Chapter 341: Leave a Portion of Awe in One's Heart

In the main hall, after Shi Ding finished speaking, his gaze fixed on Jia Jing.

Some things he didn't know whether to say, but the unity of the four great families Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue was no empty words, especially since he had been first brought up by the late Duke Jia Daishan.

Now that the Jia Family has produced someone like Jia Jing, he should look to him as a guide, even if it means helping Jia Jing do things that offend others!

From the matters he deliberately inquired about—Jia Jing's reorganization of Bashang Daying and the northwestern troop consolidation—and from his earlier conversations with Jia Jing, he sensed that Jia Jing was probably dissatisfied with the current state of the founding line's martial merits!

Or perhaps, the Son of Heaven probably intends to have Duke Jing reorganize the martial merits!

This, in fact, is not a particularly hard‑to‑guess secret.

Since Jia Jing returned to Shenjing, countless eyes have been fixed on him, awaiting his next move!

The courtNow we need to output lines: English civil and military officials mostly understand that, as the Son of Heaven's most trusted person, Jia Jing's return to Shenjing could not be limited to a single task of reorganizing the Twelve Regiment Camp!

Civil officials worry that Jing Sheng Di will let Jia Jing intervene in state affairs, using martial means to govern civil matters, assisting the implementation of New Policies, and cleaning up official conduct.

And the martial merits naturally also worry that Jing Sheng Di will have Jia Jing audit vacancies and reorganize military affairs.

So at this moment, Shi Ding only then follows the matter of the Prince Nan'an to test Jia Jing's intentions.

Unfortunately, his purpose was not achieved!

Jia Jing was seen to be silent for a moment, offering no comment on the Prince Nan'an's actions.

Instead, his face as calm as dark water, his voice unruffled, he asked:

"Lord Shi, these years being idled by the courtNow we need to output lines: English civil and military officials in the Five Military Governor's Office, have you ever regretted acting too 'rigid' at the start?"

Shi Ding clenched his hand, his eyes slightly narrowed, and said in a deep voice:

"Perhaps there was at the start! But if I were to do it again, I think with my nature, I still couldn't avoid acting this way!"

"A warrior would rather break than bend; if for the sake of merit or profit one abandons all principles, then such an official is only bringing disaster to future generations!"

Jia Jing lifted the tea cup, holding it, feeling the warmth transmitted from the cup, and a hint of admiration slowly appeared in his eyes.

Overall, after the questioning, he was relatively satisfied with Shi Ding's answers and responses.

Combined with the Embroidered Uniform Guard's intelligence, Jia Jing already had a decision in his mind.

He waved his hand, his tone softened a bit, and said in a deep voice:

"Lord Shi, please sit! I already understand your situation!"

"Later I will submit a memorial to His Majesty, recommending you as a mid‑rank officer of the Twelve Regiment Camp and also the commander of the Fenwu Camp."

"I hope you will be sincere in your duties, lead the officers and soldiers well, always put military law first, keep the troops in mind, and not betray this duke's and the court's expectations."

"The position, I have given you, but let me say this first: there must never be corruption, abuse of law, or violations of military discipline in your camp, otherwise do not blame me for not remembering old favors!"

The appointments and removals of officers within the Twelve Regiment Camp, Jing Sheng Di actually gave Jia Jing the authority to handle them himself, but Jia Jing will still submit a memorial.

This not only upholds Emperor Jing Sheng Di's authority, but also avoids unnecessary suspicion between ruler and ministers over such trivial matters.

Regarding issues concerning Jing Sheng Di, Jia Jing has always adhered to the principle of doing more rather than making mistakes.

Shi Ding's complexion flushed red upon hearing this, a hint of excitement appearing on his face.

He originally thought he could only obtain a camp commander position, but did not expect Jia Jing to directly appoint him as a mid‑rank officer of the third‑grade.

The mid‑rank officer's duties are significant, responsible for transmitting orders, coordinating camps, ranking above the camp commanders; this position carries considerable authority!

Moreover, he also commands the Fenwu Camp; holding two posts, he becomes the fourth most important figure in the Twelve Regiment Camp.

Shi Ding stood up, clasped his hands in gratitude, and said:

"Thank you, my lord, for your trust; I, the junior general, will engrave this gratitude in my heart; your teachings will be firmly remembered!"

What truly pleased Shi Ding was not only the successful appointment, but also boarding the great vessel of Jia Jing.

Now, every martial official in the court knows that following Duke Jing leads to a broad road of promotion and ennoblement.

After all, in recent years, under Duke Jing's command, none of the generals have failed to make progress!

Jia Jing saw Shi Ding's rapid change of address, frowned, and said:

"Do not publicize this matter until the court's appointment is issued."

"Also, now that Shenjing's city currents swirl, winds are high, waves are fierce; while court affairs are important, domestic matters must also be attended to!"

"You must manage the household people, let them keep a sense of reverence in their hearts; minor issues may be blurred, but illegal or chaotic acts must never be done!"

Shi Ding, with a hint of doubt on his face, asked:

"I do not know what my lord means? These years I have strictly restrained the heirs of the Zhongzheng Marquis's manor, and have not committed any crimes."

"Even if I speak it out, I am not afraid of my lord's ridicule; these years the Zhongzheng Marquis's manor has been tight due to my meager salary, living in constant hardship."

"The manor's finances are scarce, causing my family members to often have to do needlework late into the night to supplement household expenses."

"This matter also affects Yun girl, the suffering party; haven't I mentioned it before the matriarch and the Marquis?"

Jia Jing nodded and said:

"The Zhongzheng Marquis's manor is generally fine! But what about the Baoling Marquis's?"

"Baoling Marquis is your blood brother, same family; if he has trouble, can you detach yourself?"

Shi Ding's complexion changed slightly, he lowered his eyelids, pondering:

"My second brother... although he indulges in pleasure and behaves loosely, he probably hasn't done anything illegal or disorderly."

"Although I have separated my household from his, I still often keep an eye on his side's affairs."

"Perhaps Jin Ge'er and Neng Ge'er, raised by the Xie family, have become a bit spoiled, but they are like Baoyu."

"At most they are idle aristocrats, not villains; have you heard anything, my lord?"

Jia Jing's gaze lingered on Shi Ding's face for a moment, and he said without concealment:

"The Xie family, outwardly, are being courted to monopolize lawsuits, wield power, accept bribes, and many of Baoling Marquis's servants also have misdeeds abroad."

"The matter is not large, but inevitably can be exploited by schemers, causing unnecessary trouble!"

The drums need not be struck heavily; Shi Ding understood, and Jia Jing only pointed it out briefly.

Shi Ding moved his lips slightly, clasped his hands, and said:

Sir, please rest assured; I will take care of this as soon as I get home!

After they exchanged a few more words, a report came from the personal guard at the gate:

Duke, the matriarch of Rong Guo Mansion has sent someone to say that she invites you and Marquis Zhongjing to come to the West Residence for lunch.

Jia Jing stood up and said:

Marquis Shi, the matriarch has prepared a meal; let's go together!

Shi Ding smiled and replied:

I was just about to go see the matriarch!

Immediately, the two of them walked out of the hall one after another, heading for Rong Guo Mansion.

In Rong Qing Tang, the curtains were half-drawn; the midday sun streamed in through the door, lighting up the hall's blue bricks brightly.

Two large round tables had already been set in the hall, with utensils neatly arranged, and the cold dishes were served first.

Jia Mu reclined on the couch, wearing a red-gold forehead ornament; her complexion was somewhat unpleasant, while a pair of mandarin ducks gently massaged her head from behind.

Mrs. Xing, Lady Wang, Aunt Xue, and Lady Niu sat on the lower side, chatting.

Meanwhile, Xiang Yun sat on an embroidered stool by the doorway, leaning slightly forward, laughing and playing with Xiao Jiaoer.

Hearing the curtain rustle, she saw Jia Jing and Shi Ding entering one after another; she was the first to notice, rose to her feet and rushed over, her apple-cheeked face breaking into a sweet smile as she called out:

Third Brother, Third Uncle, you've come!