Chapter 645: Why Seek the Phoenix?

Rongguo Prefecture, East Courtyard, Dream Slope Study.

Ever since the Jia family's second branch moved into the East Courtyard and Jia Zheng lost his position as the head of the Rongguo household, the East Courtyard had become desolate and neglected.

Aside from members of the two prefectures and the occasional visit from relatives or old acquaintances, no figures of any standing ever came to call.

Yet, over the past two days, the East Courtyard had seen a sudden surge in popularity. Many officials from the court had come to visit one after another, leaving Jia Zheng and his wife somewhat flattered and overwhelmed.

On this day, after meeting several waves of visitors, Jia Zheng returned alone to his inner study to rest.

He had just asked a maid to prepare hot tea to relieve his fatigue when he heard the sound of jade pendants clinking at the doorway. He saw his daughter, Tan Chun, enter the study, followed by her maid, Shi Shu.

Tan Chun took the fragrant tea from the maid's tray, handed it to Jia Zheng herself, and asked, "Father, have you just returned from seeing guests?"

Jia Zheng smiled slightly. "Today was supposed to be a day of rest, a time to steal a moment of leisure. I didn't expect several waves of guests to arrive throughout the morning. It is kind of you to always think of coming back; I wanted to have you come over to talk, but I never had a free moment."

Tan Chun smiled. "Daughter is always spending her days in the company of my sisters; I have already been a bit too indulgent in play. I haven't fulfilled my filial duties to you in the hall, and only returning often to pay my respects is already a sign of neglect."

Jia Zheng smiled. "You are grown now. With so many sisters in the house, naturally, I cannot let you be lonely. It is enough that you have this heart."

"Jia Cong has always cherished you sisters, and he has had a tacit understanding with you since childhood. With his support in the future, you will surely have a proper destination, and I will be at ease."

Hearing her father casually mention marriage, Tan Chun felt a slight shyness in her heart. Naturally intelligent and perceptive, she understood the meaning behind Jia Zheng's words.

She was, after all, a daughter born of a concubine. When it came to marriage in the future, noble and wealthy families seeking a primary wife would never choose one born of a concubine.

Now that the Jia family's second branch had fallen to a side branch, by all logic, a daughter born of a concubine like her was even less desirable than before.

But with the love and care of her cousin Jia Cong, no one dared to look down on her. In future marriages, she would also be held in higher regard and could attain a proper, honorable destination.

Originally, she and her sisters were all in the West Prefecture, raised at the Grandmother's knees since childhood. Now that they were all living together in the East Prefecture, her father was also happy to see it happen—there was a sense of long-term planning by her parents in this.

Although Tan Chun did not care about her future marriage and felt that her current days were excellent—that living like this was true contentment—she was still deeply moved by her father's intentions.

Every family has its own difficult scriptures to recite. Both her second brother and Huan'er were naturally lazy and did not love their studies; despite repeated teachings, they made little progress, leaving her father deeply disappointed.

It stood to reason that the heir her father was most satisfied with was the late eldest brother, Jia Zhu, who had entered school in his youth, but unfortunately, he died young...

Because of this, her father felt a sense of loss and lack of support, which was why he had always pinned his hopes on her third brother, cherishing and protecting him since childhood. Even she, a daughter born of a concubine, had received much more of his kindness because of this.

Whenever Tan Chun thought of these things, she felt a deep sense of sighing in her heart.

Moreover, there was another matter: she had been close to her third brother since childhood, and the Lady must be uncomfortable with it in her heart, wishing she would leave the house sooner so she wouldn't have to see her and be annoyed.

According to the rules of a great household, the Lady was her legal mother and had great control over her marriage.

Now that she often lived in the East Prefecture, she had both her sisters for company and her third brother as her protector. The Lady had misgivings in her heart and dared not say anything more...

Tan Chun asked, "Father, I heard that the officials visiting recently are all subordinate officials from this year's Spring Examination. Because of their improper conduct before the examination, they are to be dealt with by the court's performance review."

"They came to visit you, Father, hoping you would mediate and plead on their behalf?"

Jia Zheng gave a slight, bitter smile. "That is indeed the case. But with the Spring Examination fraud case causing such a stir, how could I possibly have the ability to mediate for the officials the court intends to punish?"

"These visitors are merely 'Xiang Zhuang performing the sword dance with the intent on Pei Gong.' They know that Jia Cong is highly valued by His Majesty and want to use me as a bridge to have Jia Cong assist them, that is all."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun, having already prepared her words in her heart, blurted out, "Father, although Third Brother can speak in the palace, he is a candidate in this year's Spring Examination and is involved in the situation."

"With the Spring Examination fraud case causing such a stir, if he were to exonerate the officials involved, he would surely invite suspicion. When the time comes, it won't be clear, and it will also implicate you, Father."

Jia Zheng said, "I naturally understand this principle. The major fraud case has just subsided, and Jia Cong was fortunate enough not to be implicated in the slightest. The palace examination results will likely be announced soon."

"How could I possibly invite such trouble for him at this critical juncture? It is just that I am still an official in the Ministry of Works, and it is difficult to avoid social interactions in official circles."

"The guests who have visited these past few days were merely handled with polite words; I will not truly promise to do anything."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun knew her father was clear-headed, and her heart was put at ease. The two father and daughter chatted for a few more moments.

Although Jia Zheng was pedantic and straightforward, he was not entirely foolish, and there is no one who knows a daughter better than a father.

He knew that Tan Chun's return this time was mostly because she had heard rumors and was worried that he would be unable to refuse the requests and truly promise to do things, bringing turmoil and trouble to the family.

He thought about how young his daughter was, yet she possessed such shrewdness and sense of proportion; it was quite rare.

Jia Zheng sighed, "Baoyu is already past the age of fifteen, yet his temperament is unstable, lazy, and absurd. If he were as sensible and intelligent as you, I would be satisfied."

Tan Chun advised, "Father, there is no need to worry. Second Brother is still young. When he marries and establishes himself in the future, he will naturally become sensible and reasonable and will not disappoint your expectations, Father."

Hearing Tan Chun mention marrying and establishing himself, Jia Zheng couldn't help but look at the couch in the study. Although he had already replaced it with a new one, he still felt a sense of disgust in his heart when he saw it.

At this moment, footsteps were heard outside the door, and Lady Wang was seen entering. She was slightly stunned to see Tan Chun in the study.

Tan Chun had already said what she wanted to say, and after sitting for a while longer, she paid her respects to Jia Zheng and Lady Wang and left with an excuse.

After Tan Chun left, Lady Wang said, "Father, the two official wives who came together today spoke of a matter while in the inner courtyard. They were tearful and sounded pitiful."

"We are all officials in the court. Since they have begged at your door, Father, you should help them if you can. Who doesn't have difficulties in the officialdom?"

Jia Zheng frowned upon hearing this. "His Majesty appointed them as subordinate officials for the Spring Examination; it is an honor and dignity that others can only hope for."

"These people do not know how to cherish or respect themselves and still want to do things that lack virtue. Who can they blame? I have no ability to exonerate them, and even if I did, I would not interfere, lest I disgrace the literati."

Seeing her husband's resolute tone, Lady Wang felt somewhat discouraged. Ever since the second branch moved into the East Courtyard, it had become increasingly desolate, with no one paying them any mind.

It was hard enough that someone had finally begged at their door, and they were all court officials—what a dignified matter—yet her husband was unwilling to deal with it. Who would come to visit in the future?

Jia Zheng said, "I know the methods of these people. They bring their wives to visit, surely to talk in the front while letting the Lady send gifts to the inner courtyard."

"Not a single item of the gifts received in the inner courtyard can be kept. Have the steward send a shrewd servant to return them all."

Although the second branch had now moved to the East Courtyard and was no longer what it once was, Lady Wang was, after all, from a great family and would not be greedy for gifts sent by others.

She just felt that her husband still had the ability; originally, he had only relied on some connections to secure the position of Prefect of Yingtian for Jia Yucun.

Yet now he was blindly hiding his talents, and a perfectly dignified and glorious affair was something he was unwilling to deal with at all.

Lady Wang thought of Tan Chun in the study just now. This third girl had been corrupted by that brat from the East Prefecture. She didn't know what she had said to Father just now, but Father's tone had suddenly become harsh.

They say that girls are always looking outward, and it is truly not wrong at all; they are always getting in the way...

Jia Zheng's gaze fell upon that sleeping couch, and he frowned again. "Wasn't there a discussion about a marriage between Baoyu and the Xia family's young lady last time? A long time has passed; is there any definite news now?"

Hearing this, Lady Wang's expression stiffened slightly. She was extremely satisfied with Xia Gu Niang's character and appearance, but after proposing the marriage to Mrs. Xia last time, the other party had not replied for a long time, which left her somewhat disappointed.

She said, "Half a month ago, Mrs. Xia did send some fresh gifts. It is said she went to Tongzhou to manage the family business. Now, I fear she is not in the capital, and no definite news has been sent back regarding the marriage."

"Our family is a Duke's household, and Baoyu is the legitimate son of the Jia family. To marry the daughter of an imperial merchant with such status is already considered marrying down."

"We cannot keep urging them for a reply; it would look as if Baoyu couldn't find a marriage, and it would be a waste of the Jia family's face. That is why I am not in a hurry to urge them."

Jia Zheng said, "Lady, you are overthinking. To be polite to others is the style of a gentleman; it is not a shameful thing."

"Although Baoyu is the legitimate son of the Jia family, there is a lot of gossip outside now. Given his current situation, he cannot be so particular."

"As the saying goes, 'The phoenix seeks the phoenix.' Since we were the ones who opened the discussion of marriage, it is only reasonable for the man's side to inquire of the woman's family afterward. If the Xia family agrees to this marriage, it is a joyous occasion."

"Even if they do not agree, we will know sooner. Even if it is troublesome, it is just a matter of 'three attempts,' and we can just discuss another marriage for Baoyu." Hearing Jia Zheng's words, Lady Wang also felt there was some truth to them. In fact, she was also anxious about Baoyu's marriage in her heart; having finally taken a fancy to Xia Gu Niang, she did not want to miss out easily.

She thought in her heart that she would give the Xia family more face by sending someone to inquire about the marriage; Mrs. Xia would surely have to give a reply.

Even if Mrs. Xia was still in Tongzhou, she would surely have to respond after returning; it could be considered a way to settle the matter once and for all.

She said, "Father's words are indeed reasonable. I will prepare some gifts now and have a trusted old woman send them to inquire about the marriage as soon as possible."

Count's Prefecture, outside Yingchun's courtyard, small pavilion by the water.

Jia Cong and Yingchun had already played two games of chess. Jia Cong lost the first, but by the end of the second, he had surprisingly managed to lead by a few pieces.

As for whether Yingchun had intentionally let him win to coax her younger brother into being happy, only they themselves knew.

The two siblings were all smiles, tireless, clearing the board to play another game.

Just as Jia Cong placed a piece, he saw a slender figure appear on the veranda, wearing a pink-apricot embroidered Xinyi flower branch jacket, a white horse-face skirt, her hair dark and shiny, her dangling hairpin flashing.

When she walked closer, this person was heroic, charming, and beautiful, with a graceful bearing and a beaming smile—it was Tan Chun.

!

Jia Cong smiled. "Third Sister has finally returned."

Daiyu, who had been watching the chess game from the side, burst into laughter upon hearing this and teased, "Third Sister only stayed in the East Courtyard for one night, and Third Brother is already acting as if it has been three autumns. What will you do when she marries out in the future?"

Tan Chun glared with her bright eyes, bit her thin lip, pinched Daiyu on the arm, looked at Jia Cong, and laughed, "You are the one who loves to tease. You say it as if you won't be marrying out yourself."

Daiyu's face turned slightly red, as if she felt something, but she just smiled and said nothing, pretending to be focused on watching the chess game.

Tan Chun suddenly thought of the words her father, Jia Zheng, had said in the Dream Slope Study just now and couldn't help but look at Jia Cong.

Her thoughts were in turmoil. What is so good about marrying out? Where could it be as happy and carefree as it is now...

Jia Cong asked, "Sister went to the East Courtyard; how has Father been these past few days?"

Tan Chun smiled. "Father is fine. Many people have come to visit recently, wanting to ask Father to plead on their behalf. I chatted with Father for a while, and Father felt I was reasonable. Aside from that, there is nothing else."

Jia Cong smiled and poured a cup of warm tea, handed it to Tan Chun, and said, "Sister has worked hard; drink a cup of tea to moisten your throat."

Tan Chun took the teacup, her expression stunned, and she understood in her heart. Sisters have nothing they cannot talk about; she had been gone for two days and one night, and someone must have already told her the reason.

Daiyu smiled. "Third Brother is rewarding you."

Tan Chun gave a sweet smile, took a sip of tea, and said, "Thank you, Third Brother."

Jia Cong smiled. "Sister has it backward; I should be the one thanking Third Sister."

Yingchun smiled slightly, her slender fingers twisting a chess piece, and she gently placed it down. The sound of the chess piece was crisp, as if there were lingering echoes...

Shenjing, Qingyu Square, Xia Prefecture.

Late in the fifth month, in the afternoon, it was hot and stifling.

Before the embroidery tower boudoir, the paulownia tree was lush with branches and leaves. The dazzling sunlight shone on the green leaves, making them translucent and clear, with the veins fully visible, revealing an unusually flamboyant vitality.

Between the branches, loud cicadas chirped, revealing an oppressive monotony and restlessness.

Xia Gu Niang paced back and forth alone in her boudoir, her figure thin, her expression restless, her beautiful eyebrows slightly raised, as if waiting for something. The maid Baochan didn't know where she had gone.

She wore a pink-white thin satin jacket with a front opening, embroidered with exquisite two-colored hibiscus flower branches, which was extremely delicate and gorgeous, further setting off her slender figure, her waist like a willow, her proportions perfect, her bearing charming.

Ever since she returned from Baoyu's birthday banquet that day, because of Lady Wang's marriage proposal, Xia Gu Niang had quarreled with her mother several times and had been effectively confined to the inner courtyard, not having left the house for a long time.

Her heart was filled with burning longing that could not be vented, so she had the maid Baochan inquire about the movements outside.

Upon learning that Jia Cong had actually won first place in the Huiyuan, her heart was filled with wild joy, and she sank deeper into desire, unwilling to extricate herself.

She feared and resisted the Jia family's marriage proposal, but she also knew that once the opportunity to enter the house was missed, the person she longed for would be at the ends of the earth, impossible to see in life or death, and her heart full of desire would become a bubble.

Having seen the grace and talent of Jia Cong, if she were to be forced to give herself to Baoyu, that spineless creature, and share a bed with him for a lifetime, she felt nauseated just thinking about it.

These days, in her fragrant couch and spring dreams, her body was soft with desire, her heart was in a void, love and resentment were intertwined, and she tossed and turned, unable to control herself...

She had also gritted her teeth, wanting to feed her love with her body, but in the end, her courage was insufficient, and she couldn't bring herself to be ruthless.

Fortunately, during this time, Mrs. Xia had gone to Tongzhou to manage business, so there was no one to force the marriage for a while, giving Xia Gu Niang a chance to breathe, living one day at a time.

With her mother not by her side, although Xia Gu Niang could not leave the prefecture, inquiring about news outside had fewer misgivings and more convenience.

She gave Baochan another bag of silver, enough for her to direct the inquiry for news.

That Baochan, who played and toyed with Baoyu, was just like Xia Gu Niang, obsessed with love and desire, unable to forget.

Every day, she racked her brains to coax her young lady into submission. Only if Xia Gu Niang married into the Jia family could she continue her former relationship with Baoyu and have fun again...

Therefore, when Xia Gu Niang asked her to inquire about Jia Cong's news, Baochan was extremely diligent and active, because she knew deep in her heart that even if her young lady agreed to the marriage, it would not be because of Baoyu, but because of Jia Cong.

Although Baochan felt that this seemed inappropriate for Baoyu, she could not suppress her desire, and her selfishness grew day by day. She felt that if the marriage succeeded and her young lady and Baoyu were not in harmony, she would be the one to take the lead, and wouldn't it be even more fun and romantic with Baoyu?

Therefore, she racked her brains and spared no effort to inquire about Jia Cong's news, setting a fire in her young lady's heart, leading her astray, and she would not hesitate to do so.

Although Xia Gu Niang was sharp-tongued and fierce, she never dreamed that the personal maid she usually beat and scolded would actually manipulate her marriage and plot like a mantis stalking a cicada.

Xia Gu Niang knew that the 15th of this month was the day the palace examination results would be announced. She had also read poetry and books and had some knowledge.

Jia Cong was already the first-place Huiyuan. Even if he didn't win the Zhuangyuan, he would likely be in the first rank, which was a tremendous glory.

She knew there was no hope of being with Jia Cong, but as a sharp-tongued and stubborn person, the more she couldn't get something, the more burning her desire became.

Since she couldn't be by his side, witnessing his brilliance and excellence could also make her body and mind happy and joyful, comforting the burning love and obsession in her heart...

Therefore, as soon as the 15th arrived, she had Baochan find someone to inquire about the news early.

But the news from outside was not that Jia Cong had won the gold medal, but that a major fraud case had broken out in the Spring Examination, and the palace examination results had been postponed.

The Investigation Court was searching the whole city for candidates and scholars, and even the third-place talent in the Huiyuan had been thrown into prison, causing a stir in the whole city, which was very terrifying.

When Xia Gu Niang heard about the matter, she was worried. Even the third-place winner had been imprisoned; had Jia Cong, the first-place winner, also been implicated?

She was worried about Jia Cong's safety and despised the old woman Xu, who bought vegetables in the kitchen, for being illiterate and only knowing how to inquire about trivial matters; how could she understand such a major fraud case?

So, she found an experienced steward woman from one of her own shops and had Baochan pass a message to inquire about the Spring Examination fraud case, to find out if the Jia family's Count Lord Weiyuan had been implicated.

Xia Gu Niang was also quite calculating. Although the steward woman was an old servant of the Xia family, she was not a confidante of her mother and usually didn't have much contact with her mother, so having her inquire about news was also easy to keep secret.

The woman also listened to Baochan's bewitchment, saying that the Xia family and the Jia family were discussing marriage, and the young lady was worried that the husband's family's reputation was not peaceful, affecting her lifelong stability, which was why she was inquiring about the Jia family head's news. The woman did not suspect anything.

Not even a day later, the woman came to reply, explaining the ins and outs of the fraud case clearly, and the Jia family's Count Lord Weiyuan was also quite safe, not implicated in the slightest.

When Xia Gu Niang heard the news, she was relieved. From then on, she had the woman send news every two days.

This day was the day to hear the news again. Because Mrs. Xia had just returned from Tongzhou yesterday, Xia Gu Niang was worried about revealing the secret, so she did not let the woman enter the prefecture and let Baochan go out to receive the news.

But this damn girl had been out for a long time and didn't return to report the news, making Xia Gu Niang wait anxiously. (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 646 =====