The head of the Red Mansion

Chapter 86 I can’t figure it out

The carriage moved forward quickly.

Yuan Chun's heart was filled with both trepidation and joy.

"Auntie, I've troubled you again."

"What are you talking about?"

Shen Ning patted Yuan Chun's hand, "We're family, you don't need to be afraid of anything."

She wanted to go home immediately to change her clothes before facing the possible bloodshed.

"Zhen'er, I heard from the palace servants on the Empress's side that you also saw Consort Zhen?"

"Yes!"

Jia Zhen glanced at Yuan Chun furtively, sparing his words.

He did hear what Consort Zhen said.

If Yuan Chun hadn't left the palace, she might have become someone close to the emperor.

His heart was pounding at the time.

If his mother hadn't already spoken to the Empress, he probably would have begged the Emperor Emeritus for a favor on the spot.

He can hide this for a while, but not forever!

Consort Zhen also had the means to pass on today's words to the old lady of the West Mansion.

If things go wrong... the entire West Prefecture might blame their family.

Jia Zhen was very worried.

"How do you feel about the Emperor Emeritus's feelings for Consort Zhen?"

"it is good!"

Jia Zhen nodded again.

After all, she's the person next to you.

"Was Consort Zhen... kind?"

Shen Ning felt that her son was acting strangely, so she couldn't help but ask the question again.

"well enough!"

Under Yuan Chun's concerned gaze, Jia Zhen could only say, "She also said that counting from my grandmother and great-aunt, I should call her 'Grandma,' which made the Emperor Emeritus laugh at the time."

Shen Ning: "..."

Yuanchun: "..."

Both of them had solemn expressions on their faces.

Especially Yuan Chun.

Grandmother always said that Consort Zhen was an old relative of their family and would definitely take care of her, but... whether she would actually take care of her or not, she knew best in her heart.

In her presence, Consort Zhen was always very kind.

She did indeed instruct others to look after her.

But in fact?
The Empress Dowager's protection only made her more isolated by everyone.

If she hadn't always been paving the way with money, her life would have been incredibly miserable.

"is it?"

Shen Ning's voice turned cold, "Did you shout?"

"How dare my son?"

Jia Zhen sensed he was in trouble and quickly shook his head, "The Dowager Consort is just using our family to appease the Emperor Emeritus."

At this point, he sounded somewhat exasperated, "Has my sister spoken with the Emperor Emeritus?"

"...I said that."

Yuan Chun nodded, her face showing some frustration. "However, the few times I did see the Emperor Emeritus, Consort Zhen was always there."

Even if they weren't there before, they'll rush over as soon as they find out.

It's as if she's trying to get into the Emperor Emeritus's bed.

Because of this, she received countless disdainful looks.

Some palace servants even said behind her back that she was unworthy of Consort Zhen's kindness and that she was ungrateful.

Although those words were never spoken to her face, the constant whispers and murmurs never ceased.

Yuan Chun didn't want to mention that person, and said in a low voice, "The Empress Dowager has been favored to this day... she must have her own extraordinary qualities."

What appears to be praise actually contains countless hidden traps.

Yuan Chun had countless feelings that she would die in that palace, and that her death might be particularly dishonorable.

"Zhen'er, did you hear that?"

"...I heard you."

Jia Zhen had no idea what he had said wrong again, and he felt like his mother's eyes were blazing with fire.

"He's a complete idiot all day long."

Shen Ning really wanted to give this stupid son a good whack.

In a place like the palace, it's already difficult enough to survive. What right does he have to criticize Yuan Chun for not trying hard enough?
"Shut your mouth, go back to the mansion and enter the ancestral hall. Now that Yuan Chun has returned, you must inform the ancestors."

"……Yes!"

Thinking of the few people still in the ancestral hall, Jia Zhen obediently lowered his head.

Yuan Chun pretended not to see it.

The eldest brother needs to be kept in check.

If no one were to supervise him, he could probably climb up to the sky with just a simple ladder.

“Yuan Chun, your aunt also needs to tell you that your father and mother, as well as your uncle, elder brother and Zhen’er, were all in the ancestral hall with the ancestors yesterday.”

What?
Yuan Chun could hardly believe it.

Her father, her mother, and her eldest brother are all in the ancestral hall?
She wasn't surprised at all when her uncle and Brother Zhen entered the ancestral hall, but her family...

"Auntie, what happened?"

I'm almost home, so I need to ask around.

"I have a headache now and need to rest for a while. I'm going home now, and I'll let the old lady talk to you."

Today in the palace, Shen Ning talked for a long time.

“I need to rest for a while. You should go back and rest too. It might not be long before another imperial decree comes down from the palace.”

"……Yes!"

I don't know what imperial decree it is.

Judging from the expressions on Aunt's and Brother Zhen's faces, it doesn't seem like a bad thing.

But Yuan Chun was still somewhat uneasy.

The current imperial decree is most likely directed at her.

And when the old lady finds out she's back... won't she be very disappointed?

The old lady agreed with her parents' decision back then.

Otherwise, they couldn't keep sending silver to the palace year after year.

she……

Yuan Chun began to feel afraid.

Her grandmother and parents placed all their hopes on her, but she abandoned them halfway through.

The carriage continued its rapid journey forward. Inside the Kunning Palace, the Emperor heard the Empress relay Shen Ning's suggestions.

He sat there pondering for a long time, without expressing his opinion.

"Your Majesty, do you also think this is unfeasible?"

The Queen was slightly disappointed.

Although she thought it would be very difficult, she didn't expect that the emperor wouldn't even try.

"It's not entirely impossible!"

The emperor sighed, "I was just thinking that Jia Jing and Madam Shen are husband and wife after all, and they both have rather impatient personalities."

The Crown Prince was in a panic back then, which led to his utter defeat.

now……

The Emperor did not want to follow in the footsteps of his elder brother, the Crown Prince. "Let's put other matters aside for now," he said to the Empress. "But the matter of teaching at the orphanage can be carried out first, as Madam Shen wishes."

A look of surprise flashed in the Empress's eyes, but she quickly hesitated and asked, "Is it alright with the Emperor Emeritus?"

"nothing!"

The emperor said, "This is a virtuous act, and the retired emperor will certainly agree."

As long as it doesn't involve major interests, the retired emperor will let him do it.

“If they go to teach, the palace maids who have left the palace can also benefit. I think they would be willing to do it.”

Originally, there were still six months to stay in the palace, but after leaving the palace to teach, one can be free in just three months. Everyone will probably be eager to go.

It's about security that we need to protect.

"You should stagger the number of people leaving the palace." It won't work if they all go at once and then leave in a bunch.

"I saved it."

Some who are destined to leave the palace can also be taught in advance.

The Empress smiled. "There's something else. Why did the Emperor Emeritus bestow such a reward upon me out of the blue?"

They even gave so much as a reward.

In an instant, it filled up quite a bit of her and the Emperor's empty storerooms.

With these, she wouldn't have to worry about giving gifts to her concubines and younger relatives during festivals and holidays.

"Hmm~" The emperor also laughed, "Jia Zhen thanked you in front of the emperor for saving his mother and sister's lives."

The Emperor was always more forgiving of the deceased.

And as you keep reciting it, all that's left is "okay".

Otherwise, he wouldn't have said he would give Xiao Yueyue a dowry on behalf of Jia Daihua.

The emperor suddenly stood up again, as if remembering something. "I recall that before the Crown Prince's accident, he dismissed many of his palace maids and concubines."

Could one or two of them be pregnant?
clap~
He clapped his hands on the spot and summoned his bodyguards.

……

At Rongguo Mansion, Grandmother Jia was also worried about those who hadn't returned from the East Mansion.

Logically, since the first-rank imperial decree has already been bestowed, a simple expression of gratitude should not have taken so long.

The old lady paced back and forth in the room, her head aching.

"Grandma, Grandma, we've found out."

Lin Zhixiao's wife rushed in, "The eldest wife of the East Mansion had just handed in the plaque when she was taken away by someone from the Empress's palace. On the other hand, Master Zhen was not summoned to express his gratitude until the Emperor finished his court session. After that, he went to the Emperor Emeritus's Shou Kang Palace, where he was said to be talking with the Emperor Emeritus."

To keep the retired emperor company?

Grandmother Jia felt relieved. "Go and inquire further."

She thought for a moment, then said, "Someone, prepare a sedan chair and go to the East Mansion."

With such a big incident happening in the family, the two sons can no longer stay in the ancestral hall.

Grandmother Jia felt she should tell Rong-ge'er to release the person first. After all, Jia She and Jia Zheng were masters and knew more people. With them inquiring, the news would arrive faster.

If things continue at this slow pace, this old lady won't be able to keep up.

She had just met Rong-ge'er and hadn't even had a chance to speak when she heard a commotion outside.

"Madam is back, Master is back."

"Madam is back, Master is back..."

The maids and old women kept sending messages inside.

Grandmother Jia and Madam You were overjoyed and rushed out to greet him, but Rong-ge'er had already run out of the hanging flower gate.

"Grandmother, Father!"

Rong-ge'er was also extremely anxious. When he saw the carriage entering the mansion, he wished he could jump in and greet his grandmother and father, saying, "You're finally back!"

"Don't worry, it's okay!"

Shen Ning hadn't planned to stop the car and wanted to go straight back to her own courtyard, but when Jia Zhen lifted the curtain, she saw Rong-ge'er's worried eyes and hesitated for a moment, "It's just to express my gratitude, what could possibly happen?"

The child seems frightened.

She sighed, about to offer a few more words of comfort, when a group of maids and servants poured out from the second gate, and Grandmother Jia and Madam You also came out looking anxious.

"grandmother!"

When Yuan Chun saw the old lady, her eyes immediately reddened. She followed Jia Zhen down, ran several steps, and knelt down three zhang away from Grandmother Jia. She crawled over on her knees and said, "Grandmother, granddaughter... granddaughter has returned."

"Yuan Chun?"

Grandmother Jia was stunned.

When Lady Shen went to the palace to express her gratitude, she actually brought Yuan Chun back with her?
This this……

If it were yesterday, the old lady would definitely have stopped Shen Ning and questioned her thoroughly, but now...

She hugged Yuan Chun while looking anxiously at Shen Ning.

"Let's go inside and talk. What kind of behavior is this?"

Shen Ning could only get out of the car. "Auntie, I'll go back and change my clothes first, and I'll come back later."

"No, Yuan Chun..."

"Don't worry, it's a good thing. I've already asked the Empress for a marriage proposal for her."

what?
Yuan Chun couldn't help but steal a glance at her aunt.

Grandmother Jia was stunned.

The old lady felt that her mind couldn't keep up with Shen Ning's pace.

However, Shen Ning was too lazy to care about her anymore, because Madam You had already directed the maids to bring over the sedan chair.

Although it wasn't many steps, she had just finished her postpartum confinement and had forced herself to stay awake in the palace, talking for so long, so she was really exhausted. "The incense tables for both residences are ready. There may be an imperial decree coming down from the palace later."

Before she finished speaking, the old women had already carried her to the courtyard.

"Grandma, please come inside and have a chat!"

Madam You cared about her mother-in-law, but she couldn't neglect to entertain the old lady and the eldest daughter.

"Don't worry, madam, it's all a joyous occasion. I'll have them prepare the incense table first."

Jia Zhen, holding her son's hand, also offered a word of comfort.

"...Get up quickly!"

Having exhausted all other options, Grandmother Jia could only help Yuan Chun up and ask, "Tell Grandmother how you left the palace. Does Consort Zhen know?"

The Zhen family and the Jia family are old relatives!
They spent money to get Yuan Chun in, but now that Shen has done this, what will others think of their family?

"Consort Zhen probably knew about it."

As Yuan Chun stood up, she helped her grandmother up. "Her Majesty the Empress asked me to come back with my eldest aunt." She paused, her voice softening, and her eyes reddening. "Grandmother, I miss home so much, I miss you all so much."

"..."

The old lady couldn't help but shed tears.

Her granddaughter has been raised by her side since she was a child.

How could she not feel heartbroken?
But what can be done?

The Duke passed away, as did his elder brother from the East Mansion. Jia Jing failed to inherit the title, and although She'er did inherit it, he was a useless fellow.

Needless to say, Zheng'er was a minor official of the fifth rank. He couldn't even get a chance to enter the imperial court, let alone the Ministry of Works.

"Just come back."

It's already back, so it can't be put back.

The old lady's tears kept falling. "Grandma misses you very much too."

"grandmother……"

Upon entering the house, Yuan Chun embraced her grandmother and burst into tears.

At this moment, Shen Ning, who had been carried back to her own courtyard, was also ushered into the house by the maids. Hot water and hot tea had already been prepared. She washed her hands and face, and changed her clothes. Everyone was busy taking care of her. "Where is Yueyue?"

"The girl had been looking for you, and cried for a while when she couldn't find you. Now she's asleep."

"Let her fall asleep first, then bring her to bed when she wakes up."

"Yes!"

"I'll rest for a quarter of an hour first. There's no need to call unless it's necessary."

She lay down on the recliner and said, "Go tell the old man to let everyone out of the ancestral hall to change their clothes."

"Yes!"

Qingping waited a moment, and seeing that she closed her eyes and stopped talking, she quickly and quietly withdrew.

Shen Ning had a headache, and what she said to the Empress probably wouldn't have any effect.

The number of people the Empress could use was probably less than what she had.

Not to mention silver.

Even the Emperor and Empress combined probably don't have as much money as she does.

This single word, 'filial piety,' truly weighed heavily on all of them, making it hard for them to breathe!

How to do?
The retired emperor seemed to be still alive, and there was no news of his death until the end of Dream of the Red Chamber.

In other words, the Jia family will have to survive in the cracks for many, many more years.

However, he was indecisive between his two sons, and as soon as he wavered, Consort Zhen would not have any peace.

The Emperor and Empress had nowhere left to retreat.

Has the Jia family gotten involved now?

With her doing this, it seems she's gotten involved too.

This is different from Yuan Chun being a virtuous concubine, isn't it?

"Virtuous, virtuous," is the Emperor using these two words to satirize Yuan Chun?
Otherwise, how could she have suddenly died when she was pregnant?
The Empress did not seem to be the kind of person who would casually kill concubines or even royal offspring.

If she really dared to do that, Consort Zhen would have arrested her long ago.

Is there something she hasn't sorted out yet?