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

West of Lugou Bridge

After Jia Jing appeared, the atmosphere at the scene immediately became enthusiastic, with countless people cheering and applauding, and many more praising his heroic and valiant appearance.

Following Jia Jing, Zhou Yingyuan, Ma Guocheng, You Shiyong, and other Han army officers slowly appeared, all of them fully armed and with solemn expressions.

Following the officers and soldiers, ten rows of iron cavalry marched out, holding banners and waving.

The first ten rows of cavalry were all handpicked by Jia Jing from the elite troops of Ba Shang Camp and the Northwest Border Army; they were undoubtedly the cream of the crop.

They were either warriors who had killed countless enemies in this Northwest War, or elite soldiers who had achieved one of the four great military merits: killing generals and capturing flags, and being the first to charge into battle.

Jia Jing had met with them one by one and bestowed upon them the honor of being the first to appear on their triumphant return to the capital.

Following the ten rows of iron cavalry was a dense, dark cavalry square.

The elite cavalry, clad in black armor, rode black horses, wore black helmets, and had black plumes.

Two thousand four hundred elite Xuanjia cavalrymen were arranged in five square formations, each with more than four hundred riders.

The horses were all black, the armor was all dark black, and even the expressions on the people's faces were the same—cold and silent, exuding an astonishingly powerful aura.

This is the Xuanjia Elite Cavalry, which Jia Jing created in the Northwest based on the Xuanjia Soldiers rewarded by the system. It was a highly efficient heavy cavalry force, forged from the original Xuanjia Soldiers as its core members and through numerous battles, at the cost of a great deal of manpower and resources.

Following the Xuanjia cavalry was a square formation of more than 20,000 cavalrymen, including cavalrymen from the Ba Shang camp and some elite soldiers selected from the northwest border army.

More than 20,000 cavalrymen were arranged in flag formations, their iron armor clanging, their military bearing impeccable, their heads held high, and their swords and spears gleaming!

The group slowed its advance several miles away from the imperial tent.

At that moment, a drumbeat sounded from under the yellow tent, followed by a deep and grand melody that slowly began to play from the side of the tent.

This was the music and drums used by the Ministry of Rites and the Court of State Ceremonial to welcome the victorious soldiers.

Jia Jing reined in his horse with a dark expression, listened intently for a while, and then frowned slightly.

Zhou Yingyuan, who was standing to the side, urged his horse forward a few steps, stood behind Jia Jing, and asked in a suspicious voice:

"General! This music seems to be imperial music, the 'Kai Le' that was played just before the Meridian Gate."

"With the resounding tones of the great bells and drums, the four pieces of the 'Breaking the Enemy' melody were played, not the usual triumphant drumming!"

Zhou Yingyuan returned to the capital to meet the emperor, even though he had been recommended by Jia Jing to be the commander of the northwestern border town.

However, he still needs to return to the capital to report to the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions, and at the same time, he must have an audience with Emperor Jingsheng!

His claim that the music was incorrect was based on evidence!

The music used in the triumphal procession of the Han Dynasty was characterized by "fixed form, content adapted to the occasion".

The repertoire and main melody are basically fixed, with a grand structure and majestic momentum.

The music used by the royal family on celebratory occasions included "Long Live the Emperor," "Chao Tian Zi," and "Shui Long Yin."

Dances most directly related to military triumphs, such as "The Dance of Pacifying the World," are accompanied by music such as "Quiet on All Sides" and "Phoenix and Luan Song."

When a general returns victorious, the music played is usually something like "The General's Victory Order" or "The Warrior's Joy".

However, beyond ordinary ceremonial music and rituals, there were also "exclusive to the emperor" that transcended the norm.

In the Han Dynasty, when the emperor personally led a victorious expedition, there was a set of special triumphant music of the highest standard, called "Kai Le" or "Gu Chui Yue".

Its debut was historic in itself.

During the reign of Emperor Chengzu, he launched several campaigns against Liaodong and the Northwest, returning victorious each time.

The imperial court wanted to hold a grand "triumphant return" ceremony according to protocol, but the Ministry of Rites could not find any precedents even after searching through the archives.

Ultimately, the Ministry of Rites combined previous musical compositions to create "Kaile," a special eulogy for the emperor's triumphant return.

It embodies the imperial authority and majesty of "the emperor stands in the sun, and all nations come to pay homage".

After its creation, the music "Kaile" became the exclusive ritual music for the emperor during the Han Dynasty.

Since the reign of Emperor Chengzu, this music has never been played again, but unexpectedly it is being played here beside Lugou Bridge today.

Upon hearing Zhou Yingyuan's question, Jia Jing's expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice:

"General Zhou, go and find out what exactly happened."

"How can a subject use the emperor's exclusive rites and music? This is an overstepping of authority, and I dare not accept it!"

Jia Jing's expression hardened slightly, wondering if these officials from the Ministry of Rites had somehow managed to frame him for the crimes committed by Geng Yao and Yin Zhen back then.

However, with Emperor Jingsheng present, he shouldn't have resorted to such obvious tricks!

Zhou Yingyuan cupped his hands in acknowledgment and immediately spurred his horse toward the imperial tent.

In front of the imperial palace,

Zhou Yingyuan dismounted from a distance, quickly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and reported to Emperor Jingsheng:

"Your Majesty! The Duke of Jing has sent me to inquire about this matter. This music and ritual appears to be imperial music, which the Duke of Jing dares not accept. Please, Your Majesty, provide your guidance!"

A moment of silence fell before the imperial tent, as countless civil and military officials exchanged bewildered glances.

It seems that no one expected Jia Jing to be so cautious even at such a high point in his military career.

Now, any attempt to use this as leverage to impeach him for being arrogant and disrespectful will be unsuccessful!

Kids are so hard to deal with!

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingsheng's expression faltered for a moment, then he looked at the red-robed figure in the distance and said with emotion:

"Why shouldn't I accept this! Zijie destroyed the Northern Yuan in the Northwest, pacified the grasslands, and defeated the Hunxie. His achievements will be remembered for eternity. He has made a great contribution to the country and to me."

"Only imperial music is worthy of his achievements! Go back and tell Zijie not to worry!"

After saying this, to allay Jia Jing's concerns, he solemnly addressed Xia Shouzhong beside him:

"Your Excellency! Convey the imperial decree: Duke Jing, Jia Jing, has rendered meritorious service to the state; by special decree, imperial music shall be bestowed to welcome his victory. So be it!"

As soon as Emperor Jingsheng finished speaking, Zhou Yingyuan immediately kowtowed, mounted his horse, and rode back.

After listening to Zhou Yingyuan's somewhat resolute report, Jia Jing remained silent for a moment, and a touch of emotion appeared on his face.

Emperor Jingsheng's affection for him was truly profound, and his grace was boundless!

As the drums and music continued to play, the iron cavalry slowly moved forward.

Accompanied by the sound of drums and music, a triumphant song sung by musicians could also be heard:

"Snow on Wolf Mountain reflects on iron armor; at night, ten thousand cavalrymen storm the royal court."

"The golden tent fell, the great banner changed hands, and the Khan was captured alive and presented to the imperial court."

"Nine battles, nine victories, sweeping across the northern desert; a thousand miles of grassland, all covered with red flags."

"The Tartars were terrified and dared not graze their herds there; from then on, there were no more barbarian cavalry in the Yin Mountains."

……

"West of the Tianshan Mountains, the setting sun hangs low; the Hunxie tribes stand in sixty thousand strongholds."

"The divine bow is fully drawn, two arrows fall, blood stains the yellow sand, the commander's banner is destroyed."

"Kings of the Western Regions and Manchu envoys vied to present maps of surrender and pay homage to the emperor's banners."

"The Holy Lord presides over a jade banquet, and the General enters the Golden Chamber with his sword."

Although the melody of "Kaile" is fixed, the lyrics are mainly written by civil officials of the Ministry of Rites of the imperial court based on specific battle events and the characteristics of victory.

This was done to demonstrate the emperor's virtues and to encourage his followers while satirizing the enemy.

Therefore, the lyrics of "Kaile" sung this time are unique words created based on Jia Jing's battle achievements.

As a result,

Jia Jing's achievements have almost become part of the "symphony" of the Han Dynasty. His aesthetic influence and historical status will remain in the history books, and will be structurally similar to the most solemn official narrative of the court.