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

Seeing that Jia Jing remained silent, Daiyu became even more certain of her thoughts. Without waiting for his reply, she simply let out a soft "humph."

She turned her face to one side, revealing a slender neck. The tiny pearl pendant on her earlobe swayed gently with her slight head tilt, like a drop of dew frozen in the morning light.

"Does this mean Third Brother is admitting it?"

Her voice was low, but the ending note, like a cat's tail, gently curved upwards, carrying a hint of triumphant joy and smugness, as she softly said:

"Anyway, the way you treated me before, whether it was out of pity or whatever, was ultimately different from how you treated others...!"

As she finished speaking, she realized that her words were a bit too explicit, so she quickly lowered her eyes and swallowed the rest of her sentence.

He pondered in his heart:

Arguing in this way, it was all the third brother's idea that came first, and what happened afterward couldn't be considered as him being unreserved, like a moth drawn to a flame, giving purses and asking if he was a connoisseur of flowers!

It's because he has feelings for me too, rather than it being my wishful thinking that I provoked him.

Jia Jing glanced at her indifferently, the astonishment on his face had disappeared, but deep in his eyes remained a gentle calm.

His lips twitched, he chuckled softly, and sighed:

"My sister has quite the sharp tongue. I only said one sentence, and you've dug up so many old grievances."

He then took half a step forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Daiyu, his gaze falling on the pond water ruffled by the morning breeze, and said gently:

"There's no need to be so clear about this. You're here now, and I'm here too. Whether it was you who initiated it or I did, it doesn't really matter!"

It seemed that Jia Jing's laughter made Daiyu even more shy. A mischievous glint flashed in her bright, dark eyes, and she let out a soft hum.

Her fair face flushed crimson, and her sweet voice carried a hint of something inexplicable. She turned her head, glanced quickly at Jia Jing, then lowered her eyes again, and whispered insincerely:

"I was just asking a question, not trying to argue with you about who should go first."

Seeing that Jia Jing remained silent, she paused for a moment, then asked very softly:

"Third brother... will you think I'm too sharp-tongued, too narrow-minded, and always dwell on these little things?"

After she finished speaking, she immediately felt annoyed. Wasn't asking such a question a bit like admitting her own guilt?

Jia Jing glanced down at Daiyu. Today she was wearing a moon-white cross-collar jacket with a very pale green trim around the collar, which made her face look like the first melting snow of spring.

She bit her lip slightly, her brow furrowing as always, the joy that had just surfaced seemed about to be suppressed by her own sensitivity.

"You always overthink things!" Jia Jing said calmly, with a hint of indulgence, in a gentle voice:

"I know my sister very well. If you don't argue with me about these things, I'll start to wonder if you don't care about me at all!"

It can only be said that Daiyu truly deserves the title of "sentimental," as she was playful and mischievous in front of him, but she was never willful or capricious.

Of course, this is also because the two have confirmed their relationship, and Daiyu really cares about her place in his heart, which is why she behaved this way!

Couples in love inevitably experience various struggles and anxieties!

Upon hearing this, Daiyu was taken aback, her delicate body trembled, and she raised her eyes, a surge of joy and emotion welling up in her heart. She never expected that her third brother would understand her heart so well.

Jia Jing looked away, but simply took her hand again, holding it lightly in his palm, and walked forward.

The dappled sunlight filtering through the bamboo leaves fell on his shoulders, flickering between light and shadow.

"If you have something on your mind in the future, ask me directly instead of tossing and turning in bed alone at night."

His voice came from the morning breeze, deep and resonant:

"If I haven't taken care of anything properly, just tell me directly. Sometimes when I'm busy, I can't go to the West Mansion for ten days or half a month. You can come here to find me yourself. Don't keep it to yourself and feel wronged!"

Daiyu's eyes welled up with tears again, her thoughts a jumble of emotions, and she simply took a few more steps closer to Jia Jing.

The two walked slowly along the path by the pool, neither of them speaking again.

The morning breeze carries the sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, as if it could envelop you completely.

After walking for a while, Daiyu turned and raised her bright eyes beneath her delicate brows, her gaze filled with concern, and said softly:

"Third brother, you've been busy with military preparations in the capital lately, causing such a commotion. The Prince of Nan'an and others have even raised an army to purge the court of corrupt officials. Is this alright?"

Although her question came suddenly, it was clear that this matter had been lingering in her mind for a long time, and she was only now finding the opportunity to bring it up.

Jia Jing said:

"It's alright! These things are always necessary for any rectification or reform. Now that the Prince of Nan'an has been pacified and the matter of reorganizing the army in the capital region has been settled, there's no way it will cause any major trouble!"

"Besides, I have my own resources and backup plans, so my sister doesn't need to worry!"

As he spoke, he gave Daiyu a reassuring look.

Daiyu was momentarily stunned by that gaze, pursed her cherry lips, and carefully said:

"I know of my third brother's abilities, of course, but the political landscape is treacherous, so it's best to be cautious!"

"Just like the last time you were attacked, you've offended too many people now. You must be wary of those sneak attacks from the shadows!"

The main reason was that the previous attack left a deep impression on Daiyu, and she was afraid that Jia Jing would be harmed by someone else!

Jia Jing stopped and turned to face her. Daiyu also stopped, looked up, and their eyes met in the bright morning light.

Jia Jing saw no fear in her eyes, only a deep and genuine worry. He reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of hair, ruffled by the wind, behind her ear, and smiled:

"I understand. He'll always have personal guards with him, and the Prime Minister's Office is currently establishing a Military Intelligence Division, so there will be personnel gathering intelligence to guard against any clandestine activity!"

Given the current state of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the possibility of assassinating him is virtually zero.

"By the way! I should be setting off for Jiangnan in a few days. It's all settled. I'll be taking my sister with me to Yangzhou to visit Uncle Lin!"

He carefully reviewed the relevant information about Jiangnan after returning home last night and found that the situation was far more complicated than he had imagined.

It not only involves the resistance of officials, officers, and gentry to the new policies and military reforms, but also the problems of salt merchants and the White Lotus Rebellion.

Besides these, the Embroidered Uniform Guard also discovered traces of activities by the puppet Qing princes, Japanese pirates, and bandits from Sichuan and Shaanxi in Yangzhou, creating utter chaos.

It's no wonder that even a high-ranking cabinet minister like Gong Dingzi, who was also an imperial envoy in charge of the military and political affairs of several provinces, was helpless and unable to achieve anything for a long time.

Given the current situation in Jiangnan, it's safe to say that, apart from him, probably no one else in the entire Han Dynasty could go.

Daiyu's expression changed slightly, her bright eyes fixed on the young man, and she exclaimed in surprise:

"Third brother, now that you are the Grand Minister of State for Military Affairs, with so many matters at court requiring your attention, can you still find the time to personally travel to the south?"

Although Jia Jing had previously mentioned to Daiyu that he might go to Jiangnan and said he would take her back with him,

But since Jia Jing became the Minister of Military Affairs, Daiyu thought the matter was over.

After all, Jia Jing's position was higher than that of the Grand Secretary at the time, and the court could not do without him for a moment. If he went to Jiangnan, who would take charge of the newly established military administration?

Jia Jing's gaze deepened, and he sighed:

"We have no choice but to go! The situation there is too complicated; not only will we have to go, but we'll likely stay for quite some time! As for the Prime Minister's Office, let His Majesty manage it for now!"

Besides him, only Emperor Jingsheng could personally wield such power in the Zongli Rongzheng Yamen (Office of Military Affairs). Otherwise, no one else could bear such authority!

Daiyu pondered for a moment, then refrained from asking further about court affairs. She knew that Jia Jing was certainly more insightful in these matters than she was, and instead asked:

"When will Third Brother be traveling to Jiangnan?"

"His Majesty and I discussed setting off after winter begins, but I reckon it won't be that long! Perhaps at the end of this month, or perhaps at the beginning of next month, we should be able to set off!" Jia Jing said softly.

Last night I compiled the reports from the Imperial Guards who went south of the Yangtze River; this is the most likely timeframe.

Daiyu paused, looked up at him, and asked in surprise, "So fast?"

Keep in mind that today is already the 16th, so there are only about half a month left.

"Third Brother must have important business to attend to this time. Is it convenient for him to take me with him?" Daiyu asked thoughtfully.

My third brother's trip there will definitely be a big deal, and it might even lead to war. Would taking me with him be a burden?

"You will travel south by official ship, while I will lead the cavalry south by land. By the time you arrive, I reckon things should be stable over there!"

"You can stay at the Salt Commissioner's Office in Yangzhou. Your uncle is the Salt Commissioner, and you'll have my personal guards protecting you there, so you'll be safe! I'll go to Yangzhou to pick you up after I've settled a few important matters at hand."

The consolidation of Jiangnan is ultimately not an external war. Perhaps a few battles will be fought to establish a foothold when you first arrive, but the main thing later will be internal struggles!

Well, perhaps it's still best to take drastic measures and use sheer force to overcome all obstacles!

Daiyu felt much more at ease after hearing his detailed explanation, which clearly indicated that it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision.

She gave a soft "hmm," hesitated for a moment, and then said softly:

"Alright! I've wanted to go back to Jiangnan for a long time! To see how my father is doing? I also want to go to Suzhou, where my mother is. I haven't been back to pay my respects for many years."

She spoke very softly, as if afraid that if she spoke even slightly louder, her long-cherished feelings would shatter in the wind.

Jia Jing didn't reply immediately, but instead tightened his grip on her already somewhat cold hand, looking at the young girl with longing on her face, and said gently:

"I will meet Uncle Lin in Yangzhou and then accompany you to Suzhou."

"Once things are settled in Jiangnan, Uncle Lin will probably be able to return to the capital. Then you and your daughter won't have to be separated by thousands of miles anymore."

Upon hearing this, Daiyu smiled. This smile dispelled the last trace of sorrow between her brows, and her whole face brightened up, like a lotus flower fully blooming in the morning dew.

His eyes were as if they were filled with the light of the rising sun, shining incredibly brightly.

"Then I'll prepare when I get back," Daiyu said, her voice filled with long-lost joy. Ripples spread across her heart, and her starry eyes shone with longing.

"When Third Brother arrives in Jiangnan, once he finishes his official duties, he'll surely want to explore the area. I know Yangzhou well, and I also know Suzhou well... When the time comes, I'll take you around and be your host."

Jia Jing looked at the girl with eyes and brows as clear as the waters of the Xiang River, and smiled as well:

"That would be excellent. Now that we're in your territory, it's up to you, the host, to make the arrangements!"

Daiyu hummed in agreement, her shimmering eyes lowering slightly beneath her delicate brows.

The two looked at each other and smiled. The morning breeze carried the fragrance of osmanthus throughout the garden, as if it were also adding a layer of gentle sweetness to their still-distant journey to Jiangnan.

A gentle breeze rippled the pond, and a faint fragrance of osmanthus wafted through the garden.

The wind dispersed Daiyu's tears, and her mood lightened. She and Jia Jing continued their slow walk along the bluestone path.

Suddenly, the two stopped in their tracks. They saw two figures slowly approaching from the flowers and trees at the end of the path.

Walking in front was Xue Baochai, followed by her maid Ying'er.

Today, Baochai wore a lotus-root-colored double-breasted jacket, with a silver-red half-sleeved outer garment. The fabric was a very light-colored dark brocade, and the collar was embroidered with a row of half-open jade hairpin flowers, exuding a touch of brightness amidst its elegance.

She wore a moon-white pleated skirt, which swayed slightly as she moved, as if bringing the morning light of the whole garden with it.

Her black hair was tied into a high bun, adorned with a small phoenix hairpin with a pearl in its red gold hilt. A string of delicate tassels protruded from the phoenix's beak, hanging down to her ears and swaying gently with her steps.

Her face was smooth and radiant, white and delicate, appearing especially beautiful and graceful in the morning light.

She placed one hand on Ying'er's wrist, her expression serene, as if she were whispering something to her.

"It's Sister Bao!" Daiyu's delicate eyebrows twitched as she whispered.

Jia Jing frowned slightly, his gaze calm. This was rather a coincidence...

At that moment, Baochai also looked up and saw the two people on the road. She paused slightly, her face, as white as a pear blossom, showing surprise and a complex expression.

Her gaze first fell on Jia Jing beside Daiyu, her watery almond-shaped eyes lingering slightly for a moment. She walked closer with Ying'er and chuckled softly:

"Third Brother, Sister Lin, are you out for a walk too?"

The addition of the word "three" before "older brother" in the past seemed to make his voice sound a bit flatter.

Daiyu had already subtly withdrawn her hand from Jia Jing's grasp as soon as she saw Baochai.

She tucked a stray hair behind her ear and put on a very faint smile:

"Sister Bao, I went to see Third Brother this morning to ask about Father, and I stayed for lunch. I was just out to digest, why are you here too, Sister?"

This is the garden of the East Mansion. How come you know it so well?

Baochai said, "I originally wanted to say a few more words to my third brother, it's also about my uncle, but I didn't expect you to meet him first."

As she spoke, she glanced at Daiyu out of the corner of her eye and noticed that Daiyu looked much better than she had a few days ago, with a faint blush on her cheeks. She felt a sudden tightness in her chest, but couldn't quite put her finger on why.

She composed herself, then turned to look at Jia Jing and asked softly:

"Has Third Brother not gone to the yamen yet today?"

Jia Jing replied calmly, "We discussed things until late last night in the palace yesterday; we'll go later tonight!"

He spoke calmly, his gaze lingering briefly between the two girls without flinching, and then said quite naturally:

"Since you're all here, why don't we go sit in that pavilion over there? It's a quiet place here, and it'll be easy to talk."

Upon hearing this, Daiyu turned her head and looked at Baochai with a smile:

"Sister Bao, let's go sit together for a while. The pavilion by the pond is sheltered from the wind and gets plenty of sunshine. I was just about to have a chat with you!"

Hearing this, Baochai turned to look at Jia Jing, who remained composed, then subtly took Daiyu's hand and smiled, saying:

"That's fine, I'm tired anyway!"

The three of them then followed the path to the pavilion by the water.

Jia Jing walked ahead at a leisurely pace, while the two young girls followed hand in hand, chatting and laughing.

The morning light filtered through the treetops, casting the shadows of the three people onto the bluestone path, sometimes side by side, sometimes staggered, as if writing a silent account.

Upon arriving at the pavilion, Ying'er hurriedly stepped forward and laid out a stone bench with a handkerchief. Baochai sat down, and Daiyu sat down opposite her.

Jia Jing leaned against a pavilion pillar, half-sitting, his gaze fixed on a few koi carp drawn to the pond by the morning light, his expression indifferent.

The morning breeze swept through the pavilion, bringing with it the sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, and also the unspoken, subtle undercurrent between the young people.