The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Juxianlou is one of the most famous restaurants in the capital.

Putting everything else aside, just the fact that its owner is Rongguo Gong Jia Lian ensures that it never lacks customers.

However, Juxianlou Restaurant in Judefang is closed to visitors today.

Saying it was closed to guests might not be accurate, because even at noon, the number of carriages and people in the front and back courtyards of the restaurant was no less than usual.

These people were mostly strong, healthy, and physically powerful.

They guarded both inside and outside, occasionally scanning passersby with eagle-like eyes.

Therefore, those who intended to dine here understood that there must be some important people who had booked the entire place, and they wisely chose to go elsewhere.

At this moment, about twenty people had gathered in Hall No. 1 of the restaurant.

If someone familiar with court officials were here, they would be astonished to find that all the people gathered here were military officers who held real power and whose rank was no lower than the fourth grade!

In some dynasties, the emperor would have been uneasy if such a large number and high-ranking military officer had gathered in one place in private.

Of course, they are not gathering here today to plot a rebellion.

They were all invited to the banquet by the Duke of Rongguo, who is also a favorite of the current emperor.

Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, the person who had been holding back for so long finally couldn't help but ask in public: "Tell me, why did Rong Gong invite us all here?"

This was a topic of concern for many people present.

However, some people only need to glance at the people present to form a plan in their minds.

But some people are genuinely puzzled.

Although Duke Rongguo, Jia Lian, was young and promising and of noble status, he had not been in officialdom for very long and had little interaction with many of them.

There must be a reason why this invitation has suddenly become so formal!

Seeing everyone discussing and whispering, someone solemnly reminded them: "I heard that something big happened in the palace yesterday."

"I heard about it too..."

"Some say that Prince Yun imitated His Majesty and launched a coup, but was suppressed by His Majesty."

I've heard that Prince Yun has been completely deposed and imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Court.

Once this topic was brought up, everyone's expressions inevitably turned serious.

Yesterday's events in the palace involved two emperors and three generations of the imperial family, so the officials dared not spread rumors about them.

So much so that even after a whole day had passed, not all officials were fully informed.

It is generally known that something big happened in the palace yesterday.

After all, the fact that Jia Lian and Princess Zhaoyang mobilized troops, the bombardment of Xihua Gate, and the incidents involving Prince Yun's Mansion and the Wu family could not be kept secret.

Some people discussed for a long time without reaching a definite conclusion, but they did find that many people remained calm and collected throughout the discussion, not participating at all, which clearly indicated that they knew something.

Then someone laughed and said, "Old Xie, aren't you usually the most talkative? Why are you mute today?"
But do we know any concrete information?

"We're all old brothers from the Beijing Garrison, so let's not hold back and tell us what's going on!"

The one referred to as Lao Xie was Xie Jing, the grandson of the Marquis of Dingcheng.

He was originally just a guerrilla general in the Southern Camp, a hereditary second-class baron.

During the Iron Net Mountain Incident last year, thanks to his merit in protecting the emperor, he was not only promoted to second-class viscount, but also won the powerful and coveted position of commander of the Southern Camp.

It can be described as becoming rich overnight, which is the envy of many.

Xie Jing was called out. He took a sip of tea and put the teacup down: "Stop talking nonsense. When have I ever talked too much?"

However, if you want to know about what happened in the palace yesterday, instead of asking me, you might as well…

Xie Jing turned his gaze to a middle-aged scholar-like man in the corner who looked unremarkable.

Everyone followed the gaze and frowned.

Many people recognize this person.

This man was originally a civil official. I heard that just a few years ago, he was only a minor sixth-rank official in the Military Affairs Department.

Because he curried favor with Duke Rongguo, Jia Lian, he rose through the ranks like a rocket in just a few years, and is now the fourth-rank military commander.

However, even so, among those present today, a fourth-rank commander is indeed nothing special.

Given his low rank and background as a civil official, he naturally only deserved to sit in a corner among the high-ranking generals of the Beijing Garrison.

"Oh, could it be that Commander Fan knows the exact details?"

Xie Jing laughed and said, "Hehe, they know more than just the news."

As Rong Gong's trusted and beloved general, he was a witness to yesterday's events.

Upon hearing this, everyone stared intently at Fan Jin.

Seeing this, Fan Jin stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "I dare not deceive you all; I do indeed know some information."

However, since this banquet is hosted by Lord Rong, gentlemen, please wait until Lord Rong arrives and ask him your questions.

Although Fan Jin was Jia Lian's confidant, he was not sure of Jia Lian's purpose in hosting the banquet today.

Out of caution, he did not want to speak rashly, lest he ruin Jia Lian's plans.

Seeing that Fan Jin didn't want to talk, the others didn't press him.

Thinking that it was already noon anyway, even if Jia Lian wanted to put on airs, he should be arriving soon.

Unexpectedly, Xie Jing suddenly cursed, "As expected, like leader, like soldier."

My nephew is good in every way, and he's also capable, but he's not very outspoken!

Last year on Tiewang Mountain, that kid kept his tricks up his sleeve and almost tricked my uncle.

However, the final outcome was good, so I won't hold it against him.

I didn't expect that you, who are younger than him, would have learned his stingy nature.

It's not a bad thing, so why hide it or not say it?

The Marquis of Dingcheng's mansion and the Jia family were old friends.

In person, Jia Lian would indeed have to address Xie Jing as "Uncle".

However, given Jia Lian's current status and position, even if he were a blood uncle, let alone a distant uncle, one should address him with more respect and gentleness.

However, since everyone present was a military officer, they didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

It would be strange if this roughneck Xie actually showed any manners.

Everyone laughed, telling him not to just talk the talk but walk the walk, and to keep everyone in suspense.

Xie Jing sat up straight and laughed, "I'm too lazy to explain the specifics to you one by one. Anyway, in a few days, you'll know everything you need to know."

I'll only reveal a little bit.

Yesterday, someone attempted to seize the throne while His Majesty was seriously ill.

Fortunately, His Majesty was prepared and suppressed the unrest in time, thus preventing major turmoil.

Do you know who was the first to rush into the palace yesterday to protect the Emperor?

If Xie Jing had phrased it differently, people might still be confused.

However, his use of the word "again" suggests that today's host is Jia Lian, who was previously the most meritorious official in protecting the emperor at Tiewang Mountain.

So no one could fail to guess: "Could it be Rong Gong again?"

"Smart." Even though they had guessed it, and Xie Jing confirmed it, the group still looked at each other in bewilderment.

How could the merit of protecting the emperor have been so easily obtained in the past?
This Duke Rong, isn't his luck a little too good?
Look at all the achievements he has made over the years. If they could get even one of those, they could be guaranteed a life of wealth and honor.

However, for the Duke of Rongguo, it was one thing after another!
Comparing people to each other is really infuriating.

Xie Jing, fearing they weren't shocked enough, continued to spoil the surprise: "Since my nephew was dismissed from his post last year, he hasn't had any real official position."

He performed such a great service yesterday; His Majesty will surely reward him.

He's coincidentally hosting a banquet for us all today; what does that mean? I don't need to elaborate, do I?

Everyone was a little silent.

In fact, Xie Jing was not the only discerning person present.

The position of military governor of the capital garrison has been vacant for a year. Within the garrison, there has long been speculation about who will be the next military governor.

Therefore, after receiving Jia Lian's invitation and learning who he had invited, many people guessed that Jia Lian might be going to take up a post in the military governor's office.

"No way, does His Majesty really intend to appoint the Duke of Rong as the military governor?"
I am not questioning the achievements of the Duke of Rong, but he is simply too young.

"Have you ever heard of a military governor in his twenties?"

The commander of the Four Horses Battalion said this.

His words resonated with many people.

Jia Lian's contributions were numerous and significant; if it really came down to comparison, they all knew they couldn't compare.

However, they still instinctively felt somewhat uncomfortable having a junior in charge of them and the nearly 100,000 troops of the Beijing Garrison.

Even Xie Jing is like that.

It's not necessarily jealousy or envy of talent; it's just a normal human reaction to being overtaken by a junior.

Suddenly, a voice no weaker than Xie Jing's shouted:

"So what if we're young? Who here wasn't young once?"
Ask yourselves honestly, when you were young, which of you could boast of achievements that could be compared to those of Rong Gong?

So, let's not say this is just speculation.

If His Majesty were to appoint Rong Gong as the military governor, I would think that His Majesty is a wise and capable ruler who appoints people based on their abilities.

Furthermore, apart from Rong Gong, who among us here is confident enough to sit in that position and convince everyone?
No, right?

The room fell silent again.

Especially when they saw that the person speaking was Marquis Zhongjing, Shi Ding, it became even more difficult for others to continue speaking.

Regardless, Shi Ding held the highest rank among those present.

Moreover, most people are aware of the relationship between the four great families of Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue.

Therefore, they could complain a little, but they wouldn't dare say anything really unpleasant that Shi Ding would relay to Jia Lian's ears.

They couldn't afford to offend Jia Lian in the first place.

If Jia Lian really takes office as the military governor and becomes their boss, dealing with them will be a piece of cake.

Of course, some people couldn't help but secretly laugh at Shi Ding.

So what if he's a first-class marquis? He's still just a deputy commander, being suppressed by a viscount!

Shi Ding is currently the deputy commander of the South Camp.

Just when everyone was in a relatively awkward silence, the door to the private room opened.

A row of neatly dressed waiters filed in, bringing in dishes that were both visually appealing and delicious.

However, everyone present was a person of status and preoccupied with their own thoughts, so even though these dishes were meticulously crafted by the chefs of Juxianlou, they did not attract much attention.

As everyone knows, the main character is about to appear.

as predicted.

Just as all the dishes were served and the waiters filed out, the door to the front room opened, and someone announced, "Lord Rong has arrived."

Everyone immediately stood up, facing the front, and when the young figure appeared, they all bowed and said:

"Greetings, Lord Rong."

Jia Lian glanced around the hall, walked to the head of the main table, and stood still, saying, "No need for formalities, everyone."

Today, I have invited you all here to share a drink, have a good time, and exchange ideas.

Therefore, there are no dukes here today; we are all colleagues, so please feel free to make yourselves at home.

"Thank you very much, Lord Rong."

"Hehe, please have a seat."

Jia Lian waved his hand and took his seat first.

The others weren't too reserved either; they looked each other over and then sat down again.

However, no one spoke for a moment, and the scene was rather quiet.

"Please don't stand on ceremony, everyone. It's just ordinary food and drinks, please."

Jia Lian raised his hand to call out, took the wine pot from the waiter, and poured wine for Shi Ding first.

Shi Ding quickly picked up the wine glass with both hands.

"It's been many days since I last saw you, Uncle. You look even better now."

Shi Ding laughed and said, "How can I compare to you? You are the one who is riding high, beaming with joy, and enviable."

"Hehe, please, Uncle."

After pouring wine for Shi Ding, Jia Lian wanted to continue pouring wine for the others.

Those who can sit at the main table today are either marquises, earls, or viscounts, or commanders of the main battalions of the Beijing Garrison.

Since they're all over forty and considered seniors, Jia Lian doesn't mind lowering his stance a bit.

But Shi Ding was not happy about it.

Seeing this, he quickly snatched the silver wine pot from Jia Lian's hand and said with a smile, "Let me do it. You pour the wine for them; they'll probably feel uneasy."

Jia Lian smiled but didn't say anything.

After Shi Ding poured a round of wine, he invited him to sit down and then asked Shi Ding if he was getting used to life in the South Camp and if anyone was giving him a hard time.

Xie Jing, who was standing nearby, interjected, "Nephew, are you referring to me?"

Old Shi and I are as close as brothers. In the South Camp, the two of us are the only ones who can make things difficult for him.

Right, Old Shi?

Shi Ding glanced at the guy but didn't reply.

When he was in the cavalry, his official rank and title were far higher than Xie Jing's.

Last year, he was demoted to the South Camp and made Xie Jing his deputy. It was obvious from the beginning that Xie Jing wanted to control him.

He was probably worried that he wouldn't submit to him.

However, Shi Ding, who had narrowly escaped the vortex of the struggle between the two saints of Tiewang Mountain and managed to save his family's lives, naturally cherished his current peace.

How could he possibly want to antagonize Xie Jing, a "meritorious official in the Jingnan Campaign"?
Fortunately, Xie Jing was a straightforward person. After a while, seeing that Shi Ding was not taking the bait, he roughly realized that Shi Ding was going to back down. So he actually turned around and tried to win him over, calling him brother.

I must say, our relationship is actually quite good now. (End of Chapter)