Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Seeing that everyone had arrived, King Beijing raised his glass and said with a smile: "Today is my mother's birthday. Your highnesses and brothers appreciate me. I take the time to come here without abandoning my humble position. I am very honored. I will drink this cup to express my gratitude to everyone in our family." Feelings."

"Your Majesty, you are so polite." Everyone smiled and exchanged greetings, then toasted to the drink.

Jia Cong said nothing, ate a drink and watched the changes.

King Beijing smiled and said a few words, and ordered the banquet to begin. Immediately, all kinds of dishes from the north and the south were served at low prices.

"Everyone is welcome." King Beijing smiled, picked up the wine glass, toasted at the table, and chatted with everyone over the wine.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became lively. Everyone was busy changing cups and cups, calling friends, and it became more and more obvious that Jia Cong was alone.

Jia Cong was always very generous, and he didn't talk much about speculation. He didn't bother to find anyone to talk to and toast. He just chewed and drank by himself, which was quite happy and comfortable.

"You see, you are even less popular than me. Come on, I'll be kind and let you go with me." Sun Chi leaned on the back of his chair with a wine glass and said with a smile.

Jia Cong raised his glass to drink with him and said with a smile: "Brother Chi, the reason for drinking is not to rely on the presence of many people. The reason for drinking is to meet a close friend and a thousand cups is too little. If there is no one with you, why not raise a glass to invite the bright moon by yourself? It’s more enjoyable.”

Sun Chi laughed and nodded.

When Sun Can heard this, he turned around and had a drink with him, and said in a low voice: "Be careful what you say today, don't offend too many people." He had already seen some problems.

"Second brother, don't worry, I have my own sense of discretion." Jia Cong nodded.

Sun Chi said: "Second brother, don't believe him. He and I have been together in Liaodong for so long and still don't know? His so-called sense of propriety is to do it first."

Sun Can smiled bitterly and shook his head, saying no more.

Jia Cong glared at him and said sarcastically: "Who has no sense of propriety and insists on going out to hunt, and someone almost makes dumplings? You still have the nerve to criticize me."

Sun Chi was exposed and became angry. He was about to argue with him when he suddenly saw King Beijing coming over. He couldn't say much and sat back angrily.

King Beijing, with a face like a crown jade and eyes like shooting stars, came with a warm smile, took Jia Cong's hand and said a few words of friendship.

He also praised: "Brother, I started my career in the military. In just a few years, I have become as good as my predecessors. I am truly a leader in my honor, and Xiao Wang has always respected me."

Now that my brother is shouldering a heavy responsibility, I hope that out of the kindness of my family friends, he can lend a helping hand and take care of us when necessary. "

Jia Cong smiled lightly and said, "Your Majesty's words are serious, how can Cong live up to his words?"

King Beijing had a drink with him and said with a smile: "Since ancient times, heroes have been born young, and they deserve it."

Jia Cong watched King Beijing go elsewhere and continue talking and laughing, and then he slowly sat down and thought about countermeasures.

While I was thinking about it, I suddenly saw Chen Ruiwen, Ma Shang, and Shi Guangzhu walking over to raise their glasses.

They all laughed in unison and said: "My former Duke suppressed the rebellion, and we were not in the capital. Later, I missed the Duke's trip to the south of the Yangtze River and did not have the opportunity to congratulate me in person. I just happened to have a drink with the Duke today to express my congratulations.

We will host a banquet for you some other day, and I hope that the Duke of Guo will appreciate it. "

Jia Cong smiled, exchanged greetings with them, and had a drink.

Chen Ruiwen and the other three looked at each other and said in a low voice: "My lord, I forgive you. When Qian'er rebelled, we went to Xiaoci County with him and were not in the capital. Our dogs were mediocre and we missed the opportunity to serve the imperial court. I owe you all a great debt." It’s really shameful to have such a great trust.”

Jia Cong glanced at the three of them and said: "It doesn't matter. Fortunately, relying on the power of God, the rebellion was finally put down. Your majesty naturally understands the loyalty and filial piety of all brothers."

I sneered slightly in my heart, like father, like son. Even if you were in the capital, you might not have dared to abandon your family and your son decisively at that time. Now that you see everyone receiving rewards for their meritorious service, you are jealous again.

Ma Shang tentatively said: "My lord, I heard that His Majesty's grace has forgiven the debts of the families of meritorious ministers. You know that our three families have always been determined to repay the Holy Majesty.

I beg the Duke of the country to write and ink a little bit, and I have no shame in asking for an official or a title. I just want to be debt-free and light-hearted. From now on, I will only follow the leadership of the government. "

Chen Ruiwen and Shi Guangzhu nodded in agreement, looking at Jia Cong with hopeful expressions.

Jia Cong had already expected that these three families might not have dared to come up and greet him if they had not requested something from him, but he had already made up his mind on this matter.

Yin sighed and said: "Brother, it's not Cong who doesn't want to do this. In fact, all the ministers who rescued him showed their faces in Qianqing Palace that day. Your Majesty knows who has gone."

Even if only one person from your family died, Cong would dare to write it down in the credit book, but now... Alas, I can't help Cong. "

Hearing that he was trying to push the envelope, it was clear that there was no need for discussion, and the expressions of the three of them suddenly froze.

Chen Ruiwen begged: "My lord, we have finally tied up the soles of our shoes with you for a long time. By some mistake, we did not tie the knot. I beg you, brother, to be kind and generous, so that I will not be like a monkey fishing for the moon in vain."

"I beg the country to show its favor."

Jia Cong sighed: "Three brothers, you see, there are all uncles in this hall who owe money. If Cong exempts you, they will definitely start a riot. Wouldn't our family be criminals and deceive the emperor?"
If the Holy Spirit blames you, who can bear the blame? "

He had already discussed with Pang Chao that these three companies had missed the opportunity and could no longer keep up with everyone. Forcibly joining them would only be a burden, so he was ready to exclude them from the core circle.

When Chen Ruiwen and the other three saw that he was not letting go, their hearts sank. They forced themselves to laugh and joked, and then they went back after exposing the matter.

King Beijing was sitting on it. Seeing this scene, he seemed to have expected it. A smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He raised his hand and a clear jade sound was heard from the corner.

This was what the host wanted to say. Everyone understood the rules and hurriedly returned to their seats.

I heard King Beijing cupping his hands and saying with a smile: "Brothers, I invite you to come over today. I have a small matter. I ask for your help."

Everyone hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, it doesn't matter if you say so."

"Don't be afraid of your jokes, Xiao Wang's family has never had any money, and they have no money property. For several generations, they have been living in poverty and are very poor. They have no choice but to borrow some money from the treasury for turnover. After several lifetimes, they have accumulated a lot of money. Not too small.

As the saying goes, repaying debts is a matter of course. Now that the imperial court is in deficit, our family is stretched thin and cannot raise funds in time.

I also hope that all brothers will be generous and lend some money to help our family tide over the difficulties. One or two thousand is not too much, and three or five thousand is not too little. We can make a written note and I will pay it all off within ten years. How about it? "

The King of Beijing looked embarrassed, as if it was very difficult to reveal his own family scandal, so he stood up and bowed his hands to everyone.

There was a sudden silence in the hall, and everyone was silent. They were not thinking about whether to borrow money or not, but they were all wondering why King Beijing suddenly borrowed money in public. Aren't they afraid of being laughed at? The honorable man lives a decent life, let alone the prince?

While everyone was thinking about it, Shi Ding, the Marquis of Zhongjing, was the first to jump out and said with a wry smile: "The prince is joking, I already owe money to my family, let alone us?
Which family doesn't owe hundreds of thousands? Now we are all just like grasshoppers on a rope. We have not asked you to borrow money. It is very valuable. How can we have any spare time to serve your Majesty? "

Ma Shang also said: "That's it. The prince said that debts must be repaid. It is a matter of course and we accept it.

But the money I have owed for several lifetimes suddenly needs to be paid back. How can I afford it? I also hope that your princes and highnesses can say a few words in front of the emperor for our brothers and sisters in distress, and can you slowly repay us. "

"You two are right." "That's the reason. If we don't default on our debts, we really have no money."

"If you don't say you won't pay back, you can't force the person to death, right?"

Everyone spoke in agreement and looked at Jia Cong, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally.

King Beijing was a little "embarrassed". He raised his hand to stop everyone, and said with a slightly embarrassed look: "Everyone, the little king just made a mistake and didn't think carefully. He only thought about his own family's difficulties. He didn't expect that you are also in this situation. Let’s laugh and laugh. Enough of the introduction, let’s have a drink.”

"Your Majesty, now that this matter has been mentioned, how can we have any intention of having a drink? While everyone is here today, why not discuss a charter to see how to make up for this shortfall, so as not to fail the Holy Grace and allow everyone to make do. Day." Chen Ruiwen said.

King Beijing said: "Now, what do you have to say, brothers?"

Everyone was silent. This question did not have a certain identity, and they did not dare to talk nonsense. If they did, they would offend others.

Although everyone wanted to get away with it, it was better not to offend Jia Cong if possible.

King Jinduo of Xining County said slowly: "Since everyone can't raise so much money at the same time, I don't think it's better to delay this matter urgently."

Di Yan, Prince of Nan'an County, said: "In addition, it would be best to ask the officials in charge to report the sufferings of many clans and nobles to the Ming Dynasty, and ask for some grace and a reduction of a few percent, so that we can take a breather."

Prince Zhongdu said: "Most of us have paid back one or two percent, so we should take a break. I think we should start from the local level and sort out the vassal treasury first. Naturally, the country will not be short of money."

"That's what the three princes said."

"This is a great thing to say."

Everyone hurriedly agreed.

"What the three princes said makes sense, but..." King Beijing sighed, turned to look at Jia Cong, and said, "Zilong, see if you can mediate this matter. We all owe you a favor." ”

Jia Cong watched everyone singing to each other and finally kicked the ball in front of him. He smiled lightly and said, "Cong feels the same about your difficulties. He should tell Xiang Huo what you mean and ask him to explain it in front of the emperor."

When everyone saw that he wanted to do Tai Chi, they would not let him go easily, and hurriedly said: "Although Prime Minister Huo is in charge of this matter, Huo Zhongtang has never been very clear about the relationship between our clansmen and nobles. Duke Dingguo knows it very well." The inside story is that the Holy Family is excellent, so I can make a claim if I think about it.”

Shi Ding said with a smile: "What's more, Duke Dingguo knew the art of Tao Zhu very well. When he was just starting out, he made a lot of money in Yangzhou City in just a short period of time. Who knows?

Why don't you ask your Majesty to let go of the shortage of the treasury, and you can use your magical power again. If it is of use to each of our families, just give us your orders. "

Everyone was overjoyed when they heard this, it was a good idea, and they all started to agree.

"This is a great kindness. I pray that the country will be open to you."

"The money I owe is a big deal to us, but to Duke Ding, it's not enough for a fingernail."

"As long as Duke Dingguo is willing to take action, no matter where he takes it, tens of millions of taels of silver will come to him, right?"

Jia Cong laughed angrily. It turned out that King Beijing had this idea and put himself on the fire.

Knowing that it was impossible for him to agree to these ridiculous requests, he deliberately invited himself here. As long as he refused, he would offend everyone present and at the same time divide the three families of Qi, Zhi, and Repair from the Duke's lineage.

If you think about it further, the four kings of the southeast, northwest and northwest can also use this banquet to win over a wave of people. After all, there are only a few military nobles who have written off their debts.

If Jia Cong can't help, others won't turn to him. I think the four kings still have a successor.

Because he said: "Zhongjing Hou shows his love, but Cong is ashamed and cannot bear it. Clearing up the deficit is a matter of great importance, and it is not something you and I can decide. Please don't say anything else."

We are not here today to discuss official matters, but to celebrate the birthday of the old lady. It would be a bit disrespectful to the prince if we mess up the rules.

If anyone is interested in this matter, you may wish to follow me to the military aircraft office and look for Huo Zhongtang, and we can discuss it in detail. how? "

Everyone was a little embarrassed when they heard this. They lowered their heads and pretended to eat food and wine. They were all secretly angry and hated Jia Cong for not giving him face.

King Beijing was busy trying to smooth things over, and said with a smile: "It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. Brothers are gathered together. You should talk freely. There are no rules or regulations. It's just a few chats, which is not worth anything."

Jia Cong smiled faintly and said nothing.

Seeing this, King Beijing smiled and changed the subject, talking about old stories of the various families' interactions. Everyone also laughed and joked, and the atmosphere suddenly relaxed.

Soon the banquet ended without any suspense, and everyone left one after another.

Sun Can took advantage of others' unpreparedness, pulled Jia Cong and whispered: "What happened today seems a bit weird, it seems to be directed at you."

"It's not surprising that members of the party must fight against differences," Jia Cong said.

Seeing King Beijing coming, Sun Can whispered: "Be careful." After saying hello to King Beijing, he left side by side with Sun Chi.

Before Jia Cong could say goodbye, King Beijing hurriedly said: "Brother, please come and meet us in the study. Xiao Wang will go to see off the guests first. I will say a few words later." He made a gesture of invitation.

Jia Cong glanced at him, nodded, and told Baoyu to go back first before following the boy to the inner study.

As soon as he entered the hanging flower gate, he met a handsome young man in brocade clothes. He was walking out. When he saw Jia Cong coming, he hurriedly stepped aside to greet him.

"Young man, please see the Duke."

Jia Cong was stunned and looked at him. He felt that he looked familiar, but he forgot where he had seen him before and asked, "Who is your honor?"

"The villain Jiang Yuhan, whose stage name is Qiguan, was originally an actress in Zhongshun Mansion. Because Prince Zhongshun got into trouble, Prince Beijing took pity on my loneliness and always liked to listen to plays, so he redeemed our cast."

"Oh, I remembered. Are you familiar with my Baoyu?" Jia Cong suddenly realized that it was him. He looked familiar. We had met him once when we went back to Baihua Tower to rob someone.

Jiang Yuhan smiled and said: "That's right. The second master Bao of Zunfu has left, and I'm about to go find him and say a few words."

Jia Cong said: "If you go quickly, you should still be able to catch up."

Jiang Yuhan said hurriedly: "I'll take my leave, please. I'll invite you, and I'll have someone waiting in the inner study." After saying that, he hurried away.

Jia Cong felt something was wrong in his heart, but he couldn't express it.

"Please come in, Your Majesty. Your Majesty will be here shortly." The maid led Jia Cong to King Beijing's inner study, the Spiritual Training Room.

As soon as Jia Cong sat down, he saw a beautiful woman coming in with a tea tray, and his eyes lit up. (End of chapter)