Chapter 491: Disaster Comes from the Mouth

Love Shenjing, West City, Chunhua Tower.

The second-floor private room was exquisitely and simply decorated. Through the window, one could see a corner of the bustling West City.

In the private room, there was only a round elm wood table. On the table sat a small red clay stove. A black iron teapot was being roasted by a faint red flame, constantly spraying milky white smoke, permeated with a pleasant tea fragrance.

Jia Cong was sitting opposite a young man.

Since learning that Jia Lian had been escorted to the Dali Temple, he had arranged to meet Yang Hongbin, the Right Temple Justice of the Dali Temple, here.

Jia Cong and Yang Hongbin had been to Jin Ling twice together, had worked together to solve cases several times, and had gone through hardships together. They were close friends with deep personal ties.

Last time Jia Cong returned from Jin Ling under imperial decree, Yang Hongbin had remained in Jin Ling to handle the aftermath of the major case and had only returned to the Love Shenjing half a month ago.

The case of Jia Lian smuggling salt and iron, after the Embroidered Uniform Guard's interrogation and confession, was sent to the Dali Temple for final judgment. As the Dali Temple Justice in charge of the trial, Yang Hongbin naturally knew the ins and outs of the matter very well.

Jia Cong reached out to refill Yang Hongbin's cup with fragrant tea and asked, "Brother Yang, my brother's involvement in the salt and iron smuggling case has suddenly been sent to the Dali Temple. I don't know what the verdict is now?"

Yang Hongbin said, "I have read your brother's confession. He has confessed without reservation to the salt and iron smuggling case in Datong, and his signature and thumbprint are all there."

"Yuzhang, you and I are old friends who have been through hardships. Please forgive me for being direct. When I left Jin Ling half a month ago, I heard rumors from the Jin Ling Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"They said that when the private firearms workshop outside Jin Ling was raided, two wooden boxes were found with the words 'Hongchun Furs' on them, which were linked to your father."

"After I returned to the Love Shenjing, I heard that your father had suddenly passed away, so I didn't take the rumors in Jin Ling to heart."

"But yesterday, when I saw your brother's confession, the 'Hongchun Furs' opened by your father mentioned in it matched the words on the two wooden boxes from the private firearms workshop."

"I felt there must be something fishy about this. Yesterday, I carefully read the confession and privately pondered it, concluding that your father was also involved."

"With the Embroidered Uniform Guard's harshness and capability, they didn't touch upon it at all during the interrogation of your brother. Yuzhang is shrewd and wise, surpassing me, so you must be able to taste the meaning in it."

"Actually, that your father is innocent after death is something you and I both know, which is most beneficial to Yuzhang."

Yang Hongbin drank the tea in his cup, smiled, and pointed his finger upward, saying, "In my humble opinion, it must be out of consideration for Yuzhang's repeated meritorious services that they are unwilling to implicate you because of the deceased this time."

Jia Cong felt a slight relief in his heart upon hearing that Jia Lian had taken the blame for the salt and iron smuggling alone in his confession, without involving Jia She at all.

But at the same time, he thought of many things. With the Embroidered Uniform Guard's cruel laws, a fop like Jia Lian would likely not be able to hide anything. Yet, the confession was false, and its purpose was very clear.

With this result, the impact and shock of the crimes left behind by Jia She on himself had completely vanished.

The damage to the Rongguo Prefecture was also reduced to a certain extent.

Because the Rongguo heir Jia She being found guilty and an ordinary Rongguo family member being found guilty were two completely different concepts.

The former carries the disaster of family confiscation and annihilation, while the latter is merely a case of ordinary criminal law.

Now it depends on the sentencing scale of the Three Judicial Offices for Jia Lian's case, which ultimately depends on Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's scale for this matter.

Actually, in Jia Cong's heart, Jia Lian's reckless trip to Ping'an Prefecture was a mistake, but this time he was almost taking the blame for his father. Speaking of which, he could be considered somewhat innocent.

……

Jia Cong asked, "Brother Yang is well-versed in the law. How will my brother's case ultimately be judged?"

Yang Hongbin said, "Your brother is involved in salt and iron smuggling, but the quantity and silver flow are not huge. Besides, he is the eldest grandson of the Rongguo Prefecture. According to common sense, the palace will show some leniency."

"However, a sentence of exile for more than ten years is likely unavoidable."

Jia Cong remained silent upon hearing this. This was about the same as his estimate. The death penalty could be avoided, but the living punishment was unavoidable regardless.

Yang Hongbin added, "It's just that the current situation is somewhat tricky. During the Embroidered Uniform Guard's interrogation, your brother confessed that three noble families in the Love Shenjing were involved in the Datong salt and iron smuggling."

"They are Second-Class Baron and Mobile Corps Commander of the Capital Battalion Xie Jing, Second-Class Baron Qi Jianhui, and Five Cities Military Commission Qiu Liang."

"It is said that the Emperor was furious upon hearing this and has ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate strictly. Once it is confirmed that these three noble families are indeed guilty, the situation will become severe."

"Yuzhang, so many noble families of the imperial court smuggling contraband like salt and iron at the border is akin to aiding the enemy and treason. This has touched the Emperor's taboo! I worry that once the guilt of these three noble families is confirmed, the Emperor will want to strictly clarify the laws of the state to the court and the public, using the method of killing one to warn a hundred. Then, the verdict of your brother's case will be unpredictable!"

Jia Cong felt a chill in his heart upon hearing Yang Hongbin's words. He had never expected Jia Lian to cause such a thing, confessing that other nobles were involved in salt and iron smuggling. This was a disaster coming from the mouth, and it was bound to cause a major incident.

Jia Cong knew deeply that Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao was disgusted with the old nobility like the Four Princes and Eight Dukes. Now that the news of nobles colluding to smuggle salt and iron had broken, he would surely not let it go easily.

Once the method of killing one to warn a hundred was used, Jia Lian, caught in such a storm, might not even be able to save his life.

Yang Hongbin saw Jia Cong's solemn expression and naturally knew his mood at this time. He said, "Yuzhang, the situation is unclear. You can only wait and see, and not act rashly."

"Wait until the crimes of those three families are confirmed and the palace has a scale, then you can adapt to the situation and fight for a turning point for your brother……."

……

Rongguo Prefecture, Baoyu's courtyard.

Ever since Jia Lian was arrested, Jia Mu had Jia Zheng keep an eye on news of her eldest grandson, move around in official circles, and find ways to reduce Jia Lian's crimes.

Grandmother knew her younger son's temperament and didn't expect him to have the ability to rescue her eldest grandson, but the Rongguo Prefecture had no other men to hold the fort now, so she had no choice.

Originally, that evil obstacle in the Eastern Prefecture was capable. In Jia Mu's mind, the only person in the Jia family capable of rescuing Jia Lian was likely that boy.

It was just that day, when Jia Mu heard at Rongqing Hall that Jia Lian had been taken away by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, she was so angry and flustered that she had spoken too harshly to Jia Cong.

As a result, that stubborn grandson didn't understand social niceties, and his reply didn't beat around the bush, making things awkward. Now Jia Mu couldn't bring herself to beg that little bastard.

However, Jia Mu knew Jia Cong's soft spot, which was her son Jia Zheng. If she asked Jia Zheng to handle her eldest grandson's matter, he would surely go to Jia Cong for help, and that boy would have to exert effort.

But Jia Mu also understood one thing: the Emperor personally issued a decree to arrest Jia Lian, which clearly meant that Jia Lian's matter could not end well. Her eldest grandson's future was ruined.

In the future, the family's title would be transferred to the Second Branch. Although her son Jia Zheng was mediocre, his reputation had always been good, and there would be no fault in him inheriting the title.

In the future, the family's title would ultimately be inherited by Baoyu, which was easy for Jia Mu to accept, and she was even happy to accept it.

Jia Mu recalled how she had doted on Baoyu since he was a child, and now she thought there was some reason for it. She felt some emotion about her foresight. Although it wasn't good to talk about the jade in his mouth again, Baoyu was indeed blessed.

Because she harbored such thoughts, although Jia Mu was still worried about Jia Lian, she became increasingly concerned about Baoyu, going to Baoyu's room three times a day, hoping his injuries would recover quickly.

Lady Wang saw Grandmother's behavior and naturally understood her thoughts. Now Lady Wang was filled with joy every day. Her years of anticipation had come true, and her lifetime of scheming had landed on solid ground.

She heard that Wang Xifeng had fallen ill, so she went to see her once with Jia Mu, helping to invite a physician to diagnose her illness, which could be considered doing her duty.

Lady Wang thought again that now that Jia Lian had an accident, the wind in the prefecture had completely turned to the Second Branch. Her niece would sooner or later be unable to manage the house, so she might as well plan early.

So she called Seeing Tan Chun from the Eastern Prefecture and, under the pretext that Wang Xifeng was ill and couldn't work hard, let Seeing Tan Chun and Li Gongcai manage the house first.

Jia Mu was an old fox in the inner house. How could she not see the scheming of her second daughter-in-law? It was nothing more than the First Branch declining, and the second daughter-in-law setting out to weaken the First Branch's power as quickly as possible.

This would also make it easier for Baoyu's future wife to take over Wang Xifeng's position.

Her second daughter-in-law was also a heartless person. Sister Feng was, after all, her own niece.

But Jia Mu just pretended not to see Lady Wang's behavior and let her toss and turn.

Because Jia Mu knew the current situation, the Second Branch managing the prefecture and inheriting the title was a foregone conclusion. Such things were bound to happen sooner or later. Without her having to speak, letting her stupid daughter-in-law bear the reputation, wouldn't that be better?

However, seeing Lady Wang's actions reminded Jia Mu of Baoyu's marriage. Since the Rongguo Prefecture would ultimately be managed by Baoyu, finding a suitable wife was very important.

The candidate for granddaughter-in-law that Jia Mu kept thinking about was her precious granddaughter Daiyu. But Daiyu was taking the Three Lives Soul-Nourishing Pill, which would take two years to truly remove the root of her congenital illness.

Her son-in-law even specifically mentioned this in his letter, so this marriage absolutely couldn't happen now and could only be discussed a few years later.

Although the Grandmother was just watching the show, her mind wasn't idle. She had Yuanyang pick a few good-quality ginseng roots from her collection and send them to Wang Xifeng to nourish her body.

She also specifically instructed Wang Xifeng to take good care of herself and not to abuse herself. She was young, and there were many days ahead. Even if Jia Lian couldn't end well, with her around, she wouldn't be wronged.

……

Recently, aside from Jia Mu and Lady Wang, Xue Yima came to Baoyu's room the most diligently. Not only because Baoyu was Xue Yima's nephew, but this blood relationship was very close.

Furthermore, after Jia Lian of the First Branch had an accident, the wind in the Jia family had completely turned. Xue Yima couldn't fail to see the irrepressible joy on her sister's face.

Now, in her eyes, Baoyu was increasingly rare. Not only was he the legitimate son of the Jia family, but his temperament was also good, and he would be able to inherit the title in the future.

In Xue Yima's heart, Baoyu might have had some flaws before, but now that the Jia family had such a major incident, it had made up for Baoyu's slight shortcomings. Otherwise, how could one say that things in the world are unpredictable?

Although Jia Cong, who could build a career, was even rarer, there were only a few such figures in the world, and it was truly difficult to climb high.

Besides Jia Cong, a noble family son like Baoyu who was wealthy and practical was, to Xue Yima, already hard to find even with a lantern. Moreover, with Baoyu's temperament, it would be easy for her daughter to control him in the future…….

Therefore, recently Xue Yima visited Baoyu almost every day, mostly coming with her sister. When she came alone, she would bring some good medicine for injuries or nourishing things.

Originally, Xue Yima wanted Baochai to accompany her every time she visited Baoyu, so that the siblings could be closer, but she rarely got her wish.

Every time Xue Yima went to visit Baoyu, Baochai either had a headache or a stomachache, or she disappeared early in the morning, taking her maids to the Eastern Prefecture to talk to the sisters, often lingering until sunset before going home.

Although Xue Yima was somewhat helpless, there would be plenty of time in the future. Her daughter's thoughts were ultimately wishful thinking. That Brother Cong could only marry a noble lady in the future, and it wouldn't match the Xue family. As long as some time passed, even if her daughter didn't give up, she would have to. Baoyu was her daughter's proper match.

These days, Xue Yima and Lady Wang had privately discussed the children's marriage, because Baoyu would reach the age of fifteen next year, and Baochai had also passed the age of fifteen…….

……

Ever since Baoyu was beaten by Jia Zheng until he couldn't get out of bed, Jia Cong had only visited twice, and both times he accompanied sisters like Yingchun.

Given his temperament, he really didn't have the awareness to visit Baoyu often.

It wasn't that he particularly disliked Baoyu, he just felt that the two were going in opposite directions and were not on the same path at all. There was nothing to say when they met, so why force himself to waste time?

Besides, this time Baoyu spoke nonsense and was beaten by Jia Zheng until he couldn't get out of bed, which was entirely his own fault. There was really no need to sympathize. A crowd of people surrounding him with concern only blinded him to the depth of things.

Originally, because he was at home observing mourning and had the excuse of studying for the spring imperial examination, even if he didn't come to the Western Prefecture for a few days, others couldn't say anything.

But the subsequent events made Jia Cong feel increasingly strange.

Because Seeing Tan Chun was called by Lady Wang to manage the house, although she still lived in the Eastern Prefecture, she could only manage affairs in the Western Prefecture most of the day, so naturally, she had to visit Baoyu every day.

It was just that when Seeing Tan Chun advised Baoyu last time, Baoyu didn't take it to heart at all. Seeing Tan Chun didn't want to say anything annoying again, so the siblings had fewer topics, and their meetings were lukewarm.

Therefore, whenever she encountered Jia Cong's rest time, Seeing Tan Chun often pulled Jia Cong to accompany her.

Recently, Grandmother had become increasingly compassionate toward Daiyu, calling her to Rongqing Hall every day to talk and eat.

Especially seeing Xue Yima increasingly doting on Baoyu, Grandmother felt a sense of crisis in her heart and was even more determined to take precautions.

Every time she came to visit Baoyu, she always had to pull Daiyu along, wanting to find more opportunities for the siblings to get along.

Grandmother's thoughts about her grandchildren were mostly on Daiyu and Baoyu. She naturally also knew that when Baoyu dropped the jade in front of Daiyu that year, it made Daiyu vomit blood.

Since that incident, her two "Jades" began to drift apart, but Grandmother didn't take it too seriously.

Children grow up from quarreling, which is common. Now, finding more excuses for them to get along, they would surely be on good terms after becoming husband and wife in the future.

Daiyu had fallen into Grandmother's trap twice and was unwilling to be fooled again. Every time she went to Baoyu's room with Grandmother, seeing Baoyu's eyes shining, Daiyu felt uncomfortable all over.

Since then, whenever Daiyu accompanied Grandmother to talk in Rongqing Hall, as long as Grandmother had the intention to repeat the old trick,

Daiyu would wink at Hearing Zi Juan, letting her call Jia Cong over to be a cushion, even if it delayed her Third Brother's studies, she wouldn't hesitate.

So, in the end, such strange scenes often appeared: when Grandmother often took Daiyu to visit Baoyu, Jia Cong would often appear, looking very brotherly and respectful.

Although Grandmother was willing to see Jia Cong and Baoyu close, she felt a bit awkward in her heart. This boy always seemed to come at the right time, yet also at the wrong time. It was truly seeing a ghost.

……

This day, Grandmother again took Daiyu to visit Baoyu and saw Jia Cong coming leisurely. He wasn't followed by his own maid, but actually followed by Hearing Zi Juan, which Grandmother found rare.

Grandmother felt a bit annoyed in her heart. Why is this boy everywhere?

The three entered Baoyu's room, just in time for Lady Wang and Xue Yima to be there. Seeing Tan Chun also happened to come over. With so many people in the room, Baoyu felt like the stars surrounding the moon, and he was very warm and satisfied in his heart.

Lady Wang saw Jia Cong and smiled: "Brother Cong is the one who knows how to cherish his brother. It's hard for you to often think of coming to see Baoyu."

Jia Cong had to smile, feeling strange in his heart. Seeing Daiyu standing on the side, her bright eyes glancing at him, with a clear smile of amusement in her eyes, Jia Cong couldn't help but frown and glare at her.

Lady Wang smiled again: "In the future, the two prefectures of the Jia family will rely on you two brothers to support the family business. Brother Cong has experienced many things outside. You two brothers should support each other; that is the way to prosperity."

Grandmother nodded on the side and said: "Lady's words are reasonable. Brother Cong is a man of the government, and I think he is stronger than Baoyu."

"You are older than Baoyu, so you should take more care of your brother in the future. You won't have wasted the Master treating you like his own son since you were a child."

Jia Cong felt a bit disgusted. Jia Lian was still in the Dali Temple prison, and his life and death were not yet determined, but Grandmother and Lady Wang were already acting as if Baoyu was going to inherit the title. This eating posture was a bit too ugly.

And they were using sweet words to win him over, scheming for him to protect Baoyu in the future. This was not lacking in long-term vision, but these inner-house tricks were a bit too childish for him.

Although Jia Cong was full of wisdom, facing such nonsensical routines, and not wanting to go against his conscience to be polite, he really didn't know how to reply.

Fortunately, someone spoke at this time, which just happened to relieve Jia Cong of his danger.

Xue Yima smiled and said: "Grandmother, you don't need to worry about this. Brother Cong cherishes his sisters so much, so he will naturally be attentive to his brothers. In the future, brothers will be of one heart, and the Jia family's prosperity will be right before our eyes."

Xue Yima was best at saying these pretty words, which made Grandmother and Lady Wang feel very comfortable. The few women sang a few lines of a play each and then left Baoyu's room, letting the sisters get along by themselves.

Jia Cong saw the few inner-house elites leave Baoyu's room and breathed a sigh of relief. Otherwise, the conversation would surely have been dead.

……

Although Jia Cong and Seeing Tan Chun were still in the room, Baoyu only had eyes for Daiyu.

He smiled: "Sister's complexion has been getting better recently. I heard you are taking some Three Lives Soul-Nourishing Pill. This medicine is indeed good medicine, and it can have an immediate effect. The name of this medicine is even better, it is just suitable for Sister to use."

Daiyu saw Baoyu's words of pretending to be clever again, resisted the urge to frown, and said: "Then I have to thank Third Brother for finding me a good physician."

Baoyu felt a slight regret in his heart. If this physician had been found by him, wouldn't Sister be thanking him? He said: "Jia Cong walks outside daily, which ultimately has its benefits."

Seeing Tan Chun heard Baoyu's brainless topic and sighed slightly, changing the subject and asking: "Third Brother, I heard Sister Ping'er say this morning that Second Brother Lian has been sent to the Dali Temple. Is there any talk about it?"

Jia Cong said: "Second Brother has confessed to the salt and iron smuggling. The Dali Temple is currently reviewing it, and after that, the case will be judged. I fear he won't be able to escape the result of exile."

Jia Cong said this lightly to avoid making sisters like Seeing Tan Chun worry. Jia Lian had confessed to the other three noble families involved in salt and iron smuggling, which had already made the whole thing more complicated.

Once Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao had the ruthlessness to kill one to warn a hundred, not only would those three noble families suffer, but I fear Jia Lian's life would also be hard to save.

But even though Jia Cong only mentioned the outcome of exile, it still made sisters like Daiyu and Seeing Tan Chun have lingering fears.

They had lived their whole lives in the inner houses of wealthy and noble families, seeing too many days of flowers and brocade. Being found guilty, disgraced, and exiled thousands of miles away was a fear and horror that was hard for them to imagine.

……

Baoyu, who was lying on the bed, suddenly said: "I used to say that official career and economy are not good things. You all said I was out of tune. Now it seems there is some truth to it."

"Second Brother Lian usually just drinks and listens to operas, which can be considered to have some elegant bones. If he had always lived such a leisurely life, it would have been peace for all ages."

"But once he had thoughts of economy and merchants, he brought such a great disaster. You all say, how can official career and economy be a good thing?"

Daiyu heard Baoyu's old-fashioned talk and curled her lips slightly.

Seeing Tan Chun heard Baoyu making grand arguments again, not only having a headache, but also reaching out her jade fingers to rub her temples.

Jia Cong heard Baoyu's words, and his expression also stiffened. This Baoyu was a wealthy and lazy temperament, which was fine, but why did he have to be so roundabout and insist on finding reasons for himself?

He said: "Baoyu, now that a major event has happened in the family, the title of Rongguo will likely be passed to you from the Master in the future. In the future, the Western Prefecture will surely need you to manage it."

"This matter of official career and economy is something you surely cannot escape. Don't speak too fully now, and learn to do these things somewhat."

Baoyu heard Jia Cong's words, frowned, and a look of aloof disdain appeared on his face, saying: "Jia Cong, your writing and poetry are all good, but what you said is indeed wrong."

Seeing Tan Chun heard Jia Cong finally say some words of persuasion to Baoyu, and was feeling happy, but heard Baoyu's reply was still the same, obsessed and unrepentant, and couldn't help but feel more disappointed.

Baoyu looked at Daiyu and said solemnly: "The Nanhua Sutra says: The clever labor and the wise worry, the incompetent have no demands."

"This sentence is very much to my heart. I am destined to be a clear-headed person who comes and goes without any attachments. I don't want to touch the title in the house. Whoever loves this thing, let them take it."

Seeing Tan Chun heard Baoyu say cruel words again and couldn't help but be startled. She suddenly remembered what Jia Cong had said about there possibly being a spy from the inner office in the Western Prefecture.

Seeing Tan Chun looked at the room with lingering fears, seeing Sister Xi Ren and Sheyue serving by Baoyu's side, a few little maids walking around in the outer room, and two old women drying clothes in the courtyard.

Seeing Tan Chun walked to Baoyu's bed and said urgently: "Second Brother, why are you talking crazy again? You were punished by the Master last time, and this time you are even more ruthless. How can you talk about the family title like this?"

Baoyu heard Seeing Tan Chun's words and remembered Jia Zheng's furious expression, couldn't help but shiver.

Jia Cong heard Baoyu's words and said calmly: "Baoyu, it's rare that you have this ambition. I haven't finished my studies today, so I have to go back to read. I won't disturb you anymore. You should rest well."

Baoyu saw Jia Cong leave and was a bit unhappy in his heart. He turned to Daiyu and said: "Jia Cong is good at everything, but he can't leave official career and studies for three sentences, which is a bit boring."

Daiyu didn't want to pick up his topic and said: "Baoyu, you should rest well, I will go back first too."

Baoyu heard Daiyu also wanted to leave, his big round face collapsed, and he said: "Why does Sister Lin also want to leave? Why don't you sit for a while?"

He was about to beg Daiyu a few words, letting her stay and say a few more words, but saw Daiyu leave in a hurry.

Seeing Tan Chun looked at Baoyu and sighed, instructing Sister Xi Ren to take good care of him, and also followed Daiyu away.

On the way, thinking of the time when the Zongren Prefecture came to ask for accountability, Seeing Tan Chun couldn't help but feel worried.

If Baoyu had half of Third Brother's intelligence and sense of proportion, he wouldn't have caused so many things. (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 492 =====