Chapter 1042
: The Duke's Mansion Goes to Offer a Marriage
Chapter 1042: The Duke's Mansion Goes to Offer a Marriage
Beijing,
In the Yangxin Palace, in the imperial study,
A gentle breeze blew into the house through the bright west window, stirring up the smoke from the incense burner and stirring the suspicious and dull atmosphere in the house.
Dai Quan stood with his hands hanging down, accompanying Emperor Wu. All the affairs of the world were decided by the world. As for Prince Beijing's shocking reversal of the war situation, not only others, but even Prince Beijing himself might not know the outcome.
"Yes, you dare not guess, or you can't guess. The Northern Palace has been in the capital for nearly ten years, and Beijing Prince Shui Rong has never left the capital. Although Luo Yunhou's troops are elite, most of them are formed by the remnants of the border army, and they are too few to enter the interior. The rest are the Western Palace, which has 400,000 elite troops and is feared by the northwest. The Lang family in the south also has more than 400,000 soldiers, but the emperor is far away. Now it seems that even if the palace is withdrawn, the foundation is still there, and we must be on guard."
With a faint sigh, the suspicions that had not been expressed out loud were finally spoken out. Dai Quan's face looked ugly. These words could be heard, but not listened to. Nowadays, the four kings are still the leaders of the princes in the world. Among the four kings, the Western Palace family is the most powerful. The latecomers, Luo Yunhou, are considered a family, and the vassal kings of various places have also risen again.
"Your Majesty, please do not disturb us. The most anxious thing for the court now is the chaos in southern Beijing. After the chaos in southern Beijing is quelled, the court can breathe a sigh of relief. Moreover, the soldiers used by Marquis Luo Yun are all soldiers from the Beijing camp. After seeing blood, they will surpass the combat power of the imperial army. Finally, let's talk about the victory reported by Prince Beijing. No matter how they fought, the White Lotus Sect was defeated. The world knows that the main force used was Yun Guang, Qi Yun, and the government army of Jiao Xiong in Jiangnan. It can also shock the world. It is reasonable for the King of the East to take such a risky move."
Dai Quan did not answer directly, but followed His Majesty's words and talked about the most urgent matter of the court at the moment. As for how the Prince of Beijing and the Prince of Dongping should fight, as long as the result is achieved,
"Ahahaha, you old bastard, I am a little disappointed. You are right, you dog slave. Now that Jingnan has been pacified, the major concern of the court has been resolved. Let Gu Ping lead the troops to keep an eye on Lingnan and other places. Don't worry about the burned cities for the time being.
As for the Beijing camp, let the Marquis of Xiangyang go over to appease them first. After the birthday banquet for the retired emperor, let Wang Ziteng go to reorganize the army. As for the government troops, keep the status quo for now. As for the Ministry of Revenue, we need to take a break."
Emperor Wu laughed, lifted up his skirt, and returned to the dragon chair. This time, he did not look through the three secret letters, but only took out an ordinary memorial. He saw that the memorial was signed by Xu Changwen, the county magistrate of Chunyang County in Jinling.
The memorial was too long and a little too passionate. The Emperor Wu, who had originally had some joy on his face, gradually lost his smile. At this moment, Dai Quan became flustered again.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue has already calculated the treasury silver, and the taxes in the capital have been collected again this year. The old accounts over the years have also been sorted out. Without using the treasury silver, the pension silver can be shared with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It is not difficult to solve the problem."
The silver issue was easy to deal with. All the major chambers of commerce in the capital issued a note to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Not only this year's taxes, but also previous arrears were paid. In addition, some large merchants who were not careful were confiscated, and the silver was even more.
But the Emperor Wu was not satisfied. The compensation money was easy to deal with, but how to restore the area south of the capital was still a problem.
"You still need to discuss these with the Ministry of Revenue. First, send out the pension money. Then, in the south of Beijing, the land is barren and the city is burned down. I'm afraid the court is unable to restore it. How should we arrange it?"
Especially the leaders of the White Lotus Sect and the Taiping Sect were captured, and many of the defeated soldiers fled to the mountains of Lingnan. It is not difficult to guess where the sects are hiding, but unfortunately, they are out of reach.
"Your Majesty, I dare not speak rashly about these. The cabinet has already started writing congratulatory letters. If you want to ask about government affairs, the ministers are still here."
Dai Quan lowered his head and spoke calmly, but he was still a little hesitant in his heart. There was almost no progress in the investigation of the case on Lord Yu's side, especially the family members in the capital, who hardly left the house. Even if they went out to buy things, they went to fixed shops, and there was nothing unusual. The south of the capital was almost a ruin. It was useless and a pity to abandon it.
"Well, that's fine. In that case, let's wait for them to come. Perhaps, we can put Jingnan's matter aside for now."
Emperor Wu stretched out his hand and pressed his forehead. There was no reliable solution now. The refugees had to be transported outside the Great Wall, and the bandits had to be suppressed. The south of the capital was a barren land for thousands of miles, and even a severe drought depended on God's will.
"Yes, I understand."
Rongguo Mansion,
The house was decorated with lights and colorful decorations, especially early in the morning. Master Zheng and the Second Wife also changed into festive clothes. In the middle of the yard, red brocades of various sizes were laid out. In the front porch of the main hall, thirty-six large gold-lacquered and gilded boxes were lined up in a row. The copper locks shone golden in the sunlight, and one corner of the box was covered with red silk.
There was also a maid named Shi Xiangyun, who acted as a servant girl, and a maid named Sanchun, who accompanied them. They opened the boxes one by one and began to count the gifts according to the gift list in their hands.
"Ten boxes of top-quality Su Jinyun cloth, ready."
"A blood coral, that's right."
"A pair of red gold bracelets with eight treasures, weighing twenty taels!"
The voice was clear and melodious, echoing in the courtyard. The maids serving on the side couldn't help but look curiously at the boxes of treasures. The accountant following behind them picked up the pen again to record the number of gifts.
Counting,
There was another noise from the west corner door, and I saw several maids beside the old lady, carrying three large red boxes, coming over. One of the maids was panting and shouting:
"The Queen in the palace sent Suzhou weaving, Suzhou gold silk and colorful brocade, a pair of jade ruyi, and a pair of golden branches and jade leaves."
The housekeeper wiped her sweat and carried the three boxes to the center of the yard. Then she opened the boxes and six pieces of gold brocade were suddenly spread out, like peonies blooming on the brocade, with golden threads shining brightly. Xiangyun was full of envy.
"Is this the tribute from the palace?"
"Of course, the queen still loves Brother Bao."
A hint of envy flashed in Tanchun's eyes. This was just the betrothal gift. She wondered if Brother Bao knew about it. She remembered that she went to school this morning and no one seemed to have informed him.
Yingchun had a blank expression on her face. Although she also liked these things, it was just her nature. Xichun was full of curiosity and wanted to touch them, but she knew it was inappropriate. She pouted and no one knew what she was thinking.
After they had counted the items, they closed the box and locked it, then took the gift list back to Rongqing Hall.
As soon as I entered the house, I heard the noise inside.
I saw that Grandmother Jia had also changed into a red dress, and that Lady Xing, the second wife, the shopkeeper Yu from the Red Mansion, Aunt Xue's family, and Sister Lin were also in the house. At last, everyone was there.
"Grandfather, we have counted all the things. There were originally thirty-six boxes, and nothing is missing. In addition, the queen in the palace added three more boxes, so there are thirty-nine in total. The things inside are so precious to us."
When she spoke, the old lady was overjoyed. She pulled Tanchun and Shi Xiangyun by the sleeves and said cheerfully:
"You guys only know how to talk nonsense. When you get married, I will collect your dowry. By the way, originally these thirty-six boxes, your sister Xue and sister Lin each collected a pair. This is also for me to think about Baoyu. We can't let the girl from the Meng family think that we, the Duke's Mansion, look down on her."
I don't know why, but when I think of Baoyu getting married, I feel happy and reluctant at the same time. This scene, with joy mixed with sadness and sadness mixed with joy, makes the girls not know how to respond. When Wang Xifeng saw this, she waved her red sleeves and smiled:
"Look, look, everyone says Baoyu is blessed, but you still don't believe it. I saw in advance what was in those boxes. Blood corals and golden branches and jade leaves, such rare things, the old lady added them in. If it were me, these good things can't be given to Baoyu alone, they must be divided up. We don't want the blood corals, and the golden branches and jade leaves, so, we are sisters, each of us can take one and hide it, so that the girl from the Meng family will be dumbfounded."
This joke caused a big commotion in the room.
It took a long time for things to calm down. Mrs. Xing felt upset when she saw this. She watched the second wives get married and start their own families, but she had no children. However, at least she had an adopted son, Jia Zong. She didn't know when she would be able to benefit from his fame. After all, he was the legitimate son of the Duke's Mansion.
"Oh, look, you just made a scene. Shopkeeper Yu, it's almost time. I need you to go in person to help with the betrothal gifts and mediate. Today, you're in trouble."
As soon as the conversation changed, he saw the shopkeeper Yu of the Red House, who was sitting there drinking tea and eating cakes. Seeing everyone's eyes on him, he put the cake in his hand into his mouth and praised;
"Why bother? I'll follow the old lady's arrangements. This trip is very familiar. I just want to bring good luck to all the happy events. Mr. Bao has now gone to the Imperial College, and Mr. Lan of the East Palace has been promoted to an official position. This is a double happiness. I am so worthy of your help. It is a great blessing from heaven."
The words that were spoken early in the morning made everyone in the room look even happier, especially the Second Lady, who didn't like crowds. She now sat on the kang, holding Aunt Xue's hand, muttering something. Lin Daiyu, with shy eyes, leaned close to Xue Baochai, also whispering something. Lin Daiyu, who originally had an otherworldly aura, now looked like a fairy who had descended to the earth. The worldly aura made her look even more beautiful.
"Look, look at them all. What Manager Yu said sounds right. In that case, Feng girl, check the time and see if it's time to go." Seeing that it was getting light, they couldn't delay the auspicious time.
Wang Xifeng nodded, glanced at the sky, and thought it was about time, so she waved to Ping'er.
"Don't worry, old lady. The time is just right. I will go and deliver the betrothal gifts right away. Shopkeeper Yu, please go in."
Yu Lan was already prepared. She nodded and walked out of the house. The servants in the outer courtyard and the maids who were waiting on her all started moving immediately.
June in Beijing,
The fragrance of Sophora japonica flowers wafts through the air.
The main gate of Rongguo Mansion was opened, ceremonial music was played, and people were crowded inside and outside. A housekeeper threw copper coins that he had prepared long ago into the crowd, which immediately caused everyone to scramble for them and say words of blessing.
In front of the government gate,
The wedding procession was drawn by nine maroon horses, covered in red silk, pulling three carriages. Behind them were servants from the Duke's Mansion, four of them lifting a total of thirty-nine boxes. Under the protection of the servants of the Rong Mansion, they marched towards the Meng family mansion in the north city. Along the way, the procession, which stretched for miles, was particularly eye-catching.
Many students and common people inquired about whose family had offered the betrothal gift. When they learned that it was Master Bao from Rongguo Mansion, many students who were taking the exam in the same palace and who knew Jia Baoyu just sighed.
"So it's Master Bao from Rongguo Mansion. He's getting married soon. I'm so envious."
"What are you envious of? If you pass the imperial examination and become a student in the Marquis' Mansion, you might even find a good husband. The imperial examination is coming soon, so why think about other things? You might as well study hard. If you get on the first list or pass the imperial examination, that would be great too."
After this person finished speaking, the envy in the eyes of many people around him disappeared, and they bought a few sesame cakes, put them in their arms, and prepared to go back to study the scriptures.
As many scholars and students left, more and more people came to watch the excitement. Wang Xifeng sat in the main sedan chair, wearing a red satin cloak, which was wide inside and tight outside, with emerald-colored folds, dazzling. Next to her was shopkeeper Yu, who was sitting with a Xiang Fei fan in his hand.
"Second Madam, the betrothal gift that the Duke's Mansion bought for Master Bao is second to none in the capital. It is also considered a generous betrothal gift. I think the Meng family didn't expect this."
Not to mention the Meng family, even Yu Lan had made a wrong estimate. The Rongguo Mansion treated Master Bao very differently. Although he was the direct descendant of the second house, he was not the only direct descendant. Judging from the old lady's side, the master's guess was correct.
"Manager Yu is too polite. How can we be careless about Baoyu's marriage? The girl from the Meng family is from a scholarly family, a eunuch's daughter. If she gets married, who wouldn't be envious? The betrothal gift will naturally be high."
Wang Xifeng also felt a little uncomfortable in her heart, because when Jia Lian proposed to the Wang family, he did not bring these valuable items.
The team moved forward slowly. Wherever they passed, there were special stewards standing on the carriages on both sides of the team, throwing copper coins. The grand ceremony was unprecedented. When they heard that it was the day when the Duke's Mansion was offering marriage proposals, they all exclaimed that the Duke's Mansion was indeed rich and powerful.
Soon,
The team stopped at Judefang in the north city and arrived in front of the Meng family's mansion.
At this moment, the gates of the Meng Mansion were already wide open, and the housekeeper had been waiting outside with a group of servants. The red lacquered gate and the stone lions in front of the gate had been polished to a shine.
"I am sorry for not welcoming you, my distinguished guest."
Seeing that the Meng family was also preparing carefully, Wang Xifeng and Yu Lan in the carriage were in a good mood. They opened the curtain and slowly got off the carriage. Yu Lan spoke first.
"Today is a happy day, there are no so many rules. It's a happy occasion. It's Master Bao from Rongguo Mansion, who is here to give a betrothal gift to the Meng family."
Yu Lan bowed slowly and explained her purpose. The housekeeper did not dare to neglect her and hurried back to pass the message. A moment later, a large group of maids and servants in new clothes followed.
Behind them came Master Meng and Madam Meng, who personally came out to greet them. Especially Meng Li, who had changed into a dark blue robe and a square scarf on his head, with a refined look on his face. Madam Meng was also wearing a blue satin skirt and a phoenix hairpin on her head. She was dignified and kind. When she saw that it was the Second Mistress of the Rongguo Mansion and the shopkeeper Yu of the Red Mansion, she smiled.
"Oh, it turns out that it is Madam Wang Er who has come to visit and bring honor to my humble abode."
"Mr. Meng, you are too polite. If this is your humble abode, then there is no warm room in the capital. I came here today because the old lady personally ordered me to do so. Today is a good day to propose to Mr. Bao."
Wang Xifeng returned the gift, and only then did she have time to look around. Although the mansion was not large, it was at least a four-story house. Madam Meng looked at the long line behind her. It was obviously beyond her expectation that there were so many betrothal gifts. She walked over, took Shopkeeper Yu's hand, and said,
"There's no need to be so distant. Shopkeeper Yu is the guarantor, and the Second Madam has come here in person to propose marriage. The marriage between the two families is a great joyous event. Please come in."
Everyone entered the mansion immediately, and the betrothal gifts behind them were brought in row after row. When everyone entered the hall, the maid served tea with exquisite teacups, and at the same time, she casually took out the gift list and handed it over.
"These betrothal gifts were specially selected by the old lady for Yueyun, and the lady in the palace also specially added three boxes. I hope the Meng family will accept them."
The gift list was delivered to Meng Li. He unfolded it and was surprised at a glance, especially the last few items, such as the pearls from the east outside the Great Wall, the jade ruyi, and the blood coral. They were rare items, and perhaps there were not many in the palace. He could not help but sigh that the Duke's Mansion was still rich in resources.
"Second Madam, you have put in so much effort. With such a generous betrothal gift, it is clear that my daughter has found the right family."
"Yes, Second Madam, such a betrothal gift is extremely valuable. Although our Meng family is also a family of poetry and literature, it is still a bit shabby compared to the Duke's Mansion."
Mrs. Meng was also a little worried. When the day came for her daughter's wedding, the dowry would certainly not be as good as the betrothal gifts. Seeing the implication of the words, Yu Lan spoke eloquently.
"Madam Meng, what are you talking about? Master Bao and your daughter are a match made in heaven. This marriage is a great blessing for both families. How can it be said to be shabby? Once you get married, you are one family."
These words served as a cover-up, making Mrs. Meng very happy and she flattered him utmost. Wang Xifeng also followed suit and tried to please her. The process of the proposal was completed. She was humble and had a meal at the Meng family before she returned with her people. However, the news that the Duke's Mansion had proposed to the Meng family had already spread in the capital.
Even many teachers of the Imperial College had heard about it. The academician Guo Wen was even more surprised. The Meng family was a family of civil officials, so why would they choose to marry into the Rongguo Mansion? Was there any calculation behind this? But when he thought of Lord Lu behind the scenes, he gave up the idea. What kind of calculation could be hidden from the Lord?
Then he went to the school in the west house, and then took the ruler and said loudly;
"No matter how many books you read, it is better to write. You should write the eight-part essay assigned today now. When you finish, I will collect it. If you cannot finish it today, write it tomorrow. Tomorrow night, I will ask the teacher in the dormitory to review it together. If it is too bad, you will be punished with a board."
"Yes, Mr. Academician!"
(End of this chapter)