Chapter 588: Seduction and Entangled Fate

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, East Courtyard.

In the main hall, Lady Wang was chatting leisurely with Mrs. Xia, while Miss Xia sat quietly beside her, occasionally lifting a lidded teacup to sip tea with elegant poise, embodying the refined bearing of a noble lady.

Last year, during the renovation of the East Courtyard, Jia Cong expanded its boundaries slightly to make it more convenient for Jia Zheng to reside there, making the East Courtyard's rear garden noticeably larger than before.

Now, in the third month of spring, the newly planted orchids and flowers in the rebuilt garden were all in full bloom, their scenery strikingly beautiful—many of them rare blooms gifted by the Xia family.

Lady Wang invited Mrs. Xia over under the pretext of enjoying the spring blossoms.

Since the old woman Chen brought good news from the Xia family last time, more than ten days had swiftly passed; regarding Yuan Chun, the Xia family had sent one message, merely stating that the palace selection process was proceeding smoothly.

But as late March approached, Lady Wang heard rumors from outside that many noble daughters who failed the selection had already left the palace and returned to their home regions.

Yet Yuan Chun's selection outcome remained uncertain, leaving Lady Wang increasingly anxious.

Today's invitation for Mrs. Xia to admire the spring flowers was merely an excuse for social interaction—the real purpose was to discuss Yuan Chun's palace selection face-to-face.

Earlier, while the sun shone brightly, they had spent considerable time strolling through the rear garden; now back in the main hall sipping tea and chatting, Lady Wang exchanged a few polite pleasantries before steering the conversation to the matter at hand.

Mrs. Xia smiled warmly and said, "Your eldest daughter's journey has been relatively smooth so far. My elder cousin has already recommended her, and she passed the initial screening."

Originally, palace regulations required portraits of all girls who passed the first round to be presented to His Majesty, but recently trouble has arisen along the northern frontier; it is said His Majesty is deeply troubled by state affairs, and the selection process has been temporarily put on hold."

As the saying goes, slow work produces fine results; good things take time. Lady Jia need not worry—just wait a little longer with patience."

Beside her, Miss Xia listened to her mother's baseless chatter and smiled inwardly; her hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, though no tea spilled.

Seeing that Lady Wang merely looked disappointed, without any suspicion, Miss Xia couldn't help but sneer in contempt.

This foolish woman is only fit to be toyed with by my mother—her wicked relative, the eunuch, is now busy sweeping floors inside the palace; how could he possibly push your daughter into becoming a consort…

…

In truth, though Lady Wang was a noble lady of the inner quarters who rarely appeared in public and lacked Mrs. Xia's worldly experience, she was not truly foolish.

Her unquestioning belief in Mrs. Xia's words stemmed from her own worldview.

The Xia family of osmanthus was a renowned imperial merchant house, celebrated in both the capital's official circles and merchant communities; as the head of the Xia family, Mrs. Xia's words carried considerable weight.

Moreover, at the outset, Mrs. Xia had genuinely wished to facilitate this matter, aiming to forge ties between the Xia and Jia families—even helping Lady Wang raise funds.

Furthermore, Xia Li Shouzhong, the Xia family's eunuch relative and director of the Imperial Household Department, had openly cultivated connections within the palace, creating quite a stir—likely even reaching Yuan Chun's ears.

But later, Xia Li Shouzhong suffered misfortune after stumbling at the hands of Yuan Jing, the eunuch on duty in Qianyang Palace, and the matter could no longer proceed.

Lies that are seventy percent truth and only thirty percent falsehood are far easier to believe; repeated often enough, even the liar begins to believe them.

Added to this, Mrs. Xia was an exceptionally shrewd woman—meticulous in thought, warm in speech, and highly persuasive; with a few carefully crafted falsehoods, she could render matters half-true and half-false, shrouded in mist and confusion.

Though Lady Wang possessed a certain cunning, her burning desire for power and wealth clouded her judgment, making her vulnerable to this web of deceptive information.

…

Moreover, Mrs. Xia's claim that unrest along the northern frontier and His Majesty's preoccupation with state affairs had delayed the selection was not fabricated—it was true.

Since last September and October, former Datong Commandant Sun Sun Zhanying defected to the enemy, and since then, the border garrisons of Datong, Qiu Xuanfu, and He Jizhen have frequently suffered raids by Mongol cavalry.

Each time the Mongols raided, they skillfully avoided the elite cavalry patrols and border scouts, allowing them to strike repeatedly with impunity.

In some border skirmishes, Mongol raiders exceeded a thousand men, moving like the wind, their uniforms and banners chaotic, making it impossible to determine which Mongol tribe was responsible.

Several frontier commanders suspected the Tumeng tribe's leader Antahan was behind it, but when the Zhou court sent envoys to confront him, Antahan denied all involvement—the matter had reached a stalemate…

Due to the sudden outbreak of border warfare, the transport and storage of military supplies—grain, armor, and equipment—had been significantly increased.

Many imperial merchants registered with the Neiwu Prefecture and Ministry of Revenue received imperial orders to assist in transporting military necessities; the osmanthus Xia family was among them, and thus naturally knew these details.

…

As Mrs. Xia's persuasive words had calmed Lady Wang, the host and guest grew even more animated in conversation—just then, the maid Seeing Caiyun entered the main hall.

Seeing Seeing Caiyun alone, without Jia Baoyu, Lady Wang exclaimed, "I told you to fetch Jia Baoyu to meet our guests—why are you back alone?"

Seeing Caiyun glanced at Mrs. Xia, her voice hesitant and uneasy.

Seeing Caiyun was Lady Wang's trusted maid, having raised Jia Baoyu since childhood; she knew his nature best. From the excuses Xi Ren gave, a mere glance at Seeing Caiyun's expression told her something was amiss.

She was familiar with every maid in Jia Baoyu's quarters—yet today, many were missing; how could that not seem strange?

Moreover, the matter of Jia Baoyu's maids and servants being cut had caused quite a stir in Lady Rongguo Prefecture; Seeing Caiyun had merely stepped outside to inquire and quickly learned the truth.

But Jia Baoyu's humiliation was Lady Wang's own shame—Seeing Caiyun dared not speak of it before outsiders.

Seeing Seeing Caiyun's expression, Lady Wang, who had kept her for years, guessed Jia Baoyu was in trouble and that Seeing Caiyun dared not speak openly before guests.

Yet she was currently in the midst of a warm exchange with Mrs. Xia, relying on her to help with the crucial matter of Yuan Chun's selection; having already asked, and now Seeing Caiyun refusing to answer, Lady Wang's face grew hot with embarrassment.

She said, "Mrs. Xia is no stranger. Jia Baoyu is under Grandmother's watch in the West Courtyard—what could possibly be wrong? Don't be so evasive—speak plainly."

Hearing this, Seeing Caiyun understood: if Jia Baoyu had truly done something disgraceful, she still couldn't speak of it—but today's matter had nothing to do with him…

She said, "I went to the West Courtyard to fetch Second Master, but Xi Ren said he was unwell and resting indoors, unable to come meet the guests.

I grew suspicious, so I wandered around the West Courtyard and inquired further.

Yesterday, two of Second Master's servants gambled and fought in the outer courtyard, violating household rules; they angered Second Mistress, who had them beaten and then locked in the firewood shed.

Moreover, recently the West Courtyard has been spreading word that Third Master Jia Cong is now the official head of both the East and West Courtyards, a proper imperial official, and he uses only four or five maids.

Yet Second Master uses fourteen maids—far exceeding Third Master's number, violating household propriety.

Second Mistress seized the opportunity of the servants' misconduct to propose to Grandmother that Second Master's maids be reduced; since this aligned with past household rules, Grandmother had no grounds to object.

When I arrived today, I happened upon the scene: fourteen maids in Second Master's quarters had been cut down to six, and his servants reduced from ten to one.

Second Master, humiliated by losing his maids, fell into a rage—but he's likely unharmed; once he calms down, he'll be fine."

…

Beside her, Miss Xia listened to Seeing Caiyun's words and was stunned.

The osmanthus Xia family was among the wealthiest; as their only heir, she enjoyed the finest treatment.

Yet she herself had only one personal maid, two labor maids, and one errand-running old woman—better than most noble daughters.

She never imagined the Jia family, a hereditary noble house, could be this extravagant—that effeminate Jia Baoyu actually used fourteen maids.

This little lecher, so weak and limp—how could he even manage them…

Jia Cong, by contrast, was far more reliable; such an outstanding young master, with such grand status and prestige, used only four or five maids—half of them probably lowly laborers unfit for display.

Thinking of Jia Cong's handsome, commanding appearance, Miss Xia felt a surge of satisfaction—he was the true nobleman, unlike Jia Baoyu's vulgar demeanor; she had excellent taste indeed.

Hearing this humiliating tale, Lady Wang trembled with rage; had it not been for the presence of the Xia women, she would have erupted in curses.

Even so, she could not suppress her fury: "Feng-er is utterly outrageous! Jia Baoyu has always used this many servants since childhood—it's not as if it started today!

Even if you wanted to cut one or two, fine—but to cut so many at once? This is bullying Jia Baoyu because he's a gentle boy—he barely has enough maids left now!"

Jia Cong uses only four or five maids because he chooses to—no one could stop him if he wanted more; how could he possibly be compared to Jia Baoyu…"

Fortunately, she remembered the Xia women were present and restrained herself from uttering further disgraceful words, mindful of the Jia family's reputation.

Yet Mrs. Xia paid no heed to these remarks—she dismissed them as mere feminine jealousy.

Miss Xia frowned slightly, deeply displeased: how could Jia Jia Baoyu, that effeminate trash, even be mentioned in the same breath as Jia Cong?

Is this Lady Jia raised on dirt? Blind in the eyes and foolish in the heart, speaking nonsense backward—she's a child with a mother but no father's guidance!

…

Lady Wang finally forced her anger under control, glanced at Mrs. Xia, and regretted letting Seeing Caiyun speak so openly—she sought to salvage her dignity before Mrs. Xia.

She said, "Forgive me for troubling you, Mrs. Xia—every household has its own troubles. Don't be fooled by the Jia family's outward prestige as a hereditary noble house.

In truth, our inner-family troubles are no fewer than those of modest families.

Take my nephew Jia Cong—he may be capable and well-regarded outside, but he has his own absurdities.

Though he uses only four or five maids, they are all the most beautiful selected from both East and West Courtyards—you've never seen them, Mrs. Xia, but they're more exquisite than other noble daughters.

Jia Baoyu's maids are more numerous, but they're all coarse, clumsy servants—how could they compare to his?

And it doesn't stop there—he holds an official post and frequently travels; each time he returns, he brings back beauties—nuns, actresses, it makes no difference—unheard-of extravagance in the past.

Grandmother is a kind-hearted woman; whatever her grandson does, she finds acceptable, and lets him have his way.

So the origins of his maids cannot be compared to Jia Baoyu's dull, laboring servants—I'm angry precisely because of this.

But among noble young masters, few are as well-behaved as Jia Baoyu.

Most are like Jia Cong—youthful, fond of beauty, and extravagant in conduct; it's not a serious flaw—everyone grows up this way, so it's nothing unusual."

Mrs. Xia paid no attention to these words, offering only polite nods, but never once spoke ill of Jia Cong.

She saw clearly: these seemingly casual remarks were in fact veiled resentments and subtle slurs—mere internal power struggles within a grand household.

She would never be foolish enough to step into such a trap; whether Jia Cong was a gentleman or a lecher had nothing to do with her.

In fact, for the long-term goal of strengthening ties between the Xia and Jia families, should the opportunity arise, she would even flatter this young master.

But Miss Xia, listening to Lady Wang's words, was far from calm—she nearly twisted her mouth in outrage.

!

Hearing that Jia Cong, with his official rank, used only four or five maids, she had genuinely believed him upright, and her lingering thoughts of him were proof of her discernment.

Yet she now realized all men were the same lecherous breed—Jia Cong was even worse than Jia Baoyu, not only selecting the most beautiful maids in the household for his pleasure.

He also lured nuns and actresses into his home, bringing in both fragrant and foul women—he was defying heaven itself, utterly shameless!

Miss Xia lost all interest in her tea, lowering her head so no one could see her expression; her silk handkerchief twisted into a tight knot, her slender white fingers reddened from the pressure…

Could his maids, nuns, and actresses really be that beautiful? Could they be more lovely than me? This shallow-eyed boy!

…

Mrs. Xia showed no reaction to Lady Wang's resentful words.

She smiled and said, "Even the grandest households have matters that are hard to balance—adding or removing servants is common; even if some impropriety exists, Lady Jia need not be so angry.

Though I've only visited the West Courtyard twice, I've seen with my own eyes how much Grandmother dotes on Jia Baoyu; even if household rules forced a reduction in his maids,

given Grandmother's affection for him, how could she possibly deprive him of attendants?

If openly it's not allowed, couldn't she secretly assign her own trusted servants to serve him? Such things are common in grand households—it's merely an elder's favoritism toward grandchildren.

So Lady Jia need not concern herself—let the mistress of the West Courtyard cut the maids if she wishes; it may even spare Jia Baoyu from further gossip."

This way, Jia Baoyu can settle comfortably in the West Mansion and secure his rightful status—that is the most important thing.

Upon hearing Xia TaiTai's words, Wang Lady's heart instantly lightened; Xia TaiTai's remarks had struck precisely at her deepest longing.

She smiled and said, "Xia TaiTai's words are truly insightful. In a grand household, some matters are simply impossible to clarify."

Xia TaiTai added, "I've heard that the mistress of the West Mansion is the eldest daughter-in-law of the main branch—she is none other than the elder sister-in-law of the Lord Lord Weiyuan Marquis, and she is currently with child?"

Wang Lady's expression stiffened slightly. Wang Wang Xifeng had once been her own niece; she had exerted considerable effort to arrange Wang Xifeng's marriage into the Jia household.

But now, times had changed. The inheritance of the Lady Rongguo hereditary title had turned the main and secondary branches into bitter enemies, and the once-close aunt and niece were now on the verge of becoming sworn foes…

If Wang Wang Xifeng gives birth to a son this time, though it cannot compare to Jia Cong's future legitimate heir, he will still be the eldest grandson of the main branch of Lady Rongguo Mansion—his status would overshadow Jia Baoyu's entirely.

Wang Lady smiled faintly and said, "She is already five months along. Aside from my Lan'er, no male heir has yet been born to the Cao generation in Lady Rongguo Mansion."

Xia TaiTai laughed and said, "Elders place the greatest value on having many descendants. If the mistress of the West Mansion gives birth to a son, the Lady Dowager will surely dote on him beyond measure."

…

Upon hearing Xia TaiTai's words, Wang Lady's heart began to pound uneasily.

She herself was a woman with many children and grandchildren, and she well understood that a parent's love for their offspring is always finite.

When one side claims a share, the other must lose some—that is how favoritism arises.

In her youth, Wang Lady had loved not her second son, but her eldest, Jia Zhu.

Jia Zhu was wise beyond his years, diligent in his studies, and passed the county examination at fifteen—the most promising candidate for the imperial civil service since Jia Jing.

Back then, everyone in the household treated Jia Zhu as a precious jewel, seeing him as the hope of the Jia clan, lavishing him with affection that surpassed even what they gave Jia Baoyu.

Yet no one could have foreseen that Jia Zhu, consumed by his devotion to study and the imperial exams, exhausted himself and died at the age of twenty.

In her overwhelming grief, Wang Lady transferred all her love and hopes onto her second son, Jia Baoyu. This post-tragedy indulgence was intense, even exclusive.

As a result, Jia Lan—the eldest grandson of the secondary branch—received far less attention and affection from Wang Lady than Jia Baoyu did.

If Wang Wang Xifeng truly gives birth to the eldest great-grandson of the main branch, and the secondary branch has already lost its standing, would the Lady Dowager's scales tilt?

Even if the Lady Dowager did not dote on this eldest great-grandson as she did on Jia Baoyu, she would still hold him in high esteem, even affectionately—this was the way of the elders.

When one side gains, the other loses—how much of the Lady Dowager's affection for Jia Baoyu would this steal away?

And this is only one matter. Jia Cong is now the rightful heir of Lady Rongguo Mansion; when he has children of his own, his offspring will be far nobler in status than Wang Wang Xifeng's.

At that time, where will my Jia Baoyu stand? Even if the Lady Dowager favors Jia Baoyu, she will no longer be able to speak loudly in his defense.

Didn't the Lady Dowager just watch passively as the main branch's granddaughter openly dismissed Jia Baoyu's maids and servants? Isn't that a clear omen of future familial favoritism?

As Wang Lady pieced these thoughts together, deep concern and vigilance stirred within her…

…

Beside her, Xia TaiTai's eyes flickered subtly as she studied Wang Lady with quiet intensity, as if she could peer into her very soul.

She smiled and said, "Since ancient times, mothers have gained status through their sons—from the imperial court down to the humblest homes, this has always been true.

Though the mistress of the West Mansion is with child, she may not bear a son—she might give birth to a daughter instead.

In my view, Jia Baoyu is now fifteen, old enough to marry and start a family. Has Jia TaiTai ever considered finding a suitable match for Jia Baoyu?

It would be wise to let Jia Baoyu begin his lineage early. If fate aligns, he could father a child within a year—quite straightforward."

"When Jia Baoyu has offspring, given the Lady Dowager's current doting on him, she will surely love them too—perhaps even more so, for the son will rise by virtue of the father."

Xia TaiTai's words, laden with hidden intent, were like a sinister whisper, honeyed and seductive, capable of bewitching the listener and clouding the mind…

…

Wang Lady's previously clouded fears and anxieties seemed, in an instant, to be swept away by Xia TaiTai's words, revealing a sudden clarity.

She realized she had been fixated only on Jia Baoyu's reputation, fearing he would struggle to find a respectable marriage, and had spent all her efforts arranging a match.

For the past half year, she had weighed Xue Baochai and Lin Daiyu alike, exhausting every possible scheme.

But she had never once considered this alternative path: a son elevates the father, and the father elevates the son—a clever way to win favor!

If Wang Xifeng bears a daughter, she may never bear a son again, for Jia Lady Lian has been exiled for fifteen years.

That little rake in the East Mansion must observe three years of mourning—he cannot take a proper wife now.

Even if his concubines bear him children in these years, they will be illegitimate bastards—would the Lady Dowager even notice?

But if my Jia Baoyu acts swiftly and fathers a legitimate son, given the Lady Dowager's affection for him, how could she not love him even more?

Wang Lady grasped this instantly, and her gaze toward Xia TaiTai was now filled with admiration.

Though Xia TaiTai was merely a woman, her wisdom and strategy were truly remarkable. Wang Lady felt fortunate to have made such a connection…

Yet, though Xia TaiTai's words made perfect sense, even the cleverest housewife cannot cook without rice.

She had once favored her niece Xue Baochai, but that boy from the East Mansion had tainted her; and Lin's father was so haughty, their match had already fallen through.

Jia Baoyu needed to marry and produce heirs—but no suitable bride presented herself…

…

At that moment, Xia TaiTai lifted her covered cup and sipped her tea, glancing casually at her daughter.

Wang Lady, as if moved by some unseen force, turned her head—and her eyes brightened instantly.

Xia's daughter sat nearby, sunlight streaming through the window frame, illuminating her skin like jade, her eyes like autumn pools, her lips like crimson dye—her entire being glowed with an extraordinary radiance.

And even more striking: her figure was slender and graceful, her curves elegant and full, far more suited to childbearing than Xue Baochai or Lin Daiyu…

A stirring arose in Wang Lady's heart: she had searched far and wide, yet the perfect girl had been right before her eyes all along—and she had never noticed.

Xia TaiTai, glancing sideways, caught Wang Lady staring fixedly at her daughter, lost in thought.

And her own foolish daughter, at that moment, had slightly furrowed her brow, lost in some quiet contemplation—her faint melancholy only enhanced her grace and charm.

Xia TaiTai's lips curled slightly. She lifted her teacup, sipped slowly, and felt the tea's fragrance permeate her body, filling her with quiet satisfaction—a faint, smug smile appeared on her face.

Yet that smile held an indescribable malice, an uncanny cunning—like a weasel that had stolen a chicken…

(End of Chapter)