Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 397: School Setbacks
It was hard to say how much money the Zhen family could find. Jia Lian judged that they did not have much cash, but they had a lot of property.

Jia Lian really didn't care much about this matter, it was enough for him to just know about it.

Three days later, Jia Zhen's condition stabilized, and Doctor Wang left, leaving the medicine boy alone to instruct him on how to make the medicine. He had to continue taking the medicine for another month.

Judging from his current condition, Jia Zhen is paralyzed and cannot speak, but he can open his eyes. In the days ahead, he will probably just lie in bed and wait for death.

When Jia Lian visited Mantou Temple again, the old nun greeted him anxiously. Seeing that the door to the west wing was closed, Jia Lian asked where everyone had gone.

The old nun said, "They said they were in seclusion half a month ago, but after three days no one came in or out. When I opened the door, I found out that they had already left."

He had never expected this old nun to be able to keep an eye on people, but he couldn't just let her go. Jia Lian said with a dark face, "Useless! She can't even keep an eye on a person."

The old nun was so frightened that she trembled and begged for mercy: "Second Master Lian, please have mercy!"

Seeing that his threats were effective, Jia Lian said angrily, "Watch your mouth! If you say anything you shouldn't, I'll skin you alive."

The old nun was definitely a cowardly, greedy and cowardly person. After hearing what Jia Lian said, she quickly swore an oath and only then was she able to get away with it.

Youshi arrived shortly afterwards, and the old nun quickly made an excuse to help the young nun with her homework and stayed obediently in the front hall.

When Jia Lian, Youshi and Yindie were the only ones in the backyard, Youshi laughed boldly and said, "Who has the final say in the East Palace from now on? Rong'er? It's too hot today, let's cool down."

As he spoke, he began to take off his shirt, and the three of them rolled together.

An hour later, sweating profusely, Youshi laughed tenderly, "Master, do you know that last night Ronger invited several concubines to have fun together, and Qinshi has been living a widow ever since she got married?"

"What's going on with Jia Zhen? Do you know?" Jia Lian held a cigarette between his legs and looked at the ceiling with clear eyes, trying to confirm the truth.

Youshi said, "That day Jia Zhen wanted to summon Jia Qiang and others. When he learned that Jia Rong had taken people out to do business for several days, he was furious and cursed. He said that the disobedient and unfilial little beast was not satisfied with taking his concubine, but also took the person he loved. He fainted suddenly after cursing for a few words. He said he had a stroke and almost couldn't breathe. I asked Qinshi, and she said that Rong'er had a lot of things to do outside and needed help, so he brought a few clansmen to help. Rong'er has always had to use his father to wash the pot water. It happened that the price of opium rose sharply and could not be stopped. I think Rong'er deliberately angered his father that day."

Jia Lian was not very surprised by Jia Rong's special XP in advance. Deep down, Jia Rong still hated and feared Jia Zhen, and this had become a chronic problem over time. It was a pity that Qin Shi's prime years were wasted.

"It's good for Rong'er to be the head of the family. Live your peaceful life and don't make trouble." Jia Lian reminded her. Youshi smiled and sat up and said, "I'm content with having a child. Why should I care about those things?"

The adulterous couple left one after another. Jia Lian left first and went to question Ni Er. He learned that the man had gone to Tianjin 20 days ago and had not returned yet.

Jia Lian guessed that the people sent by Ni Er failed to keep an eye on Zhen Huan's whereabouts, and Ni Er was not at home and did not report in time, which led to the delay in the news.

Jia Lian returned home and paid his respects to Lady Jia as usual. Lady Wang and Aunt Xue were not there. Only Lady Xing and Wang Xifeng were there.

"Why don't you see Second Aunt?" Jia Lian asked casually, but unexpectedly, Grandmother Jia's face was slightly gloomy and she didn't say anything.

Mrs. Xing said cheerfully, "She said she caught a cold last night and couldn't rest. Aunt Xue and Baochai went to see her."

Wang Xifeng stood aside and made a look. Jia Lian did not ask any more questions. When he said goodbye and left, Wang Xifeng followed him.

Jia Lian walked, and Wang Xifeng did not put on airs and followed him back.

When no one followed them, Wang Xifeng could not help whispering, "Aunt has been looking bad these past few days. I think she is angry. When the maid was sweeping in the morning, she didn't wipe away any dust, and Aunt scolded for a while before stopping. Then she said she felt chest tightness and lay down to rest. What about catching a cold? It's all nonsense."

Jia Lian supported Wang Xifeng and asked her to be careful when crossing the threshold of the archway. Wang Xifeng sniffed and said, "Master, please be careful with the maids at home and the people outside, so as not to hurt your vitality. You are not allowed to bring anyone back."

Jia Lian..., is your nose so sharp? It is obvious that Wang Xifeng has misunderstood, so let her continue to misunderstand.

Well, are the maids in the house referring to Xiangling and Xiren?

Jia Lian forcibly changed the subject and said, "This time it's a son!"

Wang Xifeng's attention was drawn to her and she nodded repeatedly, "That must be it!"

Not long after they arrived home, Xue Pan appeared. When they met, he apologized repeatedly, "Second Brother Lian, I'm sorry. I was waiting for the goods in Tianjin a few days ago and was unable to come to see you in time."

Xue Da's head looked stronger than before, and his face was less frivolous and jumpy. Looking inside the house, there were many gifts in large and small bags, which was very thoughtful.

Jia Lian invited him to sit down and talk in the study. After Xiren served tea, Xue Pan said, "Brother Lian, there is a business that is really profitable, but it is difficult to pass the official business."

"Hmm? Tell me about it." Jia Lian didn't care much and answered in a relaxed manner.

"Opium, nowadays as long as you have the stock, you can make at least five times the profit." Xue Pan did not notice the change in Jia Lian's expression and spoke excitedly.

Jia Lian's body trembled violently, his eyes turned cold, and he looked at Xue Pan sideways and asked, "Are you smuggling opium this time?"

Xue Pan shook his head: "Someone from my uncle's side came to me and hoped that I could sell it on his behalf."

Jia Lian understood that Wang Ziteng was raising military funds by any means necessary!

"Uncle, are you short of money? Why would you take the risk to do this business?" Jia Lian asked calmly. If it was Wang Ziteng who was smuggling opium, they would have to re-examine the relationship between the two parties.

Alas, it seems that the inertia of history is huge and cannot be easily reversed. It is normal for British businessmen to take risks in the face of huge profits.

If Wang Ziteng saw the benefits and got involved, it would be a big trouble.

"Last month, Wang Yi wrote to me, saying that my uncle wanted to build a large navy and buy ships from Westerners. Including the cannons, one ship would cost 200,000 taels. My uncle bought ten ships in one go, and spent all the official money. The salaries of the officers and soldiers were gone. I'm afraid he was really anxious." Xue Pan noticed the change in Jia Lian's expression and began to respond cautiously. Jia Lian sneered, "Listen to his nonsense. I think he is jealous of the huge profits here. He relies on the power in his father's hands to smuggle and break the law to enrich himself. You are not allowed to get involved in this matter, otherwise don't blame me for turning my back on you." Jia Lian paused and said in a low and stern voice, "Don't say I didn't remind you that the sea can drown people. There are many waters that can drown people."

Xue Pan really didn't expect that Jia Lian would directly issue a death threat. His heart trembled violently and he thought to himself: Oh no, my uncle has violated the taboo of Second Brother Lian.

Just as he was rolling his eyes, thinking about how to help turn the situation around, Jia Lian continued, "You can also ignore my warning! See if Wang Ziteng can protect the Xue family."

They were all relatives, and Jia Lian had always been a kind person. It was the first time that Xue Pan heard him speak in such a cold tone, as if he would smash the cup as a signal and have five hundred executioners come out and chop him up if he didn't get along with him.

Well, that's what storytellers say! Xue Pan subconsciously turned his head to look around. Fortunately, there was no place to hide in this room.

"Now that Second Brother Lian said that, I know what's going on." Xue Pan quickly agreed. He didn't know whether others could kill him, but it would be too easy for Jia Lian to kill him.

Relatives, you ruined my business, and you still have the nerve to mention relatives? Jia Lian is not greedy or greedy for money. If it affects his future, he will really turn against you.

"The Xue family is not short of money, so there is no need for you to get involved. By the way, tell your uncle what I mean. Don't go against the laws of the court."

Jia Lian had put down his words, and it depended on whether Wang Ziteng would understand.

Xue Pan stood up and said goodbye. After he walked out of the yard, his back was covered in cold sweat and a gust of wind blew, making him feel chilly.

After walking a dozen steps, Xue Pan looked back at the courtyard where Jia Lian was, and felt annoyed. In the past, the Xue family relied a lot on the Wang family, but later they mainly relied on Jia Lian.

In the northwest corner of the courtyard, Aunt Xue and Xue Baochai temporarily lived here. The Xue family had a house in the capital, but Aunt Xue still came to live in the Jia family. What was she trying to do? To live under someone else's roof?
No, she wanted to have a closer relationship with the Jia family. Seeing that Baochai's selection was a failure, there would be no news for three to five years, and if she stayed any longer, she would be an old maid. With her way to the palace cut off, Aunt Xue was thinking about marrying into the Jia family. Before Xue Pan entered the door, Aunt Xue was asking Baochai how she was getting along with Baoyu.

Baochai has been in contact with Baoyu a lot these days. When her mother asked her about this, she answered calmly, "He doesn't look ambitious."

Aunt Xue hesitated for a while after hearing this. If she didn't choose Baoyu, there really was no other suitable candidate. The Xue family was a merchant family, so marrying into the Jia family was too high a priority.

"Your marriage is really worrying." Aunt Xue couldn't help but sigh.

Xue Pan just happened to come in, and upon hearing this he asked, "What are you worried about, mother?"

Aunt Xue stood up and asked the maid to help Xue Pan change his clothes. After the family of three sat down, Aunt Xue hinted that she wanted to marry into the Jia family.

Xue Baochai listened with no expression on her face. She had no say in the matter and could only accept it passively. At most, she would pray to Yue Lao for favor in the middle of the night when no one was around.

After hearing what his mother said, Xue Pan immediately said, "Now, the two mansions in the East and West are actually controlled by Brother Lian. Why did Uncle Zheng choose to be sent away? Isn't it because he couldn't control Brother Lian? Although Brother Lian is easy to get along with, if he really marries into the second branch, the Xue family will definitely be alienated by him. You know, Uncle She still lives in the East Cross Courtyard. It's because Brother Lian is a person who considers the overall situation. If it were someone else, the family would have been in chaos long ago. Uncle Zheng would rather choose to be sent away than persuade the old lady to let Uncle She return. I think it's better to give up the idea of ​​this marriage as soon as possible."

After hearing what Xue Pan said, Aunt Xue looked at Baochai with a twisted expression and sighed, "From the tone of the old lady, she wants Baoyu to marry into the Lin family."

Xue Pan sneered after hearing this: "Lin family, what good things are you thinking? Aunt Jia lives in the capital. Apart from the New Year and other festivals, do you usually see her go back to her parents' home? I heard that Aunt Jia has a very good relationship with my aunt. Now that General Lin is not at home, Aunt Jia has not returned home either. If my sister really marries Baoyu, I am afraid that she will offend Brother Lian."

"That's impossible. Brother Lian's daughter-in-law is from the Wang family." Aunt Xue still didn't quite believe it, and Xue Pan didn't explain much, just sneered and said nothing. He still kept a hand and didn't mention what Jia Lian said before.

Jia Lian put Wang Ziteng's matter aside for the time being. He got up early the next morning, did his daily exercise, washed and changed his clothes, and went to the palace to meet the emperor.

Emperor Chenghui was in a good mood, and when he saw him, he asked, "You remembered to see me today. Do you want to take over the affairs of the Chahar tribe?"

Jia Lian shook his head like a fan and said with a smile, "I want to start a school of engineering."

Emperor Chenghui didn't seem to care and smiled, "Let's do it. Most of the children of the craftsmen in the workshop don't have a job."

Jia Lian stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the engineering school that I run is not a private school like the ones in the folk. I think that those students of the engineering school with excellent grades can be selected as officials."

Emperor Chenghui was stunned when he heard this. He looked at him in surprise and asked, "Electing officials? Are you going to rebel?"

Jia Lian looked helpless and sighed, "Since your majesty has said so, I can only bow my head and plead guilty."

Seeing him like this, Emperor Chenghui couldn't help but laugh and said, "You are really funny. Others have to work hard for ten years to pass the imperial examination before they can be elected as officials, but you are so good that you can be elected as an official just by graduating from an engineering school. Isn't this rebellion? Have I wronged you in the slightest?"

Jia Lian said, "Your Majesty, my humble opinion is to set up an engineering school in the Imperial College. Those who have no hope of passing the imperial examinations, or those who are interested in engineering, can all enroll. After graduation, they will be given priority in selecting officials."

Emperor Chenghui understood after hearing this, but he still shook his head: "This is not possible. The Imperial College is full of stubborn people. Once they make up their minds, they can't be changed. If you set up an engineering school in the Imperial College, I will never be able to keep my ears clean. On the other hand, the teachers are so desperate that I can't handle it."

Jia Lian was anxious when he heard him say that. "Your Majesty, engineering is very useful. It is the knowledge of getting things done. Officials who pass the imperial examinations are good at being officials, but not at doing things. That is why I have taken a step back and decided to set up an engineering school in the Imperial College. These people do not take the imperial examinations, and after they are selected, they are officials who get things done."

Emperor Chenghui was very firm this time: "I cannot agree to this. There are too many interests involved. There are too many things going on in the court now. I am already too busy. Please don't make things worse."

Hearing this, Jia Lian could only fold his hands helplessly: "In this case, I can only run a school among the people. I will take my leave!"

Emperor Chenghui did not try to keep him, but just calmly watched Jia Lian leave. He turned around in front of the door and walked away with big strides.

"Qiu Shian, tell me about this." Emperor Chenghui felt a little uneasy. The reason was that every time Jia Lian made a suggestion, it looked like it had a good result and actually solved many problems.

"I think the Saint is right. Lord Jia has good intentions, but he is unrealistic. If nothing else, once the engineering course is opened, fighting will break out in the Imperial College."

Emperor Chenghui shook his head and said, "Yes, the resistance is too great!"

The matter ended up in nothing, and Jia Lian suffered a big setback.

(End of this chapter)