Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 847 I Want to Marry the Girls
Let’s talk about the funeral procession at Ning Mansion, which was very lively along the way.

Prince Beijing was in the front. After the ceremony, he took a sedan chair and returned to his residence. The other princes followed suit and returned to the Honglu Temple after the ceremony.
Only the rest of the people were left to continue their journey of awakening their spirits!

Just before the city gate, Jia She, Jia Zheng, and other colleagues and subordinates came to the memorial sheds to receive the sacrifices. There were also many civil servants waiting there, led by the cabinet's chief minister, the eldest son Li Chaosheng, who paid tribute to Jia Jing of Ningguo Mansion. Jia She and Jia Zheng were overjoyed. They had never thought that the eldest son would give the Jia family such a face. They hurried over to thank them one by one.
"Thank you for coming, young master. I am so sad that I don't know the etiquette. I hope you can forgive me."

"Hey, Cun Zhou, that's not the case. My father specifically asked me to come and see you off. It's getting late, so we'd better get going."

Li Chaosheng returned the greeting with a bow without saying anything more. Jia Zheng nodded, his gratitude evident in his eyes, and waved to the team behind him.

Then they left the city. Jia She and Jia Zheng thanked everyone for accompanying them at the city gate. They bowed deeply to everyone in front of the city gate to show their gratitude. Then, everyone who followed them also bowed in return and prepared to go back.
Zhang Jinyu was just wondering, if they could walk to such a far place outside the city, he didn't expect that they could send him here directly, which was a relief. However, he looked at the sky and saw that it was still an hour before noon. This time was really good. The two princesses must have calculated the time and waited there. Seeing that Xiangyang Hou beside him was about to go back, Zhang Jinyu pulled his sleeve and asked;
"Brother Bai, where are you going at this time?"

"Of course they went back to the mansion. The Ningguo Mansion left the city gate, and they followed behind on their own. Burying in the ancestral hall is the family's business, and there is no need for them to get involved. Could it be that the Marquis wants to follow and take a look?"

Bai Guangju was a little surprised. These were all customs in the capital. He would know them after asking. Zhang Jinyu pursed her lips and said that it seemed to be true.
"Then Brother Bai, won't you go to the Princess's Mansion?"

"My Lord, I am still feeling a little uncomfortable at my brother's house, so I should go back first."

Bai Guangju was afraid that the Marquis would ask more questions, so he turned around and left after answering. In fact, the situation in the capital has changed too much in recent days, and there are some things that need to be avoided. For example, people from the West Palace and the South Palace have already arrived.

Looking at the departure of Marquis Xiangyang, Zhang Jinyu touched his chin and looked at the people leaving the street one after another. The nobles who had been "lurking" in the capital before now showed up. He was still confused. The two of them stared at the carriages of Gong Huaiyu, the prince of the Western Palace, and Lang Lin, the prince of the Southern Palace. Zhang Jinyu's heart tightened. The motorcades of the two entered the capital.
outside the city,

The Ningguo Mansion's convoy,

He rushed to the main road of Tiekan Temple,
Servants had already prepared a carriage at the city gate for everyone to sit in the sedan chair and mount the horses. Feng Jieer was worried about Baoyu and was afraid that he would indulge himself in the suburbs and disobey his family. Jia Zheng could not take care of such trivial matters and was afraid that he would make an accident and have a hard time seeing Jia's mother, so she ordered the servant to call him.

When Baoyu heard the words, he had no choice but to come to his car.

Sister Feng saw someone coming and said with a smile:

"Brother Bao, you are a noble man, a girl's character, don't learn from them. Come down, the two of us sisters take the car, isn't it good?"

When Baoyu heard this, he dismounted reluctantly, thinking that the weather outside was fine and he could not ride alone, he climbed into Fengjie's carriage, and the two of them came chatting and laughing.

In the carriage in front, Jia's mother, the first lady and the second lady were all inside. Today's work was done successfully. Looking up, Jia's mother sighed quietly.
"Today's matter has been accomplished, and the Jia family has gained face. Not to mention the decline of the mansion, at least it will make me, the wife, feel proud even when I meet the ancestors of the Jia family in the future."

She was so moved that her eyes turned red. She didn't know how the Duke of Zhenguo and the Prince of Beijing had arranged it, but even the princes of the inner-city areas came, which was a great honor for them. As for why they came, Grandmother Jia didn't want to know.

Mrs. Xing in the car was dressed in plain clothes, and her eyes were not as fierce as before. After all, she was involved in a lot of things in the second house. If she continued to push her feet, the second wife would not say anything, and the old lady would not be happy.
"Oh, as the old lady said, everyone who can come has come. Today, I saw that there are really quite a few people. Not only are the four kings and eight dukes all here, but almost all the marquisates in the capital are here. Marquis Jingtian, who rarely goes out on weekdays, and Marquis Pingyuan are in the team. My daughter-in-law can see them."

Mrs. Xing was trying to please the Second Madam. This time, the Second Madam did not look at him coldly, but smiled. In this way, the power of the Jia family was preserved.

"That's right, old lady. Look at the people who came, the people from the Beijing camp, Marquis Huaiyuan, and Marquis Yining, they are both there, I can see it clearly, but I don't know how to change it from now on."

The second wife was thinking too far ahead. The Jia family's foundation was in the Beijing camp. Although her brother was there, all the old relatives and friends obeyed her orders reluctantly for the sake of the Jia family's face. Jia Lian from Rongguo Mansion also went to the Beijing camp. It was unknown where these benefits and favors were.
I don't know whether Grandmother Jia understood or not, she just kept talking.

Grandmother Jia closed her eyes, as if she was a little tired. After all this journey, she got tired quickly as she got older. The Jia family had gotten over this pitfall, but who could protect the Jia family in the future?

"Today, we have made a connection. Marquis Pingyuan and his men are no longer powerful and are very cautious. It is hard for them to come. Marquis Huaiyuan and Marquis Yining have a life-or-death relationship with the old Duke, so they have to come. However, for some things, friendship is used once and it will be used less. In the future, we must be careful. Unless it is a major matter, we cannot go again. Now, we are just using our relationship to get closer to Marquis Luoyun."

While talking, he opened his eyes, looked at the people on both sides, and sighed;

"Yingchun is a little stupid, so she can only find a man from a small family, preferably a general in the army, to be his wife and become a vassal of the Duke's Mansion. Tanchun is smart, but unfortunately she has a poor family background. She can also find a man from a noble family and become a lady to manage the household as an external support. Xichun is younger, but she is the legitimate daughter of Ningguo Mansion and the most beautiful. According to Jinghui's suggestion, she will be sent to the Luoyun Marquis Mansion as a concubine. Together with Daiyu, she will have someone to care for."

In a flash,

It turned out that Grandmother Jia had already thought about Sanchun's marriage. Her plan was very clear and it was obviously not a last-minute idea. Mrs. Xing didn't think it was a big deal, but the Second Lady was shocked. She thought the old lady had already figured it out, but she didn't know who the candidate was.
"Does the old lady have a candidate?"

"Well, I have some ideas. There are many candidates. For the Beijing camp, Yin Renchang, the eldest son of Marquis Yinning, Hu Shoucheng, the eldest son of Marquis Huaiyuan, Xie Cheng, the grandson of Marquis Dingcheng, and Jiang Zining, the grandson of Marquis Pingyuan, are acceptable. Only the people of the Qiu family have wolves' hearts. We must not accept them."

These people are already familiar with each other. No matter what kind of people or what kind of things, they can't be hidden from her. Only Mrs. Xing can open her mouth. These are all high-ranking families. How can a lady be so...

"Old Madam, although what you said is good, these are the daughters of the Marquis's mansion after all. How can they go there to be the eldest lady? Even if they go, they are nothing more than concubines."

It's not that she's saying anything discouraging. If Jia She's wife hadn't passed away early, she wouldn't have gotten her position. Although she's from a small family, she's been in the Duke's Mansion for so many years, how could she not see clearly?
Grandmother Jia nodded, but did not scold her. She was right.

"You have made progress by thinking of these things. These people can only think about it. You two should go to their house and ask them if you have a chance. It's better if you have the intention, but it doesn't matter if you don't. The Marquis's family is higher, but those of the Earl's family are still better. The son of the Earl of Chengyi, Song Daichun, and the son of the Earl of Changyong, Yue Songlin, are all generals. The worst plan is to be like Min'er, to marry into the ranks of civil officials. You understand."

The two were somewhat shocked to hear this. They did not expect the old lady to think so far. It was obvious that the old lady in the mansion just ignored it. After hearing this, the two nodded.

"Yes, old lady, I'll listen to you."

"That's good!"

Inside the palace,
The hustle and bustle of the capital city these days has been heard by Emperor Wu in the Yangxin Palace. He does not know when it started, but every time he reviews memorials, he will think of these things. He has become a little lazy in his heart. In the warm room of the Yangxin Palace,

Now there was a recliner with a thick mattress on it, and next to it was a table filled with memorials from various places. The current Emperor Wu Zhou Shihong, wearing a wide robe, lay on it, covered with a blanket, reading the memorials in his hands one by one, and throwing the ones that needed to be read directly to Dai Quan beside him, who would write and approve them.
There were also several eunuchs serving here, and Dai Quan was also happy about it.

Only Prince Zhongshun, who was standing in the hall, had a strange look in his eyes. How could the emperor's brother look like the same person?
"Your Majesty, I hosted a banquet for several nephews last night. I wonder if they have become alert and invited several marquises from the capital to come as well."

The tone of voice was not good, and the good guys were not just the marquises of the marquisate. Of course, it was unknown whether there were others who were just filling in the gaps.
Prince Zhongshun Zhou Jianan finished speaking, but he didn't hear his brother speak. After waiting for a while, he couldn't help but quietly raised his head and looked over at the recliner. He saw his brother holding a memorial and reading it with great interest. He didn't know if he didn't hear it, so he quickly repeated it again.
"Your Majesty, I hosted a banquet last night."

Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by Emperor Wu.

"Why are you shouting so loudly? I heard you. Did you find out anything?"

"Well, Your Majesty, during the banquet, I asked several times, and several nephews said that they came to the capital to fulfill their filial piety. If it weren't for Marquis Luo Yun's several interruptions, I would..."

Zhou Jianan was still thinking the same thing. He would remember whoever he had suffered a loss from. He wanted to give Luo Yunhou some scorn, but the Emperor Wu interrupted him again.

"You can get a lot out of something after just one meal? The princes came to Beijing for that reason. If they could achieve what they wanted, I would not be sitting on this throne."

Emperor Wu took the memorial, threw it aside, sat up, opened his tiger eyes slightly, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes, and there was some fierceness in them. Prince Zhongshun was so scared that he quickly lowered his head, his heart trembling. Why did his brother change so much in just a few days? Why?
"Your Majesty, I can guess what the princes are thinking. However, today, Jia Jing of Ningguo Mansion was buried. I heard that the four princes and eight dukes all went, and those nephews also went. How could it be such a coincidence that the two princes of the West Prince Gong family and the South Prince Lang family are here."

Although Zhou Jianan was a little surprised, he was not slow to speak. Marquis Luo Yun could not say it, but the Jia family was not Marquis Luo Yun. What happened in the capital today was obviously colluded by someone. As for who it was, it was none other than Prince Beijing Shui Rong. He went there in person to give face to the Jia family, which was quite a big deal.

Listening to the reply from King Zhongshun, Emperor Wu Zhou Shihongfu slowly lay down again, closed his eyes, and said;

"Let's not talk about the Ningguo Mansion. We've already gone there, so what can we do? It's nothing more than a show for the palace. As for the Western Prince Gongze and the Southern Prince Langyun, they came to the capital to join in the fun, which is icing on the cake. I just don't know how many people will go to the housewarming party of my two sisters?"

When Zhou Jianan heard his brother talking about the two imperial sisters, he didn't understand for a moment. The celebration of moving into a new house was nothing more than the banquets set up by the eldest princess Zhou Xiangxue and the Princess of Yongcheng Zhou Ying at their respective residences. Today, all the nobles had gone to Ningguo Mansion, so how could he go?

"Your Majesty, I also received an invitation, but I am busy with official duties today, so I only asked my butler to bring the gift to your door. I am sure the others are doing the same, as they are not in time."

When it comes to the time of the banquet, even Zhou Jianan felt a little annoyed. Who would hold a banquet at 15:30? They didn't even have time to eat their last meal. It was obviously to exclude people. How could they celebrate the new house?
"Yes, that's true. You need to take care of the Imperial Clan Court and the Honglu Temple. They have done a great job in receiving them. As for the nobles in the capital, don't say anything more. Go back now."

"Yes, your majesty, huh?"

Perhaps he was used to saying it casually, so he agreed immediately. However, these things that the emperor brother had instructed were originally his responsibility. Now, was this a way for him not to interfere, or was there another intention? After thanking him, he stood up and stood there, waiting for the emperor brother to say something more.
Unexpectedly, after a while, there was still no movement. He took a quick look and saw that his brother had closed his eyes to rest. He should not say anything, so he could only slowly retreat.
As soon as people leave,
There was movement on the recliner.

"People say that troubles are caused by mediocrity, but unfortunately, no matter who you are, you have troubles."

Dai Quan was still collecting memorials beside him. After reviewing them, he placed them on the table and replied with a smile,

"Your Majesty, most people in the world are vulgar, how can they not have desires? Even slaves like money and are greedy for power. The princes came to the capital at this time. Whether you have a purpose or you are filial, you are nothing but clowns. You can't make any big waves in the capital."

This is also the source of Dai Quan's confidence. All the personnel of the Northern Pacification Office have returned, and the control of the capital has now been handed over to the Southern Pacification Office. With so many spies spread out, any sign of trouble will be known.

"You are smart, old fellow. Keep an eye on the affairs of the capital and see how they are making trouble. The people from the Northern Pacification Office are on standby at any time. Is there any news about the affairs of the southern part of the capital?"

What the Emperor was most worried about now was the situation in the south of Beijing. Now that Wang Ziteng's army had arrived, the key lay in the gains and losses of Linshan County. Although he had sent a secret letter asking them to hold on, it was also in the hope of defending Linshan County City, so he was always conflicted. As for the strategies of Marquis Luo Yun and Marquis Baoning, although they were good, they were not suitable for Wang Ziteng.

Seeing His Majesty asking about the situation in the south of Beijing, Dai Quan smiled bitterly in his heart. Everyone above and below him wanted to deceive him, so how could he know? Fortunately, he had left people in the army.
"Your Majesty, the troops of Daliang City Jiedushi Lü Daiyuan arrived first and have been investigating the situation in the county city. They did not lead their troops south, but waited for Wang Ziteng's central army. Now that all the troops have gathered in Daliang City, they should have some discussions. I think they still need to make a decision on the situation. If they decide to go south, Wang Ziteng should have thought it through. He is cautious and would not do so unless he is completely sure."

Dai Quan replied carefully, thinking carefully, and he didn't feel that there was anything wrong. How much strength could the Taiping Sect have? They were just a bunch of rioters. Once the imperial army arrived, they would surely disappear.
"Well, that's good, but we can't let our guard down. Those rebels are very cunning."

Emperor Wu was hesitant in his heart, and would be upset when faced with military affairs. It was precisely because of this that he realized that there were things he was not good at. He also thought of the memorial submitted by Wei Xiangping of Runan. Who were the troops of Huaizhou?
"Dai Quan, where is Marquis Luo Yun now? Also, Wei Xiangping, find out whose troops are in Huaizhou?"

"Your Majesty, Marquis Luo Yun should have returned to his residence by now. Wei Xiangping, the defender of Runan City, has been gathering the troops of the residence and recruiting strong men to strengthen the defense of Runan City. He has also implemented a policy of clearing the countryside outside the city. Strangely enough, the people of Huaizhou have not made any moves, but only a few of the scouts sent out have returned. I think it was the work of the bandit army."

Dai Quan thought about it and thought that it should be so. He carefully examined the two memorials submitted by Wei Xiangping. The walls of Runan were high and strong, and the food and grass were abundant. As long as the garrison was sufficient, it would be safe. If the troops of Huaizhou were really from the Taiping Sect, they would only be used as a diversion.

"Well, that makes sense. I hope Wang Ziteng will live up to the emperor's grace and win the battle."

Emperor Wu muttered to himself, and his original intention to call Marquis Luo Yun over faded a lot. Thinking of Hu Le, the commander of Hongnong, and He Yong, the defender of Sizhou, they were all powerful generals, so there shouldn't be any problem.

"That must be the case, Your Majesty. There is another secret letter sent by Yang Chilai from Jiangnan, saying that mulberry trees have been planted in the three counties north of Jinling, which will not delay the expenditure of the Weaving Bureau. In addition, in Jiangbei, the people of the Imperial City Department have been asked to send all the prisoners in Jiangbei to Jiangbei to the Changle Palace, where they will dig jade for the purpose of practicing Taoism."

Dai Quan thought about the last sentence and said it out loud. After all, Yang Chi had written it on the memorial, and he didn't know how much he would want this time.

Emperor Wu looked indifferent and a little irritated, and waved his hands.
"Send someone to monitor this matter. Don't let too many people who are digging the mountain get killed or injured. Keep the news secret."

"Yes, I will obey your order!"

With a "yes", the secret letter was put away!
(End of this chapter)