Chapter 538: Monsters and Demons Invite Heavenly Might

Earl's Mansion, Yingchun Courtyard.

Outside the courtyard, clear streams wound around, stone bridges were picturesque, and the reeds and leaves on the shore, after a severe winter, although showing large patches of withered yellow, had already sprouted new green shoots in the sunny spots.

In the courtyard, the three-room, two-story embroidered building, with vermilion beams and painted pillars, white walls and black tiles, was very exquisite and beautiful.

At the entrance of the main hall, beaded curtains of Qihai fragrant wood hung down. On the heated bed under the south window, a large red felt was spread, and on the east side, there were brocade-backed pillows, with light pink satin cushions spread.

The afternoon sun shone into the hall, pretty and graceful figures moved, fragrance lingered, light and shadow danced, laughter and chatter were lively, appearing full of vitality.

Yingchun and Daiyu were sitting opposite each other on the heated bed, drinking warm tea and chatting.

In the center of the hall, a marble-topped round table was set with a chessboard. Shi Xiangyun was playing chess with Xing Xiuyan, and the falling of the chess pieces made a crisp and pleasant sound.

Among the sisters, Yingchun had the best chess skills, Daiyu was second, Jia Cong was third, and Baochai usually only watched but never played. Because there was still Shi Xiangyun at the bottom, Jia Cong escaped the embarrassment of being a "stinky chess player."

For a temperament like Xiangyun's, who was outgoing and straightforward, there might be fewer twists and turns in her heart, which would also be expressed as simple and honest in her chess style.

Every time she played against Yingchun, she lost more and won less. Even if she occasionally won a game, it was mostly Yingchun letting her win to make her happy.

Although Xiangyun was straightforward, she was not truly stupid. After playing chess many times, she naturally gave Yingchun a wide berth.

Fortunately, Xing Xiuyan, who lived in the same Yingchun courtyard as her, was an excellent opponent.

Xing Xiuyan had followed Sister Miao Yu to study and write since she was a child, and she also learned chess from Sister Miao Yu. Her mind was quite intelligent, and her chess skills were actually not bad.

But she had a temperament of indifference and self-containment, and she didn't care about winning or losing at all. On the chessboard, she was also at ease, following the winding path, rarely showing sharp edges.

Meeting Xiangyun, whose chess style was straightforward and brave, the soft and the hard met, which just happened to restrain each other. The two often had half-and-half wins and losses, which made Xiangyun, who was defeated in front of Yingchun, feel very interesting.

In daily life, whenever Xiangyun had a quiet moment, she almost always dragged Xing Xiuyan to play chess.

On the heated bed, Daiyu sipped warm tea and heard Shi Xiangyun's laughter. She had actually won a game. Xing Xiuyan had a smile on her face, not caring at all, and the two tidied up the chess pieces to start a new game.

Daiyu watched the two enjoying themselves with great interest and saw Yingchun sitting there somewhat dazed, her gaze always looking toward the courtyard gate.

She asked, "Why is Second Sister so restless? Is it because of Third Brother's matter?"

Yingchun replied, "Just now the Lady and the Old Lady mentioned Yuanchun sister, insisting on talking about withdrawing four thousand taels of silver from the public funds. This matter has already been denied by Cong Di."

"The Lady values the eldest sister's future very much and is definitely unwilling to give up. Just now Xiuju came back and said that the Old Lady called Cong Di to Rongqing Hall, which must be related to this matter. Cong Di will have a headache."

Daiyu smiled slightly, "Although the Old Lady is old, she is not truly confused. Now the Jia family's East and West Prefectures all rely on Third Brother to support the family, not on the eldest sister in the palace."

"Such a simple truth, the Old Lady must be clear about it in her heart. Besides, since Third Brother moved to the West Prefecture that year, he has encountered many things inside and outside. When have you seen Third Brother suffer a loss?"

Yingchun heard Daiyu's words, and her heart relaxed. She smiled, "Sister's words make sense. It was I who was confused. Now he is no longer the ten-year-old boy in the East Road Courtyard."

"He has traveled north and south outside these years, and has been unharmed, and has even made achievements. How could he be troubled by small matters in the family?"

Daiyu smiled, "Second Sister is not confused, but cares too much about Third Brother, worrying about everything for him. Third Brother is truly blessed to have a sister like you."

Yingchun was slightly stunned and smiled, "Sister's words are reversed. It is my true blessing to have a brother like Cong Di. Without him, where would I be today?"

Daiyu smiled slightly, "Since I entered the mansion when I was young, I have heard several times that the family spent silver to plan for the eldest sister, but this year Third Brother opposed doing so."

"Although Third Brother has never told me about this, the reason is not hard to guess. Now Third Brother is too prominent and too eye-catching."

"Thinking about it, it is also strange. How old is Third Brother? He actually has to learn the method of keeping a low profile like the monk Qiongjun, making those who have spent half their lives without success feel ashamed."

"Having a brother like this, Second Sister is truly blessed, and it is not half-fake."

Yingchun couldn't help but smile upon hearing Daiyu's words, her expression radiant, clear and eye-catching, her gaze unable to hide her pride.

Daiyu said again, "Although I have never seen the eldest sister Yuanchun, I have often heard the Old Lady and the sisters in the family mention her, all saying she is an extremely outstanding person."

"But it is a pity that she entered the palace when she was young, and her youth was wasted. Now that she is over twenty, the Second Aunt is still thinking about letting her..."

Yingchun said, "I spent a long time with the eldest sister when I was young. She is indeed outstanding. If she hadn't entered the palace when she was young, she would have already put on red makeup and married as a wife."

Yingchun was just sighing casually, but these words touched her own heart...

Ever since Jia Cong was granted the Rongguo title by imperial decree, the story of two titles in one family echoed in the Love Shenjing, making Yingchun, this biological sister, also known to people.

During the New Year last year, many noble relatives who came to pay New Year greetings expressed their intention to propose marriage to Jia Mu, which was actually just to associate with Jia Cong.

Jia Mu had once discussed the marriage with Yingchun with great interest, but Yingchun found excuses to push it away.

But among the Jia family sisters, except for the eldest sister Yuanchun, Yingchun was the eldest and had already passed the age of fifteen. Even if she pushed away the marriage, she could only drag it for a year or two, and she would eventually have to marry.

She thought of the time when she was in the West Prefecture, her biological father and legitimate mother ignored her, as if she didn't exist. Although the Old Lady raised her by her side, she didn't value her much among the sisters.

In the eyes of the servants, she was a dead person with life, a "second wooden head" who didn't know pain when pricked by a needle.

Ever since Jia Cong moved from the East Road Courtyard to the West Prefecture that year, he was unusually close and dependent on this biological sister of his.

At that time, although he was studying in the academy all year round, as long as he returned to the mansion, he could ignore other things, but he would definitely go to her room to chat and play chess with her.

Knowing that she liked chess, he often collected rare chess sets and manuals to give to her to please her.

Yingchun's biological mother died early, and she grew up in loneliness since she was a child, never having been treated like this by anyone.

Her originally stiff and cautious heart began to soften and sprout because of the appearance of this brother, Jia Cong. Her body and mind seemed to be renewed, and from then on, she regarded this brother as her only sustenance.

After Jia Cong was titled and established his mansion, he took her to the East Prefecture to be the eldest young lady. She could not only be the mistress in the East Prefecture but also be with her brothers and sisters every day, carefree.

Such days made Yingchun intoxicated, feeling that she could never get enough of them. But as long as she married out, all this beauty would leave her far away, and she would never be able to keep it.

She would marry a stranger, stay together for life, and face a completely unknown and terrifying future.

Her Cong Di would also leave her far away, and would never be by her side like this again...

Seeing Yingchun suddenly dazed, her face pale, Daiyu asked with concern, "Second Sister, what's wrong with you? Why is your complexion not good?"

Yingchun forced a smile and said, "I didn't sleep soundly last night, and my spirit is not good today. But I don't dare to make up for sleep during the day, for fear of not sleeping soundly at night. It will be better slowly."

The two were talking when they heard footsteps in the courtyard. Yingchun heard that the footsteps were not as light as the sisters', but carried a steadiness, which was naturally her brother Jia Cong.

Her previously depressed mood seemed to be swept away in an instant. A radiant smile appeared on her face, and she couldn't help but get up from the heated bed to greet him...

Just as Jia Cong stepped into the hall, Yingchun saw the light flickering at the entrance of the hall and saw his clear and sunny face. Her heart couldn't help but relax, giving birth to an inexplicable stability.

She had Xiuju serve tea to Jia Cong and asked, "The Old Lady called Cong Di to Rongqing Hall, was it to talk about the four thousand taels?"

Jia Cong replied, "The Lady specifically went to find the Old Lady. Besides this, what else could she talk about? Before I went, I specifically invited the Master to go to Rongqing Hall together."

"In Rongqing Hall, I have already made the pros and cons of this matter clear. The Old Lady and the Master have both agreed not to withdraw silver from the West Prefecture's public funds to handle this matter, so as to avoid suspicion and disaster from outside."

Yingchun said, "Lin sister's words make sense. Cong Di's achievements are complete now, and he is very eye-catching. Being cautious is always right."

"The Jia family's two prefectures have Cong Di supporting the family, which is enough to be stable. Why must the eldest sister, a woman, sacrifice her whole life for a little glory and wealth?"

"It is just that I haven't seen the eldest sister for many years. Cong Di stopped this matter, I don't know what the eldest sister thinks?" Jia Cong smiled slightly, "Second Sister, don't worry. I have met the eldest sister twice in the palace and know a little about her heart. A few days ago, I sent New Year gifts and letters into the palace, and I received her reply yesterday."

Jia Cong took out Yuanchun's autograph reply from his bosom. Yingchun and Daiyu took it and opened it to see. Yingchun sighed, "It is rare that the eldest sister and you have a tacit understanding. Can the Lady see this letter?"

Jia Cong shook his head and said, "Originally, I brought this letter and was prepared to show it to the Lady and the Master, so as to save some breath."

"But the Lady is very paranoid and keen on the eldest sister seeking imperial favor and selection, and will not give up easily."

"As long as she doesn't involve the Rongguo Prefecture's public funds, I can't stop other things..."

"Now that the public funds no longer spend silver on this, the Lady will definitely not give up. I guess she will raise the silver herself. After all, the Lady is also from a great family and has some foundations."

"I privately asked Yuanyang that in previous years, the family planned this matter, and the Lady handled it personally, and she must have some connections in her hands."

"Even if I show the eldest sister's letter to her, it will be of no avail. With the Lady's temperament, she will definitely go her own way! Second Sister, think about it, when the eldest sister entered the palace back then, was there anyone who cared about what she thought in her heart? Was it her own willingness?"

"In the future, when the eldest sister returns home and knows that the Lady has seen her reply and continues to handle this matter, the mother-daughter relationship will be too embarrassing."

"The eldest sister has been away from home for ten years. Why let her face such a chilling situation after returning?"

"The Lady hasn't seen this letter, so the embarrassment between mother and daughter can be covered up, which is the best for the eldest sister."

Yingchun heard Jia Cong's careful consideration and appropriate handling. In the past, he had also been very attentive to the sisters in the family, and she couldn't help but tremble inwardly.

She said, "It is still Cong Di who considers it properly. You and the eldest sister have only met a few times, yet you can think so far for her. The sibling relationship can be considered predestined."

Daiyu said, "Third Brother, if the Lady doesn't use public silver and spends her own money to arrange this, aren't you worried that she will really succeed, which would be counterproductive and violate the eldest sister's original intention?"

Jia Cong laughed, "The eldest sister has been in the palace for nine years, and the Jia family has spent a lot of silver and means, but nothing has been achieved. Now that the Jia family's title has been newly inherited, times have changed, and this matter is even more difficult to achieve."

"Moreover, when I sent New Year gifts and letters to the eldest sister, I already had considerations and preparations. The eldest sister sent a letter out of the palace, which shows that she knows my heart."

"Let the Lady toss and turn by herself. In any case, it is just a waste of effort..."

Rongguo Prefecture, East Road Courtyard.

Lady Wang returned from the West Prefecture full of hatred. Thinking of Jia Cong's vicious words in Rongqing Hall, she cursed secretly in her heart and sat alone in the room for a long time before calming the depression in her chest.

Thinking that no matter what, she must use all means to properly handle the eldest daughter Yuanchun's major affairs. Once it succeeds, she can win back this breath of injustice, and the Second Branch will have a foundation to rely on from now on.

The vermilion cross-collared inner garment was slightly exposed at the collar of the long coat, red and white, making the crystal-clear neck skin look even more delicate and moist like snow, fragrance lingering, dazzling the eyes.

She was holding a needle and thread, embroidering a picture of spring glory peonies on a green bamboo roll, her slender fingers slightly curling the colored threads, the silver needle jumping up and down, her movements light and smooth.

During this period, Baochai lived a leisurely life, because Xue Yima and Lady Wang were busy arranging Xue Pan's marriage, allowing Baochai a chance to breathe.

Those connections, out of respect for the Rongguo Prefecture's prestige, had some misgivings in their hearts and always needed to leave a respectable way out, so they would also restrain themselves when it came to blocking or demanding things, which could save a lot of wasted silver.

Although Baochai was somewhat helpless about her mother's swaying power, in the end, it was not contrary to her own heart, which made her feel much more comfortable.

Although she knew clearly that since Jia Cong was titled, the distance between the two was somewhat difficult to cross, and now he had inherited two titles, making him even more dazzling.

She had no feelings for him, and in the future, there would be no hope, just living one day, taking advantage of one day...

The people in the inner room were busy with their own things when they suddenly heard footsteps in the hall. The sound was exactly Lady Wang.

Baochai was somewhat resistant to this Aunt now, not only because she always wanted to match her with Baoyu, contrary to her own heart.

Also because since Cong brother inherited the title, the Aunt's words and actions were aimed at him everywhere, and her intentions were somewhat unkind, which made Baochai unhappy.

But as a junior, even if she was dissatisfied, the etiquette that should be there could not be less. Hearing the maid outside already serving tea, she lifted the door curtain and went out to pay respects to Lady Wang.

Seeing Baochai's beautiful and gentle appearance, Lady Wang's face showed a satisfied smile, and the coldness that often appeared on her face during this period also melted away by more than half.

Baochai exchanged pleasantries with Lady Wang, left Lady Wang to talk to her mother, and returned to the inner room to busy herself with her embroidery.

Yesterday, Lady Wang counted her private wealth and asked the trusted mother to send a letter to the Xia family. But the mother came back and said that the Xia mistress was still thinking and could not make a decision for a while.

Lady Wang was greatly disappointed when she heard this. When the mother said that the Xia mistress mentioned a Xia family relative in the palace, Lady Wang's heart, which had just stiffened, began to beat again.

Three years ago, during the palace selection, Lady Wang had withdrawn silver from the Rongguo public funds to plan for Yuanchun's future. She had been prompted by others to arrange and had bribed a Eunuch Xia in the palace.

It was said that this Eunuch Xia often walked and handled affairs in the Six Palaces of the inner chambers. Outsiders called him the Chief Eunuch of the Six Palaces, but that was just private flattery and not a real official title.

This Eunuch Xia was also an old senior eunuch in the inner palace and had some official positions. Compared with the Chief Eunuch Ouyang Bin and the Deputy Chief Guo Lin, his status and official position were far behind.

But because Eunuch Xia was old and experienced in palace affairs, he would participate in the inner palace selection every three years as a duty of the Ceremonial Supervision.

Although he could not be counted as the main eunuch in charge of the selection, he held some power in his hands, which was why the Jia family bribed him when they handled palace connections three years ago.

It was just that although the Jia family bribed him three years ago, they were not familiar enough, and because of various other reasons, Yuanchun did not succeed in the end.

And this Eunuch Xia had the same surname as the Xia family. Could it be that the relative in the palace mentioned by the Xia mistress was this person!

Lady Wang could almost confirm this guess, because the surname Xia was not too many, and the only Xia-surnamed eunuch in the palace who had power and a name seemed to be this person.

Lady Wang thought of this, and her heart was burning. The Xia family's connections in the palace were actually her family's blood relatives, and the relationship must be extraordinary.

This made her look forward to the Xia family helping with this matter, feeling that as long as the Xia mistress could spare time to help, Yuanchun's future would definitely be successful...

Lady Wang's expectations for the Xia family rose, and her mood to wait for a reply became more urgent, and she valued the Xia family even more inwardly.

Guo Lin said: "The secret memorandum reported urgently today records that Lady Jia of the Rongguo second branch intends to withdraw four thousand taels of public silver from the Rongguo Prefecture to clear the way for her eldest daughter, Jia Yuanchun, regarding the palace selection."

Now she dared not neglect it anymore, and arranged a carriage early in the morning to go to the Lixiang Courtyard to discuss the marriage between the Xue and Xia families.

In the hall, Lady Wang, contrary to the usual practice, explained in detail the matter of the Xia family asking a high monk to divine the fate, the incompatibility of Miss Xia and Xue Pan's fate, and various reasons, and spoke many good words for the Xia mistress.

In fact, the Xia family mother had been gone for more than half a month, and there had been no news. Xue Yima had long guessed the result, and hearing her sister explain the reasons in detail, she didn't feel too surprised.

That Miss Xia was outstanding in appearance, and Xue Yima was very satisfied with her, so she couldn't help but feel very regretful.

Seeing her sister so enthusiastic about this matter and having so many words of praise for the Xia mistress, unlike her sister's usual temperament, she felt a bit strange in her heart.

Baochai in the inner room, although no longer worried about the Aunt's trouble with the Gold and Jade Affinity, was still vigilant about Lady Wang's arrival.

After hearing that the marriage between her brother and the Xia family did not happen, she was not only not disappointed but also felt very comfortable.

Because when the Xia family mother and daughter visited that day, Baochai remembered the ambiguous and presumptuous look Miss Xia gave Cong brother, and felt that this girl was not a decent person.

It was not a bad thing that she couldn't be her sister-in-law, and it was even a good thing, saving her brother from marrying the wrong person and causing trouble in the family.

Moreover, her brother's marriage did not happen, and her own marriage was even more remote. Even if the Aunt wanted to target her, she had no way to start, so wouldn't she be satisfied...

Baochai thought about these, feeling happy, and suddenly wanted to go to the East Prefecture to take a walk. She didn't know how his studies were going, and suddenly wanted to see him.