The Red Mansions

Chapter 1726: The first year of prosperity, everything is new! (Finale)

Chapter 1726: The first year of prosperity, everything is new! (Finale)

Time flies and years are like songs.

In the following months, the Prince of Dongping in Yunnan and other officials such as the Governor of Guangxi also submitted congratulatory messages to celebrate Prince Wei's ascension to the throne and abdication to become emperor.

After that, the congratulatory letters from the chief officials of the prefectures and counties under the provinces were delivered to the Ministry of Public Security one after another.

Local commanders and generals leading troops at the border also wrote letters to express their loyalty to the new emperor.

From the Governor-General of Liaodong to the Navy of Guangdong in the south, all sent congratulatory messages and memorials to the capital.

In May of the eighth year of Qiande, Jia Heng, accompanied by the Grand Councilor, inspected the various camps of the Beijing camp. He gathered the generals for a drink, recounted their past merits, and rewarded them with wine and meat, which greatly pleased the army.

In July of the eighth year of Qiande, the railway from Shenjing to Beiping was opened to traffic. The emperor visited Beiping Prefecture and met with border generals. Mu Sheng, the prince of Dongping, returned from Japan two months in advance and talked with the emperor about the situation between Japan and North Korea. The emperor and his ministers had a very pleasant discussion and slept well that night.

In September of the eighth year of Qiande, Emperor Meisho of Japan rebelled, but was unfortunately captured and killed in the chaos by the summer army stationed in Japan. The Japanese emperor was vacant, and Emperor Go-Kōmei Okiko sent his son to Japan to succeed him as emperor.

And this day was the New Year's Eve of the eighth year of Qiande. Every household had begun to get rid of the old and welcome the new, posting couplets, and preparing to welcome the new year, or the new year of the Great Xia Dynasty.

At the end of the eighth year of Qiande, Daxia was about to enter its first year of prosperity, thus opening the new chapter of the dynasty.

During this period of more than half a year, all the provinces of the Han Dynasty changed their uniforms and flags, and official documents were also returned to the system of the Great Xia Dynasty, gradually erasing all traces of the Chen Han Dynasty.

In other words, after nearly half a year of Prince Wei's assistance in the Qiande period, for the officials and people of the Han Dynasty, the only thing that changed was the country's name being changed to Xia, and there were not many other changes. Almost everything was back to normal.

Jia Heng also adhered to the idea of ​​not making trouble. During this period, in addition to posthumously conferring titles on some Han officials who died in the king's early years and continuously granting them favors, he also reformed some official systems. For example, he filled the staff officials of the former Zongli Yamen into the Six Ministries and the Southern Study.

In addition, the selection of local governors and governors-general was carefully adjusted, and no other actions were taken.

The focus is on a smooth transition, putting aside all non-urgent matters, and allowing people all over the world to psychologically adapt to the new dynasty and the new emperor.

Of course, during the Qiande period, the government affairs during Jia Heng's regent period were progressing steadily, infrastructure construction across the country was proceeding in full swing, and tremendous changes continued to take place in China.

And this day was the New Year's Eve of the eighth year of Qiande. Every household had begun to get rid of the old and welcome the new, posting couplets, and preparing to welcome the new year, or the new year of the Great Xia Dynasty.

At the end of the eighth year of Qiande, Daxia was about to enter its first year of prosperity, thus opening the new chapter of the dynasty.

This day, New Year's Eve -

Since dusk, the sky has been a little gloomy, and snowflakes are fluttering and falling on the crowded streets in the distance. It can be seen that the sky and the earth are covered with silver.

On top of the majestic and magnificent palace gate tower, Jia Heng stood under a yellow umbrella, gazing at the lights in the distance on a snowy night, feeling a surge of emotion for the past.

At this moment, Jinyi Guard Commander and Zhongning Marquis Qu Lang stepped forward, clasped his fists towards Jia Heng and said, "Your Majesty, the Jinyi Guards have been replaced."

It is worth mentioning that in October of the eighth year of Qiande, Jia Heng instructed the cabinet to confer titles on a group of former ministers who had served in the imperial palace in the past. This was not only a reward for their merits, but also a way to further win over the hearts of the people and safeguard the imperial power.

For example, Pang Shili, the general of Xining who guarded Xining, was directly promoted from the first-class Weiyuan Marquis to the third-class Liangguo Duke, and Qu Guang, who guarded Henan, was directly conferred the title of first-class Henan Marquis.

Because of his close relationship with the emperor and his loyalty to him, Dong Qian was promoted again and was granted the third-class title of Duke of Lu. He was still in charge of the Five Cities Military Affairs Department and was responsible for overseeing the security of the capital.

Although outsiders envied him, or knew that Dong Qian's achievements might not be commensurate with his status, and that being granted the title of first-class marquis would be enough, there is a saying that goes, "Achievements are not as good as hard work."

Everyone knows that this is an old minister of the current emperor, and his role is similar to that of Cai Quan's Duke of Cai, and it seems that he is being given additional favors.

The emperor must not only appoint people based on their merits, but also based on their relationships, or in other words, appoint people based on both their relationships and merits. Otherwise, if there is no distinction between relatives and strangers, no one will support him.

Ye Zhen, Marquis of Annan, was named Duke of Wu, which to some extent was a reward for his cooperation with Jia Heng in taking over the Jiangnan camp.

In terms of civil servants, Lin Ruhai was named Duke of Han, Zhao Yi was named Duke of E, and Liu Zheng was named Duke of Song.

However, the above titles will not be inherited by descendants and will be abolished after death.

This is actually basically imitating the stories of the Tang Dynasty, where civil officials were also given titles, or in other words, through the policy of increasing favors, everyone was promoted to a higher position and title, winning the hearts of the people and protecting the imperial power.

As for Qu Lang, he was also conferred the title of the third-class Marquis of Zhongning and the Commander-in-Chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which meant that he was in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard again.

Jia Heng said, "It is New Year's Eve and it is snowing heavily. Whenever there is a snowstorm in Guanzhong, the local Jinyi scouts should report it. Do not neglect it."

Qu Lang looked solemn and said yes.

Jia Heng stood on the gate tower of the towering city wall, overlooking the fireworks set off all around the city of Shenjing, with an indescribable joy welling up in his heart.

It is a kind of great joy and freedom, as if I am the only one and I am superior to everything.

If it were in a prehistoric novel, well, that would be becoming a saint.

Fifteen years have passed since he came to this world, and he has become the king of a country. After tomorrow, the era of Daxia's rule will officially begin.

And he will become the master of this ancient empire and lead the Chinese nation to set sail.

At this moment, he heard footsteps beside him. Without turning back, Jia Heng knew it must be Chen Xiao.

Immediately, Jia Heng turned his head and saw Chen Xiao wearing a snow fur cloak with a scarlet crabapple embroidered dress underneath. Her hair was in an exquisite bun and her pretty face had eyes as bright as water.

As he spoke, he took off the robe in his hand and immediately put it on Jia Heng, saying, "It's getting cold now, be careful not to catch a cold, because tomorrow I have to meet with the civil and military officials."

Jia Heng nodded and narrated, "Next year will be the first year of prosperity. Great Xia will begin and end from this time."

It remains to be seen whether Daxia, under his leadership, can sail smoothly.

Chen Xiao's green eyebrows were covered with a clear and sparkling gaze, which showed a hint of admiration. She said, "In the future, you will become a great Saint Emperor and be remembered in history."

Jia Heng thought of the ancient country that had been humiliated in the future, and a strong sense of mission surged in his heart. He said in a gentle voice: "I will devote the rest of my life to making the flag of China fly all over the world!"

He named his country Great Xia, and Xia was the beginning of the family dynasty, and it should also be the last dynasty on this ancient land.

When the time is ripe, future generations will implement a constitutional monarchy, and in the future the entire world will be filled with the footprints of Chinese people, who will no longer have to suffer from the humiliation of barbarians.

This is the greatest significance of his coming to this world.

Perhaps this is a dream in the Red Mansion.

Chen Xiao came forward and gently took Jia Heng's hand. Her sparkling eyes seemed to be filled with a special warmth. She said, "It's cold now. Let's go back to the palace."

Jia Heng said softly "Yeah" and said nothing else.

Qu Lang and a group of Jinyifu officials escorted the emperor and the empress into the hall.

Behind him, the palace servants also prepared colorful fireworks and set them off around the palace walls. In the city of Shenjing, millions of soldiers and civilians spent New Year's Eve together, and every household was filled with laughter and joy.

"Crackling..."

But then you hear the sound of fireworks "whooshing", followed by crackling, and then they bloom in the clear night sky, shining brightly and beautifully.

But suddenly, a ballad was heard on the street where shops were lined up.

"Everyone in the world knows that gods are good, but they can never forget their fame."

"Where are the generals and ministers of the past and present? Their graves are covered with grass."

"Everyone knows that gods are good..."

But on the vast snowfield, a monk and a Taoist priest in thin clothes were seen walking on the snow, quickly approaching the palace.

Although he was wearing thin clothes, he did not seem to be shivering from the cold.

Jia Heng had just come down from the tower with Chen Xiao. Hearing this, he was shocked and blurted out, "Has the song finished?"

As he spoke, he turned his resolute and calm face and looked in the direction of the voice with sharp eyes. He saw a lame Taoist and a monk in the brightly lit place, looking at him with smiles.

Jia Heng's heart moved, and he called Qu Lang over and ordered, "Bring these two people over."

Just at this moment, the guards guarding the palace gate were about to step forward to drive away the monk and the Taoist priest, but they heard a strong voice coming from the palace gate tower.

"The emperor summoned the two masters to the tower for a chat."

It was the voice of Qu Lang, Marquis of Zhongning, with an irresistible tone.

At this moment, Jia Heng's clear and bright eyes, beneath his sword-like brows, were gleaming with brilliance as he looked at the monk and the Taoist priest who were being protected by the Jinyi Guards.

In fact, he was also a little curious whether there were really gods in this world.

But since he has traveled through time, there must be some metaphysical reason behind it.

But the monk was seen smiling and walking towards me quickly, seemingly slowly but actually quickly.

"Why don't you kneel when you see His Majesty?" Qu Lang scolded in a stern voice.

Jia Heng waved his hand and said, "There is no need to impose worldly etiquette on people from outside the country."

At this moment, the monk looked at the young man in dragon robe with a smile, but there was actually some fear hidden in the depths of his eyes.

"Not bad, not bad." The monk said with a smile on his face.

Jia Heng didn't care what the two said and asked, "Where are you from, two masters?"

The monk's words were somewhat vague, and he said, "From where I came from."

The Taoist's face was no longer filled with madness, but he looked at Jia Heng meaningfully and said, "From your Majesty."

Jia Heng's heart trembled, and after a moment of silence, he said, "Do you two know where I come from?"

The monk smiled and said, "The Buddha said, it cannot be explained."

The Taoist bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty is a genius who came from the Three Thousand Worlds. If you don't know, then I don't know even more."

"Are there really gods in the world?" Jia Heng suddenly asked.

He has always been curious, could it be that he really came from another world?

"It's a pity that the seat in front of me is empty in the middle of the night. Instead of asking about the common people, I am asking about ghosts and gods." The fat monk laughed silently and said in a low voice.

The Taoist also twirled his beard, shook his head and laughed, and began to recite: "Everyone knows that immortals are good, but they can't forget fame and honor. Where are the generals and ministers of the past and present? Their graves are covered with grass. People only know that immortals are good, but they can't forget their lovely wives. You talk about your kindness every day when you are alive, but you will be gone with others when you die."

Having said this, his eyes were fixed towards the direction of Kunning Palace in the distance.

Chen Xiao, who was listening to this, felt a surge of panic in his heart and shouted, "You two, stop spreading rumors and misleading the public!"

Jia Heng smiled and said, "I have no intention of seeking immortality or Taoism. Emperor Wen of Han is a wise ruler since the Three Dynasties, and he is still curious. How can I not be curious?"

"If there are gods in the world, would Your Majesty be willing to abandon this vast territory, this beautiful wife and concubines, and this grand ambition?" The monk looked at the young man with a smile and asked.

When Chen Xiao heard this, she became even more frightened.

She was really worried that this man might abandon the Great Xia Empire for the so-called immortality.

Jia Heng was speechless for a moment and said, "I don't want to."

He really didn't want to, or rather, he didn't want to now, but whether there would be a chance in the future, maybe... there wouldn't be any.

But he had no regrets. Since he had become an emperor in this life, he had no choice but to give up the path of immortality.

If the immortal path eliminated all emotions and nature, then there would be no fun at all.

The monk smiled, as if he had expected this, and said, "Then there are no gods in the world."

The lame Taoist continued to mutter, "Everyone knows that immortals are good, but only their children and grandchildren cannot forget them. There have been many foolish parents in history, but who has ever seen a filial child or grandchild?"

Hearing this, Jia Heng nodded and said, "Yes, there are no gods in this world."

If he had chosen the path of immortals instead of the path of an emperor, then perhaps there would be immortals in this world. However, A Dream in the Red Chamber is just an insignificant plot in it?

In other words, the course of his life story might have been different, and he would not be who he is today, nor would he have a beautiful wife and children around him, nor a picturesque landscape.

The monk looked at the young man with admiration and said with emotion: "Your Majesty is quite intelligent, what a pity."

The Taoist twirled his beard, smiled, and said, "It's a pity indeed."

After saying this, the two looked at each other, and saw endless emotion in each other's eyes. Then, without saying anything more, they left gracefully.

Without Jia Heng's permission, although Qu Lang was angry at the monk and the Taoist's disrespect, he did not send the Jinyi Guards to arrest them.

"Who are they?" Seeing Jia Heng remained silent, Chen Xiao's clear and bright eyes flickered under her beautiful emerald eyebrows, and she whispered.

Jia Heng let out a long breath, his eyes as dark as the abyss, and said, "I don't know."

Or is he the god of this world of Red Mansions?

Of course, it is hard to say, but the monk and the Taoist priest seemed to be afraid of him.

Could it be that he is protected by human dragon energy?

Well, this is not the Yunchao world of "The Age of Immortal Dynasty".

Chen Xiao said: "Let's not talk about this anymore. Later, the harem will watch the fireworks together in the Imperial Garden."

"It's not the Lantern Festival now, why set off fireworks at this time?" Jia Heng smiled and said softly.

After all, this is not the future, otherwise he could have given a New Year's speech live across the country.

"Xiangyun and Baoqin suggested it." Chen Xiao's voice was a little soft, and he said in a gentle voice: "I think the palace is a little quiet, so why not let everyone have some fun."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Then let's go back to the palace."

At this moment, in the harem of the palace, on the octagonal attic with a plaque inscribed with the three characters "Wangyue Tower", Xiangyun and Baoqin were leaning on the white marble railing, gazing at the vast night sky in the distance. Although their charming faces showed some traces of time, their childlike innocence and romance were still as fresh as ever.

Xiangyun smiled sweetly on her crabapple-like face, and said, "Why is it that this palace is not as lively as outside?"

Tanchun smiled and said, "It's not that we're afraid of a fire. If it weren't for the permission from Yong'an Palace, it wouldn't be so lively."

Xiangyun said in a sad tone, "After entering the palace, it's actually worse than being in the outer room."

Yingchun smiled and joked, "Sister Yun is a mother now, why are you still acting like a little girl?"

Perhaps it was because of having a child that the dullness on Yingchun's face was much less severe, and her rosy cheeks were more smiling.

Xiangyun smiled and said, "There's nothing wrong with being a little girl."

At this moment, Zhen Lan and Zhen Xi, surrounded by female officials, entered the attic and said with a sweet smile, "Sister Yun, Third Sister."

Tanchun's smile was a little unnatural as she greeted them, "Sister Lan, Sister Xier."

In fact, Tanchun still had some opinions about Zhen Lan and Zhen Xi both becoming imperial concubines.

In fact, when Jia Heng was deciding the status of Zhen Lan and Zhen Xi, he had considered that the main reason was that Zhen Lan and Zhen Xi were concubines before, and to some extent it was also a "compensation" for Zhen Qing and Zhen Xue.

A group of palace maids and eunuchs were preparing fireworks, which were set off when the fire starters were lit.

"Crackling~"

The fireworks were brilliant and colorful, blooming endlessly in the vast starry sky, so gorgeous that it was beyond words.

"The emperor is here." At this moment, a female official entered the attic and spoke to the female officials present.

But the young emperor came closer in a mighty procession, surrounded by a group of eunuchs.

"Your Majesty, your servant greets you." Xiangyun and Baoqin walked quickly forward and bowed to Jia Heng.

Jia Heng looked surprised and asked, "Are you the only ones here?"

Tanchun said softly, "I have already sent someone to invite the other ladies."

Jia Heng nodded, smiled and said, "Come with me and take a look."

As he was speaking, he entered the attic of Wangyue Tower, surrounded by eunuchs and female officials.

Now he has many concubines in his harem, and in the future he may become one of King Wen’s hundreds of sons, and then he will implement the system of feudal fiefdoms around the world.

But at this moment, Chai Dai, Lanxi, Yuanchun and Xichun came in from outside, all beautiful girls with gorgeous faces and hair, and laughing all the time.

"Your Majesty, your servant greets you." Zhu Jinchai walked up to Jia Heng and bowed to the young man in the dragon robe.

Jia Heng stared at the charming smiles like spring flowers. His clear eyes flickered under his beautiful eyebrows and he whispered, "My beloved concubines, please stand up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Long live the emperor." All the concubines present stood up and saluted to Jia Heng.

Jia Heng said, "Please sit down. We will have dinner together and watch the fireworks later."

As they were talking, a group of ladies in fancy dresses and jackets all sat down. Their faces, some bright, some dignified, some gentle, and some pretty, were shining brightly under the light.

Jia Heng looked at Chen Xiao who was standing beside him, and said in a gentle voice, "Xiaoxiao, ask someone to invite Xianning, Chanyue and the others to come over."

Chen Xiao said: "I have sent someone to invite him."

Jia Heng nodded without saying anything else. He and Zhu Jinchai stood by the railing, looking at the lights and the dinner party in the distance.

After a while, a young eunuch with a white face and no beard came quickly from outside and said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, the Queen is here."

Afterwards, Princess Xianning, Li Chanyue and Song Yan could be seen coming out from outside, followed by a group of female officials in brightly dressed clothes.

"Sir, Mr. Xiao Jia." Princess Xianning and Li Chanyue stepped forward and bowed to the young man in dragon robe.

Jia Heng said: "Xianning, Chanyue is here, let's watch the fireworks together."

Princess Xianning responded softly, took Chanyue and Song Yan's slender hands, walked to the table and sat down.

Afterwards, all the beauties in the palace gathered together to watch the fireworks.

Xiangyun stretched out her hand and called out, "Brother Heng, look quickly."

Xiangyun is innocent and naive. Even after entering the palace, she still calls Jia Heng by the same name she used in the boudoir.

Jia Heng said, "I'll go over and take a look."

At this moment, when you look up at the sky, above the inky black sky, colorful and brilliant fireworks fill the entire night sky, setting off the white snow in the distance, so bright and beautiful that it is beyond words.

Jia Heng looked up at the sky, a little dazed. After tonight, he would be thirty years old.

Looking back at the bright smiles around me, an indescribable sense of satisfaction welled up in my heart.

For some reason, I suddenly remembered the monk and the Taoist priest from before, and a feeling of openness suddenly surged in my heart.

The path to immortality is not valuable; the land, the beauties, the imperial power and hegemony are what he desires in this life!

There were bursts of laughter from the golden hairpins around, and the sky was filled with fireworks. It seemed that at this moment, the scene gradually froze.

"Go to Yanfu Palace." At this moment, seeing that everyone was watching the fireworks, Jia Heng went down the city gate tower and whispered to the eunuch.

Yanfu Palace is where Concubine Duanrong lives. After Princess Xianning entered the palace, perhaps because her mother would be reminded of her by the sight of her things, she asked Concubine Duanrong to move to a new place to live.

……

……

Just like that, the long night had passed completely. When the lights gradually came on the next day, the civil and military officials of Daxia lined up in front of Anshun Gate and slowly walked towards the arched palace gate.

Daxia, the first year of Shengding, the first day of the first lunar month

Censor Jiuyi stood on the jade steps on the eaves of the corridor in front of the palace gate, his eyes wandering around the group of Daxia officials crowded on the white marble square.

Today was undoubtedly a grand court session, with many officials lining up for the court session, several hundred in total, but it was as quiet as water, and you could hear a pin drop.

"The emperor has ordered that all civil and military officials enter the palace!" The eunuch's slightly sharp voice suddenly broke the tranquility of the morning light outside the palace.

"Dang Dang Dang..."

As the sound of the golden drum hitting the bronze bell rang out, the civil and military officials of the Great Xia Dynasty marched in unison towards the Hanyuan Hall.

After a moment, a large group of ministers knelt down, and at this moment, the empty and solemn hall was filled with the sounds of greetings from civil and military officials.

"Your Majesty, long live His Majesty."

Just at this moment, a huge fiery red sun was seen rising from the eastern sky, and its brilliant light shone down step by step, landing on the white snow on the glazed tiles. The shouts of "Long live the emperor" from the civil and military officials outside the palace shook the earth.

"The princes are at peace."

A voice like the sound of metal and stone came from the palace and fell into the hearts of the ministers.

Spring returned, fresh starts for everything.

The first year of the Great Xia's prosperity is here!

The main text ends here. There are about ten chapters of postscripts behind it, which will be written one after another later. They mainly explain the civil and military achievements of the Great Xia Dynasty and the struggle for the throne among the protagonist's concubines.

I sincerely thank you all for your companionship over the past three years! I will write a chapter later to express my gratitude towards the end of the book and wish everyone a happy New Year.