The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 329 Hearing of the Marriage
Hearing the sounds from outside, the girls inside reacted with varying expressions.

Xue Baochai's expression turned unnatural, losing her composure from before. Thinking of what had happened earlier, and now that her mother no longer mentioned Wang Xin, Xue Baochai knew the gravity of the situation, but she still felt somewhat resentful.

A man who almost became her fiancé suddenly heard his name.

Xue Baochai was in turmoil.

Not to mention Tan Chun.

Her birth mother had already secretly revealed to her what the name meant, and Tan Chun quietly lowered her head.

"Is this Wang Xin, who used to live at the Tubishan Manor?"

Xi Chun frowned in thought, almost forgetting who it was. But now, her curiosity was piqued. She didn't understand when she was little, but now that she's grown up, she's more curious.

Seeing that no one was speaking, Yingchun honestly said, "It was him."

There was also a hint of envy in his eyes.

"I had heard before that he was a member of the Wang family, but I also heard that he was Sister Lin's uncle. He took good care of Sister Lin when he was in the mansion and spoke up for her many times. I suppose it was because the servants in the mansion mistreated Sister Lin."

Looking back now, I don't quite understand how I became Sister Lin's uncle.

Xichun became increasingly curious.

A faint blush rose on Lin Daiyu's cheeks, and she couldn't help but spit inwardly, as if she could see that person looking smug and acting like an elder in front of her.

If it were a proper elder, that would be fine.

He is frivolous and has no manners whatsoever. He is more playful than his juniors and speaks in a way that is not like an adult.

"Sister Lin?"

Seeing that Lin Daiyu was lost in thought and ignoring her, Xichun called out unhappily.

Lin Daiyu came to her senses and couldn't help but smile.

Interesting people are rare, and someone as interesting as Wang Xin is even rarer. Even Xue Baoqin thinks so, because she herself has seen little of the world, while Baoqin has seen much more.

"This story begins with my father. Before he became wealthy, my father took a liking to him, and he lived up to his father's expectations, which led to our relationship as equals, and that's how the story you told you came about."

Lin Daiyu said softly, without offering further explanation.

Xichun suddenly realized.

However, Xichun was different from others from a young age, with a unique perspective on things, and often made surprising remarks.

“Wang Xin must be very proud of his achievements today.” Xi Chun guessed seriously and continued, “It is clear that he moved out of our Jia Mansion without cause last year. He has already grown strong and no longer needs to rely on others. He has the demeanor of a ruthless hero. Isn’t that what I’m saying right?”

After listening, Yingchun thought it made a lot of sense.

Shi Xiangyun disagreed, a smile on her face. "Most men outside are like that, so mercenary. That's why I think Second Brother is so good, so considerate to his sisters." She then glanced at Lin Daiyu.

Xue Baochai sat next to Lin Daiyu.

Xue Baochai had a jade hairpin tucked diagonally into her temple. Her moon-white silk jacket was embroidered with a hidden lotus pattern, and she wore a dark blue silk brocade coat with gray squirrel fur trim and blue satin trousers with scattered flowers. Her simple and elegant appearance was full of charm.

Her face was like a full moon reflecting the soft light, her cheeks were flushed with a natural peach color, and her eyes were slightly upturned when she looked around, exuding a dignified and composed air.

Upon hearing Xichun's evaluation of Wang Xin, Xue Baochai felt indignant, thinking that Xichun was wrong. She was about to speak, but after thinking about it, she calmed down and acted as if she hadn't heard.

Lin Daiyu shook her head. Although there was no need to discuss it with Xichun, she still said, "He is a strange person."

"What's so strange?"

"An exceptionally intelligent person chose to do the most difficult thing."

Lin Daiyu's face was full of pride.

"The most difficult?"

Xichun couldn't understand.

"You're still young, you'll understand when you grow up." Lin Daiyu didn't bring matters from outside into the mansion.

Having previously organized the mathematical and geometric knowledge that Wang Xin had given her, as well as information about military affairs and civilian matters, Lin Daiyu understood what Wang Xin was doing, aside from Xue Baoqin and her father's letters.

Just as when he was in Yangzhou, he heard the people praising him.

Wang Xin has remained unchanged over the years.

Xi Chun didn't ask any more questions. He was just a stranger, and Xi Chun wasn't very interested in him. She'd rather ask her second brother later when he could go out and bring her some fun things from outside.

Unlike Xichun, Tanchun listened intently, wishing Daiyu would say a few more words.

Seeing that Lin Daiyu was unwilling to say more, Tan Chun helplessly withdrew her gaze, pretending nothing was wrong, not daring to let anyone see her thoughts.

They talked about Wang Xin for a while longer outside, and bursts of laughter could be heard from time to time.

Soon after, Jia Baoyu also returned to his room.

After a lively gathering and a meal, Grandmother Jia wanted to take a nap, and everyone was tired. Without mentioning others, the young ladies returned to the Grand View Garden accompanied by their respective maids and servants.

Upon entering the Grand View Garden, Baoyu followed Lin Daiyu blankly.

Everyone could see that Lin Daiyu didn't really like Baoyu being clingy, but since Baoyu had been good to them since childhood, she couldn't say anything.

"I should find an opportunity to talk to my second brother about it."

As Jia Tanchun bid farewell to everyone, she turned around and saw Baoyu following behind Lin Daiyu with a fawning expression, and couldn't help but shake her head.

"I'm afraid Master Bao will be unhappy."

The maidservant, Shi Shu, was worried.

“That’s right.” Another maid, Cui Mo, laughed. “If we could persuade him, he wouldn’t be the Second Master. He’s loved eating girls’ rouge since he was little. No matter how many times we’ve tried to persuade him, it’s no use. He still eats it secretly.”

“They are different,” Jia Tanchun said.

Pin'er is a guest, and even if they are sisters, we should be more polite and not act like we did when we were little.

Jia Tanchun didn't voice her thoughts; some things are better left unsaid, otherwise it might damage the relationship.

For a while.

When Tan Chun returned to her residence, she was surprised to find that Aunt Zhao had already arrived.

Aunt Zhao was radiant with joy, her eyes brimming with moisture. It was unclear where this moisture came from, but Tan Chun noticed that her mother was different from usual and gave her an inquiring look.

Seeing the look in her daughter's eyes, Aunt Zhao belatedly realized what was happening, and her face flushed slightly.

However, things quickly returned to normal, and the people in the house were sent away, leaving only the mother and daughter.

Since her daughter's marriage was settled, Aunt Zhao became much happier. After all, the two women were not outsiders, and Aunt Zhao would occasionally come to the Grand View Garden, but she usually had something to do.

I wonder what news they'll bring this time.

Tan Chun guessed that it was probably about Wang Xin.

really.

Aunt Zhao was beaming with excitement. It turned out that Jia Zheng had just visited her and told her some things.

"Master was originally going to the old lady's place, but knowing that you were all there, he came to my place first. After the old lady woke up from her afternoon nap, Master went to her place. That's when I found out that Wang Xin was coming back."

"Already know."

Tan Chun recounted what had happened earlier.

Aunt Zhao looked around, then leaned close to her daughter and whispered, "Master said that when Wang Xin comes back this time, he will announce your engagement to him, and the wedding date will be set."

Tan Chun was stunned.

It was sudden, yet also reasonable. There was nothing to be surprised about, but Tan Chun still felt a sense of shyness.

"Wang Xin is a rare husband. Although everyone in the manor praises you, to put it bluntly, there are many powerful families outside. Do you know that the second daughter of the Xue family can even go back on her engagement with someone else?"

It turns out that the second branch of the Xue family broke off the engagement. I heard from my grandfather that the other family actually looked down on the second branch of the Xue family. But that family had relied on the Xue family and received a lot of help from them. This shows how powerful outsiders are.

Not to mention you're my child, and I'm the one who held you back. Now, Wang Xin comes from a humble background, so you won't have a mother-in-law to look after you when you marry him. You'll be in charge of the household from the start. The main thing is that Wang Xin is a good person, and even the master approves of him."

Aunt Zhao kept rambling on and on.

I'm genuinely happy for my daughter.

If a daughter marries well, then the father also has someone to rely on.

Jia Tanchun roused herself and said, "Let's not talk about these things."

"Why is that? Are you shy?" Aunt Zhao asked curiously, finding it somewhat amusing given her daughter's strong personality.

"say no more."

Jia Tanchun said calmly.

It didn't seem like a joke, nor did it seem like she was shy.

Aunt Zhao was actually somewhat afraid of her daughter. Seeing this, she suppressed her smile, became cautious, dared not say anything more, and her face showed some displeasure. Noticing her mother's caution and dissatisfaction, Tan Chun sighed.

"No matter what, Mother should still be as careful as ever while she is in the manor."

"She dares to harm me?"

Aunt Zhao said angrily, but she lowered her voice as if afraid of being overheard, and dared not continue.

"If Wang Xin is really as good as everyone says, then I will take my mother over."

Tan Chun said.

Aunt Zhao suddenly raised her head and looked at Tan Chun in disbelief.

Seeing Tan Chun's attitude, Aunt Zhao was sure she hadn't misheard and murmured, "It's enough that you have this intention. How can I leave the manor?"

"Wang Xin has indeed been promoted to general, but the Ministry of War has not yet determined his final placement."

Jia Zheng has already arrived at Grandmother Jia's place.

After taking a midday nap, Grandmother Jia's complexion regained its vitality.

He has already celebrated his octogenarian birthday.

The old saying goes that a good man's nine-year celebration is too extravagant, while a good woman's ten-year celebration is more substantial. The so-called eighty-year celebration does not refer to an eighty-year birthday, but rather a seventy-year birthday.

Although she wasn't eighty, Grandmother Jia was quite old and couldn't withstand any more hardship.

"I'm old, and I don't know when I'll close my eyes. Over the years, I've seen the life in the manor get better, and I'm content. I just hope things can stay this way. I don't have the energy to worry about your affairs."

Hearing his mother's words, Jia Zheng felt as if his heart was being torn apart.

How could a mother not be heartbroken when her sons are at odds?

But many things are beyond our control.

Although both were among the eight founding dukes, the Duke of Shi had already disappeared due to the power struggle within the imperial court.

Who isn't afraid?
In order to protect themselves, they had no choice but to come up with their own solutions.

The initial plan was to separate the Ningguo Mansion and the Rongguo Mansion, otherwise, they would be too conspicuous. The Ningguo Mansion would maintain its traditions, while the Rongguo Mansion would abandon its martial arts and pursue literature.

Unfortunately, the eldest brother couldn't endure the hardship of studying, and was unwilling to give up, so he chose to win over relatives and friends and maintain the original military connections of the Jia family.

Two roads became three roads.

Moreover, unlike previous plans, there were many disagreements between him and his elder brother.

How could Grandmother Jia not know?

“It’s not easy for you to persevere until now, since your eldest brother is disobedient. Now that you have Wang Xin, it’s finally made up for the losses your eldest brother caused you. It’s better for you two brothers to separate completely in the future.”

Using civil officials to control military forces does not mean separating civil and military affairs.

Everyone understands the principle of power through force; civil officials are not pedantic scholars, and who doesn't aspire to control military power?

Ministry of War, Minister of Military Affairs, Inspectorate, Military Commissioner.
Which of these wasn't pushed forward to seize military power?

“Wang Ziteng saw the discord between you two brothers and gave him an opening. It’s actually good that you’ve lost the position of Military Governor of the Capital Garrison. The position of General is enough. If it were still the same as before, it would be too conspicuous.”

I imagine your brother-in-law thinks the same way, which is why he brought it up six months ago. You still need to consult him on many things; you absolutely cannot make decisions on your own.

Grandmother Jia didn't want to worry about it.

But she couldn't help but worry.

She could see the expression on the eldest daughter's face when she returned from her first visit home, and the bitterness in her heart.

It's because her family couldn't help her.

If the bride's family is assertive, no husband's family would dare to bully her.

Why couldn't the Jia family stand up for themselves?

Having a reputation but not real power won't make you truly effective.

Grandmother Jia could only offer advice, and everyone else could only endure it.

Even now, although the eldest daughter of the family still holds a nominal position in the palace, things are much better than they were two years ago. At least she can endure it, and as long as she can endure it, there will be opportunities.

"That's indeed how Ru Hai arranged it, but..."

Jia Zheng hesitated, unsure how to explain.

"what happened?"

"Lu Zhongheng has different ideas about Ru Hai's disciple. Ru Hai is not in the capital. My son thinks Lu Zhongheng's words make a lot of sense, so I am a little unsure."

"What does Lu Zhongheng want to do?"

"He felt it would be a great pity to give up Datong."

Grandmother Jia understood.

Lu Zhongheng is Lin Ruhai's prized student and can be seen as Lin Ruhai's successor.

Such a person's thoughts are very important.

It often determines the major moves a faction will make next.

"I don't know anything about your men's affairs. You can handle it yourself." Grandmother Jia didn't want to bother with it. She wasn't in charge of this matter, didn't know the specifics, and couldn't make a decision.

Jia Zheng smiled bitterly.

Forget it, let's wait for Wang Xin to come back and hear his opinion.

Thinking of Wang Xin, Jia Zheng said, "When Wang Xin returns, I plan to set a wedding date with him."

"it is good."

Grandmother Jia had no objection.

Wang Xin lived in the mansion for several years, although he was away most of the time. However, Grandmother Jia was well aware of Wang Xin's actions and personality.

Such a husband is truly wonderful.

He has no parents, a gentle and kind personality, strong abilities, and a bright future.

At a young age, he was already the commander-in-chief of the Beijing Garrison.

Grandmother Jia couldn't find anything she could object to.

With no objections from his mother, Jia Zheng was not surprised and quickly went to make the arrangements.

Not even two days passed.

The news of the engagement between the family's third daughter and Wang Xin quietly spread.

Jia Zheng was very concerned about Wang Xin's birth chart, the condition of his house, and the life of his daughter after marriage. He sent his steward to find out about these things and made his own arrangements. However, he did not have much intention of keeping it a secret, so it was no surprise that the news got out.

Tan Chun was originally in charge of the garden's affairs, but now that the marriage agreement has been made public, she dares not go out to see people, and the mansion no longer allows her to manage affairs.

The purpose of having Tan Chun manage the garden was to cultivate the first wife's ability to manage the household and her demeanor in dealing with people, not because the Jia family lacked a girl like Tan Chun to manage the household.

Even if Tan Chun manages things very well, that's not the goal.

"How did you get engaged?"

Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Lin Daiyu looked surprised.

“I confirmed this with Zhou Rui’s wife; they are indeed engaged.” Zijuan said sullenly, “That Xinye is something else. He’s engaged to the young lady in the manor, yet he still comes to bother Miss.”

Xinye is so great. When Xinye is around, he makes girls the happiest.

Sometimes Zijuan secretly thought about it.

But there are too many impossibilities.

The young lady called Master Xin "Uncle," but the two were not of the same generation.

Actually, this isn't a big problem. It wasn't a proper seniority system; the ranking was just random to begin with.

After much thought, as Miss Yi grew older, Zijuan often had this thought, but she never expected to suddenly hear that Wang Xin had gotten engaged.

"I've never heard Baoqin mention it."

Lin Daiyu was still somewhat confused. Xue Baoqin often wrote to her, and she was with Wang Xin. If Wang Xin really got engaged, Xue Baoqin should have written to her to tell her about such a big event.

I don't know where I went wrong.

(End of this chapter)