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

While everyone in the hall was lost in thought, only the young actor, being too young to consider such things, looked at Lin Daiyu beside him expectantly and asked:

"Miss Lin, when do you think Third Master will be back? I miss him! Hehe!"

Everyone in the hall was taken aback upon hearing this, and then turned their gazes toward them.

Lin Daiyu's bright, intelligent eyes flickered, though she didn't want to appear too close to Jia Jing in front of everyone.

But faced with the expectant gaze of the young actress, she couldn't bear not to answer, and she had indeed considered the matter.

Daiyu pursed her cherry lips and said softly:

"I estimate it will take at least three or four more months. Although my third brother has defeated the Northern Yuan army, there is still the combined forces of Hunxie and the pseudo-Qing."

"And besides fighting, my third brother might have other military duties when he goes to the Northwest."

"Based on this calculation, there are at least a few months left, and perhaps as long as six months to a year."

After speaking, Daiyu seemed a little shy, lowered her eyes, and said no more.

When Grandmother Jia saw Lin Daiyu's expression, a thoughtful look flashed in her eyes.

How does Yu'er know so much about the affairs of the Northwest in the imperial court? She also seems particularly concerned about that wicked grandson. Could it be...?

Looking at Lin Daiyu, who was like a budding flower, Grandmother Jia shook her head, denying her own guess.

She comforted herself, saying: "That wicked grandson brought the Imperial Hospital to treat Yu'er and help her recover. It's only right that she cares about her."

Grandmother Jia intended to match the two Yu'er's together, but she didn't want Jia Jing to ruin the good thing!

Xue Baochai gave Lin Daiyu a deep look, pursed her pink lips, and pondered to herself.

This girl Lin has become increasingly knowledgeable about current affairs; it seems she's put in a lot of effort these past few days. I can't fall behind.

The young actor, upon hearing Lin Daiyu's words, appeared somewhat disappointed and said dejectedly:

"Ah! It's going to take so long!"

Seeing this, Sister Feng's eyes lit up slightly, and she smiled:

"Listen to this, Lin Daiyu is becoming more and more remarkable now."

"Not only does he look much better, but his insightful and articulate remarks are something that most men can't match."

"Next time my third brother goes to war, I think we should let Lin Daiyu be his strategist!"

Sister Feng's words carried a deeper meaning, as if she were testing someone.

Everyone chuckled at the teasing remark, except for Madam Wang and Aunt Xue, whose expressions turned somewhat indifferent.

A blush rose to Daiyu's face, and her starry eyes, framed by delicate brows, flickered. She didn't try to explain, but instead said, somewhat embarrassed and annoyed:

"Brothers fight tigers together. Next time Third Brother goes on a campaign, let him take Second Brother Lian with him, so you can stay at home in fear and see if you still have the mind to joke with me."

Sister Feng was a woman who could take a joke. Upon hearing this, she raised her slender eyebrows, her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, and she smiled:

"That's wonderful news! Let Third Brother take Lian Er with him, so he won't be nowhere to be seen at home all day."

"It would be better to go to the battlefield and earn a title with my third brother. I don't even ask him to be ennobled like my third brother. I would be very grateful if he could be a baron or viscount."

After a few laughs and jokes, Grandmother Jia finally let Tan Chun take the other girls to select jewelry, headdresses, and other items sent from the palace.

Only Lady Wang remained in Rongqing Hall. Grandmother Jia, her expression slightly hardened, addressed Lady Wang:

"Shuqing, go back and make preparations. In a few days, come with me to the palace to express our gratitude, and then ask the Empress for a favor so that Yuanchun can be brought out of the palace."

At this moment, there was no room for negotiation in Grandmother Jia's words. Jia Jing had made great contributions and become even more prominent. Under such circumstances, his instructions could not be questioned.

Madam Wang gripped the Buddhist prayer beads tightly, her grief and indignation almost overflowing.

But under Grandmother Jia's piercing gaze, she could only nod blankly after a long while.

When the situation is unfavorable, how can one not bow one's head?

However, we'll see about this matter later!

………………

Ningguo Prefecture.

In early spring, the weather was still cold.

The old plum tree in the Ningguo Mansion courtyard has withered, its branches bare, rustling in the wind.

There was some sunlight, lazily shining on the window paper, letting in a bit of warmth.

In the main hall,

Jia Zhen lay disheveled on the couch, wearing only a dark blue silk jacket with the collar open, revealing his snow-white undergarment underneath.

He held a rhinoceros horn cup in his hand, the wine inside golden in color, a new secret brew called "Jade Liquid Wine" from the newly opened Jingzihao Trading Company in the capital city.

This wine is known as "ancient method of brewing immortal wine, restoring the golden nectar and jade liquor". Although it is extremely expensive, every inch of wine is worth its weight in gold.

However, its unique taste quickly made it a hit in Beijing, and demand exceeded supply.

Jia Zhen also managed to obtain some from elsewhere with great difficulty.

"I wonder who owns this Jing-branded trading company. These days they're selling wine, glassware, all sorts of novelties, and they're selling like hotcakes, making a fortune!"

A glint of greed flashed in Jia Zhen's eyes.

At this moment, Jia Zhen was accompanied by two concubines, one on each side, drinking wine.

The one on the left is called Pei Feng, and she is wearing a peach-colored jacket.

On the right is Xie Luan, dressed in a light green vest, holding a pipa in her hand, idly plucking it, as if lamenting.

"Sir, I heard that their business has also launched dressing mirrors and handheld mirrors, both with rosewood frames and inlaid with tortoiseshell and gemstones."

"It even has the elegant name 'Hibiscus Reflecting the Moon,' which is far better than the blurry bronze mirror. I like it and was thinking of buying one."

"They're just too expensive. The cheapest ones are only a few inches big, and they still cost over a hundred taels of silver..."

Pei Fengjiao replied with a smile, her words filled with helplessness and longing.

Jia Zhen, hearing this, immediately understood the implied meaning. He took a sip of the fine wine, casually pinched Pei Feng's pretty face, and laughed:

"If you serve me well, I'll buy you one."

Pei Feng spat shyly, twisting her body to avoid him, but she didn't really avoid him. Instead, she leaned closer to him.

Seeing this, Xie Luan stopped playing her pipa, filled Jia Zhen's wine cup, and held it to his lips with her delicate hand, saying sweetly:

"My lord, I want one too!"

"Your Excellency was bedridden for a while, and I served you every day, playing the pipa for you. Your Excellency must not forget my contributions!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Zhen's face stiffened.

Recalling what has happened recently, I feel a surge of resentment!

Who would have thought that he, the dignified head of the Jia family, the patriarch of the Ningguo Mansion, and a third-class general of the Weilie Army, would spend more than a month in bed during the holidays?

No, that's not right! I should say I've spent the last six months in bed!

Ever since that illegitimate son of the eldest son returned to the capital, he hasn't gotten out of bed!

His father, having somehow heard rumors, seemed to know that he harbored improper thoughts towards the Qin family.

When he returned home before the New Year, he was tied up and beaten without any explanation. They even threatened to strip him of his title, which terrified him!

After being out of the public eye for more than a decade, his sudden return and display of such power was something he had never expected.

Fortunately, that old guy is nearing the end of his life!

A few days ago, someone from Xuanzhen Temple came to inform you that you should prepare for the funeral!

A hint of pleasure flashed across Jia Zhen's stiff face. Once this old man was dead, no one would be able to control him anymore!

Thinking of this, Jia Zhen's sunken eyes once again saw Qin Keqing's charming, affectionate, and beautiful face, as bright and lovely as a flower.

This time, no one can stop him from enjoying the beauty of the Qin family!