The Red Mansion

Chapter 241 Former Mistress, Today's New Noble

That afternoon, during the hottest time of the day, Jia She suddenly sent a servant to summon Jia Lian to his residence in the east wing for a talk.

Inside the study, Jia She was reclining on a cool couch, with a beautiful concubine fanning herself. Upon seeing Jia Lian enter, Jia She dismissed the concubine.

Jia Lian muttered to himself, "In this sweltering heat, I wonder what kind of errand I'll be assigned this time."

Jia She said with a stern face, "I called you here today because I have something important to tell you."

Jia Lian stood with his hands at his sides: "Please give your instructions, Father."

Jia She squinted and said, "Go to the eldest branch of the family immediately and tell that You Shi that your elder brother Zhen and Rong'er have been gone for nearly a year. As a second wife, she is not qualified to guard the family property of our Jia family's eldest branch, nor can she guard it. In order to prevent the family property from being squandered or falling into the hands of outsiders, I, as the clan head, order her to hand over all the family property to me for temporary safekeeping."

Jia Zhen, as the heir to the title and head of the Jia family's eldest branch, served as the clan head. Later, after Jia Zhen's downfall, his son Jia Rong succeeded him. Subsequently, both Jia Zhen and Jia Rong died, leaving the eldest branch without a successor, and Jia She, the heir to the title of Rongguo Mansion, temporarily took over as clan head.

At that moment, Jia Lian's heart skipped a beat upon hearing Jia She's instructions. He knew his father was greedy, but he never expected him to plot to seize the eldest son's family fortune. He hesitated for a long time, remaining silent.

Seeing his hesitation, Jia She's face immediately darkened: "Why aren't you answering?"

Jia Lian mustered his courage and said, “Father, please forgive me. Although Brother Zhen and Brother Rong are no longer here, Master Jing is still alive. Moreover, it has not been a year since they passed away. How can you ask for the family property at this time? Besides, Sister-in-law Zhen may not agree. If this matter gets out, what will the old lady think? What will the clan members say?”

Before he could finish speaking, Jia She flew into a rage, slamming his fist on the table and shouting, "You insolent fool! I have my reasons, do I need you to lecture me? Master Jing is cultivating immortality at the Xuanzhen Temple outside the city, when has he ever managed family affairs? Although Zhen'er and Rong'er have been dead for less than a year, if this is delayed any longer, who knows who will get this family fortune! As the clan head, what's wrong with me taking custody of it? That You Shi is just a woman, and only a second wife, what right does she have to speak!"

With that, Jia She stood up, pointed at Jia Lian's nose, and said, "Tell You Shi that if she doesn't know what's good for her, I will, as the clan head, expel her from the Jia family! Then, how will she, a widow, survive!"

Seeing his father's genuine anger, Jia Lian retreated in fear. He was a clever man and knew that this was an unseemly act, but he dared not disobey his father's orders, so he could only whisper, "I will do it right away."

Jia She nodded: "You must get this done properly! Otherwise, I won't let you off the hook!"

Jia Lian nodded repeatedly, left the room, and walked into the courtyard. The scorching sun made him even more irritable.

He walked out of Jia She's courtyard, hesitant and heavy-footed, as if a stone was pressing on his heart. Before he knew it, he had arrived at his own courtyard.

Once inside, he still appeared dazed, with a cloud of worry hanging over his brow.

Inside the room, Yu Mei asked with a smile, "What's wrong, Second Master? You seem quite uneasy. Did the Master scold you again for something?"

Jia Lian sighed deeply, dismissed the maids, and then explained the whole story in detail.

Upon hearing this, Yu Mei's eyes darted around, and she smiled slightly, saying, "Why are you so worried, Second Master? You know the First Master's temper best. If you don't comply with him, you'll inevitably get another beating and scolding. In my opinion, Second Master, why don't you go with the flow and handle this matter properly? When you move those valuables, you can secretly move some into our room. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian glanced at her sideways and sighed inwardly, "This Yu Mei is truly greedy, just like my first wife."

Although he had long known that Yu Mei was greedy for money, he didn't care much. After all, his own wife, Wang Xifeng, was greedy, and he was used to it. However, he didn't want Yu Mei to be greedy for the money involved this time.

At that moment, Jia Lian only glared at Yu Mei without reprimanding her. After a moment's thought, he got up, changed into an indigo satin robe with arrow-sleeved sleeves, fastened his jade belt, and walked directly to the residence of You Shi and Jia Qiang without riding a horse or taking a carriage.

He ultimately dared not disobey his father's orders, knowing that if he did not do this, he would suffer the consequences.

……

……

The residence of Lady You and Jia Qiang was a large mansion near Ningrong Street. Although it was far less grand than the former Ningguo Mansion, it was still ornately decorated and quite luxurious.

It was afternoon, and Jia Qiang was playing with a newly bought myna bird in his outer study. The bird had shiny black feathers and was very clever. Jia Qiang loved it very much and was teaching it to speak.

Suddenly a doorman rushed in and reported, "Second Master, Second Master Lian of the Rong Mansion has arrived."

Jia Qiang hurriedly put down the birdcage, straightened his clothes, and quickly went out to greet him. Sure enough, he saw Jia Lian standing with his hands behind his back, looking solemn. Jia Qiang stepped forward, cupped his hands, and smiled, "Second Uncle Lian, what brings you here today?"

Jia Lian said, "I have important business to discuss with Sister-in-law Zhen."

Jia Qiang replied, "Replying to Uncle Lian, our grandmother is currently chanting scriptures in the Buddhist hall."

Immediately, Jia Qiang led Jia Lian to the Buddhist hall in the inner courtyard.

A maid in a vest was guarding the entrance to the Buddhist hall. When she saw Jia Lian and Jia Qiang arrive, she quickly curtsied and turned to go inside to announce their arrival.

Before long, the curtain of the Buddhist hall was lifted, and Lady You stepped out gracefully. She wore a plain white silk dress, a jade hairpin in her hair, and light makeup, yet it could not conceal her natural charm. Although she was Jia Zhen's second wife, she was still young, only in her early twenties, and quite beautiful.

When Lady You saw Jia Lian, she smiled and bowed, saying, "Brother Lian, what brings you here today?"

Jia Lian returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said, "I do have something to discuss with you, sister-in-law. Please allow me a moment to speak with you."

So, Lady You led Jia Lian into the flower hall, which was richly furnished with carved rosewood chairs and a small gilded incense burner on a table under the window, from which wisps of smoke filled the room with a delicate fragrance.

Lady You ordered a maid to bring tea. Jia Lian took it, sipped it, and then put it on the table.

Seeing his hesitant expression, Madam You asked again, "Brother Lian, what is it that you need?"

Jia Lian looked around and saw two maids standing to the side. He then whispered, "Sister-in-law, this matter is confidential. Please dismiss everyone else."

Madam You understood and waved for the two maids to leave.

Jia Lian glanced at Jia Qiang again and said, "Qiang-ge'er, go wait outside first. I need to say a few words to Sister-in-law Zhen."

Jia Qiang was puzzled, but he remained outwardly calm and bowed, saying, "Yes, nephew takes his leave."

After saying this, he left the hall, but quietly hid behind the window frame, listening intently.

Only Jia Lian and Madam You remained in the hall.

Jia Lian hesitated for a long time before finally steeling himself and slowly revealing Jia She's intentions.

Madam You, who had been smiling, suddenly changed her expression as she listened, her handkerchief clenching tightly. After listening, she paused for a moment, then said in a trembling voice, "This...this is Master She's intention?" Jia Lian replied awkwardly, "It was indeed Master She who ordered me to come."

Forcing herself to remain calm, Madam You asked again, "What do you think of this matter, Brother Lian?"

Jia Lian sighed and said, "Sister-in-law, although I feel this is inappropriate, I cannot disobey my father's orders. In my opinion, you should do as my father wishes and hand over the family property to the master for safekeeping for the time being."

Suddenly, Madam You sneered, a cold glint flashing in her eyes, and said, "Give it to Master She for safekeeping for now? Brother Lian, do you take me for a three-year-old child? Master She clearly intends to seize the family fortune of our eldest branch!"

Jia Lian felt even more embarrassed after she saw through his thoughts.

Seeing that he was speechless, Madam You sneered even more and said, "What if I don't do as you say?"

Helpless, Jia Lian could only say, "Sister-in-law, the master is now the clan head. If he insists on doing this, you...you'll probably not have any peace!"

Upon hearing this, Madam You's eyes were already brimming with tears, but she forced them to stay still and sneered, "What proper clan leader? He's just a temporary one! My master and Rong'er have only been gone for less than a year, their bodies are barely cold, and your second branch's master is already trying to seize our family's wealth?"

Her tone softened suddenly, but sounded even more sorrowful: "Brother Lian, you are a sensible man. This family fortune has been accumulated by our eldest son's family for generations. Although we no longer have a head of the family, we still have Master Jing, I am here, and Qiang-ge, the legitimate great-grandson of the eldest son's family, is in charge of things here. How can we hand it over to your second son's eldest son for safekeeping? This is unacceptable!"

As she spoke, she wiped the corner of her eye.

Jia Lian pondered for a moment and said, "Sister-in-law, if you really can't bear to part with it, you can keep half for yourself and give the other half to the master. That would be a win-win situation."

Madam You said, "That won't do! Please, Brother Lian, reply to Master She as I said. If he doesn't agree, I'll go to the Old Madam to settle this matter!"

Seeing her resolute attitude, Jia Lian knew that further persuasion would be futile. After saying a few polite words, he finally had no choice but to take his leave.

Lady You sat alone in the hall, watching Jia Lian's departing figure, and could no longer hold back her tears.

Just as she was grieving, she suddenly heard the rustling of boots outside. Knowing that someone was coming, she quickly raised her handkerchief to wipe away her tears and forced herself to put on a stern face.

Jia Qiang entered, his brows furrowed, his lips trembling as if he wanted to speak but hesitated.

Seeing his demeanor, Madam You understood a bit more and said, "You already know what your second uncle Lian told me just now?"

Jia Qiang nodded, and said indignantly, "Master She is too greedy and ruthless! He even wants to seize the family property of our eldest son's branch. Isn't that going too far?"

Madam You sighed deeply and said, "Your Uncle Zhen and Rong'er are both gone. Now our eldest branch has no one to carry on the family line. Not to mention Master She, even the men from the other branches are all eyeing our family's wealth. If it weren't for me holding on this past year, and with your help, I'm afraid we would have lost our wealth long ago. Master She mentioned this before, and today he specially sent your Uncle Lian here. He's clearly trying to rob us."

After speaking, Madam You remembered something else and became even more distressed. She said, "Today I heard that the Ningguo Mansion, which originally belonged to our eldest branch, was bestowed upon Jiang Nian by the Emperor. And now, at this critical juncture, Master She is forcing me to hand over the family property! This... isn't this destroying our eldest branch?"

As she spoke, her eyes reddened, and tears welled up and rolled down her cheeks again.

Although Jia Qiang was indignant, he was afraid of Jia She, so he could only ask in a low voice, "Grandma, things have come to this, what should we do?"

Madam You wiped away her tears and said, "I was just about to ask you, and now you're asking me instead? You are the manager here, so you should make a decision."

Jia Qiang hesitated for a long time before saying, "How about... Grandma goes to ask the old lady to uphold justice?"

Madam You sneered and said, "Enough! Enough! The old lady of the Rong family has long disliked me, and who knows if she's also eyeing our eldest son's family fortune! Let's wait and see if your second uncle Lian goes back and reports to Master She, and whether he will give up. If he is willing to give up, that would be best; if he is not, and insists on forcibly taking it, then it won't be too late to beg the old lady."

Jia Qiang could only nod in agreement. Madam You felt a headache coming on, so she waved her hand and said, "You may go now. I'm tired and want to be alone."

Jia Qiang bowed and withdrew.

Madam You stared blankly at his departing figure, lost in thought. Suddenly, she thought of Jiang Nian and thought to herself, "That Jiang Nian is only seventeen years old, the same age as Qiang-ge'er. How could he have such good fortune? Three terms as imperial envoy, so glorious and prominent, and now he has the Ningguo Mansion. With such favor from the emperor, he will probably be granted the title of Duke in the future. Alas, Yuan Chun was born on the first day of the first lunar month. She is so lucky to have married such a young and promising husband! I, the former mistress of the Ningguo Mansion, have fallen to this state, while Yuan Chun has become the new noblewoman who has entered that mansion!"

……

……

Jia Lian bid farewell to Lady You and walked back to the Rongguo Mansion.

The sun hung scorching high in the sky, casting a blinding white light on the street. Jia Lian stared blankly at the scene, seeing carriages and horses rushing by, pedestrians drenched in sweat, and even the tree branches drooping listlessly. He felt dizzy and his chest tight, both from the oppressive heat and the weight of his own worries.

Sweat beaded on his forehead, but he didn't take out his handkerchief to wipe it away. He was lost in thought, recalling You Shi's words earlier—clearly an attempt to refuse him. How was he going to explain this to Jia She? He was sure to get another beating!

He had just been beaten by Jia She not long ago, and the bloodstains on his face from the fan had not yet healed. If he were to suffer new injuries today, how could he face anyone? Thinking of this, he unconsciously raised his hand to touch the scar on his cheek.

With trepidation, they arrived at the black-painted gate of the east wing of the Rongguo Mansion.

Jia Lian took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and stepped into the courtyard with a stiff upper lip.

Along the way, he encountered several maids and servants who bowed to him and greeted him, but he looked displeased and simply nodded.

Upon reaching the door of the study, he heard Jia She laughing and talking with his beautiful concubine inside, which made him even more hesitant.

He was about to turn around, but fearing he would further anger his father, he could only cough lightly and call out, "Father."

The laughter inside stopped abruptly. Jia She said coldly, "Come in."

Jia Lian then entered the study and saw Jia She reclining on the couch, with a beautiful concubine sitting beside him, but not the same one he had seen when he entered earlier. The two different concubines shared the commonality of being both beautiful and young. Jia She had many beautiful concubines and pretty maids.

Jia Lian stood with his hands at his sides, and only after Jia She dismissed the concubines did he carefully relay You Shi's words.

With a loud "smack," Jia She slammed the fan he was holding onto the table.

"Useless thing!" Jia She roared, abruptly standing up and grabbing a fan to hit Jia Lian on the head. "You can't even handle this little thing properly, what use are you!"

Jia Lian dared not dodge and took several blows. The fan ribs whistled as they swept across his cheek, causing a burning pain and drawing blood.

As expected, another new wound appeared on his face today.

(End of this chapter)