The head of the Red Mansion

In recent years, Feng has been making money by needlework to search for her daughter. Her skills are superb. This time, she even sold a double-sided embroidery for travel expenses when she came to the capital. Shen Ning heard that she could do double-sided embroidery, so how could she let it go?
They directly connected her with the embroidery shop jointly owned by Jia Min and her sisterhood.

Embroiderers in Jiangnan are rare, and their skills are not easily passed on to outsiders.

Now that someone is willing to teach a trade, of course we can't miss this opportunity.
After seeing Feng's embroidery, Jia Min immediately decided to hire her as an embroidery master for twenty taels of silver per month. She would be rewarded with two hundred taels of silver for each embroidery master she taught, and the more she taught, the more silver she would receive.

At the same time, the embroidery shop is willing to pay a high price for their works.

So, after only three days at the Jia family home, Feng found a good job that would allow her to support her daughter.

She knew exactly what her father and brothers were like.

The old man's eventual departure from home may well have been partly due to resentment towards her.

Madam Feng had a clear plan: wherever her daughter was, she would be there too.

While she can still work, she wants to save as much money as possible to prepare a dowry for her daughter.

Xianglian was kept by Shen Ning. The girl was beautiful and gentle. After studying under Zhan Xue, she was so eager to learn to write and recognize characters that she could even dream about it.

Yingchun, Daiyu, and their group of young girls had never seen anyone study so diligently before. As their mindset became more upright, they inevitably began to give Baoyu and Lin Chang'an a warning.

Based on this alone, Shen Ning couldn't let her leave.

The mother and daughter get together every three days for a short visit and every five days for a big one. One works hard to earn money, while the other studies hard.

Time passed little by little, and Dazhao Academy gradually attracted every reader.

Countless scholars from other regions, stranded in the capital preparing for the imperial examinations, were eager to seize such a wonderful opportunity.

A monthly subscription costs thirty coins, meaning one coin can be used to read books there all day.

Living in the capital is not easy. Now that there is such a good place where you can study and save money, many people wish they could sleep in the library.

Unfortunately, it won't work!

Qian Ruochuan accompanied Mr. Huang to the capital to read books for two days. Then, Rong-ge'er took over and stayed at the Jia family's house for two days. Only then did Shen Ning remember Baochai's marriage.

"If it didn't work out, then it was just one-sided enthusiasm from Master Xue."

Qingping hesitated for a moment, then said, "Neither Mrs. Xue nor Miss Bao paid him any attention."

That's it!
That is, Xue Baochai didn't take a liking to Qian Xiucai.

Or rather, the Xue family's move was merely a temporary expedient.

I'm just afraid of offending the Jia family and having to leave completely.

Call ~
Shen Ning let out a long breath and pressed her hands together to keep from taking her anger out on Xue Baochai.

"Tell Xing'er to keep an eye on news from Japan."

Wasn't Wang Ziteng just trying to send Baochai to the palace?

That depends on whether he has the opportunity.

Jia Jing has been in Japan for some time now, and even though he hasn't had time to do anything yet, they are familiar with Jin Muchuan, who is the vanguard.

The emperor's decision to appoint Prince Teng as the commander-in-chief was merely a way of using his reputation as a butcher to send a signal to the Zhao army.

He ordered the vanguard to leave a month early, clearly not wanting to give Wang Ziteng another chance to earn merit.

"Report what's going on immediately."

"Yes!"

Qingping agreed and was about to go find Xing'er when, unexpectedly, he arrived first.

"Mrs!"

Xing'er was overjoyed. "News just came from the army that Lord Jin's vanguard army marched straight into Ezo Island (Hokkaido) of Japan from Nangharwei and captured the entire island at the cost of only thirty-one casualties."

Once Shen Ning learned of this good news, the Emperor naturally wouldn't be late in finding out either.

He looked at the map and was in a great mood.

In less than six months, Da Zhao will no longer lack copper and iron.

No matter who wants to fight him, he will no longer be intimidated.

Recently, we've received a lot of good news from the Ordnance Research Institute. Research on new weapons has made great strides this year.

If possible, the emperor wanted to replace all the muskets and cannons in the entire army.

But before changing it...

The emperor's gaze shifted to the vast lands of Junggar.

Because of the Russian Kingdom, the various Mongol tribes had also incorporated into the territory of the Great Zhao Kingdom, but if the Dzungar Khanate was not subdued, it was hard to guarantee that they would not reunite and rebel again in the future.

"Somebody come!"

He immediately called for reinforcements and summoned the officials of each department.

Since the time of Emperor Taizu, the Great Zhao Dynasty has always been on the defensive. This time, however, it is going to take the initiative.

The Mongol tribes were brought under the control of the Great Zhao due to pressure, but did their hearts truly return to the Zhao state?

While they are still recovering, the Great Zhao should take strong action to subdue the Dzungars. After that, they will have no choice but to behave themselves.

So, after only a couple of days of free time, Jia Lian moved back to the ministry.

……

October 19th is auspicious for opening markets, issuing contracts, offering sacrifices, praying for blessings, breaking ground, setting up beds, traveling, erecting pillars, and raising beams...

As the first family to donate a large number of books to the library, Ningguo Mansion received a gold-page reward (thank you) document from the martial arts lion dance troupe specially invited by the library, who brought it with great fanfare.

Gold pages!
How many people saw him swaggering all the way from the library to the Ningguo Mansion?
Jia Zhen took a special day off to stay at home and retrieve the document that would be enshrined in the ancestral hall.

The Jia family abandoned martial arts for literature, but failed in their father's generation.

But it should be possible for his son's generation.

Jia Zhen was extremely excited.

The path that our ancestors set for their descendants, fearing the royal family's wrath, was ultimately shattered by his mother's haphazard and incoherent actions.

That day was undoubtedly a lively one at the Jia family's residence.

Even Mr. Huang and Qian Ruochuan, who lived far away in the countryside, were invited to attend the ceremony.

That evening, after learning from her brother that the scholar Qian was getting very close to Jia Rong and others, Baochai's heart stirred. Then she heard Xue Pan say, "Scholar Qian will also be studying at the Jia family school next year. It's a pity. I was originally thinking that after he passed the imperial examination, I would arrange a marriage between him and my sister."

Unexpectedly, Madam You took a great liking to him and introduced him to Zhen Xianglian, who had been abducted for many years and raised in the Jia family by Madam Shen.

what?
Baochai's face turned pale.

"I heard that the vanguard in Japan fought exceptionally well, and the Emperor will surely grant them a special imperial examination next year."

Xue Pan truly felt sorry for his younger sister.

He also thought highly of that scholar Qian.

Unfortunately, my younger sister hesitated for a moment and missed the opportunity.

“Granting him an imperial examination does not guarantee that he will pass the examination and become a scholar.”

What is a mere scholar who has passed the imperial examinations?
Aunt Xue really couldn't stand it.

If the war is going well in Japan, it means my brother will be back soon.

At that time, will the new Duke's niece still have trouble finding a husband?
"no!"

Xue Pan shook his head. "My cousin Zhu also talked to him and even took him to the Imperial Academy. He invited Lord Li and gave him a lot of books. They all said that he would be able to pass the exam next year."

"..."

Baochai's heart couldn't help but ache.

Did she really miss out on a really good person?
"No, I heard that Xianglian just found her mother, and their family is very poor now, a widow and her child, and there isn't even a man in the family."

As she spoke, Aunt Xue stole a glance at her daughter, "Since that scholar Qian has such a bright future, why would he be willing to marry into her family?"

"Even if her family is poor, they're still better off than Qian Xiucai's family, right?"

Xue Pan asked his sister, "Does Madam Feng come to the manor every three days to teach you embroidery lessons?"

"Yes!"

Baochai tried to calm herself down and said, "Her craftsmanship is very good. Madam Shen specially invited her to teach us double-sided embroidery. Her tuition fee must be quite high."

"She is still teaching at the embroidery shop of the fourth aunt of the West Mansion."

Xue Pan said, "I heard from Min Jianbai that last month, he helped Madam Feng buy a courtyard house in the south of the city, and the house was registered under her daughter's name."

He had also seen Xianglian from afar.

At that time, Lady Feng had not yet come to acknowledge her family.

He tried several times to have his mother arrange a marriage for him.

But he also knew perfectly well that his mother would not agree.

In addition, he was afraid of Madam Shen and didn't have the courage to go over...

Xue Pan was filled with regret. He had thought that if he tried to find a way before she turned fifteen and came of age, there would still be a chance. But unexpectedly, suddenly everything was gone.

Thinking about this, he lost interest. "Never mind, I'll go practice calligraphy."

It's no use saying anything.

Even if someone could recite the entire Three Character Classic and Thousand Character Classic from memory, if their handwriting wasn't neat, the teachers wouldn't take the books they copied and donate them to the countryside.

Now everyone in the class is really trying to write their names on the books they're copying and donate them so others can know.

Xue Pan went to write calligraphy, and Baochai returned to her room, her mind in turmoil.

Time marches on, bringing joy to some and sorrow to others.

On the eighth day of the eleventh month, Lin Ruhai finally arrived in the capital amidst the anticipation of countless people.

He first went to the palace and talked with the emperor for a long time. It wasn't until after dinner that he braved the heavy snow to rush to the Rongguo Mansion to see his wife and children.

At this moment, Jia Min and her two children had been waiting for a long time.

The couple had not seen each other for nearly two years.

Although letters are exchanged frequently, no matter how good they are, how can they compare to a real person?

Grandmother Jia looked at her best son-in-law and smiled so much that her face was full of wrinkles.

Indeed, her Min'er is the most blessed.

Even Princess Rongguo couldn't compare to her daughter.

"Mother-in-law, please accept my bow!"

"Get up, get up quickly, the ground is cold, there's no need to be so polite among family."

The old lady personally helped her son-in-law up.

Their son-in-law went to Beijing, and their family prospered again.

The East Prefecture has always been superior to the West Prefecture.

But now...

Grandmother Jia thought to herself that their West Mansion was better no matter what.

Firstly, having more people means they can easily dominate the Eastern Prefecture.

Secondly, not only is their eldest son an envoy to Russia, but Lian'er is also the Director of the Military Treasury. Both the son-in-law and grandson-in-law are highly regarded by the Emperor.

No matter how well the Shen family of the East Mansion performs, it's all in vain if there's no one around to help them

She could only support her own children and grandchildren.

Grandmother Jia was very satisfied.

They talked to Lin Ruhai for a long time, until all the younger generation were getting anxious for Jia Min, Daiyu, and Chang'an, before finally letting him leave.

"It's alright, I'll be staying in the capital from now on."

Lin Ruhai smiled broadly at his wife and children, saying, "The Emperor even gave me a two-week leave."

"Hmm~" Jia Min's face showed both joy and worry, "But being an official in the Ministry of Revenue is not easy!"

Her husband had been busy all these years, and she actually wanted him to have some free time.

Once he becomes the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, who knows how busy he'll be.

"As long as the family is together, it doesn't matter if we're busy."

He had wanted to go to Beijing for a long time.

Countless times, I dream of my wife and children.

I missed him so much that I had many nightmares.

Lin Ruhai patted his two children's heads and said, "They've both grown taller."

He glanced at his son one more time.

In my dream, my son died young, and my wife, heartbroken, also died soon after.

He and Daiyu were each other's only support.

When he woke up, his pillow was wet.

I've had this dream again and again.

There was nothing he could do, so he kept all the letters from Jia Min and their two children on the bed, so he could touch them, read them, and smell the letters as if they carried their scent.

"Min'er, you've worked hard."

It's better to go to Beijing.

His wife and children are all here.

He wasn't some pitiful man who couldn't even protect his daughter and had to send her to Beijing.

Lin Ruhai was overjoyed; the retired emperor had suffered a stroke and was unable to care for anything.

I'm so happy! All those princes in the capital have fallen, and the situation in the capital and Jiangnan is now completely clear.

Otherwise, he would be overwhelmed just dealing with the Zhen family, and it would be impossible for him to build one salt factory after another.

"What hardship have I endured?"

Jia Min's eyes were a little wet. "It's the master who has really had a hard time."

"My parents have worked so hard."

Lin Chang'an walked beside his parents with his sister, saying, "Wait for me, everything will be alright when I'm a little older."

"Hahaha~~~"

Lin Ruhai was overjoyed and picked him up in his arms, saying, "Then Dad will wait for you to grow up."

"Father! Chang'an is the best at sweet-talking people."

When her younger brother raised his eyebrows at her triumphantly, Lin Daiyu said with a grin, "You must remember where north is, and don't let him fool you into not being able to tell directions."

Haha, you guys~

Jia Min was amused. Her son was indeed very good at coaxing people. "Master, you really need to prepare a few more rulers. Otherwise, if you get angry and don't hit him, you might forget to punish him later."

"Oh dear, Mother, dear sister, why are you two sabotaging me again?"

His grandmother was easily coaxed by him.

My aunt and cousins ​​are doing well too.

No matter what I do, I can't escape the watchful eyes of my mother and older sister.

"Really? Haha, then I'll go buy a few more rulers tomorrow."

Lin Ruhai laughed loudly.

The laughter of the family of four seemed to warm up the cold weather.

Jia Wen, who was traveling back to the East Courtyard with her two children, listened from afar and couldn't help but smile.

The mourning period will end in a few days.

My daughter's wedding can be put on the agenda now.

Jia Wen was also very happy.

Although she didn't have a good husband, she had two good children.

"Fortunately, my aunt is not like my maternal grandmother."

Minmei was afraid that her mother would feel sad if she saw her fourth aunt's husband and thought of that person, so after washing up, she simply slept in the same bed with her mother. "You can see the smug look on Grandmother's face when she was holding Uncle Lin's hand and looking at us in a veiled way."

"Pfft, why do you care so much?"

Jia Wen tucked the blanket around her daughter, saying, "As long as your fourth aunt is doing well, that's all that matters."

She didn't hold her stepmother against her.

Regardless, the eldest brother and the fourth sister are good.

Out of respect for her eldest brother and fourth sister, her stepmother didn't make things difficult for her, and that was enough.

"Your fourth aunt's husband is going to the East Mansion tomorrow. Are you going to school tomorrow?"

"will not!"

Min Mei said, "I saw that my second and third sisters sent someone to inform the Xue family that they don't need to go to school tomorrow."

"Wasn't this all your responsibility before?"

Jia Wen was curious.

"Don't I have a lot of things to embroider lately?"

Min Mei hesitated for a moment.

She's going to embroider her dowry.

"So she gave the position of school administrator to her second sister, and since her second sister felt that her third sister should also take on some responsibilities, she pulled her along as well." (End of Chapter)