Chapter 709: Cleverness Invites Resentment

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Fengjie's courtyard.

Wang Wang Xifeng heard the words outside the door and knew that Jia Baoyu's maid, Musk, had come. She didn't need to guess to know it was about the monthly allowance.

After Feng'er came in to announce her, Wang Wang Xifeng let Musk enter the room to talk.

In the past, when people like Amber from Jia Mu's side or Qingwen from Jia Cong's side came, Wang Wang Xifeng would either specifically offer them a seat or pull them to sit on the Arhat bed to talk.

She never put on airs as a mistress, but Musk was Jia Baoyu's maid, and Jia Baoyu had that kind of temper, so she naturally didn't have that face in front of Wang Wang Xifeng.

After Musk entered the room, Wang Wang Xifeng didn't show any courtesy, nor did she offer a seat, just letting her stand and talk.

Among the maids around Jia Baoyu, Wang Wang Xifeng was most familiar with Sister Xi Ren. Although she was familiar with the others, she didn't have much daily interaction with them.

Wang Wang Xifeng originally knew Musk, but didn't have much of an impression of her, only knowing she was a senior maid around Jia Baoyu.

It wasn't until Jia Mu occasionally mentioned that Musk, the maid around Jia Baoyu, was a clever and transparent girl that Wang Wang Xifeng had an extra impression of her.

At this moment, she couldn't help but look carefully, seeing that although she wasn't as outstanding or proud as Wu'er or Qingwen.

She was also pretty, with a slender figure, a very neat-looking girl, and was clean and tidy from head to toe, making her pleasant to look at.

Wang Wang Xifeng asked, "I don't know what Sister Xi Ren asked you to come and talk about?"

Musk smiled and said, "Answering the Second Grandmother, it's actually not a big deal."

"There are quite a few people in the Bao Er Ye's room now, five or six maids and a little servant."

"Most of these people are born into the family or from small households with many family members, all relying on their monthly allowance to supplement their expenses."

"Usually, the allowance is distributed on the tenth, but now it's the thirteenth and there's no movement, so the little maids in the courtyard are whispering."

"Sister Sister Xi Ren is also at her wit's end, but we don't dare to urge this matter."

"Now that Cong Sanye Cong has inherited the family business, everything is diligent and frugal, and the West Mansion has many people. With you managing the household, Second Grandmother, there are always difficulties in maneuvering."

"Sister Sister Xi Ren just asked me to ask the reason so I can go back and talk to the maids and boys in the courtyard, just to get through these days."

Wang Wang Xifeng originally thought that since Musk came to talk about business, she would inevitably mention the delay in the monthly allowance, and there might even be complaints in her words.

If things were really to be brought to a stalemate like this, it would actually suit Wang Wang Xifeng's wishes; she would simply leave Jia Baoyu out in the cold bit by bit and see how much longer he could stay in the West Mansion.

She didn't expect Musk to speak so tactfully and earnestly, leaving no room for criticism, which made her look at her with higher regard.

She thought to herself that although the Old Grandmother was getting on in years, her eye for people was good. This Musk was articulate, clever, and understood worldly wisdom and how to advance or retreat; she was truly a character.

It was a pity that she had to serve a master like Jia Baoyu.

Wang Wang Xifeng said, "You are also born into the family, so you must know the current situation in the mansion."

"Although Cong Sanye Cong has inherited the family business, the family's assets are much less than in previous years, and it's not as wealthy as in the past."

"Last month, a large amount of summer tax was paid, and the public funds are struggling to maneuver, currently facing a famine."

"But even if it's difficult, the Old Grandmother's room cannot be short of anything, and the Bao Er Ye in the East Road Courtyard needs to maintain his official dignity, so naturally, it's not easy to set aside."

"The servants in the outer courtyard who guard the gates and manage the facade need even more care."

"Now I can only take it out on myself. Not to mention the delayed allowance in Jia Baoyu's courtyard, even the maids and old women in my room haven't received a single copper coin this month."

"Go back and tell Sister Xi Ren that for these two months, things will definitely be stretched, and the delay in the allowance is inevitable."

"Tell Sister Xi Ren to manage the maids and boys below. If anyone lacks patience and speaks recklessly without knowing the priorities, I won't be lenient if it reaches my ears."

Musk said, "I have remembered your words, Grandmother. I will go back and tell Sister Sister Xi Ren. I won't delay your meal, Grandmother. I will take my leave."

She performed the etiquette and then walked out of the room.

After Musk left the room, Ping'er said, "Grandmother, why didn't Musk seem to be talking about business? It was as if she was just going through the motions."

"She didn't even ask clearly when the monthly allowance would be distributed, and just left like that?"

Wang Wang Xifeng laughed, "Don't look at how she speaks neither salty nor bland; this girl is a clever person."

"Jia Baoyu's affair in the Rongqing Hall—how could it be hidden from anyone? Sister Xi Ren didn't dare to ask herself, so she pushed Musk out to face the wind."

"Even if the monthly allowance isn't distributed for a month, would they die?"

"When the monthly allowance is distributed is up to us. Asking is useless, so she simply didn't ask."

"This Musk is not simple. I think she doesn't want to get involved in this matter at all and just wants to stay far away."

"She was just instructed by Sister Xi Ren and couldn't refuse, so she came to go through the motions."

"Speaking of which, the Old Grandmother still dotes on Jia Baoyu. The maids arranged for him are all characters, only this master of his is useless."

Musk sighed helplessly just after walking out of Fengjie's courtyard and walked quickly toward Jia Baoyu's courtyard.

Passing by the vicinity of the Rongxi Hall, she saw a maid coming out of the hall, calling her name from afar.

She looked back and saw the maid wearing a crimson vest with embroidered trim, a pink thin jacket with a side opening, a light green long skirt, and a lotus-colored embroidered sweat towel.

Under the afternoon sun, she was bright, pretty, and clever—it was Little Red, the managing maid of the Rongxi Hall.

Musk hurriedly went over and scolded with a smile, "In broad daylight, shouting and screaming—what does it mean if others hear?"

Little Red laughed, "Sister Musk, I haven't seen you for several days. Where are you coming from?"

Musk replied, "Coming back from talking about business at the Second Grandmother's place."

Little Red's eyes narrowed slightly, "I've heard rumors that the monthly allowance for the Bao Er Ye's courtyard hasn't been distributed yet."

"Sister, you rarely go to the Second Grandmother's courtyard. Could it be that you went to talk about this matter?"

Musk smiled bitterly. Good news doesn't leave the door, but bad news travels a thousand miles.

The foolish thing the Bao Er Ye did in the Rongqing Hall and offended the Second Grandmother—how could it be hidden from anyone?

Although the fact that he was being given the cold shoulder by the Second Grandmother hadn't been shouted out yet, the maids in the courtyard hadn't received their allowance, so rumors would always leak out.

Little Red was now in charge of the Rongxi Hall, with maids and old women moving about outside, so it was hard to hide this from her.

Musk laughed, "You really have ears that catch the wind; you've found out everything. Wasn't I just going to talk about this matter?"

Little Red pulled Musk into the shade of a tree and said, "Sister, you were a smart person in the past. Why do you have to get involved in their fight between immortals?"

"It's not that I'm speaking strangely, but the Cong Sanye wants to take a woman into his room. The two of them are willing, so why does the Bao Er Ye have to come out and stop it?"

"I really don't know what the Bao Er Ye is thinking. Does he think he can still manage the Cong Sanye?"

"Not only does no one pay attention to him, but he also implicates the people around him, causing them to suffer. Now, how many people in the mansion are watching the joke?"

Hearing this, Musk's face burned. Jia Baoyu had done something shameful, and as his maid, she naturally lost face.

Moreover, the Bao Er Ye had done that kind of thing himself, yet he still managed others wanting women. This was truly...

In fact, Musk didn't want to get involved in this matter at all. It was the Bao Er Ye who started the trouble, and the logic wasn't on their side, so she couldn't blame others for not giving them face.

Anyway, she didn't care at all about the late distribution of the allowance; others were anxious, but she didn't care. Her family didn't rely on her few coins to start a fire.

Originally, Musk wanted to stay out of it and stay far away, enjoying peace and quiet.

She didn't expect Sister Xi Ren to insist on her going to Wang Wang Xifeng to talk about business, saying that she was clumsy with words and not as articulate as her.

Musk got along well with Sister Xi Ren, and now that she was a prospective concubine of the Second Branch, she had to save some face and couldn't push it away completely.

That was why she agreed to the matter, just to save Sister Xi Ren's face and go through the motions.

The Second Grandmother was such a fierce character; Musk didn't think that by saying a few words, the allowance would be distributed. It was a matter without a shadow.

That was why she spoke so lightly in front of Wang Wang Xifeng just now, and as soon as Wang Wang Xifeng said some polite words, she took the opportunity to take her leave.

She knew Little Red's reminder was also out of good intentions, so she laughed, "I know you're smart enough, and I'm not that muddled."

"I was just helping Sister Xi Ren ask a few ordinary questions. It's not worth it, and I won't offend anyone."

Little Red said, "The Bao Er Ye is gossiping about Sister Ping'er now. You can tell that he has had that kind of thought in his heart for a long time."

"Wait until the Second Young Mistress enters the door next year, and the Bao Er Ye has someone in charge of the inner chambers. Do you think he will still manage the First Branch's women's business?"

"Don't talk about one Sister Ping'er; in the future, even if it's a proper wife from a noble family or a relative, it's not impossible."

"Does the Bao Er Ye want to make such a move, speaking without restraint and saying whatever he wants? Who knows what kind of joke he will make."

"Fortunately, Sister, you are not like Sister Xi Ren and Seeing Caiyun, who have to eat from that pot for a lifetime. In the future, you still have your own way out..."

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Jia Baoyu's courtyard.

Musk chatted with Little Red for a few words and then hurried back to the courtyard, but because of Little Red's words, she felt a bit unsettled.

Originally, she only wanted to do her duty as a maid, live a peaceful life, and be released when she reached the age.

Now it seems things are not that simple. In the past six months, the Bao Er Ye's absurd things have been one after another, and they haven't stopped.

Now he even interferes in the Cong Sanye Cong's taking in of women without knowing the priorities.

On the surface, it only offended the Second Grandmother, but the Cong Sanye Cong of the East Mansion knows about this. How could he have a good face toward the Bao Er Ye?

The Second Branch is now not only a side branch, but its ability is far inferior to the First Branch, and it has offended everyone. The days ahead will likely be difficult...

Musk entered the courtyard with worry. Seeing her return, Sister Xi Ren hurriedly pulled her to the side.

She asked, "Musk, what did the Second Grandmother say? When will the monthly allowance in the courtyard be distributed?"

Musk told Sister Xi Ren every word of Wang Wang Xifeng's rhetoric.

Sister Xi Ren's face looked ugly when she heard it, "These are excuses from the Second Grandmother. It's obvious she wants to withhold the monthly allowance for the Bao Er Ye's room."

"Didn't you ask a few more questions? Even if the distribution is delayed, there should be a definite date?"

Musk replied, "Sister Sister Xi Ren, who can't see now that the Bao Er Ye's blocking of Ping'er offended the Second Grandmother, so she is using the monthly allowance to make a scene?"

"This is to warn the Bao Er Ye not to interfere in the First Branch's affairs. Now we are living in someone else's mansion; we have to swallow this breath."

"The Second Grandmother is currently in a fit of anger. If I still ask for a definite date for the allowance, do you think she will have a good face? I'm afraid she will just make more trouble."

"Not asking is better than asking. Anyway, it's almost the middle of the month. No matter how delayed it is, it won't be more than ten days. Do you think the allowance for this month will be gone?"

"Instead of worrying about the allowance, Sister, you'd better persuade the Bao Er Ye more. It's always good to have more taboos in speech and action in the future."

"The Cong Sanye Cong's affairs are not something we can manage, and there's no need for us to speak. Everyone should just be peaceful in the future."

The two were talking when suddenly they heard someone snort behind them, and both were startled.

That person said, "What a good maid! In front of others, you act like a frozen cat, but you know how to teach men how to behave. You have no rules or respect!"

Sister Xi Ren and Musk looked back, and their faces changed. They had been so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't notice Lady Wang had entered the courtyard at this moment.

Behind Lady Wang stood Autumn Pattern, with a mean, gloating smile on her face.

Sister Xi Ren and Musk didn't need to ask to know why the Mistress had suddenly come to the West Mansion.

Last time, Lady Wang learned that Sister Xi Ren had heard Jia Cong's sharp words, and because of Musk's instigation, she had kept it all in the dark, not daring to spread it.

She was a paranoid and narrow-minded person. Even if Jia Mu said Musk's approach was appropriate.

She privately felt that Musk's intentions were impure, and deceiving her master was an act of disloyalty.

But because of Jia Mu's words, she couldn't make a scene about this matter at the time, but her suspicion of Musk took root because of this.

Today, she got word from Autumn Pattern that the monthly allowance in Jia Baoyu's courtyard hadn't been distributed, and she felt a great humiliation, so she rushed over regardless of anything else.

She didn't dare to go directly to Wang Wang Xifeng. After all, the power of the family business was currently in the hands of the First Branch, and she still had some concerns.

She thought she would go to Jia Baoyu's room first, ask Sister Xi Ren to clarify the situation, and then make plans. After all, she didn't fully believe Autumn Pattern's words...

Just now, Lady Wang took a shortcut and entered the courtyard from the side door, so Sister Xi Ren and Musk didn't notice.

It also happened that she heard the conversation between the two. There was nothing wrong with Sister Xi Ren's words.

But in Lady Wang's eyes, the instigation and deception in Musk's words were already obvious.

Lady Wang had hated clever women all her life, not only because such women were contrary to her temperament.

But also because she felt that such women were born restless and would sooner or later cause trouble.

In the past, she was jealous and disliked her sister-in-law Jia Min, and later she didn't like Jia Min's daughter, Lin Lin Daiyu, because they were all clever and delicate, making Lady Wang unable to hide her inexplicable disgust.

Even though Little Red was just a maid, because she was lively and active, she was not favored by Lady Wang and was driven out of the courtyard for some trivial matter.

Now, Musk's cleverness, articulate and crisp speech, and her several acts of instigation and deception naturally aroused Lady Wang's evil intentions.

But Little Red was just a third-class rough maid at the time, and even if she was Lin Lin Zhixiao's daughter, Lady Wang could drive her out as she pleased.

Musk was different from Little Red. She was a senior maid around Jia Baoyu, known to everyone in the West Mansion, and had left an impression on the Old Grandmother.

If Lady Wang drove her out easily, the commotion would be too big, Jia Baoyu would lose face, and the Old Grandmother would also be unhappy.

Besides, times were different now. Jia Baoyu's maids had been significantly reduced, and there was already a shortage of people to serve...

Although Lady Wang was already disgusted with Musk, she couldn't make a scene at this moment, so she scolded Musk severely in front of Sister Xi Ren.

Jia Baoyu heard the commotion outside and hurriedly went out to see what was happening, seeing the Mistress scolding severely and Musk lowering her head and crying.

Jia Baoyu heard a little and knew it was about the monthly allowance, feeling annoyed in his heart.

Seeing Musk in tears, he felt a bit soft-hearted and wanted to say a few good words for her, but seeing Lady Wang's gloomy and fierce expression, he didn't dare to act rashly.

He shook his head helplessly, feeling that everyone around him was trapped in filth, busy with petty things every day, only concerned with economic and vulgar matters.

They didn't know the pure and transcendent realm of this world, and they would never catch a glimpse of it in their lifetime. It was truly sad and sigh-worthy...

Lady Wang didn't know her son's bizarre thoughts. After scolding Musk, she didn't take it to heart, only thinking about how to help Jia Baoyu regain his face.

The best method she could think of was to go to the Rongqing Hall and talk to Jia Mu, insisting on rectifying the increasingly corrupt family style of the West Mansion...

Count's Mansion, Jia Cong's courtyard.

This day was the fifth-day rest day, but the construction of the firearm workshop would not stop because of this.

Jia Cong still went to the workshop early in the morning to manage affairs, busy for most of the day, and only returned to the mansion after noon, which could be considered stealing half a day of leisure.

Not long after he entered the inner courtyard, he saw Seeing Yingchun's maid, Embroidery Orange, come over and say, "Cong Sanye, the Young Lady invites you over to talk."

When Jia Cong entered the main room of Seeing Yingchun's courtyard, he saw a stack of gifts on the marble-topped round table in the courtyard, and Seeing Yingchun was carefully checking them.

Jia Cong saw her wearing a pink magnolia-embroidered long jacket and a pleated palace skirt, her figure graceful and her posture elegant.

The red gemstone phoenix hairpin on her head shone with bright and moving brilliance in the afternoon light and shadow.

Seeing Jia Cong enter, Seeing Yingchun laughed, "Today is a rest day, and I haven't seen you all morning. You must have gone to the workshop again."

Jia Cong laughed, "What does the Second Sister want to talk to me about?"

Seeing Yingchun laughed, "Come and take a look at these congratulatory gifts and see if they are satisfactory."

Jia Cong saw several bolts of bright palace satin, a hibiscus bed curtain, a pair of red satin feather-yarn soft pillows, two brocade quilts with a hundred-son pattern, and a box of top-quality jewelry and headwear on the table.

Seeing Yingchun laughed, "The Old Grandmother has already set the seventeenth as the day for Ping'er to perform the room-entry ceremony. We should prepare a little bit on our side."

"Zhi Shao and Wu'er have been by your side since they were young and have always been valued and doted on by you, so they are naturally different."

"Ping'er is different from them. She hasn't followed you for a day, and she is the Second Sister-in-law's personal maid, so she can be considered a gift from the elder sister-in-law."

"Since she is a newcomer to our East Mansion, she is a newcomer to the family. We should prepare some etiquette to wish for good luck and add to the liveliness."

Jia Cong naturally knew about this. He thought of the time when Jia She died suddenly and Jia Lady Lian was convicted, and the family was in a troubled time.

Wang Wang Xifeng was in a difficult situation, and in order to get his support, Ping'er was muddledly promised to him.

Regardless of how Jia Cong viewed this matter, for a big mansion maid like Ping'er, her fate was not her own, and he had become her only lifelong reliance.

He remembered the sudden intimacy between them when Ping'er came to deliver the return gifts that day...

Jia Cong laughed, "These gifts are all very good. Second Sister, you have put in the effort. You are the elder sister in charge of the household, so you can make the decision."

Seeing Yingchun said, "I heard rumors this morning that the West Mansion usually distributes the monthly allowance on the tenth, but it hasn't been distributed in Jia Baoyu's courtyard yet."

"The day the Second Sister-in-law discussed Ping'er's room-entry with the Old Grandmother, Jia Baoyu wanted to speak up to stop it, which offended the Second Sister-in-law. Third Brother must have heard about it too."

Jia Cong thought slightly and said, "Matters in the Rongqing Hall are never things that can be kept secret, so I naturally know."

"Since I have entrusted the West Mansion to the Second Sister-in-law to manage, I naturally have to entrust her with the power to manage the household. Managing a household is like managing an army; without trust, nothing can be established, and without authority, nothing can be done."

"The Second Sister-in-law delaying the distribution of the monthly allowance in Jia Baoyu's courtyard naturally has her intentions and purposes. I won't ask about everything, let the Second Sister-in-law plan it herself."

"Second Sister, you also know that Jia Baoyu still lives in the West Mansion, which is actually inconsistent with filial piety and family etiquette."

"It's just that for the sake of the Old Grandmother and the Master's face, I don't want to spend energy to interfere."

"But in the past six months, Jia Baoyu has acted quite absurdly, and there have been many rumors in the West Mansion."

"Since the Old Grandmother and the Second Aunt are too doting, it's good to let the Second Sister-in-law discipline him."

"If the Second Aunt has anything to say, I will naturally come forward to explain the principles..." (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 710 =====