Chapter 317 The Return of the Lover

After bidding farewell to Li Zhi, Chen Heng chatted with his mother-in-law Jia Min for a while when he got home, and the imperial edict was delivered to the house through the Xingren Division. The servants in the house are all very proficient in the proper etiquette and desking. After a slightly solemn ceremony, when Chen Heng accepted the imperial edict, he became the fifth-rank magistrate of Songjiang Prefecture.

This speed of promotion is not unpleasant, but thinking about what he experienced in Ping'an Prefecture and what he did in Songjiang Mansion, Chen Heng felt at ease.

Jia Min was the happiest person about Chen Heng's promotion. At such a young age, he is able to achieve this official position. The prospects for the future cannot be described as far-reaching.

It happened that Lin Ruhai had not yet gone to the office, so the mother-in-law simply asked her son-in-law to chat a little more.

"It's a national gift from the Supreme Emperor, so I can't celebrate it for you." Jia Min said with great regret.

Chen Heng immediately praised: "That's right, mother-in-law. My father-in-law has the responsibility of supervising all officials, and our family should set an example."

Although the mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law, the more she looks at him, the more she likes him. But Chen Heng was never as comfortable in front of Jia Min as he was in front of Lin Ruhai. Jia Min doesn't care about junior's restraint. As long as Heng'er treats Yu'er well, that's more important than anything else.

"When we go back this time, you two should hurry up and settle the matter." Jia Min counted the days. After the New Year, the state funeral will be over. It has been a year since Yu'er married into the Chen family. It is the right time to have a child at this time.

Chen Heng looked embarrassed when he heard this, and felt a little hopeful in his heart. Who will the children born to me and Daiyu look more like? I just wish my skin color could be more like Yu'er's.

"I know, mother-in-law."

Seeing that Chen Heng agreed to the matter, Jia Min nodded with satisfaction. As soon as she was in a good mood, she started to collect the things she wanted to bring back to Chen Heng. One of the Chen and Lin families is in the capital and the other is in Yangzhou, but they rarely move around each other. But walking around during the New Year and festivals is indispensable.

It happened that Heng'er was in the capital this time, so he wanted to take some more things back and have his son-in-law hand them over to the Chen family in person, which would further show the Lin family's courtesy.

Chen Heng, who was free, spent half a day reading in Lin Ruhai's study before waiting for his father-in-law to come back. As soon as the two sons-in-law met, Lin Ruhai smiled and congratulated her son-in-law on his promotion.

The father-in-law and son-in-law complimented each other for a few words. Seeing Lin Ruhai's beard twitching slightly, Chen Heng smiled and asked something, "Teacher, do I have to go to the Ministry of Personnel to get documents tomorrow?"

In the previous compliment, Chen Hengzheng mentioned Lin Ruhai’s teachings. Calling "teacher" at this moment made Lin Ruhai feel even more joyful. Without thinking too much, he said directly: "Now that Mr. Yan takes leave every day, you don't have to go. With this edict, it will be the same when you go back."

Considering the scope of work of prefecture and county magistrates, there are still many differences. Lin Ruhai pulled Chen Heng to share with him his experience as a prefect in Yangzhou.

These are all practical insights. Chen Heng listened and asked, and the time passed very happily. Lin Ruhai was more interested in chatting today and brought out the recent events in the morning to give her son-in-law some insights.

Chen Heng listened for a long time and then asked suspiciously: "So, Your Majesty plans to take over the Zhen family first?"

"Yes." Lin Ruhai nodded and said softly, "In these few days, people from the Criminal Department and Dali Temple will take the first step."

That means the Zhen family will be arrested and brought to justice before the New Year's Eve. Chen Heng asked thoughtfully, "What about the crime?"

"Treason." After Lin Ruhai said these two words, he sighed and shook his head. It seems that the huge aristocratic family is about to decline.

He specifically explained to Chen Heng, "The Zhen family originally relied on Prince Yi Zhong to make their fortune. Many of the people under the water this time are also Prince Yi Zhong's disciples and former officials."

Later, Lin Ruhai explained to Chen Heng the strategy he and Wei Yinghong had decided together. To investigate the major conspiracy case, the imperial court planned to seize the place first and then move on the nobles of the capital.

"Although it is more complicated to do, it can reduce some turmoil, which is always a good thing for the people." Lin Ruhai set the tone for the matter and said, "Don't forget this matter after you return to Songjiang. The county magistrate told me about his personal experience. Because, magistrates are different from magistrates. It is more important to know people and make good use of them, and coordinate the relationship between local and county officials. "

Chen Heng stood up hurriedly, and the two sons-in-law continued to speak. However, Jia Min had already sent someone to invite the confused son-in-law to go out for dinner.

Considering that when I go back today, I will definitely not be able to spend the New Year with my two elders. Although he couldn't drink, Chen Heng still tried his best to make the two elders happy at the table.

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A few days later, Chen Heng took Li Jun, Liu Xianglian, Lin Jue, and Xinda back to Songjiang's officialdom. If it weren't for Li Jun, who was a dragster, Chen Heng would actually prefer seagoing ships. Nowadays, starting from Tianjin Wei, it takes a few days to reach Songjiang by sea ship, which is really fast.

It's a pity that Li Jun is rich, and it is rare for him to travel to the palace to study, so his mind has already flown to the ends of the world. Along the way, Li Jun took Liu Xianglian and Lin Jue to look east and west, and it was so lively.

Xinda watched clearly from the sidelines and felt that it was really troublesome for such a big shot to stay in Songjiang for half a year. He asked this question to Chen Heng and learned the reason from the latter.

"Do you really think that His Highness is following us just to study? Now the imperial court is preparing to stir up the families from all over the south of the Yangtze River. After the storm and thunder, His Highness will come to calm people's hearts and stabilize the situation on His Majesty's behalf."

"After this matter is finished, he will take a look at the maritime affairs of Songjiang Prefecture a few times. He will probably return to Beijing immediately."

When his brother said this, Xinda immediately thought in his heart: I know these people above are full of tricks. Any little thing about study tour can be made into a fuss over and over again.

"Live your life peacefully, don't worry about His Highness. Although he likes to play, his character is good." Chen Heng put down the book, signaled to Xinda who was worrying about him, and quickly poured himself a cup of tea.

Little did he know that Li Jun was coming back from the bow after seeing the scenery. As soon as he pushed the door, he shouted: "Master Chen, who do you say is playful?"

Chen Heng had Li Zhi and Li Xian behind him, so he was not timid when he spoke, and said directly: "Of course it is His Highness."

Li Jun didn't care, but laughed happily: "I have been playful these days, Master Chen, don't worry, I have come to my senses, and I am about to bring Brother Jue to ask you for advice."

"That's right, that's what His Highness told me at the bow." Lin Jue was still helping, but he didn't know that he had already said everything.

This brother-in-law of his is a wonderful person. Chen Heng smiled lightly and watched Li Jun and Lin Jue get into a verbal battle. The two men were of similar age, the same age as his second brother Chen Qingyue. When they passed by his house, he could take his second brother with him to Songjiang.

Having made up his mind, Chen Heng persuaded the two men to stop arguing, and said to Li Jun, "What do you want to hear today, Your Highness?"

"Let's continue to talk about the Sima family's usurpation of Wei yesterday." Li Jun was only halfway through a story, so how could he easily change to a new one?

"Okay." Chen Heng nodded and continued yesterday's explanation. "We said yesterday that if Cao Mengde wanted to choose a successor, it could only be Cao Pi, and it couldn't be Cao Zhi who was hanging out with the noble families all day long."

"The reason for this should be explained from the national policy set by Cao Wei - suppressing the superficiality. The so-called suppression of superficiality means cracking down on local tyrants. Although the ancestors of the Cao family had some official positions, they were indeed a world apart from the prominent families such as the Yuan family and the Sima family."

"Cao Cao wanted to end the chaos during the Three Kingdoms period and rebuild a court with prestige and laws. He inevitably had to choose to strip away the local tyrants who were flourishing day by day in the troubled times..."

Although Chen Heng kept talking, Li Jun had already understood most of it. Because the general content of it still revolved around the overview of centralization and great unification. Lin Jue, who missed a class, could only listen and take notes, leaving it for in-depth research later.

Chen Heng was not partial to this brother-in-law who was not allowed to ask questions or speak. It was because he was about to take the college entrance examination, and what he said was useless for the imperial examination. On the contrary, Li Jun, who would ascend the throne in the future, would understand these principles as soon as possible.

Chen Heng's class was not like the old pedant's rote memorization. He preferred to explain the ins and outs of political events to Li Jun, rather than generalizing them with words such as benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, and trustworthiness.

Li Jun was unconsciously absorbed in listening. He liked Mr. Chen's unraveling narration, which was both thought-provoking and in line with historical facts. It was really refreshing.

The class lasted until Xinda changed the oil lamp, and Li Jun stood up and said goodbye as a student. But this class was not in vain. Chen Heng would naturally leave Li Jun with a topic to write his thoughts, just like the teachers in later generations, and at the same time leave Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty as Li Jun's study direction.

Understanding the mistakes of the monarchs of all dynasties is the beginning of success.

History is a mirror that can tell us about rise and fall; people are a mirror that can tell us about gains and losses.

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After spending several days on the canal, Chen Heng finally arrived in Yangzhou before the New Year. Before the group set off, they did not inform the local governor. Chen Heng rushed home with several people to visit his parents before nightfall.

Chen Qi and Chen Huaijin did not expect their children to come back suddenly, so the family was naturally delighted. Chen's mother, Gu, complained that her son did not tell her in advance, and the family did not even have any preparations.

Chen Heng did not care about Gu's nagging, but just said that he missed his parents. Although no one had lived in his room, Gu asked someone to clean it every day. After changing a set of bedding, Chen Heng felt more at ease lying on his bed.

Unfortunately, Chen Heng could not stay in Yangzhou for a long time because of the emperor's order. He only spent one night and spent a little time with his elderly parents at home. The next morning, he got on the official ship again and continued to rush to Songjiang.

The Yangzhou governor who rushed over after hearing the news had to leave the gift for Chen Heng and went back to the governor to report in a bored mood.

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The closer the official ship sailing against the wind and waves got to Songjiang Prefecture, the more uneasy Chen Heng felt. He had lost interest in teaching in the past two days, and Li Jun, Lin Jun, and Chen Qingyue did not dare to disturb him easily. The three boys were playing together secretly, but Chen Heng hid in the house until Liu Xianglian came over and said that they had arrived in Songjiang. He walked out of the cabin with a calm look.

The group walked down the dock. The governor Liu Yanzhang, who had been informed in advance, had already brought the officials of the prefecture, the music band, and the people here. The appearance of Li Jun was really a big deal for a small place like Songjiang.

Although they walked into the prefecture together, Chen Heng only stayed for a while at the banquet arranged by Lord Liu, and took advantage of the arrival of his own carriage. He said he was unwell and left first.

The carriage was driven by Yan Xiaoer. The official road of Songjiang Prefecture had been revised several times, so Chen Heng, who was sitting in the carriage, did not feel any bumps. He endured for a long time, but finally could not help it and lifted the curtain to look outside.

On this road leading to Huating County Government Office, many families still hung white banners.

Chen Heng only took a glance and his sight shrank back as if he had been electrocuted.

"Hey."

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My husband went home today. Daiyu put off the affairs of the academy early and took Yinglian to wait at the back door of her house. As soon as they saw Chen Heng get off the carriage, the three closest people hugged each other tightly.

At this moment, silence is better than sound. No matter how many caring words you express, they can't be compared to the hugs between each other. Chen Heng, who was still thinking, took the two of them by the hand and said, "Let's go home."

Halfway through, Daiyu, who regained her energy, asked Chen Heng why he came back in such a hurry.

"Dad also wrote to me before, saying that His Majesty will keep you until the end of the New Year..."

Listening to the daily routine, Chen Heng felt both joy and nostalgia in his heart. This real life energy is what he is unwilling to give up or forget in this life.

"I miss you." Chen Heng said directly.

Who would have thought that my husband would dare to act so boldly in broad daylight. Amid the suppressed laughter of Zijuan and Qingwen, Daiyu blushed. Chen Heng felt that it was not enough, so he said to the fat Yinglian: "I miss you too."

When Yinglian arrived, she smiled coquettishly and responded: "I miss your husband too."

It was the dim afterglow that shone on the small home. The rekindled oil lamp shone on the snow on the remaining leaves in the yard, and also shone the busy figures on the white walls of the home.

Laughter gradually began, and the head of the family returned. The speed at which Zijuan and Qingwen worked became much more energetic. It just so happens that the day after tomorrow is the New Year's Eve, so it's natural to bring out all the festive red things and ornaments.

Liu Xianglian was tall and volunteered to take over the task of hanging the lanterns. Xinda, on the other hand, frowned and hurriedly sorted out the tents at home. He was not at home during this period, so don't let any stupid bastard bring the false accounts to his sister-in-law.

When it was late at night, everyone in the county government began to take a rest. Chen Heng, who had just finished speaking to the two ladies, stood alone under the eaves enjoying the snow, wearing his outer robe.

God was kind, and it didn't start snowing until he returned home. Looking at the sky and the earth that turned white unconsciously, Chen Heng stood alone, and the poems of layman Yi An suddenly flashed in his mind.

Daiyu, who was repairing Chen Heng's new official robe, vaguely heard singing. Yinglian obviously heard the ethereal singing, and she looked out the window at the falling snow.

"I still miss Xiang Yu and refuse to cross the Yangtze River." Yinglian silently repeated the lyrics several times, and suddenly said unexpectedly, "Sister, is it the voice of your husband?"

It's snowing so heavily, why did the Hun family go out to watch the snow alone? Yinglian really wanted to get up to get some clothes for Chen Heng, but Daiyu had already reached out to stop her, shook her head slightly and said, "Sister, please don't disturb your husband at this time."

Yinglian couldn't figure it out for a moment, but she still listened to Daiyu's words, sat down again and picked up her official boots to repair them silently.

Why did the Overlord of Chu, who was only one step away from being able to survive in an ignoble way, still refused to cross Jiangdong?

Chen Heng figured it out, and so did Daiyu. Chen Heng knew that Daiyu would know, and Daiyu knew that Chen Heng knew that she would know.

Sometimes, she would rather wait outside. Wait for your man to get back on his feet and become the hero who can turn the tide again.