Chapter 472: Inquiry of Auspiciousness and Marriage Edict

Love Shenjing, Hongping Street, Hongchun Fur Shop.

In a private room on the second floor, Jia She was dressed in luxurious clothing; his eyes were puffy and his complexion somewhat sallow, yet his expression held a hint of joy.

Sitting to his right was a man of refined appearance, of medium build, with a straight back and spirited eyes, his demeanor meticulous. He was Chen Yongchuan, a steward of the Sun family from Datong.

"Old Master, I have learned that tomorrow is the happy occasion of your taking a beauty as a concubine, so I have specially brought some humble gifts to offer my congratulations."

"Here are ten bolts of top-quality Su satin, one top-quality fox fur and one bear fur, five hundred taels of gift money, and a jar of top-grade Liaodong treasure wine. I hope you will not find them too meager; it is but a small token of my respect."

A few days prior, Jia She had received two thousand taels in dividends from Chen Yongchuan, so he had purchased a small courtyard in Chongqing Ward to hide his mistress.

Over the years, Jia She had taken daughters of good families as concubines or purchased others, and Jia Mu had been too lazy to interfere.

However, bringing a redeemed courtesan into the household would certainly violate Jia Mu's great taboo, as it still touched upon the old heartache left by Jia Cong's birth mother.

If the Old Lady were to fly into a rage, she would likely beat the courtesan to death on the spot. Not only would Jia She be left in a wretched state, but his two thousand taels of silver would also go down the drain.

Therefore, he absolutely had to keep that enchanting sixteen-year-old courtesan from Xingxiang Tower outside the household.

Tomorrow, he would go to Xingxiang Tower to pay the money and collect the contract, securing that sixteen-year-old beauty, and tomorrow night, he would enter the bridal chamber once more.

Whenever he thought of that sixteen-year-old beauty named Cuihong and her youthful, alluring figure, a morbid obsession would stir in his heart.

Seeing Chen Yongchuan being so sensible—offering such gifts for merely taking an outside mistress—Jia She felt delighted.

In particular, the five hundred taels of gift money left Jia She very satisfied; these Liaodong people did good business and were surprisingly generous.

Furthermore, the two had already agreed that a new batch of goods would arrive from Liaodong tomorrow. Sun Shaozu had instructed Chen Yongchuan to continue using Jia She's Hongchun Fur Shop to transport the goods to Jin Ling.

And they would still take a one-in-ten cut of the profits. According to Chen Yongchuan, this batch was larger than the one transported a few months ago, so the dividends would naturally rise accordingly.

Seeing another windfall on the horizon, Jia She felt an indescribable sense of smug satisfaction.

……

At this moment, his gaze swept over the gifts Chen Yongchuan had brought, and seeing the jar of treasure wine, he felt a bit curious. Usually, when people gave wine as a gift, they came in pairs, yet Chen Yongchuan had sent only one jar.

However, Jia She cared more about the five hundred taels of gift money; that was the main portion, and he didn't pay much mind to a single jar of wine.

He asked casually, "Yongchuan, is there something special about this jar of treasure wine?"

Chen Yongchuan laughed, "The Old Master is truly sharp to notice something unusual. The bone whip used to soak this treasure wine was taken from a 'hanging-eye' white tiger hunted in Liaodong; it is a very rare exotic beast."

"Inside, many rare century-old Liaodong medicinal herbs have been added, and it has been soaking for over fifteen years. It is a treasure wine in the truest sense. Drinking it often can strengthen the essence, replenish Qi, and promote health and longevity."

"The Old Master has reached a flourishing age, and this wine is perfectly suited for you."

Jia She came from a wealthy family and had been exposed to all sorts of rare and luxurious items. A mountain white tiger was a beast seen once in a century, and for this treasure wine to be soaked with a white tiger's bone whip—that was truly a rare treasure.

Chen Yongchuan, with a somewhat boastful expression, said, "Let me open it for the Old Master to see."

He gently pried open the sealed old mud and removed the lid. A rich, intoxicating aroma of wine wafted out, carrying with it an unusual medicinal scent.

As soon as Jia She smelled the aroma, he felt his whole body tremble slightly, and he was overcome by a sense of obsession. He exclaimed, "Truly, it is fine wine!"

Chen Yongchuan laughed, "This wine is golden in color and as smooth as cream. A few years ago, I had the fortune to taste another jar, and the wonders of it remain unforgettable to this day."

Jia She laughed, "Since you find the benefits of this wine unforgettable, let us have a small drink together today."

Chen Yongchuan laughed, "Now is the time of Yang fire; it is not the moment to drink this wine. Only when the moon sets and the stars fade is the proper hour to consume it."

"Moreover, it should be in the boudoir, before the fragrant and soft bed. Once the Old Master has a small cup then, you will surely understand its wonders. Otherwise, why would I send this jar of treasure wine on the day you take a beauty?"

Hearing this, Jia She's eyes twitched, and he burst into laughter. He was a lecherous old man by nature, and after hearing Chen Yongchuan's words, how could he not understand the implication?

He laughed, "Yongchuan, you truly are a clever fellow……."

……

Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Jia Mu had finished her lunch and was chatting in the hall with Lady Wang and Xue Yima.

Suddenly, Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng hurried in, their faces full of smiles and joy.

Jia Lian laughed, "Old Lady, there is great joy in the family! Just now, the Ministry of Rites sent a Grade 6 ritual official over. Knowing there were no elders in the Eastern Prefecture, he came directly to the Western Prefecture."

"He said the Retired Emperor in the palace has issued an edict to bestow a marriage between the Third Brother and the Third Miss of the Zhen family."

"He has been ordered by the Minister of Rites to come and inquire about the name and auspiciousness, and to re-verify the Third Brother's birth date, in preparation for the Ministry of Rites to draft the marriage edict."

"The messenger also said the Imperial Board of Astronomy has determined an auspicious date, and the day after tomorrow is the day for the formal edict. Looking at this, the family should start preparing."

Hearing Jia Lian's report, everyone in the hall was shocked and filled with mixed joy and worry, their expressions varying.

By now, Jia Mu had helplessly abandoned the idea of Jia Cong marrying Shi Xiangyun.

She was a person who only loved comfort and pleasure all her life and would never make things too difficult for herself. Since the matter was not to be, she would not keep it on her mind and make herself uncomfortable.

Since visiting the Retired Imperial Consort Zhen in the palace a few days ago and receiving flattery from the Imperial Consorts of Nan'an and Xining, she had felt satisfied and naturally changed her mood.

After all, having her own grandson bestowed a marriage by the palace was also a tremendous honor.

It was just that the palace had not yet issued the final word, which made Jia Mu feel a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

Now, hearing the good news from Jia Lian, Jia Mu could not help but beam with joy. It was the first time in history she had felt such heartfelt joy for Jia Cong's affairs.

She hurriedly asked Jia Lian, "Why did you come alone? Is there anyone to receive the outside official? At this moment of great joy, we must not neglect the people from the Ministry of Rites."

Wang Xifeng laughed, "Old Ancestor, please rest assured. Before the Second Master came, he went to report to the Master and also went to the ancestral hall to retrieve the Third Brother's genealogy and birth record. Now the Master is personally receiving the officials from the Ministry of Rites, so there will be no neglect."

Jia Mu laughed, "That is proper. It has been a long time since we held a happy event in our family; this time we must organize it well."

She then smiled and said to Yuanyang, "Yuanyang, go to the Eastern Prefecture and call Brother Cong over to talk. This is his own happy event; when his father returns later, let him express his own ideas."

……

Yuanyang smiled and agreed, then quickly left Rongqing Hall. Although it was a pity that Third Brother Cong could not marry the eldest Miss Shi, Yuanyang felt a bit regretful.

However, for him to receive a marriage bestowed by the Retired Emperor was a supreme honor. Among the descendants of the Jia family's Eastern and Western Prefectures and the eight houses of the Love Shenjing, who had his ability? Thus, Yuanyang was also happy for him.

When she passed through the small gate of the Western Prefecture and crossed the covered corridor connecting the two prefectures, she saw that the gate to the Eastern Prefecture's small courtyard was tightly shut.

Yuanyang felt slightly strange; in the past, before sunset, the gates connecting the two prefectures were always open.

Although the Third Brother had established a rule for the Eastern Prefecture that outside men were not allowed in the inner courtyard, the young ladies and maids of the two prefectures could come and go freely.

Why was the Eastern Prefecture suddenly closing its gates today? Feeling curious, Yuanyang gently knocked on the courtyard gate, and before long, two old women came to open it.

Seeing Yuanyang, they laughed, "So it is Miss Yuanyang from the Western Prefecture. Is there something you need?"

Yuanyang asked curiously, "In the past, these gates were always open during the day. Why are they closed today?"

The two gatekeeping women were only in their thirties and were all domestic slaves purchased by Qin Keqing from Jiangnan; they were all meticulous and clever people.

They knew Yuanyang was the personal maid of the Old Lady of the Western Prefecture, and the Count of the household had always been gentle and pleasant to this girl, so they would not neglect her.

"It is no wonder Miss Yuanyang asks. We also received instructions from the Eldest Miss, saying that things outside have been complicated these past two days, so we need to guard the gates well and not let people come and go at will."

Yuanyang felt strange. Hearing that the woman had received instructions from Yingchun, and knowing that these two siblings were the closest, this must have been the Third Brother Cong's intention.

"I have received instructions from the Old Lady to specially come and report the good news to your Count and invite him to Rongqing Hall in the Western Prefecture to talk."

The woman laughed, "Since you are here to find the Count, please come in quickly. I will lead the way for you."

The woman led the way, leaving the other one to close the courtyard gate again and sit to the side to keep watch.

Yuanyang felt increasingly strange. In the past, she knew the way well; there was no need for anyone to lead her.

Although Yuanyang was confused, she knew that Jia Cong had always been rigorous in his actions and would never act without reason; there was always a reason for his behavior.

……

Count's Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

In the main study, Jia Cong was flipping through a collection of essays, but he was somewhat distracted.

Zhi Shao walked into the study and discovered that the fragrant tea she had brewed for Jia Cong had long since gone cold, and he hadn't taken a single sip.

She had been by Jia Cong's side for many years, and every word and action of his weighed on her heart. She asked softly, "Third Brother, what has been the matter with you all day? You didn't sleep well last night, and you got up before dawn today."

"For the better part of the day, although you have been reading in the study, your mind has been unsettled. You have never been like this before. Is there something wrong?"

Jia Cong sighed and said, "There is indeed a major event. Counting the time, it should be within these one or two days."

It had been five days since Jia Cong received the flying feather message from Qu Hongxiu.

The speed of the flying feather message from Jin Ling to the Love Shenjing was three or four days faster than normal fast horse delivery. Adding the time for human and horse relay and potential delays along the way, one or two days was more than enough.

Therefore, according to normal logic, the news from the Jin Ling Embroidered Uniform Guard should have reached the Love Shenjing two days ago. However, there had been no movement in the city for these two days, which meant the delivery of the message from the Jin Ling Embroidered Uniform Guard had been delayed.

But even with the delay, the news would surely arrive within today or tomorrow. That would be the moment Jia She's incident would break, and the Eastern and Western Prefectures would inevitably be impacted.

Moreover, he heard from Yingchun yesterday that the Retired Imperial Consort Zhen was terminally ill. The day before yesterday, Jia Mu, the Imperial Consort of Nan'an, and others had entered the palace to pay their respects to the Retired Imperial Consort.

It was said that the Retired Imperial Consort was kind and intimate in her words and actions toward Jia Mu, quite different from how she treated others. When leaving the palace, the Imperial Consorts of Nan'an and Xining had congratulated Jia Mu, speaking of the imminent marriage bestowal.

Yingchun did not dare to spread the news she heard from the Western Prefecture in the Eastern Prefecture, for fear that it would reach Daiyu's ears and cause some incident; she only told Jia Cong quietly.

When Jia Cong heard the news, he had the women in the inner courtyard strictly guard the small gate connecting the two prefectures. Without his instructions, no one was allowed to come and go at will, so as to avoid the news spreading and causing complications.

……

Moreover, once Jia She's incident broke, the Western Prefecture would bear the brunt, and there would inevitably be raids and arrests. The Eastern Prefecture was not involved, so avoiding the two prefectures in advance would be beneficial and harmless.

But based on Jia Mu's entry into the palace, Jia Cong had already concluded that with the Retired Imperial Consort's condition worsening, the marriage bestowal was likely inevitable; it was probably a matter of these few days. Furthermore, judging by the timing, the Jin Ling Embroidered Uniform Guard delivering the message to the Love Shenjing, Jia She's theft and transport of firearms being exposed, and the palace issuing the marriage edict would all likely happen in close succession over the next few days.

This gave Jia Cong a glimpse of an opportunity to create change amidst the chaos.

If Jia She's incident broke first, he, as Jia She's biological son, would inevitably be implicated, and the marriage bestowal from the palace would certainly be obstructed, creating variables.

But Jia Cong believed that with that sketch of the breech-loading gun, he would be able to remind Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao in time of his irreplaceable value in firearms technology. Even if he were impacted, the extent would be extremely limited.

But if the marriage bestowal came first and Jia She's incident followed, the matter would become much more troublesome…….

Regardless of which situation arose, Jia Cong felt he should make some preparations. This was also the reason he had Yingchun close the gate connecting the courtyards.

As long as the Embroidered Uniform Guard's news had not reached the Love Shenjing, all outcomes contained unpredictable variables.

Therefore, he had been worried about this since last night, sitting in the study for half the day, his mind constantly calculating the matter.

Although he had long known the details of Jia She stealing and transporting the stolen firearms, he absolutely could not report it himself.

This world emphasized the concealment of family members; if a son reported his father, even if there were truly a crime, he, as the son, would be ruined and go down in infamy for ten thousand years.

Back then, he was ordered by Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao to go to Jiangnan to copy scriptures for the late Empress Dowager Xianxiao, and in the end, he was posthumously granted the title of his late mother by the Emperor.

In the final analysis, it was because Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao was using someone else's affairs to vent his own frustrations, asserting his imperial authority in the dispute over the rituals for the late Empress Dowager.

If he, the benchmark of filial piety established by the Emperor, were to be exposed for reporting his own father for treason, he feared even Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao would abandon him without hesitation.

The impeachment edicts from the censors, flying like snowflakes, would destroy him in an instant, so this was something he would not do.

……

Of course, he would not be so stupid as to leak the news to the Emperor in advance through confidential methods, because that was just as stupid and shallow as reporting his own father.

Because Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao, who had always been deep in schemes and heavy with suspicion, would certainly become suspicious as to why someone would know this news in advance outside of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and would eventually conduct a thorough investigation into the source of the tip-off.

It was only a matter of a few days sooner or later; Jia Cong did not need to do such a stupid thing that would leave behind future troubles.

Only by letting the source of the news reach the palace through the Embroidered Uniform Guard would it be the most reasonable and impeccable, and only then could he, as Jia She's biological son, truly stay out of it.

The crime lay with the father, and as a son, he knew nothing. Only when Jia She was judged for his crimes could he strive for greater initiative and space for himself.

Therefore, in the past, he always prioritized planning and put effort into various methods, but in this matter, observing the changes and not acting rashly was the best strategy.

……

Hearing Jia Cong say there was indeed a major event, Zhi Shao was also startled. Her pair of moist, crystal-clear eyes looked quietly at Jia Cong, but she did not ask, because if he wanted to say it, he would naturally tell her.

Jia Cong had never mentioned Jia She's theft and transport of firearms to anyone, not even to Yingchun. Because Yingchun was Jia She's biological daughter, how would she conduct herself if she knew about this?

Moreover, if too many people knew about this, and the news leaked, he would not be able to explain how he knew the news in advance.

However, he had no such reservations about Zhi Shao, so he explained the reason regarding Jia She.

Zhi Shao's face was full of worry. She sat beside him and asked, "If the Old Master is held accountable, will it implicate you, Third Brother?"

Jia Cong gave a slight, bitter smile, "Who told him to be my father? Being implicated is certain. But now that I have a title, even if implicated, it will be limited, and I won't lose my official position or be convicted."

Zhi Shao asked, "He is your father after all. Since you knew about this in advance, don't you want to save him?"

Jia Cong snorted and said, "The Old Master brought this upon himself by doing such things. Even if he is convicted, he deserves it; no one can save him!"

He turned back, gently stroked Zhi Shao's hair, and said, "If it weren't for him back then, you wouldn't have suffered so much, drifting to Jiangnan, and almost never being found again."

"I have been holding this breath in my heart; compared to you, he is worthless!"

Zhi Shao felt sweet in her heart hearing this, but still felt it was strange. She blushed and covered Jia Cong's mouth, "Third Brother, you cannot say such things casually. If people hear them, it will cause great trouble."

"Besides, aren't I well by your side now……."

Zhi Shao's words were not groundless. The current world was governed by filial piety, and the laws of filial piety were greater than heaven.

If others heard Jia Cong say that compared to this personal concubine, his own biological father was not even as good as a dog, he would likely be dragged off to be drowned in a pig cage.

Jia Cong whispered unreliably in Zhi Shao's ear, "I am not coaxing you; what I said is the truth. Since I found you back from Jiangnan, you don't know how proud I am."

Zhi Shao blushed, wanting to laugh but not daring to, but was pulled into his embrace by Jia Cong, who held her slender waist.

Jia Cong added, "Actually, what I am most worried about now is not the Old Master's affair, but that I heard news that the palace will likely bestow a marriage in these few days."

"The timing happens to coincide with the Old Master's incident. Perhaps he will be raided and arrested, the marriage bestowal will certainly have variables, and the Western Prefecture will likely fall into chaos."

Zhi Shao raised her head in his arms and said, "No wonder Third Brother had the Second Miss seal the courtyard gate these past two days. It was because you were worried about complications."

As the two were whispering, just as they were being intimate, they heard Juan'er's voice from outside: "Why is Sister Yuanyang free to come……?"

When Yuanyang entered, she saw Jia Cong reading a book with a serious expression, and Zhi Shao was obediently grinding ink to the side, but her pretty face was flushed, looking very alluring.

Yuanyang blinked and laughed, "I have come to bring good news to the Third Brother. Just now, an official from the Ministry of Rites came to deliver a message. The palace has issued an edict to bestow a marriage between the Third Brother and the Miss of the Zhen family."

"The day after tomorrow, at the auspicious hour, the marriage edict will be issued. The Old Lady wants the Third Brother to go to Rongqing Hall to talk and discuss how to organize the wedding."

Zhi Shao, who was grinding ink to the side, looked at Jia Cong in surprise. The two were just talking about this matter, and in the blink of an eye, it had become reality. She didn't expect the Third Brother to have guessed it so accurately.

……

Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

When Jia Cong entered the hall, not only were Jia Mu, Lady Wang, and Xue Yima all there, but Jia Zheng was also sitting to the side with a face full of smiles.

Jia Mu laughed, "Yuanyang just went to pass the message to you. Have you heard the good news? You have always had many ideas; since it is your own happy event, let us hear your ideas."

Jia Zheng laughed, "Brother Cong has performed another great service in Jin Ling this time, having just been promoted by the Emperor and having the household structure raised. Now, so soon, he has received the honor of a marriage bestowal from the palace."

"I fear that in less than two days, this wonderful story of our Jia family will spread throughout the Love Shenjing."

Jia Mu also rarely had a smile on her face and did not feel disgusted by her son's boasting.

It was just that Lady Wang, on the side, was truly disgusted by the actions of the mother and son.

She felt that the Old Lady and the Master had forgotten that Baoyu was the noble one born with jade in his mouth, the apple of their eye, and her own biological son.

Now this one was being bestowed a marriage by the palace with great fanfare, while my Baoyu's door was still cold and lonely. Why was no one coming to propose? How unfair the things of the world were.

Lady Wang glanced at Xue Yima, thinking of her niece Baochai, whom she favored most; otherwise, she wouldn't have been stirring up the topic of the "Gold and Jade Affinity."

Next year, Baoyu would also be of marriageable age, and this matter should be organized…….

Lady Wang was pondering, but seeing her sister looking at Jia Cong with envy and disappointment in her eyes, she felt unhappy again.

……

Jia Mu said to Wang Xifeng, "Your brother's happy event is the day after tomorrow. At that time, the Imperial Envoy will issue the edict in Rongxi Hall. Tomorrow, have people clean the hall thoroughly."

"Take out the rare items collected in the treasury and use them as decorations. Since it is a happy event, we must not lose the face of our Rongguo Prefecture."

"The gates from the main entrance to the ceremonial gate, and the inner and outer courtyards of the mansion, must all be draped in red to show respect for the imperial favor."

Wang Xifeng laughed, "Old Ancestor, please rest assured. Brother Cong's happy event, how could I, as his sister-in-law, not do my best? This matter will certainly be handled properly. Old Ancestor, just wait and see."

Jia Mu said to Jia Cong, "Since this is your happy event, tell us how you want to organize it. Your father and I are both here, and we will naturally make the decisions for you."

Jia Cong said, "In Cong's view, for this marriage bestowal from the palace, the Eastern and Western Prefectures should still prioritize simplicity and low-key, and it should not be too ostentatious."

Hearing this, Jia Mu frowned and said, "Why are you talking nonsense again? Organizing a wedding should be grand and ostentatious; where is there any logic in being simple and low-key?"

Jia Cong said, "I heard that when the Old Lady entered the palace last time to visit the Retired Imperial Consort Zhen, the Old Lady is of advanced age and knowledgeable. According to you, when will the Retired Imperial Consort's illness be cured?"

Jia Mu was feeling a bit angry, and seeing Jia Cong suddenly change the subject, she was slightly stunned, then sighed, "Life to eighty is rare since ancient times; the Retired Imperial Consort is already of advanced age."

"At such an advanced age, it is fine when there is nothing wrong, but once illness takes hold, sigh, to speak disrespectfully, it is an extremely perilous matter."

Jia Cong said, "The Old Lady's conjecture is likely correct. Marriage bestowals from the palace prioritize nobility, and the complex rituals usually require many days of preparation to show imperial favor."

"But for this marriage bestowal, the imperial edict was only issued today, and the auspicious date chosen for the edict is the day after tomorrow. Such urgency and haste are highly unusual."

"Cong worries that the Retired Imperial Consort has words of no return, so the Retired Emperor issued the marriage bestowal in haste, using this happy omen to comfort the Retired Imperial Consort's heart."

As soon as Jia Cong's words came out, the expressions of Jia Mu, Jia Zheng, and others changed. Although Jia Cong spoke tactfully and obscurely, they all understood the meaning.

This marriage bestowal, from the issuance of the edict to the announcement, took less than three days.

Jia Mu was from a noble family and was knowledgeable. In previous years, she had seen marriage bestowals, and upon careful recollection, it was indeed not as hasty as this one in their family.

The reason must be as Jia Cong conjectured: the Retired Imperial Consort Zhen's illness was beyond saving, and life and death were in the balance, which was why the palace accelerated the marriage process.

Jia Cong said, "Cong once heard people talk about old events. In previous years, if an Empress Dowager or Imperial Consort passed away, the court would issue an edict:"

"Families with titles were not allowed to hold banquets or music for one year, and officials and commoners were not allowed to marry for three months."

"Cong worries that even if the marriage is bestowed the day after tomorrow, if words of misfortune spread within a few days, it will be too late to hold the wedding."

"Under such circumstances, the Eastern and Western Prefectures only need to clean up and replace the utensils and ritual vessels. Being too ostentatious would offend the Retired Imperial Consort's happy longevity, which would be inappropriate."

Hearing Jia Cong's words, Jia Zheng's expression also changed, "Old Lady, what Brother Cong says is very reasonable. If we wait for the marriage edict this time, it will likely be several months before we can hold the wedding."

"However, our Jia family can be considered to have received the honor of this marriage bestowal. Handling the rest according to Brother Cong's words would be the most stable."

Jia Mu thought carefully and realized it was indeed the logic Jia Cong spoke of. The palace's hasty marriage bestowal and announcement must mean the Retired Imperial Consort's life and death were in the balance.

As soon as the palace announced the news of mourning, the whole country would be in mourning; how could a wedding be held then……

Seeing Jia Mu's expression, Jia Cong knew she had taken his words to heart and sighed slightly in his heart.

For now, he would stall for one day at a time. As soon as the news from the Embroidered Uniform Guard reached the capital, it would be the moment for the winds and clouds to change! (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 473 =====