Chapter 1085
Jia Baoyu Steps Over the Fire Basin
Chapter 1085 Jia Baoyu Steps Over the Fire Basin
Rongguo Mansion
In the small courtyard of "Bishachu", after the doctor examined Jia Baoyu and found that his injuries were not serious, the somber atmosphere in the room faded considerably. The old lady was overjoyed and wept, ordering Fengya to give more money for the consultation.
Furthermore, seeing that Jia Baoyu was covered in dirt, which was indeed unsightly, they took some people back to Rongqing Hall first, and had Xiren and others wash Baoyu and change his clothes.
After people leave,
Xi Ren and She Yue, their eyes brimming with tears, quickly ordered someone to start boiling water in preparation for the Second Master's bath. She Yue came from the inner room, took out a change of clothes, leaned against the window, and called out...
"Young Master Bao, are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
"Why are you crying? It's already out, it doesn't hurt at all,"
Perhaps after suffering a loss, Jia Baoyu had become less sentimental, but he had also lost his former charm. As soon as he said this, Musk Moon could no longer hold back and burst into tears.
While everyone was busy in the courtyard,
The news of Baoyu's return to the Rongguo Mansion had already spread. Inside the Pear Fragrance Garden, Xue Baochai was sitting with her brother Xue Pan, discussing accounts at the table by the light of an oil lamp. After all, the restaurant at the south end of the street had already opened, and although it didn't earn much, it was still a business.
Only Xue Pan sat there listlessly, yawning. These days, aside from resting at his residence, he either sat at the restaurant at the south end of Shuiqiao Street. Even his brothers in the alley were rarely seen together, and they had long been suffering from the hardship.
Furthermore, the former Jia Lian is now a general. This change in status inevitably brings a sense of melancholy. Thinking back to the days when she and Jia Lian drank together in the brothel, those were the days of grand pronouncements, but now she has lost all interest.
"Brother, why are there so many extra purchase expenses in the restaurant's accounts, and the amount of money spent is quite a lot, but the restaurant's actual expenses are not that much. Could it be that some managers have falsified the accounts?"
A hint of doubt flashed across Xue Baochai's charming face. If the restaurant were located in the east or west of the city, there would be many customers and high expenses. However, in the south of the city, most of the customers were ordinary people. Profits were low but sales were high, so the restaurant would not cost that much money. Or perhaps the managers had some ulterior motives.
Upon hearing his younger sister's words, Xue Pan blushed and stammered for a long time, unable to reply. It wasn't that he spent too much money; rather, he had taken money himself and occasionally gone to brothels or treated his brothers to meals and drinks. Because he spent so much, he had put the accounts in the purchasing department.
"I've already said that profits are small but sales are high. The people who come here are all laborers who eat a lot, so I've reduced the price of their meals. That way, the restaurant's business keeps going. Why are you looking at the accounts so carefully? A little more or less doesn't matter. It's getting late, and looking at them too much will strain your eyes. You might as well get some rest."
Stretching, Xue Pan closed the accounts in front of him. These ledgers were useless to him; after all, he was the one who had smeared them. But Xue Baochai was intolerant of any imperfections; these were, after all, family property, and she couldn't just let them go like that.
"What makes you say that? Every profession has its rules. When the master audits the accounts, any servant who dares to cheat will be sold off. Look at these, the ledgers clearly don't match, and the expenses are doubled."
Xue Baochai's face darkened. With the Xue family in the capital, she had finally found a home, relying on the Marquis's mansion. If anyone dared to bully them, they would lose all face.
"Alright, alright, I know everything that happened inside. I was also involved in making the ledgers. There are some things I shouldn't talk about."
Xue Pan waved his hand and started acting like a rogue. If they investigated further, he wouldn't be able to explain himself. After all, he had been to a brothel and had chosen a Hu woman. Her figure and her taste were unforgettable.
"Brother! You—!"
Almost in a fit of anger, Aunt Xue rushed in from outside. Seeing the brother and sister talking, she didn't care about anything else and interrupted.
“My son, why are you worrying about this? Let your brother handle these accounts himself. Don’t fret. If he makes money, he can spend it himself; if he loses money, he won’t have any. Why should you suffer?”
They walked briskly, and once inside the house, they understood everything at a glance. But thankfully, the Xue family was now on the right track and had no shortage of money.
"Mom, didn't you go to the front yard? Why are you back?"
Setting down the account book, Xue Baochai raised her head. The gold hairpin in her hair glittered in the firelight, perfectly complementing her pearl-like face, making her appear gentle and refined. Even Aunt Xue was momentarily stunned, and immediately spoke.
“It’s not that we didn’t go, it’s that we can’t go now. Just now, Baoyu came back from the military headquarters. I heard he was locked up for three days and had bruises all over his head. Now we’ve called a doctor to check on him and he’s fine. He’s just taking a bath and changing clothes in the courtyard. The old lady and the ladies went to Rongqing Hall to wait for him. I’m thinking, should we go and see him?”
There were too many people around, and it was a family matter for the Jia family. It wouldn't be good for outsiders to see it. She should go and check on it later. She understood this rule.
Xue Baochai's lips narrowed. She had also heard about the fight that broke out in the restaurant while they were hosting a banquet for their fellow disciples. It would be inappropriate to go there now, but she would feel even more guilty if she didn't go.
Just as the mother and daughter were in a dilemma, Xue Pan patted his clothes, stood up, and said in an annoyed tone;
"Look at how troubled you are. If you ask me, I won't go. Not to mention Jia Lan, who is calm and steady and has a bright future now that he's an official, I don't even think much of him as his uncle."
His face was filled with disgust, the reason for which was unclear. Whenever trouble struck the Jia family, Jia Baoyu was always the quickest to run away, especially because Jia Qing and the others had repeatedly tried to beg him, only to be refused entry even to their courtyard. Over time, Xue Pan naturally developed a dislike for him. Not to mention the scandal involving Jia Lan, which caused quite a stir, ultimately resulting in Jia Lan failing even the provincial examination.
"Hey, you heartless bastard, you dare to say anything!"
Although Aunt Xue looked surprised, she didn't hesitate and immediately slapped him.
"Don't you even think about it? We're only able to live in your mansion because of whose influence we have. If that connection weren't there, do you think you could live so peacefully?"
Some things can be said, and some things cannot. How could she not know what her elder sister was thinking? But man proposes, God disposes. The wealth and status of the second branch of the family had fallen upon Jia Lan. Now, she and her mother were already registered in the family genealogy and became members of the East Mansion. It was too late to say anything now.
Xue Pan was clearly unconvinced after being hit. He rubbed his big head and snorted coldly.
“Mom, it’s only because you want to live here that we’ve already renovated our house to the south. I even bought the house in the back, and we knocked down the front and back walls. Now it’s a four-courtyard house. How can you say you’re not comfortable living here?”
For some reason, the longer Xue Pan stayed here, the more uncomfortable he felt. Not to mention that the servants in the mansion didn't act like servants and the masters didn't act like masters, they treated the hierarchy as a joke. Which maidservant was served in a sedan chair to serve her master? He had seen it more than once. Especially when he was with Jia Qing and the others, the more he learned about them, the more unhappy he felt.
But these frank words only made Aunt Xue's face turn even uglier, and she scolded her.
"You heartless wretch! You only think about your own comfort. Have you ever thought about your sister? Her status is different now. Although she has taken on the title of Madam, it's not because of the old lady of the Marquis's mansion. Our Xue family's favors have long been exhausted. As for the courtyard in the west, not to mention anything else, Miss Lin is born into wealth. With Baochai by her side, she will always have someone to look after her. But what if she goes to the Marquis's mansion later?"
If it weren't for these reasons, Aunt Xue herself would have left the mansion long ago. But with this concern, after all, there was another lady in the Marquis's mansion and the one from the palace. Neither of them was simple-minded. Only Miss Lin was easy to get along with, after all, she was the Marquis's favorite. Everyone in the mansion knew that.
"Mom, why are you saying all this? Since there's been such a commotion tonight, why don't we send someone to the West Garden to see if Miss Lin is going? If she is, we'll go; if she isn't, we won't go either."
Xue Baochai was also a little undecided and wondered why the Jia family in the Rongguo Mansion was so unsettled. She wondered if it was bad feng shui. She thought of what her eldest mistress, Li Wan, had said, and it made sense.
"Yes, yes, that's exactly right. What are you waiting for? Send a servant to keep an eye on things, quick!"
Seeing Xue Pan still standing there dumbfounded, Aunt Xue was furious and scolded him.
"Understood, I'll send someone over to check it out right away."
Xue Pan quickly responded, lifted the curtain, and hurriedly left the mansion.
Just as the commotion was making at the mansion, in the West Garden,
In the east warm pavilion of the main hall, Lin Daiyu, dressed in a thin brocade robe, lay on the Fragrant Concubine Chair. Her jade-white feet were soaking in a basin of medicine. A hint of liveliness flashed across her delicate face, which was fair with a rosy glow. The last trace of illness between her brows had vanished.
"Miss, Miss, I've steamed some osmanthus cake for you, and there's some steamed cake left too. Please try some."
The little maid Xueyan hurriedly carried the plates into the room, carefully placing them on the small table next to her mistress, muttering under her breath, "So clumsy!"
"Why are you running so fast, Miss? Let me get you some more hot water."
Zijuan carried a clean brocade cloth into the room, holding a small basin of hot water. She changed some of the water in Miss Lin's basin to lukewarm temperature.
In that short time, Lin Daiyu, who had been resting with her eyes closed, smoothed her hair, opened her bright eyes, looked at the two of them, and smiled.
"You all, sit down and rest for a while, have something to eat together. Where did Qingwen go again?"
Looking outside, but not seeing Qingwen, Xueyan asked curiously. Xueyan didn't stand on ceremony and brought two stools from the room, handing one to Zijuan. She sat down next to her mistress and then served her a cup of tea. After finishing, she reached out and pinched a piece of osmanthus cake, put it in her mouth, took a bite, and her eyes narrowed as she mumbled something.
"Miss, you don't know, Qingwen just went out. She said she heard a commotion in the front yard, so she went to inquire."
The little girl's mind was all on food; only Qingwen cared about the things outside. Lin Daiyu affectionately stroked Xueyan's hair and then looked at Zijuan, as if she had a question.
Zijuan bowed, set down the stool, and spread a clean brocade cloth on her legs. Then, she took the young lady's feet from the basin, placed them on the cloth, and gently massaged them with her hands.
"Miss, don't worry. Qingwen isn't one to suffer in silence. There was indeed a lot of noise outside just now, but she went to find out what was going on and will be back soon."
Then, after a pause and a moment's thought, he increased the pressure in his hands considerably.
"A few days ago, I heard that the Second Master Bao of Rongguo Mansion was studying at the Imperial Academy. After school at night, he hosted a banquet for his fellow students. An argument broke out at a restaurant with people from Qinglian Academy, and a fight broke out. He was arrested by the military police and thrown into jail. I suppose the Second Master Bao has returned to the manor today."
If one were to inquire about the affairs of this household, one would surely find out something, not to mention the old women in the back courtyard who often gossip about it.
Lin Daiyu frowned slightly, then relaxed, and narrowed her eyes again. She never liked getting involved in these kinds of things, especially those times when Xiren came to invite her to the courtyard, but Qingwen always turned her away.
Now, after hearing Zijuan's words, she disliked Jia Baoyu even more, feeling a sense of unease deep down.
"Everyone says he used Jia Lan's recommendation to study at the Imperial Academy as a supplementary student, so why would he be hosting a banquet at a restaurant and then resorting to violence?"
A clear voice came, its tone unreadable. With a soft "gulp," Xueyan stuffed the cloud cake in her hand into her mouth, then took the young lady's teacup, drank a sip of tea, and quickly replied.
“Miss, Miss, I know about this. Yesterday, when I took someone to get your breakfast, I overheard Sister Liu in the kitchen saying that Master Bao was engaged to the Meng family and used that as an excuse to host a banquet for his fellow disciples. As for why they fought, some old women said it was because of jealousy. Someone else had taken a fancy to the Meng family's daughter. Some even said that Master Bao stole her away.”
Xueyan's eyes were bright; she loved hearing these things. But Lin Daiyu shook her head. They were just rumors. Since the Duke's mansion had already arranged a marriage with the Meng family, all the other mansions in the capital knew about it. How could there be such nonsense? If they were truly in love, a matchmaker would have already come to propose marriage. Having been in the capital for so long, she had learned a lot. Rules are rules.
"You're so clever. Just listen to what the manor says, and don't spread it around."
Just as he was about to say another reprimand, hurried footsteps came from outside. Qingwen, also dressed in a light shirt and sweating profusely, ran into the house.
"Miss Lin, Miss Lin, the old lady and the other ladies have all returned to Rongqing Hall. I've found out that Master Bao has returned from the military headquarters. I heard he was badly beaten, and doctors have come to the mansion to help him."
Perhaps it was because she left in a hurry, but Qingwen's face was flushed, with a hint of excitement and a sense of satisfaction. That Second Master Bao was so shameless, trying to come to the mansion many times, but he was always stopped by the guards of the Marquis's mansion. If it weren't for her young lady stopping her, she would have gone to the Marquis's mansion to complain long ago.
Of the people inside, only Xueyan listened with excitement, while Zijuan, who was still massaging her feet, was silently worried.
"Miss, the ladies of the household have all gone to Rongqing Hall. Are you still going?"
It wouldn't be good if we didn't go, but if we did go, Miss prefers peace and quiet, and if Second Master Bao started making a scene again, it would be quite embarrassing.
"Why go? It's so late, and it's not convenient."
Lin Daiyu gently shook her head. Her health was gradually improving, and she was learning more from the old women in the Marquis's mansion. Naturally, no matter how peaceful it was, there were many things she could not do about.
"This servant understands,"
Ziju responded and kicked the basin with her foot. Qingwen immediately reacted, bent down, and carried the basin out. Ziju then used a brocade cloth to wipe her mistress clean. Looking at Xueyan, who was still stealing food, she called out helplessly.
"Xueyan, make the bed for Miss."
"Oh, I'll go right away."
Xueyan puffed out her cheeks, wiped her sleeves with her hand, and went to the bed where the young lady slept. Once she was gone, she noticed that most of the pastries in the dishes on the table were gone.
Rongqing Hall over there,
Grandmother Jia's face was grave as she waited inside with the others. Not long after, Jia Baoyu, having bathed and changed into a festive red brocade robe, appeared to be warding off bad luck. Perhaps the bath had helped with the medicine, but the purplish-blue bruises on his forehead had mostly faded.
After Baoyu entered the inner hall and bowed to the old lady,
"Your grandson has caused your great-grandmother worry,"
Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia instantly burst into tears, slapping her thigh in frustration.
"My precious Baoyu, you've suffered these past few days. Have you been wronged in prison?"
The question was asked rather quickly, and a hint of ruthlessness flashed in the Second Madam's eyes. Who exactly came to Qinglian Academy to cause trouble?
"Grandpa, there's no need to worry. All the fellow disciples are there and haven't been wronged."
Jia Baoyu also suffered an undeserved misfortune. He was just finishing his studies when several people persuaded him to treat them to a meal. Who could have imagined that he would encounter such a thing?
"Okay, okay, it's good that you're alright. When you go to school next time, bring more people with you."
Grandmother Jia wiped away her tears. Her thoughts had already drifted to the Gong family of Qinglian Academy; only the one from the Gong family could possibly be the one.
The atmosphere inside the room was somewhat somber. Seeing that the old lady was not in high spirits, Wang Xifeng quickly instructed people to set up a feast inside, and also had several servants bring over a brazier.
"Grandma, Baoyu is back after all. Let's not say anything unlucky. Let Baoyu step over the fire basin first to get rid of the bad luck, and then we'll set out the meal so that Baoyu can rest and recover."
These are all things that ordinary people must do.
"Yes, yes, quick, Baoyu, get over the brazier. Also, don't wear that Confucian robe from the Imperial Academy anymore, just burn it. Prepare a few more later."
Grandmother Jia quickly spoke up, and just as Jia Baoyu was about to say something more, Xiren and Sheyue each grabbed one of his hands and helped him across the charcoal brazier. Then, they wrapped up Baoyu's original clothes, and several old women carried the brazier to the outer courtyard, threw the bundle into it, and in a moment, a large fire broke out, burning the clothes to ashes.
After the fire was lit, an old woman returned to report.
"Grandma, all the bad luck is gone."
"Alright, alright, that's good then. Feng girl, let's start eating first."
Looking at Jia Baoyu, who had lost a lot of weight, Grandmother Jia felt an indescribable pang of heartache.
"Yes, I will listen to the old lady. Someone, bring the table in directly. We will dine here."
The servants and maids outside all gathered around and carried the entire table inside. After the old lady sat down first, everyone dared to take their seats. Unfortunately, the atmosphere remained heavy, and no one knew how to offer any advice.
(End of this chapter)