Even though Mr. Zheng is already in his forties, he is now wearing a purple robe and ranking in the third rank. However, when facing the cold-faced and serious old patriarch, he does not dare to express his anger.
Jia Jing took over Ning Rongjia's family when it was in the most critical situation. He relied on his extraordinary wisdom, even at the expense of his own future, to gain a buffer period for the family for several years.
On this point alone, no one in the entire Jia family was dissatisfied.
Even the old lady with the highest status and seniority has to seek Jia Jing's opinion on major matters, otherwise she will not be able to make the decision at all.
When night fell, Jia Cong secretly took a roast chicken and two or three steamed buns to the ancestral hall. Master Zheng and Baoyu were already so hungry that their chests pressed against their backs.
"Brother Bao, can you still bear it? This is the medicine I asked for from the Imperial Hospital..."
Jia Cong took out another small porcelain vase, thought for a moment and handed it to Mr. Zheng who was kneeling on the futon.
"Second uncle, I came here secretly and will stay here soon. I will remember to give Brother Bao some medicine later."
Fortunately, it was late spring and the temperature was already on the hot side. Otherwise, Baoyu's "delicate and frail" body would have been seriously injured if he had spent one night kneeling in the ancestral hall.
Master Zheng took the small porcelain bottle blankly and nodded subconsciously.
But even in the coldest winter, I still have to punish Baoyu to kneel down. His second memorial is really too outrageous.
The emperor was able to return it to the Jia family and let the Jia family punish it on their own, which was considered an extrajudicial favor and an indirect way of protecting the jade.
The father and son ate the food secretly sent by Jia Cong in silence. Jia Zheng tenderly applied medicine to his son for the first time, which was definitely an unprecedented move.
You must know that the Supreme Emperor once said this about Jia Zheng - he was upright, humble and kind, with good character and a clean reputation. Respecting the virtuous and corporal, helping the weak and helping those in need, is very ancestral, but it is lost in pedantry.
When the feudal father applied medicine to Baoyu's butt, his technique was very unfamiliar.
Occasionally, if Baoyu was hurt, a wailing sound would come from the ancestral hall, making Jia Cong in the courtyard unable to stop laughing.
Why suppress a smile? Because he didn't dare.
As soon as he sneaked out, he was caught by Master Jing.
Master Jing gently patted Jia Cong on the head: "Okay, let's go."
"Huh? Uncle, won't you punish me?"
Jia Cong was already prepared to be punished, but he saw a smile on the corner of Mr. Jing's mouth and said softly: "When your father was punished to kneel down in the ancestral hall, I also gave him a meal. You have the filial piety and brotherhood, and I am very happy. It’s too late, why should I punish you?”
Hey~
"I was just thinking that my second uncle and my second brother Bao hadn't finished their meal. If I spent the whole night on my knees hungry, then I wouldn't be sick from hunger..."
Mr. Jing took Jia Cong as if for a walk, all the way to the side entrance of Ningguo Mansion.
When Jia Cong left, Youyou said: "Your Majesty asked me to make the punishment jade for others to see. He opened the cover of the punishment silver. If you don't suffer some hardships, some people will feel uncomfortable. If you get the benefits, You have to guard against other people's schemes, you have been watched a lot lately, be careful of someone taking action against Baoyu."
"Uncle, don't worry. My nephew has already given the order. As long as Baoyu goes out, there will be secret guards following him quietly."
There was a sneer on Jia Cong's lips: "My nephew is also waiting for someone to take the bait. Let's see who can resist it first."
…
Baoyu's reputation as a remonstrator who was not afraid of power and petitioned for the people's righteousness became more and more famous. The study room was almost filled with invitations to Rongguo Mansion.
However, in accordance with Master Jing's instructions, the two houses politely refused visits to Baoyu except those who were close to him.
As usual, Jia Cong took turns handling the official affairs at hand in the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Rites, and the Ministry of Household Affairs, and did not participate in Zhang Zhengju's affairs. It seemed that he had nothing to do with the vigorous legal reform.
But anyone who knows the inside story of this matter knows that when the new law is officially promulgated and implemented, Jia Cong's contribution will definitely not be less than that of the person who presided over it, Zhang Zhengju.
As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, the court has a three-day holiday as usual.
Jia Cong's habit of lying in bed relapsed, and he lay on the bed twisting and turning until the maid knocked on the door hurriedly, saying that Qingwen from Baoyu Courtyard had something urgent to come to see, and then he reluctantly crawled out of bed. stand up.
After putting on her clothes, Qingwen, who was a little frightened, made a Wanfu salute to him, stood aside and wanted to speak, but looked at the auspicious and wishful people in the room with some scruples.
"Okay, you two go get some warm water for me to wash up with."
Jia Cong waved his hand to the two maids to go down, and then asked Qingwen why she suddenly came to him.
"Brother Bao, what do you need my help with?"
"Ah? It's not Mr. Bao, it's..."
Qingwen looked at the door warily again, and saw that only Jia Shiyi was guarding outside, so she explained in a low voice: "Third Master, this is Xiren. Xiren asked your slave to come over. I want to invite you to come. She has If there is an urgent matter, please report it to Third Master."
Um?
"Xi Ren? Why doesn't she come by herself?"
Who does she think she is when she is so confident?
Jia Cong's first reaction after hearing this was that this attacker was too ignorant. Could it be that her attitude was a little gentler last time and that she didn't understand the importance of superiority and inferiority?
Seeing that Jia Cong's tone turned cold, Qingwen's heart tightened.
Third Master treats others fairly, but he also attaches great importance to rules...
"No, Third Master. Xiren is seriously ill and can't get up. That's why she asked my slave to come to you. She said that this matter is related to Second Master Bao's reputation, and she only believes in Third Master."
Strange!
"You wait until I finish washing up before I go over."
Jia Cong thought of the encounter with Xiren that day, and thought to himself that it was strange that Xiren was focused on Baoyu, and would even think of dragging him here to find him when something happened.
After briefly washing up, Jia Cong took two large meat buns stuffed with cabbage and walked towards Baoyu's courtyard while eating them.
"Hmm~ By the way, isn't Brother Bao here?"
Qingwen's mood had stabilized a little at this moment, and she replied respectfully: "Back to Third Master, Mrs. Xue sent someone to invite the old lady to the banquet early this morning, saying that she wanted to ask about Miss Bao's wedding. My wife then took Second Master Bao, Second Miss, and Miss Lin over with them."
Jia Cong then remembered that the old lady had indeed mentioned this matter during dinner the day before yesterday.
However, he was busy with several master craftsmen from the Ministry of Industry until the second half of the day yesterday, so he had no intention of going there.
Regarding Baochai's wedding, he couldn't help much even if he went there.
On the other hand, Baoyu, his direct cousin, ran over happily even though his butt was injured.
Hey, Mr. Bao’s temperament is really hard to evaluate. He’s so enthusiastic~
…
Xiren is the most favored person around Baoyu. This is not something she gained by serving him with sex, but because she understands Baoyu's thoughts best and can be said to be considerate in all aspects of her service to Baoyu.
Even Jia Cong had to admit that if Baoyu left Xiren, he would probably be unaccustomed to eating and dressing.
However, not only did Xiren no longer have the softness and beauty of the past, but her face was thin and pale. When Jia Cong saw her, he was shocked by her huge change.
The doors and windows in the house were closed, and there was a strong smell of medicine. The attacker on the bed heard the movement in the room, and then he opened his eyes with great effort. The anxiety in his eyes was instantly relieved after seeing Jia Cong.
She wanted to stand up and salute, but Jia Cong stopped her with a flick of his hand.
Jia Cong frowned and asked, "What's going on? When I saw you a few days ago, you were fine. Could it be that the doctor's medicine didn't work?"
"Third Master, slave...I'm afraid I'm dying. But there is something I must tell Third Master. Someone is going to do harm to Baoyu...Second Master!"
Xiren's tears couldn't stop flowing down as he spoke. Qingwen on the side looked out and saw that Jia Shiyi had already guarded the door of the small courtyard. Then she walked to the window, helped Xiren lean on the pillow, and took out the Use a handkerchief to wipe away his tears.
Although there was a conflict a few years ago, Jia Cong is not a hard-hearted person.
After all, Xiren is a member of the family, and there is no way he would die without saving his life.
"What disease is so dangerous? Don't cry yet. If you are sick, seek medical advice. I will send someone to call a doctor..."
But Xiren shook his head and refused: "No... thank you Third Master for your kindness. This slave is not sick, but... she has had a miscarriage!"
"What? Miscarriage?"
Jia Cong looked at the attacker with a hint of coldness again. Things like the mistress climbing into bed before the mistress entered the house would have a great impact on the reputation.
Bao Yufang has built a good reputation. If such a romantic incident is reported at this time, it will definitely have an impact on his reputation, and it will have a huge impact.
However, he still asked: "Did Brother Bao force...ask you, or did you want to be Brother Bao's aunt and plotted against him?"
Jia Cong is really not sure who is right. Baoyu is good at everything except for women...
Xiren bit his lip tightly and did not respond for a long time.
On the contrary, Qingwen plucked up the courage and replied angrily: "Third Master, this matter was neither requested by Second Master Bao nor crawling on someone's bed. It was caused by someone drugging her. By the time the slave discovered something was wrong that day, it had already... already …”
Bang~
Jia Cong slammed the table and said angrily: "Why don't you report it? Even if you don't tell me, you should report it to the old lady. How can it be delayed until today! Also, who knows about this matter?"
Xiren's face became even more bitter, and he replied with tears in his eyes: "That night, the slave and the Second Master Bao were also confused. Afterwards, the Second Master Bao originally wanted to tell the old lady, but he was afraid that the old lady would punish the slave. He was thinking about... thinking about the future of the slave. After all, I wanted to serve on my side, so I ordered my slave and Qingwen to hide it. Only my slave and Qingwen know about this..."
"Ridiculous! Someone has drugged you, and you still want to hide it!"
At this time, Jia Cong was really angry. It was just that Baoyu was ignorant. In the past, Xiren and Qingwen seemed to be smart people, so how could they be so stupid?
If you can take the medicine once, you can take it the second time.
This time it was spring and medicine, next time it will be poison!
"Tell me the whole story...forget it, Uncle Eleven, with my order, go to Tai Hospital to ask Mr. Yu to come over. Remember to come in secret and don't attract anyone's attention."
Jia Cong shouted outside, and then asked about the whole incident.
When Yu Chenglang came secretly, he checked Xiren's pulse and confirmed that she had miscarriage. He also said that her body was severely deficient, and if she was delayed for another half day, it would be impossible for the gods to save her.
Jia Cong watched Mr. Yu prescribing medicine for Xi Ren and asked him to keep the matter secret.
By the time Yu Chenglang was secretly sent back by Jia Shiyi, Xiren had already fallen asleep.
However, Jia Cong has figured out the whole story. Just as Qingwen said, Xiren and Baoyu made a big mistake because they were plotted against them.
Baoyu is a big-hearted master, and when he saw that there was no movement later, he stopped worrying about it. But Xiren is a smart man and understands that behind this matter, there is a pair of black hands calculating everything.
Although she did not report the matter to the old lady in order to continue to stay with Baoyu, she did investigate it secretly.
Not to mention, after Xiren's investigation, he actually found a clue.
The medicine was put into the apricot flower wine that Baoyu brought back from outside. The jar of wine was a gift from Wei Shanngle, another member of the Information Department of the Ministry of Rites.
Xiren asked her brother Hua Zifang to keep an eye on Wei Shanngle for more than a month. There is nothing wrong with Wei Shanngle, but there is something wrong with the source of the apricot flower wine.
This apricot flower wine was a gift from Tian Feng, a student of the Imperial College. Although Tian Feng was new to the capital, he had an unusual relationship with Jia Hua, the prime minister of Shuntian Prefecture.
On the surface, Tian Feng did not have much contact with Jia Hua, but he once secretly met with Jia Hua at the Xiangguo Temple outside the city on a holiday.
As for what the two said during the secret meeting, Hua Zifang had no way to eavesdrop. However, according to Hua Zifang, this Tian Feng seemed to have a close relationship with Jia Hua. The two seemed to be uncles, nephews and elders, and Jia Hua was extremely devoted to him. take care of.
"Tian Feng? Jia Hua?"
Jia Cong had an immature guess in his mind, but he was not sure yet.
"Qingwen..."
"My slave is here."
"Take good care of Xiren. You don't need to worry about this anymore. Let her recover well. Since you have made up your mind to serve Brother Bao for the rest of your life, don't think too much."
…
There are a lot of warblers and swallows in Baoyu Courtyard, and the only two who can do the job are Xiren and Qingwen.
I originally heard that the relationship between the two was not good, but I didn't expect that Xiren would entrust Qingwen to Qingwen when he encountered difficulties. This made Jia Cong take a high look at Xiren and Qingwen.
"Little Third Master, my subordinates have already ordered us to secretly screen the house again."
Jia Cong hummed, looked back at the gate of Baoyu Courtyard again, and sighed.
"What nonsense is this!"
He cursed in a low voice, then turned around and ordered: "Uncle Eleven, go out personally and let Hua Zifang swallow this matter in her stomach, and don't tell anyone about it. Then send the elite over and give it to me Target Jia Hua and Tian Feng."
"Why not just arrest them?"
"It's not that we won't arrest him, but we don't have any evidence right now. Everything is just speculation. Besides, Brother Bao's reputation is important. Let's keep an eye on him for now. I'll think of something... and then we'll calculate the general ledger."
…
Jia Cong hid the fact that Baoyu was drugged and plotted against him, but he did not hide it from the old man and his second brother Jia Lian.
After the Pardon Master finished listening to Jia Cong's story, he immediately became furious.
He attaches great importance to family inheritance, especially the brothers in several houses. When they suddenly heard that Baoyu had been drugged, they almost broke the table.
However, he quickly calmed down and snorted coldly: "Since Jia Hua is suspected, don't hesitate. Find an excuse to take him down, and kill him at once. Don't give him a chance to speak."
"Father, don't worry. Apart from Jia Hua and that Tian Feng, we don't know if anyone else is behind this, and what their intentions are. Everything is still a mystery."
Jia Lian persuaded Master Pardon and analyzed: "Now, in order to preserve Baoyu's reputation, Xiren sacrificed his life to abort the fetus in his belly, so that the person behind it failed. I think if the person behind it doesn't wait until our family is in trouble, If there is any movement, there will definitely be other moves. So, we might as well stop with silence and wait for the person behind us to show his fox tail!"
Monthly ticket recommendation ticket
I’ll stop updating here tonight and continue tomorrow. Good night!
(End of chapter)
