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

Jia Jing bowed and accepted the order, speaking in a firm and resolute tone:

"With Your Majesty's support, I can completely control the military power of Ba Shang within ten days."

"It's just that the timeframe is short, so the methods will be more drastic. If I were given a year or two, I could proceed more slowly! What does Your Majesty think?"

Emperor Jingsheng's eyes revealed admiration; this was the difference between a military general with military merit and a civil official leading troops.

If Wang Ziteng were to become the military governor of Ba Shang, it would be impossible for him to achieve anything in less than two or three years, and he could easily be sidelined or murdered.

Generals like Jia Jing, who came from the battlefield, could not only take control of military power in a shorter time, but were also afraid of using overly drastic methods!

Emperor Jingsheng thought for a moment, sighed deeply, and then said:

"Time waits for no one! It is already the ninth year of the Jingsheng era. I don't have that much time to wait, and the court doesn't have that much time to waste. Implementing the new policies is urgent and cannot be delayed!"

"Go for it, go all out! I'll cover for you in everything else!"

"I will give you the Imperial Sword, which will allow you to act as you see fit with all the generals and soldiers in the Ba Shang camp! In addition, I will allocate 200,000 taels of silver from the Imperial Treasury to help you win over the hearts of the troops."

"By the way! You also need to keep an eye on the founding military achievements; the founding lineage has become somewhat corrupt in recent years!"

"The children in the family have all become pampered and complacent, resting on their ancestors' laurels without any ambition. It's truly outrageous!"

"I do not expect them to expand the territory for the court like our ancestors, but at the very least, I hope they will produce a few more talents like Feng Ziying and Han Qi. If they only know how to commit crimes and run rampant in the capital, don't blame me for not showing them any mercy in the future."

Jia Jing's expression turned solemn, and he cupped his hands in greeting, saying:

"I understand!"

The military prowess of the founding generation had indeed largely declined, despite the impressive reputations of the Four Kings, Eight Dukes, and Twelve Marquises.

In fact, even now, none of them have had as much influence in the Han army as the four dukes and eight marquises of the Jingnan lineage.

Just like the Jia family, which once held the titles of Duke of two states, but now only one first-class general and one third-class general remain, neither of whom holds military power.

On the other hand, many of the older generation of military meritorious officials still hold military titles and ranks based on their military achievements! Many of them hold power in the military. Although they have become somewhat corrupt in recent years, they are still much better off than the founding generation.

A few years ago, the founding line of Wu Xun was actually no match for the Jingnan line.

However, with Emperor Jingsheng's various actions, the Duke of Cheng and the Duke of Cao, members of the Jingnan faction, were dismissed from their posts, and the Duke of Zhao was even scolded to the point of vomiting blood by Jia Jing. Coupled with Jia Jing's rise, the two sides can be considered evenly matched, each with their own victories.

Without realizing it.

Emperor Jingsheng and Jia Jing had been talking for almost half an hour.

At this time,

"Your Majesty! Lunch is ready. Shall we eat now?"

Xia Shouzhong entered the hall and respectfully asked Emperor Jingsheng.

"Let's not talk about this anymore, it's getting late. Let's have lunch first, then come with me!"

Jia Jing nodded without saying anything more and followed Emperor Jingsheng out of the palace.

…………

Rongguo Mansion.

At this moment, the entire Rongguo Mansion was extremely lively!

Although Jia She, the eldest master of the Jia family, is still unconscious, no one in the Jia family is paying attention to his movements anymore.

All the masters of the Rong and Ning mansions gathered at the mansion, awaiting Jia Jing's return.

This includes Madam Xing, Jia Lian, Wang Xifeng, Jia Cong, and others from the main branch of the Rongguo Mansion.

The second branch of the Rongguo Mansion includes Jia Zheng, Lady Wang, Aunt Zhao, Li Wan, Jia Baoyu, Jia Huan, Jia Lan, and others.

The Ningguo Mansion includes Jia Zhen, Jia Rong, You Shi, Qin Keqing, and others.

And Jia Yingchun, Jia Tanchun, Jia Xichun, Daiyu, Shi Xiangyun and others who lived in Grandmother Jia's courtyard.

Aunt Xue and Xue Baochai lived in Pear Fragrance Courtyard.

Not to mention, the stewards, old women, maids, servants, and other staff in the Jia family's offices, storerooms, servants' quarters, kitchens, and other places also sprang into action, sweeping and cleaning the courtyards, preparing sumptuous meals and welcoming ceremonies. No one dared to neglect the new master who was about to return to the mansion!

It can be said that Jia Jing's return to the capital and his residence has become the biggest event in the hearts of hundreds and thousands of people in the Rong and Ning mansions.

Not only the Rong and Ning mansions, but also other collateral branches of the Jia family in the capital were eagerly anticipating the arrival of this new military lord of the Jia family, who would bring glory to the family.

They hoped that Jia Jing would be different from the likes of Jia She and Jia Zhen, who inherited their titles through direct lineage, and that he wouldn't just stay at home drinking and playing with his concubines, but would also bring glory to his own clan.

In the main hall of the main house in Grandmother Jia's courtyard, all the women of the Jia family were gathered.

Grandmother Jia, dressed in formal attire, sat on the high couch in the middle.

The following are Lady Wang, Lady Xing, Aunt Xue, Lady You, Li Wan, Sister Feng, Qin Keqing, the three sisters, Shi Xiangyun, Daiyu, Baochai, and others.

The other concubines, maids, and head maids stood on both sides to serve.

The Jia family received news yesterday that Jia Jing would be returning to the capital today.

So, after having breakfast early in the morning, everyone went to Grandmother Jia's courtyard to wait.

As time passed, news spread from the men in the front courtyard back to the inner quarters, making the festive atmosphere in the entire Jia family increasingly intense.

"Grandma, the person in front says that Third Master has already gone to the palace to meet the Emperor!" an old woman reported as she entered the room.

Although Grandmother Jia was still worried about her eldest son's injuries, she had to force a smile and face the lively and joyful atmosphere of the entire mansion.

I heard that my grandson, who was born out of wedlock, killed the Qing army commander-in-chief this time. He'll probably be promoted to a high-ranking position when he gets back!

This is a matter of utmost importance for the entire Jia family and clan, and it is beyond the control of a mere woman confined to the inner quarters!

Although she was somewhat worried that Jia Jing's return would disrupt the peace of the household, she could only greet him with a cheerful expression since he was returning with great influence.

Fengjie was all smiles at this moment, and it wasn't just because Jia Jing had returned to the mansion.

The main reason is that the eldest master, Jia She, has run into trouble. He is still in a coma and, according to the imperial physician who came to diagnose him, even if he is saved, he will only have a year at most.

This was certainly a good thing for her and Jia Lian. If Jia Lian inherited the title, she could also become a second-class general's wife, a true imperial consort.

Not only will she be showered with honor, but she will also be able to completely take charge of the main branch of the household, and may even become the matriarch of the entire Rongguo Mansion in the future.

Who would have thought that this esteemed gentleman, in the prime of his life, would be attacked by the White Lotus Sect! It's truly a stroke of good fortune!

Upon hearing the report from the old woman in front, Fengjie smiled charmingly and said:

"Instead of returning to the manor first, they went straight to the palace!"

Grandmother Jia smiled and said:

"This has been the rule since ancient times! When a general returns to the capital, he must first go to the Ministry of War to report on his duties. If the emperor wants to see him, he must first go to meet the emperor."

"It seems Jing-ge'er is about to be granted a title and appointed general; of course, the emperor will want to meet him!"