Red Mansion: Picking up a Lin Daiyu

Chapter 429: It is easy to invite Buddha, but difficult to send him away (Happy May Day!)
As soon as Wang Shanbao's wife entered the garden, she saw that Jia Mu and others were in the line, so she lowered her voice.

But the panic on his face was difficult to hide in an instant, so everyone saw it clearly.

Mrs. Xing smiled awkwardly. She knew that Grandmother Jia disliked her because she came from a humble family. Now that she brought such unruly servants, she would be even more disliked by Grandmother Jia.

When Lady Jia frowned and looked over, Madam Xing couldn't help but push her away and said sternly, "What nonsense are you talking about? The old ancestor is still here, can the sky fall down?"

The news was of course extremely urgent, but Wang Shanbao was also an elderly maid, and it was not appropriate to embarrass herself in front of everyone. She had to greet everyone before leaning over to Madam Xing's ear and whispering, "At noon, the Second Master went outside to have fun, and went to Zuixian Tower with the two young masters from the East Palace."

"It was the time when Zuixianlou was selecting a courtesan. Second Master Lian bid 100,000 taels for the courtesan, but he had no money to pay the bill, so the brothel's manager came to the mansion."

Mrs. Xing frowned, not taking Wang Shanbao's words seriously. "It's just a bid, and he didn't ruin that cheap bone. Why did he come to our house? Can our Jia family be afraid of a small brothel? It's a joke."

"Madam, that's not the case. Zuixianlou has its own rules, and Zuixianlou seems to be backed by Prince Zhongshun's mansion, so even the master and his men have to stay away. In the outer hall, the master is saying nice things to entertain them, and Madam has to make a decision."

"What? Prince Zhongshun's Mansion?"

Upon hearing this title, Mrs. Xing's face changed immediately and she couldn't help but scream out in surprise. When she attracted the attention of people around her, she quickly covered her mouth.

Originally in a good mood, Lady Jia was upset by the sudden disturbance between the master and servant, and couldn't help frowning.

"After all, you come from a small family and have never experienced the ups and downs of life. You are not qualified to be the wife of a mansion."

Look at Xia Jingui on the side. Although she has a good appearance, a graceful figure, and is as beautiful as a flower, she is from a merchant family after all, with a low status, and is far away from the Jia family. It is inevitable that she will become the second Lady Xing, unable to handle big things.

Thinking that this girl might be brought by Lady Wang to propose marriage, Grandmother Jia became even more displeased and did not even look at her.

"What happened? What is it that involves Prince Zhongshun's mansion? I, an old woman, have to say something in advance. Right now is a critical time for the Jia family, and nothing can delay the eldest girl's return home to visit her parents. If you get into trouble outside and conceal it, and something unexpected happens and it brings disaster to our entire family, you will not be spared!"

Grandmother Jia pounded the pear wood wind crutch a few times, and it made a thumping sound on the stone steps. Her aura suddenly increased by three points, and her back straightened up.

"This, this, this..."

One hundred thousand taels was an astronomical figure for Mrs. Xing. She had no way of settling the matter and naturally became nervous.

What's more, it involves Prince Zhongshun's Mansion, so she will definitely not be able to avoid Lady Jia.

"Madam, please tell us now. We can't keep this secret, and we can't make the decision."

While she was hesitating, Wang Shanbao, the housekeeper, was still instigating her, which made Mrs. Xing even more panicked.

"Grandfather, it was Brother Lian who caused trouble outside and offended Prince Zhongshun's Zuixianlou, so he came to the mansion to collect the debt."

Grandmother Jia's frown deepened. "How rude! They are just playing around with the younger generation. Why did they come to our house to cause trouble? This is really too much. Just give them the money they owe you."

"Because they will come to the mansion to make trouble when the eldest daughter comes to visit her parents!"

Many female relatives were by his side, and they all felt that the matter was insignificant. It was just something that could be solved with some money, so what?
Madam Xing said weakly, "One hundred thousand taels."

"One hundred thousand taels?"

Grandmother Jia's eyes widened, then rolled back and she fell backwards.

Xia Jingui, the eldest daughter of the Xia family, and Yuanyang, who were still accompanying Lady Jia, helped to support her.

After taking a few deep breaths, Jia's mother gradually regained consciousness and tapped her cane again, but now she felt very powerless. "What a sin he has committed. He owes a foreign debt of 100,000 taels. He is so bold!"

Mrs. Xing didn't dare to plead for mercy, she just shrank her head aside.

Yuanyang said, "Grandfather, what should we do? If we don't calm things down, I'm afraid Prince Zhongshun's mansion will use this as an excuse to cause trouble and even send Second Master Lian to jail."

"The imperial concubine will be visiting her parents soon, and this has led to imprisonment. This is too unlucky..."

Grandmother Jia nodded slightly and looked at Mrs. Wang, the housekeeper. "Second Master, do you think the money in the mansion's accounts is enough to pay for the 100,000 taels?"

One hundred thousand taels were definitely not enough, but Lady Jia had given Lady Wang a sum of money in the past, and if she took out all that and sold it for silver, one hundred thousand taels would be more than enough.

But in this situation, Mrs. Wang would certainly not give this money to Jia Lian. She was waiting to use this money as a betrothal gift when Baoyu got married to show off.

When Lady Jia mentioned her name, Mrs. Wang immediately looked embarrassed. "Grandmother, to be honest, you have seen this villa with your own eyes. Every blade of grass, every brick and tile are expenses. There is no such amount of cash in the accounts now."

"Unless we sell some of our land, or wait until the spring rent comes in, I'm afraid..."

Grandmother Jia has been in charge of the household for decades, so of course she has her own ideas about money. Moreover, this is one hundred thousand taels, not just ten thousand taels. Even in the capital, not every noble or marquis' mansion can come up with so much cash in a short time.

"What should I do?"

Looking at the empty plaque in the main hall, Grandmother Jia really didn't want anything to go wrong during this visit.

Although the woman in the inner chamber now listens to her, the two rebellious sons outside have already ignored her.

If she wants to take the helm again, she must have Yuanchun's support.

After gritting her teeth, Jia's mother looked at Yuanyang again and asked, "The friend in my room..."

Yuanyang's eyes were red as she said, "Grandfather, if you take more, there won't be much left..."

When Mrs. Wang heard that Lady Jia had given her a large sum of money and there was still some left, and even more left after taking another 100,000 taels, she couldn't help but feel surprised.

"The mansion is so poor, but the old lady is so rich? No wonder even the Lai family built a yard. I guess they have embezzled a lot of money!"

Thinking of this, Mrs. Wang was even more reluctant to give away the silver in her hands. She was also thinking about how to make up for the silver she had spent before a hundred times or a thousand times after she took full control of the Jia family.

Grandmother Jia lamented, "What can we do about it?"

At the right moment, Xia Jingui, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke in a sweet voice, "Madam, if you heard the news outside, do you know how much silver is needed to settle this matter?"

As soon as Xia Jingui opened her mouth, she became the focus of the crowd. Even Lady Jia couldn't help but turn her head to look over.

Wang Shanbao replied in a trembling voice: "If I were to answer this young lady, it would have to be at least this amount."

As he spoke, Wang Shanbao raised three fingers.

Grandmother Jia said angrily: "If there is such a method, why didn't you tell me before? You idiot who doesn't know the difference between high and low!"

Wang Shanbao was so frightened that she was speechless. Xia Jingui comforted Lady Jia and supported her back, saying, "Old Lord, don't be angry. It's just a matter of money. The Jia family is about to have a big event. We can't let this little money ruin the celebration."

"Madam, you have also made it clear to me that this imperial residence was built with great effort by the Jia family, so it is normal that the account is short of money for a while. The old Lord Feng loves his children and the younger generation, and he is willing to give money from his own pocket. I, a young man, really respect him."

"But I dare to say that I should never pawn your personal belongings. It really humiliates you. Why don't I let my Xia family pay for the thirty thousand taels?"

Every word he said was considerate and worldly-wise, which pleased Lady Jia so much that she could not find any fault with it. Then, her eyes towards Xia Jingui suddenly changed.

Now the two families are still unrelated. Regardless of the flowers and plants in the other courtyard, he is still willing to subsidize the mansion with another 30,000 taels. The granddaughter-in-law has to be accepted.

Grandmother Jia is even more knowledgeable about the ways of the world, so having such a straightforward granddaughter-in-law is not a bad thing.

If she were allowed to be the housekeeper in the future, she could take away some of Lady Wang's power, which would make Lady Jia feel more at ease.

Thinking of this, Jia's mother smiled and took Xia Jingui's hand, saying, "You are a kind-hearted girl. Although you are not from a noble family, you are outstanding in both etiquette and bearing. You are a perfect candidate to be my granddaughter-in-law."

Xia Jingui lowered her head shyly, "Thank you for your compliment, old Lord Feng."

At this time, Lady Jia, who was the most concerned about appearance in Rongguo Mansion, also praised this shy and lovely girl when she saw her.

"No, no, you are just right."

Xia Jingui covered her face with shame, turned around and said to the maid behind her, "Baochan, did you hear what I just said? Go find housekeeper Qiu in the accounting office to transfer 30,000 taels to the two masters in the front hall. Hurry, there is no time to delay."

"Ah, ah yes."

Somehow, Baochan couldn't recognize her own girl today at all. She seemed like a gentle and affectionate daughter, and none of the decisive attitude she had in the old mansion.

Even the voice he spoke to her was so soft that she didn't realize he was calling her for a moment and couldn't help but be distracted.

"Girl, I'll pass on the message."

Seeing that Xia Jingui was so capable and was in charge of the financial power of the Xia family, Grandmother Jia became more and more pleased.

The old hands placed on Xia Jingui's hands and rubbed them gently. The delicate skin seemed so fragile that it could be broken by a touch of force and a cut would be left.

Grandmother Jia nodded lovingly, "Good, good girl. I want to live to see you marry into the family, and that will be the fulfillment of one of my wishes."

Lady Jia was too enthusiastic, and Xia Jingui felt it was time to leave.

He took Lady Jia's hand, slowly put it down, and said with a smile: "Old Lord Feng, you are too kind. Since there are still things to deal with in the mansion today, I will not stay any longer. It is getting dark, and it is time for me to go back. I will come and chat with you next time when I am free."

"Okay, okay, good boy."

After experiencing betrayal and cold words from her younger generations, even Grandmother Jia felt a little warm in her heart when she met such a warm and considerate younger generation.

He called out repeatedly, "Second Madam, why don't you see Miss Jingui off?"

Mrs. Wang nodded in astonishment, "Yes."

After the group left, Jia's mother also returned to the Buddhist temple. As she walked, she praised Yuanyang and said, "I always thought that people from a merchant family would only pursue profit, but I didn't expect this girl to be so generous. She helped the Jia family renovate the villa and gave us 30,000 taels with a wave of her hand."

"Moreover, the most rare thing is that she is not jealous. Even though she heard that Brother Lian was having affairs with other women, she didn't care at all and was willing to pay money to redeem her husband. She is truly a good girl who knows the big picture."

Hearing this, Yuanyang couldn't help but blink, "Grandfather, you misunderstood something at that time. This Miss Xia came to be betrothed to Master Bao of the Second House, not Master Lian."

"What? To propose marriage to Baoyu?"

Grandmother Jia's expression suddenly changed. "Baoyu is the emperor's uncle. How can a merchant be worthy of him? She can marry him, but she can only be a concubine!"

Yuanyang said weakly: "You just praised Miss Xia..."

"Is that the case? This is really ridiculous! I see, without my approval, who can make the decision?"

……

The sedan chair with green curtains and a red roof slowly floated out of the Rongguo Mansion. Baochan heated up some tea and handed it to her girl to quench her thirst, but she saw Xia Jingui sitting astride the cushion, without any of the demeanor of a lady from a noble family, and her words were even more rude.

"I am not thirsty; bring me water and wash my hands."

"Oh……"

Baochan had no choice but to move the teacup aside and kneel down beside Xia Jingui to serve her.

"Miss, do you really want to give the Jia family thirty thousand taels? This Jia family doesn't seem as good as you imagined."

Hearing Baochan say this, Xia Jingui couldn't help but sneer, "They are just a bunch of rabble. Even that old lady Jia is a confused old lady whose body is half buried in the ground."

He rubbed his hands with a look of disgust, washed them thoroughly with soapberry, then took out a handkerchief to dry them, and then threw the handkerchief out of the carriage.

"Miss, since you can see that the Jia family is just a splendid exterior with rotten inside, why are we still paying so much money..."

Xia Jingui casually slapped Baochan in the face and said, "Why do you have so much to say? Do you think I'm stupid?"

"no no……"

After staring at them, Xia Jingui angrily said, "It is precisely because they are incompetent that I have to pay this money. After all, it is the Duke's Mansion, and there is a concubine in the palace. If one or two of them are still so stupid, won't it be a chance for me to take charge of the family?"

"No matter what, the Xia family is also an imperial merchant, and this status cannot be changed. If we can borrow the power of the Duke's Mansion, our future business will not have to be limited to flowers."

"You should know how difficult it is to do business in the capital nowadays! Every family has to be on guard against whether Feng Brand will expand into another business!"

Baochan said weakly, "But I think the old lady and the second lady don't seem to be easy to get along with. Can the young lady manage the household smoothly? I'm afraid that the young lady has spent so much money and is being fooled by them."

Xia Jingui sneered and said, "This girl is even more difficult to deal with. If they don't do what I want, I will let them know my methods!"

"Come to think of it, we haven't seen Mr. Baoyu yet."

"They are all lechers of the same bloodline. It doesn't matter if you meet them or not. When I come, I will cure their bad habits!"

(End of this chapter)