Red Mansion and Crimson Pearl

Let’s talk about Tao Xingjian.

After receiving the book list written by Daiyu, Tao Xingjian excitedly asked someone to copy one for him and went to the bookstore outside to buy the books first. If he couldn't find the books, he would put the list in his sleeve and go into the palace.

He had already received the news that Jia Baoyu and Wang Xifeng were possessed by evil spirits. Although he felt it was not a big deal, he was still cautious and asked someone to keep an eye on them.

When Mrs. Wang went to Daiyu's place to make a scene, Tao Xingjian felt something was wrong and immediately ordered his men to follow the Jia family to arrest the people. As soon as Ma Dao Po was sent to the Jingzhao government office, Tao Xingjian's men took her into the inner court before the door of the dungeon was even opened.

By the time Aunt Meng's letter reached Tao Xingjian, Ma Dao Po had already confessed everything she needed to confess. She returned to the Jingzhao prison without anyone noticing.

At this time, Ma Dao Po had become bait, and the Jingzhao Prefecture had arrested seven or eight people for poisoning her. The people from each prefecture were sent back to their own prefectures. During this period, countless women in the inner houses of the noble families in the capital had died suddenly and inexplicably.

As for the Jia family's affairs, they were naturally the focus of Tao Xingjian's attention. The letter that made Aunt Meng's face turn black that day was the confession of someone who was caught by following the clues.

Miss Lin can no longer live in the Jia family.

Tao Xingjian began to make plans for Daiyu.

"Your Majesty, how long has it been since you got the book? Have you chosen a husband for Sister Lin?" Tao Xingjian asked when the emperor had just finished his lunch and was taking a leisurely walk.

Emperor Zhaoming frowned and said, "How come all these officials and nobles in the capital are so bad at educating their children? From what I see, there is not a single one who is without problems!"

Tao Xingjian only wanted Daiyu to leave the sinkhole in Rongguo Mansion as soon as possible, so he said: "No gold is pure, and no one is perfect. As long as the elders are kind and the children are motivated, life will always be good."

"What kind of words are you talking about?" Emperor Zhaoming was immediately displeased. "I am the Son of Heaven, rich and powerful, and I want to find an excellent son-in-law for Ru Hai. Is it possible that I can't find one?!

"That child is still young, there's no rush! I'll pick one more! Even if there really isn't any in the capital right now, can't I find a few good ones from other provinces to transfer in?"

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. He simply ordered Tao Xingjian to call all the important officials and asked, "Who proposed to hold the special examination last month? Invite them to come and discuss it! I still don't believe that there are no good talents among the world's talented people."

Tao Xingjian was both angry and amused, but he had no choice but to listen to the quarrel for the entire afternoon. After finally sending the emperor to the harem, he quickly asked for leave and went straight to the History Museum.

——He still has to get books for his precious niece!

Holding the list of skits and essays from past dynasties, the historians looked puzzled: "Which prince or grandson of the emperor suddenly became interested in becoming a talented and romantic scholar?"

Tao Xingjian just laughed and bowed to ask for help from the History Museum.

As they are all the people who deal with the emperor the most, it is natural that they have to look after each other.

An editor of the History Museum went around looking for it, and after finding most of it, he took out a copy with a frown, reluctant to part with it: "This is a unique copy... How about I ask someone to copy one for you tomorrow?"

Tao Xingjian smiled and said, "Why don't you collect all the books first? If there are any unique copies, I will ask someone to copy them. Is that ok?"

"This is my only copy, and you can copy it just like that. Who are you giving it to as a favor? Huh?!" Emperor Zhaoming's voice sounded gloomily.

Tao Xingjian was startled. He turned around and saw that Emperor Zhaoming had walked in alone. The people in the History Museum had already knelt down. He quickly handed over the list in his hand:

"It was Sister Lin. Aunt Meng said that she didn't even dare to write comments on the books given by the Jia family. I felt sad when I heard that, so I asked her to make a list of the books she wanted to read and find her a few more books. Let her draw whatever she wants!"

Emperor Zhaoming snorted, holding the list of books between two fingers and looking at it for a while, his narrow and long phoenix eyes moved away in boredom: "You like reading these? You are really a little girl in the boudoir... But what is there to comment on these?"

"In fact, I heard from Aunt Meng that my sister likes to read Laozi, Zhuangzi, Qu Yuan, Wang Wei, and Li Bai, and she often entertains herself with books and history books.

"But those are just empty talk. It would be better to think about how to grow more grain and cotton so that the poor people can have enough food and warm clothes.

"I guess she really loves to read and wants to review the book, but she is too embarrassed to tell me." Tao Xingjian said with a smile.

Emperor Zhaoming laughed and said, "This is Ruhai's daughter!" After thinking for a moment, he asked with a low laugh, "Do you remember that year when Ruhai read the "Chuan Xi Lu" behind our backs?"

"I don't remember "Instructions for Practical Living", I only remember..." Tao Xingjian bit his tongue and swallowed the name of a book that was on the list of banned books by the imperial court.

The king and his minister looked at each other and grinned evilly.

"But I still remember that Ruhai always frowned when he recited the book. Later, when he was drunk, he said that he hated Zhu Xi the most in his life." Tao Xingjian covered his mouth and laughed softly, "Aunt Meng said that I also hate Zhu Xi the most!"

Emperor Zhaoming laughed and crumpled the list of books: "This list is not suitable! Forget it, don't worry about it, I will buy it for her!"

Tao Xingjian accompanied him for a walk out of the History Museum. He saw the imperial chariot standing far away waiting. He couldn't help but ask quietly with a smile: "Didn't your majesty go to see Concubine Hui? Why did you come out so soon?"

"In broad daylight, she pesters me to have a child! Who does she think she is? What does she think of me?" Emperor Zhaoming complained, "Dragon begets dragon, phoenix begets phoenix, mouse's son can dig holes! Her father is not in the right place, she just takes after him!"

Tao Xingjian hurriedly changed the subject: "If you say that a daughter takes after her father, it's true for everyone in the world. Isn't Sister Lin packing up her books? She suddenly remembered the seal her father carved for her..."

Three days later, Tao Jian sent a message back to Daiyu: "Please wait for the book. I'm busy lately."

I heard that there was another flood in the south. I thought it must be because there were too many things to do in the court, so I had to let it go.

Daiyu received the message, and although she was a little disappointed, she could understand it. But once she was inspired to read, the so-called days of keeping a calm mind and watching the lamp gradually became like the days of spring with flowers and autumn with moon, and she actually started to read the books on the bookshelf again.

Time flies. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the third day of September is just around the corner, and Lin Ruhai’s grand ceremony is about to arrive.

According to the rules, this grand sacrifice ceremony should be held in front of the tomb. After this, three months later, the mourning period will be over.

Lin Daiyu thought about it again and again, and then discussed with Aunt Meng the possibility of returning to Suzhou.

Aunt Meng flatly denied it: "Going back to the south now would mean you are throwing your life into someone else's hands! No way!"

However, this time, Tao Xingjian informed the Jia family half a month in advance that he would come to watch the ceremony.

The two governments quickly got together to discuss, and finally decided that Jia Lian would draw up the rules, Jia Zhen would be in charge of the organization, and Jia Zheng and Jia She would pay for it - but from beginning to end they never thought of telling Lin Daiyu.

It was not until the end of August, when Jia Lian was almost done with his work, that Wang Xifeng looked at him coldly and reminded him, "Sister Lin hasn't nodded yet. If she says no, all your efforts will be in vain!"