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

In Rongqing Hall,

Because of Madam Xing's words, Aunt Xue's face also turned red with empathy. She felt the same way, thinking about her own family and her daughter's marriage.

But what can a widow like herself think about if she doesn't rely on her family or marriage alliances?

At this moment, gazing at the cold, stern figure in the hall for a moment, Aunt Xue's fair face showed a hint of sorrow, and she sighed softly:

"Uncle Pan'er is really in trouble this time..."

After all, he was her own brother. Apart from Madam Wang, Aunt Xue was probably the one most concerned about Prince Teng's safety!

Jia Jing said expressionlessly:

"The officialdom is a turbulent place, full of unpredictable fortune and misfortune; just take it easy!"

Then, turning to Zhu, he said:

"Zhu, you should go back too! Go back and tell everyone in the Wang family that all the family members in the mansion should rest in the backyard and not go out."

"Cooperate actively with the court's investigation, hand over the embezzled funds, and honestly confess your crimes and accept punishment. Do not conceal or resist the law, and do not transfer or hide your valuables, otherwise your families will be implicated, and even I cannot save you!"

Public matters are public matters, and private matters are private matters. Jia Jing did not want Zhu Shi to harbor any illusions because of his words just now.

As he spoke, he ordered several old women to take Zhu Shi to the guards in the front yard to escort her back.

For a moment, only the Jia family members remained in Rongqing Hall.

Jia Jing's gaze swept over everyone, lingering on Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang. After a moment of silence, he admonished them:

"The Wang family's affair is also a wake-up call for our Jia family! As the saying goes, people's hearts are as hard as iron, but the law is as ruthless as a furnace."

"The situation in the capital is becoming increasingly dire. The imperial court's grand plan to implement new policies and rectify official corruption is unstoppable and unshakeable!"

"The Emperor has made a firm decision; no one can shield, condone, or tolerate evil. Otherwise, how can the glorious laws of our Han Dynasty survive? How can we even talk about the restoration of our Han Dynasty?"

"If anyone fails to respect the law, breaks the law, or causes trouble, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Upon seeing the young man with his cool and aloof demeanor, everyone in the hall nodded solemnly to indicate that they understood.

Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang's expressions changed drastically; they were terrified, and a layer of cold sweat broke out on their backs.

Jia Jing glanced at Tan Chun, Ying Chun, Yuan Chun, Xi Chun, and the others, and slowly said:

"No one should make decisions about the marriages of the sisters in the household without authorization."

"The situation in the court has been unstable these past two years, and the timing is not right. I will make arrangements for this matter in the future, including for Sister Yun. I have also already spoken to the Shi family!"

Seeing the young man's solemn expression, Grandmother Jia quickly smiled and said:

"Jing-ge'er is right. Since you've given the instructions, we'll definitely listen to you. From now on, if any more suitors come to propose marriage, tell them to go to the East Mansion to discuss it with you!"

Jia Jing glanced expressionlessly at Grandmother Jia's forced smile, then looked away and said:

"That's settled then! I came back from the camp in a hurry this evening and haven't had dinner yet. I'll eat something first, as I have to go out later and attend the grand court assembly tomorrow morning."

The grand court assembly tomorrow morning was announced by Emperor Jingsheng at the last minute. It seems he wants to use the reports on the conduct of the officials and the assassinations to further intensify the pressure on the court officials!

As soon as Jia Jing said this, the atmosphere in the hall immediately relaxed a lot.

Grandmother Jia's expression paused, but her mood unconsciously eased somewhat. She said:

"Yuanyang, quickly have someone set out the meal! You're all hungry, so eat something too!"

Because of the attack on Jia Jing last night, none of them have eaten much so far.

Daiyu frowned, her bright eyes, clear as water, looked at the cold-faced young man. Her melancholy eyes, like clouds and rain, were shrouded in a deep, twilight-like contemplation, and for a moment, she felt a pang of heartache.

So many things happened outside last night, and it's already past midnight and I still haven't eaten!

Others only see that he holds great power and has the final say, but few people think about how many hardships he has gone through and how much pressure he has been under!

Baochai's fair face, as white as a pear blossom, also showed a look of tenderness. She bit her rosy lips with her pearly teeth, and her moist, bright almond-shaped eyes were filled with worry.

He had to attend to matters of state at court, as well as the internal affairs of the four great families. One thing after another, he must have been extremely exhausted...

It's a pity I'm not married into the family yet, otherwise I could share some of the burden with him!

Feng Jie's eyes flickered, and she turned to look at Ping'er behind her, instructing her:

"Ping'er, Third Brother looks travel-worn and hasn't even had time to change out of his armor. Go and prepare some hot water and a handkerchief to serve him his meal."

Hearing this from behind, Ping'er's delicate body trembled, and a blush rose on her fair and beautiful face.

"Yes, Grandma!"

Ping'er responded and hurriedly called several maids to bring the copper basin to Jia Jing. The warm soup rippled around the edge of the basin, as if the surface of the water was trembling slightly.

"My lord, let me help you wash up..."

Ping'er lowered her head, her voice barely audible, feeling somewhat embarrassed and unable to contain her shame.

Jia Jing stood up, his armor still on, his red cloak still tied around his shoulders, the silver armor plates bathed in the warm yellow light of the candlelight. He noticed Ping'er's embarrassment and said gently:

"I can do it myself, you just need to help me with some things."

Ping'er raised her eyes to meet those deep, gentle gazes, and nodded slightly.

"yes!"

The sound was clear and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Jia Jing removed his cloak and took off the sword from his waist.

I bent down and dipped my ten fingers into the water. The warm soup soaked my knuckles, and the water rippled under the lamplight, creating a shimmering effect.

He splashed water on his face, washing away the dust. Water droplets slid down his jawline, across his slightly protruding Adam's apple, and dripped into the water, making a soft, wet sound.

At this moment, Jia Jing, with his head down, had a few strands of hair on the back of his neck wet with water, clinging to his skin. As his head drooped slightly, the hair on his forehead also fell down, half-covering his brow bone.

The candlelight cast a play of light and shadow on his profile, darkening his brow bone, brightening his nose, and clearly outlining the lines of his lips.

Water droplets clung to her long eyelashes, trembling slightly, like dew falling on bamboo leaves after rain. Her fair and clean skin possessed a unique beauty, making one suddenly understand what "a face as pure and beautiful as jade" truly meant.

At this moment, Rongqing Hall was completely silent, and all eyes were on the young man who was washing his face.

The soup in the copper basin swayed gently, reflecting the candlelight and his lowered silhouette. His silver armor gleamed dimly in the candlelight, and there were fine wear marks on the edges of his shoulder armor and arm guards, as if they had been wiped countless times.

The collar was slightly open, revealing a section of the stand-up collar of the dark inner garment, which lay close to the Adam's apple.

A blue silk sash was tied around her waist, and the tassels swayed slightly in the lamplight, landing on the armor plates like a graceful stroke of calligraphy, creating a gentle dividing line in the iron-colored landscape.

Ping'er stood beside Jia Jing, holding a dry handkerchief in her hands, her eyes slightly lowered.

She was worldly-wise; Second Master Lian was one of the few handsome men in the household.

But the young man beside him, clad in armor, had sword-like eyebrows that slanted upwards to his temples, and a handsome face as if carved by an axe. He possessed the bearing of a dragon and the grace of a phoenix, exuding a dignified and imposing presence. His demeanor was truly captivating.

Ping'er's fingertips were slightly curled, her eyes were unfocused, as if she dared not look, or as if she had seen something she shouldn't have seen. The handkerchief was clenched in her hand, and without her realizing it, a fine crease had formed.

Fengjie leaned back in her chair, her phoenix eyes lingering on Jia Jing, her expression momentarily stunned.

Her lips twitched slightly, as if she wanted to say something joking, but she didn't say it. Instead, she lowered her eyes and picked up her teacup to add more water.

Li Wan sat in the corner, her gaze lingering for a moment on Jia Jing's downcast profile before shifting away, as if burned by something. Then, with a complicated expression, she lowered her head to straighten her sleeves and did not raise her head again.

Baochai's fair and jade-like face showed a moment of distraction. She pursed her lips, and her almond-shaped eyes reflected her profile, which was blurred for a moment in the steam and candlelight, and then became clear again. She couldn't help but gently touch the jade pendant she wore on her chest.

Yuan Chun, Tan Chun, Xiang Yun...

When Jia Jing stood up, took the handkerchief Ping'er handed him, wiped his face, and looked up, the lamplight seemed to flicker for a moment before settling back down.

The scene inside Rongqing Hall seemed to suddenly shift from quiet to clamor in that instant.

Only a faint mist remained in the air, not yet completely dissipated.

The group resumed their quiet conversations and laughter, as if the moment of silence and stunned silence had never happened...