Chapter 733: Love

Eastern Road Courtyard, Zhao Yiniang's Courtyard.

The sky was dark, night had fallen, the lamps in the main room were bright, figures were walking back and forth, mixed with Jia Huan's painful groans.

Jia Huan was carried back to the courtyard, and Seeing Tan Chun asked a doctor to diagnose and treat him, while she avoided behind the screen.

It was late now, and although she couldn't invite a famous doctor, she invited a resident doctor from a pharmacy to come for emergency treatment.

Seeing Tan Chun heard the concubine ask about the injury, and the doctor replied: "The young master's injury is not light. Besides the skin and flesh tearing, the leg bone also has contusions."

"Although it has not reached the point of disability and is difficult to clean up, he must lie in bed and rest for a month before he can get out of bed and walk a little. It will take two months to fully recover, so don't be too hasty."

The doctor helped Jia Huan apply medicine and prescribed a prescription for internal use to dissipate stasis and detoxify, leaving medical advice before leaving.

Seeing Tan Chun walked out from behind the screen, seeing her brother's face pale, constantly humming in pain, her heart was both distressed and angry.

She scolded softly: "If you had listened to me a little more on weekdays, had more scruples in your heart, and had more rules in doing things, you wouldn't have reached this point today."

"A good young master of a great family, it's fine if you don't study hard, as long as you follow the rules in your daily life, you can naturally be stable in the future."

"But you don't know how to respect yourself, provoking these evil people, causing a pile of ugly things, no wonder the master is angry and loses his temper."

Seeing her daughter's words were sharp and full of anger, Zhao Yiniang felt somewhat guilty.

She forced a smile and said: "Your brother knows he was wrong now. He still has to rely on you, this sister, so you should teach him more."

Seeing Tan Chun's eyes turned red and she said angrily: "Yiniang's words are funny. Do I stay at home for a lifetime? How can I teach my brother?"

"Huan'er is the son you raised. Since you raised him, you should teach and admonish him well. You are always indulgent and let him be lawless."

"If he doesn't have a good ending, can Yiniang have a good life? If Third Brother and I hadn't rushed over this time, how would the matter be cleaned up?"

"Yiniang should be more alert and keep an eye on him every day. If Huan'er causes trouble again, I will definitely not manage it anymore. Let him be beaten to death by the master, and everyone will be clean!"

The more Seeing Tan Chun spoke, the angrier she became, and tears flowed uncontrollably. She and Yingchun were both sisters, so why didn't she have the good fortune of her Second Sister?

Second Sister didn't need to worry about her brothers, and Third Brother only pampered his sisters like pearls and treasures.

Zhao Yiniang was scolded by her daughter, and although she was frustrated and angry in her heart, she was in the wrong, so she didn't dare to refute.

Because she knew very well that her son was a useless piece of goods, and she would have to rely on her daughter in the future...

Jia Huan suddenly said: "Third Sister, I really didn't beat Jin Rong, how could I do that kind of dirty thing?"

"The Lady gave Seeing Cai Xia to Baoyu, Third Sister, help me get her back..."

Before Jia Huan finished speaking, Zhao Yiniang waved her hand and slapped him on the corner of his mouth, immediately interrupting those words.

Cursing: "You low-class shameless thing, Third Girl is a daughter of a noble family, can she manage messy things?"

"If you dare to talk nonsense again, I will break your legs, and you won't have to get out of bed in the future!"

Seeing her brother in this shape, actually still mentioning Seeing Cai Xia, and the concubine's behavior was also somewhat abnormal, both of their words and tones made people suspicious.

Thinking of the last time the concubine ran to the Eastern Prefecture, wanting her to help her brother ask for Seeing Cai Xia.

Seeing Tan Chun was an extremely intelligent and shrewd person, and she seemed to have thought of something, her expression changing slightly.

She didn't walk around much on weekdays, but she often went to Rongqing Hall, and had long heard that Seeing Cai Xia was going to enter Baoyu's room, and would pay respects to the Old Matriarch tomorrow.

Seeing her daughter looking at her and her brother, her bright eyes already showing shame and coldness, Zhao Yiniang couldn't help but tremble.

She knew how shrewd her daughter was, and after Huan'er's words, she had already become suspicious.

She hurriedly said: "Your brother was beaten muddled by the master. He is still saying these nonsense words now, don't pay attention to him."

At this time, figures flickered at the door, and Jia Cong walked into the room. Seeing Tan Chun wanted to ask questions, but felt ashamed in her heart, and couldn't help but swallow them back.

Zhao Yiniang hurriedly stood up and smiled: "It is thanks to Cong Ge'er speaking up today, otherwise Huan'er would have been beaten to death by the master."

Jia Cong said: "Yiniang, don't say outside words. Huan'er is Third Sister's own brother, how could I sit idly by?"

"Yiniang, teach Huan'er well in the future, don't cause trouble again, and everyone will be peaceful, otherwise Third Sister will also be worried day by day."

Hearing this, Zhao Yiniang was amazed in her heart, what kind of fate did this Third Girl have? She actually had such good fortune.

This Cong Ge'er came forward to help Huan'er speak because of Third Girl's feelings, which went without saying.

These words also cared about Third Girl in every sentence, which was truly rare.

Zhao Yiniang said to Seeing Tan Chun: "Third Girl, it's dark, go back to the Eastern Prefecture with Cong Ge'er to rest early."

"It's messy here in the Eastern Courtyard, not a place for you to stay. I will definitely keep an eye on your brother. If this useless thing causes trouble again, I will break his legs!"

Seeing her biological mother's words were vulgar and not in order, and she had no face in front of Jia Cong.

But she couldn't say much, her pretty face flushed with anger, and she endured her temper to exhort Zhao Yiniang a few words before leaving the Eastern Road Courtyard with Jia Cong.

As soon as Seeing Tan Chun and Jia Cong went out, Jia Huan said unconvinced: "Yiniang, I was talking properly just now, why did you hit me with a slap?"

"Baoyu wants to snatch my Seeing Cai Xia, I asked Third Sister to help me get her back, what's wrong with that?"

"I have seen it, as long as it is Third Sister's business, Cong Third Brother will definitely help out. As long as he opens his mouth, the Lady won't dare not return the person to me."

"I have played with Seeing Cai Xia many times, how can I let Baoyu snatch her away? Wouldn't I be a turtle?"

Zhao Yiniang was so scared that her face turned pale, and she hurriedly reached out to cover Jia Huan's mouth.

Cursing in a low voice: "You maggot-hearted low-class seed, you are still saying these words now, do you want us both to lose our lives!"

"Now it is spreading like wildfire on Ningrong Street, saying that you are fooling around with men at a young age, and your reputation is stinkier than things in the latrine."

"If it weren't for Cong Ge'er helping you speak today, you would have been beaten to death by the master long ago. Now that your waist can't even straighten, you are still shouting about fooling around with Seeing Cai Xia."

"If half a word of this leaks out, it is the great crime of defiling the mother's maidservant. The previous matter hasn't washed your buttocks clean, and with two crimes added together, do you still have a life to live?"

"The master will definitely beat you to death if he knows. Even if Cong Ge'er pampers your Third Sister again, he wouldn't dare to provoke this matter, otherwise even his reputation would be ruined."

"Who would come to save you then? If you confirm these charges, everyone will be finished together."

"Your Third Sister's reputation will also be ruined. Can she still be married in the future?"

"Even if Cong Ge'er is willing to raise her for a lifetime, she will hate us two to death. If you are beaten to death by the master, your old mother's life will also be finished."

"If you dare to say half a word again, I will strangle you, this low-class seed, right now, and then hang myself with a rope, at least I can save your Third Sister."

"Not to mention the three of us being wiped out together, there is at least one person left to burn paper money!"

Zhao Yiniang said fiercely, making a gesture to strangle Jia Huan's neck, scaring Jia Huan to the point of nearly wetting his pants.

Now his buttocks were beaten to pieces by Jia Zheng, and he couldn't move half a step while lying there, so naturally, he couldn't even run away.

He said tremblingly: "Yiniang, spare me this time, the son will never dare to say it again, is this okay?"

Zhao Yiniang restrained her fierce appearance and said: "Don't mention this person again in the future, don't mention a word, otherwise everyone will die."

"It's just a maidservant. Now that she is gone, as long as you survive this period, there will naturally be better ones in the future."

Jia Huan remembered the wanton and romantic play in the storeroom, woodshed, and stables with Seeing Cai Xia, feeling a sense of soul-stirring in his heart, and also felt more uncomfortable.

He muttered: "The son's woman, could it be just like this..."

Zhao Yiniang suddenly asked: "Have you really slept with Seeing Cai Xia?"

Jia Huan said unconvinced: "Every time Seeing Cai Xia came to the room, you deliberately hid, didn't you just want me to be like this?"

Hearing this, Zhao Yiniang's old face was somewhat embarrassed. She originally wanted to cook raw rice into cooked rice, letting her son get this decent Seeing Cai Xia early.

Never thought that her son would be stained with Jin Rong's broken matter, nearly causing a great disaster, and the fate was not coincidental, and a pot of cooked rice was born into raw rice.

Jia Huan was depressed and muttered: "The son's woman, could it be just like this..."

Zhao Yiniang was also somewhat depressed and said: "Just shut up, if you don't want to die, don't mention this person again."

"To tell you the truth, I just got the news that the Lady is not just sending Seeing Cai Xia over to serve, but letting her enter Baoyu's room."

"The arm cannot twist the thigh. I was worried you would cause trouble, so I hid it from you. Today Seeing Cai Xia's items have all been moved to the Western Prefecture."

"Now that you have been beaten half to death by the master, even your buttocks can't move, can you still stop her?"

"I estimate that she is also afraid to see you now, and won't return to the Eastern Road Courtyard. She must have gone directly to the Western Prefecture from the Lady's shop."

Hearing this, Jia Huan's resentment burned like fire. His buttocks couldn't move, so he could only beat the pillow hard with his hand.

Zhao Yiniang said: "If she spends the night in Baoyu's room, this matter is like an arrow that has been shot and cannot be turned back. Do you still dare to want her?"

"Seeing Cai Xia is also a smart child. If she doesn't want to die, she will keep her mouth shut about your affairs, and everyone will muddle through."

"It's just that the Lady is smart for a lifetime, but actually muddled for a moment, not noticing the truth at all. It serves Baoyu right to drink your foot-washing water. It's refreshing to think about it."

Ningrong Street, Count's Prefecture.

Jia Cong took Seeing Tan Chun on the carriage, came out of the Eastern Road Courtyard's black-oiled gate, and headed toward the Eastern Prefecture.

At this time, the sky was dark, Seeing Tan Chun's mood was depressed, she casually lifted the carriage curtain, and saw that there were few pedestrians on Ningrong Street, permeated with a quiet and desolate atmosphere.

The cold night wind poured into the carriage window, blowing her temples and hair, and her pretty face was exceptionally pale in the night.

She thought of the Eastern Road Courtyard just now, Jia Cong's words were thorough and reasonable, controlling the situation in an instant, saving her brother's life, which made her heart admire and praise.

She looked back at Jia Cong. Although the light in the carriage was dim, she could still see his handsome face, which made her heartbeat speed up.

She thought of being in the same carriage with Third Brother at night, facing each other quietly, which had never happened before. It was the first time, and she was somewhat happy in her heart.

There were many things she wanted to say in her heart, but Shi Shu was sitting by her side, so some words were inconvenient for her to say.

Thinking of her biological mother and brother being vulgar and absurd, every time she thought of it, she was worried and frightened, her heart was heavy and stagnant, and she felt an indescribable discomfort.

The distance from the Eastern Road Courtyard to the Count's Prefecture was very short. The carriage only ran for a while before stopping at the Eastern Corner Gate of the Count's Prefecture.

Jia Cong jumped off the carriage first, let Jiang Liu move the footstool to put it down, and then held Seeing Tan Chun's small hand to help her off the carriage.

The night wind was cool, Seeing Tan Chun's slender hand was as smooth as silk, and it was icy cold when held in his hand.

Jia Cong said: "Shi Shu, you go back quickly, light the incense cage in the room, it's a bit cold at night, Third Sister can drive away the cold when she goes back."

Shi Shu hurriedly agreed and ran back with small steps.

Jia Cong and Seeing Tan Chun passed the corner gate, and the maid in the inner courtyard brought four pages, already preparing a sedan chair to wait.

Because it was a long distance from the Western Corner Gate to the Inner Three Gates, Jia Cong was fine, but a daughter like Seeing Tan Chun would be a bit strenuous to walk.

The two got into the sedan chair, the maid led the way in front, and the sedan chair passed the ceremonial gate, the outer hall side gate, the inner hall side gate...

The night was dark, the vermilion gates were heavy, and the sedan chair walked for a long time, as if it would never end.

In the sedan chair, Jia Cong and Seeing Tan Chun sat shoulder to shoulder. Because there were only the two of them, Seeing Tan Chun relaxed a bit, and there were fewer scruples in her heart.

Even if some words were too private and embarrassing, she couldn't help but tell Jia Cong.

She said: "Third Brother, I always feel that today's matter is a bit strange."

Jia Cong said: "I told the master that I don't believe Huan'er would cause such a Longyang matter at such a young age. There must be some twists and turns."

"These words are not just to excuse Huan'er and stop the master from re-applying family law; it is because I also have such deductions in my heart."

"I always feel that someone is making trouble behind the scenes. It is mostly Jin Rong spreading rumors, or perhaps there are other reasons. In short, there is no wind without waves."

Seeing Tan Chun said: "Third Brother is right. Wait until the storm of this matter passes, and then find someone to investigate the reason."

"What the sister said is indeed another matter. Just now when I was in the room, Huan'er was already injured like that, and still begged me to ask the Lady for Seeing Cai Xia."

Hearing this, Jia Cong moved slightly in his heart and said: "Huan'er is already thirteen. I said he also understands human affairs. Could it be that he and Seeing Cai Xia have a private affair?"

"Otherwise, why would he still remember this matter at this time?"

Jia Cong said this directly, Seeing Tan Chun's pretty face flushed, and she couldn't help but feel ashamed.

Jia Cong felt the temperature in the sedan chair seemed to have risen, diffusing the fragrance on Seeing Tan Chun's body.

He suddenly realized that in front of his cousin, these words were a bit explicit, and he coughed awkwardly.

At this time, the sedan chair stopped suddenly, and the maid leading the way replied that the sedan chair had arrived at the inner courtyard gate, and the pages were to be removed, and the maids were to carry it into the inner courtyard.

Seeing Tan Chun said: "Since we have arrived at the inner courtyard gate, don't be busy, Auntie. You go and rest, Third Brother and I will walk a few steps."

Jia Cong and Seeing Tan Chun got out of the sedan chair, the maid let people carry the sedan chair away, and she led the way with a bright tile lantern.

Jia Cong and Seeing Tan Chun entered the inner courtyard gate, then took the lantern from the maid's hand and let her go down to rest.

After the maid walked far away, Jia Cong said: "Yesterday I heard Lin Sister mention that when the Old Matriarch chatted, she mentioned the Second Lady letting Seeing Cai Xia enter Baoyu's room."

"Tomorrow is the day to perform the ceremony. Huan'er asked you to ask for Seeing Cai Xia at this time, this matter sounds a bit wrong, sister should be cautious."

Seeing Tan Chun's blush had not faded, saying: "I also feel this matter is wrong. Last month the concubine came to the Eastern Prefecture to find me and also mentioned asking for Seeing Cai Xia for Huan'er."

"Both of them care so much about this matter, which has to make people suspicious. Could it be that Huan'er has done something absurd again!"

Jia Cong and Seeing Tan Chun both grew up in wealthy households and were wise and shrewd people. Some words didn

Each of them couldn't help but slow their pace. The inner courtyard was cool at night, with a fresh breeze blowing and flowers and trees emitting fragrance. The mood was enchanting, but a slight solemnity arose in their hearts.

Jia Cong pondered for a moment and said, "This matter is very inappropriate. I advise my sister not to touch it, so as not to get involved and be unable to clean up the mess later.

Tomorrow, pass a message to the concubine, telling her to keep Huan'er's mouth shut and not to mention a word of this matter again!"

Hearing Jia Cong's words, Tan Chun's pretty face turned pale, and she whispered tremblingly, "Third Brother..."

Jia Cong said, "Sister, don't forget, Jin Chuan is the Second Lady's personal maid. Last time, sister had a rift with the Second Lady because of family matters.

The concubine and Huan'er have asked for Jin Chuan several times. If the two of them really had an unclean affair,

Huan'er would have committed the crime of defiling a mother's maid, which is a great sin against human ethics. If the Second Lady seizes the handle, how can she not make a scene?

If the Master finds out, even if I am the head of the family, I cannot protect Huan'er..."

……

Hearing this, Tan Chun's face turned deathly pale, feeling the world spinning and her body swaying. Jia Cong hurriedly supported her and let her sit on the nearby veranda.

Tan Chun felt icy cold all over. If her brother committed the crime of defiling a mother's maid, neither the patriarchal law nor the family rules would spare him, and he would likely lose his life.

If Third Brother, with his status, came forward to protect Huan'er for her sake, even his reputation would be tarnished.

With such a brother who violated human ethics, she would never be able to hold her head up again in her life...

Seeing Tan Chun's ugly expression, the usually sharp and shrewd young lady became somewhat lost.

He felt a slight pity in his heart and couldn't help but hold Tan Chun's small hand, saying, "Regardless of whether Huan'er and Jin Chuan have any involvement, we can only lie low for now.

If Huan'er and Jin Chuan really have an unclean affair, as long as she doesn't shout it out, she is likely willing to be with him.

A maid becoming a concubine for a legitimate son can be considered a good result. If she is willing, why should you and I be the villains?

Let this matter disappear, which will protect Huan'er's life and reputation, and we can strictly discipline him in secret later.

If Huan'er and Jin Chuan have no unclean affair and are just closer than others because they grew up together, then there is even less risk.

I actually believe in this result more, because the Second Lady is a shrewd person in the inner mansion, and she loves Baoyu like a pearl or treasure.

Jin Chuan is also someone by her side; she must know the foundation better than we do, and it is impossible for her to be mistaken about such things.

Now that the Lady has let Jin Chuan enter Baoyu's room, that is just a common family matter. It has already spread throughout both mansions, and the ceremony to enter the room will be held tomorrow.

There is only this one night left. We are not immortals and can do nothing. Moreover, Huan'er is only thirteen; he cannot bear it himself.

If he really makes a scene, it is not just defiling a mother's maid, but also insulting a brother's concubine. With such filth in the inner mansion, his whole life would be ruined."

……

Tan Chun said tremblingly, "Third Brother is right. No matter what, if Huan'er lets out the wind, not only will he lose his life,

but the family reputation that Third Brother has worked so hard to earn over these years will all be ruined by Huan'er, and I will have no face to be a person again."

Jia Cong sighed, "So, even if we guess some of this, the best way is to let nature take its course and touch it as little as possible to avoid causing disaster."

Hearing Jia Cong's thoughtful consideration, Tan Chun felt both grateful and full of sorrow.

She said, "I really envy Second Sister. We are both sisters to others, but she doesn't have to worry at all and has brothers to love and cherish her.

But Huan'er is such a rascally and tricky person, never letting anyone worry less, causing bigger and bigger disasters. I don't know how this will end in the future."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Even if sister doesn't have a formidable brother, you still have me, this cousin brother.

As long as I am here for a day, I will protect Third Sister for a day. I will definitely not let sister suffer, and I will never let anyone look down on sister."

Hearing Jia Cong's words, Tan Chun felt her heart trembling, filled with both sweetness and heartache, a thousand emotions mixed together, unable to control herself.

……

Jia Cong said, "I know Third Sister has a strong character. Your words to the concubine and Huan'er are usually harsh, but that is just your concern in your heart, yet you hate that they don't live up to expectations.

Sister should actually think that Huan'er is not as intelligent as you, nor is he as likable, and he hasn't been taught by an experienced person like Grandmother since childhood.

Although he is a concubine-born son like me, he hasn't suffered much. I'm afraid the concubine has also pampered him a lot. How can you expect him to strive for you?"

Hearing the phrase "hate that they don't live up to expectations," Tan Chun trembled all over, as if her heart had been struck, and tears couldn't help but fall.

Every word Jia Cong said seemed to fall into her heart, as if he understood her thoughts better than she did herself.

Her body trembled slightly, her heart softened, and she couldn't help but rest her head on Jia Cong's shoulder, her tears flowing even more.

Feeling the fragrance and softness in his arms, Jia Cong was slightly stunned, a feeling of pity rising in his chest, and he couldn't help but want to hug Tan Chun's shoulder.

In the past, when he was with Zhi Shao and Wu Er, or laughing and playing with Daiyu, there were always natural intimate actions.

Suddenly thinking that Tan Chun was his cousin sister, he couldn't be too forgetful and unrestrained, so he immediately pulled his hand back, feeling a bit awkward in his heart.

Seeing Tan Chun full of tears and crying sadly, he gently stroked her hair and smiled, saying, "What a silly girl."

Just at this sentence, Tan Chun seemed to lean closer to his shoulder.

Jia Cong said, "I know sister is strong and hopes that your brother will also have a future. I will always help sister share some of the burden.

I don't know if Huan'er is material for studying, but reading more books and being influenced by the sages will definitely be beneficial for his future standing and conduct.

I have two spots for the Imperial Academy in my hands, one of which has already been given to Baoyu. Although Huan'er is not old enough, I have some connections in the officialdom.

I can find someone to plead for him, let him audit in the Imperial Academy first, not occupying a spot in the academy, and officially register his name when he turns fifteen.

Several instructors in the Imperial Academy are from the Qingshan Academy, so there is some friendship as fellow students.

I will find a way to let Huan'er live in the dormitory, preferring him to spend more days in the academy and be influenced in his speech and conduct, which is better than mixing with bad company at home."

Jia Cong spoke casually about his plans. Tan Chun only said one sentence: "Everything according to Third Brother's wishes," and her tears never stopped.

Before she could even say it, Third Brother had already thought of it for her. Actually, I am as lucky as Second Sister.

Tan Chun's heart was full of peace and joy, only hoping that time would pass slowly so she could always lean on Jia Cong's shoulder like this.

But this joy and sweetness were so illusory, just like something she had stolen in secret, full of sin and shame.

Her chest was filled with heart-wrenching pain, and it seemed difficult to breathe. Even if she were to suffocate, she would not want to give it up.

Why, he is my cousin brother... (End of chapter)