In Rongxi Hall at Rongguo Mansion.
Jia Mu sat in the seat of honor. Before her was a tall, middle-aged man with wrinkles etched into his forehead and keen, piercing eyes. Seated there, he had all the bearing of a tiger.
He was none other than Wang Ziteng of the Wang Family, the leader of the four great families-Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue!
The Capital Camp Governor, who commanded the Capital's Three Great Camps and was popularly known as the Nine Gates Commander!
"Brother."
Aunt Xue and Madam Wang greeted him in turn, their voices warm.
"Uncle." Wang Xifeng paid her respects.
"Uncle!"
"Uncle!"
Xue Baochai and Xue Pan entered the hall, while Jia Baoyu stood on no ceremony. With measured, stately steps, he approached Wang Ziteng and personally poured his uncle some tea.
At the sight of the Jia Family's Kirin Child, a smile softened Wang Ziteng's stern face, and he asked gently:
"Have you been studying diligently lately?"
Without blushing or missing a beat, Jia Baoyu replied:
"I have tilled the fields of learning without rest, honing my studies and practicing with devotion!"
Wang Ziteng had long known his nephew's character. Rather than expose him, he admonished him:
"You must sit the Provincial Prefectural Examination next February!"
Jia Baoyu's face fell, and he gave no answer.
Jia Mu coughed once, then asked with a smile:
"Ziteng, is there something important?"
With a respectful expression, Wang Ziteng replied in a deep voice:
"Old Matriarch, I am waiting for Jia Huan to return."
As his words fell, Wang Xifeng's brows drew together slightly. Judging by her uncle's tone, he had not come with friendly intentions.
Jia Zheng sat to one side with his eyes closed, resting his mind. After the case involving Gu Sihui of the Ministry of Revenue, his