Chapter 483

Ningrong Street, the Marquis's Mansion.

On the Ascension Pavilion, autumn winds rustled gently; from the pavilion's edge, one could see all the pavilions, terraces, lakes, rockeries, winding corridors, and flowering trees of Hui Fang Garden laid out below.

By the window stood a round eight-immortal table, already set with seven or eight cold dishes, awaiting the kitchen's hot courses to be brought out.

Lin Daiyu, Seeing Tan Chun, Little Xichun, and Shi Xiangyun sat in a circle around Jia Cong, and summoned Zhi Shao, Xing Xing Xiuyan, Zhen Ying Lady Lian, Wu'er, Qingwen, and others to join the feast.

Shi Xiangyun was still enthusiastically arranging the gifts Jia Cong had brought from Jiangnan—the Su Zhou paper fans, Huizhou clay figurines, and foreign-language music boxes from Jin Ling.

During the imperial mourning period, alcohol was forbidden; only clear tea was served. Some leaned on the balustrade to admire the view, others laughed and chatted, some smiled in silence—before the meal even began, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Jia Cong asked Seeing Tan Chun: "Is Second Sister still at the Western Mansion? Did you send someone to invite her?"

Seeing Tan Chun replied: "I just sent Shi Shu to fetch her; she should be arriving soon."

No sooner had these words left her mouth than footsteps clattered up the stairs—Shi Shu had returned, followed by Seeing Yingchun's maid, Xiujú.

Xiujú, seeing Jia Cong, said: "Third Young Master, Second Mistress sent me to deliver word: just now, in the Western Mansion's Rongxi Hall, Bao Er Ye was punished by Master Jia—he's badly injured, and the Western Mansion is in chaos."

Everyone was startled. Jia Cong had not visited the Western Mansion today and knew nothing of this; Lin Daiyu and the other sisters had just returned to the Eastern Mansion and had not encountered the incident.

Jia Cong asked Xiujú for details and learned that the trouble had arisen from Bao Yu's reckless words about the imperial marriage arrangement.

Seeing Yingchun had specifically sent her maid to deliver this message; Jia Cong understood her intent—Bao Yu had been severely beaten and injured, and he and the sisters ought to visit him in person.

With this sudden development, the mood for dining and amusement vanished; they all set out together for the Western Mansion to inquire after Bao Yu's condition.

Lin Daiyu, Shi Xiangyun, and the others walked ahead, but Jia Cong slowed his pace, trailing behind, his eyes seeming lost in thought.

Seeing Tan Chun, quick-witted, sensed Jia Cong's unusual demeanor; she slowed her steps until he caught up, then asked: "Third Brother, what are you thinking about?"

Jia Cong said: "Third Sister, don't you find Bao Yu's beating strange?"

Seeing Tan Chun, meticulous by nature, thought for a moment and said: "Indeed, it is strange. That day, Bao Yu spoke those words in my room—only we sisters were present; no outsider could have heard."

"How, in just a few days, could it have reached the palace and caused such an uproar? Is that your meaning, Third Brother?"

Jia Cong smiled: "Third Sister, you're truly sharp—just a hint and you grasp it. You're right: Bao Yu's words were taboo, but only we sisters were in the room."

"Yet others may have overheard. Do you recall how loudly he spoke? Several maids and old women passed by the corridor at the time—they likely heard too."

Seeing Tan Chun's eyebrows lifted slightly, her beauty sharpening with sudden insight: "Now that you mention it, I remember those maids and old women—I know them well."

"Could they have leaked the words and brought this disaster? But they're all household-born servants or long-time retainers—why would they harm Bao Yu?"

Jia Cong said: "Third Sister, as a lady of the inner chambers, you know little of the world outside. The court now has the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Judicial Office, the Zhongche Office—these inner bureaus all place spies and informants in the streets and the mansions of nobles and officials."

"Any rebellious words or incidents slip through no one's ears. The Lady Rongguo Jia family has been a noble house for generations, prominent and conspicuous. Hundreds of servants live here, mostly household-born or long-serving."

"These people have dwelled in the capital for decades; it's no surprise some have been enticed or bribed into becoming hidden informants."

Seeing Tan Chun suddenly understood, exclaiming: "No wonder when you established your own household, Grandmother offered you household elders—you refused them all!"

"You bought all your servants from Jiangnan. Now I see—it was foresight indeed."

Jia Cong's heart stirred. Among these sisters, Seeing Tan Chun possessed talent for affairs and strategic insight.

Though a lady confined to the inner quarters, she had instantly grasped the deeper meaning behind his purchase of servants from Jiangnan—her wit and acuity were exceptional.

Seeing Jia Cong smile without speaking, Seeing Tan Chun knew she had guessed correctly—but this topic seemed unsuitable to pursue further, so she said no more.

Tan Chun saw Jia Cong smiling silently and knew her guess was right, but this topic seemed unsuitable to pursue, so she said no more.

Jia Cong said: "That day, when Bao Yu spoke those words, Lin Lin Meimei looked displeased; you and Xue Baochai both tried to stop him."

"If any of us had echoed him, it wouldn't have been Bao Yu alone who suffered!"

Seeing Tan Chun's heart grew cold, her expression troubled: "Third Brother, if such people lurk in the Western Mansion, it's a perilous matter. Any careless word in the future could bring disaster."

"Fortunately, I know those maids and old women. Why not tell Grandmother and find a chance to dismiss them?"

Jia Cong said: "Not now. Bao Yu has just been punished—how could the Jia family suddenly detect informants and dismiss them so swiftly?"

"It would make the inner bureaus even more wary of Lady Rongguo; they'd redouble their efforts. If word reached the palace, it would only worsen things. Even if we must dismiss them, not now—wait until this storm passes, until things cool down."

"In truth, hidden informants in noble and official households have long been an open secret. Noble families always instruct their kin to watch their words, and under normal circumstances, nothing happens."

"The inner bureaus have planted spies in every mansion—this mutual dependence both intimidates nobles into restraint and reassures the Emperor."

Jia Cong thought of Bao Yu's passionate speech that day and smiled bitterly: "Yet noblemen like Bao Yu are rare."

"Though his heart is not evil, Grandmother and Lady Wang have spoiled him so thoroughly he's grown complacent in the comforts of the inner quarters, unaware of the dangers beyond."

"He's lazy, full of complaints, speaks recklessly, knows no restraint—this incident isn't surprising. But if it happens again, it will be fatal."

Seeing Tan Chun felt deep concern—Bao Yu was her father's son. Lin Daiyu could ignore him, but she could not.

"Third Brother, you have influence in the Jia family. If you could speak to Second Brother, teach him these truths, perhaps he'd learn and avoid future trouble."

Jia Cong looked at Seeing Tan Chun and smiled: "Sister, you overestimate me. Affairs between the two mansions are never simple. This year, Grandmother has shown me more attention than before."

"But it's mostly for the sake of the Jia family's overall interests—her deepest affection has always been for Bao Yu. If I scolded Bao Yu, I'd only anger Grandmother and Lady Wang—why invite such discomfort?"

"You, however, are Bao Yu's own sister. When you have leisure, speak to him—perhaps it will help."

Ahead, Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai, and Shi Xiangyun had reached the narrow gate between the corridors; Jia Cong and Seeing Tan Chun walked behind them.

Along the way, shadows of fine trees and paper lanterns dappled their bodies.

Seeing Tan Chun's bright eyes flickered, fixed on Jia Cong's upright profile, and she thought quietly: "Bao Yu has always shown talent in reading, writing, poetry, and couplets—he's gifted."

"Had he channeled his talent properly, he might have achieved something. But he despises sages, hates scholarly pursuits, and turns his gifts into idle, pampered cleverness."

"Only someone like Third Brother—clear-minded, sincere, deeply feeling—possesses true wisdom…"

Only someone like Third Brother, who has realized the mind and values emotion and nature, possesses true great wisdom…

Love Shenjing, the Teaching Bureau.

In the inner chamber of the Pipa Music Room, sandalwood incense curled gently, its fragrance sweet and soothing. Half the diamond-patterned window was raised, letting in the warm autumn sun.

Du Du Qingniang wore her hair in a high bun, secured by a single translucent jade hairpin; no other ornaments adorned her dark tresses.

She wore a green Daoist robe, its wide sleeves fluttering with every movement, her posture graceful, her bearing ethereal, radiant with elegance.

She sat before a desk, reviewing documents; on the white wall beside her hung a pipa with jade strings.

At that moment, a slender green-clad maid entered and said: "Madam Qing, the Marquis of Lord Weiyuan, Jia Cong, has sent a letter."

Du Du Qingniang took the letter, opened it, and smiled: "He's thoughtful. When Min'er bought five young actresses from Su Zhou, they all ended up in the Teaching Bureau's drama troupes."

"Now, during the imperial mourning, the bureau is downsizing; those five girls are slated for sale. Several unscrupulous men have already eyed them—so they turned to Jia Cong."

"Jia Cong, remembering old ties from Jiangnan, asked me to arrange for him to buy them into his household and make proper arrangements."

"Yunluo, go to Clerk Zhang and tell him I've taken a fancy to those five actresses—have him send me their indentures, and I'll pay the Teaching Bureau's final fee."

"His clerkship was secured by my recommendation to the Ministry of Rites—he owes me this favor."

The green-clad maid turned to leave, then paused: "Madam, when you mentioned Miss Zou, I recalled something—yesterday, Xu Xu Qiniang of Jin Ling sent a secret note; you've been too busy to read it."

The young maid in green was about to go carry out the errand when she suddenly remembered something and said, "Mistress mentioned Miss Zou, and it just occurred to me—yesterday, Xu Qiuniang of Jin Ling sent a secret note; you've been too busy to read it yet."

Du Du Qingniang's eyes brightened: "Bring it to me."

The green-clad maid walked to the bookshelf, unlocked a hidden compartment with her key, and retrieved a gray-white bound secret note.

Du Du Qingniang took it, read it carefully, her gaze flickering: "Xu Xu Qiniang visited Min'er's grave and noticed chrysanthemums placed before Zou Madam's tombstone—she suspects Zou Min'er is still alive."

Yunluo said: "Madam, Xu Xu Qiniang's reasoning isn't baseless. Only children honor their living mother with chrysanthemums—and Zou Madam had only one daughter: Zou Min'er."

Du Du Qingniang closed the note: "Xu Xu Qiniang is indeed sharp, but this time she overreaches. Jade Rakshasa was a deadly assassin of the Eastern Sea—she never left a survivor."

"Min'er was a frail woman—she could not have survived Jade Rakshasa's blade."

"I received a letter from the Qingyin Pavilion in Jin Ling: during Min'er's time there, she met Jia Cong daily in the pavilion's private chamber. They likely collaborated on matters and grew close."

"Jia Cong, moved by old affection, placed chrysanthemums before her mother's grave—it's perfectly reasonable."

"Reply to Xu Xu Qiniang: Zou Min'er's matter is concluded. Don't waste energy on it—focus entirely on investigating the Zhen family and Du family in Jin Ling. Report any findings by secret letter."

Du Du Qingniang stared at the note, her gaze complex, sighing: "Min'er was my disciple, the Teaching Bureau's top musician. Her life was tragic—now, vengeance and grudges are settled. She is at peace."

"Tell Clerk Zhang to erect a spirit tablet for Min'er in the Teaching Bureau's Hall of Resting Souls—let her receive more incense, and find tranquil rebirth…"

Yunluo, though puzzled, accepted Du Du Qingniang's words and let the matter rest.

Yun Luo had her own doubts, but seeing Du Du Qingniang say this, she let the matter drop.

Du Du Qingniang looked at Jia Cong's letter on the desk and asked: "Have you uncovered anything about Du Du Jinniang?"

Yunluo replied: "Du Du Jinniang was once the top courtesan of Xiang Yunyan Pavilion in Love Shenjing. I investigated thoroughly—the old staff of the pavilion, including the madam, servants, and girls—all vanished fifteen years ago, scattered without trace."

"Xiang Yunyan Pavilion still stands, but it's entirely changed. Those there now have only heard of Du Du Jinniang—no one knows her origins, as if she were deliberately erased."

"I bribed an old servant from the Jia family's Eastern Courtyard. He said Du Du Jinniang had no status in the Jia household, and Grandmother Jia despised her."

"After giving birth to Jia Cong, Du Du Jinniang died suddenly and was denied burial in the Jia ancestral grounds."

"Jia She spent a hundred taels to have a charity mortuary collect and bury her body. The mortuary elders said she was interred on a barren plot outside the eastern suburbs."

Du Du Qingniang's face twitched faintly, her eyes reddening slightly.

Yunluo continued: "About seven or eight years ago, the government planned to build a conduit through the eastern suburbs and needed to relocate graves. Du Du Jinniang's tomb was among them."

"By then, the Jia family had likely forgotten she was buried there—her grave was no more than an abandoned mound."

"I later visited the mortuary area, but time had blurred memories: some said a woman moved her grave; others claimed it was dug up as an unclaimed tomb."

"No one knows for certain."

Du Du Qingniang's expression grew confused, her face pale. She murmured: "Moved by a woman?"

Yunluo added: "Later, when Jia Cong was honored posthumously for his mother's merit, he searched for Du Du Jinniang's grave to relocate her to the Jia ancestral grounds."

"He searched everywhere but found nothing—so he erected a memorial tomb with only her clothes and hair."

Du Du Qingniang listened to Yunluo's account, her gaze distant, lost in thought for a long while, silent.

Yunluo, knowing her nature, stood quietly beside her.

After a while, Du Du Qingniang suddenly asked: "After Jia Cong was forced into marriage following Jia She's death, did the Jia family stir at all?"

Yunluo felt a faint surprise—today, everything they'd discussed ultimately centered on Jia Cong.

After a while, Du Du Qingniang suddenly asked, "After Jia Cong was stripped of mourning and granted a marriage alliance, and after Jia She's death, did anything stir at the Jia household?"

Yun Luo felt a faint oddness—today, for some reason, everything the two had discussed ultimately revolved around Jia Cong.

He said: "After Jia She's death, the Jia family showed no reaction. Yesterday, we heard the Clan Office may have taken action, but details are unclear."

Though His Majesty has not pursued charges against Jia She posthumously, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has arrested the shopkeeper and clerks of Deng Hongchun Pharmacy. Our people received word that the Guard has sent agents to investigate Ping'an Prefecture.

Madam Du Qing, months ago we were ordered by the Director to investigate Sun Sun Shaozu. Though we found no trace of Sun Sun Shaozu, we unexpectedly learned that Jia Lady Lian had traveled to Ping'an Prefecture on Jia She's orders.

Since this matter lacked concrete evidence, I followed your instructions and did not include it in the secret report. Now…"

Madam Du Qing spoke softly: "Since His Majesty has ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate thoroughly, we shall not interfere in the capital's affairs. Without concrete proof, we shall keep it quiet and let the Guard handle it themselves."

If they uncover proof, that is their skill—and fate's design. No one can stop it!"

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Jia Baoyu's Courtyard.

This time, Jia Baoyu was beaten by Jia Zheng harder than ever before. Jia Mu ordered several strong maids to place him on a spring bench and carry him back to his room.

Seeing he remained unconscious, she hurriedly sent someone to summon Jia Lady Lian to fetch the Imperial Physician.

But Jia Lady Lian had vanished early that morning. Wang Wang Xifeng had sent people to look for him, yet received no reply.

Jia Mu had no choice but to send Lin Lin Zhixiao to fetch Zhang Zhang Youshi. Though he lacked the prestige of an Imperial Physician, his medical skill was truly excellent—he had once cured Jia Mu's illness.

Before Zhang Zhang Youshi arrived, Jia Baoyu awoke from his coma, jolted awake by a searing pain in his buttocks.

Jia Mu and Lady Wang were overjoyed, and began asking him repeatedly where it hurt, what he wanted to eat, what he needed—anything at all.

Jia Mu scolded Jia Zheng for lacking restraint, calling him heartless. Lady Wang wept silently beside her.

Though Jia Baoyu's entire body was stiff and aching, unable to move, he felt the depth of his grandmother's and mother's tender concern—just as always—and his heart eased.

He cherished their lasting affection and favor, and a flood of grievance rose within him, as if he had already forgotten why he had been beaten…

When Jia Cong and the young ladies entered Jia Baoyu's courtyard, they happened upon Zhang Zhang Youshi's arrival. Jia Cong led the sisters to wait in an adjacent side room.

After examining Jia Baoyu's injuries, Jia Mu hurriedly asked: "How is my Jade doing?"

Zhang Zhang Youshi said: "Your lord's son suffered severe cane punishment. This time, the damage goes beyond skin and flesh—it has bruised his tendons and bones—but it is not serious."

He must rest in bed for two months before he can walk again. With the external ointment and internal medicine I prescribe, and proper care, he will recover fully."

Hearing Jia Baoyu must remain bedridden for two months—a first in memory—Jia Mu and Lady Wang wept bitterly.

Xi Ren, Qiuwen, and the senior maids all had tear-filled eyes, tending to him with quiet care.

Though Jia Baoyu's buttocks burned with pain, seeing everyone so moved, he felt a surge of self-pity and self-admiration—he thought dying for these people would be worth it.

…

After Zhang Zhang Youshi prescribed the medicine and applied the ointment and left, Jia Cong led the sisters into the inner chamber to visit.

With so many sisters present, Jia Baoyu's eyes locked only on Lin Daiyu. He beamed: "Lin Lin Meimei, you've come to see me!"

Jia Mu, seeing Jia Baoyu's preference for Lin Daiyu, wore a satisfied smile. Lady Wang, beside her, showed a flicker of displeasure.

Hearing this, Shi Xiangyun burst into laughter. Seeing Tan Chun frowned slightly. Xue Baochai unconsciously glanced at Jia Cong—only to find him staring at Lin Daiyu.

Lin Daiyu, seeing Jia Baoyu's condition, flushed slightly with annoyance. But with Jia Mu and Lady Wang present, she said nothing, only stepped back instinctively.

She felt uneasy: Why did you only notice me when all the sisters came? If I'd known I'd be embarrassed like this, I wouldn't have come. Shi Xiangyun's sharp tongue will surely mock me now.

Jia Mu, seeing the sisters had come to visit Jia Baoyu and feeling weary from the commotion, told Sister Yuanyang to help her leave, letting the sisters speak freely.

Lady Wang and Wang Wang Xifeng, seeing Jia Mu depart, followed suit. Xi Ren, Shuyue, Qiuwen, and the maids remained to attend carefully.

Seeing the elders gone, Shi Xiangyun giggled, pulled over a stool, and sat beside Jia Baoyu's bed.

She blurted: "We all came to see you, yet you only noticed Lin Lin Jiejie? What about us? You're heartless!"

Behind her, Lin Daiyu's lips curled slightly. She felt a quiet irritation—her divination had been right again. Shi Xiangyun, that wicked girl, was mocking her.

As Lin Daiyu's unease stirred, Jia Cong quietly squeezed her small hand. Her anger vanished instantly.

Shi Xiangyun said: "Second Brother, I haven't visited in months, and now you get beaten by the family law? I heard all about it. Don't speak so recklessly next time—getting beaten for no reason isn't worth it."

Jia Baoyu's expression turned awkward. He knew Shi Xiangyun always spoke bluntly, saying whatever came to mind—she'd been like that since childhood. It wasn't strange.

But Lin Lin Meimei was here. Her words made him feel embarrassed…

Beside Jia Cong, Lin Daiyu nearly laughed at Shi Xiangyun's words—but held it back.

The atmosphere grew slightly odd. Fortunately, Shi Xiangyun, that chatterbox, kept talking nonstop, drowning out the tension.

After a while, Jia Cong seized a pause in Shi Xiangyun's chatter and smiled: "Jia Baoyu, you've just been medicated—you should rest. I won't disturb you. I'll come visit again next time."

Jia Baoyu didn't care if Jia Cong left. But as soon as Jia Cong stepped out, Lin Daiyu murmured two words: "Rest well." She followed him out almost immediately.

Seeing this, Jia Baoyu's face fell with disappointment. He opened his mouth to say, "Lin Lin Meimei, stay a while longer," but Lin Daiyu moved nimbly, gliding past flowers and willows like a breeze—within moments, only her graceful silhouette remained.

Soon after, Xue Baochai also spoke lightly, said a few words, and excused herself to leave. Only Shi Xiangyun remained talking, while Seeing Tan Chun sat quietly beside her.

When Shi Xiangyun paused for breath, Seeing Tan Chun interjected: "Second Brother, after today's incident, you must be more careful. Don't say such extreme things again—it'll only stir more trouble."

"You don't like studying for the imperial exams—that's fine. But don't call scholars 'parasites.' You dislike arranged marriages, but that doesn't mean they're without reason…"

Seeing Tan Chun saw her earnest advice fall on deaf ears. Jia Baoyu stared blankly, as if he hadn't heard a word.

She suddenly understood why Third Brother refused to speak to Jia Baoyu about such things. A character shaped over ten years couldn't be changed in a few sentences.

Jia Baoyu paid no mind to Seeing Tan Chun's words. His mind churned with anguish: Why has Lin Lin Meimei grown so distant? Even Baojie acts this way? It's a betrayal of my heart.

If I'd known this would happen, I'd have preferred Father beat me to death!