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

Inside the Rongguo Mansion Garden,

While recommending the renowned physician Wu Qian to Li Shi, Grandmother Jia pulled Daiyu into her arms and looked at her increasingly rosy complexion with great satisfaction.

Daiyu's congenital illness was completely cured, which relieved Grandmother Jia of a great worry.

Therefore, she highly praised Wu Qian's medical skills and would tell everyone she met.

Daiyu was caught off guard and pulled into Grandmother Jia's arms. Facing Li Shi's scrutinizing gaze, a blush immediately rose on her face.

Her bright, dark eyes flickered, and she stood up, curtsied to Madam Li, and said softly:

"Greetings, Madam!"

The voice was melodious and gentle, with a touch of the softness of the Jiangnan water towns.

Li took a close look at Daiyu's complexion and appearance, and couldn't help but be stunned for a moment!

Without a doubt, even among the many young ladies and women in the Jia family, Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai were outstanding in both appearance and temperament.

Li glanced at Lin Daiyu again, a hint of something deeper in her eyes, and then smiled:

"This must be the daughter of the Lin family, the Salt Commissioner of Jiangnan? I heard Lan'er mention you when she went back home; you are indeed beautiful and intelligent!"

Although Li was being polite, she was somewhat wary of Lin Daiyu's delicate eyebrows and affectionate eyes.

With such an ethereal air, it's no wonder that when Lan Yatou went back and talked about this girl and another girl named Xue Baochai, she looked solemn and as if facing a formidable enemy.

With a cousin like that around, it would be hard for the champion to not be tempted by spending so much time with her!

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu looked up and glanced at Nian Shilan beside Li Shi.

She remained unfazed, still displaying the delicate, timid, gentle, and virtuous demeanor of a well-bred young lady.

Daiyu snorted inwardly: Humph! Running to Third Brother's house all the time, his intentions are obvious to everyone, he doesn't seem like a good person!

These days, she has seen a constant stream of ladies from noble families coming to her mansion wanting to marry Jia Jing, and alarm bells have been ringing in her mind.

Especially this Nian Shilan, a young lady, visiting us so many times, doesn't she feel ashamed?

After exchanging a brief greeting with Daiyu, Li turned to Grandmother Jia and replied:

"Don't worry, Madam, my mother-in-law is fine! She's just old and weak."

"My family also consulted Judge Wu, who said she is of advanced age, but otherwise there are no problems."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia's expression softened slightly. After a pause, she sighed and said:

"It's rare for someone to live to seventy! That's how it is when people get old; they're always getting sick or aches and pains."

"She's also over seventy, a few years older than me. The weather here in Shenjing isn't as warm as in the south, so she needs to take care of her health."

"As people get older, they can't stand the wind or the cold, and they need to worry less."

Li was dressed in a dark blue brocade dress with gold embroidery, the hem and collar embroidered with delicate cloud patterns. She was beautiful, and a faint smile graced her face as she spoke:

"Thank you for your concern, Madam. My mother-in-law is now enjoying her grandchildren at home and doesn't have many things to worry about."

"The only thing I'm still worried about is my husband's younger sister's marriage! She has two sons and two daughters, and now only Lan'er is still unmarried."

"Lan is the youngest, and her parents-in-law have always treated her like a precious gem at home, and they are reluctant to let her get married."

"In addition, she has high standards. She has always admired her second brother and wants to find a great general like him. She looks down on ordinary young masters."

"The Grand Secretary Li, the son of Minister Jin, and even His Highness Prince Yi have all visited my home, but Lan'er refused..."

Li's pointed remark elicited various reactions from those present.

Lady Wang, Baochai, Daiyu, and others all frowned secretly, their faces slightly somber.

These words not only subtly revealed her intention to marry Jia Jing, but also implied that a great general like Nian Gengyao, who else could be of marriageable age besides Jia Jing?

It further points out how sought-after Nian Shilan is, lest the Jia family look down on her because she has visited them several times.

The Grand Secretary Li she mentioned was Li Guangdi, and Minister Jin was Jin Fu, the Minister of Works; both were important officials in the court.

Needless to say, Prince Yi was the eldest son of the retired emperor and the former crown prince.

Grandmother Jia smiled but didn't respond to Li's words.

Although she also thought Nian Shilan was a good person, knowledgeable, reasonable, and good-looking, she couldn't make the decision on this matter.

Moreover, there have been too many people trying to marry her wicked grandson lately, including princesses of good looks and character, not to mention Nian Shilan!

Grandmother Jia's smile remained unchanged as she spoke in a hoarse voice:

"Lan is indeed a good girl; she will surely find a good match in the future."

"Your mother-in-law is also very fortunate. Now she has three generations living under one roof, with successful children and grandchildren, and you all being filial daughters-in-law."

Li Shi didn't care that Grandmother Jia hadn't responded to Nian Shilan's request. Her first visit was more about testing the waters and building a relationship.

Whether Nian Shilan's marriage can go through depends on how well her second brother, Nian Gengyao, negotiates with the Marquis of Champion.

Li smiled and said:

"My mother-in-law is truly blessed! But Madam Tai is even more blessed!"

"Not to mention his noble birth, the late Duke Rong was also a man of outstanding talent. What is even more remarkable is that his grandson has now produced a pillar of the nation and a hero of the world, the Marquis of Champion."

"On my way to your residence, I heard from him that he had brought another victory report from the Northwest! Sealing the wolf's lair, drinking from the vast sea, nine battles, nine victories, his might shakes the world—what feats and glory!"

"My master said that this battle in the Northwest is crucial to the fate of the nation, and the Marquis of Champion has made a great contribution. Within ten days, the imperial court will surely issue an edict of reward!"

Li's gentle words were full of praise, though it was unclear whether she was genuinely impressed by Jia Jing's achievements or simply offering flattery.

By this time, Grandmother Jia and the others had also learned of the ninth piece of good news.

Although they were very happy, like Emperor Jingsheng, they had heard too many reports of victory and flattery lately and had become somewhat immune to them!

Grandmother Jia smiled and waved her hand, saying:

"He's still young; he only achieved some merit because of the Emperor's trust in him. He still has a lot to learn!"

"Lord Nian of Liaodong is a seasoned and important minister of the state. As the saying goes, a good warrior does not have many glorious achievements."

"Lord Nian has guarded the borders and protected the country in these nine important towns for so many years; he has truly made great contributions! Even Jing-ge'er rose through the ranks under his command!"

Faced with countless congratulations these days, Grandmother Jia has developed a set of rhetoric for dealing with compliments.

The key is to first emphasize the emperor's trustworthiness, then offer a few words of self-deprecation, and incidentally praise the other party's outstanding family members. It's a smooth and back-and-forth exchange.

Seeing that Grandmother Jia praised Nian Gengyao, Li felt somewhat comforted and smiled, saying:

"Madam, didn't Lan'er say there was another Baoyu in the manor? I heard he was also exceptionally talented, but I haven't seen him."