The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The first day of the Lunar New Year is very lively. Chen Heng got up at midnight, rushed to the lobby with his bleary-eyed brother, and prepared sacrificial items with his family.

After everything was prepared, the family was led by grandpa and grandma. The first is to worship the gods of heaven and earth, and the second is to worship the ancestors' tablets. After these two matters were finished, Chen Gaishan and Zhou sat at the top, accepting the obeisances of the juniors.

These three things all require kowtow. Not only do you have to kowtow, but you also have to say auspicious words vigorously during the last bow.

If you want to wish your elders health and longevity, just choose something nice to say. The more he spoke, the more smile appeared on Chen Gaishan's face. The happier grandpa and grandma are, the more lucky money they give.

After paying respects to the elders, the four parents of the first and second bedrooms, as well as Xinda Niang, also sit on chairs to accept the children's thanks. After going through the same process, the children with several wealth can worship each other according to their age.

There is no such trouble among peers. Chen Heng and Chen Qing stood in front of their younger brothers and sisters, and they bowed to each other as a ceremony. There is no need to describe the small gifts given to each other by brothers and sisters. The adults on the side are very happy to see them, and they feel that their family is getting more and more prosperous.

After the first important thing of the day is done, everyone can sit down and have a rest while waiting for Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Gu to make breakfast.

Before last night's New Year's Eve dinner was finished, Mrs. Gu picked out a plate of dried meat and made shredded pork noodles with some vegetables for her family. Needless to say, the taste is natural. Just when the family gathers to eat, the lively atmosphere is already very comfortable.

This is the first New Year for the Chen family in Yangzhou. Everyone seemed a little at a loss as they paid New Year greetings in the morning. At this time, Chen Gaishan began to recall the good times of Shanxi Village again.

In previous years, today was a good time to visit relatives and friends. Every family in the village eats the noodles from the first day of the Lunar New Year to the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, so there is no need to worry about having nowhere to go.

Grandma Zhou thinks that such a life is the most comfortable. It is enough for men to go out to eat and open their mouths. The woman who heads the household has to think about what gifts to give. Did you give anything to your family last year?

These trivial matters are very troublesome to deal with, so Mr. Zhou cherishes today's leisure very much. She, her two daughters-in-law, granddaughters, and Xinda Niang gathered together and were discussing where to go shopping.

The second uncle, Chen Huaijin, was over forty and seemed to suddenly realize the pressure of time. From the beginning, I have been holding on to my younger brothers, urging them to learn from their elder brothers' hard work and not to waste the good time of studying.

When Chen Huaijin looks back on his regrets in this life, the first one is that he did not seize the opportunity to study.

Chen Heng was happy to watch the excitement and made Chen Qingyue, who was nodding like garlic, grit his teeth angrily. After sitting at home, Chen Heng went out with his grandma. He didn't want to go shopping with them.

As early as the day of the Xiaoda Temple Fair, Chen Heng and Xue Biao made an appointment to go to the academy to pay New Year greetings to all the masters on the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year. In previous years, only Qian Dayou accompanied Xue Biao. This time, it was rare to see Chen Heng and Jiang Yuanbai here, so they couldn't be left out.

The four of them met at the appointed place, said New Year's Day to each other, and set off to the academy together. But they are not the only students who wanted to come to congratulate them today.

It was the time when everyone went out to pay New Year greetings, and the entrance to the academy was also very lively. The refugees living here temporarily became familiar with the students at the academy, and they couldn't help but congratulate each other on the way.

When he saw Pei Huaizhen, he was playing chess with Jin Shen, accompanied by Jia Yucun and others. At Pei Huaizhen's age, there is no need to talk about false etiquette. The mountain leader sat calmly on the chair and asked the students who had paid homage to get up quickly while playing chess.

Chief, here's our lucky money. After putting down his gift, Chen Hengda was so bold. Seeing that the old man wanted to pretend to be deaf and dumb, he directly pointed out the theme.

Pei Huaizhen glanced at his student, smiled at Jia Yucun and others: Look what I said, this kid must be the one taking the lead in making noise.

He turned his head again, pointed towards his wife, and said to Chen Heng: The things given to you are all in the hands of your wife, go ahead yourself.

The four little ones couldn't help but be happy, and they all rushed to Madam Xie, Master's wife, Master's wife.

Being surrounded by these strong young men, Ms. Xie couldn't help but have a headache. She shouted: Don't be anxious, don't be anxious, they are all available, you all have them. As she spoke, she took out four exercises from the table behind her. .

Ah this... Chen Heng was also dumbfounded. He didn't expect the mountain chief to do such a shameless thing.

As the saying goes, there is a golden house in the book. Pei Huaizhen stroked his beard very proudly, and told Chen Heng and others, After the New Year, remember to hand it in. If you make a mistake, you will get ten slaps.

... Chen Heng didn't know what to say anymore. Jiang Yuanbai and others were worried that he said the wrong thing again, so they quickly pulled him to thank the mountain chief for his kindness.

The four of them walked out of the lecture hall and looked at each other with concern when they heard the loud laughter coming from inside the room.

By chance, a group of new classmates came in from the Zhaobi area. When the classmates heard the laughter of the masters, they couldn't help but be curious, and asked Chen Heng and others about the New Year greetings.

Chen Heng had such dark thoughts that he deliberately revealed the lucky copper coins given by his grandfather and whispered to these people: Remember to ask for the lucky money.

Is the mountain chief so generous?

That's not true, otherwise how can we be our mountain chief. Chen Heng's face did not turn red, his heart did not beat. He only gave a thumbs up and kept gesticulating towards the lecture hall behind him. Xue Biao and the other three people looked at their friend's mischief and couldn't help but nod in cooperation, signaling them not to miss it.

Once this is done, the other person will believe it. Chen Heng quickly suppressed his laughter and ran out of the academy with his friends.

When they arrived on the busy street, the four of them finally laughed boldly.

After paying homage to the mountain chief, there is nothing else to worry about.

Chen Heng and Xue Biao were still too young to go to their friends’ houses for New Year greetings.

The four of them agreed on the fun on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, and then went back to busy themselves with things at home.

After bidding farewell to his friends, Chen Heng hurried home. After telling his grandfather, who was looking after the house, he took the letter and gifts and continued walking outside.

The two of them went out this time to go to the Lin Mansion to pay New Year greetings to another wife.

Pei Huaizhen has already paid homage to them, so there is no reason not to visit Wang Xianming and Liu.

The relationship between Chen Heng and Wang Xianming cannot be explained in just a few words. It's just that due to the many things going on recently, the master and his wife live in the Lin Mansion, so it's a bit inconvenient to walk.

However, Chen Heng didn't have too many expectations for this trip. He always felt that the entrance to Lin's Mansion might be more lively on the morning of the first day of the new year.

Sure enough, when he arrived at the door of Lin Mansion with Xinda, there was an exaggeratedly long queue outside.

It was a real long queue, with servants sent from various families, as well as scholars and children in Confucian uniforms.

The queue was very long and there were all kinds of people.

Most of them hold a red slip in their hands, which is the Dayong version of the New Year's card. Most of them contain new words of congratulations, which is the most popular way to greet the New Year nowadays.

These people come here and all they want is to drop off their tickets at the concierge.

After all, they didn't expect to meet the prefect on the pretext of paying New Year greetings.

This time I came here simply to get acquainted with the concierge so that I could find out more information later.

Besides, what if the prefect sees his amazing talent through their carefully designed red list?

With the mentality of winning a prize, the guests put down their tickets one after another at the concierge.

Although the process is simple, everyone wants to chat with the concierge, hoping to let the servants remember their face.

Going back and forth, the six concierges of Lin Mansion were naturally very busy.

Chen Heng stood at the shop nearby, looked at it for a long time, and then shook his head at Xinda.

Come back in two days. There are indeed too many visitors here today.

If the queue continues, there may not be a result at night.

Okay. Xinda was also a little helpless.

The two were about to turn around and leave, but the concierges standing on the steps to greet the guests noticed Chen Heng's figure. Several people discussed for a while, and immediately separated a person, running and shouting in the direction of Chen Heng.

Master, Master, wait for me.

The eyes of hundreds of people followed the boy's figure until they saw Chen Heng who was stopped by the shout.

Master, you came back and you didn't even say a word to me. We were on the steps just now and it took us a long time to recognize you.

Chen Heng also didn't expect that he could be seen by the boy looking at him from a distance.

Sure enough, it was the concierge who had ears and eyes in all directions to receive guests.

I see that no matter how busy you are, you are too embarrassed to bother me, so I just thought I would come back in a few days. Chen Heng smiled and quickly explained.

Master, you see what you said. When you come here, it's not like going back to your own home. The master told me early in the morning that if you come over to pay New Year's greetings, don't let you run away. He and his wife are waiting for you at home.

As the concierge said this, he pulled Chen Heng's sleeve and walked toward the door.

Along the road, everyone waiting could not help but feel a little strange.

Have you ever heard, Lord Magistrate, that there is such a big child at home?

No. The prefect's biological son is only eight years old, isn't he? He must be some kind of relative.

Everyone is very curious about Chen Heng's origins. Chen Heng simply pretended that he didn't hear anything. Under the guidance of the concierge, after walking into the Lin Mansion, he went straight to the other courtyard where Wang Xianming was.

The servant leading the way had just told him: There is a distinguished guest at home now, and the master and his wife are receiving him.

…………

…………

When he saw Wang Xianming, the master was painting with his wife. Different from the ordinary Hongxiu Tianxiang, the person who paints is the master's wife, and the master is the one who is responsible for grinding the ink.

When Chen Heng and Xinda opened the door and walked in, they were both surprised and happy.

Heng'er, Xinda. Why are you two here?

Come to pay New Year's greetings to my wife and master. Chen Heng and Xin Da both smiled and put down what they were carrying. One person pulled an elder and pushed them to sit upstairs.

Only then did the two elders understand what the children meant, and couldn't help but smile helplessly. They had no choice but to sit in their seats and wait for the two children to finish kowtowing. He quickly reached out and helped each one up.

Okay, okay, Master knows you are serious.

This is the New Year's money given to you by my wife. Ms. Liu took out a copper coin made of red rope from somewhere and handed it to the two students. Let me tell you first, this money will not be counted as your wife's share. You are now Go find him quickly and ask for it.”

Why is this? Chen Heng blinked. It was not like he had never lived with a teacher. How could Wang Xianming have any chance to touch the family's money? Apart from teaching students, the Master always stood aside and watched.

Wang Xianmin had no choice but to smile bitterly. He just had a few words with Mr. Liu yesterday. Today, she has taken the initiative to serve Liu's painting. Why is this old lady still angry? Chen Heng, a good student, could see Master's expression. He quickly walked over to his wife, holding her hand and talking about his daily life.

It just so happened that the old lady liked to hear this. It was really not as convenient for her to live in the Lin Mansion as at home. Although the Lin family treated her like a distinguished guest, she was a little embarrassed to show up whenever any distinguished guests came to the house.

Especially recently, sometimes a young master from the capital came, and sometimes he was a family member of a wealthy family in the city.

It doesn't matter if Mrs. Liu moves or doesn't move. It was very depressing to stay in the Lin Mansion. If it weren't for the lack of stability outside, she would have wanted to take her wife back to Shanxi Village.

Although Chen Heng didn't know what happened between Dao Zi and his wife, he knew that an old lady of this age only needed to be coaxed. Don't try to reason with her. If someone lives to be sixty years old, what else can she not understand? All that is missing is the young man who talks and plays tricks in front of him.

It just so happened that Chen Heng had a clever mouth and was the best at pleasing the elderly. Just talking about her recent situation, Mrs. Liu was already very interested in hearing it, and her mood couldn't help but feel better.

These people were chatting happily, when a plain butterfly flew in from outside.

Brother. Lady Lin Dai's voice was already carried by the wind before she came in, You're here, my aunt has been nagging you at home several times.

Master Wife, you didn't tell me about this just now. Chen Heng acted obediently in front of Mrs. Liu, Since you miss me, why don't you just send someone to give me a message?

Didn't Yu'er say that you were busy outside the city? Ms. Liu shook her head noncommittally, That's a serious matter. How can it be neglected just because I'm an old man?

So if you have any trouble, you take it out on me? Wang Xianming felt aggrieved secretly, feeling deeply that he was taking the blame for his disciple.

When Daiyu, Liu Shi, and Chen Heng came together, they naturally had endless things to talk about. Daiyu was also very happy about Chen Heng's visit. Speaking of which, the last time her brother came to Lin Mansion was in October last year.

Brother, you have to be careful. Lin Daiyu suddenly leaned into Chen Heng's ear and exhaled like a blue breath.

Ah? Chen Heng blinked, wondering what he should be careful about on New Year's Day.

Dad said that next time I see you, I will punish you severely. In the past few months, I haven't even given him a letter. Lin Daiyu transformed into a little spy and gave Chen Heng advice, I'll see you later. When you get to Daddy, first congratulate him on his promotion. Then, tell Daddy carefully about the things outside the city. As long as he talks about business, he won't be able to remember any troubles.

Chen Heng nodded repeatedly after hearing this. This is the advantage of having an internal response.

It's really helpful sister.

Why don't you get me a glass of water? Daiyu retracted her body, folded her hands on her legs, and assumed the posture of a young lady.

How could Chen Heng disobey her? He stood up and took the kettle before pouring hot tea into Yu'er's teacup. A servant's voice came from outside the door, Master Chen, I'm waiting for you in the study.

Mrs. Liu, who was watching the two juniors fighting, smiled and raised her hand quickly when she heard this, and said to Chen Heng: Go back quickly, don't delay lunch for a while.

Okay. Chen Heng nodded with a smile.

But he followed the servant out of the door for a few steps, then couldn't help but stop on the side of the road, turned to look at his little tail, and couldn't help but smile: Are you going too?

I... Lin Daiyu rolled her eyes and said smartly: I also have something to talk to daddy about.

Chen Heng laughed and didn't say much. He and Sister Lin walked side by side towards the study.

When the two of them arrived in the study room, they saw Lin Ruhai, dressed in regular clothes, sitting on a wooden chair with a solemn face. Uncle Lin was also interesting. When he saw Chen Heng who walked through the door first, he didn't say anything.

When he saw Sister Lin behind him, he took the initiative to close the study door. He was also very funny and said: Didn't I just shout one?

Oh, daddy! Lin Daiyu stamped her foot, her face full of shyness.

Uncle. Chen Heng saw that the time was right and hurried up to salute, Congratulations to uncle on your promotion to the prefect of Yangzhou.

This was Lin Ruhai's proud thing, and he felt happy in his heart. But there was still no expression on his face, he just said: You still remember me as your uncle.

Dad, drink tea first, drink tea first. Like a hard-working little bee, Lin Daiyu held the teapot on the table and walked towards Lin Ruhai.

She and Chen Heng met each other and gave the latter a subtle look. Chen Heng understood the idea. After his sister poured the tea, he immediately followed up and reported the matter outside the city.

Sure enough, Lin Ruhai's expression immediately changed when he talked about business.

Both of them are quick thinkers, their conversations are very fast-paced, and their topics are even more imaginative. Sometimes it falls on the refugees, sometimes on resettlement issues within the city.

Lin Daiyu listened happily for a long time and found the conversation between her father and her brother very interesting.

I just posted the two chapters in one. Today’s content has to be read together for fun.