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

In Rongqing Hall,

Seeing the strange look on Grandmother Jia's face, as if she feared they would run away, the Princess of Nan'an's expression hardened.

She had naturally heard rumors that Jia Jing was cold-hearted, domineering, and difficult to deal with, but she had been a princess and a concubine for over fifty years. Even the empress had to give her some respect when she entered the palace. What kind of big scene hadn't she seen?

She refused to believe that Jia Jing would dare not show her any respect!

After all, Jia Zijie only held the title of Duke, while the Nan'an Prince's Mansion was a hereditary Prince's Mansion, something Jia Zijie could never hope to achieve in his entire life.

To put it bluntly, one day when the stirrups are too short, the person could very well lose their life!

For a moment, everyone in the hall had different expressions and didn't speak, falling into an inexplicable silence!

A moment later, a maidservant could be heard announcing from outside:

"Grandma, the Duke has arrived!"

Upon hearing this, the people in the hall, who had been displaying various expressions, all raised their heads and looked toward the curtain!

The curtain was lifted by a maid, revealing a calm-looking, tall young man in a python robe with a sword at his waist. He slowly walked into the hall, led by Yuanyang.

"Jing-ge'er, did you just come back from the yamen?" Grandmother Jia asked first, her voice sounding much warmer than usual.

Jia Jing, unusually, bowed to Grandmother Jia, his expression revealing neither joy nor anger, and said in a deep voice:

"Just rushed back from the government office to wish the old lady a long and healthy life, as evergreen as pine and cypress!"

Grandmother Jia hurriedly laughed and said in a hoarse voice:

"Okay, okay!"

This was probably the first time in years that she had heard kind words from Jia Jing, and she was immediately flattered!

At this moment, the Princess Consort of Nan'an, standing to the side, looked at the young man and said with a forced smile:

"This must be Jing-ge'er! He is indeed a handsome and imposing figure!"

Meanwhile, Princess Bejing, Lady Niu, Lady Li, Nian Shilan, and others who were seeing Jia Jing for the first time were also staring intently at this legendary figure whose name was known throughout the world!

Princess Zhen of Beijing unconsciously revealed a hint of surprise on her bright face!

She had seen Jia Jing from afar at Lugou Bridge the last time, but he was far away then, and she could only see a blurry, tall figure; his face was not very clear.

Upon closer inspection, one could see that Jia Jing was tall and broad-shouldered, with a straight back and a face as if carved by a knife and axe. His eyebrows were sword-like and his nose was high and straight like a peak. His thin lips were slightly pursed, and his jawline was distinct.

His dark eyes were as deep as a pool, and wherever his gaze fell, they were as cold as frost, as calm as the sea, and imposing without anger.

In particular, his dark red robe with a cross-collar accentuated his dignified bearing, and his every move exuded both the decisiveness of a seasoned general and an air of unfathomable mystery.

He was handsome with a wild look, and upon closer inspection, he seemed to be even more outstanding than his own prince!

Madam Zhen couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

How favored by Heaven!

Not only was this person given unparalleled martial arts skills, but also such outstanding appearance!

Nian Shilan slightly raised her beautiful, oval face, her bright, clear eyes gazing intently.

Their gaze lingered on the young man's cold and calm face, and for some reason, they felt they couldn't get enough of looking at him!

Is this the person my second brother keeps mentioning in his letters, the one he wants me to marry?

It seems... not impossible!

Suddenly, this beautiful and intelligent young woman realized that the occasion was inappropriate, and quickly lowered her gaze, afraid that someone would notice something amiss!

At this moment, in fact, whether it was Daiyu or the four sisters, Fengwan, Keqing, or Xiangyun, everyone was watching. Who was paying attention to Nian Shilan?

Fengjie's face was flushed, and her eyes were filled with anticipation. She knew Jia Jing's temperament best, and she was just waiting to see him teach the Princess of Nan'an a lesson!

After Jia Jing sat down with a calm expression, Grandmother Jia pointed to the group of people and introduced them to him:

"Jing-ge'er, this is the Princess Consort of Beijing, this is the Dowager Princess of Nan'an, this is the Heir Apparent's Wife of Dongping, this is the Lady of Zhongjing Marquis, this is the Lady of Minister Nian..."

Jia Jing nodded in acknowledgment to each of them, while the Princess of Beijing and the others, except for the Dowager Princess of Nan'an, stood up and curtsied.

After the greetings were completed, Grandmother Jia's expression hardened slightly before she continued:

"Princess Bei Jing and the others have come to wish me a happy birthday! The Dowager Princess of Nan'an and the Crown Prince's Consort of Dongping have also come to see you, besides to offer their congratulations!"

Seeing that Grandmother Jia was carrying her, the Princess of Nan'an continued:

"Jing-ge'er, I've come today for two reasons: first, to wish your old lady a happy birthday; and second, to shamelessly ask for a favor from some old relatives and friends in the capital."

"Yesterday, your Ministry of Military Affairs issued several military orders to clear out the military farms and set a deadline for their return. Those who fail to do so will have their property confiscated and their titles revoked. This drastic measure has thrown all the founding fathers in the capital into a panic."

"I've lived to this age, and we used to visit each other frequently when the old Duke was alive. Our two families have been friends for over a hundred years. Today, I just want to ask: could you possibly make an exception for this matter of Qingtun?"

"Everyone knows you're efficient, but some families have land passed down through generations, and it's hard to tell whether it's military farmland or ancestral property."

"If you push too hard, those who know you will say you're incorruptible, but those who don't will think that the Jia family is using us old relatives and friends as a scapegoat because they've taken the lead!"

Perhaps due to her advanced age, the Princess of Nan'an kept repeating herself in a monotonous and repetitive manner.

The Crown Princess of Dongping followed suit:

"Indeed! Those military officers at the garrison are one thing, but our founding line of military merit has maintained a relationship of over a hundred years; it's different, we should at least show them some respect!"

This is either negotiating terms or testing Jia Jing's attitude and bottom line!

Upon hearing this, Jia Jing remained calm. He had already learned from Yuanyang what had happened at Rongqing Hall and had guessed the intentions of the Princess Dowager of Nan'an and the Princess Consort of Dongping.

The Prince of Nan'an is plotting to burn the land registers, submit memorials, and spread rumors. Meanwhile, he is sending his family members to test and pressure the prince. He is simply unable to make the decision to fight to the death and wants to use a soft approach to cut the flesh.

It seems I need to push them a little harder!

Thinking of this, Jia Jing lowered his eyes and slowly spoke:

"Don't you know that reopening the military farms was explicitly stated in His Majesty's edict yesterday? Don't you know that strengthening the army is a major plan of the court? This constant talk of compromise and politeness—are you showing contempt for His Majesty or attempting to defy the court?"

Having said that, without giving the two a chance to refute, his voice turned colder, and he said in a deep voice:

"Today, out of respect for my grandmother's birthday banquet, I will not pay any more attention to your ignorant and absurd words. I hope you will all have some self-respect and reflect on your actions."

"Even the Empress in the palace does not interfere in politics. What are you people? Don't you know what feminine virtue is?"

The Princess of Nan'an, who had just been accused of two crimes by Jia Jing and was about to argue with him, heard Jia Jing's stern voice and felt as if she had been choked. Her aged face suddenly turned red!

She could hardly believe what she was hearing.

Confused and ignorant?

Do you not know what female virtue is?

Is he talking to himself?

Since she became the Dowager Consort of the Prince of Nan'an's Mansion more than ten years ago, she has always been particular about maintaining a dignified image. Even when she had conflicts or disagreements with others, she would usually exchange barbs with hidden barbs. She had never been so directly reprimanded to her face before!

How dare this child be so arrogant!