Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Chapter 761: Establishing a Government

"What is that?" Jia Cong was confused. He opened it and saw that it was a letter from the Ministry of Rites, respectfully requesting Ruyi to report the names of his wives and concubines so that he could report them to the emperor and confer an imperial decree on him.

Now that Jia Cong has been promoted to the title of king, it is natural that his wives and concubines must also be upgraded. However, how to determine the status of each person is a very important issue.

Whether or not one has a royal title not only affects one's own honor and status, but also directly affects the future of the next generation.

Any virtuous woman can endure being wronged, but it is absolutely unacceptable for her children to suffer wronged for the rest of their lives.

Unless one's own family background is very low, they would be satisfied with just having one child, such as Qianxue, Yuanyang, Jinchuan'er, Ping'er, etc.

"Ministry of Rites, you bastards! When I, Han Xin, recruit soldiers, the more the better. This small number of positions given to me is not even enough to fill the gaps in my teeth!" Jia Cong slammed the note on the table angrily.

Ruyi spat, "According to the rules of the imperial court, the number of wives and concubines of a prince is one principal, two concubines, and four concubines, that is, one principal wife, two concubines, and four concubines. Below them are princesses, concubines, etc., with no fixed number.

Now the Ministry of Rites has given you one principal, four concubines and eight concubines, what else do you want?"

Jia Cong laughed dryly, thinking that Guan Pu knew that there were many women in his family and it would be difficult to support them with the normal staffing, so he asked for an over-staffing. However, even with one main staff, four concubines and eight concubines, it was still not enough.

Daiyu covered her mouth and laughed, "Now you feel a headache? Who made you a playboy, huh?"

Baochai said, "Let the past be forgotten, but we must discuss it carefully now, so as to avoid unrest in the family in the future."

Jia Cong nodded and said, "Yan'er is the principal concubine, there is nothing to say about that. As for the four concubines, Sister Bao and Pin'er are two of them, and the other two...what do you think?"

Ruyi smiled and said, "Sister Chan and Sister Feng are good at managing the household and are capable and successful, which is quite good." It was obvious that Chu Chan and Sister Feng usually flattered her very much.

Baochai smiled and said, "Yun and Yuan are from famous families, not bad either."

Jia Cong nodded slightly and looked at Daiyu again.

Daiyu rolled her eyes at him and said, "You can appoint whoever you want. I don't care about these things."

Jia Cong smiled awkwardly. In terms of ability, Chu Chan and Wang Xifeng were naturally the best. In terms of background, no one could compare to Qin Keqing.

After thinking about it, I really can't make up my mind. Both sides of my hand are made of flesh and blood, and it would not be good to favor either side.

Suddenly, he thought of something and said hurriedly, "Sister Feng was my second sister-in-law after all. If I make a big show of making her my concubine, I'm afraid people will criticize me."

Ruyi sneered: "Don't you always say that we nobles are not those mud-legged turbans, so why do we need such a good reputation? Now that you are a prince, do you know how to cherish your reputation?"

Baochai and Daiyu both smiled shyly.

Jia Cong laughed dryly and said, "Isn't this a different time? My mother has appointed me as the regent, so I have to pay attention to the impact."

Ruyi smiled and said, "It's not a big deal. Chen Ping stole his sister-in-law and received money, but he still became the prime minister. Besides, you are a nobleman, who will care about you?"

Jia Cong's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands and said, "Yan'er's words awakened the dreamer. Cong is imitating the ancient sages. Who dares to say anything about me?"

Baochai and Daiyu spat in unison: "How shameless!"

Jia Cong chuckled and thought further. If there was no problem with Feng Jieer, then there should be no problem with Youshi and Keqing too. He might as well accept them all to avoid trouble in the future.

Ruyi rolled her eyes at him and said, "Who do you want to report?"

Jia Cong thought for a moment and said, "Let's report you three first. Send someone to tell the Ministry of Rites that I haven't made up my mind about the rest. Let them discuss it or ask my mother to be more lenient with regard to the number of names, so as to avoid unrest at home."

Increasing staffing is always the most powerful measure to resolve internal conflicts.

"This way everything will be stable." Baochai said with a smile.

Jia Cong said proudly: "That's right, your husband is really worried about your future and no one knows it."

"Bah, you deserve it." Daiyu spat.

Jia Cong shook his head and smiled bitterly: "When you are in the martial arts world, you have no choice..."

"You little thief, you're still ungrateful after getting the advantage." Ruyi scolded with a smile.

Baochai suddenly remembered something and said, "Cong'er, this year is your coming-of-age anniversary, and you have been crowned a king. We should have a big banquet to celebrate, but we are in mourning at home, so it is not appropriate to have a big party. I think it would be better to invite some old relatives from the noble families to come over for a simple meal, which would also be a nice gesture."

Ruyi and Daiyu both said, "Sister Bao is right. The first step in a husband's marriage is to be crowned. We should celebrate."

According to ancient etiquette, one must put on the cap before completing the formal attire. After completing the formal attire, one’s appearance will be straight, complexion will be harmonious, and speech will be smooth. Therefore, it is said that putting on the cap is the beginning of etiquette.

For a man, the coming of age means he has officially become an adult and entered the Chinese etiquette system. He can marry, have children, and develop his own career.

However, in Feng Yuan's words, these ancestral etiquette and laws have long been almost completely corrupted.

For example, Jia Cong wore a cap and had a courtesy name seven or eight years ago, and had also married wives and concubines a long time ago. The so-called capping ceremony nowadays is nothing more than an excuse to build relationships and establish connections.

"If Sister Bao hadn't reminded me, I would have almost forgotten it." Jia Cong said with a smile.

Baochai said, "The court was busy with the national mourning a few days ago, so how could our family dare to celebrate your birth?"

Jia Cong said, "That's right. We can hold another one now. We won't mention the family mourning anymore. The warm mourning is over."

We have a lot of things to do at home, and the old lady is still alive, so let's have some fun and invite all the important people in the city."

Daiyu said, "I think we should have a banquet for three days. One day in our house will entertain the nobles, one day in the West Mansion will entertain the civil officials, and one day in the garden will be for the sisters to enjoy themselves."

"Okay." Jia Cong hesitated for a moment and asked, "Speaking of entertaining guests, how is Dingyuan Bo's family doing?"

Baochai glanced at him and said softly, "General Feng died to suppress the rebellion, and the wife and granddaughter of Dingyuan were naturally heartbroken. Fortunately, you have preserved General Feng's reputation after his death, and the family's noble title has also been preserved, so there is no complaint."

Jia Cong did not hide the truth from them and had already told them the cause of Feng Ziying's death. Killing one's friends and comrades with one's own hands, no matter what the reason, is never a pleasant thing.

Jia Cong sighed and said, "Ziying has several brothers. Let his family send someone here. Tell Madam Dingyuan that I will submit a petition to request posthumous honors for Ziying to comfort the spirit of the hero in heaven."

Ruyi said: "You don't need to blame yourself too much. This has been the way it has been since ancient times for noble families. Dying in battle and being wrapped in horsehide is a common thing. As long as you die for a good cause and do not bring disgrace to your ancestors, that's enough."

Baochai and Daiyu both followed suit and offered consolation.

Jia Cong forced a smile and said, "You have your reasons. Does Ziying have a son?"

Daiyu shook her head and said, "There are only two concubines."

Jia Cong sighed, "Forget it, it's all fate. Please give me a heavy funeral ceremony."

Daiyu said, "It has been sent over a long time ago."

Jia Cong thought for a moment and said, "Send a separate copy to his two daughters and tell the Feng family that I want to adopt these two girls as my adopted daughters to fulfill our brotherhood."

Baochai smiled and said, "That's good. With your support, I think no one in the Feng family will dare to mistreat the two girls in the future."

"Just chatting to the end of my heart."

"Master, everyone outside has arrived." Cheng Lingsu came in and reported. "Who is it?" Ruyi asked curiously.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "My mother allowed me to open a government office, so naturally I am the one who brought people with me."

The three girls smiled and said, "Then go get busy."

When Jia Cong came out to the main hall, everyone hurriedly stood up and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, I pay my respects to you." With his current status, all the civil and military officials in the court, except for a few university scholars, had to pay him homage.

"Stand up, sit down."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Jia Cong glanced at the crowd and said with a smile: "Many of you are old acquaintances, and there are also two who were transferred to the capital by me, one civil and one military.

This is Yang Ling, the prefect of Songjiang, a man of courage and integrity. This is Peng Cheng, the commander of the Yangzhou Garrison, a man of military knowledge and skill, who dares to take the lead. They are both young talents that I met when I went south to quell the rebellion. You can get close to them in the future."

"I'm Yang Ling (General Peng Cheng), your humble servant, and I'm here to greet you all." The two men hurriedly stood up and greeted everyone.

"You're welcome, both of you."

"In the future, we will serve under the prince together and become brothers in arms."

"I hope Lord Yang and Brother Peng will give me more guidance in the future."

Everyone smiled and returned the greeting.

Jia Cong said, "Today I invite you all here for one thing. The Empress Dowager ordered me to establish a government office and manage the government. In the future, I will inevitably be busy with official duties. Even if Mr. Pang has three heads and six arms, he will not be able to handle it. Therefore, I recruit you to serve as officials in the royal palace. Are you willing to accept the offer?"

Everyone was delighted. Entering this door meant becoming Jia Cong's confidant, and a meteoric rise to fame was just around the corner. Who wouldn't want that?
He hurriedly said, "I am willing to go through fire and water for you, even if I have to die."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Okay, let's not waste any more time. We are all family members from now on. As long as you work hard, you will reap the benefits."

As he spoke, he glanced sideways and brought up a tray with a sword and a seal wrapped in yellow silk inside.

"Mr. Pang, you are a top scholar and a talent who can assist the king. We met when we were both humble. You never looked down on me and condescended to assist me wholeheartedly. I am where I am today because of your filial piety.

I have specially appointed you as the chief historian of the royal palace, concurrently the military advisor and the chief priest, and bestowed upon you the sword and seal, to enforce your orders. But if there are any orders, you must obey them as a whole. "

"Your Highness will obey your command."

Jia Cong stood up, took the tray and gave it to Pang Chao.

Pang Chao's hands trembled slightly as he bowed and took it. He had never expected that after wasting decades, he would finally have the chance to show his talent. With his cultivation, he couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat and his eyes slightly reddened. He said, "I thank the prince for his patronage. I would never repay him even if I were to die."

Jia Cong patted his shoulder and said with a smile: "Sir, you and I are both teachers and friends. Why should we be polite?"

Pang Chao declined and left.

Jia Cong said again: "Yuanba, Dapeng."

"The humble position is here."

"You are the commander of my personal soldiers. You have been with me for a long time. You are loyal and have made many military achievements. I love you very much. You are to lead the military and be responsible for the protection of the palace."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Yang Ling, Fan Ming, you two are quite talented and experienced, so you will be appointed as the chief clerks. Fan Ming will also be in charge of the Jinyiwei mission."

"I thank you, Your Majesty."

"Fu Chengzhi and Wu Xiaolin, you two are both Jinshi graduates, well versed in writing, and have a good relationship with me. You should be promoted to Zhonglang officials."

The two were overjoyed and kowtowed to express their gratitude. From now on, as long as Jia Cong did not fall, their official careers would surely be smooth.

Even though the position of Zhonglang official was not high, it was often said that even the seventh-rank official in front of the prime minister had such power, let alone such close ministers? And how could the prime minister compare to Jia Cong's power?

"Shuangying led his troops to conquer Goryeo, and returned to quell the rebellion in the capital. He made great military achievements and was awarded the title of General Zhengdong."

Yan Shuangying had been tempered by the flames of war and had become much calmer. He was no longer as jumpy as before. He bowed and said, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

"Lei Tai, Kong Xing, Jie Hui, Wang Fei, you are all brave and agile men that I discovered from the prison. You have made great contributions to the country. As the saying goes, heroes are not judged by their origins. I agree with this. I will select people based on their talents. You are appointed as the military commander and concurrently the commander of the Imperial Guard."

The four of them hurried out and said, "We bow down to thank the prince for his grace in giving us a new life."

Jia Cong waved his hand and smiled, "Gold shines everywhere. You are talented and you will have a chance to shine."

"Your Majesty's golden award, I am ashamed of myself."

Jia Cong said: "Everyone, the world is huge, and our country is just a corner! There is still a long way to go in the future, don't be a frog in the well, I hope you will work together to protect the country and fight for hundreds of years of fortune for the great China!"

"The ministers obey the order."

After arranging the personnel, Jia Cong asked again: "Lei Tai, how is the Jinyiwei now?"

Lei Tai reported: "Your Highness, all the Jinyiwei are looking forward to your return to the helm. Wen Zhenfu and other officers are ashamed and regretful for not being able to serve you during the palace ban incident. They hope that your Highness will allow them to come to your house and apologize. Fang Tongzhi is even more frightened day and night, and he is at a loss."

Jia Cong waved his hand and smiled, "This happened suddenly, and it was such a shocking change. It is reasonable that they have not received the emperor's order and it is difficult to make a decision for the time being. How could I blame them?
Just ask them to serve Mr. Huo, the two middle-ranking officials, and Chief Steward Dai. As for Fang Ji, ask him to come see me in two days."

"Yes."

"Shuangying, how do you feel about the attack on Goryeo this time?" Jia Cong asked.

Yan Shuangying took a deep breath and said, "My Lord, after this battle, I finally understand what you mean by 'dimensionality reduction strike'. It is no exaggeration to say that it is unstoppable and overwhelming."

Everyone was confused and asked hurriedly: "General Yan, what is 'dimensionality reduction attack'?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "In terms of literature, it's like Mr. Pang going to a remote county to take the boy's exam; in terms of martial arts, it's like asking Yuanba to beat a three-year-old child. This is 'dimensionality reduction attack'."

Everyone laughed. Wouldn’t this be like a whirlwind that swept away all the enemies?

Yan Shuangying said: "The victory of this battle is entirely due to the prince's foresight and early planning, relying on the advantages of warships and guns. I have no contribution, I just picked up an advantage."

Jia Cong waved his hand and smiled, "Don't be too modest. No matter how good a weapon is, you have to know how to use it. After this battle, I think you have accumulated a lot of experience. In the future, you can take the generals out for training, and then we will have good generals and strong soldiers."

"I will follow the prince's orders." Yan Shuangying said.

After sending everyone away, Jia Cong and Pang Chao went to the study to discuss matters. Pang Chao presented a memorial and said, "This is the new law I drafted. Please review it, Your Majesty."

Jia Cong said with a smile: "Mr. Pang, why are you being so polite? When we meet in private, we should call each other by the old names. That sounds better to me."

Pang Chao shook his head and said, "The present is different from the past. Your Highness now commands all the ministers and governs the country. You should have the dignity of a king. How can you continue to use the old titles? It is not good for both Your Highness and Chao."

(End of this chapter)