The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

After the festival, it’s time for the shops to open. Starting from the archway on the street, walk slowly along the main road. On the clean and spacious avenue, people joining in the fun and busy store clerks can be seen everywhere.

Xiunan Street in Songjiang is different from Qiupu Street in Yangzhou. The latter has developed year after year and has formed a considerable scale of handicraft manufacturing based on planting and textiles. When an opportunity arises in the future, the word handicraft industry will be removed.

In Chen Heng's plan, the future of Xiunan Street will be more like a comprehensive commercial street. Commercial goods traveling from south to north are shipped here, in addition to being shipped at home and abroad. It can also directly connect the east, west, north and south through the Yangtze River, Huaihe River, Grand Canal and Jiangnan Waterway.

There is a saying in the scriptures: Mountains govern nobles, water governs wealth. Songjiang, which lives by the water, will surely become rich by the water. It is precisely because of Chen Heng's understanding that when supervising the fortifications, he focused more on the cultural landscape.

Three and four streets intersect with each other, and a small river flows through them. There are eight lanes and sixteen alleys arranged in sequence like a chessboard, setting off various shops into chess pieces. Thinking back to the time when I was a bit more relaxed, buildings were rising from the ground one after another. Now that he is in it, how can Chen Heng not be proud, how can he not be proud.

Following Chen Heng, the guests who stopped for sightseeing also let out some exclamations. Needless to say, there is no need to say more about the architectural beauty of Xiunan Street. During the walking tour, you can even feel Chen Heng’s delicate thoughts.

There must be a place to eat within fifty steps, and there are pavilions and tea shops a hundred steps away for people to rest and listen to music. Thinking again of Ruanjia Lane across Xiunan Street, the two echo each other. No matter how the business at sea is, Xiunan Street will definitely become a good place in Songjiang over time.

During the tour, Chen Heng inevitably explained some of his own thoughts. While everyone following them nodded, many owners also sent out invitations, wanting to invite Mr. Liu and Mr. Chen to visit their stores.

How much time will it take to see so many people going home? Chen Heng thought for a moment and only picked the guild halls of Shanxi merchants and Hui merchants. These two families are the leading brothers in Dayong's business world, although they cannot be distinguished as male and female. But if any business gang insists that they are better than them, they will probably make people laugh.

When I arrived at the guild hall and took a look outside, it turned out that these two places were built with their own characteristics. The guild halls of Shanxi merchants are more calm and elegant, which is closely related to the work style of Jin people.

The Hui merchants are different, they talk about a lively atmosphere. On the first day of opening, I have already taken out all the treasures at home.

In recent years, Huizhou merchants have purchased many good things from Southeast Asia and the West. Chen Heng was still among them and found a musket that could be held with one hand. Under Liu Xianglian's wary gaze, Chen Heng picked it up and played with it with great interest.

Feng Zhu, who had followed closely all the way, came up at the right time and introduced: This thing is made in Portugal. Last year, someone from the Chamber of Commerce saw it and bought it as a decoration.

He seemed to like Chen Heng a little bit and couldn't put it down, so he immediately remembered it in his heart. Unexpectedly, Chen Heng looked around, put down the musket with a smile, and directly fired up Feng Zhu with words.

Master Feng, please don't imitate the old things of Yangzhou.

This is to warn Feng Zhu not to make the decision without authorization and give this thing to him in private. The other Huizhou merchants didn't know the secrets and thought Feng Zhu had another connection with Mr. Chen, so they all chuckled.

Feng Zhu secretly complained in his heart, when Chen Heng was still a boy. The steward of their family once directly invited adults into the house. Unexpectedly, many years later, this arrow would hit him at this time.

Don't worry, sir, I saved it, I saved it. Wiping his sweat with a handkerchief, Feng Zhu felt that the weather today was really hot. Although his family was rich, he was also the leader among Yangzhou salt merchants. But among the huge number of Anhui merchants, he can only be considered a leader. The real leader of Huizhou merchants is actually someone else.

If it weren't for the fact that he had an old relationship with Mr. Chen today, Feng Zhu knew that he would not have the opportunity to chat with him. At some awkward moments, Liu Yanzhang came out to save him.

Zhixing, come and take a look at this.

Seeing the magistrate standing in front of something, Chen Heng heard the sound and stepped forward. I saw that this object was brass-colored, with a small circle next to a large circle, and some patterns engraved on the edge of the circle.

You are well-informed and upright. Have you ever seen this thing in a book? Liu Yanzhang was really interested. He always felt that this thing was somewhat familiar.

Chen Heng took a look and knew that this object was called a gold-plated equatorial sundial. He immediately smiled and said: Sir, don't let this craft fool you. It is our sundial. Look at it, it just pulled out the needle.

Damn, this is what I spent a long time looking at. After getting the answer, Liu Yanzhang immediately became disappointed and turned to admire other objects.

Chen Heng turned around and communicated with the Hui merchants for a while, listening to them in detail about the next plans of his chamber of commerce. Seeing that it was almost time, he led everyone out of the club.

As soon as we returned to the street, everyone clearly felt the heat coming up. People took advantage of the willow shade to wander around the shopping street. Occasionally, I came to one or two pavilions and saw scholars from the government schools leaving calligraphy treasures here.

Chen Heng stepped forward and took a few glances. Seeing that there were no vulgar words about I'm here for a visit, he didn't care about the scholars' nonsense.

The last stop was Pan Youan's office. In the future, all interactions with various shops will be handled directly by him.

Bringing people over to identify the way, Chen Heng also used this to tell others. This Pan You'an is the one in charge of his order. I hope that everyone can give each other some face in the future.

After handling these trivial matters, Chen Heng and Liu Yanzhang both intended to take various merchants back for a banquet. Seeing Pan You'an who was a little embarrassed in front of him, Chen Heng warned him before leaving: I'll leave the business to you, so remember to do your best.

Don't worry, my lord. I'm a villain and I won't dare to slack off even a little bit.

Yes. Chen Heng nodded. If there was anything unnecessary to say, he had said it countless times in private. In front of everyone, he was so comfortable with Pan that he didn't need to be too rude.

When other people do things here in the future, they also need face to support them.

Everyone, please come with Mr. Futai. Can we go back to the government office and have a chat?

Chen Heng fell down, and no one dared to disobey.

Jia Lian and Xue Pan, who didn't say a few words from beginning to end, could only silently follow Chen Heng. As for their affairs, they still haven't found any friends willing to pay for their partnership.

On the way back to the government office, Jia Lian winked at Xue Pan: Didn't I ask you to have a good relationship with the Xia family in the capital? Their family grows and sells osmanthus. Not only do they have money, but they also have the secret recipe for treating incense.

Xue Pan was really a roundworm in Jia Lian's belly. Just by looking at each other, he could guess what Jia Lian meant.

Wanting to understand what Jia Lian meant, he felt even more angry. Is it because he, Xue Pan, doesn't want to get close to Xia Jingui? It was Xia Jingui who simply ignored him.

Second brother, you have slept with more women than I have eaten, why don’t you do it yourself?

Seeing Xue Pan's eyes, Jia Lian hurriedly pretended that he was busy and tried his best to get closer to Chen Heng. He already has a tigress in his family. Xia Jingui is very good-looking and his family is also very rich. But her temper is really bad.

Compared with her, Wang Xifeng seems to have a general understanding. Jia Lian was not willing to have more contact with Xia Jingui, so he simply ignored Xue Pan's eyes.

Zuo Baoyu is Xue Pan's brother-in-law, not his own brother-in-law.

With this thought in his mind, Jia Lian squeezed a few steps closer to Chen Heng, but found that he couldn't squeeze in at all.

Today is different from the past. Today, Chen Heng is surrounded by many close people, so there is nowhere left for him.

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Needless to say, there was no need to talk about the banquet at the government office. Daiyu was unable to come with her because she had to take care of the children in the academy. Chen Heng also thought much less about eating. After dealing with some social interactions and casually drinking a few cups of tea, he found a reason to leave.

When we left the government office, it was already dark. When he returned home, he saw only a few bright lights waiting for him in the dark night. Just this scene made Chen Heng feel hot in his heart.

As soon as he entered the house, he saw Baoqin sitting with Daiyu and Yinglian. Chen Heng felt even more curious and saw the three of them talking and laughing. Chen Heng asked about the content of their conversation.

Mr. Guess. Daiyu wanted to show off, but she didn't even give a hint. She just tried her best to hold back her smile.

How can one guess? Zhuge Kongming is not alive. Chen Heng laughed, sat in the hall, took the tea cup from Qingwen, and said, Why are you making things difficult for me, madam?

Take a guess. I don't know what happened today, but Daiyu actually became squeamish in public.

I can't stand it, I can't bear it. Chen Heng subconsciously licked the corner of his mouth, saying that beauty under the moon is a beauty in front of the lamp. The young couple looked at each other, which made Chen Heng feel very itchy.

What are you looking at? Pay attention. Sister Qin is still here. If you have anything else to do, please wait until you get back to the house. Daiyu glared at Chen Heng.

I didn’t think about anything. Madam, please don’t wrong a good person. Chen Heng suppressed his thoughts hard, and then in Bao Qin's eyes, he asked: But it has something to do with Brother Xue?

Both ladies know the relationship between the Chen family very well. The only person who could be called Brother Xue by Chen Heng was Xue Biao.

Daiyu was not surprised that her husband could guess this. Yinglian nodded generously and asked, What is that about Brother Xue?

What kind of fun could Xue Bao have, making these three people laugh non-stop? When Chen Heng heard this, he fell into deep thought. After a while, he spoke up and hesitated: But it has something to do with Brother Xue's marriage?

This time, Daiyu and Yinglian were shocked. The two of them looked at Bao Qin together, secretly thinking that it couldn't be you, the girl, who had already leaked the information to others in advance.

Yo yo yo. Bao Qin immediately started to get angry, I didn't even say a word to my eldest brother today. I don't have the ability of you and your wife to communicate with your eyes.

This girl's face was slightly red, and she was obviously still angry about the scene that was not suitable for children just now. Chen Heng couldn't help but secretly thought that it was strange that Baoqin, a young girl with a yellow flower, could understand and guess the secrets of the boudoir.

He then coughed lightly and said with a smile: You asked me to guess, didn't you? Bringing up his interest in the 120,000 yuan, Chen Heng asked rather gossipy, Whose girl is so discerning that she can take a fancy to our Xue Xue? Brother.

I'm afraid this person will scare you when he says it. Before Daiyu could finish her words, she was already laughing.

Annoyed, Bao Qin repeatedly raised his hand to slap her, not knowing whether it was because Sister Lin was laughing at her brother, or because she was seeking revenge for what she had just done.

Seeing that they were having fun among themselves, Chen Heng looked at Yinglian who was standing aside. The latter simply said directly: I heard from Sister Qin that it might be Miss Xia. But we are also guessing, and there is no news at the moment.

When it comes to gossip, Lin Daiyu is far more energetic than most people think. Although she has a plain face, she actually has very good ears.

When I have nothing to do, I like to listen to trivial things for fun. Every day, she read the newspaper at home first, and then it was Chen Heng's turn to read it.

I also heard what Miss Xia said. Even if she didn't say it, she must have meant it in her heart. Daiyu was really excited and hurriedly shared the things that happened during the day with her husband.

After hearing the general idea, Chen Heng also felt that there was something to this matter. But when I think of Xia Jingui's temperament and her relationship with Xue Pan. Thinking about it in his own mind, he felt very weird.

After thinking about it again and again, Chen Heng couldn't help but smile secretly in his heart. Just leave this matter to the elders of the Xue family. Even if you marry a Hedong lion, it will be Brother Xue himself who suffers.

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Miss, what are you thinking about?

As soon as the personal maid saw Xia Jingui return, she sat in front of the mirror and thought deeply. This unusual reaction was really strange in the eyes of the maid.

The little maid said a caring word, but Xia Jingui didn't hide her secrets at all and said directly: Xiao Cui, what do you think of the young master of the Xue family?

Ah?! The little maid thought for a while, then asked first, Which Xue family is the young lady talking about?

Of course it's the Xue family in Yangzhou.

The little maid felt relieved after hearing this. She is a member of her own family who knows her own affairs well. Not only does the young lady have a bad reputation, but Xue Pan's reputation is not much better.

When I heard that the lady was talking about Xue Pan, I compared it with the Xue Pan I just thought of. The little maid suddenly felt that Xue Biao was really personable and knowledgeable.

The lady has fallen in love with him? The little maid was a little surprised. She had been staying close to him these past few days, and she didn't even know that the lady had met Xue Biao in private.

Yes. Xia Jingui nodded generously. Since she took charge of the family business, her mother didn't even dare to force her to get married.

Xia's mother had long ago resigned herself to her fate, hoping that her daughter, with her fierce temperament, would fall in love with a good family and live happily together. He even dared not introduce anyone to his own girl at will, for fear of putting the blame on others.

Why did the young lady like him? The little maid couldn't help but start to inquire. Over the years, she had rarely heard about the man from the young lady. Isn't it strange that a tadpole suddenly appeared today?

For some reason, Xia Jingui laughed first and explained: Looking at his polite manner, he seems to be easy to bully.

The maid was dumbfounded immediately, what is this? Miss, you have to live a good life when you are married. Whose wife has nothing to do and bullies her husband all day long?

Okay, okay. I lied to you. Xia Jingui waved his hand and finally explained seriously, I just wanted to see him tolerate his sister going out to do things. This magnanimity and self-awareness really made me look at him with admiration.

That's true. The little maid nodded. People these days are always half full of water. Compared with them, Xue Biao, who is studying and drawing peacefully, is indeed much better.

The key is that others look good and smile even better. Xia Jingui added.

makes sense. The little maid nodded hurriedly. But would such a good person like our young lady?

Thinking of this, Xiaocui's heart suddenly became weak. Busy and secretly scolded himself: Xiaocui, Xiaocui, the lady treats me very well. Although the young lady’s temper is a bit bad... by a lot, the young lady is capable, good-looking and rich! !

No, it seems that the Xue family is quite rich, right? !

Thinking of this, Xiaocui felt even more depressed. However, her young lady was still talking energetically.

You can ask Baoqin's maid tomorrow to find out when the brothers and sisters will leave for Yangzhou. Then we will find a reason and follow them.

Miss, I knew you were bold, but I didn't know you were braver. The little maid was surprised and nodded again: Oh, Xiao Cui knows.

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The incident on Xiunan Street had made a good start, so Chen Heng did not pay more attention to it. He is currently busy with affairs, and the people on Xiunan Street are all old people. As long as there is no big mess, things will develop steadily and for the better.

After Chen Heng got out, he immediately focused on Lou County. Taking advantage of the power of Huang Bantou in Lou County and the power of Xiunan Street, he finally prepared to go to the Lou County County Government.

He didn't tell anyone before coming. After arriving, the county government office in Lou County was in a state of turmoil.

The officers in Lou County, after waiting day by day, finally waited for Mr. Chen to arrive.

Thinking of their old colleagues who were in prison, everyone looked at Chen Heng, the leader, and did not dare to breathe heavily for a moment.

Everybody sit down, everybody sit down.

When we first met, Chen Heng's attitude was very friendly. Everyone below looked at each other and saw Master Chen urging again, and then they dared to sit in their seats properly.

You have done well during this period. Chen Heng came up with a familiar opening statement. Everyone dared to hold their breath and reply: Your Excellency, you are exaggerating.

Well done, well done. I always like to speak directly. Chen Heng, who was beginning to establish his authority, looked around the venue with a smile. Seeing everyone ducking their heads to dodge, he suddenly asked: Is Master Sun here?

Someone immediately stood up in the hall and replied in a trembling voice: Sir, I am here.

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Just when Chen Heng started to clean up the Lou County government office, a group of people had already arrived at the gate of Songjiang City. The leader was riding a tall horse and looked very majestic. His entourage followed him on horseback and was pointing to the distance with his reins, saying, Sir, the city of Songjiang is ahead.

Yeah. The leader nodded.

Should we go to the inn first? Or... the attendant asked again.

Go directly to Huating County Government Office to find Mr. Chen.

Yes. The attendant received the order and immediately rode forward. While dancing the reins to drive away the people queuing up, he shouted: The imperial envoy is here, everyone who is idle should quickly avoid it.

I'm coming. It’s really scary, just forget about being busy with work at the end of the year. There is a wedding to attend on the 21st and an anniversary party on the 23rd. It’s really frustrating...