The head of the Red Mansion

To be paired with Rong-ge'er?

When Grandmother Jia came to see Shen Ning, she was stunned for a long time upon hearing Jia Zhen's so-called good news.

What kind of family is worthy of their Rong-ge'er?

The eldest grandson of the eldest son, the only son.

She is beautiful, sensible, and filial. Now she is good at studying and martial arts. How can she be matched with the adopted daughter of a minor official of the fifth rank?

"Rong-ge'er is still young."

Looking at Shen Ning, the old lady carefully chose her words, "The future... is limitless! And, speaking of marriage..." She looked at her daughter, "Now quite a few families want to inquire about our Rong-ge'er, Min'er, about that Minister Wu from the Ministry of Personnel you mentioned the other day..."

"what?"

When everyone looked over, Jia Min seemed to come to her senses, saying, "Rong-ge'er's marriage depends mainly on his sister-in-law."

If the elders don't like her, how much suffering will the child endure after marriage?
"That child saved my sister-in-law twice..."

"We can't just marry Rong-ge off so easily."

How can I possibly repay the life-saving grace by offering my grandson's promise?

It sounds good to outsiders, but...

Grandmother Jia couldn't bear to see their most beloved great-grandson marry such a woman. "There are many ways to repay kindness, Zhen'er, you should also think more about the child."

"Grandma, Madam You and I have already discussed this matter with Mother."

Jia Zhen lay on the bench, still beaming with delight, "That child's literary talent is also excellent. She can recite three ancient poems and riddles in one breath without even panting. When she encountered the assassin, she didn't panic or cry out. Instead, she picked up a bamboo pole to defend herself and protect the people around her. A child like that can stay calm in the face of big events."

This is the most important thing.

Jia Zhen was originally worried that the girl wouldn't do well, and that his mother and You Shi would have to put in a lot of effort to teach her in the future.

But Ms. You actually said that the child was very good, and even found out all the poems she had guessed.

Jia Zhen didn't understand poetry very well, so he couldn't answer any of the riddles.

Now that my son has suddenly found such a daughter-in-law, I am very happy for him.

I feel that child is a good match for his child.

"...So, you're all willing?"

Grandmother Jia still wanted to try to help Rong-ge'er, so she mainly looked to Shen Ning.

She couldn't interfere much in the affairs of the East Mansion, but if Madam Shen said no, then it was absolutely no.

"Auntie, I really like that child."

Shen Ning said, "Lord Qin has never mistreated her, and her personal circumstances are enough to make up for her lack of family background. Moreover..." She paused for a moment, "Although our family is better off than before, marrying a child from such a high-ranking family is still a bit risky."

This?
Grandmother Jia sighed, "Alright then! Since you all say so, it must be a good one."

Since her family was saved, she, as their ancestor, had to show her gratitude and also take the opportunity to check on them.

"But the Prince of Jin..."

The old lady thought for a moment and said, "After this incident, our Jia family and the Prince of Jin's mansion should be able to get along peacefully, right?"

Even if the princess still harbored resentment, she couldn't openly do anything to the Jia family.

On the contrary, we should protect the Jia family at the appropriate time.

"..."

"..."

Shen Ning and Jia Zhen didn't look too good.

Although the mother and son had not discussed the matter of the Prince of Jin, they both had their own opinions on the matter.

"not necessarily!"

Shen Ning leaned against the soft pillows, thinking to herself that betting on the conscience of the royal family members was practically a pipe dream.

But she didn't dare say those words in front of so many maids and servants.

“Aunt, please forget about this! Even without the Jia family, Prince Jin’s status will still bring him help.”

Even without anyone's help, there were enough civilians present to shield him from the knife.

“Zhen’er, tell your Uncle She and the others that our Jia family should stay as far away from the people and affairs of the royal family as possible.”

"Yes!"

Jia Zhen agreed without hesitation.

"What my sister-in-law says is very true."

Jia Min's smile was particularly genuine. "It's safer to stay away."

As the saying goes, once bitten by a snake, you will be afraid of ropes for ten years.

Royal...

Her father and uncle were so powerful back then, and had such a good relationship with the Emperor Emeritus, but they turned against each other in one fell swoop... almost ruining the Jia family's fortunes.

"By the way, Rong-ge should have seen that girl last night. Aren't you going to tell him about this?"

With her sister-in-law around, her family won't fall into ruin.

Jia Min is now in the mood to care about her nephew's opinion on getting married.

"...I'll talk to him about it later!"

Shen Ning glanced at her eldest son, then at Madam You, and felt that it was better for her to speak first.

As Jia Zhen said, if things get awkward and it affects the young couple's relationship, then everything will be ruined.

Shen Ning is now terrified that this grown-up son is like Jia Zhen from "Dream of the Red Chamber," and might develop feelings for Qin Keqing again.

If that were the case, she would definitely cripple him.

Jia Zhen felt a chill run down his spine from his mother's cold gaze.

At this moment, the Prince of Jin, lying in bed, was also shivering.

He really had a fever, and it was quite high.

The imperial physician arrived, took his pulse, prepared the medicine, and watched him drink it before returning to the palace to report.

"...It's mainly because you caught a cold?"

The retired emperor looked at the medical record and asked the imperial physician.

"Yes!"

To be honest, that's what it is.

Before the Emperor Emeritus, the imperial physician dared not speak carelessly. "He was also a little frightened, which is why his condition worsened."

"Hmm~"

The Emperor Emeritus remained noncommittal, put down the medical record, and waved for the imperial physicians to leave.

As my son grows up, he becomes more thoughtful.

It seems like all along...

The Emperor Emeritus was suspicious when he realized that the Jia family was going to form a bond with that unfortunate granddaughter at the lantern festival, and that the Prince of Jin was going there immediately.

The problem lies with his surroundings.

Someone learned through him that someone from the Jia family would be present at the lantern festival.

So his good son went ahead to make arrangements.

That assassin...

The retired emperor snorted through his nose.

The Prince of Jin was spoiled by him.

Wanting to do great things but unwilling to make any sacrifices, otherwise...

The retired emperor leaned back in his chair and sighed softly.

The old man was truly glad he had been so foolish back then.

In this blunder, they chose the best possible successor.

Otherwise, given Prince Jin's cold-hearted nature, who knows what kind of person he would become as the retired emperor?

Four personal guards—so be it. But even if he were to abandon them, his master would still protect him, unwilling to suffer even a minor injury…

The so-called fever and fright today is nothing more than patching up the loopholes after they were discovered.

He couldn't even fool the Jia family, how could he possibly fool his father?

The Emperor Emeritus's breathing became somewhat rough. "What is Consort Zhen doing right now?"

"Your Majesty, Consort Zhen went to the Buddhist hall early this morning. She said she wanted to pray for you and Prince Jin."

The Emperor Emeritus: "..."

The old man didn't speak, but just twirled the ring on his hand.

Dai Quan felt a pang of panic and cautiously asked, "Is the Emperor Emeritus summoning the Imperial Concubine?"

"No need!"

The retired emperor's voice was cold, "Since you want to pray for blessings, then you should stay in the Buddhist hall for three months!"

There aren't many elderly people left around him who can talk to him.

otherwise……

The retired emperor suppressed his murderous intent, "Furthermore, since it's a prayer for blessings, the people in her palace... let them be released as a favor!"

There's no one around; they should behave themselves from now on.

If she behaves herself, then Prince Jin's son will likely behave himself as well.

The retired emperor did not want his hands to be stained with his son's blood again.

He also did not want his sons to end up killing each other.

"By the way, didn't she also want to thank Madam Shen? Dai Quan, go and ask what's in the thank-you gift. If the person who gave the gift hasn't left yet, tell them it was my order to double it!"

what?
Dai Quan was startled and quickly replied, "Yes!"

He didn't know what the Emperor Emeritus suspected, but the Emperor Emeritus was clearly angry.

She was not only angry with the Dowager Consort, but also with the Prince of Jin.

Here...

Dai Quan dared not think any further and quickly went to carry out the Emperor Emeritus's instructions.

Like the retired emperor, he felt that the people from Consort Zhen's side who had sent the thank-you gifts had not yet left.

After all, yesterday's incident caused quite a stir. If the Dowager Consort wanted to save face for Prince Jin and express her gratitude, she would have to deliver the gift after the morning court session.

Only in this way can outsiders see it.

Sure enough, when he arrived, Eunuch Chen was still leading people to tinker with the storeroom.

Dai Quan went straight to Consort Zhen.

Seeing him arrive, and with that expression on his face, Consort Zhen's heart skipped a beat.

"Your Highness, the Emperor Emeritus was very pleased to hear that you were praying for blessings and has allowed you to pray here for three months."

"...Yes! I had originally planned for a three-month period."

Consort Zhen breathed a sigh of relief.

It's just a three-month confinement, thankfully.

"The Emperor Emeritus also said that since it's a prayer for blessings, then grant some more favors..."

The palace maids and eunuchs serving here, whose faces were originally expressionless, seemed to be struck by surprise when they heard the grace of being allowed to leave.

However, upon seeing the Empress Dowager, they quickly composed themselves.

"...Yes! The Emperor Emeritus has considered everything very carefully."

Consort Zhen's heart was bleeding.

Yesterday, when she heard Liu Song, who was by the Emperor's side, say why her son couldn't enter the palace in time, she knew something bad was about to happen.

Back when she was in the palace, she could give her instructions from time to time, but now... it's becoming increasingly difficult.

She thought that since she had taken care of everything, her son only needed to pretend to do as she instructed. However, she did not expect that while everyone else had made no mistakes, he couldn't even pull off a self-inflicted injury.

He still complains about her not helping him all these years.

How can she help?
Have fewer people died in the palace these past few years?

If the retired emperor could even give up the crown prince, what else would he be reluctant to give up?

She had exhausted almost all her energy to raise him safely.

Consort Zhen could not hide her grief.

But on the surface, she still had to appear submissive and obedient.

The retired emperor disliked others going against him, especially when he was angry.

At this time, Consort Zhen did not care about money or possessions at all.

As long as people are alive, things that are lost will eventually come back.

When a person is gone, everything is truly gone. Unfortunately, her son never grasped this point.

After seeing Dai Quan off, Consort Zhen personally went to the storeroom to select gifts for the Jia family.

After losing two major fortunes, her son lost his composure.

If he had told Shen about the reward money first, no one would have doubted him.

But he was heartbroken about spending his money.

Consort Zhen's eyes were filled with sorrow.

As I've already said, this assassination attempt was twofold: first, to arouse the Emperor Emeritus's suspicion, and second, for the sake of the Shen family.

All he needs to do is suffer the injury peacefully, act pathetic, and be angry.

At that time, the retired emperor will naturally become suspicious of the emperor and feel sorry for him.

If you care about him, you'll naturally give him help.

Now, what the retired emperor holds in his hands are all crucial elements that can play a vital role in the court!

How can he be so brainless?

It's a shame to waste such a small amount of money...

It's more than just a case of trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice instead!
Now, it's not just the Emperor Emeritus who suspects them, but the Jia family as well.

Especially since Shen survived twice in a row...

Consort Zhen did her best to select the gifts of thanks.

She had originally planned that with Shen gone, her son could associate more with the Jia family. Even if he couldn't win them over, he could at least make the emperor suspicious of the Jia family. But now...

"Madam Shen is a scholar, and this 'Bamboo and Rocks of Xiaoxiang' scroll is quite good; let's add it in as well!"

She also likes Su Shi's "Bamboo and Rocks of Xiaoxiang".

It was a birthday gift bestowed by the retired emperor when he was still in favor of the emperor.

But now...

Consort Zhen had no choice but to reluctantly give it away.

Watching the palace servants carry out her treasures one by one, she slowly removed her hairpins and headed towards the small Buddhist shrine.

Knowing her situation, her son will probably behave himself.

As long as he behaves himself and the emperor can't find fault with him, he can always live a peaceful life as a prince.

Consort Zhen resigned herself to her fate.

After the retired emperor gave incoherent instructions, causing her son to miss out on the throne, she should have made him accept his fate.

Unfortunately, I couldn't persuade them.

Now... he must know that he's not cut out to conquer the world, right?
As the doors to the Buddhist hall gently closed, the Empress finally received the good news.

She sipped her tea and couldn't help but smile.

As expected, the Jia family was a lucky star for her and the emperor.

She was so worried when she first learned that the Prince of Jin had been assassinated yesterday!

They were afraid that the final blame would fall on the emperor.

Now look what happened, the retired emperor is still the retired emperor after all.

The Empress was very pleased. "Prepare a few more dishes today. The Emperor will most likely dine here after court."

"Yes!"

The palace maid happily went to give the instructions.

Sure enough, the emperor came this way as soon as he finished court.

I already knew about Consort Zhen's punishment on the way here.

But while one cannot laugh freely elsewhere, it is different here at the Queen's.

"I suddenly like that child named Keqing too."

The Empress said, "I think Sister Shen will like it very much too."

"Yes, when he enters the palace in the future, you will reward him with more gifts. If Rong-ge'er is good, I will give him more favors."

The key is that he has to be good to his niece.

The emperor was also very pleased with his niece who had acted decisively to save people.

He believed that if his father knew, he would miss the Crown Prince even more.

I miss my nephew and niece who perished in the fire.

The emperor sighed, then suddenly lost his appetite. "Never mind, Father is probably feeling unwell today. I'll go keep him company!"

The old man didn't punish Prince Jin openly, but knowing that Prince Jin's brother had almost hurt his niece, he would definitely be even angrier.

He had to take this opportunity to get some benefits for his niece.

Otherwise, this opportunity will be gone forever.

At this time, the Qin family received so many gifts from the Jia family that their hands were sore from accepting them.

Not to mention Ningguo Mansion, even in Rongguo Mansion, everyone from the old lady, the first wife, the aunt, the eldest mistress, and the second mistress gave gifts of gratitude.

Qin Keqing never expected that such a large family as the Jia family would have such good relations.

I had always heard that in such large families, the wives and grandmothers were prone to scheming against each other.

now……

The little girl felt that the rumor was very wrong.

Or rather, the Jia family was different from others.

Qin Ye took leave today to stay home with his daughter, and the old man was very happy to receive the Jia family's hospitality.

Recently, everyone has been saying that the Jia family has introduced a new clan rule: a man can only take a concubine if he has no son by the age of thirty.

He didn't expect his daughter to marry into the Ning or Rong families, but he hoped she could marry into a collateral branch of the family, so that she could have the Ning family as her backer... and then her life would be different.

Qin Ye decided to go back and ask around to find out which children of school age the Jia family had.

His beloved Qing was also growing up.

Yesterday's lantern festival was the last one she was allowed to attend.

If she wants to go out again in the future, her husband will have to take her.

"This shimmering brocade is nice; I'll make you a dress with it later."

Qin Ye did not dare to flaunt his wealth.

Although he had several thousand taels of silver at home, he was still just a poor, lowly official in the capital.

But his daughter's status was different, and he had always felt indebted to her.

Now that the Jia family has given so many gifts of gratitude, he can finally dress up his daughter properly.

"And this gold tassel, since they gave it to us, let's wear it!"

The Jia family is really kind.

Qin Ye put the gold tassel on his daughter's head and felt that her face looked more elegant than before.

"We don't need to put these pieces of jewelry away. We'll wear them and take turns wearing them."

"Dad~"

Qin Keqing liked them too, but there were so many...

“Zhong’er’s tiger lantern is gone, and he was frightened again yesterday. I heard that jade can calm the mind, so I’ll give him this jade pendant.”

Qin Keqing selected a small jade pendant with a qilin design, "And this one with the character '福' (fortune) on it, it will look good on you too."

From jewelry and accessories to fabrics and food she had never seen before, the Jia family sent a lot of things. "Oh, right, don't send too many snacks or anything like that. Send some more to the neighbors."

"Okay, you can arrange these!"

Since his wife passed away two years ago, his daughter has taken over the household chores.

"Do whatever you want."

He ate the salted egg yolk pastry his daughter put in his mouth, feeling the salty and savory flavor. "Mmm, this is delicious. We'll keep it for ourselves."

Keep the good food at home, and send the bad food out.

Unfortunately, after trying every piece of pastry, he was reluctant to part with them.

His son and daughter are both young and love snacks, but he is too old to provide them with anything better.

now……

Seeing his daughter pick out a little of everything, Qin Ye could only regretfully shut up.

"Master, a steward from the Prince of Jin's residence has arrived."

what?
Qin Ye was quite surprised. He quickly stood up and said, "Please come in!"

"It must be money being sent."

Qin Keqing noticed that her father's face had turned pale with fright. She said, "I also fought the men in black yesterday. Didn't the steward of Ningguo Mansion, Chang Xing, say that our family should also go and collect the reward money?"

This?
seems like it.

But if the Prince of Jin's residence is so nice, would he really go out of his way to send money?

Qin Ye heard that those people almost got into a fight yesterday over the reward money.

He hurriedly went out.

Fortunately, they weren't there to cause trouble; they were genuinely there to give money.

Not only that, because the Prince of Jin's daughter saved Madam Shen, he also gave her a set of gold jewelry from Jinyulou.

Ahhh, now my daughter has money!

Regardless of how happy the Qin family was, Rong-ge'er finished reading his books and practicing martial arts, and after inquiring about the fact that everyone who had come to visit his grandmother at the West Mansion had left, he went off to do his own thing.

Although it's still the holidays, he's busier today than when he's in school.

"Grandmother, does it still hurt?"

The boy felt very sorry for his grandmother, who looked so listless.

"It doesn't hurt as much anymore."

Seeing Rong-ge'er, Shen Ning's eyebrows curved slightly. "Sit down! Although studying is important, you also need to take care of your health. Rest when you need to."

Working so hard even on vacation...

To say I don't like it would be a lie.

"Your grandson knows what he's doing."

Rong-ge said, "Look, your grandson hasn't been sick at all in the past six months."

Although he was very busy every day, he was actually not sick.

Rong Ge'er also found it amazing.

“Practicing martial arts can strengthen the body,” Shen Ning smiled. “My Rong’er has grown up; he seems to have grown quite a bit taller this year.”

"It jumped so much."

Rong-ge held up three fingers. "Granny Tang measured it for me."

"Granny Tang is a good person."

With Granny Tang around, she could relax.

Shen Ning was very satisfied. "Today your great-aunt said that someone asked her about you."

what?
Rong-ge didn't quite understand.

"You've grown up. You'll be thirteen next year. It's time to find someone to marry you."

Ah?

Rong-ge'er's face immediately turned red.

"Tell your grandmother, what are your requirements for your future daughter-in-law?"

"I will... I will listen to Grandmother."

Rong-ge lowered his head, and his voice became much softer.

"...You know about the situation at home."

Shen Ning sighed, "The people your great-aunt mentioned all come from good families, but Grandma thinks they're too high-ranking and not good for our family."

"Yes, I'll listen to Grandma."

Rong-ge looked up and nodded solemnly.

"Do you still remember the little girl who saved me yesterday?"

she?
Rong-ge'er was stunned.

That girl... is very nice. (End of Chapter)