Chapter 571

Divine Capital, Qingyu Lane, Xia Mansion.

That morning, Lady Xia and her daughter were having breakfast in the inner courtyard hall when a managing old maid came to deliver word that Lord Xia had sent someone to the house and wished to speak with the lady.

Lady Xia's heart jolted—just days ago, she and Lady Wang had raised silver, entrusted it to Xia Li Shouzhong's confidant, and sent it into the palace to grease palms for Yuan Chun's imperial selection.

So little time had passed—had there already been progress? Or had ten thousand taels not been enough? Had Xia Li Shouzhong sent word so soon?

Suspicious, Lady Xia ordered the old maid to bring the messenger to the side hall, and she would go speak with him immediately.

As soon as Lady Xia stepped out the door, the Xia girl set down her chopsticks and followed her out of the hall.

In the side hall, Lady Xia saw the man—he was familiar: Chen Bao, a young eunuch and trusted servant of Xia Li Shouzhong.

Lady Xia smiled: "So it's Elder Chen arriving at our door—long time no see. Has our clan brother need of any instructions?"

Chen Bao said: "There's been an issue with the matter you entrusted to Grandpa Xia—it's grown complicated. Grandpa Xia sent me to deliver word."

"Due to the palace's strict security, I could only slip out now, during the Inner Supervision's errand to procure goods outside. I can't linger long—others might grow suspicious. I must return to the palace soon."

Hearing Chen Bao's words, Lady Xia sensed something amiss, her heart tightening slightly.

She asked: "Has something gone wrong with the Jia girl's matter?"

Chen Bao thought of the banquet with Yuan Jing and the stinging slap from Xia Li Shouzhong—he dared not reveal everything to outsiders, lest he invite more trouble.

After a brief pause, he said: "Grandpa Xia, upon receiving your request, devoted himself to arranging matters within the palace. At first, all the bribes and connections went smoothly."

"But when we reached the critical point, a major obstacle arose—someone issued orders to halt the matter entirely."

"Though Grandpa Xia holds high rank and is greatly respected in the palace, some matters depend on the wind's direction. One must know when to advance and when to retreat—otherwise, interfering with others brings disaster."

Lady Xia was baffled—this young eunuch spoke in riddles, never clarifying why the matter had been abandoned.

She asked: "Elder Chen, where exactly did the obstruction arise? How could even our clan brother be thwarted?"

Chen Bao naturally would not tell her it was the Emperor's personal eunuch who had outright blocked the matter.

To speak such words to an outsider would leave dangerous openings and roots of ruin.

Chen Bao said: "Palace affairs are fraught with peril—life and death hang in the balance. Not knowing the truth is safest."

"Grandpa Xia halted this matter mid-course out of kinship—so the Osmanthus Xia family doesn't stumble and invite calamity…"

At these words, Lady Xia's body prickled with cold, and she dared not ask another question.

Mistress Xia heard these words, every hair on her body stood on end, and she dared ask no more.

Though merely a merchant's wife, the Xia family had been imperial suppliers for generations, dealing constantly with the Ministry of Revenue and the Neiwu Prefecture—she had heard many tales of palace treachery.

Hearing Chen Bao's vague words, she understood clearly: if even an old eunuch like Xia Li Shouzhong feared it, how could the Xia family dare touch it?

Seeing Lady Xia's face darken, Chen Bao stopped speaking and pulled a brocade pouch from his robe, placing it gently on the table and sliding it toward her.

He said: "Grandpa Xia, to fulfill your request, spent six thousand taels on bribes and favors—all wine banquets and social gifts were covered from his own pocket."

"But those bribes cannot be reclaimed. Still, they weren't wasted—debt and favor remain. Should you need help again, they may yet serve."

"The remaining four thousand taels, Grandpa Xia insists I return to you. This matter must end here."

Hearing this, Lady Xia cursed inwardly: that dead eunuch Xia Li Shouzhong was heartless—he'd failed to deliver, swallowed six thousand taels, and still had the gall to return four. Truly a vile man.

Mistress Xia heard these words and cursed inwardly: that dead eunuch Xia Li Shouzhong had a heart blacker than ink—he hadn't even gotten the job done, yet he'd already embezzled six thousand taels out of ten thousand; truly no good at all.

Yet she said nothing of this aloud, smiling warmly: "The palace is the most exalted place in the realm—too many true Buddhas dwell there. Affairs there are naturally hardest to manage."

"It's not that our clan brother didn't try—he acted out of necessity. And how could he possibly cover your expenses? That would be improper."

Lady Xia pushed the pouch back toward Chen Bao, smiling: "Once silver is given, it cannot be taken back—it's my gift to help our clan brother cover his losses."

"If any remains, let it be my daughter's filial offering to her clan uncle. He entered the palace young, childless, yet rose to such heights—truly admirable."

"My daughter is now of marriageable age. Should she find a good match, if our clan brother would grace us with his presence at the wedding feast, it would honor our kinship."

Chen Bao, seeing the pouch pushed before him, was startled.

He knew well how Xia Li Shouzhong operated—he'd seen the books. For the Jia Yuanchun matter, Xia Li Shouzhong had indeed made some connections, but spent no more than two thousand taels.

He'd returned four thousand—netting a three-thousand-tael profit in one transaction.

Had it not been for their kinship, he'd have swallowed every last tael.

Though he'd failed to deliver, he'd used others' silver to buy favors and build networks—truly a profit of a thousandfold.

…

Chen Bao also knew: Lady Xia was the head of the Osmanthus Xia family, well-traveled and sharp. She must have seen through the deception.

Yet she showed no anger—she gave back four thousand taels with such grace. Did she have another request for Grandpa Xia? He recalled how Yuan Jing's matter had failed and he'd been slapped—he must regain favor, or risk losing Xia Li Shouzhong's trust in the palace.

Hearing Lady Xia's hint about her daughter's marriage, could there be something more? Did she need Grandpa Xia's help?

Chen Bao thought: Xia Li Shouzhong adored wealth. If he could broker a connection to the Xia family's affairs, he'd be giving Grandpa Xia a new path to riches.

Then he could bury Yuan Jing's failure—and earn even greater favor…

Chen Bao probed: "You mentioned your daughter's marriage. She's a lady of distinction, and your family associates with the illustrious Lady Rongguo Jia household. Is a match with them in mind? If the Xia family could ally with such a noble house, it would be a great honor—and Grandpa Xia, as your kin, would surely take pride."

Lady Xia smiled at Chen Bao's words—but the smile held depth, a quiet, almost imperceptible triumph…

She said: "As parents, we wish our children well. But the Xia family is humble; the Lady Rongguo Jia are hereditary nobles. How could such a match be so easily arranged? I thank you for your kind words."

Chen Bao, sensing she had not revealed all, dared not press further. He would return and report every word to Grandpa Xia—he would decide.

…

Chen Bao recalled another matter: "Grandpa Xia instructed me—should I inform Lord Jia of Lord Weiyuan? After all, Lady Jia is his elder sister."

"This Lord Jia now enjoys the Emperor's great favor. We mustn't let him misunderstand Grandpa Xia due to this matter's failure. It's better to clarify things."

Lady Xia, cunning as she was, understood at once: Xia Li Shouzhong believed Yuan Chun's matter had been requested by Lord Jia Cong.

A seasoned merchant's wife, she acted with caution. When she aided Lady Wang, she had already investigated the matter thoroughly.

From start to finish, it had been Lady Wang and her alone who planned it—Jia Cong had never been mentioned.

Lady Wang spoke of her nephew with clear resentment. Lady Xia, sharp as she was, had heard it plainly.

Moreover, she knew well: the six thousand taels Lady Wang raised came largely from selling her dowry, shops, and assets.

As a leading merchant family in Divine Capital, such market rumors never escaped her ears.

If Jia Cong had orchestrated this, he, as head of both Jia households, would have drawn the silver from the family's public coffers.

Why would Lady Wang sell her private wealth? Why would the sum fall short, forcing the Xia family to assist?

Lady Xia had already pieced it all together—without ever asking Lady Wang directly. Yuan Chun's matter was entirely Lady Wang's private scheme, unrelated to Jia Cong.

But whether Jia Cong had manipulated it or not—this meant nothing to Lady Xia.

She had never truly cared about securing Yuan Chun's imperial position.

Her fervent aid to Lady Wang was merely to deepen ties with the Jia second branch—for her own hidden ends…

…

Yet even though Lady Xia saw the truth clearly, she had no need to reveal everything to Xia Li Shouzhong.

A widow for years, she had kept this vast imperial supplier household intact through storms—was she truly simple-minded?

She had seen too much deceit on the merchant roads. She knew well: sometimes, ambiguity and murky waters made men more cautious.

Especially against a man like Xia Li Shouzhong—cold-hearted and ruthless. And that young Lord Jia Cong, famed for bewitching girls with his beauty and grace—perfect as a deterrent. She smiled: "No need for our clan brother to worry. As I see it, since Lady Jia's matter is abandoned, it's better he stays out of sight entirely. That's safer."

"I've dealt solely with the second branch of Lady Rongguo Mansion. I'll relay the matter to her. The rest, we need not concern ourselves with."

Chen Bao, unaware of the truth, saw no reason to interfere. Her logic made sense—he would report it faithfully to Grandpa Xia.

Lady Xia said: "Please return and convey my sincere regards. Our family will rely on our clan brother's continued favor."

She then ordered a trusted old maid to fetch fifty taels of silver to treat Chen Bao to tea.

Fifty taels was more than a junior eunuch earned in a year—an unexpected windfall that delighted Chen Bao. He vowed to deliver her message faithfully to Grandpa Xia.

…

Soon after Chen Bao departed, the Xia girl emerged from behind the side hall's screen. She had heard the palace messenger had come and knew it concerned Lady Jia's imperial selection.

Now, any matter involving the Jia household interested her—she felt these affairs always tied back to Jia Cong.

Her obsession ran deep, her mind twisted—she believed hearing more of the Jia household brought her closer to that peerlessly handsome, exquisitely graceful youth.

This strange longing, once stirred, was hard to suppress—her whole body burned with restless heat…

"Mother, that old eunuch Xia Li Shouzhong is no good. He failed your request, swallowed six thousand taels, and has no decency—no wonder he'll die childless!"

Lady Xia frowned: "A young lady should know better than to speak so carelessly. 'Childless'? How vulgar. Someone might hear!"

The Xia girl paid no heed to her mother's reprimand: "Mother, since he failed and returned four thousand taels, why didn't you keep them? Four thousand taels isn't small change—silver doesn't blow in from the wind. Why give it back to that old eunuch?"

Lady Xia looked at her daughter with affection: "Stop fixating on useless things. We have no sons—this fortune will one day be yours."

"I know silver doesn't blow in from the wind. But when silver must be spent, unless you have none, don't hesitate—even four thousand taels, or forty thousand, must be given."

"Xia Li Shouzhong is kin, but our blood ties are distant—this 'kinship' is only a name."

"To keep him on our side in Divine Capital, we must use silver. Do you think a hollow name will suffice? He failed us and used excuses to swallow six thousand taels. I know he's heartless—he returned four thousand only to save face."

"He fears if he took it all, we'd resent him and expose him, ruining his reputation. Who would then trust him?"

"Without influence over outsiders, even if he becomes Chief Eunuch in the palace, he's useless to those beyond its walls—how would he ever grow rich?"

"He's greedy—he hates to part with four thousand taels. He sent them only because he had no choice."

"But if I'd accepted them, our ties with him would be severed. Next time we need him, he'd refuse."

"Yet by giving away four thousand taels, we gain far greater advantages…"

"Xia Li Shouzhong and Chen Bao will now believe the Xia family is closely tied to the Jia household. I deliberately hinted at your marriage prospects, making Chen Bao think we intend an alliance with the Jias."

"He'll report this to Xia Li Shouzhong. Jia Cong is now head of the Jia household—everyone says he's deeply favored by the Emperor. Xia Li Shouzhong, as an old eunuch, knows this well."

"So, because of this false impression, he'll treat us with greater caution. From now on, only we will offer favors—he won't dare come begging."

"Xia Li Shouzhong has some influence in the inner six palaces. Perhaps, because of these four thousand taels, he'll lend us a hand in other matters—no one can say for sure."

The Xia girl listened to her mother's explanation, not noticing the hidden meaning in her words…

Xia Gu Niang was only listening to her mother explain her thoughts, and didn't notice the hidden meaning in the words…

……

Mrs. Xia continued, "Moreover, these four thousand taels of silver, by rights, belong to Lady Jia. Though my family borrowed them, they must be returned—this sum is also a debt of favor your mother prepared for you…"

Furthermore, regarding Lady Jia Jia Yuanchun's matter, Xia Li Shouzhong cannot handle it; for us, this is actually a good thing—it reduces unnecessary risks."

Though the Xia family has gold and silver, ultimately, for a household like ours, truly forging ties with a household like the Lady Rongguo Jia family is of great long-term value!"

As Mrs. Xia spoke these words, she felt deeply moved; the Xia girl, upon hearing them, blushed faintly, her heart stirred.

Yet Mrs. Xia, while speaking, was already thinking how to manage Lady Wang—and her precious son, Jia Jia Baoyu.

But the Xia girl, listening to her mother, was imagining Jia Cong's unrivaled grace, dreaming of the day she might be with him in tender delight…

……

Just as the two women were lost in their own thoughts, a maid outside reported that Lady Jia's attendant, acting on her mistress's orders, had delivered fine brocades and porcelain from the shop and had now entered the inner courtyard.

Mrs. Xia smiled faintly and said, "It must be that the silver has been in the palace too long; Lady Jia can no longer wait and has sent her trusted servant to inquire. Jin Gui, come with me to receive the guest."

The Xia girl frowned. "Mother, I despise this hypocritical Lady Jia. Her attendant is merely a servant—why should you even speak to her? That's already giving her too much respect!"

"Why must I accompany you? An old servant of such low standing—how dare she expect such honor!"

Her daughter's haughty sharpness clearly troubled Mrs. Xia. She sighed, "Yes, she is a servant of the Jia household—but she comes here representing Lady Jia."

I ask you to meet her not to see her, but to see Lady Jia. This woman will report everything back in detail."

When the Jias learn their servant came to deliver gifts, and that you, a refined young lady of the house, personally received her, such a family of poetry, rites, and music will deem you gracious and well-bred."

This reputation will reach the Jia household and enhance your standing. I do this solely for your sake—don't be ungrateful."

Upon hearing the phrase "reputation reaching the Jia household," the Xia girl suddenly imagined—her good name would surely reach him too…

The thought filled her with sweet delight. She agreed cheerfully, "Then I'll follow your wishes—I'll go meet this old servant."

Mrs. Xia was slightly surprised by her daughter's sudden change of heart, but it was good she obeyed, so she didn't dwell on it.

Though she knew her daughter was infatuated with Jia Cong, she assumed it was merely the fleeting infatuation of a young girl who'd just seen a handsome youth—she'd forget in time.

Mrs. Xia herself had once been a young girl; she was certain her reasoning was correct—and never imagined her daughter had become so obsessed, so stubborn and peculiar…

Mrs. Xia said, "When you meet her, just greet her. Say nothing else—I'll handle everything."

……

In the main hall of the Xia family's inner courtyard, the mother and daughter met an elderly woman nearing fifty, beside whom stood a chest filled with fine brocades and exquisite blue-and-white porcelain.

This woman also bore the surname Wang; she had been Lady Wang's childhood maid, accompanying her into the Jia household, yet never became a concubine—instead, she married and established her own household.

Not only was she astute and capable, but she could read and write—a rare gift. For years, she had been Lady Wang's most trusted confidante and right hand.

Since Lady Wang raised a large sum of silver to entrust to Mrs. Xia for delivery to the palace, to secure favor for her daughter Jia Yuanchun,

she had been consumed with anxiety. Days passed without word from the Xia family, and finally, she could wait no longer.

She dispatched her trusted attendant with the shop's last remaining finest brocades and porcelain, under the pretext of a casual gift, to inquire about the matter at the Xia residence.

Upon seeing the Xia mother and daughter, Wang's attendant hurried forward to greet them, saying Lady Wang had recently acquired some fine fabrics and porcelain and wished to send some as a token of goodwill for Mrs. Xia's enjoyment.

She was astonished not only to see Mrs. Xia, but also the Xia girl—a refined young lady—emerging to formally greet her.

She was merely a servant of Lady Wang, yet this occasion felt like honor. She recalled Lady Wang often praising the Xia girl as exceptional, and thought her mistress truly had discernment…

After exchanging pleasantries, Mrs. Xia smiled, "I was just about to send word to your mistress—and here you are. Please deliver my message for me."

"Regarding the gift we discussed and the arrangements for your eldest daughter, word arrived from the palace this morning."

"My kinsman in the Imperial Household Office, eunuch Xia, has learned your daughter's situation. Among all candidates for selection, her appearance and demeanor rank among the finest. He feels honored to have had the chance to recommend her."

"All arrangements within the palace are proceeding smoothly. The matter is clearly coming to fruition. If no mishaps occur, your mistress will soon have great cause for joy—return ahead of time to extend my congratulations."

Wang's attendant's heart swelled with joy. Since Lady Wang moved into the eastern wing, she had felt uneasy and unsettled everywhere—now, at last, fortune had turned.

She bowed repeatedly in thanks, praising the Xia family's extraordinary skill: "In less than ten days, such a monumental matter has achieved this result—truly remarkable!"

Beside her, the Xia girl listened to her mother's words, her bright eyes glinting with subtle charm, yet her heart churned with doubt.

What's gotten into Mother? She's lying right to my face… (End of Chapter)