Chapter 683: Laughter and Teasing in the Boudoir

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Fengjie Courtyard.

Afternoon, the hottest time of day; the blue stone slabs of the courtyard floor reflected blinding light, and even wearing shoes, stepping on them felt scorching.

The parasol tree along the western wall, though deeply rooted and leafy, could not withstand the fierce sun's assault—every leaf on every branch and twig hung limp and listless.

Compared to the sweltering heat outside, Wang Wang Xifeng's main chamber felt like another world entirely, filled with soothing coolness.

Wang Wang Xifeng reclined lazily on a Luo Han bed, her skin smooth as jade, her blood and qi abundant; though her face had grown fuller, her dazzling beauty remained undiminished.

Now nearing childbirth, her body was swollen, making prolonged sitting impossible; she spent her days either rising to walk slowly or lying and resting, killing time.

The maid Feng'er draped a soft silk cloth around her neck, holding a red-lacquered tray high up to her prominent bosom, on which rested a bowl of snow lotus-sweetened bird's nest.

This was to make it easy for Wang Wang Xifeng to eat with her spoon, without having to bend over laboriously.

Beside the Luo Han bed stood a large square bronze ice chest, piled high with glistening, translucent shards of ice, exhaling a frosty white chill.

In past years, though Lady Rongguo Prefecture was a noble family, it could never afford such luxury as this ice chest in the height of summer.

Such scenes were common only in the imperial palace or the mansions of princes; even ordinary noble households rarely had them.

But two years ago, Jia Cong, seeking to attract more customers to the Xiuniang Perfume Shop during summer, recalled memories from his past life and devised a method to make ice.

Today, the Xiuniang Perfume Shop on Xinchun Street remained a favorite retreat for the city's noble ladies in the sweltering heat, for they could enjoy free cooling from the ice chests.

In the Eastern Prefecture, ice chests of this kind now stood in the chambers of Lin Daiyu, Seeing Yingchun, Seeing Tan Chun, and the other sisters, their ice replaced regularly for cooling—a common sight.

Since summer began, Wang Wang Xifeng, pregnant and lethargic, had grown even more intolerant of heat than before.

Wu'er therefore arranged for fresh ice to be sent daily from the Eastern Prefecture to help Wang Wang Xifeng cool down during her pregnancy.

Just as Wang Wang Xifeng finished half the bowl of bird's nest, the curtain was lifted and Wu'er and Ping'er entered together.

Whether from hurrying or the unbearable heat outside, both their lovely faces flushed pink, beads of sweat glistening on their fair foreheads.

Wang Wang Xifeng laughed: "Such a scorching day, and you two still go out bustling about—just send the maids to handle it, then report back to you.

Taking a day or two off won't cause any trouble; be careful not to collapse from heatstroke under that blazing sun—it's no joke."

For the past month, as her delivery drew near, Wang Wang Xifeng had handed all household affairs over to Wu'er and Ping'er.

She let them make all decisions, refusing to hear any trivial matters, to conserve her strength.

She focused solely on nurturing the fetus; childbirth was a woman's life-or-death moment, and given her current state—effectively a living widow—delivering safely was especially vital.

…

Ping'er said: "We didn't dare walk under the blazing sun—we only went to the western pavilion to inventory items; it was stifling hot in there, soaked us in sweat."

Wang Wang Xifeng ordered Feng'er to bring two stools and place them beside the ice chest, inviting them to sit and cool off.

Wu'er looked at Wang Wang Xifeng's swollen belly and smiled: "By this time next month, this room will have a little young master—how lively it'll be."

Wang Wang Xifeng touched her belly and laughed: "Hard to say for sure—it might turn out to be a girl, after all."

She glanced at Wu'er and smiled: "Why do you look so envious? If you're jealous, hurry up and have one yourself.

You're at the age of blossoms, soft enough to squeeze water from—you've got no trouble making it happen."

Wu'er blushed furiously at Wang Wang Xifeng's teasing and pouted: "Auntie, you're teasing me again—I don't even know how to have one."

Ping'er, hearing their words, blushed too, smiling quietly to herself.

Seeing Wu'er's shyness, Wang Wang Xifeng grew even more delighted and couldn't resist teasing her further.

Now a living widow, her inner world was dull and empty; nearing childbirth, she had no restraint speaking of bedroom matters.

She laughed: "Look at you, blushing like that—what's there to be shy about? You've already served tea to the Old Ancestress and accepted the family rites—it's only natural.

Every woman must go through this in life; you've landed a husband like Cong Sanye—you're blessed with great fortune. Don't waste your prime years."

Wu'er, stirred by Wang Wang Xifeng's words, grew even more flustered, wanting to flee but fearing she'd embarrass Wang Wang Xifeng.

Besides, Wang Wang Xifeng was an experienced woman; Wu'er's status had changed, and she couldn't help feeling curious.

After a long pause, she finally said: "The old maids gossip that Cong Sanye is only fifteen—those things shouldn't be done too often, or they'll harm his health…"

Wang Wang Xifeng found this even more amusing and giggled: "Those old hags in the household love nothing more than dirty talk.

They're always chattering nonsense, meddling in things that don't concern them, spouting foolishness to fool you young girls.

Our family's young masters, since Old Master's generation, every one of them—Lord Da and Lord Er—had their first concubines by fifteen.

All of them ended up with children and grandchildren; as long as it wasn't excessive, nothing bad ever happened.

It's like poor people who can't even feed themselves worrying that rich folks will choke on too many steamed buns—laughable."

Wu'er's face was flushed, her eyes brimming with curiosity; beside her, Ping'er's bright eyes darted, listening intently…

Hearing Wu'er's words, Wang Wang Xifeng suddenly understood, her phoenix eyes gleaming with renewed interest.

She asked curiously: "Wu'er, you've been serving tea to the Old Ancestress in Rongqing Hall for quite some time now—has Cong Sanye ever been intimate with you?"

…

Though Wu'er and Ping'er had not yet known a man's touch, they'd heard plenty of gossip and anecdotes around the household—they weren't truly naive.

Now, shut in with three women, Wang Wang Xifeng had no restraint, and her tone was suggestive, mysterious.

They both understood perfectly what "has Cong Sanye been intimate with Wu'er?" truly meant…

Ping'er had already stifled a laugh, her beautiful eyes glistening with anticipation, waiting for Wu'er to answer.

Wu'er was utterly mortified, wishing she could vanish into the ground, blurting out: "Second Auntie, don't speak nonsense—there's nothing between us!"

Wang Wang Xifeng was taken aback, seeming slightly disappointed: "It's been so long—has Cong Sanye never been intimate with you? What about Zhi Shao?"

On matters of the inner quarters, Wu'er was still young and inexperienced, nowhere near Wang Wang Xifeng's boldness and composure.

She was so flustered by Wang Wang Xifeng's words that she'd lost all her usual sharpness and wit.

At Wang Wang Xifeng's question, she replied without thinking: "They two… they've been getting along quite well lately."

Wang Wang Xifeng grew even more excited, slapping her knee and laughing: "You're such a silly girl—how could you be so careless at a time like this?

Zhi Shao was always strong and healthy; she entered the household at six, grew up sleeping beside Cong Sanye, received imperial gifts, and now she's taken the lead.

You're such a child—you shouldn't be talking about sisterly affection now; stay alert, or you'll regret it later.

I know the truth: Cong Sanye has always favored you; while Zhi Shao was away, wasn't it you who served him inside and out?

Don't be so modest—it's your rightful place, so why be shy? Other maids would kill to have your status.

Let me teach you a trick: when it's your turn to stay the night, be sweet and clingy to Cong Sanye—then all the good things will happen…"

Wang Wang Xifeng grew more animated, her smile radiant, her words increasingly bold and unreserved.

Ping'er, who had been happily listening from the sidelines, could no longer suppress her blush—thinking of "being sweet and doing good things" made her ears burn red.

Wu'er could no longer bear it, stood up, her face crimson: "Auntie, these words are ridiculous—I won't talk to you anymore."

Wang Wang Xifeng, delighted to see the two maids as red as boiled crabs, didn't care that Wu'er was embarrassed.

She laughed: "Ping'er, hold her down—we're all women, what's there to hide? She's already blushing over a few words.

Still a green girl, knows nothing—she'll learn later how right and useful my advice is."

…

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, West Corner Gate.

The four carriages, following one after another, halted one by one at the side gate of Lady Rongguo Prefecture.

Due to the afternoon heat, few pedestrians were out; few noticed this scene.

But the retainers guarding the west corner gate had noticed—normally, outside visitors arrived by carriage, stopping near the main gate.

These carriages stopping precisely opposite the corner gate clearly meant they came to pay respects to the Jia household; and four carriages together was no small show.

At this moment, a steward stepped down from the lead carriage, holding a visiting card, approaching the west gate.

He told the gatekeeper: "I am steward of the senior branch of the Zhen family of Jin Ling. My lady sent her dowry maid, Liu Lin Dama, to pay a formal visit to Second Young Mistress—please announce us."

The gatekeeper accepted the card but could not read; he dared not speak rashly, yet he knew the Zhen family—they were longtime kin to the household from Jin Ling.

The Zhen steward, having delivered the card, saw the gatekeeper neither admit the carriages nor dismiss them—only took the card and told them to wait outside.

He assumed Lady Rongguo Prefecture, as a noble house, had strict rules, so he took no offense, merely waited patiently at the gate.

But he did not know the truth: the gatekeepers had been instructed by Lin Lin Zhixiao—any visitor from the Zhen family of Jin Ling must not be admitted without prior approval.

They must wait until the Second Young Mistress in the inner quarters gave word.

…

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Fengjie Courtyard.

Wang Wang Xifeng was holding back Wu'er, who was about to flee from their teasing.

Suddenly, Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife came to report: word had come from the outer court that the senior branch of the Jin Ling Zhen family had arrived to pay respects to Second Young Mistress.

Wang Wang Xifeng's expression changed slightly—she knew her lady mother's letter had finally come to pass.

Ping'er knew the content of the Jin Ling letter and understood the matter well; she glanced at Wang Wang Xifeng anxiously, wondering how she would handle this.

Wu'er did not know of the Jin Ling letter, but she remembered how strangely Wang Wang Xifeng had inquired about the Zhen family from Xue Xue Yima, her tone and expression odd.

She had long suspected something, and had mentioned it to Cong Sanye, who had said then: "Second Young Mistress's behavior must have a reason."

So when Wu'er heard the Zhen family had come, she immediately paid close attention—her earlier embarrassment and desire to flee had vanished.

Besides, this situation felt strange: by right, Cong Sanye was master of both households; when noble families visited, the Zhen family should have called on him.

Why would they come directly to Second Young Mistress—and specifically from the senior branch?

Wu'er had heard rumors: the senior branch of the Zhen family was under investigation for illegally manufacturing firearms.

Now, at this dangerous moment, their people had traveled thousands of miles to visit the Jia household—it sounded like nothing good…

…

Wang Wang Xifeng glanced at Wu'er and saw that, upon hearing Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife's words, her bright eyes had flickered with sudden understanding.

She sighed inwardly, feeling a pang of regret—the Zhen family's arrival was terribly ill-timed; there was no turning back now.

With Wu'er present, this matter could not be hidden; once Cong Sanye returned from court, he would know.

Wang Wang Xifeng told Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife: "Let Liu Lin Dama from the senior branch enter to speak. The rest of the carriages and attendants must wait outside—no one else is to enter."

Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife hurriedly responded and left the inner courtyard to announce the guest's arrival.

Not long after, footsteps sounded outside the gate; Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife entered with a woman, carrying a finely carved camphorwood box in her hand.

The woman was around forty, dressed neatly and elegantly, her manner crisp and efficient—clearly someone from a prominent household.

As soon as she entered Wang Wang Xifeng's main chamber and saw Wang Wang Xifeng, pregnant and radiant as a celestial goddess, she knew this was the rightful mistress, Second Mistress Lady Lian.

She had visited the Wang family in Jin Ling twice with Madam Zhen, and the Wang matriarch had mentioned her daughter was with child.

Yet she noticed two beautiful young girls standing in the room besides Wang Wang Xifeng, dressed in fine attire—clearly not ordinary maids.

She felt uneasy: her errand was something best kept secret—how could she speak of it with others present?

Earlier, when Jia's servants had instructed her to enter the mansion alone while leaving all carriages and attendants outside, she had already sensed something amiss.

She was Madam Zhen's dowry maid, having spent half a lifetime navigating grand households and reading the faces of noble families.

The Jia family's conduct clearly indicated suspicion—they did not wish to be casually entangled in matters.

Her heart sank with unease and disappointment; her confidence drained away.

But she had been entrusted by her mistress with a great responsibility—traveling thousands of miles to deliver the main branch's wealth—she must press on, no matter how difficult.

She smiled and bowed to Wang Wang Xifeng, then spoke of Madam Zhen and the Wang family's lady, implying the two families were close, bound like sworn sisters.

After finishing her pleasantries, she was about to broach the real matter, glancing meaningfully at Wu'er and Ping'er.

Wang Wang Xifeng smiled: "These two are my personal maids. Madam Liu need not hesitate—speak plainly."

Madam Liu's face stiffened slightly; she sensed trouble, feeling increasingly constrained.

She forced herself to say: "Second Mistress, you must have heard from your lady that Jin Ling has been unsettled lately—Zhen family is in the midst of turmoil."

Our master and mistress are upright people; we never imagined our Cong Sanye would be murdered—not only losing his life, but entangled in unspeakable accusations."

Now that he is gone, he cannot defend himself—good or bad, it is all left to others to decide."

Our mistress is a woman of dignity; she says no matter what, Cong Sanye was tainted by wrongdoing, and whatever the court decides, we must accept it."

But our household still has elderly relatives to support, and young masters in their teens—pure, innocent, unversed in the world—who must one day live and thrive—we must leave them a way forward."

We dare not touch the Zhen family's public assets—they remain for the court to dispose of."

Madam Zhen has gathered her personal savings and remaining dowry items, and sent me to deliver them to your household for safekeeping—to secure a future for our elders and young masters."

I beg Second Mistress, in light of the longstanding friendship between the Zhen and Jia families, and the bond between Madam Zhen and your lady, to lend a hand and find a proper place to store these items."

The Zhen family will remember your kindness forever; should our elders and young masters find peace and stability, it will be your blessing."

As she spoke, Madam Liu placed the carved camphorwood box upon the small table beside the Luo Han bed.

She opened the box with a smile; Wang Wang Xifeng was instantly dazzled—the box was filled with jewels, ornaments, hairpins, and adornments, none of them ordinary.

Madam Liu said: "My mistress knows you are with child, and the household will soon welcome a young master. Though far away in Jin Ling, she could not come to offer congratulations in person."

She specifically instructed me: these are family heirlooms, meant as a gift for the young master's birth."

Wang Wang Xifeng, raised in a wealthy household and long experienced in managing estates, estimated the contents of the box were worth at least four to five thousand taels.

Saying it was a birth gift for the young master—really, it was Madam Zhen's bribe to her, a generous gesture indeed…

…

Bo Jue Mansion, West Corner Gate.

Jia Cong received word from the steward: Zhen Zhen Fangqing had sent him a message, and the messenger's tone was urgent.

He recalled Zhen Zhen Fangqing had returned to Jin Ling—why would she send such an urgent message from so far away? Likely something significant—he hurried back to the mansion without delay.

As he arrived at the West Corner Gate, he saw a unfamiliar young servant pacing nervously beneath the gatehouse eaves.

He did not recognize the boy, but Wang Hai did; seeing Jia Cong finally return, Wang Hai's face brightened and he hurried forward to bow.

He said: "I am Wang Hai, a runner for Third Miss. She ordered me to rush from Jiangnan to deliver an urgent letter to Lord Bo."

Without waiting for Jia Cong to enter the mansion, he pulled Zhen Zhen Fangqing's letter from his satchel and handed it to him with both hands.

Seeing Wang Hai's anxious expression, Jia Cong knew the matter could not wait—he immediately broke the seal.

Zhen Zhen Fangqing's letter was concise, devoid of personal chatter, clear at a glance; Jia Cong's expression changed as he read its meaning.

Earlier, when Wu'er mentioned Wang Wang Xifeng had suddenly inquired about the Zhen family, he had sensed something odd.

Wang Wang Xifeng was sharp and capable—her actions never lacked purpose. And the Zhen family was now in grave danger, at a highly sensitive moment.

Moreover, in his original memory, Wang Wang Xifeng had no connection to the Zhen family. Though he had suspected something, he had no clear lead.

Now, reading Zhen Zhen Fangqing's letter, the entire chain of events became clear.

In the original timeline, before the Zhen family of Jin Ling was seized, they had secretly smuggled their wealth to the Jia household for concealment.

At that time, Lady Wang managed Lady Rongguo Mansion—and ultimately, she accepted and hid the Zhen family's private assets, planting a future disaster for the Jia family.

Later, Wang Wang Xifeng and Wang Wang Shanbao's wife, over the matter of the embroidered spring pouch, conducted a midnight search of Daguanyuan.

Tan Chun, offended by Wang Wang Shanbao's wife, had angrily declared: "Don't rush—you'll have your own day of being searched! You woke up this morning discussing the Zhen family, yet now you're searching your own home—soon enough, you'll be searched too."

Tan Chun spoke those words because she was a concubine-born daughter of the second branch—she likely knew her stepmother had concealed the Zhen family's wealth, and thus understood the Zhen family's downfall.

Now, because of my presence, Lady Rongguo Mansion is no longer as it was—the second branch has become a minor offshoot.

The mistress of Lady Rongguo Mansion is no longer Lady Wang, but Wang Wang Xifeng, who manages affairs on my behalf.

The matter of the Zhen family's hidden wealth has shifted—from Lady Wang to Wang Wang Xifeng.

As Jia Cong pieced this together, he felt a quiet sorrow: some things cannot be erased. Though great changes have occurred, fate still holds its course.

Beside him, Wang Hai did not wait for Jia Cong to put down the letter—he cried out urgently: "Lord Bo, Third Miss ordered me to travel day and night, fearing I'd arrive even a moment too late."

Though I raced without pause, I still did not reach them ahead of time."

Just now, waiting for you at the corner gate, I saw several carriages heading toward Lady Rongguo Mansion."

I recognized the woman on one—they're Liu Liu Baozheng's wife, Madam Zhen's attendant—she must be delivering the main branch's boxes to Second Mistress Lady Lian…"