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

Just as Grandmother Jia was about to lead the group of women from the inner quarters of the Jia family in paying their respects, the female official quickly stepped forward, smiling as she reached out to help Grandmother Jia to her feet, saying:

"No need for such formalities, Madam Rong! Her Majesty said that Madam Rong is of noble status and has raised her grandson well, so she is exempt from the kneeling ceremony."

"Her Majesty also said that the Dowager Lady could visit the palace in her spare time. Marquis Jingwu is young and promising, and has rendered meritorious service to the country. She would like to ask you for advice on educating future generations!"

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia's expression froze, and she asked me for advice on educating her children and grandchildren.

She was driven crazy by that bastard Jia Jing every day, wishing she could drive him far away and wait until he died before he came back. Out of sight, out of mind. Would you call that a lesson learned?

If she hadn't known that the person was sent by the Empress, she would have thought that these words were a veiled insult to her!

Grandmother Jia looked slightly embarrassed. She clearly recognized this palace maid, and her expression, though awkward, held a hint of familiarity as she forced a smile and said:

"Shangguan Shanggong, what expertise do I have? I'm just an elder thinking long-term for my children and grandchildren, and I don't spoil them!"

"Children and grandchildren have their own blessings! Don't be their beasts of burden! Aside from that, all we ask them to do is serve the court and be loyal to His Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Jia family present couldn't help but chuckle!

As expected of an old lady, those words... are quite insightful!

What a far-sighted plan! No spoiling! He wasn't lying at all!

After saying this, Grandmother Jia's face flushed slightly. Before the lady-in-waiting could continue, she asked with a smile:

"Shangguan Shanggong, I heard that Her Majesty's reward this time is because my grandson made meritorious contributions at the front? May I ask what exactly happened?"

As soon as Grandmother Jia finished speaking, all the women of the Jia family in the hall turned their gazes to Shangguan Shanggong, wanting to hear her tell them about Jia Jing's specific situation.

Shangguan Shanggong's gaze swept over the Jia family's sisters, lingering on Daiyu and Baochai for a moment before her expression hardened, and she explained:

"Speaking of this matter, we must congratulate the Dowager Lady Rongguo. This morning, the Marquis of Jingwu sent a message of good news by carrier pigeon."

"The report says that the Northern Yuan's 80,000-strong army has been besieging the border town of Yulin for days, and yesterday morning they breached the south gate of Yulin. Just when Yulin was about to fall... cough cough!"

Shangguan Shanggong paused here, seemingly because her throat was uncomfortable, and coughed lightly twice.

Tan Chun frowned, unable to resist asking with concern:

"Your Excellency, could it be that my third brother arrived in time to save Yulin City and drive away the Northern Yuan troops?"

Daiyu, who was standing next to Grandmother Jia, blinked her bright eyes and said softly:

"If we only manage to defend the city, I'm afraid we might still..."

Perhaps it's not even worth the palace being so happy and even rewarding the family members!

Daiyu silently added a sentence in her heart.

Shangguan Shanggong took in the expressions of these young girls and young wives with their hair in a bun, and even glanced at the little actor.

The Empress has asked her to observe the character of the young ladies in the Jia family; she'd better take a good look.

These three young ladies have a heroic air about them and look like shrewd and capable wives!

This Miss Lin has an extraordinary temperament, is naturally beautiful, and looks intelligent!

The court lady looked around and, seeing the eagerness in everyone's eyes, continued unhurriedly:

"Just when Yulin Garrison was in dire straits, Marquis Jingwu led two thousand light cavalry from Balang to arrive in time."

"After days of siege, the Northern Yuan army still had more than 50,000 men, while the Han army had only 2,000."

"However, despite being outnumbered, Marquis Jingwu was not afraid. In order to protect Yulin City, he led two thousand light cavalry straight into the enemy's formation."

"After a difficult battle, Marquis Jingwu finally captured the enemy general and flag, personally shot and killed the Northern Yuan army commander-in-chief Toghtoa Bukha, captured the Northern Yuan crown prince Bayar, and killed more than 20,000 Northern Yuan soldiers, completely defeating the Northern Yuan army of more than 50,000 in one battle."

"Thus, the Northern Yuan army that invaded our Great Han suffered a crushing defeat, and the situation in the Northwest was completely reversed..."

When Minister Shangguan said this, his words were tinged with admiration. Two thousand defeated more than fifty thousand. What incredible bravery!

If this hadn't come from Empress Zhou herself, she would have found it hard to believe!

Marquis Jingwu truly deserves to be called the pillar of our great Han Dynasty. No wonder even the Empress praised him highly and even instructed her to be warm and friendly when she came to the Jia family.

The Jia family members were stunned by what Minister Shangguan said.

Unexpectedly, Jia Jing has achieved such a brilliant victory in such a short period of time.

No wonder even the Empress sent her trusted court lady to personally deliver the reward.

Tan Chun's beautiful face lit up with joy, and her voice, with its unique charm for her age and a touch of spiritedness, exclaimed:

"With only two thousand men against an enemy force of over fifty thousand, he was still able to kill generals and capture flags. My third brother's bravery is truly rare throughout history."

Shi Xiangyun was equally stunned, her beautiful eyes sparkling. She had always wanted to be a female general like Hua Mulan, and she said excitedly at this moment.

"Since ancient times, beheading generals, capturing flags, being the first to scale the walls, and breaking through enemy lines have been known as the four top military achievements on the battlefield, representing the four most valiant and crucial accomplishments of a military general."

"My third brother once captured the city gate of Jizhou, which can be considered as the first to scale the walls. He has also been at the forefront of the attack, breaking through enemy lines many times."

"So, by that calculation, Third Brother has already amassed four major military achievements by himself. His martial prowess is extraordinary; he is truly a role model for us all!"

These young ladies didn't have many topics to discuss, so how could they not pay more attention to a brother who had achieved high rank and generalship at such a young age?

Therefore, they had collected information about Jia Jing's poems and battles, and had repeatedly studied and discussed them.

This is also why Shi Xiangyun was able to easily calculate that Jia Jing had already accumulated all four major military achievements.

A thoughtful expression appeared on Sister Feng's beautiful face as she stood to the side.

My second brother defeated tens of thousands of Northern Yuan troops in one battle, and his contribution this time must be considerable.

He's already a marquis; if he were to rise any higher, wouldn't he be on par with the late Duke?

Fengjie felt a chill run down her spine. She watched as Jia Jing rose step by step in rank, while she, as his sister-in-law, had not benefited from it at all.

This made her extremely upset; her heart felt like it was being scratched by a cat.

I don't know what my second brother likes. When he returns to the manor this time, I must try to cater to his preferences and get closer to him.

Even if she can't get back the power of housekeeping, she still needs to gain some benefits in other places to show off her abilities as the fiery Feng!

Unlike the others who were overjoyed, Yingchun's beautiful and graceful face showed worry in her gentle and kind eyes as she said:

"Third brother, I wonder if you are injured? The battlefield is dangerous, and this time you were charging ahead against overwhelming odds. I hope you haven't suffered any injuries."

Upon hearing Yingchun's words, Daiyu, Baochai, and Xiaojiao'er all showed signs of worry.

The little boy's round face showed a hint of concern as he clasped his hands together and bowed upwards:

"Yes! Third Master, you absolutely mustn't get hurt. May the Bodhisattvas in heaven protect you and keep you safe and sound. I, Xiao Jiao'er, will kowtow to you every day from now on."

Daiyu frowned slightly, clutching the handkerchief in her hand, a sense of worry rising in her heart for Jia Jing's safety.

But she couldn't show it like the young boy Yan Wuji; she could only comfort herself in secret: with the safety amulet she had given him, her third brother would surely turn misfortune into good fortune and overcome adversity.

Baochai's fair face paled even more, her almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly, and she silently prayed for Jia Jing.