Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Three days later, the full text of the "Draft Constitution of the Great Wu" was published in the official gazette, which immediately caused an uproar and became a hot topic.

This matter was hotly discussed by all educated people, from the government to the public, including scholars, teahouses and taverns.

The core idea of ​​the "Draft" is the three separations proposed by Jia Cong, namely: separation between the emperor and the prime minister, separation between the government and the military, and separation between power and law.

The so-called separation of the emperor and the prime minister means that the emperor only serves as the nominal head of state and is no longer responsible for specific government affairs. He only signs and expresses his views on major national affairs.

For example, diplomatic relations, foreign wars, lawmaking, appointment of senior officials, etc., and supervision of the operation of state institutions, and the right to propose the removal of any official.

The power of the prime minister was mainly in the hands of the Grand Council, and six grand secretaries were selected from the governors and ministers of the six ministries in the imperial court. Each term was five years, with a maximum of two terms. They were in charge of the country's political affairs, civil service, finance, diplomacy, etc.

Separation of politics and the military, that is, separation of administrative power and military power. The administrative power belongs to the Grand Council, the six ministries and other government offices, while military affairs are decided by the military, that is, the Generalissimo's Office. However, the Grand Council can exercise checks and balances in the allocation of military funds.

Separation of power and law, that is, separation of administrative power and judicial power, draw some personnel from the three law departments to form new highest judicial institutions - the Supreme Court of Dawu and the Supreme Procuratorate of Dawu. They do not participate in practical affairs, but are fully responsible for supervising the trial of major and difficult cases. They are only responsible to the emperor and are not under the jurisdiction of the Grand Council.

The nine chief justices are nominated by the court, serve for life, and are responsible for life.

The draft stipulates that the most powerful institution in the court, the Great Wu Ruling Council, will be established, which will be composed of members from the Grand Council, the General's Office, various ministries and agencies, provincial governors, commanders of various camps in the capital, nobles and aristocrats in the capital, and princes of the royal family, totaling more than 300 people.

They have the power to revise and promulgate laws, recommend or dismiss generals, military ministers, chief justices, etc. If the emperor is immoral, they even have the power to depose or enthrone him.

This is also the biggest controversial point between the government and the public. The matter of deposing and enthroning has always been done by traitors and treacherous ministers, but now it is openly written into the law. Do we still need the system of king-king, minister-minister, father-father, and son-son?

At the court meeting, Jia Cong looked at the ministers who were discussing the matter and said, "My fellow ministers, the draft is based on the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, so it stipulates the matter of deposing and enthroning.

Mencius said, "I have heard of the execution of a man named Zhou, but I have never heard of the killing of a monarch." It can be seen that in his mind, if the emperor is a monarch like Jie and Zhou, not to mention deposing him, even killing him would be a matter of great satisfaction to the people, so why not?"

All the ministers were terrified and looked at each other, not daring to express their opinions. The idea that the emperor is the leader of his ministers had been ingrained in them for decades, and it was impossible to change it all at once.

Jia Cong added: "Don't think that deposing and enthroning an emperor is treason, that is a big mistake.

The draft clearly states that if an emperor fails to fulfill his moral duty, whether to depose or enthrone him should be proposed jointly by the Grand Council and voted on by the ruling parliament.

If a new king is to be appointed, a person with both talent and virtue must be selected from the royal family's close relatives to hold the reins of power.

This is a matter of public discussion, not the work of Xing Cao and Mang. What they are doing is also for the benefit of the country and the people, not the personal gain of one person. If the emperor can be deposed, who else can't be deposed?

In this way, all officials in the world will be alerted and know that if the emperor breaks the law, he will be punished just like the common people. No one in the world can be above the law. Therefore, this law is a good law for the world to be governed by the holy emperor for all eternity! "

Duan Zhun was the first to express his opinion, saying, "Your Highness is right. I deeply agree with you."

"We second this motion." Except for Chen Ji, the other major military officials all expressed their opinions in unison.

The "Draft" was originally drafted by them, so how could they oppose themselves? Moreover, the "Draft" itself greatly strengthened the power of civil servants. The ministers gradually came to their senses and decisively chose the latter between maintaining imperial power and their own interests.

"We second the motion." All the civil and military officials bowed together.

"The draft is submitted to the Empress Dowager for review." Jia Cong smiled slightly. The draft has been in preparation for nearly ten years. He has absolute confidence that no one can stop it.

In the Yangxin Palace, the Empress Dowager was almost furious when she saw the treasonous draft that was sent to her, and her teeth were chattering. She had endured humiliation all these years just in the hope of waiting until Sun Du came of age and taking back the imperial power.

I didn't expect that just when I saw a glimmer of hope, Jia Cong would do this. He cut off the source of the trouble and wanted to completely undermine the imperial power. Is this world still owned by the royal family?

"Call Prince Jing!" The Empress Dowager spat out a few words coldly through her teeth.

"Call Prince Jing." The eunuch hurried to convey the order.

"Your son pays his respects to the Queen Mother." Jia Cong walked into the Palace of Tranquil Longevity.

The Empress Dowager is now nearly sixty years old. There are many white hairs mixed in with her black hair. Wrinkles have appeared at the corners of her eyebrows and eyes. Her cheeks are gradually sagging. She has long lost the charm of her former middle-aged woman.

Jia Cong sighed secretly. Time is like a knife, and it is always a pity to see a beauty grow old.

The Empress Dowager's eyes were still sharp as she examined Jia Cong and said, "Prince Jing, what does this Draft Constitution of the Great Wu mean?"

Jia Cong said: "My mother, I am here for the prosperity of our country and the eternal life of our royal family."

"So the emperor should be a puppet?" The Empress Dowager sneered.

Jia Cong said: "My mother, please forgive me. It is not that I am disobedient. Times have changed. Otherwise, the country will not be able to continue.

If we stick to the old ways, our dynasty will be no more prosperous than the Han and Tang dynasties. We may seem strong for a time, but where are the Han and Tang dynasties now? Where are the Liu and Li families?
Even the so-called prosperity of the Han and Tang dynasties pales in comparison to the present Celestial Empire."

The Empress Dowager sighed, "I understand that you have a heart for the country and the people, but when the imperial power falls into the hands of others, how can the local clans and military leaders not have dissenting ideas? This is the source of chaos in the country.

Now you are conquering the east and the west, with unparalleled power and the whole world following you. Du'er is young and inexperienced and has no prestige at all. Why don't I order him to abdicate the throne to you? This will be in accordance with the will of heaven and the people.

I believe that under your leadership, the Celestial Empire will not only maintain its prosperity, but will also surpass the Han and Tang dynasties, which will also be a good thing for the people."

Jia Cong knew that she was testing him, so he smiled and said, "Mother, if I wanted to be the emperor, why would I have to wait until now?

Even if I, as a son, have the audacity to accept the praise from my mother and do not bring down the country, who can guarantee that my sons and grandsons will not be foolish and cruel rulers?
Since the First Emperor, every dynasty has lasted for a maximum of two to three hundred years. How can our dynasty be an exception?

Rather than sticking to the old ways and living in mediocrity, it is better for us to start making radical changes from our generation. I think the situation will not be any worse than before."

The Empress Dowager sneered, "The Draft clearly states that you, the first general, will be appointed for life, without term limits. Isn't this like an uncrowned king? An emperor who doesn't wear a dragon robe?"

Jia Cong said: "My Queen Mother, please forgive me. It is not that I am greedy for power, but this method is too shocking. If Cong leaves after serving two terms, I am afraid that someone will intend to restore the throne.

After all, there will be people who dream of becoming an "emperor", not to mention now, I'm afraid there will be people like this in a hundred or two hundred years.

Gu Cong did not dare to give up easily, and had to see this method open people's minds and plant the idea in people's minds that "the world does not necessarily need an emperor." "

"You think long-term." The Empress Dowager obviously didn't believe it and thought that Jia Cong was just trying to stage a coup with sweet words.

Jia Cong had been prepared for this, and said, "I have already told Du Ge'er the other day to go out of the palace in plain clothes after the New Year and tour the country, so that he can see the world and the people under his rule with his own eyes.

When he returns in two or three years, we will resign from our duties as regent and advisers, and he will rule the country himself.

As for my existence, it will inevitably affect the authority of the Constitution, so I will spend the rest of my life guarding the country's sea borders, and will stay far away from the capital. I will not return to the capital without the emperor's order. Please allow me to do so."

The Empress Dowager was startled and asked hurriedly, "Where are you going?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Last year, we snatched Ryukyu from the Dutch with a treaty. It is a huge island, thousands of miles in radius, across the sea from Fujian. It is strategically located and has a strong presence in the South China Sea. Cong has ordered people to build a city and a mansion on the island, and will leave after the New Year."

Is Jia Cong exiling himself? The Empress Dowager looked him up and down and said, "Prince Jing, the world cannot be without a ruler. If you stay away from the capital, what if something unexpected happens in the capital..."

Jia Cong shook his head and smiled, "If the Constitution can be implemented, the emperor will no longer have the power to make laws, and what changes can there be in the capital? Who would still want to rebel and become a figurehead emperor?
It is precisely because of this that the imperial family can truly last for thousands of years and be respected by people. This is the case with Japan. Their emperor has been passed down for more than 2,000 years and is known as the eternal dynasty. This is precisely for this reason. Queen Mother, don't worry.

As for the army, with Cong here, I think no one would dare to attack."

"Are you really determined to leave?" asked the Empress Dowager.

Jia Cong nodded and said, "Without a leader, the world will be blessed. With Cong in the capital, it is inevitable that everyone will be tied up and have to consider my opinion in everything, and the Military Affairs Office will also find it difficult to fully display its talents.

After Cong left, it gave everyone a chance to display their talents.

Don't worry, mother. Although Cong is not in the capital, he will always keep an eye on this place to see whether the Constitution is good or bad. If there are any shortcomings, we will revise it. "

The Empress Dowager sighed and said, "If that's the case, let's do it this way."

The situation was stronger than the person. Jia Cong was already being polite by not rebelling and becoming emperor, and she could do nothing about it.

"Thank you for your grace, my queen mother. Our country will prosper for thousands of years to come, and your wisdom will surely go down in history."

Jia Cong bowed and said, then changed the subject: "As long as I am not burdened by Chen's selfish interests. After all, my mother is the Grand Empress Dowager of the National Dynasty, not the daughter of Chen."

The Empress Dowager rolled her eyes at him and said, "You are now lecturing me."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I dare not, but after the implementation of the Constitution, all military ministers must be recommended by the ruling parliament. With Uncle Chen's talent, virtue and merits, he may not be popular.

I hope your mother won’t mind then. After all, the imperial court is permanent, but officials come and go. It’s a common thing.”

The Empress Dowager naturally knew that most of the members of the ruling council were civil servants, and it was natural for civil servants to suppress relatives by marriage. It was inevitable that Chen Ji would lose the election.

Yin said: "This is how the literati truly rule the world."

Jia Cong knew that she was unwilling to accept it, so he advised her, "Mother, you might as well be more open-minded. You and Du Ge'er are like the head of the family, and the scholar-officials are like the shopkeepers.

No matter how well the shopkeeper manages the business, he is ultimately working for the royal family.

Besides, the emperor also has the power to appoint and propose the removal of the Grand Secretary. If you don't like someone, you don't need to seal the result of the imperial election. You can just send it back and order them to re-elect."

The Empress Dowager felt better, thinking that this was quite a lot of power, so she smiled and said, "You are really good at comforting people."

Jia Cong said: "I am not trying to comfort you with empty words. Brother Du is young and inexperienced, and he does not know how unpredictable and treacherous the world is.

In recent years, the Queen Mother has been busy supervising state affairs and stabilizing the political situation, so Cong can feel at ease even though he is thousands of miles away."

After hearing what he said, the Empress Dowager began to believe that he had no intention of treason, so she asked, "After you leave, if there is an emergency in the court, who can be used?"

Jia Cong said, "Niu Jizong. I have already told him that if there is any crisis in the future that threatens the royal family and the court, the queen mother will directly order him to quell the rebellion. The hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the Beijing camp must work together to defend the royal family and the court."

The Empress Dowager nodded and said, "No wonder you let Niu Jizong command the Beijing army. It was a good move."

Now Jia Cong has reorganized the General's Mansion, which is divided into the Beijing Military Department, Border Military Department, Navy Department, Local Garrison Department, Internal Affairs Department, Ordnance Department, Personnel Department, General Staff Department, Intelligence Department, and Military Industry Department.

The chief officer of each department was called a governor, and they were not subordinate to each other but were directly responsible to the general. This not only strengthened the authority of the general, but also clearly divided the powers, and supervised and checked each other to prevent the general from abusing his power.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "If I have achieved some success, it is all because of your mother's good teaching."

The Empress Dowager laughed and scolded: "You are more clever than a monkey when you are covered with fur, so I am too lazy to teach you."

"Take care, mother. I will take my leave."

"You are going to Ryukyu, the journey is long and arduous, so you should take good care of yourself. Don't act recklessly just because you are young and strong. You should be more serious in your boudoir." The Empress Dowager also said with concern.

Jia Cong's face turned red, and he said hurriedly, "Thank you for your concern, mother. I understand. By the way, I want to take my elder sister with me so that we can reunite as a family. Please allow me to do so."

"This...there is no such precedent in the palace." The Empress Dowager hesitated.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "There are many concubines in the palace. Losing one is not a big deal. Just treat her as having died of illness."

The Empress Dowager glared at him and said, "Forget it, I'll do as you say. Princess Yuan is so lucky that you care about her and she can go home and spend her old age in peace."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Mother, you don't have to envy my elder sister. Isn't Du always by your side?

If you miss Chi Ge'er, I will transfer him back. Now that the situation in the Western Region has stabilized, he can get away."

The Empress Dowager shook her head and said, "He has his sights set on the battlefield, so let him go." How could she be so foolish as to let her own son command a powerful army?

Jia Cong said: "In the future, members of the royal family can also study and join the army. As long as they have the ability, they can be a civil servant or a general."

"Really?" said the Empress Dowager.

Jia Cong said: "Of course, provided he is truly capable. So, mother, you don't have to worry about Chi'er's future. With his merits, he will have a place to stand in the Western Regions or in the court."

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "That's fine. If he comes back, what official position will you give him?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "How about letting him command the border troops?"

The Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction. The Border Army Department was in charge of millions of border troops and was definitely a powerful department. She said, "This unbridled horse has been weak outside for more than ten years. It's time for it to come back."

"My son, I obey."

The Empress Dowager looked at Jia Cong with a complicated expression and said, "You are a great general, but you have to go to an island to guard the border. It's hard for you. How can the girls in your family bear it?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Don't worry, mother. The scenery in the south is very interesting. If they are not used to the climate, they can take a boat back to Jinling to rest. This will help me maintain my health."

The Empress Dowager sneered and said, "You are quite open-minded. You can just get rid of them and mess around. After all, you are the most romantic and talented man in the world, so you don't lack beauties."

Jia Cong said hurriedly: "Cong has long since turned over a new leaf, washed his hands of the world, and left the world of women. His past fame has long since become a thing of the past."

The Empress Dowager smiled and shook her head, looking unconvinced, and then asked, "How can I inform you if there is an emergency in the future?"

Jia Cong said, "Cong will order the Jurchen warriors to set up a liaison station with eagles in the palace. If there is any emergency in the capital, the message can be sent by Saker Falcon, and it will reach Ryukyu in a few days."

"It turns out to be a Saker Falcon. No wonder you are always well-informed and one step ahead of others." The Empress Dowager sighed.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "This is what I paid for with my body, so I have to give something in return."

"Go away, you are so outspoken. Go away quickly." The Empress Dowager scolded with a smile.

"My son, please retire."

The next day, the Empress Dowager signed the "Draft Constitution of the Great Wu" and issued an edict, ordering all subjects in the world to comply with it.

This law is known in history as the Yongkang Constitution. It is hailed as the harbinger of the Celestial Empire's escape from feudal imperial rule and entry into modern political civilization. It is also another indelible political legacy of Jia Cong's regency career.

However, while later historians affirmed the progressiveness of the law, they also criticized it for its class limitations, which protected the interests of the elite in governing the country and did not give the general public too many political rights.

Scholars and aristocratic families are still the ruling class and the privileged class, and the common people are still the ruled class. Jia Cong does not know this. Even if he knew, he would probably just laugh it off.

After more than a month, Jia Cong saw that the situation in the capital was stable, and all the important officials recommended by the court had been elected. As expected, Chen Ji was not elected.

Duan Zhun, Jiang Feng and others were old and wanted to resign, but after Jia Cong persuaded them with the bait of "being enshrined in the Taimiao", they decided to fight for one more term to achieve a stable transition of the Constitution.

In the spring of the eleventh year of the Yongkang reign, Jia Cong submitted a petition to resign from the post of regent and requested to move to Ryukyu to permanently guard the coastal areas. The emperor did not allow it.

After he declined three times, the Empress Dowager finally issued an edict to agree and gave Jia Cong half of the emperor's ceremonial guards to honor his merits.

That evening, Jia Cong returned home after leaving the government office.

Chu Chan was directing the maids, daughters-in-law, and old women to pack up. When she saw him come in, she greeted him and said with a smile, "The house has been packed up almost completely. The heavy things have been moved onto the boat first. There are still some light things left. We will take them on board tomorrow."

Jia Cong looked at the much emptier mansion and felt reluctant to leave. He sighed, "It's time to go."

Chu Chan smiled and said, "Cong'er is reluctant to leave the prosperous city again?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "What I am reluctant to part with is not the prosperity, but the little things I have achieved over the years from scratch.

Who would have thought that the unfavored bastard from the East Courtyard would be favored by the elder sister? This is the wonder of fate. "

Chu Chan smiled and said, "I think your lament about me is fake, but your lament about Miss Bao and Miss Lin is real."

Jia Cong laughed, put his arm around her plump waist, and said, "It's all the same. Going to Ryukyu, we're far away from the turmoil in the capital. Fighting with the barbarians won't make me lonely."

"How can the barbarians be a match for Cong'er?" Chu Chan whispered in his ear.

Fairy, how can you still seduce people when you are over 30 years old? Jia Cong's heart was moved, and he said with a smile: "To fight against foreign aggressors, we must first stabilize the country. I will fight with my sister tonight."

Chu Chan covered her mouth and smiled: "Why not call Lan Wei and Qian Ning, I have wanted to ask them for advice a long time ago."

Jia Cong laughed in silence and said, "They told me the same thing. It seems that you two really appreciate each other as heroes."

Chu Chan smiled sweetly with a smug look on her face. In terms of the "professional qualities" of being a fairy, she was the only one in the mansion who dared to challenge Lan Wei, Yu Qianning and other leaders of the family.

At this time, Liu Wuer came in and saw Jia Cong hugging Chu Chan intimately, and turned away with a red face. Chu Chan pushed Jia Cong and whispered, "Someone is here."

Jia Cong looked up and said with a smile, "What's the matter, Wu'er?"

Liu Wuer then turned around and presented a letter, saying, "Just now the boy at the second gate came to report that Mr. Pang had left, leaving only a letter behind."

Jia Cong was startled, let go of Chu Chan, and asked, "Where did you go, sir?"

Liu Wuer shook her head and said, "I don't know."

Jia Cong quickly opened the letter and read it, then sighed, "Mr. Pang has resigned and returned home."

Chu Chan comforted him, "Now that Cong'er has accomplished his mission, and Mr. Pang has reached the age of 50, if he retires now, it will surely be a good story in history of harmony between the monarch and his subjects."

Jia Cong took a deep breath and said, "That being said, I still have to see Mr. Pang off."

Yin walked out quickly and shouted, "Prepare the horses!"

The Qianli Yizhandeng, which had not flown for many years, showed no signs of aging at all. It seemed to sense Jia Cong's eagerness, and it neighed and galloped without the need for a whip, flashing across Chang'an Street like a flash of white lightning.

"Open the city!" Jia Cong pointed at the soldiers guarding the city and shouted.

Chaoyang Gate had been locked, but suddenly someone was about to leave the city. The gate officer was about to yell at him, but when he looked up, he saw the man wearing a dragon robe and looking very majestic. It was Prince Jing. He was so scared that he knelt down and kowtowed, and then hurriedly asked people to lift the barricades and open the city gate.

When he looked up again, Jia Cong had already left at lightning speed.

Under the moonlight, Jia Cong just arrived at Tongzhou Wharf and happened to meet Pang Chao getting off the carriage and about to board the ship.

"Sir, please stay!" Jia Cong shouted.

When the people who were accompanying him saw him coming in person, they hurriedly bowed down.

Pang Chao was stunned, obviously not expecting Jia Cong to chase him, and hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Highness, why do you have to do this?"

Jia Cong stepped forward and took his hand to board the boat, saying with a smile: "Don't be alarmed, sir, Cong is here to see you off.

In the past, the teacher told me the story of 'Xiao He chasing Han Xin under the moon', and today 'Jia Cong seeing the teacher off under the moon' can also be passed on to future generations."

Pang Chao was filled with inexplicable emotion and said, "Your Majesty loves me so much that I... am ashamed to face the world."

Jia Cong went into the cabin with him and sat down, saying, "Mr. You have worked hard to assist Cong for many years, and your contribution is immeasurable. Now you are leaving just like when you came, without adding a single person or silver ounce. Mr. is a bright and upright man, with clean hands. How can Cong feel at ease?"

Pang Chao laughed and said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. The reason I left the seclusion in the past was because Your Majesty had great ambitions and this is a gift from heaven to help me realize my ambitions. How could it be for money?

Now that the prince has completed his merits and virtues, Chao is also old and frail, and it is time for him to retire to the mountains and forests, enjoy his grandchildren, and write books for pleasure. Isn't it a good thing for everyone to be at peace with themselves?"

Jia Cong was touched. He held Pang Chao's skinny hand and said, "Sir... Cong knows that all good things must come to an end. It's just that we have to part so suddenly. I feel sad and ashamed. You have helped me a lot, but I have nothing to repay you."

Pang Chao waved his hand and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, you worry too much. I have gained your trust, and you listen to my words and treat me with kindness. You have not let my lifelong learning go to waste. This is the greatest grace.

Compared with Kong Ming, Chao is already much luckier. I have nothing more to ask for in this life. Please focus on national affairs and don't think about Chao. "

Jia Cong nodded, was silent for a moment, and said, "Pen and ink are ready."

The boy next to him hurriedly brought paper and pen.

Jia Cong thought for a moment, then slowly wrote a poem, stamped it with his personal seal, and said, "Today we are parting, Cong has nothing to give you, so I'll just write this poem as a souvenir."

Pang Chao took it with both hands and praised it repeatedly: "Good words, good words. It is an honor to receive a poem from the prince."

Jia Cong sighed, ordered someone to bring wine, and drank three cups with Pang Chao. He then took off the mutton-fat jade pendant with the word "Jing" carved in it from his waist and handed it to Pang Chao.

"Sir, you come from a family of scholars and scholars. I think your family is full of talented people. If your family has a genius in the future, you can recommend him with this information, and Cong will certainly use him. If Cong is gone, the successor will also use him."

Pang Chao hurriedly took it with both hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous gift."

This jade pendant, representing Prince Jing's authority, was equivalent to a talisman given by Jia Cong to the Pang family. It was more useful than a red-lettered iron certificate, and it symbolized the inseparable personal relationship between the Pang and Jia families.

If used, it will be enough to make the Pang family prosperous for decades. If not used, it will be enough to keep the family safe and no one will dare to offend.

Jia Cong stood up, bowed and said, "Have a safe journey, sir. Cong is leaving now."

"Thank you for your good words, Your Highness. Take care." Pang Chao saw him off the boat.

Jia Cong did not waste any time. He jumped on his horse, shouted "Go", and quickly disappeared into the night.

Pang Chao watched Jia Cong go away, sighed, turned back to board the ship, looked at the piece of paper on the table, thought about the past, and finally couldn't hold back his tears.

Poem: Telling the True Feelings - Farewell to Pang Gongzai

When I was loyal to my country, I was not afraid of being beheaded. Now that the world has been settled, who will protect the country? My career is not yet completed, my body is tired, and my hair is gray. How can people like you and me abandon our long-cherished wishes to waste?
The next day, Jia Cong and his family set off south, preparing to go to Jinling to pick up Baochai, Daiyu and others, and then settle in Ryukyu. Yuanchun was concerned about Baoyu and her old father, and wanted to stay in Jinling for a long time, and Jia Cong did not force her.

At the Tongzhou wharf, all the prominent officials, nobles, and clan members in the capital came to see him off, crowding the wharf. All the outsiders were driven away by the Jinyiwei.

Jia Cong drank a glass of wine with the military officials and said with a smile: "My dear ministers, the important affairs of the court are handed over to you. Cong is a military man, so it would be better for him to go to Southeast Asia to guard the border. This way, he can be put to good use."

Duan Zhun said: "Your Highness does not care about fame or gain, and is unparalleled in loyalty and righteousness. You are a true patriot! Please accept our respect." After saying this, he lifted his clothes and bowed down.

Everyone followed suit and bowed down, and suddenly there was a large crowd of people kneeling on the dock.

Jia Cong hurriedly helped Duan Zhun, who was over seventy years old, to his feet and said, "Mr. Leng Shi, please stand up quickly. How can Cong be worthy of such a great gift?"

Duan Zhun stood up and sighed, "Since ancient times, it is easy to succeed but difficult to retire. The reason why I admire you is not because of your achievements, but because you were not blinded by power, fame and wealth after your success. You resolutely retired from the country for the sake of the country for thousands of years. You are truly a sincere gentleman and a role model for officials all over the world.

With Your Highness’s example, I think from now on, no one will dare to covet power and position.”

Jia Cong said with a smile: "Cong has received too much from the country for his whole life. How dare he ask for more? Now I can do my best for the country, which is also a happy thing in my life. Leng Shigong is overpraising me."

After saying this, he bowed to everyone and said, "My dear colleagues, it's getting late, please go back. Don't delay your official duties for me."

"Your Highness will be seeing you off before you return." Everyone bowed.

Jia Cong nodded, bowed to the military officials, and then looked at the generals, saying: "Military affairs should be handled according to the old rules. If there are any disputes that are difficult to resolve, report to me."

"We will obey the prince's orders." The generals said hurriedly.

Wang Ziteng said: "Your Highness, don't worry. I will send people to present important matters in the army to Your Highness in a timely manner for your instructions and implementation." Now he is in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, responsible for supervising various departments and acting as Jia Cong's eyes and ears.

Jia Cong said goodbye to old acquaintances such as Xue Pan, Feng Yuan, Zhong Xin, Xu Qing and others one by one. Just as he was about to turn around and board the ship, he suddenly saw Wen Zhen and Zhuang Qing coming forward, followed by several captains, pushing a large cage covered with black cloth.

The two men greeted each other, and Zhuang Qing lifted a corner of the black cloth and said, "Your Majesty, please tell me what to do with these two dogs."

When the people around saw this, they were all frightened and turned their heads away.

It turned out that there were five or six big dogs in the cage, and two naked "human pigs" with purple scars all over their bodies. Their hands and feet were broken at the elbows and knees, their genitals were castrated, their ears were pierced and deafened, their eyes were gouged out, and their tongues were cut off. They were lying weakly in the cage with deathly pale faces.

Jia Cong took a look, a hint of a sinister smile appeared on his lips, and he said, "I almost forgot about my old friend. How do you usually serve him?"

Zhuang Qing said, "Your Highness, I ordered my men to give them a minor punishment every three days and a major punishment every five days to ensure that their internal organs and lives are not harmed. I also found several fierce dogs to serve them, considering that they like to be submissive to others."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Very well, let's lock them up in the prison and let them live a long life."

"I humble my duty and obey the decree."

After all matters were settled, Jia Cong flung his cloak and boarded the ship. Standing on the deck, he waved and said, "Everyone, please go back. I am leaving now."

Everyone knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your Highness, we respectfully send you off."

Jia Cong waved his hand, turned back to the cabin, and watched the crowd on the dock gradually dwindle, and he couldn't help feeling a little melancholy.

Goodbye, Shenjing.

Seeing that he was in a depressed mood, the girls gathered around him to try to comfort him.

Jia Cong glanced at everyone and said with a smile, "I'm fine, I just feel a little sad because I think it will be hard for me to go back to Ningrong Street and Grand View Garden.

Fortunately, you are by my side, otherwise I would really think that everything in the past was just a dream." Then he went over and hugged Miaoyu.

Ruyi smiled and said, "That's not difficult. When we get to Ryukyu, we can order people to build a Ningrong Street according to the layout of the two mansions and the garden."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Good idea. From now on, we can do whatever we want."

Miaoyu spat, "Do you want to be a tyrant?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "You ladies are so virtuous that I cannot faint even if I want to."

All the girls laughed.

Chu Chan smiled and said, "Now I finally understand the importance of 'supervision' that Cong'er mentioned."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "That's right. With your constant advice, I can live a few more years. As the saying goes, 'A virtuous wife will protect her husband from misfortune.'"

"It's good that you know." Ruyi snorted.

Driven by the steam engine, the ship moved very fast. A few days later, Jia Cong and his party arrived in Jinling, picked up Baochai, Daiyu and others, and continued to sail south along the coastline.

Blowing in the salty sea breeze and gazing at the magnificent scenery of the sea and sky meeting each other and the boundless blue waves, the girls gathered together, all of them were overjoyed, and gathered in groups of three or five to enjoy the sea view.

Jia Cong leaned lazily on the recliner, looking at the happy faces of the girls, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. The scene before him was his greatest achievement since he traveled through time.

Sister Feng came out of the cabin and saw that he was fine, so she came over and sat beside him, smiling, "Second sister, third sister, fourth sister and Xiuyan sister sent a message saying that they will come to see us after we are settled."

"Okay." Jia Cong smiled and nodded.

Under his auspices, Sanchun and others got married several years ago. Yingchun married Su Can, Tanchun married Zhao Lingkong, Xichun married Niu Dabao, the legitimate son of Niu Jizon, and Xiuyan married Xue Ke. They all got what they wanted and lived happily together.

"Where are Ruyi, Baochai, Pin'er and the others?" Jia Cong glanced around and suddenly found that a few people were missing.

Sister Feng smiled and said, "I just heard them talking about the Constitution in the cabin."

Jia Cong was surprised and asked, "They also care about this? I'll go and take a look." Then he stood up and went in.

Seeing the three of them discussing something, Jia Cong smiled and said, "If I had known that you were interested in the Constitution, I should have listened to your opinions first."

Ruyi said proudly: "That's right, do you think we are all like you, ignorant and incompetent?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Yes, yes, I wonder what the three talented ladies think?"

Daiyu smiled and said, "Let's not talk about this for now. We were just guessing a mystery that was related to you. Now I suddenly understand that metaphysics has its own mysteries."

Jia Cong hurriedly asked what happened.

Baochai smiled and said, "Do you still remember the four lines of comments the Imperial Observatory gave you when you got married? Now that I think about it, every line hits the nail on the head."

Jia Cong was stunned and said, "Comment? It seems like there is such a thing, I forgot about it a long time ago."

Daiyu said, "The first line is 'Don't say there is no rain in the spring', which is in response to the Nan'an Concubine's attempt to make the third sister a vassal and to use her luggage as a substitute for a dead peach. At that time, the third sister burst into tears."

Jia Cong thought for a moment, nodded, and said, "What's the second sentence?"

Baochai said, "The second line, 'Beware of the cold weather in June,' refers to the fact that my elder sister was framed for causing chaos in the imperial palace, and it was a leap month in June."

"That's right, the third sentence?" Jia Cong asked.

"When the clouds disperse and the stars appear, it naturally means that you have put down the rebellions of Huo, Dong and Dai Quan and established a new king. It is like clearing away the dark clouds in the sky. Loyal ministers and good generals will return to their positions like stars and make great achievements." Ruyi said.

Jia Cong clapped his hands and laughed, "That's quite fitting. The court is now full of talented people. Those who are just filling in the gaps will definitely not be able to make it. Do you want to make achievements? There has never been a greater achievement in history, so it's not really self-boasting."

Daiyu smiled and said, "The fourth line, 'The wind is calm and the waves are calm all over the world', is it not appropriate for this moment?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "That's right. The peace of the world is only temporary. Since it is an ocean, it will eventually be turbulent. I have my own magic needle to calm the sea. No matter how turbulent it is, I can subdue it."

Although the third girl had already become a mother, she was still very thin-skinned. When she heard this, her face turned slightly red and she spat, "You dirty thing."

Jia Cong was stunned, spread his hands and smiled bitterly: "Who is the obscene one?"

"It's you." The three women said in unison.

"Well, a good man doesn't fight with a woman." Jia Cong stood up and was about to leave.

"Come back." The three girls said in unison.

"Why? Is it disadvantageous to bully my Dinghai Shenzhen?" Jia Cong asked.

Ruyi spat, "Pah. Let's talk business."

"What's the matter?"

"Every country has its own laws, and every family has its own rules. You promote the Constitution in the court, so we should also have a Constitution at home." Ruyi said.

Jia Cong's heart skipped a beat and he laughed dryly, "What do you mean by that?"

"What I mean is that now that there are more people in the family, some rules should be established. So the three of us have just agreed on a set of family rules." Ruyi said.

Jia Cong asked cautiously: "What is the main point of this method?"

"Of course it's to maintain a clean and upright family tradition, so that the family can be harmonious, the descendants can make progress, and the servants can be polite." Daiyu smiled with her hands covering her mouth.

Jia Cong breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It should be so. Thank you, three good wives."

Ruyi's eyes flashed with cunning, and she said, "Of course, I'm just afraid that you, the great general, won't agree."

Jia Cong quickly expressed his opinion, saying: "Since it is for the sake of my family, why shouldn't I agree?"

"Okay, listen carefully. The first rule is that from now on, you are not allowed to accept new people without the approval of the three of us." Ruyi said.

"Okay." Jia Cong agreed immediately.

"The second rule is that from now on, unless there are special circumstances, you are not allowed to summon more than two sisters to sleep with you." Baochai said.

Jia Cong thought for a moment and said, "Well, a steady stream of success is good."

"The third rule is that you must fast for seven days every month and you are not allowed to have sex with your sisters." Daiyu said.

Jia Cong took a deep breath and finally came to his senses. He said, "Didn't they say that this is a rule for the family? Why does it sound like they are controlling me?"

Baochai pursed her lips and said, "Cong'er, you are the head of the family, so you should set an example first."

Jia Cong said with a bitter face: "Okay. May I ask how many laws you have in total?"

Ruyi smiled evilly and said, “Now I have drafted 9981 items, 8864 of which are specially tailored for you.

Hehe... when the draft is finalized, we can ask the sisters to "recommend it in court". This is the spirit of the Constitution. You won't object, right?"

Jia Cong's face turned pale, and he suddenly thought of a phrase - "tyranny of the majority". He looked miserable, not knowing whether he was worried or afraid. (End of this chapter)