Chapter 826: Changing a wife into a concubine is simply appalling!
The next day, the two-day autumn rain gradually stopped and the weather became clear. Pedestrians on the street had put on their cotton-padded jackets and tucked their necks tightly to prevent the cold wind from blowing in.
Today is the beginning of winter.
After Jia Heng changed his clothes, he went to the Jiangnan camp to handle official duties as usual, and then ordered Liu Jixian to select Jinyi Palace guards to control the Zhen family.
Including but not limited to the direct descendants of the four families of the Zhen family, as well as the slaves of the Zhen family, and the in-laws' homes are controlled, mainly to prevent the Zhen family from transferring their property in advance once the imperial edict arrives.
At half noon, Jia Heng, accompanied by a group of Jinyi palace guards, rode back to Jinyang's eldest princess's palace.
As for Chen Xiao, he did not accompany him because he was not feeling well.
Princess's Mansion, second floor attic
After listening to what Jia Heng said, the eldest princess of Jinyang frowned, with a hint of surprise on her beautiful face, and asked curiously: "Why do you ask this?"
This child...ah, no, what is this little man doing asking her if her monthly letter is here?
Jia Heng stared into the beauty's beautiful eyes with a slightly unnatural expression. He took Princess Jinyang's bare hand and said, "It's nothing. I just want to ask so that I can give birth to children in the future."
Princess Jinyang: "..."
This man had used this excuse to lie to her. He had tried so many tricks and remedies.
The beauty thought for a moment, a slight blush appeared on her face, and said softly: "It's a few days, but isn't it appropriate to come a few days earlier and a few days later?"
When Jia Heng heard this, he was slightly startled and asked, "How long have you been late?"
"It's been over ten days," the beauty said softly, "I haven't paid much attention to it, it should be normal."
Jia Heng's face paused and he said: "That's... when I came back from Guangdong? Didn't you have it?"
Is there a big one hidden in this?
He is now nervous because Zhen Qing is suspected of being pregnant. If her body starts to mature, he will need to find a way to avoid it in the future.
If you really have five or six children in a row, it's not a question of whether you can afford to raise them, but it will become very troublesome.
Not to mention anything else, if one day she couldn't hold back and became married to Baochai, and started having children at the age of fifteen, it would have done a lot of damage to Baochai's health, not to mention Daiyu, it would have been a disaster.
When the eldest princess of Jinyang heard this, her heart skipped a beat, her face turned slightly red, and there was a bit of surprise in her beautiful eyes, and she said, "I don't know, but after hearing what you said, could it be...
…has it?”
At the end of the sentence, his voice trembled slightly and he grabbed Jia Heng's hand.
Beauty has always wanted to have Jia Heng's child. After all, she is considered a half-elderly mother. This time, her mother's dream has completely come true.
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "I can't say, please pay attention in the past month or two to see if you have morning sickness, like to eat sour foods, etc. Maybe I am overthinking it."
Hearing this, the eldest princess of Jinyang raised her eyebrows, her beautiful face changed, her beautiful eyes looked at Jia Heng suspiciously, and said: "You are such a good person, why do you suddenly ask about this?"
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said, "Maybe it's because my body bones don't seem to be very long recently, so I thought of this."
Hearing this, the eldest princess of Jinyang did not doubt that he was there. She chuckled and said, "How about I find a doctor and take a look."
Jia Heng nodded and said: "I guess I can't see any pulse now. I'll wait and see in half a month."
At this moment, in front of the bookshelf, Li Chanyue, who was playing chess with Princess Xianning across a chess field, was listening to the conversation between the two with her cheeks as red as the clouds, and her heartbeat could not help but accelerate a little.
Putting down the chess piece, he turned to look at Princess Xianning aside, took Princess Xianning's hand, and said softly: "Cousin, what did Mr. Jia say?"
If she really has a child, will it affect her in the future?
Princess Xianning's beautiful face was calm, her clear eyes flashed, and she whispered: "It has nothing to do with you."
So what if you have children? You will age quickly if you have children, and you will become an old woman even more.
Dominate Mr. every day.
Jia Heng changed the topic, looked at the eldest princess of Jinyang, and asked in a low voice: "There is news from Jinyi Mansion in the middle of the capital. The Holy Emperor has issued an order to investigate the losses caused by Zhen Yingjia, the president of Jinling Tirenyuan. I will take charge of the investigation.
If we want to search the property of prisoners, I guess it is handled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
When the eldest princess of Jinyang heard this, a clear light flashed through her phoenix eyes under the willow-leaf eyebrows, and she said, "Brother, the emperor is taking action."
Beauty actually doesn't like the Zhen family very much either.
"Now the imperial edict is on its way." Jia Heng said in a low voice.
Princess Jinyang smiled, looked at the young man's face, and asked, "Why, are you feeling embarrassed?"
Jia Heng said: "There is nothing to be embarrassed about, it's just official business."
The eldest princess of Jinyang smiled lightly and said: "After all, the Zhen and Jia families have been family friends for so many years. Isn't there only a member of the Zhen family in your house?"
Jia Heng's heart moved slightly and he said softly: "At the beginning, I didn't even want to push it away."
While the two were talking, there was a creaking sound on the attic stairs, and suddenly the voice of the nanny came: "Your Highness, the King of Chu, the Princess of Chu, and the Crown Prince are passing by for a visit."
Princess Jinyang raised her beautiful eyebrows and murmured: "What is King Chu doing here at this time?"
Jia Heng said softly: "You are an elder. Since I have arrived in Jinling, I should come over to say hello to you."
It was a bit embarrassing to meet the sufferer at this time, and I wonder if Mopan Lake has been cleared.
The eldest princess of Jinyang stood up Yingying. She was a beauty with beaded hairpins and gorgeous makeup. The tassels on her scarlet dress swayed and fell away. She said with a smile: "I will go to see the King of Chu right now."
."
Jia Heng said: "I'll go there too."
At this moment, on the clean road paved with bluestones outside the eldest princess's mansion, a beautifully decorated carriage with its shafts raised up quietly disembarked under the escort of a group of guards, female officers, and mammies.
King Chu and Princess Zhen Qing got off the carriage, surrounded by female officials and nuns holding umbrellas.
Zhen Qing held her son Chen Chun beside her. The beauty had changed her clothes today. The makeup on her face was slightly brighter, and her beautiful eyes were a little curious.
Because he was visiting the elder Princess Jinyang, he brought his son with him to show his closeness.
As the middle door opened wide, the female official who greeted the guests moved away from the threshold and welcomed the King of Chu, his wife and the Crown Prince into the mansion.
A female official supported Zhen Qing and walked forward quickly.
Zhen Qing walked up the steps with a little caution.
When she entered the flower hall, Zhen Qing couldn't help but look startled. Apart from the graceful beauty, she also saw a familiar face, it was Jia Heng.
The King of Chu first bowed to Princess Jinyang, then looked at Jia Heng warmly and intimately, and said, "Ziyu is here too."
Jia Heng bowed his hands and explained: "I have something to do here to find the eldest princess. What is this, Your Majesty?"
As he said that, he quickly glanced at Zhen Qing, looked at the beauty for a moment, and then quickly looked away before their eyes narrowed.
After Mopan realized that she was pregnant with his child, she seemed to be a little unscrupulous?
At this time, the eldest princess of Jinyang looked pale, with a melancholy smile on her face, and said, "You're here as soon as you come, why did you bring so many things?"
The beauty at this moment is just like an aunt who has been beautiful and elegant all her life. Her eyes are as moist as water and are somewhat scrutinizing. Her originally graceful and beautiful face is as charming as the core of a peony flower.
The King of Chu had a warm smile on his face and said, "Aunt, I haven't seen my aunt for a long time."
Zhen Qing also pulled Chen Chun aside and said with a bright smile: "Chun'er, please call me grandma."
Chen Chun looked at the gorgeous beauty and felt a little timid, but under Zhen Qing's usual strict teaching, he politely said: "Chun'er has met my aunt."
"Good boy." The eldest princess of Jinyang's smile was like a flower, just like the snow on the clear sky, filling the whole room with brilliance.
While everyone was chatting, with the bead curtain clattering and the jingling of rings, Li Chanyue and Princess Xianning also opened the bead curtain and entered the hall.
"Brother King Chu, Sister-in-law Wang." Princess Xianning walked a few steps quickly, a faint smile appeared on her jade face, she was a slim and beautiful girl with quiet and charming features.
The little princess on the side is just a good friend who is willing to be a green leaf, and she is ordinary.
King Chu looked at Princess Xianning, smiled and said hello: "Xianning, Chanyue."
The King of Chu and Princess Xianning were originally half-brothers and sisters.
"Brother Wang." Princess Xianning pulled Chen Chun, the son of the King of Chu, aside and said with a chuckle: "Chun'er is so tall when I see him."
Zhen Qing smiled slightly and said, "Chun'er is six years old this year."
Everyone exchanged pleasantries and chatted, then sat down one after another to drink tea.
Zhen Qing picked up the teacup, put it to her lips, took a sip, and watched King Chu talking to Jia Heng and Princess Jinyang, her eyes mostly focused on the face of the young man in the python suit who was so light-hearted.
While everyone was talking, suddenly, a nanny came in and said: "Princess, there is someone from the capital, saying that they are looking for you in an emergency."
Everyone was stunned when they heard this and looked up at the nanny of the Zhen family.
Zhen Qing put down the tea cup, stood up, stood on her head with her eyebrows raised, and shouted: "What's the emergency? You're in a hurry."
After a while, a female official in her early twenties came in from outside, walked up to Zhen Qing and whispered a few words in Zhen Qing's ear.
When Zhen Qing heard this, her face changed suddenly, and her heart suddenly stirred up a storm, and she exclaimed: "Really?"
Zhen Qing also left a hidden line in the capital. After such a long time, official documents and reports had already spread throughout the capital.
The King of Chu was peeping at the beauty of the eldest princess Jinyang. Hearing this, he asked in surprise: "What's wrong with the princess?"
Zhen Qing's face was complicated, she glanced at Jia Heng, and said in a clear voice: "There is an edict from the capital, saying... that the Zhen family is going to be investigated!"
There is no need to conceal such matters. Beijing Dibao has already published the impeachment memorial of Zhang Zhi, the right deputy of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, as well as the emperor's approval and the investigation of the Zhen family.
As soon as these words came out, Jia Heng's face was calm and expressionless. King Chu was shocked and asked anxiously: "Princess, when... did this happen?"
"Just a few days ago, there was an imperial edict in the capital." Zhen Qing looked at Jia Heng, frowned and said, "Uncle Yong Ning, you already know this, right?"
If this bastard had known about it for a long time, wouldn't he have told her? She was just pregnant with this bastard's child. No, there might be a sister.
Jia Heng looked silent and whispered: "I only received the news last night. This is the decree of the Holy Emperor in the palace. The princess and the prince should know the reason. Since the Longzhi period, the three major weaving bureaus in Jiangnan have suffered huge losses. Such as the impeachment
According to the memorial, the Zhen family had stolen the internal funds for their own use over the years, lived extravagantly, and spent extravagantly. The Holy Spirit thought of their old feelings, so they couldn't bear to investigate after hearing about it. However, the national laws and regulations are splendid and merciless. Now the impeachment in Beijing is hotly debated.
, the Holy One is also very embarrassed."
Later news came from the capital. After the right deputy censor Zhang Zhi went south to investigate the first case of the Qingli Department of the Ministry of War Arsenal, after returning to the capital, he impeached the Zhen family for six major crimes.
The Di Bao has officially published the full text, and it also has Emperor Chongping's review, criticizing the Zhen family's various illegal and transgressive actions in recent years in a stern tone.
Zhang Zhi was a clear figure in the Imperial Procuratorate, and he probably had the strong support of Xu Lu, the imperial censor of Zuodu.
The Zhen family is undoubtedly a good breakthrough point in refreshing the official administration in Jiangnan.
The King of Chu suppressed the panic in his heart and asked expectantly: "Uncle Yong Ning, I don't know what your father means? Is there any way to make things better?"
Jia Heng was silent for a moment, looked at the King of Chu, and said: "Your Majesty, if you want me to plead with the Holy One, you don't need to say anything. The Holy Will is lofty and the power of God is unpredictable. I received a letter from the capital earlier, and I will handle this case properly."
, I have seen the intention of earnestly warning you.”
When Zhen Qing heard this, her heart trembled, and she looked at the young man opposite with her phoenix eyes, her eyes fixed.
A sincere warning?
Yes, he took in the fourth sister earlier. Was this his father trying to beat him?
When the King of Chu heard this, his brows also wrinkled into the character "Chuan". He couldn't speak anymore, but his heart was filled with a thick layer of haze.
This was the power of Emperor Chongping. With Jia Heng in charge, he achieved many things with one stone.
Jia Heng said: "Since the princess and the prince heard the news in advance, let's prepare for the interrogation. In the past two days, the Jinyi Mansion's Experience Department and the Internal Affairs Bureau will help the Zhen family conduct inspections and try to maintain the dignity of the royal family."
The Jinling Weaving Bureau's shortfall would have to be made up by the whole family, and Zhen Yingjia would definitely have to go to jail.
Although starting from Zhen Qing and Zhen Xue, Zhen Yingjia is also his father-in-law.
When King Chu heard this, his expression was solemn. He turned to look at Princess Jinyang and said, "Auntie, that little nephew is going back first."
After such a big thing happened, I can no longer stay here.
Princess Jinyang nodded, her eyes a little cold and said: "Go."
This eldest nephew seems to have some evil intentions.
Zhen Qing also stood up, bowed to the eldest princess of Jinyang, took a deep look at Jia Heng, accompanied by a large number of nannies and female officials, held the hand of her son Chen Chun, and her expression hurriedly followed the departure of King Chu.
go.
Although she had long expected that this day would come, when it happened, Zhen Qing was also a little panicked and found it difficult to accept it.
Jia Heng watched Zhen Qing leave, picked up the tea cup and took a sip, thinking non-stop.
The eldest princess of Jinyang suddenly said softly: "You have been too close to the Zhen family recently."
When the bandits attacked earlier, it was okay to lead the Zhen family members to commit crimes and perform meritorious services. However, they had taken in the fourth young lady of the Zhen family. Although Mrs. Zhen had entrusted her, it seemed a bit arrogant.
Jia Heng put down the tea cup, sighed and said, "I know that the Zhen family daughter came to be a concubine, and she was a little too showy."
But he also has his own reasons. Let’s not talk about Zhen Xi’s matter. Sometimes he can’t help himself when Zhen Qing is clinging to her.
Princess Jinyang's beautiful eyes narrowed, she looked at the two people not far away, and said: "Xianning, Chanyue, you two go and rest for a while."
Princess Xianning, Li Chanyue: "???"
Driving them away again? This is too much.
After Princess Xianning and Li Chanyue left, Princess Jinyang asked with concern: "Then how are you going to search?"
Jia Heng said: "The treasury was sealed and investigated as usual. Qiu did not commit any crimes against Nujuan's relatives. It can be said that the Zhen family's current honor, disgrace, wealth and honor are all due to their superiors. Now it can be regarded as a one-word withdrawal."
On the other side, King Chu and Zhen Qing boarded the carriage, and his handsome face turned gloomy. He felt like he was mourning for his heir, and the sky had collapsed!
"Father, what does he mean by this?" King Chu looked troubled and said in a deep voice: "If you didn't investigate earlier, you won't investigate later, but now you have issued an imperial edict to investigate the Zhen family?"
Is this directed at him?
Looking at the confused King of Chu, Zhen Qing sighed in her heart and said in a clear voice: "Your Majesty, when the fourth uncle was defeated, the family vaguely thought of this and started planning. Only then did the old lady bring the fourth uncle to the army.
My sister promised it to Jia Ziyu."
When the King of Chu heard this, he looked at Zhen Qing and said in a deep voice: "Can't Jia Ziyu plead for mercy? Also, if many properties are copied and inspected, what will happen in the future?"
Without money, the palace cannot move forward.
Thinking of this, King Chu felt confused for a moment.
Zhen Qing sighed and said, "Let's get through this hurdle first."
Shouldn't it be time to come over and comfort her at this time? Yes, she has been there to understand her all these years...
"Princess, those goods and industries should be transferred quickly recently." King Chu said in a low voice with a gloomy look on his face.
Zhen Qing pursed her lips and said in embarrassment: "Your Majesty, it's not that easy for the guards of the Jinyi Palace to watch you now."
King Chu said in a low voice: "Since Ziyu is presiding over this case, does the princess think he can turn a blind eye or close one eye?"
Zhen Qing: "..."
"Jia Ziyu is not a fool. As I said just now, my father has warned him. In fact, it is just a beating. He still wants to do business this time." Zhen Qing said softly.
At this moment, she didn't know why, but she couldn't think of asking that bastard to help her transfer the gold and silver and plead for mercy to solve the problem?
Ah, this...
King Chu looked gloomy and said, "Why is it so sudden?"
Zhen Qing comforted and said: "Your Majesty, as long as my father and second uncle are not held accountable, as for the money, I can slowly think of ways to do it."
The King of Chu was filled with worries and whispered: "This is what we have to do now."
…
…
As time passed, the imperial envoy with the imperial edict to accuse the Zhen family approached, and newspapers from Beijing also visited the yamen offices in the southern province. The news almost spread like wildfire, reaching the streets and alleys of Jinling City in the southern country, and there was a lot of discussion.
The Zhen family is extravagant and has failed the Holy Grace. The Holy Emperor Long Yan is furious and the Zhen family is about to fall. This is because the emperor is dissatisfied with the Chu vassal...
The more and more exaggerated news spread, it was almost overwhelming, covering the entire Zhen family like a black cloud, with a sense that a storm was about to come.
Especially when it involves the King of Chu, it has a cruel and bloody atmosphere, because the shadow of Longzhi's seizure of heirs still flashes through the minds of some elderly officials in Jiangnan from time to time.
For a time, all the officials and distinguished families in Jinling City also focused their attention on the Zhen family, waiting to see what was going on.
Two days later, Zhenjia Manor
There were crowds of people in the flower hall with a green dragon plaque inscribed with three small italic characters of "Xianzhengtang".
Zhen Yingjia, who was worried about the news that the Zhen family was about to be prosecuted, was entertaining Fang Yaochun, the Nanjing Imperial College guest, in the living room. Fang Kuang, who was not far away, was holding hands with her.
In addition, there are Zhen Shao, the second master of the Zhen family, and Zhen Xuan, the third master of the Zhen family.
After the two parties had finished their greetings, Zhen Yingjia asked about the purpose of his visit and said, "I don't know what the in-laws are here for."
In the past few days, I have been worrying about how to deal with the impending imperial edict. I have already written several memorials to apologize.
Fang Yaochun twirled his beard with his hand and said in a deep voice: "Brother Zhen, what's going on is this. I have discussed it with Quanzi and feel that your previous marriage arrangement is not appropriate?"
When Zhen Yingjia heard this, her heart skipped a beat, and she had some bad premonitions. She calmed down, turned to look at Zhen Xuan, and asked, "Third brother, what do you think?"
Zhen Xuan frowned, his eyes lingering on Fang Yaochun's smiling face, and asked: "In-laws, what does this mean?"
Fang Yaochun said: "Quinzi had made up his mind that he would not get married until he was a Jinshi in high school. Previously, because of the harmonious poems and poems in the manor, he was passionately in love and did not want to commit to a lifelong relationship with the third lady of your house, so he signed a marriage contract later."
The smile on Zhen Yingjia's elegant face gradually disappeared, and her complexion was as hard as iron. She looked closely at Fang Yaochun and said, "Does Fang Jijiu want to regret the marriage?"
In this era, regretting a marriage is indeed a slap in the face, especially for a first-class and prestigious family like the Jiangnan Zhen family.
Fang Yaochun said quickly: "Brother Zhen misunderstood."
Zhen Yingjia looked better and looked at Zhen Xuan, waiting for his words.
At this time, Fang Kuang also answered: "Mr. Zhen has misunderstood. Xiao Ke has not achieved anything in his career. He has already had great ambitions. If he does not win the Jinshi, he will not get married for the time being."
Nowadays, Zhen Lan is the daughter of a prison officer. If she marries him as his wife, she will definitely be a leader among the scholars in the future.
"I told you before that you will wait until you are a Jinshi in high school before consummating your marriage." Zhen Xuan said softly.
Fang Kuang hesitated for a moment and said softly: "What I mean is that something has happened to the Zhen family now, so the third lady might as well come over first and become a concubine, so as to complete this fate."
As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the hall, which was almost unbelievable.
Zhen Shao's eyes, which were originally slightly narrowed, opened suddenly, with a faint evil aura and murderous intent overflowing in them.
Damn thing!
At this moment, Zhen Xuan, who was Zhen Lan's biological father, was extremely furious. He stared at Fang Kuang and asked, "My dear nephew, do you know what you are talking about? Changing a wife into a concubine is simply... simply appalling!"
"
Because my heart was so angry, my voice was trembling a little.