Chapter 521

Rongguo Prefecture, Jia Cong's courtyard.

In the blink of an eye, it was the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month. Both the East and West Prefectures had changed their door gods, posted couplets, hung plaques, and freshly painted the peach wood charms, making everything inside and out look brand new.

Rising at dawn, outside the glass window lattice, the sky was still half-dark. Zhi Shao got up, gathered her hair, and lit all the eight-foot candle stands in the room.

The warm, golden candlelight illuminated the dim room, casting her beautiful and slender silhouette against the milky-white walls.

Jia Cong also lifted the bed curtains and saw Zhi Shao walking around the room in her snow-silk undergarments, her graceful figure very pleasing to the eye.

He was in no hurry to get out of bed; he just sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed, smiling and appreciating the warm and charming scene before him.

Seeing his strange expression, Zhi Shao's pretty face flushed slightly, and the corners of her mouth curled into a smile that was not quite a smile, as if she were acting coy.

Having lived in the same room and been intimate countless times over the years, she naturally would not be shy before him.

Ignoring Jia Cong's appreciative and playful gaze, she tied on a white cotton skirt embroidered with plum branches, wore a snow-blue satin long jacket with a cross-collar, fastened the buttons under her ribs, and layered a short snow-fox fur jacket over it.

Facing the faint morning light, she combed her dark hair carefully, twisted it into a black bun, and inserted a moist jade hairpin. All her lazy, charming appearance was covered, and she was already a beautiful and graceful lady.

She came forward to help Jia Cong lift the bed curtains, hooked them with old copper hooks shaped like the "Five Sons Achieving Success," and laughed, "Cong Sanye, it's not like you haven't seen it before; is it worth staring like this?"

Jia Cong laughed, "Because you are beautiful; no matter how much I look, I can't get enough."

Zhi Shao laughed, "If Cong Sanye loves to look, then look for a long, long time. I'm just afraid that one day you'll get tired of looking."

She went to the sandalwood ruyi cloud-hanging clothes rack, took a moon-white satin-faced round-collar robe with floral patterns, helped Jia Cong put it on, and undid his hair bun to comb it again.

She said, "I have already arranged the carriage and horses for yesterday. Today is the twenty-ninth of the twelfth month. I am going to Mouni Nunnery to accompany my master and senior sister for the year-end celebration, and I will return to the prefecture tomorrow to spend New Year's Eve with Cong Sanye."

Jia Cong nodded and said, "Abbess Xiushan is advanced in age and is a guest in the Love Shenjing; you should indeed show more filial piety. After New Year's Eve, I will accompany you to pay New Year's greetings to the Abbess."

He pointed to a wooden box on the bookshelf and said, "Last time Abbess Sister Miao Yu came to chant sutras for Lin Meimei to ease her mind, I promised to give her a hand-copied Heart Sutra."

"I happened to have time to finish writing it a few days ago. There is a hand-copied Heart Sutra in that box, as well as a volume of hand-copied old poems. Help me bring them to Abbess Sister Miao Yu."

Zhi Shao laughed, "Senior Sister will surely be very happy to receive Cong Sanye's handwriting. Back then, the volume of the 'Buddha Speaks of the Five Aggregates' you gave Master was often read by Senior Sister, and she couldn't put it down."

At this moment, the door was tapped twice and then gently pushed open. Jia Cong saw Ling Guan enter carrying a large copper basin, from which white steam was rising.

Jia Cong saw her brows knitted like spring mountains and her eyes like autumn waters. She wore a light blue embroidered cross-collar long jacket, a dark blue sweat-towel tied at her waist, and a spring orchid pearl-inlaid gold hairpin in her dark hair bun.

Jia Cong remembered that this elegant and exquisite gold hairpin was a gift Zhen Fangqing had given Ling Guan when they were in Jin Ling.

He asked curiously, "Ling Guan, it used to be Wu'er who came; why did you replace her today?"

Ever since Ling Guan entered the East Prefecture and moved into Jia Cong's courtyard, Jia Cong's daily personal service, reading, and studying had been handled by Zhi Shao, Wu'er, Qingwen, Zhen Ying Lian, and others.

Ling Guan did not do Jia Cong's personal chores. Besides often cooking for Jia Cong, leading the little maids to clean the courtyard, learning to write, reading books, or studying scripts, she had nothing else to do.

Ling Guan smiled slightly, very sweetly and movingly, and said, "Today is the twenty-ninth of the twelfth month. The West Prefecture is the busiest, with guests coming and going, arranging New Year's banquets, and organizing decorations everywhere."

"Sister Wu'er went to help Second Grandmother early this morning. Sister Qingwen has been rushing to finish Cong Sanye's New Year's needlework these past few days and often stays up late, so she hasn't slept well. That's why Sister Wu'er asked me to replace her in serving Cong Sanye."

After the two served Jia Cong's washing, Jia Cong helped Zhi Shao organize the New Year's gifts for Abbess Xiushan, personally sent Zhi Shao out of the West Corner Gate of the East Prefecture, arranged for guards and matrons, and only returned to the prefecture after the carriage had gone far away.

When he returned to the inner courtyard and just walked near his own courtyard, he saw maids and matrons carrying many boxes in and out of the courtyard, with Yingchun standing to one side directing them with Xiuju.

Seeing Jia Cong return, Yingchun laughed, "It's just right that Third Brother is back. Miss Qu from the Jin Ling Xin Chun Hao sent six boxes of New Year's gifts. I have already deposited the two boxes of silver into the treasury."

"As for the other four boxes of gifts, one box is full of Third Brother's clothes, pants, shoes, and hats, various Western trinkets, and high-quality personal items."

"The clothes are all handmade with exquisite craftsmanship, not bought from a shop. I only heard that Miss Qu travels the world and has martial arts skills; I didn't expect her needlework to be so outstanding. She is truly a capable person who can do everything."

"The other three boxes of gifts were all prepared by Miss Qu for the sisters in the family, as well as for the eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law, the two ladies, Grandmother..."

Yingchun had people open a few boxes for Jia Cong to inspect. Qingwen, Zhen Ying Lian, Ling Guan, and others who came to watch the excitement all let out exclamations.

Each box was filled with a dazzling array of gifts, neatly arranged by category, and all labeled to indicate who each item was for, making it clear at a glance.

Yingchun looked a bit puzzled and asked, "Third Brother, Miss Qu has never been to our prefecture; why is she so familiar with the members of the family?"

"I just took a rough look, and the gifts for the female relatives are all very exquisite and thoughtful, as if she had stayed in our house before and knew everyone's preferences."

Jia Cong naturally knew the reason. Qu Hongxiu had also made clothes for him, but when it came to exquisite needlework, that still belonged to Qin Keqing.

Most of this box of clothes, shoes, and socks were likely the work of Keqing and the maid Ruizhu. Although Baozhu's little hands were strong, she was not good at needlework; she was only good at hitting people with clubs from behind.

Moreover, Yingchun was right; hadn't Keqing stayed in the Jia family? How could she not be familiar with the family members?

But he couldn't tell Yingchun that he had stolen Keqing to Jin Ling back then, so he had to cover it up: "I probably talked to her often about things at home, so she kept it in mind."

Yingchun smiled, "It's truly a blessing that you found a master like Miss Qu. Not only can she watch the business for you outside, but she even keeps the delicate matters at home in her heart."

"She saves you so much worry; she's almost catching up to me, your sister."

Yingchun took a box from a matron and said, "Third Brother, there is another gift here, also sent by Xin Chun Hao, but not the Jin Ling Xin Chun Hao, but the Gusu Xin Chun Hao."

"This is strange. Miss Qu's seasonal gifts are sent from two different places?"

Ling Guan, who was watching the excitement to one side, couldn't help but brighten her eyes. Everyone present didn't know the origin of the New Year's gifts sent from Gusu Xin Chun Hao, but Ling Guan knew...

Jia Cong opened the box. Inside was a neatly folded robe and a pair of thick cotton shoes.

Although the items were ordinary, both the robe and the cotton shoes had delicate stitches.

Jia Cong could see that the craftsmanship of this robe was significantly better than the previous one, so he figured she had put a lot of thought into it.

There was also a light blue Xue Tao letter paper in the box, with two short sentences written on it in beautiful handwriting, which were thought-provoking: "Smoke and fireworks in the deep alley reflect on floating life; the spring water of a river resents parting."

Ling Guan could think of the origin of this box, and Jia Cong naturally could too. He sighed slightly in his heart and subconsciously touched the tiger-pattern jade plate belt at his waist.

Jia Cong had Qingwen, Zhen Ying Lian, Ling Guan, and others take the gifts according to the labels and send them to Daiyu, Seeing Tan Chun, and the other sisters in the garden.

He and Yingchun took the other gifts to the West Prefecture to deliver them; they couldn't waste the efforts of Qu Hongxiu and Qin Keqing.

The two left the East Prefecture and entered the West Prefecture through the small side gate. Passing near Lixiang Garden, they saw maids and matrons frequently entering and leaving the garden entrance, appearing somewhat busy.

Jin Chuan, who was in the crowd, saw Jia Cong and Yingchun and hurriedly came over to salute. Jia Cong asked, "Why is Xue Yima's house so lively today?"

Jin Chuan said, "Today, the second master of the Xue family is setting off to return to the southern province. The carriage passed by the house, so he specifically stopped for a while to come and say goodbye to the Lady and the young ladies."

That day, Jia Cong and Xue Yuan had a conversation at Rongqing Hall. Xue Yuan was capable, quick-witted, and had great vision and ambition, all of which left a deep impression on him.

Now that he was passing by the door, it would be somewhat impolite not to see him off, knowing he was about to set off for the south.

So he took the gift for Baochai, had Jin Chuan hold it, let Yingchun go to Jia Mu's place to deliver gifts first, and he and Jin Chuan entered Lixiang Garden.

After walking through the halls for a while, they heard a clear voice coming from the front. Jia Cong recognized it as Xue Yuan's voice.

He saw a young man with delicate features following Xue Yuan, his behavior quiet and shy.

Following Xue Yuan were also Xue Yima Xue, Xue Pan, and others.

Everyone was a bit surprised to see Jia Cong appear suddenly.

Jia Cong laughed, "I brought some home-style gifts from Jin Ling to give to Sister Bao. I happened to hear that the second master of the Xue family was returning to the southern province, so I came specifically to see him off." Xue Yuan thanked him repeatedly, and the two exchanged words about meeting again and taking care, after which Jia Cong, Xue Yima Xue, and the others saw Xue Yuan and his son off through the back gate of Lixiang Garden.

Three carriages were already parked in sequence on the back street. Xue Yuan and his son got into the first carriage. Jia Cong saw the curtain of the second carriage lift, and Xue Baochai stepped down using a footstool.

Baochai was slightly surprised to see Jia Cong, wondering why he had suddenly come to Lixiang Garden today. However, seeing what Jin Chuan was holding, she guessed that Jia Cong had come to find her, and she was happy in her heart.

Ever since her cousin arrived in the Love Shenjing, she had caught a cold. Because she was ill, she had been staying in the carriage to avoid the wind, which was why Baochai had entered the carriage to say goodbye to her.

Jia Cong heard a clear and moving voice coming from the carriage, all words of parting, elegant, soft, crisp, and very pleasant to hear.

Behind the lifted curtain, a face of heavenly beauty was revealed, like a stunningly beautiful clear light in the bleak winter day, making one's heart tremble slightly.

The person in the carriage also saw the young man beside her aunt—standing like a jade tree, with a handsome appearance and a clear and spirited bearing, like a fleeting illusion. Under the shock, she subconsciously lowered the carriage curtain slowly.

Under the clear winter sky, the carriage driver's whip cracked, which seemed to shake the heart. The carriage wheels rumbled, slowly driving out of the back street and going far away...

Yingchun followed behind with Xiuju and several matrons carrying boxes of gifts.

As they walked along, they could all clearly feel that the New Year atmosphere in Rongguo Prefecture had reached its peak.

From the outer gate, the ceremonial gate, and all the main paths, all the way to the inner courtyard's corridors, side halls, and main halls.

Everywhere they walked, the main gates were wide open, and vermilion-painted gold-traced lanterns were hung high on both sides of the steps. Even in broad daylight, they were lit like two golden dragons, and they would be even more dazzling at night.

The maids and matrons walking around had already changed into new clothes and groomed themselves, and everyone looked spirited.

The entire mansion, inside and out, radiated a vibrant vitality that had not been there in previous years.

Although Jia Mu, Lady Wang, and others had various regrets, unwillingness, and jealousy regarding Jia Cong's succession.

But to the outside world, Jia Cong's imperial succession and holding two titles was a rare and glorious joyous event for Rongguo Prefecture.

Jia Cong had also entrusted all the management power of Rongguo Prefecture to Wang Xifeng. Now, this aunt and nephew-in-law were a single entity of interest, prospering together.

Whether for herself or others, Wang Xifeng wanted to take advantage of the New Year to boost the prestige of the Rongguo eldest branch to the fullest, not only to show outsiders the legitimate position of the Rongguo eldest branch but also to show the family members.

Therefore, she strove for uprightness and magnificence in the New Year decorations and arrangements in the mansion this year.

She also threw all the expenses saved from rectifying household affairs and cutting costs into the New Year decorations and entertainment.

Of course, she had previously explained her intentions for all these actions to Jia Cong through Wu'er and Ping'er, and had received Jia Cong's approval.

Moreover, Jia Cong had promoted Xiao Hong to be the managing maid of Rongxi Hall, allowing the face that Lin Zhixiao and his wife had lost when Lady Wang tore it off to be regained, making them wholeheartedly respectful and obedient to Jia Cong from then on.

They executed the various New Year arrangements planned by Wang Xifeng very thoroughly and appropriately, decorating the entire New Year atmosphere of Rongguo Prefecture to be exceptionally prosperous and wealthy.

Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Two bronze "Fortune and Longevity" blue-enamel hollowed-out incense burners were placed in the hall, burning high-quality red clay charcoal and Suhe cypress incense, with warm and fragrant air overflowing everywhere, as warm as spring.

All the brocade curtains, colorful screens, bright red cushions, brocade backrests, and red satin pillows in the hall had been replaced with brand-new ones, looking very wealthy and festive.

However, Rongqing Hall appeared somewhat deserted, with only Jia Mu and Lady Wang sitting and chatting, and Wang Xifeng's figure was nowhere to be seen.

By the twenty-ninth of the twelfth month, the number of relatives and friends visiting the prefecture had increased rather than decreased.

Wang Xifeng set up several tables of flowing banquets in the largest side hall of the inner courtyard, and with Wu'er, Ping'er, and several clean and thoughtful matrons from the inner courtyard, she entertained the female relatives visiting from various families.

Because Jia Cong had not yet married and Rongguo Prefecture did not have a proper mistress in charge, this kind of New Year female relative entertainment was naturally handled by Wang Xifeng, the eldest sister-in-law.

Originally, Lady Xing was Jia Cong's legitimate mother and had the highest status, but she was now a widow and naturally could not show her face.

Lady Wang no longer even had a proper status and could not overstep her bounds to show her face.

Jia Mu was advanced in age and held a noble title. When noble ladies from various families came to visit, they only went to Rongqing Hall to pay their respects and talk. As for attending banquets, it was naturally for the younger generation to entertain, and there was no reason for her to accompany the guests.

At this time in previous years, Lady Wang was the glorious and dazzling mistress in charge, but this year she had been beaten to pieces, looking like she had lost her parents.

Therefore, she could only accompany Jia Mu to talk in Rongqing Hall, at least showing her face in front of the old lady. After the New Year, when she moved to the East Courtyard, even such opportunities would be few.

"Grandmother, Cong Ge'er is still young after all, and he hasn't experienced many of the twists and turns of household affairs."

"Originally, Xiao Hong in Bao Yu's room relied on the influence of her parents, acted frivolously, and was lazy in her work. There was no one in Bao Yu's room who didn't hate her."

"I also felt that this girl was truly outrageous, which is why I drove her out. I didn't expect that girl to be so cunning; I don't know what kind of disgraceful means she used to actually get involved with Cong Ge'er."

"Otherwise, Cong Ge'er originally had no connection with her at all; how could he suddenly promote a third-class maid who had been driven out to be the managing maid of Rongxi Hall?"

"It is common for young men in great mansions to love some female beauty, but it is not good for Cong Ge'er's reputation to be taken advantage of by such an impure person..."

Hearing Lady Wang's words, Jia Mu couldn't help but frown. Lady Wang spoke so bluntly; how could she not understand the meaning?

It was nothing more than saying that Lin Zhixiao's daughter used impure means to seduce her grandson, which was why she turned around and became the managing maid of Rongxi Hall.

However, although Jia Mu was very biased toward her descendants, she was not completely senile. She had been immersed in the inner chambers for a lifetime and had seen many things about men and women, but she didn't quite believe this in her heart.

She said, "People have different views on people. You have your reasons for driving Lin Zhixiao's daughter out of Bao Yu's room."

"Cong Ge'er happened to take a fancy to this girl; he must have his own considerations. He has the ability to hold titles and be an official; he is not a muddled person. Could a little maid fool him?"

"I have also seen that Xiao Hong a few times. Although she has some delicate features, she is only above average. Compared to those personal maids of Cong Ge'er, she is several grades lower."

"This boy loves beauty. I have seen many descendants like him in great families. He is used to eating delicacies every day; would he instead go to taste a plate of green onion tofu? That doesn't make sense."

"Even if Cong Ge'er really lost his head and was seduced by Lin Zhixiao's daughter, as long as no trouble was caused and they weren't caught red-handed, what could others do? It's just some gossip behind his back."

"Now Cong Ge'er is the head of the family after all. He just reused a maid. For me, as a grandmother, to come out and reject his face for no reason is also inappropriate."

Hearing Jia Mu's words, Lady Wang was extremely annoyed. The old lady now recognized this boy's status and actually turned around to protect him.

A few days ago, Lady Wang heard that Jia Cong had made Xiao Hong the managing maid of Rongxi Hall, and she was naturally ashamed and furious.

But now that she couldn't win against the situation, what could she do? At most, she could only mention some small words in front of Jia Mu.

She just didn't expect that the old lady would also change with the wind and not want to easily deal with such matters.

Just as Lady Wang was feeling annoyed and frustrated, the curtain at the hall entrance was lifted, and Yingchun entered with a smile, followed by a matron carrying two boxes.

"Grandmother, Miss Qu from Xin Chun Hao prepared some New Year's gifts for Third Brother. Among them, not only were there gifts for the sisters in the family, but she also specifically prepared a portion for Grandmother and the Lady."

Jia Mu laughed, "Cong Ge'er is truly lucky to have found such a girl. Not only does she guard the business for him in Jin Ling and help him earn silver, but she also understands these etiquettes. She is truly not bad."

"I remember the last time Cong Ge'er came back from Jin Ling, he also brought a few boxes of gifts home to distribute. How would a boy like him understand these things? It must have been handled by Miss Qu."

Yingchun pointed to a portion of the gifts in the box and said, "Lady, this portion is for you. Although the items are not wealthy, they are all very thoughtful. I will have Caiyun help you put them away later."

Jia Mu watched from the side and laughed, "This Miss Qu is not bad, even making Cong Ge'er know etiquette."

Lady Wang felt even more awkward on the side, feeling that the old lady was saying this for her to hear.

Just now she was setting a trap for this boy in front of the old lady, and he turned around and sent her a gift, which made her look like she wasn't a good person. (End of chapter)