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

After a moment of silence, Grandmother Jia finally gritted her teeth and nodded: "Alright."

You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub.

What does a maidservant matter if we can win Jia Yi back?

Little did she know, Jia Yi had no intention of reconciling with her at all.

"Let Yuanyang serve me for a day first," Jia Yi said calmly, "and then send her to Pear Fragrance Courtyard tomorrow."

Grandmother Jia immediately understood and felt somewhat relieved.

I'll win her over tonight and make her remember my kindness. If she says a few sweet words to Yi-ge in the future, I won't have to worry about our relationship not being restored.

Jia Yi just smiled, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

As the wind swept away the remaining clouds and the curtain fell, his eyes turned cold.

"We still don't have enough manpower."

Apart from Wu Sheng, who was somewhat usable, the rest were all martial artists given to them by the system.

He's a master at fighting on the battlefield, but what about handling delicate tasks?

They know absolutely nothing.

"We need to find a few trusted confidants quickly."

As he walked, he mentally searched through the ranks of the Jia family.

After a long while, a sudden light appeared before my eyes—

Jia Yun!

He may not be particularly talented, but among this bunch of good-for-nothings, he is a rare sober person.

Clever, sensible, hardworking, and most importantly... poor enough.

Only poor people are obedient.

"Go to the back alley and call Jia Yun here."

The guard beside him clasped his hands in acceptance of the order, then turned and strode away.

At this moment, in the small courtyard in the back alley, Jia Yun and Ni Er were sitting opposite each other drinking wine in rough bowls, their laughter hearty.

"Bang!"

The door was kicked open, sending splinters flying.

The three of them changed color simultaneously.

A heavily armored bodyguard, exuding a menacing aura, strode in, his sword still sheathed, yet his imposing presence already felt.

Jia Yun's hand trembled, and the wine spilled all over the table.

"This...this soldier, I am Jia Yun. What brings you here?"

Ni Er silently reached for the short blade at his waist, his eyes fierce as a wolf.

Anyone who dares to touch my brother, I'll fight to the death to make them bleed on the spot!

"The Marquis summons you," the guard said coldly.

"Lord Marquis?!" Jia Yun's eyes widened, his mind going blank.

What kind of marquis? Did he fall from the sky?

Ni Er was also stunned, and grabbed Jia Yun's arm: "When did you meet the Marquis?"

Jia Yun's mother rushed forward, saying, "Sir, my Yun'er is ignorant and may have offended you..."

"Loyal and Brave Marquis".

The three words fell silent.

Jia Yun and Ni Er exchanged a glance, their pupils suddenly shrinking—

Marquis Zhongyong? That newly appointed young marquis, who is said to be respected even in the palace?

"Go now! What are you waiting for?!" His mother shoved him out the door. "This is an incredible opportunity!"

The night wind howled, and the courtyard gate was wide open.

Jia Yun staggered a few steps and looked up into the depths of the Rongguo Mansion.

The lights were bright, and the gates stood tall and imposing.

He suddenly understood—

My fate changed from this moment on.

Upon hearing the words "Loyal and Brave Marquis," Jia Yun's mother's eyes lit up instantly, and her heart skipped a beat—wasn't that the Third Master Yi of the Rongguo Mansion?

Thank God!

The Marquis is about to promote my son!

"oh oh!"

Jia Yun was still completely bewildered when he was taken away by his personal guards.

"Auntie, who exactly is this Marquis Zhongyong?"

Ni Er scratched his head, looking completely bewildered.

"You clueless brat, you don't even know who the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor is?"

Jia Yunniang rolled her eyes, spat in exasperation, and then lowered her voice, mysteriously recounting in detail how Jia Yi had fought on the battlefield, earned merits, and been promoted to general and marquis over the years.

"Wow..." Ni Er's jaw almost dropped. "Brother, you're going to be incredibly successful!"

At this moment, Jia Yun stood nervously in front of Jia Yi, her palms sweating profusely.

He was only fifteen or sixteen years old, his face still showing signs of immaturity, like a fawn that had accidentally wandered into a tiger's den.

"You're Jia Yun?"

Jia Yi sat in the main seat, his gaze sharp as a knife, and spoke calmly.

"Yes...yes, Lord Marquis."

Jia Yun's throat tightened, and he nodded vigorously.

"I called you here to test you."

Jia Yi's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable sense of pressure.

Jia Yun's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes lit up—the opportunity had arrived!

But the next second, the tone suddenly changed—

"I want you to investigate my second aunt."

"Tell me everything she's done over the years, leave no stone unturned."

"what?"

Jia Yun almost jumped up on the spot.

Second Aunt? Isn't that Madam Wang, the second wife who is now in charge of the Rongguo Mansion's internal affairs?

"My lord... I... I haven't investigated anyone..."

Jia Yun's face turned green, and cold sweat poured down his forehead.

I don't listen to the process.

Jia Yi coldly interrupted, "If you can't hand over the goods within a month, don't come back to see me."

One sentence left Jia Yun speechless.

He gritted his teeth and forced out a single word: "Yes!"

"These ten personal guards are now under your command."

"They follow your lead, but they don't interfere; they only protect you."

After the order was given, Jia Yun left the hall with a stiff face, his steps heavy as if he were walking through mud.

In fact, Jia Yi never expected this young man to actually succeed.

All he wanted was a glimpse of loyalty.

It was a test, a trial, nothing more.

But he never expected—

This seemingly casually orchestrated scheme turned out to be the beginning of Lady Wang's nightmare.

"Bro! How's it going?"

As soon as he stepped inside, Ni Er rushed over like a cannonball, "What does the Marquis want with you? Does he want to assign you a job?"

Jia Yun opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything for a long time, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

"Oh my, you look like you're suffocating!"

Ni Er stamped his feet in frustration, "What's our relationship? I'll cover for you even if the sky falls! Just say what's on your mind!"

Jia Yun finally opened up and told the whole story.

After listening, Ni Er remained silent for a moment, then slowly uttered, "No wonder you're so worried... This is a cunning old fox from a powerful family, investigating old grievances? That's difficult."

"you do not say!"

Jia Yun slammed her fist against the corner of the wall, her eyes filled with resentment. "The chance to turn things around was right in front of me, but I just couldn't seize it... This feeling is worse than being kicked into an ice cave!"

"etc!"

Ni Er's pupils suddenly contracted, his eyes sharpening abruptly. "Can't find anything about the past? Then... let's make her commit a crime 'now'!"

"You mean... a trap?"

Jia Yun looked up abruptly, staring at him in shock.

"That's right!" Ni Er grinned, revealing a set of white teeth. "What the Marquis wants is evidence, not necessarily old grievances—as long as the matter is true, the methods... hehe, no one will question them."

Jia Yun was stunned.

Upon closer examination, this statement... is actually flawless!

"But... how do we set up this trap?" he asked in a low voice.

"Leave it to me!"

Ni Er patted his chest heavily, his voice resounding, "How many years have I been out there? One call from the brothers, and a dozen heroes are on their way! Three cobblers are equal to one Zhuge Liang, so with a dozen 'Zhuges' together, how could we not come up with a perfect plan?!"

Jia Yun's eyes welled up with tears as he stared intently at the rough-looking man before him, his voice choked with emotion: "Brother Ni... I, Jia Yun, can never repay this kindness in my lifetime."

You used to help me out, and now I need you to take risks for me...

"gab!"

Ni Er laughed heartily, putting his arm around his shoulder. "As long as you make something of yourself someday, remember to share a bowl of meat with me, don't let me go hungry—I'll be burning incense in gratitude!"