Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Chapter 333: The Imperial Court Grants a Phoenix

The test firing of the improved red cannon was successful, adding another powerful military weapon and making Emperor Jiazhao very happy.

He ordered the eunuchs to go to the Linde Hall and give a banquet to Jia Cong and the ministers who participated in the artillery drill.

When the group walked out of the firearms training ground, Prince of Zhao Li Chongmao said a few words to Emperor Jia Zhao, but slowed down a few steps and stood there waiting for Jia Cong to follow.

When Jia Cong saw the King of Zhao stop and stand facing him with a smile, he knew that he was coming for him.

When Jia Cong came closer, the King of Zhao smiled and said, "I have heard that Jia Yuzhang is not only famous for his calligraphy and writing, but also for his two great victories at Yafu Pass and Qingyuanji in Liaodong, and for his extermination of the Jurchens. His military strategy is superior to that of the other three armies.

I have admired him for a long time. Seeing him today, I find his elegance and talent, and his research is even better than what he has been known for. I admire him deeply.”

Jia Cong knew that Emperor Jia Zhao had always been cautious about firearms. Today's trial of the new artillery involved military secrets, and anyone who was allowed to accompany the emperor was a trusted and trusted person.

As the only prince participating in the event, it is clear how important Prince Zhao is in the emperor's heart. The rumors that Prince Zhao is the crown prince are probably true.

Faced with such a person, he would naturally not be negligent, let alone take it too lightly.

Jia Cong replied: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. Last year, Your Majesty defeated tens of thousands of elite troops of the Yuan Chahan tribe in Hezhou and killed Yuwang Temur. This was a battle of great military strategy.

Jia Cong fought several battles in Liaodong, but he just had the advantage of the location and some luck. "

King Zhao laughed and said, "Lord Jia is too modest. You and I both have a common interest in military affairs. We should learn from each other more in the future. Today is our first meeting, so I have no congratulations to offer."

He took off his sword and said, "This is the sword that King Chahanbuyu carried with him. It is said to have been forged by a famous craftsman from Shancheng in the Western Regions. I will use this as a token of my acquaintance."

Jia Cong saw that the long sword was exquisitely designed, with a pigeon egg-shaped ruby ​​inlaid on the blade head and precious jade inlaid on the scabbard. It shone brightly and looked very valuable.

He quickly said modestly: "This is the gift from the prince's victory. It is a precious and famous item. Jia Cong dare not accept it lightly."

Jia Cong was once good friends with Prince Jiashun. Although Prince Jiashun was the younger brother of the current emperor, everyone knew that Prince Jiashun was an idle prince who was fond of poetry and literature. No matter how close his relationship was with such a royal family, it would not be criticized.

Prince Ning Li Chongrui and Jia Cong were once colleagues in Jinling. Last time, when the spirit tablet of Jia Cong's biological mother had difficulty entering the ancestral temple, Prince Ning even sent a gift of worship specially. But after all, there were reasons for it, and there is no point in discussing it in detail.

However, this Prince of Zhao, Li Chongmao, was different. His brilliance was too dazzling, and people inside and outside the court said that he would definitely become the crown prince.

It was the first time he met this kind of person, and he gave him his precious sword as a gift. It sounded a bit harsh.

If this gives rise to an excuse, it would be suspected that he was opportunistic and what would the extremely suspicious emperor think...

Prince Zhao laughed and said, "Yu Zhang, you worry too much. I have heard for a long time that Yu Zhang's calligraphy has reached the level of a master. A precious seal is worth a thousand gold coins. If I can get it as a gift, it will be much more valuable than this sword or gun toy."

Jia Cong replied, "It is an honor for Jia Cong that Your Majesty has such a refined taste. I will certainly pick up my pen and spread out my paper to give you some corrections."

Prince Zhao smiled heartily, his demeanor majestic and heroic. He indeed looked much better than his brother Prince Ning.

Jia Cong understood something in his heart. He was granted a title when he was young, and today he was bestowed with a dragon robe by the emperor because of his newly developed artillery. Everyone could see that the emperor's favor was growing.

This Prince of Zhao is not only a man of both civil and military talents, and is trusted by the emperor, but he is also quite shrewd and has an extraordinary temperament. It is common for him to keep busy and make friends with talented people, which is a common practice for such a royal leader.

Jia Cong also took the precious sword with a smile. He had been polite and declined it, but it would leave a mark if he tried harder.

Many things are excessive or insufficient, which will make people feel that the young man is too thoughtful and may become a traitor.

Go back and write a nice calligraphy to repay this favor.

……

The palace city of Da Zhou, Fengzao Palace.

Empress Jingde was nearly forty years old, but she was well maintained and still had a beautiful face and graceful demeanor. Her demeanor showed the grace of a phoenix, the model mother of the country.

She was the principal wife of Emperor Jiazhao when he was in his private residence. She accompanied the emperor through the dull loneliness of his time in hiding, and also accompanied him through the bloody scenes of his time in the palace.

The couple shared weal and woe and treated each other with respect. Now he is in charge of the six palaces in the harem. He is strict and fair in his dealings and has a good reputation.

He also understood the principle of moderation and helped the emperor to reconcile his relationship with the retired emperor and the retired empress.

When Emperor Jiazhao built a temple for his mother's funeral, it caused a dispute over etiquette in front of the court, but there was no disturbance in the harem, which almost acquiesced to the emperor's proposal. This was all thanks to the mediation of Empress Jingde and the two emperors. The merits of this were not known to outsiders, but Emperor Jiazhao knew it very well, so he was very convinced of his empress.

But for Empress Jingde, the thing she was most proud of in her life, apart from her husband who ascended to the throne, was her beloved son who came to the palace to pay his respects: Prince of Zhao Li Chongmao.

His son was the only legitimate son of the emperor. What was even more rare was that he had been gifted since childhood and was good at both civil and military affairs. It would be difficult to find another one like him in the entire royal family.

This son was Empress Jingde's greatest pride and her greatest support in maintaining her position as queen.

Moreover, just as the rumors inside and outside the court had been goings-on, Empress Jingde was also certain that her son would ascend to the throne in the future.

This was because his son was the best choice among the princes, no matter in terms of bloodline or literary and military talents.

However, when Prince Zhao turned fifteen, he was conferred the title of king and set up his own residence outside the palace. Although he would often visit the palace to pay respects, he was not like when he was a child and was raised by his father's side every day.

Although Queen Jingde was always in a good mood every time Prince Zhao came to the palace to pay his respects.

At the same time, she asked her trusted lady Jia to prepare the food and delicacies that King Zhao liked so as to entertain her son.

While saying: "The emperor gave the banquet to show his favor to the court officials. Mother, I see that you can't let go. The emperor is in a rare mood today, but I don't know why he gave the banquet?"

Prince Zhao laughed and said, "Those court officials are just taking advantage of the Jia family's Weiyuan Earl. He made a new type of cannon in the firearms workshop, and my father personally came to the parade ground to watch the drill.

Because of the amazing power of this new type of artillery, my father was very pleased and gave a banquet to Jia Cong and the court officials who participated in the performance. "

At this time, a female official walked into the hall, followed by several palace maids carrying plates and cups.

This female official was tall and slender. She wore a red silk gown with a closed collar and a front button, and wide sleeves. She also wore a plain pleated skirt and an exquisite Qu crown on her head. Her pretty face exuded the air of bookishness, and her manners were elegant and quiet.

When she entered the palace just now, she happened to hear Prince Zhao talking about Jia Cong, and surprise and joy flashed in her bright eyes.

When the prince of Zhao saw the female official instructing the maids to set the table, he said to Empress Jingde, "Mother, if I remember correctly, Miss Jia is the legitimate daughter of the Rongguo Mansion. She is a relative of the same generation as the Earl of Weiwu, right?"

Empress Jingde smiled and said, "Their fathers are brothers from the same mother, but they are close cousins.

Yuanchun, I remember that you met your brother two years ago."

Yuanchun smiled and said, "When my brother Cong was promoted to the eighth rank by the emperor, he went to the palace to express his gratitude. The empress was so kind that she allowed me and my brother to meet once."

Empress Jingde said, "In the past two years, your brother has been summoned to the palace by the emperor several times to make comments. But it is time for me to know about it. Otherwise, I would have let you and your brother meet more often."

Prince Zhao turned his eyes and said with a smile, "Mother, Yu Zhang made great contributions in developing artillery, and father bestowed upon him a third-grade dragon robe. After the banquet, he was summoned to the clothing bureau to be measured for clothes, and is still in the palace now."

Empress Jingde smiled and said, "This is quite convenient. Let Baoqin bring my silver medal and summon him to let you and your brother meet him.

It is said that your brother is the most outstanding among the sons of the nobles in the capital. I have given him clothes and socks, but I have never seen anyone else. It is rare for me to see him today."

Yuanchun was pleasantly surprised when she heard this. She had lived in the deep palace for many years and it was difficult for her to see her family. She had never forgotten the moment she met her younger brother Jia Cong that year. Now that she could meet her brother again, she was naturally happy.

He immediately knelt down to thank Empress Jingde.

The queen waved her hand and said with a smile: "This is not worth mentioning. You have been an official in the palace for many years and it is difficult for you to see your family. Your brother is still a minor, so there is no need to be taboo about entering and leaving the palace. You can see him as many times as possible.

When he is a few years older, it will be difficult to see him again."

Yuanchun still politely thanked them, but she also knew very well why the Queen and Prince Zhao were so kind to her and allowed her and her brother to meet in the palace.

In fact, since Jia Cong had made many achievements in Liaodong and was finally granted the hereditary title of Earl Wangtai, his cousin's status in the palace had also risen.

His younger brother is not only a man of stunning literary talent, but he is also able to fight on the battlefield, slay generals and quell rebellions. He has been conferred fourteen titles, which shows how much the emperor values ​​him.

The Queen has rewarded her several times during this period, all of which were extremely valuable hairpins and dresses. It is only natural for the Queen to help the Emperor win over capable officials.

This time, he was so considerate of the relationship between sister and brother. When Yuanchun looked at the Prince of Zhao who was sitting on his lap again.

I can taste more meaning in my heart, and I can't help but feel a little worried.

(End of this chapter)