The destiny of all heavens begins in the Red Chamber

Wasn't it because the Wang family's influence at that time was no longer enough to protect the Xue family's wealth?

The reality is so cruel!

Don't be fooled by Wang Xifeng's sweet words, which make it seem like the Wang family is still enjoying its former glory.

When the Rong family encountered trouble, neither the old lady nor Madam Wang were seen seeking help from the Wang family.

"Don't talk to your sister-in-law about these trivial matters; she doesn't understand the ways of officialdom!"

Jia Lian said irritably to Jia Huan, "You're quite something, kid. You've already passed the martial arts exam and become the top martial arts scholar next year!"

"That spectacle will definitely be bigger than Cong-ge'er's!"

"By the way, isn't Cong-ge'er coming back to the capital this year?"

When Jia Cong was mentioned, Jia Lian casually changed the subject: "I heard that this guy has done quite well in the Central Plains, and has won the praise of the cabinet and the current emperor!"

"Well, I'm not quite sure about that!"

Jia Huan shook his head and said, "Although Cong-ge'er writes back often, he rarely mentions this matter. I guess he's worried that the letters might be intercepted!"

"After all, the things he did offended far too many people and forces!"

"We're brothers, even if we don't offer support, we shouldn't hold each other back!"

Chapter 319 A Fickle Mind (Please Subscribe)

As the saying goes, times change and the world changes; some things truly cannot be changed according to human will!

When Jia Lian left the capital to take up an official post, Jia Huan played a crucial role in his success.

He even personally intervened to persuade Wang Xifeng.

However, as the Rong Mansion's public property was clearly divided, Wang Xifeng's mindset changed.

Her original plan was to take her children to the place where Jia Lian was an official.

As for the General's Mansion in the East Courtyard, it was temporarily handed over to Madam Xing for management.

After Jia Lian returns to the capital, Wang Xifeng will regain control of the General's Mansion's internal affairs!

However, at this time, the General's Mansion received a fixed income of 24,000 taels of silver every year.

This is no small sum of money!

Wang Xifeng was reluctant to give it up, but given Madam Xing's personality, why would she stay in the public treasury?

In addition, after she seized power in the East Courtyard, she became completely addicted to this kind of feeling.

The General's Mansion in the East Courtyard represents the rank of a first-class general!

Some social interactions and dealings with the major noble families in the capital were of a lower standard than those of the Rong Mansion, but the advantage was that they could be completely controlled.

It was so much better than when I was a mouthpiece for the Rong family.

Outside, everyone treats her as the mistress of the general's mansion!

Wang Xifeng was quite obsessed with this and didn't want to leave the capital to become an official's wife in the inner court.

There was another layer of consideration: if Wang Xifeng followed Jia Lian outside as an official's wife, she would be in Jia Lian's shoes, which was hard for the usually strong-willed Wang Xifeng to accept.

From now on, we must find out who is in charge of the household!

If they had stayed in the General's Mansion in the East Courtyard, they wouldn't have had such troubles.

Even some of Jia Lian's political resources in the capital will fall into her hands!

It can be said that the experiences during this period made Wang Xifeng's mentality even more inflated.

After only a few words, Jia Huan had already noticed something amiss.

He didn't rush to express his opinion, but instead looked at Jia Lian, who was accompanying him.

Jia Lian remained calm and shook his head slightly, indicating to Jia Huan to ignore him.

Tsk!

Jia Huan understood immediately and didn't say anything more.

Clearly, Jia Lian had long noticed the changes in his wife.

There must have been some private communication, but judging from the current situation, the outcome wasn't very good.

What else is there to say?

Just do things the way they should, follow the rules, and don't worry too much about anything else.

"Come, come, these dishes are special local specialties prepared by a renowned local chef I invited!"

Jia Lian pointed to several dishes on the table and said, "The taste is a bit different from what we make in restaurants in the capital. Huan-ge, why don't you give it a try!"

"Then I shall respectfully accept your offer!"

Jia Huan readily agreed and, at Jia Lian's invitation, began to eat and drink.

No official matters were discussed during the meal, as Jia Huan was not yet considered a formal member of the officialdom.

They talked more about things that happened in the noble families of the capital, which served as quite delicious spice to their meal, often eliciting bursts of laughter and even improving their appetites.

The capital city is home to many nobles, and among them are quite a few oddballs.

If you're willing to ask around, you'll find all sorts of bizarre and incomprehensible things.

For the sake of saving face, or to prove a point, anything is possible.

The relevant content recorded in those unofficial histories and anecdotes was less than one-tenth or one-twelfth of what Jia Huan knew.

To put it bluntly, those who have power and influence but are also bored out of their minds, what's the point of their lives if they don't make a fuss? This is the true mentality of those spoiled brats from aristocratic families, which is quite both laughable and pathetic.

It's not that they're unwilling to work, it's just that they've been spoiled and don't have the ability at all.

Even Jia Lian, after drinking a few cups, couldn't help but sigh, "If it weren't for the chance encounter that led me into officialdom and the experience I gained, I'd probably be one of these guys too!"

Isn't it!

Jia Huan smiled faintly. In the original novel, Jia Lian at this time was hanging out with Jia Zhen and his son Jia Rong, and getting along very well with the You sisters. He had become a 'glorious' sucker.

At present, Jia Huan is a well-known rising star in the officialdom, and is regarded as a future star by many bigwigs.

To put it simply, at this time, the Rong Mansion suddenly collapsed, and Jia Lian experienced the same exile as in the original novel. Once he was released from prison and returned to the capital, his life would certainly be much more comfortable than in the original story.

After all, he had worked in the Ministry of Revenue and had experience in local areas, so his vision and abilities were quite remarkable.

Sitting next to them, Wang Xifeng was clearly not interested in the brothers' conversation. She just kept urging them to drink, and it was unclear what she was planning.

If they thought they could get Jia Huan drunk, they were mistaken.

If he doesn't want to, let alone a private family dinner, even if he drinks a lot of alcohol, he can digest, break it down, and excrete it in a short time through his powerful physiological functions.

When they had eaten and drunk their fill, Jia Huan and Jia Lian gradually started talking about the founding nobles.

"Second Brother Lian, are you familiar with the situation at the Prince of Nan'an's residence?"

“The Prince of Nan’an has been leading troops in the field all the time, and most of those left behind in the mansion are women. How could I possibly be familiar with them?”

"Then forget it. But I've heard that this person is causing trouble in the southern border region and is even recruiting people within our founding noble circle. I'm afraid something big is about to happen!"

"Never heard of it. Anyway, it's none of our business, why bother?"

"Haha, there's really no need to put in too much effort!"

As they talked, the conversation turned to the four major families of Jinling.

At this moment, Wang Xifeng, who was accompanying them, became interested and suddenly asked, "Huan-ge'er, you have territory on an island in the outer sea. You invited a few close families to participate, so why didn't you invite the Wang family?"

This statement left Jia Huan somewhat at a loss for words.

Fortunately, Jia Lian was quick-witted and immediately replied, "Who in the Wang family in the capital can make decisions?"

Wang Xifeng said irritably, "My brother, Wang Ren!"

"Do not make jokes!"

Jia Lian chuckled and said, "It's true that your brother-in-law is highly regarded, but can you mobilize the Wang family's resources without your second uncle's approval?"

Wang Xifeng paused, her expression turning somewhat awkward, which was naturally not very pleasant.

"Sister-in-law Feng, I didn't invite her because I saw that the Wang family didn't have a person in charge!"

Jia Huan then added, "Once the New Year is over, we'll be providing real gold and silver, a large amount of grain and supplies, and other things. This is no joke!"

"We can't expect the other families to contribute huge amounts of money, food, and supplies while the Wang family just lends its name, can we?"

"I don't care, but will the other companies agree?"

"The key issue is that Prince Zhongshun, the owner of that large island in the open sea, won't agree to it!"

"We can agree on that beforehand and then send a letter directly to Second Uncle. I'm sure Second Uncle will agree!"

Wang Xifeng retorted, "The Wang family would certainly be happy to get involved in something like this!"

"But no one from the Wang family stepped forward to accompany them to the outer sea territory!"

Jia Huan chuckled and said, "We can't possibly offer such a massive amount of money, food, and supplies without anyone in charge of overseeing it, can we? I wouldn't dare accept that so easily!"

These words left Wang Xifeng speechless, and her expression became quite awkward.