[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber":3,"chapter-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-863":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","My Life as a Rising Force in the Red Chamber",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2311661,4515,"Chapter 863","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-863",863,"\u003Cp>Ningrong Street, Rongguo Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though nearing the fifteenth day of the first month, the cold wind still howled, biting and sharp; fortunately, the weather had just cleared, the sun bright and warm, softening some of the chill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the garden, flowers and trees stood barren, wintergreen remained lush green, low hedges trimmed neatly thrived with vitality; under the winter sun’s heat, a faint scent of greenery lingered in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The winding, meandering rain corridor, with green tiles and red pillars, bright and elegant, blended seamlessly among the garden’s flora, appearing especially refined and secluded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few figures moved along the corridor, heading toward Rongxi Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leading the way was Third Miss Tan Chun, wearing a pink robe embroidered with blooming plum branches, slender waist swaying, posture graceful, features delicate and lovely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hair, dark as ink, was coiled into an intricate bun, adorned with a few pearl flowers and a single red-jade phoenix hairpin with dangling tassels, shimmering in the sunlight, exquisitely elegant and splendid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over her shoulders hung a bright crimson wool cloak, billowing in the wind, vivid and dazzling, further enhancing her like delicate jade, radiating enchanting beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside her walked the maid Shishu; behind them trailed a boy of thirteen or fourteen, dressed in a dark blue silk robe with subtle rain-patterns, his face refined, eyes darting about—it was Jia Huan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched Tan Chun ahead, blinked, then quickened his steps to draw close beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sheepish grin, he said: “Third sister, it’s still early. I rarely come to the Western Court—let me wander a bit first before going to see Third Brother Cong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun stopped abruptly at these words, her eyes sharp and piercing, making Jia Huan’s heart flutter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She frowned and said: “What scheme are you hatching now? Have you forgotten my warnings? If you dare entertain any improper thoughts again, I’ll tell Father outright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t know if Father will beat you to death, but you’ll never set foot in the Western Court again—that’s certain. Don’t believe me? Go ahead and misbehave!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan’s scheme exposed, he looked flustered, stammering in silence—what could he say? His sister was too sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Tan Chun had suddenly come to say she’d take him to meet Jia Cong, so Third Brother Cong could correct his studies, fill gaps, and give him a stronger foundation before entering the Imperial Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though nervous, Jia Huan was willing to enter the Western Court—he’d hoped to sneak a look at Cai Xia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d long been fond of Cai Xia; they’d grown up together, and she was beautiful and alluring. As a youth awakening to desire, he’d acted on his youthful ardor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d never intended to take her as a concubine, but when Bao Yu took her into his chambers, it stirred his pride, making him obsess over her even more, almost as if bewitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Cai Xia entered Bao Yu’s quarters, he hadn’t seen her for months—even during New Year’s Eve banquet, he’d been confined to the men’s table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when he entered the flower pavilion to offer wine, he’d caught sight of Cai Xia leaving her seat; memories of their past flirtations stirred, burning him inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun had also forbidden him from entering the Western Court before entering the Imperial Academy, and Zhao Mama watched him like a hawk—there was no opening to exploit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her so strict and vigilant, he couldn’t help but lose half his resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pouted and said: “Third sister, I’m your own brother—why are you so harsh with me? Always punishing me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You care so much for Third Brother Cong—if you showed me even half that kindness, I’d be perfectly content.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun glanced at Jia Huan and said: “Can you compare yourself to Third Brother? If you had even half his ambition, I’d carry you on my back—you’d be spoiled rotten.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan protested: “Third sister, you always compare me to Third Brother Cong—do you even let me live? You’re clearly trying to humiliate your own brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun said: “Huan’er, know your place. I’ve explained everything—give up that foolish notion now, or you’ll only harm yourself and others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Mongols in the north are raising troops. Third Brother won’t stay idle long—he has little time at home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After the fifteenth, you’ll enter the Imperial Academy. He only called you over because of Father’s favor—don’t take it lightly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Jia Huan felt uncertain about meeting Jia Cong, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked: “Third sister, I heard the Mongol barbarians are coming—Third Brother Cong has great battlefield achievements, having crushed the Jurchen barbarians. Will he be sent to fight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father mentioned yesterday that Third Brother Cong is a born general, carrying the martial spirit of our ancestor, Rongguo Duke. Now that the barbarians invade the border, His Majesty will surely send him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father says if Third Brother Cong earns more merit, the Jia family will shine again. Every time he speaks of Third Brother Cong, his eyes light up—it’s almost frightening…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun’s expression dimmed. “I don’t know for sure, but Father is likely right. Third Brother is a master of firearms—this war won’t leave him behind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day in Rongqing Hall, the sisters chatted idly; when the Nine Borders’ sudden warfare came up, Xiangyun said Third Brother would soon go to war again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun’s thoughts aligned with Yingchun and Daiyu’s—deep down, she didn’t want Jia Cong to risk his life, yet she knew such matters were beyond personal will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan’s eyes gleamed with longing. “Third sister, is studying really better? Becoming a warrior, sword in hand, horse beneath you—that’s true glory. Who wouldn’t fear such a man?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun shot him a sidelong glance. “With your lazy posture, slouching and unsteady, you can’t even ride a horse or lift a blade—how dare you dream of charging into battle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan flushed. “Third sister, no one’s born a general. Even Third Brother Cong was weak as a child—he was beaten half-dead by Elder Brother. His skills were learned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun’s eyes widened in anger. “How dare you mock Third Brother? You haven’t had enough of the ruler yet—now you’re asking for another beating!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan jumped. He knew that if he spoke of anything else—even if criticized—he’d get scolded, but mostly ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But mention Third Brother Cong, and even a careless word made Tan Chun turn on him instantly—catch him out, and she’d punish him without mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But whenever Jia Cong is involved, if anyone speaks carelessly, Third Sister immediately turns hostile, and if she catches a slip-up, she will punish them mercilessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly said: “Third sister, I’m not slandering Third Brother Cong—I only meant to say I truly admire him. I swear by heaven and earth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun sniffed. “Huan’er, don’t reach beyond your grasp. Becoming a general isn’t easy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you charge into battle, risk your life, slay enemy commanders? Can you do any of that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t think just because Third Brother can, anyone can. The capital is full of noble heirs—yet only Third Brother holds the hereditary title of Marquis of Wei Yuan!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I advise you to stay grounded. Focus on your studies—don’t slack off or get distracted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Work hard for a few years. If you pass the exams, you’ll have a foundation for life—something to rely on for whatever you do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan sighed. “Fine, I’ll listen to you. If I really pass the exams, then I’ll join the army—will that satisfy you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun breathed easier at his willingness to study. “Focus on your studies first. Talk of joining the army later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, then added: “Actually, don’t even think about it. Your mother has only you as a son—if I encouraged you to enlist, she’d fly into a rage…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan refused to give up. “Third sister, Mother listens to you. If you say no, she’ll obey.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s filial impiety—I won’t join you in this nonsense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third sister, I’m just striving to improve…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third Sister, I’m trying to improve…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rongguo Prefecture, Rongxi Hall, three side rooms to the east.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bright sunlight poured through the southern lattice windows, warm and gentle, flooding the room unimpeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire room glowed with light; on the desk lay brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone, where Xiao Hong and Yu Chuan practiced calligraphy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several days of careful instruction from Jia Cong, their brushwork had lost its initial stiffness and now looked properly formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sunlight fell on them, revealing their graceful figures clearly—quite a sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong paced beside them, pointing out flaws in their strokes, offering corrections, guiding their hands—close enough for their hair to brush, the air thick with quiet intimacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan remained calm, smiling sweetly; Xiao Hong blushed uncontrollably, her nimble strokes faltering, her mind dizzy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time this happened, Jin Chuan remained calm, smiling sweetly, while Xiao Hong couldn’t help blushing, her nimbleness halved, feeling dizzy and light-headed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Early this morning, Jia Cong went to the firearms workshop outside the city; for several days, all labor and materials had been focused on producing porcelain thunder bombs and fire projectiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to casting firearms and cannons, producing porcelain thunder bombs and fire projectiles was simpler and much faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With war imminent, Jia Cong divided all craftsmen into morning and night shifts, working day and night—the stockpile of porcelain thunder bombs and fire projectiles grew rapidly, impressively large.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As production accelerated, raw material consumption surged; the workshop’s inventory was nearly depleted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong personally went to the Ministry of Revenue to negotiate the requisition of materials, since saltpeter, sulfur, and other substances were now banned from private transport.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the Ministry’s Guangji Warehouse had authority to requisition and store such materials; previously, Deputy Director Liu Shilun and overseer Qian Huai handled these matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, with the Mongol threat, tens of thousands of troops gathered beyond the capital’s walls, the Nine Borders’ military stores looted, and the Nine Garrisons’ grain supplies stretched thin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry’s grain collection duties were overwhelming—all officials and clerks worked day and night, with no spare manpower or logistics to spare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong feared that if Liu Shilun or Qian Huai represented him, their influence would be insufficient, causing delays in material supply—delaying the war effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Emperor Jiazhao had yet to formulate a strategy for using firearms against the Mongols, it was only a matter of time—perhaps within days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Jia Cong’s demonstrated mastery of firearms and troop deployment in Liaodong, crushing the Jurchens, made him the undisputed choice in court—he would lead the campaign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to his strategic vision, sufficient stockpiles of all types of firearms would determine victory or defeat in the coming conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to his strategic intent, he fully ensured the production and stockpiling of all types of firearms, determining the life-or-death outcome of their use in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>",1800,"2026-06-20T12:19:58.587Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","655ed7295a8e2c34ec8a49a86573e1e41e0a0b77de60d3f6793edc7bc3db22ea","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-864","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-862",920,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-cover.jpg"]