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

Jia Jing thought for a moment, then slowed his pace and said meaningfully:

Even if I don't ask, you're probably already thinking about whether or not to bring it up yourself, right?

Ping Xiyuan was not only one of the "three giants" among the maids in the Rongguo Mansion, but also a very close "best friend".

This close friendship stems from their shared experience of "growing up together since childhood".

In Chapter 46, Yuanyang personally recounted her circle of friends to Ping'er, which included Xiren, Ping'er, and others.

He then said emotionally, "These ten or so people, what haven't they said and done since they were little?"

Among them, Xiren and Yuanyang were probably closer, because Xiren was bought and entered into Grandmother Jia's room at a very young age.

The two women served together in Grandmother Jia's room, sharing hardships and punishments, as well as joys. They witnessed each other's entire childhood and were true childhood friends.

How did Ping'er, who was Wang Xifeng's dowry maid, integrate into this circle from a young age?

That's because when Wang Xifeng was a young lady in the Wang family, she often came to the Jia family to play, and Ping'er would naturally follow. Over time, the three of them became close.

Later, Ping'er accompanied Fengjie into the Jia family as part of her dowry, and Xiren was given to Baoyu. The three of them became the "number one confidantes" of Grandmother Jia, Fengjie, and Jia Baoyu, respectively.

Being in a special position "second only to one person and above ten thousand others," their shared circumstances also made them more able to understand each other's difficulties.

This shared experience of growing up together without anyone falling behind naturally deepened the bond between the three.

The 46th chapter of the original work, "Yuanyang Girl Vows to Sever the Bond Between the Three," is the most concentrated display of the affection between the three.

When Jia She wanted to force Yuanyang to marry him, Ping'er and Xiren not only knew the inside story, but also actively offered her advice and relieved her worries!

Especially when Yuanyang's sister-in-law tried to sow discord, Ping'er and Xiren immediately stepped forward and refuted the other party's malice.

This unwavering trust and support confirms that the three are true sisters, not just superficial friends who turn on each other and stab each other in the back...

That's why Jia Jing said that even if he didn't ask, Ping'er would probably find an opportunity to tell him about Xiren.

After all, if there is any chance of a turnaround in this matter, the only options besides asking Grandmother Jia are to ask him.

With Jia Baoyu on the verge of death after being beaten and the jade pendant smashed, Grandmother Jia probably had no time to care about the life or death of a maid.

Or perhaps Grandmother Jia was also harboring resentment towards the maids like Xiren!

Upon hearing Jia Jing's words, Ping'er felt a pang of fear and quickly turned around, kneeling down on the ground. She spoke earnestly and solemnly:

"This servant dares not deceive the Duke. I did indeed think about telling the Duke about this matter just now."

"However, this servant is not thinking of pleading for Xiren and the others, but only feels that the Duke has always been kind-hearted, wise and brave."

"Just like a righteous judge in a play, he will surely handle the matter impartially and leave a way out for Xiren and the others!"

Jia Jing looked at Ping'er, whose features were delicate and her demeanor gentle, and couldn't help but smile:

"Kind-hearted? I've punished so many people in my household, and many say I'm ruthless, but you're the first to call me kind-hearted!"

Ping'er stared blankly at the smile on the young man's face for a moment, then awkwardly looked away and whispered:

"It was Yuanyang who told us this. She said that the Duke manages so many things inside and outside the mansion, and he carries on his shoulders the rise and fall of the family, the survival of the clan, and the safety of the country."

"Therefore, in handling matters, one must consider the big picture and be resolute and decisive; only by using swift and decisive measures can one demonstrate the compassion of a bodhisattva!"

"She also said... that the master is actually a very good person in private, and he is kind to the maids. As long as you don't break the family rules, you don't have to be afraid to speak your true feelings in front of the master..."

After speaking, Ping'er raised her head slightly, her face flushed, but her gaze was fixed on Jia Jing with a hint of expectation.

Upon hearing this, Jia Jing couldn't help but smile. Ever since his last conversation with Yuanyang, he had no idea how many good things she had said about him behind his back!

"Get up! The word 'kind-hearted' will probably never apply to me in this lifetime."

"However, you usually assist Sister Feng in managing the household, and you are kind and benevolent to your subordinates, generous and compassionate. You can be described as kind-hearted and benevolent."

"As the saying goes, a thousand bolts of brocade are not as good as a piece of warm jade. You are like that piece of warm jade, not prickly to the touch, not dazzling to the eye, yet perfectly considerate and thoughtful in every way, with a pure and kind heart."

"It's a blessing for Second Sister-in-law to have someone like this by her side," Jia Jing said gently, glancing at Ping'er kneeling on the ground.

Among the maids in the Jia family, Ping'er is undoubtedly the first to be described as "kind-hearted".

The original work repeatedly points out that Ping'er never abuses her power or bullies others, and that she has a kind and benevolent heart.

For example, Ping'er secretly helped You Erjie: When Fengjie mistreated You Erjie, Ping'er secretly gave her money to buy her food and comforted her with kind words.

After You Erjie died, she stole money to help Jia Lian with his funeral arrangements, and afterwards she couldn't help but shed tears when she thought about it.

Another example is the "exercise of power" to save the Liu family mother and daughter: Liu Wu'er was wrongly accused of stealing rose dew, and Feng Jie wanted to punish her severely.

After Ping'er discovered the truth, she cleverly persuaded Feng Jie by mentioning Feng Jie's health and her children, and finally convinced Feng Jie to be lenient, thus saving the Liu family mother and daughter.

There are also countless examples of showing compassion and helping Granny Liu, "concealing" the shrimp-whisker bracelet, and cleverly protecting Tan Chun!

Xing'er, a servant in Fengjie's courtyard, once said that Ping'er "often does good deeds behind her mistress's back," and that servants could ask her for help when they had difficulties. When a servant's mother was sick and asked her for leave, she readily agreed.

Although Jia Jing himself may not fully agree with this kind and benevolent way of dealing with things, he is still happy to see that the maid has such a kind and generous nature!

Because there should be warmth in the home, this kind of good atmosphere within the scope of family rules should still be encouraged!

Upon hearing this, Ping'er blinked and looked at the young man beside her with an approving expression. A shy and joyful feeling welled up in her heart!

The Duke actually praised her? He praised her for being kind-hearted and virtuous!

They say a thousand bolts of brocade are not as good as a warm piece of jade!

Although I don't quite understand the meaning of this sentence, it sounds quite sophisticated!

Last time, Yuanyang received the praise for her eloquence and quick wit, which she showed off to no end. She would often mention it to me and Xiren. Now, I never expected to receive the same praise myself...

Just as Ping'er was lost in thought, Jia Jing had already composed himself and continued walking along the covered walkway, saying as he went:

"In a moment, pass on my order that all the maids in Baoyu's courtyard be dismissed and that Third Sister will arrange for new masters."

"From now on, only a few maids will be allowed to take care of Baoyu's courtyard. No more maids, young or old!"

"Since Madam Wang believes that the maids have corrupted her precious son, then let's just get rid of them altogether. I want to see if Baoyu will change his ways without the maids!"

Upon hearing this, Ping'er quickly stood up with a joyful expression, nodded in response, and saw that Jia Jing had already walked forward without saying a word. She quickly composed herself and followed him with small steps.

The two walked along the covered walkway, around a rockery, and soon came to a small, square pavilion.

The pavilion has railings on all four sides, and below it is a pool of clear water with a few lotus leaves clinging to the surface, motionless.

On the stone table inside the pavilion, there was a celadon teapot and two cups, along with a plate of dried peaches and a plate of mung bean cakes.

Meanwhile, someone had been waiting for a long time.

"Third brother, I've been waiting for you for so long! You've finally arrived!"