Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Chapter 708 Imperial Edict

Jia Jing's death caused a great stir in the Jia family, but because Jia Lian was in the capital, nothing went wrong.

Soon, the You family, who were at the imperial mausoleum in Xiaoci County, also received the news.

North of Xiaoci County, in the Imperial Mausoleum of the Retired Emperor, which has been under construction for nearly ten years but is still unfinished, Consort Li was buried in the latter half of the Consort Garden Cemetery.

The so-called imperial concubine mausoleum is because among the emperor's consorts, usually only the empress was qualified to be buried with the emperor or have a separate mausoleum, while other concubines who did not reach the same status were buried in the imperial concubine mausoleum.

At this moment, outside a palace in the concubine's mausoleum, the Empress arrived with her maids.

"Is His Majesty inside?"

"His Majesty summoned several generals inside."

General? The Empress was somewhat surprised, but instinctively did not ask any questions. She simply nodded and prepared to return first, and would come to see him again later.

Just then, the palace doors opened, and sure enough, several generals, who, though without robes or armor and only wearing white mourning belts, appeared more imposing and majestic than the civil officials, walked out of the palace.

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress."

"Generals, you have worked hard."

The Empress nodded to the generals who were bowing with clasped hands, and then gracefully walked into the hall.

Emperor Ningkang was engrossed in reading at his desk in the palace. When she entered, he merely glanced at her casually and said, "It's not time for the funeral yet, what brings you here?"

The Empress gently walked to Emperor Ningkang's side and massaged his shoulders. In the entire harem, only the Empress dared to make such an intimate gesture towards Emperor Ningkang without being his bedmate.

"Your Majesty has been preoccupied with the matter of the Dowager Consort these past few days; you should take care of your health. Let the ministers handle the less important matters."

"Your Majesty is working so hard; I'm sure the Empress Dowager, if she were alive, would feel sorry for you."

The Empress was only a few years younger than Emperor Ningkang, but the signs of age were already evident on her face. However, she possessed a serene and dignified beauty that did not fade with time, but instead became more refined and profound.

Even Emperor Ningkang's eyes softened slightly as he shook his head and said, "I am fine."

Knowing Emperor Ningkang's temperament, the Empress did not try to persuade him further. Instead, she called a palace maid forward and ladled out half a bowl of the soup she had prepared, while explaining her purpose.

"Just now, a third-rank imperial consort from Ningguo Mansion came to see me, saying that her father-in-law had suddenly passed away and she wanted to ask for an imperial decree to allow her to return to the capital ahead of time to handle her father-in-law's funeral arrangements."

"I thought things were basically settled here, and since she said there was no one in charge at home for the time being, I took the liberty of agreeing to her request."

Emperor Ningkang sipped the soup his wife had brought him, unconsciously listening to what she was saying.

He originally didn't care about these things. In this respect, the emperor and empress were no different from ordinary families in the world; the man was in charge of external affairs and the woman was in charge of internal affairs.

The Empress is the mother of the nation and oversees all the noblewomen, both inside and outside the court. Under normal circumstances, Emperor Ningkang would not interfere. However, the Empress was clearly concerned that her decree might affect Emperor Ningkang's plans, so she came specifically to inform him.

However, as he listened, Emperor Ningkang suddenly realized that the Ningguo Mansion was the other branch of the Jia family's two mansions.

I don't know if it's because I've only heard the name "Rongguo Mansion" all these years, but when I suddenly heard the name Ningguo Mansion, it felt a bit unfamiliar.

Of course, it was just a fleeting feeling. Although the Ningguo Mansion had long since declined to the point of being easily overlooked, Emperor Ningkang still had a basic understanding of this founding duke's mansion.

After thinking for a moment, he countered with, "A third-rank imperial consort? Jia Zhen? His father is...?"

The Empress laughed and said, "Your Majesty has forgotten that he is Jia Jing, the son of Jia Daihua. Back when Your Majesty was still a prince, he passed the imperial examination in the year of Yimao and became a Jinshi. At that time, he caused quite a stir among the nobles in the capital."

"So it was him." Emperor Ningkang let out a sneer for no apparent reason.

"How did he die?"

"I don't know the specifics, but I heard from Lady You that her father-in-law seemed to have been practicing at a Taoist temple outside the city. I don't know how he died in the temple. Perhaps his lifespan had come to an end."

Emperor Ningkang didn't take it too seriously, as he was originally an insignificant figure.

For some unknown reason, Emperor Ningkang put down his spoon and sneered, "Thinking back to the Jia family, with two dukes in one family, what a distinguished lineage! Who would have thought that among their descendants, apart from Jia Lian who is still capable, the rest are all good-for-nothings."

Especially the Ningguo Mansion, each one more despicable than the last…”

Emperor Ningkang clearly wanted to start criticizing, but then he suddenly remembered that this was the Anling Mausoleum of his birth mother, the Dowager Consort, and stopped himself from speaking.

Then he thought that although Jia Jing was incredibly foolish, he was still the grandson of the Duke of Ningguo, and his status was extraordinary. Now that he had died, it was the perfect time for the imperial family to show their favor.

So he asked, "What official position did Jia Jing hold during his lifetime?"

The Empress wondered how she could have known about this. She thought to herself that if she had known His Majesty was so concerned, she would have done more research before coming.

Just as she was about to send someone to inquire, Dai Quan, who had been standing by with his head bowed for a long time, bowed and smiled obsequiously, "Your Majesty need not send anyone to inquire. This servant knows quite a bit about the Jia family's affairs."

"Although Jia Jing was the son of Dai Huagong, a first-class divine general, he was like those folk alchemists, fond of burning elixirs and refining mercury, seeking immortality and asking questions."

After the death of the Duke of Daihua, he should have inherited the title, but he showed no interest in it and let his son Jia Zhen inherit it.

Although he held official rank, he never held a position in the court; therefore, Jia Jing remained a commoner throughout his life.

This is why eunuchs have always been prone to wielding power. A trusted eunuch like Dai Quan, who served the emperor closely, was intimately familiar with the situation both inside and outside the palace, and in the court—perhaps even more so than the emperor himself.

55.

In addition, given the inherent advantage of the emperor's favor, how could they not have the opportunity to seize power if the emperor were even slightly confused?

Upon hearing that Jia Jing was indeed a commoner, Emperor Ningkang ordered Dai Quan, "Although Jia Jing is a commoner and has not contributed to the country, in consideration of his grandfather's achievements, he shall be posthumously granted the title of Fifth-Rank Commandant."

Furthermore, his descendants are permitted to escort the coffin through the north gate into the capital and have it placed in his private residence for burial. Officials of the court, from princes and dukes downwards, are permitted to offer sacrifices and mourning.

Emperor Ningkang's actions can be seen as a favor granted to Jia Jing based on his actual circumstances.

If Jia Jing is posthumously granted the rank of a fifth-grade official, then his funeral can be conducted according to the regulations for a fifth-grade official.

However, the fifth rank was a relatively low rank. Most of the Jia family's old friends and relatives were from prominent families, and the heads of these families held high ranks. Even though Jia Jing was posthumously granted the fifth rank, many people were not allowed to personally attend the funeral according to regulations. Therefore, special permission was granted for princes and dukes and below to offer condolences.

After the imperial decree was issued, the Jia family members, including Grandmother Jia, who were still in the imperial mausoleum, were naturally filled with gratitude.

After expressing her gratitude, Lady You packed her bags and, with her servants, headed ahead of everyone else back to the capital.

……

Beijing.

Jia Lian's ability to handle funeral arrangements had reached a level of consummate skill.

Over the years, he has handled the funerals of Lin Ruhai and his wife, Jia She and his son Jia Zhen, and others, accumulating a wealth of experience.

Now, handling Jia Jing's funeral arrangements is naturally a piece of cake.

Therefore, when Lady You returned home a few days later, she saw a Ningguo Mansion with white sails hanging everywhere, yet everything was in perfect order and meticulous.

The imperial edict from Xiaoci County was sent back to the capital by express horse, naturally arriving much faster than You Shi, who traveled by carriage. Therefore, before she returned home, Jia Lian had already sent Jia Jing's coffin from the Iron Threshold Temple back to the Ningguo Mansion.

In Ning Xuantang, the main room.

While holding her son, Lady You inquired about the situation at Qin Keqing's residence, especially the preparations for Jia Jing's funeral.

however……

"My second uncle had already instructed Steward Lai and the others to prepare everything."

"This is ready too."

"Everything has been prepared."

Qin Keqing's answers were always like this. This made You Shi, who had been racking her brains the whole way, afraid that there would be any mistakes in Jia Jing's funeral arrangements and that she would become a laughing stock, feel very uncomfortable.

After hesitating for a moment, Madam You asked, "Then, what do you think is the most important thing to do next?"

"Well……"

Seeing the somewhat conflicted expression on Madam You's face, Qin Keqing suddenly understood Madam You's thoughts and couldn't help but cover her mouth and smile. "Mother-in-law, all you need to do now is to keep vigil at Master's altar every day. And... if any other ladies or mistresses come to pay their respects, you just need to receive them. You don't need to do anything else, because Uncle Lian has arranged everything."

Lady You clicked her tongue. She vaguely remembered that on the carriage, she had sighed that she would definitely be very busy after returning to the capital.

But judging from the current situation, it seems she's overthinking things.

Finally, she asked, "Where is his second uncle?"

"He came by this morning, arranged some things, and then left the city. He seems really busy lately, going out of the city every day and coming back very late. I wonder what he's busy with..."

Qin Keqing seemed somewhat melancholy, as if she were complaining that Jia Lian was too busy and had neglected her, such a beautiful woman.

But soon, a strong foxy smile filled her eyes. She was thinking of the wonderful and pleasant days when Jia Lian helped with the funeral arrangements at the Ningguo Mansion, and she, as the eldest young mistress of the Ningguo Mansion, assisted him in the process, and whenever she had the chance, she would ask Jia Lian for his advice.

Madam You didn't realize what Qin Keqing was "smiling" about; she just felt that this woman was always being promiscuous.

She had no intention of lecturing him, but simply sighed, "He has so many important matters to attend to outside, and he still has to go to the trouble of helping us with the master's funeral. Today is also his birthday..."

Upon hearing Madam You's words, Qin Keqing paused for a moment, then said, "Yes, it's a pity that we are in mourning for the country and for our families. Otherwise, we would definitely have made a proper preparation for this occasion."

As she spoke, Qin Keqing glanced around the room and, besides the two little ones, only the maid Yindie remained. She couldn't help but smile and say to Madam You, "When Grandma returned earlier, she looked travel-worn. She must have been worried about Uncle Lian's birthday and didn't dare delay. So she must have rushed home as fast as she could, arriving today. Am I right?"

Qin Keqing's words immediately made Madam You lower her head in embarrassment, feeling her face burning.

Seeing Qin Keqing's smile grow even brighter, Madam You finally couldn't resist and put her son down, saying, "I'll go check on the old lady first. Please keep an eye on things here."

After saying that, he left. Qin Keqing was left standing there with a smile. She went over and played with the two little ones in the cradle for a while, then got up and went to the mourning hall in the outer courtyard.

Because most of the powerful and influential people in the capital had followed the emperor to the imperial mausoleum, very few people came to pay their respects these days. There wasn't much to do at the mourning hall, so Qin Keqing simply took care of things once and then went back to her room to rest.

Upon hearing that Jia Lian had returned, she hurriedly changed her clothes and came to the front.