Chapter 1296

Spring Festival was approaching, bringing a hint of vitality to the cold Shuntian Prefecture,

Walking down the street, Zhang Cheng had a jade pendant hanging from his waist, his face full of gloom,

Following behind Zhang Cheng, Jia Wei stepped forward and said: "Uncle, the arrival of the Jurchen envoys this time is definitely problematic!"

"Has Amin's letter arrived yet?"

Turning his head to speak, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but ask,

"No reply yet, but it's said the Jurchens internally aren't peaceful either!"

Explaining to Zhang Cheng, Jia Wei also felt a headache,

After all, they originally started in Liaodong, and their military power was all there; if any change occurred, it would truly be beyond reach!

"It seems Nurhaci is truly finished!"

His eyes flickering, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but narrow his eyes,

What is Huang Taiji's intention in sending Dai Shan and Dorgon out? Could Zhang Cheng possibly not understand? Nothing more than wanting to quickly seize "righteousness"! Thus gaining control over the Jurchens!

Dai Shan, due to congenital reasons, can no longer become the Great Khan, but Dorgon is different—he also has a claim to succession!

However, Dorgon obviously lacks sufficient strength, which is why he chose to come pay homage together with Dai Shan.

"Political scheming! Tsk tsk tsk!"

With a sigh, Zhang Cheng continued walking forward,

But just as the two passed a brothel, a shout came from above: "Brother Jue, Brother Jue!"

Hearing the shout, Zhang Cheng turned his head in confusion,

But when Zhang Cheng saw Xue Pan upstairs, he couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth, for this really is the clueless tyrant—it's almost New Year, yet he's not staying home honestly, but instead ran to this kind of place to play!

"Brother Wenlong, why are you here?"

Looking calmly at Xue Pan, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but feel doubtful,

"Brother Jue, I just came out for a stroll, didn't I? I saw this place had just opened a new building, so I naturally came in to take a look!"

Smilingly explaining, Xue Pan's face was full of "wisdom,"

Looking at Xue Pan before him, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but say: "If you like it, that's good; if you like it, that's good!"

"By the way, Brother Jue, where are you headed?"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Xue Pan's face showed a not-so-smart expression,

"Oh, I'm just strolling, strolling! You don't need to worry about me!"

Speaking to Xue Pan, Zhang Cheng then turned around and wanted to leave, because he really didn't want to hang out with Xue Pan—this person isn't very bright!

"Brother Jue, don't go—this building has just welcomed many Russian women, blonde and blue-eyed, how beautiful they are."

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Xue Pan's face showed a smile, full of the air of an experienced hand!

Twitching the corner of his mouth at Xue Pan, Zhang Cheng then said: "No need for thanks, Brother Wenlong, I still have to go visit someone!"

Saying this, Zhang Cheng prepared to leave,

Because when he heard Xue Pan say there were Russian women here, he realized this place seemed to be his own property!

As the commander who defeated the Russians in the Western Regions, Zhang Cheng having some "resources" is perfectly normal, so opening a tavern is also perfectly normal,

But Xue Pan inviting himself to come play? That's not normal, because the owner of this place is him!

"Oh dear, Brother Jue, you're so young—how can you be like an old pedant?"

Grabbing Zhang Cheng and pulling him inside, Xue Pan couldn't help but say: "Last time I managed to get out of the prison court, I still haven't thanked Brother Jue! Come on, come on—this time I'll definitely pick two good ones for you!"

Seeing Xue Pan's actions, Jia Wei was completely dumbfounded, for he really is the "clueless tyrant"!

Normally, in Shuntian Prefecture, when people see a tavern with Russian women, they can mostly guess it belongs to the Marquis of Zhongwu's estate, but how come Xue Pan acts just like someone without brains?

Previously, Jia Wei thought Xue Pan's stupidity was fake, but now looking at it, he's truly stupid!

Entering the building, Zhang Cheng waved his hand at the approaching madam, his face full of calm expression,

Noticing Zhang Cheng's avoidance, the other immediately smiled and said: "Oh dear, this sir, I've never seen you before!"

"Enough, stop talking—hurry up and call out everyone in your shop!"

Speaking to the madam, Xue Pan then put on an attitude of a wealthy elder, went upstairs, Zhang Cheng sat in his seat, and Xue Pan then said: "Brother Jue, do you know about the selection process?"

"Somewhat clear, but your sister doesn't meet the conditions to enter the palace!"

Speaking to Xue Pan, Zhang Cheng laughed,

Hearing Zhang Cheng's words, Xue Pan was completely stunned, then immediately said: "How could my sister have no conditions?"

"Your case has already decided that Baochai cannot enter the palace, and moreover, she still needs to take medicine!"

Looking at Xue Pan before him, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but smile,

Upon suddenly hearing this sentence, Xue Pan was completely stunned, then immediately said: "So it's me who caused my sister to be unable to enter the palace?"

"Entering the palace isn't a good thing—you don't understand the cruelty inside!"

Raising his wine cup, Zhang Cheng then looked at Xue Pan, his face full of smiles,

Yuan Chun entered the palace for so many years, and her current status is still that of a female official—if it weren't for Emperor Hongde needing the Jia family to "burn out" themselves, would he have granted Yuan Chun the title of consort?

And the title granted is Xian De Consort—is this a title given to a living person?

In the palace, consorts are ranked as Noble Consort, Nine Ladies, Beautiful Ladies, Pure Ladies, Noble Persons, Beautiful Persons

But what is your Xian De Consort? Noble Consort isn't Noble Consort, Nine Ladies isn't Nine Ladies!

Anyone with clear eyes can see this title is problematic, yet the Jia family ignored it entirely, and ultimately still grandly built the Provincial Visit Villa, spending millions of taels of silver,

But where did this money come from? The inheritance of the Five Dynasties Marquises, Lin Ruhai—namely, Lin Daiyu's money!

Finally, the "Ginseng Nourishing Vitality Pill" that drained vitality died miserably in the Rongguo Mansion, and Emperor Hongde also lost his taboo!

Because Lin Ruhai was his man, and also the one he sent to Yangzhou!

If Lin Daiyu were alive, she would be their talisman, and Emperor Hongde would want the Jia family to be smarter, to lean toward him—then after Lin Daiyu's death, the Rongguo Mansion would lose its final value,

Have any sharp-eyed people noticed? Jia She certainly knew, but he followed Prince Yizhong down a dark path to the end, while Jia Zheng remained clueless from beginning to end, unaware just how ruthless a woman could be, for all of this was achieved by Lady Wang through subtle, gradual influence!

As Lin Daiyu said, three hundred and sixty days a year, buffeted by wind-blades and frost-swords!

Though the entire Rongguo Manor is filled with relatives, she is nonetheless like a lonely soul or wandering ghost!

Just as Xue Pan was at a loss for what to say, a commotion came from outside,

"What do you mean by this? Do we have no money? Ah! How dare you insult us scholars so!"

As the clamor spread outside, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but furrow his brow, rose to his feet, and walked outward,

And just as he saw a crowd gathered, Zhang Cheng instead slammed his teacup down with a backhand,

"Pa!"

The shattered teacup scattered, startling everyone greatly, and they immediately lifted their heads,

"What are you lot doing? Causing a ruckus in a brothel—do you not fear the court dragging you scholars out?"

With a furious shout, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but speak up,

As a court scholar, not thinking of advancement, yet causing trouble in a brothel—indeed, in his own brothel—is this not seeking death?

"Who are you!"

Pointing at Zhang Cheng and speaking, one immediately questioned him,

"I am Jia Yue, Marquis of Zhongwu! And you—who are you?"

Looking at the one who spoke, Zhang Cheng narrowed his eyes, for if he were displeased, the other would surely lose his head,

"Marquis, spare me! Marquis, spare me! My fellow townsman got drunk, we're leaving now, we're leaving now!"

Hearing Zhang Cheng's name, the remaining scholars hurriedly begged for mercy, hastily dragging their companions away,

And watching this scene, Zhang Cheng narrowed his eyes and said: "If the Great Qian truly relies on these fellows, then we are doomed!"

Gazing at Zhang Cheng, Jia Wei wore a helpless expression, for what difference is there between uncle and them?

Oh, there is a difference—uncle would say, I've fought so hard in battle, can't I even enjoy myself? Then comes music, then comes dance!

Zhang Cheng: Wei Ge'er, you're so talkative!

(End of Chapter)