Chapter 527

Shenjing, Wenhan Street, Xiao Family Bookstore.

Xiao Jindong returned from attending the banquet at the Rongguo Prefecture; although he was somewhat tipsy, his expression was clear, and his face was full of joy and excitement.

As soon as he entered the shop, he encountered Qin Shu, the old servant who looked after the shop.

He asked casually, "Qin Shu, how is business today?"

Qin Shu said, "In a few months, it will be the time for the Spring Examination. Recently, the shop has sold many collections of the Four Books by famous scholars and anthologies of past years' examination essays. Just in half a day today, we sold over twenty copies.

After the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the scholars from all over the country coming to the capital for the examination will arrive one after another to prepare. By then, these examination books will definitely sell even more—it will be a big business."

Xiao Jindong, with his mouth full of the smell of alcohol, laughed and said, "Qin Shu is proficient in business planning; your vision and ability in this regard have always been above mine. You can make the decisions on this matter.

As for which books to stock and how many, follow Qin Shu's wishes.

Back then, it was thanks to Qin Shu's assistance that my father was able to make the family business more and more prosperous. With Qin Shu's ability, you could have completely managed the Xiao family's shop business in the outer provinces."

"It's a pity that Qin Shu is a bit too low-key; you would rather do odd jobs in the shop on Wenhan Street than go to work in the outer provinces."

Qin Shu smiled slightly; on his old, furrowed face appeared the sophistication of a seasoned man, along with a trace of resilience that was difficult to detect.

He said, "When my family fell into hard times back then, it was thanks to your father's rescue and support. My helping him put in some effort is really not worth mentioning. Now that I am old and my legs and feet are not as agile, I really cannot endure the running around.

I have been to many places when I was young, but in the end, staying in Shenjing is the most comfortable. I am willing to have these old bones buried here in the future."

Xiao Jindong laughed, "Since Qin Shu likes staying in Shenjing, then stay for a long, long time. I would be even happier; with Qin Shu helping me watch the shop, I save so much trouble."

Qin Shu added, "The good sales of the examination books in the shop are also thanks to those three pieces of calligraphy by the Count of Lord Weiyuan back then. Those students know it was written when the Count of Lord Weiyuan was still obscure and nameless, which is why they have come here one after another to admire them.

They all know this young Count is a proud son of the examination path who passed the imperial examinations twice; how could they not come to broaden their knowledge and also hope to catch some of the good fortune of success in the examination hall?"

"Today, not only did the books sell well, but several consigned paintings and calligraphies were also sold. That 'Clouds and Sunset' painting by Mr. Zhou was bought at a high price.

Because Mr. Zhou is your good friend, according to what was agreed upon beforehand, we only took ten percent of the original twenty percent commission, and I have already sent someone to deliver the remaining silver to Mr. Zhou's residence.

In addition, several people have asked about He Qingzhu's 'Autumn Rain and Ink Bamboo' painting, but we haven't negotiated a suitable price yet. From what I see, it will definitely be sold in these few days."

Xiao Jindong laughed heartily upon hearing this and said, "Jia Yuzhang is truly a person of deep fortune. The three of us just went to attend his banquet, and upon returning, we each made a fortune; it is truly strange."

Qin Shu was stunned for a moment and asked casually, "Who is Jia Yuzhang?"

Xiao Jindong smiled and pointed to the three pieces of calligraphy hanging on the wall, covered with thin gauze, and said, "He is the owner of these three pieces of calligraphy."

Qin Shu's eyes brightened slightly, and he said, "So it is the Count of Lord Weiyuan, Jia Cong. In the past year or two, hasn't Jindong been somewhat distant in your interactions with him? Why did you suddenly start drinking together?"

Xiao Jindong said, "When he came to the shop to sell calligraphy back then, he was just a ten-year-old child. I loved his brushwork, and since we became friends when we were both humble, we were naturally able to interact warmly.

But I didn't expect that in the following years, he would have constant miraculous encounters, accomplish so many extraordinary things, and his status would become increasingly noble, even becoming famous throughout the world.

Plus, in the last two years, he has been handling imperial errands all over the country and has rarely had any leisure time. How could we, as mere merchants, still try to climb up to his high status? I didn't want to tarnish the sincerity of our initial friendship.

This time, it happened that Liu Bi returned from Jiangnan. He is not only a noble official but also a fellow student of Yuzhang, which is why he invited the three of us to attend a banquet together to talk and recount the feelings of the past.

Although Yuzhang is now not only a court official but also holds two titles, his status is so noble, yet when we sat together as old friends to talk, there was not the slightest air of vanity or arrogance.

Today's meeting was just like back then when we gathered at the Chunhua Tower to chat and laugh; it was so free and easy. Time flies, but old friends remain the same. His breadth of mind and bearing are truly extraordinary..."

Xiao Jindong's excitement from the alcohol had not yet faded; he was in high spirits and talking eloquently, but he did not notice that Qin Shu beside him, listening to his praise of Jia Cong, had eyes that gradually became deep and unfathomable.

After a long while, when Xiao Jindong's enthusiasm began to wane, Qin Shu smiled slightly and said, "Jindong, being able to associate with such an extraordinary person can be considered a great opportunity.

I still remember the situation when he came to the shop to sell calligraphy back then; he was just a child full of childishness.

I didn't expect that in just a few years, he could become so young and glorious, outstanding and dazzling; it is indeed somewhat unexpected. Perhaps such a bloodline is truly not abandoned by heaven and will eventually become a force to be reckoned with..."

Xiao Jindong's drunkenness had not yet faded, and he did not notice the chilling intent in Qin Shu's words; he just laughed casually, "Qin Shu is right. Yuzhang is indeed of noble blood.

Back then, the two Dukes of Ning and Rong of the Jia family were such world-famous heroes. I imagine it is because the ancestral blessings have not faded that they could raise such an outstanding descendant like Yuzhang..."

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was almost the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

Since Jia Cong inherited the Rongguo title before the New Year, after the fermentation of interactions among the various old relatives and nobles during the New Year festival,

people like Qin Shu of the Xiao family bookstore on Wenhan Street believed that Jia Cong would definitely become a force to be reckoned with in the future, which also became a kind of consensus among the noble group.

Wanting to win over a new noble like Jia Cong as early as possible, given his age, marriage would be the best means to consolidate power.

It was just that Jia Cong currently needed to observe a three-year mourning period, and there was the grand display of the imperial marriage from the palace, which made those noble families with intentions very wisely give up such schemes.

But things like marriage and forming alliances can often take a different path.

Thus, as Jia Cong's own sister, Yingchun, the eldest young lady of the Count's residence, became exceptionally valuable in the eyes of many noble families because of her brother's excellence.

Every noble family that frequently interacted with the Jia family had heard that this eldest young lady and the Count of Lord Weiyuan were very close as siblings and were the most important people in the young Count of Lord Weiyuan's heart.

Moreover, Yingchun was also the only daughter of the Jia family who had passed the age of marriage.

Thus, the female relatives of several noble families who visited during the New Year festival revealed their thoughts of proposing marriage through various means in their conversations.

As for the marriage entanglement between Yingchun and the Sun family of Datong, who would take that to heart at this time?

Whichever family could marry the eldest young lady of the Count's residence would be forming a marriage alliance with both branches of the Jia family.

Not to mention that Jia Cong's power and future prospects were promising, the foundation of connections left by the two Dukes of Ning and Rong could still not be underestimated.

Jia Mu was also very happy after receiving these hints of diligence, because these families were all noble families no weaker than the Jia Prefecture. The Old Lady actually talked to Yingchun about this twice in a warm manner.

It was just that Yingchun's way of handling things and speaking now was very different from before; she just responded calmly to Jia Mu's lobbying for the marriage. Although her words were gentle and respectful, her intention to decline was obvious.

Jia Mu also knew that the granddaughter who was once called "the second block of wood" was no longer what she used to be. Don't look at her as still being soft and gentle on the surface; her mind was determined, not to mention that she had her brother backing her up.

Yingchun said she didn't want to get married too early and wanted to be filial to the Old Lady for two more years. But although Jia Mu was old, she still had some self-awareness and was not someone who would just accept it because she heard nice words.

As for what Yingchun said about being filial to her for a few more years, she probably couldn't take it seriously. That she couldn't bear to part with her brother and wanted to accompany that boy for a few more years was definitely true.

Jia Mu did not force Yingchun too much on this matter.

Because as Jia Cong inherited the Rongguo title, his power and status in the Jia family rose increasingly, becoming the legitimate co-master of both the East and West Mansions.

Even someone like Jia Zheng had to avoid him out of ritual. Although Jia Mu held the position of the biological grandmother, she also felt somewhat overwhelmed.

Because of Jia Cong's biological mother, the grandmother and grandson had always had a rift and could not be said to be very close. The second granddaughter she raised herself became the best buffer and link.

Therefore, Jia Mu did not want Yingchun to get married so quickly. In any case, with a brother like Jia Cong, even if Yingchun grew older, she would definitely not have to worry about getting married.

After Jia Cong learned of this, he naturally followed his sister's wishes, because his perception was very different from that of the people of his time. In others' eyes, Yingchun should have been married off long ago, but in his eyes, his sister could barely be considered an adult.

Such a disturbance did not cause much trouble for Jia Cong and Yingchun; at most, it just became a topic of laughter for the sisters in their leisure time.

However, it greatly touched Lady Wang's nerves. Even Yingchun, who had a flaw in her marriage prospects, was now having her "red phoenix star" move because of Jia Cong, while only her own Baoyu was ignored by everyone.

Rongguo Prefecture, East Courtyard.

On this day, Xue Yima brought Baochai to visit Lady Wang; this was also the first time Xue Yima had visited the East Courtyard.

Originally, because her son was involved in a homicide case, Xue Yima had traveled from Jin Ling to take refuge in Shenjing. The Xue family already had a proper villa in Shenjing and also had male relatives like Wang Ziteng.

According to human feelings and common sense, there was no reason to reside in the Jia Prefecture, but Xue Yima insisted on doing so, and her brother Wang Ziteng did not care about his face and seemed to have no objections or displeasure.

The reason for this was naturally that Xue Pan was too disappointing, and Xue Yima was afraid he would cause trouble again in Shenjing.

Although she had her brother Wang Ziteng as a reliance, her brother's official career also originated from the Jia family.

Therefore, Xue Yima's connection with the Rongguo Jia family through Lady Wang was of great benefit to both the Xue and Wang families.

In addition, Xue Yima was proud of her daughter Xue Baochai's talent and beauty, hoping that her daughter would marry a noble husband in the future, which would not only add support to the Xue family but also help her good eldest son, Xue Pan.

Her plotting the "Gold and Jade Alliance" with Lady Wang was for no other purpose than this; only by residing in the Jia Prefecture could she have the convenience of being close to the water.

But she didn't expect that the world would change unpredictably; how could everything go as one wishes? Now, Baoyu's reputation was ruined, and wanting to arrange a marriage with a noble family outside was no different from a pipe dream.

Lady Wang naturally wanted to grab the straw that was Baochai, but Xue Yima had long since started to retreat from this marriage. Now that she was still residing in the Jia Prefecture, was it still for Baoyu? It was just that although the Jia family's Second Branch had declined, whether out of sisterly affection or the convenience of continuing to reside in the Jia Prefecture, visiting the East Courtyard was a ritual that Xue Yima could not avoid...

Now, Xue Yima going to see Lady Wang was not as convenient as it was when she went from the Pear Fragrance Courtyard to the small eastern courtyard of the Rongxi Hall.

Because the East Courtyard was separated by the Rongguo Prefecture garden, there was a surrounding wall dividing them. Originally, a small connecting door was opened on the wall to facilitate mutual visits.

But when Jia Zheng moved into the East Courtyard, fearing that he would give others a handle regarding ritual and be falsely accused of moving out of the Rongguo Prefecture—a trick of moving in name but remaining connected in reality—he had the small connecting door sealed and bricked up.

Therefore, to go from the Pear Fragrance Courtyard to the East Courtyard, one needed to exit the west corner door on the right side of the main gate of the Rongguo Prefecture, take a carriage past the main gate and the east corner door, and enter the East Courtyard through the black-oiled main gate.

But in reality, there was no way to walk like this, because to go from the Pear Fragrance Courtyard to the west corner door, one had to cross the entire Rongguo Prefecture. A noble lady like Xue Yima, who lived in luxury, could not endure the walking distance of three arrow shots.

She had to exit from the back street gate of the Pear Fragrance Courtyard, get into a carriage, bypass the entire West Mansion of the Rongguo Prefecture, and from the Ningrong Street, head west past the west corner door, main gate, and east corner door of the Rongguo Prefecture before she could enter the black-oiled main gate of the East Courtyard.

The complexity and alienation of this journey could not help but make Xue Yima sigh in her heart that her sister's Second Branch was no longer what it used to be; it had actually been stripped from the Rongguo Prefecture, and wanting to turn things around would be extremely difficult.

However, she was a shrewd and smooth woman. Although she thought so in her heart, she would not reveal a single word on her lips.

She took her daughter Baochai out of the carriage, and just as they entered the black-oiled main gate of the East Courtyard, Lady Wang had already brought maids and matrons to welcome them there.

Xue Yima saw that although her sister was smiling, the trace of inadequacy and stubbornness on her face was indeed difficult to hide completely.

But she acted as if she hadn't noticed anything. Upon seeing Lady Wang, she took her hand and chatted about some idle matters, while looking around the East Courtyard.

She couldn't stop praising, "Sister, this courtyard is exquisite and magnificent, inside and out, it all reveals the bearing of a Duke. In my opinion, it is even more imposing and decent than the small eastern courtyard you lived in before; it makes people like it as soon as they see it."

Lady Wang felt stifled and ashamed because she had moved into the East Courtyard. Hearing this from Xue Yima, she felt somewhat relieved in her heart, but her face still held a reserved smile.

She said, "Sister, you are exaggerating too much. It's just a side courtyard of the Rongguo Prefecture; how can it be as decent as you say?"

Xue Yima laughed, "I'm not talking nonsense. Everyone inside and outside the mansion knows that the brother-in-law and Baoyu are the apple of the Old Lady's eye.

The Old Lady personally gave the word that the East Courtyard must be arranged properly in every way.

I walked around the mansion a few days ago and saw Cong Ge'er personally asking about the reconstruction of the East Courtyard, and even Feng Yitou was sent running around by him; one can see his dedication.

People used to say Cong Ge'er respected the brother-in-law the most. Just the other day, I saw him humbly yield the position of chief sacrificer to the brother-in-law; that was just a show of respect on the outside.

Now looking at the neatness and magnificence of this courtyard, one can see that he also respects the brother-in-law deeply on the inside, no less than he does his own father. Sister, you are blessed after all..."

Lady Wang's face relaxed after hearing this from Xue Yima.

She smiled, "Cong Ge'er still has filial piety toward the Master, which is not in vain for the Master's teaching and support, which is why he has such a grand display today..."

Although Xue Yima felt it was nonsense that Jia Cong's success today was inseparable from Jia Zheng's teaching and support, everyone likes to be flattered, so she naturally would not expose it.

She was best at creating a flattering atmosphere. She walked with Lady Wang to the main courtyard, and along the way, seeing the various sceneries of the East Courtyard, she said one flowery word after another without repeating herself, which made Lady Wang feel very satisfied.

So much so that the dejected and shameful mood she felt when she first saw Xue Yima quickly faded away, and she even felt that this East Courtyard was actually quite good.

After arriving at Lady Wang's main courtyard and having the maids serve tea, Baochai apologized to Lady Wang and wanted to go find Tan Chun to talk.

Ever since Lady Wang revealed her intention of the marriage to Xue Yima before the New Year, Baochai had been like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow, wishing she could never see this aunt again and wanting to hide as far away as possible.

This time, when she came to the East Courtyard to visit Lady Wang, Baochai didn't want to come at all, but Lady Wang had moved to the East Courtyard, which was a time of decline in the eyes of outsiders.

It was necessary for close relatives to visit and comfort her. If she didn't ask or care, it would be too chilling, so the ritual of visiting and inquiring was something that could not be omitted.

It was just that after paying her respects to Lady Wang, Baochai looked for a way to avoid her, so that Lady Wang wouldn't ask some affectionate questions in front of her, which would make everyone lose face.

Fortunately, Tan Chun had moved into the East Courtyard, otherwise Baochai wouldn't even have found an excuse to escape.

Xue Yima knew her daughter's thoughts and also hoped that she could avoid her at this time. Whatever the two old sisters said behind closed doors, it would be better to have a way to smooth things over.

After Baochai left, Xue Yima said, "Sister, you can be considered stable in everything now. Among the sisters of the Wang family, you have a very good and decent result. Now, as long as you take good care of your health, everything will be fine."

Lady Wang sighed, "How can it be as simple as you say, sister? I am already nearly fifty years old; what hope do I have left in this life? Zhu'er passed away early, and now there is only that evil obstacle Baoyu left.

He has no settlement in his life; how can I pass my days easily and carefree? Regarding the matter of Baoyu and Baochai that I mentioned to you last time, sister, do you have any ideas now?"

Xue Yima had long been prepared; her sister couldn't stop talking about this topic, and in the end, she couldn't avoid it.

She also knew clearly that now the Rongguo Prefecture's Second Branch had declined, and Baoyu's reputation had been ruined by the palace's rectification because his words insulted the Retired Emperor.

Her sister was worried that her son would have no future for the rest of his life, which was why she was in such a hurry to conclude this marriage, but Xue Yima would not take this bait now.

Not to mention that her precious son Xue Pan had repeatedly warned her not to let her sister fool her.

Even her brother Wang Ziteng, when visiting her, praised Jia Cong highly. Although he didn't say it explicitly, he implied that the Xue family's daughter should look at the long term and not count the legitimate line...

Her uncle Xue Yuan, who was well-informed and had traveled all over the world, seeing many strange people and things, also praised Jia Cong extremely highly.

These people were Xue Yima's closest relatives and people she trusted. Their indifference toward Baoyu and their recognition and praise of Jia Cong had already shaken Xue Yima's obsession with noble families...

But regardless of whether there was any outcome between her daughter and Jia Cong, Xue Yima did not want to use her own daughter to fill the broken hole of Baoyu.

Although he was her sister's heart and soul, he had not only lost his title but also ruined his reputation, and he would be someone without hope for the rest of his life.

Although Xue Yima had already made up her mind, she would not say it directly, otherwise, even if they were biological sisters, they would definitely fall out.

If she lost this relationship with Lady Wang, what excuse would the Xue family have to reside in the Jia Prefecture...

Xue Yima said, "It was said that Baochai and Baoyu are first cousins, and the 'Gold and Jade' match is a good omen, not to mention that we sisters could become even closer through marriage.

But after all, I am not raising only Baochai; she still has an elder brother, Pan'er, above her. Pan'er is the eldest son of the Xue family's main branch, and everyone in the Xue family is watching.

Sister, you know that noble families like the Jia, Wang, Shi, and Xue families value the ritual of seniority the most; it is not right for the younger siblings to get married before the elder brother.

If this matter were to spread, it would be too unpleasant to hear. The clan elders of the Xue family in Jin Ling would definitely blame me for not knowing priorities and breaking the rules of seniority, and I would have no face to see Pan'er's father in the future.

Therefore, the most urgent thing right now is not Baochai, but finding a suitable marriage for Pan'er early; that is the proper business."

As soon as Lady Wang heard this, she was stunned. She only thought that Baoyu was no longer the phoenix of the Rongguo Prefecture and had lost his reliance for the future, so finding a good marriage early was the top priority.

She had never thought that Baochai had an elder brother above her. The rule of seniority that her sister mentioned was indeed the consistent ritual of noble families, which could not be easily violated, otherwise, her sister, as the mistress of the house, would not be able to conduct herself.

It was just that Lady Wang could do nothing to help in this matter; she didn't have a biological daughter to give to Xue Pan as a wife, and even if she really did, it would be impossible to give her to someone as lawless as Xue Pan.

On this point, the two sisters had the same idea...

Lady Wang asked, "I don't know what kind of wife you want to find for Pan'er, sister. The Jia family has many old friends and relatives, and among them are many young ladies who are not yet married. Perhaps I can help you with that."

Xue Yima said, "I won't hide my calculations from you, sister. Pan'er's temperament is also disappointing. Even if I find him a daughter of an official, he won't be a match for her.

According to my own idea, finding him a girl whose family status is equivalent to the Xue family's is the truly reliable and proper way."

Lady Wang heard her sister's plan and muttered the four words "family status equivalent" in her heart, when suddenly a flash of inspiration came to her, and she remembered an old matter.

During the funeral of the Great Master, the Zhang Daoist of the Qingxu Temple had come to the mansion to chant sutras and had mentioned several young ladies who were perfect in both character and appearance, all of whom were candidates for Baoyu.

It was just that she had already set her heart on her niece Baochai, so she naturally didn't take it to heart, but Lady Wang still remembered the names and backgrounds of those girls.

One of the girls was the young lady of the Xia family of the Osmanthus, which was also a generation of imperial merchants, one of the top families, and their family wealth was incomparably huge.

This young lady of the Xia family had the maiden name Xia Jingui, and the name sounded quite auspicious.

In the past, because she and her sister had been playing around, the Rongguo Prefecture had spread the talk of the "Gold and Jade Alliance" everywhere.

Although the Old Lady didn't say it explicitly, she must have been unhappy in her heart. Once, while chatting in the Rongqing Hall, she even joked about the Xia girl's name, saying that she and Baoyu could also be considered a "Gold and Jade Alliance."

If Lady Wang hadn't been squeezed by Jia Mu like this, she wouldn't have been able to think of this now. Thinking about it now, the Xue family and the Xia family were truly equivalent in family status.

If she could propose the Xia girl to Pan'er, it would resolve this previous matter, and the marriage between her Baoyu and Baochai would naturally follow logically.

Lady Wang thought through this point and felt that nothing could be more appropriate, so she smiled, "Since you want to find someone of equivalent family status for Pan'er, sister, I actually remember one who will most likely have a fate with Pan'er..." (End of chapter)