Chapter 393

Jia Jing heard the words, fell silent for a moment, thought it over, felt that some matters should be given a heads‑up to the two in advance, so his expression turned solemn and he spoke solemnly:

"As for others, it's hard to say, but Lin Miss and Xue Miss, when you meet in the future you must show respect!"

Baichai has already expressed her feelings to him; the two are essentially engaged, though the exact status remains undecided for now, but their relationship is beyond doubt.

Although Lin Daiyu is not as forthright as Baichai, from the sachet she sent and the Embroidered Uniform Guard's report, her affection can also be confirmed!

Therefore, as long as he does not choose to be unfaithful and heartless, these two will certainly not marry anyone else in the future.

Of course, facing these two graceful and lovely maidens, he may not necessarily be able to grant the position of principal wife, but being unfaithful and heartless is certainly out of the question!

And the reason he chose to tell Qingwen and Xiangling at this moment is that they happened to ask about this matter.

Secondly, as Baichai and Daiyu will gradually grow closer to him, this matter cannot be kept from the two personal maids; they will surely find out soon, so there is no need for secrecy!

However, Jia Jing still gave a solemn warning:

"Do not spread this matter, lest it affect the two misses' reputations."

At this moment, Qingwen and Xiangling could no longer hear Jia Jing's later warning; their pretty faces froze, they stared wide‑eyed and speechless, their eyes full of disbelief.

Heavens! They had only asked casually, never expecting to get a definite answer from Jia Jing's mouth.

After all, Jia Jing is usually stern and solemn at home, rarely discussing such topics.

Who would have thought that this offhand question would not only yield Jia Jing's answer, but also reveal both……

Qingwen's pretty face bore an uncontrollable stirring; the motion of combing slowed and stopped, her lips moved, and she uttered an incredulous exclamation:

"Good heavens! Lin Miss and Bai Miss, when did all this happen……"

Then, as if she suddenly understood, her eyes filled with realization, she sighed:

"I should have guessed earlier……, no wonder…… no wonder I always felt that the master treats Lin Miss and Bai Miss differently……"

As Jia Jing's personal senior maid, she knows many things better than others.

Just as Zijuan could see Jia Jing's many "special attentions" toward Lin Daiyu, now Qingwen, thinking it over, suddenly felt that everywhere were suspicious clues.

But her own Third Uncle hides it too deeply, subtle and elusive, so she has never been able to fully notice it.

After all, a brother's affection for his sister is entirely understandable; who would have thought……

Seeing the two stunned and dazed, Jia Jing's expression shifted, then he gently comforted them as if nothing were wrong:

"You don't need to overthink it; you know what kind of people Lin Miss and Xue Miss are! I'm just giving you a heads‑up so you have an idea."

Mainly, it's to prevent a repeat of the original story where Qingwen, in a fit of temper, locked Daiyu out of the courtyard and refused to open the door.

Of course, perhaps at that time Qingwen thought the person outside was Baichai……

Xiangling lightly nodded, pondered for a moment, and her face unconsciously suffused with a hint of joy.

Lin Daiyu is her teacher, Baichai was her original mistress; in the future, whichever of them becomes the Third Uncle's principal wife will be a good thing for her!

What she originally worried about was that the Third Uncle would marry an unfamiliar, difficult‑to‑serve principal wife, making the maids' lives miserable!

Now, thinking about it, this outcome is undoubtedly the best possible!

And Qingwen at this moment clearly realized this as well, her face unconsciously brightening a bit.

Although compared to Bai Miss, she prefers Lin Miss.

After all, Lin Miss is straightforward and simple, while Bai Miss is somewhat deep‑seated and not easy to get close to.

But whether it's Bai Miss or Lin Miss, either is far better than an unfamiliar outsider!

Moreover, in her view, Lin Miss's chance of becoming the principal wife is far greater than Bai Miss's, given how Bai Miss's family background falls far short of the Third Uncle's……

Just as the two were lost in thought and the room fell silent, a voice from outside suddenly came: Xiaohong's report.

"Master, Bai Miss has arrived and is waiting for you in the inner hall!"

Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao appears!

It's rare for Baichai to come to the Dong Fu at this time!

Jia Jing pondered for a moment, then instructed Xiangling:

"Go lead Xue Miss to the western study for a meeting; I'll come over shortly!"

Although the two have privately plighted their troth, they have not yet formally married; for a young lady of the boudoir to come to the Dong Fu on her own initiative is already a bold move.

Jia Jing must certainly safeguard her dignity, avoiding idle gossip in the mansion while making her feel respected and cherished; that is the way to nurture affection.

In this light, the western study is the most suitable meeting place; it can be justified under the pretext of "discussing state affairs while borrowing books," and it signals that she has risen from an ordinary "miss" to someone worthy of entering the inner sanctum of the study.

It must be said that Jia Jing has two major studies; the western study is where he usually reads, practices calligraphy, and handles miscellaneous affairs.

The eastern study, meanwhile, is the concealed place for handling court military affairs and Embroidered Uniform Guard matters.

The eastern study is guarded day and night by the Embroidered Uniform Guard; apart from him, no one else in the mansion may enter.

Xiangling answered with a sound and turned to go!

At this moment, Qingwen quickly combed Jia Jing's hair and straightened his collar; her fingers were long and nimble, fastening the toggles without even needing to look, a swift flick of her hand sufficed to secure them.

Not long after, she had tidied Jia Jing up to a fresh, neat appearance, his python robe and jade belt properly worn.

Jia Jing did not rush to see Baichai; instead, he first went to the bedroom to fetch a few things, then unhurriedly made his way to the western study.

At that moment, inside the western study, the Boshan burner was burning aloeswood incense, thin blue smoke curling and slowly rising in the shafts of light.

Baichai sat with dignified poise in the chair before the window; today she wore a honey‑colored robe, over it a half‑sleeve of silver‑fox fur, her hair more carefully coiffed than usual, a jade hairpin clipped at her temples, its tip carved with a small peony blossom.

On her earlobes she wore a pair of white jade pendants, which she does not usually don.

On her cheeks she had lightly applied a layer of rouge, faint as dawn‑kissed clouds, hardly noticeable unless one looked closely.

Morning light from outside fell upon her pale, smooth face, lending a touch of loveliness to her skin like congealed fat, and the rouge‑stained cherry lips glowed with a lustrous sheen.

She held two drafts of poems in her hands, head bowed as she read them carefully.

The calligraphy on the drafts was strong and vigorous, the strokes sharp as knives.

The first poem was 《Bamboo and Stone》: "Clinging to the green mountain, I let it go not; my roots are set in broken rock. Though battered a thousand times, I remain firm, let the winds from east, west, south, or north blow as they may."

The second poem was 《Cold Wind》: "Peril and ease do not linger in my breast; what difference is there to drifting clouds across the void? In the deep night, a thousand palace gates stand silent; the moon shines upon mountains and rivers, wind sweeping ten thousand li."

Both poems are excellent works; judging by the handwriting, there's no doubt they are from Third Brother's hand.

Just as she was savoring them, Xiangling entered carrying a food box and teapot, gently set them on the table, made a bow, and said softly:

"Miss, Third Uncle got up this morning to practice martial arts, is changing clothes, and will be here shortly."

"You came so early, you probably haven't eaten yet; have some tea snacks to fill your stomach."

Having learned from Jia Jing about Baichai's change in status, Xiangling now undoubtedly felt a bit more respect for her.

Baichai lifted her head, looked at Xiangling, felt a sense of closeness rise in her heart, the corner of her mouth curved slightly, and she said softly:

"No rush. Third Brother is busy with affairs; it was also my fault for rudely interrupting! When did he return yesterday? I heard the old lady waited at Dong Fu until late but didn't see him!"

Jia Mu had visited Dong Fu last night; naturally her purpose was to plead for Baoyu, but she missed him.

Xiangling looked at the dignified and graceful Baichai, while pouring tea and arranging snacks, she smiled and replied:

"Last night Third Uncle returned around the quarter past the hai hour; the old lady left at hai time, so they just missed each other."