Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Grandmother Jia explained Mrs. Xing's intention to Xiangyun in a tactful way, and then said, "Girl Yun, I think Congge is a capable boy, and you have known each other since childhood. Now the two masters of the Shi family are...

Alas, if you go to another family, you will inevitably be bullied, and I am worried, so why not just stay at home? The first wife also knows that she has wronged you, and if there is a chance in the future, she will clear your name.

Although your parents and husband are gone, I can still make the decision for you, but a forced melon will not be sweet, so I have to listen to your opinion."

Xiangyun's face had already turned red, and she twisted her belt with her fingers, saying shyly, "Yun'er, everything is up to the old lady."

Grandmother Jia was also an experienced person. She looked at her shy and happy face carefully and said with a smile, "Well, choose a good day to do your business. From now on, you will always be by my side and see who dares to bully you."

Xiangyun was so shy and moved that her eyes were misty. She leaned on Grandmother Jia's arms and said, "Old lady... Yun'er can't bear to leave you either."

"Good child, good child... Don't worry, I will teach Cong a lesson and tell him not to let you down." Grandmother Jia stroked her hair and said.

Mrs. Xing saw that the matter was settled, and said with a smile: "Yun girl is our daughter, her family background, appearance, and talent are all first-class. When she goes to the East Palace, she will be a wife like Baochai and Daiyu. Don't those maids and old women dare to look down on her?"

Grandmother Jia nodded and said, "That's right. Bao-ya-tou, Yu-er, and Feng-ya-tou will all love you. Don't worry."

The two of them comforted her for a long time before Xiangyun retreated in shame.
-
Two months passed quickly and it was the leap month of June. With huge amounts of military funds pouring in, the empire's war machine once again began to operate at full capacity.

The officials of the Five Military Commanders' Office and the Ministry of War were busy purchasing and transporting food and fodder, requisitioning vehicles and livestock, hiring laborers, and transporting military supplies.

Countless baggage and food supplies rushed towards Gansu like a mountain torrent.

As usual, Jia Cong sat in the yamen, reading the official bulletin and signing official documents every day.

This time there is no need to mobilize any troops. The officials under the command of the Left General and the various departments of the Ministry of War will be fully responsible for resource allocation. The Jinyiwei will supervise the entire process, and it will no longer be done through Li Meng, Wang Ning and others, which saves trouble.

He was very relaxed because all the funds had been raised. Not only was there a full amount, but there was even several million taels more. The Chu family contributed 50 taels, and the Lianghuai salt merchants raised a total of 700 million taels, all of which had been escorted to the capital by the Jinling Guards.

"Young Master, this is the current usage of military expenditures. Look at the millions of extra silver..." Wang Ziteng walked into Jia Cong's duty room with an official letter and asked after a brief report.

Jia Cong took the statistical booklet and looked at it. He smiled and pinched his chin, and said, "Stay here for now."

He is no longer the naive boy he used to be. Money is tight now and he wants to spend the money in the frying pan. How could he watch the fat duck in his mouth fly away?
Wang Ziteng was secretly delighted and said, "Please give us your instructions. We will follow your instructions and carry out the task."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "My brothers' families are not very well-off, and the business of the Immortal Wine Shop is not very prosperous. How about this, first quietly return the money that everyone has handed over."

Wang Ziteng said happily: "It's hard for the young guard to still miss the tens of thousands of silver coins from each family. You have worked hard and fought for the country. I should return the money from your family first."

"That's fine." Jia Cong nodded and smiled, "That's more than 300 million."

"Yes."

"Well. How are the training of Lao Niu's six battalions going?" Jia Cong suddenly asked.

Wang Ziteng said hurriedly: "Replying to Shao Bao, the four infantry and two cavalry battalions under our command have followed your instructions, and the officers at all levels have not deducted a single cent from the military pay, nor have they falsely reported any vacancies.

Lord Feng has provided us with sufficient food and wages, and with your grace and subsidies, our clothing, armor and equipment are also excellent. The brothers are very enthusiastic in training, and their morale is high. They are willing to die for the young guard, and their combat effectiveness is far superior to that of other camps."

Jia Cong nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile: "The military camp is the same as a wealthy family. There must be a distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children. Only in this way can the legitimate children be loyal and serve, and the illegitimate children will also be yearning and secretly respect you.

Although these are the imperial court's troops and not our private soldiers, and we cannot give them extra pay, we can at least let our brothers wear bright clothes, receive adequate pay, and have enough food to eat.

Can the people under Li Meng and Wang Ning achieve this?"

Wang Ziteng said with a smile: "Not to mention them, even in the past dynasties, there are only a few who can do this. The famous generals in ancient times were at most not greedy or taking advantage of others, and shared the joys and sorrows with the soldiers, and used this to restrain their subordinates.

But it was useless to ask for silver from the Ministry of Revenue, and he himself could not produce silver. The soldiers were respectful, but how could they compare to real gold and silver, or stewed radish with meat? The soldiers were not fools.

Therefore, although the Grand Guardian did not come to the military camp, the soldiers under him all regarded him as their father and brother, and all of them were willing to die for him.”

Jia Cong smiled and said, "The ancients said that a scholar would die for his confidant. I believe that if I do my best for my brothers, they will naturally do their best for me. Isn't that right?"

Wang Ziteng smiled and said, "This is an eternal truth. Although the soldiers have never been to school, they are sensible. Officers at all levels also teach them this way on a daily basis."

Jia Cong hummed and said, "The capital army may seem to be in a three-way confrontation, but the capital may not be peaceful. If there is an incident in the future, these six battalions are our confidence and the foundation of our wealth. Anyone who wants to rebel must first consult our brothers."

Wang Ziteng said: "The young master is far-sighted, and that's exactly what's going on. In addition, there is the Infantry Command Office, which is also our army."

Jia Cong pondered and said, "This army is under the direct management of the emperor. I dare not interfere too much on weekdays, for fear of arousing suspicion. It is different from the Beijing Army. I ask Lord Feng to take care of it a little bit, and don't worry about the rest."

"Yes."

"Of the remaining silver, set aside one million and save it for the brothers in the direct line to have extra meals and meat."

"Yes, Shaobao loves his soldiers like his own sons. I would like to thank you on behalf of my brothers."

"It's not worth anything." Jia Cong waved his hand and said thoughtfully: "There are still three million left..."

Suddenly, a personal soldier came to report that Feng Yuan wanted to see him, interrupting Jia Cong's thoughts.

"Please." Jia Cong winked at Wang Ziteng.

Wang Ziteng hurried to welcome Feng Yuan in.

"Brother Zilong, help..." Feng Yuan came in with small steps and shouted at the top of his lungs from a distance.

Wang Ziteng suppressed his laughter and stepped aside.

Jia Cong glared at him angrily and said, "You're crying for help right away. Have you squandered all the national treasury again?"

Feng Yuan found a chair and sat down, and said seriously, "No. It was really that group of rubbish that squandered the national treasury.

The Yellow River burst its banks again, the war in Qinghai isn't going well, various places are reporting disasters and demanding tax reductions and exemptions. All this fucking shit is about money, money, money.

I only know how to ask for money, but not how to send it. I have exhausted all my efforts and racked my brains, but I am powerless to save the situation. I have come to find Zilong to save my life..."

"Okay, okay, okay, I didn't spend a penny from the national treasury to fight this war. I always keep my word. It would have been fine if I didn't ask you for money, but you came to me?" Jia Cong laughed angrily.

Feng Yuan smiled and said, "Yes, yes, if all the generals of our dynasty were as tough as Zilong, why would I worry?

However, throughout history, there has been only one famous general who could raise money on his own to fight a war, Zilong. I admire him from afar and bow down to him.

When I came in just now, I saw that the silver in the yard was piled up like a mountain, unlike the treasury, where there were only mice left...

"I feel so sad. You said that this much money, why is it not from me... um, the department? Sigh... I am really heartbroken and in agony."

Jia Cong raised his hand and said, "Let's talk about it. This is the lifeblood of the Western Expedition Army. Don't worry about it. You know the consequences if we can't win this battle. I don't have a penny to spare."

Feng Yuan hurriedly said, "How could Yuan not know about this important event? I definitely didn't come here to ask Zilong for money." "Well, if we don't talk about money, we are still good brothers." Jia Cong breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Tell me, what's the matter?"

"I came here specifically to borrow some money from Zilong. Yes, I want to borrow money." Feng Yuan rubbed his fingers and smiled obscenely.

Jia Cong almost couldn't help throwing the cup at him, he just glared at him and said, "No."

"No, I've already found out everything. You've raised more than 20 million silver coins this time. How can you spend all of it to conquer the Western Regions? I know you have money, but don't waste it like this, right?

Even if you really need to spend so much money, there is no reason to spend it all at once. It is better to lend it to me for cash flow. I will return it to you when the summer tax arrives in Beijing, and give you 2% interest, how about that? "Feng Yuan said.

Jia Cong sneered, "It's good enough that you don't eat my capital, how dare I hope for your profit?"

Wang Ziteng beside him nodded in agreement. Once the money was in Fatty Feng's pocket, the only possibility to get it out again was to raise an army and attack the national treasury.

"Excuse me." Feng Yuan said without any shame, "Zilong is not an ordinary person. How can I be so unkind to you? I will lend you 300 million yuan at a fixed price, and you must return the principal and interest within three months. How do you think?"

Jia Cong looked at the resolute look on Feng Yuan's fat face and the three round fingers he stretched out, and was about to speak, but was interrupted.

"If it's inconvenient for Zilong, I won't make it difficult for you. I just ask for a piece of precious land to hide from the debt, so as to avoid the trouble of being asked for money."

Feng Yuan clapped his hands after he finished speaking, and two clerks from the Ministry of Revenue came in carrying a large package.

"What are you doing..." Jia Cong was stunned.

Feng Yuan gave a wink, and the two clerks hurriedly opened their bundles in the corner, took out bedding and pillows, and started sleeping on the floor.

"I have no other intentions. From now on, I will hide here with Zilong. We will eat, travel and live together. If you go home, I will go home with you. Anyway, those bastards dare not trespass into Zilong's White Tiger Hall, hehe."

"You... fuck."

Jia Cong finally understood Pang Chao's helplessness back then. Faced with a sticky person like Fatty Feng, who happened to be on his side and was quite useful at the critical moment, he had no choice but to admit defeat and spend money to avoid disaster.

"One million." Jia Cong gritted his teeth.

Feng Yuan waved his hand with a smile and said, "Zilong, don't worry. Rather than a drop in the bucket, it's better for Yuan to shoulder the responsibility. Yuan has decided to hold out for a long time with the enemy and wait for the right opportunity.

Your place is still better, spacious and quiet, unlike the Ministry of Revenue which is stuffy and noisy. It’s very good, very good.”

Do you really want to hold on to me for a long time? Jia Cong smiled bitterly and shook his head, sighing, "150 million."

"Don't say anything. You and I are brothers, and we are so loyal to each other. How can we be so indecisive and give up when faced with difficulties? By the way, what are we having for lunch?
Brother, you don’t know, the food in the Ministry of Revenue is not even eaten by dogs, it’s so fat, look how thin I am? I just happened to come to your place today to have a bite, hehe. "

Wang Ziteng was so upset when he heard this that he wanted to pick Feng Yuan up and give him a good beating.

Jia Cong sighed, but endured it for the sake of the overall situation, and said, "Two million. If you don't want it, I'll have someone throw you out."

Feng Yuan's eyes lit up, he jumped up from his chair, and said with a cupped hand, "Deal. Thank you, Zilong, for your generosity."

After saying that, he glared at the clerk and scolded him, "Why don't you put it away? What kind of place is this? How can you do whatever you want? You have no respect for your parents."

"Yes, yes." The clerk cursed him shamelessly in his heart and hurriedly packed the things again.

"Zilong, you are busy. I'm leaving now. Please stay a while." Feng Yuan said with a smile.

"Hey...remember to give it back to me, we agreed on three months!" Seeing that he was about to leave, Jia Cong quickly stretched out his hand and shouted.

"A gentleman's word is as good as his bond, so you can rest assured, Zilong." Feng Yuan said solemnly, "I will ask Old Wu to write a note about you later, and make sure it is unprecedented and will be passed down through the ages."

"Stop talking nonsense. You've still got to stay in my place? I'll send the money to you later." Jia Cong said unhappily.

"Thank you very much. It's a great effort."

Feng Yuan came out in high spirits. He looked at the mountain of silver in the yard with his mouth watering. He wished he could send someone to move it away immediately.

"Sir, what will the ministry use to pay back the money?" a minor clerk couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

Feng Yuan glared at him and said, "Do you think I look like a gentleman?"

The clerk laughed dryly and suddenly realized.

"Adults still have a way."

Humph, Feng Yuan smiled complacently, I borrowed the money with my own ability, why should I pay it back?

Seeing Feng Yuan happily leading his men away, Wang Ziteng asked tentatively, "Are you really sending it over?"

Jia Cong waved his hand feebly: "Give it away. Just think of it as raising a vicious dog."

"Yes." Wang Ziteng smiled bitterly. This dog has such a big appetite.

"What about the remaining 100 million?"

"Keep it for now and see what use it will have in the future."

"Yes."

After being "robbed" of 200 million by Feng Yuan, Jia Cong knew that his hope of getting it back was slim. He was depressed, and because he had important matters to attend to at home, he left the government office early and went home to rest.

As soon as he left the Five Military Commandery, Wen Youfang came up to report.

“Sir, news has come from the Western Regions that Abu Lai and his men learned that the imperial court had raised the Heavenly Army again, and in anger they killed the King of Nan’an and other captives as a sacrifice.

In addition, according to reliable intelligence, Marquis Zhongjing surrendered to the Rakshasa people."

In recent days, under Jia Cong's arrangement, news about how Prince Nannan betrayed his country and surrendered to the enemy, how he colluded with jackals and how he was afraid of death flew back to the capital like snowflakes.

A lie repeated a thousand times becomes the truth, which completely destroyed the controversy of the imperial court's eradication of the Nan'an lineage. Even the East Factory could not find any flaws. Unexpectedly, Shi Ding actually betrayed the court.

Jia Cong hesitated for a moment and said, "Tell Zhou Wei to send someone to kill Shi Ding immediately and say that he would rather die than surrender and was killed by the enemy."

"Yes."

Out of consideration for Xiangyun, Jia Cong showed some mercy and took care of the reputation of the lineage of Marquis Zhongjing. In this way, the court would not blame them for the defeat, and the last hereditary title of the Shi family could be preserved.

Under the manipulation of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Prince Nan'an died for his loyalty but bore eternal infamy, while Shi Ding turned traitor but retained the name of a loyal hero.

Thinking of this, Jia Cong smiled slightly. Power is an invisible hand that always tries to shape history into the way it wants. (End of this chapter)