The Red Mansions

Chapter 1118 Jia Mu: The Xue family is a small family after all...

Palace Garden, Chonghua Palace
It was in the afternoon, and the soft light of late autumn shone on the white marble square in front of the palace, making the reliefs of auspicious animals on the railings shine. Groups of palace maids and eunuchs walked through the cloisters.

In the luxuriously decorated palace space, the Emperor and Queen Mother Feng were sitting on soft couches. They looked at the heroic girl in Feiyu uniform with slightly surprised expressions on their faces.

"I have met the Emperor and the Queen Mother." Chen Xiao bowed to Emperor Longzhi and Queen Mother Feng. When he raised his eyes, he felt sad at the scene, and his clear eyes were filled with mist.

A smile lingered on Queen Mother Feng's face, and she greeted: "Xiao'er, get up quickly and come over to let grandma take a look."

Chen Xiao stood up, came to Empress Dowager Feng, and sat down on the embroidered pier.

Queen Mother Feng looked at the delicate girl, took Chen Xiao's hand, looked up and down, and said with a smile: "Xiao'er has really grown up and is now a tall and graceful girl, but she can still see some of her childhood appearance. "

Chen Xiaoyu had a charming face, lightly pursed her pink lips, and asked softly: "Have you always been strong, grandma?"

Queen Mother Feng nodded and said with a smile: "You are tough."

The Supreme Emperor asked from the side: "How did you get to Jinyi's residence?"

Queen Mother Feng smiled and asked, "Yes, where have you been these years?"

Chen Xiao said softly: "When I went hunting in the Qinling Mountains, I lost my footing and fell down the cliff. Fortunately, I was saved by a stranger, so I went to learn martial arts for a few years. After I came back, I met Duke Wei by chance and he has been with him ever since. Around you."

"Back then, your imperial uncle sent people to search for a long time, but no one was found. I don't want to have such twists and turns. I really want to be grateful to that strange man." Empress Dowager Feng said with emotion, and then asked: "You have been doing this all this time. By his side? Why don't you go to the palace and recognize each other?"

"Originally we were going to the palace to recognize each other, but after a long time, the palace probably doesn't recognize me anymore and doesn't know how to recognize me," Chen Xiao said.

"You stupid kid, how could you not recognize you?" Empress Dowager Feng scolded lightly, then sighed and said: "Your grandfather and I are thinking about you, but you are back. Don't leave this time. The Prince Zhou's residence has been vacant for a long time, so I have to tidy it up, and I will find you a good husband in the next two years."

Chen Xiao was silent for a moment and said, "When I come back this time, I also want to ask for a favor from the Imperial Grandmother."

"What kind of grace?" Queen Mother Feng said in surprise.

Two blushes appeared on Chen Xiao's beautiful face, she lowered her head and said in a low voice: "The Duke of Wei, Jia Heng, has made a lifelong commitment to me. This time, I want the Queen Mother to make the decision for me."

Empress Dowager Feng: "..."

Determined for life?Call the shots?
Empress Dowager Feng's expression changed, and she frowned and asked, "Jia Heng is Xianning's consort, how come he has made a lifelong commitment to you? Xiaoxiao, tell grandma, has he bullied you?"

Why didn't she see that this Jia Heng had such a lustful and carefree temper before?

On the side, the Emperor's old face showed thoughts, and he said with a smile: "Jia Heng, that boy is a hero in his youth. He has been with Xiaoer for a long time. It is inevitable that the two of them will fall in love over time."

"Your Majesty knows these things very well." Empress Dowager Feng glanced at the Supreme Emperor and said softly.

The Supreme Emperor: "..."

At that time, the Supreme Emperor visited the south of the Yangtze River several times. He also paid private visits incognito and hunted for beauties among the people.

Listening to the conversation between the two of them, Chen Xiao's cheeks turned crimson, and he felt a little ashamed in his heart.

Empress Dowager Feng raised her eyebrows and called to the eunuch: "Go and summon the Duke of Wei."

One Xianning and Chanyue are not enough, and now they have provoked Princess Le'an. Is this really unreasonable?

Chen Xiao said: "Grandma, Jia Heng didn't do it on purpose."

"Don't worry, I'm just asking you what he wants to do?" Empress Dowager Feng said with kind eyes and relief.

Queen Mother Feng talked with Chen Xiao for a while, and a young eunuch quickly entered the palace and said loudly: "Your Majesty, Madam, Duke Wei is outside asking for an audience."

"Xuan." Empress Dowager Feng's face turned pale and she called softly.

Jia Heng was dressed in a jade-belted python suit and walked quickly into the palace. The autumn afternoon sunshine was not too dazzling, and the sunset glow filled the air, elongating the young man's tall figure and projecting it on a screen embroidered with hibiscus petals.

"We have met the Emperor and the Queen Mother." Jia Heng entered the inner hall and bowed to the Emperor and Queen Mother Feng.

The Supreme Emperor looked at the young man with majestic weapons and heroic eyebrows, and said: "The Duke of Wei is free of courtesy."

"Kneel down first." Just as Jia Heng thanked him and was about to stand up, the voice of Empress Dowager Feng suddenly came from above, with a bit of sternness.

When Jia Heng heard this, he couldn't help but be startled. He looked up at Empress Dowager Feng and met a pair of sharp eyes.

Empress Dowager Feng stood upside down with her willow eyebrows, and the facial features on her face could vaguely be seen as the appearance of the eldest princess of Jinyang when she was young. She scolded: "The Tian family promised the emperor's daughter to the daughter of the clan, but you are still greedy and provoke the noble daughter of the clan again." ?”

Jia Heng paused and bowed his head and said: "The Queen Mother is so beautiful, and Wei Chen sincerely knows that he is guilty, but Princess Le'an and Wei Chen fall in love with each other, and they will accompany Wei Chen from birth to death, and they will never leave her. When Wei Chen comes back this time, he also wants to give her a reputation."

Chen Xiao was listening on the side, her face looked dazed, her teeth bit her lips, her eyes were in a daze.

Inadvertently, she had been with him for two years. Looking back on the days when they had known each other, laughed and joked, they had never left each other through life and death.

Queen Mother Feng was stunned for a moment and said, "Are you going to give our Xiao'er an explanation?"

Jia Heng said loudly: "I have just proposed to the Holy Lord. I am willing to marry Princess Le'an. I hope the Queen Mother will agree."

"Asking to be your wife?" Empress Dowager Feng frowned and said, "You are already the third wife, how can you still ask to be the first wife?"

Jia Heng said: "Please be kind to the Queen Mother."

Empress Dowager Feng was noncommittal and asked, "Has the emperor agreed to this marriage?"

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, looked at Empress Dowager Feng, and said loudly: "The Holy One was worried that Youyou would have difficulty keeping her mouth shut. He also said that he wanted to see what the Empress Dowager meant, so he didn't agree immediately."

In fact, this was just an excuse for Emperor Chongping. Even if he forced the marriage, it would only cause some criticism.

Queen Mother Feng's eyes were sharper and she asked, "What about Xiao'er?"

Jia Heng kowtowed and said, "I would like to ask the Empress Dowager to issue an edict. I would like to obey the edict."

What should I do if I am Xiaoer now?I'm afraid that after I find out that Jin Yang is pregnant, I will ask what will happen to Jin Yang and the child.

Jinyang should be about to give birth at this time, or may have already given birth. On the way back, Fei Ge was sent to inquire, but there was no news yet.

Empress Dowager Feng glanced at the young man who bowed his head with sharp eyes, and asked: "Do you want me to issue a decree?"

Jia Heng said loudly: "We think that only the Queen Mother's decree can suppress the criticism."

Empress Dowager Feng was silent for a moment and said: "Our Xiao'er has been living outside these years and has suffered a lot. Since you want to give me a status, I can grant you a marriage, but this matter is not too urgent. Xiao'er has just come back. You also need to spend more time with your relatives, and you can’t be in such a hurry to get married."

Chen Xiao whispered: "Grandma, I..."

"Xiao'er, don't worry, grandma won't wrong you." Empress Dowager Feng said softly.

Jia Heng bowed his head and said, "Then it will be as the Queen Mother wishes."

I originally wanted to have sex for free, but it seems I have to wait a little longer.

However, Empress Dowager Feng can indeed use Yi Zhi to solve the problem of Xiaoxiao's status. The world will not say anything, but will say that the old man has the beauty of adulthood.

This is different from Emperor Chongping. Public opinion will always be more tolerant towards women.

Empress Dowager Feng said: "Xianning and Chanyue have been in Jiangnan for many years. You are newlyweds, so you should go there more often to write letters. Don't favor one over the other."

A princess, a princess, and now a princess. Is this Jia Heng the nemesis of the daughter of the clan?

If Empress Dowager Feng knew that the eldest princess of Jinyang was among them, this idea would be even stronger.

However, the young man in front of him is Toshiyan, a young man whom the emperor values ​​highly. No matter how hard he tries, he can't reprimand him too much.

Jia Heng looked respectful and nodded in agreement.

"Okay, stop kneeling and get up." Empress Dowager Feng said softly, her expression brightening.

"Thank you, Empress Dowager."

Seeing that things were certain, the Supreme Emperor smiled and asked: "Since Junggar was defeated and all the main force was lost, why didn't the Western Regions make an effort to regain the Western Regions?"

Jia Heng said: "Back to the emperor, there are hundreds of thousands of Junggar tribes in the Western Regions. If the Junggars are forced to a desperate situation, they will definitely fight to the death with our court. Since the beginning of the spring this year, the court has been fighting all the time, and the treasury is gradually emptying. If If we continue to march into the Western Regions, the war will be protracted and the army will inevitably be in need of food and fodder, so we have to return to the capital."

After hearing this, the Supreme Emperor nodded, with appreciation in his eyes, and said: "You can consider that the treasury is empty and can no longer continue to fight. It shows the ability of the Privy Council. No wonder you can make such a decision. Big credit.”

Jia Heng said: "I don't dare to be the emperor and praise you. This is the duty of a minister."

Chen Xiao looked at the young man who was talking. His jade face was as bright as frost, and his eyes were bright and clear, as bright as stars.

Empress Dowager Feng looked at the young man and said, "Queen, you and Xiao'er should go and see her and see how you can talk to Concubine Rong."

Jia Heng quickly raised his hands and said, "Yes."

Then, Chen Xiao and Chen Xiao left the Chonghua Palace one after another. The two walked along the palace corridor and bridge. In the autumn afternoon, they saw a bit of cool sunlight coming down, lengthening their figures as if they were entangled in each other. Together, it's hard to let go.

Chen Xiao said: "If you don't agree, you didn't take advantage of the opportunity to ask for the imperial edict of the Xue family?"

Jia Heng said warmly: "I will decide on Ya Ruo's marriage first, and I will wait for another chance to deal with Baochai."

During this trip to the northwest, in addition to being granted the title of first-class Duke, Yaruo was given a marriage to win the hearts of Chahar Mongolia. However, the matter of Baochai and Xiaoxiao could only be postponed.Chen Xiao nodded and said, "That's fine."

Jia Heng said: "Okay, I'll go see the Queen later. Concubine Rong still doesn't know what to say later."

Chen Xiao nodded, looked at the young man, and followed silently.

Kunning Palace, in the palace
On the soft couch covered with cotton mattresses, Empress Song and King Chen Ran of Wei were talking. At this moment, a tall female official entered the palace and said: "Your Majesty, Duke Wei and Princess Le'an want to see you."

A smile appeared on Empress Song's graceful face, her beautiful eyes looked at Concubine Duanrong with joy, and her charming voice seemed to have a hint of sweetness: "Sister, Ziyu is here."

Concubine Rong nodded and said, "I think I have met the Queen Mother."

Wei Wang Chen Ran followed the sound and just heard from his mother that Uncle Zhou's daughter Princess Le'an had also returned to the capital. He had not recognized the cousin he had grown up with before.

But why can't he get entangled with Ziyu?

Just when everyone in the palace had different thoughts, Jia Heng and Chen Xiao entered the palace.

"Wei Chen has met the Empress, Concubine Rong, and His Highness the King of Wei." Jia Heng took a few steps quickly and saluted Empress Song, Concubine Duanrong and others.

"Le'an has met the empress, Concubine Rong." Chen Xiao also saluted Empress Song. As he lowered his head, his beautiful face was as rosy as clouds, bright and moving.

Empress Song nodded her head and said warmly: "Ziyu, Xiaoer, get up and watch your seat."

Jia Heng thanked him and sat down with Chen Xiao.

Queen Song asked: "Zi Yu, just now you and Xiaoer went to see the Queen Mother. What did the Queen Mother say?"

Jia Heng stared at the beauty, met her soft and moist eyes, and said, "The Queen Mother didn't say anything else. She said she wanted me to treat Xiaoxiao well."

Chen Xiao coldly glanced at the young man and thought to himself, is this what the Queen Mother said?
Queen Song nodded and said with a smile: "The Queen Mother has always loved Xiao'er the most. You can't bully Xiao'er in the future."

Jia Heng responded lightly.

Concubine Rong frowned her eyebrows, and between her beautiful eyebrows, her aura was cold and charming, and she said: "Zi Yu, Xian Ning wants to know about you and Xiao'er?"

Jia Heng said: "Back to my wife, Xianning knows about this matter and has been very helpful to us before."

The fake mother-in-law asked, and then the real mother-in-law started asking. But speaking of it, the domineering look on Concubine Duanrong's cold face really looked a bit like... a fairy mother.

"Matchmaking?" Concubine Rong Liuye raised her slender eyebrows. For a moment, her beautiful eyes looked at Chen Xiao standing aside, inexplicably surprised.

Chen Xiao nodded and said warmly: "Concubine Rong."

Empress Song smiled, took Concubine Duanrong's arm, and persuaded: "Sister, it's okay, they usually have a good relationship. Since they don't have any objections, we are happy to see it happen."

Concubine Duanrong said coldly: "I don't know why the outside world is laughing at the Tian family."

Jia Heng's face was silent, and he couldn't accept these words.

If it were anyone else, Concubine Duanrong would probably have an attack, but because of Xiaoxiao's identity, Concubine Duanrong couldn't say who would steal whose man.

Wei Wang Chen Ran looked at the young man, as if to help change the subject, and said: "Zi Yu, just now my father mentioned to Zi Yu the follow-up war in the Western Regions and Tibet. I wonder when we will raise troops to conquer the two places? "

At this time, Empress Song had a smile on her face, and her voice was delicate and soft, and she said, "Zi Yu, your father asked Ran'er to go to the military aircraft office as an errand. You should always give him some guidance."

Jia Heng glanced at Empress Song, who was smiling brightly and with a maternal charm in her brows and eyes. She lowered her eyes slightly and said, "His Royal Highness, King Wei, is practical and capable, and we benefit from each other."

Wei Wang Chen Ran smiled and said: "Zi Yu has extraordinary knowledge. I have always wanted to ask Zi Yu for advice, but we don't get along with him for long."

Empress Song's face became even more joyful, and her glossy lips were like two bright and delicate peach blossoms. As she opened and closed, her clear words sounded: "Zi Yu, Ran'er often said that I want to ask you for advice." There are some military affairs and government affairs, you can't hide your clumsiness."

Jia Heng looked at the beautiful and fragrant beauty, lowered his eyes and said, "Don't worry, my dear."

If... of course he won't hide his clumsiness and will definitely try his best.

Empress Song looked at Jia Heng and Chen Ran as they talked, with a peaceful smile on her graceful and gorgeous face.

Concubine Duanrong talked with Chen Xiao, and Queen Song also came over and asked Chen Xiao about his experiences over the years.

……

……

Shenjing, Ningrong Street
Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall

After hearing the news of Jia Heng's triumphal return from outside, the Rongguo Mansion was decorated with lights and colorful decorations, and was filled with a joyful atmosphere. The maids and servants in the front and back of the hall had smiles on their faces and brisk steps.

In the hall, Jia's mother was sitting on an Arhat bed. The old woman had silver hair, but her face was ruddy with blood, and her brows and eyes were filled with joy.

Mother Jia asked in surprise: "Brother Heng hasn't come back yet?"

"Old lady, Brother Heng should be in the palace at the moment." Aunt Xue answered, and her mind was already thinking wildly. In the Jinluan Palace, the young man knelt down solemnly and said to the emperor in the middle of the palace, Weichen would like to grant the title of Madam Gaoming to the daughter of the Xue family...

Mrs.

After her niece married Brother Heng, the two families became one family, and all the past grudges were wiped out.

There was no expression on Mrs. Wang's face, and she looked like a Sima. She just gently moved the prayer beads in her hand, preparing to wait for Jia Heng to come back and ask about Yuanchun again.

Jia Mu suddenly asked: "Yuanyang, over there in Dongfu, has Brother Heng's daughter-in-law given birth?"

Yuanyang smiled and said: "Back to the old lady, the eldest grandma hasn't given birth yet. The doctor said it will only happen in the past few days."

"That's okay. Brother Heng is back just in time." Mother Jia nodded and said with a smile.

At this moment, a nun from outside the corridor entered the hall and said loudly: "Old lady, the second master is back from the court."

Mother Jia's old face couldn't help but be filled with joy, and she hurriedly called out, "Go and call her here quickly."

Not long after, Jia Zheng, dressed in a scarlet robe and court uniform, came from outside. The sides of his cheeks were flushed with alcohol, and he met everyone's eyes and said with a smile: "Mother, the imperial edict from the palace has been issued."

Jia Mu couldn't wait to ask: "What did you say? What title was given to Brother Heng in the palace?"

"The Holy Emperor's grace is so great that he has promoted Ziyu to the rank of first-class Duke." Jia Zheng said happily while gesturing towards the palace.

Mother Jia was overjoyed and smiled and said: "First-class Duke, this is really remarkable. At this age, Brother Heng will make great contributions in the future, even if he is a county king."

Aunt Xue's fair face was full of expectation, and she couldn't help but ask: "Brother Heng, have you asked for a royal seal in the palace?"

During this time, Aunt Xue was almost crazy about this matter.

Because in terms of age, Baochai is indeed not young.

Jia Zheng looked slightly surprised. Because he often sat in the office, he didn't know what was going on in the back house. He was confused for a moment and said, "I've never heard of the imperial decree. Why did Ziyu ask for the imperial decree?"

Aunt Xue: "..."

The smile on her fair, plump face faltered, and her heart sank to the bottom.

Could it be that it was delayed?

Jia Zheng thought for a while and explained: "Today is a banquet to commemorate one's achievements. The Holy Lord Long Yan is very happy. I have not heard of anyone asking for an imperial edict."

Aunt Xue had a grimace on her face and felt aggrieved. She pursed her lips and said, "Didn't you ask for a seal? Baby girl is so old now, she can't wait for anyone anymore."

This is not even a marriage, what on earth is Brother Heng thinking?

Mother Jia looked at Aunt Xue who looked gloomy, with a hint of displeasure in her heart, and said softly: "Don't worry, concubine. Maybe brother Shiheng has other plans. Let's ask him again when he comes back from the palace?"

The marriage was granted as a royal decree, and it didn't take into account that a princess and a princess were married together before. They just got married not long ago, and then the marriage was granted to the daughter of a merchant. I really don't know what outsiders should think about it.

It is impossible to say that Long Yan is angry, and it is not certain that he will not be promoted to a higher rank, nor that he will be punished or demoted. Isn't this harming Brother Heng?
After all, the Xue family is a small family. They don't know the pros and cons, and they are somewhat ignorant of the general situation.

Mrs. Xing smiled and said: "Now that I am a first-class Duke, I am afraid that I may even become a county king in the future. In the future, the county king will have four concubines, so why should I panic?"

In fact, during this period, through Aunt Xue's encouragement, rumors spread in the back house that Jia Heng, who had made great achievements, was going to grant Baochai a royal title.

Aunt Xue is now a famous figure.

Jia Mu thought for a while and said with relief, "Don't worry too much about Bao Ya'er. She and Brother Heng have a good relationship, and they will never lose Bao Ya'er's status in the future."

When Aunt Xue heard this, a glimmer of hope rekindled in her heart. If she became the king of the county in the future, Bao Yatou would definitely become a concubine.

Mrs. Wang raised her eyebrows, and there were only two words in her mind: Prince of the county, concubine.

If it weren't for Uncle Heng who got in the way, the eldest girl would have been the concubine of the King of Chu.

No, then Uncle Heng has to compensate the eldest daughter of her family with a concubine.

(End of this chapter)