Prequel to the Red Chamber: I Am the Second Wife

Seeing his father go away, Jia She said to his younger brother with a glass of wine: "Because of His Royal Highness's funeral, the family did not dare to eat wine and feast. Now it is over. If you don't try your best to drink a few glasses, What are you still thinking about?" Jia She and Jia Zheng brothers have opposite personalities, Jia She is a person who likes to have fun, and he scoffs at his younger brother's hard study and thrift.He always whispered behind his back that Jia Zhengshu was so angry that he was so stupid.

Although Jia Zheng is not teetotal.But for several months, he has been quietly studying at home, and those feasts and games are not at all involved. Although he still wants to drink and joke today.But the look of his father and Jia Jing over there.He has been made aware of the difference.Squeezing a smile, Jia Zheng said, "Thank you, brother, for your kindness. I didn't think about anything. What do father and brother Jing over there want to discuss?"

"You don't know this? Today I want to make the king of Wei the crown prince. Over there, the Wang family has contacted several ministers to go to Shangshu. It is orthodox to strive for the grandson. They go up to go up like water poured into a pile of sand. Your Majesty Pretend not to see it at all. You see, this is already very obvious. His Majesty wants to make Wei Wang the crown prince. The old man of the Wang family wrote to his father. They want us to help the grandson to speak. Actually, I don’t think there is any need to go through that muddy water , the daughter of the family will be the grandson Liangdi, and the grandson will inherit the great power and the family will be the queen empress. What benefits can we reap. When the new grandson ascends the throne and rewards for meritorious service, the relatives will eat meat, and those around us can only drink Soup is ready." Jia Amnesty took a sip from the wine glass, narrowing his eyes slightly to look at his younger brother's expression.

Seeing that Jia Zheng didn't speak, but his complexion was a bit ugly, Jia Amnesty then poured cold water on his younger brother's head: "I'm afraid your bride will have to be replaced. I heard that the girl from the Zhen family has long since left the palace. After coming out, their family started to find someone for her quietly. From what they mean, they have taken a fancy to you."

Jia Zheng was taken aback and said, "Brother just joked with me to have fun. Marriage matters are decided by the parents. When we were in Hangzhou, the two families had already negotiated. How could the girl from the Zhen family enter the palace to be the grandson Liangdi?" Look at me. Besides, I'm an engaged man. Don't ever think about—"

He was interrupted by Jia She: "The parents' orders are right, but they didn't make it clear with the Wang family at the beginning, let alone exchanging Geng Tie to make a promise, that's just a word of mouth. The Wang family's stubborn help Look at the grandson, when the new crown prince entered the East Palace, their family began to recite words. Do you think, how could father involve the whole family?" Jia Zheng frowned tightly listening to Jia She's words, his face was heavy: " How could it be possible to spread the word so that people would look down on it. A man must keep his word in this world, how can he break his word just because of his own misfortune?"

You are too bookish. I have been an official for several years, but I understand a lot of things that are not written in books.Well, I won't bother you anymore, I would like to persuade you, the Zhen family is much richer than the Wang family, and the Zhen family is a first-class confidant in the emperor's heart.With such a Taishan, wouldn't it be easy for you to become an official in the future?Jia Amnesty was enjoying himself with the wine glass, leaving only Jia Zheng sitting there sullen with an ugly face.

After the banquet was over, Jia Zheng went back in dismay.The girls came out to greet him earlier, and the eldest girl Lang Huan came out and saw that Jia Zheng's face was not good, she hurriedly went up to change his clothes in person: "Today is the master's birthday, why is the second master so dark? Recently, the second master is serious about his studies. The master can't still reprimand you for not being motivated in studying."

Jia Zheng sat on the chair and let Lang Huan take off his boots for him. His thoughts had already flown to nowhere. Qing Yuncha came in and said with a smile, "I'm afraid the second master is only thinking about the second grandma instead of watching the play?" Let me say that the second master is thinking about the second grandma here, why not wait for our family to deliver things to the Wang's house in the capital and carefully arrange gifts for others. It's also good for others to know the second master's heart."

Who knows that Lang Huan suddenly changed her face and spat: "Where is the second grandma who ran out, and she is not ashamed, and she is rushing to deliver things. It's still a lady, I don't like that lowly look." Lang Huan's voice As soon as she fell, Jia Zheng had already received a severe slap on the face. Jia Zheng pointed at Lang Huan angrily and said, "You, I dare not use you anymore. Let someone take her out!" The big girl next to Jia Zheng was very jealous of the second mistress who was about to enter the door. Watching Jia Zheng come back from Hangzhou and hold the secret book that the Wang family gave him all day long, he couldn't keep up with the girls.Lang Huan felt that she was left out in the cold, and she was naturally hostile towards girls from the Wang family.So in normal times, she often made sour and sarcastic remarks. Jia Zheng was a stupid person, and he used to be very nice to girls.Although he was a little surprised that Lang Huan became bitter.It's just that he has always been easy-going, seeing Lang Huan's eyes rolling with anger and non-angery, he had a certain charm, so he pretended to be confused and followed her.

Who would have thought that Lang Huan went too far today and dared to slander her girl's reputation behind her back? of.Jia Zheng's anger was all vented on her, Lang Huan covered her face and looked at Jia Zheng in disbelief, she immediately burst into tears.Listening to the voices inside, the women outside hurried in to see, Qing Yun was busy waving at the women, giving them winks and telling them to go out quickly.

Lang Huan is a person with a sharp mouth. She sat on the ground and the group cried, and the group couldn't stop talking: "Second Master is unhappy, so take us to vent your anger, if you despise us, just send it out and find someone else to serve you, why bother?" If I look at it with my own face, I wouldn't leave this door even if I was killed." For a while, Lang Huan burst into tears.The little girls next to her were all captured by Lang Huan, and when they saw Jia Zheng angry, they knelt on the ground and begged for mercy for her in a panic.Jia Zheng had always had little power in front of his servants, but when he saw this there, he panicked and just stomped his feet and left with a sigh.

Qing Yun wanted to seize the opportunity to push Lang Huan out, but seeing Jia Zheng's inability to coerce her, she could only pretend to be silent and hide.Over there, Jia's mother and the old lady of Jia's family heard the noise in Jia Zheng's house and hurriedly called for people to come and see.Seeing the people from Mother Jia's side coming, Lang Huan cried even more sadly, she grabbed the nurse next to Mother Jia and cried, "Second Lord has murderous intent on me when he comes back, I don't know why."

Mother Jia helped the girl and came over in person. Just as she heard Langhuan's words, she asked the girls around her, and the little girls shook their heads one by one and said, "I saw sister Langhuan serving the second master, and the second master suddenly got angry and beat her. A few moments." When Jia Zheng heard his mother coming, he could only come out and sighed, "My mother came just in time. She was originally a slave given by my mother, and I just returned her to my mother. I can't afford such a girl, and I hide her." Sorry?"

Seeing what Lang Huan and Jia Zheng meant, Jia's mother guessed what was going on, and she asked, "Why don't you see Qing Yun?" Having said what Lang Huan had said, Mother Jia looked at Lang Huan coldly, "Since she is in trouble, why not call her mother to lead her out to be a matchmaker." After listening to Mother Jia's words, Lang Huan's face turned pale, and she collapsed on the ground limply. She kept begging Jia Mu for mercy, but before she touched Jia Mu's skirt, a nanny stepped forward and pulled her to go out. Lang Huan was busy tugging on Jia Zheng, her voice changed. Jin pleaded bitterly: "Second Master, please be kind, the servants are absolutely right, and I ask the Second Master to leave the slaves and servants for the sake of serving since childhood, and become a rough envoy girl, and repay the Second Master by turning into cows and horses in the next life."

Hearing Lang Huan's shrill voice, Jia Zheng remembered that she was usually pretty and cute, and she did her best for herself, but she couldn't bear to beg to Jia's mother: "It's because I was upset today, and I blamed her, and I asked my mother to look at her in the past. For the sake of serving you wholeheartedly, let her be spared. Our family has always treated the servants kindly, so why bother to do something that hurts the shady birds."

"She relies on your praise, and she has always been proud. I think she is still serving her wholeheartedly, so she turns a blind eye. But this time, I can't keep her. When will it be the master's turn?" The servant is worried. Did her words come from our family? A girl doesn’t know her duty, but she just forgets the power of heaven and earth just relying on her own face, and she can’t stay.” Mother Jia is determined not to Langhuan is gone.

Mother Jia's attitude was firm, and Jia Zheng could only let a few old nuns drag her out.Waiting for the room to calm down, Mother Jia glanced at everyone: "You serve by Zheng'er's side, don't think that Zheng'er is soft-tempered and forget your sense of proportion, I think it's because Zheng'er doesn't care, that's why there are people like Langhuan. You frivolous people. From today onwards, I will send people to watch over you, and anyone who dares to make a fuss will be kicked out immediately." Then, Mother Jia sent two nuns to manage the crowd, and then warned the girl next to Jia Zheng The mother-in-law went back after a meal.

Waiting for Jia Mu to leave, Jia Zheng calmed down and sat there silently. No one brought a cup of tea beside Qing Yun: "Second Lord, let's drink tea. If Second Master is thinking about Langhuan and wait The madam calmed down and begged her to come in. What happened today was also Langhuan's own fault, and her temper became more and more tricky. But the girl from the Wang family was chewed on by her for no reason." Jia Zheng was silent for a long time before saying: "Langhuan called It's good for her to calm down outside for a few days. You and she are people around me, and I feel bad for you. By the way, you said that my wife was angry and reprimanded me so much. But why didn't you say that Lang Huan was arrogating? "

"In my opinion, the marriage between the second master and the Wang family is probably mysterious. The second master knows that Lang Huan's brother is with the master. Although she was sullen before, how could she dare to disrespect the girl from the Wang family? Why is it today? How dare she say that? I'm afraid the rumors are true." Qing Yun hesitated, she wasn't worried about who Jia Zheng would marry as his second mistress, what she was worried about was that Jia Zheng was still thinking about Langhuan.

"What rumors! Why didn't I know?" Jia Zheng immediately grabbed Qing Yun's arm and asked urgently.

"Second master, don't you know, our master and wife have already met the matchmaker sent by the Zhen family. Maybe the girl from the Zhen family is really going to be the grandma. Our family should have given it to the Wang family in the capital as usual. The ship is still delivering seasonal fruits, and the ship hasn’t left yet. Are you just waiting for the Wang family to have offended the emperor?” Qing Yun’s words awakened the dreamer, and Jia Zheng suddenly panicked.He immediately stood up and said, "I'm going to see my father." Then he left.

Qing Yun watched Jia Zheng disappear, and she was stunned for a while before she said to the little girls: "Pack up Lang Huan's things and send them out to her quietly. Today, my wife has left Lang Huan, and you all have to leave." You have improved your memory, you can remember what you should say and what you should not say?"

The little girls had long been stunned by Jia Mu's methods, and a few bold ones calmed down and stuck out their tongues: "Amitabha, it's really scary, we will remember it."

Let go of Qingyun first and arrange to pack up the things and send them out to Langhuan, while Jia Zheng ran to both Jia Daishan and Jia Daishan with enthusiasm. "The second master is here, and the master is talking to the uncle over there." The boy's announcement suddenly woke up Jia Zheng, and his courage disappeared in an instant. Just as he was about to stop him, Jia Daishan's voice came out: "Is it Zheng'er? Come in." Jia Zheng straightened his clothes before tiptoeing in respectfully.

Jia Jing over there was sitting there. Seeing Jia Zheng coming in, he smiled and said, "I haven't seen you for a few days, and I'm getting older. I read all the articles you wrote a few days ago, and I really benefited a lot. This year's provincial examination I’m sure I’ll pass the exam. Uncle, just trust me, and Brother Zheng’s future will not go wrong.”

Jia Daishan always favored his younger son, compared with Jia She, Jia Zheng's manners and conversations are superior, he can be called handsome and handsome, elegant and elegant, without the absurd luxury of a dude from an aristocratic family.Moreover, Jia Zheng likes to read books, which is more in line with Jia Daishan's wishes.Listening to his nephew's praise, although Jia Daishan said modestly: "The little kid is still studying, don't let him go." But the smile on his face must not be concealed.

Jia Zheng greeted his father and elder brother politely, looked at his son Jia Daishan and said, "You were downcast at the banquet today, but now you still look gloomy. What is it for?"

But Jia Zheng didn't know how to answer, he faltered, his face flushed red, and he still couldn't tell why.On the contrary, Jia Jing is a smart person, and smiled to help his younger brother: "Uncle, don't be angry, according to me, brother Zheng is here for the affairs of the Wang family, brother Zheng, don't worry about this matter, listen to me and tell you slowly. "

Jia Zheng looked up at his cousin gratefully, and nodded tacitly. Although he didn't want to regret the marriage with the Wang family, it was not up to him to make decisions about the marriage, and he had nothing to say in front of his father. Now that Jia Jing had expressed his thoughts, Jia Zheng Waiting anxiously for Jia Jing to continue. "Brother Zheng, you should know the situation in front of you. King Wei must be in charge of the East Palace. There is no suspense. In fact, everyone is educated and knows that Zhengtong should be succeeded by the grandson. It's just that this is His Majesty. As the courtiers, do we have the right to talk about the family affairs?" Jia Jing cleared the relationship after a few words, and he firmly believed that the grandson was hopeless.

Jia Zheng became more and more anxious when he heard his cousin's words: "Who is the prince has nothing to do with us? Father and cousin, have you forgotten how a man should stand in this world? Words must be followed by actions, and actions must be resolute. How can you be like this? What's the difference with those snobs!" Jia Zheng choked his neck and sang against his father's cousin.

Jia Daishan glanced at his son, and Jia Zheng, who was still arguing with his father just now, was immediately discouraged, but he still refused to give up his opinion, opened his mouth, and muttered something in a low voice.Jia Jing also burst out laughing immediately. He looked at Jia Zheng like a mother looking at a naughty son: "Brother Zheng, you are still too immature, and you can't believe everything in the book. You have to follow the words in the book a little bit." If you do something that is not bad, you will definitely be regarded as a fool. The ancients themselves said that it is better to have no books than to believe in books. You have to think about it, what does it mean to have one emperor and one courtier? There are so many people in contact with the Wang family who openly disagree with His Majesty, and they still state the reasons why King Wei is not suitable to be a prince in the Shangshu, and do not leave any face for King Wei. King Wei is here Don’t you hate in your heart? Your Majesty has always been arbitrary, and it must be useless to persuade others this time. What will happen to the royal family and those who offended King Wei when the new king ascends the throne? Or don’t wait for what will happen to King Wei. Your Majesty's temper is becoming more and more unpredictable, and maybe an imperial decree can remove Wang Changchun from his official position. Don't forget, my uncle and I are doing it for your own good. These days, your head is hanging on the beam and your ass is piercing your ass, isn't it just to get your name on the gold list? , to realize your ambitions. If you get involved with someone the emperor doesn’t like, why do you want to realize your ambitions?”

Jia Zheng listened to Jia Jing's words and was silent for a long while. Jia Daishan hadn't said anything since Jia Zheng came in. He wanted to see if his youngest son was a nerd who only knew how to read books, or whether he could be a good man.What his nephew Jia Jing said was reasonable, and now he wants to see if Jia Zheng can understand the painstaking efforts of his elders.People like them look like gold and jade, relying on the merits of their ancestors, they are deeply favored by the sages, and when the officials who have worked hard to get the qualifications are still struggling to earn their pitiful positions, they are already proud of themselves.But there is a price to pay for everything, and a high price in the official career will be paid even more.For example, their marriage and children, the bargaining chip of the family marriage for girls, if the boys are not drunken and lustful, they have to support the family's important responsibilities.In fact, he knew in his heart that Jia Zheng might have an inexplicable affection for the girl of the Wang family, but unfavorable things happen out of ten in the world, even if he was born in the Duke's mansion, he couldn't do things as he wanted.

Just when Jia Zheng lowered his head silently, when both Jia Daishan and Jia Jing thought that Jia Zheng had finally succumbed to the cruelty of reality, Jia Zheng suddenly raised his head to take a deep look at his father and cousin, and knelt down impartially: "Father and cousin's words cannot be refuted. It's just that the marriage contract between our family and the Wang family is well known. As long as the Wang family is willing to fulfill the marriage contract, I don't want our family to bear the reputation of treachery. Even if it is delayed I am also willing about my official career. Besides, when a man is alive, relying on his ancestors is not a real family and career, and I am willing to rely on my own efforts to win a good future!"

Jia Jing looked at his cousin in surprise, he couldn't believe that this always boring younger brother could do such a decisive thing.Just about to persuade Jia Zheng again: "Brother Zheng, there is no grass anywhere in the world, don't make uncle angry."

"You don't need to persuade him. Since Zheng'er has the ambition, I'll wait and see. If you can get on the list in this year's provincial examination, I will discuss marriage with the Wang family." Jia Daishan stood up and stared at Jia Zheng, his sharp eyes were like a With a sharp knife, he wanted to peel off his flesh and take out his heart to see Jia Zheng's real thoughts.