The Concubine Wushuang of Red Mansion

Chapter 223 The Supreme Emperor: How can such a scourge still remain in the court?
I wonder what Jia Zheng thinks of Baoyu?

He must have been uncomfortable with it. When he returned to the mansion, Jia Zheng saw that Baoyu was still there and couldn't help but shouted, "Aren't you going yet? What's the point of staying here? The old lady will be hanging here for half a day. Come in quickly. , it hurts you in vain."

When Baoyu heard about it, he withdrew and went to Rongqing Hall where Jia Zheng couldn't see him.

Mother Jia was also thinking about it, so she sent her maid to ask over and over again. She was very happy when she learned that the king of Beijing County had summoned Baoyu. When Baoyu came back, Mother Jia was even more excited and asked Baoyu. , "Didn't I scold you and hit you?"

The maid on the side smiled and said, "The Prince of Beijing County praised Second Master Bao so much, and even said that Second Master Bao is a dragon or a phoenix."

Baoyu laughed loudly after hearing this, pointed at the maid and said, "You can't even speak clearly, you idiot, you are a dragon, colt and phoenix chick."

The maid was unhappy, but who dared to argue with Mr. Bao? Just now, she was hiding aside and eavesdropping. She could still understand the teasing meaning in Mr. Cong's words next door, and said with a smile, "The county prince also praised me." The second master is an extraordinary person! Not even the third master Cong has praised him!"

The words "dragon, colt, phoenix, extraordinary person" were used by Shui Rong to praise Jia Cong, and Jia Cong used them to ridicule Baoyu. When Baoyu heard this, the smile on his face disappeared and he was very angry with the maid. , but then I thought, I said that someone is a fool, so what can I do if I say such a stupid thing?

Jia Mu didn't know what was going on, she was only happy. She stroked Baoyu's back and looked at Baoyu with great joy. "Okay, okay, let's see if I still scold you in the future. Even the prince of the county praised you. He If he scolds you again, it’s his fault!”

Baoyu thought that he had been detained at home for the past two days and had to go out. It happened that Shuirong came and really helped him. He couldn't help but said, "The prince of the county invited me to the palace. He said that he had some good people there. He ordered me to Go to meetings often and it will be beneficial to your studies."

He hasn't been to Junzi Xiao's place for two days. He had promised to stay together every day, but now he has broken the promise. He doesn't know how sad Junzi Xiao will be. Thinking of this, Baoyu is burning inside.

Fortunately, Jia Mu is also a sensible person. Since she was invited by the Prince of Beijing County, and because she is interested in Baoyu's academic advancement, she cannot stop her. Therefore, she said, "Since the Prince of the County ordered you to go, you can go there once in a while to greet me." , I just said that my body bones haven’t grown strong yet, so I can’t run outside all the time. I know it’s not true.”

Baoyu was a little unhappy, but he didn't want to disobey him. When he came out of Rongqing Hall, he felt unhappy alone. He thought again that this matter must be discussed in the long run. He asked Mingyan tomorrow to make an idea for him. .

In Mengpo Zhai, Jia Zheng ordered people to serve a banquet. Jia Zheng sat at the top, accompanied by Jia Cong. The few side dishes on the table were exquisite, and the wine was also good, but Jia Cong was not in high spirits. He waited patiently for what Jia Zheng would say.

Jia Cong picked up the jug and poured a glass of wine for Jia Zheng and himself. He glanced at the string of rosary beads that Jia Zheng was still holding in his hand. He was a little suspicious. These were the wagtail incense rosary beads given by the Holy Father. He said, "What do you want, sir?" Please tell me if I can share your worries for you, it will be my filial piety."

Jia Zheng sighed. Now that his eldest brother is still in prison, how can he have the leisure to drink?I kept Jia Cong just because I wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with him and talk about the troubles in my heart.

"You said a few days ago that you have to earn your own title, and I deeply believe it. Of course, the title of our ancestors cannot be lost, but at the moment, it seems that there is no way to save it. If it really comes to that point, who can Rongguo Mansion rely on to revive the family business in the future? ?”

Jia Cong said, "Brother Lian is a good man, and Brother Bao is also very popular with the Prince of Beijing today. I have seen this string of wagtail incense rosary in the hands of the Holy Master. "Poetry" There is a sentence in "Xiaoya·Chang Di" that "the ridge order is still there, and the brothers are in trouble". Later generations often use "wagtail" as a metaphor for brothers.

Now the Prince of Beijing County has given this rosary to Baoyu. In my opinion, it shows his closeness and trust to Baoyu. "

As Jia Cong spoke, he looked at Jia Zheng with his eyes. Seeing that he showed no signs of vigilance, he couldn't help but feel a little angry in his heart. With such political awareness and keeping his title all day long, would it be easy to confiscate his family and exterminate his clan in the future?

Why did Shui Rong give the rosary presented by the emperor to Baoyu?Is Baoyu's round face really pleasing to the eye?If this is the case, it is not good to give a sweat towel. Do you have to transfer the gift from the emperor?What he was interested in was the family power behind Baoyu, and he just had something in mind at the moment.

In the original work, what Shui Rong wanted was the support of Ning Rong's second house, but now, what Shui Rong wanted could not be more obvious. In fact, Shui Rong's move was deliberately done to show the emperor.

Jia Cong had already said this, but Jia Zheng just couldn't understand it, and he was a little anxious.

Just when Jia Cong was racking his brains to think of something to say, Jia Zheng finally came to his senses and asked, "This is a gift from the Holy Spirit. How precious it is. How can the prince of the county give this jade as a gift?" ?”

Although he didn't realize the idea, he still gave Jia Cong a chance, "Master, I always give it to the palace, and keep it for future generations. Besides, this kind of gift from the emperor is of far-reaching significance. The prince of the county loves jade." , be rewarded, but we cannot pretend to be ignorant and just accept it.

In this way, wouldn't it be to trap the prince into disloyalty and unrighteousness? "

Jia Zheng was deeply convinced, and all his feelings of shame towards Shui Rong turned into resentment towards Baoyu. If it weren't for Baoyu, how could the county prince take away such a precious imperial gift and reward him?
"Then in your opinion, what should we do?" Jia Zheng has never had an opinion, and is used to asking whoever raises the issue to help solve it.

"I will return it naturally!" Jia Cong said.

He had another thought in his mind. In the eyes of outsiders, Shui Rong's move was to win over Baoyu as a brother, but in the eyes of the emperor, might it not be to win over him?The emperor will not think that Jia Zheng is a fool. At this juncture, although he may not doubt himself, once this seed is planted, he will not be able to control when it will take root and sprout.

The best way is not to provide soil for planting.

At that moment, Jia Zheng called someone, packed the beads in a box, prepared a generous gift, and ordered them to be sent to the Prince's Mansion in Beijing County.

When Shui Rong returned to the Prince's Mansion, the palace staff came to greet him and asked how the situation was.

Among these staff, there was one who stood out from the crowd, had an elegant temperament, and was deeply trusted by Shui Rong. This time he went to Jia's house to gain glory, and it was his strategy that was used.

This person is Jia Yucun. He used to be the governor of Jinling. Later, he was not allowed to appear in the court because of the Zhen family's affairs. After he had no choice but to resign, he asked someone to recommend him. By chance, he entered the prince's palace of Beijing County. Became a staff member.

He was born as a Jinshi on the second list, was familiar with classics and history, had excellent writing skills, and was quite trusted by Shui Rong.

Shuirong glanced at Jia Yucun and praised him, "As expected of Shi Fei, he knows things like a god. As you said, Marquis Ning Guo has no intention of saving his father. However, after what I said today, he can't." Not thinking carefully.

Moreover, it is said that before Jia Cong met, I gave the gift given by the Holy One to Baoyu. If this move fell into the eyes of the Holy One, I wonder what he would think? "

Jia Yucun laughed loudly and said, "Since the Jia Mansion has accepted it, it means that it has accepted the solicitation of the county prince. It is impossible to say that Jia Cong is still kept in the dark about this matter, but the Holy One may not be aware of it. In this way, Jia Cong will be passive." Got it!"

Shui Rong smiled slightly, and then said seriously, "Jia Cong should not be underestimated. It is fortunate that he was able to accomplish this today. If he knew about this matter, I wonder what he would do?"

Jia Yucun said, "Since the prince has given away the rosary and accepted the jade, how can Jia Cong interfere if he knows about it? The prince still needs to make careful plans for the current matter. Li Wu's case has already been heard by Heaven. Even if the punishment does not come to the head of the county prince, once it hinders the grace of the Lord, the gain outweighs the loss."

Shui Rong didn't know about this matter, and he was also worried. "This matter is of great importance. Sir, can you give me some advice?"

When Jia Yucun saw Shuirong being such a courteous and virtuous corporal, he was moved and proud at the same time. He stroked his long beard under his chin, thought for a moment, and asked, "This time the prince of the county went to Rongguo Mansion. After meeting Jia Cong, did he find out anything about the emperor?" How will this case be handled?”

Shui Rong also knew what Jia Yucun meant. Those who were in the court, looking down at the people of the empire, what they saw in their eyes was not legal morality, but political disputes.

"Right now, even I don't know. Zhao Quan transferred Azig and two people out according to the imperial decree. Whose imperial decree did he follow, and why did he transfer them to Du Hui's backyard?"

Jia Yucun nodded and said, "Zhao Quan is imprisoned in imperial prison. There is only one person who can contact Zhao Quan right now, and that is Jia Cong. The prince may wish to start from here. If there is one person who can see through this matter today, it must be Jia Cong."

Shui Rong didn't object. Otherwise, the emperor would not have asked Jia Cong to take pictures of Jinyi Mansion. Now that Li Wu's case has come out, it will be very easy for him to capsize if he doesn't know where the court will go in the future.

What's more, Shui Rong now feels like he's about to be kicked off the boat.

At this moment, the housekeeper next to him came to report that Rongguo Mansion came with a generous gift, including a box that he wanted to hand over to Shui Rong face to face.

Shui Rong and Jia Yucun looked at each other, and a bad premonition arose in their hearts.The person who came to deliver the box was none other than Jia Ping. Although he was the steward of the Ningguo Mansion, Jia Cong was afraid that the people around Jia Zheng would make mistakes again and took over everything, so he ordered Jia Ping to come and handle the matter. I am also accustomed to letting the shopkeeper turn away and let Jia Cong do whatever he wants when he doesn't get what he wants.

Jia Ping came in with the box in both hands, saluted, knelt on the ground and said, "I was ordered to bring this rosary. The master learned that this rosary was given to the county prince by the emperor. He first felt that this thing was extraordinary, and then he felt uneasy after thinking about it. . If the prince of the county is pleased with the second master Bao, please give him something else. I really dare not accept this rosary."

Jia Yucun often visited Rongguo Mansion in the past and thought he had never seen Jia Ping. He couldn't help but ask, "Do you usually serve the second master or the third master Cong?"

Jia Ping can't lie, and it's not worth lying. He glanced at Jia Yucun and said, "Reply to this master. I walk next to Mr. Cong on weekdays. I don't know how to call this master. When I go back to reply, , so that we can be clear with Mr. Cong."

Jia Yucun was silent, but the Prince of Beijing County was very angry at this time. He was worried that Jia Cong would ruin his good deeds again. He said to Jia Ping, "This master was the prefect of Jinling Prefecture in the past. Speaking of which, I once had a close relationship with the second master of my house."

At this time, Jia Yucun said, "With these words of the county prince, I am ashamed of myself. Although I wanted to join the Jia family back then, I didn't want to, and I couldn't reach a high level. There is no need to talk about fate."

After Jia Ping returned, he told Jia Yucun what he said, and Jia Cong smiled. Unexpectedly, Jia Yucun was now helping the prince of Beijing County to make plans. The transfer of the rosary beads could not be said to be Jia Yucun's plan.

This person has always been somewhat capable. In the original work, Jia Yucun's official later became the greatest, reaching the rank of Grand Sima.

But right now, it's nothing to be afraid of.

The next day, during the court hearing, Jia She was not interrogated. Only Li Wu and Liu Fang were interrogated. Jia Cong was also absent from the presiding panel and ordered the commander Zhu Chen to take his place.

Early in the morning, Jia Cong, led by Dai Quan, walked into the Daming Palace.

It was summer, and there was a gentle breeze outside. The layers of silk curtains on the main hall were drooped and motionless. The windows on all sides were closed tightly. There was a sweltering heat in the hall. However, the Supreme Emperor was wearing fur clothes, sitting in front of the statue, meditating, hitting the chime with one hand, and the other hand. Knead it, mutter something in your mouth, and concentrate to the extreme.

Jia Cong knelt down and waited quietly.

I don't know how much time passed, but I heard a clear chime sound that echoed in the main hall for a long time. The Supreme Emperor just opened his eyes from his homework. Dai Quan, who was serving on the side, didn't know how he knew that the Supreme Emperor had finished his work. He stepped on the light He ran over in a flash and helped the Supreme Emperor to stand up and stretch his muscles.

Jia Cong followed the Emperor's steps and turned around so that he was kneeling facing the Emperor.

He was extremely displeased in his heart, but his face was still respectful.

"Jia Cong, what do you think of the current state of affairs?" After the Emperor turned around three times, he pushed Dai Quan away and sat down on the futon again.

Sitting here is not sitting there, but sitting on a seat.

This proposition was too big for Jia Cong. He couldn't answer it for a while, and he had to answer it.

"Going back to the Supreme Emperor, I am not a cabinet minister. I am a rude general and act according to government orders. The current affairs of the government are really beyond my control!" Jia Cong rejected both of them. Although he knew that the Supreme Emperor would not like it, he had no scruples at all.

After hearing this, the Supreme Emperor was silent for a long time, "In the past, you got half of the scriptures in your dream. Have you never dreamed of getting the other half of the scriptures in these years?"

Jia Cong knelt so hard that his knees hurt, and it was very hot here, and he was always in danger of heat stroke. He carefully considered the words of the Supreme Emperor, and said, "I would like to express my gratitude to the Supreme Emperor, I have done too much in the past years in the south and north. Even though in the past There were some opportunities in the year, but now I am afraid that it is difficult for Sanqing to take care of me, so I have no chance to meet the scriptures. "

In the past, when he was young and helpless, he had no choice but to rely on scriptures to gain a foothold. But after so many years, he has made great achievements, and naturally he will no longer think about using scriptures as a ladder to advance.

"I didn't expect that Mr. Rong would have a descendant like you!" The Supreme Emperor closed his eyes and said, "It is the right path for a man to establish his career through fame. Now you are not the Amen of Wu Xia in the past. After so many years, can you say that you regretted it in the past? "

Jia Cong said, "I have no time to think about this. The country's affairs are very difficult at the moment. Natural and man-made disasters happen every year. People are displaced and starved to death. Although the court has riches, they cannot be used for a long time. If the officials cannot appease the people, the world will not be peaceful. Liaodong is in chaos. There are people in the court who are enemies. I have been blessed by the Holy Spirit for a long time, but I have not been able to serve the country. Even if I work hard and sleep all night, it will not help. I am already lucky and have no intention of looking back on the past."

After hearing this, Dai Quan couldn't help but glance at Jia Cong, and then quickly lowered his head.

The Supreme Emperor was speechless for a long time. After a long time, he opened his eyes and glanced at Jia Cong and said, "He is indeed ambitious!"

Jia Cong said, "I am not ambitious, but I just don't want to be a slave to the country's subjugation!"

Dai Quan heard that Jia Cong was getting more and more outrageous and couldn't help but said angrily, "Why are you talking nonsense in front of the Supreme Emperor? Do you know your guilt?"

Jia Cong ignored it and said to the Supreme Emperor, "The Tatars have always wanted to invade our Central Plains. Emperor Taizu made several northern expeditions and Emperor Sejong made five personal expeditions. The important towns on the nine sides were still there, but some people in the court turned a blind eye.

Nurhachi had established a kingdom in Liaodong and became king. Although the captive kingdom was small, the disease of scabies could also lead to terminal illness.This is not the strength of Beilu, but the weakness of our Dashun. "

The reason why Nurhaci dared to claim the kingship of Jianguo was not because the Jurchens were strong, but because I, Dashun, was getting weaker and weaker, and he started to look down upon me.

"You really have some knowledge! I was once a gentleman and a courtier. Now that I have given up my throne and lived in the palace for many years, I have already devoted myself to cultivating Taoism and ignored the mortal world. But after all, this is the country left by our ancestors. I am not dead yet. The national policy has been changing for a long time, among which you have contributed the most, are you teaching the emperor?"

Jia Cong's whole body was covered in sweat, he didn't know whether it was hot sweat or cold sweat. He was sweating like liquid. He let the sweat roll down on the gold bricks drop by drop and said, "I dare not accept this crime! Since I left the capital five years ago to guard the system, I have been After that, he stayed in Jiangnan to fight against the Japanese. He left Ningxia to quell the rebellion within three days of returning to Beijing, and was able to return to Beijing only recently.

Although the minister has the power to report secretly, he never gives any advice on government affairs.Although I am not talented, I have read the books of sages and I know well the principle of "not seeking political affairs if you are not in charge". I have never discussed government affairs, let alone bewitched the emperor, and I have asked the emperor to observe clearly. "

Although Jia Cong knew that his every move had already violated the interests of the Supreme Emperor, and that sooner or later he would be hated, suppressed, and even persecuted by the Supreme Emperor, he did not expect that the Supreme Emperor would use such a method.

At this time, he was deeply afraid, but he also knew that it was too late to be afraid. He only regretted that he had not made any arrangements before entering the palace, so that he had no options at this time.

After all, I am still a little too young, mainly because I don't have much fear of the emperor in my heart.

Just as he was thinking about it, Dai Quan walked up to the Supreme Emperor and said, "The prince is here!"

Jia Cong was relieved after hearing this. He didn't dare to look up at the Supreme Emperor, so he didn't see the unwilling look on the Supreme Emperor's face. Instead, he lowered his head and waited for a long time.

Not long after, he heard the sound of the palace door opening, and a wisp of wind blew in from outside the door, making Jia Cong feel a little relaxed.

King Zhongshun walked over quickly, glanced at Jia Cong on the ground, and took two steps forward to greet the Supreme Emperor, "Father, Jia Cong is young, a general is enough. It is very difficult to build a country, so please give me a greeting, Father." Don’t embarrass him!”

The Supreme Emperor sneered and said, "The Zhen family was destroyed because of this, and the Fifth Family was killed for it. How could I have said anything? The government is in chaos right now, the cabinet will no longer exist, and I don't know how many people are left in the Governor's Office of the Five Armies, etc. Can the evil still remain in the court?"

King Zhongshun closed his eyes and said, "Father, these sons and ministers don't know that they have no children, but only one daughter. I chose Jia Cong as my son-in-law. I hope that she will be well in the future. My sons and daughters have fulfilled their lifelong wish. I still hope." Father, please take pity on your son!"

After saying that, he lowered his head and knocked on the gold brick. Three sounds made Jia Cong's heart break.

(End of this chapter)