Chapter 76: Departing the Household for Qingshan

The fifth day of the fourth month in the Jiazhao tenth year.

Today was the day Jia Cong went to Qingshan Academy to register as a student.

Yesterday, Wang Xifeng received orders from Jia Zheng and his wife, had prepared the carriage and horses, and sent Ping’er early in the morning with servants to Qingzhi Studio to help pack and carry the travel trunks.

At the hour of Chen, Jia Cong went to Rongqing Hall but did not enter; he merely kowtowed at the gate as a farewell.

Regardless, the old lady inside Rongqing Hall was his grandmother, and elders deserved respect—kowtowing a few times was no hardship.

Yet the maids and old women outside saw this and nodded silently, thinking this boy who could read was truly different, with a generous spirit.

Though the old lady had waived his filial rites, he still observed every proper form without omission, leaving no room for criticism.

Jia Mu, who had heard the news inside, felt a flush of shame.

The day before, in a fit of anger, she had waived Jia Cong’s filial rites, raising the matter too high—now she could not easily back down.

Leaving Rongqing Hall, he turned toward the eastern Rongxi Hall.

Not every maid was as astute as Yuanyang; a few young maids chattered carelessly, and someone let slip a word.

After completing his rites, Jia Cong departed immediately, giving Jia Mu not even a moment to hesitate.

Today was the grand court assembly; all officials of fifth rank or higher in the capital were required to attend. Jia Zheng, being fifth rank, could not enter the court himself, but since the attending Assistant Minister had urgent duties to assign, he had left early for the office.

“Going to the academy means you must study hard; if you succeed, it will repay the kindness of Master and Lady.”

Now you are going out alone to study; though you have servants to attend you, it is not like home—you must care for yourself in every matter. Studying diligently is good,

but preserving your health is the most important thing. When you advance in your studies, you must support your Baoyu brother and elevate our family’s standing—that will be the greatest thanks you can give me and Master.”

Inside Rongxi Hall, only Lady Wang sat on the side seat, her fingers clasping prayer beads, her robes luxurious, her features gentle and kind.

If not for the grace of Master and Lady, how could I have lived peacefully in the Western Courtyard? Jia Cong always kept this in his heart.

Lady Wang acting this way was no surprise to Jia Cong.

Yesterday, several maids from Jia Mu’s quarters came to bid farewell to Qingwen, for after this departure, they would see each other little for years to come.

Seeing his sincerity, Lady Wang’s expression softened.

Jia Cong replied respectfully: “I shall forever remember Lady’s words.”

“Lady, I am going today to register at the academy and will no longer be able to pay daily respects to Master and Lady. I have come to bid you farewell.”

“If you lack anything, tell her—out in the world, these things cannot be neglected.”

The reason the old lady waived Third Master Cong’s filial rites was because you spoke in her anger, provoking her to act so harshly.

Afterwards, Qingwen naturally told Jia Cong, furious on his behalf.

But he remained on guard.

He smiled and said: “You are also a child of the Jia family. Since you have lived in the Western Courtyard, it is only right that I and Master care for you. You speak too formally.”

Lady Wang smiled faintly: “Yesterday I had your second sister-in-law prepare your carriage and horses, and gather everything you’ll need for the journey.”

She wanted to come out and show herself, but lacked the face to do so.

Jia Cong replied: “I have received everything I need; I lack nothing. Thank you for your concern, Lady. I was born lowly, and in the Eastern Courtyard, I could barely survive.”

This woman was inherently unkind; in the original timeline, Qingwen, Jin Chuan, and other Honglou maidens all died unjustly at her hands.

One could not help but be wary of her. Fortunately, in the coming years, he would spend more time at the academy than in the household—so long as he remained alert, it would suffice.

Lady Wang thought a moment, then said: “You must also go to the Eastern Courtyard to bid farewell to Master and Lady. Master instructed your second sister-in-law and second brother to accompany you.”

Hearing this, Jia Cong felt a surge of gratitude toward Jia Zheng.

He knew Jia Zheng feared that if Jia Cong went alone to bid farewell in the Eastern Courtyard, Jia She and his wife would make trouble— Buxiangtawaichudushudiyitianjiushengchushiqing .

So he had sent Wang Xifeng and Jia Lian to accompany him, knowing that if any trouble arose, Wang Xifeng’s competence could defuse it.

Passing behind Rongxi Hall through the Fengyulianlang , then around a screen wall hung with tiger motifs, they entered Wang Xifeng’s courtyard.

Sister Feng was already waiting there; had he come later, she might have gone to Rongqing Hall for her morning greetings.

Jia Lian sat beside her, his face showing impatience.

He did not despise or mistreat Jia Cong as a junior brother, simply because they had never been close since childhood—it was not worth the effort.

He merely thought: it’s just a boy going off to study—why must I accompany him to pay respects to Master?

These people think they can treat him like this without fearing Master? The old man often beat him when displeased, so he always avoided them.

Besides, Jia Cong is a troublemaker—Master despises him most. Taking him along might bring misfortune upon me.

But Jia Zheng had specifically instructed him yesterday, so Jia Lian had no choice but to go, gritting his teeth.

Wang Xifeng was unafraid; as a daughter-in-law with her own family’s backing and Lady Wang’s support, Jia She would never dare speak harshly to her—this had always been the case.

Wang Xifeng laughed: “Third Brother Cong, Master truly values you—he’s sent me and your second brother to be your door gods. Your face is considerable.”

Jia Cong quickly replied: “Since coming to the Western Courtyard, it has been Second Sister-in-law who arranged my quarters and cared for me in every matter—I am deeply grateful.”

Wang Xifeng laughed: “Just remember my kindness. When you become top scholar, don’t forget to let your second brother share in your scholarly glory—you’re blood brothers.”

Jia Cong smiled: “Second Sister-in-law speaks too formally. Second Brother is a kind man—he has never once scolded me since childhood. I hold him in deep respect.”

Hearing this, Jia Lian’s impatience vanished; he spoke with a touch of Haoqi : “What’s there to say? We’re brothers—why would I scold you?”

Wang Xifeng thought: This boy is no ordinary fellow—he knows how to speak to every person, never falters in public, and his words carry genuine warmth, making one feel at ease.

Her aunt wanted to find a helper for Baoyu in the future, yet still plotted behind the scenes. She never considers: Baoyu’s character could never control a man like Jia Cong.

Arriving at the Eastern Courtyard, the maids and old women saw Jia Cong and grew uneasy.

Earlier, Jia Cong had disciplined Wang Shanbao’s wife—they had witnessed it firsthand. This master was a ruthless man.

A maid went to the main hall to report, then returned saying Master and Lady were unwell today and remained indoors, unable to receive visitors.

The maid’s expression was awkward—she likely feared Sister Feng’s presence and dared not speak plainly, choosing only pleasant words.

Just now, when she delivered the message, Master and Lady had cursed her soundly.

Jia Cong sneered inwardly: “Unwell? They’re merely displeased. Fine—if they won’t see me, it saves trouble.”

Jia Lian seemed to exhale in relief—he must have been psychologically scarred by Jia She.

Wang Xifeng was indifferent; though they were her in-laws, their behavior disgusted her. They were far inferior to the Second Branch’s Master and Lady—no wonder the old lady disliked them.

After finishing these formalities, Jia Cong bid farewell to Wang Xifeng and Jia Lian, then returned to Qingzhi Studio.

The carriage for departure was already parked at the northwest gate, right beside Qingzhi Studio—convenient for coming and going.

At the entrance to Qingzhi Studio, Daiyu, Yingchun, and Tanchun were already waiting; even little Xichun was there, holding the hand of a boy of four or five.

Jia Cong had seen this boy several times—he was Jia Zhu’s only son, Jia Lan.

Li Wan devoted herself entirely to raising Jia Lan to be accomplished, yet since the death of her husband Jia Zhu, the Jia family had produced no other scholar.

Li Wan came from an official and scholarly family; she understood that “near vermilion, one turns red.” Daily, she restricted her son to studying hard in the clan school.

She raised Jia Lan within her own courtyard, never letting him play with uncles like Baoyu or Jia Huan.

Now that a brilliant talent like Jia Cong had emerged, Li Wan finally saw the scholarly spirit of the Jia family.

She wished her son to grow close to this cousin-uncle, to take him as a model and be positively influenced.

Baoyu had come too—mostly because Daiyu was here, so he followed. In truth, he despised Jia Cong’s ambition to study at Qingshan Academy, seeing him as a “traitor to the state and a parasite.”

Still, it was better than nothing—at least now he could see Jia Cong’s two pretty maids.

Seeing Jia Cong return, Yingchun, usually quiet, stepped forward first.

Yingchun had been raised in the Western Courtyard since childhood, her bond with her biological father distant; Jia She had always ignored her. Though she had sisters, she had always lived in solitude.

Only when Jia Cong began to shine did she realize she had such an outstanding younger brother—and Jia Cong treated her with warmth, filling her heart with affection.

Since Jia Cong moved to the Western Courtyard, they had spent more time together; their sibling bond had deepened. Now that he was leaving to study, he might return only a few times a year—she felt deeply reluctant.

She gently smoothed his collar and said: “Third Brother, take care of yourself out there. Study hard, earn your title, and come home—let your sister take pride in you.”

Jia Cong smiled: “Second Sister, rest assured—I will not disappoint you. I will enter the academy soon, and when I grow up, I will protect your peace and safety.”

Among all the sisters, Jia Cong was blood-closest to Yingchun—they were full siblings. That was why he spoke of protecting her; perhaps someday he would help her rid herself of the lurking threat of the Zhongshan Wolf.

Jia Cong saw Tanchun’s eyes reddening and smiled gently at her: “The academy grants holidays during festivals—I’ll return then to see how your calligraphy has improved.”

Tanchun beamed: “Then I’ll wait for Third Brother Cong to come and correct me.”

Daiyu noticed Wu’er standing behind Jia Cong, clutching a small book box of xiangfei bamboo—the very one she had given him yesterday. Her heart pounded, her cheeks flushed crimson.

Jia Cong said: “Little Lin, don’t stay cooped up reading all day. Go out, walk around, take care of your health.”

Daiyu smiled: “Third Brother Cong, you take care too.”

Jia Cong noticed Baoyu sneaking glances at Wu’er and Qingwen beside him, frowned slightly, and chose to ignore him.

Under the gaze of all the sisters, he boarded the carriage with Wu’er and Qingwen. The wheels rolled, and finally, they left the Jia household.

The carriage passed Ningrong Street; as it went by the main gate of Rongguo Mansion, the imperial grant plaque—black lacquer with golden characters—glowed in the morning light: “Imperially Constructed Rongguo Mansion!”

At the hour of Wei, Jia Cong arrived at Qingshan Academy, completed his enrollment, and paid respects to the academy’s headmaster, Zhao Chongli.

At the hour of Shen, he took up residence in the Luoxia Annex of the Xuantian Palace, the Shenjing Daoist site of the Zhengyi Sect.

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The first volume ends; the groundwork is complete. The second volume’s plot will rise. The full outline is ready, with ample writing and planning time—completion is the priority. Please continue to collect, recommend, and support. Thank you.

(End of Chapter)