King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 422: Order to Xue Mansion
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Baochai bowed and saluted.

"Princess, there is no need to be polite!"

Zhu Jinghong stepped forward to help her, and it was like a harmonious picture of the piano and the harp.

"Seeing that the prince is refreshed and a hundred times more energetic than when he was in Shanglin Garden, I have to thank my two sisters for the prince!" Baochai said with a smile.

"Didn't you talk about eating? What did you eat this morning?" Zhu Jinghong changed the subject directly.

Following Zhu Jinghong into the palace, Baochai said slowly: "No matter what you eat...it's better than my concubine's cooking skills. Prince, you can rest assured!"

He always felt that Baochai spoke strangely, so Zhu Jinghong took advantage of the situation and asked: "Baochai... what happened to you today?"

These words stopped Baochai, so much so that at this moment she couldn't help but reflect on why she was still unhappy.

In the past, I could handle things peacefully in my boudoir, but now that I am a princess, I have to show my dignity and dignity... Baochai secretly warned herself.

"I'm fine. I haven't always been like this!" Baochai responded, trying hard to dispel the sour taste in her heart.

"That's good!"

The two of them entered the Nuan Pavilion together. At this time, the meals were all prepared, including a few side dishes and porridge, plus the hot milk that Zhu Jinghong drank on weekdays.

When the two of them were sitting down for dinner, Wang Pei'an also arrived at the palace early and appeared outside Cunxin Hall again to ask for an audience.

After what happened last night, the eunuch on duty no longer dared to neglect him and turned around directly and entered the inner chamber to report.

When Chen Chong learned the news, he came to Wang Pei'an first and apologized to him as he had planned in advance.

Wang Pei'an was unmoved. It was okay for him to feel a little wronged, but he could not let the eunuchs be arrogant and domineering.

The scene made Chen Chong very embarrassed, and he could only laugh and leave. At this moment, Zhu Jinghong also learned about Wang Pei'an's visit.

"I heard that he came last night, and he came so early today...could it be something important?" Baochai asked doubtfully.

"He said he came to apologize, but he probably came because he missed the time last night!"

Hearing this, Baochai said slowly: "This man is meticulous in his work. It's really rare that he missed the time!"

"Wang Pei'an is old-fashioned and hates evil. Naturally, he is not liked by the chamberlain. I think there is some story in this!" Zhu Jinghong said calmly.

"If official duties are missed due to personal grudges, the person who caused the trouble should be severely punished!" Baochai reminded.

"Deng An has already been punished. Those who deserve to be scolded have been scolded, and those who deserve to be punished have also been punished!" Zhu Jinghong replied.

In fact, Wang Pei'an was bullied by his ministers, and Zhu Jinghong had no intention of strictly pursuing the case because he needed someone to help him suppress this person.

Otherwise, if everything goes according to Wang Pei'an's wish, then he will really have no choice but to hide in the palace and pass the time as an idle prince.

But Zhu Jinghong would not say these inner thoughts to others, even if he was in front of his wife who loved each other.

Seeing Zhu Jinghong's expression, Baochai had no intention of saying more.

After a simple breakfast, Zhu Jinghong came to Cunxin Hall. By this time, Wang Pei'an had been waiting for a quarter of an hour.

"Meet Your Highness!"

"No gift sir!"

Zhu Jinghong sat on the main seat and said, "Sir, please sit down too!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

"What's the matter here, sir?"

"His Royal Highness returned to the mansion last night, but I was unable to receive the news in time, so..."

Before Wang Pei'an could finish his words, Zhu Jinghong interrupted: "I already know about this matter. It's all due to the poor behavior of the servants in the palace. I can't blame you, sir!"

"The people involved have been punished, and that's the end of the matter. Sir, don't take it to heart!"

Zhu Jinghong already knew the situation and had already dealt with everything that needed to be done, so that Wang Pei'an was speechless at this moment.

"I have one more thing to report!"

"Sir, please speak!" Zhu Jinghong looked eager to learn.

Although he was wary of Wang Pei'an, he also had the intention of taking advantage of him.

Although Wang Pei'an offended many people, as long as he didn't touch the porcelain emperor, he could be called a big killer in the officialdom.

Even those who dislike him can only drive away people like Wang Pei'an by promoting his promotion.

Since you want to use people, you have to do a good job in appearance. Bad things are only done by the internal servants.

"The furnishings in the palace were originally newly furnished. In order to welcome His Highness back to the palace, the eunuchs in the palace replaced a large number of utensils. The best tables, chairs, playthings and quilts..."

Listening to Wang Pei'an's explanation, Zhu Jinghong finally understood why he was hostile to the chamberlain. This was because his personal interests were at stake.

However, the benefits obtained by the chamberlains came from poaching from the palace, which made Zhu Jinghong furious.

That was his money!

"These slaves should be taught a lesson!" Zhu Jinghong looked angry.

"Although the palace is a reward of gold, silver and land from His Majesty, it still needs to have an orderly balance of income and expenditure in order to survive in the long run. With such extravagant spending... I'm afraid the palace will be empty within a few days!"

If others heard this, they would definitely feel uncomfortable with Wang Pei'an. After all, few people like to hear such "ominous words."

"I will pay more attention to this matter!"

Wang Peian was very happy after hearing Zhu Jinghong's approval of his opinion, and then he said: "Your Highness, I have a third thing!"

"you say!"

"Your Highness is doing the plowing on behalf of His Majesty. He has missed a lot of homework in the past two months, sir..."

As soon as he talked about something that was relevant to his professional counterpart, Wang Pei'an began to talk endlessly, which gave Zhu Jinghong a headache.

But sometimes it was such a coincidence that a young eunuch came in and reported that someone was coming from Shanglin Garden and invited him to come over.

"Wang Changshi, this is the emperor's mission... I can only take the first step!" Zhu Jinghong looked reluctant.

This reason was impeccable, at least Wang Pei'an had no reason to stop him, so he had to send Zhu Jinghong off respectfully and then return to Chang Shisi.

When Zhu Jinghong went to Shanglin Garden, Baochai in the inner house took some time off and went to his study to read and write.

As soon as she sat down, she discovered that several pens on the pen holder had been replaced, causing her to have to re-open the pen.

She already knew about the replacement of the palace, but even these small items had been replaced, which made Baochai feel outrageous.

She came back too late yesterday, so she didn't notice some details. Now that she knows about it, she feels uncomfortable.

Although she was born into wealth, she was not extravagant and wasteful, so she hated such things.

"These things... why have they been replaced?" Baochai asked Xiang Zuo.

"I'm reporting back to you, Princess, because to welcome the prince and you back to the house, the servants said they wanted everything to be renewed, so they changed everything that needed to be changed!" Ying'er replied.

"Who is in charge of this? Who gave the money?" Baochai asked in a deep voice.

She is the princess, and she can control everyone and everything within the walls of the palace, except for the guards.

This excessive extravagance and waste cost her money...

However, Baochai had no intention of having an attack at this moment.

The main reason is that she has not been officially canonized yet, and during this period she does not want to create extraneous matters, so as not to affect these important events.

And she had other plans. This matter was picked out after she was canonized, and it could be used as a consumable to establish her authority.

"Reporting to your Majesty, Chen Chong, the steward of the Royal Palace Registry Office, is in charge of this matter!"

After hearing Ying'er's reply, Baochai asked again: "This matter cost a lot of money, so the warehouse just gave it to me?"

Ying'er replied: "This matter involves the prince and your return to the mansion. I'm afraid the warehouse will not refuse it!"

It seems that before taking charge of the mansion, some rules must be established, otherwise chaos will happen sooner or later... Baochai thought to himself.

Originally she wanted to practice calligraphy, but now she changed her mind and listed the rules that needed to be established on the paper.

.........On the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month in the 11th year of Orthodoxy, this was an ordinary day.

However, outside the Xue Mansion in the capital, a group of people appeared outside at this moment, which was a standard match for delivering decrees in the palace.

The imperial envoy came early in the morning, which made everyone in the Xue family a little panicked. Fortunately, they had been busy with the princess' affairs before, so they accumulated a lot of experience in handling the imperial edict, and under the arrangement of Aunt Xue, they prepared to prepare for the imperial edict.

It's a pity that Xue Pan is not at home, which makes the whole family anxious and sends a large number of people to look for him.

But today, Xue Pan is not hanging out, but is busy with the family business. After all, the Xue family now relies on him.

But when Xue Pan returned home, it was already half an hour later.

Normally, the eunuch who had been waiting for such a long time would be impatient, but today, not only did he not look shy, he was still chatting with Aunt Xue at the moment.

"The uncle is back!"

Hearing the announcement from outside, the eunuch who delivered the order looked happy and said: "Madam... then prepare to receive the order!"

"But follow my father-in-law's orders!"

After Xue Pan entered the house, he went to the inner house to change clothes, and then he trotted outside. At this moment, everyone in the house had already lined up and stood, waiting for him to arrive.

Flags and incense tables have been placed at the scene, and there are guards wearing armor standing around. The atmosphere is particularly majestic and solemn.

After he entered the class, the eunuch who delivered the order cleared his throat, and then shouted: "There is an order!"

Hearing this, everyone in the Xue family knelt down and then kowtowed to wait for the announcement of the decree.

Although she had a pleasant chat with the eunuch, Aunt Xue was still worried because she didn't know whether the content of the decree was a blessing or a curse.

Although [-]% of it is a good thing, no one can guarantee what the situation will be before the decree is read out.

"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict says..."

"Since ancient times, sages and sages have relied on the support of talented people to govern the country..."

At the beginning of the edict, he emphasized the importance of good ministers to the court. Aunt Xue and Xue Pan were even more confused when they heard it. The situation was completely different from what they expected.

After a few breaths, the eunuch who heard the edict continued to read: "The former head of the Household Department, Chengde Lang Xue Zhen, has a good conduct, is responsible for public service, is self-denial, is loyal to his duties, and fulfills the emperor's orders..."

Tears welled up in Aunt Xue's eyes when she heard the edict mentioning her husband and the emperor's recognition of her late husband.

Husband, listen, the Holy One is praising you, you can rest in peace under the Nine Springs... Aunt Xue is calling in her heart.

As for Xue Pan, he had basically no feelings about it, and he couldn't understand why the imperial edict mentioned his father.

"However, there is no holiday in the year. I fell ill due to hard work for the king and died in the performance of my duties. I also feel very sad..."

"Pure and good character should be promoted, and loyal ministers should be praised. I present it to the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs of the Qing Dynasty to commend the high officials..."

The Minister of Household Affairs was a third-rank official, six ranks higher than Xue Zhen himself. The emperor's arrangement was enough to shock everyone present.

In the following edict, Aunt Xue was given the treatment of a third-grade lady, which made her smile uncontrollable.

However, the edict was not finished yet, and the eunuch who passed the order continued to read: "I grant Xue Pan the title of Head of the Household Department. I hope you will uphold the legacy of your late father and serve diligently..."

I am the head of the household department, I am the head of the household department... At this moment, Xue Pan was finally extremely happy. If the situation was not right, he would really jump up and shout.

"Kin this!"

Finally, the somewhat lengthy edict was read out, and everyone in the Xue family looked happy.

"Long live my emperor! Long live! Long live! Long live! Long live! Long live!"

After the mountain call, the imperial book was handed into Xue Pan's hands. At this moment, his whole body was shaking with excitement.

The eunuchs who came with him brought Yi Jiang corresponding clothes and other items, and packed three large boxes in total.

It was up to the Xue family to clean up the things. After receiving the order, Xue Pan waved his hand and gave nearly a thousand taels of silver to everyone who passed the order.

This was so generous that the eunuch who passed the order refused to accept it, and only reluctantly accepted it after Xue Pan repeatedly advised him.

After seeing off the imperial envoy carrying the decree, everyone in the Xue family also congratulated Aunt Xue, and then Xue Pan scattered the money again.

Xue Pan spent money lavishly today, but Aunt Xue didn't say a word, just because the money was worth spending and should be spent.

"Son, your father is the Minister of Household Affairs, the third rank... the third rank!"

In the living room of the inner house, even after drinking a cup of tea, Aunt Xue was still extremely excited when the matter was mentioned.

"Mom, my father has passed away, so what's the use of this third-grade official? But my son has finally filled the gap and can comfort his father's spirit in heaven!"

After hearing this, Aunt Xue was dissatisfied with Xue Pan's shallowness, but she recognized his last sentence.

"Let's go... let's set up an incense burner to worship your father!"

"My son will make arrangements to go now!"

After the worship was completed, half an hour had passed, but Aunt Xue ordered again: "I want to go to the palace and tell your sister the news!"

“Mom, there’s no need for my son to go!”

"Why?"

"The business matters haven't been finished just now, but we're still waiting over there!" Xue Pan made up a reason at random. In fact, he was afraid of going to the palace to see Zhu Jinghong.

"That's fine... Now that you've filled the gap, it's time to focus more on business!"

"Son understands!"

So the mother and son went about their own business, and the Xue family gradually returned to peace. Only the servants who had received the silver reward discussed what to add.

As for Prince Xiang's Mansion, Baochai learned the news only half an hour after the imperial edict was read out.

Her father was posthumously awarded the title of Minister of Household Affairs. Baochai understood that this was the emperor's promotion of her natal family, which was obviously to prepare for the next canonization.

The situation was better than she imagined, which put a smile on her face, and then she sent someone to send a message to Zhu Jinghong.

Today Zhu Jinghong went to Shanglinyuan again. He became more and more involved in the training. He left early and came back late every day.

At this moment, in Baochai's room, Keqing was talking with her. After learning about the situation, he couldn't help but congratulate Baochai.

While congratulating her, Keqing thought of her father and brothers, who were still suffering in the northwest.

The two of them talked for a while, and then someone called Aunt Xue to pay her respects, but Qingcai wisely said goodbye and left.

A few minutes later, Aunt Xue was led into the main hall of Tongxin Hall through numerous doors.

Sitting on the Princess's throne, looking at her mother's bright clothes, Baochai felt complicated for a moment.

"Meet the princess!"

When Aunt Xue was about to kneel down, Baochai said in time: "No courtesy!"

"Thank you madam!"

After Aunt Xue stood up, Baochai stood up again to greet her, but she only bent down slightly.

Although the daughter she gave birth to was in front of her, Aunt Xue was still frightened when she saw her. Even if she was given a seat, she would only sit down.

"Baochai, today the palace has announced that your father will be named the Minister of Household Affairs, and your eldest brother will be appointed..."

After listening to her mother's story, Baochai smiled and said, "This is a great happy event. Don't forget to let your eldest brother enter the palace to express your gratitude!"

"I can save this matter!"

"Your Majesty, your family must be attentive to your errands. You must not be complacent. In the future, you must act more thoughtfully and properly..."

Baochai then gave another warning, and Aunt Xue listened carefully.

The person who worried Baochai the most was Xue Pan, so she gave special instructions for this, and finally asked about his marriage.

Aunt Xue was hesitant when it came to mentioning this matter. Baochai pressed her repeatedly and found out that the marriage with the Xia family had been put on hold.

The reason is also very simple. Now that the Xue family has a princess, Aunt Xue wants to choose a better one.

In this regard, Baochai didn't have much to say. She just told her mother to take care of the matter as soon as possible so that her eldest brother could calm down as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)