The Red Mansion

Chapter 106 Feng Jie's Secret Conversation
At the time of Shenpai that day, Jia Zheng was relieved from his duty and took a sedan chair to go to Rongguo Mansion.

Although the curtain of the sedan chair was half rolled up, the streets outside were bustling with people, and the noise of carriages and horses, but Jia Zheng had no intention of enjoying the scenery. He just sat upright in the sedan chair, his expression dazed, with a look of joy between his brows.

Just half an hour ago, Prince Zhongyi suddenly summoned him and said that Emperor Taishun wanted to promote him to the rank of Langzhong because he had submitted Jiang Nian's plan to improve the official granary in Jingtong.

Jia Zheng was both delighted and surprised at this. He was surprised that his future son-in-law, who was only fifteen years old at the time, had such extraordinary talent and could bring him such good fortune.

As the sedan chair reached Ningrong Street, the bustling market faded away, but Jia Zheng's heart was still surging like a tide. He thought to himself, "Although Nian'er is young, he possesses extraordinary strategic vision. He will surely become a great man in the future! It is a blessing for Yuanchun to marry him!"

At this time, the sedan chair had arrived at the gate of Rongguo Mansion.

Jia Zheng got off the sedan chair, straightened his clothes, and walked into the mansion.

……

……

Jia Mu's Courtyard. Rongqing Hall.

Grandmother Jia was having dinner, and all the female relatives gathered together.

Grandmother Jia sat alone on the couch in front, flanked by Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Jia Baoyu, Lin Daiyu, Yingchun, Tanchun, and Xichun. Li Wan and Wang Xifeng stood at the table, making way for each other. Maids nearby, clutching whisks, rinsing bowls, and handkerchiefs, held their breath in concentration. Though numerous maids and servants attended to the outer room, not even a cough was heard.

The only sound in the hall was the clinking of bowls and chopsticks, which made it seem solemn.

Although Grandmother Jia usually likes lively atmosphere, she pays attention to the etiquette of "not talking while eating" when eating.

While they were eating, they suddenly heard a burst of hurried footsteps, breaking the silence in the hall. Everyone looked up and saw Lai Dajie, with a face full of joy, walking towards them quickly.

Lai Dajia was the wife of Lai Da, the chief steward of Rongguo Mansion. She was also the most powerful steward's wife in Rongguo Mansion. Although she was a slave, her family was quite wealthy.

Normally, running errands and delivering messages would be something that no one would do personally, but now she had come to Rongqing Hall to deliver a message. This was because the message she was about was a great joyous event that would excite Lady Jia and Lady Wang, and thus earn her favor in their hearts.

She walked up to Lady Jia and said with a smile on her face, "Madam, great news! The Second Master just returned home with the good news that His Majesty wants to promote him to the rank of Doctor!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall suddenly became lively.

Grandmother Jia stopped using the silver chopsticks in her hand, a look of surprise appeared on her face, and she smiled and said, "This is a great joy!" She turned to Mrs. Wang and said, "Look, this is a blessing for our family!"

Mrs. Wang was already beaming with joy. She hurriedly stood up and bowed to Lady Jia, saying, "Old Madam, you are blessed with great fortune. Master's success today is entirely due to your wise guidance."

Grandmother Jia waved her hand and said with a smile, "This is his own good fortune. I am just happy."

Although Mrs. Xing felt a little jealous, she forced a smile and said, "The Second Master has been promoted. This is a great honor for our family. The old lady should celebrate properly."

Grandmother Jia nodded and smiled, "That's right. Let Feng girl arrange it tomorrow and we can have a good time."

Wang Xifeng quickly replied with a smile, "Don't worry, old lady. I'll take care of this matter. I'll make sure it goes smoothly and you'll enjoy it."

Grandmother Jia nodded with satisfaction and said to Lai Dajie, "Go and call the second master over."

Lai DaJia happily accepted the order and left.

Grandmother Jia had no appetite to continue eating dinner and was waiting for Jia Zheng to arrive.

Wang Xifeng took the opportunity to keep pouring festive words into Lady Jia's ears, making her even happier.

For a moment, the hall was filled with laughter and joy. Even the maids and wives outside could not help but whisper about it, saying that the second master had been promoted and that everyone in the mansion was honored.

Yingchun, Tanchun and Xichun were whispering about something.

Jia Baoyu took the opportunity to talk to Lin Daiyu in private. Neither of them was interested in Jia Zheng's promotion.

Soon, Jia Zheng arrived at Rongqing Hall, accompanied by Jia Lian. The two of them bowed and paid their respects to Lady Jia in turn.

Grandmother Jia's face was full of joy. She smiled and asked Jia Zheng, "I heard that the emperor wants to promote you to the rank of doctor. Is this true?"

Jia Zheng bowed and replied, "To answer the old lady, it is indeed true."

Grandmother Jia's expression grew even more joyous, and she said, "This is truly a cause for great joy! I remember that it took you seven years to be promoted from a clerk to a deputy minister. I felt sorry for you then, thinking that you were honest and diligent in your official duties, and that it was too slow to get promoted after seven years. Now, it's great! You've only been a deputy minister for three years, and you're about to be promoted to a doctor. This is the future you deserve!"

Before Jia Zheng could reply, Grandmother Jia continued, "Just now your wife mentioned that your promotion was due to my good fortune and my guidance. I cannot accept that. Although I have had some blessings and have taught you well, your promotion is entirely due to your integrity and diligence. You have earned the favor of the emperor. It is your own good fortune. How can I take credit for it? I am only happy for you."

After hearing this, Jia Zheng said, "Madam, my son's promotion is entirely due to Nian Ge'er's help."

Grandmother Jia was surprised: "Nian'er? Jiang Nian?"

Jia Zheng nodded and said, "Brother Nian is extremely talented. He came to me the other evening and told me that he had a plan to improve the Jingtong official granary. It would greatly reduce the loss of stored grain and extend the life of the granary. He specifically asked me to submit his plan to Lord Yu, an official in the Ministry of Works. Lord Yu submitted it to Prince Zhongyi, who then submitted it to His Majesty. Because Brother Nian's plan truly benefits the country and the people, His Majesty was very pleased. Because I was the one who presented the plan, and because His Majesty understood that Brother Nian was specifically asking me to present the plan to gain merit, he promoted me to the rank of Doctor."

The second master is an honest man!

After Jia Zheng finished speaking, everyone in the hall was surprised and no one spoke for a while.

Li Wan was holding a cup of tea in her hand. She was startled when she heard the words and almost dropped the cup. She quickly steadied the cup and calmed herself down.

Wang Xifeng's eyes flickered, her eyebrows raised, a smile playing on the corners of her mouth. She was surprised, "How could this Jiang Nian boy have such ability? Could it be that the Thirteenth Prince is secretly helping this illegitimate child?"

Lin Daiyu pursed her lips, lowered her brows and said nothing.

Yingchun covered her mouth and exclaimed softly, Tanchun showed admiration, and Xichun blinked her big eyes.

Jia Baoyu... uh, seemed not to care what his father said, and was staring blankly at Lin Daiyu.

Grandmother Jia was surprised and a little embarrassed. Just now she had said that Jia Zheng's promotion was entirely due to his integrity and diligence, and that he had won the emperor's favor, which was actually a bit of a complacent attitude. But in the blink of an eye, Jia Zheng was saying that this promotion was entirely due to Jiang Nian's contribution, which made her previous words seem self-righteous.

Moreover, ten days earlier, when Jiang Nian had entered the Rongguo Mansion, she had asked him why he had discussed state affairs with Jia Zheng. Jiang Nian had said that, though young, he often thought about state affairs, and that the state warehouses were crucial to the nation's livelihood, so he had come to Jia Zheng for advice. At the time, she had thought Jiang Nian's words were untrue. How could a boy of only fifteen truly be so concerned about state affairs and the people's well-being?

And now, Jiang Nian actually offered suggestions to improve the official granary in Beijing. This move, which benefits the country and the people, made the emperor very happy and also helped Jia Zheng get promoted.

Thinking of this, Grandmother Jia couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed.

She calmed herself down, coughed lightly, and then asked Jia Zheng, "Is this true?"

Jia Zheng replied, "Of course it's true. How dare my son lie to you about this?" Grandmother Jia nodded. Jiang Nian's help in Jia Zheng's promotion had dampened her joy, leaving her with mixed feelings.

Mrs. Wang, sitting aside, also looked indifferent, gently twisting the handkerchief in her hand.

However, Grandmother Jia still said to Jia Zheng, "Brother Nian is indeed a capable man. It has only been less than two weeks since the Empress Dowager arranged your marriage, and he has already helped you get promoted. Such thoughtfulness is rare."

Jia Zheng looked ashamed and sighed, "I never expected that I would be promoted thanks to Nian'er. I feel really ashamed and owe Nian'er a favor."

Grandmother Jia was unhappy and said, "He is your future son-in-law. We are already family. Why should we make such clear distinctions? Besides, when he came to visit us last time, we gave him a generous gift. It is not a matter of owing him a favor."

Jia Zheng shook his head and said, "I beg your pardon, old lady, for what you have said. I do owe Nian-ge'er a favor. Tomorrow I will invite him to dinner at my house, so that I can express my gratitude in person."

Grandmother Jia became impatient and waved her hand, saying, "You can decide this matter yourself. There is no need to ask me. Please leave. I haven't finished my dinner yet."

Seeing this, Jia Zheng bowed and took his leave, and Jia Lian followed suit.

After Jia Zheng left, Jia's mother turned to Wang Xifeng and said, "Tomorrow we don't need to celebrate; the men will do the celebrating."

Wang Xifeng quickly replied "yes", feeling amused in her heart.

……

……

After Lady Jia finished her dinner, everyone dispersed.

Wang Xifeng slowly returned to the courtyard where she lived, only to see Jia Lian sitting at the table, holding a pot in his hand, drinking by himself with a relaxed look on his face.

Wang Xifeng walked lightly to sit opposite Jia Lian.

Wang Xifeng asked Ping'er to stay and serve, and the rest of the servants were sent away.

Wang Xifeng picked up her chopsticks, scooped up a handful of fresh vegetables, and gently placed them in Jia Lian's bowl. Smiling, she asked, "Jiang Nian has presented a plan that benefits both the country and the people. The Emperor is very pleased, and Second Master has also been promoted. Has Second Master ever considered that this plan was truly Jiang Nian's own idea?"

Jia Lian scoffed, his wine glass swaying slightly, the liquid sloshing around. He glanced at Wang Xifeng with disdain, "How old is he? Only fifteen, how could he be so capable? In my opinion, the Thirteenth Prince must have been behind this."

Wang Xifeng nodded and said softly, "Second Master, you are absolutely right. I thought so too. Jiang Nian is definitely not capable of such amazing things."

After saying this, she leaned forward, moved closer to Jia Lian, and whispered in a low voice, "Second Master, I have a suspicion. I'm afraid that Jiang Nian... is the Thirteenth Prince's illegitimate son among the common people!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian jerked his glass, nearly spilling the wine. His eyes widened in shock, and he whispered, "You...don't dare say that!"

Ping'er, who was standing by, also changed her expression, with surprise flashing in her eyes.

Wang Xifeng parted her red lips and whispered softly, "If not for this, why would the Thirteenth Prince treat him with such kindness? The Second Master mentioned it earlier, treating him like his legitimate son. If not for this, why would the Thirteenth Prince beg the Empress Dowager to arrange our eldest daughter's marriage to him? And how could the Empress Dowager so easily agree to this?"

Jia Lian pondered for a moment and said, "Perhaps it is true! If so, our eldest daughter will marry a man of high rank."

Wang Xifeng curled her lips in disdain, sneering, "A royal descendant? He's nothing more than the Thirteenth Prince's illegitimate son from the common people! Even though the Thirteenth Prince treats him with great kindness, asking the Emperor to grant him the rank of Third-Class Guard and the Empress Dowager to arrange a marriage, the Thirteenth Prince may not publicly acknowledge his son. This would be disadvantageous to the Thirteenth Prince. Even if he were to acknowledge him in the future, how could a commoner like him have any chance of inheriting the throne?"

Jia Lian nodded and said, "You are right."

Wang Xifeng's face showed worry, and she whispered, "Besides, I think this matter might bring disaster to our family."

Jia Lian's eyes widened again and he asked hurriedly, "What do you mean?"

Wang Xifeng continued quietly, "Jiang Nian is a restless man. He might even harbor ambitions to seize the throne. And since the eldest daughter is his legal wife, wouldn't that bring trouble to our family?"

When Jia Lian heard this, he immediately became anxious and asked, "What should we do?"

Ping'er, standing by, also looked worried.

Wang Xifeng rolled her eyes at Jia Lian. "How should I know what to do? This is your business outside! I'm only speaking to you in private. Don't spread it around."

Jia Lian immediately lost interest in drinking and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp. Then he stood up and said, "I have something else to do. I'll be leaving first."

Wang Xifeng hurriedly said, "Don't spread rumors! Also, if I find out you're fooling around with other women, I won't forgive you!"

Jia Lian nodded and said, "I understand!"

After saying this, Jia Lian left in a hurry.

He was a little afraid of his beloved wife...

……

……

At the beginning of the You hour, Jiang Nian came to the Qu family in the east city of Shenjing as usual to learn from Qu Tai.

He is always punctual, neither arriving early nor late. If he arrives early, it would be disturbing, while if he is late, it would seem neglectful.

Today Qu Jishan seemed particularly enthusiastic. He personally went to the door to greet them and led Jiang Nian into Qu Tai's study.

Jiang Nian bowed respectfully to Qu Tai: "I am Jiang Nian, your student, and I am honored to meet you, old sir."

It’s strange to say, first Qu Jishan was Jiang Nian’s teacher, and later Qu Tai became Jiang Nian’s teacher.

Qu Tai smiled slightly, raised his hand to signal Jiang Nian to stand up, and said, "Brother Nian, there is no need to be so polite."

After Jiang Nian stood up straight, Qu Tai stroked his beard and said slowly, "The Thirteenth Prince summoned me today and told me that the Emperor promoted me to the position of Minister of Works and ordered me to take charge of the government warehouse improvements you suggested. I owe my promotion to you!"

Jiang Nian said modestly, "Old Master, your words are too kind. How dare I take credit for them? Your promotion is truly a testament to the high regard of His Majesty."

He expected that Jia Zheng might be promoted this time, but he did not expect Qu Tai to be promoted as well, from a cabinet scholar to a vice minister of the Ministry of Works.

He remembered that Yin Tai from the Yongzheng period in his previous life seemed to have been summoned to be a Cabinet Scholar in the first year of Yongzheng's reign, and was promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works in the same year.

And if Qu Tai in this world is really similar to Yin Tai, then even though Qu Tai is over seventy years old this year, the Minister of Works will not be the end of his official career. His official career will end in Grand Secretary, or the Minister of War...

(End of this chapter)