Chapter 459: The Rong Mansion

Su Zhou, Xichang Gate.

Four carriages, escorted by numerous mounted guards, departed Su Zhou city, heading toward Yangzhou.

After settling Zou Min'er, Jia Cong took Lingguan to Panxiang Temple to retrieve Zhi Shao and Master Sister Miao Yu, then returned together to Love Shenjing.

Zhi Shao had stayed at Panxiang Temple for nearly two months, day and night longing for Jia Cong; now that he had finally returned—and brought her master and sister along—she was utterly content, asking for nothing more.

Upon arriving at Panxiang Temple, they learned that Xing Xing Xiuyan's family had received a letter from Lady Xing and were also coming to Love Shenjing to settle.

Though slightly surprised, Jia Cong admired Xing Xing Xiuyan's tranquil elegance and, given her close bond with Zhi Shao, invited the entire family to travel with them.

Xing Zhong and his wife, upon seeing Jia Cong's noble bearing and the retinue of guards surrounding him, stared in awe, overjoyed to the point of dizziness.

Jia Cong noticed their peculiar expressions and frowned slightly, though he paid it little mind.

Lady Xing had mentioned this matter in her letter, but no formal matchmaker had yet been arranged; Xing Zhong and his wife, possessing at least a modicum of worldly tact, naturally said not a word to Jia Cong.

Yet seeing Zhi Shao and Lingguan, each radiant and lovely, clinging to Jia Cong's side, they secretly began worrying about their own daughter.

In contrast to her parents' eager anticipation and quiet delight, Xing Xing Xiuyan felt not the slightest optimism.

Whenever she saw the handsome, upright Jia Cong, her face flushed and refused to fade; her heart trembled uneasily, and during the long journey, she felt she was merely rushing toward a fragile, fleeting dream.

…

Love Shenjing, Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall—Rongqing Hall was the most leaky wall in the Jia household; anything spoken within its walls never stayed hidden in the Jia family.

That day, Jia Mu had mentioned Jia Cong's marriage prospects to Jia Zheng in the hall, adding that she would have some progress in a few days.

Within half a day, word of it had reached the Eastern Courtyard.

Jia She, upon hearing the news, was instantly consumed by rage.

Only he, as the father, had the right to decide his son's marriage.

Why did the old lady consult only her brother, leaving him, the real father, reduced to a mere ornament? Furious, he smashed every pot and jar in his chambers again.

Lady Xing, upon hearing this, felt vindicated—she had foreseen the boy's rising fortunes and had long ago proposed marrying her niece Xing Xiuyan to him.

She believed everyone shared her view: they were all drawn to the wealth and power of the Eastern Marquis Mansion, and the old lady must have seen it too, now trying to fill the hole herself.

Lady Xing, having spent half her life suppressed in the Eastern Courtyard, saw the bastard son of a concubine suddenly rise to wealth, and as his legal mother, she felt entitled to claim the spoils.

Lady Xing ordered maids to sweep up the shattered porcelain, then personally served Jia She a ginseng tea to soothe his temper.

"My lord, there's no need to fly into such a rage. I heard it was Second Master who happened to visit Rongqing Hall that day, and the old lady merely mentioned Jia Cong's marriage in passing."

"If you explode over this, word will reach the Western Mansion and make us look weak."

"Remember—you are Jia Cong's biological father. A son's marriage is the father's domain; it's natural law. How could the grandmother decide while the father has no say?"

"Now that the old lady has raised the subject, you must act quickly to propose Xing Xiuyan's match; otherwise, if she finds a suitable family first, your proposal will be inappropriate."

Jia She, hearing Lady Xing's words, realized they made perfect sense—he was the boy's true father. Since ancient times, the father stood above even the grandmother in filial hierarchy.

No son ever lets his grandmother decide his lifelong marriage over his father's will. If he spoke first and secured the girl for the boy, the old lady could hardly object.

His spirits lifted instantly—he was certain this plan would succeed. If the boy married his wife's niece, he would forever be beneath him and his wife.

With such a woman by his side, the boy could no longer avoid him; he alone would enjoy the Marquis Mansion's wealth.

Once this marriage was sealed, over time, his wife's niece would bear him a son or daughter.

The ties would become inseparable; with his wife, the legal mother and aunt, standing firm, the Marquis Mansion's wealth and power would inevitably seep into their hands.

I gave birth to that bastard—what great heavenly grace was that? To claim even this small benefit is perfectly natural!

With this calculation, Jia She grew ever more confident, his ambition swelling; he could not wait to strike while the iron was hot.

He ordered Lady Xing to take the lead—first to observe when the old lady entered Rongqing Hall or when she was conveniently free, for the hall saw too many visitors to speak at any time.

Once his wife found the right moment, he would go and lay the matter plainly before the old lady.

…

Jia She's Eastern Courtyard was a separate residence carved out from the old garden of Lady Rongguo Mansion, with no side gate directly connecting to the main compound.

Lady Xing, upon receiving Jia She's orders, left the Eastern Courtyard through its black-oil main gate, boarded a carriage, and headed west along Ningrong Street.

After traveling a bowshot, they passed the main gate of Lady Rongguo Mansion, then entered through its western corner gate, dismounted, and walked another bowshot to the inner courtyard's hanging-flower gate.

Just then, Wang Wang Xifeng returned from beyond the second gate and hurriedly bowed to Lady Xing.

Though Lady Xing had long resented this daughter-in-law, she maintained a surface civility—Wang Wang Xifeng managed all affairs of Lady Rongguo Mansion and held considerable power.

Normally, they preserved mutual dignity; when matters required discreet handling, Lady Xing could legitimately command her daughter-in-law.

In short, neither mother-in-law nor daughter-in-law was an easy target; each harbored her own cunning, and only they knew who held the upper hand.

Women of such grand households spent their lives confined to this tiny patch of earth, most of them illiterate.

Like Lady Xing and Wang Wang Xifeng, faced with the wealth of noble houses, they were barren hens—so their energy turned entirely to smiling to your face and stabbing you in the back.

Lady Wang, however, stood several levels above them.

She had children to rely on: first Jia Zhu's success in the imperial exams, then Yuan Chun's entry into the palace, and finally Jia Baoyu, born with a jade in his mouth—her lineage was utterly unmatched.

Her wit and tactics were no weaker than theirs; within the Jia household, after Jia Mu, she was unquestionably the most powerful.

Thus, she could marry her niece into the main house yet still pull her into the second house to manage affairs, even luring Jia Lady Lian into service—leaving Jia She and Lady Xing trapped in the Eastern Courtyard, unable to utter a single sound.

…

Still, for daily minor matters, Lady Xing, as mother-in-law, could still command Wang Wang Xifeng.

Lady Xing asked: "Feng Niang, have you found the house I asked you to look for? My brother's family will arrive in Love Shenjing within ten days—they need a place to settle."

Wang Wang Xifeng smiled: "Your ladyship's request is top priority—I've already found it."

"A single-entry house on Chunhe Street, rent four taels per month, forty taels for a full year—it's only two streets away from Lady Rongguo Mansion."

"Your niece will be coming too; it'll be convenient for young ladies to visit and socialize."

Lady Xing, hearing the annual rent was forty taels, winced inwardly—her brother's circumstances meant she'd have to pay; forty taels was two months' allowance, not a small sum.

Yet she reminded herself: every undertaking requires an initial outlay. Once the marriage was secured, forty taels meant nothing.

Lady Xing smiled: "You've handled this well. My brother and I haven't seen each other in years; we've missed our sisterly bond, so I brought them to Love Shenjing to reunite."

"And my niece Xing Xiuyan has grown up—she's the finest girl in the Xing family, outstanding in character; you'll surely like her."

"By the way, she and Jia Cong are nearly the same age, though they've never met. Now that we've brought them to the capital, it's the perfect chance for them to meet and grow close."

Wang Wang Xifeng's heart jolted—Lady Xing had always despised Jia Cong; even now that he shone brightly, they'd never reconciled.

Why suddenly mention her niece and speak of "cousins growing close"? It felt deeply unsettling—what madness was this?

Lady Xing asked again: "Lately I've heard talk that Jia Baoyu turns fifteen next year, and the old lady wants to arrange his marriage—who has she set her sights on?"

Wang Wang Xifeng, still puzzled by Lady Xing's earlier words, had a mind sharp as glass—she possessed at least ten thousand cunning thoughts.

At just this one sentence, her insight cleared instantly—she understood Lady Xing's hidden scheme.

Why would Lady Xing care about Jia Baoyu's marriage? Jia Baoyu's wedding had nothing to do with her.

But Jia Baoyu and Jia Cong were the same age—she must have heard the old lady mention Jia Cong's marriage in Rongqing Hall and was now circling around to inquire.

Coupled with her earlier remark about "cousins growing close," Wang Wang Xifeng had no doubt what Lady Xing intended.

Wang Wang Xifeng inwardly sneered—what a grand delusion this mother-in-law was dreaming.

Others might not know the truth about Uncle Xing, but Wang Wang Xifeng knew perfectly well.

That Xing cousin was merely a poor, common girl—Lady Xing actually wanted to marry her to Jia Cong? How fitting? Did she truly believe all of Jia's family were dead?

Though Wang Wang Xifeng despised the idea, her face showed no trace of it; she smiled warmly: "Lady Xing must have misunderstood—it's not Jia Baoyu's marriage being discussed, but Jia Cong's."

"The old lady says Jia Cong has established himself, and his name now rings loud in Love Shenjing; many noble families are watching him closely. He turns fifteen next year—she wants to secure a good match early."

Lady Xing asked urgently: "Has the old lady any particular girl in mind?"

Wang Wang Xifeng shifted her gaze: "She hasn't named anyone specifically. But among the noble families of Love Shenjing, the old lady knows them all—she may already have someone in mind, or she may not."

Lady Xing said: "Arranging Jia Cong's marriage is a major matter. My lord spends all day busy outside—he doesn't even know! Clearly, he's become addled."

Wang Wang Xifeng, catching the subtext, smiled wickedly: "Lady Xing speaks truly. Since ancient times, marriages are decided by parents and matchmakers."

"Jia Cong's marriage is the most urgent matter for you and my lord—he's his father's son. This is his life's most important affair; it cannot be neglected."

Lady Xing's cheeks creased with a wide smile.

She said: "You speak with perfect sense. A son's marriage must be handled by his parents—how could it be left to others? My lord and I will certainly take charge."

Wang Wang Xifeng felt goosebumps rise—Lady Xing had forgotten how she once tormented Jia Cong in the Eastern Courtyard.

Had the old lady not feared Jia Cong would be driven to death, bringing shame upon the Jia family, she would never have brought him to the Western Mansion to be raised.

Now that Jia Cong shines, this couple pretend to be virtuous parents. Wang Wang Xifeng thought this, yet spoke with tender care:

"When I left earlier, the old lady was chatting with the sisters—she's probably free in Rongqing Hall now. You might go see her."

Watching Lady Xing hurry off with eager steps, Wang Wang Xifeng's lips curled in a sly smile—her earlier words, though seemingly thoughtful, were malicious.

Having served as a granddaughter-in-law for so long, she knew the old lady's nature better than anyone…

She had been a daughter-in-law for so many years, she knew the old lady's temperament best…

Wang Wang Xifeng had originally planned to visit Rongqing Hall for her morning greeting, but now she wouldn't step into that fire—she turned and returned to her own courtyard.

As she entered, Ping'er emerged with a large copper basin and said: "Madam, you're back. Second Master just returned—he's inside."

Jia Lady Lian, seeing Wang Wang Xifeng enter with a strange smile, asked curiously: "What good news have you heard?"

Wang Wang Xifeng smiled: "Your brother's about to marry—how could I not be happy for him, as his sister-in-law?"

Since gossip in Rongqing Hall never stayed secret, Jia Lady Lian had heard of Jia Cong's marriage prospects.

Jia Lady Lian said: "The old lady merely mentioned it in passing. Third Brother won't even be fifteen until next year—there's no rush."

"You can't be sure," Wang Wang Xifeng replied. "Just now at the second gate, I spoke with Lady Xing and learned the truth. Now I understand why she was so eager to bring your uncle's family to Love Shenjing."

"That's hard to say—I just ran into Lady Da at the second gate and spoke a few words; only then did I learn the full story. I said to myself, no wonder Lady Da was so eager to bring your uncle's family all the way to Love Shenjing."

Jia Lady Lian's birth mother had died early; Lady Xing was merely his father's second wife. Though she held the title of legal mother, her narrow, greedy nature had always made Jia Lady Lian despise her.

Though he feared his father Jia She like a tiger, he treated Lady Xing with only surface courtesy.

Though he feared his biological father Jia She as if he were a tiger, he treated this stepmother, Lady Xing, with nothing more than superficial courtesy.

As for Xing Zhong, whom he'd seen only once in over a decade, he was no better than a stranger—a lazy, incompetent fool who had no right to be Jia Lady Lian's uncle.

Jia Lady Lian asked again: "How did Uncle Xing get mixed up in Third Brother's marriage?"

"You've forgotten Xing Uncle's daughter, Xiu Yan? I gathered from Lady Xing's tone that she wants to betroth Xiu Yan to your brother."

Jia Lady Lian stared in shock. "What's this? Third Brother is a hereditary marquis with his own household. Xing Zhong is merely a mediocre man barely scraping by. His daughter as Third Brother's principal wife?"

If this got out, the Jia family would be laughed out of the capital. Third Brother's reputation is soaring—any noble maiden in the capital who hasn't married would be within his reach."

Even among our own old relatives, there are top-tier candidates. Third Brother isn't foolish—he'd never take this match."

He's well-established now, not someone to be trifled with. Why is Elder Master treating him like this?"

Wang Wang Xifeng sneered: "Lady Xing never told me outright, but I pieced it together from her words—it's certainly true. Either way, it has nothing to do with us. Let's pretend we know nothing."

She thought that by now, Seeing Yingchun and the other sisters in Rongqing Hall would have left, leaving only Grandma and Lady Wang talking. She'd just given her mother-in-law divine guidance—now she waited to watch the show.

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Seeing Tan Chun's Courtyard.

Early that morning, Seeing Yingchun brought Lin Daiyu and the other sisters to pay respects to Jia Mu, chatted awhile, then didn't return to the Eastern Mansion but went straight to Seeing Tan Chun's quarters to talk.

Jia Baoyu naturally followed, though inwardly he felt disappointed.

He'd hoped to accompany the sisters to the Eastern Mansion, to see Qingwen and Wu'er in Jia Cong's quarters, and especially Zhen Ying Lady Lian, who was even more snow-white and lovely.

The maids in his own quarters were top-tier in Lady Rongguo Mansion, but compared to those in Jia Cong's quarters, they paled in comparison.

He was fond of beautiful girls; whenever he met an exceptional one, he fixated on her, believing his flowery words about girls being made of water would make them eager to be close to him.

But the Eastern Mansion's threshold was too high—it had a rule forbidding outsiders from entering the inner quarters. Without the sisters, he could never set foot inside.

For some reason, these sisters refused to return to the Eastern Mansion and unanimously headed to Seeing Tan Chun's room—he could only give up.

Yet the sisters' conversation bored Jia Baoyu.

Seeing Yingchun said that since the Eastern Mansion had been established this year, when Jia Cong returned, they must celebrate his first New Year there—host banquets, play drinking games, hang lanterns and guess riddles, listen to operas, and make it lively and auspicious. She asked Seeing Tan Chun to help organize it.

Lin Daiyu said Jia Cong promised to bring back superior plum roots from Mount Xuanmu Mountain in Su Zhou; beneath the Dengxian Pavilion in the Eastern Mansion, there was a south-facing slope perfect for planting plums, and they'd bloom in time for New Year's viewing.

The sisters' topics all revolved around Jia Cong—as if they couldn't speak properly without him. Jia Baoyu felt utterly ignored, deeply wounded.

Xue Baochai said that when Jia Cong returned, he'd be busy locking himself away to study for next spring's metropolitan examination; any provincial top scorer would almost certainly pass the metropolitan exam, only the ranking would vary.

Jia Baoyu could barely tolerate Seeing Yingchun's and Lin Daiyu's topics.

But Xue Baochai's talk of official career and worldly matters struck him like a fatal blow. Barely halfway through, Jia Baoyu broke out in goosebumps, made an excuse, and fled Seeing Tan Chun's room, practically running away.

…

Xue Baochai watched Jia Baoyu's retreating back, exhaled in relief, blinked, then suddenly noticed Lin Daiyu's gaze—sharp, mischievous, playful.

She said to Lin Daiyu: "Lin Lin Meimei, Wu'er brews the finest tea. Why don't we go ask for a cup? More fun than sitting here talking."

Lin Daiyu smiled, eyes crinkling, and seized Xue Baochai's arm. "You understand me, Baojie. I was just thinking the same thing."

All the sisters agreed and headed back to the Eastern Mansion together.

Only Seeing Tan Chun sighed faintly—she saw clearly among the sisters.

Second Sister Seeing Yingchun and Jia Baoyu were from different branches, yet both held Third Brother, their own blood brother, above all others.

Since the year Jia Baoyu smashed his jade and made Lin Lin Meimei spit blood, their relationship had grown distant, let alone Lin Lin Meimei and Third Brother's deep unspoken understanding.

Since the talk of the "Golden Jade Match" erupted in the mansion, Xue Baochai had avoided Jia Baoyu to avoid suspicion—and Seeing Tan Chun had long seen that Xue Baochai had long harbored feelings for Third Brother.

As for her own second brother, he always mixed himself among the girls, acted and spoke on impulse, and inevitably stirred up trouble.

Like last time with Jin Jin Chuan—it caused a huge scandal, nearly costing Jin Jin Chuan her life, until Third Brother stepped in and found her a place.

Though no one spoke of it, Seeing Tan Chun knew clearly: this incident made the sisters grow distant from Jia Baoyu. Compared to Third Brother's responsibility, Jia Baoyu truly seemed like a spoiled heir.

Seeing Tan Chun had privately hinted to Jia Baoyu before, but it did no good.

Last time Grandma invited an opera troupe, Seeing Yingchun brought the lively Zhen Ying Lady Lian and Qingwen to watch.

Jia Baoyu stared at them unblinking, found countless excuses to chat—his usual tactics with pretty maids.

But Zhen Ying Lady Lian and Qingwen had grown up beside Third Brother; they'd been steeped in his influence and weren't impressed by Jia Baoyu's flattery.

Moreover, these two were unlike other maids in the mansion—Zhen Ying Lady Lian was simple, Qingwen was sharp.

Either they ignored his words entirely, or replied coldly, making the scene awkward—afterward, Seeing Yingchun rarely brought them to the Western Mansion.

When Jia Baoyu occasionally followed them to the Eastern Mansion, everyone avoided him.

Jia Cong kept a house full of pretty maids; they feared Jia Baoyu's lustful nature might cause another Jin Jin Chuan incident, and if Jia Cong found out, it would be impossible to fix.

Seeing Tan Chun followed the sisters toward the Eastern Mansion, watching the delicate figures ahead, the dappled shadows and fragrant blossoms along the path.

The sisters grew older each year; hidden emotions deepened daily—who knew what their futures held?

She thought of herself—this year, her spirit had gradually grown more open, no longer clinging so tightly.

But youth and blood still stirred; at midnight, dreams awakened desire. Whenever she thought of him, it pierced her heart, filled her with dread—she hoped time would pass, and the demon within would fade.

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Jia Mu was chatting with Lady Wang and Xue Xue Yima, still pondering whether to send her trusted maid to the Shi family today.

She planned to first confide in the Lady of the Marquis Zhongjing Marquis, then, when Jia Cong returned in a few days, settle the matter she had in mind.

She waited for Jia Cong's return because his actions over the past two years showed he had grand ambitions—he was the hardest to manipulate.

Recall how she'd tried placing servants in the Eastern Mansion—he'd coldly refused.

So she'd wait until he returned, then broach the subject, giving the boy a face-saving exit so he wouldn't feel manipulated by his grandmother—then matters would flow naturally.

As for whether Jia Cong would dislike Shi Xiangyun, Jia Mu wasn't the least concerned.

For the past half-year, Jia Mu had deliberately invited Shi Xiangyun to the Jia mansion more often, giving the siblings more chances to grow close—she'd been calculating.

Jia Mu was worldly-wise—could she not see that Shi Xiangyun was lovely and charming, and that Jia Cong enjoyed her company? Even when he received imperial gifts, he never forgot to set aside a portion for Shi Xiangyun.

Shi Xiangyun deeply admired Jia Cong—whenever she arrived at the Jia mansion, she rushed straight to the Eastern Mansion. Clearly, they were made for each other.

And her grandson, though young, had fought on the Liaodong battlefield, traveled south on official business, always throwing himself into it, and at such a young age had been granted the title of marquis.

Only someone hungry for power and status could build such a fortune—he surely knew the advantages of marrying Shi Xiangyun.

So Jia Mu had no doubt the match would succeed; she felt as if seated calmly fishing. Yet she didn't realize that darkness lies deepest beneath the lamp—she had more than one granddaughter.

That day, as usual, she chatted with Lady Wang to pass the time, then Xue Xue Yima arrived. The three sat awhile, when suddenly Lady Xing appeared.

Soon after, Jia She, having received Lady Xing's message, hurried over from the Eastern Courtyard.

Jia Mu blinked in surprise—her eldest son and his wife, disfavored by her, usually stayed holed up in the Eastern Courtyard like kings.

Aside from necessary daily greetings, they rarely came together like this.

Jia Mu felt a flicker of suspicion—she knew her son's nature well. Something strange was surely brewing.