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

In the garden pavilion,

Sister Feng made a high EQ statement, praising five people in one sentence.

The joyous occasion of Jia Jing's promotion was linked to Aunt Xue's birthday and the visits of Princess Zhen, Princess Li, and Nian Shilan to the mansion.

It was as if Jia Jing's promotion was due to the good fortune of the guests' visit and the joy of Aunt Xue's birthday.

Upon hearing this, Aunt Xue, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but smile, saying:

"I've shared in the Duke's good fortune; this birthday is truly unforgettable!"

She had thought of this before, but she didn't want to say it out loud!

On his own birthday, Jia Jing was granted the title of Duke, which could be seen as a way of "bringing good fortune to his son-in-law"!

My daughter is very beautiful and healthy. I had her fortune told before, and it was said that she is destined to have many children and bring good fortune to her husband!

She was thinking to herself that she should find an opportunity to let the Jia family know about this, as it would be a major advantage for her precious daughter!

Li Shi and Nian Shilan also showed some delight because of Feng Jie's words.

At this moment, Grandmother Jia seemed to realize something and asked Zhen Shi in a hoarse voice:

"Your Highness, may I ask what rank of duke Jing'er has been granted this time?"

Although all ranks of duke are dukes, it is clear that a first-rank duke is much better than a third-rank duke!

As soon as Grandmother Jia said this, everyone in the Jia family looked intently at Princess Zhen, the Princess of Beijing, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Even Li Shi and Nian Shilan secretly pricked up their ears and listened in.

Madam Zhen smiled slightly, thinking to herself: You finally remembered to ask about this!

The reason she didn't directly mention the rank of duke or the title was to give Prince Bei Jing a chance to show off her merits.

After all, according to the prince, he had strongly supported Jia Jing's bestowal of titles and rewards during the meeting at the Qianqing Palace, offering suggestions and contributing a great deal of effort!

Since you've put in the effort, you should let the person involved know, as this will be a favor in the future!

Princess Zhen of Bei Jing smiled and said:

"Based on the military achievements of the Marquis of Champion, he should have been granted the title of First-Class Duke."

"However, the cabinet ministers of the court were not in favor of re-granting the title. Grand Secretary Fang and Grand Secretary Xiong, among others, said that the Marquis of Champion was too young."

"They said that the Jia family had produced three dukes, and their wealth and status were already at their peak. They worried that there would be no more dukes to be granted titles in the future, so they used various excuses to obstruct them."

"It is said that leaving room for maneuver is the way to preserve blessings! The suggestion is to confer the title of Third-Class Duke..."

Zhen Shi, without haste, first pointed out the obstacles posed by Fang Congzhe and others, which made it clear how rare it was for the Prince of Bei Jing's descendant to stand up and "not be afraid of powerful forces"!

As expected, Jia Mu and the others showed a hint of disappointment upon hearing this.

They had hoped that even if he wasn't a first-class duke, he would at least be a second-class duke, but they didn't expect him to be a third-class duke.

Most importantly, Zhen also said that Jia Jing should have been awarded the title of First-Class Duke based on his military achievements, but this was thwarted by others.

This makes people feel a little uncomfortable!

Shi Xiangyun, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but lean close to Lin Daiyu's ear and whisper:

"These two Grand Secretaries, Fang and Xiong, are utterly despicable! They must be treacherous officials with white faces!"

Lin Daiyu glared at her, indicating that they should go back to their room and talk, instead of spouting nonsense here.

At this moment, Grandmother Jia's expression softened, and she smiled as she addressed the crowd:

"Jing-ge'er is still young, he'll have plenty of opportunities in the future! Being granted the title of Duke this time is already very good; it's all thanks to the Emperor's boundless grace!"

Madam Zhen smiled and said:

"The old lady is indeed wise. No wonder people say that having an elder in the family is like having a treasure."

"It was just that His Majesty was dissatisfied with the advice given by Grand Secretaries Fang and Xiong, among others. He said that those who have made contributions should be rewarded, and there was no reason to treat meritorious officials poorly because of their age."

"His Majesty has requested that his ministers discuss this further, lest the soldiers in the Northwest lose their resolve to serve their country and fight the enemy..."

Lady Zhen once again pointed out Emperor Jingsheng's merits, saying that anyone could claim credit, but she dared not take credit for His Majesty's.

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia quickly said:

"The Emperor's kindness is truly boundless! I will tell Jing-ge'er about this when he returns."

The others also smiled, surprised that there was still a chance. Now they were sure to get a second-class duke!

Madam Zhen smiled and said:

"At His Majesty's request, Grand Secretary Fang and Grand Secretary Xiong put forward a new idea."

"That was the Duke She, father of the Marquis of Jiaen, who was granted the title of Third-Class Duke by both father and son, in recognition of the Marquis of Jiaen's achievements in the Northwest..."

"What?!" Grandmother Jia and the others were all overjoyed. Two third-class dukes?

Standing to the side, Sister Feng was startled, her heart skipped a beat, and she pursed her moist, peach-blossom-like lips, her handkerchief clenching tightly in her hand!

The lord was granted the title of Third-Class Duke?

Doesn't this mean that Lian Er will inherit the title of Duke in the future?

Could I possibly have the chance to become a first-rank duchess?

Although those without military merit can only inherit a noble title, with his third brother around, it's not a big problem to secretly gain some military merit!

If all else fails, she could also harden her heart and send Lian Er to the Northwest to serve as a border guard for a few years!

She's determined to be the Duchess of the State, and no one can stop her!

Sister Feng gripped the handkerchief in her hand tighter and tighter, her heart already enveloped in a huge wave of joy!

Madam Wang's face darkened instantly, and she nearly crushed the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand into dust.

What? One Duke from the eldest son's family isn't enough, they want two more?

After this, will there still be a place for the second branch of the Rongguo Mansion to stay?

It was one thing for that illegitimate son to become a duke, after all, he was indeed a capable fighter, having earned his title through hard-fought battles. Although she was resentful, she didn't criticize him much!

But why should Lian Er and you, Feng Yatou, get to follow behind and reap the benefits?

Feng, a poor girl, actually wants to become the Duchess of the State?

I bother!

This third-class dukedom should belong to my second wife, to Baoyu!

Lady Wang's face was contorted with jealousy!

They wished that Sister Feng and Jia Lian would die on the spot, so that their second branch of the family could inherit the title!

At this moment, Madam Xing no longer cared about observing Madam Wang's expression; she was overwhelmed by the immense happiness that had fallen from the sky!

It wasn't a wasted marriage!

The master finally got his chance to shine, and she benefited from it!

Duchess of the State, what kind of status is that?

From now on, Jia Xingshi will be on equal footing with Jia Shishi!

Even after the old lady passes away, she will become the new matriarch of the Rongguo Mansion.

Just imagining the scene of getting whatever she wanted made her tremble!

Madam Xing secretly made up her mind that after returning home today, she would serve Master Jia She well and help him hold on for a while longer!

The master must not die now!

In any case, he must wait for the imperial decree bestowing his title and for his official rank to be confirmed before he can pass away with honor!

Madam Xing's current feelings are like those of children in later generations who have parents with extremely high retirement pensions, hoping that Jia She will live a few more days!

At this moment, Grandmother Jia composed herself and asked Zhen Shi with some doubt:

"Is it in accordance with the imperial system for father and son to be granted the title of Duke?"

Although Grandmother Jia understood some common sense about the imperial court, she didn't quite understand some specific systems and laws!

She knew that a family could be divided into two states, but she had never seen a father and son both granted the title of duke, let alone a father and son both receiving the title of duke because of the son's status.