The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Chapter 776: Asking for a Seal

Jia Lian didn't know that Emperor Ning Kang was wary of Yuanchun because of what the retired emperor said, so he treated her coldly.

Now that he knew that he had probably misunderstood Yuanchun, Emperor Ning Kang felt sorry. But he was indeed too busy, so he asked Jia Lian to visit Yuanchun. He knew that Yuanchun and Jia Lian had a very good relationship.

Although Yuanchun tried to cover it up, she always tried her best to speak well of Jia Lian in front of him. How could he not see it?

After leaving the Daming Palace, he came to the Fengzao Palace in the harem, but was told that Yuanchun was not in the palace, but had gone to the Kunning Palace.

Jia Lian recalled that day on the dragon sedan chair when the Queen seemed to be very kind to him and even wanted to adopt him as her son.

Jia Lian didn't care too much at the time, he just thought that having an additional queen mother would only be a gain and no loss.

But afterwards he thought carefully, with his background as the grandson of the retired emperor, if he were adopted by the queen, he would become the fourth in line to the throne of the empire!

As long as the third prince, the fourth prince and the fifth prince also die one after another, no one in the entire royal family will be more qualified than him to inherit the throne.

No wonder Emperor Ning Kang did not agree at that time. I am afraid that as an emperor, he was aware of the connection.

Jia Lian didn't know whether the Queen did it intentionally or unintentionally, but since the Queen was willing to show her kindness to him, he certainly wouldn't be stingy in expressing it.

Therefore, he immediately decided to go to Kunning Palace to pay a visit to the Queen.

Kunning Palace is just behind Daming Palace, so we almost retraced our steps.

Jia Lian was thinking about something on the way, until the eunuch who was leading the way reminded him, Jia Lian realized that he had arrived outside the Kunning Palace.

"Excuse me, eunuch. This place is very close to the front court. After I pay my respects to the queen, I will leave the palace on my own. You can do as you please."

Even though it had long been rumored in the palace that Jia Lian was humble and polite, and was courteous even to the palace maids and eunuchs of lowly status, the eunuch leading the way still felt flattered when he actually heard Jia Lian call him "little eunuch" in person.

So he smiled cleverly and said, "You are too polite, Duke. But your status is no longer what it used to be. The title of 'Marquis' is no longer worthy of you. You should change your title as soon as possible."

Jia Lian just called himself the Marquis out of habit, and he realized what was going on after he said it.

Seeing that this little eunuch actually dared to correct him, Jia Lian smiled and asked: "What's your name?"

"My Lord, my name is Liu San, and the Duke can just call me Xiao Sanzi."

Seeing that the young eunuch was quite clever, Jia Lian subconsciously touched his pocket.

The political principle that Jia Lian adheres to is to make friends with as many people as possible.

Just like Zhou Xianming who provided him with important information in Tiewang Mountain that day, if it weren't for his reputation, he, as a subordinate of Hu Jin, would not have thought of looking for him.

Although these characters are small, they can often play an unexpected role when appropriate.

As long as the good connections made are numerous and broad enough, over time, a deep-rooted network of relationships can be established in this empire.

Of course, those who had offended him or dared to go against him, such as Wang Fu and Han Zhe, would naturally be killed if there was any chance.

Jia Lian wanted to make good friends, but when he touched his cuffs, he found that he had no money on him.

He casually touched a jade pendant worn around his waist.

He also remembered that these jade beads he wore were usually given as gifts to his sisters or young ladies at home. He would feel a little uncomfortable if he gave them to a young eunuch.

Jia Lian couldn't help but freeze in his tracks.

But the eunuch Liu San seemed to have noticed his actions and looked at him with expectant eyes.

Jia Lian withdrew his hand and asked, "Do you have any money on you?"

"Um...I have some money on me."

"Lend me some."

"..."

"Why, are you afraid that I won't return it to you?"

"You are joking, sir. If you find any use for this little money of mine, you can take it. You don't have to pay it back."

Although the young eunuch did not understand how powerful it was, he felt it was a great honor to be able to borrow money from Jia Lian, so he quickly took out his purse from his chest and handed it to Jia Lian respectfully.

Jia Lian took it, weighed it, and said with a smile, "Not bad, it's quite a lot."

"My Lord, please forgive me for making a fool of myself."

The young eunuch had not expected Jia Lian to be so easy to talk to, so he flattered him and said with a smile: "My lord, you don't know that we eunuchs don't have much fun on weekdays. After we get off work every day, we just go to the Shenwu Gate to play.

There is a place opened by the managers of the twenty-four departments, which is specially for us eunuchs to have fun. I have been lucky recently, and I plan to go there to have some fun after my shift, so I brought some extra..."

Jia Lian smiled when he heard this. He certainly knew that cats have their ways and mice have their ways.

There are at least two to three thousand eunuchs in the palace. They are not wooden people, and they naturally have their own spiritual needs. Gambling is naturally the best way to pass the time.

Perhaps this is why most eunuchs are greedy for money.

"So if you give me the money, doesn't that mean you don't have the money to play around?"

"Haha, it is a great blessing for me to be able to use my little money for you. As for gambling, there are always places to play, so it doesn't matter if I play for a day or two."

Jia Lian tossed the purse in his hand and then threw it back into Liu San's arms.

"Here, I reward you."

"..."

"Don't frown so hastily. It was a loan before, and now it's a reward. These are two different things.

Well, this Marquis... this Marquis did not bring any reward money today. You should know how much money you have in your pocket. Go to the Linjing Gate to find my followers. They have money on them. Ask them to return the money I lent you."

As Jia Lian spoke, he walked straight towards the palace maid on duty in front of Kunning Palace and asked her to pass on the message.

Standing there, Liu San looked at Jia Lian's back, opened his mouth, and finally knelt down and kowtowed to Jia Lian, then turned and left.

He would never go to Jia Lian's followers to pay back the money!

Being able to talk so much with Jia Lian is a great asset to brag about.

Not to mention, with Jia Lian's status and position, this opportunity might save his life at a critical moment, so he would not be so stupid as to spend it for a few taels of silver...

……

Jia Lian did not expect that in addition to Yuanchun, there were other guests in the Queen's palace.

"Sworn brother..."

After Jia Lian bowed and greeted the Queen and others, Zhen Yuhuan, who was standing next to the Queen, could not help but call out slowly.

A rare and handsome little face, a little aggrieved, but the eyes are still bright.

Jia Lian paused and just nodded.

The Queen glanced at Zhen Yuhuan, who was obviously full of admiration, shook her head, and said to Mrs. Zhen, "I did not expect that the Crown Prince would do such a thing. It was my inconsiderateness that almost delayed Yuhuan.

Let’s put aside all the things we discussed before and don’t mention them again in the future.”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zhen immediately stood up and kowtowed repeatedly to the queen to express her gratitude.

"When are you planning to return to Nanjing?"

"I plan to bring Yuhuan back to Nanjing in two days and tell the old lady about this..."

"Alright."

The Queen sighed.

It was originally a good thing. Everything, even the rituals, had been discussed. All they had to do was wait for the royal hunting trip to be over so that they could have a marriage.

Who knew that something would happen to the prince at this critical moment.

Not only did this cause the Zhen family to stay in Beijing for so long in vain, but they were also inexplicably dragged into the prince's case, and the queen also felt bad about it.

After letting Mrs. Zhen sit down again, the Queen looked at Jia Lian and said, "I heard that His Majesty promoted your title and conferred you the title of 'Duke of Rong'?"

When these words were spoken, Mrs. Zhen, who had just sat down, looked in astonishment.

She was not as well-informed as the Queen about what had just happened.

She had been extremely worried since the riots in the capital, fearing that the Jinyiwei who were arresting the prince's party would rush into her house. It was not until the queen finally returned to the capital that she finally found her backbone.

It’s not that she didn’t think about asking the Jia family for help, but she also heard that Jia Lian was in trouble and was implicated and dismissed from office, so naturally she didn’t go to the Jia family.

Who would have thought that Jia Lian would be granted the title of duke in just two days?

"In reply to your Majesty, I have been granted the title of Duke by your Majesty."

"I have always thought you are very good. Your Majesty has a good eye for talent. However, you must not slack off in the future. You must be more diligent and live up to His Majesty's trust in you."

"I will obey your majesty's order."

"Well, what do you want to see me about?"

"It's nothing particularly important. It's just that I finally got to the palace, so I thought I had to come and pay my respects to the queen."

"Hehehe."

The Queen was old enough to be Jia Lian's mother, so there was nothing wrong with what Jia Lian said.

"Are you here to see your sister?"

"Well, this is just by the way... Mainly, His Majesty ordered me to visit my sister on his behalf. But coming to pay respects to Her Majesty was my own decision."

The queen shook her head. She finally understood why Emperor Ning Kang said that Jia Lian was cunning.

"Also, I have a small request."

"Oh, you say."

"I have been granted the title of Duke by Your Majesty. According to convention, my wife can also be promoted to the first-rank Duke's wife.

Her Majesty holds the Golden Book and the Phoenix Seal, so I would like to ask Her Majesty for a favor and grant me a seal so that I can take it back and make my wife happy.

Your Majesty, you don’t know that my wife is the most vain. ”

When Jia Lian said this, not only the mother and daughter of the Zhen family were speechless, but Yuanchun also hurriedly said, "Brother, don't be rude. The palace has its own etiquette for conferring awards and imperial edicts. How can you ask for it on your own..."

The queen smiled and waved her hand: "It's okay."

"He's right. He is already a Duke, so his wife should naturally be promoted to the Duke's wife."

After saying this, the Queen actually ordered someone to fetch the golden book and phoenix seal, and issued an imperial edict to Jia Lian on the spot.

This undoubtedly made the Zhen mother and daughter and others realize the extent to which Jia Lian was favored by the emperor and empress.

After all, Jia Lian and the Queen were not very familiar with each other, and there was no family bond between them. Therefore, after Jia Lian was awarded the title and praised highly, there was no reason for the Queen to stay.

The Queen then ordered Yuanchun to take Jia Lian back so that the two siblings could have a chat.

Jia Lian and his companion left Kunning Palace and walked towards Fengzao Palace. Along the way, they talked about some unimportant things.

Most of the time, Yuanchun was asking about the old lady and mother at home.

It was not until they returned to Fengzao Palace and sat down together that Yuanchun's expression became serious.

However, looking at Jia Lian who was drinking tea from his cup, seeing his handsome face and carefree expression, Yuanchun smiled and said, "I was worried about you when I heard that you were dismissed by His Majesty.

I'm glad you're okay now."

"Thank you for your concern, sister."

Jia Lian was still half-drinking the tea from Fengzao Palace, with a cool look as if he didn't even look at anyone.

Yuanchun burst out laughing and said, "You are the emperor's grandson now, and you still call me sister."

"Well, now that I'm the emperor's grandson, I can't call you sister anymore?"

Jia Lian finally turned around, seeming surprised.

"Not really..."

Yuanchun suddenly didn't know how to respond.

She was thinking of the scene when she came home to visit her parents last year and was hugged by Jia Lian.

At that time, because Jia Lian was her cousin, she didn't think it was a big deal. But now that she knows Jia Lian's background, thinking back on it naturally has some different meanings.

After all, apart from the emperor, Jia Lian was the only man who had ever hugged her.

After a moment of silence, she asked, "His Majesty has appointed you as the Duke of Rong?"

"Ah."

Yuanchun frowned, thinking about something, but she felt that it didn't make sense, so she asked Jia Lian directly: "What do you think is the deep meaning of your majesty's action?"

Hearing this, Jia Lian's expression became more profound. He glanced at the room that had been cleared by Yuanchun, and said slowly, "His Majesty does not admit it, or he has no intention of revealing my background to the world. He wants me to continue to be a meritorious official and become a minister who can work for him."

Yuanchun nodded. She could understand this.

The royal family is the emperor's foundation, and similarly, those whom the emperor really needs to guard against also mostly come from the royal family.

There are so many members of the royal family, why are there so few who are truly valued?

Is it true that all members of the royal family are useless?

not necessarily.

The real reason is that members of the royal family, no matter how close their bloodline is, may all be legitimate princes and descendants of the emperor if they go back several generations.

Therefore, if the ability is average, the emperor will use it. If the ability is too outstanding, reaching the level of being able to govern the country and the army, the emperor will be restless.

Jia Lian has already demonstrated this level of ability if Emperor Ning Kang also recognizes his status as the emperor's grandson.

Not to mention that Jia Lian might rebel against him in the name of rescuing the retired emperor, isn't he worried that Jia Lian will rebel against his son after a hundred years?

This is the fundamental reason why so many people believed that even if Emperor Ning Kang did not kill Jia Lian, he would never trust him again.

Knowing that Emperor Ning Kang had this plan, Yuanchun was quite happy.

She had been worried that Jia Lian would leave the Jia family and return to the royal family.

If that were the case, the Jia family would really find it difficult to continue given their current situation.

So she hinted, "In fact, His Majesty's arrangement is a good thing for you. If he really acknowledges your status as the emperor's grandson, you will find it difficult to cope with it.

Now that His Majesty has not abandoned you, and you have a heart of loyalty and ability, you should serve the country and realize your life ambitions, so as to live up to your natural talent."

Facing Yuanchun's undisguised praise, Jia Lian smiled and said, "Sister, do you really think so? Don't you think that I am occupying the magpie's nest, usurping the title and family property of the Jia family, which is unfair to Baoyu and the others?"

Yuanchun was stunned and suddenly became worried, thinking that someone in her family must have had this idea, which was why Jia Lian asked this half-joking, half-serious question.

"What are you talking about? You grew up in the Jia family. In my heart, you are my younger brother and the only one who can lead the family to prosperity.

Even though I'm in the palace, I know the contributions you've made to the family over the years.

It can be said that without you, there would be no family today. Since everything in the family was won by you, it is natural that you should inherit it and protect it.

As for Baoyu and the others.

Even without you, they would just be holding on to the title of general. It would be good enough if they could maintain the original situation and prevent the family from declining so quickly.

On the contrary, with your help, they can still live well even without a title. As long as they have their own abilities, fame, wealth and honor will be within their reach, right?

Therefore, you must not hold any grudge against us because of our background.

Have you forgotten the oath you made to me, that you would work with me to restore the glory of our ancestors?"

"Uh, I didn't expect that my sister still remembered the impulsive words I said back then?"

"How could I not remember? I remember every word you said..."

Yuanchun suddenly felt something was wrong and added: "Besides, have you forgotten that you gave me so much... In short, in my heart you are my dear brother. Don't say such things again in the future, otherwise I will think that you look down on us and don't want to be close to us."

Jia Lian smiled faintly: "Sister, I will remember your teachings."

……