Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Chapter 747: Revealing the Truth
"I am here to see the Lord Chief Censor. The Grand Protector is inside, and I dare not be rude." When the jailer saw several senior officials from the prison department accompanying the Left Censor-in-Chief Tan Cheng coming over, he hurriedly bowed down to greet them.

"Open the door quickly and let the young guard out." the prison warden shouted.

"Yes, yes, I'll go right away." The jailer was so scared that he left in a hurry with the key.

Tan Cheng raised his hand and said, "Wait, I will go there myself."

"Yes, yes." Everyone rushed forward and helped Tan Cheng in.

"General, I am wrongly accused. Please investigate."

"General, I have been framed by a villain. Please show mercy."

When several prisoners saw Tan Cheng coming in person, they hurriedly hugged the wooden fence and shouted.

Tan Chengli ignored him and walked straight inside. He saw that there was a guard post every three steps and a sentry every five steps on the road. They looked like eagles and wolves, and he secretly praised Jia Cong for his good leadership.

"Oh, what wind brings the Chief Justice here? Cong is polite." Jia Cong bowed with a smile.

Tan Cheng smiled and said, "I have been ordered to come and welcome Shao Bao out of prison."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Why did you let me go after less than a day? Didn't you ask Cong to help investigate the case? What case?"

Tan Cheng smiled and said, "The Dongchang has already investigated the case. It is completely false and has nothing to do with the Grand Guardian. Your Majesty was afraid that the Grand Guardian might misunderstand, so he specially ordered me to come and greet him."

Jia Cong sneered, "Thank you, General Inspector." He stood up and walked out of the cell. He pointed to both sides and said, "These people also said that they were wrongly accused. General Inspector, please investigate further and don't wrongly accuse good people."

When the criminal officials heard this, they were like hearing an imperial decree and hurriedly said, "Please, Lord Chief Justice, investigate this matter."

Tan Cheng smiled and twirled his beard, saying, "Young Master, you may not know that all the officials who come in are 'wrongly accused'. As for whether they are loyal, treacherous, corrupt, or honest, I will investigate them in detail.

For the sake of the young master's honor, I will never wrongly accuse them."

Jia Cong said, "Thank you for your help, sir."

I know that Tan Cheng is not giving in now because the situation is still unclear. He is only praising me verbally. If I die next, there will be no mention of anything.

In official circles, when people leave, the tea is forgotten. It is better to keep the stove cold than to keep the county magistrate in charge. He can only add icing on the cake, never provide timely help, etc. This is the basic rule. Jia Cong naturally understood it, and did not take it seriously. He bowed and smiled as he walked out.

Sure enough, a few days later, the second letter from Goryeo arrived, which was a letter from Goryeo's new king Li Xun requesting for enthronement.

Because they took the sea route, it was much faster than Park Young-hye's and arrived in Beijing in no time.

When Park Yeong-hui met his colleagues, he finally understood why Jia Cong said that the difficulties in Goryeo would be resolved after two days of sightseeing in the capital.

How could this not be puzzling? Li Cheng was driven out of office, and a four or five-year-old boy from the royal family was appointed as the new emperor. The old and young people, southerners, and northerners in the court were all killed. There was no more party strife, because there were no parties in the court. If there was any party, it was only one, the Jia party.

When Emperor Xifeng saw the letter from Goryeo, he was so angry that he almost vomited blood. Jia Cong is a traitor! He quietly changed the Goryeo Kingdom, which had been a vassal of the Celestial Empire for a thousand years, and changed its name to Jia from then on.

Seeing that he was furious, Dai Quan hurriedly brought him some tea and whispered, "Your Majesty, calm down. The emperor's health is more important."

Emperor Xifeng took two deep breaths before suppressing his anger. Looking at the memorial in front of him, he had no choice but to confer the title.

It was originally a formality, expressing the vassal state's respect for the suzerain state. If the title was not conferred, it would be tantamount to giving up the suzerain state's rights, which would be undesirable.

He spat out a few words as cold as ice: "Ask the Ministry of Rites to draft the imperial edict for the enthronement."

"The slave obeys the order."

Changchun Palace.

When Empress Chen learned about this, she laughed and said, "No wonder that boy is calm and confident, it turns out that he has already ambushed a large army. This is a good thing. I underestimated him.

Send a message to him, telling him to be careful and not to become like Qingji or Sun Ce, or the situation will be ruined."

An Wenyao agreed and said hesitantly, "My lady, if the young guard has such power and military strength, he may become too powerful to be eliminated in the future."

Empress Chen said, "I have my own ideas. Everything has its priorities. First of all, I will help Can'er take over the throne. We can talk about the future later."

"Yes."

The next two months were peaceful and calm. It seemed that after Jia Cong revealed his cards, all the struggles disappeared without a trace. The New Party, the Neutral Party and others also stopped fighting and no longer competed for the throne. Government affairs such as the imperial inspection and the new laws were quietly implemented without any more trouble.

Everyone in the court avoided the issue of Goryeo's change of dynasty, and no one dared to impeach Jia Cong for privately hoarding a large army, as if everyone had forgotten Jia Cong's existence.

However, anyone with a discerning eye knows that a bigger storm is brewing. Jia Cong is now rich enough and has enough troops to rival a country. The current emperor will never tolerate him.

I think he also knows this. Now the king and his minister are like two top swordsmen confronting each other, with their aura locked on each other. It just depends on who will strike first and reveal a flaw first.

No one would be so naive as to think that Jia Cong would be a loyal minister who would die if his king wanted him to. Just looking at the fact that he had been planning and raising private soldiers several years ago, it was clear that he was a reckless person.

That day, Cheng Lingsu came to report: "Master, there is news from Gaoli. General Yan said that Gaoli has been conquered by edict, and all prefectures and counties are promoting the move of breaking the old and establishing the new.

The people of Goryeo cheered and rejoiced. Shrines were built and statues of you were erected in various places. The incense was burning brightly. Even a golden statue of you was made in the court. The new king and his ministers paid homage to you every day.

He said he missed me so much that he left General Wei and others in Goryeo and has already led his men back to Beijing."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Does Shuangying want me to be a god? Forget it. It is more important to rally the hearts of the Koreans. When will he arrive? I have had enough of this game of deception. It is time to show my cards."

Cheng Lingsu said: "About ten days."

"Well, now that we have taken over Goryeo, the next one will be Japan. Let the elders oversee the placement of the troops." Jia Cong said.

Cheng Lingsu said: "Don't worry, sir. We know Japan very well. Once the heavenly troops arrive, we will be able to defeat them without any difficulty.

Those generals and daimyo who only know the world from a narrow perspective will never be able to compete with my heavenly army."

Jia Cong smiled and glanced at her, saying, "Lingsu, I sent troops to conquer Japan, you won't blame me, right?"

Cheng Lingsu smiled and shook his head, saying, "I am a bodhisattva who has come down to earth to enforce justice and save the people from danger. Not only will I not blame me, but even the millions of people in Japan will not blame me. They will only sincerely thank Master Wang for coming to the east and relieving their suffering."

Jia Cong was surprised and asked, "Are the people of Japan so miserable?"

Cheng Lingsu sighed, "Japan has been at war for years, and the people are living in poverty. I'm afraid the people are three times poorer than the Koreans. If I can eliminate the daimyo in various places, they will be grateful to me."

"Okay, then let's go and liberate Japan. I feel more and more that what I am doing is a just cause." Jia Cong clapped his hands and smiled.

Cheng Lingsu smiled and said, "My master is righteous, and his name will go down in history."

"I don't want anything else. It's enough if future generations can say that I have promoted the integration of various ethnic groups." Jia Cong said with a smile.

As he was speaking, he heard a maid come and report that the Third Madam wanted to see him.

Jia Cong hurriedly took Lingsu in and saw Daiyu, who was full of joy and talking to Ruyi, Baochai and others. He smiled and said, "Did Pin'er pick up a gold ingot?"

Daiyu said angrily, "Who is as greedy for money as you?"

"What's the happy event?"

Ruyi smiled and said, "It's Master Lin who is pregnant."

Jia Cong raised his eyebrows and said with a wicked smile, "Could it be that my father-in-law is remarrying? Then I must give him a generous gift."

All the girls rolled their eyes at him and smiled with their hands covering their mouths.

Daiyu was angry, and she stood up and raised her fist to hit him, cursing, "You bastard, you did it on purpose! If I let you go, I will never live again."

Jia Cong hugged her and said with a smile: "Madam, please spare my life. I think my father-in-law is already old and has no one to take care of the household. It is only natural for him to have another wife."

Daiyu spat, "You still said that I would ignore you, let go." Jia Cong apologized and asked, "What's the matter?"

Daiyu's anger turned into joy, and she said, "I have a younger brother now."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "So that's what happened. Great! My father-in-law is still as skilled as ever. I must send him a gift."

Daiyu rolled her eyes at him and said, "By the time you remembered, Sister Ruyi would have sent someone to deliver it."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "With a group of good wives like you around, I have nothing to worry about."

Daiyu said, "Father originally wanted to invite you to the full moon banquet, but later he took into consideration the political situation and your mourning period, so it would be inconvenient to have a banquet. So he invited us to come home in a few days to have a simple meal, and asked me to ask you, the most talented man in the world, to come up with a name for me."

Jia Cong said hurriedly: "My father-in-law is very thoughtful, but he is a scholar with great talent. How dare I show off my skills in front of him?"

Daiyu covered her mouth and laughed, "Although my father is talented, how can he compare to you, a great talent who is famous all over the world?"

"It's all empty reputation, empty reputation." Jia Cong waved his hands and laughed dryly.

All the girls laughed and decided to let him choose the name, saying that the name he had chosen for Qiaojie was also very good.

Jia Cong looked at Baochai, Fengjie, Ping'er and others whose bellies were gradually becoming more prominent, and said with a wry smile, "From now on, it will be a headache just for me to come up with names."

"Bah, you're still ungrateful after getting the advantage." The girls all denounced him upon hearing this.
-
In the Yangxin Palace, Emperor Xifeng discussed matters with his ministers and said with a smile, "Lord Lin has been in high spirits these days, so there must be something happy. Why not tell us about it, so that the emperor and his ministers can enjoy it together."

Before Lin Ruhai opened his mouth, Huo Peng smiled and said, "Your Majesty, you don't know that Ruhai recently had a baby boy. It's a great joy to have a child in old age, so naturally he looks radiant."

Lin Ruhai's old face turned red, and he cupped his hands and said, "Prime Minister Huo, you are making fun of me. It is only because of the good deeds of our ancestors and the great blessing of the emperor."

Emperor Xifeng rarely laughed, and waved his hand and said with a smile: "Lord Lin, what you said is wrong. This matter was done by you personally, and it has nothing to do with me."

Everyone laughed.

Lin Ruhai didn't expect the emperor to tease him. He looked a little embarrassed and bowed, saying, "I made a mistake."

Emperor Xifeng said with a smile, "It's just a joke, why take it so seriously. I am also very happy that you have an heir. I will give you two wet nurses and some things for the baby."

Dai Quan hurriedly agreed.

Lin Ruhai hurriedly expressed his gratitude.

"Has your son got a name?"

Lin Ruhai said hurriedly: "No."

Emperor Xifeng pondered for a moment and said, "My dear minister, you have been loyal to the country and have worked hard for half your life. Your family has a long history of learning. Your son will be influenced by your family and will surely be a pillar of the country in the future."

Everyone laughed and said, "Your Majesty is right."

Lin Ruhai was overjoyed. The emperor's words were like paving a bright future for his son. He bowed humbly.

"My dear minister, I have known you for more than twenty years and you have made outstanding contributions. So I will give your son a courtesy name to show the affection between the monarch and his subject. Well, I have it. How about the two characters 'Chengchen'?" said Emperor Xifeng.

Lin Ruhai was filled with emotion and bowed down, saying, "I thank your majesty for your grace."

Strong winds reveal strong grass; turbulent times reveal loyal ministers. The emperor bestowing this courtesy name on me shows that he has high hopes for me and it is also a high evaluation of me.

Emperor Xifeng said with a smile: "This is a gift you deserve. The court is now in danger and precarious. Without a loyal minister like you, the court will not be able to stabilize the situation and bring peace to the world.

I have been restless these days, and I have not been able to enjoy my food. But today, I heard that you are pregnant, and I smiled happily. "After saying this, he sighed.

Lin Ruhai kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty is worried and I am humiliated. If I can help Your Majesty, I will die for you."

Emperor Xifeng sighed, "My dear minister, you know that the most pressing threat to the court is not in the Western Regions, the Nine Frontiers, the Tusi, or the sea, but within the walls of the palace."

Lin Ruhai's thin body trembled slightly. He was about to tell who the emperor was talking about. He was terrified and bitter in his mouth. He gritted his teeth and said, "I am ashamed that I cannot share your worries."

Emperor Xifeng said, "My dear minister, please stand up. I have heard that you are well-versed in history and are well-versed in classics, history, and literature. I have a question and would like to ask you.

If there are people like Cao and Zhuo in the court, who are strong in the branches and weak in the roots, eyeing the divine weapon, drawing the bow but not shooting, waiting for the right opportunity, how can we control them? "

Everyone looked solemn, waiting for Lin Ruhai to express his opinion.

Lin Ruhai took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "I think we should get rid of it as soon as possible. If we delay for too long, it will only lead to troubles later."

Emperor Xifeng nodded and said, "My dear minister, what you said coincides with what I said. I am very pleased. Very pleased." After saying that, he changed the subject and did not mention this issue anymore, but discussed other matters.

Lin Ruhai was very surprised, and after the discussion he came out with several New Party leaders.

"Mr. Jun, you go ahead. I'll be right back after I talk to Ru Hai." Huo Peng said with a smile.

Duan Zhun and Gu Tao smiled and nodded, then left.

Huo Peng and Dong Yi led Lin Ruhai to the small courtyard next to the Military Affairs Office and asked, "Ruhai, do you know what I meant by what I said just now?"

Lin Ruhai shook his head and said, "I am also very confused and cannot guess the emperor's mind."

Huo Peng whispered: "Looking at the whole world, only Ru Hai can kill this beast and turn the tide."

Lin Ruhai was shocked: "This... Where did this come from? How can I be so capable?"

Dong Yi said, "Don't be alarmed. Just think about it. If Your Majesty launches a war and executes the criminals, with the power in that man's hands, it is not certain whether he can win. Even if he wins, it will be a miserable victory. Is it worth it to get rid of a thief and seriously damage the vitality of the country?"

Lin Ruhai said: "That's the truth, but I'm just a scholar, I can't even tie a chicken, what can I do?"

Huo and Dong smiled at each other and said, "Only weak scholars have great strength. If we cannot defeat them physically, we can outsmart them. Without using swords or guns, we can still be elegant."

Lin Ruhai's heart trembled, and he said, "What the two ministers mean is... is..."

Huo Peng smiled and said, "The ancients said that two peaches killed three warriors. Why don't you follow the ancients and drink a cup of wine to get rid of the rebels?"

Dong Yi said: "I know that Ru Hai and his son-in-law have a deep affection for each other, but in the face of great principles and justice, personal feelings have to be put aside. Moreover, my brother has a successor now, so is his son-in-law closer to him than his own son?

For the sake of the Lin family's loyalty for generations, for your brother's lifelong reputation, and for your son's future, please put the country first and the family ties second."

Huo Peng said: "Brother, have you forgotten that when that man kills people, he doesn't care who your relatives are. He killed the sons of the Xue family, the Marquis of the Shi family, the wife and son of the Wang family, and your nephew's son-in-law. He killed his own family members without mercy.

If you don't make up your mind, you will not only lose yourself, but also the foundation of the court will be ruined! Please put the people of the world first and follow the example of Jing Ke's departure!" After saying this, the two men stood up and bowed.

Lin Ruhai bowed in return and said, "Please stand up quickly, my two masters. How can I be worthy of this?"

"If you don't agree, we will kneel down and not get up."

Lin Ruhai sighed, "Is this what your majesty meant?"

"Yes."

Lin Ruhai was torn between his conscience and his desire for justice. After a long while, his loyalty finally prevailed over his love for his children. He said in a trembling voice, "Please stand up, my two ministers. Since it is the king's order, how can Ruhai refuse? But... my son is still young, so I will entrust him to you gentlemen."

Huo and Dong were shocked. When they heard that he wanted to entrust their son to someone else, they hurriedly said, "Brother Ruhai...you...you want to kill a thief to bring peace to the world, why do you have to do this? Why do you have to perish together with the enemy?"

Hot tears rolled down Lin Ruhai's eyes. He closed his eyes slightly and shook his head, saying, "I have made up my mind. Please don't say anything more."

"Brother Ruhai, don't worry. Your son is our son. We will make sure he shines in the court in the future, bring honor to our family, and live up to your good name." Mr. Huo and Mr. Ruhai bowed deeply with tears in their eyes.

"Thank you."

(End of this chapter)