The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 481 Xiangyun and the poem, Jia Qiang asks for help

"Thank you, Brother Huan. What is the filling of the dumplings?" Shi Xiangyun asked with a beautiful smile, obviously taking Lin Daiyu's words seriously.

Jia Huan gritted his teeth and said, "It's stuffed with donkey meat, but..."

Unexpectedly, Shi Xiangyun's eyes lit up. Before Jia Huan could finish, she clapped her hands and said, "I love donkey meat hotpot the most. If it's with other fillings, it's fine, but I must try the one with donkey meat filling. I'm a little hungry right now."

Jia Huan could not help but look embarrassed, while Lin Daiyu, the instigator, smiled and pushed him, saying, "Brother Huan, why don't you ask someone to heat up the dumplings and bring them over? Yun'er is still waiting to eat."

Xue Baochai obviously saw the clues, and pulled Shi Xiangyun aside and said, "Wait a minute, something must be wrong when things are out of the ordinary. I don't know what Lin girl is doing to make trouble again. Yun'er, don't fall for her tricks."

Jia Huan confessed a little embarrassedly: "Actually, it's what was left over from last night. Even if it's still edible, I'm afraid it won't taste fresh anymore. It's fine for me to eat it myself, but how can I use it to entertain guests? Since Sister Yun likes donkey meat dumplings, I'll ask the kitchen to make them again later."

Shi Xiangyun snorted coldly, "I knew that Sister Lin, this mischievous ghost, had no good intentions, but it doesn't matter. It's so cold today, so it doesn't matter if it's left overnight. We have to wait to make it again. Quickly bring the donkey meat dumplings over so that I can write poetry after eating them."

Jia Huan hesitated and asked, "Sister Yun, do you really want to eat it?"

"Why are you nagging? Just bring it. It's not like you haven't eaten leftover food before, so why are you so spoiled?" Shi Xiangyun said nonchalantly.

Jia Huan liked Xiangyun's cheerful and optimistic personality, so he asked Mandalin to heat up the plate of dumplings left over from last night and serve them. Shi Xiangyun really picked up her chopsticks and ate them happily, saying repeatedly, "Delicious."

Lin Daiyu smiled at Jia Huan and said, "Look, I knew Yun'er liked to eat this, but you were afraid that she would get sick from eating it. If you give it to me, aren't you afraid that I will get sick from eating it?"

Jia Huan shook his head and said, "It's not that I'm afraid of getting an upset stomach, but how can I use the leftovers to entertain guests? Sister Lin is my own family, so it's fine, but Sister Yun is a guest, so of course I can't treat her with indifference."

When Lin Daiyu heard Jia Huan call her "one of our own", she naturally felt that they were closer to each other than Xiangyun. She couldn't help but feel happy, lowered her head and said no more.

No one seemed to think that what Jia Huan said was inappropriate, because Lin Daiyu lived in the Jia Mansion and was indeed "one of the family", and Shi Xiangyun came to pay New Year's greetings, so of course she was a guest.

Jia Huan hadn't had breakfast yet. Seeing Shi Xiangyun eating happily, he also took chopsticks to eat with her. He found that although it was not as fresh as last night, it still tasted good. Soon, a plate of donkey meat dumplings was in their stomachs. Shi Xiangyun rubbed her belly and stretched, smiling sweetly, "I'm full, I can write poetry now."

Although Shi Xiangyun lost both her parents when she was young and was raised by her uncle and aunt, she lived in poverty, but she developed an optimistic, open-minded, generous and chivalrous character, which is rare. Anyway, Jia Huan admired Shi Xiangyun when he read "Dream of Red Mansions" in his previous life, and asked: "Today is neither the second day nor the sixteenth day of the lunar month, why write a poem?"

Jia Tanchun smiled and explained, "Last time we started a poetry club, Yun'er didn't come for some reason, so naturally we had to punish her by making her write a poem before she could join the club."

Shi Xiangyun said coquettishly, "You didn't invite me earlier or later, but only on that day. You were in such a hurry. Who knows if you might be delayed by something unexpected? I will punish you even more."

Jia Tanchun nodded and said, "I was indeed negligent when I invited you that day. However, if I allow you to join the club without writing the poem, it would be unfair to others. Not to mention you, even Xiangling had to pass the assessment to join the club. Yun'er, you are the master, are you not as good as a maid?"

Shi Xiangyun smiled and said, "Then tell me the title of the poem. Although I don't understand it, I can probably still write it."

Jia Baoyu hurriedly said, "It's not easy to write a poem about white crabapples. Why don't you take a look at what we wrote first? Maybe it will be inspiring."

Shi Xiangyun waved her hand proudly and said, "No need, this is not difficult." After that, she pondered for a while for a cup of tea, and said with a smile, "I have it, I have got two poems."

Everyone was secretly surprised when they heard this. Baochai laughed and said, "We spent a lot of time thinking about it that day and tried everything we could think of. But you, Yun girl, came up with two poems in a short time. You really beat us."

Jia Baoyu echoed, "It's definitely too heavy."

Shi Xiangyun said confidently: "Just listen to me and you will know. If it is too harsh, punish me."

There was no time to grind ink, so Jia Huan casually took a piece of snow wave paper and the charcoal pencil he usually used for painting, and prepared to copy it. He heard Xiangyun slowly chanting:
The gods came to the capital yesterday and planted a pot of Lantian jade.

Of course Shuang'e prefers coldness, but if it weren't for Guan Qiannu, she would also leave her soul.

The autumn clouds bring out the snow, and the rain stains add to the traces of the night.

But I like that the poet is tireless in chanting, so how can I spend the morning and dusk in loneliness?

Second:

The Hengzhi steps lead to the Luoxi gate, which is suitable for both the corner and the basin.

It is difficult to find a mate because the flowers are happy and clean, and it is easy for people to lose their souls in the sad autumn.

The jade candle drips tears in the wind, and the crystal curtain breaks through the mid-moon mark.

I want to complain to Chang'e, but the corridor is dark at night.

The charcoal pencil in Jia Huan's hand rustled as he wrote two poems about white begonias on the snow-white paper in one stroke. He could not help but admire Shi Xiangyun's quick wit. She finished two poems in just a cup of tea. Although they were slightly inferior to those of Baochai and Daiyu, they were also excellent works and truly rare.

Everyone couldn't help but praise him, saying, "This poem about the crabapple tree is worthy of being written. We should really start a crabapple society."

Shi Xiangyun smiled proudly and said, "I was not able to attend the last meeting due to some reasons. Tomorrow is the second day of the Chinese New Year, so I will be the host and invite everyone first, okay?"

Jia Baoyu said happily: "This is even better, but where are you staying tonight, Sister Yun?"

Xue Baochai hugged Xiangyun and said with a smile, "It is natural that Yun girl will live with me. This was the arrangement we made before."

Shi Xiangyun liked Baochai the most, so she naturally preferred to live with her. She said with a smile, "I will live with Sister Bao and Sister Qin. The luggage has been sent to Hengwuyuan." "Will we start the club in Hengwuyuan tomorrow?" Jia Tanchun asked.

Xue Baochai groaned and said, "I'll invite her tonight after I discuss it with Yun."

Jia Baoyu was obviously very excited. Last time, his poem came last, and this time he finally had a chance to make up for it. He smiled and said, "It doesn't matter where we start a club, but Sister Yun doesn't have a nickname yet, so we need to come up with one."

At the same time, he told the story of how everyone gave nicknames. After listening to it, Shi Xiangyun said in embarrassment: "Then what should I name? The place I live in is very ordinary, and there are no pavilions or pavilions."

Lin Daiyu reminded him, "Of course not. I heard my grandmother mention it in her idle chat before. The place where she lived before she got married was called Zhenxia Pavilion. Now it belongs to you. Even if the original mansion was demolished and sold, it was yours after all. Why not call it Zhenxia Old Friend?"

Everyone's eyes lit up and they all said that this was a good name, so Xiangyun's name was decided to be "Zhenxia Old Friend".

Next, everyone read to Shi Xiangyun the poems that they had written when the Haitang Society was first established. After listening to them, Shi Xiangyun was full of praise and wished that tomorrow would come immediately so that she could start another society.

After everyone chatted for a while, Jia's mother sent someone to look for them, so everyone went to Jia's mother's room together.

Jia Huan paid his respects to Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang, then sat for a while before leaving. He called Shitou, Muye and Jinbao together, and left the Jia Mansion in a carriage, heading straight for the Jinling Guild Hall.

At this moment, the Jinling Guild Hall was empty, as most people had gone to participate in the parade and rally outside the Meridian Gate. However, the mourning hall in the guild hall was still there, and occasionally scholars from afar would go in to burn incense, and then hurried back to the Meridian Gate.

Only then did Jia Huan learn that the scholar who died last night was Zhang Xin from Nanzhili. He had some impression of this name, as he was also a new scholar last year. However, he was not familiar with this person, and had only met him once when he attended the Lu Ming Banquet.

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After all, they were of the same year, so Jia Huan walked into the mourning hall and lit a stick of incense. When he was about to leave, he happened to meet Lu Xiangsheng who had just returned from outside.

"Ziming is here!" Lu Xiangsheng had a heavy expression and showed no joy at seeing Jia Huan.

Jia Huan nodded and said, "I heard that a candidate passed away last night, so I wanted to ask Jiandou about it, but I didn't expect it to be a candidate from the same year as our Nanzhili."

Lu Xiangsheng sighed and said, "Student Zhang Xin is so unlucky. Last month, he went to the Zuoye Gate with Zhang Pu and others to petition, but was driven away by the East City Army with a water dragon. Student Zhang was weak to begin with, and came back soaked. He developed a high fever that night. Although he saw a doctor and took medicine, his condition did not improve. Recently, his condition suddenly worsened. Last night, when thousands of families were reunited, he passed away. It is really a pity!"

Lu Xiangsheng clenched his fists and looked indignant. If it weren't for the rule of Diecui Academy prohibiting participation in the political movement initiated by Donglin Academy, he would have already participated in the parade at the Meridian Gate.

Jia Huan frowned. As expected, Zhang Pu used the coffin parade of Zhang Xin's death to set off a larger public opinion movement. To put it nicely, it was to uphold justice and plead for the people. To put it bluntly, it was to make the best use of "things" and eat human blood. However, it must be said that Zhang Pu was really awesome and capable. He could judge the situation and seize the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. If such a person entered the court in the future, he would definitely be a powerful figure.

Now that the situation has become so serious and the people are in favor of it, Emperor Qiansheng will take this opportunity to take action against the Ministry of Revenue. It is estimated that a large number of people from the noble group will also suffer. However, considering the political stability, Emperor Qiansheng should not kill them all. After all, the empire still needs the noble group to maintain it, and most of the military positions in the army are also controlled by the noble group. If they are forced into a corner, they can do anything.

After Jia Huan said goodbye to Lu Xiangsheng and returned to the Grand View Garden, when he was near the pond in front of Yuewei Residence, a man suddenly flashed out from behind the pillar of the Fish Viewing Pavilion, knelt down and saluted, saying: "Nephew greets Uncle Huan, I wish Uncle Huan a prosperous new year and a long life!"

Jia Huan was startled for a moment, and saw that the man kneeling in front of him was about seventeen or eighteen years old, with a face as white as powder and lips as white as rouge. It was Jia Rong's younger brother, Jia Qiang.

"It turned out to be Rong'er. I was frightened. Hurry up and get up." Jia Huan said as he helped Jia Qiang up. He then asked, "I vaguely heard that Rong'er was beaten. What happened?"

Jia Qiang's face suddenly darkened and he said, "This place is not convenient. Uncle Huan, can you find a quiet place to talk?"

Jia Huan's heart moved, and he nodded and said, "Just follow me."

Jia Huan asked a maid to go in and tell Ping'er and Mandalin to leave, then he took Jia Qiang into his study, closed the door and said, "Tell me, what happened?"

Jia Qiang fell to his knees, his eyes red as he said, "Uncle Huan, please save Brother Rong."

Jia Huan said calmly: "Tell me first."

Jia Qiang gnashed his teeth and said, "That man knew that Uncle Huan had given advice to Big Brother and Sister-in-law before. He took advantage of the alcohol and beat Big Brother up last night. Big Brother vomited blood on the spot and two of his ribs were broken. If I hadn't rushed in to stop him in time, I'm afraid Big Brother would have been beaten to death by him."

Jia Huan could not help but be shocked. This beast Jia Zhen was too cruel. As the saying goes, even a tiger will not eat its own cubs. He actually killed his own son. He was really worse than a beast. Could it be that in order to achieve the goal of occupying his daughter-in-law, he was so cruel that he wanted to beat his son to death?

"How did he know?" Jia Huan asked with a frown.

Jia Qiang said with red eyes: "After Uncle Huan left last night, Aunt Lian sent someone to look for Uncle Lian, but Uncle Lian went to Zuiyan Tower to drink wine. Brother Rong followed Uncle Lian's instructions and helped to evade the question. Unexpectedly, Aunt Lian came to the door in person not long after.

Uncle Huan, you also know how fierce Madam Lian's temper is. Under her questioning, Brother Rong had to tell the truth, but was scolded as a result. Then that man came at this time. Madam Lian mentioned that Brother Rong was close to Uncle Huan, and that she had given Uncle Huan several precious white begonias before the New Year. That man became suspicious. After Madam Lian left, that man called Brother Rong to the study for interrogation, beating and scolding him. Brother Rong could not stand it and confessed.

The man was even more furious after hearing this, and beat Brother Rong to death, totally disregarding the relationship between father and son, and broke two of his ribs on the spot. Although a doctor has been hired, it is still unknown whether he can survive. "

When Jia Huan saw that Jia Qiang's eyes were red and his fists were clenched, as if he hated Jia Zhen very much, he couldn't help but feel something in his heart. It was said that although Jia Qiang was Jia Zhen's adopted son, he was actually treated as a boy catamite to relieve his sexual desire. It seemed that this matter was not groundless, otherwise it would be difficult to understand why he hated Jia Zhen so much.

At this time, Jia Qiang continued, "It is hard to predict whether Brother Rong will live or die. The 49th day of mourning is approaching. That beast will definitely send someone to bring Sister-in-law back from the nunnery. Brother Rong is dying, but he is obsessed with this matter, so he asked his nephew to ask Uncle Huan for help. If Uncle Huan can help, I will never forget your kindness!"

Jia Huan had a blank expression on his face and said nothing. Seeing this, Jia Qiang thought that he was unwilling to help, so he said, "There is one more thing. I hope Uncle Huan will not blame me."

Jia Huan frowned and asked, "What's the matter?"

"My nephew has already informed that person about your secret honeycomb briquettes business."

Jia Huan raised his sword-like eyebrows and stared at Jia Qiang coldly, as if his eyes were real. Jia Qiang felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar. He was terrified and said with a stammer, "Uncle Huan, please calm down. I was forced to say this."

(End of this chapter)