Chapter 936
: Jia Rong's Escape
Chapter 936: Jia Rong's Escape
The warm wind is coming,
There is a crabapple tree in each yard. Although the flowering period has passed, the leaves are still green. Under the sunlight at 3 p.m., the leaves emit a soft green light. Occasionally, there are scattered petals, floating among the grass, adding a touch of beauty to this green.
In the East Courtyard,
The three concubines had nothing to do all day long. In their spare time, they would just chat with Jia Rong or go around the courtyards to arrange everything that needed to be taken care of. As for the maids brought back from the backyard, they were divided among the three of them, and each of them took some and trained them as maids. In Jia Rong's room, only servants were left to serve him.
Jia Rong tried to explain several times, but was always rebuffed, so he simply gave up.
inside the house,
Zhong Er came in and replied respectfully,
"Master, Brother Qiang came here alone, and no one followed him."
"Oh, no one followed him. He must have come out of Shuntian Mansion Prison. Why didn't he stay in Ningguo Mansion? How did he find me? What's the reason?"
Hearing that Jia Qiang was here, Jia Rong's heart trembled. He had told the old lady that when the family was divided, Jia Qiang's share in Ningguo Mansion should be taken back first. At least it was enough money for a house. Who would have thought that he could be released from prison so soon? This was not going to be easy.
"Master, of course he has a purpose. The Ningguo Mansion was divided, and the men outside the family were dismissed. The only servants left were those few people. How could Jia Qiang stay there? This time, maybe he came here just to ask for money."
The people in the room were still lazily drinking tea. Yang Xiao and the other girls didn't care. But when they heard that they wanted money, He Xue immediately refused.
"Hey, why did he come to us to ask for the silver instead of asking the master? We only received 4,000 taels of silver in total. How much does he want? If not, we will give him 10 or 8 taels and send him back."
This made her plump body appear to rise and fall. Jia Rong felt sorry for her and waved his hands.
"Well, you take the three hundred taels of silver and send the man away."
"Yes, sir, but sir. What if you don't leave?"
Zhong'er didn't dare to look into the room anymore. The three concubines were wearing light gauze skirts, which not only exuded fragrance, but also couldn't conceal their figures. They didn't shy away from Rong'er at all, which was clearly an attempt to seduce her. What was going on was clear at a glance.
"If you don't leave, close the door."
Jia Rong's eyes were always on the three concubines, staring at them intently, so he had no time to ask about such trivial matters.
resignedly,
Zhong Er could only leave the room, close the door, and then go to the accounting office to withdraw three hundred taels of silver, and then go back to the gate of the mansion.
It was already past noon, and Jia Qiang might have had a premonition that it would be difficult to accept the silver. Just as he had this thought, he heard footsteps from the door, and saw the middle steward hurried out, bowed, and
"Brother Qiang, Master Rong is busy at home and can't come out. You should go to Ningguo Mansion to ask about the family property. As for here, Master Rong said that these three hundred taels of silver are also for our past friendship. You can take them first."
Without waiting for Jia Qiang to speak, he stuffed the banknote into Jia Qiang's hand. The way he dismissed someone made Jia Qiang angry. He stared at the servant in front of him and said with a smile:
"Thank you, Brother Rong. Three hundred taels of silver can solve the current predicament. However, I would like to trouble the steward to pass on a message. When I came here this time, I went to find the second wife of Rongguo Mansion. The second wife has already made it clear about the division of the family.
I came here today just to ask for money. The Second Madam has already decided that Rong'er is only waiting for me to settle the difference of 3,500 taels of silver. I will not bother you again in the future. Otherwise, I will not leave today. Even if I leave, I will go to Rongguo Mansion to make a scene. "
Jia Qiang was not afraid of trouble and was very courageous. Now that the Rongguo Mansion had become a royal family, everyone in the family had already been told not to cause trouble outside so as not to embarrass the Empress in the palace. Therefore, there was no quarrel in the entire Ningrong Street.
If he went to the mansion to make trouble, gossip would spread.
Zhong'er's face changed. Although he didn't know the details of the matter, he knew that Qiang'er had gone to Rongguo Mansion and Ningguo Mansion's West Garden at night during those days. They must have discussed the matter of dividing the family, otherwise Rong'er would have moved out overnight. This commotion might cause trouble.
"Brother Qiang, you are right. We can discuss anything. I will just make another trip."
He left immediately after saying this, and Jia Qiang suddenly said behind him:
"Then tell your eldest brother that I am grateful for the three hundred taels of silver that saved my life, but the money for dividing the family property is not among these."
I don’t know if the person inside heard it or not, but the anger in his heart was finally let out, and he leaned against the door frame with a smile and took a rest for a while.
In the inner courtyard,
The middle steward had an unpleasant look on his face and hurried to the east room. Even from a long distance in the courtyard, he could hear the laughter of the three concubines. This time, his steps slowed down even more.
He walked to the door and shouted inside.
"Master, I have something to report."
Inside the house,
Jia Rong had sat down beside He Xue without knowing when. He was pinching a cake and serving his aunt. It was inevitable that there would be some contact. He was impatient to move closer when he heard Zhong Er shouting outside. How could he suppress the irritation in his heart? He cursed angrily:
"You little dog slave, what's the matter? Just send him away."
"My Lord, Brother Qiang said that he wanted to thank my eldest brother for his kindness and gave me three hundred taels of silver. However, he came here to get a share of the difference in the family property. Before coming here, he went to Rongguo Mansion to find the second mistress and agreed on a family property of three thousand five hundred taels. If you don't give it to me, he will go to Rongguo Mansion to make a scene."
really,
When Jia Rong heard about going to Rongguo Mansion to make trouble, his lust was like being poured with a basin of cold water, and he felt cold from head to toe.
Good boy,
It's really difficult.
From this point of view, the Second Mistress must have promised him. Jia Rong knew the so-called difference. There was no difference at all. It was also a cover-up by the Second Mistress. A shop in Xishifang would cost at least 30,000 taels of silver. He got a huge bargain by being able to settle it with 3,500 taels of silver. However, he only had 2,000 taels of silver in his hand. The remaining 4,000 taels were in the hands of his aunt. It was not pleasant to ask a woman for money.
The most important thing is that he doesn't want to give it, but he can't not give it.
"Who is this? He is so arrogant and wants 3,500 taels of silver right away. Is he crazy?"
Aunt He Xue, who was standing beside her, was also blushing. How could she not notice the touch of Jia Rong's body when he came close to her and showed his courtesy to her? But she felt a little proud in her heart. Although there were three sisters, her appearance was the best among the three. How could she not use this little pride? But she was disturbed by outsiders and asked for money. Who could tolerate that?
"Yeah, he wants money just for saying a few words. How can that be justified? I don't owe him anything."
Guimei was impatient and was unwilling to give them all. These belonged to the three of them.
When people talk too much, Jia Rong becomes hesitant and indecisive, but Yang Xiao doesn't think so. The master has no time to deal with them now. If they are really found, they may not be able to stay here. She has experienced the methods of the second wife of Rongguo Mansion.
"Jia Rong, do you still have five hundred taels of silver?"
"Well, of course there is,"
Being asked suddenly, he answered subconsciously. Before he could understand, Yang Xiao took out a secret box from the cabinet behind him, took out three thousand taels of silver notes from it, put them on the table, and said;
"Take out another 500 taels of silver, and the remaining 3,000 taels, and deliver them personally. Then have someone bring pen, ink, paper, and inkstone to sign and seal the division of the family. Don't include the 300 taels of silver in the list. Say that the good words are out of the friendship between you two brothers. Do things carefully and don't leave any handles behind."
The words have not yet fallen,
Gui Mei and He Xue sat up anxiously. They were about to say something when Yang Xiao glared at them and scolded them.
"What do you want to do? You don't even need to think about it. Jia Qiang came here alone and said what the Second Mistress of Rongguo Mansion told him to do. How dare he lie to her now that he has just been released from prison? Since it was arranged by the Second Mistress, we should give her enough face. We should stop while we are ahead and put an end to this matter. If he brings it up again in the future, it will not work."
They are really short-sighted and can't even understand such a thing. If the three of them are involved in this matter, let alone staying here, I'm afraid they won't know where to find a place to go.
It's just this amount of money, and the Second Madam is the guarantor. In this way, even if someone in the Jia family still has concerns about the three of them, won't there be someone to back them up?
After the mourning period is over, I can change my identity and leave behind a child, and this life will be worth it.
Thinking of this, he glared at the two of them again, warning them not to make trouble. Although the two were reluctant, they immediately stopped talking. They could see clearly what was going on, but who wouldn't feel bad about giving away the money? Besides, the two of them just wanted to take advantage of him, so why rush?
"Oh, what are you talking about, sister? Just take it, Rong brother, why don't you go quickly?"
He Xue glanced at him seductively, pursed her lips and urged him.
Jia Rong also knew that the matter could not be delayed and had to be resolved eventually. If it could not be resolved, he would be embarrassed to speak up when the Second Mistress came to visit him later.
He stood up and walked to the table, took the banknotes in his hand, and although he was reluctant to give them away, he still wanted to give them away. He opened the door and walked out of the room, and saw Zhong'er still standing there.
"Let's go and see him. By the way, do you know where Jia Qiang lives now?"
It had been a long time since we last met, and he still had a lot of resentment towards Jia Qiang for what had happened in the past, but he also knew that prison was not a place for people to stay. He could lose half his life in a few days if he went back and forth.
"In reply to the master, I have also sent people to inquire about this matter. At Ningguo Mansion, the servants have all gone to the farm. There are many small courtyards with several rooms in the alleys. Qiang'er lives in one of the courtyards. As for food and clothing, I heard that he went to Rongguo Mansion to do some hard work and followed the food and drink. Now that he came to the mansion, he must have met the second wife."
Zhong Er's words were all guesses, but they were all guesses. He thought Jia Rong would feel better, but he didn't expect Jia Rong to look a little melancholy. He thought of Jia Qiang in Ningguo Mansion, where he was treated like a young master, but he ended up living in an alley. In comparison, he had received a huge benefit.
"Go, have someone bring over the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone."
"Uh, it's Master."
Zhong Er responded and sent the servant to the study to get something. He and the master went to the gate of the mansion.
Open the door,
He saw Jia Qiang standing outside the door with a thin face. Not only did he look very different, but he also didn't have the arrogance he used to have. There were many things on his mind that he couldn't say.
"I am glad that Brother Qiang can come, but the courtyard is in a mess, so I dare not let you in, for fear of polluting your eyes."
"Brother Rong, what are you talking about? I came here in a hurry today and I was impolite. Please forgive me, brother."
Although Jia Qiang was suspicious, he had been given face by Brother Rong, so he had to show courtesy in front of the door. Jia Rong did not avoid it, but accepted it. He took out a few banknotes from his pocket and
"Brother Qiang, I am sorry to have you here today. You also have a share in the Ningguo Mansion division. Some things are hard to calculate. I will extend my hand and take your share. Since the Second Madam is the guarantor, the silver should still be given to you. The first three hundred taels are for me to help you settle down, please don't despise it."
After these words were spoken, not only Jia Qiang, but even Zhong Er beside him was somewhat incredulous. However, the banknote could not be faked. Jia Qiang took it and examined it in his hand. It turned out to be a banknote from Yunhai Bank. He was secretly delighted and quickly took it into his arms and bowed.
"Thank you, brother. I know I am not talented enough. If you need anything in the future, just send someone to find me. But I also have a piece of advice. Many people know that the three concubines are here. If you..."
He paused for a moment, then continued speaking after some hesitation.
"If you want to be safe, just send the person out openly, and then return home with a different identity, so that it can be covered up."
"Ahem, brother Qiang said, I will remember this matter. I will not wait for a day to come. Today, I will borrow your hand to escape. Come on, please write down the matter of the division of the family and be a witness. I will go back and make arrangements."
Jia Rong was not a fool. Since he knew everything, he might as well solve the matter openly. Normally, only women could make him act faster.
Jia Qiang was left confused and took the brush to write about the division of the family. Meanwhile, Jia Rong returned, entered the house, and began to make arrangements.
"Three aunts, please take your writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone, write a letter of separation, leave the house and change your identity before coming back."
He hurried into the house, breathlessly, and gave a general idea.
This surprised the three women in the room. They also talked about the division of the family. Gui Mei and He Xue raised their eyebrows.
scolded;
"Okay, you have no conscience. You don't want it before you even touch it. Fine, we sisters are leaving now. If you want to regret it, don't come to beg us."
"That's right. It's only been two days, not even three days, and you're already chasing people away?"
The two of them were arguing with each other, and Jia Rong was so anxious that he couldn't explain. It was Yang Xiao who noticed something was wrong and asked:
"You two, shut up. Rong'er, do you want to escape now?"
Jia Rong's eyes lit up. Aunt Yang was smart. She nodded and explained.
"Today, Jia Qiang came to our house and wrote the document of dividing the family property at the door. I thought, in this case, why not let him be a witness? The three concubines will also follow the division of the family property, write down the division of the family property, and then go to live in the manor outside the city. However, the person who goes there must use someone else as a substitute. After the car stops at the Youlai Inn in Nancheng, the three of you can go down to eat and book a room in the upper mansion. Wait first.
Then three maids followed you in, changed clothes, and asked the three maids to get on the carriage and go to the farm outside the city to stay for a few days. At night, I will personally bring people to pick you up in a carriage. Coincidentally, there are three carriages in the mansion. "
These three carriages belonged to Ningguo Mansion and had never been returned. The three sisters' eyes lit up and they looked at Jia Rong in disbelief. People in the mansion said that Jia Rong was stupid, but this arrangement was so clear that most people would have been fooled.
If this could come true, it would solve a lot of problems, but how would the identities of the three of them re-enter the mansion be resolved?
"In that case, the three of us sisters have agreed to your request. In what capacity did we come in?"
"Well, of course it's the identity of the aunt,"
Jia Rong replied without thinking. The three of them blushed and stopped talking. They went to the inner room, changed into simple clothes, packed their things, took pen, ink, paper and inkstone, and wrote the document of division of the family in the room and pressed their handprints. Jia Rong also wrote a copy. After settling down, he went out and handed over the arrangements to Zhong'er.
When they arrived outside the mansion, after the carriage was ready, the three concubines got on the carriage. Jia Rong was still pretending to row the boat in front of the mansion gate. Many people on the street didn't understand what was going on, but they also stuck their heads out to watch the fun.
Only Jia Qiang stayed with them and accompanied them to pay their respects. They also took the documents on the division of the family property, split them up and copied them twice, which Jia Rong also took back.
"Brother Qiang, you and I have already agreed to separate our family. The three of them will go to the farm outside to prepare for a few days, and then they will return to their hometowns to live. The money has also been divided. You have witnessed what happened here with your own eyes. I am ashamed for you. Now I have been demoted to a commoner and cannot take care of you. If you have any difficulties in the future, remember to stay in the Duke's Mansion."
There were a lot of polite words, which were nothing more than that after the separation, if there were any problems, they could only be reported in the Duke's Mansion. In addition, they were witnesses of the separation. As for other secret things, there was no need to mention them.
When a man has been away for three days, he should be looked at with new eyes. Jia Qiang did not expect Rong Ge to have such an insight. He was really hiding his incompetence.
"Don't worry, Rong, the Second Madam promised that you can continue to study in Ningguo Mansion and receive a monthly allowance. By the way, the Jia family school is now in the middle courtyard of Ningguo Mansion. If Rong wants to continue studying, you can go to the school again. As long as you are admitted, you will receive a monthly allowance."
A kind reminder. After all, the laws of the Dawu Dynasty did not stipulate that one could not take the imperial examination after being stripped of the title, so one could still take the special examination, but it was hard to say whether one would pass or not, after all, it had never happened before. Secondly, there was the monthly allowance. Although two taels of silver a month was not a lot of money, why not take it when it's free?
"Hey, if you can really learn it through reading, why would you and I still fight over these things? Forget it, let's talk about it later. Maybe there will be a chance, I will go to Ningguo Mansion and ask Madam for it."
Although Jia Rong was somewhat tempted, as long as he was included in the list, he could get the money, and his status would not change. The most important thing now was to bring the three concubines back. This was the most important thing. He could talk about studying later.
"This is Brother Rong. It's getting late. I'm leaving now."
As if he felt the same way, Jia Qiang was also a little confused about where the future would be. Since the matter was done, he could only say goodbye and leave.
Jia Rong, who was standing behind him, was also somewhat melancholy. He turned back and entered the mansion, and hurriedly called out,
"Zhong'er, hurry up. Are you ready? Arrange people to replace the three concubines first. Follow me, let's go through the back door and find a way to bring them back. Hurry up."
"Got it, sir. I'll be leaving right away."
Zhong Er led three maids and hurried out of the house, got on the carriage, and followed
(End of this chapter)