Chapter 720: Shame to Speak of Chamber Affairs

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Jia Baoyu's Courtyard.

In the morning, Lady Wang came to inquire about yesterday's affair, mentioning that Jia Zheng had ordered him to return to the East Road Courtyard for questioning; Jia Baoyu's soul nearly fled halfway out of his body.

Later, the maid Sister Feicui came to deliver word: the Old Lady had sent an old woman to the East Road Courtyard, and she had already persuaded Jia Zheng to drop the matter, instructing Jia Baoyu to stay put and cause no further trouble.

Upon hearing this, Jia Baoyu finally exhaled a long breath of relief, his earlier terror vanishing completely.

When his mind relaxed, it would conjure up countless idle and romantic thoughts, leaving him unable to turn a corner without fixating on young ladies.

He thought how long it had been since he last saw Xue Baochai; now that some time had passed, Xue Xue Yima's talk of childbirth must have been forgotten by now.

He prepared to visit Lixiang Courtyard to speak with Xue Baochai, even changing into that bright red robe embroidered with golden lotus patterns, certain that Big Sister Bao would delight in it.

For some reason lately, Jia Baoyu had grown increasingly fond of such vivid, crimson, ornate attire…

He hadn't expected that upon stepping outside, he would encounter Yu Chuan delivering a message from Jia Zheng—his joy instantly plunged into the depths of despair.

He felt heaven was cruel: born with a jade in his mouth, pure and noble, yet heaven could not bear human happiness, always imposing trials and tribulations.

Whenever he felt cheerful, something vexing would inevitably arise, ruining his contentment entirely—truly hateful.

…

Yu Chuan paid no heed to Jia Baoyu's gloomy expression and said: "Master has ordered, Young Master, return to your room and await further instructions, lest you violate propriety."

Jia Baoyu could only return reluctantly to the main house; Xi Ren, seeing Jia Baoyu had just left but now returned with Yu Chuan in tow, hurried over to find out why.

Yu Chuan opened the small bundle in her hands, revealing a book with a blue cover, its title reading "Classic of Filial Piety."

She said: "Master has ordered Young Master to copy the Classic of Filial Piety ten times, to be completed within ten days, then presented to him at the East Courtyard for inspection."

Master also instructed that Young Master must copy with utmost care and reverence, deeply contemplating the meaning of filial piety, lest he commit another act contrary to filial virtue.

If Master detects any sloppy handwriting, omitted characters or phrases, or someone else copying on your behalf—

He will impose another penalty: ten more copies, also to be completed in ten days. Young Master must be exceedingly careful."

Though Yu Chuan usually spoke little, her speech was clear and precise, and her memory excellent—she repeated Jia Zheng's words verbatim.

Even the final phrase, "Young Master must be exceedingly careful," carried a stern tone, mimicking Jia Zheng's voice perfectly.

Though Yu Chuan was usually quiet, she was never dull—no wonder Jia Zheng always entrusted her with delivering messages.

…

Xi Ren, upon hearing it was merely copying books, paid little mind—it was just another assignment from Master, something common over the years.

Each time, though Jia Baoyu grumbled, he never dared disobey, always gritting his teeth and finishing the task.

But when she saw the book Yu Chuan took from the bundle, she was startled—though Xi Ren couldn't read, the book was thick, and the characters must number in the thousands.

Ten copies in ten days? That meant Jia Baoyu had to finish one full copy per day—he'd have to copy day and night without rest…

Upon hearing Yu Chuan's words and seeing the thick Classic of Filial Piety, Jia Baoyu's face turned deathly pale—he'd rather be beaten to death by Master than endure this.

Xi Ren merely thought the book was thick, and the characters must be countless.

But Jia Baoyu had studied the Classic of Filial Piety briefly in the family school—he knew it had eighteen chapters; though he hadn't counted precisely, it contained well over a thousand characters.

To copy one full version per day, without omitting a single character or phrase, and with neat, upright handwriting—he doubted he could finish even if he crippled his wrist.

As a child, he'd been punished with copying before, but never anything this severe—he never imagined Master was this furious and resentful over his destruction of antiques.

…

In the past, when faced with such tasks, Jia Baoyu would beg Tan Chun to ghostwrite part of it for him.

Because Tan Chun excelled in calligraphy and could perfectly imitate his handwriting—even Master could not detect the fraud.

But now all the sisters had gone to the Eastern Mansion; Jia Baoyu had no such convenience anymore.

Moreover, since Lady Wang punished Third Sister, the sister who had once been close to him now grew distant…

Now that Master had thought of this, and specifically sent Yu Chuan to deliver the order, it must be that the Old Lady's intervention had backfired—Master would not let him off easily.

He'd heard Jia Cong had read so many books he'd turned into a scholar-dunce, even teaching his maids to read and write—truly the epitome of a bureaucratic worm—he'd never do such a thing himself.

So his own maids couldn't even write a single character; even if he wanted someone to ghostwrite, it was impossible now.

…

Jia Baoyu frowned in distress and asked: "Yu Chuan, ten copies in ten days is impossible—please go back and beg Master for more time."

Give me fifteen days—if so, I'll endure the hardship, even if I must kill myself to finish."

Yu Chuan frowned: "Young Master, don't put me in this position—I'm just a lowly maid, how could I dare speak to Master?"

If you want to beg for mercy, you must speak to Master yourself—I wouldn't dare interfere, not if I want to keep my life."

Jia Baoyu fell silent—he was a mouse before his father, never daring to court death, and even if he begged, Master would never listen.

Even if he begged the Old Lady for help, it would be useless—she only cared that he not be beaten or scolded; everything else she ignored.

She even thought copying books was harmless—more copying meant more learning…

Jia Baoyu's heart shattered in grief—Master was driving him to the edge; what had he done to deserve such torment from heaven?

…

Now he'd rather face Jia Zheng's questioning in the East Road Courtyard—even if he got beaten, it would be quick; better than being tortured for ten days.

Even if he somehow survived ten days copying ten copies, if Master's anger hadn't faded, he'd say the handwriting was sloppy.

Then he'd have to copy another ten—when would it ever end…?

Jia Baoyu had always loved romantic tales, flowery poetry, and trivial scholarly diversions; he loathed the Confucian Thirteen Classics like the Classic of Filial Piety.

The thought of spending ten days copying these bureaucratic worm texts—his purity, how degraded it would become…

Thinking of this, his heart swelled with grief and rage—he wished he could die right now…

…

Yu Chuan, seeing Jia Baoyu's pale face and vacant stare—as if he were about to fall into a fit—was startled.

She recalled how, last time, when Xi Ren delivered news to Lin Lin Meimei, Jia Baoyu had fallen into a fit and thrown the Western Mansion into chaos.

If she now caused him to fall ill, how could Lady Wang ever forgive her? Yu Chuan began to fear.

Her voice trembled slightly; the mischievousness she'd felt while delivering the message had vanished entirely.

She said: "Sister Xi Ren, I've delivered Master's message. Lady Wang is waiting for me—I must return now. Sister, please take good care of Young Master."

No sooner had she spoken than she twisted her slender waist and turned to leave; as soon as she stepped out of the hall into the courtyard, she broke into a quick, light run.

Her embroidered slippers clattered against the blue stone slabs, and in a flash, she was gone—as if a thief were chasing her.

Inside the hall, Jia Baoyu stared at the damned Classic of Filial Piety, bent over the desk weeping bitterly—his sorrow moved all who heard, brought tears to all who saw.

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Lixiang Courtyard.

Jia Cong and Seeing Yingchun had finished dinner; Xue Xue Yima had tea served, and they exchanged a few idle words before taking their leave.

At that moment, a bright moon hung high, illuminating the deep blue sky like a silver basin, radiating light everywhere.

The courtyard breeze was cool as water; Seeing Yingchun and Xue Xue Yima chatted behind them, while Xue Baochai walked ahead with Jia Cong.

A gentle breeze brushed past, carrying a faint, cool, sweet fragrance unlike any he'd ever smelled before—uniquely soft and tender.

He couldn't help asking: "Big Sister Bao, what incense are you wearing? Or have you perfumed yourself? The scent is quite lovely."

Xue Baochai's cheeks flushed slightly: "I never use perfume—it's too smoky and choking—and I don't wear incense pouches."

I suppose it's the lingering taste of the Cold Fragrance Pill I took this afternoon; Zhang the Divine Physician has improved the formula—it's much richer now."

Since taking the new pills, I haven't had a single relapse—I should truly thank you, Brother Cong."

The scent of the new pills differs from the old ones; the fragrance only fades the day after taking them. You've never encountered it before, so it seems strange to you."

Jia Cong suddenly understood—he'd forgotten this detail—but since it involved a young lady's fragrance, the topic shouldn't be dwelled upon.

He fell silent; the two grew quiet, the atmosphere subtly awkward and tender.

In the night breeze, their skirts swayed, sleeves fluttered—the strange, intoxicating fragrance seemed to linger beside them, never fading.

…

Jia Cong bid farewell to Xue Xue Yima and her daughter, crossed the corridor connecting the two mansions, escorted Seeing Yingchun back to her courtyard, then returned alone to his own.

He gently pushed open the courtyard gate—everything was silent; the side chambers still glowed with light, suggesting the maids had retired, though some remained awake.

Jia Cong tiptoed into the main chamber, where lantern light flickered warmly—he saw Zhen Ying Lady Lian dressed in a soft pink silk nightgown, dozing against the dressing table.

The gentle candlelight bathed her face in a rosy glow; her long lashes cast delicate shadows, and the vermilion mole on her brow glowed vividly, radiant and enchanting.

The household had grown larger, and he never bothered remembering who was on night duty—he stepped forward and pinched her soft, smooth earlobe.

Zhen Ying Lady Lian woke with a start, rubbed her eyes, and smiled: "Cong Sanye, you're back! Linguan cooked your favorite dishes tonight."

We waited for you to eat, but a little maid came late to say you were dining with Second Miss at Zhao Yiniang's place."

So we just ate something haphazardly, sat around awhile, saw you hadn't returned, and finally dispersed."

As she spoke, Zhen Ying Lady Lian covered her mouth and yawned, looking utterly drowsy.

Jia Cong smiled: "So tired? Go sleep on the bed."

Hearing "sleep on the bed," Zhen Ying Lady Lian's face flushed hotly—she remembered yesterday by his window, when she'd idly joked with Qingwen about spending the night with him.

He'd overheard, and called her out on it—how mortifying…

Jia Cong saw her face instantly turn crimson at his casual remark—adorably shy.

He felt a faint stir in his heart, recalling last night's scene by the window—it must have been the word "sleep" that stirred this—his mind found it amusing.

…

Zhen Ying Lady Lian stole a glance at Jia Cong; seeing his expression unchanged, she sighed in relief—he'd meant nothing by it; she'd overthought it.

Yet suddenly she felt uncertain—thinking of her words last night: "spending the night" meant being his lover—he'd heard her clearly.

Yet today, seeing her again, he showed no reaction—he must see her as just a maid, nothing like Zhi Shao or Ping'er.

She felt disheartened, looked down at herself, and resented it—except for being younger, where was she inferior to them…?

Jia Cong asked: "Zhen Ying Lady Lian, is there any soup to sober up? I drank a few cups at Zhao Yiniang's—I need to sober up before sleeping."

Zhen Ying Lady Lian cut off her wandering thoughts and hurriedly replied, "Yes, yes—Fiver-sister knows you're dining at Madam's place, so you'll surely be drinking wine."

I've already prepared a sobering soup, warming it on the stove out front; I'll fetch it right away when Cong Sanye returns to serve it to you."

Jia Cong saw her shuffling in slippers, her figure nimble as she slipped out of the inner chamber and brought in a steaming bowl of sobering soup.

After Jia Cong drank the hot soup, she helped him rinse his mouth and wash his face, then removed his outer robes and dressed him in his nightshirt.

Jia Cong glanced at her and couldn't help laughing: "Zhen Ying Lady Lian, why are you blushing for no reason? Look at your little face—all red."

She covered her cheeks with her hands and found them indeed warm; she spoke nervously, "Cong Sanye, you're teasing—where's any blushing on me?"

Jia Cong chuckled: "You clutch books in the study every day—reading's fine, but I've read every one of those books too."

Yet I didn't know one of them says 'serving the master at night' means 'lover'—tomorrow bring it to me, I'd like to see it for myself."

Zhen Ying Lady Lian's face flushed deeply: "Cong Sanye, you're cruel—I knew you've been holed up there just waiting to mock me!"

The room flickered with candlelight, shadows darted, mingled with Jia Cong's laughter and Zhen Ying Lady Lian's playful, persistent pouts…

…

The next morning, before dawn, Fiver arrived at the usual hour with a copper basin of hot water and found the room dark.

She remembered today was Jia Cong's fifth-day rest, so he'd likely sleep in a bit longer.

After a few more minutes, she returned to find the room lit; only then did she knock and enter.

She saw Zhen Ying Lady Lian helping Jia Cong dress, her lovely face flushed, radiant with a shy charm.

Fiver felt a pang of curiosity—what was this little maid up to? But Zhen Ying Lady Lian followed Jia Cong everywhere; he'd always been closer to her.

Probably they'd been playfully teasing each other this morning—Fiver wouldn't pry. After helping Jia Cong wash and groom, they went to the main hall for breakfast.

Everyone gathered around for breakfast; Ping'er and Fiver spoke of West Mansion affairs.

Since autumn began, grain prices had risen; the West Mansion had already stockpiled several carts of grain and planned to buy more these days to avoid spending heavily in winter.

A new grain shop had opened in the western district; its shopkeeper, an old acquaintance of Xue Pan, had granted him shares.

Xue Pan heard the West Mansion was buying grain, so he sent a servant woman to recommend the shop to Fengjie, claiming the grain there was cheaper by a tenth than market price.

Jia Cong paid no mind—he trusted Wang Wang Xifeng's sharpness and Fiver and Ping'er's diligence; grain and money matters were straightforward.

The Xue family were imperial merchants, Jinling magnates; when the main branch moved to the Divine Capital, much of their business and silver flowed with them.

As autumn deepened and grain grew scarce, the Xue family investing in grain shops for profit was standard merchant practice.

Though Xue Pan was reckless and arrogant, he at least understood commerce—unlike Bao Yu, who did nothing but dawdle in the inner quarters.

…

After breakfast, Xiujú, on Seeing Yingchun's orders, came to invite Jia Cong and the sisters to the West Mansion to pay respects at Rongqing Hall to Grandmother Jia.

Jia Cong attended morning court and the office daily—he couldn't perform the morning and evening rites. His visits to greet Jia Mu in the morning were only on rest days, a few times a month.

Though outwardly harmonious, he and Jia Mu were inwardly distant—a rift built over years, not undone by fleeting circumstances.

Yet he never neglected the proper filial rites.

Since passing the imperial examination, he'd grown more conspicuous; if the esteemed Hanlin Academician were rumored to be disrespectful to elders, it would be a grave misstep.

Jia Cong and the sisters paid their respects to Jia Mu, sat briefly in Rongqing Hall, then went to Wang Wang Xifeng's courtyard.

Since giving birth to Dajie, Wang Xifeng's courtyard had become a hub—Seeing Yingchun, Lin Daiyu, and the others visited often.

Since becoming a mother, Wang Xifeng delegated most household duties to Fiver and Ping'er, devoting herself entirely to raising Dajie—for her daughter was her future security.

Jia Mu often came to visit, even sending a trusted old woman daily to assist.

Thus, after Dajie's full-moon celebration, she grew sturdy; Seeing Yingchun, Lin Daiyu, and the others would laughingly take her in their arms, playing with her.

Little Xichun, though young, watched with burning envy, circling the sisters, begging to hold her too.

But letting a child hold a child was improper—no one dared let this little tomboy touch her.

Jia Cong, charmed by Dajie's cuteness—her milky-white wrists adorned with the gold bracelet he'd given her—smiled and teased her gently.

Wang Wang Xifeng laughed: "Third Brother's gold bracelet was too heavy—little girl finds it burdensome."

I only take it out for special occasions; once Dajie turns one, it'll fit perfectly for daily wear."

As they spoke, Sister Sheyu arrived to collect Bao Yu's monthly allowance of paper and ink, also picking up next month's allotment.

Wang Wang Xifeng asked why; Sister Sheyu said Master Jia had assigned Bao Yu heavy lessons, requiring much paper and ink these two months.

After Sister Sheyu left with the supplies, Wang Wang Xifeng smiled at Jia Cong: "Master Jia has good discipline—this lesson load gives the West Mansion a few quiet days."

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard.

In the inner hall, Lady Wang accepted the hot tea from Yu Chuan, sipped lightly, her expression still shadowed.

When she'd gone to Rongqing Hall to petition Grandmother Jia and been turned away, she'd known the matter in Bao Yu's quarters was dead—she had to swallow her rage.

But now circumstances favored the other side; though seething, she could only helplessly endure.

She asked: "Why hasn't Seeing Cai Xia appeared this morning?"

Yu Chuan replied: "The West Mansion bought several carts of rice today; this morning, dozens of sacks were distributed to East Courtyard—ten of fine rice, twenty of coarse."

Enough to last until winter, with another distribution before New Year—this winter will pass easily. Seeing Cai Xia went to assign hands to store the grain in the inner warehouse."

Lady Wang frowned: "Why did the West Mansion buy so much rice all at once?"

Yu Chuan said: "Yesterday, I went to the West Mansion to deliver a message for Master Jia. I heard them say grain prices keep rising, and will spike even higher before New Year."

Coincidentally, Brother Xue invested in a grain shop that sells top-quality rice at fairer prices, so the West Mansion made a large purchase."

Hearing this, Lady Wang felt a surge of irritation.

Yu Chuan said she heard it from the West Mansion—naturally, she meant her sister Seeing Jin Jin Chuan; otherwise, how would she know of Xue Pan's dealings?

But Lady Wang didn't care to dwell on it—Yu Chuan and Seeing Jin Jin Chuan were sisters; Yu Chuan visiting the West Mansion couldn't avoid speaking to her sister.

What angered her was her sister's betrayal—now wholly devoted to serving the West Mansion, all for Jia Cong's sake.

Her sister likely fancied that Xue Baochai, so outstanding, had been entangled by that boy, and now dreamed of becoming the principal lady of the East Mansion.

It was a fantasy of the highest delusion—Jia Cong carried two noble titles and held the rank of Hanlin Academician.

A man so obsessed with office and hollow propriety would marry a daughter of a great noble house to feel worthy—he'd never look at the Xue family, imperial merchants though they were.

Xue Baochai's status only suited him as a concubine—but does he even lack concubines? Just see how the Xue family will swallow their pride.

I once gave her family face, but they didn't cherish it—they shamelessly entangled themselves with that boy. Let them reap their comeuppance—I'll just watch the show."

Lady Wang set down her teacup: "It's just a few dozen sacks of rice—Seeing Cai Xia's taking forever. Why isn't she back yet?"

Yu Chuan, let's go to the warehouse and check—the West Mansion's been careless lately; let's see what quality of rice they've distributed…"

(End of Chapter)