Chapter 529

In the fifteenth year of Emperor Jia Zhao, the fifteenth day of the first month.

Jia Cong rose early, as usual, practiced martial arts and trained with his blade, then returned to his courtyard to bathe and groom himself; he had just sat down in his study to begin his studies.

Then Ying Lady Lian entered, her cheeks flushed with color, exquisitely beautiful, wearing a crimson floral-lined fur-lined jacket, a white collared undergarment, and a pale pink long skirt, carrying a tray covered with a vermilion imperial satin cloth.

Jia Cong, curious, asked: "What are you carrying on that tray?"

Ying Lady Lian smiled sweetly and said: "Young Master, you've forgotten today is the fifteenth of the first month—a major day. We've all prepared something to give you as a festival gift."

Ying Lady Lian lifted the red silk from the tray, revealing four or five small, vivid, exquisitely crafted items.

Jia Cong smiled gently: "So you've all conspired together—each of you gave me a pouch? That's enough to last me a long time."

Ying Lady Lian laughed: "Today is the fifteenth of the first month, the first major festival of the year. Our courtyard should be lively and festive, to bring you good fortune."

"Some young ladies give sachets, but Sister Zhi Shao said our status is too low; if we copied others and gave sachets, it might invite gossip. A pouch is the most suitable and thoughtful gift."

Jia Cong naturally understood the meaning behind Ying Lady Lian's words.

The fifteenth of the first month symbolizes reunion and harmony; young men and women temporarily set aside formal constraints, stroll the night streets, admire lanterns, celebrate the New Year, secretly exchange festival gifts, and confess their feelings.

It has long been an old custom for women to give sachets to men they admire on the fifteenth of the first month, for the sachet carries the meaning of longing.

Several of Jia Cong's closest attendants—even Zhi Shao, who had left the Jia household and received an imperial edict from the Empress—were no longer considered Jia family servants.

Yet now, she and Jia Cong still held no formal status; their daily routines and conduct were indistinguishable from those of Jia Cong's personal maids, let alone Wu'er, Qingwen, and others.

In noble households, maids flirting with their young master was always taboo within the inner quarters.

If all of them giggled and embroidered sachets to give Jia Cong, each secretly expressing longing, though no one in the Hou Jue's household could rebuke them,

word spreading outside would likely bring him the taint of moral disorder in his inner chambers.

Zhi Shao, aware of this concern, had instructed everyone to replace sachets with pouches, to spare Jia Cong from unpleasant gossip.

Though both sachets and pouches were personal items carried by men, they were entirely different things.

A sachet contained only medicinal herbs and fragrances, sealed like a heart, to express longing.

A pouch was an open, small, close-fitting bag for carrying small items like incense or silver coins, symbolizing unity and companionship.

A personal maid embroidering a pouch for her young master as a daily-use item invited no criticism whatsoever.

Ying Lady Lian tilted her head and picked up each pouch on the tray, listing them like treasures: "This one with the lotus and Buddha's hand was made by Sister Zhi Shao; the one with the rose was made by Sister Wu'er.

The one with the red hibiscus was made by Sister Qingwen; the one with the white hibiscus was made by Lingguan; this one with the apricot blossom was made by me."

Jia Cong, seeing these delicate pouches, felt a warmth in his heart and smiled as he asked Ying Lady Lian: "Why did you embroider apricot blossoms?"

Ying Lady Lian laughed: "I now manage your study, and I know you're preparing for the spring imperial examinations. My mother told me apricot blossoms are called the 'success flowers'—they mean passing the imperial list."

"I embroidered this apricot pouch so you can carry it with you—it will surely bless you to pass, perhaps even become the top scholar."

Jia Cong picked up the apricot pouch and smiled: "If I pass the imperial list, it will be thanks to this pouch. I'll make sure to thank you properly."

Ying Lady Lian beamed, her expression charming and sweet: "I'll remember your words, Young Master—don't you dare forget to thank me if you pass."

As the two chatted merrily, Qingwen entered, laughing: "Cong Sanye, the Old Lady has sent word—Lord Shi and Lady Shi, along with Lady Shi the eldest, have arrived at Rongqing Hall to pay their respects. The Old Lady asks you to join them."

The old lady asked Cong Sanye to come over and speak with her.

From New Year's Eve to the fifteenth of the first month, the festival was nearing its end, yet the festive atmosphere had reached its peak.

Each year, the capital held a grand lantern festival, beginning on the eighth day of the first month and lasting until the eighteenth.

Because the lantern periods differed, the eighth was called "Trial Lanterns," the fifteenth "True Lanterns," and the eighteenth "Farewell Lanterns."

During this time, every street and alley in the capital was hung with all manner of lanterns—the most dazzling and lively spectacle of the year.

These included official lanterns set up by the government, folk lanterns funded by neighborhood communities, colorful lanterns hung by noble mansions near their residences,

Buddhist lanterns displayed by temples and nunneries, boat lanterns strung along canals and waterways—every form imaginable.

The lantern festival was also the time when social rules were most lenient, allowing men, women, young and old alike to take to the streets for enjoyment.

Even young ladies confined to their chambers could temporarily escape ritual constraints, either walking in groups or riding in carriages to admire the lanterns.

Of course, this applied only to ordinary families or modest households.

For great clans like the Jia family of Lady Rongguo, bound by strict Confucian codes, such freedom—walking crowded streets, jostling through crowds, strolling lanterns—was unthinkable.

Yet this did not mean noble families' women lacked joy during the festival; they had their own ways to find delight.

Any noble or aristocratic household, wealthy and spacious, would hang lanterns throughout their estate during the festival, called "courtyard lanterns."

The beauty and brilliance of these courtyard lanterns surpassed those of the official and folk lanterns on the streets.

These splendid lanterns were not only for the amusement of the family's women and children but also to secure a prosperous and auspicious omen for the coming year.

Later, the courtyard lanterns of wealthy households became essential for noble ladies to visit one another during the festival.

Each year, during the lantern festival, the ladies and young mistresses of different households would tour each other's lantern displays—both for socializing and for strengthening ties.

This year, Lady Rongguo Mansion had newly inherited its hereditary title, and even more remarkably, held a dual title—a sign of the family's revival.

Wang Wang Xifeng, seeking to elevate the status of the senior branch of Lady Rongguo, had secured Jia Cong's approval beforehand and spared no effort in arranging the festival ceremonies.

For lantern display alone, she had hired ten master lantern-makers from Dezhou before the New Year, who spent every day weaving exquisite lanterns in the outer courtyard.

Their brilliance far surpassed previous years, securing for Jia Cong the auspicious omen of surpassing the past.

Since the eighth of the first month, many noble ladies visiting the Jia household had remarked that this year's Jia family lanterns surpassed all others.

Since the eighth day of the first month, many noblewomen visiting the Jia household have said this year's Jia family lanterns surpass those of other families by far.

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Lixiang Courtyard.

The fifteenth of the first month, the "True Lanterns" day, saw several elderly relatives' ladies visit the mansion for social exchange.

Among today's visitors was one family not connected to the Jia clan by blood—they were guests invited by Xue Xue Yima.

These guests were Mother and daughter of the Xia family of Osmanthus, accompanied by several maids and old nurses.

A few days earlier, Lady Wang had accompanied Xue Xue Yima to Qingxu Temple to offer incense; through the recommendation of the temple's old immortal, Master Zhang, they had met the mother and daughter of the Xia family, who were also there to pray.

The noblewomen chatted and found themselves deeply in accord; upon comparing family histories, they discovered the Xue and Xia clans had once been connected by aristocratic ties, though they had grown distant over the years.

Now, reunited in a distant land, the two families felt a renewed closeness.

The Xia daughter's name was Jingui, sixteen years old, graceful and beautiful, slender and poised, her demeanor elegant and composed—a first-rate young lady.

Not only did Xue Xue Yima find her agreeable, but Lady Wang too thought the Xia girl's beauty was exceptional, refined enough to grace any occasion, nearly matching Xue Baochai's own.

Not to mention her family's immense wealth—she was their only daughter, an only child, meaning whoever married her would inherit boundless fortune.

Xue Xue Yima and the Xia mother, both widows and heads of imperial merchant households, shared the same single-minded focus on their children's futures.

Their circumstances were remarkably similar; their conversation flowed effortlessly, even with a sense of having met too late, as if they longed to become sworn sisters.

Xue Xue Yima and the Xia mother grew warmly familiar; Lady Wang added a few subtle remarks, deepening the warmth and harmony—both were elite ladies of great households, and neither missed the unspoken meaning.

When Xue Xue Yima left Qingxu Temple, she gave Master Zhang a generous offering; whether the Xia mother did the same, no one knew…

The fifteenth of the first month, the "True Lanterns" day, was the date Xue Xue Yima and the Xia mother had arranged to meet again.

The fifteenth day of the first month, the main lantern festival, was the appointed time for Xue Xue Yima and Lady Xia to meet again.

In the morning, two carriages stopped at the rear gate of Lixiang Courtyard; Xue Xue Yima and Lady Wang stood waiting at the entrance.

They saw the Xia mother and daughter step down from the carriage, smiling, accompanied by several maids and nurses.

Since the Xia daughter had come to visit the courtyard lanterns, Xue Baochai, as a peer, had come to receive her, bringing Tan Chun along as company.

Though the Jia sisters were many, more could have been invited to make the gathering lively.

But Xue Baochai, aware that the Xia girl's visit carried implicit marriage intentions, felt the first meeting should not be overly grand.

Moreover, the Eastern and Western branches of the Jia household were no longer as they once were; the sisters could no longer be casually summoned as guests.

Ying Chun, though gentle and kind, was already the eldest lady of the Hou Jue's household by official status.

Since Jia Cong inherited the Lady Rongguo title, the senior branch's illegitimate line had become the legitimate heir; Ying Chun was now the undisputed eldest daughter of Lady Rongguo Mansion—even Princess Jia Yuanchun in the palace ranked below her.

To summon Ying Chun, with her current status, to entertain a common outsider would be grossly inappropriate, even damaging to Jia Cong's dignity—Xue Baochai would never do such a thing.

Lin Daiyu was elegant and clever, but she was only a distant relative of the Jia household, with no connection to the Xue family; her nature avoided socializing—she could not be called.

Little Xichun was still a child, too young to assist.

Only Tan Chun, intelligent and sharp, graceful and poised, spoke with propriety—she was Lady Wang's illegitimate daughter, so accompanying her mother to receive guests was perfectly proper; thus, Xue Baochai had brought her along.

Xue Baochai knew clearly that the Xia girl visiting today might become her future sister-in-law; though she greeted her with a smile, she observed with great care.

She saw the Xia girl's beauty, her graceful figure, her fluent and confident speech—no trace of the timid reserve of a small-town girl; she bore a touch of Feng Feng Jie's spirit.

Xue Baochai thought of her brother's reckless ways; anyone who knew him well would find him unreliable.

Compared to this bright, spirited Xia girl, her brother was far inferior; if he could marry such a wife, it would indeed be a blessing.

Xue Baochai secretly hoped this match would succeed—her brother needed restraint.

Tan Chun was merely here as company; unlike Xue Baochai, she was not in the middle of the matter, observing from outside.

She found the Xia girl's appearance excellent, her speech sharp and clear, and she could read and write—among young ladies, she was truly outstanding.

She noticed the girl's words and manners were proper, yet there was a faint air of pride, barely visible, and her gaze seemed slightly sharper than usual.

But Tan Chun was only here to accompany; she knew the Xia girl was being considered for marriage to Xue's eldest brother—it had nothing to do with her. Her first impression was not worth dwelling on.

Though both Xue Baochai and Tan Chun were intelligent and sharp, raised in great aristocratic families, steeped in ritual and propriety, their first interactions always remained reserved and restrained.

Yet this Xia girl, though also meeting them for the first time, was more open and forthright, often steering the conversation herself.

At this moment, she spoke clearly and brightly: "I've always been an only daughter, with no close brothers or sisters—I envy others who have lively siblings.

Before coming, I heard much of the great name of Lady Rongguo Jia; outsiders say your household has many outstanding sisters and brothers, living in harmony and ease, a life I greatly admire.

Meeting Xue Baochai and Tan Chun has already shown me how exceptional you are; I imagine your other siblings must be equally fine, though today I have no chance to meet them all.

I heard the Eastern Branch has a managing elder sister, recently spoken of among noble households—her name is Ying Chun.

This elder sister Ying Chun, I hear, is not much older than I am; yet as a young lady, she manages the vast estate of the Eastern Jia household—such ability is truly admirable."

This Sister Seeing Yingchun is said to be no much older than I am; yet this young girl manages the entire eastern branch of the Jia household—such ability is truly admirable.

Tan Chun's bright eyes lit up as the Xia girl mentioned Ying Chun—she truly admired her second sister, even with a hint of envy.

Tan Chun's bright eyes glowed slightly as she heard the Xia family girl speak of Ying Chun, as if she truly admired her second sister, even with a hint of envy.

Tan Chun smiled faintly in her heart; her gentle, soft-spoken Second Sister had somehow become so renowned among the noble households that even Miss Xia had heard of her indirectly.

Naturally, this was partly because Second Sister managed the Hou Jue's household, earning admiration from outsiders—but ultimately, it was because Second Sister had a brother like Third Brother.

In recent days, several families had come to propose marriage to Second Sister—wasn't it all because they coveted Third Brother's prestige and future?

Miss Xia continued: "I also heard there's a young lady in your household, the daughter of the former Jinling Top Scholar Lin. Though a secluded noble maiden, her beauty is peerless, her mind brimming with poetry and prose—she surpasses even ordinary Provincial Graduate Wu and xiushai in scholarship."

It's truly astonishing how all the refined young ladies of Shendu seem to have gathered at the Jia household."

Xue Baochai laughed: "Miss Xia truly has wide knowledge—you know our sisters so well. Second Sister is indeed capable; though not much older than us, she already manages the household."

Lin Lin Meimei comes from a family steeped in learning—she's even more remarkable, a rare talent among young ladies."

The Xia girl seemed to grow more animated and went on: "Not just your sisters—your brothers are no ordinary men either."

Long ago, I often heard of a Young Master Bao who was born with a jade in his mouth—a figure long spoken of as extraordinary in Shendu. I wonder what kind of celestial being he truly is…"

Lady Wang was chatting with Xue Xue Yima and the Xia lady when she suddenly heard the phrase "born with a jade." Her spirit instantly sharpened—this was the one thing she had always been proudest of.

When she heard Miss Xia call Bao Yu a celestial being, Lady Wang's heart felt as sweet as honey.

So many people now, following the Emperor's edicts, whisper slanderous things about my Bao Yu—but still, someone understands his worth."

This young Miss Xia is no mere follower of the crowd. Hearing of Bao Yu's strange and noble origin, she finds it entirely reasonable—she truly has discernment."

Pan Er may be a wastrel and a pampered brat, but he's lucky—he's even luckier than my Bao Yu, for he's met a girl like Miss Xia…"

Tan Chun noticed Lady Wang's gaze and reluctantly added: "Young Master Bao isn't just extraordinary at birth—he's also exceptionally kind to his sisters…"

…

Lady Wang smiled: "The Xia and Xue families have been old friends for generations, so naturally, we Jias are close as well. You're all of the same generation, young girls—no need for formality. Since you've come to visit, it's good to meet face to face. I'll go call Bao Yu—he's always most at ease among his brothers and sisters."

Tan Chun said: "Madam, you left the courtyard early this morning, so you may not know—today, Grand Lord Shi and his wife have come with Shi Xiangyun to pay respects to Grandmother at Rongqing Hall. Grandmother sent for Master Jia, Third Brother, and Second Brother to receive them. Second Brother is likely still occupied."

Lady Wang smiled at the Xia lady: "That's it—during festivals, relatives visit frequently. That Grand Lord Shi, now the heir to the Lady Bao Ling Hou Jue, is Grandmother's own nephew. He always comes to pay respects on the fifteenth of the first month, and Bao Yu must receive him. But there's plenty of time ahead—your sisters will surely meet again."

The Xia lady, accustomed to wealth, came from a home overflowing with gold and silver—but despite her riches, her family were imperial merchants without official rank.

Thus, she had always envied families with hereditary titles. Hearing that even casual relatives of the Jia household were marquises, she felt profound admiration.

Upon hearing Tan Chun's words, Miss Xia suddenly said: "I almost forgot—your household has another most distinguished young master: a youth ennobled in his youth, gifted in both letters and arms, whose literary fame resounds from north to south. Isn't that the Third Brother Tan Chun speaks of?"

Tan Chun, pleased that Miss Xia praised Jia Cong so highly, smiled: "Yes, that's Third Brother."

Lady Wang had just thought Miss Xia was discerning for praising Bao Yu's jade-born origin—but now, hearing her praise Jia Cong, her heart turned sour.

Yet she comforted herself: this boy's reputation is no small thing; it's natural she's heard of him—it's nothing unusual.

Miss Xia suddenly smiled at her mother: "Mother, we heard on the way that the Jia household's lanterns are exquisitely crafted and famous throughout Shendu. I'd like the two sisters to take me to see them."

Xue Baochai, beside her, paused slightly, thinking: it's still early afternoon—how could one appreciate the lanterns now? One must wait until the sun slants lower, for true beauty to emerge.

Lady Wang, well-versed in the manners of noble ladies, considered both Xue Baochai and Tan Chun intelligent girls.

Yet this Miss Xia, though meeting them for the first time, spoke with agility, acted ahead of them, and clearly had her own mind—she was a capable woman, almost like Feng Jia.

If her own daughter were to marry such a daughter-in-law, she'd gain a fine assistant in managing the household—a true blessing. Thinking this, Lady Wang raised her estimation of Miss Xia.

Lady Wang smiled: "Young girls like you should go out and move about. What fun is there in sitting with us old ones? Go and enjoy yourselves."

Xue Xue Yima added: "It's still early—why not stroll through the garden? Xue Baochai, estimate the mealtime and bring Miss Xia back then."

But this Miss Xia, though meeting them for the first time, spoke with wit, acted ahead of them at every turn, held her own opinions, and proved herself a capable woman—she bore a striking resemblance to Feng Jia.

No sooner had Xue Xue Yima finished speaking than Miss Xia rose—her movements were swift and decisive, leaving Xue Baochai with a strange unease.

Their visit was meant to assess each other's families—yet she hadn't mentioned her own brother once, instead speaking at length of every Jia brother and sister.

She knew the origins of Bao Yu and Cong so clearly—it sounded as if she'd been paying close attention.

Though Xue Baochai felt suspicion, it was vague, unsubstantiated—she couldn't be certain, so she let it go and accompanied Miss Xia out.

Each girl brought her personal maid, and they wandered through corridors and around trees, admiring the lanterns hung throughout the Jia garden. But now, in daylight, they paled compared to their brilliance at night.

Between Xue Baochai and Tan Chun, Miss Xia seemed closer to Tan Chun, speaking warmly to her, often asking idle questions about Jia household anecdotes.

After walking a while, Miss Xia suddenly asked: "Tan Chun, where in the household are the lanterns most exquisitely displayed?"

Tan Chun smiled: "Grandmother resides in Rongqing Hall—she loves grandeur and brightness. Naturally, the lanterns there are the finest."

Miss Xia's gaze shifted slightly, smiling: "Then if we're here to admire the lanterns, why not go straight to Rongqing Hall? That way, we'll see the best ones sooner—it's more convenient."

Tan Chun had no objection and led the way toward Rongqing Hall.

After walking a while, the Xia girl suddenly asked, "Sister Seeing Tan Chun, where in your home are the lanterns hung most exquisitely?"

Since the eighth day of the month, Tan Chun had often brought Jia Cong and the sisters to admire the household lanterns, composing verses and guessing riddles beneath the lights—she knew better than anyone where the finest ones hung.

Unlike Tan Chun's indifference, Xue Baochai, walking beside her, looked at the radiant Miss Xia and felt a sudden discomfort—something felt off, though she couldn't say why.

The three passed a corridor and crossed a bridge arching over a pavilion. Ahead, several figures emerged from behind a rock formation.

The two men leading were middle-aged, dressed in luxurious robes, their bearing calm and measured. Behind them walked two young men in their prime.

The bridge, elevated high above the water, gave a clear view of the approaching group.

Miss Xia glanced briefly at the two middle-aged men, then fixed her gaze on the two youths behind.

One youth wore dazzling, rich robes—strikingly conspicuous. He wore a golden purple coronet, a gold filigree headband with twin dragons seizing a pearl, a crimson arrow-sleeve robe in gold and red, and black satin shoes with white soles.

His face was round and harmonious, his features handsome and proper. Though slightly effeminate, he was undeniably good-looking.

The other youth was taller, his attire simpler and neater.

He wore a perfectly fitted silver-bamboo-patterned pale white round-collar robe, with elegant, finely embroidered floral motifs on the cuffs and chest—exquisite craftsmanship, far beyond ordinary.

His black hair was tied into a topknot, secured only by a smooth white jade hairpin. Though lacking the dazzling wealth of the other youth's coronet and headband, he radiated an aura of transcendent grace.

Since he faced away, Miss Xia could not see his face—yet she felt his shoulders were sharp as carved blades, his waist slender and taut, his steps steady, his sleeves lightly fluttering, like a jade tree standing in the wind.

Merely his back view—his bearing and grace—far surpassed the lavishly dressed youth. (End of chapter)

He wore a perfectly fitted, moon-white round-collar robe adorned with silver bamboo patterns; the cuffs and front panel were embroidered with elegant, exquisitely detailed floral motifs, their craftsmanship exquisite and extraordinary.

The youth's jet-black hair was tied into a topknot, secured only by a lustrous white jade hairpin; though lacking the lavish splendor of the golden crown and forehead band worn by the boy beside him, he radiated an air of transcendent grace that moved the heart.

Since he faced away from her, the Xia family girl could not see his face, but she felt his shoulders were sharp as carved blades, his waist slender and taut, his steps steady, his sleeves gently rolling like a jade tree standing tall in the wind.

Merely his back view, with its peerless elegance, far surpassed the ornately dressed youth. (End of chapter)