Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Before leaving, Shi Ding came to the two mansions to express his gratitude and farewell as usual. Grandmother Jia was deeply relieved that her nephew had grown up and become sensible. She happily accepted his gift and gave him a fire fox fur cloak in return.

Jia Cong was talking to Qingwen in her room. He glanced at the thin gift list, threw it aside, and sneered, "Go tell him that I won't accept gifts without merit. This appointment is the emperor's grace, the court's official business, and the recommendation of Prince Nan'an. How can I accept gifts?
Tell him to take the things back and just do his job faithfully, saying that I am not feeling well today and will not see guests after resting."

"Yeah." Jin Chuan'er agreed crisply and left.

Ruyi smiled and said, "Look, Congge has become a junior protector and really doesn't care about the common people. He doesn't even want to see the great marquis and his old relatives."

All the women covered their mouths and laughed.

Baochai advised, "For the sake of the old lady and Yun'er, we shouldn't be too distant. It would be better to go out and meet them, say a few polite words and then send them off."

Daiyu teased, "Sister Bao, you don't know his character. He hates evil and has a clear distinction between love and hate. He has always been at odds with the two marquises of the Shi family. Now that he has become the Grand Protector, how can he take them seriously?"

Jia Cong smoothed Qingwen's hair and was very happy to see that she looked better day by day. He sneered, "How do you know that Shi Ding was appointed as the Prince of Nan'an this time? What does it have to do with me?
I was just doing a favor for the old lady's sake. Besides, we were not the same kind of people, so even if I was nice to him, would he be grateful to me?
I'm afraid he will say behind my back that I have the support of the Prince of Nan'an. I'm going to give him some slack, so we should just go our separate ways."

Ruyi frowned and said, "The old Nan'an County King is naturally highly meritorious and famous, but what merits has this generation of princes done for the country and the people?
He was just living off his old heritage. Because of the great achievements of the four princes, Taizu granted their original titles to be inherited for three generations. Taizong also granted special favor to the Prince of Beijing's Mansion, allowing it to be inherited for one more generation.

Although the current Prince of Nan'an has military merits, he no longer has any special favors. The next generation will definitely be demoted. What dignity will it have if he becomes a marquis or earl?"

Jia Cong said: "Yan'er's words are very good. The grace of a gentleman will be cut off after five generations. How can a wealthy family prosper forever?"

Baochai smiled bitterly and said, "Even though I say that, if it gets out, it will only damage our family's reputation. Friends will inevitably murmur in their hearts, saying that Cong'er is too arrogant."

Daiyu nodded slightly and said, "That's right too."

Jia Cong sneered and said, "Sister, just look at the gift list and you will understand."

Baochai hurriedly took the gift list and looked at it, frowned slightly, and said no more.

Daiyu took it and looked at it curiously, sneering: "Marquis Zhongjing knows how to live, but is this something you can show off?"

It turned out that the gift list consisted of some ordinary colorful satin quilts, four treasures of the study, cakes and candied fruits, etc. No wonder Baochai was angry. How could she have the nerve to give these things to a dignified Duke and the current Grand Tutor?
Ru was furious and tore the gift list into pieces and threw it on the ground, saying coldly, "What a great Marquis Zhongjing, he really climbed up the social ladder and doesn't take our family seriously anymore."

Jia Cong smiled and consoled her, "The Shi brothers are stingy to begin with. They even cut down on Miss Shi's expenses at home, forcing her to do needlework in the middle of the night to earn money. They are very generous to give me something worth several hundred taels of silver.

What's more, now that he thinks he is on the ship of Prince Nan'an, oh no, it should be the big ship of the four great princes, how can he still worship in our small temple?
Why bother getting angry at such people? Just stop associating with them from now on. Wait until the old lady passes away and see how good their lives will be."

All the ladies nodded in agreement. Baochai sighed and said, "If this list of gifts was sent by an ordinary official, we would be grateful for the kindness.

But Marquis Zhongjing is too snobbish. Not to mention that Cong'er helped, even if he didn't, as a marquis, he should have some respect and it would be better not to send him off."

Daiyu said, "I now understand why Brother Cong took Yun girl here. With the Shi family tradition being like this, I wonder how much grievance Yun girl must have endured."

Ruyi said, "Come here, quietly spread the news about this gift list to our old friends, so that Brother Cong won't be branded as an unkind person."

"You ladies are truly virtuous wives." Jia Cong bowed and said with a smile.

Pah! The girls were teased by him and cried out in unison.

In the main hall, Wangcai received the order, walked in with a fake smile, and said, "Please forgive me, my Lord. Our Lord is not feeling well today and has stopped seeing guests. I have something to tell you, Lord."

"What?" Shi Ding frowned.

"The Duke said that the Marquis's appointment was a favor from the Emperor and a matter of official business, and was also recommended by Prince Nan'an, and had nothing to do with him.

Therefore, I do not want to receive gifts without merit, and I dare not accept your generous gift. Please just do your duty faithfully."

Wangcai knew about the gift list a long time ago and was also indignant. This damn marquis, it would be fine if he didn't even give a door gift when he came to visit, but he was so stingy even with the gifts, it was really embarrassing.

Shi Ding was turned away and did not reflect on his mistakes. He felt even more resentful towards Jia Cong and just said, "In this case, Mr. Jia, please take good care of yourself. I will not bother you any more. Goodbye." After that, he snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves and left.

"My Lord, please take care. I'm sorry I can't see you off." Wangcai curled his lips and said lightly behind him, too lazy to see him off.

After leaving Dingguo Mansion, Shi Ding went straight to Nan'an Palace for a banquet. The four kings from the southeast, northwest, northwest and northeast were all present to see him off.

"How can I deserve your kindness, my lords?" Shi Ding was flattered and kept speaking humbly.

Prince Beijing said with a smile: "Brother Shi, your words are a little strange. We are brothers from old times, so why should we differentiate between us? Now that you are taking up a post abroad, I should congratulate you."

"indeed."

"That's it."

Shi Ding bowed and said, "I am ashamed to say that although I inherited my father's title, I have been trapped in the capital for many years and have achieved nothing. If it were not for the recommendation of Prince Nan'an and the favor of the other princes, how could I have had the opportunity to serve the court?

Moreover, my brother was able to fill the position of Shandong General last year because of the recommendation of Prince Beijing. My two brothers will do their best to serve you princes in the future."

The kings smiled at each other and said, "Excuse me, please be polite. We are all brothers. Let's not talk nonsense. Come and take your seats."

"Your Majesty, please."

"please."

The kings enthusiastically invited Shi Ding to take a seat. Shi Ding even had the illusion that "a gentleman would die for his confidant". He made an impassioned speech, and the guests and hosts toasted each other, making a great pleasure.

Prince Nan'an said casually, "Brother, you went to the Jia family to say goodbye today. What did Duke Dingguo say?"

When mentioning this, Shi Ding's face turned red, and he didn't know whether he was ashamed or angry.

"Hey! Forget it. I didn't expect that the threshold of the Duke's mansion is much higher than that of the Prince's mansion. Today, I have brought shame upon myself. From now on, people like us from small families will never dare to step into the door of the Duke's mansion again."

"What do you mean?" everyone asked hurriedly.

Shi Ding sneered, "Today, I went to Dingguo Mansion with good intentions to thank him and say goodbye, but I was turned away. Not only did I not see him, but my gifts were also returned intact. This is a great humiliation, and I will pay for it one day."

Prince Nan'an sighed, "Jia Shaobao is too arrogant. Not to mention that my brother is a marquis, even for the sake of the old lady of Rongguo, he shouldn't act like this."

Prince Xining echoed, "That's right. As the saying goes, helping others is good for yourself. Why do you want to hurt others' reputation for no reason? If you do this to your old friends, how about others?"

Shi Ding said bitterly, "He is just a villain who has achieved success. He relies on being a royal consort and having a sister who is a royal concubine. He is a noble, a relative, and a favorite minister. He doesn't care about anyone."

Prince Beijing comforted him, "Brother Shi, don't take it to heart. Han Xin was humiliated in the past. It is known that when God wants to give a man a great responsibility, he must first make him suffer. Now that you are going to Liangzhou, it is the right time to make achievements. Besides, there are good friends like us in the capital who support you. Why worry about not achieving your ambitions?"

"That's right. This is a good opportunity for us to show our skills." The kings all smiled and nodded.

Shi Ding heard the hidden meaning in his words and asked hurriedly, "What do you mean by this, Your Majesty? I don't quite understand. Please explain it to me."

Prince Beijing said with a smile: "The Western Regions have been engaged in war for years, with heavy costs and no end in sight. Your Majesty has long wanted to pacify them. In addition, I heard a few days ago that the barbarians have increased their forces and are becoming increasingly difficult to control. The government troops are already in decline, and the war situation is not looking good.

Gansu borders the Western Regions, and Liangzhou is rich in elite soldiers. Brother is both the deputy general and in charge of Liangzhou. If the court decides to march west, wouldn't you be able to take advantage of the situation, sweep away the barbarians, and become famous?"

"In addition, if we make suggestions to the emperor, it will be just a matter of time before he is appointed as the general of a border town or a military governor." Prince Xining said with a smile.

"Brother Shi, you should know that the emperor now intends to reduce the power of the vassal states. The vassal kings can be withdrawn, but the border towns must not be withdrawn.

When the time comes, without the constraints of the vassal kings, how powerful the general of the border town will be, no need for us to say more? I would not trade him even for a prince. "The Prince of Dongping said with a smile.

Shi Ding's face flushed and his blood boiled after hearing what they said. He hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Thanks to all the princes for their kindness. If I ever have a chance to make a name for myself, I will never forget your kindness."

"Brother Shi, you are too polite. Let's have some wine."

"Your Majesty, please."

"please."

After a few drinks, Shi Ding couldn't hold back his itch and asked tentatively, "Your Majesty, I wonder when the court will send troops to the Western Regions, so I can prepare early."

The kings looked at each other and smiled, and motioned for Prince Beijing to explain.

Prince Beijing said with a smile: "Brother Shi, don't be anxious. Go to your post first, reorganize your military, and wait for the right time. I think it won't take too long."

"Yes." Shi Ding agreed quickly and didn't dare to ask any more questions.

After the meal, Shi Ding was sent away and the kings returned to the inner room to discuss.

"What do you three brothers think about Duke Dingguo being given the title of Shao Bao?" Prince Nan'an brought up the hottest topic at the moment.

Prince Dongping said in a deep voice: "This boy is favored by the emperor and has close contacts with Changchun Palace. Jun Gong is old, and I am afraid that no one will be able to control him in the future."

Prince Xining also said: "Brother Shi is right. Since Jia Cong was promoted to Shao Bao, everyone in his party has been celebrating and in high spirits. Everyone in the army regards him as the leader. In another two years, Li Meng will be forced to abdicate under pressure from below. "

"That's right." King Nannan sighed.

Prince Beijing waved his hand and smiled, "In my opinion, my brother Shi doesn't need to worry. We are not in a position to interfere in other people's affairs. I think there are people who worry about it. Why bother yourself?"

The three knew that he was resourceful and had great favor from the emperor, so they hurriedly asked, "Brother Shi, do you have any good ideas?"

King Beijing said: "Most powerful officials have always ended up in a miserable situation. Why? Because the superiors are suspicious of the subordinates.

Today, Duke Dingguo is not even twenty years old, but he already holds such an honorable position. He is also the Left Governor-General and in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. His party members are gradually becoming more and more powerful. The current emperor is wise and intelligent, so how could he not be on guard?

Moreover, this young guard's coming here is strange, do you know why?"

The three of them were not as well-informed as him, and hurriedly said, "I don't know, I'd like to hear more details."

Prince Beijing said, "I heard that when Duke Dingguo returned to the capital, His Majesty asked how to reward him, and all the military officials said that no reward was allowed, and His Majesty nodded. Who would have thought that he would confer a higher title the next moment? Isn't that strange?"

"Yes, why is that? Can the honor of being a young guard be granted so easily?"

"Haven't you heard about the romantic story of Jia Cong who disobeyed the imperial order to save his concubine and searched the capital for him, which was widely circulated in the capital a few days ago?" Prince Beijing said with a smile.

"I have heard a little bit about it, but I don't know the reason."

Prince Beijing told the whole story and said, "Whether Duke Dingguo disobeyed the order, deceived the emperor, or acted recklessly, Your Majesty should reprimand him sternly for his merits and his relationship with the emperor's relatives, and let it go.

The most important thing is that a single post from him can mobilize tens of thousands of troops from the Infantry Command Office and the Five Cities Military Department. It is more powerful than an imperial edict. What does the emperor think? Isn't he afraid that he will get a sudden impulse one day and change the world with a single order? "

The three kings suddenly realized and said in unison: "That's right. Jia Cong's behavior is truly treasonous and the emperor will surely be furious."

"So, the emperor immediately changed his mind and summoned Jia Cong to the palace to make a report. He not only comforted him with kind words, but also gave him more rewards. Isn't his intention obvious?" Prince Beijing said with a faint smile.

"That makes sense!" The kings laughed and said, "His achievements are so great that they shock the Lord. There is no reward for him. This boy is going to be in trouble."

Prince Beijing smiled without saying anything and took a sip of tea.

"Hey, how did you know such a secret, brother?" King Nannan asked curiously.

Prince Beijing said with a smile: "Brother, guess who else could know this besides you military officials?"

"Dai Nei Xiang!"

Prince Beijing smiled and nodded.

Prince Xining was suspicious: "Dai Quan and Jia Cong have always been on good terms, how could they secretly tip off my brother?"

Prince Nan'an said with a smile: "The eunuchs in the imperial guards are like vicious dogs. In the past, they had a common enemy and could unite to fight against it. Now that the Imperial Guards have risen in power and do not take the Eastern Depot seriously, how can Dai Quan remain silent?
There was a commotion last time, saying that Dai Quan's nephew was severely punished by the Jinyiwei. The two seemed to be close, but in fact, they had long been estranged. "

"Brother Shi, what you said is very true." The Prince of Dongping nodded slowly and said, "I think the reason why Your Majesty has not punished him yet is because of his special status and the current situation of employing people, so he is forbearing.

Although the Jia family seems to be thriving, the hidden dangers are increasing. The emperor is suspicious, the guards are at odds, the new party is using them, the civil officials are having affairs, the military is fighting, and the old family is alienated. How can they last long with just one imperial concubine and one princess?"

Prince Beijing said: "We will just wait and see what happens. Duke Dingguo is very prestigious in the army now, and his influence will be felt by everyone. The emperor is already suspicious, and since Grand Commander Li is not of high rank and Commander Wang is of little reputation, they are unable to resist him. We have some old friends in the army, so it seems we can find an opportunity to serve His Majesty."

Everyone hurriedly asked, "What do you mean, brother Shi?"

Prince Beijing smiled silently and pointed to the west.

The three kings' eyes moved slightly. This is a good opportunity. (End of this chapter)