Red Mansion: Picking up a Lin Daiyu

Chapter 403: Conferred the title of Duke Dingguo
The censor spoke passionately and passionately, and every word he said was as sharp as a sword pointing directly at Yue Ling's throat.

The powerful words echoed throughout the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and the lingering sound lingered in the air. As a result, none of the ministers and Emperor Longyou were surprised, as if he had just said something that was widely circulated. There was not even much discussion about it.

Emperor Longyou raised his eyebrows and asked, "So, what is his crime?"

The censor was stunned on the spot.

"Is it not a crime to rob a woman?"

As a censor, it was a great humiliation to be able to impeach in silence.

Now the matter has come before His Majesty, and all the officials are there to listen, but this is the result they get. Where can the censors save their faces?

Gritting his teeth, the censor guessed that it was a show of force given by Emperor Longyou to Xuande, and that this was the perfect opportunity to overthrow Marquis Anjing, who was so powerful that he threatened the emperor.

According to historical books, the censors all rose to their positions in this way, and there is an old way to follow.

"In that case, I don't need to hide it anymore. I need to make my words clearer."

After thinking for a moment, the censor stood up again, grabbed Jia Zheng, who was watching the fun, from the team of the Ministry of Works, and pulled him to the center.

Jia Zheng's eyes widened, and he could not help asking, "Censor Wang, are you crazy? Why are you impeaching Marquis Anjing and involving me?"

"You're the one who's talking nonsense!"

The censor took a deep breath and said loudly, "Your Majesty, there is something that the ministers don't know. I heard that when Marquis Anjing first arrived in the capital, he took three unmarried women from the Rongguo Mansion to his own mansion to raise them."

"The Jia family is a founding noble family. Our ancestors have made great contributions to our Great Chang. But now, the newly promoted noble Marquis Anjing has taken advantage of his power and abducted the women in our family for pleasure. How can such a promiscuous act be tolerated?"

"With such bullying, how can the four kings and eight dukes retain their dignity? With such debauchery and immorality, how can Your Majesty retain his dignity?"

As expected, the effect of this romantic scandal is much better than before.

All the civil servants began to discuss among themselves.

"I heard that Mr. Shi taught the four sisters of the Jia family to play the qin, chess, calligraphy and painting respectively. Qin has entered the palace as a virtuous concubine. She is born with a dignified and elegant appearance. I believe the other three sisters are not much different."

One person sighed, and someone else immediately echoed, "Yes, I have heard about this, but I didn't expect that the other three sisters would all marry into the Anjing Marquis's mansion. Anjing Marquis is really lucky and enjoys all the blessings of having many wives, haha."

Someone else said, "That's right, look ahead. Lord Yue was already sleepy during the morning court session. I guess it was last night?"

Everyone chuckled and looked at each other, understanding what the other party had not said.

Criticisms from all around came like a tide, but Jia Zheng was helpless and could not defend himself.

Moreover, the military officers on the right, the descendants of the four kings and eight dukes, had even more gloomy expressions and turned back to stare at Jia Zheng.

Jia Zheng's wrist was grabbed by the censor and he couldn't even cover his face. He could only pretend not to notice the gazes of the crowd. He looked angrily at the censor beside him, and he wanted to strangle him to death.

"You are such a bastard, if you want to impeach Yue Ling, just impeach him. Why are you scolding my Jia family? Not only did you scold my Jia family, you also scolded the four kings and eight dukes. How can my Jia family stand among the nobles in the future?"

"Oh my, the innocence of the girls in our Jia family has been exposed in public. How can they get married in the future?"

"This beast who was imprisoned and stabbed, will be killed by Yue Ling's sword when he goes out to relieve my hatred!"

Jia Zheng was so angry that his chest heaved and for a moment he even forgot to defend himself.

On the stage, Emperor Longyou suppressed his laughter, coughed lightly, and then spoke in a muffled voice: "The Jia family did have outstanding military achievements, and the elders of the two mansions who passed away not long ago also did me a favor. The descendants should not be humiliated by others. Mr. Jia, may I ask you, is what Censor Wang said true?"

Jia Zheng felt like crying but had no tears, so he had to pay his respects first.

At this moment, the censor let go of his hand, but he did not forget to remind him, "This is in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. His Majesty and all the civil and military officials are watching. Even if you are the father-in-law of the emperor, you cannot commit the crime of deceiving the emperor."

Jia Zheng felt as if he was out enjoying the scenery and the mountains and rivers had nothing to do with him, but he was drenched in bird shit.

He swallowed his saliva, his throat loosened, and he said, "Your Majesty, it is true that the children of the Jia family are staying at the Marquis of Anjing's mansion, but it is not as bad as what Censor Wang said..."

The discussion in the court exploded, and no one paid attention to the second half of Jia Zheng's sentence.

"quiet!"

Xia Shouzhong whipped the whip again, and Jia Zheng's voice was heard again by everyone, "Lin Daiyu, the daughter of Lin Ruhai, the Imperial Censor of the Salt Industry, has a sisterly relationship with the children of the Jia family. She is just staying here for a few days."

"The Jia family is currently renovating the residence for the imperial visit, and it is inconvenient for the ladies in the boudoir..."

Censor Wang snorted coldly and interrupted, "What a joke! Who in the world hasn't heard of Marquis Anjing's preferences? Even the local wealthy merchants in Suzhou know that they send twelve girls. Your Jia family sent three girls in, is it just for the purpose of staying? Don't try to find excuses for Marquis Anjing and stop trying to cover up the truth!"

"Your Majesty, I will redress the grievances of your Jia family and bring justice to you!"

Seeing that Jia Zheng was useless and could not stand up to the public, Wang Yushi bowed his hands and said, "Snatching women and being promiscuous are just one of his crimes. Your Majesty has been advocating frugality for many years, but the left prime minister has only a wife who has lived with him for a long time, and the Eastern Privy Councilor has never married. However, the Marquis of Anjing has many women at home who he uses to perform operas for his own amusement, not to mention that they are used to bribe the officials."

"I have reason to suspect that Marquis Anjing has abused his power and bent the law for personal gain. I hope Your Majesty will conduct a thorough investigation!"

"I second the proposal."

There is always support for the impeachment calls, and most people are just there to watch the fun.

Emperor Longyou gathered his gaze, nodded slightly and said, "You have put in a lot of effort, Censor Wang."

"Let's talk about the troupe first. I actually agreed to it. It's all included in the case files. Why did the current situation come about due to all the mistakes?"

"The girls in the troupe are both orphans and young. Marquis Anjing kept them in the mansion because he felt sorry for them and thought they were innocently implicated in a crime. Their backgrounds were unclear and they were afraid that they would be ostracized and treated harshly."

"As for the Jia family's affairs, I have not heard of them."

After a brief pause, Emperor Longyou said, "Why not listen to what Marquis Anjing himself has to say, Marquis Anjing?"

"Marquis Anjing?"

Yue Ling had been dozing off in the palace until Emperor Longyou called him a few more times, and then he suddenly woke up.

"I am here, and I am willing to lead the troops to battle!"

Many ministers burst into laughter, and Yue Ling couldn't help scratching his head, confused about the situation.

Emperor Longyou sighed and exchanged a glance with Xia Shouzhong beside him, who then quickly came to Yue Ling's side and bowed his head.

"My Lord, we have already passed the rules for discussing war, and we are now discussing your matter."

"My business?" Yue Ling widened his eyes in confusion.

Xia Shouzhong said repeatedly: "That's right, there are censors impeaching you, saying that you forcibly abducted the three sisters of the Jia family into the mansion and molested them. Is this true?"

"Ah? Isn't this nonsense?"

Xia Shouzhong nodded, "Your Majesty is asking about this." Yue Ling immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, it is nonsense to say that I forced the Jia family to hand over their women. I was in the palace the whole time yesterday and did not return until late at night. When I returned to the mansion, the Jia family's women were already in the room."

"It's late at night and it's curfew. We can't just kick people out."

"As for whether to stay or go, the Jia family can decide. I don't know anything about them."

Emperor Longyou nodded and said, "That's right. Yesterday I kept Marquis Anjing in the palace. When he left the palace, it was already curfew. There was no reason for him to go to Rongguo Mansion. I can prove it."

"what?"

Censor Wang was stunned.

The emperor's testimony was true even if it was false. The development of the matter to this point was beyond Wang Yushi's expectations, and he had no chance to question it.

Wang Yushi was stunned and whispered, "That's not right. If that's the case, why did His Majesty let the Imperial Guards stop Marquis Anjing at the gate?"

Jia Zheng, who was standing nearby, cursed in a low voice: "What a self-righteous fool! Not only did he commit a stupid act himself, but he also brought disaster to the reputation of my Jia family!"

The next moment, Emperor Longyou on the stage said in a deep voice: "Mr. Jia."

"The minister is here."

"Did you hear what Marquis An Jing just said? Is there anything wrong with it?"

Jia Zheng bowed hurriedly and said, "What the Marquis of Anjing said is true. It is really this Censor Wang who is talking nonsense. I dare Your Majesty to punish him."

The civil servants burst into laughter.

Emperor Longyou also shook his head and said, "Wang Yushi is a censor, and it is his duty to report what he hears. Since the story of bullying the weak and kidnapping women is completely false, let's skip this matter for now."

"What do you think, my dear ministers?"

Except for the generals from the lineage of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, who seemed to have been scolded as well, the rest of the people seemed to be just watching a fun event.

Moreover, Emperor Longyou’s protection of Yue Ling was so obvious, who would be willing to get involved in this mess?

People at that time all thought that a figure like Marquis Anjing had never married. Even if he was lustful and brought a commoner girl into his mansion, the girl must have done so willingly.

Not to mention the common people's daughters, even if the daughters of the imperial censors were sent to their mansions, they would be extremely happy.

"I have no objection."

Emperor Longyou didn't want to make any more noise, so he called Xia Shouzhong beside him and said, "Okay, let's talk about the last thing."

Xia Shouzhong bowed and responded, took out the yellow imperial edict from his bosom, unfolded it and said in a sharp voice: "The Emperor of Heaven and Mandate of Heaven, decrees: I have received the favor of the Heaven, the trust of the country, and I am vigilant day and night, thirsting for talents. I would like to ask you, Anjing Hou Yue Ling, for your loyalty as strong as the sun and the moon, your courage as awe-inspiring as the mountains and rivers, and your achievements as brilliant as the books and scrolls. Now I specially issue an imperial edict to announce it to all officials to honor your special achievements and reward your sincerity."

"He suppressed the rebellion and protected the country, and his achievements were engraved in the capital; he comforted the people and pacified the sea, and his virtue benefited the south of the Yangtze River. In the long eight years, the barren land was transformed into fertile fields, and the fierce waves were built into a huge city. He reformed the malpractices and made many good suggestions, and the national treasury was full again."

"How can you deserve a title and salary for your great achievements? However, the state has its own rules, and my heart is endless. I will promote you to the Duke of Dingguo and grant you the old palace of the King of Qin to honor you. You should stabilize the mountains and rivers like a rock, and assist me in governing like an arm and leg. Stay loyal forever and don't let your good name go unpunished!"

"This announcement is now being made to let everyone at home and abroad know!"

As soon as the imperial edict was read out, the whole room was in an uproar.

"What, Duke Dingguo?"

……

Beijing, Suzaku Street,

In the most prosperous market town, there is a three-story restaurant with a flag that says "Fengxue Pavilion".

A sedan chair with a plain roof slowly stopped in front of the door. Xue Baochai lifted the curtain lightly and walked down quickly.

Someone was already waiting at the door, leading Xue Baochai to the upper floor, "Young lady, please follow me. The mistress and the master have been waiting in the room for a long time."

Xue Baochai nodded slowly, without any joy on her face, "Thank you for your trouble."

They went straight up to the third floor of the restaurant, into the attic facing the street. Before Xue Baochai even opened the door, she was supported by Tongxi and Tonggui and taken to her room.

Aunt Xue, who was wiping her tears beside the tea table, heard the noise of someone entering the door, took a deep breath, stood up, and went to greet her daughter whom she had not seen for a long time.

Raising her hand and resting it on her waist, Aunt Xue measured her and said, "I haven't seen you for three years. You have become much thinner. I am really distressed."

"How can you be thinner? You eat a lot on weekdays." When her relatives met, Xue Baochai, who was always nervous, couldn't help but soften her heart and said kind words.

"That's fine, that's fine."

Xue Pan stood behind the two of them, rubbing his hands. He was still feeling guilty for the mistake he had made in the past. He didn't know how to greet them, so he could only smile foolishly.

Xue Baochai helped her mother to sit inside. Seeing her mother's slightly red eyes, she turned to Xue Pan and asked, "What did you do in front of mother again? Haven't you changed your bad habits by staying with your uncle?"

Xue Pan seemed to have been wronged, and he kept complaining: "How can this be true? Sister, you misunderstood. Mother didn't cry because of me."

Patting his face, Xue Pan seemed to have endless complaints to pour out, "Life is very hard in the military camp. Look at my face. I used to have fair skin and tender flesh, but now it's tanned as black as coal. A few days ago, when I went to a dinner, my old lover didn't recognize me."

Xue Baochai glared at him, "You still dare to go out and have a good time, have you forgotten the mistakes you made in the past?"

"No, no." Xue Pan waved his hands repeatedly, "I'm just drinking, I don't dare to make trouble."

Turning her head to look at her mother again, Xue Baochai asked, "What's this, mother?"

Aunt Xue sighed and said, "Your brother should have gotten married a long time ago, but he suffered in prison and spent several years in the military camp, which delayed everything. A few days ago, by chance, a matchmaker introduced the eldest daughter of the Xia family, a royal merchant in the capital, to your brother."

"Our two families are both engaged in business, and our families are considered a good match. But for some reason, the Jia family sent someone to inquire about the Xia family not long ago, and the matchmaking that was promised was broken again."

"At least there is someone who doesn't despise your brother for being useless. This is not the case anymore."

Even though Xue Pan didn't want to get married, he was still a little indignant at the moment, "They want to interfere in this matter. I don't know if they think we are close relatives."

Aunt Xue sighed and said, "You are wrong. The Jia family wants to become even more closely related to us. This morning, your aunt came to ask about Bao's marriage."

"I haven't seen you for a long time, precious girl, so how can I be sure of such a thing? Your aunt will be upset again when she hears what I said."

"Originally, it was said that the villa for the imperial visit would be built, and there would be a room for our family. When we return to live in the mansion, it would be convenient for us to move around on weekdays. But I'm afraid it will be difficult now."

Before Xue Baochai could say anything, Xue Pan was already furious. He slammed the table and spat, "Bah! My sister is worthy of those prisoners of the Jia family, and they are also worthy? Why don't you take a piss and examine your own moral character?"

"This is a bullshit villa for visiting relatives. My Xue family doesn't care about it!"

(End of this chapter)