Red Mansion, Ningfu Scholarly Family

Chapter 208 Jia Rong: It's all up to the master
……

Jia Rong just felt that the weather was getting a little hot and had nothing to do with his hands.

"Then have one, how much?"

The little girl held out a fan and said with a smile, "Only twenty dollars."

Jia Rong did have some small change with him, but the smallest piece was worth one penny, which would be worth one hundred pennies if converted into copper coins.

"Here you go." Jia Rong put the change in the little girl's hand and pointed to the side of the road, saying, "Use the remaining money to buy ten strings of candied haws over there. You want five strings and I want five strings. How do you think?"

The girl's eyes lit up when she heard Jia's words, and she said hurriedly, "There are too many. I can't use them to buy candied haws. I have a fan pendant here, which is woven with fine silk thread. I'll give it to you, young master."

As he spoke, he took out a fan pendant from the basket, on which hung a jade bead of a somewhat dull color.

Although it doesn't look like a good item, it is probably worth hundreds of dollars.

"Thank you, but it's not necessary." Jia Rong also took out an exquisite silk fan pendant from his arms.

The little girl looked at it and couldn't help but exclaim: "This fan pendant, sir, is really nice."

I don't know whether the craftsmanship is better or the jade is better.

"Not bad." Jia Rong put the pendant on the fan himself. The little girl bought some candied haws at this time and said seriously, "Here is the remaining money and the candied haws for you, young master."

Jia Rong took the wrapped candied haws with one hand, opened his fan with the other, and fanned himself with it, smiling, "The fan is nice. You can keep the copper coins as errand money for buying the candied haws."

"Thank you very much, sir."

The little girl bowed and happily walked under the bridge carrying the basket, looking left and right as if she was looking for the next buyer who didn't bring a fan.

"Amitabha."

At some point, an old monk in tattered robes came up to Jia Rong and said with a kind smile, "You are a noble young man, but you can have such a pleasant conversation with a poor little girl. This shows that you have a kind heart that believes in equality for all living beings. This is a predestined relationship with the Buddha."

"hehe."

Jia Rong smiled: "Master, are you talking about me?"

"Of course I'm talking about the young master." The old monk approached Jia Rong and said seriously, "Although the young master has wisdom, from my observation of his face, it is clear that he is entangled in amorous relationships. I'm afraid he won't live long."

As the old monk spoke, he became worried.

"Possibly resolved?"

Jia Rong asked nervously.

The old monk smiled slightly.

"Of course there is a way."

Jia Rong: "What method?"

The old monk said solemnly: "Only by entering my Buddhist sect and purifying one's mind and reducing desires can one resolve this grievance, live a long life, and achieve enlightenment..."

Are you still a young cabinet minister if you are pure-hearted and have few desires?

Jia Rong patted the old monk on the shoulder and smiled, "What you said makes sense. I also feel that I am haunted by bad karma, but..."

The old monk's eyes lit up at first, and he asked hurriedly, "Just what?"

Jia Rong waved his fan and smiled, "It's just that I can't bear to part with my three wives, four concubines, and beautiful maids. I think it's okay to live two or three years less for this."

"Confucius said: 'If I hear the truth in the morning, I can die in the evening'... Oh, no! This sentence is not appropriate. It should be 'Buddha said: If I don't go to hell, who will?'"

"So you should go and convert others. I know there is a young man who really likes what you do and has wanted to become a monk. You can go to Rongguo Mansion in Kyoto and have a look. Maybe he can bring a little apprentice to help you beg for alms."

The old monk was speechless after hearing what Jia Rong said. After a while, he said seriously, "Sir, I don't accept disciples casually. I won't accept those who have no affinity with my Buddha."

Jia Rong smiled and said, "Didn't you say that all beings are equal? ​​Is there any difference between those who have affinity and those who don't? There is a group of beggars over there. You can go over and ask them now. I think they have a deeper understanding of 'equality of all beings'. Why don't you convert them all to Buddhism?"

When the old monk heard Jia Rong start to talk nonsense, he could not help but sigh and said regretfully: "Fool, fool, you still don't understand."

Jia Rong ignored the weird old monk. There were too many fraudulent monks and Taoists these days, some even went to homes to cheat children.

Wait till you give me a thorough treatment!
……

I walked all the way back home. I had made some progress in martial arts training with Xiao Xiao recently. I walked several miles in one breath without getting red in the face or out of breath.

It was getting dark, and Jia Rong thought that his master would be home soon, so he went outside to the study and waited.

Sure enough, Jia Jing came back not long after.

"Brother Rong, is there anything wrong?"

Jia Rong smiled sheepishly and said, "A little bit."

Jia Jing smiled and said, "What's the matter? Why are you embarrassed to talk to me?"

Jia Rong said, "It's not that I'm embarrassed, it's... a classmate of mine in the Imperial College, named Xu Lian."

"kindness!"

Jia Jing nodded and said, "I've heard of it. I heard that the article is very well written."

Jia Jing only had a slight understanding of Jia Rong's studies in the Imperial College and did not interfere too much. He also allowed Jia Rong to be completely free in making friends.

Jia Jing felt relieved just because Jia Rong had been sensible since he was young.

Jia Rong said awkwardly, "I didn't expect Xu Lian to be a woman."

Jia Jing was obviously stunned.

Can women still enter the Imperial College?

"Is she the daughter of Wu Jijiu?"

Jia Rong thought so at first, but...

"Yes, Ye Xiang's daughter."

"puff!"

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Jia Jing had just taken a sip of tea to moisten his throat after a day of work when he coughed out everything.

"Grandpa, are you okay?"

Jia Rong hurried forward and patted Jia Jing on the back.

Jia Jing waved his hands and couldn't stop laughing.

"it's okay no problem."

"I was just saying some...haha."

"Lord Ye was a wise man his whole life, but his sons were all idiots. I never expected that his daughter would be a talented scholar."

"It's a pity, it's a pity..."

Feeling sorry and laughing at the same time.

Typical gloating.

"Hey."

Jia Rong sighed, "Master, Xu Lian asked me to go to her home today."

Jia Jing was speechless and asked, "She called you, and you went?"

Jia Rong said helplessly: "She only said she was going to a place, and I didn't know it was Prime Minister Ye's residence. Moreover, I didn't even know she was Prime Minister Ye's daughter at the beginning."

Jia Jing thought for a moment and said, "Have you seen Ye Xiang?"

Jia Rong nodded: "Yes."

Jia Jing asked, "What did the old man say?"

Jia Rong said: "Say, stay away from his girl..."

"Haha."

Jia Jing laughed happily twice again.

"Don't be afraid of that old man. I am now as powerful as he is. It's a pity that your father-in-law is trapped in the South China Sea and can't come back for a while, otherwise the position of Prime Minister would be mine!"

"But don't think too much about it, my lady. After the autumn examination, Lao Lin and I will officially arrange your engagement." Jia Jing reminded.

Jia Rong blushed and said awkwardly, "It's all up to you, Master."

Jia Jing said with a straight face, "Don't be so shy. Don't think I don't know that you just went home to bother others."

“额，哈哈。”

Was discovered.

"By the way, there's one more thing."

Jia Rong: "What?"

Jia Jing said, "It's about Baoqin. Master Xue has sent a letter. What are your plans?"

Jia Rong blushed and said, "What plans can my grandson make? It's all up to Grandpa to decide."

"You boy!"

Jia Jing laughed and scolded, "Don't be so ungrateful. It's okay for ordinary concubines, but the Xue family is different. We have to talk to Ru Hai about this."

Jia Rong hurriedly said, "Grandpa is worried."

Jia Jing smiled and said, "You are my grandson, so how can I not worry about it? You don't have to worry about this matter. I will discuss it with Ru Hai myself."

……

After coming out of Jia Jing's study, Jia Rong felt happy.

Suddenly, he thought that he hadn't seen Baoqin for a long time, and he should go and see her, so he turned and walked towards Lixiangyuan.

Lixiangyuan is located in the northeast corner of Rongguo Mansion and is connected to the west side of Ningguo Mansion. After exiting the west corner gate of Ning Mansion and crossing a street, Jia Rong entered Lixiangyuan directly from the back street.

"Hey, Master Rong is here!"

When the little maids who were playing shuttlecock at the door saw Jia Rong, some hurried inside to report, some came forward to greet, and some stood there shyly, not knowing what to do.

Jia Rong waved his fan and smiled at the maid who came over to greet him, "It's so late, can you see me playing shuttlecock?"

"Yes!" "Uncle Rong, please come in."

When Jia Rong followed the maid into the courtyard, Aunt Xue had already come out of the door to meet him. She took Jia Rong's hand and said kindly, "Rong'er, I heard that you have been busy studying, and I didn't dare to ask anyone to invite you. It's a rare occasion for you to come here today, so you should have a good drink."

Jia Rong said: "My dear aunt, you are too polite. I came here to ask..."

inside.

Baoqin was looking out of the window. When she saw Jia Rong looking at her, she immediately smiled.

"Hey!"

Baochai patted Baoqin on the shoulder from behind.

"what?"

Baoqin was startled and turned back to scold.

"Sister, you scared me to death!"

Baochai smiled and poked Baoqin on the forehead, saying, "If I don't call you again, you will become an idiot."

"I don't have that."

Baoqin's defense was a little weak.

……

"Has Brother Xue sent any letter? Are you doing well over there?" Jia Rong retracted his gaze and asked Aunt Xue.

Aunt Xue sighed and said gratefully, "It's really hard for you to still miss him. Last time, Pan'er wrote to me saying that he liked a girl from a certain family, but he didn't have enough money for the bride price, so I asked my servant to bring him another 1,000 taels of silver. I hope he can be obedient, marry a wife and live a good life."

"Haha."

Jia Rong smiled and said, "Happy event! I'm afraid there will be more good news soon. We will have a wedding feast then."

The criminals who were exiled to the frontiers were forced to do hard labor there, or they would risk their lives and have no chance of getting married.

There are exceptions to everything.

There is a saying that goes "Money makes the world go round" which is exactly the same as this.

Although Xue Pan can't come back from there, he should be living a good life.

He’s going to get married!

"Thanks to everyone's care for Pan'er, he is where he is today. Although he can't come back, I know he is doing well and I am happy for him."

The two of them walked into the house while talking, and a little maid had already brought them teacups.

Aunt Xue said, "Brother Rong, your sister Bao and sister Qin are both in the inner room. Go and talk to them first. I'll go to the front and have someone prepare a good table. The sweet-scented osmanthus wine I brought from Nanjing two years ago has just been taken out of the cellar. You can try it. It's very fragrant."

"it is good."

Jia Rong nodded.

Food and wine come second.

The main reason I came here was to meet Miss Baoqin.

Long time no see, I miss you very much.

...Well, it's a bit scumbag.

Fortunately, I traveled through time to the Red Mansion.

Otherwise you might be dragged out to the streets for criticism!
At this time.

Xue Baochai was the first to lift the curtain and walk out, saying with a smile: "Rong'er, what's the wind like today? You've brought a rare guest."

Jia Rong smiled and replied, "Spring breeze, spring breeze."

Baoqin followed and lifted the curtain to come out. Her face was slightly red and she bowed shyly. She said, "Brother Rong." Then she lowered her head, pinched the corner of her skirt with her fingers and rubbed it.

Jia Rong smiled: "Sister Baoqin."

Although Baoqin is not as plump as Baochai, one can tell from her exposed wrists and neck that her skin is as white as snow, fair and smooth. In two years, I think she will be not much worse than Baochai.

After taking a quick look, Jia Rong quickly looked away. His sister-in-law Baochai was still there, so he didn't dare to be too presumptuous.

……

In Nanyang, a small island port in the southernmost part of Luzon, Lin Ruhai stood on the deck of a huge three-story Fu ship, looking at the sea in the distance in silence for a long time.

This naval battle with the Netherlands has lasted for more than half a year. If we count from the battle of Taizhou, it has been more than a year.

Unexpectedly difficult.

If Jia Jing hadn't secretly delivered to him the five million taels of silver that had been intercepted last time, he would have almost collapsed.

Fortunately, the Netherlands couldn't hold on any longer.

They were already at the end of their strength. According to the news from Jiao Da, the reinforcements coming from Europe encountered a storm at sea and were almost wiped out.

God help me too!

"Somebody come!"

"My subordinate is here!"

"Load up the ammunition and attack the Indian Beas Port with all the troops!"

Obey!

In the past six months, the two sides have fought no less than a dozen naval battles in Pisces Port and are already quite familiar with the terrain.

"Master Lin."

At this time, Xue Ke and Jia Yun, who had come here to do business, came up and saluted Lin Ruhai.

"No gift."

Lin Ruhai waved his hand.

"How are things being prepared?"

Xue Ke said seriously, "It's ready. Our people have been disguising themselves as merchants and have come to the island one after another in the past six months. We already have 200 good fighters. General Hu Lielan and General Vass have had enough of the oppression of the Dutch and are willing to submit to Daxia. They said that as long as Lord Lin leads his troops to attack again, they will create chaos in the city."

"it is good!"

Lin Ruhai clapped his hands and said with a smile: "If this battle goes well, I will give you two a credit!"

Xue Ke, Jia Yun was delighted.

They all bowed and expressed their humility.

"Don't dare, don't dare."

"It's just a small contribution."

……

Dutch East India Company.

The Supreme Commander's face was dark.

The people gathered below were also in a state of panic.

"General, our reinforcements were wiped out in a storm at sea, while Daxia has been able to obtain reinforcements continuously. If this continues, we will be defeated sooner or later."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"It's better to surrender..."

"Shh!"

The commander drew his sword.

sneer!

Everyone was shocked and tried to stop them.

"General, calm down first."

"Don't panic. Although Daxia has a large number of people, it is not good at naval warfare. We can still hold on if we work together..."

"Hold on!"

The man who had spoken earlier took off his hat and threw it on the table, knocking his hands on the table and said loudly: "There are less than 5,000 dead in total, and the enemy came with 50,000. How can we persist? If you want to persist, then persist. I'm sorry that I can't accompany you anymore."

"I want to go home and enjoy my life. I don't want to die overseas."

"Farewell."

The commander's expression changed several times and his fingers trembled slightly.

In fact, he didn't want to fight anymore.

Not to mention just the East India Company, even if the entire Netherlands was moved here, it would be impossible to get anything good from the great country of Daxia.

The storm at sea encountered by the reinforcements was the last straw that broke the camel's back.

Morale is gone.

But he didn't dare go back like this.

Someone needs to be held accountable for the failure of the war.

He will undoubtedly be sent to the guillotine!

"Someone, take Suer away!"

"Execute immediately!"

"This is what happens when you shake the morale of the army!"

"Assemble the troops and attack with all your strength!"

"This time I want to let the people of Daxia know how powerful the Dutch Empire is!"

……

(End of this chapter)