Chapter 278: Jia Mu: Is Jia Jing Coming Back?

Jia Zheng said this, his complexion brightened a few degrees, and continued:

"To be frank, today on the court, there are cabinet ministers and officials impeaching Jia Jing for amassing too many troops, and they should be checked."

"Only they chose the wrong timing; the moment the impeachment words fell, a victory report from Jia Jing's front line arrived."

"The report said that Jia Jing in the northwest shot two arrows to secure Tian Mountain, achieving a great victory over the chaotic forces of sixty thousand troops; after this battle the northwest is safe, and Jia Jing has already returned to the capital with his troops."

"The Emperor, upon hearing this victory report, was overjoyed beyond expectation."

"He not only harshly rebuked the impeachers, but also issued an edict that any court official who again attacks Jia Jing with unfounded accusations, regardless of who or what rank, shall be immediately stripped of office, imprisoned, and prosecuted."

"Moreover, he specially ordered that Jia Jing's Duke's residence may use green glazed tiles and copper‑gilt door nails, with all regulations made equal to those of the Prince of the Commandery's residence."

"He also granted him the title of Minister of War."

"If it weren't for the incident involving Jia Zhen, Shenjing would be under martial law, and today many would have come to our mansion to offer congratulations!"

Jia Zheng spoke with a hint of proud delight.

Jia Jing's prowess in battle had once left him both shocked and reverent!

To be honest, having a son as extraordinary as Jia Jing made him feel as if he were living in a dream these past days!

Nevertheless, even though he is not well‑versed in court intrigue, he knows that Jia Zhen's affair cannot shake the Rong Guo Mansion in the slightest.

And Jia Mu, seated high on the couch, looked somewhat dazed upon hearing Jia Zheng's words!

"What? Another victory?"

"It hasn't been long, and that wayward grandson has already received a new title and is about to return to the capital with his troops."

"This… this…"

A feeling more anxiety‑inducing than Jia Zhen's mishap welled up from deep within her, leaving her at a loss for words.

Meanwhile, beneath the hall, Si Chun, Daiyu, Baichai, Xiang Yun and the others wore joyful expressions.

Third Brother won another battle, and will soon return to the capital with his troops!

Xiang Yun beamed with a bright smile, her round, apple‑red cheeks glowing, and she couldn't help whispering to Tan Chun:

"Third Brother is coming back soon! When he returns with his troops, how about we go outside the city to welcome him?"

Tan Chun's delicate beauty paused a moment, a hint of intention flashing in her graceful eyes; of course she also wanted to go welcome Jia Jing.

Only that they are young ladies, and rushing out of the mansion would be somewhat improper.

Now, as the steward's daughter, she inevitably must act with extra caution.

Xiang Yun, seeing Tan Chun silent, understood her hesitation and whispered:

"I heard Uncle say that this time the court may set up a platform at the city gates to welcome him, and the Emperor himself might even be present."

"At that time, such a triumphant homecoming scene will surely be spectacular; don't you want to see it?"

"This is a grand spectacle one may never see in a lifetime, and it's Third Brother's moment of glory; for us younger sisters, there's no more fitting role than to go welcome him!"

Shi Xiangyun's words prompted Yingchun, Xichun, Xiao Jiaoer and the others to turn their gazes toward Tan Chun, their eyes shining with anticipation.

Daiyu twitched her smoky brows, her lacquer‑bright eyes showing delight, and she silently pointed a finger at Xiao Jiaoer before her.

Xiao Jiaoer turned back, gave her a grin of flattery, immediately understood, and said:

"Third Miss, I want to go welcome Third Uncle! When Third Uncle sees me, he'll surely be delighted, hehe!"

Xue Baichai's watery apricot eyes glanced at Daiyu's small gesture, she pursed her cherry lips, a hint of meaning flashing in her eyes.

The relationship between the maid Lin and Xiao Jiaoer grew ever closer!

Meanwhile, Yuan Chun, hearing the young ladies whisper, a faint smile appearing on her plump, graceful, fair face, said in a composed voice:

"Third Brother's triumphant return is a blessing to the nation; we might as well go see it!"

"Then have the mansion prepare a carriage and guards; we can sit behind the curtains in the carriage and watch, which is not improper etiquette!"

"Speaking of it, when Grandfather went to war years ago, Grandmother also once took me to see him off."

"But since then many years have passed, and the mansion hasn't had such a joyous occasion in over a decade!"

Yuan Chun's expression carried a hint of reminiscence, evidently recalling the scene of seeing off the late Duke of Rong Guo, Jia Daishan.

Tan Chun, seeing Yuan Chun speak thus, nodded her delicate head, thereby agreeing.

In the hall, Jia Mu, having digested the news of Jia Jing's return for a moment, hesitated again, and tentatively asked Jia Zheng:

"Then… if we wait for Jia Jing to return, could we have him petition the Emperor for a favor, so the court treats Jia Zhen more leniently?"

Jia Mu's expression was uneasy, clearly showing her concerns.

Jia Zheng frowned, thought for a moment, and said:

"If Jia Jing were to speak up, given his current status and the Emperor's trust in him, the court would surely make an exception; however, I think this matter is improper…"

Jia Zheng did not finish his sentence, merely shaking his head to show his disapproval.

He knew that with Jia Jing's merits and the imperial favor, if he were to plead, Jia Zhen might not only receive a light sentence but perhaps even be absolved.

Yet he felt that Jia Jing's steadfast character would not agree to such a self‑serving, unlawful act!

Moreover, although Jia Jing now boasts great merits and high status, he is also at the very forefront of danger.

Having him plead now would undoubtedly give those officials seeking to attack him a foothold, causing great damage to his career and reputation!

Jia Mu, seeing Jia Zheng shake his head and understanding his meaning, could only sigh silently, her expression remaining solemn.

How could she not know this matter is improper? Jia Jing now is truly the pillar of the Jia Family.

Damaging his future to rescue the incompetent Jia Zhen is obviously a rotten idea.

And Jia Mu was certain that if she dared raise this before Jia Jing, she would only bring herself displeasure!

"Enough! It's truly something I can't afford to provoke!"

However, just as Jia Mu dismissed the idea of Jia Jing pleading,

Lady Wang, listening to the two, suddenly caught on, her heart stirred, and she hurriedly said:

"Exactly! The main branch… Jia Jing is now a high‑ranking minister; if we have him go to the palace to ask Uncle Baoyu for a favor, perhaps this matter will turn!"

Our Wang Family now has only Uncle Baoyu as a capital official; after years of drifting in the official sea we finally achieved today, and we must not be ruined by Zhen brother!

Beside us, Aunt Xue was silently sorrowful; hearing Lady Wang's words, her complexion changed, and she said:

"Yes, yes, yes! Let Jing brother go ask for…"

Aunt Xue's words were cut off by Baichai, whose expression suddenly changed, and she forced herself to interject:

"Mom! Third Brother is Wu Xun, Uncle is a civil official; he shouldn't interfere!"

Baichai's snow‑white pretty face flushed with a faint pink hue; evidently speaking these words under everyone's gaze made her a bit shy.

But she had to say it, otherwise when Third Brother returned and heard her mother's words, he would surely have strong objections about her family, perhaps even be displeased with her…

Court affairs, at a moment's notice affecting a clan's rise or fall and the lives of all its members, cannot tolerate meddling by those inside the household!

Given Third Brother's strong temperament, even his family's matriarch and elder master know to speak and act cautiously, daring not to point fingers or dictate recklessly!

One's own mother, this relative separated by unknown generations, has no face to dare ask him to handle matters!

Do they truly not know what the strength of a First Rank Prince is, or what the authority of a Grand General is?

Have they already forgotten how the many servants of Lord Linchuan and Jia Mansion met their end, so quickly?