Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Jia Cong hurriedly changed the subject and said: "Listening to my mother's wishes, it seems that Duke Zhun has already decided on the position of chief minister?"

Empress Chen said: "Who else?"

Jia Cong nodded and said: "Cong understands, just stay away from him from now on."

Empress Chen shook her head and said: "It's not far away. Now the new law has not yet spread all over the world. You still have to deal with each other a lot. All you need to do is remember to abide by your duty. He is not like Shi, Su and others who seem to be inseparable from His Majesty. understand?"

"Cong understands, mother, don't worry."

"Well, you have always been smart, so I can rest assured." Queen Chen paused and said casually: "I heard that many people in Beijing are secretly planning to fill vacancies recently?"

Jia Cong was slightly startled. When was the large-scale filling of vacancies not like this? She quickly came to her senses and realized that the Queen would not care about ordinary officials.

Because he said: "After returning to my mother, it is indeed the case. Not only the civil and military officials, but also the princes are very concerned about the government. Except for Brother Chi and his son to recover from their injuries at home, only the second brother is not concerned about it."

Queen Chen shook her head and sighed: "When will Brother Can be as clever as you, I will be relieved."

Jia Cong said with a smile: "My mother is too worried. My second brother is upright and upright, and he disdains the behavior of a fly and a dog. It can be seen that the mother has taught well. In fact, he is a wise king in this world, and Cong has always respected him."

Jia Cong was a little confused and had to say a few words to leave.
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He had just returned home and was about to ask Pang Chao for advice when he heard from his disciple that Jia Fang was waiting in the concierge to ask for an audience.

"My nephew pays homage to my third uncle. I would like to congratulate him on being promoted to a noble position and bringing glory to his family." Hearing the noise, Jia Fang hurriedly came out to pay homage.

Jia Cong took Jia Fang into the outer study room and said straight to the point: "But is there something wrong?"

I only fear that in the future someone will build a bridge to stir up fire and instigate brothers to fight against each other. This is really not a blessing to the country. "

"Brother Fang, I was just looking for you to go to the study to talk." Jia Cong raised his hand slightly.

Empress Chen smiled and said: "This is reasonable. It shows that you are not confused, and I am very relieved. However, you have forgotten one thing."

Jia Cong nodded and said, "It's just for your highnesses to show their talents. If anyone forms a clique for personal gain or has evil intentions, Cong should report the truth to Your Majesty."

The fourth is to have many helpers. The mother, the queen, and the whole world are respected, and the benevolence is spread all over the world. The second brother is virtuous and harmonious. The Chi brother is loyal, pure and brave. Everyone knows it. Why worry about not having loyal people to help? "

Moreover, His Majesty also told me that the princes are not young now and should have seen the world. In the past, their general studies were too superficial. In the near future, they will be assigned to the Military Aircraft Department, the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion, and various ministries, and will follow all important ministers. Study government affairs. "The queen said.

Empress Chen smiled and said: "You are still a little young. Go back and ask the talented women in your family to tell you the story of Zheng Beke and Duan Yuyan."

There is a distinction between direct concubines and concubines. This has been the rule of the past dynasties and is also the family law of the ancestors;
On the other hand, there are differences between the wise and the foolish, whether it is your majesty or whether you are civil or military in court, you can naturally see clearly;

"Please teach me, Queen Mother."

Jia Cong frowned and said, "Doesn't this give the princes an opportunity to recruit party members?"

He had already discussed these issues with Pang Chao many times, so his discussions were eloquent and well-founded.

Empress Chen sneered, rolled her eyes at Jia Cong, and said, "You little naughty boy, everything that comes out of your mouth is like honey.

"This is also the emperor's intention to examine the talents and character of the disciples." Empress Chen said slowly.

At this point, Jia Cong didn't understand, so he held up his hands and said, "The child thinks that the mother is overly worried.

“After all, the New Party has the final say in the DPRK and China, and it is indispensable to please the New Party ministers who want to interact with each other in the future.

There is a distinction between loyal and traitorous people. This time, Zhongshun, Tu Fei and others were deposed due to rebellion, and many traitors were eradicated. The remaining people, headed by Prince Zhongxin and Cong, should serve the court loyally.

You are also aware of this palace change. With the emperor's wisdom, there are still people who want to rebel after many years on the throne, let alone all the princes.

"Yes."

Jia Fang hurriedly bowed and said: "It's nothing serious, it's just that there was a war in the capital a while ago. I heard that every family was injured, so I felt anxious. I also thought that my uncle was busy with important things, so I didn't dare to come and disturb him.

That's why today, as ordered by my mother, I came to pay my respects to my third uncle and all my aunts. "

"Well, everything is fine at home, but a few servants died. How is your family?"

"Thank you uncle for your concern, my nephew's family is safe."

Jia Cong chatted with him a few more times about his family affairs, and said: "Since the spring period, the court has been in turmoil. The Ministry of Civil Affairs must not have considered the matter of selecting officials for your new academic qualifications. However, it's okay. Now Ru Haigong has been promoted to the Ministry of Civil Affairs." "Shang Shu, it's more convenient."

"My nephew doesn't have to worry about this matter. Everything depends on the instructions of my third uncle. My nephew will obey orders without any hesitation." Jia Fang bowed.

"Well, I've thought about it. You go to Xin'an County, Guangzhou Prefecture to be the magistrate. There is an island in Xin'an County called Lantau Island. I have some properties on it. You can look after it for me. Brother Yun is also there. What's the matter? Just discuss it."

"Yes, nephew, I obey."

"In addition, there is another county across the Lingding Ocean from Xin'an County, named Xiangshan. It also lacks a county magistrate. Do you know any friends who are worthy of this post? If you want to be reliable and loyal, it is best to be a failed candidate." Jia Cong road.

You can also become an official if you are promoted, and if you are lucky, you can also become a county magistrate, but the probability is much smaller. If you can find a way, it will be good to be an assistant official.

Jia Fang thought for a moment and said, "My nephew has a friend he has known since he was a child. His name is Zhu Mao. He failed in the current examination. He is a member of the Shuntian Prefecture. His family has been poor since he was a child, and he is an honest person."

Jia Cong said: "Let him be the magistrate of Xiangshan County."

Jia Fang was afraid of being responsible for the recommendation, so she hurriedly said: "Third Uncle Rong, although Brother Zhu and I are close friends, many friends have shared adversities since ancient times, but we may not share wealth. My nephew may miss Third Uncle's important event."

Jia Cong waved his hand and said with a smile: "It doesn't matter, it's just a favor to avoid some trouble. If he does things honestly, it will have its own benefits. If he has different intentions, what is it worth other than just doing it?"

The reason why he promoted a juren out of the norm was to make him grateful and do things for him, which would not be troublesome anyway.

"My nephew has thanked Third Uncle for his kindness on his behalf. I wonder if Third Uncle has any instructions so that my nephew can tell him." Jia Fang said.

"Tell him that there is an island in Xiangshan County called Qi'ao. I have bought it. Let Brother Yun tell him exactly what he should do and what he should not do." Jia Cong said.

"Yes." Jia Fang respectfully agreed.

"I will take my name card to see Lord Ruhai later, and tell him that I asked him to help you arrange for you, and that you want to go to Lingnan to experience. If he asks why, tell him that General Guangzhou comes from the Jia family and can take care of him."

Jia Fang listened carefully, considered it carefully, and said, "Don't worry, Third Uncle, my nephew will definitely not reveal Third Uncle's intentions."

"Well, you are very smart. Before setting off, you came to the mansion to get a gift, and went to visit Guangzhou General Su Qing for me, telling him that I would transfer his son Su Can to the capital for appointment."

"Yes, third uncle. My nephew is resigning." "It's not easy for you to be an official in the world. Just go and withdraw 20,000 silver from the account for payment, and write a note when you get there."

"Yes. Thank you Third Uncle for the generous gift. My nephew is ashamed to accept it." Jia Fang bowed again and left.

After sending Jia Fang away, Jia Cong returned to the inner house. Before he entered the door, he heard bursts of clapping and cheering coming from the courtyard.

Ruyi and the other girls were standing in front of the steps, watching with great interest a woman in a powerful suit underground practicing swordsmanship. It turned out to be Yang Siniang.

But I saw the light of the sword flashing vertically and horizontally, and the cold air was thick. As the vigorous figures galloped back and forth in the courtyard, the ups and downs, and the whooshing sound of the sword blade piercing the air were heard from time to time, showing the swordsman's extremely high swordsmanship.

Jia Cong smiled slightly and stood with his arms folded, admiring the beauty's sword dance, which was corroborated with his spear and sword skills. He secretly thought that Siniang's swordsmanship was passed down from a famous family, and she had practiced hard since she was a child, so she was not as good as Ruyi.

If he really wanted to take action, he would have to work hard to capture her, as if he was on par with Zuo Xiaodao.

If Siniang and Qiu Wei, two masters of swordsmanship, attack him together...

Jia Cong thought about it for a while. One of the two women's swordsmanship was sharp and fierce, and the other was cunning and ruthless. With the cooperation of each other, if he didn't have a big gun in his hand, he would definitely be defeated, and he could only run for his life.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but smile and shake my head. Fortunately, the two women were one of my own, so they didn't have to do anything dangerous.

In a moment, Yang Siniang had finished practicing a set of sword skills. Without even looking at it, she returned the sword with a clang and put it into its sheath. She bowed her hands with the other girls in greeting, and the girls cheered again.

Jia Cong clapped his hands and said with a smile: "I've seen you with admiration after three days apart. Siniang's swordsmanship has improved a lot, which is gratifying. Are you here to see me today?"

Ruyi rushed to say: "Don't be so sentimental. Today I invited Siniang to come over to learn swordsmanship. I originally wanted to invite Qiu Wei, but Siniang said that she was a person who traveled around the world and her whereabouts were uncertain, but she could not be found." "

"I have long wanted to ask the princess for advice." Yang Siniang nodded with a smile and glanced at Jia Cong.

Jia Cong knew that Bai Qiuwei would not have too much contact with them due to her status, so he smiled and said: "I see, it's very good, very good. Why don't you accompany Siniang to play in the garden later, so that the sisters can see women?" The chivalrous demeanor is probably not inferior to that of Hongfu Nu or Nie Yinniang."

Good luck to everyone.

"The Duke has rewarded you." Yang Siniang smiled. She was flattered that Jia Cong spoke so highly of her.

Ruyi rolled his eyes and said "provocatively": "Of course I want to go for a walk in the garden later, but I just shook my head and smiled when I saw you. Do you mean to underestimate Si Niang? Do you dare to compete with Si Niang?"

Sisters Qingwen and Wanyan, who were lively, clapped their hands, jumped up and cheered loudly.

Yang Siniang was a lover of swords. She had long wanted to avenge the "deceit and sneak attack" that destroyed the temple that day. She thought that in terms of horsemanship, she would naturally lose to Jia Cong. If she had a sword fight on the ground, she might not lose to him. Therefore, there are also A bit eager to try.

Baochai hurriedly said: "Ruyi, the sword has no eyes, so I'm afraid there will be damage, so let's leave it at that."

Daiyu also nodded. Although she didn't believe that Yang Siniang could defeat Jia Cong, she was afraid that Jia Cong would be injured, and she was even more afraid that he would accidentally hurt Siniang. With the sharpness of the Qingshuang sword, Siniang couldn't bear it even if she was beaten with iron.

Jia Cong looked at Yang Siniang and said with a smile: "There's no need to compete with swords. We had it once before in Shandong, and Siniang was subdued by me with one move. What else could we compete with? Yan'er, you two are both women, and both are masters." It’s a good time to learn from the masters of swordsmanship.”

When Yang Siniang heard him mention the incident in Shandong, she was ashamed and angry, and couldn't defend herself. She suddenly blushed.

"Siniang's swordsmanship is extraordinary. Even if you can win, it won't be easy. You can't defeat him with just one move, and you're just bragging." Ruyi said angrily, then looked at Siniang and said, "Siniang, is he bragging?"

How could Yang Siniang dare to say that she was attacked by him while taking a bath? She just said angrily: "Princess, it is clear that the Duke is the best at scheming and deceitful attacks. Although I lost, I am not convinced."

When the girls heard this, they understood that it was Jia Cong who had resorted to some despicable means, some "ingenious plot" and so on. It was just Yang Siniang who was trying to save his face. They all covered their mouths and chuckled, and they all helped Siniang. Embrace injustice.

Jia Cong laughed: "Soldiers are deceitful. Anyway, I won. Not only did I win the contest, but I also won Siniang's heart."

Yang Siniang was shocked by his shamelessness, her pretty face turned red, she spat, and ignored him, not even daring to look at the other girls, so she just turned her head away.

The girls couldn't see his triumphant appearance, so they all started to spit on him and support Si Niang.

Jia Cong didn't feel dissatisfied, he walked between Baochai and Daiyu, hugged the two girls, and said with a smile: "Yan'er, you are always arguing that no one will accompany you to teach you moves. My martial arts skills and Brother Chi's are not suitable for you." I mean, now that Si Niang is here, why don’t we have a discussion?”

Ruyi rolled her eyes at him and felt a little "tricky", so she pulled Siniang and said with a smile: "Wait for me to change clothes, we are stubborn, don't pay attention to him."

Yang Siniang nodded in agreement.

Ruyi turned around excitedly and went in.

Baochai said: "Cong'er, if you are determined to compete with each other in swordsmanship, you might as well switch to a wooden sword to avoid missing."

Daiyu and Chu Chan also nodded in agreement.

Jia Cong waved his hand and said with a smile: "You are not martial arts practitioners, so you don't understand its principles. This is what swordsmen practice since childhood.

If you change the guy, and you don't know how to handle it, you will have a lot of skills, but you can't use them even four to five points. How can you enjoy it?

For example, if you are used to using the best Xuancheng Zihao pen on weekdays, if you suddenly switch to a bad pen to write, how will you be able to write poetry? "

Daiyu rolled her eyes at him and said, "How can sword fighting and writing be the same thing? Are you not afraid of making mistakes?"

Jia Cong said with a smile: "Just put your heart in your stomach, Siniang has her own sense of proportion." He knew that there was a huge gap in swordsmanship between Yang Siniang and Ruyi, and Siniang could control the situation.

"Behave yourself!" Daiyu spat in a low voice, avoiding his big hand that slapped her heart. The girls all pursed their lips and smiled, pretending not to notice.

Yang Siniang cupped her hands and said, "Madams and girls, don't worry, I will be careful and ensure that the princess is unscathed."

After a while, Ruyi changed her clothes and came out to compete with Yang Siniang, but she saw the two of them going back and forth, making wonderful moves, and the fight was very exciting. The girls watched intently and cheered continuously.

Jia Cong burst out laughing, seeing that Yang Siniang was very "sensible" and did not use any dangerous moves. She only cooperated with Ruyi's performance, allowing her to fully demonstrate various "exquisite sword moves".

He was not interested in looking at these "business swords" either. He turned to Bao and Dai and whispered, "Sister Bao, Zhuer, can you take the time to teach me some knowledge?"

The two women laughed when they heard this and said, "What's wrong with you? You started studying."

Jia Cong smiled and said: "Isn't this what the sage said, when we are three together, there must be my teacher. We often go out as three, and you are all my teacher. Of course, sometimes I am your teacher, hehe."

When Bao and Dai heard this, their faces immediately turned red. They looked around cautiously before whispering, "What are you talking about? You're not afraid of people laughing at you. We don't care about you."

Jia Cong said hurriedly: "I am really knowledgeable and ask for advice. This is the Queen's decree. How dare you resist and disobey it?" After saying this, he couldn't help but pull the two girls into the inner room.

The two women couldn't resist him, so they had to let him in. (End of chapter)