Chapter 741: Fickle, Passionate, Devoted

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Upon hearing the news about Jia Baoyu, Jia Mu had no heart left for cards; she beamed so broadly she couldn't close her mouth, and only asked Wang Lady to support her as they went to the front hall to talk.

Wang Lady smiled and said, "It's your longevity that brings such fortune, Grandmother—by next summer, you'll be holding your great-grandson."

Wang Wang Xifeng heard this and internally laughed—her aunt always dreamed of good things; which woman could guarantee she'd bear a son?

Yet upon reflection, perhaps others couldn't, but Cai Xia was truly extraordinary—just being touched by a man could make her conceive; who knew she might actually bear a son?

Though her aunt often did foolish, disgraceful things, she'd at least done one fine thing: raising a maid so easy to conceive.

She laughed, "Brother Jia Baoyu is truly delighted now—he's even gotten ahead of Cousin Cong! Grandmother, this is a splendid sign of enduring offspring."

I've heard Cai Xia is truly remarkable; such an easy-conceiving maid is a living treasure in the chambers—she might even bear a boy.

But the timing is too coincidental: next March, Miss Xia is to enter the household; if a firstborn illegitimate son is born, the girl may feel uneasy.

Jia Mu, upon hearing this, paused slightly.

She sighed, "Feng-er speaks sense. In our family, though young masters are given women to serve them at fifteen, most are already married by then."

The time gap is too short, so it's rare for a firstborn illegitimate son to be born.

Had it not been for that affair in the Zongrenfu, Jia Baoyu's marriage wouldn't have been delayed—it's unavoidable, but adding to the family is always a good thing."

Jia Mu smiled again: "Besides, this generation of Jia Baoyu's peers is rare—there may be more than just Jia Baoyu's case of a firstborn illegitimate son."

Cong-ge didn't cause trouble outside, but he just lost his father and lost a royal betrothal."

Otherwise, he'd have married the Zhen girl long ago—perhaps even had children by now. He's in three years of mourning, so he can't marry yet."

But he's already taken women into his chambers; he'll likely have a firstborn illegitimate son too—it's perfectly understandable.

Since this isn't unique to our household, no one can speak ill of it."

Even if Miss Xia feels uneasy upon entering, we'll soothe her with a few kind words—she won't hold a grudge."

Going back further, had Jia Baoyu not been involved in that Zongrenfu affair, the Xia family's status wouldn't have been fit for our Jia household."

This isn't us looking down on them—it's just proper social conduct, something only we women say behind closed doors."

That Xia lady is extremely sharp; she knows the match is suitable, weighs all sides, and surely understands the reasoning—she'll explain it to her daughter."

So this matter, though a topic of talk, is not serious—no need to be overly cautious."

Wang Wang Xifeng heard this and felt resentful—Grandmother was ridiculous, always using Cong the Third as Jia Baoyu's benchmark."

Are they even the same kind? If my Ping'er bore a firstborn illegitimate son, someday it might become the Lady Rongguo title—more precious than an ordinary legitimate son.

If Jia Baoyu bears a firstborn illegitimate son, it's just some maid's child—how could that be the same?

Wang Lady smiled: "Grandmother is wise. Other families care about legitimate versus illegitimate birth, but in our Jia household, it's different."

Isn't Cong-ge himself illegitimate? Yet among the eight branches in the capital and twelve in Jinling, no young master outshines him.

So in our family, legitimate or illegitimate birth makes no difference—if Jia Baoyu bears a firstborn illegitimate son and raises him well, he'll bring glory to Grandmother too.

…

Seeing Yingchun heard this and smiled faintly, saying nothing.

Seeing Tan Chun heard the news and felt something was off, but as a young lady of the inner chambers, she knew nothing of bedroom matters or conception—she merely muttered to herself.

She thought: they say a son resembles his father—could Jia Baoyu's son grow up as formidable as Third Brother? Unlikely.

Yet then she recalled: Third Brother was raised by Elder Master—how could father and son resemble each other at all? Perhaps Madam's words might be true.

Jia Baoyu's offspring needn't be as outstanding as Third Brother; if they're as well-behaved and obedient as Lan'er, Master would be delighted enough.

Lin Daiyu heard Wang Lady's words, lifted her teacup, and drained it—her stomach churned with strange discomfort.

This Second Zhao Yiniang always spins wild fantasies—there's not even a child in sight, yet she's already dreaming of future glory, just to overshadow Third Brother.

Wang Wang Xifeng's lips twitched—her aunt had gone mad; yesterday she'd hated Cong-ge, yet today she praised him—the sun had risen in the west.

But this was laughable—there's no secret formula to bear sons; Jia Baoyu getting Cai Xia pregnant doesn't mean he can guarantee a son—that's nonsense."

Even if Jia Baoyu does father a son, dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes, and a rat's son digs holes."

The kind of offspring Jia Baoyu produces—how could they ever match Cong the Third? That's a fantasy worthy of a dreamer—her aunt's heart is truly enormous."

Jia Mu, hearing Wang Lady's words about legitimate and illegitimate birth being equal, inwardly disbelieved them—after a lifetime of beliefs, how easily could one change?

Yet she showed no sign, smiling: "You speak wisely—if they're filial and accomplished, I treasure them all, regardless of legitimacy."

She turned to Seeing Yingchun and smiled: "Second Girl, now you're the head of the household—your brothers' chambers aren't short of pretty maids."

Go back and advise him not to fixate only on official duties—he's already held a decent post; contentment brings peace."

Tell him to focus more on his chambers; his future is vast, and expanding the family line is most crucial."

Though Jia Mu's words were casual, they were blunt enough—Seeing Yingchun blushed, and even Lin Daiyu and Seeing Tan Chun's cheeks flushed.

Only Shi Shi Xiangyun grinned mischievously, thinking: if Third Brother had a child, I could play with it every day—how delightful that would be…

Wang Wang Xifeng laughed: "Grandmother, you speak too plainly! Second Sister is still a maiden—how could she say such things?"

Just entrust me, your granddaughter-in-law—I'm Cong-ge's elder sister-in-law; Lady Da is now fasting and praying, so it's only natural for me to advise my younger brother."

Besides, I'm the only one who knows whether there's been any movement in his chambers."

Wu'er and Ping'er are always around me—I can tell at a glance if they're pregnant; just wait, I'll bring you good news soon."

Wang Lady felt uneasy, sensing Wang Wang Xifeng deliberately twisted words to undermine the Second Branch before Grandmother.

Originally, today's good news had made Wang Lady feel like walking on stilts—elated, unsteady, her heart fluttering wildly.

Now, hearing Wang Wang Xifeng's gleeful words, jealousy and malice welled up inside her.

That boy from the Eastern Mansion is Jia Baoyu's age, and his woman entered his chambers on the same day—plenty of time has passed, yet no sign of pregnancy."

My Jia Baoyu might have problems—could he not? When all those clams sit idle and never yield pearls, I'll see how you, Feng-er, boast then…"

Jia Mu laughed heartily at Wang Wang Xifeng's words: "You little monkey, you speak without restraint—who ever heard of a sister-in-law talking like this? Don't you know shame?"

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Jia Baoyu's Courtyard.

A strange atmosphere hung in the courtyard—everyone appeared outwardly joyful, yet inwardly seethed with shock, anxiety, and restlessness.

Like the oppressive thunder before a storm, lingering without release, crushing all things under a suffocating weight.

In the morning, Wang Lady came to see Jia Baoyu, then went to Cai Xia's chamber; they spoke only briefly.

Wang Lady then ordered Yu Chuan to deliver a message to the Eastern Courtyard, instructing Xue Yima Chen to fetch a skilled physician to examine Cai Xia at once.

Sister Xi Ren and Seeing Caiyun both knew Cai Xia's complexion had been poor these past days—she'd lost her appetite, as if her vital energy had been drained.

But she couldn't blame anyone; it was partly her own fault—who else would spend entire nights with the Young Master?

Even if the Young Master was a cracked gong, incapable of true consummation, Cai Xia couldn't endure such abuse.

Sister Xi Ren felt a pang of sorrow—after all, they were all women; what was the problem? Just exhaustion from nights of labor, or blood loss during menses, perhaps some weakness."

They were all maids—this was common enough; why treat her like some precious treasure? Why summon a fine physician for her?"

But she'd served Madam for years—she had more affection than the rest; Sister Xi Ren thought of this, and felt hollow and unsettled.

When Cai Xia was still with Madam, she'd seemed such a proper, respectable maid—yet after entering the Young Master's chambers, she became a complete wanton.

Since acquiring her, the Young Master had grown strangely attached—whenever Cai Xia was on night duty, the noises from his chamber were especially loud.

Sister Xi Ren and Seeing Caiyun, closely involved, naturally paid close attention; they'd even overheard through the walls.

The Young Master seemed especially aroused by Cai Xia—once he locked the door, he'd extinguish the lamps, then chase and laugh, speaking sweetly, utterly delighted.

Cai Xia often screamed and gasped, whispered pleadingly, spoke softly in submission—she was clearly no good."

Each time the chamber echoed with lewd sounds and lustful words, even the little maids in the courtyard could hear—leaving Sister Xi Ren and Seeing Caiyun deeply ashamed and furious.

Yet they'd grown up in grand households; as Jia Baoyu's personal maids, they never expected exclusive favor."

Not to mention the future Jia Baoyu's Lady—what were they, after all?"

Jia Baoyu's affections were none of their business—but since Cai Xia entered, the Young Master had grown unfairly partial."

Whenever Cai Xia was on night duty, the Young Master was ecstatic; when it was Sister Xi Ren or Seeing Caiyun's turn, he became dull and indifferent."

He no longer acted as he used to—no more teasing, no more playful groping; even when he did something, it was rushed and half-hearted, nothing like before."

Though Sister Xi Ren and Seeing Caiyun knew full well that even when Jia Baoyu made a show of passion, he was merely a wax spear with no core—a silent firecracker with the fuse pulled."

But nothing troubles people more than inequality; the Young Master's intense attention to Cai Xia, and his casual neglect of them, made them resentful…"

Seeing Caiyun didn't mind much, but Sister Xi Ren's heart was twisted with bitterness.

She always felt she'd been the first to bed Jia Baoyu, guiding him into manhood—he should remember that debt."

In the past, Jia Baoyu treated her the same way; as long as the Jia Baoyu Lady hadn't arrived, she should've been the mistress of the Second Branch."

Though she'd never voice this aloud—she feared damaging her reputation for virtue—she thought it constantly."

Yet since Cai Xia entered, what once seemed rightful and proper had suddenly changed."

If these were merely Sister Xi Ren's private grievances, things she couldn't voice, merely swallowed and digested—

She thought Jia Baoyu was impotent, easier to soothe now; if she showed him more tenderness, perhaps he'd return to her."

Sister Xi Ren had been steadying her heart with this plan these past two days.

She never imagined Madam summoning a physician for Cai Xia would reveal a thunderclap—the doctor said Cai Xia was pregnant.

Sister Xi Ren had never felt such despair; her entire being was shattered, desperate to find a crack in the earth to crawl into.

Had Jia Baoyu's daily herbal tonics already cured his ailment—and he simply refused to respond to her and Seeing Caiyun…?"

Madam was a woman who'd lived through it all—she must have sensed this, which is why she rushed to shove Cai Xia into Jia Baoyu's bed."

After Madam's test, Cai Xia truly succeeded—so Jia Baoyu was capable after all—and she and Seeing Caiyun were the ones who couldn't…"

Sister Xi Ren's shame and rage nearly killed her; she feared that after this, Madam would never value her again.

For years, she'd schemed to become a concubine, sacrificed her body—was this the end she'd earn?"

She could never accept it…

…

If Cai Xia is with child, the truly delighted person would not be Xi Ren or Cai Yun, nor even Madam Wang, let alone Cai Xia herself.

Only Jia Baoyu was genuinely delighted; though he harbored some doubts, he prided himself on his pure heart and despised such sordid, treacherous thoughts.

Since Cai Xia entered the chamber, she was utterly unlike Xi Ren and Cai Yun—though those two were docile and flattering in bed, they often merely went through the motions.

Jia Baoyu was not entirely foolish; he clearly understood their minds—they simply thought him incapable.

But Cai Xia was different from them all: each time they shared the bed, her eyes held fear and pitiful vulnerability, yet she never defied him.

No matter how wildly he behaved, she never neglected or half-hearted her service—she attended to him with utmost devotion, utterly obedient, deeply moving Jia Baoyu.

Each night, when Jia Baoyu could no longer bear his restlessness and acted recklessly, Cai Xia seemed to revel in it, trembling softly, her responses indistinguishably real or feigned.

This stirred Jia Baoyu's heart, reminding him of his earlier secret trysts with Xi Ren and Bi Hen—exactly the same situation.

Each time he lay with Cai Xia, entwined and caressing, it was like drinking poison—his thoughts wandered endlessly, lost in rapture; when he awoke at dawn, he remembered little of the night before.

Jia Baoyu had always prided himself as a pure soul, a man born with the jade, extraordinary beyond measure; his strange affliction was merely Heaven's trial.

Now Heaven had not abandoned such an odd creature as him, so it sent Cai Xia as this wondrous fate—curing him without medicine.

Jia Baoyu told himself again and again: it must be so; only such a tale suited his pure, transcendent nature…

When the physician announced Cai Xia was with child, Jia Baoyu was overjoyed; though doubts lingered in his heart, he deliberately ignored them, eager to bask in triumph.

That day, Jia Baoyu came and went from Cai Xia's room, asking after her comfort, speaking with tender diligence, showing tenfold consideration.

Xi Ren and Cai Yun could not help but seethe with jealousy, but Cai Xia had greater skill—there was nothing to be done.

She had entered the chamber for only a month and already ceased her monthly flow; a child was imminent. They could only sigh in defeat, humbly yield…

…

Madam Wang went to Rongqing Hall to deliver the good news, radiating an air of universal family joy.

Jia Mu praised her lavishly, saying she managed the inner quarters with wisdom and discernment, having chosen Cai Xia—a woman who would ensure Jia Baoyu's lineage flourished early.

Wang Wang Xifeng, though somewhat resentful, offered a few sincere congratulations; Seeing Yingchun and the other sisters naturally joined in their felicitations.

Madam Wang, flattered until she felt as if walking on clouds, smiled until her face stiffened, yet inside her heart was more bitter than yellow rhubarb.

As she stepped out of Rongqing Hall, her steps were unsteady; Yu Jin Chuan hurried forward to support her, and the two returned together to Jia Baoyu's courtyard.

No sooner had Madam Wang entered the courtyard gate than she saw Jia Baoyu carrying a tray with a powdered-glaze soup bowl, heading straight into Cai Xia's room.

She frowned—this Jia Baoyu was growing ever more reckless; how could he be serving a maid himself?

…

On the bed, Cai Xia leaned against the pillow, covered in brocade quilts; though she carried his child, she showed no great joy.

Seeing Jia Baoyu enter with the tray, she immediately sat up and rose from the bed.

Jia Baoyu set down the tray and hurried to stop her, guiding her back to lie down.

He smiled: "You're with child now—you must rest more. Don't trouble yourself with household chores; let Xi Ren and the others handle them."

He lifted the powdered-glaze soup bowl and said: "I specially went to the kitchen and had them prepare silver ear and lotus seed soup—just eat some."

"The kitchen has little of quality; tomorrow I'll ask Sister Feng to send some top-grade bird's nest, and I'll have it stewed for you—it truly nourishes."

Cai Xia's eyes filled with tears as she sincerely said: "Young Master, you are truly kind."

Jia Baoyu's heart swelled with delight: "I always said women, once married, turn from pearls into dead fish eyes.

But now I see that's wrong—sister, though already promised to me, still behaves with such grace; I'd gladly die for you.

Now that you're with child, rest easy—I will treat you well from now on."

As Jia Baoyu spoke sweet words in the room, Cai Xia's heart trembled with fear—and yet, a faint joy stirred within her…

Madam Wang stood beside the door, having heard every word; her face turned dark with fury and revulsion.

…

Bo Jue Mansion, South Slope Courtyard.

Jia Cong, Sister Miao Yu, Xing Xiuyan, Zhen Ying Lady Lian, and others finished tending the plum grove and returned together to the South Slope Courtyard.

Sister Miao Yu brewed tea for them personally; some played chess, others sat idly chatting, each at ease.

Sister Miao Yu's chess skill was high, rivaling Seeing Yingchun's; Jia Cong was somewhat weaker, and after several games, he lost more than he won.

When Zhi Shao emerged from Shifan Xiushan Shitai's room, Sister Miao Yu went to the Buddha hall to chant sutras and perform her devotions.

A cool breeze blew across the slope; they sat and chatted, talking of heaven and earth, passing the time with great pleasure.

As the sun set and the western sky blazed with twilight, Jia Cong led Zhen Ying Lady Lian and Xing Xiuyan down the slope.

Zhi Shao, not on night duty, stayed behind to keep Sister Miao Yu company; Jia Cong naturally had no objection.

As he entered the courtyard gate, he saw Wu'er, Ping'er, and Qingwen talking in the main hall, their words brimming with excitement.

Qingwen's voice, clear and bright as pearls tumbling on jade, carried clearly from afar.

Jia Cong heard her say: "You never thought that girl had it in her—so powerful, and so fast."

Jia Cong didn't immediately grasp what "so fast" meant; but Wu'er and Ping'er, hearing this, blushed deeply and giggled softly.

Qingwen added: "Why did Jia Baoyu's chamber get pregnant so quickly, while ours hasn't stirred a thing?

Is it you two who are incapable, wasting our Cong Sanye's time?"

Ping'er, hearing this, flushed crimson and blurted: "Nonsense!"

Wu'er, equally flushed, pinched Qingwen's arm and scolded with a laugh: "You wicked girl, saying such things—you're capable, then you do it."

Ping'er couldn't help laughing; Qingwen, startled by Wu'er's words, paused, her bright eyes shimmering—perhaps stirred…

Jia Cong stepped forward and smiled: "You're all so lively—what's this so urgent that Qingwen must do it? Tell me."

Wu'er and Ping'er, startled by Jia Cong's sudden appearance, flinched, their faces flushed, seemingly embarrassed to meet his gaze.

Wu'er said: "It's mealtime—Cong Sanye must be hungry. I'll go to the kitchen and tell them to start cooking."

Ping'er said: "I'll help too."

Jia Cong watched their graceful figures hurry out of the courtyard, puzzled.

He asked: "Qingwen, what's all this mystery? Why are they acting so strangely?"

Qingwen sniffed, still resentful: "Wu'er's on night duty tonight—she'll tell you everything in detail…" (End of Chapter)