serious man in the red chamber

Chapter 143
Imperial City
outside the military gate

Both sides of the road leading to the gate of the Ministry of War were full of officials from the Ministry of War who came to welcome the new minister of the Ministry of War, Jia Hu.

Someone whispered, "Here we come!"

The sound of rattling horseshoes and squeaking wheels came from a distance. All the officials watched closely, and a large luxurious carriage slowly drove over.

Jia Yucun, the new left servant of the Ministry of War: "Hurry up, fire the blunderbuss!"

"Tom! Tom! Tom!"

Eighteen shot guns lined up in two rows shot out sparks according to the sequence!

The carriage stopped before the welcoming crowd.

Jia Yucun tidied up his official robes, and led all the officials of the Ministry of War to greet him, bowing his hands and saluting: "The officers of the Ministry of War welcome you, Sir!"

All the officials bowed together: "Congratulations, Mr. Department Hall!"

The carriage door opened, and Jia Hu, who was wearing a bullfight uniform, came down, raised his head slightly, looked at the plaque on the gate of the Ministry of War with the words "Ministry of War" on a red background, and then at the officials of the Ministry of War. He said: "By the grace of the emperor, Wang Ge Lao strongly recommended, and the imperial court appointed Jia as Minister of the Ministry of War.

Originally, I should spare my life to contribute to the country in order to repay the emperor's favor.However, now that the imperial court is going to fight a big battle, if the Ministry of War is messed up, it will miss a big deal.Besides, I won't stay in this seat for too long.

Therefore, I will not change the existing situation.However, there is an ugly saying I said before, if anyone dares to cause trouble for me and make me punished by the court, I will wring his head off and use it as a chamber pot!I do what I say! "

As he spoke, he glanced at them, and then said: "Besides, I'm not in good health, so I won't come to the yamen often. If you have anything to do, report it to the cabinet directly. I'm here today. I'm tired, so let's all go away."

After finishing speaking, he turned around and boarded the luxurious carriage.

The carriage started.

Looking at the carriage gradually going away, all the officials looked at each other in blank dismay.

Qianqing Palace

study room

Seeing that the emperor was in a daze, Dai Quan reminded him in a low voice, "Your Majesty?"

Emperor Jianwu came back to his senses: "Yeah." After thinking for a while, he asked, "Where is Jia Zheng now?"

Dai Quan: "The head of the state seems to be in the Ministry of Construction and Repairs at the moment"

Wenyuan Pavilion

Value room

"It's bullshit!"

Zhang Shangwen, the second assistant, repeatedly took pictures of the book case: "The official position is a famous instrument of the court, how can it be such a joke." Then, he stood up abruptly, walked back and forth, and said, "He also threatened the officials of the Ministry of War, and wanted to kill the officials who offended him. Heads twisted off for a chamber pot! Vulgar! Disrespectful!"

Liu Fang couldn't help it anymore: "What's your name with a child!"

Zhang Shangwen was taken aback.

Liu Fang went on to say: "I think what Jia Hu said is right. Where is the Ministry of War? Last year, we managed to defeat the coalition forces of the Manchus and the Grasslands. It has only been stable for a few days? There is no news about the Manchu and Qing Tartars in Anhui so far, and I am worried that something will happen.”

"I have this worry too."

Chief Assistant Song Chengliang went on to say: "At this time, the Ministry of War can no longer be chaotic, just perform their duties."

Zhang Shangwen was stunned again, and said angrily: "Then let Jia Hu submit the resignation memorial himself! The Ministry of War is still under the direct control of the cabinet!"

Hearing what he said, Liu Fang's face darkened: "If you don't like it, you can go to the memorial to impeach."

Zhang Shangwen blushed furiously: "You"

Song Chengliang: "Okay, okay, you are on duty tonight, hurry up and go back to rest."

Zhang Shangwen walked out angrily.

With a "hmph", Liu Fang said to Song Chengliang, "Let the Jiangnan camp go north."

After a while of silence, Song Chengliang stood up: "Go, go to the study."

Dongcheng
Meifu
The housekeeper of Zhongshun Palace took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and handed it to Mei Changwen.

Mei Changwen took it, looked carefully, and opened his eyes wide, surprised beyond recognition!
Butler: "This is full of members of the Pei Party who have not been found out, and many of them are still clean. The prince asked me to give this to you, so that you can reconnect them, and it will be of great use at that time!"

Mei Changwen, a policeman: "Forming a party means punishing the clan!"

The housekeeper smiled faintly: "It depends on which side you stand on."

Mei Changwen's eyes lit up.

The butler continued: "Don't worry, the prince and the emperor are brothers of flesh and blood, so naturally they are on the emperor's side."

After a pause, "My lord asked me to tell you, cheer up and have a touch with Jia Hu."

A flash of panic flashed in Mei Changwen's eyes, and then he sighed: "It's not that I disrespected the prince's orders. Jia Hu has his back against the honorable military. Now that the court is about to fight a big battle, I can meet him."

The butler looked at him with a smile: "I'll tell you one thing, don't say it out loud, the prince went to the Dragon Head Palace yesterday."

Mei Changwen was stunned.

The housekeeper stood up, "Could it be God's grace for thunder, rain and dew? In this world, the Supreme Emperor has the final say. Do you understand?"

Without waiting for Mei Changwen to answer, he continued, "Work hard, maybe the Supreme Emperor will reward you into the cabinet as soon as he is happy."

Mei Changwen's whole body became hot, and he nodded vigorously.

Rongguofu

Xue's Courtyard
A melodious sound of the flute came from afar, and then came a Kunqu opera in Kunling's authentic Wu language:

It turned out that the colorful flowers bloomed all over, like this, they were all ruined by the broken well.

What a beautiful day, what a beautiful day, whose home is to enjoy the pleasure.
In the hall, Jia Hu tapped the table with his fingers, and all the sisters listened attentively, feeling lingering and interesting.

At the main seat, Mother Jia had a kind smile on her face, but there was something unnatural in the smile.

Aunt Xue saw it, shook her head and smiled wryly. She thought Jia Hu would not come, but she really surprised everyone. ".

Mother Jia couldn't refute the play wine invited by Xue's family, so she could only signal Aunt Xue to speak.However, Aunt Xue didn't dare to say that.

So everyone went to the theater.

Finally the play was over, Aunt Xue hurriedly brought the thermos pot to the table, and Baochai stood up after him.

"Today is a good day, the old lady should drink two more glasses." As she said, Aunt Xue poured a glass of wine for Jiamu.

Mother Jia hurriedly ordered Li Wan to take the jug, and smiled at Aunt Xue, "Sit down, my aunt, and let them pour wine."

Aunt Xue said with a smile: "It's really interesting today. The old lady smiles too much, and we can be happy if we eat a little more." Then she said to Baochai, "Baochai, pour wine for the old lady, and even your sister Sister pours it together."

Baochai responded and asked for a pot of warm wine. Starting from Jia's mother, everyone did it.

Jia Hu held the wine glass and asked Baochai to pour it out. He drank it all in one gulp, then picked up the jug and poured another glass himself.At this time, Lin Daiyu brought her wine glass to Jia Hu's lips, and Jia Hu drank it up in one gulp.

Lin Daiyu smiled and said, "Thank you."

Baochai glanced at it, then hurriedly turned and walked away to pour wine for Yingchun and the others.

At this moment, Zhou Rui's family hurried in and whispered something in Jia Mu's ear.

Mother Jia was startled for a moment, looked at Jia Hu, and then nodded.

Zhou Rui's family turned around and walked to Jia Hu's side, and said with a smile, "Second Master, the Master is back and is waiting for you in Rongxi Hall."

Jia Hu paused for a moment, rolled his eyes, and said, "No." After finishing speaking, he tilted his neck and drank the glass of wine, poured it again, and then drank it. It is the official business of the court."

Jia Hu didn't drink, put the wine glass on the table and said flatly, "No."

Everyone was stunned, and all looked at Jia Hu.

Jia Hu picked up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of goose palm with the bones removed, and tasted it, "It tastes good, you should try it too." Then, he picked up another piece for Lin Daiyu, and then said to Aunt Xue: "The goose palm from Auntie's house is delicious." It’s not bad, I’ll give you some to take back to drink and eat later.”

Aunt Xue glanced at Mrs. Wang before she smiled and said, "I still have quite a few here. I'll have someone send you a jar later. When I'm done eating, I'll ask Girl Bao to send it to you." She couldn't help but glance again. He glanced at Lin Daiyu.

Jia Hu was taken aback for a moment, and had no choice but to reply, "Then thank you, Auntie."

Lin Daiyu pursed her lips and gave Xichun a goose paw, "Your brother said this is delicious, you should try it too."

"Hey, this soup is good, you should try it too"

Jia Hu stood up, filled half a bowl of soup for Lin Daiyu and Xichun each, and asked Aunt Xue, "What kind of soup is this?"

Baochai immediately replied, "This is sour bamboo shoot and chicken skin soup."

Jia Hu happily drank a bowl, and said to Lin Zhixiao's family standing aside: "Tell the people in the kitchen, come to my aunt's house to learn, and I will try it tomorrow."

Lin Zhixiao's family: "Yes."

Zhou Rui's family stood aside in embarrassment, looking at Mrs. Wang.

Mrs. Wang was as usual, her face was as calm as a piece of still water, and her hand holding the rosary trembled slightly.

"Eat, why are you looking at me? I don't have food on my face."

Seeing Jia Mu and others looking at him, Jia Hu hurriedly greeted with a smile: "Today's dishes are all good, so it can be seen that Auntie sincerely invites us all to eat. It won't taste good when it gets cold."

Aunt Xue smiled.

Mother Jia sighed, took the chopsticks, and began to eat too.

Seeing this, everyone bowed their heads and ate in silence.

Lin Daiyu ate half a bowl of Bijing porridge and put it down.

Seeing that Jia Hu also put down his chopsticks, he gently pulled his lapel under the table, and said softly, "Go quickly, don't keep uncle waiting. You are here, no one dares to joke, you don't have to disturb Bao sister's birthday.

Let's sit for a while, and we'll be gone. With that said, he took off the seven treasure bracelet on his wrist and put it in Jia Hu's hand, "Go." "

Mother Jia and the others looked at this side quietly.

Jia Hu pretended to ponder, and stood up after a while. Mother Jia said: "Go, let us talk freely."

"."

All right, Jia Amnesty does not have such treatment, Jia Hu said to Yuanyang: "The old lady is happy today, don't let her get tired, and take good care of her."

Yuanyang stood up: "Yes, Second Master, don't worry."

After chatting with Aunt Xue, Mrs. Xing, You Shi and others, and giving Xichun a few words, he turned and walked out.

Aunt Xue breathed a sigh of relief, and said to Mother Jia: "Master Hou still respects the old lady."

Jia Mu: "Filial piety? If he doesn't get mad at me, I will be Amitabha. My girls are good, and I will only love their sisters in the future." Everyone laughed.

Honorary Hall

Following Zhou Rui's family into the Moon Gate Cave, I saw Jia Huan standing outside the study door.

Jia Huan came forward to meet him: "Second brother, father is waiting in the study."

Jia Hu smiled: "You didn't go to school?"

Jia Huan: "Go, sir, he said he wants to combine work and rest, so he gave us half a day off."

Jia Hu nodded: "Go and play."

Jia Huan cupped his hands and saluted: "Yes." After speaking, he turned around and ran away.

Jia Hu shook his head, stepped forward, and pushed open the study door.

Jia Zheng was sitting in front of the desk and flipping through the collection of poems, when he heard the door open, he raised his head.

"Yo, Uncle Zheng is so leisurely?"

Jia Hu went to the chair beside the desk and sat down, "Didn't you say that you always went to the Department of Construction for training?"

Jia Zheng replied angrily: "You still have the nerve to ask me. Tell me, you are not sitting in the military department, why did you come back?"

Jia Hu replied unhappily: "Sit in the church? What kind of church do I go to as a minister of the Ministry of War? It's not embarrassing!"

Jia Zheng was startled, and asked anxiously, "Suspending the job? What do you mean by that?"

Jia Hu looked at him and said: "Do you really think that the imperial court will let a young man who is less than [-] years old manage the Ministry of War? It's too naive. What is the Ministry of War? Township registration, ordnance, etc. Sometimes what falls from the sky is not necessarily a pie, but also a scapegoat. The kind that can kill people."

Jia Zheng seemed to understand something, his face turned red, and he gritted his teeth and said, "It's too much to bully! Old man Wang Hetang. Fortunately, you saved his life. He, this is how he repays the Jia family?!"

Gee!
Looking at Jia Zheng, who had broken his defense again, Jia Hu shook his head, unable to explain to him.

Jia Zheng calmed down slowly, and asked in puzzlement, "Then why do you still take this job?"

Jia Hu: "If I don't take it, I may fall into the hands of King Zhongshun!"

Jia Zheng was startled: "Yes! It will be even worse if the Ministry of War falls into the hands of King Zhongshun!"

Hearing this, Jia Hu couldn't help looking at Jia Zheng again. It seemed that Jia Zheng had indeed learned something in the Ministry of Construction, at least he was not as idealistic as before.

After thinking about it, I explained to him: "The more you do, the more mistakes you make. When the war in the South is over, they will use these to impeach me and drive me out. At that time, if the benefits are not obtained, they will still provoke me." It’s better not to do anything if you’re in a show.”

After a pause, "The official document of the Ministry of War needs my signature before it can be sent out. Either the cabinet will send someone to send the processed official document, or I will be dismissed now."

Speaking of this, he smiled: "I think some people also hope that I will be a minister of the Ministry of War who can only sign."

Jia Zheng was taken aback for a moment, then sighed deeply.

study room

Emperor Jianwu slapped a memorial on the imperial case, "Is he going to fight me?!"

The deputy chief eunuch of Qianqing Palace immediately knelt down.

With a "hmph", Emperor Jianwu said to the deputy chief eunuch of Qianqing Palace: "You go to Ningguo Mansion and just say what I say, he doesn't come here anymore."

"Yes." The deputy chief eunuch of Qianqing Palace got up and walked out quickly.

At this time, Dai Quan hurried in and presented a letter with both hands: "An urgent report from Shengjing!"

Emperor Jianwu took the letter, tore it open to read it, and then let out a long breath, one bad news and one good news.

The assassination of the Tartar prince failed, and dozens of elites from the Criminal Division and the Zhenfu Division died in battle. Shengjing’s intelligence network also suffered a lot of losses. Fortunately, the workshop of the Manchu Tartars was successfully blown up. and ammunition depots.

After folding the secret letter, Emperor Jianwu said to Dai Quan: "Immediately add more guards to the Weapons Bureau. You must not be careless. By the way, how are your preparations going?"

Dai Quan immediately replied: "Five thousand self-generating firecrackers and the corresponding ammunition are ready and ready to be shipped at any time."

Emperor Jianwu thought for a while and said, "Then send it to Henan Wei."

Dai Quan: "Yes."

(End of this chapter)