The Red Mansions

Xihe Palace

As Dai Quan finished reading the imperial edict, all the civil servants in the palace looked at the young man in python suit.

The first-class Duke is less than twenty years old. Except for the founding warriors who inherited the title of their ancestors, there are few such young and handsome men.

Jia Zheng was standing behind Cheng Xin, the General Secretary, with excitement in his eyes, and even the beard under his chin was trembling slightly.

He was a first-class Duke. Duke Rong could only hold this title when he was there. Zi Yu made him a first-class Duke by edict, so that he could maintain long-term wealth and honor in the future.

Han Huang looked at the young man with deep eyes and some emotion in his heart.

Who would have thought that under Yang Guochang's exclusion, the children of the Jia clan who needed to unite with him to protect themselves would actually become first-class Dukes and gradually become the backbone of the Han Dynasty.

It's just that he doesn't seem so satisfied, but rather uninterested. Could it be that... he has a big goal?
Zhao Mo, the former cabinet minister, frowned. Although he had known for a long time that he would be promoted to a higher rank, he was still a little worried.

Xu Lu looked at the young man, his mind a little dazed. Under Jia Zhen's persecution, the young man who had been looking for cover in Jingzhao Mansion had now been named a first-class Duke of the Han Dynasty.

But think about the achievements that young man made, who can do it?
Yan Ye, the king of Nan'an County, and Liu Fang, the grandson of Duke Li, also led an army to the northwest. They were also the elite of the [-]-strong Beijing camp. They lost their troops and humiliated the country.

Jia Ziyu is indeed the contemporary Sun Wu and Wei Huo.

Dai Quan gave the imperial edict to Jia Heng, his face was indifferent, without the familiar look of the past, and then he turned around and took another imperial edict from the eunuch's hand. His fair face was taut, he unfolded it with a "brush", and said: "Thank you, Zhongqin Bo, Zaiyi." Accept the order."

"I accept the order." Xie Zaiyi kowtowed, his voice trembling with excitement.

Dai Quan said: "The emperor is entrusted by heaven, and the edict says: Since I became emperor, I have governed the nine provinces and conquered the whole world. However, I know that those who can defeat the cunning must fight against the heroes, and those who reward the outstanding achievements are not limited to Yi Dian... Yuan Zhongqin Bo Xie Zai Yi was first appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Guyong Battalion. He gathered Ying Yang's troops. He returned home after going into trouble. He was prepared for danger and worked hard with steadfastness. He led the troops in Qinghai. After the battle of Heshuote, he went deep into the enemy's rear and broke through the cavalry to ambush more than ten thousand soldiers. , bravely captured Huangyuan City; in the battle of Lisha Prefecture, he secured the seven guards of Guanxi and killed [-] prisoners; in the battle of Xianghami, he defeated Junggar with bravery. This battle should be the first to win, and it is famous in the northwest, and is especially promoted to the Jin Dynasty. The title is a first-class marquis, the third generation of this branch, to commend the special merits. I admire this."

In fact, Xie Zaiyi's merits have gone through some debates. According to the opinions of some civil servants, it is enough to be made a second-class marquis. After first-class marquis, if he has merit in the future, how will he be rewarded? Is he promoted to a prince?

What kind of credit does that get?
However, Emperor Chongping decided to make him a first-class marquis as he did when he was a first-class uncle in the last Jin Dynasty. He decided to use the title of his wife as a reward for his merits in the future.

This move unexpectedly won the approval of Han Huang, Zhao Mo and other ministers.

In other words, to narrow the title gap with Jia Heng in order to achieve differentiation and checks and balances, the so-called rewards come from the top. Since they are all meritorious princes of the Han family, they will not do those desperate things.

And everyone knows that if you want to be crowned a prince, you have to do what Jia Heng did by killing the slave chiefs and defeating the Jurchens. Otherwise, subsequent promotions will inevitably be a waste of merit.

The so-called accumulation of merit means that a single merit will not be rewarded, but it will be accumulated, and then a certain amount of wealth will be rewarded. When it is suitable for promotion, all rewards will be awarded.

Xie Zaiyi listened to the recitation in the inner prison below, and he was overjoyed. He cupped his hands and said, "I bow down to express my gratitude to the Holy Grace. Long live, long live, long live."

First of all, this is a great achievement that many generals will find difficult to accomplish in their lifetimes?
Become a First-Class Marquis and have no regrets in this life!
He couldn't help but take a look at the young man in the black and red python suit. Since he followed the Commander-in-Chief, in just a few years, he has risen through the ranks and ranked among the fifth-level nobles.

Or maybe it is in line with that sentence, birds fly with the phoenix, and people with virtuous people are of high character!
Then, Dai Quan took out another imperial edict, which was to promote and reward meritorious generals, including Pang Shili, Wang Xun and other generals in the capital.

Many of them were awarded the title of first-, second-, or third-class general, or even viscount.

In short, everyone will be awarded a meritorious service, and at the same time, compensation will be provided to the fallen generals and soldiers.

Suddenly, the shouts of long live the mountain sounded in the Xihe Palace. All the generals were beaming with joy and their faces were uplifted. It can be said that the military spirit was very happy.

As for the civil servant sitting behind the desk in the palace, his face was not very good-looking, and his eyes were dark and uncertain.

Today is destined to be a day of carnival for the generals, and they, the civil servants, can only watch.

Emperor Chongping's majestic gaze under his thin, pine brows glanced at the generals below and said, "Everyone, sit down and enjoy the banquet."

As he said that, he glanced at the young man in the python suit who was worried and had no joy on his face.

It seems that it was right not to agree to the marriage all at once.

If you get it too easily, you often don’t know how to cherish it.

Moreover, there are actually some doubts about why Princess Le'an appeared in good condition and why she disappeared that year.

Jia Heng sat down, his mind really going back and forth.

It can be said that by exposing Xiaoxiao, he took advantage of the fact that the emperor was still happy and eliminated the hidden dangers in Xiaoxiao in time. Otherwise, if he really waited for the emperor to ask him about it himself, he would look at it with suspicion.

As for other imperial orders, and even Chai Dai and others, the emperor has many eyes and ears, so he may not be unaware of them.

Especially for Baochai, it was impossible for the emperor not to hear about Aunt Xue's big joke.

But the emperor probably doesn't know about Ya Ruo.

After everyone had lunch, all the officials and generals had their own concerns and dispersed in small groups.

As for the huge Shenjing City, the people were overjoyed at the triumphant victory of Pingxi's army. Many generals and soldiers were able to return home and reunite with their relatives. A festive atmosphere enveloped the entire Shenjing City.

As for King Wei, he went to Kunning Palace to pay his respects to Queen Song, while Jia Heng was left alone by Emperor Chongping.

……

……

Kunning Palace, inside the palace
Empress Song was sitting on an Arhat bed covered with soft mattresses, talking to the visiting Concubine Duanrong.

"Sister, do you know that Princess Le'an is back?" Empress Song was dressed in a gorgeous dress today, with a majestic bun and a thin layer of powder on her face.

Concubine Duanrong said: "Her? Chen Xiao?"

Concubine Duanrong had met Chen Xiao before. When Chen Xiao was young, she actually didn't like this niece who had a somewhat tomboyish personality, and was worried that she would lead her daughter into mischief.

Empress Song said: "I'm in Chonghua Palace right now. It's said that Ziyu found it from outside."

Under the slender eyebrows of Princess Duanrong, her beautiful eyes blinked, and she couldn't help but feel something strange in her heart, and asked, "How did Ziyu find her?"

Empress Song shook her head and said, "I'm not sure about this. I heard that he was wearing a flying fish suit. Did Ziyu find him when he was in Jinyi Mansion?"

"Your Majesty, Your Highness the King of Wei wishes to see you." A tall female official from outside came into the palace and said in a clear voice to Queen Song.

Queen Song was surprised and said: "Let him come over."

At this moment, the beauty's eyebrows are smiling, her red lips are slightly parted, her crystal teeth are sparkling, and the full moon is trembling with joy.

After a while, King Chen Ran of Wei entered the palace under the guidance of a female official. He bowed to the Empress of Song and said, "I have seen my mother, and I have met Concubine Rong."

"Ran'er, get up quickly." Empress Song chuckled sweetly, and then called King Wei to get up. Under the willow leaf's thin eyebrows, her soft and beautiful eyes were shining with pity, and she said : "The clearness has decreased, and the color is darker. It seems that I have endured hardships as usual."

At this moment, the beauty's eyebrows and eyes are full of plump and charming maternal aura.

King Wei Chen Ran saluted Queen Song and said softly: "Queen Mother, she didn't suffer much. Compared with the soldiers on the front line, I escorted the grain and fodder at the rear, so there was no danger."

Empress Song's beautiful face was full of sighs, and she said softly: "It's really not easy. Have you met your father?"

"My father summoned Zi Yu alone to ask questions. Later, I will go to pay my respects to my father." Wei Wang Chen Ran said softly, with concerned eyes: "Mother, how are you doing with grandpa?"

"Recent letters say that things are getting better. I said that I would wait until the end of the year and go south to have a look." Queen Song said.

The old lady of the Song family is actually having a harder time this winter.

Concubine Duanrong on the side looked at the mother and son who were talking, her face still cold and her expression indifferent.

Hanyuan Hall, Inner Study Room

He drank a few more drinks than usual. Emperor Chongping didn't drink today because he was unwell. He sat on a pearwood chair in the study room. Dai Quan beside him offered him some tea, and then he walked over quietly. Waiting under the pillars.

Emperor Chongping raised his eyes to look at the young man standing with his hands hanging down. He looked around, but there was still something strange in his heart.

It's not that he doesn't take Jia Heng's things to heart.

If Jia Heng was the consort from the beginning, his father-in-law would easily be furious with his cousin Xiao Xiaole's dishonest behavior.

But Jia Heng himself was snatched from a married woman, and the original marriage grant had a somewhat impure purpose and was obviously intended to win over her.

Of course, it can't be said to be exactly what one wants now, but it's not that bad, and it's even a bit dumbfounding.

Emperor Chongping asked: "Dai Quan, have you taken Princess Le'an to see the Queen Mother?"

Dai Quan said: "We have already sent someone over."

Emperor Chongping nodded, turned to look at the young man, looked at the young man for a moment, and asked expressionlessly: "There are no kings and ministers here, only Weng's son-in-law. How do you plan to solve the matter of Princess Le'an?"

Jia Heng breathed a sigh of relief, cupped his hands and said, "Father, I have said before that I don't need to be promoted to a noble title, but I can ask for the title of Princess Le'an."

Emperor Chongping looked indifferent and said: "The merits you have made are just to prevent the Queen Mother and Concubine Rong from being angry when they know about this matter. If you want to marry Princess Le'an, you must stop the world from talking about it, otherwise , all the daughters of the Chen family are allowed to be married off by just one person? Is there such a thing in ancient history? How does the world view the royal family?"

Jia Heng knelt down again, bowed his head and said, "My son, I am scared."

If you say so, the incident in Jinyang will probably wipe out Liaodong.

Emperor Chongping said: "Since you two are in love with each other, I will not stand in the way. However, Princess Le'an is the only daughter of King Zhou. King Zhou was the protector of Qingtian and made great contributions to the country. I cannot bear to see my daughter do things for others after his death." Concubine, you make the world laugh."

Jia Heng said: "This..."

Co-authoring still requires meritorious service, but if he was really reluctant to part with it, he would probably have sent someone to inherit the title.

But I knew beforehand that taking back the Seven Guards of Kansai, Heshuote, and Galdan would be enough to be promoted to the rank of first-class Duke, and a little more.Strictly speaking, the merits he has made are really not enough to marry Xiaoxiao. In other words, if he is replaced by the king of Zhou, the weight difference is too much, and the abacus is too loud.

So he didn't even mention it and could only let Xiaoxiao mention it.

How can it be such a good thing to be able to become a county king after giving birth to a son?

Then why didn't the Chen and Han royal family find a descendant of the clan who was born as a concubine to be adopted by the King of Zhou?Why take advantage of outsiders?

Emperor Chongping looked at the young man with a "gloomy" face and said: "You can think of your own way. Isn't that what you and Xianning were like back then? You always want to prevent the world from gossiping. Even if I force a marriage, it will be difficult to stop it. Live in the mouth of the world."

For example, if he recovers the Western Region, or recovers Tibet, no one in the court will want to see him continue to be knighted, and then the two of them can get married.

Looking at the silent young man, Emperor Chongping thought for a while and said: "I can grant you the request for a royal title. It can be regarded as a small reward for your merits. I will grant you the title of wife and son. Since I came to the throne, I have always made clear rewards and punishments."

Perhaps he felt that the young man in front of him was trapped by love. He was no longer as heavy as before, and the middle-aged emperor also lost a little of his former majesty.

Jia Heng was silent for a moment and said: "Wei Chen is traveling to the northwest and has made a life-long commitment to King Meng's daughter Yaruo. Please ask your father to fulfill the promise."

Emperor Chongping: "..."

Really?
Emperor Chongping frowned and asked, "Isn't that the Xue family girl?"

Jia Heng's face was stern, his voice was a little lower, and he said, "No."

Emperor Chongping's face was silent, his eyes were suspicious for a moment, and suddenly he said coldly: "I ask you, how many women have you been committed to for life?"

Jia Heng: "..."

What is this word?Whether it is between a monarch and his ministers, or between a father-in-law and his son-in-law, this kind of dialogue style is a bit strange.

It can only be said that the emperor takes this kind of thing very lightly, or that this is the benefit of his rapid expansion of political power after the Northwest War. He has been able to have such a conversation with the emperor, and the emperor will not feel offended.

Seeing the young man stunned on the spot, Emperor Chongping frowned and scolded: "Xianning is so infatuated with you and indulges you so much. Do you want to be granted a royal title for all this? Where can you put Xianning?"

It is normal for ministers to take concubines and produce heirs.

But Xianning is a noble man from Tianhuang, so even if he is the only one favored, there is nothing wrong with him. Does Xianning know that?How could his daughter be so generous?

Jia Heng said quickly: "My father misunderstood, not all of them, some of them were even before Xianning." "

Emperor Chongping: "..."

There was a feeling of irritation in his heart. He was the emperor of all directions and could obviously issue an edict to reprimand him, but if his daughter didn't cry and complain, and his son-in-law was the pillar of the country, it would be hard for him to get angry.

Emperor Chongping's voice was still a bit colder, and he said: "Although asking for a royal title is just an extra salary, and various officials, wives and mothers are given a lot of rewards every year, but if you invite me again and again and smile for a beauty, you will be left behind. In people's eyes, you are really unbecoming, and I don't know how many people laughed at you."

Please grant me a royal decree. It has no other effect than a smile on my face. The young man in front of me probably doesn't like that little salary.

Jia Heng said: "I have nothing else to ask for. As for teasing, I have come all the way from Buyi and I have already accepted it calmly."

Emperor Chongping raised his eyebrows and asked without comment: "Ezhe is marching in Tibet, but does he have other motives?"

Jia Heng said: "Father, Ezhe probably did not want to achieve separatist rule, but I believe that we should promote the marriage between Han and Mongolia to expand the territory of the Khanate, eliminate the troubles of the grassland barbarians, and at the same time recover the Western Region and Tibet. Send troops to garrison as the defense line of our Central Plains Dynasty."

"The marriage between Han and Mongolia is a big deal, and many Han ministers in the court will not allow it. In the Taizong Dynasty, some people proposed to adopt Mongolian concubines, but some people suggested that it would dishonor the blood of the Tian family." Emperor Chongping said solemnly. said.

Because the first step is the marriage between Han and Mongolia, will Mongolian officials still be admitted in the future?That affects Han Chen's interests.

Moreover, if a Han-Mongolian hybrid appeared, seized the throne, and led the Mongols to chaos, the consequences would be even more disastrous.

Jia Heng said: "I'm here, it should be fine."

In this way, perhaps he would have another reason to dislike the civil servants by marrying a Mengren's daughter?
Emperor Chongping said: "These things can only be done first but cannot be said in advance. There is nothing wrong with Ezhe's daughter being promised to you."

Jia Heng cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, father."

Emperor Chongping thought for a while, frowned and said: "Don't always be obsessed with the love between your children. There are still many great things to do in the world. When a man is alive, he must do some great deeds that will leave a name in history, so that he can live up to his life." "

The son-in-law is too capable, and I'm afraid he won't be able to suppress her, but it's not bad to be so lustful... Because, lustful people will not live long if they are too many.

Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "My son is not even old enough yet, and he has already become a first-class Duke. He can be said to be the ultimate human minister. He is worried every day, like walking on thin ice. In the past three years, he has been away from his wife more often than he has been together. I feel really guilty for not being able to be with you during the delivery."

When you get to the Duke, you can actually lie down a little bit, but that's what you say now, otherwise you will only arouse suspicion if you still have the ambition to achieve success.

When Emperor Chongping heard this, he was not happy. He frowned and said, "Shui Rong is as old as you. You are already a county king and have never indulged in the gentle countryside. You are no more than a first-class prince, but you have such thoughts? The title of duke has been hereditary for three generations. How many titles and honors are there to be passed down? It is far inferior to that of the county king. Don't you want to establish a hereditary family fortune for future generations? "

The distance between a first-class Duke and a county prince is no less than the distance between a commoner and a first-class Duke, in terms of the difficulty of meritorious service alone.

Jia Heng never corrected the difference between this kind of inherited county prince and his, saying: "I don't want to be crowned king. I just want to expand the border for the Holy Sage and repay the Holy Sage for his kindness."

Emperor Chongping pondered and said: "Liaodong has not yet been settled, the New Deal has not yet taken off, the ambitions stated in your previous memorials have not yet been realized, the road to the resurgence of the Han Dynasty is long and arduous, you are not yet as good as the weak crown, and you have not yet reached the stage of retirement and recuperation. At this time, you should not make such arrogant remarks."

Jia Heng said: "My son, I must remember my father's teachings and I will not dare or forget them in one day."

Emperor Chongping looked at the young man who remained humble and said: "Okay, I agree with the matter of King Meng's daughter. The daughter of the barbarian king of the prairie has little criticism from the people in the world. I can make her the wife of the State of Yu and grant her a marriage." Here you go, watch the time and choose an auspicious day to get married."

Jia Heng: "..."

Mrs. Yu Guo, generally speaking, she belongs to the top of Mrs. Gaoming.

That is, the Duke's wife, his wife Keqing is actually called Mrs. Weiguo to the outside world.

Or why is she called Mrs. Yu?

While Weng and son-in-law were talking, an eunuch from outside the palace entered the study and said: "Your Majesty, the Queen Mother has sent someone to call Duke Wei to go to Chonghua Palace for questioning."

Emperor Chongping waved his hand and said: "Go ahead, the Queen Mother must be asking for help. The King of Zhou was weak and sick since he was a child. The Queen Mother raised him by herself. He was even closer to Princess Le'an than Xianning. Be careful." .”

Jia Heng's face tightened, he cupped his hands and said, "My son, please retire."

Empress Dowager Feng didn't know that Li'er was also with him... and that she was pregnant with his child.

Jia Heng still doesn't know that the eldest princess of Jinyang has given birth to a child, and he is still a big fat boy.

Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment, his eyes flickered, and he couldn't help but sigh softly.

However, this is fine. If the successor uses this to suppress him in the future, it can be regarded as a weakness.

There are some things that he has to consider... that are beyond the capabilities of a human minister.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness the King of Wei wishes to see you." Dai Quan's voice interrupted Emperor Chongping's thoughts.

Emperor Chongping said: "Announce him to come in."

Both the King of Wei and the King of Chu are impressive, but the power of the Song family behind King Wei is worrying.

Wei Wang Chen Ran entered the inner study at this moment, kowtowed to Emperor Chongping, and said: "I have met my father, and I wish my father good health."

Emperor Chongping looked at King Wei, nodded, and said: "Dai Quan, show King Wei his seat."

King Chen Ran of Wei thanked Emperor Chongping, and then sat on the embroidered pier beside him, behaved and did not dare to sit down.

Emperor Chongping looked at King Wei, who was much darker than before he left the capital. He felt a little satisfied and said, "You were responsible for escorting grain and fodder in Xining. You worked diligently and prepared the logistics for the army to defeat Fanqi."

Wei Wang Chen Ran said: "It is the duty of a son to share his father's worries. I sincerely dare not take credit."

Emperor Chongping nodded and asked, "Can I see your mother? Can I pay my respects to your mother?"

"Back to my father, I went to say hello earlier." Wei Wang Chen Ran said.

Emperor Chongping asked again: "Do you know anything about military affairs when you go to the northwest to fight?"

Wei Wang Chen Ran said: "The army went on an expedition, and the food and fodder consumption was incredible. The war was also quite cruel. I thought that if we could do a good job in logistics and military supplies, we could reduce the number of casualties and contribute to the victory of the frontline war."

Emperor Chongping pondered and said: "If you have this experience, it is not in vain that I and your mother sent you to the front line."

King Wei hurriedly said: "My father and mother's painstaking efforts are only known to this day. I really don't know the difficulties of military affairs without going to the front line."

Emperor Chongping said: "You have been delayed in practicing in the Ministry of Rites recently. You should go to the Military Aircraft Department recently. There is a shortage of officers there."

His body and bones are only about ten years old, so he should train his heirs and even let them know the art of war.

When King Wei heard this, his heart skipped a beat, and he felt a wave of ecstasy hitting him, but he kept a calm look on his face and said: "The Military Aircraft Department is the seat of the Privy Council, where decisions are made about aircraft affairs. I am afraid that I am short-sighted and incompetent, so why not I have a son who was previously in charge of the Ministry of Rites, and it was difficult to take care of both."

In fact, the latter sentence seemed like a test. Naturally, the Ministry of Rites was unwilling to withdraw from the errands, but the recent exposure of the imperial examination fraud case also made King Wei a little frightened.

Emperor Chongping said: "It is not a bad thing to still be in charge of the errands of the Ministry of Rites. It is not a bad thing to have more experience and experience in managing affairs."

Compared with Zi Yu, these sons are quite talented, but they lack a lot of experience.

King Wei repeatedly thought that "more experience is not a bad thing." He was so happy that he did not dare to ask any more questions, and whispered: "My son, I obey the order."

Emperor Chongping waved his hand and ordered: "Go."

"Yes, Father." King Wei bowed and left.