The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 554: Showing Power
Jia She and Jia Zhen had been imprisoned for half a year, their titles had been lost, and their property had been confiscated. They were full of resentment. Now that they were free again and had military power in their hands, the first thing they thought of was to seek revenge on Jia Huan and Jia Qiang, so they led a group of rebel soldiers and went straight to the Jia Mansion.

"Block all the gates. Don't let even a fly out without my permission." Jia She murderously ordered the rebels to surround Rongguo Mansion and Grand View Garden and block all the exits. Then he dismounted and walked into the mansion with a haughty look.

When the housekeeper Lin Zhixiao heard that the gate of the mansion was blocked by soldiers, he was shocked and rushed out to check what was going on. As a result, he saw Jia He and the rebels rushing in. His face changed drastically. He was about to turn around and flee, but was discovered by Jia She, who shouted, "Catch him quickly."

The two rebel soldiers immediately rushed forward with their swords drawn, grabbed Lin Zhixiao, and pushed him in front of Jia She.

"Master, you didn't send anyone to inform me when I came out in advance so that I could prepare to welcome you." Lin Zhixiao said with a smile.

Jia She raised his hand and slapped Lin Zhixiao to the ground, cursing, "Bah, you bastard, you still know I'm the eldest master, and you've been bullying the eldest wife with that little bastard Huan Lao San, you think I don't know? When we catch Huan Lao San, I'll skin you alive and tie you up first!"

The rebels immediately found ropes and tied Lin Zhixiao up. At this time, a servant came running over crying. It was Wang Shanbao, the eldest wife's companion and Jia She's confidant.

"Master, I have been looking forward to seeing you back day and night. Finally, you are back." Wang Shanbao cried exaggeratedly.

Jia She said proudly: "Good servant, you are here at the right time. You will be the chief steward from now on. Bring your men to tie up that little bastard Huan Lao San and bring him to me immediately."

Wang Shanbao was overjoyed. He had been coveting the position of head steward for more than ten years. Unfortunately, the Lai family was powerful, and the brothers Lai Da and Lai Er had always held the positions of head stewards in the Rong and Ning mansions. He had no chance to succeed. Later, Lai Da and Lai Er ran away with the money and were captured by Jia Huan and brought to justice. Lin Zhixiao took over the position of head steward, so naturally there was no place for him, Wang Shanbao.

Hehe, now that the master has turned over a new leaf, and one person’s success has brought prosperity to everyone, it’s time for me, Wang Shanbao, to become successful too!

"Okay, I'll capture Huan Lao San right away." Wang Shanbao agreed and immediately led his men to the garden.

Jia She pointed at a bewildered servant and shouted, "Where is the eldest lady?"

The servant stammered, "In... in the old lady's room."

Upon hearing this, Jia She went straight towards the back house. He had always been dissatisfied with Lady Jia's favoritism towards her younger brother Jia Zheng, and he hated her even more because she had money but believed Jia Huan's "slander" and refused to use it to atone for his sins, which led to him being imprisoned for half a year. Fortunately, his luck has turned and he has finally "risen to prosper", so he wants to see what this old woman has to say.

As for Jia Zhen, he also led a group of rebel soldiers back to Ningguo Mansion, tore off the seal on the door, and broke in. Unfortunately, even the servants in Ningguo Mansion had been confiscated, so now the huge mansion was empty, with weeds and cobwebs everywhere.

Seeing this, Jia Zhen became even more angry and hateful. After asking, he learned that his wife Youshi and several concubines, as well as Jia Rong and Qin and his wife had all moved to Rongguo Mansion. He turned around and headed towards Rongguo Mansion. Thinking of Jia Rong who betrayed him, he became even more hateful.

At this time, in the backyard of Rongguo Mansion, Jia Mu and others had already learned that Jia She and Jia Zhen had returned, and were just feeling happy. Jia She and Jia Zhen came together, knelt down in front of them, and kowtowed, saying, "Old lady, my son (nephew) is back."

Grandmother Jia was both happy and suspicious, and hurriedly said, "It's good that you're back. Get up, but the emperor has pardoned you."

Jia She stood up and sneered, "This tyrant is far away in Liaodong, how can he pardon us?"

When these words were spoken, Jia Mu and the others were so shocked that their faces changed drastically. They accused the emperor of being a tyrant and asked, "Could the master have gone stupid after spending so much time in jail?"
Jia Zhen said proudly: "Old lady, you don't know that now that the emperor has returned, the eldest master and nephew have not only been pardoned, but also restored their titles and entrusted with important tasks. My uncle has also resumed his position as the Minister of War and is highly trusted by the emperor."

"So that's it!" Grandmother Jia suddenly realized, but her expression changed for a long time before she said, "Then... is the emperor restored to the throne?"

Jia She chuckled and said, "The Emperor Retired has only returned to call for a purge of the emperor's court, and the Crown Prince is still the regent."

Grandmother Jia said calmly, "Restoration is restoration, and clearing the court is just an excuse. Where is Zheng'er now?"

Jia She sneered and said, "Brother Zheng is a blockhead who refuses to kneel down to the emperor, and has been imprisoned. The old lady and the mistress had better persuade him to know the current situation, otherwise it may be disadvantageous to our Jia family."

As soon as these words were spoken, both Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang's faces changed, while the eldest wife, Mrs. Xing, and Jia Zhen's wife, Mrs. You, showed their joy. As for Wang Xifeng, she was secretly happy. Her second uncle Wang Ziteng was reinstated and helped the retired emperor to successfully restore the throne. This was a great achievement. Therefore, the Wang family would soon rise again, and it is believed that it would be more glorious than ever before.

Wang Xifeng had been having a very unpleasant time with Jia Lian during this period. She was forced to accept Jia Lian's concubine, and she felt jealous and resentful. Unfortunately, her family was not supportive, and she could no longer control Jia Lian as she did before. Now, her second uncle has been reinstated and is favored by the emperor. Let's see if Jia Lian dares to look down on her again.

dong dong dong...

At this time, bursts of bell sounds came from the direction of the Forbidden City. These were the court bells. When the ministers in the city heard the court bells, they had to rush to the Fengtian Gate as quickly as possible to meet the emperor.

Jia She said, "The court bell has rung. Please ask the old lady to change into court clothes immediately and lead all the ladies in our family to Fengtian Gate to pay tribute."

Grandmother Jia said calmly, "Just say I'm too old and ill, so I can't go." Jia She and Jia Zhen were stunned for a moment, and said anxiously, "This is a good opportunity to show your loyalty to the emperor, old lady, please don't be confused."

Grandmother Jia snorted coldly, "You are the ones who are confused. The emperor has already abdicated. Taking advantage of the emperor's hunting trip to restore the throne is tantamount to treason. Although he is in power temporarily now, it will not last long. The emperor has the elite troops of the three major camps of the capital army, and Liaodong has 200,000 of the strongest border troops. If he leads his troops back to the capital, how can the emperor resist? When the city is broken, how will you deal with it?"

Jia She said disapprovingly: "The old lady is exaggerating. Now the emperor is far away in Liaodong, with powerful enemies in front and the capital lost behind. He must be in a state of panic. It is good enough for him to save his life. How can he lead his troops back to the capital to fight for the throne? The emperor only needs to take Shanhaiguan, and the emperor will be powerless even if he has the elite troops of the capital."

Jia Zhen smiled and said, "Master, what you said makes sense. Although the old lady is knowledgeable, she does not understand military affairs. We must not hesitate at this moment. Hurry up and change your clothes and go to Fengtian Gate to pay homage."

Grandmother Jia said with a sullen face, "If you want to go, go ahead. I am not feeling well and cannot stand the hassle. Yuanyang, help me back to my room to rest."

After saying this, Grandmother Jia stood up and Yuanyang hurriedly helped her into the room.

Jia She and Jia Zhen looked at each other helplessly. Since Grandmother Jia was unwilling, they could only give up and let the eldest wife, Mrs. Xing, take the lead.

Mrs. Xing, Mrs. You, and Wang Xifeng hurried back to their rooms to dress and change clothes. Jia She glanced at Mrs. Wang and said calmly, "Madam, why don't you go change clothes? Your uncle is now the right-hand man of the Grand Emperor. If you don't go, it may make the Grand Emperor unhappy and cause trouble for your uncle."

Mrs. Wang hesitated again and again, but finally stood up and said, "Daughter-in-law Zhu'er, go back and change your clothes and put on your makeup."

Li Wan stood up and said, "Madam, I feel a little unwell, so I won't go."

Mrs. Wang was stunned for a moment, then said calmly, "Well, then you should have a good rest at home and take good care of Brother Lan."

When Jia She saw that Li Wan refused to pay homage to the retired emperor, he frowned and sneered, "Foolish woman, don't regret it when the time comes." After saying that, he turned away.

Half an hour later, after changing into court robes, Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Lady You, and Wang Xifeng left in a carriage and, led by Jia She and Jia Zhen, rushed to Fengtian Gate to pay homage to the retired emperor.

After returning from the Fengtian Gate, Jia She and Jia Zhen immediately called Wang Shanbao and asked, "Have you caught Huan Lao San?"

Wang Shanbao said in annoyance, "Huan Lao San and King Min went out of the city today to hunt in Tiewang Mountain. It is said that he will be back in three days."

Jia She and Jia Zhen were greatly disappointed when they heard this. They wished they could capture Jia Huan immediately and torture him to death to relieve their hatred.

"Master, why don't I take my men to Tiewang Mountain and bring back Huan Lao San?" Jia Zhen suggested.

Jia She hesitated and said, "But the emperor asked us to guard Chaoyang Gate. I'm afraid it's not appropriate for you to leave your post without permission."

Jia Zhen said disapprovingly: "With the master here, there is nothing to be afraid of. Besides, my nephew can ride a fast horse and go back and forth in a day, so there is no problem."

Jia She nodded and said, "That's right, then you should go quickly and come back soon."

Jia Zhen grinned and said, "Don't worry, I will capture that little bastard Huan Lao San and cut him into pieces." After saying that, he turned and left, gathered a hundred rebel soldiers, and told them to wait in the north of the city.

Then, Jia Zhen went back to Ningguo Mansion. At this time, Jia Rong and Qin Keqing had been "invited" back to their original residence in Ningguo Mansion. The couple had already been frightened out of their wits. When Jia Zhen walked into the room, Qin was crying.

Jia Zhen stopped pretending and sneered, "Brother Rong, you are so bold that you dare to instigate Jia Qiang, a traitor, to denounce your father. You must be tired of living."

Jia Rong's face turned pale, and his body was shaking like a sieve with fear. Jia Zhen raised his hand and slapped him in the face.

Jia Rong had not recovered from the injury and was weak. The slap knocked him to the ground. Blood oozed from the corner of his mouth and half of his face was swollen like a bun.

"Master!" Qin cried out tenderly, rushed forward to hold her husband, and cried in fear.

Jia Zhen looked at Qin Shi, who was crying like a pear blossom in the rain, and a fire rose in his belly. He stepped forward and kicked Qin Shi to the ground. He bent down and pinched her smooth chin, scolding her: "Little bitch, wait until the eunuch finishes his work and then I will treat you well. You can't escape this time."

After saying this, Jia Zhen left the room with a loud laugh, and ordered his men to keep Jia Rong and Qin Shi separate and look after them. Then he rode a fast horse out of the north of the city and rushed to Tiewang Mountain with a hundred rebels.

(End of this chapter)