Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Changchun Palace

The chief eunuch, An Wenyao, came in quietly and said: "Your Majesty, we have inquired clearly about the tribute brocade case this morning. There is indeed something wrong with the Yun brocade that the Xue family paid tribute to, and it was not framed by the factory guards.

In addition, just now Princess Ruyi came into the palace to pay her respects to the empress. She met Dai Quan outside Yuehua Gate. The two exchanged a few words, and then the princess returned halfway to Ningshou Palace. "

Empress Chen was leaning on a bright yellow square pillow of suede embroidered with phoenixes and dragons, and reclining on a red sandalwood bed inlaid with gold and nanshan landscape figures. Her phoenix eyes were slightly closed, as if she was resting her mind.

A smile appeared on Dan's lips as he said, "Dai Quan is now wearing the same pants as Jia Cong. Even Ruyi is plotting against him."

"Now that the Holy One is planning to establish ears, eyes and minions, the two of them will naturally support each other. If Jia Cong is involved in this case, Dai Quan's sticky stick will be even more difficult to support." An Wenyao said.

Empress Chen said: "Dai Quan was right not to let Ruyi come to see me. He was clever. Your Majesty and I cannot let go of this matter. In the final analysis, it is up to Jia Cong to fight with the factory guards. What did he do? ?”

Of course he was referring to Jia Cong.

An Wenyao said: "After going down to court, Jia Cong and Dai Quan had a secret discussion for a long time, then went back to Nansi for a long time, then went back to Rongfu, and then went out to meet Fatty Feng at Jiangyue Tower, and then met again I invited Zhao Huaian, Lu Jie and several other senior officials from the old party. In the evening, I also invited more than a dozen old friends and nobles to have a wedding banquet, saying that I had a new concubine."

Empress Chen smiled and said: "Jia Cong is not stupid at all. He knows how to get people to support him. Where is the factory guard?"

"Wan Jin and Xia Shouzhong are contacting the clan and noble officials everywhere. Firstly, these people have a feud with the Jia family, secondly they are promised huge profits, and thirdly they are all close associates of the Supreme Emperor, and they are likely to kill him. "

Empress Chen said: "The right person will get many help, but the wrong person will get few help. This is the case in the world. The same is true in this case. It depends on how much the right person has gained on both sides."

An Wenyao couldn't figure out the queen's thoughts, so he glanced up quietly and said softly: "Please tell me what I should do, my slave."

"You don't have to do anything. Please come and talk, Concubine Xiande." The queen smiled.

"Yes."

Seeing An Wenyao's hesitation, Empress Chen smiled and said, "The Winter Solstice will be here in a few days. Please invite all the royal family members into the palace. I want to talk to them."

"Your Majesty, your Majesty, I understand. Let's do it now." An Wenyao bowed in admiration and went to work.

As expected, the empress does not show any arrogance in her work. She takes advantage of the winter solstice feast, and if the time comes, someone will be sensible if she casually touches her words.

Uncle Dang is really lucky, and his wife also speaks for him.
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"Hey, Lord Marquis, please come quickly. Brother Cong is waiting inside."

The middle door of Rongguo Mansion was wide open, and Jia Zheng and Jia Lian were waiting at the door to welcome the guests. The first person to come was Niu Jizong, the third-class Marquis of Zhenguo Mansion.

Originally he was a first-class uncle, but due to the great victory in Liaodong and his meritorious service in repelling the enemy and rescuing the enemy, he was directly promoted to the third-class marquis.

Niu Jizong cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Cunzhou is always good. I have some free time today, so I came here to ask for a wedding drink."

Jia Zheng smiled and exchanged greetings when he suddenly saw another carriage coming from behind.

"Hey, Sir Liu, Brother Ruiwen, please please."

However, Liu Fang, the first-rank son of Duke Li, and Chen Ruiwen, the general of Weizhen, the third rank of Duke of Qi, arrived at the same time.

"You're welcome, Cunzhou." A few people joked at the door and went in together.

Not long after, Ma Shang, the third-rank Weiyuan general from the Zhiguo Gongfu, Hou Xiaokang, the first-rank son from the Xiuguo Gongfu, and Shi Guangzhu, the third-rank general from the Xiuguo Gongfu, all arrived. Jia Zheng and Jia Lian busied themselves with the stewards to welcome them in. .

After a while, Jiang Zining, the second-class male of the Pingyuan Marquis, Xie Jing, the second-class male of the Dingcheng Marquis and the Beijing guerrilla, Qi Jianhui, the second-class male of the Xiangyang Marquis, and Qiu Quan, the grandson of Jingtian Marquis, are currently the Five Cities Military and Horse Division. Qiu Liang, the commander, also arrived.

Later, Jinxiang Bo Han Yi and his son Han Qi, Dingyuan Bo, Shenwu General Feng Tang and his son Feng Ziying, Chang'an Bo Chen Ke and his son Chen Yejun, Linchuan Bo Weiyi and his son Wei Ruolan, etc. People have also arrived.

Everyone was acquaintances and good friends, so they were very happy and lively to meet each other.

The last ones to arrive were Wang Ziteng, Baoling Hou Shi Nai, and Zhongjing Hou Shi Ding.

Jia Cong stood in front of the Ronxi Hall and welcomed everyone in. When he saw that everyone was almost there, he accompanied Wang Ziteng and others into the hall.

Four banquet tables have been set up in the flower hall at the back of Rongxi Hall.

Jia Zheng, Jia Lian, Jia Baoyu and others sat relaxedly with all the guests.

"Baoyu, what is the appearance of Mrs. Ru that Zilong Xinna looks like? You must have seen her before."

Feng Ziying, Wei Ruolan and others sat at the same table with Jia Baoyu and inquired curiously.

Baoyu smiled bitterly and said: "It's very good. There is a girl among them who was originally by my side..."

"I admire Baoyu's beauty as an adult and her willingness to part with her despite the pain." Chen Yejun said with a smile.

Everyone also joked.

"Oh, that's all. As long as Brother Cong treats her well, it will be the same everywhere." Baoyu said with a hint of bitterness.

"This is exactly how Baoyu should be. Brothers are like brothers and sisters, women are like clothes. What is a mere girl worth? If you open your mouth, I don't believe that Zilong is reluctant to give you several girls." Han Qi said.

Baoyu's eyes lit up. This statement made sense. Now that Brother Cong has been promoted to a higher position and is rich and powerful, isn't it too much to give back my two good girls?

But forget it these two days, I am still angry about Brother Xue's case, so I am looking for a good time to mention it again.

Suddenly, Jia Cong came in accompanied by Wang Ziteng and the Shi brothers. Everyone stood up to greet him.

"Brothers and uncles, I'm here to invite you rashly. It's actually because Cong Xin has taken in several concubines and loves her very much, so I invite you to have a glass of water and wine. I thank you all for taking the time to come. Cong is very grateful."

Everyone laughed and said, "You're welcome. Congratulations."

Jia Cong stood at the head of the table and said with a smile: "Everyone is welcome. Now that everyone is here, let's have a good time. I'll toast you three glasses first."

"Please." Everyone smiled and raised their glasses in response.

After three rounds of wine, Niu Jizong said with a smile: "Zilong, since you are the right way to take concubines, you still need to invite Mrs. Ru out, meet her, and have a glass of wine. That's the right thing to do."

Jia Cong smiled and said: "This is natural."

Just as he was about to send someone to invite Qingwen and others, he suddenly saw Lin Zhixiao running in in a hurry, his face full of joy, and said: "The third master, the second prince, the tenth prince and Prince Zhongxin sent a message to say they are here to wish you congratulations."

Everyone was surprised. Does Jia Cong have such a high reputation? Just taking a concubine, two princes and a county prince came to congratulate her in person?

He said hurriedly: "Zilong, why don't you welcome me quickly?"

Jia Cong stood up hurriedly: "Everyone, please help yourself. Cong will come back as soon as he leaves."

Go straight out of Yimen and meet Sun Can, Sun Chi and Prince Zhongxin at the gate.

"Your Highnesses and Princes, you are here to greet me. I didn't come far to greet you. I apologize." They are all old acquaintances, and Jia Cong is also quite casual.

Prince Zhongxin snorted, with a round face full of dissatisfaction, and scolded: "You are an unreasonable boy. Why are you inviting guests to drink without inviting me? Am I not worthy of drinking your wine?"

Jia Cong hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, Cong can only take two concubines, how dare you disturb the king?" He looked at Sun Can and Sun Chi, what do you mean?

Sun Can smiled and said nothing, and Sun Chi smiled and said: "I was the one who informed the emperor's uncle about such a happy event. Why didn't he know about our brothers? Don't you think we are friends?"

Jia Cong smiled bitterly and said, "Brother Chi, you still don't know about me? It's just an excuse."

"Of course we know that it's hard for our brothers to come forward. Didn't I specially invite the emperor's uncle to you to help in the battle?" Sun Chi put his arm around his shoulders and said with a smile.

Jia Cong felt a little confused when he saw Prince Zhongxin's expression of wisdom, but he didn't mind if there was one more person and more power.

He hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is so righteous, Cong Wu Te will never forget you."

"Hey, thank you first. This case is of great importance. Although you and I are friends, I have always been upright and selfless. You know that it will be very difficult for me to tell lies." Prince Zhongxin waved his hand hurriedly. , looking honest, aloof and arrogant.

Jia Cong secretly laughed. It is difficult to reach the sky. In other words, it is not impossible.

"Yes, yes, the prince has a noble character and a good look. Who among the clan and nobles knows this? Cong has always admired him."

Jia Cong smiled, looked at the two princes again, and said, "Let's have a drink first, and then talk about other things." "Okay, let's have a drink first," the three of them said in unison.

In the back hall, everyone stopped using their chopsticks, and the food, wine, and dishes on the table had long been removed and replaced with new ones.

Seeing Jia Cong coming in accompanied by the three princes, everyone hurriedly stood up and cupped their hands and said, "I have met your two highnesses, and I have met the princes."

"Everyone is exempted." Prince Zhongxin waved his hand and sat down casually on the table.

Jia Cong and others also sat down.

In the upper banquet, there were only three heirs to the lordship of the Duke's residence, Niu Jizong, Liu Fang, and Hou Xiaokang, as well as the three princes, plus the master Jia Cong.

Everyone chatted for a while, laughing and drinking.

"Brother Cong, why don't you invite the bride to come out to meet you? It's not a waste of time for me to go all the way." Sun Chi said with a smile.

Jia Cong laughed and ordered Qingwen and others to come out.

For a moment, Qingwen, Wanyanwen and Qianxue were wearing purple and gold silk peacock hairpins, with golden phoenixes dotted with jade beads and hanging beads on their heads. They were dressed in bright red embroidered clouds, water, mandarin ducks and clouds, and were draped by several people. The little girl came out of the room shyly and timidly, holding her hand, and bowed with her hands folded.

"The slave family has met all the princes, lords and young masters."

Everyone hurriedly stood up and bowed their hands in return: "I have met three ladies."

Jia Cong chuckled, took Qingwen's hand, and said with a smile, "This is Qingwen."

Then Wanyanwei and Qianxue were introduced in turn.

Then he took three people to the table to toast.

It took a long time to complete the salute.

"Rongqingtang is also serving wine today. You go to the old lady's place to wait." Jia Cong said.

Qingwen nodded shyly and said, "Sir, let's go in first. Please be careful and drink less."

Today, Jia Cong has earned her enough face. So many princes and nobles have come to congratulate her. Even the wedding of the eldest wife and the wife back then was nothing more than that.

Let her, the most polite person, fall in love with Jia Cong from the bottom of her heart.

Before Jia Cong could speak, he heard Sun Chi smile and say, "Brothers and sisters, don't worry. I promise you won't delay the wedding tonight."

Qingwen blushed, smiled slightly, and fled into the back house.

Everyone laughed.

Wanyanwei glared at Sun Chi and whispered in Jia Cong's ear: "Master, if you can't drink it, ask me to come out and help you drink it."

Jia Cong laughed and nodded, Jurchen girls are so cute.

After seeing the three people off, everyone knew they had something else to do today, so they didn't open their mouths to drink. After a while, they all stopped using their chopsticks in unison.

"Have you eaten yet?" Jia Cong said with a smile.

"Thanks to the hospitality, we have had enough wine and food." Everyone laughed.

"Please come to the main hall to serve tea."

"Sorry for bothering you."

Inside the Hall of Rongxi

Sixteen chairs on both sides were fully occupied, and a few extra sets of tables and chairs were added.

"You all are from the Fang family. Try this tea. It's called Golden Needle and White Lotus. I don't know whether it's good or bad." Jia Cong picked up the green tea bowl with pastel vines, vines, flowers and birds and said with a smile.

"Please." Everyone took a sip and nodded.

"Yes, the best Pu'er, rare to taste."

"It's better than the tribute tea in the palace." Sun Chi said with a smile.

Digging a hole for me again.

Jia Cong glared at Sun Chi and said with a smile: "Everyone in the world knows that Your Majesty advocates diligence, frugality and simplicity. He once decreed that all places should not waste money and waste people's money, and strictly prohibited the tribute of rare and expensive things. Your Majesty's virtue of putting the people first is worthy of our respect. I admire you from the bottom of my heart.”

Jia Zheng hurriedly helped and said: "No matter how high or low this tea is, it only depends on the elegance of the person who tastes the tea. With your majesty's holy virtue, even if you only drink a bowl of water, it will be far better than countless fragrant teas in the world."

Everyone nodded in agreement, how could anyone object to this?

Sun Chi smiled and said: "Brother Cong, you are getting more and more cunning. If you have anything to do, just talk. It is not convenient for us brothers and the emperor's uncle to disturb each other. We can go drink tea and chat by ourselves." After speaking, he stood up.

Jia Cong hurriedly ordered Lin Zhixiao to take him to the inner study to serve him well.

After seeing the three people off, the rest were all old friends. Jia Cong pondered for a moment and said, "Do you know about the tribute brocade case this morning?"

"Know a thing or two." Everyone nodded.

"This case is quite strange. The reason is that Cong offended Bei Si and Dong Chang, and now they are just taking revenge. I invite you all to come here today. I have no other intention. I hope that for the sake of my family friends, you will speak out for justice."

Everyone was silent for a moment, and it wasn't because they disagreed. Since they dared to come to the banquet, they had already expected this. Now they were just thinking about how to get some benefits, so they couldn't help in vain.

This case is no small matter. Helping the Xue family speak out involves taking considerable risks. If the case changes suddenly, anyone who helps will inevitably suffer consequences.

The two brothers, Baoling Hou Shi Nai and Zhongjing Hou Shi Ding, looked at each other, and there was a meaning in their eyes. They had nothing to do with this matter.

Shi Ding took a sip of tea and slowly said: "Brother Cong, we are here today only to congratulate you on taking a concubine, and it has nothing to do with other things.

The case you mentioned is an imperial case, which will be tried by three judges. We don't understand the method of criminal naming, so we really can't help much, so we will leave first.

If there are other things, our two cousins' money will be needed, but it doesn't matter. "

After saying this, the Shi brothers stood up together and said goodbye.

"Cun Zhou, stay behind. Brothers, stay behind."

Niu Jizong and others were not surprised when they saw the Shi brothers leaving. The position of the Shi family has always been ambiguous. Although the four families of King Jia Shi and Xue said they were close, in fact they may not be of the same mind internally.

Especially for Shi Ding, the Marquis of Zhongjing, the historian family originally only had the title of Lao Baolinghou and Shangshu Ling Shigong. Because Shi Ding's father, Jia Mu's brother, played a role in the case of Prince Yi Zhong, Lao Qiansui.

The Supreme Emperor extended his favor and rewarded him with a marquis hat, and allowed the original title to be inherited for the rest of his life. Only then did the marquis fall on Shi Ding, and it seemed to have indirectly caused Jia Daishan's early death.

Therefore, historians will never get involved in cases related to the Supreme Emperor. In the case of Prince Yichuan, rivers of blood flowed in Shenjing, and many princes and princes were destroyed. Although they were the beneficiaries, they were also frightened. Emboldened.

Historians don't mention that even for the Wang family, Wang Ziteng took advantage of the Jia family to rise up. Before Jia Cong's rise, he became the leader of the four families. He may not be willing to revive the Jia family and let the Wang family return to the position of follower.

Niu Jizong, Liu Fang, Hou Xiaokang and other people of the Duke's line all know these inside stories, and they can't help but look at Jia Cong at the same time.

Before Jia Cong even opened the price, two cousins ​​left first. This was not a good start.

But seeing that Jia Cong's expression remained unchanged, he watched the Shi brothers leave, smiled faintly, and said: "It's normal to stay if they agree, and to go if they don't. Dear uncles, let me continue."

Niu Jizong smiled and said, "Brother Cong, if you have anything to say, it's okay to say it. I'm all ears. You don't have to worry about scaring me, Old Niu."

Everyone laughed and the atmosphere relaxed a bit. (End of chapter)