Dream of the Red Chamber: After being exiled, I went on a killing spree in Liaodong.

Lin Daiyu's heart trembled, and she thought to herself: If all men in the world were like him, what would be the point of talking about the spirit of a great man?

Shi Xiangyun's heart was in turmoil. She bit her lip and made a vow in her heart—even if her future husband could not surpass Yi Sange, he must at least have half of his integrity!

Yuanyang was the first to come to her senses, her fingertips trembling slightly as she presented the brocade robe that had been prepared beforehand.

The moment the clothes were put on, the weather changed completely.

As the saying goes, clothes make the man, and Jia Yi looked like a completely different person after changing his clothes. The black robe with gold patterns accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, making his sharp eyes and brows look even more striking, and he exuded an indescribable air of nobility and sharpness.

Yingchun's eyes lit up, and she exclaimed softly, "Third Brother... he's so handsome!!!"

"My lord, the old lady has been urging us several times." Yuanyang lowered her head, her voice a little tight, and her Adam's apple bobbed.

"Let's go," Jia Yi replied casually.

He reached out and ruffled Yingchun's hair. "Don't just stand there, let's go."

The girls, like butterflies chasing flowers, immediately surrounded him and headed towards Rongqing Hall.

But as soon as I got to the door, I heard a huge commotion inside.

The news of the Emperor Emeritus's bestowal of a marriage struck the Jia family like a thunderbolt.

Grandmother Jia sat in the main seat, her face ashen, her fingers gripping her cane so tightly it cracked. She had originally planned to personally choose a wife for Jia Yi—one who would have a stable background, be obedient and docile, and ideally, be at her beck and call.

And what happened? The Emperor Emeritus issued an edict that completely overturned her scheme, which she had been planning for half a month!

Madam Wang was utterly furious, nearly slamming her hand on the table in anger. Her niece hadn't even had a chance to show her face, and the marriage had already been snatched away? What kind of mess was this!

Jia She stood in the corner, his lips twitching, wanting to speak but not daring to open his mouth. Good heavens, I haven't even said anything, and you two are already fighting?

Jia Zhen and his son watched coldly, their faces expressionless, but inwardly they were overjoyed. Seeing Grandmother Jia humiliated was more satisfying than celebrating the New Year.

But when they heard who the betrothed was, their smiles instantly froze on their faces.

Qin Keqing?

Jia Zhen's mind went blank—that was the woman he had secretly chosen, the one he planned to give to his son Jia Rong as a concubine! Now, she had been snatched away by the Emperor Emeritus with a single imperial edict!

"The Marquis has arrived!" A voice announced from outside, and the hall fell silent.

Everyone turned to look at the doorway.

The next moment, almost everyone was stunned.

Who would have thought that Jia Yi, who was once considered foolish and dull, could exude such a captivating aura after a little dressing up?

Clad in brocade robes, his steps were steady, and his eyes were clear and cold, like the moon reflected in a cold pool. Standing there, he didn't look like a good-for-nothing young master of the Jia family, but rather like a young general who had stepped out of a painting.

Yingchun blushed slightly and even her breathing became lighter.

"It's getting late, let's eat." Grandmother Jia suppressed her anger, her tone dry, wanting only to finish eating quickly so she could go back to her room, light a candle, draw a little figure, and chant a few curses.

Madam Wang gave a cold laugh, her disappointment almost etched into the wrinkles around her eyes.

Lin Daiyu and the others were completely bewildered—how come the whole Rongqing Hall was in an uproar after they had only changed their clothes?

Jia Yi didn't care about any of that.

He plopped down, grabbed the bowl and chopsticks, and started devouring the food!

Holy crap! The Jia family's food is amazing!

The braised pork knuckle was glistening and tender, the steamed sea bass was fresh and juicy, and even a bowl of white rice smelled so good that you'd want to lick the bowl clean. He ate with such gusto, like a starving wolf who hadn't eaten for three days.

"Third Brother, try this!"

"This bamboo shoot is the tenderest, let me get you one!"

"Chicken leg! The chicken leg must be saved for Third Brother!"

Lin Daiyu, Tan Chun, Ying Chun, and a group of girls instantly transformed into feeding maniacs, with chopsticks flying and bowls and plates piling up like small mountains.

The entire audience was shocked.

This guy just finished three bowls of rice, a whole roasted chicken, half a roast goose, plus seven or eight meat and vegetable dishes—and he's still eating.

Grandmother Jia looked at this scene and suddenly smiled.

He was just like Jia Daishan back then, who could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk and devour a gluttonous feast all by himself.

But just then—

A crisp "clang" rang out!

Jia Baoyu suddenly stood up, his eyes bloodshot, and ripped the jade pendant off his neck, throwing it hard to the ground!

"Oh!"

"Find it quickly! Find it quickly!"

"That's my lifeline, my ancestors!"

The maids and servants screamed and frantically searched the ground, creating chaos.

Grandmother Jia pulled Baoyu into her arms, tears streaming down her face: "My child, why are you doing this! If you want to take your anger out on me, take it out on me! Why are you smashing it!"

Madam Wang's resentful gaze was fixed on Jia Yi, and she squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth: It's you again... it's you again who ruined my son's mind!

And Jia Yi—

He slowly swallowed the last bite of food, patted his stomach, and looked satisfied.

She didn't even glance at Baoyu.

"Okay, I'm done eating."

He couldn't be bothered with such trivial matters.

"Second Aunt, there's been a lot going on lately. I'll settle things with you in detail later."

Jia Yi lifted his eyelids, his gaze sweeping sideways over Madam Wang, his tone light and airy, yet like a knife scraping through bone.

He said those words, turned around and left, not even lingering for a second longer.

I still have to help Niu Jizong with his business in three days, so I don't have time to argue with this woman now.

But when these words reached Madam Wang's ears, her heart sank as if she had stepped into an ice cave.

Her fingertips were cold, and a chill ran down her spine.

What does this idiot mean?

Could it be that he knows I secretly had my brother send someone to kill him?

Jia She stood aside, coldly watching his sister-in-law's face turn pale and then red. Recalling his son's meaningful words just now, a thought suddenly exploded in his mind:

Did this wicked woman lay a hand on Yi'er back then?

The moment the thought crossed his mind, Jia She's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot, and a sinister fire ignited in his eyes.

You dared to plot against me, and now you've gone so far as to harm my own son!

Do you really think I, Jia She, am made of clay, to be molded and shaped by anyone?

He slowly turned his head, his gaze falling on Jia Zheng, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

Since your wife wants to kill my son...

Then don't blame me for being ruthless towards you.

"Wait, Yi-ge'er."

Grandmother Jia suddenly spoke, her voice kind and gentle, yet carrying an undeniable force.

Jia Yi paused, turning back to look at the old lady.

"You don't have a capable maidservant by your side, why don't you pick one from me and take her back?"

Before the words were even finished, all the maids in the room who had been looking down at the magic jade suddenly raised their heads, their eyes shining like stars falling into a glass cup.

Each of them stood up straight, held their breath, and seemed to wish they could sculpt themselves into the likeness of a beauty from a painting.

Jia Yi glanced at them and sighed inwardly: No wonder they are all the people around Grandmother Jia, each one is so beautiful.

The circle swept across the area, finally settling on one person—

With delicate features and a calm demeanor, she stands out in the crowd without vying for attention.

"Since Grandmother dotes on me," he said, a gentle smile playing on his lips, "then I won't stand on ceremony, I'll take the mandarin ducks."

Grandmother Jia almost choked on her breath.

You, Jia Yi! You pretend to be deaf and dumb all the time, but the moment you see something good, you immediately start blaming your ancestors!

Yuanyang's body trembled slightly, and her heart skipped a beat.

She looked up at Grandmother Jia, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes.