The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 537 Stroke?

Wang Ziteng said calmly: "It's just a test. It can be seen that although Jia Huan appears polite on the surface, he actually has a deep rift with my Wang family. If I propose a marriage, it will only bring humiliation upon myself."

Wang Zisheng sneered, "This kid was already arrogant even before he became successful. I'm afraid he looks down on our Wang family even more now. It's a waste of effort if you try to test him, brother."

Wang Ziteng's face darkened and he scolded, "So you are useless. How did you mess it up when I asked you to discuss the marriage with Jia Zheng? You acted bossy and condescending. If you had been more polite, even if it didn't work out, we wouldn't have ended up in such a bad relationship."

Wang Zisheng blushed and muttered, "My attitude is bad, but that boy is not much better. Besides, the root of the problem is that damned Aunt Zhao. If you want to blame someone, blame Second Sister (Madam Wang). It's her fault!"

Wang Ziteng sighed: "The woman was short-sighted, and now it's too late to regret. However, judging from Jia Huan's attitude today, he is not incompatible with your second sister. As long as your second sister doesn't take the initiative to cause trouble, at least they can still live in peace."

As Wang Ziteng spoke, a trace of worry flashed in his eyes. The Jia family at least had a Jia Huan, but his own Wang family was really in a period of transition. There was no one who could make a difference. Once he passed away, he was afraid that the family would be completely ruined.

"I have asked your sister-in-law to persuade your second sister in private. I hope she can come to her senses and agree to the marriage between Jia Huan and Bao Yatou. Although there is a layer of distance between them, it will surely ease the relationship between them as mother and son." Wang Ziteng pondered for a moment before speaking again.

Wang Zisheng blurted out: "Baochai and Jia Huan?"

Wang Ziteng nodded and said, "I heard that when Bao Yatou was kidnapped by bandits in Jinling, Jia Huan volunteered to use himself as a hostage to save her. It is obvious that he must be interested in Bao Yatou. If Bao Yatou is married to him, he will probably agree. With Bao Yatou mediating in the future, the conflict between your second sister and Jia Huan may be resolved."

Wang Zisheng slapped his forehead and said, "That must be it. Needless to say, Bao girl is a beauty picked out of a million. She is dignified, well-mannered, knowledgeable, capable and frugal. Jia Huan has good taste."

But the second sister seems to be interested in Bao-ya-tou, and wants to pair her with Bao-yu. I'm sure she won't agree. I guess the Concubine Jia also wants to make a perfect match for them."

Wang Ziteng frowned and scolded, "That's really a woman's view. The so-called golden marriage is nothing but a far-fetched story. How can it be true? Do you know what a fourteen-year-old champion means? What's more, it's the sixth highest champion. With Jia Huan's intelligence, he will certainly be the Prime Minister in the future. It would be foolish not to ease the relationship now. If I can get help from this boy in the future, even if I die one day, at least my Wang family can be rich and prosperous for decades."

Wang Zisheng said awkwardly: "It's not that I don't agree. I'm just worried that my second sister won't agree. It's useless for you to take your anger out on me, second brother."

Wang Ziteng waved his hand in annoyance and went straight back to his residence. Wang Zisheng rubbed his nose in frustration. This kid Jia Huan has become a popular guy now.

…………

That night, Mrs. Wang sat cross-legged on the couch with her eyes closed and recited the scriptures for the evening class. However, because her mind was restless, she made mistakes again and again and had to start over from the beginning again and again.

"What a bad omen!" Mrs. Wang couldn't calm down after all, so she could only stop her studies temporarily.

Mrs. Wang was in a very confused mood at the moment, because during the day, her sister-in-law (Wang Ziteng's wife) privately advised her to get along with Jia Huan and Baochai, and also said that this was the intention of her second brother Wang Ziteng. Mrs. Wang was shocked and unhappy at the time, but out of consideration for her relationship, she did not refuse outright, but just said that she would think about it again.

To be honest, Bao girl is good-looking, has a good temperament, and can manage the household. She is an excellent candidate for a daughter-in-law. In addition, as the saying goes, a perfect match is made in heaven, and Mrs. Wang had already chosen her as Baoyu's ideal match. Now that Wang Ziteng suddenly asks her to give Baochai to Jia Huan, she cannot accept it.

If Bao Yatou is given to Jia Huan, what about Baoyu? Should he marry Lin Yatou? Although Lin Yatou is not bad, she is relatively weak and may not be a lucky person. She is not as easy to get along with as Baochai and is prone to temper. She is definitely not a good choice for living with.

But the opinion of the second brother Wang Ziteng cannot be ignored either, and the eldest girl (Jia Yuanchun) also gave Jia Huan a gift that day, which was obviously an attempt to win him over. If this boy really rises to a high position in the future, the whole family will have to rely on him!

Mrs. Wang thought about it over and over again but could not come to a conclusion. She was very confused and decided to test Jia Zheng's intention. Just then, Jia Zheng came back from work, so she conveyed Wang Ziteng's intention to him in a veiled way.

Jia Zheng naturally hoped to use this opportunity to ease the relationship between Jia Huan and Lady Wang. In addition, he had no selfish motives and was not partial to either Jia Huan or Baoyu, so he immediately said, "This is a good thing. Let's ask Aunt Xue what she thinks. If she agrees, then it's done."

Mrs. Wang had no choice but to say, "Oh, then I'll ask my sister later."

"Inform the old lady in advance. If it's possible, we can get the engagement first. After all, Huan'er is still young and has just started his career as an official. It's time for him to be brave and diligent. We can wait two years before getting married." Jia Zheng said.

"That's for granted!" Mrs. Wang nodded helplessly.

…………

On March 15th, the Ministry of Rites held a grand banquet for the newly-appointed Jinshi. It also happened to be the 70th birthday of the retired emperor, so the entire imperial city was decorated with lights and colors two days in advance, making it look magnificent.

Early in the morning, before daybreak, Jia Huan dressed neatly and went out with his father Zheng to Fengtian Gate to attend the morning court.

The fifteenth day of every month is also the Great Court Day. All officials in the capital, regardless of their rank, must come to pay homage to the emperor. Today is also the Emperor's birthday, so naturally it is more grand than ever. Jia Zheng and his son Jia Huan are traveling together. Since it is Jia Huan's first time to attend the morning court, Jia Zheng is afraid that he will make mistakes. On the way, he reminds him of the details he needs to pay attention to, such as not whispering after entering the court, not coughing, not blowing your nose, and not making any noise when farting, etc.

Jia Huan's ears were almost callused from listening, but Old Man Zheng had good intentions, so even though he trembled a little, Jia Huan had no choice but to listen attentively.

The carriage finally reached Zuoye Gate. Jia Huan and Jia Zheng were going in different directions, so he was finally freed. He immediately jumped off the carriage as fast as he could and disappeared in a flash. Jia Zheng was so angry that he stood there in a daze and cursed, "What an evil creature!"

Soon, Jia Huan found the team of new scholars. When the morning light made the Jinshui River look like a dancing golden snake, the ceremonial officers finally led the new scholars into the hall. When they arrived at the Fengtian Hall, everyone was arranged behind the civil servants' team.

The procedure of today's grand court meeting was similar to usual ones, the only difference was that two dragon thrones were placed on the steps.

When the time came, drums and music sounded loudly, and wild beasts led the way, and soldiers advanced side by side. Two imperial chariots came side by side, with Emperor Qiansheng and Emperor Kangping sitting on them respectively.

In the morning sun, the seventy-year-old Emperor Kangping had a head full of silver hair. He was wearing an ordinary brocade robe and a simple Taoist bun on his head. Despite this, there was a sense of majesty in his gaze, and it was true that the might of an old tiger was still there.

When the two imperial sedan chairs arrived at the Danchi and stopped, the sound of drums and music also stopped. Emperor Qiansheng got off the sedan chair and was about to go forward to help, but Emperor Kangping had already jumped down by himself and went straight up the stairs.

Emperor Qiansheng looked calm and quickened his pace to climb the steps. At this time, Emperor Kangping had already stopped beside the dragon throne. He looked back at him and said, "Your Majesty needs to practice riding, shooting and bow shooting more often."

Emperor Qiansheng said: "The Supreme Emperor is getting stronger and stronger as he grows older, which is a blessing for the country."

"Take your seat, all officials kneel and bow!" When the two emperors took their seats, the ceremonial officials sang loudly.

Thousands of officials and palace guards knelt down at the same time and congratulated the retired emperor on his birthday.

After completing the tedious ceremony, all officials dispersed, and Jia Huan and other new scholars also went to the Ministry of Rites to attend the Banquet of Honor.

The Enrong Banquet, also known as the Qionglin Banquet, was a celebration banquet held by the emperor specifically for new Jinshi to show his respect and favor for talents, so it was also called the Enrong Banquet.

Jia Huan and the others sat down according to their ranking in the palace examination. As they were exchanging pleasantries, they heard a loud announcement from outside: "The Emperor, the Retired Emperor, has arrived!"

The newly-appointed scholars and officials present immediately stood up and knelt on the ground to greet them. After a moment, they saw the retired emperor Kangping and Emperor Qiansheng arriving together, and everyone could not help but kowtow again.

When everyone sat down again, Emperor Kangping and Emperor Qiansheng were already sitting in the chairs.

"You are all talented people of our Great Jin, and the future of our country. Today is the 70th birthday of the Emperor Retired, which is a double happiness. Let me toast to the Emperor Retired!" Emperor Qiansheng raised his glass and said loudly.

All the newly-appointed scholars hurriedly stood up, toasted to the Grand Emperor Kangping, and wished the Great Emperor a long life.

Emperor Kangping was not hypocritical. He picked up the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, showing his boldness. Suddenly, he pointed at Jia Huan and said, "I recognize you. Your name is Jia Huan, right?"

Jia Huan hurriedly said, "I am Jia Huan. I wish His Majesty a life as long as the evergreen pines of the Southern Mountains and as blessed as the East China Sea."

Emperor Kangping laughed and nodded, saying, "Six consecutive top prizes at the age of fourteen. Very good. It is also a good omen for the country..."

Emperor Kangping's expression suddenly changed, and the wine glass in his hand fell to the ground and shattered. He leaned back, his mouth tilted to one side, and the hand holding the wine glass froze in the air, bent like a chicken claw. He rolled his eyes and his body shook continuously.

Jia Huan's heart trembled and he subconsciously took a step back. The whole place fell silent.

Emperor Qiansheng's expression also changed suddenly, and he shouted: "Quickly call the imperial physician."

Soon, several imperial doctors came in a hurry, all of them sweating profusely. When they saw the condition of the retired emperor, they were terrified and pale. The leader should be the director of the Imperial Hospital. He hurriedly said, "The retired emperor has had a stroke. We must give him acupuncture and rescue him immediately."

At that moment, the palace guards immediately put up a screen, and the imperial physician began to treat the retired emperor on the spot. The new scholars were naturally cleared out, and the lively and grand banquet ended hastily. It was really a case of joy turning into sorrow.

Everyone left the Ministry of Rites. Seeing Jia Huan was worried, Liu Yi comforted him, "Ziming, don't blame yourself. This is none of your business. I'm sure the emperor won't blame you."

In fact, Jia Huan was not worried that Emperor Qiansheng would vent his anger on him, he just felt that this was too much of a coincidence. Emperor Kangping had not suffered a stroke earlier or later, but had to suffer a stroke at this time, and it looked quite serious. Even if he could be saved, he would probably be crippled!
(End of this chapter)