Chapter 734: The Obsession That Defies Morality

East Road Courtyard, Xue Yima Zhao's quarters.

The sky grew dark, night descended; the windows of the main chamber glowed with bright lantern light, shadows moved back and forth, mixed with Jia Jia Huan's pained moans.

Jia Jia Huan was carried back to the courtyard; Tan Chun immediately sent for a physician and withdrew behind a screen.

It was already late; though no renowned doctor could be summoned, they had managed to bring a resident physician from a pharmacy to handle the emergency.

Upon hearing Xue Yima Zhao's inquiry about the injury, the physician replied: "Young Master's injuries are severe—his skin and flesh are torn, and his leg bones are bruised."

"Though not crippled, the damage is serious; he must remain in bed for a full month before even attempting to move slightly, and two months of rest before full recovery—no haste allowed."

The physician applied medicinal ointment to Jia Jia Huan, prescribed an internal decoction to dispel blood stasis and detoxify, gave his instructions, then left.

Tan Chun stepped out from behind the screen and saw her brother's pale face, his constant whimpers of pain; her heart ached with sorrow and fury.

She whispered a reprimand: "If you'd only listened to me once in your life, if you'd only shown a little caution and followed proper conduct, you'd never have ended up like this."

"You're a noble young master—failing to study hard is one thing, but if you'd merely behaved properly in daily life, you'd have lived in peace."

"Yet you refuse to respect yourself, provoking these wicked men, stirring up one scandal after another—how can you blame Father for his anger?"

Xue Yima Zhao, hearing her daughter's sharp words and seeing her furious face, felt a pang of guilt.

She forced a smile: "Your brother knows he's wrong now—he still needs your guidance, so teach him well."

Tan Chun's eyes reddened: "That's laughable. Am I to stay at home forever? What right do I have to instruct my brother?"

"Jia Huan is your son—you bore him, so you must discipline him properly. Instead, you've spoiled him, indulged him, let him run wild."

"If he meets a bad end, do you think you'll have a good life? If not for me and Third Brother rushing here, how would this mess be cleaned up?"

"You must be more alert—watch him every day. If he causes trouble again, I won't lift a finger. Let Father beat him to death—it'll be cleaner for all of us!"

…

Tan Chun grew angrier as she spoke, tears streaming down; she and Ying Chun were both elder sisters—why didn't she have the same fortune as Second Sister?

"Second Sister never has to worry over her brothers—Third Brother dotes on his sisters like precious jewels."

Xue Yima Zhao, rebuked by her daughter, felt bitter and humiliated, yet knew she had no ground to argue.

She knew full well her son was useless—she'd likely have to rely on her daughter in the future…

Jia Jia Huan suddenly spoke: "Third Sister, I didn't hit Jin Rong—how could I do something so vile?"

"Qing Niangzi gave Cai Xia to Bao Yu—Third Sister, help me get her back…"

Before Jia Jia Huan finished, Xue Yima Zhao slapped him hard across the mouth, silencing him instantly.

She cursed: "You wretched, corrupt spawn—Third Girl is a noble lady. How dare you involve her in such filth?"

"If you dare speak another word like that, I'll break your legs and you'll never walk again!"

Tan Chun, seeing Jia Jia Huan's condition and his mention of Cai Xia, noticed Xue Yima Zhao's strange behavior—both their words and tones raised suspicion.

She recalled how Xue Yima Zhao had once gone to the Eastern Mansion, begging her to help her son reclaim Cai Xia.

Tan Chun was sharp and perceptive—she seemed to grasp something, her expression subtly shifting.

Though she rarely moved about, she often visited Rongqing Hall and had already heard Cai Xia was to enter Bao Yu's chambers, and would pay respects to Grandmother tomorrow.

…

Xue Yima Zhao, seeing her daughter's gaze fixed on her and her son, her bright eyes now cold with shame and anger, felt a tremor in her heart.

She knew her daughter—Tan Chun was far too clever; Jia Jia Huan's careless words had already planted doubt.

She hurriedly said: "Your brother's been beaten senseless—he's babbling nonsense. Don't listen to him."

At that moment, a shadow moved at the door—Jia Cong entered the room. Tan Chun had been about to speak, but shame made her swallow her words.

Xue Yima Zhao rose quickly, smiling apologetically: "Thank heavens Jia Cong spoke up—otherwise, Jia Huan would've been beaten to death by Father."

Jia Cong said: "Xue Yima Zhao, don't speak like that. Jia Huan is Third Sister's own brother—I could never stand idle."

"From now on, discipline Jia Huan properly. Don't let him cause more trouble. Let us all live in peace—otherwise, Third Sister will suffer daily worry."

Xue Yima Zhao listened, astonished—what fate had Third Girl been granted to earn such fortune?

Jia Cong had intervened for Jia Huan solely because of Third Girl's favor—no surprise there.

But every word he spoke protected Third Girl—such loyalty was rare indeed.

Xue Yima Zhao said to Tan Chun: "Third Girl, it's dark now—go back to the Eastern Mansion with Jia Cong and rest."

"This Eastern Courtyard is a mess—this isn't your place. I'll keep a tight eye on your brother—if that good-for-nothing causes trouble again, I'll break his legs!"

Tan Chun, hearing her mother's crude words and unrefined tone, felt deeply embarrassed before Jia Cong.

But she said nothing more—her beautiful face flushed with suppressed anger—she gave Xue Yima Zhao a few final instructions, then left with Jia Cong.

…

As soon as Tan Chun and Jia Cong departed, Jia Jia Huan grumbled: "Zhao Yiniang, I was speaking calmly—why did you slap me?"

"Bao Yu's trying to steal Cai Xia from me—I asked Third Sister to help me get her back—what's wrong with that?"

"I see now—whenever it's Third Sister's matter, Third Brother Jia Cong always steps in. If he speaks, Qing Niangzi won't dare refuse to return her to me."

"Cai Xia and I have played together many times—how can Bao Yu take her? Am I to become a cuckold?!"

Xue Yima Zhao, hearing this, turned pale with terror and rushed forward to clamp her hand over Jia Jia Huan's mouth.

She hissed: "You foolish, vile spawn—how dare you say such things now? Do you want us both dead?!"

"Rongning Street is buzzing with rumors—you, a child, consorting with men—your reputation is filthier than a latrine."

"If not for Jia Cong speaking up, you'd be dead already—your waist can't even straighten, yet you're blabbing about sleeping with Cai Xia?"

"If even a whisper spreads, it's a capital crime—defiling your mother's maid. You haven't even washed the dirt off your last offense—now you add a second, and do you think you'll live?"

"Father will kill you outright—even if Jia Cong dotes on Third Sister, he won't dare touch this matter, or his own name will be ruined."

"Who will save you then? If these charges stick, we're all finished."

"Third Sister's reputation will be destroyed—will she ever marry?"

"Even if Jia Cong wants to support her for life, she'll hate us both to the core. If you're killed by Father, I'm finished for good."

"If you dare say another word, I'll strangle you now, then hang myself—better to save Third Sister at least."

"At least one of us will survive to burn paper money for the rest!"

…

Xue Yima Zhao spoke with venom, raising her hands as if to strangle Jia Jia Huan—he nearly wet himself in terror.

His buttocks were shattered from Father's beating—he couldn't even shift an inch, let alone flee.

He pleaded frantically: "Zhao Yiniang, forgive me this once—I won't say another word, I promise!"

Xue Yima Zhao softened her expression: "Never mention Cai Xia again—not one word. Or we all die."

"She's just a maid—gone now. If you endure this period, better ones will come."

Jia Jia Huan recalled the wild pleasures he'd shared with Cai Xia in the storage room, the woodshed, the stable—his body trembled with longing and anguish.

He muttered: "Cai Xia was mine—Bao Yu stole her. He's shameless."

Xue Yima Zhao suddenly asked: "Did you really sleep with Cai Xia?"

Jia Jia Huan retorted: "Every time she came to my room, you always 'accidentally' left—wasn't that exactly what you wanted?"

Xue Yima Zhao's face flushed with embarrassment—she'd intended to make it a done deal, to secure Cai Xia for her son early.

But her son got tangled in Jin Rong's mess, nearly brought disaster—fate had turned their cooked rice into half-cooked gruel.

…

Jia Jia Huan sulked: "My woman—am I just going to let her go like this?"

Xue Yima Zhao was also gloomy: "Shut up. If you want to live, never mention her again."

"I just heard—Qing Niangzi didn't just assign Cai Xia to serve him—she's making her Bao Yu's concubine."

"You can't fight fate—I kept it from you to prevent trouble. Today, Cai Xia's belongings were moved to the Western Mansion."

"You're half-dead, can't even turn over—how could you stop her?"

"I bet she's afraid to see you now—she won't return to East Road Courtyard. She went straight from Qing Niangzi's quarters to the Western Mansion."

Jia Jia Huan, hearing this, burned with rage—unable to move his body, he pounded his pillow with his fists.

Xue Yima Zhao said: "If she spends the night in Bao Yu's chambers, it's irreversible—will you still want her?"

"Cai Xia is clever—if she wants to live, she'll keep quiet about you two. We'll all pretend nothing happened."

"But Qing Niangzi, so sharp in all else, was blind to this—she deserves Bao Yu drinking your wash water. Just thinking of it pleases me."

…

Rongning Street, Marquis Mansion.

Jia Cong brought Tan Chun onto the carriage, exiting the East Road Courtyard's black-oil gate, heading toward the Eastern Mansion.

The night was dark; Tan Chun's mood was heavy. She lifted the carriage curtain and saw the street nearly empty, quiet and desolate.

A cold night breeze blew through the window, stirring her hair, her lovely face pale and luminous in the darkness.

She recalled how Jia Cong, in just a few words at East Road Courtyard, had swiftly controlled the situation and saved her brother—she felt admiration and awe.

She glanced back at Jia Cong; though dimly lit, his refined, sculpted features were clear—her heart quickened.

She thought of riding with Third Brother at night, quiet and alone—never before had this happened. For the first time, she felt joy.

She had many things to say, but Shi Shu sat beside her—some words she could not speak.

Thinking of her crude, foolish mother and brother, her heart ached with constant worry—her spirit felt heavy, burdened with unspoken pain.

…

The distance from East Road Courtyard to the Marquis Mansion was short—the carriage had barely moved before stopping at the Eastern Corner Gate.

Jia Cong leapt down first, had Jiang Liu place a footstool, then took Tan Chun's small hand and helped her down.

The night wind was cool; Tan Chun's slender hand was smooth as silk, cold in his grip.

Jia Cong said: "Shi Shu, hurry back and light the warming brazier—tonight's cold. Third Sister needs warmth when she returns."

Shi Shu hurriedly replied and trotted back on small steps.

Jia Cong and Tan Chun passed through the corner gate; inside the inner courtyard, an old woman and four young servants had already prepared a sedan chair waiting.

The distance from the west corner gate to the inner three gates was quite long; Jia Cong didn't mind, but Tan Chun, a lady of such status, found the walk exhausting.

The two stepped into the sedan chair; the old woman led the way, and the chair passed through the ceremonial gate, the side door of the outer hall, the side door of the inner hall…

Night was dim, layers of vermilion gates loomed ahead; the sedan chair traveled for a long time, as if it would never reach its end.

…

Inside the sedan chair, Jia Cong and Tan Chun sat shoulder to shoulder; since only the two of them were present, Tan Chun relaxed somewhat, her mind freed from restraint.

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

She said: "Third brother, I always feel today's matter is suspicious."

Jia Cong said: "I've spoken to Father—I don't believe Jia Huan, so young, could have committed such a deed. There must be some hidden twist."

This isn't just to clear Jia Huan's name or stop Father from imposing family punishment—I've come to the same conclusion in my own mind."

"I feel someone is behind this mischief. Most likely Jin Rong spread rumors, or perhaps there's another reason—but no smoke rises without fire."

Tan Chun said: "Third brother is right. Once the storm passes, we can investigate the truth."

"But what I mean to tell you is another matter: just now, in my room, Jia Huan was already injured, yet he still begged me to plead with Qing Niangzi for Cai Xia."

Jia Cong's heart stirred slightly. "Jia Huan is already thirteen—I told you he understands matters of the flesh. Could he and Cai Xia be involved?"

"Otherwise, why would he still beg you for this now?"

Jia Cong spoke bluntly; Tan Chun's face flushed crimson, overcome with embarrassment.

Jia Cong sensed the temperature inside the sedan chair had risen, filled with Tan Chun's fragrance.

He suddenly realized how crude his words had sounded before his cousin; he cleared his throat awkwardly.

…

At that moment, the sedan chair halted. The leading old woman reported: they had reached the inner courtyard gate; the young servants must be dismissed, and female servants must carry the chair inside.

Tan Chun said: "Since we've reached the inner courtyard gate, Zhao Yiniang, no need to rush. You all rest. My third brother and I will walk the rest."

Jia Cong and Tan Chun stepped out of the sedan chair; the old woman ordered the chair carried away and took up a lantern with translucent paper to lead them.

Jia Cong and Tan Chun entered the inner courtyard gate, took the lantern from the old woman's hand, and told her to rest.

Once the old woman had gone far, Jia Cong said: "Yesterday, Lin Lin Meimei mentioned that when Grandmother was chatting idly, she said Qing Niangzi Er had ordered Cai Xia to enter Bao Yu's quarters."

"Tomorrow is the day of the formal ceremony. Jia Huan is now asking you to plead for Cai Xia—this sounds wrong. Sister, be cautious."

Tan Chun's blush had not faded. "I also feel something's off. Last month, Zhao Yiniang came to the Eastern Mansion seeking me and mentioned pleading for Cai Xia for Jia Huan."

"Both of them care so deeply about this—it's suspicious. Could Jia Huan have done something disgraceful again?"

Jia Cong and Tan Chun had both grown up in grand households; they were both sharp and intelligent. Some things didn't need to be spelled out—they sensed the danger hidden in this matter.

Each unconsciously slowed their pace. The inner courtyard was cool at night; a gentle breeze brushed their faces, flowers and trees exhaled fragrance, the scene was tender—but their hearts grew heavy.

Jia Cong thought a moment, then said: "This matter is extremely improper. I advise you not to touch it, lest you get entangled and things spiral beyond control."

"Tomorrow, send word to Zhao Yiniang—tell her to silence Jia Huan and forbid him from mentioning this again, even a single word!"

Tan Chun's face turned pale; her voice trembled as she whispered: "Third brother…"

Jia Cong said: "Don't forget, Cai Xia is Qing Niangzi Er's personal maid. Last time, because of family affairs, you already fell out with Qing Niangzi Er."

"If Zhao Yiniang and Jia Huan have repeatedly asked for Cai Xia, and if they truly have an improper relationship…"

"Then Jia Huan has committed the crime of defiling his mother's maid—that's a grave sin against human ethics. If Qing Niangzi Er finds proof, how could she not strike back?"

"Even if I am the head of the household, Father will not spare Jia Huan if he learns of it…"

…

Tan Chun's face turned deathly pale; she felt the world spinning, her body swaying as if about to collapse. Jia Cong quickly supported her, guiding her to sit on a nearby corridor bench.

Tan Chun felt icy cold; if her brother committed the sin of defiling his mother's maid, ancestral law and family rules would never forgive him—he'd likely lose his life.

If Third Brother, with his status, intervened to protect Jia Huan, even his own reputation would be stained.

With a brother who violated human ethics, she'd never be able to hold her head high again…

Jia Cong saw Tan Chun's pale face; the once sharp, spirited girl now seemed lost and disoriented.

His heart ached slightly; he couldn't help but take her small hand in his. "Whether or not Jia Huan and Cai Xia are involved, right now we must lay low."

"If they truly have an improper relationship, as long as she doesn't make a scene, she likely consents to entering his quarters."

"A maid becoming a legitimate son's concubine is a decent outcome. If she's willing, why should we become the villains?"

"Let this matter vanish quietly—it preserves Jia Huan's life and reputation. Later, we can secretly discipline him."

"If Jia Huan and Cai Xia have no improper relationship, and are merely closer than others due to growing up together, then there's even less risk."

"I'm more inclined to believe this outcome. Qing Niangzi Er is a shrewd woman of the inner quarters; she treasures Bao Yu like a pearl."

"Cai Xia is her own maid—she knows her better than we do. She wouldn't miss such a thing."

"Now Qing Niangzi has ordered Cai Xia to enter Bao Yu's quarters—it's just ordinary household business. The news has already spread through both mansions; tomorrow, the ceremony and entry will take place."

"We have only tonight. We're not gods—we can do nothing. Besides, Jia Huan is only thirteen—he can't bear the weight of this."

"If he makes a fuss, it's not just defiling his mother's maid—it's insulting his elder brother's concubine. Such inner-quarrel filth would ruin him for life."

…

Tan Chun's voice trembled: "Third brother is right. No matter what, if Jia Huan causes a scandal, not only will he lose his life."

"Third brother, after years of hard work, has finally earned a clean reputation—all of it destroyed by Jia Huan. I'll never be able to face anyone again."

Jia Cong sighed: "So even if we suspect something, the best course is to let it unfold naturally, avoid interference, and prevent disaster."

Tan Chun, hearing Jia Cong's thoughtful reasoning, felt both gratitude and deep sorrow.

She said: "I truly envy Second Sister. We're both elder sisters, yet she doesn't have to worry a single bit—she has a brother who loves and cherishes her."

"But Jia Huan is such a spoiled, cunning brat—he never lets anyone rest. The troubles he causes grow worse each time. I don't know how it will end."

Jia Cong smiled: "Even if you don't have a formidable brother, you still have me, your cousin brother."

"As long as I live, I'll protect you, Third Sister. I won't let you suffer or be looked down upon."

Hearing Jia Cong's words, Tan Chun trembled inside—sweetness and sorrow intertwined, emotions overwhelming her.

…

Jia Cong said: "I know your nature is strong-willed. You speak harshly to Zhao Yiniang and Jia Huan, but it's because you care—and you're frustrated they don't live up to your hopes."

"You should also consider: Jia Huan isn't as clever as you, nor as charming. He didn't grow up under the guidance of someone as astute as Grandmother."

"Though he, like me, is a bastard son, he never suffered hardship. Zhao Yiniang likely spoiled him. How can you expect him to make you proud?"

Hearing the phrase "frustrated they don't live up to your hopes," Tan Chun shuddered—as if struck to the heart. Tears spilled down.

Every word Jia Cong spoke seemed to land precisely on her soul—as if he understood her thoughts better than she did.

Her body trembled slightly; her heart softened. Without thinking, she rested her head on Jia Cong's shoulder, tears flowing more freely.

Jia Cong felt the soft warmth against him, startled slightly; pity rose in his chest. He unconsciously reached to wrap his arm around her shoulder.

In the past, when he was with Zhi Shao or Liu Wuer, or teasing Lin Daiyu, such affectionate gestures came naturally.

But suddenly he remembered: Tan Chun was his cousin sister—he couldn't be so careless. He pulled his hand back immediately, feeling awkward.

Seeing her tear-streaked face, heartbroken, he gently stroked her hair and smiled: "You silly girl."

Just those words made Tan Chun press closer to his shoulder.

Jia Cong said: "I know you're ambitious—you want your brother to succeed. I'll help you shoulder some of this burden."

"I don't know if Jia Huan is suited for study, but reading more, absorbing the teachings of the sages—this will surely benefit his future conduct."

"I currently hold two nominations to the Imperial Academy. One has already gone to Bao Yu. Jia Huan is too young, but I have connections in officialdom."

"I can arrange for him to attend as an auditor—without taking a formal slot—until he turns fifteen, when he can be officially enrolled."

"Several instructors at the Imperial Academy graduated from Qingshan Academy—we have some fellow-student ties."

"I'll arrange for Jia Huan to stay in the dormitory. Better he spends his days there, absorbing proper speech and conduct, than idle away at home."

As Jia Cong casually spoke of his plans, Tan Chun said only one thing: "Do as Third Brother wishes." Her tears never stopped.

He had already thought of everything she hadn't even voiced—she, too, was as fortunate as Second Sister.

Tan Chun's heart swelled with peace and joy; she wished time would slow, so she could rest against Jia Cong's shoulder forever.

But this happiness felt so illusory—as if stolen in secret, filled with guilt and shame.

A piercing pain gripped her chest; she struggled to breathe—yet even if she suffocated, she refused to let go.

Why… he is my cousin brother… (End of Chapter)