Chapter 470: Tender Embrace of a Loving Night

Jin Ling, Da Zai Gate, Xinchun Company's Jiangnan Headquarters.

A ragged beggar delivered a letter into the Xinchun Company's Jin Ling headquarters.

Baozhu, upon receiving the letter, asked the beggar who had sent him; the beggar replied that a man had paid him two taels of silver to deliver it to the shop, and the man wore a felt hat, obscuring his face.

When Qu Qu Hongxiu received the letter and read its contents, she was stunned.

Qin Qin Keqing, seeing Qu Qu Hongxiu's pale face, took the letter and read it too, and was equally shocked.

She asked: "Sister Xiu, smuggling military firearms and suspected of illegally manufacturing muskets—that's treasonous! He's Cong's biological father; if he's caught, won't it drag Cong down too?"

Qu Qu Hongxiu replied: "This letter was delivered by a beggar, and the messenger deliberately hid his face—he doesn't want to be recognized.

But the matter described is too grave to ignore; better to believe it than dismiss it. Moreover, the letter states that the Jin Yi Wei in Jin Ling uncovered this crime.

The sender likely knows the Jin Yi Wei's ways well; if he's sending such urgent news, he probably has no ill intent toward Cong.

Logically, Cong has now established his own household and been granted a noble title—he's effectively severed ties with Lady Rongguo Prefecture. And he's favored by the current Emperor.

Even if Jia She is convicted, the fallout shouldn't reach beyond repair for Cong. But this matter is serious; we must inform Cong immediately so he can prepare."

Qu Qu Hongxiu rewrote the letter carefully and handed it to Baozhu, instructing her to send it to the Feiyu Messenger Station at the branch office.

Less than half an hour later, from the back courtyard of the Xinchun Company's Jin Ling branch, a bird took flight, circled once in the air, then flew northward.

…

Judé Lane, Marquis's Mansion.

Just past noon, the usually quiet Marquis's Mansion suddenly grew noisy and agitated.

The small gate between the Eastern and Western mansions, rarely used except by Jia Cong and the young ladies, was now filled with people coming and going.

Outside Lin Daiyu's courtyard, heads bustled and wails echoed—completely unlike its former serene stillness.

In the main hall, Jia Mu sat there, her expression furious and heartbroken; behind her stood Wang Lady, Wang Wang Xifeng, Seeing Yingchun, Seeing Tan Chun, and others.

Sister Yuanyang and Sister Hupo entered the inner chamber to attend to Lin Daiyu.

Hearing Zi Juan and Xueyan knelt before Jia Mu, heads bowed, silent.

Jia Mu spoke sharply: "I've always told you to serve well, yet you never listen. Now disaster strikes—how do you expect to get out of this?

If anything happens to my Liu Yuer, you'll all be dead!"

"Hearing Zi Juan, tell me—what happened? Why has Liu Yuer become like this?"

Hearing Zi Juan, though frightened by Jia Mu's rage, remained clear-headed: "Today, Xiujú, under Second Miss's orders, went to invite Miss to speak.

But Miss had just woken from her nap and needed to wash and comb her hair, so she told Xiujú to go back first; she'd follow shortly.

After I helped her wash and comb, I was delayed by other tasks and didn't go out with her—she left alone.

I planned to finish my work and then join her at Second Miss's, but soon after, she returned alone.

Her face turned as white as snow; she was dazed and numb. She came in, lay on the bed, and wept. No matter how we asked or comforted, she ignored us.

Then she suddenly fainted, unconscious—we had to call Second Miss."

Jia Mu asked: "Did Liu Yuer say anything at all when she returned?"

Hearing Zi Juan lowered her head: "Miss said nothing upon returning."

Xueyan, kneeling nearby, was confused—why was Hearing Zi Juan lying to the old lady?

When Miss returned, lost and broken, she lay on the bed crying, clearly whispering Cong Sanye's name—Xueyan heard it clearly. Why did Hearing Zi Juan say Miss said nothing? But Xueyan had served Lin Daiyu with Hearing Zi Juan for years; they shared deep unspoken understanding. She knew Hearing Zi Juan had her reasons and wouldn't expose her.

Xueyan was still young, unaware of the weight of affairs between the two mansions.

She hadn't grown up beside Jia Mu like Hearing Zi Juan, who understood the old lady's long-held wish: to marry Miss to Jia Baoyu.

But since they were both too young, the matter had never been spoken of.

If Jia Mu learned that Miss's heart belonged to Cong Sanye, she might never let her set foot in the Eastern Mansion again.

So Hearing Zi Juan dared not say that when Miss fell ill, she had whispered Cong Sanye's name…

Jia Mu asked: "Second Girl, when Liu Yuer went to you, did she hear something terrible?"

Seeing Yingchun had some suspicion but wasn't certain: "I sent Xiujú to invite Lin Lin Meimei, but Lin Lin Meimei never came—she never entered my courtyard.

Later, Ping'er came alone, bearing the old lady's message: to move Lin Lin Meimei and Third Miss to the Western Mansion. That was all."

Seeing Tan Chun, sharp-witted, had already deduced why Lin Daiyu had collapsed.

That stone bridge plum-scented sachet on Third Brother's person, their daily glances and gestures—these might fool Jia Mu and Lady Wang, but not sisters who shared every moment.

But Lin Lin Meimei never entered Second Sister's courtyard—how could she have heard Ping'er's message?

Jia Mu asked a string of questions but found no reason for Lin Daiyu's mishap; she frowned and asked, "Where is Cong brother? Yu'er is staying at his residence, yet he, as her brother, failed to protect her."

Jia Mu, after questioning everyone and finding no cause for Lin Daiyu's collapse, frowned: "Where is Cong? Liu Yuer lives under his roof—how could his own brother fail to protect her?

Why hasn't he shown his face since this happened?"

Seeing Yingchun hurried to reply: "Cong left for the government office early this morning—he went to the northern gunpowder workshop. He hasn't returned yet and doesn't know about Lin Lin Meimei's illness."

The place is outside the northern city, far from the mansion—I've already sent someone to find him. He won't return for some time."

Soon after, a physician emerged from the inner chamber—it was Zhang Zhang Youshi, who had once treated Jia Mu.

When Lin Daiyu returned at noon, suddenly dazed and grief-stricken, then collapsed, the news reached the Western Mansion. Jia Mu panicked, recalling how Zhang Zhang Youshi had once saved her from grave illness.

She immediately sent Jia Lady Lian to fetch him. Fortunately, Zhang Zhang Youshi was visiting Feng Feng Ziying's home and arrived promptly to treat Lin Daiyu.

Jia Mu rushed to ask: "Master Zhang, is my granddaughter's condition serious?"

Zhang Zhang Youshi replied: "The young lady has no major illness, but she was suddenly struck by external pathogenic factors, causing reversed blood flow, acute pain, and qi confusion in the heart—hence the fainting.

I just administered two needles; she has regained consciousness, but her spirit is utterly drained, so she fell asleep again. Her condition is no longer critical—she must rest and replenish her qi.

I'll prescribe a few herbal formulas; after a few days, she should improve. But she must avoid further external disturbances or emotional shocks—otherwise, her condition will worsen dangerously."

Jia Mu, hearing her granddaughter was no longer in grave danger, sighed with relief.

Wang Wang Xifeng, watching silently, heard no one could explain why Lin Daiyu collapsed, and now the physician said she was struck by external pathogenic factors.

Being superstitious by nature, she said: "Old Lady, it's not yet deep autumn—the garden is lush with flowers and trees. Could Lin Lin Meimei have encountered something unclean in the garden?

Otherwise, why would she fall ill without cause? Perhaps we should summon a Daoist priest to chant sutras, or I could consult the Jade Box Records—if there's a seasonal flower deity to be honored, we could perform a rite to ward off the illness."

Jia Mu said: "If so, why not move Liu Yuer back to the Western Mansion? I'm old—my longevity can shield her. It would be more convenient. Let's move her today."

Seeing Yingchun suddenly spoke: "Old Lady, Lin Lin Meimei has just received acupuncture and has barely regained consciousness. Moving her now, subjecting her to jolts and wind, might make things worse."

Seeing Yingchun didn't believe Wang Wang Xifeng's claim that Lin Daiyu had encountered something unclean in the garden—how could such things happen in broad daylight?

The only explanation Seeing Yingchun could imagine was that Lin Daiyu had somehow learned of Ping'er's message, and the grief and despair had overwhelmed her.

Though the sisters had never spoken of it, Seeing Yingchun's thoughts were fixed on Jia Cong—and she had noticed long ago that her brother and Lin Daiyu were no ordinary siblings.

Now that Lin Lin Meimei was ill so strangely, and Cong's marriage remained uncertain, they couldn't move her back to the Western Mansion without understanding what happened—Cong would panic when he returned.

That was why Seeing Yingchun spoke up to keep Lin Daiyu where she was.

Seeing Tan Chun added: "Old Lady, Second Sister is right—Lin Lin Meimei shouldn't be moved while ill. Feng Sister's suggestion to summon a priest to chant sutras is also reasonable.

I heard Third Brother say that Zhi Shao's master, Master Abbess Xiushan, is the abbess of Panxiang Temple in Su Zhou—a truly enlightened nun. Inviting her to chant for Lin Lin Meimei would be perfect.

With an enlightened nun's blessings, Lin Lin Meimei can recover peacefully in the Eastern Mansion, and only then be moved back to the Western Mansion—this is the safest course."

In truth, Seeing Tan Chun shared Seeing Yingchun's thoughts—she wanted to keep Lin Daiyu in the Eastern Mansion, so she followed Seeing Yingchun's lead by proposing Master Abbess Xiushan.

Jia Mu always valued Seeing Tan Chun's sharpness and competence; hearing her reasoning, she was persuaded.

She asked: "Second Girl, is Master Abbess Xiushan truly enlightened?"

Seeing Yingchun replied: "She is indeed an enlightened nun. When Zhi Shao drowned, everyone thought she was dead—Master Abbess Xiushan brought her back to life.

Cong also says this old nun not only masters profound Buddhist teachings but also excels in primordial divine numerology—he holds her in the highest regard. With his learning, his judgment cannot be wrong."

After hearing both granddaughters, Jia Mu said: "Then do as you suggest. Second Girl, you must watch over your sister—no more mishaps.

Tomorrow, send someone to invite the divine nun to chant sutras and pray for Liu Yuer, to dispel this illness. Only then will I rest easy—your brother may soon be marrying, and we cannot afford trouble now."

Hearing Jia Mu's final words, Seeing Yingchun's heart trembled—she didn't know if Lin Daiyu was still unconscious; if she heard this, she might suffer further distress.

Jia Mu then entered the room to see Lin Daiyu. Though her face was still pale, she slept peacefully, so Jia Mu relaxed and gave a few final instructions.

Jia Mu, elderly and exhausted by the day's turmoil, let Sister Yuanyang support her back to the Western Mansion.

Seeing Yingchun left Xiujú to watch over Lin Daiyu, then went to Jia Cong's courtyard to find Zhi Shao and ask her to invite Master Abbess Xiushan.

… Jia Cong left the gunpowder workshop but didn't meet the servant Seeing Yingchun had sent to inform him. By the time he returned to the Marquis's Mansion, the sun had set.

As he entered his courtyard, he found Seeing Yingchun and Zhi Shao speaking.

Seeing Yingchun, seeing Jia Cong, sighed with relief: "Cong, you're back! Something terrible has happened—Lin Lin Meimei suddenly fell gravely ill. I sent someone to find you, but heard nothing."

Jia Cong was stunned. He quickly learned the details, didn't bother changing clothes, and rushed to Lin Daiyu's courtyard.

When Hearing Zi Juan saw him, her eyes filled with tears: "Cong Sanye, you've returned!"

Jia Cong hurried into the inner chamber. Lin Daiyu still slept, her face as pale as snow, frail and delicate—his heart clenched with pain.

He stepped out and asked: "Hearing Zi Juan, what happened? Why did Lin Lin Meimei collapse so suddenly?"

Hearing Zi Juan recounted the events. Jia Cong learned that before fainting, Lin Daiyu had whispered his name.

Seeing Yingchun had mentioned Ping'er's message: Jia Mu, sensing an imperial marriage decree was imminent, ordered Lin Daiyu and Seeing Tan Chun moved to the Western Mansion to avoid it.

Jia Cong now understood why Lin Daiyu had collapsed. Though he didn't know how she learned of Ping'er's message, such secrets were bound to surface eventually.

He recalled that the Zhen family had come to pay respects to Jia Mu—just as he arrived in Love Shenjing, Zhen Zhen Fangqing followed, entering the palace to accompany the old imperial dowager. No wonder Jia Mu thought a marriage decree was near.

Jia Cong sat outside the inner chamber for a while, then entered to check on Lin Daiyu. He went back and forth between rooms several times, spending an hour—Lin Daiyu still slept.

Jia Cong saw her face remained pale, but her breathing was steady; he felt slightly reassured.

Jia Mu sent Sister Yuanyang twice to check on Lin Daiyu; seeing her stable, she ordered Hearing Zi Juan and the others to stay awake and guard her without fail.

Jia Cong remained outside Lin Daiyu's chamber. Soon, the moon rose high. Seeing Yingchun sent food, but Jia Cong ate only a few bites.

Hearing Zi Juan said: "Cong Sanye, the physician said Lin Lin Meimei's qi confused her heart. Though acupuncture revived her, her spirit is utterly drained—that's why she sleeps. She'll recover once her spirit is restored.

You can't sit here idle forever. At night, the old lady will surely send a senior maid to check—your presence might invite gossip.

Why not return to your quarters to rest? When Lin Lin Meimei wakes, I'll come for you."

Jia Cong thought there was some sense in it: though Lin Daiyu had not yet reached marriageable age, she was still a young lady of the inner chambers; at this hour of night, as her cousin, him lingering in her room would surely be improper if seen by others.

At that moment, Zhi Shao and Wu'er came to visit Lin Daiyu; Jia Cong asked Wu'er to stay behind and assist in Lin Daiyu's room, while he took Zhi Shao back to his own courtyard to rest.

As the two left Lin Daiyu's courtyard and walked through the garden, moonlight shimmered, flowers and trees swayed, all sounds were hushed, and a chilling, solemn stillness seemed to hang in the air.

…

Jia Cong thought of the two recent events he had encountered: Jia She's involvement in the smuggling of firearms, and the old Imperial Consort's scheming to arrange a marriage—both lay beyond his control.

For the first matter, he still had some unconventional methods, but when it came to a noble's imperial marriage decree, he was utterly powerless; he was no naive fool who believed he could thwart everything.

Once the imperial edict of betrothal was truly issued, his only way to refuse would be the laughable act of defying the emperor's command.

By then, even Emperor Jia Zhao, who opposed the alliance between the Jia and Zhen families, would not stand by his side.

On the way back, Jia Cong's thoughts churned; after returning to his courtyard, he washed hastily and lay down, tossing and turning for a long while, half-asleep in restless slumber.

After some time, when Jia Cong awoke again, the window was still pitch black; he glanced at the water clock in the room—it was nearly the third watch of Yin hour—so he rose and dressed.

Zhi Shao, startled awake on the side couch, asked: "Cong Sanye, it's not yet dawn—why are you rising?"

Jia Cong said: "I've calculated the time—Sister Lin has been unconscious for a long while; I'm uneasy, so I'm going to check if she's woken."

Zhi Shao rose to help him dress and wash, but he pushed her back onto the couch to sleep; when he stepped out the gate, the cool wind blew sharply—the early autumn morning already carried a chill of five parts.

…

At Lin Daiyu's courtyard gate, he knocked twice, and Wu'er came to open it.

Wu'er exclaimed happily: "Cong Sanye, you've arrived just in time—Miss Lin just woke up a short while ago; the old nurse from the Western Mansion came twice last night, but neither time did she catch Miss Lin awake."

Jia Cong's heart lifted; he hurried into the inner hall, gently drew back the curtain, entered Lin Daiyu's bedroom, and saw the candlelight flickering, the bed curtains hanging askew, and a faint scent of incense lingering.

Zi Juan was holding a teacup, seemingly trying to persuade Lin Daiyu to drink; Lin Daiyu leaned against the pillow, pale and weak, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, shaking her head in refusal.

Zi Juan, seeing Jia Cong enter, exclaimed joyfully: "Cong Sanye has come—please sit! I'll go pour tea."

Upon seeing Jia Cong, Lin Daiyu's eyes reddened; she turned her body away, refusing to speak to him.

Jia Cong sat beside the bed; Lin Daiyu, angry, shifted far inward, putting distance between them.

Jia Cong asked: "How are you feeling, Sister?"

Lin Daiyu's shoulders trembled slightly; with a voice choked by tears, she said: "What are you doing here again? Get out!"

Jia Cong said: "If I've done something wrong, you may scold or strike me—but don't bury it inside you and harm your body."

Lin Daiyu bit her lip: "You come again with these words—you're always good at sweet talk to deceive people; I'll never believe you again."

"When dawn comes, I'll move back to the Western Mansion—so I won't stand in your way or ruin your good match!"

Jia Cong smiled bitterly: "Sister, what nonsense are you speaking? Where do I have any good match? How are you blocking me?"

Lin Daiyu couldn't hold back her sobs: "You're truly cruel—even now you still try to deceive me! You went to the palace, met Old Imperial Consort Zhen, secured this splendid match, and came home without saying a word!"

Lin Daiyu turned to look at him; Jia Cong saw her jade-like face pale, tears streaming down her cheeks, her bright eyes and brows filled with despair and fury—it pierced his heart.

Lin Daiyu spoke with bitter indignation, her voice trembling: "Do you think I'm afraid I'll be happy for you if I find out? You're heartless—I've known you for nothing!"

…

Jia Cong sighed: "I didn't mention it when I came home because I saw no point—it's because I have no interest in this imperial betrothal. I have no feelings for Miss Zhen, and never intended to marry her."

Hearing this, Lin Daiyu froze slightly, gazing at him through tear-blurred eyes; Jia Cong said: "Sister, everything I've told you is true—not a single lie. You've misunderstood me."

As Jia Cong gently took Lin Daiyu's small hand, she trembled, unsure whether to pull away.

But after only an instant, she snatched her hand back, eyes brimming with tears and anger: "You say you don't want the betrothal, you have no feelings for her—but she came to you with gifts!"

"Everyone in both mansions says your good fortune is near—even Grandmother has already prepared for you—yet you still try to deceive me!"

Jia Cong's expression remained calm: "Sister, I won't hide it from you: for many things, through my own planning and skill, I can exert control—I can often make outcomes align with my will."

"But the imperial betrothal… I can't influence it in the slightest…"

Hearing Jia Cong's words, Lin Daiyu's body trembled slightly; her tears flowed more freely.

Jia Cong said: "Even so, no matter what happens, I will never abandon you. Even if the betrothal edict is truly issued, I will find a way to maneuver—I won't let you suffer or be hurt."

Lin Daiyu shuddered slightly, staring blankly at Jia Cong, tears still on her cheeks, whispering: "You truly won't abandon me… or are you just trying to soothe me again…?"

"I don't believe you—you're always stirring things up: today it's the real girl, tomorrow another fake one—you only ever torment me…"

Hearing her words—so sorrowful, so heartfelt—Jia Cong couldn't help but pull her into his arms.

Though they had always been close, they had never been this intimate before.

Lin Daiyu seemed startled, motionless for a moment; then she pushed at him with her hands—but after her illness, she had no strength to push him away.

"Third Brother, you're so annoying—you've grown older every year, and you're not a child anymore—who would ever hold hands with you like this…?"

Zi Juan and Wu'er waited outside the room, not daring to enter, yet they could faintly hear the voices within.

When Zi Juan heard her mistress say "annoying" and "who would hold hands with you," she reflexively rushed toward the inner chamber to rescue her.

But Wu'er, blushing, grabbed her arm: "Zi Juan, are you foolish? Didn't you hear how Miss Lin first called him Cong Sanye, but now she calls him Third Brother? What are you rushing in for?"

Zi Juan thought for a moment, understood Wu'er's meaning, and felt her own cheeks flush.

Wu'er smiled, took Zi Juan and Xue Yan by the hand, led them out of the room, and shut the door behind them: "Our Cong Sanye treasures your mistress most—how could he ever mistreat her?"

Zi Juan spat: "Look at you talking—you sound like you've been mistreated by your Cong Sanye and know all his secrets!"

Wu'er, flustered by Zi Juan's teasing, blushed furiously and chased after her to hit her; the two chased each other like butterflies through the courtyard, their clear, joyful laughter echoing in the dark dawn.

…

In the bedroom, Lin Daiyu struggled a few times, realized it was useless, and her once-stiff body slowly softened; she leaned into Jia Cong's embrace, silent.

Jia Cong noticed Lin Daiyu's previously cold frame gradually growing warm and supple; the delicate, intoxicating scent of a young girl's body drifted gently around him.

He couldn't help but kiss her forehead; she shuddered as if startled—he dared not do anything further.

In this moment of clinging embrace, it seemed to surpass all else in the world; all sorrow, loss, anger, and avoidance became trivial.

In the dim candlelight, Lin Daiyu's voice, soft and tender, whispered: "Third Brother, the imperial edict cannot be defied—if fate decrees it, I won't blame you anymore."

"But remember your words—no matter what happens, never abandon me…"

Wu'er, Zi Juan, and Xue Yan sat on the steps outside for a long time, until the horizon faintly brightened; then they heard Jia Cong's voice from within.

"Zi Juan, Sister Lin hasn't eaten all night—she must be hungry. Go prepare a bowl of thin porridge…"

Hearing this, Zi Juan and Wu'er exchanged a smile, their faces glowing with joy—they thought: only Cong Sanye has such skill—he needed no effort to make the mistress willing to eat. (End of chapter)