The Red Mansions

Chapter 1673 Chen Ze: I am the one who is getting impatient.

Chapter 1673 Chen Ze: ...It is I who am getting impatient.

In the study room of Ningguo Mansion in Shenjing City——

The spring afternoon sun shines through the window lattices, falls on the mahogany table, and the fragmented sunlight illuminates the hall.

Jia Heng took the paper handed over by Chen Xiao, and a thoughtful look appeared on his resolute and calm face. He looked at Chen Xiao intently and asked, "Xiaoxiao, what is this?"

Chen Xiao said: "The scholars in the capital have been complaining that you value calligraphy and despise Confucianism, which is a disgrace to the teachings of the sages. In this spring exam, when all the candidates are gathering in the capital, what are you going to do?"

Jia Heng sneered and said, "Sure enough, such remarks finally emerged."

Chen Xiao looked thoughtful, and his tone was uncertain: "Do you suspect someone is secretly fanning the flames?"

Jia Heng said, "Not really. Now everyone in the court knows that Jinyi is in my hands. With the example of Li and Xu, not many people in the court dare to oppose me."

Chen Xiao hesitated and said, "Then this time..."

Jia Heng's face was solemn, and he said in a deep voice: "We cannot arrest scholars, so let people guide public opinion among the candidates correctly."

Chen Xiao thought for a moment and said, "I'm afraid there will still be public opinion turmoil in Jiangnan."

Jia Heng asked, "Let someone keep an eye on it. I asked you to investigate the Hao family earlier. How is the investigation going?"

Chen Xiao said: "The situation of the Hao family over the years has been investigated. Once there is any news, it will be delivered to Beijing by carrier pigeon or express horse."

Jia Heng's face was indifferent, and he said in a cold voice: "The relatives of the emperor during the Longzhi reign in Jiangnan are also being monitored by the people in the Jinyi Palace."

Chen Xiao was silent for a moment, then said, "Don't worry, I've already told you."

Jia Heng said: "Recently, you let the Jinyifu guards spread the news throughout the capital, and then let people do an experiment. It's about which one will land first, a ten-jin iron ball or a one-jin iron ball, and whether the iron ship can sail on the water. In ancient times, Chang'e flew to the moon, and now there is a white rabbit flying to the sky."

Chen Xiao: "???"

Jia Heng said coldly: "At the same time, have people spread it out. This is a topic that the Academy of Sciences has recently developed. It can be said to be a study of the study of things to gain knowledge."

This can be regarded as the scientific enlightenment of this era. Through these mind-shaking physical experiments, the arrogance in the hearts of the scholars of this era was shattered.

When Chen Xiao heard this, a look of surprise appeared in her beautiful eyes under her dark eyebrows, and she asked, "What are you going to do?"

Jia Heng smiled faintly and said, "Give this era some small scientific shocks."

In fact, as a time traveler, he was somewhat unqualified because he did not have glass, mirrors, and wine in the early stage.

But it is normal. As the saying goes, a man is innocent unless he is in possession of a treasure. Before coming to power, one can only become a tool in the hands of those in power.

Chen Xiao: "???"

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "This era really needs a change."

If the steam engine could be invented as he wished, then his life in this world would not be in vain, and it would advance Chinese technology by hundreds of years.

While Jia Heng was talking, he did not linger in the study any longer, but walked quickly towards the back house.

……

……

Grand View Garden, Xiaoxiang Pavilion

Lin Daiyu was lying on a bed covered with a thick mattress. Her beautiful and bright face seemed covered with rouge. Under the lazy afternoon sunlight, her skin was white, smooth, and bright, charming and attractive.

Not far away, Zijuan entered the warm room with carved walls on all sides, looked up at Daiyu, and whispered, "Miss, drink this pregnancy-preserving medicine."

Daiyu snorted softly, and under her delicate, straight nose, her voice was a little charming and soft, and she asked, "Is it bitter?"

Zijuan smiled and said, "Girl, just hold your breath."

As she spoke, Zijuan took the blue and white porcelain medicine bowl, picked up the spoon and gently let the hot steam out, then scooped up a spoonful and passed it to Daiyu's lips to feed her.

At this moment, the conversation between Xiren and Jia Heng was heard outside.

"Master, you are here." Xiren raised her eyes under her emerald eyebrows and looked at the young man in the python robe, her beautiful eyes full of surprise.

It has been a long time since the prince...favored her.

Jia Heng raised his eyebrows, looked deeply, nodded, and asked with a look of surprise, "Where is Sister Lin?"

Xiren's beautiful eyes were filled with joy under her emerald eyebrows. She said, "Your Majesty, he is in the room."

Jia Heng nodded and was about to walk into the house, but when he saw those sparkling eyes that seemed to contain bright stars, a feeling of pity welled up in his heart.

After all, you have had physical contact with me, and seeing your joy in her eyes, I can't help but feel a little uncomfortable.

As Jia Heng spoke, he gently pulled Xiren's delicate hand over, feeling her soft, smooth, fresh skin, and asked, "Xiren, it's so cold in this cold weather, and your hands are so cold."

Xiren couldn't help but be stunned. Her plump face, which seemed to be shrewd, showed shock, and then she was overwhelmed with joy.

As the girl spoke, she even felt an inexplicable sourness in her nose, and her eyes were slightly sparkling.

The prince is worried about her.

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then whispered, "Now I am an imperial decree, so I can just let my servants handle such trivial matters in the future."

Xiren listened to the man's soft whispers in her ear and said "hmm" softly. Her heart was already filled with a warm current, as if she was falling into the clouds, in a trance.

Jia Heng looked at Xiren, sighed in his heart, and said softly, "Okay."

While Jia Heng was speaking, he walked towards the warm room in the inner wing.

As Xiren saw him off, Jia Heng entered the hall, looked at Zijuan, and said, "Zijuan, is Sister Lin in the room?"

Zijuan's rosy face showed a smile as she said, "The girl is staying in the house to take care of the baby."

Jia Heng nodded, and without saying anything else, he went inside.

At this moment, Daiyu was lying on the bed, her pretty and gentle face was white with a rosy glow, her eyes were like sparkling stars, and she looked at the young man in the python robe with rippling smile.

"Here I come." The girl opened her pink lips slightly and called out.

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Sister Lin."

The two have been married for several years, but because they are childhood sweethearts, when they look into each other's eyes, they can still feel the affection flowing between their eyes.

As they were talking, Jia Heng walked quickly over, gently took Daiyu's slender hand, and said, "Come and see you."

"How is your pregnancy going?" Jia Heng looked at the pretty face with gentle eyes and said in a soft voice, "Sister Lin, come here and let me see the baby."

Daiyu frowned slightly, and her crystal-clear face blushed as she said, "I just showed my pregnancy."

As she spoke, the beauty couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke her belly, a dazed look appearing on her beautiful face.

Jia Heng held Daiyu's pretty face in his hands, smiled, and said, "She is getting prettier."

When Daiyu was a teenager, she was more inclined to the aesthetic of being fair, thin and young, but after having children, her facial lines have undoubtedly become fuller and more feminine.

Daiyu snorted, and with her charming eyes she rolled her eyes at the young man in the python robe, saying, "When have I ever been ugly?"

Jia Heng chuckled and said jokingly, "It still tastes the same."

Even if she is about to become a mother, she still retains the playfulness and gentleness of her girlhood.

Daiyu's eyes sparkled softly under her willow-shaped eyebrows. She snorted softly and said, "How is Sister Bao doing?"

Jia Heng said: "She is already pregnant."

Baochai got pregnant quite early, so her belly looked bigger now, and Baochai was originally plump.

Daiyu's eyes flickered, and she said softly, "Brother Heng, will Sister Bao and I give birth on the same day?"

Jia Heng smiled and said, "You two got pregnant at the same time, so you might give birth on the same day, but the probability of this happening is quite small."

Daiyu's eyes sparkled like stars under her emerald eyebrows. She added, "I don't know whether Baojie's baby is a boy or a girl."

Jia Heng smiled and said, "Sister Lin, do you think your baby is a boy or a girl?"

When Daiyu heard this, her pretty and bright face flushed and she said, "Does Brother Heng like boys or girls?"

Jia Heng smiled, gently held Daiyu's slender hand, and whispered, "As long as they are born by Sister Lin, I like them all."

When Daiyu heard this, her petite face flushed and she said shyly, "I still want a boy."

Jia Heng chuckled and said, "If a boy is born, how will Sister Lin teach him in the future?"

Daiyu said, "Just teach him the art of music, chess, calligraphy and painting."

Jia Heng smiled and said, "Won't he be allowed to study the Four Books and Five Classics and take the imperial examination in the future?"

Daiyu pursed her soft pink lips and said, "In the future, if he wants to take the imperial examination, he can do so. If he doesn't want to pursue a career in politics or economics, it would be nice to be a rich and idle person who enjoys the mountains and rivers."

Jia Heng nodded and agreed, "It's a good thing that Sister Lin has such an idea."

If you don't have too high expectations for your children, they will be happier in the future. However, when they grow up, they will always face the world alone, accept the torture of reality, and realize the importance of power.

Jia Heng thought about this and took Daiyu's soft and smooth slender hand and whispered, "Sister Lin."

Daiyu's eyes were as bright as water. When she met those dewy and sparkling eyes, her curved eyelashes trembled and she closed her eyes.

Jia Heng came closer and kissed the two pink lips, and felt a soft and pleasant breath coming over him.

After a while, Jia Heng looked at Daiyu, whose face was as red as the clouds. Under the bright light, she was more beautiful than flowers and more gorgeous than anything else.

Jia Heng and Daiyu snuggled together for a while.

Daiyu asked softly and concernedly, "What has Dad been busy with recently?"

Jia Heng whispered, "Uncle Lin is busy with the immigration to the outside of the Great Wall. The state affairs are complicated now, and Uncle is the second assistant of the cabinet, so he has a lot to worry about."

Daiyu's fair and snowy face was already flushed with beauty at this moment. Her pink lips under her delicate and straight nose seemed to be making a soft "hmm" sound, and her starry eyes were like condensed dew, crystal clear.

Jia Heng smiled, gently pinched the beauty's cheek, and whispered: "Don't worry, Sister Lin, the Imperial Hospital is now specifically taking care of Uncle Lin's health, and will not let Uncle Lin get tired."

Daiyu hummed softly, and lowered her beautiful head with long black hair like a waterfall. Under her willow-shaped brows, her sparkling eyes were as bright as rainbows.

Jia Heng and Daiyu stayed in a good mood for a while, and without saying anything else, they left the room and walked quickly to the outer room.

Daiyu raised her beautiful eyebrows, her bright eyes were as clear as water, and seemed to be moistened by the soft waves. She said, "I have taken the pregnancy medicine now, and I need to rest for a while. You go and accompany Sister Zijuan and Sister Xiren first. They haven't seen you for a long time."

Jia Heng nodded, gently reached out to help Daiyu tuck in a corner of the quilt, smiled, and said, "Close your eyes and go to sleep."

Daiyu hummed softly and slightly closed her bright starry eyes. After a short while, the sound of even breathing could be heard from under the nose of the beautiful woman.

Jia Heng looked at the gentle and lovely face with its plump and charming features, and felt an inexplicable sense of pity in his heart.

The Immortal Crimson Pearl Grass, who used to cry and be sad all the time, has now given him children and her heart is much brighter.

While Jia Heng was speaking, he stood up, walked around the screen with mountains and rivers, came to the hall, raised his eyes and saw Zijuan.

Zijuan lowered her voice and asked, "The girl is asleep."

Jia Heng said, "He's already asleep."

As he spoke, Jia Heng took Zijuan's slender hand, then looked at Xiren who was about to tiptoe to the inner room, and whispered, "Xiren, let's go together."

Xiren said "hmm", her face as white as snow red, and followed Jia Heng out of the room and went to the side wing.

……

……

Palace Garden, Funing Palace

At this moment, Concubine Duanrong was wearing a navy blue palace dress, and her plump and fair face looked a little haggard.

Missing out on the throne, or losing it again after gaining it, is a blow that most people cannot withstand.

In particular, Concubine Duanrong witnessed the affair between Jia Heng and Queen Song with her own eyes, and one can imagine how resentful she was towards someone.

At this moment, a graceful female official came in from outside, her voice charming and sweet, like a yellow oriole singing in a valley: "Your Majesty, the Eighth Prince is here."

Concubine Duanrong raised her delicate head with long black hair and looked in the direction of the voice with her beautiful eyes.

After a while, the eighth prince Chen Ze was seen with anger on his face, walking into the warm room.

Chen Ze is now about fourteen or fifteen years old. He has a tall and straight figure and a heroic face, and his eyes and eyebrows show some of the majesty and awe-inspiring charm of Emperor Chongping during his lifetime.

"My son, you're back." Concubine Duanrong called out softly, noticing the change in Chen Ze's expression, and asked, "What's wrong?"

Chen Ze said: "Mother, I just heard from Master Sun in the academy that the Prince of Wei is about to be resented by the civil officials."

Chen Ze now almost regards Prince Wei as an enemy, and in private with Concubine Duanrong, he no longer addresses Jia Heng as his brother-in-law.

Imperial Concubine Duanrong's eyes were as soft as water. She frowned her emerald eyebrows and asked, "What do you mean?"

Chen Ze said: "King Wei values ​​the teachings of agriculture and Mohism, but despises the teachings of Confucianism and ritual. Now it is the spring examination period, and scholars from all over the world have gathered in the capital. The public is filled with anger, and it is waiting for a fire to be ignited thoroughly."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Duanrong was surprised, her eyes flickered, and she asked, "Nong Mo's teachings?"

Chen Ze nodded and explained, "Although agricultural studies and Mohism are beneficial to the country and society, Confucianism is the right path. The king of Wei is far away from the wise and distant from the villains, and disaster is not far away."

Concubine Duanrong's heart moved slightly, and she asked, "Ze'er, will your brother-in-law's action cause an uproar among the officials outside the court?"

Chen Ze's jade-like face was filled with a cold expression. He whispered, "Not only the officials in the outer court, but all the scholars in the world will hate the King of Wei's perverse actions."

Concubine Duanrong looked thoughtful and asked, "Ze'er, can you contact the outside world now?"

When this matter was mentioned, Chen Ze's face turned pale, and he said in a low voice: "Now the Jinyifu guards outside are closely monitoring me, and it is difficult for me to contact people outside."

As he spoke, Chen Ze's fair and boundless face was filled with anger, and he said in a deep voice: "The Jinyifu Guards outside were originally the henchmen of my royal family, but now they are the running dogs of the King Wei. If I ascend the throne again, I will kill all these traitorous servants!"

Upon hearing this, Concubine Duanrong whispered, "Ze'er, don't be so angry."

Although Concubine Duanrong also had a deep hatred for Jia Heng, she was used to being a rich and beautiful woman in the deep palace, so she could always maintain a peaceful state of mind.

Chen Ze calmed down, picked up the teacup on the small table, took a sip, and said, "Mother, just wait. Prince Wei now thinks he has great power and is complacent. After this incident, there will be loyal ministers and righteous men to fight the rebellion and punish the evildoers."

Concubine Duanrong had beautiful eyebrows like spring mountains and deep eyes. She said in a gentle voice, "Ze'er, you have to talk to your sister nicely. After all, we are family."

Chen Ze said softly: "Don't worry, mother. My sister and I are siblings. Although my sister was deceived by Prince Wei, she still stands on the side of mother and me."

Under the emerald eyebrows of Concubine Duanrong, her crystal clear eyes were as bright as water as she said, "Your sister was indeed deceived by your brother-in-law."

Chen Ze's flawless face was extremely sinister at this moment. Under his dark green eyebrows, a gleam of light flickered in his eyes. He said, "Mother, my uncle is in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and my fourth uncle is an official in Jingzhao Prefecture. Can he help us?"

Concubine Duanrong shook her head gently and said, "After the incident of Wei Liang's rebellion, your third uncle no longer dared to get involved in such dangerous things. Besides, he is the father-in-law of Prince Wei. As for your fourth uncle, although he is the prefect of Jingzhao, he still works for Prince Wei."

"Snapped!"

Chen Ze slapped the small table, his resolute and calm face seemed to be covered with a layer of frost, and said, "Damn it!"

Concubine Duanrong frowned and said, "Where is the Qi-cultivation skill that I taught you? If your father saw you like this, how sad he would be?"

Chen Ze's expression suddenly changed when he heard this, and he quickly said, "What mother taught me is that I am impatient."

Concubine Duanrong turned her head and looked out the window, her eyes were deep, and she said, "It's not that easy for Prince Wei to usurp the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty has been established for a hundred years, and your father has worked hard to govern the country and revive the Han Dynasty. Countless people in and outside the court are impressed by his prestige. It's just that Prince Wei is so powerful now, so he has to flatter him and endure humiliation. As long as the time is right, he will support you."

When Concubine Duanrong said this, she sighed quietly from the bottom of her heart.

Prince Wei's followers now spread all over the country and abroad. Loyal ministers and righteous men such as Gao Zhongping, Li Zan, and Xu Lu were all killed by him. How many court officials are still loyal to the Han Dynasty?

Besides, Prince Wei is like an old fox, cautious in every move. Now he and his sister have helped Chen Luo become emperor and deceived the world. How can she expose Prince Wei's true face?

……

……

Putting aside the worries deep in Concubine Duanrong's heart, let's say that in the next five or six days, the discussion among the imperial examination candidates in Beijing about the so-called inner court of the Imperial College - the Academy of Sciences - became more and more heated.

The main question is which iron ball will land first, a one-pound iron ball or a ten-pound iron ball? Secondly, how can an iron ship float on the water? Thirdly, in ancient times, Chang'e flew to the moon, and now there is a white rabbit flying to the sky.

All the candidates in the entire Shenjing City were thinking about the two questions raised by the Imperial College, and at the same time felt that the so-called white rabbit flying to the sky was pure nonsense.

How can a rabbit fly into the sky if it doesn’t have wings?

Not long after, news came from the Imperial College's Science Academy that in a few days, before the Spring Examination, the Imperial College would hold an experiment in the tower to test which of the two iron balls would hit the ground first.

As soon as this news came out, all the candidates in the capital were almost excited.

In other words, after several days of hustle and bustle, the candidates in Beijing also became curious about Xu Guangqi and the Academy of Sciences in the Imperial College.