Chapter 537: Stern Words Hard to Tame the Heart

Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Jia Cong had Qingwen send a message to the outer courtyard, asking the steward to go to the East Road Courtyard to invite Jia Zheng. He leisurely ground tea for half a cup of time before taking Yuanyang to the West Prefecture.

As soon as the two entered Rongqing Hall and Jia Cong sat down, Jia Mu asked, "Cong Ge'er, this year is the three-year selection period in the palace. In previous years, the family would plan for your eldest sister's future at this time."

"All the expenses for human relationships were withdrawn from the public funds. Although you are in charge of the house now, if your eldest sister can win a future, it will be of great benefit to the whole family."

"Your Lady therefore asked Feng Ge'er to withdraw four thousand taels of silver from the public funds, but Feng Ge'er said that the public funds are insufficient and cannot withdraw four thousand taels at once. Do you know about this?"

Hearing Jia Mu's words, Lady Wang couldn't help but secretly criticize in her heart. Now the Old Lady is giving this boy face.

There is no need to ask; it must be that he instigated Feng Yatou. The Old Lady insists on asking in such a roundabout way, as if she is afraid of tearing this boy's face.

Jia Cong smiled slightly and replied, "Second Sister-in-law has already told me about this. It is true that Second Sister-in-law said there is no surplus silver in the public funds."

"Last year, because I received the imperial decree to inherit the Rongguo title, the Rongguo Prefecture welcomed the new and said goodbye to the old. The guests who came to congratulate at the end of the year and the New Year celebrations were much more numerous than in previous years. Second Sister-in-law was worried about losing the dignity of the Rongguo Prefecture."

"Therefore, the New Year arrangements, the hanging of mansion lanterns, and the banquets were all arranged with great effort, and the expenses were naturally more than in previous years."

"By the time spring arrived, there was not much surplus silver left in the public funds from last year. Plus, it is not yet the second month of this year, and the title property and land of the mansion have not yet been harvested, so naturally, it is impossible to spend four thousand taels of silver at once."

Jia Mu frowned and said, "Even if there is not much surplus silver in the public funds at the beginning of the year, with such a big family business in the West Prefecture, can't they squeeze out four thousand taels of silver by moving things around?"

Jia Mu originally wanted to say that with such a big stall in the East Prefecture, if the West Prefecture has no money, doesn't the East Prefecture have money?

It was just that these words were too ugly to say, so she had to use the West Prefecture to talk about the matter in a roundabout way.

Jia Cong's expression was indifferent as he replied, "Old Lady, the Lady said this matter is according to the old practice of previous years. These four thousand taels are used to clear the connections in the palace and help the eldest sister win imperial favor."

"Don't say that the public funds are insufficient. Even if there is surplus silver in the public funds, these four thousand taels must never be withdrawn from the public funds!"

Jia Mu and Lady Wang were both shocked. Jia Mu's face was somewhat gloomy, and Lady Wang's face flushed red, her expression even more ugly.

They both knew clearly that Jia Cong was now the legitimate head of the Rongguo Prefecture, and he had just inherited the title, allowing his eldest sister-in-law to take over the management of the house, invisibly hollowing out the Second Branch.

Now that the Second Branch had moved to the East Road Courtyard, it could no longer be considered the legitimate line of the Rongguo Prefecture. As long as Jia Cong did not nod, this silver could not be withdrawn from the public funds, even Jia Mu could not force it.

Because Jia Mu knew that this grandson was hard and soft, and had always been a master who was not easy to fool. Moreover, he carried the identity of an imperial-appointed head of the family.

Therefore, Jia Mu's words to Jia Cong did not use her status as an elder to suppress him, and she was quite gentle and conciliatory.

And Jia Zheng of the Second Branch had the kindness of raising and caring for Jia Cong. Jia Mu and others all thought that even if he was unwilling, even if he looked at the face of his elders, he would always have to worry about face. This was also human nature.

Lady Wang was convinced of this, which was why she went to Jia Mu to talk about this matter. Since she couldn't withdraw silver from the public funds openly, she used Jia Mu's seniority and prestige to make Jia Cong compromise.

But they never expected that Jia Cong would flatly refuse in front of them without hesitation, without leaving any face for his elders.

Jia Mu felt anger in her heart and was about to speak.

Lady Wang couldn't help but speak first, her tone already unable to hide her indignation, "Cong Ge'er, although you are now the head of the Rongguo family, you should also think about the future and dignity of the whole family."

"If your eldest sister can gain imperial favor, the Jia family can be even more wealthy and glorious, which is also of great benefit to you. Why can't the public funds spend this silver? What kind of logic is this!"

Jia Cong seemed to turn a blind eye to Lady Wang's dissatisfaction. Ever since he continued to rise and block Baoyu's limelight, Lady Wang had always had hidden thoughts, and Jia Cong was not unaware.

Ever since he inherited the Rongguo title and caused the Jia family's Second Branch to lose its legitimate position, Lady Wang's hostility toward him had become more and more intense.

When Jia Zheng proposed to move to the East Road Courtyard, he originally wanted to persuade him to stay, but Lady Wang made a mistake and maliciously used filial piety as a threat, which made Jia Cong feel even more disgusted.

Now, facing her ridiculous questioning, he didn't take it to heart at all and said indifferently, "Does the Lady think that the Jia family is not wealthy and glorious enough now? What would be considered enough?"

This sentence made Lady Wang speechless, and even Jia Mu didn't know how to answer.

Although the Jia family had experienced the death of Jia She and the exile of Jia Lian, if one thought about it carefully, the Jia family's momentum had not been damaged. With two titles in one family in the East and West Prefectures, the glory and dignity were even better than in previous years.

Jia Mu still lived a happy life of wealth and ease. Although the Second Branch moved to the East Road Courtyard and lacked the dignity of the past, the food and clothing were the same as in the past.

But greed is not enough to swallow an elephant. Who would dislike having more wealth and glory...

Moreover, for Lady Wang, the Jia family's wealth and glory were all Jia Cong's. Their Second Branch had fallen into an embarrassing situation, but they were just living under others' roofs. What kind of wealth and glory was it just to have food and clothing! Her Baoyu's studies were unsuccessful, and his reputation was ruined; he could no longer earn glory and wealth for her. If Lady Wang wanted the Second Branch to turn over, all her hopes were pinned on her daughter Yuanchun.

As long as the silver was spent on the blade, and her daughter could gain imperial favor and become a noble in the palace, or even a noble consort, that would truly satisfy Lady Wang's wishes.

By then, the Second Branch would once again take the lead in the Jia family, and they would no longer have to look at the face of this son of a prostitute. With the momentum of her daughter gaining imperial favor, the Second Branch could even take back this family business...

But how could these hidden, arrogant thoughts be spoken out? She was trying to find words to argue and explain...

The warm curtain at the entrance of Rongqing Hall was suddenly lifted by a maid, and Jia Zheng walked in.

Seeing Jia Zheng appear suddenly, Jia Mu felt a slight joy in her heart.

Now that the family's momentum had changed, neither she nor her daughter-in-law could handle this boy.

The only person in the family who could make this boy restrain himself was her son Jia Zheng. With the unusual affection between the son and him, he could make this boy soften, and there would be room for him to change his words and compromise.

She asked, "We were just talking about the Second Branch's affairs, how did you happen to come?"

Jia Zheng said, "It was because Cong Ge'er had the East Prefecture steward drive to the East Road Courtyard, saying he invited the son to Rongqing Hall to discuss family matters. I don't know what it is about."

Jia Mu's face stiffened when she heard this. She originally thought her son was called by her daughter-in-law to help, but she didn't expect it to be Jia Cong who invited him.

Jia Mu thought that with Jia Cong's mind and means, he would never add trouble to himself.

She thought of her pedantic son, who had always favored this boy and often tore down her own stage. Thinking of this, the old lady immediately had a headache.

Jia Cong said to Jia Zheng, "Today I invited the Master to Rongqing Hall to discuss the matter of withdrawing four thousand taels from the public funds to clear the connections for the eldest sister to win imperial favor."

Jia Zheng stroked his beard and said, "I have heard about this from the Lady. Lian'er's wife said that there is not enough surplus silver in the public funds, and it is impossible to withdraw so much silver at once."

"Now that Cong Ge'er is the head of the family, I don't know what decision you have made about this?"

Although Lady Wang had mentioned this matter to Jia Zheng, she knew that Jia Zheng had always valued and protected Jia Cong, and he was not on the same side as her at all in this regard.

Therefore, she dared not say in front of Jia Zheng that the failure to withdraw silver from the public funds was Jia Cong's hidden trick. Even if she said it, Jia Zheng would not listen, and she would be reprimanded instead.

Therefore, Jia Zheng would have such words when entering the hall. He could not be vulgar about his daughter being able to gain imperial favor, and naturally was happy to see it happen, taking it as the glory of the family.

It was just that Jia Zheng's expectation for this matter was to do his best and let nature take its course, far from being as hot and persistent as Lady Wang.

Jia Cong did not answer directly and said, "Master, I have been in the family for these years and know a little about what happened back then. I have entered the palace twice to talk with the eldest sister and know what she thinks."

"When the old master passed away, although the eldest master inherited the family title, the eldest master did not have the talent for commanding troops like the old master and only held the empty title of a first-class general."

"The Master also took the path of a civil official because of the official position bestowed by the Retired Emperor. The Jia family was actually already detached from the military merits."

Jia Zheng was stirred by Jia Cong's words and sighed, "Cong Ge'er is right. Both I and the eldest brother are mediocre in talent and truly hard to compare with the old master's heroism."

"The descendants are unfilial and do not bring glory to the family name. After the old master passed away, the Jia family's foundation was already not as good as before, which is why the eldest girl was sent into the palace early, hoping to get a bit of protection for the family."

Jia Cong said, "The eldest sister's appearance and character are top-tier. She originally had the qualifications to be favored by the Holy Emperor, but she has been in the palace for nine years, and the Jia family has spent a lot of silver, but nothing has been achieved. This is not in line with common sense."

Jia Mu and Jia Zheng were both from noble families. Although they were not outstanding talents, they were not stupid people either. Jia Mu was even more of a leader in the inner chambers.

Hearing Jia Cong suddenly say this, they were both slightly stunned. In fact, such questions had flashed in their hearts over the years, but the Jia family only indulged in pleasure and luxury, blinding their eyes, and their talent and vision were limited, so they could not explore the inside.

Jia Cong continued, "Things in this world are all about different times and different situations. If the situation is different, the handling and response will naturally change."

"Now, I have repeatedly received imperial favor, first granted a title for my merits, and granted the grace of hereditary replacement. Last year, I was granted the grace to inherit the Rongguo title. The imperial grace is vast, and the court is watching."

"Now the Jia family has two titles in one family, and the Master and I are both court officials, dedicated to state affairs. This situation is enough to support the prosperity of the whole family, and we should cherish and be content."

"If we still want to use heavy gold to bribe the palace, disturb the palace, and seek a high position in the harem for the Jia family women."

"Once the matter spreads, the court will inevitably feel that the Jia family does not cherish imperial grace, is obsessed with power, and is greedy! I am now the inheritor of the Rongguo title. If the silver used by the Jia family to bribe the palace comes from the West Prefecture's public funds, I, as the head of the family, will be hard to shirk the blame and will definitely be framed as the mastermind of this matter!"

"I fear that by then, the impeachment of the Censorate will inevitably arrive with a bang. Originally, it was to seek imperial favor in the palace, but in the blink of an eye, it will bring disaster to the family."

Hearing the words that the impeachment of the Censorate would arrive with a bang, the faces of Jia Zheng and Jia Mu changed.

Back then, Jia Mu and Lady Wang obstructed Jia Zheng from moving out of Rongxi Hall, which resulted in the censors and other court officials joining forces to impeach, causing a huge storm, and they still have lingering fears...

Jia Cong continued, "The current Holy Emperor is a wise monarch rarely seen in history, who observes everything clearly and hates evil and treachery. Once he thinks that this matter was instructed by me, he will definitely be greatly disappointed in me."

"If a minister is abandoned by the monarch's heart, what future is there to speak of?"

"I have been dedicated to state affairs for several years and have bled on the battlefield, all of which will become empty. The glory and wealth of the Jia family at the moment will also collapse in the blink of an eye!"

Hearing Jia Cong's words, the tone gradually became cold and stern, making people feel a chill, and both of them changed their faces.

And they also heard the meaning of the words clearly, and the cause and effect were also interlocking, which was by no means alarmist.

Jia Zheng said solemnly, "I only said that in the previous three-year selection, the Jia family handled it this way, but I didn't expect that now that times have changed, I didn't think of this severe layer."

"Now if we withdraw silver from the public funds to handle this matter, it will really harm Cong Ge'er. If Cong Ge'er's official career is damaged because of this, what barrier does the Jia family have? That would truly be a small loss for a big gain!"

"Old Lady, it seems that this matter must be dropped. Cong Ge'er is right. The Jia family's current wealth and security should be content, and we should not cause extra trouble."

Hearing Jia Zheng's words, Jia Mu sighed slightly. Although she was unwilling in her heart, she had to admit that Jia Cong's words made a lot of sense.

She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, born into a family of high-ranking officials, and married into the top-tier noble family of the time. She had spent her whole life living a happy life.

To live a happy life, the first thing is to be secure. Jia Mu relied on the family's hereditary title and wealth and did not approve of the descendants taking the imperial examination to enter officialdom, feeling that noble families did not need to rely on reading to change their family status.

She even felt that Jia Cong's success at a young age and his high official position were quite risky, and she had once scolded Jia Zheng for not inciting his nephews to be radical.

It can be seen that Jia Mu's greed for comfort and conservatism was deeply rooted.

Back then, she agreed to Yuanchun entering the palace, just to leave a spare move for the family.

If Yuanchun won imperial favor, it would be icing on the cake, and she would naturally be happy to enjoy it. But if it were pulling chestnuts from the fire, she would definitely avoid it.

Seeing Jia Cong's ghost talk, not only did it persuade her own master, but Jia Mu's expression also seemed to be bewitched by him, Lady Wang was very anxious in her heart.

She said, "Is Cong Ge'er's words alarmist? Could it be that if the eldest girl gains the Holy Emperor's favor in the palace, it can also be blamed on you?"

Jia Cong looked at Lady Wang. How could he not know that he had said this to this point, and Lady Wang was still unwilling to give up.

He said indifferently, "As long as we don't withdraw silver from the Jia family's public funds to buy and handle this matter, the eldest girl gaining the Holy Emperor's favor naturally has nothing to do with me or the family."

Hearing this, Lady Wang, who was extremely depressed, felt a little relieved.

Now she also knew deeply that with Jia Cong's words just now, she could not withdraw a tael of silver from the public funds.

But even if her own master was persuaded by Jia Cong, she would not give up.

Now the Second Branch had fallen to this point, which made Lady Wang restless. Her daughter's future was her glory and the last dignity of her life.

Back then, Lady Wang was the eldest daughter of the Wang family in Jin Ling, and she lived a life of gold and jade. Marrying into the Jia family was also the mistress of the house.

Before Jia Cong inherited the Rongguo title, Lady Wang was almost a replica of Jia Mu, which kept her heart high, and she could not do it to be harmonious with the dust.

She would match her niece Wang Xifeng to marry into the Jia family and let Wang Xifeng replace her in managing the house, not only because Wang Xifeng was her own niece, but also because Wang Xifeng and her temperament were similar.

Lady Wang was a capable and ruthless woman like Wang Xifeng. It was just that after marrying into the Jia family, Jia Mu's power and the death of her eldest son Jia Zhu.

Prompted her to put on a look of Buddha's mouth and kind face, so as to leave a good name for herself in the Jia family and stand firm.

Although she had the ruthlessness and capability of Wang Xifeng, and was equally keen on power and wealth, she did not have Wang Xifeng's flexibility and essence, but more of a rigid and paranoid madness.

Now that she couldn't withdraw silver from the public funds, she could only endure the pain of using her own private money for many years. She calculated that even if the silver was not enough, selling some of the dowry shops would be enough.

Seeing Lady Wang's planning expression, Jia Cong knew she was still unwilling to give up.

He said lightly, "The Lady said that the eldest girl doesn't need the family to plan, and she can gain the Holy Emperor's favor by herself. In my opinion, it is absolutely impossible."

"I have said before that the eldest girl's appearance and character are top-tier, and she originally had the qualifications to be favored by the Holy Emperor, but she has been in the palace for nine years, and the Jia family has spent a lot of silver, but nothing has been achieved."

"It can be seen that the failure to achieve success is not because the eldest girl's talent and appearance are insufficient. Now that the Jia family's title has been newly inherited, times have changed, and some things that didn't happen before are even more impossible to happen!"

In order to dispel Lady Wang's delusions, Jia Cong spoke meanly and coldly, but did not make the words transparent.

Back then, Baoyu's sentence in the inner courtyard about the imperial marriage was the act of a foolish man and woman, and it was passed into the palace in less than two days. The Rongguo Prefecture was originally a gourd with a broken mouth, and I fear nothing could be hidden.

From the moment he entered Rongqing Hall today, he was prepared that every word he said could be spread out.

In his words, he did not hesitate to use words of praise, calling Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao a wise monarch rarely seen in history, which was nothing more than that.

Naturally, he could not tell Lady Wang clearly that Yuanchun could not gain Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's favor because the Emperor disliked and suppressed the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, and it was impossible to favor the eldest granddaughter of the Rongguo Prefecture to encourage the arrogance of the old nobles.

If this were really spoken out, it would be a great taboo for Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao...

Hearing Jia Cong's mean and cold words, Lady Wang was so angry that her face turned white. Her daughter was so outstanding, it was just that her luck was not good.

This little beast actually cursed her like this. Her heart was truly narrow and vicious to the extreme, talking nonsense, without any reason! Now, Yuanchun was the deepest obsession in Lady Wang's heart.

Entering the palace for nine years, after several selections, and many twists and turns.

Ten bows before the Buddha on Lingshan, the first nine bows have passed, and it is just the last bit. How can one give up halfway!

She was not discouraged by Jia Cong's words, but instead aroused a hot paranoia. In her heart, she was thinking more about how to raise four thousand taels of silver. To succeed, perhaps she would need more...

Lady Wang thought that as long as the silver was raised, relying on her brother Wang Ziteng's connections in the officialdom, she would definitely be able to win an opportunity for her daughter.

Moreover, after chatting with the Xia mistress that day, she knew that the Xia family had deep connections in the Imperial Household Department and the palace, which might be more useful than her brother's power.

Lady Wang recalled the closeness and enthusiasm in the Xia mistress's words that day and felt more and more that there must be a way to get the other party's help.

As long as she made things clear with the Xia mistress, if the Xia family could help the Jia family's Second Branch succeed, it would definitely benefit the Xia family in the future.

Lady Wang thought that since it was a matter of mutual benefit, the Xia mistress would definitely be moved and provide help... (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 538 =====