The destiny of all heavens begins in the Red Chamber

Qin Keqing slowly spoke, revealing the matter that worried the royal family the most: "The royal family is in a difficult position. It concerns the authority of the court and the annual revenue of millions of taels of silver. How can they easily give in?"

The expressions of the old lady, Madam Wang, and Aunt Xue gradually became solemn and even tense.

"The current emperor has been suppressed for many years!"

Qin Keqing continued, "Now that we have finally gained control of the court, if we don't make some achievements, what kind of evaluation will we receive in the annals of history? How can we be content with that?"

"Throughout history, those emperors who have left a good name in history have all done so through their military achievements!"

"In short, the fighting on the border will not only not stop, but will escalate!"

The old lady, Madam Wang, and Aunt Xue suddenly became heavy-hearted and lost their appetite.

Not to mention that the atmosphere at the main table for the women suddenly became somber, the girls' table was quite cheerful.

Xue Baochai, the three sisters of the Spring Festival, Shi Xiangyun who happened to be visiting, and Xue Baochai's cousin Xue Baoqin—several pretty girls sitting at one table—it was hard not to be lively.

Originally, Qin Keqing had also invited Li Wan and her two cousins, as well as Lin Daiyu and Xing Xiuyan, who lived with Madam Xing, but unfortunately they either had something to do or made excuses to decline.

With the addition of Miaoyu, who lives in the small temple of the Provincial Family Courtyard, all the residents of the Grand View Garden in the original Dream of the Red Chamber are now complete.

Sure enough, after being ignored by the male guests for a while, Jia Baoyu strolled over.

"What are you sisters saying? Why are you so happy?"

This guy didn't stand on ceremony at all, and sat down right next to Xue Baoqin, because the girl was pretty.

Upon seeing this fellow approach, the previously lively atmosphere suddenly froze. Xue Baochai said with amusement, "Brother Bao, why aren't you sitting with your uncle? What are you doing at our table?"

Since we're outside, even if we want to distance ourselves, we can't be too obvious about it.

It is said that among the guests invited by the Ning Mansion this time, there were quite a few students from the clan school, including Qin Zhong. It was rather impolite of Jia Baoyu not to sit there.

Of course, this guy has such a bad reputation, he probably knew he wasn't popular.

So what if the old lady and Madam Wang dote on you?

The feeling of being secretly ostracized by classmates is quite unpleasant.

"Don't mention it!"

Jia Baoyu waved his hand and said, "What Master and the others are talking about is all about economics and official careers. I'm not interested in that!"

Fortunately, she hadn't lost her mind and didn't say anything hurtful, otherwise it would have been really embarrassing.

Xue Baochai secretly shook her head, feeling very sorry for Jia Baoyu's behavior.

Even if he didn't see his brother Xue Pan, he wasn't even allowed to eavesdrop?

When Master Zheng, Jia Lian, Jia Qiang, and Jia Huan get together, what they're talking about can't be anything simple.

Who knows, he might casually veer into matters of great importance to the imperial court. This would be a rare opportunity for the Xue family, but Jia Baoyu was completely unimpressed.

Xue Baochai was already certain that Jia Baoyu's life would end up like this.

Unless he suddenly wakes up one day and works hard, he'll at best be a leisurely prince consort.

If something really happens, what can a leisurely prince consort do? He's just an insignificant figure. I just don't know if Jia Baoyu himself understands this.

All I can say is that everyone has their own destiny!

Chapter 288 No Progress (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)

"We're talking about Cong-ge'er!"

Shi Xiangyun laughed and said, "I never expected that Cong-ge'er would be able to get to this point!"

After all, he came from a military family and was quite familiar with the ins and outs of the army.

Jia Cong was definitely in the early stages of his rise to prominence. Even his two uncles couldn't help but praise him in private conversations, saying that the Rong family had a worthy successor.

Although I felt a little awkward towards my two uncles and aunts.

However, Shi Xiangyun had to admit that both of her uncles were capable military officers.

Even they were full of praise. Clearly, Jia Cong's performance was more than just gaining their approval. Who knows when he might become a general in the army, on par with his two uncles.

"I've heard that if Cong-ge'er achieves a few more merits, he might become a general in the army!"

Xi Chun added, "Such a rapid promotion is astonishing! No wonder he's a valiant martial arts champion!"

Yingchun and Tanchun smiled but remained silent; Jia Cong's excellence made them feel honored.

Especially Yingchun, after all, she and Jia Cong are half-siblings, their relationship is what it is.

Even though they had never interacted before, now none of the servants in the manor dared to treat them with disrespect.

According to Siqi, the head maidservant, the young lady is now finally able to have the dignity of a young lady in the mansion.

Xue Baochai covered her mouth and chuckled softly, but she was indescribably happy inside.

Her marriage to Jia Cong is currently going through the formalities, and they are expected to get married in about a year.

By then, I can't even imagine what heights Jia Cong will have reached.

It's just a pity that because of her previous attitude, she was once a proper wife but has now become a secondary wife. She feels quite helpless and can only look forward.

"What's so great about Cong-ge'er? He's just a crude and vulgar brute!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Baoyu angrily said, "Why not enjoy a perfectly good life instead of killing people for wealth and power? I don't know what Cong-ge'er is thinking?"

"Wouldn't it be wonderful for me to stay home and play with my sisters?"

These words left the girls present looking at each other in bewilderment, and they fell silent for a moment.

Looking at Jia Baoyu, who was talking eloquently, as if he were a monster, he suddenly lost interest in speaking.

Even Shi Xiangyun, who loves to pester Jia Baoyu the most, felt at this moment that Jia Baoyu must have something wrong with his brain. How could he say something like "a crude and vulgar brute"?

If that's the case, wouldn't the first and second generations of Duke Rong be nothing more than uncouth and boorish warriors?

The problem is, without the efforts of two generations of rough and uncouth men, how could Jia Baoyu possibly have the luxurious life he enjoys now? Isn't that a joke?

As for Jia Cong, everything he has now is the result of his own hard work.

As for killing someone for personal gain, that's perfectly natural. But in Jia Baoyu's mouth, it's like an unforgivable crime, which is utterly ridiculous.

A character like Jia Baoyu, who is unwilling to work hard and enjoys the legacy of his ancestors but feels that their struggles were too bloody and dirty, is truly a rare oddity.

He doesn't work hard himself, yet he looks down on those who are willing to work hard. I don't know where he gets the nerve to be so arrogant.

The sudden silence at the table made Jia Baoyu feel quite uncomfortable. He said irritably, "Did I say something wrong? Do you all think Jia Cong did the right thing?"

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Tan Chun quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Brother Bao, our Rong family rose to prominence through military achievements. Cong'er's actions are simply aimed at restoring our ancestors' glory!"

"Hmph, even Tan Chun has changed now!"

For some reason, Jia Baoyu felt uncomfortable. He snorted coldly, his face full of displeasure, and got up to leave without any hesitation.

"Since you all enjoy talking about Cong-ge so much, then keep talking. I don't want to hear any of this!"

This guy got stubborn and felt that the banquet hosted by the Ning family was completely meaningless.

Qiang-ge'er used to be a dashing figure in school, how come he has now become a scheming villain in officialdom? Even the banquet held by the Ning family makes him feel unclean.

The girls looked at each other, puzzled as to what had gotten into Jia Baoyu.

Of course, they probably all understand in their hearts, but they just pretend not to know.

Things are different now than before. As we get older, our thoughts naturally begin to change as well.

The key point is that the situation in the Rong Mansion and outside has changed significantly, and their respective choices are also different.

Apart from Tan Chun, the other characters' futures do not depend on Jia Baoyu, and that is the main reason.

Given the things Jia Baoyu did, it's natural that he wouldn't continue to be regarded as the absolute core.

Jia Baoyu naturally sensed this, and with the rise of Jia Lian, Jia Qiang, Jia Huan, and Jia Cong, his spotlight was diminished, so how could he possibly be happy?

Even Shi Xiangyun, who was already engaged to Wei Ruolan at this time, could not be the same as before.

Otherwise, if the news gets out, it could cause a major incident. Although she is carefree, she cannot afford the consequences!

After a brief silence, the girls' table gradually became lively again.

Jia Baoyu left, so what? Could they possibly control him?

For people like Xue Baochai and Shi Xiangyun, who are already engaged, there's no need to worry too much.

The situations of the three sisters are all different. Tan Chun is in the most awkward position. As long as Jia Huan rises to prominence in time, her future will not be too bad.

Do you still think that when you're a child, if you throw a tantrum, everyone will surround you and offer you comfort and care? How could that be possible?

That is to say, the old lady and Lady Wang often kept an eye on Jia Baoyu's movements!

Seeing that Jia Baoyu had left the girls' table, he hurriedly sent his maid to inquire.

"What could have happened? He probably left because he saw us talking about Qiang-ge and Cong-ge, and he wasn't too happy about it!"

Xi Chun showed no mercy to Jia Baoyu and spoke bluntly.

Originally, today was meant to celebrate Jia Qiang's birthday.

Jia Baoyu's abrupt departure was a very impolite act.

Xichun felt that as her aunt, she had to do something to show her appreciation.