The Agricultural Tycoon of the Red House

Jia Lian simply laughed and said: "The eldest prince is intelligent and studious, with both civil and military skills; the fourth prince is calm and quick-witted, and has knowledge of the classics. Both princes have great talents, each has its own merits, and they are inseparable."

Although Jia Lian likes to tell the truth, he is not a fool.The emperor's question was that no matter how obvious the answer was, he would not say it directly, not to mention the fact that the two princes were indistinguishable.In terms of the possibility of inheriting the throne, Jia Lian felt that the fourth prince was more suitable.Because of one thing, the fourth prince is more stable than the eldest prince, and knows the truth of keeping a low profile.

"But how did I hear that you are better off with the Fourth Prince?" The emperor rolled his shrewd eyes and landed on Jia Lian.

Jia Lian: "For the fourth prince, Yu Chen said that with the kindness of knowing you, you will naturally get closer when you walk around on weekdays."

The emperor nodded, he could accept this reason.It is indeed thanks to the support of the fourth child that Jia Lian is today.

"Then if I want you to choose one of them, who would you choose?" After the emperor asked, he was afraid that Jia Lian would not dare to answer, and said with a smile, "I have been worried about the crown prince recently, and I am a little entangled. I don't know what to do. Who to choose. Both children are excellent, as you said, each has its own merits. It is really a difficult problem. I am very worried. I hope someone can give me some advice. Jia Aiqing is upright and upright, and I believe your words the most. Definitely Don't be stingy, let alone be polite, just tell the truth, I forgive you for your innocence."

Jia Lian laughed inwardly, he was almost taken aback by the emperor's kind and kind face.The emperor asked a good choice, and the correct answer was not among the options he provided.Now the emperor is in his prime of life, and there are no diseases or disasters. It is still far away to talk about the succession of the crown prince.Don't say that there is no prince now, even if there is one, it may not necessarily be that person.The most taboo thing about being an emperor is that the imperial power is threatened when he is in power.If he got confused and gave the wrong answer, nothing would happen now, but who will guarantee his safety in the future! ?

"The minister is only loyal to the emperor." Jia Lian said crisply, he could not hesitate on this question.

The emperor's expression flashed brightly, but the corners of his mouth twitched, and he pointed at Jia Lian: "You, I'm asking you seriously, but you are fighting with me like that old fox Jing Yingguang. Didn't I want to listen? You show your loyalty!"

After the emperor finished speaking, he walked ahead with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face.

Afterwards, although Jia Lian could not see the smile on the emperor's face, he could tell from the brisk pace of the emperor that his answer was absolutely correct.

"I just like you, child, you are pragmatic and focused." As he was walking, the emperor suddenly stopped, turned his head and smiled at Jia Lian, "I believe that with you here, I will be able to solve all the problems of the household department. gone."

……

After finally fooling the emperor, Jia Lian hurried out of the palace to leave this place of right and wrong.Unfortunately, after leaving the palace, the carriage was stopped by someone.It's a little eunuch, and he looks familiar.

The little eunuch quietly sent a message to him: "At noon tomorrow, we will gather in the Huibin building."

Jia Lian frowned and looked at the eunuch.

The little eunuch hurriedly explained to himself: "Have you forgotten, my lord? I am from the Qin Palace."

People around the Fourth Prince?No wonder it looks familiar.

"I have an urgent matter tomorrow, so I won't be able to spare time. Say sorry to the prince for me." Jia Lian looked at the eunuch coldly and lowered the curtain, then ordered the coachman to drive.

The little eunuch chased after him for two steps, seeing the carriage going so fast, he didn't say anything else, and turned back silently.

The next day.

At the pier, Jia Lian personally picked up the tobacco seeds gathered from all over the country.After opening the bag to inspect the goods, Jia Lian nodded in satisfaction.

Cheng Shuliang smiled and said, "My lord, they stored and transported all these things according to the method you said, so there is nothing wrong with them."

"That's good." Jia Lian immediately distributed the seeds at the pier and sent them to Zhuangzi directly under the Ministry of Household Affairs.

"My lord, do you plan to grow tobacco on a large scale this year?"

Jia Lian: "Yes."

"There are tens of thousands of acres of land planted with this, isn't it too much? After all, not many people smoke this thing, and this thing can't be eaten as food, so a little planting is enough."

"This thing has other uses." Jia Lian patted Cheng Shuliang's shoulder, "It's a good job. I didn't expect you to collect so many seeds after a few letters."

"Your Excellency is absurd. In fact, this is because of your great power. Otherwise, no one would be willing to read the letter of the humble official. From now on, as long as it is ordered by Lord Shangshu, the humble official will do everything he can." Cheng Shuliang bowed and saluted.

"Shangshu?" Jia Lian was stunned for a moment, and then remembered that the emperor seemed to have sealed him with a book of ceremonies from the Ministry of Households yesterday.

"The lower officials haven't congratulated you on your promotion yet. It took your lord just over half a year to go from Hubu Minister to Hubu Minister. This is the first case in the world. It's really admirable."

"What grade is the Shangshu?" Jia Lian read in a low voice.

"Respond to the words of the adults, from Yipin." Cheng Shuliang raised a finger.

"It's a bit fast." Jia Lian frowned, he hadn't finished digesting the matter of being a Marquis last time, and here came another one.The emperor's move is puzzling.

Jia Lian turned to think of the emperor's temptation yesterday, after all, be cautious in everything, and be cautious.

Cheng Shuliang: "My lord doesn't seem very happy?"

"There are too many things going on at home and outside recently." Jia Lian looked at the water with his hands behind his back. He wanted to adjust his mood, but he saw a painting boat not far from the pier. A familiar figure was standing on the bow of the boat, with a serious expression on his face. Drunk.

Cheng Shuliang looked over and smiled, "Now this young man really knows how to play. Who can cruise the boat so early? I guess he got up last night when he was on the boat during the Spring Festival. Look, the wine is not sober yet, and he is swaying from drinking. leisurely."

"Second Brother Lian!" Seeing Jia Lian's sudden excitement, the people on board shouted, waving their hands vigorously.

Jia Lian rolled his eyes, turned around and said to Cheng Shuliang, "Let's go."

"My lord, over there—" Cheng Shuliang's last sentence was frightened by Jia Lian's wink.

On the way back, at Jia Lian's request, Cheng Shuliang tremblingly rode in the same car with his Master Shangshu.

Your lord's carriage is really sour and unequivocal.The body of the car is old, the curtains are faded, the car is driving up and down for a while, and the wooden boards often make creaking sounds.The only advantage is that there are enough soft cushions so that the bumpy butt won't hurt.

Cheng Shuliang took a deep breath, he really didn't understand why Lord Shang Shu lived in such a poor life, anyway, he was also from the Duke's Mansion, so he shouldn't be short of money.

"The brother you mentioned last time is called Cheng Rixing." Jia Lian looked up.

Cheng Shuliang hurriedly said: "The lower official has already persuaded him to move out from the second room of the Rong Mansion, and now he only cares about the antique shop, so I promise not to cause trouble."

Jia Lian: "How is your brother's business doing?"

Cheng Shuliang shook his head, "It's not easy to do. If you are unlucky, you won't open in March, just drink the northwest wind."

"Being a shopkeeper, settling accounts, can he do this kind of work?"

"Yes, of course." Cheng Shuliang said hurriedly.

Jia Lian thought for a while, and said to Cheng Shuliang: "If he doesn't dislike it, I will assign him something in summer."

Cheng Shuliang hurriedly agreed that as long as the job was assigned by Master Shangshu, it must be a good thing.If you work with Master Shang Shu, you are guaranteed to have meat to eat, Cheng Shuliang is very sure of this.He himself is an example. Ever since he helped Mr. Shangshu to read the files and write manuscripts, his family's monthly supply of rice, meat, and vegetables has not stopped.From the past to the end of the year, when the imperial court paid more salaries, his family had never been as nourished as it is now.Now Dundon has delicious meat and vegetables, and the rice is also the best pearl rice on the market. Every day is as moist as Chinese New Year.Now he doesn't need to spend a penny on food, and the rest of his salary is spent. Apart from buying some clothes for his family when the seasons change, he has nothing to spend at all.

This is all thanks to Mr. Shangshu, he has become stronger and has saved a lot of spare money.If you have money to spare, you can feel more at ease in your heart.

So when Jia Lian mentioned this matter, Cheng Shuliang didn't even have to think about it, he just opened his mouth and agreed for his brother.

When they arrived at Cheng's mansion, Jia Lian let Cheng Shuliang go.

Xing'er had to jump out of the car, and handed a purse of silver to Cheng Shuliang, "My lord said that if your brother agrees, he will pay first."

Cheng Shuliang happily extended his hand to continue, thank you very much.

Rongguofu.

After Jia Lian came back, Jiang Luozuo said a few words to Jing Xin, and Jia's mother sent someone to invite him.

Jia Lian thought that Jia's mother must have been waiting for her to discuss things, otherwise the timing would not be so accurate.It was announced today that he was promoted to Minister, and Mother Jia must have heard about it by now.

Jingxin smiled and helped Jia Lian change clothes while discussing with him: "There is something that my father told me a long time ago. I have never known how to talk to my grandfather."

"how?"

"Second Master's carriage is a bit too old. It doesn't look like the one used by Hou Ye in the Duke's mansion. The carriages of the fifth and sixth grade officials are better than those of the Lord."

"Is it that old?" Jia Lian recalled, it seems that it is not new.In fact, this carriage turned out to be new, and he has been riding it since he passed it. In the blink of an eye, more than three years have passed, and it was naturally damaged quickly after running from east to west with him.In fact, in the first year, Xing'er mentioned changing the carriage, but was scolded by Jia Lian, and Xing'er didn't dare to mention it later.

"I can keep using things as long as they are not worn out, and I am used to them." Jia Lian couldn't help but tell Jing Xin this sentence now.

Jingxin smiled: "Second Master's frugal heart is very good, but now you are already a first-rank household secretary, it is difficult to do that kind of car every day. You call those who are younger than you What should I do with the more luxurious people, the more elegant I am, can they all walk back?"

"My carriage is a bit old, but the materials are expensive. After I became an official, it followed the regulations. In fact, it is still above them." Jia Lian explained earnestly, "As long as it is not broken, it can be used."

"Second Master just added top sash, tassels and so on according to the rules, but the car is still old, and this time it has been promoted to Shangshu, which is even more eye-catching. It should be red according to the regulations. Don't you this time You have to change it." Seeing that Jia Lian was still hesitating, Jing Xin realized that she had missed the right place, and quickly said, "If you don't take that car, it has other uses, so it can't be discarded."

"That's right, I'll follow your arrangement, so that I don't offend anyone on the first day I just sit on the throne." Jia Lian pulled the back of her delicate hand and kissed it lightly, which made her blush, and then walked out the door with a smile. Then go to the maid who is waiting.

On the way, I met Jia She in the garden. The old guy was wandering around in front of the gazebo with a book and a pen.

"Writing a book again?" Jia Lian asked.

Jia She closed his eyes, slowed down for a while, turned around, quickly dipped a brush in ink, pouted his buttocks and wrote a line on the stone table.Only then did he put down his pen, turned his head and ran to Jia Lian with a smile, and patted Jia Lian on the shoulder vigorously.

"My dear son, you are too angry, you are too proud of me, hahahahaha..." Jia She put his hands behind his back and shouted to the sky, "My eldest son finally turned over with pride."

Jia Lian rubbed his shoulders and looked at Jia She with a frown, then asked the maidservant who gave her a hand: "What's wrong with your master? Is it because you have been out of your mind for the past two days—"

"Nonsense!" Jia Amnesty immediately withdrew his smile, glared at Jia Lian, and tapped Jia Lian's chest with his fist, "You boy, you are not as old as I am. But, hahahahahaha...seeing that you were promoted For the sake of the minister, I can’t get angry at all, and I’m so happy from ear to ear thinking about it all day, I finally got into the mood and wrote a line just now, and you’re here, hahaha..."

Jia Lianmo.

Jia Amnesty: "Hahaha..." He patted Jia Lian on the shoulder again.

After a while, Jia She, who had had enough laughs, said, "Hey, why don't you look very happy? You got promoted yourself, don't you know?"

"I knew about it yesterday, so there's nothing to be surprised when it's announced." Jia Lian said indifferently.

"My son, why didn't you share such happy things with dad earlier, you should have told me yesterday, I can have one more happy day," Jia Amnesty raised his hand again, and even patted Jia Lian on the shoulder.Jia Lian turned sideways, stretched out his hand to block it, and happened to "high-five" Jia Amnesty.

"The master is writing, the old lady called me, I will go first." Jia Lian hurriedly said goodbye.Jia She excitedly expressed that he wanted to go together, but under Jia Lian's strong refusal, Jia She reluctantly pursed his lips, returned to the stone table resentfully, and continued to compose his Spring and Autumn masterpiece.

When she came to Jia's mother, as Jia Lian expected, Jia's mother happily praised Jia Lian's promotion, and then Mrs. Xing and Mrs. Wang joined the praise army and followed Jia's mother to compliment Jia Lian.After an atmosphere of pride and joy ignited in the room, Jia's mother suddenly burst into tears.

That's right, it was crying, crying heartbroken, definitely not tears of excitement.

Jia Lian thought, this is another moth.

He found an excuse and was about to resign. When he turned around, he heard Jiamu's choked up voice behind him.

"Lian—er—"

Jia Lian closed her eyes for a second, then turned to look back at Jia Mu.

Jia Mu sniffled, wiped her tears and said, "Your brother Bao was beaten up by your second uncle today, and he couldn't get out of bed. He's so pitiful. Go and see him."

"Okay." Jia Lian walked out immediately.

"Lian—er—"

Jia Lian paused.

"I'll go with you," as soon as Jia Mu set off, Mrs. Wang and others also wanted to follow. Jia Mu told them not to follow because there were too many people, but just wait here.

Jia Mu took Jia Lian to Baoyu's room and said as they walked, "This time you were promoted, many people sent messages to ask questions, and many even offered congratulatory gifts directly. All of them are precious and exquisite, and they are all top-grade."

"Things can't be accepted. In the future, if it involves my entertainment, Jing Xin has to deal with it. Don't worry about it."

Mother Jia was stunned for a moment, and hurriedly said: "I understand your concerns, but the people who accept the gifts are all old friends with our Rong Mansion in the past, and they sincerely congratulate them. How can they refute their kindness at will."

Jia Lian sighed, and learned from the conversation between the emperor and him yesterday to Jia Mu.

Jia's mother was shocked, knowing that Jia Lian was being targeted by the emperor, and that's why she was tempted like that.She beat her head in a hurry, laughed and scolded herself for being stupid, and hurriedly passed on the word, telling people to return all the congratulatory gifts as they were ordered.

"There's no need for Ningfu." Mother Jia pondered.

Jia Lian: "If you want to withdraw, return his family's, it will be easier to explain to other families."

Mother Jia had no choice but to agree, and the East Mansion would wait until a later date to explain, so there should be no problems.

In the room, Baoyu had heard Lian's second brother and the old ancestor talking at the door, and lay on the bed anxiously for a long time, but no one came in.

Her mind was full of visions of Lian's second brother scolding herself severely, Baoyu was afraid, her heart was pounding, and a layer of cold sweat oozed from her forehead.

After being nervous for a long time, Baoyu was so frightened that he couldn't breathe for a long time, and finally saw Lian's second brother and the old ancestor coming to his bed.

"Old ancestor, second elder brother..." Baoyu made a gesture to get up.

Seeing this, Jia's mother immediately had tears in her eyes, and stretched out her hand to stop Baoyu from feeling distressed. It's trying to put on a show in front of us."

Baoyu's mind was punctured, and his face was embarrassing.

Mother Jia blinked, she came to her senses, stopped her tears, and looked at Baoyu with complicated eyes, not knowing what attitude to take towards him.

"I... I fell asleep just now." Baoyu explained with a guilty conscience.

Jia Mu believed it immediately, and she wept while holding Baoyu's hand.

Baoyu cried even harder.

Jia Lian looked at him, "The crying is so crisp, it's probably a skin injury, it's not a big problem, and it will recover after a few days of care. You rest, I'm leaving first."

Baoyu bid farewell to Jia Lian as if he was about to receive an amnesty.

But Jia's mother refused: "You come back, your brother can't get up on the couch, how can you leave just by looking at it. Come and sit, I have something to ask you."

Jia Lian sat down and looked at Jia Mu.

"Aren't you curious about why your brother was beaten this time?" Jia Mu asked.

Jia Lian shook his head, he was really not curious.

Mother Jia took a deep breath, and said helplessly, "Your younger brother was mocked by your second uncle and failed the exam!"

"Oh." Jia Lian agreed.

Mother Jia glanced at him, "He didn't memorize the new things he learned recently. Your second uncle took the exam a few times and became more and more angry, so he beat him today."

"I see." Jia Lian then agreed.

"Your second uncle used to beat him lightly, but who would have thought that when Baoyu was being beaten, your second uncle just heard the news of your promotion today, and turned around to compare you with Baoyu. The more he beat him, the more he hated Baoyu." I can't live up to it. This beating is worse than in the yamen, your brother Bao's buttocks are blooming, and he can't move any more." Jia Mu said, and burst into tears.

Jia Lian felt that Jia's mother was exaggerating. No matter how hard Jia Zheng beat him, at his age and with a weak body that had not been exercising all year round, he would definitely not be able to beat the young and strong Yamen.

Jia Lian watched Jiamu cry, she had no right to do anything, just winked at Yuanyang, asked her to pass the handkerchief, and waited on Jiamu to cry.

Jia's mother cried for a long time and got bored, then stopped, and then said to Jia Lian earnestly: "Your brother is not under your control, and he is more and more playful and self-reflective. When you asked him to study, his father tested his knowledge. There is no one who can't come up. But now he doesn't know how to ask about new things. Look at this look, it's pitiful. Lian'er, I specially called you here just to tell you that you should spend more time in the future and help Please discipline this child so that he will be as successful as you in the future."

When Baoyu heard this, his whole heart rose to his throat, and he lowered his head in fear.Apart from his father, the second elder brother Lian is what he is most afraid of in this family. His father beats and scolds him, and he feels pain.Lian's second elder brother never beat anyone, but his manner of admonishing others was ten times fiercer than that of his father when he was an adult.In the past, the old lady and his wife helped to stop him, so Lian's second brother had some scruples.This time the old lady took the initiative to open her mouth to ask, so he would have no one to back him in the future.

too horrible! ! !he does not want! ! !

"The old ancestor thinks highly of me, and I can't afford it." Jia Lian refused as Baoyu expected.

Baoyu breathed a sigh of relief, but for some reason, there was a faint feeling of discomfort in his heart, a little bit lost.

"Why is that?" Mother Jia felt that she was very sincere.

"I have just been promoted to Li Shangshu of the Ministry of Household Affairs. I have a lot of things to do, and I don't have time to take care of others."

"It's not urgent, you can take care of him when you're done." Mother Jia took a step back.

Jia Lian shook his head, "One or two, not three or four, there are enough opportunities, I don't want to give them any more."

Jia Mu was taken aback, knowing that he would not care about Baoyu anymore.

Jia Mu's heart suddenly fell, and she always felt that she had lost something, something was missing.I can't say clearly, but it makes people feel depressed and uncomfortable.

Jia Lian saw that Jia Mu's face was not right, and she was afraid that the old lady would suddenly suffer from some kind of illness, so she explained euphemistically: "Actually, even if I agree, the second uncle and the second aunt will still obstruct it. Why bother to make trouble for each other. Since the second uncle He has his own way of educating Baoyu, so the ancestors just listen to him, after all he is Baoyu's biological father, and he is really kind to Baoyu."

"You're right." Mother Jia breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Baoyu on the couch helplessly. The child actually showed a happy look.Mother Jia touched the child's face helplessly, maybe she was worrying too much.This child Baoyu is smart and clever, even if he is fond of playing, he will definitely become a success in the future.That's all, as Jia Lian said, let his father teach him.

Jia's mother sighed twice, and asked Jia Lian to pass on some experience to her younger brother before leaving.

Jia Lian casually said to Baoyu, "Heal well", and then left.

Baoyu thought that Lian's second elder brother would give him some instructions, or even scold him, but he didn't say anything. Baoyu didn't know why, but he was very upset and uncomfortable.

"You are perfunctory! Second brother, have you disliked me for a long time? I have felt it for a long time. You are especially targeting me, and you are not good for me alone. Why does my brother dislike you? I really can't figure it out." .”

Jia Lian stopped and turned around, "Do you deserve my explanation?"

Jia Lian gave Baoyu a sneer, and this time he really left.

Baoyu lay coldly on the couch by himself, maintaining an expression for a long time.

Jia Lian went to the place where hibiscus grew, and it was amazing, another one stood there.Then Jia Lian pulled it out and took him away.

Inside Rongxi Hall, Jiang Zining circled anxiously, staring at the servants of Jia's family sending a letter inviting Jia Lian to come.Immediately afterwards, a word came from outside shouting "Uncle Lin is here!".

Startled, Jiang Zining hurriedly arranged his clothes and saluted Lin Ruhai who entered the door.

"Nephew, please forgive me." Lin Ruhai looked around the room and found that Jia Lian was not there, so he hurriedly asked Jiang Zining, "Are you here too?"

Jiang Zining nodded, his expression still anxious.

Lin Ruhai hesitated for a while, and then asked Jiang Zining, "You came here for that?"

Jiang Zining observed that Lin Ruhai's complexion was also unfriendly, so he nodded to confirm: "Where is the fourth prince?"

Lin Ruhai twirled his beard and nodded.

"The Prince of Li is here!"

Just as Jia Amnesty hurried to the entrance of Rongxi Hall, upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai and Jiang Zining who came out went to meet him.

Lijun Wang Yelin said in a hurry: "What kind of ceremony is there? I won't do it. Where's my good son-in-law? Where's the person? Something big happened!"