The Concubine Wushuang of Red Mansion

Chapter 245 Jia Mu in his memory

The Lin family originally had an ancestral house in the capital. In the original work, its whereabouts were unknown. But now, Daiyu had already arranged for the servants in the house to repair and tidy up the house several days in advance.

The servants brought by Jia Cong and his two men rented carriages and horses, loaded Lin Ruhai's luggage into the carriage, and sent them to Lin's house first. Daiyu also followed, while Jia Cong rode a horse and walked in Lin Ruhai's sedan chair. Next, take Lin Ruhai to the inn.

Lin Ruhai was not allowed to enter the house before returning to the palace to thank her.

"I saw in the newspaper that you are going north in the near future. Has the time been set?" Lin Ruhai sat in the sedan, opened the curtain and asked Jia Cong.

These days, Jia Cong has been training his troops, and Emperor Taiqi has given permission to take all his soldiers to Liaodong. Jinyiwei's spies have also sent many spies to Liaodong; Shenji Battalion is vigorously producing weapons, and Many new guns and guns have been improved and developed, and money is flowing like water.

Preparations are proceeding in an orderly manner.

Not long ago, news came from the north that the concubines who accompanied Jia She to the north were snatched away on the way. Jia She and his eldest wife fell ill before they arrived at Chushan Pass.

Jiang Xiang has already taken people to Laizhou. When he returns, Jia Cong plans to pay a grand ceremony to him and Yingchun, and then he will go to Liaodong.

"It hasn't been decided yet. I must go before winter." Jia Cong was in a bad mood when he mentioned Liaodong. Xia Jin could no longer get up. The emperor sent an imperial doctor there, but what could be done.

Emperor Taiqi seemed to have made up his mind to let Xia Jin die in Liaodong.

Although Jia Cong can leave for Liaodong at any time, he cannot make the decision without permission if Emperor Taiqi does not issue an order.

"The emperor's body..." Jia Cong hesitated, "When my father-in-law came to the palace to report, some things he said were concise and concise. If the emperor doesn't ask in detail, my father-in-law should not go into details and can only report the results."

Lin Ruhai was stunned for a moment, and soon understood that if a person is not in good health, he will inevitably be mentally weak and lack patience. Has the emperor's body already reached this stage?
"If the emperor asks about who can serve as the prince, my father-in-law must not express his opinion. As for the Jiangnan salt policy, the emperor is very satisfied with it being finished as it is, with a little paper. If there is a big change in the salt policy in the future, There must be a better idea, and when my father-in-law explains it in detail, he must also state the pros and cons, and never talk about the benefits without mentioning the cons."

"Why is this?"

Jia Cong wanted to say that this was also the way he accidentally cultivated the SWOT thinking of the emperor, so he had to say, "The emperor is a sage and has an insight into the world. He often says that nothing is perfect, and there are pros and cons. It depends on how to weigh the trade-offs. If the father-in-law only talks about pros, If you don't tell me the evil, you may be suspected by Your Majesty."

Once the emperor suspects that a minister is disloyal, the minister's future is basically over, and it will be difficult for him to survive in the court.

It will be more difficult to survive than those who are invisible to the law.

Lin Ruhai felt a thin layer of sweat on his back, and thought to himself, this is the benefit of having someone in the court. If his son-in-law had not been here and was willing to say these words to him, he would have gone to Beijing like this, and his eyes would have darkened. If you were not careful when you were right, wouldn't you die without knowing how you died?

Although there are teachers of the same age in the court and they often exchange letters, the conversation cannot be so in-depth. Moreover, his visit to Beijing cannot be high-profile. Therefore, the specific date of his visit to Beijing was not informed, and there was no time to consult some Beijing officials. .

And not all officials in the capital have a thorough understanding of the dynamics in the DPRK and the emperor's temper.

Jia Cong sent Lin Ruhai to the inn. In order to avoid suspicion, he did not go in, so he agreed to pick up the wind for Lin Ruhai. After Lin Ruhai entered the palace to meet the saint, he would go to Ningrong's second mansion. Jia's mother was still Lin Ruhai's mother-in-law, so she must be there. Went to meet him.

After noon, the fire master from the palace came to announce that Lin Ruhai had entered the palace. The fire master, who had never interacted with him before, took special care of Lin Ruhai. When he entered the palace, Lin Ruhai thanked the fire master, and the fire master smiled politely. He said, "Mr. Lin, you are so polite. You are the father-in-law of Marquis Ning Guo!"

There was a piece of silver in it. The fireman didn't dislike it at all. He just thought that none of the civil servants and generals in the dynasty was as generous as Ning Guohou. What they were coveting was not this idea of ​​reward, but the civil and military ministers who treated them. The fear of these eunuchs.

Marquis Ning Guo had never looked down on them. He looked at them as equals and normal, and they were generous, so it was no wonder that they were happy with these palace people.

Lin Ruhai didn't expect it to be for this reason. He thought that he was in the emperor's heart and that the palace people would do this when they saw the wind. He couldn't help but laugh at himself, straighten his clothes and go to Linjing Palace.

Emperor Taiqi was indeed in bad spirits. He only asked Lin Ruhai about the salt administration in Suzhou, and after a few words of encouragement, he let Lin Ruhai leave the palace.

Lin Ruhai came out of the palace and thought of what Jia Cong had said to him in advance. If Jia Cong hadn't reminded him, Lin Ruhai would have prepared an inauguration speech full of ambitions and ambitions to report to Emperor Taiqi today. The scholarly talk would be inevitable, but it must be It would make Emperor Tai Qi have a bad impression of him.

The road ahead will become narrower and narrower.

But today, even though he didn't say much, Lin Ruhai's knowledge of current affairs and etiquette made Emperor Tai Qi very satisfied. When he resigned, Emperor Tai Qi smiled and nodded frequently, and ordered him to go if he had any ideas. The palace handed over the memorial, and it seemed that he was quite satisfied with Lin Ruhai.

After Lin Ruhai came to Beijing, he sent a long-time servant to Rongguo Mansion to report the news. When Jia Mu heard that her son-in-law had been promoted, she cheered up again, hoping that the son-in-law of a third-rank official could help Rongguo Mansion organize the title. Feng Haosheng prepared for the banquet and called Jia Zheng to give instructions.

The emperor gave Lin Ruhai three days' leave. The next day, Lin Ruhai entered Ningrong Street followed by two cars filled with gifts.

One car is for the daughter, and the other is used to honor the mother-in-law.

Jia Cong first welcomed Lin Ruhai into the mansion for a cup of tea, and then accompanied Lin Ruhai to Rongguo Mansion. Jia Zheng and Jia Lian greeted each other at the door. After a few words of greeting, he accompanied Lin Ruhai to Rongqing Hall to meet Jia's mother.

The female relatives all stayed away. In the hall, Jia Mu was sitting on the Arhat bed, with several maids standing around. She seemed to have been waiting for a long time and looked quiet. Jia Mu's complexion was very different from a few months ago, and she looked very old.

Jia Cong saluted with Lin Ruhai. Jia Mu only glanced at him and ignored him. However, when she saw Lin Ruhai, her two old yellow eyes were filled with tears and she cried, "Look at this Rongguo Mansion." , if I were taken away, would this house still feel like a home?"

After saying that, he started to cry loudly.

Lin Ruhai was suddenly at a loss. He stood on the ground and didn't know what to say. He took two steps forward and called, "Old lady!"

"Children and grandchildren are not filial, children and grandchildren are not filial!" Mother Jia beat the board of the Arhat bed and cried, "My title is gone, how can I go to see the Duke of the country under Jiuquan in the future!"

Jia Cong felt that the "unfilial piety of children and grandchildren" was not about Jia She but Jia Cong. Jia Cong ignored it and sat down on a chair nearby. He picked up a cup of tea at hand. The tea was boiling hot and he slowly brushed away the tea leaves. , took a sip gently, the fragrance is gentle and the tea soup is light, it should be a new tea in the golden autumn.

Lin Ruhai looked at Jia Zheng for help. Seeing that Jia Zheng had his head slightly lowered and did not look like he was going to come to the rescue, he was full of doubts and could only advise, "Old lady, getting angry will hurt your liver and be harmful to your health."

"I've had enough life. I can't afford to die now. If I die, who will this big family rely on in the future? I'm afraid I will be kicked out by the imperial court."

Jia Cong glanced at Jia Mu who was playing and rolling around. Sure enough, if a person wants to live elegantly, there must be conditions. Think of Jia Mu in the original work, who only has fun all day long, and wants the best in food, clothing and entertainment. He doesn't care about anything at home, and looks like an old birthday girl who doesn't care. The biggest worry is that the two Yu'ers quarreled and had a disagreement, and Jia Zheng beat her precious grandson. How rich and decent.

But now, she looks like a shrew, although she still wears gold and silver, and has an emerald-studded eyebrow tie on her head, which is shining brightly, but her face can no longer be seen as rich and noble.

Without the title, Rong Guofu is no longer a nobleman of Dashun. Jia Zheng is just a foreign minister of the Ministry of Industry. Without Jia Cong's care, Jia Zheng, a foreign minister, may not be able to survive.

These days, some of the old relatives who used to come and go in Shenjing City no longer come to the door. Compared with the bustling traffic and bustling crowds in front of the Ningguo Mansion, there are only so many people in the Rongguo Mansion. How can this not make Jia Mu feel uncomfortable?

Back then, she was such a respectable old prince.

Thinking that a hundred years from now, the whole family will be kicked out of the house, the plaque on the door lintel will be taken off, the family will change owners, and her precious grandson Baoyu will probably live in poverty for the rest of his life. I couldn't sleep, and I didn't dare to die. "Old lady, I..." Lin Ruhai had already figured out Jia Mu's intention. He was about to agree to help fight for it when Jia Cong spoke next to him, "Father-in-law, the old lady is old and in poor spirits. I have been working so hard right now, why not let the old lady rest first and recuperate her energy, so that my father-in-law can come visit me another day!"

Mother Jia immediately said angrily, "The title in this family is gone. Brother Cong, are you happy? If you don't help, why don't you allow others to help?"

Jia Cong said, "Old lady, I did not lose the title, and I have never done anything to disgrace my ancestors. It is really unreasonable for the old lady to complain about me. I am not even young enough to be promoted to the title I have today." , It’s already very difficult. The old lady still wants me to help keep her title here, so I can only say, I’ll do my best.”

As for who will inherit the title in the future, that is the palace's decision.

"How can you do your best?" Jia Mu seemed to have hope when she saw it.

Jia Cong said, "The title can only be exchanged for military merit. Since no one here is willing to perform meritorious service on the border, then I am the only one here! I will take the initiative to ask the imperial court to go to Liaodong. After I have achieved military merit, I will propose to the Holy Emperor the restoration of the title." , as for whether it can be done, it depends on the grace of the court."

Jia Cong originally didn't want to say these words, but today, seeing Lin Ruhai being forced to do this, Jia Cong had no choice but to say it. But in fact, only Jia Cong knew the truth. To be precise, Cong Jianzhi intends to make Xian Ning's future children inherit the title.

Rather than letting people misunderstand that it was Jia Cong who was trying to seize the title of Rong Guofu in the future, it was better to prepare the ground in advance. He made military achievements and requested to be reinstated. Emperor Taiqi followed the trend, and the title was coming to his head, and everything went as planned.

However, I wonder if Mother Jia will be angry to death by then?
"If you can do it, even if the court's grace does not come down in the future, it will not be your fault." Jia Mu said.

"Thank you, old lady, for your understanding!" Jia Cong smiled slightly, feeling certain in his heart.

After coming out of Rongqing Hall, Lin Ruhai had lingering fears. Just now, he thought that he had entered the wrong house or worshiped the wrong person.

The Jia Mu in his memory was not like this.

At that time, he and Jia Min made a marriage arrangement and came to visit his father-in-law and mother-in-law. He did not mention his age or age, but only talked about his mother-in-law's graceful and noble demeanor, which left a very deep impression on Lin Ruhai. Later, Jia Min returned to Ning for a visit, and he came again. I came back with him to visit him several times and it was really refreshing.

When he saw Jia Mu today, the words "crazy woman" came to Lin Ruhai's mind. Jia Mu forced Jia Cong like this, which also made Lin Ruhai extremely dissatisfied. As Jia Cong said, he was not as young as a weakling, so he could It is already great to carry forward the title of Ningguo Mansion. How can he impose the responsibility of Rongguo Mansion on him?

Besides, this title was lost to his brother-in-law Jia She. He had only heard of being unworthy of his children and grandchildren, but never of being unworthy of me.

How could Jia Mu have the face to accuse Jia Cong?

After all, he was his son-in-law. Lin Ruhai unknowingly had his mind set on something else.

Although the Rongguo Mansion had prepared a banquet and Jia Zheng was reluctant to stay, Lin Ruhai really had no intention of staying here for the banquet. Jia Cong had no choice but to say, "Father-in-law, Yu'er must have also prepared a banquet. She is looking forward to your return to Beijing." Over the years, you have to use some of the banquets she has prepared, why don't you, Master and Brother Lian, use some of them together?"

There was not much talking at the table. Just now Jia Mu was acting playfully and rolling around, which made Jia Zheng feel particularly embarrassed. The few of them only talked about some customs and customs in the south. Lin Ruhai asked Baoyu again, Jia Zheng hesitated and couldn't tell, which one should I choose? Cong said, "Brother Bao is not in good health. Brother Huan and Brother Lan went to the academy to study."

Then they talked about the Jia Family Academy. The mountain chief was a lame Juren recommended by Xiong Bichen. He had no official career, so he devoted himself to teaching and educating people. He taught two Jinshis, no matter in terms of strength, structure or Jia Cong had a good eye, and was hired as the academy director with a high salary.

As for the Shangwu Academy, it was left to Liu Xianglian to take care of. He didn't know where he found a few stick riding and archery masters. Jia Cong said that if he could teach a few good students in the academy, Jia Cong would be willing to do it in the future. Give them an origin.

Jia Cong's status today, no one can doubt his words like this. Half a month into the academy's term, one of the Jia family's children couldn't stand it anymore and wanted to escape back. After being beaten up by the mountain chief and Liu Xianglian, his family members The complaint was brought to Jia Cong.

Jia Cong said that if the academy teaches the children of the Jia family, as long as no one is killed, he will not hold him accountable; if the children of the Jia family really do not want to stay in the academy, they can go on their own, but from now on, they will no longer be members of the Jia family. Although the children will not be expelled from the family, they will not be allowed to participate in ancestor worship from now on.

Children of the Jia family who are over six years old and have not yet entered an academy to study or practice martial arts will not be allowed to participate in ancestor worship.

What is the difference between this and leaving the clan?

Since then, the children of the Jia family have become more settled in the academy.

Baoyu, who was originally frightened by Jia Zheng's dislike and pressure, was supposed to report to the academy. After hearing this, he did not dare to go, and the wound on his buttocks also delayed healing.

"Father-in-law, I have established an academy in Qiu Shan outside Yanping Gate. If my father-in-law has time, can you go and teach the students twice, impart some academic experience, and encourage the students?"

Lin Ruhai was born in the top [-] and is now a censor of Zuodu. If Lin Ruhai can show up to teach, it will be a great encouragement to the students. This is the power of role models.

Lin Ruhai was very interested when he heard about it, and asked about the academy in detail. Hearing that it was divided into two academies, Chongwen Academy and Shangwu Academy. The chief of the Chongwen Academy was Yuan Zijing, who was a successful candidate in the same subject as Lin Ruhai. He couldn't help but feel more and more happy, and got excited Interested in visiting friends in college.

Jia Cong said to Jia Zheng, "Brother Bao still refuses to go to the academy? I just beat him, and it has taken nearly three months to heal the injury. Doesn't this mean that I am unkind?"

The master punished Brother Bao for his own good.Back then, when I was living with my eldest brother, there was no brazier in the house in the winter. My mother held my feet in her arms and taught me how to read.Compared to me, Brother Bao is so happy. With this good opportunity, how can Brother Bao not study hard? "

Mentioning Baoyu, Jia Zheng was itching his teeth with hatred and said angrily, "Just pretend that I have never raised such a traitor!"

Jia Lian glanced at Jia Cong and didn't understand why Jia Cong couldn't tolerate Baoyu. He couldn't help but smile and said, "Why do you care so much? Baoyu just plays if he likes. Are you afraid that there will be no way out in the future?"

Jia Cong said, "Brother Lian, if I go to Liaodong, you should go with me. It will be easy to earn military honors under my command, and it will be easier to accept the title in the future."

This was the last chance Jia Cong gave Jia Lian.

Unexpectedly, Jia Lian sneered, "That place is a freezing cold place. I'm crazy. I'll go there. If I can get this title back, I can take it back. If I can't take it back, there's nothing I can do about it. It's a crime." Are you going to fight with your life?"

Jia Cong was silent. It was said that more than 20 taels of property were sealed in the old man's yard next door. The Jinyiwei sealed it. Because Jia Cong had not set off yet, the money had not been touched. I heard that Jia Lian had been there all the time. With this idea in mind, he approached someone from Jinyiwei and asked for accommodation in the name of Jia Cong.

Zhu Chen has already reported this matter to Jia Cong.

"Besides, aren't you here?" Jia Lian patted Jia Cong on the shoulder.

Jia Cong turned to look at Jia Lian and said unhappily, "Second brother Lian, please understand that I am now from the Ningguo Mansion. If I have made meritorious deeds, can I be counted as the head of the Rongguo Mansion?"

Jia Zheng strongly hopes that Jia Lian can follow Jia Cong to Liaodong. Not to mention meritorious service, it would be good to see the world there. If he cannot study and compete for military merit, he will not bury the bravery of his ancestors. Who knows? , Jia Lian is so unmotivated.

Lin Ruhai also saw it. When Jia's mother took Daiyu over, he also had the idea of ​​​​marrying Daiyu into the Jia family. Now it seems that he is actually a little scared. If it weren't for Jia Cong, he was afraid that his son-in-law would also He will be an ignorant and ignorant dandy.

Rong Guofu was completely defeated!

After coming out of Ningguo Mansion, Jia Zheng, who had had a few glasses of wine, felt a little better. He entered the gate of Rongguo Mansion and walked inside without greeting anyone. He went straight to Baoyu's courtyard. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he heard Baoyu's voice came out, "Qianxue, didn't you say you wanted to make rouge paste earlier?"

(End of this chapter)