Chapter 548: White Day Defiles the Chamber

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Seeing Yingchun, Lin Daiyu, Seeing Tan Chun, Little Xichun, and the other sisters visited Xue Xue Yima at Lixiang Courtyard, then stopped by Rongqing Hall to pay their respects to Jia Mu.

As they chatted with the old lady, an outside servant woman came to report that Second Madam had arrived with Xia's old nurse to pay homage to the elder.

Jia Mu found this odd and could not recall who Xia's old nurse might be; Seeing Yingchun, Lin Daiyu, Little Xichun, and the others naturally had no idea either.

Only Seeing Tan Chun knew clearly: Xia's old nurse must be from the Osmanthus Xia family.

Yet Seeing Tan Chun herself was puzzled—yesterday, Xia's mother and daughter had been invited as guests to the Eastern Courtyard; why would Second Madam bring their old nurse to see the elder today? Soon, the curtain at the hall entrance was lifted, and Wang Lady entered with a warm smile, followed by a clean-faced, elegantly dressed old woman.

Behind them came five or six inner-court servants and rough maids, carrying three chests of gifts that filled half the open space in Rongqing Hall.

Jia Mu, seeing this display, asked in surprise: "What is going on here?"

Wang Lady smiled: "Let the old lady know—yesterday, I invited Mrs. Xia and her daughter to the Eastern Courtyard as guests; we spoke at length and got along wonderfully."

Mrs. Xia is a very courteous and well-mannered person; after returning home, she sent back a few tokens of appreciation to show goodwill between our families. Knowing that our household's elder is of advanced age, she specially sent this gift as a gesture of respect.

The old woman beside Wang Lady added: "My mistress is deeply grateful for Madam Jia's warm hospitality and has prepared modest gifts in return. Knowing the National Lady is present and of noble, venerable age, she dared not neglect proper etiquette."

"Here are two fine potted landscapes, five rare orchids, a green jade incense burner, two pairs of antlers, and a pair of aged wild ginseng—gifts for the National Lady's enjoyment. They are but trifles, unworthy of your attention."

"My daughter was treated with great kindness by Third Miss here, and learned that your household has several young ladies, all of exceptional grace and talent; she greatly admires them."

"Thus, she has sent various silks, handkerchiefs, fans, and incense pendants as small tokens for the young ladies' amusement. When time permits, she hopes to invite the young ladies to the Xia garden for a visit, so our families may maintain regular ties."

…

Jia Mu cared little for these gifts; ever since Jia Cong rose in prominence and became master of both eastern and western mansions, the Jia family's glory seemed entirely absorbed by him.

Last New Year, how many old relatives and friends came to offer New Year greetings—really, all of them came to see her grandson.

Her own status as a top-rank National Lady now felt like the sun setting behind the mountain, increasingly ignored by all.

Yet this Mrs. Xia understood propriety; though they had never met, she thought to send gifts to her—this alone brought Jia Mu quiet satisfaction.

Jia Mu smiled at the old woman: "Your mistress is too courteous. Return to her and tell her I thank her deeply."

She ordered Su Po to give the woman a reward for wine, then smiled at Sister Yuanyang: "Tell Feng'er to prepare a return gift for me."

The old woman accepted the reward and was led away by Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife to rest.

Jia Mu, experienced in worldly matters, knew that the Xia family had once been negotiating a marriage with the Xue family; rumor had it that the Xia girl was exceptionally beautiful…

The old lady still pondered Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu's affair; last year, she had asked Jia Zheng to write to Lin Lin Ruhai about it, but Lin Lin Ruhai had declined, citing Lin Daiyu's youth and frail health.

Yet Jia Mu had not given up; she felt Lin Lin Ruhai's reasoning was sound—after all, her granddaughter lived under her care, so there was no rush. She would wait until Lin Daiyu reached marriageable age before broaching the matter again.

Now, at this moment, Wang Lady suddenly grew close to the Xia family; Jia Mu had her suspicions and would not sit idle.

…

Jia Mu exchanged a few casual words with Wang Lady, and the topic gradually turned to Jia Baoyu.

She said: "Jia Baoyu will reach the age of martial training this April. As his mother, you must begin to consider his future. In my view, his constitution is weak; everything should wait a few more years."

Seeing Yingchun, seated there, heard the elder suddenly mention Jia Baoyu—his marriage was clearly the unspoken subject. As unmarried girls, they were not meant to listen.

She said: "Grandmother, I'll take the sisters to stroll in the garden. We won't disturb you and Madam as you speak."

Jia Mu had just wanted to remind Wang Lady, to prevent her from acting recklessly regarding Jia Baoyu's marriage; with Seeing Yingchun and the other granddaughters gone, it would be easier to speak plainly. She naturally smiled in agreement.

Seeing Yingchun led Lin Daiyu, Seeing Tan Chun, Little Xichun, and the others out of Rongqing Hall. Only Lin Daiyu, as she left, glanced back at Jia Mu with clear concern.

Yet immediately she thought: as long as Third Brother is here, any trouble will be resolved by him…

…

Wang Lady understood the implication in Jia Mu's words; she recalled her sister had plainly stated that since Xue Pan remained unmarried, Xue Baochai could not overstep bounds by accepting a proposal.

With the Xue-Xia marriage negotiations failed, Jia Baoyu and Xue Baochai's match could not proceed either.

Moreover, Wang Lady had learned that day that Xue Baochai had been alone with Jia Cong in his chamber, and had returned wearing his cloak; though she had not abandoned hope, a shadow of doubt had taken root in her heart.

In any case, whether for one reason or another, Wang Lady knew Jia Baoyu and Xue Baochai's affair would not move quickly.

She said: "Grandmother's words are wise. I share this thought—though Jia Baoyu has reached marriageable age, let us wait until after this year. There's no need to rush."

Jia Mu asked: "Why have you grown so close to Mrs. Xia lately?"

Wang Lady had assumed Jia Mu's mention of Jia Baoyu's marriage and waiting a few more years was merely idle talk—Jia Mu had said similar things before.

Now, seeing Jia Mu inquire about her closeness to the Xia family, she suddenly snapped to attention.

Wang Lady realized: ever since the Xue-Xia marriage talks began, the affair had been full of twists, and the entire household now knew the Xia family had a remarkably beautiful daughter—surely the elder had heard the rumors.

So the elder thought she intended to propose a match with the Xia family…

Wang Lady suddenly recalled the Xia girl's elegant beauty and refined manners—she could not help but feel a flicker of interest, yet immediately dismissed the thought.

For years, she had been determined to make her niece Xue Baochai her daughter-in-law; this idea was deeply rooted, and no matter the setbacks, she would not easily change it.

Yet she could not tell Jia Mu the truth—that her deliberate friendship with Mrs. Xia was to secure imperial favor for her daughter Jia Yuanchun.

Regarding Jia Yuanchun's matter, Jia Cong, Jia Zheng, Jia Mu, and others had already settled the matter in Rongqing Hall, deciding for the long-term good of the Jia clan that they would no longer pursue it.

If Wang Lady revealed the Xia family's true motive, everyone's face would be lost—after all, what she was doing now directly contradicted the family's public agreement.

She said: "We've simply exchanged a few pleasant conversations; there is nothing more to it."

…

Jia Mu, hearing this, breathed a sigh of relief; Wang Lady was Jia Baoyu's mother, and the notion of the Jin Yu Union still lingered—adding a Xia family would only complicate matters further.

Jia Mu said: "The household's situation is vastly different now. The second branch has moved out of Lady Rongguo Mansion and lost much of its status. I am old—how many more years can I live?"

"My greatest concern is Jia Baoyu. For him to be truly secure, he must marry into a family with deep roots; only then will he stand firm within the Jia clan."

Wang Lady, hearing this, felt a slight alarm—surely the elder still cared for Jia Baoyu; with the second branch fallen, she now sought to elevate and stabilize it through Jia Baoyu's marriage.

Jia Mu continued: "I know your usual thinking. When you and Zheng were still in Rongxi Hall, finding Jia Baoyu a wealthy noble girl was acceptable."

"But now, under these circumstances, securing a marriage with an official family is far more useful than finding a rich merchant's daughter."

Hearing this, she knew the elder still favored her granddaughter Lin Lin Daiyu.

Wang Lady knew Lin Daiyu's father, Lin Lin Ruhai, was a top-rank Rank Jinshi, now serving as Fourth-Rank Superintendent of Salt Revenues in the Two Huai Provinces—his official prospects far surpassed her husband's.

Moreover, the Lin family of Su Zhou was a fifth-generation marquis lineage; their family foundation was nearly equal to that of the Four Great Families of Jin Ling.

Once, as mistress of Lady Rongguo Mansion, Wang Lady had been proud and haughty; her own status was high enough—she had no need to elevate herself through her daughter-in-law's lineage.

A daughter-in-law like Xue Xue Baochai—graceful, well-mannered, and of close blood ties—was better suited to help her control the household's power and wealth; that was what truly mattered.

But now, with the second branch fallen to ruin, Wang Lady could no longer afford her former pride; she had to admit that, in terms of lineage, the Xue family paled beside the Lin family.

If Jia Baoyu married Lin Lin Daiyu instead of the Xue Baochai she favored, it might benefit the second branch far more.

Yet though the logic was sound, in Wang Lady's heart, it tasted entirely different.

When Wang Lady first married into the Jia family, she was merely a dutiful daughter-in-law; Jia Min was the cherished jewel of Lady Rongguo Mansion, a noble-born princess of a duke's house, and the two sisters-in-law had never gotten along.

This rift and resentment had not faded with Jia Min's death; it extended to her daughter as well.

Though Wang Lady knew Jia Mu's plan was sound, the moment she thought of Lin Daiyu's delicate beauty, so like Jia Min reborn, she could not suppress her revulsion.

Even other girls in the household who shared Lin Daiyu's ethereal charm—Qingwen's spirited beauty, Wu'er's graceful allure—she despised and looked down upon…

…

Jia Mu saw her second daughter-in-law remain silent, offering no response—clearly, she still disapproved of Lin Daiyu as Jia Baoyu's bride. Jia Mu frowned inwardly; this daughter-in-law was stubborn, cruel, inflexible, and often a wooden head, incapable of turning.

Even now that the second branch had fallen so low, she still clung to petty grievances from years ago involving Jade's mother.

Yet Jia Baoyu's marriage was his father's domain; all she needed was to guide her son Jia Zheng—she need not rely on her daughter-in-law for everything.

The two mother-in-law and daughter-in-law exchanged a few more hollow pleasantries, then parted. Jia Mu let Sister Yuanyang assist her into the inner chamber to rest.

Wang Lady had heard her sister was ill in bed, angered by the Xia family's rejection of the marriage proposal—now that she was in Lady Rongguo Mansion, she naturally stopped by to visit her.

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Lixiang Courtyard.

Xue Baochai was chatting with Xue Xue Yima when Jin Jin Chuan entered with a smile: "Madam, Cong Sanye has just entered the inner courtyard and is coming to pay his respects."

Xue Baochai's face lit up; Xue Xue Yima laughed: "That's wonderful! I haven't seen Cong-ge in ages—please bring him in, and serve the finest tea."

Jia Cong was led into the inner chamber by Jin Jin Chuan. Xue Xue Yima smiled: "Cong-ge, it's been so long! Everyone says you've been busy preparing for the spring imperial exams, locked away studying—why waste time coming to see me?"

Jia Cong smiled: "I heard this morning that Madam isn't feeling well. I intended to come with the sisters, but something came up and delayed me."

Xue Xue Yima laughed: "Just a minor ailment—not worth worrying over. A few days' rest at home will fix it."

She noticed Jia Cong wore a silver-bamboo-patterned white silk robe with a round collar, his hair adorned with a plain white jade crown—his features handsome, his bearing clear and refined, like a celestial being, truly an outstanding man.

Xue Xue Yima recalled that Jia Cong had passed the provincial exam as the top scholar—not so long ago.

Back then, she thought that although he was talented, he was still a concubine-born son; the Jia family's title and estate had nothing to do with him—he would merely leave the household to establish his own branch.

Even if he became a zhuangyuan, he'd be nothing but a poor Hanlin scholar.

At the time, Xue Xue Yima had favored Jia Cong for her daughter and had done everything to block it, desperate to marry Xue Baochai to Jia Baoyu instead.

Now, only a year had passed, and the Jia family's situation had turned upside down: Jia Cong had not only been granted a title but inherited the Lady Rongguo Mansion's hereditary rank, becoming the true master of both eastern and western branches.

Meanwhile, Jia Baoyu, whom she had always favored, had become infamous; the second branch had lost its legitimate heir status and been forced to move out of Lady Rongguo Mansion.

The Jia Cong she once looked down upon had now become someone the Xue family could no longer aspire to…

…

Xue Xue Yima glanced at her daughter, whose eyes sparkled with delight—clearly, she was overjoyed by Jia Cong's arrival—and sighed inwardly.

Jia Cong chatted with Xue Xue Yima for a while longer; seeing his status grow ever more noble, yet his speech still gentle and unassuming as ever, she found his character and demeanor all the more admirable.

After a while of casual talk, Jia Cong rose to take his leave: "Madam, your complexion looks better, but your qi is still unbalanced. I've heard about Brother Xue's affairs."

"Marriage is both fate and human effort. If Brother Xue missed this match, perhaps his destiny has not yet arrived—it may not be a bad thing. Perhaps a better match awaits him. Madam, please don't grieve."

"Last year, we harvested some fine wild ginseng from our estate in Liaodong. I'll send some over when I return—it will help you replenish your qi and strengthen your body."

Now that Jia Cong's status was so elevated, even his words carried weight in Xue Xue Yima's eyes; hearing him say destiny had not yet arrived, and it might not be a bad thing, she found it strangely reasonable.

Though the Xia girl was indeed rare, she was not unparalleled. The Xue family was wealthy, and her son was still young—there would be better matches to find later.

Xue Xue Baochai, hearing Jia Cong say the failure of her brother's marriage was not necessarily a bad thing, thought of the Xia girl's hot, ambiguous glances toward Jia Cong—and found his words profoundly true.

Xue Xue Yima, seeing Jia Cong take his leave, felt a faint stir in her heart and said, "Xue Baochai, I can't move about easily—go see him off for me."

Xue Baochai smiled and said, "Very well. I suspect Second Sister and the others have already returned from Rongqing Hall, and I was just thinking of going to speak with them."

As the group was about to step outside, Ying'er stepped forward and said, "Miss, the road is slippery in the rain—don't wear those new embroidered cloth-soled shoes."

Xue Baochai laughed. "How delicate do you think I am? It's only a few steps to the Eastern Mansion. No need for such trouble. Stay and attend to Madam. Jin Jin Chuan will come with me."

…

Jia Cong and Xue Baochai stepped out of Lixiang Courtyard. The rain still fell heavily; each held an umbrella, and Qingwen and Jin Jin Chuan followed behind, also holding umbrellas.

The two walked through a fine, silken curtain of rain, the sound of droplets soft and continuous, cool breezes brushing their faces, refreshing body and mind.

Xue Baochai glanced at Jia Cong, standing tall beside her, and felt a faint warmth in her heart. "It's still over a month until the spring metropolitan examination. Brother Cong, your studies are so refined—you must already have it all planned."

Jia Cong smiled. "I've studied diligently enough. As long as I sit for the exam and don't perform abysmally, the chief examiner will surely show some face to the provincial examiner—he'll at least let me pass the top tier."

Xue Baochai chuckled. "Brother Cong, you're too modest. You're the top scholar of Yongzhou, your literary fame resounds through the scholarly circles, and you've been taught by Master Liu himself."

You're more than worthy of the imperial top rank—how can you speak of merely passing the top tier?"

Jia Cong laughed. "If I were still a commoner, I'd hope to top the list. But now I hold a noble title—competing with humble scholar-officials for rank draws attention. My reason for taking the next spring exam is to see my studies through to completion. I've studied for so many years—I owe it to myself to finish."

Master Liu has been deeply kind to me. I've received his teachings for years; all his disciples have made the imperial list—it's known throughout the land. I cannot be the one who fails to become a Rank Jinshi. That would disgrace his school."

Perhaps becoming provincial top scholar isn't hard, but the metropolitan exam gathers the empire's finest minds—dragons and tigers abound, stars shine thickly."

Literature has no absolute first. Even Master Liu's disciples dare not presume to claim the top tier. So if I merely pass the top tier, I'll have fulfilled my wish."

Jia Cong spoke thus because he now held dual noble titles, his reputation and status far beyond what any peer among the aristocratic families could match.

In this world, anything that burns too fiercely or adorns itself too richly soon becomes excessive.

At his current station, he had no need for the glory of the top tier to add luster—he needed only to become a Rank Jinshi, enough to repay his teacher's kindness and open the path of his official career. That was sufficient.

At his current station, he truly did not need the glory of a top rank to add luster; merely passing the imperial examination would suffice to repay his master's kindness and open the path of his official career—that was enough.

Xue Baochai, born into a merchant family of imperial connections, understood the ways of the world better than Lin Daiyu or Seeing Tan Chun, the daughters of officials. She naturally grasped the meaning behind his words about excess.

She thought of Bao Yu, her cousin, of the same age, still idling among the women's quarters, unable even to sit for the examinations—while Jia Cong was already contemplating passing the metropolitan exam, concealing his talent, preserving his humility, biding his time…

Xue Baochai looked up at him and smiled. "Brother Cong, with your diligence in all things, you'll surely succeed and achieve your wish."

At that moment, a sudden gust of wind sent the rain slanting sharply, catching them off guard. Xue Baochai's umbrella tilted under the force, dampening a corner of her shoulder and robe.

She hurried to right her umbrella, her thoughts distracted—then her foot slipped. She tumbled sideways, letting out a cry. Qingwen and Jin Jin Chuan behind her paled.

Fortunately, Jia Cong, who trained daily in martial arts, moved with swift agility. His right hand shot out, gripping her slender waist tightly, and with a slight pull, drew her before him.

He felt her waist, delicate and yielding, soft as cotton, fragrance permeating his senses, warmth radiating from her touch—his spirit stirred.

Xue Baochai, suddenly held close by him in emergency, had never been so near a man. She froze, momentarily forgetting to struggle, letting him hold her…

Xue Baochai was pressed against his chest in his moment of panic; she had never been so close to a man before, and she froze there, momentarily forgetting to struggle free, letting him hold her…

Behind them, Qingwen felt dizzy. Moments before, she'd feared Xue Baochai might fall and injure herself—now this. Seeing the two of them in that posture, Qingwen's cheeks flushed crimson.

Her mind muddled: Cong Sanye's hands move fast indeed—how could a man's head or a woman's waist be touched so casually…?

He held Xue Baochai—that's understandable in an emergency—but he shouldn't cling so tightly and refuse to let go! How shameless! Jin Jin Chuan, watching, also blushed deeply. Then her eyes flickered—she seemed to have thought of something.

She tugged Qingwen back a few steps and whispered, "Qingwen, you've no manners. This isn't something to stare at—turn around."

Qingwen, stubborn by nature, was momentarily stunned and obediently turned away.

Yet something felt wrong—why were they turning? Was Cong Sanye going to hold her much longer…?

Yet something felt off in her heart—why were they turning around? Did Cong Sanye intend to hold her much longer…?

At that moment, Jin Jin Chuan's heart stirred, while Qingwen fumed inwardly—neither noticed that not far off, Lady Wang stood with Seeing Caiyun, watching them.

Lady Wang had left Rongqing Hall intending to visit Xue Xue Yima at Lixiang Courtyard. Just as she reached the courtyard gate, she happened to see this scene—her heart nearly shattered.

Jia Cong had Xue Baochai clasped in his arms, their personal maids turning away as if in perfect accord, tacitly allowing their masters to behave shamelessly! Lady Wang trembled with rage, her heart burning with humiliation and fury. You little beast—my suspicions were right! You dare to disrespect my niece so brazenly!

In broad daylight, in full view of heaven, you commit lewdness! What purity remains for Xue Baochai, a proper young lady, now so defiled by you? (End of chapter)

In such broad daylight, to openly indulge in lewdness—utterly shameless! Xue Baochai, a virtuous young lady, was thus brutally corrupted by him; what purity remains! (End of chapter)