Grandpa Zeng, came out with several younger brothers.Although Lin Ya had never been to the capital city before and had never seen Uncle Zeng, there was only one young man who could walk in front of Second Master Zeng who had several faces, and hurriedly dismounted to meet each other.

Both sides are handsome and noble sons who have read poetry and books. They have a lot to say to each other, and they both want to get close. Naturally, they chatted quickly. Afterwards, they walked through the corridors and gardens. The brothers of the Zeng family showed their friendship as landlords. , was very hospitable, and Lin Ya breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that the brothers and sisters were quite easy to talk to.

Unexpectedly, he was happy too early.

The brothers of the Zeng family were sincerely hospitable, and when they arrived at Master Zeng's study, they also sincerely made things difficult for Lin Ya.

Master Zeng, who was at the top, asked warmly about Lin Ruhai's body, and after listening to Lin Ya's respectful recounting of what he had seen and heard along the way, he watched with a smile as his nephews kept asking questions about his good-natured son-in-law.Uncle Zeng talked about classics and history collections indifferently, Second Master Zeng talked about calligraphy and painting Danqing in a clear voice, and the rest checked and filled in the gaps. The most stubborn Fifth Master Zeng even came out with flowers, birds, insects and fish. Everyone asked Lin Ya "Lin Ya" What do you think, brother?" Lin Ya really asked Lin Ya's question, and to apply the words of later generations, it was really several brainstorms.

After asking the servants in the study room to quietly refill the tea a few times, Mr. Zeng saw that the fire was almost ready, coughed lightly, and Fifth Master Zeng reluctantly swallowed it back, wanting to make fists with Lin Ya In terms of kung fu, respectfully listen to my uncle's instructions.

Master Zeng was of course satisfied with this son-in-law.

Men are different from women. Although Mr. Zeng loves Mrs. Zeng in his heart, he still considers the interests of the family more when it comes to the marriage of his children.Among other things, the Lin family, Lin Ruhai alone, with such abilities and such a position, has greatly helped His Highness the Third Highness who was valued by Mrs. Zeng. The most important thing is that the Lin family has hidden very well so far. Jingzhong Gaomen, who played drums and stood in line, really saved a lot of worry.Lin Ya himself had an old relationship with His Highness the Third Highness, and in the future, a close minister of the emperor would not be able to escape. From the overall situation, there is no more suitable son-in-law than this.

Letting the nephews make it difficult for Lin Ya today is not only to let Lin Ya understand the dignity of the daughter of the Zeng family, but also to see Lin Ya's character.Looking at it now, he is not flustered, patient, neither irritable nor angry, neither humble nor overbearing in dealing with others, and is really eager to learn and make progress, which can be rated as the best.

Elder Master Zeng became more and more satisfied, feeling that the marriage was well established, and he looked at Lin Ya with a more amiable expression, as if he was looking at his younger generation, and a big stone in Lin Ya's heart fell to the ground.

It's a pity that before it was too long, a servant boy who was obviously dressed higher than the rest of the servants came in and said that the old man asked Uncle Lin to talk.

This is the real head of the Zeng family, and only when the old master Zeng opened his mouth and nodded, can the Lin family officially come to propose marriage.Even though he knew in his heart that he had come to this point, it was unlikely that Mrs. Zeng would speak back, Lin Ya's scalp was numb and his heart was worried.

What's funny is the reaction of the men of Zeng's family.

Just now when they led the way for Lin Ya to meet Mr. Zeng, they were all vying for successors, and Mr. Jia was full of momentum. Now when he heard that Mr. Zeng wanted someone to accompany Lin Ya to meet the old man, they all became angry. The mud-bodied wood sculpture that can't speak, didn't even have a volunteer.

It seems that this old master Zeng has a lot of prestige.

Lin Ya didn't have the heart to laugh at the brothers at the moment. He was more worried about himself. After all, the brothers were all tied up, and he was the focus of old master Zeng's care today.It's just that the brothers can still push each other to avoid disaster, but Lin Ya has to show his most human-looking side for Mrs. Zeng to judge.

In the end, two brothers, Uncle Zeng and Second Master, sent Lin Ya over, and Guangfeng Jiyue calmly invited Lin Ya, who had "come from afar", to sit down and have a close contact with Old Master Zeng who had just tended a few pots of beloved flowers and plants. The two of them took a step back together, and they sat down respectfully on the forest cliff to strike.

The Zeng family paid attention to thick accumulation and steady growth, and Mrs. Zeng himself entered the official position late, so he was not so eye-catching compared to Lin Ruhai, who was young and vigorous.This low-key continued until he had a grandson and suddenly became a prince and a tutor.Lin Ruhai's evaluation of Old Master Zeng is that he "knows the golden mean well".

From Lin Ya's point of view, compared to Lin Ruhai's strong literati habits and occasional exuberance, Mrs. Zeng, who is contented in his own courtyard, is more like a kind and loving old man who hides his secrets rather than an important minister. .

Old Master Zeng also said a few polite words as usual, and then asked Lin Ya's preferences logically.Mrs. Zeng himself obviously liked gardening flowers and plants very much. The younger generations of the Zeng family were not very proficient in this way except for Mr. Zeng Wu who was not enterprising. The old man became interested, moved the peony seedlings at hand and talked to Lin Ya in detail.

Poor Lin Ya, it's really a bottle full of less than half a bottle, and it's barely enough to fool Fifth Master Zeng, but when he meets the old master Zeng, he will reveal his truth in a few words.

Lin Ya was also a bachelor, so if he didn't know, he simply said he didn't know. He was a bit of an upright person who "knows what he knows, and what he doesn't know, he doesn't know". Uncle Zeng and Second Master Zeng's body tensed up when they heard their questions and answers.

Grandpa Zeng was still cheerful, and asked a few more words about the character of peony. Lin Ya didn't know, but the old man changed the subject and asked suddenly, "Do you think we should drink Laojunmei or Pu'er?" Lin Ya couldn't think of it. I didn't think about it, it was another sentence "the juniors don't know".

As soon as the words came out, Uncle Zeng and Second Master Zeng twitched the corners of his mouth. Lin Ya was a little too late to turn pale, looking at Old Master Zeng not knowing what to do.

Old Master Zeng smiled happily, waved his two grandchildren to leave first, and waved to Lin Ya: "You look more like a teenager."

Still so kind-hearted, but Lin Ya only felt dejected, even more at a loss than when he saw Lin Ruhai for the first time.Old Master Zeng didn't seem to notice Lin Ya's depression at all, and took Lin Ya to walk around in his yard cheerfully.

Maybe it's because he's getting old, but the old man Zeng is a bit tired of the world of mortals and riches. There are no pavilions and pavilions in his yard, but he has planted a lot of fruits and vegetables, among which a shelf of grapes under the east wall grows particularly well. , the leaves have not fallen off in such a cold weather, and the glazed tiles are really lovely with a little greenery.

Old Master Zeng obviously liked this grape tree very much, so he took Lin Ya over to look at it.This time he didn't deliberately ask questions, but just casually talked about the old news of the grape planting, which made Lin Ya, who reflexively reviewed all the farming knowledge he knew, feel powerless when he saw the grapes.

At the end, Old Master Zeng looked at Lin Ya with a smile again: "Boy Lin, do you think I'll ask you about Jiaqiang?"

On Lin Ya's face, he regained his humble and gentlemanly appearance. Now, listening to the old master Zeng's question so directly, he didn't even have the energy to slander, and just said yes.

Old Master Zeng smiled, and nodded with his beard: "I married my granddaughter to you because you want you to give her a phoenix crown, Xiapei, and glory for a lifetime. Do you know what's the use of these? Is it for fame?"

There are two meanings in this sentence.One, Old Master Zeng nodded his head towards the marriage, and two, Old Master Zeng was very disapproving of a group of children from a wealthy family who talked about returning to the countryside.And it has to be mentioned that the trend of longing for Sangma's happiness was initiated by the Fourth Highness Chu Rongqi.

But Mrs. Zeng also built such a garden himself.

Lin Ya didn't answer the old master Zeng's question, but just bowed to the end: "This junior will live up to the old master's expectations."

Old Master Zeng only asked for this sentence, he laughed and praised Lin Ya repeatedly, and asked a few more about Lin Ya's academic progress, before letting the young man send Lin Ya out.

The head of the family nodded, and Lin Ya was much more casual when he met his contemporaries, Uncle Zeng, etc. Fifth Master Zeng was used to being playful, and when Lin Ya's new son-in-law came to visit with the thinnest skin, he asked questions like a cannonball, He also specifically asked Lin Ya about his drinking capacity, saying that he wanted to introduce some good friends to Lin Ya, so that everyone could have a meal together.

When Lin Ya came here for the first time, he naturally had to be more modest and cautious, so he reasoned that he could not drink enough. After hearing this, Fifth Master Zeng exchanged glances with Fourth Master Zeng who was silent next to him. Seeing it in his eyes, he guessed that his brothers would trip him up again, so he was secretly vigilant and didn't mention it.

After chatting lively and lively for a while, at noon, the old man Zeng and the old lady Zeng gave him a meal. The old man Zeng and the other masters paid for it, but the meaningful eyes of the old lady Zeng and the other wives really made Lin Ya restless.

Besides, if Lin Ya's perception is correct, behind the big green jade screen facing his seat, there should be someone who will be with him for the rest of his life hiding.

Lin Ya's heart seemed to tremble when the little crimson-colored embroidered hemerocallis shoes exposed between the green sandalwood frame moved.

After eating for a long time with the care and concern of the elders in the room, and paying attention to his manners and conversations all the time, Lin Ya only felt that he was about to suffer from stomach problems, so he would be considered retired. After passing the hurdle of the Zeng family, he said goodbye .

A string in his heart has been tense for so long, and Lin Ya also wanted to relax for a while, so Shousheng took the horse owner and his servants to go shopping in the market in central Beijing, to see if he could get some nice little things, so that People took them back to Yangzhou to make Lin Chong and Daiyu happy.

Unexpectedly, not long after entering the bazaar, something strange happened. The spectators were surrounded by three floors and three floors outside. Lin Ya's horse couldn't get through anyway, so he had to dismount and use it as a cart. By the way, I asked what happened here.

Naturally, those who can gather around to watch the excitement are idlers, and most idlers are talking nonsense. Lin Ya just said something casually, and the man next to him explained his confusion eloquently.

But she is a young and charming little girl, with cruel parents, it is pitiful to be rubbed at the age of Hua'er, she has to do all the heavy work at home, and she serves her half-siblings like a maid. Risheng was sick and couldn't work anymore, and he was forced to do needlework, and now he has to brave the cold wind to go to the street to sell some homemade flowers, what a pity.

The man smacked his mouth as he spoke, obviously feeling pity for the little girl.

The people next to him echoed, and the one who seemed to know the little girl's family affairs added: "No, who made that girl's life miserable, her mother gave birth to her younger brother and let go, leaving two children in the hands of the stepmother. Where can I get it? Maybe it will be gone someday. It’s a pity that when I grow up, I will probably sell it for money.”

Look at the bustling you and me, Lin Ya just laughed when he heard it, but Lu Sheng, who had dealt with Lin Ya's purchase of Zhen Yinglian, became more and more familiar with it, and wanted to remind his uncle, but Lin Ya had already squeezed into the crowd Going forward, it happened to be facing the poor little girl that everyone said.

Said she was a little girl, she was about thirteen or fourteen years old, she was indeed born with snow-skinned skin, her expression was very tender and tender, and she just stood there with her head half down, showing a charming appearance, beside her Already some well-dressed young men were talking about saving her from the flames.

Lin Ya looked at her quietly for a while, and she seemed to feel Lin Ya's gaze, her pupils like autumn water slightly raised, and she took a quick look at Lin Ya.In just a short moment, the sadness, panic, helplessness and hope in his eyes spread to the bottom of Lin Ya's heart.

Lin Ya suddenly smiled, shaking his head while laughing.

If this woman adds a little more rouge between her eyebrows, isn't she another Zhen Yinglian?The joke about being abused by a half-mother is also very familiar.