Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 119 Taking advantage of the situation to support the fire

Worshiping ancestors during the New Year is a big event. In previous years, Jia Lian did not have the opportunity to speak to his ancestors during the ceremony. This year, the situation has changed. At the beginning of the ceremony, Jia Lian had to go forward and speak to his ancestors to express that the descendants of the Jia family have done a good job. .

After the ancestor worship, a big banquet was held, which was attended by all the Jing people. This year, Jia Lian took the second seat, ahead of Jia She and Jia Zheng. The chief is Jia Zhen, who acts as the patriarch and represents the leisurely Jia Jing.

All day long on New Year's Eve, the two families in Rongxi Hall had New Year's Eve dinner together. Jia's mother, who liked the excitement, had a smile on her face when she looked at Jia Lian. With just one official, Jia Lian has gained His Majesty's attention and has a bright future.

As in previous years, after the New Year's Eve dinner, Jia She went to Dongfu and invited Jia Zhen to gamble together.

Jia Lian did not follow him. He watched Jia She leave shouting and shouting, silently hoping that he would have some money left.

The vigil is necessary, but Yingchun should accompany Jia Lian. At this moment, Jia Lian has found the feeling of dependence on each other.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, I went everywhere to pay New Year greetings. On the second day of the Lunar New Year, I went to the Wang family. The difference from previous years was that this time the Wang family was much more polite and sincere.

When the cheap father-in-law Wang Zisheng faced Jia Lian, he was not in a very high mood and looked worried.

After questioning, I learned that Wang Ziteng killed too much on the battlefield and was widely impeached by the Yushitai.

Wang Zisheng also cited the example of Old Man Liu, and said with a worried look that the official who impeached Old Man Liu twenty years ago is now Sun Huazhen, one of the cabinet ministers. There is an example of a cabinet minister who made his fortune by impeaching ministers with outstanding merits. Wang Ziteng's massacre in the process of countering the rebellion in the Western Regions became a favorite among the censors.

It's hard to say which one is better between two different styles, but under the current situation where there are only two days in the sky, Emperor Chenghui's methods are very particular.

When Jia Lian mentioned his suggestion to Wang Zisheng, Zhang Ting'en shook his head and said: "It's difficult! As the leader of the family, Wang Ziteng must hold on at all times. The current situation is too complicated, especially when the old King of Beijing is no longer there. , Xiao Beijing Wang has not grown up yet, Wang Ziteng must play a role in stabilizing the situation."

Jia Lian was naturally unpredictable about Emperor Chenghui's thoughts, and Zhang Ting'en did not dare to say that he could figure it out.

Don't mention the specific situation on the battlefield, just tell the emperor, admit it when you are wrong, and don't defend yourself.

Prince Shengneng took the initiative to speed up the marriage, which made Jia Zheng's mentality a little unstable.

Again, in terms of system design, imperial power is supreme.

Based on the current strength comparison between the two families, the Jia family should be the one who takes the initiative. As a result, the Wang family took the initiative.

Emperor Chenghui's governing style was that he liked to talk to a certain cabinet minister in private first, and after full communication, the cabinet minister would do the talking.

Judging from the original work, the Supreme Emperor still had ten or eight years to live, and he was still alive and well until the Yuan Chun Festival.

Zhang Tingen was actually surprised. After all, it involved matters within the four major families, and Jia Lian was able to discuss them, which showed that he was really of the same mind as himself and His Majesty before considering the interests of the family.

The relationship between the master and the apprentice is now very close, and Zhang Ting'en also explained very directly: "The battle report is received by Mr. Sun Ge at the cabinet. I knew it a little later, but I didn't expect that the Yushitai would know it first. Your Majesty, I didn’t express my position on this matter, I just asked if we should increase the number of Yushitai in future cabinet meetings.”

"A slap in the face for a sweet date? In this way, the Yushitai will definitely turn to His Majesty. If there are six people in the cabinet, once a vote is needed and a three-on-three situation arises, Your Majesty can make the decision in the middle." Jia Lian thought of the worst. After guessing his thoughts, Zhang Ting'en silently reproached with his eyes: "Don't say such things in the future!"

Jia Lian quickly admitted his mistake: "The student knows his mistake!"

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Jia Lian went straight to Zhang Ting'en's house. When he saw the teacher, he asked about Wang Ziteng.

If Jia Lian had suggested this in the past, Wang Zisheng would have spat in his face. This time, Wang Zisheng said that he would write a letter to inform Wang Ziteng of Jia Lian's suggestion. The two brothers had been exchanging letters, and Wang Ziteng knew about Jia Lian.

In this way, what the courtiers saw was that Emperor Chenghui was willing to accept advice and followed the good advice.

Jia Lian has his own opinion on this: "Students think that without the support of the four families of Jia Wang, Shi and Xue, no one can sit on the top spot. In this way, it is a good thing for the prince to take a step back."

What this means is that it is true that the Four Kings and Eight Young Masters are a gang, but there are also struggles within the gang. If the prince gives in, others will step up to fight for the seat left by the old King Beijing.

Jia Lian was quite surprised by this, but he didn't mean to comfort him. There was a lot of focus a year ago, and the war in the Western Regions was ignored. If he didn't understand the situation, he had no right to speak. In the end, he made a suggestion, asking Wang Ziteng to resign from all positions in Beijing on the pretext of being impeached. Rather than taking it lightly or seriously, he should defend himself in the face of impeachment.

Because Jia She did not come, Wang Zisheng mentioned the marriage between Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng to Jia Zheng, hoping that after the examination, regardless of whether he won or not, the marriage would be done. Jia Zheng said that he would discuss it with Jia She when he got back and implement this matter as soon as possible.

When the Supreme Emperor was in office, his governing style was to directly set out the general direction, which was discussed and improved by the cabinet, demonstrating the emperor's wisdom.

"Oh, if Wang Ziteng leaves the capital, where do you think it is more appropriate to go?" Zhang Ting'en said in a test-teaching tone.

Jia Lian said: "One is Yunnan and Guizhou, and the other is Guangxi and Guangxi. I prefer to go to Guangxi and Guangxi to train as a naval engineer."

"Yes, I understand. The war in the Western Region is still ongoing. The war in Northern Xinjiang is basically over at present. There is a high possibility that a message will be sent to Southern Xinjiang. You should go see Wang Zisheng as soon as possible, explain your analysis carefully, and ask him to write a letter ." Zhang Ting'en reminded him not to let Jia Lian write letters by himself. Words can be used by political enemies to attack him at critical moments.

Jia Lian and Zhang Ting'en made a plan, and after leaving Zhang's house, they went to Wang's house to see Wang Zisheng.

After meeting, he asked to chat alone in private. Knowing that Jia Lian was also a teacher of the pavilion, Wang Zisheng did not dare to underestimate him. He talked alone in the study for half an hour before Jia Lian said goodbye and left.

Jia Lian has done everything he can, it just depends on Wang Ziteng's reaction. If Wang Ziteng refuses to accept it, there is nothing you can do.

From now on, I can only try my best to pile up the resources of the four families, and strive to be a fourth-rank official in Beijing in ten years.

On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Jia Zhen pushed You out again and asked her to invite Jia Lian to have a drink.

Jia Lian said he couldn't understand this and could only wait and see. Youshi still looked dignified in front of Jia Lian.

I went to Dongfu and met Jia Zhen. The banquet was set up and only two people were seated. Youshi was waiting on the side. Jia Rong wanted to get involved, but Jia Zhen kicked her away. Jia Rong, who was worried that Jia Zhen was causing trouble, did not go out to hang out, but waited outside. Half an hour later, when the wine was almost gone, Jia Lian, who had always been coy and coy, thought there was nothing important today, when the housekeeper Lai Sheng came in. Jia Lian pretended to be a little drunk and waited for the two of them to play their cards with drunken eyes.

Lai Sheng came in and made a toast first. Jia Lian raised his hand and held down the wine glass and said, "I have something to say. I don't dare to drink Butler Lai's toast easily."

Butler Lai was a little embarrassed by being squeezed by Jia Lian. His eyes flashed with embarrassment, and then he stepped back and let Jia Zhen speak.

"Brother Lian, after the Jin Dynasty in Yuanchun, there was news from outside the customs years ago that it was time to restart the caravan out of the customs. It's not that the Dongfu family can't do this, it's just that the east and west mansions are integrated, so there are benefits to everyone. Go together."

Jia Lian was silent after hearing this, thinking about Jia Zhen's true intention. If the Dongfu family formed a caravan to go to Liaodong, if they were disgraced by the Liaodong military leaders, it would be Dongfu's face that would be disgraced. Should we both go together? Shame on everyone.

According to Jia Lian's judgment, Jia Zhen's IQ will not think too much and only sees the benefits.

Whether there were any other considerations, Jia Lian couldn't guess for a while. But what Jia Lian saw was that the four kings and eight princes united to become powerful. What if there was internal fighting? Will Emperor Chenghui applaud?

Thinking of this, Jia Lian asked Lai Sheng with a smile: "Second housekeeper, Dongfu has been unable to make ends meet in recent years, right?"

When Lai Sheng heard this, he thought it was a good idea and hurriedly stepped forward to answer: "Replying to Second Master Lian, the Jia Mansion's caravan has been out of business for almost ten years, and it is impossible to make ends meet just by relying on the income from growing grain outside the customs. Dong Mansion's The eldest uncle is still practicing in Xuanzhen Temple, and his annual expenditure is no less than two thousand taels. With such a big family to eat and drink, and clan members to take care of, it is too difficult for Uncle Zhen to make a living."

When Jia Jing was mentioned, Jia Zhen's expression was slightly solemn. Jia Lian didn't know much about the affairs of Dongfu. He only knew that he brought back Xichun last year, and Jia's mother took him over to Xichun and raised him in Xifu.

"I think this matter is feasible, but I still have to ask my father before making a decision." Jia Lian relaxed, and Jia Zhen was overjoyed after hearing this: "Okay, okay, as long as Brother Lian nods, I will go and talk to Uncle Pardon myself. The Lai brothers go to the border outside the customs every year. I think that after the spring snow melts, the Lai brothers will be able to lead the caravan and set off. There will be more than a hundred people in the two families, which is enough."

Jia Lian nodded: "Let's just say this for now. I will mention it to my father when I get back."

The direction of history has changed, because Jia Lian was too troublesome, Yuanchun in the palace was affected, and he was promoted to a concubine in advance. In this way, Jia Zhen saw the good changes in the Jia family, so she had the idea of ​​​​restarting the Liaodong caravan.

Jia Lian didn't know whether this was a good thing or a bad thing. He just hoped that when the caravan passed through Shanhaiguan, the people of Prince Dongping would make things more difficult for the Jia family's caravan. I can only say that King Beijing died at the right time! Little Beijing Wang has not yet been able to grasp the resources left by his father and secure the top spot. This time point is really wonderful.

Lai Sheng's promotion of the caravan must have been based on personal interests, and it happened to play on Jia Zhen's greedy mind. It can be said that the two hit it off immediately, and they couldn't wait to make a lot of money. For this reason, they even asked Youshi to come forward to invite Jia Lian.

[MD, could it be that I have the talent of a Cao thief and Jia Zhen has noticed it? 】

Jia Lian had no intention of continuing to drink and stood up to leave. Jia Zhen did not hold back. When he was sent to the door, Jia Lian suddenly had an idea, "Should Jia Zhen go to Liaodong in person?" The mountains are high and the roads are far away, so it's easy to kill him on the way. 】

Immediately, Jia Lian gave up this year. The reason was very simple. The idea was good but no one implemented it. At least until Jia Lian rectified Dongfu's external power, this idea was just an idea.

On the way back, Jia Lian continued to act like he was drunk, so Youshi had no choice but to let Xiao An light the lantern. She and Yin Die helped Jia Lian back, and there were many minor collisions along the way.

As for Jia Zhen, she went back after being delivered to the door. She discussed with Lai Er how to control the caravan in detail, lest the Xifu side took the initiative and the distribution of benefits would be in vain.

After delivering it to Jia Lian and Guixiang, You took her maid Yindie back and slept together at night.

In the dim candlelight, Youshi sighed leisurely: "Have you never stayed overnight since the twelfth lunar month? I can't even remember the date."

On the early morning of the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, while Jia Lian was still having breakfast, Jia She came directly, and Jia Lian had to put down his chopsticks to say hello.

Jia She waved his hand and said: "Without courtesy, Jia Zhen came to me yesterday and talked about the caravan. Do you agree?"

Jia Lian nodded: "Now that Concubine Yuan is favored in the palace, I think I can give it a try. Even if there are some obstacles, I can also accumulate experience for the future. However, the second house in Xifu is currently the head of the family, and my father is involved as Dong Kuoyuan. , or Ezeifu?”

Jia She was obviously hurt, and jumped to his feet and said: "I am Zhengshuo of Rongguo Mansion. What do you mean by the second wife being the head of the house?"

Seeing that the stimulation effect was good, Jia Lian continued to stimulate: "Lai Da has been running over in Liaodong. Go and tell Lai Da this."

Jia She's arrogance suddenly dropped a lot, but his tone was still very strong: "Lai Da, this slave, relied on his mother's trust to get a bachelor in Rongguo Mansion. Sooner or later, I have to show him some color."

To deal with the Lai brothers' matter, Jia Lian felt that there was a certain risk in taking action personally, so it was better to let Jia She go against Jia Mu's majesty. Lai Da seems to be a good person, trying to balance the situation between Jia She and Jia Zheng, but in fact he has offended Jia She severely.

Don't talk about following Jia Mu's wishes. Jia She won't accept this bullshit explanation.

"The caravan should ask Lai Da to come forward and arrange for a few trustworthy people to keep an eye on it. If the caravan can earn back the money, everything will be fine. If it cannot earn back the money, then it will be regarded as the general ledger." Jia Lian continued to fight calmly. Jia She felt it made sense after hearing this, nodded and said: "That's great, I'll go back and make arrangements right away."

The Lai brothers have a very high status in the East and West Houses. This can be seen from the fact that the servants call them Uncle Lai.

Jia Lian also knew that if Jia Mu didn't have enough hard evidence, he must save face for Jia Mu and not touch Lai Da.

But Jia She was different. As the eldest son of Xifu, he sometimes didn't need a reason to deal with Lai Da.

Moreover, Lai Da's butt is not clean. As long as he is ruthless enough to investigate, he will definitely find out major problems.

Jia Lian is very confident about this. Just a single income from outside the customs can provide a lot of clues.

The reason is very simple. The two brothers are responsible for the external management of the East and West Mansion, and they have the real power. Without supervision, it would be strange to be able to endure not making profits for oneself.

As long as Jia She is instigated and the master of the family is in charge of his servants, he will be well-known and his reputation will be justified. No one was speechless.

(End of this chapter)