Chapter 514: Hastily Heading Eastward

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

When Jia Mu heard Wang Lady's veiled insinuations, she couldn't help frowning—her second daughter-in-law, scolded by her own husband, must have been driven mad with rage.

What's the point of her speaking these words to Cong-ge? With this boy's cunning and tactics, how could such words possibly bind him?

Jia Mu watched coldly from the side; though Jia Cong's tone had been calm, his words had concealed needles in silk—he had already turned against them inwardly and refused to fall into her second daughter-in-law's trap.

Had her own wife not provoked him with those words, out of respect for her husband, he would surely have urged him to stay in the western compound's side courtyard.

Her husband had always valued this boy; if he had truly listened to his advice, he might have abandoned the plan to move to the eastern compound entirely. That was precisely why Jia Mu had summoned Jia Cong—to achieve exactly this.

But after hearing his wife's sly, bitter remarks, the boy grew uneasy and simply withdrew from the matter entirely.

Saying he, as a junior, shouldn't meddle and leaving the decision to them—those were all excuses. He'd heard the poisonous words and now feared tarnishing his reputation, refusing to get involved further.

My second daughter-in-law may be cruel, but she's ultimately a rigid fool who can't get things done…

Jia Zheng, hearing Jia Cong's praise of his careful deliberation and upright dignity, felt a renewed surge of confidence.

When Jia Cong added that his reverence and affection for him remained unchanged regardless of where he lived, Jia Zheng felt even more assured.

He recalled the humiliation of the Clan Office and the Ministry of Rites arriving together to interrogate him that day, and any remaining hesitation vanished.

He said: "Grandmother, this matter is settled. I will have Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife arrange for Lady Da to be moved to the western compound, and I will lead the family's younger generation to the eastern compound."

"Only thus can we demonstrate Lady Rongguo Mansion's proper adherence to ritual and propriety—dispelling outside speculation and benefiting the entire household's harmony and stability."

Hearing Jia Zheng's words, Jia Cong sighed inwardly: Jia Zheng's move out of Rongxi Hall could be justified under court and ancestral law—he didn't need to relocate to the eastern compound at all.

But Wang Lady's earlier words had put Jia Cong on guard, making him realize some matters couldn't be taken lightly.

Wang Lady deeply resented his inheritance of the title; her bitterness and resentment would likely never fade.

Jia Zheng's proposal to move to the eastern compound had nothing to do with him, yet Wang Lady still used filial piety as a weapon to constrain him—her intentions were sinister, clearly aiming to trap him into leaving behind a stain on his moral character.

If this happened once, it would happen again. Letting such a person reside in the western compound, daily stirring trouble and provoking conflict—what unknown disasters might arise?

That was why, just now, he had used the deference of a junior to offer evasive words regarding Jia Zheng's relocation, letting events unfold without further interference.

Jia Mu glanced at Jia Cong beside her; his expression was calm, and he made no reply to her son's words—how could she not see the truth?

Her daughter-in-law's extreme remarks had already convinced Jia Cong to stay out of this matter entirely.

Jia Mu sighed deeply within: her stubborn son and her dim-witted daughter-in-law had no chance against this boy.

…

Wang Lady called out in a voice heavy with sorrow: "Grandmother!" as if hoping Jia Mu would intervene.

Jia Mu's gaze toward her daughter-in-law now held a faint trace of distaste—had the woman not spoken those harsh words, things wouldn't have reached this state.

Now that her son had spoken definitively, the momentum of this matter could no longer be reversed.

Moreover, her son's concerns were not without merit…

Jia Mu sighed to Jia Zheng: "Since you've already decided, I'll let you have your way this time. But you have many sons and grandsons—the eastern compound has only a few rooms; it will be too cramped."

She turned to Jia Cong: "Cong-ge, you are now the heir to the family estate. Your father's move to the eastern compound is for the family's sake—you can't live in squalor."

"I lack the energy to manage this. Discuss a plan with Feng-ya and ensure your father is comfortable—that will be your filial duty fulfilled."

Jia Cong finally replied: "Grandmother, rest assured. I will discuss this carefully with my second sister-in-law and see it properly done."

Wang Lady was stunned—how could the grandmother agree? And now she was ordering this boy to renovate the eastern compound?

She had thought her words would corner Jia Cong, forcing him, out of respect for his father, to plead with Jia Zheng to stay in the western compound.

But this boy refused to take the bait—he spoke polished phrases and washed his hands clean of the matter entirely, letting Jia Zheng's move become reality. What a cold-hearted schemer he is! …

People often say fate is predetermined and opinions vary, but human hearts have fixed inclinations—even if fate is predetermined, it is shaped by these fixed inclinations.

Had Wang Lady not spoiled Jia Baoyu so excessively, he wouldn't have grown into a lazy, arrogant, reckless youth who speaks without restraint and insults the Retired Emperor.

Under the ancestral law of elder-brother-to-younger-brother succession, even if Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao had favored Jia She, he'd have had no legitimate excuse—Jia Zheng might truly have inherited Jia She's title, and Jia Cong would never have held dual titles.

Wang Lady is like a long candlestick—she only illuminates others, never herself.

In the matter of her branch losing the right of succession, she sees no fault in herself, only believing Jia Cong stole her branch's glory and honor.

It is this fixed mental bias that makes her view Jia Cong as an enemy, scheming relentlessly to undermine and trap him.

Yet the result is the opposite of her intent—she has turned her bias into fate: not only must she leave Rongxi Hall, but she must retreat to the cramped eastern compound. Who can she blame?

…

Events within Lady Rongguo Mansion are never kept secret.

Especially a shocking rumor like Jia Zheng and Wang Lady moving to the eastern compound—within the time of a single meal, the news spread throughout both eastern and western branches of the Jia family.

After returning to the eastern branch, Jia Cong soon informed his sisters of the events in Rongqing Hall, recounting every detail.

Jia Zheng was gentle by nature; though strict with Jia Baoyu and Jia Jia Huan, he treated other younger generations kindly and was well-regarded.

Lin Daiyu, Seeing Yingchun, and others, upon hearing the cause, sighed with sympathy.

Jia Cong inheriting the Lady Rongguo title and Jia Zheng's family moving out of Rongxi Hall were matters of ritual and custom—awkward, perhaps, but within the norms of noble families.

But Jia Zheng's branch relocating to the eastern compound was, between strict ritual and lenient tolerance, entirely optional.

Yet due to circumstances, it became a settled fact—what could one say? Whom could one blame?

Seeing Tan Chun, as a daughter of the second branch, felt a quiet sorrow upon hearing this. Her mind was sharp and perceptive; after hearing Jia Cong's account, she saw the underlying truth immediately.

Given the harmony between Third Brother and Father, Father's proposal to move to the eastern compound would have prompted Third Brother to speak up and dissuade him.

Had Mother not provoked and sabotaged, how could Third Brother have grown wary and silent? How could things have turned out this way?

Jia Cong, seeing Seeing Tan Chun's expression, guessed her thoughts and said: "Third sister, don't overthink it. The eastern compound was originally Elder Brother's residence—it was always separated from Lady Rongguo Mansion."

"Elder Brother invested much effort into it; the buildings were elegant and well-maintained—not at all poor."

"I will discuss with your second sister-in-law and have the eastern compound renovated and expanded, so Father can live comfortably—that will be our duty fulfilled."

Seeing Tan Chun opened her mouth as if to speak, then hesitated: "Third brother, Mother…."

Jia Cong smiled: "Every household has its own hard-to-recite scriptures—it's not unusual. This is better, really. Fewer troubles ahead, greater peace for all."

Seeing Tan Chun understood—Third Brother's words about fewer troubles meant he had already grown wary. Mother's schemes could never be hidden.

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Jia Baoyu's Courtyard.

These past days, Lady Rongguo Mansion had been in chaos: first, Jia Zheng and Wang Lady moved out of Rongxi Hall; then came word they'd move to the eastern compound.

Then Wang Lady suddenly fell ill, unable to even rise from her bed…

Such a seismic shift in the second branch naturally shook Jia Baoyu's courtyard—everyone within was unsettled.

The entire Lady Rongguo Mansion had been turned upside down: the former illegitimate son of the eastern compound had become its master, a shockwave for the hundreds of servants in the western branch.

Thus, opportunists, testers, and schemers emerged—everyone sought a foothold in the upheaval, hoping to climb higher.

For instance, the old women who once worked alongside Liu's wife in the western compound's kitchen now sought every chance to approach her.

But the eastern branch's gates were strictly guarded—they couldn't even enter, let alone curry favor with Liu's daughter.

Liu's daughter came daily to the western branch; these women found excuses to speak with her, calling her "Big Miss Liu" loudly—but though she was polite and refined, she never responded, never took the bait.

These days, such scheming by the western branch's servants had become commonplace, growing ever more frequent, turning into a trend—everything was in disarray.

But the maids and old women in Jia Baoyu's courtyard were not among them—not because they were morally superior, but because they were Jia Baoyu's servants.

Jia Baoyu was the cherished pearl of the grandmother and the mistress, the peerless phoenix of Lady Rongguo Mansion, the most favored among the young masters and ladies.

Thus, Jia Baoyu's servants seemed elevated above others in the Jia household; to have a son or daughter enter Jia Baoyu's quarters was like bringing honor to the entire clan.

But precisely because of this, Jia Baoyu's servants bore the mark of the second branch—even if they wished to cleanse themselves, they could not.

So when Lady Rongguo Mansion changed masters, their position became disadvantageous; they could not, under any circumstance, betray their master to climb higher like others.

Every single servant under Jia Baoyu was a household-born slave, and none were fools—otherwise, they could never have infiltrated Jia Baoyu's courtyard.

They all knew Mistress had fallen ill—reportedly from rage, believing the eastern branch's Cong Sanye Jia Cong had stolen her branch's title and wealth. Though no open conflict had erupted, in her heart, the second and first branches were now enemies.

Though Father and Mistress had left Rongxi Hall and lost power compared to the eastern branch, that was only relative.

To Jia Baoyu's maids and old women, Mistress was still Mistress—she could still end their lives with ease, so none dared act rashly.

Yet even so, apart from Xi Ren, She Nan Yue, and a few truly loyal ones, others felt uncertain and anxious.

…

These past days, as Wang Lady prepared to leave Rongxi Hall—she and Jia Zheng had lived there for fifteen years since the old patriarch's death, accumulating vast possessions—

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife arranged staff who spent two days clearing everything out. When Wang Lady suddenly fell ill, additional nimble maids were assigned to her temporary side courtyard to organize her belongings.

This morning, Xi Ren and She Nan Yue, the two senior maids, went to the side courtyard to help sort things.

Jia Baoyu, grieving the death of a favored concubine of the Prince of Beijing, had arrived early at the mansion to express his condolences.

The courtyard was left with only Qiufen and Biheng, the two senior maids; as soon as Jia Baoyu and others left, they too vanished together.

Another maid, Tanyun, had been taken home for her mother's birthday; the other common maids, seeing Jia Baoyu and the seniors gone, assumed they'd be useless, and slipped out to play.

When Jia Baoyu returned from the Prince of Beijing's mansion, he found his room empty—only a few old women sweeping and washing remained in the courtyard; not a single young maid was to be seen.

Though Jia Baoyu was wealthy, lazy, and clueless, he never treated his pretty maids harshly—often indulging them. Now that they were gone, he felt annoyed but not angry.

Feeling thirsty, he called twice—no one answered. The old women sweeping outside tried to enter and serve him, but he dismissed them with distaste. He took a teacup himself and poured water from the bamboo basket holding the hot kettle, when someone behind him said: "Young Master, careful—you'll burn your hand. Let me do it."

Jia Baoyu startled—the teacup was already neatly taken from his hand. The person swiftly poured water from the kettle and handed it to him.

Jia Baoyu saw it was a common maid, dressed in a half-new, half-worn gown, with a long face, slender frame, and delicate features.

Jia Baoyu asked: "Are you one of my maids? What's your name? I've never seen you before."

The maid replied: "I'm called Xiao Hong. I only do chores in the back courtyard—I've never served in your quarters. It's no surprise you don't know me."

Jia Baoyu thought it made sense—he didn't know Xiao Hong simply because, though pretty, she wasn't strikingly beautiful.

So though she had served in his quarters for some time, he had never noticed her.

Had she been as stunning as Qingwen or as beautiful as Wu'er, Young Master Jia Baoyu would have known her long ago.

…

At that moment, footsteps approached from outside, heading toward the inner room—Xiao Hong's face changed slightly, and she hurried out of the room.

Seeing Qiufen and Bihen return, their expressions were far from pleasant; when they spotted Xiao Hong emerging from Jia Baoyu's chamber, both glared at her, and Bihen even rushed inside to peer around everywhere.

She came out shortly after, shook her head at Qiufen, and said, "Bao Er Ye Jia Baoyu says he just got back."

Qiufen, hearing only Jia Baoyu was inside, grew even more bitter and said, "Looks like we came back too early. If we'd returned later, you'd have been pleased—maybe even done us a favor."

Xiao Hong's face turned pale. "What do you mean, Sister? I just dropped a handkerchief and was searching for it out front."

Bao Er Ye Jia Baoyu called for tea several times, but no one answered, so I went in to pour it—just happened to run into you two returning. There was nothing improper about it."

Qiufen, having spoken only one sentence, found Xiao Hong retorting without yielding an inch.

Her inner anger surged—today her mood was already foul.

Lady Rongguo Mansion had changed hands; though Qiufen and Bihen were Jia Baoyu's top maids, compared to Xi Ren and She Nan Yue's loyalty and vision, they were second-rate.

Those two were utterly devoted to Jia Baoyu and understood that even if Jia Cong inherited the estate, given his bond with Master Jia, the second branch might lose prestige but would never lose wealth.

Influenced by those around them, Qiufen and Bihen knew their position but lacked the inner strength to remain calm—they could no longer suppress their restlessness.

Though they dared not climb to higher branches, they had nonetheless entertained some idle thoughts.

Their first thought was Wu'er: back then, Wu'er, weak-bodied, had never served in the mansion, only helping in the kitchen with menial tasks.

Qiufen and Bihen often went to the kitchen for errands; they had met several times and were all old acquaintances within the household.

Now all were maids, yet Wu'er had been assigned by Jia Cong to co-manage the Western Mansion's affairs—her status as his trusted confidante was obvious.

The Western Mansion's servants now addressed this former kitchen girl as "Miss Liu," driving Qiufen, Bihen, and others to jealousy.

Though they lacked the courage to defect to a new master, cultivating ties with old acquaintances to leave themselves a future escape route was harmless.

So today, taking advantage of Jia Baoyu's outing and Xi Ren and She Nan Yue's early departure to Lady Wang's side chamber, Qiufen and Bihen slipped off to Fengjie's courtyard to see Wu'er.

…

Since Wu'er spent her days assisting Wang Wang Xifeng with the Western Mansion's affairs, Wang Wang Xifeng had assigned her a room for rest during spare moments.

Once, Wu'er had merely been a kitchen errand-girl, while Qiufen and Bihen were envied as Jia Baoyu's personal maids; now times had turned, honor and disgrace reversed, worlds apart.

Fortunately, Wu'er, though prosperous, held no airs—still as kind and courteous as before—but she ignored all their veiled overtures, keeping a distance between them.

Qiufen and Bihen were no fools; they knew Wu'er, though outwardly amiable, held no real regard for them and deliberately kept her distance.

After all, they were Jia Baoyu's maids—marked by the second branch.

Now, no one knew why Lady Wang had fallen ill, and because of her, Jia Baoyu and Cong Sanye Cong could never be aligned.

How could Jia Cong's trusted maid possibly favor them?

Qiufen and Bihen's scheming had come to nothing; naturally, they were deeply displeased.

Just now, Xiao Hong had deftly countered them, and since Xiao Hong was only a low-grade, menial maid, Bihen could still hold back—but Qiufen could no longer suppress the rage she'd bottled up all day.

She spat at Xiao Hong: "You shameless, lowborn wretch! Don't you have chores to do? While we were out, you sneaked in to play the clever one—do you think we're all dead?"

"Look in a mirror—do you even deserve to pour tea and fetch water?"

Bihen, seeing Qiufen start yelling, chimed in: "Tomorrow, let's leave tea and water duties entirely to her—we'll all step back and let her have all the glory."

As they quarreled fiercely, Xiao Hong's face flushed crimson with fury, but she couldn't curse back—her anger choked her, unbearable.

Jia Baoyu stepped out and said, "You weren't in the room earlier, and it was fine you went out for a stroll—but why start quarreling the moment you returned? I've always been lenient with you, and now you act so recklessly."

Hearing Jia Baoyu speak, Qiufen and Bihen fell silent. Xiao Hong seized the chance to slip into the back courtyard to avoid the storm, then slipped out the back gate; her heart heavy with shame and irritation, she wandered aimlessly through the garden's quiet corners.

Walking beside a rockery, she suddenly heard voices above.

"Second Sister-in-Law, I want to tear down the northern wall of the Eastern Courtyard and enclose Old Master's Mengpo Study and the adjacent land, then build several new pavilions."

"Third Brother, that would nearly double the size of the Eastern Courtyard."

"Since Old Master is moving there, we must make sure he's comfortable…"

Xiao Hong looked up and saw two figures standing atop the rockery, gazing toward a distant building—one was Second Mistress, the other clear-boned and strikingly handsome: Cong Sanye Cong of the Eastern Mansion.

Xiao Hong then heard Wang Wang Xifeng say: "Third Brother, you're thoughtful. Yesterday, when you sent Wu'er to deliver your message, I had Wang'er go to the Western Market and find the tile-and-mason foreman who once renovated our garden."

"They've provided the current brick-and-tile prices, and the household register of Western Mansion servants you requested—all ready for you to review."

Wang Wang Xifeng turned to descend the steps, but Jia Cong said: "Second Sister-in-Law, you're not well—don't trouble yourself running back and forth. Send someone."

Wang Wang Xifeng agreed, glanced down, and spotted Xiao Hong beneath the rockery. "Which chamber are you from?"

Xiao Hong smiled. "Is there something you need me to do, Second Mistress?"

Wang Wang Xifeng, noting her fresh, clean appearance and quick speech, smiled back: "I didn't bring a maid today, and now I recall something that needs delivering. Can you handle it?"

Xiao Hong glanced at Jia Cong beside Wang Wang Xifeng and hurriedly replied: "Second Mistress, please give your order—I'll deliver it faithfully."

Wang Wang Xifeng said: "Go to my courtyard, ask Pingjie to fetch the scroll from beneath the Ru-yao dish rack, and two loose sheets of paper—bring them here at once."

Xiao Hong quickly replied: "Second Mistress, rest assured—I'll deliver the message right away."

Wang Wang Xifeng asked: "Which chamber are you from? If your mistress asks after you, I'll vouch for you."

As Xiao Hong walked off, she turned back and answered: "I'm from Bao Er Ye Jia Baoyu's chamber. My name is Xiao Hong."

Jia Cong, hearing the name, felt his heart leap, murmuring softly: "Xiao Hong…"

Wang Wang Xifeng noticed Jia Cong staring after the maid's retreating figure, his gaze fixed.

She teased: "Third Brother, why are you staring so intently at that girl? Your taste in maids is usually sharp—this one's looks are ordinary. What caught your eye?"

Jia Cong said: "Second Sister-in-Law, where are you imagining? Don't you see how composed her responses are, how quick her words? She's sharp and intelligent." (End of Chapter)