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

Under the banyan tree by the pond in Huifang Garden,

Jia Jing embraced Baochai, whose face was slightly flushed and who was radiant with beauty. Her cool fragrance filled the air. As he lowered his head, his gaze fell on her smooth, jade-like neck.

A silk ribbon was tied around his neck, making his skin appear even more lustrous and snow-white; he was clearly wearing the jade pendant he had given him last time.

The young man's gentle voice rang in the girl's ear:

"Is this jade pendant convenient for you to wear all the time, sister? Is it a bit heavy?"

The jade pendant has a delicate texture and is a bit heavier than ordinary accessories, but of course, it is still not as good as a gold lock!

Baochai lowered her head even further, biting her lower lip with her pearly teeth, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz:

"I have never taken it off since my brother gave it to me. Every morning when I get up and do my hair, the first thing I do is put it on."

She paused, her voice becoming even softer:

"Wearing it makes me feel like my brother is right beside me, and it inexplicably makes me feel more at ease!"

This is the art of speaking. When Jia Jing asked if it was heavy, Baochai didn't answer whether it was heavy or light, but instead said that she felt inexplicably at ease. She used an object to describe a person, making a double entendre.

Jia Jing looked at the shy and timid Baochai, smiled gently, and said softly:

"It's fine to wear it! I've noticed that you don't seem to wear jewelry much usually, and your clothes are mostly worn out. If I remember correctly, the one you wore today was the same silver fur half-sleeved garment when I saw you at Rongqing Hall last time."

Baochai has always maintained a minimalist appearance and simple clothing.

Lately, it's all because of him that I've started wearing rouge and ruby ​​earrings whenever we meet!

Hearing Jia Jing's words, Baochai was slightly taken aback, then lowered her head and smiled faintly, like a ripple on the surface of a pond, gone in an instant.

She was clearly pleased that Jia Jing remembered what she wore last time.

"I didn't really care about these things in the past. This half-sleeved garment was made the year before last. It's made of good material, but I only wore it three or four times. It would be a pity to throw it away, so I've been wearing it ever since."

Baochai raised her hand to tidy a stray strand of hair that had been blown away by the evening breeze at her temple, and said softly:

"As for jewelry, Mom gives me new pieces every year. This spring alone, she sent me several sets of gold jewelry. There were also some gifts from the Empress in the palace last time. My third sister also gave me a box of South Sea pearls, each one as big as a finger."

"I just felt that those things were heavy to wear, and they jingled and clanged when I walked, so I put them all away!"

She paused, then raised her bright, almond-shaped eyes to look at Jia Jing. Her gaze held a hint of probing, and a deeply hidden shyness.

"However, if my third brother likes me to wear more clothes and accessories, I'm willing to prepare them..."

"That's good." Jia Jing interrupted her, his tone calm yet revealing a sense of magnanimity and tolerance.

"She looks good whether she's wearing heavy or light makeup. My sister is naturally beautiful, so she doesn't need these external enhancements! Besides... I don't want my sister to deliberately change herself for my sake and make herself uncomfortable!"

Upon hearing this, Baochai lowered her almond-shaped eyes slightly, savoring the phrases "naturally beautiful" and "not wanting her younger sister to feel uncomfortable because of me." Waves of joy welled up in her heart, and she softly said:

"My brother loves me so much, how could I not be willing... to please him!"

If Jia Jing really likes her dressing up, she is naturally happy to add more embellishments to her appearance!

To be honest, even Baochai couldn't quite figure out Jia Jing's preferences.

To say that he liked to dress up would not be entirely true, since he was never seen to give a second glance to any of the women in his household who were made up and adorned with jewels, such as Sister Feng!

If you say you don't like it, then why bring it up again today?

Jia Jing sensed the meaning behind Baochai's words and pondered them.

It's not that he dislikes women dressing up in elaborate, bright, and striking clothes.

But as he just said, both light and heavy makeup are suitable. The key is not whether it is heavy or light, or elaborate or plain, but the word "suitable"!

In short: The best outfit is the one that suits you!

In the original novel, Baochai's flower name tag is peony, inscribed with "Beauty Surpassing All Flowers," which seems to contradict her usual "simple" attire, given the presence of the word "beautiful."

But don't forget her self-description in her poem "Ode to the White Crabapple": "Only when the flower is extremely pale can one know its true beauty; only when sorrow is abundant can jade remain without a trace."

In other words, her beauty is not the kind of glamour that comes from elaborate dressing up in the conventional sense, nor is it an exaggerated display of intensity. Rather, it is the inner strength and charm that shines through after all the artifice has been stripped away.

Her beauty is "cold fragrance," "crystal snow," and "a hermit in the mountains," all of which are incompatible with the ostentatious and flamboyant nature of "dressed up."

Not to mention, Baochai's core principle in dealing with people is "to conceal one's ignorance and feign ignorance."

She doesn't like being the center of attention or drawing attention to herself, and dressing up is precisely what attracts the most attention, which would definitely make her feel uncomfortable.

Jia Jing thought for a moment, then pondered and said:

"The key to dressing well lies not in being extravagant or expensive, but in being appropriate and suitable."

"My sister's lips are red without lipstick, and her eyebrows are green without makeup. She is as beautiful as a lotus in clear water, and naturally beautiful without any artifice. In addition, she has a dignified and reserved character. She does not need to wear elaborate clothes and accessories. Otherwise, it would only obscure her gentle and calm inner charm."

At this point, Jia Jing paused, then changed the subject:

"However... I heard from Xiangling that my sister's room doesn't seem to be furnished much. There isn't even a vase on the table, and the display shelves are completely empty. That's a bit too much of a hardship for her!"

According to the original text, Baochai's room was like a snow cave, completely devoid of any ornaments. On the table was only an earthenware vase with a few chrysanthemums, two books, a tea box, and teacups. The bed was simply draped with a blue gauze curtain, and the bedding was also very plain.

The so-called "earthen Ding ware" refers to the coarse products of Ding ware, which are far inferior to the exquisite porcelains of Guan ware, Ge ware, Ru ware, and other kilns.

Upon hearing this, Baochai smiled first, carefully trying to understand Jia Jing's intentions, and then softly explained:

"Those things weren't what I was used to using. When we left Nanjing for the capital, my mother was afraid that our accommodations in the capital would be shabby and people would laugh at us, so she packed a few boxes of gold and jade items to take with her on the ship."

"When we got here, I felt that displaying those things was too ostentatious, so I only kept a few items that I could use daily, and had Ying'er put the rest into the storeroom."

He shook his head slightly, his tone tinged with self-deprecation but without a trace of grievance, and continued:

"My mother often said that I didn't seem like a young lady from a wealthy family, but rather like the daughter of a poor scholar. I felt quite comfortable with that. With fewer things in the house, my mind was at peace."

"Those gold and jade antiques, filling a whole room, are just a burden to look at every day."

Upon hearing this, Jia Jing knew that Baochai was intentionally suppressing her natural instincts as a young girl, and chuckled:

"My sister truly possesses the refined air of a hermit, detached from material desires and extravagance, seeking inner peace and contentment!"

"However, simplicity does not mean shabby. I'll have Xiangling send you a few things later, not some fancy decorations."

"I have a bronze incense burner from a previous dynasty, not very big, just right for burning incense on my desk; I also have a few pieces of Lingbi stone, thin, wrinkled, and porous, which would look decent on a display shelf; and a black-smoked frozen stone tripod..."

As she spoke, she smiled and asked Baochai:

"I gave it to you, do you still think it's too flashy or cumbersome?"

A blush rose on Baochai's fair, pear-like face, but she was not shy. She smiled and said softly:

"Since it was a gift from my brother, I naturally don't mind..."

Afterward, the two didn't stay embracing; they continued walking slowly along the edge of the pool, talking as they went.

As dusk deepened, the last rays of sunset slowly sank behind the distant mountains. The two lanterns hanging from the eaves of the pavilion were reflected on the pond, their red light shattering into fragments in the water, like scattered stars.

As they approached a small pavilion, noticing that it was getting late, Baochai suddenly asked:

"The Prime Minister's Office has just been established today, overseeing all military affairs in the country. After tomorrow's birthday banquet, will you be even busier, brother?"

Thinking that after today, it would be an unknown period of time before they could meet again, Baochai was undoubtedly extremely reluctant to part!

Jia Jing's gaze fell on the reflections of the lanterns, shattered by the ripples on the pond's surface. His voice, though not loud, was clear and distinct as he spoke in a deep tone:

"Excellent! The imperial court's grand plan to strengthen the military has begun! The first task is to investigate the military farms in the capital region. This is the first priority after the establishment of the Military Administration Office, and I need to focus on it closely."

"In addition, we need to quickly get familiar with military affairs across the country; we'll definitely be busy for a while!"

"Fortunately, unlike when I commanded the Twelve Battalions, I no longer have to stay in the military camp for long periods of time. From now on, I can go back to my residence to rest after finishing my work in the yamen during the day."

"If my sister misses me, she can come over tonight, um... just like today, under the pretext of concerning Prince Teng!"

It has to be said that Wang Ziteng's imprisonment this time has given Baochai a proper reason to come to the East Mansion at any time!

Just as Daiyu used her father Lin Ruhai as a pretext, Baochai could also use the excuse of inquiring about her uncle Wang Ziteng!

Of course, Wang Ziteng's days are numbered, so this excuse probably won't last long!

However, the Empress is already arranging marriages for him. They can find an opportunity to have Baochai and Daiyu's names reported to the Emperor, allowing them to be recognized openly in the imperial court.

Regardless of whether the outcome is positive or negative, at least it will be much easier to contact each other in the future, and there's no fear of affecting either of their reputations!

Baochai was secretly pleased to hear this, but it seemed inappropriate to meet in secret under the guise of her uncle's name.

Her gentle, almond-shaped eyes met the warm gaze of the young man beside her for a moment, her long, curved eyelashes fluttering down as she hesitated before saying:

"Uncle this time..."

After all, he was her maternal uncle. Taking advantage of the opportunity when Jia Jing was carrying Prince Teng, Baochai wanted to ask about the follow-up situation!

Of course, she knew Jia Jing's nature of always separating public and private matters, and she had heard him redefine the relationship between the four great families yesterday, so she didn't expect to plead for him, but just asked to have a clear idea in mind.

Jia Jing's expression turned serious, and he said:

"The emperor's words are law. If he is truly greedy, all I can do is to make him suffer less."

The idea of ​​suffering less is obviously to die suddenly in prison, rather than being skinned alive and stuffed with straw!

Baochai raised her plump, fair face, her slightly chubby cheeks illuminated by the candlelight, making her even more radiant and beautiful. She sighed softly and said:

"I've heard Mom talk about what happened to my uncle's family; it seems things are going to be difficult this time..."

This obviously means that the stolen money was of dubious origin!

Jia Jing said:

"Even if he really took it, it will take some time to investigate! Go back and tell your aunt that she doesn't need to go around trying to use her connections to save Wang Ziteng. This is an imperial decree, and no one can overturn it!"

"We must especially remember this lesson, lest we fall into the same trap twice and end up losing money in someone else's accounts!"

The Wang Ziteng incident should also curb the bribery trend among officials and serve as a warning to others. From this perspective, it may not be a bad thing!

Baochai nodded, and seeing that Jia Jing seemed unwilling to continue the conversation on this topic, she raised her beautiful face and said instead:

"There's one more thing I need to ask my brother's opinion on! Recently, someone has arranged a marriage for my eldest brother with the Xia family, a royal merchant family affiliated with the Ministry of Revenue. My eldest brother is getting on in years, and my mother has heard from others that the other party is talented and handsome, so she wants to settle things as soon as possible."

"But I feel that the capital city is not peaceful right now. My brother also said yesterday that it is not appropriate to get married at this time. I am a little worried!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Jing remained silent for a moment, never expecting that Xue Pan would ultimately not be able to escape this marriage.

The so-called "imperial merchant Xia family" naturally refers to Xia Jingui.

After all, she was the only widow in her family, and Aunt Xue probably chose her because she was interested in the huge amount of wealth her family could inherit.

However, this woman was spoiled and pampered, talented but lacking in virtue. She was a "troublemaker" who was arrogant, jealous, ruthless, and prone to tantrums.

In the original novel, after Xia Jingui entered the Xue family, she quickly turned the Xue family into a state of utter chaos:

Aunt Xue was so angry with her that she had pain in her left side, but she couldn't do anything about it.

He tried to discipline her, but she retorted, "None of the girls in our family become concubines. Although I am young, I manage household affairs, unlike the girls in your household who only know how to eat ready-made meals."

Even a matriarch like Aunt Xue couldn't do anything to her, so she naturally didn't care much about her sister-in-law Baochai. It was only because Baochai "adapted to the situation and subtly suppressed her will with words" that she restrained herself a little.

Even so, she still spoke ill of Baochai behind her back, calling Baochai "a woman squeezed out of vinegar juice".

However, what's most memorable in the original work is her bullying of Xiangling:

Xiangling's original name was Zhen Yinglian, but she was renamed Xiangling after being abducted by Xue Pan.

As soon as Xia Jingui arrived, she said, "Who has ever smelled the fragrance of water chestnut flowers?" and forcibly changed her name to "Qiuling," stripping her of her original identity symbol.

At the same time, she pretended to be sick to frame Xiangling, and had her maid Xiaoshe'er call Xue Pan into her room. She then deliberately revealed her weakness in front of Xiangling, inducing Xiangling to witness Xue Pan's "good deed" and enraging Xue Pan to beat Xiangling.

She even hid paper figures with needles in her pillow, pretended to be sick, and framed Xiangling for "nightmare magic" in an attempt to kill her.

As for the countless times she would use vulgar language to describe Xiangling as "pretentious and coquettish" and "harlot," there are countless examples of it.

In short, this is a "shrew from Hedong" who "loves herself like a Bodhisattva, but regards others as dirt; outwardly beautiful but inwardly fierce," and has the temperament of a bandit leader. She is not a good match for him.

Jia Jing glanced at Baochai, whose beautiful face was etched with worry, and slowly said:

"Perhaps you could investigate this matter further..."

Although the matter would most likely fall through once Xue Pan went to prison, Jia Jing naturally wouldn't hesitate to offer a reminder since Baochai had asked.

Just as Jia Jing was about to elaborate on Xia Jingui's matter, he suddenly heard a series of soft, sweet voices coming from around the corner of the artificial hill near the pavilion:

"Oh dear! Your Excellency..."

"Greetings, Your Excellency!" *2

"Uncle..."