The north wind is blowing, and the bustling and vast Kyoto seems to be shrouded in a cold smoke. Viewed from the air, it looks extremely cold.

But as long as you look closer, you can see the lights everywhere and hear the laughter everywhere.

It’s the Chinese New Year again.

The Spring Festival in Rongguofu has always been more lively and complicated than other festivals, especially this year.

Starting from the New Year’s Eve in Ningguo Mansion to worship ancestors, and on the first day of the Lunar New Year, after the master of the family and several royal ladies in the mansion received a palace banquet in the palace, the Rongguo Mansion opened its doors, and the whole family rejoiced and rejoiced. Year.

There were also people visiting relatives and friends, and some relatives and friends coming to pay New Year greetings. It was really lively.

It is rare that things are less busy today, and the housewives of various houses in the clan are not idle. After cleaning up, they rushed to Rongqing Hall to gather under Jia Mu's seat.

When there are more people, Wang Xifeng will definitely be the busiest.

It happened that she was leading a group of maids and servants to serve snacks to the relatives. When Jia Mu saw it, she turned away from the others and asked her: "Girl Feng, didn't you say that Lian'er will come back today? ? Is it a mistake again?"

As early as October last year, after learning that Jia Lian was safe and sound, the whole family was looking forward to Jia Lian's return to Beijing.

Some said they would come back before the end of the year, and some said there were other emperor’s messengers who couldn’t come back. Anyway, they didn’t come back in the end.

Finally, I received a message from Jia Lian a few days ago, saying that he would return to Beijing in the next two days. Now that the time has come, there is still no news, so Jia Mu asked this question.

Wang Xifeng was originally greeting the elders of the family, laughing loudly. Hearing this, he couldn't help turning around to face Jia Mu, and his voice suddenly weakened: "I must not miss it again, yesterday Zhaoer personally The message I ran back to deliver..."

While speaking, Wang Xifeng couldn't help but look out the door with a gloomy expression.

When everyone saw her like this, they all laughed secretly. Only the mistress of the Ningguo Mansion, You Shi, smiled at Jia Mu.

"Old lady, if you want to ask this question, no one can ask it, so I asked her.

"We are sitting together today and listening to the old lady speak. Everyone is happy. I'm just afraid of some people, but my heart has already flown out of this door.

The old lady doesn't try to win her over now, but she still uses these words to scare her. Isn't the old lady afraid? You, my filial granddaughter-in-law, sit at the door of our house and completely turn into a watchful eye. When the time comes, no one will serve you tea, fruits and snacks, so you will be in a big loss."

Nowadays, Wang Xifeng's wife is distinguished by her husband, and her status is no longer what it used to be.

Even though there were some nastiness in the past that damaged its reputation, it has gradually dissipated under the deliberate cover-up of the Jia family.

In short, there are not many people in the He clan who dare to joke with Wang Xifeng or make fun of Wang Xifeng.

As the mistress of Ningguo Mansion, Mrs. You is not far different in status and age, so she makes fun of her in public.

Because of the humor of what You said, all the women in the hall couldn't help but smile.

Among them, the sisters Jia Baoyu and Jia Tanchun laughed the most, each covering their mouths and laughing non-stop.

Wang Xifeng blushed at first when Youshi said it, and then glared at Youshi. Finally, under Jia Mu's cheerful laughter, she couldn't help but pretend to be smiling, and laughed and scolded Youshi: "It's just... You can talk, but you can’t stuff your mouth with so much food!”

While talking, Wang Xifeng and others quickly walked up to Youshi, picked up a piece of pastry, and tried to put it in her mouth. Stuffed inside.

When everyone saw her laughing and laughing, they felt more and more interesting.

In the end, Jia Mu worriedly reminded her, "Be careful, Feng girl. She is pregnant and expecting to give birth, so she can't stand your making such a fuss."

Youshi I've been pregnant since early last summer, and now it's almost time to give birth. Originally, she should have taken good care of her baby at home, but firstly, she was strong and not too pregnant. Secondly, the midwife also said that proper walking would help with the pregnancy. Thirdly, she heard that Jia Lian was returning home today...

For this reason, after she heard that Jia Mu’s place was so lively, she asked the maids to help her come over to join in the fun.

Wang Xifeng is a person with good intentions, so naturally she will not seriously hurt Mrs. You. After Jia Mu’s words, she let go of Mrs. You, and then spat: "It happened to be with a certain person. If these people learn to be talkative, you won’t be afraid that when your son is born, he will also imitate you and cause trouble everywhere, which will make you cry!”

You laughed. Without saying a word, he couldn't help but hold his stomach gently with just one hand, with a touch of love and expectation in his eyes.

When Wang Xifeng saw this, she felt dissatisfied. She rolled her eyes at Youshi, got up and went to find Jia Mu to "trouble" her.

While they were laughing and joking, the housekeeper's wife came up to report that Jia Lian had entered Beijing.

　“Seriously.”

At this moment, everyone in the hall was overjoyed.

Everyone laughed and said, "The master sent someone to say that the team escorting the princess back to the capital had already entered the capital at Chen Shizheng and is now heading to the imperial city."

"Did you tell me when Lian'er will be back?"

"This master didn't say..."

Seeing that the housekeeper's wife couldn't explain clearly, Jia Mother asked someone to ask Jia Zheng again, and received a reply saying that Jia Lian should return to the palace first and then return.Mansion.

Everyone returned to their seats safely, but what they talked about changed from the glory of the boss and the shortcomings of the west to Jia Lian's topics.

A lady from another room flattered Jia Mu and said, "Congratulations, old lady. I heard from my family that Brother Lian has made great contributions to the court this time. Maybe he will do it again." I have been promoted to a higher position, and as a result, our family will be more prosperous than before."

Jia Mu became cheerful and humble.

Another person smiled and said: "I have also heard from others that Uncle Lian is still young and already has a fourth-rank official position. It is unlikely that the imperial court will give him another official position. And Second Uncle Lian has indeed made great achievements. I am afraid that the imperial court will eventually promote Second Uncle Lian."

"It is also possible that he will be rewarded with a large amount of wealth..."

Although Jia Mu smiled in response to the remarks of all the daughters-in-law, she felt somewhat disapproving of them.

Regarding Jia Lian’s matter, Jia’s mother had already asked Jia Zheng and others.

Based on the feedback received from the court, Jia Zheng already roughly knew the court's conclusion on the merits and demerits of Jia Lian's mission to Wala.

According to Jia Zheng, it is really possible to be promoted to a noble title!

Promotion...

What an alluring and exciting word!

Since the founding of the Kingdom of China, every family that has received a title has been demoted by at least one rank for each generation.

In this way, as long as nothing happens, the family title will basically be gone after a few generations. With luck, the court might take pity on you and reward you with an insignificant, low-level official position for hereditary succession.

From then on, he changed from a noble man to an official gentry.

Take son-in-law Lin Ruhai as an example. The ancestors of the Lin family were only awarded the title of "Marquis".

The marquises are special marquises that are different from fifth-class nobility, general nobility, etc. It is divided into "county lord", "xianghou" and "ting hou".

Although the ancestors of the Lin family were the highest-ranking county princes, they could only be passed down to three generations. This is somewhat different from the fact that the Marquis among the fifth-class nobles can be hereditary for five or six generations.

Corresponding to Liehou, there is also "Lebo", which is also divided into three types: "county, township and pavilion".

For example, the ancestor Wang Xifeng was only granted the title of Liebo. Therefore, the ancestors of the Wang family were honored as "Du Taiwei Controlling County Bo Wanggong".

But Leb was even worse, and could only be passed down to one generation. Therefore, the Wang family has long lost the title inheritance, which is worse than the Lin family.

Therefore, it can be seen that the princes are lower than the marquis among the five nobles. The county uncle is far lower than the fifth-level uncle.A knight is the lowest level of knighthood.

In fact, when the Wei Dynasty was established, in addition to immediately taking over the world, many large private forces and families also made great efforts and made great contributions to the establishment of the dynasty.

Although these people have no military merit, they are kind to the new dynasty. Therefore, these special titles are created for them.

The Lin family can be regarded as an outstanding one among many families that have been awarded special titles. Therefore, in addition to the Lin family inheriting the title for three generations according to the national system, the Tian family was particularly merciful and allowed it to be inherited for one generation. It was only after Lin Ruhai came here that he passed the imperial examination and became an official.

In fact, if Lin Ruhai had no talent and could not study and become an official, given the situation of the Lin family, the emperor would probably take pity on him and give him a special reward for a part-time official, and he would not suddenly reduce the Lin family to Common people.

It is a pity that the generation from Lin family to Lin Ruhai is extinct... Therefore, even if the emperor wants to, there is no way to continue the inheritance of incense for the Lin family.

Thinking of this, Jia Mu couldn't help but sigh: What a miserable family...

Skipping this incident, Jia Mu couldn't help but feel secretly happy.

If Jia Zheng’s prediction is correct, Jia Lian will probably be promoted from second-class general to first-class this time, the same level as his incompetent father.

Don’t look at this small upgrade, but this has transformed Jia Lian’s status from second grade to first grade!

Being ranked in the first rank, in layman’s terms, this is the pinnacle of human ministers.

That’s all, the most important thing is that being promoted from a second-class general to a first-class general will instantly allow the family title to be passed down to another generation. Passing it on to one more generation will extend the family's wealth and longevity for twenty or thirty years!

This importance to a family cannot be replaced.

Take the historian of her natal family as an example. Nowadays, there are two princes in the family. If they don’t make mistakes, the family can enjoy prosperity and wealth for at least five or six generations.

This makes many of the Xunmen in Beijing who have begun to decline secretly envious.

Of course, the origins of the two marquises in her natal family are somewhat criticized, but what does that mean? Nowadays, there are less than ten marquises in the entire dynasty, old and new, and her family has only two of them. This is real wealth.

The wealth of her natal family is one of the reasons for her to firmly hold the position of old lady in the Jia family.

If nothing else, she knew that Jia She and Jia Zhen were very envious of the Shi brothers’ ability to fawn over...

It was a pity that they themselves were There is no point in envying someone who has no ability.

However, Lian'er's words...

Jia Mu suddenly felt that Jia Lian's current situation was somewhat similar to that of her natal nephew.

From this point of view, perhaps in the future, Jia Lian will really upgrade his family's title to a higher level, thus realizing the bold words he made here!

"Since Lian'er has returned to Beijing, I think it won't be long before she returns home."

Jia Mu, who was thinking about something in her mind, said casually Then he looked at Mrs. Wang next to him and warned: "Lian'er's status is not as usual now. This time she was on a business trip under the emperor's order, and she also brought glory to the family.

So, you also Don't be careless. When he comes back, you must not forget the etiquette and rules that should be in place in the house.

What is it like when your master returns home from a business trip in the past? It needs to be the same today. "

When Mrs. Wang heard this, she felt a little unhappy, but she didn't show it on her face. She responded: "Why bother with the old lady's instructions? Girl Feng and I have already planned it. We had already planned it. Our master has just asked about this matter.

All preparations have been made.

If Lian'er had not been still in mourning, we would have prepared to write a post to spread the word. Invite relatives and friends to the house to celebrate him together.

But the master said that although it is not convenient to hold a big banquet, it is just our family, old and young, gathering together, so it is appropriate to come. There are also members of the clan If the gentlemen and ladies of our country are willing to come and have a wedding drink, that is their wish and we cannot refuse."

"You are right, that is very good."

　……

Daming Palace, Emperor Ningkang stayed in the South Study after returning from Chonghua Palace to pay his respects to the Second Saint.

In fact, he had already retired from court at this time. The emperor, who had been taking care of everything for a year, could finally have a good rest and enjoy some family happiness with his concubines and princes.

But today was the day when the envoy returned to Beijing, and he had to sit in the center to listen to the news brought back to him by the two envoys.

Dai Quan bent down and walked to Emperor Ningkang. Seeing him writing, he stood quietly.

"What's the matter?"

"Your Majesty, General Zhenyuan Jia Lian and Doctor Xiang He, the doctor of the Ministry of Rites, have arrived and are waiting outside Linjing Gate."

Emperor Ning Kang paused for a moment, then nodded and said one word indifferently.

"Xuan."

As his voice fell, other Xiaohuangmen immediately rushed to deliver the order.

Not long after, Emperor Ningkang heard two clear footsteps in the quiet hall.

"Your Majesty, Jia Lian (Xiang He), comes to see your Majesty."

"Get down."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

As the two stood up, Emperor Ning Kang glanced at Jia Lian, who was wearing light golden inner armor on the left and standing tall, taller than the little old man next to him.

After not seeing each other for more than half a year, Jia Lian's face has hardly changed. The only thing that made Emperor Ning Kang feel that there was a change was that he was a little more calm and composed than before.

Hmm, my skin tone seems not as fair as before, and it looks a bit more dusty and bleak.

It is more worthy of the general's spirit of returning from victory at this time.

After repeatedly checking Jia Lian's appearance several times, even Emperor Ning Kang couldn't help but curse in his heart. God was kind to Jia Lian and gave him such a good skin.

From this, he understood why his daughter fell in love with Jia Lian in the first place.

"You two have done meritorious service in escorting the princess back to the capital. Thank you for your hard work."

"I dare not say how hard it is, but it is a matter of loyalty to Your Majesty. It's our duty."

Emperor Ning Kang nodded slightly, and then said calmly: "Although everything you did this time has been reported, I probably know it. But since you have returned this time, Why don't you tell me in detail what happened after the incident at Zhanghetan."

"I obey my order."

Xiang He was just an ordinary person before. Even if the officials are qualified to participate in the imperial court, they only stand in an inconspicuous position at the back.

Now facing the emperor directly, it is inevitable to be a little nervous.

As a civil servant, he is accustomed to dig deeply into every word of the emperor.

Hearing that the emperor only mentioned their contribution in escorting Princess Zhaoyang back, but kept silent about the previous mission to Wala and the renewed covenant with Wala, he felt even more worried.

Could it be that the emperor was still dissatisfied with the original changes?

He is different from Jia Lian. His third-grade official position was compensated by the imperial court for the hard work of sending off relatives.

If the court wanted to hold him accountable for the failure of the marriage, let alone his merits, he might not even be able to keep his current official position.

With these worries in mind, this old man who was already a little thin became more and more shaky, and his figure seemed to be swaying.

Fortunately, he was only a deputy envoy. If the emperor had not asked the question himself, he would have onlyYou just need to stand aside and listen to Jia Lian's performance.

Xiang He lowered his head in the hall and did not know that his performance was clearly seen by Emperor Ning Kang who was sitting above him.

Emperor Ning Kang couldn’t help but frown.

I originally heard from one of Jia Lian's memorials that Xiang He was very talented. Not only was he familiar with all the imperial decrees, but he was also serious and responsible in his work.

Emperor Ning Kang originally thought that perhaps he had not noticed this veteran minister from a poor family in the past, and wanted to use his achievements to put him in a better position.

A brief observation at this time made him somewhat dissatisfied.

This is still an old minister, but his manners and manners are even worse than those of a junior like Jia Lian.

Although I didn’t intend to punish, I was still a little disappointed.

I asked a few questions specifically and found that although his words had solid evidence, they were somewhat hesitant and not as clear and eloquent as Jia Lian. I simply ignored him and just asked Jia Lian.