Chapter 294: Hui Xin Advises Against Inheriting the Title

Xue Xue Yima, who sat beside him, wore a pleased expression—after all, her brother-in-law held office outside and had seen the world; he was truly a sensible man.

Then Jia Mu slammed her hand hard on the table and snapped: "What nonsense are you spouting? Don't you recall how your elder brother was reckless and wild, while you were the one who studied and improved yourself?

Yet your father still let your elder brother inherit the title—don't you know why? Because among great clans, seniority and legitimacy must be observed; without rules, nothing can be properly ordered.

Only thus can a family thrive and endure; otherwise, everything will fall into chaos!

If every talented son, regardless of birth order or legitimacy, could seize the title and estate, how would the weak and timid sons ever survive?

That boy has always been a troublemaker since childhood; now he's returned with military merit, but if he inherits the title, what if he brings disaster someday? Wouldn't the whole family suffer with him?

Don't you think for a moment—he's always been cold-hearted and unfeeling; if he ever gains power, what will become of Jia Baoyu and Lady Lian?

You're his father—how can you not even think of my Jia Baoyu? Your heart has turned entirely toward outsiders!

Jia Zheng was left speechless by these words—he felt Jia Mu's reasoning had some merit, yet none at all; he simply could not believe Jia Cong would ever harm Jia Baoyu or Lady Lian.

The blame lay solely with Zheng Yu: to praise Jia Cong and show that high officials in court all deemed him worthy of inheriting the title, he had named both Minister Peng of the Ministry of War and Duke Qi.

Wang Wang Xifeng most envied the titles and honors worn by Lady Wang and Lady Xing.

Now that she heard the Clan Office intended to transfer Jia Lady Lian's position as heir apparent to Jia Cong, who had earned military merit abroad, she flew into a panic and rushed to Rongqing Hall to plead.

Jia Mu had spent most of her life as a duchess, so she understood court affairs well: civil officials never recommended military men for titles—this idea could only have come from Duke Qi.

If Duke Qi heard this, he'd surely bang his head against the southern wall—he had kindly proposed Jia Cong's title bestowal in court, only to have Jia Family blame him for it.

At that moment, hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall; Wang Wang Xifeng nearly ran in, taking tiny, frantic steps.

…

Her only hope was that her husband would inherit the title decades from now, granting her a noble title in return—then her life's longing would be fulfilled.

Upon entering the hall, she fell to her knees before Jia Mu, tears streaming down her face, startling everyone.

Nothing that happened in Rongqing Hall could be kept secret; this household had eyes everywhere, like a sieve, and the earlier commotion reached Wang Wang Xifeng almost instantly.

He may lack merit, but he's earned his toil—Grandmother, please don't strip Second Master of his heirship! Otherwise, how will I ever face anyone again? I'd rather die!

A woman dead for over a decade can still be posthumously honored with a noble title—wouldn't that be better than living uselessly for those years?

"Grandmother, although Second Master lacks the talent of our third brother, he is your eldest grandson from the primary line—he has always been filial and obedient, tirelessly managing household affairs day and night.

I've said it before: seniority and legitimacy must be observed; this title will one day belong to Lady Lian—no one can take it from him."

When Jia Cong's mother was posthumously honored with the fifth-rank Lady Yi title, Wang Wang Xifeng had been consumed with envy.

But Jia Mu did not know that Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao had played a role in this…

Jia Mu added bitterly: "Duke Qi once had ties with your father; the Eight Dukes were all bound by kinship. Now that he's gone, even the tea has grown cold—he dares to suggest such schemes to disrupt our household! How vile!"

She always thought money was easy to earn, but a noble title was the hardest thing to obtain—this was the most honorable and dignified thing a woman could ever possess in her lifetime.

Lady Lian is my eldest grandson from the primary line—I know his worth well. You've served me faithfully these many years since marrying into the Jia family; I cherish your kindness in my heart.

Jia Mu frowned and said: "You're being foolish—why act like this? I'm still alive! No one in this household can turn things upside down!"

Wang Wang Xifeng did not rise after speaking; she knelt there, weeping softly, her figure graceful and delicate, like pear blossoms drenched in rain—deeply pitiable.

When Lady Wang heard this, her expression stiffened slightly—"that person" referred not only to Jia Cong, but likely also to her Jia Baoyu; her prayer beads began turning faster again…

Jia Mu told Jia Zheng: "Write to Cong-er and make the matter clear—so he doesn't return with improper thoughts and bring shame upon us all!"

Jia Mu's words settled the matter once and for all.

Xue Xue Yima, beside her, could barely conceal her disappointment.

…

Behind the screen, Lin Daiyu tugged at Tan Chun and Ying Chun; the three slipped quietly out of Rongqing Hall.

All three walked in gloom; in the hall, everyone except Jia Zheng and Xue Xue Yima had shown outright hostility toward Jia Cong inheriting the title—this was unsettling.

Ying Chun suddenly said: "If Third Brother inherits the title, it'll be disastrous—how will he ever find his place in this household again?"

Lin Daiyu and Tan Chun stared at Ying Chun in surprise, their gazes filled with admiration.

This second sister, who never cried out even when pricked by a needle and spoke rarely, suddenly became sharp and wise whenever her brother was mentioned—what a curious thing.

Seeing their bright eyes fixed on her, Ying Chun suddenly felt flustered and touched her own face.

Then she grew confused again, her large eyes wide: "Did I say something wrong?"

Tan Chun sighed gently: "Second Sister, you're actually quite clever."

Ying Chun asked curiously: "What are you saying? Do you think I was stupid before?"

Tan Chun couldn't help laughing—a sweet, lovely sound, radiant and charming.

Even Lin Daiyu's lips curved slightly; she said to Tan Chun: "Don't tease Second Sister—she's absolutely right."

Third Brother has already reached the sixth-rank official position; now that he's earned military merit, the Emperor will surely promote him further. He's still so young, yet already so accomplished—future promotion to first or second rank will be easy.

This title may be precious to others, but to Third Brother, it means nothing. If he truly accepts it, Grandmother, Second Brother Lady Lian, and Sister Feng will all hate him.

As for the others… as Second Sister said, how will he ever find his place in this household again?"

Tan Chun said proudly: "Exactly—others crave this worthless title, but to Third Brother, it's nothing."

Yet as she thought further, she grew anxious: Third Brother was far away in Liaodong and knew nothing of this—if the matter became real and he actually received the title, it would be disastrous.

Lin Daiyu said: "My father told me the Clan Office oversees imperial clan members and noble offspring—they answer only to the Emperor."

So the Clan Office coming here to speak of this matter must mean the Emperor ordered it."

Tan Chun asked curiously: "The Emperor treats Third Brother quite well—he even wants him to inherit the title."

Lin Daiyu tilted her head, frowning slightly; she was still young, a secluded maiden who rarely stepped beyond the inner quarters and had seen little of the outside world.

Yet her innate brilliance told her something was amiss.

"Does the Emperor truly treat Third Brother well? I don't think so—but it's true he must not accept this title."

Grandmother strongly opposes this, yet she didn't confront the Clan Office officials directly—she must fear offending the Emperor by refusing outright. Yes, that must be it.

Grandmother wants Second Uncle to write to Third Brother, hoping he'll refuse the title himself—then even the Emperor cannot force him, and the matter will be quietly dropped, causing no harm to the Jia family."

Ying Chun widened her eyes, gazing at Lin Daiyu in awe: "Lin Lin Meimei, you're so clever—how did you figure out such a complicated matter?"

Tan Chun's eyes sparkled too: "Lin Feng Jie, if you were a man, you'd be as formidable as Third Brother."

Lin Daiyu blushed and said: "It's nothing—I've heard my father speak of court affairs since childhood."

Tan Chun frowned: "I only hope Second Uncle writes quickly—so Third Brother knows he must not accept this heir position, or he'll invite endless trouble."

Lin Daiyu said: "Second Uncle has always favored Third Brother—he may find it hard to say these words outright; this letter will be difficult to write…"

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Mengpo Study.

Jia Zheng wrote a few lines, then crumpled the paper—he simply couldn't bring himself to write this letter; Jia Cong knew nothing of this—how could he even begin?

Suddenly, Tan Chun entered the study. He was surprised—this study was usually visited by Jia Baoyu and Jia Jia Huan, simply because he tested their studies…

But Tan Chun and the other sisters rarely came.

Tan Chun asked timidly: "Second Uncle, are you writing to Third Brother?"

Jia Zheng asked curiously: "How do you know?"

"Just now, Lin Feng Jie and I were behind the screen—we heard everything."

Jia Zheng gave a wry smile: "So that's it. But writing this letter to Cong-er is truly difficult—he has nothing to do with this matter, yet I must write such a letter."

Tan Chun's bright eyes gleamed—Lin Feng Jie must have some uncanny foresight—she guessed this too…

Tan Chun said: "Second Uncle, Third Brother has talent—he doesn't need this title to become outstanding in the future.

If you find it hard to speak plainly, let us sisters write the letter instead.

Third Brother has always been close to us; he'll listen to us. For him to refuse this title is the best course."

Jia Zheng's eyes lit up: "Tan Ya's words make sense—you sisters are close, so you can speak freely.

With Third Brother's literary and martial talents, what glory can he not earn on his own? Better to keep the family in harmony. Explain this to him."

Tan Chun pulled a letter from behind her back: "Please send this to Third Brother."

Jia Zheng was startled: "You've already written the letter?!"

Tan Chun blushed: "After leaving Rongqing Hall, I discussed it with Second Sister. Lin Feng Jie wrote the letter herself—she included all the meaning you intended."

Jia Zheng smiled faintly: "Lin Ya is clever too—you're all good children, caring for your brother."

(End of Chapter)