Chapter 368: Feng Jie: Bao Yu Just Throws Tantrums and Plays the Fool

In the side room,

Facing Lady Wang's attempt to shift blame with her questioning, Feng Jie, whose bright eyes twinkled as she had been watching the spectacle, casually replied:

"Second Madam, why are you spouting nonsense? How many times hasn't Bao Yu broken the jade for no reason? And why should anyone provoke him?"

"It seems that whenever something doesn't go his way, he throws a tantrum and smashes the jade; after all, his spirit jade is said to be more potent than the emperor's imperial sword."

In fact,

With Feng Jie's shrewdness, it's obvious that Bao Yu's jade‑smashing trick is no different from a child's rough play.

If it happened in another household, it would be a laughable anecdote!

But in our own mansion, the old lady and Second Madam treat it as a world‑shaking event,

each time mustering a crowd, shouting for a "rare item" on the left and a "lifeline" on the right to go and fetch!

Thus the servants, long intimidated by their authority, dare not speak out about it!

But... times have changed!

Today Feng Er Nainai is going to tell everyone plainly that the situation in the mansion has completely changed!

The spirit jade isn't that "spiritual", and the old lady and Second Madam aren't invincible either!

Recalling this, Feng Jie, ignoring Lady Wang's cold stare, continued in a solemn tone:

"I recall that when Sister Lin first arrived at the mansion, she honestly told Bao Yu that she had no jade, which provoked his fierce temper and he violently smashed the jade."

"It was still the first visit of a relative; those who knew said our youngsters lacked propriety, while those who didn't think it was a deliberate show of force!"

"That commotion was witnessed by many, so we can't simply say who provoked him, can we?"

"And the big drama last year, caused simply because Sister Lin and Sister Yun mentioned Third Brother a few extra times in front of Bao Yu."

"That made him resentful, he smashed the jade again, and eventually even Sister Lin and the Second Master coughed up blood, throwing the mansion into chaos."

"The past is vivid, yet we still can't say it was Third Brother who provoked him, can we?"

"From childhood to now, I don't know how many times this jade has been broken, and I've never heard of it being anyone else's fault."

"In my view... if we must assign blame, it has to be... Second Madam's!"

"It's because Second Madam always shields and dotes on him indiscriminately, that Bao Yu never learns his lesson."

"Thus, whenever anyone displeases him even slightly, he pretends to be foolish and uses jade‑smashing as if it were an imperial sword, causing household unrest!"

"As for this incident, I don't even need to ask; it's clearly Bao Yu throwing a tantrum and making trouble!"

Feng Jie's measured words left the side room in complete silence.

No one expected Feng Jie to speak to Lady Wang so boldly, let alone embed unflinching criticism of Bao Yu's jade‑smashing.

One must remember, Bao Yu is the mansion's 'Heavenly King', also Jia Mu's prized treasure, and no one dares speak against him!

Even the Second Master, whenever he tries to scold Bao Yu, Jia Mu blocks him at every turn, let alone Feng Jie, the granddaughter‑in‑law!

And while these words openly blame Second Madam, aren't they covertly accusing the old lady of spoiling the grandson?

It's practically a slap in the face; how dare she?

Sure enough,

Before Lady Wang could counter, Jia Mu's complexion turned dark, and she, incensed, shook herself and shouted:

"Feng girl, what nonsense are you spouting? Throwing all sorts of dirty water onto Bao Yu's head."

"He and Yu'er, brother and sister, are merely children playing; which sibling pair doesn't have a little tiff?"

"I'm not dead yet! How can you, as a sister‑in‑law, jump on him and berate him with all this? Do you even have any respect for this old lady?"

Lady Wang heard this, her expression softened a bit; with Jia Mu backing her and Bao Yu, no one else could comment.

Feng Jie, hearing Jia Mu's scolding, hurriedly knelt to beg forgiveness.

However, her complexion did not change at all, and a hint of delight even flashed in her eyes.

Since she dared utter those words, she naturally anticipated angering Jia Mu.

But seeking wealth amid risk, she is no foolish schemer!

And the reason she steps forward now to clash with Lady Wang and even Jia Mu is that she has no choice.

First, she and Lady Wang are already at odds, so she wouldn't miss such a perfect chance to strike.

Second, she suddenly realized this is an excellent opportunity to reclaim the stewardship of Rong Guo Mansion.

Although she now holds the title of co‑steward with Tan Chun and has performed dutifully, she constantly yearns to regain the authority that rightfully belongs to the main branch.

To regain the stewardship, she must gauge Jia Jing's thoughts, cater to his preferences, and demonstrate that she is no less capable than Tan Chun!

In her view, this Bao Yu jade‑smashing incident is a perfect chance to showcase her impartiality, integrity, and 'unafraid of authority' stance!

She recalled Jia Jing once saying that managing a household is like governing a state, requiring public spirit and boldness, without fearing anyone.

From Jia Jing's past words and deeds, he detests both Bao Yu's jade‑smashing and the old lady's excessive spoiling.

Thus, she naturally positions herself on Jia Jing's side to sternly criticize and fairly handle this jade‑smashing affair.

Then, when the news reaches Jia Jing's ears, he will clearly see who truly possesses the skill and resolve to be a just and decisive steward!

So, what's a scolding in the moment?

Every rebuke Jia Mu hurls at her now will serve as evidence of her future merits before Jia Jing!

She even hopes deep down that Tan Chun will cower before Jia Mu and Lady Wang's status, and dare not

Reciting this, Feng Jie's bright eyes flashed, and she looked up to speak again:

"Old lady, if I'm speaking nonsense, we can just ask and find out!"

"Third Sister, you are the stewardess; Third Brother once explicitly said that all household matters are under your authority!"

"The old lady says this is merely children's play; how do you think it should be handled?"

Tan Chun's expression tightened slightly, her charming brows and eyes filled with meaning as she glanced at Feng Jie.

After a moment of silence, her indifferent face turned to Zi Juan and Xi Ren, and she ordered in a low voice:

"Zi Juan, Xi Ren, tell me everything about how Second Elder Brother broke the jade today—do not conceal anything!"

Xi Ren's face froze, she hesitated, wanted to speak but held back, not knowing whether she should open her mouth.

Meanwhile, Zi Juan, without hesitation, gave a complete and impartial account of how Bao Yu broke the jade.

Starting from Bao Yu coming over to talk, to afterwards Baichai urging him to study and make progress, Bao Yu wanted a sachet and sent bracelets.

Then Daiyu refused; Bao Yu wanted to go forward and take her hand, but she said they were older now, it was not proper to keep playing like that; Bao Yu grew angry and smashed the jade, ending the incident.

Zi Juan spoke clearly and logically, letting everyone present understand the cause of the matter.

After she finished speaking, Tan Chun immediately turned to Xi Ren beside her and asked:

"Is it as Zi Juan said?"

Xi Ren lifted her gaze to the solemn-faced Tan Chun, then glanced at Jia Mu and Lady Wang, and spoke hesitantly in a low voice.

"Yes..."

Many people, including Miss Bao and those around who witnessed it personally, saw this matter, leaving her no room to conceal it.