Chapter 684: Emotions Tied to Wealth

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Fengjie's courtyard.

Outside, the sun blazed overhead, the courtyard scorching hot, but the doorway of the main chamber caught a breeze, making it quite cool.

Inside, Wang Wang Xifeng was speaking with a guest, while the maid Feng'er sat at the doorway, idly sewing needlework, ready to respond to any call.

She had just finished a few stitches when she heard footsteps at the courtyard gate.

Looking up, she saw Zhen Ying Lady Lian entering under an oiled paper umbrella, wearing a patterned front-fastening jacket, a pale pink undergarment, and a peach-colored pleated skirt, her steps light and her bearing graceful.

Feng'er laughed: "What brings Zhen Ying Lady Lian here today? You're truly an unexpected guest."

Since Jia Cong moved to the Eastern Prefecture to establish his residence, only Wu'er and Qingwen had regularly come to the Western Prefecture to deliver messages or run errands for him.

Zhen Ying Lady Lian, like Zhi Shao, rarely visited the Western Prefecture in daily life.

Yet no maid or old woman in the Western Prefecture failed to know her.

Because the old matriarch, who always favored elegant young girls but was picky in her tastes, had publicly praised Zhen Ying Lady Lian's beauty many times, making her well-known throughout the Western Prefecture.

Moreover, among Jia Cong's maids, Zhen Ying Lady Lian held a special status—she was not a slave girl of the Jia family, but a foster daughter.

She still wore the red-gold necklace given to her by the old matriarch; such an item was not for maids to wear, but only for young masters and ladies of the household.

In Feng'er's mind, Zhen Ying Lady Lian's first visit to Second Mistress's courtyard naturally seemed unusual.

Feng'er laughed: "Zhen Ying Lady Lian, why are you carrying an umbrella on such a bright day? It looks rather odd."

Zhen Ying Lady Lian smiled: "Cong Sanye told me to come on an errand and worried the sun would harm me, so he specifically ordered me to carry this umbrella."

"I thought it strange too, but it really works—no matter how fast I walk, I don't feel the heat at all."

Feng'er laughed: "Your Cong Sanye really knows how to care for people."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhen Ying Lady Lian asked: "Are Second Mistress and Wu'er inside? I need to speak with them."

Feng'er said: "They're both inside, but there's a guest here now—a woman from the main branch of the Zhen family of Jin Ling, come to pay respects to Second Mistress."

Zhen Ying Lady Lian's gaze flickered slightly. "If there's a guest, I won't go in. Please call Wu'er out to speak with me."

…

Earlier, Jia Cong had read Zhen Zhen Fangqing's letter and heard from Wang Hai that the Zhen family's main branch's carriage had just arrived at Lady Rongguo Prefecture.

Although Zhen Zhen Fangqing's letter arrived slightly late, it was not yet too late—the matter was still under control.

Jia Cong had heard from Wu'er that Wang Wang Xifeng, upon hearing from Xue Xue Yima about the Zhen family's current peril, had already grown cautious.

Given Wang Wang Xifeng's shrewdness, even if she harbored private desires, she would not rashly decide on a whim for the sake of wealth.

The matter was still reversible; as master of both households, his every move was watched, and there was no need yet for him to personally intervene.

So he sent Zhen Ying Lady Lian to the Western Prefecture to deliver his message, urging Wang Wang Xifeng to halt before it was too late.

Jia Cong chose Zhen Ying Lady Lian to deliver the message because, among the girls around him, she was the most literate and composed in conduct.

She was more thoughtful and subtle in speech and action than the straightforward Qingwen, and more familiar with the Western Prefecture's people and politics than Lingguan, who had only recently entered the household.

…

In the main chamber, Wang Wang Xifeng looked at the jeweled little chest on the table; to say she felt no desire was impossible.

Now that Lady Rongguo Prefecture belonged to Jia Cong, she, as the elder sister-in-law, managed the household affairs but with far greater caution and restraint than before, when she held absolute power.

Though Jia Lady Lian had merely been exiled to the military, to Wang Wang Xifeng it was no different from being a widow with an orphaned child—her heart was always uneasy.

To seize this opportunity to accumulate private wealth for herself and her child's security was naturally appealing.

But Xue Xue Yima's earlier warnings had already planted deep doubts in her mind about hiding the Zhen family's wealth.

Now, this treasure chest worth four or five thousand taels stirred her greed, yet also brought a new sense of caution.

She was a woman who had long navigated the world of profit and power, well-versed in human relations, fully aware that gifts always came with demands.

The Zhen Lady's lavish gesture clearly meant she sought far more than mere storage of wealth…

Wang Wang Xifeng glanced at the chest and asked casually: "Our household is full of eyes—how many items did your mistress bring to store in the capital?"

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife replied: "Not many—just thirteen chests, mostly trifles."

Wang Wang Xifeng's heart jolted—she knew those thirteen chests could not all be like this small one.

Even this single gift was worth four or five thousand taels; the thirteen chests must total at least a hundred thousand taels.

Everyone said the Zhen family of Jin Ling was immensely wealthy, nicknamed "Half of Jin Ling"—the reputation was well-deserved.

If the Zhen Lady's private fortune alone amounted to over a hundred thousand taels, what of the Zhen family's public wealth? It must reach millions…

Wang Wang Xifeng, even as a member of a wealthy household, found herself stunned—Lady Rongguo Prefecture was far from such riches.

…

As she hesitated, torn between desire and caution, the maid Feng'er suddenly lifted the curtain and entered.

She whispered two words to Wu'er, and the two left the room together; Wang Wang Xifeng found this strange.

Only a short while later, Wu'er returned, her expression visibly altered.

She stepped to Wang Wang Xifeng's side, whispered a few words in her ear, and handed her a letter.

Wang Wang Xifeng opened it, glanced once, then folded it silently and returned it to Wu'er.

She reached out and closed the lid of the little chest—the dazzling jewels vanished instantly.

Seeing this, Liu Liu Baozheng's wife understood clearly: Wang Wang Xifeng had no intention of touching the chest. Her unease deepened.

Wang Wang Xifeng smiled: "Liu Da'niang, by custom, the Zhen and Jia families are old allies; in times of crisis, mutual aid is only natural."

"But now the Zhen family is entangled in court affairs. Though our families are close, we dare not risk violating imperial law."

"I am merely a woman, utterly clueless about such matters, and I tremble at the thought of meddling. I dare not make any major decisions."

"Moreover, Cong Sanye of the main branch is now the master of Lady Rongguo Prefecture—the true head of both Jia households. I am only helping him manage things."

"He now holds an official post in the court, and he avoids any matter touching imperial law as much as possible."

"It's only natural—he spent years burning oil and studying to earn his rank and title; he naturally guards it with utmost care."

"So, though I am grateful your lady mother trusts me, I dare not act on my own."

"If Cong Sanye returns and learns of this, he will never forgive me. If I rashly agreed, I would be left with no face."

"Therefore, I am truly unable to help with your lady mother's request—you must find another solution."

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife's face darkened, her tone pleading: "Second Mistress, we traveled thousands of miles to the capital, relying entirely on your grace."

"Now, in this foreign land, with no connections, what other option do we have?"

…

Earlier, Wu'er had whispered to Wang Wang Xifeng that Jia Cong already knew of the matter and showed her Zhen Zhen Fangqing's letter.

Zhen Zhen Fangqing's letter was brief and clear: it detailed the smuggling of wealth and laid out its risks and consequences.

Its wording was impeccable, spotless—anyone who read it could find no fault.

She wrote it as if she intended it to be seen, as if it carried deeper meaning.

Both Jia Cong and Zhen Zhen Fangqing were meticulous planners; both had received word from Jin Ling that the Zhen family's downfall was the talk of the city, known to all.

The Zhen family in Jin Ling was now under the gaze of every eye.

The Zhen Lady had sent out over a dozen chests of silver and gold; no matter how carefully she tried, it was nearly impossible to make them vanish without a trace.

The Jinling Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Yingtian Prefecture Ya, the Southern Capital's Three Judicial Offices—so many eyes could not all be blind; someone would notice.

If someone had already suspected something, yet these chests still reached the capital, the plot behind it was dangerously sinister…

Though Zhen Zhen Fangqing mentioned none of these suspicions in her letter, both she and Jia Cong understood perfectly.

Thus, when Jia Cong read her unusually formal letter, an unspoken understanding passed between them.

Zhen Zhen Fangqing, far from Jin Ling, could not stop the main branch's foolishness—but to mitigate future blame on the Zhen family, she could still act.

This was why Jia Cong showed her letter to Wang Wang Xifeng…

Merely leaving behind a trace.

…

By showing Wang Wang Xifeng the letter, Jia Cong made his stance unmistakably clear; under these circumstances, how could Wang Wang Xifeng dare touch the matter?

Wang Wang Xifeng had already hesitated—now she had no doubt left.

No matter how hard Liu Liu Baozheng's wife pleaded, she would not soften.

She smiled: "Liu Da'niang, you overstate things. The Zhen family of Jin Ling is a mighty clan with deep roots—how could they be as helpless as you say?"

"Your mistress sent these goods to the capital with careful planning—why only think of me? It's rather shortsighted."

"Everyone in the capital knows your mistress's second daughter married into the Northern Tranquil Prince's household as his principal wife—his household's standing far surpasses ours."

"Why not store these chests in your daughter's home? It would be far safer than entrusting them to strangers."

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife could only smile bitterly—did she need to be reminded? Of course they had thought of it.

Though the second daughter's marriage was prestigious, her husband was the Northern Tranquil Prince—a man who carried a thousand schemes in his heart.

On the surface, he was courteous, dignified, almost saintly.

In truth, he was the opposite: he cherished his reputation above all and avoided even the slightest risk—a man of cold courtesy.

The eldest lord had seen through his son-in-law's nature, which was why he sought out Second Mistress Jia Lady Lian instead.

Getting these thirteen chests into the Northern Tranquil Prince's household would be harder than bringing them into the Jia household—and it would shame the second daughter.

Moreover, before leaving, Zhen Zhen Yingjia had personally instructed Liu Liu Baozheng's wife.

As long as storing the wealth did not strain relations with Shu Rong, should the Zhen family truly fall into ruin, they could still rely on the second daughter's connection for aid.

After all, some life-or-death favors are used once and gone.

This was Zhen Zhen Yingjia's way of scattering his risks—hoping to leave the family a few escape routes as the great house neared collapse.

…

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife, chosen by the Zhen Lady for such a critical task, was a sharp, perceptive woman.

She had seen the pretty maid whisper to Wang Wang Xifeng and hand her a letter with mysterious solemnity.

Although Liu Liu Baozheng's wife did not know the full details, Wang Wang Xifeng's change in tone and attitude was obvious.

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife guessed that someone in the Jia household must have passed word, secretly blocking this matter—that was why this Second Mistress Lady Lian kept dodging.

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife knew that although Wang Wang Xifeng managed household affairs, the Lady Rongguo Mansion still had the higher-ranking Jia Mu, who had sufficient status to overturn this matter.

Not to mention that within the two Jia mansions, there was that world-famous Lord Weiyuan Bo, whose refusal would render even Jia Mu's intervention useless.

By common logic, Lord Weiyuan Bo had nearly become a son-in-law of the Zhen family and should have had deep ties and goodwill.

But that connection lay with the second branch; before she left Jin Ling, the second branch's Third Miss had not yet returned to Jin Ling, so even if she sought her favor, it would be of no help.

With nothing but empty words, why should Lord Weiyuan Bo risk himself to honor the first branch of the Zhen family?

Moreover, that young Lord Weiyuan Bo, having risen to such prominence, was surely a very difficult man to deal with.

Even a household woman like Liu Liu Baozheng's wife understood this clearly.

Lord Weiyuan Bo was no woman like Second Mistress Lady Lian, swayed easily by boxes of gold and silver; thus, when Wang Wang Xifeng refused outright, she gave up on the Jia family entirely.

…

Wang Wang Xifeng cut off the topic and spoke no more of it, instead chatting about old Jin Ling stories and exchanging polite pleasantries.

Even if the Zhen family's downfall loomed before them, as long as any members remained alive, the formal courtesies among aristocratic families were still upheld.

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife politely declined Wang Wang Xifeng's offer of a meal—nothing had been accomplished, and a whole group of people still waited outside in the cold wind; what use was it for her to eat?

After Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife escorted Liu Liu Baozheng's wife out of the mansion, Wang Wang Xifeng finally exhaled slightly.

She thought of that box brimming with jewels and treasures; though she felt a pang of regret, since Jia Cong opposed the matter, she dared not say another word.

After all, her entire standing in the Jia household came from Jia Cong; compared to that towering pillar of support, what were a few boxes of jewels?

Though Wang Wang Xifeng loved wealth, she was sharp and capable, and she knew the weight of things.

With this matter settled, not only did Wang Wang Xifeng breathe easier, but Wu'er and Ping'er, present there, likely did too.

Wu'er further reflected: had it not been for the letter sent from afar by Third Miss Zhen, arriving just as Liu Liu Baozheng's wife entered the mansion…

Had Cong Sanye not promptly sent Zhen Ying Lady Lian to deliver the message and let Second Mistress see the letter, would Second Mistress have accepted the Zhen family's private wealth? It was hard to say…

Wang Wang Xifeng smiled: "I never imagined Third Miss Zhen cared so deeply for Third Brother, going to such lengths to protect him from being implicated."

She sent a letter all the way from Jin Ling to Love Shenjing, even sacrificing her own family's wealth to ensure Third Brother's safety—truly rare.

And she timed it perfectly; though she failed to become a Jia daughter-in-law, it's a pity indeed."

In truth, though Wang Wang Xifeng spoke these words, she felt a quiet sense of relief.

Thank goodness Elder Master had passed away so conveniently; otherwise, if Cong the Third had married such a formidable woman, what place would there be left for Wang Wang Xifeng?

Ping'er smiled: "Cong Sanye is truly fortunate. Third Miss Zhen is indeed excellent; without her, Second Mistress wouldn't have known the truth and might have been fooled by Liu Liu Baozheng's wife."

Wang Wang Xifeng smiled faintly, knowing Ping'er's words were meant to save her face—thankfully, the matter had passed without embarrassment.

She told Wu'er: "Wu'er, this matter is settled. Return to the Eastern Mansion and tell Third Brother, so he can rest easy."

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, West Corner Gate.

A Zhen family steward, who had handed the gate pass to the retainers, paced anxiously beneath the gate's eaves, waiting for word from within the Jia mansion.

Though he publicly claimed to be a Zhen family steward, that was merely a cover; in truth, he was the biological younger brother of Madame Zhen the First, named Yao Shou'an.

Madame Zhen the First had transported all the first branch's wealth across thousands of miles to Love Shenjing for concealment, entrusting it to over a dozen household slaves—how could she fully trust them?

If the Zhen family remained stable and prosperous, these born-slaves might still be relied upon.

But now the Zhen family's grand house was on the verge of collapse, its fall imminent; everyone within was in a state of panic.

As the saying goes, hearts are hidden behind bellies; even formerly loyal born-slaves might now harbor self-preservation instincts.

If, during transport, these slaves scattered like monkeys fleeing a fallen tree, it would not be surprising.

After all, these dozen boxes held over a hundred thousand taels of silver; wealth has always stirred hearts, let alone these lowly slaves.

Hence, Madame Zhen the First had sent her own younger brother to accompany the wealth into the capital, overseeing all matters along the way—merely an added safeguard for the first branch's assets.

Yao Shou'an had waited long at the gate, growing impatient, when he saw Liu Liu Baozheng's wife approaching, carrying that small box—and he felt something was amiss.

As the woman drew near, Yao Shou'an hurriedly asked: "Liu Liu Baozheng's wife, how did it go? Did Second Mistress Lady Lian agree?"

Why has the box meant for delivery been brought back? Did Second Mistress think it was too little?"

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife, more cautious, did not complain at the West Corner Gate; she walked with Yao Shou'an across the street to where the carriages and horses waited.

Only then did she grumble: "If she'd only thought it too little, it'd be better—we could have given more. But she outright refused, wants nothing to do with this matter."

It's true: the tea was cold before the guest even left. Had the Zhen family still been as wealthy as before, would they have received such a cold shoulder?"

Yao Shou'an looked anxious: "Did you press her clearly? Did Second Mistress Lady Lian really have no room for negotiation at all?"

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife replied: "I was entrusted by Madame; how could I be careless? At first, she spoke well enough, even gave us some hope."

Then a maid stepped out, returned, whispered to Second Mistress Lady Lian, and showed her a letter."

Immediately, Second Mistress Lady Lian changed her tone, shut the matter down completely, leaving no room for discussion."

She even said we should take the boxes to the Prince of Beijing's mansion—they'd be safer there than in her home."

Hearing this, Yao Shou'an's face fell; he knew the path through Lady Rongguo Mansion was now completely closed.

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife said: "Master Yao, since the Jia family refuses, should we return these dozen boxes to Jin Ling, or find another solution?"

Yao Shou'an sighed: "If we return these boxes to Jin Ling, once the authorities pass judgment and the imperial edict arrives, will they still be my sister's?"

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife said: "Then the only option left is to send them to Second Miss's residence—nowhere else."

Yao Shou'an said: "Before I left, my brother-in-law warned me solemnly: under no circumstances should we involve the Prince of Beijing unless absolutely desperate."

He is a man of deep schemes; my brother-in-law instructed me not to strain this marital connection over this matter—keep it intact, perhaps it will save us later."

Liu Liu Baozheng's wife fretted: "Outside the Jia family, the Zhen family has no major connections in Love Shenjing—where else can we hide them?"

Yao Shou'an glanced at Lady Rongguo Mansion across the street, then suddenly seemed to recall something.

He said: "I heard the Jia family was not originally ruled by the first branch, but by the second branch, whose mistress then managed affairs."

That second branch mistress was the eldest legitimate daughter of the Wang family of Jin Ling; I've heard stories of her even before marriage—she was formidable."

Though the second branch has now lost its position, the Duke Dowager still lives, and Second Branch's Master Zheng still holds a fifth-rank official post—their status remains intact."

I hear the second branch no longer resides in the main Lady Rongguo Mansion, but in the eastern annex, and the two branches now live separately."

Since the first branch refuses to help, we must try the second branch's path—it's our only option."

The second branch, having lost its rightful position, must be weaker in influence than the first branch, and thus more likely to be reasonable."

Worst case, we give away one or two boxes—better than losing everything if we return them to Jin Ling and they're seized…"

(End of chapter)