The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The narration in Linjing Hall continues, with Chen Heng’s perspective always focusing on himself. Only in the middle, other news channels were borrowed, so that Li Zhi and Wei Yinghong had a more comprehensive understanding of the overall situation.

The experiences of those who witnessed it are naturally more colorful than the cold words in military newspapers. After listening to the enthusiastic fighting of the civilian husband, I also listened to Mao Daqing's last words. Li Zhi rarely sighed: He is a good man, but it is a pity that he could not join the army early.

Judging from the second half of the sentence, Li Zhi did not intend to spare Mao Daqing lightly. Chen Heng was not surprised by this result. The state has national laws, and families have family rules. Without rules, there is no circle, and without measures, it is difficult to reward and punish.

Not to mention treason, which has always been the treason of those in power, and will result in death if touched.

Chen Heng did not intend to waste energy on Mao Daqing, but only focused on the surrendered bandits.

Li Zhi's reaction to these common people who fell into the trap of becoming bandits was much more generous. In addition, Wei Yinghong quoted from the scriptures, and he soon agreed to change the punishment of beheading to exile.

Nowadays, the poor daughter-in-law of the New Party has become a mother-in-law, just to show the world her kindness and righteousness. To warn the world about the differences between our faction and the old party. The common people turned into bandits because the old party controlled the court and caused ignorant officials to run rampant.

The new party, which upholds justice and corrects chaos, is about to use the excuse of forgiving the bandits to issue another official document criticizing the old party, completely nailing them to their guilt and the country.

The people's hardship back then had nothing to do with our new party. It's all the fault of the old party, precisely because the old party was at fault. Only then can our new party stand in front of the stage and show mercy to the world.

Chen Heng naturally saw Wei Yinghong's plan and knew the secret behind it. The operation of politics, no matter what fancy name it has, its core essence cannot escape interests.

Seeing Chen Heng talking for a long time, Xia Shouzhong hurriedly brought a cup of tea and handed it to him. This attitude made the former a little flattered.

The other party is almost the next palace minister. How did he receive this false courtesy?

Chen Heng was about to resign when Li Zhi ignored this trivial matter and asked: Who did the rebels entertain in the camp?

Chen Heng's hand holding the tea cup shook subconsciously. What the father-in-law was worried about finally happened.

Wei Yinghong also looked nervous, paying close attention to Chen Heng's next words.

He was afraid that this young boy would get angry and turn Dayong's officialdom upside down.

Now that December has arrived, the new party already holds the card of 'making up for the shortfall', so there is really no need to create extraneous connections and wantonly involve others.

Chen Heng was only from Tongzhizhou, the sixth rank, and he had just become an official in Hanlin. The other party opened his mouth easily and revealed several people involved. The final infamy will be borne by the actual trader, Wei Yinghong.

Chen Heng didn't know what Wei Yinghong was worried about, and he didn't dare to let Li Zhi stay for a long time. He spoke directly and told everyone he saw in the camp one by one.

Chen Heng discussed this matter with Lin Ruhai last night. Weng and his son-in-law had different ideas on whether to conceal the list.

But their goals are surprisingly the same as Wei Yinghong's. At present, the court has just been in turmoil, and everything is focused on maintaining stability.

Once a prison is launched, it doesn't matter whether Li Zhi has any intention behind it. This will give third parties in the court and those who join the old party the impression that the new party will exclude dissidents as soon as it takes control of the court.

Since the purpose was the same, Lin Ruhai was even more confused about why her son-in-law insisted on telling the truth.

Father-in-law, don't we have any royal guards in Yongzhen?

Facing her son-in-law's rhetorical questions, Lin Ruhai also understood the child's worries.

Naturally, the Yongming Dynasty did not have a supervisory agency similar to that of the previous Ming Dynasty, but no one knew whether Li Zhi had such an agency in private.

But everyone knows deep down that it definitely exists. As an emperor, if he doesn't even have the means to control and govern his subordinates, wouldn't he be underestimating Li Zhi's political qualities?

I said that if any false accusations come out in private in the future, I can not only come forward to testify, but also prevent innocent people from being implicated.

Lin Ruhai quickly agreed with Chen Heng's idea.

Indeed, if the new party rashly chooses to conceal it. In the end, if there is a discrepancy with the list in Li Zhi's hand, only the owners of the New Party will be affected and hit.

It is not because you are promoted to chief assistant that you have to focus too much on the relationships between subordinates and colleagues.

On the other hand, it is precisely because he has taken control of the court that he must be more cautious in dealing with Li Zhi's changeable temperament.

Throughout the ages, the most difficult position has been the position of deputy. You can neither do nothing nor do too many things.

In the entire world, there is only one person who truly holds power. Everyone else is lucky enough to be struck by the afterglow, so how can we get the order of priority wrong?

It wasn't that Wei Yinghong couldn't understand, it was just that the joy of having just been promoted to chief minister made him unable to see clearly that the main body he was responsible for was still Li Zhi, and his colleagues in the court were only secondary.

Lin Ruhai figured it out and became even more happy about her child's growth.

Wei Yinghong, who became increasingly anxious as he listened, quietly winked at Chen Heng beside Li Zhi.

That's almost it. Let's go on. These people's relatives and former officials are involved in one case. It was one of the biggest cases since the beginning of the dynasty.

Li Zhi, who was at the top, was very satisfied with what he heard. Until Chen Heng finished speaking, he did not ask for confirmation about the list.

Judging from this reaction, His Majesty obviously has his own channels. After all, when he opened his mouth, he asked, What does Chen Qing think these people should do?

Lin Ruhai also asked this question. Chen Heng came up with the same answer and replied to Li Zhi, Your Majesty, do you want to be a wise king or a sage king?

Perhaps these words sounded interesting. Li Zhi sat upright on the throne and asked the minister, What's the difference?

If you are a wise king, you should judge based on the facts. If there is any, you will be punished, if not, you will be exempted. Major crimes cannot be forgiven, and small crimes are mainly committed by people. Chen Heng put down the tea cup, stood up from his position, straightened his clothes, and said while bowing, If he is a holy king, he should be tolerated by ordinary people. Cao Mengde burned his letter in front of the formation, which shows that he has an extraordinary magnanimity.

Li Zhi wanted to laugh when he heard this, and asked deliberately: In your opinion, Cao Mengde, who plans to usurp the Han Dynasty, can also be a sage king?

No. Chen Heng admonished, A gentleman does not care about his heart when he talks about his deeds. I only said that on this matter, Cao Mengde behaves like a benevolent king. But being a human being is like writing an article. Everyone has one or two wonderful things. But you need to Only a few people can do it from the beginning to the end.

Looking at the minister in front of him who had just made a great contribution, Li Zhi said in an incomprehensible tone: What if I insist on killing him?

I am not talented, but I am willing to be your majesty's swordsman. Chen Heng went out of his way and directly requested the order.

At this time, Li Zhi finally couldn't hold it in any longer. He patted the case and laughed and said: Why, Chen Chixing, who is known as the great master of Qingtian, also wants to help Zhou do evil? I thought you wanted to imitate the masters in the mountains and abandon your official position.

These words were heartbreaking, but Chen Heng was not afraid at all and just responded calmly.

No, I am willing to show my kindness on behalf of Your Majesty and save people under the sword.

Chen Heng's answer is also called a straightforward one.

Li Zhi was stunned for a moment, and then he reached out and pointed at Chen Heng, and said with a smile: It's a good idea to send you out. You have more character than before, and you have more confidence in what you say and do.

Chen Heng, who had just stood up straight, had to bend down again and said in gratitude, I am fortunate to have received your kindness. Your Majesty should be your top priority in every thought and deed.

That's all. Li Zhi waved his hands and said helplessly, If I ruin anyone's reputation, I can't ruin yours.

The person in front of me is the minister and assistant minister that I will leave to the prince in the future. How could Chen Heng use his hard-earned reputation to take the blame for himself?

Tell me about your reward. Li Zhi suddenly changed the subject, You have done a lot of credit this time. Tell me, what do you want me to reward you for?

Why did you suddenly say it to me? Chen Heng was stunned, looked at Wei Yinghong with a guilty conscience, and said sensibly: I don't dare...

I know you don't dare to say it. Li Zhi also knew that in front of him, it would be difficult for the No. 1 Scholar to do anything to favor him.

He simply asked, I might as well ask more directly, do you want to return to the capital, or continue to stay in Songjiang?

After hearing this, Chen Heng immediately fell into thinking. Li Zhi waved his hand and said directly: No rush, you go back and think about it first. It's rare to come back to the capital this time, so you can spend the New Year with me in the capital first.

Seeing that Li Zhi left room for negotiation, Chen Heng quickly stood up and thanked him. He knew that Li Zhi and Wei Yinghong had important matters to discuss, and he did not dare to stay for long, so he quickly stood up and left.

He was sent out of the palace by Xia Shouzhong.

After Dai Quan was destined to be buried with the emperor's mausoleum, the time for the other party to confer the title of eunuch was just around the corner.

Along the way, Chen Hengduo called Xia Shouzhong father-in-law.

Eunuch Xia is a wonderful man. He doesn't dare to take what he says seriously, but his subtle expression shows that he is somewhat complacent.

The two of them had walked a long way, and when they were about to part, Eunuch Xia said unexpectedly: Master Chen, are you going to the Prince of Jin's Mansion next?

Why do you even know my itinerary? Chen Heng blinked and had no choice but to nod.

He knew that if Xia Shouzhong chose this time to start talking, he must have something to convey to him.

Xia Shouzhong looked at the No. 1 Scholar with a smile, and mumbled: Your Majesty has told me to read more books these days, so as not to miss the important events in the palace. I am not talented, but I was lucky enough to see the saying: 'The trees are tall and the trees are crowned, and the birds are like birds. If you succeed, you will fly'.

I am a young man with little knowledge and I don't know the profound meaning of this sentence. I would like to ask the number one scholar to answer one or two questions, so that your majesty will not be embarrassed when he tests.

There is nothing difficult to answer. Chen Heng thought for a while and just explained the original meaning of the words. Xia Shouzhong listened to the last part with a smile, and thanked Chen Heng again and again for his advice, before adding: Master Chen, I would like to send my greetings to His Highness on my behalf.

People close to Li Zhi said this, so Chen Heng had no choice but to socialize.

Nothing happened after that. He arrived at the Meridian Gate and got on the carriage of the palace. Chen Heng arrived at the gate of the palace without any obstruction and saw Li Jun, the grandson of the emperor, waiting here early.

…………

…………

When the two of them walked into the palace side by side, Li Jun picked up the affairs in the palace and started talking.

How was your conversation with Grandpa Huang?

Chen Heng looked for some small things to say and said half of them.

Li Jun is still young, and under his growing body is his personal will that keeps emerging. It is a pity that the prince and his majesty have not discovered this yet and rarely listen to Li Jun's thoughts.

At this moment, he could get a response from Chen Heng after just a few words of gossip. Li Jun was really happy inside.

He pulled Chen Heng to stand at the door and whispered: My father is discussing things with Mr. Cao. Please be careful when you go in later.

Mr. Cao? That thorn in the side of the Hanlin Academy? Why did Mr. Cao Tingshou, who had been raised in the imperial court for several years, suddenly come to the Jin Palace?

Chen Heng was very surprised by this news.

He once served as his father's husband for a period of time. As Li Jun opened the door, he quietly told Chen Heng about this interpersonal relationship.

This was his intention to sell it well. After all, this news will be learned from Master Lin when Chen Heng returns.

Chen Heng thanked Li Jun for his advice and walked quickly into the lobby. I saw Li Xian and Cao Tingshou sitting together at a round table. There were melons, fruits, snacks and other items on the table. The dishes were not so exquisite and were very ordinary.

With this kind of reception, it seems that the relationship between Mr. Cao and the prince is extraordinary. Chen Heng made a judgment in his mind and came to Li Xian to salute the two of them together.

Sit down quickly. Li Xian was very enthusiastic and directly pulled Chen Heng to his right side and sat down face to face with Mr. Cao on his left.

This old man is still the examiner of his own provincial examination. How dare Chen Heng trust him? After sitting down, act like an honest and humble monk.

He only answered Li Xian's questions and was even more respectful to Cao Tingshou.

Li Xian specially summoned Chen Heng here, naturally not just to care about the safety of a civil servant. After half the conversation, Li Xian asked about Linjing Hall.

Li Xian's reasons are also very convincing. He is worried that Li Zhi's violent temper will lead to a killing spree and lead to instability in the court.

Now that the Supreme Emperor has just left, the imperial mausoleum has not yet been properly repaired. At this time, the emperor's coffin is still in the palace, how can he start a big war?

Chen Heng didn't know how true or false these words were, but he knew one thing. Someone must have come to Li Xian to plead for mercy.

The prince's reaction on this matter is really hard to comment on.

I really can’t figure out why there has been such intrigue over royal affairs in all dynasties, and why outsiders have been involved in it!

Chen Heng didn't understand, so he had to be more cautious in his words and actions.

But when the future Emperor Yong inquires, it will be difficult to explain without providing some real information.

Chen Heng had no choice but to repeat what he said, and deliberately omitted what Li Zhi said. In doing so, he not only revealed his attitude, but also concealed Li Zhi's words.

Chen Heng temporarily managed to get through the difficult situation at hand.

Li Xian didn't embarrass him too much and kept saying that the other party had worked hard.

Chen Heng responded carefully and sat with him for a long time before Li Jun came forward to send him back to Lin Mansion.

…………

…………

When Lin Ruhai learned about what happened to her son-in-law in the palace, she gave an extremely accurate guess.

I'm afraid Cao Tingshou wants to join the cabinet as a second assistant.

Chen Heng was perked up after hearing this. Master Cao is finally going to move up? But listen, why is it so weird?

Can this be done?

Going straight from the Hanlin Academy to the cabinet is an understatement.

He presided over many provincial examinations in the Hanlin Academy and trained many Hanlins. Lin Ruhai pointed out, You think he can't do it?

Chen Heng thought for a while and asked doubtfully: Your Majesty is already preparing to divide the new party?

When Lin Ruhai heard this, he raised his hand and knocked on his son-in-law's forehead, Confused, there will be no new party in the future.

This sentence confirmed Chen Heng's guess in disguise. He hurriedly stuck out his tongue, stood behind his father-in-law, imitated Daiyu's technique, pinched his father-in-law's shoulders, and asked, Dad, Your Majesty asked me whether I should stay in the capital or in Songjiang? What do you think?

In private, Chen Heng would avoid the overly literal title of 'father-in-law'.

what are you thinking?

Looking at her increasingly mature and steady son-in-law, Lin Ruhai did not directly make a decision for Chen Heng, but instead paid more attention to the other person's thoughts.

I want to go back to Songjiang. Chen Heng said without hesitation to his closest family members, I feel that the rest of the court will not be very stable.

Why? If you take this opportunity to stay in the capital, you will be able to serve as the Minister of the Six Ministries within five years.

With such a smooth road, even a discerning person can see the benefits.

Chen Heng gave a bitter smile and sighed: First of all, I feel ashamed of the people of Songjiang and want to take care of them for a few more years. Secondly, the shipping matter involves the fate of Dayong. Songjiang is the gateway to the north and south. At this time, I really want to leave it to outsiders. Don’t worry.”

The shame in his mouth was naturally those civilian husbands who died in the war. Chen Heng was able to persevere until the end, and the civilian men led by Yangzhou and Songjiang really played a decisive role.

The former is his own township party, and the latter is the people in his own jurisdiction.

They sacrificed their lives and blood for themselves, but Chen Heng didn't want to pat his butt and leave. Even if he goes back to face the people's accusations, he is willing to accept it calmly.

Then go. Lin Ruhai nodded and said solemnly, It's not just you, I'm going to let Jue'er go back with you.

What's wrong with him? Chen Heng was a little confused.

Confused. Lin Ruhai scolded with a smile, At his age, it's time for him to return to Suzhou and take the college examination.

Time really flies by at a rapid pace, and in a blink of an eye, my brother-in-law is about to take the college examination.

Chen Heng smiled secretly and shook his head. The two sons-in-law still wanted to talk about some trivial matters in depth. Jia Min, who was outside, came over to urge people to go over for dinner.

…………

…………

In the Rongguo Mansion, there had been a lot of excitement in the past two days because of the safe return of Master Bao, but soon the atmosphere became solemn again because of Aunt Xue's cry. It's just that in this solemnity, there is more nervousness.

There have been so many regular customers coming to visit me lately. They had different names. Some said they came to see Mr. Bao, and some said they came to see Mrs. Jia.

The latter's health has obviously improved since his precious grandson came back, and he can already eat half a bowl of rouge rice as before.

It is a good thing that the elders in the family are in good health. I don't know if he was infected by the atmosphere in the mansion, but the look on Jia Zheng's face was still solemn.

He didn't care about Aunt Xue's pain of losing her son. He just called Baoyu to the study and asked about everything in Ping'an Prefecture.

Baoyu himself was confused. He talked for a long time, which made Jia Zheng even more confused.

Seeing that he couldn't explain it even after talking for a long time, the former hurriedly suggested: Dad, you really want to know something, why don't you invite my brother-in-law to come and sit at home?

When did your relationship with him become so good? Jia Zheng asked unexpectedly when Baoyu took the initiative to mention Chen Heng.

Baoyu chuckled, scratched his head and said: I can't tell. The child feels that his past self is indeed like a frog in the well.

Dad specially called the child to come today, which must be very involved. Instead of asking the child, the father still feels uneasy. Why don't you just call your brother-in-law? You will definitely agree with what he says.

It's the best thing you can think of. Jia Zheng Laohuai said with great consolation, Sure enough, it's right to let you go out for a walk. A man should not be confined to the back house.

Baoyu still disagrees with this. How nice the back house is, with so many sisters and sisters playing with me.

I thought so in my heart, but I didn't dare to say it with my mouth. Probably Baoyu also knew that Jia Zheng would scold him if he said this.

It's a pity that there is something wrong in the house now. What reason should I use to invite him here?

I just want to go there, kid. Jia Baoyu volunteered.