Chapter 533: The Spoiled Girl

Love Shenjing, Qingyu Fang, Xia Mansion.

Though the Guihua Xia family was immensely wealthy and their mansion spacious and grand, with multiple gates and lavish ornamentation, they held no official title and dared not overstep protocol.

Inside the main hall of the inner courtyard, Madam Xia gently blew away the tea foam on her covered bowl as she listened to the household manager's report.

The old woman said: "Madam, as you instructed, all the precious seasonal flowers and exquisite gifts this spring have been delivered to the mansions of the noble houses and royal families; every princess and lady has sent their regards to you."

We also sent gifts and bribes to Eunuch Xia at court, following last year's custom—only because our daughter once hoped to enter the palace for selection did we cultivate ties with Eunuch Xia.

Now that you're unwilling to let your daughter go there, we no longer need Eunuch Xia's influence—so is it still necessary to spend so much on these annual gifts?"

Madam Xia sipped her fragrant tea and asked: "Even if we don't need Eunuch Xia's power, our family does business with the imperial court—more eyes and more connections in the palace can never hurt."

Besides, we never ask favors of Eunuch Xia, so he dares not take much; sending this gift is a sign of respect. No matter the amount, eunuchs value this sort of gesture most—they seek to build goodwill."

The household manager bowed her head in sincere agreement and fell silent.

…

Madam Xia asked again: "What did each noble family say? What were their reactions?"

The manager replied: "Madam, the old Princess of Nanan especially loved the two rare 'Eighteen Scholars' camellias you selected."

She said these 'Eighteen Scholars' were exceedingly rare—she'd only seen them a few times in the imperial garden during her court visit two years ago, and never before outside; she deeply appreciates your thoughtfulness. The Princess of Beijing Jing received the gifts with great formality and returned a gift: two top-grade Korean snow ginsengs for you, and two bolts of premium tribute silk for your daughter."

She chose most of the rare flowers we sent and had them transported to the imperial mausoleum villa outside the city, saying her younger sister was mourning at the mausoleum for Madam Zhen."

It's said this Madam Zhen, the third daughter, was raised in the palace since childhood and was the favorite of the old Princess Zhen; even the current Retired Emperor held her in high esteem. She loved fresh flowers most, which is why the Princess of Beijing Jing passed them along."

Madam Xia paused slightly and asked: "Is this Madam Zhen the one once betrothed to Jia's Lord Weiyuan Bo?"

The manager replied: "Yes, that's her. Just as the betrothal was arranged, Lord Weiyuan Bo's father died, and he observed three years of mourning, so the betrothal was rescinded."

But outside, people say that though the marriage never happened, Lord Weiyuan Bo has shown great care for Madam Zhen, often sending gifts to the mausoleum villa—he clearly holds her in high regard."

Madam Xia smiled: "Though their betrothal failed, she's truly tied to the Jia family. Now our daughter is negotiating a marriage with the Xue family, Jia's in-laws—this connection matters."

This kind of effortless favor must be done. The precious flowers we sent are delicate things—ordinary people couldn't care for them."

Pick a reliable gardener and send him to the mausoleum villa every other day to tend the flowers—make sure Madam Zhen is pleased. When word spreads, Lord Weiyuan Bo of the Jia family will surely feel indebted."

…

Madam Xia asked again: "What did the Zhao Prince's wife say when she received our gift?"

The manager replied: "I delivered the gift but did not meet Princess Zhao; earlier this year, she fell seriously ill, and despite treatment by physicians from the Taiyi Academy, her condition has remained intermittent and never fully improved."

It was her personal maid who came out to receive me—she only conveyed the princess's thanks and nothing more."

Madame Xia was puzzled: "Princess Zhao is only twenty—her blood and qi are strong, and she has always been healthy. How did she suddenly fall so ill, and why hasn't she recovered after months?"

The manager replied: "I heard rumors outside: Princess Zhao's elder brother served as an official in Jin Ling. Though not a full brother, they were raised together and shared deep sibling affection."

Last winter, Jin Ling uncovered a major case involving the guard army; Princess Zhao's brother was implicated, declared the principal criminal, and died under suspicious circumstances. It is said she collapsed from grief."

The Zhao Prince's household was also implicated—rumors say many of his disciples and subordinates were caught up in it."

Now the Zhao Prince's mansion has shut its doors to visitors. Had it not been for our business ties, I might not have even been allowed inside to deliver the gift."

Madam Xia thought a moment, then said: "Prepare some top-grade tonic herbs and send them to the Zhao Prince's mansion for the princess's use—it's our gesture."

These past years, we've been nothing but a widow and her daughter. Without a man to hold up the household, we'd have collapsed long ago."

Yet we haven't fallen—we've grown even richer than before. The reason? My late husband cultivated these old favors."

Over the years, they've invested silver in our Xia family's businesses. Though they've taken much profit, what's left is more than enough for our household's needs and savings—it's a great blessing."

So we must always treat these families and other nobles with perfect courtesy—never a hint of neglect. This is all we have to rely on as mother and daughter…"

…

The manager added: "I delivered the gift to the Ning Prince's mansion but did not meet Princess Ning herself; a household maid came out to receive me, saying the prince and princess were away and she dared not accept the gift without their permission."

Today, the shopkeeper in the eastern district sent word: Princess Ning's cousin, Master Du, wishes to withdraw his fifty thousand taels of invested capital from our shop—but the contract has not yet expired. He asks you to decide."

Madam Xia looked surprised: "Master Du took a substantial dividend last winter. Since he's Ning Prince's in-law, we even gave him an extra half percent. Why would he want to pull his money out?"

The manager replied: "The eastern shopkeeper investigated and learned that Master Du used the Ning Prince's name to invest in our business, but Ning Prince didn't know.

Recently, due to Princess Zhao's brother's affair, the Zhao Prince's household was implicated, and the Ning Prince grew wary. Upon learning of Master Du's involvement, he feared it would tarnish his reputation, so he ordered Du to withdraw his capital."

Madam Xia gave a faint, cold smile: "He's so careful with his reputation—won't leave even a hint of scandal. But what good is such caution?"

Zhao Prince has great merit, high rank, and a stellar reputation—even if he's been tainted by his wife's affair, it's past and forgotten. What does it matter if Ning Prince polishes his name even further?"

In Love Shenjing, all noble houses have mixed ways of making money—investing through imperial and civilian merchants, laundering silver, all common practices. He's overreacting."

The manager added: "A few days ago, you ordered us to prepare your daughter's dowry. We've nearly finished gathering everything—every item is the finest in Love Shenjing."

In two days, I'll have a complete dowry list ready for your review, then we can begin procurement."

At this, Madam Xia thought of her precious daughter and felt a headache coming on.

She became distracted, gave the manager a few more instructions, dismissed her, then left the main hall and headed toward her daughter's boudoir.

…

As Madam Xia reached her daughter's bedroom door, she heard loud chatter inside—she recognized the voice of her daughter's personal maid, Seeing Baochan.

Seeing Baochan said: "Miss, I used your silver to send a servant to the outer courtyard to investigate. Since Lord Weiyuan Bo broke off the Zhen family betrothal, there's been no rumor of other romantic entanglements."

He's been in mourning at home, reading books daily, never visiting brothels or pleasure houses—he's a very proper man."

Outside, everyone says Lord Weiyuan Bo will take the spring imperial examination this spring. He was already the top provincial scholar—he'll surely pass and become a Rank Jinshi."

And they say his scholarship is exceptional—he might even become the top imperial scholar."

Miss, can you believe such a man exists? I saw him that day—he's truly beautiful. So young, already a noble, and now he might top the imperial list."

All the good fortune in the world seems to belong to him."

That day, following you, I saw something rare—the Jia family's young masters are all outstanding."

Not only Lord Weiyuan Bo, but that Jia Baoyu too—he's incredibly handsome, gentle and kind, clearly a man who treats women well…"

The Xia daughter replied dismissively: "You little fool, what do you know about beauty or handsomeness?"

That Jia Baoyu may be handsome, but he's effeminate—no idea if he's even capable… Jia Cong is different—he can write brilliant poetry and ride into battle with sword in hand. His elegance and charm—Jia Baoyu can't even compare. He's only fit to be the mud beneath Jia Cong's feet!"

Seeing Baochan was confused—how could anyone be so pleasing and upright and still be called mud?

At the door, Madam Xia frowned at her daughter's arrogant words. Her daughter was beautiful and poised, a perfect image of a noble lady in public.

But behind closed doors, she spoke and acted with sharpness, cruelty, and arrogance. It was tolerable as a daughter at home—but if she became another family's daughter-in-law, she'd cause nothing but trouble."

Madam Xia was about to enter when Seeing Baochan said: "Miss, you're not actually taken with Jia Cong, are you?"

The Xia daughter sniffed, proudly declaring: "Yes, I am taken with him. So what? Is he too ugly? Too poor?"

Seeing Baochan said: "Last time you went to the Jia mansion, it was to meet Xue the eldest. How did you end up fixated on Jia Cong? If Mother finds out, she'll never allow it."

…

As Seeing Baochan spoke, a cough sounded at the door. Madam Xia entered, her face displeased: "Seeing Baochan, leave. We need to speak."

After Seeing Baochan exited, Madam Xia said sharply: "I knew something was off when you returned from the Jia mansion—I asked you about the Xue marriage, and you dodged and delayed."

Now you still have no clear answer. You've become distracted since seeing Jia Cong. How can a girl behave so absurdly? What will others think if they hear?"

Was what Seeing Baochan just said true? Do you truly favor Jia Cong?"

Though bold, the Xia daughter was still a girl. At her mother's words, her face flushed crimson.

But her tone remained unyielding: "Mother, don't blame me. You sent me to the Jia mansion to meet Xue, and you agreed I could tour their lantern festival—it wasn't my fault I got distracted."

Besides, you didn't see Jia Cong. Any woman who lays eyes on him would never choose that Xue the fool!"

Madam Xia scolded: "What nonsense comes out of your mouth! The Xue family is perfectly matched to ours. Xue the eldest is handsome and noble—how can you call him a fool?"

Don't lose your head. The world has many good things, but one grain of rice grows a hundred kinds of people—you can't expect every good thing to be yours."

Though our Xia family is wealthy, that's only relative to the poor. Among noble clans, our wealth means nothing."

For years you've reached marriageable age, your standards have risen, and you've found nothing suitable. Now, finally, we've found the Xue family."

Both our families are imperial merchants with no official titles—we're perfectly matched. More importantly, the Xue family's connection to the Jia family gives us an advantage no one else has."

Xue the eldest is handsome, and his mother is gentle—she'll surely be a kind mother-in-law."

My dear daughter, such a match is hard to find. Once this chance passes, it won't come again. Don't lose your head and fixate on Jia Cong."

The Xia daughter said: "Mother, I'm not being unreasonable. When Xue Pan came to toast me, his eyes nearly fell out of his head."

That lecherous, vulgar look—he's clearly spent his days in brothels. I'd rather die unmarried than marry that lecherous fool!"

Madam Xia frowned: "Among noble families, a little lust isn't a major flaw. Once married, he'll settle down. Everyone goes through this—it's nothing."

The Xia daughter persisted: "Mother, if you say the Xue family is so good, isn't the Jia family even better?"

I'm not being unreasonable—if you'd seen Jia Cong, even a blind man could tell he's ten thousand times better than Xue Pan. Why choose a rotten melon when you can have a perfect one?"

Madam Xia sighed helplessly: "You're impossible. Even if you like one of the Jia sons, fine—but why him?"

Forget that the Jia family is a Duke's household—we're not worthy to match them."

But Jia Cong himself is extraordinary. So young, already so famous—he holds a noble title and an official post, and even his marriage is arranged by imperial decree."

His status is too high, his rank too noble. Even marrying a princess or imperial princess wouldn't be hard for him. Why would he ever look at a daughter from our family?"

If you dislike Xue the eldest, we can delay this match. I'll find you other suitable families. But Jia Cong? That's pure fantasy. Such delusions only bring you pain."

Seeing her daughter's pale face, Madam Xia sighed. She knew her daughter best: raised in luxury as the only child, she'd always gotten whatever she wanted—wind, rain, everything."

Her daughter had always been stubborn and determined. Once she set her heart on something, she'd cry, beg, pout, and wear everyone down until she got it."

As a child, such tantrums were harmless. But now, with marriage at stake, this behavior is disgraceful."

And Jia Cong's status is far beyond our reach. Her obsession is futile—it will only end in disappointment. She must be told harshly to break this delusion."

Seeing her daughter sit silently, sulking, Madam Xia said nothing. She waited—only when her daughter thought it through, when the fantasy shattered, would she let go."

…

Madam Xia stepped out and saw Seeing Baochan huddled nervously by the door, wondering if she'd overheard.

Thinking of her daughter's foolish obsession, Madam Xia snapped: "You better serve your mistress well. Don't say any nonsense to stir her up—if I hear of it, I'll flay you alive!"

Seeing Baochan jumped, then bowed her head, trembling, and promised obediently.

Mrs. Xia had not walked far when she heard the sound of shattering porcelain and breaking objects coming from her daughter's chamber.

Mrs. Xia's face twitched slightly; she sighed and chose to pretend she heard nothing.

As she walked, Mrs. Xia pondered how to handle Mrs. Xue—the Xia family had been invited to visit for a matchmaking meeting, and whether or not the match proceeded, they must give some reply.

If they remained silent, it would violate propriety and outright offend the Xue family; offending the Xue family meant offending the Jia family, turning a good opportunity into a disaster, which would be far too foolish.

Mrs. Xia weighed the matter repeatedly in her mind, and no longer cared about her daughter's tantrum and destruction of the house.

After all, she was the wife of a royal merchant; after her husband's death, she had single-handedly upheld the family business, excelling in profit-driven dealings and social maneuvering. In just a moment's thought, she had already devised a plan.

On that day, when mother and daughter visited the Xue household, the Jia family lady who accompanied them was a kind woman who seemed to take a liking to her daughter; moreover, she was sister to Mrs. Xue, so they could speak freely without restraint.

Why not take gifts and visit her personally, explain this complicated situation, and beg the Jia lady to gently convey the message to her younger sister, then send another gift to Mrs. Xue as a gesture of goodwill?

In this way, the Xue family would not lose face, the Xia family could maintain dignity, they would owe the Jia lady a favor, and mutual warmth could be cultivated—thus securing another connection in the Divine Capital…

…

In the young miss's chamber, Bao Chan was sweeping up the shattered vases and teacups scattered across the floor.

She was used to this; whenever the young mistress felt uneasy, she would smash everything within reach, and since the Xia family was wealthy, they did not care about a few copper coins.

Since following the young miss, Bao Chan dared not emulate her mistress's domineering harshness, but had fully absorbed her cunning wit, always eager to flatter and curry favor with her mistress.

"Miss, don't be angry. Lady Xia only has your best interests at heart, and what she said makes sense. If the Jia young master took a fancy to you, that's one thing—but his grandeur and pride are too great, making things hard to settle."

"Just stop thinking about him. Don't torment yourself. With your character and beauty, you're hard to find even with a lantern—how could you fail to find a perfect husband?"

"Even if you admire the Jia family's status, such opportunities are not rare in the Divine Capital—why let him alone be the one to rejoice…"

The young miss, having smashed everything in the room, lay slumped on her bed in sullen anger; hearing Bao Chan's idle, flattering words, something stirred within her, and her phoenix eyes shimmered with delicate allure. (End of chapter)