Jia Yujing of Red Mansion

Chapter 240
On the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, the preparations for the year were basically completed. The door gods were changed in Ning and Rong mansions, couplets, signs, and peach charms were added, giving them a completely new look.

Ningguo Mansion starts from the main gate, the ceremonial gate, the hall, the pavilion, the inner hall, the three inner gates, the inner ceremonial gate and the inner hanging flower door, to the main hall, with the main door open all the way.

The stairs on both sides are brightly colored vermilion, dotted like two golden dragons.

It is a joyful scene of family reunion and welcoming the New Year.

Early the next morning, Jia Mu first took an eight-person sedan and led everyone into the palace to congratulate her. After bowing and receiving a banquet, she came back.

Then, the Jia Mansion began sacrificial activities.

The first is to worship the gods. Led by Jia Jing, who specially returned from Xuanzhen Temple, he led all the men to "three offerings" and "burning silk and offering libations."

Later, Jia Mu came to the main hall to worship her ancestors, and everyone stood in line from the Neiyi Gate to the corridor of the main hall.

After serving the dishes, under the leadership of Jia Mu, everyone burned incense and bowed down to worship their ancestors.

At this point, the sacrificial activities were all over, and everyone gathered around Jia Mu's main room. The brocade embroidered screen was also completely new.

After everyone in the Jia family kowtowed to Mrs. Jia, they scattered their new year's money, purses, gold and silver coins, and put on a banquet for the whole family to enjoy together.

During the banquet, everyone exchanged cups and cups, and it was very lively.

Since the establishment of the Freemasonry, everyone in the Jia clan has benefited, and Jia Yun even got an eighth-rank official status.

Although Jia Qiong could not come because he was banned, he was the one the Jia family members talked about the most this year, and they were all full of compliments. However, Jia Zhen, the clan leader, became increasingly unhappy the more he heard about it.

The banquet was over and everyone dispersed.

Because the city gate is closed, Jia Jing cannot leave the city, so he can only stay in Ningguo Mansion tonight.

In previous years, Jia Zhen would leave after sending Jia Jing back to the room, but this year he did not leave immediately.

Seeing that Jia Zhen had no intention of leaving, Jia Jing said, "It's getting late. Go back and rest. I don't need you to serve me here."

Jia Zhen bowed and said, "Father, I have something to discuss with my father."

Jia Jing sat cross-legged on the couch and asked, "What's the matter?"

Jia Zhen said: "Father, because of Prince Ning's incident, the conflict between the Supreme Emperor and the Emperor has been deepening day by day. I'm afraid there will be a fight in the future.

These are extraordinary times, and the status of Beijing Camp is very important. If we can get Beijing Camp back..."

Jia Jing gave him a cold look, interrupted him and said, "I told you before, don't mention this matter again."

Jia Zhen said anxiously: "Father, didn't you see at the banquet just now that those people opened their mouths to Jia Qiong and closed their mouths to Jia Qiong, and a few of them looked down on me, the clan leader."

Jia Jing sneered and said: "Huh, there is an outstanding son in the clan, and you, the clan leader, are not happy. You only have so much experience?
If you are jealous of talents and talents, I think you should stop being the leader of the clan and abdicate as soon as possible to make way for talents! "

Upon hearing this, Jia Zhen hurriedly said: "Father, please calm down. I just complained in vain. I have never been jealous of others."

Father, please rest early, son resigned. "

Jia Zhen carefully exited the door, but as soon as he closed the door, the expression on his face immediately darkened.

He stood outside the door for a moment, as if he had made some kind of decision, and looked back bitterly before leaving quickly.

The next day, Jia Zhen got up early in the morning, took out a paper bag from a secret compartment in the study and hid it in her sleeve, and then went to the warehouse.

When the housekeeper Lai Sheng saw Jia Zhen coming, he hurriedly stepped forward to salute.

"Uncle, why are you here so early?"

Jia Zhen said, "Have you prepared all the things for Grandpa?"

Lai Sheng said: "Don't worry, uncle, those things must be prepared every year, there will definitely be no oversights."

Jia Zhen nodded and said, "Master said that some of the alchemy medicines sent last time were not very good. Where are this year's medicines? Take me to see them." "Yes, Master, follow me."

After Lai Sheng finished speaking, he took Jia Zhen to the warehouse and pointed out several precious medicinal materials to be sent to Xuanzhen Temple for Jia Zhen to check.

Before Lai Sheng finished the introduction, Jia Zhen waved her hand and said, "Go and do your work. I'll just take a look."

Although Lai Sheng felt a little strange, he did not dare to disobey and said goodbye.

Jia Zhen looked around carefully and saw that no one was paying attention. She quickly took out the paper bag in her sleeve and poured the white powder inside into the pearl powder in front of her. She also stirred it with her hands a few times before leaving.

From the second to the tenth day of the first lunar month, relatives and friends of the Jia family treat each other to New Year's wine. From the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, it is the family banquet.

On the eleventh day of the first lunar month, Jia She invites Jia Mu, and on the twelfth day of the first lunar month, Jia Zhen invites Jia Mu.

Because Jia Qiong was punished to shut up and think about his mistakes, he couldn't move around, and he was injured, so he had a very leisurely life this year.

On the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, Wang Yuyan held a banquet at home and invited Jia Mu and the ladies from the east and west mansions as guests.

Jia Qiong's injury was mostly healed, so she accompanied Jia Zheng and others to drink in the front hall.

Halfway through the drink, Yuanyang came to the front hall and said, "Uncle Qiong, the old lady asks you to sit over there."

Jia Qiong nodded and said, "Uncles, I won't be with you for now."

When Jia Zheng heard this, he smiled and said, "Go to Yu Jing, don't keep mother waiting."

Jia Qiong came to the flower hall of the second courtyard. There were two banquet tables, one for Jia's mother and the elders, and one for the juniors such as Dai Chai and Baoyu.

Jia Qiong met everyone and said to Jia's mother: "Ancestor, are you looking for me?"

"Brother Qiong, are your injuries healed?"

"It's okay now. Thank you, ancestor, for remembering me."

Jia Mu nodded and said, "That's good. Sit down. I've always wanted to discuss something with you, but I didn't get the chance. I just want to talk to you today."

Jia Qiong sat on the chair brought by his servants and asked, "If anything happens to me, ancestor, just ask me."

Jia Mu said: "It's still about Baoyu going south to study. I wanted to tell you about it years ago. Who would have thought that something like that would happen again.

Baoyu is still young, so I think it would be better to let him wait for two years before going to the south. What do you think? "

Hearing this, Jia Qiong smiled and said: "Ancestor, you should discuss this matter with Uncle Zheng. In addition, you should also see what Baoyu means. It doesn't matter what I think."

Mother Jia said, "Don't play tricks on me. Now both father and son don't listen to you. I, an old woman, can't talk anymore."

Everyone chuckled after hearing this, and Jia Qiong said helplessly: "Baoyu, our ancestors want you to delay studying south for two years. What do you think?"

"Brother Qiong, I still want to go this year. Qing Jing and I have already made an appointment. We can't break our promises."

Jia Qiong nodded and said to Jia's mother: "I know my ancestors were reluctant to give up, but parents love their children and have a profound plan.

Although the Jia family has the shadow of its ancestors, the reputation of a gentleman has been cut off in five generations. It still requires the efforts of future generations to protect the lintel of the Jia family from falling.

Our ancestor, Baoyu, has a desire to learn, so we should still support him so as not to dampen his enthusiasm. "

Jia Qiong's words were impeccable. Jia's mother was speechless and had nothing to say, so she had to give up.

Wang Xifeng, Wang Yuyan and others were a little unhappy when they saw Jia Mu, so they made some witty remarks to make Jia Mu happy, but finally the atmosphere was not too embarrassing.

At this moment, a servant hurriedly came in to report: "Master, Xuanzhen Guan sent someone to report that Master Jing is seriously ill and is afraid that he will be in serious trouble!"

(End of this chapter)