Chapter 899

Rongguo Prefecture, East Courtyard, Main Hall.

Jia Zheng’s reprimand carried a stern tone; he did not expect his sons to reply.

Both sons were spoiled and cowardly, too afraid to speak, and even if one had the courage, they could not say anything meaningful.

But this time he was greatly surprised: Jia Huan, even more unruly than Baoyu, had spoken such forceful words, and Jia Zheng found them genuinely pleasing to hear.

Baoyu, taken aback by Jia Huan’s sudden speech, thought: In such a setting, weren’t they all supposed to keep silent?

And what nonsense had Jia Huan spoken? Baoyu found it utterly shameless—such filthy words about officialdom and profit, delivered so boldly.

This younger brother had once shown a shred of sincerity; now he had sunk to this monstrous state, coveting fame and fortune—Baoyu was deeply disappointed.

Though Baoyu felt revulsion, Jia Zheng was profoundly comforted; even the heavy anxiety from the Jia Yuluo case was instantly diluted.

He smiled: “Huan has grown up at last. Rare to see such ambition. Once in the Imperial Academy, work hard and follow your Cousin Cong’s example to bring honor to our family.”

Tan Chun, hearing Jia Huan’s words, was also startled; she knew her brother feared their father so much he dared not speak a single bold word in his presence.

Just before leaving, Tan Chun had told him to say as little as possible, merely bow and salute, lest he speak too much and ruin today’s departure to the Academy.

Yet he had uttered such pleasing words—Tan Chun was truly surprised, yet inwardly pleased.

As the saying goes, words reveal the heart. Regardless of his original motive for studying, his words just now were strong, clear, and full of spirit.

It proved his mind had awakened; if he could think this way, he would not fail in his studies. Her and Cousin Cong’s efforts had not been in vain.

Zhao Mama, seeing her son suddenly boast before their father, was shocked—this fool with a rotten heart dared speak out so boldly before their father…

But seeing Jia Zheng so delighted by his son’s nonsense, Zhao Mama was overjoyed.

She thought studying must indeed be good—her son, forced to study for two months by his sister, had finally opened his mind and learned to flatter their father with flowery words.

…

Wang Lady saw Baoyu trembling and silent before their father, while Jia Huan, this illegitimate brat, spoke sweetly and won favor.

Baoyu had lost all the spotlight to that boy from the Eastern Courtyard; now even this lowly illegitimate brat dared overshadow him—it was utterly unjust.

My Baoyu was born with a jade in his mouth, the most noble in the Jia household, yet he has not even entered the Academy—how dare this spawn of a whore aspire to study and enter?

These are all creatures ignorant of heaven and earth—a bastard, destined to be cast out, dares dream such grandiose dreams.

Jia Huan, emboldened by Jia Zheng’s praise, grew even more spirited; he was naturally cunning and slick, and seeing his words pleased his father, he pressed on.

But Baoyu remained trembling, not daring to utter a single sound, and Jia Huan’s inner pride swelled—he couldn’t resist adding another blow.

He said: “I used to be frivolous and lazy, lacking ambition. After being taught by Cousin Cong and my sister, I have truly repented.”

“I now understand that studying for the imperial examinations is the true path for a man. I have resolved: if I fail in my studies, I will not dare return to face Father.”

Jia Zheng beamed and said: “Your mindset pleases me greatly, but studying is not a task for one day. Do not rush.

Though you reside in the Academy, you will still return home during festivals and holidays to visit me and the Old Lady—do not neglect family propriety.”

…

Wang Lady saw Jia Huan chatting warmly with their father, the scene one of filial piety, while her Baoyu was left standing aside, like a mere ornament.

Her heart burned with fury and boundless hatred; she had always despised Jia Huan for defiling Cai Xia and getting her pregnant.

Though this violation of human decency could have destroyed Jia Huan, she could not reveal a single word, and now she must even care for Cai Xia’s pregnancy.

Though this was done to conceal Baoyu’s infertility, it was still deeply repulsive to Wang Lady’s soul.

This humiliation and hatred could not be vented, nor confided to anyone; the fear of exposure and the long years of self-reproach tormented her sleep and appetite.

All this stemmed from Jia Huan—she wished the brute would die instantly. She had barely engineered the Jin Rong incident to destroy him.

But just as Jia Zheng was about to beat Jia Huan to death, Jia Cong intervened and saved the illegitimate brat’s life.

Afterward, events spiraled beyond Wang Lady’s control; that brat from the Eastern Courtyard meddled and sent Jia Huan to the Imperial Academy.

Today, seeing this brat swaggering as if he had truly awakened, genuinely resolved to study for the examinations—even willing to endure the hardships of dormitory life—

Studying day and night in the Imperial Academy is twice as rigorous as Baoyu’s commuting arrangement; over time, he might actually succeed.

If this brute truly succeeds, what will become of my Baoyu? As a mother knows her son best, Baoyu has no desire to study.

If Jia Huan enters the Academy, Father will surely favor him immensely, and Baoyu will be even more neglected—turning legitimate and illegitimate sons upside down, what a shame.

Whether for the sake of Cai Xia’s karma or to preserve Baoyu’s status, Wang Lady could not allow this outcome.

If she wished to act again and eliminate this brat, she must prevent him from residing in the Academy—otherwise, he would never return home, and she could not act.

…

When Jia Zheng finished speaking, Wang Lady smiled: “Sir, Huan is a proper Jia scion, raised in wealth and luxury since childhood.

Studying hard is good, but residing in the Academy is too harsh. I hear the dormitories at the Imperial Academy are cramped—several men crammed into one room like common laborers.

The meals served in the Academy’s dining hall are coarse and careless, far inferior to home. To make Huan live like this is to abuse the child.

Since both are going to the Imperial Academy, if Baoyu commutes, Huan should too. Though he is illegitimate, we must not favor one over the other—others would gossip.”

Wang Lady’s words sounded reasonable and cast the dormitory life in a negative light; Zhao Mama, though fond of her son, hesitated momentarily.

Tan Chun, however, was sharp and calm. When Jia Huan caused the Jin Rong incident, he nearly lost his life; afterward, both Jia Cong and she had suspected foul play.

They thought Jia Huan might have been framed, yet found no solid proof. Besides, Jia Huan and Cai Xia had been intimate—perhaps involving illicit romance.

To prevent Jia Huan from entangling himself in harem scandals, Jia Cong arranged his entry into the Academy—whether to protect his brother or secure his scholarly future.

Tan Chun could not let anyone sabotage this plan. Though Wang Lady’s words sounded kind, Tan Chun sensed a sinister undercurrent, even hidden envy.

She had long been wary of her stepmother; she did not want her brother to reside in the Academy—not out of affection, but to prevent him from overshadowing Baoyu.

…

Jia Zheng was rigid and straightforward; he had no inkling of his wife’s scheming. Jia Huan’s response had been appropriate, if somewhat flattering.

But as a father, he was not truly foolish—he saw Jia Huan genuinely desired to study, and was no longer aligned with Baoyu’s ways.

In the past two months, Jia Huan’s daily studies and responses to Jia Zheng’s questions had far surpassed Baoyu’s, already bringing Jia Zheng great comfort.

Now hearing his wife’s words, he felt compassion for the boy’s talent and resolve, his expression softening as if to agree.

Tan Chun knew her father’s nature well; seeing his expression, she instantly guessed his intent.

She quickly said: “Madam pities Huan’s hardship in studying—this is indeed his fortune. But Second Brother is courteous and steady; Huan falls far short.”

Jia Huan, hearing this, was furious—how could Third Sister insult him? Baoyu’s cowardly demeanor—how could I be worse? Utter nonsense.

But he was no fool; he knew his sister would never harm him—her words must have purpose. Though unpleasant, he kept his mouth shut.

Tan Chun continued: “He has always been unruly and mischievous, always causing trouble. Fortunately, he is still young.

Cousin Cong often says the younger the child, the easier to guide. He feared that if Huan commuted and lived at home, our elders would pity him and indulge him.

That is why he proposed the dormitory arrangement—teachers in the Academy supervise and urge, aiding progress in studies, imposing discipline, and shaping character.”

…

Wang Lady saw her words had moved their father, yet Tan Chun countered with a flood of reasons.

Though her tone was polite, her intent was firm—she gave not the slightest face to her stepmother, resolved to keep her brother in the Academy.

She could not help but rage—Third Girl had been following Cong’s side all along, corrupted by that boy, now sharp-tongued and venomous.