Chapter 719: Affairs on East and West

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Lixiang Courtyard.

The evening glow blazed crimson, shimmering and radiant; the flowers, trees, and plants of the western courtyard were all gilded with a warm golden hue.

Near the gate of Lixiang Courtyard stood a tall, lush pear tree, its branches sprawling diagonally, leaves deep green and lush, thick as a cloud.

Beneath the tree stood two slender maids, holding hands and chatting, their demeanor warm and affectionate.

One was Seeing Jin Jin Chuan, Xue Baochai's maid; the other maid had a lovely face, skin like polished jade, fine eyebrows and large eyes, quite charming.

She bore a resemblance to Seeing Jin Jin Chuan, but with more youthful innocence—she was Seeing Jin Jin Chuan's younger sister, Yu Chuan.

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan was saying: "Sister, why are you here in the western mansion today? I saw Lady Er leaving the second gate after noon."

Yu Chuan smiled: "I didn't come with Lady Er. I was sent by Master to deliver a message to Bao Er."

At the mention of Jia Baoyu, Seeing Jin Jin Chuan's brows involuntarily furrowed. "Why did Master send you to deliver a message to him?"

Yu Chuan said: "Bao Er smashed the western mansion's antiques. Master was furious and wanted to summon him back to the eastern courtyard for a scolding."

But the Old Lady sent old women to guard the eastern courtyard, waiting for Master to return from work to plead on Bao Er's behalf, saying he should stay close to her to show filial piety and not be sent back to the eastern courtyard."

So Master couldn't go too far, but he certainly won't let Bao Er off lightly."

Yu Chuan lifted the small cloth pouch in her hand and grinned mischievously: "I know you don't like him—it's not good news, then."

Hearing it wasn't good news, Seeing Jin Jin Chuan lost interest in asking further.

Jia Baoyu's tantrums, smashing antiques and wasting over three thousand taels of silver, had long been the talk of the western mansion, known to all.

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan recalled the incident and felt nauseated: Cong Sanye had journeyed to Liaodong and Jinling, risking his life to build the family's fortune for both mansions.

Yet Jia Baoyu lounged in the western mansion, gorging himself, refusing to leave, smashing others' belongings, utterly without reason.

Those precious antiques he shattered were all Cong Sanye's personal property. She felt it was unjust that Jia Baoyu hadn't been beaten by Master.

…

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan asked: "This past half-year, trouble keeps arising. Lady Er must be in low spirits. You serve her closely—have you suffered any hardship?"

Yu Chuan said: "Lady Er often looks gloomy, but she's never mistreated me."

Since you left, only I, Seeing Caiyun, and Seeing Cai Xia remain by her side. Since we're sufficient for her needs and she dislikes unfamiliar servants, she never rushed to hire more."

Then circumstances changed: Cong Sanye inherited the western mansion, and Master and Lady Er moved to the eastern courtyard, losing all interest in adding staff."

Later, Seeing Caiyun was transferred to Bao Er's quarters, and Lady Er finally realized she lacked enough hands."

But the second branch still draws rations from the western mansion's common funds; monthly allowances are strictly calculated per person, and Second Mistress's accounts are crystal clear."

If Lady Er wants to add staff, she must request additional silver from the common funds—wasting words and risking gossip."

Though adding one or two maids wouldn't cost much, Lady Er refuses to pay out of her own pocket—she feels it would be shameful if outsiders heard."

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan sneered: "Adding your own maids is shameful, but using the western mansion's silver is honorable? Is that the proper logic? How absurd."

Yu Chuan grew disheartened: "So now, Seeing Cai Xia and I handle all of Lady Er's affairs."

Though the eastern courtyard is small and less demanding than the western mansion, with half the staff, daily tasks are still exhausting."

But Seeing Cai Xia keeps causing trouble, always pushing more duties onto me—sometimes I'm so worn out my back aches."

…

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan was puzzled: "I know Seeing Cai Xia—she's always diligent, or she wouldn't have served Lady Er for so long. Why is she acting up now?"

Yu Chuan said: "You don't know, Sister. Since the second branch moved to the eastern courtyard, many servants have become restless."

Once, while Lady Er napped, Seeing Cai Xia and I were eating sunflower seeds on the veranda, chatting. She said the second branch isn't what it used to be—it'll only get tighter."

Everyone should find a patron early, or they'll end up in dire straits with no good outcome."

She added that Third Miss is currently the most favored in the second branch—she's been close to Cong Sanye since childhood and still lives in the eastern mansion as a young lady, the most cherished by Cong Sanye."

Jia Huan Cong Sanye is Third Miss's younger brother—he'll surely become the most powerful young master in the second branch."

At first, I paid no mind to such idle talk, but then she actually did something."

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan asked curiously: "What exactly did she do?"

Yu Chuan's face flushed slightly: "You know, Seeing Cai Xia has always been close to Jia Huan Cong Sanye. When they were young, it was mostly playful teasing."

But now it's become serious. Whenever Lady Er naps or takes little maids to the western mansion, the inner quarters grow unguarded."

Either Jia Huan Cong Sanye sneaks to see Seeing Cai Xia, or she sneaks into his quarters—and each time, she begs me to cover for her."

You know Zhao Zhao Yiniang—she always thinks Bao Er's maids are superior, especially Xi Ren, a top-rank maid personally gifted by the Old Lady."

She feels Jia Huan Cong Sanye has been treated unfairly, so now that Lady Er's personal maid is actively seeking him, she thinks it's a great honor."

She never restrains Seeing Cai Xia's visits; sometimes, when Seeing Cai Xia sneaks over, Zhao Zhao Yiniang steps out to chat, giving them space."

Seeing Cai Xia has grown bolder, staying longer and dumping all duties on me—it's exhausting."

…

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan, being older, understood matters of the flesh. Hearing this, she sensed something amiss, her lovely face flushing slightly.

She silently cursed her luck, yet saw her sister's innocent, half-understanding expression, and felt a pang of caution.

Two years ago, when Seeing Cai Xia and Jia Huan Cong Sanye were still young, such play among maids and young masters was overlooked."

But Seeing Cai Xia is now fifteen, past the age of coming-of-age; what girl wouldn't understand? Jia Huan Cong Sanye is only two years younger than Jia Baoyu."

If these two continue fooling around and something happens, and Lady Er investigates, won't even you be dragged into it?"

"Yu Chuan, don't be careless. Besides me, have you told anyone else about this?"

Yu Chuan's expression was blank: "Seeing Cai Xia told me not to tell anyone—only you know."

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan had suffered greatly before, nearly losing her life; her mind had grown far sharper.

She had served Lady Wang for ten years and knew her nature well—this lady was always extremely cautious and meticulous about inner-quartet affairs."

If her personal maid had behaved strangely and secretly become entangled with a concubine-born son, could Lady Wang truly be unaware?

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan's face tightened as she told Yu Chuan: "Don't tell anyone. Pretend you know nothing. If Lady Er asks, deny everything."

Even if your work is exhausting, you're still a child—sleep more at night. Don't complain in front of others or let anything slip."

Though I left the second branch looking broken, I was actually lucky—I was saved by Cong Sanye and Bao Gu."

Now you're alone in the eastern courtyard, and I'm truly uneasy—but I can't get you out now or find you a safe place."

Just remember this: don't follow Seeing Cai Xia's example. Don't have any connection with the second branch's young masters—or you'll ruin yourself."

Yu Chuan finally understood, nodding: "I get it, Sister. Jia Baoyu is no good—he nearly killed you."

Jia Huan Cong Sanye is even younger and acts foolishly—these people must be avoided. Don't worry, Sister."

…

The sisters were deep in private talk when someone laughed: "Why are you two standing here talking? Seeing Jin Jin Chuan, is Auntie and Baojie at home?"

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan turned quickly and saw Jia Cong and Seeing Yingchun walking side by side—the man elegant, the girl graceful, their presence radiant and harmonious.

She saw Jia Cong wearing a soft pale-blue robe with subtle floral embroidery, his face warm with a smile, his bright eyes deep as an autumn pool, seeming to pierce into one's soul.

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan's heart warmed slightly, a faint blush rising on her face: "Lady and Miss are both home. Cong Sanye, Second Miss, please come in."

She noticed Jia Cong carrying a bamboo basket filled with bright red, strange fruits she'd never seen before.

Yu Chuan, younger and more curious, asked: "Cong Sanye, what are these fruits? So red and pretty—I've never seen them before?"

Jia Cong, having lived in the western mansion, naturally recognized Yu Chuan, Lady Wang's maid.

He smiled: "These are imported from overseas. In the south, they're called fanshi—tart, juicy, and very refreshing."

…

Earlier, Jia Cong returned to the mansion and saw gifts from Jinling Xinchun Company: two crates contained fanshi and xifanmai brought from overseas by Wang Dequan.

Each crate had a label—fanshi and xifanmai—actually tomatoes and corn, as known in later times.

These were delicious foods, easy to grow and highly productive.

Jia Cong thought of the dire winter garrison needs along the Nine Borders, the constant grain shipments north, spring floods and summer droughts, poor harvests in the south, and rising rice prices.

If Zhen's sea fleet could find tomatoes and corn overseas, they'd likely find potatoes, sweet potatoes, and chili peppers too.

This sparked ideas, but conditions limited immediate action.

He told Lingguan to deliver them to the kitchen, explained cooking methods, and instructed them to prepare dishes for the mansion's young ladies to taste.

Seeing Yingchun, hearing of gifts from Qu Gu from Jinling, came to see the novelty and help her brother prepare an appropriate return gift.

Seeing the bright red fanshi, she mentioned the goose feet and duck tongues Xue Xue Yima had given last time—delicious.

Why not send these rare fanshi as a return gift? It would be intriguing. Jia Cong agreed it made sense.

Since they had nothing else to do, he accompanied his sister on the visit. Just as they reached the gate of Lixiang Courtyard, they happened upon Seeing Jin Jin Chuan and Yu Chuan deep in private talk.

…

Seeing Yu Chuan's curiosity about the fanshi, Jia Cong picked one and handed it to her.

He smiled: "Wash it clean, peel the skin, and eat it—tasty. Here, try one."

Yu Chuan happily accepted, thanked Jia Cong, played with the fruit a moment, then went to Jia Baoyu's quarters to deliver the message.

Seeing Jin Jin Chuan led Jia Cong and Seeing Yingchun into Lixiang Courtyard. Xue Xue Yima and Xue Baochai, hearing the news, came out to greet them.

Xue Xue Yima smiled at Jia Cong: "You're always coming and going early and late—hardly seen. You're a rare visitor today."

Jia Cong smiled: "Last time, Second Sister and I enjoyed your goose feet and duck tongues—very delicious. Today I brought some fanshi to let you taste something rare."

Xue Xue Yima was delighted. Previously, because of Xue Baochai and Jia Cong, she had been pressured by Lady Wang and nearly forced to leave Lady Rongguo Mansion.

Jia Cong's sincere plea had preserved her dignity, and she felt grateful and close to him.

Over the past two years, Jia Cong had risen steadily, growing ever more distinguished, filling Xue Xue Yima with admiration.

Though her daughter Xue Baochai was outstanding, their family standings were mismatched—achieving a match between them was likely fantasy.

But urged by her son and brother, Xue Xue Yima had entertained new thoughts, yet was hampered by her status as a Jinling aristocrat.

Though Xue Baochai had passed the coming-of-age age, she could still delay for another year or two—Xue Xue Yima was caught between options, living day by day.

Still, Jia Cong's visit with Seeing Yingchun brought her great joy.

Xue Baochai ushered Jia Cong and Seeing Yingchun into the inner chamber, exchanged a few words of idle chat, and Xue Xue Yima insisted they stay for dinner, ordering the kitchen to prepare a feast.

…

Xue Xue Yima had fruit tea served, and before two cups of tea were finished, the kitchen had laid out the banquet; dishes and wine arrived in a steady stream.

The Xue family's cook had come from Jin Ling and prepared southern-style dishes—delicate, refined, and perfect in color and aroma.

Over the past half year, Lingguan had often cooked for Jia Cong, always southern dishes; he had long grown accustomed to them, and the Xue family's fare suited his palate well.

Since only Jia Cong and his sister were present, Xue Baochai felt less restrained; she sat below Jia Cong, watching him eat with relish, her heart filled with joy.

Jia Cong was unlike others of his time; when with those he cherished, he displayed a openness and lack of restraint uncommon among men.

Over wine and food, Xue Baochai asked him about anecdotes from the Hanlin Academy and amusing tales from court; they laughed and chatted merrily, their conversation lively and engaging.

Xue Xue Yima, seeing her daughter's radiant joy, felt a sudden surge of clarity and sighed, uncertain what the future held.

Seeing Jia Cong had drunk only three or four cups of wine and his face had just flushed slightly, Xue Baochai ordered a servant to serve him rice; she herself showed great restraint with the wine.

She recalled how Jia Baoyu had once stayed for dinner; though his wine tolerance was ordinary, he often drank too much, and his wet nurse Li Mama would plead with him in vain.

Each time the meal ended, Jia Baoyu was drunk and reeling; extra little maids had to be assigned to follow him for safety.

Xue Baochai felt deep emotion: these two were the same age, yet in matters of talent and character, down to the smallest details of diet, they were utterly different.

Jia Baoyu was full of abandon and idleness; Jia Cong carried more self-reflection and restraint.

…

Worried that the rice might stick in his stomach after wine, she rose to serve him a bowl of green rice porridge, then personally ladled him a bowl of sour bamboo shoot and chicken skin soup to accompany it.

Seeing Yingchun, though chatting with Xue Xue Yima, kept half her attention on her brother.

Seeing him converse easily with Xue Baochai, smiling warmly, their talk intimate and harmonious, she noticed Xue Baochai had changed from her usual demeanor with sisters—she seemed more radiant.

Then she saw Xue Baochai serving Jia Cong porridge and soup herself, attending to him with tender care, radiating an unspoken intimacy.

Seeing Yingchun suddenly realized something; she too was a girl, and could sense the meaning behind it.

She reproached herself for never having paid attention before—she had never noticed it. A faint smile touched her lips, but she forced it down.

She thought of Lin Daiyu from the Eastern Mansion and the missing Zhen Third Miss, and sighed inwardly: her brother Jia Cong would surely end up entangled in messy affairs…

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Jia Baoyu's courtyard.

Yu Chuan played with a bright red tomato as she hurried toward Jia Baoyu's courtyard; just inside the gate, she met someone head-on.

He wore a crimson robe with golden lotus-patterned round collar, no sleeves, a crimson belt inlaid with seven treasures and jade, and a purple-gold crown adorned with crimson tassels and jade.

Such flamboyant red attire—too bold even for the most fashion-loving maids—could belong only to Jia Baoyu.

He saw Yu Chuan and his face lit up in delight: "Isn't this little sister Yu Chuan? What brings you here today?"

Among Lady Wang's maids, Seeing Jin Jin Chuan and Yu Chuan were the most beautiful, yet their temperaments differed greatly.

The elder sister Seeing Jin Jin Chuan was lively and cheerful, fond of talking and laughing, with excellent rapport; Sister Yuanyang, Ping'er, Sister Xi Ren, Sheyue, and Hearing Zi Juan all got along well with her.

The younger sister Yu Chuan was gentle, reserved, spoke little, disliked jesting, moved quietly, and had modest social ties.

Jia Baoyu, finding Yu Chuan adorable, often teased her.

But he found she was nothing like her sister—she was like a clam shut tight, not a word to be pried out, leaving him bored.

Yet Jia Zheng and Lady Wang both thought Yu Chuan excellent: honest, diligent, untroublesome, and hardworking.

Had Lady Wang not feared Seeing Jin Jin Chuan's incident and worried Yu Chuan might harbor resentment, she would have placed Yu Chuan in Jia Baoyu's quarters from the start—not Seeing Caiyun.

Lady Wang preferred to take along Seeing Caiyun and Seeing Cai Xia, who were fluent and attentive in speech.

But when Jia Zheng needed someone to run errands or deliver messages, he favored the dependable and quiet Yu Chuan.

…

Yu Chuan's heart prickled at Jia Baoyu calling her "little sister"; among the young masters, calling senior maids "elder sister" was common.

But no young master called a junior maid "little sister"—they used names directly; only when addressing young girls of the household did they use "little sister."

This Bao Er Ye Jia Baoyu grew ever more effeminate, careless with his words—calling people such cloying names would only land him in trouble if Lady Wang heard.

Jia Baoyu saw Yu Chuan's delicate brows slightly furrowed, her face elegant and composed, silent as ever; though still unresponsive as usual, there was a quiet charm to her.

He himself didn't know why—though his bed had become a gilded spearhead, he grew ever more drawn to beautiful girls, sighing endlessly over their perfection.

Yu Chuan watched the crimson tassel on Jia Baoyu's purple-gold crown tremble before her eyes, and felt a wave of dizziness and irritation.

Jia Baoyu smiled: "Little sister Yu Chuan, come in and sit a while. I'm about to visit Lixiang Courtyard—I haven't seen Baojie in ages. Come back and chat with me later."

Yu Chuan's heart stirred uneasily; she had heard her sister Seeing Jin Jin Chuan say Jia Baoyu often wandered aimlessly to Lixiang Courtyard.

A young master nearly betrothed still lingered near Baojie, constantly seeking out Seeing Jin Jin Chuan—she had nearly died because of him, yet he remained unchanged.

…

Yu Chuan said: "I advise you not to go there now. When I came, I went to speak with my sister and happened to meet Cong Sanye Jia Cong visiting Baojie and Madam Xue."

Madam Xue has always held Cong Sanye Jia Cong in high regard; now it's dinnertime, so she'll surely ask him to stay for a meal."

They've probably already started eating, and Baojie will be hosting; it would be pointless for you to go now. Better to come another day."

Jia Baoyu's heart leapt; a flood of grievance surged within him.

Baojie was his own blood aunt; she had nothing to do with Jia Cong. Why did Jia Cong come begging to visit her? What was his intent?

His face darkened: "Baojie is perfectly fine. Why does he neglect his official duties to come gawking at her?"

Yu Chuan felt dizzy: Was Jia Baoyu going to teach Cong Sanye Jia Cong how to be an official?

She said: "That's not right. Brothers and sisters in the family should be close, visiting each other warmly—isn't that a good thing?"

What's so strange about Cong Sanye Jia Cong visiting Baojie? It's no different from how you often visit her."

Jia Baoyu's face grew grim: "That's not acceptable—you don't understand Jia Cong. He's always trouble—"

He finally remembered his limits and swallowed the rest of the sentence.

Yu Chuan was growing impatient: "Master, don't speak of other things. I came to deliver a message from your father—he has assignments for you."

At the word "assignments," Jia Baoyu's face changed instantly…

(End of Chapter)