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

A moment later, the curtain of Rongqing Hall was lifted, and Jia Jing walked in wearing a python robe, his face calm and his steps unhurried.

He first returned to the East Mansion and handed over all matters concerning the capital and the mansion to Xuanwu.

Zhuque will accompany him south, and the responsibility for guarding the Imperial Guards in the capital and the residence will naturally fall on Xuanwu's shoulders.

"Jing-ge'er!" Grandmother Jia called out from beside the table, her eyes full of kindness, yet also seemingly revealing a hint of reluctance at their impending separation.

The others all stood up, their gazes falling on the young man in the python robe.

Sister Feng was the first to greet him, personally moving a chair for Jia Jing. Her eyes were filled with eagerness as she smiled:

"Third brother, please sit down! You've been running around all day, have some hot tea first."

Tan Chun, Ying Chun, Xi Chun, Xiang Yun and other sisters also gathered around, some calling out "Third Brother" or standing silently to the side.

Jia Jing walked to the table and sat down, took the teacup, and glanced at everyone's faces before finally fixing his gaze on Grandmother Jia. He said in a deep voice:

"You should already know about my trip to Jiangnan. I'm about to leave to say goodbye to the old lady and my sisters."

Grandmother Jia nodded, her eyes slightly reddening, and forced a smile as she said:

"Got it! Be careful on the road!"

He then put down his teacup and continued:

"I have arranged for Xuanwu to manage the East Mansion. He is a loyal and reliable man I brought from the army! The West Mansion will remain under the management of my third sister, and everything will continue as before."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun straightened her expression, took half a step forward, nodded her head, and softly hummed in agreement.

Jia Jing instructed:

"While I am away from the capital, it is best that your household refrain from receiving guests other than relatives and friends, and keep a low profile!"

"If Third Sister has any unresolved or difficult matters, she can go to the East Mansion and ask Xuanwu for help. He is in charge of the personal guards stationed in the capital, as well as my command token. Whether it's matters within the manor or matters in the court, he can handle them!"

Tan Chun said, "Yes! Third Brother, please be careful in everything you do while you are away on campaign."

Jia Jing nodded and said, "I have already made arrangements for all matters concerning the clan. I just need the Second Master to help look after things around the New Year."

Grandmother Jia said, "Everything is fine at home, so you don't need to worry too much."

As long as you're not there, the house won't be noisy!

Jia Jing then turned to look at Daiyu, his voice softening as he instructed her:

"Tomorrow, Lin Daiyu will travel south by boat with Xiangling, Qingwen, and Xiaojiao'er. I have already arranged the boats and guards."

"You should go to Yangzhou first. After I've dealt with things in Nanjing, I'll find an opportunity to meet you in Yangzhou."

It was already agreed upon that Jia Jing would take Lin Daiyu back to Jiangnan, and he naturally had made arrangements accordingly!

This time, Daiyu and her companions traveled south by boat along the Grand Canal, a journey that would take about a month.

By the time they arrive, the White Lotus Rebellion should have already been contained or even resolved, so there's no need to worry about their safety.

As soon as Jia Jing said this, the hall fell silent for a moment, then ripples spread outwards like a pebble dropped into water.

Grandmother Jia and the others were slightly taken aback. What did this mean? Was Yu'er also going south?

Aunt Xue, who had been watching her "son-in-law" intently, felt a sudden unease, and a look of worry appeared on her fair face.

Does Jing-ge really dote on Lin-yatou like this? He even takes her with him on his trip south?

The two of them traveled to Jiangnan together, spending every day together. Wouldn't their feelings for each other grow stronger over time? By then, how could Jing-ge'er still have a place for his beloved daughter in his heart!

Since Jia Jing entered, Baochai's gaze had been fixed on him. When she heard that he was going to take Daiyu south, her face, as delicate as a white begonia stamen, also froze slightly, and her almond-shaped eyes flickered a few times.

Is Lin Yatou also going south? It sounds like something that was already arranged in private, but how come I haven't heard anything about it?

She carefully observed her young master's expression and saw that he was calm and composed. She then pondered the young man's words over and over in her mind.

Heading to Yangzhou, where Lin's father was an official, and having not seen each other for many years, it seemed quite reasonable for the father and daughter to travel south to visit each other.

The quick-witted girl raised her bright, almond-shaped eyes and caught a glimpse of Daiyu's fleeting look of joy, which made her heart skip a beat.

Perhaps visiting her father was true, but being able to go to Jiangnan alone with Jinglang also shows that their love was genuine!

Baochai pursed her pink lips, clenched a handkerchief tightly, and felt a sense of crisis rising in her heart.

Jinglang's trip south is uncertain; who knows how long he'll stay? If it's a year or two, and only Lin Yatou is by his side day and night, then...

Grandmother Jia was taken aback for a moment, her smile faltering, and she asked hesitantly:

"Jing-ge'er, is Yu'er also going south? Jiangnan is in chaos right now, and the journey is long. Isn't it a bit dangerous for her to go?"

Jia Jing said:

"Since Lin Daiyu came to Beijing, she has been separated from her uncle Lin. She always longs to go back to Yangzhou to visit her uncle Lin and to go back to sweep her aunt's grave and pay her respects."

"This is simply out of filial piety, a natural human sentiment. And since I'm going to the south of the Yangtze River anyway, it'll be convenient to take her along!"

"As for danger, she will travel south by boat, flying my official flag all the way. She will be protected by government officials along the way, and I will also send people to accompany and escort her."

"By the time she arrives in Yangzhou, the trouble caused by the White Lotus Sect should have subsided, and she shouldn't be in any danger!"

Daiyu sat to one side, her starry eyes sparkling, and said softly:

"My father is always busy with official duties, and there is no one to take care of him at home. He wrote a few days ago saying that he was not in good health, and I was worried about him. Now I can go back with him to take care of his medicine."

Her voice was soft, but in her bright, dark eyes beneath her arched eyebrows, there was an unconcealable longing!