Dream of the Red Chamber: A Refined and Elegant Young Man in a Turbid World

Jia Cong then left Hengwu Garden and took Qin Keqing to his Qingyan Hall for a long and intimate time.

After a passionate encounter, Qin Keqing nestled in his arms, her long black hair cascading down the pillow, a few strands clinging to her sweat-dampened temples, making her pretty face appear even more delicate and radiant, with a lingering blush between her brows and eyes.

She nuzzled against Jia Cong's chin like a cat, her voice soft and sticky, half aggrieved and half coquettish.

"Husband, you've been so busy with your duties at the government office these past few days. If it weren't for Aunt Feng being busy with the estate, I wouldn't have dared to send Ruizhu to look for you like this, even if I had the guts of the world."

Jia Cong gently touched her rosy cheek, noticing her sparkling eyes and slightly flushed nose, a picture of girlish charm that stirred his affection even more within him.

"It's my fault. I've wronged you, my lovely lady. How could I possibly do any job as well as you? From now on, I'll make sure to come whenever I have free time. Even if Sister-in-law Feng is here, I'll find a way to see you."

Upon hearing this, Qin Keqing snuggled even closer into his arms, pressing her head against his chest and becoming increasingly clingy.

"Husband, is it true? You mustn't lie to me. I've been waiting for you at home every day, and I'm even distracted by the workshop. I'm afraid you'll forget about me."

"How could I forget you?" Jia Cong tightened his arms, holding her even closer. "I think about you every single day. You're so obedient; I could never forget you even if I wanted to."

After spending a few more tender moments with the beautiful woman, he had no choice but to coax Qin Keqing to go back first, lest Wang Xifeng or others notice anything amiss. He then practiced his spear skills for a while before returning to his room for dinner.

The next day, after returning from the garrison, he had just finished lunch and was about to go to the training ground to practice martial arts with Sun Tai when Li Rong cautiously lifted the curtain and took a few steps forward.

"The servant in the corner room says a relative has arrived looking for Third Master. Shall we see him?"

Jia Cong listened with suspicion, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and got up.

"Relatives? When did I have relatives to see, male or female?" He wondered to himself. Could it be Xing Xiuyan? She was the only one who could be considered a relative of Madam Xing, but she wasn't really related to him.

"Reporting to Third Master, it is a male relative. This servant is not quite sure which one it is. The servant in the corner room only said that he came to find Third Master." Li Rong did not see the person, but carefully placed the four kinds of pastries he was carrying on the table.

Jia Cong frowned and glanced at it. The pastry was roughly wrapped in oil paper, the edges were worn and wrinkled, and the color of the pastry could be vaguely seen through the gaps. It didn't look like a delicate item. It looked like a cheap product sold in a small shop on the street.

"This is what that person sent?" Jia Cong casually flipped through it, his eyes full of doubt. "Judging from its appearance, it doesn't seem to belong to a respectable family. Could we have mistaken it for someone else?"

Li Rong also looked completely confused.

"Reporting to Third Master, it was indeed that person who asked the servant in the corner room to pass on this message. He said it was just a small token of his appreciation. I thought that whoever it was, since they came looking for Third Master, I should at least let them know and not dare to dismiss them without permission."

Jia Cong pondered for a moment, then stood up and straightened his robes.

"Well, I was planning to go to the drill ground anyway, so I might as well stop by the side gate and see what kind of relatives they are that are acting so strangely."

After saying this, two maids helped him remove his official robes and black boots, and put on a dark blue robe with gold-embroidered embroidered sleeves. He only tied his hair with a hairpin and a silver crown, so that it would be convenient for him to practice martial arts in the afternoon. Then they led Li Rong leisurely to the side gate.

Upon entering the corner room, a servant boy came to greet them and led Jia Cong inside. There, he saw a young man who looked about sixteen or seventeen sitting in a corner. He was wearing a faded blue cloth robe with two patches, the cuffs of which were worn and frayed. His hair was tied up with a wooden hairpin, and his face was thin with a hint of unease in his eyes.

When the young man saw Jia Cong enter the room, he hurriedly gathered his sleeves and stood up, his expression becoming increasingly reserved.

Before he could speak, Jia Cong sized him up, then frowned and asked,

"So you've come looking for my relative?"

The young man quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Nephew greets his third uncle."

"Third Uncle?" Jia Cong was stunned and completely confused. "I didn't even know I had a nephew like you. Raise your head and tell me clearly whose family you are."

Li Rong, with his sharp eyes honed from years of service, quickly and discreetly leaned in to listen.

"Third Master, this is a member of a collateral branch of the family, named Jia Ping. He is also your nephew."

Jia Cong nodded. With so many members of the Jia family, it was normal not to recognize them all. He then forced a smile and imitated Wang Xifeng's manner.

"Our relatives don't visit each other much anymore, and we've all grown distant. Those who know us say that you've abandoned us and don't come often, while those who don't know us just think we don't care about anyone."

Jia Ping quickly smiled apologetically and bowed.

"Uncle, what are you saying? There are many distinguished guests in your household, and we would never dare to bother you on ordinary days." Despite her words, her eyes revealed an undisguised look of envy.

Since learning martial arts, Jia Cong has become even more upright. Even though he is younger than Jia Ping, he is more than two inches taller. He has broad shoulders, a slender waist, and a face as handsome as jade. He has the demeanor of a refined and elegant young master from a noble family!

In addition, the other party was full of noble air, and after entering officialdom, he had even more of an official demeanor. How could Jia Ping, a penniless and destitute man with no land, no job, and no money, dare to look him in the eye?

Jia Cong knew that the other party had probably come to ask him for a favor, so he instructed a servant to quickly serve a cup of tea and then waved for Jia Ping to sit down.

"Since we're from the same clan, we're family. There's no need to be so formal. Tell me, what brings you here today? Were those four kinds of pastries you sent?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Ping nodded quickly, then felt somewhat embarrassed.

"Uncle, please forgive me. My family is poor and we don't have anything decent to offer. This is just a small token of my appreciation."

"Enough," Jia Cong waved his hand, his expression indifferent. "I know your family is not well-off, so there's no need for formalities. Since you've come all this way to see me today, you must have some difficulties. Just speak frankly."

Jia Ping hesitated for a few moments before weakly bowing.

"Thank you for your consideration, Uncle. I have come to you today because I have no other choice but to seek your help. I beg you to give me a way to survive."

Having said that, he was about to bow again, but Jia Cong raised his hand to stop him.

"Take your time, don't rush," Jia Cong gestured for him to relax. "Tell me, what is it that's causing you such distress?"

Jia Ping composed herself and reorganized her thoughts.

"Uncle, my parents died early and I have no one to rely on. I only have a dilapidated house and no land. I make a living by doing odd jobs. Even Yun-ge'er, a member of the collateral relatives in the mansion, can occasionally come to the mansion to find some work and get some reward money. But my family doesn't even get a share of the New Year's allowance. We really can't make ends meet."

His voice grew increasingly humble as he spoke, and his head drooped even lower.

"I've heard that you, my third uncle, achieved success at a young age, rising to officialdom through your archery and horsemanship skills. Now, you've even been granted an official position as the garrison commander of a thousand households. I only ask that you, my third uncle, have pity on me and help me make a living. I'm willing to do any dirty or strenuous work, as long as I can have a full meal!"