The Good Grandson of the Red Chamber

Chapter 17: The Crew

Emperor Yonglong looked at Xia Chengzong and grew to like him more and more.

He laughed and said, "Zong-ge'er, come and sit next to your grandfather."

"Yes, Grandfather."

Xia Chengzong sat down next to Emperor Yonglong, smiling as he looked at his uncles and cousins, their faces beaming, but their hearts twisted with malice.

Emperor Yonglong suddenly remembered something and instructed, "Dai Quan, does Zong Ge'er not have any eunuchs serving him yet? Go and personally pick out four good ones for him."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Dai Quan responded respectfully, but he was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat.

Every member of the royal family had a personal attendant serving him.

Prince Zhongzheng was stripped of his throne seven years ago, and all the eunuchs serving in his palace were naturally removed, leaving only Xia Shouzhong for him.

Now that the Prince Zhongzheng's residence has been unsealed, the quota should be filled.

According to the rules, each of Xia Chengqian and his siblings should have four eunuchs serving them.

Princesses like Xia Caiwei would have maids serving them.

As for underage princes, they were not allowed to have palace maids serving them, lest they learn about matters between men and women too early and ruin their health.

From this perspective, the royal family's education of their descendants was far superior to that of the Jia family.

Unlike Jia Baoyu of the Jia family, who lost his virginity when he was seven or eight years old.

Meanwhile, at the Prince Zhongzheng's residence, more than half a month has passed since the lockdown was lifted, but the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs has yet to provide them with the necessary staff and benefits.

The Grand Eunuch in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs was none other than Dai Quan.

Dai Quan was Emperor Yonglong's most trusted confidant and was secretly referred to as the Inner Chancellor.

Even the crown prince had to treat him with great respect.

Power can be addictive, and years of success made Dai Quan arrogant.

Although the Prince Zhongzheng's residence was no longer under restrictions, he didn't see any future in it and didn't take it to heart.

However, Emperor Yonglong brought up this matter in front of everyone, which was also a warning from Emperor Yonglong to him.

How could Dai Quan not be both shocked and frightened?

This Third Master Zong is deeply favored by the Emperor.

Dai Quan decided in his heart that he would treat him like his own father from now on and never offend him.

Scenic spots are rare, and grand feasts are hard to repeat.

After Emperor Yonglong's birthday celebration ended, everyone knelt to take their leave.

Inside the carriage, the three children looked at Xia Chengzong's magnificent golden robe with envy, their mouths watering.

"Wow, what's this robe called again? It's so beautiful!"

"It's so beautiful, I wish I could have one!"

"Third Brother, can I wear this?"

Xia Chengzong said sternly, "Don't touch them, your hands are dirty!"

Xia Caiwei's negative emotions +1 +1 +1

Xia Chengkun's negative emotions +1 +1 +1

夏承志负面情绪+1+1+1+1+1

Xia Chengzong laughed and said, "How about this, it's not impossible for you to wear them, but each person will be charged one tael of silver per time."

Xia Chengkun rolled his eyes and said, "Third brother, you're being way too stingy!"

Xia Caiwei: "Third Brother, are you obsessed with money?"

Xia Chengzhi: "Third Brother, how could you do this?"

After collecting another wave of emotional points, Xia Chengzhi chuckled and said:

"I'm not kidding you anymore. If you want to wear them, go back and wash them clean. You can take turns wearing them for a day."

"Let's make this clear beforehand: the eldest brother has to be the first to wear it, and none of you can take it from him."

Upon hearing this, Xia Chengqian's eyes lit up, and he quickly said, "Thank you, Third Brother."

Xia Chengqian's positive emotions +1 +1 +1

No matter how mature and composed Xia Chengqian was, he was still just a nine-year-old child.

How could he not like such a beautiful robe?

He just didn't say it out loud.

But his third brother offered to let him wear it, and even let him wear it first, which naturally made him feel grateful.

The three little ones had no objections.

"It is only right and proper for the eldest brother to wear it first."

"Third Brother is the most thoughtful."

"Third Brother is the best!"

Back at the Prince's residence, Prince Zhongzheng summoned Xia Chengzong to his study alone.

He repeatedly told him that after he went to the palace in a few days, he must be obedient and sensible, and not make his grandfather angry.

You must be filial to your grandfather and win his favor.

From these instructions, Xia Chengzong discerned Prince Zhongzheng's ambition.

Perhaps before this, he had never thought of competing.

However, the crown prince's harshness and ingratitude, coupled with his own rise to prominence, fueled his ambition.

However, he didn't dare to compete for it himself, so he could only place all his hopes on himself.

This is definitely a good thing for him.

As long as my father remains mediocre, I will continue to excel.

Then, when his father ascends the throne, he will feel that he got the throne because of his own efforts.

Therefore, he agreed to all of Prince Chung-machi's instructions and reassured him.

Prince Chung-jung was very pleased to see that he was so intelligent and sensible.

As the father and son were talking, Xia Shouzhong came in to report that Dai Quan had come in person, bringing eunuchs, palace maids, and a group of others.

Prince Zhongzheng dared not be negligent and hurriedly went out to greet him.

Dai Quan repeatedly apologized to Prince Zhongzheng, saying that he should have replenished the manpower of Prince Zhongzheng's mansion earlier.

He had given the order long ago, but his subordinates were incompetent and the matter was delayed until today.

He has already severely punished his subordinates, and earnestly hopes that Your Highness will forgive him.

Who is Dai Quan?

However, even the Crown Prince treated the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, who was known as the Inner Minister, with great deference.

Now that he has personally come to his own palace and adopted such a humble attitude, Prince Zhongzheng couldn't help but feel flattered and overwhelmed.

He repeatedly said it was no problem, as palace affairs were busy and delays of a few days were only natural, and asked that his subordinates not be blamed.

Dai Quan praised Prince Zhongzheng for his benevolence and gentlemanly conduct.

The two chatted and laughed, enjoying their conversation immensely.

Prince Zhongzheng invited Dai Quan to stay for tea, but Dai Quan declined, saying he was too busy with palace affairs to linger.

He then requested Prince Zhongzheng to invite Xia Chengzong to meet him.

Before long, Xia Chengzong was brought out.

Dai Quan bowed and said, "Third Master Zong, this old servant has personally selected four clever and steady eunuchs for your perusal."

"If Third Master is not satisfied, this old servant will change it again until Third Master is satisfied."

The Emperor had already reprimanded him once, so he had to do this matter until Xia Chengzong was satisfied.

If another mistake occurs, it won't be as simple as just a reprimand.

After saying this, Dai Quan beckoned and summoned four eunuchs.

"Why haven't you paid your respects to Third Master Zong yet?"

The four eunuchs hurriedly knelt down and paid their respects to Xia Chengzong.

Xia Chengzong said, "Get up, all of you, raise your heads."

"Yes, Third Master."

Xia Chengzong didn't stand on ceremony with Dai Quan.

The Prince Zhongzheng's mansion has been sealed off for seven years, and now Xia Chengzong has no one he can rely on.

These four eunuchs were his original team.

Therefore, he had to carefully select and determine which ones were usable.

As for these four eunuchs, they are probably all disciples and grand-disciples of Dai Quan, which is something that can't be helped.

No matter what you choose, you can't avoid Dai Quan.

He would then select shrewd and capable people and train them himself.

The four eunuchs stood up and raised their heads, but still dared not look Xia Chengzong in the eye.