Chapter 489: The Inheritance of the Title Brings New Troubles

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Jia Cong entered Rongqing Hall with Wang Wang Xifeng, who was weeping uncontrollably, followed by Ping'er.

Jia Mu trembled as she asked: "Cong-ge, what has really happened to Lady Lian-er?"

Jia Cong said: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard issued a warrant for arrest. Second brother was smuggling salt and iron—prohibited goods—to Datong, suspected of colluding with foreign tribes. He has already been taken by the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Jia Mu burst into tears: "My Lady Lian-er! How foolish you were! How could you do such a thing? What are we to do now?"

Wang Lady, beside her, wiped her tears in silence; Wang Wang Xifeng wailed even louder.

Jia Mu suddenly fixed her gaze on Jia Cong and said: "Cong-ge, you're always so capable outside—catching thieves, fighting enemies, rising in rank and being granted a title.

Lady Lian-er is your own blood brother. I know you have some standing in official circles. How could you just stand there and watch as the Embroidered Uniform Guard took him away without lifting a finger? Where have all your abilities gone?"

Jia Mu's words, filled with grief and accusation, were sharp and cutting; everyone in the hall froze.

Wang Lady stopped her fake crying and looked up at Jia Cong; even Wang Wang Xifeng fell silent. The atmosphere in the hall turned eerie.

Xue Xue Yima, standing nearby, wondered inwardly: Has the old lady lost her wits? Her eldest grandson was seized by the Embroidered Uniform Guard—why is she blaming Cong-ge? This makes no sense at all.

Jia Cong's heart flared with anger; he frowned and said: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard arrested Second Brother on the Emperor's direct verbal order, with an official warrant. This is a matter of state, not family.

If I rashly interfered, it would be treating His Majesty's law as a joke.

I am a court official. Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parent, Teacher—the Sovereign comes before kin. Law precedes emotion. What you ask of me, Grandmother, I cannot do."

Jia Cong's icy words chilled the hall. Jia Mu turned pale with rage, yet could not utter a single word.

Could she dare say he should betray the Emperor to save his brother?

She suddenly came to her senses—her grief over her eldest grandson's plight had made her speak in haste. But she was his grandmother, after all. How could he speak to her so coldly, with not a shred of mercy? What a debt-collecting demon he was.

Since Jia Cong became the top scholar of Yongzhou and later earned his title through military merit in Liaodong, Jia Mu, seeing how outstanding he was among the Jia clan's youth, had changed her approach toward him, often softening her tone and behavior.

For over a year, on the surface, their relationship seemed to have improved.

But with the sudden crisis of her eldest grandson, Jia Mu's grief overwhelmed her, and her words lost restraint—revealing how thin the bond between her and Jia Cong truly was, inferior to that with Lady Lian-er and other legitimate grandsons.

The relationship between grandmother and grandson now seemed to grow strained once more.

…

Wang Wang Xifeng, though a woman of the inner quarters, handled household affairs with ease—but she was still only a woman. Faced with Lady Lian-er's life-or-death legal disaster, she became utterly lost.

Yet Wang Wang Xifeng was sharp-minded. Unlike Jia Mu, who held the highest status and was accustomed to acting as the matriarch, she could not afford to act on raw emotion without restraint.

Now that her husband faced such a deadly crisis, and the eldest master had just died, she did not know whether their distant relatives would still lend their face.

Moreover, she still had no clear idea what crime her husband had actually committed.

The second master sat helplessly in his office—likely useless in this matter. The only one in the household with any real ability was Cong Sanye Cong.

To save Jia Lady Lian, only Jia Cong could possibly intervene. She feared Jia Mu's words might enrage Jia Cong, causing him to abandon the matter entirely—that would be disastrous.

Wang Wang Xifeng hurriedly said: "Third brother, I know your second brother broke the law and you can't just release him at will. This isn't your fault.

But he is your own blood brother. I know you're capable—please, for the sake of kinship, save him."

Jia Cong, seeing Wang Wang Xifeng still had some reason, felt his anger subside slightly. He said: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard's sudden arrest caught us off guard.

Second Brother is my own brother. Within my power, I will do everything I can. But this time, the Emperor gave a direct verbal order, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard issued a warrant. If they hadn't found solid evidence, they wouldn't have acted so decisively.

If Second Brother is guilty only of smuggling salt and iron, the crime is serious—but he might still save his life. If he is confirmed guilty of colluding with foreign tribes, it's a death sentence—and Lady Rongguo Prefecture will be dragged down with him!"

…

Wang Wang Xifeng, hearing Jia Cong's words, collapsed to the floor in terror, weeping uncontrollably; Ping'er rushed forward to support her.

Jia Mu, upon hearing Jia Cong, burst into fresh wailing and pointed at Wang Wang Xifeng: "You're usually so sharp. How could you not know what Lady Lian-er was doing outside? Why didn't you stop him?"

Wang Wang Xifeng wept: "At the beginning of this year, the eldest master ordered Bao Er Ye to go to Datong to deal with buyers. Bao Er Ye said tea and salt trade there was profitable.

Though it was taboo, many high officials and noble families in the capital secretly did the same, so we didn't take it seriously. Bao Er Ye made two trips to Datong to help the master open trade routes, then never went again.

Grandmother, Bao Er Ye was only running errands for his father. The eldest master gave him not a single silver coin—he even spent hundreds of taels of his own on horses and carts.

Grandmother, you know your own grandson better than anyone—he trembles before the eldest master like a mouse before a cat. He dares not disobey him. Now he's lost his life over it—what will become of me?"

Jia Cong, hearing this, was speechless. If Wang Wang Xifeng spoke truthfully, Jia Lady Lian was incredibly unlucky—he'd worked himself to the bone for Jia She, earned not a single silver coin, and now had lost his life.

Moreover, Wang Wang Xifeng's claim that many high officials and nobles in the capital secretly traded salt and iron to the northern frontiers sent a chill through Jia Cong…

Jia Mu, after hearing Wang Wang Xifeng's words, wept bitterly: "I've lived so long, yet still live in this world? I'd have been better off dead long ago—so I wouldn't have to witness such filth.

All this is the work of a demon. He dies outside and drags his son into court. How could I have raised such a thing?"

At this moment, Jia Zheng, informed by a servant, rushed home and arrived at Rongqing Hall only to learn Jia Lady Lian had already been taken by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Jia Zheng pounded his chest and stamped his feet, muttering over and over about the family's misfortune.

After a while of weeping and wailing, Jia Mu suddenly came to her senses and trembled as she said: "Lady Lian-er is the heir of Lady Rongguo Prefecture. If he's convicted, how will the title be passed on?"

At Jia Mu's words, everyone in the hall was stunned.

For noble families like Lady Rongguo Prefecture, title succession was the most vital matter—the lifeline of their wealth and status.

As the highest-ranking elder in Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Jia Mu naturally placed title succession above all else. With Ningguo Prefecture having lost its title last year, if Lady Rongguo's title were to be lost too, Jia Mu dared not imagine the consequences.

Jia Zheng spoke wearily: "Lady Lian-er is now convicted. Even if he's only guilty of smuggling salt and iron on the frontier, it's a grave crime—he cannot inherit the title."

Wang Wang Xifeng's beautiful face turned ashen. She had always craved power and privilege; her entire life's ambition rested on her husband, the legitimate son, inheriting the title so she could become a noble lady.

She had assumed the eldest master would live decades longer—by the time she became a noble lady, her hair would be white.

Yet the eldest master had suddenly died, filling Wang Wang Xifeng with an uncontainable, guilty joy.

To become a second-rank general's noble lady in her prime—her life's glory had been secured. It was an unexpected blessing.

But now this sudden disaster struck: her husband was arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the charges sounded grave, his life hanging by a thread. All her hopes were shattered.

Unlike Jia Mu's panic or Wang Wang Xifeng's despair, Wang Lady immediately grasped the implications of Jia Mu's words about succession—and a surge of wild joy surged within her. When the late Lady Rongguo Duke, Jia Daisan, had submitted his final memorial to the Retired Emperor, the Retired Emperor, honoring the duke's great military merits, had decreed that the eldest son would inherit the title and the second son would inherit the household.

Wang Lady, as the eldest daughter of the Wang clan, married into the second branch of Lady Rongguo Prefecture precisely because of this arrangement.

She entered the Jia family's second branch yet became the mistress of Lady Rongguo Prefecture.

But for Wang Lady, this was still incomplete—the most honored title remained confined to the eldest branch, with no place for her second branch. This had been her lifelong wound.

When Bao-yu was born, the miraculous tale of him clutching a jade stone had spread so widely precisely because Wang Lady, seeking long-term advantage, had promoted her son's status.

Now, her long-ago planning had suddenly borne fruit.

Wang Lady, from a great aristocratic clan, knew the rules of title succession intimately.

It was simple: father to son, legitimate over illegitimate, elder brother to younger brother.

Noble titles must pass directly from father to son; no skipping generations. Legitimacy precedes illegitimacy. Only when the eldest branch's bloodline is extinguished may the title pass to a younger branch.

Logically, after Jia She's death, Jia Lady Lian, the legitimate son, would inherit the title. If Jia Lady Lian were convicted and unable to inherit, the title would pass to the illegitimate son, Jia Cong.

The title could only go to the second branch if both Jia Lady Lian and Jia Cong were dead.

Originally, with Jia Lady Lian alive and Jia Cong already outside the main household and holding a separate title, the second branch had no chance at the Lady Rongguo title. But now, a bizarre event had struck the eldest branch.

The eldest branch's illegitimate son, Jia Cong, had earned a title at age fourteen through military merit. Under normal circumstances, no man could hold two noble titles.

Wang Lady had dreamed for years that one day Bao-yu would inherit the Lady Rongguo title. She had secretly calculated exactly how many deaths it would take to fulfill her wish.

As soon as Jia Mu and Jia Zheng spoke, Wang Lady had already calculated the outcome: the title would now shift branches—first to her husband, then to Bao-yu.

At this moment, in Rongqing Hall, aside from Jia Zheng's scholarly rigidity, everyone else—Jia Mu, Wang Wang Xifeng, Xue Xue Yima—were sharp, capable women of the inner quarters.

Wang Lady's calculations were instantly understood by them all.

Though Jia Mu grieved for her eldest grandson, she had other legitimate grandsons. The title's succession was secure. Moreover, if Bao-yu inherited the title later, it suited Jia Mu's wishes—she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Wang Wang Xifeng, though she realized the title would pass to the second branch, had no power to change it—she could only grieve further.

Xue Xue Yima noticed the suppressed joy in her sister's eyes and instantly understood her thoughts.

The other day, her son Xue Pan had spoken ill of Bao-yu, saying the Zongrenfu had issued a reprimand and ruined his reputation, causing Xue Xue Yima to reconsider her plans for the "Golden-Jade Match."

But now, the tide had turned unexpectedly: no one had foreseen that Jia's eldest branch's Lady Lian-er had suddenly fallen, rendering him ineligible to inherit, and Jia Cong had already received his own title. After careful calculation, the Lady Rongguo title would almost certainly shift to the second branch—clearly, Bao-yu would inherit it. Thus, Bao-yu now stood nearly equal to Jia Cong.

Xue Xue Yima, thinking of this, once again grew fervently hopeful for the "Golden-Jade Match"…

…

Jia Cong stood in the hall, watching coldly as Jia Mu, Wang Lady, Wang Wang Xifeng, and others spoke and moved—how could he not guess their hidden thoughts?

The cold-heartedness of noble families was indeed true.

Jia Lady Lian's life hung in the balance, yet Jia Mu's first thought was not his safety, but the title's succession. Her usual demeanor of aged kindness concealed a heart of ruthless pragmatism.

The burning look in Wang Lady's eyes—what vile intentions she harbored—was obvious.

These inner-quarters women, their selfishness swollen, always imagined the best possible outcome, blind to the dangers outside.

They seemed to have conveniently forgotten the Zongrenfu 's recent actions—could those have been meaningless?

At this moment, Jia Zheng said: "Cong-ge, you've traveled widely these past years, moving in official circles, unlike me, who only sits in an office. In your view, what will become of Lady Lian-er?"

Jia Zheng sighed: "Lady Lian-er may be a bit spoiled and reckless, but his heart is decent. He never bullies others and has worked diligently on household affairs.

Even if he made a foolish mistake and was punished by law, it should be enough—just spare his life."

Jia Cong thought briefly, then said: "Sir, according to official procedure, after Second Brother is interrogated and gives his confession by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he will be transferred to the Three Judicial Offices for sentencing, likely under the Dalisi 's main review, with the Zongrenfu involved.

I have several acquaintances in the Dalisi —I can try to smooth things over. But once Second Brother passes through the Embroidered Uniform Guard's interrogation, the outcome is already sealed—any further efforts will be meaningless."

Jia Mu and the others grew even more terrified. Jia Zheng hurriedly asked: "Cong-ge, why is this so?"

Jia Cong said: "The Emperor gave a direct verbal order, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard issued a warrant—this means they already had solid evidence against Second Brother.

Once Second Brother enters the Imperial Prison, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's methods are brutal. As a noble youth who has never faced hardship, under torture, he will confess to anything."

That's why I say: once Second Brother endures the Embroidered Uniform Guard's interrogation, the outcome is already decided.

Sir, everyone here is family. I speak a bold word: since this matter stems from the Emperor's direct order, His Majesty may already have decided how to punish Second Brother. How can anyone else influence it?"

Jia Mu and the others, being women of the inner quarters, did not grasp the full meaning of Jia Cong's words. Jia Zheng, though somewhat rigid, had served as an official for years—he understood the hidden implication immediately.

Jia Lady Lian's smuggling of salt and iron in Ping'an Prefecture had surely enraged the Emperor. The Son of Heaven's will is ironclad—the decision was made long ago. Whether it was the Embroidered Uniform Guard or the Dalisi, it was merely a formality.

Jia Cong said: "All we can do now is pray that Second Brother is guilty only of smuggling prohibited goods—and never involved in colluding with foreign tribes. Otherwise, it will be utterly beyond repair!"

Wang Wang Xifeng, hearing Jia Cong's words, felt a faint stir within her…

Afterward, Jia Zheng gave Jia Cong a few more instructions, telling him to pay close attention to Jia Lady Lian's affairs and to lend a hand if possible; Jia Cong could only agree.

The earlier commotion had left Jia Mu weeping and furious several times; an elderly woman could not withstand such torment.

Wang Lady urged Jia Mu to rest first, while Jia Zheng assured her he would closely monitor Jia Lady Lian's case and report back immediately upon receiving news.

…

When Jia Cong exited Rongqing Hall and had just passed through the Wind-and-Rain Veranda, he heard Wang Wang Xifeng's voice behind him: "Third brother, wait a moment."

Jia Cong turned and saw Wang Wang Xifeng, accompanied by Ping'er, hurrying after him.

Wang Wang Xifeng said urgently: "Third brother, just now in the hall you said you hoped your elder brother was only involved in smuggling contraband, not in treasonous collusion with foreign powers—otherwise, it would be beyond repair."

"If your elder brother's crime was limited to smuggling salt and iron, and nothing else, could you then save him from death?"

Jia Cong's gaze flickered slightly—he had deliberately not spoken fully in Rongqing Hall to avoid having Jia Mu, Jia Zheng, and others place all hope for Jia Lady Lian's life on him.

After all, he still did not understand the Emperor's true stance on Jia She's hidden crimes, so he could not judge Jia Lady Lian's case, and naturally would not close any doors.

He had not expected Wang Wang Xifeng to be so astute—she had grasped the room for maneuver from just a few of his words.

Jia Cong said: "Second sister, if your husband was only guilty of smuggling salt, iron, and other contraband, with limited harm and no other involvement, his status as the eldest legitimate grandson of Lady Rongguo might still leave some room for redemption."

"But the Embroidered Uniform Guard's interrogation has not yet concluded; many things remain unknown. I dare not be certain in my heart—I only hope your husband is blessed by heaven."

Hearing this, Wang Wang Xifeng's heart lifted—she had only vaguely sensed his meaning in the hall, but now that he spoke it plainly, she knew her guess was correct.

She said: "Third brother, I know your brother well—he may be fond of beauty and pleasure, but he is not cruel by nature, and he has always avoided scandalous affairs."

"He would never dare commit treason or collude with enemies. Unless the Embroidered Uniform Guard tortured him into a false confession, it simply did not happen."

"If, after interrogation, your brother is only found guilty of smuggling salt and iron, I beg you—please save him."

"I know you are greatly favored by His Majesty. If you plead with him on your brother's behalf, you can surely pull him back from the brink. Even if he is exiled for ten or twenty years, I will accept it—as long as he lives!"

…

Wang Wang Xifeng was sharp and decisive. In the hall, she had realized Jia Lady Lian's arrest by the Embroidered Uniform Guard meant he had no hope of inheriting the title—and might even lose his life.

Even if she never became a titled lady, she would still remain a daughter-in-law of Lady Rongguo Jia, and could still enjoy wealth and splendor.

But if Jia Lady Lian were sentenced to death, she would become a widow. At her prime, she would spend most of her life suffering—better to die cleanly, for no amount of wealth would matter.

Though Wang Wang Xifeng was ruthless in thought, she was fiercely proud and came from the Wang clan of Jin Ling—there was no question of remarriage or changing households.

Thus, Wang Wang Xifeng had only one desperate path left: to spare Jia Lady Lian's life at all costs.

Just now in the hall, Jia Mu mentioned succession; the second branch still had Bao Er Ye and Jia Baoyu, enough to inherit from the first branch. Jia Lady Lian, as a convicted man, was already all but discarded.

Wang Wang Xifeng knew better than anyone the nature of her aunt Wang Lady—she likely wished Jia Lady Lian dead.

The old lady might plead with the Empress Dowager in the palace, but the inner court never interferes in state affairs—it would likely be useless.

Bao Er Ye was even less useful, especially with his wife's whispering influence.

Wang Wang Xifeng had considered her second uncle, Wang Wang Ziteng, but years ago, his wife Chen Shi had orchestrated false accusations against Jia Cong, claiming he lacked eligibility for the imperial examinations, causing a huge uproar in court.

Though the truth eventually came out and Chen Shi was confined to the family Buddhist chapel, Lady Rongguo Jia had severed all ties with Wang Wang Ziteng.

Now that Jia Lady Lian was the eldest legitimate son of Lady Rongguo's first branch, Wang Wang Xifeng had no grounds to beg her second uncle for help.

Her only hope now lay in Jia Cong, Jia Lady Lian's own younger brother—this was her last straw, which explained her earlier words.

Hearing her heartfelt plea, Jia Cong merely frowned slightly and gave no response; her heart sank.

Jia Cong had lived in the Western Courtyard for years; Wang Wang Xifeng had often pondered him. She knew that though young, he was deep-minded and cautious, never eager to draw trouble.

Jia Lady Lian was his blood brother, but Cong Sanye had always been neglected in the household; the two brothers had never been close. To speak of deep fraternal affection was nonsense.

…

Wang Wang Xifeng bit her thin lips, swiftly calculating her next move. If fraternal affection could not move Jia Cong to risk himself, she must find another way.

But Jia Cong had power and wealth—he lacked nothing. As she hesitated, her peripheral vision caught the delicate figure of Ping'er beside her.

A sudden insight struck her: Cong Sanye kept many pretty maids in his quarters and always brought new ones back when he traveled—these two brothers were cut from the same cloth, hm! Her own maid Ping'er was among the finest in Lady Rongguo Hall in both beauty and disposition—a true treasure in any man's eyes.

"Ping'er, kneel before Cong Sanye and beg him to show mercy—save Bao Er Ye."

Wang Wang Xifeng's sudden words left Jia Cong bewildered—and even Ping'er froze in shock.

"Why aren't you kneeling? Is my command no longer good enough?"

Ping'er's face flushed crimson. "If my mistress says kneel, I kneel."

She bowed to Jia Cong, kowtowing: "I beg Cong Sanye, for the sake of brotherhood, save Bao Er Ye."

Jia Cong's heart twisted; he hurried to say: "Sister Ping'er, you need not do this," and reached to help her up.

But Wang Wang Xifeng held out her hand to stop him. "Ping'er is my maid, but she grew up with me—I treat her like a younger sister."

Since I entered the Jia household, I've kept her close, planning to raise her for a few years before placing her in your brother's chambers. But now it seems your brother has no such fortune."

"Cong Sanye, you'll turn fifteen next year. The old lady mentioned to me she wished to assign capable maids to your quarters. I've been thinking about this."

"You've suffered since childhood in the Eastern Courtyard. As your sister-in-law, I've never properly cared for you—I've always felt guilty."

"If you save your brother, I will give you the very best I have—this is my due repayment for past neglect."

Wang Wang Xifeng's words, though unspoken outright, were unmistakably clear.

Even Jia Cong, with his guarded nature, felt awkward—Wang Wang Xifeng had devised such an absurd scheme to force him into saving Jia Lady Lian.

Ping'er, beside them, blushed furiously, wishing she could vanish into the ground. (End of chapter)