It was mid-afternoon, and the winter sunlight shone on the snow on the eaves, reflecting bright and dazzling light.
While Jia Heng was talking to Zhen Xi, he gently hugged the girl's shoulders and said softly: "I'm going to run an urgent errand. I'll be back soon."
Zhen Xi asked in a cautious tone: "Brother Heng, what are you doing in Jinling?"
Jia Heng said with a smile: "First, I went to the Jiangnan camp to see the military appearance, and secondly, I took charge of the affairs of the Jiangnan branch. Sister Xi'er didn't read the newspaper?"
In fact, he prefers to talk to Zhen Xi, mainly because the little girl has a gentle temperament, and the youthful beauty that belongs to the cardamom girl does have a wonderful effect in relieving his emotions.
In fact, to put it bluntly, Jia Heng and Zhen Xi talked without having to use their brains. This was something that even Miaoyu and Daiyu couldn't compare to.
Zhen Xi said softly: "Sister usually likes to read the Di newspaper. I don't read those very much. But recently I heard my sister mentioned that Jiangnan Province seemed to be divided into provinces. My sister also said that it was a bit difficult to get the name Jiangsu. Why did I have to
The words Jiangning and Suzhou, as well as Changzhou and Songjiang, are not mentioned."
Jia Heng gently rubbed Zhen Xi's bangs and said: "Both places are important towns in the same province, so being named after them is nothing."
Zhen Xi said: "I think it's pretty good."
Zhen Lan came back from under the eaves of the corridor, holding a steaming copper basin in her hand, and called out: "Brother Heng, the hot water is here."
Jia Heng stood up, looked at Zhen Lan who was holding a copper basin of hot water, and said warmly: "Sister Lan, I can do it myself."
It's really hard for Zhen Lan. She probably has never done such things like serving others at home.
Jia Heng stood up, took the basin of foot-washing water from Zhen Lan, lowered his head to remove his boots, looked at the girl, and said with a chuckle: "Sister Lan'er, just leave these rough jobs to the maid below."
Zhen Lan raised her pretty face, curved her eyebrows, and said with a smile: "It's the right thing to serve Brother Heng."
With that said, he picked up the towel and wanted to wash Jia Heng's feet.
Jia Heng said: "Don't be busy. I'll just do it myself. Sit next to me and let's talk."
After hearing this, Zhen Lan put down the towel in her hand, said "hmm", and sat down next to Jia Heng. She suddenly stretched out her bare hand to hold Jia Heng's hand. Concern overflowed in her narrow and clear eyes, and she asked: "
Why does Brother Heng drink so much wine today?"
Jia Heng held Zhen Lan's hand and whispered: "I made an appointment with Mr. Zhao from the Ministry of Revenue to discuss a business deal."
This is the difference between Zhen Lan and Zhen Xi. Zhen Lan is actually a bit like Mopan. Although she is young, her temperament has already shown some sharpness.
Under Zhen Lan's curious eyes, Jia Heng said: "It's the coal business. I'm thinking about who should take over."
Zhen Lan's heart moved slightly and asked: "Brother Heng, what kind of coal business is this?"
Jia Heng said: "The Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are planning to hand over a batch of coal to merchants and transport it to prefectures and counties in Hebei, Shandong and other places. These things can only be done by merchants. In order to prevent the price of coal from being raised, the court will hand it over to the government."
Let some merchants run it."
In fact, this is more like the coal version of the eight major salt merchants in Yangzhou, but it is now led by Jia Heng. As for reforming the old shortcomings in the future, that is another time.
Many times, there is no fixed law in the world.
When Zhen Lan heard this, her phoenix eyes shone slightly, and she whispered: "Brother Heng, this business is good. It can not only solve the problem of transportation and sales for the court, but also enable the common people to use affordable coal."
Zhen Lan's father, Zhen Xuan, was a merchant and could be regarded as the money bag of the Zhen family in Jiangnan. Zhen Lan had been exposed to it since she was a child and had considerable business talent. She immediately understood the profit prospects.
Jia Heng turned to Zhen Lan and said, "My sister also thinks it's a good job?"
Zhen Lan nodded and said: "Brother Heng needs someone to take care of such a mess. A few days ago, my father sent a letter saying that the marriage with the imperial court has been concluded. He will serve for three years. After Heng is released,
If the eldest brother still feels that my father is capable of doing business in the field of commercial goods and goods, can he let his father help Brother Heng with work?"
Jia Heng looked at Zhen Lan's beautiful face and was silent for a long time. In the latter's uneasiness, he took Zhen Lan's hand, hugged her into his arms, and said softly: "Sister Lan'er, this is a good suggestion. I'll consider it later."
consider."
The change in Zhen Lan did not happen overnight. He had no intention of changing Zhen Lan's character, but just like Zhen Qing, he couldn't think about himself in everything.
When Zhen Lan heard Jia Heng's praise, her cheeks turned red and she said, "Thank you...brother Heng."
Jia Heng said: "Once the business is completed, if my sister has time, she can help me look at the account books and so on."
Judging from the posture just now, it seems that Qing doesn't like these things either, so leave it to Zhen Lan to practice slowly.
Hearing this, Zhen Lan seemed to hesitate and said: "Brother Heng, I..."
Jia Heng said: "Sister Lan comes from a famous family and can do it."
Zhen Lan lowered her head, responded softly, and said, "Thank you, Brother Heng. I'll give it a try."
Under Zhen Xi's slender eyebrows, there was a hint of shame in her eyes as spiritual as a stream.
It looks like the four sisters will all follow Brother Heng from now on.
Jia Heng took a towel and wiped his feet, and said to Zhen Lan: "I'm a little sleepy right now. Sister Xi'er and I will take a nap first, and then call me when it's time to apply for the license."
Zhen Xi got on the bed, blushed and helped Jia Heng change her clothes, then took off her clothes, hugged Jia Heng, leaned her face against the young man's arms, and closed her eyes slightly.
Jia Heng also hugged Zhen Xi.
Unconsciously, the sound of even breathing gradually sounded on the bed.
When Jia Heng and Zhen Xi slept until dusk, the dark night dispersed the sunset, twilight fell, and the lanterns began to turn on.
Jia Heng woke up, called the maid to prepare hot water, took a bath, then changed into a Sujin robe, and just sat behind the bookcase.
Zhen Lan was brewing hot tea at the side, handed it over and said, "Brother Heng, drink tea."
Jia Heng thanked him, picked up the tea cup, took a sip, looked at the girl who was hesitant to speak, and asked, "What's wrong?"
Zhen Lan took an invitation and handed it to Jia Heng, saying: "Grandma Zhu from Daoxiang Village has sent an invitation to invite you to the banquet tonight."
Jia Heng took the invitation, nodded, and said, "I'll go over right away. You and sister Xi'er can eat first."
After saying that, he put down the invitation and headed to Daoxiang Village.
Daoxiangcun
In the side room, the candlelight was bright, as bright as day, and several slender figures were reflected on the screen.
Li Wan and Cao were preparing a table of dishes, and sisters Li Wen and Li Qi were also helping.
Li Wan put on a light blue dress. Although she didn't have the look of emerald green, she had a tassel hairpin pinned between her bun. Her beautiful and gentle face was covered with a thin layer of pink and white. The two earrings she wore were illuminated by the lights.
Shining brightly.
Ms. Cao smiled and said: "Wan'er's dishes are well cooked and have the characteristics of Jiangnan."
After all, he had watched Li Wan grow up, and the woman addressed him with some affection.
Li Wan was a little embarrassed and said softly: "Auntie, this is a dish I learned when I was in the boudoir. After marrying to the Rongguo Mansion, I haven't cooked it much in the past two years, and my skills are a bit rusty."
Mrs. Cao chuckled and said, "I think this is very well made. Uncle Heng will definitely like it after he tastes it."
She didn't think that Mr. Heng was a calm man, and his relationship with the two princesses of the Zhen family seemed a bit unusual.
For a period of time in Jinling, none of the little girls could see the intrigue between Jia Heng and the two concubines of the Zhen family, but Cao was one of the few people who doubted it.
Jia Heng and the two concubines of the Zhen family stayed in the study for most of the day. Mrs. Cao was secretly suspicious, but she didn't dare to confirm it.
Li Wan's face looked unnatural and he said in a low voice: "I am a first-class Wuhou, and I am used to eating a lot of delicacies from the mountains and seas, as well as imperial tributes. Ours are too simple, and it is not an exaggeration to say that we are just a poor person."
Mrs. Cao smiled and looked at Li Wan's figure, and said, "You will get tired of eating too much big fish and meat. It's not uncommon to occasionally try the wild stir-fry."
Li Wan said nothing because he felt something was wrong with what he said.
At this moment, the maid Suyun opened the curtain and entered the room. With a smile on her face, she said: "Grandma, the uncle is here."
When Li Wan heard this, his beautiful and elegant face showed joy. Although he tried his best to keep calm, there was a hint of joy in his voice, and he said, "Where are you going? I'll go and greet you."
Seeing this "enthusiastic" scene, Mrs. Cao smiled secretly in her heart.
At this moment, Jia Heng was led by the maid Biyue to the living room, sitting on a pearwood chair with a backrest, sipping tea, looking around at the decoration of the room, with a thoughtful look on his face.
"Brother Heng, you're here." Li Wan lifted up the hanging bead curtain and came out from the inner compartment, looking at the young man in green shirt with a slight smile on his face.
Jia Heng put down the tea cup, raised his eyes to look at the beauty with a gentle and gentle temperament, and said, "Sister-in-law Zhu, please wait for a long time."
Li Wan asked curiously: "Brother Heng, we didn't wait long. Is Brother Heng finished with his work outside?"
"I didn't go to do any official business in the afternoon, so I just rested in the mansion." Jia Heng smiled and said.
Li Wan nodded and said, "You can't be busy all the time. It's good to take a rest when you have free time."
While the two were chatting, accompanied by a jingle of rings and a fragrant aroma, Mrs. Cao led her two daughters to open the bead curtain and entered the hall together, smiling: "Uncle Heng is here."
Jia Heng turned to look at Mrs. Cao, smiled and said, "Aunt Cao, long time no see."
We had previously taken a boat together from Jinling to Shenjing, and this lively and funny woman also left a deep impression on him.
Mrs. Cao pulled over her two daughters, who had gleaming eyebrows and said nothing, frowned and said, "Wen'er, Qi'er, call for someone."
Li Wen and Li Qi walked forward with graceful steps, bowed and said, "I have met Brother Heng."
Jia Heng stretched out his hand, looked at the two elegant and quiet sisters, and said, "Sister Wen and Sister Qi, please get up quickly."
Li Wen and Li Qi stood up, sat next to Mr. Cao, and looked at the young man in green shirt quietly.
Jia Heng sat down, looked at Li Wen and Li Qi with gentle eyes, and said with a smile: "Sister Xi'er had a baby yesterday. Why didn't Sister Wen and Sister Qi go to Qichi Yard to have fun yesterday?"
Li Wen said in a soft voice: "My mother had something to do yesterday, but she didn't go over there."
Li Qi listened to Li Wen's reply, but she didn't say "Me too", but peeked at the young man with a pair of smart and clear eyes, and then looked at her sister.
Ms. Cao looked at the young man in a straight green shirt, smiled and said, "I, the two girls, usually don't play around with others, but like to read. Now we are almost becoming bookworms."
Two sisters, Li Wen and Li Qi, both like reading and have a quiet temperament. They are probably good students in the class whose family conditions are not very good. They are thin, tall, fair-skinned, plainly dressed, and don't talk much.
As for the Lanxi sisters, who are also a pair of sisters, although Zhenxi is also quiet and gentle, they actually have a cheerful and lively personality because they grew up in a wealthy family like the Zhen family.
As for Zhen Lan, not to mention her character, she has learned things early.
Jia Heng nodded and said with a smile: "It's good to like reading. I have a poetry and calligraphy spirit in my heart. Sister Wen and Sister Qi are as beautiful as orchids and chrysanthemums. They deserve to be from a scholarly family."
Listening to the young Marquis Wu opposite her praising her daughter, Mrs. Cao felt happy and said with a smile: "In the past few days, they have been holding Uncle Heng's Three Kingdoms book and reading it. They also asked you for advice. They will always look back.
What’s the plot?”
"Really?" Jia Heng smiled, looked at Li Wen and Li Qi, and happened to meet his sister Li Wen, who lowered her head shyly, not daring to look at each other, and said softly: "Then when I have free time in the past two days,
The two sisters will talk about the follow-up plot."
Li Wen said softly, "Yeah" and said, "Thank you, Brother Heng."
At this time, Li Wan saw this and changed the subject with a smile: "Brother Heng, the dishes have been placed. Let's go and use some together."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Sister-in-law Zhu, please."
Everyone talked, entered the inner room, and sat down again.
Jia Heng asked: "Sister-in-law, where is Brother Lang?"
Li Wan smiled and said: "He is in the courtyard where I lived before, outside the garden. It is taken care of by my grandma. There are many girls living in the garden, so it is very inconvenient."
It can be said that today's Grand View Garden is a daughter's country in the true sense. Baoyu thinks about it day and night, standing under the eaves of the corridor, often looking into the distance with tears.
And it's obviously not easy for Jialan to live in either.
Even Jia Heng is not usually in Qichi Courtyard. He only comes here to take a nap while viewing the scenery. Baoyu’s previous wish to live in it was really wishful thinking.
Jia Heng nodded and said: "Brother Lang will be seven years old after the Chinese New Year. You can try to enter school, but don't be too anxious."
Li Wan smiled and said, "Well, that's what I was thinking too. Brother Lang came over and told me that the teacher in the school mentioned that it is not good to enter school too early. If you can't adapt to it, you can take the exam again.
After a few misses, you lose your spirit."
Jia Heng said with a smile: "Sister-in-law Zhu is right to think this way. Brother Lang is not very old, so it would be too hard for him to win three yuan in a row and become an official when he is only a teenager."
Mothers like to hear outsiders say these compliments about their children, let alone an important official like Jia Heng. This time it undoubtedly talks about the psychology of young women.
Li Wan chuckled lightly and said in a low voice: "If he can win the imperial examination in the future and be an official, I will burn high-ranking incense. I have never thought about being the number one scholar."
When the smile of the young woman in Hua Xin blooms, the charm from the corners of her brows and eyes overflows silently. Under the glowing candlelight of the candlestick above the high table, she actually looks a bit breathtakingly beautiful.
Mrs. Cao also smiled and said: "Uncle Heng, don't just talk, let's eat first."
Li Wan responded softly, then picked up the Kuai Zi, ate it with a small bite, then raised the wine cup and said, "I would like to toast Brother Heng. I have troubled you a lot about Brother Lan."
Jia Heng stopped his kuaizi, picked up the wine cup in his hand, and said, "Sister-in-law, you're welcome."
Then he had a drink with Li Wan, then raised his neck and drank it all in one gulp.
Li Wan drank a glass of wine, coughed a few times, and his soft cheeks suddenly turned as red as a peach core.
"Sister-in-law Zhu, drink slowly." Jia Heng put down the wine cup and said with concern.
"I'm fine." Li Wan said.
At this time, Ms. Cao looked at the two of them with a smile and talked, her eyes twinkling.
Jia Heng put down the wine cup and said: "When I was in Jinling, I visited Mr. Li at his house. Instead of talking about Langeer, the old man also had a lot of expectations."
"Father?" Li Wanyu looked slightly startled and asked in surprise: "I heard from sister Wen'er that Ziyu met his father in Jinling?"
Jia Heng had a look of reminiscence on his face and said with emotion: "When I was in Jinling, I met the old gentleman. The old gentleman was of high moral character. I benefited a lot from what he said."
Li Wan pursed his pink lips and said softly: "Father, he has been teaching his children at home since Ding You stayed at home to observe filial piety. Speaking of which, I haven't seen my father for two or three years."
Jia Heng said: "We may have to meet again when we go south this time. If Sister Zhu has any letters or other things to send, I can send them to Jinling on your behalf."
Li Wan nodded and said: "Then I wrote a letter recently, why does Brother Heng want to go to Jinling again?"
At the end of the story, Hua Xin's eyes were as bright as water under her eyebrows, probably because she drank wine.
Jia Heng didn't talk much, but said: "I had something happen a year ago and I need to go there again."
As he said that, he looked at Li Wen and Li Qi who had stopped eating, and said with a smile: "If sister Wen and sister Qi are hungry, they can eat first without looking at me and you eldest sister."
Li Wan's cheeks couldn't help but blush as he listened to the young man's words. This eldest sister... made her look much younger.
Li Wen hurriedly said: "Thank you, Brother Heng."
Li Qi also thanked her.
Mrs. Cao also smiled and said: "Brother Heng, don't just talk, also use this food. These are all made by Wan'er, let's try Wan'er's craftsmanship."
Ordinarily, given the seniority of the Cao family, it is not inappropriate to call Li Wan Wan'er, but in front of Jia Heng, Wan'er...
If Mrs. Cao didn't drink too much, it was... intentional.
As expected, Li Wan blushed furiously, and the bamboo he held in his hand almost hit the porcelain bowl, making a crisp sound.
Wan'er?
How could aunt call her that in front of brother Heng?
I don't know why, but I suddenly remembered the previous name in my sleep. On top of her beautiful jade face, Xia Fei's cheeks were as hot as fire, and her eyebrows were downcast.
But it’s not easy to correct Mr. Cao’s title.
Jia Heng couldn't help but glance at Li Wan, and saw that the beauty, who was wearing a thin coat of pink and white, was illuminated by the bright lights, and the red glow on her face extended to her earlobes, which was crystal clear.
His eyes paused for a moment, then he picked up Kuaizi and picked up the food cooked by Li Wan, and said, "I'll try Wan...sister-in-law Zhu's cooking."
Fortunately, I reacted in time and the words that came to my lips did not turn out to be "cowardly".
But Li Wan heard it keenly, his heart trembled, his delicate body trembled slightly, and he didn't know what happened. His cheeks became more and more flushed, but he just thought he was drunk and flushed.
Jia Heng didn't say anything else after that, but Mrs. Cao raised the wine cup and said with a smile: "Brother Heng, I want to toast you. You said that I, a man with a son and a daughter, had nowhere to hide when I came to the capital.
You took her in and let Wen'er and Qier live in the garden with the girls in the mansion."
Jia Heng said quickly: "Auntie, where did you come from? They are relatives. It is impossible to say whether they will take you in or not."
Ms. Cao smiled, said nothing, and took a sip of wine. Her fair face turned red due to the alcohol.
Jia Heng finished his drink, looked at Li Wan who was holding a dish with Kuai Zi, and said, "Actually, there is one more thing I want to tell my sister-in-law."
Li Wan raised a soft and rosy face, and his voice was a little soft due to drinking, and asked: "What's the matter? Brother Heng, tell me."
Jia Heng said with a smile: "There are many things in the garden. Now the Xue family and sister Tanchun are in charge. I think there will be someone from Xifu to take care of the garden together."
When Li Wan heard this, he immediately understood that she was being asked to take care of the house, and his heart began to beat unsatisfactorily.
How many years have passed since her husband's death? She has never taken care of anything. The old lady and the madam said they sympathized with her, but who could know such miserable and pitiful feelings?
Even in the mansion, the maids and nannies didn't really have much respect for her, they just regarded her as a widow.
Now she is being asked to take charge of the garden?
Li Wan's heart was beating fast, but when it came to his words, he declined: "Ziyu, I am a widow who is unemployed, and it is not easy to control me."
Jia Heng said: "Sister-in-law Zhu, you don't have to say that. I think my sister-in-law is older and more considerate, so I asked my sister-in-law to take care of Sister Xue and Sister San."
Of course, it cannot be said that if there is an old man in the family, there is a treasure, otherwise, Li Wan will suddenly change his face and walk away.
When Li Wan heard this, his heart moved slightly, he seemed to be hesitant, and finally said softly: "Since Brother Heng said so, I will help them both."
Jia Heng said: "Then I have Sister Lao."
Jia Heng was drinking and talking with the two widows, but at this moment, Mr. Cao smiled and said: "Brother Heng, you chat first, I will lead Li Wen and Li Qi back to the backyard to rest.
, come back later."
Jia Heng raised his eyes to look at Mr. Cao and said with a smile: "I see it's getting late, so I'll go back too."
Ms. Cao smiled and said, "It's still early now, so you guys are talking. I'll ask Brother Heng for advice later."
She will talk about her daughter's marriage later. This time she goes to Beijing, she must find a good marriage for the two girls. If it doesn't work...
Hearing this, Jia Heng nodded, sat down and waited for now.
The maid also served tea, and Jia Heng drank tea and talked with Li Wan.
Li Wan picked up the tea cup and took a sip of tea without speaking. For a while, the atmosphere between the two of them became somewhat silent.
Jia Heng thought for a while and took the initiative to say: "Sister-in-law, Mr. Li has been idle in Nanjing for a few years and it is time for him to get out of the business."
Li Wan was a little surprised when he heard the young man's name. He didn't know why, but he changed the name accidentally and said, "What does Ziyu mean?"
Jia Heng did not doubt it and said: "Since this summer, many officials in Jinling's government departments have resigned due to crimes, leaving many vacancies. However, Mr. Li's reputation has been spread all over the world. It is the time for him to come out to assist Zuo Mingjun and Yingzhu.
.”
The officials of the Six Ministries of Jinling, Pan Ruxi, the Secretary of the Ministry of Hubu, and others were implicated in the Huaibei Flood theft and selling of official grain. Now there is only one minister in charge of the government, and there are also two ministers of the Ministry of War who have resigned from their posts due to the reorganization of the Jiangnan camp. Therefore, Nanjing
There are a lot of vacancies in Part 6.
Needless to say, there is no need to mention the choice of governor of Anhui.
Hearing this, Li Wan pursed his glossy lips and said, "My father has an upright temperament and does not tolerate worldly affairs. It was not that there was no shortage of children in Nan Province before, but it was because my father did not want to ask for help that he continued to serve."
Speaking of hunger, he raised his eyes and looked at the young man.
If her father resurrects, then she... and Lange'er will have a backer.
Jia Heng said: "Sister-in-law, don't worry about this. Last time I talked with my uncle, I saw that he was getting stronger and stronger but his ambition was not fulfilled. I will give him good advice when I go south this time."
When Li Wan heard this, he felt happy, looked at the young man gratefully, and said softly: "Then... thank you so much Ziyu."