Jia Rong looked at the fenced courtyard on the other side and was about to go back when he saw Suyun coming over hurriedly holding a cloak. The maid lowered her head and put it on respectfully and tied it. He ran away in a hurry again, leaving Brother Rong helpless for a while.
After taking two deep breaths, he heard someone calling him.
"So it's you, why didn't you go have fun in the building and come here?" Jia Rong turned around and saw the two brothers Jia Xiao and Jia Di who lived in Ningrong Back Street. These two people were not the descendants of the second Duke Ning Rong. They were related to Ning Guo Mansion decades ago. Therefore, Jia Xiao recognized Jia Rong as his clan uncle and often visited Ning Guo Mansion.
Jia Xiao replied: "I heard that the uncle is here, and our brothers came here specially to say hello."
"I'm interested." Brother Rong smiled and nodded, but his eyes were fixed on Jia Xiao. He especially remembered that he went to Qingxu Temple for a ritual ceremony that year. It was Jia Xiao's daughter-in-law who instigated it, and then the Zhang Hongchen incident happened. At that time, Jia Rong was still angry and asked someone to investigate Jia Xiao. Although nothing was found, they found out that the brothers used to play Xuanzhen Guanrun.
In the past, Xuanzhen Temple, where Jia Jing cultivated immortality, was later arrested by Niu Gui and She Shen of Xuanzhen Temple, and Jia Jing also moved back to Ningguo Mansion. The Jia Xiao brothers stopped their outside business and settled down in Ningrong Back Street to do some small business in Shenjing City.
He could almost conclude that brothers Jia Xiao and Jiadi were working for Jia Jing. In fact, it was Jia Jing who was really behind the scenes regarding Qingxuguan.
Jia Xiao was so stared at by Uncle Rong that his head went numb, and he said with a smile: "My nephew doesn't dare to bother you, I'm here to send you some news."
"Oh? What news."
"News from the palace."
The smile on Jia Rong's face deepened. Apart from the palace, ordinary people can't find out the news in the palace. Even if Jia Rong wanted to find out the news from the palace, how could Jia Xiao and Jiadi, the two small business owners in Ningrong Back Street, have any news from the palace.
Curious, he said, "You can talk about it and listen to it."
Jia Xiao glanced at Jiadi, who strolled out and paced dozens of meters away. Jia Xiaofang said: "When my nephew was running around the city, he met one or two young eunuchs and accidentally heard some news from the palace. I don't know if it is of any use. Gute came to inform the uncle."
"Oh? There is such a thing." Jia Rong looked at him sideways, not believing it at all. The two young eunuchs could know what was going on in the palace, and the two of them created such a big battle that they actually asked one person to block patrols dozens of meters away. If it is not true news, there is no need for this.
If the news is true, where did their news come from?
Just listen to Jia Xiao continue: "A few days ago, several royal merchants from Shanxi met with His Highness the Crown Prince, and they have decided to open eight kilns in the four provinces of Shanxi, Zhili, Fengtian, and Jiangnan next year to provide supplies to the various ministries of the imperial court. Heavenly things.”
"Oh?" Although Jia Rong had already expected it, she still couldn't help but feel depressed when she heard that eight cement kilns were being built in the palace. Asked: "Do you know how much they invested?"
"Each of the eight royal merchants invested 10,000 taels for His Royal Highness to build eight kilns."
That's it. Ten thousand taels per kiln? These royal merchants are so stingy. If it costs 80,000 taels to build one kiln, Jia Rong might still be worried, but if it takes 80,000 taels to build eight kilns in four provinces, isn't this going to lead to internal strife among several royal merchants? He asked curiously: "Is there any other news?"
"There is one more thing, but it has something to do with the uncle."
"Um?"
"In the first month of the first month, their two highnesses visited hundreds of officials, and some news came out during the period. One of them said that several adults in the court were planning to submit a letter to ban natural objects after the new year. They also said that Ningguo Mansion broke the rules by secretly transporting natural objects into the sea, and even more Those who are confused actually criticize projects such as campsites and rivers."
Those guys are trying to cause trouble. Brother Rong narrowed his eyes slightly. He was not afraid of forbidden heavenly objects. After all, the prescriptions for heavenly objects had been handed over to the palace, and His Highness the Crown Prince was still waiting to build a kiln. As for the bad rules in shipping and criticism of camps, rivers and other projects, they are even more in conflict with King Zhongshun.
"What do these people want to do?"
Jia Xiao said mysteriously: "Actually, the southeastern coastal provinces are related. Since the opening of the maritime ports, in just one year, hundreds of people from the southeastern provinces have stayed in Nanyang privately and refused to return to Dayan. There are also overseas operations that harm the interests of the provinces. Local officials are very unhappy about this."
"What opinions can they have? Overseas goods also have to pay taxes."
"The taxes are paid to the imperial court, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for business operations. The officials on the ground do not get any benefits, but they have to deal with a lot more things. Everyone has their own opinions, and now that filial piety is being seriously suppressed, they see the money. I don't dare to take it." Jia Xiao replied in a low voice, and added: "In addition to this reason, some people speculate that someone wants to hinder today's innovation."
Jia Rong raised an eyebrow, twisted Yintang into the character Sichuan, and thought secretly. The innovation of sea transportation, rivers, and camps would indeed harm the interests of many people. If it were not initiated by King Zhongshun, Bachelor Shu Bole, Shangshu Zhang Yanzhai, etc., Emperor Xiande might not be able to suppress the opinions of hundreds of officials.
The situation between North Korea and China is too complicated.
Jia Rong asked curiously: "Since there are so many secrets about the palace and court, are there any about the Supreme Emperor, the Empress Dowager, the old concubine and the Jia family's empress?"
Jia smiled and said: "The old concubine is old, and our mother-in-law is filial and always serves her. On the fifteenth day of the new year, she went to the East Palace to show her filial piety, which made the Emperor and the Empress Dowager happy. When the other courtyard is completed, the mother-in-law will return to Ning to visit the bride. Far."
Brother Rong didn't care much about the relatives' visit, but he was somewhat helpless. Jia Xiao only talked about how Yuanchun was filial in the palace, but didn't say a word about whether he was favored. Is it because they have no news, or is Yuanchun no longer favored?
He then asked about the deeds of King Beijing in recent years, and Jia Xiao only knew that King Beijing had frequent contacts with Western businessmen recently. Before Jia Xiao left, he mentioned something about Baoyu and Zhang Hongchen, and even revealed that a group of people had been trying to assassinate Zhang Hongchen.
Brother Jia Xiao left, but Brother Rong was still in a daze in the pavilion. After a long while, I gently turned my head and glanced in the direction of Cong Lutang. Behind the wall behind Conglvtang is the Jia Family Ancestral Hall.
Things are more interesting than expected.
Jia Rong sighed in her heart.
On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month of this year, Huifang Garden was very lively. Those who throw dice and push cards, listen to music and watch operas, chase and play, warm wine and play chess. In both houses, men, women, old and young, are all having fun.
But there was a man standing in the corridor with his cloak tightly tight, his gaze falling on Brother Rong through the wind and snow.
When Jia Rong went back, he happened to see it. Looking at the other party's pale and haggard face, I couldn't help but feel a tremor in my heart. Concerned: "Why did aunt come out? It's windy and snowy outside, we should wait for the warmth inside the building."
Lin Daiyu forced a smile. He had obviously promised to meet someone in Shenjing, but he always avoided it. He said with grievance: "No matter how big the fire is underneath, no matter how warm the building is, it can't warm my heart."
Ouch, this little girl’s stubborn and aggrieved look is really heartbreaking. Jia Rong also knew that he was in the wrong. He had indeed deliberately avoided her when he came back recently. But it was also for the sake of Daiyu, a little girl. There was really no need for her to get in the muddy water in the Ningguo Mansion.
It's just Jia Rong's wishful thinking that no one else can understand.
Daiyu just wants to be happy with each other, even if they can see each other more often, she will be happy.
"Auntie, what are you talking about? It's windy and snowy outside, how can it be compared to the peace and comfort in the building." Jia Rong smiled and walked over and called to Zicuckoo: "Why don't you help Aunt Lin back to the building?"
Lin Daiyu couldn't help but choked up after hearing this, and coughed several times, as if she was extremely uncomfortable. His pale face suddenly turned red, the sickly red color that appears when the blood is blocked.
Jia Rong hurriedly went over to help Daiyu, half complaining: "I know it's hard to feel comfortable in this weather, why did you run out?"
Then he asked Zicuckoo: "Auntie, are you taking medicine these days?"
Seeing the girl's uncomfortable look, Zicuckoo couldn't help but her eyes turned red, and she replied: "I'm just taking the medicine."
Brother Rong supported Daiyu, put one hand on Daiyu's back and patted her through the thick cloak until she stopped coughing. He said: "Just taking medicine is not enough. You have to stay away from the wind and frost and stay in a warm place to maintain a good health."
Lin Daiyu stood up and looked at Brother Rong's nervousness, and then saw her little hand being held by him, feeling a little happy and a little shy. There was no expression on his face, the sickly blush slowly disappeared, and he regained his calm look. He frowned for a moment and said politely: "Although that's the truth, but after staying in the room every day, my body is warm but my heart feels like an ice cave. Although the sisters occasionally come to visit, they only chat a few words. Everyone goes about his or her own business."
Jia Rong didn't know how to answer her words. He had already made up his mind to let Daiyu gradually alienate him, and he would not invite her to visit Ningguo Mansion often. After all, Lin Daiyu's grandmother was in Rongguo Mansion. Even if she returned to Jia's family, she would always stay in Rongguo Mansion.
Youyou sighed.
Brother Rong said, "I'll take my aunt back to Tianxiang Tower."
Lin Daiyu slowly shook her head and said, "I can't stand the noise."
"..."
Daiyu suddenly looked at a building, not far from Tianxiang Tower. He said calmly: "There are still a few hours before the big banquet. I heard from the sisters that Brother Rong has built a loft for resting in Huifang Garden. Why don't you send me there to rest for a while. When the banquet starts, we will go back to Tianxiang Tower. go."
Jia Rong looked in the direction of Lin Daiyu's gaze. That was Yixia Pavilion. In fact, he hasn't been to Yixia Pavilion for a few days. Since he came back from Jiangnan, he doesn't know what Yixia Pavilion looks like.
He said: "There is no fire wall or stove in the attic. I don't know if the house has been cleaned carefully recently. I can take my aunt over to have a rest, but the fire in the room has not started yet, so I have to wait for a while to get warm."
"It doesn't matter. If Uncle Xiao Rong can chat with me for a while in the attic, the room will feel warm no matter how cold it is." Zijuan next to her said with a smile.
After hearing this, Lin Daiyu glared at Zicuckoo in shame, but Jia Rong looked embarrassed. Since that night in Yangzhou, he has not thought about how to face Daiyu and deal with the relationship between them.
However, he was naturally able to satisfy Lin Daiyu's small request. He also thought that Lin Ruhai was already an official in the capital, and Lin Daiyu should go back to live with the Lin family after today, so the two of them would have less chance to meet each other in the future. No matter what, today can satisfy some of Lin Daiyu's little wishes.
He asked out of curiosity: "Auntie's hand warmer? Why didn't you hug it?"
Lin Daiyu glanced at Zicuckoo. Zijuan understood the idea and said: "The girl felt that it was stuffy in the building, so she planned to go downstairs for a walk. The hand stove was inconvenient, so she didn't bring it with her. My maid is going back upstairs to get it. Please ask Mr. Xiao Rong and the girl to go first. Went to Yixia Pavilion."
After that, the maid ran away in a hurry, leaving Lin Daiyu and Jia Rong behind.
Lin Daiyu had a slight smile on her lips, and felt that Brother Rong's hands were warm and comfortable, and said, "Brother Rong, please help me to Yixia Pavilion."
As if he didn't understand, Brother Rong let go of Lin Daiyu's little hand and held his forearm.
Daiyu felt disappointed for a while, but she had no choice but to go to Yixia Pavilion together. Halfway through, Jia Rong saw the maid in the mansion and called another maid to come over and help Daiyu.
Lin Daiyu's eyes flashed with light, and she couldn't help but ask the maid to help her. He called out: "First send someone to fetch charcoal fire to warm Yixia Pavilion. I feel better after resting for a while. No need to support me. Let's go to Yixia Pavilion to prepare first."
The two maids looked at Uncle Rong. Jia Rong had just asked them to find someone to get the charcoal fire and arranged for tea and tea.
Jia Rong continued to lead Lin Daiyu towards Yixia Pavilion despite the wind and snow. When they walked to the small bridge between Yixia Pavilion and Tianxiang Tower, Daiyu somehow lost her balance and fell sideways.
Next to her, Jia Rong's heart almost stopped with fright. This was by the river bridge, and it would be easy for Daiyu to be thrown into the river. Fortunately, Daiyu fell towards him. Brother Rong hurriedly put his arms around Daiyu's slender waist. Lin Daiyu was like a willow leaf held hostage by the wind, clinging to Brother Rong's arms.
Jia Rong's rich family is in danger, but Daiyu in her arms secretly raises her lips.
Slowly letting go of Liu Yao, he asked eagerly: "Auntie, were you scared?"
At this time, Lin Daiyu's expression was dull, and the corners of her raised mouth were no longer there. A pair of small hands held Brother Rong's arm tightly. He seemed lost for a while before he regained consciousness and said, "Nothing, the ground is slippery."
Jia Rong did not dare to let go of Daiyu, so she held her hand and went to Yixia Pavilion.
Yixia Pavilion was originally built to escape the summer heat, so the house would naturally be kept warm, but there were no heating equipment such as fire walls and fire pits. Jia Rong took Lin Daiyu to visit the attic, walking up and down from the first floor.
Downstairs, the maid and mother-in-law burned the stove and added charcoal fire, and hung a thick curtain to block the wind. In the first floor, comfortable and warm cushions are placed on the sitting and sleeping furniture, a large heater is placed on the slump, and a small smoker is placed on the slump.
"Auntie, please go down, the maids have already prepared the room." Brother Rong reminded.
Daiyu was still fascinated by the snowy scenery of Huifang Garden, and said leisurely: "It's a good place. The scenery upstairs is also different from other places."
Jia Rong smiled and said: "There is a poem that says: It's cold at high places. Although the scenery upstairs is nice, it's not easy to stay for a long time. Let's go back downstairs to keep warm."
Lin Daiyu looked back with nostalgia, but she wanted to enjoy the snow, recite poems and paint here with Brother Rong. But I thought that Brother Rong was not good at poetry and was cold at painting, so I had to give up and go downstairs with Brother Rong.
When she reached the stairs, she suddenly called Brother Rong.
Jia Rong turned around and saw Lin Daiyu stretching out her jade-white hands, with a special kind of brilliance in her eyes.
When had Lin Daiyu ever made such a bold move? Even when she was hugged in front, she almost fell down. At this moment, there was no one else around, and her eyes were full of hope.
It is definitely a look that can make people move. Anyone who sees it will be tempted. Jia Rong was also frightened, and even began to doubt that her insistence was wrong.
Pull on slowly.
It's like getting an electric shock.
Is it your fault?
Brother Rong had such a question in his heart and held Lin Daiyu's little hand. My hands are still so cold and as soft as they were in Yangzhou. With her thoughts spinning, she led her carefully down the stairs.
No matter what, Daiyu is pitiful and cute after all. They are still young, or do not know love. There is no need to hide from him in the future, just treat him as a close relative.
"My aunt is busy with official duties, and I don't have any sisters at home. After the new year, I can come to the house to stay for a while every month, stay with the old lady, and also come to Dongfu."
