Jia Zheng through the Red Mansions

Early the next morning, Jia Zheng originally planned to take Liu Bao out in plain clothes for a tour of Suzhou City. At this moment, people came to the door, saying that a servant of the Zhen family had handed over a name card. Jia Zheng took it and took a look. The corners of the mouth could not help but twitched slightly - this is really a feng shui turn, the last time the Zhen family sent someone to invite me to the house, and said please, but there was an element of "I invited you to save face" In it, but this time, the name post was so thoughtful and full of care and flattery, after explaining in a roundabout way that he wanted to visit the mansion, he didn't arrange a time, but everything came according to Jia Zheng's intention. .

Jia Zheng picked up the famous post, and probably guessed what the Zhen family meant in his heart. Although Song Zhu didn't save any face for the Zhen family, he did leave some room for it—we'll see at the end of the year.The Zhen family is indeed a master who can bend and stretch. Don't turn a corner to find yourself here after losing such a big face. It's nothing more than wanting to be a middleman to find out what this Xuezheng lord means. .

See you or see you?Jia Zheng paced back and forth in the room, thinking in his mind, Song Zhu's attitude towards the Zhen family came directly from the emperor, so this time the emperor wanted to use this excuse to completely uproot the Zhen family, or was it that the emperor thought Still thinking about old love, planning to give the Zhen family a chance?

Reminiscent of Jin Lingshan's attitude towards the incident, Jia Zheng's balance gradually tilted towards the latter. If this is the case, then it will be difficult for him to handle this matter.Jia Zheng frowned slightly. Most of Suzhou's tax revenue comes from the shops that are inextricably linked with the Weaving Mansion. Those pawns dared to deceive their superiors so blatantly. If Song Zhuzhen focused on firing at the Zhen family, then he could take advantage of this wind, but if not...

Jia Zheng looked down at the name card in his hand, and his frown slowly relaxed. Yes, soldiers never tire of cheating. Since the Zhen family has something to ask for themselves, then their family will always have to pay something. Is the price right? As for the result in the future, it’s just doing your best and obeying the destiny, right?Jia Zheng's eyes were bent, and for the first time, there was a hint of slickness in his smile.

Thinking of this, Jia Zheng sent someone to reply to the post to Zhen's Mansion, and then took Liu Bao out in a happy mood. The first stop was Jia Qiang's. Now Jia Qiang has opened two shops in Suzhou. Jia Zheng went to the cloth side first. As soon as he entered the door, the expression on Jia Zheng's face paused, and the smile on the face of the man just froze slightly. Zhen Qiong whom the Zhen family had met.

Jia Zheng knew about the cooperative relationship between Jia Qiang and Zhen Qiong, but he didn't expect that Zhen Qiong would help in the shop now. He didn't know if Jia Qiang had told Zhen Qiong about his relationship with him, so he didn't know what to do. When I opened my mouth, I felt a little embarrassed.

Zhen Qiong really did not know about the relationship between Jia Zheng and Jia Qiang. Although Jia Qiang was a warm-hearted person, he rarely mentioned his own affairs. Zhen Qiong also maintained the attitude of a gentleman and never asked Jia Qiang. About Qiang's family affairs, he only guessed the death of Jia Qiang's parents from Jia Qiang's daily conversation, but he didn't know anything about the rest. He was surprised that Jia Zheng, the magistrate, came here in plain clothes. A store—you know, their store is different from other big merchants that are full of silk and satin. The main source of their fabrics is ordinary people, so the price is very cheap. It is a new store and is not well-known in Suzhou. The location is not in a very busy and prosperous area.

Both of them were full of thoughts in their hearts, staring at each other, another guy hired by the shop didn't know these tricks, seeing the second shopkeeper standing there silently, he quickly said: "My lord, let's watch something!" What kind of material?"

As soon as the clerk finished speaking, the curtain of the inner room was raised, and Jia Qiang came out, holding an account book in her hand, and said to Zhen Qiong as she walked, "The ten pieces of material that just came in yesterday..." While talking, Jia Qiang raised her head, only then did she see Jia Zheng standing outside the counter.

"Second Grandpa, why are you here?" When Jia Qiang spoke, Zhen Qiong's eyeballs almost fell out.

Jia Zheng smiled: "Today the yamen is free, so I thought that I haven't come out for a stroll after coming here for so many days. The sun is good today, so I went out for a walk. Anyway, I want to come to your place to have a look."

Jia Qiang pulled Zhen Qiong, who was stunned beside her, and introduced each other. Zhen Qiong still greeted Jia Zheng in a daze. In other words, you can be considered my nephew." After finishing speaking, Jia Zheng glanced at Jia Qiang, and the corners of his mouth slightly curved.

Jia Qiang was taken aback for a moment. Well, she is from the grandson's generation, and Zhen Qiong is from the nephew's generation. How dare she call Zhen Qiong an uncle? !

Zhen Qiong obviously reacted, and there was a smile on her face, but the awkward atmosphere just now was swept away, and the three of them relaxed.

Jia Qiang could see that although Zhen Qiong became more relaxed, she was still a little uncomfortable, which probably hindered the relationship between Jia Zheng and the Zhen family. Looking over there, Zhen Qiong stayed to look at the shop, Jia Zheng also kept Liu here, and then went out with Jia Qiang.

Along the way, Jia Qiang told Jia Zheng about Zhen Qiong that he hadn't had time to elaborate on last time. Jia Zheng nodded from time to time while listening, and then thought of what he had told Jia Qiang, and said involuntarily. "The last time I was in Zhen's mansion, this Zhen Qiong was not directly related, and secondly, the attitude of Mr. Zhen did not seem to be very fond of him. If the person you mentioned is him, I am afraid this matter will not work." of."

Jia Qiang shook her head and said, "Of course it's not him. Who is that person? I'll find a chance to talk to Second Grandpa when the matter is settled. At this moment, I only have some eyebrows. However, what does Second Grandpa think of Zhen Qiong?"

Jia Zheng was taken aback for a moment, not understanding Jia Qiang's meaning, but he still replied: "From what you said just now, he is a filial and diligent child, but he has a good disposition."

Jia Qiang nodded, "Second Grandpa, I want to be a matchmaker for him."

"?" When Jia Zheng heard this, his heart moved. This Zhen Qiong has a good personality, but his family background is indeed poor, but judging from the current situation, he will be promising in the future, but: "How old is he now?"

Jia Qiang clapped her arms: "Look at my stupid mouth, I forgot the most important thing. He is 16 years old now, one year younger than me. Second Grandpa, who do you think is the best match for him at his age?"

Jia Zhenglue thought for a while and said, "You mean, welcome the girl?"

Jia Qiang nodded, and Jia Zheng's heart became active, but there was one thing: "He is not bad, but he is a big family no matter how you greet the girl. Even the old lady can't decide this marriage, let alone you Me? We really need to think about this matter carefully."

Jia Qiang also sighed, "That's why it's even more pity."

Jia Zheng looked at Jia Qiang and asked puzzledly, "I didn't know you were such an enthusiastic person who would take care of the girl's affairs." Jia Zheng didn't think that the Jia Qiang he knew would be the one who would take care of such things. people.

Jia Qiang straightened her face, and said with some emotion: "Second Grandpa doesn't know something, and I have met Second Aunt once."

At that time, he was assisting the Rongguo Mansion in organizing Jia Lian's wedding. Not only did he work hard, but he also offended many people. Besides Jia Zheng, Yingchun was the second person who said "Thanks for your hard work" to him. He knows how bad his reputation is, and it's not like he can't see the look in the eyes of many people, including Mrs. Wang, but Yingchun's clear eyes moved him very much, and then she asked himself a lot Regarding the saving of expenses on the housekeeper's side, he often wondered how much weight these warm words and clear eyes had in the reason why he was able to make up his mind to abandon everything in the East Mansion and start over.

Jia Qiang couldn't say these words to Jia Zheng, she lost her mind for a moment, then Jia Qiang continued: "I treat Brother Zhen as my own brother, and now he has reached the age when he should marry a wife, I have also asked about it What he meant, but he shook his head, saying that it was too difficult to find a wife who could help him manage the house and be filial to his mother. It is not good to be too docile or too tough. When I heard this, I I thought of my second aunt, she is a very suitable person."

Jia Zheng nodded when he heard the words: "However, the age of welcoming the girl is still too young. Even if you get married at the age of 13 and consummate the house at the age of 15, you will have to wait a few more years. Now Zhen Qiong is 16 years old. I'm afraid Something is wrong."

Jia Qiang glanced at Jia Zheng strangely: "Second Grandpa, do you mean that he is not allowed to take care of the girl in Tongfang before Second Aunt enters the door? If this gets out, Second Aunt will be burdened with a jealous reputation."

Jia Zheng was at a loss for words at once, and he forgot this point again. He couldn't help but smiled wryly in his heart, and then said: "We have to ask Ying girl about this matter first, and don't mention it to Zhen Qiong."

Only then did Jia Qiang nod: "I understand that."

While talking, the two of them had already reached the tea house. As soon as they entered the door, there was a faint fragrance of tea. Jia Zheng looked at the small shop but it was tidy, clean and bright, and felt better in his heart. Jia Qiang took Jia Qiang again. Zheng went to see the land and house he bought in Suzhou.

Walking all the way back, the sun was already slanting westward, and the two returned to the fabric shop. Jia Zheng took Liu Bao with him, and then rejected Jia Qiang's idea of ​​sending him back all the way. Liu Bao said: "I just saw that you and Zhen Qiong had a good chat, what do you think of his character?"

Liu Bao thought for a while, and replied in a well-balanced manner: "I have only chatted with him for one day. If it comes to character, I'm afraid I don't understand it very well. But it's good to see how he speaks and acts."

Jia Zheng nodded, and when he returned to the mansion, Jia Zheng wrote a letter to Jia Zhu, asking him to find an opportunity to ask about Yingchun's attitude, and sent someone to deliver the letter. It is difficult, but it is not impossible. Jia She, after careful consideration from the perspective of a bystander, is a person with countless weaknesses. As long as there are weaknesses, there are loopholes to exploit.

I didn't mention the matter of welcoming the spring, but said that the Zhen's mansion over there received Jia Zheng's reply, so I was half relieved. The next morning, the second master Zhen brought his eldest son, Zhen Yan, to the Jia's mansion to pay a visit. .

First he said a few polite words, and then Master Zhen's words slowly turned to Jin Lingshan: "This nephew of mine is really careless in making friends, and a good child was actually involved here, alas, this child After being reprimanded by Xuezheng lord, he fell ill when he returned home, and now I see his haggard appearance, and I can't bear it."

Master Zhen Er didn't mention Jin Lingshan's fault at all, just like Chen Baolin's plan, he pushed all charges to the ground.Jia Zheng sneered in his heart when he heard the words, but said calmly on his face: "Since this is the case, Mr. Xuezheng is clearly aware of the details, and he will not wrong him. Brother Shi, as an elder, you should go and comfort him so that he will not be hurt. The child broke his body, how can he pass the provincial examination next year?"

Jia Zhengxin said that it was you, not me, who were worried. Since it is still unwilling to tell the truth, then the two of us will be exhausted, and we will see who can't hold it back first.

Sure enough, after two rounds of talking about this kind of car wheel, the second master Zhen was anxious, and he couldn't help showing some tone: "This kid is also eager for fame, otherwise he wouldn't be almost imprisoned."

As soon as Jia Zheng heard this, he knew he couldn't help it. The more so, Jia Zheng became more and more calm in his heart: "Who didn't work hard for ten years because of this fame? This step is from the child's exam to the end. There are a few more who have passed the palace examination, and my Zhu'er has come all the way in this way, and the hard work involved is really beyond the comprehension of outsiders."

Master Zhen Er's eyes lit up when he heard this: "No, I have pity on the parents of the world. Although he is my nephew, he is the most sensible. I have always regarded him as my son in my heart. He is now depressed. , I am really anxious, it is a pity that I have never met Mr. Xuezheng, if I take the liberty to ask for a meeting, I am afraid it will be self-defeating."

When Master Zhen Er said this, what he said next was self-evident, and coupled with the expectation in his eyes, Jia Zheng couldn't ignore it even if he wanted to.

At the same time, Jia Zheng also clearly saw that when the Second Master Zhen told about his relationship with Jin Lingshan and his father and son, Zhen Yan, who had not spoken since entering the door, changed a few times.

Jia Zheng pretended not to see the expectation in Master Zhen Er's eyes, and only echoed what he said just now: "Yes, it is the most troublesome thing to do bad things with good intentions. Brother, you must think twice before acting. But it is directly related to your nephew's future."

Master Zhen saw that Jia Zheng had been refusing to speak up, so he couldn't help muttering in his heart. Jia Zheng and Xuezheng were former colleagues and the immediate boss of Jia Zheng's eldest son, Jia Zhu. If he said that the two of them had no friendship, he wouldn't believe it. Yes, then, what does Jia Zheng's attitude mean?Could it be that it was the attitude of Mr. Xuezheng——Thinking of this, Master Zhen became more and more anxious.

Jia Zheng could have thought that there might be imperial envoys behind Xuezheng, how could Master Zhen Er not have thought of that?Especially when the family is short of a huge amount of money from the imperial court, such worries are not unfounded!

Seeing Master Zhen'er groaning silently, Jia Zheng knew that the fire was coming, so he said slowly: "However, since Master Xuezheng only put that surnamed Chen into prison, but gave Nephew Ling another chance, this matter will be settled." There is still room for manoeuvre, Brother Shi should not worry too much, it is best to let everything take its course."

When Master Zhen heard this, he secretly scolded himself for being confused. He was only thinking about that matter just now, but forgot the most important thing. Yes, this is also the reason why he wanted to ask Jia Zheng for help. He also felt that Mr. Xuezheng There is still room for his attitude, so he smiled and said: "This is very true. I have heard that Shixiong and Xuezheng were colleagues. Since Shixiong said so, I feel a little more at ease."

Jia Zheng sighed self-deprecatingly when he heard the words: "How can I be compared with Mr. Xuezheng? Now that Mr. Xuezheng is a cabinet bachelor, he has been hand-picked to be the examiner of next year's competition. Such an honor and favor." How many people can there be in the court? My little magistrate, maybe at the end of the year, I will be dismissed and severely punished by the emperor just because of the empty tax money. ?”