The head of the Red Mansion

Chapter 100 Impeachment
Even after the court session, the emperor in Kunning Palace could not hide his anger.

The silver from Jiangnan hasn't been transported back yet, but everyone at the morning court session was asking him for silver.

"Shameless!"

The emperor didn't smash the cup; instead, he smashed the cushion that the empress usually used. "Those people are determined to keep me poor and unable to do anything."

"Who said that?"

The Empress picked up a cushion, dusted it off, and said softly, "Nearly ten million taels of silver have been spent; that's a matter." She smiled as the Emperor looked over. "Those officials all think their matters are extremely urgent, so Your Majesty can see which one is truly urgent. The choice is in your hands—that is the advantage."

emperor:"……"

His volatile emotions gradually calmed down.

"Even without this money, you should still try your best to squeeze out money for the soldiers on the nine borders and raise money for the disaster areas that urgently need relief. Now that you have this money, at least you don't have to worry about these two sides."

The Empress poured the Emperor another cup of tea. "Here, have some tea. Then go to the Emperor Emeritus and take care of what needs to be done."

"..."

The emperor accepted the tea. "I must thank my father for betrothing you to me back then."

"Your Majesty~"

"Hahaha!"

The emperor laughed loudly, "Could it be that I've misspoke?"

He was able to sit firmly in this position because whenever he became impatient, the Empress could help him calm down from another angle.

The emperor finished his tea in one gulp. "Wait here, I'll go and ask my father for credit for you."

He lost so much silver at once, can't he even whine to his father and ask for a reward for the Empress?
As the emperor, he had to shoulder the responsibility for matters of state, and so did his father.

The money from Jiangnan was something he had worked hard to acquire for a long time. Since he was being forced to give it away, he would be generous and do what his father needed most. He would also ask his father for some good things for the Empress.

This would also prevent her from being targeted and mistreated by Consort Zhen in the harem.

The emperor had made up his mind, and his pace quickened.

Unbeknownst to him, the Prince of Jin, who had just finished plotting with several confidants, was leisurely making his way to the palace.

To subdue the emperor, he also needed his father's support.

The Emperor would certainly not be happy for the Li family's nearly ten million taels of silver to fall into the Emperor's hands at this time.

Prince Jin was very confident that his father, the Emperor, would stand on his side and subdue the Emperor.

……

At Ningguo Mansion, Shen Ning had a headache.

The Li family's nearly ten million taels of silver have disrupted the peace of the capital and the imperial court.

This scene definitely didn't happen in *Dream of the Red Chamber*.

Speaking of the timeline at this point, it was still several years before Yuan Chun was made a concubine. In other words, the retired emperor was still in control at this time.

But the money the emperor worked so hard to obtain...

The retired emperor would not allow him to control so much silver.

And then there's the Prince of Jin. He will definitely do everything he can to intercept these silver coins through the court. Will the Emperor still be able to tolerate all of this then?

Shen Ning really wanted to sigh.

She had to worry about further changes in the capital, and at the same time, she had to worry about Jia Lian.

He must know that the seventh son of the Li family has fled, right?
If you stay at a post station, where information is readily available, you'll find out. Once you know, you should be able to take precautions.

There were also people who went to meet them...

Shen Ning pinched the bridge of her nose. "Prepare the sedan chair. We're going to the West Mansion."

Instead of waiting at home, it's better to take the initiative.

So, not long after she left Rongxi Hall, Wang Xifeng saw the people arriving in sedan chairs.

She was quite surprised, "Auntie..."

As she called for help, Wang Xifeng's mind raced, wondering if she and her in-laws had done anything wrong recently. "Is there something wrong? It's so late, you could have just given the order, why did you have to come all the way here?"

She smiled and helped the person up herself, while Ping'er carefully stepped back and hurriedly went to report.

"Lian'er is coming back, but the journey may not be peaceful."

what?
Wang Xifeng was taken aback.

Shen Ning, however, had already strode towards Rongxi Hall.

Upon receiving the news, Jia She and Madam Xing rushed over to greet them.

"Sister-in-law!"

"Have you received the news that the Li family in Jiangnan has been raided?"

what?
"Yes!"

Jia She nodded hurriedly.

It was because he received the news that he sent his daughter-in-law over to make arrangements for the evening banquet. "I just told my daughter-in-law that I wanted to invite her brother Zhen over to celebrate."

"..."

Shen Ning was speechless. "Do you know that the Li family's seventh master, Li Haifeng, has escaped, that the Li family colluded with Japanese pirates, raided several salt fields in Jiangnan, and even set up an ambush outside Yangzhou to rob other salt merchants?"

"Know...know."

Jia She lowered his head.

At this moment, he belatedly realized why his sister-in-law had come to the mansion.

Don't you know the saying, "If you don't cut the weeds at the root, they'll grow back in the spring breeze"?

Shen Ning was exasperated. "Li Haizhong only had a minor grudge against his brother-in-law Lin Ruhai. He acted swiftly whenever the Jia family had an opportunity. How could Li Haifeng be any different? This time, because of Lian'er, the Li family couldn't escape in time, resulting in the loss of everything from their money to their people. How could he not hate them?"

Jia She: "..."

Wang Xifeng: "..."

Both of their expressions changed slightly.

"Lian'er and Min's return to the capital may be by water or land."

Shen Ning said, "Zhen'er has already taken people to Tongzhou. Brother She, you should go to Tianjin. If nothing happens, that's even better. If something does happen... you can take action in time."

"I...I'll go right away."

Jia She lifted his robes and was about to leave.

Although the son always favored his younger brother's family, they were still his own son.

It was the last thing his wife left him, having risked her life for him.

"No hurries?"

Shen Ning quickly stopped her, "The Li family... are bold and meticulous. We have already sent people to meet them by land. If they see that Lian'er and the others have a large number of people, they may not make a move, but they will definitely try to get closer to observe."

If she were Li Haifeng, she would definitely do the same.

"Remember, once you've welcomed Lian'er and the others, don't rush to acknowledge them. Carefully observe the people around them. Anyone with a Yangzhou accent who has followed you from Jiangnan to the capital, whether from afar or nearby, should be arrested by the authorities."

Shen Ning stared at Jia She, "Find out the truth. If you took the wrong thing, apologize immediately. The Jia family will accept the losses that need to be paid. Don't be stingy."

"Don't worry, sister-in-law."

As Jia She clasped his hands in greeting and strode out, he also called out loudly, "Someone, quickly, summon Lin Zhixiao!"

He left in a hurry, and Shen Ning then turned to Wang Xifeng, whose face had turned pale. "Don't be afraid. He took four guards from the East Mansion before, and your Uncle Lin in Jiangnan will definitely send more people to escort your Aunt Min. Normally, nothing will happen."

"……I see."

My aunt was planning ahead.

Wang Xifeng nodded.

But understanding is one thing, worrying is another. "If he and Aunt Min haven't arrived in Tongzhou or Tianjin yet, then..."

"Your father-in-law isn't stupid; he'll greet him."

It's not so easy to welcome people at Tongzhou Wharf.

However, since the Li family was in league with Japanese pirates, Lin Ruhai, who had served as an official in Yangzhou for many years, must have been aware of this, and he would not easily allow them to return by boat.

Shen Ning nodded to Madam Xing and waved to the maid who brought the tea, "I won't drink the tea, or I won't be able to sleep at noon. My aunt should be having lunch soon, right? I'll go eat at her place." "I'll go with my sister-in-law."

Madam Xing smiled and said, "Thank you for taking care of things at home, sister-in-law."

She then bowed.

The couple had a hard time getting back to Rongxi Hall.

If something were to happen to Jia Lian, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Besides Jia Lian, the only other member of their main branch of the family is Jia Cong, who is only eight months old.

"We're family, there's no need to be so polite."

Shen Ning knew that Xing Shi had been by her side the whole time on the day she gave birth, so she was willing to be more patient with her. "Feng'er, come along too!"

"Yes!"

Wang Xifeng suppressed her unease and supported Shen Ning on her right.

Rongxi Hall is only a stone's throw away from Grandmother Jia's courtyard, about two hundred meters away.

The old lady couldn't stop smiling when she heard that Shen Ning had come over for a free meal.

Why don't you bring Yue'er over here?

"She was asleep when I arrived."

Shen Ning knew that the old lady had delicious food here. "Auntie, I've come all this way, so please make me a few more dishes."

"..."

Grandmother Jia couldn't help but laugh, "Feng'er, quickly tell the kitchen to add four more dishes."

What does Ningguo Prefecture lack?
It was already quite a treat that Ms. Shen was able to come and have dinner with her.

"Today we have steamed duck with fermented rice wine, and chicken marrow and bamboo shoots, which I remember you always loved to eat."

"Ok!"

Shen Ning smiled and nodded, "My aunt still loves me the most."

"Hahaha~"

The old lady laughed, "Such a sweet tongue! Tell me, do you need something from me?"

"That's not true."

Shen Ning glanced at Wang Shi, who came in with a smile, and said, "That's right, I just conscripted Brother She."

what?
Grandmother Jia was taken aback.

Is something really wrong?
"what's wrong?"

"Lian'er did something big in Jiangnan."

Shen Ning knew that Wang Shi must have received the news as well. Rather than letting her add fuel to the fire and scare the old lady, she would rather do it herself. "More than a month ago, didn't Li Haizhong, a salt merchant from Jiangnan, collude with Minister Chen of the Ministry of Works to frame our family? Zhen'er was furious and sent a letter to Lian'er. After receiving the letter, Lian'er went to Li's house and made a scene."

The Li family was in the wrong, and Lian'er had gone there in full view of everyone, so the Li family ended up suffering a loss.

However, all of this was on the surface. Secretly, the Li family, having already sensed their impending doom due to Li Haizhong's offense, had been packing their belongings and colluding with Japanese pirates, hoping to make a fortune before fleeing. But because of Lian'er's intrusion, all the prominent young masters of the Li family received ten strokes of the cane each, and were unable to escape. They were all rounded up by people the Emperor had transferred from other places.

Jia Mu: "..."

She couldn't help but silently utter a Buddhist prayer.

But the Wang family...

I was very indignant.

"Sister-in-law, I heard that the censor is going to impeach Lian'er because he is using the Duke's mansion to act arrogantly in the Li family?"

Madam Wang looked worried. "Master heard about it and went out to inquire a long time ago, but he hasn't returned yet."

"..."

"..."

A moment of silence fell over the room.

Grandmother Jia's face was extremely pale.

What could her second son possibly find out?
Going out means you're destined to be frightened by others.

"What do you mean by 'borrowing the power of the Duke's mansion'?"

Shen Ning took the tea brought by the maid, took a sip, and said, "Lian'er is the heir of the Duke's mansion. What? Only the Li family is allowed to frame our Jia family, but the Jia family can't stand up for justice? If the Li family is really in the right, and Lian'er goes to demand an explanation, why don't they report it to the authorities?"

At this point, she snorted coldly, "Sister-in-law, don't forget, Lian'er is a member of the Jia family. He knows his family has been bullied, but he cowers and pretends not to know, or he talks to people about being a gentleman. Do you believe me? When we get back, I'll break his legs."

At this point, Shen Ning slammed her teacup onto the small table. "What did my second brother go to inquire about? I advise you to call him back right away. If I find out he's outside fawning over others, saying his nephew was wrong..."

A murderous glint flashed in her eyes, and just as she was about to say something, Grandmother Jia hurriedly stopped her from speaking, "Don't worry, Zheng'er won't do that."

As she said this, the old lady had already given a wink to the maid beside her.

Shen Ning caught a glimpse of the maid carefully retreating out of the corner of her eye, but ignored her completely, focusing only on Madam Wang. "Did you mean by what you just said, Second Sister-in-law, that you're resentful that Lian'er is going to be impeached?"

"……No."

Wang glanced at the six burly women who were about to rush in after hearing her sister-in-law's anger, and her lips twitched uncontrollably. "My husband and I just heard about this and are going to inquire which official wants to impeach Lian'er. Remember him."

"I see!"

Shen Ningchao said to Qingping, who had come with her, "Go back to the manor and send someone to ask Rong-ge'er to inquire. Tell him what I said: whoever dares to impeach Lian'er for the Li family's affairs is suspected of colluding with the Japanese pirates. Have him write a memorial on behalf of his father and impeach him to death."

"Yes!"

Qingping left in a hurry.

For a moment, everyone inside and outside the door, from the master to the maid, was quiet.

Xing and Wang Xifeng were moved and impressed, while Grandmother Jia and Wang were filled with unease.

Both of them were afraid that Jia Zheng might be telling someone that his nephew was wrong.

If he were to say this out loud, Madam Shen would probably skin him alive.

"An official who cannot distinguish right from wrong is not fit to stand in the imperial court."

Shen Ning turned to Grandmother Jia, "Auntie, do you think what I said is right?"

"Correct!"

Grandmother Jia nodded hastily, "This old woman also wants to see who dares to impeach Lian'er on this matter."

This grandson is not bad.

They've already attacked her at her home, and he knows about it. He's right there at her doorstep, and if he doesn't fight back... she'll get angry.

The old lady gave Wang a disdainful look and said, "Go back!"

This daughter-in-law is not very kind-hearted, she's also stupid and doesn't know how to speak properly.

If she stayed any longer, the old lady worried that her niece-in-law would hit her and overturn the table where she was eating.

She's getting old, and I really can't handle this sudden shock.

"……Yes!"

Wang Shi's face flushed red. She lowered her head, bowed, and withdrew, saying, "Then this daughter-in-law will take her leave."

Wang was so ashamed of her mother-in-law's disrespect that she felt she could never face anyone.

Especially since they chased her away in front of so many people.

As soon as she stepped out, Wang covered her face and her eyes reddened. But as soon as she turned around, she saw her daughter-in-law Li Wan and her daughter Yuan Chun walking towards her, chatting and laughing.

she……

"Mother~"

Yuan Chun was very surprised to see her mother like this!

However, when she saw the six burly old women who belonged exclusively to her aunt, she understood something.

My mother was resentful of her aunt, so she wanted to provoke her whenever she saw her.

But every time she offended her aunt, she couldn't win an argument with her.

"Sister-in-law, please apologize to my grandmother and aunt for me. I'm going to see my mother off."

Yuan Chun helplessly helped her mother up. "Mother, let's go back!" She wanted to ask what had happened and analyze for her mother how many mistakes she had made.