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

In Lixiangyuan,

The lights were lush and bright.

Seeing that her daughter didn't respond, Aunt Xue assumed she was reluctant and, with a touch of sadness, offered some words of comfort:

"My dear child, this isn't Mom going back on her word; Mom is doing this all for your sake!"

Some say that a woman's marriage is like being reborn, and that's absolutely true.

"It's better to marry well than to be born well! Whether you have a happy second half of your life depends entirely on whether you marry the right person!"

"Mom mainly doesn't want to see you end up like Mom is today, having to bow and smile obsequiously at these noble ladies!"

Aunt Xue's tone carried a hint of complaint and regret about her own marriage!

She and Madam Wang were originally sisters, with the same family background and social status. She considered herself to be no less beautiful or virtuous than Madam Wang.

However, it was only because Lady Wang was the elder sister and usually appeared gentle and kind to outsiders, while she was the younger sister and had a more impulsive personality when she was a young girl.

As a result, one married into the Duke's mansion and the other into a royal merchant family, and the difference between their later lives became apparent because of their marriages!

She became a widow at a young age, destitute and alone, and now she has to come to Lady Wang's house for help.

Lady Wang was not only the wife of the Duke's family, but also a fifth-rank noblewoman herself, and her daughter became a fourth-rank village lady. She associated with high-ranking and wealthy families.

The bitterness and regret I feel, I wake up in the dead of night with tears streaming down my face, but to whom can I tell them?

Having witnessed the elegance and prestige of the noble ladies at the Jia family mansion over the past few months, she was even more determined to ensure that her beloved daughter married the right person and did not follow in her footsteps.

Hearing her mother's words, Xue Baochai's hand holding the purse trembled slightly, her heart filled with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow.

The good news is that her mother changed her attitude and started supporting her relationship with Jia Jing again.

What worries me is that I don't know what my third brother is thinking, or how much he knows about my feelings.

After a long silence, Xue Baochai sighed and slowly said, meeting Aunt Xue's probing gaze:

"Mom! I know you mean well! But some things can't be forced! If it's meant to be, then your daughter will naturally... be willing!"

"But the final outcome of this matter depends on Third Brother's decision!"

Xue Baochai's expression showed a hint of shyness, but she no longer concealed her thoughts from her mother.

Hearing this, Aunt Xue's fair face showed a hint of relief. She leaned forward and chuckled softly:

"Mom knew you still cared about Jing-ge. Last time you asked Ying-er to bring him knee pads."

"These days, she's either doing needlework or flipping through that book he gave her, and her mother has seen it all."

"Don't worry! Mom will definitely support you. Even if it means losing face, I'll help you make this a good marriage!"

"His mother and his first wife will put in a good word for you. Although they can't decide Jing'er's marriage, they can still have some influence."

"Also, Xiangling's mother asked her to find out Jingge's feelings."

"She owes such a good marriage to my family because of their kindness, so she must remember some of our family's favor."

Speaking of Xiangling, Aunt Xue's expression was somewhat wistful. She felt that sometimes life really is all about luck!

Like Xiangling, when her fate was unfortunate, she was separated from her parents, kidnapped, and lived a life of hardship and displacement!

But one day her luck turned, and she immediately became Jingge'er's head maid and one of his concubines.

If nothing unexpected happens, she will become Jingge'er's concubine.

Even if Jingge'er were to be made a prince, she might still become a concubine.

Although the title of concubine sounds nice, they are not officially appointed by the court and have no official status or salary.

But she was, after all, a prince's concubine; who in an ordinary family would dare to look down on her?

Once fortune changes, one's circumstances immediately become completely different!

No wonder people always say, "When fortune smiles, even heaven and earth lend a hand; when luck turns, even heroes are powerless!"

As Xue Baochai listened to her aunt Xue discuss her marriage arrangements face to face, she silently lowered her head, a blush rising on her fair face.

However, after careful consideration, she did not agree to Aunt Xue's arrangement, but instead whispered her advice:

"Mom, based on my understanding of my third brother, it's better for us to stay put than to make any moves."

"My third brother is a strong-willed and decisive person who cannot be easily influenced by a few words from others."

"Especially his mother and his first wife, not to mention that they each have their own calculations, they probably also have the idea of ​​making their own families even closer through marriage."

"Even if they speak well of me in front of my third brother, it will probably only make him think that my family has too many hidden agendas, which will displease him."

"And Xiangling, don't make things difficult for her. Third Brother instructed them not to leak any secrets about the courtyard."

"She's finally achieved this much, it wouldn't be right if she angered Third Brother because of our family..."

Xue Baochai calmly analyzed the pros and cons for Aunt Xue.

She herself is of the character of "content with her lot and considers herself simple and unassuming".

This personality trait is reflected in her words and actions: she is not competitive or aggressive, adapts to her environment, and treats others with tact and propriety.

Even while living as a guest in the Jia family mansion, he always maintained a low profile and restraint.

Although she aspires to "ride the wind to the clouds," she does not achieve this ambition by fighting or struggling like a man.

Instead, they go with the flow, remain patient and accommodating, do not go against the general trend, do not show off their sharpness, and approach life with gentleness and tact.

Moreover, she has recently been studying the "Yan Family Instructions" given to her by Jia Jing, and has gained some insights into the principles of managing a household, making her more dignified and composed.

She believed that Jia Jing must have given her this book for a reason.

Perhaps what I should do is learn to be a good wife, rather than scheming for fame and position.

She believed that Jia Jing had a sense of justice and could clearly see who was the best person to manage the household and harmonize things for him...

However, Aunt Xue clearly couldn't understand Xue Baochai's thoughts.

Hearing this, she became somewhat anxious and agitated, and hurriedly asked:

"My dear girl, so many people are eyeing Jing-ge'er these days!"

"Are we just going to do nothing? This is a matter of life and death for you..."

"Mom!" Baochai interrupted her, her voice not loud but carrying an undeniable force.

Baochai stood up, slowly walked to the window, and pushed it open a crack.

The night breeze blew in from outside, carrying the fresh scent of the garden soil.

Baochai stood by the window, the moonlight falling on her, making her profile look like a piece of warm, white jade.

"To contend is not to contend; not to contend is to contend. It is precisely because one does not contend that no one in the world can contend with him..."

"If Mom really wants to help me, then she shouldn't get involved in this. I know what I'm doing!"

Xue Baochai's voice was calm and carried an indescribable charm.

Looking at her daughter, Aunt Xue suddenly felt that she seemed to have matured a bit more than before.

She let out a long sigh, and was about to say something when she was interrupted by a series of staggering footsteps in the courtyard.