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

At this moment, Yuan Chun was standing at the head of the group.

Although Jia Jing had never met Yuan Chun, he recognized her at a glance, as if there was a sense of familiarity in his memory, probably because the original owner remembered her!

Yuan Chun wore a lotus-root colored jacket. She was of medium height, with slender shoulders and a slim waist.

She has an oval face, a plump and lustrous complexion, skin as smooth as cream, well-proportioned features, naturally dark eyebrows, and naturally red lips. Her eyes exude a sense of dignity and gentleness.

She exudes an air of composure and tranquility, like a blooming peony, dignified without being angry, yet making people feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

At the tender age of twenty, Yuan Chun stood out among the group of young ladies from the Jia family with a striking and mature beauty.

While Jia Jing was sizing up Yuan Chun, Yuan Chun was also sizing up her cousin, who had been famous for a long time.

She had met Jia Jing before, but that was many years ago, and she only had a vague impression of him.

As for the Lugou Bridge, it was too far away to see its specific appearance clearly.

Upon closer inspection, one could see that the young man opposite him was tall and upright, with broad shoulders and a straight back. His face was as if carved by a knife and axe, with sword-like eyebrows that reached his temples, a high and straight nose, thin lips that were slightly pursed, and a distinct jawline.

His dark eyes were as deep as a pool, and wherever his gaze fell, they were as cold as frost, as calm as the sea, and imposing without anger.

In particular, his dark red robe with a cross-collar accentuated his dignified bearing, and his every move exuded both the decisiveness of a seasoned general and an air of unfathomable mystery.

Their eyes met, and Yuan Chun smiled slightly before speaking first:

"Jingdi! It's been many years since I last saw you. You have grown into such a handsome and outstanding young man. It's truly a case of 'a scholar should be looked at with new eyes after three days of separation.'"

"When I was in the palace, I often heard His Majesty and the Empress say that my family had produced a loyal and brave hero. I thought he was just exceptionally talented, but I didn't expect to see him today; his appearance is also so remarkable!"

How to describe Jia Jing's appearance?

To say he's only handsome would be superficial; having inherited the physiques of Zhao, Lü, and Xiang,

His appearance is more of a rugged, handsome, and wild look, with a well-proportioned physique and a strong, masculine, warrior-like aura!

Perhaps the reason why Bao and Dai fell in love so quickly was also related to his outstanding external conditions.

Jia Jing looked at Yuan Chun's elegant and graceful peony-patterned dish, paused slightly, and then smiled:

"Elder sister, you flatter me! I am fortunate to have been favored by our father and emperor, who promoted me from humble beginnings to achieve my current glory. As for my talent and appearance, I am merely of average appearance!"

As usual, Jia Jing first flattered Emperor Jingsheng, then asked with some concern:

"I wonder if my elder sister has been well since returning to the manor?"

"I couldn't bear to see the old lady suffer the pain of separation from her granddaughter, nor could I bear to see my elder sister enduring such hardship in the palace. So, I took it upon myself to bring her out of the palace. I wonder if my elder sister harbors any resentment?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chun secretly praised him, thinking to herself that he was indeed a young man who had been granted the title of Duke, speaking so prudently and cautiously.

Then, with a gentle, watery ripple in her eyes, she spoke in a clear, melodious voice, full of genuine emotion:

"I am well aware of my brother Jing's good intentions! Therefore, I feel only gratitude and have no resentment whatsoever!"

Yuan Chun was extremely grateful to Jia Jing for being taken out of the palace.

After all, she had silently sacrificed and endured for her family in the palace all these years, living a life devoid of interest and extremely unhappy!

Especially after Jia Jing gained high position and power, she knew in her heart that she had no hope of promotion and was just enduring a miserable life!

She had thought that her life was already over, and that she would never return home to reunite with her family.

Unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better. Her cousin, who was concerned about her, insisted on bringing her out of the village!

Not to mention, because of Jia Jing, she was also granted the title of Fourth-Rank Township Lady!

Jia Jing nodded and said:

"That's good!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Yuan Chun, Jia Jing looked at Ying Chun behind her.

Yingchun wore an apricot-yellow jacket and a gold hairpin with pearls on it, a gift from the palace. This time, she didn't cry; she just looked Jia Jing up and down.

Jia Jing gently stroked her slender shoulder and said softly:

"Is my second sister doing well at home?"

Yingchun nodded and said softly:

"Okay! I just miss my third brother a little!"

Jia Jing smiled. It was quite rare for Yingchun to express her longing so directly!

Taking advantage of the moment Jia Jing was speaking, Yingchun stepped aside and introduced Xing Xiuyan, whose elegant demeanor was like that of an orchid, to Jia Jing in a low voice:

"Third brother, this is my cousin Xiuyan from my uncle's family! She came from the southern province a few days ago!"

Yingchun was not a talkative person. Those who are good at chess are often insightful but not good with words.

However, when she first arrived here, Madam Xing repeatedly reminded her not to forget to introduce her cousin to Jia Jing.

In addition, Xing Xiuyan was a relative of the eldest son's family, which is why she unusually said a few words to Jia Jing at this time.

Jia Jing had already guessed Xing Xiuyan's identity, and he knew everything about the affairs of the mansion.

Aside from Yuan Chun, the only person he hadn't met was his new cousin Xing Xiuyan!

Who else could this unfamiliar young woman who appeared here at this moment be but her!

In the afterglow of the setting sun, Jia Jing glanced at Xing Xiuyan.

The girl had a slender face, delicate features, slightly prominent cheekbones, and fair skin with a touch of natural simplicity.

His eyebrows resembled distant mountains, his eyes were like autumn waters, and his gaze was distant and serene, as if he were a carefree hermit who did not partake in worldly affairs.

She was tall and slender, like a willow swaying in the wind, and her every move exuded a transcendent air, making people forget the mundane world.

Facing Jia Jing's deep and clear gaze, Xing Xiuyan's calm heart was slightly rippled.

Seemingly burned by the gaze, she lowered her eyes and whispered:

"Third Brother Jing!"

Xing Xiuyan knew that Madam Xing wanted to bring her and the person in front of her together, so even though she was usually calm, she couldn't help but feel a little flustered!

Jia Jing paused slightly, thinking to himself, "I've learned a few new titles today."

Daiyu and the others call him Third Brother, Xiaojiao calls him Third Master, Yuanchun calls him Brother Jing, and now Xing Xiuyan calls him Third Brother Jing!

He then fixed his gaze on the girl in front of him.

Jia Jing's assessment of Xing Xiuyan was that she was self-disciplined, simple and upright, peaceful and gentle, and insightful and detached.

Although the original work doesn't describe her in much detail, her personality traits are very vividly portrayed, and her character is quite remarkable.

Among the young ladies of the Grand View Garden, she was the poorest, and she had come from a dependent family.

But she was not vain, did not complain about fate, and did not do anything that would damage her character. She lived a peaceful and contented life, much like an orchid quietly exuding fragrance in the Grand View Garden.

Whether it's Wang Xifeng, Ping'er, Tan Chun, Baochai, or Miaoyu, their evaluations of her are all quite positive.

When Fengjie first met Xing Xiuyan, she was prejudiced against her because of Madam Xing.

But he gradually discovered that she was "not like Madam Xing and his parents, but a very kind and loving person," and he felt even more affection for her.

When Ping'er saw that Wang Xifeng was dressed lightly in winter, she took the initiative to give her an old feather gauze cloak, which shows that her character was respected by others.

In some ways, Xing Xiuyan and Xue Baochai have similar personalities.

They are all dignified, composed, and adaptable, and have a good reputation in worldly interpersonal relationships.

However, there are also differences: Baochai can endure wealth, while Xiuyan can endure poverty.

Baochai wins people's hearts by using small favors because of her wealth and status, while Xiuyan is not ashamed because of her poverty and low status, and her elegant demeanor makes people love her.

Baochai is shrewd and strategic, while Xiuyan is calm and natural; Baochai demonstrates traditional moral cultivation, while Xiuyan exudes the charm of traditional philosophy.

The two were like a peony and an orchid, one rich and one poor, one virtuous and one elegant.

In Jia Jing's opinion, if an ordinary family were to marry, Xing Xiuyan would be a perfect match!

Seeing Xing Xiuyan's slightly nervous expression, Jia Jing chuckled and said:

"My cousin Xiuyan not only has a transcendent air about her, but her name also evokes the imagery of a hermit in the mountains."

"Xiu means mountain caves or peaks. Yan means clouds or mist. The name Xiuyan evokes images of verdant mountains and wisps of smoke, a picture of returning to nature. Such a simple and elegant name is quite rare!"