[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber":3,"chapter-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-871":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","My Life as a Rising Force in the Red Chamber",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2311669,4515,"Chapter 871: The Crimson Fur","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-871",871,"\u003Cp>When Jia Cong heard the seasonal gift was from the Xia family, his interest vanished completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took the black fur-lined coat, noticing its exquisite, luxurious craftsmanship, with buttons carved from white jade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fur was dense, snug, glossy, and smooth to the touch, with an exceptionally fine feel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When skin rubbed against the fur, a gentle warmth arose—only the finest fur possessed this quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong had served in Liaodong, and his noble estate’s farmlands were also in Liaodong; rare furs from beyond the pass were a famed local product.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether from gifts among comrades or harvests from his estate’s farms, Jia Cong had handled all kinds of fur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he had some knowledge of fur quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said: “Pure black bear fur is common, but adult bear fur is thick and coarse, nothing like this fine, soft texture—it seems to be fox fur.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But black fox fur is extremely rare; Qingwen was right—this coat is truly unusual.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen said: “You’re correct, Third Master—it’s fox fur, and a rare Xuan fox fur at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look how glossy and jet-black it is, not a single stray hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is top-grade material; I didn’t recognize it myself before, but when I served in Rongqing Hall, the Old Lady had a Xuan fox fur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Old Lady’s fur was small, too small to make a garment—she only spread it on the Luohan bed in winter to cushion her waist and back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I also heard the Old Lady say Xuan fox fur is rarer than white fox fur; some hunters spend their whole lives without seeing one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said Xuan fox fur carries strong yang energy, promotes blood circulation, wards off evil, dispels cold, and improves blood flow—it’s an elite fur treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This black fur coat of yours must require at least three Xuan foxes to make; this thing is truly precious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss Xia is the future Second Master’s wife; Third Master is merely a cousin of the Second Master—even if close, you’re from a different branch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s just the Lantern Festival gift exchange; families send simple tokens, nothing more than seasonal courtesy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone says the Osmanthus Xia family is immensely wealthy—it’s clearly true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Xia sent you this gift only because of the Second Master, a casual afterthought—and yet she sends a Xuan fox coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She treats silver like dirt; this future Second Master’s wife is far too extravagant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen, skilled in needlework and attentive to fine fabrics, spoke casually out of curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she spoke without intent; Jia Cong listened with intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Xia Jingui entered Jia Cong’s awareness, knowing her true nature, he had always kept his distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Chun, as a daughter of the second branch, was bound by household etiquette; whenever the Xia mother and daughter visited, Tan Chun was often called to entertain Xia Jingui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong feared Tan Chun, unaware of the truth, would suffer at Xia Jingui’s hands, and repeatedly warned her privately to be cautious—his estrangement ran deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jia and Xia families grew closer, eventually sealing a marital alliance, Xia relatives came and went frequently, and Jia Cong and Xia Jingui met many times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his wit and acuity, he naturally noticed how Xia Jingui’s gaze burned with unusual heat each time she saw him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong was a normal man, with lifetimes of experience—he understood why a young woman would look at a man that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he felt no pride from it; instead, he grew more wary, distancing himself further to avoid trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether due to Wang Xifeng and Lady Wang’s internal feud or the clan’s ritual norms,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong was glad to see Bao Yu moved out of the West Mansion, even helping push it along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only to safeguard the first branch’s estate and preserve the West Mansion’s women’s reputations,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But also to prevent Xia Jingui, once married into the Jia family, from dragging the Rong Mansion’s inner quarters into complications through lingering ties to Bao Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Bao Yu was relocated to the East Road Courtyard, this strange “Golden-Jade Match”’s impact on both mansions was suppressed to the lowest possible level, stirring no waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This situation was exactly what Jia Cong wanted—he was about to depart for battle and would be away for a long time; he desired stability in both mansions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not wish any change to upset this balance or breed gossip or complications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, without cause, Xia Jingui sent expensive fur garments—it was suspicious, and he saw no good in it; why invite karmic entanglement?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er, hearing Qingwen’s words, grew curious and stepped forward to examine the Xuan fox coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled: “This fur coat is indeed fine; Qingwen speaks sense, but it’s nothing extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Jia family is wealthy, their wealth comes from noble estates and properties acquired over years—annual income is fixed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xia family has no official rank, but they’re a major imperial merchant, running vast trade; yearly profits vary wildly, their silver has no fixed limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of pure silver reserves, they likely surpass the Jia family; they have only one daughter, and all their wealth passes to her alone—why would they hesitate to spend?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Third Master is now the lord of both mansions, one of the top figures in the Divine Capital; Miss Xia is the future daughter-in-law—she must return gifts properly and respectfully, and cannot neglect the lord’s rites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What she sends out won’t be trivial; if she gives Third Master a Xuan fox coat, what she gives Bao Yu must be better—that’s only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s simply how wealthy families operate: when one raises the bar, all follow. Nothing strange about it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen laughed: “Sister Ping’er has insight—I never thought of these reasons. But having silver is truly wonderful; they just hand out Xuan fox fur.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong, amused by Qingwen’s words, laughed: “If you like this Xuan fox coat so much, take it—you don’t need to thank me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Xuan fox fur was precious, Jia Cong felt uneasy about such a lavish gift from Miss Xia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since it was a marital gift exchange, he wouldn’t return it—that would be petty, beneath the dignity of his station.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The East Mansion’s storerooms held many fine herbs and furs; a more generous return gift would suffice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Xuan fox fur, regardless of motive, he would never wear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he’d accepted it, he could give it to anyone—it wouldn’t invite misinterpretation, and he had no further concerns; it was just a coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen froze, saying: “Third Master, this is too precious—I have no fortune to wear it. You keep it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong laughed and scolded: “It’s just a coat—don’t talk about fortune. Take it. I have better ones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen grinned: “So Third Master is even more generous than Second Master’s wife—giving Xuan fox fur to maids. Being your maid is truly lucky, hehe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er laughed: “You’re always talking too much—take the gift and stop pretending modesty. Just accept it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong suddenly asked: “Sister Ping’er, you said what he gave Bao Yu was better—did you see the Xia family’s gift list?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er smiled: “I haven’t seen it, but by social custom, it must be so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Master’s gift was delivered directly to the East Mansion; another was sent straight to the East Road Courtyard—Bao Yu’s must be inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This afternoon, while managing affairs in the West Mansion, I heard Lin Zhixiao’s wife say another gift went to the Old Lady, with its list delivered to Rongqing Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This future Second Master’s wife is orderly and capable—she’ll be a formidable daughter-in-law.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong smiled faintly: “She’s certainly capable…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen was fiddling with the Xuan fox coat when she heard Jia Cong mutter. Not catching it clearly, she asked: “Third Master, what did you say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong said: “I said nothing. This Xuan fox coat is too conspicuous—don’t mention it to anyone, especially not in the West Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know Lady Wang is a schemer; avoid stirring up household gossip—it’s pointless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen didn’t care much and just nodded vaguely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er, as a household manager, was sharp and perceptive, well-versed in human relations—far more thoughtful than Qingwen’s blunt simplicity; she caught Jia Cong’s implication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said: “Third Master, rest assured—we know the weight of this. Tomorrow morning I’ll instruct the maids in the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of us, only I and Wu’er go to the West Mansion often; others visit only a few times a year—no idle talk will spread.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong said: “I leave this to Sister Ping’er. I’m exhausted from today’s affairs—go rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow I’ll have Second Sister send a return gift; we shouldn’t owe them too much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Qingwen saw Jia Cong enter the inner chamber, she suddenly said: “Sister Ping’er, Miss Xia is very courteous—she never forgets Third Master in any gift exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Third Master acts as if he doesn’t care, always keeping his distance from the Xia family—is it just me imagining things?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er’s heart stirred slightly; recalling Jia Cong’s earlier words, she sensed his underlying wariness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Miss Xia was outstanding, refined and elegant—hardly unpleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did Third Master’s tone always carry coldness, as if he wanted to keep her ten feet away? What was the reason?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she said: “It’s not strange. You know well—Second Master constantly causes trouble, and Lady Wang is selfish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Xia is Bao Yu’s future wife; Third Master naturally avoids closeness to prevent unnecessary entanglements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, even after she marries in, she’ll be from a different branch—not like Third Sister, who grew up with us since childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Master keeping his distance is just household etiquette—utterly ordinary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen, simple-minded and asking on a whim, found Ping’er’s explanation reasonable and let it go; both returned to their rooms to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, Yingchun and the other sisters came as usual; they gathered for breakfast, chatting about daily matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, Jia Cong privately reminded Yingchun to prepare a return gift to repay the Xia family’s kindness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he reached the courtyard gate, he suddenly remembered something: “Second Sister, pick two diligent maids for me—I need them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yingchun was about to ask why when Jia Cong hurried out the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Five Armies had been ordered to mobilize; yesterday they already marched north. The last batch of porcelain thunder munitions had just been completed—he too must lead his troops out of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>",1720,"2026-06-20T12:19:58.587Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","32c799da53321fbd2c31a59b13248701198758820ad22d514602d3528b73562e","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-872","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-870",920,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-cover.jpg"]