Chapter 894

Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

The maids wore bright red robes and green jackets, their figures graceful as they flitted through flowers and willows, serving tea, refilling cups, and arranging pastries and fruits.

Lady Li of the Zhongjing Marquisate mentioned Jia Cong’s affairs, but since they involved military and state matters, she knew no details.

Not mentioning it would have been fine, but now that it was spoken, doubts had arisen; though Jia Mu was puzzled, she heard it and let it pass, forgetting it moments later.

Yingchun and the other sisters felt sudden anxiety—Jia Cong had only been on campaign for two days; why had he sent a letter to the Divine Capital overnight? Had he encountered trouble?

Daiyu thought of her restless night, how she had slept uneasily—had her dream foretold that Third Brother was in distress?

Shi Xiangyun was also deeply worried; though Third Brother was a fool who understood nothing of her heart, she prayed he would not face any danger.

When I return home with Auntie, I’ll ask Second Uncle in detail—even if it’s a military matter, I can coax him into telling me with charm and flattery.

Yingchun was also restless; she had thought the same as Xiangyun—today she must return home and ask Shi’s Second Uncle directly…

Tanchun, though concerned, believed Third Brother was capable; even if he faced difficulties, he would surely find a way to resolve them.

Besides, he had already sent a letter to Shi’s Second Uncle—this didn’t sound like an emergency, so there was no need to overworry.

Baochai felt uneasy too, but since Yingchun and Tanchun hadn’t asked, as an outsider’s daughter, she had no right to press further.

Only Xichun, still too young to understand, calmly stuffed cakes and fruits from the dish into her small mouth, thoroughly content.

…

Just as the sisters’ thoughts diverged, Lin Zhixiao’s wife arrived to deliver a message: “Madam Xia and her daughter have arrived; they’ve already entered the inner gate with Second Lady and Young Master Bao.”

Upon hearing this, Daiyu’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she tugged at Yingchun’s sleeve.

Yingchun, sharp-witted as she was, knew that when Baoyu met other sisters, it was no great matter.

But ever since childhood, he had coveted Lin Meimei—even now that both were betrothed, his base thoughts lingered; whenever he saw Lin Meimei, he would boast and speak ambiguously.

Yingchun naturally felt deeply uncomfortable, for she knew her brother held genuine affection for Lin Meimei, and their union was likely inevitable.

As an elder sister, she naturally protected her own; she had always been attentive to Daiyu, and seeing this gesture, she understood her heart perfectly—it suited her perfectly.

She rose and said: “Grandmother, today is the fifteenth of the first month; the Eastern Prefecture will also receive guests, and Third Brother is away on campaign—likely only ladies will come.”

If all of us sisters sit here, arriving guests may feel neglected. Let Tanchun and Xiangyun stay to keep company with Grandmother and the ladies.

I’ll take Lin Meimei to manage affairs; she speaks more easily with the stewardesses and ladies than I do, and won’t let Third Brother’s honor suffer.”

…

Jia Mu laughed: “Where did you get such a grand household? Today is a major festival—someone must oversee things. Go ahead and manage it; return when you’re free.”

Xichun, who had been bored, had no interest in elders’ idle chatter; hearing Yingchun was leaving, she leapt off her chair and cried out to join them.

Yingchun took Xichun’s hand, waited for Daiyu to follow, and stepped out of the hall—just as they reached the doorway, the curtain was lifted.

Wang Lady and Baoyu entered, followed by Madam Xia and her daughter, along with their personal maids—a flurry of people.

Yingchun and Daiyu bowed to Wang Lady; once they had entered the hall, they lifted the curtain and left.

Baoyu’s gaze stuck to Daiyu; he pouted: “Lin Meimei, I’ve just arrived—why are you leaving so soon?”

Daiyu pretended not to hear, quickened her steps, took Xichun’s other hand, and walked off swiftly.

Miss Xia saw Baoyu’s dazed stare at the Lin girl, his eyes glazed, half his soul gone, looking utterly base—how shameless!

That Lin girl, upon seeing Baoyu, acted as if she’d seen a ghost—she nearly lifted her skirt and ran away; clearly, she had no interest in him, and rightly so.

Any girl with eyes wouldn’t like such a limp, effeminate creature—only someone like Cong Brother would truly satisfy.

I hear he just led troops on campaign to the north to beat the Mongol barbarians—cultured enough to top the imperial exams, martial enough to command armies with sword in hand—now that’s a true man.

Baoyu, this effeminate coward, this lewd, lustful wretch, isn’t even worth the mud on Cong Brother’s shoe soles!

…

Baoyu saw that as soon as he entered the hall, Daiyu hurriedly left, ignored his words, and walked away without looking back—his heart ached with bitter sorrow.

Suddenly, it dawned on him: it must be because he brought Miss Xia today; Lin Meimei felt pained and rushed to escape.

He truly deserved to die—he hadn’t understood Lin Meimei’s deep feelings, but what could he do? His parents’ orders and matchmaker’s words bound him—he was bound by filial duty…

Both Miss Xia and Lin Meimei were rare beauties of the boudoir; it was agonizing to be torn between them. Why did heaven torment him so? He was utterly helpless.

But compared to Miss Xia, Lin Meimei was still better—after all, they had grown up under the same roof; their sisterly bond was extraordinary.

Moreover, over the past year, Lin Meimei had grown even more exquisite—taller, her figure slender and ethereal, truly no less than Miss Xia.

Baoyu recalled Daiyu’s graceful, alluring back as she left the hall; his heart burned with warmth. Though Miss Xia stood beside him, he couldn’t help asking:

“Grandmother, why did Second Sister and Lin Meimei leave just as we arrived?”

Jia Mu smiled casually: “Today is the fifteenth of the first month; Third Brother has many official friends and colleagues—he’ll naturally receive many visitors.”

Since Third Brother is leading troops on campaign, male guests may not come, but the ladies of the household will visit and socialize—it’s just the custom among noble families.

Second Girl is returning to manage affairs, to avoid slighting guests; many of those arriving are wives and daughters of civil officials, and Lin Meimei, well-read and refined, is perfect for hosting.”

Jia Mu spoke as if carelessly, but her words were carefully chosen, tinged with subtle pride.

Though she was not close to Jia Cong, she knew well that her grandson Jia Cong was the Jia family’s honor—this she understood clearly.

Before these outsider relatives from the Xia family, she must bring up such topics to uphold face, so this future granddaughter-in-law would know how noble the Jia family was, and how glorious a Jia wife could be.

…

Baoyu found Jia Mu’s words utterly repulsive; a sour bitterness rose from the crown of his head, twisting his heart with unbearable discomfort.

He had thought that bringing Miss Xia would make Lin Meimei uneasy—she had always been capricious since childhood, and he had secretly delighted in it.

But he had misread everything—Lin Meimei had left in haste not from jealousy, but to host guests for Jia Cong! How could she disregard her own dignity?

Baoyu’s heart ached; he couldn’t help saying: “Third Brother’s household has guests—Second Sister going to host is perfectly proper.”

But Lin Meimei is an outsider—why should she be burdened with hosting? She should stay here to keep Grandmother company.”

…

Lady Li of the Zhongjing Marquisate glanced at Baoyu, unable to suppress a faint sneer.

Madam Jia had doted on Baoyu all her life—this indulgence was wasted; he had no sense at all.

The pride in Madam Jia’s words was obvious to any fool—the old lady was boasting of her grandson’s honor, which was only natural.

Yet Baoyu here contradicted her, talking about outsiders and insiders, as if he understood social customs better than anyone else.

Madam Jia loved this granddaughter more than anyone except Baoyu—she should never have spoken of “outsider” so openly. Is Baoyu merely foolish, or truly dense?

Tanchun and Baochai had heard Baoyu’s absurdities before; they knew arguing was useless, so they pretended not to hear and carried on with their own chatter.

Only Shi Xiangyun, after what had happened, now felt anger every time she saw Baoyu; she instinctively wanted to retort, as if possessed.

Seeing him repeat his old mistake—never clever, yet convinced he was exceptionally insightful, always picking faults in others—

He must have seen Third Brother leave and felt utterly unafraid, daring to criticize the Eastern Prefecture! Shi Xiangyun’s temper flared.

…

But elders were present, so she couldn’t speak harshly; yet her mind was quick, her nature open and bold—this posed no obstacle.

She smiled: “Second Brother, you’re wrong—what’s this talk of insider and outsider? I don’t even bear the Jia surname, yet I’m no outsider.”

We sisters have grown up with Third Brother since childhood—we’re as close as blood sisters, never distinguishing insider from outsider.

Lin Meimei and Third Brother have known each other since childhood, well-read, full of literary grace, and daughter of the Lin Imperial Scholar—perfectly matched.”

While Third Brother is away on campaign, Lin Meimei accompanies Second Sister to host female guests—this honors both sides, perfectly appropriate.

Besides, helping Third Brother host guests isn’t new for Lin Meimei—we sisters are all used to it; only Second Brother finds it astonishing.

If Auntie weren’t here to keep Grandmother and Auntie company, I’d go to the Eastern Prefecture too—the visiting official ladies are all exceptional.”

Look how urgently Lin Meimei rushed off—clearly, the guests are no ordinary people, all refined, exquisite, rare beauties, each dazzling to behold.”

Baochai, hearing Xiangyun’s final line—mimicking Baoyu’s tone with playful mockery—nearly laughed aloud.

She wondered strangely: why has Xiangyun become so strange lately? Whenever Baoyu says something foolish, she seizes on it and attacks relentlessly.

What has Baoyu done to her to make her so unforgiving…?

…

Lady Li of the Zhongjing Marquisate, hearing Xiangyun’s words, felt a wry smile rise within her—this wild girl had no sense of calculation, spoke without restraint.

You can scold him, but why describe Lin Meimei and Cong Brother as so perfectly matched? What’s left for you? Aren’t you afraid of picking up a stone only to drop it on your own foot?

Baoyu, hearing Xiangyun’s clear, melodious voice—like a oriole singing—and her words about Jia Cong and Daiyu being childhood companions, perfectly matched, found it utterly excessive.