Shenjing, Qingyufang, Xia Mansion.

The setting sun gradually sinks to the west, and a pink glow appears on the horizon, just like the rouge on the cheek of a girl, delicate and charming, sad and gentle, with a hint of dazzling beauty.

Baochan was sitting on the stone steps outside Miss Xia’s boudoir. She wanted to take out some melon seeds to eat, but she felt it was not appropriate. She rested her chin on her hand, feeling a little bored.

Mrs. Xia asked her to look after Miss Xia and punish her if she caused any trouble again. Baochan dared not slack off at all.

The servants in the house all knew that although the mistress usually looked kind and would not mistreat the servants, if anyone did something bad to her, she would do it even if it meant saving her life.

Although Miss Xia was aggressive, sharp-tongued, and never gave anyone face, Baochan knew in her heart that the girl was much easier to fool than the lady.

Ever since the Jia family proposed marriage, the girl has become more and more strange. She is often cheerful one moment and angry the next.

Moreover, each attack became more severe than the last, causing Baochan to live in fear every day.

Just like today when she talked about how the Jia family’s east courtyard received officials every day, and it seemed that she wanted to arrange another marriage for Baoyu, the girl’s anger was ignited, as if she wanted to kill someone, which was really scary.

In fact, even if Mrs. Xia didn’t give any orders, Baochan would still wait outside the door, because she really had no idea what the girl would do when she went crazy.

Not to mention that she has been serving Miss Xia since she was a child, and has some sense of loyalty between master and servant in her heart, and in the current situation, her fate is tied to Miss Xia’s.

In fact, Baochan has been with Miss Xia for many years and knows her character best, so she vaguely imagines that the girl has seen the scene of the Jia family in Rongguo, and she will definitely be unwilling to marry those former business friends.

But after she saw the harmful Jia Cong, she no longer looked down on Baoyu. He could have married into a duke’s family, but he was unwilling to do so. He was causing trouble for others and even more trouble for himself. If he continued like this, he would drive himself crazy sooner or later…

Baochan sat there with her mind wandering. Sometimes she wondered when the girl would agree to the marriage, and sometimes she wondered what Baoyu was doing now.

She stood up, walked to the closed door, and looked inside through the crack.

She does this every once in a while, for fear that the girl might go crazy and do something bad.

At this time, the sun was setting, and although there was still light, the sky was gradually getting dark. There was no candle in the boudoir, so only the outlines of the exquisite furniture could be seen.

Baochan moved left and right in front of the crack in the door before he found the shadow of his girl.

She saw that the boudoir was completely dark, and Miss Xia was sitting in front of the dressing table, motionless like a frozen stone statue. She couldn’t see the expression on her face, but her beautiful curves seemed to be engraved in the darkness…

Baochan felt a little creepy when she saw Miss Xia behaving strangely. She began to wonder, there was no light in the room, it was pitch black. The girl was sitting there looking in the mirror, could she see clearly?
She remembered that the girl looked into the room a few times before and looked like this. She had been sitting in front of the dressing table for a long time. Could it be that her girl had become stupid because of anger?
……

Baochan kept looking through the crack in the door, thinking about something. Suddenly, he heard footsteps behind him. Someone asked, “What are you doing?”

She looked back and saw that it was her wife. She said quickly, “The girl has locked herself in the room. She doesn’t care about anyone and doesn’t let anyone in. A long time has passed.”

Mrs. Xia frowned slightly and said, “Go and light the lamp.”

Baochan hurried away and soon came back with a candlestick. Mrs. Xia gently pushed open the door and Baochan followed behind her with the candlestick.

The bright yellow candlelight, with its strange warmth, slowly dispelled the frozen darkness in the boudoir…

The candlelight illuminated Miss Xia’s pretty face, and there were traces of tears on her makeup. She seemed to be so absorbed in what she was thinking that she didn’t even notice someone coming in.

It was not until the candlelight was blinding that she woke up and blurted out, “Get out!”

When she saw clearly that it was Mrs. Xia, she called her mother in a low voice, then frowned slightly and raised her hand to block the light from the candlestick in Baochan’s hand.

Mrs. Xia said to Baochan, “Go out and close the door.”

Baochan quickly put down the candlestick and left the room as if she had been pardoned. Ever since she said those words in the afternoon, Miss Xia was like a firecracker that would explode at any time, so she tried to hide as much as possible now.

When Baochan closed the door, Mrs. Xia said, “I have already asked Baochan about this. She just told me some information she got. There is no need for you to be so angry.

Just now, Mrs. Jia sent her confidant to deliver fresh gifts, but it was just an excuse. The woman who delivered the gifts made a few polite remarks and then asked about the marriage between the two families on behalf of Mrs. Jia.

After all, the last time the Jia family proposed marriage, a month had passed, so they had to give someone a reply. I also guessed that the Jia family was running out of patience and was looking for a way out. The news Baochan had heard was probably true…”

……

Miss Xia was still facing the dressing mirror. No one knew what she was looking at, but her face became increasingly paler.

Ever since Baochan said those words, Miss Xia was so sad that she smashed everything in the room and locked herself in the room.

From the sunny afternoon until sunset, the light gradually faded and everything fell into darkness.

But the inner struggle and struggle are endless and seem to have no end.

To Miss Xia, these few hours seemed longer and more tormenting than her entire life…

Ever since that day, when they had a chance encounter in the back garden of Rongguo Mansion, that glimpse that seemed to light up the soul, and that unexpected marriage to a wealthy family, it has stirred up joy, pain, loss, fear, and madness.

All of this gradually cooled and froze during the hours of tormenting thinking, allowing her thoughts to calm down, barely suppressing the fire burning in her heart, full of stubborn and frenzied passion…

Mrs. Xia said, “Mother has also seen that you don’t like the marriage with the second branch of the Jia family. A forced marriage is not sweet. You are my only daughter, so you must agree to everything.

Now the arrow is on the string, and Mrs. Jia has already come to the door to ask. We have to give her a definite signal. Even if the two families cannot become in-laws, we must at least maintain some dignity and both will still be in the territory of Shenjing in the future.

Tomorrow morning, I will send a greeting card to Mrs. Jia and formally postpone this marriage. You don’t have to worry anymore. Put it aside and take good care of yourself. You are still young, but it’s no joke if you worry too much and develop a disease. “

Miss Xia was still staring at the dressing mirror in a daze, and seemed not to be listening to what Mrs. Xia said.

The same scene kept flashing in her mind. In the back garden of the East Courtyard, she met Jia Cong and Tanchun. He put a pair of bracelets on the girl’s white and jade-like wrists…

His eyes were very beautiful, and his gaze was as deep as an autumn pond, seemingly able to capture people’s hearts. He said to her: Miss Xia, you are too polite. We are about to go back to the table. Miss Xia, please go first.

She remembered that at that time, Jia Cong was by her side, and the two seemed to be talking and laughing. It seemed like the third daughter of the Jia family was walking alone in front of them…

She was a little confused by the scene in her mind, which seemed real and illusory, and she could no longer tell the difference. She even touched her wrist.

She also wore a pair of bracelets on her hands, which were green, moist, transparent and crystal clear, and were 70% similar to Tanchun’s bracelets.

……

Mrs. Xia continued, “After a while, I will help you keep an eye out. Our family has many old friends, and there are always outstanding young men among them. I will definitely help you find a satisfactory marriage…”

Miss Xia smiled bitterly in her heart. It is said that once you have seen the sea, you will never feel satisfied with the puddles. How can there be a satisfactory marriage?

Is this my fate, to marry those family friends and become a greedy and greedy business woman?

That magnificent and graceful mansion, the elegant and noble head of the family in his prime, the unparalleled beauty and wisdom, all of these will be separated from him, and from now on they will be like strangers, as if separated by heaven and earth.

If this is her fate, she will not accept it!
“Mother, I’ve thought about it. My daughter will eventually get married. There is no such thing as perfection in this world. The Jia family is a duke family after all, so it’s not an insult to my daughter. I agree to this marriage!”

When Mrs. Xia heard that her daughter had suddenly changed her mind, she was stunned for a moment, but then a smile appeared on her face. After all her painstaking efforts, her daughter finally came to her senses.

The descendants of the Xia family no longer have to be just sons of merchants. From now on, the Xia family truly has a foundation to rely on!

At this moment, Baochan, who was hiding at the door and eavesdropping, could not help but smile, extremely happy, as if she had agreed to a marriage and was about to get married…

Mrs. Xia smiled and said, “My dear daughter, it’s good that you figured it out. I’m also an experienced person and I know what you’re thinking. People will encounter many things in their lives, and some things are just passing clouds, so don’t take them too seriously.

You are still young now, but after a few years and with more experience, you will know that these are nothing. I can assure you that if you accept this marriage, you will never regret it, and you will definitely live a decent life in the future.”

At this moment, Miss Xia’s pale and stiff face gradually relaxed, and a strange blush appeared on it, as if it was suddenly brightened.

She smiled slightly, becoming even more charming and seductive, and said softly, “I won’t regret it.”

Her voice was gentle, and Mrs. Xia felt even more satisfied after hearing it.

Although she was always shrewd, she failed to appreciate the subtle stubbornness and determination in her daughter’s low voice.

……

Earl’s Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

The sky was getting light, the glazed window frames were dimly shining, and the quiet room gradually became brighter.

Between the bed curtains, a pleasant fragrance of a daughter lingered.

Lingguan, who was sitting on the couch, lifted the thin satin quilt, rubbed her eyes, bent her slender waist slightly, and got up and got out of bed nimbly. She walked to Jia Cong’s bed and found that the bed curtains were closed, and it seemed that he had not gotten up yet.

Her face turned red for no reason, and she didn’t know whether she should wake him up. Sister Zhishao didn’t give her detailed instructions yesterday.

Since entering the mansion, Lingguan has been somewhat different from the girls and maids around Jia Cong.

If we look closely, she, like Zhishao and Yinglian, cannot be considered a maid in the Jia family.

When Lingguan was a Jiangnan opera girl bought by Zou Min’er for the Jiaofangsi,

Because of her involvement in Zhou Zhengyang’s affair, Jia Cong brought her back to Jinling. As they spent the whole time together, Lingguan became quite dependent on Jia Cong.

Jia Cong brought her back to the capital, and Lingguan never entered the Jiaofangsi, but went directly to the East Palace.

Given Jia Cong’s current status, it would not be difficult for him to ask the Jiaofangsi for a young opera girl who had not yet been naturalized.

Moreover, Qing Niangzi, the pipa instructor of the Shenjing Jiaofang Bureau, was in charge of purchasing opera girls from Jiangnan. She and Jia Cong were almost from the same school.

Jia Cong asked her for help, and considering their relationship with Zou Min’er, it was just a matter of a single word.

Since entering the East Palace, Lingguan has been doing Jia Cong’s laundry, cooking, and cooking Jiangnan dishes to regulate his appetite, just like when she was in the old Jia family mansion in Jinling.

In his spare time, he planted flowers and grass in the yard, swept the courtyard, practiced music, and helped Yinglian manage the study. He lived a free and easy life.

Jia Cong doted on her quite a bit. Worried that she would feel depressed, he showed her a lot of favor in daily life and even bought her many costumes and flower crowns.

In the past, Zhishao, Wu’er, Qingwen, Yinglian and others took turns to take care of Jia Cong’s room at night, so Lingguan didn’t have to worry about it.

Zhishao was supposed to be on duty last night, but because she was not feeling well and couldn’t work, she temporarily let Lingguan take over.

But it was Lingguan’s first time, so she was not clear about some things. Although she had been close to Jia Cong in the past, this was her first time to be in the same room with him, so it was inevitable that there were some strange feelings.

She thought that the Third Master didn’t have to study now and it wasn’t time for him to go to the government office yet, so he probably didn’t need to be woken up.

She took her skirt from the hanger, washed and dressed herself, and did not notice Jia Cong’s bed curtains moving, and immediately returned to her calm.

By the time Lingguan had finished dressing and washing, Jia Cong’s bed curtains had just been opened, and he stretched lazily.

Lingguan breathed a sigh of relief. If she were to put on her clothes again, it would be so embarrassing to be seen by the Third Master.

She was not like Wu’er and Qingwen, who had served Jia Cong since childhood. They were close and had no taboos with each other, and were somewhat shy.

Jia Cong smiled and said, “Lingguan, you get up so early. Now I don’t have to get up early to study, and they will sleep a little longer when they are on duty.”

Lingguan took Jia Cong’s clothes from the hanger and said with a smile, “I went to bed early last night and had enough sleep. I was worried that I would wake up too early and disturb the Third Master.”

Jia Cong saw her bright eyes, which still had some bloodshot in them, and smiled without saying anything.

It was probably the first time for Lingguan to dress a man, and her hands were a little hesitant, not knowing how to start.

Jia Cong smiled and buttoned his clothes, and Lingguan followed suit.

For a moment, two hands were buttoning a piece of clothing, one up and one down. It was really strange, and the two of them couldn’t help but smile at each other.

Lingguan’s embarrassment and shyness disappeared in an instant.

In the bedroom in the early morning, there is sweet fragrance, clear laughter, and warmth.

……

At this time, footsteps were heard outside the door, and Wu’er came in with a copper basin of hot water, followed by Qingwen.

Wu’er saw Lingguan helping Jia Cong to dress, his movements were a little awkward, and she couldn’t help but smile.

After Jia Cong put on his clothes, Qingwen picked up the comb skillfully and helped Jia Cong comb his hair.

Zhishao and Qingwen are the most dexterous, and they do most of Jia Cong’s washing and grooming.

While combing her hair, Qingwen said to the official in charge of her age, “The Third Master likes to use a comb when combing his hair. It can make the hair neat and refreshing in the morning, and it is also very comfortable, but you can’t use too much force…”

Lingguan opened her eyes wide and looked very carefully. Qingwen’s hands were quite dexterous and her little mouth was chattering non-stop.

Jia Cong couldn’t help but laugh when he saw the two little girls pointing and gesticulating at their heads and discussing casually.

When Qingwen was done with her work, Wu’er handed the hot face towel to Jia Cong and said, “Third Master, Second Madam asked yesterday when the results of the palace examination would be announced.

Second Mistress said that since Third Master has passed the imperial examination, there will definitely be many relatives and friends visiting the house, so the family should prepare early, otherwise it will be like last time, with a bit of a rush and confusion. “

Besides, there have been a lot of things going on at home recently, and Second Grandma said Third Master’s matter is important, so we can take care of it first after we get the news.”

Jia Cong said, “The Ministry of Rites just announced yesterday that the imperial edict for the palace examination will be posted on the 24th of this month. There are still two days left, which is enough time to prepare. Just keep it simple and don’t be too extravagant.

What else happened at home recently? Why didn’t I hear about it? “

Wu Er replied, “There was a rumor in Rong Qing Hall yesterday that the Second Madam had her trusted maid go to the Xia family.

It is said that he is arranging the marriage between Mr. Bao and Miss Xia. As long as the Xia family receives the approval, the two families will hold the engagement ceremony.

Second Madam said that the old lady dotes on Baoyu the most, and there will be more things to do in the West Mansion by then, so she thought that Second Master Bao’s affairs should be dealt with later to avoid a conflict. After all, Third Master’s affairs are more important.”

Jia Cong felt strange after hearing this. Baoyu and Xia Jingui were finally tied together. It was really a perfect match…

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

By the time of Si, Jia Cong had gone to the workshop to take charge of the work, Wu’er went to Fengjie’s courtyard to discuss the celebration, Yingchun and other sisters went to Rongqing Hall to walk around, and the East and West mansions were as peaceful and harmonious as usual.

At the west corner gate of Rongguo Mansion, Mrs. Wang got off the carriage and walked into the corner gate with a happy face. She went to Baoyu’s room first, but didn’t see anyone, so she went to Rongqing Hall.

The windows of Rongqing Hall were open and the curtains were facing the wind. On the chairs and tables were sliced ​​and picked seasonal fruits with red flesh and yellow cores, which looked refreshing.

Because the weather was hot and humid, Yingchun and her sisters were already fanning themselves gently, with the breeze blowing gently and the fragrance of perfume floating in the air. They were either whispering to each other or chatting casually with Lady Jia.

At this time every day, Baoyu would always go to Rongqing Hall. It was not because he was particularly filial to the old lady, but because this was the only time he could see the sisters from the East Palace.

But even though they rarely got together, the two people he cared about the most, Lin Daiyu and Baochai, seldom spoke to him. Even if he tried to find topics to talk about, they would only say a few words and then the relationship would become cold.

Yingchun is now in charge of the household, and she has become more generous and gentle, which makes Baoyu feel a little strange and they really can’t get along.

Xichun became more and more lovely, but she was still young. Every time she followed her sisters into the hall, she was busy eating fruits and snacks, or bringing things to play with, and enjoying herself.

Only Xiangyun had a cheerful temperament. She acted carefree, spoke and laughed without restraint, and would even talk to Baoyu. However, she only talked about funny things in the East Palace, which made Baoyu depressed.

Now Baoyu lamented more and more that things in the world are not as one wishes, the world is filthy and it is difficult for him to maintain his innocence.

Just as the sisters were laughing and enjoying themselves, Baoyu was sighing and feeling sad about the passing of time. Then he saw the curtain at the door opened and Mrs. Wang came in with a smile on her face.

Seeing this, Jia’s mother smiled and said, “Maybe something good happened to you today? Look at how happy you are.”

Mrs. Wang smiled and said, “The old lady has a keen eye. Nothing can be hidden from you. It is indeed a happy event.”

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, “Today is full of happy events. Just now, the second girl was still saying that the results of the 24th Palace Examination will be announced, and there will be another Jinshi in the family. You actually have a happy event too. I am very happy to hear it.”

When Mrs. Wang heard what Jinshi said, she felt unhappy and her joy was instantly dashed by half.

But when she saw her son Baoyu, she felt happy again.

He smiled and said, “Early this morning, someone from the Xia family came to the East Road Courtyard to deliver a message saying that Mrs. Xia has agreed to the marriage and has chosen an auspicious day on the 24th of this month. Mrs. Xia will deliver Miss Xia’s engagement letter to your door.

Madam, Baoyu’s marriage is settled, and now we need to make plans and arrangements.”

When Mrs. Wang said this, Baoyu’s face turned pale instantly. He glanced at Daiyu and Baochai, wishing he could find a crack in the ground to hide in, and he cried out in his heart, “How can this be so unreasonable…”

Shi Xiangyun’s beautiful and melodious cheers rang out in the hall, which made Baoyu feel extremely upset: “Congratulations to my second brother on getting married. I have a wedding wine to drink now!” (End of this chapter)