The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Seeing the excited looks in the eyes of Grandmother Jia and the others, Jia Lian continued:
"Although the title has been relinquished, the royal family is now facing a dilemma: who should inherit it and what rank should be followed?"

Logically speaking, since the master is the eldest son of the old Duke, this title should be inherited by the master.

But I thought that since the master was already a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Rites, he was not really lacking in the rank of a second or third-grade general.

If we follow the rules of the Imperial Clan Court, the master can inherit the title.

When the master passes away, the title will be downgraded again.

I have received so much kindness from the Jia family over the years, and I cannot bear to see the family's glory decline.

Thinking that Lan'er has grown up now, she is not only smart and ambitious, but also the eldest grandson of the master.

Why not just pass the title directly to Lan'er?

In this way, at the very least, the title of nobility in the manor can be passed down for several more decades.

Of course, this is just my opinion, and it may seem like I'm acting on my own initiative.

If the old lady, master, and mistress feel this is inappropriate, I can rescind this decision and have the Imperial Clan Court handle it according to the rules.

Jia Lian's words startled the people present.

The current dynasty's system of nobility follows the principle that "the blessings of a virtuous person will end after five generations."

Even the most prestigious titles, such as dukes and marquises, can generally only be passed down for five generations.

As for titles like Earl or Baron, they don't even last five generations.

After attaining the rank of baron or fifth-class general, one only has a low-ranking guaranteed status to barely maintain the dignity of a nobleman.

Cruel?
For a family that simply wants to coast along and wait to die, this is indeed a bit much.

However, this was a rule set by Emperor Taizu for the long-term stability of the dynasty.

This applies not only to meritorious officials but also to members of the imperial family.

The only difference is that the method of inheritance for members of the imperial family is slightly different, which means they can enjoy wealth and honor for several more generations.

It was precisely because of such a strict system of succession that even after a century, the imperial family and noble relatives of the Great Wei Dynasty did not exert any pressure on the court.

Even the number and quality of people holding noble titles have decreased significantly compared to the founding period.

Of course, such a system is not all good.

Take the royal family for example.

Because if one does not become emperor, one's descendants will not be able to enjoy wealth and honor forever.

Compared to some previous dynasties, the struggle for the throne was much more intense and bloody.

That being said, even so, hereditary titles are still far better than other titles.

There's at least a minimum guarantee.

In contrast, the non-hereditary titles of marquis in the Lin family and county earl in the Wang family didn't even have a safety net.

The specified number of generations is the number of generations.

When it reaches the last person, it simply disappears.

People are very clever; since titles can only be passed down for a fixed number of generations.

If I live long enough, and I don't pass the title to my son, but directly to my grandson or even great-grandson, wouldn't that be equivalent to extending the number of generations of inheritance in disguise?

I am sorry.

What you can think of, the imperial court can also think of.

It was said that the inheritance was downgraded, but it was never said that it was only downgraded by one level.

For families or individuals who have made mistakes, their titles may be downgraded by two ranks or more when applying for succession.

If you have a son, don't pass it on; pass it directly to your grandson.

The Imperial Clan Court will most likely demote your successor by several ranks.

Take Ningguo Mansion, for example.

Jia Jing was single-mindedly seeking immortality and enlightenment, clearly having no interest in titles or ranks.

Jia Daihua inherited the rank of First-Class General.

He could have simply given up the title and let Jia Zhen take over the second-class general's title from his grandfather.

But this is clearly not going to work.

So Jia Jing eventually accepted the title, and not long after Jia Daihua died, he directly passed the title to Jia Zhen and went off to become a monk and live a carefree life.

Therefore, it is clear that the method of bypassing sons to pass on the title in order to ensure the prosperity of the family for several generations is not feasible.

Therefore, when Grandmother Jia and others heard that Jia Lian had allowed Jia Lan to inherit the title, they were stunned.

Then they all looked at each other with complicated expressions.

Clearly, they never expected this outcome from the beginning.

In their view, after Jia Lian was granted the title of prince, there were only three possible outcomes for the Rongguo Mansion's title.

The first scenario is that the royal family acted inhumanely, allowing Jia Lian to occupy the Jia family's title even after he was elevated to the status of a member of the imperial clan.

This possibility is extremely low.

The second possibility is that the imperial family felt bad for having occupied the Jia family's title for so many years, so as compensation, they directly allowed Jia Zheng to inherit the title from Jia Daishan, which was considered returning the title to its rightful owner.

This method is most advantageous to the Jia family, because the inherited title could be very high.

The third option is that what's done is done. Since the Jia family's title has already been passed down to the fourth generation, they can simply return it to them through Jia Lian.

This is the most likely possibility.

It is also the most variable.

If we consider Jia Lian's title of Duke, the Jia family could at least obtain the rank of First-Class General.

If we calculate based on the second-class general title that Jia Lian inherited, the Jia family would only receive the title of third-class general.

This is why, after returning from the palace, they didn't even have time to rest before rushing here to wait for Jia Lian.

This matter is extremely important, as it relates to the rise and fall of the family over several decades.

To their utter surprise, after waiting for a long time, none of the three scenarios they had initially discussed occurred.

As soon as Jia Lian spoke, he gave them a fourth possible outcome.

Bypassing Jia Zheng and even Jia Baoyu, the title was directly passed on to Jia Lan, who belonged to the fifth generation of the Jia family!

From a personal perspective, both Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang naturally hoped that this title would eventually be passed on to Jia Baoyu.

After all, Jia Baoyu was the apple of their eye, and their greatest wish was to spare him the possibility of struggling.

But Jia Lian's decision...

I have to say, it's absolutely gorgeous!
So much so that even as the powerful figures in the Jia family, they dared not express the slightest dissent.

Otherwise, they would surely be attacked and killed by the eight branches of the Jia family, and even the twelve branches in Nanjing.

Damn it, other families are racking their brains to wish that their family titles could be passed down for one more generation.

You two are quite something. You have such a good thing that can be passed down for two more generations, but you don't know how to cherish it. You actually disregard the family's decades of glory just for your precious Jia Baoyu.

It would be so great if Lan Xiaozi inherited the title.

The eldest grandson, rightfully so!
Jia Zheng and Lady Wang looked somewhat uneasy.

Jia Zheng's situation was purely accidental.

I originally thought I could finally wear the identity of a lord.

Unexpectedly, Jia Lian didn't consider him at all, or even his son, and directly wanted to pass the title to his grandson!
In Lady Wang's view, Jia Lian's decision seemed to be aimed at Jia Baoyu.

Even if Jia Zheng inherits the title, it will most likely be passed on to Jia Baoyu, not Jia Lan.

But Jia Lian got involved.

He passed it directly to Jia Lan, without even mentioning Jia Zheng, so naturally there was no way Jia Baoyu would have any say in it.

Should we assume Jia Lian is malicious?

Can't seem to.

They said that this decision was made to help the Jia family pass on their title for two more generations and decades.

Because if they were to do it themselves, they certainly wouldn't be able to achieve such a good thing.

Moreover, Jia Lan is none other than himself.

He is the only bloodline of her eldest son and her eldest grandson.

Although she loved her son Jia Baoyu more, she didn't dislike her grandson to the point of disliking him. Therefore, this outcome doesn't seem unacceptable.

Grandmother Jia immediately asked Jia Lian, "If Lan'er were to inherit the title, what rank would she likely inherit?"

Grandmother Jia always cared about the most important things.

Putting aside the fact that Jia Lian's decision was beneficial to the Jia family, even if it wasn't, would they dare to refuse?
Even if Jia Lian is magnanimous and doesn't hold it against them, once they refuse Jia Lian's offer, they will still be in trouble.

Jia Lian will definitely not get involved in this matter anymore.

Let them inherit the title themselves; who knows what rank they'll end up with?

It's better to go along with Jia Lian.

Given Jia Lian's position in the royal family, he could certainly get them the best possible outcome if he wanted to.

Jia Lian smiled and said, "I have already told Her Majesty the Empress and the Princess who is temporarily in charge of the Imperial Clan Court about Lan'er's situation."

They all approved of Lan Xiaozi.

"Oh, by the way, I happen to have something I'd like to ask the master and mistress for their instructions on."

"I've always liked Lan, as you all know."

So, I'd like to adopt Lan as my godson, just like Yun'er did. What do you think, sir and madam?

Jia Zheng and Lady Wang were stunned again.

It was common knowledge throughout the household that Jia Lian was good to Jia Lan.

But no one expected that Jia Lian would actually have the idea of ​​adopting a son.

What could they possibly not want?

Putting aside Jia Lian's status in front of the Emperor and Empress, who wouldn't want a prince to adopt a junior as his godson?

Almost immediately after Jia Lian finished speaking, Jia Zheng smiled and said, "It is Lan'er's good fortune that Your Highness has this intention. Your wife and I are naturally very happy to accept it."

Madam Wang also smiled and said, "I thank Your Highness for your kindness on behalf of Zhu'er's wife and Lan's son."

Jia Lian nodded and continued his introduction.

"To be honest, I have already told the Princess and others today about my intention to adopt Lan as my godson."

My goal is to pass on my title of Duke of Rong to Lan'er.

Unfortunately, the eldest princess said that if Lan'er were to inherit the title of duke directly, other noble families might object.

So I said, let's follow the rules and let Lan'er inherit the title of First-Class Divine Might General.

The eldest princess agreed.

Jia Lian spoke calmly, but the three women, including Grandmother Jia, were overjoyed.

"Lian'er, are you telling the truth?"

In her excitement, Grandmother Jia even forgot to use respectful titles.

Jia Zheng and Lady Wang had no more regrets or doubts, and deeply felt Jia Lian's care for the Jia family.

Let alone the title of Duke, even if Jialan were to inherit it, they would still feel uneasy.

Even just getting the rank of a first-class general would be an extremely joyous occasion.

It should be noted that the second generation of the Ningguo Mansion, namely Jia Daihua, only inherited the title of First-Class General.

If Jia Lan inherits the first-class award...

Doesn't that mean the Jia family went back to the second generation after the fifth generation?

Three generations of hard work have been spared!

In other words, the merits Jia Lian made in the Jia family over the years did not disappear simply because he joined the imperial family.

Instead, all the blessings went to the Jia family.

There's nothing more to say; this is a joyous occasion that the entire clan should celebrate.

No one dared to object.

Grandmother Jia even stood up shakily, about to bow to Jia Lian to express her gratitude for his great kindness to the Jia family.

Since that's the case, I won't allow it.

Only after Jia Zheng and Lady Wang both bowed to him was the matter considered settled.

After sitting down again, Jia Lian added.

"And the title of nobility of Ningguo Mansion."

Although some people in the Imperial Clan Court suggested stripping the other side of their titles.

However, through my mediation, they finally changed their minds and allowed the Ningguo Mansion to inherit the title of Fourth-Rank General, according to the established rules.

Grandmother Jia and the others naturally expressed their gratitude.

Jia Zhen of the Ningguo Mansion committed incest, and Jia Rong murdered his father. Their infamy was so notorious that even if the Imperial Clan Court stripped them of their titles, no one would object.

Being able to retain his title is a stroke of good fortune amidst misfortune.

Moreover, it is foreseeable that in the future, the Ningguo Mansion will only have fourth-class generals, while the Rongguo Mansion will have first-class generals.

The situation where the eldest son's family is suppressed by the Rongguo Mansion is likely to continue for a long time.

Jia Lian was unaware of Jia Zheng and the others' thoughts; otherwise, he would have simply laughed it off.

It's hard to say who's suppressing whom until Jia Wu grows up.

Jia Lan may like him, but there's no reason why he shouldn't like his own son, right?
The reason why Jia Wu was only allowed to inherit the rank of a fourth-class general was simply to make it less obvious and to avoid arousing more speculation.

As long as Jia Wu grows up and isn't a good-for-nothing fool, his father can easily help him out and he'll be promoted to a higher rank.
They originally thought that Grandmother Jia and the others had been waiting for him just for this matter, and that they would see him off after they finished speaking.

Jia Zheng hesitated for a moment before saying, "By the way, Your Highness, do you still remember what we talked about before, about marrying Sanya?"

Jia Lian was taken aback, then smiled and said, "Of course I remember."

Does the master want me to marry Sanya as soon as possible?
I was thinking the same thing, but as you know, sir, I'm about to lead troops to rescue North Korea, so I'm afraid I won't have the time.

"If we rush things, it will be too unfair to Sanya."

Jia Zheng knew that Jia Lian was going to lead troops into battle, but Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang did not.

At this point, Grandmother Jia pressed for an answer, and Jia Lian simply offered a few casual words of explanation.

Jia Zheng said, "What Your Highness says is true. I brought this up not to urge Your Highness, but..."

Seeing that Jia Zheng, his own father, was hesitant to speak, Grandmother Jia spoke on his behalf:
"What he means is, Lian'er, now that you are a prince, you can have two concubines according to the rules. I wonder if you have considered our third daughter?"

It must be said that it was much more convenient for Grandmother Jia, as the matriarch, to say such things.

Jia Lian finally understood what they meant.

Jia Zheng had previously suggested that he marry Tan Chun as well.

Jia Lian was naturally pleased and agreed to grant her the title of concubine, just like Daiyu and the others.

Originally, there was no suspense in this matter; both sides were willing to give and take.

But no one expected that Jia Lian would be made a king.

After being granted the title of king, in addition to the queen, he also had two concubines.

Although she cannot compare to the princess, she is still very noble.

Clearly, Grandmother Jia and the others had their sights set on this location.

In response, Jia Lian could only look apologetically at Jia Zheng: "Please forgive me, sir, there is an order to things."

Since I married Lin Yatou and Bao Yatou first, these two positions should belong to them.

As for Tan Yatou...

I naturally like it very much, but unfortunately I am only a prince now and cannot offer any additional concubine titles.

"But please rest assured, sir, one of those four beauties will definitely be a spy."

A prince is not an emperor, after all, and cannot allow the emperor to have three palaces and six courtyards.

Aside from the princess, only two concubines and four beauties had official ranks.

Among them, the beauties were only of the sixth rank.

She is not even as good as the lowest-ranking fifth-grade imperial consort.

Hearing Jia Lian say this, Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng were disappointed, but they did not insist.

Jia Lian's bestowal of the title of prince was originally an accident, and now that he has promised to grant him the status of a sixth-rank beauty, it can be considered that Jia Lian is both kind and righteous. (End of this chapter)