The Red Mansions

Chapter 1668: Prince Wei has made great contributions to the country and is crowned with the yellow

Chapter 1668: Prince Wei has made great contributions to the country and is crowned with the yellow robe and ascends to the throne!

Shenjing City, Imperial College

Jia Heng discussed the matter of the steam engine with Xu Guangqi, and then mentioned the hot air balloon. If used together with a telescope, it could be used for military reconnaissance and might even start a military revolution.

Listening to Jia Heng's description of how to use a hot air balloon, Xu Guangqi looked thoughtful and said, "If we follow what King Wei said, using the hot air from a Kongming lantern to fly up to the sky and then carry people, the Kongming lantern needs to be very strong, otherwise it will be difficult to carry people."

Jia Heng nodded, his eyes bright and spirited, and said: "When conducting the experiment first, you can put a dog and a chicken under the Kongming lantern. When the time is right, the Kongming lantern will fly far away."

Xu Guangqi looked thoughtful and said, "During this period of time, I will discuss with Xu Jian of the Military Equipment Bureau and try out this Kongming lantern."

Jia Heng said, "In the past few days, the school building of the Imperial College has been completed under my supervision, and it can be opened for enrollment. Mr. Xu, in a few days, the officials of the Ministry of Works will be adjusted. Mr. Xu can temporarily take the title of the Minister of Works, so that he can call on the craftsmen under the Ministry of Works."

Now, such appointments are all decided by his words. This is regent, which is completely different from the previous simple personal guard.

Xu Guangqi was silent for a moment, then said, "Prince Wei, I am a newly appointed official. Is it against the rules for me to temporarily take on the title of Minister of Works?"

Jia Heng said, "I advise God to shake himself up and send down talents regardless of their background. Mr. Xu is a great talent of the time and is proficient in craftsmanship. If he can master the art of supervising the manufacture of steam engines, he may become the Minister of Works or even a cabinet minister in the future. What's the big deal?"

Xu Guangqi was shocked when he heard this. He was moved to death for his friend. He said in a trembling voice, "Prince Wei, you are too kind. How can I be allowed to enter the cabinet?"

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "Mr. Xu, this steam engine is extremely important to our Han Dynasty. Mr. Xu should do his best to make it."

Xu Guangqi straightened his face, and said righteously, "Don't worry, Prince Wei. I will do my best."

Jia Heng then chatted with Xu Guangqi for a while without saying anything else. Then the two of them left the Imperial College.

As they were talking, Jia Heng came to an extremely spacious street and looked at the houses lined up on both sides of the street, with curling smoke and bustling crowds of people.

Jia Heng held the reins of the horse under his crotch in his hand and rode the horse with a chestnut mane towards Ningrong Street at a quick pace.

At this moment, it was the first day of the Lunar New Year in the first year of Qiande. The bluestone-paved streets were quite noisy, and the snow on the houses on both sides had just melted, and the snow water flowed down along the blue bricks and black tiles of the eaves.

In the shops on both sides, people can be seen coming and going, creating a lively and bustling scene.

Shenjing City, Ningguo Mansion——

On both sides of the two huge stone lions squatting in front of the Ningguo Mansion, there was the smell of firecracker debris and sulfur, and the servants of the Ningguo Mansion stood by with their hands hanging down.

From the square courtyard, the sounds of the opera troupe could be heard, creating a festive atmosphere.

Today is the first day of the first lunar month, and the Ning and Rong mansions are filled with excitement and fun.

Qin Keqing, accompanied by Youshi, You Erjie and You Sanjie, watched a play under Tianxiang Tower.

At this moment, a maid dressed in silk and satin entered the hall quickly and said, "Princess, the prince is here."

Qin Keqing raised her beautiful eyebrows, and a hint of joy appeared in her sparkling eyes. She said, "I'm finally done with the work during the New Year."

As they were talking, the young man in the python robe walked into the hall with his head held high, along a winding corridor with red paint and green railings.

Qin Keqing looked in the direction of the voice and called out with a hint of joy in her tone, "My husband is here."

Jia Heng nodded, came closer, and said jokingly with a smile: "Keqing, you are watching a play right now."

As they were talking, they sat down on a red-painted carved pearwood chair. At this moment, Third Sister You brought a blue-and-white porcelain teacup, and a bright smile was clearly visible on her beautiful face. She said, "Your Majesty, please have some tea."

Jia Heng reached out and took the blue and white porcelain teacup from Third Sister You, took a sip, and placed it on the lacquered wooden tea table beside him. Then, with a smile on his face, he looked at Third Sister You, whose appearance was as beautiful as a hibiscus flower, and asked, "Third Sister, what play are you singing today?"

Third Sister You's fragrant skin and jade-like face were flushed, and she looked at the young man in the python robe with a twinkling look in her eyes and said, "It's a good time for the whole family to get together and have some fun."

"But this person is not with us after all. She is in the backyard taking care of the pregnancy." Third Sister You said in a low voice with her eyebrows curved like ink and her eyes warm.

Youshi said, "It's freezing cold today, and they are both newly pregnant, so it's not suitable for them to go out, lest they get hurt."

Not to mention other things, the ground was icy and the road was slippery, so any stumble would be a big deal.

Qin Keqing chuckled and said softly, "Call the second, third, and fourth girls over as well. It will be more lively with more people."

At this moment, a maid greeted with a "yes" and went to call the person over.

After a while, Tanchun, Xiangyun, Baoqin, Yingchun and Xichun all came from the backyard. For a moment, there were chirping noises and the air was filled with fragrance.

Qin Keqing smiled and asked, "What are you doing in the backyard?"

Two blushes appeared on both sides of Xiangyun's round, innocent and bright face. She said, "Sister Qin, I was just talking to Sister Bao in Hengwu Garden."

As she spoke, Xiangyun sat closer, took Qin Keqing's slender hand, and said, "Sister Qin, did you miss me?"

Qin Keqing held the little fat girl's soft hand and said with a smile, "I've been thinking about this every day, why don't you come over here to play."

At this moment, Jia Fu, who was sitting not far away, called out, "Auntie Yun."

Xiangyun pinched the little girl's rosy cheeks and said jokingly, "Fuer, calling me sister or aunt makes people feel old."

Jia Fu pouted and called out reluctantly, "Sister Yun."

Third Sister You laughed and said, "This generation is all messed up."

Qin Keqing looked at Tanchun intently and asked, "Third girl, how are your sister Bao and sister Lin doing?"

Tanchun's eyes and eyebrows were lively, and her voice was charming. She said, "I am taking care of my baby right now."

Qin Keqing nodded, then said, "I didn't see Miss Zhen today."

Tanchun pursed her pink lips and said, "They went to the palace, saying they were going to see their eldest sister."

Qin Keqing nodded, her beautiful face showing a thoughtful look.

She had also heard some rumors in the market that the son born to Zhen, according to what people said, seemed to be her husband's offspring.

Soon, a maid came over quickly and said to them, "My Lord, Princess, the old lady from the West Mansion is here."

As they were speaking, Lady Jia came in from the outer room in a mighty procession, supported by Lady Xing and Lady Wang, with Aunt Xue and Ping'er following on her left and right, and behind them were a group of maids and old women.

Jia Heng and Qin Keqing stood up and went to greet her. They bowed to Grandmother Jia and said, "Greetings, old lady."

Grandmother Jia smiled, looked at Jia Heng, and asked, "Brother Heng, are you back from court?"

At this moment, under Jia's gray eyebrows, her old eyes looked at the young man in the python robe in front of her, and her heart was filled with emotion.

Today, Heng Ge'er has become the regent king. He is second only to the emperor and above everyone else. He has the final say on all matters in the court.

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then asked, "Madam, where is Master Zheng?"

Grandmother Jia smiled kindly and said, "I don't know which restaurant he is drinking with some of his former colleagues. Baoyu has gone over to keep them company."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Baoyu is not young anymore, it's time for him to know more about things."

Well, in fact, after Baoyu heard that Daiyu was pregnant, he felt depressed and upset, so he left home and went out with Jia Zheng for social events.

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Brother Heng, if Baoyu's father insists on being sent to a provincial post as the provincial education commissioner, can't he be an official in the six ministries in Beijing? He'd be closer to home and have someone to look after him."

Previously, Jia Heng's plan for Jia Zheng was to first serve as the provincial education commissioner in the local area and then be transferred to the central government.

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, and then said, "Second Master is now the Vice Minister of the Six Ministries. Firstly, there is no suitable position in the Six Ministries. Secondly, after serving as the Provincial Education Commissioner for three years and returning to Beijing, his resume will be more solid. Then it will be natural for him to serve as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites."

If one has served as a provincial education commissioner and then as a vice-minister in a ministry, the suspicion of nepotism will be less.

Grandmother Jia nodded and said, "Zi Yu's arrangement is appropriate."

On this side, Mrs. Wang raised her eyebrows and stared at the young man in the python robe, thinking to herself, you are really dedicated, it is not in vain that the eldest girl gave birth to your children.

Jia Heng thought for a moment and continued, "You are not young anymore. You can be an official in the capital in the future. If the time is right, you can retire as the Minister of the Six Ministries. At that time, you will have completed your merits."

Hearing this, Jia's mother's smile became even kinder and more prosperous, and she said, "Heng'er is a thoughtful person."

Although Heng Ge'er is a bit romantic and lustful, he is very kind to the people in the clan.

Jia Heng turned his head to look at Mrs. Wang standing beside him, and met a pair of dead fish eyes that were shining brightly. It was obvious that she was intoxicated in the fantasy of being the wife of a minister.

Grandmother Jia's wrinkled face was full of kind smiles, and she said, "Brother Heng, I see that Baoyu has also passed the examination for a scholar, can we find him a position as an official?

Jia Heng frowned and said, "Old lady, there seems to be no suitable official position for a scholar in the court. In March this year, the court will hold an imperial examination, but this is a spring examination, and the candidates are candidates. If you want to wait for the next examination, you should take the provincial examination this year."

The Enke was mainly for the benefit of the new candidates, and the provincial examination for the scholar's title would be held in September.

The three hundred Jinshi who had passed the imperial examination in the first year of Jianxing had just found a teacher in Beijing and went to the Ministry of Personnel to wait for vacancies. Now they have to take the imperial examination again to select another three hundred Jinshi.

However, there was no major obstacle, because the rebellion of Li Zan and Xu Lu led to many vacancies in the Censorate. In addition, Liaodong, which had just been pacified, and Sichuan, which had just rebelled, also urgently needed a large number of officials to supplement the prefectures and counties.

Grandmother Jia suddenly said, "Brother Heng, can't we let Baoyu enter the Imperial Academy first? After he becomes a student, he can take part in the imperial examination?"

Jia Heng did not answer when he heard this. Instead, he was surprised and asked, "Madam, whose idea was this?"

This is indeed a shortcut that can circumvent the system that only candidates can take part in the Spring Examination.

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Since Baoyu's mother said so before, we can do so."

Jia Heng turned to look at Mrs. Wang who was standing beside him, with a strange look in his eyes, and said, "Second Madam, Baoyu's knowledge is not yet at the threshold of the imperial examination. If he enters the official career in this way, he may not be able to pass the examination better than the outstanding scholars in the country."

I don't think Mrs. Wang would have such crazy ideas as to want him to help Baoyu cheat in the imperial examination and pass the exam.

It really is a fool's dream.

Mrs. Wang said, "Brother Heng, I thought of letting Baoyu try first. Even if he doesn't pass the exam, he will have experience for next time."

The eldest maid gave birth to a big fat boy for him. It only takes a word for Baoyu to pass the imperial examination and become an official in the future.

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Brother Heng, this is to let Baoyu give it a try. What if he succeeds? Besides, even if he fails, a student can still become an official. Didn't Baoyu's father fail to pass the imperial examination?"

Jia Heng nodded, but did not object to what Grandmother Jia said.

With Baoyu's qualifications, the possibility of him passing the imperial examination is not great, but Baoyu can give it a try.

Qin Keqing smiled brightly on her beautiful face and said, "My dear, it's getting late. It's time to have lunch."

Jia Heng responded softly. At this moment, a maid dressed in silk and satin came through the moon-shaped door and entered the hall. She said, "Your Highness, the officers from the Beijing camp said they want to see you."

Jia Heng said, "Keqing, you stay and chat with the old lady. I'll be back soon."

"Go, my husband." Qin Keqing said with a smile.

Jia Heng nodded and left the hall under everyone's gaze.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, people from the Beijing camp had already arrived to pay New Year's greetings.

Back then, when he was only a duke and a prince, he was afraid of attracting attention, so he instructed the officers and soldiers in the Beijing camp not to visit Ningguo Mansion in groups.

Now, he has become the regent, holding all the power in the court, and no longer has the scruples he had before.

At this moment, not only the Ningguo Mansion was bustling with people, but also the Lin Residence where Lin Ruhai lived was also busy with traffic and people coming and going. Now everyone in the court and the country knew that Lin Ruhai, the father-in-law of the Regent King, was friendly.

On this side, Jia Heng walked through the moon-shaped doorway with blue bricks and black tiles and came to the front yard. At this moment, the spacious flower hall was crowded with people. A group of people stood there in a black mass. They were the generals and officers of the Beijing camp.

"This humble general greets King Wei." The officers and soldiers of the Beijing Camp spoke one after another.

Jia Heng said, "Generals, there is no need to be polite."

"Thank you, King Wei."

Then, all the military officers present in the Beijing camp stood up and cast their eyes of admiration or awe at the young man in the python robe.

Jia Heng sat down on a lacquered wooden high chair and asked, "Everyone, today is New Year's Day. Did the officers and soldiers of the Beijing camp eat dumplings?"

Song Yuan smiled and said, "Your Highness, the military supply department has prepared hot dumplings for the brothers in the army. The brothers in the camp have already eaten."

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "After the New Year, the Military Equipment Supervision Committee will develop a batch of new firearms. The Fruit and Brave Battalion will select a group of elite soldiers to test the firearms first."

The newly developed musket is actually somewhat similar to the rifles of later generations. Once it is equipped to the entire army, it can significantly enhance the combat effectiveness of the army.

Jia Heng raised his eyebrows, glanced at the officers present, and whispered, "The kitchen is preparing a banquet, everyone please drink and eat together."

All the generals present agreed.

At this time, Cai Quan asked: "Your Majesty, the Junggars are wreaking havoc in the northwest and harassing our Han border. I wonder when our army will go to the northwest to wipe out the Junggars and recover the Han and Tang territories?"

Jia Heng raised his sword-like eyebrows, stared at him with a stern gaze, and said, "Our Han Dynasty will rest and recuperate for two years. In the past few years, the imperial court has been fighting wars year after year. Not to mention the huge consumption of money and food, many officers and soldiers have become tired of fighting. Let's slow down this battle."

Cai Quan's face was solemn, and he said, "Your Highness, the officers and soldiers in the army are all thinking about fighting, and everyone is eager to establish meritorious service."

Jia Heng whispered, "Wait two years, and the imperial army will be well rested and ready to attack the Western Regions in a snap."

Upon hearing this, Cai Quan bowed in agreement.

Jia Heng straightened his face and looked calm, his eyes flashing fiercely, and said: "Everyone, let's not talk about this for now, let's have a drink first."

With the application of firearms, the requirements for personal bravery of military generals will be reduced a lot, but the requirements for strategic and tactical military qualities will be increased accordingly.

At this moment, a servant came in from outside and said, "Your Majesty, the wine and food are ready."

Jia Heng said, "Everyone, let's have some wine and food first, and talk while we drink."

When all the generals were toasting each other and drinking to their heart's content, the whole hall was noisy.

I don't know which officer was the first to speak up: "If you ask me, it's time for someone else to take over the throne."

Fan Yi was not far away, holding a wine cup in his hand. He lowered his head and took a sip, then looked at the officers of the Beijing camp who were toasting each other with burning eyes.

"Yes, Your Highness has made many contributions to the people of the world over the years. It is well-known that he is the ruler of the world." Someone took over the conversation and spoke loudly.

In the hall of Ningguo Mansion, a group of officers and soldiers were drinking from cup to cup, but at this moment, they put down the wine cups in their hands, with expressions of surprise and doubt on their faces.

Cai Quan smiled and said, "I think so too. Prince Wei has made great contributions to the country and deserves to be crowned with a yellow robe and ascend to the throne!"

Seeing Cai Quan speak, the officers who had been watching in silence also spoke up one after another: "When you wear the yellow robe, you will be crowned the emperor!"

At this moment, Jia Heng frowned and said loudly: "Everyone, if you can't handle the alcohol, you can go to the back hall to rest first, and don't talk nonsense."

Upon hearing this, all the officers and soldiers present were shocked and fell into silence.

In other words, it was difficult to figure out Jia Heng's thoughts for a moment.

Fan Yi, who was not far away, frowned when he heard this, and then relaxed his brows.

I'm afraid King Wei thinks the time is not ripe.

Song Yuan changed the subject and said, "Everyone, it's the New Year, let's not talk about state affairs, just drink and don't go home until you are drunk."

Upon hearing this, all the generals began to toast and shout again.

It seemed as if the noise just now had never occurred.

However, the officers and soldiers of the Beijing camp present had different thoughts in their minds.

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