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

Just as the two were enjoying a moment of peace and exchanging pleasantries, a while later, they suddenly heard Xiangling's voice reporting from outside the door:

"Third Master, the Old Madam of the West Mansion, the Eldest Miss, and the Third Miss have arrived. They say they have something to discuss with you!"

The sudden sound startled Baochai slightly. She raised her head and saw that Jia Jing's expression was calm and composed. She breathed a slight sigh of relief and spoke softly:

"The old lady and the others are probably here because of Baoyu. Yesterday, the magical jade was smashed, and the second mistress vomited blood and fainted because of it."

"My mother told me that the old lady considers this an ominous sign and is very worried that something might happen to Baoyu. That's why she came to your house last night to plead for Baoyu and avoid punishment!"

The implication was clear: they didn't see him last night, so they came back this morning to wait for him again!

As for the matter of the Jade of Spiritual Enlightenment shattering, Jia Jing already knew about it, and he was slightly surprised by it.

In the original work, the Spirit Jade is described as a stubborn stone left over from when Nuwa mended the sky.

Because it yearned for the mortal world, it was transformed into a "bright and lustrous jade" by a monk and a Taoist priest using illusion magic.

Subsequently, it was "carried" by Shenying Attendant, the predecessor of Jia Baoyu, and reincarnated, which led to the extraordinary story of Jia Baoyu being "born with a jade in his mouth".

It can be said that it is both a stone and the most important mythological thread running through the entire original book, and can be called the connection point between myth and reality.

Unexpectedly, the stone that mended the sky shattered into pieces yesterday, and the profound meaning it contained is something to ponder.

In Jia Jing's view, the shattering of this stone either signifies that the fate of the original characters has been completely changed, or that the stone's "worldly ties have been severed"!

Either this stone is not the stone used to mend the sky, after all, this world is not simply the world of Dream of the Red Chamber, but a mixture of Dream of the Red Chamber and multiple worlds from the early Qing Dynasty, and cannot completely copy the content of the original Dream of the Red Chamber!

Based on the secret investigations conducted by the Embroidered Uniform Guard over the years, Jia Jing felt that the latter possibility was more likely.

Information gathered from various sources suggests that this world may not be anything extraordinary, but rather resembles a simple ancient historical setting.

Of course, no matter what, the jade is broken and that's that; it won't affect Jia Jing much.

"Take the old lady, eldest sister, and third sister to the inner hall. I'll be there in a bit!"

After pondering for a moment, Jia Jing gave an instruction to Xiangling outside the door.

The inner hall is the second hall in the middle section, located between the outer and inner sections. It is generally used to receive family members and female guests. Arranging for several people to go here at this time is also to avoid Baochai.

"Brother, you go see the old lady and the others. I'll go back to Pear Fragrance Courtyard now!"

Despite a hint of reluctance on her pear-like white face, Baochai still spoke very sensibly.

At this time, it was naturally inconvenient for her to meet with Grandmother Jia, Yuan Chun, and Tan Chun, otherwise her reputation as a young lady would be damaged, and she would really have no face to see people in the future!

Jia Jing gently kissed Baochai's forehead and whispered:

"Okay, then I'll have someone take you back!"

As she spoke, she got up, called over the old woman from the backyard, and escorted Baochai away.

Inside the main hall, Xiangling and Qingwen were entertaining Grandmother Jia, Yuanchun, and Tanchun.

Yuan Chun wore a light purple floral long dress today. The dress was wide but not bulky, and the neckline was embroidered with very fine orchid patterns, which made her slender neck appear even whiter.

She wore minimal adornment, with only a jade pendant tied around her waist. Her once fair and oval face now appeared somewhat haggard and melancholy.

Tan Chun wore a silver-red jacket with narrow dark green satin trim on the collar and cuffs, which made her oval face appear even whiter.

Standing by the window in the inner hall, he resembled a straight green bamboo, exuding a strong spirit from the inside out.

Grandmother Jia sat on a couch to the side, her aged face showing a hint of unease, and asked Xiangling and Qingwen:

"What time did Jing-ge return yesterday? How are you feeling today?"

Xiangling was serving tea and snacks to the group when she heard this. She blinked and replied with a slightly naive expression:

"Third Master returned to the manor at 1:15 PM yesterday. He should be in a good mood today!"

Thinking about the scene she had just peeked through the crack in the door at Bao-guniang nestled in her Third Master's arms, she figured that the Third Master must be in a rather cheerful mood today.

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia breathed a sigh of relief and said repeatedly:

"That's good! That's good!"

If she hadn't been genuinely worried about Jia Baoyu's condition, and if Lady Wang hadn't been bedridden and unable to move around easily, she would never have dared to come alone today to plead for her third grandson!

Why is it said that she was alone? Because it's clear that the two young ladies, Yuan Chun and Tan Chun, wouldn't be able to share Jia Jing's anger with her!

She didn't even need to think to know that her third grandson's "storm" would only be directed at her!

After thinking for a moment, Grandmother Jia gave Yuan-chun and Tan-chun some instructions:

"Eldest daughter, third daughter, Jing-ge'er has always been close to you sisters, so remember to put in a good word for him later!"

It must be said that although she had not yet met Jia Jing, Grandmother Jia was already very anxious and restless!

Yuan Chun frowned, a hint of melancholy showing on her dignified face. She and Tan Chun hadn't originally wanted to come today, but Jia Mu pleaded with them, so they had no choice but to go along!

Tan Chun also sighed, her delicate brows furrowing slightly, and said:

"Grandma, it's best not to have any expectations! Everyone in the family knows how strong-willed Third Brother is; he's never gone back on his word once something's been decided."

"Besides, today is the time for him to rectify the clan's atmosphere and establish rules; how could he possibly show favoritism only to Brother Bao!"

Tan Chun was not optimistic about the outcome of Grandmother Jia's trip. She knew that her third brother was not her own father and could not have his will interfered with by people from the inner quarters!

Thinking of Jia Jing's past cold-heartedness, Grandmother Jia sighed:

"Alas! I know all too well, but your second brother's manhood has been shattered this time. This is a very bad omen. I'm worried something might happen to him..."

Before Grandmother Jia could finish speaking, a servant's voice came from outside:

"The Duke has arrived!"

The people in the hall immediately stopped talking and looked nervously at the tall, elegant young man who was walking under the eaves.

Yuan Chun and Tan Chun paused slightly, their beautiful eyes narrowing as they looked closely. They saw the young man in a python robe and jade belt, his face calm and dignified, striding into the hall.

"Jing-ge'er!"

"Jingdi!"

"Third brother!"

Grandmother Jia stood up and called out, and Yuan Chun and Tan Chun came forward and curtsied!

Jia Jing nodded with a stern expression, and as he sat down behind the table at the head of the table, he greeted the guests:

"Big sister, third sister, what brings you here so early? Please have a seat!"

Yuan Chun and Tan Chun sat down on the embroidered stools to the side as instructed. They blinked and remained silent for a moment, looking at Grandmother Jia, who was being ignored by Jia Jing on the couch.

Grandmother Jia's face froze, her lips moved slightly, and suppressing her unease, she silently sat down. She glanced at Jia Jing's face with some concern, and forced a smile, saying in a hoarse voice:

"Hehe, Jing-ge'er..."

"Grandma, you shouldn't have come!"

Before Grandmother Jia could finish speaking, Jia Jing interrupted her in a cold voice, his face dark and expressionless.