Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 762 Rong Xi Tang receives the imperial edict
In Rongqing Hall,

Looking at the faces of the people, they were shocked to hear the bad news, and they were inevitably confused, but the direct line of the Ningguo Mansion was really going to die, and it was not just one or two families that were involved.
Grandmother Jia's face changed, and finally she couldn't help but said in a hurry:

"Yuanyang, help me over there. Let's go together and meet the angels in the palace again."

Everyone in the Ningguo Mansion, young and old, was involved in it. At this moment, Grandmother Jia had a bad feeling in her heart and planned to go and meet the angel in the palace in person.

This is the dowager who has been in charge of a noble family for a hundred years, and her political sense has not yet completely atrophied.

Yuanyang responded, and then she, together with the maids Amber, Feicui, and other maids, as well as Lin Zhixiao's family and other old women, supported Lady Jia and left Rongqing Hall.

At this time, Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Xing were worried about the safety of Jia Zheng and Jia She, so they also went to Rong Xi Tang together. Aunt Xue couldn't stay there either, so she said a few words to Baochai and had to go with Mrs. Wang.

Firstly, she was a lady of noble title, and secondly, she was old, not like young wives or girls. So, she did not need to be shy even when meeting eunuchs or inner court officials.

Shi Xiangyun's round face showed worry, and she asked:
"Sister Lin, let's go take a look too."

Lin Daiyu was actually a little worried about the situation ahead. How could it happen so suddenly? But when she saw all the sisters, big and small, she hesitated and said:

"There are eunuchs outside right now. If we go in this way..."

It's hard to say more. There are so many people here, and I don't know what the message is.

"Don't go to the front hall. Go behind the curtain and hide for a while. It's also good to listen."

Yingchun and others nodded, which was considered as their agreement.

At once, Chai and Dai, Yingchun, Tanchun, Xiangyun, and even Wang Xifeng stood up and led their maids in their respective rooms to the back hall of Rong Xi Tang.

It was almost evening now. The sky was covered with dark clouds and the wind was getting stronger. In the courtyard, there was a dark curtain like a curtain or fog. Even so, the rain had not yet fallen.

In Rongxi Hall,

Because there were guards and eunuchs guarding outside, there were no candles lit inside and the view was a little dim.

Eunuch Yun was still waiting, and Jia Zheng sent a servant to call Madam You. Therefore, he sat leisurely on the sixteen golden nanmu chairs lined up in Rong Xi Hall, picked up the teacup beside him, and lowered his head to take a sip.

By the way, he took some cakes and put them into his mouth. It was indeed the residence of a nobleman. The taste of the cakes was not inferior to that in the palace. He thought of the matter at Ningguo Mansion. Even if Jia Zhen and his son saved their lives, who would inherit the huge Duke's Mansion? This might be difficult. Could His Majesty have left a backup plan? Throughout history, many nobles from aristocratic families used unscrupulous means to seize the title.
After eating the cakes, he took a sip of tea. Hmm? Why is it a bit bitter? It was fine just now, but now after eating the cakes, it feels a bit hard to swallow. He took a sip carefully. This is last year's old tea. It tastes a little bitter. The eunuch Yun in the palace can taste it right away.

At that time, the New Year had just passed and the new tea from the south had not yet arrived, so there was no new tea coming down from the capital.

She raised her narrow eyes and glanced at Jia She, her face was dejected and she looked downcast. She should have been the eldest daughter-in-law of the housekeeper, but now she could only stay at home.
Jia Zheng, who was accompanying him, did not dare to sit down. His elegant face was full of distress. He lowered his head and asked:

"Eunuch, is there any chance of survival at Ningguo Mansion?"

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Yun put down the teacup in his hand with a "click" sound, and a smile appeared on his fair face. Eunuch Yun's majesty became more and more majestic, but because the sky was dim and there were no candles in Rong Xi Hall, half of his cheek was hidden in the dark shadow, which was vaguely terrifying:
"If someone else had asked, I wouldn't have said anything, but since it's the doctor who asked, I'll explain in detail."

"Please advise me, sir. I am all ears."

Jia Zheng looked respectful, cupped his hands, moved forward, and spoke in a hurry.

Jia She, who was standing by, also raised his head slightly, listened carefully, and tried to find a glimmer of hope. If the Jia family's power was gone, they would be on the road to decline. Although he had always been angry with Jia Zheng and hated his mother's injustice, he also knew that no egg would be left unbroken when the nest is overturned.

Eunuch Yun nodded and said;
"I think the doctor also went to the grand court meeting that day. When the drum sounded, Yan Cong wrote a petition, and the ministers were in an uproar. The public opinion was boiling. The censors and cabinet ministers all wanted to severely punish General Weilie's crime to uphold the law! Some even said that the direct line of the Jia family in the capital could not restrain the clan members and monitor their evil deeds. Some people speculated that the Ning and Rong branches of your family had already colluded with each other and were in collusion with each other. The emperor was furious."

Jia Zheng's face changed and his heart skipped a beat. His original concern for Jia Zhen's misfortune was replaced by worry about the Rongguo Mansion.

Once the excuse is given, disaster will come from the mouth. If Ningguo Mansion is in trouble, Rongguo Mansion will certainly not be able to escape the responsibility. With so many family members, the Jia family has no way out.

This is not the love between brothers, which is not as good as the friendship between the same clans. Instead, once something happens to the Rongguo Mansion, the Jia Mansion will be in ruins, with no way of survival.

Jia Zheng said hurriedly:
"Eunuch, this is nonsense. Ningguo Mansion and Rongguo Mansion have long been separated. Although they are close, Ningguo Mansion is the head of the Jia family. Even if Rongguo Mansion wants to ask, it has no way to ask?"

"Doctor Jia, don't worry. You know best whether it is true or not. According to the report from the Imperial City Department, after the imperial examination, your main family stopped the clansmen from participating in the imperial examination, which caused a lot of uproar. Moreover, the family affairs of the direct lineage were also exposed by the clansmen to cry out for injustice. There are many people who cry out that Jia Zhu's death is unfair."

Eunuch Yun sat there and spoke only in a low voice, but Jia Zheng's face turned pale. It was his wife who stopped him from taking the imperial examination. Jia Zhu's death was also related to him. He beat Jia Zhu severely before the examination, which hurt his heart. It happened that the sky was gloomy and the night was cold during those days. He caught a cold and after coming back, he developed a chronic illness that kept coming back. As for why he died on the day of the imperial examination, he was checking the accounts in the department during those days and didn't know. He was heartbroken when he heard the bad news.

Eunuch Yun looked respectful, bowed in the direction of the Yangxin Palace, and said:
"Fortunately, His Majesty has a bright light that shines thousands of miles away, and he did not listen to these rumors."

In other words, what the father-in-law meant was that Rongguo Mansion was safe for the time being. Jia Zheng was secretly relieved. As long as Rongguo Mansion was safe, the Jia family in the capital would be as stable as Mount Tai. As for Ningguo Mansion, everyone in Rongguo Mansion did not regard him as the patriarch of the Jia family from the bottom of their hearts. He was just a nominal title.

Eunuch Yun was telling the truth and was not lying. After all, Jia She from the Rongguo Mansion was idle at home and was famous in the capital for visiting brothels. Anyone could see him. Jia Zheng was extremely old-fashioned and worked diligently in the Ministry of Works. It would be unfair to say that the two of them from the Rongguo Mansion were mixing with Jia Zhen from the Ningguo Mansion and trying to curry favor with him.

The court would not believe it, otherwise, those censors would have impeached him long ago. Was he in collusion with Jia Zhen? It would be better to accuse him of treason, which would be more credible.

Therefore, there were some memorials that the emperor would directly dismiss without giving his approval after reading them. All of this was seen by Xiao Yunzi when she was serving him. So, the Jia family could make no moves, but they could not make big ones, and they should not mess with the title.

Jia She sat there, his pale face gradually turned rosy. He finally breathed a sigh of relief and was about to speak.

Suddenly, a servant entered Rongxi Hall and reported:

"Master, old lady, the eldest lady and the mistress are here."

When Xiao Yunzi heard this, his face turned pale. The old lady and the others had arrived. He quickly stood up and looked outside.

After all, Lady Jia is the Grandmother of Rongguo, a first-rank lady. Even if the emperor sees her, he will give her some face to show his respect and love for the elderly. Of course, the prerequisite is that the Jia family has connections in the court. Even if the old lady enters the palace, she can only go to the harem and meet the ladies.

Xiao Yunzi is an angel, so she just needs to stand up to show respect. There is no need to go out to greet her. However, there are many rumors in the capital. The men of the Jia family may not be afraid, but the women should pay more attention. The appearance of the Duke's Mansion is supported by these women.

When Jia Zheng wanted to ask more questions, he heard that Jia's mother was coming. His face changed slightly and he went out to greet her.

At this time,

Supported by maids such as Yuanyang and Amber, Jia's mother was walking under the eaves of the corridor, leaning on a cane and trembling. Another maid ran over from behind with an oil-umbrella in hand, in case of emergency.

At that time,

The sky was grey and the muffled thunder coming from the distant horizon became more and more urgent. The stone pits in the courtyard rockery and the branches of the trees all seemed to sense the coming rainstorm and remained dull and motionless. As for the soil, it was already wet and not dry, still telling the story of the previous rainy night. Accompanied by the breeze, a biting sense of dampness and coldness came to the hearts of Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang, Sister Feng and others.

It seems like a disaster is about to happen.

When Lady Jia stepped over the threshold and entered the main hall of Rong Xi Tang, she was attracted by Eunuch Yun's red robe at first sight. That was the robe of a third-rank eunuch chief steward. Her old body trembled and her face turned pale. The original Eunuch Yun had now come to this point.

Before, he was just a little eunuch serving beside the internal minister. Now, he has risen to prominence. As the saying goes, if one person succeeds, his family will also prosper. Marquis Luo Yun is in charge of the areas outside the Great Wall. Those trusted generals who followed him have changed their official status. Thinking of this, his expression became more complicated. He thought a lot about Sanchun and their marriage.
"Mother, I am an unfilial son. I have frightened you at your sixties."

Jia Zheng had a worried look on his face. He walked quickly forward and supported Lady Jia. It was all because he was useless. The civil officials didn't like him very much. The nobles were all avoiding him. Even Prince Beijing sighed and remained silent. How could a mere doctor like him save Jia Zhen?

At this time, Eunuch Yun looked at the old woman with silver hair, adjusted his face and said:

"Madam Rongguo, the emperor has given an oral instruction, and the old lady should not be anxious. Jia Zhen and his son in Ningguo Mansion violated the laws of the country, believed in sorcery, and caused chaos in the capital. They were regarded as spies of the Taiping Sect. The evidence is conclusive. The emperor is furious and all officials are outraged. He ordered our family to arrest everyone in Ningguo Mansion and only sentence the mastermind. The rest will be given light sentences. The title still needs to be considered by the old lady, and reported to Your Majesty. I hope your family will cooperate." This was an explanation, and there was no polite words. It was like entrusting the affairs of Ningguo Mansion to the old lady.

Upon hearing this, Jia's mother turned her eyes to Eunuch Yun and asked:
"Is this the only way this eunuch can do? There is absolutely no way out."

After all, she was the Dowager Lady of Rongguo, and at the moment she was in Rongxi Hall, perhaps because of the "attention" from the two dukes in the dark, she had a sense of confidence in her heart and asked loudly.

Eunuch Yun replied with a fake smile:

"Old Madam, there is no point in being anxious. Since His Majesty has ordered us to handle the affairs of Ningguo Mansion, we must have evidence. In the past, the three courts jointly tried the case, but now the three courts and six ministries have jointly tried the case. The civil officials and nobles have all responded. This case cannot be changed. It is an ironclad case. If Madam wants to inquire, she can go to the palace to ask for an audience with His Majesty. However, in my opinion, Madam, it is better for her to think of another way."

For a moment, Grandmother Jia was silent. Eunuch Yun's meaning was obvious. His Majesty had set the tone and it would be extremely difficult to change it. They could only ask the retired emperor one by one. However, if they went to Changle Palace, they would have to contact the nobles. In the end, they could only wait for Jia Jing to come.

Madam Xing and Madam Wang both looked unhappy. Even Aunt Xue was feeling uneasy. She had never seen a noble from the palace before. Seeing the majestic figure in front of her, she felt a little afraid, as if she was meeting Marquis Luo Yun for the first time.

Eunuch Yun's tone at this moment was still somewhat impolite, and he had some thoughts in mind. His Majesty's decision cannot be changed, and even if there are variables, there must be an explanation.

He glanced at the sky and asked:

"It's getting late now, Madam You from your mansion, why haven't you come yet?"

Jia Zheng went to ask the servant beside him about the missing person.

At this moment, a servant came in and reported:

"Master, Madam You is not in the yard."

Jia Zheng looked anxious and asked:

"Have you looked for her elsewhere? Ask the people in the West Courtyard, the maids who come and go, where is she?"

Soon, another servant came in and said:
"Master, the maid in the west courtyard said that Madam You accompanied the eldest lady to Yaoji Store to buy some cakes. Someone has been sent to look for her."

"Well, why don't you go quickly and take all the men out to see that the carriage is ready and waiting."

"Yes, sir."

There was another commotion and the yard was in great uproar.

after awhile,

The servant outside came in and reported:

"Second Master, Madam You is already at the door. She's coming right over."

In front of Rongguo Mansion,
Li Wan looked worried and anxious.
"Sister-in-law You, if we really can't go, let's go to the Marquis' Mansion."

"Oh, don't worry. It's nothing more than taking away my imperial title and leaving me with a miserable life. That means God has been kind to me."

Madam You's eyes were slightly red, obviously she had been crying. The servant told her everything about Jia Zhen and his son when he was looking for her. Although they were not good people, they were really good to her. This time, she lost her life, so she couldn't help but feel sad.

After getting off the car, she wiped the tears from her eyes and walked in, leaving Li Wan alone with a complicated look on her face. As the wife of a Duke, she was about to be deprived of her status. How could she accept it in the future?

"Grandma, we can't stay here, we have to go back first,"

Suyun looked around and saw that there were people from the Imperial City Bureau around, obviously something had happened in the mansion, so she tried to persuade them first. Seeing this, Li Wan also knew that they could not stay here for long, so she nodded and got off the carriage.

Inside the Hall of Rongxi.

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Madam You, who was dressed in a blue cloth shirt and no silk skirt. She was dressed like a man. She had a heroic look on her face and a beautiful face. Even women would be happy to see her.

But Jia Zheng just frowned, while Jia She's eyes showed a hint of surprise. He didn't expect that Madam You would be so feminine, and he couldn't help feeling a little dry in the mouth.

Fengjie's heart ached, and her originally pale face became even weaker. How could she not know that Madam You had just cried?

At this moment, Madam You's face, which used to be white and rosy as peach blossoms, was now as pale as paper. Her amorous peach blossom eyes drooped slightly in panic. She was supported by two maids, with a sad face.

Madam You entered the main hall, collected her thoughts, bowed to Jia Zheng and Jia's mother, and stood aside with a pale face and lowered brows.

"Madam You, I think you know what's going on. Follow Eunuch Yun to the clan house and sign the document. If your imperial title is gone, it's gone!"

Jia Zheng had no words of comfort to offer, so he just spoke out loud.

"Thank you, Master Zheng, for your concern. The Ningguo Mansion is now a broken family. It is wrong to leave me alone. If you want to take me back, then take me back."

Madam You murmured with tears in her eyes.

When Lady Jia heard this, she looked at Jia She and Jia Zheng again, then raised her eyes to look at the plaque of Rong Xi Hall, and felt a sense of sadness for no reason coming over her heart.

At such an old age, seeing her unfilial children and grandchildren, she felt a pang of pain in her eyes. Through her tearful eyes, she seemed to see her husband Daishan, sitting in the main chair with a smile on his face. Her heart was broken, and she cried:
"What sin have I committed that the Jia family has produced such troublesome evildoers?"

These words were meant to insult Jia Zheng and Jia She as well. When Jia Zheng heard these words, he was slightly shaken. He felt as if his heart was being cut by a knife. He felt so ashamed that he knelt down with a plop, tears streaming down his face. He kowtowed and said:

"Mother, this is all my fault. I didn't take good care of the family's affairs, which led to Zhen'er from Ningguo Mansion committing such a disaster. The court has let him off the hook."

Seeing this scene,

Aunt Xue, Madam Wang, and Madam Xing were also there to persuade and comfort Lady Jia.

The servants that Jia Zheng brought with him also came forward to support Jia Zheng. Only Jia She's face turned red, and he was so ashamed that he hid away and said nothing.

Eunuch Yun watched the scene coldly without saying a word. They should solve the affairs of Rongguo Mansion by themselves. As for other things, he couldn't go too far. The attitude of the Marquis' Mansion was also crucial.

After crying for a while, Jia's mother held her handkerchief and looked at Jia She who was standing beside her, saying:

"You are usually close to Ningguo Mansion. What should you do if something bad happens like this?"

At this time, Jia She looked up at Jia's mother, his heart filled with fear, and he said anxiously:
"Mother, please ask Master Jing to come back and ask for His Majesty's grace in the palace."

Grandmother Jia was speechless for a moment. If he came back, how could he survive? A person who had been practicing Taoism in seclusion would be involved in worldly affairs again. Due to the karma, he would surely face a disaster.

now,

In the back hall, Tanchun, Xichun, Yingchun, Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai and others listened to the argument in the main hall of Rong Xi Hall through the wall. They looked at each other and could see the sadness and solemnity on each other's faces. The royal family had taken action against the nobles.

(End of this chapter)