Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Chapter 745 What can you do to me?
There were few prisoners in the prison, except for a few provincial governors and censors who had been impeached. When they saw Jia Cong coming in, they hurriedly bowed and greeted him.

Jia Cong bowed and smiled, "My Lords, you are so polite. Why did you come in?"

"Alas, treacherous people are in power, loyal people are often in trouble, it is easy to dodge an open spear, but it is difficult to guard against an arrow from the dark."

"That's right. We were all framed by treacherous villains. I wonder what the young guard is doing..."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I am the same as you all."

"Master, the bed is made."

"Yeah." Jia Cong nodded, walked into the largest cell, and leaned comfortably on the pillow.

The jailer smiled and asked about the patient's health, and volunteered to fetch hot water for him.

The prisoners had never seen such a way of being imprisoned before, and they were all drooling with envy. They were busy trying to flatter and curry favor with Jia Cong, hoping that Jia Cong would help them.

Jia Cong changed his mind and thought that although these people must be corrupt officials, to be able to become high-ranking officials in a certain area, they must be capable in government affairs. If they did not have real abilities, they would never be able to become high-ranking officials.

Because everyone in the officialdom wants to climb up, why did you climb up? Is it because you are greedy? Are you lucky? It must be because you are capable of what others cannot.

He has always promoted people based on their talents. He doesn't care if you are greedy or not, as long as you can do things well. He wanted to recruit people, so he smiled and said, "When did you come in? Have you arranged everything? When will you leave?"

Everyone sighed, "To be honest, I have been here for half a year and have spent no less than 50,000 silver coins, but not even a single drop of money has been made."

"I've been here for more than eight months, and I've sold everything I could. I heard that Huo Zhongtang just won't give in. It's tough."

"I have only been here for two months. I have asked all my old friends in the capital and sent them all the money they should have sent, but there is still no news."

"You don't know, I heard that last year the Western Regions and other places were involved in military operations, this year there was a party struggle in the imperial court, and now there is the case of the evil book, which involves the fight for the throne. The officials in the court are so busy that they don't have time to ask about our affairs."

Jia Cong said with a smile: "This lord knows the division of the world without leaving prison. He is well-informed. May I know your name?"

"I am Yao Chao, the former governor of Hunan, and I pay my respects to the Grand Protector."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "We are both in exile, so let's not be polite. We are brothers in this beautiful and beautiful time. Even though we are in prison, we should make it clear."

Everyone laughed and said, "We admire the young guard's heroic spirit, but it's a pity that there is no wine in the prison."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I can see that none of you have ever been to jail. I am an experienced person and I am well prepared. Yuan Ba!"

Zhang Yuanba hurriedly brought in a large package, which contained a large bag of chopped cooked beef, still steaming with the rich aroma of meat filling the air. There was also a large gourd of wine, probably weighing five or six pounds.

The prisoners' eyes lit up and they couldn't help swallowing their saliva. In the past they would have definitely looked down upon such crude food, but now they felt that it was better than all the delicacies in the world.

Jia Cong said, "Yuanba, ask the jailer to open the prison door. I want to have a few drinks with you gentlemen."

"Yes."

Soon, the jailer came with a stack of rough bowls, opened the cell door, and let everyone enter Jia Cong's room.

"Thank you, Young Guardian Gaoyi." Everyone sat in a circle on the ground, moved to tears.

Jia Cong poured a bowl of wine for everyone one by one, and said with a smile: "Meeting each other is fate, so there is no need to be depressed. Things change over time, so don't despise the young... No, middle-aged and old people are poor. One day you will have your own time to soar high, so have a bowl."

"Okay! Everyone, don't think about the endless things outside of yourself, and drink up the limited cup in front of you. Drink to victory!"

"Dry! Hiss...ah! Good wine! This is the intoxication of the gods."

"I haven't had this for a long time. It's good wine."

Jia Cong said with a smile, "Eat some food. This wine is intoxicating, don't get drunk so quickly, or I'll end up drinking to keep quiet."

Everyone smiled and picked up the beef and munched on it, taking a sip of wine and a bite of meat, enjoying the meal very much.

After three rounds of drinking, the atmosphere gradually heated up. Yao Chao started the conversation and asked tentatively, "I heard that the competition for the crown prince has been very fierce recently. Has the young guard been slandered by some villains because of this?"

Jia Cong nodded and said, "Which prince do you think has the potential to be a king?"

Everyone knew that Jia Cong was the queen's son-in-law, and they all said in unison: "Only the Second Prince can rule the world."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "You are all wise people."

As he was speaking, he suddenly saw the jailer leading a man in. The man was wrapped in a cloak and his face could not be seen clearly.

"Stop." The personal soldier stood with his sword drawn, trying to stop the person from coming.

The jailer quickly stepped aside, indicating that he was only doing the job for money and that the rest had nothing to do with him.

The man whispered, "Request an audience with Young Master Jia." Then he handed over a sign.

The personal soldier took it, glanced at it, and said, "Wait." Then he went in and presented it to Jia Cong.

"Master, someone wants to see you."

Jia Cong took the plaque and took a look at it. It was a piece of mutton-fat white jade, as smooth as water and warm to the touch. The front was engraved with a phoenix dancing in the sky, and the back was engraved with the word "Changchun".

Yin smiled and said, "Please step aside for a moment. I want to see a friend."

"Young Master, please do as you please. We will go out and wait for you." Everyone said goodbye and left.

"Please bring him in." Jia Cong said.

"Yes." Zhang Yuanba went out personally and brought the person in.

Jia Cong glanced at the man and said with a smile, "Eunuch An, how are you?"

An Wenyao lifted the hood of his cloak, bowed, and said, "How are you, Young Protector? I am here to visit you on the orders of the Queen."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "It's hard for the queen mother to still miss me. Please tell the queen mother that Cong is fine and thank her for her concern."

An Wenyao smiled and said, "Before coming here, I was worried that the young guard would not be able to bear the grievances. Today, after seeing you, I know that the queen has a keen eye. With this calm and composed demeanor, she is truly a dragon among men."

"Thank you for your praise, father-in-law. Does the queen mother have any instructions?"

An Wenyao whispered, "Yes. The queen said that this imprisonment is different from the past. Dai Quan has repeatedly slandered him in front of the emperor. Now the emperor has made up his mind and there is no chance of luck.

Please make a prompt decision to avoid being harmed by the wicked and causing eternal regret. "

Jia Cong's eyes moved slightly, and he asked, "What did Dai Quan say?"

“First, your honorable Qin is the legitimate daughter of Prince Yi Zhong, and she said that the Grand Protector was in collusion with Prince Shuo and was plotting something bad.

Second, there was a traitor in the Jinyiwei, who revealed that Shao Bao had been buying up and privately manufacturing Western firearms and warships in Guangzhou with the intention of rebellion.

Jia Cong was slightly shocked. If the emperor knew these two pieces of news, he would definitely kill him. However, the imperial edict did not mention them at all and the wording was gentle. What did it mean? He was afraid that he would rebel immediately if he knew about it. After thinking for a while, he said, "I know."

Seeing that he didn't care, An Wenyao hurriedly asked, "Does the young guard have anything to say to the queen?"

"Please take care of yourself, mother. Cong will be careful."

An Wenyao was a little anxious and said, "Master, this is not a small matter. The emperor has made up his mind to get rid of you. If you don't make a decision, you will suffer the consequences! Master."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Sir, do you know that a Korean envoy group arrived this afternoon?"

An Wenyao was stunned and said, "I vaguely heard about this, what does it have to do with Shao Bao?"

"Let's wait until the Goryeo envoys come to see the emperor before we talk about it. This is my reply to my mother," said Jia Cong.

"Yes. We'll take our leave now. Take care, young master." An Wenyao was confused and had to leave.
-
Park Yong-hui, the envoy sent by Goryeo, was very upset. He should have arrived in Shenjing earlier, but he didn't expect that he couldn't adapt to the climate and fell ill as soon as he arrived in Yuguan, and his arrival was delayed for more than ten days.

Knowing that the military situation was urgent, he was extremely anxious. As soon as he arrived at the Sifang Pavilion, he took the official who was receiving him at the Honglu Temple to present the letter of credence, handed over the state gifts, and offered a heavy bribe, just to ask for an audience with the emperor as soon as possible.

When Kong Yanghua, the Minister of the Honglu Temple, saw the letter asking for help, he was shocked and hurriedly submitted it to the Ministry of Rites. The Ministry of Rites did not dare to neglect it and quickly submitted it to the emperor.

The next day was not scheduled for a court meeting, but because of the Goryeo incident, Emperor Xifeng ordered a temporary court meeting to receive the envoy.

"Pak Yeong-hye, the envoy of Goryeo, is here to see you."

"Pak Yeong-hye, the envoy of Goryeo, is here to see you."

The eunuchs called out the names loudly, and the voices of summons were heard far away. When Park Yeong-hui entered the palace, she saw the magnificent palace and the mighty soldiers. She was already shocked by the majesty of the Celestial Empire. She followed the officials of the Honglu Temple into the hall trembling with fear and bowed her head.

"I, Park Yong-hui, an envoy of the vassal state of Goryeo, have come to pay homage to His Majesty the Emperor of the Celestial Empire by order of my Lord. I wish His Majesty a long life and may His grace spread to all nations."

Emperor Xifeng said amiably, "Stand up. I have read your letter, but I don't know the details, so it is difficult to make a decision. Please report it to me in detail."

“Yes.” Park Yonghui hurriedly stood up and said, “Your Majesty, more than three months ago, Goryeo was suddenly attacked by the Heavenly Army, with countless casualties and blood flowing like a river.

Our king was terrified and at a loss. He thought that since he took over the country, all his laws and regulations had been in accordance with those of the superior country, and he had governed with loyalty, filial piety, benevolence and harmony. The people had lived in peace and there had been no unrest. He did not know why he was suddenly attacked by the heavenly soldiers.

I have specially ordered this humble minister to come and plead guilty, and ask His Majesty to show mercy and calm down. If there is an imperial decree, the entire country of Goryeo will obey it, and only ask for peace to be made.”

Emperor Xifeng frowned and said, "How can you say this? I have never sent troops to attack Goryeo."

The ministers also said: "Your Excellency must have made a mistake. The Celestial Empire never raises unknown armies."

"That's right. Our dynasty treats all nations with benevolence and justice. How can we punish without teaching?"

"I guess it's some pirate or bandit who claims to be an imperial soldier and is trying to boost his courage by relying on the might of another. Can't your imperial court even suppress these mere bandits?" an official laughed.

"There is no one in Goryeo. You can't even distinguish the enemy's flags. How can you fight them? Do you believe everything the enemy says?
You are familiar with the weapons, armor and flags of the Celestial Empire's soldiers. Besides, could it be that the bandits can speak Chinese?"

……

The ministers either questioned or defended, or mocked or gloated over her misfortune, and they completely exonerated Park Young-hye.

When Dai Quan saw Emperor Xifeng glaring, he shouted loudly, "Silence."

The ministers calmed down a little and laughed secretly at the absurdity of the small country.

Emperor Xifeng asked, "You said the enemy army is the imperial army. Do you have any evidence?"

Park Yonghui hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, it was because the enemy army flew the flag of the Duke Dingguo of the Celestial Empire, and had warships everywhere, with a strong military appearance, bright armor, and powerful firearms. In January and February, they captured dozens of cities in Goryeo and besieged Seoul.

Our country also sent people to negotiate with them, but he insisted on having his own way and forced our leader to retreat.

The ruler of our country was canonized by the Emperor of the Celestial Empire. Without the Emperor's order, how dare I abdicate the throne privately?

Therefore, I have sent this humble minister to ask for help, and ask the Emperor to order Duke Dingguo to withdraw his troops. The people of Goryeo are begging for mercy day and night.

When these words came out, everyone in the palace was shocked. Jia Cong? ! Jia Cong secretly sent troops to attack Goryeo?

After being shocked, the eyes of Jiang Feng, Feng Yuan, Niu Jizong and others lit up. The young guard had good means and had unknowingly controlled the power to destroy the country. However, the army was outside now, and it would be troublesome if the emperor punished him.

Emperor Xifeng glanced at Duan Zhun and the others, and was even more shocked and angry. He understood what Jia Cong meant. What a thief, he really has his own army! This is clearly beating the dog to show his master!

Jia Cong's meaning was very simple. He wanted to flex his muscles and show everyone that he had become a powerful leader who could massacre a city and destroy a country at any time, so that the current emperor or others would think twice before taking action.

Guan Pu came out at the right time and said, "Your Majesty, I think this matter is of great importance. It involves the safety and survival of Goryeo, and the reputation of the Grand Guardian. It is not appropriate to listen to one side and believe it. Please summon the Grand Guardian to the palace to defend himself."

"I second the motion." Niu Jizon, Wang Ziteng, Liu Fang and others stood up and expressed their opinions without waiting for the civil officials to speak. They meant that Jia Cong not only had connections outside, but also inside the court. If the emperor wants to deal with him, he should think twice.

Emperor Xifeng glanced at everyone coldly and said, "Summon Jia Cong to the throne."

The eunuch who delivered the imperial edict hurriedly rode away on horseback. Fortunately, the prison was not far from the imperial city and they arrived there in a moment.

Jia Cong had expected this, and when he obeyed the imperial order to enter the palace, he rode all the way to the Ministry of Internal Affairs before dismounting and following the eunuchs into the palace.

When the ministers saw him come in, they all stopped talking. Niu Jizong and others looked at him, smiled and nodded, their praise and admiration were evident in their words.

Jia Cong glanced at everyone with a smile on his face, lifted his clothes and bowed, and said: "I, the guilty minister Jia Cong, pay my respects to the emperor. I wonder what instructions the emperor has for you?"

Emperor Xifeng suppressed his anger and hatred and said calmly, "The envoy of Goryeo said that you sent troops to attack that country. Is that true?"

Jia Cong shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, I only have 600 personal soldiers, and they are all in the capital now. How can I get troops to attack Goryeo? This is nonsense, it is really absurd."

After saying this, he glanced around and said with a smile: "Could it be that the officials in the court also believe this joke?"

The New Party members were silent. Jiang Feng, Feng Yuan and others laughed and said, "That's why we don't believe it, so we want to hear Shao Bao's opinion."

Jia Cong glanced at Park Yong-hui and sneered, "Your Excellency has come all the way here just to tell a joke that will make the whole world laugh? You are really like suspecting your neighbor of stealing your axe.

Your Excellency said that these were Cong's troops. What evidence do you have? Could it be that whoever is on the banner is the real person? If the enemy army is using the banner of the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, would your country go to the Jade Emperor to file a complaint?"

All the ministers burst into laughter. They all knew that Jia Cong was making excuses, but they could do nothing about him. The emperor was far away and the mountains were high. Who knew what the situation in Goryeo was now?

Niu Jizong and others laughed and said, "What Shao Bao said is very true. Goryeo came to the Celestial Empire for help because it couldn't defeat the bandits. Asking for help would be fine, but they didn't even know who the enemy was. This is really a strange story."

Park Yonghui hurriedly said: "The enemy leader's surname is Yan, and it is said that he was a soldier of Duke Dingguo."

The ministers were in an uproar. Who among them didn't know about Jia Cong's two personal guard commanders, Zhang Yuanba and Yan Shuangying?
Jia Cong shook his head and smiled, "My Lords, please do not listen to his one-sided words. Cong did have a personal soldier named Yan Shuangying. Because of his rude words, he angered me and was sent to Liaodong Zhuangzi to farm. He is definitely not the general who attacked Goryeo this time.

If you don't believe me, Cong will immediately order someone to call him back and show him to you all."

(End of this chapter)