The head of the Red Mansion

Chapter 73 Blessed (Three-in-One)

"I can't pay."

Madam You was afraid that if she agreed, her mother-in-law would completely abandon her. "Mother, listen, Rong-ge is studying outside."

Jia Rong was reciting the Three Character Classic aloud.

He can't memorize anything else.

His entire attention was occupied by his grandmother and father; the only thing he could still recite smoothly was the simplest Three Character Classic.

“He grew up with you since he was a child, how could I take his place?”

Madam You said, "And the eldest master, if you leave, he will definitely hate your sister."

Oh, right, my daughter.

Shen Ning's hand was placed on her stomach, and the baby inside was still moving.

“He won’t take care of her, and he will restrict me and Rong’er from taking care of her. He might even take her to the West Mansion to be cared for by the old lady so that he can’t see her.”

You Shi vaguely knew what her mother-in-law feared most. "But the old lady is getting old and doesn't have the energy she used to have. It's said that she's raising her, but in reality, it's Second Aunt who's raising her. Second Aunt and you don't get along. How do you think she can raise her? Can you bear to let your sister grow up without any support?"

Shen Ning: "..."

Yu's words perfectly illustrate the fate of Xichun in the Dream of the Red Chamber.

How could she possibly let her precious daughter, whom she held in her womb, go down that same path again?

Shen Ning was so angry that she used a bit more force.

The two female physicians accompanying her quickly removed their needles. "Madam, please don't push too hard. Let's take a break and let the baby rest too." Both of them are too weak right now, and even if they push together, they won't be able to deliver. It's better for them to rest for a while and save their strength.

Unlike the noble ladies in the palace, who had to risk their own and their families' lives to do these things, here, they only needed to do what they were supposed to do.

The two people came up with the best solution: to use silver needles to calm both the adults and the children down and let them rest for a while.

"you……"

"They are female physicians sent by the Empress."

Lady You never expected the Empress to be so kind. She had been married into the Ningguo Mansion for several years and really didn't know how the Empress knew her mother-in-law.

For years, my mother-in-law and father-in-law have been living in seclusion in a separate courtyard outside the Taoist temple. Even when they come back during festivals, they don't stay for more than a few days.

They had never seen anyone, nor had anyone come to see them.

Unexpectedly, at such a critical moment, the Empress actually sent a female physician.

This is timely help!
Madam You was very grateful. "Mother, you will definitely be able to give birth to my sister safely."

A female physician sent by the Empress?
Shen Ning's mind was a bit confused, but she quickly ran out of energy to think about it. The silver needles took effect, and she felt a deep sense of fatigue. Her breathing became long and deep.

Midwife Zhong carefully examined her stomach, and after confirming that there were no major problems, she asked in a low voice, "Approximately how long?"

"About 15 to 15 minutes."

That's good.

Everyone here breathed a sigh of relief. The Xing and Wang families, who lived in the two houses next door and had difficulty getting around, had particularly strange expressions.

The Empress sent a female physician over that very night.

Why is that?

My sister-in-law doesn't even have an official title.

Why would the Empress send a female physician here?

Or did they already have a prior relationship?

But I haven't heard of it!

As the least favored prince and princess, they were rarely invited to various banquets.

It can be said that before the current emperor was struck by the throne, he was not familiar with many of his ministers. The empress was the daughter of a minor official. Although she was lucky enough to marry a prince, few people in the royal family respected her.

The two of them had always lived a secluded life behind closed doors.

now……

Madam Wang's joy was dashed by Dr. He and the two female doctors.

Jia Zhen was seriously injured, and even Manager Chen said there was little chance of success, but then Chief Physician He arrived.

Up until now, everything has been quiet on Jia Zhen's side, without a single sound, which clearly means that everything is safe and sound.

Here at the Shen family's place...

She had thought she could watch her struggle and grieve as she breathed her last, but the Empress sent another female physician.

Call ~
Why?

Didn't the retired emperor and the emperor particularly dislike the Ningguo Mansion?
The title her father-in-law passed on to her eldest brother-in-law was First-Class General. However, her other uncle, who was in charge of the Beijing Garrison, bypassed him and passed it directly to Jia Zhen, even though neither the emperor nor the retired emperor liked to respect her eldest brother. Logically, he should also have been First-Class General, but in the end, he was only Third-Class General of Might and Valor.

They were so heartless back then, why are they like this now?
Could it be because the national treasury is in debt?

Neither Lady Shen nor Jia Zhen had done anything particularly significant; their only major accomplishment was paying off the national treasury's debts to the emperor.

But the national treasury's debts are to be repaid by both prefectures together, so how can we only take care of Ningguo Prefecture?
Feeling troubled, Wang paced back and forth in the room.

Xing sat there without saying a word.

She was actually quite happy about this situation.

My sister-in-law is a good person, unlike Wang, who is gloomy.

She hopes she can give birth safely.

And then there's Jia Zhen. Jia Zhen has a good relationship with his master, who must still be waiting outside the courtyard for Anping.

Regardless of why the Emperor and Empress have taken care of this side again, it would be a great joy if Jia Zhen and his sister-in-law could truly survive.

Xing chanted Amitabha Buddha's name a few more times.

Qingping, who was standing guard outside the house, couldn't help but take another look at Madam Xing.

At this moment, she genuinely felt that Madam Xing was better than Madam Wang.

The reason I thought Madam Wang was so good back then must have been because I was too young and was deceived by appearances.

Qingping clasped her hands together and chanted "Amitabha" a few more times.

Other women can give birth for three days and three nights, but their wives are older and really can't take it.

God help me, may the sun rise at the latest!

Most of the people in the courtyard were praying, while Jia She sat silently outside, offering prayers to his elder brother.

Just like when he respected his elder brother and sat quietly with him.

They haven't done anything heinous, so why do they both have to endure such unbearable nights?
Jiao Da, who was not far away, sat directly under the window of the study.

The old man dared not miss a single sound inside; if anything seemed amiss, he would immediately call for Manager Chen.

Fortunately, the old man is still safe and sound.

Jiao Da dared not relax, for he still didn't know how his wife was doing inside.

Although the process was somewhat risky, there were still some results.

At least He Yuanzheng has really come, and the Empress has also sent a female physician.

He didn't know what would happen to the old man in the future, but as long as the young master had the ability to pass the exams, he would definitely not be suppressed anymore.

Have they survived this ordeal?
"Jiao Da!"

Jia She suddenly called out to him, "You're getting old, go get some sleep. There should be news from the Five Cities Garrison and Shuntian Prefecture tomorrow, and you'll need to take some men to keep an eye on things then."

"..." Jiao Da glanced at him, "During battles, it's common for me to go three days and three nights without sleep, so please rest assured, sir!"

Considering that this gentleman helped the mansion find the mastermind behind the deaths of the Chen and Wang families, he didn't mention that while Master Jiao was on the battlefield for three days and three nights without sleep, you, sir, were still catching shrimp.

Jiao Da believed his tone was tactful and conveyed that he would never delay things, but Jia She listened…

He smacked his lips and fell silent.

You deserve to be disliked, you old man.

He meant well, but this old man kept bringing up his own contribution.

hum~
Fortunately, the Rongguo Mansion didn't have such a living ancestor, otherwise, he wouldn't know how badly he would have been bullied.

Jia She ignored Jiao Da and waved to Jia Rong, who was standing in the middle of the courtyard reciting the Three Character Classic incorrectly.

"Uncle!"

Jia Rong was very grateful to this uncle.

During their family's most difficult time, it was their uncle who stepped forward.

"Sweetie, stop carrying it. Your dad's fine, and your grandma's fine too!"

The children's voices have all become hoarse.

Jia She still felt sorry for Jia Rong, "They'll be better tomorrow, but you'll fall ill. Won't that make them worry again?"

"...They're not ready yet!"

Jia Rong was terrified, but he held back his tears.

He desperately wanted his father to get up and hit him, and he desperately wanted his grandmother to scold him.

He could only recite the Three Character Classic haphazardly, but his grandmother never said a word.

Jia Rong knew that his grandmother couldn't care less about him; she still had one foot in the grave.

"Uncle, I'll just have a sip of tea. You see, I'm dressed warmly enough."

Because of his father and grandmother's condition, he dared not let himself get sick.

What will happen to the family if he gets sick again?
He also has to support his aunt.

Grandmother once said that if she were not around, he would have to take good care of her aunt, save up her dowry, support her, and not let anyone bully her.

“My grandmother likes to hear me recite, and I want to recite for her.”

He bowed and returned to the courtyard, then continued reciting his jumbled Three Character Classic.

Jia She was convinced.

This kid is just like Brother Jing; once he's made up his mind, no one can dissuade him!
He sighed, just as he was about to find a better position on the chair to look at the moon, when things started to get lively over there again.

Shen Ning woke up.

As she listened to the verses, "If a child does not study, it is not proper. If one does not study in youth, one will not know righteousness. Jade that is not carved cannot become a vessel. If a person does not study, what will he do in old age?" she ate a brown sugar egg, and then the pain began.

Ugh, I didn't even have time to correct Jia Rong's "What will you do when you're old if you don't study when you're young?" and "A person who doesn't learn won't know righteousness," before she was already struggling to make ends meet.

The intermittent cries of pain frightened Jia Rong so much that his face turned pale, and his recitation became even more incoherent.

Everything comes naturally to memorize; memorize whichever is most convenient.

I just wanted my grandmother to yell at me, "You recited it wrong!"

He dared not let his grandmother rest too much, for if she did, she might leave like his mother.

He couldn't put her at ease; he was still just a child.

He also needs her to take care of him.

How can I support my aunt?
Unbeknownst to Jia Rong, he walked to the window. The darkness of the sky receded, and the sky gradually faded from deep blue. The candlelight in the lantern slowly went out, but he was completely unaware of it. He was only focused on his studies, praying that his aunt would be well-behaved, and even if she caused him trouble in the future, she wouldn't cause trouble for his grandmother.

He made promises little by little, from carrying her up trees to fishing in the river, to doing her homework, teaching her to write poetry, and taking beatings for her...

It was already bright daylight, and the sun was shining on us, but my stubborn aunt still refused to come out.

Jia Rong's body couldn't hold on any longer, so he simply knelt down and begged. While reciting his lessons, he started promising her a hairpin today, a pastry tomorrow, pretty little deerskin boots the day after, and that he would carry her shopping and take her to eat candied hawthorns the day after that...

"The imperial edict has arrived!"

I understood each of the three words on the outside individually, but when put together...

Jia Rong suddenly turned around.

He was especially pitiful after staying up all night.

Eunuch Liu came early in the morning to deliver the imperial decree. Seeing the child's pitiful state, he nodded with great affection, "Little boy, receive the decree on behalf of your grandmother!"

Jia Rong hurriedly knelt down, and Jia She, Xing Shi, and others also knelt down together.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..." After a string of praises, the Emperor praised Shen Ning for donating money to the disaster area in Kaifeng Prefecture, expressing gratitude to the people and highlighting her as a model of virtue. The Emperor didn't even mention Datong or the donations she made in the capital.

If we really talk about these two things, what if we run out of money in the future? Are we going to have to sell our fields and land to donate?
Emperor Mu was not the type to exploit someone relentlessly.

Both generations of Dukes of Ningguo were pillars of the nation.

Yesterday, the retired emperor reminisced with Emperor Xiaomu about the past for a long time. Although he was angry at Jia Jing's arrogance, he did not have any ill feelings towards Shen Ning.

He had seen her at palace banquets many times before. She was bright and cheerful, a rare beauty among the younger generation. He had even regretted not marrying her off to his son.

The woman was already pitiful enough that the man's mistake implicated her, but Jia Jing remained devoted to her, only to abandon her after he had seen through the illusions of the world.

It's pitiful that she still has to have his child.

Some time ago, the Emperor Emeritus heard many people below him tell jokes about Jia Jing, saying that he was stripped naked by Lady Shen. However, he did not laugh, but only sighed.

However, while others did not believe that Jia Jing had seen through the vanities of the world, the Emperor Emeritus, upon hearing Shen Ning's reaction, began to believe it.

People who are too smart find it hard to break free once they become obsessed with something.

Taoism was founded by Lao Tzu, so it's quite normal for Jia Jing to become obsessed with it.

Now that he is an elder, it is only natural for him to ask the emperor's son to look after Lady Shen, out of respect for the two generations of dukes.

With his father's consent, Emperor Xiaomu simply bypassed Jia Jing and awarded Shen Ning the first-rank imperial title that she was rightfully entitled to, based on her merits. This was followed by a series of imperial rewards.

In short, if these things weren't given to the Shen family, his father would have given them to someone else.

Rather than letting his father bestow the gifts upon those who are unrelated or even hostile, he would rather give more to the Shen family.

At the very least, he was happy to give it to her.

As Wang Shi knelt on the ground, she looked at the many exquisite ornaments presented by the eunuchs and palace maids, even longevity locks and jade ruyi for children. Her heart ached...

Her eyes welled up with envy.

Just then, a baby's cry came from the inner room. The sound was so bright that you could tell it was from a healthy baby.

"She gave birth. She gave birth."

The midwife was overjoyed and loudly announced the good news, "She gave birth to a girl!"

Although the process was difficult, everything went relatively smoothly.

Hearing the joyful sounds from inside, Eunuch Liu couldn't help but smile. The little girl certainly knew how to pick her time.

Just as he finished announcing the imperial decree and giving her the treasure bestowed by the emperor, she arrived.

“He is a blessed man. If so, we can report back to the Emperor.”

"Thank you for your kind words, Father-in-law! You've worked hard!"

When they came in, Madam You ordered the head maid to prepare red envelopes.

Now that we're happy, besides giving the biggest and best gift to Eunuch Liu, we haven't forgotten anyone else either.

She gave him the gift, and Jia She also slipped something into Liu Gonggong's hand on behalf of his eldest nephew Jia Zhen, who was still asleep. "When you have time, Gonggong, please come over for a celebratory drink."

"Thank you so much, Grandpa Liu!"

Although Jia Rong was young, he still remembered this eunuch Liu. When he went to repay the debt owed to the national treasury, this eunuch Liu gave him a box of white jade ointment, saying, "When my aunt's one-month celebration is over, you must come and have a drink with her."

"Haha, definitely when I have time."

Eunuch Liu agreed.

He still thinks highly of Jia Rong.

As long as the child doesn't turn out badly, the Emperor will likely take care of him if he can, based on the fact that he went to repay the treasury despite being injured.

He left in a grand procession. Exhausted from giving birth, Shen Ning had no time to rejoice at her new first-rank imperial title. She only touched her baby briefly before being pricked by several needles and falling into a deep sleep.

"Madam Shen is getting on in years, so her priority now should be to recover her strength."

Some new mothers are so happy after giving birth that they can't sleep for a while, which also depletes their vital energy.

The two female physicians knew that the Emperor and Empress valued this lady and hoped she would recover well. Of course, they didn't want her to do anything that would harm her health because of that imperial title.

If they take good care of her, that will be a great achievement.

"Yes, yes, you two are so thoughtful."

With their help, Madam Shen was able to give birth safely, and the midwife Zhong liked them very much.

Who could have imagined that things would change so drastically overnight?

Yesterday was bleak and miserable, but today is full of joy and celebration.

Madam Shen gave birth to a daughter safely and was newly granted an imperial title. All those who served her were now considered to have achieved a perfect life.

The Ningguo Mansion was filled with joy, sweeping away the decadence of the past few years, while the various factions in the capital were still somewhat unaccustomed to the turn of events that had occurred overnight.

Yesterday, they were prepared for the Ningguo Mansion to be finished, but today everything has changed?

Despite not wanting to come here for fear of tainting bad luck, Grandmother Jia eventually came over, leaning on her cane.

Although Jia Jing has not returned and Jia Zhen is still ill, Shen Shi has been granted the title of First Rank Imperial Consort, which clearly means that the Jia family has been favored by the Emperor.

Grandmother Jia only regretted that their Rongguo Mansion had not received any reward yet.

But the old lady was also very grateful that her usually unreliable eldest son had stayed here all day yesterday.

When Jia Zhen and Shen Shi wake up, they will always think more highly of their eldest son.

The old lady was halfway there when she remembered her youngest son and hurriedly asked her maid to call him over as well.

It's been so long since the injury was healed, it's time for him to come out and see people.

"Grandma, my sister-in-law had a difficult delivery this time, and Zhen'er had an accident." When everyone was praising the baby, Madam Wang said, "Of all the people in this household, you are the most fortunate. Do you think we should tell my sister-in-law to take the baby back and raise it for a while?"

Jia Mu: "..."

Madam You: "..."

People around: "..."

Everyone's smiles looked a little stiff.

"This is my aunt."

Jia Rong was so excited that he didn't want to go back to rest. When he heard what Wang Shi said, he almost exploded. "Yesterday, my little aunt was not born, and my father was attacked. Today, she was born. The emperor not only gave my grandmother an imperial title, but also bestowed so many things upon her. My father was safe and sound all night. My little aunt was born with good fortune."

No one can take her away.

“My grandmother is in poor health, and my father has not yet recovered. She is currently at home.”

"Yeah."

Madam You hurriedly said, "Second Aunt, you didn't get enough rest yesterday, did you?" She looked at Madam Wang with a smile on her face, but her eyes were filled with malice. "Why don't you go back and get some rest first!"

Those who can't stand to see others succeed should just get lost!
"...Not only did your second aunt not get enough rest, but so did you."

Grandmother Jia was about to cry from the stupidity of her second daughter-in-law.

But she couldn't leave without helping with the repairs. "We've been busy all day and night, we all deserve a rest now." She patted Madam You's hand. "How about this, we'll all go back first, you all get some rest, and we'll come back tomorrow."

Shen was going to sleep until at least the evening.

Let them go together!
“The old lady is right.”

Wang Xifeng also hurriedly said, "We're all family, no need for formalities. Sister-in-law, you should all get some rest. We'll come to see Aunt and Brother Zhen again tomorrow when they're feeling better."

My aunt didn't know what was going on either.

Good things always sound different coming out of her mouth.

Wang Xifeng was also helpless.

Jia Lian wasn't home, and the house... seemed completely different from what she had seen before.

Wang Xifeng has become much more cautious in her words and actions lately.

"That's the truth!"

The old lady was very satisfied with her granddaughter-in-law. She stood up and said, "Your Uncle She is still taking care of things outside. When Zhen'er wakes up, tell him not to rush. Those filthy bastards will definitely be found. His priority now is to recover from his injuries."

And as for your mother-in-law's side, if there's anything in the household that's not readily available, just bring it to us. If we still don't have it, have your uncle look for it outside. Don't be shy about it."

"Don't worry, ma'am, I won't be polite."

Ms. You smiled and agreed.

"Rong-ge'er, good boy." The old lady could hear his great dissatisfaction with Wang Shi and couldn't help but try to appease him. "You also had a hard day yesterday. Don't worry, no one is taking your aunt away. You should go to sleep obediently. When you wake up, your grandmother and your father will be fine."

This child used to look like a cat that avoids mice.

Things have changed drastically now.

The old lady suppressed the probing look in her eyes and said lovingly, "Good boy, listen to me. You are growing up now. Taking good care of yourself is the greatest filial piety you can show to your grandmother and father."

"Yes, I'll listen to the old lady."

Now that everyone's gone, he can finally sleep.

Jia Rong personally saw them off.

Only after they passed through the side gate of Huifang Garden did he order all the gates to be closed, and that no one was allowed to enter or leave without his and his mother's permission for the rest of the day.

Speaking of which, we still haven't found Xie Zhenghu, the dwarf.

The safety of the mansion remains of paramount importance.

"By the way, where's Grandpa Jiao?"

Jia Rong is searching for Jiao Da.

The servant replied, "I just saw it; it seems Grandpa Jiao went to the ancestral hall."

An ancestral hall?
Today's events are indeed something we should report to our ancestors.

Jia Rong strode towards the ancestral hall.

At this moment, Jiao Da, inside the ancestral hall, faced the memorial tablets of the two generations of Dukes of Ningguo, his expression a mixture of crying and laughing.

He made the right bet.

The wife guessed correctly too.

The two dukes were too powerful, and the master was too powerful, to the point that the Jia family was feared by those above them.

If I had known this would happen, the master should have played the victim earlier.

If the master had done it earlier, he wouldn't have ended up in this situation today.

After offering incense, Jiao Da poured some wine. "Grandpa, Jiao Da once said that I am a dog of the Ningguo Mansion and I will definitely take good care of this family for you."

Although Master Zhen and his wife suffered, the Jia family's biggest crisis was over.

When Jia Rong arrived, he was still rambling on and on, and it looked like he had drunk quite a bit.

"Grandpa Fujiao, go back and get some rest!"

After instructing the servant, Jia Rong offered incense to the ancestors, saying, "My little aunt has been born. May the ancestors bless her to grow up to be beautiful!"

too ugly.

He has no idea how people could praise him like that.

Jia Rong was very worried. "Grandmother probably hasn't even seen what my little aunt looks like. If she had, she would definitely cry."

They need to find a few little boys to raise.

Let them only play with their aunt.

"And my dad, when he sees my aunt, he'll definitely brag about how good-looking he is."

His father had always worried that his grandmother would favor the second son like the old lady of the West Mansion. Now that's settled, with his aunt's looks, the more his grandmother favored her, the more smug he would be.

With Grandma's temper, if she gets really angry, she'll definitely beat him.

"If all else fails, let me be ugly!"

Jia Rong knelt on the prayer mat and pleaded with his ancestors, "I will have more children in the future, so that they can share some of their beauty with my aunt."

I'm so worried!
"or……"

Looking at the ancestral tablets, he thought, "Can I think of another way to prove that my aunt was born blessed?"

Even if your own child is ugly, you still have to protect them!
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(End of this chapter)