Uncle Lai in the Red Chamber

Chapter 155 Calculation
Lai Shangrong came to Ningfu Huating with Mingyan and Xier's confession.

I saw Jia Zhen, Jia Lian and Xue Pan sitting together, each pointing towards the stage.

Baoyu, on the other hand, was lying on the railing of the flower hall, staring at the stage in a daze.

The music on the stage has long since changed from the farce with loud drums to the dream-seeking one at the Peony Pavilion.

These days, only domestic theatrical troupes use female actors, while outside theatrical troupes all use men, probably because they are afraid that they will be snatched away by wealthy families when they are raised.

"Brother Lai doesn't like this!"

Xue Pan grabbed one and shouted.

Lai Shangrong asked casually: "What are you talking about?"

Xue Pan smiled and said: "It's a pity that the official Qi of Changchun Garden, we will never have a chance to see each other again!"

Jia Lian smiled and said: "We can't meet each other, but Brother Lai may not!"

Lai Shangrong smiled brightly. The rumors in the market were exaggerated. At least King Zhongshun was not unwilling to share them.

When I went to visit the palace during the Spring Festival, King Zhongshun intended to ask Jiang Yuhan to accompany him, but Lai Shangrong didn't like this.

"Brother Lian's words are not bad at all. I went to the palace a while ago and heard him sing twice."

Baoyu, who was lying on the railing in front, suddenly turned around and said with a smile: "Last year, I heard Brother Feng and the others talking about this Qiguan. He is a rare and wonderful person. Since Brother Lai knows him, why didn't he recommend it to us?"

Lai Shangrong thought to himself, I will not take the blame.

He shied away: "I can't say we know each other, I just met him twice in the palace!"

The conversation changed and he said: "As your mother-in-law's brother, if you really have intentions, are you still afraid that you won't be able to see her?"

Speaking of Yuanchun, Jia Lian said proudly: "There are a few families who have arranged for relatives to visit, but in the end our family came out on top!"

Jia Zhen also said to Yourong: "This has never happened in this province in the past dynasties, and our family has set a precedent. Even in another hundred thousand years, when it comes to this, no one will be able to give our family a thumbs up!" "

Xue Pan smiled and said: "That's natural. From now on, visiting relatives every year has become a routine. Who can remember the later ones!"

Jia Lian shook his head and said, "It's a routine? Which one can make this a routine? It's only going to be picked up once, and it's like spending all the money in the sea."

"Don't you have some rewards?"

"It's just some money, gold and silver, etc." He said to Lai Shangrong: "This morning, the reward from the empress came down, and it seems that there is a share for the brothers. Maybe it will be delivered to the house by now!"

Just as he was talking, Jia Rong walked in with a blue leather account book and a bruised nose and face.

Seeing Lai Shangrong, he was obviously taken aback. After the marriage, he concentrated on managing the one-third acres of the family temple. He didn't know about Jia Zhen's banquet with Lai Shangrong.

Before he could recover, he was kicked by Jia Zhen.

He scolded: "There are so many elders here and they don't know how to call someone!"

Jia Rong hurriedly saluted one by one, and it was Lai Shangrong's turn. Since he didn't know Jia Zhen's anger, he bowed slightly and said, "Uncle Lai!"

As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Jia Zhen kicked her again and said angrily: "You bastard, a serious uncle doesn't know how to shout!"

Jia Rong changed her tune in a hurry.

Immediately, he handed the account book to Jia Zhen, and at the same time, a pair of thief eyes looked back and forth at Lai Shangrong and Jia Zhen in surprise.Secretly guessing, could it be that the master has moved on to someone else?
To say that the second aunt and the third aunt have their own merits, they are not much worse than the Qin family. Since the master can't plot against the Qin family, it is not impossible that he will turn to the second aunt and the third aunt.

It's just that Uncle Lai can't compare to himself, so he has to look up to him, I'm afraid there is no one he likes, and he may not be willing to trade with him.

After thinking about it, none of the concubines in the master's house can compare with the two aunts. Probably only the stepmother's mature body and the identity of the mistress can be worthy of the attention of Uncle Lai.

In addition, they are sisters, so it would be interesting to have the sister-in-law and sister-in-law together.

Thinking of this, I felt a little discouraged and secretly complained that Qin Keqing was ignorant of current affairs. Otherwise, with the beauty of the Qin family, how could they not be willing to bring their own reasons?
It's just that I don't know if there is a second uncle Lian in the circle of Master and Uncle Lai.

Just when he was thinking about whether there was anything or not, he heard Jia Zhen scolding: "What are you doing standing there stupidly! Why don't you ask outside to prepare food and drinks? Don't forget that your mother has also asked someone to prepare them and send them over!"

After a pause, he said again: "When you're done, come over and wait for me!"

Jia Rong didn't dare to delay, so she hurriedly escaped from the flower hall with her back bent.

After a while, the food and wine were served, and Baoyu also sat back on the table.

The four of them exchanged glasses, and after three or five glasses of water and wine, Jia Zhen began to test Lai Shangrong's attitude.

Lai Shangrong responded hypocritically and said to Xue Pan, "Does Wenlong want to start a business and expand his family's business?"

Xue Pan said nonchalantly: "I do want to do something, but they say every day that I don't know the world, and they don't allow this or that, and they just tie me up by my side."

"Auntie is also afraid that you will be deceived without any reason. We are brothers. If you want to make a big splash, you might as well go back and discuss it with auntie. I have a suitable business here so I can keep an eye on it for you."

It is better to rely on yourself than to rely on others. Although Mrs. Wang is planning it, you still have to put in some effort.

Solving problems for the Xue family may not be enough of a bargaining chip. Find a way to make a living fishing for the Xue family, and wait until Baochai comes over and the two families form a partnership.

After all, he is the uncle, so he has to help.

Of course, in order to ensure that the words could reach the ears of Aunt Xue and Baochai, he deliberately asked Xue Pan to go back to discuss.

Xue Pan scratched his head and said: "Brother Lai is really interesting. Nowadays, no one knows your ability to make money. As long as you are mentioned, there is no reason for mother to disagree!"

Jia Zhen also said enthusiastically: "If there is any good business, don't forget about brother. Others dare not say it. It is not convenient for Shang Rong to come forward in the officialdom. Brother can also help!"

Jia Lian also asked hurriedly: "I wonder how much money will be invested in this business?"

Lai Shangrong said perfunctorily: "There's no rush, no rush! We won't wait until Wenlong gets the results!"

With business on the line, this meal was particularly enjoyable.

Of course, everyone except the unhappy Baoyu, who filled his stomach and leaned back on the railing to watch the show.

Several people ate from noon to evening before Lai Shangrong got up and left.

Jia Zhen ordered to invite the You sisters and sent Lai Shangrong to the gate.

Mrs. You brought Mrs. You and her two younger sisters to the carriage. She saw Second Sister You suddenly holding her hand and saying sincerely: "We haven't had a good conversation this year. Sister, you might as well come over to our house to have a little chat when you have time." Come on, we sisters can talk about our feelings."

You Shi was still hesitating, but Jia Zhen couldn't wait to say: "Extreme! Exactly! A family of flesh and blood, you have to move around frequently! Your sister is idle at home, and it's good to go to your place to relax!"

…………

(End of this chapter)