Chapter 917: Many Grievances Give Rise to a Good Match

Rongguo Prefecture, Lixiang Courtyard.

Yingchun, Daiyu, and the others, upon hearing Baochai’s words, all sighed inwardly; originally, it had merely been Xue Pan implicated in a case and imprisoned, but no one had anticipated such far-reaching consequences.

The authorities, investigating Xue Pan’s involvement in a major leak case, accidentally unearthed old cases from Jin Ling, and Jia Zheng lost his official post as a direct result—another family’s misfortune had become their own calamity.

In Rongqing Hall, Jia Mu was filled with worry and anger; the sisters had all witnessed it—Grandmother must already harbor resentment toward the Xue family, and Baochai, sharp and astute, needed no explanation to know this.

Thus, Baochai’s claim that she had no face to meet Jia Mu or Jia Cong, and the Xue family’s intention to move out of the Jia residence—this gloom and shame were hardly surprising.

Yingchun saw Baochai’s pale face, her slender features diminished, her brows tightly furrowed, and felt pity; she had long noticed that Baochai’s tender affection for her brother had blossomed into deeper feelings.

Though she admired Baochai’s character and beauty, Second Master Jia and Congdi shared a deep familial bond; now, due to the Xue family’s misdeeds, Second Master had lost his post, and a rift had formed between the two families—mutual embarrassment was inevitable.

Grandmother placed great value on Second Master’s official position; she must already harbor disdain for the Xue family. Even if Congdi and Baochai truly cared for each other, Grandmother’s aversion would surely prevent her from approving.

Yingchun recalled how Congdi had once been granted an imperial marriage honor; even if he and Baochai were truly destined, he could only take her as a concubine in the future—Grandmother might not interfere with his formal marriage, but she would never allow Baochai to be his principal wife.

Yet First Master had passed away, and First Lady was now a widow in seclusion; Congdi’s act of taking a concubine involved noble family ties—could Grandmother truly control such matters?

…

Seeing Baochai in such a state, Yingchun’s mind filled with speculation; noticing her pallor, furrowed brows, and tear-filled eyes, she sighed inwardly.

She said: “Sister, why speak such words? Brother Pan’s involvement in the case is already tragic enough; no one imagined it would drag Second Master into it—this is truly an unforeseen calamity.

No matter the cause, it cannot be blamed on you. We sisters have lived together for years, bound as if by blood; the Xue family is suffering too—how could we speak such distant, cold words?

Moreover, Congdi is currently away on campaign; if you and Auntie move out now, how shall I explain it to him when he returns? He would blame me, his elder sister, for losing familial ties and propriety.

Daiyu and Xiangyun also offered comfort; Tanchun said: “Though Father has been suspended and confined to the residence, the situation is not yet settled—it may not be as dire as it seems. Baojie, don’t dwell on it too much.

Third Brother has just earned military merit and been promoted to Deputy Regional Commander; this concerns the court’s campaign against the Mongols, and His Majesty holds him in high regard. Even if Father erred, he did not cause a great disaster.

Now Third Brother leads troops into battle, loyal to the state. As the saying goes, ‘Even if you don’t respect the monk, respect the Buddha.’ There may yet be a turn for the better in Father’s case—Baojie, try to ease your heart.”

Daiyu said: “Third Sister speaks with true insight—this hits the mark precisely. Second Uncle’s official post was granted by the palace; even if punished, there will surely be room for leniency.”

The sisters’ words eased Baochai’s spirit slightly; she left Lixiang Courtyard and returned to the Eastern Residence. Baochai, accompanied by her maid, saw them to the gate before returning, listless.

Xue Yima sat waiting in the main hall; seeing Baochai’s gloomy expression, she said: “I had planned to wait until your brother’s case was settled, then speak with Grandmother to arrange your marriage.

But I never dreamed your brother’s imprisonment would cause the authorities to reopen old cases, costing your uncle his post. Grandmother dotes on her son—how could she not be furious?

It’s all because of that worthless son of mine! He brings ruin upon himself and our family, and now he’s ruined his sister’s future too—how did I raise such a debt-ridden monster?”

…

Hearing her mother speak of speaking to Grandmother to secure her marriage, Baochai felt no joy—her face grew even paler than snow.

She said: “Mother, haven’t you understood yet? Though Congdi holds high rank, in Grandmother’s eyes, Uncle’s imperial-bestowed title is equally precious and honorable.

Now, because of Brother’s actions, Uncle has lost his imperial appointment—how could the Jia family still favor the Xue family? Mother, never mention this again—it will only bring shame upon us all.”

I’ve already decided: once Brother’s case is settled, we will move to our private villa. Originally, we relocated to Shen Jing only because of Brother’s case.

Now that Feng Yuan’s case has been exposed, even if Brother survives this, he will surely be exiled to distant lands—we no longer need to hide or flee.

In my view, once all is settled, we should return to Jin Ling. That is our ancestral homeland, where we have homes and estates to live in peace.”

…

Xue Yima’s face darkened at these words; moving to the villa might spare some humiliation, but after such a scandal, kinship ties would inevitably grow awkward.

The Xue family villa lay just south of Shen Jing, only a fifteen-minute carriage ride from Rongguo Prefecture—still within the same city. Once the storm passed, the two families could resume visits easily.

But if we returned to Jin Ling, the Xue and Jia families would truly sever ties. If my son is convicted, I will be left alone with my daughter—without a single ally.

Xue Yima hurriedly said: “Bao girl, I know your brother has caused your uncle to lose his post, and you feel ashamed to remain in the Jia residence—moving temporarily to the villa is acceptable.

But why return to Jin Ling? Shen Jing is the capital of the Zhou dynasty, far more prosperous and glorious than Jin Ling. We’ve lived here for years, accustomed to its food, clothing, and daily life.

You are close with the Jia sisters; if you leave, you’ll never see them again. Not to mention Cong brother—he is rare in this world. If you truly care for him, you’ll never find such a match again.”

Baochai’s eyes grew red. “Mother, don’t speak of this anymore. Brother is entangled in a state affair; his conviction has brought our family to ruin—we are no longer what we were.

Grandmother grieves over Uncle’s ruined career; she must already despise the Xue family. The dreams you harbor are destined to be illusions—why persist and bring yourself further shame?”

…

Seeing Baochai’s trembling voice and heartbroken expression, Xue Yima understood her meaning—she regretted her earlier indecision, which had destroyed her daughter’s good fortune, leaving only emptiness.

Thinking of her son now convicted, bringing the Xue family to ruin, even if she took her daughter back to Jin Ling, they would be shunned as a fallen household—finding a worthy match for her daughter would be impossible.

Moreover, Baochai has seen Jia Cong—how could she ever look at another man? Even if a match were arranged, she would likely refuse outright, and no good outcome would follow.

The more Xue Yima thought, the more anxious she became—but she had already made her decision: she would not let her daughter’s whim dictate their fate. Under no circumstances would they return south—otherwise, it would be irreversible.

Just as Xue Yima and Baochai each sank into sorrow, the maid Ying’er hurried in. “Miss, the courier you sent to Jin Ling returned to Shen Jing yesterday.

Because the city gates are inspected every other day, they were delayed outside the walls overnight and have only just arrived at the back gate. They also brought a letter from Second Master Jia in Jin Ling.”

Upon hearing this, Baochai quickly composed herself, snatched the letter from Ying’er’s hands, and hastily unsealed it to read.

Xue Yima asked urgently: “What did your second uncle write? Did he say when he would arrive in Jin Ling?”

Baochai’s face brightened slightly. “Second Uncle says he will depart three days after receiving the letter, and sent the courier ahead to deliver the letter. He and the others will follow shortly after.”

Counting back, Second Uncle set out five days ago. Though he is traveling with Baoqin, slowing their pace, they will surely arrive within two or three days—just in time to intercede for your brother.”

…

Xue Yima exclaimed with joy: “Blood kin are truly reliable! At this critical moment, your second uncle has come all the way from afar to intervene.”

Your second uncle brought Baoqin along—that’s already remarkably fast. I asked your uncle to inquire: after your brother’s arrest, he was interrogated but not tortured.

The Director of the Dali Temple, Yang Hongbin, is said to be Congdi’s closest friend—a clean and upright official who personally questioned your brother; his testimony was truthful and without deviation.

Your uncle says such major cases require joint review by the Three Judicial Offices; the paperwork is extremely complex. The earliest possible conclusion is late spring—plenty of time for your second uncle to arrive and intervene.”

Baochai said: “I trust Cong brother completely—his closest friend must be trustworthy. Director Yang cannot free Brother, but as the lead official, he will surely act fairly.”

Xue Yima sighed: “Congdi is so young, yet his achievements are extraordinary, and his connections are formidable—even the Director of the Dali Temple is his intimate.”

We’ve lived in the capital for years; your brother socialized with noble youths, but only with drinking and dining companions—not with real officials. Now, when we need them, we have no one to turn to.”

Xue Yima turned to say: “Bao girl, Baoqin is betrothed to the son of Minister Mei. Their wedding was planned for next spring; your second uncle bringing her to the capital now is clearly to escort her to her new home.

The Mei family is also kin to us; we both reside in the capital—we cannot remain silent. Besides, Baoqin is about to arrive; we must send proper gifts to the Mei family, to strengthen our ties.”

After Baoqin marries into the Mei family, they will be in-laws—we will inevitably visit each other. This adds another official household to our network in the capital—a good thing indeed.

Your plan to return to Jin Ling is inappropriate now. Since Baoqin must stay in Shen Jing until her wedding next year, we must settle here to accommodate her. You sisters can keep each other company.”

…

Baochai, sharp-witted, understood her mother’s intentions perfectly: now that her brother was imprisoned, Mother felt even more acutely the lack of official connections.