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

It can only be said that ancient women were far more sensitive to marriage than modern women, even the empress was no exception. Before three sentences were even out of the question, she naturally steered the conversation toward Jia Jing's marriage.

Jia Jing straightened his expression and felt a chill run down his spine, wondering if this was a casual question from Empress Zhou or a test from the Emperor through her words.

However, Jia Jing's mention of the taste of home was actually intentional.

He had long wanted to find out Emperor Jingsheng's thoughts on his marriage, but he had never found a suitable opportunity.

It has to be said that now that he has been appointed as a second-rank general and minister in charge of military affairs, his choice of marriage is not as sensitive as before!

Even the most sensitive matter of a marriage alliance is not as sensitive as the position of a military minister who oversees all military affairs in the country.

What is the Prime Minister of Military Affairs?

That's practically the same as having the power to control all the armies in the land!

He had all the political and military orders of the Ministry of War, and the command of the Five Military Commissions was also under his control.

Although there are many military leaders in the local military towns of the Great Han Dynasty, and most of the troops are corrupt and have limited combat power, at least nominally they are all within his jurisdiction!

Moreover, the current Prime Minister's Office is not the same as the Grand Council in history, which had several Grand Councilors who checked and balanced each other.

The Zongli Yamen (Office of Military Affairs) was a military affairs agency headed by him. He was the sole Minister of Military Affairs, and although there might be deputies and various departments under him, they could not influence his supreme decision-making.

In comparison, it is somewhat similar to the Central Military Commission of later generations, with unified authority and separation of military and political functions.

Therefore, with such great power, it would be somewhat inappropriate for him to say that marrying civil or military officials would make him too powerful and would solidify his image as a powerful minister!

Because he was already a truly powerful minister, one of the most powerful ministers in history, whose power could shake the imperial authority at any time, and even change the world!

No matter which family he marries into, it will only be icing on the cake for his power, and will not provide any significant assistance!

Marriage is no longer as sensitive as it used to be!

Of course, since Emperor Jingsheng had placed such trust in him, he wouldn't go out of his way to cause trouble for the emperor.

Therefore, his thoughts on marriage at this time were very simple.

If Emperor Jingsheng has the idea of ​​bestowing a marriage or has someone in mind, then Emperor Jingsheng's arrangement shall prevail.

If not, he would follow his own heart, actively avoid suspicion, and try to find a law-abiding woman from a humble family with little family influence as his wife, like Lin Daiyu.

Thinking of this, Jia Jing put down his teacup, his expression calm, and met Empress Zhou's gaze without flinching. He cupped his hands and said:

"Your Majesty's concern is deeply appreciated. To be honest, since I was ennobled, matchmakers have been coming to my household to propose marriage, and the stack of their names is thicker than my military reports."

He made a vague gesture from his sleeve, then his expression turned serious:

"I have thought about this over and over again. Now that the external situation of our Great Han has just stabilized, there are undercurrents surging within the court. Urgent matters such as the new policies, military reforms, and governance of the bureaucracy are at a critical juncture. At this time, discussing personal matters seems inappropriate!"

"As the Marquis of Great Xia once said, 'If the Xiongnu are not destroyed, how can I have a home?' I wholeheartedly agree. If our Great Han is not prosperous, why should I be in a hurry to start a family!"

"Furthermore, I am a troublesome person. To be frank, Your Majesty and the Empress, I have been living a life of constant danger over the years, and I have offended more people than I have eaten salt."

"Who knows how many more open and hidden dangers await us in the future? If a girl of meager fortune were to marry into this family, I fear she wouldn't be able to withstand such peril!"

"Furthermore, given my current position, countless eyes are watching me. Marrying someone of higher or lower status would easily invite gossip!"

At this point, Jia Jing took a deep breath, his tone solemn, and respectfully bowed to the Emperor and Empress:

"I am ultimately a military man, and I neither understand nor wish to concern myself with the intricacies of this matter! Therefore, I think it would be best to trouble Your Majesty and the Empress to advise me on this matter!"

"Whenever Your Majesty decides when to discuss this matter, I will discuss it there; whichever girl Your Majesty deems suitable, I will marry without hesitation! I trust Your Majesty's judgment even more than my own!"

Jia Jing's words revealed three layers of meaning.

First, there's no rush to get married; the political situation is unstable, and national affairs should be the priority!

Secondly, be completely honest and reveal your true feelings to move people with your emotions!

Third, they were willing to follow Emperor Jingsheng's wishes, demonstrating unconditional trust and dispelling any concerns Emperor Jingsheng might have.

Emperor Jingsheng had already put down the teacup he was rinsing his mouth with. His gaze lingered on Jia Jing's face for a moment, but he did not speak immediately.

How could he not have considered Jia Jing's marriage?!

To put it bluntly, he valued Jia Jing's marriage more than the marriage of the eldest prince, Zhu Biao!

However, he had two concerns in the past and was reluctant to speak up easily.

Firstly, even if he were to arrange a marriage, he would have to fully consider Jia Jing's feelings. He couldn't let him marry someone he didn't like or was dissatisfied with, and he would be arbitrarily matchmaking someone up, which would break Jia Jing's heart!

Secondly, given Jia Jing's status, if he were to marry someone of equal social standing, he would need to be the legitimate daughter of one of the Six Ministries, the Duke's Mansion, or a Prince's Mansion to be even remotely worthy of him.

However, these people are mostly influential and have a wide reach. Given the current turbulent political situation, they are easily drawn into various controversies.

If you accidentally choose the wrong person, you'll be in a very passive position!

Ultimately, it was Jia Jing's connections that made Emperor Jingsheng somewhat hesitant and indecisive!

Here we must mention that Emperor Jingsheng actually harbored a thought that he had never revealed to the outside world.

That means waiting... a few more years, when the political situation in the court gradually stabilizes, and when my youngest daughter, Xiao Sizi, is a little older.

He had repeatedly considered the possibility of taking Jia Jing as his son-in-law, making him a true member of the family.

The benefits of completely binding the royal family and Jia Jing together are obvious.

From then on, the unity of ruler and subject, and the harmony between father-in-law and son-in-law, went without saying. It also ensured that future rulers would have powerful and reliable ministers to protect them.

At the same time, it also provides Jia Jing with a way out in the future: to retire gracefully and enjoy wealth and honor.

However, despite the many benefits, he couldn't directly tell Jia Jing that he intended to recruit him as his son-in-law!

After all, Xiao Sizi is only eight years old now, too young. It will take at least six or seven years before they can arrange a marriage.

Jia Jing is already 21 years old, and it would be unreasonable to ask him to wait another six or seven years to get married.

However... there is a way to have the best of both worlds. He had also intended to leave a way out for the Jia family's Ningguo Mansion.

If a suitable candidate is found for the position of principal wife in the Jingguo Mansion, then in the future, she can also... take over the position in the other mansion!

In that case, it's best not to mention Xiao Sizi's matter for now, lest it put Zijie in a difficult position!

In an instant, a myriad of thoughts flashed through Emperor Jingsheng's mind!

After a moment of silence, Emperor Jingsheng picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and his gaze swept over Jia Jing's face again, as if he were weighing something or confirming something.

The lid of the cup tapped gently against the rim, making a crisp sound.

Setting down his teacup, Emperor Jingsheng chuckled and said gently:

"I understand Zijie's meaning! Your marriage is not only a major event in your own life, but also a matter of national importance concerning the overall situation of the court. The Empress and I will keep it in mind."

"These days, let the Empress gather all the unmarried girls in the capital to meet. If a suitable candidate is found, I will personally arrange the marriage for you."

"If you find someone you like, no matter whose family they come from, bring them to the palace for me and the Empress to see. We'll give our opinions!"

"I trust you! Don't feel pressured or worried about this matter. Just choose with confidence."

"You are of age now, and you can't just focus on state affairs. I also hope that you will settle down and have someone in your household who cares for you."

Emperor Jingsheng's words conveyed full support, trust, and tolerance.

Empress Zhou glanced at Emperor Jingsheng, her beautiful eyes sparkling, and smiled as well:

"Your Majesty is right. I will arrange Zijie's marriage. I have a general idea of ​​the young ladies in the capital, and I will compile a list later for us to choose from."

"Rest assured, I will definitely choose one for you who is dignified and gentle, and will not do you a disservice as a great general."

Jia Jing's eyes flickered slightly, and he said in a deep voice:

"Then I will trouble Your Majesty! As for marriage, I do not care about social status or appearance, I only care about 'peace'. If the household is peaceful and the inner quarters are quiet, I can fight on the front lines or organize the army with peace of mind."

This means that he will not marry into a high-ranking family, actively avoiding suspicion, and is prepared to be a loyal subject.

Empress Zhou smiled, her phoenix eyes shining brightly, and said:

"That's true. After all, living together is a matter for two people. Since you trust His Majesty and me, I will carefully search for a solution for you."

"Those wealthy and powerful families in the capital may not be suitable for you; on the contrary, those families with upright character and simple members may be more to your liking."

Emperor Jingsheng smiled, his gaze deep, and said:

"Then let's leave it at that for now! Zitong, you go ahead with your work. I need to discuss some military matters with Zijie!"

"Oh, right! Have Xiao Si Zi keep me company for dinner tonight; I'm missing her!"

Empress Zhou was taken aback upon hearing this, and her beautiful eyes turned to Emperor Jingsheng, her gaze thoughtful.

What does it mean when her husband mentions Xiao Sizi at this moment?