Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 780: Nursery Rhymes Singing at the Street Corner
in the corridor,
In the corridor under the eaves, Zhang Jinyu had just picked up a piece of mutton and put it into his mouth. When he heard the exclamation of Xiangyang Hou, he was so scared that he rolled his tongue and swallowed the meat directly into his stomach. He choked for a while and waited for a long time.
Looking up, I saw Bai Guangju's eyes wide open, and the steamed bun in his hand was crumpled into a ball. It was obvious that he remembered something. However, what happened to Ningguo Mansion? Could it be that Jia Zhen and his son died? That would be a good thing.
"Brother Bai, how can you panic? What's the big deal?"

Zhang Jinyu put down his chopsticks, picked up the tea bowl and took a sip of tea, which made him feel much better.
Looking at the face of Marquis Xiangyang, I was really puzzled. Dengwen Drum is just a name. It doesn't matter who beats it or not. Why make such a fuss? Even if the drum is punctured, so what? It's just an excuse. In the end, it all depends on the game behind it. Whoever makes a quibble is right.
Seeing the attitude of the Marquis, Bai Guangju, Marquis of Xiangyang, smiled bitterly and shook his head. Marquis Luo Yun really had a prejudice against Ningguo Mansion. Thinking of what Jia Zhen and his son had done, they had no self-restraint at all and simply brought shame to the nobles. A thought arose in his heart: it was all his own fault.
Although I think so, unfortunately, I have to ask.

"Although what the Marquis said makes sense, Ningguo Mansion is one of the Eight Dukes, how can we just ignore it? The court has been calm these days, so there are not many problems. But Marquis, do you remember that the three departments and six ministries tried Ningguo Mansion Jia Zhen together? Although the case was not closed at that time, the files of the trial have been sent to the Ministry of Justice. If the Ministry of Justice has made a decision on the case, what should we do?"

Zhang Jinyu touched his hands, exclaimed, and smiled. He didn't care about these things. If he really killed Jia Zhen and his son, he would definitely set off firecrackers to celebrate.
"Haha, that's great. I might as well invite a troupe to celebrate and hold a three-day banquet. Jia Zhen of Ningguo Mansion has deceived his superiors and subordinates, ruined the family's reputation, and insulted the country. His crime is unforgivable and he should be sentenced to death."

This is really not a joke. Looking at the entire development of the Dream of Red Mansions, Jia She of Rongguo Mansion and Jia Zhen of Ningguo Mansion have been playing with all kinds of bad habits from beginning to end, without any remorse. Even when their property was searched, they were like a bunch of idiots who would not shed tears until they saw the coffin.

Marquis Xiangyang was speechless for a moment after hearing Marquis Luo Yun's straightforward words. How could he not understand what he said?

"My Lord, these are just angry words. Even if Jia Zhen deserves to be killed, as a noble, if the master's family is gone and the title falls on someone else's list, then where will the direct lineage be? The importance of the title is the foundation of our nobles' livelihood."

This is what Bai Guangju wanted to say, nobles rise from titles and enjoy the benefits of the direct lineage of their master, if one of the two is lost, what is the point of the title.

Zhang Jinyu blinked. He understood Bai Guangju's meaning, but what he just said was intentional.

How is it said? The title was inherited to you, and when it was time to enjoy it, it was suddenly taken away and given to the concubine's younger brother. Anyone would be anxious.

"What does Brother Bai mean? What does it have to do with Dengwen Drum?"

"My Lord, you are confused. Of course there is a connection. Now, the only one who can have people knock on the drum in the court is the Ningguo Mansion. I was wondering, if other people can knock on the drum, why can't people from the Ningguo Mansion knock on the drum?"

Xiangyang Hou's words shocked Zhang Jinyu. He was indeed a military strategist. His mind worked quickly. It made sense. No one stipulated that the defendant could not knock.
But who was going to beat the drum and what was the reason for doing so had to have an explanation. Jia Zhen and his son were still staying in the imperial prison, and the group of women in Rongguo Mansion could not come. As for Jia Zheng and Jia She, it was not that Zhang Jinyu looked down on them, but even if they were given the courage, the three of them would not dare to come, so they were automatically skipped.

"Brother Bai is right. The key is, who will knock? Jia Zhen and his son are in prison, and there is no one in charge in the mansion. Even if someone in Rongguo Mansion can knock, think about it. Those who have the courage to knock can't get out, and those who don't have the courage to knock can't get out either. Tell me, who will knock the broken drum in the end?"

Bai Guangju thought about it and understood what the Marquis meant. Even if he beat the drum to report to the emperor, he still needed someone to take charge. The only people in the Jia family who had this ability were Jia Zheng and Jia Cunzhou. Unfortunately, without the old lady's nod, he was afraid that he would not be able to come out.
Looking at the steaming stew served up, with a strong aroma of mutton wafting over, I suddenly thought of a person, Jia Jing, who was practicing Taoism at Xuanzhen Temple outside the city. Only he had the courage and ability to do so. It didn't matter whether he was eating meat or vegetables, as long as he had the heart, there was no need to worry about not being a place to practice Taoism.

"My Lord, you are right, but don't forget that there is still one person in Ningguo Mansion who has not taken action yet."

Zhang Jinyu picked up the chopsticks again, picked up a few pieces of meat and put them into his mouth. Without thinking too much, he asked casually,

"Well, who else hasn't made a move?"

"Xuanzhen Temple outside the city, Jia Jing from Ningguo Mansion,"

"What, it's him!"

Zhang Jinyu paused for a moment and stopped using his chopsticks. Jia Jing had always been a very secretive person. He had never heard of any connection with the Jia family in the capital. Even if there was any connection, he would offer sacrifices to the family in a grand manner every year. This had been the case for many years.
Could it be that I am still in the dark and have forgotten this person? I remember how Jia Jing died. It seems that he ate too many golden pills, that is, he ate too many pills to refine them and died of poisoning. I think his body has been ruined now. How can he come to the city again? No way.

However, looking at the look on Xiangyang Marquis's face, it was obvious that he was not joking, which meant that Jia Jing had not yet reached that stage, which meant that the former prince's tutor was still there.
East City, Beijing

The Jia family's mourning procession stretched for several streets. The people of the entire capital seemed to know about this and had been waiting on the roadside to watch the excitement.

And Jia's mother,
He was moving his steps, leaning on a cane, and his heavy attire was not light. Seeing this, Wang Xifeng advised him:

"Old lady, you should go back to the carriage and rest for a while. It won't be too late to get out when you get to the destination."

Wang Xifeng was more thoughtful. When the team set out, she arranged a carriage to follow the team. All the decorations on the carriage were removed, and a few white cloths were hung on it to cover it up a little. Then the carriage followed the team in front.
When Mrs. Xing heard someone speak, she quickly took over the conversation.
"Yes, old lady, we don't know how long it will take to get to the destination. We can't waste time here."

It wasn't that Mrs. Xing was kind, but she also wore a big dress, which made her look majestic. Unfortunately, after walking a few steps, she felt more and more tired and had difficulty walking. Looking at the other wives and young ladies around her, they had nothing else to do and walked freely, especially the second wife, Mrs. Wang, who walked briskly. She felt very depressed.
With the persuasion of the two, a trace of hesitation flashed across Jia's tired face. What Feng Yatou said was right. Looking at the seat just out of the street, there was still a long way to go, which was not a big deal.

"Well, what Feng girl said is true. All of you, come up here."

As Lady Jia nodded in agreement, Mrs. Xing was the most anxious. She supported Lady Jia and boarded the carriage behind them. Mrs. Wang, the second wife, followed closely behind. She originally wanted Wang Xifeng to catch up as well.
But who knows,
Wang Xifeng turned around and stayed in Lady Jia's seat, supported by Ping'er. She took the basket with one hand and scattered paper money with the other, and continued walking.
At the front, Jia Huan and Jia Zhong, dressed in mourning clothes, with bitter faces, holding mourning sticks, walking three steps and stopping for one step, standing under the scorching sun, looking extremely miserable. Even in the Rongguo Mansion, where no one cared about them, they had never experienced such hardships.

Jia Huan looked back and saw Jia Mu and others getting on the carriage. His face was full of envy and he was wondering if he could go too. However, his second sister-in-law Wang Xifeng saw him and glared at him. He was so scared that he immediately turned his head back. But in his heart he was still wondering why his eldest sister-in-law Li Wan didn't come with them. It was strange that he hadn't seen anyone from Xiyuan in these days.

As the team moved forward,
The more places you pass by, the more people know about them.

Teahouses, taverns, casinos, and alleys were full of discussions, saying all sorts of things.

"Strange things happen every year, and there are really many today. Brother, now the nobles have also come out to mourn, which shows that the court's luck has run out."

The man who spoke was a burly man sitting in the tavern, mocking. He was one of the few trusted men of the Taiping Sect who stayed in the capital, Incense Master Wan Sheng. Opposite him was the trusted personal soldier of Sect Master Chu, Hall Master Luo Fei.

The two were responsible for investigating the territory of the capital. If there was any disturbance, they would need pigeons to send messages. As for Captain Pan, he was also responsible for matters in the capital. Now that he had set off for Sizhou, the affairs of the capital were left to the two of them.
Looking at the troops passing by, Luo Fei felt that this was a great opportunity. If the Jia family's affairs were brought to the palace, it might be possible to stir up trouble. After all, it was a taboo for military strategists to have Wang Ziteng lead troops outside.

"Don't be too anxious to watch the fun right now. How is the thing I asked you to do going?"

"Hehe, big brother, don't worry. I'm good at making up rumors. As soon as there was a movement in Rongguo Mansion, I immediately sent people to spread out and sing a nursery rhyme. I think it has spread by now."

When Wan Sheng heard that his elder brother was worried about this matter, he immediately smiled sinisterly and reported that many followers had come from the south. They had not learned any skills, but they were good at spreading rumors and making the best use of them.

"Oh, you can actually come up with a nursery rhyme, that's not easy. Who came up with it and what does it say?"

Wan Sheng rubbed his head in embarrassment. The nursery rhyme was of course not what he had in mind. It was still those people who came up with it after a few words. He listened to it and it sounded good, so he agreed.

"Brother, you are making fun of me, aren't you? I am just someone like you, how could I have come up with that? It was just my subordinates who made it up. It goes like this: the general risked his life to return with his body wrapped in a veil, the family members were implicated, the tyrant emperor believed the rumors, forced the nobles to death and took away their titles. Look, it's catchy."

Wan Sheng actually recited it word for word. Although he didn't want to understand it, the last sentence about forcing nobles to death and taking away their titles was about the Ningguo Mansion, so he simply agreed. As for the previous words, he didn't understand.

After listening to this, Luo Fei's eyes lit up. Wow, there are some talented people under his command. It is obvious that he is referring to the troops led by Wang Ziteng outside. I don't know what is going on with Master Chu. I believe he should be able to help with this matter.

Coincidentally,

As the Jia family's team passed by, a group of children suddenly appeared at the corner of the street, stood in the middle of the road, and began to sing.
"The general risked his life to wrap his body and returned, his family members were implicated, the foolish emperor believed the rumors, forced the nobles to death and took away their titles, hey!" The song was sung word by word, and the people passing by looked at it curiously, but they didn't know that many figures suddenly disappeared around them.

Princess's Residence,
The other courtyard on the north bank of Qinghu Lake is built opposite to Qinglian Academy. It is a palace with excellent feng shui.

Princess Zhou Xiangxue sat in the pavilion on one side of the lake. The pillars of the pavilion were mottled, bearing traces of time, while the delicate patterns on the carved railings seemed as old and faded as yesterday's flowers.

The breeze swept across the lake, causing ripples and gently brushing the hem of the eldest princess's dress in the pavilion.
"Master, you have been sitting for a while. Why don't you go back to the house and take a rest? Take another look at this pavilion. It has been in disrepair for many years and it looks really ugly."

Liu Yue, who was serving beside him, saw that His Highness had been sitting here for half an hour, and she was anxious, so she started to persuade him.
The pavilion was in a state of disrepair and the master did not even allow the servants to renovate it.
"You always wanted to come back, but after coming back you started to dislike this and that. It's a little old, but the things here are real. Look at Qinghu Lake, it's still as beautiful as ever. By the way, how is the Yanchunlou poetry party going?"

Liu Yue bowed and replied;

"Master, Yanchunlou has already prepared personnel, and several major academies in Jiangnan have already sent people to inform us. I think we will soon arrive in the capital at this time. According to your highness's wishes, five days after the provincial examination, we will invite young talents from major academies and important lists to celebrate your highness' return to the capital and hold a poetry gathering to make it lively."

This was the idea that the princess had come up with. She wanted to announce to the world that she was back. By using the imperial examination as an excuse, the wind in Yanchun Tower would have been a great story. However, she felt uncomfortable thinking of that enemy in her heart.

"The invitation to Marquis Luo Yun is ready,"

"My Lord, of course it has been prepared. When the time comes, I will ask Sister Wei to deliver it personally."

Liu Yue blinked her eyes and deliberately emphasized her tone. It was unclear whether she was jealous or envious. Her shy look made people take a second look.
"You are always looking for trouble. Wei Shuyun, that's all. Just her. In addition, those nobles, some civil officials, especially the censors, need to be invited to help out."

Zhou Xiangxue suppressed the strangeness in her heart. She thought of Wei Shuyun's stubbornness, which was actually a trump card. Marquis Luo Yun's preferences were really hard to predict. Seeing the beautiful breasts of a beauty like Liu Yue, could Marquis Luo Yun really suppress his feelings? Thinking of the beautiful wives and concubines in the Marquis' Mansion, all of them had plump figures, no one would believe that he didn't like her.

The rest of the invitations to some low-level officials were for the sake of fame, and also to protect his good sister, Princess Yongcheng. There was no way she wouldn't join in the fun, but he didn't know how she would do it.

"Yes, Master,"

Liu Yue responded happily, still thinking about passing this good news to Sister Wei.

Strangely enough, as the master and servant were talking, hurried footsteps were heard in the corridor.

The two immediately looked in the direction of the sound, only to see Wei Shuyun, dressed in tight clothes, running towards them anxiously with small steps.

"Master, there is movement in the capital!"

"what's up?"

The princess put down her tea bowl and asked,
Without even taking a breath, Wei Shuyun took out the secret letter from her bosom and read it out.

"Your Highness, today, Jia Jing from Ningguo Mansion, Xuanzhen Temple, went to the Wumen Gate of the Imperial Palace to strike the Dengwen Drum. I don't know what the censor said, but Jia Jing actually hit his head on the Dengwen Drum stone platform and died."

"What? Jia Jing committed suicide. How is that possible?"

With a cry of surprise, Princess Zhou Xiangxue immediately stood up, frowning and looking disbelieving. Others might not know Jia Jing's identity, but as the master who controlled the Jingnan Marquis' Mansion, how could she not know the secrets inside?

Jia Jing was the former military advisor to the Crown Prince's Mansion. In the past, many things had to pass through his hands before being handed over to the former Crown Prince. He should have a group of spies in his hands.
Even if the power of the Prince's Mansion vanished in the end, this secret team disappeared without a trace. Who would believe Jia Jing if he said he didn't know about it?

"Yes, Your Highness. Jia Jing's body is still outside the Meridian Gate. Rongguo Mansion has gathered all the clansmen, wearing mourning clothes, and the mourning procession is heading towards the palace. What's more, countless people have come to the scene."

Wei Shuyun recited the secret letter in her hand, especially the last sentence, and headed towards the palace. This was obviously unexpected.
The princess smiled, she had never thought that the Jia family would be so bold.
"May I ask who led the way? I don't think the Jia family men, those useless guys, are capable of doing this, right?"

After asking a question and expressing what was in her mind, Wei Shuyun put away the secret letter in her hand and smiled.
"Your Highness is right. The group leading the group is indeed a group of women. When I went to see, I saw that it was the second wife of the housekeeper of Rongguo Mansion who was walking in front and scattering paper money. She must have been a good person."

"I thought, the second wife of Rongguo Mansion is the maid from Wang's family, what's her name?"

The princess remembered who it was, but she couldn't remember the name for a moment.
"Your Highness, call me Wang Xifeng!"

Liu Yue, who was beside him, covered her mouth and reminded him.
"Yes, that's her, Wang Xifeng. She is as capable as any man."

With Liu Yue's reminder, Zhou Xiangxue really remembered who they were. They were from the Wang family. They were very familiar with each other and they hadn't seen each other for a long time.

"Your Highness, there is something I am not sure whether I should say or not,"

Wei Shuyun was a little hesitant. Outside, when the team was about to leave, a nursery rhyme came from somewhere. It was obviously not simple, and she didn't know how to explain it. The eldest princess saw the mystery and knew something was wrong, so she asked;

"What's the matter? Tell me."

"Yes, Master. When I was leaving, I heard a child singing a nursery rhyme at the street corner. It said that the general risked his life to return with his body wrapped in a veil, and the family members were implicated. The tyrant emperor believed the rumors, forced the nobles to death, and took away their titles."

Wei Shuyun thought about it and decided to recite the nursery rhyme in its entirety. After all, it was a little catchy.
But when the princess heard this, her face changed, and then she smiled strangely.
"Haha, great. The person behind the scenes was really quick. He even made up a nursery rhyme."

"Master, I don't understand what this nursery rhyme is about."

Although Wei Shuyun was proficient in martial arts and military tactics, unfortunately, she did not read many books. For these, she could understand the meaning of individual words, but she did not understand why they were put together.

"Yue'er, explain it to her."

The princess sat down and straightened her robes, still thinking in her heart, who was the driving force behind the affairs of Ningguo Mansion? Especially at this juncture, it shouldn't be the case. Could it be that a vassal king intervened? Who could it be?
Only the eldest princess could think of the vassal king. If it were someone else, they would definitely think of military merit or civil officials, and join in the fight.
"Yes, Your Highness. I will tell Sister Wei right away."

Liu Yue leaned forward and responded, her eyes full of smiles!

(End of this chapter)