Chapter 158: Entering the Jia Mansion, Meeting Enemies and the Jia Family Girls

The morning sun was just rising.

The entire Bai Mansion, bathed in the golden sunlight, was magnificent and beautiful.

Luo Zijun went out with Xiaohuan and Ziyuan.

Outside the gate, the Third Miss of the Bai Family was wearing a cyan-green long dress, standing gracefully under a peach tree, looking at the fruit growing on it.

Behind her, maids and matrons crowded around, silent and still.

After Luo Zijun came out, her gaze immediately turned toward him, and she smiled slightly; just as she was about to speak, she suddenly paused, looked him over again, and a trace of doubt appeared in her eyes.

"Third Miss."

Luo Zijun cupped his hands in a bow and greeted her first.

Bai Qingtong stared at him again, observing him, and said with some curiosity: "Is it because of the new clothes? Why do I feel that, compared to a few days ago, you have gained a bit more of an indescribable air, sir? You feel... even more handsome, and your temperament is even more elegant and dashing."

The maids and matrons behind her were also secretly observing him.

Luo Zijun said: "The same goes for you, Third Miss; you feel even more beautiful and have more of an air about you than you did a few days ago."

Bai Qingtong giggled and said: "You certainly know how to return a compliment, sir."

The maids and matrons behind her could not help but laugh.

The two walked side by side toward the outside of the mansion.

Bai Qingtong smiled and said: "Tanchun gave me a thousand reminders and ten thousand instructions to make sure I brought you along, sir. Have you recently released a new book, sir, titled *Shen Yuan Love Dream*? Tanchun read it and couldn't stop praising it, saying that all those sisters of hers in the Jia Mansion were weeping as they read it, and they admire your talent, Young Master, to the extreme, all saying that you are the number one great talent of my Lin'an."

Luo Zijun said modestly: "Just scribbling randomly, it is not worthy of such praise from noble ladies."

Bai Qingtong looked at him with a smile and said: "If you can write such peerless, excellent articles just by scribbling randomly, sir, wouldn't it be even more astonishing if you wrote seriously?"

Luo Zijun said: "If I wrote seriously, it might actually not be as good."

Bai Qingtong was slightly stunned, then nodded: "Indeed, many articles and poems passed down through the ages were mostly written spontaneously, obtained by a stroke of luck; if one were to rack their brains and carve and polish them, I fear they would lose that spirit."

Luo Zijun asked: "For the Jia Family Miss's birthday banquet today, are you the only one from the Bai Mansion going, Third Miss?"

Bai Qingtong smiled and said: "I am enough on my own. Jia Xichun is still young, and this birthday banquet is not a formal one; the Jia Family did not make a big fuss about inviting people, so it would not be good if too many people went."

Luo Zijun nodded and did not say anything more.

In his heart, he actually understood that Jia Xichun was not valued in the Jia Family; her father had long since become a monk to cultivate the Dao, her mother had passed away early, and her elder brother Jia Zhen had a cold relationship with her. She had grown up with Jia Mu in the Rongguo Mansion, receiving very little love, so her personality was withdrawn and cold to others, and not many people liked her.

Being able to hold a birthday banquet for her today was already quite good, so naturally, they would not make a big fuss about inviting people.

As the two talked, they soon arrived outside the mansion.

At the main gate, three carriages were already parked, and guards and servants stood respectfully on both sides of the carriages.

The last carriage was filled with gifts.

Although the others from the Bai Mansion did not need to go, every noble had sent a gift.

"Sir, let us sit together."

Just as Luo Zijun was about to go to the second carriage, Bai Qingtong suddenly spoke up to invite him.

Luo Zijun was startled upon hearing this and quickly cupped his hands: "Thank you for your kindness, Third Miss, but I..."

"You don't need to be afraid, sir. There are maids and matrons in the carriage; we are just sitting together to talk, not doing anything else. No one would dare to gossip."

Bai Qingtong interrupted him, went over to board the carriage first, lifted the curtain herself, and smiled: "Please come in, sir."

Those matrons also smiled and said: "Hurry up and get on, Young Master Luo. Don't worry, if anyone dares to wag their tongue, we will tear their mouth apart."

An old matron came over directly, grabbed his arm, and pushed him toward it.

The other matrons and maids were all laughing on the side.

"Young Master Luo is still shy."

"Hurry up and get on. My mistress won't eat you, and neither will we."

"Hahahaha..."

When they first traveled together, they had maintained a high level of vigilance toward this youth, but now, after spending this period of time together, knowing that this youth was a gentleman of integrity, talented, and had been personally received and praised by the master and mistress, naturally no one was worried anymore.

Moreover, this youth was good-looking, humble, and humorous; who wouldn't like him?

Seeing that it was hard to refuse such kindness, Luo Zijun had to express his thanks and board the carriage, looking at the young lady standing at the carriage door holding up the curtain: "Third Miss first."

Bai Qingtong smiled: "Sir first."

The others burst into laughter again.

Luo Zijun had no choice but to lower his head and walk in, though he did not sit down immediately.

After Bai Qingtong came in, she looked at him and smiled: "Sir, please sit first."

Luo Zijun said: "Third Miss, please sit first."

Bai Qingtong could not help but smile and sat down inside first.

Only then did Luo Zijun sit down opposite her.

At this time, two matrons and three maids also boarded the carriage one after another and sat down in the carriage.

The carriage was very spacious, with a carpet on the floor and a small table in the middle.

The maids carried small baskets up, and after entering the carriage, they took some snacks like melons, fruits, and pastries, put them on plates, and placed them on the small table.

Bai Qingtong took a piece of osmanthus cake, handed it to Luo Zijun, and said: "You haven't had breakfast yet, sir, so fill your stomach first. Once we get there, I expect we won't be able to eat until noon."

Luo Zijun took it with both hands and said: "Thank you, Third Miss."

Bai Qingtong had a smile on her face, looked at him with great interest, and suddenly asked: "Every time you are with Liu, sir, are you also this polite and reserved?"

Luo Zijun was stunned for a moment and said: "That is not the case."

Bai Qingtong smiled slightly and said: "Then what about when you are with other young ladies?"

Luo Zijun said solemnly: "I usually stay at home to focus on my studies and rarely spend time with other young ladies."

Bai Qingtong raised an eyebrow and said: "Is that so? Then how did you meet Tanchun, sir? And how did you meet that Liu? I heard that last time, two women from the West Lake Academy also came to the mansion to look for you?"

Luo Zijun said: "Just a chance encounter. As for the two women who came to the mansion last time, it was because I had once saved them, and they came to express their thanks."

Bai Qingtong smiled and did not ask any further.

The carriage swayed and jolted as it traveled over the neatly paved bluestone slabs.

Passing through the bustling streets, the people on the street took the initiative to move to both sides, stealing glances with faces full of envy.

Soon, the carriage turned into a quiet alley.

Bai Qingtong lifted the window curtain to take a look and said, "We are almost there."

Then she looked at the opposite side and said, "After we enter the Jia Mansion later, that Jia Da Laoye will likely seek out the Young Master to speak personally. However, the Young Master need not worry; just speak according to your own wishes. Since the Young Master is unwilling to go through with the marriage to Yingchun, just tell him directly. He cannot possibly make things difficult for the Young Master on such an occasion."

Luo Zijun nodded, then suddenly said with some embarrassment, "Third Miss, I forgot to buy a gift for Miss Jia Xichun."

Bai Qingtong smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. I brought extras, so we can just write the Young Master's name on one when the time comes."

Luo Zijun hurriedly expressed his thanks.

Bai Qingtong stared at his handsome face and pitch-black eyes for a few moments, then said, "It is truly strange. I always feel that the Young Master has undergone some changes recently. But when I think about it carefully, I cannot put my finger on it."

A nanny to the side smiled and said, "Miss, this old servant also feels that Young Master Luo has undergone some changes. Before, when looking at Young Master Luo, I felt he was very handsome and very scholarly, but there was a temperament that made one afraid to get close. Now, when I look at him, he feels even better-looking and more approachable, with a particularly comfortable sense of intimacy."

The other nanny and the three young maids nearby all nodded upon hearing this.

Bai Qingtong smiled and said, "It seems the Young Master's charm is growing every day, to the point that even Liu Mama is moved."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone laughed.

Liu Mama also smiled and said, "It is a pity that this old servant is aged. If I were a few decades younger, back in my prime at fifteen or sixteen, I guarantee I would pester Young Master Luo and never let go. In my entire life, I have not seen many people as handsome and talented as Young Master Luo." She then smiled again and added, "That young maid Ziyuan has good fortune, actually having the chance to serve someone like Young Master Luo."

Luo Zijun said, "Mama also has good fortune, having the chance to serve someone like the Third Miss. Others, even after eight lifetimes, could not cultivate such good fortune."

As soon as these words were spoken, it made everyone laugh again.

"Look at you all, Young Master Luo really knows how to speak; he flattered this old servant, and then he flattered the Miss..."

"Young Master Luo has been praising the Miss the whole way here."

The young maid Hua'er said with a smile.

Who would have thought that as soon as these words were spoken, the carriage interior suddenly went quiet.

Bai Qingtong had a smile on her face, her pair of pitch-black, bright eyes looking at the opposite side.

Luo Zijun spoke up: "I have always admired the Third Miss and am very grateful to her; naturally, I must offer praise when we meet. Moreover, the words I spoke were all the truth, not flattery or empty praise."

Liu Mama smiled and said, "Even if it were flattery, it would be fine. Being able to make the Miss happy is what is most important for Young Master Luo."

Luo Zijun glanced at the opposite side and did not speak again.

!

At this moment, a lively sound suddenly came from outside.

Then, the carriage slowly came to a stop.

"Miss, we have arrived."

The coachman's voice came from outside.

The carriage curtain was lifted.

The nannies and young maids in the carriage all went out first, stepped off the carriage, and set up the stool below.

Bai Qingtong smiled and said, "Young Master, please step down first."

Luo Zijun did not stand on ceremony this time; he exited the carriage first, then stepped on the stool below and landed on the ground.

Ziyuan, who had hurried over from behind, hurriedly supported him, fearing he might trip.

The other young maids nearby saw this and were all full of envy.

At this time, Bai Qingtong also jumped off the carriage lightly, without stepping on the stool and without letting anyone assist her.

Seeing her footing was extremely steady, Luo Zijun thought to himself: It seems this Third Miss is also a martial artist.

"Qingtong!"

Just as Bai Qingtong stepped off the carriage, a pretty young girl in a green dress with a tall figure greeted her, coming over to affectionately grab her hand.

Jia Tanchun, the Third Miss of the Jia Mansion.

"Hurry and go in; Yingchun and Xiangyun have already asked about you several times."

Jia Tanchun was all smiles, then suddenly looked toward the back.

The young man before her was wearing a scholar's robe, his appearance delicate and handsome, his temperament scholarly and dashing. With just one glance, she could not help but secretly exclaim in her heart: what a handsome and scholarly youth!

She smiled and said, "Young Master Luo, I thought you wouldn't come."

Luo Zijun hurriedly cupped his hands in a bow: "Greetings, Miss Tanchun. Last time at the Bowang Marquis Mansion, Miss Tanchun offered your assistance. I had originally wanted to come to your esteemed mansion to thank you in person long ago, but I felt it would be too presumptuous, so I did not dare to come. Today, taking advantage of Miss Xichun's birthday, I finally dared to come along with the Third Miss."

Jia Tanchun smiled slightly and said, "I thought Young Master Luo was afraid that if you came, you would be eaten by our Jia Mansion, so you didn't dare to come."

Luo Zijun gave an awkward smile.

Bai Qingtong asked, "Tanchun, do you still need to greet others here?"

Jia Tanchun smiled and said, "Greeting you is enough; as for the others, let others go greet them. Let's go, let's go to the back to talk; my Old Ancestor also wants to speak with you."

The two walked in front, hand in hand.

Luo Zijun and the group of maids and nannies followed behind.

When they arrived at the main gate, Luo Zijun looked up and saw that it was indeed the Rongguo Mansion hosting the banquet.

Although Jia Xichun was a young lady of the Ningguo Mansion, she had grown up in the Rongguo Mansion since she was a child; it was likely that no one on the Ningguo Mansion side even remembered her birthday.

Suddenly, Luo Zijun's pupils constricted.

Below the steps at the entrance of the Rongguo Mansion, a short, thin middle-aged man in a brocade robe was bowing his head, greeting guests with a face full of smiles. The guest addressed the other party as "Steward Lai Da."

"Is he Lai Da?"

Just as Luo Zijun was observing carefully, the other party seemed to sense something and suddenly turned his head to look.

Luo Zijun immediately lowered his head and walked up the steps, feeling secretly shocked: It seems the other party is also a martial artist, and his cultivation is likely not low, otherwise he would not have such keen perception.

Lai Da glanced at him, withdrew his gaze, and continued to talk to the guest with a face full of smiles.

Luo Zijun kept his head lowered, following behind Bai Qingtong and Jia Tanchun as they entered the mansion through a side gate.

The front courtyard of the Rongguo Mansion looked even larger than that of the Bai Mansion, and its various decorations appeared even more luxurious.

The cobblestones paved along the small path alone were all of uniform size, and every three stones, the color changed; under the sunlight, they looked radiant and flowing, like beautiful gemstones.

The rockery and flowing water in the corner were carved with extreme realism, and the rockery was even specially carved with tiny artificial trees and many green grasses and fresh flowers.

There were also various birds and beasts shuttling through the woods and drinking water by the water's edge.

Just as Luo Zijun was secretly observing, Jia Tanchun turned her head to look at him and smiled, "Young Master Luo, please go to the room or sit in the back garden for a while; my uncle may want to speak with you later. Also, Baoyu and the others are all impatient to meet you. I must now take your Third Miss to see our Old Ancestor, and I will come to find you later."

Luo Zijun nodded.

Jia Tanchun immediately took Bai Qingtong to the back courtyard.

At the same time.

In a certain side room in the back courtyard, a burst of young girls' chirping laughter could be heard.

"Yingchun, that Young Master Luo might have already arrived; aren't you going out to welcome him yourself?"

"Daiyu should be the one to go out and welcome him. A few days ago, she read his 'Shen Yuan Love Dream' and cried her eyes out, even falling ill. At the time, she wiped her tears and said that Young Master Luo was truly a person of delicate emotions, and she really wanted to meet him, talk to him, and see his true appearance and talent."

"You brat, I'll pinch you. Didn't you also say that you even dreamed of the Peach Blossom Young Master?"

"I dreamed of him, and I dare to admit it. What about you? You knew he was coming today and were so happy you couldn't sleep for three days, flipping through those books he wrote every day. But today, when you found out he was really coming, you became timid and shy, blushing and saying something about how men and women should keep their distance and it's not appropriate to see an outside man—humph, hypocrite!"

"Say that again and I'll pinch your mouth!"

"Hee hee..."

"Yingchun, why do you look so Daidai and unhappy? Didn't your father say he wanted to marry you off to that Young Master Luo? Are you unwilling?"

Jia Yingchun sat by the bed, head lowered and expression dazed. Upon hearing this, her face immediately flushed, and she hurriedly said, "My father hasn't said that yet. And I... I don't want to marry yet..."

She already knew the outcome.

After Tanchun returned, she told her that Young Master Luo already had a sweetheart, and his attitude was very firm; it was impossible for him to let that Liu be a concubine.

She was a young lady of the Jia Family; even if she were willing to be a concubine, her family would never agree to it.

Not to mention that their Jia Family was now related to the imperial family, with her sister serving as an Imperial Concubine in the palace; they would certainly never agree to such a shameful matter.

Therefore, she knew that the matter was already impossible.

It was just that she could not speak of this matter yet.

Her father would likely go to ask him clearly in person today; she wondered if he would make things difficult for him.

She had actually just been worrying about him.

(End of this chapter)