Chapter 797: Harsh Words Teasing the Phoenix

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

The sisters in the hall heard Jia Mu's words and all knew that since the eldest sister Jia Yuanchun was returning home, the Old Lady would certainly want her to stay in the West Prefecture.

Over the years, they had all heard that Jia Yuanchun had been raised by Jia Mu's side since she was a child and was very much doted on by the Old Lady, just like Jia Baoyu is now.

Among the sisters in the house, except for Seeing Yingchun who was older and very familiar with Jia Yuanchun, the other sisters were quite unfamiliar with this eldest sister.

Because Jia Yuanchun had left home ten years ago, Seeing Tan Chun, who was her younger sister by the same father, had only just begun to remember things at that time. After many years, her memory had gradually faded.

Little Xichun had not been born long at that time, so naturally, she didn't know people. Shi Shi Xiangyun and Seeing Tan Chun were about the same age and were both being raised in the Shi family at that time.

Lin Daiyu hadn't come to the Jia Mansion that year, so she had never met this eldest sister.

When Wang Wang Xifeng married into the Jia family, Jia Yuanchun had already been in the palace for two years, so Wang Wang Xifeng had never seen Jia Yuanchun either.

Only Jia Baoyu had been taught by Jia Yuanchun since he was a child. Before Jia Yuanchun entered the palace, she taught her young brother to recognize over a thousand characters and would compose poems and couplets for fun in her spare time, guiding and stimulating his talent.

The little bit of ink in Jia Baoyu's belly now, rather than saying it was gained from the clan school, was actually mostly taught by his eldest sister; he had been living off that capital for nearly ten years.

So Jia Baoyu naturally had a deep impression of Jia Yuanchun, and the bond between the siblings was deep.

He wasn't truly foolish, just pretending to be foolish out of self-pity. He had been worried about whether he could continue to live in the West Prefecture after getting married.

Now that his eldest sister was returning home and the Old Lady had stated she would stay in the West Prefecture, with his eldest sister's protection and company, he would certainly be able to continue staying in the West Prefecture.

Although Cousin Lin and Cousin Bao were cold to him now and couldn't say a few intimate words daily.

But as long as they could see each other often, it would slightly reduce the lovesickness in his heart, and he would be willing to die one more time for it.

Wang Wang Xifeng didn't feel very comfortable hearing Jia Mu's words. Although Jia Yuanchun had a good reputation in the house and wasn't as secretive and domineering as her aunt.

But according to Wang Wang Xifeng's selfish thoughts, it would truly make her happy if not a single person from the Second Branch lived in the West Prefecture.

Two days ago, news came out of Rongqing Hall that her aunt had whimsical ideas and actually wanted to share in the business of the Xinchun Firm, only to be severely disciplined by the Third Young Master Cong.

The Third Young Master Cong also took the opportunity to pursue the matter relentlessly, finalizing the decision to move Jia Baoyu out of the West Prefecture on the spot, and even managed to pry the words out of the Old Lady's mouth.

After hearing this, Wang Wang Xifeng felt great joy in her heart. Earlier, she had cut people, blocked monthly allowances, and moved antiques, giving Jia Baoyu so many hard times.

However, her aunt was as stubborn as a mule, pretending to be foolish, and Jia Baoyu turned a deaf ear, remaining the same.

She had always been efficient in managing the house, but she was stumped by this pair of mother and son.

In the end, it was the Third Young Master Cong who had the means, dealing with it quickly, using force to overcome force, opening the door to drive out the dog, and settling it once and for all, leaving her ears in peace.

It had been so difficult to get Jia Baoyu out of the West Prefecture, and now, after the New Year, here comes the eldest sister from the Second Branch. Isn't this just a leaky ladle scooping water, all for nothing?

If her aunt were to use her influence to get involved again, when would the muddled accounts between the First and Second Branches ever end?

It was just that the Old Lady had promised before to move Jia Baoyu out of the West Prefecture, so she wasn't completely senile yet.

Now, wanting her granddaughter who had been away from home for ten years to accompany her for a few more years, it was difficult to refuse face-to-face in terms of reason and emotion...

However, Seeing Yingchun had a different thought upon hearing Jia Mu's words.

Wang Wang Xifeng considered things by focusing on the control of power between the First and Second Branches, while Seeing Yingchun considered various matters in the house, but always thought of her brother Jia Cong in everything.

Among the sisters, Seeing Yingchun was most familiar with Jia Yuanchun and was quite clear about this eldest sister's temperament—intelligent, bright, generous, and appropriate; in short, she was excellent.

During the palace selection three years ago, the Second Aunt had wanted to spend money to find a way to give the eldest sister Jia Yuanchun a chance to be selected.

This matter was flatly denied by her brother, and afterward, he even asked her to prepare New Year gifts to be sent into the palace to the eldest sister.

Later, Brother Cong and the eldest sister exchanged letters, and their thoughts were in the same direction—both were equally sharp and thoughtful, and they had a tacit understanding in their actions.

Younger brother Cong also said that eldest sister's character is precious, that she does not admire vanity and is single-mindedly devoted to returning home, which is quite rare; one can see that the two cousins are very compatible.

When the eldest sister leaves the palace next year, if she can live in the West Prefecture, it will not only be easier for the sisters to get along and move around, but Brother Cong, who appreciates the eldest sister's character, would certainly be willing as well.

Wang Wang Xifeng saw Jia Mu's hesitant expression and was waiting for her reply, so it wasn't good to be too cold.

She laughed: "The eldest sister has been away from home for ten years. It is human nature for the Old Lady to feel sorry for her eldest granddaughter and want her to accompany her by her side."

She was thinking about how to use both soft and hard tactics, and what to say to make Jia Mu lose the idea of keeping Jia Yuanchun.

But she heard Seeing Yingchun smile and say: "It is a good thing for the eldest sister to return and stay in the West Prefecture. Firstly, the eldest sister has been away from home for many years, and it is good for her to return and show filial piety to the Old Lady.

It is also convenient for us sisters to move around. Secondly, the eldest sister is a young lady in the boudoir, which is different from the married men after all.

She lives in the inner courtyard of the West Prefecture, which does not hinder the family etiquette, and only narrates the family affection. Brother Cong would certainly be willing."

As soon as Wang Wang Xifeng heard Seeing Yingchun's words, her heart brightened, and she seemed to have realized something.

She knew clearly in her heart that this Second Sister was no longer what she used to be; she was no longer the "Second Wooden Head" of the past. She managed the house and handled affairs without a leak.

Her thinking and actions were no worse than her own, and furthermore, she was literate, making her even more formidable in some places.

Moreover, the Second Sister loved her brother the most, and the siblings had always been close. The Second Sister knew the Third Young Master Cong's mind better than she did.

Her words just now, saying that the eldest sister was a young lady and different from the married men, and that living in the inner courtyard of the West Prefecture did not violate etiquette.

The meaning was already very clear: although the Third Young Master Cong was annoyed by Jia Baoyu lingering in the West Prefecture, he was not annoyed by this eldest sister.

In short, Jia Baoyu, a married man and a father of a child, must roll out of the inner courtyard of the West Prefecture.

Otherwise, not to mention that it would not conform to family etiquette, the whole courtyard of women would attract gossip.

Don't look at the Second Sister's gentle appearance; these words were like needles hidden in cotton—releasing water where it should be released, and sealing where it should be sealed, without a single leak. She was quite formidable.

Wang Wang Xifeng saw the trend and naturally wanted to say what was favorable, laughing: "The Second Sister's words are reasonable. After Jia Baoyu gets married, he will move back to the East Road Courtyard.

The eldest sister is a maiden, so there is no need to avoid living in the inner courtyard of the West Prefecture, and she can also well show filial piety to the Old Lady to make up for the suffering of many years of separation between grandmother and granddaughter.

Moreover, I have already thought of a place for the eldest sister to live when she returns home. There is a place that is extremely appropriate, spacious, and convenient, and very close to Rongqing Hall."

Jia Mu remembered the previous distribution of the Xinchun Firm, where her grandson had been provoked, and the matter of Jia Baoyu moving back to the East Courtyard had been finalized.

Now that she wanted to keep her eldest granddaughter from the Second Branch by her side, she didn't know how that boy would stir things up. If he didn't want this, she, as a grandmother, would lose face.

Jia Mu was feeling a bit anxious in her heart, but after hearing Seeing Yingchun's words, she felt much more relaxed.

Because she knew that the Second Sun Nu treasured her brother the most and followed her brother's wishes in everything. Since she could say such things, naturally, Brother Cong had the same mind.

Just as she was feeling happy, she heard Wang Wang Xifeng say that she had already found a satisfactory place for Jia Yuanchun to live, which made her even more delighted.

She asked with a smile: "Feng Tan Yatou, which good place have you taken a fancy to that is just right for the eldest girl to live in when she returns?"

Jia Baoyu felt annoyed when he heard Seeing Yingchun talk about married men, and when she said something about not hindering family etiquette, he felt even more guilty, believing she was secretly targeting him.

He couldn't help but feel heartbroken, full of resentment and dissatisfaction.

It wasn't that he wanted to get married; it was his father and mother forcing him. He wanted to show filial piety, but what could he do?

Just as he was pitying himself and hurting in his heart, he heard Seeing Yingchun agree with the eldest sister living in the West Prefecture, and Cousin Feng even said that she had already found a place for her to live.

This made him unable to care about his sadness, and his attention was immediately attracted. He wanted to hear where his eldest sister would live when she returned home.

If she lived in the former eldest sister-in-law's courtyard, it would be very close to where he lived, and it would be convenient for the two siblings to move around daily...

Wang Wang Xifeng laughed: "I have heard the Old Lady mention the eldest sister's affairs. According to the rules of returning after ten years in the palace, the eldest sister's return home will be just after Jia Baoyu gets married..."

Jia Baoyu felt angry when he heard this. Why did they have to bring up his marriage when talking about the eldest sister returning home?

Why couldn't everyone in the mansion talk without mentioning his marriage? They wouldn't stop saying it every day. It was truly like seeing a ghost. How could he live this damn life?

Wang Wang Xifeng continued: "A few days ago, I heard that Brother Cong had already agreed with the Old Lady that Jia Baoyu would move back to the East Road Courtyard after he gets married.

The courtyard he lives in is just empty. The rooms there are spacious and comfortable, with all furniture and items complete. It is also a south-facing sunny courtyard, and very close to Rongqing Hall.

I have thought about it, and there is no better place. It is just right for the eldest sister to live in. It is also convenient for the eldest sister to show filial piety to the Old Lady daily.

The place vacated by the younger brother moving out is just right for the elder sister to return home to live in. It is also a very good omen."

As soon as Wang Wang Xifeng said this, there was a momentary silence in the hall, truly without a sound, and everyone's eyes couldn't help but look at Jia Baoyu. ===== CHAPTER 798 =====