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

A smile appeared on Empress Zhou's dignified and gentle face as she carefully examined Jia Jing, noting his tall and elegant figure, clear features, and well-defined facial contours.

His demeanor lacked the roughness and impetuosity of ordinary military generals, as well as the excessive restraint and rigidity of civil officials.

What's even more remarkable is the composure and calmness that belies his age, yet beneath that composure lies an indescribable energy.

It's not the kind of passionate galloping, but more like a deep, still stream. On the surface, it seems to be just an unbridled burst of youthful vigor and spirit, but upon closer inspection, it reveals an unwavering determination.

Empress Zhou suddenly realized why Emperor Jingsheng's eyes would light up every time he mentioned Jia Zijie.

It turns out that it wasn't just because he was good at fighting, but also because just seeing this person standing there quietly made people feel safe and secure.

Stability and security are the most precious things in this deep palace.

I couldn't help but sigh: He truly deserves to be called the most outstanding hero of this generation of the Han Dynasty; meeting him is even more impressive than hearing about him.

Thinking of this, Empress Zhou withdrew her scrutinizing gaze, her bright eyes lowered slightly, and another thought involuntarily arose in her mind.

It seems this young man is unmarried?!

It's a pity I don't have a biological daughter, otherwise if I had taken him as my son-in-law, Biao'er's future would have been much more secure!

His Majesty has few children, and only two daughters.

One was born to Consort Liu and was eight years old; the other was born to Consort Yuan and was already betrothed.

Neither of these two seems suitable!

Empress Zhou frowned slightly, pondering to herself.

At this moment, Emperor Jingsheng smiled and said:

"We, ruler and subject, need not stand on such formalities. Let us taste the Empress's cooking. Her yam and poria cake and osmanthus-flavored lotus root are quite delicious; I have always enjoyed them!"

Empress Zhou also came to her senses and said with a smile:

"When His Majesty heard that Zijie was coming, he was worried about your health, thinking about how busy you'd been all night! Since you've done a lot today, why don't you help His Majesty with some of the work!"

As he spoke, he ordered the eunuch to add an embroidered stool.

Jia Jing did not continue to refuse, his face showing a hint of flattery, and said:

"In that case, thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty and Your Majesty!"

Emperor Jingsheng looked at Jia Jing with a smile and had someone hand over the lotus seed soup and several plates of snacks that he had prepared.

Jia Jing took it and placed it on the table in front of him.

Emperor Jingsheng said gently:

"Let's eat first; we can discuss military matters after we finish eating!"

As he spoke, he took the lead and started using it.

Jia Jing nodded, picked up the bowl of lotus seed soup, scooped a spoonful, and put it in his mouth. The soup was cooked perfectly; the sweetness of the lotus seeds had been infused into the broth, and its warmth traveled from his throat to his stomach.

Then, he put down the bowl, picked up a piece of yam and poria cake, took a bite, and found it to be smooth, slightly sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

He couldn't help but think to himself:

No wonder Empress Zhou was known for her virtue; judging from her culinary skills alone, she could not have achieved such proficiency without years of dedicated practice.

Not to mention, she was Emperor Jingsheng's wife, with whom he had shared many years of hardship since he was a prince. She always kept to her proper place in the palace and never interfered in politics. Her family only held a few minor official titles.

All these factors suggest that she is indeed a virtuous and kind person!

Just as Emperor Jingsheng was about to finish, Jia Jing quickly swallowed the last piece of pastry, picked up the lotus seed soup and drank it all in one gulp. He then put the porcelain bowl aside, took the mouthwash handed to him by a eunuch, and rinsed his mouth briefly.

Empress Zhou's gentle gaze occasionally fell on Jia Jing. Seeing that he had finished, she smiled and asked:

"Today's meal was prepared according to His Majesty's taste, so it's a bit lighter. Is it to your liking, Zijie?"

Jia Jing put down the teacup he was rinsing his mouth with, smiled, and said:

"Your Majesty's cooking skills are truly admirable. To be honest, I've been eating communal meals in the army for the past month, but this meal today tastes a bit like home."

"I'm afraid that once we return to the military camp, we won't be used to eating such coarse food for a while."

"However, her skill is only one aspect. What I admire even more is that Your Majesty, as the head of the six palaces and the mother of the nation, can still prepare food with her bare hands and personally serve it to the emperor. This virtue and affection is truly a model for women all over the world."

"Your Majesty and the Empress are a loving couple. I am deeply moved to see them today. This lotus seed soup not only warms the stomach but also warms the heart."

In just two simple sentences, he praised Empress Zhou's culinary skills and virtue, while subtly expressing his admiration for the deep affection between the Emperor and Empress.

Moreover, Jia Jing's face was full of sincerity, and his tone was casual and natural, as if it were just a sigh revealed in everyday conversation!

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhou's beautiful face lit up with boundless joy, and she smiled, saying:

"I am merely fulfilling my duty. Your Majesty works tirelessly day and night to attend to state affairs, and all I can do to help you is with these trivial matters."

She paused, then glanced at Emperor Jingsheng with her beautiful eyes, her gaze sparkling, and asked seemingly casually:

"However, Zijie just said that it tasted like home, which reminded me of something."

"You've reached the age where you should settle down. After court, if you have someone in your household who cares for you and takes care of things, you won't have to make do with those coarse meals in the military camp all the time."

"I wonder... if there's a girl you like?"