"What on earth is Uncle Bao going to do?" Uncle Rong said impatiently.
Baoyu pulled Brother Rong into the room, closed the door, and then started laughing. He said: "I've been looking for Brother Rong many times, but Brother Rong is always busy. I happen to have some time today, so I came here to tell Brother Rong the good news."
"What's the good news?" Brother Rong asked.
Baoyu smiled and replied: "Brother Rong, do you still remember the last experiment with Brother Rong in Yihongyuan?"
How could Jia Rong be forgotten? It's not that he wants to remember it, it's just that it's profound because of its absurdity. Hearing Baoyu talk about this, he asked with doubt and hope, "Uncle Bao looks like this, is he feeling better?"
Baoyu coughed slightly and said slightly embarrassed: "Although he is not cured, he is getting better."
"That's good." Brother Rong sighed.
Baoyu then said hurriedly: "If Brother Rong is willing to help me again, I think it won't take long for my problem to be cured."
What help?
Help you uncle. Brother Rong glanced at him sideways. This guy didn't look any better. He was clearly looking for an excuse to go to Yihongyuan to work as a toolman. He frowned and said: "As I said last time, I will only try it once. Since it doesn't work, don't try this idea again in the future."
"It's useful, it's useful." Baoyu said eagerly. He held Brother Rong tightly and whispered about the performance of Second Master Ribao that day. Baoyu said proudly: "I just think about how Brother Rong will act later. The more I think about it, the more excited I feel. Even the maid Bihen is surprised by the changes."
"cough……"
Brother Rong just wanted to die when he heard it. He said helplessly: "It's better not to tell anyone about the private things in Uncle Bao's room."
Baoyu smiled and said: "I didn't mention it to anyone else, I just talked to Brother Rong. Although I wasn't happy that day, it was not in vain. If Brother Rong wants to be able... Brother Rong, don't leave. Brother Rong... …”
Damn it, you know Baoyu can't say anything serious. Why did I believe him? Brother Rong thought helplessly, and walked away quickly regardless of Baoyu's shouting after him.
After leaving the woods, I happened to meet Jia Zheng and others who were visiting the garden. Brother Rong greeted everyone first, but when Baoyu saw the situation, it was too late to keep quiet and hide.
Several people visiting the garden saw Baoyu, and one of them asked with a smile: "Which family does this young master come from? He is so blessed. I didn't even notice it the night before."
Jia Zheng also saw Baoyu and looked at his son carefully, with a proud smile on his face. He replied with a smile: "The Prince Consort praises me, this is Quan Zi."
Brother Rong observed carefully that Jia Zheng actually had such a peaceful side in front of outsiders. Then I heard Mr. Zheng and Baoyu call out: "Come and see Yongchang Prince Consort, Leshan County Prince and several uncles and brothers soon."
Looking at Baoyu now, he looks like a mouse meeting a cat. He doesn't dare to move or speak nonsense. He is very well-behaved and completely different from the way he looked in the study just now. Baoyu came cautiously and greeted everyone one by one.
The Prince Consort of Yongchang did not forget to joke. "It turns out that he is your biological brother, our great uncle. No wonder he has such extraordinary demeanor. How old are you this year? Do you like him?"
Baoyu respectfully returned his age.
Jia Zheng was the first to answer that Baoyu was not engaged yet, and said with a smile: "He is exquisite and naughty. He has read some books, read a few essays, and written a few words, and then he felt that he was different. He is also the queen's favorite." He wrote many plaques and long couplets in the huge garden, which made him even more frivolous."
Brother Rong stood aside and said nothing. He was a lower-ranking person, even though he had an official position. But the current small position is useless in front of the royal family. So I just didn't say anything and just observed the people present.
After listening to Jia Zheng's words, Yongchang Prince Consort, Leshan County Prince and others all smiled even more.
On the contrary, Jia Rong felt different and heard Jia Zheng laugh and say: "Don't praise him anymore. If you continue to praise him like this, his monkey tail will be raised above his head."
show off.
Brother Rong felt that Jia Zheng was just showing off. Such a scene was very awkward. He didn't even know Jia Zheng very well. I just heard Jia Zheng say something again, and he all picked up Baoyu's good words. Although he also expressed that Baoyu was occasionally naughty, he still showed off in general.
This feeling is like hearing relatives talk about how their children are doing during the Chinese New Year in future generations.
For example: The one in my family is very naughty and disobedient. The teachers all said that he was smart. If he was willing to pay more attention, he would definitely be the first in the exam. Because he is naughty and unwilling to pay more attention, he is now ranked second in the grade, only two points less than the first.
Brother Rong feels very bad. Doesn’t he know what Baoyu is like in private? However, Jia Rong did not expose it, but occasionally responded. But he did not only praise Baoyu, but also took care of the mood of several listeners.
After all, anyone who listens to such bragging will feel a little uncomfortable.
Baoyu, on the other hand, looked at Jia Zheng with some surprise. He never thought that Mr. Zheng would praise him like this in front of outsiders. Some were shocked, some were flattered, and some had some indescribable emotions.
Brother Rong saw Baoyu's fingers quietly grabbing the skirt, stroking it there, twisting it there.
After a few people chatted here for a while, they decided to go to Tianxiang Tower. Baoyu was still confused. Brother Rong pushed him secretly, and Baoyu came back to his senses. I heard him say in a daze: "Today I am going to the Grand View Garden to accompany the old lady."
Jia Zheng chuckled and nodded and said, "That's fine. You can go wait in front of the old lady. Don't be naughty and bump into the distinguished guests in the garden."
Baoyu hummed.
Brother Rong invited the people present to go to Tianxiang Tower. When he turned back, he only saw De Baoyu walking towards the Grand View Garden in the west, worried about gain and loss. Shaking his head secretly, he waited for everyone to arrive at Tianxiang Tower before he found a sensible maid outside Tianxiang Tower to look for treasures and jade and send them to the Grand View Garden.
Jia Zheng was obviously very happy that day. Even at the banquet, he showed his rare arrogance, and he accepted everyone's drink. As a result, Jia She also looked at him sideways and sometimes advised him to drink less.
Jia Lian and Brother Rong stood together and spoke softly.
"What's wrong with my second uncle? I've never seen him like this in previous years."
"Perhaps I am thinking that I will leave Beijing in a few days and don't want to leave home." Brother Rong replied calmly.
Jia Lian nodded and sighed: "It will take three years for Uncle Zheng to leave like this. After three years, Baoyu will also be of marriageable age."
Brother Rong curled his lips, Baoyu's marriage would not be so easy. The most lacking thing in the two mansions now is officials with real power. The names of the Duke's Palace and the Mother-in-Law's Family are not of much use.
Jia She and Jia Lian of Xifu will not be able to become real officials in the next few years. Although Jia Zheng has been appointed as a scholar, it is difficult to get promoted. Among the younger generations, Baoyu and Jia Huan are not as good as Official material.
To maintain it, Xifu can only marry into powerful families. Otherwise, no matter what you do, you will only get nothing.
Brother Rong also felt today that the Jia family was still valued in the eyes of the royal family and nobles. He asked carefully: "The second grandpa is also going to take office. Uncle Lian has never thought about going down to work as a grandpa?"
In the early years, Jia Lian donated an official to Tongzhi, but he never took up the post. Now that the influence of the deposed prince has slowly been eliminated, the Jia family is still relatively powerful, and it is not difficult to promote Jia Lian to a local official.
Jia Lian's expression changed, and he whispered: "Brother Rong, please don't harm me. That mother-in-law is already living in your house, do you still want to drive me out of Shenjing? I am not suitable for office by nature, and I have Uncle Zheng in my family. Brother Rong is enough."
Jia Rong just wanted to roll her eyes. Who the hell said this because of Wang Xifeng, why can't she contribute to the descendants of the Jia family?
Listening to Jia Lian's words, Brother Rong couldn't talk about letting him become an official anymore. He just said: "Although Prince Leshan is a romantic and leisurely king, he is still friendly and suits Uncle Lian's temperament. Uncle Lian can spend more time with him in the future. The other princes and princes have too many thoughts, and it will not be good if they entangle them too much. .”
Jia Lian looked sideways for a moment after hearing this, and then looked at Prince Leshan. This character can't stand up to an older Baoyu, so he doesn't suit his temperament. Looking at the other royal relatives, it seems that they only care about the romantic Prince Leshan.
Jia Lian said: "Look at how we look today, there are a few drunk people. Have the arrangements for a retreat in the mansion been made?"
Brother Rong smiled and said: "I have made plans a long time ago. I have tidied up several rooms in Ningxixuan and Dengxian Pavilion."
After three rounds of drinking, it was indeed crooked. The most obvious one is naturally Jia Zheng. Although Brother Rong also drank a lot later, Jia Zheng was confused after drinking.
Wait until the banquet is over. Those who were sent back were sent back, and those who arranged for advancement and retreat were also supported.
But the drunken Jia Zheng didn't want to leave. He looked for Brother Rong among the noise and held his hand.
"Second Master, do you have something to tell me?"
"have……"
One is slightly confused, the other is slightly drunk. The two stood crookedly, relying on others to hold them steady. Brother Rong quickly winked at Jia Lian and asked Jia Lian to take charge.
Brother Rong and Jia Zheng were helped to talk in a nearby room.
After the two of them sat down, the servants served hot tea and fruits. Jia Zheng couldn't wait to drive the servant away. He raised his upper eyelids with all his strength, hunched over and said confusedly: "Brother Rong... Rong'er... go back... go home... just rely on me." You are in trouble."
Brother Rong was still sober compared to Jia Zheng. He heard what he wanted and said hurriedly: "The Second Master said it is serious."
Jia Zheng waved his hands and moved his head from side to side, looking like a drunkard. He suddenly opened a door, breathed out the breath of alcohol, and said: "It's not serious, from now on... Brother Rong will be responsible for the family affairs."
"..."
Jia Zheng suddenly grabbed Brother Rong's hand and said seriously: "Others in the family can't take care of things, let alone things. Among so many men, you are the only one who can take charge of things. Although Lian'er is capable of doing things, you can't take charge of them." There is no master but you."
Brother Rong was grinning after hearing this, thinking that Jia Zheng was drunk and talking nonsense. In response, he said, "If the Second Master has anything to give, please tell me if you want to give it to Ronger."
Jia Zhengyi stretched his back and stretched his neck, raised his head, and said with a confused smile: "I have seen everything Ronger has done in these years. He has done well in reforming the righteousness school, and he has also done well in the field. Not only has he made meritorious service in the court, You also have the trust of King Zhongshun. The only one who can take charge of the family is you, Rong'er is stronger than me and can do better than me."
Brother Rong smiled bitterly and wondered whether drunk people would repeat certain sentences and say certain things over and over again, as if they had to say important things one more time.
He replied: "Second Master drank a lot today. It's time to rest early. Don't praise Rong'er."
"I'm good at drinking. I'm good at drinking. I'm not drunk."
Jia Zheng waved his hands and even his beard was tangled, as if he was drunk. Jia Zheng said: "I will leave Beijing in a few days, and the old lady, Baoyu and others in the houfu will be entrusted to Ronger. Ronger can be a good official, but also needs to manage the family well. The two houses are integrated, and the one in the west is You need to take more care of things.”
Brother Rong listened carefully and felt that it was hard work for Jia Zheng to speak for such a long time. When he finished speaking, Brother Rong still waited. After seeing nothing, he responded calmly: "There is an old lady in the west who is in charge of the overall situation, the second wife and Aunt Zhu are in charge of internal affairs, and the foreign affairs are in charge of Grandpa Pardon and Second Uncle Lian. The Second Grandpa is worried."
"There is always a limit to how things go in internal affairs... The matters in Ping'an Prefecture are not settled yet." Jia Zheng hiccupped again as he spoke, and after taking a few breaths he continued: "They may be able to live in peace for a day, but they may not be able to live in peace for a whole day. Years. And Baoyu..."
"..."
What's going on? Brother Rong curled his lips helplessly. When Jia Zheng was in the government before, I didn't see how he took care of things. Now that he is leaving, he feels that he needs someone to take charge of it in Xifu?
What logic.
Because Brother Rong drank a little wine and listened to Jia Zheng taking himself so seriously, he really couldn't help but have the urge to complain to his face.
In fact, from Brother Rong's point of view, whether Jia Zheng leaves or not will not affect Xifu at all. When Jia Zheng was here, if Jia She really wanted to do something, Jia Zheng couldn't stop him. As for the old lady, Baoyu and others, there is nothing for Jia Zheng to worry about.
The old lady is enjoying herself, and Baoyu is also enjoying himself now. Jia Zheng's only role in the government is probably to scare Baoyu. The drunk Brother Rong was making random calculations. Later, when Jia Zheng said a lot of things, he just bowed his head and accepted it, thinking it was just a useless drunken talk.
Jia Zheng ignored him and kept talking to himself.
"It's time for Teng to return to Beijing in a while. If Rong'er encounters something difficult to make, she can talk to Zi Teng for discussion." Jia Zheng said in a daze, and then added: "The Jia family's affairs will be discussed." There is no need for the Wang family to interfere. Although they are in-laws, the surname Jia and the surname Wang are still different. There is no need for the Wang family to interfere in family affairs."
Brother Rong was stunned when he heard this, and he grinned and complained in his mind: Your wife and daughter-in-law are still members of the Wang family, and she is also the direct sister of someone else's Wang Ziteng. Is it really okay to say this in private?
Complaints are complaints, but Jia Rong also agrees with Jia Zheng's statement. There is no need for the Wang family to intervene in the Jia family's affairs. Benefits belong to interests, in-laws belong to in-laws, and one code belongs to another code.
It cannot be said that now that the Wang family is in power and they are old relatives, they can point fingers at the Jia family.
That night, Brother Rong was pulled by Jia Zheng and talked a lot, and finally found a temporary residence in the garden and arranged for Jia Zheng. When Brother Rong returned, the entire front and back yards of Ningguo Mansion were quiet.
Grandma Rong couldn't help but joked when she saw him coming back.
"I thought the uncle would stay at Yixia Pavilion today."
