[{"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-864":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},2311662,4515,"Chapter 864","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-864",864,"\u003Cp>Rongguo Prefecture, Rongxi Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan’s bold words enraged Tan Chun, her phoenix eyes wide with fury, as she scolded: “You’re beyond saving—your speech is crude and reckless. I think you’re asking for a beating.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She instinctively reached for the ruler, but such an item would never be carried on one’s person—naturally, she found nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan, startled by his own moment of careless triumph and realizing his sister intended to punish him, turned pale with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to flee in panic, but since Jia Cong was still present, he hesitated, daring not to act rashly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly said: “Third sister, I spoke without thinking—I meant it that way, isn’t it enough that I admitted I was wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong, torn between laughter and exasperation, held back Tan Chun’s rising anger and said: “Though his words are coarse, at least he understands some sense of propriety. Let this one go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun, sulking, said: “Shi Shu, take Huan back to the Eastern Courtyard to study. If he wanders off along the way, come straight back and tell me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t beat him—only let Father know of his antics, and he’ll peel the skin off him in one fit of rage!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan turned ashen, cowering in silence, not daring to utter a word. Shi Shu, barely suppressing a smile, said: “Brother Huan, let’s go quickly—don’t make the young lady angry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Huan snapped back to his senses and followed Shi Shu, stumbling blindly toward the exit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he left, he remembered to bow to Jia Cong, clutching the anthology tightly in his hand—as if his careless words had angered Jia Cong and he was now returning it in apology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun’s expression grew gloomy. “That brat—no matter how hard we try to correct him, he remains this way. Truly, he’s beyond redemption.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong smiled: “Huan was raised too loosely since childhood—how could he turn around overnight? It must be gradual. Fortunately, he’s still young; there’s no need to rush.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whatever his true intentions, at least he’s willing to study. In that alone, he surpasses Baoyu by far. Sister, don’t be too harsh—haste makes waste.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun was about to reply when she realized Jia Cong was holding her hand—she had not even noticed when he grabbed her in his urgency to stop her from scolding Huan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flush rose to her cheeks; his palm felt warm and strong, and being held in his grip brought an inexplicable sense of peace and joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She recalled how he had held her hands the same way when she was injured—his gaze had been distant then, lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he weren’t my cousin, he would surely treat me kindly… A fleeting, forbidden thought stirred within her, desire rising unbidden, terrifying in its intensity…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun knew this thought was shameful; she wanted to pull her hand away, yet found herself unwilling to let go—so much so that when Jia Cong spoke again, she barely heard him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when Jia Cong unconsciously released her hand did she suddenly awaken, a hollow ache settling in her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, she said: “Huan is impulsive. Why do you always speak kindly instead of scolding him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong smiled: “You and Father are strict—daily reprimands are already enough. At my side, I must offer encouragement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One plays the stern face, the other the kind one. If there’s only scolding and no praise, how can he find the will to study?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun couldn’t help but smile. “You’re not much older than Huan, yet you’ve already mastered such patient guidance—you’ve truly inherited Master Liu’s teachings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When you have children of your own, if they’re raised by you, they’ll surely all amount to something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong laughed: “That’s speaking too soon. Sister, you don’t know—other people’s children are easy to teach; your own are always a headache.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the future, you’ll likely end up like you—frazzled and ready to strike, then calling on me to play the kind face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong spoke lightly, jesting—but Tan Chun found it charming, and she smiled involuntarily. Then, suddenly, she came to her senses, and a pang of bitter sorrow welled within her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third brother spoke nonsense—he’ll have his own wife to play the kind face when he scolds his children. How could it ever be me, his cousin…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong noticed Tan Chun’s delicate brows slightly furrowed. The usually bright, cheerful girl now bore an inexplicable, deep-seated melancholy, as if etched into her bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt a flicker of surprise. Seeing her so downcast, he couldn’t help but soothe her: “Sister, don’t worry so much. Huan may be a bit spoiled, but he’s not without merit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just now, I tested him with questions. His answers had flaws—not perfect—but he’s clearly begun to grasp the classics.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s attentive to his studies. With proper guidance, he’ll become a worthy talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s only thirteen—this is already quite remarkable. He has real wit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not surprising. You’re so brilliant and perceptive, and Huan is your full brother—how could he be dull?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll speak to the instructors at the Imperial Academy—he’ll be closely watched. If he studies diligently for two or three years,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“he’ll master the Four Books and the examination essays, solidify his foundational learning, and then stand a real chance of passing the county examination.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if he becomes a scholar at fifteen or sixteen, that’s already an extraordinary achievement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then the second branch will produce a son of scholarly merit—Father’s lifelong wish fulfilled, and the household will have a son to uphold its standing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun’s heart was stirred, her emotions in chaos. She longed to flee far away, never to see him again—yet her feet refused to move an inch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong’s gentle words had brought her focus back, but the tenderness woven through them only deepened the demon within her, hard to dispel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She realized how absurd, how unnatural her thoughts were—betraying human ethics, indulging in delusions, lost in a sea of longing, unable to break free—truly, it was unforgivable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashamed and guilty, her chest tightened with suppressed emotion. Suddenly, the world spun—Jia Cong saw her stagger, as if about to collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rushed forward and caught her shoulders. “Sister, what’s wrong? Your face is so pale.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his concerned gaze, as if it could pierce into her soul, she instinctively closed her eyes, afraid to meet his look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do I not have enough, with such a brother? If he were to notice… he’d never speak to me again. I’d have no face left to show the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What joy would life hold then? I must correct my heart, purge this demon of past karma, and remain only a devoted brother and sister—only then can we endure forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gathered her composure and said: “I walked too quickly to the Eastern Courtyard—perhaps I caught a draft. I’m just a bit unwell. Nothing serious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for your good words, Third Brother. I hope Huan proves worthy, and doesn’t disappoint your hopes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong said: “Rest easy. I’ll keep an eye on Huan. If he studies earnestly, he’ll surely amount to something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shi Shu hasn’t returned—I’ll send Yu Chuan to help you. Let me accompany you back to the Eastern Residence to rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong fastened Tan Chun’s cloak, guided her to a round-backed chair, then called for Yu Chuan. The three of them returned together to the Eastern Residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After escorting Tan Chun to her own courtyard and helping her lie down on her embroidered bed, still fully clothed, Jia Cong noticed her complexion had improved. He sat beside her, chatting idly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Qingwen rushed in, breathless: “Third Master, you’ve made me run all over! Just now, a eunuch from the palace came with a message.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They first went to the workshops outside the city, but were told you’d gone to the Ministry of Revenue today. So they went to the Ministry’s main hall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ministry officials said you’d returned home, so they chased after you here. I went to the Western Residence to deliver the message, but Xiao Hong said you’d come back—so I ran all the way here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun’s heart jolted. “At this hour, why is His Majesty summoning you? Is it urgent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen replied: “The eunuch waits in the outer courtyard. He didn’t say what it’s about—only that His Majesty urgently summons you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun asked: “With the war so critical, why is His Majesty summoning you now? Could it be related to the battle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong said: “Several military reports arrived by fast horse yesterday. The nine gates of the city were reinforced with troops overnight. Today, the palace must issue a decree—it’s expected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun looked worried. “If His Majesty has summoned you, Third Brother, go quickly—don’t delay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cuimo, seeing Tan Chun’s unsettled state, asked: “Miss, Third Master is often summoned to court—it’s nothing to worry about.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun sighed: “You don’t understand. I fear this time, he’s been given a direct order—he’ll likely be ordered to lead troops into battle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sat up on the bed, preparing to leave. Cuimo said: “Miss, you’re not feeling well—rest a while longer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun said: “It’s nothing serious—just tired and dizzy. I rested a while and already feel better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll go tell Second Sister. You go inform Lin Meimei—she’s also worried about Third Brother. When he returns from court, we’ll all know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bo Jue’s Residence, Yingchun Courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Tan Chun entered the main hall, she saw the incense brazier warm, the air fragrant, robes colorful, hairpins glittering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only Yingchun, Xichun, Xiangyun, and Xiuyan were present—but Daiyu was absent, and Baochai was also there, moving among them, speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun told them Jia Cong had been urgently summoned to court. Xiangyun blurted out: “I knew it! Third Brother’s finally going to war!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other day, at the Rongqing Hall banquet, Xiangyun had quarreled with Baoyu and, to infuriate him, had loudly celebrated Jia Cong’s impending campaign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, only days later, her feelings had changed unawares. To mention Jia Cong’s departure now brought no joy—only a heavy, gloomy sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her spirit felt like a kite with a broken string, drifting aimlessly, lost. Anger stirred within her, her mind clouded, and she refused to speak another word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yingchun and the others always saw Xiangyun as a tomboy who’d never grow up—accustomed to her carefree laughter, they never suspected she harbored any hidden thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they simply heard her words and let them pass, none giving them deeper thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Xiuyan, who was closest to Xiangyun, remembered her strange words from before and had already begun to pay attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, she sensed the hidden emotion in Xiangyun’s tone—her bright eyes, filled with unspoken longing, studied Xiangyun closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Daiyu, having received the message from Cuimo, entered the hall with Zijuan.\u003C\u002Fp>",1811,"2026-06-20T12:19:58.587Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","e5d564ef1e143a74e3fc89494e00a63be433fd9bfdf2e7eb866db916bbdf98b3","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-865","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-863",920,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-cover.jpg"]