The Red Mansions

Chapter 1482 King Wei: Everyone in the world knows that the King of Chu is the Crown Prince. This is

Chapter 1482 King Wei: Everyone in the world knows that the King of Chu is the Crown Prince. This is the righteousness...

Rongguo Mansion, Daoxiang Village

After Mrs. Wang left, the scent of sandalwood rose from the incense burner, and the room fell into an eerie silence for a while.

Jia Heng took Li Wan's arm, stared at her gentle and pleasant face, and asked, "Sister Wan, it's okay, don't be sad, be careful now to make sure you don't have a miscarriage."

It was actually understandable that Mrs. Wang suddenly attacked this time.

After Li Wan became pregnant, it was impossible not to arouse some suspicion from others during the ten-month pregnancy period.

Li Wan nestled her head in Jia Heng's arms, feeling the comfort of her man and a sweet feeling welling up in her heart.

Sister Feng frowned, seeming somewhat dissatisfied, and said, "This Second Madam is really something. She came at me with a lot of sarcasm and made me feel really angry."

When she gets pregnant, she will definitely not be able to stay at home to take care of the pregnancy.

Jia Heng looked at Li Wan with pity and whispered, "Sister Wan, there will be no such thing again in the future."

Li Wan said "hmm", and leaned her head against the arms of the young man in the python costume, and asked curiously, "Zi Yu, how did you convince the second wife just now?"

Jia Heng said, "I'm just trying to persuade them with benefits and emotions. From now on, if anyone asks you who the baby in your belly is, you must not tell them the truth. As long as this matter is not made public, there are explanations. But don't worry, this matter will not cause a big uproar in the city."

This may sound a bit irresponsible, but it is indeed the best way to protect Li Wan and the baby in her belly.

Li Wan's expression paused slightly, her eyes were full of warmth, and she said, "Don't worry, Ziyu, the Second Madam kept asking me questions, but I didn't reveal a single word."

Jia Heng looked at Li Wan with a warm gaze and said, "Okay, I won't feel wronged anymore."

Perhaps it was because the beauty was pregnant and her mind was weak, so at this moment Li Wan's eyes were full of tears, which gave her a unique beauty.

Sister Feng smiled and said, "It's getting dark now, Brother Heng, it's time to have dinner."

After all the commotion earlier, it was indeed time to light the lamps. Outside the house, the sky was gloomy and the sun was not visible, but maids in various places had already begun to take tinders and light candles one after another.

Lanterns are hung under the eaves, and you can see the orange lanterns swaying constantly, casting circles of light and shadows.

Jia Heng looked at Li Wan and said, "Sister Wan, let's have dinner together."

Li Wan said, "You and Feng girl can eat, I'll just have a bowl of rice porridge."

Jia Heng did not insist and sat down beside a square table with Feng Ji. After dinner, he did not linger for long and left Daoxiang Village and headed for Qichiyuan.

Qichiyuan——

Lanterns were hanging on the eaves, the bright lights were on, the flickering orange candlelight was reflected on the window lattice, and two figures, one slender and one graceful, could be seen projected on the screen.

It was Zhen Lan and Zhen Xi who were looking at the patterns of the princess's dress and the imperial robe handed over by the female official from the Ministry of Clan Affairs.

Except for some imperial robes that symbolize rank, other patterns and designs can be customized by the owner of the imperial robe.

Yaruo sat down next to Zhen Lan at this moment and said, "Sister Lan is also a princess now."

"She's not a princess, but a concubine." Zhen Lan's delicate and bright eyes seemed to be filled with traces of joy, and her voice seemed a little inexplicably coquettish.

Although two days had passed, Zhen Lan still felt inexplicably surprised and could hardly calm her excited emotions.

Just as they were talking, a young man in a python robe walked into the hall and said, "Sister Lan, Sister Xier, it's so late, why haven't you slept yet?"

Zhen Lan had a big smile on her face and asked, "Brother Heng, you're here?"

Jia Heng said, "Sister Lan'er, I just came to see you and Sister Xi'er."

As he spoke, he came closer, took Zhen Lan's slender hand, and asked, "Sister Lan, has the Jade Spy List been delivered to the clan office?"

Zhen Lan's jade-like face was filled with a smile, and beneath her willow-shaped eyebrows, her bright eyes were filled with a hint of attachment. She said, "Brother Heng, the clan's Jade Spy list has been delivered."

Jia Heng nodded slightly and said, "That's good. After the New Year, we will have to worship our ancestors. At that time, we will have to wear the imperial edict and the imperial robes."

Zhen Lan lowered her eyebrows, her heart filled with mixed joy and sweetness, and she responded hesitantly.

At this moment, Yaruo came closer, gently pinched Jia Heng's shoulder with her bare hands, and said, "Brother Heng, let me rub your shoulders for you."

Jia Heng smiled and said, "Yaruo, I was just saying that my shoulders were tired."

In fact, I have been busy all day and don’t have much interest in playing with Lanxi sister and Yaruo.

Zhen Lan said, "Brother Heng, there is a lot of public opinion in the capital now, saying that the eighth prince Chen Ze should be made the crown prince. What do you think, Brother Heng?"

Jia Heng shook his head and said, "This matter will not be approved by the palace."

Zhen Lanxiu's eyebrows were as red as white, and she whispered, "Why?"

Jia Heng showed a thoughtful look on his face, and said: "A young emperor ascended the throne and supervised the state affairs. He has no virtue, prestige, or talent, so it is difficult for him to control the court. He must choose ministers to guard his life. If the relatives of the emperor are in power, the country will be in turmoil in the long run."

The in-laws include not only the Song family, but also him.

Because he was considered a relative of the royal family since Xianning, and the relative with the greatest suspicion of "usurping the throne".

Zhen Lan nodded and said, "If this is the case, with the brother-in-law of the King of Chu as the heir, then we will have to rely on Brother Heng in the future, to support military affairs at home and to help in military campaigns abroad."

Jia Heng said loudly: "Not necessarily. It may be so at the beginning of his reign, but it is hard to say as time goes by."

Zhen Lan blinked her bright eyes under her beautiful eyebrows and said with a smile, "That's true. This is how the emperor thinks."

I am afraid that if my sister and Brother Heng gave birth to twins, he would be shocked and angry.

Thinking of this, Zhen Lan felt a little strange.

However, after the Prince of Chu's brother-in-law became the emperor, the eldest sister became the queen, and she would also be the queen in the future, so their Zhen family would have two queens.

Jia Heng turned around, put his arm around Zhen Lan's shoulders, and said with a smile, "Lan'er, what are you thinking about? Why are you so absent-minded?"

Zhen Lan said: "I didn't think much of it. Brother Heng really just watched the King of Chu ascend the throne like this."

Jia Heng was stunned for a moment and asked, "What else?"

After thinking for a while, he took Zhen Lan's hand, held the beauty in his arms, and said, "Be patient and wait quietly."

Zhen Lan raised her beautiful face, her bright eyes full of infatuation, and said, "No matter what, Brother Heng and I will always be together."

Jia Heng patted Yaruo's hand gently, pinched her shoulder, and said, "Okay, it's getting late, go to bed early."

Yaruo's eyes lit up and she said, "Brother Heng, let me help you change your clothes."

Jia Heng laughed and said, "Brother Heng wants to have a good rest today."

"Oh." Upon hearing this, Yaruo's bright eyes dimmed under her trimmed eyebrows.

Then, there was no more conversation all night.

……

……

next day

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, Jia Heng did not linger in the mansion for long, but went to the Jinyang Princess's mansion.

Because he had already promised Song Yan that he would go to the Song family to pay his respects. In fact, if he went to the Song family at this time, he would inevitably be questioned by Song Jing.

Jinyang Princess Mansion——

In the backyard, in a room covered with wallpaper on all sides, Li Chanyue and Song Yan sat in front of the dressing table, dressing themselves in front of the diamond-shaped bronze mirror.

At this moment, a maid walked into the hall and said with a smile: "Princess, Miss Song, the Prince of Wei is here."

Li Chanyue's face seemed to be filled with inexplicable joy. She put down the jade earrings in her hand and said in an inexplicably joyful tone, "Cousin Yan'er, Mr. Xiao Jia is here."

After a while, the young man in the python robe came into the room with a warm smile and said, "Chanyue, Yan'er, let's go."

Originally, it was only Song Yan who was returning home, but Li Chanyue had nothing to do at home, so she went along as well.

While Li Chanyue and Song Yan were talking, they boarded the carriage accompanied by Jia Heng.

At this moment, Jia Heng was sitting upright on the horse, and with several servants escorting the carriage, he was heading towards the Song family located in the southern lane of Shenjing City.

At this moment, Li Chanyue lifted the bamboo curtain hanging on one side of the carriage and turned to look at the houses lined up on the streets on both sides.

In this way, they traveled for about a quarter of an hour, accompanied by the neighing of the horses in the carriage, and the streets and houses on both sides quickly disappeared into the distance.

Soon, a carriage with a high shaft came with its curtains lifted. Li Chanyue, holding Song Yan's slender hand, and accompanied by Jia Heng, walked along the stone steps to the front gate of the Song family.

At this moment, Song Jing had already led a group of old servants out of the courtyard wall and said with a smile: "Zi Yu is here, Yan'er."

"Daddy~" At this moment, Song Yan called out sweetly with a bright smile of a little girl on her face.

Jia Heng's calm face was also covered with a prosperous smile, and he said softly: "Father-in-law."

Song Jing asked: "Chanyue, you are here now too?"

Li Chanyue quickly stepped forward, bowed and said, "Meet uncle."

Song Jing smiled and said, "Chanyue is here too, let's go inside and chat."

Amid the greetings, Jia Heng, Li Chanyue and Song Yan entered the Song family's courtyard, came to the hall and sat down.

Wait for the servant to serve the fragrant tea, then slowly leave.

Jia Heng picked up the blue and white porcelain teacup and took a sip.

Song Jing smiled and said, "Zi Yu, Yan'er's mother is waiting for you two to come back."

Jia Heng said politely, "I have been too busy before, and I only have some free time today. I am ashamed to say this."

"Zi Yu has been handling state affairs, that's for sure." Song Jing changed the subject and asked suddenly, "Zi Yu, the King of Wei still has a lot of questions that he wants to ask Zi Yu."

Jia Heng looked surprised and asked, "What doubts could the prince have?"

At this moment, Song Yan looked at the young man in the python costume with great concern.

Song Jing asked, "Zi Yu, can I have a word with you for a moment?"

Jia Heng looked at Li Chanyue beside him with a warm gaze and said, "Chanyue, you and Yan'er go to the backyard first."

Li Chanyue frowned and said in an inexplicably charming voice, "Mr. Xiao Jia, go ahead."

Jia Heng and Song Jing then entered the study room nearby. At this moment, they sat down as host and guest. The servants served them fragrant tea, and then, without saying much, they bowed and left.

Jia Heng said, "Father-in-law, please make your intention clear."

Song Jing nodded and said, "Zi Yu, now that His Majesty wants to abolish the legitimate heir and enthronize a concubine, why don't you advise him to stop it?"

Jia Heng said: "This... the matter of establishing a crown prince is handled by the emperor. Even if I want to intervene, my words are not important enough."

Song Jing frowned, looked at him with a burning gaze, and said, "Zi Yu is the emperor's trusted confidant, how can a small person's words be taken lightly?"

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "The selection of a crown prince for the Eastern Palace involves a major matter concerning the continuation of the country's prosperity. I am a military commander and a relative of the emperor. If I say a few more words, the government and the public will be suspicious of me. It is better for me to protect myself. As a prince, I am qualified to share the fate of the country. Why should I get involved in such an important matter?"

Song Jing frowned and said, "Zi Yu's words are a bit disappointing to His Majesty for his cultivation and selection. People like Zi Yu should always think about supporting the country."

Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty is a wise ruler of the time. Since His Majesty has chosen the candidate for the Eastern Palace, it is not appropriate for us officials to interfere."

"Once the King of Chu ascends the throne, he will be narrow-minded and may not tolerate a talent like Zi Yu." Song Jing shook his head and said.

Jia Heng said: "It's hard to say about this matter."

Will the King of Wei be able to accommodate him when he ascends the throne?

After he has been hanging out with Tianniuer for a long time, there is no wall that is impenetrable, and the news will eventually reach the ears of the King of Wei, and then he will turn against him without mercy.

It may be even more cruel than what Fulin did to Dorgon.

"The King of Wei has no heir, which is not conducive to the continuation of the country." Jia Heng was silent for a moment, weighing his words, and said in a low voice.

Song Jing stared at the young man in the python robe with his grey brows, and asked, "Zi Yu, what do you think of the public opinion that has suddenly arisen in the capital to establish the eighth prince?"

"The Eighth Prince is indeed intelligent, refined and honest. The Emperor may be thinking that it is inconvenient for a young prince to rule the country," said Jia Heng.

Song Jing said: "You are not young anymore, you are already twelve or thirteen in lunar age, it is hard to call you a young king."

If the eighth prince ascends the throne, the Song family will still be the emperor's in-laws.

Jia Heng said: "Yes, but the emperor has his own considerations, so he will not allow this."

Song Jing's eyes were filled with anticipation and eagerness, and he said loudly: "Zi Yu, when it comes down to it, you should be closer to us."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "That being said, how can we allow personal feelings to get mixed up in matters of state and society?"

Upon hearing this, Song Jing remained silent.

Jia Heng looked gloomy and said, "This matter depends on the emperor's will. Others cannot go against the emperor's will."

To be honest, Tianniuer forced him to make the decision, and he actually had no choice. In other words, even if he wanted to support a new emperor, he had to wait until Emperor Chongping passed away.

The King of Chu's accession to the throne was more of a transition.

Apart from anything else, Zhen Qing was already thinking about crossing the river and destroying the bridge.

Song Jing's face was solemn as he said, "Zi Yu, the Queen sent someone to deliver a message that the Kunning Palace and the Funing Palace were sealed off by the palace guards sent by the Emperor."

When Jia Heng heard this, his expression paused slightly, and he was shocked. He said, "Father-in-law, how could this happen?"

Could it be that Tianniuer forced Emperor Chongping to establish the King of Wei? With Tianniuer's political wisdom in "palace fighting", she should not make such a low-level mistake.

Song Jing had a look of regret on his face, and said, "The two ladies went to the study room in Hanyuan Palace and begged His Majesty to make the Eighth Prince Chen Ze the Crown Prince. His Majesty seemed furious, so he sent guards to confine the two ladies. This matter has not been spread out yet, otherwise it will surely cause an uproar."

Jia Heng's expression changed constantly as he considered the pros and cons of the matter.

The fact that Tianniu was confined to the deep palace basically announced Emperor Chongping's firm determination.

King of Chu, now that the East Palace is established, no one can stay there.

While the two were talking, a maid said crisply to Song Jing and Jia Heng under the eaves of the study: "Master, the mistress has prepared a luncheon and invited you and your son-in-law to come over."

Jia Heng said, "Father-in-law, let's go together."

Song Jing nodded and said nothing else.

While the two were talking, they left the room.

At this moment, Madam Song was sitting down with Song Yan and Li Chanyue. She greeted them with a smile, "Come here, let's eat together."

Madam Song smiled and said, "Chanyue and Yan'er just went to the kitchen and cooked for themselves. They made braised lion's head and stir-fried meat with black fungus. Come over and have some with us."

Jia Heng smiled and joked, "Chanyue and Yan'er can cook?"

Li Chanyue blinked her bright eyes, chuckled and said, "It always will be like this, doesn't Brother Heng know?"

Jia Heng said, "When I was at home, I never saw you cooking."

Song Yan smiled, her delicate features resembling those of Queen Song, and she smiled brightly and charmingly, saying, "Brother Heng is rarely at home, so naturally he won't be able to enjoy the meal."

Jia Heng said: "When we get back, I'll let you two cook well."

Mrs. Song looked at the two little ones with a gratified look on her face and said, "Okay, let's eat."

Song Jing came quickly and sat down. Everyone gathered around a table and ate. After lunch, Jia Heng and Song Jing sat down to drink tea.

Jia Heng asked, "Fourth Uncle Song has been in Henan for two or three years. He should be back by now."

Song Jing said, "He has been an official in Kaifeng Prefecture for three years. When he returns to the Ministry of Personnel to report on his work in the spring of next year, he should be able to be transferred to a new position. It remains to be seen how far he will go in the future."

If the King of Chu succeeds to the throne, he will certainly eliminate the power of the King of Wei and the Song family's in-laws.

Jia Heng nodded and praised: "Fourth Uncle Song can be a wise minister of his generation."

Song Jing smiled bitterly and said, "Fourth brother is a typical imperial examination candidate. If he were not a relative of the emperor, he might have become a famous official. But now after this incident, it is difficult for him to achieve anything."

Jia Heng was silent for a moment.

It was quite unfair to the Song family. Their two daughters entered the palace as concubines, but ended up with nothing.

……

……

Two days later, it was already the end of winter. After the Cabinet issued the imperial edict to employ the Zhen family, the atmosphere in the capital fell into a brief stagnation.

After observing the discussions in the imperial court, Emperor Chongping issued an edict to appoint the King of Chu as the Crown Prince without giving any time for reaction.

In other words, Emperor Chongping used his last prestige to pave the way for the King of Chu at the last moment of his life. Once the edict of enthroning the Eastern Palace was issued, the King of Chu's succession became legitimate.

On the contrary, if things are delayed for too long, various problems are likely to arise.

As soon as this decree was issued, the capital city was like a calm lake upon which a huge rock was thrown, causing a huge ripple on the lake.

Prince Wei's Mansion, in the study room——

"Click..."

A blue and white porcelain teacup was thrown on the ground, and the tea soup splashed out, representing the King of Wei's anger, which was really difficult to suppress.

King Wei Chen Ran's face was extremely distorted, with anger surging between his eyebrows.

Deng Wei advised, "Your Highness, calm down."

King Wei Chen Ran's fair face was as gloomy as iron, and he angrily said, "Why is my father forcing me?"

Song Jing said: "Your Highness, things have come to this point. It is useless to think about other things. It is better to make a plan for the future."

Wei Wang Chen Ran asked, "Uncle, what did Jia Ziyu say?"

Song Jing said: "Jia Ziyu just said that he would obey the order of the palace."

When King Wei Chen Ran heard this, his face was covered with a thick layer of ice, and he said, "What a Jia Ziyu!"

At this moment, the King of Wei had missed the throne, and one can imagine how upset and angry he felt.

Especially when he thought of how he had served Jia Heng respectfully in the past and how he had treated Jia Heng with courtesy and humility, not to mention how he had tried his best to bring Princess Xianning and Jia Heng together.

It can be said that the King of Wei felt a deep sense of "betrayal".

Seeing that Wei Wang Chen Ran's expression was changing constantly, as if he was brewing a raging rage, Song Jing hurriedly said, "Your Highness, calm down. This matter still needs to be discussed in the long run."

The King of Wei said dejectedly, "How can we make a long-term plan? The edict of my father's enthronement of the Crown Prince has been issued, and the status is set. Everyone in the world knows that the King of Chu is the Crown Prince. This is the righteous status."

As the saying goes, a name that is right makes words sound reasonable.

(End of this chapter)