The Red Mansions

Chapter 1362 Queen Song: She is the queen, huh

Chapter 1362 Queen Song: She is the queen, humph...

Shenjing City, Daming Palace, Hanyuan Palace——

Emperor Chongping was leaning over a lacquered wooden desk with a memorial in his hand. This was a memorial delivered by Xu Kai, the governor of Taiwan, requesting a plan for immigration from Fujian and Guangdong.

After the Han Dynasty took Taiwan from the Dutch, most of the local people were Dutch immigrants. The Taiwanese government did not simply expel them, but instead allowed the Dutch immigrants to settle in fixed places and centrally governed them.

After Xu Kai took office as the governor, he worked hard to govern the island. On the one hand, under the organization of the government, he organized craftsmen and technicians to learn shipbuilding, navigation, metallurgy and other skills from the Dutch. On the other hand, he organized immigrants from Fujian and Guangdong to open up wasteland and plant crops on the island.

However, with the continuous development of the treasure island, it was gradually discovered that more people were needed to immigrate to expand the province.

At this time, Dai Quan, the eunuch in charge of the Daming Palace, came quickly and said in a gentle voice, "Your Majesty, the Jinyifu has delivered a letter from the Duke of Weiguo via carrier pigeon."

Emperor Chongping put down the memorial in his hand, raised his eyebrows, and asked, "Send a letter by carrier pigeon?"

Yes, it has been almost two months, and Zi Yu should have some news by now.

Dai Quan had a faint smile on his fair face, and whispered: "Your Majesty, the Duke of Wei led his troops to recapture Gaizhou Guard and Haizhou Guard in Liaodong, annihilated more than 20,000 enemies, and killed the Eastern Tartar general Ebilun, and won the first battle."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongping was overjoyed and could not wait to call out, "Dai Quan, show me the general report."

Dai Quan bowed and stood up, then handed over a piece of paper delivered by the Jinyi Palace.

Emperor Chongping's eyes swept towards the words on the paper, and he couldn't wait to read the brief words on it, and the excitement on his resolute face could not be concealed.

Another 30,000 elite Jurchens were annihilated. How many elite troops did the Jurchens have since they established their country?

Under his thin, loose eyebrows, Emperor Chongping's eyes were as bright as the stars in the dark night. He calmed down a little and said loudly, "Come here, summon the entire cabinet and the military affairs office to the inner study for questioning."

Dai Quan raised his hand and said yes.

Not long after, on the stone steps outside the inner study, the Chief Minister Li Zan, the Second Minister Gao Zhongping, cabinet members Qi Kun and Lu Jiang, the Vice Minister of War Shi Jie, the Prince of Wei Chen Ran and other cabinet military officials walked in quickly, most of them with puzzled expressions.

Several important officials of the court entered the inner study room and saluted the middle-aged emperor behind the imperial desk, saying, "Your humble servant greets His Majesty. Long live His Majesty."

Emperor Chongping said in a cheerful tone, "Gentlemen, please stand up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Several important military and national officials stood up one after another.

Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said, "Just now, Jia Ziyu sent a pigeon message, saying that the Jiangnan Navy has recovered several places in Gaizhouwei and Haizhouwei in Liaodong. The expeditionary army has won the first battle."

As soon as these words were spoken, Li Zan and Gao Zhongping showed joy on their faces.

Compared with previous years, some people still had some doubts about Jia Heng's ability to lead the troops. But after several twists and turns, there would be no doubts at all about a war of this magnitude.

Jia Heng's leadership of the troops is absolutely foolproof.

But when victory will be achieved is not known to the ministers.

Li Zan's solemn face was also filled with joy. He cupped his hands and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. After many years, our Han Dynasty has finally recovered the old territory of Liaodong. This is cause for celebration."

Gao Zhongping also smiled and said, "Your Majesty, Erwei is not far from Shengjing, and it is a strategic location. Our Han navy has established a firm foothold in Liaodong, and can threaten the Manchu Tartars in Shengjing at any time."

Emperor Chongping looked excited and said, "This battle wiped out more than 20,000 Jurchen Tartars. The Jurchens originally had few soldiers and generals, and they have suffered continuous losses in the past two or three years. They are about to be defeated."

Li Zan thought about it and said worriedly, "I'm afraid the Tartars will not be content with this and will mobilize a large force to besiege the navy of the Duke of Wei."

Lu Jiang's eyes flickered, and he bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, can you now send the troops from the Beijing camp to go through the pass and pacify Liaodong in one fell swoop?"

As soon as these words were spoken, it was as if a huge rock was thrown into the study room, causing waves of disturbance.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongping looked at Li Zan and Gao Zhongping and asked, "What do you two think of this?"

Li Zan cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I think this matter is not urgent. We need to know the next step of the Duke of Wei's advance on the front line."

Gao Zhongping said: "I agree with what Lord Li said."

Emperor Chongping nodded and said, "That's right. Ziyu reported the victory first this time, but he didn't mention sending troops from the Beijing camp. I guess there's no need to send reinforcements for the time being."

Li Zan thought for a moment and said, "Winter is coming soon and the north is bitterly cold. Even if we gather our army together and plan to march north, it will be more economical to wait until the beginning of next spring."

Gao Zhongping said: "We are also lacking a commander to coordinate the land and sea forces. This can only be done by the Duke of Wei."

This is the convenience of a cabinet that knows military affairs. When dealing with these wars, there is less wrangling and the decision-making efficiency is much higher than when Yang Guochang and Han Huang were in charge of the cabinet.

Because both Li and Gao were well versed in military affairs, especially when Gao Zhongping was the governor of Sichuan, he had made many military achievements and had his own strategies for marching and fighting.

Emperor Chongping nodded to show his satisfaction and said, "What Ministers Li and Gao said is very true. I also mean this. I will wait for Jia Ziyu's subsequent memorial."

As he spoke, he looked at Dai Quan who was standing with his hands down, and said, "Dai Quan, ask the Jinyifu to send a pigeon to ask the Duke of Weiguo to deliver the general memorial on Liaodong affairs and the strategy of advancing troops as soon as possible, so that the court and the outside world can refer to it."

Dai Quan bowed and said yes, then left.

Emperor Chongping now turned his gaze to Li Zan and Gao Zhongping, and admonished them, "Mr. Li, Mr. Gao, if we send troops next year, the food and military supplies for the army must not be short of any."

It can be said that Emperor Chongping was very excited at this moment.

Since he ascended the throne, he finally saw the hope of pacifying Liaodong. How could he not be excited?

Li Zan's face was full of determination. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. The troops of the Beijing camp have stepped up their training recently. They are ready to go at any time."

Gao Zhongping clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, now that the new policies are being implemented throughout the country, the government is in good order and the people are in harmony, internal worries are gradually fading, and it is time to quell the internal and external threats."

Qi Kun held an ivory jade tablet in his hand, looking excited, and said, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue is already stepping up efforts to raise food and fodder, and will definitely not delay the army's march."

Emperor Chongping watched the civil and military ministers work together to pacify Liaodong, and he was secretly satisfied. He smiled and said, "As long as the government and the people of our great Han Dynasty are united, we will surely be able to pacify the Jurchens and bring eternal peace to our great Han Dynasty."

It can be said that with the accumulation of several years, the Han Dynasty has indeed seen a glimmer of hope in conquering the Jurchens in Liaodong.

Several people present bowed and acknowledged Ma, feeling inexplicably happy in their hearts.

King Wei Chen Ran looked at this scene, his expression darkened and then brightened, and his heart was slightly moved.

If the Beijing camp army went out of the border to pacify Liaodong, and he served as the military supervisor, it would be obvious that he could strengthen the control over the Beijing camp soldiers.

Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said, "Now that the new policy has been implemented for two years, what is the latest situation of the Ministry of Revenue's taxes and grain?"

The Minister of Revenue Qi Kun looked respectful and said, "Your Majesty, this year's summer grain harvest is 20% higher than last year. The new policy has gradually penetrated into the provinces, prefectures and counties of the Han Dynasty, and the customs has provided a good supply of tax silver, so there is no shortage of silver."

Emperor Chongping nodded and thought to himself, governing a big country is like cooking a small fish.

He made up his mind and said, "Speaking of the Director General of Customs and Taxation, one of the five senior officials in the cabinet is currently vacant. Lin Ruhai, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, has been in charge of the customs for many years and has done his job sincerely. I will specially appoint him as the Prince's Tutor and select him to join the cabinet."

Previously, after Sichuan Governor Lu Jiang, as the most effective frontier official in promoting the new policies, entered the cabinet, the entire government and the public began to speculate who would enter the cabinet next.

And there were rumors that Lin Ruhai, who had come to Beijing to report on his work two months ago, would join the cabinet. After all, since the establishment of the Customs Office, maritime trade has flourished, and customs silver has gradually become the main source of money and grain for the Ministry of Revenue.

The importance of customs duties is immediately apparent.

At this moment, Lin Ruhai also came into the sight of important officials in the court.

He is young and strong with outstanding abilities. He is also the father-in-law of Weiguo Duke Jia Heng. Now there is a high probability that he will be able to enter the cabinet and assist the king in his affairs.

Qi Kun didn't expect that his casual words would actually help Lin Ruhai enter the cabinet as soon as possible, and he felt a little confused.

But after thinking about it, it was most likely a reward for the Duke of Wei’s victory in the front line. After all, he captured two Wei cities in a row.

At this moment, Lu Jiang frowned slightly, his eyes flickered, and he thought to himself, Lin Ruhai has a good son-in-law.

Emperor Chongping said: "Now that the seas have been opened, maritime trade has become the mainstream. With the increase in maritime trade affairs, we also need a dedicated minister to act as the yamen official and predict the affairs."

This is where the importance of power over affairs gradually becomes apparent.

All the ministers present bowed their hands in agreement.

After all the ministers took their leave, Emperor Chongping did not say anything else, but went to Kunning Palace accompanied by the eunuchs.

At this moment, in Kunning Palace, in the bedroom——

The beautiful lady with snow-white skin and fair face, dressed in gorgeous palace clothes, is now sitting on the soft couch beside the warm room. She is graceful and elegant, and her rich fragrance like orchid and musk is refreshing and makes people feel relaxed and happy.

At this moment, two children not far away were arguing about a bamboo helicopter.

They were Queen Song’s twin children, Chen Luo and Chen Qianqian.

Queen Song frowned, a hint of annoyance appeared in her beautiful eyes, and said, "Why are the two of them quarreling again?"

The nanny smiled bitterly and said, "Of course we all have bamboo dragonflies, but the little prince insisted on snatching the one from the little princess."

Queen Song's fair face showed a trace of embarrassment and she said, "This child... is just a little naughty, and he doesn't know how to give in to his sister."

At this moment, the charm and aura between her eyebrows and eyes undoubtedly made her look ten years younger, just like a mother.

It was because Jia Heng was not here at the moment, otherwise he would inevitably be nervous and unable to control himself.

At this moment, a maid quickly entered the hall and said softly, "Your Majesty, His Majesty has arrived."

Queen Song stood up in a hurry. She was a beautiful lady in a scarlet dress, and the golden hairpins between her bun swayed in the wind.

When he looked up, he saw Emperor Chongping entering the bedroom. He looked at the beautiful lady and her two children, and with a little joy in his heart, he called out, "Zitong."

"Your Majesty." Empress Song called out softly, her eyebrows curved like leaves. Noticing the joy that Emperor Chongping couldn't hide, she asked, "Your Majesty, what's the matter that makes you so pleased?"

Emperor Chongping smiled and said, "Zi Yu sent a pigeon to deliver a letter saying that the first battle was a success. The Gaizhou Guard and Haizhou Guard in Liaodong have been captured by the government army, and more than 20,000 Jurchen soldiers have been annihilated."

Queen Song smiled and said, "Your Majesty, this is truly a great joyous event."

Emperor Chongping said: "The pacification of Liaodong is in sight. I have been on the throne for more than ten years and finally see a glimmer of hope."

Queen Song's charming eyes sparkled under her willow-shaped eyebrows. She said softly, "Your Majesty has worked hard to govern the country over the years, working day and night. God has seen it. Now you have made great achievements."

Emperor Chongping nodded and said, "Yes, it's been almost twenty years."

This year marks the eighteenth year of Chongping. It has indeed been eighteen years since Emperor Chongping ascended the throne, and he has been in power for almost twenty years.

This middle-aged emperor has exhausted all his energy for state affairs, and it seems that his energy is gradually running out.

Queen Song's beautiful eyes were shining and moist beneath her willow-shaped eyebrows. She said, "Your Majesty, Ziyu has made another contribution. It is not good not to reward him. I will give some things to the women of the Ning and Rong mansions."

Emperor Chongping nodded and said, "You are the master of the harem, so you can make the decision on these small matters."

Queen Song smiled and responded softly.

In fact, compared to the little fox's women in the Rong and Ning mansions, she is the principal wife, hum...

……

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall

It was another afternoon, the sky was bright, the autumn wind was blowing, and the autumn sunlight in the courtyard was warm and shining.

Ever since Baoyu made a scene on Jia Heng's wedding day, although the situation was eventually settled, it left Grandmother Jia exhausted.

At this moment, Jia's mother, wearing a silk gown with the word "longevity" on it and with a head full of silver hair, sat on a bed covered with a soft mattress, with a look of melancholy on her old and fair face.

"Old lady." Aunt Xue said softly.

Grandmother Jia forced a smile and said, "Why haven't I seen Bao Yatou and Lin Yatou recently?"

Aunt Xue said, "Bao and Lin have been in the garden these days."

"After getting married, there was no talk of moving to the East Palace to live with Keqing." Grandmother Jia smiled and asked.

Aunt Xue's fair face was full of smiles, and she said cheerfully, "Brother Heng said that the garden is bigger, and the girls can stay and play there, so it will be cheaper to travel there."

Ever since her daughter was conferred the title of a first-rank lady and married Jia Heng, Aunt Xue has been very satisfied and has always had a cheerful smile on her face.

Hearing this, Jia's mother smiled and whispered, "Yes, they all live in the East Mansion. There is no room for people in the East Mansion anymore."

He thought to himself, this might just be convenient for him. All the men in the Jia family are like this, just like greedy cats.

As time passed, Grandmother Jia gradually discovered what kind of person Jia Heng was. He was still the lustful person.

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "The sisters live together in the garden, and there are no outsiders."

Grandmother Jia nodded and said, "After Heng'er's wedding, he went to Tianjin again. It has been more than a month, and there is no news from him."

Aunt Xue said, "That's what war is like, not to mention the long journey."

Mrs. Wang watched this scene quietly, and felt that the Buddhist beads in her hands were extremely heavy.

Mrs. Wang had three children in total. The eldest son, Jia Zhu, died young, and Yuanchun was an old maid who had not yet married. As for Baoyu.

At this time, a maid's voice seemed to be heard from the eaves of the corridor, saying, "Old lady, an angel has come to the palace, saying that the Queen has rewarded silk to the women of the Ning and Rong mansions."

When Grandmother Jia heard this, she looked surprised and asked, "What's going on?"

The nanny smiled and said, "I heard that Master Heng from the East Palace won a victory on the front line, and the palace just gave this as a reward."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said softly, "Did Brother Heng win the battle again?"

This is not the first time. Although Grandmother Jia is happy, she is not too surprised and seems to have already taken it for granted.

The nanny said, "Madam, I heard that Master Heng won again this time."

Aunt Xue smiled, took over the conversation, and said, "I think it's time. Since Heng went to war, when has he ever let us down?"

Her son-in-law was a good fighter.

Mrs. Wang listened to Aunt Xue and Lady Jia's banter and squeezed a Buddhist bead in her hand. For a moment, she just felt that Lady Jia and Aunt Xue were particularly noisy.

Madam Xing smiled and asked, "Did they say when we will return?"

The maid hesitated for a moment and said, "The eunuch who delivered the imperial edict in the palace didn't say anything."

Grandmother Jia glanced at the inexperienced Mrs. Xing and said with a smile, "It has only been a short time since he left, so it shouldn't be so fast. This is a victory for Heng'er, and there will be more good news in the future."

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "That's right, old lady."

While they were discussing, a maid suddenly came in and said with a happy face, "Madam, great news. I heard that Master Lin received the imperial decree and was promoted to the position of the Crown Prince's tutor and entered the cabinet as an official."

The nanny didn't know what entering the cabinet meant, but based on the discussions outside, she thought it meant a promotion.

When Jia's mother heard this, a layer of joy seemed to cover her old and fair face, and she asked, "Really?"

After hearing these words, Aunt Xue's eyes became dull, and the handkerchief in her hand was clenched so tightly that it became a little wrinkled.

There is no other reason. His own daughter Baochai was born as the third wife and the weakest one.

Aunt Xue was certainly aware of this.

Qin Keqing's father is now also the Minister of Works. As for Daiyu's father, he is now an important official in the cabinet, which is even more extraordinary.

As for Princess Xianning, Li Chanyue and others, they were naturally excluded by Aunt Xue.

Grandmother Jia was stunned for a moment, unable to hide her excitement, and murmured, "Ru Hai has entered the cabinet."

After all, Lin Ruhai was also Jia Mu's son-in-law, and her only youngest daughter, Jia Min, married Lin Ruhai.

Grandmother Jia was now smiling from ear to ear and said softly, "Okay, okay."

Mrs. Wang was listening to the noisy discussions outside and felt that it was quite noisy for a moment.

All the excitement is theirs, and I have nothing.

He has a pair of children, one of whom wants to become a monk, while the other has already delayed the matchmaking process.

Grandmother Jia's face was full of joy again, and she said, "Go and call Feng Lazi over. I will discuss with her how to celebrate this occasion."

Lin Zhixiao's family responded, bowed, and left in a hurry.

Grandmother Jia smiled, looked at the others, and said, "I haven't seen her come to my place recently. I don't know what she is busy with."

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "I heard that the one in Longcui Temple has a child again, and Feng girl is busy taking care of the child."

A strange look gradually appeared on Grandmother Jia's fair face, and she said, "Miaoyu has another child? This is really... more children, more blessings."

While speaking, Jia's grandmother changed the word "able to give birth" to "many children and great blessings", otherwise it would be like someone secretly criticizing her.

By the way, when there was a religious ceremony in the mansion, Master Miaoyu was invited to come and chant sutras. Now she has given birth to her second child.

This is truly a good disciple of Buddhism.

Aunt Xue smiled and said in a complicated tone, "That's right. We've got a second child, and we don't know if it's a boy or a girl yet."

Her little girl Bao was not pregnant at all, but Hengge had gone to Tianjin to fight in the war.

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Boys and girls are the same."

Even if it is a boy, he is a concubine's son, and Hengge's future inheritance of the title has nothing to do with him.

At this moment, as the news of Jia Heng reached the Ning and Rong mansions, the Ningguo mansion was also filled with joy.

I’m stuck, don’t wait for the second update, I’ll sort out the subsequent plot.

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(End of this chapter)