Chapter 713

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

The words "outside male" in Mother Lin's speech were like stabbing a knife into Jia Baoyu's heart, piercing through all his deep affection and self-pity.

His heart was furious, beyond angry, and his mind was a chaotic mess.

With dull eyes, he muttered to himself, "Only Jia Cong is not an 'outside male,' and I have become an 'outside male'? This is unreasonable, this is unreasonable!"

In fact, Jia Baoyu was not completely muddled; born into a great aristocratic family since childhood, how could he not know deep down that what Mother Lin said was the correct principle?

But he had no confidence to refute the other party's words, because he vaguely knew that if he refuted these words, he would likely leave behind a handle and cause a lot of trouble.

But he just didn't want to accept and admit that he had always been the legitimate son of the Jia family, the grandson the Old Mistress loved most, and that he was born with jade in his mouth...

A flash of inspiration suddenly struck his mind, and he said indignantly, "Mother's words make no sense; I know Brother Lan is entering the hall, is he not an 'outside male' either!"

Mother Lin couldn't help but laugh out loud when she heard Jia Baoyu's words, "Look at how the Bao Er Ye speaks; although Brother Lan is a male, he is not a descendant of the First Branch.

But Brother Lan is only seven years old this year; what kind of 'outside male' does he count as? He is just a child.

Furthermore, he is a junior, led into the hall by the hand of the First Branch's eldest mistress; for someone as small as him, there is no need to avoid the female relatives."

Jia Baoyu was also full of anger, which was why he spoke without thinking; hearing Mother Lin's slightly mocking tone, his big face became even more like a blood-weeping moon.

Mother Lin seemed to speak earnestly, saying, "The Bao Er Ye's situation today is different from the past; you have now grown into an adult, past the age of fifteen.

This year, your engagement has also been set; you are a proper married man. Needless to say, you should avoid the female relatives in the same room, and even more so the female relatives in other rooms; this is the demeanor of a young master of a great family.

Otherwise, if your words and deeds are too reckless and the talk spreads outside for people to hear, they will say the Lady Rongguo Mansion has no etiquette or rules."

Jia Baoyu felt that the old woman's words were becoming increasingly vulgar, and he felt so depressed he wanted to die, his face gradually turning pale.

He was an outstanding and pure person, only fifteen years old, with plenty of youthful years ahead, and should be roaming the inner chambers with his sisters, living a carefree life.

It was only out of utter helplessness that he became tainted with the foul-smelling business of matchmakers, and he was heartbroken to be slandered as a married man.

How could a person like me, who is not of the common mold, bear such a thing as being a married man? It is truly too malicious and vulgar.

How can I be open and honest in front of my sisters in the future, and how can I be intimate with them?

People like Sister Lin and Sister Bao, hearing such a filthy name, I don't know how they would feel sad and regretful for me...

Although Mother Lin didn't know Jia Baoyu's eccentric thoughts, seeing his ashamed and embarrassed expression after hearing her words, she knew she had hit the mark with one sentence.

She became even more spirited and said, "The Bao Er Ye should understand the hardship of the Cong Sanye in creating the family business; now the Lady Rongguo Mansion is a family of scholars and a Hanlin household.

A married man avoiding female relatives of other rooms—this kind of family rule and etiquette is even more important than before; this kind of face must never be lost..."

Mother Lin's words seemed sincere, but the meaning was very vicious, and she didn't leave Jia Baoyu any face at all.

Even if these words were passed to the Old Mistress's ears and the Old Mistress became unhappy because of it, she wouldn't be too afraid in her heart.

Now the Lady Rongguo Mansion had long since changed its sky; she was eating Jia Cong's rice bowl and had already torn off her mask with the Second Branch.

Her daughter Xiaohong was Jia Cong's capable head maid and was very favored by Jia Cong in her daily work, so she naturally knew which side to stand on.

A few days ago, the Second Mistress stopped issuing the monthly allowance for Jia Baoyu's room, which was no small matter in the inner chambers, but Cong Sanye Cong didn't say a word about it.

Mother Lin had spent her whole life in the great mansion; how could she not see that the Cong Sanye and the Second Mistress were of one mind, and they must also be tired of the Bao Er Ye Jia Baoyu.

Seeing the root of this situation clearly, what scruples would she have in speaking to Jia Baoyu...

Jia Baoyu was dumbfounded by the old woman's continuous attacks, his face pale, and his whole body trembling slightly with anger.

The name of "married man" had already made him feel he had no place to hide, and the words "Hanlin household" were even more like skinning and deboning him.

He even had the illusion that the ground of the West Mansion he was stepping on was scorching hot, making it almost impossible for him to stand, and he wanted to turn back and flee in a panic.

But he was not reconciled in his heart, and he couldn't help but roll his eyes, yet he felt that under these circumstances, it didn't seem appropriate, so he couldn't help but hesitate...

The atmosphere in Rongqing Hall was warm and lively; seeing Ping'er in her new clothes, charming, exquisite, and moving, the Old Mistress couldn't help but feel fond of her.

She suddenly felt a bit of emotion; no wonder Jia Baoyu was like that that day, but it's a pity that Jia Baoyu didn't have the good fortune for such a person.

She smiled and accepted the tea Ping'er offered, and rewarded Ping'er with a black sandalwood vanity box filled with top-quality jewelry as a return gift.

She also smiled and gave some ordinary instructions, while Xue Xue Yima and others either sent congratulatory gifts or said some auspicious and congratulatory words.

Suddenly, there was some commotion outside the hall, and one could vaguely hear people arguing.

The Old Mistress frowned and asked, "What is happening outside? It sounds a bit noisy."

Wang Wang Xifeng's expression changed slightly; she was not old and hard of hearing like the Old Mistress, and had long heard Jia Baoyu's voice vaguely outside.

Now she had also figured out Jia Baoyu's temperament; he always considered himself the phoenix of the mansion and liked to talk nonsense and gossip in front of female relatives to show he was different from the common crowd.

But if a great scholar like Brother Cong was present, he would be timid and cowardly, not daring to even let out a fart, and his demeanor was truly tiresome.

Wang Wang Xifeng also guessed that since Ping'er was performing ceremonies today, Jia Baoyu, who was accustomed to entering and leaving Rongqing Hall, would likely come to join the fun today.

If he was jealous in his heart and didn't care about anything, and said some unpleasant, crooked words, both she and Ping'er would lose face.

Therefore, before entering the hall this morning, Wang Wang Xifeng instructed Mother Lin to guard the entrance of Rongqing Hall.

It was because Mother Lin was a manager in the inner courtyard and was very mature in handling things and speaking; someone else really couldn't do this.

She had only given a few side instructions beforehand, and Mother Lin immediately understood; now that there was movement outside the hall, Wang Wang Xifeng guessed what was going on.

She gave a wink to Feng'er beside her and said, "You go out and see what's the matter, and don't disturb the Old Mistress."

Feng'er returned not long after going out and said, "It's the Bao Er Ye Jia Baoyu outside; he is arguing to enter the hall.

But today is the day for the female relatives of the First Branch to perform family ceremonies; Mother Lin is following etiquette and rules, saying that the males of the Second Branch need to avoid the female relatives, and the Bao Er Ye is making a bit of a scene."

The female relatives in the hall had somewhat strange expressions upon hearing Feng'er's words.

Xue Xue Yima was expressionless, picked up her teacup and took a sip, saying nothing, her demeanor and expression unusually cold.

Xue Xue Yima and Lady Wang were sisters; according to the common sense of closeness, she should have spoken a few words for Jia Baoyu at this moment, but her expression was quite thought-provoking.

Female relatives entering the room to perform ceremonies, males of other rooms avoiding them according to etiquette—this was the proper separation between men and women in a great household.

Jia Baoyu making a scene to enter the hall at this time was quite embarrassing; anyone could see that Xue Xue Yima didn't want to get involved to avoid losing her own face.

Li Wan's expression was a bit ashamed; after all, the one causing trouble was from her Second Branch, and she felt a bit faceless.

She complained in her heart that this Jia Baoyu was too unaware of the weight of matters; female relatives were performing family ceremonies, so why was he coming to join the fun?

Now the family was not as it used to be; it was enough that he lived in the West Mansion in a disorderly way and didn't know how to be filial to his father.

Why did he have to make a fool of himself at such a juncture? The way Feng'er had snatched the conversation just now and only let her own maid go out to see what was going on felt strange no matter how she looked at it.

The words that Feng'er brought back sounded as if she had been instigated, almost explicitly scolding Jia Baoyu for not knowing the rules.

Jia Baoyu was also a grown man; couldn't he see that the First Branch didn't like him? Zhao Yiniang was also a formidable person, so why didn't she often remind her son?

Li Wan felt dissatisfied in her heart; the Second Branch had this kind of family upbringing, no wonder they let the First Branch take the lead and ended up in this situation.

She couldn't help but pull her son to her side, thinking that her Lan'er must be strictly disciplined to avoid following Jia Baoyu's path.

Beside her, You Shi also had a strange expression; she had dealt with Wang Wang Xifeng as sisters-in-law for years and knew her temperament well; hearing her few words just now, she knew she wouldn't have a good face.

After all, they lived in the same mansion, and she had also heard rumors about the delayed monthly allowance; this was the First and Second Branches fighting each other, a common filth in great households.

This Jia Baoyu also didn't know how to advance or retreat; now that the Lady Rongguo Mansion was in such a state, he was still charging around like this and would sooner or later cause trouble.

Just as Feng'er finished speaking, Wang Wang Xifeng continued, "Old Mistress, Brother Cong is at the office today and not at home, and Ping'er is entering the room to perform ceremonies.

The West Mansion is not like before; everyone says it's a Hanlin household and a noble family, and many people are watching to see the novelty.

If a scandal breaks out and becomes a joke for outsiders, I won't have the face to see Brother Cong.

Jia Baoyu is an 'outside male' after all, and it's inconvenient for him to meddle in the affairs of the First Branch's female relatives; he is the grandson the Old Mistress loves most, so she should still persuade him a little."

Wang Wang Xifeng's words were tactful and polite, but the Old Mistress's face burned with shame upon hearing them, blaming Jia Baoyu for not being sensible and choosing to come at this time.

Feng'er was angry at Jia Baoyu, and Jia Baoyu happened to step on the sore spot, which was just giving people a handle for no reason.

Feng'er even rounded the matter to her own side, leaving her with a belly full of discomfort for nothing.

The Old Mistress frowned and said, "Sister Yuanyang, you go out and tell Jia Baoyu that the female relatives in the hall are performing ceremonies and talking, so tell him to come back at noon to accompany me for a meal."

The female relatives in the hall all understood the Old Mistress's intention; she was smoothing things over for Jia Baoyu so he wouldn't be too embarrassed—the Old Mistress still doted on him after all.

Outside Rongqing Hall, Jia Baoyu was so angry his face turned red, but he couldn't say anything reasonable, while Mother Lin was smiling and impervious to reason.

Jia Baoyu was a coward and a softie, and didn't have the guts to break into Rongqing Hall, so the two were at a stalemate for a while.

At this moment, Jia Baoyu saw the curtain at the entrance of the hall lifted, and Sister Yuanyang came out prettily, her eyes looking right at his side.

Jia Baoyu was happy in his heart: "Sister Sister Yuanyang, did the Old Mistress hear I was here and send you to call me in?"

Sister Yuanyang's expression stiffened slightly, suppressing the disgust in her heart.

She said in a light tone, "The Old Mistress asked me to tell the Bao Er Ye that the female relatives of the First Branch are performing ceremonies in the hall, and due to family etiquette, please temporarily avoid them.

Come back to Rongqing Hall at noon to accompany the Old Mistress for a meal."

Upon hearing this, Jia Baoyu felt as if someone had choked his neck, his face turning red with extreme embarrassment, and his heart burning with indignation.

He really didn't expect that the Old Mistress, who had always doted on him, would actually drive him away.

He felt aggrieved and indignant in his heart; who exactly had he offended that everyone disliked him so much?

At this time, Seeing Caiyun was rushing over; after Jia Baoyu left, she was restless, fearing that Jia Baoyu would cause trouble again at Rongqing Hall.

If he offended the Second Mistress again, it wouldn't just be a matter of not issuing the monthly allowance; who knew what ruthless moves she would make.

By then, the Bao Er Ye's face would be trampled on the ground, and he would likely have no face left to stay in the West Mansion.

If the Mistress were to investigate, those of them in the room would inevitably be accused of not knowing how to persuade him.

The more Seeing Caiyun thought about it, the more uneasy she became, so she hurried to Rongqing Hall to listen for news, and just happened to hear Sister Yuanyang's words.

Jia Baoyu originally wanted to argue with Sister Yuanyang for a few words, otherwise leaving like this would be too faceless.

But after Sister Yuanyang finished speaking, regardless of whether Jia Baoyu left or not, she folded her slender waist, lifted the curtain, and returned to the hall, not giving Jia Baoyu a chance to speak.

Seeing Jia Baoyu frozen there, and Mother Lin standing at the entrance of Rongqing Hall like a door god, neither cold nor hot, Seeing Caiyun couldn't help but have a headache.

These people were clearly ganging up to ridicule the Bao Er Ye, and the Bao Er Ye wasn't smart enough to retreat early and was still standing there foolishly losing face.

She stepped forward and said, "Bao Er Ye, let's go back first and come back at noon to accompany the Old Mistress for a meal; don't waste time here..."

Although Jia Baoyu was unwilling in his heart, he had no choice, and was dragged and coaxed by Seeing Caiyun back to his own courtyard.

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Fengjie Courtyard.

Today, Ping'er was performing family ceremonies at Rongqing Hall; Sister Xi Ren and Sheyue were both maids, so naturally, they weren't qualified to enter Rongqing Hall to observe the ceremony.

Although Sister Xi Ren had entered Jia Baoyu's room, Jia Baoyu hadn't married yet, and she hadn't given birth to any offspring, so the title of concubine was still hanging, and she was still a maid to the outside world.

Sister Xi Ren, Sheyue, and Ping'er had been close since childhood, so naturally, they had to come to see her off today, waiting for her to return from Rongqing Hall to congratulate her, which wouldn't be in vain for their years of sisterly affection.

Ping'er's room was a bit empty, with several trunks on the floor; her clothes, jewelry, and other items had already been packed into trunks yesterday.

Even though Sister Xi Ren and Sheyue came over, there was nothing for them to help with, so the two just sat in the room chatting.

Sheyue laughed, "We, along with Ping'er, as well as Sister Hupo, Hearing Zi Juan, Seeing Jin Jin Chuan, Yu Chuan'er, and Cuimo—the ten or so of us—have been close and good friends since we were young.

Wang Wang Xifeng often teased her, saying that her face was flushed with peach blossoms every day and she walked with the wind, as if her heart had already flown to the East Mansion.

I often hear others talk about Cong Sanye Cong; not only is he capable, but he also has a good appearance, is especially loving to young ladies, and is protective and responsible.

Ping'er has hit the jackpot this time and will definitely live more smoothly than any of us in the future."

Sister Xi Ren felt a slight sourness in her heart upon hearing this; she had racked her brains to coax Jia Baoyu into bed and finally got her wish, becoming Jia Baoyu's prospective concubine.

Originally, she thought she was the most prominent and triumphant among the maids, but she didn't expect Ping'er to have such good fortune.

Although she was determined to follow Jia Baoyu for the rest of her life, even so, she knew in her heart that the Bao Er Ye Jia Baoyu couldn't compare to the Cong Sanye Cong.

Setting aside the vast difference in talent and official rank between the two, this Cong Sanye Cong and the Bao Er Ye seemed to have something in common: both were quite attentive to young ladies.

But even in this regard, there was a big difference.

In the beginning, Seeing Jin Jin Chuan was forced to jump into a well because of the trouble the Bao Er Ye caused, and the Bao Er Ye had no way to help, whereas it was Cong Sanye Cong who saved Seeing Jin Jin Chuan's life.

Most of the maids around Cong Sanye Cong now were not born into the household, but were brought in by Cong Sanye Cong from outside, and the stories about them were heart-moving.

Nothing in the world can stand comparison; sometimes Sister Xi Ren was a bit shaken, feeling that the way the Bao Er Ye treated young ladies didn't seem to compare to the way the Cong Sanye treated them...

Sister Xi Ren felt a bit unconvinced hearing Sheyue praise Jia Cong one-sidedly while she was following Jia Baoyu.

She couldn't help but tease, "Why, have you taken a fancy to the Cong Sanye too? Why not let Ping'er be your matchmaker? Maybe you can get your wish."

Sheyue blushed upon hearing this, spat at Sister Xi Ren, and said, "I thought you were a decent person, but you also say such shameless things.

The Cong Sanye is consistently outstanding and triumphant, and it's not just me saying this; which maid in the mansion doesn't say so? Could it be that they can all become the Cong Sanye's concubines?

I know my own worth; I know it very well in my heart.

It's not like you haven't seen the maids around the Cong Sanye; every one of them is literate and looks like they came out of a painting.

In terms of appearance, we can't compare to them, and in terms of fate and fortune, there's even less to compare; why harbor wishful thinking and make people laugh at us?

I just think that when I reach the age, I'll be peacefully released to go home; I still have parents, younger brothers, and sisters at home, and I'll live a steady life."

Sister Xi Ren and Sheyue had been together for many years, so she naturally knew her thoughts and plans, and laughed, "It's very good that you have this ambition.

It's just that you were born into the household, and most of your future is in the Mistress's hands; there's nothing else, but there is one thing you must be careful about.

When you reach the age in the future, I'm afraid the Mistress won't want to let her resources go to outsiders, and if she happens to marry you off to a boy in the outer courtyard, that would be terrible.

You and I know best what kind of goods those boys in the outer courtyard are.

Tan Yun, who was driven out, was married to a carriage-driving boy in the outer courtyard and was beaten black and blue every three days.

She secretly looked for me several times, originally wanting to ask the Bao Er Ye for help, but she had already become a wife to someone, so how could anyone else intervene? It's truly a sin..."

Sheyue turned pale upon hearing this; she naturally knew about Tan Yun's matter, and who could say for sure whether she would be Tan Yun in the future?

Seeing Sheyue's ugly expression, Sister Xi Ren knew what she was thinking; although she had teased Sheyue just now, what she said this time was from the heart.

Because she knew best in her heart that Sheyue's long-held wish was to be released when she reached the age and live a decent life.

Since Sheyue had no intention of becoming a concubine and it didn't harm Sister Xi Ren at all, she hoped she would be released and do well...

Sheyue's appearance and looks weren't considered outstanding among the maids in Lady Rongguo Mansion, but she was a prominent figure outside.

As long as she found a suitable family and could marry as a wife or become a second wife, the mansion might be merciful and return her contract as an act of grace and virtue.

Sheyue's descendants in the future wouldn't have to be slaves and could be decent people openly; such things had happened in Lady Rongguo Mansion before.

When Sheyue first entered Jia Baoyu's room, she had hoped that Jia Baoyu would be favored by the Old Mistress and could help her obtain such a favor.

But did she still have such hope now?

Sister Xi Ren said, "Originally, things were going well, but I didn't expect that dead hoof Qiuwen to be so wicked and say bad things in front of the Mistress.

She provoked the Mistress to suddenly come to the Bao Er Ye's courtyard and happened to hear us talking; the Mistress scolded you that day, and I saw she was very angry..."

Sheyue's face was pale, her pretty face tense, and she bit her lip, saying, "I also know that the matter that day will sooner or later lead to a bad end for me.

If they really send me off to marry a boy in the outer courtyard in the future, I'll just bump my head and die; I will never let them have their way, and then we'll see who has the face!"

Sister Xi Ren's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this; Sheyue was shrewd and capable, with a sharp tongue, so she naturally wasn't a soft character and was very fierce in her bones.

Sister Xi Ren didn't think she couldn't do what she said.

She hurriedly persuaded, "Don't be so fierce now; there's still a year or two left, and there's plenty of time. In the future, flatter the Mistress more, and you'll be able to win her back.

I will also definitely be on your side and help you speak more to the Bao Er Ye; when the time comes, let the Bao Er Ye beg the Old Mistress and the Mistress, and it will definitely be done."

Sheyue was more shrewd and transparent than Sister Xi Ren, and felt a bitter smile in her heart upon hearing Sister Xi Ren's words.

Given the Mistress's temperament, she already disliked her now, so how could she tolerate her for another year or two? I'm afraid that once she gets a handle on her, she will act.

As for Sister Xi Ren saying to let Jia Baoyu come forward to speak, Sheyue had seen too many things this year and had recognized Jia Baoyu's temperament, so she didn't believe he would be of any use.

He didn't save Seeing Jin Jin Chuan, didn't save Xixue, and didn't save Tan Yun, so why would he save her? This was also nonsense; how could it be believed?

The two chatted, looking at the trunks Ping'er was about to move, each harboring complex and unspeakable thoughts in their hearts.

Some had envy, some had sighs, and some had worries...

At this moment, a little maid ran into the room, and the two recognized her as a rough-work maid from Jia Baoyu's courtyard.

The little maid said breathlessly, "Sister Sister Xi Ren, Sister Sheyue, the Bao Er Ye is making a scene in the room, and Sister Seeing Caiyun can't handle it.

She wants you to go back quickly and manage it; if the Mistress is alarmed, something will happen..." (End of chapter)