In the divine capital city, the second prince's residence.
The second prince was sitting on a chair, his face was frighteningly dark.
The maids in the room were all very cautious and trembling, not daring to show their anger for fear of being spotted by the master.
Several of his counselors and subordinates looked at each other, not knowing how to persuade him.
At this time, the second prince had not yet calmed down his anger, and had nowhere to vent his resentment.
If you speak rashly, you will probably get hit with the gun, and the gain will outweigh the loss. No one is willing to take advantage of the situation.
Qu Yingzhe sighed secretly, this master was becoming more and more worrying.
I was just called to the palace by Dai Quan, and I guess I was scolded by His Majesty again. When I came back, I had a dark face.
If the prediction is correct, it should be because of meddling in Jia Cong's affairs.
They already knew what happened in the court.
Those who wanted to deal with Jia Cong turned out to be spies sent by the barbarians, and they had all been dealt with by Jia Cong.
Those who took the lead in impeaching Jia Cong were also sent to prison by Jia Cong's clean counterattack.
It would be strange for His Highness to insist on participating in this and not get scolded.
This Ning Guogong is really powerful. In just a few days, he followed the clues and found the people behind the scenes. He caught them all and understood the matter.
Such efficiency and ability are really admirable.
If there is such a person to help His Highness, why worry about big things happening? It's a pity that by mistake, the two have become strangers and hate each other. This is no longer possible.
Seeing that the second prince's expression had softened, he held his hands and said, "Your Highness, please calm down. There are still many big things waiting for you to deal with, so don't make yourself so angry."
The second prince took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Qu, I understand, but Jia Cong, the bastard, was too insidious. He handed over my confession about me to his father and implicated me in it. However, he didn't do anything again later. Mention me.
My father guessed that it was me, but he didn't say anything. He also felt that he deliberately concealed it for his father's sake and not to embarrass his father, saying that Jia Cong was a loyal and filial man.
He said that it was wrong for me to trouble him frequently for such trivial matters, and he scolded me severely. Mr. Qu, tell me, how is this Jia Cong a loyal and filial person? He is clearly a sinister and despicable villain. "
Qu Yingzhe nodded. This Ning Guogong was really thoughtful and meticulous in his work. Even His Majesty favored him.
"Your Highness, Mr. Ning Guogong is very secretive in his actions. Although his behavior was intended to mislead Your Majesty, he did not target our people, so he was showing mercy.
And in front of His Majesty, he concealed it for His Highness, indicating that he did not want to confront His Highness. His Highness might as well take a step back, so that the two sides would not be in conflict with each other in the future, and he would not stand directly on the opposite side of His Highness.
At present, we should focus on major matters. At this critical moment, it is really difficult to create extraneous problems. Jia Cong is too destructive and difficult to make an enemy. If we push him to the side of other princes, it will not be worth the loss. "
The second prince frowned when he heard this.
What Mr. Qu said does make sense. Putting aside the hatred between the two, Jia Cong is indeed very capable.
It's just that the two have become enemies and can no longer be used by themselves.
This guy's existence is not a good thing for him, and is probably his biggest stumbling block.
Although this guy seemed to be willing to let himself go and hide everything for himself, in fact he was extremely cunning, fanning himself secretly and deliberately letting his father guess that it was what I did.
His father still regarded him as a good person and said he was a loyal and filial man. How ridiculous this is.
This scheme is so vicious.
On the surface, they look harmonious, but behind their backs they are stumbling and killing each other. How does this look like reconciliation? It was clearly a deliberate provocation.
After this, you still don’t know how to fight against yourself?
What Mr. Qu meant was to put the overall situation first, put aside his grudge with Jia Cong first, and then turn around to deal with him after he successfully ascended the throne.
But Jia Cong is not a fool. Will he wait for death obediently?
The answer is no.
From what I know about him, I know that this man is determined to retaliate, is decisive and ruthless in his actions, and has no taboos against the royal family at all.
He and King Zhongshun's men were all taken care of by him. From this, we can see Jia Cong's attitude.
However, for the time being, I have nothing to do with Jia Cong, so I will deal with him first as Mr. Qu said, just as a show to my father. When I find a good opportunity, I will take action to deal with him.
I heard that there is still a group of barbarian spies that have not been found. Do you want to take action on these people?
The second prince had a ulterior motive in his mind, but he said, "Thank you, Mr. Qu, for reminding me. I know what to do. By the way, I asked you to inquire about Lin Ruhai. How is the inquiry going?"
One of the subordinates said: "Your Highness, Lin Ruhai has been recuperating at home since returning to Beijing. I heard that she is almost recovering recently. She only has one daughter at her knees, several concubines to serve her, and no other relatives.
Some time ago, I heard that Ning Guogong went to the Lin family every day, probably because he had fallen in love with his daughter. The girl had been fostered in the Jia family, and the two of them should be very familiar with each other. "
The second prince's expression changed and he asked, "What does the girl from the Lin family look like? Has anyone seen her before? What is their relationship now? Send someone to find out more about her and report back to me as soon as possible."
"Yes, Your Highness, I will take care of it now."
Qu Yingzhe looked at the second prince with a somewhat disappointed look.
Jia Cong had clearly promised well just now, but in the blink of an eye, he was thinking wrong again. If he really messed up on this matter, Jia Cong would probably go crazy.
Although Jia Cong did not dare to do anything to the second prince, he had no scruples about others.
It's really not a wise move to provoke Jia Cong again. Unless he can be killed directly, it's better to live in peace.
"Your Highness, since he is the one favored by Ning Guogong, we shouldn't provoke him. Otherwise, if he pisses off Jia Cong, something will really happen. A young man won't have any scruples about being angry at a beauty. There are many such examples.
Your Highness is a man of gold and jade, with a great ambition in his heart. He will be the master of the world in the future. Why not bear the anger of a moment and achieve a lasting legacy? I think back then, King Gou Jian of Yue was defeated in battle. He endured humiliation and heavy burdens before becoming the overlord of his country. Why don't Your Highness follow his example? "
The second prince smiled and said: "Don't worry, Mr. Qu. I just want to inquire. I don't want to do anything. I just want to know something. My father just reprimanded me, and I don't want to cause trouble at this juncture."
When Qu Yingzhe saw the second prince saying this, he stopped saying anything. Any more words would be annoying.
However, looking at the expression on this master's face, it was obvious that he was planning something evil. He sighed secretly in his heart, hoping that nothing would happen.
······
When Jia Cong came back from Zhuangzi outside the city, it was getting late.
I originally thought about going to see Lin Daiyu, but I gave up the idea after looking at the sky.
During this period of time, in order to avoid inconvenience to Lin Daiyu, I never went to find her, nor did I go to Miaoyu's place.
It's not that Jia Cong is too careful, but that he is not afraid of ten thousand, but just in case.
If you accidentally make a mistake and make a mistake, it will be too late to regret it. It is better to be more cautious.
During this period of time, the whereabouts of those people have not been found, which made Jia Cong feel a little uneasy and he could only be more careful.
If you don’t want to go to the Lin Mansion, then go to the Xue Family.
The soap will be on the market tomorrow. Let them know in advance and stop by to see Xue Baochai.
When I arrived at Rongguo Mansion, I first walked around the construction site of the Provincial Courtyard, talked to Jia Lian for a few words, and then came to Lixiang Courtyard.
This time it was a coincidence. Xue Pan went out to fool around and had not come back. Aunt Xue went to talk to her sister, Mrs. Wang, and was not at home. Only Xue Baochai was at home.
Ying'er brought tea and went to sit at the door.
This girl is really clever. She knows how to empty the house for the two of them, and also knows how to look at people outside the door, making it look like the two of them are having an affair.
Jia Cong smiled and said, "Ying'er is really sensible, and Sister Bao is really good at coaching people."
Xue Baochai smiled and said: "Brother Cong, why are you here at this time? Have you just left the office?"
Jia Cong said: "That's right. I don't have a serious office. Whenever I come back, I go to the office. I went to Zhuangzi outside the city and just came back. I thought about it for several days. I see you, come and see you.”
Xue Baochai said: "During this period, the rumors about you have been spreading outside, so they have no impact on you, right?"
Jia Cong said: "This matter is over, and the people behind the scenes have been caught by me. It doesn't have much impact on me. However, these rumors cannot be stopped for a while, and everyone needs to slowly forget them."
Xue Baochai said: "As long as it doesn't affect you, have you been busy with this matter during this time? The third sister and the others said they haven't seen you for several days."
Jia Cong smiled and said: "I'm a little busy these days. I didn't even go to the old lady's place. I'll go see them another day. I came here this time to tell you that the soap I made is going to be on the market tomorrow. I will stay in the capital from now on. I’m ready to get down to business.”
Xue Baochai smiled and said: "Such a useful thing should have been on the market a long time ago, but you have been holding it back and refusing to sell it. I don't know what you think, and you are not making any money."
Jia Cong said: "I'm not at home, aren't I afraid that someone will cause trouble? There is something really bad, and no one can take care of it. Now I am in charge of the public security, merchants, etc. in the capital. The conditions are more convenient, and it is not too late to go public now.
In addition, this summer, I am also planning to sell ice cubes, as well as popsicles, ice cream and other frozen snacks. If you have time, please help me to find out what other unexpected places there are. In the future, these will be provided by You manage it. "
Xue Baochai rolled her eyes at him and said: "You haven't even scratched your head yet, but you are thinking far ahead. You are preparing to do something big this year. Aren't you going to prepare ice cubes in winter? Are you ready?"
Jia Cong smiled and said: "Well, everything is ready. There is a lot of preparation. The ice cubes in three large ice cellars should be almost enough to sell."
Xue Baochai said: "Brother Cong, the ice cubes are hugely profitable, and the soap will definitely sell well. You are destined to make a fortune this year. Have you spent all the money you earned?"
Jia Cong said: "Isn't it necessary to marry more wives? I have to prepare a family property for you, right? I want you to follow me, eat well, drink spicy food, enjoy glory and wealth, and have no shortage of money throughout your life."
Xue Baochai rolled her eyes at him and said, "Don't take me for granted. Our affairs haven't been settled yet, and my mother hasn't agreed yet. The one-year deadline is coming soon, have you thought of a solution?
If my mother betroths me to someone else, it will be too late by then. My aunt has mentioned it to my mother several times. She wants to bring Baoyu and me together, but my mother prevaricates her. If you can't do anything anymore, My mother will probably agree to it. "
It’s not surprising that Mrs. Wang has this idea.
In the original work, the two sisters created a golden match that brought Jia Baoyu and Xue Baochai together.
His appearance changed everything.
Mrs. Wang has lost her housekeeping rights. Although she still lives in Rongguo Mansion, it is because the old lady is here. What will happen next? No one knows.
In this case, Baoyu's advantage is not very big.
Apart from having a sister who is a royal concubine, she has no future.
In addition, he doesn't like the official career. If he leaves Rongguo Mansion, the future life will be really unimaginable.
Jia Cong is different. He is a young Duke, supported by the huge Ningguo Mansion, and good at business management. He is also an important member of the court and has a bright future. This comparison makes the difference.
Baoyu achieved his current transcendent status only because the old lady doted on him.
The old lady is getting older and will not live much longer. Without the old lady, Baoyu will have no backstage, and few people will take him seriously.
Although the Xue family has some money, it is a businessman's family after all, and it also needs a strong backend to support it.
Otherwise, we would not have thought about sending Xue Baochai to the palace to run for praise and talents. Isn't that just to find a backer?
At this point, the second wife, who had lost the control of the Rongguo Mansion, could no longer meet the Xue family's requirements.
But Jia Cong is different. He is truly powerful, a young man of power, he has earned his own glory, he is a handsome young man with no regrets, and he is a golden turtle son-in-law who is hard to find even with a lantern.
Jia Cong is the first choice of the Xue family, and there is no need to consider others.
Hearing what Baochai said, Jia Cong stood up and sat down next to her, which shocked Xue Baochai.
"Brother Cong, please don't act recklessly. If anyone sees you in broad daylight, my sister will be embarrassed. My mother will be back soon, so be careful of getting scolded."
Although Baochai said this, he sat there without moving.
Jia Cong took her hand and said with a smile: "Sister Bao, what are you thinking about? Am I such an impatient person?"
Xue Baochai was also a little helpless towards this shameless man.
Although it is inevitable to use hands and feet, fortunately, I still know how to measure, not to go too far, and know when to stop.
"Sit still and don't move around, otherwise my sister will be angry."
Seeing that he was so close to her and so in love with her, Baochai was secretly happy. Although this bad boy was thick-skinned and a bit glib, he was quite lovable.
Jia Cong said: "I know, I like to sit next to Sister Bao. The smell of Sister Bao is very good. She is like a fragrant beauty."
