Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 879: South End Three Courtyards
The Hall of Nourishing Heart,
In the imperial study room,

Ambergris was still burning in the incense burner by the west window. Green smoke was rising up, carrying a faint fragrance, lingering in the room.

The scrolls neatly placed on the imperial desk fell aside, and two opened letters were spread out on the table. Inside the palace, with Lord Zhao's denial, the atmosphere became more solemn?
Emperor Wu did not rebuke, but raised his head and asked;

"Oh, in that case, then please tell me, Mr. Zhao, what are the three doubts?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, the reason why I disagree is that there are too many doubts in the letter. First, General Gu Ping of Jingnan led 30,000 troops to the south, but did not mention the situation of Chenzhou City. Whether it has changed hands at this time,
If it had already fallen, why didn't Gu Ping take back the city first, but continued to move south? If Chenzhou City was still in the hands of the court, why didn't he mention it?

Zhao Ge Lao is indeed the Minister of War. He can't hide anything about the march and the war. What he said makes sense. Zhang Jinyu thought about it and realized that if what Zhao Ge Lao said was true, Chenzhou City would be a big problem.

"Well, that's a good question. What about the second one?"

Emperor Wu frowned and thought carefully. It was obvious that Chenzhou City was a suspicious point, so he continued to ask,
Elder Zhao nodded slightly and said;

"Yes, Your Majesty. Secondly, after Gu Ping's troops rescued the remnants of Lin Yuefu, why didn't they go back to Linshan County, but instead crossed the western mountain barrier and went to Wuzhou City? He neither contacted the county city nor sent troops to investigate. How could he dare to conclude that Linshan County City surrendered to the enemy? Finally, we need to verify that since Linshan County City surrendered to the enemy, the main force of the Taiping Sect should be in the north instead of the south, and they should be marching at the same time, so how could they be one step faster? This is the third point. Therefore, I think this matter is absurd."

What he said was well-reasoned and flawless. Based on the current evidence, no matter what, it cannot be said that the Governor of Jingnan was suspected of surrendering to the enemy.

Baoning Hou closed his eyelids and blinked a few times. Zhang Jinyu saw it, but he didn't understand what it meant. When he looked again, he returned to his normal state.
"My dear minister, what you said makes sense. It is unclear and cannot be concluded, but it is not necessarily groundless. When Gu Ping retreated north, he changed his route and left. There must be a reason. If Linshan County surrendered to the enemy, what do you think of Wang Ziteng's troops, Marquis Baoning?"

Emperor Wu was upset. He took a sip of tea but still couldn't get rid of his anger. He ignored the cabinet members and looked at Marquis Luo Yun and Marquis Bao Ning. He asked Marquis Bao Ning first.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured. No matter what happens to the county city, Wang Ziteng's troops are heading south to the county city. It is just a matter of fighting sooner or later. As for whether the governor Yu has surrendered to the enemy, we cannot just listen to one person's words. I am not sure. I think the Taiping Sect is cunning and this may be their plan."

Kang Guichen stood up and replied respectfully. His words were flawless, but after listening carefully, it seemed that he didn't say anything. Emperor Wu felt a little unhappy. He took Gu Ping's letter and read it again. He always felt that there was something secret hidden in it.

"It's the same as not saying anything. Luo Yunhou, what do you think?"

Zhang Jinyu was a little confused. After asking this question again, it was finally his turn. However, Elder Lu did not say a word. He wanted to speak, but he did not know what to say. He stood up and clasped his fists and said;
"Your Majesty, I don't know what to say. I don't know where the Wuzhou city is. As for whether the governor of Jingnan surrendered to the enemy, whether it is true or not, it is not important to the court now."

If it had been known before when the imperial army went there, it would have been fine. But now they might all be fighting together. By the time the news gets back, it will be too late.

Zhang Jinyu's blunt words also made several people in the room stiffen for a moment, but as Luo Yunhou said, even if they knew the truth now, it was too late. Emperor Wu narrowed his eyes and thought about it, but this kid didn't even know where Wuzhou City was, so he winked at Dai Quan.
Dai Quan nodded in understanding, walked to the shadow of the east wall, pulled aside the curtain, revealed the territory map behind, and pointed it out to the Marquis.

"My Lord, Wuzhou is not far from Linshan County, but between the two places is the Anyang Mountains, which runs from north to south and is extremely difficult to pass. Therefore, it is basically impossible to pass, unless it is the rainy season and there is water in the mountains, otherwise you will die of thirst."

Following Dai Quan's finger, everyone could see clearly that Wuzhou City was on the western border of Anyang Mountain Range. It seemed that Gu Ping led the crowd to pass through during the rainy day. Going further up, they would reach Anyang, the gateway to the capital. It seemed to have the same status as Daliang City and was the southwest gate of the capital.

Seeing this picture, Zhang Jinyu had an idea in mind and turned around and said;
"Your Majesty, since Gu Ping has already escaped, I think we should first let him make amends for his crime and lead his troops through the important town of Anyang, eastwards, and to Daliang City to rest and wait for orders. I think during this period of time, there will be a result in the south, and then we can make a decision."

"It's a safe method. Lu Wenshan, have you arranged for replacement officials in Jiangnan?"

Emperor Wu nodded, but suddenly changed the subject and mentioned the officials appointed by Jiangnan. This was confusing. Lu Wenshan stood up and bent slightly.
"Your Majesty, I have already appointed county magistrates for the counties in Jiangnan. The county offices in Jinling, Suzhou, and Yangzhou have been reorganized. The transfer order has been issued and they can set off in the near future. It won't be delayed for too long."

When Emperor Wu heard this, his face turned gloomy and a hint of coldness flashed through his heart.

Even though some words were said obscurely in the secret report from Jiangnan, the emperor was able to understand the whole story with his intelligence.

I am afraid that the officials of Liangjiang are in close contact with the noble families and are secretly colluding with them, and their influence at the local level has become too powerful to be eliminated.

I don't know if replacing some officials can open up a gap. As for the officials who have been appointed and replaced, I have also looked at the list. The disciples of Nan Zixian and Luo Yunhou may have a glimmer of hope.
"Okay, in that case, let's arrange it this way. Prime Minister Li, your Excellency is very talented and I am very pleased. Let's go."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. We will take our leave."

Everyone bowed in turn to say goodbye, especially the Prime Minister, Lord Li, who stood up tremblingly and needed the support of Elder Lu and Elder Zhao, as if he was about to fall down in the wind. Zhang Jinyu and Marquis Baoning did not dare to leave first, so they had to follow behind the elders. After a while, they finally left the Yangxin Palace. This time, Emperor Wu did not leave anyone behind.
Just waiting to leave the hall, Zhang Jinyu felt a little puzzled. He came here today, and before he could react, he went back again. What was they discussing?

The courtyard outside the palace,

Several ministers came in sedan chairs, but only Baoning Hou and Zhang Jinyu walked. So, they were about to leave before the other ministers got on their sedan chairs. But the Prime Minister Li Chonghou stopped them.

"My two lords, please stay for now."

This sound made Zhang Jinyu and Kang Guichen turn their heads. They were puzzled and asked with a fist.
"I wonder what orders the Prime Minister has?"

"How dare I give orders to the two marquises? I am just feeling uneasy. I know that Marquis Luo Yun is leading the Beijing Camp, and Marquis Bao Ning is reorganizing the imperial guards. The court is in a difficult situation now. If necessary, I ask the two marquises to lend a hand sincerely. The cabinet has already made plans for the military preparations and food and salaries of the Beijing Camp. Marquis Luo Yun should pay more attention to it."

Prime Minister Li coughed twice, finished his words, and got into the sedan chair. Then, the sedan chair was lifted up and everyone left. As for the other two ministers, they did not leave a word. After they left, only the two of them were left here, staring at each other.
"My Lord, what do you think Prime Minister Li means?"

Although Marquis Baoning had some guesses in his mind, he did not dare to speak rashly.

Zhang Jinyu touched his chin. Prime Minister Li's suggestion just now was obviously to prepare food, wages and military equipment for the Beijing camp. He was going to mobilize the army. How did he know about that? Could it be that what was written in the secret letter was true? Wang Ziteng would definitely fail? This couldn't be possible!

"No matter what he means, it's nothing more than fighting back. As for the Imperial Guard, you must be careful. If you really want to send troops, the Imperial Guards must follow."

"I understand this, brother." Baoning Hou's face changed. He knew what Luo Yun Hou meant, and he had no choice but to agree. However, he didn't know how Changle Palace would react. However, when he thought about it, if the army of the capital camp went south, the right guard of the imperial army would also leave the capital, and the capital would be empty, he became more and more frightened. He dared not think about it anymore.

"it is good,"

After the two finished talking, they pretended nothing happened and left separately in the front yard.

In the imperial study room,

Emperor Wu leaned back, squinting his eyes, thinking about the chaos in the capital and the frequent actions of the princes in various places. He especially looked in the direction of Changle Palace with a frown on his face.
"You have to keep an eye on the affairs of the capital. In addition, there needs to be some movement in the city. I am grateful for the birthday of the retired emperor, and I allow the concubines of high rank in the harem to return home to visit their parents and fulfill their filial duties. In the harem, you should arrange as many concubines as there are."

"Yes, I understand,"

Dai Quan responded immediately. Your Majesty is thinking about whether to alert the enemy or lure them out of their hole. This requires careful consideration. In addition, if the principal wife returns home to visit her parents, each government office will also need to build a separate residence for her. In this way, all the stones and wood in the Ministry of Internal Affairs will have a place to go. These accounts also need to be carefully planned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Just at this time,

Emperor Wu suddenly opened his eyes, stood up, and continued to give orders;

"Immediately send a message from the Imperial City Department to have Gu Ping lead his troops to Daliang City to rest. Also, have the Southern Pacification Department send someone to keep an eye on the governor's residence and investigate the mansion's movements to see who has been in and out during this period, what has been said, and what has been done. If what is written in the letter is true, Wang Ziteng is in danger."

With a faint sigh,

Emperor Wu had a slightly tired look on his face, and there was always a trace of solemnity on his face. In his heart, he actually thought of someone, Prince Yi Zhong. Could it be that "he" was still alive?

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will obey your order!"

Ningguo Mansion,
In front of the government gate,
Instead, it seemed a bit busy, with the side door wide open.

There were many servants, busying around, putting some furniture, tables, chairs, cabinets, and even beds, in the open space in the front yard. Outside, there were more than ten carriages, and the carriages were already full. When they were almost full, several servants tied them up with ropes and tied them up more securely. Then they waved the whips and drove the carriages to a three-story house in the south.
It didn't take long. After leaving Ningrong Street and turning south, about two blocks away, there was a three-story courtyard facing the street. That was the residence of the Ningguo Mansion in the past.

At this time, the house
The house was even busier. Not to mention Zhong'er, who had become the housekeeper and was leading people to clean the yard, but also Jia Rong, who was sweating profusely, carrying a bucket and a rag, wiping the doors and windows of the east room. It seemed that no one had taken care of them for a long time, and a layer of dust had fallen on the doors, windows and eaves.
It was really unfortunate. I thought this house was clean, but I never thought that it was used as a warehouse by Ningguo Mansion. There were not many tables, chairs and benches, not to mention the beds. There was not even a hair. When they moved in that night, they were all dumbfounded when they saw this, especially the three concubines, whose faces turned red with anger. If Jia Rong had not made a wish to spend the night in the carriage, they might have insisted on going back that night.

At daybreak, Jia Rong, with a cold face, personally led people to clean up the east room first, so that the three concubines would have a place to stay. The courtyard house was cleaned, but the five or six rooms were empty. Even the doors and windows needed to be repaired. When he was struggling, the three concubines came over with their maids. Not to mention their figures, every move was so alluring that Jia Rong could not bear it. It was very hard to endure.
"Greetings to the three aunts,"

I don't know if it's because he has gained more power or because he has become the master of a mansion, but he has changed a lot.

But he was wearing a short, coarse cloth dress and was sweating. He looked like a farmhand in the mansion. Second Aunt Gui Mei was outspoken and didn't want to leave Ningguo Mansion. Looking at the empty yard and house, not to mention the flowers and trees, even the trees in the yard were dead. It was unlucky.
"Humph, Master Rong is now the lord of a mansion. What kind of peace is that? He cleaned up the place neatly, but look, the whole yard is empty. Even the trees are dead."

The more she spoke, the angrier she became. Her breasts could not help but tremble, and Jia Rong was stunned by the sight, and he quickly replied:
"Don't be impatient, Auntie. The tree will be chopped down soon. As for the furnishings in the house, there are six rooms in total, and the three aunties will have two rooms each. Someone will come to replace the doors and windows with new ones soon. As for the furnishings in the house, if they are really not good enough, you can buy new ones for the three aunties."

Jia Rong really didn't need the silver, because when he went to the Rongguo Mansion's storehouse and found Manager Lin, he had already received the 1,000 taels of silver promised by the old lady. Before leaving, Manager Lin actually gave him another silver note, saying that the second mistress gave him 500 taels of silver to buy some furniture.

After hearing this, the three looked much better. After all, they still had no place to stay and didn't know where to sleep at night. They felt a little depressed. The weather in May was already a little hot. They thought the three aunts would agree, but Yang Xiao looked around and saw that the yard was not small, with six rooms and half a corridor. It was well built, which showed that they had taken great care of it. It would be good if they could take care of it. However, it would cost a lot of money to buy things for the house. Even the west room where the servants lived was empty. There were more than a dozen rooms, all filled with junk, which were sold today.

If they were to buy it all again, it would cost a lot of money. But if they had to keep it simple, she was unwilling to do so. She had been used to a good life, so how could she settle for less? Looking at Jia Rong, he had a high status and a strong body, so he could be relied on. Her face turned red, and she thought of many things.
"Okay, this yard is pretty good. I just went to the west yard for a walk and packed up the things. I asked them to sell them all, but there are more than a dozen empty rooms and there are still many things they want. I don't know how Rong will solve the problem. Tables, chairs, benches, etc. are indispensable."

"Don't worry, Auntie. I went to Rongguo Mansion to withdraw silver in the morning. I got the 1,000 taels promised by the old lady and the 500 taels given by the second aunt. At worst, I can just buy them again. As for the four shops in the West Market, Zhong'er took the shop assistants there and re-signed the contracts. It just so happens that the six-month period has expired, and the two business owners have to renew the contracts and pay the rent for the first half of the year in advance. The total is 4,000 taels of silver notes. Look, they are all here."

Jia Rong grinned and showed off. He took out five thousand five hundred taels of silver notes from his inner pocket and fanned himself with them. Yang Xiao laughed secretly. He thought he had a place to stay. He turned around and looked at the two of them. They looked at him as if they understood. Yang Xiao nodded and stepped closer.
He reached out and touched Jia Rong's hand, and took the banknote in his hand. Jia Rong only felt the delicate and cool touch, and a fragrance came to his face. Before he could react, the banknote fell into Yang Xiao's hand. What happened?

"No, it doesn't cost that much money to buy things."

Seeing the stack of banknotes go into the aunt's purse, Jia Rong couldn't grab it back, so he opened his mouth to remind her, but He Xue came over and blocked Jia Rong's view.
"Why, Rong Ge'er is reluctant to part with the money?"

"That's not the case, Auntie. I'm willing to give you some money, but you're short of money at home and need to buy something. This money is indispensable."

Jia Rong swallowed his saliva, his eyes fixed on Aunt He. A sweet osmanthus fragrance wafted over, making him a little intoxicated, especially the plumpness wrapped in brocade clothes, which was three times more beautiful than those courtesans.

Yang Xiao took the banknote and smiled.

"Brother Rong, these banknotes will be kept here. I will manage the future expenses of the mansion, and my second sister will take care of the accounts and treasury. As for the maids and the court ladies who followed, treat them equally. Let them serve as maids in the inner hall first, and let my third sister lead them to sort out the rules. Don't even think about hiring a few maids first. What do you think?"

Obviously, these words were the final negotiation with Jia Rong. Although Jia Rong was sometimes confused, he would never be careless about this matter. He thought that the three concubines really wanted to stay and the maids would be gone. After that, he raised his head and asked obscurely,
"It's not impossible, but how are we going to spend the nights from now on?"

The three of them were a little shy when they heard this. After all, although they had discussed it before, they were a little nervous when it came to actually doing it. Yang Xiao raised her beautiful eyes, a hint of red flashed across her charming face, and she opened her red lips slightly.

"After the yard is settled, you can come over to the east room at night."

Jia Rong was overjoyed. This was considered an agreement. How could he not agree? He nodded quickly.
"Just do as Auntie said. You guys will be in charge of the yard. Wait, let Zhong'er take someone to buy some food and drinks."

Jia Rong got what he wanted, and he agreed to everything on impulse!

(End of this chapter)