Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 454 Niu Jizong Asks for Advice

A country will only be stable if the vast majority of its people live a good life.

Emperor Chenghui, who had been out of the palace, clearly felt the changes.

Of course, this is only limited to the capital. Outside the capital, the situation is completely different.

The highest state of governance in Confucianism is called the Great Harmony of the World, which is a very beautiful idea, but it is too forward-looking.

The problem of productivity has not been solved. Even if it is solved, there is still the problem of distribution. There is no hope for the so-called great harmony of a country.

On the way back to the palace, Emperor Chenghui was in a pretty good mood. He admired Jia Lian's perspective on the issue and couldn't help but admire Qiu Shian: "The officials in the court must also understand it, but unfortunately they are powerless to do anything."

Qiu Shian did not respond to this because it ultimately came down to the most fundamental issue, the issue of people.

All problems in human society are caused by people. It is difficult for people to be consistent. They may be consistent sometimes, but most of the time they are inconsistent.

Emperor Chenghui knew very well what kind of life the peasants in the country were living. After ascending the throne, the emperor revitalized the Dragon Guards, and the information channels were not as blocked as before.

"The retired emperor might not have been unaware of the sufferings of the people..." Emperor Chenghui muttered to himself and then closed his mouth. He asked himself, if he was the retired emperor and had fought his way out from a group of princes to secure the throne, he would have adopted a similar strategy and would have given way to a stable throne.

Jia Lian did not go home, but went to You Erjie's place. How can I describe this place? It always has some inexplicable attraction, and he walked here unconsciously.

Old Lady You hurried out to greet her. Jia Lian exchanged a few words and asked her if she had received the New Year's gifts. Old Lady You smiled and replied, "Yes, I received three more."

"Three servings?" Jia Lian was stunned. Where did the three servings come from?
Old Lady You explained, "The Military Department sent one copy, Ni Er sent one copy, and a man named Ma San from the Research and Development Department sent one copy."

Jia Lian understood and couldn't help muttering, "Flatterer!" If you think about it carefully, who would not be arrogant if they were in his position? The people below are too good at it.

"The gift from the Military Affairs Department was the most valuable. Several officials also gave 500 taels of silver as a token of appreciation for the newlyweds."

Jia Lian became even more silent. I have a woman as my mistress and you all come to flatter me.

The second sister, smelling fragrant, came out. Seeing Jia Lian, her eyebrows lit up with joy and she stepped forward to speak: "Didn't you say you wouldn't come before the New Year?"

"Then I'll leave?" Jia Lian smiled and made a gesture to leave, but the second sister quickly stopped him: "You're here and you still want to leave?"

Third Sister You, who had no chance to meet Liu Xianglian, came out of the room, stood at the door, looked at Jia Lian calmly and said, "Second Master is here, I greet you."

Her tone was a bit perfunctory, and Jia Lian felt that she seemed listless.

"Why don't you invite me in to sit down?" Jia Lian was just talking nonsense, but unexpectedly, the third sister dodged and lifted the curtain: "Please come in, Second Master."

Can you just enter a woman's boudoir? Jia Lian hesitated for a moment, and then someone pushed him from behind, and he moved his feet. Jia Lian looked back and saw that it was Old Lady You.

Selling one daughter is not enough, you want to sell a second one?

The third sister's boudoir is simpler than the second sister's. There are no calligraphy or paintings on the wall, but there is a sword hanging on the wall.

Jia Lian looked at the sword and asked, "Can you dance with the sword?"

The third sister couldn't help but puff out her chest with pride: "This place is too small to show off my skills. I'll show my skills to the Second Master someday."

"Okay, I'll wait." Since he had come in, Jia Lian sat down shamelessly and waited for his third sister to serve him tea. The interesting thing was that his second sister did not follow him in, and it seemed that she had been dragged away.

"New Year is coming soon, have you bought yourself some headgear?" Jia Lian was trying to find something to say. Third Sister You leaned against the edge of the kang, looked at him sideways, and whispered, "I don't have money, and no one has given me anything."

How come you have no money? Where is the money for the gouache I gave you? Jia Lian wanted to ask, but shut up in time. If he asked, he would definitely say, "That's money for living, don't spend it easily."

Sometimes, it is better to do something than to talk too much. Jia Lian immediately reached into his sleeves and took out a few bills without counting them. He put them on the table and said, "Take them. Go and buy whatever you want."

Without waiting for the third sister to reply, Jia Lian stood up to leave. The third sister came over and grabbed his sleeve: "What kind of money is this?"

"Whatever you say is what it is." Jia Lian replied to her with a smile. This woman was a bit pretentious and he had to force her.

"You have to come at least three times a month! I know you have a lot of people around you and I can't take care of them all." The third sister's voice became lower and lower, and Jia Lian almost couldn't hear it clearly.

After understanding, he shamelessly stretched out his hand and hugged her waist. The two of them sat together on the kang, and their hands moved around dishonestly.

Yu Sanjie was a novice on the road and could not withstand his attacks from all directions. After a while, she began to breathe rapidly and her whole body became limp like a puddle of mud.

People are in the capital, back to the reality of the northwest, living in this place is still Jia Lian's arrangement, and the second sister also pretended. It can only be said that the people around can really influence a person, with Old Lady You instilling in her ears, the third sister followed suit.

The dinner was naturally held in the newlyweds' room, with the three of them accompanying them, which seemed quite unbecoming. But what can I say? In the northwest, there are a lot of people, so there aren't that many rules.

Besides, Jia Lian didn't care much about these rules, so that's how it happened.

Another ridiculous night, Jia Lian finally understood what it meant to have strong legs. He was indeed a sword dancer.

If you go to bed late at night, you will naturally get up late in the morning. At noon, Jia Lian is still lying on the kang.

When he woke up, he felt something smelled wrong. He saw Youshi sitting at the head of the kang. Jia Lian blinked and immediately resolved the embarrassment. As long as he was not embarrassed, it would be fine.

"Why are you here?" Jia Lian sat up lazily and leaned against the head of the kang.

Yu raised her hand and tapped his forehead: "I knew you had bad intentions from the beginning."

Jia Lian laughed and said, "It's not the same day that Jia has been lustful."

After Youshi gave birth to a son, she felt relieved. She still felt a little sad, but she could only endure it. She reached under the quilt and said, "At least once a month from now on."

Jia Lian nodded and agreed, thinking that this request was not excessive.

Yu Shi then let him go and got up to leave. Not long after, the third sister came in and muttered, "Grandma of Ningguo Mansion, what's going on?"

The woman recovered quickly and there was no sign of unnaturalness in her walking.

After helping Jia Lian get dressed, he went out and found out that Youshi was also here to deliver New Year's goods. At this time, the two sisters were talking in private in the second sister's room.

Jia Lian came in, took a look and said, "It's time to go."

Youshi asked, "Won't Feng Lazi cause trouble for you if you don't come home at night?"

Jia Lian smiled and said nothing, then turned and walked out. Although Wang Xifeng was strong, she was also a bully who only feared the strong. At the end of the year, he went to the yamen for the last time, arranged his duty, and officially went on vacation. Jia Lian also arranged his own duty, and arranged for both yamen.

When he returned home, he unexpectedly received a guest's visiting card. Jia Lian saw it and realized it was from Niu Jizong.

Niu Jizong's title was conferred, and in addition to the reward, the next generation was also allowed to inherit the title without downgrading. It can be seen that Niu Jizong's importance in Emperor Chenghui's mind was just that.

Jia Lian wrote a reply and had it delivered to the Niu family, saying that he would be at home when he was free the next day.

Wang Xifeng came over and asked, "Butler Niu has sent a lot of gifts. What do you say in return?"

Jia Lian hesitated for a moment: "Just give and take, don't think about taking advantage. By the way, how is Baoyu doing recently?"

After expending his energy outside and entering a sage state, Jia Lian began to improve the family tradition.

"What else can he do? When Qin's younger brother came home for the New Year, he insisted on going with him. If the old lady hadn't forbidden him, he would have gone." Wang Xifeng mentioned Baoyu in advance, full of disdain. Sure enough, the change in her status and position had changed her attitude towards Baoyu.

"Well, I'm going to see the old lady!" Jia Lian said as he went out, without any entourage, and strolled over alone.

I never thought I would run into Si Qi when I went out. I was anxiously circling around. When I saw Jia Lian, I immediately went up to him and said, "Second Master, how did my cousin lose his job?"

Jia Lian was stunned. I didn’t know and no one told me.

"When did this happen?" Jia Lian felt a little uncomfortable. How could the person I arranged quit without telling me? Who has the guts to do that?
"It's about what happened this morning." Si Qi answered quickly. Jia Lian smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll have someone ask for clarification first."

Si Qi had no choice but to give up, thanked Jia Lian and turned away.

When Jia Lian arrived at Grandmother Jia's place, he saw Baoyu rolling on Grandmother Jia's legs. Everyone was watching and laughing. There was a slight cough, and the atmosphere froze instantly, as if Jia Zheng was about to make his appearance.

When Baoyu saw Jia Lian, he quickly stood up to greet him. Jia Lian clasped his hands in return, and after greeting Jia's mother, he asked, "What's the matter?"

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "This child insisted on going out during the New Year's Day. He acted like a spoiled child if I didn't agree."

Mrs. Wang sat aside, saying nothing, very quietly, and didn't even look at Jia Lian.

Jia Lian put away his smile, looked at Baoyu and asked, "Why are you going out?"

Baoyu was really afraid of Jia Lian, so he lowered his head and whispered, "Let's go and play with Qin Zhong."

Jia Lian asked him calmly, "Did you take Qin Zhong to Shuiyue Temple?"

Baoyu answered honestly, "I heard that a lay Buddhist came. I went there twice during the school holidays and only saw her once. The lay Buddhist's name was Miaoyu, and she was indeed a wonderful person."

How should I say hello to you when you speak so confidently?
Before Jia Lian could get angry, Jia's mother pulled Baoyu over, held him in her arms and said, "Why didn't you tell your family before going there? Who sent him there? You'll be punished according to the family rules!"

Baoyu said stubbornly: "I wanted to go there on my own, why blame others?"

Jia Lian interrupted him and said, "Everyone, listen carefully. From today on, keep an eye on Baoyu. He is not allowed to leave the house without my permission."

Baoyu was struck by lightning when he heard this: "Why?"

Jia Lian stared at him intently: "As long as you stay at home, you are just a useless person. When you pass the imperial examination, you can go wherever you want. I won't stop you."

What is Baoyu's ability? In the original novel, Baoyu passed the imperial examination, but he became a monk after passing it, which proves that he has the ability, but he just doesn't like this turbid world.

Jia Lian doesn't care what he thinks. The world is inherently turbid, and nothing will change whether you like it or not.

Baoyu felt humiliated and his eyes widened. How could I become a freeloader? I am the descendant of the Duke of Rong, and I...

After thinking for a long time, Baoyu really didn't realize what contribution he had made to this family. He was really just a person who relied on his family.

At first, Jia Lian's words were unpleasant and Mrs. Wang was a little uneasy. But after listening to him for a while, she simply kept silent and watched Jia Lian perform calmly.

"You're not saying anything? I'll take that as your consent! In fact, it doesn't matter what you think. Since I've said this, I must make it happen. Everything you enjoy now is given to you by this family. If you feel that you don't have to do anything for this family and can enjoy a rich life with peace of mind, then stay at home and no one will force you to take the exam. If you really don't want to take the exam, that's fine. In the future, you will have to take on the socializing for the family. You can't expect others to do everything for you."

"I understand!" Baoyu didn't dare to confront him head-on, so he pinched his nose and responded.

After Jia Lian left, Baoyu went to report to Grandmother Jia: "Grandma, you didn't help me just now."

Although Grandmother Jia was partial, she was not completely confused. She said patiently, "Your second brother is right. You are not young anymore. You should be sensible."

Baoyu went to quiver with Mrs. Wang again. Although she loved her son dearly, Mrs. Wang hardened her heart this time and said, "Lian'er is right. From now on, we will do as he says."

Later, Jia Lian asked Zhuzi to ask about Pan Youan. The next day, before Zhuzi came back, Niu Jizong came to visit.

Jia Lian came out to greet him personally and invited him to sit in the central hall. Niu Jizong got straight to the point: "If you have anything, I want to talk to you in private."

Jia Lian was also very straightforward and invited him to the study. Only then did Niu Jizong know that the second house's residence in the middle courtyard had not changed. Jia Lian, who had already gained an absolute upper hand, did not return to Rong Xi Tang, and Jia She had been staying in the east courtyard. I really don't know what Jia Lian was thinking, was he just being too soft-hearted?

In fact, it is not that complicated. Jia Lian is simply afraid that Jia She will cause trouble, so he suppresses him and prevents him from getting too cocky.

Entering the study, Niu Jizong dismissed everyone and said directly: "How is Wang Taiwei doing in Annan? Is he really granted a title?"

Jia Lian said: "He conquered the territory, so how can he not be given a real title? In the beginning, the court supported him, and after he has gained something, he needs to repay the support. Now Wang Taiwei is still the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, which is the court's support for him."

Faced with the facts, Niu Jizong believed what he said, and suddenly said in a trance: "I didn't expect it, I didn't expect it, I really didn't expect it."

Niu Jizong was tempted. Anyone would be tempted by the idea of ​​a fiefdom.

After a pause, Niu Jizong asked, "Why doesn't Lord Jia seek to be transferred to another post?"

Jia Lian knew what he meant, so he asked him, "Aren't you tempted when you see Wang Ziteng get the actual fiefdom?"

"If I am demoted, will the Jia family have anyone in the capital to support us? Besides, even if I want to go, Your Majesty has to release me." Jia Lian didn't beat around the bush and told the truth directly.

Of course, it was not entirely true. After all, there was no place in the so-called overseas that was not a wild place. Jia Lian was tired of being a pioneer. He had a comfortable life in the capital, so why bother himself?

Even if I become the master of a small country in the future, so what? Is it still comfortable to occupy a place in the capital?
"Mr. Niu is about to be transferred to another post. What suggestions does Lord Jia have?" Niu Jizong did not mention the relationship between the two families, but asked Jia Lian directly, implying that he would remember this favor.

Jia Lian thought about it carefully before answering him: "For external development, the easiest place now is the southwest, but the Hengduan Mountains make the geographical environment too harsh. Yunnan is already the current limit for the land. Lord Niu can learn from Wang Taiwei and fight his way out by sea. There are many Westerners developing in Tianzhu, and the Westerners are strong at sea. We should avoid their edge, bypass Tianzhu, land in southern Myanmar, and fight all the way north to complete the land connection and facilitate the acquisition of domestic resources. In the future, the Niu family will be able to stand firm overseas."

(End of this chapter)