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

Inside the pavilion in the garden of Rongguo Mansion.

The women of the Jia family were chatting and laughing with Li Shi, and Nian Shilan would occasionally chime in with a few polite words, showing her refined manners as a lady from a prominent family.

In this relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, suddenly, a nanny from the Jia family walked in quickly.

He addressed Grandmother Jia, Tan Chun, and Wang Xifeng;

"Grandma, Third Miss, Second Madam, the Princess Consort of Bei Jing has arrived!"

Grandmother Jia and Tan Chun were all taken aback when they heard this. The Princess of Bei Jing had come to visit?

If we say that the Jia family and the Prince of Beijing's mansion are indeed closely related, or that the Rongguo mansion has the closest relationship with Prince Shui Rong, one of the four non-royal princes of the founding line, the Prince of Beijing is the closest.

If any major event occurs in either household, they will send people to pay their respects to each other.

For example, when Jia Jing passed away recently, Prince Bei Jing personally attended the roadside memorial service.

At that time, Prince Bei Jing also took the initiative to summon Jia Baoyu, personally presented him with a royal gift of wagtail-scented prayer beads, and invited him to visit the Prince's mansion often to talk with famous scholars.

The reason why Prince Bei Jing and the Jia family had such a close relationship was largely due to the role played by Princess Zhen, the wife of Prince Bei Jing.

The Zhen family was the second daughter of the powerful Zhen family in Jiangnan. The Zhen family and the Jia family were old relatives and had been friends for generations!

How close are the Jia and Zhen families?

According to the original text, the Zhen family would always visit the Jia family first when they went to the capital, and their words were full of respect.

The fact that the Jia family even entrusted 50,000 taels of silver to the Zhen family demonstrates the depth of their trust.

In the original novel, Grandmother Jia also said to the Zhen family members who came to the capital:

"Both your eldest daughter's and second daughter's families are on very good terms with our family."

"Your second daughter is even better, less arrogant and conceited, which is why we've become so close."

The second young lady refers to Princess Zhenyi of Beijing.

However, as the principal wife of Prince Bei Jing, Zhen Yi held a noble status and spent most of her time in the palace.

Although they frequently sent people to the Jia family to pay their respects, they rarely visited in person.

She wasn't a very sociable person to begin with; the last time she visited the Jia family mansion was a few years ago when Grandmother Jia celebrated her birthday.

Their sudden arrival today has surprised and puzzled Grandmother Jia and the others, who are wondering why!

Daiyu and Baochai, who were standing to the side, narrowed their eyes and thought to themselves, "Could it be another marriage proposal?"

These days, noble ladies, princesses, and imperial concubines have been coming to our mansion to propose marriage in an endless stream, and they are all experiencing some kind of stress reaction!

Before Li Shi and Nian Shilan have even left, another Princess of Bei Jing has arrived. Isn't Third Brother being a bit too... "attracting attention"?

A thoughtful expression appeared on Yuan Chun's plump face.

She knew Princess Zhenyi of Beijing; she was a very bright and beautiful woman who didn't talk much and didn't seem like the type to arrange marriages for other families.

Li and Nian Shilan frowned slightly, their plump faces darkening.

For a moment, the pavilion fell silent, with only the occasional croaking of frogs echoing from under the lotus leaves in the pond.

Having experienced much, Grandmother Jia was the first to regain her composure and smiled, saying:

"It's a rare occasion for the Princess to visit for the first time. Head maid and Feng maid, go and greet her properly, don't neglect her!"

Although Grandmother Jia had her doubts, she was still very happy about Zhen Yi's arrival.

After all, this was her in-law's daughter, and in her heart, she belonged to her own family's younger generation.

Fengjie and Yuanchun immediately got up and walked out of the pavilion together.

Not long after,

Surrounded by Fengjie and Yuanchun, Princess Zhen of Beijing, along with a group of maids and servants, entered the back garden of the Jia family mansion.

Meanwhile, Grandmother Jia, supported by her personal maid Yuanyang, stood outside the pavilion to greet them, followed closely by Lady Wang, Madam Li, and others.

Although Prince Bei Jing and the Jia family were old friends and close relatives, and were not outsiders, Lady Zhen was also the daughter of an old relative and a junior of Grandmother Jia.

However, Princess Bei Jing is, after all, a noble lady of the highest rank, and the proper etiquette and respect must still be shown.

With the sound of footsteps, Grandmother Jia and the others looked in the direction of the sound and saw Yuan Chun supporting the Princess of Beijing as she appeared before them.

Princess Zhen of Beijing wore a dark blue satin jacket with gold brocade, paired with a moon-white embroidered horse-face skirt, with lotus patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs.

The gold thread gleamed subtly in the sunlight, befitting the princess's status without being ostentatious.

She wore a kingfisher feather hairpin with pearls on her head, with pearl tassels hanging on both sides, swaying gently as she walked, making her look even more dignified.

Zhen had an oval face, a long and slender swan neck, red lips and white teeth, and a gentle and graceful temperament between her eyebrows and eyes. Her whole appearance was fresh and beautiful.

Everyone's eyes lit up. The Princess of Beijing possessed a stunningly beautiful appearance, exuding both nobility and feminine gentleness.

No wonder she was famous throughout Jiangnan, and suitors flocked to her.

Xiangyun's apple-shaped face lit up as she whispered in Daiyu's ear:

"Sister Lin, this princess is indeed graceful, dignified, and gentle!"

They had seen many noble ladies these days, but those like the Princess of Beijing were extremely rare.

Daiyu's starry eyes flashed, and she glanced at Shi Xiangyun. Why was she telling her all this?

Does this mean I'm not virtuous and gentle enough?

However, Yun is always straightforward, so there's no need to doubt her.

Daiyu tilted her head slightly and carefully examined the Princess of Beijing. Beneath her arched eyebrows, her bright, dark eyes held a mixture of curiosity and seriousness.

Baochai, standing to the side, blinked her watery almond-shaped eyes, and her pretty face, as white and flawless as a pear blossom, also showed a hint of surprise.

This Princess Consort of Beijing was indeed elegant and beautiful, like a white peony touched by morning dew.

Aunt Xue, standing to the side, looked on with a hint of envy; this was the dignity and honor of a princess.

She had seen Zhen Yi in Jiangnan before. Although she was outstanding then, she did not have the poise and elegance she possessed now that she had become a princess.

If my precious daughter can be like that in the future, I will have no regrets!

"Zhen Yi greets the Dowager Lady Rong!"

Princess Bei Jing approached Grandmother Jia, curtsied, and adopted a very humble posture.

"Your Highness, please rise. It is I who should be paying your respects!"

Grandmother Jia smiled and gave Zhen Yi a helping hand.

Afterwards, a group of women from the Jia family, along with Li Shi, Nian Shilan, and others, gave Zhen Yi a curtsy.

Yuan Chun stood beside Zhen Yi and quietly introduced everyone present to her.

After a brief introduction and a few more pleasantries,

After everyone returned to their seats in the pavilion and the guests and hosts took their places, Grandmother Jia asked with a smile:

"Your Highness is a rare guest. What brings you here today?"

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze to Princess Zhen Yi of Beijing.

Zhen Yi smiled slightly and said softly:

"We've come today to congratulate the Dowager! The Prince just returned from court and said that the court has finalized the conferment of the title of Marquis of Champion upon your grandson!"

"The Emperor, along with his cabinet ministers, the Prince of Nan'an, and other princes, discussed the matter and ultimately decided to bestow upon the Marquis of Champion the title of Duke."

"The imperial edict has been drafted and should be issued to your residence soon. You will be promoted to the rank of Grand General of the Second Grade, Pillar of the State, and granted the privilege of wearing a python robe and jade belt."