Chapter 37 The Loyal and Brave Earl: Honest, Kind, and Friendly "Daiyu, I..."
Before the court officials could even hear the eunuchs announcing the start of court, they were greeted by the eunuchs coming down to rearrange the seating arrangement.
Whether civil or military officials, their positions were first determined by rank, and then by department.
Mu Chuan's military rank was second grade, but he also had a first-class loyal and brave earl, which was a super rank, so he was ranked first.
The eunuch stood next to him and stretched out his hand, saying, "Sir, please move two steps over here and stand in the middle."
Before the military officer could say anything, a civil official raised an objection: "Why is the Earl of Loyalty and Bravery given a separate ranking? It's common for military officers to be given honorary titles in the Ministry of War upon their return. We can't put him in the middle just because of this."
For those mediocre officials who have neither made great achievements nor made any major mistakes, the morning court session is the best opportunity to show their face. Now that the Marquis of Zhongyong is standing in the middle, and he is tall and imposing, wouldn't the emperor be looking at him the whole time?
The eunuch answered with a smile, but with his usual sarcastic tone: "Lord Liu, why don't you try standing behind the Earl of Zhongyong?"
Lord Liu had already realized what was happening, but he was still a little unwilling, so he actually stood behind Mu Chuan.
Goodness, it's completely blocked out. Not only can you not see the Emperor, you can't even see the dragon throne. The only thing to do during the entire morning court session was to count the knots and jade pendants on the large and small imperial seals behind the Earl of Loyalty and Bravery.
Amidst quiet laughter, Lord Liu returned to his seat, looking utterly dejected.
The eunuch announced the start of the morning court session, and the court officially began.
The emperor looked at Mu Chuan, who stood in the middle of the hall like a pillar, and was very satisfied, feeling a great sense of security.
The morning court session on the 20th of the twelfth lunar month is basically the last one of the year, and most of the things discussed are good news.
The speech included phrases like "This year's harvest is good, the people will surely have a good New Year," "They will express their gratitude to His Majesty for His benevolence," and so on. After that, a few senior officials would be rewarded, and the speaker would announce when they would stop writing and when they would resume. The speaker would also discuss the arrangements for the New Year's banquet, and that would be the end of the speech.
To be honest, Mu Chuan didn't really like attending court. Standing for at least an hour without being able to move made a significant contribution to the potential development of varicose veins in his lower limbs in the future.
Having finished discussing the important matters, the eunuch called out his familiar words: "I have something to report."
Mu Chuan is in good spirits.
Ke Yuanqing did not come out immediately. He was a county magistrate of the sixth rank, and his position was at the back. He had to be modest and wait for the officials in front to finish speaking before it was his turn.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Junling, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, who was standing further forward, stepped forward first: "Your Majesty, I wish to impeach Ke Yuanqing, the magistrate of Wanping County. He went to Daxing County without authorization to arrest people and also condoned his yamen runners' offenses against the Rongguo Mansion. His actions are unforgivable and constitute insubordination! Where is Ke Yuanqing?"
Not to mention Ke Yuanqing, even Li Taijiu, the Minister of Personnel who was standing at the front and the mastermind behind this incident, started to tremble.
What's this?
This was the best-case scenario in their plan: Zhang Junling, a fourth-rank official and Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, who had a close personal relationship with Wang Ziteng, suddenly expanded the battlefield to its maximum. Doing it this way would require finding allies; they couldn't handle it all by themselves.
Ke Yuanqing stepped forward quickly, and Mu Chuan turned to the side so that the emperor could see him.
"Your Majesty, Lord Zhang's accusations against me are utterly baseless. The Ministry of Works official Jia Zheng allowed his servants to commit violence and seize land from commoners; one family suffered one death and one injury, and another was conscripted into the army. I merely wished to request that the servants of the Rongguo Mansion come to Wanping County to assist in the investigation—"
"Boldness? That's nothing but sophistry! You—"
"Let him speak." This time it was the emperor who told Zhang Junling to shut up: "As an imperial censor, you always talk about opening up channels for speech, how come you can only open up channels for your own speech?"
"This isn't the right wind direction," Zhang Junling said, "Yes, Your Majesty," and stood aside without saying a word.
Ke Yuanqing had never fought such a rich battle before, and his unprofessional acting skills were now greatly enhanced.
"The red slip was sent four times, and it was rejected each time. The last time, I had to borrow two people from the Earl of Zhongyong to get it delivered. But even that didn't help. The woman was a servant of the Rongguo Mansion and wouldn't come. She could even get the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, a fourth-rank official, to impeach me. A servant and a fourth-rank censor."
At this moment, the difficulty of being a county official in the capital became a tangible reality, and several people present who had similar experiences sighed in unison.
Hearing this, Zhang Junling felt a little regretful. Two days ago, the Wang family came to ask him for a favor and gave him a lot of money and valuable New Year's goods.
He asked in detail what kind of people could go to the Wanping County government office to file a complaint.
So Zhang Junling agreed immediately. Besides, Ke Yuanqing had just said that it was "occupying the land of ordinary people," and that meant ordinary people.
Unexpectedly, Ke Yuanqing was not guilty at all and even dared to defend himself in front of the emperor.
However, it's not a big problem. When a citizen sues an official, they get fifty strokes of the cane first, and even if they win, they get another fifty strokes. As long as we find the person involved and explain the situation a little, the lawsuit can be withdrawn. Besides, the Rongguo Mansion is located in Daxing, so we can use this as leverage.
Moreover, accusing officials should be handled by the Censorate.
Zhang Junling stepped forward and sternly questioned Ke Yuanqing: "The common people under your jurisdiction don't understand the laws of the Great Wei Dynasty, do you not understand them either? I suspect you didn't pass the imperial examinations! Suing officials is not something a county magistrate like you can handle. What do you want to do! What is the name of the person involved, and where does he/she work? After court, hand him/her over to my Censorate!"
Mu Chuan chimed in, "I've long heard that Vice Censor-in-Chief Zhang and Inspector-General Wang of the Nine Provinces have a very good personal relationship, and Inspector-General Wang is also related to the Rongguo Mansion by marriage—"
"Lord Zhongyong! We're talking about handling a case."
"I haven't finished yet," Mu Chuan sighed. "I don't believe that Lord Zhang and Lord Wang have a good personal relationship."
Zhang Junling had just breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Mu Chuan say again, "A mere servant girl could make Lord Zhang mobilize such a large force to impeach a sixth-rank county magistrate at the morning court session. My friend, you couldn't do that. This must be—"
Although he didn't say it, almost everyone present automatically added: dog.
Zhang Junling wanted to shout: I'm not a dog! I'm doing this for money! Don't you understand what money is?!
His face flushed red. Although there were quite a few people who would fight each other with their official tablets and memorials during the morning court session, and although the tablet in his hand was made of ivory, he dared not hit the Earl of Zhongyong.
If the Earl of Zhongyong were to fight back, with just one punch, the Earl would have to kneel on the ground begging for his life.
“This is none of your business!” Zhang Junling said coldly.
"How can it be none of my business?" Mu Chuan said, "My grandfather died, my second uncle had his leg broken, and I was forced into military service. Can't I even get justice? Luckily, I didn't go to the Censorate back then, otherwise there would definitely be no justice."
Zhang Junling stood there dumbfounded, instinctively retorting, "Military service is a duty, and paying silver to offset corvée labor is a preferential treatment. The Marquis of Zhongyong has also rendered meritorious service because of this, so how can you use this reason to file a complaint?"
Mu Chuan patted his shoulder three times slowly but firmly: "I think I can pass the martial arts exam and become the top martial arts scholar, what do you think?"
The hand on his shoulder hadn't left yet; it had moved to his neck, and the pressure was increasing. Although Zhang Junling gritted his teeth and didn't say anything, his head had already lowered.
Mu Chuan pulled open his collar, revealing the scars on his chest: "I was beaten up on the way here and almost died. I've done a better job than you in serving the court and being loyal to His Majesty."
Zhang Junling knew that the only hope of breaking the deadlock was to take the case to the Censorate. He gritted his teeth and said, "We can't go to Wanping County to file a complaint!"
"I didn't sue the Ministry of Works official."
The Ministry of Works Assistant Secretary, who had specifically reread the text, was so frightened by the Minister of Works that he broke out in a cold sweat in the dead of winter. Even though the Ministry of Works was skilled in engineering and its gates were only slightly sturdier than those of the Ministry of Revenue, they were still not sturdi enough to withstand the Marquis of Zhongyong.
That was an official in charge of magistrates' affairs; he couldn't be considered a member of the Ministry of Works!
"I'm accusing the servant Zhou Rui of having private property. The land is in Wanping County, and the land deed was transferred in Wanping County. I am a native of Wanping County, a first-class earl. I'm accusing a servant, and the Censorate has to get involved? And you still don't admit to having a close personal relationship with Lord Wang?"
Holy crap! All the ministers in the court focused their attention on Li Taijiu, the Minister of Personnel, wondering how he came up with such a brilliant idea!
They accused everything without suing anything! And they even dragged the Censorate into the mess.
Li Taijiu felt like he had a thorn in his side. Yes, such a good idea came from that very talented Marquis Zhongyong, who even came to him himself.
No problem, we can expand and strengthen our gains.
Unlike the apprehensive Zhang Junling, Zhu Siqi, the magistrate of Daxing County, sighed softly: "Being a county magistrate in the capital is not easy. If I hadn't been able to hold back the other day... I would have escaped another disaster."
At this moment, Shi Wenxuan, a seventh-rank censor of the Censorate and Ke Yuanqing's classmate and fellow townsman, finally jumped out: "Your Majesty, I want to impeach Jia Zheng, the Assistant Minister of Works, for allowing his servants to commit violence! He is abusing his power and bullying people! He treats human life like dirt!"
Mu Chuan added, "I think you can also impeach Zhang Junling, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of your Censorate, for accepting bribes and abusing his power for personal gain. By the way, this Lord Zhang also accused Lord Ke of cheating in the imperial examinations. In the laws of the Great Wei Dynasty, this is no small crime. If it is a false accusation, whatever he accused Lord Ke of, he will be guilty of that crime."
Yes, if we really take it seriously, Zhang Junling's academic achievements would be gone.
After Mu Chuan informed the emperor in advance that he was going to file a complaint, the emperor had actually considered what he could do.
For example, consider a family with a long-standing, chronic illness, such as Wang Ziteng.
The Emperor said, "It's just a servant girl; there's no need to make such a fuss. Let the magistrate of Wanping County handle her."
Zhang Junling's heart sank. Punishment? Hadn't the tone already been set? But what chilled him to the bone went far beyond that.
“Zhang Junling, you…go home and rest, and study the Great Wei Code.”
"Oh, right." The emperor then instructed the magistrate of Wanping County: "If the servant girl still cannot be apprehended, go to the Earl of Zhongyong and have him go in person. Don't let someone impersonate her."
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Your Majesty's impartiality and integrity are a blessing to the Great Wei, a blessing to the people, and a blessing to us all!"
"Order Jia Zheng to come to the capital immediately!" the emperor commanded again.
“Reporting based on hearsay… I am an imperial censor, I can report based on hearsay!” Zhang Junling was still muttering to himself.
Mu Chuan stood right next to him: "Rumors? Did the Wang family spread the rumors to you, or the Jia family? Rumors are not an excuse for you to abuse your power for personal gain and commit embezzlement!"
There were still court officials with merits, but after this ordeal, even those with merits were rendered useless.
Lee Tae-gu even felt a sense of emptiness.
In the past, when they impeached colleagues or argued over policies, it would involve several rounds of heated debate, and the emperor would often punish both sides equally, refusing to listen to either. But this time was different; it was as if they hadn't exerted much effort at all, and the first round ended smoothly.
Favored ministers, huh? I don't quite understand... Perhaps it's not just favored ministers, Li Taijiu thought with narrowed eyes. His Majesty has been on the throne for many years and his power has grown considerably. It's time to deal with those powerful and noble families.
If Li Taijiu could see this clearly, others could naturally see it too. After the court session, many people hurriedly left in groups of three or five, presumably to find a secluded place to discuss matters.
Mu Chuan received a lot of comfort from his colleagues, especially the Minister of Works. After expressing his sympathy and comfort politely, he added, "Jia Zheng of the Rongguo Mansion is an official appointed by the Emperor, but he only got this position in the Ministry of Works because of the influence of his ancestors."
Mu Chuan reassured him: "It is truly fortunate for the Ministry of Works that you, sir, are not complicit with him!"
The gate was saved. The Minister of Works bowed slightly and left with a smile.
This one is gone, but there's always the next one.
"Loyal and Brave Earl".
"Lord Qi."
Mu Chuan still had a slight smile on his face. This Lord Qi was the tax supervisor of Chongwenmen whom he had always wanted to befriend.
Although the official rank was not high, only the fifth grade, they would at least hold the honorary title of Vice Minister of Revenue. Many of them would later be promoted to Minister of Revenue, making it a fast track to promotion.
As for the Chongwenmen Customs Office, this office was in charge of tax revenue from the nine gates of the capital. In good years, it could collect nearly one million taels of silver in taxes, and even in bad years, it could still collect more than seven hundred thousand taels.
This is the net profit turned over to the national treasury after deducting the share of profits from officials and clerks at all levels, as well as the operating costs of the government.
The tax supervisor of Chongwenmen, just like his father-in-law, the salt commissioner of Lianghuai, could only serve for one year.
As soon as Mu Chuan returned, he wanted to get his men into the Chongwenmen Customs Office. Firstly, this office was indeed the most lucrative in the capital, and even a menial worker could earn a hundred or two taels of silver a year.
Secondly, having someone at customs can always offer some advantages. Especially with the inspection of incoming and outgoing goods, being more careful can greatly reduce losses.
The trade between Pingnan Town cannot always be conducted under his name or General Li's name; the volume is simply too large and would certainly arouse suspicion.
Mu Chuan was a little anxious at first, but he was happy after checking the official's resume.
It's such a coincidence, it's just too much of a coincidence.
Qi Shaoyi, the tax chief of Chongwenmen, was the magistrate of Wanping County eleven years ago.
Didn't this just fall into his hands?
At the morning court session, Qi Shaoyi didn't take it seriously at first, but the more he listened, the more uneasy he felt.
All the civil and military officials knew about Zhongyongbo's publicly available resume. He was from Linjia Village, Xiangshan Township, Wanping County, and went to Pingnan Town to join the army eleven years ago.
When Qi Shaoyi first saw this, he smiled and said, "We also have a long-standing relationship."
But after that morning, Qi Shaoyi's smile turned into terror.
This is no mere offering of incense; it is the true fire of Samadhi. If it truly ignites, he will be reduced to ashes!
"That Inspector General of Nine Provinces," Qi Shaoyi winked and said, "His reputation in the capital isn't very good. Especially his former yamen runners and clerks, it's best to have them protected by the authorities, otherwise... he might be killed to silence them."
Mu Chuan said with a serious expression, "Thank you for the reminder, sir."
"I'm just reminding you for nothing. That Ke Yuanqing is also a rare and capable person, and he's also Lord Li's favorite student. Even without me, he would have thought of this."
Mu Chuan nodded in agreement. Not only had he thought of it, but he was also planning to set a trap. Even the man with the broken leg, Wang Gou'er, was being watched by someone.
However, on the surface, he still solemnly thanked him: "Whether they could have thought of it or not, the fact that you, sir, spoke up to remind them shows that you have a sense of justice."
These words expressed goodwill and were in line with the rhythm of conversation in official circles. Qi Shaoyi continued, "I once served as the magistrate of Wanping County for a year. It was really difficult to manage. With a population of nearly one million, it was too difficult to handle every little detail. It was inevitable that I would be misled by my subordinates."
After explaining, Qi Shaoyi made a complete 180-degree turn in his tone: "With the New Year approaching, there are many people and businesses coming and going in Chongwenmen, and we are afraid that we are not enough manpower. I have heard that the general is strict in managing his troops and that his soldiers are heroic and unstoppable. I wonder if the general could spare a few men to work at the Chongwenmen Customs?"
"You're too kind, sir," Mu Chuan said with a smile. "I was just looking for jobs for them. How many men do you need? I'll pick the best fighters for you first."
Qi Shao smiled and said, "Chongwen Gate is the busiest place, and also the place most lacking in manpower. We need capable people here. How about two teams plus two captains, a total of twenty people?"
The most bustling Chongwen Gate was always crowded with people on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, which meant that about five thousand taels of silver were spent every year.
Mu Chuan cupped his hands in thanks: "I thank you on their behalf, sir. I will have them report to the customs office tomorrow."
Having received the benefits, Mu Chuan also reassured him: "Back then, in that case, it was said that the middleman used his old connections to directly alter the documents. Such criminals are really hard to guard against. His Majesty would never punish you for such a trivial matter."
Qi Shao smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words, General. There are many provincial guild halls in the capital. General, please come and visit our Dianchi Guild Hall when you have time." As he spoke, he handed Mu Chuan an ivory plaque inlaid with gold: "The New Year is coming soon. I have instructed them to reserve two pairs of top-quality Yunnan ham for the General, as well as a 20-year-old Pu'er tea cake. It will be perfect for cutting through the greasiness of the New Year."
"You're too kind, sir."
After seeing Qi Shaoyi off, Mu Chuan thought that this would help him establish another connection. Dianchi Lake and Pingnan Town are close to each other, and the brick tea they drink there is also produced in Dianchi Lake. He could order some through the Dianchi Lake Guild Hall in the spring, and after two or three trades, the relationship would be even closer.
On the other side, Qi Shaoyi was also reflecting on the gains and losses of this incident. He originally thought that Mu Chuan was a military general who would be difficult to deal with, but he didn't expect that he could get things done without saying a single straightforward word or implying that he had a bright future. He thought it was better to leave a way out than to make an enemy.
"Simple and honest?" Qi Shao smiled and shook his head, then suddenly laughed and said, "From now on, I will also join the ranks of those who promote the loyalty, kindness, honesty and friendliness of Marquis Zhongyong."
The developments in the imperial court have not yet affected the Rongguo Mansion.
The main reason was that Prince Teng was still on inspection and had not returned to the capital. In addition, the Rongguo Mansion was not well informed, and the only censor who could inform them had been suspended from his post. He was already distraught and had no desire to pay any attention to the Rongguo Mansion, let alone remember it.
The Grand View Garden remained peaceful and serene. As usual, Zhou Rui's wife cheerfully urged the old women working below her: "Clean the carriage thoroughly. The New Year is coming soon, and Madam will be going out to a banquet. We can't let the Rongguo Mansion lose face!"
In the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Jia Baoyu kept Lin Daiyu company to relieve her boredom.
Although Lin Daiyu is not so bored now, and she hasn't gotten tired of the things Mu Chuan gave her, Jia Baoyu has also found a new trick for the two of them to get along: don't disturb her.
After sewing a small pillow, Lin Daiyu put down her needlework and asked Jia Baoyu, "Tomorrow, my third brother and I are going to the Great Buddha Hall to offer incense to my father and mother. Do you want to come along?"
Jia Baoyu's first reaction was to refuse, but when he met Lin Daiyu's eyes, he... didn't want Lin Daiyu to think that he didn't want to go.
"The old lady instructed Sister Yuanyang to arrange a purification room, which is inside the Longcui Nunnery. Wouldn't it be more convenient for us to worship at home? It's cold outside, and it snowed the other day. The main Buddha Hall is also quite far away. How about we cancel the ceremony with the Earl of Zhongyong? I can accompany you to observe a vegetarian diet."
Besides, Baoyu is kind-hearted, and Lin Daiyu is getting a little angry: "You wouldn't... not want to see the Marquis of Zhongyong, would you?"
Jia Baoyu laughed and said, "I haven't met him many times, so how can I say whether I want to see him or not? It's just that the eldest master of the East Mansion next door passed away, and this year Brother Zhen will preside over the sacrificial ceremony. I also joined in. It's my first time, and Brother Zhen is always worried about making mistakes. He even asked me to help him revise the sacrificial text. I need to practice more."
Clearly, Lin Daiyu was still not convinced by him. Jia Baoyu continued, "Besides, we also need to help Master tidy up the outer study. We should also send some gifts to Master's guests who didn't go with him."
"Hmph." Lin Daiyu sneered, "Go if you want, don't go if you don't." After saying that, she stood up and went to the study.
"Good sister, good sister." Jia Baoyu chased after her, "It's my fault, don't be angry, I'll go, okay?"
"I don't need you, I have my own company."
Just as Jia Baoyu was begging for forgiveness, Xiren suddenly burst in, grabbed him, and pulled him outside: "My dear Baoyu, what time is it? Why are you still making a scene here? Zhou Rui had the officers rush into the house and take him away. Madam fainted from worry. Why don't you go and see her right away?"
Jia Baoyu called out, "Madam!" and then hurriedly left with Xiren.
Lin Daiyu stood there clutching her chest for a while, then instructed, "Bring me a plain cloak; I'll go take a look too."
As soon as Lin Daiyu came out, she saw the three sisters of the Spring sisters coming together. Lin Daiyu stood and waited for a while. When the three came over, Tanchun said, "Let's go together."
However, after leaving the Grand View Garden, they did not go to Madam Wang's courtyard to the east, but instead went to the old lady's courtyard to the west.
"Didn't they say that Madam fainted?" Lin Daiyu asked.
Tan Chun said, "He was so angry that he went to the old lady's room." She then lowered her voice, "Sister Feng is there too."
It's better to go to the old lady's room, at least it's closer. Lin Daiyu followed them and walked quickly all the way. When they arrived, she was already a little out of breath and coughing.
The room of Grandmother Jia was in complete chaos. Wang Xifeng and Zhou Rui's wife were kneeling on the ground, covering their faces and weeping. Grandmother Jia was not even sitting down. Yuanyang was supporting her on one side, and Lady Wang was supporting her on the other side to help her catch her breath.
"How did you manage this!" Madam Wang roared. "How could Zhou Rui be arrested by the officials? He's just a county magistrate, how dare he run wild in the Rongguo Mansion!"
Wang Xifeng hadn't recovered since returning home the day before yesterday, feeling uncomfortable all over, so she took the opportunity to cry: "I dare not deceive the old lady and the madam. The day before yesterday, when I went back to the Wang family, I went to the house of that official in the Censorate. It was someone left behind by my uncle who went there. Wang Xin knows about it. Madam, just send someone to ask."
Zhou Rui's wife also cried: "...It doesn't matter if we suffer some grievances, but what about the face of the Madam, the face of the Old Madam, the face of the Duke's Mansion, and the face of the Imperial Concubine? They were torn off, spat on, and then trampled on."
Zhou Rui's wife's embellishments only fueled Grandmother Jia's anger. She first pointed at Lady Wang: "You'll be going to the palace the day after tomorrow—"
"Grandma, we've already paid our respects to Her Majesty this month. The next time we go will be on Her Majesty's birthday at the earliest."
It was said that she would enter the palace on the 2nd and 6th of each month, but she could only go once a month. Otherwise, how could it be proper for outsiders to come and go in the harem? Besides, even ordinary women wouldn't have such close contact with their maternal families after marriage.
Grandmother Jia choked on her food, then pointed at Wang Xifeng and said in a deep voice, "Go and inquire again! It's nothing more than wanting money. Just give him more money. You handled Lian'er's matter very well last time, so do it well this time too."
Just as Wang Xifeng was about to reply, two old women from the second gate rushed in in a panic: "Old Madam, something terrible has happened! Two officials have come and said that our Second Master has been caught in a scandal, and His Majesty wants to summon him to the capital immediately. These two officials are here to escort the Master and are asking our family for travel expenses."
Grandmother Jia felt dizzy and fell backward. Fortunately, Lady Wang and Yuanyang caught her and prevented her from falling.
The two carefully helped Grandmother Jia sit on the daybed and then put a cushion under her arm.
After finally recovering, Grandmother Jia said repeatedly, "Lian'er! Go find Lian'er and bring him back. Tell him to go and find out what happened! Tell the master to deal with it first. Give them a thousand taels of silver and make sure the master finds out exactly what happened!"
Everyone in the room had tears in their eyes, but Lin Daiyu was somewhat detached; she couldn't truly empathize with them.
Zhou Rui was arrested, and her first thought was of the red warrant from a few days ago, the red warrant that was said to have been torn up several times. She wondered if anyone had actually seen what was written on it.
Seeing Zhou Rui's wife kneeling on the ground crying, she didn't feel sorry for her.
As for her second uncle's incident... she didn't seem to see him much more often than she saw her third brother. In fact, if counted by the year, she saw him less often than her third brother.
Lin Daiyu lowered her head and rubbed her eyes; at least they were red.
Although the servants were flustered, at least they had something to do, thanks to Grandmother Jia's instructions.
Grandmother Jia looked around at her family members, whose eyes were red and who seemed at a loss for what to do. She said in a deep voice, "We are the Rongguo Mansion, the Jia family with two Dukes. We have served the emperor and what storms haven't we weathered? There is also a Noble Consort in the palace. We cannot afford to lose our composure. Go about your business as usual. Go!"
After everyone bowed and left, Grandmother Jia suddenly said, "Daiyu, don't go yet, I have a few words to tell you."
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