The Red Mansion Big Liar

How could Youshi know all this? Since she entered the Ning Mansion, Jia Jing had never praised her, so she was immediately flattered.

"It's what a daughter-in-law should do."

As if he felt that his words were dry and meaningless, Jia Jing continued, "It's really hard for you to find so many funeral items in such a short time."

It was a rare opportunity to act nice in front of her father-in-law, so Youshi said in a show-off way, "Master, you are too kind. This happened suddenly, and it was New Year's Day. Fortunately, I remembered that Tianxiang, the son of my master, had a serious illness last year. My master and his family were worried about the possibility of an accident, so they prepared the funeral in advance. So I took the initiative to find his family..."

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Before Youshi could finish, Jia Zhen shouted, "Why are you calling him by his courtesy name? Why don't you apologize to your cousin? The emperor just gave him a courtesy name, Tianxiang, today. Aren't you offending him?"

After Jia Jing's suggestion, Jia Zhen felt as if he saw a human-shaped money bag when he saw Zhang Yun逸.

Just when he was worrying about how to win her over, Youshi came up to him and it was a natural thing for him to use her as a raft.

How could Youshi know what Jia Zhen was planning? She was originally wondering what could have made the father and son so eager to get back on track. Jia Zhen's words just happened to clear up her mystery.

"It's my fault!" Seeing Jia Zhen's attitude, she was confused for a moment and didn't dare to be arrogant and call herself his sister-in-law. She quickly changed her address, "Cousin... Young Master, please don't take it to heart."

As he said this, he bowed deeply to Zhang Yunyi.

"Sister-in-law, you are embarrassing me!" Zhang Yunyi hurriedly stepped forward, grabbed Youshi's arm, and lifted her up, "Sister-in-law, just call me Yunyi."

In just a short while, Jia Zhen had gotten angry at Youshi for the second time, and both were over trivial matters, which showed that he was used to ordering her around.

Although the character of a warm-hearted man is quite suitable for the situation, being bullied for a long time can easily make him develop a submissive character, and he is increasingly afraid of offending Jia Zhen.

Therefore, we must stand up at the critical moment.

I originally planned to wait until I had some results before showing off my talents, but I didn't expect Jia Zhen to be so smart.

With the previous verbal test, he had already figured out Youshi's mentality, and she would never miss such an opportunity to take advantage of the power of others.

Feeling her forearm being grasped by Zhang Yun逸, Youshi felt ashamed, angry and frightened. She turned her head away quickly for fear of arousing Jia Zhen's wrath.

Jia Zhen saw her anxious look and thought she was asking him whether she was satisfied with her attitude of apology. He said sternly, "Why are you looking at me? Just listen to what your cousin says!"

"Brother Zhen has spoken, sister-in-law, please don't embarrass me anymore." Zhang Yunyi pretended to lift Youshi's arm up again, then let go, "We are all family members, if sister-in-law continues to be so distant, Yunyi will feel uneasy."

Upon hearing this, Jia Zhen immediately smiled and said, "Yes, yes, yes! We are all family!"

Seeing how shameless Jia Zhen was and how he was trying to please him, Youshi dared not say a word.

Thinking back to those ambiguous words at this moment, Youshi was even glad that she had not said anything before.

Regardless of whether Zhang Yun逸 did it intentionally or unintentionally, given Jia Zhen’s attitude, if he really makes a fuss, will he get anything good out of it?

After all, she knew very little, so it was inevitable that she would make the wrong assumptions.

The Zhang family was left penniless, and the emperor's favor was the only explanation.

The Ningguo Mansion seems to be wealthy and powerful, but to be honest, it has no real jobs and only a title.

After all, isn’t it because Jia Jing accompanied the emperor in practicing Taoism?

Thinking of this, he unconsciously looked up to Zhang Yunyi again.

After all, Jia Jing was an elder, and he couldn't be as shameless as Jia Zhen, so he quickly changed the subject: "Well, she didn't mean to do it, but those filthy people, remember to punish them severely when you go back, and send them away from me, so that your cousin won't be upset if he sees them."

"Yes!" Jia Zhen agreed and then said goodbye to Zhang Yun逸.

He lifted the door curtain and saw Youshi still standing there in a daze. He shouted, "Why are you still standing there? My cousin will be moving into the mansion tomorrow and there are still many things to be arranged. Do you think I have to do all of them?"

Youshi was so confused that even if the house was to be cleaned, it was not Jia Zhen's turn to do it himself. Not to mention that Jia Jing was still here, and from his flattering look, he would have thought that he would have to stay and help.

Seeing Jia Zhen's abnormal behavior, she couldn't help feeling worried, fearing that Zhang Yun逸 had seen her pulling her, but she didn't dare to get angry and take it out on herself.

He became more and more worried about the situation, so he bowed to Jia Jing and followed Jia Zhen out of Zhang's house.

He got into the car with a feeling of trepidation, but saw Jia Zhen smiling happily and saying, "The master has already said that when a man in our family grows up and gets married, he will first have two people serve him in the house. Since my cousin is living in our house, he will naturally be treated like a proper master in the house."

After hearing what happened, Youshi finally calmed down her heart that had been in her throat.

"I will pick two capable ones when I return..."

Jia Zhen waved his hands impatiently and said, "No need to choose, I'll tell you the truth! The master intends to marry Sister Xichun to your cousin, but she is too young, so he needs two good-looking girls to win his heart. After looking around, I think only Baozhu and Ruizhu in the wife's room are worthy of this job."

"How can this be done?" Yu Shi cried out in grief, "My uncle is using the maidservant in my nephew's wife's room. If this gets out..."

"What do you know from a humble family?" Jia Zhen glared at her, his face showing displeasure, "It is common for fathers, sons and brothers in wealthy families to send concubines to each other, so why can't they use maids?"

"But...how can I open my mouth to say this?"

"Nonsense! If it wasn't difficult to speak, would I have called you, Master?"

"Why not buy two from outside..."

"I have to go back home tomorrow, how can I make it in time now? Besides, how can people outside know everything about me better than those at home?"

Youshi's face turned pale and blue, and she was silent for a long time. Finally, she mustered up the courage and said carefully, "My wife is a worried person. Those gossips last year almost cost her her life. Fortunately, Doctor Zhang, who was introduced by Feng Ziying, prescribed a soup to replenish qi, nourish the spleen and nourish the liver. She has only gotten better in the past two months. If we take the maidservant away now, what if her old illness is triggered?"

"If I wasn't worried about my wife, why would I bother talking to you about all this? Just say it was Grandpa's intention, and she won't think too much about it." Jia Zhen snorted coldly, "Humph! It's all because Jiao Da took advantage of his age and drank too much horse urine to gossip. I'll get rid of him when I get back, and see who dares to talk nonsense next time!"

"What! Are you going to drive Jiao Da away?" Yu Shi looked incredulous. "If the master has any orders, how should I explain it?"

"Nonsense! The master just said it himself. Are you deaf?"

He was so busy trying to use the tiger's skin as a banner that he temporarily ignored what Jia Jing said, which was not the same as Jiao Da's. After he finished speaking, he remembered the connection here and hurriedly warned: "I remind you that what I just said must not be leaked. If it gets to your cousin's ears and ruins the relationship between the master and the grandfather, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

However, his words had the opposite effect.

Because Jia Jing was away from home most of the year, Ningguo Mansion became a place where Jia Zhen had the final say. However, Jiao Da was the only one who disagreed with Jia Zhen because of his achievements in his early years.

In addition, Jia Jing would often order people around by name, and Jia Zhen was worried that he would report him, so he could not do anything about Jiao Da.

This time, taking advantage of Zhang Yunyi's move in, he drove Jiao Da away and transferred his daughter-in-law's personal maid away. His intentions were obvious.

Although I don’t know how he will explain to Jia Jing, he will most likely have to use Zhang Yun逸’s name.

Thinking of Zhang Yun逸, Youshi couldn't help but recall his double-entendresed words and his inappropriate behavior when he grabbed her forearm, and she inexplicably felt a sense of pleasure in taking revenge on Jia Zhen.

……

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 9 A loving father and a filial son

Seeing Youshi's red face, Jia Zhen thought she was too embarrassed to talk to his daughter-in-law. After thinking for a while, he said in a deep voice: "You don't have to be too embarrassed. Just tell your wife that the master has such an intention, and tomorrow the master will naturally endorse you."

Your thoughts were suddenly interrupted and you were also startled. After hearing what Jia Zhen said, she was a little confused. Was it Jia Zhen who made the decision on his own or was it really Jia Jing's intention? She had no choice but to agree.

Seeing the carriage enter the corner gate, Jia Zhen pulled aside the door curtain and jumped off the carriage without waiting for the servants to bring the stool.

With his hands on his hips and gait, he came to the center of the main courtyard and gave orders to Lai Sheng who came up to greet him.

"Lai Sheng! Go and get Zhang San, Li Si..." He called out four or five names in a row. He looked around and said sternly, "Also tie up Jiao Da and bring him here. Silence them so that they won't bother me with their noise!"

After seeing the servants disperse, he looked at Youshi and said, "Go find a wife now, and call Rong'er to me."

Youshi did not dare to ask more questions and went to Jia Rong's courtyard as she was told.

After entering the courtyard, he turned around the screen wall and asked the servant who was sweeping the snow, "Where's my brother?"

The servants did not reply but pointed towards the west wing.

Yu Shi cursed inwardly and said angrily, "Tell him that his father is waiting for him in the front yard!"

After saying that, he walked in without looking back.

As soon as she was welcomed into the main house, the door of the side room opened a crack, and then a ragged little maid about fifteen or sixteen years old ran out like a flash.

A few moments.

Jia Rong picked up the boots, put them on his feet, and hopped towards the front yard.

When they arrived at the front yard, they saw a noisy scene. Six or seven servants were tied up, their mouths stuffed with cloth, and they were pressed on the spring stool.

One of them was Jiao Da, who was still mumbling and struggling.

Jia Rong was so frightened that he shrank his neck, lowered his head and came to Jia Zhen, saying submissively, "Master!"

Jia Zhen gave him a cold look and said to Lai Sheng, "You are a bunch of dirty-hearted people. Each of you will be beaten to death by the master with forty sticks. After that, you will be sent to the farm outside the city immediately."

These servants have always been good at observing people's words and expressions, and when they saw Jiao Da among those being punished, they made preconceived guesses.

Therefore, they did not dare to be negligent at all and beat him so hard that even though Jiao Da was in good health, he was already dying after forty beatings.

Jia Rong had never seen such a scene of blood and flesh flying everywhere, and he was so frightened that his face turned pale.

"Okay, let's go ahead!"

Seeing Jiao Da and the others being carried away, Jia Zhen glanced at Jia Rong and said coldly, "Follow me!"

When Jia Rong heard this, he felt like he was struck by lightning. His legs went weak and he almost collapsed to the ground.

"Eh!"

While steadying himself, he hurriedly agreed.

Seeing his son's reaction, Jia Zhen was quite pleased with himself. He walked slowly to the backyard with his hands behind his back.

Ever since his son Jia Rong married Qin two years ago, he had lost his appetite and had been obsessed with his daughter-in-law, as if possessed.

He held back this evil fire for a year but ultimately couldn't be suppressed. One day last year, he took advantage of his drunkenness and attempted to do something inappropriate.

Unexpectedly, Ruizhu, a maidservant beside Qin, happened to see them and gave Qin the opportunity to escape.

In recent years, Jia Jing has devoted himself to practicing Taoism, and it seems that he has become the one who has the final say in the Ning Mansion. Therefore, he did not take it too seriously, but instead adopted the mentality of a cat playing with a mouse.

She thought everything was under control, but Jiao Da, a short-sighted man, showed up and yelled about the matter in front of Xifu after getting drunk, causing Qin to become seriously ill ever since.

Fortunately, Feng Ziying recommended a skilled doctor named Zhang, and Feng Ziying himself stopped the trouble, so Qin was out of danger.

If it was an ordinary servant, he would have wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible, but Jiao Da was different from others. Not only did he make contributions to the Ning Mansion, but Jia Jing also often sent him around.

Although he was used to being unscrupulous, he was only afraid of Jia Jing.

Nowadays, it is natural for a father to beat his son to death because of filial piety. Even though he inherited the title and became the head of the Jia family, he had to bow down to Jia Jing.

Not to mention, Jia Jing was accompanying the emperor in practicing Taoism, and the Ning Mansion was able to regain its former glory thanks to this imperial favor.

With today's beating, not only can the show be completed, but the anger can also be vented, and it can also serve as a warning to others, which can be said to kill three birds with one stone.

He came all the way to Ning'an Hall, sat down heavily on the main seat, looked at Jia Rong who was bowing his head, and said in a deep voice: "Starting tomorrow, your cousin will live in our house."

Jia Rong thought he would be scolded, but he didn't expect that he would be talking about something irrelevant. He boldly asked, "What cousin?"

"You are an unfilial person!" Jia Zhen shouted, "It's Zhang Yunyi, who is two years younger than you."

"He...how come he lives in our house?"

"Why are you asking so many questions? You just need to know that he is now favored by the emperor and your grandfather thinks highly of him!"

Jia Rong hurriedly said, "Hey! Hey! My son knows."

"You know nothing!" Jia Zhen scolded, "I said you are an unfilial child, and it turned out to be true!"

Jia Rong secretly complained that he had not stopped anyone, so why did he humiliate himself? He raised his hand and slapped himself twice, begging for mercy, "My son knows his crime, please punish me, sir."

Jia Zhen shook his head and said, "It's the father's fault if he doesn't teach his child well. I'm just giving you some advice, sir."

"Yes, yes, yes!" Jia Rong fell to his knees with a plop, "My son will remember your teachings."

Seeing Jia Rong's obedience, Jia Zhen said calmly, "Your cousin is here, and as a junior, you should also show some appreciation. I am also worried about which courtyard to arrange for him to live in. Why don't you come and give me some advice?"

After many twists and turns, Jia Rong finally understood Jia Zhen's intention. If he was angry but dared not say anything about Jia Zhen's coveting of Qin before, now he is as frightened as a cicada.

"Why not vacate your son's yard and let your cousin live in it? Would you be satisfied, Master?"

"At least you still have some filial piety." Jia Zhen was quite satisfied with his son's reaction.

"It's all thanks to the master's teaching."

Jia Zhen pretended to be serious and sighed, "But it would be easier to accommodate you if you move out. My wife has just recovered from a serious illness, but she can't live with you and suffer injustice."

He especially emphasized the three words "follow you".

Jia Rong immediately understood what he meant and said, "Master is right. Qin is weak and needs to rest. It would be a good idea for my son to visit Tianxiang Tower in Huifang Garden."

"Okay! I think this is the arrangement!"

Jia Rong let out a long sigh and said, "Hey! Hey! Master, do you have any other instructions?"

"Do you know how to say it?"

"It's all because my son wants to show filial piety to his cousin, so he made his own decision." As if he was worried that Jia Zhen would be worried, he hurriedly explained, "Don't worry, Master. Qin has always been overthinking and is most afraid of people saying that she is not polite. As long as my son says that he is doing it for the sake of filial piety to his cousin, she will definitely not refute it even if she is reluctant."

"Good!" Jia Zhen slapped his thigh, "You are so filial, the master can't treat you badly. Your wife can rest, but you can't be alone. If this matter can be settled, the master will give Peifeng and Xieyuan..."