Dream of the Red Chamber: I can upgrade my entries!

Chapter 114 Little Xichun Points Her Knife at Jia Baoyu, Big-Faced Baoyu Trembles
"Master."

On the fourth day of the Jia family's grand banquet, in the backyard of the Ningguo Mansion, Jia Yan was sitting under the shade of a tree, enjoying tea and reading, when the Awakening of Insects suddenly appeared.

"Which side is making noise?"

"Replying to your question, sir."

Jingzhe raised his head slightly and said seriously, "There are Tartars who landed at Tianjin Port and went all the way into the Prince of Beijing's mansion."

"hehe."

Jia Yan put down the "Zizhi Tongjian" in his hand and said with a playful tone, "Shui Rong is very anxious. He is afraid that the country's strength will be restored."

"I just don't understand. Wild Boar Skin is ferocious and tyrannical. How could he think he could definitely control the Jurchen Tartars?"

"If he wanted to restore the Ming Dynasty, why didn't he go overseas and become the ruler of a small country instead of spending his days thinking about underhanded and despicable methods?"

"Master."

Jingzhe said solemnly, "The Prince of Beijing's mansion controls the Bohai Sea route, from Tianjin to southern Liaoning. Their smuggling fleet is the master of this sea area."

“In recent years, their interactions with the Later Jin and the Han people in southern Liaoning have become more than just close.”

"A large number of firearms from Japan were sent to southern Liaoning. Which of the Han Chinese who joined the Manchu banners in southern Liaoning did not recruit servants and build fortified villages?"

“Our people discovered their sea route from Changsheng Island, Shuangdao Island, Daxiao Changshan Island, all the way to Ludao Island and Pidao Island.”

'Pfft!'

Upon hearing this, Jia Yan could no longer contain himself.

This route was the sea route that Mao Wenlong used frequently during the Chongzhen era of the late Ming Dynasty, mainly to harass the Later Jin. However, he was defeated by Yuan Chonghuan, and the entire Liaodong region was devastated as a result. Who could have imagined that more than 70 years later, the Zhu family would learn from Mao Wenlong's style and replicate this route to contain the Later Jin.

Undoubtedly, the Prince of Beijing's mansion is not only operating this sea route for profit, but also probably to create a trump card. The idea sounds good, but the execution is another matter.

The Later Jin's base of operations was not in Liaodong, but in the Eight Banners. They would bring all the Eight Banners into the Central Plains and hunt and fish there. What did Liaonan have to do with them?

"Master."

"My men reported that the manpower of the chess camp is shifting to Jizhou, and Zhen Yingyan has personally gone to Baoding."

Just then, Jingzhe reported another piece of news.

"Oh?"

Raising an eyebrow, Jia Yan smiled and said, "Our Prince Yizhong is still very clever, it's just a pity that he realized it too late."

"The twenty-one garrisons of Jizhou have been established as counties, all military households have been converted to civilian status, and the land has been distributed to the people. The overall situation is settled."

"Is there any movement in the southwest?"

"Kunlun Prefecture has recently almost completely severed ties with Qianxiang Kingdom, and small-scale skirmishes between the two sides on the border have intensified."

Jingzhe answered without hesitation.

"Ah."

Nodding slightly, Jia Yan pondered, "It seems someone is plotting something even bigger."

"Ignore him for now. I want to see how Zheng Keshuang will handle this mess."

"I ordered people to purchase a batch of the most advanced Western firearms from India. I want to see how advanced European firearms have become."

"Yes."

Jingzhe's beautiful eyes sharpened, and she secretly made a mental note of it.

As early as 1498, Vasco da Gama arrived on the west coast of India and established Portugal's first colony: Goa. To this day, Portugal has three colonies in India: Goa, Diu, and Daman.

In 1616, the Netherlands acquired the colony of Surat and established the Dutch East India Company. In 1660, the English established the East India Company on the east coast, and its influence gradually spread to Bengal and Calcutta.

The French East India Company was established in 1642, and it was not until 1723, when it occupied Yarnam, that it established a colony in southern India.

In fact, the entire South Asian subcontinent is now the most popular territory for Western colonizers and the window through which the East can gain a comprehensive understanding of the West.

"Tap tap!"

Xiaoxue walked in with small, quick steps and announced, "Master, the First Master, Second Master, and Master Zhen from the West Mansion have arrived."

"Let them in."

Jia Yan waved his hand in acknowledgment.

The two mansions held a grand banquet for three days, and today it has finally come to a break. It would be truly strange if Jia She and the other two didn't come.

After all, with such huge deficits in the Ning and Rong mansions, these servants and men were their hope—the hope for reviving their family fortunes.

"Yes."

Xiaoxue quickly went to make arrangements.

Not a moment later.

"Yan Ge'er/Second Brother".

Three figures, their faces flushed and pale, suddenly appeared in the courtyard.

"Uncle She, Uncle Zheng, Elder Brother."

"Take your time, have a cup of tea and we'll talk about it later."

Meeting the gazes of the three, Jia Yan remained calm and composed, picked up his teacup, and slowly sipped his tea.

"Hey hey!"

Jia Zhen, who was very impatient, slapped his thigh and said, "Second brother."

"You said you would deal with the servants of the two households after the banquet, but it's been four days now. If we don't take action soon, those heartless bastards will run away."

"Yes, Yan-ge'er."

Jia Zheng was equally anxious. He didn't know the cost of living until he was in charge of the household. In the past few days, Wang Xifeng and Li Wan had been taking stock of the Rongguo Mansion's accounts, and the results were undoubtedly shocking. Even this "old scholar" couldn't sit still any longer.

"It's easy to arrest someone, and it's also easy to hand them over to the authorities."

"These things piled up together are not easy to handle."

"These are all servants of the Jia family. Killing them would be an act of contempt for the law. If we don't kill them, what should we do with them?"

“The two households have all been removed from their positions of authority. Where are we going to find someone to take charge? We can’t expect Sister-in-law Lian, Sister-in-law Zhu, Sister-in-law Da, and Rong’s daughter-in-law to be out in public all day, personally managing all the servants.”

After glancing at the three of them, Jia Yan uttered a few words.

'this'

Jia Zhen and Jia Zheng were stunned, but Jia She understood something and said, "Yan-ge'er."

"Since we have entrusted this matter to you, you just need to do it."

"That's how it should be!"

Jia Zhen and Jia Zheng responded belatedly.

"Someone, summon them all."

Upon hearing this, Jia Yan waved his hand and gave the order.

"Yes."

Without saying a word, the maids on either side quickly ran towards the training ground.

Before long, a group of Jia family members appeared before Jia She and his companions. They wore black headscarves, black chrysanthemum-patterned outfits with gold trim, thick-soled black boots, and swords at their waists, making them look exceptionally capable.

"Uncle Yan/Second Brother Yan".

The Jia family members were the first to bow to Jia Yan, their attitude one of utmost respect and deference.

'? ? ? '

Jia She, Jia Zheng, and Jia Zhen all saw familiar faces inside, such as Jia Cong, Jia Huan, Jia Lan, and Jia Qiang, who all seemed to have undergone a complete transformation.

"I haven't met Uncle She, Uncle Zheng, or my elder brother yet."

"Greetings, Father/Uncle Zheng/Brother Zhen!"

Fifteen figures of varying sizes bowed, each addressing the other differently.

However, their behavior was quite polite, and none of them showed any timidity, which made Jia She and the other two look at them with new respect.

"Not bad!"

Seeing the progress his illegitimate son and legitimate grandson had made, Jia Zheng was greatly pleased and stroked his beard in praise.

"It's good."

Jia She didn't like Jia Cong at all. He was the son of a concubine born to a maid, and he was usually not favored. Madam Xing was even more harsh on him. Who would have thought that he would give him such a pleasant surprise today? Judging from this, he will surely be able to get an official position in the future.

"My second brother's skills are beyond my reach."

Jia Zhen feigned shame, but subtly helped Jia Zhen out.

"Uncle She, Uncle Zheng, elder brother."

"Just wait and see what they do."

Pointing to the fifteen members of the Jia family, Jia Yan asked a question that seemed to have a hidden meaning.

"Yan-ge'er".

"What do you mean by this?" Jia She and the other two were all puzzled.

"The Ning and Rong families were originally from military families. In the entire dynasty, even the imperial collection might not surpass the Jia family's."

"Both prefectures have martial arts training grounds, which are very large and were fully equipped when our ancestors were alive."

"I ordered people to repair the East Palace Martial Arts Arena and to take stock of all the military books, strategies, martial arts techniques, and killing skills."

"If they continue to work hard like this, once they join the army, they will at least be able to obtain a hereditary official position of the third rank."

When this was mentioned, Jia Yan spoke with great confidence.

"call!!!"

Jia Yun and the others couldn't help but breathe more rapidly.

Jia She and his two companions had no doubts whatsoever. After all, the twelve personal guards of the Marquis of Wu were all hereditary third-rank officers, holding the title of Light Cavalry Captain. During the Battle of Datong, many sons of nobles and meritorious officials obtained hereditary titles. Those personally trained by Jia Yan would naturally be invincible in the army.

Looking at Jia Huan and Jia Lan, Jia Zheng's face showed even more affection. One was an illegitimate son, and the other was the legitimate grandson who would inherit the family business. Whether Jia Huan was ennobled or Jia Lan passed the imperial examination, he would ultimately benefit.

Jia Zhen, however, showed no interest whatsoever. Even when his own son, Jia Rong, was there, he paid him no attention.

"Since they are going to do great things in the future, it would be better to let them familiarize themselves with the affairs of this mansion first."

"What do you think, Uncle She, Uncle Zheng, and Elder Brother?"

"You can do anything!"

Jia She, Jia Zheng, and Jia Zhen exchanged a glance and agreed.

"Jia Yun, Jia Qiang".

Suddenly, Jia Yan shouted.

"Uncle Yan!"

Two figures then emerged; one had a long face and a refined, handsome appearance; the other was dashing and charming.

"I hereby order one hundred female servants to obey your commands. Jia Guang, Jia Ying, Jia Chen, Jia Chang, and Jia Xing shall each lead twenty women."

"Jia Yun, take Jia Huan, Jia Lan, Jia Cong, and Jia Qiong to the West Mansion."

"Jia Qiang, you lead Jia Jun, Jia Yin, Jia Zhi, and Jia Zhi to the East Mansion."

"These are the specific lists. Go and arrest the people and confiscate their homes."

With a wave of his hand, Jia Yan gave instructions one by one.

The maidservant handed two booklets to Jia Yun and Jia Qiang respectively. The booklets contained a complete list of corrupt officials in both households, as well as the locations of their outlying residences.

"Leader!"

Jia Yun and Jia Qiang, their faces full of eagerness, took the roster with both hands and led the group of Jia family members down to make arrangements.

The once peaceful Ning and Rong mansions suddenly erupted like boiling water, with tall, stern-faced figures, like female demons, wielding long swords, sealing off the inside and outside of the two mansions, casting a dark shadow over the entire Jia family.

In the Rongguo Mansion, in the Rongqing Hall, beautiful women gathered, laughing and joking, their voices filled with joy.

"old lady."

"People from the East Mansion have arrived."

Yuanyang turned to Jia Mu and whispered.

"Ah."

Grandmother Jia, who was sitting on the couch, glanced at Wang Xifeng and Li Wan and said, "Feng'er, Zhu'er, someone has arrived. You two should get ready."

'Thump!'

The women in the hall were stunned for a moment, not understanding what was going on. Madam Xing looked at Wang Xifeng and Li Wan with undisguised envy and jealousy in her eyes.

"Yes, my ancestor."

Wang Xifeng and Li Wan had already received instructions from Jia She and Jia Zheng and were waiting there.

“Tap tap.”

Accompanied by heavy footsteps, a tall and upright figure stepped into Rongqing Hall. He was refined and handsome, followed by four little boys: Jia Huan, Jia Lan, Jia Cong, and Jia Qiong. They were all dressed in the same martial attire, with swords at their waists, and looked extremely dignified.

"Huan-ge'er/Cong-ge'er/Lan-er!"

Upon seeing this, the women couldn't help but exclaim.

"old lady."

"I am acting on Yan Shu's orders to seal off the entire Rongguo Mansion."

Jia Yun bowed slightly, greeted Grandmother Jia with a respectful and composed expression, and spoke neither servilely nor arrogantly.

“Grandmother, Yun-ge’er is the son of Fifth Sister-in-law in the West Corridor.”

Knowing that Grandmother Jia wouldn't recognize Jia Yun, Wang Xifeng quickly introduced him.

"He's a proper young man."

"Since he gave the instructions, you should do it."

"If anyone tries to stop you, come find me here."

Grandmother Jia glanced at Jia Yun and said in a kind and gentle tone.

"Don't worry, Grandma."

"Anyone who dares to obstruct us here today will be killed without exception!"

"These are the Lord's original words, and both the First and Second Masters of the West Mansion agree with them."

Jia Yun straightened her back and uttered a cold sentence.

'? ? ? '

Instantly, a chilling atmosphere filled the hall, and the expressions on the faces of the women of the Western Mansion changed slightly.

"Cough cough."

"Ancestor, we're going too."

Wang Xifeng coughed and, together with Li Wan, accompanied Jia Yun to search the Rongguo Mansion.

However, the three little ones, Jia Huan, Jia Cong, and Jia Lan, did not leave, which attracted the attention of many female relatives.

"Ancestor!"

Jia Huan was the first to stand up and bowed: "Uncle Yan instructed us to seal off the inner courtyard."

"Yes."

Jia Cong and Jia Lan, both of similar backgrounds, echoed this sentiment.

"A crude warrior."

Jia Baoyu, who was standing next to the three sisters, glanced at Jia Huan and the other two, and muttered something.

'.'

The once quiet Rongqing Hall fell into a deathly silence because of his words. No one knew whether Jia Baoyu was talking about Jia Huan and the others or someone else. That was no small matter.

"Brother Bao, take this knife."

Little Xichun pulled out a short knife from somewhere. The scabbard was made of gold and inlaid with jewels and jade. The bright light of the knife reflected in Jia Baoyu's eyes, making him tremble with fear: "Grandmother, look at Fourth Sister."

"Giggle!"

"No wonder my brother said that Brother Bao is lazy and doesn't know the difference between the five grains."

When Xiao Xichun saw Jia Baoyu's appearance, she succeeded in her prank, and her innocent laughter echoed throughout Rongqing Hall.

"Puch!"

For a moment, Yingchun, Tanchun, Lin Daiyu, and Xue Baochai couldn't help but chuckle.

Who would have thought that Jia Baoyu, a grown man, would be so frightened by Xiao Xichun drawing her sword that he was as timid as a quail?

“Xichun, my girl.”

"Put your knife away now."

"How can we let her play with something like this?"

Grandmother Jia, sitting on the couch, scolded him with a displeased expression.

"Grandma."

"This knife belongs to the Great Khan of the Mongols. Brother Yan gave it to Fourth Sister for protection."

"My fourth sister and I have learned some basic kung fu these past few days, enough to not hurt anyone."

Lin Daiyu stood up and explained to Xiao Xichun.

'? ? ? '

All the women of the Jia family were dumbfounded. The Mongol Khan's sword was an extremely valuable item, and Jia Yan had actually given it to Xiao Xichun. Lin Daiyu had also learned martial arts from him. What was going on?

(End of this chapter)