Chapter 718: Household Division and Title Inheritance

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Fengjie Courtyard.

Morning sunlight was bright, the air clear and pure.

Wu'er was settling accounts inside the room; Wang Wang Xifeng, having just taken Ping'er into her chamber that day, had private words to say, so the two strolled along the veranda.

Beneath the western window, seven or eight pots of roses bloomed with extraordinary vigor—yellow, red, white—competing in beauty, dewy and luscious.

Wang Wang Xifeng, whose fingers had never touched spring water, held a small teapot, pouring clear water onto the rose pots.

That day, the roses beneath the western window had suddenly burst into bloom, radiant and splendid—a most auspicious omen—and Wang Wang Xifeng had given birth to a daughter without complication.

The old women in charge of household affairs said these roses were lucky charms, protecting the eldest miss's smooth delivery and ensuring her future safety.

From then on, these roses became precious treasures in Fengjie Courtyard; Wang Wang Xifeng ordered the gardeners to tend them every other day.

Whenever she had free time, she came herself to pull weeds and water them, finding no small joy in it.

As Wang Wang Xifeng tended the flowers, she chatted idly with Ping'er, naturally returning to Ping'er's first night in the chamber.

She teased Ping'er a few moments, then laughed: "I was right not to guess wrong—Third Brother had you well-trained before he even thought of cherishing you; scholars are always so particular."

"Just serve him wholeheartedly—why fear you won't win his favor? Let me remind you: Third Brother is unlike others."

"He is one of the rare sons in noble families to hold dual hereditary titles; the imperial edict clearly stated he was to inherit the Lady Rongguo title."

"The Lord Weiyuan title must pass to the eldest legitimate son; the Lady Rongguo title may be inherited by any son, legitimate or not."

"Though this arrangement made Grandmother deeply uneasy, it works to your advantage, you girls."

"If you win Third Brother's favor early and bear him a son, you might just claim this great fortune—and perhaps even earn a noble title yourself."

"This is a long-term plan—don't be careless. If Third Brother favors you, cling to him tightly; when success comes, I'll share in the glory."

Wang Wang Xifeng knew well: her husband Jia Lady Lian had been exiled to the frontier, his hopes of inheriting the title extinguished forever, and even buying an official post was now impossible.

If her trusted maid could win Jia Cong's favor and bear him a son to claim this great fortune, Wang Wang Xifeng would consider her own wish fulfilled.

If this happened, she would have greater leverage within the Jia household—and the eldest miss would have greater security too. That was why she constantly guided Ping'er in matters of the boudoir.

…

Ping'er's face flushed crimson. "Grandma, don't speak such words—they make me blush. You should be thinking about Jia Baoyu's chamber—how to handle what comes next."

"This morning, when Wu'er and I first entered the Western Courtyard, we heard that Second Madam had come early through the western corner gate, straight to Jia Baoyu's quarters."

"Clearly, word of yesterday's affair reached the Eastern Courtyard—Second Madam couldn't sit still; she came early to confront us."

Wang Wang Xifeng plucked a rose of deep rose-red, smiling faintly—her grace and charm outshone even the flower in her hand.

"Third Brother has already spoken his mind—I feel more certain than ever. This matter is clear enough; no need to overthink it."

"Our handling of Jia Baoyu followed household rules and reason, and Third Brother endorses it—even Grandmother can't find fault."

"It's already this late, and Second Madam hasn't come to argue—she must realize our stance makes her efforts useless."

"She'll surely go to Grandmother, relying on Grandmother's favor for Jia Baoyu to stir up trouble."

"If she stokes the fire and it truly ignites, I'd be even happier."

"If Grandmother takes sides, the scandal will spread—and there are plenty of gossiping tongues in the capital. Scholars' words can melt gold with collective outcry."

"The tactics of past generations—Grandfather Jia Dairu, Uncle Huang—these are the same tactics used by the Second Branch."

"But Grandmother isn't foolish. Whatever we see, the old ancestress must see too—we can only ride the donkey and watch the opera."

"Wu'er is checking the ledgers—let's go see. Among the Western Courtyard's assets, which estates and fields are weak or marginal? We'll need to know for future planning."

Ping'er understood at once—Second Madam had dug a pit, waiting for Second Madam to jump in…

…

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Wang Lady had vented her anger in Jia Baoyu's quarters, but she knew Wang Wang Xifeng's ruthless nature—once she took this stance, she wouldn't back down.

Arguing with her would be useless and only cost her dignity as an elder.

Only by taking the matter to Grandmother, using her authority to suppress the lower, could she restore Jia Baoyu's honor and show the First Branch that the Second Branch could not be bullied at will.

In Wang Lady's view, since only one night had passed, Grandmother might not yet know the details.

Or perhaps the servants of the Western Courtyard, fearing Wang Wang Xifeng, dared not mention it to Grandmother, hiding it behind closed doors—common in great households.

If she explained clearly to Grandmother, Grandmother would surely not stand for it…

When Wang Lady entered Rongqing Hall, she found Jia Mu was not there, so she sent a maid to summon her from the back chamber.

But she waited a long time—Jia Mu never came. Only Sister Yuanyang emerged from the inner chamber.

Dressed in a dark green floral mandarin collar vest, a pale white round-collar jacket, a cream-colored long skirt, and a light yellow embroidered sweatband, she was graceful and captivating.

Wang Lady asked: "Sister Yuanyang, where is Grandmother? I have urgent matters to discuss with her."

Sister Yuanyang's bright eyes flickered slightly. "Grandmother isn't feeling well—she just lay down to rest. She's not receiving visitors today; she's asleep now."

…

Wang Lady's face stiffened. "Does Grandmother know about yesterday's incident in Jia Baoyu's chamber?"

Sister Yuanyang replied: "Grandmother learned of it this morning—because Sister Xi Ren and the other maids failed in their duties, Jia Baoyu became angry and smashed many precious antiques."

"Second Madam fined Sister Xi Ren and the others four months' stipend. Grandmother said Second Madam upheld household discipline properly, handled it well, and preserved Jia Baoyu's dignity—this was perfect."

"Though Jia Baoyu acts rashly, when Grandmother recovers, she'll summon him to correct him."

"Grandmother says this matter is past—no one is to mention it again, lest family discord arise and ruin harmony, which brings prosperity to all."

"If you've come to speak of this, I fear it may anger Grandmother."

"If you have other matters, tell me—I'll relay them when Grandmother wakes."

Wang Lady's heart trembled; her face darkened. She was an experienced woman of the inner quarters—she understood Sister Yuanyang's meaning perfectly.

Whether Grandmother was truly unwell was beside the point—she had no intention of meddling in Jia Baoyu's affair.

That was why Sister Yuanyang spoke this way: openly forbidding further mention, warning that it would anger Grandmother.

Grandmother was silencing her, smoothing things over, avoiding conflict.

How could Grandmother forget? She had loved Jia Baoyu most of all her life—now she turned a blind eye, letting him be bullied. Had the Western Courtyard lost all reason?

…

Yet Wang Lady dared not show her resentment before Sister Yuanyang—Grandmother trusted this maid more than she trusted herself…

If she showed even a hint of dissatisfaction, Sister Yuanyang would repeat it to Grandmother, and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law would fall into discord.

Wang Lady's only hope of restoring the Second Branch's power lay with Jia Mu—she dared not provoke even the slightest displeasure.

Wang Lady forced a smile. "Jia Baoyu's chamber affairs are too trivial to trouble Grandmother."

"But Master heard of it and wants Jia Baoyu returned to the Eastern Courtyard for questioning."

"I fear Master's temper is quick—he may scold or strike Jia Baoyu. I'm deeply worried and beg Grandmother to mediate."

"Just tell Grandmother this—I'll come again tomorrow to pay my respects."

Sister Yuanyang remained expressionless. "I've noted your words. I'll tell Grandmother when she wakes."

Wang Lady left, listless and dejected. Only then did Sister Yuanyang hurry into the inner chamber.

…

In the bedroom behind Rongqing Hall, Jia Mu reclined on a lounge chair, eyes closed, resting. Sister Yuanyang whispered Jia Mu's ear, repeating Wang Lady's words.

Jia Mu opened her aged eyes, sighing: "She still can't let go—everything gets under her skin, won't tolerate the slightest loss."

"If we let her stir this up, it'll spiral out of control—before I die, the First and Second Branches will tear each other apart."

"Cong-ge is now head of the household. According to clan rules, if the two branches are at odds, they must separate into independent households—even I can't stop it."

"If that happens, my Jia Baoyu won't just lose face—he'll never live in peace again."

"Sister Yuanyang, send an old woman to the Eastern Courtyard. When Master returns from court, tell him: Jia Baoyu did wrong, and I've already scolded him."

"Tell him to take care of his health, not to anger himself over this—Jia Baoyu will not return home for now…"

…

Lady Rongguo Prefecture, Fengjie Courtyard.

Wang Wang Xifeng and Ping'er stood beside Wu'er, who was cross-checking two ledgers.

"Second Madam," Wu'er said, "when Cong Sanye inherited the Lady Rongguo title, since it was a demoted inheritance, the Western Courtyard lost five hundred shi of hereditary estate."

"The best farmland was reclaimed by the court; the remaining hereditary assets were re-surveyed and registered. This ledger in my hands is the official hereditary estate register issued by the Clan Office."

"Cong Sanye told me: the assets listed in the upper register were imperial grants, to be passed only through the direct heir—never divided among collateral branches. Violation is grave disrespect."

"In the previous generation, Master Da and Master Er received special permission from court because of Grandfather's final petition—allowing both branches to remain united, with the First Branch inheriting the title and the Second Branch inheriting the estate."

"But in Cong Sanye's generation, the imperial edict clearly states: Cong Sanye inherits both title and estate, and the Western Courtyard's hereditary assets must pass solely through his direct line."

"Only those of the Wen or Yu generation may split off—but only from Jia family's privately acquired property."

"I've compared the Clan Office register with the public accounts. For the past ten years, the Jia household has spent heavily—there's been little surplus each year."

"Thus, for over a decade, no substantial private property has been acquired. What remains were all purchased by Grandfather."

"In these past years, several branches split off, taking the best portions—what's left are the marginal, inferior lands."

…

Wang Wang Xifeng smiled. "I suspected as much. Since we see the truth, Second Madam, who managed affairs for years, must know it too."

"Grandmother spent her life as a duchess—she's seen everything; her mind is as clear as a mirror. Now I know where the crux of future troubles lies."

Wu'er and Ping'er exchanged glances—they were both sharp-witted, and understood Wang Wang Xifeng's meaning.

Whether Grandmother or Second Madam, the one thing they feared most was the Second Branch separating from Lady Rongguo Prefecture.

Because if the Second Branch split off, it could claim no substantial portion of Lady Rongguo's assets.

Grandmother loved Jia Baoyu most of all—after the split, how could he ever live as luxuriously as now?

Second Madam had ruled Lady Rongguo Prefecture for over a decade—her vision was high, her power absolute—she could never endure the humiliation of separation.

Thus, the tangled accounts between the First and Second Branches of Lady Rongguo Prefecture? They'll remain unresolved for years to come…

……

At this moment, the maid Feng'er entered the room and said, "I received instructions from Second Mistress and went to Rongqing Hall.

I happened to meet Old Lady's lowly maid, Foolish Girl, and chatted with her for a while, and managed to draw out some information.

Foolish Girl said that just now, Second Madam came to Rongqing Hall, looking furious, and intended to see the Old Lady.

But Sister Sister Yuanyang said the Old Lady wasn't feeling well today and wouldn't receive visitors, so she sent Second Madam packing."

Wang Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "I knew the Old Lady, though advanced in years, isn't the least bit foolish. Even if Second Madam wants to cause trouble, she'll be shut down.

After all, old ginger is the spiciest. Since things are this way, even if I had some plans, I can't put them into action now.

It's best to let it rest—this matter won't stir up any more waves. We'll carry on as before.

Fortunately, this time the warning was sufficient. Xi Ren and the other maids have learned their lesson. If Jia Baoyu causes any more trouble, they'll surely do everything to stop him.

The Old Lady knows how strict we are in managing the household, so she'll pay more attention and impose greater restraint on Jia Baoyu.

Running a great household is like cutting meat with a dull knife—it involves too many entanglements; you can't sever everything cleanly at once.

For now, we can only wait it out. Only when Jia Baoyu marries will we finally have some peace.

Last time, the Old Lady said that by late autumn this year, the Jia and Xia families would set the wedding date.

To be fair, Jia Baoyu still has some fortune. That Xia girl is a fine person, and she looks capable."

Wang Wang Xifeng spoke casually, but she was a sharp-minded woman. Suddenly, she recalled that the Xia girl's last visit to the Eastern Courtyard had been during Jia Baoyu's coming-of-age banquet.

The way the Xia girl had looked at Cong the Third—there was an odd, burning intensity in her gaze that had left a deep impression on her…

As Wang Wang Xifeng thought of this, she unconsciously glanced at Wu'er and Ping'er, found her own thoughts absurd, and chuckled to herself as she shook her head.

……

Wu'er said, "Second Mistress, this spring and summer saw little rain, and many places suffered drought. The harvests from several of the Western Mansion's estates have been far worse than last year.

Over the past two months, grain prices on the market have been rising steadily. Though the increases are small, they add up day by day.

Lin Lin Meimei says Lin Lin Zhixiao often travels outside and knows the reasons behind the market trends.

He says that now that autumn has arrived, the court is busy organizing winter garrisons along the Nine Borders.

Many troops have been mobilized to the Nine Borders, and vast quantities of grain and winter clothing are being shipped north, which is why grain prices have risen.

A few days ago, I asked Cong Sanye about this. He said that over the past year, the remnants of the Mongol nomads in the Northern Desert have grown rampant, frequently raiding the frontier before winter.

Once warfare intensifies, prices for grain and cloth will continue to rise, peaking by the end of the year during the deep winter.

Yesterday, Second Miss already ordered the steward to purchase several carts of grain for the Eastern Mansion's winter provisions.

Our Western Mansion has two storage rooms in the outer courtyard, both still empty. We should stockpile some grain now, or when prices rise at year-end, we'll waste far more silver."

Wang Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "If Third Brother says so, it must be true. You take charge of this matter."

……

When the sun set, Jia Cong returned home from court. Passing through the Western Mansion's side gate, he saw two carts parked before it, with many servants hauling sacks of grain back and forth.

When he returned to his own courtyard, the main hall was filled with chests, two of which contained rare foreign goods.

Qingwen, Zhen Ying Lady Lian, and the other maids found these foreign items fascinating and were playing with them, turning them over and arranging them.

Zhi Shao saw Jia Cong enter and smiled, "Cong Sanye, you're back. These are gifts from Qu Qu Hongxiu of Jin Ling, along with several letters."

Jia Cong took the letters and opened them. Besides those from Qu Qu Hongxiu and Qin Qin Keqing, there was also one from Wang Dequan, who had vanished for a long time.

His eyes narrowed slightly. Wang Dequan had sailed with the Zhen family's fleet in May and had been unheard of since.

Though outsiders claimed the Zhen fleet had sunk in a foreign ocean storm, Jia Cong knew Zhen Zhen Fangqing had hidden the fleet—and that was why Wang Dequan had disappeared.

Though he was certain Wang Dequan was unharmed, months without word had weighed on him. Now that he had received his letter, he finally breathed easier.

Wang Dequan wrote that after departing Jin Ling in May, the fleet had sailed one day into the open sea when the helmsman detected a change in wind patterns and altered course.

After sailing one day, the fleet anchored at an unnamed island.

The island was surrounded by dense reefs, with complex currents and thick sea fog; a single misstep could mean shipwreck and death—it was extremely perilous.

But the helmsman knew the waters well and guided the fleet safely through the reefs, taking shelter from the storm in a hidden cove.

On the island stood a shipyard. From afar, one could see the terrain was complex, with rolling hills, rushing waterfalls, and lush forests.

Yet except for a few men who went ashore to unload cargo, most of the crew were confined to the ships to wait out the storm, and Wang Dequan did not set foot on land.

After the fleet remained moored for four days, the storm subsided, and the fleet resumed its voyage along its original route for overseas trade.

In July, as the fleet returned, nearing the coastal borders of the Great Zhou, it suddenly changed course and anchored at a remote bay in Funing County, Fujian.

Wang Dequan stayed with the Zhen fleet in Funing County for half a month before the Zhen family arranged carriages to send him back to Jin Ling.

As for the Zhen fleet's ultimate destination, Wang Dequan did not know.

……

Jia Cong closed the letter and pondered for a moment, quickly deducing the sequence of events.

The Zhen fleet had indeed encountered a storm in May, but there had long been a treacherous island in the sea, serving as its sheltered harbor.

On its return voyage, the fleet never re-entered Jin Ling's waters but instead anchored far away in Funing County and remained there for half a month—as if waiting for news.

Jia Cong believed this was all prearranged by Zhen Zhen Fangqing, waiting for the court's imperial decree and the final disposition of the Zhen family, which would inevitably reach Funing County.

Only then would the Zhen fleet determine its final course, and only then would Wang Dequan be released to return to Jin Ling—all executed flawlessly.

Jia Cong's thoughts drifted. That treacherous, hidden stretch of sea, with its vast island and shipyard, must be Zhen Zhen Fangqing's secret refuge.

If this were the truth, the Zhen family's hidden resources in Jin Ling were far deeper than Jia Cong had imagined.

Zhen Zhen Fangqing, though brilliant and unmatched by any man, was still a young woman.

Her age and experience should limit her vision and foresight—she seemed incapable of crafting such a profound escape plan.

It was hard to believe such a young woman could have planned so far ahead, establishing a hidden island in a remote ocean far from home.

Moreover, transforming a deserted island into a harbor capable of accommodating a large fleet could not have been accomplished overnight.

The Zhen fleet's seamless passage through such perilous waters must have been built over years of navigation.

Zhen Zhen Yingjia, the head of the Renyi Academy in Jin Ling, appeared to hold high office, but seemed merely a front for the Zhen family.

His act of sending silver to the capital and hiding it was crude and short-sighted—he hardly resembled a man of strategic depth or hidden cunning.

Jia Cong vaguely concluded that behind Zhen Zhen Fangqing and Zhen Zhen Yingjia, the Zhen family must harbor secrets unknown to the world…

(End of Chapter)