Jia Rong, the smiling tiger of the Red Chamber

Winter goes to spring and it's approaching.

In the blink of an eye, it is another spring.

In just three or four months, the so-called new year and new atmosphere, not only the common people have a new start here, but also the division of power in the court has also changed.

Earlier, it was the third prince and the sixth prince who fought to the death, evenly matched.But with the case of Wu Yuan's torture and murder last year, not to mention that the Wu family was reprimanded and punished by Emperor Longqi, even the tired Sixth Prince was also implicated, and his strength was greatly weakened.And the sixth prince himself is not considered a smart person, and now he has to go into hibernation temporarily.

It was at this time that the fourth prince, Si Jingxuan, quietly rose up.The fourth prince was a man of good manners, and the officials in the court had a good impression of the fourth prince, but now he quietly popped up without making a fuss.What's more, the fourth prince's approach is quite clever. Although he is showing his head in the court, he has not formed a party for personal gain. Even if an official shows his favor to the fourth prince, he is lukewarm and blocks him back.

Emperor Longqi was very satisfied with this, and even praised the fourth prince twice in public.

It was these two rounds of compliments that made the status of the fourth prince rise rapidly. Even though the fourth prince himself was not enthusiastic about the courtiers, he still couldn't stop some followers from fawning on him in the past.

This year, the fourth prince's residence is much more lively than in previous years.

"Master, you have spent so much time and effort to do so many things just to give the Fourth Prince such a chance to stand out?" Wu Ya frowned and asked a little puzzled.

"What? Do you have any questions?" Jia Rong raised her eyebrows and retorted.

"Well, it's not really a problem. It's just a little puzzled. You must know that Wu Yuan's incident, although it seems to have been caused by a small incident, is still troublesome enough. If it's just for Paving the way for the fourth prince, I really feel a little bit unwilling to think about it." Wu Ya just thought that they spent so much effort just to create a chance for the fourth prince to stand out, and he felt a little uncomfortable for no reason. .

Jia Rong smiled and said, "There is nothing to be unwilling to do. Besides, besides Wu Yuan, a scum, didn't we save a lot of girls? Finally, we did a good deed. As for the fourth prince, if you don't mind If it's really uncomfortable, just take it as a incidental. Anyway, the time he can jump is just these two years." When the new emperor ascends the throne, the first thing he has to do is to put these Disagreeable brothers, deal with it.

And although he hadn't checked Emperor Longqi's pulse, he also knew that the reason why he looked good now was all because of all kinds of rare medicinal materials hanging his life.

Otherwise, he would be lying in bed and unable to get up by now.

"By the way, didn't I ask you to inquire about some things for me a while ago? How are you doing now? Is there any new progress?" Jia Rong asked again.

Hearing these words, Wu Ya's expression was stunned, his tone became positive, and he replied: "Don't worry, sir, the subordinates have already sent someone to inquire carefully. The background and origin are already clear, but If we want to inquire further, it will take some time."

"En. As long as some basic inquiries are made, it's about the same." Anyway, he didn't stay with the household department for long.

As soon as the Lantern Festival of the first lunar month passed, the first imperial edict issued by Emperor Longqi was to order Jia Rong's household registration department of the Imperial Academy to be in charge.

As soon as the imperial decree was issued, it naturally caused an uproar in the court, and at the same time, the eyes looking at Jia Rong suddenly became different.

You should know that although there is a saying that "non-Hanlin does not enter the cabinet", it shows the importance of the Hanlin Academy. Generally speaking, once a new scholar enters the Hanlin Academy, he will stay for at least three years.Compared with other places, the Hanlin Academy pays more attention to qualifications.

Jia Rong was appointed by Emperor Longqi to enter the Hanlin Academy as a good scholar, so there is nothing wrong with that.He is the head of the Erjia Chuanlu, even if he was not handpicked by Emperor Longqi, based on his own ability and family background, he is completely qualified to enter the Imperial Academy as a good scholar.It's just that Jia Rong was promoted to editor in less than a month after entering the Imperial Academy.In less than three months, he was promoted to minister again, although his official position as minister was partly appeased by Emperor Longqi.But the official position is a real promotion.

In less than a year, Jia Rong was promoted from a seventh-rank scholar in the Hanlin Academy to a sixth-rank head of the household department.

Although looking at Cong Qi and Zheng Liu, there is only one Cong [-] in the middle, which is two levels away.

But everyone in the court knew that there was too much difference between them.

Although the Hanlin Academy is an extremely important place in the eyes of literati and refined scholars, it actually has no real power.But the household department is different.The household department is in charge of the treasury's money, the world's granary, and can be said to be the head of the six imperial courts.The academicians of the Imperial Academy and the Minister of the Ministry of Finance are also senior members of the second rank and have equal status, but in private, no one knows.

The status of Hubu Shangshu is much higher than that of academicians of the Imperial Academy.

Now Jia Rong is only 17 years old and has joined the Ministry of Household Affairs. Although she is only a small principal, it is not very eye-catching.But it should not be underestimated, don't you see, the Jinshi who is in the same subject as him, even the No. [-] Tanhua, is still obediently staying in the Hanlin Academy for qualifications.He is good, he joined the household department in less than a year.

Within a year, he was promoted to three levels in a row.

It can be seen that the emperor treats Jia Rong differently.

Rongguofu

"Brother Rong from the East Mansion is really a capable person. It doesn't matter, the third prince has not given up until now, thinking of trying to win Brother Rong. How long has he been in the court? Less than a year It has actually completed three consecutive jumps and became the head of the sixth rank of the household department. Although the official position is not high, staying in the household department and staying in the Imperial Academy is a completely different concept." After hearing the news, Lin'an County Lord said, Said with some exclamation.

Jia Lian also sighed: "You're right. Brother Rong is indeed a difficult person. I don't see the second uncle Zheng in the house. He was given the position of chief bookkeeper at the age of 20. He sat there for several years. It was not easy for him to be promoted to Yuanwailang, and he was promoted to Yuanwailang, and he was still in a department like the Ministry of Industry. It was more than ten years, and he didn't move a bit. Now he has lost his official position. The common people." It's just a pity that they have already had a bad relationship with Brother Rong from the East Mansion, and the farther he goes in the future, the worse it will be for them.

When the Lord of Lin'an County saw Jia Lian's appearance, he knew what he was worried about.She smiled and said, "Second Master, are you worried? Brother Rong of Dongfu will go far in the future, which is not good for us?"

"Isn't that right? Brother Rong is the most penny-pinching character. We have offended him before, if..."

"Second Master, if this is the case, you don't need to worry. You also know that although my father's place looks like someone from the third prince's side, it is actually... I went to the mansion two days earlier, I heard it by chance. This brother Rong is with us. So the second master doesn't have to worry." The county magistrate of Lin'an said, holding Jia Lian's hand.

Jia Lian was shocked when he heard the news: "You, you mean Brother Rong, he is..." He said and stretched out four fingers.

"Although I can't be sure, it's probably close to ten." Lin'an County Lord replied firmly.

"...how is this possible?" Jia Lian firmly expressed her disbelief.

The county magistrate of Lin'an pulled Jia Lian over, then whispered a few words into Jia Lian's ear.

Jia Lian's eyes widened immediately after hearing what Lin'an County Lord said, and a look of shock appeared on his face. It took him a long time to recover, and he couldn't help but say, "I thought he didn't know anything about it." I don’t care. Don’t you want to have already chosen it years ago? I don’t know whether to say that he is planning for a rainy day or being bold.”

Before Lin'an county magistrate could say anything, Hongxia who was beside her came in through the curtain, saluted and said, "I would like to report to the county magistrate, the second master, my aunt is back home to visit her relatives, and she is now in the old lady's yard. The old lady Send someone to send a message, saying that it is night time, and the family needs to be reunited, so let the county master and the second master hurry over."

Jia Lian snorted coldly at the moment: "It's just a concubine. So what if he is favored by the Seventh Prince? After all, isn't she still a concubine? The Seventh Prince's Concubine generously asked her to come back, and her schedule is on display." The one is really big, and the whole family rushed over to see her alone. What kind of thing is she?" She really is an unbeatable Xiaoqiang.

With the jewels of the seventh prince and concubine in front of her, she can actually make her flourish in the seventh prince's mansion. If she doesn't have children under her knees and her mother's family is too slow, she might really be able to get along with the seventh prince and concubine. One high and one low.

"Second Master doesn't need to get angry. Since she wants us to go there, let's go. Anyway, at this time, I have to go to my grandmother to say hello." Lin'an county magistrate is also unhappy, she is a dignified county magistrate, actually Being summoned by a little prince and concubine, just thinking about it makes me feel very unhappy.Turning his head to Hongxia, he said: "Hongxia, wait for me and the second master to change clothes. Let's go to grandma's side."

At this time, Jia Mu's yard became lively because of Jia Yuanchun's return home to visit relatives.

Not to mention Jia Yingchun, Jia Tanchun, Lin Daiyu, Jia Baoyu and other juniors are all here, even Mrs. Wang, Mrs. Xing, and Grandma Zhu are also there.Mrs. Wang hugged Jia Yuanchun whom she hadn't seen for a few years, and wept softly. With the persuasion of all the sisters and maids, she managed to stop her tears.

"My son, are you doing well? Have you been wronged?" Mrs. Wang took Jia Yuanchun's hand and looked it over carefully. She only felt that although Jia Yuanchun was still glamorous, he was better than her impression. , lost a lot of weight.

Jia Yuanchun's eyes were still red because he cried a lot, and he said with a smile, "Mother, don't worry. The Seventh Prince treats me very well, and the Seventh Prince and Concubine is also a kind person. My daughter is doing well." In fact, Jia Yuanchun was really a bit unsatisfactory. Although the Seventh Prince still doted on her, the Seventh Prince and Concubine also maintained her status as the main concubine and never took them seriously.But other people in the mansion were not so easy to talk to.Especially when she was once a concubine with her, but after she gave birth to the eldest girl in the mansion, the seventh prince and concubine informed the seventh prince that she was promoted to side concubine.

After being promoted to side concubine, Zhang side concubine didn't know why, so she put her in trouble everywhere.Although Concubine Zhang said that her background was similar to her own, but following a series of events that happened in her natal family, especially her father's low-level official position, she was pushed to the end.If Brother Lian hadn't married Lin'an county magistrate as his wife, she would not dare to go too far if she looked at the face of the Seventh Prince and loved her a little.I am afraid that the Seventh Prince's Mansion has long since lost its foothold.

Of course, Jia Yuanchun would not say these words to Mrs. Wang.

"It's rare for Yuanchun to come back, so there's no need to cry, it doesn't hurt my mood. The seventh concubine is kind, can't Yun Yuanchun stay in the mansion for one night before leaving? You mother and daughter have plenty of time to talk privately." Mother Jia gave Mrs. Wang a warning look, and said so.There are still so many girls in the house, some words are really not suitable for them to listen to.

Mrs. Wang hastily wiped away the tears that were about to well up again with a handkerchief, and said joyfully, "Mother, I was too happy to see Yuan Chun, and I was a bit rude."

"Grandmother, here is an old ginseng from Changbai Mountain that I brought you. It is a hundred years old. It was given to His Highness the Seventh Prince by the Emperor, and His Highness gave it to me." Jia Yuanchun said, and took it from the hand holding the piano behind him. Passed a brocade box, opened it, and saw that it was a ginseng of good quality, "The granddaughter knows that grandma has everything here, so this ginseng is nothing? It's just my granddaughter's filial piety to her grandmother. .”

Not to mention the good quality of this ginseng, just to say that it was rewarded by the emperor is enough to make Jia Mu very happy.Immediately let Yuanyang pick it up, and then praised Jia Yuanchun, that's all.

Of course, when Jia Yuanchun came back, not to mention that the elders were polite, even the elder sisters and sisters of the same generation also had a share, although it was just some small and inconspicuous items such as palace flowers and silk.

"Yo, I'm a bit late. Grandma's place is so lively!"In Jia Mu's yard, the only one who can act so boldly is Lin'an county master.

As the words fell, the county magistrate of Lin'an was dressed in a bright red brocade robe, and the cumbersome flying fairy bun was also accompanied by matching ruby ​​head jewelry.With a delicate and charming appearance, there is a trace of sharpness between the brows, which makes people know that he is not someone to be provoked at first sight.

"My concubine, Jia's family, Yuanchun, has met the head of Lin'an County." Although Jia Yuanchun had never met the head of Lin'an County, but he could guess it, he got up immediately, and said in a salute.

The Lin'an County Lord married into the Rongguo Mansion, and had heard a lot about Jia Yuanchun, so when he saw him today, he began to size him up unceremoniously.A beauty is a beauty, but what is so special about her?Immediately waved his hand, said a little coldly: "Get up."

Mrs. Wang entered the door from Lin'an County Lord, and her life became more and more unsmooth day by day. She had long been resentful towards Lin'an County Lord. Seeing Lin'an County Lord's contemptuous attitude towards Jia Yuanchun, she couldn't help but speak Said: "Brother Lian and daughter-in-law, you really have a bad temper. Although Yuan Chun and Brother Lian are only cousins, they are a family after all. Yuan Chun is also your eldest sister."

In Rongguo Mansion, apart from Mother Jia, who is above the head of Lin'an County in terms of rank and seniority, the head of Lin'an County respects a little bit. She smiled and said: "Second Aunt, what do you mean by that? You say I don't understand etiquette. It is true that she is the eldest aunt in the mansion, but she is just a low-ranking concubine in the Seventh Emperor's mansion. Do you want me to be the head of the county, and go to greet her and say hello?" As he spoke, his tone became cold.

As soon as Lin'an county lord said these words, the atmosphere in the venue froze, embarrassing to the point of embarrassment.In particular, Jia Yuanchun's figure swayed a bit, and there were even faint water stains in his eye sockets.

Although Jia's mother was very displeased with Lin'an County Lord's words, but due to her status, she dared not do anything to her?I can only open my mouth to smooth things over and say: "Okay, this is a good day for reunion. What are you talking about? I remember that before Yuanchun came out of the pavilion, I liked the mille-feuille here the most. Knowing that you are coming today, I have let you People are ready. Yuanyang, hurry up and ask people to bring some."

Yuanyang Fushen responded.

After Jia's mother's interruption, and Jia Tanchun, Lin Daiyu and others who were present, they were all smart people, so they quickly exposed the matter.

The room was full of laughter again.

"Who do you think is here?" Jia Rong raised her head with a little bit of bewilderment in her eyes.

Zhiwen said it again: "Master, it's Miss Yuanda from Xifu who is going back to visit her relatives today."

"Hehe, this is a rare thing. When will a prince's concubine be able to come back to visit his relatives?" Jia Rong said a little funny.

Since Jia Yuanchun was carried away in a pink soft sedan chair in the Seventh Prince's Mansion in the 30th year of Longqi, there has been no news of Jia Yuanchun.

"I heard that the Seventh Prince thinks that she has done a great job in serving the Seventh Prince, and that she hasn't returned for a long time after going out for so many years, so she is allowed to come back."

"That's an interesting thing to say." Jia Rong narrowed her eyes slightly, then turned her head and told Zhiwen, "You should pay more attention to the West Mansion, especially Jia Yuanchun's. If there is any abnormality, immediately Come here and report." He always felt that Jia Yuanchun's coming back at this time is not a good thing?

"Yes."