Chapter 1048
: Meng Family’s Daughter Zhang Li
Chapter 1048: Meng Family Daughter Returns Gift
Beijing,
In the Yangxin Hall,
Xiao Yunzi looked hurried, but his steps were not slow. He was followed by several eunuchs and horse commanders.
When they arrived at the attic of the west palace and turned a corner, they found a bright room with a plain cloth curtain blocking the way. Xiao Yunzi stopped, lowered his head, and walked in. The people behind him stopped there, not daring to move at all.
Entering the temple,
Seeing that his godfather was making tea for the emperor, he stayed at the entrance without saying a word. When his godfather had made the emperor's tea and brought it over, he turned around and asked;
"Come here, what's up?"
Xiao Yunzi stepped inside, knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times.
"Your Majesty, outside, the commander of the Nancheng Town Fusi Yamen, Ma Mengquan, asked to see you. He said he had something urgent to report. I dared not neglect him, so I brought him here."
"Oh, what can he do? Let him in."
Emperor Wu was lying on a recliner. He had some free time today, so he wanted to hear what was new after the princes came into the city. So he came to the west pavilion, had some tea and waited. He learned the habit of drinking tea and eating snacks from Marquis Luo Yun.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will bring him in right away."
After Xiao Yunzi stood up, he looked at his godfather Dai Quan. Seeing him nod, he quickly left. After a moment, he went outside and called softly,
"come in."
One before and one after,
Ma Mengquan took a deep breath, followed slowly behind, entered the hall, knelt on the ground, and shouted;
"Your Majesty, I, the Imperial City Sima Mengquan, kowtow to you. May your Majesty be well and safe."
"Get up, there is no such thing as peace. With you here, I'm afraid there will be no peace here. Have the princes entered the capital?"
It was rare that Emperor Wu was in a good mood to make a joke. With Dai Quan's help, he slowly stood up.
"Your Majesty, the capital is peaceful and peaceful right now. It is a sign of prosperity. The princes' entry into the capital has been recorded long ago. However, I have received news that the three armies have returned by their original routes. They will be able to return to the capital in one or two days."
"You are the only one who talks too much, tell me what's going on."
Emperor Wu smiled, then looked at Ma Mengquan and asked,
"Your Majesty, a big event happened outside the South City Gate. Several princes suddenly gathered their troops on the official road. Somehow, they stopped Marquis Luo Yun's team returning to the capital. Just outside the city, the two sides have already met each other. After I received the news, I heard that Lord He from the Military Department had already led 3,000 heavily armored troops to the front. I was terrified and had to order the Imperial City Department's guards to gather at the government office. On the way here, I also received news that the Imperial Army Camp, the Imperial Army's Left and Right Guards, and the Military Department were all gathering troops. I feel uneasy and have come here to ask for instructions!"
These news were all sent by secret agents from the Imperial City along the way, so I told them all when I met the Emperor today.
But these words made Emperor Wu and Dai Quan frown immediately. Marquis Luo Yun returned to the capital and fought with several princes. Was it intentional or instigated by someone? What happened inside remains to be verified. However, the various troops in the capital, especially the imperial guards, the military department, and the Imperial City Department, who gave the order to gather troops and who arranged it first, these are the top priorities.
"Were you the first to order the gathering of troops?"
The sudden questioning made Ma Mengquan kneel down immediately.
"Your Majesty, it is my order. I am worried about the palace, so I dare not delay."
Ma Mengquan did not hesitate and nodded in agreement. The previous gathering of troops was just a matter of dispatching them several times, and this time, the troops were dispatched according to the yamen's order to gather troops. Although there was no mistake, there were more than 4,000 soldiers in the Nanzhenfusi yamen, so it was an overdose.
"You are honest. As soon as the left and right guards of the Imperial Guards move, the ministers will definitely move. They react very quickly. As for outside, Marquis Luo Yun and several princes are fighting. Is it a real fight or just a show?"
Emperor Wu was really unsure about these things, especially about the intentions of those princes who entered the capital and mobilized elite troops to block the official road. He didn't know what they were thinking, but it was a mistake. If it weren't for Marquis Luo Yun's army returning in advance, how could those elite troops from the princes' palaces set up their battle array on the official road.
"Your Majesty, this was not a fake fight, but a bloodbath. Marquis Luo Yun and several princes used crossbows and short spears, especially Marquis Luo Yun, who used the crossbow he brought from somewhere."
Speaking of this, the corners of Ma Mengquan's mouth twitched a little. This was completely desperate.
"What? You are so audacious! Dai Quan, go and pass on the imperial decree. Let the princes return to the Honglu Temple to settle down first. As for Marquis Luo Yun, summon him to my presence and give a good explanation. As for the dead, let the imperial guards, no, Ma Mengquan, take care of them."
No one knew what Emperor Wu was thinking. He just gave a few words of reprimand and dealt with them. Ma Mengquan's eyes were filled with horror. Could it be that what Marquis Luo Yun did was instructed by the emperor to test the princes, or that the emperor wanted to use this as an excuse? His face turned pale, but he was brought back to his senses by the words of Eunuch Dai in front of him.
"I accept your order, let's go,"
Seeing Commander Ma still in a daze, Dai Quan had to remind him. Ma Mengquan immediately reacted, stood up, clasped his fists and bowed.
"Yes, I accept your order."
He bowed and followed the governor out. After he went downstairs, he heard what the governor said.
"Go and call all the Imperial City Guards here, and then follow me to take a look. Especially at the back, you must personally escort the princes back. Remember, "
Although the tone was light and the Governor's expression could not be seen, Ma Mengquan knew that the Governor was making a hidden move. It seemed that there were changes in the palace.
"Yes, Lord Governor, I will certainly be careful. The carriage is outside the palace, and I will personally escort you there. I think Lord He has already persuaded Marquis Luo Yun and his men outside the city."
Before he came, his subordinates had already reported that since Lord He was leading the troops personally, there shouldn't be any major problems. Marquis Luo Yun wasn't a reckless person, so the princes should take advantage of the situation and back off.
"Hmph, I have tried to persuade them. According to what you just said, so many people have died. Who can be willing to accept this? Even if I persuade them, the princes will not let it go. As for Marquis Luo Yun, it is too early to take action now."
Dai Quan said a few words and walked out. Ma Mengquan followed closely behind him. It seemed that the governor had something else to say.
Just after the battle outside the capital, although there were rumors in the capital, most officials, like the common people, were afraid but just watched the fun, especially those who had something strange in their hearts and were no longer content.
Now in Dongcheng,
The fact that Rongguo Mansion went to the Meng family to offer a betrothal gift had long been known to everyone, especially this morning, when the Meng family actually presented a gift to their daughter, a pair of exquisite couplets, which were said to be written by the daughter of the Meng family herself, attracting quite a few people to watch.
In the house,
In Rongqing Hall, there has been laughter and joy in the past few days. After all, there has never been a single day without a break. Good days come one after another. The maid from the Meng family brought a couplet and hung it in the main hall. It was watched by the maids Sanchun, Shi Xiangyun, Daichai and others. Especially Lin Daiyu, who seldom went out. She was dressed in a plain brocade robe, with a wooden hairpin in her hair and a green bracelet on her hand. However, her cold expression made her look like a fairy in the world.
"Oh, this calligraphy is still the best. It is said that men's writing is vigorous and powerful. I didn't expect that Sister Meng's calligraphy also has a heroic spirit in it," Yingchun stood beside the couplet and looked at it for a long time. She couldn't help but sigh. It was indeed a family of scholars. Not to mention how the couplet was written, this calligraphy was the result of hard work.
"Yes, not only is the handwriting magnificent, but the couplets are also good, isn't it, Sister Lin?"
Xichun, who usually doesn't talk much, now hurriedly spoke, pointing at the couplet and asking Lin Daiyu beside her, "Maybe Sister Lin has finished her work and has been working hard in the house these days,
"Well said, the handwriting is heroic, the couplets are also good, the beautiful room is secluded, the wise mind is creative, the person is beautiful and intelligent, this is the self-description and expectation of the Meng family."
Lin Daiyu looked at the first couplet with a strange expression on her face. Could it be that the elder sister had really taken a fancy to Jia Baoyu one day after saying these words?
"Oh, it turns out that the three springs in the couplet are not the three springs. I thought,"
Shi Xiangyun blushed. How could she tell good from bad? The word "Sanchun" was written inside. She knew how to read, but she didn't know what it meant. When Miss Lin said this, she realized that was the case. When Sanchun heard this, she didn't agree at all and started to make a fuss under her armpits.
Only Baochai echoed:
"Sister Lin is right. The second line of the couplet is written on orchid paper with plain ink, which is a poem of two flowers. It means that the husband and wife are of one mind. It can be seen that the sister of the Meng family is also easy to get along with."
A trace of envy flashed in Xue Baochai's eyes, and she looked at Lin Daiyu with a little dimness in her eyes. Although she was older than Daiyu, she came into the family later and could only call Daiyu "sister". Especially in terms of background, how could she compare with hers?
After the noise was over, the old lady, the second wife, and the first wife heard what they said. Grandmother Jia was all smiles. Not only was the whole room filled with joy, but the couplet sent by the Meng family became more and more attractive.
"Okay, stop making a fuss, come back and try this, your second sister-in-law bought it from outside, saying it's a new pastry from Yaoji Store. As for this couplet, keep it and bring it back to Baoyu. He's been studying later and later in the Imperial College these days."
Although there was a hint of heartache in his words, he couldn't help feeling a little relieved. Looking at the girls in the room, Baoyu's marriage was arranged, and only Yingchun and Tanchun were left. He wondered who among those old relatives and nobles was worth talking to.
"Yes, old lady."
Xiangyun and the others, who were still fighting, stopped when they heard Lady Jia's call and sat around the west table. Many snacks were already placed on the table, even crispy meat naan sold on the street. When they looked again, they saw that the table in front of the old lady was also full. After washing their hands, they began to eat.
Seeing the whole room full of joy, Mrs. Xing felt a little uncomfortable, especially the way the Second Wife looked today, with kind eyes and benevolent features, pretending to be a bodhisattva. No matter how she looked at it, she felt uncomfortable.
"Look at what the old lady said. Baoyu is a man of luck. It's a match made in heaven. Apart from anything else, it's also a blessing for the girl from the Meng family to marry into the family. However, the old lady can't be partial. I have another brother, Zong, who is also the direct descendant of the Jia family. When the time comes, the old lady will need to spend some thought on him."
This was what Mrs. Xing really thought. After all, she was the one who raised Jia Zong. Although he was not her biological son, she would have to rely on him in the future. After all, Jia Lian had become successful now, but he was not close to her.
"Look at what you said. We are all from the Jia family. How can we favor each other? Brother Zong is still young and can't see anything. When the time comes, I will remember it."
Grandmother Jia was in a good mood and agreed casually, but her reply was also thought-provoking. Since Jia Zong could remember it, did Jia Huan remember it too? These words were firmly remembered by Tanchun in the hall, but when she thought of Aunt Zhao and Jia Huan, she couldn't help feeling depressed.
Just at this time,
The door curtain moved.
Wang Xifeng, Ping'er, a few maids and servants came in carrying a few plates.
"Oh, the old lady is very happy today. I heard that the little sister of the Meng family did not bring back anything valuable. She said it was a couplet written by herself. It has spread all over the mansion. But then again, we can't understand the affairs of scholars. It's better to give her two more silver coins."
When he was speaking, he looked back and saw that the servants were still standing there in a daze. He said something unhappily,
"What are you standing there for? Bring these fruits over."
"Yes, grandma,"
Several maids leaned forward, brought over plates of washed fruit, and placed them on the table in front of the masters.
Then came the complaints from Grandmother Jia.
"Look at this poor fellow. He is so careless when he talks. Since ancient times, the gift is more important than the sentiment. The daughter of the Meng family at least wrote the couplet herself and sent it to me. I think it is better than the fruit you sent."
Such words caused Sanchun to burst into laughter. How could Wang Xifeng accept it? She waved her hand, sent the servants out, picked up the fruit on the table, wiped it and took a bite.
"Look how happy the old lady is. She's already protecting me before I even enter the house. This fruit was bought from Fuling County. It's sweet, but it's better than the dry ones. I'll take all the ones I don't want to eat back when I get back."
As he was talking and chewing the fruit, he glanced at the Second Madam in private. What he just said was not only for the Old Madam, but also for the Second Madam. Now that the maid of the Meng family had come into the family, it was still unknown whether she would have to share some of the responsibilities of being the head of the household.
"Look, you're getting anxious before you even finish talking. Come sit down and take a rest. How is the situation in the outer courtyard going?"
When Grandmother Jia beckoned, Wang Xifeng nodded and walked over slowly. She sat down beside the old lady and first told her about the farm outside the city.
"To answer the old lady, everything is normal. The farm outside the city and the fort have been repaired. The houses in the farm have been repaired in a few days. According to the account book, it cost more than eight taels of silver. I was thinking that since the farm in our mansion has been leveled, we should level it completely and find someone to cultivate the land. By the way, we can get more than ten acres of land."
All of this was reported by the steward Yu Luyu, and the people from the two farms were combined and now they were all in charge of him. Wang Xifeng replaced someone else with the account book, and the money collected was not small.
"As long as the manor is repaired, there is no need to worry. I heard that the bandits in the south have been almost wiped out, and the princes will return to the capital. Even so, with the fort, we can rest assured. You are still in charge of the manor. How is the repair of the courtyard in the mansion going?"
Although Grandmother Jia felt a little distressed, she did not expect that the civil unrest in the south would be quelled so quickly. As a result, the construction of the fortress was a bit painful.
Wang Xifeng was chewing fruit, and when she heard the old lady's words, her eyes lit up with joy. She had carefully calculated the affairs of the farm these days. After a year, she could keep at least 1,000 taels of silver. If she managed it for a few years, she might be able to keep even more.
"Don't worry about the garden renovation, old lady. The two back yards have been repaired, but the front yards have not been touched yet. Let's wait until Master Song goes to the main hall first."
I was just thinking of reporting a few more words.
Outside, a woman shouted;
"Mr. Lian is here."
When everyone listens,
He quickly looked towards the screen and saw Jia Lian, who looked hurried, dressed in brocade and military uniform, with a long sword hanging from his waist. His face, which was originally a little rouge-colored, now looked much more resolute. For a moment, the people in the room were a little uncomfortable with him.
"Greetings to the old lady, the first lady, and the second lady,"
Jia Lian bowed his hands and saluted, feeling a little anxious. In the past few days, he and his elder brother Wang had gone to the Imperial Guard camp several times to ask to see his uncle, but he had never thought that his uncle would refuse to see them. Now that something big has happened outside the city, could he give his uncle a chance?
"Don't be polite, Jia Lian. The military camp matters have been dealt with."
I'm asking about the money for the pension, especially the funeral arrangements for the soldiers, which should not be neglected.
"Don't worry, ancestor. Everything has been arranged. However, these few days, my eldest brother Wang and I wanted to go to the Imperial Army camp to meet with my uncle and discuss some countermeasures. However, my uncle has been unwilling to see us. I don't know what he means."
Since she couldn't figure it out, she simply asked the old lady. However, after she said that, everyone in the room immediately fell silent, especially Wang Xifeng. She blinked her eyes, as if she was involved in something big. Grandmother Jia narrowed her eyes. She also tried to find out about the uncle of the Wang family, but there was no reply from the palace. In this case, how could the uncle get out?
"You, don't worry. He can't come out without the imperial edict from the palace. I think there are still many people in the court who are reporting him. These are hidden dangers. It's better for him to hide in the Forbidden Army camp. You just need to appease the soldiers you lead. I heard that the Marquis of Xiangyang is the Supervisor of the Beijing Camp. You still have to go to the Beijing Camp."
Grandmother Jia did not speak quickly, but everyone present could hear clearly. They did not understand what was going on, but together, they knew that the situation in the Beijing Camp was different from before. Jia Lian's expression changed. Marquis Xiangyang went to the Beijing Camp, so what about his uncle? Could it be that he would lose his position in the Beijing Camp? Thinking of this, his face turned pale.
"Does the old ancestor have any news about the Beijing camp? Can uncle still go back?"
(End of this chapter)