The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 499 Adding insult to injury
Sun Shaozu's wrist was probably dislocated. He was sweating from the pain and screamed like a pig being slaughtered: "The Jia family owes debts and beats up the creditors, bullying others. I want to report to the authorities, I want to report to the authorities!"

Jia Huan walked forward with a stern expression, took the kitchen knife from Shitou, and rolled up his sleeves.

Sun Shaozu was shocked when he saw this, and stopped shouting. He just looked at Jia Huan in horror and said with a stammer, "You...what do you want to do? Killing someone means paying with your life!"

Sun Shaozu had been sure that Jia Zheng would not dare to do anything to him, so he acted fearlessly and behaved like a stubborn piece of meat. But when he met the decisive and ruthless Jia Huan, he immediately became timid.

Shopkeeper Qi could no longer sit still, his heart beating wildly. This Jia Huan looked gentle and refined, but he didn't expect him to be so fierce!

In fact, with the background of the Shanxi merchants' money house, they were not afraid of the Jia family at all, but Manager Qi was afraid that Jia Huan was a reckless young man who would not consider the consequences. He might really kill Sun Shaozu with a knife, and then turn around and stab himself. Wouldn't he die unjustly?

Fortunately, after taking the kitchen knife, Jia Huan did not chop Sun Shaozu. Instead, he lightly scratched the back of his hand in full view of everyone, and blood immediately oozed out.

"Third Master!" Lin Zhixiao and Shitou were both surprised.

Jia Huan calmly smeared some blood on the kitchen knife, then threw it on the ground and said calmly, "This man broke into the Duke's Mansion and injured people with a knife. This kitchen knife is the evidence. Steward Lin, immediately take this criminal to Shuntian Prefecture to report to the authorities."

Lin Zhixiao was stunned for a moment, then shouted loudly: "This thug broke into the Duke's Mansion and stabbed Master Huan San. Quickly tie him up and send him to the authorities!"

The servants who were guarding the house had long been unhappy with Sun Shaozu. Upon hearing what he said, they immediately rushed forward and tied him up.

Sun Shaozu was shocked and angry. He struggled and cursed: "Jia Huan, you dare to frame me, I will kill you, you little bastard, you are too insidious, let me go, Shopkeeper Qi, please testify for me, I didn't hurt anyone!"

Shopkeeper Qi heaved a sigh of relief at this moment, feeling fortunate that Jia Huan was not a fool. At the same time, he was secretly awed in his heart. This kid was indeed not an easy person to deal with, with a cruel heart and ruthless hands. Naturally, he did not dare to offend him and just let Sun Shaozu call him, pretending not to hear him.

Seeing that Shopkeeper Qi was unmoved, Sun Shaozu panicked and shouted, "Shopkeeper Qi, this bastard Jia Huan is insidious and cruel. He injured people in order not to return the money and slandered me. If you don't help me, be careful of him...!"

"Hey, shut your stinky mouth!" Xing Wei punched Sun Shaozu on the mouth, making his mouth full of blood and he could no longer make a sound.

Seeing Sun Shaozu being dragged out like a dead dog, Shopkeeper Qi felt his scalp tingling and he became restless.

Jia Huan wiped the wound on the back of his hand with a handkerchief and said with a polite smile: "I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, Shopkeeper Qi. It's our first meeting. Nice to meet you!"

Shopkeeper Qi smiled awkwardly and said, "I don't deserve it. I have heard of Master Huan San's great name for a long time. After seeing him today, I can see that he is indeed... handsome and elegant, a rare talent among men!"

"Thank you for the compliment, Manager Qi. Please sit down!" Jia Huan pointed to the seat calmly, his aura in control.

Shopkeeper Qi sat down again nervously, with mixed feelings. He was able to remain calm when facing Jia Zheng, but he became uneasy in front of the young man Jia Huan.

"I heard that our Jia family owes your money house 20,000 taels of silver?" Jia Huan asked calmly as he sat on the armchair next to him.

Shopkeeper Qi coughed lightly and said, "In fact, it is more than 20,000 taels. Your master She borrowed a total of 60,000 taels of silver from the Shanxi Merchants Bank three times to build the garden, but the other 40,000 taels have not yet expired."

Jia Huan nodded and said, "Can you show me the IOU?"

With the power behind the Shanxi Merchants Bank, Shopkeeper Qi was obviously not afraid that Jia Huan would cheat. Moreover, the IOU was in triplicate, and there was another copy kept in the bank. Even if Jia Huan tore up this copy, it would be useless, so Shopkeeper Qi generously handed the IOU to Jia Huan.

Jia Huan took the loan note and took a closer look. He couldn't help laughing. Shopkeeper Qi frowned and asked, "Why is Third Master Huan laughing? Is there something wrong with the loan note?"

Jia Huan returned the IOU to Shopkeeper Qi and said, "The IOU is correct, but Shopkeeper Qi came too early. According to the date on it, the principal of the 20,000 taels of silver should be repaid tomorrow, not today."

Shopkeeper Qi was puzzled and said, "The loan date was the 20th day of the first lunar month three years ago. The loan period was agreed to be three years. Today is exactly the 20th day of the first lunar month."

Jia Huan shook his head and smiled, "Manager Qi, should we pay today's interest?"

"Of course!" Shopkeeper Qi stroked his beard and said.

"But it's only morning now, and the day isn't over yet. Shopkeeper Qi should either come to collect the debt tonight at midnight, or come tomorrow. After all, the interest has been calculated today."

Shopkeeper Qi said unhappily, "Master Huan San, are you trying to tease me?"

Jia Huan said solemnly: "I am not trying to embarrass Shopkeeper Qi, but since you have paid the interest, even if it is only for one hour, you have to follow the rules!"

Shopkeeper Qi sneered and said, "Master Huan San is indeed good at calculating. Well, I will suffer a little loss and come again tomorrow. I hope Master Huan San will keep his word and pay off the money I owe you on the spot, otherwise... hehe!"

Jia Huan said calmly, "My Jia family has always kept its promises and treated others with leniency. The debt between Sun Shaozu and the eldest master is a private debt, and it should not be repaid from the public. Of course, if he is humble and polite, it is fine to repay the mere six thousand taels of silver from the public. But this person is unreasonable and rude, damaging the reputation of my Jia family. I am teaching him a lesson. So, Manager Qi, don't worry. As long as the account is correct, my Jia family will never default on the debt. Come back tomorrow, and I guarantee that you will not lose a penny."

Shopkeeper Qi laughed dryly and said, "If that's the case, I'll come back tomorrow."

"Butler Lin, please see the guests out!" Jia Huan stood up and bowed.

"Manager Qi, please come in!" Lin Zhixiao extended his hand and walked Manager Qi out the door.

After leaving Rongguo Mansion, Shopkeeper Qi said with a fake smile: "Oh, Steward Lin, I didn't expect that Third Master Huan is so powerful at such a young age. I have learned a lesson today. No wonder you sent someone to invite him here immediately."

Lin Zhixiao said apologetically, "Don't worry, Shopkeeper Qi. It's true that Mr. Huan San is powerful, but he is also a reasonable man, and he always keeps his word. He said he would pay the debt tomorrow, and he will definitely not break his promise."

Shopkeeper Qi smiled faintly and said, "I feel relieved with what Steward Lin said, but I have to say something ugly first. If your family does not return the money tomorrow, don't blame me for being disrespectful." After saying that, he flicked his sleeves and left.

Lin Zhixiao sighed secretly and walked back worriedly. Although Third Master Huan had dismissed Shopkeeper Qi and Sun Shaozu in a swift and decisive manner, the debts still had to be repaid. Once the news of the Lai brothers' escape spread, there would definitely be more people coming to collect debts tomorrow. How should he deal with it? The mansion simply couldn't afford to pay them back.

Lin Zhixiao returned to Rongxi Hall and saw Jia Huan and Shitou chatting in low voices. He was hesitating whether to approach them, but Jia Huan had apparently finished instructing Shitou. He waved and said, "Butler Lin, come here!" Lin Zhixiao hurriedly stepped forward and saluted, "What do you want, Third Master Huan?"

"Find a dozen honest and reliable young men to go with Shitou. It would be best if they have good skills and strong strength." Jia Huan ordered.

Lin Zhixiao was puzzled, but he didn't ask any more questions. He nodded and said, "Lin Fu and Lin Zhong are free, so I will find ten more guys and let them lead and follow Master Wei's arrangements."

Jia Huan nodded and said, "Okay, if we can get things done this time, everyone will be rewarded handsomely. Go!"

Lin Zhixiao hurried down to arrange people, while Jia Huan left Rong Xi Tang and went to the main house in the backyard.

Jia Huan had no feelings for Jia Zheng, his cheap father, but he didn't hate him that much either. Although Jia Zheng was hypocritical, pedantic and confused, compared with Jia She and Jia Zhen, two beasts in human clothing, he was simply a "top ten role model". Moreover, Jia Zheng was the only adult man in charge of the Jia family. If he fell, he would be controlled by his stepmother, Lady Wang, and many things would be even more difficult to handle.

Jia Huan went straight to the main house. At this time, the garden outside the house was crowded with maids and old women, all of them were nervous and panic-stricken.

"Master Huan San!" Caixia was surprised and happy to see Jia Huan, and hurried forward to greet him.

Jia Huan asked softly, "How is the master doing now?"

"I don't know either. The old lady, the madam, the first lady, Madam Zhu, Madam Lian, and Master Bao are all here. They are all in the room now." Caixia said in a low voice.

Jia Huan nodded and walked into the room. He saw Jia Zheng lying weakly on the bed with a pale face. Jia Mu and Mrs. Wang were sitting beside the bed wiping their tears. Jia Baoyu, Li Wan and others were also crying.

Jia Huan couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart. Could it be that Jia Zheng was really useless?
At this time, Jia Zheng said weakly: "I am a very unfilial child. Not only can I not serve my mother in her old age, but I have made you worry and fear. I will never be redeemed if I die."

Jia Huan secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the voice. It seemed that his foolish father was not dead yet!
Grandmother Jia cried and said, "My son, you should take a good rest. Your brother is still in prison. If anything happens to you, how can I, an old woman, live? No matter how careful you are, you can never prevent a thief in your family. My Jia family has always treated our servants well, but who would have thought that you would raise such a bunch of ungrateful people? What a sin!"

Mrs. Xing had been pretending to wipe her tears, but upon hearing this, she immediately cursed, "The Lai family is a bunch of ungrateful bastards. They have received favors from our Jia family for generations. They are called servants, but in fact they live a comfortable life like their masters. Now that they see our family is in trouble, they have taken away their property and fled without caring about their master's life or death. We should report them to the authorities and have them arrested."

Just as he finished speaking, a maid came crawling in, stammering, "The imperial edict... the imperial edict has arrived!"

Everyone was shocked. At this moment, a majestic voice came from outside: "The imperial edict has arrived. Why doesn't Jia Zheng, the doctor of the Ministry of Works, come out to receive it?"

Jia Zheng, who was dying on the bed, suddenly got up as if he had been electrocuted. However, his body was too weak and he almost rolled off the bed. Fortunately, Jia Huan reacted quickly and rushed forward to hold him up.

"Quick...quick, help me out to receive the order!" Jia Zheng said anxiously.

At this time, Jia Baoyu finally came to his senses and hurried forward to help. He and Jia Huan supported Jia Zheng on both sides and walked out of the house.

As soon as they arrived outside the house, a team of Jinyiwei strode into the courtyard gate, and all the maids and servants hid in the house.

The leader of the Jinyiwei who was in charge of delivering the imperial edict was a captain, and Jia Huan knew him. He was Lu Youwei under Yi Hong's command.

Lu Youwei glanced at Jia Zheng, who looked sick, and said loudly, "The imperial edict has arrived. Jia Zheng, please accept it."

Jia Zheng knelt down tremblingly and said weakly: "I... am here!"

Lu Youwei unfolded the imperial edict in his hand and read aloud: "The Emperor, in compliance with the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims: Jia Zhen, the fourth-generation grandson of Ningguo Duke Jia Yan, was stripped of his title of third-class general and exiled 3,000 miles away because of a previous incident. Later, the Emperor showed great favor and exempted him from exile and allowed him to return to the capital. However, Jia Zhen has betrayed the Emperor's favor and is now involved in reselling salt vouchers for profit. He has also committed evil deeds such as bullying men and women, taking advantage of his power to oppress others, and gathering people to gamble. The Emperor is furious and orders that his property, house, fields, slaves, etc., be confiscated immediately and be taken into the government's possession. This is decreed!"

Jia Zheng was shocked and kowtowed, saying, "I am your humble servant Jia Zheng. I accept your order and thank you for your grace!"

Lü Youwei handed the imperial edict to Jia Zheng, who took it with both hands raised above his head. Just as he was about to stagger to his feet, Lü Youwei said, "Wait a minute, Lord Jia. The emperor has another order."

As Lu Youwei spoke, he held out another scroll of imperial edict. Jia Zheng was secretly frightened and quickly knelt down again.

Lu Youwei slowly opened the imperial edict and announced loudly: "By the grace of the Emperor, I hereby proclaim: Jia She, the first-class general of Rongguo Mansion, resold salt vouchers for profit, colluded with foreign officials, handled lawsuits, interfered with local criminal justice, and forcibly seized 20 ancient fans from Shi Daizi. As a descendant of a founding hero, he committed crimes, failed the emperor's grace, and brought shame to his ancestors. His hereditary title is temporarily stripped and his property is confiscated as a punishment. This is decreed!"

Jia Zheng felt a buzzing sound in his head and fell to the ground. Jia Baoyu was also frightened and his face turned pale, and he lay there trembling.

"Old lady! Old lady!" There were bursts of sad cries and crying coming from the house. It turned out that Grandmother Jia had fainted on the spot. The eldest wife, Mrs. Xing, burst into tears even more. The house was in chaos.

"Lord Jia, please accept the order!" Lu Youwei said lightly.

Jia Zheng seemed to have lost his soul at this moment. His hands were as weak as noodles and he couldn't lift them for a long time. Big-Faced Bao had never seen such a scene before and was so frightened that he had no idea what to do. The only thing he remembered in his mind was "confiscation of property".

Jia Huan had no choice but to accept the imperial edict on behalf of Jia Zheng. Lu Youwei helped Jia Zheng up and comforted him, "Don't panic, Master Zheng. Rongguo Mansion only raided the first wife's house, and the second wife has nothing to do with it!"

Jia Zheng came back to his senses after hearing this, and said tremblingly: "Your Majesty, thank you for your grace!"

Lu Youwei then turned to Jia Huan and saluted, saying with a flattering smile: "Hello, Third Master Huan. Our boss asked his subordinates to say hello to you!"

Jia Huan said calmly, "I dare not. Lord Yi is too polite. I hope Captain Lu will control his men and not harass the women of the two mansions."

Lu Youwei immediately shouted, "Listen carefully, if anyone dares to do something dishonest later, I will kill him!"

The Jinyiwei replied sternly: "I heard it clearly!"

Lu Youwei bowed to Jia Zheng and said, "Master Zheng, I am sorry for the inconvenience. I have been ordered to confiscate the properties of the East Mansion and the Rongguo Mansion. The Second Mansion has nothing to do with it. Please send someone to identify them so that we don't confiscate the wrong property."

(End of this chapter)