Chapter 170 Who in the World Doesn’t Know You (1515)

The summer rain is still there, but Yangzhou is a bit more lively today. Just after the afternoon, several carriages in the city came out and rushed to the streets and alleys.

The two stewards sent by Xue Zhen to take charge took the guest list given by the host. One was responsible for allocating tasks, and the other circled the names on the paper and wrote the names of the carriages and grooms responsible for the guests. These people are not only responsible for picking up, but also for sending back. Only after completing these two tasks can the wages be settled.

The Xue family invited many people today, and there was a light rain. It was so presumptuous to ask the guests to come with umbrellas. If they got wet, it would ruin the guests' mood for the banquet.

However, it was really exaggerated for the Xue family to directly book the carriages in the city.

After the work was a little busy, the two stewards got together and changed tasks. One was responsible for roll call and the other was responsible for proofreading.

"Did the Chen family in the east of the city send people?"

"Master Chen, they were the first batch."

"What about the Qian family in the west of the city?"

"Are you talking about our master's classmate, or Qian Donglai, the owner of Jiangnan Newspaper?"

"Stupid, of course it's our master's classmate."

"Yes, yes."

The two of them were busy, and the coachman who had led the location and the name of the guest outside was already driving the carriage in the rain. They were very familiar with the streets and alleys in the city, and knew which road was easy to walk and which road could bypass the arch bridge.

Along the way, passers-by who had to travel in the rain saw carriages speeding past, rolling up a curtain of flying geese and hitting the dripping raindrops.

Such a lively scene, the passers-by who stopped were also muttering.

"Which wealthy family is going to make a scene?"

"Who cares? They didn't invite us anyway."

"Hey, you don't know, this is the Xue family in the city, they want to celebrate their child's passing the imperial examination. Don't say they didn't invite us. I heard that they set up a tent on the street and set up five tables inside the tent. Anyone passing by can take their chopsticks and sit down as long as they congratulate the steward at the door."

"Ah... this? Are you serious?"

"Of course it's true."

"Go together?"

"Go together, go together."

When the carriage arrived at the Chen family, the Chen family was still discussing how to go out. Seeing the driver's question outside, Chen Huaijin opened the door and looked at the three carriages in front of him, and then he was dumbfounded.

"This, this, this..."

Chen Huaijin looked at the three carriages lined up in front of the house, and was still a little scared. Who would have thought that the Xue family would treat guests to such an extent.

After the three drivers reported their intentions, Chen Huaijin did not dare to make the decision and quickly told Chen Gaishan about the matter. But Chen Gaishan was not familiar with the Xue family, and he looked at his grandson who had passed the examination.

Chen Heng laughed and motioned everyone to get on the car quickly. Why should we be polite to the Xue family? Their family is now relying on the newspaper tree, and it is no longer the same as it was in the past.

As the reputation of Jing'an Daily became more and more famous, it was finally time to turn losses into profits. Next, as long as they did not make a stupid move, they would continue to have a huge siphon effect. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Xue family holds a gold mountain in their hands.

The family sat in three carriages. Considering the large population of the Chen family, the carriages sent were very spacious. The male members with more people sat in the first two carriages, and the female members sat in the last one.

Although they were all going to the Xue family, the entrance positions were somewhat different.

On the way, Chen Heng thought that Uncle Xue acted so high-profile this time, and he wondered if he planned to use this to make his family famous. After all, in order for Xue Ke to participate in the college and provincial examinations in Yangzhou, their family quietly moved their household registration here.

Although this process is different from that of later generations, it is not much different. It is just that doing so is secretly starting to cut off from the Xue family in Jinling, but there has been no move to split the family on the surface. When Xue Ke is in power in the Xue family, it is not wrong for Xue Ke's children to call themselves the Xue family of Yangzhou. But whether anyone recognizes this sign is the problem of the second branch of the Xue family.

On the way, Chen Qingyue and Chen Yin were the most curious, touching this side and looking there. They were all riding a carriage for the first time, and Chen Heng couldn't help but popularize the things in it for them.

When the three brothers had just finished chatting, the carriage also arrived at the end of the field. Chen Heng got off the carriage and was startled by the Xue family for a while. Uncle Xue actually ordered people to build a rain shelter from the gate, which saved the guests the effort of holding umbrellas.

Luxury, luxury.

Chen Heng laughed loudly, and walked into the gate with his somewhat uneasy family members under the guidance of the servants of the Xue family. Zhou's carriage was indeed heading to another entrance, probably to distinguish between male and female guests.

After crossing the threshold and walking a short distance along the corridor, the Chen family arrived at the banquet. In the spacious courtyard, a huge red cloth was used to cover the head, and the drizzle hit the cloth, but not a drop of rain fell.

Walking into the hall, several straight green bamboos with patterns were placed under the red cloth to prevent rain from gathering on the heads of the guests. Under the bamboos were several pots of landscapes. In this bright red courtyard, the scenery looked much more comfortable, echoing the canna, bamboo and begonia outside.

Dozens of round tables were arranged in an orderly manner, leaving enough space for people to pass. After settling the elders who were not good at speaking, Chen Heng took the gifts and told the servants to lead him to meet the host family.

Walking around the tables and chairs in the courtyard, we walked into the hall. There was another large square table, which was used to entertain distinguished guests. Many servants were hiding in the dark, probably waiting for the guests to arrive and then come out to serve them.

Chen Heng's original position was also here. He is now a scholar, a classmate of Xue Biao, and the leader of this case, so he is qualified to sit here.

But Chen Heng missed his family and mentioned it to Xue Biao in private, and Uncle Xue agreed to the junior's request to change seats.

Seeing Uncle Xue again this time, Xue Ai's face was red and radiant. He smiled and accepted Chen Heng's gift without asking what was in it. He directly asked someone to take it and put it in Xue Biao's study, which shows that he takes it seriously.

Before other guests arrived, Xue Ai took this junior and chatted again and again. He was a master, but he kept saying thank you to Chen Heng. First, it was because of Chen Heng’s hard work in tutoring Xue Biao today and helping him pass the exams. Second, of course it’s for newspapers.

It's just that the latter couldn't explain it clearly. Xue Ai briefly mentioned it and Chen Heng understood it, so that was all.

"Remember to have a drink with uncle later." Xue Ai took Chen Heng's hand and kept patting the back of it. "Today, Zhu'er and I have prepared a surprise for you."

"Ah?!" Chen Heng didn't react. Does he have his own business?

"Hahaha, go and have a good meal. If there is anything you like to eat, just tell the servants directly and ask them to make you a portion. Don't be polite to uncle, you know?"

Seeing a new guest entering, Xue Ai put down Chen Heng's hand and went to greet that person.

Chen Heng, who was confused, returned to his seat outside. At this time, three or three guests had been picked up by the carriage. There was still a while to wait, so he and his two brothers studied the beauty of the Xue family's banquet.

First, there was the floor covered with red cloth, which felt moderately soft and hard, as if walking on flat ground, and there was no trace of water. There should be hay or other materials underneath to isolate the rainwater, but I'm just curious about where the hardness comes from. Chen Heng couldn't figure it out, so he planned to ask Xue Biao if he had the opportunity in the future.

He looked further into the distance. Deep in the courtyard, facing the entrance of the hall, a stage was being inspected repeatedly by the servants of the mansion.

For a banquet of this size, opera, singing and dancing are naturally indispensable. Only the stage was surrounded by blooming flowers, which made people even more mesmerized.

Chen Heng, Chen Qingyue, and Chen Yin enjoyed watching it. Chen Gaishan on the side could not sit still. I felt itchy in my buttocks, and I wanted to stand up and walk, but I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to find my way back. I wanted to twist my body to relieve the discomfort and tension in my heart, but I was afraid of attracting other people's eyes.

Chen Qi's situation is similar to that of his father. Only Chen Huaijin, who runs a tea shop, has the easiest time. He saw the nervousness of his father and brother in his eyes, and he was already laughing in his heart. But on the surface, he pretends that he doesn't know and just doesn't say anything to comfort him. It's really disgusting.

When the firecrackers sound outside and the guests have almost arrived, the banquet can begin. The dried fruits and other items on the table for guests were almost eaten by everyone. Servants carrying food boxes came running from a distance, shuttling around in an orderly manner.

The first dish is rouge goose breast, which is a famous dish in Guangdong. It is sweet and delicious and is very popular among the children at the table.

The second dish is steamed duck with fermented rice wine. The duck meat is marinated in glutinous rice wine and salt and served with thick soup to complement its taste. Eat a bite of the soft duck meat and drink a mouthful of rich soup, which is really amazing.

A couple of bites of meat dishes, stomach-stuffing dishes and vegetarian dishes to soothe the stomach, must be served as soon as possible.

Tofu skin buns are a famous dish in Yangzhou, and the appearance of spiced kohlrabi is indispensable. The kohlrabi, cut into three pieces, is delicious when mixed with sauce and vinegar.

Coupled with the "Golden List Titles" played on the stage, guests who drank a few sips of Shaoxing old wine seemed to be living a fairy life.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

Compared with the banquets of the Xue family, the flowing banquets of the Chen family and the Qian family were nothing. But after they finished it, Jiang Yuanbai suffered a lot. Chen Heng couldn't help laughing when he thought of this.

The geese are here, and the ducks are here too. Of course, the chicken is indispensable. The guests eagerly awaited the next dish. They were all curious about what kind of dishes the traveling Xue family master would bring out. The servants walking through the tables in an orderly manner had already come up with new food boxes.

There is a portion for every table, bring it out and take a look. It turned out to be the fragrant sour bamboo shoots and chicken skin soup. This was probably to quench the thirst of the guests. Everyone secretly shouted that it was fresh, and immediately drank a bowl of chicken soup. In just one bite, the deliciousness hit the top of the throat.

Chen Heng's right and left hands are Chen Qingyue and Chen Yin. The two younger brothers were very good today and saved Chen Heng a lot of effort in taking care of them. After giving them a bowl of soup, Chen Heng quickly took a sip himself. It was indeed extraordinary.

The next dish is stir-fried wolfberry sprouts with oil and salt. This dish is sour, sweet, and bright in color, making people reluctant to use their chopsticks. Chen Heng looked at it and remembered an old friend.

He remembered that Daiyu liked this dish the most. Thinking of this, Chen Heng was shocked again that this little sister had been gone for so long.

I hope her aunt's company this time will make her stay in Jia's house more comfortable.

"Brother, big brother." Chen Yin pulled Chen Heng's sleeve and pointed at the newly served dish, "I want to eat it."

"Okay, be good, Brother Yin." Chen Heng smiled, picked up the chopsticks and stood up.

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The dishes at Lixiangyuan's banquet are personally selected by Baochai. Her thoughts are as smart as Daiyu's, but they are hidden in the dark.

When the cooks of Jia's family prepared the dishes, they were brought out from the food boxes and laid out. As long as the girls stretch out their hands, they can get their favorite dishes.

The roasted venison that Shi Xiangyun and Tanchun love is indispensable, but the ingredient for this dish, venison, is not available in the Jia Mansion this season. It was when Mrs. Wang took Aunt Xue to the palace in the previous episode, Wang Ziteng asked her two sisters to bring it back.

It just so happens that Baochai is hosting a banquet today, so she used it to entertain the sisters, which is a bargain for these girls.

Steamed lamb with milk is Jia Mu's favorite tonic. Among the servants in the mansion, only those who are a little weak like Qingwen and Xiren can eat some occasionally. This dish is also in front of Baoyu.

Next to this dish is Jia Baoyu's favorite goose feet and duck tongue. Fresh goose feet and duck tongue are used, which are cooked over and over again in chicken soup. When you finally eat it, you will have all three kinds of freshness. Dip it in the fragrant fermented wine, and it is even more indescribably wonderful.

Jia Baoyu was very happy to eat, and kept calling for wine. Shi Xiangyun was the most active, and she drank three cups of wine to satisfy her cravings. Lin Daiyu didn't dare to drink too much. Before leaving, her father and brother had given her many instructions. Tell her to drink less and eat less cold food.

When she first arrived at the Jia Mansion, Lin Daiyu only took it to heart. When she was in the mood to eat, she didn't pay much attention to it, and only regretted her greed afterwards. Now that we have been apart for a long time, I often think of my father and brother's advice, and suddenly I start to obey them.

So, the thoughts of girls are really hard to understand.

After three rounds of wine, Baochai, as the host and guest today, talked much more than usual. She sat next to Baoyu, observing his movements while chatting with her sisters to keep the atmosphere from cooling down.

But today, there are Wang Xifeng, Jia Tanchun, and Shi Xiangyun at the table. When these three get together, it's like the Queen Mother's Peach Banquet - it's very lively.

They haven't stopped talking since the beginning. Wang Xifeng sat on the other side of Baoyu, and next to her was Tanchun, next to Tanchun was Xiangyun, and after Xiangyun was Daiyu, and then Yingchun and Xichun.

Everyone gathered together, just talking about everything. But Jia Baoyu's eyes frequently looked to the side, and he noticed that Lin Daiyu was a little silent and taciturn today.

Seeing her like this, Baoyu thought she was in a bad mood, so he brought up the topic he had just hidden and asked again, "Hey, what do you mean by the little three yuan you just mentioned?"

He originally wanted to let Sister Lin answer it for him so that the other party could talk more. But Daiyu ignored him, and the others at the table looked at each other in bewilderment.

This question is easy to answer. But how to answer it properly is difficult. There are only three people at this table who can do it without leaking a drop of water.

One does not want to answer, and the other does not want to answer. So Wang Xifeng, the head of the family, had to come forward to answer Baoyu's doubts: "This little three yuan means that you are the first in the three tests of the county, prefecture, and court. If you pass the exam, you will be a scholar."

Although Wang Xifeng often modestly said that she had never been educated, she was really married to the daughter-in-law of the Jia family. How could the younger generation personally trained by the Wang family be an incompetent person who had never been educated and could not read?

The books she mentioned were just the Four Books and Five Classics that men often read. She knew and read ordinary books and words. Growing up in a rich environment, her knowledge is not bad.

When Jia Baoyu was told about a scholar, he understood it. But before he could speak, Wang Xifeng continued, "Our family started with martial arts, so it's normal that you don't know. It's just that the world has been peaceful in the past two years, and everyone's mind is on studying. If you really want to see the excitement, wait until the scholar passes the imperial examination and the Jinshi, and they come out to parade as the top scholar, and you can still stand in your own pavilion and watch it."

It's amazing to be able to speak. In just a few words, she not only expressed her superior status, but also pointed out that the path for a scholar is still difficult and long.

Others have worked hard to get to the capital once, but you, Mr. Jia, were born here. The top scholar parade is just a scenery in your eyes, why are you still competing with someone who is not there.

After being reminded by Wang Xifeng, Jia Baoyu immediately woke up. He is definitely smart, but he grew up in the gentle countryside of the backyard. He has never seen the ups and downs of life, and is surrounded by beauties all day long, so he gets angry when he is not happy.

Wang Xifeng knows that the second master is not bad by nature, but he has not really opened his mind. After all, he is only thirteen years old, and the child is still young. There is a long way to go, and he may have some ability when he grows up.

Sure enough, Jia Baoyu, who has figured it out, immediately said to Daiyu: "Sister Lin, your brother has such talent, I really admire him."

He tried to make up for his earlier behavior, hoping that the beauty would let go of his earlier rash words.

Baochai picked up a piece of lamb and put it in Baoyu's bowl, and then said, "To be able to pass the exam three times in a row, his literary talent must be first-rate. No wonder Sister Lin often mentions her brother."

Lin Daiyu looked here and there, and suddenly smiled and said, "My brother is naturally extraordinary. It doesn't matter whether he passes the exam or not. Who knows, in a few years, everyone in the world will know his name."

When everyone heard this, they were all curious about the reason. What does it mean that even if he doesn't pass the exam, he can still let the world know about it. Lin Daiyu smiled and said nothing, just drinking tea.

Wang Xifeng on the side was still surprised by Baochai's behavior just now. She didn't expect that this cousin would show her intimacy with Baoyu in public.

This, this, this... just went back to her mother's house, why did she become a different person after returning? Wang Xifeng was sharp-minded. Thinking that the selection was cancelled this year, Baochai probably had no hope of entering the palace, and her mother's family must have planned to put Jia Baoyu on the table.

But the Jia family has always had the tradition of the daughter-in-law being the housekeeper, although I don't know when it started. But the ancestors said so. Mrs. Wang was the housekeeper before, and so was the second wife's sister-in-law, and now I am the housekeeper.

When she thought of Li Wan's situation after she took away the power of housekeeping (Note 1), Wang Xifeng's heart went off alarm bells. She was one of a hundred younger siblings who didn't want to have a sibling like Xue Baochai. She knew that this was a difficult person to get along with, and both of them were related to Mrs. Wang. All things considered, can a niece-in-law still kiss her daughter-in-law?

Wang Xifeng, who was secretly anxious, followed Baoyu's gaze and looked at Daiyu, who was calmly at ease.

It's annoying, it's annoying, this young lady from my aunt's family also looks down on the second master of the Jia family.

How can this be done?

This is what people should do.

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Chen Heng ate happily at the table. The ham stewed elbow just served was really good. If it tastes good, eat more. Life is only a hundred years long, and it’s boring to have to show off and show off just to eat. Being a scholar made him not act as tight as before.

He lowered his head and was so focused on eating that he naturally didn't notice the person quietly walking up behind him. It wasn't until Xue Biao coughed lightly that Chen Heng noticed that he and Uncle Xue were already standing with wine glasses in their hands, smiling.

Chen Heng was a little embarrassed, and the guests at the same table with him also made a gesture to get up. They themselves did not expect that the guests sitting in the outer courtyard would also have the host come over to toast in person.

"Everyone, sit down, everyone, sit down, I'm here to see my juniors." Xue Ai pressed her hands repeatedly, indicating to the guests to help themselves first. He nodded to Chen Heng and left him to his son to take care of him. He went to take Chen Gaishan and Chen Qi to express his gratitude. What he said was the fate of the two families and the good thing that the children promoted each other's learning.

Chen Gaishan and Chen Qi were a little nervous and stumbled a bit in their answers. Chen Qi had met Xue Ai, but he didn't have much contact with him. I just learned about the wealth of the Xue family today, and I can't help but feel nervous. Xue Ai didn't care, and drank with the two of them several times with wine glasses in hand.

Xue Ai's family knew about her family affairs and knew that Chen Heng had helped her family a lot. Without his attention, where would the newspaper come from? Without him using the name of Mr. Yuan He to stand up, the newspaper would not have had such an easy journey.

Now I'm helping my son get the honors. This is a scholar. With this status, coupled with the connections and connections that Xue Ai has accumulated. I don’t know how easy Xue Biao’s future journey will be. There is almost a broad road in front of them, and the Xue family does not have to worry about having no successors.

If Xue Biao can follow Chen Heng and work harder, he will be successful in the examination. Xue Ai didn't dare to think about such a scene, and she became more and more eager to drink with the Chen family.

Xue Biao, who was on the side, saw this, and Xue Ai, who was very anxious for his son, had a headache. He stood next to his friend and said, "Don't mind."

"Ah? What do you mind?" Chen Hengcai touched the wine glass with him and drank it down in one gulp.

Xue Biao suppressed his laughter and finished the meal in one gulp. Then he filled up the wine for the other party and the two chatted for a while. Xue Ai just finished chatting with the elders of the Chen family and turned around to have a drink with Chen Heng. Xue Ai had heard a lot of congratulations today. But from what Chen Heng said, when he saw Xue Biao standing side by side with the other party, he felt deeply comforted.

"It's important to have a close friend in life. You two should cherish this friendship. No matter what your situation is in the future, you must not be alienated from each other." Xue Ai once again warned the two juniors. When he was young, he seemed to have had such a friend. It’s just that as we get older, there are not many people who can keep in touch.

"I know, Dad."

"Yes, uncle."

The two juniors nodded hurriedly.

Seeing this, Xue Ai left them alone to talk. He continued to return to the hall to receive the distinguished guests at home. After he left, Xue Biao asked someone to clear away a pair of bowls and chopsticks, sat down next to Chen Heng, and asked with a smile: "Want to know what the surprise is?"

"If you didn't tell me, I would have forgotten it." Chen Heng was also very curious and hurriedly asked, "What on earth is it."

Xue Biao looked at the sky and saw that it was almost time, so he pointed to the stage in the distance and said, "Look."

Chen Heng looked over again and saw that a play had just been performed on the stage and the actors were exiting in an orderly manner. As for the new show, the servants walked past with the names on the cards.

When everyone present looked at it, they saw the words "Battle against Ciyun Temple" written on it.

Immediately, the audience roared with applause.

This is an extremely famous part of "The Legend of Shushan Swordsman", and it is Mr. Yuan He's masterpiece. Together with "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio" and Mr. Yuan He, it has long become an indelible mark on Yangzhou.

And as the long story continues to be serialized, "The Legend of Shushan Swordsman" has captured the hearts of many people with its bizarre and atmospheric plot and the flying fairy tricks. It has the momentum of coming from behind and suppressing "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio".

In recent years, there have been rumors that theater troupes would bring the story of Shushan to the stage. But from time to time, no one in the troupe had the guts. After all, "The Legend of Shushan Swordsman" is so famous that everyone has an impression of the characters in it. The casting and content adaptation can be described as endless disputes.

Chen Heng was still in a daze when he saw the title of the play. Chen Qingyue had already clapped his hands and said excitedly: "Big brother, big brother, it's Shushan, it's Sanying Eryun, it's Li Yingqiong!!!"

Can I not know? Chen Heng rolled his eyes, but then he reacted. No, how did this kid know?

Xue Biao smiled and put his arm around Chen Heng's shoulders, "Look first, look first. Then teach him a lesson when you go back."

Chen Heng smiled and had no choice but to turn his head. Behind the curtain of the stage, several figures slowly walked out. The first one was a clown who looked like a fairy, wearing beauty makeup, carrying a scabbard on his back, pointing a long sword in his hand, rolling down from three stacked chairs, scolding: "Thieves, where can you escape?"

The story has been fermented for a long time and has long been popular. Everyone knows that this person is Qi Lingyun just by looking at his appearance. Few people in the venue don’t know the cause and effect, and even if there are, it doesn’t matter. There are many people at the table who are happy to talk about it.

Qi Lingyun was fighting with Fa Yuan on the stage. Suddenly, she swung her hand and the sword flew straight out, slashing at Fa Yuan who was a few steps away. Seeing that Fa Yuan dodged it again, I don’t know what magic he used, and let the sword fly back to his side.

With the sound of flying swords coming from behind the curtain, the audience couldn’t sit still and stood up and cheered. Guan Changhe, who had been watching backstage, breathed a sigh of relief.

They, the Guan family, had long wanted to adapt "The Legend of Swordsmen of Shushan", but they couldn’t stand the flying swords and magic in the book, so they kept hesitating. If someone hadn’t thought of pulling the stage farther away and using a thin rope for traction control, he really wouldn’t dare to try it rashly.

Such a famous book, if performed well, will naturally become famous. If it fails, the Guan family will also prepare to pack up and leave.

Seeing that the first difficulty has passed, Guan Changhe put aside half of his worries. He looked at He Youshan, who was invited to dub, with gratitude behind the scenes. Having such a storyteller with superb ventriloquism really adds a lot of color to this opera.

It must end smoothly. Guan Changhe prayed to God silently in his heart.

There were people standing around watching the show. Chen Heng and Xue Ke had to stand up. There was no way. If they were still sitting, they could only see heads.

The fight on the stage continued. Although there was a rain curtain blocking the middle, it could not extinguish everyone's enthusiasm. A few months ago, the scholars in the newspapers were still arguing about "Yangchun Baixue" and "Xialibaren".

In fact, the people living in the market have already made their own decisions, but no one has heard their voices. It is no wonder that when Mr. Yuanhe and Li Bian had a verbal battle, they would be willing to be with the former. It was probably because Mr. Yuanhe's book was written for them to read.

On this rainy summer night, fresh green leaves quietly emerged from the soil in the corner of the wall. The returning guests also brought this wonderful play to the streets and alleys. As Jing'an Daily was sold in various places in Jiangnan, many fans of Mr. Yuanhe also knew about the excitement in Yangzhou City.

When the reprints of "Shushan Swordsman" were sold out in various places, those punctuation marks continued to fly to thousands of households along with the content of the book.

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After returning, the Chen family sat together in the hall to digest the food. Everyone ate a lot, and going to bed directly like this would be a burden on the body. Even the youngest Chen Yin was asked to stay together.

Chen Gaishan and others drank some wine, and they were not very interested in chatting. The topic was taken up by the women in the family. Their topic ranged from the method of making each color to today's opera.

In the end, I don't know what happened, it turned to Xue Baoqin. Chen Qing and Chen Xian both laughed and said, "I didn't expect Miss Xue to also like reading. We were confused when we listened to her. She was the one who told us about the characters and their origins."

Chen Heng guessed that Baoqin should be influenced by Xue Ke. He smiled and nodded, boasting, "Mr. Yuanhe is still very famous."

PS1: Li Wan should have been a housekeeper. When Xiaohong reported to Wang Xifeng, Wang Xifeng didn't recognize her identity and origin. But Li Wan could explain her parents clearly. Xiaohong was just a maid in the outer courtyard of Yihong Courtyard, not even as good as Sheyue and Qiu Wen.

Li Wan was concentrating on chanting sutras behind closed doors. How could she know someone that Wang Xifeng didn't know?

PS2: Please vote. It's close to 8,000 words again. So far, all the fifteen chapters that are owed have been completed. This volume is almost done. It's really not easy.