The head of the Red Mansion

Chapter 225 Historians
Have people from the Zhen family arrived?
At this time, why are the Zhen family members still running to the Jia family?
When Grandmother Jia heard this, she was very upset.

"Mother!"

Jia She hurried into the house. "My son sent some of the Zhen family's old women with him. They not only came to our house, but also went to the Nan'an Prince's Mansion and the Shi family."

what?
Grandmother Jia suddenly stood up. "The Marquis of Baoling's residence?"

The most cash-strapped household right now is the Marquis of Baoling's mansion.

"Yes!"

Jia She nodded hurriedly.

"Shi Nai let them in?"

"..."

Jia She didn't speak, but he nodded.

"Prepare the car!"

Grandmother Jia was so angry she wanted to hit someone. "She'er, you're coming with me." This concerned her maternal family, and she couldn't ignore it.

She was very upset because her nephews had made such a fuss over money.

However, she was already the matriarch of the Jia family and had her own children and grandchildren. Even if she wanted to help them, she couldn't do it too obviously.

now……

Grandmother Jia feared that if she didn't take care of it, the title her father had fought so hard for would be lost.

"Mother~"

Jia She hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "If my cousin says that they are also relatives and that we should meet them to maintain our kinship, then... what grounds can we stand on?"

Jia Mu: "..."

She understood what her son meant.

Actually, her nephew Shi Nai had already become estranged from her because of the issue of the title.

She had three nephews on her mother's side. Her eldest nephew was weak and died young, so she thought that her third nephew, Shi Ding, was a martial artist and would be more capable.

However, the retired emperor gave the title to his second nephew, Shi Nai.

These days, it's all about saving face and maintaining relationships with one's maternal family.

She went back with good intentions, saying that Shi Nai might still develop a rebellious mentality.

Hey~
"That's it!"

Helpless, Grandmother Jia said, "Send Lin Zhixiao to the Shi family to bring Xiangyun over. Also... have him find a way to tell them about how our family kicked the Zhen family out. Just say that... we received a letter from Lin Zhixiao that the Emperor is watching everything about the Zhen family."

This?
That's one solution.

"Son, I'll go right away."

Jia She left in a hurry.

Grandmother Jia was feeling distressed and leaned back on the couch. "Yuanyang, have Fourth Aunt come over here."

With the fall of the Zhen family, there will inevitably be turmoil in Jiangnan as well.

I wonder if my son-in-law has any ideas on how to deal with this.

"Oh, right, send someone to the East Mansion and invite Madam Shen over for me."

The Shi family is also Zhen'er's maternal family. Perhaps Shen Shi will do something for the sake of her deceased mother-in-law.

So, Shen Ning, who had just returned home and changed her clothes, was invited over.

In *Dream of the Red Chamber*, the Shi family was convicted earlier than the Jia family.

It seems that the Jia family did indeed possess the Zhen family's valuables.

that……

"Niece-in-law, what do you think of this?"

Grandmother Jia first asked Shen Ning.

"..."

What do you think?
Anyone who touches that will die!

The Zhen family had been living in Jiangnan for many years and were practically local tyrants.

The retired emperor is doing well, so the emperor will not make a move.

But now...

Shen Ning sighed inwardly, "In those years, the Zhen family naturally stood behind Prince Jin, and the Emperor could only swallow his anger because of the retired Emperor. If this forbearance lasted too long... when he was finally able to vent his anger, it wouldn't be a gentle breeze."

“Mother, didn’t you have Lin Zhixiao give a warning through Ru Hai?”

Jia Min chimed in, "Second cousin wouldn't be that confused, would he?"

It's hard to say.

Grandmother Jia said helplessly, "Your second cousin is old-fashioned. He has paid off the national treasury debt, and the family is struggling financially. Your cousin's wife has been very close to the Zhen family all these years. What if she has some ulterior motives because of some favors...? What will happen to this whole family?"

My third nephew earned his title through his own hard work and skill; what if I get implicated by him again...?

Grandmother Jia couldn't ignore this. "Niece-in-law, do you think we could have Zhen'er go to the palace and speak to the Emperor about this?"

Shen Ning: "..."

"At that time, I will have Lin Zhixiao go to the Shi family and say that Zhen'er is taking her anger out on the Zhen family because of her father's matter. Your second cousin is a coward, so he might take the initiative to hand over what he has received."

"Mother~"

Jia Min was speechless and also very anxious.

What does the history family's business have to do with Zhen'er?

In those years, my uncle and father passed away, and my elder brother and sister-in-law went into seclusion in a Taoist temple. The Shi family almost completely severed ties with the East Mansion.

What right does Zhen'er have to run errands for them now?

When Jia Min returned, she investigated many things.

“Do you know how many houses have been raided these days? If my second cousin were really cowardly, he wouldn’t have met with the Zhen family at a time like this.”

She didn't want her sister-in-law to say the words of refusal.

That would create some difficulties between my sister-in-law and my mother.

Jia Min first refused on Shen Ning's behalf, "You've done everything you could. As for the rest... let's leave it to their own fate!"

Can……

Grandmother Jia knew her request was a bit excessive, but that was her maternal family!

"Never mind," the old lady sighed, "I was just grasping at straws in my desperation, this matter..."

"Aunt, have you sent someone to see my third cousin?"

Shen Ning certainly didn't want Jia Zhen to get involved in this matter.

The Shi family in Dream of the Red Chamber, whose problems were perhaps even more serious than those of the Jia family after their family was raided, said, "What we can't do, it might be more convenient for my third cousin."

"The brothers have always been at odds."

If things were going well, Shi Ding wouldn't have gone to the border town in the first place.

"No matter how bad things get, they're still brothers."

Shen Ning said, "Moreover, if you don't want your second cousin to implicate your third cousin, it would be best to inform him as soon as possible."

This?
Grandmother Jia immediately became anxious, "Yuanyang, quickly go and call your master over."

We'll have to send our eldest son to talk to Shi Ding.

After a while, Jia She hurriedly left. Shen Ning, preoccupied with her own thoughts, couldn't sit still and took her leave.

"Sister-in-law~"

Jia Min saw her off, saying, "My mother is confused, please don't..."

Shen Ning patted her hand, "I know, if something happened to my family, I would be anxious too."

This is all just human nature.

"Go back and comfort her. The old lady is getting old, and the New Year is coming soon. She can't afford to have anything happen to her."

Grandmother Jia's health was not very good.

When Lin Daiyu first entered the Jia family mansion, she took ginseng nourishing pills, which Grandmother Jia also often took.

Later, when Granny Liu visited Rongguo Mansion for the second time, she took many of the medicines that the old lady had given her.

"I'll talk to Zhen'er about the Shi family when I get back, and see if he has any ideas."

The original owner's mother-in-law was also a member of the Shi family.

Before she passed away, she left everything under her name to the original owner of the body.

Based on this alone, Shen Ning wouldn't stand idly by if she could lend a hand.

"Hmm~"

Jia Min nodded, "Then I'll go back to see my mother."

Having a sensible sister-in-law is a blessing for the Jia family.

Jia Min didn't insist any further and quickly went back to comfort her mother.

Shen Ning returned to the mansion through the connecting side gate and immediately summoned Jia Zhen.

Jia Zhen, who had spent half the day playing with his wife, returned carrying a large food box.

"Let Aunt Li have a taste."

Shen Ning wasn't in the mood right now, and waved for Qingzhu to take it away, saying, "She might be able to make it later."

"Mother, I heard you went out to play today too?"

Jia Zhen sensed that his mother's expression was not good, so he said ingratiatingly, "Son knows where there are fun places, I'll take you there tomorrow."

"Don't talk about this."

Shen Ning waved her hand, signaling the maids to leave. "You saw your Uncle Zheng in the South City?" "Yes!"

Jia Zhen said, "Didn't my son tell you? I looked at him from afar, but I didn't speak to him."

"...Have you noticed the beggars there...?"

beggar?

Jia Zhen didn't know why he had to beg for food.

"Mother, is there anything wrong with the beggars there?"

Or perhaps his mother had another stroke of kindness?
Nowadays, Jia Zhen doesn't object to his mother's act of kindness.

My younger sister has been healthy and well since birth, and she's grown up to be very beautiful.

He and Mrs. You never expected they would have another child, but now they do.

Jia Zhen couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

"If you feel cold, I'll have someone go and give you some warm clothes."

"That's not necessary!"

Shen Ning shook her head and sighed, "I saw a beggar today. His legs and arms seemed to be very weak. He was crawling on the ground begging for food. Not only that, but his throat also seemed to be damaged. He could only make 'ah ah ah' noises. But... he seemed to know me."

Do you know your mother?
His mother never leaves the house, so who would know her?
Jia Zhen's heart skipped a beat. "Do you know him?"

"He also has injuries on his face."

Shen Ning frowned. "It looks like he was deliberately scratched so that no one would recognize him."

This?
Jia Zhen became serious, "Who does Mother think he is?"

"Prince Jin!"

What?
Jia Zhen's face turned pale.

“I didn’t initially associate him with the Prince of Jin,” Shen Ning said. “So, when he attracted my attention by tapping on the stone, I didn’t pay attention. But the more I thought about it later… the more I felt he resembled the Prince of Jin.”

that……

Jia Zhen swallowed hard. "If he were the Prince of Jin, what would Mother want to do?"

Pretend you don't know, pretend you didn't see it.

Shen Ning said, "I'm telling you this because I'm afraid you'll run into him if you go to the south of the city again."

If you run into her, you might also run into Jia Zhen.

"That Mr. Liu has not been found yet."

That person is the key.

"My son knows."

Jia Zhen nodded hurriedly, "My son will not go to the South City again."

"Then it'll be fine."

Shen Ning nodded, "After the New Year, we'll be escorting the coffin back to our hometown. Madam You is pregnant and can't come along, you..."

"My son plans to ask his third aunt to come over and help take care of him."

Jia Zhen had already discussed it with Madam You. "It's perfect. My younger sisters are all studying here. With them keeping us company, we can all feel at ease."

"Then you should tell your third aunt in advance."

Shen Ning thought so too.

Jia Wen was gentle by nature, and Bai Ge'er was growing up. When there were things to do at home, she could ask Bai Ge'er to run errands.

"Otherwise, waiting until next year to discuss it would seem disrespectful!"

"Ok!"

Jia Zhen nodded, "I know, and I'm planning to ask Cousin Bai for a favor."

With Madam You pregnant, having more people at home makes things easier. "The only problem now is the Qin family."

It was originally agreed that Rong-ge'er would get married next year.

But now...

"The marriage has already been arranged. Although we can't get married now, we can use the excuse of taking care of your wife to have Madam Qin come over from time to time."

Qin Zhong wants to study at the Jia family's school.

Qin Keqing is still young, so she can study more with Mr. Zhan.

Shen Ning said, "In that case, I'll write a letter tomorrow and have someone deliver it to the Qin family."

Qin Keqing visited her several times during the days she was sick.

However, Qin Keqing herself fell ill later and that's why she didn't come.

"Eh~"

Jia Zhen nodded, "Then my son will also send a letter to Lord Qin."

If you ask someone's daughter to help take care of your daughter-in-law, you should definitely tell your in-laws first.

"to make!"

With the major issues resolved, Shen Ning took a sip of tea. "There's one more thing. The Zhen family has sent people."

The emperor was already aware of the arrival of people from the Zhen family.

Although the family crest on the carriage had been worn away, he, who had been keeping an eye on the Zhen family for a long time, was still very familiar with their movements.

Want to hide valuables?

Then let's hide it!

The emperor snorted coldly.

He was just about to see who else in the capital was close to the Zhen family.

Helping a convicted official hide his or her valuables is also a crime.

The emperor was not afraid to carry out a major purge in the court.

Once things are done properly, it will be much easier for him to get things done.

"Liu An!"

"The slave is here."

Eunuch Liu quickly responded.

"Go..." the emperor thought for a moment, "and tell Consort Zhen about the Zhen family's affairs."

He also wanted to see how many people that person had in the palace.

"Oh, by the way, tell her that Zhen Yingjia will be arriving in the capital around tomorrow."

However, instead of riding in a carriage in front of officials, he was escorted to the capital as a convicted official.

"Yes!"

Eunuch Liu left in a hurry.

In the small Buddhist hall, Consort Zhen's hair was almost completely white.

The Prince of Jin's residence discovered the hidden armor and imperial robes; whether his son was missing or not, he couldn't escape now.

None of her grandchildren escaped either; they were all exiled to a penal colony, where they would have to find their own food from then on.

How do I find it?
Without an adult to protect them, even if they are found, they might be snatched away by someone else.

Consort Zhen suspected that Prince Jing and Prince An were secretly resenting their son for misjudging people, which led to their misfortune as well.

Unable to find their son to avenge them, they will surely take their anger out on their children.

Consort Zhen was in great distress every day.

She only has three grandchildren, and they are from three different mothers.

They probably can't stick together.

Maybe……

Consort Zhen suspected that they would never grow up.

Perhaps one of my grandchildren is nearing the end of his life.

This is... karma!
Consort Zhen now has nightmares whenever she falls asleep.

It was either the Crown Prince's raging fire, or her son and grandson bleeding from all seven orifices, begging her for help.

But what could an old woman trapped in a Buddhist temple do?
Throughout her life, she relied on the retired emperor.

When even the retired emperor can't make his own decisions, what can she do?

Consort Zhen was deeply saddened.

Of the Emperor Emeritus's sixteen sons, which one wasn't more favored than the Emperor himself?
But now?

Only the emperor remained.

She hasn't tried to kill herself yet; she's just waiting for her family to come back.

With her son gone, her family... might not escape the same fate either.

That's what she thought, but Consort Zhen still held onto a sliver of hope.

If the brothers are smart enough to go bankrupt to repay the debt, the emperor might not be too ruthless and at least leave a few members of the Zhen family.

Where there are people, there is hope.

Only someone... can save her grandson.

Consort Zhen wanted to leave a bloodline for her son.

She still hopes her family can help her find her son.

If we can find... if we have evidence that he was coerced, then everything will be different.

Even things confiscated from the Prince of Jin's residence can be used to frame someone else.