Red Mansion, Ningfu Scholarly Family

Chapter 200 This parrot feels bitter
……

"Brother Rong is handsome and elegant."

"Aunt Lin is here!"

As soon as Lin Daiyu entered the door, the parrot in the corridor called twice.

"Who taught it all this?" Lin Daiyu asked.

Zijuan said helplessly: "It has been like this since I came back from Master Rong's place."

"Ok!"

Lin Daiyu was also somewhat helpless: "Take my window down, I will teach him well." Then she asked: "Have you fed the auspicious rabbit?"

Zijuan picked up the cage and said with a smile, "I fed some, but Qingwen took it back."

Lin Daiyu said, "That's fine. The Lucky Rabbit is not as good as our Parrot. It can talk, right?"

The parrot seemed to understand: "Auntie, Auntie."

Lin Daiyu knocked on the cage and said angrily, "Say something else!"

Parrot: "Brother Rong is handsome and elegant."

Lin Daiyu: "..."

"Besides, I won't give you any lunch this afternoon!"

The parrot felt wronged and anxious, jumping and flying in the cage: "Hello, auntie, hello."

"Pfft."

Zijuan covered her mouth and laughed.

Lin Daiyu shook her head and chanted softly: "The curtains are half rolled up and the door is half closed... Follow and recite!"

Parrot:"……"

……

For a family like the Jia family, the period from the first to the fifteenth day of the New Year is extremely busy, with old relatives and friends visiting, guests being entertained, and courtesies being exchanged basically non-stop.

Of course, Jia Jing had no time to deal with these things. He only showed up a few times on important occasions. The rest of the time he was either in the study or in the cabinet. He was even summoned by the emperor once.

Jia Rong had some free time, but he didn't dare to play too crazy, after all, the autumn examination would be held in August this year.

In June, the Imperial College held an annual examination, and only those who ranked first in the examination had the opportunity to take part in the Shuntian Prefecture's provincial examination.

"I'm studying harder this year than last year."

Looking at Jia Rong who was still writing at three o'clock in the morning, Qingwen said something with heartache.

Xiangling put down her needlework and nodded seriously, saying, "Our master has entered the book. When I was learning poetry, Miss Lin said that if you want to write good poetry, you must first enter the poem."

Qingwen worriedly asked, "Wouldn't that make me a nerd?"

"It happened!"

Xiangling: "What?"

Qingwen: "Is our master not going to become a fool like you? I'll go call him."

"Don't." Xiangling hurriedly pulled Qingwen back and said with a smile, "The more times like this, the more we can't disturb her, otherwise all our efforts will be wasted!"

Qingwen said, "You fool, I won't listen to you! If I don't go over and urge him, will you let him study till dawn?"

Xiangling said: "At that time, I would wait until dawn."

The voice just fell.

I saw that Jia Rong had already put away the pen and ink.

"Pack up and go to bed."

"Hey!" Qingwen jumped over and said with a smile, "The bed has been made. Please wash up and have a rest."

"Ah."

"You guys go to bed early too."

……

The eldest prince did not have a good life this year.

It was only because his good second brother had quietly won over the second young master of Rongguo Mansion to work in his mansion.

Although he did not take the declining Rongguo Mansion seriously, the Ningguo Mansion, which shared the same fate with the Rongguo Mansion, was truly in its heyday, and even his father had to carefully win it over.

If Ningguo Mansion stands on the side of the second brother, does he still have hope?
"Everyone, what should I do now?" the eldest prince asked worriedly.

Some of his staff said, "This is just Rongguo Mansion. There is not even a decent person in the court. Your Highness does not need to care about it."

Some also said: "Your Highness should also hold a literary gathering and invite the eldest son of Ningguo Mansion to win him over at that time."

Others said: "Your Highness might as well keep a low profile and wait and see. The Emperor is in good health and vigor. It may not be a good thing to come forward too early."

The public says that the public is reasonable, and the mother says that the woman is reasonable.

The eldest prince thought this one made sense, then that one made sense, wavering from side to side and unable to make up his mind. Finally, he sighed, waved his hand and said, "Everyone, go down first. Let me think about it carefully."

"We take our leave."

Everyone looked at each other and started thinking in their minds: How can they use this opportunity to pressure others and stand out in front of the eldest prince?
Sitting on the seat of the first counselor...

As the staff left, the eldest prince walked back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said to himself, "It seems that I can only ask Brother Shui Rong!"

"Come here, go to Prince Beijing's mansion and post a notice saying that the prince has just received a cat from Persia as a tribute, and invite him to enjoy it."

……

Prince Beijing’s Palace, secret room in the inner court.

"Your Majesty, the power of Ningguo Mansion is now growing very strong overseas. Even the cargo ships of my Zhen family have to rely on their fleet for escort."

"The Xue family relied on the power of Ningguo Mansion to do whatever they wanted. They even sank two cargo ships of our Zhen family a few years ago. The loss was not small."

"Please, Your Majesty, make the decision for my Zhen family!"

The second son of the Zhen family kept crying in front of Prince Beijing.

Prince Beijing listened for a while, but just nodded slightly, then smiled faintly: "Overseas is just a place of barbarians, what's the use of running rampant? If the Ningguo Mansion wants to mess around, let them do it, we just need to manage Jiangnan well."

In fact, in the eyes of Prince Beijing, Ningguo Mansion's actions were a bit stupid.

Instead of taking advantage of Jia Jing's enormous power to gain more benefits in the country, he went overseas to mess around. This is a typical case of losing the watermelon and picking up sesame seeds.

It seems that Lord Jia also has his moments of confusion.

There is also Lin Ruhai, who did not take advantage of his merits to return to the court to serve as an official, but foolishly ran off to become an overseas governor, competing with the barbarians for territory.

It's just that he was kicked in the head by a donkey.

"But……"

The second son of the Zhen family was still somewhat unwilling. Although the people overseas were all barbarians, the business could make considerable profits every year. If they gave up, it would be a huge loss for the Zhen family.

"No buts!" Prince Beijing interrupted, "Although Daxia is big, the benefits are limited. If Jia Jing devotes his energy to external affairs, he will naturally give up some domestic interests. Otherwise, how can your Zhen family sit firmly as the number one family in Jiangnan? It would have been trampled under the feet of Ningguo Mansion long ago!"

The second son of the Zhen family then kept silent.

This is true. Jia Jing currently controls the core power of the four major families. He is a cabinet minister himself, and his strength far exceeds that of the Jinling Zhen family.

Prince Beijing said again: "Recently there are rumors that Jia Jing wants to reform the merchant tax on raw silk in Jiangnan. You should all take it easy and be honest and don't be the first to stand out."

The second son of the Zhen family's face changed.

Overseas business is just a small side business, but raw silk involves the foundation of the Zhen family. If Jia Jing gets involved in it, the Zhen family will be in trouble if not destroyed.

The disappearance of the six major salt merchants in Jiangnan is a lesson for us!
"My lord, what should I do?"

Prince Beijing took a sip of tea, thought for a while and said, "Don't worry too much. Raw silk is different from salt tax. The interests involved are bigger and wider. Jia Jing must leave a way out for his family, right? He is not the kind of person who will die for the country and the people."

Since ancient times, reformists have never had a good ending. There are also cases where the entire family is dragged to hell. Jia Jing must know this.

The second son of the Zhen family was slightly relieved and sighed, "In this case, I will go back and discuss with my eldest brother about abandoning the overseas business. In the next few years, I will focus on Jiangnan Manufacturing to maintain the basic market."

Prince Beijing smiled slightly.

"This is the truth. Temporary gains and losses are nothing. Only the one who laughs last is the real talent."

"People often say 'No flower lasts forever'. Although Jia Jing is extremely powerful now, there is no guarantee that he will be liquidated one day in the future."

Zhen Lao Er nodded in agreement.

The two were talking when a confidant suddenly came in and whispered, "His Royal Highness the First Prince has sent a letter."

King Beijing took the post and looked at it, and immediately laughed: "Persian cat, what a fun thing."

"It's better to go and have a look."

"But I prefer to look at Persian beauties."

Zhen Lao Er lowered his head and smiled.

"Your Majesty is in a very elegant mood."

Prince Beijing then remembered that the second son of the Zhen family in front of him was his father-in-law: "Haha, please don't blame me, father-in-law. I was just joking just now."

Zhen Lao Er wiped the sweat off his head. "No, no."

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I have to go back and prepare."

Prince Beijing said with a smile, "Since we are here, there is no need to rush back. Let's have a meal with the princess. I can go and see the Persian cat in the evening."

……

evening.

Prince Beijing got in a spacious and comfortable carriage and headed all the way to the eldest prince's residence.

Prince Beijing knew exactly why the eldest prince asked him to see the Persian cat. It was simply because Jia Lian from Rongguo Mansion went to the second prince's mansion to serve as the chief historian.

In fact, this is nothing at all.

The Rongguo Mansion has no real power at all and is just a blatant puppet. The eldest prince is just concerned and confused. No matter where Jia Lian goes to be the chief historian, it will not have any impact on the Ningguo Mansion.

The only way to get associated with Ningguo Mansion is through marriage.

It’s a pity that the girl from Ningguo Mansion is too young, while the young master is just the right age. What’s even more unfortunate is that the girl from Lin family is already engaged.

As for that Master Zhen who became an immortal... I don't know what he was thinking. He gave up being a good heir and went off to become an immortal.

I was thinking about something and arrived unknowingly. The maid with a sword in the carriage reminded me, "Your Highness, we are here. Do you want me to accompany you in?"

Prince Beijing stopped thinking and waved his hand, "No, it's not somewhere else. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and I hit it off right away."

He had a reason for coming to see the eldest prince this time: the Jia family had already pushed Jia Lian to be the second prince's disciple, and as the only prince of a different surname in the Great Xia Dynasty, he had to express his gratitude.

He was a little closer to the eldest prince.

This is good.

Emperors all like balance.

Someone was already waiting at the gate to greet us, and the carriage drove straight into the mansion.

"Brother Shui!"

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince stepped forward with a smile.

"Your Highness."

Prince Beijing bowed slightly.

Although he was the most honorable prince of a different surname, he was still a little bit shorter than the princes who had the opportunity to ascend to that throne.

This step is not easy to take.

He couldn't retreat either. If he took a step back, he would fall into an abyss. He knew exactly how his father died!

Furthermore, if you fail, you will die.

The eldest prince certainly had no idea what rebellious thoughts Prince Beijing had in mind, so he just smiled and said, "Brother Shui, why bother being so polite? We are all brothers. Come in and take a look at the Persian cat I got. It's a good thing. There is no other like it in the whole of Daxia."

What a waste!
Prince Beijing chuckled in his heart with disdain, but his face showed a curious look: "Oh, Persian cats? I heard a few days ago that Jia Shunzhi brought back two Persian princesses from overseas."

Suddenly, the eldest prince felt ashamed.

I worked hard to get a cat.

You actually brought the princess here?
Are you better than me?

……

New Year, Western Frontier.

Several Tatar tribes are holding a meeting.

Everyone's face looked unhappy.

"Damn it, last year's heavy snowstorms killed nearly 50% of our sheep and horses, either by starvation or freezing. If this continues, half of the people will starve to death too!"

"Go grab the southern country's food! Woman!"

"Hehe, the women of the South are really beautiful. To be honest, I have a young lady from the South at home."

"Haha."

Everyone was envious and jealous.

"No!"

An older leader stepped forward and frowned, saying, "The Southern Kingdom has grown stronger in recent years. It is far beyond the reach of small tribes like us. Even if we unite, we are no match for it. If we provoke the wrath of the Celestial Empire, there is no guarantee that they will not send a large army to attack us."

"Mr. Hu, to use the words of the Southerners, you are only boosting others' morale and destroying your own prestige. As far as I know, the Southern Kingdom has been in decline for many years. As long as we pass the pass, we can kill as many people as we want inside."

Everyone was talking.

Some had shining eyes and were determined to move south, while others were afraid of the power of the Celestial Empire and trembled with fear. There were different opinions.

But most people want to try going south.

If it doesn't work, you can come back.

If we don't grab some food, our subordinates will rebel.

"Well, those who are willing to go south can follow me and give it a try. I won't force those who are not willing. There will be another chance next time." The leader of this rally, the eldest prince of the Liao Dynasty, Yelu Cai, said with a chuckle.

Someone immediately said:
"I am willing to lead the warriors of my tribe and the eldest prince to conquer the Southern Kingdom!"

"I do too!"

"Steal their food, woman!"

Seeing everyone so enthusiastic, Yelu Cai was immediately delighted: "Okay, okay! Then everyone go back and prepare, gather here in two months and head south!"

"As for Xiao Wang who doesn't want to come, we won't force him. But in order to prevent the news from leaking out, we have to ask you to stay here temporarily..."

"What?! What do you mean!" Old Hu and the leaders of the other two tribes stood up in shock and anger.

Yelucai smiled and said, "It doesn't mean anything, that's what I mean."

"Someone, please invite Mr. Hu and the others to visit my palace!"

"Junior, how dare you!"

Mr. Hu was dragged away while roaring.

The rest of the people looked indifferent and didn't care about it at all. They were only thinking about how to enter the pass and steal food in two months.

"Please don't blame me, I have no choice but to do this. If it's not kept secret, it won't work. You don't want this trip to the south to fail, right?"

Everyone said:

"Your Highness, what you said makes sense."

"That's exactly what it should be."

"We fully support the young prince."

Yelu Cai appeased everyone here, and after returning, he did not stop, and ordered his subordinates: "Bring enough people, and subdue those disobedient tribes within a month, without any mistakes!"

"Yes!"

……

Penglai.

Since receiving the transfer order from the court, Liu Yong, the governor of coastal defense, has been gearing up for a big fight.

Due to the court's policy of maritime ban, the position of Coastal Defense Jiedushi was actually very embarrassing, and only those generals who were out of favor or marginalized would be demoted to this position.

Now that the South China Sea War is raging, it is time for him to display his talents, share the worries of the emperor, and serve the country.

Become a marquis and a prime minister, right now!
"I look at my sword under the lamp while drunk, and dream of blowing the horn in the camp. A storm is brewing on the 80,000-mile sea, and 20,000 soldiers are heading to the South China Sea! Penglai is recruiting soldiers in spring..."

"Haha, Lord Liu is truly talented. I admire him."

The eunuch who followed this time was none other than Dai Quan's godson, Dai Ningzhong. Dai Quan had told him when he came that he need not go to the front line and be scared, because after all, cannonballs have no eyes.

When you arrive at Taizhou Island, find a place to settle down.

Just wait for the good news to arrive and you will be promoted and get rich.

Dai Ningzhong was reluctant at first, after all, going overseas was tantamount to being exiled. It was only after he heard the words "promotion and wealth" that he understood.

This is godfather paving the way for himself.

With this experience, my hope of entering the Imperial Household Department in the future has greatly increased.

Liu Yong cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your praise, sir. I was just reciting the poems of the ancients and expressing my feelings randomly. Let's set off. Lord Lin should be waiting for us."

"Haha, yes!" Dai Ningzhong said with a smile, "It is important to set off quickly to help Lord Lin."

"The whole army marches out!"

This time, Liu Yong, the governor of coastal defense, almost went out with all his forces, taking all his belongings with him, leaving only some empty artillery batteries on the coast to cover up their tracks.

It is no wonder that Liu Yong was a little careless. One reason was that the Japanese pirates seldom harassed Shandong. Another reason was that there were large armies stationed in Jinan and Jining, Shandong, so even without coastal defense, they were basically not afraid of the Japanese pirates.

……

(End of this chapter)