Chapter 2842: Jia Baoyu Makes a Fool of Himself, a World of Difference

Jia Zheng was stunned when he heard this, with a look of surprise on his face. Others sitting in the room also looked surprised. They didn't expect that there was such a reason.

"I see, Chang'er never told me about this, and I didn't even know!"

"However, Chang'er is your nephew. He should speak kindly to his uncle. We are all one family. Why should my brother-in-law be so polite? There is no need to say thank you, and I won't be afraid of shortening that boy's life!"

Jia Zheng had a smile on his face, and there was a hint of pride in his expression. No matter what, Jia Chang was still his son, father and son were one, so of course he was proud.

Mrs. Wang clutched the Buddhist beads tightly in her hand, her face was expressionless, and there was a hint of resentment in the depths of her eyes. She glanced at Jia Zheng with some annoyance. Jia Chang was in the limelight, which made her very unhappy. What did this bastard want to do? Do you want to win over your in-laws and seize the title of Rongguo Mansion?

"Wishful thinking, with Baoyu here, that bastard will never get his turn!"

Mrs. Wang secretly resented that she was treating Rongguo Mansion as a treasure, completely forgetting that Jia She was the master of Rongguo Mansion. Even if Jia She died, his son Jia Lian would inherit the house, and there was no one with his second wife. any relationship.

Tan Chun had a strange expression on her face. She first glanced at Mrs. Wang, who had an ugly face, and then lowered her head. Her eyes fluctuated slightly, and her heart felt ripples.

"Sure enough, he has grown into a towering tree. The Rongguo Mansion can no longer limit his achievements. Even high officials like Uncle Lin must respect him. Sure enough, he has not flown for three years and soared into the sky for three years. If the year doesn’t ring, it will be a blockbuster!”

Lin Daiyu's heart was filled with ripples, and her little face showed gratitude. She remembered that day when she went to stop Jia Chang because of the incident in Jia Yucun, and she felt extremely regretful. She clutched the handkerchief tightly in her little hands and frowned. , thinking about how to express my apology and gratitude!

Jia Baoyu didn't have any ideas at this time. All his thoughts were on Lin Daiyu. Since Jia Zheng was there at this time, he didn't dare to be presumptuous. He just curled up and stared at Lin Daiyu, completely indifferent. Noticed Lin Ruhai's murderous gaze.

"I have long heard that Baoyu was frivolous and said that daughters are flesh and blood made of water, and men are flesh and blood made of mud. When I see daughters, I feel refreshed; when I see men, I feel turbid and smelly."

"Isn't he just a libertine and a frivolous person? You must keep Yu'er away from him in the future. This kid is obviously not well-intentioned and wants to take away the little cabbage I have worked so hard to raise!"

Naturally, Jia Baoyu didn't know what he was like as a pig brother, which made Lin Ruhai have a very bad impression of him and directly excluded him from the selection of son-in-law.

"What my uncle said is true. He is so hypocritical!"

Lin Ruhai said this, but he had already made up his mind to thank Jia Chang in the future. He knew very well that if Jia Chang hadn't asked for mercy, he would have died in office. Those big salt merchants in Jiangnan were not good. He had hated himself so much over the years. He had been attacked many times over the years, both openly and secretly. His only son had been implicated, which made his wife extremely sad, unable to recover, and passed away.

Mother Jia looked at the people with different expressions and sighed in her heart. Jia Chang was so outstanding now, which caused a stir in Rongguo Mansion. If the concubine is strong, the legitimate son will be affected. She also doesn't like Jia Chang in her heart, but she also Nothing can be done.

First of all, Jia Chang is the Marquis of Wu'an whom His Majesty values, with a high position and outstanding military exploits. As the old lady of Rongguo Mansion, Jia Mu cannot suppress the opponent even if she cannot hold a bowl of water in check.

Secondly, Jia Chang has already lived in separate houses and has no place to rely on Rongguo Mansion. Jia Mu has no support for Jia Chang. Even if he wants to suppress Jia Chang, there is nothing he can do. He can only place his hope on Jia Baoyu in the future. Be more ambitious, be named on the gold list, and enter the official career.

Mother Jia showed a kind smile on her face and said to Jia Zheng and Lin Ruhai.

"You guys go to the front yard. Dinner should be ready. We women won't get involved. You guys can have a good chat!"

Hearing this, Jia Zheng nodded in agreement and led Lin Ruhai to the front hall, where Jia She and Jia Lian had already been waiting.

"Baoyu, you come with me too!"

Jia Zheng looked back at Jia Baoyu who was sitting next to him, frowned, his face instantly drooped, and he was as gloomy as water, and he scolded Jia Baoyu.

Jia Baoyu was so frightened that he stood up quickly, with bitterness on his face. He was timid and did not dare to object.

When Lin Ruhai saw this scene, a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes. He was too cowardly. He had no sense of responsibility at all. He might not be able to become a great person in the future. It depends on fate!

At the dinner table, two brothers, Jia She and Jia Zheng, exchanged cups with Lin Ruhai. It was very lively. Lin Ruhai's return to Beijing was a great thing for the Rongguo Mansion. He had one more person to rely on in the court, the third-grade minister of etiquette, The weight is enough to intimidate many people.

The table is full of delicacies from the mountains and seas, and the preparation is exquisite, which requires a lot of ingenuity on the part of the chef. Of course, it also costs a lot, enough for an ordinary person's family to spend a year.

The most famous one is a dish of eggplant. Even Lin Ruhai, who has experienced a lot in prosperous places like Jiangnan, can't help but admire it and secretly lament the extravagance of Rongguo Mansion.

This eggplant recipe is complicated and extremely tedious to make. You need to peel off the freshly harvested eggplants first, then clean the flesh, cut it into cubes, fry it with chicken, and then add chicken breast meat with mushrooms and new bamboo shoots. Mushrooms, spiced dried bean curd, and various dried fruits are all cut into cubes, simmered in chicken broth, mixed with sesame oil, and mixed with bad oil, put it in a porcelain jar and seal it tightly, take it out when you want to eat, and then stir-fry it Just mix the chicken and melon together.

After drinking and chatting, the guests were all happy. Then the party ended. Naturally, the servants cleaned up the table. Lin Ruhai and others returned to Rongxi Hall. Jia She was impatient and left directly. He also took his son Jia Lian with him. He didn't know what to do.

In the main hall, Lin Ruhai and Jia Zheng sat at the top. Jia Baoyu was like a quail, shrinking below, trembling and afraid to speak.

Lin Ruhai looked at Jia Baoyu, whose face was like a full moon, thought for a while, and spoke.

"Baoyu, I often hear my uncle praise you for your extraordinary intelligence and extraordinary talent. You are a seed of reading. You are not young now. What books have you read?"

Jia Zheng smiled and stroked his beard gently when he heard Lin Ruhai's words. He asked Jia Baoyu to come over. His original intention was to introduce to Lin Ruhai that the illegitimate son Jia Chang was appointed as a general and a marquis at a young age and became an important official in the court. Naturally, he had more expectations for Jia Baoyu.

Jia Zheng thought that Lin Ruhai was a third place winner, a candidate in the imperial examination, and his writing was excellent. In addition, he became the Minister of Rites and an important official in the court. He would certainly be valued by Emperor Yuan Kang in the future, so he wanted Lin Ruhai to help him discipline his son. With this relationship, there would be fewer obstacles in the future imperial examination.

When Jia Baoyu heard Lin Ruhai's question, he felt a little nervous. He knew that Lin Ruhai was his uncle and the father of his sister Lin. He wanted to behave well, but he was very restrained. He stuttered and couldn't speak clearly.

This performance made Jia Zheng's face change on the spot. His face was gloomy, and the maidservants who were serving on the side were trembling. If Lin Ruhai hadn't been here, he would have almost failed to show the posture of a strict father and directly pressed Jia Baoyu to the bench and beat him hard to death.

Lin Ruhai's expression did not change, and he was not disappointed by Jia Baoyu's poor performance. On the one hand, he did not have so many expectations for Jia Baoyu, and on the other hand, he was also at this age. When a teenager faces a stranger, few people can handle it calmly. Although he was not as unbearable as Baoyu, his performance was limited.

Although Lin Ruhai thought so in his heart, he still shook his head secretly when he thought of Jia Chang, who was also a child of Rongguo Mansion.

"As the old saying goes, goods are thrown away when compared with goods, and people are killed when compared with people. Jia Chang is one year younger than Jia Baoyu, and the same age as his daughter. He has already fought on the battlefield, invincible, and made great military exploits. He became the Marquis of Wu'an in Daqian, and he is a high-ranking official. How can Jia Baoyu compare with him!"

Lin Ruhai showed a kind smile on his face and comforted Jia Baoyu.

"Baoyu, don't be so nervous. It's just a casual chat between our family members. Relax!"

Jia Baoyu saw Lin Ruhai's gentle attitude, and his nervousness was relieved a lot. He spoke more smoothly, but he still didn't dare to look directly at Jia Zheng above him. He was cowardly and incompetent, which made Lin Ruhai shake his head.

Lin Ruhai was wise and worldly, and he knew the ways of the world but was not worldly. He had seen through Jia Zheng's thoughts long ago. He owed Jia Chang a big favor for coming back this time. Naturally, he would not refuse Jia Zheng's request and spoke directly.

"Baoyu, you are not young anymore. You should settle down, concentrate on studying, and study writing, so that you can laugh at the heroes in the future in the imperial examination!"

"If you have any doubts in your studies, you can come and ask me. As a senior in the imperial examination, I can still give you some advice!"

Jia Zheng was overjoyed when he heard this. He also took great pains for Jia Baoyu's imperial examination and wanted to pave the way for Jia Baoyu in advance. With Lin Ruhai's guidance and help, as long as Jia Baoyu has enough knowledge in the future, he will definitely be able to pass the imperial examination, which will not be in vain.

Jia Baoyu was hesitant when he heard this. He was not a person who loved reading, at least he did not like to read the Four Books and Five Classics, the way of the saints. He liked poetry, songs, miscellaneous books and stories. He was extremely disgusted with the imperial examination and official career, and was reluctant to say thank you.

Lin Ruhai was a little angry when he saw this. He was not a shameless person. If it were not for Jia Baoyu being his nephew, he would have turned against him and left directly.

Jia Zheng was furious. He stood up suddenly and shouted at Jia Baoyu.

"You evil creature, why don't you thank your uncle quickly? Why are you wasting so much!"

Jia Baoyu was frightened by Jia Zheng's anger and turned pale. He stood up trembling and thanked him, and his words were stuttering.

"Thank you very much, uncle!"

Seeing this, Lin Ruhai sighed and was even more pessimistic about Jia Baoyu. This irresponsible look would definitely make it difficult for him to achieve anything in the future.

Jia Zheng looked unhappy and a little impatient, but because of Lin Ruhai's presence, he couldn't teach Jia Baoyu a lesson directly. He waved his hand and said with some disappointment.

"Get out, you only know how to play all day long!"

Jia Baoyu ran out of Rongxi Hall in a hurry as if he had been pardoned, and went to Jia Mu's Rongqing Hall. He showed a look of relief on his face, as if learning from Lin Ruhai was a big deal.

Jia Zheng looked at his brother-in-law with some embarrassment, laughed dryly twice, and didn't know where to put his hands. He just explained.

"Ruhai, I'm sorry to make you laugh. It's because of the old lady's over-indulgence that Baoyu has developed this lazy character. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you in the future. Thank you for your care!" Lin Ruhai didn't know what to say for a moment when he heard this. He had seen the situation just now. Jia Baoyu became what he is now, not just because of overindulgence. But he couldn't say anything about it. His son was Jia Zheng's own, and he was the head of Rongguo Mansion. It was really hard to say anything. "Uncle, you are too polite. As long as Baoyu comes to me, I will definitely not hide anything!"

Lin Ruhai was certain that Jia Baoyu would never take the initiative to find him, so he said it very straightforwardly.

Jia Zheng was relieved when he heard this, but he also knew Jia Baoyu's temperament very well, thinking that he should be more disciplined and not let Jia Baoyu waste this great opportunity.

Rich people don't know how to enjoy their work, and poor people can't stand the desolation. It's a pity that he wasted his good time and had no hope for the country or the family. He is the most incompetent in the world, and he is unparalleled in ancient and modern times. I send a message to the playboys and the rich, don't follow this child's appearance.

This poem "Xijiang Yue" was used by Cao Xueqin to describe Jia Baoyu. It is very appropriate and clear that Jia Baoyu is a playboy, incompetent and unworthy.

Lin Ruhai and Jia Zheng talked about the political situation and articles and poems for a while, and then returned to Rongqing Hall to meet Jia's mother again.

"Mother-in-law, I just came here. In addition to visiting, I also want to take Yu'er back to the mansion. Now that I'm staying in Shenjing, I can naturally take care of her!"

Jia's mother was a little unhappy when she heard this, and a little anger appeared on her face.

"Why are you worried about Yu'er staying with me? How can you, a man, know how to take care of a daughter? Yu'er will stay with me for the time being. There are many sisters in the mansion, and she won't be lonely. Don't worry!"

Lin Ruhai was a little embarrassed when he heard this. What Jia's mother said made some sense. Although he had concubines in his mansion, he was not close to Daiyu. If he was busy with government affairs, he really didn't have the energy to take care of his daughter.

Lin Ruhai glanced at his daughter, thought for a moment, and then spoke.

"In that case, let Yu'er stay in the mansion for a while. When mother-in-law is tired of it, I will take her back to the mansion."

Jia's mother smiled happily when she heard this, and hugged Lin Daiyu next to the price into her arms, saying very affectionately.

"Yu'er and Baoyu are both my sweethearts. I will never get tired of them in my life. I wish they would always be by my side!"

Grandmother Jia had an idea in mind. She wanted to promote the marriage between Baoyu and Daiyu. Even if Jia Baoyu did nothing in the future, he could have a father-in-law who was a big shot in the court as a support, so he could have no worries about food and clothing, and enjoy endless wealth and glory for a lifetime.

When Lin Ruhai heard Grandmother Jia mention Lin Daiyu and Jia Baoyu together, he immediately understood Grandmother Jia's thoughts and frowned slightly. However, since Grandmother Jia had not said it clearly, he could not say much. He could only think about giving his daughter a few words in the future, and keep a distance from Jia Baoyu, the playboy.

The night deepened, the moon was bright, and the cold silver light fell, like a layer of gauze covering the earth, soft and bright, which made people admire.

Lin Ruhai chatted with his daughter alone for a few words, especially reminding Lin Daiyu to pay attention to the separation of men and women, and then returned to the mansion alone.

The next day, Lin Ruhai did not attend the court. Emperor Yuankang granted him a month's vacation, asking him to take a good rest, adjust his body, and wait until he was in better spirits before busying himself with government affairs.

After breakfast, Lin Ruhai stepped on the sedan chair and headed for the Wu'an Marquis Mansion not far from Rongguo Mansion. He had sent a visiting card yesterday to thank Jia Chang.

Jia Chang had been waiting in front of the mansion early. When he saw the sedan chair land, he hurriedly stepped forward, saluted Lin Ruhai who had just walked out, and said.

"Nephew greets uncle!"

Lin Ruhai looked up and saw Jia Chang wearing a casual suit. He was tall and burly, with a face like a crown of jade, sword eyebrows and star eyes, shining like flowers, and he was majestic without anger, but he also had a bookish air, elegant and handsome, extraordinary demeanor, calm and self-assured, like Zhou Lang, a Confucian general, a rare good man.

Lin Ruhai hurriedly helped Jia Chang up and smiled slightly unexpectedly.

"Why are you so polite, Chang'er!"

"I didn't expect you to be so handsome and bookish!"

Lin Ruhai originally thought that Jia Chang, as an invincible warrior on the battlefield, should be big and strong, like his elder brother Jia She, a little vulgar and uneducated, but he didn't expect Jia Chang to be completely opposite to what he imagined. If he hadn't known Jia Chang's identity in advance, he would never have regarded Jia Chang as a military general.

"Uncle, you are too kind. Although I have studied for a few years, I haven't learned much!"

Jia Chang smiled modestly and shook his head. He was born in Rongguo Mansion. Even if he studied for the imperial examination and passed the imperial examination, he would not have any future and would be excluded by civil officials. That's why he decided to give up writing and join the army.

Lin Ruhai naturally didn't believe this. Jia Chang's style and temperament showed that this nephew he had never met was a learned man, not as vulgar and wild as he imagined.

The two exchanged greetings and then entered the Wu'an Marquis's Mansion side by side. Although the mansion was very large, it was not as luxurious as the Rongguo Mansion. There were guards in the mansion, and there was a solemn atmosphere. This allowed Lin Ruhai to see some of Jia Chang's military style.

In the living room, Jia Chang and Lin Ruhai talked about some current affairs, reached some consensus, and then changed the topic. Speaking of articles and poems, both of them were erudite people, and they talked happily for a long time without stopping.

Until, Xiao Ruyi couldn't stand the hunger and rushed in.

"Marquis, aren't we going to have dinner yet? I'm starving!"

Jia Chang and Lin Ruhai came back to their senses and looked at the sun outside. It was gradually setting in the west. It was already Weishi, which was about two o'clock in the afternoon.

Lin Ruhai looked at Xiao Ruyi, and a trace of astonishment flashed in his eyes. He didn't expect this girl to be so bold that she dared to interrupt the master's conversation.

Jia Chang looked around and took in Lin Ruhai's reaction. He chuckled and explained to him.

"Uncle, this is Xiao Ruyi. She and I have been dependent on each other since childhood. Now she is my godsister and the mistress of the mansion!"

"This girl is a greedy person and cannot stand being hungry. I am sorry to make you laugh!"

Lin Ruhai heard this and suddenly realized that he admired Jia Chang even more. Jia Chang is both civil and military, knowledgeable and righteous. He can do this to the maid who took care of him when he was a child. He is completely different from Jia Baoyu. He is a responsible and reliable person.