Chapter 408: Feng Jie: The old lady

Inside the pavilion, Wang Xifeng, with her maid Feng'er in tow, bustled forward to greet them; as Feng Jie, who used to frequently drop by the Dong Fu for casual visits,

At this moment she appeared completely unconstrained; seeing Ping'er and Jia Jing approaching from afar, her face instantly lit up with eager smiles, and she hurriedly called out.

Jia Jing walked along, his gaze slightly focused, and saw that Feng Jie today wore a crimson gauze jacket, its collar and cuffs trimmed with dark green silk; her whole outfit of colorful embroidery was obviously carefully prepared, enhancing her figure to become even more voluptuous, as if a celestial maiden.

On her head she wore a golden-threaded eight‑treasure jeweled bun, tied with a sunrise‑five‑phoenix pendant hairpin; around her neck hung a vermilion gold dragon‑charm pendant, her skirt edged with bean‑green palace cord, and twin jade‑balanced mandarin‑duck rose ornaments; her pretty face was made up with plenty of rouge and powder, giving her lips a red hue and teeth a white sheen, making her look gorgeous and captivating.

Frowning slightly, Jia Jing's face grew as still as deep water; he walked forward at a calm pace, his tranquil, abyss‑like gaze settling on Feng Jie, and he called out:

"Second sister‑in‑law!"

"Third brother, have you finished your business at the ancestral hall? Please come in and sit down quickly."

Feng Jie looked at the youth dressed in a python‑robe and jade belt, whose bearing grew ever more heroic and stern; she pressed down the faintly strange feeling in her heart, her phoenix eyes flickered, and an involuntarily warm and gentle smile appeared on her face.

Jia Jing gave a slight nod, not rushing to ask Feng Jie the purpose of her visit, and his expression paused slightly as he said:

"I have dealt with some of the clan's good‑for‑nothing juniors; just after leaving the ancestral hall not long ago, I was about to head back to the Hall of Bright Light when I met Ping'er waiting on the road."

Feng Jie chuckled lightly, her phoenix eyes blinking as she glanced at Ping'er, then teased with a seemingly offhand laugh:

"I, your second sister‑in‑law, have come to your mansion several times already and never managed to see you! I didn't expect that this time Ping'er would just step out and bring you here—her influence seems to outweigh mine!"

"Grandma…" Ping'er's face flushed a little, and she protested in a coquettish tone.

Jia Jing treated this scene as if he hadn't seen it; to him such teasing required no reply!

Seeing Jia Jing's expression as calm as an ancient well, completely unresponsive, and knowing he had no interest in chatting about such matters, Feng Jie continued:

"I just saw in the pavilion that Rui Ge'er, Qiang Ge'er and a few others were being carried away, looking as if they'd been badly beaten."

"If you ask me, third brother, you've done a fine job disciplining them; this shameless lot deserves a good thrashing with the board to teach them a lasting lesson!"

Feng Jie's words seemed to carry a resentment aimed at someone in particular.

Seeing Feng Jie's expression, Jia Jing furrowed his brows and thought to himself:

"Could it be that Jia Rui's nature is unchangeable, and he's provoked Feng Jie just like in the original story?"

"It's not impossible, after all—Feng Jie is obsessed with Jia Rui to the point that she couldn't let go even if she lost her life over him!"

"However, Jia Jing wouldn't bother meddling further; good advice can't save a damned soul, so let him be."

The two walked slowly into the pavilion; Feng Jie did not sit first, but waited until Jia Jing had taken his seat before she sat down on the lower stone bench.

At this moment Feng Jie's face broke into a smile again; she perched on only half the bench, leaned slightly forward, lifted the celadon teapot and poured plum‑sour tea into Jia Jing's cup, speaking softly:

"The weather's getting hotter and hotter; third brother, you've been busy for so long—hurry and drink a cup of plum‑sour tea to cool down!"

It must be said, Feng Jie's present gentle and compliant demeanor is rarely seen in her usual self!

Besides serving Jia Mu, there's hardly any man who could make her behave so modestly!

This also shows that she isn't incapable of lowering herself and speaking softly.

But she will only display this side before those whose status and power exceed hers.

Seeing her adopt this restrained, humble posture, Jia Jing fell silent, eased his expression, lifted his cup and took a small sip, then said in a low voice:

"We're all one family; second sister‑in‑law, there's no need for you to be so polite with me—just relax."

"Speaking of which, during this period you've assisted Third Sister in managing the household; you've handled everything properly, truly putting your heart into it, and I'm well aware of many of these matters."

"Especially yesterday, when you stepped forward on Baoyu's behalf, speaking those words that were both decisive and fair—it was no easy feat!"

Feng Jie's words and deeds in the mansion are basically clear to Jia Jing.

As for the Rongning Two Mansions, his control over them remains strong!

Not only does he have intelligence from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but other channels within the mansion also provide him with information.

Except for a few extremely secret matters, he can basically know everything he ought to know!

Based on his understanding over this period, Feng Jie may have limited vision, but as long as she adjusts her attitude, she is undoubtedly still a capable hand in household management!

Hearing Jia Jing say this, Feng Jie's smile grew ever brighter; she felt deeply that her recent efforts had not been in vain, her phoenix eyes shimmering with allure, and she laughed softly:

"Third brother, as the duke's heir and the head of the household, it's only natural that I show you respect!"

"As for household management, third brother has a keen eye for talent, and Third Sister is capable and able; I merely rely on the little experience I've gained from years of managing the household."

"I'll tell her the background of the older folks in the mansion and the intricate relationships among them."

"Or I'll take the blame for things that might offend people, so she, a young lady, won't have to bear the reproach!"

"However, the incident yesterday when Baoyu smashed the jade was indeed risky; everyone knows Baoyu is the precious darling in the hearts of the old lady and the madam."

"The words I spoke then were also uttered with gritted teeth, my heart thinking of third brother's usual teachings not to forget public duty!"

"After I finished speaking, the old lady's scolding voice was so loud it frightened me into kneeling and begging for forgiveness, fearing I couldn't make amends!"

"The madam likewise shouted harshly and scolded Third Sister until she knelt down!"

"Alas! After this incident, the old lady probably now truly hates me in her heart!"

"This morning when I went to pay my respects, she gave me not a hint of a pleasant expression; her attitude was completely different from her former closeness."

"Previously, managing the household only earned me the grudges of the servants; now I've even offended the old lady! It won't be long before everyone in the mansion is shouting to beat me!"

Feng Jie's phoenix eyes flickered, her face showing agitation; after speaking she seemed still frightened, sighing repeatedly, as if worrying about the days to come.

It must be said, Feng Jie's eloquence is still top‑notch!

These words, once spoken, not only positioned her correctly, also secretly flattered Jia Jing, and pointed out that she had sincerely cooperated with Tan Chun in managing the household, earning merit and responsibility.

Moreover, in front of Jia Jing she gave Lady Wang a metaphorical eye‑drop, and displayed the adverse situation she now faces—being opposed everywhere in the mansion.

As for the intention behind this attitude, aside from stating her position, she naturally wished to gain Jia Jing's deeper recognition and stronger support.

Jia Jing gave a light nod, pondered for a moment, then spoke in a solemn tone:

"I have already punished Madame Wang, and I have reasoned with the old lady as well! From now on they ought not to engage in such groundless chatter, unable to tell right from wrong!"

"Second sister‑in‑law, you just need to assist Third Sister in managing the household with confidence! As long as you act with public spirit and according to family law, any problems that arise I will back you up!"

Jia Jing first gave Feng Jie a calming pill, then paused and said, as if pointing to something:

"Also, don't fear offending people—whoever does anything will inevitably offend someone! As long as you conduct yourself uprightly, unlike last time when you were caught with a handle, there's naturally nothing to worry about!"