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

At the same time, at the Rongguo Mansion.

Because it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, lanterns were hung all over the Rongguo Mansion as soon as it got dark.

Unlike the usual single-colored red lanterns, these lanterns came in various shapes, including melon, rabbit, and lotus, some depicting Chang'e flying to the moon, others inscribed with "May flowers bloom and the moon be full." They hung under the eaves of the covered walkways, illuminating the various bluestone paths of the Rongguo Mansion with a dazzling array of colors.

An altar was set up early in the corridor, with images of Chang'e and the Jade Rabbit on it, along with seasonal fruits such as mooncakes, watermelons, grapes, and osmanthus cakes.

The watermelon was cut into lotus petal shapes, which also symbolizes "a perfect union of flowers and a full moon";

Mooncakes come in various colors, including jujube paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, and egg yolk, and are stacked in a pagoda shape, with the words "Family Reunion" printed in gold on the top.

When the moon rises, its gentle light shines on the osmanthus trees in front of Rongqing Hall, casting swaying shadows and releasing a fragrant aroma that mingles with the sweet scent of mooncakes wafting from the corridor. Even the breeze feels soft.

It was already past lunchtime, and everyone was gathered in Grandmother Jia's courtyard to admire the moon.

The women sat scattered around the tables, while maids and servants brought over screens and cushions. A tea stove was also prepared, with charcoal burning brightly and the copper kettle on top bubbling and steaming.

A few young actors played their flutes in a corner of the stage. The melodious tunes, sometimes lingering and sometimes broken, seemed to add a faint fragrance to the moonlight.

Tonight, Sister Feng is enjoying a rare moment of leisure. She is wearing a peach-colored long jacket with floral patterns and is directing her maids to serve tea and fruit to each table.

Madam You and Qin Keqing sat in the dim light, peeling pomelos and occasionally whispering and laughing.

Yuan Chun wore a light red dress, her black hair was styled into a cloud-like bun, and bangs were combed across her forehead. Her plump face showed a serene expression.

She and Yingchun had set up a chessboard under the osmanthus tree and were playing chess by the light of a bright lamp!

Tan Chun and Bao Chai sat together, one quietly turning the pages of a book, the other embroidering something.

According to Baochai, it was to sew an autumn coat for her own brother.

Xiren stood beside Tanchun, occasionally handing her tea and snacks.

Since leaving Baoyu's courtyard, Xiren has been serving Tanchun. Tanchun quite likes her personality and takes her with her wherever she goes!

Daiyu and Xiangyun sat at a stone table in the courtyard, with paper and pen spread out in front of them. They were composing poems together, one line after another. Xiangyun wrote "The moon is full on Mid-Autumn Night," and Daiyu responded with "The breeze is gentle and the osmanthus is fragrant."

Xiangling watched intently, her rosy cheeks cupped in her hands. Her delicate white hands supported her face, leaving a small white mark on her innocent, rosy cheeks.

Daiyu would occasionally turn her head to explain things to Xiangling, fulfilling her duty as a teacher.

Xiao Jiao'er and Xi Chun were whispering to each other, occasionally snacking on pastries and fruits.

Both of them had already lost their baby teeth, and they were crunching on the fruit, which frequently drew Xiangyun's stares.

Seeing this, the little boy quickly wiped his mouth, handed over the watermelon in his hand, and showed a big smile, saying:

"Miss Yun, you should eat too! Hehe!"

Xiangyun reached out and took it very naturally, asking softly as she ate:

"Little brother, why hasn't third brother come back yet? Is he always this late?"

The Jia family sisters naturally knew about the Prince of Nan'an's uprising to purge the court of corrupt officials. Because of this, they had originally planned not to hold the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration at their residence today.

However, Jia Jing said it was nothing and told them to continue as usual, which is why they are enjoying the moon and having a happy gathering here now!

Upon hearing this, the young actor laughed:

"Yes! Hehe! Third Master went to the palace office this morning, and he probably won't be back for a while. He's been coming home late every day lately!"

Although he returned late, at least he could go home to sleep every day, unlike before when he lived in the military camp. So, Xiao Jiao'er still seemed very happy.

"Grandma, have some longan tea. You don't seem to have much of an appetite today; you're eating about half as much as usual!"

Not far away, Yuanyang handed a cup of tea to Grandmother Jia, who was reclining on a couch, and said with concern.

She understood the old lady and knew that although the old lady was smiling, she was definitely worried about the Duke's affairs outside.

After all, according to the Second Master, the Prince of Nan'an raised an army yesterday to purge the court of corrupt officials, and his target was the Duke. It's a dangerous situation!

Grandmother Jia accepted the longan tea offered by Yuanyang, and looking at her granddaughters and daughters-in-law filling the courtyard, a hint of worry was visible in her eyes.

She was indeed thinking about Jia Jing. Although she knew Jia Jing was good at fighting, she was always worried about the worst-case scenario.

Come to think of it, it's all my fault for arguing with the Princess of Nan'an on my birthday, which resulted in such a big incident!

While reflecting on her actions, Grandmother Jia slowly drank half a cup of longan tea. After a moment of silence, she suddenly beckoned to Sister Feng in the courtyard.

Sister Feng hurriedly put down her work, smiled and came forward, saying in a sweet voice:

"Grand Ancestor, what are your orders? Is the tea cold? Or are the mooncakes not to your liking?"

Grandmother Jia took her hand, made her sit down beside her, smiled, and said meaningfully:

"You child, you're always busy with this and that, you should sit down and rest. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, where is Ping'er?"

I can't manage what's going on outside, so I can only meddle in the messy affairs between my younger generation of husband and wife!

The relationship between the son and daughter-in-law of the second wife has already developed cracks, and the relationship between the grandson and granddaughter-in-law of the first wife cannot be allowed to continue like this!

Sister Feng's eyes flickered, and she smiled:

"There are still some things to take care of in the hospital, so I asked her to stay and look after them."

"Besides, during such a big holiday, there has to be someone in charge to keep an eye on things, so those little rascals don't shirk their responsibilities."

Grandmother Jia nodded, patted her hand, and said slowly:

"Ping'er is a good person! She is pretty, thoughtful, and loyal. Last time you and your husband had such a fight, she almost suffered a humiliation."

"She's been with you all these years, it hasn't been easy for her, so you should treat her well and not take your anger out on her for shameful things."

Grandmother Jia already knew about Jia Lian's affair with Yan Hong that day; in fact, everyone in the household knew.

After all, such a big commotion has been caused, and these kinds of romantic affairs between men and women are most likely to be used as gossip behind people's backs!

Feng Jie's smile froze for a moment, then returned to normal, and she said in a low voice:

"The old lady is right! I was so angry that day that I even hit her a few times. Looking back, I regret it!"

"Fortunately, Ping'er doesn't hold grudges. She's been comforting me these past few days, telling me not to take it to heart!"

Fengjie didn't really resent Ping'er much; her main resentment was directed at Jia Lian and Yan Hong, that two adulterous couple!

Grandmother Jia hummed in agreement, picked up her teacup, took a sip, and asked as if casually:

"Lian'er... how have you been these past few days?"

When the incident was reported to Jia Jing that day, Yan Hong was beaten to death, and Jia Lian also received thirty lashes. He was now recuperating in the courtyard, just like Jia Baoyu!

Grandmother Jia must have felt helpless; both of her grandsons had been punished by her third grandson.

Now, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunions, not a single man can be seen in the entire courtyard!

Feng Jie's smile faded slightly, but she remained composed and spoke in a calm tone, as if discussing something unrelated:

"What else can we do but let him recover! We'll provide him with the best food and drink, and have maids and servants to take care of him. The doctor said the injury isn't serious, it's not a big deal, but he'll need to stay in bed for another month or two before he can get out of bed!"

Grandmother Jia sighed, patted her hand, and said:

"He's a troublemaker too. He's the one who messed things up, and I'm sorry you had to suffer! But then again, which man isn't like a greedy cat?"

"Try to take it easy on him, don't hold a grudge. Once he's better, I'll make him apologize to you. And if he does anything ridiculous like this again, I'll be the first to not forgive him!"