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

Xie Shi completely failed to grasp the deeper meaning behind Grandmother Jia's words and laughed:

"Grandma is right. In this world, you can't succeed without hard work! Didn't Master send me over as soon as Jing-ge'er returned?"

"Speaking of which, Jing-ge'er is really lucky; he's handsome and has caught the Emperor's eye!"

"Now he is a first-class duke and also commands more than 100,000 troops in twelve battalions."

"My master told me privately that everyone outside is saying that Jing-ge is the most powerful minister in our Han Dynasty!"

"Young man, you're truly remarkable. You have a bright future ahead of you. The old lady is so lucky..."

Before Xie could finish speaking, she saw Grandmother Jia's gloomy and sharp gaze shooting straight at her, and the expressions of everyone else in the hall also changed drastically.

The most powerful minister? His future looks incredibly bright.

Is this something you can just say so casually?

Even someone with absolutely no political sensitivity shouldn't say something like that!

Are you here to seek an official position? Or to sow discord between the emperor and his ministers, and bring ruin to your entire family?

What would happen if the emperor heard this?

Grandmother Jia's face was clouded with anger; she really wanted to have Xie Shi pushed out and smash her foul mouth to pieces!

Such words that offend imperial authority should be firmly stopped and a memorial should be submitted to apologize, even if heard from others. How much more so when one’s own family members use them to show off?

That foolish woman probably thinks she's said something brilliant!

Daiyu's brows were furrowed, her jade-like face frosty.

Baochai also clenched her handkerchief tightly, her almond-shaped eyes filled with displeasure.

This Xie family member is spouting such nonsense in front of everyone.

It's all about good luck and good looks, catching the emperor's eye, as if Jinglang didn't get promoted through his own abilities.

This is yet another overstepping statement from the most powerful minister. Is this genuine ignorance or a deliberate attempt to provoke him?

Madam Wang's gaze sharpened as she pondered to herself.

The powerful minister's sister-in-law had said the same thing to him, adding that the eldest son of the illegitimate family might be living a glamorous life now, but who knows what his fate would be in the future!

Throughout history, most powerful ministers have met tragic ends, ranging from personal disgrace to the destruction of their entire families.

I have to think of a way to deal with this, lest the eldest son of the concubine ruins things and implicates my family!

Madam Xing's eyes held a hint of mockery. She had thought she was speechless, but she hadn't expected that this Madam Xie was even better than her!

Even she knew that there were some things that should never be said, especially when it came to the emperor. It was no exaggeration to say that loose lips sink ships.

That Xie family member is truly foolish!

Xie Shi, who was being watched intently by Grandmother Jia, belatedly realized that what she had said in private shouldn't have been brought up in public, and quickly tried to make amends:

"I didn't mean anything by it, I was just praising Jing-ge'er for being so capable..."

Madam Xie felt a little uncomfortable under Grandmother Jia's gaze, but fortunately, she often experienced this feeling, so it quickly dissipated on its own. She smiled and said softly.

At this point, Grandmother Jia didn't want to argue with her too much, as some things would only get worse if she explained them further, so she helped to change the subject:

"What exactly did Nai-ge send you here to do? Is he trying to find a job for Jing-ge?"

Grandmother Jia had no intention of beating around the bush with Madam Xie anymore, fearing that she might say something foolish again!

Xie smiled and flattered:

"You have to admire the old lady! She's over seventy, but her mind is still perfectly sharp..."

The expression on Grandmother Jia's face had completely vanished.

Seeing that Grandmother Jia remained silent, Xie continued speaking to herself:

"Grandma, isn't Jing-ge'er currently being highly valued in the palace?"

"The master said that if Jing-ge could even lend a hand to the Niu and Feng families, who are practically unrelated to him, then he would certainly help his own family!"

"Those two masters, Master Niu and Master Feng, were originally not very capable. Over the years, they haven't been able to rise to the rank of First-Class Earl."

"I got lucky by following Jing-ge'er. This time I was able to be ennobled and appointed as the commander of the northwestern border town, holding great power."

"In terms of ability and personal connections, Master is no less capable than them. Shouldn't we have Jing-ge help his uncle as well?"

Xie said what she wanted to say, but she also dragged Niu Jizong and Feng Tang into it, which immediately made Niu's face turn black!

They even go so far as to talk about ability and personal relationships, saying all sorts of shameless things.

My elder brother, Niu Jizong, had been on the battlefield many times and had served as the Left Commander of the Five Armies Commandery. He was a capable general whom the emperor relied on greatly!

If it weren't for some misfortune that happened to my father's generation, and the fact that my ancestors' title of Duke was demoted, how could I have remained a first-class earl for so many years!

What about his second uncle?

Aside from gaining some military merit by following the late Rongguo and inheriting the title of Marquis of Baoling from his ancestors, what else has he done for the country or his family?

Over the years, he has indulged in pleasure and debauchery at home every day, behaving recklessly and completely like a spoiled brat!

How dare they even have the nerve to talk about what they can do! Don't they have any self-awareness at all?

Furthermore, considering the closeness of their relationship, given their connection, and the long-standing friendship between the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and the Rongguo mansion,

My elder brother has spoken to the Duke of Jing on several occasions in the imperial court. He is much better than my second uncle!

As far as he knew, although his second uncle had the title of uncle, he had never been close to Duke Jing in the slightest!

Duke Jing was born out of wedlock and was not valued at home, let alone by his relatives!

How dare you bring up your uncle, who has never shown you any kindness in the past?

Niu hesitated for a moment, wanting to refute Xie's absurd argument, but ultimately held back.

Today is an important day for the master to seek an official position, so it's best not to cause any trouble!

Besides, arguing with fools like the Xie family would only lower our own standards, so it's really not worth it!

At this point, Grandmother Jia was extremely disgusted with Xie.

From the moment she entered the door until now, she couldn't remember how many stupid things Xie had said; not a single word of it was pleasing to the ear!

She originally thought that Xing, who came from a humble family, was stupid enough, but she didn't expect that Xie was even more stupid!

Aside from her pretty face with drawn eyebrows and powder, she's just a complete airhead inside!

How can people be so ignorant!

Grandmother Jia looked at Madam Xie, then at Madam Xing, and glanced at Madam Wang, her heart filled with sorrow!

She secretly made up her mind that she would find a virtuous, well-educated, and courteous wife for her son, Baoyu.

She has learned enough lessons in choosing her daughter-in-law and niece-in-law!

Grandmother Jia rubbed her temples, suppressing her displeasure, and said in a hoarse voice:

"Since it's about seeking an official position, let Nai-ge'er talk to Jing-ge'er himself. This is a matter between men outside."

"If it's appropriate and within his authority, I think Jing-ge will help if he can..."

Although Grandmother Jia spoke politely, she did not think highly of her nephew Shi Nai.

Compared to Shi Ding, Shi Nai is far inferior in both ability and character!

Even her own aunt doesn't think much of him. It's a favor that her third grandson scolds her less when they meet!

Upon hearing this, Madam Xie smiled and said:

"Isn't that exactly right? The master originally wanted to come in person, but he was busy too late last night and is still hungover this morning!"

"I figured it wasn't a big deal, so I came over to talk to the old lady about it!"

"What the master means is, could we ask Jing-ge'er to recommend him for the... what... middle officer position in the 12th Regiment?"

"And the brothers in the family are getting old now, especially Jin, who is the eldest son and will inherit the title in the future."

"Why not arrange for Jing-ge to join the 12th Regiment as a captain? They can earn some military merits and eventually inherit a military rank. Even if they have a rank but no power and don't earn much money, it's still better than a noble rank!"