The next day, the two-day autumn rain gradually stopped and the weather became clear. Pedestrians on the street had put on their cotton-padded jackets and tucked their necks tightly to prevent the cold wind from blowing in.
Today is the beginning of winter.
After Jia Heng changed his clothes, he went to the Jiangnan camp to handle official duties as usual, and then ordered Liu Jixian to select Jinyi palace guards to control the Zhen family.
This includes but not limited to the four direct descendants of the Zhen family, as well as the Zhen family's servants and in-laws' families. The main purpose is to prevent the Zhen family from transferring their property in advance once the imperial edict arrives.
At half noon, Jia Heng, accompanied by a group of Jinyi palace guards, rode back to Jinyang's eldest princess's palace.
As for Chen Xiao, he did not accompany him because he was not feeling well.
Princess's Mansion, second floor attic
After listening to what Jia Heng said, the eldest princess of Jinyang frowned, with a trace of surprise on her beautiful face. She asked curiously: "Why do you ask this?"
This child...ah, no, what is this little man doing asking her if her monthly letter is here?
Jia Heng stared into the beauty's beautiful eyes with a slightly unnatural expression. He took Princess Jinyang's bare hand and said, "It's nothing, I just want to ask so that it will be easier for me to have children in the future."
Princess Jinyang: "..."
This man used this excuse to lie to her about how many tricks and remedies he had tried.
The beauty thought for a moment, a slight blush appeared on her face, and said softly: "It's a few days, but isn't it appropriate to come a few days early and a few days late?"
When Jia Heng heard this, he was slightly startled and asked, "How long have you been late?"
"It's been over ten days," the beauty said softly, "I haven't paid much attention to it, it should be normal."
Jia Heng's face paused and he said: "That's... when I came back from Guangdong? Didn't you have it?"
Is there a big one hidden here?
He is now nervous because Zhen Qing is suspected of being pregnant. If her body starts to mature, he will need to find a way to avoid it in the future.
If you really have five or six children in a row, it's not a question of whether you can afford to raise them, but it will become very troublesome.
Not to mention anything else, if one day she couldn't hold back and got married to Baochai, and started having children at the age of fifteen, it would also cause serious damage to Baochai's body, not to mention Daiyu, it would be a disaster.
When Princess Jinyang heard this, her heart skipped a beat, her face turned slightly red, and her beautiful eyes showed a bit of surprise, and she said, "I don't know, but after hearing what you said, could it be... …has it?”
At the end of the sentence, his voice trembled slightly and he grabbed Jia Heng's hand.
Beauty has always wanted to have Jia Heng's child. After all, she is considered a half-advanced mother. Now her dream of being a mother has completely come true.
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "I can't say. In the past month or two, please pay attention to see if you have morning sickness, like to eat sour foods, etc. Maybe I am overthinking it."
When the eldest princess of Jinyang heard this, she raised her eyebrows, her beautiful face changed, and she looked at Jia Heng with her beautiful eyes suspiciously, and said, "You are such a good person, why do you suddenly ask about this?"
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said, "Maybe it's because my body bones don't seem to be very long recently, so I thought of this."
Hearing this, the eldest princess of Jinyang did not doubt that he was there. She chuckled and said, "Why don't I find a doctor and take a look."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "I guess I can't see any pulse now. Let's wait and see in half a month."
At this moment, in front of the bookshelf, Li Chanyue, who was playing chess with Princess Xianning across a chess field, was listening to the conversation between the two with her jade cheeks as red as clouds, and her heartbeat could not help but accelerate a bit.
Putting down the chess pieces, he turned to look at Princess Xianning aside, took Princess Xianning's hand, and said softly: "Cousin, what did Mr. Jia say?"
If she really has a child, will it affect her in the future?
Princess Xianning's beautiful face was calm, her clear eyes flashed, and she whispered: "It has nothing to do with you."
So what if I have children? If you have a child, you will age quickly, and even more so if you are an old woman.
Dominate Mr. every day.
Jia Heng changed the topic, looked at the eldest princess of Jinyang, and asked in a low voice: "There is news from Jinyi Mansion in the middle of the capital. The Holy Emperor has issued an order to investigate the case of losses caused by Zhen Yingjia, the president of Jinling Tirenyuan. I will take charge of the investigation of possible If we want to search the property of prisoners, I guess it is handled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
When the eldest princess of Jinyang heard this, a clear light flashed in her phoenix eyes under the willow leaves' beautiful eyebrows, and she said, "Brother, the emperor is taking action."
Beauty actually doesn’t like the Zhen family very much either.
"The imperial edict is on the way now." Jia Heng said in a low voice.
Princess Jinyang smiled, looked at the young man's face, and asked, "Why, are you feeling embarrassed?"
Jia Heng said: "There is nothing to be embarrassed about, it's just official business."
The eldest princess of Jinyang chuckled and said: "After all, the Zhen and Jia families have been family friends for so many years. Isn't there only a member of the Zhen family in your house?"
Jia Heng's heart moved slightly and he said softly: "At the beginning, I didn't even want to push him away."
While the two were talking, the sound of creaking stairs came from the attic stairs, and suddenly the voice of the nanny came: "Your Highness, the King of Chu, the Princess of Chu, and the Crown Prince are coming to visit."
Princess Jinyang raised her beautiful eyebrows and murmured: "What is King Chu doing here at this time?"
Jia Heng said softly: "You are an elder. Since I have arrived in Jinling, I should come over to say hello to you."
Meeting the sufferer at this time was somewhat embarrassing, and I didn’t know if Mopan had fooled him or not.
The eldest princess of Jinyang stood up Yingying. She was a beauty with beaded hairpins and gorgeous makeup. The tassels on her red dress swayed and fell away. She said with a smile: "I will go to see the King of Chu right now." .”
Jia Heng said: "I'll go there too."
At this moment, on the clean road paved with bluestones outside the eldest princess's mansion, a carriage with a high shaft and exquisite decorations quietly disembarked under a group of guards and the retinue of female officers and nuns.
King Chu and Princess Chu Zhen Qing got off the carriage, surrounded by female officials and nuns holding umbrellas.
Zhen Qing took her son Chen Chun by her side. The beauty had changed her clothes today. The makeup on her face was slightly brighter, and her beautiful eyes were a bit curious.
Because he was visiting the elder Princess Jinyang, he brought his son with him to show his closeness.
As the middle door opened wide, the female official who greeted the guests moved away from the threshold and welcomed the King of Chu, his wife and the Crown Prince into the mansion.
A female official supported Zhen Qing and walked forward quickly.
Zhen Qing walked up the steps with a little caution.
When she entered the flower hall, Zhen Qing couldn't help but look startled. Apart from the graceful beauty, she also saw a familiar face, it was Jia Heng.
King Chu first bowed to Princess Jinyang, then looked at Jia Heng warmly and intimately, and said, "Zi Yu is here too."
Jia Heng bowed his hands and explained: "I have something to do here to find the eldest princess. What is this, Your Majesty?"
As he said that, he quickly glanced at Zhen Qing, looked at the beauty for a moment, and quickly shifted his gaze before their eyes narrowed.
After Mopan realized she was pregnant with his child, she seemed to be a little unscrupulous?
At this time, the eldest princess of Jinyang looked pale and said with a faint smile: "I came here as soon as I came, why did I bring so many things."
At this moment, the beauty is like an aunt who has been beautiful and elegant all her life. Her eyes are as moist as water and a bit scrutinizing. Her originally graceful and beautiful face is as charming as a peony stamen.
The King of Chu had a warm smile on his face and said, "Aunt, I haven't seen my aunt for a long time."
Zhen Qing also pulled Chen Chun aside and said with a bright smile: "Chun'er, please call me grandma."
Chen Chun was a little timid when he looked at the gorgeous beauty, but under Zhen Qing's usual strict teachings, he politely said: "Chun'er has met my aunt."
"Good boy." The eldest princess of Jinyang's smile was like a flower, just like the snow on the clear sky, filling the whole room with brilliance.
While everyone was chatting, with the bead curtain clattering and the ring jingling, Li Chanyue and Princess Xianning also opened the bead curtain and entered the hall.
"Brother King Chu, Sister-in-law Wang." Princess Xianning walked a few steps quickly, a faint smile appeared on her jade face. She was a slim and beautiful girl with quiet and charming features.
The little princess on the side is a good friend who is willing to be a green leaf, and is ordinary.
King Chu looked at Princess Xianning, smiled and said hello: "Xianning, Chanyue."
The King of Chu and Princess Xianning were originally half-brothers and sisters.
"Brother Wang." Princess Xianning pulled Chen Chun, the son of King Chu, aside and said with a chuckle, "Chun'er is so tall when I see him."
Zhen Qing smiled slightly and said, "Chun'er is six years old this year."
Everyone chatted and chatted, and sat down to drink tea one after another.
Zhen Qing picked up the tea cup, put it to her lips, and took a sip. She watched King Chu talking to Jia Heng and Princess Jinyang, her eyes mostly focused on the face of the young man in the python suit who was so light-hearted.
While everyone was talking, suddenly, a nanny came in and said: "Princess, someone from the capital has come and said they are looking for you in an emergency."
Everyone was stunned when they heard this and looked up at the nanny of the Zhen family.
Zhen Qing put down the teacup, stood up, stood upside down with her willow eyebrows, and shouted: "What's the emergency? You're in a hurry."
After a while, a female official in her early twenties came in from outside, walked up to Zhen Qing and whispered something in Zhen Qing's ear.
When Zhen Qing heard this, her face changed suddenly, and her heart suddenly stirred up a storm, and she exclaimed: "Really?"
Zhen Qing also left a hidden clue in the capital. After such a long time, official documents and reports had already spread throughout the capital.
The King of Chu was peeping at the beauty of the eldest princess Jinyang. Hearing this, he asked in surprise: "What's wrong with the princess?"
Zhen Qing's face was complicated, she glanced at Jia Heng, and said in a clear voice: "There is an edict from the capital, saying... that the Zhen family is going to be investigated!"
There is no need to hide these matters. The Beijing Dibao has already published the impeachment memorial of Zhang Zhi, the right deputy of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, as well as the emperor's approval and the investigation of the Zhen family.
As soon as these words came out, Jia Heng's face was calm and expressionless. King Chu was shocked and asked anxiously: "Princess, when... did this happen?"
"Just a few days ago, there was an imperial edict in the capital." Zhen Qing looked at Jia Heng, frowned and said: "Uncle Yongning, you already know this."
If this bastard had known about it for a long time, wouldn't he have told her? She just got pregnant with this bastard's baby, no, maybe a sister.
Jia Heng looked silent and whispered: "I only received the news last night. This is the decree of the Holy Emperor in the palace. The princess and prince should know the reason. Since the Longzhi period, the three major weaving bureaus in Jiangnan have suffered huge losses. Such as the impeachment According to the memorial, the Zhen family had stolen the internal funds for their own use over the years, lived extravagantly, and spent extravagantly. The Holy Spirit thought of their old friendship, so he couldn't bear to investigate after hearing about it. However, the national laws and regulations are splendid and merciless. Now there is a clear stream of impeachment in the capital, and the whole court is hotly discussing it. , the Holy Spirit is also very embarrassed."
Subsequent news came from the capital. After the right deputy censor Zhang Zhi went south to investigate the case of the Ministry of War Arsenal's Cleaning Department, after returning to the capital, he impeached the Zhen family for six major crimes.
The Di Bao has officially published the full text, and it also has Emperor Chongping's review, criticizing the Zhen family's various illegal and transgressive actions in recent years in a stern tone.
Zhang Zhi was a clear figure in the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and he probably had the strong support of Xu Lu, the censor of Zuodu.
The Zhen family is undoubtedly a good breakthrough point in refreshing Jiangnan's officialdom.
The King of Chu suppressed the panic in his heart and asked expectantly: "Uncle Yongning, I don't know what your father means? Is there any way to change things or be accommodating?"
Jia Heng was silent for a moment, looked at the King of Chu, and said: "Your Majesty, if you want me to plead with the Holy One, you don't need to say anything. The Holy Will is lofty and the power of God is unpredictable. I received a letter from the capital earlier and asked me to properly handle this case. , I have seen the meaning of earnest warning."
When Zhen Qing heard this, her heart trembled. She looked at the young man opposite with her phoenix eyes, her eyes fixed.
A sincere warning?
Yes, he took in the fourth sister earlier. Is this his father trying to beat him?
When the King of Chu heard this, his brows also wrinkled into the character "Chuan". He couldn't speak anymore, but his heart was filled with a thick layer of haze.
This was the power of Emperor Chongping. With Jia Heng acting as the agent in this case, he accomplished multiple things with one stone.
Jia Heng said: "Since the princess and the prince heard the news in advance, they should be prepared for interrogation. In the past two days, the Jinyi Mansion Experience Department and the Internal Affairs Office will help the Zhen family conduct inspections and try to maintain the dignity of the royal family."
The Jinling Weaving Bureau's shortfall would have to be made up for by the entire family, and Zhen Yingjia would definitely go to jail.
Although starting from Zhen Qing and Zhen Xue, Zhen Yingjia is also his father-in-law.
When King Chu heard this, his expression was solemn. He turned to look at Princess Jinyang and said, "Auntie, that nephew is going back first."
After such a big thing happened, I can no longer stay.
Princess Jinyang nodded, her eyes a little cold and said, "Go."
This eldest nephew seems to have some evil intentions.
Zhen Qing also stood up, bowed to the eldest princess of Jinyang, took a deep look at Jia Heng, accompanied by a large number of nuns and female officials, held the hand of her son Chen Chun, and her expression hurriedly followed the departure of King Chu. go.
Although she had long expected that this day would come, when things came to pass, Zhen Qing was also a little panicked and found it difficult to accept.
Jia Heng watched Zhen Qing leave, picked up the tea cup and took a sip, thinking non-stop.
Princess Jinyang suddenly said softly: "You have been too close to the Zhen family recently."
When the bandits attacked earlier, it was okay to lead the Zhen family members to commit crimes and perform meritorious services. However, they had taken in the fourth young lady of the Zhen family. Although Mrs. Zhen had entrusted her, it seemed a bit arrogant.
Jia Heng put down the tea cup, sighed and said, "I know that the Zhen family daughter came to be a concubine, and she was a little too showy."
But he also had his own reasons. Let's not talk about Zhen Xi's matter. Sometimes he couldn't help Zhen Qing's persistence.
Princess Jinyang's beautiful eyes narrowed, she looked at the two people not far away, and said: "Xianning, Chanyue, you two go and rest for a while."
Princess Xianning, Li Chanyue: "???"
Driving them away again? This is too much.
After Princess Xianning and Li Chanyue left, Princess Jinyang asked with concern: "Then how are you going to check?"
Jia Heng said: "Seal up the treasury and investigate and deal with it as usual. Qiu has not committed any crimes against the female family members. It can be said that the Zhen family's current honor, disgrace, wealth and honor are all based on the superior. Now it can be regarded as a retraction."
On the other side, King Chu and Zhen Qing boarded the carriage, and his handsome face turned gloomy. He felt like he was mourning for his heir, and the sky had collapsed!
"Father, what does he mean by this?" King Chu looked troubled and said in a deep voice: "If you didn't investigate earlier, you won't investigate later, but now you have issued an imperial edict to investigate the Zhen family?"
Is this directed at him?
Looking at the confused King of Chu, Zhen Qing sighed in her heart and said in a clear voice: "Your Majesty, when the fourth uncle was defeated, the family vaguely thought of this and started planning. Only then did the old lady send the fourth uncle to the army. My sister promised it to Jia Ziyu."
When the King of Chu heard this, he looked at Zhen Qing and said in a deep voice: "Jia Ziyu, can't you plead for mercy? Also, if many properties are inspected, what will happen in the future?"
Without money, the palace cannot move forward.
Thinking of this, King Chu felt confused for a moment.
Zhen Qing sighed and said, "Let's get through this hurdle first."
Shouldn't I come over to comfort her at this time? Yes, she has been watching from the sidelines for all these years...
"Princess, those goods and industries should be transferred quickly recently." King Chu said in a low voice with a gloomy look on his face.
Zhen Qing pursed her lips and said in embarrassment: "Your Majesty, it's not that easy now that the Jinyi Palace Guards are watching."
King Chu said in a low voice: "Since Zi Yu is presiding over the case, does the princess think he can turn a blind eye or close one eye?"
Zhen Qing: "..."
"Jia Ziyu is not a fool. As I said just now, my father has warned him. In fact, it is just a beating. He still wants to do business business this time." Zhen Qing said softly.
At this moment, she didn't know why, but she couldn't think of asking that bastard to help her transfer the gold and silver and plead for mercy to eliminate the trouble?
Ah, this...
King Chu looked gloomy and said, "Why is it so sudden?"
Zhen Qing comforted and said: "Your Majesty, as long as my father and second uncle are not held accountable, as for the money, I can slowly think of ways to do it."
The King of Chu was filled with worries and whispered: "That's all we have to do now."
…
…
As time passed, the imperial envoy with the imperial edict to accuse the Zhen family approached, and newspapers from Beijing also went to the yamen offices in the southern province. The news almost spread like wildfire, reaching the streets and alleys of Jinling City in the southern country, and there was a lot of discussion.
The Zhen family is extravagant and has failed the Holy Grace. The Holy Emperor Long Yan is furious and the Zhen family is about to fall. This is because the emperor is dissatisfied with the Chu vassal...
The more and more exaggerated news spread, it was almost overwhelming, covering the entire Zhen family like a black cloud, with a sense that a storm was about to come.
Especially when it involves the King of Chu, it has a cruel and bloody atmosphere, because the shadow of Longzhi's seizure of heirs still flashes in the minds of some elderly officials in Jiangnan from time to time.
For a time, all the officials and noble families in Jinling City also focused their attention on the Zhen family, waiting to see what was going on.
Two days later, Zhenjia Manor
There were a lot of people in the flower hall with a green dragon plaque inscribed with "Xianzhengtang" in small italics.
Zhen Yingjia, who was worried about the news that the Zhen family was about to be prosecuted, was entertaining Fang Yaochun, the Nanjing Imperial College priest, in the living room, and Fang Kuang, not far away, was accompanying him.
In addition, there are Zhen Shao, the second master of the Zhen family, and Zhen Xuan, the third master of the Zhen family.
After the two parties had finished their greetings, Zhen Yingjia asked about the purpose of his visit and said, "I don't know what the in-laws are here for."
In the past few days, I have been worrying about how to deal with the imperial edict that will impeach me. I have written several memorials to apologize.
Fang Yaochun twirled his beard with his hand and said in deep thought: "Brother Zhen, that's what happened. I have discussed it with Quanzi and I feel that the marriage arrangement previously arranged by your house is not appropriate?"
When Zhen Yingjia heard this, her heart skipped a beat, and she had some bad premonitions. She calmed down, turned to look at Zhen Xuan, and asked, "Third brother, what do you think?"
Zhen Xuan frowned, his eyes lingering on Fang Yaochun's smiling face, and asked: "In-laws, what does this mean?"
Fang Yaochun said: "Quinzi had made up his mind that he would not get married until he was a Jinshi in high school. Previously, because the manor's poems and poems matched each other, he was in love for a while and did not want to commit to a lifelong relationship with the third lady of your house. Later, he signed a marriage contract."
The smile on Zhen Yingjia's elegant face gradually disappeared, and her complexion was as hard as iron. She looked closely at Fang Yaochun and said, "Does Fang Jijiu want to regret the marriage?"
In this era, regretting a marriage is indeed a slap in the face, especially for a first-class and prestigious family like the Jiangnan Zhen family.
Fang Yaochun said quickly: "Brother Zhen misunderstood."
Zhen Yingjia looked better and looked at Zhen Xuan, waiting for his words.
At this time, Fang Kuang also answered and said: "Mr. Zhen has misunderstood. It's Xiao Ke who has not achieved anything in his career. He has already had great ambitions. If he doesn't get Jinshi, he won't get married for the time being."
Nowadays, Zhen Lan is the daughter of a prison officer. If she marries him as his wife, she will definitely be the leader among the scholars in the future.
"I told you before that you will wait until you are a Jinshi in high school before consummating your marriage." Zhen Xuan said softly.
Fang Kuang hesitated for a moment and said softly: "What I mean is that something has happened to the Zhen family now. Miss Third might as well come over first and become a concubine, so as to complete this fate."
As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the hall, which was almost unbelievable.
Zhen Shao's eyes, which were originally slightly narrowed, suddenly opened, with a faint evil aura and murderous intent overflowing in them.
Damn thing!
At this moment, Zhen Xuan, who was Zhen Lan's biological father, was extremely furious. He stared at Fang Kuang and asked, "Xiannephew, do you know what you are talking about? Changing a wife into a concubine is simply... simply appalling! "
Because he was so angry, his voice was trembling a little.
(End of chapter)
