Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Jia Cong took a breath and recovered from his initial shock. He glanced at Princess Yuan to calm her down, then took a step back and said, "I am ashamed to accept your kindness, sister-in-law.

But how dare Cong, as a minister, interfere in the affairs of the royal family? Sister-in-law is really forcing me."

At this time, Jia Cong could not help but feel a deep disgust towards Queen Dowager Han, as this woman actually wanted to use him to fight for power with the Grand Empress Dowager.

That's fine, if a man doesn't work for himself, he will be punished by heaven and earth, which is understandable, but before Sun Can's body is cold, he uses the honey trap on his brother-in-law. Who does he think he is? And where does he put Sun Can?

Jia Cong had no shortage of beauties. With his power and status, as long as he let out a hint, Changli Han's family would have to offer him any beauties they had. Now he just felt angry, not for himself, but for Sun Can.

As expected, women from noble families are not easy to deal with, and this pair of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is such a case.

I don’t know if it’s due to the education they received or the environment they were in, but as long as they have the opportunity, their desire for power is even greater than that of men, and they will do so at any cost and by any means.

All those talks about having no intention of dying, dying soon, and mother-son reunion are nonsense. As long as Han behaved herself, the Empress Dowager would never kill her, nor would she completely prevent her and her son from meeting. At most, she would impose some restrictions to prevent the little emperor from being led astray by her. This is also reasonable.

What Han really wanted was the same power as the Empress Dowager, the same right to rule the country from behind the scenes.

Thinking of this, Jia Cong looked down at Queen Mother Han indifferently, like an emotionless god.

When Queen Mother Han saw his expression, she felt a pang in her heart, knowing that she had made a stupid move in her haste to achieve her goal, and she quickly apologized, "Don't blame me, Cong'er. I have been very upset these days, and I spoke out of turn in a moment of anxiety. Please don't blame me."

Seeing her instantly retract her seductive look and return to her dignified and elegant appearance, Jia Cong couldn't help but sigh that women are born actors. After thinking for a while, he said, "How could Cong be surprised? Please take care of yourself, sister-in-law."

Then he added, "If there is a place where I can be of use in the future, I will serve you like a dog or a horse."

Queen Mother Han was delighted and said hurriedly, "My dear brother, you should be the Yi Yin and Huo Guang of our dynasty."

Jia Cong smiled faintly and said, "I am ashamed to accept this."

Queen Mother Han was very alert. Seeing that Jia Cong was no longer interested in talking, she hurriedly said, "You two siblings can talk about your sisterly love. I will go back first."

"Farewell to the Queen Mother."

"Quickly walk, Queen Mother."

The brother and sister sent her out. When they came back, Princess Yuan hurriedly pulled Jia Cong and said, "Third brother, why did you agree to help her? Can you just do this kind of favor casually? Don't you really want to..."

Jia Cong shook his head and said, "Big sister, when did I say I would help her?"

"What did you mean by what you just said?" Princess Yuan asked hurriedly.

Jia Cong whispered: "It's just a pretense. It's not bad to have a queen mother in hand. If the grand queen mother doesn't like me in the future, can't I play this card?
Don't forget, big sister, the Queen Mother is also qualified to rule the country. The Han family of Changli is also a prestigious family with a history of thousands of years, not inferior to the Chen family of Yingchuan. I think it is precisely because of this that the Queen Mother is a little afraid of her. "

Princess Yuan was relieved and smiled softly, "Third brother has become more shrewd and calculating now. He is no longer the boy who refused to be a consort. I thought you were attracted by the beauty of the Queen Mother."

Jia Cong sneered, "Eldest sister underestimates Cong. Cong would not do anything to let his good brother down for her. He left a question only because she still has value to be used.

Alas, after entering the big melting pot of the imperial court, the pure and innocent boy is no longer there. "

Princess Yuan rolled her eyes at him and sneered, "Still talking nonsense, what's wrong with Sister Feng? Isn't Brother Lian your good brother?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Jia Lian is my brother, but not a good brother. Besides, I also helped him and You Erjie get together. In fact, he should thank me."

Princess Yuan spat, "You, I don't care if you do anything wrong at home, but don't get carried away when you are outside. Cao Cao was such a hero back then, but he forced Zhang Xiu to rebel by forcing his aunt to marry him in Wancheng, and ended up ruining his beloved son and generals. It shows that beauties can sometimes be a disaster, so you must be very careful."

He thought that if he really slept with Queen Dowager Han, Sun Chi would definitely hunt him down. He had already killed a good friend with his own hands and did not want to kill another one. Besides, Ruyi would definitely hate him, so it would be a waste of time.

Jia Cong hurriedly said: "Big sister is right. Cong will learn from your teachings and will never act recklessly."

"Well, I'm glad you listened to me. I'm really worried that you're stubborn and self-willed now that you're in such a high position."

Princess Yuan smiled and chatted for a few more words about family matters. Suddenly her expression darkened and she said, "Third brother, be kind to the girls in your family. It's not easy for them."

Jia Cong quickly agreed and asked, "Big sister, is there anything that is not going well for you? Tell me, and Cong will definitely handle it for you."

Princess Yuan forced a smile and said, "It's nothing. I just feel sad when I think about spending the rest of my life alone in this empty palace." She is only in her thirties, which is the best age for a woman.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Don't worry, big sister. This is just a trivial matter. Cong promises you that within a few years, I will take you out of this cage forever."

Princess Yuan was shocked and said, "Brother Cong, please don't do anything stupid for your sister. What is my personal honor and disgrace compared to your future?"

Jia Cong held her hand and whispered, "Don't worry, big sister. Cong knows what to do and nothing will happen."

Princess Yuan nodded with tears in her eyes. She said that having a brother like this would make her have no regrets even if she died.
-
On this day, Jia Cong took Wang Ziteng, Niu Jizong and others to inspect the New Army Academy in Liangxiang. They saw dozens of children from noble families and three thousand new soldiers training under the command of Western barbarian instructors. From time to time, the sound of musket fire was heard. After a burst of gunpowder smoke, a row of targets a hundred steps away were smashed to pieces.

At the artillery drill ground not far away, dozens of various artillery pieces were bombarding the huge target circle on the hillside in the distance. The rumbling sound of artillery fire rang out one after another, raising dust all over the sky, and it was deafening.

But Sun Chi came over with a musket in hand, and said with a smile, "Brother Cong, you are here! The Western Yi firearms are really powerful. Although they are not very accurate, they can reach far, penetrate gold and split rocks, are extremely powerful, and are very easy to use.

Soldiers with sharp minds can learn to fire a gun in three to five days. Artillery is more troublesome, but not too difficult. It is much more convenient than training archers in the imperial court."

Everyone hurried to greet him, but Sun Chi smiled and waved his hand to avoid it.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "If it's useless, why would I spend so much effort to get it? So, is there anything missing here?"

Sun Chi smiled and said, "Everything is ready. It shows that General Wang has put in a lot of effort."

Wang Ziteng hurriedly said modestly: "Your Highness, you are too kind. I am ashamed."

Jia Cong said: "That's good. Let the soldiers train hard and don't be afraid of consuming things. The subsequent ammunition will be delivered continuously."

Sun Chi's eyes lit up and he said, "Okay! Then I'll order them to practice as much as they can. Guns and cannons are just like bows and crossbows. Practice makes perfect, and practice makes perfect. You can't do it without hard work."

"Practice as you like. It doesn't matter if the guns and cannons are broken. We will deliver new ones to you." Jia Cong said with a smile.

"Okay! My boys, the general is here to visit you! Cheer up." Sun Chi shouted.

All the soldiers on the parade ground shouted in unison: "Yes!"

"Brother Cong, since you are here, as the first president of the academy, why don't you say a few words to the soldiers?" Sun Chi said with a smile.

Jia Cong smiled slightly and walked to the reviewing platform in front of the parade ground.

Upon seeing this, Wang Ziteng and others hurriedly ordered the troops to assemble and come for training.

After a moment, more than 3,000 soldiers formed a square formation and stood solemnly below the stage.

Jia Cong looked at the new army soldiers wearing new cotton armor, holding muskets, and looking very majestic, and felt very pleased. He shouted, "Fellow soldiers, I am here to visit you!" "Your humble servant pays homage to His Majesty!" Everyone knelt on one knee and shouted in unison.

Looking at the elite troops and children of various noble families in the audience, Jia Cong did not hesitate and shouted, "What are you holding in your hands?"

"Musket."

"Yes, it is a musket! It is your life, your support on the battlefield, and your tool for achieving success!

In the future, you will use it to ennoble your wives and children, and bring honor to your family; in the future, you will use it to conquer the barbarian countries and spread our country's prestige abroad; in the future, you will use it to conquer a vast territory for your country and establish great achievements that will be admired by all generations.

Do you think we should practice it well?"

"Should!"

"Should!"

"Should!"

Everyone roared in unison, shaking the sky.

Many Western Yi instructors could not understand Chinese and looked confused. They were all guessing what Jia Cong said, which made them all excited, with red eyes.

"I have always been unconventional in employing people. I like to employ both the sons of noble families and the heroes from humble backgrounds.

You just need to focus on killing the enemies bravely. I assure you that your military exploits will never be buried in paperwork. Your warriors are like dragons and will never be bullied by rats!

I hope you can achieve great achievements soon, and I will celebrate with you!"

The soldiers were Jia Cong's trusted followers who had been paid extremely high salaries. Their blood immediately boiled over after hearing this. They were eager to die for Jia Cong, so they shouted in unison: "We have received your orders! Your Majesty, please rest assured!"

Jia Cong smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Continue practicing!"

"Yes!"

At that moment, all the soldiers dispersed in an orderly manner and returned to their own camps, training more diligently than before.

Jia Cong said, "Brother Chi, these soldiers and horses are my dearest ones. I'm handing them over to you. You can do whatever you want."

Sun Chi said hurriedly: "Don't worry, I will never bring you down."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Then I feel relieved. Let's go. I still have things to do in the capital."

"Wait a minute." Sun Chi hurriedly pulled him aside and whispered, "Have you talked to your mother? What did she say?"

Jia Cong nodded and said, "I've told you that your mother agrees to let you go to the Western Regions to patrol the border, but there is one thing: don't be reckless or you will lose your life in vain."

Sun Chi was overjoyed and said hurriedly: "Don't worry, I'm not a fool. Now I don't need to wear armor to use firearms. I study military books every night and ask questions from the Western Yi instructors. How can I be a brave man?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Okay, then I will wait for your victory report in the capital."

"Please do it. Since you have conquered Goryeo, how can I let you take all the credit? You must conquer a few countries in the Western Regions." Sun Chi said proudly.

"Okay! I invite you to fight in the west, and I invite Cong to fight in the east, and let's see who can conquer the larger territory!" Jia Cong bowed.

"It's a deal!" Sun Chi agreed immediately, and added: "But don't forget to get me more food, supplies, and firearms. Three thousand men are not enough."

Jia Cong shook his head and said, "Although the new law has been implemented and the treasury is becoming more and more abundant, the cost of developing industry and building the navy is extremely high.

Don't expect the national treasury to allocate too much food and money to you in the next two years. You must rely on your own efforts. This was also the original intention of establishing the Western Regions Protectorate.

But I will try to get you as many firearms as possible. How about I gather an army of 100,000 for you within a few years? But how to support this army of 100,000 is up to you to figure out."

Sun Chi had a bitter face, but when he heard the last sentence, he smiled and said, "Thank you, Zilong. I have nothing else to ask for.

I heard that the Western Regions are rich, especially Yili, which has returned to the Celestial Empire. I think it should be no problem to feed 100,000 people.

If I really can't make ends meet, I can still ask my sister-in-law for money. Hehe, my sister-in-law is the young master of the tribe and has a high position of power. I think she will give me some cattle, sheep, horses, and camels, right?"

"Shameless." Jia Cong cursed inwardly. He actually had his eyes on Fatini. He glared at him and said, "Don't use my name to cheat people. You are a prince, but you don't even care about your dignity."

Sun Chi was not ashamed, he spread his hands and smiled: "I am not like you who can turn stone into gold. What can I do if I have no food to eat and I am hungry? I can't just watch the army starve to death, right?"

Jia Cong waved his hands helplessly and said, "I will call Lao Liu and ask him to take care of your baggage supply. You just focus on fighting."

Sun Chi patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile: "This is what a good brother is like. I didn't misjudge you. I'll grab a few more beauties from the Western Regions and bring them back for you."

"Okay, okay, do you think my house is not messy enough?" Jia Cong smiled bitterly and waved his hands.

Although twelve concubines have been roughly decided, some of them have not been completely won over, and some of them are still unclear. He still needs to think about how to ask Ruyi, Daiyu and others.

Sun Chi laughed: "You like this, don't you? Tsk tsk, the most romantic and talented man in the world would be troubled by a woman. Who would believe it if I told anyone else?"

Jia Cong gave him a cold look and left with his cloak thrown off.

The next day, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Kong Yanghua, reported that the first batch of students selected to study in Western Yi had all arrived in Beijing and were temporarily placed in the Imperial Examination Hall. Since the ocean-going merchant group and the diplomatic envoy group were ready and would set off tomorrow, Jia Cong was invited to give them instructions.

Jia Cong got up early in the morning and went to the Imperial Examination Hall. He saw many young men. Some were huddled in their dormitories reading, some were walking in the hall, and some were gathered in groups of three or five to discuss. They were all wearing coarse linen clothes, straw sandals, and cloth shoes, looking shabby and worn.

"Your Highness, I pay my respects to you." Kong Yanghua hurriedly led several officials to pay their respects. Seeing Jia Cong frowning slightly, he hurriedly said, "There are a thousand students here. If there is anything wrong, please let your Highness know."

Jia Cong asked, "How many days have they lived here?"

Kong Yanghua said: "The ones who are nearby have stayed for half a month, while the ones who are far away have only stayed for three to five days."

Jia Cong glanced at the dormitory next to him and asked, "You let these children sleep curled up in the dormitory?"

Kong Yanghua looked aggrieved and said, "Your Highness, the Honglu Temple is a poor government office with limited funds. We cannot afford to accommodate thousands of people. We wanted to ask the Imperial College to allocate some dormitories, but the officials of the Imperial College said that it was overcrowded and difficult to raise funds.

I wanted to ask the Ministry of Rites for help, but the officials there said they were short of money and the Imperial Academy was idle, so they placed them here. But I have done my best to ensure that the students have enough food and clothing. "

Jia Cong said: "Since there are difficulties, why didn't you report it to me earlier?"

Kong Yanghua whispered, "Your Highness is concerned about national affairs and has a lot of things to do every day. How dare I bother you with such a small matter?"

Jia Cong shook his head helplessly, knowing that this was a chronic disease of the imperial bureaucracy. Anything that happened to the superiors, no matter how small, was a big deal, and anything that happened to the common people, no matter how big, was a small deal. If the common people said there was a big deal, there was only one thing - rebellion. (End of this chapter)