The Overlord of the Red Mansion

The imperial decree quickly reached the Crown Prince.

The Crown Princess, who had only been married for two months, spent only two days preparing before arriving in the capital city by train with more than fifty servants.

The train stopped at St. John's South Station, and the maids lowered the step and escorted the veiled woman out of the special carriage.

The area outside had been cleared out, leaving only some female relatives of the imperial family.

Following behind the Crown Princess was Lady Wang, Jia Zheng's wife.

As soon as Madam Wang stepped off the train, she saw familiar faces coming to greet her.

People nearby quickly bowed.

"Greetings, Crown Princess!"

The twenty-year-old Crown Princess calmly said, "No need for formalities."

The Crown Princess was pretty much decided when the Crown Prince was exiled to Jinling. Over the years, she has been waiting for the opportunity and training herself in various etiquette.

The crown prince dared not marry rashly; his marriage was always arranged by his parents, with the only exception being the taking of a concubine.

Fortunately, Jia Rong was not feudal at all, and gave the Crown Prince the freedom to choose his own wife.

Having been instilled with various rules and regulations since childhood, the Crown Princess naturally dared not be rude and was afraid that she might cause trouble by being impolite in some way.

After Madam Wang and the others stood up, she introduced these people with a smile.

"This is Qin Yun, the maid of the Holy Palace Empress. She is in charge of the affairs of Yangxin Palace. She will arrange your entry into the palace in the future."

Upon hearing that it was a maidservant from the Empress's side, the Crown Princess quickly greeted her politely, "Miss Qin Yun."

Qin Yun smiled and said, "Please get in the carriage, Your Highness. Her Majesty the Empress asked you this morning when you would arrive, and lunch has already been prepared."

The Crown Princess smiled and nodded, her light veil swaying, and the jewels on her head swaying with it.

She wore a beaded necklace given to her by the Crown Prince, and also wore jewelry on her ears and wrists.

A luxury car was parked near the train. Its body was pure white, whiter than a white horse or white jade, and it gleamed with a metallic luster in the February sunlight.

The Crown Princess fell in love with the car at first sight and sat down inside the seven-meter-long vehicle with her head down and back bent.

With the help of a servant, Madam Wang sat down and looked at the carriage with curiosity, asking, "Was this carriage just made? Why is it so long?"

Qin Yun replied, "His Majesty ordered it. The original carriage was too short and uncomfortable to lie in. There are only three of these carriages. His Majesty's carriage was only used once and then left in the garage."

"One of them was a prototype vehicle that was built, but it kept having problems after a few days of driving, so it was sent to the museum."

"This vehicle is used to pick up and drop off dignitaries from various countries. It was originally intended to transport queens and princesses from different countries, but it has not been used many times because it is too long and inconvenient to drive."

Lady Wang nodded, then asked, "Does His Majesty have time today?"

Qin Yun knew what Madam Wang meant and shook her head.

"His Majesty went into seclusion two days ago, saying he would come out again after the New Year. Unless there is an emergency, do not disturb him."

Jia Rong goes into seclusion almost every year, and the people in the palace are used to it.

Since the Crown Princess could not see the Emperor, she could only see the Empress.

Before long, the car arrived at the Fifth Ring Road of Shengjing.

The train station is still some distance from the interior of the capital. Today, the city has a population of five to six million, with nearly one-fifth of the population crammed into one-twentieth of the Fifth Ring Road.

The Fifth Ring Road has the largest population, and there are countless high-rise buildings of more than ten stories.

Compared to Nanjing, this place is much more lively and cleaner, with tall concrete buildings everywhere.

Utility poles have been erected along the roadside, and all the main roads are set up to be 20 meters wide. The nearby houses have long been demolished, and now all the land is state-owned.

Collecting rent was also one of Jia Rong's businesses, and he even collected money from various officials and meritorious figures.

The Crown Princess didn't see Jia Rong's money-making methods, but she did see this bustling, clean, and magnificent megacity.

There isn't a single detached house here; all the buildings are high-rises, and they're all neatly arranged, not messy at all.

Compared to the chaotic city of Jinling, this place is more like a well-behaved military and political fortress that absolutely obeys the rule of the Holy Emperor.

The Crown Prince lacked the ability to plan the city of Jinling and was unable to complete the demolition within the city, so he could only start with some unimportant areas outside.

The Emperor possessed the ability to govern the natives of the capital with complete obedience, a skill the Crown Prince lacked.

Just from the distance between the Fifth Ring Road and the Holy Palace, the Crown Princess realized that it was impossible for the Crown Prince to ascend the throne ahead of schedule.

Even if he ascends the throne ahead of schedule, it won't be a good thing for the crown prince.

The current emperor can still take care of the crown prince, but if the emperor goes on a journey overseas after abdicating, the crown prince will not be able to accomplish many things.

Fortunately, the Crown Prince's status as the legitimate son of the main wife ensured his stability, and her position as the Crown Princess was also very secure.

If a son can be born as soon as possible, the position of crown prince will be more secure!

The carriage carried the Crown Princess to the Warm Fragrance Palace.

Led by palace maids, the Crown Princess and Lady Wang entered the room and respectfully bowed to Jia Yuanchun and the others.

Jia Rong only bestowed titles upon two empresses and one imperial concubine; the rest of his women have yet to receive any official titles.

The Crown Princess and Lady Wang only need to bow to the three ladies; otherwise, it would be too troublesome to recite the prayers for each one.

"Greetings to the Holy Palace Empress, the Holy Benevolent Empress, and the Phoenix Consort!"

Empress Jia Yuanchun smiled and said, "Please rise and have a seat."

The Crown Princess and Lady Wang thanked her, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Wang Xifeng sat to one side, looking at the Crown Princess, and said with a smile, "This is the Crown Princess. She is really beautiful, bright and generous, and looks like a gentle and well-mannered girl!"

As Madam Wang spoke, she said, "It's true that she's well-educated and polite, but she doesn't know much about medicine. His Majesty has asked the Crown Princess to handle the hospital affairs, and it's really impossible without someone to help her."

The Crown Princess looked reserved. "Mother, I'm afraid I won't handle this matter well and it will implicate the Crown Prince."

Jia Yuanchun was very satisfied with this daughter-in-law; she liked this kind of conservative daughter-in-law.

"You don't need to be afraid of this. His Majesty won't punish people arbitrarily. Just do your best."

Jia Tanchun walked over and said, "There happens to be a doctor in the palace. I'll have him come and take a look at you. If you're pregnant, you shouldn't be so busy."

The Crown Princess said cautiously, "I have always been in good health and have not experienced any discomfort."

Jia Yuanchun cared a lot about this matter.

Before she could speak, the maids summoned the female doctor who was waiting to start work in a small room a dozen meters away.

After the female doctor came out, she took the Crown Princess's pulse and quickly shook her head.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Princess is in good health and is not pregnant."

Jia Yuanchun showed a disappointed expression.

"It's alright, we've only been married for two months, it's definitely not that fast."

Jia Yuanchun herself became pregnant just one month after her marriage, and Qin Keqing and Baoqin were in similar situations later on.

The Crown Princess had not conceived after two months, which made Jia Yuanchun slightly disappointed.

"The Crown Prince will be coming to the capital often for official business. The Crown Prince's residence in the capital has been prepared for you. The Kyoto Women's Academy is right behind the Crown Prince's residence, and it's full of our family's elders. You can use it without worry." Jia Yuanchun comforted the Crown Princess and added, "His Majesty has already instructed the Imperial Household Department to arrange a dedicated driver for you. The monthly salary and fuel costs will be covered by the Imperial Palace. You don't need to worry about anything else, such as food, clothing, and accommodation."

The Crown Princess politely thanked her, "Thank you, Mother!"

Jia Yuanchun said with a smile, "Let me introduce you to the other concubines. You can get to know them if you don't. You'll get to know them after a few more visits."

Lin Daiyu and the others greeted the young woman with smiles, as if they were seeing their younger selves in her.

The group was no longer young; the oldest was in their forties, and the youngest was in their twenties.

As the next generation gradually gets married and has children, the previous generation is gradually becoming old ladies.

The Crown Princess had a sumptuous lunch in the palace. At noon, Jia Yuanchun led a group of her sisters back to the former Ning Mansion, now the Crown Prince's Mansion, for a visit.

The plaque of Ningguo Mansion has been changed to that of Crown Prince's Mansion.

When the bus entered the Crown Prince's residence, it entered through a side gate, and Wang Xifeng recognized the place after seeing it.

"This is where Baoyu got married, and now it's become the main gate."

Wang Xifeng's shout evoked memories for everyone.

Qin Keqing smiled and said, "What do you mean, 'Baoyu's place'? This used to be our family's place. It was originally where the servants lived, and later we lent it to Baoyu for his wedding."

Everyone smiled; this place had indeed originally belonged to the Ningguo Mansion.

Wang Xifeng then looked at Madam Wang.

"Grandma, is Baoyu doing well in India?"

Madam Wang sighed, "Fortunately, he's being well-fed and cared for at the temple, but he still can't give up his lust for women and is becoming more and more dissolute."

Lin Daiyu and the others thought Jia Baoyu would suffer, but unexpectedly he lived an even more carefree life.

Jia Yuanchun didn't want to discuss this matter, and said to the Crown Princess sitting next to her, "You and the Crown Prince should not interfere with your uncle. Just let him stay outside, otherwise he might cause trouble when he comes back."

The Crown Princess also knew some things about the Rongguo Mansion. "Yes, Mother."

After entering the spacious Crown Prince's residence, the group looked around at their surroundings, searching for the places where they used to live and play.

Shi Xiangyun remarked with emotion, "It's been so long since I've been here. It feels almost the same as when I was a child."

Xue Baochai mocked, "You didn't grow up here when you were little. I seem to remember you only stayed here for two or three years before you went to live in the Holy Palace."

Wang Xifeng recalled for a moment and then said, "Sister Bao is right. To be honest, I haven't really lived here for more than a few years. Apart from the Wang family, I've lived in the Holy Palace the most, for about twelve years. I think I went there to live when His Majesty was still the Prince of Zhongxiao."

Qin Keqing said with a smile, "I was a little earlier, but the one who stayed the longest is still our Empress."

Jia Yuanchun also thought for a moment, then quickly shook his head.

“I was married into the family when His Majesty was sixteen or seventeen. His Majesty ascended the throne at twenty-seven. So, I’ve lived in the Holy Palace for longer than I have here, almost as long as I have lived in the Rongguo Mansion.”

Qin Keqing suggested, "Then let's go to the Rongguo Mansion later!"

Jia Yuanchun quickly shook her head, "It's getting late. Let's just stay at the Ning Mansion for now and head back early later."

Madam Wang advised, "You've come all this way, why don't you go and take a look? Many places there are exactly the same as they were years ago, and your grandmother's place hasn't changed either."

Hearing what Madam Wang said, Jia Yuanchun had no choice but to agree to go and visit the Rongguo Mansion.

This trip has had a serious impact; it has ruined everything!
That very night, someone splashed dog blood on the wall between the Rongguo Mansion and the Ningguo Mansion, scattering hundreds of photocopied order forms everywhere.

The Crown Princess, who was sleeping in her room early in the morning, was soon woken up by her maid.

The Crown Princess quickly dressed and stood up, glancing at the flyers handed to her by the maids as they helped her comb her hair and style her headdress.

"Jia Lian, the eldest son of the Rongguo Mansion, had an affair with my wife. My wife was pregnant for ten months, and the daughter I raised with great difficulty for many years is not my child!"

"This man was incredibly audacious, having affairs with the wives and daughters of his subordinates, and accepting bribes from merchants from Guangdong, Persia, the West, and Japan to sell craftsmanship techniques that were forbidden by the imperial court."

"Having forty concubines and hundreds of maids from various countries was not enough for him. He also liked to seduce and coerce the wives and daughters of his subordinates. He even claimed to be imitating the actions of the sages and doing pleasurable things. When the crown prince ascended the throne, he would become the emperor's brother-in-law."

"I guarded the frontier for the imperial court and fought loyally for the emperor, yet my wife was humiliated and abused by that scoundrel!"

"Heavens above! Earth below! Holy Lord! Heavenly Father, open your eyes!!"

Upon seeing the leaflets, the Crown Princess flew into a rage, shouting, "What kind of scoundrel dares to spew such slander! Sneaking around like a coward, afraid to show your face, if you have a grievance, go to the court to seek justice! What are you doing here at the Crown Prince's residence?!"

The maidservant chimed in, "Your Highness, this matter has already been reported to the Ministry of Justice, and someone will catch that scoundrel soon!"

The Crown Princess didn't want this matter to be publicized, and frowned upon hearing it.

At this point, there was no way to correct it, so the only question to ask was: "How many people know about this?"

The maid whispered, "I heard that a lot of them were distributed at the gate and in the market, so I guess many people know about it."

The Crown Princess secretly sensed something was wrong.

"Prepare the carriage! I need to go to the palace!"

The maidservant reminded her, "Your Majesty has a rule that you don't need to come to the palace to pay your respects every day, so the time for your weekly visits has been set..."

The Crown Princess paused for a moment, then immediately said, "I'll go see the Dowager Empress; this matter still needs her decision."

How could Madam Wang possibly make a decision?

After hearing the letter read aloud, Madam Wang, who was mentally disabled, turned red with anger.

"That scoundrel! He hasn't improved a single thing after all these years!"

Madam Wang was so angry that she cursed loudly.

The Crown Princess, standing to one side, sensed something was wrong.

Instead of immediately asking for the reason or questioning him, Lady Wang directly scolded Jia Lian.

It was obvious that in Lady Wang's mind, Jia Lian was the kind of person who was capable of doing such a thing.

The Crown Princess could only quickly call Jia Yuanchun.

Luckily there's a phone here, otherwise communication would be too difficult.

After listening to the petition for redress, Jia Yuanchun's expression was also very unpleasant.

"Let the Ministry of Justice handle this matter. It's such a small thing that it shouldn't alarm His Majesty. Tell the Crown Prince to have Jia Lian resolve this matter as soon as possible. He should pay the money he owes and apologize when necessary. He shouldn't get entangled with other people's wives anymore."

The Crown Princess was relieved. "Yes, Mother."

Jia Yuanchun instructed, "Just take care of the things His Majesty has assigned you. Don't worry about anything else. As long as you can make contributions, His Majesty won't care about anything else."

"Yes! Your subject will certainly do his utmost!" the Crown Princess quickly agreed.

After hanging up the phone, the Crown Princess felt even more uneasy.

I have a vague feeling that this matter won't be resolved so easily.

Sure enough, that very night, a nobleman who had once engaged in group sex with Jia Lian at home was grabbed by both hands and spun around rapidly, then flew several hundred meters away towards the gate of the Ningguo Mansion.

Boom!
A government official from the Beijing garrison crashed headfirst into the gate of the Crown Prince's residence, killing himself and terrifying the two soldiers on duty.

A person has died! And it was an official who died!
This has blown up! (End of Chapter)