Chapter 279: Inheritance of the Title

At Rong Qing Tang,

As Xue Baichai's words just fell, Mrs. Xing's eyes flickered, and she said in a mocking tone:

"Just now the younger sister‑in‑law was still afraid that if my main household got into trouble it would implicate your second household, and she was eager to cut ties with us immediately!"

"Now that trouble has arisen in your natal family, I haven't said whether it will affect Jia Jing's prospects."

"You, on the contrary, still want Jia Jing to risk it and plead on behalf of your natal family's brother; this scheme is perhaps too cunning!"

"Don't even think about it; I refuse!"

Mrs. Xing was clearly still angry about Lady Wang's earlier words, and now, regardless of the others, she directly jabbed at Lady Wang's lungs with her words!

The Prayer Beads in Lady Wang's hand suddenly clenched, and anger flared on her face: "You…"

"Enough!"

Jia Mu, seeing the two about to argue disgracefully, glared at them fiercely and sharply interrupted:

"You both are already at such an age; can you think more before you speak and act, and still complain that today's embarrassment isn't big enough?"

Jia Mu, having had enough of the two daughters‑in‑law's nonsense, unusually scolded them in front of the younger generation.

Facing Jia Mu's rebuke, Mrs. Xing wore an indifferent expression; after years of Jia Mu's scoldings, she had become accustomed, able to spit on her own face without caring.

Besides, the one truly embarrassed today isn't her, so why should she feel ashamed!

Lady Wang's previously fair complexion turned flushed, and with a shameful expression she confessed to Jia Mu:

"Grandma! Today I, as a daughter‑in‑law, was momentarily confused and misspoke!"

"But it's because Baoyu hasn't been by my side these days, I've been worried, unable to eat well or sleep soundly, my mind scattered even during the day, in a daze!"

"He has never been away from my side for such a long time since childhood; as a daughter‑in‑law I truly worry he might suffer in the clan academy…"

Lady Wang directly blamed her slip of the tongue today entirely on her excessive worry for Jia Baoyu!

Thus she both preserved her image as a caring mother and precisely hit Jia Mu's weak spot!

This is Lady Wang's usual tactic: she brings up the deceased Jia Zhu when dealing with Jia Zheng, and she brings up the phoenix egg Jia Baoyu when confronting Jia Mu.

Both moves, once employed, are invariably advantageous!

This also reflects the advantage and confidence of women in this era having their own biological sons; whether one has a son or not is crucial for both primary wives and concubines.

Sure enough,

Lady Wang's words caused Mrs. Xing's face to instantly darken.

Although she just affectionately called Jia Jing "our Jing brother", it cannot hide her objective reality of being childless.

Jia Mu's expression visibly softened a few degrees, evidently thinking of her beloved grandson, and she sighed:

"We can't blame you; mothers are all like this—when the son is not by our side, who can help but worry!"

"Not to mention you, even I, not seeing Baoyu these days, feel uneasy!"

With a hint of concern on her face, Jia Mu gently brushed aside Lady Wang's slip today.

It can only be said that with Baoyu, Yuan Chun and others present, Lady Wang will always be far more important to Jia Mu than Mrs. Xing!

After exchanging a few remarks about Jia Baoyu with Lady Wang, Jia Mu then cast a gentle gaze toward Yuan Chun and Tan Chun below.

She thought for a moment and asked in a solemn voice:

"Eldest maid, Third maid, you two have always been perceptive and understand court affairs."

"What do you think should be done about Brother Zhen and Brother Rong? Could Jia Jing step in to protect Brother Rong?"

"If the Ning Guo Fu's father and son both fall into trouble, wouldn't the ancestral title be lost?"

Jia Mu voiced her real concern: the inheritance of the title in Ning Guo Fu!

Jia Zhen can be left to his own fate, but Jia Rong's involvement is shallow; can Jia Jing protect him!

Everyone in the hall turned their gaze toward Tan Chun and Yuan Chun.

When Lady Wang heard the word "title", a hint of interest flashed in her eyes.

She kindly took the hands of the two daughters beside her and said meaningfully:

"Think carefully; the matriarch and the master both value your opinions!"

Although Lady Wang's words carried hidden meaning, they were not wrong.

Yuan Chun holds a fourth‑rank imperial decree and comes from the palace, making her well‑informed; Tan Chun was personally appointed by Jia Jing as the stewardess, and during this period she has kept the mansion's affairs in perfect order.

Their talents and insight are gradually being recognized by the Jia household, which is why Jia Mu seeks their opinions on such a major matter.

Tan Chun, under the surrounding gazes, lowered her brows and eyes.

Having seen much of the world now, she no longer feels embarrassed; a decisive glint flashes in her eyes as she says in a clear voice:

"Matriarch, I think we should first have someone investigate the situation before proceeding."

"Brother Zhen and Brother Rong have broken the law; how the court punishes them will have its own public judgment."

"As for Third Brother, I think he not only cannot plead for Brother Zhen and Brother Rong, but should actively avoid involvement and not meddle in this matter!"

"Third Brother now holds high rank and great merit, but precisely because of that, he stands at the forefront of danger."

"Who knows how many people are secretly watching him, hoping he'll slip!"

"These days the matriarch and the master have probably heard; those court officials rarely do not fear his authority, and they are all thinking of impeaching and dealing with him!"

"Moreover, the Jingnan Wuxun that Third Brother once offended, though now weakened and lying low, have never not wanted to find a chance to fiercely revenge Third Brother!"

"As Third Brother once said, the ups and downs of officialdom and court battles are not child's play, but a life‑or‑death struggle."

"A slight misstep leads to the ruin of the family, loss of status, and disgrace!"

"Third Brother has always upheld righteousness, leaving his political enemies unable to find any leverage."

"If these internal scandals of our clan were to entangle him, that would be truly ridiculous!"

"Therefore, my view is that this matter must not, under any circumstances, adversely affect Third Brother."

"It would be best for Brother Zhen and Brother Rong to voluntarily confess, speak openly, and resolve the case quickly before Third Brother returns to the capital!"

"As for the title of Ning Guo Fu, it's unknown whether it can be preserved; if it can be preserved, perhaps it could be inherited by Jia Qiang!"

Jia Qiang is the legitimate great-grandson of Ning Guo Fu; orphaned young, he was raised by Jia Zhen, and is Jia Rong's cousin.

In terms of lineage and closeness of blood, if Jia Rong cannot inherit the title, then naturally it would be more appropriate for Jia Qiang to inherit it!

Tan Chun's bold and well-founded words left the people in the hall with varied expressions.

Jia Mu never expected that Tan Chun would not only refuse to let Jia Jing step in to protect Jia Rong, but would also speak out about proactively avoiding suspicion!