Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Daiyu's room originally belonged to Rongqing Hall, so the commotion there was quickly relayed to the main hall by the old women.

So the sisters went first, followed by Lady Wang and her maids and servants, who then helped Grandmother Jia arrive.

Upon entering, the maids were all silent, while Jia Baoyu and Daiyu stood there, one with a dazed expression and tears still wet on his face.

A woman, her face streaked with tears, her eyes bloodshot, clutched a motionless squirrel in her arms. At first glance, it appeared to be dead.

The message that Grandmother Jia heard was that "Second Master Bao was so angry that he even smashed the jade," so after glancing at it, she didn't care about anything else and looked first at Jia Baoyu's chest.

Sure enough, there was only a necklace, but no jade pendant.

Grandmother Jia rushed over in alarm, grabbed Jia Baoyu, and asked, "Where's the jade?"

His actions and words perfectly conveyed the importance of that piece of jade.

Zijuan quickly stepped forward, picked it up, wrapped the jade in a silk handkerchief, and presented it to Grandmother Jia.

Just now, Jia Baoyu looked furious, so she didn't dare to go forward and offend him, and could only keep it safe for the time being.

Grandmother Jia first checked Baoyu over and, seeing that he was alright, breathed a sigh of relief. Then she looked up at her two grandsons and granddaughters, each of whom was heartbroken.

I wanted to scold them, but seeing how heartbroken they were, I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Thinking of how they always quarreled like this, never understanding her good intentions as their matriarch, she couldn't help but say sadly, "You two are such troublemakers, you can never give me peace of mind."

"Only when I arrive will things be to your liking."

Madam Wang frowned the moment she entered the room.

His expression turned cold, especially when he saw that the jade pendant Jia Baoyu was wearing on his chest was gone.

In front of Grandmother Jia, he couldn't show too much. He just helped Grandmother Jia hang up Baoyu again, then grabbed Baoyu's arm and pulled him to his side, away from Daiyu.

Daiyu was incredibly perceptive. Although Lady Wang hadn't said a word or even raised her eyebrows at her, she immediately sensed Lady Wang's dissatisfaction with her.

I was heartbroken. My aunt blamed me without even asking what happened...

With the reassurance of others, Grandmother Jia finally calmed down and questioned the reason behind it.

The maids serving Daiyu in her room quickly knelt down. Among them, Zijuan, in order to downplay the incident, did not say much, only saying that the two siblings had quarreled and that Jia Baoyu had accidentally killed Daiyu's pet squirrel, which was why this had happened.

Although Jia Baoyu knew that Zijuan's words implied bias towards Daiyu, he still believed that Zijuan's words were biased towards Daiyu.

Now that he had calmed down, he realized he had seriously offended Daiyu today. Especially Anu, who seemed to have indeed died because of him; Lin Daiyu would probably hold him accountable for this…

Feeling guilty, I didn't argue.

Grandmother Jia then said, "So that's why you're making such a fuss over such a trivial matter!"

Grandmother Jia originally intended to give each of them fifty lashes, but after glancing at Daiyu and seeing her thin and tearful appearance, she finally softened.

Turning her head to Jia Baoyu, she said, "Baoyu, you shouldn't have smashed your sister's manhood when you were arguing with her. That's your manhood!"

If it gets damaged, how are we supposed to live?

You mustn't do that again.

Grandmother Jia always treated Jia Baoyu this way; her heart softened after just a few words. Seeing Jia Baoyu lower his head in remorse, her anger vanished completely, and she couldn't help but pull him into her arms and stroke him tenderly, showing her affection.

Only then did the others, who were trembling with fear, feel a little relieved.

Grandmother Jia then gave Zijuan and the others a lecture, instructing them to take good care of the children and ensure that such a situation would not occur again. Then she got up and left.

Jia Baoyu wanted to stay and say something, but Lady Wang forcibly pulled him away.

Most people don't take the conflicts between naive young children too seriously.

Only Lady Wang took it to heart.

As her only son, Jia Baoyu's jade pendant symbolized his fate, including life, death, wealth, and status.

It is of utmost importance.

But ever since Daiyu arrived, how many times has her precious son smashed the jade?

It is clear that Daiyu was not only not a good match for her son, but also brought him bad luck.

If we really let the old lady have her way and let Baoyu marry her, who knows how many troublesome things will happen in the future!

Thinking of this, she summoned her trusted maid, Zhou Rui's wife, and instructed her, "Go out later and have a few boys go to the West Market to see if they sell stone rats. If they do, buy one."

Zhou Rui's wife understood and, after receiving the order, prepared to leave.

Lady Wang, however, kept her there, first inquiring about the situation with Grandmother Jia, before asking, "What do you think of what happened just now?"

"It's just two kids having a tiff. Since Miss Lin came two years ago, the two kids have been arguing more than once or twice because they are close. It's nothing serious."

The old lady, however, was sighing and lamenting in Rongqing Hall just now.

Zhou Rui's wife replied with a smile. Her expression seemed casual, but she was actually carefully observing Madam Wang's complexion.

Madam Wang frowned slightly and said noncommittally, "In your opinion, does the old lady truly intend to betroth Lin to Baoyu in the future?"

"this……"

Zhou Rui's wife hesitated for a moment before replying, "I didn't see that coming; the old lady never said that."

However, Miss Lin is the old lady's own granddaughter. Apart from Master Bao, Miss Lin is the one the old lady loves the most.

Besides, Master Bao and Miss Lin are about the same age and look well-matched. If the old lady really has such thoughts, it's quite normal.

Rice Ball Exploration

Zhou Rui's words were tantamount to an admission that she also felt that Grandmother Jia had this intention.

Madam Wang asked Zhou Rui's wife to sit down, and after careful consideration, she said, "If we're talking about my opinion, I agree with the old lady's idea."

After all, Lin was sickly and had lost her mother at a young age, so it was quite pitiful.

If we betroth her to Baoyu, we can take good care of her.

"But you saw what happened just now. I'm afraid she and Baoyu are simply incompatible. If we force them to be together, I'm afraid it will ruin the two children's future."

Zhou Rui's wife nodded in agreement; she understood what Madam Wang meant.

If she were Lady Wang, she wouldn't want her son to marry a sickly woman either.

Putting everything else aside, someone like Daiyu would obviously have difficulty conceiving in the future.

Putting that aside, Daiyu also had a bad temper.

They never mince words, and their tongues are sharp and cutting...

"Recently, I have been observing with a discerning eye and have come to fancy a child who I think is a perfect match for Baoyu."

"I haven't dared to say anything yet because I'm worried about what the old lady might think..."

"Who has your wife taken a liking to?"

"What do you think of Bao'er from the concubine's household?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife immediately burst into laughter.

"Madam has excellent taste. Putting aside the relationship between Aunt Xue and Madam, if the two families were to become related by marriage, it would be a marriage between close relatives."

As for Baochai's appearance and character, there's nothing to criticize.

Since the concubine's family came to the capital, everyone in the mansion has praised Baochai for her magnanimity and upright character, truly befitting a lady of a prominent family.

If Madam were to marry Bao-guniang, she would be truly blessed.

Compared to her flustered manner when talking about Daiyu, Zhou Rui's wife spoke with genuine sincerity and eloquence when mentioning Baochai!

Actually, you can't blame her for this.

As a servant, while serving his master, he would naturally make judgments about the master's character and personality.

Since arriving at the Jia family mansion, the Xue family has almost completely taken care of all the respectable servants in the Jia household.

As the saying goes, "He who eats another's food is bound to be grateful, and he who takes another's money is bound to be obliging." This alone is enough for them to speak well of the Xue family.

Moreover, in terms of interpersonal relationships, they do indeed admire Baochai more.

In this respect, Daiyu's impression on them was far from accurate.

Not to mention, Aunt Xue is Lady Wang's own sister. Clearly, what Lady Wang said before was just for show; the only person she truly favored was Baochai.

Therefore, Zhou Rui's wife was at a loss for words.

Hearing that Zhou Rui's wife also thought so, Madam Wang finally showed a slight smile.

"I'm only telling you about this; don't tell anyone else yet."

Regarding Baoyu's marriage, in the end, we must respect the old lady's wishes. If she doesn't agree, I can't go against her wishes.

Since you're here, why don't you give me some advice?

Zhou Rui's wife understood Madam Wang's meaning, and as her confidante, she naturally knew how to think things through.

She thought to herself that Grandmother Jia loved Jia Baoyu the most, and no matter how much she loved her granddaughter, it could never compare to her own grandson.

How could one not take the most important matter of Bao Erye's life seriously?

Therefore, even if the old lady wanted to arrange a marriage between Master Bao and Miss Lin, she probably had some reservations!

Otherwise, why didn't the old lady explain this matter clearly and settle the marriage between Bao Er Ye and Miss Lin as soon as possible, so as to avoid Lady Wang and others having other ideas?

Clearly, the old lady knew that Miss Lin had a somewhat strong personality and was in poor health...

So Zhou Rui's wife explained these views to Madam Wang, who listened and wholeheartedly agreed, becoming even more determined.

"Madam, there's really no need to rush to get this done."

Perhaps in a few years, this matter will naturally become simpler.

"Oh, how so?"

Zhou Rui's wife said with a wise look, almost boastfully, "Madam, think about it, Miss Lin is spoiled by nature and her health is not good, so why does the old lady still want to marry her off to Master Bao?"

Doesn't she care about Bao Er Ye, or think about his future and prospects?

Firstly, because she was her own granddaughter, the old lady missed her daughter and, out of love for her daughter, extended her affection to Miss Lin.

But the most crucial point is something else entirely…

Madam Wang frowned, as if she had thought of something.

"Most importantly, Master Lin is a second-rank official in the current court, the head of the prestigious Lantai Temple."

Given this background, if he were to marry Miss Lin, wouldn't it be of great benefit to have Miss Lin's support and guidance when Master Bao enters the imperial court as an official?

Lady Wang's heart sank. In truth, she was well aware of this. If it weren't for this, she wouldn't have been so tolerant before, watching helplessly as Grandmother Jia nurtured the relationship between her two young children.

"Even so, Baoyu does not necessarily have to benefit from this."

Baoyu's uncle is now the governor of nine provinces, and in terms of official rank, he is even above Lin's father.

Moreover, their return from their meritorious service on the border is extremely glorious.

In the future, Baoyu will naturally have his uncle's support and care.

Moreover, rumors have it that Lin's father, like Lin herself, is in poor health, and it's uncertain how much longer he can hold on...

The Lin family is not like our Jia family. The entire Lin clan is supported by Lin's father alone.

If anything were to happen to him, the entire family would decline.

so……"

Therefore, it is actually not as safe as the Xue family.

The Xue family's businesses, spanning the north and south, and their million-dollar fortune are real assets.

This is why she dared to make up her mind today. Because, according to her estimation, Lin Ruhai might not last long!

Zhou Rui's wife laughed and said, "Isn't that exactly what you mean, Madam?"

However, no matter what, Master Lin is still a close minister of the emperor. As long as Master Lin is alive, the old lady has a legitimate reason to betroth Miss Lin to Master Bao.

In my opinion.

Anyway, Master Bao is still young, so it's better for Madam to observe for a few years first.

If, a few years later, Mr. Lin's health fails or he retires to his hometown, the Lin family will be completely ruined.

At that time, even without the wife mentioning it, the old lady herself would probably reconsider this marriage seriously.

Zhou Rui's meaning was simple: Daiyu was only unwell in terms of personality and health now, but when she was no longer a suitable match for Jia Baoyu in terms of status, even if Grandmother Jia favored her, she would make other plans for the sake of her precious grandson.

Madam Wang listened and nodded silently.

That makes sense.

Even if we take a step back and assume that Lin Ruhai survives a few years and even makes further progress, such as entering the cabinet, he might still achieve something similar.

Well then, considering this, it's not impossible to agree to this marriage...

Indeed, this matter should not be rushed.

Although Bao-ya is good, the Xue family has fallen too far and will not be able to help Bao-yu much in the court in the future.

If Baoyu cannot rise to prominence in the future, then their second branch of the family will always be dominated by Jia Lian and will never be able to turn the tables!

The immense pressure from Jia Lian forced Lady Wang to reconsider her options carefully, daring not to waste a single bargaining chip...

……

Jia Lian was unaware of the Rongguo Mansion's affairs; he spent the entire morning busy at the Military Command.

There are countless princes and nobles in the capital, but very few hold positions of real power.

It's a classic case of too many monks and too little meat.

Although the Military Commandery wasn't exactly a prestigious or lucrative post, it was still an independent government office within the capital.

Even Jia Lian, who had not found a better place to go, did not want to give up easily.

Therefore, as long as the emperor did not offer him a better place to go, he did not want the military command to escape his control.

He informed his subordinates that he had taken over the position of the wedding envoy and brought out some backlogged matters that he, as the commander, had to handle.

According to Jia Lian's estimation, if the Ministry of War still doesn't send anyone to take over in the next month, it means that the emperor simply asked him to take on a part-time job, and after he returns, he will go back to his old profession.

He certainly couldn't allow others in the court to find fault with him and seize his position.

They didn't return to Ningrong Street until just before noon.

Remembering what Madam You had told him that morning, Jia Lian stepped into the Ningguo Mansion and, led by the old women, found Old Madam You.

"The awnings and mourning cloth used in the previous month, as well as the blue-clothed porters, were provided with 1,000 taels of silver."

I received an advance of 500 taels, and I still have 500 taels left. This morning, two businessmen sent people to collect the debt.

Sister-in-law You said that the Zhen family from Jiangnan had just sent five hundred taels of silver to the capital for the occasion, and she had given it to the old lady to keep for the time being.

Sister-in-law You asked me to bring this over with me when I go today, which is why I'm bothering the old lady.

Old Lady You had been at the Ningguo Mansion for some time, so of course she knew Jia Lian.

Knowing that Jia Lian was the most powerful man in the Jia family, even more powerful than his former son-in-law Jia Zhen, they dared not be negligent.

With a smile, she agreed to go get the silver, while calling out to the girls who were doing needlework inside to come out and pour tea for Jia Lian. Then she went to get the silver.