The Red Mansion: From a Small Pawn to a Leader

Chapter 567: Begging for Food
The tall chariot slowly drove into Yongding Gate.

In the sedan chair, Li Hu picked up the thin blanket on the couch and gently covered Princess Shouchang with it, then looked at Li Ye who was sitting there in a trance.

Li Hu asked with a smile: "Why, you don't understand?"

Li Ye came back to his senses and said, "Yeah." Then, he hesitated for a moment, "Grandfather said that my father nationalized the land to ensure that the common people have their own land. The common people have land to plant, houses to live in, and can work in state-owned factories. Not only can they have enough food, but they also have spare money in their hands.
Masters Li, Shi, and Meng also said that the Tang Dynasty would become a truly unified dynasty that broke out of the three-hundred-year cycle. Why should we take the initiative to give up power? "

Li Hu shook his head slightly. As long as there is an unfilial descendant, the Tang Dynasty will go downhill and repeat the same mistakes. Therefore, the imperial power must be shackled to prevent future emperors from doing whatever they want.

In addition, the French Revolution broke out, overthrowing the monarchy, proposing the principles of "sovereignty of the people" and "equality under the law", denying the "divine right of kings", spreading the concepts of freedom and equality, and shaking the European feudal order.

This trend will sooner or later reach the Tang Dynasty, and Li Hu doesn't want his descendants to be sent to the guillotine.

In recent years, Li Hu has been thinking about finding a way out for future generations. After much deliberation, he believes that constitutional monarchy is the best option.

Constitutional monarchy, also known as a false republic, is a system that, under the premise of retaining the monarchy, establishes people's sovereignty, limits the power of the monarch, and realizes a de facto republican system through constitution.

Its biggest characteristic is that the monarch is lifelong and hereditary. Legally, the monarch's status is higher than other citizens of the country and he or she is a specific class.

Of course, Li Hu is not like the Queen of England, who only has the right to negotiate, encourage and warn.

Li Hu thought it over and stipulated in the constitution that the Tang Dynasty was a hereditary constitutional monarchy, with the emperor as the head of state, the supreme commander of the three armed forces, the president of the Royal Academy, the Royal Army College, the Royal Naval College, and the president of the Royal Bank. The executive, legislative, and judicial powers were separated and exercised independently, with checks and balances on each other.

In addition, the emperor had the power to veto legislation to prevent anyone from abolishing the emperor by amending the constitution.

Just as he was thinking about it, the fat boy gently pushed open the carriage door and stepped in sideways. A gust of wind blew in. He immediately closed the door and then subconsciously looked at the couch. Seeing that Princess Shouchang was still sleeping soundly, he breathed a sigh of relief. In the emperor's words, this little ancestor was "grumpy when waking up" and was very difficult to coax.

Walking up to Li Hu, the little fat boy whispered, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Household Department just received news that Jia Baoyu wants to become a monk."

Li Hu was stunned: "Becoming a monk? What's going on?"

"It's still because of that fake nun named Miaoyu." The little fat man told Li Hu what happened in Rongguo Mansion.

Since the train speed was increased, Li Hu often ran around and had no time or energy to care about such boring things. Only during dinner time would Lin Daiyu tell him such jokes.

The little fat man: "It was that little servant named Mingyan who gave Jia Baoyu the idea, hoping to force the Madam to give in. The news spread all over the capital, and it caused a great uproar. This is a slap in the face of the Shi family!"

Li Hu's eyes flashed. Shi Ding is now serving in the Southern Xinjiang Corps and will soon lead troops to attack the East India Company.
With a "humph", Li Hu waved his hand.

The fat boy leaned his head closer.

Li Hu whispered a few words.

As the ancient capital of five dynasties, there are innumerable temples in the capital. Although it was cleaned up during the Yongchang period, there are still dozens of registered temples in the city. However, most of them are small temples in the alleys, which barely survive by relying on the incense burning by the surrounding residents on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, as well as the meager salaries issued by the court.

The entrance of the alley was full of people watching the fun, but they were all blocked by the young servant from Rongguo Mansion. People who lived in the alley could not go back at this time.

There was a long line of carriages and sedan chairs parked in the alley.

There was a slight commotion behind the crowd, and many people looked back.

The little fat man walked towards this side, escorted by a team of guards from the Imperial Household Department.

The crowd watching from far and near immediately became excited.

Someone saw it at a glance: "It's a eunuch!"

Someone even recognized the little fat boy: "It's the internal minister! There's a big fuss! The emperor has also been alarmed!"

Without being told, the crowd of onlookers made way.

Xiao Si from Rongguo Mansion who was guarding the entrance to the alley also recognized the fat man and hurriedly stepped aside to make way.

The main gate was the mountain gate. The fat boy walked straight in. The small courtyard was filled with maids and servants from Rongguo Mansion.

Ignoring the people from Rongguo Mansion, the little fat man quickly glanced around. The temple was very small, with only three main halls and one east and west side room.

Zhou Ruijia came over and smiled: "Prime Minister."

The little fat man looked towards the main hall: "What's going on?"

Zhou Ruijia: "In reply to the Prime Minister, I am still trying to persuade him."

The little fat man looked away and looked at her: "You haven't shaved your head yet?"

Zhou Ruijia smiled awkwardly and said, "No, no."

At this time, Jia's mother's loud and angry voice came from the main hall: "You disappoint me so much! For a woman, you actually abandoned your wife and children, and ignored your relatives and family. You are so selfish! You have brought shame to the Jia family!"

As soon as Lady Jia finished speaking, Shi Xiangyun's crying was heard again.

With a "humph", the little fat man strode in.

The women from both the Ning and Rong mansions had all come, filling the rather large main hall.

Jia Yuanchun also came. At this time, she was supporting Jia's mother, who was trembling with anger. She looked at Jia Baoyu, who was kneeling in front of the Buddha statue, with deep disappointment in her eyes.

Jia Baoyu knelt there quietly, as motionless as a sculpture, and the magical jade fell in front of the Vajra Throne.

Shi Xiangyun sat on the ground, crying.

Mrs. Xing, Li Wan, Wang Xifeng, and Mrs. You, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, were constantly wiping their tears with handkerchiefs.

There was only one old monk in the temple, and he was blocked in the corner of the hall by several ferocious old women. He was so scared that his face turned pale.

The fat man looked around and found that none of the men from the Jia family came. Jia Lian had no time to play house with Jia Baoyu, Jia She was too lazy to take care of these trivial matters, and Jia Zheng was completely disappointed with Jia Baoyu and no longer wanted to take care of him. He placed his hopes on his two grandsons.

Then, he stood at the door and coughed softly: "The imperial edict has arrived!"

Jia Mu and others woke up in shock, turned around and saw the little fat man kneeling down in a panic.

Jia Baoyu was still kneeling there, as if he had lost his soul.

Li Wan and Wang Xifeng panicked: "Baoyu! Baoyu!"

The fat boy raised his hand to signal them not to speak, then walked to Jia Baoyu and asked, "Second Master, do you really want to become a monk?"

Jia Baoyu's eyes seemed to move, but he still knelt there motionless.

The little fat man looked at him, then walked to the north and stood still, saying, "The emperor has given an order! The emperor said that cultivation focuses on cultivating the mind, and studying Buddhism requires a sincere heart, so food and drink must be obtained by begging. I will reward you with a purple gold bowl, so that you can use it to beg for alms."

Then he waved his hand and said, "Bring it in."

A guard from the Imperial Household Department came in holding a tray covered with yellow silk.

The fat boy uncovered the yellow silk and a purple gold bowl appeared. Grandmother Jia and the other women in the Jia family were all stunned.

The little fat man held up the purple gold bowl with both hands and said, "Second Young Master, hold it firmly. If you drop it, it would be a crime of deceiving the emperor and a contempt for the imperial power." As he said this, he put it in Jia Baoyu's hands.

Looking at the purple gold bowl in Jia Baoyu's hand, Wang Xifeng almost couldn't help laughing out loud. This was asking Jia Baoyu to beg for food in accordance with the emperor's order!

The little fat man: "I grant the second son the name of Wen Miao, and he will concentrate on studying Buddhism from now on. The emperor said that Buddhism has a large number of devout believers in South Asia, and Buddhism can enhance communication and understanding between ethnic groups, and promote social harmony and ethnic harmony. I hope that when the second son and Master Wen Miao achieve enlightenment, they will go to South Asia to exchange Buddhism with local Buddhist masters and stabilize people's hearts for the court."

After a pause, he said, "The Emperor also said that when the Tang soldiers liberate the Indian monk, he will go to India to spread the Dharma, bring the Mahayana Dharma back to India from the Tang Dynasty, and revive Indian Buddhism. His merits are immeasurable!"

Grandmother Jia was anxious: "The Prime Minister."

The little fat man looked at Lady Jia and smiled bitterly: "Madam, the emperor is angry this time. The second young master has damaged not only the reputation of the Jia family, but also the reputation of the royal family. What will the soldiers on the front line think? The second young master relied on the two ladies in the palace to bully the family of Marquis Zhongjing.
This is like holding a mirror up to the soldiers on the front line. When the soldiers see their general's family end up like this, why would they still fight for their lives? This kind of thing is more deadly than real swords and guns!"

When Grandmother Jia heard this, she was shocked and her face turned pale.

Everyone was startled and the main hall fell silent again.

The little fat man said, "Madam, the emperor has specifically instructed that you are not allowed to secretly support Master Wen Miao, otherwise he will make Jia Ge Lao retire."

Wang Xifeng's expression suddenly changed and she glared at Jia Baoyu angrily.

Grandmother Jia nodded woodenly.

After the decree was announced, the little fat boy didn't dare to let the queen's grandmother kneel again, and hurriedly stepped forward to help Jia's mother up with both hands, whispering: "Madam, this is also a good thing. Let the second young master reflect on himself. After the storm has passed and the emperor's anger has subsided, write a memorial of confession, and this matter will be over."

Grandmother Jia's expression softened: "Thank you, Prime Minister." As she said this, she glanced at Yuanyang.

Yuanyang understood and took out a bill of exchange from her pocket. Jia's mother took the bill of exchange and said to the fat boy, "Here are five hundred silver dollars. Take this and have some tea, Minister."

"There are rules in the palace that forbid accepting money and property from officials outside the court. But you are one of our own."

The little fat man took the bill with both hands and said with a smile: "Don't worry too much. After you have experienced the hardships of life, shed sweat and tears, you will know that a life of luxury will be better. When that time comes, you can slowly train him."

Grandmother Jia forced a bitter smile and said, "It is a misfortune for our family, and it is a pity that the Prime Minister saw it and laughed at us."

The little fat man: "Originally, the second young master needed to shave his head, but it was because of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's request that the Emperor allowed the second young master to practice Buddhism with his hair uncut."

Hearing this, Jia's mother felt relieved and a smile appeared on her face. She said, "When this is over, I will bring this evil creature to the palace and kowtow to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

The little fat man nodded, then half bowed to Lady Jia: "Take care of yourself, old man."

After watching the little fat boy walk out, Grandmother Jia turned her gaze to Jia Baoyu, her eyes full of disappointment. Then she sighed deeply, turned around and walked out.

Jia Yuanchun also sighed, helped Shi Xiangyun up, and walked out of the hall.

Mrs. Xing, Li Wan, Wang Xifeng and Mrs. You followed suit and went out.

Soon, only Jia Baoyu and the old monk were left kneeling there.

".You are so bad!"

Lin Daiyu smiled and hit Li Hu, but Li Hu grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms.

Li Hu leaned on the big pillow beside the couch and said with a smile: "This kid is spoiled. He always throws tantrums and smashes jade to force others to obey him."

Lin Daiyu leaned against his chest, sighed softly, and said, "It's just a pity for Yun girl. After such a commotion, how can she attend the banquet with her old friends and relatives in the future?"

Li Hu patted her back gently and said, "A woman's family is her greatest confidence. This has always been the case. Shi Ding holds military power and has made great contributions to the Tang Dynasty. Even I have to give him some ground. No one dares to look down on Xiangyun."

At this point, he smiled and said, "Besides, we still have you. Everyone in the capital knows that you two are good sisters. Who dares not to give face to you, the Queen?"

Lin Daiyu blinked her eyes several times and asked, "What about me?"

"What?" Li Hu certainly understood what Lin Daiyu meant, but he pretended to be confused to make her say it out loud.

Lin Daiyu knew what Li Hu was thinking. She slid her hand to his waist and twisted it skillfully: "What do you think?"

Li Hu: "My waist is not in good condition. You twisted it."

Lin Daiyu laughed angrily: "It's obviously your own fault, but you still want to blame me. I won't take the blame for this!"

"Don't you know whether I can do it or not?" Li Hu replied immediately.

Lin Daiyu's face flushed: "You bastard!"

Li Hu was about to fight back when the fat man's voice came from outside the palace: "Your Majesty."

Lin Daiyu pushed Li Hu's hand away and sat up straight.

Li Hu also sat up: "Come in."

The little fat man walked in quickly and silently and reported to Li Hu: "Your Majesty, the Imperial Household Department just received news that Miaoyu accompanied Jia Baoyu to beg for alms."

Li Hu was stunned at first, then blurted out a traditional Chinese quintessence, thinking: I miscalculated, I actually created an opportunity for this pair of wild mandarin ducks!

Lin Daiyu smiled bitterly and shook her head.

The little fat man: "How about I arrange for someone to send Miaoyu out of the capital?"

Lin Daiyu wanted to say something, opened her mouth, but in the end just sighed.

Li Hu was silent for a moment: "Forget it. If this matter did not concern the morale of the army, I would not bother to care about such a trivial matter! Let them be."

Little Fatty: "Yes."

Lin Daiyu: "Tell the Imperial Household Department to keep a close eye on it and make sure nothing happens."

Little Fatty: "Yes."

At this time, the voice of the eunuch on duty came from outside the palace: "Your Majesty, Concubine Li is about to give birth."

"Oh?" Li Hu stood up immediately.

"You're going to be a father again." Lin Daiyu said a little sourly.

Li Hu looked at her and smiled, then leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Let's have another child."

Lin Daiyu just glanced at Li Hu and lowered her head.

Li Hu was happy and took her into his arms, "Go, take a look."

(End of this chapter)