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

Inside the hall, Madam Wang glanced sideways at Feng Jie, her eyes filled with cold light and resentment rising in her heart.

That damned Sister Feng, she's always picking on me. Just wait, I'll teach her a lesson she won't forget!

However, Madam Xing, who had been a spectator all night, couldn't stay still any longer. After glancing at Madam Wang, she said in a similarly sarcastic tone:

"Since Jing-ge has spoken, we'll naturally do as he says!"

"My sister-in-law caused a huge uproar in the family just last month, and today, taking advantage of Jing-ge's troubles, she's stirring up trouble again at home, even bringing her own family along as mediators!"

"Third Sister offended you last time through Steward Gongxin, and now you're going to marry her off? Everyone knows your intentions. Aren't you being far too arrogant!"

As soon as Sister Feng started the fight, Madam Xing immediately realized what was going on. It was quite rare for the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to be on the same side, defending Jia Jing and reprimanding Madam Wang.

It must be said that although Madam Xing's words were somewhat pretentious, they directly and incisively pointed out Madam Wang's ill intentions.

It's probably because you said last month that there was discord between the legitimate and illegitimate children, and now you're pretending to be a loving mother!

Always stirring up trouble, haven't you learned your lesson yet?

Of course, all matters, big and small, in the household are decided by our own Jing-ge'er. Who can see through your little tricks?

Madam Wang's face was gloomy as she silently turned the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand. At this moment, she felt resentful and utterly humiliated.

In front of so many people, including her own sister-in-law, she was attacked by the first wife and her mother-in-law in turn. How could she, as the second wife, have any face left in the mansion?

But she couldn't very well continue arguing with him.

For a moment, Rongqing Hall fell into an eerie silence!

The main reason was that the young ladies couldn't interrupt the conversation between the ladies, especially since it was about marriage. Yuan Chun, an unmarried young woman, couldn't say much at this time.

Aunt Xue could say a few words, but it wouldn't be good to side with either side. On one side was her own family, and on the other was Jing-ge'er. After thinking it over, she felt it was better to say less and make fewer mistakes!

Grandmother Jia sighed deeply, feeling her head start to ache again.

She, the old lady who used to have absolute authority, has completely lost control over these matters in the household!

Sister Feng and her eldest daughter-in-law were usually fine, but when it came to anything related to that wretched third grandson, their expressions changed faster than anyone else's!

Facing the gazes of everyone, Grandmother Jia could only smooth things over by saying:

"Let's wait for Jing-ge to come back and hear his and Zheng-er's opinions before making a decision! Let's see what they think; it's best for the whole family to discuss it together!"

Lady Wang's expression changed. Could Jia Jing and Jia Zheng possibly be any better than her?

Her lips moved as if she wanted to speak again, but then she heard the old woman's voice from outside announcing:

"Grandma, the Second Master is here!"

A moment later, Jia Zheng walked in, looking preoccupied and with a somber expression. Seeing his demeanor, Grandmother Jia's heart sank, and she quickly asked:

"Zheng'er, what brings you here? Is there news about Jing-ge'er? Or has something happened outside?"

After exchanging greetings, Jia Zheng sat down on a rosewood armchair and then slowly said:

"Just now, Minister Xia from the palace passed by the gate of the mansion with people from the Imperial City Guard. He came in specifically to speak with me. There's been a result regarding the attack on Jing-ge'er..."

"So soon there's a result? Where did this heartless, depraved villain come from, using such despicable means to deal with Jing-ge'er?" Grandmother Jia slapped the soft couch and cursed angrily.

Others also turned their curious and concerned gazes toward Jia Zheng.

Jia Zheng's expression was somewhat solemn as he said:

"According to Minister Xia, the captured perpetrators were a group of men from Grand Secretary Fang and several prominent families in Jiangnan, as well as the Marquis of Pingyuan's residence and the Duke of Shanguo's residence..."

Jia Zheng's voice was full of disbelief; he clearly couldn't understand how a cabinet minister could be involved in such a despicable act as hiring a murderer.

"Grand Secretary Fang, the prominent families of Jiangnan, the Marquis of Pingyuan's mansion, and the Duke of Shan's mansion?" Grandmother Jia's expression changed drastically, and she exclaimed in surprise:

"How could it be them?"

While the Pingyuan Marquis's mansion and the Shanguo Duke's mansion could be somewhat understood, Jingge'er had recently incurred their wrath.

But what about Grand Secretary Fang? I've never heard of Jing'er offending him!

The people in the hall were also surprised, not expecting that these forces were actually connected behind the scenes.

Daiyu held her handkerchief, a thoughtful look flashing in her bright, dark eyes. She knew most of what was happening in the court, and it seemed that this Grand Secretary Fang was from Jiangnan!

After a moment of surprise, Grandmother Jia's mind raced, and she quickly asked:

"Did Minister Xia say what the palace's attitude is? This matter involves a cabinet minister, a duke's mansion, and a marquis's mansion."

"The Duke of Shanguo's family is related to the imperial family. His daughter was just made a Virtuous Consort two years ago, and I heard that she is very much favored by the emperor."

"The Marquis of Pingyuan's family and the Prince of Nan'an's family are also related by marriage. These families are all quite powerful. It won't be easy to convict them based solely on the confessions of a few culprits! By the way, did Jing-ge act impulsively?"

Upon hearing the words "Virtuous Consort," Madam Wang's eyes flickered, and she couldn't help but look at her eldest daughter, Yuan Chun, who was standing to the side.

With such a beautiful face, elegant demeanor, and suitability for marriage, if it weren't for the interference of that short-lived illegitimate son of the eldest son's family, she would surely be a concubine in the palace by now!

A few years ago, the daughters of several families from the founding line of the Wu family were selected as imperial concubines together. She had also seen the daughter of the Duke of Shan State, but she did not have the dignified and beautiful appearance, or the graceful figure, that her eldest daughter possessed!

Originally, it was their own daughter who first announced from the palace that she was about to have good news, but who knew that after that illegitimate son joined the army, he rose through the ranks and his own daughter fell into obscurity.

On the contrary, several other second-rate families kept being promoted to concubines and imperial consorts, allowing their parents, brothers and sisters to benefit from the honor.

The eldest daughter of the family was eventually taken out of the palace and got nothing. Not only that, but she is also getting older every day and is about to become an old maid!

No! Absolutely not!

With her talent, beauty, and virtue, my eldest daughter is destined to be at least a princess, if not an imperial concubine!

A resolute glint flashed in Madam Wang's eyes, as if she had secretly made up her mind.

"Doesn't the old lady know Jing-ge'er's character? He's always been upright and decisive. If he had evidence, why wouldn't he take action?"

Hearing Grandmother Jia's mature and prudent words, Jia Zheng's face turned solemn, and he hesitated to speak.

Grandmother Jia asked with surprise and uncertainty:

"What did they say? Could it be that Jing-ge'er has already clashed with them?"

This is no small matter, as it involves the cabinet ministers and imperial relatives. In Grandmother Jia's opinion, even with the murderer's confession, a thorough investigation should be conducted, evidence should be gathered from multiple sources, and the matter should be reported to the emperor. It would be safest to act only after obtaining the emperor's approval and careful consideration.

Jia Zheng said in a deep voice:

"His Majesty has ordered Jingge'er to take command of the Imperial City Guard and the Five City Garrison to thoroughly investigate this major assassination case and pacify the capital."

"After obtaining the murderer's confession, Jingge'er sent troops to surround the Fang residence, the Pingyuan Marquis's residence, and the Shanguo Duke's residence. Now, all three have been ordered to be confiscated by him."

"The sons and wives of the Fang family, as well as the Jiang and Shi families, have all been arrested and taken to the imperial prison for severe interrogation. I heard from the eunuch that several families resisted arrest with weapons, and many people were killed."