The Red Mansion Big Liar

"I think he probably wants to earn some gifts to make up for the deficit. Two years ago, Master Jing didn't come home to receive kowtows from everyone for his birthday. Now that this has happened, I'm afraid he won't come home anymore. That's why I came to ask Madam for advice."

Mrs. Wang naturally understood what she meant. Since it was not the New Year's Eve celebration and Jia Jing was unlikely to return home, she wondered whether she should give a discount on the gift.

However, the Ning Mansion did contribute to Yuanchun's matter, so even if they wanted to demolish the bridge after crossing it, they wouldn't be so quick to do so.

She raised her hand and rubbed her temple, then waved her hand and said, "Such a big thing happened over there, and they didn't ask for our help, so let's just follow the rules from last year!"

Wang Xifeng sneered and said, "With Brother Yi helping us, he will naturally not bother us. Word has spread outside that the more than 100,000 taels of silver that were lost were all borrowed by him."

When she first heard Zhang Yunyi's name, Mrs. Wang's heart trembled suddenly, and the feeling of being half pulled and half lifted up by that strong and powerful body suddenly emerged in her heart.

She couldn't help but breathe heavier, her heartbeat quickened, and she swallowed dryly.

Then he realized that Wang Xifeng was still beside him. He quickly coughed and covered up, "Ahem! No wonder Zhen'er mentioned it to the old lady and nothing happened. It turned out that he did it..."

Wang Xifeng noticed that Mrs. Wang had a strange expression on her face, but she didn't investigate further. She just thought that she was secretly shocked and surprised that Zhang Yunyi was willing to put in so much effort.

"That's right! The East Palace really picked up a treasure, and even my aunt got some benefit from it. Not only did they solve Xiangling's problem, they also kept their title as the Imperial Merchant and started a business."

She didn't do this simply to exaggerate Yun Yi, but also to lay the groundwork for sending Ping'er away later.

However, Mrs. Wang's mind was not on this.

The speaker was unintentional, but the listener was intentional. It was like picking up a treasure, and it was like a heavy hammer hitting Mrs. Wang's heart.

She just felt weak all over, waved her hands weakly, and said: "Alright, that's all, just go back and follow the rules from last year."

"Well!" Wang Xifeng agreed hurriedly, "In that case, it's not easy to go to the old lady's place. I'll go and inform the eldest master and the eldest mistress so that they can prepare the carriage and horses when the time comes."

"Ho..."

Mrs. Wang was about to speak when she let out a strange cry. She quickly cleared her throat and said, "I... I'd better not go..."

I feel suffocated just thinking about it in secret. If I see this in front of others, I will be exposed...

Moreover, even if the past could be covered up, others would not know about it. However, she and Zhang Yunyi knew it very well, but they did not know how to deal with it when they met.

In Wang Xifeng's view, this was reasonable and logical. After all, it was not a new year's celebration, and being able to follow the rules of the previous year was already giving enough face, so she did not suspect anything.

She thought for a moment and then asked, "What about the master? It was the mistress who made the decision..."

"How dare I take his advice!"

Mrs. Wang felt aggrieved and thought that she had been worrying about her daughter, but Jia Zheng did not say anything. When it came to her, not only did she not get a good word from him, but he also made up a story to accuse her of wrongdoing. So when she heard Wang Xifeng's question, she blurted it out immediately.

But before he could finish his words, he remembered that family disgrace should not be made public, and hurriedly said, "You also know the master's temper. What happened in the East Palace, I'm afraid he won't have time to hide. I don't want to offend him, so you should find a chance to ask him yourself!"

Although Wang Xifeng felt that the matter was not that simple, she did not dare to ask. She had to suppress her curiosity, bowed and hurriedly left.

……

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 133 Delay

The Xue family was also in a difficult situation after receiving the invitation.

In the small courtyard in the northeast, Aunt Xue sighed.

"Alas! I'm afraid I can't hide from this now."

"I advised mom at the beginning that even though we have more than ten thousand taels of silver a year, we still have that ten percent of sugar. Even if we have to pay for the labor and the store, it is limited. Why should we worry about it?"

Xue Baochai went on to advise, "It's not too late now. Take advantage of this birthday celebration to make up for the arrears. Just say that there are too many things going on in the East Palace and it's not good to disturb them because of such a small matter. And with my aunt and the others around, it can be covered up."

"That's easy for you to say. Among the eight imperial merchants, our family got the least. Not only did it all go to others, but we also had to pay for it. Ten thousand silver coins a year is not much, but what about ten years?"

Although she felt that she had suffered a loss and was in the right, Aunt Xue also knew that she could not afford to offend Zhang Yunyi.

However, Wang Ziteng and Mrs. Wang, the brother and sister, were promoted to higher positions and tried to climb up the social ladder, and their own family's fortunes also rose with the tide.

I would be unwilling to endure such a loss in silence.

Xue Baochai's face was as calm as ever. She only frowned slightly and said, "My daughter thinks that as long as we can keep the title of the imperial merchant, it is worth spending more than ten thousand taels a year."

"I thought so at first, but this Yi Ge'er is really greedy. This time he asked for 40% of the profit from caustic soda. That 40% profit is at least 50,000 taels of silver a year. Isn't this cutting my flesh?"

She was so emotional that her body was shaking and rising and falling.

Xue Baochai glanced at it and thought to herself, if it could really be reduced a little and not be so conspicuous, that would be great...

Thinking of this, she quickly spat inwardly, apologized to Aunt Xue in her heart, and waved away the disrespectful thoughts.

Then he advised: "This business is exclusively provided by Tiangongyuan. If Brother Yi leaves our family, we can still find someone else to cooperate with, but if he leaves, our family will not even be able to make that 30%..."

"What you said is indeed reasonable, but he is just a young boy who has just entered the officialdom. How can he understand the ins and outs here?"

Aunt Xue said disapprovingly, "Look, last time we asked Brother Zhen's daughter-in-law to deliver a message, but there has been no response since then. They haven't mentioned the revenue for the past three months, which shows that they are guilty..."

Even if Zhang Yunyi didn't come to ask for it, as long as Youshi came, Aunt Xue wouldn't dare to detain her.

But three months passed in a flash and there was no news, which gave her confidence.

Xue Baochai was aware of the situation she described, but she had another consideration.

"My daughter heard that last time my uncle invited him alone and had dinner in my aunt's yard. He didn't even let the servants get close to him. I don't know what important matter they discussed. If this causes unhappiness between the two families, my aunt will lose face. Isn't it a case of losing the big picture for the small?"

"What about this? Last time I heard your aunt complain that your uncle invited him but he refused in every possible way and sounded quite unhappy. Why did you invite him alone again?"

"Jinchuan in my aunt's room has a figure similar to my daughter's, so my daughter gave her two old clothes that she didn't wear. What she said during the conversation must be true..."

At this point, Xue Baochai hesitated for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "It's just that... no one was there to see him when we were having dinner. I don't know what happened. It seems that my uncle didn't see him off, but left on his own. He hasn't spoken to my aunt for several days."

"What is the reason for this?"

Aunt Xue fell into deep thought. After a long while, she looked up at Baochai and said, "Could it be that you offended your uncle and ended up parting on bad terms?"

"My daughter doesn't know either. If he really offended my uncle, there's no reason for him to vent his anger on my aunt, right?"

She thought for a moment and said thoughtfully, "However, I heard that my uncle originally planned to invite him to Aunt Zhao's room. Maybe because of this, he had a quarrel with my aunt."

"We have to be careful about this matter. If he really offends your uncle, we can't be so tactful."

Aunt Xue stood up and said, "I'll go ask your aunt right away."

"Don't worry, mother!" Xue Baochai hurriedly stopped her and said, "Please don't ask about what happened that day!"

"Then what are you asking?" Aunt Xue turned and looked at her daughter.

"Mom is confused, isn't this already available?"

She shook her head, pointed at the invitation on the table, and said with a smile: "Mom, just say that if you are not sure what the rules should be for honoring the old master's birthday, just ask Aunt's attitude."

"What does this have to do with it?" Aunt Xue asked in confusion.

Xue Baochai said calmly, "The situation in the East Palace is like this now, and it's a birthday party. It's not worth it for Aunt to mobilize so many people. If we make it a serious matter, it will only be for the sake of Brother Yi's face. We can also take the opportunity of celebrating the birthday to muddle through the matter."

"Yes, yes, yes! You still have a way!"

Aunt Xue exclaimed in admiration, then said, "What if your aunt is just going through the motions? What should we do then?"

Xue Baochai urged, "Let's stop guessing. Mom will go ask first, and we can discuss it when she comes back."

Today, the Xue family is no longer in Lixiangyuan, but is only a few steps away from Rongxitang.

In just a stick of incense's time, Aunt Xue came back.

I informed my daughter of the details of the inquiry.

"According to reason, with the current situation of the East Mansion, and following the rules of the previous year, it is obvious that they are intending to promote her, but she just doesn't want to go. What's the reason?"

Xue Baochai was also puzzled. She frowned and pondered for a long time before she slowly said, "I can't guess. Maybe he really offended my uncle, but I don't want the relationship to become too strained... However, there is a ready-made solution that can help slow things down for now."

Aunt Xue was in a dilemma after hearing the first half of her sentence. She didn't expect that there was actually a way to deal with it. She hurriedly urged, "Tell me quickly!"

"Since Auntie is unwilling to go, it must be because of Uncle's dinner last time. So, we can't show it too much, lest Auntie be upset. Mother can stay at home with her, and just ask Brother to follow the example of last year and bring gifts."

"Your brother?" Aunt Xue hesitated.

Xue Baochai hurriedly explained, "Everyone in the mansion knows that my brother doesn't manage things, and Brother Yi won't ask him for business matters."

"I'm afraid your brother might say something rude and piss people off!"

"Mom, you're worrying too much. When my brother found Xiangling's mother last time, he said that he had wrongly blamed Brother Yi. It shouldn't lead to any trouble."

She paused and continued, "Besides, my brother has always been on good terms with Big Brother Zhen. How could he not go to the East Palace for this event? Even if there is really something unpleasant, with Big Brother Zhen mediating, it won't end badly."

Seeing that Aunt Xue was still hesitating, Baochai said, "Even if Brother Yi really uses the caustic soda business to make up for the deficit of the East Palace, it also shows that he values ​​friendship and loyalty. If we can take this opportunity to let Brother Yi become friends with him, he will be embarrassed to target our family again in the future."

"Well! Then do as you say!"

Now Aunt Xue had no more hesitation.

……

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 134: Go for it (Happy New Year's Eve)

"Useless! You can't even handle a small matter. It's been so long, and you haven't found out anything about her, let alone her handle. What use is there for the master to have you?"

In the east wing, Jia She slammed the table so hard that it made a loud noise, and gave a scolding to Madam Xing who was standing below him.

Madam Xing was like a punching bag, with a face full of grievances, and she timidly said, "Master, this can't be entirely blamed on me. The mess in the garden was covered by her hands, and she used all the people from her Wang family who came with her as a dowry. Even if there are a few old servants, they are also the likes of Lai Da. They got the lucrative positions themselves, and they can't even cover them up. Who would be willing to burn our cold stove!"

"What do you mean by 'cold stove'? Who are you calling 'cold stove'?" Jia She looked unhappy and trembling with anger. He pointed at Madam Xing and shouted angrily, "I am the head master of the mansion! The title of this mansion is also inherited by the master. How come it becomes a cold stove in your mouth? It's obvious that you are not putting your heart into it!"

"How can I not be attentive?" Madam Xing complained, "To be honest with you, Master, I didn't even dare to act like a mother-in-law. I tried to ask Second Madam Lian for help in arranging some chores for Qin Gui and Wang Shanbao's families, but she refused in every possible way."

She glanced at Jia She's face and complained, "Although it was finally done, they were only assigned to take care of those peasants. How could they get any information? Not only is she on guard against us, she is also slapping us in the face, Master!"

"Idiot! Things like this need to be covered up. Who told you to use our own people?"

"Who else can I use?" Madam Xing blurted out, but she felt that her tone was too blunt, so she quickly tried to make up for it, "How about, Master, can you give me some advice?"

Jia She twirled his long beard and asked in a gentle and persuasive way, "Who do you think hates this aunt and niece the most in the second house?"

"Needless to say? It's Aunt Zhao, of course!"

"Isn't that the end?" Jia She slammed the table and said, "Master, if I remember correctly, the Qian couple are in charge of the accounts in the warehouse? And they are Aunt Zhao's uncle. Have you ever thought of taking this path?"

"Hi!"

Mrs. Xing had been listening attentively, but she seemed to have lost the air after hearing this. She sighed, "You've thought of it all. She..."

At this point, she finally reacted and looked at Jia She anxiously.

Just then, Jia She's eyes were red with anger. He picked up the teacup on the table and threw it at her.

Seeing Jia She's anger, she did not dare to dodge. Fortunately, the blow did not hit her head, but only the soft flesh in front of her body.

Although Jia She did not use any ruthless force and his strength was limited, so it did not hurt too much, but the tea and tea leaves in the cup did splash all over her head and face.

I thought that after being hit like this, Jia She would calm down, but unexpectedly, he still insisted, "Tell me! What do you mean, Master, I can think of everything? Do you think that Master, I can't do anything to her?"

"Master, calm down, it's not..."

Mrs. Xing didn't dare to admit it, but she was also afraid that if she denied it, she would say something bad, which would cause Jia She's dissatisfaction. She was at a loss for words and could only say carefully, "It's really this daughter-in-law who is too cunning and treacherous."

Anyway, saying some bad things about Wang Xifeng would not anger Jia She again.

As he was speaking, a report came from outside.

"Master, Madam, the Second Mistress sent someone to say that Master Zhen from the East Mansion is going to celebrate Master Jing's birthday, and wanted to ask if Master and Madam will go..."

"No!" Jia She was still angry, he flicked his sleeves and shouted.

"No, Master!" Madam Xing winked at Jia She and said to the outside, "Tell him that if Master wants to go, he can go by himself. Second Madam Lian won't have to worry about it!"

"Eh!"

When the footsteps outside faded away, Madam Xing was filled with indignation and said, "Master, look, she doesn't even care about us. I don't believe she only sent one person from the second house."

Although she didn't know how to save Jia She's reputation or calm his anger, she knew how to direct the anger elsewhere.

Although Jia She hated his daughter-in-law to the core, and even though he was under pressure from her status as an elder, Wang Xifeng was, after all, a daughter of the Wang family. Not to mention that she had the support of Wang Ziteng and Lady Wang, she could not get past Lady Jia.

He could only say angrily: "One day I will make her realize how powerful the master is!"

In order to avoid embarrassment, he quickly changed the subject and asked, "What did you mean by winking just now?"

Seeing that he changed the subject, Mrs. Xing did not dare to insist on it.

While wiping the water stains and tea leaves off her face, she muttered in a mysterious voice, "Master, although she doesn't bother with us, she is very kind to the East Palace! The lucrative jobs of purchasing actors and making gold and silver utensils are all assigned to her. Why do you think that is the reason?"