Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 326: Wang Xifeng's indirect criticism

Speaking of it, the Lai couple has a special status in the Jia family. Normally, they would never kneel down and kowtow directly. Who knows what unpleasant things outsiders would say if they saw them.

Jia Lian was not happy to see this, and felt that he was being held up by this kneeling. He narrowed his eyes as usual. Wang Xifeng saw that he didn't say anything, so she leaned back slightly and narrowed her eyes. This was a rare expression on Jia Lian's face. Although he didn't say anything, he felt like a mountain was pressing down on him. In the past, he hurried forward to help everyone, fearing that she would make things worse and take the blame.

Ping'er was also smart. She followed and reached out from the other side. The two of them attacked together. Lai Dajie took advantage of the situation and got up. He was nervous in his heart and there was no way he could use this trick.

Jia Lian still didn't say anything, his expression returned to calm, and he glanced indifferently at Lai Dajie who was pretending to be calm.

Donating to become an official began during the reign of the Emperor Taishang, when the imperial court was in deficit. Many people donated to become an official not for a real job, but for social status.

This dynasty was very tolerant of officials. Officials above the third rank would not kneel unless they were meeting the emperor in a grand court. However, the common people were not so polite. When ordinary people met the county magistrate, they would kneel first and then speak.

Merchants have money and a certain social status, but they feel very embarrassed when they meet the officials. If they don't take it too seriously, it's fine. But if they take it too seriously and talk about status and etiquette, you have to kneel down.

The saying that everything depends on human effort is now concrete. For example, Lai Shangrong is the best example. He was able to fill the vacancy by donating money, while many scholars still had to wait.

Many things are like this, very flexible and with a lot of room for maneuver. Rules and regulations can be handled flexibly, and things like donating an official position are just a default and there are no clear regulations, let alone something like that.

If you don’t believe it, your child wants to go to a good school, but can’t get in, he can only go to a bad school.

Jia Lian waited until Wang Xifeng's forehead began to sweat before he spoke, speaking slowly and calmly: "To donate money to become an official, you only need money. To become an official, you need to have the ability. Let's put it this way, don't be in a hurry to donate money. First, find a government office and do odd jobs for three years to see how officials are made and how the government offices operate. A third-place Jinshi is only a seventh-rank official. Your child will be a seventh-rank official right away. How hateful it will be? If Lai Shangrong wants to donate money to become an official in the future, he should start from the ninth rank. The prime minister's doorman is only a seventh-rank official. You really dare to think so."

These words closed all the loopholes. Although the blame was on everyone, they did not dare to say "no". They thanked Jia Lian, bowed and left.

Ping Er was escorted out, but Wang Xifeng did not dare to leave. Jia Lian smiled and asked, "Did you get up early to drink? Or did your grandmother send a message?"

At that moment just now, Wang Xifeng felt like she was facing Wang Ziteng.

Wang Xifeng did not dare to answer immediately, but recalled what happened at Jia's grandmother's place that morning, and then she slowly said, "Grandmother mentioned it, and Aunt also praised it a few times, Li Wan did not say anything, and Mrs. Xing also said something nice. In short, this matter is just a piece of cake for you. I was really confused at the time, so I agreed to bring everyone to see you, but I didn't guarantee it."

I understand. Wang Xifeng is still young. She was flattered by others. It was started by Lady Jia, followed by Mrs. Wang. The others flattered her in a premeditated manner and made Wang Xifeng dizzy.

"Okay, it's okay! Go and get busy!" Jia Lian subconsciously expressed some dissatisfaction. Although Wang Xifeng was still uneasy, she saw that he didn't pursue the matter too much, so she hurried to the front.

Usually at home, Jia Lian always had a smile on his face, but this time when he was changing clothes, his face was gloomy, and Ping'er, who was helping him dress, became careful with her breathing.

How can I say this? Jia Lian feels that he has not changed much, but others do not think so. Aura is a mysterious thing, but it really exists.

After thinking it over, I decided to swallow this loss. As for Lai Da and Lai Shangrong, I would deal with them later. To put it bluntly, who are you to plot against me? Even if it wasn't Lai Da who plotted against Jia Lian, as long as he got involved, Jia Lian would make this family suffer.

As for Lady Jia, Jia Lian really doesn’t have any good solution, but that doesn’t mean Jia She has no solution, right?

"Ping'er, tell Madam later that the East Courtyard will receive an extra hundred taels of silver per month, and it will be paid through the public account." This humiliation could not be swallowed, and they had to see some reaction.

Wang Xifeng rushed to Jia's mother and saw Lai Dajie standing aside with his head down and not saying anything. Jia's mother looked at her solemnly. Wang Xifeng went forward to greet Jia's mother and Wang Furen: "There is something going on outside. I will go to do it first." After saying that, she turned around and left without waiting for Jia's mother to speak. This is not called turning away, but Wang Xifeng is expressing her attitude. Wang Xifeng didn't know how difficult it was to fill a vacancy with a donated official, but she could see Jia Lian's reaction. You made Jia Lian unhappy, and you still expect me to treat you well?

The atmosphere in the room was a little low again. When no one was talking, Wang Xifeng scolded the maid in the yard: "Where are you going? You are blind, and I have kept you well fed and well fed for nothing."

When they got home, they saw that Jia Lian had already gone to the government office. Wang Xifeng hurriedly asked Ping'er, "How does the master look?"

Ping'er looked frightened: "It was quite scary for a while. By the way, the Second Master has asked that the Master of the East Cross Courtyard be given an extra 100 taels next month. It will be accounted for by the public office."

Wang Xifeng stamped her feet in anger: "You little dog slave, you are plotting against my family." Ping'er said: "Lai Da doesn't have the guts to do that."

Wang Xifeng was humiliated and stretched out her hand to twist Ping'er, but Ping'er dodged nimbly. Wang Xifeng scolded, "I want you to teach me?"

Ping Erh advised kindly: "Ask the Second Master tonight and don't act on your own."

Wang Xifeng then gave up in disappointment. During that day, no matter who she met in the Jia Mansion, she was in a bad mood. The only time she smiled was when she met Yingchun.

In addition, Wang Xifeng also told Lin Zhixiao not to wait until next month but to send one hundred taels of silver to the East Courtyard immediately.

Later, Qin Keqing from the East Palace came over. Wang Xifeng had a good relationship with her. When they sat together, she couldn't help complaining, "The elders plot against the younger ones, and the family plots against the family members. Can't they just say it openly?"

Qin Keqing understood what he said and advised softly, "This matter is indeed not handled well. It is reasonable for the ancestor to ask Second Uncle Lian to come and talk things over in person. I wonder who came up with this idea?"

Qin Keqing was right. Grandmother Jia should have called Jia Lian over openly and told him in person that it was everyone's fault. If it could be done, then do it. If it couldn't be done, then push it off.

Wang Xifeng was still angry and said angrily, "Isn't it just partiality? Do you think anyone can't see it?"

Qin Keqing continued to persuade him: "Second Uncle Lian has made it clear that he doesn't want to make a big deal out of it, lest he lose face. As the younger generation, we should just bear with it."

Jia Lian's busy day in the government office passed. Scientific research requires a lot of time, and there is no point in being anxious. Jia Lian just told Ma San to make sure to do a good job of logistics.

Through the door-blocking incident, Jia Lian discovered that the officials in Beijing did not consider him as a cadre, and more than a hundred people actually blocked the door. Although he did not suffer any loss, the matter was suppressed and he could not vent his anger.

There were also some troubles at home, and Jia Lian was in a bad mood on his way home. When he was still some distance away from home, Jia She was waiting for him in the car on the roadside.

Jia Lian dismounted and said, "Father, are we going out to play tonight?" Jia She nodded and said, "Brother Zhen from the East Palace found a fun place and asked me to go with him. By the way, what's the matter with the one hundred taels?"

The relationship between the father and son is now very delicate. Although there is still a gap between them, there is no lack of tacit understanding, which is much better than before.

Jia Lian told the story of Lai Dajia, and finally complained helplessly: "Grandma, don't you know how difficult it is to handle this matter? How many favors are needed? Can't you ask me first? If all else fails, ask my second uncle." Jia She shook his head: "I should have asked. The stalls of the four kings and eight dukes have collapsed, and the only person the second brother can rely on is Lin Ruhai. I guess he also knew that Lin Ruhai would ask you first in the end, so he simply refused. I think that my mother probably said it in front of Lai Dajia, and she couldn't save face, so she went around looking for you."

"The old lady is too partial!" Jia Lian expressed his dissatisfaction bluntly.

Jia She hesitated for a moment and said, "One hundred taels a month is too little. We need to pay more!"

Jia Lian looked at his cheap father with great disdain: "Forget it, it will be gone next month. At worst, I can find someone to kill Lai Shangrong on the way."

Jia She continued to bargain: "No, do you still want your reputation? Add another hundred taels. Only I can do this, and your money will not be wasted."

Jia Lian was curious about his methods and asked in a low voice, "How are you going to make trouble?"

Jia She was unhappy: "What else can you do? You stay in front of the old lady every day and use words to bully those who don't know what's good for you. Besides, some of Xing's brothers can also ask the old lady for an official position."

"Okay, I'll have someone send you some silver in private. You should be more restrained with the money in the public treasury." Jia Lian felt that the idea was feasible. As long as he could squeeze Lady Jia, the money was not important.

As he spoke, Jia Lian took out a banknote from his sleeve and handed it over: "Spend it sparingly!"

Jia She took it and saw that it was five hundred taels. He smiled happily and said, "I'll go first. I'll make sure to get it done for you."

Jia Lian watched Jia She's carriage go away, thinking to himself that his stepfather was still easy to use as long as he had money.

When he returned home and saw Wang Xifeng in the room, Jia Lian, who was in a good mood, couldn't help but laugh and joked: "Oh, why is Madam at home today? Shouldn't she be serving grandma now?"

Wang Xifeng was relieved to see that he had regained his usual demeanor and said, "If someone makes me feel uncomfortable for one day, I will make her feel uncomfortable every day. Send someone to tell her that she is not feeling well and needs to rest for a few days. Humph, I have my wife and granddaughter-in-law by my side, so it doesn't matter if I am missing."

Jia Lian smiled and went forward to hug Wang Xifeng and said, "Okay, it's all over. You'd better not be angry, or else people will use it as a handle and it will be embarrassing if it gets out."

Personality is still very important, and Jia Lian must maintain it no matter what he says.

Wang Xifeng then nodded and said, "I only endured this anger for the sake of you."

At night, Jia Lian hung up a sign to avoid fighting and wanted to rest for a few days. Ping Er and Gui Xiang had no choice but to leave in dismay.

Xiangling was fanning Jia Lian with a fan. After a while, the little girl dozed off and the kitten went fishing.

Jia Lian gently took the fan and did it himself. Tired of reading, Jia Lian lay down to sleep, and seeing Xiangling sleeping soundly, he made room for her.

Jia Lian was the first one to get up in the morning. A spot on his chest was wet with saliva. Looking at Xiangling, who looked like an octopus, he couldn't help but smile.

While they were exercising in the yard, Ping'er came in, met Jia Lian, and then went inside to clean up the house. Seeing Xiangling asleep, she couldn't help but raise her hand and gently spank her buttocks.

Xiangling woke up with a start, and seeing that it was Ping'er, she immediately hid her head under the pillow. Ping'er laughed and scolded: "Little hottie, why don't you get up quickly."

When Ping Er came out, she couldn't help but complain to Jia Lian: "She is still young, and you spoil her like this. What will happen when she grows up?"

Jia Lian was not angry at all, and retorted with a smile: "Why? Can't I spoil her? Besides, didn't I spoil you and Guixiang? Try another family and see if the lady can tolerate you."

Ping Er stamped her feet in anger: "You are afraid that she will not know the seriousness of the matter and will come back to pester me fiercely, and I will be unable to help but hurt her."

After the exercise, Jia Lian touched his nose and said, "That's right. I still need to be more careful in the future."

"Okay, get some water quickly. Master needs to wash himself." Jia Lian changed the subject and Ping'er quickly arranged for hot water.

Normally it would take about five minutes at most, but today Jia Lian wiped it more carefully and it took him half an hour.

When they arrived at the main hall, Wang Xifeng was gone, having gone to stay with Jia's mother. Guixiang saw Jia Lian's unsteady steps and couldn't help but ask with concern, "Master, did you not sleep well last night?"

Jia Lian didn't answer, ate his breakfast hastily, and hurried to work. Guixiang was suspicious, but soon she saw Ping'er coming over, looking very happy and wearing changed clothes, and she immediately understood.

When no one was around, Guixiang said to Ping'er, "You are good at taking advantage of every opportunity to cheat on me. Be careful that the lady will find out and punish you."

Ping Erh argued in a low voice: "My master is very strong and he is pressing me from behind. I don't want to follow his will."

Gui Xiang was jealous: "You can't shout, you can't roll over? It's hard for a god to roll over. You are burning!"

When the two were arguing, Wang Xifeng came back with a smile on her face. The two of them, who were still in tacit understanding, quickly shut up and pretended nothing had happened.

When I asked Wang Xifeng why she was in such a good mood, I learned that this morning, Mrs. Xing took the initiative to talk to Wang Xifeng in the yard. She mentioned her brothers at home and said that she also wanted to ask someone to find a job for her brothers.

When Wang Xifeng asked Mrs. Xing what kind of job she wanted to find for her brother, Qin Keqing said jokingly that it would be better to donate money to get an official position.

Mrs. Xing said that she didn't have that much money, and her brothers had never been to school and could only read a hundred words, so they couldn't become officials, so she didn't want to waste the money.

While the three were talking, Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang were pretending to be deaf in the inner hall.

Wang Xifeng pointedly criticized: "He knows how much he can eat."

When Jia Lian came back that night, Wang Xifeng mentioned this matter with great joy, saying, "The one hundred taels of silver were not wasted!"

Jia Lian was dumbfounded, thinking: This old man is too unreliable, is this it? What happened to the promise to personally come? No, I will deduct his money!
(End of this chapter)