Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 691 Luo Yunhou is sick
In Rongqing Hall,

Suddenly it became quiet.

After all, the words of the Second Master and the Old Lady were too shocking to others. They had never heard of these things before. It was as if they were some secret words, hidden away. What kind of shocking things were there in the old stories?

The Second Wife raised her head instantly, her eyes flickering, her heart trembling slightly. This was a major event concerning the political situation, and she had not yet married more than 20 years ago, so how could she know all this? But when she was in the Wang family, she did have a feeling. Her brother hardly came home every night, and was very busy. There were also all kinds of rumors outside. Even if she was still unmarried, she had heard a little about it. She knew all this. As for later, after she entered the Rongguo Mansion, the old Duke passed away not long after, and his departure was also very strange.

Only Madam Xing beside her had an unchanged expression, but the gleam in her eyes was brighter than before, and her ears pricked up early, because she cared too much. She remembered what was said. During that period, there was unrest inside and outside the Rongguo Mansion, which made everyone in the mansion panic. She stayed in her own yard, not going out of the main door or the second door, for fear of causing trouble to the old lady and attracting complaints. So it turned out to be like this.

As for Wang Xifeng, her bright and pretty face showed a thoughtful expression. She had never heard of these things, let alone heard the old lady or her aunt, the Second Madam, mention them. When she entered the house, the old duke had already passed away. It was not until she became the housekeeper and took over the mansion that she heard no one else talk about this matter. She never thought it was so complicated.

Li Wan and Madam You looked at each other secretly. They had heard a little about what happened, but they didn't know the details. They also cast their eyes on the old lady.

It seems that Grandmother Jia accidentally
Thinking of the unpleasant things again, he sighed softly and said:
"Not long after, in the second year, just after the Chinese New Year, the rumors in the capital became true. The court suddenly issued a strict order, and many officials were dismissed. Even Prince Yizhong was deposed, and the position of crown prince was also..."

The old lady suddenly stopped talking, changed the subject, and said;

"It's hard to explain that matter in a few words. After all, it's been so long, and I only heard it from the Duke, so I only have a vague understanding of it."

Jia Zheng sat in the first seat in the east, as if he had sobered up. He thought carefully. When he was having a banquet at the Prime Minister's house, Marquis Xiangyang, Minister Shen, and Marquis Luo Yun were all guessing about Prime Minister Li's intentions. Could it be that the Prime Minister still wanted to regain power? Then what about Lord Lu and Lord Gu? Or maybe they had a connection. After all, the Four Princes' Mansions and Prince Zhongshun's Mansion all came with heavy gifts. It couldn't be a coincidence. They must have known it in advance. If they knew it in advance, why didn't the eight Dukes' Mansions hear any news at all?

"Mother, this matter must not be spread. My son was panicked. I thought we were celebrating and drinking, but I saw too much. I feel uneasy. This time, the four princes all went with heavy gifts, but none of our eight dukes went. There must be something fishy going on."

Jia Zheng let out a long sigh, not knowing what to do.

The words have not yet fallen,
At the door curtain,
Lai Da, the chief steward of Rongguo Mansion, hurried outside and shouted urgently:

"Old Madam, Second Master, someone from the palace has sent a message. Tomorrow, there will be a grand court meeting in the palace, and all civil and military officials must be present. I've come to tell the old madam and Second Master. Someone from the First Master's side has also sent a message."

"What? A grand court meeting."

Grandmother Jia cried out in surprise, because after His Majesty ascended the throne, there were not many court meetings, and even fewer grand court meetings, unless it was a matter of great importance. Now, is it such a coincidence?

Everyone in the hall was surprised, and at the same time thought, could it be that he is talking about what happened just now?

Li Wan, Madam You and the others remained silent. After all, as women, they did not understand these things.

Only Wang Xifeng was also startled. She blinked her clear eyes and a word came to her mind:

"Send away the attendants, and discuss the confidential matter in detail!"

It seems that all storytellers are like this, I don’t know.
"Second brother, there are some things you should know. Being an official in the court requires you to be cautious and tread carefully. You must know what's going on. Otherwise, you might break some taboo!"

Facing the surprised and doubtful looks of everyone in the room, Grandmother Jia spoke to Jia Zheng in this tone for the first time, seriously and solemnly.

Although the second brother works in the Ministry of Works, a leisurely government office, he is a Beijing official after all. His every move involves many people. He is confused, but he still has to think twice before deciding whether to do it or not.

"Yes, mother, I've made note of this. I will be very careful and will not go beyond this."

Grandmother Jia nodded with satisfaction. Although she was pedantic, she could still listen to him. As a civil servant, as long as you don't make mistakes, there won't be any big trouble. She smiled and said:
"In that case, there is a warm room for taking a nap in the east."

After hearing this, everyone lowered their heads.

But on second thought, it is not unusual. Most of the things here are mixed with the palace's secrets, which are kept secret and are indeed not suitable to be revealed in front of everyone.

Grandmother Jia nodded, looked at everyone in the hall, and first gave instructions to Lady Xing;

"Old man, it's getting late, go back and rest. On weekdays, you should talk more and drink less."

Mrs. Xing was still sitting there watching the excitement, but after hearing what Grandmother Jia said, her face froze and she looked extremely uncomfortable. As for persuading her, it was obviously referring to Jia She, and she replied;
"Yes, old lady, your daughter-in-law will go back and rest now."

Helpless, Madam Xing had to stand up, bow and leave.
Subsequently,

Grandmother Jia turned her head to look at the Second Mistress and Baoyu, and chuckled:

"Baoyu and his mother, you don't need to carry them around anymore, go back and rest."

The second wife looked incredulous. She would actually let herself leave. What did the old lady mean by this?
Not only did they ask her to talk to the side, but they also sent her far away and excluded her from the core secrets of the mansion? In this way, she would have no status in the future. She wanted to stay and ask Master Zheng to keep her, but after waiting for a while, she didn't hear Jia Zheng speak, so she had to get up.

The second wife forced herself to remain calm, smiled, and said;

"Then old lady, Baoyu and I will go back to rest first, and come back later to pay our respects to you, old lady."

After she finished speaking, she took Baoyu and walked out slowly. Mrs. Xing, who had not yet reached the door, suddenly felt her steps become much lighter. She was happy in her heart. The Second Wife had been so aloof all day long, but in the end she was kicked out. She was really good at pretending.

Grandmother Jia nodded, looking a little tired. In fact, she didn't mean to drive Mrs. Wang away just now, but she saw that Baoyu was a little tired. She felt that he had been studying hard these days, so it would be better for him to go back and rest early.

The rest of the people in the house,

Seeing this, Daiyu, Xiangyun, and Tanchun looked at each other, and together with the mother and daughter of the Xue family, they all stood up and said goodbye.

Li Wan held Madam You's hand, looked at Wang Xifeng and smiled;
"Old lady, Feng girl, Sister You and I have eaten and drunk enough, it's time to go back and rest."

Mrs. You naturally understood what was going on and said goodbye.
Only Wang Xifeng was unhappy. She was the housekeeper, so how could she leave? But since both of them had left, she could not do anything about it. She was not happy.
"Grandfather, then Ping'er and I will not stay. Let's see if there is anyone in the yard who is lazy, drinking and playing with money. Come back later."

Although she was eager to listen, she also knew that the first and second wives had been driven away, and she was obviously not qualified given her status.

Grandmother Jia nodded to the maids and responded.

"Everyone go back."

Everyone in the room stood up and left. Wang Xifeng had just stood up when she was suddenly called by the old lady Jia Mu:
"Feng girl, you don't have to go back. Help me to the warm room."

Suddenly,

Everyone in the room quickly turned around to look at Wang Xifeng. Even the Second Wife, who was about to leave, slipped and staggered. Li Wan and Madam You looked at each other, blinked their starry eyes, and smiled.
Wang Xifeng was even more delighted. She was a person who liked to meddle in other's affairs, and the old lady was giving her the opportunity to intervene.

Facing the doubts and puzzled looks of the crowd, Grandmother Jia also spoke.

"The current situation of Rongguo Mansion is all thanks to Feng girl. No matter what, the Jia family can still live a prosperous life. I know it clearly in my heart. I can see clearly that many descendants of the Jia family and the Shi family came here to make a living, which is a great merit."

Grandmother Jia said word by word, how could she not know what was going on outside? She had pretended to be ignorant in the past, but when Xiangyun sent a letter that day to thank her on behalf of the clan members, how could she still pretend not to know? Even though Feng had selfish motives, how could she turn a blind eye?
Everyone was shocked when they heard this.
All eyes were cast towards Wang Xifeng. Her beautiful face was now flushed with excitement, and her voluptuous figure was still so attractive. Even the second wife who was leaving stopped and stared at Wang Xifeng with a complicated expression. How many things had she hidden? She didn't believe the rumors in the family to be valued by the old lady, but now she had to believe it. Those livelihoods!
Just like that, leaving in a hurry with reluctance and doubts,
After people leave,
Wang Xifeng and Yuanyang, one on each side, supported Jia's mother as they walked towards the inner warm room.

Rongqing Hall is divided into two parts by twelve tall screens. The warm room at the back has a window, which is exactly where Jia Mu takes a nap every day. It is warm in winter and cool in summer, and it is comfortable and pleasant.
Yuanyang supported Lady Jia and sat her down on the armchair, separated by a small table.

Wang Xifeng was very friendly and prepared tea and cakes, but was stopped by Yuanyang.

"Second Madam, let me do it."

"Alright."

Jia Zheng followed him into the room and sat aside, looking solemn. Jia Mu had just laid down and sighed;

"I didn't want to say this, but I have to say it. Today's banquet, tomorrow's court meeting, I guess that the Li party from the past seems to be coming back. Second brother, you must not get involved."

"Why does the son want to ask his mother for advice?"

Although Jia Zheng vaguely remembered what happened that year, he didn't know the details. Wang Xifeng didn't dare to say anything and could only push the cup of tea that Yuanyang had poured for her closer to her.

Grandmother Jia sighed again, a look of reminiscence appeared on her face, and she said;
"In the 31st year of Tianbao, the emperor himself led the army and suffered a defeat outside the Great Wall. The 200,000-man army and the city of Pingliao were all defeated in the north. Almost every family in the capital was in mourning and every household had banners."

Thinking of the past, there was actually a hint of fear on Jia's grandmother's old face. Yuanyang, who was behind her, saw this and quickly reached out to gently stroke Jia's grandmother's back.

"Even the soldiers and horses in Pingyang County were almost all killed or wounded, and Luo Yunhou's father, as the defending commander, also died there."

Jia Zheng's face turned pale, and one could imagine the danger at that time. Wang Xifeng shuddered and her excitement disappeared.

Jia's mother took a breath and continued;

"The Emperor returned to the capital, and the Prime Minister Li Chonghou entered the Yangxin Palace and did not leave the palace for three days. Not long after, the Crown Prince was deposed. Jia Jing of the East Palace, who had passed the imperial examination early, was the Crown Prince's companion and later the East Palace Councilor. He was dismissed and returned home.
At that time, many censors were killed, many high officials in the capital were dismissed, and all government offices were in trouble. In the 36th year of Tianbao, the retired emperor hastily appointed a crown prince for unknown reasons. In the 38th year of Tianbao, news came from the palace that the retired emperor was seriously ill.

At this point, everyone in the room knew that the current emperor had been appointed as the crown prince. Grandmother Jia trembled as she finished speaking, with a bit of panic on her face.
"At that time, one night, for some unknown reason, the capital was filled with shouts of killing and chaos. Not long after, we heard that the eldest princess and her husband were killed tragically at the East City Gate, and the former crown prince's mansion caught fire and all died. Not long after, the current emperor took the throne, and the former crown prince was later named Prince Zhongyi and kept his title. The remaining princes and princesses were driven out of the capital one after another."

How could Jia Zheng not understand the reason at this time?

"Mother, is this also the reason for the Ningguo Mansion incident? Can Zhen Ge'er come back?"

"Oh, it's hard to say. Jia Jing replied that he has a way. The old relatives and friends are all worried. If something goes wrong, the title must not be lost. Otherwise, after I die, I will feel ashamed of the ancestors of the Jia family."

Grandmother Jia burst into tears, worrying about Ningguo Mansion, but as a woman, how could she solve the problem?
Wang Xifeng suddenly asked;
"Madam, I shouldn't have said anything. If Brother Zhen is stripped of his title at Ningguo Mansion, who will inherit it? Master Jing is still alive, so who can come to inherit the title?"

This question,
The people in the room were stunned by the question.
Jia Zheng frowned. Jia Zhen was still in prison, his life or death uncertain, and now they were trying to deprive him of his title. He was unhappy. The old lady was also upset, but she thought it was right. She thought of Baoyu first, but she couldn't let him be adopted.
"We will discuss this matter later. I'll just tell you what you think. The title of Rongguo Mansion belongs to the eldest wife, and will belong to you and Jia Lian in the future. However, the property of the Duke's Mansion still belongs to the second wife. That was decided by the old Duke, and I will not change it. Since the property you manage yourself is yours, it still belongs to you.

As for the East Mansion, it still needs to be arranged by Master Jing. I think there will be a safe way to solve it. However, the legitimate bloodline is the legitimate bloodline, the rules are the rules, the order of seniority, the title naturally belongs to the legitimate bloodline, no matter how bad Jia Rong is, he still needs to fight for it, if it fails, we can find another way. "

Grandmother Jia was also hesitant. The title was a matter of great importance, so it would be better for one of her own people to inherit the title. Baoyu was the first choice, but if he was adopted into the Ningguo Mansion, wouldn't the second eldest son's family be left with no one in the direct line? As for illegitimate children like Jia Huan, they were not in the old lady's eyes at all. But it seemed that Jia Lan was also kept, but he was still not as good as Baoyu.

"Uh-huh, uh-huh"

The sound of vomiting came one after another, adding a sense of solemnity to the Luo Yunhou Mansion.
In the main house of East Garden,
Maids and old women were busy coming in and out, carrying basins and pouring water.
inside the house,

Zhang Jinyu felt uncomfortable in his stomach, so he went back to the house and vomited directly. His nose was running, and he vomited a lot before he felt much better. He cursed inwardly,
"Damn it, this banquet is unlucky, I'm sick to my stomach."

Baozhu, the waiter, had just brought a basin of water to wash her face. She didn't hear what the Marquis said, so she quickly took the brocade cloth to wipe the Marquis' face.

"Son-in-law, are you feeling better? Madam and the old lady will be back soon. Look at you, you just came back and you made such a big noise. Zixiang that girl also went to play with you. His brother and father are in the camp. It's such a coincidence."

Zhang Jinyu felt dizzy and must have caught a cold. Listening to Baozhu's words, he felt helpless. It was such a coincidence. However, Zhang Jinyu refused to ask a doctor from outside. There were too many quacks and it would be difficult to cure the disease. In ancient times, colds were quite serious.

"Drink water."

"Oh, here it comes."

Baozhu hurriedly put down the brocade cloth, went to get the teapot, served ten thousand cups of tea, called a few maids, helped the marquis sit up, and fed him water.
After drinking a bowl of tea, Zhang Jinyu finally felt much better. Damn it, there was something wrong with the wine. I don't know where Li Shoufu bought the fake wine. It was uncomfortable to drink. He opened his eyes and looked at Baozhu, who was worried. He seemed relieved. She was the only one in the Red Mansion who was loyal to her master. It was very rare.
"Okay, much better. Where did the madam go?"

"Quick, bring a cushion for the Marquis to lean on."

Baozhu waved her hand again and asked a few maids to go to the inner room to get a quilt and put it behind the Marquis. Zhang Jinyu leaned on the quilt and felt much more comfortable.
"Thank you, girl,"

"My Lord, what nonsense are you talking about? It's all my duty as a servant."

Baozhu pulled the quilt for Zhang Jinyu again and said;
"Madam and the old lady went to Yaoji Store. They said that they had newly made snow cloud cakes and they were waiting to be chilled. Many noble ladies in the capital went to take a look."

A face full of happiness,
Zhang Jinyu curled his lips secretly. Yaoji Business was just a bunch of nonsense. He looked at Baozhu and wanted to tease her.

"Why didn't you go to see the fun?"

"My dear uncle, I don't want to go. It's not fun."

Baozhu shook her head. No matter where she went, it was better to show off her power at home.

Outside the house,

Ning Bian anxiously sent people to look for his wife, and he himself led people to wait outside the mansion. Suddenly, someone from the palace came back. A eunuch in charge led a few eunuchs to the gate of the mansion, got off the carriage, walked over and asked,

"General Ning, has the Marquis returned home?"

"My Lord, the Marquis has returned, but he cannot see guests?"

"Oh, what's going on?"

Looking at General Ning who looked anxious and embarrassed, Supervisor Tai felt something was wrong and asked.

"My Lord, the Marquis has caught a cold and developed a fever, and is bedridden."

"What. How could this happen!?"

(End of this chapter)