Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

In the tenth year of Xifeng, on the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Jia Cong, Jia Huan and other soldiers traveled all the way and finally arrived at Shenjing before the end of the year.

First, he sent Kong Xing and Jie Hui to lead the troops back to rest, and then ordered Jia Huan to go home to report the news. Jia Cong went to the palace to face the saint.

Jia Huan led a group of personal soldiers back to Rong Mansion. As soon as he entered Ningrong Street, passers-by saw him wearing iron armor, riding a horse, accompanied by personal soldiers and looking proud. Many people were bright-eyed and knew that Mr. Huan was going to make a fortune. Come and rush over to say hello. They are all members of the Jia family, relatives or children of the family.

With a smile on his face, Jia Huan bowed in all directions while riding on his horse, and kept saying:

"Happy together."

"How dare you?"

"you are welcome."

"Thank you very much."

"Sorry, sorry."

"See you soon."

I feel so happy that our Third Master Huan will also have this day. My mother still said that I can’t get to the high platform. This time I even met Mr. Yansheng and got a reward. Who in the house has it?

Touching the jade pendant on his waist, Jia Huan grinned.

At this time, Jia's mother, Jia Zheng, two wives, Feng Jie'er, Li Wan, Youshi and others were listening to Qin Tianjian's Zhengtu explanation of Jia Cong's horoscopes in Rongqing Hall.

"Old lady, please see, the official has used the four-pillar method to calculate the birth date of the uncle, and calculated that the five elements are in harmony with each other, and the yin and yang are in harmony.

The four o'clock and the five directions all occupy their respective positions, and the stars and gods are not close to you. Although the small luck may have ups and downs, the big luck is like a wolf smoke and auspicious, rising like a cloud. It is really precious and cannot be limited... Let's first look at the fleeting years..."

Tu Fa took out a notebook from his sleeve and introduced Jia Cong's numerology eloquently.

I heard Jia Mu and others were stunned for a while, then laughed and said: "Thank you for your good wishes."

Tu Fa waved his hand and said: "I'm not just talking nonsense, I'm talking based on the facts. There are a few comments. There is no rain in the spring, so we must be prepared for the cold weather in June. When the clouds disperse, the stars will appear, and the wind will be calm and the waves will be clear."

Jia Zheng said hurriedly: "Brother Junsi, what do these comments mean?"

Tu Fa waved his hand inscrutably and said: "Brother Cunzhou, these few words have revealed the secret of heaven. You must not say it explicitly, otherwise the secret of heaven will be confused and good things may turn into bad things."

Mother Jia hurriedly said: "You are not allowed to ask any more questions. In short, the supervisor has just said that brother Cong has a good destiny, so why bother?"

"The old lady sees things clearly. If you plant flowers intentionally, they will not bloom, but if you don't mean, you will plant willows to create shade. This is exactly the reason." Tu Fa said with a smile.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Master Tu, someone from the Ministry of Etiquette has come to give advice a few days ago and the wedding ceremony has been carried out. So when is the wedding date set?" Jia Mu said.

Tu Fa was entrusted by Feng Yuan, thinking that Jia Cong was still fighting outside and didn't know when he would come back, so he simply came to catch them all.

Because he said: "According to the horoscopes of Xiaguan Hedang Kou Bo, Princess Ruyi, Miss Xue, and Miss Lin, the eighth, sixteenth, and twenty-third of February are good days, and the sixth, twelfth, and twenty-first of March are It’s also very good, April…”

Everyone listened to him talk about July and August. Love has good days every month, so what else to choose?
I have difficulty choosing for a moment. Among these many good days, which one should I choose?
Sister Feng smiled and said: "Old lady, now Cong'er is sending out troops outside, even if we have a good life here, it still depends on how the war progresses.

There is no such thing as a half-baked battle. Li'er rushes home to get married first. In my opinion, there are good days every month anyway, so why not wait for Cong'er's triumphant return before making a decision? "

Now she is four or five months pregnant. She is gradually showing her pregnancy and her body is getting heavier. She has already enjoyed the treatment of a wife. She has a high position in Rongqing Hall and no longer has to serve anyone.

Jia Mu said with a smile: "As long as what you say, monkey, is what I want, it doesn't matter. Lord Lao Tu comes over. We, the noble family, should give top priority to military and state affairs. I'll invite you again when Brother Cong comes back." Let’s set a date.”

Just as Tu Fa was about to nod in agreement, he suddenly heard the maid at the door come in and report: "Old lady, Third Master Huan is back!"

"Brother Cong is back? Call him in quickly." Jia Mu automatically filtered "Master Huan" and said hurriedly.

But I saw a young man wearing a big cloak, a helmet on his head, a sword on his waist, and leather boots striding in. He cupped his hands and said, "Greetings to the old lady, master, ladies and sisters-in-law. Please forgive me for wearing the armor." , can’t be polite.”

Seeing that he was deliberately imitating Jia Cong, Sister Feng glared at him angrily and said, "Where is your third brother?"

Jia Huan said with a smile: "Third brother has gone to the palace to meet the Holy Spirit. Let me come back first to give a message to the old lady and the ladies.

This time the third brother won a great victory, and he will definitely be promoted to a higher position. The old lady will order someone to arrange a banquet. "

Jia Mu and others had known about the great victory in Shandong, and they were all happy at this moment, but seeing Jia Huan's playful smile was a bit annoying.

Jia Zheng lowered his face and shouted: "I haven't even met Master Tu yet. I went out to practice for a while. I didn't make any progress at all. I don't know how to respect him."

This time Jia Huan went out and experienced fighting on the battlefield, and he also killed many bandits. He had already gained courage, so he was not afraid of Jia Zheng. Now I turned around and greeted Tu Fa generously.

Tu Fa nodded, twisted his beard and said with a smile: "Since Dang Koubo has returned to the capital, I think he will come back to meet the Holy Queen.

Brother Cunzhou, why don't you and I go out and have a talk, and wait until the uncle comes back to fix the wedding date? It won't take much time. "

Jia Zheng nodded happily and said, "Brother Junsi is so elegant, I will accompany you, please."

"please."

After the two left, Sister Feng hurriedly said: "Brother Huan, what did you and your third brother do when you went out this time? Why don't you tell the old lady and the two ladies in detail?"

Jia Huan was not polite, walked to Tu Fa's seat, sat down, and said with a smile: "It's a long story.

That day, my third brother and I worked hard, traveling day and night, to attack Liaocheng, Shandong Province, to protect the 30 million taels of silver shipped by the imperial court from the south of the Yangtze River from falling into the hands of thieves..."

"Thirty million?" Everyone gasped, unable to imagine how much it was.

"That's what the third brother confiscated from his house in Jiangnan. They were piled up like a hill and couldn't even fit in the Rongqing Hall." Jia Huan said proudly, which was an eye-opener for him.

Jia Mu glared at him and said, "Speak quickly."

"Yes, that day..."

At this time, the protagonist in Jia Huan's story was meeting the Holy Spirit in the Yangxin Hall, including six military bachelors, several officials from the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War, as well as three governors of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion, several governors' colleagues, and governors. exist.

Among them was Wang Ziteng, who had been promoted from the Controller of Nine Provinces to the Commander-in-Chief of Nine Provinces since he returned from patrolling the border last year, with the title of Commander-in-Chief.

Just listen to Jia Cong's report: "Your Majesty, I was ordered to go out to Beijing to quell the chaos. Thanks to your majesty's divine power, the officers and men used their lives, and the local authorities fulfilled their responsibilities, we were able to quickly put an end to the banditry."

Only with the great help of Duke Yansheng's government and a huge contribution of money and food could the people be saved from the suffering of hunger and cold, and be able to recuperate and recover from the banditry as soon as possible.

According to reports from various places, no one among the victims died of cold or hunger, and the people all praised His Majesty's holiness.

Now that the rebellion has been suppressed, only a few remaining bandits have fled and are in disarray. I have ordered the generals and local yamen to step up the search, and I have specially returned to Beijing to return the Jin Gong Order Arrows to avoid Your Majesty's worries. This is a summary of the rewards for officers and soldiers from the four provinces drafted by me. Please read it to your Majesty. "

Emperor Xifeng was very satisfied and nodded with a smile.

He expected Jia Cong to put an end to the rebellion. What was rare was that Jia Cong could make Duke Yan Sheng's mansion bleed a lot and save the court millions of money and food. This was a great achievement.

He took the folded book presented by Dai Quan, turned it over, and said with a smile: "You have quelled the banditry with the force of thunder this time, and relieved the suffering of countless people in Hebei and Shandong. Your hard work has made great achievements, and you have made great contributions. I am very pleased. "

Jia Cong said hurriedly: "Your Majesty has arranged everything properly and strategized. The temple is expected to win. How can I make any contribution?"

Emperor Xifeng smiled and said: "There is no need to be too modest, I will reward you for your merits.

Although you are working hard at the front to put down the rebellion this time, you are also indispensable for the command and dispatch of the beloved ministers of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion to transport heavy supplies of money and food. Tu Fei heard the seal. "

Everyone in the hall was shocked, what's the matter with Tu Fei?

Ju Yehou and the Grand Governor Tu Fei were also greatly shocked. Granting rewards sometimes may not be a good thing, but they did not dare to hesitate. He hurriedly left his duties and knelt on the ground, saying: "I respectfully listen to the Holy Edict."

Emperor Xifeng said: "Tu Aiqing has managed the army well for many years, worked conscientiously, devoted himself to his duties, has a reputation for meritorious service, has the virtue of justice and honesty, and possesses the talents of wisdom, trust, benevolence and courage.

In the past, he had contributed to quelling the Liaodong Tatars, and in the later, he had coordinated the efforts to suppress the rebellion in Hebei and Shandong. He was worthy of being the commander-in-chief of the three armies and the pillar of the country. He was specially promoted to the first-class Duke of Wei, and was given iron coupons with alchemy books, flying fish clothes and jade belts. "

As soon as the imperial edict was announced, there was no sound in the palace, and everyone remained calm, thinking rapidly in their hearts what the emperor meant by this move.

Tu Fei was suddenly promoted to the title of Duke. This was to replace the title vacated by the Ningguo Mansion. However, it also vacated the position of marquis. Could it be that Jia Cong was about to become a marquis?
Cao Jin and Li Meng also had joy in their eyes, but they didn't seem to be happy for Tu Fei.

Tu Fei had mixed emotions. He never expected that he would suddenly realize what his family had not achieved for several generations. However, he felt no joy in his heart and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

However, with so many people staring at him, he did not dare to refuse, so he kowtowed and said in a deep voice: "I thank you for your majesty's grace. Only by putting your heart and soul into it and working hard can you repay your majesty's grace."

"I love you." Emperor Xifeng raised his hand and said.

"Jia Cong listens to the seal."

"I respectfully listen to the holy edict." Jia Cong breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he had some head start, otherwise Tu Fei would have gotten a big advantage.

"I have heard that Qi dominates the three armies. His ambition is weak but he is powerful. He is timid in small battles but brave in big enemies. This is called a fierce general.

The young boy Jia Cong of Dang Koubo guarded the border, drove away the strong captives, showed his power outside the territory, and conquered the Wuhuan. He had the courage that no man would have deserved, the heroic integrity, the unpredictable plan, the talent to adapt to the situation, and the fierce general of the true country. , my champion too! "

Everyone nodded secretly. Sure enough, since Your Majesty compared Huo Qubing, the Marquis could not escape. There are only a handful of people who were granted the title of marquis before they were crowned weak, even if you look through the history books.

Emperor Xifeng continued: "He is specially granted the title of Marquis Huan of the third class to Jia Cong. He is given a royal title and is rewarded with a bullfighting uniform and a jade belt."

Everyone was shocked. It was expected that the title of Marquis for Jia Cong was just to balance the line of Hou Bo, but this title was very important.

Since the founding of the country by Taizu, the titles of marquises in Guochao have always been two characters, such as Marquis of Juye, Marquis of Gaotang, Marquis of Yingchuan, etc.

But the one who was bestowed upon me now was Huan Hou, which was a one-character Hou.

For titles, the fewer the words, the more valuable they are. For example, the words "Ningrong Zhenli, Qizhi Xiu" for the eight great princes all have the same word, and the words "peace and tranquility" for the four kings with different surnames also have the same word.

Just based on the title of Jia Cong, it is not an exaggeration to say that he is the head of the Wuhou in the country.

This is a word of praise, honoring Huagong.

And the word Huan has a lot of meaning and is not given casually.

The person who conquers the distant lands is called Huan, and the person who conquers the people with respect and respect is called Huan.

To conquer distant lands is to use force to make distant lands surrender. Jia Zongle and Shi Wuhuan's feat of crossing thousands of miles is indeed worthy of comparison.

Being respectful and motivating the people can mobilize the people and make them wholeheartedly support and respect you.

Because Jia Cong implemented new laws in Liaodong and collected many umbrellas from the people, it is worthy of not letting the victims die of cold and starvation in Shandong this time.

Huanhou is well-deserved.

There is another person in history who has received this title, namely Zhang Fei and Zhang Yide, but he was awarded the title posthumously, which is very different from Jia Cong who was granted the title during his lifetime.

Because posthumous titles are often meant to embellish praises, it doesn't matter whether they are worthy of the title or not. Anyway, no one cares about the deceased, so the deceased is the bigger one.

However, if you are awarded a title during your lifetime and attract the attention of everyone, if you do not have corresponding merits and virtues, you will inevitably be praised and criticized, and you will not be able to convince the public.

Not only does the honorary title not add glory, but it becomes a laughing stock in the history books. Therefore, titles are often strictly sealed during lifetime.

Therefore, there is a saying that Li Guang can't be granted a title. If you don't have merit, virtue, and opportunities, even if you are a flying general, you can't be granted the title of marquis.

Jia Cong was also overjoyed. Not only did he get back the title he had surrendered last time, but he also took a big step forward. He kowtowed and said, "I thank Your Majesty for your kindness, but I have a destiny, and I will not hesitate even to the death."

Emperor Xifeng nodded, looked at the invitation letter in his hand, and said: "As for the rewards for the soldiers who fought the rebellion this time, it will be according to your wishes.

Niu Jizong was promoted to the second rank of marquis, Liu Fang was promoted to the second rank of uncle, Hou Xiaokang was promoted to the second rank of uncle, Jinxiang uncle, Chang'an uncle and Linchuan uncle were each promoted to the first rank.

The noble princes of each family who lead troops into battle will be awarded Yunqi Lieutenant, and the rest will all be rewarded. "

"On behalf of all the officers and men, I would like to thank Your Majesty for your kindness."

Jia Cong secretly thought that being the emperor's consort had its advantages. He would accept the rewards and not bargain. Hey, I think I knew that the lineage of Uncle Hou could not be relied on, and he had to rely on his own family.

Emperor Xifeng said: "Why should I reward the meritorious officials? When will the confiscated stolen money from Jiangnan arrive?"

When the matter of silver was mentioned, all the civil servants pricked up their ears.

Jia Cong said: "Back to the emperor, after I defeated the grassroots bandits in Qufu, I have ordered General Xiao to escort the silver to Beijing with heavy troops.

According to the latest news today, the ship will arrive at Tongzhou Pier tomorrow and will be delivered to the imperial treasury the day after tomorrow at the latest. "

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, it's good that Yin Zi is fine.

Emperor Xifeng smiled happily and said: "Okay, you have covered everything on this trip to Shandong. I am very pleased. I will go home to rest for a few days, and then go to the Yamen again after the new year."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your love. I will retire."

"I will also retire and go ask Huan Hou about the silver." Feng Yuan said hurriedly.

"Go." Emperor Xifeng knew his virtue and was afraid that the money would go into his coffers, so he waved his hand angrily. (End of chapter)