C3 Outside the Door

The Jing family was a prominent household in Lin’an, with four branches in total. Jing Bao's father, Jing An, belonged to the eldest branch, while the other three branches were from the old patriarch's subsequent marriages. The eldest branch was often criticized by the second branch for not having a son. When the old patriarch fell gravely ill, Jing An nearly lost his right to inherit the family estate due to the lack of a male heir. Fortunately, Jing Bao was born just in time, allowing the old patriarch to pass the family business to his eldest son on his deathbed. Jing An became the head of the Jing family and named his son Bao, meaning "precious," to signify his value.

In truth, there was nothing precious about it; it was just a Mulan situation—a girl disguised as a boy. By then, Jing Bao had already arrived with a group, finding the gates of the Jing Mansion tightly shut, and his mother, Mrs. Lu, weeping in a carriage. Looking at the imposing high walls and grand courtyard, Jing Bao smirked and ordered his men to break down the door.

The loud banging drew the attention of the neighbors, who came out to watch the commotion.

"Breaking down someone's door? That's a quick way to end up in jail!"

"Do they even know who lives in that house?"

"Breaking down the door of a government official's house? Are they out of their minds?"

Once the scene had reached its peak, Jing Bao calmly addressed the crowd with a respectful bow. "Dear neighbors, my name is Jing Bao. I'm from Lin’an, and I've come to the capital recommended by Lin’an Prefecture's academy to study at the Imperial College."

Each word was clear and smooth, carrying a gentle charm.

Then, there was the person himself.

He was like a piece of jade, perfectly formed in every way. His smile was neither too strong nor too faint, and when his eyes curved, they were as clear as water.

"So, he's a scholar!"

"No wonder he has such an air of refinement."

"Hey, young scholar, why are you banging on this door?"

Jing Bao paused, "Ma'am, I'm knocking on my own door."

The woman stared, "Nonsense, this is the residence of Lord Jing, an official of rank five!"

With that, she glanced at Jing Bao.

The young scholar's last name was Jing, and so was Lord Jing's!

Could they be family?

If they were family, why wouldn't they open the door for someone who traveled so far to see them?

Jing Bao sighed heavily, "To be honest, folks, the person living here is my Second Uncle, and he..."

The heavy door creaked open, and Pingyuan hurriedly stepped out.

"My Second Uncle must have heard that the servants drove my mother out, and he's here to seek justice for her!"

Jing Bao changed his tone, then swiftly knelt down in respect.

"Second Uncle, please punish the wicked servants and restore justice for my mother!"

Second Uncle Jing's face turned as dark as coal.

Punishment shouldn't extend to married daughters, but what if...

If things get tied back to us, it would be a disaster!

So, Second Old Master Jing, thinking of the bigger picture, decided to kick Mrs. Lu and her group out of the Jing Mansion. He never expected them to be so clueless and brash as to cause a scene by banging on the door.

With the neighbors gathering around, Second Old Master Jing couldn't afford to show his anger. Instead, he put on a kind smile and said, "You must be confused from your travels, child. My sister-in-law is the lady of the house. Who would dare throw her out?"

Jing Bao's eyes flashed with coldness, but she stayed silent as Mrs. Lu spoke up.

"You're absolutely right, Second Brother. I suppose it's been so long since I've been to the capital that the servants have forgotten who the real masters of the Jing family are!"

Mrs. Lu's voice was hoarse, clearly from crying.

The neighbors exchanged knowing glances at Jing Pingyuan, making him even more uncomfortable. Was this a reprimand for the servants forgetting their place? It was a public slap in the face!

Second Old Master Jing, unable to contain his frustration, slapped the steward across the face and scolded, "How dare you be disrespectful to my sister-in-law! You're fined a month's wages and will receive ten lashes!"

He then turned to Mrs. Lu in the carriage and bowed, "Sister-in-law, please don't take today's incident to heart. I've already punished the insolent servant. You've traveled such a long way; please come inside and rest."

The Jing Mansion was impressive from the outside, but even more so inside. As the group entered, the large doors slowly closed, shutting out the curious onlookers.

Jing Bao cheerfully asked, "Uncle, which courtyard will we be staying in?"

Pingyuan's expression darkened. "With everything that's happened, you still want to stay at the Jing Mansion?"

Jing Bao's smile didn't waver. "What do you mean by that, Uncle?"

"Don’t play dumb. The Xuanping Marquis Mansion has been confiscated. Why are you still in the capital? You should head back to Lin'an!"

"Uncle, we just set foot in the courtyard, and you're already trying to send us away? Isn't that a bit hasty? Besides, the law states that married women aren’t punished for their family's crimes. Are you planning to defy that?"

Second Uncle Jing's face turned pale. This kid was clever, using the law to corner him.

"Jing Bao, you’ve misunderstood your uncle!"

A group of servants escorted a well-dressed woman over. It was Mrs. Zhao, Second Uncle's wife. In her early forties, she had a dignified presence and had hurried over upon hearing of Jing Bao's arrival.

She caught the tail end of the conversation and quickly interjected, "The house is full, and only the Lin and Stone Courtyards are left. They're not the best, and your uncle didn't want you to feel slighted, which is why he suggested elsewhere."

Mrs. Zhao glanced at Jing Bao, who looked quite presentable, and couldn't help but feel envious when she thought of her own three sons. Her words sounded noble, but in reality, she was saying, "Either leave or mingle with the servants."

Jing Bao smirked slightly, "So, this is Second Uncle's kind intention."

"Of course! Your Second Uncle is genuinely concerned about you and your mother, but he's not very eloquent, so his words might come off harsh."

"I see, I must have misunderstood Second Uncle."

The smile vanished from Jing Bao's face, replaced by a sharp look in his eyes. "Someone, help my mother into the carriage. We're leaving."

Mrs. Zhao and Second Old Master Jing exchanged glances, both smiling.

"Jing Bao is so sensible. Hurry and escort the Young Master and his mother out through the side gate."

Second Old Master Jing was cautious, worried that if they left through the main entrance, the neighbors might see and tarnish his reputation.

Mrs. Zhao quickly added, "You're not familiar with the capital, so let me send a servant to guide you to a comfortable place to stay."

Just to make sure this group doesn't cause any more trouble!

"Aunt, you're absolutely right. My mother and I aren't familiar with the capital."

Jing Bao extended his hand, and Mann handed over the prepared property deed.

"I also want to know how many places in the capital allow one to seek justice."

Second Uncle Jing and Mrs. Zhao's smiles froze as they looked at the deed.

"Oh, Second Uncle, you might not know yet. My trip to the capital wasn't just to celebrate a birthday. More importantly, I've been recommended by Lin'an Prefecture and am about to attend the Imperial College. You probably understand better than I do the significance of being a student there in the court, right?"