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

Although Jia Jing obtained more than 700,000 taels of silver from reorganizing the Jia family, he only had 300,000 taels of silver in cash.

Jia Jing did not suggest donating the silver to the military, just like Emperor Jingsheng.

Firstly, he knew that Emperor Jingsheng's actions were partly a political show, and as a subject, he shouldn't try to steal the limelight.

Secondly, how can donating to the military be the same as donating to the emperor for food, clothing, and daily necessities? How can the level of care for the emperor's health be the same?

Thirdly, if he were to donate the funds for military use, how would the ministers in the palace feel about it? Would they also want to donate?

Therefore, Jia Jing was simply expressing his sincere concern for Emperor Jingsheng's health and offering to "subsidize his food, clothing, and daily necessities."

This is a subject's heartfelt respect, without the slightest hint of flattery.

In fact, he was genuinely concerned about Emperor Jingsheng's health. Such a capable and ambitious ruler should not die young!

On the other side, the courtiers were all shocked by Jia Jing's words.

How could he say such flattering words without batting an eye?

Wang Ziteng was dumbfounded. How long had it been? He was already filming again.

The key point is that he couldn't detect a trace of flattery or sycophancy in Jia Jing's expression and tone; instead, he only heard indescribable sincerity!

While he was still thinking about the court's finances and peace negotiations, Jia Jing had already started to worry about Emperor Jingsheng's health!

Is the difference between people really that big?

What exactly is he thinking?

This is simply...

Xu Qianxue looked on in disbelief. How could someone say that the character for "adultery" is composed of the character for "woman" plus the character for "dry"?

[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name 12199.99]

The treacherous official has clearly already revealed himself!

You, Jia Jing, are one of them!

Niu Jizong felt that he had learned some new ways of being an official.

As for Zhang Tingyu and the others, they all looked up at the boy in the bullfighting outfit, each with a different kind of deep meaning in their eyes.

Emperor Jingsheng nodded, quite moved, his gaze softening.

Although she did not agree to accept Jia Jing's "tribute," she still said gently:

"I am in good health, my dear minister, please rest assured."

Jia Jing said in a low voice:

"As long as Your Majesty is alive, the heavens of our Great Han Dynasty will stand! How can the land and its people be separated from Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty bears the responsibility of governing the nation and is determined to govern well. I am well aware of this! However, the affairs of state are complex and cannot be accomplished overnight. Your Majesty should prioritize preserving your health."

"In this war in the Northwest, I will fight to the death to wipe out the scourge on the border for Your Majesty! Let our Great Han Dynasty enjoy a century of peace in the Northwest!"

"I only ask that Your Majesty take care of yourself, eat and sleep on time every day, and not overwork yourself, so that I have no worries while I am away!"

Emperor Jingsheng was deeply moved by Jia Jing's sincere words.

Looking at Jia Jing's respectful, admiring, and caring eyes, he felt that he was indeed a loyal minister whom he had selected from humble beginnings.

She cares more about herself than others, and her first thought is always about her own health.

Emperor Jingsheng nodded and said:

"I understand! My dear minister, please be extra careful on the battlefield..."

"I reiterate my point: I will fully trust you, I will not allow anyone to hinder you, I will not order you around, and I will not urge you to advance and win."

"Don't worry about money and supplies. I will take care of the logistics for you in the court. Even if you fight for two or three years, I will find a way to supply you with military provisions."

"I only hope that you will handle matters diligently and demonstrate the might and prestige of our great Han Dynasty!"

The officials below were even more shocked when they heard Emperor Jingsheng's words. How could His Majesty trust Jia Jing to such an extent?

The imperial court was clearly in dire need of money and supplies, yet it said it would not urge the troops to advance, and even said it would support a war that would last two or three years.

And you're telling Jia Jing to be extra careful?

How could the emperor's favor be so profound...?

Zhang Tingyu's graying eyebrows furrowed slightly as he gathered the memorials in his sleeve, his aged gaze carrying a hint of solemnity.

Because of the battle in Liaodong and the reorganization of the army at Ba Shang, the emperor trusted Jia Jing more than anyone else.

Some time ago, he even hung his poems in the West Warm Pavilion to inform his ministers, which shows how much he valued and liked him.

In this battle in the Northwest, it would be fine if Jia Jing won a small victory or suffered a minor defeat.

If he wins another great victory, His Majesty's favor towards him will surely reach its peak, and who in the court will be able to keep him in check in the future!

I'm afraid even I, a cabinet minister of the highest rank, would be inferior to him in terms of imperial favor.

You know, in the past His Majesty would always consult with his ministers when faced with a problem...

While others still thought Jia Jing's chances of winning this battle were slim, Zhang Tingyu had already considered the situation where, if Jia Jing won a great victory, no one in the court would be able to control him!

During this period, Zhang Tingyu carefully studied the military reports concerning Jia Jing from the Liaodong campaign.

He had to admit that in terms of personal martial prowess and military skills, Jia Jing was indeed a genius, and there were few in the Han Dynasty who could surpass him in martial prowess.

Therefore, when Emperor Jingsheng just said that he wanted Jia Jing to lead the war in the Northwest, he did not raise any objections.

In his view, even if the Northern Yuan, Hunxie, and pseudo-Qing forces came with great force, Jia Jing was still able to cope with them.

While we can't expect a resounding victory like last time, maintaining a winless streak is entirely achievable.

The most likely outcome is a narrow victory.

There is a possibility of a big win, but it is very slim.

Because the grasslands are mostly inhabited by cavalry, who move swiftly and are difficult to pursue.

Zhang Tingyu stopped his inner thoughts and silently comforted himself:

There's no need to worry too much. A small victory in this battle is already quite an achievement, and a major victory is almost impossible.

As long as the victory isn't too great, His Majesty should be able to calm down and reconsider this relationship between ruler and subject after some time.

Faced with Emperor Jingsheng's instructions, Jia Jing bowed respectfully and said solemnly:

"Your Majesty's words are firmly in my heart."

Jia Jing didn't make any further promises; he believed that saying more now would be less valuable than receiving a report of victory later.

Emperor Jingsheng didn't say anything more. After surveying his ministers, he said in a deep voice:

"The situation in the Northwest is dire. The Northern Yuan and Hunye may invade at any time, or they may have already made their move, but the court has not yet received any military reports."

"The outcome of today's court meeting is decided; we cannot delay any longer."

"The Cabinet immediately drafted an imperial edict and issued a formal decree appointing General Pingliao Nian Gengyao as the Governor-General of Jizhou and Liaodong, in charge of military affairs in Jizhou and Liaodong, and to defend against the invasion of the puppet Qing dynasty."

"Yue Zhongqi was appointed Governor-General of Xuanfu and Datong, in charge of military affairs in the three towns of Xuanfu, Datong, and Shanxi, to prevent the Northern Yuan from threatening the capital from the south."

"Jia Jing, the military governor of Ba Shang Camp and Marquis of Jingwu, was appointed as the General Who Conquers the West, overseeing the military affairs of the three border regions and four towns in Shaanxi, and leading the Ba Shang Camp to the northwest to fight against the Northern Yuan, Hunye and the puppet Qing allied forces."

"He is also granted the Imperial Sword to command the troops of the nine border garrisons and to give him full authority over this war in the Northwest."

"All civil and military officials in the towns are under his command. However, those who disobey orders, fail to comply, or shirk their responsibilities may be executed first and reported later. He may act expediently!"