Chapter 352: Mysterious Box Raises Suspicion

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Jia Baoyu's Courtyard.

After Jia Zheng's brutal beating that day, Jia Baoyu had rested for several days but still could not get out of bed, often groaning and whimpering from pain.

Xi Ren examined his wounds daily, removing his inner garment; the skin on the upper thighs had begun to scab, but the four-finger-wide streaks of stiff scar tissue had swollen and refused to subside.

Each time she saw it, Xi Ren's heart trembled—had Lady Wang and Granny Jia not arrived in time, he might have been crippled for life.

Jia Baoyu and Jia Cong were the same age; these past two years, Jia Cong had been busy studying and pursuing office, while Jia Baoyu had already, secretly and repeatedly, done everything with Xi Ren that a man and woman could do.

Thus, the two shared an intimacy no one else had, and every time Xi Ren tended his wounds, she would inevitably scold him: If only you'd listened to me, you wouldn't be in this state.

Though still too injured to rise, Jia Baoyu's mind was preoccupied with other matters; Xi Ren's tender care had long become routine to him, and he paid little heed to her words.

His first concern was Jin Jin Chuan—later he heard that, because of that day's incident, she had thrown herself down a well and died.

He was the sort to seek sorrow for no reason, often seeming half-mad; Jin Jin Chuan's fate naturally stirred deep grief and lament in him.

"Where will your aunt save face? You were always such a sharp child—how could you do something so foolish?"

Suddenly, Ying Er's voice came from outside: "Third Young Master has arrived—come in and sit."

Xue Baochai smiled: "I know you well—you came to see me only as an excuse; you're mostly here to ask if there's any news about Jin Jin Chuan."

Hearing this, Jia Baoyu's heart warmed—he finally knew Baojie still cared for him; even though she hadn't come herself, she'd sent maids with healing ointment, and this kindness moved him deeply.

Lixiang Courtyard, Xue Xue Yima's chamber.

So all along, he had felt great pity for Jia Cong…

The uproar over Jia Baoyu's beating a few days ago was no secret—you know full well this was Jia Baoyu's fault; Jin Jin Chuan did nothing wrong, yet was driven to suicide.

But later he heard Jin Jin Chuan had been rescued; the sorrow and melancholy he'd carefully nurtured in his heart drained away at once, leaving him strangely hollow.

Seeing Xue Baochai emerge, he smiled: "Today I went to West Prefecture to pay respects to Father, and took the chance to visit Baojie."

Whether it was Lin Daiyu or Xue Baochai, every time they came to visit, they always came with the other sisters—never alone.

He sent two burly "dead-fish eyes" down the well to fish her out—the scene was truly ugly, a gross violation of elegance.

Since he'd been bedridden, the Three Springs often came to see him, but what Jia Baoyu truly longed for was Lin Lin Meimei—and of course, his Baojie.

When Xue Xue Yima heard her daughter had taken Jin Jin Chuan as a maid, her head ached; she called Xue Baochai into the room to question her.

Later, hearing that Xue Baochai had asked Lady Wang to give Jin Jin Chuan to her as a maid, Jia Baoyu felt somewhat relieved.

Moreover, he heard that after Jin Jin Chuan fell into the well, she was exactly met by Jia Cong, who sent two strong kitchen women down to retrieve her.

Seeing this, Xi Ren sighed: "Nowadays, the sisters grow older each year—they can't behave as they did as children; they must show each other more respect and propriety."

Xue Baochai frowned: "Mother, I've already spoken to Aunt Wang about this—I told her the full story, and it was she who personally agreed—not me forcing the matter."

Thinking himself better, he planned to visit Baojie and also see Jin Jin Chuan—two such exquisite souls brought together, and his heart swelled with foolish delight.

Xue Xue Yima found it strange—Jia Cong rarely came alone to Lixiang Courtyard; since moving to East Prefecture, he came even less.

Jia Cong was fortunate to save her; he's kind-hearted, and didn't want the girl's life to be wasted—wanted her to have a good place to live.

Seeing her daughter enter, she scolded: "Xue Baochai, how could you be so foolish? Jin Jin Chuan was your aunt's servant to be expelled—why did you take her for yourself?"

…

But Lin Daiyu didn't hear a word of it; after a few days, when the sisters came again, Lin Daiyu stopped coming altogether.

A few days ago, Jia Cong had heard Xue Baochai mention she had a solid plan for Jin Jin Chuan, and he'd been thinking about it ever since.

In his view, Jia Cong was a rare, elegant, handsome man—yet because he wasted himself on those dull books, obsessed with becoming a bureaucratic worm, his once-vibrant soul had been worn away to nothing.

…

He had earnestly asked Lin Daiyu—now that he couldn't move about, she should come often to his room when free, so they could talk together.

Xue Baochai's face flushed red; she scolded: "Mother, what are you saying? I only pitied Jin Jin Chuan—what's wrong with taking her in?"

I merely lent a hand—not just to gain another maid, but to give someone a way out—it's a good deed…"

Xue Xue Yima's eyes widened: "I knew it—you can't speak three words without mentioning that boy! What poison have you swallowed? Even this mess, you're taking it on for him!"

At this moment, he seemed to have forgotten how Wang Lady had slapped Jin Jin Chuan—how that man had panicked, scrambled away, and vanished like a rat.

Such a fierce, unyielding girl—truly rare—to throw herself down a well for me, a lowly, coarse male—how could I deserve such fortune? I'm almost intoxicated…

But Ying Er said the pills were sent by Lady Wang—her mistress knew nothing of it—and added that now with Jin Jin Chuan serving her, she had free time to deliver things for Lady Wang.

This rigid, formal tone was identical to Wang Lady's; Jia Baoyu nearly suffocated with rage—when had Xi Ren, so gentle and tender, turned into this? Was there no mercy left…?

Xue Xue Yima now saw clearly—Jia Cong was no longer the same; even Granny Jia said he'd one day be chosen for an imperial marriage, and there was almost no chance he'd ever be with her daughter.

Jia Baoyu felt a pang of resentment—what had once been a refined harmony like Ehuang and Nüying had been vulgarly disrupted by Jia Cong.

In the original course, Jin Jin Chuan had died by suicide, wronged and unjustly; now that I've encountered this, I must break this fatal cycle—I cannot let a life be wasted.

Hearing his tone, Xue Xue Yima paused slightly, then saw her daughter smile, rise, and step out of the room.

One day, Ying Er brought premium bruise-removing pills, telling Xi Ren to dissolve them in warm wine and apply them—once the heat and toxins dispersed, healing would come quickly.

But her daughter grew more obstinate—what would become of her later?

Jia Baoyu felt as if struck by frost—he nearly wept. He was truly alone, a worthless mud—how could such a gifted, exquisite girl ever care for him?

Jia Cong, having his intentions revealed by Xue Baochai, did not hide it; he smiled: "Baojie, you're too perceptive—nothing escapes you."

Xue Baochai smiled and told him she had already petitioned Lady Wang to take Jin Jin Chuan as her maid.

When Xue Baochai had mentioned she had a solid plan that day, Jia Cong had suspected something—but hadn't been certain.

In truth, Lin Daiyu or Seeing Tan Chun would have gladly taken Jin Jin Chuan as a maid.

But they were Jia family daughters, and Lady Wang was the mistress—since she intended to expel Jin Jin Chuan, they naturally could not take her in.

Yet the Xue and Jia families were separate, and Xue Baochai was Lady Wang's niece—only this outcome could truly resolve the matter.

Now, hearing Xue Baochai's words, a heavy stone lifted from Jia Cong's heart.

He smiled: "This is the best possible outcome for Jin Jin Chuan. I always knew Baojie was careful—but I never realized you possessed both a compassionate heart and the wisdom to act decisively."

What troubled others, you solved effortlessly."

Xue Baochai's face flushed red, yet she saw Jia Cong's expression—bright, joyful, his gaze clear and warm, his words sincere, not jesting at all, truly heartfelt.

This made Xue Baochai feel that whatever she had done, it was all worth it.

…

Love Shenjing, Deng Hongchun Alley, Fule Academy.

Fule Academy was where the Ministry of Music's musicians resided.

The entire Fule Academy occupied half of Deng Hongchun Alley, housing over three hundred musicians of the Love Shenjing Ministry of Music.

At the academy's entrance stood rows of bronze mailboxes, each exquisitely crafted, engraved with intricate floral patterns that glowed with a deep, quiet yellow in the night.

Each bronze mailbox corresponded to a Class-A residence within Fule Academy.

Only musicians rated first-class by the Ministry's various instructors could reside in Class-A residences.

These were master musicians, esteemed guests of Love Shenjing's high officials and nobles—whenever such dignitaries held banquets, these famed musicians were always present.

When nobles wished to invite a particular musician to perform at their gatherings, they would deposit a name card into the corresponding bronze mailbox.

This practice in Love Shenjing's banquet circles was called "posting letters to invite music," considered a refined custom amid wine and song.

…

Zou Min had become the pipa instructor, known as Jade Lord Pipa, Heavenly Melody, Qingniangzi, and the sole disciple.

She began entering the view of many in the Ministry of Music.

Some had heard Zou Min practicing the pipa; though new, she had already shown extraordinary talent and diligence, and was said to have earned Qingniangzi's praise.

Because of Qingniangzi's favor, she soon moved out of the Ministry's chaotic offices and into Fule Academy's spacious, orderly Class-A residence.

Though it drew envious glances from within the Ministry, as Qingniangzi's direct disciple, many wisely kept silent.

But Zou Min had never performed publicly, so she had no reputation; though living in a Class-A residence, outsiders knew little of her, and no one had ever posted a letter to invite her.

This was precisely what Qingniangzi had arranged—living in a Class-A residence suited Zou Min's current identity perfectly.

Any musician residing in a Fule Academy Class-A residence was someone of exceptional skill and connections, often backed by a high official of the Ministry of Rites or a Love Shenjing noble.

They were entirely unlike the lowly musicians subject to casual abuse; ordinary officials and nobles dared not offend them lightly, to preserve mutual dignity within their circles.

…

Though her mailbox would never receive invitations, Zou Min always glanced at it when returning home by carriage.

Since being recruited by Du Heng into Zhongche Office, she had regularly screened and analyzed intelligence reports; those within her jurisdiction were written in coded script and deposited into her mailbox.

This method of communication was discreet and swift—another key reason Du Heng had arranged for her to reside in a Class-A residence.

Today, as she stepped down from her carriage and returned to Fule Academy, she casually glanced at her No. 37 mailbox—the indicator showed a letter inside.

As usual, Zou Min used her key to open the mailbox and removed its contents.

Back in her room, she carefully examined the items: besides several common coded reports,

there was also a folded sheet of mulberry paper, neatly creased, bearing only an address; the signature was strange—no name, only a painted butterfly kite.

…

The tenth day of the seventh month, Beginning of Autumn—the yang energy waned, yin energy rose, all things turned inward and ripened.

West City, Chunhua Wine House, first-floor hall: noisy and crowded, tables and chairs packed tight; those dining here were common folk, clinking cups, rarely refined.

But after climbing two flights of stairs to the second floor, the atmosphere grew refined: only a few tables stood in the hall, surrounded by closed private chambers.

The second floor of Chunhua Wine House was quiet and elegant—not meant for the masses; its wine and dishes cost thirty percent more than the first-floor hall.

The second floor was not merely a dining place—it was where the wealthy and cultured of the city spent leisure time in quiet conversation.

Up the stairs to the second floor came a young nobleman, slender and tall, with delicate, handsome features—like a scholar, yet with a faintly effeminate air.

The second-floor waiter was accustomed to such guests; many of those drinking in the private chambers were scholars who favored refined talk and poetry.

The waiter hurried forward to ask; the youth had already arranged to meet someone in Chamber Five.

…

In Chamber Five, as the youth pushed open the door, someone was already waiting inside.

He was a fifty-year-old man, his hair streaked with white, his face aged and worn with fatigue and hardship.

The old man, upon seeing the youth, cried out in delight: "Miss! I've found you at last!"

Zou Min'er sighed and said: "Uncle Wei, if I hadn't seen the butterfly kite you drew, I never would've guessed it was you. When I was a child, you used to make butterfly kites for me to play with."

Uncle Wei's face flushed with emotion: "I knew you'd remember!"

Zou Min'er said: "After our household fell into disaster, all the servants were implicated and sold off. When your mother passed away, you returned home to mourn—just in time to escape this calamity. It was a stroke of fortune."

The old man's name was Wei Shuer; he had once been a veteran of the garrison, and after committing a crime, he was certain to be executed—until Zou Zou Huaiyi intervened to save him and even helped him support his widow mother.

From then on, he devoted himself utterly to the Zou household as a slave, becoming Zou Zou Huaiyi's trusted confidant. Just before the Zou household's downfall, he had returned home to mourn his mother; had he been there, he would surely have been sold off somewhere unknown.

Uncle Wei said: "Though I happened to be away from the household, after Master's downfall, someone must have known I was his longtime personal attendant and tried to extract secrets about him from me."

"Soon after, a group came to my door. I barely escaped, but they've haunted me ever since, going to great lengths to track me down."

"For the past year, I've been hiding everywhere. I couldn't stay in Jiangnan any longer, so I heard that Miss had been exiled to the Shenzhou Entertainment Bureau in the capital."

"I braved the journey north to seek news of you—and contrary to all expectation, I managed to shake off their pursuit."

"But this is the imperial capital, where Master was disgraced and where you now find yourself in such a state. Old Wei must be exceedingly cautious."

"For the past year, they've pursued me relentlessly. I feared I'd bring you harm, so after arriving in Shenzhou, I dared not come to you directly."

"I secretly observed your comings and goings, never daring to act rashly. I noticed you retrieve something from the copper box every day—so I left a note to arrange this meeting."

Zou Min'er nodded at these words. Her family's elderly servant was old and wise, long trusted by her father—he was indeed a careful man.

Yet she felt puzzled and asked: "Uncle Wei, you're merely an old servant of the Zou household. My father is already dead. Why would anyone still pursue you so relentlessly? Do you know who they are?"

Uncle Wei shook his head. "For the past year, I've been focused only on hiding. I never had time to investigate their identities. But once I fought them—they moved like soldiers, trained in military discipline."

At these words, Zou Min'er's heart leapt. She suddenly remembered the deposition Du Qingniang had shown her…

Uncle Wei pulled from his person a small, palm-sized inlaid shellwood box, exquisitely crafted and sturdy, sealed tightly with hardened clay and lacquer.

He said: "Miss, later I heard Master was entangled in matters involving Japanese ronin—that's why he met his end."

"When I returned home to mourn, the Yingtian Prefecture Office was already investigating the case—it had stirred up a great uproar."

"Before I left, Master gave me this box and told me to keep it with me. He said that if the city remained peaceful after a month, I was to bring it back."

"Now it seems clear—he anticipated disaster and left this as a safeguard. He never imagined it would actually come to pass!"

Zou Min'er stared at the box in Uncle Wei's hand, her heart pounding. She had never imagined her father had sensed danger—and left behind such a thing.

Yet upon reflection, whether her father was good or evil, to have risen to the rank of Battalion Commander of the Water Surveillance Office, he must have weathered countless storms—he was a man of meticulous thought. To prepare such a safeguard was entirely reasonable.

But after the Zou household's downfall, Uncle Wei was hunted without cause, leaving him no chance to uncover its secrets—and I myself was exiled to the Shenzhou Entertainment Bureau…

Zou Min'er's hands trembled as she took the inlaid shellwood box. If it had been tampered with, traces would remain.

She carefully examined the clay seal and lacquer—confirmed it was intact—then used her hairpin to pry open the seal and gently opened the box.

Inside lay a stamped receipt.

(End of Chapter)