Wang Ziteng hurriedly pinched the Shi Clan's Renzhong point with his thumb.
After a while,
Only then did Madam Shi slowly wake up.
"Old Madam,
How do you feel? "
The filial son, Jia Zheng, asked anxiously.
Madam Wang brought a cup of tea from the kang table.
The Shi Clan took a sip of the tea from the Wang Clan's hand and calmed down.
She insisted, "This old one still says the same thing.
If he is alive, I want to see him.
If he is dead, I want to see his corpse.
If I don't see his and his father's corpses,
This old one will never believe it! "
Ever since he was young,
She had never done anything for her third son.
Today, she had to protect her third son's title and family business.
She could not let those jackals, wolves, tigers, and leopards steal his things.
"Old Madam,
I understand how you feel.
I also hope that Third Master is safe and sound. But it will be too late when the imperial court officially announces the death of Third Master and his son! "
Wang Ziteng seemed to be in a difficult position.
The Shi Clan looked at the "jackals" coldly and said nothing.
Wang Ziteng had been through a lot. What kind of situation had he not seen and experienced?
He continued without any embarrassment, "I wonder if Old Madam remembers the difference between Third Master's title of Marquis Champion and other titles?"
"
Speaking of this matter, which the Shi Clan was very proud of, she couldn't help but straighten her back and say proudly, "Third Master's title of Marquis Champion is a real title!
The Retired Emperor and the Emperor granted Third Master the title of Marquis Champion in Longxian and Wanxian.
They also granted him 1,400 mu of eternal farmland, which was hereditary.
This is really the Emperor's great kindness! "
The Shi Clan's expression was glowing.
The physical and mental exhaustion caused by fainting just now disappeared without a trace.
When the Shi Clan found out that the Li Lian had been granted the title of Marquis Champion,
They were so happy that they wanted to ask their grandnephew, Jia Zhen, to open the ancestral hall to worship the ancestors.
Unfortunately,
They were stopped by Jia Xie, who went to look for her brother and then returned to the residence.
The Shi Clan, who knew about the Li Lian's intentions, regretted missing this opportunity to show off.
It should be known that other than the few families of generals who had outstanding military exploits at the beginning of the country, the number of people who had been granted titles and lands in the past few decades could be counted on one hand. Even the first Duke Rongguo and the first Duke Ning did not have this honor.
Currently, there weren't many lords in the imperial court who were granted land and food, and they could be counted on two hands.
A marquis with a fief was more dignified and honorable than a duke with only the title of duke.
The two nephews of the Shi Clan's maternal family had two marquises, but they only had the titles of Marquis of Baoling and Marquis of Zhongjing. They didn't have any land, nor did they have any real positions. They were far inferior to her third son.
In the Shi Clan, she wished she could tell all the people in the capital and the ancestors of the Jia family that this outstanding Marquis Champion, who had been conferred the title of marquis at the age of 18 and was given a fief by the emperor emeritus and the emperor, was her son. She had carried him for ten months, endured hardships, and narrowly escaped death to give birth to him!
Seeing the Shi Clan's expression soften, and even revealed a somewhat happy and proud expression, it was obvious that he had just poked her itch.
Wang Ziteng hurriedly struck while the iron was hot, and said alarmingly, "I heard from the imperial court that the Ministry of Appointments, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Rites have decided that once the news of the death of the Marquis Champion and his son spread, they will submit memorials to take back Lang County and Wan County.
"
"What!?
How dare they!?
How dare they!? "
The string in the Shi Clan's brain suddenly snapped.
According to the customs and rules of the current dynasty, whether it was a baron, a viscount, a duke, or a marquis, the imperial court would take back their title and fief as long as they didn't have an heir, unless the emperor's benevolence was vast and mighty and there were other decrees.
Ever since the founding of the Da Zhou Empire, the successive emperors of Da Zhou had always, intentionally or unintentionally, reduced the nobility of the imperial court.
Having a title meant that the imperial court would have to support the family for generations. Even if they were demoted, they would at least have to support the family from the father to the son, and then to the grandson.
This was still a small matter. The worst thing was that each generation would be worse than the previous one, and they would only rely on the merits of their ancestors and fathers to live off their debts and do wicked things like oppressing good people.
Moreover, the more fiefs the emperor gave out, the more the national treasury would shrink.
More importantly, having too many merits in the imperial court wasn't a good thing for the imperial power in the future.
Therefore, if the Li Lian Marquis Champion's bloodline really ended, the imperial court would definitely take back the Marquis Champion, Lang County, and Wan County.
Regarding this, the Shi Clan could accept it rationally, but they couldn't accept it emotionally.
Wang Ziteng earnestly said, "The only thing we can do now is to adopt a son under Third Master's name, and then submit a memorial to the imperial court to request that he be the heir of the Marquis Champion. Only then can we protect the title and fief that Third Master fought so hard for!
… "
"…" The Shi Clan hesitated.
If Lian 'er really died on the battlefield with his father, and they wanted to find a son from the first branch or the second branch to be adopted by Third Master, Baoyu was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
The first branch originally had two sons: Hu 'er and Lian' er.
After the eldest son adopted Lian 'er to Third Master, the first branch only had one son left.
Moreover, Hu 'er was the eldest son's legitimate grandson, so he couldn't be easily moved. No matter who adopted him, they couldn't have any ideas about him.
As a result, the first branch had no hope.
The second branch had three sons: Zhu 'er and Baoyu were legitimate sons, and there was also a concubine-born son, Jia Huan.
In addition to looking for excuses to reduce the title, the current dynasty also had strict rules regarding the inheritance of titles. One of the rules was that the heir had to be a legitimate son!
If the heir didn't have a legitimate son, it would be regarded as a deceased heir.
In fact, Li Lian didn't meet the qualifications to be the heir of the Marquis Champion. Strictly speaking, he was only an adopted son, so he could only be called a Li Lian by his stepfather or adopted father. He wasn't a true legitimate son of the Marquis Champion.
However, the emperor emeritus said that Li Lian should follow the Li Lian and inherit the surname of Li. The emperor also tacitly agreed, so the Ministry of Personnel had no choice but to accept it.
If they wanted to adopt another son for Third Master, Zhu 'er was the eldest legitimate son of the second branch, so they couldn't touch him, and Jia Huan was only a concubine-born son. Thus, they could only adopt Baoyu.
Seeing the Shi Clan's hesitation, Wang Ziteng hurriedly signaled to his younger sister, Wang Clan.
The Wang Clan nodded and tactfully said, "Old Madam, Third Master is Master's biological brother from the same mother. Blood is thicker than water.
Master always says that Third Master is his biological brother. Brothers are connected by tendons even if their bones are broken. In the past, any grudges and complaints between brothers were trivial.
Now that the third branch's bloodline is about to become extinct, Master can't eat well or sleep well.
He and his daughter-in-law are very willing to adopt Baoyu to the third branch and continue the family line. "
These words were said in a dignified manner.
Who said that the Wang Clan's words were clumsy?
After hearing these words, although the Shi Clan knew that the Wang Clan simply coveted Third Master's title and family business, they still felt that it was very appropriate.
The Shi Clan's mouth answered the Wang Clan's question, but her eyes were looking at the sincere Wang Ziteng. She slowly said, "If you really have the heart to adopt Baoyu to Third Master, I would be very happy and gratified, but …"
This drawn-out sentence made the Wang Ziteng siblings' hearts skip a beat.
"If Third Master or Lian 'er are safe, this old woman will only cause complaints for no reason if I meddle in the third branch's affairs.
"
"Therefore, we should wait for the imperial court to announce the news of Third Master and Lian 'er before deciding whether to let Baoyu be adopted by his third uncle!
"
After the imperial court announced the death of her brother-in-law and that little brat Li Lian, they would take back the title and family business. What else could she get?!
At that time, they still wanted her to adopt Baoyu?!
Bah!
Not a chance!
The Wang Clan couldn't help but glance at their pillar of support, hoping that his elder brother could come up with a solution.
Seeing this, the Shi Clan's eyes flashed with a trace of ridicule.
This Wang Ziteng was very ambitious. For more than ten years, he relied on the name of the four major clans and the connections that his master (Jia Daishan) introduced to him when he was alive to climb up the social ladder. He even overestimated himself and wanted to get close to Third Master.
Now, he probably wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to take in Third Master's old connections!
After all, the Shi Clan was the first-rank wife of the Duke Rongguo. Although she rarely went out to socialize and lived a leisurely life with her grandchildren, with her status as the wife of a first-rank wife and the mother of the Marquis of Champion, even if she didn't know about it personally, there were many people who reported it to her.
Moreover, she was born in the Marquis's household, married into the Duke's household, and lived for most of her life. Under the influence of others, as long as she didn't make any mistakes, she was still a qualified and wise person in power.
Wang Ziteng didn't know that half of his thoughts had already been guessed by the Shi Clan. Although he learned from his wife that the Shi Clan no longer favored the second branch, his impression of the Shi Clan was that of an ordinary rich family's matriarch.
Seeing that the Shi Clan was so stubborn, he was a bit annoyed.
"Old Madam, I only came to tell you this out of kindness. Seeing that our two clans have been on good terms for generations and that we are in-laws, why do you have to be so unappreciative of my good intentions?!
Do you think I would deliberately lie to you?!
Forget it, forget it!
I won't stay here and cause trouble!
I'll take my leave now! "
Wang Ziteng stood up angrily and was about to leave in a huff.
"Elder Brother, take care!"
The Wang Clan understood the look Wang Ziteng gave them before he left. They stood up and pulled Wang Ziteng back while turning to the Shi Clan and begging, "Old Madam, just think of it as Baoyu!
Baoyu was born with a jade in his mouth, and you used to love him the most!
Do you have the heart to see him live a bitter life in the future and worry about his livelihood all the time? "
The Wang Clan was showing their biggest bargaining chip, as well as their biggest trump card.
She knew that the grandson her mother-in-law loved the most wasn't Jia Hu, the seventh-rank Hanlin Academy editor who came in third in the imperial examinations at the age of eighteen. It wasn't Li Lian, the third branch's young and promising successor who was skilled in both civil and martial arts. It wasn't Zhu 'er, her family's outstanding and diligent student. It definitely wasn't that bastard Jia Huan. It was her youngest son, Baoyu, who was born with a jade in his mouth.
There was no doubt that the Wang Clan had placed their bet on the right treasure.
As soon as Baoyu was mentioned, the Shi Clan immediately hesitated.
Count Rong 'en Estate belonged to the eldest son and Hu' er.
Even if they split up later, according to the rule that the eldest son gets seventy percent of the estate and the rest gets thirty percent, seventy percent of the estate will still belong to the eldest son, and the remaining thirty percent will belong to the second son.
If the second son's estate was split up, Zhu 'er would still get seventy percent, and Baoyu and Jia Huan would get thirty percent.
Even if she left all her belongings to Baoyu, she was afraid that with Baoyu's generous temperament, he wouldn't be able to keep much of it.
Baoyu was born with an extraordinary background. If he could have a long-term and stable source of income for his expenses and make friends and colleagues, he would definitely be able to skyrocket in the officialdom in the future.
"You often say that Baoyu is the most loyal to the Duke. If he inherits the title of Marquis Champion, he will definitely bring honor to his ancestors and the Jia family. He will be very filial to you!
"
As soon as these words came out, the Shi Clan, who had originally been a little tempted, made up their minds and resolutely said, "Alright!
Baoyu was born with an extraordinary background. In the future, he will have a meteoric rise and the opportunity to display his talents!
He doesn't need to rely on his third uncle's title and family business to advance!
"
"Zheng 'er!
If you really pity your younger brother for not having an heir, wait until the court announces the news. Then let Brother Zhen gather the elders in the ancestral hall and officially adopt Baoyu to Third Brother!
"
Jia Zheng nodded obediently and said matter-of-factly, "If Third Brother and Lian 'er really met with misfortune, as the elder brother, I will not let my younger brother's bloodline die.
However, Baoyu is a good-for-nothing. If he were to be adopted by Third Brother, I'm afraid it would damage Third Brother's reputation. It would be better to let Zhu 'er be adopted by Third Brother! "
The death of a person was like the extinguishment of a lamp. All the past grievances disappeared like smoke in thin air.
Moreover, Jia Zheng and Li Lian didn't actually have any great enmity. They were just young and immature, competing for their parents' attention, and jealous of their younger brother's excellence. When they grew up, their personalities didn't match, and their paths were different. They didn't play in the same circle, so their relationship was weak.
But since their younger brother was dead, everything was over.
Regardless of whether Jia Zheng was really filial or just pretending to be decent, he had never gone against the wishes of the Jia Daishan and the Shi Clan.
From this point of view, it was no wonder that the Shi Clan favored the second son.
The Wang Clan was simply about to faint!
If she didn't have the title of nobility and the family business, she wouldn't even have the thought of adopting Baoyu, let alone her most outstanding Zhu 'er!
In the past, she couldn't say that she was always friendly to the third branch, but at least she was kind to the third branch. She only hoped that her younger brother-in-law would be able to help her family's Zhu 'er and Baoyu.
But how did Li Lian repay her!?
He only ate a girl's rouge, but her Baoyu was beaten to the point that he had to rest in bed for half a year before he could get up again!
The Wang Clan selectively ignored the fact that Baoyu asked his cousin to eat rouge.
Baoyu was so young, what did he know?
Moreover, in the Wang Clan's opinion, being able to let her Baoyu eat rouge was that little girl's blessing!
Ever since Baoyu was beaten for eating rouge, the Wang Clan's attitude towards the third branch immediately changed 360 degrees.
The second son of the Jia family's second branch was a pervert. He took liberties with the family's maidservants and provoked the upright and plainspoken General Guanjun (at that time, he hadn't been given the title of nobility yet), who couldn't stand it anymore and took action to "get rid of the evil for the people."
This rumor was not only spread throughout the household, but also in the alleys. Countless people who heard it couldn't help but raise their thumbs and praise General Guanjun's action of "putting righteousness before family."
Many people even dug up the story of Baoyu grabbing some cosmetics and hairpins. His father, Jia Zheng, was furious and determined that his son would become a debauchee in the future.
There was also a rumor that Baoyu once said, "Daughters are made of water, while men are made of mud.
When I see a daughter, I feel refreshed; when I see a man, I feel turbid and oppressive. "
This caused countless men to despise this "pervert" even more.
Li Lian seriously injured Baoyu and "ruined" his reputation. How could the Wang Clan's mother tolerate this?
Wang Ziteng frowned. He didn't understand why when his sister mentioned Baoyu, the old madam of the Jia family was obviously moved, but why did her attitude change so much in the blink of an eye?
The Shi Clan didn't care what the old madam of the Wang Clan was thinking. She patted Jia Zheng's hand with gratification. After all, they were her son and brother.
Baoyu was born with a jade in his mouth. It was the will of the heavens and the auspicious omen of the family's revitalization.
Moreover, Baoyu was exceptionally intelligent and had the most natural talent.
Moreover, Baoyu's appearance was most similar to the Duke's, so the Shi Clan doted on this grandson the most.
Originally, when the Wang Clan mentioned Baoyu, the Shi Clan had a moment of hesitation.
However, when the Wang Clan mentioned the Jia Daishan, the Shi Clan immediately made a decision.
Although her husband, the Jia Daishan, was the son of the Duke, he started as a soldier and gradually rose to prominence in the army by relying on his bravery. He experienced many hardships and went through fire and water for more than ten years before inheriting the title of Duke Rongguo without losing his title.
Old Third had also joined the army at a young age and had been through hundreds of battles. Although Old Third had never told her about the dangers he had encountered on the battlefield, just based on her guesses and rumors, Old Third had always led the troops in battle and she knew a thing or two about the dangers he had faced.
As the son of the Marquis of Champion, Lian 'er had to go to war with his father when he was only a teenager and bravely killed enemies on the battlefield.
Although the Shi Clan didn't read much and had limited knowledge, she still clearly knew what the title of Marquis of Champion represented.
Its successor wouldn't be a boastful Confucian scholar, nor would it be a hedonistic son who inherited the glory of his ancestors. It could only be a fierce general who didn't avoid axes and swords, fought bloody battles, and had outstanding achievements.
The title of Marquis of Champion wasn't made of gold and jade, but of thorns and blood.
What qualifications did Baoyu have to inherit such a title?
As she grew older, Madam Shi saw through many things and became wiser as well.
She could see very clearly that even if Baoyu was forced to sit in this position, he wouldn't be able to sit steadily and would only fall to pieces.
If Baoyu was really lucky, he would naturally have his own opportunities in the future and walk his own path.
But now, she absolutely couldn't allow Baoyu to inherit the title of Marquis of Champion, which would bring shame to the title of Marquis of Champion that her third brother had fought so hard for.
The Shi Clan picked up the teacup but didn't drink the tea. Instead, he put it in his hand and said, "Next, I have to deal with my Jia family's domestic affairs. Moreover, my dear nephew is in a high position and must be busy with official business. I'm afraid it's inconvenient for my dear nephew to stay for dinner."
It was obvious that he wanted to see his guest out.
In any case, the Shi Clan hadn't shed all pretense of cordiality. Wang Ziteng could only hold his anger in his heart and stand up to leave without showing any anger on his face.
Even if Li Lian and his father were really dead, the old subordinates and connections he left behind would certainly take care of the Jia family. If at this time there were rumors that the Jia family's Old Madam was dissatisfied with him, or … before the Emperor's approval, the news that he had encouraged the second branch of the Jia family to steal the title of Marquis of Champion was leaked, he would certainly be suppressed by the old subordinates of Li Lian.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have had to signal his sister to send all the servants out of the room.
"Brother!"
The Wang Clan member called out in a panic in a low voice.
Didn't he say that he would fight for the title of Marquis of Champion for her Baoyu?
Why is he leaving now!?
Wang Ziteng signaled with his eyes that she shouldn't be impatient.
The Shi Clan member didn't say anything. He coldly watched the interaction between the Wang family brother and sister.
"Oh!
Why are you leaving as soon as I arrived?
Did my Duke Rong 'en's Mansion treat you poorly? "
An unbridled voice came from outside the door.