The head of the Red Mansion

Chapter 51 Asking for help
When it comes to matters of reading, Jia Zhen has no choice but to obey.

"Yes! Son will take care of it tomorrow."

From now on, the guards will all be low-ranking officers. If they want to be promoted, the assessment will not only be based on their martial prowess.

Reading more about the Great Zhao Code and the official gazette would indeed be helpful for their future assessments.

"Over at the school, the two teachers are also reading the official gazette."

Jia Zhen said, "My son will have someone buy two more portions later."

"Hmm~"

Shen Ning nodded, "I remember that at the Imperial Academy, teachers often break down the contents of the official gazette for the students. When you have time, have Zhu'er get a few copies and send them to the school as well."

The two newly appointed scholars were both graduates of the imperial examination system, so their path to becoming examiners was not over.

Cultivating good relationships benefits both others and one's own family.

"Oh, right, there are also the exam papers over there, and the questions they cover. Not only can the teachers use them, but the children of the Jia family can also use them."

Those who are willing can learn more.

In Shen Ning's mind, every bit of learning is a bonus.

"Yes!"

Not only does his cousin Jia Zhu live at the Imperial Academy, but his father-in-law, Lord Li, also lives there, making it very convenient to arrange these things. Jia Zhen nodded on the spot.

Just then, the servant Xing'er rushed over and said, "Madam, Master, Master Zhu from the West Mansion has arrived. He came from the Wang family and said he has something to discuss with you."

Jia Zhen and his mother exchanged a glance. "I heard that Wang Zisheng is still in critical condition. With Wang Ziteng injured, the duties of the Beijing garrison will have to be temporarily suspended. I'm afraid he... will come to our family for help."

"...Before helping others, you must first protect yourself."

Shen Ning said calmly, "A person who can design Wang Ziteng to this point can certainly design our home."

"Yes!" Jia Zhen nodded. "I know what to say. I'll take my leave now."

"Go!"

Shen Ning waved her hand, watched her eldest son walk away, and then beckoned to Qingping, "Go and inquire about the Wang family."

Among her companions, Qingping was the most fond of gossiping.

There was nothing in either of the two mansions that she couldn't find out.

"Yes!"

Qingping recognized Jia Zhu's servant and, upon hearing this, went off with a smile.

In the front hall, Jia Zhu had been waiting for a while.

He even washed his face as if he were at home, and when Jia Zhen arrived, he was in much better spirits than when he first came.

"Big brother!"

"sit!"

Jia Zhen didn't stand on ceremony with him. "I heard about the Wang family's affair. Judging from your expression, you probably didn't get much rest last night. By the way, have you eaten? I'll have someone make you a bowl of noodles."

"……it is good!"

Jia Zhu's voice was somewhat hoarse, "Big brother, I'm afraid my second uncle is in bad shape. It's been confirmed that someone orchestrated the meeting between my second uncle and my eldest uncle. I came here this time..."

"Wait a minute?" Jia Zhen looked surprised. "You mean this isn't an accident?"

"no!"

Jia Zhu hurriedly shook his head and told Jia Zhen everything he had found out, "...The matter of the Beijing Garrison concerns both the two prefectures. My eldest uncle is injured and cannot return for the time being. Brother, do you think you can lend a hand again?"

"..."

Jia Zhen frowned deeply. "I never expected the Wang family to be such a sieve!"

Only after the Lai family was subdued did he realize that his own home was riddled with holes.

He had previously intended to use some members of the Wang family to take revenge on Wang Ziteng.

It's clear that if this family isn't properly managed, they might lose their lives without even knowing how.

"Lord Wang's current predicament is likely related to the Beijing Garrison."

Jia Zhen looked at his cousin, whose eyes were bloodshot from staying up all night, and said, "I will have the people over there keep an eye out, and we will help if we can."

If none of these things can help, then he can't be blamed. "Thank you, brother!"

Jia Zhu didn't catch his unfinished words. Although his uncle intended to take action against the East Mansion, he hadn't actually started yet.

After this incident, my uncle will probably change his mind.

After all, no one is a fool.

If my eldest cousin really gets into trouble, the legacy that my great-grandfather left for the Jia family in the Beijing Garrison will definitely be diminished even further.

Even if my mother couldn't think of it, my uncle was a smart man and would know what to choose.

Jia Zhu cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "My eldest uncle said that once he recovers, he will definitely come to thank me in person."

"No problem, we're all family!"

Jia Zhen sighed, "Yesterday, Uncle She was also going to visit the Wang family, but he hurt his back. It looks quite serious; they even called the imperial physician. Now that you're back, go see him after you finish your noodles. Also, the old lady must be worried about news from the Wang family."

"...Did you strain your back?"

Jia Zhu's lips twitched; he knew his uncle loved to feign illness.

He likes to feign illness to procrastinate on anything he can't handle or doesn't want to handle.

Only his grandmother could handle him at home.

Thinking of this, Jia Zhu could no longer stay. "Brother, I won't eat noodles here. There are old people and injured people at home, and Brother Lian isn't home, so I need to take better care of them."

They're all gone, my uncle is faking illness, and my grandmother can't rely on anyone. I wonder how anxious she must be right now.

Jia Zhu stood up immediately and said, "Please apologize to my aunt for me. I'll come and pay my respects to her after I'm done with this."

"Don't worry, Mother won't mind. Go quickly!"

His mother is heavily pregnant; it would be terrible if she were to be bumped or injured.

The Wang family is an unlucky place; my cousin came from there, so he must have been affected by their bad luck.

Jia Zhen was not happy for him to go see his mother.

"Farewell!"

Jia Zhu cupped his hands in greeting and strode away.

When Grandmother Jia heard that he had returned from the Rongguo Mansion next door, she was overjoyed. "Zhu'er, you... have suffered so much."

In just one day and one night, she, who originally looked like the eldest grandson of the Jade Gentleman, had grown a lot of stubble and looked ten years older.

"Grandson is not suffering, isn't he back now?"

Jia Zhu helped up his grandmother, who was feeling sorry for him, and said, "Grandmother, your grandson is hungry."

"Quickly!" Grandmother Jia hurriedly told the maid, "Bring the meal quickly."

“Brother Zhen from the East Mansion said that Uncle’s back has hurt,” Jia Zhu said, ignoring the maid who was rushing off to deliver the meal, still looking filial and worried. “Grandmother, I’ll go see Uncle first, then come back for the meal.”

Grandmother had always known what kind of person her eldest uncle was, and she had probably argued with him over the past day and night.

But this time, a few mild insults are absolutely unacceptable.

His second uncle is dying.

His uncle broke his leg and will need at least three months to recover.

The Jia family has worked so hard to help their eldest uncle get to where he is today, they can't afford any mistakes.

In Jia Zhu's mind, his uncle's loss at this moment was the loss of the Jia family.

He's already suffering so much, and his uncle is at home indulging in debauchery with his mistress—that's just too much.

Jia Zhu hoped that her grandmother could teach her eldest uncle a real lesson.

Otherwise, if things go wrong every time, it will not only delay things, but also make us a laughing stock for some people with ulterior motives.

Jia Zhu made a move to leave, but to his surprise, his grandmother did not stop him.

“Your uncle’s back injury is quite serious this time; you should go and see him.”

It just so happens that everything in the kitchen takes time to prepare.

Grandmother Jia had no idea what her grandson's mind was working on in that short time, and she said, "There's no need to stay too long. Just pay your respects and come back. The meal here should be ready soon."