[Red Mansions] The Road to Empress Dowager

On February [-]th, the sixth year of Qianyuan, the triennial Spring Festival officially began.

Zhao Guoji had already died long ago, and Aunt Zhao wanted to quarrel with Tanchun in order to pay the funeral money.But since following Jia Huan, I'm afraid there is also a butterfly effect, and he is still alive now.He accompanied Jia Huan to Jinling for a year of scientific examination, and now he is getting closer and more considerate to him. Jia Huan also doesn't trust other servants, so it's better to hand over the affairs to Zhao Guoji.

Jia Huan Chunxi came off the court. On the day he left home, Jia's mother was not happy and ignored it. Mrs. Wang had no time to serve her mother-in-law. Jia Zheng encouraged him a bit, and sent him out with Tanchun and Aunt Zhao .

Jia Huan rushed to the Gongyuan with a strong desire to make a living, just like the impoverished student Zhao Jiahuan who took the college entrance examination.

At the same time, the Shi family also prepared some soft goods for their youngest son Shi Cong and eldest nephew Shi Li, but besides pens, ink, paper and inkstones, they also had clothes, rice noodles, towels, shoes and socks, so it was convenient to bring anything.

Shi Hui also gave the hall brother and the second brother a "lucky purse", saying: "Back then, the imperial concubine was known as the number one embroiderer in Gusu, and it was rumored that her embroidery could help her get a child and avoid danger. Eye disease can't move the needle, so there are very few genuine products of the empress in this world. I just happen to be her sister, and she gave me some of her embroidery back then. I lent these two purses to my second brother and big hall brother. I went to the Muni Temple on the [-]th to ask for the peace talisman. The two older brothers took it with them for auspiciousness and a bit of empress dignity. The younger sister burns incense at home, and I wish the older brothers success."

How could Shi Cong and Shi Li give up the kindness of the younger sister?What's more, as the sons of Chunwei, they also want to seek auspiciousness. This is the embroidery of the imperial concubine and empress, and no one else has it.

So both of them accepted it with a smile, and the servant accompanied them into the carriage and left.

Shi Bai didn't go to the Yamen today, and the whole family watched the two go away, and suddenly Shi Wan'er asked Shi Hui, saying: "Is there any other handkerchief and purse from the imperial concubine? It's auspicious. Wan'er has lost her mother since she was a child, and others say I am unlucky."

Shi Hui said: "No more. Is it Chinese cabbage that your mother gave me? I only have two purses in total, and I lent them to my brothers to wear temporarily. Who dares to spread the things of my mother?"

Shi Hui's words were still influenced by Xing Xiuyan, and her tone was a bit cold at this time.If Shi Wan'er wasn't her niece, Shi Hui wouldn't want to say a word to her in terms of her character.

There are those with shallow eyelids and those with white eyes. If it is shallow eyelids plus white eyes, they always look like the whole world is sorry for her, and they pity her like their own daughter, but they still say no mother and no one loves her. Everyone bullies her and gets No matter how many things, it is difficult to be grateful or greedy for other things. I believe most normal people cannot like it.

Shi Hui flicked her sleeves and entered the door first, Shi Wan'er wanted to follow, but was stopped by Shi Zhang and said: "Wan'er, you also miss your dad's high school, right?"

Shi Wan'er nodded, and Shi Zhang said indifferently: "Then from today until your father comes back, you should pray for him in the Buddhist hall. Your father will surely touch your filial piety when he finds out about it."

Shi Wan'er's face was ashen, thinking that she would be locked up in the Buddhist hall for more than ten days, eating fast and reciting Buddha's name, she felt that it was not a human life.

"Auntie, Wan'er is still young..."

Shi Zhang said sternly, "Father gave birth to you and raised you, but you don't know how to be filial at all?"

Shi Wan'er had an idea, and said: "Then little aunt and Wan'er live in the Buddhist hall together?"

Shi Zhang said: "Hui'er's father didn't take the scientific examination in the Gongyuan Academy. How can Shixiong and Shifu be compared?"

Shi Wan'er burst into tears, but Shi Zhang ordered the maids around her to prepare, including her basic daily chores in the Buddhist hall.Shi Zhang asked two confidantes to take Shi Wan'er to take a bath and change clothes before entering the Buddhist hall.

Mrs. Shi Zhang was going to teach her one more time, hardened her heart, and waited to see whether she would be taught or not, and what attitude Shi Li would have when she came back.Sometimes it is difficult to teach other people's children no matter how senior they are, and it is always useless to talk about the truth.

Shi Zhang let Shi Wan'er live in the Buddhist hall, Shi Wan'er was full of complaints, less than a day after entering, she cried miserably in the Buddhist hall.According to her past experience, when she cries and calls her motherless, everyone should pity her, let her go, or give her some benefits if she doesn't let her go. She didn't expect that no one would care about her at all.

She cried hoarsely and still no one came. Someone brought food. She wanted to take the opportunity to go out and shouted to see her uncle and grandma, but the nuns locked her inside.

On the third day, Mrs. Shi Zhang went outside the Buddhist hall, but did not hear any sound. The mother at home came to report that there was a commotion in the morning and she was asleep now.

Shizhang said that she was asked to pray in the Buddhist hall, but in fact she was also praying for her son's success.Anyone from a noble family like her knows how difficult the examination room is.

In the past few days, the mother and daughter of the Shi family declined all invitations to the flower viewing banquet and birthday banquet, and stayed at home, offering incense to their ancestors and Buddha every day, without going into details.

……

But it is said that Jia Yuanchun came out of the palace and lived in Jia's mother's yard.Because at this time, the Rongguo Mansion was not sealed as a concubine as in the original book, but with the Grand View Garden, Baoyu and the young sisters could live in it.

There was no Grand View Garden at this time, Baoyu lived in the five big houses in Jiamu's courtyard, and Aunt Jia Yuanchun vacated a room by herself.Ordinarily, an unmarried daughter lives in Baoxia in her mother's yard even if she doesn't have a separate courtyard, but now that the sage's oracle says "serve the old lady", Jia Yuanchun naturally has to obey the order, this is her only foothold .

Mother Jia was ill for a few days, and Jia Yuanchun took care of her daily life. Now she is also an embarrassing person, and she doesn't like to visit other places. A filial name is also better.

Outside the Rongqing Hall, there was a storm going on, and Mother Jia didn't know about it yet.

In the great dynasty of this day, there were censors attending Jia Amnesty and Jia Zheng who did not abide by the etiquette. After retiring from the court, the emperor immediately summoned Jia Amnesty and Jia Zheng to meet in the Imperial Study Room of Liangyi Palace.

At this time, Tu Yuanyi's three young younger brothers, Prince Rong, Prince Fu, and Prince Ying, who were still in the Six Divisions, accompanied him, and the foreign ministers included Chen Yushi, who denounced the Jia brothers, and the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, a scholar in the cabinet. Li Xun, Lin Hai, Zuo Shilang of the Scholars Department of Wenyuange University, Sun Yuanwang, Minister of the Ministry of War, Qian Yuan, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Zhao Yu, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, and Li Wenjun, a member of Yuqian Zhongshushe, were present.

The ministers originally discussed some details of the government, civil and military affairs, work on persuading farmers and water conservancy work, etc. in front of the emperor.But Tu Yuanyi said that although Tu Yuanyi was cruel and ruthless, he was both civil and military, he had been on the throne for a long time, and he was very pragmatic and sophisticated in handling government affairs, so all the officials in the court were convinced.Even if there is an occasional convulsion, the ministers will selectively ignore it.

When Jia Amnesty and Jia Zheng came, they also had a lively conversation, and the emperor didn't let them back down, so they had to watch and watch the excitement.

Jia Amnesty and Jia Zheng respectfully entered the Hall of Liangyi, prostrating on the ground: "The humble minister Jia She/Jia Zheng sees the emperor, long live the emperor, long live, long live!"

Although Tu Yuanyi knew that they had a higher status than him in "The Red Mansion", since he was reborn, he basically didn't deliberately watch them at close range.

He also knew that he had overestimated the Jia family in his previous life. The Jia family did not inherit the power of their ancestors at all. Among the four major families, only Wang Ziteng was very talented.But this person is also very arrogant and lawless. Back then, I was afraid that I would not be able to suppress him, so I couldn't keep him.In addition, Zhong Jinghou also has some leadership skills, but he has more rules, but generally speaking, he is far behind his elder brother.But after cleaning up Jiangnan in this life, he didn't put his energy on them.

Tu Yuanyi opened his mouth lightly, letting them lie still, and said: "I declared that you and I had an audience just to personally verify that Chen Yushi impeached you and others."

Although Jia Amnesty and Jia Zheng didn't know what was going on, they couldn't help feeling a chill down their spines and feeling uneasy.

Jia Zheng worshiped respectfully and said: "The ministers and others have been blessed with the blessings of the sage for generations. I have never worried about the king, and I have caused troubles in front of the king. I have owed the king's kindness. Please forgive me!"

Jia Amnesty then bowed in fear, most of these fancy words were said by Zheng Er Er.

At this time, Chen Yushi came out and said directly that Jia Zheng violated the etiquette, laws and regulations, and lived in the Rongxi Hall of the Duke's Mansion, where only nobles can live.

When the two heard this, their hearts turned cold, and Gu fell to his knees again. Tu Yuanyi's handsome face was cold, and he said, "You two Jia Qings, is what Chen Aiqing said true?"

Jia Zheng knelt down and said: "Report to the emperor, although my minister lives in Rongxi Hall because of my mother's order, I dare not overstep my control and live in the main house. It is because my mother is old, and my minister only wants to be filial. Please be enlightened by the sage!"

Jia Amnesty knelt without speaking, while Tu Yuanyi looked at him.This voluptuous person, in his previous life, dared to have an affair with the Jiedu Shi of Pingan Province, and after the crime of the Jiedu History of Ping'an Province was exposed, he still wanted to plot dirty money, which is really audacious.

But nothing has happened yet, and Jia Amnesty's desire to make money is because Jia's family has run out of pockets, which stems from the Grand View Garden and the concubine Yuan.Now that these two things don't exist, and I don't know what will happen to him, Jia Lian gave him a chance. If he can be used, he will be kept first. How can I say that he is Chen Guifei's cousin.

As for Jia She, Tu Yuanyi saw that his name as a paper tiger had protected his heart for many years, so he was willing to give him a chance.If it wasn't for his name, with her appearance, I'm afraid it would be difficult for her to be safe for so many years, and his "food" would have been snatched by others.If Jia Amnesty still wanted to seek death by herself, she would have nothing to say.

Tu Yuanyi said coldly: "In this way, is it true?"

Jia Zheng was shocked, and pressed his forehead to the ground: "This humble official deserves death!"

Only then did Jia Amnesty fall on the ground and cry: "The Holy Majesty appeases his anger, because the amnesty is unworthy, and the old mother really needs the second brother to be filial in front of him, so this is an expedient measure. As for the violation of the court etiquette, my minister ...It was my negligence."

Tu Yuanyi said: "If you don't live in the main hall of the Duke's mansion, can Jia Zheng not be able to enter? You don't want to enjoy the favor of the king. You can resign from the title or pass it on to your son as soon as possible, but I have never heard of letting the brothers below take the title." Yes. What do you mean, do any of my brothers want to live in the Taiji Palace on my behalf if they want to be filial to their father? Or even ask my brothers to take the early court and enter and leave the harem on my behalf?"

The heads of the officials present seemed like a thunderbolt had exploded, and all of them knelt down tremblingly: "Your Majesty, calm down!"

And Prince Rong, Prince Fu, and Prince Ying, who were just young, knelt on the ground, their legs went limp, their foreheads pressed to the ground, and said: "Brother Huang, calm down, I dare not!"

The three young princes also hated the mess in the Rong Mansion to death, which aroused the conjecture of Brother Huang.But considering that the emperor had just ascended the throne, Prince Lian and Prince Gong really used filial piety to often go to the palace and visit the emperor to stir up troubles and make things difficult for the emperor. No wonder the emperor had such an understanding when he saw this case.

The hairs on the backs of the three young princes stood up. The emperor brother was not the Taiping Emperor who was afraid of blood. He shot down the rebel king's flag with an arrow on the battlefield, and slashed at Ma Baocheng, the Hexi Jiedu envoy known for his bravery. The tyrant with the head of the head, after that, how many traitors were ransacked and beheaded by the whole family, and his family property was confiscated.Brother Huang became cruel and cruel, it was really terrifying.

The three little princes did not dare to hate the emperor brother who is actually good to them now, but transferred the resentment to Jia Zheng. Your uneasiness as a younger brother made the emperor suspect that the prince is just like you.

The Prince of Ying said: "Invitation to the Holy Majesty, Jia Amnesty's surrender of the main courtyard has the meaning of filial piety. A small official of Jia Zheng who dares to live in the main courtyard of the Duke's Mansion is the main culprit. Please punish him severely."

Yes, my brother was right, it was my brother's fault.Brother Huang is an elder brother!He wants to show his caring from the perspective of the emperor's brother.

Prince Rong said: "This Jia Zheng is simply shameless, his heart can be punished!"

Prince Fu liked to visit teahouses and restaurants after he left the palace to build a mansion. He had heard some rumors, and now was the right time to explain. On the surface, the government appears to be sanctimonious, but in fact it is an outsider who is a virtuous person and an insider who is treacherous, and he is scheming and seeks great things."

The three young princes didn't talk about the implicitness of the ancient nobles.

Jia Zheng's liver was a little frightened, is he so unbearable in the eyes of these nobles and princes?

Jia Zheng hurriedly bowed and said: "The humble minister is terrified! The humble minister was confused for a while because of filial piety. He didn't violate the etiquette if he couldn't live in the main house. He just lived in the Rongxi Hall temporarily. There is no...no..."

But he couldn't say the next sentence. Although he was inflexible, it would be a lie to say that he didn't seek a title at all. He was used to being a master, not a second master.And Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng used to be called housekeepers for their second uncle and second aunt. For so many years, he always felt that the Rongguo Mansion was his own.

At this time, Qian Yuan, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, said: "The humble minister is guilty. There are such unruly people in the court. The humble minister did not investigate and did not guide him. It is a dereliction of duty. Please forgive me!"

Lin Ruhai also pleaded guilty: "Rong Mansion is the Yue family of the humble minister, and Jia She and Jia Zheng are the uncles of the minister, and the minister has not fulfilled the duty of a sister-in-law to persuade him to strictly abide by the court etiquette. Please forgive me!"

Tu Yuanyi sighed: "It's just a small crime for Qing and others, and there are many honorable officials in the court who don't obey the rules."

The officials at the scene all advocated punishing the two of them in order to rectify the court's laws. Tu Yuanyi's face turned pale, and he sighed: "The first two Rong Guogongs are meritorious ministers, and they should be tolerant for the sake of the old Dukes. .”

Li Xun, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, said: "Your Majesty is lenient, but Jia Amnesty and Jia Zheng should be punished for their crimes."

As a confidant minister, Li Xun certainly knew how to play with the emperor.

The emperor nodded, pondered for a while, and said: "Jia Amnesty despised the emperor's favor and was demoted to the third-class general; Jia Zheng arbitrarily violated the rules and regulations of the state, ignoring the state's etiquette, and was demoted to the head of the eighth-rank Ministry of Industry. That's not the case with the imperial government. Third-class generals and eighth-rank chiefs can stay here, but I think they were loyal to the country before Rong Guogong was alive, so I will let you stay for a few more years for the time being."

"Emperor Shengming!"

Only then did Tu Yuanyi order all the ministers to retire, and several court officials, Jia Amnesty and Jia Zheng withdrew from the Hall of Liangyi one after another.

Jia Zheng was almost weak all over, and wanted to lie down all the way out of Liangyi Hall.The three little princes walked in front and turned their heads to give Jia Zheng a very unfriendly look.

Jia Zheng's heart felt cold, but Jia Amnesty was talking to Lin Ruhai. Lin Ruhai's face was calm, and Jia Zheng also walked up.

Lin Ruhai said: "Second uncle is the new head of the Ministry of Industry, you still have to be cautious and diligent, don't be so careless again."

As he spoke, Lin Ruhai flicked his sleeves in a first-grade purple robe, and walked forward chicly, leaving with Li Xun, Minister of the Ministry of Officials.

After leaving the Suzaku gate, Jia She and Jia Zheng got into the same carriage, Jia She became angry and beat Jia Zheng in the face.

Jia She scolded: "My lord, I have been a first-class general for 20 years, but I haven't lived in the Rongxi Hall for a day! You have occupied the magpie's nest for 20 years and enjoyed it. My grievances are not enough. You also caused me to be demoted." Jazz!"

Jia Zheng yelled, how can he be the opponent of Jia She, who has become snarky?

Jia Zheng was eager to explain: "It was the old lady who made the decision to let me live in! I also wanted to be filial to the old lady..."

Jia Amnesty felt aggrieved when he thought of the old lady, what kind of scholars are all bullshit.

Back at Jia's mansion, a group of female relatives headed by Jia's mother and Jia Baoyu were waiting in the lobby, including Jia Yuanchun who had just been sent out of the palace.The emperor suddenly summoned the two of them into the palace, which made people worry.

When Jia Mu saw Jia Zheng being beaten into a pig's head, she was frightened and distressed, and rushed forward and asked, "Zheng'er, what happened to your face? Who beat you?"

Jia She said bitterly, "I beat you!"

Jia's mother couldn't help being angry, she swung her crutches and beat Jia She. Jia She got a stick on her back and said, "It's good if the old lady beats me to death! The old lady made the decision to let the second brother live in Rongxi." Hall, the saint asked, is the old lady implying that the prince of the saint's brother should live in the Tai Chi Palace?"

Mother Jia was startled: "What did you say?"

Jia She's eyes burst into flames, and he said, "Am I the head of the family who is willing not to live in Rongxi Hall for 20 years? Am I willing to despise Jun'en like this? A good house is let others live, and I myself have a "contempt." "Jun En", the first-class general has been demoted to the third-class general!"

Mrs. Xing was taken aback, stepped forward and asked, "Why does the master despise Jun En?"

Jia Amnesty was demoted to a third-class general, isn't she the third-class general's wife?Mrs. Xing, who often goes out to socialize now, knows the importance of imperial order.

Jia She then told the details of the meeting at the Taiji Palace, every word and every sentence reveals hatred for Jia Zheng and resentment for Jia's mother.

When Jia Mu heard this, she fainted again. Everyone had to carry Jia Mu back to the Rongqing Hall, surrounded by girls and daughters-in-law.

But at night when Jia Lian was on a mission back home, Jia Amnesty hurriedly recruited him to tell him what happened today, which shocked Jia Lian too.

Father's first-class general became third-class general?

Wouldn't he be a captain of cavalry then?He wholeheartedly wanted to attack a second-class general, but now he was downgraded by two ranks because of "contempt for the king's grace".

Jia Amnesty immediately explained to Jia Lian, saying: "Tomorrow, please take a leave of absence from your errand to urge your second uncle to move out of Rongxi Hall. If he stays there, I will lose my last title. And be careful not to damage the national system." Ornaments, the imperial court will take them back. The "Rongguo Mansion" plaque outside the mansion needs to be replaced, so you send craftsmen to make a "Third General's Mansion"." Jia She was unwilling, but after hearing Lin Ruhai's point, this matter Haven't forgotten yet.

Jia Lian greeted Lin Zhixiao, Wang Er and others hurriedly.Jia Lian is the only male master in the house who is the most important thing. Jia She understands some things but it is difficult to do it by himself. Jia Lian is tested on everything.

Jia Amnesty asked Mrs. Xing to prepare for the relocation of the East Courtyard.

Jia's mansion is busy moving and changing plaques, while Jia's mother is crooked in Rongxi hall. This time she is really sick, heart sick. Jia Yuanchun has been serving her with all her heart. When she was not at home before, the whole family was worried. The main reason is to hope that she, who is both talented and beautiful, will have a bright future.Now, the old aunt came back alone, but it was difficult to find a safe place to live, but the grandmother who loved her since she was a child and had high hopes for her, her eyes were much weaker at this time.

Back in his own room, only accompanied by the same old girl holding the piano, the master and servant cried again.

On the third day, Jia She's first room hurriedly moved into the Rongxi Hall, while Jia Zheng moved into the East Courtyard. The master and servants of the Rong Mansion were all as busy as a spinning top.

Until the big house asked about the Fuchu farm and other properties, the sick Jia Shishi jumped up again.She had to jump up, if she didn't jump up, the second room was really over.