Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 434 Emperor Wu goes on patrol incognito
inside the house,

The maids around Jia Baoyu gathered closely, especially She Yue, who came over to tidy up Master Bao's clothes and comforted him,
"Why is the second master so impatient? This dress is so beautiful, but many people who want it can't buy the colorful brocade cloth from the south of the Yangtze River this year."

What She Yue said is not an exaggeration at all. The so-called colorful brocade is a new style produced by the Suzhou Weaving Bureau in Suzhou Prefecture in the south of the Yangtze River. It uses more than four kinds of dyes, making the brocade unparalleled as soon as it comes out. It is popular all over the country, especially among high-ranking officials. The dignitaries are all vying to buy the brocade cloth for the female family members of the house. However, the production of brocade cloth of this material is limited after all, so it can only be half sold and half given away. Zhen Yingjia, the head of the Zhen family, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce, Allocating a little bit to each force has brought a lot of benefits, especially the water transportation governor's office, which directly and secretly sent half a shipload of cloth, and the water transportation of materials to the north has also been much smoother.

Therefore, a few days ago, Wang Shuirong of Beijing also arranged for someone to specially transport a boatload of colorful cloth from the south of the Yangtze River, and presented it to the nobles in the capital. Naturally, the Rongguo Mansion could not leave behind, and also got a few pieces of cloth. When the wife saw it, she felt strange and put it away long ago. However, she also made thin coats for Jia Baoyu and Sanchun Yatou, which are what they are wearing now.

After Jia Baoyu got it, he was happy for a while and then put it away. Now he doesn't feel satisfied at all when wearing it. He always feels awkward.

I was irritated in my heart and naturally felt sullen. I immediately took it off and threw the green and red flowered jacket aside. Then I looked at the thin plain coat in Xiren's hand and felt that it looked familiar. I felt an inexplicable feeling in my heart. happiness.

He hurriedly came over and asked Xiren to help him put it on.
"Where did I find this dress? I just thought about it for a long time and didn't remember it. It was him. You guys have packed up the rest."

"Yes, Second Master,"

The other maids gathered around to watch, and they didn't see how this plain clothes looked good. They all curled their lips and folded and put away the clothes they had changed on the bed. Bring the suit over.

Putting the clothes on the bed and spreading them out, Jia Baoyu and She Yue stood up one by one. Jia Baoyu stretched out his hands and put on the clothes. Not to mention, with this plain clothes on his body, Bao Erye seemed to have changed into a different one. people.

Although his face is a bit big and uncoordinated, his body is rich and he looks like a Buddhist monk with a lot of Buddhist teachings. His free and easy appearance is quite remarkable, but with the jade hanging around his neck, it makes him look even more beautiful. Somewhat nondescript.

The maids around him didn't say anything, and they didn't know what Master Bao was going to do. Only Jia Baoyu stood in front of the bronze mirror, looking at the person in the mirror with great satisfaction.

At this time,

Seeing Master Bao's appearance, Xiren tried to ask,

"Second Master Bao, you just changed your clothes and you are so elegant. What are you doing?"

Jia Baoyu tightened his sleeves and replied without hiding anything;

"Of course I'm going to meet someone, so why don't I dress better?"

Xiren secretly said that he was indeed looking for someone, but who was he going to see?

"Who do you want to see, Second Master Bao? If you go outside the house, you still need to tell the second wife."

Seeing the anxious look on Mr. Bao's face, Xiren was bound to ask questions. The second wife told him not to take it lightly and to ask about everything no matter how big or small.

"Of course I'm going to see Sister Lin. Yesterday, I was really messing around. I'll go over today to make amends. You two, take those things, cakes and fruits, and go right away."

After saying that, he hurriedly turned around to leave. Xiren and Sheyue were so frightened that they hurriedly pulled Baoyu.

"Second Master Bao, don't be in a hurry about this. Miss Lin has just come to the house. I'm afraid there are a lot of things to do and it's inconvenient. It's better to wait for a while. After Miss Lin has settled down, it's not too late to go."

"Yes, Second Master Bao, you got off school early today. Now you sneak out again and wait until the people in the wife's room pass by to check on Second Master's study. I don't see Second Master here, so I'm afraid he will complain again. It’s Mr. Bao.”

Although Jia Baoyu was a little hesitant, he seemed eager in his heart. He just wanted to see Lin Daiyu and apologize to her face to face, but he didn't care about anything else.

"Okay, I'll just go to her courtyard and leave after saying a few words. How can there be so much sense? Come on,"

Xiren couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart. Yesterday, the news about Rongqing Hall's Second Master Bao throwing a jade spread throughout the house. Everyone was speculating why Second Master Bao was angry. Marquis Luo Yun was also careful to protect Miss Lin. If Second Master Bao went there again, Provoking Miss Lin will cause trouble, I'm afraid it's not a trivial matter.

"Second Master Bao, why don't you wait for a few days? I have nothing to do today. I heard that I will come back earlier, so I will definitely go back to the courtyard to check on Second Master's homework by then."

Xiren had no choice but to let Mr. Zheng's letter here make Jia Baoyu give up his thoughts. When Jia Baoyu heard that his father Jia Zheng might have left the government office early, he was shocked and a little scared, but after only a moment, he decided to go.
"If you don't go, I will go by myself. I will definitely see you today."

Xi Ren and She Yue turned around to leave, but Xi Ren and She Yue couldn't help it. They took the gift behind them and followed closely.

When attacking people on the road, I still try to persuade them.
"Second Master Bao, you see I have to wait a little longer from time to time today. If Miss Lin refuses to meet me, I'm afraid I won't look good."

Although She Yue didn't know what was going on inside, she also knew that it was not appropriate to go looking for a girl so recklessly, especially since Mr. Bao'er was acting abnormally today. If he committed hysteria there, the two of them would be unable to persuade him. The second wife will punish you for big things. At that time, the maids in the yard will definitely suffer.

Jia Baoyu stopped and looked at the two chattering beside him, feeling impatient.

"How can you two persuade me like this? I was a little reckless yesterday. I came here today specifically to apologize to Miss Lin. Why do you always stop me from such a trivial matter? Can't you regret making a mistake?"

"I can admit my mistakes, but Mr. Bao, think about it, Miss Lin has just arrived and is unfamiliar with the place. I heard that the yard has not been cleaned up yet. It is the people brought by Miss Lin who are cleaning up. It is quite messy. , If you go at this time, you won’t be able to entertain Mr. Bao, you won’t even be able to get a table together, and Miss Lin’s face also needs to be taken care of.”

When Jia Baoyu heard this, he felt irritated. Look, it's better to stay in my Bisha closet for a while. At the worst, I'll change to a wing and that will be done.

"Then I should go. Since there is no use for it, why not change the courtyard? If it's not possible, I can go back to my ancestor's house."

Seeing that Xiren couldn't persuade him, he hurriedly winked at Sheyue. Sheyue came over and grabbed Er Ye Bao's sleeve.
"My second master, what you said is wrong. The reason why Miss Lin lives in that small courtyard is because she misses her. It is in line with filial piety both emotionally and rationally. Besides, I heard that the missing things have been given by the Marquis. It’s ready, you don’t need to worry about it.”

I thought Jia Baoyu was still unconvinced, but when she heard She Yue mentioning the Marquis, Jia Baoyu felt a sense of resistance in her heart. She didn't know why she felt uncomfortable. Such a good-looking person, pure and pure, why did he want to get married, but he was still mediocre? People in the officialdom were speechless when they thought that they were about to take the scientific examination. They never thought that the mediocre people in their eyes were actually one of them.

I wanted to get angry and stop participating in the scientific examination, but when I thought of my father Jia Zheng, I suddenly stopped. I was not in the mood to go to Miss Lin's yard anymore. I looked at the two maids beside me and sighed.

"Okay, let's go back. You two find an opportunity to send these things to Sister Lin. Just say that you committed hysteria that day and apologize to her. We will talk about the rest later."

After speaking, Jia Baoyu went back rather listlessly.

Only Xi Ren and She Yue beside them glanced at each other secretly, feeling a little relieved, and immediately followed Jia Baoyu's footsteps and returned together.

Capital City, Prince Chu’s Mansion,
Seeing the people from the Imperial City Department carrying out boxes of things from the secret room, Zhang Jinyu ordered people to put all the money aside first, then looked at Chunhe and said;

"Sister Chunhe, look, this matter has been resolved. I won't delay your affairs anymore. I'll go to Prince Wei's Mansion and have another look. I'll go back directly after I finish. You will be responsible for dividing the money. At least let Brothers, take some personal money."

"Yes, good people have asked you, Lord Marquis, to do it. The matter of borrowing flowers and offering to Buddhas. Lord Marquis did it so smoothly, so he must have done it a lot."

When Chunhe saw that Marquis Luo Yun actually wanted to run away, how could he get what he wanted? Now that he had finally left the palace, he didn't want to go back so early. He must be careful about what the empress explained, and it would take a long time.

Zhang Jinyu shook his head and sighed,

"What the ancients said is true, only women and villains are difficult to raise. You took advantage of it. I didn't take a tael of silver, and you said it was so unbearable. Really, since Miss Chunhe said this, then together, Go to Prince Wei's Mansion and have a look, it's getting late, don't worry, I'm worried about the Kunning Palace, I'll go back and punish you."

"Then don't worry about it, Lord Marquis. I came out today just to thoroughly inspect the residences of the three princes. I don't care about the time."

Chun He also turned around and followed. Zhang Jinyu walked in front and shook his head helplessly.

"Well, without further delay, go to Prince Wei's Mansion and see if there is any money left. Ma Baihu, the money has been taken care of. For the rest, have your people send the armor back to the Yamen in batches."

"Yes, Lord Marquis, I humbly accept my order."

The others left the mansion and headed to the West City.

Just at this time,

Hall of Mental Cultivation,
Emperor Wu Zhou Shihong also freshened up and changed into an ordinary member's outer clothes. He wore a gray robe with a sheepskin vest, a round hat, and took off the wrenches on his hands. Dai Quan behind him, With a worried look on his face,

"Your Majesty, if you don't go out, I won't be able to afford it."

Dai Quan, who was dressed as a butler, had a look of embarrassment on his face as he tried to persuade him. It was no wonder that Dai Quan was worried. Emperor Wu Zhou Shihong had wanted to leave the palace before his age, but he had been busy with political affairs and had forgotten about it. Now that the year has passed, I naturally have a lot of free time, thinking about going on patrol incognito and seeing what the capital is like.

So early in the morning, he arranged for Dai Quan to start arranging the matter, but how could Dai Quan dare to accept it? After pleading hard, Zhou Shihong always insisted that Dai Quan had no choice but to arrange for his confidants to prepare.

I found some new folk clothes and put them on. Not to mention, Emperor Wu was a little curious when he put on these clothes. He looked at them again and again in front of the bronze mirror, and he really looked like the owner of the village.

"Whoever asked you to take the responsibility, just arrange the people. You don't need to notify the imperial army. Just arrange the Imperial City Guards."

"Back to Your Majesty, everything has been arranged. I have arranged for Imperial City Secretary Ma Mengquan and Li Yun of Qianhu to lead hundreds of cattle and tigers and elite guards, pretending to be guards, and arranged three groups of secret guards to follow. But Your Majesty, this servant is thinking..."

Dai Quan told the emperor about his arrangement, but he had never left the palace with the emperor like this before, and he was unsure.

Zhou Shihong tied a wide belt around his waist, took a sachet given by the queen and hung it up, and said;
"Well, I also asked Your Majesty to get your things and prepare to leave the palace."

"Your Majesty, cough, Master Huang, please slow down. Where are you going to see? I can help you arrange the way there."

Dai Quan followed closely and asked. Outside the Yangxin Hall, Ma Jianshi and Li Qianhu had already led people here. When they saw the emperor coming out, they immediately knelt down and worshiped.

"The servant sees the emperor."

"Pingshen, just call him Mr. Huang outside, and just protect him secretly,"

"Yes, Master Huang."

Everyone stood up and replied, looking capable. Zhou Shihong was not worried. He had already arranged for the Forbidden Army to patrol the city. When they left the palace, a guard of Forbidden Army led by Kang Mengyu followed them not far away. However, the capital was so big and it was already late. Where to go?

"Steward Dai, where do you think we should go in the city today?"

Dai Quan didn't dare to talk nonsense. After thinking about it carefully, it was better to stay in the inner and outer areas of the capital, fearing that the emperor would not agree.

"Going back to Mr. Huang, there are many lively places in the capital. The east city is mainly where nobles live, the north city is where many civil servants and aristocratic families live, and there is also Qinglian Academy. The south city is where ordinary people and wealthy families live. They all go to the dock during the day. Go to work, and as for Xicheng, it is because there is a large flow of people over the pier, and both noble and civil servants live here. The remaining two academies are at the foot of Yunshan Mountain, and there are many merchants."

Emperor Wu Zhou Shihong also weighed it in his mind. The east city had more nobles and nobles, and there was nothing interesting to see. The same was true for the north city. The south city was not easy to get to because of the mixed crowd. There were many markets in the west city, and all the taxes and money came from here. After a quick look, he said ,
"That's right. Let's go to Xicheng. There are many merchants and it will definitely be lively. Let's go."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

A group of people followed the emperor out of the inner gate and headed straight for the West City. Not far behind them were the secret guards of the Imperial City Division, surrounding them. As for Kang Mengyu and the imperial guards, they pretended to be patrolling far away. Followed far behind.

west city,

Zhang Jinyu did not take any shortcuts on horseback and went directly into the market. The noise of people coming and going was just that everyone was afraid of people from the government. Although Zhang Jinyu and his more than ten personal guards did not wear official uniforms, The people under the palace were wearing armor and carrying swords, so naturally no one dared to approach.

Arriving at the neighborhood,

The shouts of the clerks in front of the shops and the bargaining sounds of the vendors at the roadside stalls made Chunhe who was sitting in the car curious. He secretly opened a little of the curtain and looked out. In addition to curiosity, his eyes also looked a little longing and lonely. .

Zhang Jinyu naturally saw it and couldn't help but smile and ask,
"Have you ever eaten street food?"

"What snack?"

Chunhe responded in confusion. He must have never seen something like that before.
Zhang Jinyu stopped asking. Following the scent, she felt hungry. She found a roadside food stall, threw in a few pieces of silver, bought a lot of snacks, and then went to another place. I bought some more and picked up a bunch of candied haws.

"Come and try this."

(End of this chapter)