Chapter 205: Conciliation Fails to Win Hearts

Jia Mu's expression was unsightly. Whether it was the Jia family supporting Wang Ziteng or Jia Yucun, it was only because the Jia clan lacked successors, forcing them to cultivate outsiders as assistance. She had not expected them to be of such character.

"These people of different surnames only covet the power and glory of my Jia family, using the opportunity to seek official positions and influence. Where is there even a shred of sincerity? They are all ungrateful wolves!"

Lady Wang, standing to the side, turned pale upon hearing this. She felt that the Old Matriarch's words were not directed solely at Jia Yucun; her own brother, Wang Ziteng, was likely included as well.

Half a year ago, her sister-in-law's plot to harm Jia Cong had failed, leading to deep hatred from Jia Zheng. The relationship between the Jia and Wang families had effectively shattered.

Although they still exchanged holiday gifts, it was merely to maintain a facade of decency.

She had heard that the Emperor had recently shown more trust in her brother, but if it hadn't been for the Emperor's eunuch messenger speaking those words in the Rongxi Hall, the Wang family's plot against Jia Cong would not have been exposed.

Although her brother held the position of Regional Commander of the Capital Battalion, having lost the Jia family's backing, he was now like duckweed without roots. In the Emperor's eyes, it was unclear what he even amounted to.

Jia Zheng said, "The Old Matriarch's words are absolutely correct. Outsiders can never be trusted. If the Jia family is to glorify its lineage and revitalize its reputation, it must ultimately rely on the descendants within its own gates."

Jia Mu sighed inwardly. Among the current descendants, Baoyu was clever and nimble, earning the most of her affection. As for the other Jia clan descendants, not one of them showed any promise.

If there was one, it was this brat before her. Although he had been irritating since childhood, he was, after all, her own grandson, carrying the bloodline of the Duke. One stroke of the brush cannot write two "Jia" characters.

Wang Xifeng was also stunned. This brother Jia Cong was truly a magnet for beauties. The Zhi Shao she had seen at Rongxi Hall a few days ago was already a peerless beauty, yet he had actually raised another who was not a whit inferior.

Thinking of this, the expression on Jia Mu's face softened somewhat. She said, "Since the girl's mother entrusted her daughter to you, you must treat her well. Bring that girl to me so I may see her."

For my two "Yu'ers" and those other grandsons and granddaughters, having such a support to shield them from the wind and rain, and to enjoy more peace and comfort, would be a good thing.

But hadn't the Old Matriarch always disliked Brother Cong? Why was she suddenly taking a liking to his maid?

"Feng Yatou, pass on my words: Zhen Ying Lian is not a maid or servant of the Jia family; she was entrusted to the Jia family by her mother. No one is to treat her with neglect."

She was truly a figure as delicate as jade and snow, her expression revealing a lovable, naive innocence that made one feel close to her upon sight.

The previously taut skin on Jia Mu's face suddenly relaxed. Although she felt irritated by Jia Cong, seeing Zhen Ying Lian so pretty and adorable, she revealed a smile: "This child is truly excellent."

Wang Xifeng laughed from the side: "Brother Cong, why have you gone foolish? The Old Matriarch dotes most on clever young girls; would she eat your maid? It is that girl's good fortune that the Old Matriarch wishes to see her."

Seeing his expression, Jia Mu widened her eyes and said, "What is it? Is your maid such a treasure that she might melt if looked at?"

Lady Wang was also stunned upon hearing this. Although she knew the Old Matriarch liked pretty girls, this Zhen Ying Lian was indeed pleasing to the eye.

Wang Xifeng hurriedly agreed. Jia Mu added, "Yuanyang, go fetch a red gold neck ring to reward this child; consider it a meeting gift."

You told us the girl's background; never mind the Old Matriarch, even we are curious. Rest assured, who would dare bully her?"

Seeing Zhen Ying Lian, who appeared to be twelve or thirteen, with a slender figure, arched eyebrows, clear and moist eyes, a delicate nose, pink lips, and skin as white as congealed fat containing light, with a dazzling rouge mole right in the center of her forehead.

Before long, Yuanyang led Zhen Ying Lian into the Rongqing Hall. The moment she showed her face, everyone felt their eyes brighten.

This brat is currently nothing more than a scholar, yet he already holds the rank of a Grade 7 official; it is inevitable that he will become a high-ranking official in the future. This is also for the best, having such a descendant to hold things up from the outside.

Jia Cong was stunned upon hearing this. Where had the Old Matriarch short-circuited again? Why did she suddenly want to see Zhen Ying Lian?

After a bout of banter from Sister Feng, the atmosphere eased once more. Jia Mu then let Yuanyang take Zhen Ying Lian to the Rongqing Hall.

Wang Xifeng, however, was more astute than Lady Wang. She immediately realized that the Old Matriarch must be disgusted by Xue Pan's behavior, which was why she had let her release the word to make Xue Pan give up his thoughts.

Furthermore, this girl had been entrusted to Brother Cong by her mother and had now entered the manor. By logic, she was Brother Cong's woman. If Xue Pan really caused a scene, the Jia family would also lose face.

This red gold neck ring was not something a servant could wear; only the young masters and young ladies of the manor wore such things. The Old Matriarch was stamping her with the Jia family's seal, letting the Aunt's side also cautiously restrain their son and not harbor crooked thoughts.

Moreover, just now the Old Matriarch had heard of Jia Yucun's scandalous deeds and was likely feeling insecure, cursing that outsiders could not be relied upon, while the Master had said that maintaining the family reputation could only rely on their own descendants.

Yet among all the descendants in the manor, who had the ability to hold things up? Now that everyone could see it, showing favor to that girl likely also carried some intent of winning over and reconciling.

And this brat was also formidable. His maid had been treated with neglect, and the Old Matriarch had only called him over to ask a few questions, yet he had managed to drag Jia Yucun into it. Who knew what would happen next.

The Old Matriarch was doing this both to win over and reconcile, as well as to quell the matter and avoid this brat causing more trouble. It had to be said, this brat was truly eerie.

Outside the Rongqing Hall, Zhen Ying Lian followed by Jia Cong's side, and the two returned to the Qingzhi Studio together.

Zhen Ying Lian looked at the bright yellow gold neck ring on her neck and asked curiously, "Young Master, why did the Old Matriarch suddenly call me over and give me a gold neck ring?"

Jia Cong laughed, "Perhaps she wants to 'ring' me in?"

Zhen Ying Lian looked dazed, muttering to herself, "Ring you in?"

In her heart, however, she found it strange. Wasn't this gold neck ring worn on her own neck? How could it ring the Young Master in?

Jia Cong straightened the neck ring on Zhen Ying Lian's neck and laughed, "This red gold neck ring is quite good-looking. Wear it whenever you leave the courtyard from now on."

He naturally understood why Jia Mu would suddenly take a liking to Zhen Ying Lian, but he wouldn't take it to heart. Still, this was also good.

With the word the Old Matriarch had Feng pass on, plus this gold neck ring, it was equivalent to giving Zhen Ying Lian a protective talisman in the Jia manor, so she would no longer fear people like Xue Pan clamoring around.

Rongqing Hall.

Wang Xifeng had gone to the front courtyard to manage household affairs, and Jia Zheng had gone to the Mengpo Studio to chat with his guests.

Only Jia Mu and Lady Wang remained in the hall.

At this moment, Lady Wang also understood why Jia Mu was showing favor to the maid by Jia Cong's side.

Could it be that the Old Matriarch had actually changed her mind and started to value that brat? Then what should become of her Baoyu? Thinking of this, her eyes began to flicker uncertainly.

When Jia Mu saw her daughter-in-law's expression, how could she not know what she was thinking?

"That girl Zhen Ying Lian is indeed outstanding, but I rewarded her not solely because of her.

Today you also heard that Zheng'er used the family's connections and face to support that Jia Yucun, yet he turned out to be such a thing. Can outsiders still be trusted!

Baoyu is a sincere child; how could he handle those schemes and calculations? In the future, having such a descendant to hold things up on the outside might not be a bad thing.

Moreover, that brat's fate is too hard. In these past few years, those matters—whoever hindered him ultimately met a bad end. Just thinking about it makes one's heart panic.

However, I am not afraid. I am his own grandmother, and at my age, if I scold him or curse him, he must endure it. Even if his fate is hard, could he hinder me?

But you all don't have that necessity. I can see that he still respects Zheng'er greatly, and that is a good thing. Don't let other matters overshadow this..."

Lady Wang felt her heart tremble upon hearing that last sentence, suddenly remembering the matter involving her sister-in-law.

She steadied herself and said, "If the Old Matriarch dotes on Baoyu, that is Baoyu's immense fortune.

Baoyu is growing bigger by the day, yet he is always like a horse without a bridle. I am thinking of arranging a marriage for him early, so as to settle his heart..."

(End of Chapter) ===== CHAPTER 206 =====