Dream of the Red Chamber: I can see the hidden labels of the beauties.

When Lady You reminded and persuaded Jia Jing outside the city, both Jia She and Jia Zheng nodded. Jia Zheng replied gently:

"That's easy to say. We'll send someone to the outskirts of the city soon. But you should be prepared. Even when Brother Zhen died, he didn't want to come back. He probably won't come back now either."

Madam You quickly bowed and expressed her gratitude:

"Your niece-in-law thanks you both. If the grandfather is unwilling to return, then Brother Can will have to step in."

After speaking, she turned around and looked at Jia Can. Jia She and Jia Zheng also looked at Jia Can.

With eyes full of expectation, Jia Zheng spoke earnestly to Jia Can:

"Brother Can, the Eastern Mansion has suddenly encountered a great change. Now, of Second Brother Jing's lineage, you are the only survivor. I hope you can hold on and not become a laughing stock for outsiders!"

Jia Can was already mentally prepared, so when he heard Jia Zheng say this, he was neither overly excited nor excessively humble, but replied in a neither humble nor arrogant manner:

"I understand, nephew, and I will do my best!"

These few words, devoid of grand pronouncements, convey only a profound sense of responsibility.

Since the facts are as they are, it would seem hypocritical and irresponsible to refuse or be modest at this point. It would be better to accept it openly and honestly.

Furthermore, Jia Can needed to change people's perception of him; otherwise, others would always think that he had obtained his position illegitimately. Even if they didn't suspect him, they would say that he had gotten lucky and picked up a big bargain, which would not benefit his prestige in the mansion.

From this moment on, he must gradually change people's preconceived notions about him.

Upon seeing this, Jia She narrowed his eyes and stared at Jia Can from head to toe for a long time, as if he were scrutinizing and weighing something.

Jia Zheng stroked his beard, a look of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

I just felt that the Jia family had finally produced a good descendant. In this turbulent time, at least there was still someone who could hold the fort.

...

The news of Jia Rong's sudden death spread quickly, becoming known not only to the Jia family but also to the powerful and influential circles in the capital.

Everyone was astonished by the sudden tragedy that befell the Ningguo Mansion, with the father and son dying one after the other.

Some shook their heads and sighed, while others gloated. They were all speculating about what had happened to the Ningguo Mansion that caused so many deaths. Could it be that they had offended some evil star or someone they shouldn't have?

Originally, Grandmother Jia had already returned to Rongguo Mansion and was resting on a soft couch with Yuanyang massaging her legs when she learned of Jia Rong's sudden death. She suddenly opened her eyes, her face changed drastically, and she rushed back to Ningguo Mansion without even having time to put on her shoes properly.

Upon arriving at Ningguo Mansion, Grandmother Jia alighted from her sedan chair and, without waiting for anyone to announce her arrival, went straight to the main hall in the back courtyard.

Upon learning of this, Lady You, Jia She, Jia Zheng, and others came out to greet them. Grandmother Jia waved her hand, stopping their greetings, and with a stern face, asked in a deep voice:

"How did Rong-ge'er get into trouble?"

Madam You dared not conceal anything, and had no choice but to recount the whole story in detail.

Grandmother Jia was astonished and found it utterly absurd. She then ordered Pei Feng, Xie Yuan, and all the maids and servants who knew the truth to be summoned and interrogated by herself.

There was no discrepancy between what Lady You had said and the facts were confirmed by Grandmother Jia. There was nothing to doubt. Although she found it utterly absurd, she had no choice but to believe it and asked Pei Feng and Yuan to leave first.

After a long silence, Grandmother Jia sighed and slowly began to speak:

"You just need to know about this. Strictly order the servants to spread the word and tell everyone that Rong-ge'er died from exhaustion after being overworked with the funeral arrangements for days."

"Anyone who can't control their mouth, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Lady You, Jia She, and others readily agreed, understanding that Grandmother Jia was doing this to protect the Jia family's reputation.

Now that Jia Zhen has just died, there are already some rumors circulating outside. If the true cause of Jia Rong's death were to be spread, the Jia family would surely be disgraced and would be unable to hold their heads high when they go out in the future.

Grandmother Jia looked at Jia Can again, a complex expression flashing in her eyes. When she saw Jia Can the day before yesterday, he was just a pitiful illegitimate son whom no one cared about.

But now, Jia Can has become the pillar of the Ningguo Mansion, and the huge family business rests on his shoulders. There is no greater impermanence in life than this.

After a long pause, he said to Jia Can:

"Brother Can, your elder brother Zhen and brother Rong have both passed away. You are the only man left in the Ningguo Mansion. You must stand up for him and not let outsiders laugh at you, nor let down the family legacy left by our ancestors."

"You are still young. If you don't understand something, feel free to ask me. You can ask your Uncle She or Uncle Zheng. Remember, think thrice before you act. Don't be rash or cowardly. The future of the Ningguo Mansion depends on you."

Jia Can remained calm and composed, replying neither servile nor arrogant:

"I understand, thank you for your guidance, madam. I will do my best and not slack off in the slightest. I will definitely protect this family business and live up to your expectations."

This statement is quite appropriate; it conveys neither the anxiety of someone taking on a great responsibility for the first time nor the arrogance of someone who has achieved early success, making one feel that the speaker is reliable and dependable.

Grandmother Jia nodded, then turned to Jia She and Jia Zheng and said:

"Have your wives come and help out, take care of everything inside and outside, and help them get through this difficult time."

"Now that there is no one in charge of the East Mansion, Zhen's wife is all alone, and Can's son is still young, so someone has to help him."

Jia She and Jia Zheng naturally nodded in agreement, repeatedly saying that it was their duty.

Jia She agreed, but a glint of light flashed in his lowered eyes, and a strange smile appeared on his lips, which disappeared in an instant without anyone noticing.

At that moment, Jia Can, Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the others all withdrew and went about their own business.

The main hall fell silent for a moment, leaving only Grandmother Jia and Madam You.

Lady You was specially kept behind by Grandmother Jia, who had some words of advice for her:

"You must send someone to keep a close eye on Can-ge'er. He is the last remaining heir of the Ningguo Mansion. If something happens to him again, the Ningguo Mansion may be in serious trouble..."

Grandmother Jia did not continue speaking, nor did she dare to. If Jia Can were to also encounter misfortune, the vast Ningguo Mansion would truly fall into the hands of collateral branches.

If no one were to inherit the title, the imperial court would revoke it and confiscate the property, thus erasing the century-old foundation of the Ningguo Mansion.

Madam You was well aware of this, and quickly nodded in agreement:

"Don't worry, madam. I will send more people to follow Brother Can around day and night to ensure that he will not get into trouble again. He will be accompanied when he goes out, and someone will taste his food first. Everything that passes through his hands will be carefully inspected."

As she spoke, she was already calculating in her mind which people to send to accompany Jia Can.

Grandmother Jia's eyes flickered, her lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to say something more, but she hesitated and looked at Madam You with complicated emotions. In the end, she just nodded slightly, waved her hand, and let her leave.

Lady You bowed and turned to leave.

Only Grandmother Jia remained in the main hall, leaning back in her chair, gazing outside with a furrowed brow.

When Jia Zhen died, Grandmother Jia felt there must be something wrong. Now that Jia Rong has also died, and from a sudden stroke, this old lady, who is used to the intrigues of the inner quarters and the power struggles of wealthy families, feels even more suspicious.

The father and son died suddenly one after the other. What a coincidence!