Chapter 2840 Jia Baoyu made a fool of himself, a world of difference

Jia Zheng was stunned when he heard this, with a look of surprise on his face. Others sitting in the room also looked surprised. They didn't expect that there was such a reason.

"I see, Chang'er never told me about this, and I didn't even know!"

"However, Chang'er is your nephew, so he should speak kindly to his uncle. We are all one family. Why should my brother-in-law be so polite? There is no need to say thank you, and I won't be afraid of shortening that boy's life!"

Jia Zheng had a smile on his face, and there was a hint of pride in his expression. No matter what, Jia Chang was still his son, father and son were one, so of course he was proud.

Mrs. Wang clutched the Buddhist beads tightly in her hand, her face was expressionless, and there was a bit of resentment in the depths of her eyes. She glanced at Jia Zheng with some annoyance. Jia Chang was in the limelight, which made her very unhappy. What did this bastard want to do? Do you want to win over your in-laws and seize the title of Rongguo Mansion?

"It's just a wishful thinking. With Baoyu here, that bastard will never get his turn!"

Mrs. Wang secretly resented that she had taken Rongguo Mansion as her own, completely forgetting that Jia She was the master of Rongguo Mansion. Even if Jia She died, his son Jia Lian would inherit it, and there was no such thing as the second wife. any relationship.

There was a strange expression on Tanchun's face. She first glanced at Mrs. Wang, who had an ugly face, and then lowered her head, her eyes fluctuated slightly, and her heart rippled.

"Sure enough, he has grown into a towering tree. The Rongguo Mansion can no longer limit his achievements. Even high officials like Uncle Lin must respect him. Sure enough, he has not flown for three years and soared into the sky for three years. If the year does not ring, it will become a blockbuster!"

Lin Daiyu's heart was filled with ripples, and her little face showed gratitude. She remembered that day when she went to stop Jia Chang because of the incident in Jia Yucun, and she suddenly felt extremely regretful. She clutched the handkerchief tightly in her little hands and frowned. , thinking about how to express my apology and gratitude!

Jia Baoyu didn't have any ideas at this time. All his thoughts were on Lin Daiyu. Since Jia Zheng was there at this time, he didn't dare to be presumptuous. He just curled up and stared at Lin Daiyu, completely indifferent. Noticed Lin Ruhai's murderous gaze.

"I have long heard that Baoyu was frivolous and said that daughters are flesh and blood made of water, and men are flesh and blood made of mud. When I see daughters, I feel refreshed; when I see men, I feel turbid and smelly."

"Isn't he just a libertine and a frivolous person? You must keep Yu'er away from him in the future. This kid is obviously not well-intentioned and wants to take away the little cabbage I have worked so hard to raise!"

Naturally, Jia Baoyu didn't know what he was like as a pig brother, which made Lin Ruhai have a very bad impression of him and directly excluded him from the selection of son-in-law.

"What my uncle said is true. He is so hypocritical!"

Lin Ruhai said this, but he had already made up his mind to thank Jia Chang in the future. He knew very well that if Jia Chang hadn't asked for mercy, he would have died in office. Those big salt merchants in Jiangnan were not good. He had hated himself so much over the years. He had been attacked many times over the years, both openly and secretly. His only son had been implicated, which made his wife extremely sad, unable to recover, and passed away.

Mother Jia looked at the people with different expressions and sighed in her heart. Jia Chang was so outstanding now, which caused a stir in the Rongguo Mansion. If the concubine is strong, the legitimate son will inevitably be affected. She also doesn't like Jia Chang in her heart, but she also Nothing can be done.

First of all, Jia Chang is the Marquis of Wu'an whom His Majesty values, with a high position and great military exploits. As the old lady of Rongguo Mansion, Jia Mu cannot suppress her opponent even if she cannot hold a bowl of water in check.

Secondly, Jia Chang has already lived in separate houses, and there is no place to rely on Rongguo Mansion. Jia's mother has no support for Jia Chang. Even if he wants to suppress Jia Chang, there is nothing he can do. He can only place his hope on Jia Baoyu in the future. Be more ambitious, be named on the gold list, and enter the official career.

Mother Jia showed a kind smile on her face and said to Jia Zheng and Lin Ruhai.

"You guys go to the front yard. Dinner should be ready. We women won't get involved. You guys can have a good chat!"

Hearing this, Jia Zheng nodded in agreement and led Lin Ruhai to the front hall, where Jia She and Jia Lian were already waiting.

"Baoyu, you come with me too!"

Jia Zheng looked back at Jia Baoyu who was sitting next to him, frowned, his face instantly drooped, and he was as gloomy as water, and he scolded Jia Baoyu.

Jia Baoyu was so frightened that he stood up quickly, with bitterness on his face. He was timid and did not dare to object.

When Lin Ruhai saw this scene, a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes. He was too cowardly. He had no sense of responsibility at all. It would be difficult for him to become a great person in the future, regardless of fate!

At the dinner table, the two brothers Jia She and Jia Zheng kept changing cups with Lin Ruhai. It was very lively. Lin Ruhai's return to Beijing was a great thing for the Rongguo Mansion. He had one more person to rely on in the court, the third-grade minister of etiquette, The weight is enough to intimidate many people.

The table is full of delicacies from the mountains and seas, and the preparation is exquisite, which requires a lot of ingenuity on the part of the chef. Of course, it also costs a lot, enough for an ordinary person's family to spend a year.

The most famous one is a dish of eggplant. Even Lin Ruhai, who has experienced a lot in prosperous places like Jiangnan, can't help but admire it and secretly lament the extravagance of Rongguo Mansion.

This eggplant recipe is complicated and extremely tedious to make. You need to peel off the freshly harvested eggplants first, then clean the flesh, cut it into cubes, fry it with chicken, and then add chicken breast meat with mushrooms and new bamboo shoots. Mushrooms, spiced dried bean curd, and various dried fruits are all cut into cubes, simmered in chicken soup, mixed with sesame oil, and fermented oil, put it in a porcelain jar, seal it tightly, take it out when you want to eat, and stir-fry it Just mix the chicken and melon together.

After pushing the cups and changing the cups, you came and I, the guests had a good time, and then they gave up. Naturally, some servants cleared the table. Lin Ruhai and others returned to the Rongxi Hall. Jia She couldn't bear it, so he left directly and took away the food. His son Jia Lian didn't know what to do.

In the main hall, Lin Ruhai and Jia Zheng were sitting above, while Jia Baoyu was huddled below like a quail, trembling and afraid to speak.

Lin Ruhai looked at Jia Baoyu, whose face was like a full moon, thought for a moment, and said.

"Baoyu, I often hear my uncle praise you for your intelligence, your extraordinary aptitude, and your ability to read. You are quite old now. What books have you read?"

When Jia Zheng heard Lin Ruhai's words, he smiled and stroked his beard gently. He called Jia Baoyu over. His original intention was to introduce to Lin Ruhai that his concubine Jia Chang became a general and a prince at a young age and became an important minister in the court. , he naturally had more expectations for Jia Baoyu.

Jia Zhengsi and Lin Ruhai were a couple who came from imperial examinations, and their articles were excellent. In addition, they became ministers of the Ministry of Rites and important ministers in the court. They would definitely be favored by Emperor Yuankang in the future, so they thought of asking Lin Ruhai to help and discipline them. As my son, with this kind of relationship, there will be less resistance even in future scientific examinations.

When Jia Baoyu heard Lin Ruhai's question, he felt inexplicably nervous. He knew that Lin Ruhai was his uncle and sister Lin's father. He wanted to behave well in his heart, but he was extremely cautious. His words were knotted. Baba, I can’t explain clearly.

This performance made Jia Zheng's expression change on the spot. He had a gloomy look on his face. The maid waiting on the side was looking at her with trembling calves. If Lin Ruhai hadn't been here, he would have almost stopped showing off as a strict father and directly treated her like a strict father. Jia Baoyu pushed him to the bench and whipped him hard, beating the incompetent traitor to death.

Lin Ruhai's expression did not change, and he was not disappointed because of Jia Baoyu's poor performance. On the one hand, he did not have so many expectations for Jia Baoyu, and on the other hand, because he had also come from this age, a young man faced strangers. , few people can cope with it calmly. Although he was not as unbearable as Baoyu back then, his performance was limited.

Although Lin Ruhai thought so, she still shook her head secretly when she thought of Jia Chang, who was also a disciple of Rongguo Mansion.

"As the old saying goes, if you compare goods, one will die. Jia Chang is one year younger than Jia Baoyu, and is as old as his own daughter. He is already on the battlefield, invincible, and has made great military exploits. He became the Marquis of Wu'an of Daqian, and he was a highly respected official, no one can compare with Jia Baoyu!"

Lin Ruhai showed a kind smile on his face and comforted Jia Baoyu with a few words.

"Baoyu, don't be so nervous, it's just a chat between our families, relax!"

Seeing Lin Ruhai's gentle attitude, Jia Baoyu's nervousness eased a lot, and then he spoke more smoothly. However, he still did not dare to look directly at Jia Zheng above. He was so cowardly and incompetent that Lin Ruhai shook his head.

Lin Ruhai was intelligent, knowledgeable and sophisticated, and had long seen through Jia Zheng's thoughts. By being able to come back this time, he owed Jia Chang a great favor. Naturally, he would not refuse Jia Zheng's request and spoke directly.

"Baoyu, you are not young anymore. It is time for you to settle down, concentrate on your studies, and study the art of writing articles. In the future, you will be able to stand out from the crowd in the examination room!"

"If you have any doubts about your studies, you can come and ask me. As a senior in the examination room, I can still give you some advice!"

Jia Zheng was overjoyed when he heard this. He had also worked hard for Jia Baoyu's scientific examination. He wanted to pave the way for Jia Baoyu in advance. With Lin Ruhai's guidance and help, in the future, as long as Jia Baoyu has enough knowledge, he will definitely be able to be named on the gold list, and his hard work will not be in vain.

When Jia Baoyu heard this, he looked hesitant. He was not a person who loved reading, at least he didn't like reading the Four Books and Five Classics, the way of saints. He liked poetry, songs, and miscellaneous books, and he hated the imperial examination career so much that he hesitated to do so. I would like to say thank you.

Lin Ruhai felt a little angry when he saw this. He was not a shameless person. If he hadn't seen Jia Baoyu as his nephew, he would have turned against him and left directly.

Jia Zheng was furious, stood up suddenly, and yelled at Jia Baoyu loudly.

"Nie Zhan, thank your uncle quickly, why are you dawdling there!"

Jia Baoyu was so frightened by Jia Zheng's anger that her face turned pale. She stood up tremblingly to thank her, stammering when she spoke.

"Thank you so much, uncle!"

When Lin Ruhai saw this, he sighed and was even less optimistic about Jia Baoyu. With this kind of irresponsibility, it would be difficult to achieve anything in the future.

Jia Zheng looked unhappy and a little impatient, but because Lin Ruhai was there, he couldn't teach Jia Baoyu a lesson directly. He waved his hand and said with some disappointment.

"Get out of here, I just want to have fun all day long!"

As if he was being pardoned, Jia Baoyu hurriedly ran out of the Rongxi Hall and headed towards Jia Mu's Rongqing Hall, with a look of joy on his face, as if learning from Lin Ruhai was a big bad thing.

Jia Zheng looked at his brother-in-law with some embarrassment, laughed twice, and just explained without putting his hands anywhere.

"Ruhai, I'm making you laugh. It's because the old lady was overindulging that she developed Baoyu's lazy temper. I'm afraid I'll trouble you in the future, so please worry a lot!"

When Lin Ruhai heard this, he didn't know what to say for a moment. He had seen the situation just now. Jia Baoyu became like this. He was not just spoiled and spoiled. But he couldn't say anything about it. His son was Jia Zheng's own, and he was the head of the Rongguo Mansion, so it was really hard to say anything.

"Brother, you're welcome. As long as Baoyu comes to see me, I won't hide anything!"

Lin Ruhai was already sure that Jia Baoyu would never take the initiative to find him, so he said happily.

When Jia Zheng heard this, he breathed a sigh of relief, but he also knew Jia Baoyu's temperament well, and thought that he should be more careful and not let Jia Baoyu waste this great opportunity.

Wealth does not know how to enjoy life, poverty cannot bear desolation. It's a pity that we have wasted our good time and have no hope for our country and our family. The most incompetent person in the world, unparalleled in ancient and modern times. Don't send messages to dandies and noble people like this.

This song "Moon over the Xijiang River" was used by Cao Xueqin to describe Jia Baoyu. It is very appropriate and makes it clear that Jia Baoyu is a dandy, incompetent and dishonest.

Lin Ruhai and Jia Zheng talked about the political situation for a while, and then talked about articles and poems for a while, and then returned to Rongqing Hall again and met Jia's mother.

"Mother-in-law, I just came here. In addition to paying a visit, I also want to take Yu'er back to the house. Now that I have stayed in Shenjing, I can naturally take care of her!"

Jia Mu was a little unhappy when she heard this, her face showed a bit of anger, and she refused to obey.

"Why are you worried about Yu'er being here with me? How can you, a man, know how to take care of your daughter? Yu'er will stay with me for the time being. There are many sisters in the house, so she won't be alone. Don't worry!"

Lin Ruhai was a little embarrassed when he heard this. What Jia Mu said made sense. Although he had a concubine in his house, he was not close to Daiyu. If he was busy with government affairs, he really would not have the energy to take care of his daughter.

Lin Ruhai glanced at her daughter, thought for a moment, and then spoke.

"In that case, let Yu'er live in the mansion for a while longer. When my mother-in-law gets tired of it, I will take her back to the mansion."

Mother Jia smiled happily when she heard this, hugged Lin Daiyu who was next to the price, and said with great affection.

"Yu'er and Baoyu are my darlings. I will never get tired of them in my life. I wish they would always be by my side!"

Jia's mother had an idea in mind, and wanted to promote a marriage between Baoyu and Daiyu. Even if Jia Baoyu failed in the future, she would have a father-in-law who was a big shot in the court to rely on, and she would be able to have food and clothing, and enjoy endless wealth and splendor throughout her life.

When Lin Ruhai heard Jia Mu mentioning Lin Daiyu and Jia Baoyu together, he immediately understood what Jia Mu was thinking, and frowned slightly, but now that Jia Mu didn't say it clearly, he couldn't say much. He could only think about how to mention his daughter in the future. In other words, stay away from that libertine Jia Baoyu from now on and keep your distance.

The night is getting darker, the bright moon is bright, and the cold silver light is falling, like covering the earth with a layer of gauze, soft and bright, people can't help but admire it.

Lin Ruhai chatted with her daughter alone for a few words, especially telling Lin Daiyu to pay attention to the protection of men and women, and then returned to the house alone.

The next day, Lin Ruhai did not go to court. Emperor Yuankang gave him a month's holiday and asked him to take a good rest, adjust his body, and wait until he felt better before he went to busy with government affairs.

Lin Ruhai had breakfast, stepped on the sedan chair, and headed towards the Marquis Wu'an Mansion not far from Rongguo Mansion. He had ordered someone to send a greeting card yesterday and wanted to express his gratitude to Jia Chang.

Jia Chang had been waiting in front of the mansion for a long time. Watching the sedan falling, he quickly stepped forward, saluted Lin Ruhai who had just walked out, and said.

"My nephew has met his uncle!"

Lin Ruhai looked up and saw that Jia Chang was wearing regular clothes. He was tall and tall, with a face like a crown of jade, sword-shaped eyebrows and starry eyes, as bright as a flower. He was not angry and powerful, but he had a scholarly air, elegant and handsome, extraordinary bearing, calm and composed. Just like Mizhouro, he is a Confucian general and a rare good son.

Lin Ruhai quickly helped Jia Chang up and smiled slightly unexpectedly.

"Why should Chang'er be so polite!"

"I didn't expect you to be so handsome and bookish!"

Lin Ruhai originally thought that Jia Chang, as an invincible general on the battlefield, should be tall and thick, just like his uncle Jia She, who was a little vulgar and illiterate. However, he did not expect that Jia Chang was completely opposite to what he imagined. If he had not known it in advance, Given Jia Chang's identity, he would definitely not regard Jia Chang as a military commander.

"My uncle is ridiculous. Although I have read books for several years, I haven't learned much about it!"

Jia Chang smiled modestly and shook his head. He was born in the Rongguo Mansion. Even if he studied for the imperial examination and was named on the gold medal list, he probably would not have any future. He would be ostracized by the civil servants. That's why he decided to abandon his writing and join the army.

Lin Ruhai naturally didn't believe this. Jia Chang's demeanor and temperament showed that this nephew he had never met before was a learned man and was by no means as vulgar and wild as he imagined.

The two of them chatted for a while before entering the Wu'an Hou Mansion side by side. Although the mansion was very large, it was not as luxurious as the Rongguo Mansion. There were also guards in the mansion, exuding a chilling aura. Only then did Lin Ruhai look at it. I arrived at Jia Chang and saw some of the military commanders’ demeanor.

In the living room, Jia Chang and Lin Ruhai talked about some affairs of the day, reached some consensus, and then changed the topic. They talked about articles and poems. Both of them were knowledgeable people, and they talked happily and never stopped for a long time.

Until, Xiao Ruyi couldn't stand it anymore and broke in.

"Master Marquis, why don't we start dinner? I'm so hungry!"

Only then did Jia Chang and Lin Ruhai come back to their senses and glanced at the sun outside. It was already turning westward, and it was already midnight, which was about two o'clock in the afternoon.

Lin Ruhai looked at Xiao Ruyi with a flash of astonishment in her eyes. She didn't expect that this girl was so bold and dared to interrupt her master's conversation.

Jia Chang looked in all directions and took in Lin Ruhai's reaction. He chuckled and explained to him.

"Uncle, this is little Ruyi. She and I have been dependent on each other since childhood. Now she is my god sister and the mistress of the house!"

"This girl is greedy and can't bear to go hungry, which makes my uncle laugh!"

When Lin Ruhai heard this, he suddenly felt enlightened and admired Jia Chang even more. Jia Chang was both civilized and martial, knowledgeable, affectionate and righteous. He could do the same to the maid who took care of him when he was a child. He was completely different from Jia Baoyu. He was responsible and reliable. people.