Chapter 301

In front of the east wing courtyard gate,

Xuanwu, faced with Jia Jing's inquiry, his expression paused slightly.

As Zhu Que's deputy, he controlled a large amount of information in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so he naturally knew the Jia Clan's affairs well.

Xuanwu pondered and replied:

"Lord! Most of the Jia Clan's descendants are doing well in the manors and shops! They hardly got this opportunity you gave them, so they cherish it!"

"For example, Jia Yun is diligent and smart, managing your city's silk shop well."

"In half a year, profits doubled; he has now been transferred to manage the glass shop, and he and his mother privately express much gratitude to you!"

"But there are also a dozen or so Jia Clan descendants with poor character, such as Jia Qin; after becoming a steward, he engages in graft and embezzlement."

"Relying on being your clansman, he withholds workers' wages, throws his weight around, and the shop's staff dare to be angry but not speak out!"

"Even worse, for example Jia Rui: he not only embezzles, but also uses your lordship's clan name to frequent prostitutes outside without paying, racking up a huge debt!"

"Moreover, several Jia Clan descendants, relying on your name, monopolize lawsuits and collude with unlawful merchants to set up gambling houses and brothels for profit, committing many illegal acts..."

Xuanwu detailed the current state of the Jia Mansion's descendants, even able to list who, what name, what they did, all at his fingertips.

Jia Jing's expression darkened slightly as he listened; Xuanwu's words confirmed his suspicion!

Indeed, wherever, people are a mix of good and bad!

The Jia Clan numbers in the hundreds, with both good and bad characters.

And as he rises, this group will naturally polarize quickly.

Those of pure character can seize the opportunity to achieve something, while those of corrupt conduct rely on his name to commit wrongdoing and bully others!

Even if he had warned the clan beforehand.

But human nature is stubborn and prone to hope for luck; without a profound lesson in the face of material desire, it's hard to remember long!

Xuanwu's mention of Jia Yun, Jia Qin, and Jia Rui—all are recorded in the original work!

Among them, Jia Yun is a branch descendant of the Rong Guo Mansion; his father died early, and his family is poor.

But he is clever, articulate, and worldly-wise; he is a rare clear-headed one among the grass-generation.

To secure a position in the Rong Guo Mansion, he actively befriended Wang Xifeng, presenting incense and flattery appropriately.

He eventually obtained the post managing the flowers and plants of the Grand View Garden, demonstrating uncommon practicality and emotional intelligence.

Of course, what Jia Jing appreciates most about him is his loyalty and righteousness.

After the Jia Mansion's decline, he remained steadfast, once going with Xiaohong to the Prison God Temple to visit Wang Xifeng and Jia Baoyu,

Entrusted to participate in rescuing Qiao Jie, he can be called a righteous hero who 'bravely investigates the hermitage'.

Jia Qin is a branch descendant of the Ning Guo Fu; his mother, Zhou Shi, is adept at ingratiating herself.

But Jia Qin is lazy, cowardly, indulgent, and lacking responsibility; relying on his mother to go through Wang Xifeng's back door to obtain a post, he quickly corrupts.

After being appointed to manage the affairs of the monks and daoists at the Iron Cage Temple, he held hundreds of taels of silver and immediately 'liked to flatter and show off',

He hired big carriages, rode tall donkeys, put on the airs of a 'great young master'—truly, when in power, he becomes wanton!

Not only did he divert the Jia Mansion's public funds for personal extravagance, he also indulged his subordinates in wrongdoing,

causing managerial chaos; he is a typical example of corrupt morals, embodying 'easy to gain, easy to lose'.

If it were merely greed for a little silver, that would be a minor fault, but what makes him most detestable is his ingratitude.

After the Jia Mansion's decline, he not only failed to repay kindness, but conspired with others to sell Qiao Jie's daughter to a brothel—a vile act, utterly shameless.

And Jia Rui exemplifies lechery and lust, bringing disaster upon himself.

Jia Rui is the grandson of Jia Daiyu; his parents died early, and he was raised from childhood by the strict Jia Daiyu.

But he clearly went astray!

Not only did he extort students in the Jia Clan school, indulge Xue Pan's lawlessness, mismanage, and aid tyrants, revealing his nature of 'taking advantage without restraint',

He also lacks self-awareness, wallows in delusion, and covets Feng Jie.

Knowing Wang Xifeng's immense power, he still tried to seduce her, repeatedly making advances, claiming 'I am fated to be with my sister-in-law,' and ultimately died in the 'lovesick trap' she set.

And precisely because he knew Jia Rui's character, Jia Jing, when initially rectifying the clan school, decisively expelled both him and Jia Daiyu.

Originally he thought that with Jia Daiyu gone from the clan school, he could return home and properly look after his grandson.

Who knew this lecher's nature wouldn't change; although he didn't provoke Feng Jie, he used his name to frequent prostitutes without paying—how could that not be even more hateful!

Jia Jing's mind quickly flashed through the three characters' traits and deeds from the original work, and he couldn't help but sigh, 'Indeed, rivers and mountains may change, but nature is hard to alter!'

He slightly furrowed his brows, and Jia Jing spoke in a low voice:

"I don't need you to accompany me here; go organize this clan's information, I'll have a look in these few days of leisure!"

The clan needs unity, and also needs rectification.

Now his influence grows ever greater; if we do not purge the bad apples in the clan, they will only become more lawless, and sooner or later bring great disaster!

"Yes, my lord!" Xuanwu bowed and left.

Soon after, Jia Jing alone arrived at the east wing's Jia She cottage.

After a sincere visit, he confirmed that Jia She had little time left, and Jia Jing departed with a hint of sorrow.

Leaving the east wing courtyard gate, he walked to the second gate.

Just as Jia Jing was about to head to Rong Qing Tang, he discovered that outside the wall before the second gate, a lively crowd had gathered!

Looking up, he saw the Four Springs, Baodai, Xiang Yun, and others, plus an unfamiliar young lady with a quiet, gentle demeanor.

Behind them followed a large group of maids and servant girls, their faces anxious yet expectant.

The Jia Mansion's ladies, upon seeing Jia Jing, instantly brightened, each performing a salute and speaking in a sweet voice:

"Greetings, Third Brother!"

"Greetings, Jing Third Brother!"

"Brother Jing!"

"Third Uncle! Hehe!"

"Everyone addressed him differently, but their faces all showed an expression of boundless joy!"

"Xiao Jiaoer hurried a few steps forward, mist quickly welling up in her big, round eyes, and she threw herself straight into Jia Jing's embrace!"

Jia Jing had no choice but to lift her up, feeling her heavy weight, his expression shifting from sorrow to a smile, and he said:

"It's been a few months since we last saw each other, you little girl have gained quite a bit of weight! Hey! How did you lose another tooth!"

"Although Xiao Jiaoer has gained weight, she also seems to have grown a bit taller, now not much shorter than Xichun!"

Hearing that, Xiao Jiaoer quickly held back the tears that were about to spill, covered her mouth with her little hand, wriggled her small body in Jia Jing's embrace, and shyly said:

"Third Uncle, you've finally come back……"

"Yes! Grandpa's back, aren't you happy? Remember last time Grandpa came back, you greeted him with a smile; why do you look like you're about to cry this time?"

Jia Jing set Xiao Jiaoer down, touched her twin buns, and teased her gently.

Baichai, standing nearby, heard that and glanced at Daiyu, her expression inscrutable.

And after setting Xiao Jiaoer down, Jia Jing immediately turned his gaze to the young ladies of the Jia Mansion whom he hadn't seen for several months.