Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 687 Jia Zheng is depressed at the banquet
The main hall of the Prime Minister's residence,
The noise became much quieter, and many people turned their eyes here, with curiosity and some indescribable meaning in their eyes.
Unexpectedly, the first prince to come would be Prince Zhongshun. He brought a lot of gifts, and they were big gifts. As the younger brother of His Majesty, the meaning behind this needs to be considered.
Although Zhang Jinyu was sitting in the inner room, there was a window near the main hall, so he could see clearly inside and outside the courtyard. Of course, he saw this scene.
"Brother Bai, look at the gifts the princes sent. Wow, so generous. A pair of jade ruyi and a golden tree. What a nice gift Prince Zhongshun gave. Not to mention Prince Beijing Shuirong. It was as if they had discussed it beforehand. As soon as they gave the tree, he came with a pair of golden branches and jade leaves and a blood coral. This is to decorate the tree. Alas, the four princes and eight dukes, it seems that they are not so sociable."

Zhang Jinyu sat there, making some sarcastic comments, his tone was a little sour, as if he had been tricked. Bai Guangju, the Marquis of Xiangyang, smiled bitterly, took a sip from the wine cup, and shook his head.

"My Lord, you are being too serious. This must be a coincidence. When the palace gives gifts, the same rules apply. No one can give more, no one can give less, and you can't give the same thing. Otherwise, it will be embarrassing. Of course, we are just a coincidence. If we bring cakes as gifts, I think there will be gossip in the capital tomorrow."

"As you said, it's easy and coincidental. In my opinion, it was discussed privately, and then hidden from the nobles. Believe it or not, the princes behind will also show up."

Zhang Jinyu turned around and didn't drink the wine. He grabbed the water bag from his body, opened it and took a few gulps. He didn't know why, but he felt dizzy when drinking. Could it be fake wine? His nose was also a little blocked, cough!

In the inner hall,
The officials in the room were all a little surprised, and instead looked towards the inner hall. The Prime Minister Li Chonghou, with a calm face, stood up, clasped his fists towards the door curtain, and thanked him;

"Thank you all, my Lords, for your kindness. I would like to express my gratitude here."

The housekeepers of the palace received the greetings outside the door, returned the greetings, and then took their people back without staying for the banquet.

In just a moment,
The gate became bustling with people coming in carrying large boxes and arriving at the accounting office soon.

The voices of congratulations sounded again,
"Congratulations from the Prince of Dongping's Mansion. A pair of Jinsha tents, a piece of jade cabbage, five thousand taels of silver, and ten batches of Jiangnan red brocade. I wish the eldest son Li Chaosheng a son soon!"

"Congratulations from the Nan'an Palace. A pair of gold-inlaid jade walls, a white jade Buddha statue, ten batches of silk, and five thousand taels of silver. I wish the eldest son, Li Chaosheng, will have a son soon!"

"Congratulations from the Xining Palace. A pair of cold jades from the Western Regions, a piece of Cheshi sunken wood, and a box of ancient black cloud silk."

After the next three "yes", the originally noisy hall was now completely silent, and the sound of falling leaves could be heard. Even the groom Li Chaosheng stared with his eyes wide open, looking a little unbelievable, not to mention the others.
The Prime Minister Li Chonghou looked normal. He took a few steps forward and came to the partition curtain. His figure could be seen from both inside and outside.
He bowed respectfully and made a mock gesture towards the gate.
"Today, I would like to thank the princes for their concern and for sending me gifts. I am truly ashamed that you still remember me after such a long time. I can only return the gift with empty words."

After saying this, he bowed, and several students behind him and the eldest son Li Chaosheng also bowed.
After performing the rituals,

The Prime Minister said again;

"Most of the guests who have come here are old faces. I have been sitting in the position of Prime Minister for eighteen years. Unfortunately, my health is not good. I have been lying in bed for a long time and neglected to manage the cabinet. This year, I want to resign and return to my hometown to retire. I am grateful for the grace of the emperor to let me stay in the position.

Now that the cabinet is weak, I have to stay in the position of Prime Minister for the time being and do my last bit of strength for the court and His Majesty. This is a manifestation of my Li family's loyalty to the royal family."

Just this sentence,

He turned around to look at the group of people behind him, including his students, nephews, and sons, and continued;

"I have no way to repay the grace of heaven now. On this happy day, all the relatives and old friends of the Li family are here. I can only kowtow to the grace of heaven here."

Then, in the lobby, he led the entire Li family to kneel down and kowtow in the direction of the imperial palace.
When everyone in the hall saw this, no one dared to sit still, and hurriedly knelt together, performed a great salute towards the imperial palace, and kowtowed three times. After that, they took their seats one by one.

But the noisy atmosphere suddenly calmed down a lot, as if these delicious dishes were as good as wax. In this way, the wealth and power of the Li family were still there. Some old people even had some fear in their eyes. It seemed that the Prime Minister was not going to retire, so the reconstruction of the Li Party was just around the corner.

In the corner, behind the screen,

The three of them saw the scene in the inner hall.
Zhang Jinyu turned around and looked at Marquis Xiangyang strangely. Shen Zhongxin swallowed his saliva in disbelief. The three of them had just stood up after kneeling, so how could they not be in turmoil?

"Brother Bai is really amazing. You can even guess this. What a coincidence. The four kings are all rare. I didn't expect to see the gifts here. It seems that they were all discussed and sent just right."

Although the gifts are different, the types marked on the side are the same, a pair, a piece, ten batches of cloth, etc., they are the head of a family, and you can't say that you buy the same style every time.
"My Lord, please don't make fun of me. I was just guessing just now. I never thought it would be like this. Besides, no one from the eight dukes' mansions came. This shows that the nobles and relatives are still together in heart. As for them, they must have suffered."

As if to confirm the words of Marquis Xiangyang, after the four kings sang their greetings, no one else came. Zhang Jinyu smacked his lips, his expression showing that he did not believe a single word. Suffering, what suffering? Could it be that someone was forcing them to come and pay their respects?
"Sir Shen, you are a civil servant, tell me what Sir Li is up to. It seems that the marriage for his son is fake, and the real purpose is to use it to achieve some other purpose. Your teacher, Lord Gu, and his old partner, Lord Lu, have never shown up. Come and take a look. They are both old foxes, and they are accurate in their judgment."

Shen Zhongxin looked around and found that the people who could come were all fourth or fifth rank officials. Those above third rank were only those behind the Prime Minister. It seemed that the cabinet ministers were unaware of this matter. He would need to report to his mentor in the evening.
"You are joking, my dear. My dear teacher is busy with government affairs, so how can I delay? My dear, please take a look at what is going on here. As for what I just said, my dear, please take it easy. After all, the elder is still my teacher."

At the main entrance,
The calls of thanks came one after another, but one person caught Zhang Jinyu's attention.
"Jia Zheng, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Works, three pairs of jade flowers and a gift of one thousand taels of silver."

Zhang Jinyu looked up and looked out the window. Sure enough, it was Jia Zheng, the second master of Rongguo Mansion, and he was still using the title of Minister of Works. So, of the four princes and eight dukes, only four princes had come. Without thinking too much, Zhang Jinyu stood up and waved out the window.

Jia Zheng was still a little hesitant about where to sit, but when he looked over, he saw Luo Yunhou waving at him from the window. His face lit up with joy, and he walked over quickly.

After walking around for a few times, they finally came to a table in the corner. There were only three people sitting at the huge table. They clasped their fists and said;
"Your humble servant Jia Zheng greets Marquis Luo Yun, Marquis Xiangyang, and Minister Shen."

How could Zhang Jinyu let Jia Zheng be angry? Jia Zheng was the only one in the Jia family who liked him. Although he was pedantic, he was not a mean person.

"Master Zheng, please don't be polite when you come here. We are officials of the same dynasty."

"Yes, Cun Zhou, we are all relatives here, so why bother with all the etiquette?"

Xiangyang Hou quickly gave up his seat and let Jia Zheng sit down. Even Shen Xinxin was a little surprised. Luo Yun Hou treated Jia Zheng very differently. It was hard to say anything. "Thank you, Brother Bai, and thank you, Lord Hou."

Although Jia Zheng was pedantic, he was also sensible and sat down. Zhang Jinyu served Jia Zheng tea and wine and was polite again.
asked;

"Master Zheng, why are you the only one here to present the gift? And why didn't you present one in the name of Rongguo Mansion?"

After Zhang Jinyu asked, the other two also looked over. This was strange.

Jia Zheng took a sip of tea during the conversation and didn't think too much about it.

"My Lord, Rongguo Mansion did not receive the invitation. I was the only one who received it, so I will give a gift in my own name for the time being."

Jia Zheng was still a little cautious. After all, he was unclear about many things he encountered. He consulted with the retainers in the mansion before coming here.

Zhang Jinyu seemed to have expected this, so he stopped talking about this matter and instead talked about some family matters.

"Second Master, don't worry too much. It doesn't matter who comes. The imperial examination will be held in two days. I heard that Baoyu has changed his temperament and is studying hard at home. I think he is prepared. Of course, his temperament is still a little... well, it will take time to change."

Zhang Jinyu wanted to say that Baoyu was too naughty, but how could he really say it because Jia Zheng was counting on him. Of course, he would not say anything to comfort him. As long as Baoyu studied hard, with his talent, he would be able to show his talents in three to five years. This was not the way to comfort people.

The two people around him did not understand, but continued to speak well of him, and the Marquis of Xiangyang was all smiles;
"Cun Zhou, you are too harsh. Your Baoyu has been famous since he was young. It is easy for him to pass the provincial examination."

Shen Zhongxin also nodded. This time, there were so many people admitted to the Entry Examination, so it was easier said than done.
"Yes, Lord Jia, the requirements for the special examination have been relaxed a lot this year, and the number of people admitted has increased significantly. As long as you have solid basic skills, it will be easy to pass the exam."

Zhang Jinyu widened his eyes and looked at the two people talking shamelessly.

The biggest lie in the world is probably that as long as I work hard and as long as I put my heart into it, I will...

This is almost the same as lying in bed with great ambitions. If you fail the exam, it will be a slap in the face. It's true that too many good words can never be too much.

Jia Zheng looked grateful, nodded, looked at the three people and said:

"Then I will take advantage of your good words. Thank you, the two marquises, and Lord Shen for your comfort. Baoyu is stubborn and has an unstable temper. He still needs to be polished."

These days, Jia Zheng has been concentrating on Baoyu's review of his lessons. He checks Baoyu's study of the Book of Songs every day at home. He knows that Baoyu has worked hard and his lessons have become much more solid. However, his policy essays are somewhat unsatisfactory. There is nothing original about them, and his insights are superficial. How can they catch the examiner's eye?

Zhang Jinyu was speechless and pondered for a moment. After all, he couldn't undermine the second master's confidence. It would be better for Baoyu to live a stable life in the mansion. If he really became an official with this character, he would be eaten up by others. But he couldn't say that. As for how he did in the exam, Zhang Jinyu directly crossed it out in his mind. With so many people, if he didn't rank last, who would? Those students from the academy, not to mention their real learning, those in the Imperial College, who studied hard, were all "academic masters".

"Master Zheng, although that is true, Baoyu is of such a temperament that he will not become a prime minister unless he speaks out..."

Jia Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly, wiped the moisture from the corners of his mouth with his sleeve, sighed, and said;
"Your Majesty is right. Don't even think about becoming a general or a prime minister. I have never thought about this. If he can pass the imperial examination like his elder brother Jia Zhu, become a Jinshi, and become a minor official, I will be satisfied and comfort my ancestors."

In the court, there were few officials who could become generals or ministers. Even he himself could only stay in the ministry and do some small things. He could not do anything.

The two people beside him were silent, both of them seemed to be worried, as if they were talking about their children and nephews. Zhang Jinyu also sighed in his heart, thinking, many people have taken the exams for a lifetime but still failed to pass, how could it be so easy to pass? Besides, the Jinshi who made the list are all those who participated in the palace examination, and they can govern a region after they come out, at least they are from the prefectural government, this is really hoping that their son will become a dragon.
After thinking about it, I saw that the two people around me had the same idea. I should have the same idea if it were me. I have to pave the way for my child after all, and I don’t want to disappoint everyone, so I said;
"Master Zheng is right. Nobles like us all want to find a way for our illegitimate sons to make a living, but legitimate sons have one when they are born. Families like the Ning and Rong mansions have been rich and powerful for four generations. Although their titles have been reduced, they don't actually need Baoyu to fight on the road to officialdom.

Of course, if we want to maintain the family's reputation, we can't have no officials in the court. Baoyu is born rich, and whether he can pass the imperial examination to become an official needs to be tested a few more times. If he fails, we need to test him a few more times to let him know how hard it is to maintain the family business, and he seems to have realized it!"

Zhang Jinyu's words were not just random talk. It seemed that in his memory, there was a dynasty where the clan's sons who failed the imperial examinations would go into business and manage the clan's property. There could not be useless people, so it became increasingly difficult to control the clan in the later period. Some even used the prestige of their fathers and brothers to organize poetry gatherings in academies, forming the embryonic form of folk political parties. Of course, there are still some now, but the previous and current dynasties have strict regulations that the presidents of academies are not allowed to enter the court, so this path has been cut off.
Jia Zheng listened to what Luo Yunhou said, nodded, and replied;
"My Lord, you are right. We need to take a closer look at this."

It was obvious that he was not sincere, but Zhang Jinyu did not care and smiled;

"This matter still needs time and there is no rush. However, Master Zheng, I heard that Rongguo Mansion has set up a family school. With so many students, they should have more seedlings. There must be one or two with potential. Let them all try for reference. It may not be a bad thing. But we can't stop them and cut off the family's fortune."

Zhang Jinyu was hinting at something. Lan Ge'er is your grandson, but you don't even allow him to take part in the discussion. This is unheard of. However, it was because of this that he got Li Wan, the former rich lady.
Thinking of Li Wan, Zhang Jinyu felt a little emotional. He remembered that there were many versions of the book "Dream of Red Mansions".
Orchids and osmanthus blossom together, filling the garden with fragrance. This means that Xue Baochai and Jia Baoyu had a son, but if it were Jia Gui, he and Jia Lan would have passed the imperial examinations and become officials one after another. The Jia family had successors and became officials in the new dynasty.
That’s why there is Li Wan’s verdict in the book;
The peach and plum blossoms have finished bearing fruit in the spring breeze, but who is like a pot of orchid in the end? It is like ice water, which is vainly jealous and in vain becomes a laughing stock for others.

Of course, the last verses of the poem are somewhat miserable. After the Jia family was ransacked, she returned to the old house alone with her son, and endured until the end, she was near the grave, so she was laughed at by others.
But according to the rules of the imperial examination, Jia Lan was a successful scholar, and he had the idea of ​​bringing honor to his family. Even if he was posthumously conferred the title of a noble lady after Li Wan passed away, he would have brought honor to his ancestors and would be smiled upon in his grave. How could those stupid women dare to laugh at that?
For example, in later generations, if a widow raised her son and waited for him to become a successful official, even if he had already collapsed and never enjoyed a day of happiness, people would never laugh at her, but would respect her!
However, Zhang Jinyu was shocked. Being an official of the new dynasty meant that the imperial court was gone. Who overthrew it? After thinking about it, he realized that although the Dawu imperial court had many hidden dangers, no one had the strength to do so.

There are also the matters of Li Wan and Xue Baochai. Who should they have children with? Of course it should be me. Why do I feel so guilty?

Zhang Jinyu looked embarrassed and suppressed some random thoughts in his mind.

"Your Majesty is right. I had the same idea as Cun Zhou at that time, but my brother was playful and had no achievements. Not to mention taking the imperial examination, he even had trouble writing a few big characters. I remember that time, he made my father so angry that he fell ill. Later, we just ignored him and gave him some property to divide the family. Who would have thought that he had a talent for business and helped the Marquis's Mansion a lot."

The Marquis of Xiangyang seemed to have some sense of this. The last time the imperial court in the capital city collected the silver owed, it would have been a hurdle for the Marquisate if it had not been for the help of his younger brother and sister-in-law.
Shen Zhongxin felt the same way. Every family has its own problems. Every family has a playboy who eats everything and is incompetent at everything. However, he cannot tell others about this. Seeing Jia Zheng like this, he can imagine that this is a reflection of everyone.
Speaking of the clan school and the clan children, Jia Zheng blushed and felt ashamed. It was as if his own wife had directly ordered that the clan children should not participate in the imperial examinations, and even stopped his grandson Jia Lan. How could he say this? Jia Zheng had always been upright, but just because of this matter, he gave the clan members an excuse to accuse him. How could he still have the face to say these things?
When I was feeling depressed, I poured myself another bowl of wine and drank it in one gulp. The depression in my heart was relieved a little.
"My Lord, the Rongguo Mansion's affairs are all my fault. I delayed the clan's young men from participating in the imperial examination. It was all because of that woman's narrow-mindedness that I couldn't stop her. Alas..."

(End of this chapter)