The Concubine Wushuang of Red Mansion

Chapter 119 Three years later
Mother Jia didn't expect that Baoyu was still thinking about Daiyu. She couldn't help but shed tears when she thought of how she drove Daiyu away because of the mess in the house.

"Your sister Lin has already gone home. She has only been away for a few days. How can we bring her back? Besides, your uncle also misses your sister, so let her stay there for a longer time and spend all his time with your uncle. As a filial piety, I won’t let her go back when she is picked up next time, okay?”

Jia Mu comforted her, but Baoyu couldn't listen. He was twisting like a candy, but he just didn't agree.

Mother Jia really had no choice. She had never disobeyed her grandson, but now in this family, although her son and daughter-in-law did not dare to be unfilial to her, the weight of their words was no longer what it used to be.

Because of Lai's family prosperity, but also because of Lai's family's failure!

"Then I will write a letter and ask your sister Lin if she is still willing to come back. If she is willing, let your mother arrange a male and female boat to pick her up!" Mother Jia had to come up with a compromise plan. If it were in the past, She can definitely make her own decision, but now, she has to respect Mrs. Wang's opinion.

If Yu'er comes and the second daughter-in-law is still as intolerant as before, wouldn't she have wronged Yu'er's child?

When the letter was delivered, Jia Cong was standing on the field ridge with Daiyu, watching the farmers doing farm work in the fields. They were all hunched over, squatting in the field like a horse, facing the loess, holding seedlings in one hand. , divide the seedlings with one hand and insert them into the field.

A frog jumped out of the paddy field, frightening Daiyu's beauty to pale.

"Second Master, Miss Lin, a letter has arrived from Yangzhou Salt Patrol Yamen!" Li Gouer delivered the letter.

Jia Cong took it and handed it to Daiyu.

There were two letters in total, one was written by Lin Ruhai, and the other was sent from Rongguo Mansion. Lin Ruhai asked her daughter a few questions every day, but there was not much content. The letter from Rongguo Mansion expressed two levels of meaning. It was to explain why Daiyu was sent away because of difficulties in the family. Secondly, everyone in the family missed Daiyu very much and wanted to take her back.

Daiyu smiled and handed the letter to Jia Cong.

Jia Cong read ten lines at a glance and looked at Daiyu, "What does Sister Lin mean?"

Daiyu shook her head. For her, during those days in Rongguo Mansion, although there were laughter and joy, it was mostly humiliation.

The old lady was nice there and treated her very lovingly, but other people...

Daiyu said, "What will it be like if I go back again? It's not like the third brother doesn't know, so he insists on asking me what I mean."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Don't I respect you? No matter what decision you make, I will respect your wishes. I don't want you to be unable to feel freedom when you are with me."

"Third brother, what is freedom?" Daiyu tilted her head and asked with a cute look on her face. This was a new term for her.

"Freedom means you can do whatever you want without asking my opinion."

At the end, he added, "As long as you don't kill people and set things on fire."

Daiyu burst into laughter. On her flawless white face, her cheeks were crimson, as bright as clouds, and her eyes were as clear as two pills of black crystal in a white crystal.

Jia Cong smiled, and the two of them returned from the field ridge one after the other.

There is no Jiazi in the mountains, and it is cold and I do not know the year.

Before I knew it, three years had passed.

Gardenias covered the branches.

The annual income in the past three years has not been very good. Jia Ping came back from buying supplies from the city and was talking to Jia Cong about the situation outside, "There are even refugees in Jiangning City. I heard that in Ningbo Prefecture, last year, , Japanese pirates are incessant, there is no harvest in Henan and Shaanxi, there is another severe cold in the winter, and Liaodong is defeated again..."

Jia Ping sighed, "Oh, Chengdu has been going bad for several years in a row. How can the people live?"

Jia Cong pondered, "A Dream of Red Mansions" did not write about these things directly, and the writing was limited to Jia's house, so that he had no idea what the world was like outside.

However, within two years, Grandma Liu wanted to enter the Grand View Garden because her life could no longer go on.

Boom boom boom!
The door is knocking!
The gate of Jia's manor opened, and the soldiers who came to greet him went forward to lead the horses. The people who immediately rolled down were taken directly into Jia Cong's study.

"The young one is Commander Xia's personal soldier. This is the letter Commander Xia asked me to send!"

Jia Cong took the letter and opened it. After reading it, he felt very uneasy.

He knew years ago that Japanese pirates were rampant in this area of ​​the Southeast China Sea. Li Jizong, the general of the East China Sea who was originally stationed in Zhejiang, was defeated and his left arm was injured. He was frightened and did not dare to send troops again.

The Japanese pirates burned, killed and looted along the coast for three months in a row.

In February, Japanese pirates invaded the border again. The prefect of Ningbo led the battle and Qianhu was in command. They were defeated again. The prefect was killed and Qianhu was seriously injured.

After the report was reported to the court, Emperor Taiqi was furious and the court was in an uproar.

Finally, an upright official from Lantai Temple came forward to impeach Li Jizong. He was the grandson of King Dongping. He was dismissed this time and all his troops were handed over to Xia Jin, who took charge of the anti-Japanese affairs in the Southeast China Sea.

In the letter, Xia Jin said that the Japanese pirates would come again in the near future. Jia Cong's period of filial piety has expired. The man has learned martial arts and can serve the country. He ordered Jia Cong to go to Ningbo before May to practice on the battlefield.

If we follow the ancient etiquette, the period of death will be three years. On December [-]th last year, Jia Cong will be exempted from filial piety.

He followed his master's orders to stay in Jiangnan to participate in this session of the Children's Health Examination. The government examination had just ended a few days ago.

There was still time to make preparations. Jia Cong thought for a moment and then told Jia Ping, "Go and make arrangements. I want to go to Xiong's house first and let them know in advance."

On the day he arrived in Jiangning, Jiangning's students had issued a battle invitation, and he had no choice but to respond to this battle.

The date is set for April [-]th.

Early in the morning, Jia Cong was waiting for Daiyu at the second gate.

Three years have passed, and Daiyu has grown taller. The daughter of Jiangnan has a small frame, but she is no longer weak. She still has a delicate face, and her big flashing eyes reveal her unique aura. After seeing Jia Cong, she walked away quickly. Two steps later, the peach blossoms rolled up by the wind fell on her head, pressing on the jade hairpin.

Jia Cong's eyes were filled with smiles, and he raised his hand to pick up the petals on her head.

"What is it?" Daiyu stretched out her hand like a catkin, with slender jade fingers and a healthy pinkish white on the nail shell.

Jia Cong loosened her fingers, and a petal fell into her palm. She was actually more delicate than a flower.

Daiyu's face turned red, her lips pursed slightly, and the sweetness in her heart gurgled out.

"Is it okay for me to follow you?"

Standing in front of the carriage, Daiyu was still a little uneasy.

Yesterday, the third brother asked her to accompany him to Xiong's house today.

How can I go to my husband’s house and take my cousin with me?Moreover, unmarried women are not allowed to go out easily.

However, these rules don't seem to work with Third Brother. In the past three years, when has she not gone out?

Even the children who herd cows on the mountain knew her.

"What does this have to do with it? You have stayed with me for three years!" Jia Cong said with a smile.

Daiyu's face turned redder and redder, and she spat, "What nonsense are you talking about, third brother?"

"Hey, did I say something wrong? Why did it become nonsense?" Jia Cong teased her more and more. When he helped her get into the carriage, he gently squeezed her hand, which was soft and boneless, which reassured her. .

Three years ago, when Jia Cong's ship arrived at Jiangning Mansion, his sharp mouth made him famous far and wide. Many students were aggrieved, but because of his filial piety, they had to suppress their anger in their hearts and just wait. His period of filial piety has expired.

The day has finally arrived.

When the Xiong family received the notice from Jia Cong, they began to think about how to deal with this day. Finally, Mr. Xiong decided to hold this Quhu wine tasting event in Liangyuan.

Liangyuan was originally a residence built on the basis of Hongen Temple by a censor from the previous dynasty who was relieved of his official duties and returned to his hometown. Later, it changed its owner several times and became an official several times. It has experienced ups and downs, divisions and mergers, but its style has not been compromised.

Among them, the distant mountains of Pinggang, the pine forest lawn, and the meandering water of Zhuwu have pleasant scenery. It is now the villa of the Xu family, a prominent family in Jiangning. It just so happened that Xu Geshen had always been worried about Jia Cong. The Xiong family proposed to use Liangyuan to host the Quhu wine tasting. The family directly took over this matter.

Jia Cong led Daiyu to get off the car in front of the Xiong family first. Xiong Tingyan came to greet her in person. Daiyu sat in a carriage at the second gate and was taken to the backyard by the Xiong family's grandma.

"Father is waiting in the study. Junior brother, please come with me!" Previously, before Xiong Bichen returned to Jiangnan, it was Xiong Tingyan who took on the responsibility of educating Jia Cong. After Jia Cong's filial piety expired, Xiong Tingyan went to Jia's manor more often.

Xiong Tingyan and Jia Cong had a father-brother relationship.

In the study, Xiong Bichen was a little anxious waiting. Jia Cong quickly walked in and bowed down, his eyes filled with tears, "Student pays homage to his teacher!"

For more than three years, Xiong Bichen and his son went to Jia's manor again and again, rain or shine, to teach him how to read, impart knowledge to him, and supervise his homework. This kind of kindness would never be repaid by Jia Cong in his lifetime.

"Get up!"

Xiong Bichen looked at Jia Cong today. Compared with the child three years ago, he was already a handsome young man. He was taller than his peers. The childishness between his handsome brows and eyes revealed the tenacity of a young man. Like Zhilan Yushu, it has a grace that is rare in the world.

"Students have been in Jiangning for more than three years, and it is always the teacher who comes to the student's door. The student's unfilial piety is rare in the world, and the student's heart feels like it is fried. Today, I can visit the teacher's door, and the student feels a little at ease."

"Get up!" Xiong Bichen held Jia Cong's shoulders and asked him to get up. "You are observing filial piety, how can you go out? In the past three years, I have also watched you make progress day by day. Compared with several of your senior brothers, you are my My most proud disciple, as long as you make progress, it will be well worth your while to serve the teacher!"

After sitting down, Xiong Bichen said, "Your filial piety period has expired. What are your plans for the future?"

"Master is fighting against the Japanese in the southeast. The student decided to finish today's business, so he went over to help."

As soon as these words came out, both Xiong Bichen and his son were shocked. Xiong Bichen obviously did not want Jia Cong to take the military career. He said, "You are already a sure winner in this year's childbirth examination. When you can prepare for the provincial examination in two years' time, why do you want to get involved in the battlefield?" ?”

There was no one else here. Jia Cong spoke his mind and said, "I have studied hard for three years. Although I don't have enough confidence to be able to qualify for the gold medal, I think that it should be no problem for me to be a mere child student examination and provincial examination. At the beginning, my mother I also hope that I can take the imperial examination and fulfill my grandfather’s wish.”

"But now, I must know the world's affairs without leaving home. The sea troubles on the southeast coast, the rebellion in Liaodong, and northern Mongolia have invaded the border for many years. In the past few years, the year has been bad. The people in the interior are living in dire straits and refugees are everywhere. I heard that Those who rebelled came one after another, and even Siam was said to be ready to rebel, intending to collude with several neighboring small countries to rebel. "

The moods of Xiong Bichen and his son also became extremely heavy. Although they lived peacefully in Jiangning City, the place was inaccessible from the sea and extremely wealthy. Xiong Bichen was the revered Taifu, so even if the country was shaken by wind and rain, it would not affect him, but it did not mean that Xiong Bichen The family has no worries about the world.

"If it were a peaceful and prosperous age, students would naturally use their passion to govern the country and bring peace to the people. But now, the sky is about to be broken. Students can only mend the sky first before they can bring peace to the people!"

Xiong Tingyan said, "Junior Brother has such knowledge and courage, Brother Yu can't compare with him!"

Jia Cong gave up and said, "Elder brother, don't say that. Although Cong studied literature with Mr., he never stopped practicing martial arts. Kuang Cong still has a title, and the emperor's favor is so great. In times of crisis, how could Cong not stand up?" The truth!"

Xiong Bichen was still extremely worried, "You are still young, but you have great ambitions. Why do you rush to the battlefield in such a hurry? The sword has no eyes!"

Jia Cong said, "The student is already 12 years old. Over the past three years, Cong has been exercising day and night to make his bones strong. And this time he went to the southeastern battlefield. With the care of his master, the student can adapt to the scene in advance and slowly participate. Sir, you must not Worrying about the students day and night is harmful to the body!"

While he was talking, a young man about fourteen or fifteen years old rushed in. Standing in the middle of the study, he stopped hastily and looked at Jia Cong.

He was dressed in Confucian clothes, with a white jade hairpin on his head. He was handsome and white. He stared at Jia Cong for a moment, and was about to say something when Xiong Tingyan coughed and trembled, "Grandfather, father! "

After he saluted, he said to Jia Cong, "Are you Jia Cong?"

"Presumptuous!" Even though Xiong Bichen loved his eldest grandson, he was angry at this time. He slammed the table, "You can call Jia Cong, this is your junior uncle, salute me well!"

Xiong Tingyan said from the side, "Junior brother, this is my eldest son Xiong Youlin!"

He couldn't help but scolded, "If you don't come forward and salute, how can I have a son in our Xiong family who doesn't know etiquette like you?"

Xiong Youlin reluctantly stepped forward and saluted, "I've met my junior uncle!"

Xiong Youlin is also a student of Jiangning Academy. Ever since Jia Cong came to Jiangning Mansion three years ago and scolded all the students in Jiangning, his life has been very difficult.

His classmates were all good at him and laughed at him for calling a boy three or four years younger than him his uncle. What's more, he received invitations every few days to compete with him. Poetry.

In other words, Jia Cong is famous for his poetry and calligraphy, but is he not worthy of his reputation? What does it have to do with him?
He didn't even know Jia Cong, but he suffered countless unreasonable disasters from him.

Xiong Youlin had long been angry with Jia Cong, "Since my uncle is here, why don't you go to Liang Yuan? Many people are waiting there. If you don't go, won't it mean that people will gossip?"

Xiong Bichen clearly saw the thoughts in his grandson's belly, and was very disappointed. A person's limited talent can be compensated for by acquired hard work, but if his character is bad, there is really no hope.

In the past, he thought his grandson was fine, but today it seems that he is far from Jia Cong, not even close.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I wonder what my nephew has heard? What gossip do you have?"

"They said that my junior uncle was arrogant and arrogant, and he may not have the real thing in his heart!" Xiong Youlin added, fearing that his grandfather and father would be angry, "I didn't say that, it was them!"

"They said, if my nephew hadn't come to deliver the message, and I couldn't hear it, what would it have to do with me?"

Jia Cong said slowly and calmly, "Is it possible that I have to do what the world says? Although one cannot ignore reputation in life, but being kidnapped by public opinion is an extremely stupid thing. Master Nephew should lead As a warning, and the rumors stop at the wise, my nephew must not imitate that long-tongued woman and do what others say!"

The four words "kidnapped by public opinion" came to Xiong Youlin like an enlightenment, making him realize his stupidity in an instant. His handsome face turned red and he stood there mumbling, wishing he could get through a crack in the ground.

Xiong Bichen picked up the teacup and hid the smile in his eyes. His grandson was quite talented and had high eyesight. This was the first time he saw him deflated.

Xiong Tingyan couldn't help but laugh and cursed, "Why don't you go down quickly? What are you doing here? Since your uncle is here, he will go to Liangyuan to meet that pole man. You have the time to say stupid things and make unnecessary guesses. Why not?" Think about how you can embarrass yourself and look good in a while!"

"Yes!" Xiong Youlin blushed and ran away.

Jia Cong said to Xiong Bichen, "Students are here this time. I have something to ask sir for help with!"

"My family, if you have anything to do, you can just say it. Why do you need to talk about begging?" Xiong Bichen said, "I wonder what you want?"

"Students have observed mourning for three years. My cousin has been accompanying me all this time. Now that the period of mourning is over, I would like to ask my husband to help me go to the Lin family to propose marriage and finalize the marriage between me and my cousin."

Regarding the marriage, Jia Cong didn't have much planning, everything just depends on fate.

Now that we have come to this world of red mansions, a man should rule the world and have three wives and four concubines.

Beautiful women are like treasures. If you fall in love with them, you should marry them and collect them. Of course, it is important to keep them private, but you must also seize the opportunity. Don't miss the opportunity you get.

Xiong Bichen and his son had known about the Lin family's cousin for a long time. They also knew that the Lin family's uncle had discussed marriage with Jia Cong three years ago. Although they did not agree with Lin Ruhai's approach, they were grateful for the Lin family's girl's friendship.

"In "Book of Rites of Dadai: Benming", there are three reasons why a woman will not go. She will marry and have nothing to return to, so she will not go; she will not go after she has been mourned for three years; she will not go when she was poor and lowly, and then rich and noble. Since your cousin is accompanying you to observe the three filial piety This friendship is profound. It would be a blessing if I could be hired as a wife. Besides, the girl from the Lin family is worthy of you regardless of her appearance and family background."

Xiong Bichen didn't know Jia Cong's thoughts, but he breathed a sigh of relief.

While in the capital, he heard that the princess of Zhongshun Palace had a close relationship with Jia Cong. At that time, the two were young and were brothers and sisters of the same school. Xiong Bichen was also worried that Jia Cong would have ambitions to reach out to others.

Marriage is about being from the same family, marrying a high person and marrying a low person.

No ambitious man wants to be a consort. If Jia Cong really marries Princess Xianning, it will definitely hinder his future.

The Lin family has been composed of princes for generations, and Lin Ruhai is the number one with a criminal record. He belongs to the hairpin clan and has passed down poems and books. He has also seen the Lin family girl, who is outstanding in appearance, knows books and observes etiquette.

Xiong Bichen was very satisfied with this marriage and said, "Tomorrow, your senior brother and I will go to Yangzhou to help you finalize this marriage."

Jia Cong said, "Let's finish this matter today. Tomorrow I will send Sister Lin to Yangzhou. After the marriage is settled, I will send a male and female boat to send Sister Lin to Beijing and place her in Ningguo Mansion."

Xiong Bichen nodded after hearing this, "This arrangement is appropriate!"

After the matter was settled, the three of them got up together and headed to Liang Garden.

At this time, Liangyuan was already crowded with students, literati, and officials who came here in admiration.

Liang Garden is divided into east and west sides, separated by a lake in the middle. On the east side is a ten-acre lotus pond with undulating corridors, water wave reflections, and Taiwan pavilions. It is gorgeously decorated and is specially designed for women to play. At this time, the fragrance flows and the beautiful shadows are all discussing today. The protagonist.

On the other side, the trees are lush and the water is blurry. It is dotted with bamboo fences, thatched pavilions, and thatched cottages.

Li Zheng and others gathered in Dequxuan, thinking hard about the best sentences and preparing for the challenge in advance, when they saw a handsome young man walking from the veranda.

The summer wind blows, the clothes are fluttering, and the young man's sword eyebrows fly sideways. His talent and charm fall into people's eyes, just like traveling through thousands of mountains and rivers to find that peerless youth.

　According to ancient rituals, three years of filial piety is actually 27 months. In order to bring the protagonist up as soon as possible, just three years!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)