The Red Mansions

Chapter 1702: The King of Wei’s surname is Su, and he is not the son of Jia!
Shenjing City

Under Chen Xiao's instigation, in the following days, there really was a rumor in the capital that "The Prince of Wei's surname is Su, and he is not the son of Jia!" and it quickly fermented, causing public opinion to be in an uproar.

The scholars in the Kedao Academy began to make various speculations about Jia Heng's life experience.

Some said that this was the orphan of the Su family of the Han Dynasty, who worked hard for many years and finally took control of the government and monopolized power.

Some say that this seems to be destiny.

Jia Heng did not explain all this, but just sent out the Jinyi Guards to search for the source of the rumors. For a time, the Jinyi Guards appeared frequently in the Shenjing City, and the people were in panic.

Shenjing City, Prince Yan's Mansion——

This is a prince's residence built according to Han Dynasty standards, with five-story courtyards, carved beams and painted buildings, and flying eaves and corners. It is March now, and the scenery is full of pink peach blossoms, green willows, and the fragrance of flowers and chirping birds.

After the wedding of the eighth prince Chen Ze, the Han court still conferred a title on him, granting him the title of King of Yan, and all his salary, regulations and ceremonial guards were in accordance with the system for a prince.

At this moment, King Chen Ze of Yan was sitting on a loft in the backyard with vermilion beams and swaying wings. Below him were lush and green willow trees, as green as a canopy and a beautiful painting covered in mist.

The man was wearing a plain white and goose yellow wide-sleeved python robe and a king's golden crown on his head. He had a handsome and fair face, and his brows were filled with heroic spirit.

The middle-aged scholar in a blue silk shirt said, "Your Highness, Lord Qi said that the wind direction in the capital seems to be a little wrong."

The man was the Chief Clerk of the Prince of Yan's Palace - Zhuang Huaide. He had always been known for his resourcefulness. Together with Zhao Yi, the Chief Clerk of the Prince of Yan's Palace, he was Chen Ze's right-hand man.

Both of them were introduced by Chen Ze’s father-in-law.

Chen Ze's eyes were sinister under his thick eyebrows, and he said, "The court is densely populated with important civil and military officials, all of whom are followers of the King Wei. Now that they have recovered Tibet, their momentum has become even stronger."

Zhuang Huaide seemed to lower his voice and said, "Your Highness, there are rumors in the capital that Prince Wei was originally a military officer in the Prince's Mansion during the Longzhi Dynasty. He was implicated because of the East Palace case that year."

Chen Ze was shocked, his face looked as if dark clouds were rolling over him, and he asked, "What do you mean?"

Zhuang Huaide said: "My Lord, this Prince Wei is the descendant of a criminal minister, and he has a grudge against Emperor Shizong Xian for killing his father."

Yan Wang Chen Ze's eyes were deep under his sword-like eyebrows, and his tone was firm as he said, "So, everything Wang Wei did today was to avenge his father?"

Zhuang Huaide echoed, "Your Highness, it's possible."

King Chen Ze of Yan nodded, as if he suddenly understood something, and said, "No wonder."

Zhao Yi, the chief clerk of the Prince of Yan's Palace, frowned and said suddenly, "Your Highness, if the Prince of Wei returns to his original surname, will he still harbor hatred towards Emperor Shizong Xian? It is revenge for his father, which is more popular."

There will always be smart people in this world, and Zhao Yi has already come into contact with the truth.

Prince Chen Ze of Yan was silent for a moment, and then said, "Emperor Shizong has been very kind to Jia Ziyu. If Jia Ziyu betrays his loyalty, how will people in the world view him? Doesn't Jia Ziyu notice this?"

At this moment, King Yan Chen Ze could not yet see the hidden intention behind the exposure of Jia Heng's life experience.

Chief Registrar Zhao Yi said in a clear voice: "Your Highness, there are some young officers in the Beijing Camp who sympathize with your plight, but the Beijing Camp is setting up a non-commissioned officer school recently, and through competitions and other means, they will select low-ranking officers from the soldiers. Moreover, Prince Wei has worked in the army for many years and has won the hearts of the soldiers and officers. It will be difficult for Your Highness to gain the support of the Beijing Camp's military officers."

Chen Ze thought about it and said, "Why not contact them first? The Han Dynasty is really in a state of chaos as long as Qingfu is alive."

Zhuang Huaide nodded and said, "Your Highness is right. The root cause of the chaos in the Han Dynasty is that Jia Ziyu controls the government and Tai'a is upside down."

Under Chen Ze's thick dark green eyebrows, a fierce light flashed in his eyes, and violent energy kept surging on his fair and resolute face.

Zhuang Huaide's expression changed slightly, and he lowered his voice and said gently, "Your Highness, do you want to follow Zhuan Zhu's example of assassinating King Liao?"

Chen Ze stretched out his hand to stop Zhuang Huaide from saying anything, and reminded him, "Mr. Zhuang, be careful, there are ears on the other side of the wall."

Zhuang Huaide's expression changed slightly, and there was a thoughtful look in his eyes under his thick eyebrows.

"For now, we can only use our righteousness to suppress Prince Wei." Chen Ze was silent for a moment, nodded, and said in a gentle voice: "During this period, let's have people pay attention to the trend in the capital, and send people to spread the word that Emperor Shizong Xian promoted Jia Ziyu from an obscure position and married him to his daughter. Even if Jia Ziyu has a grudge against his father, he should not blame the late emperor."

Zhuang Huaide nodded, agreeing to the matter.

Chen Ze was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "Now that the thief Jia is in control of the government, causing chaos in the government, you and I should be more tolerant of each other for the sake of the country and not act rashly."

Zhuang Huaide looked at Zhao Yi beside him.

Chen Ze asked again: "What about the candidates today? Are there any willing to study poetry at the Yangliu Poetry Society?"

The Prince of Yan established the Yangliu Poetry Society not long ago, because he was known for his love of poetry and songs.

In fact, this was an association, and all of this was under the surveillance of the Jinyi Palace. It was not banned because of the face of Princess Xianning, Queen Song, and Concubine Duanrong.

In fact, the identity of King Yan is neither awkward nor embarrassing, and his family affairs, national affairs and world affairs are intertwined. It is impossible for Jia Heng to ignore family affection and execute King Yan without any guilt.

Zhuang Huaide frowned, staring at him fiercely, and asked, "After Your Highness started studying new knowledge, some scholars in the court have complained about Your Highness. Why did Your Highness want to get involved in this mess? It has damaged your reputation as a wise king."

The dispute between the new and old learning has been intermittent since the Three Questions of Fengming in the first year of Qiande. Although the new learning is under the banner of "investigating things and seeking knowledge", it is still criticized and attacked by some old scholars.

All in all, academic disputes are just superficial, and the struggle for political interests is the essence.

Chen Ze's heroic and resolute face seemed to show a look of silence, and he said: "Although the new learning was advocated by Jia the thief, it is indeed an advanced learning that is of great benefit to the country and society."

Even if he were to rule the country in the future, he would still advocate new learning.

Zhao Yi said: "But it is not conducive to Your Highness winning the hearts of the people."

Chen Ze nodded and said, "If we can actively devote ourselves to the new learning, use the people under the King of Wei to serve me, and at the same time use gentle means to appease the people of the old learning, we may be able to accomplish great things."

Zhuang Huaide said, "Your Highness is right. The King of Wei is resolute, but his methods are always cruel. Once he offends the public, that will be your chance to win over the people."

"That's right." Chen Ze nodded, then glanced at the others and said, "It's getting late, and I'm a little tired."

Zhuang Huaide and Zhao Yi looked at each other and stood up to say goodbye.

……

After Chen Ze finished speaking, he stood up and left the study, returning to the wing room at the back of the house.

At this moment, his wife Zhou came to greet him. Princess Yan's bright and beautiful face was smiling warmly, and she asked, "My lord, you are back. I have cooked lotus seed soup for you. My lord, please go and have some later."

His wife was the daughter of Zhou Tingji, the former vice minister of the Ministry of Personnel. She was fifteen years old, with beautiful features and a very smart temperament.

Zhou Tingji was originally a capable leader of the Zhejiang Party. Later, after Han Huang retired and returned to his hometown, he was transferred to the position of Minister of Taichang Temple. Although he was also of the third rank, or even became one of the Nine Ministers, in terms of power, this transfer was a promotion in name only and a demotion in reality.

In the third year of Qiande, Jia Heng asked the cabinet to reform the official system in accordance with the Zongli Yamen. After strengthening the functions of the six ministries, he raised the rank of the assistant ministers of the six ministries by one level to the second rank.

Although the Minister of Taichang Temple was still one of the Nine Ministers, it undoubtedly had a bit more of a sense of exile.

Chen Ze's eyes showed recognition, and he said, "Thank you very much, Princess."

Zhou chuckled and didn't say anything else. Accompanied by Chen Ze, she came to the back house and sat down. She stood up and poured a cup of tea for Chen Ze.

Chen Ze asked: "What is my father-in-law doing recently?"

Zhou's face was beautiful and her voice was as gentle as a flowing spring. She whispered softly, "Father is at Dachang Temple. He is also responsible for the sacrifices for the heroes of the Tibetan expedition army."

Chen Ze sighed and said with emotion: "My father-in-law was once the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Rites, but now he is relegated to being a ritual official in the Taichang Temple. How poorly does the court treat talented people?"

Zhou said: "Now in the court, there is no minister who supported my father in the beginning."

Chen Ze looked thoughtful and said, "Father-in-law, please stay inactive for now. There will always be a day to make great plans in the future."

When he restores order and ascends the throne in the future, he will be able to make important use of his father-in-law's family.

Zhou's beautiful eyes, which were as clear as rainbows, were full of light under her emerald eyebrows. She whispered, "My Lord, my father is old now and doesn't care much about these things."

Chen Ze nodded, and without saying anything else, he gently took Zhou's slender hand and walked towards the inner room.

The two were newlyweds, and their relationship was sweet and sweet, and they knew the sweetness of it very well.

……

……

Daming Palace, Wuying Hall——

Jia Heng, dressed in a black and red satin robe, sat on a chair in the hall with his back to the main hall, with cabinet military officials sitting on both sides.

Today, Jia Heng discussed the recent Han Dynasty affairs with the cabinet military affairs, mainly the memorials from various provinces and the project supervision of the Ministry of Works in Beijing, as well as the rectification of the Ministry of War's garrisons.

Hang Min, the military minister beside Shi Jie, cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, the local guards have been withdrawn according to the sanctions, and the local governor has mentioned the replacement of the fire guns."

With the improvement of muskets by the Military Equipment Bureau, flintlock muskets have gradually been equipped in some regiments of the Beijing Camp, and local military commanders also want to be equipped with this type of musket.

Jia Heng glanced at Hang Min and said, "Local border defense is simple, and the provincial troops do not need to switch to flintlock muskets."

Before he completely controls the Han ship, it is impossible to change the equipment of the local provincial guards, and the Beijing camp, as the trusted troops to protect his power, must be united.

The fact that Hang Min brought up this matter at this time is itself suspicious.

Hang Min was frightened by Jia Heng's look and quickly bowed in response.

Shi Jie, who was not far away, saw this scene, but his face remained expressionless.

Jia Heng put down the tea in his hand, glanced at Shui Rong, Qi Kun and others present, and said, "Everyone, the Imperial Academy of Sciences has built three steam locomotives, which will be tested and opened to traffic between Shenjing and Luoyang to connect the two places. The Military Affairs Office should also select a group of capable soldiers to form a railway guard to protect the railway trade route along the way. In a few days, this king will preside over the opening ceremony."

Today's steam locomotives have average capacity and are more experimental in nature, and still need further improvement.

Shi Jie, the Minister of War and Minister of Military Affairs, asked, "How should the Railway Guards' order system be set up?"

Jia Heng said: "The Ministry of War should first draft a proposal."

Shi Jie bowed and said yes.

Jia Heng turned to look at Lin Ruhai and asked, "Mr. Lin, how is the situation over there?"

Lin Ruhai smiled and whispered, "Recently, the customs has been busy with trade, and the tariffs collected are very high, which has accounted for one-third of the national treasury revenue."

Jia Heng nodded and said in a gentle voice: "One third is not a small amount. When we occupy half of the land, we can exempt the land tax as appropriate."

Lin Ruhai asked, "Zi Yu, this year's imperial examination is held again. Will it still be based on new learning and select students who believe in new learning?"

The first year of Qiande was the special examination, and now it is the annual spring examination.

Jia Heng said in a clear and bright voice: "This time, we will not only select talents in the subjects of Mingjing and Mingshuai, but also select talents in the eight-legged essay examinations based on the new learning."

Lin Ruhai said: "The Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy are already preparing the relevant test questions."

Jia Heng turned his head to look at Zhao Yi and said, "Lord Zhao, how is the repair of the riverbanks of the two rivers and the Huai River going this year?"

Zhao Yi, the Minister of Works, said: "Prince Wei, the river embankment renovation has come to an end. The sections along the two rivers have been completed. Only along the Huai River section, the river workers are still building embankments along the river."

Jia Heng said: "Let the river workers in the towns do their job for now and don't worry about anything else."

Shui Rong put on a face of calm and said, "Prince Wei, recently the public opinion in the capital has been very heated, and they are talking about your life experience."

As soon as these words were spoken, all the ministers and military officials in the palace looked at the young man in the python robe with curiosity in their hearts.

Jia Heng said, "Lord Shui, I have sent Jinyifu guards to investigate this matter."

Shui Rong suddenly looked straight at Jia Heng and asked, "Zi Yu, if the rumors are true, how should the King of Wei deal with it?"

As soon as these words were spoken, others such as the Chief Minister Qi Kun and the Second Minister Lin Ruhai all cast curious glances at the young man in the python robe.

Jia Heng's eyes flashed fiercely, and he said in a deep voice: "If the rumors are true, then... I will return to my roots."

It was not quite suitable for him to continue using the surname Jia, or it could be said that restoring his original surname would help him get rid of the influence of Emperor Chongping.

When Shui Rong heard this, he looked thoughtful and said, "That's good."

Shui Rong thought about it, moved his lips, but did not ask in the end. Then how should he resolve the grievances between him and Emperor Sejong?
Jia Heng continued, "No matter what, the grievances of the previous generation have all gone with the wind. Emperor Shizong has been very kind to me. Now it is the Qiande period, so let's not talk about the rest for now."

Shui Rong showed an expression of approval on his face and replied with a "yes".

Qi Kun and Lin Ruhai beside him had thoughtful expressions on their faces.

Afterwards, Jia Heng talked with Lin Ruhai for a while and did not linger in the Wuying Palace for long, but walked towards the harem.

Kunning Palace, in the hall——

Thin, fragmented sunlight shone through a wooden carved window lattice and fell on the lacquered wooden table in the hall, while a blue and white porcelain vase reflected the bright and dazzling light.

Queen Song, on her side, was wearing a scarlet silk dress and had lush black hair. She was sitting behind a lacquered wooden table, her snow-white face filled with a beaming smile.

Princess Xianning, Li Chanyue and Song Yan went to the palace to visit Queen Song today. They sat together on a lacquered pear wood chair, each holding a child in their arms, their faces full of joy and surprise.

Queen Song looked at the child in Princess Xianning's arms with a bright smile under her emerald eyebrows, and said softly, "Xianning, let me see the child."

Princess Xianning chuckled and said, "Mother, my son was just thinking about you."

Princess Xianning gently stretched out a slender hand and gently pinched the rosy face of the child in her arms, her heart full of love. Then she told the female official to give the child to Queen Song.

At this moment, a familiar sound of footsteps was heard from the eaves of the corridor. Then, the young man in python clothing came quickly from outside. He was surprised and asked, "Xianning, you are here too?"

Princess Xianning gently stretched out a hand, gently held the child in her arms, looked at the young man in the python robe, smiled lightly, and said, "Sir, have you finished handling the government affairs in the court?"

Jia Heng smiled and said, "It's almost done."

Queen Song, who was standing by, took over Jia Heng's conversation and asked with concern, "Zi Yu, what did the court say?"

Jia Heng said: "We discussed the issue of laying railroad tracks. In addition, the tax collection for the next two years, commercial taxes and maritime trade have all been decided. The cabinet and the military affairs are all working according to the procedures."

Queen Song said softly, "That's good. When Luo'er is here, you should teach him more about these government affairs."

Jia Heng smiled and said, "When Luo'er comes back, I will pick out some of the court affairs and hand them over to him."

Queen Song responded softly, her eyebrows raised, and her snow-white face was filled with a hint of surprise.

Princess Xianning paused for a moment, her beautiful eyes were as bright as water under her emerald eyebrows, and she asked, "Sir, is there anything important happening in the court or the country right now?"

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "There are no more wars, but there are many important matters in the government and the country, including water conservancy and transportation, immigration and farming, civil administration, science and education, and all kinds of affairs."

Princess Xianning hummed softly and said, "Sir, the next step is to deal with the internal affairs of the court."

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said in a loud voice: "Yes, now that the new era has just begun, the court affairs are complicated and need to be sorted out carefully."

Princess Xianning asked softly, "Sir, what is the recent public opinion in the capital?"

Jia Heng turned his eyes to Princess Xianning and asked, "You have also heard the news from the capital."

Princess Xianning said, "Yesterday, I heard from my aunt and Lianxue that the story of the master is now spreading all over the city of Shenjing. It is said that the master is the son of a military commander who leads the guards of the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace."

Because Jia Heng was the Prince of Wei in the current dynasty, his every word and action was watched by the whole court, not to mention such explosive news as the Prince of Wei's life experience. Once exposed, it spread quickly in the city of Shenjing.

At this moment, Queen Song opened her lips slightly and asked curiously, "Zi Yu, is this true?"

She didn't believe that this little fox really knew nothing?
So, was this attempt to usurp the throne really a revenge against Emperor Sejong?

Or is this little fox's plan?
Jia Heng nodded and said, "It should be almost certain. Princess Jinyang mentioned this a few years ago. She had seen me in the East Palace that year."

Queen Song raised her eyebrows, a hint of surprise flashing across her fair face, and said, "Jinyang?"

Her sister-in-law did like to go to the East Palace back then.

Li Chanyue and Song Yan looked at the young man in the python robe with sparkling eyes, but they didn't feel anything.

Jia Heng said: "No matter what, if your original surname is Su, then you can just change it back to your original surname."

Queen Song looked thoughtful, then smiled and said, "These are not urgent matters. As we were talking, it's already noon. Ziyu, let's have lunch first."

Jia Heng sat down beside a small lacquered wooden table, picked up the teacup beside him, lowered his head and took a sip.

Then, a large number of female officials came out from under the eaves of the hall and began to bring a plate of steaming hot dishes and placed them on a lacquered wooden table.