I'm in the Red Mansion

On the second day after the wedding, Yingchun returned home.

In fact, according to custom, the bride does not return home until three days after the wedding.

But now it was the end of the year, so Yingchun only returned home the next day.

After Liu Xianglian and Yingchun arrived at the Rongguo Mansion, they were warmly received.

The brothers Jia Lian and Jia Baoyu came to accompany them in person.

Jia Lian is Yingchun's brother, a real brother-in-law.

Jia Baoyu and Liu Xianglian were familiar with each other and were good friends, so it was common for them to accompany each other.

Yingchun came to kowtow to Lady Jia, and Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang hurriedly asked her about her husband.

Yingchun smiled and said it was very good.

Although Yingchun is dull and timid, the smile on her face is real.

Moreover, there were no parents-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, etc. in her husband's family.

As long as her husband treats her well, no one in the family will make her angry anymore.

Next, Yingchun went to kowtow to Mrs. Xing again.

Mrs. Xing asked a few perfunctory questions and then let the matter go.

Next, Yingchun went to the Grand View Garden again, and naturally her sisters asked her a lot of questions.

Hearing that her husband treated her very well, she felt relieved.

It was not until the evening that the couple returned to the Liu Mansion.

As for Liu Xianglian, he originally wanted to find a stunningly beautiful woman to be his wife.

But after he became an official and was granted a title, his thoughts changed.

I just want to marry a good wife and live a peaceful and stable life.

Now after marrying the second daughter of the Jia family, Liu Xianglian was pleasantly surprised.

Although the woman he married could not be called stunningly beautiful, she was also a rare beauty.

It would be fine if it was just that, and she has a very good personality and doesn't have any temper at all.

How could he not love such a gentle and virtuous wife?

Although her temper was a little too good, I'm afraid even the maids and servants below her could not subdue her.

But it doesn’t matter, the maid she brought with her, named Si Qi, is an extremely powerful one.

Even when she is not around, this maid can help her manage the household.

Besides, don’t I still exist?

How could I let my wife suffer any harm when I am here?
In the following days, Liu Xianglian saw more and more of the good in his wife, and he loved her more and more, and became more and more grateful to Jia Cong.

A few days later, the New Year is coming to an end.

In Ningguo Mansion, there is no need to remember trivial matters such as ancestor worship.

After the New Year, it was time to entertain relatives and friends, and Jia Cong could not refuse.

It was almost the tenth day when we finally got busy.

On this day, Xue Ke came to ask for a meeting, and Jia Cong hurriedly asked someone to invite them in.

After the greetings, Xue Ke couldn't help but say, "My Lord, two missionaries have been invited from the south. Would you like to meet them?"

Hearing this news, Jia Cong was overjoyed and said hurriedly, "Okay, okay, invite them here quickly."

Xue Ke smiled and said, "They are outside the mansion now. I will have someone bring them in to meet them."

Soon, two missionaries with white hair and blue eyes, wearing the clothes of Daxia scholars, were led into the study.

When they saw Jia Cong, the two men hurriedly greeted him and said, "Missionary Johann Adam Schall von Bell greets the Marquis."

"Missionary Nan Huairen greets the Marquis."

These two people are actually Johann Adam Schall von Bell and Ferdinand Verbiest?
Jia Cong couldn't help but be overjoyed.

The master and his disciple were both very knowledgeable. They were not only good at astronomy and calendar calculations, but also knew how to make firearms and cannons.

And he is also quite proficient in medical skills.

With these master and apprentice, not only can technology be introduced, but even the manufacture of firearms can achieve rapid development.

Thinking of this, Jia Cong hurriedly said, "I have heard of your great name for a long time. Please take a seat, both of you."

Hearing this, Tang Ruowang could not help but ask in amazement: "My Lord, have you heard of our names?"

These master and disciple can be described as the most devout missionaries.

In order to preach, he traveled thousands of miles across the ocean to Daxia.

However, after arriving in Daxia, he encountered repeated setbacks.

In order to realize their wishes, they quickly adapted to the local customs, learned the Daxia language, and started wearing Daxia clothes.

However, they are not Da Xia people after all, and they find it difficult to understand some of Da Xia’s humble words.

Next to him, Xue Ke couldn't help rolling his eyes when he heard what the two said.

The Marquis only said a few polite words, but these two idiots actually took them seriously. I'm afraid they will have a hard time being treated well by the Marquis from now on.

Unexpectedly, Jia Cong said, "Of course I have heard of your names. You two are both knowledgeable and I have admired you for a long time. It is a great honor to meet you today."

Next, Jia Cong asked the two some questions about the development of Western science and technology.

Naturally, Master and disciple Johann Adam Schall von Bell did not hide anything and told Jia Cong everything.

In their hearts, they didn't think Jia Cong could really understand all this.

In their view, although the East is rich, it is very backward in scientific and technological development.

Oriental people are smart, but they are also stubborn and self-satisfied.

They only like to read the Four Books and Five Classics and learn eight-legged essays. I'm afraid they have no interest in their science and technology at all.

Unexpectedly, the lord in front of them was completely different from other Daxia people they had met before.

This marquis was actually very knowledgeable about their Western technology.

Not only that, we can even see the prospects of these technologies.

When it comes to his views on some issues, even Master Johann Adam Schall von Bell and his disciples could not help but marvel at them.

Therefore, after some communication, Tang Ruowang could not help but say: "The Marquis is very knowledgeable, which makes us, the master and the disciple, look at him with new eyes."

"If the Marquis was born in a Western country, I'm afraid he wouldn't become a top scientist. This is really a pity."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Science has no borders, so how can it be divided into different things?"

After hearing this, Johann Adam Schall von Bell looked ashamed and admired Jia Cong even more.

Then, Tang Ruowang said, "My Lord, we are following God's will and are ready to spread God's glory in Daxia and attract believers. Please allow us to do so."

After saying this, the master and the disciple all looked at Jia Cong with expectation.

Jia Cong couldn't help but say: "You speak Chinese so fluently, so you must know the national conditions of Daxia. This matter is not recognized in Daxia."

Upon hearing this, Master and disciple Johann Adam Schall von Bell felt disappointed and frustrated.

But Jia Cong said to himself: "However, you have come from afar and crossed the ocean to come to our Great Xia. Your spirit is commendable."

"I can try to persuade His Majesty to give you a city and let you absorb the believers."

"But, I also need your help with something."

Upon hearing this, Master and disciple Johann Adam Schall von Bell were overjoyed.

Their long-cherished wish now finally has the possibility of coming true.

Even if they will only be given a city.

However, a single spark can start a prairie fire.

They firmly believed that it would not be long before they would be able to spread the light of the Lord throughout the land of Bahrain.

Thinking of this, Tang Ruowang hurriedly said, "My Lord, if you have anything to ask, just tell me. As long as we can do it, we will definitely not refuse."

Jia Cong nodded and said, "It's not a difficult task. I hope you can open a school while preaching."

"I will teach the children your Western sciences, and I also hope that you can help Daxia to forge firearms and other things."

Hearing this, Tang Ruowang said quickly: "These things are very easy, we all agree to them."

"My Lord, let's make this a deal. I hope you won't regret it."

Repent?

Jia Cong was still afraid that they would go back on their word!

In fact, in this era, no matter how hard the lives of the people of Daxia were.

I still firmly believe that Daxia is the center of the world, Daxia is the superior country, and outside Daxia, all are barbarians.

This kind of national pride that comes from the heart is better than that of later generations.

Jia Cong was afraid that if they failed to attract believers, the two would become discouraged.

Jia Cong was already considering whether to send some people to help them act as believers.

The two sides have reached an agreement and are all happy.

Next, Jia Cong held a banquet to entertain the master and his disciple.

Moreover, Jia Cong also found out that they were still living in the Xue Mansion.

He simply found a courtyard in Ningguo Mansion and settled them down.

He also sent several maids and servants to serve them.

After dinner the next day, Jia Cong changed into court clothes and drove straight to the palace.

Not long after, Emperor Yonglong met Jia Cong in the imperial study.

"I, Jia Cong, wish Your Majesty good health and happiness."

Emperor Yonglong said, "General Jia, please excuse yourself. Come sit down and talk."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Soon, a eunuch brought a stool and Jia Cong sat down.

Emperor Yonglong could not help but ask, "It is not the New Year yet, what important matter does General Jia have?"

Jia Cong said: "Your Majesty, it is like this. I heard that the Western countries of Eagle, Lion, Leopard and Elephant are currently vigorously manufacturing firearms and artillery."

"Now, their muskets have a range of up to a hundred steps, and they can fire directly by pulling the trigger without lighting the fuse."

"Their artillery can reach a distance of one or two miles."

"After hearing this, I feel very uneasy. If they change their weapons on a large scale, our bows and arrows, swords and guns will be powerless against them."

"So I found two missionaries from the West and asked them about it. I found out that it was indeed the case."

"I thought, why not invite them to promote muskets, cannons and other weapons in Daxia?"

"If muskets and cannons really have this power, after our Great Xia army is equipped with them, we will no longer be afraid of the cavalry and archery of the Eight Banners Army of the Qing Dynasty, and we will be able to easily recover the remaining Fifteen Continents of Yanyun."

"After negotiating with the two missionaries, they asked Daxia to agree to let them preach in Daxia before they would help us."

"I thought that we could allow them to preach in Jizhou City. That way, they wouldn't be able to cause any trouble under my nose."

"This matter still requires your Majesty's approval. I came to see you today for this matter."

If it were a more conservative and foolish emperor, he would definitely not agree.

However, Emperor Yonglong was considered a very wise emperor.

Jia Cong felt that he would most likely agree.

It turned out to be just as Jia Cong had expected.

After thinking for a while, Emperor Yonglong nodded and said, "Okay, I agree to this matter."

"It is not easy for General Jia to guard Jizhou City. I wonder if General Jia needs anything else? You may as well tell me."

In the eyes of Emperor Yonglong, it was already a great achievement for Jia Cong to defend Jizhou City. After taking back Jizhou, Daxia could then slowly take over the remaining fourteen states.

But this will still take a long time.

After hearing this, Jia Cong said, "Your Majesty, there are countless heroes in Daxia who are eager to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun so that our country can be unified."

"Therefore, they all rushed to Jizhou City. I beg Your Majesty to allow Jizhou to recruit soldiers and expand its military strength."

"Once I have trained my troops, I will prepare to retake the other fifteen states within five years."

Emperor Yonglong couldn't help laughing when he heard this and said, "Okay, I agree!"

Jia Cong said happily: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your help!"

Emperor Yonglong sighed, "If you can recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, you will be a meritorious official of Daxia. I and the people of Daxia should be grateful to you!"

Jia Cong said modestly, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid there are accomplices from within the court and the army."

"We need to keep a close eye on the grenade blueprints. Otherwise, they will soon fall into the hands of the Qing Dynasty."

In the original historical trajectory, this is what the Qing Dynasty did in its early years.

There were always traitors who secretly sold them Ming Dynasty's muskets, cannons and other items.

In the end, the Manchus had more and more firearms in their hands, even more than the Ming army.

This is one of the reasons why the Qing army was able to enter the pass.

This time, he handed over the grenade manufacturing drawings to the court. Jia Cong was also afraid that it would soon fall into the hands of the Qing Dynasty.

Fortunately, although he handed over the manufacturing drawings of the grenade this time, he did not hand over the method of improving the explosives.

Even if the Qing Dynasty got the blueprints, the power of the grenades they made would be greatly reduced.

Emperor Yonglong listened, nodded and said: "Your words have reminded me. I will have people keep a close eye on you."

The emperor and his minister talked for a while, and then Jia Cong said goodbye and left.

After Jia Cong left, Emperor Yonglong could not help but say, "Come here, send more people to Jizhou City to keep an eye on all matters concerning Marquis Guanjun."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

……

Back in Rongguo Mansion, Mrs. Wang called Jia Zheng into the room.

Jia Zheng could not help asking, "I wonder why the lady has called me here?"

Mrs. Wang glanced at Jia Zheng quietly and thought to herself, I haven't seen you come to my room at night for the past six months.

If you are willing to come, then do I need to call you here individually?
After calming down for a while, Madam Wang couldn't help but say, "Master, now Brother Cong in the East Palace has married a wife and a concubine, and has also taken in several concubines."

"The second girl in the first house has already married. Baoyu is not young anymore. It's time to find a marriage for him."

Jia Baoyu is indeed not young anymore, he is already eighteen years old this year.

If they were placed in a small family, children of this age would be able to help with the cooking.

Even in a noble family, it is time to arrange a marriage.

After hearing this, Jia Zheng suddenly realized that Baoyu had grown up without him noticing and had reached the age for marriage.

But he has never been able to tolerate mundane affairs.

After hearing what Mrs. Wang said, Jia Zheng couldn't help but ask, "I wonder if the Madam has chosen someone?"

Originally, there was naturally a candidate for Mrs. Wang, and that was Xue Baochai.

The Xue family had a fortune, so naturally Mrs. Wang coveted it.

And since Aunt Xue also had this idea, this marriage was almost a done deal.

Unexpectedly, many things happened later, first because of Lin Ruhai's promotion.

Lin girl became noble, so the Jia family looked down on Bao girl again.

As a result, he missed Lin girl, and later on, he even missed Bao girl.

This journey delayed Baoyu.

Mrs. Wang couldn't help but say, "In the past year or two, I have also looked for several people for Baoyu, but unexpectedly, they are neither high-quality nor low-quality, and I have never found a suitable one."

"It is necessary for the master to worry about it, otherwise, I am afraid that Baoyu will be delayed."

After hearing this, Jia Zheng said, "Don't worry, Madam. I will take care of it."

Suddenly, Jia Zheng thought of a candidate.

I couldn't help but ask, "By the way, Madam, what do you think of Yun'er?"

"The Shi family and my Jia family are both one of the four great families, and we are all relatives by marriage."

"Besides, this girl grew up with Baoyu, so they are very familiar with each other."

The person Jia Zheng was talking about was naturally Shi Xiangyun.

But Mrs. Wang actually didn't like Shi Xiangyun very much.

That girl is too eccentric. She often wears men's clothes and speaks and acts crazy. How can she be the mistress of the house?
However, the historians are one of the four major families.

In terms of status and position, he is a perfect match for them.

But now, it is not easy for Baoyu to find someone with a better family background.

Just when Mrs. Wang was about to agree, Jin Chuan ran in with joy and said, "Congratulations, madam! Congratulations, madam! This is a great joyous event."

In Dream of the Red Chamber, Jin Chuan was slapped and driven out by Mrs. Wang because she instigated Jia Baoyu.

Suffering such humiliation, Jin Chuan committed suicide by jumping into a well.

But in this world, this kind of thing did not happen, and Jin Chuan is still alive and well.

Jin Chuan rushed into the room and saw that the master was there too.

He knelt down hurriedly to greet Jia Zheng.

Madam Wang frowned and said, "How dare you! You have been with me for so many years, but now you have lost your sense of propriety."

"Tell me now, what is this great joy you are talking about? If you can't explain it, you'll be fine!"

Jin Chuan said hurriedly, "Madam, this is such a great joy. News just came from the palace that the queen is pregnant with a dragon seed!"

"What? Say it again!"

Mrs. Wang was obviously shocked by the news, and her voice was trembling when she asked.

Jin Chuan said again: "Madam, news just came from the palace that the queen is pregnant with a dragon seed!"

Mrs. Wang listened carefully this time and couldn't help but shouting with joy: "Reward! Reward quickly!"

This time, Mrs. Wang completely forgot about Jin Chuan's disobedience just now.

And Jin Chuan also said happily: "Thank you Madam for the reward, congratulations to the master and the lady, congratulations to the master and the lady!"

Not long after Jin Chuan went down, rewards came from the palace.

Mrs. Wang became even happier.

Now that the Empress is pregnant, her status in the palace is very different.

Even if she gave birth to a princess and had an heir, she would have a place to stay in the palace.

If she gave birth to a prince, she might have a chance to compete for that position in the future.

Once they really ascend to that position, the second branch of the Rongguo Mansion would become a legitimate royal family.

By then, Baoyu would become the emperor's uncle.

Thinking of this, Mrs. Wang could not help but say to Jia Zheng, "Master, Yun girl is indeed good, but now the queen is pregnant with a dragon seed."

"I'm afraid the mansion will be busy again in the next few days. There's no need to rush this matter. It won't be too late to bring it up after these few days."

Jia Zheng nodded and said, "That's all right."

At this moment, Mrs. Wang looked down on Shi Xiangyun again.

In the future, Baoyu has the hope of becoming the emperor's uncle, so how could he marry such a lively girl?

In the following days, Rongguo Mansion became busy again.

Friends and relatives of the Jia family came to congratulate them one after another.

For a moment, Rongguo Mansion became lively again.

In Ningguo Mansion, Jia Cong also learned the news and couldn't help but shake his head slightly.

In the book "Dream of Red Mansions", Yuanchun died shortly after she became pregnant.

The palace struggles, the flashing of swords and the shadow of sabers, hid so many thrills.

Most other concubines had the support of their natal families.

Yuanchun actually does not exist.

Not to mention the Rongguo Mansion, which is already very tight on finances and can hardly provide much financial support.

Besides, how many eunuchs are there in Rongguo Mansion to help them?

Apart from a few eunuchs who were originally on good terms with the Jia family, there was no one else.

Yuanchun didn't have that much money to bribe people, and it was hard to say whether it was a good thing or a bad thing that she was pregnant this time.

I don't know if as a general, I can bring her any hope of improvement.

If not, she might be in real danger.

It's ridiculous that the Rongguo Mansion is in a festive mood, and Mrs. Wang is even more proud, her tail is almost up to the sky.

In the past few days, Jia Cong has communicated a lot with Johann Adam Schall von Bell and Ferdinand Verbiest.

Jia Cong also asked Johann Adam Schall von Bell whether they had channels to purchase steam engines and Western muskets and artillery.

Tang Ruowang’s answer was yes, but it was quite expensive.

Jia Cong didn't really care about the price.

Now that he is not short of money, he will naturally make his own firearms in Jizhou.

But manufacturing also requires a process.

It will probably take several years to build something from scratch.

If you buy them with money, you can buy a large batch in a very short time and start training quickly.

And Johann Adam Schall von Bell and Ferdinand Verbiest did not just come to Daxia as master and disciple.

They are actually a team, and the two of them are accompanied by dozens of people.

However, their subordinates did not follow them to the capital.

And then, Jia Cong took out the silver.

Tang Ruowang wrote a letter and asked Xue Ke to escort the silver to the south.

Next, they can be asked to buy steam engines, muskets, cannons and other items.

The rest of the people can head to Jizhou City first.

And they are closer to Jizhou City.

In a few days, they will set off.

I believe they can reach Jizhou first.

Before we knew it, it was the Lantern Festival.

Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai, Xue Baoqin and other girls also knew that after the Lantern Festival, they were afraid that Jia Cong would leave for Jizhou.

Therefore, all the women cherish this day especially.

Lin Daiyu couldn't help but said, "My dear husband, this time, I will go with you to Jizhou City, so that I can stay by your side and take care of you."

Jia Cong gently hugged Lin Daiyu and said, "My lady, you are weak, and the climate in Jizhou City is not suitable."

"Besides, you still have to compile the Daxia Monthly Report, so it's not convenient for you to go."

"I can take care of myself, just rest assured." (End of this chapter)