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

At this time, Jia Jing had indeed arrived at the palace and was led by an eunuch to pay his respects to Emperor Jingsheng!

Walking within the palace walls, Jia Jing looked around.

All that could be seen were palace buildings with flying eaves and brackets, red walls and black tiles, which were very heavy, magnificent and grand.

On the palace roads, palace maids, eunuchs, guards, and imperial guards hurried by, each one orderly and without a sound.

"General Jia, please come with me! His Majesty is already waiting!"

The eunuch leading the way noticed Jia Jing looking around as he walked, and with a smile on his face, he softly urged him on.

If an ordinary person dared to be so rude in the palace, he would have already stepped forward to reprimand them.

However, Jia Jing was no ordinary person. Before he came, Eunuch Xia repeatedly warned him: "You must not mistreat General Jia. He is a favorite minister of the Emperor."

"The imperial palace is so grand that I momentarily forgot myself; I'm afraid I've made a fool of myself in your presence, sir!"

Jia Jing smiled slightly and quickly followed the eunuch's footsteps, the two heading towards the Qianqing Palace.

In just a short while, Jia Jing and his companion arrived at the foot of the steps in front of the Qianqing Palace.

Looking in that direction, one could see that several people were already standing on the steps.

The man at the front, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and wearing a crown, stood tall and looked down with a smile on his face.

The group that followed, all dressed in purple robes and with solemn expressions, surrounded the person in front of them, like stars surrounding the moon.

Jia Jing's expression hardened, and he felt a sense of solemnity, guessing that this was probably Emperor Jingsheng.

I never expected that he would come to greet me outside the hall. This is quite a show of courtesy!

The eunuch leading the way had already knelt on the ground, shouting, "Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"

Jia Jing hurriedly bowed and said, "Your subject Jia Jing greets Your Majesty!"

Emperor Jingsheng, gazing at Jia Jing in his military uniform, then made a move that caused everyone present to change their expressions.

Emperor Jingsheng suddenly strode down the steps, came to Jia Jing, and grasped Jia Jing's hands to help him up.

"My dear minister, you may rise. I have long desired to see you! I am truly delighted to finally meet you today."

The emperor descending the steps—what a sign of great respect!

Jia Jing felt a warmth in his heart at this moment; Emperor Jingsheng truly treated him exceptionally well.

While he was at the front, he was constantly rewarded and encouraged!

Although he made continuous contributions, Emperor Jingsheng never treated him unfairly. At a young age, he was ranked as a fourth-rank official and was constantly promoted and ennobled, which was mostly due to the support of Emperor Jingsheng.

This time, when I returned to the capital to meet the Emperor, Emperor Jingsheng came out of the palace to greet me and even descended the steps to help me up. His treatment of me was incredibly kind!

Jia Jing said with gratitude:

"Two years ago, Your Majesty recognized my talent and selected me from humble beginnings. You have consistently encouraged and respected me greatly!"

"Thanks to Your Majesty's divine might, and despite our own incompetence, we have finally achieved victory in Liaodong, fulfilling our mission!"

Emperor Jingsheng grasped Jia Jing's hand and looked him up and down.

Jia Jing was tall and imposing, wearing a gleaming silver lion helmet and snow-scale armor; he was quite handsome.

He exuded the fierce spirit of a seasoned soldier, with a calm gaze and a tough expression.

Of course, his face also showed signs of the weariness and fatigue from his long journey back to Beijing.

"So dashing and handsome, truly a fine son of our great Han Dynasty!" Emperor Jingsheng exclaimed.

This was not just Emperor Jingsheng being polite.

Rather, it was through the martial prowess passed down from Zhao Yun, Lü Bu, and Xiang Yu.

Jia Jing's physique and build were transformed, even his appearance underwent subtle changes, not to mention his improved demeanor.

He looks perfectly proportioned, and it's no exaggeration to say he's dashing and extraordinary.

Gong Dingzi and the others watched Emperor Jingsheng's friendly attitude towards Jia Jing with mixed expressions, feeling a bit envious.

Emperor Jingsheng didn't say much outside the hall. He took Jia Jing's hand and led him into the hall, saying:

"Let's go inside the palace to talk! I imagine you must be tired from your long journey!"

"Serving His Majesty and working tirelessly for the nation, I dare not complain of being weary!" Jia Jing replied respectfully.

"If it weren't for the fact that it was winter and the Qing dynasty couldn't send troops, I wouldn't have dared to recall you so easily," Emperor Jingsheng remarked.

"The Qing dynasty originally intended to send troops from both the grasslands and Liaodong to rescue Yinti, but after I captured and killed Yinti, both armies withdrew!"

"With General Nian and General Yue now in Liaodong, Your Majesty need not worry!"

Jia Jing lagged behind, skillfully helping Emperor Jingsheng up the steps, followed by several cabinet ministers.

Emperor Jingsheng sighed and said:

"Liaodong may be peaceful for a few months, but there are countless matters to attend to at court, and problems arise everywhere. How can I not be worried!"

Jia Jing nodded and said:

"Your Majesty bears the weight of the nation's fate on your shoulders and has the world in your heart. I know you toil tirelessly every day! However, the affairs of state are complex and cannot be accomplished in a day. Your Majesty must take care of your health!"

The two chatted and walked all the way back to the Qianqing Palace.

Emperor Jingsheng sat back down at the long table in the hall, while Jia Jing, Niu Jizong, and the Duke of Zhao stood on the right side of the hall.

"Please have a seat! Bring tea and snacks for Minister Jia!"

Emperor Jingsheng gave instructions to Xia Shouzhong, who was standing nearby.

Jia Jing quickly bowed and declined:

"How can I, a humble subject, sit idly before Your Majesty and all the esteemed officials!"

Although Emperor Jingsheng sincerely offered the seat, he was very pleased to see Jia Jing so polite and respectful!

He's good at fighting and not arrogant. I haven't misjudged him!

"You are no child. I have just discussed with the ministers how to reward you for your merit in defeating the enemy at Jizhou City."

"We've decided to promote you by one rank, bestowing upon you the title of General Who Guards the East (a third-rank official), and simultaneously granting you the title of Marquis of Jingwu. Now, you are a high-ranking military officer of the court, a marquis in your own domain, truly a key minister of the imperial court!"

Emperor Jingsheng said with a smile.

Jia Jing quickly bowed again and said:

"Leading troops into battle is merely my duty! Your Majesty has repeatedly shown me great favor and deep affection. I should serve the court and share your burdens. How can I be granted a title for such minor merit? I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree!"

Of course, Jia Jing didn't want to be promoted; getting promoted and receiving rewards had always been his core principle.

However, having just returned to the capital, he was unfamiliar with the affairs and people of the court.

Therefore, his plan is to be cautious in his conduct for the time being, to first understand the situation, and then to make further plans.

Clearly, his respectful and courteous attitude was very effective.

Not only did Emperor Jingsheng become increasingly amiable towards him, but even ministers like Li Guangdi and Chen Tingjing, seeing his repeated humility, respect, and composure, also showed him more approval.

I was initially worried that the emperor's favor might make him arrogant, but now it seems that he is indeed a loyal and reliable minister.

Only Zhang Tingyu's graying eyebrows furrowed slightly, his aged gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny!

Is this genuine respect or a treacherous act disguised as loyalty?

At the height of his military achievements, his extreme caution is truly alarming!

"My dear minister, there is no need to refuse! Without clear rewards and punishments, nothing can be accomplished! If we treat meritorious officials poorly, who among the soldiers on the front lines will still serve our dynasty in the future!" Emperor Jingsheng solemnly advised.

Jia Jing couldn't very well refuse again, otherwise he would be accused of thinking the reward was too low, which would show that he had big ambitions!

Immediately, a look of gratitude appeared on his face, and he said:

"Your Majesty, I am grateful for your kindness and would never fail to repay your grace!"