Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

"Yinsheng (late student) would like to send my regards to the old lady, madam."

Jia Mu raised her hand and shouted with a smile, "Now that you are all generals, how can I bear this great gift?"

The three of them hurriedly cupped their hands and said, "It should, it should. Since the old lady is Brother Cong's grandmother, she is just like our grandmother, how dare you be disrespectful."

Jia Cong smiled and said: "The old lady met these two, Acan and Lingkong, last year. This is Brother Zhi, the son of Commander-in-Chief Yang of Liaodong, and he has now returned to Beijing to take up a post."

Mother Jia smiled and nodded, praised Jiangmen Huzi a few times, then ignored him and turned to talk and laugh with Su Can and Zhao Lingkong.

Jia Cong secretly smiled. Sure enough, being handsome was an advantage. He knew that although Yang Zhi was plain in appearance and rough, he was more honest and steady. Yang Xiong had high hopes for him.

However, old ladies and other housebound women naturally like good-looking women.

Jia's mother chatted with them about their daily life. She was even more happy when she found out that Zhao Lingkong was from Jinling and that his conversation was elegant and decent. She hurriedly introduced Baoyu to everyone.

Having seen him before, Su Can smiled and said, "I heard Brother Cong mention it a long time ago. Brother Bao has noble character, erudition and elegance, which can never be compared to rough guys like us.

It's a pleasure to meet you today, and I hope Brother Bao can give me a pair of calligraphy treasures so that I can hang them at home to add some flair. "

Zhao Lingkong also smiled and said: "I have heard that the precious jade, silver hook and iron paintings are very impressive, how about giving me one as well?"

Yang Zhi didn't know why and hurriedly asked for words.

Baoyu hurriedly said he didn't dare, but felt a little proud in his heart.

Mrs. Jia and Mrs. Wang also laughed and said a few words of humility.

Jia Cong, Su Can, and Zhao Lingkong looked at each other and smiled, knowing that they only paid a few compliments intentionally for his own sake, but the old lady and Baoyu actually took them seriously.

Baoyu laughed and said, "It's easy for the three brothers to ask for my words, but I don't give them for free. I have to give them something in return."

Everyone laughed.

Jia Cong glanced at him and smiled slightly. After all, Baoyu was the master of the family, not a complete idiot. He could take the initiative with just one sentence.

Su Can smiled and said: "This is easy. I just bought a little girl when I returned to Beijing. She is also a young lady from an official family. There was something wrong at home, so she lived on the street. Needless to say, she is beautiful, and it is rare that she can write poems and write well. I She has been in the army for a long time and has no time to take care of her. How about giving it to Brother Bao to use her?"

Baoyu was overjoyed when he heard that she was a beautiful woman and could write poems well. Just when she was about to agree, she suddenly took a peek and saw Mrs. Wang's expression was indifferent. She hurriedly reluctantly changed her words and said, "How can I win someone's love? Brother Can." Keep it for your own use.”

Su Can sighed with "regret": "Such a good man deserves to be enjoyed by Brother Bao, but it was wasted by me."

Baoyu was so aggrieved that she burst into tears. It would be nice if you could do it in private.

Jia Cong chuckled. Su Can had obviously figured out the fate of Baoyu's mother, Baonan. With his cunning, how could he let Baoyu take advantage of her?

Baoyu looked eagerly at Zhao Lingkong again to see if he could get a win from him.

Zhao Lingkong picked a golden chrysanthemum from the flowerpot next to him and said with a smile, "How about I give this as a gift?"

Baoyu said: "What does this mean?"

Zhao Lingkong smiled and said: "Brother Bao knows that I am from Nan Province and I have nothing in Jiangnan, so I would like to give you a spring branch."

Suddenly, a sweet laughter was heard coming from the back hall. It was obvious that the girls couldn't help laughing when they heard that Baoyu was deflated.

Baoyu took it with a wry smile and said, "Thank you for the gift, brother."

"You're welcome."

Jia Cong smiled and said: "Baoyu, don't underestimate my two brothers. Needless to say, Acan's family has a good academic background. It's not easy for me to take advantage of him, let alone you?"

Lingkong is a man of both civil and military skills, and I have always admired him. You, the Jiangdong Kao, are self-proclaimed, but his 'Jin Ma Chao' was given to me by countless young ladies from Jinling. How about a judgment?
People who went to his house to propose marriage had crossed the threshold. "

Baoyu smiled bitterly and cupped his hands: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Su Can laughed, Zhao Lingkong had less face after all, and said hurriedly: "Brother Cong is so stupid again. Ever since your story about 'The flowers in the forest withered the spring red' has spread, which lady still misses me?"

Before he finished speaking, everyone in the front and back hall burst into laughter.

When Jia Cong thought of Zhen Yuan, he smiled bitterly and stopped mentioning it.

Jia Mu smiled and said, "Tomorrow is the Double Ninth Festival. The house has also prepared some chrysanthemum wine and Double Ninth Festival cakes. My wife has also sent a lot of big crabs. You can all take some back to try later. That's interesting."

Su Can and the other three hurriedly stood up and said, "Thank you, old lady, for the generous gift."

After talking for a while, Jia Cong took the three of them to leave.

After sending the three people away, Jia Cong remembered something and returned to Rongqing Hall.

When Jia Mu saw him leaving and coming back, she asked what was going on.

Jia Cong asked: "Where's Brother Huan?"

Li Wan quickly sent someone to find Jia Huan.

"I have one thing to tell the old lady. Brother Huan now has a title. I plan to arrange for him to go to Liaodong to practice and gain a foothold in the future." Jia Cong said.

Jia Mu pondered for a moment, looked at Mrs. Wang and said, "What do you think, Mrs. Wang?"

Mrs. Wang said calmly: "I don't understand military matters, so I'll just leave it to Brother Cong."

Mother Jia nodded and said, "That's fine. It's not a good idea for Brother Huan to just idle around at home all day."

Only Tanchun shed tears, and after hearing the news, he pulled Jia Huan over and whispered.

Jia Cong smiled and said: "Third sister, don't worry. There is no war in Liaodong now. It's just a hooligan's qualifications. What's it worth?"

Everyone smiled and encouraged each other.

Tanchun was a little embarrassed and quickly wiped his tears.

Jia Huan was very happy and said: "Third brother and third sister, don't worry, I will definitely go and work as a general and come back."

Jia Cong waved his hand and dismissed him, saying: "I'll pack up and set off in three days."

"I have the order." Jia Huan ran away happily.

Jia's mother didn't care much about Jia Huan's affairs, so she only asked Yuanyang to give him a big woolen coat and that would be enough.

But he said to Jia Cong: "My predecessor sent a post from the Prince's Palace in Beijing, saying that tomorrow is the birthday of the old concubine. Because it is a national filial piety, it is inconvenient to publicize it, so I only invited a few family friends and relatives."

Jia Cong's heart moved, "Wang Shuirong of Beijing?" Knowing that it was a sign of filial piety to the country, he still dared to invite guests to dinner in public. He thought he had other intentions, so he said, "Who did he invite?"

"Our family only invited you, Ruyi and Baoyu to have a banquet with us." Jia Mu smiled and was very happy that Baoyu was valued by King Beijing. She waved her hand and asked Yuanyang to hand over the invitation.

Jia Cong looked at Baoyu with a smile and said, "Unexpectedly, the prince is very fond of you."

Baoyu was a little proud and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, for the sake of our ancestors, you show your love." "Have you ever been to the home of Prince Beijing before?" Jia Cong asked.

"I've been there several times, but his concubine died, so I should go and apologize to him," Baoyu said.

Jia Cong asked: "Who did you meet and what did you talk about?"

Baoyu said: "There are many strange people in his family from all over the world, but casually talking about Huang Lao's studies, ancient articles, poems and songs will be quite beneficial."

Jia Mu heard that something was wrong. Jia Cong seemed to be interrogating something and hurriedly said: "But what's the problem?"

Jia Cong smiled and said: "It's okay, it's just that it's the first time Cong comes to visit, so he must first ask the prince's preferences to avoid being rude."

In fact, he was quite wary of this person, knowing that there is no good banquet, knowing yourself and the enemy, and you can fight a hundred battles without danger, but he couldn't get any useful information from Baoyu, a silly boy.

Mother Jia smiled and said, "Well, you are very worried. The Prince of Beijing has been on good terms with our family for generations. The previous prince wanted to give his legitimate daughter to your grandfather."

All the girls' eyes lit up and their curiosity aroused. This was the first time they heard the old lady talk about it, but why Daishan Gong didn't choose the noble daughter of the palace, but chose the old lady. There must be something to this.

Yindu looked at Jia Cong and signaled him to ask quickly.

Jia Cong saw that the gossip among the girls was raging, so he had to smile and say, "I don't know that our grandpa has already taken over."

Everyone covered their mouths and laughed, saying nonsense.

The old lady looked at him with some embarrassment and spat: "What nonsense? You are not afraid of thunder, but you actually arranged it for me."

Jia Cong smiled and said: "Old lady, please tell us why the prince did not choose the prince's beloved daughter at that time. This is a bit unreasonable."

The girls hurriedly agreed, and they all pricked up their ears to listen.

For the first time, the old lady showed a hint of coyness and scolded: "You monkey, why are you asking about these old things? Why don't you go and do it yourself?"

Jia Cong laughed and said: "I know. I think King Xue of Jia Shi is a family friend, so it's not surprising that I met the old lady first, and..."

"And what?" the girls asked hurriedly.

"And looking at our girls, you can recall how graceful and radiant the old lady was back then. It would be difficult for the noble daughter of the royal family to compare with the old lady.

So, with Taiye’s wisdom, there is no need to say how to choose between fish and bear’s paw? "Jia Cong said.

The girls wanted to laugh but didn't dare, so they all covered their mouths and snickered.

When Jia Cong guessed the truth, Jia Mu was a little embarrassed and a little proud. She spat: "What a dirty seed. You are talking nonsense here, and you haven't left my place."

When the girls saw her expression and knew that Jia Cong was right, they all chuckled and hurriedly opened their mouths to help.

Jia Cong smiled casually and said: "Old lady, please calm down. Cong will leave now and go to the banquet with Baoyu tomorrow." He was just thinking about meeting this young wise king.
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The next day, Jia Cong and Pang Chao had decided on a plan. Seeing that it was almost noon, they took Ruyi and Baoyu with them to the Prince's Mansion in Beijing for a banquet.

When I got off the car at the Neiyi Gate, I saw that many guests had arrived. At a glance, I saw that they were all well-known people. King Beijing and several uncles and brothers were entertaining and welcoming them.

Seeing that Jia Cong had arrived as expected, King Beijing hurriedly left everyone behind, came over and held his hands in his arms, saying with a smile: "Your Highness, Lord Dingguo, is here to bring glory to the humble house." He nodded to Baoyu again.

Jia Cong smiled and said: "You're welcome, Your Majesty. Cong has admired Your Majesty for a long time and has been waiting to be served by His Majesty. Now he finally has a chance."

Ruyi rolled her eyes at him, pursed her lips and smiled softly.

The King of Beijing smiled and said: "The Duke of Dingguo is willing to honor me. I am very lucky for you. I had wanted to do something for a long time. However, the Duke is busy with official duties and has not been able to do so. It is also my fault. I will drink a glass of wine as a penalty later. I hope Guogong Haihan."

Jia Cong and Ruyi smiled and exchanged greetings with him. Then a healthy woman from the palace came with a soft sedan and carried Ruyi into the inner hall. They had a banquet with the old concubine and others, while Jia Cong, Baoyu and others were drinking in the flower hall outside. feast.

For a while, everyone sat down in the large flower hall of the palace that was specially used to hold banquets. The banquet did not choose a shared meal system, but shared meals.

There is a long huanghuali table in front of each person, which is arranged on both sides of the flower hall. On it are placed various fruits and vegetables, drinks and a complete set of landscaped Thai blue enamel tableware.

Jia Cong's heart moved. This kind of banquet is obviously more formal. The main purpose is naturally not to eat, but to talk about things.

This is also the biggest advantage of the meal-sharing banquet. There is a large open space in the middle to enjoy dancing and music, which enhances the style and enlivens the atmosphere. Of course, this process is naturally unnecessary during the National Miao Festival.

Secondly, the host sits at the top and overlooks the whole place, making it easier to control the rhythm of the conversation.

Jia Cong was brought to his seat by the servant, and after a brief glance, he felt a little wary.

Looking at the whole audience, there was not a single courtier. They were all members of the clan and nobles, all with unfamiliar faces. It’s not that Jia Cong didn’t know these people, but it was just that none of the Niu Jizong, Zhongxin and others he was familiar with were seen, and he seemed to be alone. The momentum of fighting.

Although Jia Cong didn't see Niu Jizong, Liu Fang, Hou Xiaokang and others, he saw Chen Ruiwen of Qi State, Ma Shang of Zhiguo, Shi Guangzhu of Zhiguo, and the Shi family brothers, and he already understood a little bit.

The arrangement of the seats is also very meaningful. King Beijing praised him so highly that he was actually the third person under the main seat, higher than the other princes and princes. As for the first two positions, I don't know who they are.

Jia Cong sneered in his heart, did he want to be killed? Not afraid, he just looked at King Beijing and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, this seat is wrong. Your princes and highnesses are here, how dare Cong sit here? Isn't this too arrogant?"

King Beijing smiled and said: "Although the Duke is sitting comfortably, I have already asked all the kings and royal highnesses. They all think that this arrangement is very appropriate. Who can take this position instead of your brother?"

Jia Cong glanced at him and said with a half-smile, "Do you all hold this view? Cong is not welcome."

Everyone laughed and said: "Dong Guogong, there is no need to be polite, I will do my duty."

Jia Cong smiled lightly and said, "Thank you for your love." After saying this, he was not modest. He lifted up his robe and sat down, as if it was a matter of course.

When everyone saw this, they had different expressions, some were frowning, some were secretly annoyed, some were happy, some were calm, or some were deep in thought. It was obvious that they had something on their minds, and it must be related to Jia Cong.

"That's right, Zilong's demeanor makes people respect and admire him." King Beijing said with a smile, "Brothers, let's chat first, and the little king has to go out to greet him."

"Your Majesty, do as you please."

"When I come to the prince's house, it will be as if I'm going home, so why be so polite."

Jia Cong was slightly stunned when he saw that everyone around him was talking to each other and exchanging greetings, but no one spoke to him. He soon understood that these people wanted to create the illusion of isolating him to put pressure on him.

Thinking of this section, Jia Cong sneered slightly at the corner of his mouth. Seeing what you can do, he simply closed his eyes and rested his mind.

After a while, Jia Cong suddenly heard a familiar voice and opened his eyes.

"Is Duke Dingguo here?"

"Brother Cong, you came to dinner early, but I didn't see you as the host."

But they saw King Beijing coming together with the eldest prince Sun Qiu, the second prince Sun Can, and the tenth prince Sun Chi.

Jia Cong hurriedly stood up to greet them and said with a smile: "I have met the three highnesses. It is rare for the prince to be a host. How could I have done it if I didn't come earlier?"

Sun Chi laughed and saw that there happened to be an empty seat behind him. No matter whose seat it was, he slipped over and sat down.

King Beijing was helpless. He knew his temper and could not persuade him, so he had to let him go and hurriedly led Sun Qiu and Sun Can to sit at the head of Jia Cong. (End of chapter)