The Military Governor in Dream of the Red Chamber

Qin Keqing knew that her future husband was indeed outstanding on the battlefield, having made two great contributions in just a few months.

But the more she did this, the more terrified and uneasy she felt.

The battlefield is treacherous, with a slim chance of survival; countless soldiers have perished on the battlefield.

"Miss, the young master will definitely be fine," Baozhu said hurriedly.

"It's not appropriate to talk about these things on such a joyous occasion," Ruizhu said.

Qin Keqing sighed softly, knowing she would inevitably worry about her future husband when he was away.

Early on the morning of December 13th, the courtyard was already filled with the sounds of gongs and drums.

Today is the auspicious day of Commander Jia Chen. He is wearing a black gauze hat, a bright red auspicious robe, and a jade belt, making him look dignified and imposing.

Most eye-catching was Jia Chen, who wore a red satin ribbon draped over his shoulders, diagonally across his left waist, and tied into a huge red flower knot in front of his chest. This was the groom of the day.

Jia Chen mounted his horse, and the tall steed beneath him, adorned with red ribbons and neighing proudly, raised its head.

He bowed to the surrounding neighbors and announced loudly, "Dear uncles, aunts, and sisters-in-law, today is my wedding day, Jia Chen! There's plenty of celebratory wine, let's all celebrate together!"

Amid cheers and jubilation, the wedding procession set off in a grand procession, with musicians playing lively tunes and the eight-bearer red sedan chair following steadily behind, heading towards the home of Qin Ye, the construction manager.

When we arrived at the Qin family's gate, the sound of firecrackers was deafening.

Jia Chen dismounted and stepped into the main hall, holding a red silk ribbon.

……

Baozhu rushed in again and whispered to the bride, Qin Keqing, "Miss, we've mistaken him for someone else. Isn't that the groom?"

"What?" Qin Keqing asked, somewhat confused.

She was a little confused. What do you mean he's not a son-in-law?

"The one we saw last time wasn't our son-in-law at all. He doesn't look like that at all. He has sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and he's even more handsome than the ever-victorious generals in operas! Just now, when he reined in his horse at the gate, he held the reins with one hand, and his eyes swept across the crowd. Although he was smiling, his imposing manner scared the children watching the commotion into silence. My dear, you've married a truly great hero!" Baozhu was genuinely happy for her young lady.

She had just secretly glanced at the groom at the door; she was going to inform Qin Keqing of the news.

In truth, she and Ruizhu were going to go with Qin Keqing, and their future husband's fate would determine their destiny.

"That's wonderful, miss," Ruizhu said happily.

Regardless, the appearance of Jia Chen that they had seen before was a source of anxiety for them.

Qin Keqing felt a surge of anticipation; it had all been a misunderstanding.

The hall was brightly lit with red candles, and Qin Ye sat high on a grand chair, his face beaming with joy.

He was extremely satisfied with this son-in-law.

Recalling the grand ceremony of presenting captives a few days ago, Jia Chen participated as a centurion. He was so honored and proud, and his colleagues around him were filled with envy.

Jia Chen stepped forward and respectfully greeted his father-in-law, Qin Ye, who offered a few words of encouragement.

At that moment, a clear voice announced from inside the hall, "The bride has arrived."

A bride, dressed in a bright red robe with long sleeves and wearing a magnificent phoenix coronet and wedding gown, slowly walked out, supported by the matchmaker.

A red veil embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in the water completely covered her face, revealing only a pair of red satin embroidered shoes with twin lotus flowers on them.

Looking at the graceful bride before him, Jia Chen was filled with joy. Following the proper etiquette, he stepped forward and handed the other end of the red silk to the bride. Then, he led his bride to pay farewell to her father.

The bride boarded the bridal sedan chair, surrounded by the matchmaker and her maids.

"Lift the sedan chair!" With the master of ceremonies' shout, the wedding procession, accompanied by music and fanfare, returned along the same route and soon arrived back at the courtyard house.

It was not yet noon, but the courtyard was already filled with banquet tables and guests.

Jia Chen, holding a red ribbon, led the bride into the main hall.

After stepping over the brazier, the two stood side by side in front of the hall.

The auspicious time has not yet arrived; please wait a little longer.

"Commander Ye of Datong Fortress has arrived! I hereby congratulate you with fifty taels of silver and wish you a happy marriage and many children!" A loud announcement rang out at the entrance.

The guests were surprised, as most of the people here were neighbors, and none of them held official positions.

In their minds, the garrison commander was a very high-ranking official.

Unexpectedly, such a high-ranking official came in person to congratulate Jia Chen.

When Jia Chen heard this, he was also surprised that Ye Fandong would come.

He did not neglect his duties and came to greet him personally.

Not long after Ye Fandong was seated in the place of honor, a loud voice rang out from the doorway: "General Chen of Datong Town, Earl of Pinglu, has arrived! I hereby congratulate the newlyweds with one hundred taels of silver, eight bolts of Suzhou and Hangzhou colored silk, and a pair of jade ruyi scepters, wishing them a long and happy marriage!"

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

If Ye Fandong's arrival had already shocked everyone, the arrival of a high-ranking official was an immense honor.

Although the Jia family had two dukes, which was considered an immense honor, their titles had now been downgraded.

Now, the one who has arrived is a genuine Earl.

Jia Chen was also startled; he never expected Chen Tai to come in person.

The Jia family has certain unique characteristics; nowadays, the Jia family and high-ranking military officers rarely interact.

High-ranking military officers rarely visited the Jia family mansion, in order to avoid suspicion.

Even though he wasn't a direct descendant of the Jia family, he still had this connection.

Therefore, Chen Tai's visit this time may carry certain political risks.

What if people see it as siding with the Jia family?

Even if Chen Tai was grateful for being granted the title of Earl of Pinglu because of his merits, there was no need for him to come in person; sending a trusted confidant would have been sufficient.

"Jia Chen, I've come to ask for a cup of celebratory wine," Chen Tai said with a hearty laugh, looking at Jia Chen.

Jia Chen was overjoyed and hurriedly welcomed Chen Tai inside, seating him in the head seat.

When Ye Fandong saw Chen Tai coming over, he had just come out to greet him with Jia Chen.

Upon learning that Chen Tai was coming, Jia Zheng and the others hurried over.

They originally planned to wait a little longer before coming over, just to show their faces.

Unexpectedly, even Chen Tai, the newly appointed Earl of Pinglu, came to congratulate Jia Chen. This was quite surprising.

"A messenger on horseback arrives at the residence of Commander Liu of Datong North East Road to offer congratulations! I hereby congratulate you with fifty taels of silver, wishing you a smooth career and a prosperous family business!" The announcement rang out again at the gate.

This time it's Liu Tianwang's.

However, Liu Tianwang himself did not arrive; he only sent someone with a congratulatory gift, and left without even coming in.

Chen Tai and Ye Fandong exchanged a glance, a strange look in their eyes.

Jia Chen sighed inwardly.

Compared to Chen Tai, Liu Tianwang's actions were far inferior.

The visitors didn't enter; they simply paid their respects and left, probably to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Jia Chen didn't blame Liu Tianwang.

Generally speaking, Jia Chen was Liu Tianwang's direct subordinate. Even if he couldn't attend in person, he could send a trusted subordinate or the steward of the mansion.

However, Jia Chen no longer has any expectations for Liu Tianwang. Ever since the incident in front of Qianshan Fort, he has become wary of Liu Tianwang.