The head of the Red Mansion

Chapter 114 Resentment
After many years, Jia Min was finally able to rest with her mother again.

When mother and daughter wrote letters, they often only shared good news and not bad news. But now that they were together, Grandmother Jia naturally wanted to ask her daughter in detail about Lin Ruhai, what he did all day at the Salt Commissioner's Office, and whether the servants at home were obedient and loyal, etc.

Jia Min was still shaken by the servants in her household. She told her mother about the shocking results of her casual investigation after her sister-in-law from the East Mansion sent her a letter. "...The servants are all greedy and greedy, they can't wait to get their eyes on money. But things are not the same in the house as when Father was alive. Although Lian'er has obtained an official position in the Armory, there are two dragons in the court now, and many situations are unclear. Mother should ask Feng'er and the others to keep a close eye on the family and servants."

Fortunately, the family was disciplined several times; otherwise, she would have caused a huge uproar when she came back.

"Feng girl is very good."

Grandmother Jia patted her daughter's hand, "How could I not know what kind of servants we have? That's right, now that your father is gone, your eldest and second brothers can't stand up for themselves. With powerful servants in the house, outsiders don't know the situation and at least treat them with some respect."

There's nothing we can do about it.

Being too honest can also lead to being bullied.

The capital city is another place where everyone pushes a wall when it's down.

But a lackey is always a lackey.

No matter how many bases they steal, a single word from their master can bring them back to reality.

Grandmother Jia had never worried about this.

"Now that the Lai family has fallen, your second sister-in-law has managed the household for years. Although she made some money, it has basically all been taken back by Zhou Rui's family."

The old lady was quite satisfied with this, saying, "This mansion... can't get into any more chaos."

Even after the family split up, her eldest son remained as filial as ever. She also had a lot of savings, and her two daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law fawned over her every day.

Grandmother Jia was quite satisfied. "Now, I'm just worried about your second brother's family." She told her daughter about Baoyu's jade and the current rumors. "...I don't know if doing this will have any impact on Zhu'er."

Although she still loved Baoyu, she dared not think about his future in the imperial court. "If it still affects Zhu'er, your second brother's family will really have to rely on your eldest brother's family to make a living in the future."

Jia Min: "..."

When danger struck, it was the eldest brother, Lian'er, and the nephew from the next room who rushed to their rescue.

She's back. Her second brother seems happy that she's safe and sound, but clearly, he's more concerned about what he wants to focus on.

Jia Min had already sent people to investigate where her second brother had gone. They were so angry when they found out... they were furious.

His younger sister hadn't been back for over ten years. She barely made it back alive, but instead of spending more time with her, he went to the Wang family to find Wang Ziteng.

ho~
If Wang Ziteng were truly capable of being helped, he wouldn't have been framed and the truth still hasn't been uncovered.

Besides, the Beijing garrison won't be fighting any battles for the time being, and as its commander, he doesn't need to ride into battle, so why should he go home to rest?

My uncle had been seriously ill several times, but he never came home.

If either of them were even slightly sensible, considering how close the two families are, they should at least send someone to greet her, even if they couldn't come themselves.

But the Wang family didn't react, and the second brother didn't remind them either...

Having lived in Jiangnan for many years, Jia Min had some understanding of the false arrogance of some incompetent literati.

Her second brother is probably that kind of person; he can never grasp the key points, and when it comes to people who really need his attention, he puts on a haughty and aloof attitude.

"Mother!"

Jia Min sighed softly, "Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. As for Baoyu's jade... you don't need to worry. Second brother is not going to amount to anything. He hasn't made any progress in the Ministry of Works all these years, which means there's something wrong with him. It's good that the higher-ups in the ministry don't assign him any work, so he doesn't have to take any responsibility."

Just stay there and retire peacefully!

"As for Zhu'er... you don't need to worry about him at all. He's just Bao Yu's older brother. Even if he passes the imperial examination and becomes an official, at best, he'll have to stay in the Hanlin Academy for several years."

Her husband was a third-ranked scholar in the imperial examinations. Although Zhu'er was alright when she was young, the article she sent to her husband last year, which he also showed to her, could only be considered barely above average.

It's absolutely impossible for them to be in the top tier.

I just hope my ranking can be a little higher, and that I won't end up as a fellow Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination).

"It is inherently more difficult for the sons of military families to take the path of civil officials."

Jia Min could only hint to her mother in advance that Zhu'er was not a particularly outstanding person, and that Bao Yu's jade would not affect her. "Especially in the capital, but for officials outside the capital... Master told me that if there is an opportunity in the future, it would be better for Zhu'er to slowly rise through the ranks from the local level."

Jia Mu: "..."

The old lady understood somewhat and sighed softly to herself.

"What about Baoyu? Can he also be an examiner?"

"nature!"

Jia Min comforted her mother, "Second sister-in-law always likes to compete with eldest brother and the others, making a jade for Baoyu to compete for favor. What does that have to do with the child? In the court, many adults are said to have had their mothers dream about something when their children were born. Just listen to what they say."

As long as it's not too excessive or too exclusive, the censors won't use this to attack you casually.

"But you should also be prepared that, after all, he comes from the Jia family, and in his official career, he will probably face more difficulties than a normal civil official, just like Zhu'er."

The children were talking about college today, and Jia Min listened in as well. Bao Yu acted like the youngest son.

The master often said that Chang'an was not as intelligent as Daiyu, and that in the future, in addition to hard work, she would also need luck to pass the imperial examinations, so it was unlikely that she would be able to get the top score.

The Great Zhao is so vast, there are countless geniuses from all over the world.

Jia Min was already mentally prepared, "But no matter how difficult it is, it's only for their generation."

She was still happy for her family. "The Jia family was able to withdraw from the army safely, and their sons were able to pursue stable careers as civil officials. When my father found out, he could only be happy."

"...That's right."

Grandmother Jia felt somewhat uneasy.

She finally realized what the problem that had been puzzling her was.

In her grandmother's eyes, both Zhu'er and Baoyu would have a bright future.

It was just like how her second son and his wife kept telling her that Yuan Chun was born on an auspicious day and would have a bright future.

But now, Yuan Chun is going to marry the Marquis of Xinping, and will become a marquis's wife.

When other families' daughters become wives of marquises, it's a cause for great joy for the entire clan, but in their family... it's just so-so.

She herself was a first-rank duke's wife, and the Jia family reached its peak under her father-in-law, and it was no less so under her husband.

She used to frequently enter and leave the inner palace.

Lady Hou's position in the Jia family was only so-so.

Zhu'er and Baoyu will not have the help of the harem in the future. As for their transition from military officers to civil officials, as I told my daughter, it will definitely be difficult. They may only reach the third rank.

What does a third-rank official, a civil official, mean to the imperial family?
No wonder the niece-in-law of the East Mansion stopped using that jade to pressure her second daughter-in-law.

"Min'er," the old lady moved closer to her daughter, "your father always said that you were smarter than your brothers. I'm getting old, and I'm worried about what might happen to the family in the future..."

"Tell me, and I'll help you think of it."

Jia Min was also heartbroken.

Her mother had lived a life of great success, but in her old age, she had to bear the enormous loss of her family's fortunes. "If it's an emergency and there's no time to write a letter, you can go to your sister-in-law in the East Mansion. She will definitely take care of it."

She has already interfered in many matters of the West Mansion.

Jia Min felt that besides her love for lively places and girls, there was another deeper meaning behind sending her nieces to study there.

"Hmm~"

Grandmother Jia also trusted Shen Ning.

However, she was, after all, a niece-in-law from a different branch of the family.

No matter how close you are, you can't be closer to your own children.

"It would be great if Ru Hai could be transferred to the capital."

The old lady sighed, "It's so chaotic in Jiangnan..."

"Ru Hai has his own ambitions."

Jia Min was also concerned, but she knew her husband better. "He still has many things to do in Jiangnan. Once he has done them, he will come to the capital."

"That you……"

Grandmother Jia's eyes involuntarily held a hint of anticipation.

"I've finally come back, so naturally I'm going to stay home for a while longer."

The Lin family has a house in Beijing. Although Jia Min sent people to tidy it up a long time ago, she didn't plan to move there immediately.

Having been away from home for many years, she misses home too.

Especially since my mother is getting old.

"Even if they leave one day, Chang'an and Daiyu will still be at home."

"Good good!"

The old lady was satisfied. She chatted with her daughter about everyday things and fell asleep without realizing it.

At this moment, Madam Wang of Pear Fragrance Courtyard was still wide awake.

Jia Zheng left again.

He went to find that little vixen again.

He hasn't spent a single night here since he moved in! Today, when Jia Min came back, he didn't give her any face at all.

Madam Wang clutched the thin blanket, filled with resentment.

But she couldn't do anything to Aunt Zhao.

She went too far with Aunt Zhou in the past, but now...

Bang bang~
Madam Wang was so angry that she pounded the bed.

She really couldn't swallow this insult.

Especially since the two children born to the little fox spirit have already earned money for marriage at a young age, she, as their legal mother, has even less control over them.

Madam Wang was panting heavily.

She regretted publicizing the jade that Baoyu possessed. If she hadn't publicized it, she could have used Baoyu's status as the legitimate son to get more things from the public funds.

But now?

His and Jia Huan's were actually the same.

No, absolutely not!
Madam Wang opened her eyes wide, trying hard to think of a solution.

She can't make a move on her own, but she can use Yingchun and Cong as leverage with Feng'er. As long as she can get her hands on their dowry money, she can then take out Tanchun and Huan'er's... money.

Right, that is it.

"Someone is coming."

"Mrs!"

The little maidservant rushed over.

"Go and call Second Grandma over here."

what?
Call her Second Grandma?

The little maid was startled.

Second Master finally returned from Jiangnan.

Today, neither the old lady nor the first wife allowed the second mistress to serve dinner; they only asked her to take good care of the second master. Their mistress…

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and go."

At Madam Wang's sharp rebuke, the little maidservant quickly replied "Yes," and hurriedly ran off to fetch someone.

Madam has called for Second Madam in the middle of the night before, so this time... it shouldn't be a big deal, right?

"who?"

Hearing the noise from the room, the old woman really didn't want to get out of bed.

"Mother, I am Jin Chuan from the Madam's quarters."

She called out, "Our lady wants to ask Second Madam to come over."

What?
The old woman, who hadn't wanted to get up, hurriedly got up when she heard it was Jin Chuan'er. "What does Madam want with our mistress? It's so late at night."

She was the second mistress's dowry maid, and also came from the Wang family, so she naturally sided with them.

Moreover, since the family had just separated, even though they knew that the second wife and their grandmother were from two different households, it was never wrong for a servant to inform them or run errands.

"do not know!"

Jin Chuan'er said, "Perhaps Madam has remembered something and wants to instruct Second Mistress!"

As she spoke, she entered the courtyard. Just as she was about to go in and call for someone, the door to the side room opened, and Ping'er came out to greet her. "It's too late," she said in a low voice. "Whatever it is, let's wait until tomorrow. I will tell Grandma tomorrow."

"No, my wife is calling urgently."

"Grandma is very tired."

When Ping'er said this, her face turned slightly red, and she was also a little angry.

Second Master has finally returned, and even the old lady and their wives are taking care of the young couple. Second Madam is going too far. "What could be so urgent at this hour? If there were an emergency, Master would definitely call our Second Master."

Jin Chuan'er: "..."

Looking at Ping'er's stern expression, she finally backed down a bit, "Alright, I'll go back and tell Madam."

She had already reported it, but Ping'er wouldn't let her in, and there was nothing she could do.

Jin Chuan'er quickly retreated.

Inside the Pear Fragrance Courtyard, Madam Wang was still waiting.

At this moment, she realized that it was inappropriate to address people in this way.

However, she was both her aunt and the woman who raised Jia Lian.

Even though they've separated their households, she should still be closer to her than Xing, her stepmother-in-law.

Even Lian'er, if she were more sensible, should have come over and asked her what was wrong.

Madam Wang felt that she should keep the young couple under her control.

As long as Lian'er and Feng'er are under our control, even if the Rongguo Mansion splits up, it will be as if it hasn't split up at all.

Does the eldest brother think he's so great just because he moved to Rongxi Hall?
hum~
She also wanted to show them that they still couldn't get anything except Rongxi Hall.

Madam Wang sat up, waiting for the young couple to come over.

The night was quiet, and footsteps could be heard far. She heard Jin Chuan'er return very clearly, but...

Realizing that neither Jia Lian nor Wang Xifeng had come, Madam Wang's expression turned extremely unpleasant.

When she heard that Jin Chuan'er hadn't even knocked on the door before Ping'er stopped her, her eyes seemed to spit fire.

Madam Wang wanted to yell and make Jin Chuan run the errand again, but she also knew that if the old lady and her elder brother found out about her making such a fuss in the middle of the night, or even if Jia Min found out, she would not have a good time.

"Is that what Ping'er said?"

She tried to suppress her anger and keep her voice calm.

"Yes!"

"Good good!"

Madam Wang was wondering who Ping'er's parents were and how to get back at them.

As an old servant of the Wang family, it would be truly... inappropriate for him not to side with her, the old aunt of the Wang family.

"Then I'll wait for them to come tomorrow morning!"

Madam Wang gritted her teeth.

She couldn't help but suspect that the girl had completely sided with the eldest son's family because of Jia Lian's official position.

Even her own niece, Feng'er, was the same.

"You go down!"

"Yes!"

Jin Chuan carefully went downstairs, while Madam Wang sat on the bed, and even Jia Zheng began to hate her.

If he hadn't been so incompetent, serving as an official for so many years without any promotion, how could he have been surpassed by his own nephew?
The mere thought of Jia Lian's position in the Armory made her instinctively pull the covers up.

With this official in charge, her elder brother will likely value Feng'er even more.

How hateful, her son...

The thought that even if Zhu'er passed the imperial examination next year, she would still have to start from the seventh rank made Madam Wang's face twist in pain.

Why should all the benefits go to the first wife?
Isn't her pearl a hundred times better than Jia Lian's?
Lady Wang was both angry and resentful, and she didn't fall into a hazy sleep until dawn.

She felt a little heavy in the morning, so she didn't get up immediately and waited for Wang Xifeng to come over.

But the newlyweds were already deeply in love, and after being apart for several months, they woke up in the morning, had regained their strength, and naturally wanted to make it up to themselves.

The maids and servants in the courtyard were happy to see their masters being so affectionate, and they certainly wouldn't spoil the mood.

Madam Wang waited until it was time to serve the old lady breakfast before leaving in a huff.

However, she arrived a little late, as Madam Xing had come to pay her respects much earlier.

"Is my sister going to the East Mansion today?"

Madam Xing was very warm towards Jia Min. She was a second wife, and even her daughters-in-law didn't think much of her. However, it was rare that this aunt was so warm towards her.

Although she knew it was mainly because her husband had rushed to save her life, she felt she should be kind to him in return.

"Yes!"

Jia Min laughed, "Sister-in-law, come along too!"

"Okay!"

Madam Xing, who liked the East Mansion, immediately agreed, "My sister-in-law has imperial wine; we should at least coax some out for her to drink today."

(End of this chapter)