The head of the Red Mansion

Chapter 264 The Death of Consort Zhen
Four million taels of silver, how many carts were needed just to transport the silver?
That's not the key point. The key point is that they've openly caught the eye of the Zhao emperor and his ministers, and they'll definitely try to get rid of them all.

But if they didn't take it out, Suo Jin and Tie Bao were afraid they wouldn't make it back alive.

Compared to the silver belonging to everyone in the clan, their lives were of course more precious.

"loss!"

When Tie Bao returned from his trip, his face was ashen. "The Jia family is discussing a family banquet to celebrate the conferment of the title of County Princess on Shen's youngest daughter."

Suo Jin: "..."

He only glanced at Tie Bao before he knew what Tie Bao suspected.

It's very likely that Shen is staging a scene where they're poisoned and about to die, just to scare them.

As expected, they fell for the trick and allowed the silver ship to dock early.

hiss~
Suo Jin touched his slightly swollen right cheek.

He's been so worried these past two days.

"For us, it's better for Shen to be alive than dead."

As long as she's alive, her words aren't that important.

He did die...

If the saying "a gentleman takes revenge even after ten years" is used, the Emperor of Dazhao will surely spread it widely. At that time, they will not be asking for reinforcements, but for wolf cubs who will destroy the country and the clan.

"Let's leave it at that for now. Once the money arrives in the capital, leave 600,000 taels of silver for the betrothal gifts, and give what should be given and collect what should be collected."

Suo Jin now wanted to know how that so-called musket that fired six shots in a row was made.

If all else fails, they'll take a few back and find someone to make copies.

"We are not the same as we were back then."

The Eight Banners cavalry gradually became lax, but the firearms of the Great Zhao Dynasty were upgraded from one to six.

As the saying goes, when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

Not wanting to give others a handle to avenge their ancestors' blood feud, they could only try to temporarily integrate into the Great Zhao.

It's like our ancestors were minor officials in the Ming Dynasty.

"If you don't want your race to be wiped out, you have to learn to be subservient."

Fortunately, the Central Plains dynasties have never been particularly harsh on their vassal states.

If they bend their backs properly, they might even be able to resume trade after helping to drive back the Rakshasa.

"Just you wait and see. Once our Russian troops retreat, the various Tatar tribes will surely come to Da Zhao for help."

Sojin thought far ahead: "Similarly, the Emperor of Dazhao would certainly be happy to set us up as an example to attract the various Tatar tribes to submit."

Therefore, they are still useful for the time being.

"It's just a little silver, I'll give it to you."

They have a lot of silver in the Jokhang Temple.

There's no need to worry too much about that little bit.

"Keep your skills hidden and wait for the right time to act; Heaven will always give you an opportunity."

If you can break in once, you can break in a second time.

"But what about the clan..."

"Don't worry, nobody's a fool."

They had long since run out of roads.

Those who understand practical matters are truly wise; otherwise, no matter how much help they seek, they wouldn't be able to get it from Da Zhao.

While Suo Jin was trying to persuade Tie Bao, he was unaware that Mr. Liu had already discovered six locations where they had hidden the silver in Da Zhao.

All six locations have been confirmed by the emperor's secret guards.

Not only that, they also followed the clues and secretly monitored all the caravans that were connected with them.

Some debts, if not settled immediately, are either due to the timing not being right, or to reel in an even bigger fish.

Mr. Liu's focus was on finding silver, but the emperor was not only concerned with silver, but also with the entire circle of powerful and influential people in the capital.

Jia Lian's six shots fired at the meeting hall not only helped him intimidate the Jurchens, but also helped him subdue some unruly individuals.

For example, the Prince of Nan'an's Mansion.

The letter written by the Dowager Princess of Nan'an to the Prince of Nan'an had already been intercepted and shown to him by someone specifically monitoring the Prince of Nan'an's residence.

For those descendants of meritorious officials who are pragmatic and have made great contributions to the Zhao Dynasty, as long as they do not go too far and can retire gracefully, the emperor is still willing to give them some dignity.

Now, he's just waiting for the Prince of Nan'an's reply.

Although Prince Teng could gradually marginalize the Prince of Nan'an, it would take far too long.

Even the emperor feared that things might change if things dragged on.

Having dealt with the Prince of Nan'an's residence, the next step is the Prince of Beijing's residence.

The emperor knew that although Prince Bei Jing, Shui Rong, was polite on the surface, he actually looked down on him deep down.

He tried to win Shui Rong over time, but she only played along superficially.

But now...

The emperor felt that things were different now.

At least, ever since Jia Lian brandished his revolver at the meeting hall, things have been going much better for him in the court.

Even though things have gone much better for him since his father fell, the smooth sailing he experienced then is still far from comparable to what he is experiencing now.

The emperor saw true awe in the eyes of some people.

ha~
The emperor was secretly delighted, but on the surface he maintained a calm demeanor.

"Your Majesty, Consort Zhen is seriously ill and is probably not going to make it."

Liu An didn't want to report such an unlucky matter to the emperor, but Consort Zhen's status was different.

The emperor ruled the country with filial piety. Although the retired emperor was paralyzed in bed and confused, it was precisely because of this that he had to set an example of filial piety even more.

"Hmm, let the imperial physician take a look and treat him first. Everything should be done according to the rules of the palace."

The emperor, reviewing the memorials, maintained a cold expression.

He couldn't do anything about his own father, but what kind of person was Consort Zhen?

Is it worth the trip for him?

He'd rather spend the time he would have spent going there hugging his own little daughter.

Poor thing, he's been so busy lately that his daughter is always asleep whenever he goes to see the Empress.

"Your Majesty, Consort Zhen...she wishes to see you."

See him?

The emperor raised an eyebrow. "Did you say what it was about?"

"no!"

Liu An shook his head and said, "But she insists on seeing you."

"Ho~"

The emperor smiled enigmatically. "Then let's go see what she has to say."

How many times had he and the Empress suffered at her hands!
The death of the Crown Prince... Although the Emperor bears the main responsibility, Consort Zhen also played a significant role in fueling the fire time and time again.

At this time, Consort Zhen, with her full head of white hair and wrinkles on her face, was completely different from last year.

Last year, she looked radiant, without a single gray hair. Apart from a few faint lines at the corners of her eyes, she was flawless.

But now, she was panting heavily, refusing to take her last breath.

The retired emperor was no longer useful; her son had died, but she still had a grandson.

In a place like Sinners' Village, how could her grandson possibly grow up?
We are both of royal blood; no matter how bad her family is, she shouldn't have fallen to this state!

Consort Zhen decided to fight for a way out for her descendants and her family.

However, the emperor she was waiting for never came.

Consort Zhen breathed heavily and waited patiently.

But at this moment, the emperor, who was coming this way, was attracted by his own daughter.

The Queen was holding the little princess outside, teaching her to walk.

The laughter made the emperor turn around involuntarily.

It wasn't until the emperor held his beloved daughter and laughed heartily, bending down to teach her to walk, that the empress gave her head maid a meaningful look.

She knew about Consort Zhen's desire to see the Emperor before the Emperor himself.

But...

She just didn't want her to fulfill any of her wishes.

Especially his dying wish.

The Empress was afraid that the old woman would set some other trap for them.

This is something she couldn't do.

After all, she insisted on seeing the Emperor so much, so she was probably confident that she could get him to listen to her.

ho~
"Dream on!" The Empress smiled and went over to teach her daughter to walk with the Emperor.

The dying Empress Dowager Zhen's mouth gaped wider and wider.

At that moment, she felt immense regret for not writing down what she wanted to say.

She thought she would be able to see the emperor.

She held on with all her might.

Throughout history, how many emperors were wise in their youth but became senile in their old age?

But were they really confused?
It's just that having power in hand and having a smooth life in your youth, being called the emperor, makes you really think you are the son of heaven.

This time, the first thing she wants to sell is the Prince of Nan'an's mansion, and the second is the Jia family, which the emperor is currently favoring.

The crown prince committed suicide by fire, outmaneuvering the retired emperor and all his brothers, thus paving the way for the new emperor.

Consort Zhen knew that the Emperor was grateful to the Crown Prince.

However, Jia Jing followed suit and clearly plotted against the royal family as well.

Otherwise, how could the Emperor Emeritus have suffered such a stroke due to such a shock?
Consort Zhen was most heartbroken about the Emperor Emeritus's stroke.

Everything changed when the retired emperor suffered a stroke.

The emperor currently thinks the Jia family is very good because everything the Jia family does is in his interest, but what about in the future?
The retired emperor used to have a very good relationship with Jia Daihua and Jia Daishan, but what happened in the end?

Over time, people's hearts can change.

After Jia Jing died, did Lady Shen, who was deeply in love with her husband, harbor no hatred towards the imperial family?

No wonder!
She just hasn't found an opportunity yet.

She still needs more favor from the emperor and empress.

Consort Zhen waited patiently.

By the time the Emperor finally remembered Consort Zhen and came this way, half an hour had already passed.

"The Emperor has arrived!"

The palace servants in Consort Zhen's palace immediately knelt down.

The emperor ignored him and strode towards the small Buddhist hall.

When she was asked to live in the small Buddhist shrine to pray for the Emperor Emeritus, she actually did live there.

Regarding this point...

The emperor was somewhat satisfied.

"Emperor...Emperor..."

Consort Zhen finally got what she had been waiting for.

She had so much to say, but countless words stuck in her throat, as if choking her.

Her throat was gurgling, and the more anxious she became, the worse it got. Finally, her eyes rolled back, and her face became increasingly contorted from the exertion.

Seeing her like this, the emperor quickly took a few steps back, "Imperial Physician!"

He urgently summoned the imperial physician.

The imperial physicians who were guarding the area rushed forward and were about to administer acupuncture to give her a chance to catch her breath when Consort Zhen, who had been struggling until now, could no longer wait. She rolled her eyes, opened her mouth, and softened her hand that was still trying to grab the emperor.

"Your Majesty, Consort Zhen has passed away."

He died?

The emperor, who had already retreated to the outside of the small Buddhist hall, frowned. "Let's begin the mourning!"

He felt quite unlucky, so he flicked his sleeves and strode towards Shou Kang Palace.

When Consort Zhen died, the Emperor felt he should inform the old man.

Whether he can understand it or not is none of his business.

……

Ningguo Mansion, Shen Ning Courtyard.

Lord Dong, who was investigating the case, came over in person.

Of course, upon seeing the adorable newborn county princess, the old man was so pleased that he picked her up and bounced her around.

"Judging from the fact that the bald-headed monk only left half a footprint on the roof, his kung fu has reached a level of divine skill. Such a person must be found in the martial arts world. As for the time, I can no longer guarantee my nephew."

The fact that they could issue an arrest warrant for the bald-headed monk means they had found evidence.

The footprints on the roof, and the traces of powder remaining on the tiles, are consistent with the ingredients in the wound medicine, all of which are evidence.

Logically, with such conclusive evidence, the Shuntian Prefecture should arrest the person.

However, that monk was truly skilled.

Many people in the capital have indeed seen him, but they all disappeared in a flash.

If it were someone else, they would simply send a constable to report it and that would be the end of it.

But it's different here.

"I already know about this matter."

Jia Zhen was also helpless, "That person was able to escape in full view of everyone, I never thought I would be able to catch him."

He just wanted to drive him out of the capital.

Stay away from their house.

"It's good that my dear nephew understands."

Lord Dong nodded and grabbed Jia Yue's small hand, which was trying to grab his beard. "We can't offend people like this. If we meet them again, be polite and agreeable in your words. Never try to force him to do anything."

The man wanted Madam Shen dead, but for some reason, he chose to poison her instead of taking direct action.

If they really decide to take direct action, no one in this mansion can stop them.

Lord Dong couldn't understand why he would choose the long way instead of the short one.

"Yes!"

Jia Zhen took it, and insisted on grabbing the man's sister by the beard, saying, "Your nephew knows."

The main problem in their family is that there is no one with high martial arts skills.

We need to hire more capable people!
“Nephew knows you’re very busy, so I’ll speak on your behalf, Mother.”

Lord Dong patted Jia Zhen on the shoulder, "The warrants for his arrest have been sent to various places, so he won't be able to show his face in the future. You can rest assured about that."

"Thank you, Uncle!"

Jia Zhen carried his younger sister and saw him off all the way out of the mansion.

Little did they know that among the group of Taoist priests performing rituals in the front yard, there was a lame old Taoist priest watching Jia Yue, whom he was holding.

My fate has truly changed.

Moreover, it wasn't just one or two members of the Jia family whose fates suddenly changed.

The lame old Taoist knew where the bald-headed man was, and he had come to the right place. However, the ways of Heaven are unpredictable, and the Jia family's fortunes were in their hands. If they made any further moves, it would go against their cultivation.

He sighed inwardly, also really wanting to meet Madam Shen, who had changed everything.

But Shen Ning, who is still ill, would never see anyone.
She slept for two more days in a daze. When she regained some of her senses and realized that the bald-headed monk had poisoned her and left evidence on her roof, she was at a loss for words.

She didn't seem to care much about her daughter's title of county princess.

The emperor had already been stingy, giving the Zhao state a county princess as a reward after spending over three million taels of silver from the Jin people.

But then the bald-headed monk appeared, and the lame old Taoist priest... has he arrived?

She really wanted to ask if anyone had seen the old Taoist priest who had a limp recently.

But when I got to the point of saying it, I thought better of it!
Even if they aren't gods, they're still highly skilled.

In particular, they can tell fortunes.

Fate is a thing...

Shen Ning tried her best to forget everything and asked Qingzhu, who had returned to serve her, "Didn't you say that the old lady of the West Mansion was also sick? How is she now?"

"Much better. After we learned that you were feeling better, the old lady in the West Mansion also got much better."

Qingzhu poured her some warm water. "Madam, the imperial physician instructed that you should drink more water."

Shen Ning: "..."

What can be done?
You can only drink it.

"How many more days will the religious ceremony in the front yard last?"

"Seven days."

Qingzhu said, "The imperial physician said that you have exhausted your mind and spirit. You don't need to worry about things outside. The master will take care of them."

She was terrified that day.

However, although it wasn't their fault, it was still extremely frightening that so many people in their courtyard were poisoned.

Now there are two more locked boxes in this room.

Qingzhu decided that even if all the medicines were only half-used, they should all be locked in a box.

I'm sorry, my mother-in-law suffered her second stroke and is in a terrible state; I had to be late.
(End of this chapter)