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The Emperor was relieved to see that Shui Rong understood. After leaving a child, he reminded him, "Little Sixteen, in my opinion, the Fourth Brother will soon take action against the Beijing Camp. Your attitude at that time will determine the Fourth Brother's attitude."
Shui Rong had no choice but to hear this. He married the daughter of the Duke of Rong, so naturally she was related to the Beijing Camp. Once Emperor Yongkang made any move, Wang Ziteng, the governor of the Beijing Camp, would be the first to bear the brunt.
Although the Wang family and the Jia family share the same fate, Wang Ziteng is well aware of the Jia family's situation. It would be better to rely on himself than on the Jia family for such a big matter. But the current situation is different. The Beijing Palace is his in-law, and he will definitely consult with Shui Rong before making a decision.
Emperor Yongkang must have known that the military power of the Beijing camp was the first hurdle for Shui Rong.
"You don't go to the mountain, but the mountain comes to you." Shui Rong, who understood the truth, lost interest in playing chess and his moves became increasingly messy.
Seeing this, the emperor threw the chess piece back into the chess box and said, "That's all for today. You can go back to your palace first!"
Shui Rong didn't say anything after hearing this. He really needed to think carefully about the future direction of Prince Beijing's Mansion, so Shui Rong stood up and said goodbye.
After Shui Rong left, the emperor looked at Shui Rong's back, his eyes darkened, and he murmured, "I hope everything goes as I wish."
The reason why he advised Shui Rong was, firstly, because he was afraid that Shui Rong might go astray, and secondly, he had his own selfish motives.
If Shui Rong could integrate this force, his power and wealth would certainly be guaranteed. Moreover, with this force, he would not have to worry too much in his later years.
In addition, although he was on guard against Emperor Yongkang, he also saw what Emperor Yongkang did after he ascended the throne. He was still very satisfied with Emperor Yongkang as the successor and did not want any unrest in the Daqian Dynasty.
If this were not the case, the Supreme Emperor would not turn a blind eye to Emperor Yongkang's little actions.
When you get old, what else can you do? I hope that brothers can unite and govern this great country together.
Chapter 74 This Rong Ge'er is not that Rong Ge'er
In the Rongqing Hall of the Rongguo Mansion, Jia's mother was sitting on a soft couch on a high platform, on an embroidered cushion below, accompanied by Lady Wang, Lady Xing, and Yuanchun.
There were two people sitting in the hall, they were the lady from the Zhen family and Zhen Hua.
The Zhen family received news from the old empress dowager, so the Zhen family's wife brought her daughter Zhen Hua from Nanjing to Beijing, and as soon as they arrived in Beijing, they visited the Rongguo Mansion.
Zhen Hua had a light makeup on her face, and she was wearing a light green dress and a newly picked white hibiscus on her hair. She was pretty and charming, but her face was pale. She looked at Yuanchun's position from time to time, feeling very aggrieved. You know, it was the old concubine's idea to marry into the Beijing Prince's Mansion, and the marriage was a foregone conclusion. Seeing Shui Rong's joy, she had already made up her mind to marry into the Beijing Prince's Mansion. However, she was so heartless, which made her sad for a long time.
Now that the emperor has granted the marriage, she feels uncomfortable facing Yuanchun, who should have been her princess. Even though she has a good relationship with Yuanchun, she cannot control herself.
Zhen Hua was somewhat shaken by Shui Rong's words that he could marry her as a concubine, but subconsciously, she was still unwilling to do so, so she kept putting it off.
Since ancient times, "parents' orders and matchmaker's words" have been the norm. It is not her turn to make the decision on marriage, especially for powerful families like theirs. Most marriages are arranged as alliances, so there is no chance for her to make the decision on her own. Now that the old concubine intends to arrange an alliance between the Zhen family and the Ningguo Mansion, she will naturally become a sacrifice in the family.
Sitting on the left side of the hall were Jia Zhen and his son Jia Rong. After all, the Ningguo Mansion was the protagonist, and they were just meeting in Jia Mu's Rongqing Hall. Although men and women had to be careful in ancient times, as long as they didn't reveal anything, it was just normal interaction between relatives and there was no need to worry about it.
Jia Rong sat there with a stiff expression on his face, not saying a word. From time to time he glanced at Zhen Hua's pretty face, his heart beating fast.
Jia Zhen was in high spirits. Looking at Zhen Hua's pretty face, he felt proud. He had no way to avoid missing out on Keqing, but now that he had such a satisfactory daughter-in-law, it was some consolation.
Grandmother Jia smiled and looked at the Zhen family lady's friendly greetings and said, "Speaking of which, we haven't seen each other for some time."
Although the Zhen family had an old concubine, Jia's mother was the daughter of a marquis and the wife of the Duke of Rong. The Zhen family's wife was naturally polite. She smiled and said, "It's probably been a long time. I got a letter from the old ancestor, so I came to pay my respects to the old lady to communicate the friendship between the two families."
The Jia family's hometown is in Jinling, and they have been friends with the Zhen family for generations. However, the Jia family made great contributions to the court, so they moved to Beijing. The Jia family members who stayed in Jinling naturally had contacts with the Zhen family, so Jia's mother in Beijing had much less contact with them.
Grandmother Jia was smiling brightly, and was very satisfied with the attitude of the Zhen family. The Zhen family lady was also good at talking, and she said, "The news of the marriage is spreading all over the capital. I also met Rong'er a few days ago. He is a handsome man, and now he has inherited the title of a prince. The emperor is in great favor with him. After all, she is a girl from the Jia family, and she is blessed."
The Zhen family's wife was full of envy and a little disappointed. Logically, this good thing should belong to their Zhen family, but she didn't know why something that was originally a done deal went wrong. After asking carefully, she found out that the Beijing County King was unwilling and even dared to reject the old concubine's dignity. It was really...
Zhen Hua felt even worse after hearing this, especially when even her own mother started praising her, which added real damage.
The quiet Yuanchun's cheeks flushed slightly when she heard this. She lowered her eyes and said nothing. She had also seen the prince before, and he was indeed a handsome man.
Mrs. Wang was very happy. Her daughter was proud, and as a mother, she was proud of it. She didn't hear the envy in the Zhen family's tone. This was her capital of pride. However, the two families had a good relationship, so she smiled and said, "This is the emperor's great grace. My eldest daughter is just in the right place. By the way, Mrs. Zhen's arrival is also a coincidence. In a few days, my eldest daughter will be engaged. She might as well live here. It will be lively then."
Xiaoding, also commonly known as "xiaopin" or "guoxiaotie", is equivalent to an engagement ceremony. The banquet is held at the woman's home. Because its scale is smaller than that of a big wedding, it is called Xiaoding.
With the imperial decree granting the marriage, the wedding date has also been set, and the Jia family has been busy with this matter during this period.
Upon hearing this, the Zhen family's wife was upset and couldn't help but complain in her heart. This Jia family's eldest daughter was indeed "in the right place", otherwise how could she have gotten her turn? However, facing Mrs. Wang's invitation, the Zhen family's wife responded calmly: "Okay, let's join in the fun and share in the joy."
Grandmother Jia glanced at Mrs. Wang. She thought that Mrs. Wang had been too frivolous recently and her words were quite boastful. However, despite this, Grandmother Jia did not scold her. As the future mother-in-law of a prince, she really had to maintain some dignity.
Zhen Hua looked up at the shy Yuanchun, pursed her lips and said, "Congratulations, Sister Yuanchun."
Yuanchun looked at Zhen Hua with almond eyes after hearing this, feeling somewhat puzzled. She knew about Zhen Hua's affairs. Seeing Zhen Hua congratulating her, Yuanchun nodded slightly and said, "Thank you, Sister Zhen."
Zhen Hua turned her almond-shaped eyes slightly, looked at Madam Wang with a smile on her face, and said in a clear voice: "Madam, cousin, the Zhen family is related to the Beijing Palace. I stayed in the palace for a while a few days ago, and I know a thing or two about the situation in the palace. There is a concubine in the palace who is very much loved by the prince. There are even plans to make her the princess. Madam, you'd better ask Sister Yuanchun to pay attention to this matter, and don't make any trouble."
Mrs. Wang was stunned when she heard this, and her smile disappeared. She had never heard that there were concubines in the palace, and she was even more confused about the fact that they were planning to make her the princess. As for what Zhen Hua said, wasn't it a hint that he should favor the concubine and kill his wife?
"Is this true?" Mrs. Wang couldn't believe it, so she went to confirm it.
Zhen Hua felt much more relieved upon seeing this. Let me let you be proud, and be proud again.
After taking a breath, Zhen Hua looked at Yuanchun, who had a calm expression, and said softly, "Sister Yuanchun also knows about this. If Madam doesn't believe it, you might as well ask Sister Yuanchun."
Upon hearing this, Madam Wang looked at Yuanchun. She didn't expect that Yuanchun also knew about this, but why had she never heard her talk about it? Thinking of this, Madam Wang couldn't help but frown and asked, "Big girl, is this true?"
Yuanchun glanced at Zhen Hua thoughtfully, and she understood what was going on in her mind, but she didn't say much. It was normal for the prince to have concubines. Not only did she not say this, she also didn't say much about the fact that the prince disliked her. This is what is meant by "reporting good news but not bad news."
Now that Zhen Hua mentioned this, Yuanchun had no need to hide it, so she nodded and said, "Mother, I heard that there is a girl named Qin in the prince's mansion who is quite favored by the prince."
Jia Zhen's hand holding the teacup paused, feeling sad. This person who was so favored must have changed his appearance. He didn't know why, but he felt an unbearable pain in his heart.
Mrs. Wang's face turned pale after hearing this. She didn't expect that there really was a concubine. In this case, what the daughter of the Zhen family said was most likely correct. What a joke. Her eldest daughter was the future princess of a county. What a bullshit concubine. He was dreaming of favoring a concubine over his wife.
Grandmother Jia looked at Zhen Hua thoughtfully with her cloudy eyes. She also had some insights in her mind. She pondered for a moment and exclaimed, "This must be the second girl. She has grown up to be as beautiful as a flower. I wonder which family is so lucky to have her."
Mrs. Wang wanted to ask a few more questions about the situation in the palace, but when she saw what Lady Jia said, she had to hold back and decided to wait until the matter was over before asking more about the situation.
The Zhen family's wife was originally worried about her daughter's talkativeness, but her eyes turned when she heard this. Although the old concubine wanted to form an alliance with the Jia family, her Zhen family was a daughter's family, so they would naturally not say it explicitly. If the Zhen family spoke first, it would be at a disadvantage, as if they were rushing to the front. Therefore, the Jia family must speak first. Now that Grandmother Jia took the initiative to bring up this matter, the Zhen family's wife sighed and pretended to be proud, "Old lady, you are too kind. My daughter is old and it is time for her to get married. This worries me a lot. Old lady lives in the capital. Do you know any young man who is suitable?"
Jia Zhen, who had recovered, stroked his long beard and said seriously, "My son is old enough to get married. What do you think of him?"
Now that Qin Keqing is gone, this lovely daughter-in-law can’t run away.
When Lady Jia saw Jia Zhen interrupting, the smile on her face froze and she felt a little upset in her heart. It was amazing that Jia Zhen could say such straightforward words. You know, since the old empress dowager was interested in this matter, as long as the Jia family agreed, the marriage would not go wrong. And what Jia Zhen said made people feel that the Jia family was begging for help, didn't it?
However, Jia Zhen is from the East Palace and is the clan leader. Plus, Jia Rong is his son, so Grandmother Jia can't say much for the time being.
Mrs. Zhen was stunned, obviously surprised by Jia Zhen's straightforwardness. However, after listening to Jia Zhen's words, Mrs. Zhen's eyes couldn't help but look at Jia Rong. He was a handsome man with a slim figure. The most important thing was his identity. You have to know that the Ningguo Mansion has only one legitimate son, and the Ningguo Mansion's property will fall into Jia Rong's hands in the future. His identity is extraordinary.
In the eyes of the Zhen family, the only relatives of the Jia family who can marry into the family are the legitimate sons of the Rongguo Mansion and the Ningguo Mansion. Jia Lian of the Rongguo Mansion has already married, so the ladies of the Zhen family naturally won't think too much about it. The only one left is Jia Rong. As for the other men of the Jia family, the Zhen family doesn't think highly of them.
Although this Rong Ge'er is not as good as that Rong Ge'er, he is already good and worthy of the girl from the Zhen family.
Thinking of this, the Zhen family's wife laughed and said, "Brother Rong is handsome and talented. He is likable at first sight. He is worthy of being the son of the Jia family. If my girl had this blessing, she would wake up laughing in her dreams."
Zhen Hua couldn't help but complain in her heart when she heard this. You know, after meeting Shui Rong before, the lady of the Zhen family also said that she would wake up laughing in her dreams. Although they are both "Rong" brother, there is a big difference between the two. Shui Rong looks as if he is bathed in spring breeze, which makes people happy. Although Jia Rong has a handsome face, he lowers his eyebrows and eyes like a daughter. He doesn't have any masculinity at all, and his eyes are not straight, which makes him lose the demeanor of a gentleman. In comparison, Zhen Hua likes the one from Prince Beijing's Mansion more.
After hearing this, Jia Zhen nodded slightly and said, "That's very good."
The marriage between the Jia family and the Zhen family was finalized on the condition of "mutual consent". Zhen Hua sat quietly throughout the whole process and was not allowed to say much. However, she noticed that the future father-in-law seemed to have a strange look in his eyes, which made Zhen Hua frown...
Chapter 75 Dowry Maid
Rongqing Hall, the warm room in the inner room.
On the table was a bowl of rice porridge and a few exquisite side dishes, and Grandmother Jia ate with the help of her maid.
Soon, Mrs. Wang came in and greeted.
Grandmother Jia wiped her hands with a handkerchief, looked at Madam Wang, and said, "Have you arranged everything for the Zhen family's lady?"
After discussing this with the Zhen family, Mrs. Wang warmly greeted the lady of the Zhen family. Firstly, it was because of the friendship between the two families, and secondly, it was simply because of what Zhen Hua had said.
Madam Wang nodded and said, "Don't worry, old lady, everything has been arranged."
Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia nodded slightly, neither saying anything more nor waving away.
Mrs. Wang's eyes turned slightly when she saw this, and she said in a clear voice, "Old lady, I heard from the Zhen family about the Prince of Beijing. I heard that the Prince of Beijing is not only handsome, but also gentle, humble and polite. There is no one else in the room except a maid."
Grandmother Jia listened quietly. It seemed that these things about Prince Beijing were the information that Mrs. Wang had heard from the Zhen family.
According to Mrs. Wang, the Prince of Beijing has first-class appearance and good lifestyle, and is simply a first-class son-in-law.
Is there a cat in the world that doesn't steal fish? All men are greedy.
As expected, Madam Wang looked unhappy and said in a deep voice, "But there is indeed a concubine in the palace. I heard that she is the daughter of Qin, the Minister of Food in the Ministry of Works. Her name is Keqing. She was brought into the palace at the beginning of the year and has been here for more than half a year now."
Although the Minister of Food in the Ministry of Works was a minor official, he was at least considered to be from a decent family.
After a pause, Grandmother Jia said, "She is just a concubine. Why make a fuss about her? Just ask which young master doesn't have a few favorite girls around him. For example, Miss Feng also has Ping'er."
What Grandmother Jia said was to tell Lady Wang not to take it to heart. He was a royal relative, and it was normal for him to be surrounded by concubines. However, it was rare for the Prince of Beijing to have only one concubine. When Yuanchun married into the palace in the future, as the Princess of the Prince, she would have to arrange for concubines for him. How could she not have room for just one concubine?
Mrs. Wang understood what he said. It was normal for a man to have a few considerate people around him.
But Ping'er is different from the others. She was brought by Feng from Jiangnan herself, so there can be no problem with her.
But the one in the palace is not like that. She knows very well how painful it is for a concubine to be favored. Aunt Zhao is so arrogant and frivolous that if the master didn't like her, he would not forgive her.
"Old lady, I know you are right, but I have inquired about it. The prince really did intend to help that foxy girl become the princess, but the Beijing Concubine rejected her because she was of low birth. And from what the Zhen family said, the prince also doted on the foxy girl, so he didn't care about other people at all. It seems that he was obsessed with her. Even the Concubine treated her as half a daughter!"
Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia sat up straight and her cloudy pupils shrank slightly.
The Zhen family talked about visiting the palace, but anyone with common sense knew what the plan was. It was simply that the Beijing Palace had a superior status, so they went there eagerly, but it didn't work out in the end.
I originally thought that the second young lady of the Zhen family was just being sarcastic, but it sounded reasonable and well-founded, so it was most likely true. Otherwise, such a clumsy lie would be easily exposed.
Grandmother Jia took the marriage between the Jia family and Prince Beijing's mansion very seriously. She knew in her heart that none of the men in the Jia family were capable of anything.
Brother Zhen in the East Palace is extremely extravagant, and Brother Rong follows suit. The situation in the main house in the West Palace is not much better, only the second house is cleaner.
In the second house, Zheng'er is a decent person, but he is too pedantic and unlikely to achieve anything great. Baoyu, on the other hand, has the potential to be a great man, but he is too young and can only wait until he grows up to bring honor to the Jia family.
If this is the case, since there is no one in the Jia family who can support the family, how can the family not decline?
This marriage with Prince Beijing's Palace undoubtedly boosted the Jia family's prestige and prevented the family from declining for decades.
Mrs. Wang said that she was a vixen, the so-called fox that seduces her master, and she should not be underestimated. In addition, Prince Beijing had planned to support her as a concubine. With such favoritism, in the end, although he did not favor his concubine over his wife, the status of the eldest maid would certainly be damaged.
After a pause, Jia's mother sighed and said, "After all, it is the palace's business. It is useless for us to worry about it. Besides, the prince likes her only for appearance. I trained the eldest girl, and I believe she can control it and prevent those villains from gaining power. She is just a toy anyway. Let the prince do whatever he wants. After a few years, her beauty will fade and his love will slacken, and the prince will get tired of her.
As for the Concubine Dowager, it's just that the Prince likes her, and he loves her too, so it's no problem."
Mrs. Wang nodded slightly, and she understood that what Lady Jia said made sense. She had heard about these things over the years. Even though those concubines became complacent once they were favored, and became bored after just one year, all men were like this.
The Concubine Dowager treated her as half a daughter. Just as Grandmother Jia said, it was all for the prince's sake. Didn't you see that Grandmother Jia tried her best to tolerate Aunt Zhao?
But this is the truth. How can I feel at ease when the trouble falls on me?
Madam Wang moved her lips a few times and said carefully, "Old lady, I feel that the vixen has been in the palace for nearly a year. I'm afraid she has bribed many people. This girl is married into the palace alone, so she is bound to be weak and alone."
Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia frowned, her cloudy eyes became sharp, and she looked directly at Mrs. Wang.