Chapter 318: Daiyu: Clearly she treats me differently, yet she still responds to her……

Jia Jing faced Li Wan's thanks and replied in a warm voice:

"Sister-in-law, you're being too polite! Lan Ge'er has made some progress."

"One is his own hard work and study; two is sister-in-law's strict discipline, not indulging or spoiling him."

"I see him as good material, and I'm guiding him wholeheartedly; his future is limitless!"

Jia Jing's words are not empty talk.

The so-called 'orchid and cassia flourishing together'—in the original text, after the Jia family's decline, the only one who clearly revived the family business through the imperial examinations was Jia Lan!

Moreover, Jia Lan is not just a bookworm who only knows how to read; he also has talent in martial arts and archery.

In chapter seventy-five of the original text, he once practiced archery before Jia Zheng, winning a reward of a sachet and silver, showing that he followed the path of comprehensive development of the Six Arts required by the examinations.

Given the Jia family's originally poor clan school atmosphere and teaching strength, Jia Lan ultimately managed to pluck the cassia flower in the Moon Palace and have his name listed on the golden roll.

What's more, with renowned teachers guiding him and this uncle looking after and promoting him, as long as Jia Lan keeps up his efforts, his future is promising!

A single compliment from Jia Jing's mouth made Li Wan overjoyed.

The trace of serene clarity on her face vanished, replaced by a smile as pure as autumn water.

You should know this is still the first time Jia Jing has openly praised a junior of the household.

Given his current status and position, this remark "limitless future" cannot be taken lightly!

To say without exaggeration,

His praise of Jia Lan not only elevates Lan's status in the household, but also draws the attention of countless people.

Even if it spreads, Jia Lan's future examination and official career will be affected, making it countless times smoother!

Li Wan's beautiful face showed a hint of excitement, her cherry lips moving slightly as she said:

"Brother Jing's words, I've remembered them! I will surely guide Lan Ge'er well to strive forward!"

First she responded with a sentence, then Li Wan's graceful, lovely face paused, ultimately not wanting to miss this precious exchange opportunity, she opened her mouth:

"I'm not afraid Brother Jing will laugh, but actually Lan Ge'er has always taken you as a role model of effort, often inquiring about your brave deeds on the battlefield!"

"In a few days the clan school will have its ten-day rest period; when he returns, I was wondering if I could invite Brother Jing to be my host!"

"First, to thank Brother Jing for his cultivation of him; second, to ask Brother Jing to encourage and give him a few pointers on how to conduct oneself in the world. I don't know if Brother Jing is available?"

Li Wan forcibly suppressed her panic and shyness as she probed with a question.

As a widowed lady living alone, she ought not to be overly familiar with her younger brother-in-law, especially with Lady Wang present as an obstacle!

But precisely because her husband died early, her life has been like "withered wood and dead ashes," so all her hopes are pinned on her son Jia Lan.

For her, nothing is more important than Jia Lan's talent and future prospects.

Therefore, faced with Jia Jing's expression of appreciation, after weighing her options she chose to give a positive response.

Moreover, by saying these words in front of everyone, she also intended to show her innocence.

Facing Li Wan's slightly awkward and expectant gaze, Jia Jing thought for a moment, then spoke in a low voice:

"The education of the household's juniors is a top priority; even if I'm inconvenienced, I will make time."

"How about this? Third Sister, arrange it; in a few days wait for Lan Ge'er, Huan Ge'er, and Cong Ge'er to finish their ten-day rest and return home."

"You call them all to my place; I will test their lessons, then share a meal and have a chat."

"Coincidentally, I also brought back some little trinkets from the northwest; at that time I'll simply give them as gifts to motivate them!"

Having Li Wan, the sister-in-law, act as host is somewhat improper, like the suspicion of melon fields and plum trees.

Jia Jing thought, it would be better to take this opportunity to gather the several juniors of the West Mansion together for instruction and exchange,

thereby showing his attitude of valuing the juniors' education, without appearing biased.

Upon hearing this, Li Wan's graceful face showed a hint of emotion; Jia Jing's arrangement clearly was made with her reputation in mind.

Her cheeks flushed, she spoke softly:

"Brother Jing's fraternal love for the juniors is more thoughtful than my considerations; you've really gone to great trouble!"

Tan Chun beside her also laughed and said:

"Third Brother, rest assured, I will arrange this properly!"

The seated Jia Mu, hearing this conversation, her expression changed; her aged face bore a hint of gloom, and she couldn't help but ask:

"Jing Ge'er, have you forgotten that there's still Baoyu?"

Jia Mu frowned slightly, unable to resist reminding Jia Jing with a sentence.

Her words were not meant to have Jia Jing also advise or admonish Baoyu, nor to have him test Baoyu's lessons or covet the little trinkets Jia Jing mentioned.

To speak frankly, Jia Mu no longer harbors the dream of Jia Jing helping Baoyu; she only hopes that this grandson will not bully her own dear ones, and then she'll say Amitabha.

But now Jia Jing is calling all the household's juniors over for a meal and chat; if he alone didn't summon Baoyu, that would be too easy for gossip.

Just as Jia Jing's single compliment to Jia Lan could raise his reputation and status,

likewise, if people think Jia Jing holds a poor opinion of Baoyu, that would also cause Baoyu to be looked down upon both inside and outside the household.

This is due to Jia Jing's current status; his every move will be over-interpreted by countless people in private.

Therefore, Jia Mu's suggestion regarding Baoyu means she wants Jia Jing not to let him fall behind alone,

Of course, there's no need to test his lessons or admonish him; just let Baoyu go eat a meal and go through the motions.

Jia Mu moved her lips, but this thought shouldn't be spoken outright; otherwise, if Baoyu's father found out, Baoyu would surely suffer another beating.

Jia Jing took a sip from his teacup, his eyes slightly narrowed, and he smiled as he said:

"What's wrong with Baoyu? I heard he doesn't like studying or martial arts; every time he returns home he cries and fusses, not wanting to go back to the clan school?"

"The old lady has always indulged him; even the second master wants to discipline him but is stopped."

"Could it be that she has now had a change of heart, realizing that indulgence is not a blessing, and wants me to discipline him instead?"

Jia Jing's face bore a hint of a cold smile, as if, whenever Jia Mu spoke, he would learn from Jia Zheng to pick up a club and give Baoyu a stern blow!

Jia Mu's expression froze, and she hurriedly said:

"Jia Jing, you're joking! Jia Baoyu is still a child; how can he withstand your teasing and admonishment!"

"He used to be a bit clueless, but lately he's learned well!"

"She would never let Jia Jing discipline Jia Baoyu; this third grandson is cold‑faced and hard‑hearted—don't let our Baoyu get beaten up!"

"Daiyu, standing aside, listened to their exchange; she had been feeling somewhat troubled because of the Baichai affair,"

"At this moment, her dark, clear eyes blinked as she looked at Jia Jing's stern face, and she couldn't help but feel a bit amused."

"Who would have thought that the usually solemn and dignified Third Brother could also earnestly tease the old lady?"

"Someone like him, busy with official duties every day, hardly has any time for personal feelings—how could he spare the time and effort to specially discipline Jia Baoyu!"

"Even if the old lady begged him to go and admonish, he wouldn't be willing!"

"The last time Jia Baoyu got beaten, it was still because he provoked himself……"

"Daiyu's heart fluttered slightly; she focused her dark, clear eyes and looked toward Jia Jing opposite her,"

"But she saw that Jia Jing, as if in tacit understanding, directed his gentle gaze over,"

"His gaze carried a hint of deep meaning, and she couldn't help but quickly lower her head, her heart feeling a moment of wistfulness and complexity!"

"Clearly he treats her differently, yet he still responds to her……"

"What on earth are you thinking!"