Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

"Forget it. Next time when the international students gather in Beijing, book an inn for them to stay in, and the Ministry of Revenue will pay for the necessary expenses." Jia Cong waved his hand.

"I obey your order. Your Highness loves the people like his own children. I am ashamed to face you." Kong Yanghua bowed hurriedly.

Jia Cong sneered, "Let's not talk about that. Look at what these children are wearing. Are they going to cross the ocean to the Western Barbarians like this?

The barbarians are not laughing at our Celestial Empire for having no people, but sending so many beggars to study? Where is the dignity of our Empire? ! What crime should you be punished for being so ignorant and inattentive? ! "

Hearing his voice getting harsher, Kong Yanghua panicked and fell to his knees, kowtowed and said, "I failed to watch out for this. I will ask someone to fix it right away. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Jia Cong knew that he was Jiang Feng and Feng Yuan's man, so he didn't want to blame him.

Yin said calmly, "All tailor shops and clothing stores in the city are not allowed to accept other business. Also, the Imperial Household Department is required to immediately make and purchase 5,000 sets of clothes, shoes and socks for the students, for spring, autumn, winter and summer. They will be distributed to them tomorrow morning. If you dare to delay again, you can take off your official hat and go back home."

"Yes, yes. I'll do it right away." Kong Yanghua kowtowed quickly, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and left in a hurry.

Several other officials hurriedly called the students over and stood in an orderly manner downstairs of Mingyuan Building. Jia Cong and the other officials stood upstairs, leaning on the railing and looking down. He saw that although these young men came from poor families and were thin, they were full of energy, with bright eyes and full of vitality. He could not help but smile slightly.

"Why don't you pay your respects to the prince?" the official next to him said hurriedly.

"Students pay their respects to His Majesty." The young men knelt down and kowtowed.

"Stand up." Jia Cong raised his hand with a smile.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"You are all children from poor families but are dedicated to studying. It comforts me to see that you are lonely. Do you know why you are gathered here?" Jia Cong said with a smile.

"I know. I'm going to Xiyi to study in accordance with the prince's order." A brave young man said loudly.

Jia Cong smiled and nodded, saying, "Maybe many people don't understand. Our Celestial Empire has its own sage ways, and there are countless books and classics. Why should we go to the barbarians to study? Who can answer me why?"

Another child shouted, "Your Highness, as the Book of Songs says, 'A stone from another mountain can be used to polish jade.' The sage said, 'When three people walk together, there must be one who can be my teacher.'"

Although the barbarians do not know the ways of the sages, they may have some strengths that can be adopted and learned by the Celestial Empire, so we must learn from them.”

"Okay." Jia Cong said with a smile, "That's right. Since we're sending you to learn the knowledge of the Western barbarians, are we going to throw away the things of our ancestors?"

A student replied, "Your Highness, I believe that the Way of the Sages is the foundation of how we conduct ourselves and what we do, and we must not lose it. Western learning can only be used for its application, not as a basis for our practice.

Only if we can make progress in this way can we hope to achieve some success and serve the court in the future."

All the officials twirled their beards, smiled and nodded, feeling very happy. It was a great honor for them to have these students show up in front of the prince.

As expected, Jia Cong was very happy. He turned his head and smiled at everyone, saying, "There are also heroes in poor families."

"It's all thanks to your prince's keen eye that the talent has not been buried." Everyone bowed hurriedly.

Jia Cong looked downstairs and said loudly, "That's right! The teachings of the saints must never be forgotten. Since the court has sent you to the West to study, you should study the Western knowledge diligently.

People have limited time and energy, so how can they take into account both Chinese and Western cultures? Therefore, we must distinguish between the essential and the minor, the unimportant, and the primary and secondary.

In the future, after you have learned Western knowledge, you will not be able to take the imperial examination when you return. However, there are also examinations for Western learning, and those who have learned Chinese knowledge can also become officials and succeed in life.

Therefore, you don’t need to study the Four Books and Five Classics in detail. In my opinion, you only need to remember four words in the sages’ writings to be considered to have read them thoroughly. What are those four words? Loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and righteousness!

"Students will follow the prince's instructions." All the students said in unison.

Jia Cong said: "At the time of parting, I can only give you these four words. I hope you will engrave them in your hearts and never forget them.

When you arrive in the Western Yi country, you must be neither humble nor arrogant, and be polite and decent, so that the Western Yi can see what a person from a superior country is.

If you have any difficulties, you can seek help from the merchant group and the consulate. The monthly tuition of five taels of silver will be paid to you on time. If you can't use it all, you can ask the merchant group to send it back home. "

The students had never seen such a huge sum of money as five taels of silver, and they received it every month. They were so moved that their eyes filled with tears and they all bowed down and kowtowed to express their gratitude.

Jia Cong said: "Get up, everyone. Although you are poor today, you may be able to hold your heads high and bring honor to your family in the future.

The journey is long and full of storms. I will be in a strange country and cannot speak the language. I will definitely suffer a lot, but in my opinion, these are not suffering. What is suffering?
Having high expectations from the public, but wasting time and learning nothing is the real pitiful result of wasting one's life!

He has let down the imperial court, neglected his job, wasted state treasury, and is ashamed to face the people of Jiangdong!

The lack of new learning, the poverty and weakness of the country, and the bullying of others, the loss of rights and humiliation of the people are the real complaints!

I hope you can follow the example of the ancients, sleeping on straw and tasting gall, hanging from the beam and piercing your thighs, holding your breath and studying for the eternal peace of the Celestial Empire!"

The students were overwhelmed with emotion and burst into tears. They all bowed to the ground and choked up, saying, "We will follow the prince's teachings. We will not return until we learn real skills!"

Jia Cong looked at these half-grown children who shouldered important responsibilities, and his heart was filled with emotion. He said, "I believe that you are all good sons of China!
I will never let the court and the people of the world down. Tomorrow you will set off, and I will not come to see you off. When you return home after completing your studies, no matter how windy or rainy it is, I will come to greet you in person!"

"Please rest assured, Your Highness. We will study hard and return home as soon as possible after completing our studies." All the students bowed, with a firmness as strong as iron in their childish eyes.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Very good, come here! Ask the big restaurant in the capital to send wine and meat as soon as possible. I want to have a farewell drink with the students."

"Yes."

"Thank you, Your Highness." All the students laughed in unison. They could finally eat meat.

Jia Cong and the other students were about 60% drunk. After some encouragement, they rode back home leisurely amid the respectful farewell of the officials and students.

Remembering what the Empress Dowager had instructed him to do, he went to the study to discuss with Pang Chao.

When Pang Chao saw him coming, he hurriedly stood up to greet him and asked the boy to bring tea.

Jia Cong told the Empress Dowager what she had said when she entered the palace the day before, and asked, "What do you think, sir?"

Pang Chao nodded slowly and said, "It is indeed inappropriate to keep the Fifth Prince. He should be eliminated as soon as possible."

"Sir, what you mean is..." Jia Cong raised his hand and chopped lightly.

Pang Chao smiled and shook his head: "This is something the Empress Dowager has considered. Killing a bastard's son will not have a good reputation. Even if he is guilty of a heinous crime, I think he will be imprisoned for life. After this period of controversy, let him die of illness or commit suicide."

Jia Cong said: "This is reasonable. This way the Empress Dowager will gain a reputation for being generous and kind. Well, let's get rid of Prince Beijing this time." He smiled coldly.

Pang Chao nodded and said, "The time is almost right." He knew that Jia Cong hated Shui Rong deeply and wanted to get rid of him, so he didn't say much.

As he was talking, Cheng Lingsu suddenly came in and reported, "Master, there is news from Prince Beijing's Palace that he has been in close contact with Princes West and East recently, and has selected a group of archers from the palace's personal soldiers. I don't know where they have been sent. It seems that there is something unusual going on."

Jia Cong sneered: "This time he is targeting me. I haven't touched him yet, but he has set his sights on me.

Since he has such intention, I will not report him for now, and let him get into trouble. If I kill his entire family, no one will have anything to say. Send someone to investigate carefully. Pang Chao twirled his beard and said, "Good, this is a strategy of letting the enemy go in order to catch him."

"Yes."

As soon as Cheng Lingsu left, another personal soldier came to report that Yang Si Niang and Bai Qiuwei had arrived. Jia Cong hurriedly said goodbye to Pang Chao and went out to welcome the two girls to the inner study.

Yang Si Niang glanced at him and said, "Where did you go to have a drink again? Why did you call us here when you were drunk?"

Jia Cong hugged the two girls on his left and right and pulled them to sit on the Luohan bed. He smiled and said, "I had a drink with a group of children at noon today. I was happy and drank a few more cups. My dear wife, give me a kiss."

Bai Qiuwei smiled and put her palm against him, and spat, "Don't bother me with your drunken breath."

Jia Cong turned around helplessly and kissed Yang Si Niang on the face, saying, "I called you here to have some good news. Guess what."

"What news? You have a head full of bad ideas, I can't guess." Yang Si Niang said.

Bai Qiuwei also said: "Don't keep me in suspense. If you have something to say, just say it. I'm still busy."

"Alas, you two are so ignorant of romance that all my love has been wasted." Jia Cong sighed in a pretentious manner.

The two girls laughed when they heard this and said, "There are ladies in the mansion who understand what you mean, why are you looking for us again?"

Jia Cong chuckled and said, "You are martial artists, you have a good physique, and you look heroic, which is unique. I love you very much."

"Bah, that's obscene." Both women blushed.

Jia Cong glanced at the two of them and snorted, "What's obscene? As for Si Niang, she's fine. She's in mourning so it's inconvenient for her to serve.

Wei'er has seen me naked, so why haven't you come to serve me yet? Are you pretending to be stupid if I don't mention it?
You still say that I am a scoundrel. I ate you when I was a scoundrel in Shandong, so how could I let you live until today?"

Bai Qiuwei blushed when she heard this and said angrily, "You are still a prince, but you only know how to bully weak women. I am not related to you, so why should I serve you?

Aren't all these beautiful ladies at home enough? Why are you still bothering me? Can't you just leave me alone?"

"No." Jia Cong waved his hand and said, "I have decided to appoint you two as concubines in consideration of your contributions. What do you think? Will I be good to you?"

Yang Si Niang's eyes lit up when she heard this. She had thought that she could only be a concubine at most, but she didn't expect that Jia Cong would take their old friendship into consideration and give her the title of concubine. She smiled sweetly and looked at Jia Cong.

Bai Qiuwei was stunned, with mixed feelings in her heart, and remained silent.

Jia Cong saw that she looked strange, and asked hurriedly, "What's wrong with Wei'er?"

Bai Qiuwei looked at him timidly and said, "Master, I don't know how to repay your kindness. But I have been wandering around since I was a child, so I am afraid it will be difficult for me to stay in the house and serve you.

I am willing to give up the position of concubine to other sisters, that's all. If you have mercy on me... I am willing to offer you my bed."

After saying this, he lowered his head, not daring to look at Jia Cong, as if he was afraid that he would be angry.

Jia Cong hugged her and laughed, saying, "Wei'er, don't be alarmed. I understand what you mean. Some birds are destined to be caged because every feather of theirs shines with the glory of freedom.

You have your own preferences and ambitions. How can I let you stay in my house and serve me in such a way that you have to submit to humiliation? What's the fun in that?

This is your home, not a prison. You can come whenever you want and leave whenever you want. The door is always open to you."

Bai Qiuwei looked at Jia Cong in disbelief, her heart filled with endless joy, happiness and emotion, which turned into tears in her eyes. He was indeed the man of her life.

"Conglang, you... do you really agree? Why do you treat me like this?" Bai Qiuwei said in a trembling voice.

She had originally planned that if Jia Cong did not agree, she would just be a good wife and mother in the mansion, but she did not expect that he would agree so immediately.

Jia Cong smiled and kissed her on the forehead, saying: "I am such a rare man, you won't find another one like me in the whole world, so I will let Fatini go back to the Western Regions.

So you don't have to worry about being locked up at home if you become my wife. You are not a wild beast or a criminal, so why should I lock you up?

It's just a title. In the future, you and Si Niang will remain the same as now. Besides, I also need you to take care of things outside. The title of concubine is yours, and no one can take it away. Just accept it peacefully."

"Yes." Bai Qiuwei nodded heavily and said, "I am willing to serve you and be at your service in this life and the next." Then she fell into Jia Cong's arms.

Seeing her showing a rare tenderness and charm, Jia Cong couldn't help but put his hand into her clothes and caress her gently.

"Master..." Bai Qiuwei moaned softly and rolled her eyes at him, indicating that Yang Si Niang was still there.

Yang Si Niang smiled and said, "Sister Bai, I won't disturb you. Go outside and have a rest. Call me when you're done."

"Don't leave." Bai Qiuwei blushed and pulled her back, spitting, "Fourth Sister, you dare to embarrass me, don't think I don't know about the good things you did in Shandong."

Yang Si Niang retorted, "You're still talking about me. Didn't you do anything good when you were in Shandong? I'm embarrassed to say anything about you."

The two girls blushed as they thought about the past.

Jia Cong said with a smile: "Don't run away. We are in the capital now, why mention Shandong? But there is an old friend from Shandong in Beijing who would like to invite us to have a drink tonight.

By the way, Qiu Wei will write a few words for him later. Now, take a nap with me."

The two girls were so ashamed that they stood up and tried to escape, but Jia Cong grabbed them one by one.

Yang Bai and the other two were just acting shy. If they really ran away, Jia Cong wouldn't be able to catch them so easily given their skills.

The sun was setting, the clouds had cleared and the rain had stopped. Jia Cong, hugging the two girls, lay on the slightly crowded small bed in the inner study and fell asleep with a look of contentment on his face.

The two girls were inexplicably shy and happy. They were too embarrassed to look at each other. They just closed their eyes and leaned on his shoulders to take a nap to relieve their fatigue.

I don't know how much time passed, but I heard Qingwen's voice: "Madam, please invite the master and the two girls to dinner."

Ah? Overslept again, Jia Cong hurriedly agreed and was about to lift the curtain, but was held tightly by the two women. He shook his head in shame and annoyance.

Jia Cong laughed in silence, and had to withdraw his hand, saying, "I understand. You go first."

"Yes." Qingwen covered her mouth with her hands and smiled, then left with the maid.

"Get up quickly!" When the two girls heard that she had left, they quickly somersaulted off the ground, ignoring Jia Cong and picking up clothes from all around, hurriedly putting them on.

"We are sisters, why should we be so nervous? She is a heroine." Jia Cong said with a smile while sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Bah." The two women spat at him and just focused on getting dressed.

With a soft "pop" sound, a book slipped out of Yang Si Niang's pocket and fell to the ground. (End of this chapter)