Chapter 407

Jia Jing thought for a moment, slowed his steps, and said as if with hidden meaning:

"Even if I don't ask about this, you're probably already wondering whether to speak up on your own, aren't you?"

Ping Er, Xi Ren, and Yuan Yang are the "three big heads" among the maids of Rong Guo Mansion, and also extremely close "bosom friends."

This close bond stems from their shared experience of having "grown up together since childhood."

In Chapter 46, Yuan Yang once personally listed her circle of friends to Ping Er, which included Xi Ren, Ping Er, and others.

She said emotionally, "These ten‑something people—what words have they never spoken since childhood? What deeds have they never done?"

Among them, Xi Ren and Yuan Yang may be even closer, because Xi Ren was bought into Jia Mu's quarters when she was very young.

The two served together in Jia Mu's rooms, endured hardships and punishments together, shared joys, and witnessed each other's entire childhood—truly "childhood companions."

As for Ping Er, who is Wang Xifeng's accompanying maid, how did she become part of this circle from childhood?

Because when Wang Xifeng was a young lady in the Wang Family, she often visited Jia Mansion, and Ping Er naturally followed; over time, the three grew close.

Later, Ping Er accompanied Feng Jie into Jia Mansion as a bridal maid, Xi Ren was presented to Baoyu, and the three each became the "number‑one confidante" under Jia Mu, Feng Jie, and Jia Baoyu respectively,

occupying a special "just below one, above ten thousand" position; their shared circumstances allowed them to better understand each other's difficulties.

This lifelong, uninterrupted companionship naturally deepened the three's bond.

The original Chapter 46, titled "Yuan Yang's Vow to Sever the Yuan Yang Pair," is the most concentrated display of their friendship.

When Jia She attempted to force Yuan Yang into marriage, Ping Er and Xi Ren not only knew the inside story but also actively devised plans to help her and alleviate her worries!

Especially when Yuan Yang's sister‑in‑law sowed discord, Ping Er and Xi Ren immediately stepped forward and refuted the malice.

This unconditional trust and support confirms that the three are true sisters, not the superficial "plastic" bosom friends who would turn on each other…

Thus, Jia Jing said that even if he doesn't ask, Ping Er will probably take the initiative to tell him about Xi Ren.

After all, for this matter to have a turn, besides appealing to Jia Mu, one can only turn to him.

At this moment, Jia Mu, dealing with the barely alive Baoyu who had been beaten and a pile of broken spiritual Baoyu, likely has no mind to concern herself with the fate of a few maids.

Or perhaps Jia Mu, unable to speak her mind, is also complaining about Xi Ren and the other maids!

Ping Er, upon hearing Jia Jing's words, glanced at his expressionless face, felt a flash of anxiety, quickly turned, knelt on the ground, and, with sincere earnestness, said:

"I dare not deceive the Lord; just now I indeed thought of telling you about this matter."

"However, I am not seeking to plead on behalf of Xi Ren and the others; I merely think that you have always been benevolent and wise."

"It's like the noble lord in a drama, who must act impartially and give Xi Ren and the others a way to survive!"

Jia Jing looked at the delicate‑featured, gentle‑tempered Ping Er and couldn't help but smile:

"Benevolent? I've punished so many people in the mansion; many call me ruthless, and you're the first to call me benevolent! You're not just flattering me with sweet words, are you?"

Ping Er stared at the young man's smile, momentarily stunned, then, unnaturally shifting her gaze, blushed and softly said:

"I don't know what sweet words are; I only know to tell the Lord the truth, not lies!"

"Senior Sister Yuan Yang once told us that you, Lord, handle so many affairs inside and outside the mansion; on your shoulders rests the rise and fall of a family, the survival of a clan, the safety of a nation."

"Therefore, one must consider the big picture, be firm and decisive; only by using thunderous measures can one show a Bodhisattva's compassion!"

"The Lord is not truly cold and heartless; his mind considers more people, a greater affection!"

"She also said… you, in private, are actually a very good person, kind to the maids; as long as one doesn't break household law, there's no need to fear speaking heartfelt words before you…"

After speaking, Ping Er slightly lifted her head, a little flushed, but her gaze was steady and expectant toward Jia Jing.

Jia Jing, hearing this, couldn't help but smile; since his last conversation with Yuan Yang, he didn't know how many flattering words she had whispered about him behind the scenes.

"Rise! Speaking the truth is good! What I want is the truth!"

"However, the term 'benevolent'—I fear it will never apply to me in this lifetime."

"Yet you, in your daily assistance to Sister Feng as steward, often act kindly toward subordinates, treat people generously, and bear compassion; that could perhaps be called benevolent."

"There is a saying that a thousand bolts of brocade are inferior to a single warm jade in one's heart. You are like that warm jade—neither prickly nor glaring, yet fitting and comprehensive everywhere, with a pure and gentle nature."

"It is a blessing for Sister‑in‑law to have someone like you by her side," Jia Jing said gently after glancing at the kneeling Ping Er.

Among the maids of Jia Mansion, when it comes to "kind‑heartedness," Ping Er is naturally the top recommendation.

The original text repeatedly notes that Ping Er never abuses power,

for example, in the secret matter of Zhou Ji and Second Sister You: Feng Jie mistreated Second Sister You, and Ping Er secretly gave her money to buy food and comforted her kindly.

After Second Sister You's death, she also stole silver to help Jia Lian with funeral arrangements, and after recalling it she couldn't help but shed tears.

Again, in the "Xing Quan" rescue of the Liu family mother and daughter: Liu Wu'er was falsely accused of stealing Rose Dew, and Feng Jie wanted severe punishment.

After Ping Er uncovered the truth, she cleverly appealed to Feng Jie using concerns for her body and offspring, ultimately persuading Feng Jie to be lenient and saved the Liu mother and daughter.

There are also instances of caring for Liu Laolao, the "affectionate" shrimp bracelet, and skillfully protecting Tan Chun, among countless others!

In Feng Jie's courtyard, the young servant Xing Er once said that Ping Er "often does good deeds behind Grandma's back," and whenever servants have difficulties, she can resolve them; when a servant's mother fell ill and asked for leave, Ping Er readily agreed.

Although Jia Jing may not fully endorse this benevolent way of handling matters, he still enjoys seeing maids possess such generous hearts!

Because warmth should already exist in the household, this kind of good conduct within the bounds of household law should be encouraged!

Ping Er, hearing this, blinked, looked at the approving young man beside her, and felt a flash of shyness and delight in her heart!

The Lord actually praised her? Praised her benevolence, praised her pure nature!

He also said a thousand bolts of brocade are not as good as a single warm jade!

Although I don't fully grasp the meaning, it sounds quite lofty!

The last time Yuan Yang received a "brocade‑heart embroidered‑mouth" appraisal, it spoiled her usual flaunting; she would occasionally say it in front of me and Xi Ren, and now I didn't expect to receive one myself…

While Ping Er was daydreaming, Jia Jing had already composed himself, resumed walking along the corridor, and said as he walked:

"Later, deliver my order: dismiss all the maids in Baoyu's courtyard, and let San Meimei reassign the master."

"From now on, only a few coarse‑washing women may stay to care for Baoyu; no more maids, neither big nor small!"

"Since the Wang family thinks the maids have corrupted their beloved son, then simply leave none for him; I want to see whether, without maids, Baoyu will change his nature!"

Ping Er, hearing this, beamed with joy, quickly rose, nodded, replied, and seeing Jia Jing already walking forward in silence, she hurriedly composed herself and kept pace with small steps.

The two walked through the corridor, passed a rock garden, and soon saw a small square pavilion.

The pavilion had beautiful women leaning against its four sides, and beneath it was a pool of clear water, with a few lotus leaves resting on the surface, still as a pin.

On the stone table inside the pavilion sat a blue‑glazed porcelain teapot and two cups, and beside them a plate of candied peach slices and a plate of mung‑bean cake.

At that moment, someone had been waiting for a long time.

"Third Brother, I've been waiting for ages; you finally came!"