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

This wasn't the first time Duke Cao had hosted a banquet for Jia She; their friendship had developed since a chance encounter at Fanlou last year.

They had drunk and made merry together many times afterward, and had become quite familiar with each other.

Therefore, Duke Cao did not play games with Jia She and went straight to the point.

"this……"

Jia She hesitated, his expression showing some hesitation.

For minor matters, Cao Guogong would have readily agreed, given his "sincerity."

However, the Duke of Cao had previously asked him to pledge allegiance to the retired emperor, a matter of great importance, so he had to hesitate repeatedly.

Duke Cao's eyes flickered, and he advised:

"Brother Enhou, what is there to hesitate about! I'm not asking you to help me start a rebellion, just to lend a hand in words and memorials."

"Also, when you have time, visit the Emperor Emeritus at the Dragon Head Palace and chat with him to relieve his boredom."

"Who can predict the future? The Emperor Emeritus was a renowned wise ruler. If he could truly regain the throne, Brother Enhou would have another path to take!"

"I went to see the Emperor Emeritus today, and he mentioned you!"

"They say they used to have a good relationship with the old Duke Rongguo, and now the Jia family only has one first-class general in the family name, which is really a disservice to the old Duke. They would like to meet the old Duke's descendants..."

Jia She was somewhat tempted, but the truth was that he currently held no official position.

It was just a nominal title, and he rarely even attended court; there was nothing for the retired emperor to covet.

Perhaps the retired emperor simply remembered his late father, the Duke of Rongguo, and wanted to bestow favors upon the Jia family.

As for Jia Jing, Jia She never thought about him at all; he had always looked down on this illegitimate son.

It's just that they've achieved some minor successes thanks to the legacy of their ancestors. What's so great about that?

Jia She hesitated for a moment, then put down his wine cup, stroked his beard, and said:

"The Emperor Emeritus has always been wise and virtuous, and I, his brother, have long admired him! If I could spend more time by his side to listen to his sacred teachings, I would naturally be more than happy to do so!"

Upon hearing this, Duke Cao felt relieved; all that was needed was for Jia She to agree to meet the Emperor Emeritus.

If one makes a few more trips to the Dragon Head Palace, has pleasant conversations with the emperor, and receives a constant stream of gifts, then in the eyes of outsiders, one will be considered the emperor's person.

When the time comes for you to actually contribute, you won't have a choice!

"Haha! Brother Enhou, you're so generous! I wouldn't harm you. Who knows, you might even be able to reclaim your title of Duke of Rong in the future!"

Duke Cao said with a smile.

The two men resumed their brotherhood and began drinking.

Only when he was slightly tipsy did Jia She eagerly go to the guest room of the Duke of Cao's house.

At midnight,

At this moment, in the guest room of the Duke of Cao...

Jia She unleashed all his pent-up lust on Cuihong.

Jia She was panting heavily; his years of debauchery had left him increasingly unable to perform.

He quickly gave up and turned over to look up at the roof.

"Master is truly vigorous and energetic!" A look of disdain flashed in Cuihong's eyes.

She uttered words that didn't reflect her true feelings, whimpering sweetly, "You have no pity for me at all..."

"Cuihong, my darling... If it weren't for my damned bastard refusing to send the spoils captured from the front lines home."

"I've long since had the money to redeem you from your servitude and marry you, so I can finally enjoy your company!"

Jia She was furious at the thought of his wretched son, Jia Jing.

Not only do they refuse to send the spoils seized at the front lines back home, but they also refuse to make any exceptions if the person wants to do some smuggling business!

Absolutely outrageous!

How many of the military officers in the capital don't engage in smuggling?

Take Duke Cao, for example. He has already been dismissed from his post. Where did he get the money to enjoy himself so extravagantly?

It wasn't just tribute from the Shanxi merchants who smuggled it out.

When that little bastard gets back, I'll settle the score with him!

Jia She was quite indignant. These days he had been thinking of taking advantage of that wretched child's influence to move back to Rongxi Hall, but the old lady had stopped him!

Nothing goes right!

Hopefully, following the retired emperor will bring me some benefits!

Even if he were to inherit the title of Duke of Rongguo, or even just become a marquis or earl with real power, he would still enjoy endless wealth and honor in the future.

Thinking of this, Jia She felt somewhat pleased, and looking at Cuihong beside him, he became interested again.

The spring night is too short!

Jia She took out a secret medicine from his pocket, thinking he could use its effects to regain his strength.

At this time,

But then a commotion arose outside, followed by the watchman's hoarse shouts:

"Fire! Fire!..."

Jia She was a little nervous, but he breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the shout.

He pushed open the door and stood in the courtyard, looking in the direction from which the shouts came. It was to the east of the Li residence, quite a distance away.

He spat:

"Whose unlucky family is this? They're such a spoilsport!"

He snorted coldly, then turned and went back into his room.

"Thump!" Jia She didn't hear this soft sound because it was masked by some noise outside.

He returned to the house, still thinking about Cuihong's charming face, feeling an unbearable itch as if several hands were scratching at his heart.

He then heard faint moans coming from Cuihong on the bed, and he hummed:

"You filthy slut! I haven't fed you enough yet?"

The groans from the bed stopped, and Jia She came in. As soon as he lay down on the bed, a hand grabbed his throat.

Before Jia She could react, a sharp dagger was already pressed against his right eye.

Then he heard a muffled voice say:

"Dare to make a sound or I'll stab you to death!"

Even if Jia She were stupid, he would know that the Li family had been robbed at this moment. His legs trembled and his teeth chattered.

"Good sir... spare my life! I dare not utter a sound..."

"Your Li family enjoys the utmost wealth and luxury, eating and using only the people's hard-earned money. You live such a carefree life!"

The muffled voice, with a slight lisp and a hint of Shandong accent, asked, "Sir, where do you keep all your money?"

"Hero...admit your mistake...people..." Jia She hadn't finished his denial when he felt a coldness on his face.

Then a pain shot through his face, and immediately afterward, the bandit picked something up from beside his head and threw it at his face:

"Here, take this ear. Answer whatever I ask. If you dare utter another word, I'll shove your other ear into your mouth!"

Jia She had never suffered like this before; his eyes rolled back, and he nearly fainted.

As if knowing he was about to faint, the bandit suddenly swung his hand and slapped him hard across the face, instantly bringing Jia She back to his senses.

"Yes, yes, I have money..."

"I have two thousand taels of silver notes from Datong Money Exchange in my pocket; I'll give them all to you, hero!"

At this point, Jia She dared not play any tricks, nor did he dare to utter any more irrelevant nonsense.

"My lord! I've confessed everything! I haven't hidden a single thing! Please have mercy and let me go..."

Jia She was both anxious and angry, thinking about how he had lost an ear and two thousand taels of silver, but he still kept pleading.

"Say one more word and I'll kill you!" The knife was plunged into Jia She's face again.

"Good sir! Spare my life! I'm not from the Li family! The Li family is truly wealthy, and not only wealthy, but they also have many beautiful women in the inner quarters!"

"I'm willing to lead the way... I just beg you to spare my life!"

At this moment, Jia She didn't think too much about it; in order to save his own life, he said anything.

He felt he had been robbed and suffered, so he wished the Li family would also be robbed, so that if he was not having a good time, no one else would either.

Upon hearing this, the masked bandit paused slightly, a deeper murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

Without further ado, he smiled disdainfully and swiftly swung his invisible blade at Jia She.

"what!"

Jia She collapsed to the ground!

In an instant, the Li residence was engulfed in flames, the firelight illuminating the dark night!

…………

Day two.

The atmosphere in the entire capital city became oppressive once again today, with countless soldiers from Shuntian Prefecture and the Five Cities Garrison patrolling the streets.

Even the Imperial Guards, who are rarely seen on ordinary days, were riding around everywhere.

Especially at the city gates, all nine gates of the capital were placed under martial law, and everyone leaving the city was subject to strict scrutiny.

Without a permit issued by the government, ordinary people are not allowed to leave the city.

Gradually, a bombshell piece of news spread throughout the capital city.