Chapter 706: Brow Furrowed, Evening Bath, Scented

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, East Courtyard.

Jia Baoyu thought how his sisters had changed their ways, lingering so long in Rongqing Hall—such intimate moments of conversation were ones he simply could not afford to miss.

More urgently, from what Old Zhang had said just now, he felt something was amiss.

Jia Cong dared to be so familiar with Lin Lin Meimei—it was utterly improper.

How could he possibly stay peacefully in the East Courtyard if Lin Lin Meimei were to suffer or be wronged?

But Madame Wang's words carried far greater intimidation, instantly deflating Jia Baoyu's spirit.

His lifelong wish was to be a pure, noble man before the girls, earning their admiration and affection, drawing their tender tears.

Only then would his life's endeavor be complete—even in death, he would be buried by their tears, fulfilling the dignity of his birth with the jade in his mouth.

If they learned the truth—that he was no upright, noble man—what face would he have to approach them? Better to die clean.

Jia Baoyu said reluctantly, "Mother's words are wise. I'll first recover my health, then pay proper respects to Grandma—that's the right way."

Madame Wang, seeing her son finally come to his senses, sighed with relief, offered more soothing words, and urged him to return and take his medicine, rest.

Jia Baoyu left Madame Wang's chamber with listless spirits, his heart once again steeped in sorrow and resentment.

He murmured softly: "The Nan Hua Jing says, the clever toil, the wise worry; the incapable seek nothing."

As one of such exceptional beings, towering above the forest, heaven and earth grow weary of me—suffering must descend to temper me. His heart filled with grief and gloom, deeply moving him…

…

Having calmed Jia Baoyu, Madame Wang felt a slight ease—yet not long after, Seeing Caiyun entered the room.

She said: "Madam, the last decoction of the medicine Master Chen prepared for Second Young Master has just been finished."

Last night, Doctor Hu came for a follow-up and revised several ingredients in the prescription. Master Chen went to the pharmacy early this morning to get the new herbs."

All other herbs were obtained, but the wild ginseng as the key ingredient requires thirty years' age—even in pharmacies, it's rare."

Master Chen visited every major pharmacy in Love Shenjing, but none had suitable stock on hand."

She asked several pharmacy owners, who all said current supplies are depleted; it'll take at least seven or eight days, up to half a month, before high-age ginseng arrives."

Madame Wang exclaimed: "How can this be? Doctors rely on efficacy—delaying Jia Baoyu's treatment for ten or fifteen days is unacceptable!"

Seeing Caiyun continued: "Madam, don't fret. I thought the Western Mansion's common treasury might hold some fine ginseng, mostly reserved for Grandma's health."

I went to the Western Mansion just now, using Xi Ren's injury as an excuse, hoping to borrow a good ginseng for Second Young Master."

But Ping'er said the treasury once held fine ginseng, but Grandma used some recently, and Second Mistress used the rest during childbirth—there's none left now."

She even planned to ask Second Young Lady from the Eastern Mansion for some, to help Second Mistress recover after childbirth."

Madame Wang paused, startled: "They're going to ask Second Young Lady for ginseng?"

Seeing Caiyun said: "Madam, how could you forget? Cong Sanye has excellent farms in Liaodong. Every festival, the estates send harvests—and they never lack fine ginseng."

Last time you celebrated your birthday, Cong Sanye sent ginseng as a gift—I myself stewed it for you and Master to nourish your health."

Madame Wang said: "I'd forgotten that. The ginseng he sent last time was indeed excellent."

But Jia Baoyu's condition must not be revealed—asking the Eastern Mansion for ginseng might raise suspicions and leak word."

…

Madame Wang felt asking the Eastern Mansion for ginseng not only risked exposing Jia Baoyu's illness.

She also felt it demeaned her dignity as an elder—shouldn't they be offering ginseng to her, not the other way around?

Seeing Caiyun said: "Madam, this isn't hard to manage. We can do it without drawing notice—just send Sister Sheyu to speak."

Madame Wang, puzzled, asked: "What does Sister Sheyu have to do with this?"

Seeing Caiyun said: "Madam doesn't know the full story—Xiaohong, once a lowly maid in Second Young Master's quarters, became Cong Sanye's senior maid."

She now commands his favor, serving as stewardess in Rongxi Hall, and holds influence in the Eastern Mansion."

Hearing Xiaohong's name, Madame Wang felt a sharp pang of disgust—Xiaohong's affair had deeply shamed her.

A third-class maid from Jia Baoyu's quarters, one she herself had driven out—

Yet Jia Cong picked her up, promoted her to one of the Western Mansion's top maids, clearly meant to humiliate her.

Madame Wang had harbored silent resentment over this for a long time, but could do nothing.

She usually loathed hearing Xiaohong's name—yet Seeing Caiyun deliberately brought it up.

But knowing Seeing Caiyun acted for Jia Baoyu's sake, she forced herself to listen.

Seeing Caiyun continued: "Madam doesn't know—when Xiaohong was in Second Young Master's quarters, she was closest to Sister Sheyu. They still speak regularly."

Madame Wang grew even more displeased—Sister Sheyu was Jia Baoyu's maid, knew Xiaohong had been expelled by her, and now served Jia Cong.

This fool still fraternizes with Xiaohong—then what secrets of Jia Baoyu's quarters wouldn't the Eastern Mansion know?

…

Seeing Caiyun spoke without intent, unaware of Madame Wang's thoughts, nor that she still harbored such bitter envy toward a lowly maid.

She went on: "Just have Sister Sheyu ask Xiaohong to speak on behalf of Xi Ren—say she suffered an internal injury and needs fine ginseng to recover."

If Xiaohong asks the Eastern Mansion, Cong Sanye and Second Young Lady will surely give it—this matter will be settled, and Second Young Master's treatment won't be delayed."

Once this urgent need is met, in a few days, the outer pharmacies will receive new stock—we'll simply buy from them. No one will notice."

Madame Wang pondered Seeing Caiyun's words and found them sound—relying constantly on Eastern Mansion ginseng would inevitably draw suspicion.

Madame Wang looked down on Xiaohong, seeing her as a traitorous servant—but now she must rely on her favor.

Yet she had to admit: Seeing Caiyun's plan was sound. To prevent Jia Baoyu's hidden illness from worsening, they must make do with this for now.

Madame Wang said: "You've thought this through well. Do it this way. Go to the Western Mansion now and arrange it."

If Jia Baoyu recovers from this illness, I'll remember your service—you'll never be slighted in his quarters."

But Sister Sheyu is no match for you or Xi Ren—this matter must never reach her ears, or it may leak and cause trouble."

I'll have someone buy ordinary ginseng from outside. When Sister Sheyu brings the fine one, you'll secretly swap it—so she won't suspect."

Seeing Caiyun had no ambition for favor—she believed that, like Xi Ren, she'd eventually become a concubine, with nothing worth fighting over.

Yet Madame Wang's words strengthened her resolve: as long as Madam stood by her, she'd never be wronged.

…

Bo Jue Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

At sunset, the afterglow painted the Eastern Mansion's rear garden in golden-red hues.

Jia Cong returned from the armory, washed his face, changed clothes, and headed toward Lin Daiyu's quarters.

Halfway there, he saw a figure approaching—graceful, delicate, lovely.

Dressed in a pink silk thin jacket, over a red satin embroidered vest, with a white pleated skirt below.

As she walked lightly, the hem fluttered, radiating nimbleness and precision—it was Xiaohong.

Xiaohong usually managed Rongxi Hall in the Western Mansion; Jia Cong rarely saw her in the Eastern Mansion.

Yet when she saw Jia Cong, her face lit with delight, and she hurried forward.

She bowed with a smile: "Cong Sanye has passed the imperial exam and now attends court daily—you come to the Western Mansion less often, and I haven't seen you in ages."

Today I have a favor to ask, and was wondering when you'd return from court, hoping to catch you by chance."

I was about to seek out Young Lady, but here you are—what perfect timing."

Jia Cong had always admired Xiaohong's wit and efficiency—she was one of the few maids who truly understood things.

He smiled: "That's novel. I've always been the one giving you orders—never heard you needed to trouble me."

Xiaohong laughed: "It's not my own matter—it's about Xi Ren from Second Young Master's quarters."

Jia Cong paused, puzzled: "What now? What does Xi Ren have to do with this?"

Xiaohong said: "A few days ago, in the rain, Xi Ren slipped and fell, injuring herself badly."

The physician said the injury is serious—she needs aged wild ginseng to restore her strength, or she'll develop chronic internal ailments."

Jia Cong asked casually: "She just slipped? How could that cause such a severe injury, even affect fertility?"

Xiaohong's cheeks flushed slightly. She stepped closer and whispered: "This came from Sister Sheyu—it's not something to be spoken of openly, or Xi Ren would lose face."

She said that when Xi Ren slipped, her umbrella struck her chest and abdomen—she couldn't even walk, and Second Young Master had to carry her back."

The physician said she injured vital organs—her internal organs were bruised, her kidneys weakened, her blood deficient, with internal stagnation—and she vomited blood twice."

If not properly cared for, she'll… she'll never bear children."

Today, Second Madam summoned another physician, who said she needs aged wild ginseng to replenish her losses—but none is available outside."

Sister Sheyu came to me—after all these years together, I couldn't refuse to help."

Xiaohong and Sister Sheyu had always been close, and Xi Ren had once treated her kindly. Hearing of her grave injury, Xiaohong felt pity and wished to lend aid.

Otherwise, as a maiden, she wouldn't have endured the shame to speak of fertility before Jia Cong.

…

Hearing Xiaohong's words, Jia Cong felt suspicion stir.

A simple slip, an umbrella striking her—how could that cause internal organ damage, let alone destroy a woman's ability to bear children?

This wasn't an accidental fall—it resembled blunt trauma, a hidden internal injury from a heavy blow.

Jia Cong suddenly asked: "Xiaohong, you say Xi Ren fell while with Jia Baoyu—and he carried her back?"

Xiaohong, puzzled by his tone, replied: "Sister Sheyu said that day, Second Young Master went to visit Second Mistress, then heavy rain fell."

Xi Ren worried he'd get soaked, so she went out to bring him an umbrella—and slipped on the way."

Jia Cong heard this and began to suspect.

Hadn't there once been a rainstorm, when Jia Baoyu, stung by petty slights and drenched, committed some vile, brutal act?

Jia Cong sneered inwardly—if his guess was right, Xi Ren wasn't injured by a fall—she was kicked. Only then would such a hidden injury arise.

It seems this event was unavoidable—it unfolded as before, only slightly altered.

Jia Cong said: "If a girl suffers such an injury, it ruins her entire life."

Go find the eldest miss and ask for a thirty-year wild ginseng root—say it's my request.

Xiao Hong listened, delighted, her small mouth quick and nimble: "Cong Sanye is truly compassionate—even a maid gets to use precious ginseng."

"A lifetime of blessings, longevity to a hundred years, high office and rich stipends, dukes and marquises for ten thousand generations…"

Jia Cong laughed and scolded: "Is this worth all your flattery? I merely think one wild ginseng root saving a life is a fair trade."

…

Bo Jue Mansion, Lin Daiyu's Courtyard.

As Jia Cong stepped through the courtyard gate, the bamboo grove in the front yard rustled gently in the evening breeze, leaves swaying with a soft shushing sound.

The sound carried no hint of noise, only serene harmony, deepening the courtyard's tranquil peace.

In days past, when Jia Cong visited Lin Daiyu's courtyard, he often heard her playing the qin.

Sometimes he would not even enter to disturb her, standing outside the door, listening quietly, content and at ease, until the music inside ceased.

Today, the room was silent. As he approached the main house, he saw Xue Yan leading two maids, carrying several wooden buckets out.

Behind the lifted curtain, a warm, fragrant scent drifted out, making one involuntarily feel soft and enchanted.

Xue Yan saw Jia Cong and smiled: "Cong Sanye has come—the young lady is inside; please wait a moment."

Hearing this, Jia Cong lowered his hand from the curtain and waited a short while.

Inside, Lin Daiyu's voice rang clear as silver bells: "Third brother, are you outside? Please come in and sit. Zi Juan, brew tea for Third Brother."

Jia Cong then lifted the curtain and saw Lin Daiyu seated beside the bed, fiddling with the magic cube he had given her.

She wore a pale moon-white embroidered jacket with a crossed collar, paired with a matching pale moon-white embroidered long skirt, flowing and light, exuding a charming, graceful ease.

Her long hair was braided into two loose strands, softly hanging down her back, still damp.

Her cheeks glowed with a tempting rosy hue, like jade veined with emerald snow.

All the windows were wide open, the evening breeze flowing steadily into the room.

Yet the warm, intoxicating feminine fragrance had not yet dissipated; Jia Cong could not help but breathe lightly, feeling refreshed and serene.

…

He had seen Xue Yan leading people out with buckets and been asked to wait at the door—he realized he had arrived at just the right moment, catching Lin Daiyu in her bath.

Her hair was still not dry; had he not come just then, she likely wouldn't have even braided it, waiting to air-dry wherever she was.

Lin Daiyu's eyes, bright and shimmering, flickered with awareness—she seemed to notice Jia Cong's breath—and her face flushed involuntarily.

She whispered: "Third brother, you're home early today—it's only just sunset, the sky isn't even dark yet."

Jia Cong smiled: "The workshop affairs outside the city are all settled; what needed attention is done. Now it's just routine—no need to stay there day or night.

So naturally, as soon as work ends, I come home early. Have you taken your medicine on time today? Don't forget."

"Yesterday, Master Zhang sent word with new pills—enough for you until year's end. Take them for another year, and your illness will be gone for good."

Lin Daiyu laughed: "Third brother, you're so nagging—every day you ask. Even if I were truly careless, I'd be too afraid of your scolding to miss a single dose."

She added: "You said Master Zhang hasn't been in the Divine Capital for half a year—so who delivered these pills?"

Jia Cong smiled: "A merchant from Jin Ling, traveling between Jin Ling and the Divine Capital, delivered them on Master Zhang's behalf."

…

Jia Cong asked again: "Did you eat well today? What did you have?"

Lin Daiyu smiled: "I ate at Grandma's today—with my sisters, Auntie Xue and Xue Baochai."

Grandma was pleased by the crowd, so she ordered a grand banquet—many dishes from the Western Mansion's kitchen."

We had red glutinous rice, steamed duck with fermented rice, ham and fresh bamboo shoot soup, eight-treasure smoked carp, assorted hot and cold dishes.

And two plates of tofu skin buns—very delicious.

Grandma's dish of steamed lamb with milk smelled wonderfully fragrant, but that's for the elderly—we dared not touch it."

Too bad you weren't there, Third Brother—if you had been, we'd have enjoyed it even more. You eat at the yamen, I imagine it's barely edible—just enough to fill your belly."

Lin Daiyu seemed regretful Jia Cong hadn't been there; her words were vivid and lively, making him feel as if he had been present.

…

Jia Cong smiled: "I've heard Shi Xiangyun complain—you usually don't stay long when paying respects to Grandma, rushing back to the Eastern Mansion.

Why did you stay so long in Rongqing Hall today, even eating lunch with her before returning?"

Just then, Zi Juan entered with fresh tea: "The young lady stayed so long because her ears were finally quiet."

"Since Second Master moved to the Eastern Wing, he's no longer buzzing around like before."

Lin Daiyu, caught out by Zi Juan, pouted slightly: "You're always so nosy. When Third Brother's away, there's no one to talk to.

So naturally, I stayed with the sisters—it was rare everyone was in good spirits, so I couldn't leave alone."

Jia Cong found this odd—he had just seen Xiao Hong, who had only mentioned Xi Ren's injury, not that Bao Yu had moved to the Eastern Wing.

He said: "Xiao Hong came to tell me Xi Ren was injured and is recovering in the Western Mansion—it's strange."

"Xi Ren is Bao Yu's chief maid; they're always inseparable. Why would Bao Yu move to the Eastern Wing and leave Xi Ren behind in the Western Mansion?"

"I heard Xi Ren's injury is serious—the physician said she needs fine ginseng to nourish her root and consolidate her essence. That's why Xiao Hong came to ask for an aged wild ginseng."

Lin Daiyu frowned in puzzlement: "Now that you mention it, it does seem odd."

"Xi Ren's been injured for five or six days—I heard from Shi Xiangyun she hasn't improved much, so it must be severe."

"If she needs top-grade wild ginseng, why wait so long to use it?"

"A girl's injury is never trivial—how could they be so careless and delay?"

Both Jia Cong and Lin Daiyu were sharp-minded; their casual remarks revealed something unusual.

But no matter how suspicious, it was the Second Branch's affair—none of their concern—and soon they let it go.

…

They spoke softly, laughing, their hearts in perfect harmony; without noticing, night had fallen, the evening breeze growing cooler.

With nothing else to do, they took turns playing with the magic cube, their heads close, growing ever more intimate.

Jia Cong noticed Lin Daiyu's loose braids had gradually dried, swaying slightly in the breeze, adding to her elegant charm.

Her silken strands occasionally brushed his cheek, tickling him—he wanted to grab them, yet dared not.

His heart quickened; his peripheral vision was drawn to her fragrant, dark tresses, stirring an urge to gently stroke them.

Zi Juan entered to refill the teacups, seeing Cong Sanye and the young lady sitting side by side on the bed, laughing happily—clearly very close.

Her face flushed slightly; she had lifted half the pearl curtain, then gently lowered it again, afraid of making noise, and turned to leave the room… (End of Chapter)