As Hong Xianglin's opportunities for contact with the outside world gradually increase, Hong Xianglin cannot help but hate Su Jin's identity.
Previously, in the Huai'an Marquis' Mansion, hierarchy was not very obvious. The first generation of Huai'an Marquis was born as a concubine, and although the following generations inherited the title through legitimate sons, the concubines were not particularly suppressed or mistreated.
In Hong Peiju's generation, there is not much difference between Hong Peiju and Hong Qiuren and the other three brothers.
Except for some occasions where the legitimate son must be present, at other times, Hong Xianglin and Hong Qiren would come in and out together.
Moreover, Hong Qiuren can be called a "brother, friend and brother" on the outside, whether it is from his heart or in front of others.
In terms of food and clothing, Hong Xianglin never felt that there was much difference between himself and Hong Qiren.
At the same time, although his aunt was called "concubine", he also knew that there was a difference between concubine and mistress, but to Hong Xianglin, he felt that it was just a title.
In particular, Su Jin is more favored than the "noble concubine" Gui Niang, and is much more prestigious than Gui Yi Niang in the Hou Mansion, and sometimes even more popular than Madam Yang.
In Hong Xianglin's opinion, this title is not worth mentioning, and he does not really understand the huge difference between superiority and inferiority and concubine.
It’s like, whether it’s wontons, hand-cooked or wontons, there’s no difference.
But as he gets older, Hong Xianglin spends more time socializing outside. When he interacted with some noble men in the capital, he discovered that many families were different from his own.
The gap between the legitimate son and the concubine, the legitimate daughter and the concubine, has become like a natural chasm.
And the gap between the princes of the county, the prince of the country, the first- and second-grade princes who play an important role in the court, and the marginalized princes of the princes and uncles is that no matter how he kneels and licks others, there is a gap. , but people wouldn't even look at him.
However, Su Jin had previously told Hong Xianglin that as long as he was willing to show off his face, as long as he was thick-skinned enough, and as long as he did any disgusting things, then he could win him regardless of whether he was a legitimate son or a bastard.
Su Jin also taught Hong Xianglin, for example, if a noble son wants to go to a prostitute, but the elders in the family do not allow it, you will help him "complete the lie": say that you will accompany him to study or meet friends.
For another example, if your noble master wants to rob a commoner's daughter, you can help testify that the young master and the commoner's daughter have been in love with each other for a long time. In this way, the woman's reputation is completely lost, and she has to obey even if she doesn't want to!
For another example, if your young master falls in love with something belonging to a commoner's house, you can just snatch it away. When you get to the government, you will say that the common people have robbed your precious son.
At that time, if the adults who judge the case enforce the law impartially, it will be nothing more than returning the property to its original owner.
If the judge of the case also wants to take the opportunity to curry favor with the powerful, he will naturally go along with the situation. In the end, you have done a great job!
Therefore, Hong Xianglin, in the spirit of "as long as I am shameless, you will always give me some face", desperately squeezed into the circle of noble gentlemen.
In his heart, Hong Xianglin was very envious of those high-ranking young men. When he saw their noble demeanor, he was extremely envious in his heart, but he was dismissive of those bastards.
Because Su Jin told him that if he wants to make friends, he should make friends with his legitimate sons and not his concubines.
A bastard from any family is useless.
Of course, except for their Huai'an Marquis Mansion.
So Hong Xianglin tried his best to get into the circle of his legitimate son.
But Hong Xianglin later discovered that no matter how much he tried to please him, no matter how willing he was to be a cow, a horse, a pig, or a dog, people simply ignored him.
In fact, Hong Qiuren had to be cautious in front of them, even if he was a lowly person, he would only get a "follower" position.
Only then did Hong Xianglin know that outside the Huai'an Marquis Mansion, there were stairs that went straight into the sky. These people were above the clouds, but he seemed to be only qualified to step on the stairs.
On that day, Yi Liugong, the Duke of Yiguo, held a banquet at home. Although Yi Liugong was a concubine, he was handsome and talented. He was the second-class Jinshi in high school. He was engaged to Miss Zheng Erwu, the cousin of Prince Rongan. There was no official position at that time, but no one could deny that Master Yi Liu was a talented and promising person in a noble family.
Duke Yiguo also wanted to show off through Young Master Yi Liu's high school, so he celebrated Young Master Yi Liu in his mansion.
That day, Hong Xianglin flattered and pushed his way to the front to pour wine for Prince Ning Guo. Unexpectedly, Prince Ning was depressed and he also fell in love with Miss Zheng Wu, the cousin of Prince Rongan.
However, Miss Zheng Wu's father was a Sima of the fifth rank. The Ningguo family could only accept Miss Zheng Wu as their concubine. Father Zheng flatly refused, saying,
"My family has a humble background and I don't dare to climb high. Although my daughter is mediocre in appearance, she will never be a concubine!"
Prince Ning saw everyone praising Mr. Yi Liu, and his heart was filled with anger. At this moment, Hong Xianglin came up to offer a toast, and just poked Prince Ning's lungs. Prince Ning arrogantly threw the drink in Hong Xianglin's face without thinking, and rushed According to Yi Lan, the prince of Yiguo,
"I see there is really no one in your Duke's palace! A concubine who has given birth to a son can be so flamboyant, but a concubine who has given birth to a son can be so flamboyant here! How ridiculous!"
The concubine gave birth to a son, the maid gave birth to a son!
After hearing this, everyone looked at Hong Xianglin who looked embarrassed. They were stunned for a moment at first, but then they understood and looked at Hong Xianglin with eyes full of contempt.
At this moment, Hong Xianglin remembered that his biological aunt Su Jin was promoted from a maid to his aunt.
Upon closer inspection, not only is it different from Aunt Gui, but the concubines hired by Aunt Sun, who comes from a small family, are also different.
At that time, Hong Xianglin was ignorant of the concept of concubine, and knew that there was a huge difference between the concubine!
But when Hong Xianglin told Su Jin about these confusions, Su Jin complained about him. He didn't know how to watch people's faces, and he didn't know how to act based on other people's faces. He didn't see people being unhappy so he stepped forward to provoke them, and he didn't make people like him. , completely incompetent by Hong Xianglin.
In short, it’s all Hong Xianglin’s fault!
However, Hong Xianglin had never offended Prince Ning at all, so why was he wrong?
After a long time, Hong Xianglin understood that in the eyes of Prince Ning, he was no different from a boy who beat and scolded at will, or a clown who jumped up and down.
Su Jin felt distressed when she saw Hong Xianglin distressed. She remembered that the reason why she had been favored by Hong Peiju for many years was actually that a very important reason was that she could help Hong Peiju do some shameful things.
So, she taught Hong Xianglin earnestly,
"Just knowing that sifting tea and pouring water is useless. There are many servants and maids who can do it. What status do we have? Let alone the work of pouring wine and tea, even if we can do it, there is no need to lower ourselves. You must be able to help These noble people do things that others cannot or dare not do. Only in this way can you become an indispensable person around the noble people! Only then can you become their confidant! Only then can you follow the noble people and rise to great heights!"
Hong Xianglin kept Su Jin's words in mind and was always waiting for opportunities to act.
Not to mention, he really waited for this opportunity!
At another gathering of dignitaries in the capital, I met Mr. Fu, the eldest son of Uncle Fuchun.
At that time, Mr. Fu fell in love with Miss Ning Wu, the concubine of Mr. Ning Guo.
Although Miss Ning Wu is a concubine, she has a beautiful appearance and dignified manners. She has been raised by Mrs. Ning Guo since she was a child, so she is very famous.
And because Ning Guogong has a distinguished status, Ning Guogong's sister is the sister-in-law of Concubine Han De. Miss Ning Wu was deeply loved by Concubine Han De, and she was specially given jewelry for her head and face, doubling her worth in an instant.
Therefore, even if Miss Ning Wu is a concubine, she is not something they, the concubines of the Marquis family, or even the heir apparent, can like.
What's more, Concubine Han De had already decided to betroth her to her cousin's son. He was a Jinshi and was now a fifth-rank court official.
However, Mr. Fu really didn't want to give up, so he came up with a sinister trick. He discussed with Hong Xianglin and had people lead Miss Ning Wu and his servant to a secluded place by the lake.
Then, Hong Xianglin tried to find a way to drag Miss Ning Wu's maid away. It would be best if she could be deceived, but if she couldn't be deceived, she would be tough. In short, no one saw her.
Then, after Hong Xianglin succeeded, Mr. Fu stepped forward and pretended to accidentally fall. He threw Miss Ning Wu to the ground, and then rolled Miss Ning Wu together, which could damage Miss Ning Wu's reputation.
In this way, Miss Ning Wu will definitely be rejected by her fiancé's family, and she will be contacted by the marriage contract.
And if Uncle Fuchun's Mansion can reveal to the media that he is marrying Miss Ning Wu, it will be regarded as giving face to Mr. Ning Guo.
Maybe Ning Guogong was dissatisfied with the fact that the concubine's reputation was not preserved, so he abandoned the concubine.
Then it is not impossible to casually become the concubine of the eldest son Fu.
Mr. Fu assured Hong Xianglin that
"Brother Xiang Lin, if you help me win the beauty, I will help you fight for the throne of the heir apparent!"
Hong Xianglin was lying when he said he wasn't moved, but he was also a little suspicious.
"What ability do you have to help me fight for the throne?"
Mr. Fu slapped his chest loudly and said,
"This is not simple. If you pay for your brother, I will injure or maim your brother-in-law. If it doesn't work, I will kill him. Wouldn't you become the heir apparent?"
Hong Xianglin was still a little unsure and hesitated,
"If someone loses his life, I'm afraid he can't be kind."
After all, Hong Qiren was also the eldest son of the Marquis of Huai'an, and his maternal grandfather's family was also from a high family.
Mr. Fu smiled slyly and whispered a few words into Hong Xianglin's ear.
Hong Xianglin was extremely shocked when he heard this, with a look of confusion and joy on his face, and said,
"really?"
Mr. Fu nodded firmly.
Hong Xianglin thought for a moment and finally made up his mind to do it!
Little did Hong Xianglin know that his decision would unexpectedly send his most hated brother to the pinnacle of life!
