Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The palace of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Fengtian Hall.

Just as Jia Cong was immersed in the novelty of his first morning court session, he was listening with great interest to the consultations and discussions between officials and the emperor.

Xu Kun, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, suddenly came out of the shift and said these shocking words, which made Jia Cong feel a chill in his heart.

Ever since that day, Emperor Jiazhao personally visited the firearms workshop and praised the successful development of the breech-loading rifle, demonstrating its great power.

Jia Cong also sensed the deep and sinister thoughts of the emperor from the conversation between Emperor Jia Zhao and Shi Ding.

He was worried that once the powerful force of the breech-loading rifle was exposed, it would once again attract the covetousness of those with ulterior motives.

Therefore, he began to investigate the old cases of privately manufactured firearms in Nanjing, collect confessions, and punish severely the crimes, in order to make an example of them, deter the scoundrels, and eliminate the idea of ​​coveting the guns.

In the period of time that followed, whether Jia Cong received letters from Jinling Xinchunhao or listened to Shi Ding talk about things in Jinling.

Everyone knows that Wang Zhangjiang, the new captain of the Jinling Jinyiwei, is a very powerful character.

Soon after he arrived in Nanjing, he began to investigate Zhen Shiwen's involvement in the private manufacture of firearms. He took cautious steps and was quite effective.

Jia Cong now thinks carefully that after the former Jinling Jinyiwei Captain Ge Zhicheng, this fierce Captain Wang must be the emperor's chess chess piece laid out long ago.

Emperor Jiazhao understood the power of firearms and their great role in cleansing and reorganizing the military power structure.

His desire to control the advantages of firearms has reached an extremely strong level, and he will never allow others to covet or cross the line.

Last year, the mastermind behind the illegal manufacture of firearms in Nanjing was never found, and it has always been a major concern for Emperor Jiazhao.

Although he had returned to the capital long ago, he had been busy with the spring imperial examinations and the construction of breech-loading rifles for more than half a year, and had even forgotten about the old case in Nanjing.

However, Emperor Jiazhao never relaxed his investigation into the case. Now Wang Zhangjiang has found evidence that Zhen Shiwen deliberately manufactured firearms privately.

Does it mean that uncovering the real mastermind of this case is no longer a mystery or a distant dream?

Using this major case to deal with the Zhen family of Nanjing was simply a matter of convenience for Emperor Jiazhao.

Because the Jinling Zhen family is extremely famous and influential in the six states and one prefecture in the south of the Yangtze River.

The Jinling Zhen family has a special status among the aristocratic families. Not only do they belong to the old camp of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, but behind the Zhen family stands the respected Old Concubine Zhen.

Behind the old Concubine Zhen stands the retired emperor. Although the old Concubine Zhen has just passed away, this implicit connection will not be eliminated in a short time.

If Emperor Jiazhao used firearms to commit a major crime, he would have brought the Zhen family of Nanjing to ruin.

As for the reduction of the power of the four kings and eight dukes and other old nobles in the court, the increase and decrease between the two generations of monarchs can put the emperor in a more advantageous position.

Jia Cong could think of all these, and the scheming Emperor Jia Zhao naturally had such plans in mind.

He figured out the relationship and thought of Zhen Fangqing who had left Beijing not long ago. According to her itinerary, she should have arrived in Jinling by now.

I couldn't help but feel deeply worried...

He recalled the day when they said goodbye to each other on the outskirts of the city. They were in the same car, talking to each other heartily, holding hands, whispering in each other's ears, and hearing each other's voices. It was the first time since they met that they were so intimate.

That aborted royal marriage eventually left an indelible mark between them.

Based on Jia Cong's understanding of Zhen Fangqing and his attention to her daily words and deeds, this girl with beautiful ambitions naturally realized the danger to her family long ago.

The Zhen family's fairly large fleet has always been controlled by the second branch of the Zhen family.

After the Jinling Jinyiwei sealed off the Zhen family's shop and broke into the Zhen family's mansion to search, the Zhen family's fleet mysteriously disappeared in the open sea.

Jia Cong was not naive enough to think that this was just a coincidence. He was almost certain that this was Zhen Fangqing's plan to avoid disaster in advance.

Because a fleet that is familiar with the offshore waters has amazing maneuverability and huge carrying capacity, it is enough for Zhen Fangqing to leave himself a way out.

Shenjing and Jinling are thousands of miles apart, and he is unable to reach them. He hopes that Zhen Fangqing's response method can help them overcome this crisis.

……

In the Fengtian Hall, Jinyiwei commander Xu Kun had just finished speaking when Emperor Jiazhao was still hesitating.

Jia Cong heard that some officials were walking out of the line in front of him.

Anyone standing in front of Jia Cong was a high-ranking official of the third rank or above, the chief or deputy chief of the yamen, and the backbone of the officials in the morning court.

Jia Cong heard the official's report: "I, Zhou Xianyang, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, second what Lord Xu said.

Last year, Weiyuan Earl Jia Cong cracked a major case involving the Jiangnan Guards. The court had issued a report saying that I had paid attention to the entire case and found that it was related to a case of privately manufactured firearms.

Firearms are powerful military weapons and the defense of the country. Privately manufactured firearms by civilians were tantamount to treason and a matter of great importance, but the case was not solved at the time.

Now the Royal Guards are arresting suspects in this case, proving that Zhen Shiwen is one of the masterminds behind the illegal manufacture of firearms.

Although Zhen Shiwen has lost his life, his crime of privately manufacturing firearms is heinous and cannot be forgiven lightly.

Whether there are any accomplices who have managed to escape, and whether there are any hidden dangers left behind, we must investigate thoroughly to avoid future troubles.

Zhen Shiwen is the eldest son of the eldest branch of the Zhen family in Jinling. He holds an important position in the Zhen family. His father, Zhen Yingjia, is the president of Jinling Tirenyuan and a third-rank official in the imperial court.

Zhen Shiwen conspired to privately manufacture muskets, and Zhen Yingjia knew nothing about it. He failed to manage his household properly and had a poor education, so he cannot escape the blame and cannot accept the high position and rank.

If Zhen Yingjia already knew about it and tried to cover it up, it would be a contempt of the law and tantamount to treason, which is very serious.

The Zhen family of Jinling is a wealthy family in the south of the Yangtze River. They have great prestige in the south of the Yangtze River and are known as the Zhen half city in Jinling. Their house is filled with gold and silver, and they are extremely wealthy.

If such a wealthy family develops rebellious intentions, it will cause serious harm and should not be underestimated.

I request Your Majesty to handle this case strictly to prevent any unexpected disaster from happening in Jiangnan."

Just now, Xu Kun, the commander of the Jinyiwei, reported in court that Zhen Shiwen was the mastermind behind the private manufacture of firearms in Nanjing, which has caused a commotion in the court.

Zhou Xianyang, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, added fuel to the fire by seconding the proposal. He accused Zhen Shiwen of participating in the private manufacture of muskets, and inferred that the aristocratic families had rebellious intentions.

The protests grew louder and louder in the court, causing an uproar among the officials in the morning court.

After listening to Zhou Xianyang's heart-piercing remarks, Jia Cong felt a chill all over his body. Zhou Xianyang's words were intended to put the Zhen family of Jinling to death!
Just now, Xu Kun, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, had just finished speaking, and even Emperor Jiazhao had not yet said a word.

In a split second, Zuodu Yushi Zhou Xianyang spoke these clear and logical words, his thoughts were so sharp, it was as if he had prepared a speech in advance...

If it is said that the civil officials in the court did not have any trust or good feelings towards the head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

But as Zhou Xianyang was the director of the Censorate and a serious and upright civil servant, his words carried much more weight than Xu Kun's.

The officials on duty began to discuss quietly, ready to make a move, but Jia Cong noticed that Emperor Jia Zhao on the dragon throne remained silent...

……

At this time, Jia Cong saw another official coming out from the line of officials in front, and it was Wei Guanyao, the Minister of the Dali Temple.

He said: "Your Majesty, the Jinling Zhen family is a wealthy family in Jiangnan, a family of officials, and an extraordinary family. The eldest son of the eldest son privately manufactured firearms. This is a shocking situation and should not be taken lightly.

I agree with what Lord Xu and Lord Zhou said. This case must be investigated strictly and those who are involved in the crime must not be let off lightly in order to enforce the law."

Originally, the proposal seconded by Zhou Xianyang, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, had already caused a commotion among the officials in the court, and everyone was ready to make some moves.

In addition, Emperor Jiazhao, sitting on the dragon throne on the jade steps, neither commented nor refuted what Zhou Xianyang said, and his attitude was intriguing.

All the officials who could attend the morning court sessions were successful in their careers, and none of them were stupid.

Even though he was a little unsure at first, when Wei Guanyao, the Minister of the Dali Temple, also spoke up and seconded the proposal, who could not see the direction of the court today?

The Jinyiwei investigated the evidence, the Censorate and the Dali Temple echoed it, and two of the three judicial departments had been occupied. The emperor said nothing and waited until the wind started. Only a fool could not understand what it meant...

It took only two breaths for Dali Temple Minister Wei Guanyao to finish his words.

Officials including the Censor of Jiangnan Province of the Censorate, the Langzhong of the Ministry of Personnel's Inspection Office, and the Minister of Justice Chen Maoshu all came forward to second the motion.

They all said that the children of the Zhen family in Jinling privately manufactured firearms, which was a crime tantamount to rebellion and must be investigated to the end.

Zhen Yingjia was a high-ranking official of the third rank. He failed to manage his household properly and educate his children well, so he could not escape blame. It seemed that he was also involved in the crime, and the three judicial departments must conduct a thorough investigation and make a clear distinction... Jia Cong, who was among the officials lined up, witnessed officials coming out to support the motion one after another, which was a spectacular sight.

It seemed that at that moment, all the officials in the hall became indignant, righteous, and hated evil.

He felt strange. He had never expected that he would be able to see so many powerful figures on the same stage during his first court session...

He felt heavy in his heart, the Zhen family was completely defeated.

Emperor Jiazhao, sitting on the dragon throne on the jade steps, saw the officials who had submitted a memorial to the emperor calling for severe punishment for the Zhen family. Everyone was talking about it in unison, with their eyes fixed, calm and determined.

He said: "My dear ministers, you are able to distinguish right from wrong and protect the discipline of the court. This is a fair and just act.

The evidence of the suspects verified by the Jinyiwei will be handed over to the three judicial departments for review today, with Dali Temple Minister Wei Guanyao taking charge of the trial. However, anyone involved in the case will be severely punished and will not be tolerated.

Zhen Yingjia, the president of Jinling Tirenyuan, is absurd in managing his family, has no way of educating his children, and has committed the crime of disobedience. He is unworthy of the heavy responsibility of holding an official position. He will be dismissed from his post and investigated immediately, and handed over to the relevant authorities for investigation and conviction!
The three judicial departments shall each send their officers to Nanjing to review the evidence of the criminals. Within 15 days, they shall thoroughly investigate and determine the crimes and await the imperial edict..."

……

As Emperor Jiazhao left his seat and dismissed the court, a group of officials who had attended the early court session lined up and walked out of the Fengtian Hall. Jia Cong felt a little solemn as he left the hall with the crowd.

Among the officials leaving the palace, the Minister of Justice Chen Maoshu and Wei Guanyao slowed down their pace and walked at the end of the crowd.

Chen Maoshu said: "Sir Wei, you and I both read the Jinyiwei's investigation file yesterday. Zhen Shiwen has been killed for half a year, and I am afraid that all the relevant clues have been lost.

It would be extremely difficult to uncover the whole story of this case."

Wei Guanyao said in a serious tone: "Zhen Shiwen died in the house of his mistress. Both the man and the woman were killed at the same time, and it happened the day after the Jinling private firearms workshop was raided.

The Royal Guards said that Zhen Shiwen was the mastermind behind the private manufacture of firearms, but you and I both know that he was at most an accomplice and was eventually silenced.

His Majesty is persistent in investigating this case. Finding the mastermind behind the scenes is only one of the reasons. What is really worrying for His Majesty is that the noble families are coveting the case.

Since Weiyuan Earl Jia Cong first proposed the art of firearms, he fought fiercely in Liaodong with the power of thousands of musketeers, and pacified the Jurchens in one fell swoop, thus ending the court's decades-long worry.

The emperor therefore recognized the power of firearms and the weapon to protect the country, and he added the Shenji Camp to the Five Military Camps. In just a few years, the number of soldiers had exceeded 10,000.

It was like a punishment from heaven, with terrifying power. Back then, Jia Cong only used a thousand musket soldiers to pacify the Jurchens. Now, Your Majesty has ten times as many, which is more than enough to subdue the world.

Recently, the firearms workshop outside the city has been on high alert. Rumors have spread throughout the government and the public that Earl Weiyuan seems to have created a new type of firearm, which is extremely powerful and far superior to any previous ones.

Under such circumstances, His Majesty will never tolerate others' coveting and interfering intentions.

Destroying the Zhen family and giving others a warning is the most important thing in His Majesty’s mind…”

……

Rongguo Mansion, Fengjie's Courtyard.

Behind the large painted screen wall, the sycamore tree by the east wall of the courtyard is lush and green, casting a large area of ​​cool shade.

The afternoon sun is setting in the west, and the blue-grey eaves cast shadows on the blue brick ground in the courtyard, revealing a sense of comfortable tranquility.

The potted flowers placed under the west window wall are mostly in full bloom, red, yellow, pink, bright and gorgeous, adding a touch of splendor to the courtyard.

Through the glazed window lattice under the west window, one can see Wang Xifeng leaning against the couch, and there are many other figures walking around in the room.

Ping'er came out from the side room, wearing a white thin silk jacket with a half-breasted collar, a cross-collared satin vest with a chrysanthemum pattern, and lilac silk trousers. She walked lightly and had a pretty figure.

Holding a black lacquer tea tray with a pink glaze teacup in it, she walked to the front of the main room and lifted the door curtain to go in.

Sitting in the middle of the room was a kind-looking woman, a famous doctor from Huichuntang in the city. She was well versed in ways to nurture and care for the fetus, and was also a famous midwife in the city.

Wang Xifeng had been pregnant for nearly nine months and was about to give birth. Half a month earlier, she had stopped caring about anything and entrusted everything to Wu'er and Ping'er.

Fortunately, in the previous six months, the two of them followed Wang Xifeng and received her daily instruction, so they were very familiar with all the tricks and tricks of being a housekeeper in a large mansion.

In addition, both of them are smart and talented, doing things efficiently and effectively, and they have established relationships with Jia Cong and are both his wives, it's just a matter of time.

Since they were in charge of their husband's household business, they were naturally more dedicated than usual. Even though Wang Xifeng was unable to manage the affairs, they still managed the West Mansion very well.

……

Although Grandmother Jia favors Baoyu only, as an elder in the family, she has always attached great importance to her descendants and bloodline.

Although Jia Lian was exiled, Wang Xifeng was about to give birth and might give birth to the eldest grandson of the Rongguo Mansion. Grandmother Jia was looking forward to it very much.

Early this morning, Lin Zhixiao's wife was asked to invite a famous doctor to take Wang Xifeng's pulse and check her pregnancy.

Grandmother Jia herself was an experienced person and knew that childbirth was a matter of life and death for women. This was Wang Xifeng's first child, so there were more risks. Naturally, she had to make sure everything was done properly and not be careless.

In the main room, Ping'er brought in a teacup and saw the woman taking Wang Xifeng's pulse, asking about her daily life, and feeling her belly. It was a long time before she stopped.

Ping Erh quickly brought the enamel teacup to the doctor and asked, "Auntie Chen, how is our second wife's pregnancy? Is everything fine?"

The old woman doctor smiled and said, "Don't worry, young lady. Second Madam's blood and energy are full, her qi and blood flow smoothly, and the fetal position is also correct. When the baby is born, it will be smooth and everything will be fine."

Wang Xifeng asked expectantly, "I heard that you have a special skill. You can tell whether the baby is a boy or a girl just by feeling the pulse and reading the face."

The old woman doctor smiled and said, "That's true. I've seen so many women and delivered so many babies that I've gained some insights over time.

Although I can’t be 100% sure, I can always be 70% to 80% sure before a woman gives birth.”

Ping Er asked curiously, "Aunt Chen, do you think our Second Madam is pregnant with a boy or a girl?"

Ping'er is Wang Xifeng's personal maid, so naturally she understands her thoughts best. Although the Second Mistress is now supported by the Third Master and is in charge of the family business in the West Mansion, she lives a stable life.

But Master Lian would be sent to the army for fifteen years, which would mean half his life away. The Second Mistress would be a widower for life, and she really wanted to give birth to a great-grandson from the West Mansion so that she would have an extra support in the future.

After hearing this, the old doctor smiled and said, "The grandmother's pulse is steady, the fetal movement is strong, and the abdomen is acidic. In my opinion, this baby must be a boy.

So, Second Madam, just relax and take good care of your pregnancy. You will give birth to a boy soon."

The old doctor had been doing this all her life and was used to all kinds of situations. Naturally, she had a lot of good things to say and they sounded very smooth and sincere.

Ping'er smiled brightly upon hearing this, and Wang Xifeng was even more delighted, saying, "Ping'er, go and get ten taels of silver and give it to Aunt Chen as a gift to ask for her good wishes."

The old doctor was delighted, thinking that the Jia family of Rongguo, a wealthy family, were really generous. She took the money from Ping'er, said a few nice words, and left happily.

……

Wang Xifeng was in a good mood and was chatting with Ping'er when Lin Zhixiao's wife lifted the door curtain and came in with a letter in her hand.

He said, "Second Madam, the express post just came over with a letter from my wife in Nanjing."

Wang Xifeng was a little surprised and said, "How come a letter suddenly arrived during this non-holiday season?"

So he took the letter, opened it and took a closer look.

Although the Wang family of Jinling was a prominent family in the south of the Yangtze River, they were not a family of scholars. Therefore, Wang Xifeng could not read a single word before she got married.

But after arriving at the Jia family, she worked as a housekeeper for Lady Wang and had to deal with documents and contracts on a daily basis. She was a smart person, so she memorized a lot of words after some effort.

Reading daily letters was not difficult, but he still could not write. Whenever he encountered writing matters, he used to ask the servant Cai Ming to write for him, and sometimes his sisters at home would help him.

Therefore, she was able to read the letter from her mother's home in Jinling smoothly.

Ping Er saw that Wang Xifeng looked a little strange after reading the letter, and she couldn't help but be curious and asked, "Second Madam, what important thing did Madam say in the letter?"

Wang Xifeng said, "I never heard that the Madam had any contact with the Zhen family before. Why is she writing from so far away now to help the eldest Madam of the Zhen family to intercede and do things for her?"

When Ping'er heard that it was related to the Zhen family, her heart was moved and she naturally thought of one person, the third Miss Zhen who had been married to the Third Master.

Wang Xifeng said, "Madam said that the eldest wife of the Zhen family came to ask for help from me and asked me to help their family.

It seems that something big is going to happen to the Zhen family, and they are sending gold, silver and treasures all the way here..." (End of this chapter)