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

In Rongqing Hall, everyone in the Jia family was worried about Jia Jing's safety.

Seeing the somber expressions on the faces of the women of the Jia family, Shangguan Shanggong offered words of comfort:

"Rest assured! The Marquis of Jingwu's report of victory did not mention his injury! It seems the Marquis is blessed with good fortune and will be fine!"

"Furthermore, Her Majesty said that once the official report from the Northwest arrives in a few days, the court will bestow further rewards upon Marquis Jingwu! This is truly joyous news!"

"Her Majesty also said that Marquis Jingwu has fought for the country abroad and made great contributions. If you have any questions at home, just go to the palace to find her."

"As long as it doesn't violate the laws and regulations of the imperial court, she will make exceptions for you!"

Upon hearing these words, Yingchun and the others breathed a sigh of relief, and the worry on their faces lessened slightly.

Fengjie glanced at Madam Wang again, a strange smile in her eyes.

She wondered if Lady Wang would be punished by the Empress with a beating if she went to the palace to complain about Jia Jing at this moment!

Lin Daiyu loosened her grip on the handkerchief, and her bright, lively eyes lifted slightly, revealing a different kind of interest.

She glanced at Xue Baochai beside her, only to see that Xue Baochai had also turned to look at her, her almond-shaped eyes, clear and bright, filled with calm and gentle light.

Their eyes met, and Xue Baochai nodded and smiled slightly as if nothing had happened, appearing dignified and poised.

Daiyu's bright, dark eyes held a hint of mischief and a barely perceptible wariness, while a smile played at the corners of her lips.

After exchanging a glance, the two turned their heads back, their smiles fading slightly.

After seeing Shangguan Shanggong off, Fengjie, a beautiful young woman, was the first to smile and say:

"This second brother's military skills are truly superb! He has achieved another great feat so quickly that even the Empress has sent someone to reward him. He is becoming more and more remarkable!"

"My third brother was already a marquis; wouldn't this further bestow upon him the title of duke?"

"If that's the case, then you'll be on par with our ancestors! Truly... your future is limitless!"

Sister Feng's expression was full of amazement, and as soon as she finished speaking, everyone in the room was shocked, with different expressions, and they were all thinking to themselves.

Grandmother Jia's expression was a mixture of joy and worry. She was happy that if her unfilial grandson were to be granted the title of Duke, then the Jia family would truly be able to return to the prosperous times that their ancestors had enjoyed!

At that time, she will be the Dowager Lady of the Duke, and her grandson will be a Duke. With two Dukes in one household, the family's prestige will be unparalleled in the world!

What worries her is that the more powerful Jia Jing becomes, the more headaches she, as an old woman, will have, and her words will carry less weight in the Rongguo Mansion.

Moreover, at such a young age, he has taken on a high position; it's uncertain whether this is a blessing or a curse, and whether it will bring any hidden dangers to the Rongguo Mansion.

Madam Xing, standing to the side, also paused slightly, pondering what would happen if Jia Jing really became a Duke.

I wonder if she, as the stepmother of the Duke, can rise in rank along with him and his family, and get some benefits!

Madam Xing's thoughts have also changed somewhat.

Seeing Jia Jing rise through the ranks and gain more and more power, she had to start thinking about her own future.

The master is clearly becoming useless. If she wants to live a good life in the Jia family in her later years, she can only rely on these few distant sons!

Logically speaking, Jia Lian was the legitimate son, so her future support should mainly rely on Jia Lian.

However, Fengjie had always had a bad relationship with her mother-in-law, and she felt that Jia Lian was unreliable.

Needless to say, Jia Cong is a nobody; there's no way you can count on him.

Only Jia Jing, although he was an illegitimate son, was becoming increasingly powerful both outside the household and in terms of influence.

If she could cultivate a closer mother-son relationship with Jia Jing, wouldn't she be able to get whatever she wanted in the Jia household? Even the old lady would have to give her some leeway.

As for her previous lack of closeness with Jia Jing, Madam Xing did not consider this a problem.

Jia Jing was a filial son. Even though his master had been so cruel to him before, he still visited him several times after his master's accident and showed him a lot of care.

Although his stepmother had scolded him and treated him unkindly, he believed that if she could change her attitude and take the initiative to be nice to him in the future, Jia Jing would be willing to be filial to her.

It must be said that Jia Jing's "filial piety" towards Jia She actually led many people in the household, including Madam Xing, to believe that he was kind-hearted and a filial son!

But how should I show my goodwill?

As Madam Xing pondered, she suddenly remembered that her brother Xing Zhong had written to her a few days ago, saying that he wanted to bring his niece Xing Xiuyan to Beijing to stay with her.

My niece is about sixteen or seventeen years old now, and she has always been quiet and gentle.

Since she is not yet betrothed, wouldn't it be perfect to arrange a marriage between her and Jing-ge'er?

This way, not only will I get closer to Jingge, but my niece will also find a good marriage partner, which is a win-win situation.

As Madam Xing pondered this, her eyes flickered, and a smile unconsciously appeared on her face.

Of course, she never considered making her niece her legal wife; that was unrealistic.

But since her niece comes from a respectable family and has her own connections, it wouldn't be a problem for her to become a concubine.

Taking care of it myself from now on, and having another child would be a good way out.

No one knew what Madam Xing was thinking.

At this moment, Madam Xing was not the only one present who had the idea of ​​marrying Jia Jing.

At this moment, Aunt Xue's fair face showed a conflicted expression. She had already given up any wishful thinking about Jia Jing.

Having witnessed Jia Jing's ruthless rectification of the household a few days ago, she was already afraid and had given up any thoughts of currying favor with him.

But when she heard that Jia Jing was going to be promoted again and even made a duke, her heart was stirred once more.

Lord of the country!

What an illustrious position!

If her precious daughter and Jing-ge'er got together, then the Xue family would truly prosper!

She thought even deeper: if Jing-ge'er could be made a Duke at such a young age, could he possibly be made a King in the future?

It's just one step away!

If he were to be made a prince, his beloved daughter's status would no longer be a problem.

Because a prince can have not only a principal wife, but also concubines.

A concubine is not a mistress, but a woman who is officially recognized and registered by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Clan Court.

Not only did they receive salaries and official robes, but their offspring could also be granted titles.

Given Jingge'er's rapid rise to the highest ranks of officialdom in just a few years, it's not impossible that he will be granted the title of king in the future.

Aunt Xue really didn't want to let go of such immense wealth.

Just as I was feeling unsettled, a pair of bright, almond-shaped eyes looked at me, carrying a gentle and tender quality.

It was her beloved daughter's gaze.

Aunt Xue's gaze shifted as she looked at her bright and beautiful daughter.

Thinking it over, with her own daughter's character, talent, and appearance, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she should be a concubine, if not the principal wife!

It seems we still need to make some plans!