Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Jia Cong was silent for a moment. He couldn't say that your father poisoned your grandfather, killed your two brothers, and tried to kill your wife but was killed instead.

If such human tragedies as sons killing fathers, fathers killing sons, and wives poisoning husbands were really told to Ruyi directly, I'm afraid she would not be able to accept it, and her values ​​might even collapse. Not every woman has as strong nerves as Empress Chen.

"I have ordered the Jinyiwei to investigate this case. I think Dai Quan, Niu Yu and others wanted to gain credit for following the emperor. They are so treasonous that they want to kill your three brothers to pave the way for other princes." Jia Cong murmured.

Ruyi frowned and said, "Do they have such courage? Even if there is no eldest brother, second brother, and tenth brother, can he support whoever he wants?

"The court, the army and the Queen Mother, will they be manipulated by a few bastards? That's fine, but what about Grandpa Huang and Father Huang?"

Jia Cong smiled awkwardly, knowing that Ruyi was born in the royal family and was not easy to deceive, so he evaded the question by saying, "Yan'er is right, so this matter needs to be investigated.

Because the matter involves the secrets of the royal family, it is not convenient to make it public, and it will take a while to figure it out. Fortunately, although the second brother died, there is still someone to take over, and the throne is still in his lineage."

Ruyi shook her head and said, "If the person is gone, what's the point of having an empty title? Did Dai Quan, Niu Yu and the others admit who they originally wanted to support?"

Jia Cong said, "I confess."

"who is it!"

"Your fifth brother."

Ruyi frowned and said, "Are you saying that the mastermind behind this is Brother Five?"

Jia Cong shook his head and said, "Not necessarily. Your fifth brother doesn't have that much courage."

"Is the name written on the imperial edict hung in the Qianqing Palace really my second brother's name? I heard some people said it was my fifth brother." Ruyi said.

Jia Cong said hurriedly: "I have read the edict with dozens of important officials and relatives. It is indeed written with my second brother's name. There were two people who refused to obey and spread rumors. I beheaded them on the spot."

Ruyi rolled her eyes at him and spat, "You cunning bastard, how dare you put the wrong name on someone else's head? If it was really my second brother's name, who would dare to forge an imperial edict in front of me?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "My mother has also read the imperial edict. If Yan'er doesn't believe it, you can ask her."

Ruyi said angrily, "Bah, why should I ask? I'd be surprised if my mother didn't get mad at me."

As he spoke, he sighed and said, "Second brother is the eldest son and a man of good character, so it is reasonable for him to succeed to the throne."

"That's right. The late emperor's preference for my second brother is in accordance with the will of heaven and the people," said Jia Cong.

Although Ruyi knew there was something fishy going on, she knew it was not appropriate to argue, so she asked, "Does Dai Quan and the others have any accomplices?"

"Have."

"Who?"

"It could be the three kings of different surnames in the north, west and east."

Ruyi asked coldly: "Why not kill them all at once?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Let them live for a few days. When the situation stabilizes, it will only take a moment to kill them."

Ruyi nodded her head lightly and said murderously: "Anyone who has anything to do with the death of my elder brother and second brother must die!"

"Of course." Jia Cong said, putting his arm around her shoulders.

Ruyi leaned gently into Jia Cong's arms and said softly, "Brother Cong, you are in power now. There will be many people who support you in the future. Do you want to be the emperor?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Are you worried about a conflict between me, the Queen Mother, and your brothers?"

Ruyi nodded and said distressedly: "If that's the case, I really don't know what to do."

Jia Cong shook his head and smiled, "Don't worry, Yan'er, I have no interest in the position of emperor.

People only know that the emperor is rich and can get whatever he wants, but they don’t know that being an emperor is actually a tough job.

Look at your father, the emperor, who has been on the throne for more than ten years and has never been happy for a single day. I am just taking on this heavy responsibility because I have nothing better to do. Let someone who is capable and willing to take on the responsibility do it. I won't join in the fun."

Ruyi smiled and said, "Many incompetent, mediocre and tyrant rulers in history lived quite happily."

Jia Cong sneered, "When Sister Bao told me stories about the Warring States Period, she once said that the king was very blinded.

If you don't want to be fooled, you have to work as hard as your father did.

I would rather be a lazy lord, not worrying about this, nor being annoyed by this."

Ruyi smiled and said, "It's a relief that you haven't been overwhelmed by the glory before you."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Because I have a hundred or two hundred years more experience than the rest of the world. The emperor will eventually be swept into the garbage heap of history.

I just need to make sure that I have enough power to do what I want to do. Why should I seek for that false reputation?
Of course, although I have no interest in this thing, there are many people who are drooling over it. After all, the temptation of the artifact is too great. "

Ruyi seemed to understand what he said, rolled her eyes at him, and said, "I know you are smarter than everyone else, okay? I will be relieved if you are not tempted by power and position."

Jia Cong kissed her lips gently and said, "Don't worry, I've long been fed up with the affairs of the court and the intrigues. After a few more years of hard work, I will retire and we can both live out our retirement years."

Ruyi sneered and said, "You want to retire in your twenties? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at? Those officials in their seventies and eighties still want to serve the court for a few more years."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Everyone has his own ambitions."

"You are just daydreaming. When the time comes, you will know what it means to be in a difficult situation." Ruyi sneered.

Jia Cong laughed: "Okay, let me ride you, the tigress, first and see if it's hard to get off."

"Pah, I still have to observe mourning."

"It's okay. I'm not in mourning yet. I'm exempt from the two exemptions."

"Go to hell! You're so annoying..."
-
April 17th, the 13th year of Xifeng, was an auspicious day designated by the Imperial Astronomical Observatory, on which Sun Du's coronation ceremony was held.

Because the new emperor was young and could not stand red tape, the Grand Council discussed with the Ministry of Rites and informed Empress Chen, and decided to keep everything simple.

On that day, the young emperor wore a crown with twelve dragon patterns of the sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers and mountains, which was made by the Imperial Household Department. He led his ministers to worship the heaven and earth and the ancestral temple under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Rites. Then he went up to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to accept the worship of civil and military officials. He also received the imperial seal, which symbolized the imperial power, from officials from the Ministry of Rites, and officially ascended the throne. As for the subsequent announcements to the world, tax reductions, amnesty, changing the reign title, discussing the posthumous titles and temple names of the two saints, and posthumously honoring Sun Can as the emperor, the Military Affairs Office was in charge of it, so there was no need to bother the young emperor.

The next day, the Grand Council drafted an imperial edict, enthroning Empress Chen as the Grand Empress Dowager, and respectfully presented her with the title: Grand Empress Dowager Duanrencishushugonganchundejianyizhangqing.

The young emperor's biological mother, Sun Can's wife, Han, was enthroned as the empress dowager, and was given the title: Empress Dowager Kangyu Zhuanghui.

Consort Yuanchun was made the Grand Empress Dowager, and given the title of Wen Yi Xian De Gui Consort, and was granted a royal seal.

On the same day, the emperor issued an edict, saying that the government was in turmoil and needed loyal and capable people to assist. He also appointed Jia Cong, Duan Zhun and four others as regents, with Jia Cong as the head of the four regents. He also issued an edict to add Chen Ji and Feng Yuan to the cabinet.

The next day, the contemporary Duke Yansheng, Kong Xinghe, went to the capital to pay homage to the new emperor, the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager, and presented a congratulatory message.

On the same day, the four great ministers of state and all the military secretaries jointly submitted a petition, requesting the Empress Dowager to take charge of the government and rule from behind the curtain, on the grounds that the new emperor was young and unable to govern.

After going through the process of three refusal and three declines, the Empress Dowager reluctantly accepted the request of the ministers, took the throne and ruled the country from behind the curtain in the Yangxin Palace.

The next day, the Empress Dowager received civil and military officials in the Yangxin Palace. Only vague figures could be seen through the curtains, and a clear and elegant voice was heard coming from behind the curtain, which added a bit of mysterious meaning.

"My dear ministers, the palace has undergone a dramatic change. Fortunately, Junior Guardian Jia Cong saw things clearly, acted decisively, and did not care about his own honor and shame. He resolutely cleared the emperor's side and punished the treacherous officials. Only then did he stabilize the country. I am very pleased. I specially give you the title of Grand Tutor, and grant you the right to praise and worship without a name, and to enter the palace with a sword and shoes."

The Empress Dowager or Grand Empress Dowager who ruled the country acted on behalf of the emperor and could refer to herself as "朕" in formal occasions or in imperial edicts. If she was just ruling from behind the curtain, she could refer to herself as "予".

"The suppression of the rebellion this time was entirely due to the great kindness left by the late emperor and the great blessing of the Empress Dowager. I have done nothing of value, but I feel ashamed to receive the grace and favor from heaven. I am ashamed to face the consequences."

Jia Cong hurriedly lifted his clothes and bowed. With the permission granted by Emperor Xifeng to enter the court without bowing and to ride a horse in the Forbidden City, he now had all the highest honors of being a minister.

The Empress Dowager said, "Those who have made contributions should be rewarded, and there is no need to be too modest. As you all know, recently, Taifu Jia was bewitched by treacherous people and slandered. Although he has made great contributions to the country, he has been repeatedly demoted. In just a few months, he was demoted from a grand duke to a first-class general. Doesn't this make the meritorious officials of the court feel disheartened?"

Jia Cong said hurriedly, "The Empress Dowager is overpraising me. I have been blessed by the Emperor for generations. Although I have made some small contributions, I have also received many unexpected praises and favors beyond the law. Even if I were to die, it would not be enough to repay the Emperor's kindness. How dare I complain?"

The Empress Dowager said: "The Grand Tutor is able to endure hardship and criticism, and remain true to his original aspirations. He should be a role model for the country.

Now that the country has just been stabilized and the new emperor has ascended the throne, we urgently need loyal patriots to support us. Therefore, Jia Cong is granted the title of Prince Jing, and is allowed to manage government affairs, assist in military affairs, and open a government with the same status as the three officials. "

Everyone in the hall was shocked. It was fine that Jia Cong was promoted to prince in one step, but the key was that the four words "in charge of the government" were more important than Mount Tai. In simple terms, he was the regent, and he had the power to establish a government office, which was equivalent to the court allowing him to establish a small court.

With his status as Grand Tutor, Regent and Chief Minister of State, who can compete with him in the future?
Niu Jizong, Wang Ziteng and others were all delighted. If Jia Cong achieved enlightenment, they would also be able to ascend to heaven as well.

Jia Cong was no longer polite and kowtowed, saying, "I accept your order and thank you for your grace."

The surprise was not over yet, the Empress Dowager continued: "The Five Military Commands Office was incompetent in controlling its subordinates, so when there was a disturbance in the palace, the troops in the capital not only failed to quell the turmoil, but also fought among themselves, unable to distinguish between friend and foe.

The Five Military Commandery is abolished, and a new Grand General's Office is established, following the example of the previous dynasty, to command the troops and generals of the country. Prince Jing will be the first Grand General. After discussing all matters with the generals in the army, he will present a detailed report to the emperor."

The civil servants had long been numb. It turned out that what Jia Cong meant by military affairs was this. He was going to take over all the military power.

"I accept your order and thank you. I will serve my country with loyalty and dedicate myself to my work." Jia Cong said in a deep voice.

"Let's stop here for today. All the ministers may leave. Prince Jing will stay." said the Empress Dowager.

All the ministers bowed and left.

The curtain slowly parted, and Jia Cong saw the Empress Dowager in court robes, helping the eunuch to get up, and walked to the kang to sit down, leaning against the cushions, looking at him, and said with a smile: "Why are you in a daze? You suddenly became a high-ranking official, and you are worried about gains and losses?"

Jia Cong bowed and smiled, "The reason why I was in a daze is because your mother was very different from usual today, so I was a little surprised."

"Oh? What's the difference?"

"Today, the Queen Mother reigns over the world. Cong feels as if he has seen the late emperor again." Jia Cong looked at her half jokingly and half seriously.

The Empress Dowager smiled and rolled her eyes at him, saying, "Slippery tongue, I am still the same as usual, but I have never understood the affairs of state, and I am at a loss what to do when I suddenly take the throne. You are not allowed to laugh at me behind my back, otherwise I will not let you off easily."

Jia Cong hurriedly said, "What are you talking about? My mother is dignified and elegant, and has a broad mind. How can an ordinary woman compare to her?
You are born to be the supreme ruler who commands all the people and controls all the ministers. I think you are no less than Empress Wu of the previous dynasty. I, your sons and ministers, can only sincerely worship you. How dare we show any disrespect to you?"

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "I don't dare compare me to Wu Shi. If the news gets out, the world will be in chaos again."

Jia Cong bowed and said, "I have no other intentions. It is true that both my mother and Empress Wu are rare women in a thousand years. Women are as good as men. Even if they can rule the world, it is only natural. If my mother has this intention, I will serve you wholeheartedly."

The Empress Dowager waved her hand and said, "Don't mention this. My brother is still young. I just hope he can grow up quickly and take over this responsibility. Then he can recite scriptures and worship Buddha day and night for the late emperor and pray for the country and dynasty, and spend the rest of his life there."

Jia Cong sighed and said, "Mother, please accept my condolences. I and Yan'er will serve you wholeheartedly and let you live a peaceful and happy life for the rest of your life."

He had just tested her with words. If the Empress Dowager showed any sign of wanting to be Wu Zetian, he would reconsider their relationship.

He was not against a woman becoming emperor. The Empress Dowager did have the ability to be an emperor. However, for the sake of stability in the world, it was better not to shake the country's destiny. Otherwise, after the Empress Dowager passed away, who would take over the country?
It would be strange if the Chen family and the Sun family did not fight to the death. By then, it would be another mess, and I don't know how many people would have to be killed to settle it. And the common people would always be the ones who suffered.

After Jia Cong came out of Changchun Palace, he ordered a young eunuch to quietly invite Duan Zhun over, and then he went to the small courtyard next to the Military Affairs Office to wait.

Not long after, Duan Zhun came over with the eunuch and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, what do you want me to do?"

Jia Cong hurriedly stood up and returned the greeting, saying, "Prime Minister, your words are very important. How can Cong bear them?"

Duan Zhun smiled and said, "Now that Your Majesty is in charge of government affairs and is the head of the four great advisors, I should show my respect to you."

Jia Cong waved his hand and said, "Please sit down, Prime Minister. You are all exhausted from the funeral rites for the late emperor. Cong has come here today to express his feelings to you."

"Oh? What do you mean, Your Majesty?"

Jia Cong hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "Sir, Cong has no intention of being involved in government affairs."

Duan Zhun laughed, his face full of disbelief. Are you trying to trick a three-year-old child?
Jia Cong smiled bitterly and said, "I know that you don't believe me, but time will tell. The world has reached a time of great change that has not happened in a thousand years. If Cong does not step forward and take the helm for the country, I am afraid that the day of national destruction will not be far away."

Duan Zhun looked indifferent and asked, "Are you talking about firearms?"

"No, I'm talking about the Industrial Revolution," said Jia Cong.

"What is the Industrial Revolution?" Duan Zhun asked curiously. He had never heard of this new term. (End of this chapter)