Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 772: Rebuke from Kunning Palace
In Rongqing Hall,

The words of Jia She and Jia Zheng were extremely harsh. After hearing them, Jia's mother's face turned a little ugly.
"Zhu'er's, what do you think?"

Li Wan felt complicated. After all, she had lived in Rongguo Mansion for more than ten years. It would be a lie to say that she had no feelings for every blade of grass and every tree. Thinking of Jia Zhu again, her eyes instantly turned red.
"Grandma, this matter is up to you to decide. I, your granddaughter-in-law, will just listen to you. I don't know if I can still serve you in the future."

After saying this, I burst into tears.

The others felt bad, especially Sanchun, who was used to quarreling with her eldest sister-in-law. She didn't know what would happen next. Their eyes were red.

"Why not? I just marked the family tree. You and You girl can live wherever you want. I'll make the decision. The west yard is still yours. You can go to the east mansion after you're done. Come back when you're tired."

Grandmother Jia sighed and said that some things are better if you just take them easy.

After hearing this, Li Wan also understood the old lady's difficulties, wiped her tears and nodded.

"It's all up to the old lady."

"Well, that's good. Yuanyang, prepare the futon and tea. Zhu's daughter-in-law, serve tea."

Since it was decided, Grandmother Jia did not hesitate and asked Yuanyang to prepare things. It was here that Li Wan knelt on the ground and served tea to Jia Jing on behalf of Lang'er, which could be regarded as an explanation.

When Li Wan stood up,
Grandmother Jia actually wrapped up the land deeds, banknotes, account books, documents on inheritance and seals on the table in brocade cloth and handed them to Li Wan.
Said:

"These things are the income of Ningguo Mansion. Keep them well. They are also the foundation of Ningguo Mansion in the future. The genealogy and the documents of the patriarch of the family are left with me. I will take care of them. Don't bear in mind what Rongguo Mansion owed you. Jia Zhu passed away early. That was fate. As a mother, how could you harm your own son? Don't blame the second wife. I don't know what evil she has done."

A cry,
In this regard,

Li Wan could no longer hold back and burst into tears with Lady Jia. The others also felt sympathetic. Aunt Xue, Yuanyang and others came to persuade Lady Jia to stay when they saw her like this.

Chai Dai, Xiangyun, Tanchun, and Yingchun, led by a group of maids, successively lifted the curtain and entered Rongqing Hall to persuade Lady Jia.

But no one knows the deepest hidden worries in Lady Jia's heart, and of course no words can touch her heart, so how can anyone persuade her?
Only Jia She was worried. Why were all the land, shops, etc. given to Li Wan?

"Old lady, how can I really complain? I'm just worried about it."

Seeing the old lady like this, Li Wan felt bad and could only change the subject.

The two of them consoled each other again, and then they stopped looking sad. Only the Second Wife had a flushed face, and she unconsciously clenched the Buddhist beads in her hand. No matter what, even if the Ningguo Mansion's bloodline had been added to the Second House's bloodline, and even if Baoyu did not inherit the title, she was still reluctant to let him go.

That being said, there may be opportunities in the future. Jia Lian went to the battlefield, and swords were blind. It was hard to tell when he would be defeated.
He glanced at his niece out of the corner of his eye. Yes, Jia Lian had no children.

The affairs of Ningguo Mansion actually left the Second Wife with an obsessive thought that lasted for a long time.

Perhaps it was because the aunt and niece had a telepathic connection, but Wang Xifeng also saw the second wife's side out of the corner of her eye. After all her calculations, her aunt probably didn't expect that the title would fall on Lang Ge'er. Although it was a reserve, she didn't know whether the baby in her belly was a boy or a girl.

Mrs. Xing finally let go of what was on her mind, but even if she wanted to fight for it, how could she do so since she had no children?
Poor Cong'er was useless, how could she inherit the title? Although she was nominally the legitimate mother, it was a pity that the matter was already settled...

Mrs. Xing's mind was in turmoil and her expression was changing.

The title is a guaranteed harvest regardless of drought or flood! Fortunately, in the end, it did not fall into Jia Baoyu's hands. So far, I am somewhat relieved. Fortunately, it was Lang Ge'er. I don't know what the situation will be with Madam You in the future.
"In that case, now that the current matter has been resolved, let's all go back and rest. We can talk about tomorrow's matter tomorrow."

After saying what she had said and doing what she had done, Grandmother Jia thought of Jia Jing again and started to chase him away.

All the female relatives understood what he meant and left.

Only Jia Jing, Jia She, and Jia Zheng were left here.
a long time,

Jia Jing stood up and bowed deeply to the old lady, Jia She, and Jia Zheng.
"Old Madam, from now on, I'll ask you to take care of Ningguo Mansion. You must not go to the harem. Even if you are a noble relative, it may be useless to give advice at this time. The intention of the royal family is nothing more than to see who will take the lead. Tomorrow, I will go to the palace alone. Everything starts and ends with me."

Others may not understand what Jia Jing said, but Grandmother Jia must understand it. After that night, the whole capital city changed.
"Whatever you want to do, how can you save Zhen Ge'er and his son?"

"Old Madam, the south of the capital is still in chaos, and the north is not at ease either. The emperor really won't kill the nobles at this time. This time, there must be another reason. I didn't think about going back when I left the mountain this time. Perhaps, I can help the royal family to let go of their suspicion of the Jia family. I must go on this trip."

Jia Jing closed his eyes and murmured something, which shocked Jia She and Jia Zheng and made them feel guilty.

"Since you have made up your mind, I will do as you say. Do you have anything else to say?"

"No, I have wasted my life, I feel so ashamed of Your Highness, my family, and even more so of Ningguo Mansion. I should have gone that night, haha."

With a hearty laugh, he left the hall, leaving Jia's mother and the other two looking at each other in silence.
The next morning,

The dark clouds dispersed,

The early morning sun shines over the capital.

Looks particularly vibrant.

Hanyuan Hall,
The hall was already full, and the examinees were writing furiously, as they saw that there was not much time left.
Zhang Jinyu also got up early, had breakfast, and went to the main hall with his men to supervise the examination. The three princes were still asleep, so Zhang Jinyu did not disturb them during the inspection. He told the imperial guards to keep an eye on them, and then left.
Entering the palace,

Arriving at the high platform, Lord Chu Nian and Lord Shen Zhongxin were still the first group of people to arrive. Apart from anything else, their spirit was unmatched.
"My Lord, many candidates have already taken their seats. It seems that they will have finished writing after noon. Today, as soon as the afternoon comes, we will put down our pens and collect the papers, open the dragon gate, and let them leave. Is that right?"

Chu Nian glanced at Lord Shen, but he didn't expect that Lord Shen knew the end time very well. He also looked at Luo Yunhou.
Zhang Jinyu had just arrived and sat down on a stool, still thinking about what His Majesty had discussed last night. When he heard what Lord Shen said, he nodded.
"That's it. When the time comes, start writing and collect the papers. Also, tonight, organize the inspectors to review the papers at the same time. Each person will review ten papers until all are completed. Tomorrow, you will organize people to review them again. Try to select the papers in the A, B, and C lists within one day. After I review them, I will directly submit them to the cabinet and present them to Your Majesty through the Silijian."

Zhang Jinyu was not vague and directly asked everyone to prepare to "work overtime".

Shen Zhongxin was stunned, thinking to himself, why are you so anxious? He glanced at Master Chu Nian, who also had a puzzled look on his face, and asked;
"My Lord, why are you so anxious? Is there another incident? Is it the same at the Imperial Examination Hall?"

Obviously, the unreasonable part needs to be explained, and Zhang Jinyu did not hide it and whispered;
"The Beijing Camp still needs to be reorganized and trained. I don't have time. The Imperial Examination Hall will remain the same. Only the Hanyuan Hall needs to hurry up. The day for the announcement of the results will be the same."

This was to clear up the confusion of the two Lords, Chu Nian and Shen Zhongxin. At this time, Bai Guangju, Marquis of Xiangyang, had also arrived. Hearing what Marquis Luo Yun said, he was obviously a little surprised. Why did they need to train the Beijing camp? Did they need to mobilize troops? But Wang Ziteng's army had already moved south, so why did they need to mobilize troops again?
Looking around, I saw many officials here, so I had to suppress my doubts and sit next to the Marquis.
Xiangyang Hou's confusion was also the question of Shen Zhongxin and Lord Chu Nian. There were too many people, but it was not easy to say too much. Chu Nian took over the topic and replied carefully;
"Don't worry, my Lord. Each person will have ten papers, and they will be circulated three times in order. It won't take a night, we can correct them in the middle of the night. It's just that the final list will be determined together with the Imperial Examination Hall, or separately."

This is also what Lord Chu is concerned about. In the past, the examination was held in the Imperial Academy and the ranking was determined on a piece of paper. But now the examination is held in two places, and it is difficult to determine the ranking. Could it be that there are two "first place winners"?

The so-called "first place" is the one who got the first place in the exam. The first place in the provincial examination was "Xie Yuan." Because it was a special examination and the exams were combined into a unified one, the previous top three places were directly waived. As long as one could excel in the provincial examination this time, it could be said that he would be able to reach the top in one step.

"Yes, Lord Marquis, it has always been a list. What should we do this year?"

Lord Shen Zhongxin was also somewhat curious, wondering how the Marquis would decide, or whether he should take it to the cabinet for a decision.
Zhang Jinyu didn't think too much about it. She would naturally be chosen from where she took the exam. The Imperial Academy would decide who would be in the Imperial Academy, and the palace would decide who would be in the palace. No one would suffer a loss, and no one would take advantage. However, she wanted to think of a name.
"Of course, everyone has their own decision on this matter. When the results are announced this year, the palace will write a list for Hanyuan Hall, ranking the first, second and third place with a nice name, "Hanyuan Hall Xie Yuan is the top of the list." As for Lord Nan, they will decide their own thing and not interfere with each other."

"This is acceptable."

Lord Chu hesitated a little, thought about it, and agreed. Just when the others were hesitant,
Lord Cao, the inspector, stood in front of the stage and shouted;

"Today is the last day of the special examination. You can answer the questions and hand in your papers after noon. The papers will be collected at 3 p.m. and the gate will be opened. All candidates, hurry up and answer the questions."

A sing-along,
The atmosphere in the palace was obviously much more tense.

Kunning Palace,
Empress Jiang got up early, had just finished washing and dressing, and had not yet eaten when her eunuch came to report;

"Master, Concubine Chun, I have something to report to you,"

"Say, what's the matter?"

A lazy voice sounded, with a hint of charm. I don't know when. I had a wet dream last night. When I got up in the morning, I was wet. I could only let Chunhe prepare, take a shower and change clothes. When I heard that something happened, my heart moved, and I forgot about what happened yesterday.

"My Lord, Song Shuang, the female historian beside Concubine Wu, is outside with some people asking for an audience. They are carrying quite a few food boxes."

The eunuch in charge outside the screen hurriedly told who was coming.
At this time, Chunhe
She was setting food on the table with her maids, waiting to serve the queen, when she heard someone from Chunli Palace coming over at this hour, with obvious displeasure on her face.
"You came at the right time. You used to come late, but now you've come so early."

Hearing the words of Minister Chun, the Imperial Supervisor murmured and dared not say more.

"Okay, it's all thanks to her that she made such a fuss about what happened yesterday. Let them in."

"Yes, Master,"

Empress Jiang put the wooden hairpin in her hair, straightened her clothes, stood up and sat at the table. She picked up the lotus seed soup, opened her red lips and took a sip. This was a habit she had developed over the years.
"What happened at Chunli Palace yesterday?"

As if not interested in asking, Chun He put down the things in his hands, came to the side of the empress, and carefully supported Empress Jiang.
By the way, she recounted what happened in Chunli Palace yesterday from beginning to end, especially Concubine Jing and Concubine Ming, who seemed to be sticking together. As for Noble Lady Zhou, she still did not give face to Concubine Wu, which was understandable. Only Concubine Xu's contradiction seemed extremely unusual. There was also Concubine Jing, Guo Mingyue, who said that she had family affairs with Marquis Luo Yun and was an old friend.

Queen Jiang raised her lips slightly and smiled.
"Yes, it's good to make a fuss. If not, we will be the ones to worry. As for whether she has a past with Marquis Luo Yun, who knows? I'm afraid even Marquis Luo Yun doesn't know. We must not be careless about matters in the harem."

"Yes, my wife, I understand."

Outside the temple,
Song Shuang, the female historian of Concubine Wu's Chunli Palace, was waiting there with the palace maids, feeling uneasy. Yesterday, the Queen had a quarrel with Concubine Zhou, and Concubine Ming and Concubine Jing also protected Concubine Xu. If it weren't for the Queen's improved temper, there would be a lot more gossip in the harem.

I don't know why the Queen suddenly asked the master to do such a difficult task. Fortunately, in the end, the concubines in each palace sent people to deliver the finished cakes. It was only because they were delivered too late yesterday that this scene happened this morning.
I'll think about it for a while.
The eunuch who had just gone to report had already left the palace gate.
"Eunuch, what did the queen say?"

"You, you come at a good time. The master is in a good mood. Come in."

The eunuch who was delivering the message spoke in a long tone and had a bad expression on his face. It was obvious that he had been cheated. Song Shuang knew that he had come at an untimely time, but he did not dare to delay. He took out a handful of silver and handed it over.

"Please tell the eunuch that I don't have much to give you. These small change are for you to drink some tea."

The eunuch in charge took the silver coins from behind him. Although it was not much, it was not a small amount. As a servant, the child in front of him was also a person who rarely showed tact. He nodded.
"; You are quite sensible. Go in quickly and stop talking nonsense."

"Thank you, father-in-law."

Song Shuang's face lit up, he turned around and waved, and led his people into Kunning Palace. As soon as he entered the palace, there were servants waiting. When they saw people coming in, they opened their mouths and said,

"This way, no more small talk."

"Yes, Mammy."

Song Shuang also knew the rules, so he lowered his head and followed the nanny in.

Entering the inner temple,

I saw a screen blocking the way, and there was a curtain inside as a partition. I could vaguely see a figure inside.
The nanny who led the way went in to report.
"Master, people are here."

"Well, just come,"

Queen Jiang put down the spoon and bowl, wiped the corners of her mouth with a brocade cloth, looked at the figure outside the curtain, and asked;
"Why did you come only today? Have the people from the various palaces made cakes and sent them over?"

"In reply to your Majesty, the ladies of each palace made cakes and sent them to Chunli Palace late last night. It was too late and I was afraid of disturbing your Majesty's rest, so I sent them today. However, Concubine Ming and Concubine Jing said that they made them together, so only one portion was sent."

Song Shuang did not dare to hesitate and checked the delivered cakes one by one. There were cakes in every palace, but Concubine Ming and Concubine Jing actually worked together to send a box of cakes. No one knew what the meaning was.
Was it intentional, or was it to give a cold shoulder to his own queen? However, this matter was decided by the queen, and he wanted to deliberately stir up trouble, but was stopped by Concubine Wu, who told him to just tell the truth.
Empress Jiang was stunned. Ming Fei He Wanru and Jing Fei Guo Mingyue were hugging each other again. After so many years, they were still like this. There was no improvement at all. It was interesting.
Chun He beside him stared at them. How dare these two people, who were usually invisible, ask questions like this?
"Did they send a box on purpose, or did you secretly withhold it?"

It's not impossible. Yesterday, the undercover reported the situation in Chunli Palace. Concubine Ming and Concubine Jing left with a cold face. It's possible that Concubine Wu won't bear a grudge, so she asked this question.
Song Shuang's face turned pale, and he quickly knelt on the ground and answered;
"Empress, Minister Chun, please understand. Since I and the Imperial Concubine received the letter from Kunning Palace, we have not dared to neglect it. We arranged the palace overnight. The next day, we sent people to look for the ladies of each palace to meet them. Unexpectedly, not many people came, but many stayed. Even those who came spoke in a sarcastic tone. My queen thought of the Empress's instructions and endured it again and again. How dare she leave any handle behind?"

After saying this, she knelt on the ground with red eyes, her green palace dress attached to the ground, motionless. Empress Jiang winked at Chunhe, who understood and asked,

"In that case, get up and leave all the cakes you made."

"Yes, Minister Chun,"

Song Shuang wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, stood up, and waved her hand. The palace maids followed and put the food boxes beside the pillars, arranging them neatly one by one.

Queen Jiang glanced at the maid behind the screen and spoke in a low voice;

"I remember the kindness of Concubine Wu in yesterday's incident. I also heard about the twists and turns. Concubine Zhou was impolite, so I issued an imperial decree to reprimand her. Concubine Xu opened her mouth five times, and told Concubine Jing and Concubine Ming to make some cakes by themselves and send them over. Chunhe, send someone to pass on the message."

"Yes, ma'am."

Chunhe nodded and arranged for the female historians around her to go to Yueyun Palace and Shuiyun Palace one by one to convey the imperial edict. Song Shuang, who was waiting outside, was delighted when he heard it and quickly knelt down to express his gratitude.

"Okay, you go back too, and tell Concubine Wu to behave yourself in the harem. I've noticed it all."

"Yes, Madam, I will definitely bring it to you,"

"Go down."

"Yes, ma'am."

There was a sound of footsteps, and Song Shuang led his men out.
After the people left, Chunhe asked in a low voice;

"Your Majesty, was the reprimand for Concubine Jing and Concubine Ming too harsh?"

"Humph, it's fine if these two are just giving Concubine Wu a cold shoulder, but they actually dare to openly ignore my words. I can give them a warning, so just do as I say."

"Yes, ma'am."

After Empress Jiang finished speaking, she stopped talking, picked up her chopsticks, picked up the food and put it into her mouth. She was still thinking about how Concubine Jing had an old relationship with Marquis Luo Yun.

"Chun He, send someone to investigate the relationship between Concubine Jing and Marquis Luo Yun's family affairs. Investigate thoroughly!"

"Yes, madam!"

(End of this chapter)