The Red Mansion

Chapter 303 Grandmother Jia Sighs, Jia Zheng Reprimands

That morning, a major disturbance took place in the main courtyard of the Rongguo Mansion, with Wu Xindeng and his wife being severely punished in public. How could such a commotion not alarm Grandmother Jia?
Inside Rongqing Hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and brocade curtains hung low. Grandmother Jia leaned against the couch, a cushion behind her, while Lady Wang sat in a chair below her. Li Wan and Tan Chun stood by, and several head maids, including Yuanyang, stood silently, not daring to utter a sound.

Grandmother Jia spun her sandalwood prayer beads rapidly, finally letting out a long sigh, her voice filled with unspeakable weariness: "Our Rong Mansion has always treated its servants with leniency, and even if they made some minor mistakes, we would usually just give them a reprimand. But now, that gentleman next door is actually conducting such a grand investigation and rectification of the servants in our mansion. Even the gentlemen who are the Second Master's guests are being investigated as well."

Having said that, he looked wistfully at Madam Wang.

Madam Wang lowered her head and remained silent, clutching her handkerchief. She had long been impatient with household chores, which she had mostly left to Wang Xifeng when she was alive. Moreover, the household expenses had been increasing day by day in recent years, with income falling short of expenditure, so she had to turn a blind eye to the servants' petty misdeeds. Now, she realized that this had been like nurturing a festering sore.

Seeing this, Li Wan smiled and advised, "Please forgive me, Madam. In my humble opinion, this is actually a good thing."

Seeing that Grandmother Jia was looking up, she explained in detail: "The problems in our household are deeply entrenched, and ordinary measures are unlikely to be effective. For example, there is that old locust tree in the courtyard. On the surface, it is lush and leafy, but inside it has long been hollowed out by insects and ants. If we don't prune it ruthlessly, I'm afraid it will collapse in a storm."

She paused, and seeing that Grandmother Jia seemed to be deep in thought, she continued, "Just take the Wu Xindeng family as an example. Although the confiscated property has not yet been fully inventoried, it is estimated to be worth a huge sum of twenty to thirty thousand taels of silver. How could a servant born into the household have such a fortune if he hadn't embezzled? Such parasites are truly hateful. Now, the Duke's swift and decisive actions are just the right way to get rid of the old and establish the new."

Li Wan now felt both awe and gratitude towards Yuan Yi. Therefore, she, who was usually quiet, reserved, and prudent, rarely spoke such words for Yuan Yi in front of Grandmother Jia.

Tan Chun, who was listening intently, couldn't help but chime in: "Sister-in-law is absolutely right. I've also heard that much of the Wu family's wealth was acquired through business outside the family, taking advantage of our family's influence. Some of it was obtained through bullying and other illegitimate means. It's fortunate that the Duke is the one who's cracking down on this. If the government were to investigate, our family would inevitably be implicated."

Li Wan glanced at Tan Chun and sighed inwardly, "This third girl is indeed straightforward; she dares to say such things in public." But she was also gratified that she understood Tan Chun's thoughts.

Grandmother Jia carefully considered their words, her prayer beads gradually slowing. She looked out the window, her gaze seemingly trying to pierce through the layers of buildings to see the strict family discipline unfolding in the main courtyard. After a long while, she turned to Lady Wang: "What do you think?"

Madam Wang then looked up and said softly, "I am foolish. I only thought about harmony in the past, but I did not expect to indulge the servants. Now the household has been in debt for many years. If we can take this opportunity to clean up the long-standing problems, it may not be a bad thing."

Grandmother Jia slowly sat up straight, and Yuanyang hurriedly stepped forward to help her. Her gaze swept over the people below the hall, noticing Lady Wang's ashamed expression, Li Wan's composed demeanor, and Tan Chun's resolute gaze. She couldn't help but think of the fallen Jia She, Lady Xing, Jia Lian, and the dismissed Wang Xifeng. She also suddenly thought of the young Jia Zhu; if he were still alive, perhaps the mansion wouldn't be in such a state… This vast family fortune had to be managed by Yuan Yi, and a deep sadness welled up in her heart.

"So be it," Grandmother Jia sighed. "Since this is the will of Heaven, we should cooperate fully with the Duke's investigation."

She was initially quite dissatisfied with Yuan Yi's forceful investigation and crackdown on the Rong family, but because Yuan Yi was a prince and a duke, and was acting on imperial orders, she had no choice but to obey. Now, however, her dissatisfaction with Yuan Yi has lessened considerably.

……

……

That morning, as soon as a thunderous punishment ended in the main courtyard of the Rongguo Mansion, Zhou Rui and his wife hurriedly returned home. It turned out that their son-in-law, Leng Zixing, had come to visit that day and was waiting for them. They lived in a courtyard near the back gate of the Rongguo Mansion.

Leng Zixing was an antique dealer, shrewd and worldly-wise, adept at currying favor. His marriage to Zhou Rui's daughter was primarily to leverage the Jia family's influence in the antique business. He also befriended Jia Yucun for personal gain; it was Leng Zixing who advised Jia Yucun to seek help from Lin Ruhai to return to officialdom.

Leng Zixing was not in Beijing recently, but just returned yesterday. He came to visit Zhou Rui and his wife today.

At that moment, Leng Zixing, dressed in a Hangzhou silk robe, was leisurely enjoying tea with his wife when he saw his parents-in-law hurrying back. He quickly got up to greet them.

Before Zhou Rui and his wife could even change their clothes, they pulled their son-in-law down to sit and recounted to Leng Zixing in detail the recent investigation and rectification of the Rongguo Mansion by the Duke's Mansion. When they spoke of the horrific scene of Wu Xindeng and his wife being publicly tortured and their property being confiscated and sold, Zhou Rui's wife couldn't help but sigh and clutch her chest, "You didn't see it. The boards were beaten until flesh and blood flew everywhere. The couple almost fainted. It was truly a horrific sight."

Zhou Rui added from the side, "What's most frightening is Meng Xiong's words: anyone who doesn't confess within three days will be severely punished. Now everyone in the mansion is on edge, and even stewards like Lin Zhixiao and Shan Daliang have already voluntarily compensated several thousand or even tens of thousands of taels of silver."

Leng Zixing listened intently and asked, "So, what were your original plans, father-in-law and mother-in-law?"

Zhou Rui and his wife exchanged a glance and sighed, "We originally thought that the accounts in our household were too complicated, and even if that lord wanted to investigate, he might not be able to find out everything. Therefore, we planned not to take the initiative to admit or make up for the losses, but to wait and see, and admit to whatever amount was found."

Leng Zixing shook his head and said, "This plan is not advisable. That Duke is known for his swift and decisive methods. Now that he has been ordered to investigate and rectify the Rong family, how could he let it go so easily? It would be better for my father-in-law and mother-in-law to take the initiative to confess and make amends, otherwise they may end up like Wu Xindeng and his wife."

Zhou Rui's wife said with heartache, "Although we can't compare to the powerful and well-connected stewards like Lin Zhixiao, Shan Daliang, and Wu Xindeng, your father-in-law manages the land rent for the spring and autumn seasons. Even I, though I serve the ladies and mistresses when they go out, still have some extra income. If we truthfully admit to the wrongdoing and make up the difference, we'll have to pay five or six thousand taels of silver. This... this would be the death of us!"

She became more and more agitated as she spoke, her eyes reddening: "Besides, if the masters find out that we've embezzled so much, how will we be able to maintain our positions in the household? We might even lose our jobs."

Leng Zixing slowly said, "Father-in-law and mother-in-law, think carefully. Is it better to lose money to avoid disaster, or to end up like Wu Xindeng? Wu Xindeng has not only lost all his property and his whole family has suffered, but his life is also in danger. After being beaten so many times, he will be sold to a remote and cold place. How many days can they survive?"

Seeing his father-in-law and mother-in-law wavering, he persuaded them further: "Even if you lose five or six thousand taels of silver, you will still have some family property left. You have made a lot of money in your business over the years. Besides, which of the prominent managers in the Rong Mansion hasn't embezzled several thousand taels of silver? Not to mention Lai Da and Wu Xindeng, who have amassed huge fortunes. The masters know this in their hearts."

As you just mentioned, the Lin and Shan families voluntarily admitted wrongdoing and made compensation, yet they're still working as stewards, aren't they? This shows that even masters need people. As long as one sincerely repents, there might still be room for redemption.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Rui and his wife exchanged glances. Zhou Rui's wife, recalling the tragic state of Wu Xindeng's family, shuddered and said in a trembling voice, "Husband, what my son-in-law says makes sense. Money is ultimately just an external thing; preserving our lives is the most important thing."

Zhou Rui sighed and said to Leng Zixing, "In that case, let's do as you say."

The group then secretly discussed the details of how to report the matter and how to make compensation. Leng Zixing even personally drafted a letter of apology for Zhou Rui and his wife.
"Your guilty servant Zhou Rui and his wife, weeping blood, kowtow and respectfully report: We, your humble servant and your wife, have been fortunate enough to serve in your household for over twenty years, thanks to your kindness. We should have been dutiful and dutiful, but we were blinded by greed and embezzled from land rent, purchases, and other items. Now, thanks to the stern reprimand of the Duke, we are willing to compensate for all the embezzled money, amounting to over five thousand taels. We humbly beg your mercy, Master, to allow us to atone for our sins through meritorious service. From now on, we will surely repent and be loyal to you." After reading this, Zhou Rui sighed, "I never imagined that after all these years of hard work in your household, I would have to pay back so much money and write such a letter of apology."

Leng Zixing said solemnly, "Father-in-law, you are mistaken. A wise man knows when to yield. This is actually the way to preserve our strength. After the storm passes, we may well rise again."

After seeing their son-in-law off, Zhou Rui and his wife remained silent for a long time before Zhou Rui's wife whispered, "Husband, I'm feeling very uneasy."

Zhou Rui looked out the window and sighed, "What is meant to be will be. Today we will go to see Lin Zhixiao and ask him to forward this letter of apology."

That night, Zhou Rui's house was brightly lit with candles as the couple meticulously counted their savings accumulated over the years, until the wee hours of the morning. The glittering gold, the gleaming silver, and the sparkling jewelry were all the fruits of their years of "manufacturing," and now they had to hand them over themselves—it was truly heartbreaking.

……

……

Zhao Guoji was Aunt Zhao's younger brother. He had worked in the Rongguo Mansion for many years, but he was always a low-ranking servant.

Previously, the siblings had conspired to secretly write a denunciation post accusing Lady Wang and Wang Xifeng of harboring secrets. However, things didn't go as planned. Although Wang Xifeng was divorced, Lady Wang remained unscathed and firmly held her position as the mistress of the house. Aunt Zhao's dream of becoming the official wife was shattered, and Zhao Guoji's hopes for promotion also vanished.

That afternoon, Zhao Guoji, dressed in an old, dark brown robe with frayed cuffs, crept furtively to Aunt Zhao's residence. The courtyard was in a remote location, with somewhat mottled walls and piles of miscellaneous items under the eaves, a far cry from Madam Wang's ornate and decorated courtyard with its lush flowers and trees.

Aunt Zhao was sitting on the kang doing needlework when her brother came in. She said irritably, "What are you doing here again? Don't tell me you're thinking of becoming the housekeeper again? I've told you so many times, that mistress is still holding me back. Forget about being a housekeeper, I can't even arrange a managerial position for you. What do you take me for, someone respectable?"

Zhao Guoji leaned closer and whispered, "Sister, the situation is different now. The Duke next door is investigating the Rong Mansion, and even stewards like Wu Xindeng have fallen from power. Who knows how many more prominent stewards will fall after that? The mansion is in dire need of capable people."

Seeing that Aunt Zhao's expression had softened slightly, he leaned closer and said, "Sister, why don't you say a few good words to the Second Master in bed? Tell him that all the stewards and managers in the mansion are seriously corrupt and we urgently need capable new people. I am good at accounting, so let me be the steward in charge of the treasury. The Second Master might agree."

Aunt Zhao hesitated and said, "This... I'm afraid it's not appropriate. The position of head of the treasury is extremely important; it's not something you can just decide to take on so easily."

"My dear sister!" Zhao Guoji stamped his foot anxiously. "We are siblings by blood. If I become the head of the treasury, I can give you at least a hundred taels of silver every month. What kind of clothes or jewelry wouldn't you need then? I can also take better care of Huan-ge'er. Why are you like this now, even having to think twice before helping me?"

These words struck a chord with Aunt Zhao. Over the years, she had suffered endless coldness in the household, even her own daughter, Tan Chun, had become distant. Her meager monthly allowance often had to be used to subsidize relatives, leaving her constantly strapped for cash. If she could have a capable brother to help her, life would be much easier.

Thinking of this, her eyes lit up, and she flicked her handkerchief: "In that case, I will speak to the master tonight."

Zhao Guoji was secretly delighted and said, "Sister, please remember, if the Second Master really refuses, then take a step back and ask him to arrange for me to be a steward. I think the Second Master will give me that much face."

That evening, Aunt Zhao specially prepared several dishes that Jia Zheng liked, as well as a pot of fine wine. When Jia Zheng entered, she hurriedly went to greet him and served him with utmost attentiveness. Jia Zheng found her unusually docile that day and was quite pleased.

After a few rounds of drinks, Aunt Zhao saw that Jia Zheng's face was amiable, so she tentatively spoke up: "Master, the manor is currently undergoing a thorough investigation. I heard that the stewards and managers have embezzled a lot of money. Wu Xindeng's family even had tens of thousands of taels of silver confiscated. Now the position of steward in charge of the treasury is vacant, and we need a reliable person to fill the vacancy."

Jia Zheng stroked his beard and said, "This matter has been arranged. You are just a woman, so you don't need to concern yourself with it."

Aunt Zhao leaned closer and said softly, "How could I dare to ask about these things? I just thought that since Master is busy with official duties all day long, these trivial matters at home should be shared by someone. I do have a suitable candidate."

She paused, and seeing that Jia Zheng did not interrupt, she boldly continued, "My brother Zhao Guoji is extremely skilled in accounting, and also honest and upright..."

"Foolish!" Jia Zheng scolded her before she could finish, his face darkening. "How can an ordinary servant suddenly become the steward in charge of the treasury? How can he shoulder such an important responsibility? Do you think this is a child's play?"

Aunt Zhao was upset, but she still forced a smile and tugged at Jia Zheng's sleeve, saying, "Even if you don't want him to be in charge of the treasury, you can still let him start as a manager. It wouldn't be a waste of all the years I've served you, and the fact that I gave birth to Huan'er and San Yatou for you."

Jia Zheng shook off her hand and scolded, "You're a woman, and instead of thinking about being well-behaved, you're always scheming about these crooked ways! Huan'er has been corrupted by you!"

Seeing that Jia Zheng was angry, Aunt Zhao knew that she couldn't force him, so she pretended to sob: "Who am I working so hard for? Isn't it all for Master's children? Huan'er doesn't even have a decent set of clothes, and she is laughed at by her classmates at school. As her mother, my heart is being torn apart by a knife."

As she spoke, she actually squeezed out a few tears, sobbing as she said, "I was originally ignorant and only thought that if my own brother was successful, he could take care of Huan'er. Since you think it's inappropriate, just pretend I didn't say anything."

Seeing her crying pitifully, and remembering that she had borne him children, Jia Zheng's heart softened. He sighed and said, "Alright, alright! Let's arrange for your brother to be the head of the management. Just remember, don't get involved in these things in the future!"

Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhao's sorrow turned to joy. She quickly wiped away her tears with her handkerchief and poured wine for Jia Zheng, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, sir!"

She thought to herself: Although she couldn't immediately make her younger brother the steward in charge of the treasury, it would be good for him to be the head of the stewards first. There's plenty of time in the future; as long as he establishes himself in this household, why worry about not having opportunities for promotion?

Thinking of this, a smug smile crept onto her lips.

(End of this chapter)