The head of the Red Mansion

Chapter 85 Jia Family Recipes
Cheng Luo and Jia Yuanchun?

The retired emperor squinted at his smiling son, the emperor.

It seems the emperor had some feelings for Yuan Chun before, right?

The retired emperor vaguely suspected that the emperor was interested in the Jia family and wanted to take Yuan-chun into his harem. He was originally quite willing to give the emperor and the Jia family this opportunity, but his most beloved Prince Jin also had a vague expectation of Yuan-chun.

The throne was no longer within the Prince of Jin's reach, and the old man was unwilling to further wrong his son in matters of women.

Fortunately, the emperor's son knew when to advance and retreat. He probably realized his brother Prince Jin's intentions and unilaterally cut off that feeling.

But after he cut it off, it seemed that Prince Jin had lost interest in Yuan Chun.

The retired emperor suspected that his son was still throwing a tantrum at him and the emperor.

It would be perfect if Yuan Chun married Cheng Luo.

Cheng Luo was their junior, with a pitiful background. It was not appropriate for the royal family to step forward and use their power to oppress others, but things were different with the Jia family.

In an instant, the Emperor Emeritus made up his mind. He asked with a smile, "Have the Empress and Madam Shen reached an agreement?"

"Yes!"

The emperor smiled and said, "Cheng Luo is not young anymore. You see, since you are marrying your grandson's wife, shouldn't you issue an imperial decree to grant the marriage and give them some rewards to help them make a living?"

"Haha, of course I'll give it to you."

The Emperor Emeritus chuckled and said, "However, as his uncle, you can't just say you like it and that's it, can you?"

"How can that be possible?"

The emperor sensed that the retired emperor was in a good mood and hurriedly said, "Father, I am planning to bestow an imperial estate upon you. What do you think of that estate in the Western Hills?"

The retired emperor had no recollection of it and immediately nodded, "There it is!"

Consort Zhen, who had rushed over, didn't know what they were talking about, but seeing everyone smiling, she quickly put on a smile as well, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, is there some good news?"

"Hmm~" The Emperor Emeritus smiled and said, "It's a joyous occasion. The Empress was chatting with Madam Shen of the Ningguo Mansion and arranged a marriage for Baofeng's son, Cheng Luo."

What?
Consort Zhen didn't quite understand. "Cheng Luo was out of mourning two months ago, so it's indeed time for him to be married." She put away her smile and looked at the Emperor. "Speaking of which, this matter should have been done a long time ago."

"Yes!" The Emperor bowed to the Retired Emperor. "This is indeed the fault of the Empress and me."

"It's none of your business."

The retired emperor waved his hand, "It's the Cheng family that's so despicable."

He already knew that the Empress had only shown some interest when the old lady of the Cheng family sent someone to act as matchmaker for her illegitimate grandson, regardless of whether they were a good match or not.

These brothers are bound to agree to one another, not the other.

Moreover, the Cheng family has such an old lady and such brothers; they are all people who would avoid them at all costs.

"Dai Quan, quickly have someone draft an edict and bring me the imperial seal."

"……Yes!"

Dai Quan glanced at Consort Zhen, then waved to a young eunuch, telling him to hurry up and go.

"Hmm, go to the storehouse again and send a portion of the new pearls, imperial fabrics, and shimmering brocade acquired this year to the Empress."

"Your Majesty, you still haven't told me which family you mentioned to Cheng Luo."

Consort Zhen never expected that a mere mistake would allow the Emperor and Empress to gain such an advantage.

She quickly changed the subject.

"Yes, it is Jia Yuanchun from the Jia family."

what?
Consort Zhen's heart skipped a beat. "Yuan Chun?" She looked at Jia Zhen with a smile. "You are Jia Zhen of Ningguo Mansion, right? By all accounts, you should call me Aunt." Then, she smiled at the Emperor Emeritus. "Emperor Emeritus, as you know, my third sister-in-law is from the Shi family. When I first entered the palace, she asked my sisters who had married into Ningguo Mansion and Rongguo Mansion to take care of me."

"Haha, I remember!"

The Shi family had many daughters in that generation.

The marriage of the Jia brothers to two legitimate daughters of the Shi family was once a celebrated story in the capital.

“When Yuan Chun entered the palace, I took good care of her.”

Seeing the Emperor Emeritus smile, Consort Zhen continued, "That child is talented and beautiful. Originally, I was thinking of talking to the Emperor to give her a better social standing, but I didn't expect the Empress to let her leave the palace to marry first."

emperor:"……"

What does Consort Zhen mean by this?
Is it said that the Empress drove Jia Yuanchun away out of jealousy?
His hands, which were tucked into his sleeves, clenched in anger.

"...Then you're late."

The Emperor Emeritus's smile faded slightly. "Jia Zhen, is this your mother Shen's intention?"

"Yes!"

Jia Zhen hurriedly said, "My sister arrived too late. Mother has always treated Yuan Chun like her own daughter. This time, she came to the palace hoping to ask for a favor." He scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly, "Originally, I also wanted to ask the Emperor Emeritus, but I didn't expect that Mother had already spoken to the Empress."

"Hahaha!"

The retired emperor laughed heartily.

The child was so foolish that he probably didn't even understand what Consort Zhen meant.

"Your sister is indeed too late."

Thankfully, it still came.

Brother Jia was happy to know.

"Therefore, Dai Quan, issue the decree: bestow..."

He looked at Jia Zhen, "What's your sister's name?"

"Jia Yue!"

Jia Zhen sensed that the Emperor Emeritus was going to reward his sister, and his eyes lit up.

"Does it mean the Divine Pearl?"

Seeing Jia Zhen nod, the Emperor Emeritus chuckled and said, "I will bestow a dowry upon Xiao Yue'er on behalf of your grandfather! Dai Quan, issue the decree: bestow upon Jia Yue one hundred taels of gold, one gold and one jade ruyi scepter, ten ingots of purple-gold 'pen and ingot ruyi scepter,' ten ingots of silver inscription 'Abundant Good Fortune,' three sets of jewelry, and... one hundred jars of imperial wine."

At this point, he sighed again, "Your grandfather used to enjoy a few drinks. He once said that if he had a daughter, he would definitely stock up on a hundred jars of good wine for her, and give them all to her when she got married."

"...Your Majesty, on behalf of my grandfather and sister, thank the Emperor Emeritus."

Jia Zhen kowtowed deeply.

Sure enough, we still have to meet in person; only when we meet can we truly connect.

"No need for formalities, please rise!"

The retired emperor was slightly saddened. "If you have any problems in the future, just come to the palace. If you are bullied, just ask the emperor to stand up for you."

"……Yes!"

Jia Zhen stole a glance at the Emperor, who was also surprised at how this boy had won his father's favor. Their eyes met, and the Emperor nodded with a smile.

He felt that the reason the Emperor Emeritus had just rewarded the Empress was because this boy had spoken up for the Empress in front of his father.

Those two female healers were truly too kind.

"Rest assured, Father, I will do my duty without hesitation!"

The implication is that he will absolutely not do anything that is not his responsibility.

Of course, this statement was mainly directed at Consort Zhen.

……

Yuan Chun, who was waiting for news, was unaware that because of her, the Emperor and Consort Zhen had already engaged in several secret power struggles.

She looked anxiously in the direction of Kunning Palace.

My aunt has been in Kunning Palace for quite a while now and hasn't come out yet. I hope nothing bad has happened to her!

As for Brother Zhen, he should have returned from the Emperor Emeritus's residence by now, given how quickly he expressed his gratitude to the Emperor.

Why hasn't anything happened yet?

“Miss, Granny Xiao and Sister Qingzhu from the Empress’s palace have come out.”

Granny Xiao was a favorite of the Empress.

She walked with Qingzhu, a smile on her face...

Baoqin couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Life in the palace was too difficult.

They girls have it tough, but she has it even tougher.

"Granny! Sister Qingzhu..."

Yuan Chun greeted the two of them early on. She looked at Qing Zhu first and noticed the genuine joy in her eyes, which made her heart beat faster.

"Miss Yuanchun is overjoyed."

Granny Xiao smiled and said, "Hurry up and pack your things. Go home with Madam Shen in a bit!"

what?
Can I really go home?
"Thank you, Madam!"

Yuan Chun bowed deeply.

"Madam said to hurry, I'll help the girl get ready."

Marriage is a major life event, and it is usually arranged by parents and matchmakers.

You absolutely shouldn't mention it in front of the girl, or in public.

"That……"

Yuan Chun dared not respond immediately and looked to Granny Xiao for an answer.

"go Go!"

Granny Xiao waved her hand, "Once you're done cleaning up, just come and kowtow to Her Majesty."

Get this done quickly, so as to prevent any further trouble from Consort Zhen.

In fact, for the Empress, sending out a female official was just a matter of lifting a finger.

Unfortunately, Yuan Chun had too many entanglements with Consort Zhen.

I only hope that she will be like Madam Shen in the future and remember the Empress's kindness more often.

"Yes!"

Yuan Chun bowed respectfully before taking Qingzhu and Baoqin to pack her things.

Although she was a female official, apart from clothes for all four seasons and money secretly slipped into her possessions by her family, she had nothing to pack.

She didn't want to bring any of the palace clothes.

But Yuan Chun also knew that no matter what, she had to pack up and leave. Otherwise, it would seem too hasty, as if she were abandoning the palace like worn-out shoes.

"Why are we talking about this now? Has Her Majesty the Empress taken offense?"

Baoqin was overjoyed to be able to go home and whispered to Qingzhu.

"Her Majesty the Empress and our Lady hit it off immediately."

Qingzhu smiled and said to Yuanchun, who was looking over, "Miss, you don't need to worry about home. Madam has arranged everything."

"……Thanks!"

A glint of tears welled up in Yuan Chun's eyes. She raised her head, preventing the tears from falling, and asked, "Qingzhu, is everything alright at home?"

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

Anyway, their wives are quite nice.

As for the fact that the second wife and the second master were still in the ancestral hall, Qingzhu thoughtfully didn't reveal a single word.

Is my grandmother still in good health?

"Ok!"

"What's the little girl's name? Isn't she cute?"

"Our girl's name is Jia Yue!"

Qingzhu said, "It's especially cute. Now that the wind has grown, Madam misses it terribly after not seeing it for half a day."

By now, their wives must be missing their daughter.

The girl is at home, and she's probably thinking about her wife, so she probably won't be able to concentrate on breastfeeding.

In Kunning Palace, the Empress was talking to Shen Ning about the Orphanage.

She had little dowry, and everyone in the capital with a brain knew that the emperor had no money.

So there was nothing to be embarrassed about. "I heard that the orphanage in Datong has been funded by my elder sister," the Empress said, no longer referring to herself as "this palace" or "Madam Shen," but simply as "elder sister." "It must cost a lot of money every year, right?"

"More than five hundred taels a year."

Shen Ning looked through the account books. "The children are also doing what they can, washing clothes for the officers in the camp, mending and so on. They do all of that."

"I originally thought of letting the orphanage in the capital take on some work, but when someone investigated, I found out that there are quite a few poor families who rely on this to make a living."

The Queen sighed, "There's nothing I can do, I have to give up on this idea again."

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Shen Ning said, "Datong is a border region. Boys who are a little older will join the army to earn a living, and girls will generally marry soldiers from there. Here in the capital..."

When there is a disaster outside, people flee to the capital.

In addition, the population was already large to begin with...

Shen Ning knew that the orphanage in the capital was in an even more difficult situation. "Why doesn't Your Majesty allow skilled palace servants to leave the palace six months early and work at the orphanage, teaching them their skills for free for three months?"

"Their skills are their livelihood; why would they casually teach others?"

"The profound knowledge they possess is what they rely on for making a living, but what about the basic knowledge?"

Shen Ning countered, “Everyone knows the basics. Teaching the children at the orphanage won’t affect anything.” Then she added, “There are also some veteran craftsmen from the Ministry of Works. They can no longer do the work, but their experience is in their minds. I think they could be hired to teach the children at the orphanage. We could also select those with talent there and focus on nurturing them.”

This?
It is true.

The Empress nodded. "I'll mention it to the Emperor when I have time."

The Ministry of Works has many skilled craftsmen.

There were even people who manufactured weapons and gunpowder.

The latter, in particular, requires absolute loyalty from within the group.

It is indeed better to choose from the Salesian Bureau.

The Empress knew that the Emperor had been searching for his secret guards there for the past few years.

"Actually, doesn't the palace also have a palace workshop? Older children can also go in as apprentices."

It's incredibly easy for the royal family to arrange for someone to do it.

Shen Ning said, "Everyone in the palace recognizes the value of a piece of jewelry made there. Even if it goes out, its value will be 10% or 20% higher than similar pieces, and some can even be more than 50% higher."

Everyone knows that the emperor has no money.

In prosperous times, things can be patched up; in chaotic times…

With the Emperor Emeritus still alive, Shen Ning dared not mention anything else. She could only offer a suggestion: "Many imperial merchants use the name of 'Imperial Made' to inflate the prices of their goods, and they still manage to make a fortune. There's no reason why genuine Imperial Made items shouldn't be able to sell."

You should know that the artisans in the palace were among the most skilled craftsmen.

"...But they all have their own missions!"

Just like the emperor's robe, it would take more than a dozen of the most skilled embroiderers several months to complete.

"Yes, they each have their own tasks, and they are very tired. Why not assign them some clever children to serve them?"

This?
The Queen was utterly stunned.

But wouldn't you call this learning by stealing someone's skills?
"The royal family recognizes their craftsmanship, and the whole world recognizes their craftsmanship, so why not mention their status again? And ask them to train more talents, so that you can relax and gain more respect from others."

Shen Ning wished she could just say, "Why don't you start a university?"
"Of course, these are all my immature thoughts."

Shen Ning sighed.

In this era, many families even pass down recipes to their daughters-in-law, not their daughters.

"How many crafts have been lost throughout history? And how many have been lost to a small circle because they were not valued? For example, the efficient and fast methods of purification and salt production could easily be lost without our knowledge."

Shen Ning said, "I don't have any other skills, so I plan to compile a Jia family recipe book. I will publish all the noodles, pastries and other dishes that taste very good. Perhaps one day in the future, they will help someone and become a skill for a virtuous woman to make a living."