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

Chapter 99 The Training in Progress: Jia Huan Slays Granny Ma!

"Second Brother Yan."

Tan Chun glanced at the anxious Aunt Zhao and the peeking Jia Huan, and couldn't help but call out to them.

Based on her understanding of Jia Yan, unless there was something special, she would never leave Jia Huan and his mother alone. Could it be that Aunt Zhao did something?
"Master."

"Dong Yong and the others are back."

Wearing a light pink orchid-patterned jacket and a horse-face skirt, Xiaoxue leaned to the side and whispered in Jia Yan's ear.

"Let him in."

Jia Yan said calmly.

"Yes."

Xiaoxue quickly signaled her maid to go and deliver the message.

After a while.

Several guards escorted an old woman with a pointed mouth and monkey-like cheeks into the courtyard, along with a considerable amount of gold, silver, and valuables. The old woman had a repulsive face and greedy, resentful eyes, giving off a sinister feeling.

"what?!"

Aunt Zhao was shocked and took several steps back.

"Godmother?"

Jia Huan recognized Ma Daopo, who was being escorted by the guards of the Marquis of Wu, and blurted it out.

"This"

Tan Chun glanced at Granny Ma, then at Aunt Zhao, and seemed to understand something.

"My Lord".

"This wicked woman has learned a few tricks of Miao witchcraft. The brothers were caught off guard and were almost injured by her."

Dong Yong brought Granny Ma before Jia Yan and said in an icy tone.

The art of witchcraft existed as early as the Qin and Han dynasties, involving the use of poisonous insects and snakes to plot against others. It was explicitly prohibited by the Han and Tang dynasties and kept a deep secret. Now, it is probably only in the Miao region and the southwest that this tradition is still preserved.

"Aunt Zhao."

Let's take a look.

Glancing at Aunt Zhao, Jia Yan said jokingly, "She's Huan-ge'er's godmother, after all. It would be too awkward if we didn't say anything when we met."

"Snapped!!!"

Aunt Zhao was so frightened that she collapsed to the ground, speechless.

"Auntie."

How could you be so foolish? How could you possibly do such things?

Tan Chun was extremely anxious. Let alone witchcraft, even recognizing Granny Ma as her godmother was taboo in the prestigious Rongguo Mansion.

In name only, Lady Wang is Jia Huan's mother. Jia Huan can't even call Aunt Zhao "mother," let alone someone like Granny Ma.

“Over the years, besides your monthly allowance, everything I’ve swindled from my third sister has been given to her.”

"does it worth?"

Looking at Aunt Zhao, Jia Yan said calmly, "Even if Baoyu is gone, there is still Lan'er in the manor."

"Do you think Huan-ge'er can inherit this huge Rongguo Mansion and keep his wealth and glory?"

boom! ! !
After he finished speaking, the courtyard fell into a deathly silence.

Tan Chun's pretty face paled; she never imagined that Aunt Zhao would have such expectations. How could this be?!
In her eyes, Aunt Zhao was vulgar, ignorant, competitive, and prone to gossip, which was why she was unwilling to get close to her.

"mother."

Looking at Aunt Zhao's ashen face, Jia Huan felt a pang of pity and immediately knelt down and kowtowed: "Second Brother Yan, my mother was ignorant and did everything for me. I will bear all the blame. Please spare her life."

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

One crisp, muffled thud after another echoed in the courtyard. Jia Huan's forehead quickly broke and bled, but he continued to kowtow.

This scene drew praise from everyone, especially Li Qing, the second personal guard of the Marquis of Wu, who had a high opinion of this somewhat cunning young man.

"Third sister."

"What do you think?"

Jia Yan then posed this question to Tan Chun.

"I"

Tan Chun was at a loss for what to do, but seeing Jia Huan kowtowing incessantly and Aunt Zhao, she felt an indescribable pain in her heart. She took a few steps back, knelt down and begged, "Please, Second Brother Yan, spare my mother's life."

"Third girl."

Aunt Zhao never expected that Tan Chun would plead for her, since Tan Chun had always been unwilling to associate with her and had never even called her "mother".

"Third sister."

"Among the sisters in the household, you are the most intelligent, shrewd, and capable. You are skilled in poetry and calligraphy, have refined tastes, are knowledgeable about national affairs, possess practical talents, and have decisive judgment. This is the most valuable quality you possess."

"That's why you know very well who's in charge in the inner courtyard of the Rongguo Mansion. That's why you had to compromise with Madam Wang and befriend Baoyu, not only for your own sake, but also for Aunt Zhao and Huan-ge'er."

"No matter what, you're carrying a grievance in your heart, a misunderstanding caused by your own mother and brother."

"Second Brother Yan!"

Tan Chun's true feelings were exposed, and a surge of grievance welled up in her heart, causing tears to involuntarily stream down her face.

"Third girl."

"elder sister."

Aunt Zhao and Jia Huan looked up at Tan Chun, feeling deeply ashamed.

"The Zhao family was poor, and the couple sold themselves into servitude to the Jia family. They had two sons and one daughter."

"The eldest son was adopted by the Qian family, while the second son and daughter served in the Jia family. They were born into the household and had no status whatsoever."

"One day, her daughter caught the eye of the second son of the main wife and was taken as a concubine. She gave birth to a son and a daughter. However, what awaited Zhao was not the wonderful life she had imagined, but the suppression from the mistress. The old lady at the top was indifferent and ignored her, and even the maids and old women in the mansion looked down on her and squeezed her out openly and secretly."

"In this situation, she could barely survive, protect her two children, and do everything she could to scheme."

It's not that I don't love it, but that I have no choice but to.

Jia Yan could understand Aunt Zhao's actions; they were the result of a distorted mentality caused by the double trampling of her personality and body.

Aunt Zhao was facing a vicious enemy, and the pressure from Lady Wang was indescribable. Under such circumstances, the fact that Jia Huan and Tan Chun were able to grow up to be this old shows how much Aunt Zhao cared for her two children.

"I"

Tan Chun looked blankly at Aunt Zhao, her biological mother whom she had never truly understood, who was now crying with tears streaming down her face.

"Parents who love their children plan far ahead for them. The deeper their love, the more thorough their care for them."

"I hope you won't let certain things blind you to your loved ones, and I especially don't want these things to narrow your perspective."

“You and Jia Huan are siblings, but Aunt Zhao is your biological mother. The suffering she endured came from Wang Shi.”

"do you understand?"

Looking at the tall, slender girl in front of him, with her narrow shoulders, slim waist, oval face, beautiful eyes, and bright, spirited demeanor, Jia Yan encouraged her.

"I understand, thank you, Second Brother."

Tan Chun was grateful, bowed, and helped Aunt Zhao up.

"Brother Huan."

"Second Brother Yan."

Jia Huan struggled to his feet and faced Jia Yan directly.

“You have a loving mother and a caring sister.”

“Zhao Guoji is honest and kind. He is your maternal uncle and your close attendant. He will always be there to protect you in case of trouble.”

“I know that over the years, the events in the mansion have caused you resentment and jealousy, but compared to Jia Cong and Jia Lan, you are very happy.”

"The world is vast, not just a small Rongguo Mansion. What does the second branch have? Just some gold, silver, and valuables. These things will be easily obtained once you have an official position and title. Don't lose sight of the essentials and pursue the trivial." Meeting Jia Huan's gaze, Jia Yan earnestly admonished him.

"Yes."

For the first time, Jia Huan had a concrete impression of life, rather than being confined to the Rongguo Mansion.

"This person is now in your hands."

He pointed at Granny Ma, but Jia Yan ignored her.

"Boy."

Li Qing patted Jia Huan on the shoulder, drew his sword, and handed it to him: "Hold it tight and chop from top to bottom."

"Ah."

Jia Huan gripped his waist knife tightly with both hands, its cold gleam gleaming, and shifted his gaze to Granny Ma.

“I’m your godmother, you can’t do this.”

Granny Ma, whose witchcraft had been crippled, showed a look of fear.

"Wow!"

The image of Granny Ma kept flashing through Jia Huan's mind. His expression was conflicted, but in the end, he made up his mind and slashed her with his knife.

"what!!!"

With a piercing scream, a bloody gash appeared on Granny Ma's body, her flesh torn open and dripping with blood.

"Snapped."

Li Qing stepped forward and struck Ma Daopo on the head with a palm strike. The hidden force penetrated her body, and Ma Daopo bled from all seven orifices and died.

"Alright, that's enough for today."

"Take all these valuables back with you."

Jia Yan waved his hand, indicating.

"Thank you, Lord Marquis."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhao, who was originally being supported by Tan Chun, rushed forward and hugged the gold and silver to her chest, completely forgetting what had just happened.

"Mother!"

Tan Chun and Jia Huan both looked helpless.

"Go."

Jia Yan smiled and dismissed him.

"Thank you very much, Second Brother/Second Brother Yan."

Tan Chun and Jia Huan bowed and left Ningguo Mansion together with Aunt Zhao.

"It's posted! It's posted!"

Aunt Zhao's mind was entirely on the gold and silver in her bosom. Granny Ma's collection was worth at least a thousand taels of silver. Her expression was as satisfied as a mouse that had stolen some food. The mother and her two children returned to the Rongguo Mansion in harmony.

"Master."

Watching Jia Huan leave, Li Qing couldn't wait to look at Jia Yan.

"Among the fifteen, Jia Huan, Jia Lan, Jia Cong, Jia Qiong, Jia Jun, Jia Yin, Jia Zhi, and Jia Zhi are all under ten years old."

"Jia Guang, Jia Ying, Jia Chen, Jia Chang, and Jia Xing are all in their 'dancing with spoons' age, while Jia Yun and Jia Qiang are in their 'dancing with elephants' age."

"From the perspective of martial arts training alone, Jia Huan and his eight little rascals have the most potential, followed by Jia Guang and his five friends. Jia Yun and Jia Qiang have already developed their physical strength, and even if they can get enough spiritual medicine, they will at most become internal strength martial artists in the future."

Jia Yan then began to comment on each of the fifteen members of the Jia family.

"Your Excellency has discerning eyes."

All twelve guards agreed with his opinion.

The best age for boys to learn martial arts is between 13 and 18 years old. Jia Yun and Jia Qiang are already 18, so learning martial arts now would undoubtedly mean missing the best time.

Generally, the period before age 13 is the foundation-building stage, mainly focusing on nourishing the body with medicinal baths to promote functional development. It's also appropriate to learn some foundational martial arts, such as the Eight Pieces of Brocade, Five Animal Frolics, and Tai Chi. After age 13, one can gradually learn some military combat techniques.

"Dong Yong is also responsible for replenishing and training the 800 guards of the Marquis of Wu, so he will not participate in these matters."

"Li Qing, you, Shi Rui, Xin Ze, Yu Yuan, Min Ye, Bian Song, Yang Qin, and Guan Ye will choose one of Jia Huan and the others to be your disciples."

"Peng Li, Niu Qian, Jia Guang, Jia Ying, Jia Chen, Jia Chang, and Jia Xing are all yours."

"As for Jia Yun and Jia Qiang, leave them to Ma Yun and train them as quickly as possible."

"Yes."

The guards responded immediately.

As the sun began to set, the dim sunlight bathed the earth, and wisps of smoke rose from chimneys everywhere. The streets of Shenjing were filled with people returning home.

In a small courtyard on Ningrong Street, a young woman was washing rice and cooking. Her simple clothes and skirt could not hide her pretty face.

"Mother."

Jia Jun skipped and hopped into the yard, shouting loudly.

"Fungi".

Mrs. Lou looked up at her mischievous son, her eyes shining with a motherly light.

"Eh!!!"

Jia Jun stood there stunned, rubbed her eyes, and looked around in disbelief.

Their family lived in a courtyard house, which occupied eight-tenths of an acre and was shaped like the Chinese character "口". It consisted of a main house, an east wing, a west wing, and a rear house. At the two ends of the main house were east and west side rooms, one of which was used as a kitchen and the other as a storeroom.

The elders in the family passed away due to illness, and her father had an accident, leaving only a widow and her child to live on. In the past, Lou would make some embroidery to sell to vendors. The courtyard was neglected and dilapidated.

Now it looks completely different. The dilapidated courtyard has been transformed, with even the ground paved with blue bricks. A vegetable garden has been opened on the left, and the persimmon tree that was left behind is on the right. A small fish pond has also been built, with several koi swimming in the clear water. A gentle breeze blows and the water ripples, giving people a sense of tranquility and peace.

"Mother."

"This this."

"These were all done on the orders of the Lord."

Lady Lou patted Jia Jun's little head and said with satisfaction, "It's all thanks to your good performance in the manor."

"The lord is very fond of us and has specially ordered people to repair our house, and has also brought some rice, flour, oil and cloth."

"To allow you to focus on your studies, the Lord has instructed that ten taels of silver be sent to you every month."

"Tomorrow I will send someone to tell your uncle to find a few quick and nimble maids from the countryside, and also to send Li Ge'er to the city to be your personal attendant."

"Uh-huh."

Jia Jun didn't understand these things, but he knew his mother was happy, and that was enough.

"Fungi".

"We must never forget your kindness, my lord."

"If you master martial arts and skills, your father will be very pleased when he passes away."

Lou spoke earnestly and patiently.

"Mother, I understand."

Jia Jun nodded her little head seriously, keeping these words in mind.

Not only him, but also Jia Qiong, Jia Yin, Jia Zhi, Jia Zhi and other members of the Jia family received care at home, and they were all extremely grateful to Jia Yan.

It should be noted that the market price of rice was about four to five qian per shi (a unit of dry measure), and one tael of silver could at least support a family's basic living. One hundred taels could buy no less than 30 mu (a unit of land measurement) of fertile land in the suburbs of Beijing. Moreover, there were ten taels every month. This was how money could support more than a dozen wealthy families.

Upon hearing this news, Jia Rui and other members of the Jia family who had voluntarily given up were filled with regret. All eight branches of the Jia family praised Jia Yan's benevolence and virtue, while the Ning and Rong mansions were deliberately ignored. The Jia family now only recognized Marquis Wu.

In the capital, the news of Zhuge Liang's efforts in managing his family and cultivating his descendants inspired admiration from many high-ranking officials and gentry. In particular, noble families understood the importance of personal guards and eagerly followed his example, thus truly setting their lineage on the road to revival.

Only the residences of the Marquis of Baoling and the Marquis of Zhongjing circulated Jia Yan's cold-blooded and ruthless words, stating that even relatives by marriage should not be treated intimately, let alone outsiders. This caused quite a stir and attracted much discussion in the capital.

PS: 13 to 15 years old: the age of dancing with a spoon; 15 to 20 years old: the age of dancing with an elephant.
(End of this chapter)