The lanterns under the eaves of the corridor moved with the wind, and Jia Heng and Xue Pan entered the wing.
When she saw Jia Heng, Aunt Xue smiled and said, "Brother Heng, you are here today."
Baochai Yingying stood up, looked at the young man, and called softly: "Brother Heng."
Jia Heng nodded to Baochai, then looked at Aunt Xue and said, "Aunt, I was too busy in the past few days. I still have some free time today, so I just came over to keep Aunt Xue waiting."
Aunt Xue smiled and said: "I know you are a busy person, come and sit down."
With that said, he invited Jia Heng to sit down.
Xue Pan also sat down with a smile and said: "Cousin Heng, I want to toast you today."
If according to his intention, he invites people to the Huancai Pavilion in the middle of the capital, what meaning can there be in eating wine and talking at home?
But this kind of assertion should never be made in front of his mother or sister.
Jia Heng nodded and asked Aunt Xue: "I just talked to Wenlong. Wenlong seems to be in good health?"
Mentioning the injuries on Xue Pan's body, Aunt Xue sighed and said: "It's already scarred. He learned a lesson this time and will never do that thing again with swords and guns in the future."
Jia Heng said: "Children and grandchildren will have their own blessings, so don't worry too much, aunt."
Aunt Xue smiled and said: "Brother Heng is right, let him help take care of the family business from now on. Speaking of which, if Brother Heng hadn't spoken to the empress in the palace earlier, he would have wanted to
It’s impossible to do business either.”
Jia Heng said: "It just happened to happen to me. I went to mention it to King Wei on his birthday that day. The main reason is that there is not much wrong with the royal items purchased by my aunt's family."
Aunt Xue smiled and said: "But this is really not easy. Not everyone can strike up a conversation in front of the Queen in the palace."
But there was bitterness in my heart, thinking that the selection of the Ministry of Rites was originally used by the Queen to marry the King of Wei who was about to open a palace, but because he was a merchant, it was still in vain.
Thinking of this, I thought to myself, is it possible to rely on Brother Heng's relationship to act as a middleman in front of those princes who founded the mansion?
Yes, I heard that the eldest girl of Yuanchun was at the eldest princess's house in Jinyang to praise talented people.
Just as Aunt Xue was thinking about it, Xue Pan smiled and said, "Mom, don't talk about this for now. Brother Heng hasn't eaten yet since he came back."
Aunt Xue smiled to herself and said, "I almost forgot."
After saying this, he ordered the maid, and the servant prepared a golden basin to wash his hands.
Then, they came to the table with dishes on the side, and everyone gathered around and sat down.
Jia Heng said: "So rich?"
Aunt Xue smiled and said: "This is made by Defu Lou. I don't know if it suits your taste, Brother Heng."
Jia Heng said: "My taste is not too picky, so that's good. Home-cooked meals are also feasible."
Everyone was chatting and laughing.
Xue Pan smiled and said: "Cousin Heng, I'll give you a toast."
Aunt Xue pretended to be annoyed and said: "Why are you panicking? Wait until your elder brother has eaten the vegetables. Drinking on an empty stomach will be very bad for your health."
Baochai sat down under Jia Heng, picked up a porcelain wine pot, poured a glass for Jia Heng's wine cup, and said softly: "Brother Heng, this wine is warm and will not chill the internal organs, but it is not allowed to be drunk.
It’s too fierce.”
Jia Heng said: "My sister is interested."
In the original work, Baochai once advised Baoyu, "Why do you drink cold wine and eat it when you collect it next to your miscellaneous studies? If it condenses in it, wouldn't it be like using the five internal organs to warm him?"
Then Baoyu agreed with a smile, but was ridiculed by Daiyu in a weird way.
Xue Pan smiled and said: "Cousin Heng, I'll give you a toast."
As he spoke, he held the wine cup in both hands and drank it all in one gulp, feeling quite generous.
Aunt Xue frowned slightly and said angrily: "Don't drink so hard, your body will be injured."
Xue Pan smiled and said: "Mom, I'm fine. How much wine does this have?"
Baochai whispered: "Brother, eat some vegetables."
Xue Pan picked up a dish with chopsticks and said with a smile: "In the past, if I ate too much and drank out, it would be fine."
Jia Heng picked up the wine cup, took a sip, and politely advised: "Wen Long has just recovered from his injury, so it's better to drink less."
Xue Pan said with a "honest" smile: "I listen to my cousin."
Aunt Xue looked at this scene and joked: "Bao girl, look, in front of your brother, Brother Heng's words are more effective than mine."
Jia Heng's expression paused, and he glanced at Aunt Xue, who was smiling and joking, and secretly said, "Are you Lin Daiyu's original Xue?"
But this is what Aunt Xue is saying intentionally. It doesn't really mean much if the brothers are close.
Everyone was eating wine and talking and laughing, while Baochai was holding a wine cup and pouring wine.
Xue Pan told jokes from time to time, and the atmosphere seemed noisy.
"It has been a while since I came to the capital. I have met many princes and princes, but none of them are as young and promising as cousin Heng." Xue Pan stopped the wine cup, looked at the young man in a python suit, and said with a smile.
Baochai also looked at the young man with handsome features and majestic features. Perhaps he had just drank a glass of wine. Li Rui's skin was flushed and his bright apricot eyes were filled with starlight.
Jia Heng said: "Wen Long is ridiculous. There are crouching tigers and hidden dragons in the sacred city. There are capable people and strangers like crucian carp crossing the river."
Aunt Xue smiled and said: "Pan'er, you can learn more from your brother in the future."
Xue Pan smiled and said: "If I learn Cousin Heng's skills, I can walk sideways in this divine capital city. But with Cousin Heng taking care of me, I can also walk sideways in the capital."
Jia Heng was silent for a moment and said: "The ones walking sideways are crabs."
Xue Pan: "..."
Facing the surprised or thoughtful looks of Aunt Xue and Baochai, Jia Heng put down his wine cup and said: "There are many dignitaries and dignitaries in Shenjing City. If you cannot abide by the law and keep yourself safe, you will provoke people you shouldn't provoke and get burned."
This in itself is also a warning not to speak unpredictably, because now Xue Pan has recovered and is able to support himself again.
If Xue Pan did something harmful to nature in his name, he would not care.
This attitude needs to be expressed tactfully.
Aunt Xue's face changed slightly, and she scolded Xue Pan and said, "Brother Heng is absolutely right. This is the most kind place in the capital. You must be honest and don't cause trouble for your brother Heng. Have you remembered it?"
The last few words were just words of advice, but in fact, there is still a little hidden agenda to cause trouble for your brother Heng. If he really gets into trouble, will brother Heng just stand still?
Xue Pan nodded his head and said in a loud voice, "I'll remember it."
Baochai's almond-shaped eyes flashed, and she said softly: "The day before yesterday, in front of the old lady, Brother Heng also said that King Zhongshun was imprisoned for violating the regulations set by the Wucheng Army and Horses Division. He was not as good as the local king in Shenjing.
.”
Baochai's words naturally eased the suddenly serious atmosphere at the wine table.
Although she knew that the reason why Jia Heng detained King Zhongshun's son was because of the old feud between the two families.
Jia Heng said: "Princes who break the law are guilty of the same crime as the common people. Public security in the capital is determined by the five cities' military and horse departments in accordance with the law. The son of the loyal and obedient king is no exception."
Baochai said softly: "Mom, Brother Heng is in this position and it is not easy for him to show favoritism. He is not allowed to meet relatives. He must be dealt with more severely in order to convince the public."
Jia Heng glanced at Baochai, and saw apricot eyes and peach cheeks, a beautiful nose and sandalwood mouth, a plump and elegant face with a virtuous and virtuous temperament, and said: "My sister is a person of extraordinary knowledge."
Baochai was a little embarrassed for a moment, lowered her eyes and whispered: "I'm doing my best in front of Brother Heng."
Jia Heng looked at Aunt Xue and said with a smile: "Although Sister Bao comes from a daughter's family, she has extraordinary knowledge and has the talent to be a high official."
Aunt Xue also showed a smile at this time and said: "Bao girl, she usually has different ideas than girls of the same age. Not to mention other things, she doesn't apply much rouge and gouache, and she doesn't wear many beads on her head.
"
When Jia Heng heard this, he glanced at Baochai subconsciously. At first glance, he saw full and moist pink lips, hmm? They seemed to be coated with a light layer of red rouge.
It was also thanks to his recent stay with the eldest princess of Jinyang that he tasted more and more rouge and gradually developed some eyesight.
As for the jasper pearl hairpin pinned between the temples.
"Sister Xue is elegant and beautiful. She is as pale as a chrysanthemum. Even if she doesn't apply makeup, her beauty can't be concealed." Jia Heng said softly.
Because of her clear eyes and the bonus of her status, Aunt Xue didn't feel anything unusual when she saw her. She just regarded it as a compliment from an "elder", and the smile on her face became even brighter.
Baochai was keenly aware of Jia Heng's peripheral glance, and felt a little ashamed for a moment, not because of the seemingly warm but actually burning gaze, but because she had put on makeup today.
Xue Pan's cheeks were flushed with alcohol because he had been drinking one glass of wine after another. At this time, listening to what Jia Heng said, he stretched out his thumb and said with a smile: "Cousin Heng, you have a discerning eye."
Jia Heng, Baochai: "..."
Aunt Xue: "???"
However, everyone just thought that Xue Pan had drunk too much, and since he was always a fool, they didn't take this nonsense to heart.
"My sister has been obedient and sensible since she was a child." However, Xue Pan opened the conversation and said angrily: "In the last election, the people from the Ministry of Household Affairs said that they were businessmen and refused to..."
Baochai looked embarrassed and said anxiously: "Brother, what are you talking about?"
Aunt Xue sighed and said: "Bao girl, hey..."
As he said that, he went to take a peek at the boy opposite him.
She secretly thought, if the young man in front of her intervenes, it shouldn't be difficult for her family's treasured girl to enter Prince Wei's Mansion to praise talents, right?
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "Whether it is a palace or a palace, although it is extremely wealthy, it may not be a good place to go."
There were some things he wanted to say more, but he could only stop there.
Aunt Xue felt quite disappointed when she heard this.
Baochai answered: "That's what Brother Heng said."
After all, it involves my own marriage, so it’s not good to extend it any further, so I’ll stop it immediately.
As they talked, they quickly changed the topic and continued to enjoy the food and wine.
Talking about some anecdotes about Beijing, Aunt Xue's smile became even brighter when she saw the young man opposite her chatting and laughing with her Pan'er.
She became the host not only to express her gratitude, but also to ensure that her Pan'er could be cared for by Brother Heng. Now she saw that the atmosphere was harmonious, and as for the side, the future was long, and we would talk about it later.
Jia Heng and the three members of the Xue family ate wine together. When the night was dark and Xu was approaching, Jia Heng said goodbye.
Xue Pan had eaten a lot of wine, his cheeks were red, and he looked drunk, "Cousin Heng, it's late at night, why don't you rest in the courtyard and go back tomorrow?"
As soon as this statement came out, everyone was startled, but immediately they didn't take it seriously.
Jia Heng said: "Aunt, it's getting late. Let's go and have a rest."
Aunt Xue warned: "Brother Heng, please be careful on the road. Aunt Zhang, you carry a lantern to see her off."
However, before Nanny Zhang could speak, Baochai said, "Mom, Brother Heng just had some wine. I'm going to see Brother Heng off."
Baochai had only had a glass of wine just now, and would not drink any more, but her cheeks were still as red as the brilliant red clouds.
Jia Heng nodded, looked at Baochai, and said warmly: "Thank you, sister."
Aunt Xue didn't think too much, smiled and nodded: "Good girl, go ahead."
Then, he ordered the maids to serve Xue Pan, who was already so drunk that he kept talking nonsense.
Here, Jia Heng, led by Baochai, left the wing, and the two of them walked along the corridor, passing by the lights of lanterns and candles.
"Brother Heng, how are you eating today?" Baochai's voice was soft and soft, like a willow in February stirring the rippling blue water.
Jia Heng turned to look at Baochai and said, "It's very good. The dishes are rich and salty and moderate."
Baochai didn't know whether it was because she was a little embarrassed or because she drank some wine. Her cheeks were as red as rouge, and her almond-shaped eyes were as full as water. She said softly: "Brother Heng, my brother and I, as well as our family, have been worrying about Brother Heng a lot since we entered Beijing."
Jia Heng said: "Sister, there is no need to be so polite."
Baochai's pink lips quivered for a long time, but she didn't know what to say.
No amount of thanks could express the complicated emotions in her heart.
Jia Heng looked at the girl's beautiful face, was silent for a moment, and said: "My sister lost her father when she was young, and it is not easy to grow up with her aunt and Wen Long."
Baochai's apricot eyes condensed with dew, and he stopped talking: "Brother Heng, I..."
There is a certain amount of bitterness in my heart. There are some words that I want to say to the person in front of me, but I don’t know where they come from.
Jia Heng waved his hand, signaling Baochai not to say anything further: "Sister, you don't need to say anything, I understand everything."
After saying that, he stopped mentioning the matter and asked instead: "Sister, do you still have those pair of rabbits?"
When it came to rabbits, Baochai suppressed the complex emotions in her heart for the time being and said, "I'm keeping them now."
Jia Heng said casually: "Then take care of it. If you raise it well, you can have a litter of little rabbits next year."
Baochai's cheeks turned red and she said calmly, "I hope so."
Jia Heng smiled to himself and said, "Okay, sister, let's go."
As he said that, he held the lantern and went ahead.
Baochai said "hmm", pursed her pink lips, as if to muster up the courage, and said softly: "Brother Heng, I have embroidered some sachets, and I plan to give them to Qi'er, the third sister and the others, and also to brother Heng.
If it is embroidered, it hangs on the waist, and the fragrant jade belt looks like orchid and musk deer, which is also quite elegant."
In fact, she had this intention before. When dealing with relatives, she pays attention to the principle of coming and going. She never asks for it all the time. She always thinks of giving something, but she seems to be lacking nothing, so she might as well embroider something as a gift to express her gratitude.
gratitude.
Hearing this, Jia Heng smiled and said, "Really? Sister Xue's craftsmanship is pretty good. Where is the sachet? Let me take a look."
Seeing the warm smile of the young man opposite, Baochai felt a little relieved. He took out a sachet from his armhole, his almond-shaped eyes filled with water, and said, "Brother Heng, let's see if you like it?"
Jia Heng stretched out his hand to take the sachet, but his fingertips couldn't help but touch the slender fingers. He looked at the sachet and asked in surprise: "Is there a word "Heng" on the front?"
Baochai's crystal jade face paused slightly and said: "It seems that each object has its own meaning. The one given to Sister Lin is embroidered with the character "Dai", and the one given to the third sister is embroidered with the character "Tan".
Jia Heng was curious, raised his eyes and asked, "Baoyu's name is Baozi?"
Baochai:"……"
She pursed her lips, but there was no response. She had been tired from doing the three embroideries for several days, and there was no one else.
Jia Heng picked up the sachet, looked up at Baochai, and praised: "The stitching is fine and the materials are exquisite. Sister Xue's craftsmanship is good. I like this sachet very much."
The sachet still has some different meanings in this era, but according to Baochai, Daiyu and Tanchun were given as gifts, so that's not the meaning, but between sisters.
"Brother Heng, it's good if he likes it." Baochai whispered softly.
Jia Heng nodded and said: "It's getting late, so I'll send my sister here. It's windy at night, so be careful not to catch cold."
Baochai's apricot eyes were as bright as water and she said softly: "Brother Heng, please go back and rest early."
Jia Heng said nothing else, picked up the lantern, and headed towards Ning Mansion.
Baochai kept watching the orange light disappear around the corner, and Fang sighed quietly.
Behind her, Ying'er came closer and whispered: "Girl, go back."
"Let's go." Baochai retracted his gaze, and his dejected jade face returned to a calm demeanor.
