Chapter 663: Ink and Brush Conceal Tender Affection

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Rongxi Hall.

Jia Cong heard Shi Ding's words and was secretly startled—afterburner guns had only just been successfully developed, yet someone was already secretly coveting them.

The Emperor Jia Zhao Emperor issued an edict ordering relevant departments to fully assist in completing five hundred afterburner guns before year's end.

At the time, the Ministry of Revenue had screened skilled artisans from across Yongzhou; before entering the firearms workshop, all were vetted by Jia Cong and the chief craftsman.

Two of them, top-tier blacksmiths, were deemed skilled enough by the chief craftsman's inspection.

But to safeguard the secrecy of afterburner gun production, all new artisans had to sign contracts forbidding them from leaving the workshop for six months; violators would be charged as traitors and punished by judicial imprisonment.

Most selected artisans had no objections—they valued that the workshop was government-run and paid high wages.

For artisans merely seeking to survive, six months without leaving one place was trivial, and most didn't care.

Yet when Jia Cong spoke with these two artisans and observed their expressions, he noticed they showed clear fear and resistance at the prospect of being confined for half a year.

Moreover, these two showed only superficial satisfaction with the high wages, lacking the excitement seen in other selected artisans.

Jia Cong sensed something unusual; to err on the side of caution, he excluded them at the final selection stage.

Perhaps it was precisely this decision that drew the Embroidered Uniform Guard's attention to the two artisans; after brief interrogation, they were detained—and the Guard indeed uncovered the truth.

Jia Cong asked: "Afterburner guns have only just been developed, yet someone already covets them—this is no minor matter. Uncle, has the Embroidered Uniform Guard caught the mastermind?"

Shi Ding said: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard interrogated the two artisans under severe torture; they confessed someone promised them large sums to infiltrate the firearms workshop and steal its secrets."

"At first, they were merely tempted by the huge silver rewards, accepted part of the payment, and intended to sneak into the workshop."

"But when they learned that once inside, they couldn't leave for six months—or face grave punishment as traitors—they grew afraid and regretted agreeing."

Shi Ding smiled: "It's fortunate you acted with caution, Jia Yuzhang—you spotted their suspicious signs. Even though their skills were adequate, you still removed them from the selection."

"According to their confession, we have the mastermind's name and description. Recently, the Embroidered Uniform Guard searched every pharmacy and clinic in the city—but found no trace of him."

Jia Cong asked: "Uncle, why are the Embroidered Uniform Guard searching pharmacies and clinics?"

Shi Ding said: "The two artisans reported the mastermind carried a strong odor of medicinal herbs. The Guard deduced he works in pharmacy or frequently visits clinics."

Jia Cong heard this and found nothing strange—the mastermind had ordered artisans to infiltrate the workshop to steal firearm secrets, a crime punishable by extermination of the entire family.

Anyone acting thus would be extremely cautious; the name and identity he gave others were surely fabricated. Once he sensed the two artisans had been captured, he would vanish immediately—hide his tracks—how could he be easily caught?

Shi Ding continued: "His Majesty is furious. He ordered Commander Xu Kun of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to continue investigating, and assigned me to assist. If the Guard's manpower falls short, you may draw troops from the Five Armies."

"To prevent any oversight, His Majesty also ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to urgently review old cases of stolen or illegally manufactured firearms—any discovery will be met with no leniency."

"Yu Zhang, the afterburner gun you developed is astonishing, unheard-of—truly a state-defending divine artifact. Now you oversee its mass production, bearing immense responsibility."

"Once the afterburner gun is revealed to the world, both the Ministry of Works' firearms workshop and you will draw widespread attention. Countless demons and goblins will stir."

"I tell you this to warn you—be cautious in all things, never careless."

…

Shi Ding could speak these words to Jia Cong not only due to the close ties between the Shi and Jia families.

Since Jia Cong rose within the Jia household, achieving ever greater heights, now passing the imperial examination and appointed Hanlin scholar, his future is boundless.

Shi Ding, as a trusted minister of the Emperor Jia Zhao Emperor, deeply understands Jia Cong's extraordinary talent and the Emperor's high regard—he will surely rise beyond the fifth rank, his influence in court growing daily.

Shi Ding's talent far surpasses his elder brother Shi Nai; he is the true leader of this generation of the Shi family.

Whether out of familial blood ties between the Shi and Jia, or due to Shi Shi Xiangyun's special bond with Jia Cong, he sees Jia Cong as a potential pillar of the Shi family's future.

Hence, he set aside certain reservations, revealing to Jia Cong the secret matters he was privy to within the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so Jia Cong could raise his vigilance and prevent disaster.

…

Jia Cong listened to Shi Ding's words and felt a chill.

Shi Ding's words not only made him more cautious regarding the firearms workshop, but also revealed many unspoken implications.

When the Emperor Jia Zhao Emperor personally visited the firearms workshop and witnessed the afterburner gun demonstration, he was delighted.

Marquis Marquis Jingjing Shi Ding had then proposed that the theft of improved Lu Mi muskets in Liaodong had sparked illegal firearm manufacturing in Jin Ling; now that the afterburner gun had succeeded, preventive measures were even more urgent—the Emperor Jia Zhao Emperor had agreed wholeheartedly.

Now, the two artisans Jia Cong had excluded had triggered this incident; the Emperor's suspicion likely deepened further.

He ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate, intensified review of old Jin Ling illegal firearm cases, and assigned Shi Ding to assist, ready to deploy reinforcements when needed.

The Emperor Jia Zhao Emperor's actions pressured Xu Kun—if he failed to deliver results, the Emperor would not merely replace him, but drastically curtail the Embroidered Uniform Guard's authority.

As the imperial household's secret police, the Emperor's hounds, their entire authority and glory stemmed from His Majesty's approval.

Jia Cong could imagine that Commander Xu Kun, to preserve his position and power, would spare no effort in pursuing the firearms conspiracy—even resorting to ruthless, bone-crushing measures.

Jia Cong recalled news from Qu Qu Hongxiu in Jin Ling: the newly appointed Jin Ling Embroidered Uniform Guard Battalion Commander, Wang Wang Zhangjiang, had relentlessly pursued the illegal firearm case since taking office.

He had investigated Zhen Zhen Shiwen, a member of the Zhen family, seized all Zhen family shops and properties in Jin Ling, and even raided the Zhen family mansion.

Jia Cong believed Wang Wang Zhangjiang's actions were no idle rumor.

The court replaced the ineffective Battalion Commander Ge Zhi Cheng with Wang Wang Zhangjiang—this must have been deliberate; Wang Wang Zhangjiang must have received specific instructions before assuming office.

Now, with new developments in the imperial capital, the Jin Ling illegal firearm case has resurfaced; Commander Xu Kun is trapped on a tiger's back, and under this pressure, Wang Wang Zhangjiang in Jin Ling will likely escalate his actions.

At this moment, Jia Cong thought of the Zhen matriarch's death, now half a year past; he thought of Zhen Zhen Fangqing, still observing mourning at the eastern imperial mausoleum; he recalled news from Jin Ling—the Zhen family's sea fleet had mysteriously vanished at sea…

From these tangled events, he gradually pieced together a clear line of reasoning; though all were his deductions, he felt this was the closest to the truth.

If he could think of this, Zhen Zhen Fangqing, observing mourning at the eastern imperial mausoleum, must have thought of it too.

Zhen Zhen Fangqing, though a woman, was no less complex than any man Jia Cong knew.

…

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Near noon, Jia Mu and the elder female relatives entered the rear grand hall of Rongqing Hall for the banquet.

Lady Wang sat uneasily, anxious for her son—her Jia Baoyu, delicate and the direct heir of a Duke, how could he endure kneeling so long?

She ordered Seeing Caiyun to bring cushions to pad Jia Baoyu's knees.

After the banquet, the women returned to the hall to chat idly.

Lady Wang could no longer hold back: "Grandmother, where is Cong Ge? Please summon him to meet the elder female relatives—it's proper etiquette."

Jia Mu glanced toward the hall entrance; she too worried for Jia Baoyu and understood Lady Wang's meaning.

Jia Baoyu had been punished by his father Jia Zheng for speaking a grave taboo; only the head of the household, Jia Cong, could lift the kneeling penalty and end the family discipline—even if rumors spread, Jia Cong, as head, would bear the blame.

Jia Mu thought Jia Baoyu had already knelt for over an hour; such a frail body could not endure more.

She said: "Sister Yuanyang, is Cong Ge entertaining guests in the Eastern or Western Prefecture?"

Sister Yuanyang replied: "Just now, coming from outside, I heard Cong Sanye went to Rongxi Hall—many elder male relatives are there serving tea; he must have rushed over to entertain them."

Jia Mu said: "Go summon Cong Ge to speak with me—on my orders."

Sister Yuanyang hurriedly agreed and quickly left Rongqing Hall.

Seeing Caiyun, beside Lady Wang, slipped silently out the hall and whispered to Jia Baoyu kneeling there: "Bao Er Ye, hold on a little longer—Grandmother has sent for Cong Sanye to rescue you."

Jia Baoyu felt even more bitter and wronged—he wondered what kind of world this was, that he suffered such injustice and must beg for deliverance from Jia Cong, this corrupt official! Where was justice?

…

Sister Yuanyang had just stepped out of the hall when she saw Jia Cong's maid Xiao Hong approaching.

She smiled: "Little Red, what brings you here? You're not attending Cong Sanye—Grandmother just sent me to fetch him."

Xiao Hong heard this and thought: Cong Sanye truly has uncanny foresight—he had just instructed me after dining with the Shi family's Second Elder, as if he knew Grandmother would send for him.

Xiao Hong smiled: "I've been sent by Cong Sanye to deliver a message to Grandmother."

As they spoke, both entered the hall. Jia Mu, seeing Sister Yuanyang return so quickly without Jia Cong but with his maid, was puzzled—then even more so.

Xiao Hong said: "Grandmother, Cong Sanye was entertaining guests in Rongxi Hall, and now joins the elder male relatives in Songxuan Hall."

"He intended to come to Rongqing Hall to pay respects to you and the elder ladies, but since the banquet has just begun, leaving now would be impolite—so he sent me to apologize on his behalf."

Lady Wang hurriedly asked: "How long before Cong Sanye is free?"

Lady Wang's words revealed her true intent; the noblewomen in the hall were sharp—they understood perfectly.

This Second Madam spoke sweetly, asking for the Marquis to pay respects—but really wanted someone to rescue her precious son. Xiao Hong's voice was clear and pleasant: "Second Madam, I can't say for sure, but since the banquet just started, it'll take at least half an hour before he's free."

Outside the hall, Jia Baoyu had long turned pale, drenched in sweat, his knees burning like needles, numbness creeping in—his heart ached with unbearable suffering.

Hearing Xiao Hong's sweet, clever voice, it felt like cruel mockery—he seethed with rage.

Jia Cong, this wretched man, only cares about drinking and networking, playing his bureaucratic games, utterly indifferent to his own life! How outrageous!

He thought of enduring another half hour—better to die now, spare himself this degradation—his anger surged, his head spun…

…

Marquis's Mansion, Lin Daiyu's Courtyard.

In the study, incense curled gently, books half-closed, a chessboard lay empty and serene, curtains stirred by the wind.

Lin Daiyu leaned over her desk, brush in hand, her slender wrist moving fluidly, writing intently.

Hearing Zi Juan entered with a warm cup of tea, glanced sideways, and asked: "Miss, are you composing another poem?"

!

Lin Daiyu smiled: "Not a poem—I'm writing to Father, telling him Third Brother passed the imperial exam as runner-up and was appointed Hanlin Academician—he'll be delighted."

Hearing Zi Juan laughed: "Of course—he was a top scholar himself, just like Cong Sanye, once ranked first in the imperial examination."

Lin Daiyu smiled: "Father was brilliant—he passed the exam and became a seventh-rank Hanlin Compiler, a glory among scholars."

"But Third Brother surpassed him even more—he didn't just rank first as runner-up, he was appointed fifth-rank Hanlin Lecturer."

"Our Lin family is scholarly, and since childhood I've heard Father recount tales of the literati—but I've never heard of a fifteen-year-old Hanlin Academician. Third Brother is truly remarkable."

Hearing Zi Juan saw her mistress's radiant pride, barely contained, and smiled, holding back laughter: "Miss, your father was third-place, Cong Sanye is second-place—both became Hanlin scholars."

"That's truly 'the pupil surpasses the teacher, mutually enhancing'—isn't that what the books say?"

Lin Daiyu, hearing the phrase "mutually enhancing," blushed slightly, her heart fluttering, and playfully scolded: "Foolish girl, you never read enough—how can you misuse idioms like that?"

Hearing Zi Juan laughed: "I may not read much, but seeing you so proud, I know I didn't misuse it this time."

Lin Daiyu's cheeks flushed, smiling silently; she finished the last strokes, carefully reviewed the letter, then folded it and sealed it in an envelope.

Lin Daiyu fell into a daze, her thoughts stirred by Hearing Zi Juan's earlier words; after a long while, she sighed.

She handed the letter envelope to Hearing Zi Juan and said, "I won't listen to your nonsense. Help me send this letter. With the light of day, Third Brother is likely back from the Western Mansion. Since I have nothing else to do, I'll go for a stroll."

…

Bo Jue Mansion, Jia Cong's courtyard.

Jia Cong had attended to guests at the Western Mansion and paid respects at Rongqing Hall; by now, Jia Baoyu was gone from the hall entrance. Xiao Hong said Jia Baoyu had fainted from kneeling and was carried away long ago…

When he returned to the Eastern Mansion, the sun had begun to sink slightly, painting the sky with brilliant pink hues.

As he neared his own courtyard, he saw Seeing Yingchun directing two maids to carry a red-lacquered wooden chest into the main hall.

Jia Cong entered the hall and asked, "Second Sister, where did this chest come from?"

Seeing Yingchun smiled. "It was sent by Zhen's third young lady, a gift to congratulate you on passing the imperial examination and being appointed Hanlin scholar."

Jia Cong paused slightly, then stepped forward and opened the chest. Inside lay neatly arranged gifts.

Besides fine writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone, there were elegant antique ornaments for the study, as well as robes, shoes, and socks—each item tastefully designed and exquisitely crafted, clearly not hastily prepared.

Seeing Yingchun picked up a pair of black velvet boots with thick soles. The stitching was fine, the uppers embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns, adding grace and elegance—clearly a labor of care.

She smiled. "Third Brother, these boots are superbly made. Someone put real effort into them—they couldn't have been made in just a day or two."

Though everyone knew you'd surely pass this time, preparing such a gift requires weeks of planning to arrive just in time today."

Since Zhen's young lady came to the Divine Capital, after Grandfather Jia passed away, she was in heavy mourning herself and couldn't come in person—yet she sent messengers twice to pay respects."

In these past six months, whenever you had a joyous occasion—passing the spring examination, being named to the list—she never failed to send proper gifts. Zhen's young lady truly cares for you."

Hearing Seeing Yingchun's words, Jia Cong thought of Zhen Zhen Fangqing's personal maid, Bei'er.

That little maid had once told him that, due to his father's recent death, ritual propriety forbade him from taking the spring examination.

It was Zhen Zhen Fangqing who petitioned the Yong'an Emperor in the palace, pleading on his behalf, allowing him to break ritual bounds and sit for the exam.

At the time, when he heard the imperial decree, he thought it was Emperor Jiazha's grace—but he never knew the truth…

Jia Cong looked at the boots in Seeing Yingchun's hands and said, "Zhen's young lady is truly rare."

At that moment, only Zhen Ying Lady Lian and Qingwen were helping Jia Cong organize the gifts; no one else was present.

Seeing Yingchun, unguarded, chatted casually with her brother: "Earlier, Grandmother mentioned Zhen's young lady. She said the betrothal between you and Zhen's young lady became common gossip, stirring up a great fuss."

Then, after Grandfather Jia's death, the imperial court rescinded the betrothal. It didn't affect you much—you're bound to observe three years of mourning before marrying—but for a young lady, it's quite damaging."

Third Brother, after the mourning period ends, will the court revive this matter? After all, the Retired Emperor will remember Zhen's old imperial consort's favor."

Jia Cong thought of Shi Ding's words that day, paused slightly, then said, "Some things are too sensitive to speak aloud—but I can tell you, Second Sister."

The Emperor never approved of a marriage between the Jia and Zhen families. The original betrothal decree was issued only out of filial respect for the Retired Emperor."

Seeing Yingchun's expression turned startled. "I heard Grandmother say that though the Zhen family holds no noble title, their ancestors were founding ministers of the dynasty."

Both Zhen and Jia are hereditary official families, both prominent clans of Jin Ling—perfectly matched. Why would the Emperor oppose this match?"

…

The crimson evening glow bathed everything, filtering through the upturned eaves and casting shifting shadows across the corridor outside the main hall.

Lin Daiyu stood on the corridor, hesitating, not entering.

After finishing her letter to her father, Hearing Zi Juan's words had stirred her thoughts, and she'd come to wander near Jia Cong's courtyard.

But when she reached the hall's entrance and heard Seeing Yingchun and Jia Cong chatting, mentioning Zhen Zhen Fangqing, she unconsciously stopped.

She knew Zhen's young lady, though the betrothal to Third Brother had been broken, had lived these past six months at the imperial mausoleum in the eastern city.

She also knew that every time Third Brother took the spring examination or was named on the list, Zhen's young lady had sent proper gifts—clearly showing deep care for him.

But she could say nothing. After all, the Zhen and Jia families were longstanding friends; proper exchanges between their young members were nothing unusual.

Moreover, Zhen's young lady had nearly become Third Brother's wife. Though the betrothal was canceled, an extraordinary bond remained.

And Third Brother never mentioned Zhen's young lady in daily company with the sisters. Though Lin Daiyu harbored this unease, she naturally avoided bringing it up—there was time enough; why invite needless sorrow?

Just now, when she heard the two siblings speak, she learned Zhen's young lady had sent gifts to congratulate Third Brother's success—and a sudden sadness welled within her.

When she heard Jia Cong say: "Zhen's young lady is truly rare…"

Lin Daiyu's heart ached with bitterness. She wanted to storm off in anger—but couldn't bring herself to leave just like that.

When she heard Jia Cong's next words, she, like Seeing Yingchun, was stunned—and couldn't help but listen closer.

Inside, Jia Cong said: "Second Sister, you don't know: when I went to Jin Ling on official business, Zhen's eldest son, Zhen Zhen Shiwen, was implicated in a major case of illegal firearm manufacturing—a grave offense to the Emperor."

Out of respect for the Retired Emperor and the imperial consort, the Emperor held back—but his resentment toward the Zhen family runs deep. And since I was the first to advocate firearms, the Emperor naturally dislikes me marrying into the Zhen family."

Originally, when Grandfather Jia died suddenly, the court, bound by mourning rites, merely took advantage of the moment to rescind the betrothal. The full story is too tangled to explain in words."

Hearing Jia Cong's words, both Seeing Yingchun and Lin Daiyu on the corridor were stunned into silence. Neither had imagined the betrothal's cancellation held such complex reasons.

Seeing Yingchun looked at the exquisite boots in her hands and said, "So it seems you and Zhen's young lady are fated to be apart—destined for no outcome."

Jia Cong said, "This matter involves court secrets. I'm only telling you, Second Sister—I won't speak of it to others. Don't mention it to the sisters, or rumors may spread and cause trouble."

Seeing Yingchun replied, "Third Brother, rest assured. I know the gravity—I'll keep my mouth shut."

She smiled again. "As your sister, I'm selfish: if a girl treats my brother well, she's good in my eyes. Zhen's young lady really is quite admirable."

Jia Cong said, "Zhen's young lady is admirable—but among sisters raised together since childhood, who share every day and night, bound like siblings—that's better still."

Hearing this, Seeing Yingchun's heart stirred. She realized whom he meant. The two siblings exchanged a silent glance, then smiled—warmth blooming between them.

Outside on the corridor, Lin Daiyu's cheeks flushed pink, her heart swelling with joy. She stepped back a few paces, then walked lightly away from Jia Cong's courtyard.

… (End of Chapter)