Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Chapter 274 Recalling Shenjing 1

Jia Cong and his party traveled day and night and returned to Liaohaiwei a few days later. Fortunately, countless horses were captured this time, and even the captives were riding horses, so they could be so fast.

As soon as Jia Cong and others entered the Yamen, they saw a fat middle-aged man with a round face wearing an azure river cliff seawater five-claw dragon python robe sitting in the main hall, with a pair of thick black eyebrows twisted together like two The caterpillars are fighting, the eyes are not eyes, the nose is not a nose.

Yang Xiong was sitting at the bottom, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the two of them had all come back. It would be fine as long as they were all right.

"Hey, uncle Huang, what brought you here?" Sun Chi smiled and stepped forward to say hello.

Prince Zhongxin bulged his eyes, glared at him, and said, "You have caused trouble. His Majesty ordered me to escort you back to the capital. Now that you are back, let's go."

Sun Chi chuckled. It didn't matter to him that he was a bachelor. He just looked at Jia Cong and said, "Brother Cong, this is the Zhongxin County Prince Zuo Zongzheng of the Zongren Mansion."

Jia Cong hurriedly greeted him and said, "I am sent to Liaohai Guard to guard Jia Cong. I am here to see the prince."

Prince Zhongxin snorted with his nostrils pointing to the sky and said, "No need. The Holy One has decreed that Sun Chi and Jia Cong should return to the capital immediately. Let's go." After that, he walked out the door.

Jia Cong hurriedly stopped him and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, it's been a long journey, why don't you rest here for two days before leaving?"

Prince Zhongxin snorted coldly: "I don't have the courage like you to disobey the Holy Will. Your Majesty ordered you to be escorted back to the capital immediately. Who dares to delay the time?" Even though he said this, he did not move.

Sun Chi quickly gave Jia Cong a "you understand" look.

Jia Cong smiled slightly. How dare you become an official if you don't understand these rules? Yin turned around and whispered to Yan Shuangying.

"My lord, how dare I resist the order? I just prepared some local products for the prince. I need to be careful and not considerate of etiquette. I hope the prince will accept it."

Prince Zhongxin's face suddenly changed from gloomy to bright, and he actually showed a slight smile, and said in a reserved tone: "Jia Shoubei is too polite. If you say that Shenjing City has all kinds of treasures, this Liaodong native product is really rare. I don't like gold and silver in my life. , I just love local products.”

Jia Cong took the flat wooden box handed over by Yan Shuangying, held it up with both hands, and said with a smile: "Please, Your Majesty, can you tell me how old this old Liaodong ginseng is?"

Prince Zhongxin smiled and opened a crack slightly, only to see that there was a thick stack of banknotes in the box. He quickly looked at the denomination, one thousand taels! My God, this is at least fifty thousand silver. Jia Cong, this kid, really got rich.

"Okay, okay, this ginseng is old and well-heated. I have only seen it in my life. Jia Shoubei is very interested." Prince Zhongxin closed the box with trembling hands and said with a smile.

Jia Cong cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty likes it, and I feel good about you. I have only one thing to ask for your mercy. I and His Highness the Tenth Prince have suffered some injuries during this battle, and it is difficult to travel a long distance. Can I rest for a few days before setting off?" There are still many things that have not been arranged, so how can we leave easily.

Prince Zhongxin said with a smile: "You are at the forefront of the army and have been injured in the battle for the country. How can I not be sympathetic to the heroes? How about this? We will set off in ten days. We can just walk faster on the road. How about that?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. I will never forget it."

"Hey, we are all from the same family, how can we talk about two families." Prince Zhongxin took the two men's hands and walked into the back hall, smiling: "My brother is going to be promoted this time. I would like to congratulate you first."

ah? The style of painting changes so quickly? Jia Cong still had some difficulty adapting to how they suddenly became a family and an elder.

"This lowly official is stupid, please let me know clearly."

Prince Zhongxin seemed to be a different person after receiving the money. He still had the cold demeanor of before. He chuckled and said, "My brother has made great achievements in battle in the past few years. How can I not get promoted to a noble rank when I go back? Isn't this a great joy?"

Sun Chi asked hurriedly: "Is it possible that I want to be granted a title of marquis?" Shi Wuhuan has already been restrained. If he is not granted the title of marquis, it will not be nice to say so.

Prince Zhongxin glared at him and said with a smile: "What a fantasy. The four princes, eight princes, and thirty-two marquises of the country are the number established by the ancestors. They can only be less but not more. Now that the thirty-two marquises are all there, where can I get a marquis hat? ? Not to mention the Marquis, the Count is as hard as to reach the sky."

Sun Chi said disappointedly: "Then what's the point?"

"Asshole. The Jia family already has two royal families. It would be such an honor to get another nobleman. You still say it's boring. Ask Yang Xiong outside, what kind of nobleman has he got after spending his whole life? A nobleman is precious. , don’t you know?” Prince Zhongxin said.

Jia Cong was also a little excited in his heart. He had known this rule for a long time. The four kings, eight princes, and thirty-two marquises, this number, if there is no vacancy, it is impossible to confer the title no matter how great your contribution is.

For example, if the Duke wants to be crowned king, the only possibility is that one of the four kings commits a crime and is removed from the throne, leaving the position vacant before he can be promoted. The same goes for a marquis becoming a duke, and an earl becoming a marquis.

Because Jia Cong was a newly conferred nobility, he was restricted.

If he is the inheritor of the Duke's Palace, for example, if Jia Rong has made such a contribution to him, he can be directly promoted to a Marquis without being restricted by the thirty-two marquises. Because his ancestors are the foundation of the Duke's Palace, as long as he has enough merit, he can be promoted to a Marquis. There is no hindrance to the Duke.

Thinking that Yang Xiong had spent his whole life to become a third-level light chariot captain, and he was now only a seventh-level enqi captain. If the emperor was merciful and granted him a second-level baron, that would be great. Even being promoted to five levels would not be in vain. Shi Wuhuan is dead, Jia Cong secretly said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your advice." Jia Cong cupped his hands and said.

Prince Zhongxin nodded and said: "You might as well take some people with you when you leave, so as not to have to go around looking for soldiers after entering the lordship."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your advice." Jia Cong said with a smile.

"Okay, you go and do your work. I have to write a note to His Majesty to assure you that you are safe." Prince Zhongxin took the box of "local goods" and went away with a smile.

Watching Prince Zhongxin leave, Jia Cong said with a smile: "Brother Chi, your great uncle is on the right track, collecting money and doing things without deception."

Sun Chi said with a smile: "The Zongren Mansion is Qingshui Yamen, how much money can he make on a daily basis? It's rare for him to come out, how can he not be afraid of the autumn wind? Your boy is generous enough, and you are not afraid to support him."

Jia Cong said: "It's not worth spending some money to make friends."

"Come on, go ahead and get some rest."

After seeing the two of them off, Jia Cong hurriedly invited Yang Xiong to the inner study for discussion.

"Brother Cong, congratulations on your great victory this time and making yourself famous outside the territory." Yang Xiong smiled.

"Uncle Shi, don't make fun of me. This time I went on an expedition privately and got into big trouble. I don't know what will happen when I get back." Jia Cong waved his hand and said "humbly".

Yang Xiong smiled and said: "It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. We won a great victory and the prince is safe and sound. Your Majesty will not be harsh on him."

"Uncle Chengshi has given you auspicious words."

Yang Xiong pondered for a moment and said: "If the emperor asks about the last time His Highness was in danger, you have to say something fair for Uncle Shi. I didn't expect that this bastard Shen Desheng, who had been under my command for 20 years, was actually the dead man of the King of Liao. "

Jia Cong said: "Uncle Shi, don't worry. Your Majesty knows this well and won't ask. Last time I secretly visited the King of Liao, and His Majesty gave me a word of approval. Everyone sweeps the snow in front of their own door and doesn't care about the frost on other people's tiles. .”

Yang Xiong nodded and said: "It seems that His Majesty does not want to touch the Liao Prince's Palace for the time being. I don't want anything, as long as the Holy One knows that I have no such treacherous and unethical intentions."

Jia Cong smiled and said: "How could I not see through this matter because I am so wise and wise? Now that the person involved is dead and there is no evidence, it would be unwise to pursue it any further. But Uncle Shi's military headquarters can do some investigating."

Yang Xiong nodded. He had screened the General Military Mansion several times in the past few days, fearing that there were still dead soldiers of the King of Liao.

"Cong believes that internal investigation is indispensable, and it might be easier to seek help from outside."

"You mean...start from Prince Liao's Mansion?"

"If we can get something from the mouths of the confidants of Prince Liao's palace, it is better than groping aimlessly." Jia Cong said. "That makes sense." Yang Xiong nodded slightly, pressed the topic, and then smiled and said, "How much money have you made this time?"

Jia Cong said with a smile: "We haven't counted this yet. We are still counting. I think the captive population is one or two hundred thousand, the horses are one or two hundred thousand, and the cattle and sheep are countless."

Yang Xiong said in shock: "Brother Cong, you became rich overnight."

Jia Cong smiled and said: "Without Uncle Shi's help, how could Cong Hede be where he is today? After all, Liaohai Guard is the northern frontline and must be strong and prosperous. I will allocate 60% of all the spoils to the General Military Mansion for Uncle Shi to dispatch. This place How about leaving 40%?"

Yang Xiong smiled and said: "Okay! Let's do it like this. I know that Brother Cong, you are a general, courageous, knowledgeable, brave and resourceful. After all, after you leave, what do you need Uncle Shi to do?"

He is also a sensible person, not only because of Jia Daishan's old friendship, but also because of Jia Cong's generous gift, he has to show something.

Jia Cong pondered for a moment and said: "Liaodong is the foundation of my family, and Uncle Shi knows it. Although Cong is not talented, he has run some industries in the past three years. Now, Uncle Shi and I have cut off the King of Liao's financial path. I'm afraid He may not be willing to do so. After I leave..."

After Yang Xiong listened attentively to Jia Cong's arrangements, he said in a deep voice: "Don't worry, as long as Uncle Shi is old and old, you will not suffer any loss. Uncle Shi is old and can't help you for a few years. He can only help you a few years ago." You’re such an ambitious dog, I’ll probably have to trouble you to take care of it someday.”

Jia Cong smiled and said: "Uncle Shi, don't worry, don't you know what kind of person Cong is? As long as I have a bite to eat, I will definitely have half a bite for brothers Shi."

Yang Xiong smiled and said: "It's rare that someone will honor the Duke first and succeed him, so I feel relieved."

The two discussed secretly for a long time before Yang Xiong left and returned to Fengtian.

Three days later, Jia Cong summoned the main officials in the guard and several of his close military commanders to discuss the matter.

Looking at the two rows of civilian and military generals below, Jia Cong felt quite emotional. In the blink of an eye, he had stayed in Liaodong for three years, and Liaohaiwei had already been turned upside down.

"I think you all know that I'm leaving, so I'm going to say goodbye to you all today." Jia Cong said solemnly.

"Sir!" Everyone fell to the ground in unison, their hearts agitated and tears filling their eyes.

On the one hand, he was reluctant to let go of Jia Cong, and on the other hand, he was reluctant to let go of the good life under Jia Cong, for fear that things would change if he changed people.

"Okay, everyone, get up and stop acting like children. I will most likely be promoted when I return to the capital, and it's not my head that will be beheaded. Why are you crying?"

"We wish you great success and great success." Everyone stood up and congratulated.

Jia Cong waved his hand and said: "I know everyone is afraid that people will be destroyed and the government will cease. Don't worry, I have already made arrangements with General Yang. After I leave, Wang Jin..."

"The end will be here."

"You take over the position of Liaohai Guard."

Wang Jin was taken aback and didn't react for a moment. It wasn't until everyone congratulated him in unison that he became humble again and again.

"Lingkong, who has both civil and military skills, is appointed as deputy guard of Liaohai Guard. Su Can is appointed as guard of Tieling Guard, Deng Lei is appointed as deputy guard, and Wuji and Zhang Yi are assistant guards." Jia Cong made some personnel arrangements lightly.

"Thank you, sir, for your cultivation." Everyone stood up and thanked him.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I'm just waiting for my brother, so what's the point of thanking me? Now that the positions of the Tieling Guards have been vacated, Lord Rong will send a few capable civil servants over to assist Su in the defense."

"Yes." Rong Liu hurriedly cupped his hands.

"In this way, Fengtian, Tieling, and Liaohai will be our territory. Remember not to be careless."

"The lower official (the last general) obeys the order."

"From now on, I will ask you to take care of my business and property in Liaodong." Jia Cong said with a smile.

"I dare not, I will definitely live up to your trust." Everyone said with solemn hands.

"As for the General Military Mansion, Su Canduo can contact you. If you need anything, just ask General Yang to tell you. He will take care of you."

"Thank you for your grace."

"By the way, Mr. Rong's book, have you counted your gains?" Jia Cong said.

"Your Majesty, we have made an inventory. There are more than 184,000 women and children, more than 160,000 horses, more than 50,000 cattle, and more than 330,000 sheep.

Jia Cong said: "Well, the harvest is not small. Allocate 60% to the General Military Mansion. Send a young woman to each of our soldiers. Tell the sergeants that they are not allowed to beat or abuse Tatar wives at will. Violators will be taken back by the garrison office. reward."

"Yes." Everyone said with a smile and cupped their hands.

"Whether you want to sell the rest of them or keep them for your own use, I don't care. I will choose another 20,000 strong horses and I will present them to the court."

"Yes."

"When I return to Beijing this time, I probably won't go back to Liaodong to take up a post. I'll take the guard camp with me. Besides, I don't have a leader, Mr. Wen, so Fan Ming will come with me." Jia Cong said.

Fan Ming was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed and said: "I am humbled by my position and would like to be attached to you, even if I die!"

Without Jia Cong, it wouldn't make much sense for him as a secretary to stay here.

Kong Xing, Lei Tai, Xie Hui, Wang Fei, Li Ke, Ming Yao and others who had no whereabouts hurriedly bowed down and said: "I am willing to follow you, through fire and water, without hesitation."

Jia Cong smiled and raised his hand to let them get up.

"There is a friendship between you all, and I know it very well. But I don't know what the future will be like here. When the dust settles, if there is a chance, I will definitely bring all of you brothers to my side to work together for a common cause."

"Thank you for your grace."

Jia Cong looked at Jie Hui and said with a smile: "The elf prince killed the enemy chieftain in front of the enemy, but it was not enough to reward him. He was specially promoted to guard the Liaohai Guards. He still led the Xinghuo Camp and was rewarded with a thousand gold coins."

"The general is willing to give up the reward and only wants to follow the master." Xie Hui cupped his hands and said.

Jia Cong smiled and said: "How can the two things be confused? What is yours is yours. The rest will be discussed after I take up my new position. If you are reused by the court, you will definitely have the opportunity to display your talents."

Everyone clasped their fists and said, "We are so devastated that we cannot repay your kindness by any chance."

Jia Cong said: "When it comes to repaying service, all of us have been serving the imperial court. Now the reason why Liaohaiwei has caught the emperor's attention is not because of how many Tatars he killed, but because of the new law! After I leave, you must implement the new law consistently, regardless of the rules. Anyone who resists the law will be killed."

"Yes! We will obey your Lord Jun's order." Everyone said in unison.

(End of this chapter)