Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 601 Rongguo Mansion’s Plan
"Father, the rain outside is getting heavier and heavier. I wonder if I can make it to the capital on time tomorrow."

On the official road south of the capital,

A high ground at the east end,
They had already surrounded a military camp. This was the tent of the main camp of the Jiedu Envoy in Daliang City. Lu Congyun, the eldest son, opened the curtain and looked outside. He saw lightning and thunder in the sky, and majestic heavy rain pouring down. If it hadn't been for the evening , my father saw that the weather was not good, and ordered to set up camp, not knowing what it would be like.

I didn't expect that so many things would happen during the short journey to the capital. Would it be a sign of something happening? Or would it hurt my roots to go there? It was inevitable that I would have worries in my heart.

"Yun'er, don't worry. This place is not far from the capital. As long as the weather clears tomorrow, we will make a pot of rice. After eating, we will set off directly without stopping on the way. The deadline given by His Majesty is tomorrow, but he did not say what time it is. , It’s not too late to arrive tomorrow night, we’ll be traveling under the stars, the court can’t turn a blind eye.”

Lu Daiyuan is no longer what he was when he was young. He has lost a lot of energy. The mighty warrior in his early years is now an old man who is conservative and content with the status quo. To achieve the position of Jiedushi is what he has wanted in this life. What he has to do now is Keep the family business, as for other things, they are not worth mentioning.

"That's true. My father thought it safe. My son has been in a panic these days and always feels that something is not going well."

Lu Congyun thought for a while, and realized what his father said was true. The court had set a deadline, but it didn't say whether it was day or night.

I just don't know if the soldiers and horses from Hexi and Hedong counties will be late. After all, they still have to cross the river. Just crossing the river will take a lot of time. After all, it will not be earlier than our own side.

Thinking of this, he said again;
"Father, as you said before, you want to test whether the generals leading the troops from Hexi and Hedong counties are going to the capital now. Do you still want to contact them? Let's send messengers quickly and wait on the south bank of Anshui Ferry. , I think it’s enough time.”

Jia Mu snorted coldly, "What is an interrogation? It's all for outsiders to see. If no one comes to rescue, the old princes don't come forward, and the emperor in the palace doesn't take action, then it can only depend on His Majesty's mood. Whether he is guilty or not." All the sins are committed in one thought of Your Majesty, and the rest are just to block the mouths of the people in the world.

Wang Xifeng did not refute and nodded.

Wang Xifeng looked a little ugly. He stretched out his hand to the old lady and pulled the quilt up a little. He was hesitant and didn't know how to reply. In the afternoon, Mr. Xu of Shuntian Mansion sent a servant to deliver a letter, saying that Brother Zhen and Brother Rong were spending time together. After the trial, although there was no conviction, nothing major happened in the trial.
But I can't come back for the time being. I was sent to prison by several chief judges. What's wrong here? Is the prison a place for people to stay? How many people who went in can come out intact? Ningguo Mansion I'm afraid I won't be able to make it through.

The sorrow in her heart could not help but show on her face. Although it passed away in a flash, Mother Jia was old and not blind. She was always watching. How could she not notice it?
"Girl Feng, just tell me what's going on. Master Yin Xu of Shuntian Prefecture is also an old relative of our Jia family. He also had a kind relationship in the early years. He will not fail to inform the outcome of the case."

It had been quiet for a long time. On the stormy night, the servants in each room of the house also went to rest early. Only the Rongqing Hall was brightly lit. In the inner hall, only Jia Mu was leaning on the kang, weak and with a sad look on her face.
The only person sitting in the hall was Wang Xifeng. At this time, Sister Feng was sitting on the soft couch with her, and the fox fur shawl on her body was also wrapped around her. Not to mention that the kang in the room was burning warm. Mother Jia tilted her head, listening to the sound of rain hitting the eaves outside, with a sad look on her face, and asked,
"Girl Feng, do you know how Brother Zhen of Ningguo Mansion is doing? In the afternoon, I heard from my subordinates that he was taken to the Shuntian Mansion Yamen for trial by people from the Imperial City Department. There was no news at this late hour. Do you think that was the case? how,"

"Huh, okay? I'm just coaxing my old lady. After so many years of storms and waves, I still can't understand this. It's a small matter to interrogate Jia Zhen. It depends on the intentions of those relatives and the palace. If I guess If it’s true, Jia Zhen should be sent to prison, but that’s right.”

"Old lady, my granddaughter-in-law didn't want to hide it from you. Today, Mr. Xu sent word that Brother Zhen came to court and asked about the cause of the matter. In the end, he did not admit it. The person in charge of the trial did not force too much. The Yanguan The witness statements Yan Cong found were nothing more than rumors and irrelevant. I guess it was nothing."

When Lu Daiyuan saw the hot tea served by his son, he pushed it back.
"Take a sip first, and then have a good sleep. Your hard work along the way is seen by my father. Wang Ziteng, the coach of the Anhu camp in the capital, is an in-law of the Jia family, and he and his father also have a romantic relationship. I heard that The eldest grandson of Rongguo Mansion is also there. When you get there, you should get closer to him."

Jia Mu said it calmly, that is what happens when people grow old. Wang Xifeng was stunned for a moment. Sure enough, he still couldn't hide it from the old lady. He leaned closer to Jia Mu and replied,

"Brother Zhen and Brother Rong were indeed sent to prison. I heard that the demon was not caught, so they just froze there. But if they are found, there may be a way."

Lu Congyun sat down next to his father and brought him a bowl of hot tea. In the past few days, he had led the army north and did everything himself. Although he had made a lot of progress, he couldn't sleep well and felt tired from all the hard work.

Hearing his eldest son Lu Congyun ask this, Lu Daiyuan's eyes flashed, they, hum! These people are wolf cubs, feeding the unfamiliar.

In Rongguo Mansion,

"No need, I had some ideas before, but now it doesn't work. Not only can we not contact you, but we also have to keep a distance. Think about it, our Lu family has been granted the title of Daliang City, and although they have real power, their name is not justified. I want to It's not possible to pass on the position. Do you think they can't be in a hurry? So we must not talk about joining forces. The court is still watching. "

"I know, father, my son knows how to do it..."

Lu Daiyuan had previously thought of discussing the matter of going south in private, so as to check and balance Wang Ziteng, but now it seems that Zeng Weilun and Chu Guozhong were not the same generals who were not afraid of death. Not to mention being timid, their thoughts became more and more heavy. Logically speaking, the two of them should contact themselves in advance. Now it seems that the two families have joined forces to exclude themselves. Well, we'll see!
"My father is still thoughtful. My son was worried about the itinerary and how to make arrangements for going to the capital. He is worried after all. It seems that his father is already confident!"

Seeing that Feng Yatou was still deceiving herself, Mother Jia reached out and touched Wang Xifeng's jade hand and patted it.
"It's hard for you to deal with the affairs of the house. You shouldn't have to worry about it, but now, the Jia family still needs your help. The old lady also knows that the Wang family is soaring now. There is a marquis' house and a mother's uncle's family. As an important minister in the court, he cannot stand idly by while watching the incestuous affairs. I know the rumors outside. The most important thing now is that the title of Ning Guofu cannot be lost. If you are convicted, you must find a way to keep the title. "

After saying that, Mother Jia held Wang Xifeng's hand tightly and explained, but Wang Xifeng was obviously a little frightened, why would he find her.

"Old lady, my grandson's daughter-in-law is a womanly person. How can she have such ability? If you want to find her, you should look for her second wife."

"Don't refuse first. Let me explain to you clearly why I'm looking for you. Everyone knows the relationship between the Hou Mansion and you. Besides, you may have to do your best to look for you. If you look for the second brother's family, Brother Zhen will definitely have no hope. I just said That's right. In the end, Ningguo Mansion really can't keep the title. If Jia Zhen is gone, what do you think of the title?" Seeing Wang Xifeng's refusal, Jia Mu hurriedly stopped her from talking. Then she stood up and sat up to explain her greatness.
"This, yes, how about the title."

Wang Xifeng was stunned for a moment, her mind a little confused. If the title of Ning Guofu was vacant, it would be a big deal for the Jia family. This seat was very popular. If anyone took the title, it would be a big deal. Suddenly I thought of Jia Lian, but as the eldest grandson of Rongguo Mansion, it is impossible to go to the East Mansion to seek the title. The most likely candidate is Jia Baoyu. In this way, the second wife will gain both wealth and title, and she will have nothing to gain. No.

Mother Jia squinted at Feng Ya's head and didn't bother her. After waiting for a while, Wang Xifeng came back to her senses.
"Don't worry, old lady, I will definitely ask about it. I'm afraid I won't have a chance."

"Yes. Before you came, a letter came from the palace. Tomorrow the Queen Mother will go to Jing'an Temple to offer incense, and she has invited those who are above the third rank in the capital to go with her. You follow me and go there together. You go find Mrs. Wang and tell her about this. There may be a turning point in the relationship,"

Jia Mu held Wang Xifeng's hand and then let go. It turned out that the old lady had already had a plan. The only person serving beside her was Yuanyang. There was a charcoal fire burning in the room and tea was made. Looking at the space, Yuanyang gave it to the two masters. Pour a bowl of tea,
"Old lady, Second Grandma, it's cold, drink some hot tea and have a rest."

"Okay, you are still considerate, I don't know how long I can keep you."

Picking up the tea bowl, Jia Mu murmured melancholy, and Yuanyang's eyes suddenly turned red.
"Old lady, as long as you're here, I won't leave,"

"Silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about?"

Both the master and the servant were thinking about it a little bit, which made Wang Xifeng next to her very uncomfortable. She slapped her thigh and said,
"Oh, look, say something unpleasant. Tomorrow I will go with the old lady to Jing'an Temple to have a look. I haven't been there for many years. I just don't know if the eldest lady or the second lady will go there tomorrow. "

"If you don't go, it's just you and I, as well as Yuanyang, and the three of us are together. If there are too many people, it will be difficult to talk."

Wang Xifeng's eyes widened and she couldn't believe that the old lady didn't bring the second wife and the eldest wife with her.
"Is this possible?"

The small courtyard where Li Wan lives in the west,
On a rainy night,
It was still quiet, and the lights in the room were still on. In the east room on the second floor, Li Wan did not fall asleep. He was leaning on the bed, listening to the sound of raindrops outside, which seemed familiar to him.
"Grandma, it's raining so hard. It's been raining for an hour and it hasn't stopped yet. The small pond outside is full of water and it's almost flooding the pavilion."

Suyun pushed the door open from the outside and walked in with a food box in her hand. She took out the steamed cake from it, which was still steaming. She carefully moved it to a small table, placed it on it, and took it. I took out my chopsticks and put them on the plate, and served my grandma to take a few more bites. Strangely enough, my grandma's appetite has been getting better and better during this time, and she also needs to eat something at night.

Li Wan took a brocade cloth, wrapped a piece of steamed cake, put it to his mouth and ate it in small bites. The taste was not bad. The craftsmanship of Biyue's girl was no worse than that of Sister-in-law Liu of Rongguo Mansion.

Looking at Suyun who was chattering beside her, he nodded the little girl's forehead, then stuffed a steamed cake into her mouth, then blocked it and said angrily,

"Look at you, you can't even eat anything to stop your mouth. Isn't it just raining? In previous years, it hasn't rained before. It's worth making such a fuss. Fortunately, Lan'er went to bed early, otherwise it wouldn't have been you. Excuse me,"

Suyun was silent, then stretched out her hand to take out the steamed cake on her lips, and ate it in small bites. It was so sweet, and Biyue had such skill, so I underestimated her.
"Grandma, if I don't speak, wouldn't there be no one in this room to accompany you to relieve your boredom? By the way, grandma, the old housekeeper of our house sent a letter today, saying that before it rained, the eight-character wall at the city gate , someone from the yamen posted a notice about Enke, it seems that the time for Enke’s exam has been changed, and they also said that you can get money at the Bingmasi yamen,”

Suyun tilted her head and thought carefully about the old housekeeper's words. If grandma hadn't mentioned Master Lan just now, she almost forgot that the so-called old housekeeper was the housekeeper Li who was the gatekeeper of the old house left by Li Wan's father. He can be considered an old man.

Unexpectedly, after Li Wan heard this, he glared at Su Yun.

"You damn girl, you didn't tell me about such a big thing. Did you forget it because you were so playful? Come on, think about it, when did you change it?"

Li Wan's tone was a little anxious. These days, preparations for Jialan Enke's exams are being made in the small yard. Even food, dry food and drinking water are prepared early. Now if the time is changed, although these things can still be used, but You can't leave food or drink behind.
"Grandma, don't worry. It is said that Master Nan, who is in charge of the examination, has temporarily set the time for the scientific examination from the beginning of April to the end of April. He also gives out expenses to the scholars who are rushing to take the examination. As long as those who are on the list have their name tags, they can Can I get two taels of silver from the Wucheng Bingma Si Yamen?"

When it came to receiving money, the little girl's eyes lit up. She had known that scientific examinations cost money in the past, but this was the first time she heard that she could receive money. Only Li Wan didn't care about this. After all, the Marquis gave so much money at once. I don't like this at all. It's a good thing to change the time. It's also good to let Lan'er review her homework again and memorize more things.
"You damn girl, you only have this little potential, and you're only thinking about the money. You don't need the money, but you must not let other people in the Rongguo Mansion find out. You understand,"

"Yes, grandma, just don't go get it. It's a pity that with those two taels of silver, you can still buy Jiangnan Rouge Gouache,"

Suyun's face was full of reluctance, and she was still struggling with how much she could sell for two taels of silver. Li Wan finished the steamed cake in his hand, wiped his hands, and asked again,
"I ask you, apart from this, are there any other notices,"

Now that the money has been given, there must be a lot of people coming to take the scientific examination. Regardless of whether they pass the exam or not, they come from far and near for the two taels of silver. The number of people is quite large. For the provincial examination, if there are more people, The chance of passing the exam was small, so Li Wan was naturally worried.

When the little girl saw her grandma being silent and looking a little heavy, she didn't dare to laugh anymore and comforted her,
"Grandma, don't worry. Brother Lan will definitely win. After all, there are many people, but the good and the bad are mixed. Besides, Butler Li also said that it seems that my uncle, Luo Yunhou, is also one of the examiners!"

"What! How is that possible!"

(End of this chapter)