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

Chapter 17: Sibling Affection, Imperial Edict from the Palace Shocks the Jia Family!

"younger sister."

Ignoring the Rongguo Mansion group, Jia Yan's gaze fell on the exquisitely beautiful little maid among the three spring ladies.

He, Xichun, and Jia Zhen were all born of the same mother. There were no illegitimate children in the Ningguo Mansion. In his memory, he had only seen Xichun a few times. To avoid trouble, Xichun was sent to the Rongguo Mansion for upbringing from a young age, serving under Grandmother Jia. She was, in a sense, living under someone else's roof.

The young man, though young, possessed a detached and aloof air that hinted at a future detachment from worldly affairs, which made Jia Yan feel even more pity for him.

"Eh!!!"

From the moment Jia Yan entered, Xiao Xichun kept staring at him, feeling a sense of familiarity, yet unable to pinpoint why.

"Little sister, I'm your brother."

Jia Yan affectionately patted Xi Chun's head, completely different from before.

"elder brother."

Little Xichun tilted her head and carefully examined Jia Yan. Long-forgotten memories surfaced in her mind, and a smile gradually appeared on her little face. Her bright eyes gazed at Jia Yan: "You are my second brother."

"it's me."

Jia Yan picked up little Xichun in his arms, and the two siblings began to whisper to each other, oblivious to everyone else.

Seeing this scene, Yingchun, Tanchun, and Lin Daiyu all showed envy. With such a protective brother, Xichun would certainly not suffer any grievances in the Jia family in the future.

"call!"

Grandmother Jia, Li Wan, Wang Xifeng, and others breathed a sigh of relief.

"Little Snow."

After playing with Xiao Xichun for a while, Jia Yan put her down and gave a low shout.

"Master."

Xiaoxue, dressed in a plain white dress, appeared before everyone, her aloof appearance making people a little intimidated.

"From today onwards, you will serve the young lady by her side, and report all your needs to Jingzhe."

"Anyone who dares to provoke trouble shall be killed without exception."

Jia Yan gave her careful instructions.

"Yes."

Xiaoxue quickly bowed to Xiaoxichun and stood beside her.

Upon hearing this, the women in Rongqing Hall, especially Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and Wang Xifeng, turned somewhat pale. Jia Yan's actions undoubtedly showed his distrust of the Rongguo Mansion; otherwise, he would not have arranged for another maid to serve Xichun.

"elder brother."

Little Xichun tugged at Jia Yan's sleeve, seemingly sensing something, her little face showing some unease.

"younger sister."

"Brother has some things to take care of. He'll come and play with his sister after he's done."

Jia Yan soothed her gently.

"it is good."

Little Xichun, being sensible, agreed.

“Tap tap.”

Before long, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the hall, attracting everyone's attention.

"coming."

Jia Yan stood up, his gaze fixed on the curtain, his eyes filled with anticipation.

next moment.

"old lady."

A servant rushed into Rongqing Hall, shouting, "There is an imperial decree!"

"Sir, please come to Rongxi Hall."

"Quick, get it!"

Grandmother Jia beckoned, and Yuanyang understood her meaning, quickly arranging for the maids to bring out the official robes.

Lady Wang, Lady Xing, Li Wan, Wang Xifeng and other female relatives followed behind her, hurrying to Rongxi Hall. No one cared that Jia Yan and Lin Daiyu were still standing there.

"You should all return to your residence and prepare."

With a wave of his hand, Jia Yan gave an order.

"Yes."

The terms "Awakening of Insects," "Grain in Ear," and "White Dew" were answered without hesitation.

"Miss." Granny Wang and Xueyan also arrived at Rongqing Hall and surrounded Lin Daiyu with concern.

"Yan"

Lin Daiyu looked at Jia Yan, somewhat at a loss.

"Come with me to Rongxi Hall, and I will make arrangements there."

Jia Yan didn't say much, and they walked out of Rongqing Hall together.

"Ah."

Lin Daiyu felt a sense of confidence and followed him closely.

At noon, the main gate and the front gate of Rongguo Mansion were opened, and an incense table was already set up in front of Rongxi Hall.

Jia She, Jia Zheng, Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, Jia Cong, Jia Huan, Jia Rong and other male members of the Jia family stood in a row, each with a solemn expression, not daring to breathe. This was the first time they had experienced such a sudden imperial edict, and everyone was filled with anxiety.

A group of Jinyi soldiers dressed in bright red flying fish robes and carrying embroidered spring knives stood on both sides of the hall. The head eunuch wore a red python robe, had a white face and no beard, and gave people an indescribable feeling. Several other eunuchs stood in place carrying trays covered with red silk.

"Tattoo!"

A series of hurried footsteps came from the inner room. Grandmother Jia changed into her official robes, followed by Lady Wang, Lady Xing, and other female relatives, who filed into Rongxi Hall and stood at the back one by one.

"Grandma, please accept the decree."

Su Peisheng, the eunuch in charge of the Qianqing Palace, spoke to Grandmother Jia with a kind expression.

The Jia family had two mansions. Jia Zhen, the head of the West Mansion, was only a third-rank general, while Jia She of the East Mansion was a first-class general. Jia Zheng was a fifth-rank assistant minister of the Ministry of Works, while Grandmother Jia was a duke's wife and a first-rank imperial consort. She should be the one to receive the imperial decree.

"Uh-huh!!!"

Grandmother Jia knelt upright with her legs straight, listening attentively.

"Wow."

Without exception, all members of the Jia family knelt down, ready to respectfully listen to the imperial edict.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The northern border is in grave danger. The Jia family is willing to raise funds and recruit soldiers to defend the frontier. I am greatly pleased."

"Now, adopting the Jia family's suggestion, it is permitted for noble families to raise their own provisions and recruit soldiers to defend the border, or to contribute 100,000 taels of silver to support the front lines."

"The Jia family members were granted the rank of Tiger-like Colonel, a sixth-grade military officer, and all their weapons and armor were provided by the Ministry of Works. They were also granted special permission to act at their own discretion."

Facing Grandmother Jia, Su Peisheng opened the imperial edict and read it aloud, word by word.

'what? '

Immediately, all the Jia family members present were filled with fear. Sending troops to defend the border—wasn't that risking their lives?
"Grandma, accept the decree and express your gratitude."

Su Peisheng closed the imperial edict and smiled at Grandmother Jia.

"Chief Eunuch, this..."

Grandmother Jia hesitated, unsure whether she should accept the imperial edict.

The imperial edict bestowed titles upon the Jia family members without specifying who they were, which meant that only one person from either household needed to step forward.

The Rongguo Mansion has Jia She, Jia Zheng, Jia Lian, Jia Baoyu, Jia Cong, and Jia Huan, while the Ningguo Mansion has Jia Zhen, Jia Yan, and Jia Rong.

Jia She, Jia Zheng, and Jia Zhen are middle-aged, and even if they were willing, going to the battlefield would only mean certain death. Jia Baoyu, Jia Cong, and Jia Huan are still young, so we can't let them go. That leaves only Jia Lian, Jia Yan, and Jia Rong.

"Ancestor!"

Jia Lian and Jia Rong turned pale with fright and pleaded desperately.

Wang Xifeng and Qin Keqing were equally unwilling to watch their husbands go to the battlefield, where their fates were uncertain.

"Superintendent."

"Is there a mistake in this matter? When did we ever submit a memorial to the throne?"

Jia Zheng asked, somewhat bewildered.

"What does General Jia think?"

However, Su Peisheng did not answer Jia Zheng's question directly, but instead posed the question to Jia She.

"Did Brother Jing submit a memorial?"

Jia She's face was solemn as he spoke.

'Huh?'

The Jia family members were all filled with surprise and suspicion. Was this matter related to Jia Jing?

“The Ningguo Prefecture can submit memorials directly to the Daming Palace. The Emperor Emeritus and His Majesty will jointly establish regulations, and all nobles will follow the same rule.”

"Please receive the imperial decree, everyone."

After giving Jia She a deep look, Su Peisheng, the head eunuch of Qianqing Palace, said meaningfully.

(End of this chapter)