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

When Lady Xie heard Grandmother Jia's question, she did not answer immediately. Instead, she took the tea handed to her by the maid and gulped down a large mouthful.

He leaned back in his chair, one arm draped over the armrest, and then smiled slowly and relaxedly:

"What do you mean, Madam? Master was busy until the wee hours last night and was still asleep at home. I came alone!"

Grandmother Jia's heart stirred slightly, and her expression softened a bit.

He thought to himself: Nai-ge'er didn't come? Then he wasn't here to ask his third grandson for an official position like Ding-ge'er.

Could it be that Madam Xie came specifically to see her aunt? If so, although she may be a bit foolish, she does have some filial piety.

Grandmother Jia's smile deepened, and she said comfortingly:

"I thought you came with Nai'er to see Jing'er..."

"It's truly kind of you to have such filial piety, making a special trip to see this old woman like me today!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall looked at Madam Xie.

Like Grandmother Jia, the other people who knew Xie Shi also thought she had come with Shi Nai, but they didn't expect that she hadn't!

Could it be that you came here today specifically to pay your respects to the old lady and, incidentally, to strengthen your relationship?

Sister Feng blinked her phoenix eyes, a hint of suspicion appearing on her beautiful face.

Having known Xie's personality quite well, she couldn't believe that Xie had come simply to visit Grandmother Jia!

However, no matter what they're here for, I'll just keep my eyes wide open and watch the show!

Niu Shi calmly picked up the teacup from the small table beside him, took a small sip, and a playful look appeared in his eyes.

As Xie's sister-in-law, the person who had the most contact with her on a daily basis, I knew her character all too well.

She simply did not believe that Xie had no other purpose in coming here.

They've probably come for the Duke of Jing's sake! But it's rather impolite of the master of the house to send only a lady from the inner quarters.

Niu felt a chill in his heart, and stood by, holding his tea and observing.

"Filial piety? Old lady, you're mistaken! I don't have the time to come see you."

"There's a mountain of things to do at home. Such a large estate can't be left without people. The young men need to study and practice martial arts, the accounts in the storeroom need to be checked, and the servants below are no easy task either..."

Facing the various gazes of the crowd and the slightly gratified look in Grandmother Jia's eyes, Xie was stunned for a moment, then, with a hint of doubt, she answered loudly without thinking.

The old lady is getting old and becoming increasingly confused!

Why would I come here specifically to visit her when it's neither a holiday nor a festival?

Besides, she has so many children and grandchildren who are filial to her, why would she need her own nephew's wife from her own family to show any filial piety!

Upon hearing Xie's words, everyone present wore strange expressions!

A hint of mockery flashed in Madam Niu's eyes; just as she had expected.

Grandmother Jia's face darkened slightly, and her pale eyebrows trembled.

He thought to himself: I shouldn't have had any expectations of this stupid nephew's wife. She's already showing her true colors before she's even said three words!

"How could she possibly have time to come see me? Is this something a normal housewife would say?"

I don't know how my son Nai could have chosen such a stupid and clueless wife!

He can't even say a polite word; he's even less intelligent than Xing Shi!

Grandmother Jia cursed Xie Shi in her heart, then said expressionlessly:

"Since you're not here to see this wretched old woman, what are you doing here instead of tending to your household chores, you busy woman?"

Xie Shi, completely oblivious to the change in Jia Mu's expression and the sarcasm in her tone, smiled and replied:

"I didn't want to come in the first place! Wasn't this the master's order?"

"He said Jing-ge'er is back, and now he's a very high-ranking official. The Jia family is thriving again!"

"Unlike us historians these days... sigh!"

Grandmother Jia's face darkened again, and she said in an annoyed tone:

"What's wrong with the Shi family? They have two marquises; they're one of the most respectable families in the entire capital!"

"Alas! That's all just superficial glamour! All show and no substance! What kind of marquis is he if he can't make any money?"

"Old lady, as you know, although the master has inherited a title all these years, he has never had any proper job."

"His third brother is also incompetent; he can't help his older brother, so the family is living a hard life!"

"Now that my sons are all grown up, there are more and more places at home where money is needed."

"The whole family has been living off their savings, and the master often can't sleep at night because of worry!" Madam Xie sighed dramatically.

These were all the lines Shi Nai had instructed her to use: after arriving at the Jia family mansion, first cry about being poor and play the victim, then praise the Jia family's prosperity and say a few nice words to appease the old man.

Then, taking advantage of Grandmother Jia's good mood, they would reminisce about their kinship and find an opportunity to bring up their own family's demands.

Of course, Shi Nai gave her a lot of instructions, and she didn't remember much of them. She could only say it with some of her own understanding mixed in.

Little did she know, her words caused Madam Niu's face to flush red with shame and indignation!

What do you mean his third brother is also incompetent and can't help his older brother?

When the family property was divided, the Marquis of Baoling's family did not receive much of the family business and title property; the majority was given to the second branch that inherited the title.

Now that you yourselves have mismanaged your businesses and are incompetent officials, how can you blame yourselves on your master?

Besides, my master has helped you a lot over the years!

Grandmother Jia's eyes also showed displeasure. What nonsense was Xie Shi spouting in front of so many people?

What kind of marquis is someone who can't make any money? Is this something that can be said openly?

Although historians lived a frugal life, it was by no means a "bitter" existence!

This affected act shows no regard for the dignity and refinement of the lady of the Marquis's household!

Grandmother Jia's face darkened, and she said in a hoarse voice:

"What's the point of telling me all this, you old hag?"

"All these years, Nai'er has only known how to drink at home. He doesn't do his job properly, nor does he manage the family business well. But he's taken in one concubine after another."

"I've tried to persuade you, but you wouldn't listen. What can I do?"

Xie smiled awkwardly:

"Master, you certainly want a real, lucrative position! Didn't you lack connections and backing before? You've spent a lot of money, but still haven't received any definite news!"

Hearing all this talk of "making money," Grandmother Jia felt utterly disgusted and said expressionlessly:

"These are matters for the men outside; they have to put their hearts into it."

Grandmother Jia probably already knew Xie's purpose in coming! It was no surprise that she was also there to seek an official position!

But what's the use of telling yourself about the affairs of the court outside if you don't pay attention to them yourself?

Let's see how Ding'er and his wife do it.

Not only did the head of the household personally visit his third grandson with lavish gifts, but Madam Niu, the head of the household, also addressed him as "Duke Jing" with great courtesy and respect.

And look at you?

It's one thing if Nai-ge'er doesn't come in person, but you're still calling him "Jing-ge'er" and "making money" all the time.

If you want to get an official position, can't you use your brain a little more?