The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Xue Ai was restless in the study, waiting and waiting, counting the hours passing by. Finally, the servants came to report that Xue Biao and Chen Heng had entered the house.

Xue Ai breathed a sigh of relief and was about to go out to greet the guests. Then I saw Xue Biao barging in with Chen Heng. The figures of these two people have grown taller without realizing it, and they are on par with those fifteen or sixteen-year-old children. Coupled with the hair gradually growing out of the corners of his mouth, his appearance also has the characteristics of a teenager.

Good nephew... Before Chen Heng could say anything, Xue Ai had already taken the other person's hand to salute and directly invited Chen Heng to his seat.

Seeing that Xue Ai was so impatient, Chen Heng didn't waste much time and asked as soon as he sat down: What urgent matter does uncle want to see me for?

Xue Biao sat next to Chen Heng, also puzzled. He watched Xue Ai linger for two steps, then turned to look at his friend and inquired: Have the Hu family confided in you anything lately?

Chen Heng frowned slightly, not expecting that Xue Ai's matter would involve the Hu family. He thought about his recent dealings with the Hu family. They were sending gifts back and forth between the two families in preparation for Chen Qing and Hu Xiangheng's marriage. Then he shook his head and said, I don't know what uncle wants to ask. Both of our families have been preparing for marriage recently, and we don't have many private contacts.

There are only ten days left before the end of the month, and it is really difficult for the two children to move around privately. Chen Heng told the truth, and Xue Biao looked very anxious. When he went out this morning, Xue Ai grabbed him and said that he would invite his friends to come to his house. Why was it that when Chen Heng entered the door, his father still hesitated.

Dad, if you have something to do, just say it. Xue Biao was very angry at his father's hesitation and felt that there was no such thing as asking someone to do things.

Xue Ai also had a headache. Seeing this, she had no choice but to nod. Without going back to the main seat of the desk, he picked a chair nearby, sat on Chen Heng's side, and began to talk about the whole thing.

It turned out that in early August, a salt merchant from Yangzhou suddenly made an appointment to meet with Xue Ai. The two parties picked a restaurant in the city, but the salt merchant who invited them was very rude and asked if he could finance the purchase of Jing'an Daily.

This was the lifeblood of the second wife of the Xue family, so Xue Ai naturally refused on the spot. No matter that the other party quoted the price three or four times, he just threw up his sleeves and left.

Xue Ai thought that the other party would just let it go, but he didn't expect the salt merchant's powerful tactics. As soon as he turned around, he and several salt merchants in the city bought the Jiangnan News for a huge sum of money. The Qian family, the owner of the Jiangnan News, said that it was a very exaggerated amount and he really couldn't afford it.

When Xue Ai heard this, he smiled. As long as the left and right don't buy Jing'an Daily, the salt merchants can buy whoever they like. What does the Xue family have to do with it.

But who would have thought that in the first ten days of the month, the eldest young master of the Wang family would send someone to treat Xue Ai to dinner. Xue Ai was informed at the table: Jiangnan Daily was planning to exchange 40% of its dry shares for the two and a half layers of dry shares of Jing'an Daily in his hands.

Xue Ai was shocked when he heard this. But when Wang Siyi said again: Jiangnan Daily was going to publish every three days, he really couldn't sit still.

Originally, the three newspaper shops in the city were staggered according to their respective five-day, seven-day, and half-day dates to ensure that each other's financial resources were not affected.

The behavior of Jiangnan Daily is undoubtedly a direct attack on the Xue family and Jing'an Daily. It's about balancing the horses and horses, and preparing for a fight between dragon and tiger.

Is this simple business competition? Chen Heng had a stern look on his face and thought about it carefully in his mind, but felt that it was impossible. Although today's printing technology has been vigorously developed in the Ming Dynasty, the technological wave has not yet come.

Here, every time the construction period is shortened by one day, the cost and manpower paid are doubled and multiplied. If it was just for profit, how important would a Yangzhou city be compared to the capitals of the world? With this kind of money, why should we compete with Jing'an Daily for a share? Wouldn't it be a brighter future if we left Yangzhou? Unless what you want is Yangzhou, not just newspapers?

Chen Heng suppressed his thoughts and asked Xue Ai, who was drinking tea to soothe his throat: Uncle, what's behind?

Just last night, another news came to me from the Wang family. Xue Ai showed a bitter smile, The Jiangnan newspaper shop is planning to hold a chamber of commerce for the four prefecture newspaper shops later this month. I thought about it, and at first I also think they are trying to gain the leadership position...

Due to the heavy rain, although the Xue family had always wanted to take the lead in organizing the newspaper chamber of commerce, they had not been able to do so.

Xue Biao immediately asked: Isn't it?

You stupid kid, Xue Ai complained in her heart before she had time to speak. Chen Heng was already shaking his head and murmured: No, they want more than just the leader. Investing so much financial resources means giving him the city of Yangzhou. It is even more difficult to turn losses into profits.

That's the truth. Xue Ai clapped her hands and said happily: My nephew is absolutely right.

Xue Biao also realized that he was not stupid. It's just a common problem among people who learn to paint occasionally. They don't like to dwell on things and pursue a happy mood. When he figured it out, Xue Biao also crossed his hands and thought together: What do the Wang family mean?

We still stand with us for now, but if the salt merchants on the other end continue to increase their investment, I'm worried that they won't be able to hold on. Xue Ai said worriedly. After all, in business, if the conditions are favorable enough, the Wang family does not owe the Xue family any favors. It is also common for everyone to part ways with harmony.

Chen Heng thought in his heart, if the conditions were more favorable, it would be equivalent to giving the Jiangnan News to the Wang family. Is it worth it? What else is going on in Yangzhou City that is worth such a big fight?

With thousands of thoughts in his mind, Chen Heng thought about the strange things in the city recently, and he only thought about Lin Ruhai, who had been claiming to be ill. Could it be that they came for Uncle Lin?

Thinking of this possibility, Chen Heng's eyebrows couldn't help but twitch. But after all, it was difficult to tell the Xue family directly about this matter. He thought for a while and then asked: Uncle, what news has been heard from outside recently?

Chen Heng was still curious about the opportunity for the salt merchants to take action. What makes them so bold? In everything, there must always be a benefit.

Are you from the city? Xue Ai asked.

Chen Heng shook his head. Although Yangzhou is big, the newspaper industry in the city is so developed that ordinary and major events cannot be hidden from the people of Yangzhou. Understanding what the other party meant, Xue Ai hurriedly lowered his head and thought carefully. After a long time, he said cautiously: I often traveled around the world in my early years, and I also had some friendship with the Chamber of Commerce at the border.

Xue Ai hesitated and said, I heard something recently, but I don't know whether it's true or not. After all, the superiors didn't make an announcement. Chen Heng listened patiently, and only waited for his uncle to continue speaking before he heard, I I heard that there was a war over there at the border.

When he heard the news, Chen Heng's mind was like thunder and lightning, and his mind was shaking wildly. Those trivial things in the past were strung together one by one.

Xin Suzhao rushed to the border, Lin Ruhai claimed to be ill, the salt merchants' strange behavior, and...

These bits and pieces of information gathered together into a huge storm. Chen Hengqiang suppressed the surging thoughts in his heart, and said calmly to the Xue family father and son who cast curious glances: I understand what uncle means. I will help you find out what the Hu family is saying. Don't worry, uncle. No matter what, Jing'an Daily will never fall into the hands of others.

Xue Ai was immediately overjoyed. What he was waiting for today was Chen Heng's words. When the newspaper shop was founded, the Xue family accounted for 40%, and the Hu and Wang families each accounted for 20%. The remaining 10% was given half to Chen Heng and half to the government and the academy.

Later, due to lack of successors, the Hu family could not keep up with the newspaper's continuous investment at a loss, so they sold 10% of their shares to the Wang family and the Xue family. Calculated in this way, the Xue family plus Chen Heng and Hu family have exactly 60%.

When Chen Heng wrote the final document for them before, he clearly stipulated that all disputes in the newspaper shop would be decided by those with more than half of the shares.

It can be said that as long as Chen Heng and the Hu family stand with the Xue family. Jing'an Daily is still the property of the Xue family, and others can't cause much trouble.

As soon as the business was finished, Xue Ai's expression immediately became much more relaxed. The male host, who was in a happy mood, took the two juniors and talked about the literary and playthings that had been recently collected in the study. Unfortunately, Chen Heng had something hidden in his heart. Uncle Xue only chatted for a few words before he got up and left.

Xue Biao came out following Chen Heng's footsteps. They are two friends who have known each other for many years. Who doesn't know who the other is? We're only halfway down the corridor. He couldn't wait to ask his friend: Brother Heng, did you think of something just now?

Chen Heng didn't want to hide it from him, but there were some things that he hadn't figured out yet, especially now that he couldn't meet Uncle Lin to get first-hand accurate information. So he just said: Guess why I didn't tell my uncle.

Ha. Xue Biao chuckled. He knew that Chen Heng only had an idea in his mind and had no intention of asking the question. He walked a few more steps with Chen Heng, and then asked with concern: Is there anything I can do to help?

Hearing what Xue Biao said, Chen Heng thought, there really is something wrong, but unfortunately the person who can help is not Xue Biao. He simply said bluntly: Brother Xue, I want to borrow your sister.

Xue Biao was stunned when he heard this, nodded again, and asked, Do you need to go over and tell me now? He believed Chen Heng and knew that the other party must be serious about looking for Bao Qin.

How can I go to the back house? Chen Heng glanced at the fool speechlessly, Help me go and tell your sister and ask her when she is free. Come according to her free time, and then you can come back I need to go out.

Where to go? Xue Biao was very curious.

Qiupu Street.

Okay, I'll ask for you as soon as you get back. You can see how much Xue Biao trusts Chen Heng, just by hearing such an unbelievable request and being able to agree to it without saying a word.

Chen Heng nodded, feeling moved in his heart. He originally planned to go today, but when it came to the Xue family's affairs, he had to postpone the affairs of Qiupu Street for a while.

If what is expected is true, Jing'an Daily may become the winner in the future.

There are so many threads running through his mind right now, and Chen Heng still needs to sort them out after going home at night. But after leaving the Xue family, he first went to the more important Hu family.

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After seeing his friend off, Xue Biao immediately turned around and went straight to Bao Qin's residence. When he arrived, Baoqin was embroidering red needlework in her boudoir. Seeing this rare visitor coming to the door, Bao Qin only raised his eyebrows and looked at the handkerchief in his hand, Brother remembers that he has a sister.

Hey, look what my sister said. Some time ago, I was the one who sent you to the academy to attend classes.

Xue Biao walked around the house. Baoqin's room was undoubtedly tidy. Not to mention the flowers, plants and bonsai on the wooden stand, there were many ornaments on the table that he bought as gifts for his sister.

After looking at it for a long time, he pointed to a vase on the shelf and said with emotion: It's been three or four years since I gave you this vase. Why are you still keeping it? For your birthday this year, I will find a good one for you. Go to Jingdezhen in Jiangxi to buy it. Only their kilns can produce the best colors.

When Xue Baoqin heard this, he knew that Xue Biao had something to ask of him. He simply put down the female worker and stood up from her position. First, he led his brother to sit down, then poured him tea, and said with a smile: I'm afraid that this gift from brother is too expensive to accept. It's not as good as these ordinary ornaments, which contain sincerity.

Hey, there is indeed a troublesome thing. I need to ask my sister for help. Xue Biao was still very shy in front of Bao Qin and smiled cheekily.

Xue Baoqin was not surprised and pushed the tea in front of Xue Biao. She sat down with the hem of her scarlet skirt, rested her chin on her hand, and said boredly: Then please tell me about your difficulties, and my sister will listen.

It's not me. Xue Biao shook his head, picked up the tea cup and took a sip. Seeing the look of serious thinking on Bao Qin's face, he continued, It's Brother Heng... Bao Qin subconsciously raised his eyebrows and continued to listen to her brother. Said, He wants to ask you out, probably to go shopping on Qiupu Street.

Baoqin's little finger touched her cheek, and the white sleeves matched the skin color, which was even more pleasing to the eye. She pondered for a moment and said in an incomprehensible tone: Did he encounter difficulties?

Probably not. Xue Biao shook his head, The way he looked, it looked like something was going on in our family. It's just that Brother Heng likes to hide things and won't tell anyone anything until the truth comes out.

Xue Biao told Xue Ai that he was looking for Chen Heng today, and looked at Bao Qin again. Seeing that his face was very calm and calm, he decided to add fuel to the fire.

Sister, you know that my brother is a good friend. He is definitely not a rude person like Meng Lang. He is very kind to our family. It is rare for him to say this. How can I have the nerve to refuse when you call me brother? Oh, what a pity. That is to say, he didn't Please ask me to go...

He spoke quickly, spouting a set of words vigorously, and his tone was so affectionate and moving. He was obviously worried about his sister's rejection. I don’t know who the person who just agreed in front of Chen Heng was, it really put this brother in trouble.

Xue Biao also wanted to intercede with Bao Qin, but his sister said: I didn't say I wouldn't agree.

I'm sure... ah?! Xue Biao was blocked in the middle of her words. First hesitation, then surprise. He slapped the table and stood up, I know my sister is a reasonable person. Then pick a free day and I'll go tell Brother Heng right away.

Baoqin thought for a while and said a date that was not far or near, in three days.

Huh?

I have to work as a female worker at home these two days. Bao Qin explained directly.

As I said, things have priorities. As for my mother, I'll say it for you. .”

The more Xue Baoqin listened, the darker his face became, and he said to the maid beside him: Chun Yan.

Hey, miss, I'm here.

Send my brother out. Bao Qin pointed at Xue Biao, who was muttering endlessly.

Yes, Miss. Chunyan understood the importance and immediately put his arm on his uncle's arm, Uncle, I'm offended.

Sister, I am your brother. Good sister!!!!

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Chen Heng entered and left through the back door of Hu's house. A trip inside and outside came quietly and left with satisfaction. Hu Yuan did not deliver it in person, but asked Hu Xiangheng to come forward and deliver it to this relative.

Not long after the two men left, several relatives of the Hu family came to lobby. This situation has happened many times in recent days. They presented the terms of the salt merchant's opening, saying that the other party was willing to pay a high price. There was no such store in this village, and they repeatedly advised Hu Yuan not to miss it.

Hu Yuan had just finished talking to Chen Heng and already had an idea in mind. At this time, I didn't even want to listen to their nagging, so I just waved my hand and dismissed their wishes. His insistence on going his own way inevitably attracted scolding and nagging from the elders in the clan.

But Hu Yuan is now full-fledged, and his parents are unwilling to control this independent son. No one from above put pressure on him, and Hu Yuan didn't want to listen to these side stories, so he directly ordered people to send away all his uncles as gifts.

When Hu Xiangheng came back after seeing off Chen Heng, he sat in front of Hu Yuan and carefully played the drum for Chen Heng, Brother, you can't listen to slander. Although our family is not close to the Xue family, we can't do anything. Some shameful things.”

What a mess. Hu Yuan couldn't help scolding him. As his second brother, it would be better to find a daughter-in-law with strong opinions to take care of him. Don't worry about the things outside. This time, someone wants to take advantage of the fire. Let me tell you. , you can’t understand it either.”

If you don't say anything, I don't understand even more. Hu Xiangheng was also angry. He was about to get married, so why did his brother still treat him like a child?

If someone comes looking for me recently, just tell me that I'm sick. If I recover someday, I'll definitely pay him a visit in person. Hu Yuan didn't bother to pay attention to his brother's little mood, and directly pushed him to the stage, preparing to use it to shield him. Stay out of the limelight.

Hu Xiangheng nodded, knowing that his brother was doing this to avoid people.

Then what if he is my brother-in-law.

You're not even married yet, and you're already calling your brother-in-law? Hu Yuan hated his father very much and said: You are called brother-in-law, how can he be an outsider?

Oh, you didn't say anything. Hu Xiangheng also looked innocent, wondering what his brother was angry about.

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Chen Heng returned home, had a hasty meal, and then went straight back to his room. Xinda, who followed closely behind, opened the window for his brother. Seeing him sitting at the table and meditating, he also sat inside and started busy with his own affairs.

Opposite the small wooden window is Yinglian's boudoir. It's just that the two windows that should be facing each other were blocked by Feng with a wooden board.

There are some things that are not good at all. Mrs. Feng was worried about her daughter's reputation, so she had no choice but to take this step. There is nothing we can do about it. It will take two or three years at the earliest for Chen Hengneng to get married.

Among them, whenever something happens, or the Chen family changes their mind, it will be their daughter who is delayed. Feng declined without saying a word, already feeling very sorry for Yinglian.

Chen Heng had no intention of looking around today. He sat at the table, holding a piece of paper to write and draw. Everything he thought was important was written down on paper. He knew that this was the only way he could get closer to the truth.

The big things that have happened outside are nothing more than three big things. Last year's drought, this year's floods, and border wars.

The last thing happened not long ago, so let’s take into account the situation inside. Chen Heng wrote the words money and grain on the paper.

The principle that food and grass go first before troops and horses are moved is naturally a household name. Whether it is war or peace, sending troops to resist is a certainty. If we don't fight for a few times, how can we talk about peace?

Then starting along this line, if you want to resist the enemies outside, you will need money and food. When there was a severe drought last year, the imperial court transferred grain from many places in the south of the Yangtze River, and it was obvious that it was short of food. There have been constant disasters in the past two years, so the harvest is definitely not good, and the taxes are naturally not much better.

After thinking about it like this, Chen Heng picked up his pen, drew a circle on the word money, and added the words salt merchant next to it. After salt merchant, the word newspaper was added.

Are the salt merchants spending so much money to avoid the government asking them to recruit money? Chen Heng thought about it again. The two major disasters must have spent a lot of Yangzhou government's treasury money. After all, whether it was disaster relief or the preparation of Qiupu Street, they were visible big projects.

If the imperial court requires the government office to pay taxes, Uncle Lin's government office will definitely not be able to pay taxes. Will the superiors blame him? Chen Heng thought of this, picked up the pen, and continued to write on the paper: Party struggle?

What is the significance of newspapers in this? Chen Heng tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and an idea suddenly flashed in his mind. If someone deliberately publishes unfavorable rumors about Uncle Lin in the newspaper, and then submits them to the capital, can the people in the court really save Uncle Lin? ?

If Uncle Lin imposes taxes in the city, it will cause public resentment. Will the words published in the newspaper change again?

Is it a conspiracy? Or a conspiracy?

The original appearance of the matter was restored bit by bit. Chen Heng, who had not written for a long time, suddenly picked up the paper, handed it to the oil lamp, and watched the white paper being engulfed by the flames bit by bit.

Xinda, who was sitting far away reading a book, was startled by Chen Heng's actions, Second brother...

It's okay, it's okay. Chen Heng patted the burned paper with his hand, waved away the pungent smell in the air, and said with a smile, This paper is useless.

Oh. Knowing that Chen Heng didn't want to say anything, Xinda didn't ask any more questions. He just took the broom and swept the garbage on the ground to one place.

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On a moonlit night, there was a lively scene of bright lights, singing and dancing in the Huang Mansion. The proud Li Bian was sitting in the hall with several salt merchants, admiring the singing girl playing the strings and the dancing dancers in front of him.

Master Li, this is a really clever plan. Huang Wendong stepped forward and filled Li Bian's glass with wine.

In the past few days, he had only seen the ruthless methods of scholars. It turns out that one's own means of making money are nothing compared to the other party's ability to kill people without blood.

Li Bian picked up his wine glass and smiled, turning a blind eye to these compliments. Although he is arrogant, he will not be kidnapped by such emotions and lose his mind. Thinking about the possible shortcomings of the situation, Li Bian asked the salt merchants around him: Do you have any reason why it fell into the hands of Mr. Lin?

Everyone in front of them looked at each other, and Li Bian simply said: Now that the matter has come to this, it's better for everyone to be more honest. You might as well think about the things at home. Before it's too late, let me get it done as soon as possible. Let me make some calculations for you.

After saying that, Li Bian glanced at the singers and dancers in front of him and waved directly for his servants to take them away. The hall, which was lively just now, suddenly fell into silence.

Li Bian didn't care about the restless salt merchants and left them alone for more than a quarter of an hour. When he saw that the fire was about the same, he pointed to a salt merchant at the end and started asking.

This time, the tone of the interview was more cordial and cordial. Li Bian used the tone of his own family to show mercy to the merchants. An attitude that as long as the other party has trouble, he will definitely settle it for the other party.

But the two parties didn't stay together for long. Even though local snakes like salt merchants were attached to Li Bian, the dragon crossing the river, they still had more fear than trust in their hearts. What they valued was the power in Li Bian's hands and Gu Shoufu behind him, not Li Bian himself.

After all, that one dares to tell the truth. On the surface, everyone pats their chests and guarantees that their family background is clean and they are all honest people.

Li Bian is also confident. His confidence comes from his own intelligence and the power in his hands. He believed that these people had seen his methods and would not dare to deceive him. This is the case with smart people in the world. They may not necessarily trust others, but they must believe in themselves and their own intelligence.

After asking three or five people, Li Bian turned the conversation to Huang Wendong, Brother Huang, what about you?

Huang Wendong smiled frankly and said: No, no, don't worry, Mr. Li, our Huang family has very clean hands and feet when doing things.

Li Bian glanced at him up and down, which meant that he had not spent much time in Yangzhou and did not know the details of the Huang family. Then he nodded and believed: This is the best.

After the tense questioning, Li Bian, the dragon crossing the river, finally picked up his wine glass and said to the people below: Everyone, please drink the wine in the glass.

When everyone saw this, they were all dissatisfied with having a drink.

The singers and dancers who had just been kicked away were invited back. In the house, singing and dancing began.

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Lin Ruhai has been very free recently, so much so that he was alone in the study today, playing white chess with one hand and black chess with the other, playing left and right. He spent most of his days like this when he couldn't go out, and it was fortunate that Lin Ruhai could bear it.

Maybe God thought he was too bored and just wanted to find something for Lin Ruhai. Zhang Shangxian, who had been promoted to magistrate, suddenly walked into the Lin family study.

Sir! Zhang Shangxian saluted as soon as he came in.

Brother, why is this so? Come and see how I am doing in this game of chess. Lin Ruhai smiled and waved to Zhang Shangxian. But when the other party stepped forward quickly, Zhang Shangxian revealed the news that Lin Ruhai had been waiting for for many days.

Those people locked up in the government prison are dead.

As soon as Lin Ruhai heard the news, he picked up the white piece with his left hand, smiled, put the piece down, and then said: It's finally here.

He waited for several months and gave the other party so many opportunities. I thought that since my opponent was so patient, I would need to wait a little longer, but I didn't expect that I couldn't hold it anymore in the end.

How did you die? Lin Ruhai was quite curious about the method the other party used.

He didn't ask who it was, whether it was Li Bian or Huang Wendong, as long as he failed.

It doesn't matter who did it.

Poison. Zhang Shangxian said with a stern face. Under strict supervision, something like this happened. He, the magistrate in charge, also had a dull face, It was poison in the food. Unfortunately, the jailer who delivered the food has bitten his tongue and committed suicide.

Ha. Lin Ruhai smiled, picked up the black piece with his right hand, dropped it on the chessboard, and said leisurely: Who said he was dead? Didn't he save us?

Ah? Zhang Shangxian was very surprised. When he understood what Lin Ruhai meant, his eyes lit up and he said, Then my subordinates will let others spread the news like this outside.

This time, it was Jiang Taigong's turn to be a fisherman in their government office. Thinking of this, Zhang Shangxian was already a little excited.

Lin Ruhai nodded, rolled up his sleeves and changed his sitting position, looked at the chessboard, and said regretfully: One wrong move, one wrong move. This black chess piece is what killed me.

Zhang Shangxian didn't know much about chess, and he couldn't comment on Shangguan's chess skills. He only asked about important things, Sir, where are Xu Mazi and others being imprisoned now?

Lin Ruhai glanced at him and smiled.

Zhang Shangxian knew that he was talking too much and hurriedly said goodbye.

After the opponent left, Lin Ruhai did not collect the chessboard. I got up and went to the window, staring at the bright moonlight in a daze. Under the dark night, the stars were shining brightly, and only a faint orange light illuminated the low hanging white clouds.

Following the direction of the window, it extends to the outside of the city. There is a camp here, where the Yangzhou Guard led by Xin Geng is located.

Ever since Xin Geng came back from the city due to the Qiupu Street incident, day and night training had been carried out in the camp, which was very grueling.

I originally wanted to write a paragraph about the Hu family's meeting, but after thinking about it, I decided it would have little impact, so I deleted it. Simply cut off a large number of words.

Brothers, please don’t call me stupid.

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