Chapter 356: The Bonds of Affection: To Be or Not to Be

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Sister Yuanyang held up a half-cut bi-jia and tried it on Jia Mu's body; Jia Mu was pleased with both the style and pattern.

She then praised Sister Yuanyang to Lady Wang, Xue Xue Yima, and others.

Everyone in the hall knew Sister Yuanyang was Jia Mu's most trusted maid, always by her side in every aspect of daily life—Jia Mu couldn't even eat well without her.

As Jia Mu's favorite maid, Sister Yuanyang held a status few servants could match; even Jia Lady Lian and Wang Wang Xifeng greeted her respectfully as "Sister Sister Yuanyang."

Jia Mu originally had many favored maids, such as Qingwen, Hearing Zi Juan, and Sister Xi Ren—all top among the maids.

Jia Mu had always doted most on Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu; she gave Sister Xi Ren to Jia Baoyu and Hearing Zi Juan to Lin Daiyu, showing how deeply she cherished these two maids.

Qingwen was originally Jia Mu's most admired maid—best in needlework, sharp and efficient in all tasks, clearly cut out to be a concubine—and she was greatly beloved by Jia Mu.

Back then, Jia Mu had only given Qingwen to Jia Cong out of necessity; otherwise, she would have given her to Jia Baoyu.

Though Jia Mu was not close to Jia Cong, he was still her legitimate grandson, and on matters of family standing, the old lady knew exactly where to draw the line.

When Xue Xue Yima praised Jia Cong, Jia Mu didn't feel the same warmth as when Jia Baoyu was praised, but it was still a matter of face.

At that moment, an old servant from the Marquis Zhongjing Marquis's mansion arrived, saying her lord's comrade in Yili had sent a cartload of Yili melons, and the marquis had instructed her to deliver several baskets to Madam Jia for a taste.

This was also why Jia Mu had grown even more trusting of Sister Yuanyang over the years—even entrusting her with the management of her entire lifetime's wealth.

But lately, Sister Yuanyang hadn't come by; Jia Mu hadn't minded at first, but now, as the women were cooling and slicing melons, they remembered the quiet second granddaughter.

She was also on good terms with Jia Lady Lian, Jia Baoyu, Wang Wang Xifeng, and others whom the old lady favored.

She told Sister Yuanyang: "Take a few of these sweet melons to the second young lady, but she's unwell now—she mustn't eat them. Keep them chilled in well water; they'll stay fresh for seven or eight days."

Moreover, her nephew was close to Jia Cong; both were now favored by His Majesty, strengthening the bond between the Shi and Jia families.

Xue Xue Yima smiled: "The second young lady is truly blessed to have such a thoughtful brother. This grandson of yours, Madam, can hold office and handle great affairs outside."

…

Even Lady Wang smiled: "Jia Cong truly understands his sisters…"

Xue Baochai, listening nearby, found her mother's endless chatter about legitimate and concubine-born status and titles wearisome, though sometimes her words were still pleasant to hear.

Jia Mu had spent half her life in the inner quarters, witnessing countless deceitful, two-faced intrigues; seeing Sister Yuanyang's conduct, she found it all the more rare.

"Go thank your marquis and madam for me."

Then Jia Mu remembered something and asked: "Why hasn't the second young lady come by these past few days?"

Jia Mu was chatting with Lady Wang, Xue Xue Yima, and others; Lin Daiyu and the other sisters sat beside them, sharing girlhood gossip.

Jia Mu looked at the baskets of golden melons and smiled at the servant: "Yili is far from the capital; to deliver these in this heat is rare indeed—worth more than silver."

To care for her sisters at home—truly rare. I've never heard of such kindness before. It's a testament to the old lady's proper family ways—what a rare blessing."

Lin Daiyu, Tan Chun, and the other sisters all smiled happily.

She asked: "She's just a girl—illness must be treated. If it takes root, it's no joke. Has she seen a physician?"

Though only a teenager, she held a crucial position, yet her mind was calm and clear, fair and seasoned in dealing with people and matters.

Last year, when Jia Cong's mother was posthumously honored, Jia Mu felt uneasy and delayed allowing Du Shi's spirit tablet into the ancestral hall; it caused a major uproar.

Later, Lady Li of the Marquis Zhongjing Marquis's mansion came several times to apologize and explain, going through great trouble, until Jia Mu finally let go of her resentment.

Though Sister Yuanyang held high status among the servants due to Jia Mu's favor, everyone respected her.

Jia Mu then had Wang Wang Xifeng reward the servant with silver and see her out; she ordered the maids to wash, peel, and slice the melons, sending some to Jia Baoyu still recovering from his injuries, before joining the ladies in the hall to enjoy them.

Hearing this, Jia Mu understood: her second granddaughter had passed her coming-of-age; as a young lady, her affairs naturally multiplied.

Yet she upheld her place, never grew arrogant from favor, nor played favorites or stirred trouble.

Jia Mu still held respect for this nephew who earned his title through his own merit; the Shi family's greatest honor and foundation ultimately rested on him.

Since moving to the Western Mansion, Seeing Yingchun still came daily to pay respects to Jia Mu, though briefly—she always made her presence known.

But in Jia Mu's heart, even all these outstanding maids combined were not worth one Sister Yuanyang.

Even when Jia Cong was poor, had just moved to the Western Mansion, hadn't yet risen, and was disliked by Jia Mu, Sister Yuanyang never treated him with the slightest neglect—always as respectfully as any other young master.

If he didn't even have this virtue, I'd have no interest in him."

Jia Mu sent all the others away, yet kept Sister Yuanyang—not because Sister Yuanyang was prettier or more skilled in her duties.

And this kind of family alliance was precisely what Jia Mu wished to see, for one was her husband's family, the other her own bloodline.

Back then, Marquis Shi Ding, pressured by imperial will, had sent offerings to Jia Cong's mother, Du Shi, greatly humiliating Jia Mu and filling her with resentment.

Tan Chun said: "I visited Second Sister yesterday; she's been unwell these days, so she hasn't come out."

She's already seen a physician from Huichun Hall; they said it's nothing serious—just a few doses of qi-regulating, meridian-clearing decoction, rest a few days, and she'll recover. Even the fire for boiling the medicine, Third Brother checks himself—he's very attentive."

Tan Chun smiled: "Don't worry, Madam. The day Second Sister felt unwell and skipped breakfast, Third Brother went to see her right away."

Moreover, Sister Yuanyang had another quality Jia Mu greatly valued.

Jia Mu smiled faintly: "Madam Xue flatters too much. My grandson is stubborn, always causing heart-stopping trouble; as long as he doesn't give me headaches, I'm grateful. But he truly treats his sisters well."

It was because Sister Yuanyang understood Jia Mu's heart best—thoughtful, loyal, always attentive.

"Send a few to Jia Cong too, so he won't think I favor Jia Baoyu and ignore him."

Everyone understood Jia Mu was merely saving face; even Lady Wang chimed in, saying Jia Cong was always properly respectful to elders and would never think such a thing of the old lady.

The atmosphere in Rongqing Hall became warm and harmonious.

…

Eastern Mansion, Seeing Yingchun Courtyard.

Sister Yuanyang had a servant carry two bags of melons into the courtyard, then went alone to Seeing Yingchun's room.

She found Seeing Yingchun seated on the bed edge, sewing—a pale pink embroidered jacket over a white round-collar gauze robe, a plain white chrysanthemum-embroidered horse-face skirt.

She looked even more graceful, elegant, dignified, radiant, and heartbreakingly lovely.

But the sunlight streaming through the window made her face pale, her lips faintly colored, evoking instant pity.

Sister Yuanyang noticed Seeing Yingchun was stitching a pair of soft-soled black leather boots—silver needle threading, slender fingers delicately guiding, stitches tight and precise, utterly devoted.

Seeing Yingchun smiled as Sister Yuanyang entered: "Sister Sister Yuanyang, what brings you here today?"

Sister Yuanyang smiled: "The old lady heard you weren't feeling well, so she sent me to check on you.

The Marquis Zhongjing Marquis's mansion sent Yili melons—rare delicacies. She asked me to bring some to you and Third Brother, but since you're unwell, you mustn't eat cold foods; wait until you're better."

Sister Yuanyang glanced at the boots in Seeing Yingchun's hands; she didn't need to ask to know who they were for. "Your needlework is so delicate—these boots are clearly for Third Brother, aren't they?"

Seeing Yingchun smiled: "Autumn has passed; in a month it'll turn cool. I've been idle, so I made him a pair of autumn boots. Boys his age grow fast—they wear out shoes quickly."

Sister Yuanyang smiled: "You're a girl, and unwell—don't overexert yourself. If you catch a chronic illness, it'll be hard to recover. Wait until you're well to sew."

Seeing Yingchun laughed: "There's not much left. You've made me realize I've been sitting too long—my back and waist ache."

Seeing Yingchun set down the boots, stood up, and walked a few steps.

Sister Yuanyang picked up the boots, examined the stitching, then took the needle and began sewing for Seeing Yingchun.

Suddenly, she recalled that day on the pleasure boat in Hui Fang Garden—the river ablaze with lanterns, the shimmering reflections in the water—and her heart grew warm.

Over the years, serving beside Jia Mu, she'd heard countless tales of Jia Cong. Though the old lady disliked him, his brilliance could not be hidden.

Hadn't Sister Yuanyang once envied Qingwen? They'd both been maids in Jia Mu's room; and that Qixi Festival, Third Brother had washed Qingwen's hair…

Every time Jia Mu summoned Third Brother for an audience, she sent Sister Yuanyang to fetch him.

The more often she went back and forth, the more familiar she became with him.

Not only was he strikingly handsome, but he possessed talents that delighted her—how could she not harbor some thoughts?

Yet she never dared show even a hint in public; she knew Jia Mu had begun to value Third Brother, but her old grudge had festered for years—how it would end was uncertain.

And she was Jia Mu's most trusted maid; some things she dared not even think deeply about. Besides, look at the girls he kept in his quarters—she had no such fortune…

They chatted a little longer, then Sister Yuanyang rose to leave. Suddenly, she noticed the half-finished boots on the bed.

She said: "I urge you to rest and not overexert yourself. If you don't mind, I'll finish the rest for you—I'm free now, and it'll take only two days."

Seeing Yingchun, of course, didn't refuse; she knew Sister Yuanyang was kind-hearted, and Jia Mu's needlework was always done by her—her hands were swift and skilled. She thanked her.

…

Sister Yuanyang left Seeing Yingchun's courtyard and walked along the connecting corridor between the two mansions, just as Jia Cong approached.

He carried himself with refined grace, tall and upright, clad in a pale moon-white silk robe, a green jade belt with crane motifs, a fat jade hairpin glinting softly on his head.

Seeing Jia Cong, Sister Yuanyang suddenly tensed—she'd never felt this way before. Now her heart pounded fiercely; she hid the small bundle of boots behind her back.

"Sister Sister Yuanyang, are you coming from the garden?"

"Cong Sanye Jia, the old lady heard Second Young Lady wasn't well, so she sent me to check. I've also brought some Yili melons—try them when you return; they're rare."

"Oh, I'm going to the Western Mansion too—Father wants to speak with me. Let's go together."

They crossed from the Eastern Mansion through the corridor, entered the southern corner gate of Lixiang Garden, and walked toward Rongxi Hall.

July's sun, bright since morning, now burned hot; the garden was shaded by green trees, the air thick with the fragrance of sun-warmed grass and foliage.

As they crossed a stone bridge, exposed to direct sunlight, Sister Yuanyang hesitated to use her bundle to shield her head—because what was inside was…

Suddenly, a shadow fell over her head—Jia Cong had opened his folding fan to shield her.

Sister Yuanyang looked up; Jia Cong wasn't even looking at her—he simply held the fan over her, walking forward as if it were an effortless, insignificant gesture.

Such small, unintentional acts reveal a man's true nature.

Bao Er Ye Jia Baoyu was kind to maids, but after the Jin Jin Chuan incident, many servants saw clearly.

With Bao Er Ye Jia Baoyu, at life-or-death moments, the young master remained a young master—the maid was still just a maid.

But Cong Sanye Jia was truly different. Everyone in the mansion knew how he treated his maid Zhi Shao—he'd risked his life for her.

Even after Zhi Shao vanished for two years, he found her again in the south—truly a man of deep feeling.

That narrow shadow above her head blocked little heat, yet in Sister Yuanyang's heart, this small shade brought profound peace, filled with intoxicating coolness.

…

Not far away, Lady Xing was heading toward Rongqing Hall. For the past two years, aside from daily greetings, she rarely visited Rongqing Hall voluntarily—but today, she had no choice but to force herself to go.

Because Jia She and she both saw Yuan Yang as a valuable asset, in charge of Jia Mu's private treasure chest.

Added to this, Jia She had such a predilection—he craved the most youthful, innocent beauty—and resolved to use cunning to bring Yuan Yang into his chambers.

To this couple, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Jia She gained a young woman and gained control over the old lady's private wealth; Lady Xing pleased her husband and opened another path to siphon wealth through clever means.

Thus, Jia She sent Lady Xing to sound out Jia Mu's opinion, but Lady Xing was no fool—she knew that approaching Jia Mu directly would only bring her humiliation.

She planned to first privately persuade Yuan Yang; in her view, Yuan Yang was a household-born servant, and if given the chance to become a concubine, she would surely leap at the opportunity.

Once Yuan Yang herself was won over, even if the old lady refused, there would be nothing she could do—common saying: "When a person is determined to leave, you cannot hold them."

In the end, the old lady would have no choice but to accept it, sparing her the embarrassment of going directly before Jia Mu to beg for it.

Lady Xing had clearly weighed this plan in her mind and even felt quite clever; filled with eagerness, she set off for Rongqing Hall to act.

Just halfway there, she saw a young man and woman crossing the stone bridge ahead—handsome lad, pretty girl, painfully conspicuous; the man held a folding fan to shield the girl from the sun, his posture even more peculiar.

Lady Xing took a closer look and her fury surged—the girl was none other than Yuan Yang, and the boy was that beast Jia Cong.

She was just on her way to arrange a match for her husband, and this beast had the audacity to act so promptly—digging under his own father's bed, daring to lay hands on someone from the old lady's quarters!

…

Jin Ling, Xinchun Company's Southern Headquarters.

Qin Qin Keqing carefully recorded the details Baozhu had told her.

She said: "Xiu Feng Jie, Cong Di just sent two girls here to establish a courier station in Jin Ling—this news can be sent out via Flying Feather."

Qu Qu Hongxiu asked: "Do you think this news is connected to him?"

Qin Keqing replied: "Two years ago, Cong Di cracked the Grand Water Surveillance case in Jin Ling; the ringleader Zou Zou Huaiyi was executed. I was in Jin Ling then—he was even promoted by the Emperor because of it."

As she spoke, Qin Keqing recalled the past days she had spent with Jia Cong at Anding Temple, and a flush rose to her cheeks.

"Now the Grand Water Surveillance case has taken a new turn—the Imperial Envoy sent by the Emperor has failed to apprehend anyone. The Emperor may well send someone more capable…"

Qu Qu Hongxiu's eyes lit up: "You're right—he was the one who exposed Zou Zou Huaiyi, knows this case better than anyone, and has won military glory in Liaodong; he's currently in high favor."

Qin Keqing smiled: "This is only my speculation—I can't be certain—but it's certainly no harm to let Cong Di know of this early."

Qu Qu Hongxiu glanced at Qin Keqing and said: "You're circling around these thoughts because you're desperate for him to come to Jin Ling—aren't you missing him?"

Qin Keqing's face flushed, and she teased: "Don't you miss him? During the Ghost Festival a few days ago, I saw your lantern—your name was written on it."

Qu Qu Hongxiu: "…."

(End of Chapter)