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

Next, Jia Daixiu read the eulogy, informing the ancestors of the major event that had occurred.

Only the deep, resonant voice of an elderly person could be heard echoing throughout the ancestral hall:

"dimension

"By the Emperor's boundless grace, as the year begins anew, your descendants humbly offer this pure libation and sacrifice before the ancestral tablets: Remembering our ancestors, who laid the foundation for the Ning and Rong dynasties, assisted the Han Dynasty in establishing its rule over the world and pacifying all directions. They were benevolent under Heaven and responded to the people's will, their virtue spreading far and wide, overcoming all obstacles, their achievements reaching the heavens, and the world revering them!"

This section commemorates the achievements of our ancestors.

The Jia family members were all proud to hear this, as the two founding dukes of Rong and Ning were renowned for their prestige!

The Jia family was incredibly prosperous back then, one of the most prestigious and powerful families even in the capital city.

"Later generations, Jia Jingcheng, were favored by Heaven and distinguished himself on the Liaodong battlefield. In one battle, he annihilated 150,000 enemy troops and defeated the false Qing prince Yinti in Jizhou City. His blood stained his battle robe, which enhanced the prestige of our country. He was ennobled and appointed as a general, bringing glory to his ancestors. His family was honored with imperial regalia and starlight shone brightly, bringing honor to his family and revitalizing his clan."

This section recounts Jia Jing's achievements.

The Jia clan members were filled with excitement as they listened, all turning their gazes toward Jia Jing, who stood at the head of the group dressed in a bullfighting outfit.

In recent days, they have already thoroughly investigated the military achievements made by Jia Jing.

After all, when the Qing army was threatening the capital and the situation was critical, Jia Jing's three victories brought news of victory to the capital, which greatly influenced the city.

It is no exaggeration to say that he became famous overnight.

Even members of the Jia clan, upon learning that they were related to Jia Jing, were treated with great respect and deference.

Not to mention, Jia Jing was ennobled at a young age and had outstanding military achievements, making him a role model for many young members of the Jia clan.

They all dreamed of following Jia Jing to achieve great things, gain official titles and honors for their families, and bring glory to their clan.

Bringing honor to one's ancestors is the ultimate and unchanging romantic ideal in every man's heart!

"...In the ancestral hall, the lamps and candles shone brightly, and the brocade curtains hung low. All the descendants gathered, adhering to the established customs. We humbly hope that the spirits of the ancestors will not be blind, but will bless future generations, so that their achievements may continue forever, their official ranks may never be replaced, and their descendants may be numerous and numerous."

Enjoy this meal!

As Jia Daixiu's aged voice slowly faded away.

After the Jia clan members paid homage to their ancestors once more, they all left the ancestral hall.

Jia Jing ordered his servants to bring chairs, and he held a general meeting for the clansmen in the courtyard outside the ancestral hall.

Jia Jing and his mother sat at the head of the table, while Jia Zheng, Jia Zhen, Jia Dairu, Jia Daixiu, and other high-ranking and elderly people sat on either side. The others either stood or squatted, crowding the courtyard.

Jia Jing spoke first:

"You are all members of my Jia clan, and we've already met before!"

"Thanks to the blessings of our ancestors and the grace of His Majesty, I have been granted the title of Marquis of Jingwu. I should repay my clan by helping those in distress, showing compassion to the elderly and caring for the young, and contributing to the growth of the clan."

"As the saying goes, a prosperous clan prospers and thrives together. Brother Zhen, please bring me the family tree and account books to see."

As soon as Jia Jing said this, the room erupted in commotion.

The clansmen tried so hard to curry favor with Jia Jing, just so they could follow him and make a fortune.

Jia Zhen, standing to the side, had a slight change in expression. He hadn't expected Jia Jing to want to see the clan's account books, but he dared not say no and had no choice but to send someone to fetch them.

Jia Jing swept his gaze over the group of Jia clan members. Looking around, he realized that not everyone in the Jia clan was doing well.

Some were pale and thin, some were dressed in tattered clothes, and some were even disabled.

Living in the capital is no easy feat!

The Jia family had hundreds of members across eight branches. Even among the descendants of Rong and Ning, not all of them were wealthy young masters; many couldn't even make ends meet.

Jia Jing asked Jia Zhen in a deep voice:

"Brother Zhen, how are the incomes from the clan's lands and properties used to support clan members?"

Jia Zhen hesitated for a moment and said:

"In recent years, the harvest from the clan's fields has been poor, so the main income has been used for ancestral worship and clan school expenses."

Jia Jing said:

"Is there any assistance for the poor, the widowed, the elderly, and the young?"

Jia Zhen shook his head.

Although he wanted to cover it up, his clansmen were all present, and it would be easy to find out whether he had done it or not.

Jia Jing's face darkened, and he spoke:

"Are there subsidies for important events in that tribe, such as weddings and funerals?"

Jia Zhen shook his head again.

"Is there any financial aid or reward for clansmen who take the imperial examinations or join the army? Are rations and clothing distributed during festivals?"

Jia Zhen's face flushed red, and he whispered:

"In the past, we could still save some money during festivals and distribute money and grain to our clansmen according to their kinship. We also distributed the offerings for the annual sacrifices to the collateral branches of the clan."

"The harvests have been really bad these past few years..."

The members of the Jia clan who were standing nearby felt very pleased to see Jia Zhen so embarrassed and uneasy by Jia Jing's questioning.

Jia Zhen, the clan leader, only knew how to drink and enjoy himself, taking one concubine after another, and had no concern for the lives of his clansmen.

Even when his clansmen sought help from the Ningguo Mansion, he mostly remained aloof.

It's a good thing that he doesn't use his family's power and wealth to bully his clansmen; how can we expect him to be friendly to the clan?

Although there have been natural disasters in recent years, those have occurred in provinces like Henan and Shandong, and have nothing to do with Beijing.

Jia Jing snorted coldly, his sharp gaze piercing Jia Zhen, and he reprimanded him in a cold voice:

"You've done a good job as clan leader! The good thing is that you've forgotten the benevolent and kinship-building deeds of your ancestors! Back when the late Duke Rong was alive, he provided a lot of assistance to the clan members."

"Each year, clan members receive rations and clothing according to population. For those unable to afford weddings or funerals, the clan contributes 6,000 yuan. These are all agreed-upon regulations!"

"Why is it different for you? Have you been devoted to the clan's affairs? You've failed in your duty as clan leader!"

Seeing Jia Zhen embarrassed and flustered by Jia Jing's questioning in public, Lady You quickly spoke up to defuse the situation:

"Your elder brother Zhen has had a tough time too! He manages the Ningguo Mansion and is always respectful to the old lady and his father-in-law, so it's inevitable that he'll neglect some clan affairs! Your Excellency, please forgive him for now!"

Others, such as Jia Rong, Jia Qiang, and Jia Huang, also chimed in with a few kind words for Jia Zhen, lest he later take his anger out on them.

Jia Zhen, on the other hand, had a somber expression as he coldly stared at Jia Jing, who sat at the head of the table, a surge of annoyance and hatred rising in his heart.

He had never suffered such humiliation, being reprimanded in public by a mere brat and unable to utter a word.

He thought to himself that since he took charge of the Ningguo Mansion, he had a noble status and considerable wealth.

They enjoyed themselves every day, and no one in their household or clan dared to offend them. If they were slightly displeased, they could beat and scold them at will without any scruples. How carefree they were!

Today, however, I was publicly questioned and humiliated, losing all face. What a disgrace!

But he only dared to keep his anger inside, and dared not utter a word in rebuttal.

It wasn't just because Jia Jing was a marquis of the current dynasty, holding a high position and wielding great power.

It was also because he knew that Jia Jing had not only massacred tens of thousands of Qing soldiers at the border, but had also cursed the Duke of Zhao to the point of vomiting blood in the Qianqing Palace. He was arrogant and had a formidable reputation, so he dared not confront him directly!

He could only think to himself: "As expected of the wicked child Uncle She spoke of! Don't let me get a chance, or I will definitely avenge this!"