Happy life in the world of film and television

Chapter 1572 Jia Yuanchun from *Dream of the Red Chamber*

"Shocked?" Jiang Chen glanced at Wang Xifeng and said, "You're in the Wang family, haven't you heard about the affair between the Emperor Emeritus and Emperor Wen?"

"I have heard of it, but this is a matter of national importance. Would the Emperor Emeritus be so irrational?" Wang Xifeng said hesitantly.

"The current retired emperor only knows how to fight for power and profit. I'm afraid he thinks that even if there are losses in the salt industry, he can recover them after he takes power," Jiang Chen said calmly.

In Jiang Chen's view, the retired emperor and the emperor in *Dream of the Red Chamber* are similar to the historical retired emperors Li Yuan and Li Shimin. However, the retired emperor in *Dream of the Red Chamber* has slightly less power than Li Yuan in history. Furthermore, the Jia family had a good relationship with the retired emperor, making their downfall inevitable.

In this second world, on the Star River Continent, because it's a fusion of film and television worlds, there are many feudal lords, giving the retired emperor considerable power. After all, several of those feudal lords are the retired emperor's sons.

However, those in power all have one thing in common: they believe they can control everything under the heavens.

"What does my husband plan to do?" Wang Xifeng asked.

"I already had my eye on the salt industry. If anyone makes a move against Lin Ruhai, then we can get a share of the profits." Jiang Chen had no intention of saving Lin Ruhai. Even though Lin Daiyu was his daughter, he never considered it.

“Regardless of whether Lin Ruhai is in trouble or not, there must be quite a few people eyeing the salt industry, right?” Wang Xifeng said.

"Definitely. Perhaps Lin Ruhai sent Lin Daiyu to the capital because he knew someone was plotting against him. Little did he know that the Jia family was a den of dragons and tigers. Given Jia Baoyu's personality, he's probably quite like a woman... It won't be long before Lin Daiyu becomes Jia Baoyu's fiancée. And Lin Ruhai, who is Emperor Wen's man, becomes Jia Baoyu's fiancée. The scheming involved is quite extraordinary." Jiang Chen said this with a meaningful tone.

"So, Lin Daiyu's arrival in the capital is related to the Jia family. Perhaps the retired emperor behind the Jia family is..." Wang Xifeng's expression changed slightly.

“Yes. Of course, this is just my guess. However, whether my guess is right or wrong, we should take appropriate measures.” In Xinghan, Jiang Chen never thought of becoming emperor, but he could also control everything like those aristocratic families: “Xi Feng, you and Shen Lige practice this matter.”

Shen Lige, Ren Duomei, Shu Qing, Chen Kaiyi, Zhang Qiuyue, and others were all present in Xinghan Shenjing, so they could handle any situation. Jiang Chen was only there to sign in.

Of course, it also involves cultivating relationships with the women and practicing the Carefree Heavenly Technique.

"Practice a few times?" Wang Xifeng was slightly taken aback.

“Yes, it’s not a big deal,” Jiang Chen said.

“That’s true.” Wang Xifeng paused for a moment, then laughed.

She had experienced a lot in the Third World. Now in Xinghan, even if she couldn't handle things on her own, she could still provide support for Shen Lige and the others.

That evening, after having dinner with Shen Lige and the others, Jiang Chen sneaked into the palace.

The situation in Xinghan is currently turbulent. Although the intelligence of the Embroidered Uniform Guard is powerful, it is not enough to investigate the actions of all parties in Xinghan. In Jiang Chen's view, the Imperial Palace is one of the best ways to obtain intelligence.

This wasn't Jiang Chen's first time at Xinghan Palace, so he was naturally very familiar with the place.

In the imperial study of the palace, Jiang Chen found a lot of information.

Although this intelligence was encrypted, it was no problem for Jiang Chen.

In just over fifteen minutes, Jiang Chen had finished reading all the information he wanted to know. As for the encrypted information that couldn't be cracked, Jiang Chen recorded it with his camera, intending to have the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigate it later.

"At this time, Emperor Wen should be with Consort Yue, as for the Empress..."

As Jiang Chen wandered through the palace, he thought about the plot of "The Starry Sky".

Before long, Jiang Chen arrived at a palace.

"I don't think I've been to this place before."

Jiang Chen took a closer look.

Just then, Jiang Chen heard footsteps coming from afar.

"Ok?"

Jiang Chen turned his head to look.

next moment.

The system prompt sounds.

"Sign in."

Jiang Chen silently recited in his heart.

[Congratulations, host! You have successfully checked in and received ten low-level spirit cannons.]

"Ten low-level spirit cannons?"

"Received the fourteenth check-in."

"According to the system description, this low-level spirit cannon is similar to the M777 cannon, with a large barrel length to caliber ratio and a smaller propellant charge, making it suitable for low-angle firing."

"The difference is that the low-level spirit cannon is engraved with runes and array patterns. The super cannon of the First World has a range of 1000 kilometers, while the low-level spirit cannon has a range of 2000 kilometers."

"Unlike cannons, spirit cannons use low-grade spirit stones (only low-grade spirit stones are used). A single shot from a low-grade spirit cannon costs one thousand low-grade spirit stones, and its power is equivalent to a full-force attack from a Martial Emperor."

"The cooldown time for each firing of a low-level spirit cannon is five minutes."

"As long as there are enough low-grade spirit stones, a low-level spirit cannon can fire one hundred times in a row. After firing one hundred times in a row, the low-level spirit cannon will need to undergo a three-day cooling-off period."

“Each low-level spirit cannon requires five Grandmaster martial artists to operate.”

"However, the sign-in reward is pretty good."

"It's a pity that too many low-grade spirit stones were used."

At that moment, Jiang Chen looked at the female lead who had signed in.

Jia Yuanchun is a character in the movie "The Dream of Red Mansions: A Perfect Match".

In the drama, she is the eldest of the four sisters of the Jia family, the legitimate daughter of Jia Zheng and Lady Wang, the younger sister of Jia Zhu, and the elder sister of Jia Baoyu. Born on the first day of the Lunar New Year, she was named Yuan Chun. In her early years, she was selected to serve as a lady-in-waiting in the palace due to her "virtuous and filial piety." After Qin Keqing's death, she was promoted to the position of Shangshu of the Fengzao Palace and given the title of Virtuous Consort. She was the Jia family's greatest backer; her elevation to imperial status made the Jia family relatives of the emperor, and the Jia family built the Grand View Garden for her. However, she only enjoyed this wealth and honor for three years before being embroiled in palace intrigue and dying.

"Jia Yuanchun in the movie 'The Dream of Red Mansions: Perfect Couple'?"

"I didn't expect it to be this version of Jia Yuanchun."

In the drama, Jia Yuanchun is the eldest daughter of Jia Zheng, the second master of the Rongguo Mansion, and the daughter of Lady Wang. She is Jia Baoyu's elder sister. Jia Yuanchun was named because she was born on the first day of the Lunar New Year. She was raised by her grandmother, Jia Mu, from a young age and was very fond of her younger brother, Jia Baoyu, teaching him to read and write. After growing up, she was selected to serve as a lady-in-waiting in the palace because of her virtue and talent. Later, she was promoted to the position of Shangshu of Fengzao Palace and then given the title of Virtuous Consort.

To welcome her homecoming visit, the Jia family specially built a separate residence for her visit. The day of her visit coincided with the Lantern Festival. Jia Yuanchun reunited with her family, toured the Grand View Garden, inscribed plaques and bestowed names upon various places, and even commissioned her sisters and Jia Baoyu to compose poems. Afterwards, Jia Yuanchun, residing deep within the palace, often worried about family matters: she sent out riddles for everyone to solve, issued an edict allowing Xue Baochai, Jia Baoyu, and others to reside in the Grand View Garden, funded a peace-bringing ceremony, bestowed gifts for the Dragon Boat Festival, and sent congratulatory gifts on the birthdays of Jia Mu and others.

On the surface, Jia Yuanchun's entry into the palace, the Jia family's visit home, and the grand celebrations in the Grand View Garden all seemed to restore order. However, beneath this calm lay a deeper crisis. The Grand View Garden project had been incredibly expensive, leaving the family already in debt. They were putting on a show, putting on a facade of wealth. Although Jia Yuanchun was a concubine, she was caught in a power struggle, and the Jia family was increasingly divided. Wang Xifeng's machinations and Grandmother Jia's maneuvering only deepened the rift between them. The power struggles and even hints of rebellion emerged: the family's attitude towards the retired emperor and the emperor wavered, outwardly loyal but inwardly self-serving. Coupled with various rumors circulating among the people, trust among family members became increasingly difficult. Once the splendor of the visit home faded, the bonds of kinship within the Jia family grew increasingly fragile, and the crisis was silently escalating.

It can be said that Jia Yuanchun's title of Imperial Concubine, on the surface, was a great honor, but it was actually a huge trap set for the Jia family.

"Has Jia Yuanchun not yet become a concubine?"

“Jia Yuanchun’s identities are Jia Zheng’s eldest daughter, the eldest daughter of the Jia family, a lady-in-waiting in the palace, the head of the Fengzao Palace, the virtuous concubine, and the imperial concubine.”

"Now we don't know if she's a palace lady-in-waiting or a high-ranking official in the Phoenix Palace?"

Information about Jia Yuanchun flashed through Jiang Chen's mind.

However, Jiang Chen did not meet with Jia Yuanchun.

For Jiang Chen, being able to see Jia Yuanchun sign in here was enough.

However, at this moment, Jiang Chen thought of Jia Yuanchun from the 87 TV series "Dream of the Red Chamber." Jiang Chen felt that this version of Jia Yuanchun possessed an elegant and dignified temperament, exuding a pampered and luxurious image. She wore a golden phoenix headdress adorned with dangling pearls and kingfisher feathers, a bright yellow satin cloak embroidered with phoenixes and peonies in five colors, and a bright yellow satin round-necked robe embroidered with phoenixes, peonies, and cloud patterns… These magnificent and elegant attire appeared particularly harmonious with Jia Yuanchun's dignified and graceful figure. Whether walking, sitting, or lying down, or even with a smile or a frown, Jia Yuanchun displayed a gentle and dignified demeanor.

This version of Jia Yuanchun can be described as a noble imperial concubine with extraordinary temperament and natural majesty, as if she stepped out of the book.

However, although it wasn't the 87 version of Jia Yuanchun, the Jia Yuanchun in the movie "A Dream of Red Mansions: Perfect Couple" was also quite good.

After glancing at Jia Yuanchun one last time, Jiang Chen left the palace.

Jiang Mansion.

"Still not asleep?"

Jiang Chen arrived at Shen Lige's room.

"Hmm, my husband, was it a victory this time?" Shen Lige stepped forward to help Jiang Chen undress.

"This was a good haul." Jiang Chen handed the camera he had used to take pictures to Shen Lige, and then recounted the intelligence he had read.

"It seems Emperor Wen is aware of the situation," Shen Lige said.

"Yes, but judging from the situation in the Imperial Study, Emperor Wen is probably willing but unable to do more," Jiang Chen said.

“The situation at Xinghan is too complicated right now. The only solution is to reshuffle the deck,” Shen Lige said.

"That's it."

Jiang Chen smiled and said, "However, Emperor Wen is old and probably doesn't have the courage."

“The current Crown Prince of Xinghan is also incompetent, but he has the Empress and the support of some powerful families. Emperor Wen is a capable man, and it’s impossible that he doesn’t know these things. So, he wants to change the Crown Prince?” Shen Lige immediately understood the key point.

"Emperor Wen and Consort Yue were childhood sweethearts. He married Xuan Shen'an to gain the support of the Xuan family and other powerful clans. As long as Xuan Shen'an and the forces behind her are not strong enough, Emperor Wen will definitely depose her." In the drama, Xuan Shen'an requests to be deposed. But anyone who understands politics knows what deposing an empress means, let alone requesting it herself. The scheming involved is chilling to even contemplate.

“Deposing the empress means deposing the crown prince. With the world on the verge of chaos, would he dare?” Shen Lige said.

"As long as the Crown Prince is incompetent, that's enough. I'm afraid Emperor Wen has already made preparations," Jiang Chen said meaningfully.

In "The Starry Sky," Emperor Wen's harem consisted of only Empress Xuan, Consort Yue, and Lady Xu. The Crown Prince, the Second Prince, the Eldest Princess, and the Fifth Princess were born to Empress Xuan; the Third Prince, the Fourth Prince, the Second Princess, the Third Princess, and the Fourth Princess were born to Consort Yue; and the Fifth Prince was born to Lady Xu. The remaining children were too young to be described further.

The Crown Prince is the eldest son of the Emperor and Empress Xuan. He is gentle, indecisive, and honest, with a naturally good temper. However, his excessive leniency and unclear system of rewards and punishments have drawn criticism from court officials, especially the Marquis of Dayue, the Marquis of Zhongyue, and the Marquis of Xiaoyue, who all wish for their nephew, the Third Prince, to replace him. The Crown Princess, while outwardly gentle, virtuous, and refined, is in reality greedy, petty, hypocritical, and foolish.

The Second Prince is somewhat reckless, impulsive, and hot-tempered, with a penchant for beautiful women. His wife comes from a good family, is beautiful, cheerful, and capable. The Second Prince fell for her at first sight and insisted on the marriage, a union based on their free choice. While seemingly straightforward, the Second Prince's wife is actually quite talented and manages his palace impeccably.

The eldest princess, seemingly adept at social maneuvering, is actually quite unreliable, unlike her husband, who is known for his smooth-talking and sophisticated nature. Her father, however, comes from a prominent family and has a history of merit in supporting the emperor, having held high-ranking positions such as Left General, Grand Master of the Palace, and even a regional governor. Unlike the third and fifth princesses, the eldest princess doesn't frequently cause trouble, and while she can be sharp-tongued and sometimes resentful, her husband always manages to smooth things over for her, making her one of the more harmonious and fulfilling princesses.

The Fifth Princess is domineering, impulsive, and thoughtless, frequently punished by the Emperor and Empress Xuan. She is in love with Ling Buyi, but he is indifferent to her. She is betrothed to the heir of the Marquis of Yue, the younger brother of Consort Yue, but before the marriage, she kept handsome young knights at home. She is violent, narrow-minded, arrogant, extravagant, and licentious—a complete idiot.

It can be said that almost none of Empress Xuan Shen'an's children were good. If Emperor Wen hadn't been pushing things along behind the scenes, Jiang Chen wouldn't believe a word of it.

The only one who was somewhat better off was the second prince.

However, after Empress Xuan requested to be deposed, the Second Prince was enfeoffed as the Prince of Huai'an, and Empress Xuan became the Empress Dowager of Huai'an. Emperor Wen granted the Second Prince an additional prefecture to support the Empress Dowager of Huai'an. Upon receiving news of Empress Xuan's deposition, the Second Prince's wife immediately understood that the situation was hopeless. She decisively dispatched her assassins and advisors to safe locations, destroyed all potentially unreliable letters, and carefully handled all matters.

Not long after Empress Xuan was deposed, the Second Prince's wife died in childbirth while giving birth to her fourth child. Before her death, she asked the Second Prince for three things: first, that no matter who he remarried, he should treat her children well; second, that whoever ascended the throne should take care of himself and not wallow in self-pity; and third, that no one should offer incense on her death anniversary for ten years, as if she were still alive, as if she had simply left in anger. At the same time, the Second Prince's wife instructed her trusted confidants to select a tutor in advance and to arrange her funeral in a well-organized manner.

After losing his wife, the Second Prince locked himself in his room for a day and a night. Upon emerging, he dismissed all guests and concubines from the palace, carefully managed the household's income and expenses, selected trustworthy confidants, disciplined the servants, and attentively cared for his child. Every two weeks, he visited Yong'an Palace to comfort and console the Empress Dowager. He also showed concern for the Prince of Donghai, who had requested to resign as heir apparent, and defended him against the rumors and gossip circulating in the court.

In Jiang Chen's view, the Second Prince might become the Crown Prince if he awakens his true potential. However, Jiang Chen also understands that if the Second Prince awakens sooner and becomes calm and composed, Emperor Wen will definitely take action.

“If the Crown Prince is deposed, Emperor Wen will definitely make Consort Yue’s son the heir, and Consort Yue’s eldest son will be the Third Prince,” Shen Lige said.

“Yes, the Third Prince is patient, wise, and decisive. Moreover, he only takes concubines and does not establish a principal wife. All matters in the inner palace are managed by professionals. What does this mean? It means that his principal wife must be someone who is useful to him,” Jiang Chen said.

“So, the Third Prince did it on purpose,” Shen Lige said.

“Yes.” Jiang Chen nodded.

“These royal children are too cunning,” Shen Lige said.

“If you don’t have a shrewd mind in the royal family, you’re bound to have a hard time.” Jiang Chen saw Shen Lige put her clothes on the rack next to her, so he went over and hugged her from behind.

"Among all the beautiful women in the palace, didn't you fancy a single one?" Shen Lige asked, leaning against Jiang Chen's chest.

“No, none of them are as good as you.” Jiang Chen untied Shen Lige’s belt and began to undress her.

“The palace must house the most beautiful women in the world,” Shen Lige said.

"The reason Emperor Wen was able to become emperor was because of the support of those powerful and influential families. Therefore, Emperor Wen would not allow too many people to enter his harem," Jiang Chen said.

“Emperor Wen was a rational man,” Shen Lige said.

Jiang Chen nodded.

Emperor Wen was a rational person.

This is also why Emperor Wen only had three women.

"So, if there are beautiful women in the palace, you will stay in the palace?" Shen Lige asked.

next moment.

Oh!

Shen Lige exclaimed in surprise.

But it was Jiang Chen's hand that grabbed a handful.

"You're so mean." Shen Lige rolled her eyes at Jiang Chen.

"Who made you so charming?" Jiang Chen picked up Shen Lige in one scoop.

"Husband." Shen Lige hugged Jiang Chen's neck.

A moment later, an indescribable sound rang out.

……

In the capital city of Lingyang on the Floating World Continent, at the Jiang residence.

"What's been going on lately?" Jiang Chen asked Bai Canlan and the others.

The Floating World Continent is located in the eastern part of the Qing Kingdom Continent, and to its northwest is the Great Liang Continent.

This was Jiang Chen's first time visiting the Floating World after arriving in the Second World.

"Nothing much has happened during this time..." Bai Canlan recounted what had happened on the Floating World Continent during this period.

"What's going on at the Prince Wei's residence?" Jiang Chen asked.

"It seems that the concubine in the Prince Wei's mansion has a child," Hao Liren replied.

"Really? That's wonderful news." Jiang Chen thought for a moment and said, "I'll go see Prince Wei later. By the way, what's the Lingyang Emperor up to?"