The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Li Bian was surprised when he learned that Lin Ruhai fell ill.

I just figured out what the prime minister meant on my end, but Lin Ruhai on the other end just ignored the state affairs? He said something strange in his mind.

It was also because he had been so unlucky after coming to Yangzhou that Li Bian even doubted his good luck. After waiting for another five or six days, I saw that Zhang Shangxian was still the only one in charge of the government office. He was the only one meeting with officials and servants in various places, and the uneasy doubts gradually let go.

However, if he really wanted to do something, Li Bian felt that he had to meet Lin Ruhai before he dared to do anything. It happened that he had an important matter at hand, which was suitable for him to ask to see Lin Ruhai.

There is only one and a half months left before the June college examination. For this kind of thing, let alone Lin Ruhai falling ill. As long as he has one breath left, as the magistrate of Yangzhou, he has to get up and see himself.

Li Bian made a decision, immediately changed into his official robe, and rushed to the government office in the rain. In fact, it didn't rain much. He was riding in a sedan along the way, and when he got off the ground, servants came to hold an umbrella for him.

When Li Bian Shiran walked into the government office, Zhang Shangxian, who had been waiting for him, said a few words to him. Knowing that the other party was here for the college examination, Zhang Shangxian said frankly: Your Excellency has something to say first. This matter is in charge of the academic administration. Sir Li only proposes ideas, and the government will cooperate as soon as possible.

Seeing that Zhang Shangxian blocked his request to see Lin Ruhai, Li Bian snorted coldly in his heart and said calmly: Master Lin is a prodigy of this dynasty. He is already a leader in literature and has been in power in Yangzhou for a long time. If I can't meet him, , I feel really uneasy to ask for some advice on how to write articles.”

Zhang Shangxian evaded a few more words, but when he saw that Li Bian was still making a fuss about the hospital examination, he had no choice but to agree to his request. On the way the two of them went to visit together, Zhang Shangxian warned: The doctor has repeatedly told me that you need to rest and not disturb you for too long. Mr. Li, you still need to remember this.

It's natural. The safety of your body is related to the people of Yangzhou. I am also very worried. Li Bian said with awe, and the worry on his face made people think that he was really worried about Lin Ruhai.

Walking to Lin Ruhai's room like this, he saw the prefect who had been jumping up and down, lying on the bed with a sickly look on his face. Li Bian walked to Lin Ruhai's bed with a look full of 'worry'.

The two communicated several times, talking about the arrangements for the college examination. Li Bian seemed to be particularly talkative. He first asked about various matters and then asked for advice on the candidates for housing officials in the state.

In the end, I saw Li Bian asking Lin Ruhai for the names of the talented people in the house. Zhang Shangxian couldn't stand it any longer, so he stopped trying to remind him of the cough and asked him out of the house forcefully.

This is the disadvantage of not having a hostess at home. Whenever Jia Min is at home, she stops at the second door. Li Bian had to hide his face and run away, not daring to break into the back house.

On the way back, Li Bian was very happy. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, how could he have dared to believe that Lin Ruhai was really so ill.

This time he got what he wanted, and the joy came to his heart again, and even the sound of rain outside the sedan became pleasant to his ears.

On the second day, Li Bian took the officers sent by the government and began to inspect the Gongyuan in the west of the city. A large number of refugees have lived here before, and it has been raining heavily and lightly recently, making the place very messy.

Li Bian personally supervised and watched the servants clean the inside and outside of the tribute courtyard. After several more inspections, he ordered someone to put a note on the gate and guard the Gongyuan day and night.

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As the officers, officers and soldiers guarding the Gongyuan were in their respective positions, the news that the academy examination was held as scheduled was also spread to various counties through the waters and official roads in Yangzhou.

Including Chen Heng, all those who are interested in this college examination feel a huge burden in their hearts. There have been constant natural disasters in the past two years, and the light rain has not stopped recently. Everyone is worried that the academy examination will be canceled like the draft.

It's only April 20th now, so it's still early for the children to leave. Most of them will not arrive in the city until around mid-May. However, the inns in Yangzhou have already introduced innovative things such as 'Zhuangyuanfang' and 'cake within cake'.

The so-called number one house is just a change of the name of the top house. It’s nothing new, just a chance to win. Just like the fortune tellers happily setting up their stalls outside temples everywhere, although everyone doesn't know what heat is, they are pretty good at following the wind.

Make money, not shabby. Even the monks who recite sutras in the temple will say a few auspicious words when they meet the scholars who come to ask for the interpretation of the autograph.

The life of Xue Biao and others was not easy. Chen Heng has always found the surprise attack before the exam to be very useful. He has spent two lifetimes studying and taking exams, and is fully aware of the benefits.

In the past, the college's regular examinations were held once every three months, but in Chen Heng's hands, they became once every three days. Under the pressure of Tihai, Xue Biao and Jiang Yuanbai really complained.

There was no other way. Because of the flood, the academy didn't even dare to open classes, for fear of repeating the disaster of all the students being trapped in the academy. The burden of reviewing and studying falls on Chen Heng.

Xue Biao and others also knew that Chen Heng was doing it for their own good. Now that he has to take the exam, no matter how relaxed his attitude is, he doesn't want to see his reputation fall into the dust. If you can pass the exam, try your best to pass it.

Qian Dayou rarely had the energy to endure hardships. No matter how much Xue Biao and others complained, he devoted himself to studying. It has the aura of not being crazy and not being able to survive.

Chen Heng is also the most at ease with him, according to the standards over the years. Qian Dayou had come from behind and became the most confident among the three.

In order to facilitate their review, these four people have been living together in the Xue family recently, and they can be said to be inseparable.

It was not until May 16th, the auspicious day, that Xinda rushed to Xue's house and called his second brother back to his home.

Chen Heng knew that there was something important at home, so he immediately said goodbye to his friends.

When he got home, he saw everyone looking happy.

Mrs. Gu even urged him to wash up and change clothes quickly, as he would have to receive distinguished guests later. Chen Heng didn't understand what he meant, so he had to go back to the house to take care of his own affairs. After changing into a bamboo-green broad robe, I returned to the lobby of my home.

As soon as he sat down, he learned from Mrs. Zhou that Chen Qing, the good eldest sister in the family, was being talked about.

This is a great thing!

Chen Heng looked up excitedly, but saw Chen Qing nowhere. When he asked his family about the other party's situation, both Gu and Chen Qi smiled and said nothing. They only explained that they had been secretly seeing each other for a long time, and it was the other party's intention that led to the matchmaker's visit today.

Seeing that his parents refused to reveal anything, Chen Heng didn't worry, he got up and went to the back room to look for them. As expected, the second aunt and Chen Xian were sitting here with the eldest sister. When Chen Heng saw Chen Qing, he congratulated her first as usual.

Seeing that the two siblings had something to say, Mrs. Li hurriedly pulled Chen Xian to make room for them. Seeing that there was no one around, Chen Heng took the stool and sat in front of his sister. Looking at Chen Qing, who was rarely dressed up today, he couldn't help but sigh.

Thinking back to when she was a child, Mrs. Gu was busy taking care of the family, and she was mostly looked after by Chen Qing. When the siblings were young, their relationship was not always good. The past events were still vivid in his mind, and seeing the other party reaching an important moment, Chen Heng still couldn't help but ask with concern.

Sister, have you ever seen this person?

He was afraid that his eldest sister would marry the wrong person, no matter how good his parents were. The person who lives with the other party is, after all, the sister herself. Chen Heng hates blind marriages, and he doesn't want the open-minded and generous Chen Qing to be wronged in her future husband's family, which will ruin her temperament.

Chen Qing's face turned red when he heard his brother's question. The girl showed a rare shyness and said to her worried brother: Brother, don't panic. You also know this person.

ah? Chen Heng couldn't help being shocked when he heard this. After thinking about everyone around me, I couldn't choose a boy who was worthy of my sister.

He thought for a long time and then said: Then I have to take a good look, sister. If you are not satisfied, just tell your brother. If you are embarrassed like your parents, your brother will take care of it for you. Just follow it. It’s up to you.”

The more Chen Heng said this, the more flushed Chen Qing's face became. Seeing that he was still shy and whispering, Chen Heng finally reacted.

Since my sister said she had seen it, she must have seen it and was satisfied with him. Now that the other party is willing to come to the door again, isn't it because the man is affectionate and the woman is interested? Chen Heng smiled and patted his forehead, knowing that he was concerned and confused.

My dear sister, you have kept such a great thing from your brother until now. As the younger brother, Chen Heng laughed endlessly in his heart.

After saying a few more meaningful congratulations to Chen Qing, Chen Heng stood up and left. Only now did he begin to look forward to the true face of this future eldest brother-in-law.

He returned to the front hall, and before waiting long, he heard someone knocking on the door. Second uncle Chen Huaijin and his brother Qingyue stepped forward to open the door, and then led several visitors through the green shade under the pergola.

Wait for the visitors to stand under the eaves, clean up the rain stains on their clothes, and walk in together. Only then did Chen Heng let out a soft sigh of disbelief.

Hahaha, Brother Chen, long time no see. Hu Yuan, who was already married, laughed at the stunned boy. Before Chen Heng could speak, he took a step aside and placed his younger brother Hu Xiangheng in front of everyone.

This shy young man followed the matchmaker's auspicious words and saluted and said hello to the elders of the Chen family. Only then did Chen Heng realize that the person his eldest sister liked was actually Erlang of the Hu family.

Although Chen Heng didn't understand how his eldest sister got involved with him, he did have several encounters with Erlang of the Hu family. Although he didn't have much contact with him on weekdays, he knew that Hu Xiangheng was a man of few words but a very gentle temper.

When the Hu family came this time, in addition to bringing a matchmaker, the Hu family's uncle and aunt accompanied the two Hu brothers. These people were divided into three groups, and the matchmaker accompanied the eldest aunt to the back house with Zhou and Gu. Hu Xiangheng and his uncle stayed behind to chat with the Chen family elders.

Chen Heng and Hu Yuan exchanged glances, and the two of them walked to the shelter in the courtyard in tacit agreement.

This time it was called a blind date, but in fact both families secretly had feelings for each other. Just letting the two families meet each other can be regarded as putting the marriage on the table.

Chen Heng knew that this matter was closely related, so he chatted with Hu Yuan and inquired about the past events of the hero and heroine. Hu Yuan knew this best, and he explained everything clearly in a few words.

It turns out that Chen Qi's carpenter's shop is located next to the Hu's library. Chen Qing often went to help on weekdays, and became familiar with Hu Xiangheng as time went by.

Of these two people, one is generous and the other is gentle and reserved. Encountered one place, it was just there at first, not much movement was seen. When one party developed feelings for the other, it became a thunderous gesture, and even Hu Yuan didn't expect that his younger brother, who had always been reserved and low-key, would quietly fall in love with a beautiful girl.

Chen Heng laughed repeatedly when he heard this. Especially when I learned that when the floods flooded the city a few days ago, Hu Xiangheng ran out of his home alone, regardless of the dissuasion of his family, and walked half a circle around the city, just to rush to the door of Chen's house to check on Chen Qing's safety.

Hahahahahahaha, I know. Chen Heng couldn't help but nodded. He was in high spirits during happy events. His fatigue from studying in the past few days was also swept away. He just stood there and said, My sister. , his character and bearing are all top-notch.”

He only said half a sentence, but Hu Yuanduo, a smart man, immediately handed over the words: My brother, his appearance and conduct are also first-rate. The two of them are a perfect match.

Hu Yuan reassured An Chen Heng and continued: Don't worry, our Hu family has a clean family tradition. After the two of them get married, their parents will not control my sister too much. As long as the husband and wife are harmonious, Meimei, they won’t care about other things.”

Hu Yuan is now the leader of the Hu family. Seeing that he was willing to give his guarantee in private, Chen Heng felt relieved. The two discussed the upcoming college entrance examination. Hu Yuan wished his future in-laws, Then wait for the good news from Hengdi High School.

Seeing that the two families were about to become one family, Chen Heng did not use polite words to prevaricate each other. He just nodded and accepted the kindness with a smile.

The people in the room made a brief discussion, and the eldest aunt of the Hu family, who had met Chen Qing, walked out satisfied. Seeing the smile on her face, the Hu family's uncle chatted with the Chen family for a few more words, and his tone became more intimate.

The harmonious atmosphere lasted until parting. After the Chen family sent the Hu family away and closed the door, the family gathered together to celebrate this good event.

It's just that their marriage still has to wait until Chen Heng's court examination is over before it can take place. This is a major event for the Chen family, and the two families are not in a hurry. They are just waiting for Chen Heng to hold two happy events together after he reaches high school.

When Chen Heng heard his family's expectations, he was also a little bit dumbfounded. But he didn't say anything depressing on his face, he just warned himself in his heart to try his best.

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The Hu family here is sitting on the carriage going home. Several people were crowded on a carriage, and the eldest aunt couldn't help but talk about the Chen family and daughters.

Although her appearance is not outstanding, her temperament is quite good. She also speaks in a very grand manner, which is quite different from the ordinary daughter's family.

Seeing his elders praising his future wife in person, Hu Xiangheng just acted shy and did not dare to say anything. When his uncle saw this, he couldn't help but laugh at the young man's thin skin, and said with regret: It's a pity. If their family was better off, they would be more suitable.

Before Hu Xiangheng had time to react, Hu Yuan had already shouted softly: Uncle, now the two families are just waiting to exchange documents and receive lottery tickets on a regular basis. Not only can't you say this, you can't even think about it.

Ah, here, I see that it is my eldest nephew who is speaking. Knowing that the other party was in charge of his family's big business, the eldest uncle was also a little embarrassed, and quickly explained: I just feel sorry for Erlang's appearance and conduct.

You only see that our family is taking advantage now. Hu Yuan knew that Chen Qing was married and had to deal with them, so he had to patiently explain to the two elders, Don't forget, she also has a younger brother.

which one?

The Chen family really has a lot of sons, and the eldest uncle didn't know who his nephew was talking about. However, Hu Yuan took advantage of the opportunity to warn his uncle by reminding him of Hu Xiangheng's skills.

Second brother, Chen Qing's younger brother is a great person. Some of the reasons are hard to explain, but you need to remember. If the Chen family's family situation were better, it wouldn't be our Hu family's turn to propose marriage.

After you get married, you must also respect her and tolerate her. Don't underestimate her just because her family background is lower. Hu Yuan repeatedly warned, The reason why I asked you to come to finalize this matter now is because I want to hurry up before Chen Erlang formed this good relationship before he was in high school.

The confused uncle who was listening aside said nothing, but Hu Xiangheng said directly: Brother, you underestimate your younger brother too much. It was because of... her that I had the idea of ​​getting married and starting a family. I will never be nice to her in the future. Not because she has a promising younger brother. Even though he is not in high school, I am still good to her.

That's perfect. Hu Yuan nodded, then looked at his uncle and aunt, I, my younger brother and sister, used to help uncle Chen's shop with things, and they are good at running the house both inside and outside. Uncle, eldest brother Auntie, just be patient.

Okay, okay. When the uncle heard this, he couldn't say any more.

After they got home, Hu Yuan hurried back to the house and reported the matter to his anxiously waiting parents. Seeing that it was a good result, the Hu family's parents immediately prepared the things and matters for the marriage proposal.

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After finishing his work at home, Chen Heng returned to Xue's house to study. When the family had to arrange my sister's wedding, there was a lot of chaos inside and outside. Secondly, the Xue family treated guests very considerately, provided food and accommodation, and the study environment was elegant and quiet, which made them nostalgic.

Seeing old friends again, Chen Heng had a beaming look on his face. Xue Biao and others couldn't help but inquire curiously, but Chen Heng was inconvenient to reveal it. After all, the two families still had a few steps to go through, so he just said a few words of evasion and then led the three of them to read in high spirits.

All the senior men didn't say anything when they saw Chen Heng, and they didn't inquire about the matter in detail. Only Xue Baoqin vaguely guessed what was going on. In the name of her sisters, she picked some gifts and sent them to the Chen family. She said that the Xue family was thanking Chen Heng for teaching Xue Biao today.

The gift was a bit too expensive, but the servant of the Xue family who gave the gift put down the things and ran away according to the lady's instructions. It was difficult for the Chen family to chase him. I can only sigh: Every time the Xue family gives gifts, they always come and go in a hurry.

Despite the commotion outside, everyone tacitly agreed not to disturb Chen Heng and others. They only hoped that the four of them would prepare well for the exam and get what they wanted once they reach high school.

By June 2, the hospital discharge examination was just a few days away. Jiang Yuanbai and others finally left the Xue family and planned to return to their home to recuperate for a few days.

Chen Heng also left together. After returning home, the Chen family also stopped their wedding arrangements and peacefully created a clean environment for their children to rest.

On the third day, they went directly back to the academy to pick up their college examination documents. The academy handled all the registration matters for them. Chen Heng, who is gearing up, has stopped making a fuss. Every morning I only read some old books and hide them in my heart until the morning of the sixth day.

Firecrackers sounded and the watchmen walked through the streets, reminding the students going for the exam over and over again not to waste time.

When Xinda opened the door and came in, a calm Chen Heng had already finished washing up and was still sitting at the table reading quietly.

Seeing him coming in, Chen Heng smiled at Xinda and said, The time has come?

Seeing that his second brother was still calm and composed, Xinda, who had been tossing and turning all night and couldn't sleep, calmed down for some reason. He nodded and said, You're ready to go, second brother.

Chen Heng nodded, his smile fading. Put down the book, stand up, and take a deep breath. He said solemnly.

Okay, let's go.

Don't be impatient, book friends, it's not that the pace is slow, the story should be told step by step, hahahahaha, everything will come as soon as the timeline is up.