Dream of the Red Chamber: From a Border Ruffian to a Capital Tyrant

Yanmen Pass, a majestic pass with a long and winding road, bathed in the blood-red glow of the setting sun.

Inside the council hall inside the pass, the atmosphere was solemn and oppressive, with a faint smell of rust mixed with the scent of wound medicine permeating the air.

That's the unique taste after a fierce and bloody battle.

The sandalwood tables and chairs, patinad with age, gleam with a dark luster. The sheepskin map hanging on the wall is old and worn, its dense red and blue markings recording the brutal battles of the past. The spears, halberds, and daggers on the weapon rack, though wiped clean, still exude a chilling aura, silently telling the story of how this pass was once a matter of life and death.

"General Jia, may I ask where General Jia's residence is located?"

"Please introduce us to them."

"To be honest, there's an urgent message from the Emperor, delivered from 800 li to the capital. It must be relayed to General Jia immediately; there's no time to lose!"

Early this morning, Wang Ziteng, the military governor of the capital, received a secret letter that was sent from the capital at high speed.

At this moment, his well-maintained face was covered with a warm smile, but his eyes were subtly sizing up the world-renowned young general in front of him, and his tone carried a hint of deliberate intimacy.

Upon hearing this, Jia Lang raised his eyebrows slightly, and then a hearty smile bloomed on his handsome, angular face.

He was dressed in a suit of black fish-scale armor, the plates gleaming with a dazzling cold light under the morning sun, making him look like a god descending to earth.

The cluster of bright red tassels on the hilt of the steel sword hanging at his waist danced wildly in the wind, adding to his youthful and decisive spirit.

"Oh? So it's an imperial decree from the capital. In that case, gentlemen, please follow me. I will take you there now."

Before he finished speaking, Jia Lang suddenly stood up, his black cloak fluttering behind him like a black eagle spreading its wings.

He strode ahead, each step causing the ground to tremble slightly, exuding an indescribable confidence and authority.

Along the way, Wang Ziteng followed closely behind, his gaze sweeping back and forth across Jia Lang's broad back as if he were assessing a rare treasure.

He spent several days lying in wait at Yanmen Pass, observing the area, and the more he looked, the more alarmed he became.

Aside from his incompetent uncle, Wang Canjiang, everyone in Yanmen Pass, from high-ranking officials to lowly laborers, spoke of Jia Lang with fervent admiration.

"General Jia, there's really no need for such formality and politeness between us."

Wang Ziteng quickened his pace, stepped forward, and said with a beaming smile, "Our Jia and Wang families have been close friends since our ancestors' time; we are true family friends."

"If we're really talking about seniority, you should call me 'Uncle Wang'!"

Wang Ziteng has been quite busy at Yanmen Pass these past few days.

He originally thought that Jia Lang was just a young boy who relied on Jia Ren's influence, and that even if he made a contribution, it was just due to luck.

He even prepared a speech, intending to "guide" the young man in the manner of an elder, and incidentally reap some benefits and gain some political capital.

However, the sight before him made him swallow all his contempt.

In just a few days, life has reappeared on the ruins of Yanmen Pass after the battle!

On the streets, countless craftsmen, shirtless, wielded hammers and chisels to repair the houses that had been bombed.

At the market, the bolder vendors set up their stalls again, and the sounds of hawking their wares and bargaining filled the air. The bustling crowds were shoulder to shoulder, and the shadow of war had long since dissipated.

But that wasn't the most shocking thing for Wang Ziteng.

What he found most incredible was Jia Lang's unparalleled and deeply ingrained authority in the army!

At first, Wang Ziteng thought that those military officers and guerrillas were only being obsequious to Jia Lang because of Jia Ren's influence.

But upon closer observation, he was horrified to discover that when those ruthless and arrogant soldiers looked at Jia Lang, their eyes burned not with perfunctory respect, but with fanatical worship and awe!

That's the look that only appears when facing an absolute powerhouse or a spiritual leader!

Previously, Wang Ziteng dismissed the rumors about Jia Lang beheading the Xiongnu Left Wise King and killing enemies as easily as cutting melons and vegetables as exaggerated embellishments.

In retrospect, those records are probably not only true, but may even have been exaggerated!

That's why Wang Ziteng was already calculating his own options, determined to win him over!

We must spare no expense to bind this rising dragon to the Wang family's chariot!

Hearing Wang Ziteng's ingratiating words, Jia Lang's lips curled into a half-smile, and he said calmly:

"Oh? So it's Uncle Wang."

"I had heard my elders mention my uncle's reputation when I was in Shenjing."

"But my esteemed uncle holds a high position and wields great power, and I am but a mere warrior; I truly dare not presume to presume upon such an honor."

Although his words carried a hint of youthful arrogance and teasing, his address of "Uncle" was crisp and clear.

After all, you can't hit someone who's smiling, and having more relatives means having more options; it's not like you're losing anything.

Wang Ziteng, unaware of Jia Lang's inner thoughts, simply assumed the young man was moved by his "sincerity" and secretly felt smug.

No matter how powerful you are, you still have to bow down to an old hand like me.

"My nephew is far too modest!"

Wang Ziteng laughed heartily, then his expression turned serious. He lowered his voice, but couldn't hide the shock and envy in his tone, "I received an urgent letter this morning informing me that your military achievements this time are so great that even the Emperor has been alarmed!"

"By special decree of the Emperor, you are hereby granted the title of First-Class Champion Earl, with a fief of eight hundred households!"

"Nephew, this is the Champion Uncle! His bravery surpasses all others in the army. What an honor! He is truly a promising young man with limitless potential!"

When Wang Ziteng said this, his throat felt dry.

Champion!

In the Great Qian Dynasty, noble titles were hard currency, a get-out-of-jail-free card!

Apart from the batch of dukes and marquises conferred at the beginning of the dynasty, in the past hundred years, those who have been alive and conferred the title of earl are extremely rare!

Moreover, most of them are second or third generation inheritors of their ancestors' legacy. Like the Ning and Rong mansions, they appear to be prosperous, but in reality, each generation is worse than the last.

By the time of Jia She, the Rongguo Mansion had only produced a first-class general who spent his days drinking and womanizing at home, utterly disgracing his ancestors.

Jia Zhen of Ningguo Mansion was a bully who only acted arrogantly within his own household. He held the empty title of a third-rank general, but had long been a laughing stock among the noble circles in the capital.

But what about Jia Lang?

Before he even reached adulthood, he was awarded the title of Earl for his genuine military achievements, and it was the most prestigious title of "Champion Earl"!

What does this mean?

This means that as long as this kid doesn't rebel, even if he sleeps at home every day from now on, he will still be one of the top people in the Great Qian Dynasty!

However, to Wang Ziteng's great surprise, Jia Lang was only slightly taken aback when he heard this news, which was enough to drive all the nobles in the world crazy. He quickly regained his composure, and even... a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes.

"Champion?"

Jia Lang stroked his chin, inwardly grumbling, "Tsk, this old emperor is so stingy! Since he's a 'champion,' why not just bestow upon him the title of 'Marquis of Champion'?"

"Huo Qubing was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Champion at the age of eighteen and sealed the Wolf-Dwelling Mountain; what an awe-inspiring feat that was!"

"And he only offered him a countship? How stingy!"

In Jia Lang's view, men should be ennobled and appointed as prime ministers; the title of "Champion Marquis" is the standard for time travelers!

count?

It sounds like a title for a miser, not exciting at all!

Wang Ziteng almost choked when he saw Jia Lang's "it's nothing special" expression.

Is this kid still half asleep?

That's an earl!

Many people work themselves to the bone their whole lives, but can't even get a noble title!

But he was an old fox after all, and he thought Jia Lang was just a young man who didn't understand the implications, so he didn't say anything more, just chuckled twice and followed silently behind.

Before long, the group arrived at Jia Ren's residence.

The general's mansion was not luxurious, and even looked somewhat old, but the two stone lions in front of the gate were polished to a shine, exuding a solemn and imposing aura.

Jia Lang said in a deep voice to the guards at the door:

"This is General Wang, the commander of the Beijing Garrison, sent by the imperial court to deliver an imperial decree. I'll bring him to see General Jia. Lead the way!"

"Yes, General! Please!"

The guards recognized Jia Lang and, seeing that it was the young general leading his men, they quickly clasped their hands in salute and then respectfully led the group inside.

After passing through several courtyards, we arrived at the main hall.

Jia Ren's residence was furnished very simply. Apart from a few necessary tables and chairs, the most common items were maps and weapons hanging on the walls, exuding the simplicity and heroism of a soldier.

As soon as I entered the hall, I heard a series of rapid coughs.

With the help of servants from the inner hall, Jia Ren slowly walked out.

This veteran general, who has guarded the frontier for more than a decade, looks ten years older now.

His face was as pale as paper, devoid of any color, and his forehead was covered in a fine layer of cold sweat. Every step he took seemed to be an act of enduring immense pain, and a faint trace of crimson blood could even seep through the bandages on his abdomen.

But he still mustered his strength, straightened his back, and revealed a bold smile:

"Oh dear! I was unaware of General Wang's presence. I am injured and unable to perform the full ceremony. I hope General Wang will forgive me!"

Seeing Jia Ren's appearance, Wang Ziteng felt a chill run down his spine and quickly stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting:

"General Jia, you're too kind! Please have a seat!"

Looking at Jia Ren's bleeding wound, his tone held a hint of genuine admiration:

"General Jia guarded the frontier for the Great Qian Dynasty, fighting the Xiongnu for over a decade. Despite suffering numerous injuries and illnesses, he refused to leave the front lines. I, Wang, truly admire his loyalty and courage! He is indeed a pillar of the nation!"

Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in Jia Ren's previously dull eyes, followed by a hearty, yet somewhat hoarse, laugh:

"Ha ha ha ha!"

"General Wang, you flatter me! To be loyal to the emperor is my duty, for I receive his bounty!"

"Come, everyone, don't stand, take a seat! Serve some tea!"

The laughter echoed through the hall, weak yet still making people's eardrums buzz, as if it were not a seriously injured old man, but a lion that was still wild despite its age.