Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 321 Daiyu's Speculation

"We are all relatives, but Jia Lian impeached my father for showing loyalty to the emperor. If I had known this, I should not have married Sister Xifeng to him." Wang Yi spoke from the side to show his presence.

Wang Ziteng couldn't help but frown when he heard this, and pointed at the door: "Get out, and don't talk nonsense when you go out, or I'll break your legs!"

Wang Yi was stunned at once, his eyes did not move for a long time. When he met his father's sharp gaze, he lowered his head to avoid it, clenched his fists, and walked out in shame.

The master tried to comfort him: "Don't mind, Mr. Dong. The eldest son is still young. He doesn't see things that clearly!"

"Young what the hell? Jia Lian is three or four years younger than him. Look at him, and then look at him. If they weren't his biological son, he would have been thrown into the sea to feed the fish long ago." Wang Ziteng said in a tone of anger.

"There are always some special people in the world, and Jia Lian is one of them. There is no way to compare them, and don't compare them. Otherwise, you will be the one who suffers." The lawyer comforted him again.

Wang Ziteng covered his face with his hands and rubbed them vigorously, feeling very complicated. What was he upset about? When the four kings and eight dukes were all there, Wang Ziteng could be said to be at ease, and he could borrow strength everywhere. He led the troops to the Western Regions and reached a rare height in life. He could reach the top with a little more effort. After years of strategizing, the Jia family at that time was basically a vassal of the Wang family.

But after returning from the expedition to the Western Regions a few years ago, everything had changed. Jia Lian, who took a different approach, emerged from the Jia family and got close to the emperor through Zhang Tingen's channel. The good situation of the four kings and eight dukes, with a tight structure, suddenly lacked the Jia family. Although the Jia family is not as good as it used to be, the two dukes in one family are still very intimidating. The subsequent development was simply a wild horse that had broken free from its reins. Emperor Chenghui, who seemed a little weak, took advantage of the opportunity of the prince's expedition to the Western Regions to turn the tide. First, Fang Baiyi was captured, and then the financial problem was successfully solved, and the weak party became the strong party. Coincidentally, Prince Beijing was gone, and the little Prince Beijing, who had not been able to gain a foothold for a while, was also taken advantage of by Emperor Chenghui. After a lot of pulling, his foundation was not as good as before.

It can only be said that Emperor Chenghui was very good at seizing opportunities. He took advantage of the fact that Prince Beijing was young and could not command the support of the people, and made full use of Jia Lian's role to torment the four kings and eight dukes.

The key is that Jia Lian, the little Karamay, took advantage of the situation and became the most prominent official of the younger generation. In terms of literature, he was the top scholar and had made great contributions in restoring Yunyang after the war. In terms of martial arts, he had never been defeated in the battles of Yunyang and Jining, the White Lotus attack, and the Li Rebellion on New Year's Eve.

In Wang Ziteng's eyes, these alone made him a future star. Jia Lian's impeachment of Wang Ziteng for selling opium showed people another side of him.

He is mature, experienced, resourceful and decisive. When it is time to be ruthless, he can do it even if it means selling his relative Wang Ziteng.

This is why Wang Ziteng thinks highly of Jia Lian. When Jia Lian persuaded Wang Ziteng, he was merely regarded as a messenger.

Cooperation? Are you worthy?

As more and more information gradually came to his mind, Wang Ziteng finally understood Jia Lian again. It was not enough to describe him simply as a "favored minister".

"Jia Lian made a fuss about the trafficking of opium, but he actually led the matter in the wrong direction. The scale of impeachment was just right." The lawyer at the side also sighed, the young man is a monster.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this. The second reprimand mentioned in the letter, though seemingly harmless, actually needs to be taken seriously. Once someone finds other evidence against you, it will be difficult for the emperor to smooth things over. You still need to be more restrained in your work in the future. Have you written the memorial to the emperor? If you have, send it to Beijing immediately. There is not much money available in Guangdong and Guangxi, and we need to build a navy. Your Majesty can understand."

"I hope so. Don't forget to ask for the new musket. The brothers who came with me from the capital have told me about it several times."

After watching the master leave, Wang Ziteng said to himself: "Marquis Annan! This is at least a way out!"

Well, Wang Ziteng still hopes to return to the capital. He doesn't seek to dominate the government, but at least he can replace one of the four kings. It's a pity that after Taizu, only relatives of the Li family can be crowned kings.

The most explosive news in the capital recently is that Jia Lian impeached Wang Ziteng. For this, Mrs. Wang made a few remarks in front of Grandmother Jia, who scolded her: "Women should stay out of men's business!"

After being humiliated by Lady Jia, she complained to Jia Zheng in the evening. Even though he had taken off all his clothes, Jia Zheng still stood up and put them on and said, "What do you know about women's opinions?" After that, he went to Aunt Zhao. Mrs. Wang was so angry that she smashed her dressing box, and the two maids beside her were scolded for half an hour.

Regarding Jia Lian's impeachment of Wang Ziteng, Wang Xifeng was more worried than angry. Did he dislike me for having a daughter? It didn't seem like that. Didn't he see that he held his daughter tightly and refused to let go? The wet nurse was almost out of work. Before going to bed at night, Wang Xifeng was still worried that Jia Lian would leave. Unexpectedly, Jia Lian took off his clothes and lay on the kang. He looked at her and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

In fact, Jia Lian knew what Wang Xifeng was thinking, but he couldn't take the initiative to explain it, so Wang Xifeng had to ask.

Wang Xifeng really couldn't help herself, she sat on the kang and looked at Jia Lian and said, "It's all Guixiang and Ping'er's fault. If you want a son, you might as well take in a few more concubines."

Jia Lian sat up suddenly, and Wang Xifeng leaned back in fear, but was pulled back and held down again. She felt a continuous pain, as if she had been slapped on the buttocks several times.

After the beating, Jia Lian said, "What are you thinking about? You are the only one who can be the mistress of this family. No one else can do it."

Wang Xifeng raised her head, tears in her eyes. "Then why are you impeaching my uncle?" Jia Lian raised his hand and slapped her again. "You are just imagining nonsense. I can't explain this to you. Anyway, it will benefit both the Jia and Wang families."

There is no doubt that Wang Xifeng didn't understand what it meant, but she was so busy that she couldn't use her brain.

Jia Lian was particularly strong today, and soon Wang Xifeng started to yell in a mysterious way, saying that she wanted a son but that part of her was not good enough, and other incomprehensible words.

Wang Xifeng was tossed around until the middle of the night and failed to get up early. When she woke up, she saw Ping'er and asked, "What time is it? Where is the Second Master?"

"It's noon now. The second master has gone to the yamen early. The young lady looks really good today." Ping'er praised calmly. Wang Xifeng sat up and tried to get off the kang, crying out in pain.

Ping Er watched Wang Xifeng get off the kang with a grin on her face. When she reached out to help her, she couldn't help but ask, "You made the Second Master angry, and you got punished badly!"

Wang Xifeng was not particularly angry. She gently pinched Ping'er's face and said, "Little girl, this is called love!"

Seeing Wang Xifeng staggering as she walked, Ping'er felt sour in her heart: [You are still stubborn even though your voice has become hoarse! ]

Those who don't rest well at night are destined to slack off and sleep at work. Whether it's the R&D department or the Five Cities Military Department, Jia Lian has the final say.

Lord Jia works hard for the country and the people. What's wrong with sleeping on the job?
The cheat is really useful. No matter how tired you are, you can get back to full health after a good sleep. You can get ready to move again.

Jia Lian, who had left work early and planned to go home to play with his wife, was stopped by Lin Ruhai's servant: "The master said that you are invited to our house after get off work to talk." "How can you stop me when I leave work early?" Jia Lian was puzzled. The servant smiled and said: "My cousin leaves work half an hour early every day. Everyone knows it. I came here to wait for him in advance."

Jia Lian... The news that I slacked off at work and left work early has spread? Well, that's a good thing! Let's increase the publicity.

At Lin Ruhai's house, Daiyu was taking care of her younger brother. The situation at home was getting better and better. The little girl had a smile on her face every day. How could she cry for Jia Baoyu?

Jia Min, who was still in confinement, naturally could not see guests, so Daiyu came out to greet them and showed off her brother in her arms: "Look, little brother!"

Jia Lian didn't take it seriously at all. He glanced at her and said, "How can a son be better than a daughter?" Daiyu handed her brother to the nurse and snorted unhappily, "You are jealous of me for having a brother!"

Rolling his eyes speechlessly, Jia Lian changed the subject: "Has Second Aunt been quiet lately?"

Daiyu was also unhappy when she mentioned this: "My second uncle went to see father and told us how smart Baoyu is. He has finished reading the Three Character Classic, Hundred Family Names, Thousand Character Classic, and Young Learner Qionglin. He has recently started to learn the Analects. He must be a seed of learning. Father pretended not to understand what he meant and did not respond."

There is no harm without comparison. Jia Lian and Jia Zhu are too dazzling compared to Jia Baoyu. Daiyu, whose parents are still alive, would never be interested in such a useless person. Even if she was interested, Lin Ruhai and Jia Min could not accept this marriage. Jia Min marrying Lin Ruhai is called marrying up, while Lin Daiyu marrying Baoyu is marrying down.

The so-called status of the Jia family as relatives by marriage was not a plus, but a minus. The mainstream correct value was to take the imperial examination and become an official.

Jia Lian and Daiyu always have a good chat when they get together, mainly because Jia Lian is knowledgeable and Daiyu can always say anything she wants. Even the Four Books and Five Classics, Jia Lian can recite them all by heart, Daiyu can't compare.

"By the way, what did father want to discuss with Brother Lian?" Daiyu asked curiously. Smart Daiyu recently discovered that the court was the most fun place. Fighting with others was so much fun.

This is not to say that Daiyu is aggressive, but it is the struggle in the court. Every time she listens to it, she can feel the joy of growing a brain. Of course, it is also Lin Ruhai's pampering.

"How should I know? I was also called here at short notice." Jia Lian could probably guess that it was inappropriate to say this.

"Guess! Don't tell me first, I'll guess first. Well, one is about Brother Lian impeaching Wang Ziteng, and the other is about the addition of cabinet members. Father is worried that the relationship between the Jia family and the Wang family will deteriorate, which will lead to unpredictable changes. Moreover, father cares a lot about joining the cabinet. He says it doesn't matter, but I've already seen it. Who wouldn't want to be a cabinet minister?" Daiyu's blunt comments made Jia Lian unable to respond.

Jia Lian could only nod and agree: "Sister Lin is really smart, I think so too."

Daiyu raised her chin proudly and snorted: "It's a pity that I'm not a man!"

Jia Lian quickly flattered her: "Yes, Sister Lin is a woman of great virtue and virtuous character, and she is as capable as any man! Jia Lian admires her, and I admire her wholeheartedly."

When Lin Ruhai walked in, he saw the two of them chatting happily. His daughter's big eyes narrowed into slits due to her happiness, and her mouth turned upside down. He felt a pang in his heart. How would his daughter find a husband in the future?
"Hehehe!" Lin Ruhai shouted loudly a few times, startling the two of them, and then stepped into the classroom.

Daiyu slid down from the chair and walked quickly forward: "Father is back, thank you for your hard work!" She instructed the maid to help Lin Ruhai go inside to change clothes.

Lin Ruhai nodded to Jia Lian and quickly stepped inside. He should not let this fellow come to his house again in the future. If this continues for a long time, this little cabbage will not be kept.

Lin Ruhai came out after changing his clothes. He saw Jia Lian standing there in his official uniform, looking at the patch on his official uniform. He saw that he was a fourth-rank official. Lin Ruhai was not in a good mood.

"Let's talk in the study!" Lin Ruhai calmed down and got down to business. Jia Lian followed, and Daiyu followed into the study. Lin Ruhai wanted to chase her away, but he was afraid that it would only make things worse, and it would be difficult to deal with if his daughter made a scene.

Daughter-slave fathers are so pitiful. Who can understand the heart of an old father?

After sitting down in the study, Daiyu skillfully found a seat to listen.

Lin Ruhai did not avoid her and said directly: "Why did you think of impeaching Wang Ziteng? The charges you found are not serious. It is not easy to fool His Majesty, so don't make things worse."

Jia Lian sighed silently in his heart, knowing that Lin Ruhai would ask this question. It was really that people of this era could not understand the harm of drugs.

If you can’t explain it clearly, try another angle.

"Wang Ziteng did a lot of things in Guangzhou and offended a lot of people. Your Majesty has always wanted to punish him. In addition, the long-term harm of opium is very serious. If it is not controlled as soon as possible, it will endanger the country in the future. It just so happens that Liang Cifu has previously reported Wang Ziteng's dirty materials, and my nephew used this to stir up trouble. Your Majesty can take this opportunity to punish Wang Ziteng again, so that he dare not neglect it, and my nephew can also achieve his own goal. Why not do it?"

Jia Lian's answer obviously exceeded Lin Ruhai's expectations, so he nodded slightly after listening: "So that's how it is. Your Majesty and you are playing a double act. Now the court officials are more speculating that you are confusing the public and using a minor crime to exonerate Wang Ziteng. Many people have already considered you as Wang Ziteng's party. Some people also think that you are looking for an excuse to cut ties!"

Jia Lian couldn't help laughing after hearing this: "Even if this didn't happen, the Jia and Wang families have long been seen as a group of people. As for the separation, it's purely because they think I'm young and ignorant and inexperienced. Being looked down upon is a good thing. Speaking of which, my nephew likes the reputation of being born into a noble family and a minister who was promoted by luck."

Lin Ruhai listened and shook his head, thinking that Jia Lian's thinking was different from that of ordinary people. He didn't care about things that others avoided.

It's not that Jia Lian saw deeper than Lin Ruhai, but Lin Ruhai was more careful about his reputation. How could Lin Ruhai not see that with Emperor Chenghui's strength, Jia Lian didn't need to worry about the gossip? No matter how much he said, it wouldn't hurt Jia Lian. However, Lin Ruhai still reminded him: "Be careful of three people making a tiger!"

"Well, that's true. If things really get bad, my nephew will ask to be sent out."

Lin Ruhai thought for a moment and said, "This is a good idea. You are really annoying many people if you stay in the capital." Then Lin Ruhai changed the subject and said, "What do you think about the cabinet's additions?"

Jia Lian said without hesitation: "Whether the ministers support or oppose, all the memorials submitted to Your Majesty are six-tenths correct. Your Majesty is holding a carrot to hold you back, so that you can move forward and backward freely. In my opinion, this matter will not have a result before the end of the year, so it is better for my uncle to pretend that this matter has never happened. Not arguing is the greatest argument."

(End of this chapter)