Concubine Zhao Showed Off, Everyone Had Their Own Thoughts, and the Jia Household Held a Feast

Rongguo Mansion.

The officials from the Southern Commandant Office departed.

Outside the hall, Concubine Zhao stood dumbfounded.

"The office gave him three hundred taels of fine silver and thirty bolts of silk."

Jia Zheng walked out, followed by two servants, one carrying a silver box and the other holding the cloth.

Concubine Zhao paid no attention to those worldly goods. Instead, she asked in a trembling voice:

"Master, is Huan'er now a seventh-rank Hundred-Household Commander?"

With mixed feelings, Jia Zheng nodded heavily.

"Yes."

A full seventh-rank official of the imperial court.

Not an empty title, but real authority!

The gulf between an official and a clerk was as vast as heaven and earth.

What was more, his concubine-born son commanded a guard station, with over a hundred capable men under him, every one a hawk or hound who could kill without blinking!

"Didn't they just say Huan'er is the very youngest Hundred-Household Commander in the entire Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

Concubine Zhao's face flushed crimson, and she almost fainted with excitement.

Could Huan'er really have meant it when he said he would earn me an imperial title?

"Yes!" Jia Zheng walked away with his hands behind his back, adding one final remark:

"The household will hold a feast tomorrow to celebrate that wayward son's promotion."

He wanted to ease the tension between father and son. Though his concubine-born son worked for the filthy Embroidered Uniform Guard, he was an official now, after all.

Another official in the Jia family was a sign that the clan was flourishing.

"Huan'er, my darling treasure..."

Concubine Zhao was so exhilarated that she could barely stand, and Caiyun supported her from behind.

"You wretched girl, what are you standing around for? Fetch Qingwen and Xiangling. Beat the gongs and drums, set off firecrackers, and make a circuit of the whole mansion! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

Before long.

Concubine Zhao strutted proudly at the head of the procession.

Qingwen and Xiangling carried a gong and a drum, while Caiyun set off firecrackers and handed out celebration money to the servants along the way.

In the main rooms.

"What is there to boast about? Pah! That bastard Jia Huan must be a corrupt official!"

Jia Baoyu had taken a severe beating. His thighs and buttocks were black and blue, and every step hurt terribly.

Madam Wang fingered her prayer beads and chanted scriptures with her eyes closed, but how could her mind find peace? A ball of fury burned in her chest.

That concubine-born son truly threatened Baoyu's position now!

A mere concubine-born son had become an imperial official commanding over a hundred men.

Meanwhile, her legitimate son still played with maids in the inner quarters.

She had lost every shred of face!

There was no need to ask around. The noble families would certainly make this a topic of conversation.

Losing face as a woman was bad enough, but the master had actually volunteered to build the concubine-born son a residence and hold a grand feast in celebration. Clearly, the boy's standing in his father's heart had changed.

What should I do?

Without anything to hold against him, she could not easily lash out, much less use her position to crush him. She could only wait for a suitable opportunity. Given his arrogant, overbearing conduct, that day would not be far off.

"Mother," Jia Baoyu said, coming forward to pay his respects.

"Get out!"

Madam Wang flew into a rage, pointing at him as she berated him:

"You alone have no ambition! How many tutors have I hired for you? Why won't you take the imperial examinations? You even call officials parasites feeding on government salaries. Without an official rank, how will you inherit the Jia family's estate?"

"You've truly been spoiled rotten! When that vile brat climbs onto your head and throws his weight around, you'll have plenty to suffer!"

Jia Baoyu's broad face crumpled, and he felt terribly wronged. His father beat him, his mother scolded him, and even Sister Lin had grown distant. It was all that bastard Jia Huan's fault.

"I've known what sort of person he is since we were children. Don't let him fool you. He's bound to fall flat on his face!"

He limped away to seek comfort in the Ancestors' courtyard.

Meanwhile, Concubine Zhao's gongs and drums reached Wang Xifeng's courtyard.

"Stop that racket!"

"Look how pleased you are! Your chin's practically pointing at the sky."

Radiant and voluptuous, Wang Xifeng emerged with a sway of her waist, her phoenix eyes brimming with amusement.

She had already sent a servant to inquire.

The Right Vice Minister of Works, no less!

She had been eating melon seeds when she heard and had nearly bitten her finger in shock.

He had borrowed eight hundred taels from her, declaring that he would surely achieve something great and protect his sister-in-law for the rest of his life. That scene seemed like yesterday, yet Brother Huan had grown so quickly!

"Enjoy yourself for now, Feng."

Unwilling to delay, Concubine Zhao led Qingwen and the others toward the Grand View Garden. Before leaving, she deliberately glanced at the unused plot beside the courtyard. She would have craftsmen begin work there tomorrow.

Pear Blossom Courtyard.

As the firecrackers crackled, Aunt Xue watched Concubine Zhao disappear into the distance.

"Mother, have you seen clearly now? Your son told you Brother Huan was bound to amount to something. He solved a major case all by himself! How imposing was the Right Vice Minister of Works? Yet he still died at Brother Huan's hands!"

"You insist on that nonsense about lowborn sons being unworthy of highborn daughters. However foolish I may be, would I harm my own sister?"

"Once Brother Huan keeps climbing the ranks, our Xue family won't even get a turn. If we don't act now, where will we ever find such a Golden-Turtle Son-in-Law?"

Xue Pan argued passionately, his expression animated.

He had secretly contacted his cousin Xue Baoqin, far away in Jinling, but she had not yet replied.

In his mind, Baochai marrying Brother Huan was the best possible choice. He would become Huan's own brother-in-law!

Aunt Xue remained silent.

She had indeed underestimated Jia Huan.

Who would dare look down on a seventh-rank Hundred-Household Commander so young?

Xue Pan pressed on:

"You have no idea. Brother Huan has standing in the Jianghu too, and he's a Hundred-Household Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard whose name resounds through official circles. If he becomes your son-in-law, who would dare trip up our business? If open means don't work, he can simply finish them off in secret!"

Aunt Xue glared at him and scolded:

"A grown man, prattling all day like a matchmaker! Let me tell you: a concubine-born son is absolutely out of the question!"

Xue Pan was beside himself with frustration. His mother was as stubborn as a rock!

"Just you wait! When someone else snatches Brother Huan away, you'll regret it until your guts turn green!"

"Utterly unreasonable." Aunt Xue could not be bothered to waste any more words on her wayward son.

Ningguo Mansion.

"Master, they're holding a feast over there tomorrow."

A beautiful woman in a red dress approached gracefully. She had an oval face, lovely features, delicate skin, and a figure that curved like a gourd. She was utterly alluring, though her gaze was somewhat timid. This was You Shi, Jia Zhen's second wife.

"I'm not going!" Veins bulged on Jia Zhen's forehead, and his chest ached faintly with rage.

A little beast who did whatever he pleased, with no respect for hierarchy and no upbringing, could actually get promoted?

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was rotten with corruption, and treacherous villains ran rampant!

He had been insufferably arrogant as a mere General Banner. Now that he had taken such a great leap upward, how much more loathsome would he become?

You Shi said cautiously, "Master, refusing to attend would breach etiquette."

"Shut up!" Jia Zhen roared. "You can go out of respect for the Old Madam. I absolutely will not attend that little beast's celebration feast."

"Father."

Jia Rong, who had been standing stiffly like a block of wood, steeled himself and said:

"Why don't we make peace? We're all family, after all. That fellow is an official now, with some power in his hands. Fighting him really isn't wise."

You Shi quickly chimed in, speaking softly:

"Rong is right. Knots of enmity should be untied, not tightened. Share a cup of wine with him, Master, and let it pass."

Jia Zhen sneered. His face was already thin and somewhat hollow, and the smile made him look even more savage.

"You unfilial brat, get over here." He pointed at Jia Rong.

Jia Rong stepped forward.

Smack!

First came a heavy slap across the face.

Jia Zhen erupted in fury and roared:

"How did I father a spineless thing like you? I'm the head of Ningguo Mansion! Would I fear a mere Hundred-Household Commander? Bow my head and make peace, after being humiliated for nothing?"

"And you, a mere woman, dare run your foul mouth? I'll string you up and beat you! Get out, and stop offending my eyes!"

You Shi's eyes reddened under the abuse, tears threatening to fall. She lowered her gaze and left.

Accustomed to being slapped, Jia Rong held his cheek and said miserably:

"I just remembered something. Last time, that fellow deliberately asked about my future wife, Qin Keqing. The wedding is only a little over a month away. Now that we've broken with him, might he make trouble in secret?"

Jia Zhen's expression grew grave.

"Could that little beast have his eye on the Qin family's daughter?"

Jia Rong looked anxious.

Rumor had it that Qin Keqing possessed beauty fit to topple a kingdom. He simply had to bring her home as his wife.

Jia Zhen spoke each word distinctly:

"Don't worry. If that little beast dares interfere in secret, it will give us the perfect excuse to deal with him!"

"As for making peace, never mention it in front of me again. Unless that little beast kneels at Ningguo Mansion and carries Lai Er on his back through Rongguo Mansion, I will never forgive him!"

Jia Rong felt deeply uneasy. Originally, he had not feared that fellow, but even the mighty Right Vice Minister of Works had fallen. Thinking it over, he could hardly avoid feeling some dread.

"Now, who might this be coming home?"

The moment Jia Huan returned to the courtyard, Concubine Zhao drew out her words, her eyes filled with pride.

"Master."

Qingwen, Xiangling, and Caiyun all looked delighted. Qingwen in particular had a trace of resentment on her exquisitely beautiful, alluring face. That lecher had tasted her rouge, then vanished for eight whole days.

"Look at these clothes! My son is so handsome and dashing. Who knows how many young ladies in their boudoirs he'll bewitch?"

Concubine Zhao was overjoyed, stroking the fabric one moment and touching the Embroidered Spring Saber the next.

"All right. Prepare hot water and food."

Jia Huan had gone two days and two nights without sleep. His whole body ached, his mind was exhausted, and even saying another word felt tiring.

"Caiyun, hurry and tell the cook," Concubine Zhao urged, then added:

"Huan'er, the Ancestors are holding a feast tomorrow to celebrate your promotion. And the master has allotted you that unused plot beside Jia Lian's courtyard. We'll begin building your residence tomorrow."

Jia Huan nodded. These rooms really were too small; even one more person would make them cramped.

"I'll help you change, Master." Qingwen volunteered.

Once they entered the warm chamber, Qingwen helped him remove his Flying Fish Uniform. Her face was exquisitely made up, and every so often she pressed her lips together.

Jia Huan deliberately pretended not to notice.

After the first and second times, the third would be easy.

Qingwen stubbornly refused to speak as well. Her movements were slow as she helped him change, and her eyes held a hint of annoyance.

"Oh? Why have you put on new lip rouge?" Jia Huan stared at her.

Qingwen instantly grew shy. Her lashes fluttered, and she turned her face away, cursing:

"Have you no shame, Master? You lecher! You've only just come home, and already you're talking about this!"

Jia Huan leaned closer and whispered, "Let me taste your rouge later."

"Pah!" Qingwen spat softly, turned, and pattered away.

Jia Huan bathed, ate, and slipped beneath his quilt. At last, he could get a proper sleep.

He slept from the late-evening hour of the Boar until dusk the next day.

Caiyun shook Jia Huan awake.

"Master, wake up. It's time for the feast."

Beside her, Qingwen's eyes were resentful. He had promised to taste her rouge, only to sleep like a pig the moment he lay down, leaving her tossing and turning sleeplessly next door.

"Huan'er, get up!"

Outside, Concubine Zhao was urging him too. They finally had a chance to be the focus of the entire household. How could they miss the feast?

Jia Huan had no choice but to get up. With Caiyun and Qingwen helping him dress and wash, he set off with them for Rongguo Mansion's main hall.

Though it was a family feast and no friendly dignitaries had been invited, the arrangements were anything but modest. Lanterns and colorful decorations hung everywhere, and all manner of rare delicacies were lavishly spread out.

In the outer hall, the young beauties had gathered like a hundred flowers vying in splendor, each exquisite in her own way. Meeting their gazes, Jia Huan noticed two unfamiliar faces.

One was petite and dressed in fitted martial attire. She was young, with a charming face and a spirited bearing, and met his eyes with easy confidence. She was probably Shi Xiangyun of the Shi family.

The other was a full-figured, voluptuous beauty, likewise adorned with pearls and jade. Holding a handkerchief, she looked dignified and graceful, but her eyes darted away timidly. Jia Huan guessed she was You Shi from the Eastern Mansion.

"My respects, Ancestors."

He greeted the woman seated at the head.

Jia Mu gestured for him to rise and smiled. "Good, good, good. You've made something of yourself."

"Brother Huan, congratulations on your promotion."

Xue Baochai rose to greet him. Her voice was smooth and lustrous as pearls, like music from heaven. With a gentle smile on her cheeks, she truly looked like a blossom of worldly wealth and splendor.

"Thank you," Jia Huan replied with a smile.

"Brother Huan, don't forget!"

Lin Daiyu also rose to congratulate him, adding that playful reminder. Her unspoken question was whether he had any new compositions for her to appreciate.

"I won't forget." Jia Huan smiled.

At the sight, a trace of puzzlement flickered deep in Xue Baochai's eyes. When had Sister Daiyu become so close to Huan? They even seemed to have a secret signal.

Then Wang Xifeng, Madam Xing, Li Wan, Yingchun, Xichun, and the others offered their congratulations in turn, and Jia Huan returned each greeting.

As for his own elder sister, Tanchun, she kept her lovely head bowed, lost in thoughts no one could guess.

Once they reached the inner hall, things were much less lively.

Jia She and Jia Lian were away, and the father and son from the Eastern Mansion had not come to the banquet. Jia Lan, Jia Cong, and the others scarcely spoke, while Jia Baoyu wore a frosty expression on his broad face. Xue Pan had brazenly invited himself to the feast and talked to himself, while Jia Zheng occasionally offered a few words of admonition.

"Greetings, Father."

Jia Huan paid his respects and took his seat.

Xue Pan hurried over to ingratiate himself with him.

Jia Zheng nodded, then launched into a long-winded lecture, swaying his head as he spoke: he must serve the State and Altars, must not neglect his studies, and so on. Official life was like treading on thin ice; better to transfer from the Embroidered Uniform Guard to a local government office and spend some time grounding himself.

Jia Huan simply let it all blow past his ears.