[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber":3,"chapter-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-916":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","My Life as a Rising Force in the Red Chamber",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2311714,4515,"Chapter 916","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-916",916,"\u003Cp>Rongguo Prefecture, East Courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Early that morning, Jia Zheng entered the Ministry of Public Works, only to receive official documents from the Ministry of Personnel and the Dalisi ; former colleagues who had once fawned over him now avoided him as if he were plague, their demeanor shifting from obsequious to haughty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Minister of Public Works Li Dekang showed no shallow conduct; he even summoned Jia Zheng to the office and told him he was a veteran of the Ministry, and career setbacks were inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He advised Jia Zheng to return home first, promising to keep a close eye on the rest of the matter; though Li Dekang’s words were vague, such conduct from a Minister of such stature was rare and commendable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dekang did not kick him when he was down; instead, he preserved Jia Zheng’s dignity—partly due to Jia Zheng’s more than ten years of service in the Ministry, but mostly because of Jia Cong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong was no more than sixteen, yet already bore distinguished military achievements, held the rank of fourth grade, and carried the title of Vice Minister of Public Works; his future ascent to lead any of the Six Ministries or even become a Chancellor was imminent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dekang was no fool—he would not have risen to head the Ministry of Public Works; even though Jia Cong’s official rank remained lower than his, Li Dekang would never dare to underestimate or act rashly toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Zheng and Jia Cong shared a unique relationship; who in the capital did not know this? Even now, though Jia Zheng had been demoted, he stood behind Jia Cong—who knew when he might be reinstated?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To put on such a face before others now would be shallow and laughable; Li Dekang was shrewd and smooth, and would never commit such a foolish act—he would not miss an opportunity to do a favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Zheng had served as an official for many years; to find himself in such a state, with everyone avoiding him, Li Dekang’s conduct was already rare and admirable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had not expected that as soon as he was dismissed from the office, an official would come calling—this man clearly knew of his misfortune, or he would not have come at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the man’s identity puzzled Jia Zheng; though Lady Wang was a woman of the inner quarters, she came from an official family and was no stranger to court affairs—she too sensed something odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked: “Master, why is an official calling at this hour? I heard you have no dealings with officials from the Ministry of Revenue—who is this Minister of Revenue, and what is his background?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Zheng’s expression was puzzled, yet carried a trace of unexpected excitement: “This Minister of Revenue, Chen Bingzheng, styled Changji, is the eldest son of Minister of Personnel Chen Mo!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Wang frowned: “You were suspended from office by a document from the Ministry of Personnel—why would the eldest son of the Minister of Personnel come now? What does this mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Zheng said: “Don’t speak rashly. Minister Chen Mo was the chief examiner of last year’s imperial examination—he was Master Yu’s teacher. Chen Changji is Master Yu’s senior fellow disciple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bond is extraordinary; Chen Mo once showed great favor to his brother-in-law Lin Ruhai, and the Chen and Lin families have long been close—this connection has grown even closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chen and Jia families now share the ties of teacher-student loyalty; recently, they have begun visiting each other. During this year’s New Year, Chen Changji came to the Eastern Prefecture with his wife to pay respects to Master Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yatou, because of the longstanding ties between the Chen and Lin families, received Chen’s wife personally; I was in Rongqing Hall at the time and heard of it—that’s when I remembered Chen Changji’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Changji is Chen Mo’s eldest son; his coming now cannot be without purpose—it carries no ill intent, and perhaps signals a turn for the better…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Lady Wang felt a twist of resentment—Master Yu was everywhere, even while he was away on campaign, his influence reached every corner of the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His teacher had just dismissed you, and now his son comes calling—what strange game is this? Is he coming to mock you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Master said this visit might change things; Lady Wang dared not speak further—any glimmer of hope, she would not let Jia Zheng’s official career end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>East Courtyard, outer hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Jia Zheng entered, he saw a man in his early thirties, refined and scholarly, dressed in a dark blue robe with subtle floral embroidery, sipping tea in quiet wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jia Zheng enter, he rose and said: “Your humble servant, Chen Changji, pays his respects to Lord Jia. I intrude upon your home unannounced—I beg your indulgence, Elder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Zheng hurriedly replied: “Minister Chen, you are too kind—we hold the same rank; I dare not presume to be your elder. Please, sit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Changji smiled: “Yuzhang is your disciple, and I am his fellow disciple—we are peers. Lord Jia is my elder by right of seniority; this is proper etiquette.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I know you have just received notice from the Ministry of Personnel suspending you from office; human hearts are treacherous, and official careers are always subject to rise and fall—it is inevitable. Elder, do not grieve too deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuzhang is the pride of our generation: not only outstanding in scholarly pursuits and literary grace, renowned across the land, but also a brilliant military strategist with unmatched battlefield achievements, braving life and death for the sake of the state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he is away on campaign, defending the nation and protecting the people, upholding the realm, he has no time to safeguard his own household—even when misfortune strikes, even when distant mountains and rivers separate him, his heart may yearn, but he cannot act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My father often says that Yuzhang’s childhood was fraught with hardship, and it was only thanks to your virtue, benevolence, keen insight, integrity, and steadfast guidance that he has become the pillar of the realm today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My father once said: in life, no one is without flaw, but one good deed yields great fruit, and brings lasting honor—that is the Dao. How much more so for Yuzhang, a man of towering talent destined to stabilize the realm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Chen Changji spoke, he glanced at the two maids standing by the hall; he lifted his teacup and took a sip. Jia Zheng understood at once and waved his hand, dismissing the maids from the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Changji said: “Father says your lapse in judgment allowed Jia Yucun to harbor flattery and a sense of entitlement, leading him to commit unlawful and rebellious acts—but fortunately, no great disaster ensued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Feng family received silver compensation from the Xue family and has long since settled the matter. Though you committed a transgression, you have also removed past hidden dangers and lost the grounds for accusation—perhaps this is not entirely bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yuzhang has just received imperial favor, drawing the gaze of court and realm alike; the foremost merit in the Mongol campaign belongs solely to him. Those envious, malicious souls will surely arise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone exploits the Feng Yuan incident to stir up gossip and undermine Yuzhang’s military prestige, it will not only harm the Mongol campaign, but also hinder any chance of your rehabilitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the official documents have been issued and the outcome settled, before others strike, it is better to act first—to stand on unshakable ground, leaving greater room for maneuver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, Father has instructed me to deliver one message to you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Zheng had already grasped the implication: Chen Changji’s visit was clearly ordered by Chen Mo; Chen Mo was Jia Cong’s teacher and clearly sought to protect him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He repeatedly mentioned Jia Zheng’s past protection of Jia Cong, and spoke of “one good deed yields great fruit, brings lasting honor”—a veiled hint that he wished to help Jia Zheng turn things around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps Chen Mo’s move carried deeper meaning Jia Zheng could not fathom—but he was certain Chen Mo meant to help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spark of hope rose in his heart: “Minister Chen is a senior statesman, profound in virtue and wisdom. If you would be so kind as to instruct me, Jia Zheng will listen with bated breath.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Changji lowered his voice, speaking with solemn clarity: “Because of Yuzhang, the two families are bound in friendship, and we cannot bear to see you suffer. Father’s message is only these four words: Submit a petition of apology.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, Jia Zheng’s face paled slightly; but after careful thought, he understood their meaning—his gaze grew steady and clear, his chest rising and falling faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said: “I understand fully. Please convey to Elder Chen that Jia Zheng has received his teaching.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>East Courtyard, inner chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>",1485,"2026-06-20T12:19:58.587Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","805767bc89423952aa93f24df997120f54c1c47c0f9df8b79eee506ddb2df47b","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-917","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-915",920,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-cover.jpg"]