The Second Master of the Red Chamber

The north wind was blowing, and the prosperous and vast Kyoto seemed to be shrouded in a piece of cold smoke. Seen from the sky, it looked extremely cold.

But as long as you look closer, you can see the lights everywhere and hear the laughter and laughter everywhere.

It's the Spring Festival again.

The Spring Festival in Rongguo Mansion has always been more lively and complicated than other houses, especially this year.

From New Year's Eve in Ningguo Mansion to ancestor worship, and on the first day of the new year, after the master of the family and several wives in the mansion received a palace banquet in the palace, Rongguo Mansion opened its doors, and the whole family celebrated the new year with joy.

There are also visits to relatives and friends, and some relatives and friends come to pay New Year's greetings. It is very lively.

It is rare that there are fewer things today, and the housekeepers and women in the clan are not idle. After packing up, they rushed to Rongqing hall to gather under Jiamu's seat.

When there are too many people, Wang Xifeng must be the busiest.

It happened that she led a group of maids and servants to serve snacks to the parents. Jia Mu saw it, and then she left the others and asked her: "Miss Feng, didn't you say that Lian'er will come back today? Could it be that I missed it again?"

As early as October last year, after learning that Jia Lian was safe and sound, the whole family was looking forward to Jia Lian's return to Beijing.

Some said that they came back at the end of the year, and some said that there were other envoys who couldn't come back. Anyway, they didn't return in the end.

Finally, a few days ago, I received a report from Jia Lian, saying that he would return to Beijing in the past two days.Now that the time has come, there is still no news, so Jia's mother asked this question.

Wang Xifeng was originally greeting the elders of the family, laughing loudly, when she heard the words, she couldn't help but turned to face Jia Mu, her voice suddenly weakened: "I don't think there will be any more mistakes, Zhao Er came back to pass the letter in person yesterday... "

While speaking, Wang Xifeng involuntarily opened his eyes and looked outside the gate with a gloomy expression.

Seeing her like this, everyone laughed secretly, but You Shi, the mistress of Ningguo Mansion, laughed at Jia Mu.

"Old lady, if you want to ask this question, no one can ask it, but you must ask her.

We are sitting together today listening to the old lady talk, everyone is happy, I am afraid that some people's hearts have already flown out of this door.

The old lady doesn't talk about winning over her now, but even uses this to bluff her. Isn't the old lady afraid that when you, a filial granddaughter-in-law, sit at the gate of our house, you will completely turn into a husband-seeking stone. If people keep serving you tea, fruit and snacks, then you are not at a disadvantage. "

Now that Wang Xifeng's wife is more expensive than her husband, her status is not what it used to be.

Even if there were some nasties in the past that damaged his reputation, after all, under the deliberate cover-up of Jia's family, it is gradually dissipating now.

In short, among the whole clan, there are not many people who dare to joke with and make fun of Wang Xifeng.

That is to say, Youshi, the mistress of Ningguo Mansion, is not far behind in identity and age, so she made fun of her in public.

Because of Youshi's humorous words, all the women in the hall couldn't help smiling.

Among them, the sisters Jia Baoyu and Jia Tanchun laughed the most, covering their mouths and snickering non-stop.

At first, Wang Xifeng blushed when Youshi said it, and then glared at Youshi. Finally, under Jia Mu's cheerful laughter, she couldn't help but pretend to be a little smile, and scolded Youshi with a smile: "You can talk, so much food , still can't stop your mouth!"

While speaking, Wang Xifeng quickly walked up to You Shi, picked up a piece of pastry, and made a gesture to force it into her mouth.

Seeing her laughing, everyone found it even more amusing.

In the end, it was Jia's mother who worriedly reminded, "Young girl Feng, be careful, she is a woman with two bodies waiting to give birth, but she can't stand your fuss."

Youshi has been pregnant since the beginning of last summer, and now she is about to give birth.Originally, she was supposed to take good care of the baby at home, but firstly, she was strong and didn't show much pregnancy, secondly, the midwife also said that proper walking would be good for confinement, thirdly, she heard that Jia Lian returned to the mansion today...

For this reason, after she heard that Jiamu's place was so lively, she let the maids help her to join in the fun.

Wang Xifeng was a person with good intentions, so naturally she would not seriously hurt You Shi, so after Jia Mu's words, she took advantage of the situation and let You Shi go, and then spat: "I just want to learn to be talkative and talkative like some people. You are not afraid that when your son is born, he will learn from you, and when the time comes, he will be disliked everywhere, and that will make you cry!"

You Shi smiled without saying a word, but he could not help gently supporting his stomach with one hand, and there was a touch of love and expectation in his eyes.

When Wang Xifeng saw it, she was very upset. She gave Youshi a blank look, got up and went to "trouble" Jiamu.

While laughing, the housekeeper's daughter-in-law came up to report that Jia Lian had already entered Beijing.

"really."

This time, everyone in the hall was overjoyed.

Everyone Lai said with a smile: "The master sent someone in to say that the team escorting the princess back to Beijing had already entered Beijing at Chen Shizheng, and now they are heading to the imperial city."

"Did you say when Lian'er will come back?"

"This master didn't say..."

Seeing that the housekeeper's daughter-in-law couldn't explain clearly, Mother Jia sent someone to ask Jia Zheng again, and got a reply that Jia Lian should return to the palace before returning home.

Everyone returned to their seats safely, but what they said and discussed, from the previous glory of the host and the relatives and demerits of the west, all changed to Jia Lian's topic.

An old woman from another room flattered Jia Mu and said, "Congratulations, old lady. I heard from my family that Brother Lian has made great contributions to the court this time, and maybe he will be promoted again. Come, our family will be more prosperous than before."

Jiamu became cheerful and humble.

Another person said with a smile: "I also heard from others that Second Uncle Lian is still a young official and has already been in the fourth rank. It is unlikely that the court will add another official to him. And Second Uncle Lian has really made meritorious service. , I'm afraid the imperial court will promote Lian's second uncle to a noble in the end."

"It is also possible that a large amount of wealth will be rewarded..."

Regarding the remarks of the daughters-in-law generation, although Jia Mu responded with a smile, she was somewhat disapproving in her heart.

For Jia Lian's matter, Jia's mother had already asked Jia Zheng and others.

Based on the feedback received from the court, Jia Zheng probably knew the court's conclusions about the merits and demerits of Jia Lian's mission to Oara.

From Jia Zheng's point of view, I'm afraid it's really possible to become a noble!

Jinjue...

What an alluring and exciting word!

Since the establishment of the Dingding Dynasty in the Kingdom, every generation of a family that has won a title will be at least lowered by one rank.

In this way, as long as there is no change, basically after a few generations, the family title will be gone.If you're lucky, the imperial court may take pity on him and reward him with an insignificant low-ranking official position to be hereditary.

Since then, he has changed from honorable to official and gentry.

Take the son-in-law Lin Ruhai as an example, the ancestors of the Lin family were only granted the title of "Marquis".

Liehou is a special marquis that is different from the fifth-class nobility and general nobility.Divided into "county marquis", "township marquis" and "ting marquis".

Although the ancestor of the Lin family was the highest county lord, it can only be passed on for three generations.This is somewhat different from the fact that the Marquis among the fifth-class nobles can be hereditary for five or six generations.

Corresponding to Liehou, there is also "Liebo", which is also divided into three types: "county, township, and pavilion".

For example, Wang Xifeng's ancestor was only granted the title of Liebo, so the ancestor of the Wang family was honored as "the prince who controls the county under the command of the Taiwei".

And Liebo is even worse, and can only be passed down to one generation.Therefore, the Wang family has long since lost its title inheritance, which is even worse than that of the Lin family.

Therefore, it can be seen that the Marquis of Lie is lower than the Marquis of the fifth rank.The county earl is far lower than the earl in the fifth-class earl, which belongs to the lowest level of title.

In fact, at the beginning of the Great Wei Dynasty's establishment of the country, in addition to immediately taking over the world, many large folk forces and families also made great efforts and made great contributions to the establishment of the country's dynasty.

Although these people have no military merits, they are kind to the new dynasty.Therefore, these special titles were established for them.

The Lin family can be regarded as an outstanding family among the many families who have been awarded special titles.Therefore, in addition to the Lin family inheriting the titles for three generations according to the national system, the Houtian family was especially gracious and allowed many to inherit the titles for one generation. Only when they came to Lin Ruhai did they become officials through the imperial examination.

In fact, if Lin Ruhai had no talent and could not study and become an official, given the situation of the Lin family, the emperor would most likely take pity on him and give a special reward to an official with a half-time job, so that the Lin family would not be reduced to ordinary people all of a sudden.

It is a pity that the generation from the Lin family to Lin Ruhai is considered to be unparalleled... Therefore, even if the emperor wants to, there is no way to continue the lineage of incense for the Lin family.

Thinking of this, Jia's mother couldn't help sighing softly: "The poor man of the family..."

Skip this stubble, and Jia's mother can't help but secretly happy.

If Jia Zheng's forecast is correct, this time, Jia Lian will probably be promoted from a second-class general to a first-class rank, at the same level as his ineffective father.

Don't look at this little upgrade to one level, this can change Jia Lian's status from the second rank to the first rank!
Ranked first rank, generally speaking, this is the pinnacle of being a minister.

That's all, the most important thing is to be promoted from a second-class general to a first-class general, which will allow the family's title to be passed on to one more generation.Inheriting it from one generation to the next is to extend the life of the family for 30 to [-] years!
The importance of this to a family cannot be replaced.

Take her natal family's historian as an example. Now that there are two princes of one family, if they don't make mistakes, the family can enjoy at least five or six generations of prosperity and wealth.

I don't know how many Jingzhong Xunmen who have begun to decline are secretly envious of this.

Of course, the origins of the two marquises of my natal family are somewhat criticized, but what is that?Nowadays, there are less than ten Hou Ye in the whole country, no matter new or old, and her historian is the only one, which is a real wealth.

The wealth of her natal family is also one of the confidences for her to secure the status of the old lady in Jia's family.

Among other things, she knew that Jia She and Jia Zhen were very envious of the Shi family brothers' ability to flatter and flatter...

It's a pity that they themselves are incompetent, and envy is useless.

However, Lian'er's words...

Jia's mother suddenly felt that Jia Lian's situation now was somewhat similar to that of her natal nephew.

From this point of view, perhaps in the future, Jia Lian will really elevate the family's title, so as to realize the bold words he uttered here!

"Since Lian'er has returned to Beijing, it won't be long before she returns home."

Mother Jia, who was thinking about something in her heart, said something casually, then looked at Mrs. Wang next to her, and said: "Lian'er's status is not as good as usual, and this time she is also on a business trip under the order of the emperor, and she has also brought glory to the family." .

So, you can't be sloppy, when he comes back, don't forget the rituals and rules that should exist in the mansion.

What is it like for your master to return home from a business trip in the past, and it needs to be like this today. "

Mrs. Wang was a little upset when she heard this, but she didn't show it on her face, she responded, "Why use the old lady's instructions, Feng girl and I have already planned it. Our master just asked about this before.

All the preparations are done.

If it wasn't for Lian'er who is still in the filial piety, we are going to write a post to invite relatives and friends to the house to celebrate him together.

However, the master said that although it is inconvenient to hold a large banquet, it is only our family, old and young, who should gather together.And the lords and wives of the clan, if they want to ask for a glass of wedding wine, it is their wish, and we cannot refuse. "

"You're right, so good."

……

In Daming Palace, Emperor Ningkang stayed in the South Study Room after he came back from Chonghua Palace to pay his respects to the Second Saint.

In fact, at this time, the imperial court has already rested, and he, the emperor who has been in charge for a year, can finally take a good rest and enjoy some family happiness with his concubines and emperors.

But today was the day when the mission returned to Beijing, but he had to sit in the center and listen to the news brought back by the two envoys.

Dai Quan bent over and walked to Emperor Ningkang, and when he saw him writing, he stood quietly.

"What's the matter."

"Your Majesty, General Zhenyuan Jia Lian and Minister of Rites Xiang He have arrived and are waiting outside the Linjing Gate."

Emperor Ningkang paused, then nodded, and said a word indifferently.

"Xuan."

As soon as his words fell, other little yellow gates rushed to deliver the order.

Not long after, Emperor Ningkang heard two clear footsteps in the quiet hall.

"Minister Jia Lian (Xiang He), please greet Your Majesty."

"Be flat."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

As the two stood up, Emperor Ningkang's eyes fell on Jia Lian, who was wearing a light golden inner armor on the left, tall and straight, taller than the little old man next to him.

I haven't seen him for more than half a year, but Jia Lian's face has hardly changed. The only thing that Emperor Ningkang feels has changed is that he is a little more calm and composed than before.

Well, the complexion seems to be not as fair as before, and it looks a bit more desolate.

It is more worthy of the general's spirit returning from victory at this time.

After inquiring about Jia Lian's appearance several times, even Emperor Ningkang couldn't help but slander him, but God treated Jia Lian kindly and gave him such a good skin.

From this, he somewhat understood why his daughter fell in love with Jia Lian in the first place.

"The two of you escorted the princess back to the capital this time. Both of you are meritorious ministers. You have worked hard."

"I dare not talk about hard work. It is our duty to be loyal to His Majesty."

Emperor Ningkang nodded slightly, and then said indifferently: "Although what you have done this time has been reported, I probably know about it. But since you have returned this time, why don't you tell us what happened after the accident at the Zhanghe River, Talk to me in detail."

"I will obey your orders."

Xiang He was just an ordinary official before, even if he was qualified to participate in the court, he was just standing in an inconspicuous position behind.

Faced with the emperor now, it is unavoidable to be a little nervous.

As a civil servant, he is used to digging deep into every word of the emperor.

Hearing that the emperor only mentioned their achievements in escorting Princess Zhaoyang back, but kept silent about the previous mission to Oara and the re-established covenant with Oara, I felt even more worried.

Could it be that the emperor is still dissatisfied with the original changes?
He is different from Jia Lian, he has this third-rank official position, but he was compensated by the court for the hard work of sending off his relatives.

If the imperial court wanted to pursue the responsibility for the failure of the marriage, let alone the credit, I am afraid that even the official position he has now will not be able to keep.

With these worries in his heart, this old man who was already a little thin became more and more trembling, and his figure seemed to be swaying.

Fortunately, he was only a deputy envoy. If the emperor hadn't asked the question himself, he would just have to stand aside and listen to Jia Lian's performance.

Xiang He bowed his head in the hall, but he didn't know that the performance of the two of them was clearly seen by Emperor Ningkang who was sitting on top.

Emperor Ningkang could not help but frown a little.

In one of Jia Lian's memoirs, it was mentioned that Xiang He was quite talented. Not only was he familiar with all the government orders, but also he was serious and responsible in his work. Thanks to his assistance, he helped the mission.

Emperor Ningkang originally thought that perhaps he hadn't noticed this veteran from a poor family before, and intended to use this person's merits a little more.

A little observation at this time made him somewhat dissatisfied.

This is still an old minister, his demeanor and demeanor can't even be compared with Jia Lian's younger generation.

Although he had no intention of punishing him, he was a little disappointed after all.

He deliberately asked a few questions, and found that although his words were based on facts, they were quite hesitant, not as clear as Jia Lian's.Simply don't care about him anymore, just ask Jia Lian wholeheartedly.