Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

I thanked him, but he only told me to get better quickly and said he would find other famous doctors to treat me!

Is this out of concern for my sister, saying she's willing to incur a favor for my health? Or is it because she's afraid the favors she's done before will be wasted?

My third brother always speaks like this; it sounds like common sense, but upon closer inspection, it seems to hide something else.

But judging from his expression, it didn't seem like anything was wrong...

As Lin Daiyu pondered, her gaze inadvertently met Jia Jing's.

Their eyes met, and Lin Daiyu pretended to look away as if nothing was wrong, but her heart skipped a beat.

Jia Jing, on the other hand, picked up the tea that Zijuan had prepared and took a sip, his expression indifferent.

Daiyu was intelligent and sensitive, and at this time, being ill, her mind was more fragile and exposed than usual. Therefore, she was more deeply moved by Jia Jing's caring actions.

Ever since Baoyu smashed the jade today, she has felt more and more lonely and helpless living in the Jia family. In critical moments, she has no parents to protect her, and when trouble comes, she has no one to rely on.

Although Grandmother Jia cared about her, she clearly cared more about Baoyu.

Even when she vomited blood, she only sighed and said, "Yu'er is too meticulous," without showing any further concern.

Instead, they showed great concern and care for Jia Baoyu, who was unharmed, and later only sent Yuanyang to check on him and inquire about his condition.

It was as if her vomiting blood was a trivial matter in the eyes of the entire household.

Only the third brother...

Sitting here now, seeking medical treatment for myself, sparing no effort and using my connections, without uttering a single word of blame, I only want to get better as soon as possible.

Unfortunately... he was just my cousin after all.

Thinking of this, Daiyu pursed her lips and asked, seemingly casually:

"My sister only has a pre-existing congenital illness... Is it really worth third brother going to such lengths?"

Jia Jing put down his teacup and glanced at Daiyu.

His gaze seemed to discern Daiyu's thoughts, and he said calmly:

"My sister is sick, so as her older brother, I should just do my part. It's no trouble at all!"

Then, looking at Daiyu's face again, he asked:

"Your complexion does look better after the acupuncture. How did you feel about the acupuncture technique performed by Master Wu's disciple? Did you experience any discomfort?"

Daiyu was not entirely satisfied with Jia Jing's answer earlier, and upon hearing this, she only whispered:

"No, the needle didn't hurt at all when it was inserted into my body; instead, it felt cool and refreshing."

"It felt like the heat in my heart and lungs was instantly extinguished, the tightness in my chest and shortness of breath disappeared, and I felt much more comfortable."

Jia Jing nodded and said:

"That's good! From now on, have Dr. Wu's disciple come every few days to perform acupuncture on you, along with some medication. I think your ailment should be mostly resolved!"

"As for the psychological aspect, I have already told Baoyu that he is not allowed to come to your room anymore, and there will be no more servants in the manor who gossip behind your back."

"Now that your third sister is in charge of the household, I'm sure no one will dare to neglect you anymore. You should also try to think more positively and not worry too much."

"Young lady, you should live a more relaxed and happy life. Take your medicine properly and follow the doctor's orders, understand?"

Lin Daiyu had already learned from Zijuan and Xueyan about what happened at the mansion that day, including Baoyu being beaten, the servants being disciplined, and Tanchun taking charge of the household affairs.

She doesn't care much about these things; even if Jia Baoyu is beaten, she doesn't seem to care that much anymore.

Hearing Jia Jing mention it, she didn't ask any questions, but simply nodded obediently.

"I'll listen to you!"

Seeing Daiyu's unusually well-behaved demeanor, Zijuan looked on with a hint of surprise and doubt.

You know, they had advised Daiyu countless times before, telling her to relax, to think more positively, and to take her medicine obediently.

But Daiyu had never heard of it. Instead, she secretly poured the medicine they had brewed into the potted plants in her room.

When something happens, she keeps it to herself, silently shedding tears and unable to sleep all night.

I've never been so obedient in agreeing before.

Zijuan glanced at Jia Jing and then at Daiyu, her expression carrying a hint of deeper meaning.

"Zijuan, you must keep a close eye on Lin Daiyu and make sure she takes good care of her health. In the future, if any of your young ladies have any worries, whether big or small, you can come to my courtyard to deliver a message."

"If anyone talks nonsense behind her back, or if she keeps herself from eating or resting properly, report it to me."

Jia Jing gave instructions to Zijuan, who was standing to the side.

Upon hearing this, Zijuan became even more certain of her guess. A hint of joy appeared on her face as she curtsied and smiled:

"Yes, my lord, I will definitely keep a close eye on my young lady. If she acts childishly or doesn't take care of herself, I will speak to you!"

"Who's being childish?!"

Hearing what the two were saying, Daiyu pursed her lips and gave Zijuan a coquettish look.

Then he turned his head as if he wanted to say something to Jia Jing, but in the end he didn't.

But a faint smile appeared in her eyes, along with something sweet that she herself didn't even realize.

"I wonder who secretly poured out the medicine before, and who always cries in the middle of the night. You wouldn't listen to me before, but now... well, I'll listen to the Marquis!"

Zijuan, as if she held all the power, smiled mischievously at Lin Daiyu.

Daiyu's face flushed slightly, her bright eyes beneath her delicate brows flickered, and she said reproachfully:

"You're actually listening to him now! Everything I say to you is just a passing breeze. How come you treat just one sentence from him like a royal decree!"

Zijuan smiled and said:

"Because the Marquis is doing this for the young lady's own good, he has a heart that cares for her... my sister, so naturally I'm willing to listen to him. I only hope that the Marquis can come to our courtyard more often in the future!"

Zijuan originally intended to say "a heart for the young lady," but after thinking it was inappropriate, she changed it to "a heart for the younger sister."

However, Lin Daiyu, with her keen sense of perception, immediately understood the unspoken meaning in her words.

Xingmou glared at Zijuan, her face flushing red, and she bit her lip, saying:

"What 'heart' nonsense! You're becoming more and more rude! You even dare to make fun of me!"

As Daiyu spoke, she grabbed the pillow and pretended to throw it at Zijuan.

However, due to weakness in his arm, he didn't hit Zijuan, who was farther away, but instead hit Jia Jing, who was sitting nearby.

Daiyu's expression froze, and she was momentarily at a loss for what to do.

Seeing this, Jia Jing merely coughed lightly, reached out and gently took the pillow from Daiyu's hand, placed it back in its original place, and said softly:

"Stop messing around, you've just gotten a little better, and you're making a fuss again."

Daiyu's heart trembled at his extremely light touch and gentle tone. She lowered her head and dared not make a fuss anymore.

Third brother was indeed much gentler today!

He usually has a stern face and a cold expression, but today...

Was he treating me differently from others, or was it because I was being lenient with him while I was sick?

The room fell silent for a moment.

Zijuan did not speak again.

Jia Jing simply gazed quietly at Daiyu, who stood before him with her head bowed. Her black hair was like a cloud, her jade-like neck was slightly bent, and even her earlobes were flushed with embarrassment. She was such a clever and sharp person, yet at this moment she resembled a startled fawn, even her breathing had become soft.