The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 464 Portrait, Business (Two Chapters in One)

When Jia Huan woke up early the next morning, he went to check the honeycomb coal stove and found that the piece of honeycomb coal he added at midnight last night had not been burned out yet. He snapped his fingers and thought that this thing was a success. So he opened the valve of the stove a little wider to let more air flow in, and then blew slightly with the blowpipe. The originally dull honeycomb coal immediately became red and warm again, and even emitted a flame.

It turns out that this honeycomb coal stove is designed with a valve. Adjusting the size of the valve can control the air circulation, thereby achieving the purpose of controlling the burning speed of the honeycomb coal. When it is not needed, the valve is closed to the minimum, and the honeycomb coal inside will slow down the combustion, but it will not be completely extinguished. When it is needed, just open the valve again and add new coal. The heat of the old coal can ignite the new coal, and there is no need to bother to re-ignite. In this way, not only fuel is saved, but even the fire starter is saved, which is convenient and quick.

Another key point is the design of honeycomb coal. There are many holes on the coal cakes, and the scientific ratio of raw materials greatly improves the combustion efficiency and calorific value of coal, and it can basically achieve smokeless, which is much better than directly burning coal powder and coal slag.

It is worth mentioning that coal burning was popularized long before the Jin Dynasty, but honeycomb coal had not yet appeared. People only broke coal stones and sifted out coal powder for use, or even burned coal stones and coal slag directly. In this way, coal could not be fully burned, not only with low efficiency and calorific value, but also with a lot of black smoke and pungent odor. Therefore, rich people only burned charcoal, and only ordinary people or industries with large demand would burn coal, such as kilns for burning porcelain and bricks.

Even so, the demand for coal was still huge. After all, there were millions of people living in the capital and its surrounding areas. If everyone burned firewood, even if all the surrounding trees were cut down, it would not be enough. They would have to use coal. It just so happened that the area west of Beijing was rich in coal, and there were quite a few coal mines of all sizes. In addition, the distance was short and the transportation cost was low, so coal was widely used.

"Third Master, this thing is so useful. From now on we don't have to go to the kitchen to get hot water to wash our faces. The most important thing is that it saves money. It doesn't cost much in a month." Ping'er said happily while helping Jia Huan wash up.

Mandalin squatted beside the coal stove and looked around. She said admiringly, "Jia, it took me a whole night to figure it out. Your stove and honeycomb coal design are really ingenious. How did you come up with this?"

After all, Mandarin is an engineering girl with a solid foundation. By now, she has obviously figured out the principles of honeycomb coal.

Jia Huan said shamelessly: "Is it worth thinking about such a simple thing?"

"I wouldn't believe you!" Mandalin shrugged, while Ping'er looked as if it was a matter of course, because she was accustomed to Jia Huan's endless abilities.

In fact, real honeycomb coal was not invented until the year New China was founded. If the world of the Red Mansion is calculated according to the real historical timeline, it is in the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty. In other words, honeycomb coal, which is now almost obsolete, is an advanced technology for the Jin Dynasty three hundred years later, which is definitely far ahead.

After Jia Huan washed up, he and Mandarin did a few sets of indoor exercises (don't get the wrong idea, it was real exercise). While they were having breakfast, Jia Yingchun came to visit with her maid Xiu Ju.

"Second sister is here, but it's time to have breakfast. Would you like to eat together?" Jia Huan greeted her hurriedly.

Jia Yingchun was obviously dressed up today, but she still looked a little haggard, with a trace of sadness between her brows. She shook her head and declined, "I have already had breakfast, Huan, enjoy your breakfast."

Jia Huan nodded and said, "Second sister, please sit down for a moment. Ping'er will pour the tea."

"I have Lu'an tea, Jin Junmei tea, Fuqiu tea and Longjing tea here. What kind of tea would you like to drink, Second Miss?" Ping'er asked with a smile.

"Either is fine." Jia Yingchun answered absentmindedly. After Ping'er brought the tea, she just took the teacup and stared blankly.

Ping'er couldn't help but feel sympathy when she saw this, but in this kind of situation, once the parents have made the decision, there is nothing others can do to help, unless they run away and completely cut off ties with their parents' family. But a girl like the Second Miss is so weak and fragile that she has no ability to support herself if she goes out.

Jia Huan finished his breakfast calmly, then spread out a piece of rice paper, asked Jia Yingchun to sit next to the pot of crabapple flowers, and then began to paint.

Although Jia Huan has seldom painted in recent years, he has a solid foundation. He reviewed it with the Seventh Prince Xu Wenhou yesterday, so he was very familiar with it and finished the painting in just half an hour.

Jia Yingchun looked at the lifelike self in the painting and finally smiled. She asked in disbelief, "Is this really me?"

In the painting, Jia Yingchun is wearing a cloud-like bun and a silk dress, and she looks dignified, beautiful, gentle and amiable. Even the slight sadness between her brows is vividly shown on the paper, adding a bit of tenderness and timidity to her. Her slightly empty eyes make people's hearts beat fast. The pot of white begonia as the background makes the whole painting more harmonious and adds a lot of color.

Ping Er laughed and said, "If this isn't the Second Young Lady, then who else could it be?"

"The girl is so pretty." Xiu Ju also complimented.

Jia Yingchun touched her face subconsciously and said a little embarrassedly: "It was Huan Ge'er who made me look good."

Jia Huan smiled and said, "If Second Sister's appearance is 10%, Huan'er only painted her 80%."

"Hahaha, brother Huan didn't even tell us when he painted our second sister's portrait."

As a burst of laughter was heard, Lin Daiyu, Jia Tanchun, Xue Baochai and Xue Baoqin walked in from outside, followed by their respective maids, and immediately there was a lot of chattering.

Jia Yingchun was a little embarrassed by the praise, and when she saw everyone coming, her face turned red. She stood up and asked, "Why are all of you here?"

Xue Baochai took Jia Yingchun's hand and said with a gentle smile, "We had originally intended to play with Second Sister, but when we arrived at the Embroidered Pavilion we found out that Second Sister was with Brother Huan, so we came here to look for her."

It turned out that all the girls knew about Jia Yingchun, so they made an appointment to visit her today. However, when they arrived at Zhuijin Pavilion, they found her empty-handed. After asking Siqi, they learned that Jia Yingchun was with Jia Huan, so they went straight to Yueweiju.

At this time, Lin Daiyu and Jia Tanchun had already walked over to Jia Huan to look at the portrait, and they said almost in unison: "It's a really good painting."

Upon hearing this, Xue Baochai also walked closer to take a closer look, and with a glint in her beautiful eyes, she said, "Brother Huan's painting skills have improved again, but the way he paints seems to be different from before."

Jia Huan gave a thumbs up and said, "Sister Bao is not only kind-hearted, but also has a good eye."

It turns out that Jia Huan's painting incorporates some styles of traditional Chinese painting. The characters are lifelike and realistic, but the white begonia in the back is more freehand. The combination of virtual and real makes it look even better.

Lin Daiyu chuckled and said, "Huan'er has not only improved his painting skills, but also become sweeter. But all of them are your good sisters, and it seems unfair to only paint the second sister. As for me, it doesn't matter whether I paint or not, but I should at least paint a picture for Baojie and Tan'er."

Jia Huan was sweating inwardly. Well, from the tone of voice, he must be jealous again. He could only smile and say, "No problem. Everyone has a share. How about I draw for Sister Lin first?"

Lin Daiyu turned her eyes and said, "I am ugly, so I'd better not paint you. Huan-ge can paint whoever he wants."

Xue Baochai and Xue Baoqin smiled at each other, while Jia Tanchun reached out to touch Lin Daiyu's armpits: "You are still ugly? Isn't this a veiled criticism of the fact that we are all ugly? Sister Qin, touch her quickly!"

Xue Baoqin joined in with a giggle. Lin Daiyu was very ticklish, so she was immediately tickled so hard that she could only hide behind Xue Baochai and ask for help: "Sister Bao, save me."

Xue Baoqin held Lin Daiyu in her arms and said with a smile, "Let her go!"

"If you don't admit your mistake, no one can save you!" Jia Tanchun smiled and continued to reach out to tickle Lin Daiyu's armpits.

"Hehe... stop scratching me, I was wrong, please forgive me!" Lin Daiyu begged for mercy again and again.

Jia Tanchun and Baoqin then stopped, but at this time, Sister Lin's hair was already disheveled, which added a bit of charm to her, which was a feast for Jia's eyes.

Seeing that Jia Huan was only looking at her with a smile, Lin Daiyu's pretty face felt slightly hot. She squinted at him, turned around and quietly tidied her messy hair.

Jia Huan coughed lightly and said, "Since Sister Lin doesn't want to draw, why don't you draw first, Sister Bao?"

Xue Baochai shook her head and smiled, "I won't paint anymore. Brother Huan, please take a break."

Jia Tanchun also shook her head and said, "Brother Huan has just finished painting for Second Sister, and he must be tired. Don't worry too much. If you want to paint in the future, we will find you."

Xue Baoqin smiled and said, "I didn't know Brother Huan's painting skills were so great. If I had known earlier, I would have asked you to paint a picture for me when I was in Jinling. I will definitely ask you to paint for me again next time."

Jia Huan nodded and said, "No problem. Second sister's portrait still needs some polishing. I'll send it to you when it's finished."

"Thank you, brother Huan, I feel a little unwell, so I'll leave first. You guys have fun." Jia Yingchun stood up and was about to leave. Xue Baochai hurriedly said, "It's just right that I have to go back too, second sister, let's go together." After saying that, she took Baoqin and left Yueweiju together.

After Baochai and others left, only Daiyu and Tanchun, master and servant, were left, and the room suddenly became much emptier.

Jia Tanchun sighed and said, "Brother Huan should know about Second Sister's affairs, right?"

Jia Huan nodded, and Jia Tanchun looked at him hopefully, saying softly, "Brother Huan is very resourceful, can you help my second sister?"

Lin Daiyu was looking at the honeycomb coal stove curiously. Upon hearing this, she turned her head to glance at Jia Huan, and then continued to study the stove.

Jia Huan frowned and asked, "Has Second Sister's marriage been decided?"

Jia Tanchun shook her head and said, "Not really, but as long as the master has made up his mind, it's almost certain. Whether a man is handsome or ugly is just a side issue. As long as he has good character, ambition and responsibility, he can be a good son-in-law. But I heard that this Sun Shaozu is really terrible. Not only is he... lustful, but he is also violent and violent. He even accidentally beat and killed two concubines. That's why no one is willing to marry him, so he hasn't married until he is nearly thirty. Of course, these are just rumors. I haven't investigated them, so I don't know whether they are true or not."

Lin Daiyu said, "I'm afraid only the old lady can stop this. No one else can stop it."

Jia Huan thought to himself that he was afraid that even Grandmother Jia would not be able to stop it. Just as described in the original novel, Jia She did not listen to Jia Zheng's advice at all. As for Grandmother Jia, she thought she could not persuade him, so she simply did not try to persuade him. As a result, Jia Yingchun was tortured to death less than a year after she married into the Sun family. She did not even get justice after her death. It was really infuriating.

Jia Huan pondered for a moment and said, "The man's family hasn't come to propose marriage yet, so the matter is still undecided. Let's wait and see. Besides, after three letters and six engagements, you won't be able to get married in half a year. I'll think of a way."

Jia Tanchun felt relieved when she heard this. Brother Huan was always able to do things that others could not, and perhaps he could really think of a solution.

Lin Daiyu glanced at the portrait on the easel thoughtfully. Based on her understanding of Jia Huan, it was impossible for Brother Huan to paint a portrait of his second sister for no reason. He might have already made a plan. However, since ancient times, marriage has always been decided by parents. What could Brother Huan do to stop this marriage?
…………

The second day is the seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, and the day after that is Laba Festival. According to custom, people have to eat Laba porridge, and Grandmother Jia usually also organizes a family gathering before the New Year, so everyone in the house is preparing.

One day, Jia Lian had just gotten up and dressed, and before he had time to eat breakfast, a servant brought him an invitation.

Jia Lian opened it and said with a smile, "Brother Rong has become more and more successful now. He even invited me to Jianghai Tower for tea."

Wang Xifeng sneered, "You've really grown up. You didn't even invite me to drink wine, but just tea?"

"Where can you go to drink and party in broad daylight?" Jia Lian asked as he handed over the invitation.

Wang Xifeng took it and looked at it. Although she was illiterate, she could still read the time. She couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Are you really inviting me to have tea? The sun is rising from the west?"

Jia Lian instructed the servant who delivered the letter, "Go tell Rong'er that I am busy today. If he has nothing important to do, he can forget about it. There is no need to waste money."

Wang Xifeng cried out, "Second Master spent his wife's money without blinking an eye, but now he feels sorry for his nephew's money? When will he feel sorry for me too?"

Jia Lian frowned and said, "If I go, they will suspect that I am a drunkard. If I don't go, they will say that I am heartless for other people's money. Well, I'll go and have some tea to avoid feeling uncomfortable at home." After saying that, he turned away.

Wang Xifeng was so angry that she was speechless, and she also felt a little regretful for bullying her husband. However, she was stubborn and naturally would not apologize in a humble manner. She changed her clothes and went straight to pay her respects to Lady Jia.

Jia Lian left home in a huff, asked his servant Xing'er to lead the horse, and then went to Jianghai Tower.

Jianghailou is one of the most famous restaurants in Beijing. The minimum consumption is ten taels of silver, which is really unaffordable for ordinary people. When Jia Lian entered Jianghailou, a waiter immediately came forward and said respectfully, "Sir, have you reserved a table?"

Jia Lian said calmly, "Master Rong from Ningguo Mansion is treating us."

The waiter immediately replied, "So this is Mr. Rong's guest, room number one on the second floor."

Jia Lian rushed up to the second floor, found the No. 1 room, pushed the door open and walked in, saying with a smile, "Brother Rong, have you made a fortune?"

However, the next second, Jia Lian froze, because at this time, not only Jia Rong but also Jia Huan were sitting in the room.

At this time, Jia Huan stood up, bowed and smiled, "Second Brother Lian is here, please sit down!"

Jia Lian asked in surprise, "Brother Huan?"

Jia Rong smiled and bowed, saying, "Don't be surprised, Uncle Lian. Actually, it was Uncle Huan who invited me to tea, but I was afraid that Uncle Lian would not be willing to show me the honor, so I used my nephew as a cover."

"Good boy, you have tricked me into a mess." Jia Lian snorted coldly.

Jia Huan apologized, "Don't blame me, Brother Lian. You know that because of something that happened in the past, I had a conflict with my second sister-in-law. In order to prevent her from getting suspicious, I had to resort to this last resort."

Jia Lian was confused and perplexed. Today, the sun had risen from the west, yet Huan Lao San had invited him to have tea and was so polite. He said calmly, "Brother Huan, you are worrying too much. What happened in the past is in the past. Why bring it up again?"

Jia Huan smiled and said, "Thank you, Brother Lian, for being so generous and not making a fuss. Please take a seat. Brother Rong, pour some tea for Brother Lian."

Jia Lian was even more puzzled after hearing this. Jia Huan was now in a strong position and was valued by the old lady and the master, so why would he turn around and try to curry favor with him? It was really strange. No, I have to be careful. This guy is full of tricks, I must not fall into his trap.

Thinking of this, Jia Lian did not sit down, but waved his hand and said, "As the saying goes, no reward without merit, so no tea, Huan'er, please speak directly, and I will leave after you finish speaking."

Jia Huan sighed and said, "It seems that Second Brother Lian is still estranged from me!"

Jia Lian sneered in his heart, I think I have never been familiar with you kid, thinking that Ping'er, who was originally his maid, has now become Jia Huan's roommate, handsome Lian felt upset and his heart was bleeding!

"Forget it. I originally wanted to discuss a mutually beneficial big deal with Second Brother Lian. Since Second Brother Lian still has a prejudice against me, it's better not to talk to him. It would be a waste of Brother Rong's trip." Jia Huan shook his head.

Jia Lian was shocked and confused when he heard this. He was short of money at the moment, and when he heard the word "big business", his mind suddenly became active, because he also knew that Jia Huan had made money by selling scripts, and he also opened an ice cream shop with the seventh prince, and it sold very well. If the master had not forced Jia Huan to withdraw his shares, he would have made a fortune.

Hey, Jia Lian only thought that Jia Huan had withdrawn his shares, but he didn't know that Jia Huan's withdrawal was fake. In fact, the Seventh Prince still gave him dividends of thousands of taels of silver every year.

"Rong'er, please take Second Brother Lian downstairs for me!" Jia Huan ordered with pretended regret.

Jia Lian's face was slightly embarrassed. He coughed lightly and said awkwardly, "Since you are here, why don't you tell me what happened? Actually, I have no prejudice against you. What happened in the past is long gone."

Jia Rong smiled and said, "That's right. You can't write two Jia characters with one stroke. We are all family, so how can there be any overnight hatred? As the saying goes, brothers of one mind can break metal. We should all work together to make our Jia family more famous. Uncle Lian, please take a seat."

As Jia Rong spoke, he pulled out a chair and asked Jia Lian to sit down, then poured him a cup of tea.

Jia Lian couldn't help but wonder secretly, when did this kid Jia Rong hook up with Huan Lao San? The two seemed to have no intersection in the past. Could it be because of the last time he went to Tongzhou to pick up Huan Lao San?

At this time, Jia Huan rang the bell, and soon a waiter came over and bowed respectfully.

Jia Huan ordered, "It's time to serve the food and wine!" At the same time, he said to Jia Lian, "Brother Lian, let's eat and talk at the same time."

(End of this chapter)