Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Today, a grand banquet was held in Dingguo Mansion, with old friends and important officials of the court gathered together. Jia's mother presided over the banquet herself and solemnly married Xiangyun to Jia Cong as a concubine.

Amid the congratulations of everyone, Xiangyun, dressed in a bright red wedding dress, shyly followed Jia Cong and toasted with the guests before returning to the inner house.

Jia Cong pulled over Jia Lian, Baoyu, Jia Jia and other clan members and said with a smile, "Stay with me today and don't leave until you are drunk."

Jia Lian and the others smiled and readily agreed, and each went to a table to accompany them.

Baoyu looked a little depressed, and muttered, "You have so many people here, don't mistreat Sister Yun."

Jia Cong was both angry and amused, and said, "Fool, do you need me to tell you this? Go and drink with me. I will support you on your wedding day."

Baoyu smiled bitterly, shook his head, bowed and left. What big deal about marriage? Looking around the world, there is no other Lin Daiyu. After all, there is no chance for us to be together in this life.

Jia Cong walked to the chief seat and sat down, drinking with Pang Chao, Jiang Feng, Guan Pu, Fatty Feng, Niu Jizong, Wang Ziteng and others.

As they chatted, under the deliberate guidance of Jiang Feng and others, the topic gradually turned to the Nine Frontiers.

The hall was filled with people toasting each other and no one could imagine that the top bosses were talking about such an important matter.

"Young Master is well-informed. I wonder if there's any news from the Nine Frontiers recently?" Jiang Feng picked up a piece of colorful beef fillet with chopsticks and said with a smile.

Jia Cong looked around and said with a smile, "What kind of news can there be from the Nine Frontiers?"

Guan Pu reminded: "Of course it is news related to the stability of the border."

Niu Jizong and the others all kept silent, focused on eating, did not dare to interrupt, and waited for Jia Cong's answer.

Jia Cong hesitated for a moment and said, "This time, a considerable portion of the food, livestock, and vehicles were purchased from the various princes, so there was no trouble."

Feng Yuan asked stealthily, "Did you give me the money?"

Jia Cong glared at him and said, "Nonsense, why rob someone if they don't pay? Not only did they pay, but they paid in full."

Feng Yuan chuckled and said, "Then did the princes not ask about the grain payment owed last time?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Of course I asked. General Qiu said that the last time it was the Nan'an King who was in charge, and he didn't care. He always does things on the principle of paying for goods first and delivering them later.

As for the previous debt, the court will pay it after conquering the Western Regions. This time, General Qiu came with silver, and the princes dared not refuse to sell it. "

Feng Yuan stared with his eyes wide open and asked, "Who will pay for it?"

Jia Cong sneered, "Brother Zhengfang is in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, and you still come to ask me? Anyway, the princes can't find me."

Feng Yuan sneered and said, "Whoever buys the grain should pay for it. My Ministry of Revenue has not purchased a single grain from the vassal states. Let them argue as they please."

"Lord Feng has a good idea." Everyone applauded and laughed. When it comes to arguing and shirking one's obligations, Feng Yuan is second to none.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry, but I'll drink more." Feng Yuan drank the glass proudly.

Jiang Feng and Guan Pu also smiled at each other, and were very satisfied that the Five Military Governor's Office used the strategy of buying grain to weaken the war potential of the Nine Feudatories.

Except for Liaodong, the grain production of the various vassal states is limited, and the grain reserves over the years have been consumed. Even if they have silver, they have nowhere to buy grain in an emergency. Once they have the intention of rebellion, they will definitely hoard grain and fodder, which will expose them early.

"If the nine borders are stable, the court will be much more relaxed. Does the young master have any good plans for the future?" Guan Pu said with a smile.

"Next" naturally refers to the matter of dismantling the feudal system and setting up prefectures, cities and counties. This was something Jia Cong had already agreed upon with them, to help the neutral and academic party members get half of the official hats.

Jiang Feng also nodded and said, "There are many talented candidates in the last imperial examination, but I am worried about where to place them."

He was the chief examiner for the previous exam, and more than 200 Jinshi were his students, so he naturally took it very seriously.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Why are you in such a hurry? Mr. Jun has his own arrangements. We still have to eat our meal one bite at a time.

After all, the Nine Frontiers are different from the inland areas. They are responsible for resisting foreign aggression, and the people there are tough and fierce, with many arrogant and powerful generals.

I have discussed this with Grand Commander Li and Commander Wang many times, and in the future we should focus on military administration and supplement it with civil administration, so that we can have long-term stability. "

"What the young master said is absolutely right." Niu Jizong, Wang Ziteng and others hurriedly echoed.

Although an agreement was reached with Jiang and Guan, the military's interests would never be compromised.

The Nine Frontiers were military territories. Even if prefectures, counties, and temporary officials were set up to govern them, they were only auxiliary to administration, such as promoting new laws, supporting agriculture and sericulture, establishing education, and changing customs.

Core powers such as military power, financial power, and personnel power must belong to the Jiedushi Yamen and the Garrison Yamen.

This was also the bottom line that Jia Cong drew for the civil servants in advance. You can have an official hat, but if you want to be in charge of the nine frontiers, that's too much.

Jiang and Guan knew they couldn't be too ambitious, and that it was good enough to allow the civil service system to get involved in the Nine Frontiers, so they said hurriedly, "Of course. Civil servants don't know much about military affairs, and it's enough for them to guard a region for the emperor and comfort the people."

"You two elders have great foresight, Cong admires you." Jia Cong smiled and toasted: "I hope that in the future, civil and military officials will complement each other and work together to guard the border."

"Young Master is right. This is a blessing for the country." Everyone smiled and raised their glasses in response.

After three rounds of drinks, everyone's mood gradually became higher and higher, and they began to talk about all kinds of dirty talk. They were chatting happily when suddenly Wang Fei, the commander of the Southern Division, ran in hurriedly and whispered something in Jia Cong's ear.

When everyone saw Jia Cong's expression immediately darken, they knew something had happened and quickly shut their mouths.

"Everyone, please forgive me for my misconduct. I will be absent for a moment." Jia Cong stood up, bowed and said with a smile.

"Young Master, please do as you please. You are not an outsider, so why should you be so polite?"

Jia Cong winked at Pang Chao, patted Niu Jizong and others on the shoulders, and said with a smile: "Brothers, please accompany the adults for me."

"Don't worry, young master. No need to tell us anything. We will take good care of you all," Niu Jizong said hurriedly.

Jia Cong just bowed to all four directions and returned to the inner study with Pang Chao.

Everyone stood up to see him off. Ma Shang, the head of the Zhiguo Mansion, who was the second-rank official, saw this and whispered to Jia She, "Brother Enhou, has something happened in your mansion?"

Jia She was a little embarrassed and said, "Thank you for your concern, Brother Shi. I don't think it's a big deal." Now he was just a mascot in the mansion, so how could he know any news?

Chen Ruiwen of the Duke of Qi's Mansion whispered, "I will host you some other day and invite you to have a drink."

Jia She's eyes moved slightly, and he asked, "What do you want, brother?"

Shi Guangzhu from the Shanguo Mansion said with a smile: "It's no big deal for us to have a drink together. This will also be of great benefit to Brother Shi."

Then he whispered in his ear: "This is also what Prince Beijing meant."

A hint of joy flashed in Jia She's eyes, and he said hurriedly: "Thank you for your kindness, I will definitely be there."

"Let's drink." The three of them raised their glasses with a smile.

In the inner study, Jia Cong's face was ashen, as if covered with frost, and he said, "Wang Fei, tell me the news again."

"Yes." Wang Fei bowed and said, "Just now, our informant who was hiding beside Chief Steward Dai sent us news that someone went to Fengzao Palace this afternoon and was furious. He ordered Concubine Xian De to stay in the palace and not go out without the emperor's order."

"What's the matter?" Pang Chao asked hurriedly.

Wang Fei carefully raised his eyes and glanced at it, and whispered: "The public statement is that Concubine Xian De's behavior is not decent and her words are disrespectful."

"Bullshit." Jia Cong sneered: "What's the actual reason?"

"It is said...it is said that the virtuous concubine...has defiled the palace...that is why the emperor is furious." Wang Fei said in a low voice.

Hmm? Jia Cong was startled and looked at Pang Chao, his mind racing. Was this really the case?

"How is Consort Xian De now?"

"I'm trapped in a city of sorrow and feel extremely sad and angry." Wang Fei said honestly.

"Probe again." Jia Cong shouted coldly.

"Yes." Wang Fei quickly turned around and went out.

"My sister is a decent person. This would never happen. Someone must have framed her." Jia Cong said in a deep voice.

Pang Chao nodded and said, "This matter is quite strange. Judging from the way the emperor handled it, if there is no definite evidence, he would not touch Consort Xian De, but only confine her to the palace. This shows that the emperor does not want this matter to escalate. After all, you still have an important responsibility now."

Jia Cong sighed, "It's a pity that the palace gates are now locked and there is no access to the inside or outside."

Pang Chao shook his head and said, "You overlooked one thing."

"What's the matter?"

"This incident happened in the harem and is so serious. How could the Queen not know about it? Why could the people around Chief Steward Dai pass on the news, but there was no news from the Queen?" Pang Chao said.

"Sir, what you mean is..." "The Queen is using this to warn you and express her dissatisfaction with the previous incident in the Western Regions." Pang Chao said.

Jia Cong frowned and said, "What is she dissatisfied with? She has succeeded and things have developed as she expected. Although I didn't help her openly, I finally supported her secretly."

Pang Chao said: "The queen means that you are not serving her wholeheartedly enough and are not following her orders."

Jia Cong sneered, "So she took Concubine Yuan as a hostage?"

Pang Chao nodded and said, "The only direct threat she can bring to you now is the safety of Consort Xian De."

Jia Cong said in a deep voice: "Sir, are you saying that the Queen was the mastermind behind this?"

Pang Chao shook his head and said, "No. The Queen is a smart person. Since she is a hostage, she cannot be killed easily.

If such a decisive move is used, it would be tantamount to directly breaking off relations with you and pushing you to the other side, so it is definitely not the Queen's doing.

But she should know about it, but she just stood by and watched, waiting for you to beg her."

Jia Cong thought for a moment and said, "Who did it?"

Pang Chao said: "You have to ask the Queen. There are intrigues and twists and turns in the inner palace. A few days ago, it was reported that the current emperor wanted to establish an imperial concubine. It is not uncommon for Concubine Xian De to be plotted against because she is a prominent figure.

Besides, Manager Dai is not on good terms with you now, so it is possible that he may attack you secretly."

Jia Cong nodded slowly: "I will go to the palace to pay my respects to the Queen tomorrow morning."

After finishing his discussion with Pang Chao, Jia Cong reluctantly returned to the flower hall and had two drinks with everyone.

Seeing that he had a sad face, everyone knew that something had happened in the Jia Mansion. However, it was inconvenient to ask him, so they all chatted politely for a few words and then stood up to leave.

Jia Cong did not say anything polite and ordered Jia Lian, Baoyu and others to see him off, then turned around and returned to the inner hall.

The inner hall was much more lively and cheerful. It was filled with family members and there was no restraint. They were toasting and chatting, and occasionally there were voices teasing Xiangyun.

Seeing Jia Cong come in, Feng Jieer hurriedly pulled him with a smile, while Baochai pulled Xiangyun into the bridal chamber together.

In the bridal chamber, the two drank the wedding wine. Qingwen, Qianxue, Cuilu and others helped them wash and change their clothes, then left with light smiles.

Xiangyun was very smart. Seeing that Jia Cong looked worried, she asked, "What's on your mind?"

Jia Cong nodded and sighed. The charges against Concubine Yuan were not light, and he had no idea how to redress her. After all, the affairs in the palace were completely different from ordinary cases.

"Is it difficult?" Xiangyun asked softly.

Jia Cong took a deep breath and said with a smile: "It doesn't matter. No matter how difficult it is, I am not afraid. I have Mr. Kong Ming to help me. He can walk through dangerous rapids and deep valleys as if they were flat ground."

Xiangyun nodded and smiled: "This is Cong brother."

"Good sister, I will help you undress." Jia Cong smiled and tried to untie Xiangyun's underwear, but she held him down.

"What's wrong?" Jia Cong asked curiously.

Xiangyun leaned into his arms and said shyly, "You look so worried, let's talk some other day... just take a good rest tonight."

Jia Cong was touched, and he put his arm around her round and soft shoulders and said, "Good Yun'er, let's talk. Come to think of it, I haven't said a few words to you before."

Xiangyun said angrily, "In the past, you only had Sister Bao and Sister Lin in your eyes. When have you ever looked at others?"

"Don't slander me. Who said I haven't seen it? Not only have I seen it, I've also touched it. Hehe..."

"Bah! You vile bastard, you only know how to bully others." Xiangyun spat in shame, thinking of the many times he had taken advantage of her.

"Why blame me? It was all an accident. I never meant to be frivolous."

"You still say that. Who is as shameless as you? You already have so many good things at home, but you still come to bully others. You are so bad!" Xiangyun scolded with a smile.

Jia Cong smiled without saying anything, and in his heart he sighed at the wonder of marriage. To be fair, before Xiangyun got drunk and lay on the peony quilt, although he had some feelings for her, it was limited to his appreciation of her beauty and character, and he had absolutely no intention of taking her into the harem.

Who knew that I was so careless that I was seduced by beauty. No wonder the saints said to be cautious when alone.

"Why are you laughing so slyly?" Xiangyun looked at him and said.

Jia Cong naturally would not tell the truth, so he smiled and said, "I am Xiaoye, the most romantic and talented man in the world. I have seen countless beauties in my life and even resisted the temptation of the four big bosses. I didn't expect to fall for a little girl like you. Why is that?"

Xiangyun was both proud and secretly delighted when she heard this, and she said with a sweet smile: "Who knows what you, a pervert, are thinking? Maybe you think I'm easier to bully because you saw that I was lonely since childhood."

"How can this be? You have the old lady's support, how dare I bully you?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "But that day on the peony quilt, Yun'er, you really captured my soul. At that time, I thought that even if the sky fell, I would first have a kiss from you."

"You bastard, you only care about your own happiness and don't care about other people's lives." Xiangyun hit him with her pink fist and said shyly.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "You sound unhappy."

"Hate it! If you keep talking nonsense, I will ignore you." Xiangyun said angrily.

"Okay, I won't tell you." Jia Cong knew that she was young, and he couldn't help being curious, so he smiled and said, "I just want to ask one question."

"what is the problem?"

"Before that day, did you secretly like me? Don't lie and don't keep it to yourself." Jia Cong said with a smile.

"You..." Xiangyun's pretty face flushed, and she leaned in his arms, shy and silent.

Jia Cong reached into his bosom, grasped a ball of soft jade, kneaded it gently, and said with a smile: "What is there to be ashamed of between husband and wife? Anyway, Yun'er is mine now, the answer is not important."

Xiangyun's eyes were as clear as water, and she murmured, "You vile creature! I never liked you before. You relied on your literary talent to fall in love with everyone you met.

Having Sister Bao was not enough, he also married Sister Lin, became... a prince consort, and... did many obscene things.

At that time, I thought, I don’t want to marry such a playboy in the future.”

Jia Cong asked curiously, "My dear old friend Zhenxia, ​​could it be that I have written so many love poems but they still cannot move you?"

Xiangyun chuckled and said, "Although it is a good poem, it was not written for me, so I won't give it to you cheaply."

Then he sighed: "I really don't know what's wrong with your brain. How can you write so many good poems?"

Jia Cong laughed and said proudly, "You have to admire me, right?"

Xiangyun rolled her eyes at him, nodded, and added, "Then you... flirted with me again and again, and I got even angrier at you. Even when I was eating and sleeping, I was thinking about how to tease you to vent my anger."

"What happened next?" Jia Cong asked with a smile.

"Then, that day, you were so bold and lustful. I knew in my heart that it was over. My life was ruined by you, a bastard. I really wanted to die at that time." Xiangyun said quietly.

Jia Cong said with shame: "My dear Yun'er, I... I can't help myself. In fact, ever since my brother Ruolan died in battle, I have occasionally secretly thought about it..."

"What are you planning?" Xiangyun asked.

"I thought... good things should be kept within the family. Yun'er is so cute, but something like this happened to her. Could it be that God is giving me a chance?

As the saying goes, if you don't take what God gives you, you will suffer the consequences. So... hehe... you know what I mean." Jia Cong said with a smile.

"You dirty thing, you even lied to me and said you would find a good husband for me. Turns out you were all lying to me." Xiangyun said coquettishly.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Am I not good enough?"

"Not good!" Xiangyun spat.

"How dare you, Yun'er, say something bad about your husband."

"Ouch, stop, it's itchy, stop..."

"Tell me, please."

"Good good."

"Where's the best place?"

"Anywhere is fine."

"Then do you think this place is okay?"

"Ah... obscene!" Xiangyun pulled her hand back suddenly as if she had touched a branding iron, her face burning, and she quickly hid her head under the quilt. (End of this chapter)