The Second Master of the Red Chamber

After Jia Zheng returned from sending off Grandmother Jia and others to pay their respects, he was about to rest for a while at Mengpo Studio.

Suddenly, the steward came to report that several high-ranking officials from the court had come to visit.

Jia Zheng didn't care.

His daughter was a concubine, he himself became a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Rites, and he also had an uncle-nephew relationship with the powerful Prince of Pingliao.

On ordinary days, countless people try to curry favor with him.

Therefore, he has also passed the stage where he would warmly receive any scholar or official who came to his door.

They asked who had come.

The steward replied, "There is Lord Qian from the Ministry of Rites, Lord Zhang from the Ministry of Personnel, and Lord Lu from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices."

Jia Zheng suddenly sat up.

"Have you gentlemen explained your purpose for coming?"

Jia Zheng found it strange.

These men were all important officials in the imperial court, and even the lowest-ranking among them was comparable to him.

With the country in mourning, everyone is busy and exhausted just from going to the palace to pay their respects every day.

Why are they all coming to find me instead of finding a place to rest?

"The lords didn't say anything, but I saw that they were all very respectful and had smiles on their faces, as if they had come to congratulate the master."

"Nonsense, nothing has happened to me recently, why are they congratulating me?"

Even so, Jia Zheng hurriedly had the person invited to the main hall, went back to his room to change into casual clothes, and then went to receive him.

After returning to Rongqing Hall, Grandmother Jia went to bed.

For more than a month, Jia Zheng was exhausted from going to the palace every morning and evening to offer condolences, let alone Jia Mu, who was of advanced age.

After personally serving her, Madam Wang prepared to go back to rest.

Suddenly, she saw Jia Zheng hurrying over, and she quickly went to greet him: "The old lady has just gone to bed, what urgent matter brings you here at this hour, sir?"

Jia Zheng's expression was solemn. He looked up at her and said, "You come over here too."

Then he went to the main hall and asked someone to inform Grandmother Jia that he had something important to discuss with her.

Grandmother Jia knew that Jia Zheng was a very disciplined person. Knowing that she was catching up on her sleep, he still dared to disturb her, so there must be something he wanted to do.

Therefore, although he was unhappy, he quickly got up, put on his cloak, and went to the inner hall to see Jia Zheng.

"Speak, what's the matter that you're in such a hurry to come to me?"

Jia Zheng hastily bowed and then said urgently, "Grandma, something terrible has happened, something of utmost importance."

Several high-ranking officials from the court just came to visit, saying that..."

Seeing that Jia Zheng was about to speak but didn't, Grandmother Jia said unhappily, "Say what they're saying! Why are you hesitating like that!"

"Please forgive me, madam. It's not that your son is being mysterious, it's just that..."

They said that when the cabinet ministers and the heads of the six ministries were discussing matters in the morning, the crown prince suddenly announced that he wanted to step down.

Moreover, the person to whom the throne is being passed on is none other than our Prince.

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

Even the maids standing nearby couldn't help but turn their attention to this.

Grandmother Jia instantly woke up from her drowsiness and jumped up from her soft seat: "What did you say?"

"My son said no, they said it."

They said the Crown Prince claimed that he was not worthy of the position and voluntarily relinquished it to the Prince of Pingliao…

Jia Zheng then briefly relayed the information that the person who had come to make connections had given him to Grandmother Jia.

Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, who was standing next to her, were dumbfounded.

"Is this real??"

"It's absolutely true. At the time, many important officials from the Southern Study were gathered there, and everyone heard it with their own ears."

When they came out, His Majesty had already summoned the Crown Prince and the three Prime Ministers.

I heard that Lian'er was also called over later.

By now, things are probably all settled.

Jia Zheng could no longer contain his excitement and shock; his words trembled.

He couldn't believe that the little nephew who used to be so obsequious to him, trying every means to please him, just to manage the household for him, would one day be destined to become the emperor.

If Jia Zheng was like this, then Lady Wang and the other maids and servants were naturally even worse.

They all gaped, not daring to utter a single sound.

Grandmother Jia, having seen many grand occasions, quickly regained her composure and immediately scolded, "You're really getting senile."

What do you mean "our prince"? That's the Prince of Pingliao, the son of the current Emperor and Empress!

And what right do you have to call Lian'er?

"Yes, yes, Mother is right. I was just too excited, that's why I said the wrong thing."

Seeing that Jia Zheng quickly admitted his mistake, Grandmother Jia then looked at the dazed Lady Wang and said, "You too."

From now on, I must never make this mistake again.

The prince was originally a member of the royal family, but it was by chance that he stayed in our family for a period of time.

This is our honor.

"Anyone who relies on this honor to act as a relative or elder of the prince will not be spared by me."

"Yes," Madam Wang replied humbly, bowing slightly.

"None of you are allowed to spread what the master said today, understand?"

"Yes, madam."

The maids and servants responded in unison.

After giving these instructions, Grandmother Jia sat back down.

After thinking for a moment, he beckoned Yuanyang over and whispered a few words in her ear before saying to Jia Zheng and Lady Wang, "You two come in with me; I have something to say to you."

……

Yuanyang, following orders, headed towards the Grand View Garden.

She was distracted the whole way.

The image of that tall and handsome figure appeared in my mind, his pretty face sometimes showing respect, and sometimes love and resentment.

Before she knew it, she had arrived at the main building. Only then did she calm herself down and, as instructed by Grandmother Jia, prepare to tell Sister Feng what had happened in Rongqing Hall.

At that time, Sister Feng was in Jiaying Hall, chatting with Ping'er while looking after her son in the cradle.

Upon seeing her approach, Sister Feng smiled and said, "Oh, what wind blew Aunt Yuanyang here? Please have a seat."

Yuanyang immediately knelt down to pay her respects: "This servant greets Your Highness."

"Oh, oh, oh, we're not strangers, why are you being so formal?"

Get up quickly.

Seeing that Sister Feng personally helped her up, even though Yuanyang was quite jealous, she couldn't help but feel somewhat convinced.

Sister Feng calling her "Grandma Yuanyang" is ancient history.

When she was a close attendant to Grandmother Jia, it was common for Grandmother Jia's sons, grandsons, and daughters-in-law to fawn over her.

However, times have changed, and now, because of Jia Lian, Sister Feng's status has long since risen to an unparalleled level.

It would even be acceptable for Sister Feng to make Grandmother Jia kneel before her, if she were willing.

Even someone of such high status was still willing to address her using the old-fashioned terms.

Although it was mostly in jest and banter, it's enough to show that he's not the kind of person who would turn his back on others after gaining power.

"The old lady summoned me here because she has something important to tell the princess."

As Yuanyang spoke, she noticed that apart from Ping'er and the little prince in the cradle, there was no one else in the room.

So he stepped closer and whispered to Sister Feng, "The old lady asked me to tell the Princess that the Crown Prince intends to abdicate in favor of the Prince. Please be prepared."

Feng Jie was initially displeased when she saw Yuanyang getting closer, thinking that this girl might have forgotten her manners.

Hearing her say this, he couldn't believe his ears and asked in surprise, "What did you say?"

Yuanyang had anticipated Fengjie's reaction, so she simply repeated her words naturally.

And before Fengjie could ask any questions, she relayed all the things Jia Zheng had said in a hurry when he rushed to Rongqing Hall.

Seeing that both Feng Jie and Ping'er were stunned and dumbfounded, Yuanyang felt a little better.

Not intending to linger there any longer, she concluded by saying, "The old lady also said that you should take good care of yourself, and especially take good care of the young master, after all..."

After saying this, Yuanyang glanced at the little prince in the swaddling clothes, said nothing more, bowed and withdrew.

After she had all left the room, Feng Jie'er finally came to her senses from the shock and hurriedly asked Ping'er to see Yuanyang off.

When Ping'er returned, she found that the wet nurse and others had already come to take over the responsibility of looking after the prince, so she went into the inner room.

Then they saw Sister Feng choosing clothes in front of the dressing mirror.

Ping'er quickly asked, "Grandma, what are you doing?"

"I have to go to the palace. Could you take a look and tell me if this outfit suits me well?"

Ping'er immediately knew that Feng Jie was restless after hearing the news and wanted to go to the palace to find Jia Lian and get to the bottom of things.

However, Ping'er felt it was inappropriate, so she said, "Even if Grandma wants to find out what Yuanyang said, there is no need to rush."

Not to mention that Second Master must be very busy right now, even if Grandma saw Second Master, she might not be able to speak to him.

If Grandma suddenly made a grand entrance into the palace, wouldn't others be suspicious?

If it were to affect Second Master's... future, wouldn't that be a terrible thing?
Therefore, I think Grandma doesn't need to rush.

"Since we're going to the palace anyway tonight, if Grandma has anything to say, she can just ask Second Master. Wouldn't that be both natural and safe?"

What you said... makes sense.

Sister Feng slowly lowered the clothes she was holding.

In fact, she hadn't decided whether to go to the palace immediately. Otherwise, she would have had her maids come in to help her change, instead of standing here alone in front of the mirror.

Slowly sitting down, Feng Jie asked Ping'er, "Do you think our Prince is really capable of becoming the Crown Prince?"

Seeing that Ping'er did not reply, Feng Jie murmured, "That's the Crown Prince, the future Emperor!"

Ping'er said, "It's not appropriate to talk about these things now. We'll have to wait until we see Second Master to find out everything."

"You're right."

Sister Feng, her gaze unfocused, struck up a conversation with Ping'er.

Suddenly she stood up again: "Oh no, your second master might be in danger!"

"Grandma, why do you say that?" Ping'er asked in surprise.

But then she saw Sister Feng pacing back and forth, and after a while she said, "Haven't you heard it said in the plays that those who have made great contributions and overshadowed their masters have never had a good ending?"

Your second master went to war year after year and won every battle.

This is a classic case of someone whose achievements overshadow the ruler. What if—and I mean just what if—this appointment was a conspiracy by the Crown Prince, intended to lower your Second Master's guard and set an ambush for him in the palace?

"No, that can't be..."

Although Ping'er was intelligent, she was not well-read, just like Wang Xifeng.

Faced with this situation, she also lacked the basis for making an accurate judgment.

Therefore, he was really flustered by what Sister Feng said.

"Nothing is impossible in the face of such a thing."

Historically, those people were capable of anything to become emperors.

Your second master has made such great contributions and is also the Empress's son. I had vaguely heard people talking about how the Emperor wanted our prince to be adopted by the Empress as her heir. This was like raising a tiger to cause trouble, as it would threaten the Crown Prince's position.

You see, even others can see it, how could the Crown Prince not know?
What if the Crown Prince harbors ill intentions towards our Prince?

"No...that won't happen."

Second Master is so clever; if someone wanted to scheme against him, he wouldn't be unaware.

Ping'er felt that Feng Jie was being paranoid and exaggerating.

"You don't know anything. Even tigers sometimes doze off."

No matter how wise and powerful your second master is, he is still a human being.

By the way, when I entered the palace this morning, I remember that your Second Master's personal guards and protectors all stayed in the outer court!

"What if something really happens, and your second master has no one by his side? What will we do then?"

Seeing that Sister Feng was increasingly scaring herself, Ping'er felt quite helpless.

"Grandma, you're overthinking it."

The Second Prince's personal guards and bodyguards are all men, so they definitely can't enter the harem.

But Grandma, don't worry, Second Master has Aqi and Aqin protecting him closely.

Besides, the princess is still in the palace.

She's the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guards; with her around, who could possibly harm the Second Master?

Sister Feng was taken aback, but still stubbornly insisted, "So what if the princess is here? I heard that the Crown Prince is her own brother. If something really happens, it's hard to say which side she'll take."

Ping'er was also initially startled by what Sister Feng said.

Now I think Sister Feng was just worrying unnecessarily.

If she could think of something, how could Second Master not have thought of it?
If Second Master were so easily outmaneuvered, he wouldn't have made it this far.

However, since Feng Jie was worried about Jia Lian's safety, she didn't want to discourage him, so she asked Feng Jie what she planned to do.

After pondering for a while, Sister Feng said, "Since men are not allowed in the harem, then women can, right?"

Didn't your second master have Madam You train a group of female soldiers, and then take them on this expedition?

Go and summon Madam You. Tell her to immediately take her people to the palace to protect the Prince!

Madam Xiao You is none other than Third Sister You.

Unlike the three sisters, Feng, Chai, and Dai, who could be addressed as princesses, the You sisters could only be addressed as ladies.

In order to distinguish between the two women, people had to use the terms "big" and "small" to differentiate them.

Thus, Second Sister You became Madam Da You, and Third Sister You became Madam Xiao You.

……

At Chonghua Palace, Jia Lian gave instructions to the officials of the Ministry of Rites and the Court of State Ceremonial, urging them to make preparations for the funeral procession.

Then he returned to Chonghua Hall, went to the mourning hall, and walked to the side of a beautiful figure at the front.

After a pause, she finally spoke, "Grandmother, you have been kneeling for an hour. It is time for you to go and rest."

You can come back in the afternoon.

The rest can be left to my grandson.

Jia Lian was quite speechless.

After all, he had to call a woman who was only ten years older than him, no, perhaps much younger than him, and who was also incredibly beautiful, "Grandmother."

This feeling is absolutely fucking awful.

Looking at the Empress Dowager kneeling before the coffin, even though she was wrapped in mourning clothes, her tall, slender, and beautiful figure could not be concealed. Jia Lian suddenly understood why the Emperor Emeritus wanted to take her with him before he left.

Which man wouldn't want to be with such a stunningly beautiful woman, even unto death?
Long after Jia Lian finished speaking, the Empress Dowager gave a soft "hmm".

When Jia Lian saw her preparing to get up, he subconsciously stretched out his arm, which left the old nanny who was in charge of this task at the side at a loss for what to do.

The Empress Dowager was clearly taken aback, but she did not hesitate. She naturally placed her hand on Jia Lian's forearm and used the support to get up.

Then she glanced at Jia Lian and said, "I heard that the Crown Prince intends to abdicate in your favor?"

"The Crown Prince is benevolent and humble, which is admirable. However, this action is not in accordance with etiquette, and it will probably not be long before the Crown Prince understands this."

The Empress Dowager seemed to smile, and, taking Jia Lian's hand, continued walking towards the inner palace: "Judging from your words, you're actually unwilling to be the Crown Prince?"

"It's not that I'm unwilling, but the position of Crown Prince should rightfully belong to my fourth brother."

How could I, your grandson, shamelessly usurp the throne just because my fourth brother is modest?

"You do have ambition, but you're pathetic..."

The Empress Dowager wanted to express her pity for Zhaoyang's painstaking efforts.

When Princess Zhaoyang told her about this before, she could tell that the little girl was very happy.

She could also understand why she was happy.

That girl is completely bewitched; she doesn't even want her own younger brother anymore.

Just as he was about to say something more to Jia Lian, he suddenly saw a graceful young maid with a face like a peach blossom being led over.

Upon seeing Jia Lian, he immediately beamed with joy, abandoned his servants, and hurried over.

"Your Highness..."

Jia Lian was somewhat surprised to see You Sanjie appear, but he still reminded her, "Hurry up and pay your respects to the Empress Dowager."

Only then did You Sanjie realize that the woman in front of her, who was more than half a head taller than her and was so stunningly beautiful upon closer inspection, was actually the Empress Dowager.

He immediately knelt down and kowtowed.

"Get up."

The Empress Dowager frowned slightly and asked Jia Lian, "Who is this pretty young lady?"

“Reporting to Grandmother, she is one of my concubines, you may call her Lady You.”

"Oh, so it's her."

I've long heard that you have a discerning eye, and that each of your wives is more beautiful than the last.

Seeing it today, it's indeed true.

You are so lucky.

Although Sister You was very beautiful and behaved very well.

However, the Empress Dowager always felt that she disliked her.

Her mood worsened, especially when she addressed Jia Lian as "Grandmother" in a very formal manner, following his instructions.

"Alright, that's enough for you. Go back and take care of your own business."

Seeing the Empress Dowager suddenly turn cold and leave with a flick of her sleeve, Jia Lian felt somewhat bewildered.

However, this wasn't the first or second time the Empress Dowager had changed her attitude in front of him, so he didn't care too much. Instead, he turned to ask You Sanjie, "Why did you come to the palace?"

"I was sent by the Princess."

As she spoke, You Sanjie's eyes lit up. She tiptoed closer to Jia Lian and asked, "Master, are you really going to become the Crown Prince?"

"Don't ask questions like a child."

Upon hearing Jia Lian's tone, You Sanjie immediately became more certain of the situation.

My heart was filled with emotion.

Then she leaned close to Jia Lian's ear and whispered, "The princess said the matter is of great importance and she's afraid you'll be ambushed while you're alone in the palace, so she asked me to bring people into the palace to protect you."

But she really is something else; she doesn't even know the rules of the palace, yet she ordered me to come over.

When I led my men into the palace fully prepared, I was not only stopped at several checkpoints, but also lost a great deal of face.

In the end, they only let me enter the palace because of you.

Not only were my soldiers confiscated, but even my own armor and sword were taken away.

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian looked You Sanjie up and down, and couldn't help but laugh when he saw that she was also dressed in mourning clothes and had a slender figure.

Wang Xifeng sent You Sanjie with people into the palace to protect him. He only needed to think for a moment to realize that she had probably heard about what happened today and was worried that something might happen to him.

Although he felt that she was worrying unnecessarily and making a fuss, Jia Lian was still quite pleased that it was his wife's way of showing concern for him.

Moreover, it was quite funny to see Sister You looking so aggrieved and forced to become a commander without any troops.

So he comforted her, saying, "Alright, alright, your princess hasn't been to the palace many times, how would she know these rules?"

On the contrary, you, knowing nothing, dared to lead troops into the palace, which makes you a first among women.

This one thing alone is enough to secure your place in history.

You Sanjie was initially very frustrated.

She excitedly led her troops, ordered to protect Jia Lian.

I had originally imagined it would be a thrilling, epic scene of swords and shadows.

Unexpectedly, they were questioned by the guards as soon as they arrived in the capital.

She finally managed to get through using the signboard of the Prince of Pingliao's Mansion, but when she arrived at the palace, she was almost scared to death.

Many golden-armored soldiers rushed out and surrounded them.

Judging from their posture, if they weren't a group of women, they probably would have already started a fight.

After finally explaining their identities and purpose, the leading officer told her that unless Jia Lian gave the order or someone carried it, they would not be allowed to enter the palace.

Moreover, even if someone is leading them, they must remove their equipment and hand it over to them for safekeeping.

With no other option, they removed all their equipment and entered the palace under the guidance of the self-recommended officer.

I originally thought that this would be the time to see Jia Lian.

Who knew that they would be questioned again not long after being led into the palace.

Ultimately, those despicable eunuchs only allowed her to enter the inner palace to see Jia Lian; everyone else had to stay outside.

Feeling that she had been mistreated, she had originally planned to complain to Jia Lian and ask him to help her get revenge.

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, she immediately forgot all about it and happily said in a spoiled tone, "I don't care about leaving my name or not."

"I was originally ordered by the Queen to protect you, but now I've lost my soldiers and even my own weapons. What use am I now?"

Jia Lian patted her head through the mourning clothes and said with a smile, "Alright, since you're here, come with me. I'll take you out of the palace later."

"Hehe, okay."

The thought of being able to stay by Jia Lian's side and broaden her horizons made You Sanjie feel that the interrogation she had endured earlier was immediately worthwhile. (End of Chapter)