Chapter 972
Jia Rong's Kind Advice
Chapter 972 Jia Rong's Kind Advice
Beijing,
Jia Rong's residence at the south end of Ningrong Street,
The atmosphere in the east room was solemn, and everyone was anxious, but they had to guess at some things. Since Master Zhen's death was suspicious, and the Rongguo Mansion did not send anyone to investigate, and only let Jia Rong go south to attend the funeral, then of course he could not go. However, filial piety comes first, and if he did not go, he would leave a handle, so this matter still needed to be considered carefully.
The eldest sister Yang Xiao asked a question in a deep voice, which was the beginning. Jia Rong came back to his senses instantly. Of course, he was not the only male in Ningguo Mansion. There was no one else in the legitimate line of the main house, but there was another person in the legitimate line of Ningguo Mansion, that was Jia Qiang. Could it be that he was asked to go south to Jinling in his place?
"My dear aunt, if you have something to say, just say it. There are many male descendants in the Ningguo Mansion. As for the direct great-great-grandson, besides me, there is another one, Jia Qiang. Can you ask him to attend the funeral on my behalf?"
"Of course, but we can't make it so obvious. Although there is a way now, there must be an explanation. For example, if the master's legs are not smooth and he hurts his legs, then he can't go, right?"
Yang Xiao smiled and shook his head. How could he not go without a reason? If Rongguo Mansion knew about it, who knows what would happen.
Jia Rong was a little hesitant. His legs and feet were not very agile, so he could only find a reason to hurt himself. As for how to hurt him, he could just hit him with a stick. When his skin became red and swollen, he would ask a doctor to prescribe a prescription as a witness. But it was hard to say whether Jia Rong would agree or not, after all, the family division letter had already been written.
"That being said, the leg problem is easy to deal with. All we have to do is beat him with a stick and ask the doctor to take a look. But what about Jia Qiang?"
The three girls looked up. Gui Mei was impatient and spoke.
"Hey, now I remember, Rong Ge'er is really like that. As the saying goes, money makes the devil work. Rongguo Mansion gave you three hundred taels of silver. You add a little more to make it four hundred taels of silver. Talk to him nicely. How can he not agree? But you have to think of a way to deal with the leg problem first."
"That's right. Although Jia Qiang went to the East Palace Clan School to help out, that clan school is nothing more than a place to go. It doesn't matter whether he is there or not. Who would complain about too much money? There is no time to hesitate. Let's talk to the doctor about this matter today. After the negotiation is settled, someone will send a letter to the Second Madam. There is no need to say anything else."
The three women were not easy to please. After Gui Mei finished speaking, He Xue also mentioned it. Yang Xiao nodded. Jia Rong was not an ungrateful person. He had never thought that after coveting the three concubines, he would have the ability to manage the household. God had treated him well. He walked to the table, took out the ruler he had used before, and in the puzzled eyes of the three women, he whipped his thighs several times. It was said that when Jia Rong got ruthless, he had a different kind of masculinity. The three women's hearts trembled slightly.
But then, a scream rang out, Jia Rong threw away the ruler, hugged his thigh and shouted;
"Come here, ask the young master to come over, and send someone to Dongfu Hutong. Go there in person and ask Qiang Ge'er to come over. Go quickly."
"Yes, sir, are you all right?"
"Go quickly."
"Yes,"
Outside the door, Steward Zhong looked anxious, but he still sent someone to invite the doctor first. On the other hand, he went to Dongfu Hutong in person, to a three-room house in a side house, to invite Brother Qiang to come to his house.
Jia Rong was grimacing in pain. He Xue's eyelids jumped, thinking that he might be injured. She hurried over and pulled Jia Rong's legs a few times, then lifted them up. A large area was red and swollen, and some places were covered with bloodstains. How could this be possible?
Perhaps he saw the doubt, Jia Rong endured the pain and said;
"I fell from the house and scraped against the bark of a tree, which injured my skin. In the past, I would have slept for several days."
Jia Rong's explanation is also reasonable and is a good idea.
After the discussion was completed, they arranged for someone to go back to the main house and help Jia Rong lie on the bed. Only Yang Xiao was there, disguised and changed into the clothes of a maid. Unfortunately, it was difficult to cover up her voluptuous figure. Gui Mei and He Xue used a trick to wrap the eldest sister's chest with a long strip of brocade, which made it much more appropriate.
But Zhong Er got the order from the steward, and first asked a servant to invite the doctor, and then he took a carriage with him to the alley east of Ningguo Mansion. When he got to the alley, he stopped in front of a three-room house with a small courtyard on the east side. He got off the carriage, walked in, and shouted,
"Is Brother Qiang here?"
coincidentally,
Jia Qiang had just come back from the middle courtyard of Ningguo Mansion. Tomorrow was the day for the clan members to start school. The list had been registered, and the eldest grandmother had approved it. She also gave an extra month's salary to the students and the helpers.
He had just received five taels of silver and was thinking of going out to buy some food, meat and vegetables. As soon as he walked out of the house, he saw Steward Zhong and asked in confusion:
"Why are you here?"
"Greetings to Brother Qiang, I came here today because Master Rong wanted to invite you over. Unfortunately, Master Rong went upstairs to repair the eaves, and he slipped and fell down, injuring his leg."
Zhong Er remembered Jia Rong's words and must not make mistakes. Jia Qiang was a little surprised. Repairing the house, could it be that Brother Qiang had to do it? Injuring his leg would be serious.
"How did you hurt your leg? Have you asked a doctor to take a look?"
"Replying to Brother Qiang, I have gone to invite the doctor, but please go over and discuss something. The carriage is waiting outside."
Manager Zhong was a little embarrassed, and Jia Qiang couldn't refuse, so he nodded and walked in front. Zhong'er was overjoyed and quickly followed him. They got on the carriage and hurried back. On the way, they were asked questions, and Zhong'er did not hide anything.
"Brother Qiang, it's unfortunate that Master Rong came back from Rongguo Mansion today and has been very sad. Master Zhen was infected with the disease in Jiangnan, and Master Rong was very upset. This is why he neglected it. I would like to ask you to discuss whether you can go to Jiangnan to show filial piety on behalf of Master Rong."
"I see,"
Jia Qiang's heart moved. It turned out to be this matter. Maybe Rong Ge'er would be affected by the three concubines. Thinking of what Rong Ge said that day, he couldn't help but sigh. This was also a reason.
It's close, just two blocks away.
After getting off the carriage and entering the mansion,
When he got to the main hall, he saw a doctor being escorted out by a maid. Zhong Er hurried over and asked;
"Doctor Zhou, how is Mr. Rong's leg?"
"The injury is not serious, only the flesh is injured. Just rest and he will be fine. I have prescribed a few health-preserving prescriptions for you. Just lie down for a few more days and you will be fine."
The doctor was carrying a medicine box, looking normal. Some of the minor injuries were not serious, but the doctor was shrewd. When seeing a patient from a wealthy family, he could not make absolute statements and left room for easing the situation. This made Zhong'er smile.
"Someone, take Lang Zhong to collect the medical fee and then send him out of the house."
"Yes, Steward Zhong."
Several servants responded and took the doctor away.
In this way, the two of them walked into the house one after another and entered the eastern warm room of the main hall. The household items looked very familiar.
Looking inside, behind the curtain, there was a woman serving by the bed. She looked like a concubine from the backyard of Ningguo Mansion. I guess Brother Rong must have taken my words to heart. Looking at the bed again, Jia Rong was lying on the bed with a pale face and a white brocade wrapped around his legs. I don't know how badly he was injured.
He bowed and said;
"Brother Rong, I'm here to visit you,"
As soon as he finished speaking, Jia Qiang walked into the warm room. Yang Xiao was also a little surprised at this time. After not seeing him for a few days, Jia Qiang seemed to have become a different person. His energy and spirit had returned, and he looked like a handsome young man, completely different from before.
Jia Rong opened his eyes, struggled to sit up, and waved his hands.
"Brother Qiang is here. Unfortunately, I heard that my father was sick today. I was so sad that I slipped down the wall and injured my leg. I feel uncomfortable, so I don't treat you as an outsider. I have something to discuss with you."
Straight to the point, Jia Rong also knew that Jia Qiang was different from before. Although some things were not said explicitly, they were both touched upon in their hearts.
"I don't know what you want me to do. Although I have free time these days, the clan school will start tomorrow, and I want to read more books."
Although it was not a rejection, the meaning was clear to everyone present. Yang Xiao raised his eyebrows and glanced at Jia Qiang. After not seeing him for many days, the corners of his mouth shrunk.
"Brother Qiang, you don't have to refuse. This is not some external matter. It's today's news that your elder brother Jia Rong has injured his leg and cannot go south to Nanjing. However, it's hot and Master Zhen's body can't stay for long, so I want you to go on behalf of Brother Rong. Of course, all the expenses and money for the trip will be paid by your elder brother."
With Yang Xiao accompanying him, Jia Rong nodded and echoed;
"Brother Qiang, there is no need to refuse. We chartered a speedboat and hired a caravan from the Luo Yun Marquis's residence. The old lady of the Rongguo Mansion gave me three hundred taels of silver. I will give it to you. I will also give you another hundred taels of silver for your own use. Please handle it as soon as possible so that the master can rest in peace as soon as possible. You can also come back earlier."
Jia Rong did not hide the silver given by Rongguo Mansion. He thought that if he gave more, it would be enough. After saying this, he took out four silver notes of 100 taels from his pocket and handed them over.
Jia Qiang was a little confused as to why all these things happened to him. He felt it was a bit strange.
"Brother Rong, how dare I do the things arranged by the mansion? If the Second Madam and the old lady know about it, it will be difficult to explain. Besides, the money is too much." "We are all brothers. You are also the direct descendant of the Ning Kingdom. When Master Zhen was alive, he doted on you. There is no need to be polite. As for this money, you can take it. It's best to go to the Second Madam to hire two maids. If that doesn't work, I have a lot of those bought from the backyard. You can pick two and take them back to be maids. How about that?"
It's not that Jia Rong is generous, but something happened today. What really happened to him was that the three concubines were involved. Those courtesans who came to the mansion, although they were maids, none of them were successful. There were many who followed them. He might as well give them to Jia Rong and a few others. It would also save money. Why not do it?
This time,
It was Jia Qiang and Yang Xiao's turn to be a little surprised. They thought to themselves, Rong Ge'er has changed.
"Brother Rong, I can go, but how do I explain this to Ningguo Mansion and Rongguo Mansion?"
"Don't worry about this. Take the banknotes first. There are two innocent maids outside. Take them back with you. This is the contract of sale. As for when to leave, the Marquis's Chamber of Commerce will have a ship heading south tonight. You can just follow it. The carriage and servants are ready for you. I'll send someone to talk to the Second Madam."
Jia Rong was also unequivocal. He stood up with the help of the wooden pole at the head of the bed, moved over, and stuffed the banknotes and the contract of sale directly into Jia Qiang's hands, and instructed:
"Brother Qiang, there are only two of us left in Ningguo Mansion. We should support each other in the future. It will take half a month to go south by boat. You should hurry up and come back quickly. There is also a letter with you. It is a token of the boat ride in the Marquis Mansion. You can only take the boat of the Marquis Mansion Chamber of Commerce for the round trip. Remember it."
For this letter, I spent a lot of money, but when it comes to sailing south, only the ship of Luo Yunhou Mansion Chamber of Commerce is the safest, and the other passenger ships are not necessarily safe.
Jia Qiang probably knew the reason behind this. He took the envelope of banknotes and clasped his fists.
"Brother Rong, take some rest. I'll be leaving now. Bye."
Holding the banknote and contract, he walked outside the house. There happened to be two maids standing there unwillingly. They bowed and said,
"I have met Brother Qiang,"
At first glance, Jia Qiang felt that the two girls looked very familiar. Then he thought again, weren't they the two prostitutes that Master Zhen bought from the Spring House? They were both of good appearance and figure.
"Let's go,"
"Yes,"
As soon as people leave,
The room became much quieter. Jia Rong didn't pretend anymore. He just stretched out his legs and sat on the bed and asked;
"How is it, how is it?"
"Master is really good at making plans. He settled the matter in just a few words. But isn't it unnecessary to spend more money to buy a seat on the merchant ship of the Marquis' Mansion?"
Yang Xiao pursed his lips. He had already given 400 taels of silver, and also provided two maids to serve him. This was too much.
"Look at you. You talk about it when I give you too little, and you talk about it when I give you too much. These are all small matters. As long as the funeral in Jinling is handled properly, it will be fine. Besides, Jia Qiang really can't get into trouble. He took care of the problem today, and he may be able to take care of it again if there is any problem in the future. Which of the Jia family elders is easy to deal with?"
Perhaps he had thought too much today. If Jia Qiang had not replaced him in the East Palace, he would have to go. As for the money, the rent after the New Year was due, so he would not be short of it.
"That's true. Master Rong is very thoughtful. After Jia Qiang leaves tomorrow, we can send someone to inform Second Madam. She will definitely be able to make some arrangements."
"maybe,"
Jiangnan,
Jinling City was still peaceful and prosperous, except for many common people who were worried about food. Fortunately, the government office posted a notice to open the granaries and release grain.
and,
After Su Chong and the Jinling prefect returned to Jinling City, it was as if they had never been there. They only cleared a side hall in the Jinling government office and hung a sign of the Jiangnan Supervisory Commissioner.
But he had not shown up for two consecutive days, causing officials of all ranks in Jinling City to wonder what this Inspector General of Jiangnan was up to.
Even the county magistrates who were working on disaster relief in the prefecture had heard something about the inspector from the capital and knew that he had come quietly.
Jinling official warehouse,
In the treasury office,
The grain official stared at the official in front of him with a cold face and asked;
"Why are you guys here instead of helping with disaster relief in Chunyang County?"
The person who came was none other than Zuo Sangui's acquaintance, the head of the office, Ma Tao. After all, Zuo had been the county magistrate of Chunyang County for three years. He knew everyone in the county. He was afraid that it was not a good thing for him to come to Jinling City in such a high-profile manner to look for him. After all, the new county magistrate was indeed a bit stubborn. He dared to contradict the prefect and others during the meeting in the government office. It was really a taboo in the officialdom. So he simply asked about his purpose.
"My Lord Zuo, I was forced to come. Magistrate Xu said that the government office has not been handed over yet and that a thorough check of the accounts is needed. It was found that there were some deficits in the treasury when you were in office. I was asked to come and ask you that those deficits must be made up and the handover documents must be written before the matter can be settled."
After Ma Tao finished speaking, he lowered his head quickly, not daring to look into the old man's eyes. He couldn't be blamed for the upper-level infighting.
"Haha, that's interesting. The government treasury was empty because it was washed away by the flood. Where can I find him? Also, which Xu Zhixian are you talking about? There are two Xu Zhixians in the government office!"
Zuo Sangui smiled coldly. He was not afraid of being investigated by others. When he was in office, the treasury account books had already been prepared. When he left, he took half of the things in the treasury as a preparation for a secret inspection. Unfortunately, a flood came and ruined many arrangements. However, he gained an extra 50,000 taels of silver worth of food and other items, which had long been exchanged for silver. Besides, once the flood came, all the things could be written off.
"Well, sir, it is of course the county magistrate of Chunyang County, Xu Changwen. Since you said so, I will go back and report it. However, I heard that Lord Xu brought a lot of bright yellow memorials and was going to impeach a lot of people.
It's a joke. He's just a county magistrate, a mere scholar, not even a Jinshi, but an official awarded by the court. He actually dares to report others. I think he's just daydreaming."
It's not that Ma Tao is short-sighted. Throughout the dynasties, there has never been a talented person becoming a county magistrate. At the very least, he has to be a successful Jinshi, and it's unknown how long he could have been in office.
However, Zuo Sangui was shocked when he heard these words. He ignored these things. He was able to be assigned to this position as a scholar. Behind this, Luo Yunhou and Nan Daxueshi, remembered what Master Zhuang said, that this time there would be officials selected from the capital, naturally more than just Master Su, the Supervisor. These two county magistrates were afraid that it would be heard directly from the emperor.
He sighed inwardly, thinking that he had almost ruined the matter. He looked at the person in charge and cursed him secretly, then changed his words immediately.
"Wait, since it is what your Lord Xu said, I have to ask. Remember, the treasury has a deficit of 30,000 taels of silver, of which 10,000 taels are rice. The rice was soaked by the flood, so it cannot be said that I am responsible. As for the 20,000 taels of tax and profit, bring the documents and I will make up for it with silver notes."
Without waiting for the person in charge Ma Tao to come back to his senses, he placed the 20,000 taels of silver on the table and stamped the handover document in duplicate, keeping one copy and pushing the other one forward.
"Okay, go back and report. Lord Xu is a good official!"
Without waiting for the person in charge to say anything, he ordered him to leave. Ma Tao didn't understand why, so he just left the treasury with the banknotes and documents in his hand, unable to figure out what was going on.
Only Zuo Sangui breathed a sigh of relief. It was not a loss at all. If he sold the rice for three times the price, he would still get 30,000 taels, which was considered to be a break-even. However, the purpose of the two Lord Xu's visit was worth pondering.
I just don’t know how the Jiangnan officialdom will explain it. Lord Su’s strategy is a great talent, but it cannot be implemented in Jiangnan. After thinking a lot, I feel helpless after all. Wasn’t he himself impeached and dismissed from office?
(End of this chapter)