Chapter 580: Entering the Inner Chamber

Count's Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

In the study, Qingwen was trying on new clothes for Jia Cong, busy around him.

Everyone saw Wu'er enter with a red face, and their hearts were a bit strange.

Wu'er saw a pile of people in the study and seemed to be startled. She seemed to want to say something, but for a while, she became hesitant.

Jia Cong felt strange and smiled, "Wu'er, is there anything you are looking for me for?"

Wu'er looked at Qingwen and the others and said, "Second Mistress has something to discuss with Third Brother, but she is not convenient to walk, so she invites Second Brother to sit at her place when you are free."

Jia Cong asked, "Did Second Sister-in-law say what she is looking for me for?"

Wu'er saw Qingwen and the others looking at her with watery eyes, her little face flushed slightly, her words trembling, saying, "She didn't say in detail, Third Brother will know when you go."

Jia Cong saw that Wu'er's face was a bit strange and said, "I will go over in a while."

Qingwen blinked her eyes. She had been with Wu'er the most these years and could see some clues, but she was too lazy to guess blindly. After trying on the new clothes for Jia Cong, she went back to sew and modify them.

Rongguo Prefecture, Fengjie Courtyard.

Jia Cong just entered the gate, bypassed the powder-painted shadow wall, and in front was an exquisite courtyard. In the courtyard was a three-room hall facing south.

The afternoon sun was to the west, and the blue-gray eaves cast shadows on the blue brick ground in the courtyard. No one walked in the courtyard, revealing a bit of comfortable quietness.

Potted flowers and trees were neatly placed under the wall of the west window, many of which were blooming, lush and green in the light and shadow of the spring day.

Through the glazed window lattice of the west window, one could see Wang Xifeng's leaning figure in the room.

Ping'er just came out of her room and saw Jia Cong coming, knowing that Wu'er had already passed the message.

Thinking of Wang Xifeng's teasing, her pretty face couldn't help but feel hot, saying, "Third Brother is here, Second Mistress is in the inner room, please come in and sit."

Ping'er lifted the soft curtain of the brocade at the door of the main room, waited for Jia Cong to enter the room, and let the maid Feng'er serve tea to Jia Cong.

Wang Xifeng leaned on the Luo Han couch under the west window, her figure bloated, her face plump. Seeing Jia Cong enter, she smiled, "I guess Wu'er has already passed the message, Third Brother, come in and sit."

Jia Cong said, "Wu'er said Second Sister-in-law is looking for me to discuss something, I don't know what it is."

Wang Xifeng smiled, "I also guessed that Wu'er has a thin face and mostly is embarrassed to say it in front of others.

Speaking of which, it is also a happy event. Although Third Brother is observing mourning for three years and cannot discuss marriage.

But after the third month, you will be fifteen. According to the rules of the mansion, two reliable girls should be placed in the room to serve, which does not hinder filial piety.

Because Baoyu is the same age as you, exactly born in the fourth month, and also needs to be arranged for this matter. Therefore, after the New Year, Old Lady has mentioned it many times.

In the past, whether it was your Second Brother or Second Master, when they were your age, the inner affairs of the first adulthood were all arranged by Old Lady.

Actually, a few months ago, I heard the news that Old Lady wanted to arrange a person she liked to enter Third Brother's room. I think Third Brother has heard some wind."

Jia Cong heard Wang Xifeng's words and nodded slightly.

Some time ago, Wu'er heard the wind that Jia Mu wanted to arrange Yuanyang to his room.

Wu'er originally was embarrassed to mention it, but was coaxed by Jia Cong twice before she said it.

Yuanyang was Jia Mu's first-class confidant maid, and even Jia Mu's private wealth was managed by Yuanyang. But Jia Mu was willing to give her to himself, which was also a big deal.

The more solemn Jia Mu was, the more Jia Cong resisted and was cautious in his heart...

Actually, from his heart, Jia Cong didn't dislike Yuanyang, and even had a bit of appreciation.

Back then, when he first entered the West Prefecture, many snobbish family slaves in the mansion treated him with slowness and contempt.

Only Yuanyang, who was Jia Mu's confidant maid, although her position among the maids of the Rongguo Prefecture was not ordinary, her heart was sincere and dignified, and she had always been close and kind to him.

Back then, Jia She coveted Jia Mu's private wealth and wanted to force Yuanyang to be his concubine. Yuanyang once resisted with death. At that time, Jia Cong saw that Yuanyang had feelings for him.

But in this matter, he didn't want to be swayed by Jia Mu. Besides, those maids in his room were his confidants who had followed him since childhood, and he knew the closeness and distance inside and outside very clearly.

Wang Xifeng knew clearly that she had intentionally revealed the wind to Ping'er and Wu'er. These maids would surely tell Jia Cong, and he naturally knew about Yuanyang long ago.

Seeing Jia Cong's expression at this moment, she guessed his thoughts. Although Yuanyang was upright, Cong Cong Lao San knew the account in his heart clearly and must not like Old Lady's methods.

This also hit Wang Xifeng's mind...

She smiled, "Third Brother is different from Baoyu. You are a person with family business and your own opinions. This matter must be decided by yourself.

But the etiquette of the great mansion, the inner affairs, if you wait for a man to speak for himself, it is too unlike it. Moreover, you are now the head of the family, and you cannot lose your face even more.

Originally, this kind of thing, besides Old Lady worrying, the one who should speak most is the Eldest Mistress. But now the Eldest Mistress is in the inner courtyard during the mourning period, and usually doesn't manage things, so it is naturally not good to trouble her.

Therefore, it is naturally me, the sister-in-law, who helps Third Brother organize, which can also help you avoid trivial troubles, saving you from dividing your mind. You focus on studying for the Spring Examination now, which is the serious big event."

Actually, Wang Xifeng wanted to take over this matter, which was naturally because of her status as Jia Cong's sister-in-law.

However, saying that the Eldest Mistress was in the inner courtyard and couldn't speak on this matter as a legal mother was a bit of an exaggeration.

Since Jia Cong inherited the Rongguo title and Jia Zheng and Lady Wang moved out of the Rongguo Prefecture, the Eldest Mistress, who had been suffocated in the East Courtyard for half a lifetime, was able to move into the inner courtyard of the Rongguo Prefecture unexpectedly.

This matter was originally a happy event for the Eldest Mistress, who had swallowed the bad luck of more than ten years, and this time she finally swallowed it.

It was just that Heaven didn't fulfill people's wishes. Although she moved into the inner courtyard of the Rongguo Prefecture, Jia She had long since died, and the Eldest Mistress lost her foundation in the Jia family.

Added to the fact that she had abused Jia Cong since childhood, the relationship between the legal mother and the concubine-born son was extremely bad.

Even if the Eldest Mistress was nominally the legal mother of the head of the family, she still became one of the most ignored people in the Rongguo Prefecture.

Since the Eldest Mistress moved into the inner courtyard of the Rongguo Prefecture, Jia Cong, as the head of the family and son, had never stepped into the gate of the legal mother's courtyard once.

According to the usual rules of the family, Jia Cong's behavior was somewhat unfilial...

But in this matter, whether it was Jia Mu, who valued closeness and status, or Jia Zheng, who was pedantic and upright, no one had ever said half a word of idle talk about Jia Cong.

Even the hundreds of family slaves in the Rongguo Prefecture didn't criticize this matter behind his back, as if it was a matter of course.

The reason for this was that everyone in the mansion knew how harshly Jia She and the Eldest Mistress had abused Jia Cong when he was in the East Courtyard.

Jia Cong was even seriously injured under the whip several times, almost losing his life. Many people in the Jia mansion knew that the Eldest Mistress had instigated Jia She several times to beat Jia Cong to death.

Now that Jia She had passed away, the crime of abusing his son back then naturally had to be borne by the Eldest Mistress.

Now that Jia Cong was the head of the Rongguo family, the Eldest Mistress could still live without worry in the inner courtyard. In the eyes of the Jia family, it was a great kindness.

Whether Jia Cong often visited the legal mother or not, no one would take it to heart...

The person who often visited the Eldest Mistress in the Jia family was only Ying Chun. Actually, the relationship between Ying Chun and the Eldest Mistress was also very indifferent.

She often visited the Eldest Mistress, one because of the status of the legal mother, and two because she always kept Jia Cong in her heart, and such behavior was also to save face for her brother.

Besides them, the one who often visited the Eldest Mistress was Xing Xiuyan, the niece of the Eldest Mistress.

Wang Xifeng knew all these inner-chamber matters like the back of her hand.

Although the Eldest Mistress had a bad relationship with Jia Cong, she was neither cold nor hot to her, and was still her proper mother-in-law.

She didn't want the Eldest Mistress to intervene in this matter, because she was worried that she would make a fuss about Xing Xiuyan.

Although Wang Xifeng also liked Xing Xiuyan's calmness and openness, she couldn't stand her being the niece of the Eldest Mistress.

If Xing Xiuyan was the first to be in Jia Cong's room, I am afraid the Eldest Mistress, who was guarding the inner courtyard, would use the status of mother-in-law and legal mother to make trouble.

Wang Xifeng had lost Jia Lian's support and was pregnant. In order to stabilize her own status, the calculations in her stomach became more sensitive and meticulous than before...

Jia Cong had always known the rules of the Jia mansion. He would have this encounter when he reached fifteen. This matter naturally had to be decided by himself.

In the current world, a family slave maid was just an object in Jia Mu's eyes.

If Jia Mu relied on the status of a grandmother to force a woman to him, it would really be difficult to refuse strictly. In this era, there is a rule that one cannot refuse what an elder gives.

He didn't want to be led by the nose, so the grandmother and grandson would mostly clash again.

Jia Cong had never been afraid of such things, but it didn't mean he liked it. With Wang Xifeng planning and blocking for him, why wouldn't he be happy? He smiled: "With Second Sister-in-law worrying for me, I naturally seek it. In front of Old Lady, Second Sister-in-law is also better at speaking than me."

Wang Xifeng smiled: "I also thought of the same place as Third Brother, so I must know Third Brother's heart first, so that I can turn around when Old Lady asks.

Speaking of the girls entering your room, Xiuyan sister can be considered one. Last year, when she just arrived at the mansion, the Eldest Mistress and Old Lady gave her a status.

But Xiuyan sister just passed the age of 'Dou Kou' (thirteen), and now she is not yet fourteen. She and Zhen Ying Lian are a bit young, so it is better to raise them for a few years.

Lingguan, whom you brought back from Jiangnan, I heard is the same age as Zhen Ying Lian.

Ping'er also has a status, but I am in this state now and really can't leave her. I can only let her fall into your room after my child is born, which counts as waiting until the New Year.

Qingwen is a good one, and her appearance is handsome, but she is the same age as Third Brother, and she still looks like a child.

Our kind of family, everything must be proper, and we still pay attention to these."

Jia Cong said: "Second Sister-in-law's words are reasonable. Xiuyan sister is still young, and I, as a cousin, should think more for her.

The maids in my room have followed me since childhood and are all intimate people.

Among them, Zhi Shao and Wu'er are the oldest, and they are thorough and proper in everything. If Old Lady asks, Second Sister-in-law just say they are the two."

!

Wang Xifeng heard this and smiled: "I thought the same as Third Brother. Left and right, they are the most proper.

Zhi Shao has served Third Brother since childhood, and her status is not ordinary. In the two prefectures, besides Old Lady, she is the only one who has received the Empress's gift and praise, and her face inside and outside is there.

Wu'er is also rare, she has been loyal to Third Brother since childhood, and she is also a good hand at managing household affairs, and her appearance is also outstanding, making people unable to pick out any flaws.

This matter will be told to Old Lady by me, Third Brother doesn't need to worry at all."

Count's Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

On the way back, Jia Cong kept thinking about Wang Xifeng's words just now. He found that his choice of who to enter the room was already in Wang Xifeng's expectation.

According to common sense, Wang Xifeng should push her own confidant Ping'er. Whether it was status or age, Ping'er met Wang Xifeng's rhetoric.

But Wang Xifeng didn't do so. She was worried that he would think she had selfish motives, so she took the initiative to set Ping'er aside, which was also a smart approach.

But did Wang Xifeng really have no selfish motives? Jia Cong wouldn't be so naive. Wang Xifeng not only set aside her own Ping'er, but also set aside Xing Xiuyan and Yuanyang.

The considerations and intentions in this, Jia Cong naturally knew clearly, but he just saw through it without saying it.

He couldn't help but sigh in his heart. The twists and turns in this great mansion, the precise calculations of the inner-chamber women, were truly breathtaking.

Fortunately, Wang Xifeng's weighing and operation, although she had her own selfish motives, the result of the matter coincided with his thoughts.

Since it was the same goal by different paths, for Jia Cong, it was harmless.

Letting Wang Xifeng toss, he was naturally happy to be relaxed...

When Jia Cong returned to his courtyard, he saw Zhi Shao taking Wu'er, Zhen Ying Lian, and Lingguan to dry the bedding.

Qingwen heard Jia Cong's footsteps, put down the needlework in her hand, and came out of the main room.

With her big watery eyes staring at Jia Cong, she asked curiously: "Third Brother, why did Second Mistress suddenly invite you over? Is there any good news?"

Although Qingwen had a straight temper, she was also a smart person. She grew up in the Jia mansion since she was a child and heard too many idle talks from those old women.

Naturally, she knew that the young masters in the mansion would have a big event when they reached fifteen, which made her curious and a bit shy...

Just now she saw Wu'er return to pass the message to Jia Cong, saying that Second Mistress was looking for Third Brother, but passing the message was passing the message, why was this Wu'er's face flushed red.

Qingwen and Wu'er had been maids for Jia Cong for five years, so naturally, she knew clearly in her heart that Wu'er would only become this kind of virtue when she was touched by Third Brother.

So Qingwen thought a bit more...

Third Brother was not married yet, Second Mistress was Third Brother's sister-in-law. As the saying goes, 'the sister-in-law is like a mother', it seemed she could manage many things for Third Brother.

Jia Cong saw Qingwen's voice was crisp and clever, clear as if it could squeeze out water, her beautiful and clear eyes, the bright and moving gaze, seemed to be able to reflect his shadow.

Qingwen saw Jia Cong staring at her, her little face flushed slightly, and said: "Third Brother, what are you staring at? I asked Third Brother a question and didn't hear a word."

Jia Cong smiled: "Second Sister-in-law looking for me is naturally a good thing."

Wu'er heard this, her face flushed red, lowering her head to pull the bedding she was drying flatter. Zhi Shao beside her saw her strange face and couldn't help but look at her suspiciously.

Qingwen's eyes lit up, asking curiously: "Third Brother, what is the good thing? Say it out and let us be happy too."

Jia Cong held back his laughter and said: "Second Sister-in-law said Qingwen is a good one, born so excellent and handsome..."

Qingwen's pretty face flushed, as if she was a bit proud, asking: "Second Mistress called Third Brother over, it wouldn't be just to praise me, right? There must be other things. Third Brother, don't play tricks, say it quickly."

Jia Cong smiled again: "Second Sister-in-law also said, although Qingwen is beautiful, she is still young and looks like a child, so it is better to raise her for a few years."

Qingwen subconsciously lowered her head to look at herself, and said unconvinced: "What kind of words is Second Mistress saying? I am the same age as Third Brother. Where am I small? I still need to be raised for a few years!"

As soon as Qingwen said this, everyone in the courtyard couldn't help but laugh out loud, only Wu'er knew the truth of the matter.

She heard what Jia Cong said just now, saying Qingwen was young and needed to be raised for a few years, and vaguely guessed something. Her pretty face became even more like a fire, and the whole person felt a bit hot...

Jia Cong saw Qingwen's charming and angry look and couldn't help but smile, then turned and entered the study.

Qingwen followed behind unconvinced and said: "Third Brother only said half of the words, why did you leave? I knew you were deliberately playing with me again..."

In the courtyard, Zhi Shao finished drying the last piece of bedding and saw Wu'er's expression becoming more and more strange, smiling: "What is wrong today? Everyone is strange."

She couldn't help but be curious, pulled Wu'er to the side, and asked: "Wu'er, looking at your face, you must know something. If there is any good news, don't be happy by yourself, tell me too."

Wu'er thought for a while, everyone would know sooner or later, so she whispered the matter into Zhi Shao's ear. After hearing it, Zhi Shao's pretty face also instantly flushed red...

Love Shenjing, Qingliu Workshop.

Two tea guests sat in a private room by the window on the second floor of the teahouse across the street;

A rough man was squatting at a food stall on the street downstairs, gulping down a bowl of soup noodles.

These seemingly ordinary tea guests and rough men were inconspicuous on the bustling street, and no one would pay too much attention to them.

But as long as you pay special attention, you will find that their eyes often drift to a residence across the street.

That was an ordinary two-entry residence in the Love Shenjing, where ordinary well-off families would live.

But if a high-ranking official of Grade 2 also lived in such a residence, it would seem too shabby and simple.

Actually, according to the real situation, as the Vice Minister of Rites, Huang Hongcang, not getting involved in other dark financial sources, just relying on years of official salary accumulation.

Being able to buy a two-entry residence in the Love Shenjing could also be considered a very rare thing.

But there were really not many high-ranking officials in the hall who lived on official salary like him, so Huang Hongcang had a reputation for honesty in the officialdom.

At this time, a man in a green robe walked into the teahouse across the street, pushed the door into the private room by the window on the second floor, stopped the two tea guests from standing up, and closed the door at will.

He sat in the horizontal position of the tea table, and one of the tea guests handed the booklet beside him to him.

He said: "Master Liu, we have all checked. The two-entry residence of the Huang mansion has no back door, but we still arranged a person to monitor in the back alley.

In addition, there are several people waiting near the Ministry of Rites official office. Huang Hongcang's coming and going to the official office, visiting friends and drinking, cannot escape our eyes.

The booklet records the figures entering and exiting the Huang mansion in the past two days, as well as the reasons for entering and exiting that we secretly verified."

Liu Yingquan carefully flipped through the booklet. Since he received Zhou Junxing's order, he had arranged capable people to bury secret stakes and eyes in Huang Hongcang's daily coming and going, as well as his residence.

It was just that two days had passed, and there was no discovery.

Liu Yingquan flipped through the booklet for several pages, and it recorded the coming and going of Huang Hongcang's wife and daughter, the miscellaneous matters of the cook and maid going out to purchase, and there was no much abnormality.

It wasn't until he flipped to the last few pages that he stopped and asked: "A bookstore sent books twice, which bookstore is it, and what books were sent?"

A spy disguised as a tea guest said: "It is the Xiao family bookstore on Wenhan Street. They sent collections of essays and literary selections. Subordinate asked someone to check, and these books should be related to the Spring Examination."

Liu Yingquan asked again: "The record also says that a clerk from a southern goods store came to deliver goods yesterday. Have you checked what was sent?"

The spy said: "That is a southern goods store in the north of the city. The owner is from Jinling and specializes in selling southern goods. What they sent to the Huang mansion was a kind of pickled alligator meat.

Subordinate sent someone to inquire. It is said that this kind of pickled southern alligator meat has a miraculous effect on treating throat diseases..." (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 581 =====

My subordinate sent someone to inquire, and it is said that this pickled southern alligator meat has miraculous effects in treating throat ailments..." (End of chapter)