Chapter 531: The Tangled Fates of Pear Blossoms

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall.

Jia Cong, Jia Zheng, Shi Nai, and others had already left Rongxi Hall, but Jia Baoyu deliberately lagged behind.

He waited until Jia Zheng's figure passed through the courtyard gate, then returned to Rongxi Hall.

He saw Xiao Hong tidying up teacups and instructing young maids to sweep the hall again; during the New Year festivities, guests came and went frequently, and the Third Young Master might come again tomorrow.

Jia Baoyu watched Xiao Hong swiftly gather the items; her slender waist, sharply defined shoulders, and the pale, smooth nape of her neck peeking from her temple gave her an inexplicable freshness and charm.

He felt a pang of regret—such a desirable maid had been in his courtyard for so long, yet he had never noticed her, letting her toil in the back quarters; truly, he deserved to die.

Now that she had been driven away, only then did he realize her worth; thinking of it, Jia Baoyu sank into sorrow and resentment, standing there in a daze.

Xiao Hong finished arranging the teacups and was about to carry them out when she turned and saw Jia Baoyu still standing behind her; she was startled.

She asked: "Second Young Master, why are you still here? Why didn't you go with the Third Young Master to receive the guests?"

Jia Baoyu noticed Xiao Hong no longer called him "Second Young Master" as before, but now addressed him as "Jia Baoyu Second Young Master," sounding distant—yet she called Jia Cong "Third Young Master" with warmth; this made him uneasy.

He said: "Xiao Hong, I wasn't in the courtyard that day and didn't know Lady Wang drove you out. When I learned of it afterward, I was heartbroken—you suffered unjustly."

Xiao Hong found Jia Baoyu's words about heartbreak oddly distasteful; her face flushed with embarrassment.

Yet she knew his nature—he always flattered maids, speaking without restraint.

If he weren't this way, how could he have so carelessly provoked Jin Jin Chuan, enraged Lady Wang, and driven Jin Jin Chuan to the brink of suicide?

Xiao Hong had heard since childhood from her parents tales of the young masters in the mansion; her ears were worn thin from listening.

Her own parents feared she'd be soft-hearted, seduced by one of the young masters, and lose her chance at a respectable future.

Seeing Jia Baoyu's pained expression and feeling him draw too near, she frowned, raised the teacart to her chest, and stepped back.

She said: "Second Young Master, don't say such things. She's already driven me out—words won't change it. Besides, I'm perfectly fine now; you needn't waste your concern."

Jia Baoyu's face flushed red: "Is this a good place for you? Jia Cong only brings back corrupt officials, spouting nothing but talk of officialdom and profit—polluting a girl like you."

Jia Baoyu reached to take her hand, but she blocked him with the teacart; her face darkened slightly. "Second Young Master, say what you mean plainly—don't grab and pull."

Jia Baoyu was used to being rebuked by maids; he even enjoyed it. Her sharp retort only deepened his fascination—she was more intriguing than any other maid.

Seeing her skeptical expression, his courage swelled: "You're angry—I did nothing when Lady Wang drove you out. You're clearly unhappy here, yet you lie to me."

"Don't fear—I'll take you back to my courtyard. I'll speak to Jia Cong myself."

Xiao Hong blinked in surprise: "Second Young Master, what are you saying? I've already been driven out—how can I return? Can you even ask Lady Wang to take me back?"

Hearing this, Jia Baoyu's bravado collapsed. He would never dare argue with Lady Wang to reclaim her—he lacked the courage.

Still, he clung to his words: "I'll go to Lady Wang—I'll reason with her. You did nothing wrong in my courtyard; surely she'll understand…"

Xiao Hong sneered inwardly: If you were truly such a man, Master Qian Xue wouldn't have been driven out over a single cup of tea, and you wouldn't have uttered a word. Now you come to flatter me?

She said: "Second Young Master, don't trouble yourself. Though I was driven out, it's not honorable, yet I'm better off now—it's fortune in disguise."

"All feasts end eventually. Even if I hadn't been driven out, I couldn't have stayed in your courtyard forever. This is exactly right."

"Now, the Third Young Master thinks I can still serve and has given me this post. I'm deeply grateful—I'll do my best and never bring shame to him. That's how I repay his kindness."

…

Jia Baoyu heard Xiao Hong had no desire to return to his courtyard; his gentle words had moved her not at all.

His coarse, male form simply didn't appeal to a girl's heart—fine. But why did Jia Cong's flattery make her so devoted?

He said resentfully: "Jia Cong isn't good at all—he has no sense of tenderness toward girls."

"He puts you here guarding an empty courtyard, fetching tea and water, staring at four walls every day—this is a cruel waste of you."

Xiao Hong's face darkened: "I choose this—I have nothing to do with others. Even if I guard an empty courtyard for Jia Cong my whole life, I'm happy."

"Second Young Master, stop slandering the Third Young Master. Everyone has their own fate—just live your own life."

Jia Baoyu's face flushed with anger. Xiao Hong was now Jia Cong's maid; he was merely a minor young master of the Eastern Courtyard—he could do nothing to her.

Yet Jia Baoyu was not like Lady Wang—he was used to being rebuked by maids and never harbored resentment or revenge.

He stamped his foot: "You don't understand me! I exhaust myself worrying for you, yet no one knows. If Lady Wang won't act, I'll go to Grandmother…"

Xiao Hong was startled—she had defended Jia Cong against Jia Baoyu's slander, but now regretted speaking too sharply and stirred his temper.

If Jia Baoyu truly went to Grandmother and begged, Lady Wang would yield. If Grandmother, in her favoritism, demanded Jia Cong return her, disaster would follow.

Now, serving the Third Young Master was comfortable and respectable, and she gained knowledge. Her mother even said he always treated maids well—but his kindness was nothing like Jia Baoyu's…

She had finally found such a master—why would she ever want to return to Jia Baoyu's courtyard for petty jealousies?

Xiao Hong's eyes flickered: "Second Young Master, don't tell Grandmother this. I truly enjoy staying in Rongxi Hall—and I'm not just guarding an empty courtyard."

"The Third Young Master is studying hard, preparing for the spring imperial examination. He once told me Rongxi Hall is spacious and quiet—the perfect place to study."

"From his tone, after the New Year, he'll surely move into Rongxi Hall to study. They say his scholarship is famed across the land—I'm eagerly awaiting that day."

"I can ask him to teach me reading and writing. I've heard even his maids can read and write, yet I'm still illiterate—wouldn't that be shameful?"

"Best of all, if he could teach me the Four Books—no, the Five Classics—that would be truly impressive."

Xiao Hong stole a glance at Jia Baoyu; his face had grown pale, his gaze dull, as if deeply disappointed in her.

She bit her thin lip slightly and continued: "When I was in your courtyard, I often heard Second Master urge you to study hard—it was right."

"The Third Young Master is your age, yet he can now compete for the top scholar title. You should listen to Second Master, study harder."

"A clever man like you might pass the examination this year—it would be honorable, and make Second Master and Second Lady proud."

"From now on, you could learn the skills of officials and ministers, just like the Third Young Master, and someday be granted a title and office, glorifying your ancestors…"

Xiao Hong was sharp-witted and eloquent; she read Jia Baoyu's heart perfectly. Her small mouth rattled on, clear and crisp, her voice bright—she couldn't stop.

Jia Baoyu's flushed face had turned pale; he looked at Xiao Hong with heartbreak—what a pure, lovely girl, now spouting nothing but the stench of corrupt officialdom!

Jia Cong truly ruined people—such a fine maid, now corrupted by him.

Jia Baoyu spat: "How could a girl like you become this? Your talk of officials and ministers—save it for Jia Cong. I have no taste for it!"

Xiao Hong watched Jia Baoyu turn and storm away, his sleeve flaring—was it her talk of exams and office that crushed him, or her words about officialdom that sent him fleeing?

But one thing she was certain of: from now on, Jia Baoyu would despise her, never again waste his tender words on her, nor go to Grandmother to reclaim her.

Thinking of it, she couldn't help a quiet, smug chuckle.

It seemed serving the Third Young Master truly broadened one's horizons—those words she'd just spoken to Jia Baoyu? She'd overheard them during Jia Cong's recent guest receptions in Rongxi Hall.

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Lixiang Courtyard.

Xue Baochai returned to the courtyard with the Xia girl, but Tan Chun did not come with them.

Because Xue Xue Yima was hosting a banquet for the Xia mother and daughter; on the surface, it was a New Year visit, but in truth, it was a marriage prospect meeting.

Originally, the Xia girl should have avoided direct contact with Xue Pan, but as the families conversed, they discovered their ancestors had been noble clans—thus, an old kinship bound them, allowing some flexibility in etiquette.

Though Xue Pan could not attend the entire banquet, he entered once to pay respects to Lady Wang and the Xia lady as a junior, and thus had a chance to glimpse the Xia girl.

But Tan Chun, as an outside relative, was bound by Jia family's stricter rules—she could not meet Xue Pan, so she did not join the banquet.

Xue Baochai noticed the Xia girl's restlessness upon returning and recalled seeing Jia Cong and others approaching from the corridor earlier.

Since Jia Cong had outside guests, Xue Baochai and Tan Chun had naturally stepped aside—but the Xia girl had frozen, staring fixedly at him, her usual alertness gone.

Only when Tan Chun pulled her did she snap out of it; Tan Chun, merely accompanying guests, hadn't thought much of it.

But Xue Baochai was different—this Xia girl might become her sister-in-law. She had been quietly evaluating her, so she noticed every detail.

She quickly realized the Xia girl's lapse was because she had seen Jia Cong—her eyes had glowed, making Xue Baochai's cheeks flush and heart quicken.

As a woman, she understood that look's meaning; she couldn't help but suspect the Xia girl.

Even if Jia Cong was handsome, she was a visiting girl with marriage prospects—such a gaze at an unrelated man was far too improper.

But this was only Xue Baochai's observation—no proof existed. She couldn't use it as grounds for accusation.

Tan Chun had gone alone to the Eastern Mansion; Xue Baochai accompanied the Xia girl back to Lixiang Garden, speaking only lightly and casually.

… Before arriving at Lixiang Courtyard, the Xia girl had already heard tales of the famed young Marquis of Yuan Yuan from the Jia family.

She had heard many legends—how Jia Cong was peerless, brilliant in both civil and martial arts, a young nobleman, as handsome as Pan An, like a celestial being.

Born into great wealth, her father died early; her mother had only her as a daughter.

She was exceptionally beautiful and clever, doted upon and indulged by her widowed mother, raised to be spoiled and domineering.

Having grown up with every luxury, she held high standards and a proud heart, believing all fine things belonged to her—she was a bodhisattva, others mere filth.

At marriageable age, she felt her family's wealth and her own beauty demanded nothing less than the finest man in the world to match her.

With such arrogance, she naturally felt curiosity and longing for a man like Jia Cong.

When the Daoist Zhang from Qingxu Temple came to arrange a match, he said the groom's family was the wealthy Xue clan of Jin Ling—also a top imperial merchant, like the Xia family.

Moreover, the Xue family was not only an imperial merchant but a scholarly lineage of officials; their ancestors had served as Purple Micro Chamberlain and produced two generations of high officials, their legacy still protecting descendants.

Hearing the groom's family matched her own and even surpassed it in ancestry, the Xia mother was deeply tempted.

But the Xia girl agreed not for the Xue family's status—she had heard the Daoist boast that the Xue family was related to the Jia family, and that the Jia mansion now had a young master holding dual titles, immensely powerful and renowned.

The Xia mother's visit was indeed meant to court the Xue family.

But the Xia girl was far more cunning than her mother—she came with the intent to gain more than she had, using the Xue family as a stepping stone.

The Xia family was wealthy but lacked deep lineage; mother and daughter had little exposure, yet their calculations were pure merchant tactics—sharper than most.

The Xia girl never considered Jia Cong's noble status, how his marriage was tied to imperial decree—she simply indulged in wild fantasies.

She was a sharp-minded woman, scheming to the last detail.

Hearing Tan Chun casually mention Jia Cong receiving guests in Rongqing Hall, she proposed touring the mansion's lanterns, then feigned interest in the most exquisite lanterns near Rongqing Hall to create opportunities.

What began as a futile wish actually succeeded—she encountered Jia Cong twice on her way there and back; his peerless beauty and grace left her spellbound.

Now back in Lixiang Courtyard, with Lady Wang, the Xue women, and the banquet, the Xia girl remained distracted, her heart fixed on Jia Cong's radiant presence.

…

After the banquet had progressed, Xue Pan entered to pay respects and toast Lady Wang and the Xia lady.

Xue Pan had been carefully dressed by Xue Xue Yima—new robes, oiled hair, white face, flowers pinned to his temples; his handsome appearance made him look quite impressive at first glance.

Xue Pan was no stranger to brothels and had met many beautiful fleeting lovers, so he had some experience with women.

But upon seeing Xia Gu Niang's stunning beauty and alluring charm, he was instantly rendered speechless.

When Xue Xue Yima saw her son's expression, she was delighted—she knew her son had taken a fancy to the girl.

Xia Gu Niang's mother, upon seeing Xue Pan's dazed stare, secretly rejoiced—her daughter's beauty was unmatched; how could anyone fail to be captivated?

Wang Lady, seeing Xue Pan's behavior, frowned slightly—her nephew was behaving improperly.

How could he stare so brazenly at a young lady? If it were my Jia Baoyu, he would never be so rude. It's a pity such a refined girl as Xia Gu Niang…

Upon seeing Xue Pan's appearance, Xia Gu Niang's expression turned cold; the faint hope she had harbored vanished completely.

Many things in life pass unnoticed unless compared to something better.

Though Xue Pan was a spoiled, domineering youth, he inherited the Xue family's striking looks and carried more masculine vigor than Jia Baoyu.

Had Xia Gu Niang never seen such a jewel as Jia Baoyu before, she might truly have found happiness with him.

But after admiring the lanterns and seeing the Jia family's dragon-horse and phoenix-chick, Xue Pan looked like a black crow—though her face remained calm, her stomach churned with revulsion.

Moreover, Xue Da's burning gaze and lecherous expression filled Xia Gu Niang with particular disgust; even the fashionable flower tucked behind his ear seemed garishly offensive.

After bowing respectfully to his elders, Xue Pan reluctantly left the inner hall.

The entire banquet proceeded smoothly and uneventfully; only Xue Xue Yima and Xia Gu Niang's mother chatted warmly, while Wang Lady offered only casual replies.

Xia Gu Niang seemed preoccupied, speaking only casually with Xue Baochai.

Wang Lady watched from the side, noting how composed and proper Xia Gu Niang remained upon seeing Xue Pan—no lapse in decorum at all. She gained new respect for her.

When the banquet ended and the Xia mother and daughter prepared to take their leave, Xue Xue Yima and Xia Gu Niang's mother exchanged a few private words—whether they had arranged another meeting or set the stage for a matchmaker's proposal remained unknown.

…

Bojue Mansion, Seeing Yingchun Courtyard.

Jia Cong saw off Shi Ding and his wife; Shi Shi Xiangyun, however, stayed behind. With Shi Ding soon departing south for his posting, Shi Xiangyun would likely reside long-term at the Jia residence for years to come.

Both the Eastern and Western Prefectures now belonged to Jia Cong as his hereditary estate; placing Shi Xiangyun in either was no issue.

Previously, when Lin Daiyu suddenly fell ill, Jia Mu had planned to move her back to the Western Prefecture after she recovered and the New Year festivities passed.

But before the New Year even ended, Jia Cong inherited the Lady Rongguo hereditary title and became master of the Western Prefecture.

Jia Mu no longer mentioned moving her granddaughter back—after all, whether moved or not, she remained within her grandson's domain; insisting otherwise would seem unnecessarily cold and distant. Over time, the thought faded.

Originally, Jia Cong had intended to set aside a separate courtyard in the Eastern Prefecture as Shi Xiangyun's private chamber.

But Shi Xiangyun was accustomed to Seeing Yingchun's courtyard, so she asked only that Jia Cong keep her in the same place.

Shi Xiangyun's nature was free-spirited, talkative, and cheerful; wherever she went, laughter and liveliness followed.

Jia Cong had barely arrived with her at Seeing Yingchun Courtyard when the main hall was already filled with Seeing Yingchun, Lin Daiyu, Xing Xing Xiuyan, and others, their laughter ringing constantly.

As they chatted, a flash of rose-red appeared at the hall's entrance—Seeing Tan Chun entered with a bright smile.

She had just parted from Xue Baochai, then stopped by Rongqing Hall to pay respects to Jia Mu, and afterward visited Jia Cong's courtyard to chat with Zhi Shao and others.

Only upon hearing that Shi Xiangyun had moved into the Eastern Prefecture did she hurry over to Seeing Yingchun Courtyard.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Ever since Third Sister moved out, I haven't seen you for days. Why the sudden visit today? I just saw you strolling the garden with Sister Bao."

"There was also a girl I didn't recognize—was she a visiting lady from another family?"

Seeing Tan Chun smiled and replied, "Third Brother is sharp-eyed. That's Xia Gu Niang. Today, Auntie Xue invited her and her mother to Lixiang Courtyard as guests—really, it was to find a match for Brother Xue."

Jia Cong's heart stirred. "Is she from the Osmanthus Xia family?"

Seeing Tan Chun was surprised. "Third Brother, you're clever—how did you guess so quickly?"

Hearing Seeing Tan Chun's words, Jia Cong felt a strange unease. He had once feared the wrong pairing—that Jia Baoyu might be matched with Xia Jingui, which felt horrifying.

Now it seemed fate had returned to its original course. Was it truly Xue Pan who would marry this living treasure? He replied casually: "When Elder Brother held the funeral, the Daoist Zhang from Yuxu Temple came to visit Grandmother. In idle talk, he mentioned several young ladies of noble birth whose family status suited Jia Baoyu.

The Osmanthus Xia family was one of them. In Shendu City, there are few wealthy Xia families, and the only one comparable to the Xue household is the Osmanthus Xia family—so it wasn't hard to guess."

On that day, Daoist Zhang had proposed matches for Jia Baoyu at Rongqing Hall; Jia Cong and Lin Daiyu were both present, but Seeing Tan Chun was not, so she knew nothing of this prior connection.

Seeing Tan Chun laughed. "So there's a backstory! It seems Xia Gu Niang and Brother Xue were destined to be together—originally meant for Jia Baoyu, yet somehow ended up with the Xue family.

Still, Xia Gu Niang is as beautiful as a flower and moon, quick-witted and frank, capable of reading and composing poetry—truly an exceptional woman. If Brother Xue truly marries her, it would be a blessing."

"While I strolled the garden with Xue Baochai, Xia Gu Niang said the Western Prefecture garden was lovely. I told her the Eastern Prefecture's scenery is even better."

"She seemed quite interested and even said she'd like me to take her to the Eastern Prefecture one day."

Jia Cong's stomach twisted—he knew what this woman truly was, though others did not.

In his past life, she was said to have seduced Xue Ke and, out of jealousy, attempted to poison Xiang Ling—only to accidentally poison herself instead.

She was a ruthless, boundlessly cruel woman. The best course was to keep her at a distance.

If she married Xue Pan, her movements within the Western Prefecture were unavoidable—but if she wandered into his Eastern Prefecture, where so many sisters and maids resided, it would be like a weasel sneaking into the inner courtyard—sure to bring disaster.

As the two siblings spoke of Xia Gu Niang, Seeing Yingchun and Lin Daiyu paid no mind—they were still laughing at something Shi Xiangyun had just said.

Jia Cong stepped closer and said, "Perhaps Xia Gu Niang is strikingly beautiful, but one must not judge a person by appearance alone. Sisters like you rarely leave home, so you've heard little.

But I travel often, and I've heard rumors about the Osmanthus Xia family—that they have only one daughter, her father died early, her mother spoiled her, and she grew up domineering and sharp-tongued.

She's no easy person to deal with. Third Sister, if you associate with her, be cautious and keep your wits about you."

Seeing Tan Chun deeply trusted Jia Cong. This was the first time he had criticized a young lady of the inner chambers; her sharp mind instantly sensed his intense dislike for her.

She knew Jia Cong was wise and perceptive—his words were never without reason. She grew slightly wary and nodded: "If Third Brother dislikes her, I'll avoid her from now on.

Even if she marries Brother Xue, she'll live only in his household. If we must occasionally cross paths, I'll stay alert—Third Brother, rest assured."

(End of Chapter)