Chapter 869

Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Outside the hall, twin mountain-piercing corridors on either side were carved with beams and painted with rafters, eaves hung with colorful cages holding parrots, nightingales, and other birds.

Facing the winter sun’s warmth, the delicate birdcages had shed their winter covers; chirps rose and fell in succession, adding a touch of early spring elegance.

Several maids in red robes and green jackets stood in attendance outside, their manners refined, their presence impressive; the warm curtain at the hall’s entrance occasionally lifted as maids entered and exited with tea trays.

In past years, by the time the fifteenth of the first month neared, outside visitors paying New Year calls had already dwindled; all close relatives who intended to visit had come before the eighth.

After the tenth, various aristocratic in-laws would gradually send Lantern Festival gifts; though the items were simple, everyone sought the festive cheer.

These past two days, the Shi family of Baoling Marquis, the Li family of the National Academy, and the Wang and Xue families of Jin Ling all sent Lantern Festival gifts.

As a newly allied family, the Guihua Xia family, having not yet formally joined through marriage, would surely follow suit with proper gestures after others had sent their offerings.

Originally, the gates should have grown quiet before the fifteenth, but the palace issued an edict appointing Jia Cong as Assistant Regional Commander of the Divine Machinery Camp, ordering him to lead troops north to campaign against the Mongols.

Once the news spread, old family friends and patrons were stirred; these past two days, noble ladies from various households had come calling to offer congratulations.

At this moment, the hall was filled with guests, dressed in splendid robes and adorned with pearls and jewels; Jia Mu stood at the center, smiling warmly, surrounded like the moon by stars.

Since some of the visitors were young ladies from noble households, Yingchun and Tanchun had also been summoned to accompany the guests.

…

Now, in the capital, which noble household did not know of Jia Cong’s dazzling official rank?

Ultimately, it stemmed from his fame in the Liaodong campaign, where he led over a thousand elite firearm troops to pursue and crush the Manchus across a thousand li of frontier territory.

Now, Jia Cong is again marching to war, commanding six thousand elite Divine Machinery troops as an independent force heading north.

His command is several times larger than in Liaodong; the prospect of success naturally multiplies.

These past few years, Jia Cong has excelled in both civil and military affairs, his reputation resounding throughout the old family alliances.

Even if he achieved another dazzling feat, they would not find it surprising.

Thus, no one seriously doubts whether he will quickly earn merit in this campaign.

Such an extraordinary youth, if he gains further glory, promises a future as brilliant as dawn—merely imagining it stirs the heart with heat.

Yet Jia Cong is an expeditionary general; state military affairs involve secrets, so the male heads of households cannot visit now, lest they invite gossip.

But the women and matrons of their households, paying seasonal visits to Jia Mu, cannot be faulted.

Even if many of these noble ladies have already visited the palace twice this season, they care little.

…

All households, filled with inexplicable anticipation for the Rongguo youth’s impending resurgence in office, naturally rush to warm the cold hearth, eagerly strengthening ties with the Jia household.

This is a common tactic among great clans: forging alliances, leveraging influence, thriving together.

Some fallen aristocratic families, whose main wives arrive bearing heavy gifts, subtly or openly beg Jia Mu for favors.

Their households have declined, yet still have young men serving in the military, hoping Jia Cong will give them a helping hand and take them along on the northern campaign.

They wish to ride Jia Cong’s fortune, catching a glimmer of his merit, to revive their family’s standing.

Though elderly, Jia Mu is a master of the inner quarters and knows Jia Cong’s nature well—her grandson’s methods are beyond her manipulation.

She barely has enough joy for herself; why would she invite trouble by meddling, risking discord between herself and her grandson for outsiders’ sake?

When faced with such headaches, she naturally steers the conversation elsewhere, or calls upon Yingchun to hold the scene.

These past two days, Yingchun has gone each morning to Jia Cong’s courtyard to join him for breakfast, overhearing some details of the campaign.

To ensure her brother’s affairs proceed without interference, she refuses to let others intrude, claiming Jia Cong leaves early and returns late, leaving her no chance to see him.

She adds that the troops for the expedition have already been selected; the roster has been submitted to the palace and approved; any change would require imperial grace…

In short, grandmother and grandson together weave a web of nonsense to discourage these women from pressing further.

As the saying goes, when one rides the crest of the tide, others push; those whose schemes failed did not harbor resentment, but instead felt the Jia family’s power had surged, becoming even harder to match or share in its glory.

…

The noble ladies visiting recently have heard of Yingchun’s name over the past two years.

All know this Jia household’s second daughter is the elder sister of the Weiyuan Marquis, now among the most esteemed in both Jia mansions, not to be underestimated.

Now seeing her delicate beauty, dignified and composed, though she speaks little, she handles social occasions with ease and grace, remarkably refined.

Many noble ladies, though harboring thoughts, have heard this second lady prefers quiet elegance, content to remain within her chambers; though past the age of marriageable years, she has yet to be betrothed.

Though the Jia household has other young ladies, they are either from a different branch or distant kin.

Compared and weighed, none rival the Marquis’s eldest daughter in prestige; yet the third lady present, with her outstanding beauty and charm…

…

The noble ladies in the hall each had their own calculations; their words and laughter all revolved around Jia Cong, leaving Wang Lady feeling conspicuously ignored.

Since the visitors were of varying generations, Wang Xifeng and Yingchun were juniors; Jia Mu had summoned Wang Lady to accompany the guests.

Wang Lady had originally been delighted upon receiving Jia Mu’s message, believing her status in the Jia household still held weight, that the old lady still valued her.

Moreover, this visit required no worry over Wang Xifeng’s meddling in household cuts and savings; she had carefully dressed herself and gladly accepted the invitation.

Yet after sitting in the hall only a short while, she realized she had been deceived—this was not the old lady honoring her, but merely listening to others praise Jia Cong.

The Lady Li of the Zhongjing Marquis, sharp and capable, noticed Wang Lady’s discomfort; though she guessed her thoughts, she felt a touch of mockery and disdain.

But Jia Cong leads troops into battle, and her aunt shares in his glory; this Second Madam clearly opposes Cong-ge.

Seeing Cong-ge’s glory, she grew resentful, and if she spoke ill in public, everyone’s face would be ruined.

Yingchun and others present were juniors, and with the added connection of her niece Xiangyun, Lady Li sensed the tension and resolved to support her aunt.

She smiled: “Second Madam, why hasn’t Baoyu come today?”

Wang Lady, left stranded by the crowd and bombarded with praise for Jia Cong, was burning with anger and bitter resentment.

Hearing someone finally mention Baoyu, it was like drought-stricken earth meeting clouds and rain—her parched heart instantly revived, her spirit returning.

But she recalled why Baoyu had not come: the old lady had only instructed her to attend, never mentioning Baoyu.

Though narrow-minded and stubborn, Wang Lady was not entirely foolish about inner household matters; she could guess Jia Mu’s intent.

Baoyu had once spoken truthfully, then been incited by the Xia girl, and the main branch had seized the opportunity; even the old lady had grown cautious.

Moreover, Baoyu had been forced out of the West Courtyard; since moving into the Eastern Wing, his status as an outsider male was now fixed.

Today, the hall was filled with outside women and young maidens; even if the old lady adored Baoyu, she dared not summon him, lest gossip arise.

Thinking of this, Wang Lady’s resentment flared anew—her own rightful heir, her precious Baoyu, reduced to this state.

Now, all the glory of the Jia household rests on a brothel-born bastard, yet these people shamelessly heap praise upon him and his campaign.

Do the swords and spears have eyes, all avoiding this boy? Must all the world’s advantages fall to him? Is he dreaming of a golden future…

…

Though Wang Lady’s thoughts were venomous, Lady Li’s question gave her face; she naturally gathered herself to reply.

She smiled: “He was meant to come and pay respects to the elders, but after the New Year, Baoyu is to enter the National Academy for study.

His father fears his studies are unstable and that attending the Academy won’t be sufficient; these past days he has kept him at home, urging him to study hard, so he cannot come.”

Lady Li replied casually: “That’s truly good news. Baoyu’s wedding is in March, to the Xia girl from Guihua; her reputation for beauty is well known.

Now, with Cong-ge’s guidance and support, sending him to the National Academy, if he studies diligently for a year or two, he will surely pass the examinations.

Then, Madam, your lap will again produce a talented grandson—truly cause for celebration.”

Wang Lady heard these words and felt no joy at Baoyu being called talented; only nausea rose in her chest.

She had thought Lady Li of the Zhongjing Marquis was discerning, able to see Baoyu’s worth—yet she was merely twisting praise of Jia Cong! How utterly outrageous!

The other noble ladies in attendance echoed Lady Li’s words, adding compliments about Baoyu’s promise and the old lady’s good fortune.

But all came from official families; though their words were flattering, their hearts held contempt and mockery.

Baoyu, though a noble scion, was unworthy of a match with equal rank, reduced to marrying a lowly merchant’s daughter.

Such an unrefined match was worth boasting about? No wonder they laughed themselves silly.

The Weiyuan Marquis of the Jia household, handsome and gifted in both civil and martial arts, unmatched among the capital’s noble youths, had still made such a foolish mistake.

He gave Baoyu the hereditary student quota—a meat bun thrown to a dog, gone forever, a losing deal.

Baoyu had insulted the Retired Emperor, offended the current Emperor, and been publicly rebuked by the Clan Office.

If he dared sit for the imperial examinations, which examiner would dare grant him a degree? Would that not shame the Retired Emperor and His Majesty?

Only a fool with water in his brain, tired of his comfortable life, would do such a thing; no official worth his salt would risk his future for such stupidity.

Baoyu’s foundation is utterly rotten; even if he studied for a hundred years, to pass and succeed is nothing but a golden dream…

All noble ladies in the hall felt contempt; some even pitied the Xia girl—though the Guihua Xia family was not of official lineage, they were among the wealthiest in the capital.

The Xia family’s only daughter, a wealthy and refined maiden, had been wed to a worthless creature like Baoyu—truly cursed for eight generations, a wasted virgin.

Though laughter and merriment filled Rongqing Hall, outwardly harmonious and joyful, the atmosphere within was profoundly strange…