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

In response to Li Wan's gratitude, Jia Jing replied gently:

"Sister-in-law, you're too kind! I'm sure Lan-ge'er has made some progress."

"Firstly, it was due to his own hard work and diligence, and secondly, it was due to his sister-in-law's strict discipline and lack of indulgence."

"I see he has great potential, and with proper guidance, his future is limitless!"

Jia Jing's words were not unfounded.

The phrase "orchids and cassia trees blooming together" refers to the fact that, in the original novel, after the Jia family's decline, Jia Lan was the only one who clearly revitalized the family business through the imperial examination!

Moreover, Jia Lan was not just a bookworm who only knew how to study; he also had a talent for martial arts and archery.

In Chapter 75 of the original work, he demonstrated his archery skills in front of Jia Zheng and won a reward of a purse and gold and silver, which shows that he followed the path of all-round development of the "Six Arts" that met the requirements of the imperial examination.

Despite the Jia family's originally terrible clan school atmosphere and teaching staff, Jia Lan was still able to pass the imperial examination with flying colors.

Not to mention that he now has a renowned teacher to guide him, as well as his uncle's care and support. As long as Jia Lan continues to work hard, his future is promising!

A compliment from Jia Jing filled Li Wan with immense joy.

The quiet serenity that had been on her face vanished, replaced by a serene smile as clear as autumn water.

This was the first time Jia Jing had ever praised the young men in his household.

Given his current status and position, his statement that "his future is limitless" should not be taken lightly!

without any exaggeration,

His praise of Jia Lan not only elevated Jia Lan's status in the household, but also made him the focus of attention for countless people.

If this were to spread, Jia Lan's future path in the imperial examinations and officialdom would be greatly influenced, making it infinitely easier!

Li Wan's elegant face showed a hint of excitement, and her cherry lips moved slightly as she spoke:

"I've remembered what Brother Jing said! I'll definitely guide Lan-ge'er to strive for excellence in the future!"

She first responded, then Li Wan's elegant and graceful face paused for a moment, but ultimately she didn't want to miss this precious opportunity to communicate, and said:

"Don't laugh at me, Brother Jing, but Brother Lan has always looked up to you as a role model, and he's often asked about your heroic deeds on the battlefield!"

"The school's ten-day break is in a few days. When he returns, I was thinking of asking Brother Jing to treat us!"

"Firstly, I want to thank Brother Jing for his guidance; secondly, I would like to ask Brother Jing to encourage him and offer some advice on how to conduct oneself in society. I wonder if it would be convenient for Brother Jing to do so?"

Li Wan suppressed her panic and shyness and tentatively asked.

As a widow, she shouldn't have gotten too close to her brother-in-law, especially with Madam Wang in the way!

However, precisely because her husband died young, her life was like "withered wood and dead ashes," so she placed all her hopes on her son, Jia Lan.

For her, nothing was more important than Jia Lan's success and future.

Therefore, faced with Jia Jing's expression of appreciation, she weighed her options and chose to respond positively.

Moreover, she said these words in front of everyone to express her innocence.

Meeting Li Wan's slightly hesitant yet expectant gaze, Jia Jing thought for a moment and said in a deep voice:

"The education of the children in the family is of paramount importance. No matter how inconvenient it is for me, I will make time for it."

"Alright then! Third Sister, make the arrangements. In a few days, when Lan-ge'er, Huan-ge'er, and Cong-ge'er return home after their ten-day leave."

"Call them all over to me. I'll test their homework, have a meal with them, and have a chat."

"I happened to bring back some trinkets from the Northwest, which I'll give them as gifts as encouragement!"

Having Li Wan, the widowed sister-in-law, host the dinner was somewhat inconvenient, like a melon in a melon field, given the potential for impropriety.

Jia Jing thought it best to take this opportunity to gather the young men from the West Mansion together for a test and exchange.

This demonstrates an attitude of valuing the education of children without appearing biased.

Upon hearing this, Li Wan's elegant face showed a hint of emotion. Jia Jing's arrangement was clearly for her reputation's sake.

Her cheeks flushed, and she said softly:

"The Jing brothers are very kind to their younger siblings and nephews, and they are more considerate than I am. They have really gone to great lengths!"

Tan Chun, who was standing to the side, also laughed and said:

"Don't worry, Third Brother, I will arrange this matter properly!"

As she listened to their conversation, Grandmother Jia's expression changed. A hint of gloom appeared on her aged face, and she couldn't help but ask:

"Jing-ge'er, have you forgotten about Bao-yu?"

Grandmother Jia frowned slightly and couldn't help but remind Jia Jing.

She didn't mean to encourage or give Jia Jing any advice to Jia Baoyu, nor did she want Jia Jing to test Jia Baoyu's studies or covet the little trinkets Jia Jing mentioned.

To be honest, Grandmother Jia has given up on the dream of having Jia Jing help Jia Baoyu. She only hopes that her third grandson will not bully her precious son in the future, and that would be enough for her!

Now that Jia Jing has invited all the young men in his household to dinner and chat, if he hadn't invited Jia Baoyu alone, it would have been too easy for people to gossip!

Just as a single word of praise from Jia Jing to Jia Lan could instantly elevate his reputation and status,

Similarly, if people feel that Jia Jing has a bad opinion of Jia Baoyu, then Jia Baoyu will be looked down upon both inside and outside the mansion!

This is what has led to Jia Jing's current status; his every move is subject to excessive private interpretation by countless people.

Therefore, what Grandmother Jia meant by mentioning Jia Baoyu was that she wanted Jia Jing not to leave him behind.

Of course, it's fine not to test his studies or give him a lecture; just let Baoyu go for a meal and go through the motions.

Grandmother Jia moved her lips, but she couldn't say these thoughts out loud. Otherwise, if Baoyu's father found out, her son Baoyu would probably suffer a beating.

Jia Jing took a sip of tea, his gaze sharpening slightly, and smiled, saying:

"What's wrong with Baoyu? Didn't I hear he doesn't like studying or practicing martial arts, and every time he comes back to the manor he cries and throws a tantrum, refusing to go to the clan school anymore?"

"The old lady always doted on him, and even the second master tried to discipline him but was stopped."

"Has he suddenly realized that spoiling someone is not a blessing and wants me to teach him a lesson?"

Jia Jing wore a cold smile, as if he would follow Jia Zheng's example and pick up a stick to give Jia Baoyu a good whack on the head if Grandmother Jia spoke!

Grandmother Jia's expression froze, and she hurriedly said:

"Jing-ge'er is joking! Bao-yu is still a child; how can he withstand your teasing and lecturing!"

"He might have been a little immature before, but he's learned his lesson lately!"

How could she bear to let Jia Jing discipline Jia Baoyu? That third grandson is cold-hearted and hard-hearted; what if he beats her own Baoyu badly?

Daiyu, who was listening to their conversation, was already feeling somewhat troubled because of Xue Baochai's matter.

At this moment, Dianqi blinked her bright eyes and looked at Jia Jing's cold and stern face, feeling a little amused.

Unexpectedly, my usually stern and serious third brother could also amuse the old lady in a very earnest way.

A man like him is busy with official business every day... He has very little time for personal matters, so why would he spend time and energy disciplining his second brother Bao?

Even if the old lady begged him to discipline her, he probably wouldn't agree!

The reason Bao Erge got beaten up last time was because he provoked me...

Daiyu's heart skipped a beat, and she focused her dark, bright eyes on Jia Jing opposite her.

But then, as if by telepathy, Jia Jing turned his gentle eyes toward them.

With a meaningful look in his eyes, I quickly lowered my head, feeling a mix of melancholy and complex emotions.

He clearly treated her exceptionally well, yet he responded to her in this way...

What are you really thinking?