Do you know that it starts with Meng Tong?

"Yes, Brother Xingyun is an astonishing talent. Even the scholarly Mr. Qingteng made an exception and personally accepted him as his disciple. My grandson has benefited a lot from his friendship with Brother Xingyun."

"Mr. Ioto?"

The old lady was slightly startled when she heard the name, and then her tone suddenly became urgent. She stared at Sheng Changbai in front of her and asked, "But that Mr. Qingteng with the heavy surname Zhuang Mingjun?"

Chapter 73 Old things

When Sheng Changbai saw this, he secretly regretted it.

How could I forget this!

As we all know, Xu Ying, the old lady of the Sheng family, is the only daughter of Xu Pingjing, the Yongyi Marquis of the previous generation. She was raised in the palace since she was a child, influenced by royal etiquette, and was born in a very noble family.

But few people know that the old lady, who is the only daughter of Marquis Yongyi, has long lost contact with her natal family, Marquis Yongyi.

The old lady was an only daughter and had no brothers or sisters. After the death of her parents, the title of marquis was inherited by the adoptive heir in the family. At this point, everyone in the Yongyi Marquis Mansion no longer had much family ties with the old lady.

After Sheng Hong became a scholar in high school, the old lady negotiated a marriage for him. She originally intended to marry her natal family, the Yongyi Hou Mansion, but the Hou Mansion didn't take it seriously and just sent out a few concubines. Their appearance and family background were not suitable for the old lady. Madam's wish.

In the end, for the sake of Sheng Hong's future, the old lady rejected the girl from her mother's family and instead asked Ruofu, the second queen of the Wang family, for Sheng Hong. This was how Hualan, Changbai and others came to be.

Of course, the old lady also paid a heavy price for this. After that, the old lady had no contact with her natal family, and the friendship that had existed for many years was gone.

After many years, the old lady's choice back then was right or wrong, and whether it was worthwhile or not, I am afraid only she herself knows clearly.

But from Sheng Changbai's point of view, he was unwilling to get involved with the Xu family of Jiangning under any circumstances. After all, if the concubine of the Xu family had really married his father, how could he still have Sheng Changbai?

Zhuang Jun, Mr. Qingteng, accompanied Xu Pingjing, the Yongyi Marquis, on his expeditions to the north and south, and made suggestions under his tent. Later, he and Xu Pingjing were disarmed and returned to their fields, and then they traveled around the world and gave lectures all over the world.

Zhuang Jun was originally from Ji'an, Jiangxi, but now lives in seclusion on the outskirts of Jiangning. It should be noted that Jiangning is where the Yongyi Hou Mansion is located.

Therefore, Sheng Changbai took it for granted that Zhuang Jun still had close contacts with the Xu family in Jiangning.

This is why, when Wei Chen wanted to take Sheng Changbai with him when he became a disciple, Sheng Changbai refused in every possible way and refused to go even to death.

It's not that Sheng Changbai doesn't recognize Zhuang Jun's knowledge and character, but Sheng Changbai has a pure and filial mind and respects his grandmother. He is worried that if he becomes Zhuang Jun's disciple, he may break his grandmother's heart.

But Sheng Changbai never expected that in the end, something went wrong on his own part. When he talked about his friend Wei Chen, he was so excited that he even mentioned the name Mr. Qingteng in his quick words.

At this time, the old lady's unusual reaction when she heard Mr. Qingteng seemed to confirm Sheng Changbai's previously hidden worries in his heart.

Sheng Changbai immediately knelt down on the ground and kowtowed: "My grandson is unfilial. He should not have mentioned that person's name in front of his grandmother. Please punish him severely. My grandson will never complain!"

"It's fine, what are you doing kneeling down?"

The old lady was shocked when she saw her grandson kneeling on the ground for no apparent reason. She quickly ordered her mother to help Sheng Changbai up and ask her why.

When Sheng Changbai explained the cause and effect clearly, the old lady couldn't laugh or cry. She pointed at Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu and said angrily: "Is this how you arranged my old lady in front of your son?"

Sheng Hong himself was a witness to those old events, so he naturally knew more than his son. He just heard the conversation between his grandfather and grandson, and saw Sheng Changbai kneeling on the ground to plead guilty, and he immediately guessed something.

Sheng Hong knew that this

Only a few old people in the house know about these old sesame seeds and rotten millet. No one has the courage to talk about it. Only Wang Ruofu has nothing to do and can tell his son. I don't know why he made such a big mistake in front of the old lady.

Seeing her husband's dissatisfied look at her, Wang Ruofu also looked aggrieved. She didn't know that her son was so dumbfounded and took the blame on herself before she could figure out the matter.

Wang Ruofu quickly spoke and explained to his son: "Bai'er, you have misunderstood. It is true that your grandmother has no contact with the Xu family, but Mr. Zhuang was an old friend of your maternal great-grandfather. In his early years, he had Have been to our house."

"Have you ever been at home?" Sheng Changbai asked hurriedly: "When did it happen? Why didn't I know?"

Sheng Hong said softly: "That was when your mother and I were getting married. We didn't have you yet, so of course you didn't know."

Sheng Changbai was a little dazed, and it took him a long time to digest before he came back to his senses. He quickly asked, "Then why did Mr. Zhuang not go back to his hometown in Ji'an to take care of his old age, but instead lived in seclusion in Jiangning?"

"This..., we don't know." Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu looked at each other and shook their heads.

At this time, the old lady spoke and replied slowly: "I think it's probably because your great-grandfather was buried outside Jiangning City..."

Sheng Changbai suddenly realized and said sadly: "So, Mr. Zhuang stayed in Jiangning not to assist the Yongyi Hou Mansion?"

"What he cares about is your great-grandfather, not the Yongyi Marquis." The old lady said in a disdainful tone: "Now the Yongyi Marquis..., ha, how can he catch his eye? I'm afraid the emperor will rush to ask him for help. , and he won’t pay attention!”

"I see……"

Sheng Changbai let out a long breath, and then realized how big of a mistake he had made.

Seeing Sheng Changbai standing there blankly, Wang Ruofu felt distressed for a while, and quickly stepped forward to comfort him: "It's all my mother's fault. She didn't tell you clearly beforehand. It's okay. It's not too late to know now. Besides, you were so stupid before. Doesn't it also show that you are pure and filial to your grandmother? Your grandmother sees it and won't blame you."

As Wang Ruofu spoke, he looked at the old lady eagerly. The old lady smiled and nodded: "Bai'er, your mother is right. Grandma is very pleased that you have such filial piety."

Sheng Hong glared at Wang Ruofu, the culprit, and then seemed to suddenly think of something. He walked up to the old lady in a few steps and said in a flattering tone: "Mother, you and Mr. Zhuang haven't seen each other for many years. Since He is in Jiangning, why not take advantage of Hua Lan's wedding to invite him to your home and talk about old friendships."

The old lady glanced at Sheng Hong and immediately knew what this son who had no blood relationship with her was thinking. Wasn't it just because of her old face that she invited Mr. Zhuang to come to the house to teach Chang Bai and Chang Feng?

However, the old lady had to admit that Sheng Hong's proposal did make her a little excited.

The old lady's gentle eyes fell on Sheng Changbai, who was standing beside him, and she asked softly: "Bai'er, grandma wants to ask you, are you willing to study under Mr. Zhuang?"

Sheng Changbai was stunned for a moment, and then said without thinking: "My grandson is willing."

Zhuang Jun is a world-famous Confucian, admired by scholars all over the world, and Sheng Changbai is no exception. If he had not had some scruples at the beginning, I am afraid that Sheng Changbai and Wei Chen would have gone to the lakeside courtyard to become his disciples.

Now, judging by her grandmother's tone, she seemed quite confident in persuading Zhuang Jun to come to the Sheng family to teach, and Sheng Changbai was naturally happy to do so.

The old lady nodded, looked away from her grandson, looked at Sheng Hong in front of her, and said calmly: "Mr. Zhuang is old and can't bear to travel back and forth. When Hua'er's marriage is completed, you will be promoted to a Beijing official. After everything is settled here, I will fix the book myself and ask him."

Do you still have to wait until you enter Beijing?

When Sheng Hong heard this, he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

But after thinking about it carefully, I felt that what the old lady said was reasonable. The two brothers at home were not very young anyway. As long as the old lady could invite people over, everything else would be easy to talk about.

So, Sheng Hong happily bowed and said respectfully: "My mother has thought carefully, and the children will obey her arrangements!"

Chapter 74 Calling Senior Brother

The old lady was old and lacked energy. After all the juniors had paid their respects, and seeing that the old lady was a little tired, they voluntarily resigned. Only Hua Lan, who was about to get married, was left behind by the old lady to give some instructions.

After leaving Shou'an Hall, Sheng Hong had a bright smile on his face and was in a great mood.The old lady never makes promises easily. Since she has agreed to invite Zhuang Jun to Sheng's house, she should be close to her.

Sheng Hong was so happy that he could smile from ear to ear when he thought that Mr. Qingteng, who was famous all over the world, was going to come to his Shengjia private school as a tutor.

Changbai Changfeng and the others will be taught by Mr. Qingteng, and their studies will surely make rapid progress. If these two sons can pass the Jinshi examination in the future, the Sheng family will be so prosperous and dignified. I am afraid Sheng Hong will laugh out of his dreams!

Thinking about today's events, Sheng Hong couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Sure enough, there is an old lady in the family. If there is a treasure, the old lady is worthy of being the only daughter of Marquis Yongyi. Whether it is her vision, her face, or her connections, she is a valuable asset to the Sheng family. A huge fortune.

Of course, only at this time would Sheng Hong think of the old lady's kindness.

Sheng Hong was thinking about Mr. Qingteng when he suddenly saw his cousin Sheng Wei walking quickly in front of him and patted his shoulder lightly.

Sheng Wei smiled and cupped his hands and said, "I heard in Youyang that Miss Wei in your family is pregnant again. Congratulations to my dear brother for having another son!"

"It's only been a few months, and I still don't know if it's a brother or a sister." Even though he said this, Sheng Hong couldn't help but have a smile on his face.

Sheng Wei said: "Of course it's best if it's a boy, but it doesn't matter if it's a girl. As long as the heirs continue, the family will be prosperous."

"Brother, what you said makes sense. After all, it is my own child. Whether it is a brother or a sister, I will not treat him (her) lightly." Sheng Hong nodded, quite agreeing with Sheng Wei's words.

"Although a woman's pregnancy is a happy event for her family, it is also the most dangerous for herself. You must not take it lightly."

Sheng Wei chatted for a long time and finally got to the point: "Before I came, I specially selected a few maids at home who were quick and knowledgeable about women's pregnancy, and sent them to Miss Wei's room to serve her personally. You see how?"

"Send someone to Miss Wei's room?"

Sheng Hong frowned slightly. Although he and Sheng Wei were very close relatives, the other party's rash intervention in his household affairs still made him feel uncomfortable.

"Ugh……"

Seeing the hesitation on Sheng Hong's face, Sheng Wei suddenly sighed and said quietly: "You also know that the last time the Amber Winery was coveted, it was all thanks to Wei Chen's help. After much thought, I can't think of any way to repay the favor. , I happened to hear that Miss Wei in your courtyard is from the Wei Chen tribe, so I decided to target her."

Sheng Hong suddenly realized that Sheng Wei did this to please Wei Chen, so it made sense.

But there is one thing Sheng Wei doesn't understand: "Although Wei Chen and Wei Xiaoniang are from the same Wei family, they have already been in the fifth server a few generations ago. If you are like this, can Wei Chen appreciate it?"

"You don't know something about this." Sheng Wei waved his hand and said softly: "Wei Chen's parents died when he was young, and he was fostered in the home of Wei Xiaoniang's sister. After so many years, we have become as close as a family. The so-called love house is as good as the bird, Wei Chen Chen and Wei Xiaoniang also have a friendship. As far as I know, Wei Chen came to Yangzhou, although

I was invited by Chang Bai, but most likely because I came to visit Miss Wei. "

"That's it. I didn't expect that Wei Chen, at such a young age, is actually a person who values ​​love and justice." After hearing Sheng Wei's explanation, Sheng Hong narrowed his eyes and his mind was racing with thoughts.

When something happened at the wine shop, Sheng Hong backed down and felt guilty about Sheng Wei. Now Sheng Wei rarely asks him to beg him. There are just a few servants around him, and the one who benefits is also his son Sheng Hong. He is both affectionate and reasonable. I also want to give my cousin some face.

Moreover, Wei Chen is not only supported by Shen Du, but also a close disciple of Mr. Qingteng Zhuang Jun. No matter from which point of view, it is beneficial for the Sheng family to have a good relationship with him. Since they learned about Wei Chen from his cousin, Sheng Hong naturally has to make good use of the relationship between Chen and Wei Xiaoniang.

Thinking of this, Sheng Hong decided to accept those servants and send them to Miss Wei's room as Sheng Wei wanted.

However, Sheng Hong still needs to think carefully about the specific arrangement. On the one hand, to satisfy his cousin Sheng Wei, it is also best to let Wei Chen feel the kindness of his Sheng Hong.

……

In a guest room at the back of the west wing, Wei Chen sat in front of the desk, holding a book and reading attentively.

Behind Wei Chen, there was a tall and thin boy standing, who looked to be about the same age as Wei Chen. He was the book boy given to Wei Chen by Sheng Wei.

When Wei Chen asked Sheng Wei to help serve Wei Xiaoniang's maid, Sheng Wei saw that Wei Chen had no one to serve him, so he simply gave him a book boy.

This book boy is from Youyang. Two years ago, due to a famine, his family had no food, so he was sold to the Sheng family.

He had gone to elementary school when he was a child and knew some etiquette in dealing with people. He had also learned three hundred thousand lessons. He could speak and write, so he was favored by Sheng Wei and sent to Wei Chen as a book boy.

Having a book boy by his side can indeed save a lot of trouble, so Wei Chen did not refuse and named the book boy Yuan An and took him with him wherever he went.

At this moment, Yuan An stood up straight behind Wei Chen with his hands tied, his big black eyes unblinking, looking at his young master curiously.

Yuan An has been with Wei Chen for some time. In his impression, besides eating and sleeping, his young master spends most of his time holding books.

No matter how the environment changes, whether at home, on a bumpy carriage, or on a rocking passenger ship, Wei Chen can quickly calm down and enter a reading state where he forgets both things and himself.

It was the same when he came to the Sheng family. Wei Chen sat in this room for more than half an hour, just holding a book and reading without any signs of restlessness.

Yuan An secretly admired him in his heart. His young master was worthy of being able to study in elementary and middle schools. With his diligence and concentration, he could not even catch up with him.

Suddenly, Yuan An heard footsteps coming from outside the house, and then the door creaked open, and a young man in brocade clothes stepped into the house.

Yuan An quickly bowed and shouted: "Master Changbai."

Sheng Changbai nodded towards Yuan An, and when he saw Wei Chen who was studying at his desk, he walked over and said with a smile: "Brother Xian, you are working too hard. You have come to my house as a guest, and you still don't forget your studies at all times. This really puts Brother Yu to shame. !”

"My teacher has repeatedly told me to work hard and teach me earnestly, especially in my ears. How dare I slack off for a moment!"

Wei Chen put down the book in his hand, turned around and asked with a smile: "Brother, you are here to invite Wan'an back. How is the old lady feeling?"

"Okay, everything is fine, grandma."