After leaving his office and heading home, Jia Huan pondered the matter all the way.
"Partridge Sky" was a classic ci tune title. Masters of the art such as Su Shi, Xin Qiji, Lu You, and Li Qingzhao had all composed fine works to it.
Had the White Lotus Cult's financial backer chosen that alias because he enjoyed Song Dynasty ci poetry?
Jia Huan gave a cold laugh.
"Quite the romantic. No matter how deeply you hide, I'll drag you out!"
Upon returning to the warm chamber, he found Concubine Zhao, Wang Xifeng, and Lin Daiyu huddled together, whispering.
"What secrets are you sharing?" Jia Huan asked.
"Huan'er!" Concubine Zhao rose to greet him, all smiles.
"Today, the court sent us more gold, silver, jewels, silk, and brocade. They've filled an entire room! We used to fret over a few scraps of silver, but now having money brings worries too-we don't know how to spend it."
She lifted her chin as she spoke, the pride in her eyes almost spilling over.
Jia Huan thought little of it. He had confiscated illicit wealth for the state and filled its treasury; it was only right for the court to reward him generously.
Once Concubine Zhao finished showing off, she could no longer keep what was on her mind from her son. She said quietly,
"Last night, Girl Bao tried to hang herself. If Ying'er hadn't found her in time, she... she would have gone to the Yellow Springs!"
"That happened?" Jia Huan accepted the tea Qingwen handed him.
Wang Xifeng nodded, saying regretfully,
"They're all forcing her to marry Jia Baoyu immediately. Wang Ziteng has put pressure on her too, and her own mother has agreed. They say that once Jia Baoyu marries, he'll rouse himself to strive for success and accomplish