Chapter 477

Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Jia Mu's expression held unconcealable weariness and sorrow. Beside her sat Lady Xing and Xue Yima.

In the lower seats sat Li Gongcai, while Baochai, Baoyu, Seeing Tan Chun, and other younger generations stood in order to the side.

Wang Xifeng and Yingchun were not in the hall because they were female relatives in mourning and it was inconvenient for them to meet guests.

In the seat on the right sat an old Daoist with white hair and beard and a ruddy complexion, looking every bit the immortal with his Daoist bones—a very good appearance for selling his services.

At this moment, he was saying to Jia Mu, "Old Matriarch, please restrain your grief. Birth, old age, sickness, and death, the new replacing the old, are all common laws of the world.

Fortunately, the Jia family of Rongguo has flourishing descendants and heroes in every generation; the Old Matriarch should be comforted."

"This old Daoist has often heard of the great reputation of the Count of Lord Weiyuan of your prefecture this past year—twice passing the imperial examinations, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and granted a title at fourteen. He can almost rival the Old Duke's outstanding achievements back in the day.

Having received a marriage bestowed by the imperial house this time, although the mourning period has caused a temporary delay, there will surely be good fortune to follow."

Hearing Zhang Daoist's kind words, the sorrow on Jia Mu's face diminished slightly.

Zhang Daoist looked at Baoyu again and smiled, "Not to mention the Count of Lord Weiyuan, just this Bao Ge'er—I haven't seen him for over a year, and now he looks even more blessed.

I look at the young master's appearance, figure, and manner of speaking and acting; he is exactly like the Old Duke back in the day."

Hearing this, Jia Mu thought of her late husband. Her heart was both sad and happy as she said, "That is exactly so. Among all the sons and grandsons I have raised, none are like their grandfather, only this Yu'er is like him."

Zhang Daoist smiled at Jia Mu again, "Back then, in terms of the Old Duke's appearance and abilities, naturally no one in that generation could compare. The old masters of your prefecture probably don't remember clearly now."

He chuckled and said, "I estimate that Bao Ge'er will be fifteen next year. The Old Matriarch's Count of Lord Weiyuan is currently in deep mourning and needs to observe it for three years, so he cannot marry for the time being, but Bao Ge'er is fine.

My Qingxu Temple often has noble ladies coming to burn incense and pray for blessings. This old Daoist is fortunate enough to know a few families, among which there are two young ladies who are both very pretty.

In terms of age and family background, they are a perfect match for Bao Ge'er. I don't know if the Old Matriarch has any plans in mind. Although this old Daoist has the heart to be a matchmaker, without the Old Matriarch's instruction, I dare not act rashly."

As Zhang Daoist was speaking, he saw the curtain at the entrance lifted, and a pair of young people entered. They were both extremely outstanding in appearance, like immortals, but he had never seen them before and found them somewhat unfamiliar.

Seeing Jia Cong enter, Jia Mu said to Zhang Daoist, "This grandson of mine has been studying at the academy for the past few years, so you have never seen him. Today, I've asked him to come and meet you."

Jia Cong knew that Jia Mu was just covering up. He only went to the academy to study after he was ten. Before that, this Zhang Daoist hadn't seen him simply because he was a concubine-born son hated by everyone in the East Courtyard.

Jia Mu said to Jia Cong, "Cong Ge'er, this Old Immortal Zhang from Qingxu Temple has had ties with the Rongguo Prefecture for several generations. You have never met him before; come and pay your respects today."

Jia Cong smiled slightly and bowed, saying, "Junior pays respects to Old Immortal Zhang."

Zhang Daoist hurriedly stood up to support Jia Cong, his expression astonished. He said to Jia Mu, "Is this the Count of Lord Weiyuan? This is the first time in my life I have seen such outstanding appearance and manner. The Old Matriarch is truly blessed."

Although he said this, he felt slightly strange in his heart. He had become a Daoist priest on behalf of the former Duke of Rongguo when he was young and had dealt with the Jia family for several generations.

He could be said to be more familiar with the bloodline and temperament of the Jia men than they were themselves. But seeing Jia Cong today, a strange feeling arose in his heart.

He only felt that this Count of Lord Weiyuan was elegant, refined, and possessed a unique grace rarely seen in the world. His style and demeanor were completely different from the men of the Rongguo Duke's lineage—truly a unique talent from a single branch, a single water nourishing a hundred people.

Hearing Zhang Daoist's flattering words, Jia Mu also felt pleased. Just as she was about to say something, she saw Lady Wang looking at Zhang Daoist, frowning slightly.

Moreover, Lady Wang's gaze inadvertently swept over Baochai, who was standing to the side.

Jia Mu was old and wise; how could she not see what was going on? Zhang Daoist suddenly proposed a marriage for Baoyu, and her second daughter-in-law felt uncomfortable.

Furthermore, for over a year, this daughter-in-law of hers had been pushing the idea of a "Gold and Jade Affinity," which had always made Jia Mu feel uneasy.

Because of this, half a month ago, Jia Mu had asked Jia Zheng to write to his son-in-law, Lin Ruhai. The letter mentioned that Daiyu was nearing the age of fifteen and brought up the matter of discussing marriage.

A few days ago, they received a reply from Yangzhou. The son-in-law politely declined in the letter, stating that Daiyu's body was weak and that he had found a famous physician who would use precious medicines to nourish her for two years, which would cure her congenital deficiency.

By then, his daughter's body would be strong, which would be the time for marriage and childbearing. Discussing marriage would not be too late in two or three years.

Jia Mu was somewhat helpless when she heard this. Although Daiyu was her granddaughter, she treasured her like a pearl, but Daiyu had a father, so it was not her grandmother's place to decide her marriage.

However, her son-in-law was a top-ranking scholar, and his talent and insight were first-rate, so Jia Mu trusted him very much.

What her son-in-law said was not wrong at all. Her granddaughter had been delicate since childhood. With such a constitution, marrying her to be her grandson's wife and bearing children in the future would be a life-and-death struggle—this was no joke.

If there were famous physicians and precious medicines to nourish her for two years, allowing Daiyu's body to become strong and capable of the duties of a wife, that would be a long-term plan.

Moreover, the children were still young, so it wouldn't be too late to marry in two or three years, so Jia Mu put the matter aside for the time being.

But although Jia Mu put the matter aside for now, it did not mean she would allow her daughter-in-law to ruin her plans.

Her son-in-law would not listen to her, but her son Jia Zheng was a filial son. When it came to his children's marriages, he would never say "two" if she said "one."

Therefore, although Jia Mu would not take Zhang Daoist's marriage proposal for Baoyu seriously, it was good to use the opportunity to make her daughter-in-law give up hope early.

Jia Mu changed the subject and said to Zhang Daoist, "Old Immortal, which two young ladies are you talking about? Tell me, perhaps they are families the Jia family knows."

Zhang Daoist withdrew his thoughts from Jia Cong and smiled, "I'll let the Old Matriarch know: one is the Third Young Lady of the Count of Cheng Yang's family, and the other is the only daughter of the imperial merchant Xia family.

Both of these young ladies are fifteen this year, and their family wealth and status are a match for Bao Ge'er. If the Old Matriarch is interested, no matter which family you fancy, this old Daoist is willing to play matchmaker and accumulate this merit."

Baoyu, standing to the side, felt uncomfortable when he heard Zhang Daoist proposing a marriage for him. He had been obsessed with Daiyu since he was a child, and although they had grown distant over the years and could not be close...

He still held onto hope, thinking that his pure and noble heart toward young ladies would surely move Daiyu.

Just now, when Daiyu was not in the hall, he didn't mind, but now that Daiyu had entered the Rongqing Hall, the old Daoist was still babbling on, even reporting the names of the daughters of the families.

How could Lin Meimei take this? Baoyu couldn't help but feel restless.

And seeing the Old Matriarch still looking interested, if the marriage really became a reality, what would happen to his Lin Meimei? Wouldn't she cry herself to death...?

Thinking of this, Baoyu was filled with pity. He looked at Daiyu with a tragic expression, but his expression immediately went blank.

Because he saw Daiyu standing beside Yingchun, her face full of smiles. Where was there any sign of conflict or sadness? Occasionally, her eyes would wander—he didn't know if it was his imagination, but it seemed she was stealing glances at Jia Cong...

A sour pain surged in Baoyu's heart. The dream he had imagined was shattered as if by someone poking it.

"When she heard I was going to get engaged, why wasn't Lin Meimei sad at all? She even looked to be in a good mood. I must have seen wrong. How could it be like this?"

"Lin Meimei must be extremely angry in her heart, so she is pretending to be like this to deliberately anger me." Baoyu was very certain in his heart; it must be like this!...

Jia Cong stood beside Daiyu, watching the scene that seemed so familiar with great interest.

This scene should have taken place at the Qingxu Temple, but now it appeared in the Rongqing Hall. It seemed that his existence was like a butterfly flapping its wings, causing many original events to deviate from their tracks.

At this moment, he suddenly heard Xue Yima ask, "Is that imperial merchant Xia family the 'Osmanthus Xia' family?"

Zhang Daoist smiled, "This lady is truly well-informed. The old Daoist is indeed talking about the Osmanthus Xia family. They are a wealthy family registered with the Ministry of Revenue, and their wealth is incomparable.

They are one of the top wealthy families in the Love Shenjing. Not to mention their fields, they alone have dozens of hectares of land planted exclusively with osmanthus, and all the osmanthus bureaus inside and outside the Love Shenjing belong to their family.

Even all the furnishings and potted landscapes in the palace are provided by the Xia family, so people call them the 'Osmanthus Xia family.'

Moreover, their master passed away early, leaving only the mistress of the house with an only daughter. Therefore, people outside all say that whoever marries the Xia daughter is marrying a golden Bodhisattva into their home."

Hearing the Zhang Daoist speak so vulgarly, Jia Cong sneered coldly in his heart. What kind of golden Bodhisattva was Xia Jingui? She was more like a golden disaster. Whoever married such a woman would have eight lifetimes of bad luck.

He thought of how Xue Yima was so interested in asking, and after hearing Zhang Daoist's words, there seemed to be some joy on her face.

Could it be that it was still the original trajectory, and in the end, Xia Jingui married Xue Pan? It was just that the two young ladies the Zhang Daoist had just mentioned were both matches for Baoyu. Jia Cong couldn't help but shudder at the thought of Baoyu marrying Xia Jingui.

If such a strange phenomenon really occurred, the Rongguo Prefecture would truly be turned upside down. Wang Xifeng and Xia Jingui would be evenly matched opponents—a situation impossible to describe...

Facing the bizarre scene before him, Jia Cong was lost in thought for a moment, and all sorts of absurd and bizarre images appeared in his mind.

Suddenly, he heard Jia Mu say, "Whether the family is wealthy or not is secondary. A proper and clean family background, and a good appearance and character, are the most important things.

Even if that family is a bit poor, what does it matter? It's just giving them a few more taels of silver.

Moreover, for this child Baoyu, a monk once divined that he shouldn't marry early. It won't be too late to wait two or three years. If there are good families, you can help me keep an eye on them first."

When Lady Wang heard Jia Mu's words, her heart jumped. The Old Matriarch's words clearly had a hidden meaning.

Saying "proper and clean family background"—her younger sister did not marry into a scholarly or official family, but an imperial merchant family, which made them a notch lower.

And saying she didn't care if the family was wealthy—the Xue family was extremely wealthy, so that wasn't a significant advantage. And saying Baoyu shouldn't marry early—her niece had just passed the age of fifteen, and waiting another two or three years would make her an old maid.

Lady Wang felt depressed. The Old Matriarch was speaking in circles, and both openly and secretly, she was unwilling to accept the "Gold and Jade Affinity."

Although Daiyu and Seeing Tan Chun were both extremely intelligent young ladies, it was because they lacked that kind of experience that they naturally couldn't hear the silent confrontation that had already taken place between the Old Matriarch and the Lady.

Most of the others couldn't hear the deep meaning in Jia Mu's words either. Only Jia Cong and Baochai in the hall understood some of it.

Baochai understood because she was the person involved, so she vaguely sensed the meaning in Jia Mu's words. However, for her, the Old Matriarch not liking the "Gold and Jade Affinity" was exactly what Baochai wanted.

Jia Cong, however, knew what others did not. At this moment, his gaze subconsciously looked at Baochai, and he saw those watery, wonderful eyes also looking at him.

But when their eyes met, Baochai blushed slightly and subconsciously turned her gaze away.

After Zhang Daoist finally finished his rambling, Jia Cong and the sisters dispersed. Because it was still early, they all went to Seeing Tan Chun's room to talk.

Seeing Daiyu go, Baoyu naturally followed. After all, the sisters were all at the East Prefecture, so it was rare for them to gather at the West Prefecture.

As soon as he entered Seeing Tan Chun's room, Baoyu followed Daiyu and said, "Sister, don't believe that old Daoist's words. That nonsense just now was annoying to listen to; I didn't take it to heart at all."

Daiyu heard Baoyu not talking to others, but instead rushing to distance himself in front of her—what was the meaning of this? She felt embarrassed and twisted, her pretty face turning red.

She said, "What is Second Brother saying? That Immortal Zhang just now also had good intentions, helping you propose two good marriages. How did it become nonsense?"

Seeing Tan Chun glanced at Jia Cong and saw him flipping through the books on her shelf, seemingly not hearing a word Baoyu said.

Baoyu felt uncomfortable when he heard Daiyu's words, feeling that Lin Meimei didn't understand his heart at all, and even said that Zhang Daoist proposing a marriage for him was a good intention.

Baoyu's heart was filled with narcissism, feeling that all the talented and beautiful women in the world should hold him in their hearts, and it would be best if they could bury him with their tears in the future, so that his life would be complete.

He fell into obsession again, convinced that Daiyu must be suffering and in pain because of Zhang Daoist proposing a marriage for him, which was why she deliberately said the opposite to him.

So a surge of passion rose in his heart, and he said to Daiyu, "All this talk of bestowed marriages and arranged marriages in this world is the work of foolish men and women. Feelings between men and women should be true and natural, with two hearts in love—that is the Heavenly Way.

For things like bestowed marriages and arranged marriages, secret engagements and blind matches, forcing mandarin ducks together—how many lovesick men and women have been created in this world? It is truly hateful!"

Baoyu spoke with such passion that the maids and old women passing by outside couldn't help but peek into the room.

Daiyu's pretty face turned fiery red when she heard this, and she bit her lip, her eyes filled with annoyance at how inexplicable he was.

Seeing Tan Chun held her forehead with her hand, feeling a headache. Second Brother really didn't understand the situation. Speaking such bold words was so awkward and groundless.

Jia Cong, who was reading in front of the bookshelf, was so startled by Baoyu saying that bestowed marriages were the work of foolish men and women that the book in his hand fell to the ground.

This "Big-Faced Bao" was truly daring. If these words were spread and the palace decided to hold him accountable, Baoyu wouldn't die, but he would lose a layer of skin.

Baochai, to the side, couldn't help but say, "Brother Bao, be careful with your words. It's one thing if you don't like Zhang Daoist proposing a marriage, but why are you criticizing the palace's bestowed marriage? This is a great taboo."

Baoyu had just wanted to show off in front of Daiyu, playing the role of a chaste and true person. He spoke happily, but he didn't think about the consequences.

However, he wasn't completely ignorant. Hearing Baochai's reminder, his face turned slightly pale.

Jia Cong returned the book to the shelf, his lips twitching. He gave Baoyu a thumbs-up and said, "Brother Bao truly has great courage. I have matters at the East Prefecture, so I will leave first."

As soon as Jia Cong left, Daiyu also followed him out in a huff, and Baochai sighed and followed them out.

Seeing that not only Lin Meimei had left, but everyone else had also dispersed in an instant, Baoyu said sadly, "Can't we talk properly? I had only just said a few words, and everyone has already left."

Only Seeing Tan Chun frowned and said, "Second Brother, your words are too rash. Saying that a bestowed marriage is the work of foolish men and women—what a great taboo that is!

The family just had a bestowed marriage stripped away, and you deliberately said such cold words in front of Third Brother. It's no wonder everyone left."

Baoyu returned to his courtyard in low spirits. As soon as he entered, Sheyue greeted him with a smile, "We heard that Zhang Daoist proposed a marriage for Bao Er Ye just now. Which young lady was decided upon?"

Baoyu was already annoyed by this matter. Hearing Sheyue bring up the sore subject, he replied in a rough voice, "You are also talking nonsense about this! You are not allowed to mention it again in the future. I will never see that old Daoist again!"

Sheyue was rebuked by Baoyu and flushed red, feeling stifled and not daring to reply. Baoyu threw himself onto the bed and covered his head with the quilt.

Sister Xi Ren came over and said, "Bao Er Ye, what is wrong again? Even if it's a marriage proposal, it's a good thing. But there's no need to look outside; there are excellent ones right here in the house. Why look far away?"

When Baoyu heard this, he threw off the quilt, grabbed Sister Xi Ren's hand, and said happily, "Sister understands my heart best after all. There really are excellent ones in the house."

Sheyue, to the side, was slightly stunned, just feeling that this young master had fallen into his obsession again, speaking so abruptly.

But Sister Xi Ren had always paid attention to Baoyu's romantic affairs, so she understood what Baoyu meant.

When Sister Xi Ren said there were excellent ones in the house for Baoyu's marriage, she was thinking of Baochai, while Baoyu must have been thinking of Lin Meimei.

Sister Xi Ren hadn't even earned the status of a proper young lady before she had already engaged in intimate relations with Baoyu, which had always been a source of guilt for her.

Because of this, she was wary of a woman like Daiyu, who came from a scholarly and official family and was intelligent and sharp-tongued.

She always felt that young ladies from official families valued female virtue and rules highly. Since she hadn't secured her status and had seduced Baoyu into bed early, she couldn't help but feel guilty, fearing that Daiyu must despise her.

Baochai, however, was different from Daiyu. She came from an imperial merchant family, was well-versed in worldly affairs, and was kind and easygoing. Unlike Daiyu, who was aloof, she was more approachable and reassuring to Sister Xi Ren.

It was just that she was only a servant maid, so it wasn't her place to speak, and these thoughts only existed in her heart.

Seeing Baoyu still obsessed with Daiyu, Sister Xi Ren sighed in her heart. Bao Er Ye's heart was too honest. Ever since he had made Lin Meimei vomit blood that year, the two of them had never been able to get along again.

Over the years, Lin Meimei had been very distant from Bao Er Ye. She was also a young lady; how could she not see it clearly? It was just Bao Er Ye who was obsessed all by himself.

Rongguo Prefecture, Lixiang Courtyard.

Xue Yima brought Baochai back from the Rongqing Hall. She originally wanted to call her son over to talk, but the maid said the young master had gone out early to meet friends. Xue Yima sighed, and Baochai asked, "Mom, why did you suddenly ask Zhang Daoist about the Osmanthus Xia family just now?"

Xue Yima sighed, "It's not for the sake of planning for your brother. He is like a horse without a bridle, wandering outside all day. I am truly afraid he will cause another incident like the one in Jin Ling.

I just want to find him a wife early so he can settle down."

Baochai asked, "Mom, have you taken a fancy to the Osmanthus Xia family?"

Xue Yima said, "You also know your brother's character, plus the situation of our Xue family. If I marry him to a woman from a scholarly or official family, he wouldn't be a match for her.

He can only marry a young lady from a wealthy family. That Osmanthus Xia family, like our Xue family, has the status of imperial merchants. I heard of their reputation when I was in Jin Ling, and both families are a perfect match."

Baochai said, "Isn't the Osmanthus Xia family the one Zhang Daoist proposed for Brother Bao? Mom wanting to facilitate this marriage—I'm afraid it's not appropriate."

Xue Yima said, "That doesn't matter. The Old Matriarch's words today were extremely clear. She wants a proper and clean family background, and she doesn't care if they are poor. She doesn't think much of the wealthy merchant status of the Xia family.

I suspect the Old Matriarch's words today were meant for me and your aunt to hear. She does not approve of the 'Gold and Jade Affinity' between you and Baoyu."

Xue Baochai's pretty face flushed, and she scolded, "Mom, you are talking about Brother's affairs; why drag me into it? I never had that intention in the first place, but you all keep bringing up the 'Gold and Jade Affinity'."

Xue Yima looked at her daughter, thinking of how, on the day her daughter heard the news of Jia Cong's bestowed marriage, she had fallen ill the next day, taking the Cold Fragrance Pill for several days, and her condition hadn't improved much.

Later, when she heard that Jia Cong had been stripped of his mourning and granted a marriage, she had suddenly perked up and often went with the sisters of the prefecture to keep vigil. In the end, she was someone who wouldn't give up.

Xue Yima was accustomed to the ways of the world and had long since stopped holding out hope for her daughter and Jia Cong. She couldn't just watch her daughter sink deeper and deeper.

She calculated her words and said, "Now, Brother Cong is becoming more and more remarkable. After one trip to Jin Ling, not only was he promoted, but his prefecture was also raised to the rank of a Count. How old is he?

Even his marriage was bestowed by the Retired Emperor. Although he was stripped of his mourning this time, everyone can see that Brother Cong's status is too high.

Even the Old Matriarch cannot decide his marriage, let alone anyone else. Mom knows your heart, but you should let go early to avoid future troubles.

Moreover, he is currently in a three-year mourning period and cannot take a wife. In three years, you will be nearly twenty. A young lady's youth only lasts a few years. Even if this were an option, it is absolutely impossible.

In my opinion, your aunt's idea is the proper one. Baoyu is not as unreachable as Brother Cong, and he is also a proper heir of a noble family. He is truly a good match for you.

You are usually a clever person; find time to walk around the Old Matriarch more. Old people are always easy to please; who knows, maybe one day she will change her mind..."

When Baochai heard her mother's words, she was full of shyness and beauty at first, but as Xue Yima continued, her face turned pale bit by bit.

"Mom, why are you saying these things? I don't like to hear them."

Before Baochai finished speaking, she stood up and went into the inner room. Xue Yima sighed helplessly when she saw this. (End of chapter)