The Red Mansion

Chapter 234 Jia Lian Gets Beaten, Xiuyan's Thoughts

Not long after Yuan Chun left Rongguo Mansion, while everyone in the mansion was still gossiping, Jia She summoned Jia Lian to his residence in the east wing.

As soon as Jia Lian stepped into the study in the east wing, he saw Jia She sitting in the armchair with a gloomy face, his knuckles white as he gripped a fan tightly in his hand.

Jia Lian was startled and hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects. Before he could speak, Jia She shouted sternly, "You wicked child! Kneel down!"

Jia Lian dared not disobey and had no choice but to kneel on the bluestone slab.

Jia She sneered, "What a wretched child! This time in Yangzhou, you haven't accomplished a single proper task, but you've learned to steal chickens and dogs! You didn't get a single penny of Lin Ruhai's property, but instead brought back a woman! What's Yu Mei's background? She's the concubine of a salt merchant who was executed after his family's property was confiscated, and was sold off by the government. And you, on the contrary, spent a lot of money to buy her back and treat her like a treasure!"

As he spoke, he swung his fan and began to strike her head and face.

Jia Lian dared not dodge and took several blows head-on. One of the blows landed on his face, leaving a bloody mark.

Jia She was still not satisfied, so he grabbed the account book from the table and threw it at it, cursing, "All you do all day is sleep with wolves and lilies, you've completely forgotten your proper duties! You're so reckless!"

Soon, a messenger relayed the news of Jia Lian being beaten to Grandmother Jia.

When Grandmother Jia heard about this, she simply said, "Lian-ge'er is indeed unruly, but he's already in his mid-twenties. Now that he's lost his wife, he doesn't even have anyone to serve him. Since Yu-mei has been brought back, let's keep her around to do our bidding."

Madam Wang, who was listening nearby, frowned slightly and said, "Old Madam, Yumei is, after all, a concubine of a salt merchant in Yangzhou, and she was sold into servitude. I'm afraid..."

Grandmother Jia waved her hand and said, "Don't worry about that, as long as Lian-ge'er sets his mind on things from now on." She couldn't help but sigh, "It's just that this child isn't making any progress. When Feng-ge'er was around, he could be a little more disciplined!"

After saying this, he instructed Yuanyang to take some ointment and deliver it to Jia Lian.

Yuanyang accepted the order and left.

As darkness fell, the sound of rumbling thunder could be faintly heard from the dark clouds.

……

……

After Jia She had punished Jia Lian, his anger had not subsided, and he was sitting in his armchair drinking tea.

Before the teacup could be put down, Madam Xing lifted the curtain and came in, her face showing some caution, but her steps were lighter than usual.

"Master," Madam Xing curtsied, her voice tinged with a hint of flattery, "there is something I wish to discuss with you."

Jia She didn't even lift his eyelids, only humming in response.

Seeing this, Madam Xing quickly stepped closer and whispered, "Master, now that Jiang Nian has ruined everything, shouldn't we send someone to the Jiang family in the eastern suburbs to bring Xiuyan back? If she gets involved, it might implicate me as well."

Previously, when Xing Xiuyan demanded money from Jiang Nian and Yuan Chun, Madam Xing not only lost face herself but also caused Jia She to be reprimanded by Grandmother Jia. Jia She beat and scolded Madam Xing, warning her not to provoke Jiang Nian again.

Now that Jiang Nian has ruined things, Madam Xing has rekindled her desire to get Xing Xiuyan back. Firstly, she fears the Xing family will be implicated; secondly, she can use Xing Xiuyan to obtain a large sum of money.

Jia She then raised his eyes, recalling the embarrassment Xing had caused because of Xiuyan, and couldn't help but sneer: "Do you still remember the lesson from last time?"

Madam Xing looked embarrassed, but still refused to give up: "My lord, you are wise. Times have changed. Back then, Jiang Nian was in power, and the old lady protected him. Now that he has committed such a serious crime, the old lady will no longer protect him." As she spoke, she leaned closer, "Besides, that girl Xiuyan is beautiful and can write poetry and calligraphy. If we bring her back, it won't be difficult to find her a wealthy family."

Upon hearing this, a glint of shrewdness flashed in Jia She's eyes.

He had heard from Madam Xing that although Xing Xiuyan came from a humble background, she was as beautiful as a flower, and what was even more rare was that she was well-educated and reasonable. If she were to be betrothed to a wealthy family or to a rich man as a concubine, she could at least receive a "betrothal gift" of several thousand taels of silver.

Thinking of this, Jia She's anger gradually subsided, and he stroked his beard, saying, "What you say makes sense, but that girl has been living in the Jiang family for so long now, I hope she won't be unwilling to leave the Jiang family."

Madam Xing smiled and said, "Xiuyan is my niece after all. As her aunt, how could she not want to come? Besides, she's always been well-behaved and never causes trouble. Bringing her back sooner will only show that we care about our family ties."

Jia She pondered for a moment, then suddenly slammed his hand on the table and said, "Very well! We'll do as you say, but..." He glared at Madam Xing, "Don't make any more of a fool of yourself this time!"

When Madam Xing saw that Jia She had agreed, she was overjoyed and said repeatedly, "Don't worry, sir, this time it will definitely be done properly."

Jia She waved his hand and said, "Go and make the arrangements."

Madam Xing took her leave and walked to the corridor, her heart filled with joy. She thought to herself, "If this works out, I can not only get rid of this trouble, but also make a fortune by using that girl Xiuyan. It's a win-win situation. Which wealthy family is willing to offer a dowry of several thousand taels? I will give Xiuyan to them, even if it's just to be a concubine for my old master."

Upon returning to her room, Madam Xing immediately summoned her trusted confidante, Wang Shanbao's wife, and gave her detailed instructions.

Upon hearing Madam Xing's meaning, Wang Shanbao's wife immediately understood and smiled, "Don't worry, Madam, leave this to me. The Jiang family is too busy to do anything right now, they certainly won't make things difficult for us."

Previously, when Wang Shanbao's wife helped Madam Xing extort money from the Jiang family, she was humiliated and even tripped and fell at the Jiang family's house. If she hadn't tried her best to please Madam Xing afterward, she would have been shunned by Madam Xing. Therefore, she also harbored resentment towards Jiang Nian and Yuan Chun, and couldn't wait for an opportunity to vent her anger.

Madam Xing nodded, and with a touch of heartache, took out a piece of silver to reward Wang Shanbao's wife: "Here, take this and do your best. If you succeed, there will be a reward."

Wang Shanbao's wife thought to herself that Madam Xing was as stingy as ever, only giving such a small reward for doing such a errand. Nevertheless, she still went to express her gratitude.

After Wang Shanbao's wife left, Madam Xing sat alone by the window, gazing at the rain that had begun to fall in the courtyard, pondering, "When Xiuyan arrives, I'll have the nanny teach her some manners properly..."

Lost in thought, she was startled by a clap of thunder outside the window.

In his study, Jia She was looking at the account books, but he couldn't concentrate. He thought about Xing Xiuyan's matter, and then about Jiang Nian's current conviction, feeling a surge of satisfaction. That arrogant little beast had finally gotten his comeuppance!
……

……

When Yuan Chun returned to the Jiang residence in the eastern suburbs in a carriage with a green canopy, pearl tassels, and eight treasures, it was raining, and the bells hanging from the eaves of the carriage jingled in the rain.

Baoqin got out of the carriage, holding up an oil-paper umbrella, and quickly escorted Yuanchun towards the inner courtyard. Rainwater slid down the umbrella ribs, wetting Baoqin's embroidered shoes, but she didn't care.

Yuan Chun first went to her bedroom to change her clothes, then went to the east wing and summoned He Yun and his wife, Meng Shi. She recounted in detail the news about Jiang Nian that Jia Lian had told her, and then pondered for a moment before saying to He Yun, "I'll trouble you to find out exactly how the master is doing now." He Yun thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps I should go to the Prince Zhongyi's residence to see the Thirteenth Prince and inquire with him. However, the Thirteenth Prince is very busy with official duties, and I'm afraid I won't be able to see him until evening."

Yuan Chun nodded and said, "I'll leave this to you."

The three of them discussed for a few more minutes, then He Yun took his leave, while Meng stayed in the east wing to keep Yuan Chun company.

Suddenly, Madam Feng came in and reported, "Grandma, the First Madam of Rongguo Mansion has sent someone! It's Wang Shanbao's wife, along with two other maids."

Yuan Chun paused in her teacup, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.

Seeing this, Meng whispered, "Could it be that you've come for Miss Xiuyan?"

Yuan Chun sneered, "That must be it. The eldest madam of the Rong family thinks our master is in trouble, and is probably in a hurry to ask for Xiuyan. Let's call Wang Shanbao's wife in and see what she has to say!"

He immediately ordered Madam Feng to bring Wang Shanbao's wife to the east side room, but forbade the other two of Madam Xing's servants from following into the inner courtyard.

Wang Shanbao's wife entered the east wing, still damp from the rain. Seeing Yuan Chun, Meng Shi, and Baoqin there, she neither bowed to Yuan Chun nor to Meng Shi, the wife of a third-rank guard. Instead, she straightened her neck and said to Yuan Chun, "Eldest Miss, our mistress sent me to fetch Xiuyan. Now that Master Jiang has committed a crime in Yangzhou, we cannot allow our mistress and the Xing family to be implicated!"

Upon seeing this, Yuan Chun's expression suddenly darkened, and she became dignified: "What an ill-mannered person! How dare you, a mere servant, be so rude here! How can you shout like this?"

Wang Shanbao's wife was intimidated by this imposing manner and couldn't help but take a half step back, but she still forced herself to say, "Our mistress said that we must bring Miss Xiuyan back today!"

Yuan Chun said coldly, "Sister Xiuyan was invited by our master. Whether she stays or leaves is up to him. Go back and tell the eldest madam that if she wants to bring her back, they should wait until our master returns to the capital." She then turned to Meng Shi, "See her out!"

Wang Shanbao's wife was furious. She had thought that she would not be humiliated again after coming to the Jiang family, and could even vent her anger on Yuan Chun, but she was treated like this again.

Without a second thought, Wang Shanbao's wife immediately started throwing a tantrum, shouting, "Master Jiang has committed treason by plotting against the current prince! His family is to be executed! Let me take Miss Xiuyan away right now, lest we implicate our mistress..."

Upon seeing this, Madam Meng immediately summoned several servants and maids to first carry Wang Shanbao's wife out of the inner courtyard, and then summoned several servants from the Jiang family to drive Wang Shanbao's wife and her entourage out of the courtyard gate.

The rain was pouring down outside. Wang Shanbao's wife was pushed and shoved by the servants and fell into the mud outside the courtyard gate. Her half-worn crimson dress was covered in mud, and the silver hairpin in her hair was askew.

In the inner courtyard, Yuan Chun stood under the eaves, her expression somber. Rain dripped from the eaves, weaving a beaded curtain in front of her.

Madam Meng said in a low voice, "Grandma, if we act like this, we'll displease the First Madam of the Rongguo Mansion again."

Yuan Chun said calmly, "It's alright. Such a snobbish person is not worth being polite to."

As she spoke, she turned and went back to the east wing, her skirt sweeping across the bluestone steps, bringing up a few drops of rain.

Outside the courtyard gate, Wang Shanbao's wife was still crying and wailing in the rain, but no one paid any attention. In the end, she had no choice but to slink onto the carriage and go back home cursing all the way.

The horse-drawn cart wheels rolled over the puddles, splashing up a cloud of mud.

Just like this chaotic world, whose clothes are soiled, and whose mind is disturbed?

……

……

When Wang Shanbao's wife arrived at the Jiang family's house, Xing Xiuyan was doing needlework in her room, with her maid Qianxue helping her separate the threads.

This spring, following Jiang Nian's previous instructions, Yuan Chun found an opportunity to obtain Qian Xue's slave status from Grandmother Jia. After Qian Xue arrived, she began serving Xing Xiuyan, while Yu Chuan, who had temporarily served Xing Xiuyan, returned to Yuan Chun's side. Qian Xue was deeply grateful to the Jiang family for this, and seeing that Xing Xiuyan had a very good temperament and the two got along very well, Qian Xue felt that her luck had turned around.

The master and servant suddenly heard a commotion coming from the inner courtyard in front, with the faint sound of a woman's shrill voice mixed in.

"Please sit down, young lady, while I go and take a look."

Qianxue put down her embroidery frame and was about to leave when Xing Xiuyan got up and went out with her.

The two then discovered that Madam Meng was leading several servants and maids from the Jiang family, dragging a disheveled woman out. The woman was none other than Wang Shanbao's wife, a trusted servant of Madam Xing of the Rongguo Mansion.

Xing Xiuyan saw this and couldn't help but gasp, wondering if Madam Xing had once again sent Wang Shanbao's wife to the Jiang family to demand money because of her.

After Wang Shanbao's family was driven away, Xing Xiuyan hesitated for a moment, then straightened her clothes and said to Qianxue, "I'll go ask Grandma."

Upon arriving at the east side room, they saw Yuan Chun sitting alone, her face cold and aloof, with a zither standing beside her.

When Yuan Chun saw Xing Xiuyan arrive, a smile appeared on her face. She waved and said, "You've come at just the right time. I was just about to call you here."

Xing Xiuyan hurriedly stepped forward and curtsied. Yuan Chun ordered Xing Xiuyan to sit down, and Xing Xiuyan, unable to refuse, sat down with her body slightly askew.

Yuan Chun carefully considered the wording and first recounted in detail the news about Jiang Nian that Jia Lian had sent her, as well as what had just happened.

Yuan Chun added, "The matter of the eldest master committing a crime is still unresolved and is merely hearsay. Guard He will go to Prince Zhongyi's residence this evening to find out the truth about the eldest master from the Thirteenth Prince."

As she spoke, her fingertips gently caressed the celadon teacup. She continued, "The eldest mistress of the Rong family is in a hurry to send someone to take you away, which I naturally refuse. This matter should be decided by you, sir. Besides, I like your gentle nature and refined speech. If you go with the eldest mistress of the Rong family, she might just give you up to someone else for money, which would be bad for you. But ultimately, we need to ask you what you think. Do you want to stay?"

Xing Xiuyan hesitated for a moment, then stood up and bowed deeply, saying, "Grandma, please forgive me. I have been so kind to you, Grandpa and Grandma, that I have long considered this place my own home. Even if the news about Grandpa is still uncertain, and even if Grandpa has indeed committed a heinous crime, I... I am willing to stay in the Jiang family. Even if the sky falls, I am willing to share the burden with you, Grandma."

As she said this, a determined light shone in her eyes.

These were her true feelings; she had come to like the Jiang family, Yuan Chun, Xue Baochai, Xiang Ling, and Jiang Nian as well.

A hint of relief flashed in Yuan Chun's eyes. She took Xing Xiuyan's hand and sighed softly, "Good girl, since you say so, I will naturally protect you."

Xing Xiuyan nodded, taking a closer look at Yuan Chun. Suddenly, she felt that this usually dignified and elegant grandmother seemed rather frail at this moment. She couldn't help but move closer to Yuan Chun, as if she could share some of the burden.

(End of this chapter)