Chapter 484 Jia Huan Joins the Army
The banquet at the East Mansion was naturally extremely lively. Even the old lady brought people to join in the fun. Mrs. Xing was even more delighted and drank several more glasses of wine.
Inside the bridal chamber, the two were in perfect harmony. Xing Xiuyan, with joy and pain, finally gave herself to her lover, and then fell into a deep sleep.
Early the next morning, Xing Xiuyan did not dare to sleep any longer. Although she felt a little tired, she still got up early under Jia Cong's doting gaze. After the little maids in the yard and Qingwen and others came to pay their respects, Xing Xiuyan went to Yuanyang and Muring's room to serve tea.
The few of them were familiar with each other, and Xiu Yan's personality was dignified, steady and gentle, so Yuanyang and Muring were not opposed to the joining of this sister. On the contrary, they were secretly happy to have another sister. It was okay to have someone to talk to in their spare time, but the important thing was that sometimes, they really needed someone to help them.
After a brief stay in the two people's courtyard, Jia Cong and Xing Xiuyan went to the West Mansion to pay their respects to the old lady and Madam Xing.
In the east courtyard, looking at her niece's figure and appearance, Madam Xing nodded happily and said, "You are now officially married. You must get along well with Yuanyang and Cong. Don't let Cong worry about you."
Xing Xiuyan naturally agreed to all of their requests. As she was speaking, she heard hurried footsteps outside.
"Master, the Empress in the palace has issued an imperial decree to Concubine Xing. Steward Zhou is waiting in the East Palace."
The Empress was absolutely delighted to reward her daughter-in-law. Moreover, given the Empress's personality, anyone who happened in the Jia Mansion would be reported to her immediately. She had another daughter-in-law, and although the child had not come yet, she still had the status she deserved.
Immediately, the Queen wrote an imperial edict and sealed it early in the morning, and asked Chief Eunuch Zhou to come in person to announce the edict.
Mrs. Xing was the first to react . The Empress Dowager issued an imperial decree to her niece. What else could it be but a reward and imperial edict?
"Brother Cong, hurry over there and don't make the nobles in the palace wait anxiously!"
Jia Cong and the other two did not dare to neglect and immediately returned to the East Palace. Mrs. Xing walked around twice and could not sit still any longer, so she asked someone to harness the carriage and head to the East Palace.
Mrs. Xing guessed correctly. It was indeed the decree to enthrone Xing Xiuyan, and it was exactly the same as Yuanyang's, the decree of the sixth-rank Anren!
After receiving the imperial edict and seeing off Chief Steward Zhou, Xing Xiuyan happily bowed to Jia Cong and said, "Thank you, Master!"
"This is a reward from the Empress. How can I thank you, Master?"
Xing Xiuyan's beautiful eyes fixed on Jia Cong, "What is my status? How could I be worthy of the Empress's attention? How could I be granted an imperial decree? Isn't this a gift from the Master?"
"Haha!" Jia Cong laughed. "The master will be leaving for the war in two days. I'm sorry to bother you with the matter of returning home!"
The third day was the day to return home, but Jia Cong was going to lead his troops to southern Xinjiang the next day, so he naturally couldn't make it in time.
"Master's important matters are naturally important, and my parents may not care about them!" Xing Xiuyan said obediently, "When the time comes, I will go back to see my parents on my own. There is no need to worry about these empty formalities. It is already a blessing for me that Master cares about me."
Jia Cong nodded. There was nothing he could do about it. However, with so many people in the mansion, as long as arrangements were made in advance, Xiu Yan would be able to prosper.
There is one less girl in the West Mansion and one more concubine in the East Mansion. In fact, not much has changed. In other words, Xiu Yan, the concubine, no longer needs to learn the rules with the girls every day.
The next morning was very similar to four years ago, except that many people were missing.
In fact, the only male descendant from the main lineage who came was Jia Zheng. Because of the previous events, Jia Baoyu had been distracted, so he was kept in the back house by the old lady.
The masters of the two mansions, including the old lady, had all arrived. Jia Zheng looked around and frowned, asking, "Brother Huan, don't you know that your third brother is going to the battle today? Why hasn't he come yet? Send someone to find him!"
As he was speaking, he saw Jia Huan coming over leading a horse, and he was wearing cloth armor.
When Jia Huan came before the crowd, he chuckled. Jia Zheng frowned and asked, "Why are you dressed like this?"
Jia Huan immediately prostrated himself on the ground and said to Jia Zheng and Jia Mu, "Grandfather, Father, I want to go to war with my third brother!"
This sentence stunned everyone present. Jia Huan continued, "This cloth armor was a reward from the clan school, and this horse was given to me by my third brother! I can't compare to others in terms of academics, but I also want to gain status. In terms of military affairs, I think I'm not much worse than my classmates in the clan school. Since they're going, I'll go too. Even if I can't compare to my third brother, I won't bring shame to the family."
Grandmother Jia was stunned for a moment, then nodded. Before, she only had Baoyu in her heart, but now Jia Cong was gradually occupying a place. As for Jia Huan going to join the army, she didn't care too much.
"Since you have this intention, then come along. After all, there are many branches of our clan following us, and with Cong-ge'er's care, you won't be put in any danger. But just for once, you must not rely on your status as the master of the mansion to cause trouble in the army. If you delay Cong-ge'er's important matter, you will be in trouble!"
Jia Zheng was somewhat relieved. Compared to Baoyu, his son, though not as academically advanced, was quite gifted in martial arts, often ranking among the top martial arts students in the clan school. Furthermore, it was a source of honor for him as a father that his son could go on the expedition to support Jia Cong.
"Remember the old lady's instructions. You don't have to worry about your aunt at home. I will take care of her."
Tanchun stepped out from among the other sisters, her expression showing a hint of worry and reluctance. After all, he was her own blood brother, so how could she not care about him? She hoped for his progress, but she was also worried that something might happen to him.
"In the army, you must obey Third Brother's orders and not be reckless or negligent. Since you have made up your mind to go, your family will not stop you. Back then, Third Brother joined the army alone, but he still fought hard and returned safely. Now you have the care of the family and Third Brother, and your life is much better than it was back then."
Jia Huan nodded, then pulled Tanchun aside and whispered, "Sister, when I'm gone, please help me look after Caixia in the aunt's courtyard. Don't let her be bullied. I've already promised her to you. When you return with Third Brother and earn a position, I'll marry her in style."
Tanchun was stunned, and then pointed at Jia Huan with a helpless look. Her brother actually also missed his wife?
However, although Caixia is a servant, she has a good character. It may not be a bad thing if she takes care of her brothers.
Thinking of this, Tanchun nodded and said, "Don't worry, with Third Sister here, Caixia will definitely not be wronged!"
