The Succession Struggle in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 43 Jia, Shi, and Wang are of the same ilk

As time passed, the nobles in the capital grew increasingly restless. Their servants, sent out to gather information, scurried about like rats in a ditch, running around in the shadows.

Of course, there were also a few families who had nothing to do and left the city early to report to the emperor's camp.

Of all the people, only Prince Teng, the military governor of the capital, was different. He did not hide, but entered the capital openly from the camp outside the city.

Upon returning to the capital, he did not go home but went directly to the Jia family's residence.

The news that Prince Teng had returned to the city to visit the Jia family quickly spread to the residences of various nobles.

When everyone heard the news that Prince Teng had returned to the capital from outside the city at such a sensitive time and even personally visited the Jia family, they were astonished.

Everyone's first reaction was that Prince Teng had no interest in the position of Military Governor of the Capital Garrison and would no longer get involved in the struggle between the nobles and the royal family.

Otherwise, he would act so openly at a time like this.

His visit to the Jia family now is probably just to give them a heads-up, letting them know he's leaving so they can prepare in advance.

Sure enough, not long after, news came again that Wang Ziteng hadn't stayed at the Jia family for very long, only about fifteen minutes. He left the Jia family and then returned to the outskirts of the city. Just as everyone had guessed, he had only come to the Jia family to say hello.

If this speculation is true, then Wang Ziteng's relinquishment of the position of Military Governor of the Capital Garrison at this time would only create an even greater problem for the nobles.

They had previously resented Wang Ziteng's use of the Jia family's influence to control the position of the military governor of the capital, and had tried every means to replace him.

Now that Prince Teng has chosen to leave voluntarily at this time, the nobles are forced to face a difficult choice: whether to do everything in their power to protect the Shao family of Dingyuan Marquis, or to use their own abilities to compete for the position of military governor of the capital garrison.

This didn't seem like a difficult choice, and the few qualified competitors acted immediately upon hearing the news.

What they didn't know was that Wang Ziteng's arrival at the Jia family was far more complicated than outsiders speculated.

Wang Ziteng's visit to the Jia family at this time was not just a simple greeting; he came to see Jia Jing.

Therefore, although he entered from the Rongguo Mansion, he eventually arrived at the back pavilion of the Ningguo Mansion.

At this moment, several masters of the Jia family's two mansions were sitting in the pavilion, along with a person who rarely appeared: Marquis Baoling, Shi Nai.

Wang Ziteng entered, and after a brief greeting, he said, "Brother Jing, has something happened that made me come back now?"

Jia Jing was still dressed as a Taoist priest, sitting cross-legged on a soft cushion. When he heard Wang Ziteng ask him a question, he said, "Manqing, there is no need to worry. There is nothing wrong. I called you back to discuss other matters."

Wang Ziteng said, “Brother Jing, what important matter must we discuss at this time? The Emperor is currently in the military camp outside the city, and I, the military governor of the capital garrison, have come into the city. What will happen if the Emperor finds out?”

Jia Jing said, "It's alright, it's just a few words, it won't take long, and Manqing will still have time to leave the city."

Before Wang Ziteng could speak, Shi Nai interrupted, "I also need to go to the Emperor's camp before the city gates close. Let's not waste time talking about these unimportant things. Brother Jing, let's get down to business."

Everyone knows that Shi Nai is straightforward and quick-tempered, so they are used to him speaking like that.

Jia Jing said, “Based on the discussion we had a few days ago, I tried to convey our wishes to the Emperor. The Emperor has responded and sent Prince Su to see me today. This is the Emperor’s promise to our families. Therefore, we must act according to our previous agreement and must not make any mistakes.”

Wang Ziteng said, "So, today's assassination attempt on Prince Su is related to Brother Jing?"

Jia Jing said, "It was indeed I who persuaded Prince Su to do this."

Upon hearing this, everyone reacted differently. Jia Zheng said anxiously, "Brother Jing, how can you use Prince Su to do such a dangerous thing? If the emperor finds out, won't our plan to seek refuge be disrupted again?"

Jia Jing shook his head and said, "Don't worry. Using Prince Su as bait is a setup I did for the emperor. First, it helps the emperor deal with the Shao family more easily. Second, it's a test for the emperor. If the emperor is really willing to accept our families, he might be angry when he finds out about this, but he won't turn against us. If the emperor is just using us and doesn't genuinely accept us, I would be abandoned anyway even if I didn't do this."

Jia Zheng asked, "Brother Jing, have you been able to probe the Emperor's intentions?"

Jia Jing said, "This is the real reason I called you here. Tomorrow, the Emperor will inspect Changsheng Guard and will take the opportunity to retaliate against Marquis Dingyuan. According to our previous discussion, the Emperor will definitely adjust Manqing's position as the military governor of the capital garrison. If the Emperor demotes Manqing and removes him from the capital, it means the Emperor is keeping his promise. If the Emperor neither demotes nor promotes Manqing, it means the Emperor is still dissatisfied with us. Based on this, we can understand the Emperor's thoughts and take timely countermeasures."

Jia Zheng asked, "Why is it that our promotion has led to the emperor's dissatisfaction with us?"

Jia Jing said, "Officials in the capital have always been more prestigious than those in the provinces. If Manqing is not demoted but allowed to remain in command of the border troops, he will need to be promoted. However, several important military governors in the border regions are already in office, and each of them has powerful backers in the capital. Therefore, no matter who Manqing replaces, he will offend a large number of people. If the emperor does this, he will be using Manqing as a target, transferring the dissatisfaction of the nobles with the emperor onto Manqing. If he is demoted and sent out of the capital, there will be many vacant positions, and he can remain secure without having to fight with others."

Upon hearing this, Shi Nai said, "So what if we seize their governorship of a major prefecture? A mere border army, do you think they dare to cause trouble for us?" Jia Jing said, "The court is unstable lately, and our families are in the midst of turmoil. It is not advisable to make too many enemies at this time. It is best to be patient and discreet. Besides, the emperor sent Manqing out of the capital to the border army so that he could command a capable and battle-hardened army for the emperor, not to fight against the border army's generals."

Upon hearing Jia Jing's words, the others understood.

Wang Ziteng said, "We've noted this down. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us, Brother Jing?"

Jia Jing said, "If the Emperor truly regards us as his secret ally, this is our last chance. We must not be half-hearted, or we will never have a chance to rise again."

In fact, with Jia Jing's repeated instructions, they understood their current situation, and none of them would dare to act recklessly again.

Wang Ziteng said with emotion, "If the Crown Prince had chosen his consort a little later, and we had followed the Emperor, Yuan Chun might have been able to become his consort."

Upon hearing Wang Ziteng bring up the matter again, Jia Zheng frowned and turned away, clearly unwilling to discuss it further.

Jia Jingze said, "It's too late to say all this now. However, the Crown Princess missed the opportunity, but the Princess Consort of Su can try to test her."

Wang Ziteng asked in surprise, "Why are you bringing up Prince Su again? Does Brother Jing think Prince Su will succeed?"

Jia Jing shook his head and said, "The princes are all still young. There is no reason to place bets at this time. I choose Prince Su. First, Prince Su is the Crown Prince's younger brother from the same mother. By associating with Prince Su, we can also befriend the Crown Prince. Second, I have heard that Prince Su is highly regarded by the Emperor Emeritus. If we can form a marriage alliance with Prince Su, we may have room for maneuver with the Emperor Emeritus."

Wang Ziteng asked, "Since Brother Jing has such a plan, what should we do?"

Jia Jing said, "If you are really dismissed from your post tomorrow, the Emperor will definitely summon you for a private audience before you leave the capital to ask about your military strategy. At that time, you can take the opportunity to mention the matter of marriage and see how the Emperor reacts."

Wang Ziteng asked, "Since Brother Jing has asked me to test the Emperor, how should I answer if the Emperor asks me whose daughter I am?"

Jia Jing said, "It must be the daughters of our families, but we need to discuss whose maids they are."

Upon hearing this, the brothers Jia She and Jia Zheng fell silent. Although their Rongguo Mansion currently had three maids in the household, their eldest maid, Yuan Chun, would find it difficult to marry into a good family after the Crown Prince's selection of a consort, let alone the royal family. Their second and third maids were about the same age as Prince Su, but unfortunately, they were both born out of wedlock, making it unlikely they would become princesses.

Jia Jing's daughter also seems unsuitable. Her maid is not only too young, but also has no parents, making her even less likely to succeed compared to the Xi Mansion.

With the Jia family's two mansions gone, the opportunity was lost.

So everyone turned their attention to Wang Ziteng. Did they know that Wang Ziteng also had a daughter of the same age?

Seeing everyone's thoughts, Wang Ziteng explained, "My daughter is suitable in many ways, but as you all know, I only hold an official position, and my family's noble title has not been passed down. I'm afraid the Emperor would not be willing to accept such a family background."

The Wang family is no longer an option, so now only the Shi family remains.

Shi Nai shook his head and said, "I don't have any suitable ones at home either. My daughter is still breastfeeding."

Wang Ziteng said, "I seem to remember that you have a maid in your family, who seems to be a year or two younger than Baoyu."

Shi Nai said, "You are talking about my elder brother's daughter, and she is indeed the right age. However, my elder brother and sister-in-law passed away early, so even though this girl has neither parents, she cannot become a princess."

After going around in circles, and considering several maids from three families and four households, not a single one was suitable to become a princess consort for the royal family.

Jia Jing couldn't help but shake his head and sigh. He had planned so well, how could he not have foreseen this situation?

Wang Ziteng asked, "Brother Jing, since that's the case, should we still tell the Emperor about this?"

Jia Jing thought for a moment and said, "Let's still talk to the Emperor, but we can't mention the Princess Consort again. Just say that we're asking the Emperor for a favor and to grant us the position of a concubine."

After thinking about it, everyone realized that this was the only way.

They finished their discussion in less than fifteen minutes.

Wang Ziteng returned the way he came and swaggered out of the Rongguo Mansion. Shi Nai, on the other hand, disguised himself and quietly returned from behind the Ningguo Mansion.
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Note 1: Manqing is the courtesy name the author gave to Wang Ziteng. I couldn't find what Wang Ziteng's courtesy name was, so I just used one randomly. If any readers know it, please let me know.

After looking around, none of the proposed female leads seem quite right. Could you all offer some suggestions on how to logically select a princess from among the beauties of the Grand View Garden?

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(End of this chapter)