Chapter 509: Rongsheng Invites Covetousness

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Jia Mu, upon hearing Wang Lady's tearful complaint, frowned and said, "What's there to cry about? Though Cong-ge has inherited the family estate…"

He is a government official and a man of letters. I refuse to believe that once he inherits the title and the Lady Rongguo estate, he will abandon his familial duties and brotherly affection.

"I'm still alive—this household won't fall into chaos. Why are you so panicked?"

Jia Mu glanced at Li Wan and Wang Wang Xifeng, standing quietly beside her, and asked, "Wang Xifeng, he's your eldest branch's brother. Now that the estate is in his hands, tell me—what should be done?"

Wang Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Granny, just now the Princess of Beijingshui said that the estate should be entrusted to capable descendants—that's the way to lasting prosperity. I think her words are sound."

Wang Lady's brow tightened. Wang Xifeng had lost her reliance on Lady Lian-er, and now she was drawing close to that boy—even giving him her trusted maid.

Now that the Lady Rongguo title and estate had returned to the eldest branch, she was treating him as her pillar, speaking always in his defense.

How could she forget who brought her into the Jia household, who arranged her marriage as eldest daughter-in-law of Lady Rongguo, and entrusted her with full managerial authority? She's ungrateful.

Wang Lady, feeling dejected, realized even her own niece couldn't be relied upon—she was utterly isolated and helpless.

Yet Wang Wang Xifeng continued: "Though Cong-ge has taken the estate, Madam needn't fear he'll mistreat the second branch or Bao-yu."

"To others, the Lady Rongguo estate is boundless wealth—but to Cong-ge, it's not. From what I've seen, he won't hoard or mistreat family for its sake."

Wang Lady's prayer beads spun faster. "Wang Xifeng, you're still young. Things you haven't felt firsthand seem trivial—you speak lightly."

"But this estate is vast. Once in hand, wealth stirs greed. Who can remain unmoved? Many disputes only arise when the moment arrives."

Wang Wang Xifeng laughed. "Madam's words hold truth—but others may be like that. Cong-ge is different."

"How could Granny and Madam forget? Cong-ge doesn't live on salary. Not to mention his own title estate in the Eastern Mansion."

"He also owns Xinchun Trading House—a major merchant firm, nominally under the Neiwu Prefecture as an imperial merchant."

"But everyone knows Xinchun is his private property—even the palace tacitly accepts it."

"His Xiuniang Perfume Shop in Love Shenjing still thrives. Everyone says it brings in fifty thousand taels annually in profit."

Jia Mu and Wang Lady both knew this. Jia Zhen and his son had coveted the Xiuniang Perfume Shop precisely because it made so much silver—

That greed had triggered a chain of Jia Zhen's crimes, leading to the Eastern Mansion's demotion, confiscation, Jia Zhen's death, and Jia Rong's exile to Qiongzhou for thirty years.

Even now, Jia Mu and Wang Lady shuddered at the memory, convinced Jia Cong's fate was cursed—anyone who opposed him met ruin…

Wang Wang Xifeng went on: "For years, that Qu Qu Daogu has managed his business. She's an exceptionally capable woman."

"I've heard from old relatives in Jin Ling that Xinchun has opened branches all across Jiangnan—business is booming."

"Jiangnan is wealthier than Love Shenjing. Among so many shops, surely some rival the Xiuniang Perfume Shop in profit."

"Though Xinchun is nominally an imperial merchant and pays heavy dues to the treasury, the silver left for the family is still enormous."

"Granny, calculate this: just from Xinchun, how much silver does Cong-ge earn yearly? Why would he begrudge or mistreat family over Lady Rongguo's modest estate?"

At these words, Jia Mu and Wang Lady's eyes gleamed.

One Xiuniang Perfume Shop earned fifty thousand taels a year. If that boy had opened so many branches in wealthy Jiangnan, he must be making over a hundred thousand taels annually!

Even Jia Mu, raised in a family of noble wealth, found such silver staggering.

Lady Rongguo's title estate yielded at most twenty thousand taels yearly. Now, with demotion and a reduction of five hundred shi in title lands, even twenty thousand taels might fall short.

Jia Mu weighed Wang Xifeng's words. Her grandson earned so much silver—he'd never care about Lady Rongguo's meager holdings. Her heart eased by half.

Wang Lady, hearing Jia Cong earned so much silver, could no longer hide her greed—her envy burned like fire.

But she could do nothing. With Jia Cong's current power and status, she dared not harbor even a whisper of covetousness.

Wang Wang Xifeng continued: "Cong-ge, as a scholar, values reputation above all. He's flush with silver—such petty acts are beneath him."

Jia Mu nodded. "If he has his own means, so much the better. Then he won't waste his mind on household squabbles."

"After these days of guests pass, I'll call him to discuss how to manage the estate properly—so all family members may rest easy."

…

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, west corner gate.

Jia Zheng and Jia Cong personally saw off the Prince of Beijingshui and his princess to their carriage, watching until it vanished before returning inside.

Inside the carriage, the Prince and his princess sat side by side. The princess smiled: "Your Highness came in person to congratulate him—Cong-ge must feel deeply grateful for your favor."

Water Sol smiled faintly. "He treated me with great respect—led me into Rongxi Hall, where he received all the noble guests with warmth and poise, his words perfectly measured."

The princess sensed a hint of disappointment in her husband's tone. "With Your Highness's status, Cong-ge should have received you in a private chamber to show honor."

"He's still young—how could he understand such subtle social courtesies?"

Water Sol shook his head. "Not at all. I believe he did it deliberately."

"Sometimes I'm puzzled—he's only a teenager, yet his thoughts are meticulous, his tactics seasoned, his conduct flawless—as if he'd spent decades in officialdom."

The princess, also from a Jin Ling aristocratic family, intelligent and perceptive, thought a moment. "Could it be he fears your status? He's being cautious to avoid rumors of secret ties to a royal prince?"

Water Sol's expression remained calm. "Since the Emperor's ascension, he's held deep suspicion toward the Four Princes and Eight Dukes, never ceasing to suppress them."

"Even in this Liaodong salt and iron case, though the Emperor held back, three noble houses were destroyed."

"Among the old noble heirs, only Jia Cong has received the Emperor's special favor—his honors have grown steadily, drawing attention."

"Jia Cong knows his wealth and status come solely from the Emperor. Naturally, he reads the Emperor's mind, avoids danger, seeks advantage. Otherwise, why would he be so formal and cautious when I came to congratulate him?"

"He simply doesn't want to give the Emperor any reason for suspicion or gossip."

The princess seemed doubtful. "Your Highness, are you overthinking? He's just a teenager—how could he have such deep schemes?"

Water Sol said: "A teenager who earned a title by military merit? Who holds two titles as a junior branch son? He's no ordinary boy—you can't judge him by ordinary standards."

"When he was still a little-known Jia scholar, the Emperor granted him special favor. That kind of piercing insight alone is worthy of admiration."

Water Sol asked: "How is Third Sister? Still guarding the imperial mausoleum for the late Dowager?"

The princess replied: "I visited her recently. She's well. She said since winter began, Jia Cong sent her top-quality red silk charcoal and black fox furs."

"But they must avoid suspicion—neither has come in person."

Water Sol said: "Though the Dowager has passed, the Retired Emperor granted Third Sister special permission to guard the mausoleum for six months—an honor reserved for imperial blood."

"It shows the Retired Emperor still holds affection for the Zhen family. Though the betrothal between Third Sister and Jia Cong was never formalized, their bond is already formed—this marriage must not be abandoned."

"Jia Cong is a great talent. If he becomes a Zhen son-in-law, he'll greatly strengthen the Zhen family's prosperity."

The princess frowned slightly. Her husband spoke of continuing the marriage for the Zhen family's sake—but in truth, he sought to ally with Jia Cong.

If Third Sister truly married Jia Cong, they'd become brothers-in-law, their ties deepened, and Jia Cong would no longer hold back in dealings.

Yet one thing puzzled the princess: why did her husband hold such unusual regard for Jia Cong?

Was it merely because Jia Cong excelled in literature and military talent? The prince often befriended scholars and talents—though none stood out as Jia Cong did, there were others nearly equal in literary and martial ability.

The princess knew her husband, born into a princely house, had read widely since childhood, thought deeply, and possessed broad vision.

His high regard for Jia Cong must stem from more than just literary or martial prowess—there was another reason she didn't know…

Though her husband treated her with harmony, he didn't confide every thought to her.

The princess suddenly recalled something. "Your Highness, I heard a rumor from the palace servants: Chief Liu left Love Shenjing last month—went to Jin Ling. The timing coincided with Zhen Shiwen's incident."

"I never inquire about his official travels—but why didn't you mention he went to Jin Ling?"

Water Sol's expression shifted, his tone sharp with displeasure. "Our servants grow increasingly disrespectful, gossiping recklessly. You must discipline them upon returning."

"Chief Liu went to Dezhou last month to visit his parents—I granted him leave."

Last month, Liu Changshi took leave from me to return to Dezhou to visit his parents... 」

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Lixiang Courtyard.

Wang Wang Ziteng had congratulated Jia Cong, then planned to send a servant to Wang Lady to arrange a meeting in the outer courtyard's side hall.

But the messenger returned: "Madam is in Rongqing Hall receiving guests—no opportunity yet."

Wang Wang Ziteng took his leave from Jia Zheng and Jia Cong. In Rongxi Hall, the Prince of Beijingshui was the guest of honor—he was merely an attendant, unable to speak intimately with Jia Cong.

After leaving through the west corner gate, he didn't return home. Instead, he circled to the back street of Lady Rongguo Prefecture and entered Lixiang Garden's rear gate.

Since he'd come to Lady Rongguo, he couldn't pass without seeing his two sisters. Wang Lady was unavailable—he'd visit Xue Xue Yima instead.

The old woman guarding the rear gate recognized him as the maternal uncle. She sent word inside and ushered him in.

As Wang Wang Ziteng reached the entrance of the main hall, he heard his nephew Xue Pan's voice: "Mother, stay alert! Don't let Auntie deceive you—it's urgent, urgent…"

When he entered, Xue Pan was just leaving—they nearly collided.

Wang Wang Ziteng frowned and rebuked: "Pan-er, you're no longer a child. Why are you still so reckless? What were you shouting at your mother?"

Xue Pan, startled, feared his uncle. Since childhood, he'd dreaded him—ever since his murder case in Jin Ling dragged the family north.

After arriving in Love Shenjing, Wang Wang Ziteng had summoned him and scolded him severely—since then, he'd felt guilty every time they met, avoiding him like a cat-shy mouse.

"Uncle! You've come! Mother's in the hall. I was just discussing urgent matters with her—please go in. I'll tell the kitchen to prepare a feast—you must stay for dinner. Let me pour you a few cups."

Xue Pan bowed politely and vanished—his kitchen excuse was pure nonsense. Why stay to be scolded by this old uncle?

He thought today's Lady Rongguo was bustling with guests—perhaps Feng Feng Ziying, Wei Wei Ruolan, and others would come to congratulate Cong-ge.

He could mingle, build rapport with Jia Cong, maybe even pave the way for his sister.

Inside the hall, Xue Xue Yima's face lit up at seeing her brother. "Brother, what brings you here today?"

Wang Wang Ziteng smiled. "Today is Cong-ge's inheritance of the Lady Rongguo title—I came to congratulate him, and took the chance to visit you."

Xue Xue Yima froze. Since arriving in Love Shenjing, Wang Lady had told her of the conflict between Jia Cong and her nephew Wang Yi.

She'd also heard how her sister had hired scholars to falsely accuse the newly admitted scholar Jia Cong of lacking examination qualifications—the scandal had been huge.

Her brother and the Jia family had nearly become enemies. Naturally, his relationship with Cong-ge was icy.

Why, then, would he disregard propriety and come in person to congratulate that boy? It was strange.

But such male affairs didn't concern her. She had enough of her own troubles to untangle.

…

Xue Xue Yima ordered her maid Tongxi to serve tea. Xue Baochai, hearing her uncle had arrived, came out to pay respects, then withdrew to the inner chamber.

Wang Wang Ziteng said to Xue Xue Yima: "Your niece has grown more outstanding than ever—she seems even more promising than Pan-er."

"What were you and Pan-er discussing just now? So loudly?"

Xue Xue Yima naturally couldn't bring herself to speak to her brother about her own son opposing Xue Baochai's marriage to Jia Baoyu—both were his sisters, how could she voice such words?

She merely replied evasively: "Pan'er has grown up now; he knows his sister has reached the age of coming-of-age, and just now he was worrying with me about her future."

Wang Wang Ziteng, upon hearing this, felt a subtle stir within him and said: "Sister, over the past two years I've heard rumors from the Jia household about the 'Golden-Jade Match,' suggesting Jia Baoyu and Xue Baochai are a fitting pair—is there any truth to this?"

Even before yesterday, Xue Xue Yima had thought such talk merely flattering; now, with circumstances changed, how could she still cling to those words?

She flatly denied: "Brother, don't listen to such nonsense. There are plenty with gold and jade—how can you speak of compatibility?"

Wang Wang Ziteng was a seasoned official; Xue Xue Yima's subtle intentions could not deceive him. Hearing just these two sentences, he understood his sister disapproved of her daughter marrying Jia Baoyu.

Since he had come to the Jia household to congratulate Jia Cong, he had already inquired thoroughly about the imperial edict that day—he knew full well that his nephew Jia Baoyu's reputation and prospects were ruined.

Even though Wang Lady was his sister and Jia Baoyu his nephew, as a man obsessed with power and profit, he deemed Jia Baoyu utterly unsuitable as a husband.

That his sister opposed this match was only natural. Wang Wang Ziteng recalled how Jia Cong had handled him with practiced ease, and a faint thought stirred within him.

He said: "Your niece is so outstanding—among all the women of the Xue and Wang clans, she stands at the very top."

As the saying goes, a woman fears marrying the wrong man. Sister, you must be careful—find your niece a truly noble and substantial match, or you'll fail her exquisite character."

Xue Xue Yima smiled bitterly: "Brother's words are certainly wise, but the Xue family has declined. Though we still have some wealth, our official titles and noble ranks vanished with the last generation—matching a noble household is no easy task."

Wang Wang Ziteng smiled: "How could you be so blind? A fine match is right before your eyes—why do you refuse to see it?"

Upon hearing this, Xue Xue Yima's heart leapt slightly; she faintly grasped her brother's implication.

Wang Wang Ziteng said: "I've heard that although Cong-er is not favored by the Jia matriarch, he has always excelled among the Jia youths, and all the sisters in the household are very fond of him."

You've stayed in the Jia household for two years; your niece and he are cousins by marriage. Surely they've had frequent contact—how well do they get along?"

Xue Xue Yima replied: "Cong-er is indeed kind to all the sisters. He's been very good to Xue Baochai too—last time he met a famous physician, he specifically invited him to treat Xue Baochai's old ailment. He's truly thoughtful."

I understand your meaning. Though everyone now knows Cong-er is outstanding in character and appearance, with deep roots, he is among the top candidates for marriage among the noble families."

But Cong-er holds two noble titles simultaneously—his status is too grand. Even his marriage was arranged by imperial decree. The Xue family's standing is surely insufficient to match him."

Seeing his sister's forlorn expression, Wang Wang Ziteng instantly understood her heart—she had long set her sights on Jia Cong, yet feared their families were mismatched.

Realizing this, Wang Wang Ziteng's heart burned with excitement.

Long ago, when he rose in the bureaucracy, it was through the Jia family's connections that he secured the position of Military Governor of the Capital Garrison. Since Ningguo's Jia Jing became a Daoist recluse, the Jia family's influence had shifted to Jia Zheng.

Originally, he had hoped to use Jia Zheng to secure the post of Commander of Nine Provinces, but the plan collapsed when his wife conspired to harm Jia Cong.

Now, Jia Cong has inherited the Lady Rongguo title, and still enjoys the Emperor's extraordinary favor, bearing the honor of dual noble titles. The accumulated influence and prestige of generations of Jia family connections must now flow to him.

Jia Zheng and Jia Baoyu have been reduced from the main line to the collateral branch—their decline is inevitable, and they hold no further value for leveraging power.

Though his wife's false accusation and attempt to harm Jia Cong once severed ties between him and the Lady Rongguo household, fortunately, he himself had not been involved—it was his wife's secret act—and there remains room for reconciliation.

Wang Wang Ziteng believed there were no eternal enemies. Now that he knew his sister favored Jia Cong as a son-in-law, and that Jia Cong had shown genuine care for his niece Xue Baochai,

if the two could unite, Wang Wang Ziteng's previously distant kinship with Jia Cong would advance dramatically.

Since ancient times, maternal uncles rank as high as heaven. With Xue Baochai as a link, past grievances between the Wang family and Jia Cong could be easily set aside, and his own ambitions to regain power would become perfectly natural.

"Sister, I know your thoughts. The Xue family is a great clan of Jin Ling, and your niece is the eldest daughter of the main branch. But nothing in this world is fixed—this matter can be discussed at length…"

…

Ningrong Street, Bo Jue Mansion, Jia Cong's courtyard.

In the inner courtyard bathhouse, a clothes rack by the wall held Jia Cong's spare garments, along with several elegant, delicate women's robes.

The crescent-shaped willow wood tub, polished smooth and gleaming, held Jia Cong as he luxuriously soaked in steaming hot water, the air faintly scented with wine.

Wu'er wore only a pale moon-colored undergarment, accentuating her slender, alluring figure. Her long hair was simply tied into a loose bun, no hairpins or ornaments—simple, refined, and charming.

Perhaps due to the bathhouse's warmth, Wu'er's delicate face glowed with a tempting flush.

She carefully lathered Jia Cong's hair with perfume soap from Xinchun Hall, then gently massaged it with her slender fingers—so tender, so meticulous—that Jia Cong drifted into drowsiness.

That morning, several instructors and classmates from Qingshan Academy came to pay their respects, even bringing a gift from the academy's headmaster, Zhao Zhao Chongli: a hand-written couplet for the main hall.

These former instructors and classmates differed sharply from those who came to Jia Cong on official business—they didn't flock to the Western Mansion for the spectacle, but came directly to the quieter Eastern Mansion to offer their congratulations.

Their gifts were simple and refined: calligraphy, paintings, books—free of bureaucratic convention, filled instead with genuine warmth.

Jia Cong deeply cherished his days studying at Qingshan Academy and valued these old friends greatly—he hosted a banquet at the Eastern Mansion, and after several rounds of wine, all guests departed delighted.

After massaging Jia Cong's hair and rinsing it clean, Wu'er slowly dried it with a towel and said: "Cong Sanye, you've been exhausted these past days—receiving and entertaining so many guests every day."

You must host banquets and toast with colleagues and classmates—it's far more tiring than reading and writing all day."

Jia Cong half-closed his eyes: "At a time like this, when I've just inherited the Lady Rongguo title, such social obligations are unavoidable."

Fortunately, such events rarely occur. Most guests have already come—after this, things will quiet down."

Ever since the imperial edict arrived, the next day the Lady Rongguo Mansion was flooded with visitors. We thought the crowd was already overwhelming—but that was only the beginning.

For the next three days, visitors poured in daily, growing more numerous each time—even surpassing the scale of his previous inheritance of the Lord Weiyuan Marquis title.

Nearly every one of the old Four Kings and Eight Dukes of the capital came to offer congratulations, and each sent their eldest legitimate heirs.

Among the Twelve Martial Marquises, whose noble lineages had never been broken, all sent important young men of the same generation to pay their respects to Jia Cong.

Many of these guests Jia Cong had never met before, yet now they came one after another.

Many former students and old retainers of the Ning and Rong houses also arrived to pay their respects—truly, the gates were thronged, guests like clouds.

In just three or four days, Jia Cong's network in the capital had multiplied several times over—even he was astonished.

Moreover, these visitors weren't limited to congratulating him on the title; many also brought him birthday wishes for their elders, or congratulations on their sons' and brothers' weddings.

Each used their own means to strengthen and deepen their ties with Jia Cong, the new master of Lady Rongguo.

Since Jia Zhen's death and the confiscation of the Ningguo household, and Jia She's passing, Jia Zheng's sidelining—

the vast network of influence accumulated over generations by the Ning and Rong Jias had become like water without a channel, on the verge of dispersing. Now, with Jia Cong's inheritance of the Lady Rongguo title, it was rapidly converging upon him.

This was a far more profound and far-reaching transfer of invisible power than the mere passing of title and property.

When Jia Cong recalled how Wang Wang Ziteng, once estranged from him, had lowered his pride and personally come to congratulate him, he gradually realized this trend was accelerating.

Perhaps the discerning among the Four Kings and Eight Dukes had already sensed that Jia Cong was not merely the new master of Lady Rongguo—he carried other unique value.

Among the new generation of nobles from the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, Jia Cong was one of the few favored and elevated by Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao.

Given Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's stern and sharp nature, his exceptional favor toward Jia Cong was an exceedingly rare phenomenon.

Perhaps soon, Jia Cong could become a bridge between the oppressed circle of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, and the supreme monarch who commands the four seas.

When Jia Cong finished his bath, refreshed and free of wine's scent, Wu'er helped him tie his hair and dress, when Qingwen came to deliver a message.

The Western Mansion's matriarch, knowing Jia Cong has been busy today, asks him to come tomorrow to Rongqing Hall in the Western Mansion to discuss family matters. (End of chapter)