Chapter 587

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Wang Wang Xifeng's proposed cuts were drastic; even Sister Yuanyang, standing nearby, was taken aback.

Jia Mu frowned and said, "Feng'er, your cuts are too harsh—how can Jia Baoyu keep only these few servants?"

Wang Wang Xifeng smiled apologetically: "Grandmother, you worry too much. From daily experience, we know exactly how many servants are truly needed. Jia Baoyu only requires these few—they're more than sufficient for their duties."

Before, his quarters had too many people but too little work; many were idle and prone to trouble. Now, after the cuts, the remaining servants have more to do—nothing's changed in substance."

Besides, Jia Baoyu's current allowance follows established precedent. Since Cong-brother is now head of the household, no younger cousin should exceed him—let alone Jia Baoyu, who still resides in the West Mansion…"

Cong-brother's attendants, Zhen Ying Lady Lian and Lingguan, aren't registered slaves and don't draw from the household's common funds—they don't count as maids."

Even if Zhi Shao receives a monthly stipend, she barely counts. Cong-brother has four senior maids, two junior maids, and only one boy servant."

Jia Baoyu's allowance now matches Cong-brother's—that's already quite respectable. It cannot be higher, or the household's reputation would suffer."

Jia Mu gave a bitter smile. "This cut looks good on the outside, but it'll surely stir up trouble inside. Shouldn't we reconsider?"

Hearing this, Wang Wang Xifeng knew the old lady meant the East Courtyard.

She sneered inwardly—times had changed long ago, yet the old lady still hoped to keep the First and Second Branches in check, while she sat alone like a fisher on her fishing platform.

But her aunt, Madame Wang, was no match for Cong the Third—how could they even be compared?"

The old lady still wanted to muddle through in ignorance. Better to expose it outright. Wang Wang Xifeng glanced at Sister Yuanyang.

She said: "Grandmother, you're worried that Madame Wang will object if Jia Baoyu's servants are cut—understandable, since she is Jia Baoyu's biological mother."

But this is simple: summon Madame Wang to speak. Whatever the case, since it's a household matter, we should all deliberate together—it's always right."

I'll go fetch Cong-brother too. He's the head now—he can't ignore everything. After all, the West Mansion is his inheritance. He should speak up; I shouldn't be the one playing the villain."

Jia Mu's heart skipped. Her grandson had shut himself away to study and rarely meddled in household affairs—that was why the West Mansion had some peace.

If Jia Baoyu's servants can't be cut, Wang Xifeng will walk away—and if she drags Cong-ge along, with his cold, stern nature, what good will he say?"

Most of Jia Baoyu's servants will be cut. If Madame Wang steps forward, with her petty mind, she won't stand a chance against that boy—she'll only bring shame upon herself."

At that point, even my face as the matriarch won't be spared…"

…

Wang Wang Xifeng studied Jia Mu's expression and guessed her thoughts. She gave Sister Yuanyang a meaningful look.

Sister Yuanyang met Wang Wang Xifeng's gaze and instantly understood. She despised Madame Wang for trying to control her, and recalled Jia Baoyu's behavior in the garden.

Second Mistress's cuts are justified. Besides, he's the head now—Sister Yuanyang felt he shouldn't be dragged into such trivial matters…"

She smiled and said: "Second Mistress, I have no right to speak, but I feel something's amiss."

Wang Wang Xifeng's eyes lit up—internally praising: a clever girl indeed.

She said: "Sister Yuanyang-sister, don't be formal. You've been taught by the old lady and always have insight. Say what you think—we'll discuss it together."

Sister Yuanyang smiled at Jia Mu, who nodded.

Sister Yuanyang said: "Cong Sanye uses only a few maids—his lifestyle is the most modest possible. From what I've seen, he'll surely support the cuts."

He's about to sit for the imperial exams—why disturb him?"

Besides, these cuts concern only West Mansion servants. Madame Wang is now mistress of the East Courtyard—asking her to advise on West Mansion affairs would be unfair to her."

Such staffing adjustments are routine in households. Only the old lady and Second Mistress need decide—it'll proceed smoothly, and the servants will accept it."

Wang Wang Xifeng inwardly praised: a sharp girl—her words were clever, seamless, even more flawless than mine.

She outwardly honored Madame Wang's dignity, but inwardly cut off her interference. Though clearly siding with Cong the Third, it suited me perfectly."

Jia Mu nodded helplessly. "Sister Yuanyang speaks sense. Do it this way. As for who stays or goes, let Jia Baoyu choose his own suitable servants."

…

Bo Jue Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

Jia Cong's desk held several neat stacks of books—all the titles Liu Jing'an had listed for him over the past half-year.

These books, aside from a few private commentaries on contemporary writings, were all scholarly works on literature, history, agriculture, law, and military affairs.

Liu Jing'an had carefully selected them as the foundation for Jia Cong's policy essays, greatly aiding his preparation for the spring imperial examination.

He had studied them during his official duties in Jin Ling, and after returning to Love Shenjing, spent much time pondering them.

Now, with the exam approaching, he reread them all. His recent visits to Mount Luocang Mountain for guidance mostly stemmed from questions raised in these books.

Though these were all rereads, he read some quickly, others slowly, turning them over and over until fully grasped.

With only days left before the March 18 exam, Jia Cong's study was sealed shut. Only Zhen Ying Lady Lian and Lingguan entered—everyone else kept out, so he could focus.

In the main hall of the courtyard, a neatly packed examination box sat beneath the southern window, on a Luo Han bed.

Lin Daiyu and Zhi Shao were speaking there, already preparing Jia Cong's belongings for the exam.

Several finished purple-hair Hu brush pens, a top-grade hulu Master Duan inkstone, several used top-grade Song ink cakes, and a pair of litchi-frost paperweights.

These precious paperweights had been specially sent by Zhen Zhen Fangqing, who was observing mourning at the imperial tombs east of the city, delivered by Liu Linjiang Xian's wife as a gift for Jia Cong's exam.

Qingwen also selected two sets of spare clothing and placed them in the box.

Zhi Shao took a camel-fur mat and a bear-fur cloak, folded them neatly, and put them in.

Jia Cong would spend nine days inside the examination cell, sleeping there at night.

Though it was late March, Love Shenjing's spring nights were still chilly—necessary bedding and warmth were essential.

Outside, under the eaves, hung two thick bamboo tubes, carefully scrubbed by Lingguan and Douguan, boiled in hot water, and left to dry.

When Jia Cong entered the exam, these tubes would be filled with chilled boiled water—enough for his daily drinking needs in the cell.

As they packed, everyone chatted and laughed, all looking forward to Jia Cong's performance in the spring examination.

…

Unnoticed, noon approached. Jia Cong stepped out of his study for a brief rest, chatting with Lin Daiyu and others.

He saw Wu'er entering the main hall—she looked as if she'd just returned from the West Mansion.

She said: "Cong Sanye, Second Mistress has reported to the old lady: Jia Baoyu's household staff has been cut—from fourteen maids down to six, and only one boy servant remains."

Lin Daiyu said: "The West Mansion's income has shrunk. Second Sister can't manage such a large household. Jia Baoyu's maids were idle—this was long overdue."

Jia Cong snorted softly. "The old lady never brought it up, so Second Sister couldn't speak. Now that Jia Baoyu's servants have caused trouble, there's no need to hide it anymore."

Wu'er asked: "Second Mistress also asks: should Cong Sanye take any of the cut maids or boys, or fill vacancies in the East Mansion?"

Jia Cong replied: "The East Mansion doesn't lack staff. Tell Second Sister: distribute the dismissed servants according to household rules. Those willing may marry; younger ones assign to various duties."

As for the boys, assign them to work on the West Mansion's estates and shops—don't let them idle in the house. If they gamble or fight again, expel them immediately…"

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Jia Baoyu's Courtyard.

All day, the courtyard was shrouded in gloom and sorrow.

Servants came and went constantly—senior and junior maids entered, pleading with Jia Baoyu, weeping softly, begging to stay.

Jia Baoyu sighed endlessly. He couldn't bear to let any go—each one tugged at his heart. Overwhelmed, he had no idea what to do.

Finally, Sister Xi Ren couldn't stand it. She ordered Mushue to drive everyone out and shut the door.

Then she said: "My good Bao Er Ye, the cuts are decided by Second Mistress and the old lady—you can't avoid them."

Crying and pleading with these maids won't help. What good does it do? They're all leaving anyway."

Please decide now—who stays, who goes. Then we can act."

Jia Baoyu thought of the maids who came to him, each with tear-streaked faces, pleading sweetly. He'd never noticed before how moving they truly were.

Now that they were to be sent away, he felt deep sorrow and wept: "Why must we cut staff now? They've done nothing wrong—why be so cruel?"

Sister Xi Ren was exasperated. Her Bao Er Ye was utterly clueless—completely ignorant of human affairs.

She said: "Since Cong Sanye inherited the title, the West Mansion's income has dropped drastically. How can we afford so many people?"

The household is already whispering: Cong the Third is now the title holder and a court official, yet he uses only four or five maids. Your maids outnumber his by more than threefold."

By household rules, your allowance shouldn't exceed his. Cutting your staff was inevitable."

Jia Baoyu wept: "It's all Jia Cong's doing! He wants to become a bureaucratic worm, chasing fame and profit—fine, if he wants official career talk. But why must he ruin others? These delicate girls—what have they done to him? Why must he crush them?"

Jia Baoyu thought of Wu'er, who avoided him; Xiao Hong, who constantly spoke of official career; Sister Yuanyang, who praised literature and martial arts.

All these good maids have been poisoned by his bureaucratic talk, his career talk, his literary-martial thoughts.

Clearly, what I hated and despised before was right—yet no one in this world understands me. My feelings are wasted."

It was clear that his earlier hatreds and aversions had been entirely correct, but there was no one in this world who understood him—his feelings were wasted.

Sister Xi Ren, hearing Jia Baoyu curse Jia Cong again, felt both amused and exasperated. Her Bao Er Ye was foolish—Cong Sanye spent his days reading in the East Mansion, thinking only of passing the imperial exams.

He wouldn't care about cutting maids—it's just Second Mistress's scheme…

Besides, the Second Branch lives in the First Branch's mansion, with so many servants drawing monthly pay from the West Mansion's funds—why should they support such extravagance? But Sister Xi Ren couldn't say this to Jia Baoyu—she could only listen to his complaints.

Jia Baoyu suddenly asked: "Why isn't Madam speaking? Doesn't she know?"

Sister Xi Ren smiled bitterly: "Your boy servants gambled and fought in the outer courtyard—this sparked Second Mistress's anger, prompting the cuts."

This is a West Mansion household matter. Now that Cong Sanye holds the estate, the West Mansion is the First Branch's domain—who would be so foolish as to inform Madam?"

I suspect the news hasn't reached the East Courtyard yet—Madam still doesn't know. Otherwise, she'd have come already."

Even if she knew, what could she do? She's now mistress of the East Courtyard—she has no authority over West Mansion affairs."

Bao Er Ye, listen to me: if you want to stay in the West Mansion, follow the old lady's and Second Mistress's orders—cut the staff now."

The old lady loves you dearly. Even with fewer maids, she won't let you lack servants. Get through this first."

Jia Baoyu, comforted by Sister Xi Ren's words, set aside his melancholy musings. He thought carefully.

He said: "Besides you, keep Bihen, Qiufen, and Mushue as senior maids. Keep the two junior maids—you decide."

He said: "Aside from you, keep Bi Hen, Qiu Wen, and She Nan Yue as senior maids; keep those two as junior maids—you decide."

!

！

Xi Ren heard Bao Yu's words and felt displeased; letting Liu Hong stay was acceptable, but when she saw Liu Hong associating with She Nan Yue, though somewhat suspicious, she didn't take it seriously.

Besides, when Liu Hong was still in Young Master's courtyard, she had already been close to She Nan Yue; now that they're in contact again, it's only natural.

More importantly, Liu Hong is now a trusted maid to Cong Sanye Cong, and her parents are the internal and external stewards of the West Courtyard—her roots run deep.

If She Nan Yue befriends Liu Hong, it's like adding another connection to Young Master's quarters…

But why did Young Master keep Bi Hen and Qiu Wen, those two flirtatious harlots?

Bi Hen had already shared Young Master's bed; Qiu Wen's heart is cunning and cruel, all she does is flatter Young Master, hoping to climb into his bed.

Why did Young Master keep these two bad ones instead of loyal, diligent maids like Qi Linjiang Xian or Tan Yun? That would've been better.

But since Bao Yu had already spoken, Xi Ren, as a maid, had no grounds to object—otherwise, it would contradict her reputation as the virtuous Xi Ren.

Bao Yu had already decided on the senior maids; as for which two junior maids to keep, Xi Ren had already decided: Jia Hui and Chun Yan, the two she found pleasant and obedient, hardworking and reliable.

Xi Ren told the maids who would stay and who would go; sobs rose and fell throughout the courtyard.

These maids had served in Bao Yu's quarters for at least two or three years, some as long as five or six—none had been there a short time; being dismissed now naturally pained them—it was only human.

Moreover, in the past, Young Master Bao's quarters had been the most coveted place among the maids; getting in back then had been a great honor, and now that it had fallen, their hearts were naturally heavy.

Yet some among them were sharp-witted enough to realize that the two courtyards had undergone a complete transformation—the most favored was no longer Young Master Bao.

Leaving Young Master's quarters now wasn't necessarily bad; but going elsewhere offered no hope either—everyone knew the threshold of the East Courtyard was far too high for ordinary folk to cross.

Thus, many of the dismissed maids felt boundless envy for Liu Hong—the girl who had once been driven out by Lady Wang—she was the one who had turned misfortune into fortune, blessed beyond measure.

Xi Ren saw the eight dismissed maids weeping softly and felt a pang of pity.

She said: "Don't be so heartbroken. We maids were always meant for this path—no one stays in a master's quarters for life. When the time comes, we all must leave to marry."

You're just leaving a little sooner. Who knows? You might end up in a better place than here."

After speaking some idle words, Xi Ren wanted to settle this matter quickly. She sent She Nan Yue to lead the maids to Wang Wang Xifeng's courtyard, so the Second Mistress could reassign them.

…

She Nan Yue led a large group of weeping maids through the halls and alleys of Lady Rongguo Mansion, creating an unusual sight that drew glances and whispers from passing servants.

Listening to the sobs and hurried footsteps behind her, her bright eyes grew red.

These maids were sisters she had lived with for years—Qi Linjiang Xian, Tan Yun, and other senior maids were all honest, kind-hearted people who had always been close to her.

But in a great household, as maids grew older and the fortunes of the masters shifted, departures and dispersals were inevitable.

First there was Liu Hong being driven out; now these eight maids were dismissed—who knew when it would be her turn?

When that time came, would she be as lucky as Liu Hong, or as helpless as Qi Linjiang Xian and Tan Yun? Who could say?

She Nan Yue brought the eight maids to Wang Xifeng's courtyard, where Wang Xifeng and Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife would reassign them. After confirming their new postings, She Nan Yue left alone.

As she passed the side gate behind Rongxi Hall, a graceful figure stepped out and called out to her.

She turned and saw the smiling face—it was Liu Hong.

Liu Hong laughed: "I heard from my mother that Young Master Bao's maids were being dismissed today, and some would be reassigned. I didn't dare go to your courtyard to ask, so I waited here."

"I didn't expect to actually see Sister She Nan Yue come by."

Seeing She Nan Yue's red eyes, she sighed: "We were all sisters in the same courtyard—separation was bound to come eventually. Sister, don't grieve too much."

She sighed again and looked at She Nan Yue: "I guessed you'd be kept, and now I see I was right—but somehow, I feel sorry for you."

She Nan Yue laughed: "Are you mad? Me not being dismissed, not being thrown out—that's a bad thing? Tell me what logic that is."

…

Liu Hong pulled She Nan Yue into the back building of Rongxi Hall and found a quiet spot to sit.

She said: "You know best how Sister Master Qian Xue was driven out, how I was expelled, and what happened to Jin Jin Chuan."

Young Master Bao isn't a bad person by nature, but there are things—I won't speak ill of him to your face, but you know as well as I do—Lady Wang is a formidable woman…"

These past six months, the two courtyards have turned upside down. Bao Er Ye and Lady Wang have moved to the East Courtyard. Young Master Bao remains in the West Courtyard only because he has Old Lady Jia's favor."

But think carefully, Sister—Young Master Bao is now of marriageable age, soon to be married and establish his own household."

When he marries, can he possibly stay in the West Courtyard? The West Courtyard belongs to the First Branch now."

Bao Er Ye has always valued propriety and filial piety—he's a man who cares deeply about face. He will never allow it."

When that time comes, Young Master Bao will inevitably have to settle in the East Courtyard. How small is that place? Then you'll live under Lady Wang's watchful eye—how miserable will that be?"

I thought of our old friendship and didn't want you to suffer later, so I'm speaking out of turn."

If you're willing, I'll ask my mother to speak to Second Mistress and get you a better posting in the West Courtyard—I'm sure Second Mistress will grant this favor."

My mother can also speak to Young Master Bao and Xi Ren—there must be a way to get you out."

If all else fails, I can beg Cong Sanye—he'll help somehow. Just say the word, and I'll do anything."

…

She Nan Yue, hearing Liu Hong's earnest words, felt a warmth in her heart. She reached out and smoothed Liu Hong's hair. "I know you're a loyal, affectionate girl—you're thinking of me."

But things in this world aren't so simple. I've served in Young Master Bao's quarters for years—I know his nature well. No matter how he treats others, he's never wronged me."

If he had chosen senior maids and I wasn't among them—if I'd been dismissed like Qi Linjiang Xian and Tan Yun—I could leave without regret."

But he hasn't dismissed me. If I were to leave on my own, I'd feel it's wrong—even if I got a better posting, I couldn't rest easy."

She Nan Yue smiled faintly and continued: "I can't speak grand principles, but have you considered—if I took your path…"

Others would eventually learn you helped me. You're Cong Sanye's senior maid; I'm Young Master Bao's senior maid."

Once word got out, people would twist the story of Second Mistress dismissing Bao Yu's maids and servants into some secret scheme to benefit Cong Sanye."

What others think of me doesn't matter—but if Cong Sanye's reputation is tainted, how could I bear it?"

I'm just a humble maid, slow-witted and without great ambition. I just want to live day by day, with a clear conscience and a calm heart."

…

Liu Hong, hearing She Nan Yue's words, felt a chill—she hadn't thought of this.

If she had pulled She Nan Yue out, someone would surely use it against her, twisting the dismissal into a plot by Cong Sanye to steal Bao Yu's maids.

That rumor would be vile—it would sully Cong Sanye's name…

There might be no such people in the West Courtyard, but the East Courtyard certainly had them—like Second Lady Wang…

Seeing Liu Hong's face change, She Nan Yue knew she understood. She smiled slightly and said nothing.

Liu Hong said: "Sister, you're truly the one with heart and loyalty—I was too simplistic. But it's no great loss."

Even if you go to the East Courtyard later, it's still close enough to call out to. If you ever need help, I won't just stand by!"

She Nan Yue beamed, hugging Liu Hong's shoulder affectionately: "I'll remember that. When I'm in trouble, I'll count on you flying in to save me."

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Bao Yu's Courtyard.

After chatting with Liu Hong, She Nan Yue returned to Bao Yu's courtyard and saw Seeing Seeing Caiyun, Lady Wang's maid, hurrying in—she had clearly come from the East Courtyard.

She asked curiously: "Sister Seeing Seeing Caiyun, why are you here? Is Lady Wang sending word to Young Master Bao?"

Seeing Seeing Caiyun replied: "Today, Madam Xia is visiting the East Courtyard. Lady Wang sent me to check—if Young Master Bao hasn't gone to school, to invite him over to meet the guest."

Bao Yu, still brooding over the loss of so many maids, heard the voices outside and grew annoyed, with no interest in dealing with it.

Impatiently, he told Xi Ren: "Everyone wants me to go meet them—it's so tedious. Say I'm unwell today and won't go!"

He threw himself onto the bed and pulled the quilt over his head, as if he could shut out all his troubles.

Xi Ren sighed, stepped out of the room, and smiled at Seeing Seeing Caiyun: "Young Master isn't feeling well—he's resting. He didn't go to school today, so he won't be able to go."

(End of Chapter)