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

Each gift was chosen based on the individual's personality and preferences, and each one was unique and hard to find elsewhere.

Upon hearing this, Daiyu's starry eyes brightened, and she smiled with her lips pursed!

This rose jewel is unique to me; no one else can share it with me!

The deeper meaning behind this is self-evident!

Jia Jing then said:

"There are some rare and beautiful lion cats and jackals from Linqing in the East Prefecture. I plan to give each of you one or two to keep as pets."

"Choosing a pet depends on personal preference, so I didn't have anyone send one over. You can choose one yourselves when you have time."

The lion cats and jackals of Linqing were the most luxurious pets among the nobility of the Han Dynasty. They were elegant and unique, and were often presented as tribute to the palace.

The xiaozi is a small dog breed that has been popular since the Tang Dynasty.

The "Kangguo Dog" incident is mentioned in "Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang: Loyalty and Ambition". Simply put, it is the interesting story of Yang Guifei letting the dog disrupt the chess game and helping Emperor Xuanzong escape from a predicament.

Needless to say, the lion cats of Linqing were also a favorite of a certain "Taoist emperor who cultivated his body to resemble that of a crane," who was an extreme "cat slave."

He was deeply saddened by the death of his beloved Linqing lion cat, and buried it with a golden coffin and ordered his ministers to write a eulogy to pray for its soul.

"Lion cats and puppies? I've never kept any of those before, so I don't know if they're easy to care for!"

Daiyu gazed intently at Jia Jing, her eyes flickering with a hint of probing.

In fact, the Jia family had many cats and dogs as pets, and Qin Keqing kept such pets in her room.

In addition, there are various species such as parrots, cranes, deer, rabbits, and Muscovy ducks.

Of course, none of them are as rare and unique as the lion cats and jackals of Linqing.

Jia Jing remained silent for a moment, then thought for a moment and said:

"If you don't like keeping them, that's fine. I originally just thought they were cute and would give them to you to play with and add some life to the yard."

Jia Jing naturally did not mean to force him.

The reason he brought these back was because Xiao Jiao'er and Xi Chun had mentioned wanting to raise them. He happened to run into them in the Northwest and brought back about twenty of them.

Actually, these small animals mainly serve a companion purpose; whether one likes them or not depends on each person's circumstances and temperament.

Daiyu frowned slightly, seemingly surprised by Jia Jing's answer. A hint of urgency flashed in her bright, dark eyes as she continued:

"Perhaps it would be nice to try raising them; the yard does lack a bit of life."

"Besides, if all the sisters are raising them, and I'm the only one not, it would make me seem like I'm fussy and don't fit in."

Jia Jing: "..."

Lin Daiyu's tone and personality haven't changed at all!

The ideas are still so unconventional, jumping from side to side, catching people off guard!

Jia Jing remained expressionless and slowly said:

"Let's give it a try! If it doesn't thrive, we can have Zijuan and the others take care of it; it'll be the same!"

Daiyu pondered for a moment, her bright eyes, seemingly holding stars and the moon, nestled beneath her delicate brows. She pursed her pink lips, a gesture that held a unique charm.

"They might not be able to raise them well, so I'll do it myself!"

Jia Jing remained silent for a moment, then gazed intently at Daiyu, making her lower her gaze again, and said:

"Then Lin Daiyu can go and choose first. There is a snow lion that is pure white, with one blue and one yellow eye, and long fur that drags on the ground."

"I think she looks quite good; she has a refined and aloof air about her. My sister should like her."

As Daiyu pondered Jia Jing's words, a secret joy welled up inside her, and she unconsciously clenched her fist tightly over the desert rose.

Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she feigned hesitation, saying:

"If I choose first, Bao-jie and the others will only be able to choose what I left behind. Won't that put Third Brother in a difficult position?"

Daiyu stared intently at Jia Jing's cold and stern face, trying to find any clues.

Jia Jing seemed oblivious, his voice remaining calm as he spoke:

"Then Lin Daiyu should go with Yun Daiyu and the others! There are plenty of options, enough for you to choose from!"

Daiyu's heart skipped a beat, her starry eyes flickered, and she immediately changed her words:

"Third brother's kindness is too much for me to refuse; it would be my fault!"

After speaking, her shimmering eyes lowered slightly beneath her delicate brows.

For some reason, I suddenly felt my heart beating a little fast, and I had a strange feeling of excitement!

Jia Jing's expression froze, his gaze falling on the girl beside him with her slightly flushed face and eyes as clear as the waters of the Xiang River. Suddenly, he smiled softly!

Just as the atmosphere between the two became somewhat awkward, Zijuan brought in tea, poured a cup for Jia Jing and Daiyu respectively, and said with a light laugh:

"My lord, have some tea!"

Jia Jing picked up the teacup and took a sip. The tea was top-quality Longjing, and the temperature was just right. The tea leaves unfurled in the cup and sank to the bottom one by one.

"Zijuan, it's been a long time! You've taken good care of Lin Daiyu these past few days."

"Not only has his health improved, but his personality has also become much more cheerful..." Jia Jing said meaningfully.

Isn't that because she has a cheerful personality?

Before, I only dared to quietly knock over a teacup or something, but now I dare to openly joke and tease myself!

Zijuan, however, did not understand the deeper meaning of his words, and said with a smile:

"I'm just a maid, doing my duty. My young mistress is getting better day by day entirely thanks to the Duke's care!"

Jia Jing laughed and said:

"It's easier said than done to be dutiful. Zijuan is kind and gentle, and Lin Daiyu is truly blessed to have such a loyal maid like you!"

"Remember this: if anything happens to Sister Lin, you must tell me at the East Mansion!"

Zijuan's face lit up with joy, and she said loudly:

"You flatter me, Your Excellency! It is Miss's good fortune to have a brother like you!"

"Don't worry, I will definitely keep your words in mind!"

He paused, then continued:

"During your absence, Miss has often spoken of you, worrying about your safety while you were away..."

"Zijuan..."

Before Zijuan could finish speaking, Daiyu interrupted her, blushing.

Jia Jing smiled but didn't say anything.

Daiyu glared at Zijuan, then quickly pulled a letter from her desk, handed it to Jia Jing, and said softly:

"This is a letter from my father to my third brother."

Jia Jing reached out and took it, noticing that the seal was untouched, and slowly opened it.

The letter paper was made of the finest Chengxintang paper, folded neatly.

Lin Ruhai's handwriting is slender and elegant, and one can almost see his character in every stroke.

Jia Jing began reading from the beginning, his expression gradually becoming serious and solemn.

Lin Ruhai mainly talked to him about four things in the letter.

The first thing to do is to thank Jia Jing for taking care of Lin Daiyu, and to thank him for sending his personal guards to Yangzhou to protect her.

"My daughter is frail and weak, and I am deeply grateful for your care and protection... The personal guards you sent have arrived in Yangzhou recently, and their protection is thorough. I am especially grateful for your noble character..."

The second thing was to praise his military achievements in the Northwest campaign.

"Victories from the Northwest frequently reach Jiangnan, the whole city is invigorated... Sealing the wolf's lair and drinking from the vast sea, what ancient general could surpass them..."

The third matter was about the salt administration in Jiangnan.

"The corruption of the salt administration stemmed from its flawed legal system. Salt merchants held sway, officials colluded with them, treating the salt dikes as their private property and the salt taxes as their personal enrichment..."

"To eradicate its ills, we must break this long-standing web. However, pulling one hair can affect the whole situation; delay may lead to unforeseen changes, while haste may cause chaos. We must be extremely cautious..."

The fourth matter concerns Gong Dingzi's implementation of new policies in Jiangnan.

"As an imperial envoy, Grand Secretary Gong implemented new policies in Jiangnan, investigated embezzlement, and acted with ruthless and decisive force..."

"The land survey and the collection of back taxes have drawn the ire of salt merchants and the gentry. Recently, the White Lotus sect has been spreading in Jiangnan, and the Grand Secretary has been repeatedly targeted by assassins, which may be a great danger to him."

"I hope that the Duke will keep an eye on things in court, offer some protection, and issue more warnings. This is not for personal reasons, but for the sake of the state..."