Red Mansion, Ningfu Scholarly Family

Chapter 193: Where is Jia Ge Lao's son?

……

"It's a disaster. The Second Master was so angry at Baoyu that he vomited blood. The imperial physician seemed to say that he was of little use."

"What? That's impossible! Isn't Baoyu very obedient and filial? How could he be so angry that the Second Master vomited blood?"

"I heard that he and Qin Zhong were making love, and the Second Master happened to see them. The Second Master was so angry that he..."

"Oh, isn't that a toy for the servants who can't find wives? It turns out that Master Bao also likes it, hehe..."

"Ahem, are you guys going to die? Our ancestors said that anyone who dares to talk nonsense and gossip will be kicked out."

"Oh, let's keep our voices down..."

……

Rongguo Mansion, Jia Zheng’s small courtyard.

Lady Jia, Jia She, Jia Lian and others were waiting anxiously.

half an hour.

The old doctor took back his pulse-taking hand, stroked his beard and said, "I'll prescribe a prescription. Take it for two days. If it works, 90% of the money will be awarded."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia breathed a sigh of relief.

With what the old doctor said, it’s basically 100% certain.

"Thank you, old doctor."

"You're welcome, old lady."

The old doctor bowed and left.

Jia She said, "Lian'er, go and arrange for someone to prepare the medicine according to the prescription." As he spoke, he sat down and drank a cup of tea, smiling, "Don't be angry, old lady. It's not a big deal. It's just the kids playing around. Second brother is really something. Is this worth getting angry about?"

Although Grandmother Jia felt a little uncomfortable after hearing what Jia She said, she also agreed with it to about 80%.

She has lived for sixty or seventy years. What kind of dirty things has she not seen? It is normal for a young man from a big family to like this.

She planned to give her younger son some good advice after he woke up.

"Boss, you go back first." Grandmother Jia waved her hand and said, "Remember to manage the people below and stop them from talking nonsense."

We can’t ruin Baoyu’s reputation.

"Haha, mother, don't worry. I will punish anyone who dares to talk nonsense and spoil Da Baoyu's reputation."

Having said that, he walked away smiling.

Grandmother Jia rubbed her head.

The eldest son is not at ease.

Her youngest son gave her a lot of worry.

She has had a hard time for this family.

Not long after, Jia Zheng regained consciousness. Seeing his mother beside him, he said weakly, "Mother, why are you here? I am an unfilial son who failed to take good care of Baoyu. That beast actually did such a shameful thing that brought disgrace upon our family. I, Jia Cunzhou, feel ashamed of my ancestors..."

"It's nothing!" Grandmother Jia interrupted Jia Zheng and advised her youngest son nonchalantly, "Baoyu is still young. He was just playing with his classmates. What's the big deal? Don't worry. When Baoyu grows up and becomes sensible, he will naturally stop being like this."

Jia Zheng: "But..."

Grandmother Jia: "No buts."

"Don't worry about this matter. I have my own way to control Baoyu and won't let him do anything wrong again. Just focus on recuperating and remember not to get angry anymore. You scared me half to death this time."

Jia Zheng felt guilty when he heard this and said, "I am an unfilial son. I am so old and still make my mother worry. I really deserve to die."

Grandmother Jia was displeased and scolded: "What are you talking about to make me angry?"

Jia Zheng said hurriedly, "My son will not dare to do that. From now on, I will concentrate on recuperating. Baoyu will be handed over to you, mother."

Grandmother Jia smiled: "That's it."

The mother and son talked for a while longer, and it was not until lighted time that Grandmother Jia returned to her own courtyard.

Baoyu knew he had made a serious mistake and did not dare to see Jia Zheng. He knelt in front of Grandmother Jia's bed, crying and wiping his tears.

"Woo woo, ancestor."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Good boy, do you know you are wrong? Will you dare to do it again in the future?"

Jia Baoyu cried, "I know I was wrong, and I won't do it again."

"That's it." Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Go and admit your fault to your father later."

"I'll go now." Jia Baoyu stood up suddenly.

"Okay, okay." Grandmother Jia smiled with relief.

How can a child not make mistakes?

As long as you change, you are still a good child.

However, Qin Zhong is not a good kid at first glance.

He actually seduced her Dabaoyu.

"Tell the gatekeeper in front that no one with the surname Qin is allowed to enter our house from now on."

"Yes, old lady."

After hearing the instructions, Aunt Lai went outside and told her husband, "The old lady said that people with the surname Qin are not allowed to enter our house from now on. Tell the gatekeeper outside."

Lai Dadao: "How could I not know this? It's just that the boy surnamed Qin was called over by the master, and was rewarded with a lot of things. The master specifically instructed that in the future, when Mr. Qin comes, he must not neglect him."

Aunt Lai: "..."

"Whose advice should I follow?"

Lai laughed and said, "Do you even need to ask? Of course, you have to listen to the master. It's fine if you just fool the old lady in there. She won't come out anyway."

"Alas, this is the only way."

"By the way, Master, how is Rong'er's matter going? We have spent the money, when will the shortage be real?"

"Why are you in such a hurry? Since they have received the money, they will naturally do the job. Otherwise, wouldn't it be a disrespect to our Jia family?"

Lai straightened his waist and his face was full of smiles.

Although the West Mansion is not that great, it is still the Jia Mansion.

When people outside heard that he was the chief steward of the Jia family, even the county magistrate had to bow to him.

……

After the winter solstice, it is the twelfth lunar month in a blink of an eye.

The monthly grand court meeting was held as scheduled.

What was different from the past was that the retired emperor did not attend this grand court meeting. Instead, it was presided over by the new emperor, Emperor Anping.

Emperor Anping, who had been on the throne for four years, sat on the dragon throne in the Huangji Hall for the first time. Looking at the ministers kneeling below and shouting "Long live the emperor", his heart was filled with excitement.

This day has finally come!

Rule the world.

Although he was excited, Emperor Anping looked very calm and somewhat humble.

He knew that although the retired emperor had not come, his every move could not be hidden from the retired emperor. Even what he said this morning and how many glasses of water he drank would be reported to the harem truthfully.

"My dear ministers, please stand up. I am new to the government and I still have a lot to learn from you, especially Lord Ye, Lord Wen, Lord Wu, and Lord Jia."

The four of them bowed hurriedly.

"I dare not wait."

"We will do our utmost to assist His Majesty."

Emperor Anping nodded and said, "My father created a prosperous era. I dare not compare myself to him. I only hope that the country will be stable, the people will be healthy, and the prosperous era created by my father will continue."

Below, the ministers shouted.

"Your Highness, we are your subjects and we will serve you wholeheartedly until your death."

The first grand court meeting presided over by Emperor Anping was held in a joyful atmosphere.

After a while, the court was dismissed.

Emperor Anping returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Daming Palace.

Two of Emperor Anping's confidants also followed.

They are Li Minzhi, the Minister of Rites.

Cabinet Minister Wu Nan.

It is said that Cabinet Minister Wu Nan has been very low-key in the past two years, just waiting for this day.

He was the first cabinet minister to defect to the new emperor and should be given special attention.

His first goal was to take one more step forward and take the position of Second Minister in the Cabinet.

"Your Majesty, there is something urgent that needs to be done."

Emperor Anping: "What's the matter?"

Wu Nan said: "The original estimate for the construction of the imperial mausoleum was five million taels, but it actually cost a full eight million taels, which left the treasury empty and people's lives difficult. I suspect that someone in the Ministry of Works has been corrupt and perverted the law. Please, Your Majesty, order a thorough investigation!"

Emperor Anping frowned slightly.

He knew about this matter and knew that there must be something fishy going on.

嗏

Now is not the time!
The Minister of Works is the current Deputy Prime Minister Wen Ting, who was promoted by his father.

He just came to power and he started investigating his father's people. What would his father think?
"Lord Wu, this matter... let's wait and see. We need to carefully investigate it in secret first. Once we have solid evidence, I will investigate it thoroughly!"

Wu Nan understood the meaning of Emperor Anping's words and felt a little disappointed.

and many more……

Jia Jing is now in a very strong position. If he continues to wait, he may never be able to become the second or even the first assistant minister.

"The Emperor's Holy Might."

Li Minzhi stood up at this time and said with a smile: "It is not appropriate to start a war at this time. When the world is stable, the corrupt officials will naturally not be able to escape."

The world is stable!

When is the world stable?
Of course, that’s the time when his words can be final!
"What do you think, Lord Wu?" Emperor Anping said with a smile.

Wu Nan knew that he was a little impatient, so he cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I was not thoughtful enough." Emperor Anping waved his hand and said, "Your Excellency is also thinking about the court and the country. What crime have you committed?"

"I have called you two here today mainly to discuss the matter of adding new members to the cabinet next year." Emperor Anping said solemnly.

Wu Nan thought for a moment and said, "I fully support Lord Li's joining the cabinet."

Emperor Anping nodded and said, "With the support of Lord Wu and my secret help, are you sure, Li Aiqing?

Li Minzhi shook his head indifferently.

"No."

"What's wrong?" asked Emperor Anping.

Li Minzhi said solemnly: "Now is not the time for me to join the cabinet. I would like to ask Your Majesty and Lord Wu to support the Minister of Personnel Liu Yizhi or the Minister of Revenue Liu Yan to join the cabinet."

Wu Nan frowned and said, "Why? You failed to enter the cabinet last year, so your chances this time are not much less than Liu Yizhi's. Moreover, you have the support of the emperor and me. The only supporter behind Liu Yizhi is Elder Wen."

No wonder Wu Nan is so concerned about this, because Li Minzhi's entry into the cabinet can greatly enhance the emperor's power.

The most important thing is that if Li Minzhi enters the cabinet, it will be equivalent to his promotion, and his voice in the cabinet will undoubtedly increase greatly in the future.

The emperor looked at Li Minzhi in confusion. How could he miss such a good opportunity? The next selection of cabinet ministers might be a matter of several years.

Facing the doubts of the two, Li Minzhi shook his head and explained: "The last time I entered the cabinet was to help the emperor, and this time I am not as good as the cabinet is also to help the emperor."

After that, he said another sentence.

"The emperor is in good health."

They were both shocked.

Especially Emperor Anping.

I thought I was very careful, but I was still blinded by the interests.

What does it mean that he is in a hurry to promote his own people into the cabinet as soon as he comes to power?

Wu Nan even broke out in a cold sweat.

learn a lesson!

He is really too impatient!

At one point, the two of them went down.

Emperor Anping looked out the window and was silent for a long time.

Li Minzhi is indeed a talented person and will surely be his right-hand man in governing the world in the future.

Wu Nan, a minister who rose to the position simply by virtue of his seniority, lacks both vision and ability.

Once my position is secure, I will let him go home and live out his days in peace.

I want to create a truly prosperous era!

It is impossible to keep mediocre people around.

Jia Jing...

I have to say that Jia Jing is a capable person.

Honeycomb coal brought an additional two million yuan to the imperial treasury each year, not to mention the salt tax, which doubled compared to previous years.

He really hated Jia Jing in the past.

Even marrying a girl from their family was blocked.

But later on.

As long as you can get the money, I will let bygones be bygones.

"I heard that Lord Jia's son is quite talented?" Emperor Anping suddenly asked while drinking tea.

Xia Shouzhong hurriedly said, "He is the grandson of Lord Jia. There are rumors that Lord Jia's grandson, Jia Shunzhi, is the most talented person in Kyoto."

"Oh."

Emperor Anping nodded and said, "What about Lord Jia's son? Lord Jia won the second-class Jinshi degree, and his grandson is the most talented scholar in Kyoto. I think his son won't be much worse, right?"

Xia Shouzhong laughed and said, "Your Majesty is wrong about this. It is no exaggeration to say that Jia Ge Lao's son is a 'tiger father and dog son'. Not only can he not read a few words, but he is beaten by Jia Ge Lao all day and lies on the sickbed. Recently, I heard that he went to the outskirts of the city to become a Taoist priest."

"Haha."

Emperor Anping smiled happily.

"So that's what Lord Jia's son is like."

"By the way, I heard that the second brother is going to hold a poetry gathering. Tell him not to forget to invite Jia Jiazi."

"According to the order."

……

Time flies, and it’s Laba Festival in a blink of an eye.

As the ancient saying goes: After Laba Festival, it is the New Year.

After this day, everyone starts preparing for the New Year, buying New Year's goods, preparing banquets, and wealthy families will even hire a troupe of actors, as watching plays is a must during the New Year.

The Imperial College was also coming to the end of its holiday.

Many students from other places want to go home for reunion with their families, but there are also those who ignore their family and study hard, planning to return home in glory after passing the imperial examination. Some have not been home for five or six years.

The gate of the Imperial College.

Jia Rong: "You two, what are your plans for this year?"

Xie Jiwen: "What plans do I have? I just want to go home for the New Year."

Xu Lian: "Haha, Brother Xie, are you going to Jiangnan this year?"

Xie Jiwen: "If not, what are you going to do in Jiangnan?"

Jia Rong: "Miss Su?"

Xie Jiwen: "What Miss Su? I only know Mei Niang."

Xu Lian: "Oh my, Xiao Xie has become devoted."

Jia Rong: "I heard that Miss Yun from Yunlou has been very sad recently, why don't you go and comfort her?"

Xie Jiwen pointed at the two of them and said, "You two are singing the same tune. Are you jealous of me? Hehe, it's useless!"

"A confidante is hard to come by in a lifetime, but I already have one!"

"I won't tell you anymore. I'm leaving now."

Xie Jiwen was so anxious that he wanted to run away.

Jia Rong: "Wait a minute."

Xie Jiwen: "Anything else?"

Jia Rong: "It's the end of the year. This is the last Qing Society literary gathering of the year. It's at Zuiyun Tower. If you don't have time to come, don't force me. You can organize the people."

Xie Jiwen: "Okay, when?"

Jia Rong: "Let's do it on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month. Are you both free?"

Xu Lian said: "I should be free."

Xie Jiwen smiled and said, "I definitely have it, but I only have it for half a day."

Jia Rong: "Will you meet your confidante for the other half of the day?"

"Of course."

Xie Jiwen had no intention of hiding it from the two of them.

"Don't forget to call for the Night Dream Book."

Jia Rong reminded.

"Xiaoye has been studying very hard recently."

"Yes, the imperial examination will be held next year in autumn."

"It is said that Song Yu is coming back. I wonder how he is doing in Jiangnan."