Chapter 658

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Amber had served Jia Mu since childhood and naturally understood Bao Yu's character; she even knew he had tried to court Sister Yuanyang.

Now seeing his expression and hearing his question, how could she not know his thoughts—he must have found some young lady beautiful and once again stirred up his fickle desires.

As the saying goes: comparing people drives one to despair; comparing goods makes one want to throw them away.

Without Jia Cong in the two mansions, Bao Yu would have been considered a decent young master in the Jia family—sweet-tongued and well-mannered with maids, quite popular among them.

But now that everyone had seen Jia Cong's brilliance, Bao Yu appeared full of flaws: his words were hollow, his actions eccentric, his demeanor seemingly proud but secretly base.

Added to this was the earlier incident with Jin Jin Chuan, which nearly cost her life and stirred up a great uproar.

Now, apart from Xi Ren and other maids in Bao Yu's quarters—who, having been branded, had no other way out and clung to him eagerly—all other maids in the West Mansion had grown distant and respectful toward him.

As a senior maid close to Jia Mu, Amber saw more than others; she had personally witnessed how Jia Cong treated his elder sister, transforming the once-ignored Second Miss into the managing young lady of the East Mansion.

That was true care and affection for a daughter—unlike Bao Yu's sweet words followed by running off afterward; the two could not be compared.

Amber, bound by Jia Mu's dignity, always treated Bao Yu with courtesy daily, but as for whose side she truly favored, there was no need to consider—it was obvious.

One was a proper household master, a man of real ability, sincere in his dealings; the other was a frivolous, useless playboy, lustful and shallow—no weighing required.

Now that Bao Yu asked in such an ambiguous tone, Amber, quick-witted and sharp-tongued, naturally stepped on the fire and poured cold water—something she did effortlessly…

She smiled faintly and said, "Isn't this an important matter? In fact, it's a joyous one. Third Young Master has reached the age of dancing with elephants this year; according to household custom, he must hold the Nafang ceremony."

The old lady chose an auspicious day, which happens to be today, so early this morning she summoned Zhi Shao and Wu'er."

Just now inside Rongqing Hall, the two young ladies offered tea and paid respects to the old lady, who rewarded them with valuable hairpins and ornaments—they are now official household women of Third Young Master."

The old lady also said that since Third Young Master is still in deep mourning, he cannot marry for several years; now that he has household women, perhaps he will begin to produce heirs sooner—what a beautiful thing."

Upon hearing this, Bao Yu's face turned deathly pale. The words "household women," "offering tea," and "producing heirs" struck him like a thunderclap—he forgot to enter the hall, looked up at the sky, his expression one of utter grief and despair.

As for the source of his anguish, his base and lustful thoughts—he could never speak of them aloud.

His own desires were pure and unblemished; others' were defilements, desecrations of maidens, plunging them into filth.

At that moment, Jia Zheng's voice came from inside the hall: "Where is Bao Yu?"

Bao Yu, just now immersed in his deep sorrow, had barely entered the mood—Jia Zheng's casual remark startled him, snapping him out of it, and he hurried into the hall in panic.

…

At that moment, Sister Yuanyang walked in from the nearby Fengyuyoulang, seeing Amber lift the curtain and stand at the entrance of Rongqing Hall, her expression strangely odd.

She walked over and asked, "Why are you standing here alone? What were you whispering to Bao Yu just now?"

Amber, seeing it was Sister Yuanyang, pulled her aside and whispered a few words, recounting what had just happened, then added, "Second Young Master is growing stranger by the day—as if every beautiful girl in the world concerns him."

Third Young Master taking household women has nothing to do with him, and there's no hierarchy to calculate—he puts on that face for whom, I wonder?"

Sister Yuanyang sniffed lightly and said, "Hasn't Second Young Master always been like this? Nothing surprising. He'll just sulk for a while; who takes him seriously?"

Now that he's betrothed, once he marries and moves back to the East Road Courtyard, everyone will have peace—you won't even have to see his face anymore."

Amber chuckled softly, "Exactly. That future Second Young Lady is formidable; with her in charge, Second Young Master won't cause trouble."

Sister Yuanyang's expression turned curious. "That's odd. You've barely met her—how do you know the Xia girl is formidable? I think she's elegant, poised, a true noble lady."

Amber laughed. "You're right, Sister Yuanyang, but think: the Xia family of osmanthus is renowned. Xia Madam, a widow with no husband, managed such a vast estate—what kind of person must she be?"

Do you think her daughter wouldn't be formidable?"

Sister Yuanyang laughed. "That makes sense. By that logic, Second Young Master is lucky. Even if he's worthless, marrying such a wife might actually restore the household."

Amber asked, "Where did you come from so early this morning?"

Sister Yuanyang smiled. "This morning, Lady Shi, the eldest of the Shi family, came to pay her respects. She knows court etiquette—she said Third Young Master is a top-rank Rank Jinshi, and today he enters the palace for the ceremony; by custom, he'll be granted an official post."

She said this was the Rank Jinshi tradition, and it would be another joy. Hearing this, the old lady sent me to the East Mansion to check for court news."

I stayed there a long time but heard nothing. They were busy receiving guests and preparing; Second Miss and the others were handling everything, and I couldn't help. I didn't want to idle there, so I came back."

Qingwen said if there's news about Third Young Master, someone should report it to Rongqing Hall."

Amber said, "The old lady is different now—she pays far more attention to Third Young Master's affairs."

Sister Yuanyang laughed. "That's natural. Have you ever heard of any young master in any family who, like our Third Young Master, is so illustrious year-round? The old lady is truly blessed."

The two chatted a while longer but didn't linger too long, then returned to Rongqing Hall.

…

Inside Rongqing Hall, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious. Jia Zheng and Lady Wang were seated; Xue Xue Yima had come early and was keeping Jia Mu company.

Since the imperial proclamation ceremony was still ongoing, many of the Jia family's hereditary relatives had not yet arrived to offer congratulations.

Jia Mu and the others still had some leisure time, chatting among themselves.

Also present was Lady Li of the Marquis Zhongjing Marquisate, seated beside her was Shi Shi Xiangyun.

Bao Yu had assumed the East Mansion's sisters would come to pay respects, but only Shi Shi Xiangyun arrived—he felt a pang of disappointment.

Today, Lady Li had come early to congratulate her aunt; since Shi Ding was also attending the imperial ceremony, she had not come with him.

Fortunately, Lady Li had just finished talking to Jia Mu about Jia Cong's official appointment—otherwise Bao Yu would have been even more distressed.

Now seated, he still felt uneasy from Amber's words, and even when Shi Xiangyun spoke to him, he was distracted.

Soon, Lady Li said, "Auntie, I originally planned to take Shi Xiangyun back to stay with me for a while, but this girl refuses—she insists on staying here and troubling you."

Jia Mu laughed. "What trouble? She's spent half her childhood here. As long as she's not married, I'll raise her for you—no need for you to worry at all. Is that not fine?"

Lady Li smiled. "Of course it's a blessing. With Auntie raising Shi Xiangyun, she'll have great fortune—and when she marries, she'll carry even more dignity."

Shi Xiangyun, listening nearby, was puzzled—why were the old lady and her aunt suddenly speaking of marriage? I'm still so young—why talk of this now?

What's so good about marriage? This freedom is truly delightful…

…

Bao Yu, still unsettled from Amber's earlier rebuke, felt even more gloomy hearing talk of Shi Xiangyun's marriage—he felt life was bitter, that all these gifted maidens would eventually leave him…

Xue Xue Yima sighed inwardly: Jia Cong truly kept rising like sesame blossoms—having inherited the Lady Rongguo title wasn't enough; now he'd become a top-rank Rank Jinshi, even more unattainable.

Lady Shi was speaking in riddles—the old lady had already mentioned raising her to marriageable age; clearly she meant to keep the wealth within the family, marrying her grandson to her own niece.

Xue Xue Yima thought of her own daughter, stubbornly clinging to Feng Feng Jie's courtyard, helping Jia Cong manage West Mansion affairs—yet her daughter's wish seemed as distant as crossing mountains and rivers.

Xue Xue Yima sensed the subtext in the hall's conversation; Lady Wang surely noticed it too.

She sneered inwardly: had Jia Cong not been betrothed by imperial decree, and had Grand Master Jia not died soon after, things would have moved more smoothly—Jia Mu would have betrothed Shi Xiangyun to him long ago.

Now that the Shi family sees this boy has become a Rank Jinshi, they're even more eager for his future, hinting subtly—trying to revive old plans. Jia Mu seems quite willing.

They've calculated it well: after Jia Cong's three-year mourning ends, Shi Xiangyun will have reached her coming-of-age—perfectly timed for marriage…

They all think he's a good man, dazzled by his outward elegance, unaware of his inner lechery—he's already secretly entangled with Xue Baochai, a shameless wretch!

Had it not been for protecting her sister's dignity, fearing future enmity between sisters and cutting off a path forward, I would have shouted this aloud—then see how he dares to boast!

…

Lady Li smiled. "Auntie's household is blessed with endless joy—Bao Yu is betrothed, and Jia Cong has become a Rank Jinshi. This is a climb up the official ladder, bringing both honor and grandchildren."

Bao Yu is now settled—the Xia family of osmanthus is a renowned household in the capital."

Bao Yu will soon marry and establish his household, but Jia Cong is unlucky—he's still in mourning; by then he'll be eighteen, growing older each year."

Fortunately, Auntie has thought ahead—chosen a good day to arrange household women for him, giving him double joy."

In my view, since Jia Cong became a Rank Jinshi this year, perhaps next year at this time, you'll be welcoming a new grandchild—no one can say for sure." Lady Li's flattery was perfectly natural.

Among great families like the Jia and Shi, young men's Nafang ceremony was meant to teach them about sex early, preventing them from wandering and debauchery; another purpose was to encourage offspring.

Thus, Lady Li's cheerful remarks were met with no surprise—everyone took them as routine.

Only Bao Yu's face turned ashen, his eyes vacant, his abdomen convulsing as if he would vomit.

He had already been nauseated by Amber—now this Shi auntie outdid her, even speaking of "welcoming new life"—truly a desecration of maidens…

…

Lady Wang, having entered later, had not seen Zhi Shao and Wu'er pay their respects; hearing this, she looked puzzled.

Jia Mu smiled. "We had already chosen today to hold the Nafang ceremony for both Jia Cong and Bao Yu—luckily, it coincides with Jia Cong's Rank Jinshi triumph."

Lady Xing is widowed and rarely appears in public; Jia Cong has no wife yet, so as grandmother, I must handle it myself—I've already had Zhi Shao and Wu'er complete the rites."

I've prepared two additional gifts—take them to Xi Ren and Seeing Caiyun, and tell them to serve Bao Yu well."

!

Hearing this, Lady Wang felt a pang of discomfort.

Jia Mu cited Lady Xing's widowhood and Jia Cong's lack of a formal wife as reasons why only she, as grandmother, could oversee the ceremony.

As for her own Bao Yu, since both parents were alive, the rites from Jia Mu's side were waived.

Jia Mu's words sounded reasonable, but Lady Wang knew the real reason clearly.

On any ordinary day, Jia Mu would have summoned Xi Ren and Seeing Caiyun to offer tea.

But today, precisely because of Jia Cong's Rank Jinshi triumph—with outsiders like Lady Li present and more guests expected—Jia Mu feared criticism, wanted to avoid gossip, so she cut corners.

Lady Wang saw Sister Yuanyang bring out two exquisite cosmetic boxes and quickly had her personal maid take them—yet her expression remained uneasy.

Xue Xue Yima, noticing Lady Wang's expression, sighed inwardly: even now, her sister still failed to see the family's true situation, still clinging stubbornly to outdated notions.

Jia Cong inherited the Lady Rongguo title; the Second Branch moved to the East Road Courtyard—the main and secondary lines are now irrevocably divided.

Outside, bound by ancestral rites; inside, tangled by kinship dignity—even if Jia Mu adored Bao Yu, she now acted with caution, fearing her final years would become a laughingstock among the capital's nobility.

Besides, Jia Mu is old and enjoys comfort; her dignity inside and out depends on Jia Cong's support—can she rely on Bao Yu?

Though old, Jia Mu is not yet senile; she still maintains some sense of propriety.

Yet her sister stubbornly digs her heels in, refusing to accept reality—what good does that do?

But her own elder sister stubbornly clung to her grievances, refusing to accept anything, and that could accomplish nothing.

Bao Yu, seeing the cosmetic boxes Sister Yuanyang brought out, felt none of Lady Wang's complex emotions—he simply lacked such a mind.

At this moment, thinking of Xi Ren and Seeing Caiyun, he felt only a strange sense of annoyance and impatience.

At this moment, he thought of Xi Ren and Cai Yun, and a strange sense of annoyance and impatience filled his heart.

Xi Ren had been with him for years; they had done everything together, and now Jia Baoyu thought of her gentleness and affection, it was like pulling one hand with the other—already dull and tasteless.

Seeing Caiyun was reasonably pretty, but she had spent her whole life serving his wife and had learned nothing but rigid, tedious ways; whenever he tried to tease her, she would blush and hesitate, unwilling to play along, making him feel no closeness at all.

Jia Baoyu thought of his whole life, surrounded only by such people—it was truly fate mocking him. He had prided himself on his lofty insight, refusing to mingle with the vulgar, yet he was worse off than Jia Cong, that ambition-chasing parasite of office.

Filled with tragic resolve, Jia Baoyu silently recited: "Naked I came, naked I go, unbound by ties—where then shall I find a straw cloak and bamboo hat for a lone journey?"

He muttered the lines again, suddenly feeling his own superiority, and a faint trace of self-pity began to stir.

Then Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife hurried into the hall, her face beaming with joy.

She said to Jia Mu: "Great Lady, great fortune! Word has come from the Eastern Mansion—Third Master's servant has returned with news: Third Master has won great honor in the palace, granted by the Emperor the post of Hanlin Academician of the Fifth Rank."

The Emperor has also granted Third Master the privilege of parading through the imperial avenue—by now he must already have left the palace!"

Jia Baoyu, lost in the subtle wisdom of his Zen phrases, was basking in self-satisfaction, thinking how a careerist like Jia Cong could never comprehend such profound states—he was truly above the mundane.

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife's words stunned the entire hall, and even Jia Baoyu, who had been muttering his verses, turned pale as death, biting his tongue hard against his teeth.

His emotions shattered, Jia Baoyu forgot where he was and cried out in grief and fury: "What is this nonsense? So vulgar it's unbearable!"

…

Everyone in the hall was stunned; for a military noble family, the Hanlin Academician was a distant, unattainable ideal.

Lady Li of the Marquis Zhongjing Marquisate, due to her family's background, knew more of officialdom's customs; she had just been telling Jia Mu that a second-place palace examinee might receive the post of Hanlin Compiler—a seventh-rank position.

Jia Mu had found that distasteful: her own grandson was already fifth rank, and now they were bestowing a seventh-rank post? Was this meant to mock them?

None of them had foreseen such an outcome; for a moment, all were dazed.

Jia Zheng merely paused in surprise, then his heart swelled with ecstatic joy; he was about to ask Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife whether the news was true.

Suddenly, Jia Baoyu let out a shrill cry like a crow's screech, startling him badly.

Jia Mu and the others in the hall, seeing Jia Baoyu suddenly lose his composure, were at a loss.

Jia Zheng heard Jia Baoyu's words and felt a chill run through him; he instinctively glanced around the hall, his heart pounding like a drum.

He shouted at Jia Baoyu: "You disobedient son! You claim to be a scholar, yet on this day of Cong's triumph, you dare speak such insolent words, ignorant of heaven's height and earth's depth!"

"Go kneel at the hall entrance! Not a single step until I say you may rise!"

Scolded by his father, Jia Baoyu snapped back to reality and saw Shi Shi Xiangyun frowning at him with a strange look—he felt utterly humiliated.

He thought how that gossipy girl would surely tell everyone in the Eastern Mansion—how could he face his sisters after this?

…

Jia Zheng, seeing Jia Baoyu still dawdling, grew even angrier and roared: "You wretched brat, how dare you still stand here? Get out!"

Jia Baoyu's face flushed crimson; he stumbled out of Rongqing Hall and knelt unwillingly at the entrance.

Jia Mu, pained to see this, scolded Jia Zheng: "Why must you be so harsh? Jia Baoyu speaks poorly, scold him a few words—that's enough. Why make him kneel outside in broad daylight? What does that look like?"

Jia Zheng's face darkened with sorrow: "Mother, it's not that I'm cruel to Jia Baoyu—his words were far too reckless!"

Today is the day of Cong's triumph—he ranked second in the palace examination, entered the palace to receive the imperial proclamation—this is no mere family matter, it is a matter of state selection of talent!"

Jia Baoyu dared to speak disrespectfully—it is utterly incomprehensible! Mother, do you remember last time he insulted a noble with his reckless tongue? How great the scandal was!"

Now he still shows no remorse. Above every head, spirits watch. If I, as his father, ignore such madness and arrogance, how can I ever show my face again?"

Jia Mu was not entirely foolish; when she heard Jia Zheng say "above every head, spirits watch," a chill ran through her.

She knew her son meant more than he said—"spirits above" was really a warning about walls having ears, or even hidden spies within the household…

Last time, Jia Baoyu's idle words in the inner quarters had reached the palace and the Zongrenfu the very next day; Jia Mu and Jia Zheng were both born into military noble houses—they were not ignorant men.

When they recalled it later, how could they not have grown wary?

Jia Mu understood that her son making Jia Baoyu kneel was meant as a cover-up, a performance for outsiders; though pained, she dared not speak further.

Lady Wang, though anxious, saw the old lady fall silent and dared not say another word—she could only grieve inwardly.

Xue Xue Yima and Lady Li, as in-laws, should have offered polite words of counsel.

But they were no fools; they clearly heard the danger in Jia Zheng's words and kept silent, lest they be drawn into trouble.

…

Jia Zheng steadied himself and asked Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife: "Is this news certain?"

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife replied: "Second Master, rest assured—it was told by a palace eunuch himself, and Third Master's personal attendant Jiang Liu heard it with his own ears. There is no mistake."

Jia Zheng's face lit up with ecstatic joy: "Mother, a military noble family producing a Hanlin Academician—this has never happened since the founding of the Great Zhou!"

With the head of the family as a Hanlin Academician, the Jia family is now a true scholarly house, a lineage of refined officials—this is glory beyond price, worth more than ten thousand taels of gold!" (End of chapter)