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

In Rongqing Hall,

Just as everyone in the Jia family was astonished by Xia Shouzhong's sudden change of attitude,

Xia Shouzhong, having composed himself, first addressed Grandmother Jia politely, saying:

"Madam, this matter is settled! I still need to make a trip to the Wang family, so I won't bother you any longer!"

He then immediately looked at Jia Zhen, who was kneeling on the ground, and adopted a businesslike expression.

Xia Shouzhong's effeminate face held a hint of coldness as he loudly ordered his men:

"Come on! Seize Jia Zhen and take him away!"

At his command, two of the four eunuchs behind him immediately stepped forward, one on each side, to hold down Jia Zhen's arms and drag him out.

Jia Zhen was staring blankly at the imperial edict, but seeing that he was about to be taken away to prison, he suddenly snapped back to his senses.

He dared not struggle, and could only cry out in fear to Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng for help:

"Grandma, Second Uncle, we're family! Please save me!"

"Go to the palace and plead with the Emperor to show leniency. I was just confused for a moment; I didn't know the Beijing garrison would mutini..."

Grandmother Jia was old and could not bear to see such a scene of "separation of life and death," and her aged face was filled with sorrow.

Her lips trembled slightly, and she sighed with a sorrowful expression:

"You usually enjoy a life of luxury and indulgence in the East Mansion, and you're lawless. I won't interfere with you."

"Jing-ge'er also sent someone to reprimand you, telling you to be careful with your words and actions, but you didn't take it seriously and even harbored resentment towards Jing-ge'er!"

"Now that you've caused such a huge disaster, and His Majesty is furious, what can we do to save you!"

Having witnessed Emperor Jingsheng's unpredictable imperial power in court today, Jia Zheng dared not go to the palace to plead for Jia Zhen.

He hesitated for a moment, then slowly lowered his head and comforted her:

"Zhen-ge'er, go in peace! I'll take good care of things at the East Mansion!"

Upon hearing Jia Mu and Jia Zheng's words, Jia Zhen's heart sank, and his face turned completely pale.

However, when Grandmother Jia mentioned Jia Jing's name, he felt as if he had grasped a lifeline and pleaded urgently:

"Grandma, please go and beg your third brother! He's a favorite of the Emperor now!"

"If he's willing to put in a good word for me, His Majesty will surely show leniency for my minor offense!"

"And all our old relatives and friends, have them submit petitions to plead for me. The mutiny in Beijing has nothing to do with me!"

"I'm a victim too! It was Wang Ziteng's rash military maneuvering that drove the Beijing garrison officers into rebellion; he's the real culprit!"

Now that things have come to this, Jia Zhen has no choice but to shift the blame onto Wang Ziteng, since it's better to sacrifice a friend than himself.

Seeing Jia Zhen's flustered and irresponsible behavior, both Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng sighed inwardly.

They would definitely try to save Jia Zhen if they could, but it wasn't appropriate to say anything more in front of Xia Shouzhong at this time.

Meanwhile, Lady Wang, kneeling on the ground, glared angrily at Jia Zhen, her eyes filled with hatred!

That scoundrel from the East Mansion, he embezzled and accepted bribes, causing such a huge disaster and even ruining his own brother's life!

Now, not only do they not repent, but they also turn around and falsely accuse their own brother. They are truly shameless and have the heart of a beast!

Aunt Xue and Wang Xifeng also frowned as they looked at Jia Zhen, who was talking nonsense, their eyes full of displeasure!

Compared to Jia Zhen, they would definitely prefer to side with their maternal family member, Wang Ziteng!

Seeing that Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng remained silent, seemingly about to give up on him, Jia Zhen quickly turned to You Shi and Jia Rong in the hall and urgently instructed them:

"Madam, Rong'er, you must find a way to save me. Please remember to use your connections to help me, and don't be afraid to spend money..."

This was the best attitude Jia Zhen ever had towards You Shi and Jia Rong in his entire life, and the closest he ever addressed them.

Standing beside Grandmother Jia, Lady You's once beautiful and fair face was now pale and haggard, her eyes filled with worry and helplessness.

She has always been a person without much of her own opinion; otherwise, she wouldn't have let Jia Zhen run rampant in the East Mansion without stopping him.

Upon hearing Jia Zhen's instructions, her mind was in turmoil, and she didn't know how to respond!

After a moment of stunned silence, she could only turn her head away with a sorrowful expression, unable to bear to look at Jia Zhen's "ugly" pleading everywhere!

As for Jia Rong, he suppressed his overwhelming joy, forcing a few traces of sadness onto his face, his eyes slightly moist, as if he were worried about his father's fate.

But a hint of indifference flashed in his eyes, and his emotions were in turmoil. He was already fantasizing about the happy days he would have after becoming the master of the Eastern Palace!

"His corruption and bribery drove the officers and soldiers of the Beijing garrison to revolt, and even led to the tragic deaths of more than a dozen high-ranking officials of the imperial court."

Such a sin should be unforgivable, no matter what.

Even if they aren't executed outright, they should at least be stripped of their posts and exiled.

From now on, I, Uncle Rong, will be the new ruler of Ningguo. Although I can only inherit the title of fourth-rank general, it will be enough for me!

From today onwards, you can stay home and enjoy life, as long as you don't follow your father's example and recklessly take on jobs.

With the Ningguo Mansion's social standing, noble status, and immense wealth, they could easily live a carefree life for decades!

Jia Rong thought to himself.

He has decided to learn from his father's lesson and from now on, he will live a life of tyranny and revelry in his own home, never venturing out to take on any dangerous work!

The thought of finally being able to rise up after being suppressed for more than a decade filled Jia Rong with excitement, causing his body to tremble slightly.

His breathing became heavier and heavier, and he even felt a sense of gratitude towards Zhou Jiwei and the others.

Seeing Jia Rong trembling with excessive grief, Jia Zheng, who was standing beside Jia Rong, couldn't help but reach out and pat him on the shoulder.

He comforted her gently:

"Rong-ge'er, don't worry! With Zhen-ge'er in this predicament, the burden of the East Mansion will fall on your shoulders from now on!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Rong secretly pinched his thigh, his face contorted with grief, and cried out in a mournful voice:

"Father... Father is getting old, how can he endure the torment of imprisonment? Your nephew truly... truly wishes he could take his place!"

Jia Zheng, being of upright character, had no idea of ​​Jia Rong's ulterior motives. Upon hearing this, he was moved and said:

"True character is revealed in times of crisis; Rong-ge'er is truly our family's filial son!"

Just as Jia Zheng and Jia Rong were exchanging heartfelt words, the eunuch beside Xia Shouzhong glanced at Jia Rong and paused in surprise.

He then walked over to Xia Shouzhong and whispered a few words in his ear.

Xia Shouzhong's expression hardened, and he turned to look at Jia Rong, saying coldly:

"Jia Zhen's son, Jia Rong, also served in the Beijing Garrison. He had privately accepted bribes from officers and soldiers in the garrison and was implicated in the case. He was also taken away!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall was taken aback.

What? Rong-ge'er is involved in the case too??

Jia Rong's expression changed drastically, and he didn't react for a long time. His distorted face was filled with fear!

He suddenly raised his head, his face still wet with tears, his eyes filled with the resentment of having gained and then lost!

My good days as the lord of the Eastern Palace are over?

The duck that was almost in our hands just flew away?