Chapter 101 Jia Lian's Dismissal "Indeed, this is something only the Marquis of Zhongyong's household could pull off..."

After seeing the two ladies off, Lin Daiyu waited until evening, but Yuanyang did not come to invite her to talk.

Lin Daiyu was a little disappointed; she had already thought about what she was going to say.

"Grandmother, I heard from the two matchmakers that the marriage must take place within two months of the betrothal gifts being given. Is that true?"

"They told me I don't need to prepare a padded jacket for my wedding dress. What does that mean?"

Lin Daiyu smiled as she thought about it. She remembered that Mu Chuan had taken her to see the main courtyard last time. In addition to the usual trees, there were also ginkgo and smoke trees among them.

They are arranged in a pleasing, varied way. When autumn comes, one turns golden yellow and the other turns red. It's so beautiful!

I remember when the two of them first met, she mentioned that she had never seen red leaves before. Who would have thought that not only did her third brother remember it, but he also transplanted a lot of them to his home.

"It's not home yet," Lin Daiyu smiled at her reflection in the mirror. "But it will be soon."

So what is Grandmother Jia doing now?

She is sad.

Firstly, today is the day of the auspicious ceremony. With half of the formalities of the three letters and six rites already completed, and the two million taels of silver are about to be spent, Grandmother Jia's anxiety has reached its peak.

Secondly, Jia Lian's donated title of Assistant Magistrate was revoked.

To be honest, Jia Lian's position as a sub-prefect was merely a title he acquired through donation, which made things easier for him in diplomatic situations. There was no need for him to be dismissed from his post in any serious way.

The person who arrived was a middle-aged official dressed in the robes of a seventh-rank official. He handed over the official documents and that was it.

With Jia Lian absent and Jia She reeking of alcohol, it was Jia Zheng, the second master, who came out to sign the document.

Upon seeing his former colleague, although the two did not recognize each other, Jia Zheng still brooded over it and went to drink alone.

Grandmother Jia sighed all day long, and even had her dinner fed by a maid while she was lying on the couch.

When Jia Lian returned home that evening, he performed his morning and evening greetings. He took the official documents from Grandmother Jia's place, glanced at them, and was at a loss: "What does it mean to compete with the people for profit and to be morally deficient?"

Grandmother Jia glanced at him slightly, without saying a word.

But after thinking about it carefully, Jia Lian understood what was going on. He sneered and took the things to find Wang Xifeng: "Grandma, don't try to persuade me this time. Last time I wanted to teach her a lesson, but you stopped me. If it weren't for the whole family's indulgence, how could she dare to do such a thing!"

Grandmother Jia struggled—at least outwardly she seemed to struggle—to get up, but failed: "Lian'er, ask carefully, perhaps there's a misunderstanding."

Jia Lian had already gone over with the things.

Wang Xifeng was having dinner with Ping'er. The two of them sat cross-legged on the couch, with food laid out on a small table between them.

Wang Xifeng sighed, "The safflower that Lin Daiyu gave me is really good. I drank a little too much in the first two days, but it's all gone after a few days. Now I'm completely cured. I took so much medicine before... Sigh, you should drink it for a couple of days too, and take good care of yourself."

"You can drink it, I don't need it. I'll just take some Wuji Baifeng Wan (a traditional Chinese medicine)."

“The most despicable one is our master,” Wang Xifeng said irritably. “He drags all sorts of dirty, smelly, meaty, and vegetarian things onto the bed, and comes back covered in filth.”

"It's all because I spoil you!" Jia Lian stormed in, threw the document at Wang Xifeng's face, and became even angrier when he saw the two of them eating and drinking.

He stepped forward, overturned the table, and roared, "No wonder you can't have a son! You're morally corrupt!"

Wang Xifeng was stunned for a moment, then her temper flared up immediately: "Bullshit! You come back and take your anger out on someone who's had a bad day outside, and you call yourself a master?!"

Jia Lian then picked up the document stained with vegetable soup: "Look at this! It says, 'Competing with the people for profit, a breach of morality.' Doesn't this refer to your lending money at interest rates outside? And you even lent it in my name! Now look what's happened, and it's all being pinned on me."

Wang Xifeng had no guilty conscience at all. She pointed at Jia Lian's nose and scolded, "You didn't say anything before, and you pretended to be stupid when it came to spending money. Now look at you, you're all innocent, Second Master Lian!"

"How could I know if you kept it from me!" Jia Lian said angrily.

"Second Madam also lent money at interest rates in her early years. She couldn't have survived after marrying into your Rongguo Mansion without lending money at interest rates!" Wang Xifeng's voice also rose. "Second Master, don't try to shift the blame onto me. Have you forgotten all the things you did in Suzhou that made people resentful?"

Jia Lian frowned, looking slightly guilty, but still stubbornly argued, "That was the old lady's order, how can it be attributed to me?"

"Did the old lady also invite you to take a night cruise on the Qinhuai River?" Wang Xifeng retorted. "Or does the old lady want you to have a night of revelry and be a groom every night?"

Jia Lian flicked his sleeve: "How can a young girl hold such a grudge? I arranged the funeral, why doesn't she thank me?"

Wang Xifeng remained silent, only sneering. Jia Lian, unable to bear it any longer, snorted twice and turned to leave.

Ping'er then came over and squatted down to tidy up her things. Wang Xifeng said with disdain, "Let the maid tidy up. Let's go inside and change our clothes first."

Jia Lian stood in the courtyard, looking around. Qiu Tong had a strong personality; the only one who could comfort people was You Erjie.

Jia Lian lifted his foot and went into You Erjie's room.

When You Erjie returned this time, she was filled with resentment. Her second wife was gone, and her son, whom she had been carrying for ten months, was gone too. Her sister had lied to her, and Wang Shi wanted her dead. The only way she could get revenge was through her second master.

Seeing Jia Lian enter, she hurried to greet him and said softly, "Did you and Second Mistress quarrel, Second Master? Second Mistress, you're always out working hard, how come you never give Second Master a kind look?"

Speaking so softly and treating him like royalty, Jia Lian was instantly satisfied. He called out loudly, "Prepare wine and food. I'll stay in Second Sister's room tonight."

The news that Jia Lian had become a commoner could not be kept secret. The people of Rongguo Mansion were alright, since everyone knew that Jia Lian's position as Assistant Magistrate was bought. The real dismissal was when the Second Master was dismissed from his post.

However, there was one person who was not so agreeable, namely Sun Shaozu, who had just become engaged to the Rongguo Mansion.

The betrothal gift of ten thousand taels has already been given. Are you going to break off the engagement now?

After all, it was the Rongguo Mansion, and the Marquis of Zhongyong was related to it by marriage.

What if I offend someone?

Sun Shao first went to drink with Jia Lian and tentatively asked, "I'm not young anymore, and I just want to get married as soon as possible. How about May?"

How could Jia Lian not understand what he was trying to do?

But Jia Lian couldn't make the decision. He went on and on, saying the same thing over and over again: "Time is a bit tight, but if we prepare well, there shouldn't be any problems. But after all, it's not me who's getting married. It mainly depends on when is suitable for you. Like I said, you have to prepare well."

I truly feel as if I have heard a great deal from you.

Sun Shaozu came out in a daze, feeling like he had heard a lot, but upon closer reflection, it seemed like he hadn't heard anything at all. Fueled by alcohol, Sun Shaozu went to the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence again.

Mu Chuan has two Zhongyong Earl Mansions, one bestowed by the retired emperor in the core area of ​​the inner city, and the other bestowed by the emperor near Shuntian Prefecture.

Sun Shao's ancestors found this place in the inner city. He was a tall and strong man who came to the capital from Datong. Fearing that people would look down on him, he dressed very richly.

The gatekeeper glanced at him and invited him in, but didn't go inside; he just waited at the gatehouse.

Sun Shaozu smiled and said, "I am the brother-in-law of the Marquis of Zhongyong, and I have come here today specifically to request an audience with him."

The gatekeepers, each quick-witted as ever, first smelled the alcohol on the man, and then couldn't help but laugh when they heard his words. Without even moving an inch, they said, "Our general isn't even married yet, so where did this brother-in-law come from? Have some tea to sober up, and go home when you feel better."

After two cups of hot tea, Sun Shaozu sobered up a bit. He felt he had been deceived by the Rongguo Mansion, but he couldn't bear to break off the engagement. Was it because he didn't want to improve himself? If he could really find a good marriage, why had he waited until he was this old?

Sun Shaozu was somewhat embarrassed. He only thought that he would leave once the gatekeeper left, but the gatekeepers of the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion were all extremely loyal to their duties and stood there without moving.

Sun Shaozu drank three cups of tea and then three more groups of guests arrived.

The first group was from the Marquis of Dingnan's residence. They came to deliver something, and the gatekeeper invited them in directly. Sun Shaozu didn't hear a word from them.

Sun Shaozu didn't actually hear the second group either. The gatekeeper of the Zhongyong Earl's Mansion seemed to be on guard against this as well, but judging from their attire, they should be people from the hostages of Beili.

The gatekeeper accepted the items but didn't let anyone in.

The third group of guests were very respectful, but the doorman didn't even accept their invitations.

Sun Shaozu took the opportunity to come out and followed at a distance, thinking that he might be able to hear some news.

These people are always better informed than him.

"I heard that the hostage from Beili has also set his sights on the sister of the Earl of Zhongyong. The other day, I was ordered by the old master to go and find some toys for little girls. I saw that the Beili gang was also buying up goods in the market. You have to admit they were very generous. They would give away a tael of silver for something that could be bought for a few coins."

“This is not generosity at all,” another person mocked. “Can’t you see through it? He’s spending so much money to clear out his inventory. He makes a lot of money selling his goods, and then no one else will have anything left.”

Sun Shaozu didn't hear what was said after that. He stood there by the roadside, as if he had been struck by lightning.

It turns out that the Earl of Zhongyong has a younger sister. If he had known this beforehand, why would he have bothered to marry the daughter of the Rongguo Mansion?

But now that things have come to this... Sun Shaozu thought about it. He might not be able to reach the sister of the Marquis of Zhongyong, but he could at least get some connections with the Rongguo Mansion. It was all up to him. So he went to the Rongguo Mansion to find Jia Lian again: "We'll get married in May. I'll have someone choose an auspicious date right away."

Jia Lian was a little flustered. In his opinion, both sides were deceiving him about the marriage.

The Rongguo Mansion deceived Sun Shaozu, claiming they could help him secure a good position and even lying about their connection to the Marquis of Zhongyong.

Sun Shaozu had no good intentions either. Did he really know nothing about the situation at Rongguo Mansion? He still jumped in and gave away 10,000 taels of silver like a sucker. His sister wasn't worth that much.

Jia Lian then went to report to Jia She, first mentioning that the Sun family was getting married in May, and then remarking, "I think there must be something fishy about Sun Shaozu's eagerness to get married."

Jia She moved slowly, putting down his wine cup before saying to Jia Lian, "What are you afraid of? There are three girls with the surname Jia in the Rongguo Mansion. Has anyone come to the Jia Mansion to propose marriage in the past few years? Not a single one. Sun Shaozu can't even find out about this situation. He's a good-for-nothing. Even if I embezzle his money, he wouldn't dare to do anything."

Jia Lian wanted to say something more, but Jia She said again, "Alright. You've worked hard running around. Go and get five hundred taels of silver to spend. Don't be stingy. The sky won't fall down."

Both families were willing and eager to solidify the relationship. Three days later, Sun Shaozu sent over the chosen date, May 13th, which was less than a month away.

When the news reached Yingchun's ears, she was sitting in the council hall reading a book, as usual, the unchanging "Taishang Ganying Pian".

The messenger was Wang Shanbao's wife, who said with a smile, "Great news for the young lady! The wedding date is set for May 13th."

Tan Chun instinctively asked, "How could it be so fast?"

Wang Shanbao's wife smiled and said, "The Sun family is a good family. Master has no intention of taking advantage of them. Besides, the young lady is not young anymore. It's better for her to get married sooner. If she stays here, what if she misunderstands Master and Madam?"

When Tan Chun went to see Ying Chun again, she saw that Ying Chun's eyes were red.

Tan Chun was also a little sad for a moment, but there was nothing she could do. She gave Ying Chun a chance, but Ying Chun was retorted by the old women: "I can't control you either. Do whatever you want, but don't come looking for me if something goes wrong."

Fortunately, there was Siqi. Tanchun went to see Siqi again, but saw that she looked troubled. What was she troubled about? She didn't want to accompany Yingchun to her wedding.

Xichun and Xue Baochai had already congratulated Yingchun, so Tanchun, not wanting to think of anything else, joined in the congratulations.

Yingchun remained silent for a long time. Only after Wang Shanbao's wife urged her to go back twice did she say with red eyes, "Lin Daiyu was the first to get engaged, but I never expected to be the one to get married first."

Xue Baochai didn't respond to this at all. Lately, she hasn't uttered the word "Lin" at all, and she rarely even says the three words "Brother Bao."

Xichun brushed it off with a simple "Congratulations," while Tanchun gently nudged Yingchun, saying, "She's very wealthy now. If she gives you something better than I do, you can't blame me."

Yingchun nodded and followed Wang Shanbao's wife.

Tan Chun had lost interest in managing the household, and besides, she could tell that the old lady had no intention of doing so properly.

They made one mistake after another, but the old lady not only didn't say anything, she also sent them things every day.

Although they are just small gadgets, the meaning is quite clear.

Tan Chun felt a sense of frustration that all her enthusiasm had gone to waste. How could even her own people not want things to be better for her family?

"I have to go back first. You all keep an eye on things." After saying that, Tan Chun got up and went to find Lin Daiyu.

The council hall fell silent for a moment, then Xichun and Xue Baochai stood up almost simultaneously: "I'll go back first—"

Their eyes met, and they both fell silent.

After a moment, Xue Baochai smiled and said, "If it's really something important, we would come back in the morning. There's nothing to do this afternoon, so why don't we take a rest?"

Xichun nodded somewhat coldly, then turned and left.

Lin Daiyu was talking to Granny Shen at that moment.

Granny Shen always brings gifts when she comes. Today, she not only brought the general's calligraphy but also the old hen soup cooked by the Dowager Lady.

"This chicken soup was made by our matriarch herself," Granny Shen said with a smile. "The master and young lady's birth dates have been taken care of, and the family is safe and sound without any problems. The matriarch stayed for two more days before returning to the city, and the first thing she did was make chicken soup for the young lady."

This title made Lin Daiyu feel like she was from a different generation, that she had been demoted from "something" to "girl".

But thinking about it carefully, that's really the right way to call it.

The third brother is in charge of the household; he is the Earl of Zhongyong in the Zhongyong Earl's Mansion, so he is the master. Therefore, her future mother-in-law—her aunt—is the Grand Madam.

With his original face resembling that of a third uncle, calling him "Master" was indeed the right thing to do.

Lin Daiyu laughed a few times, then called to Xueyan, "Bring me a bowl and chopsticks, I'll have a bowl of chicken soup first."

Granny Shen added, "Our matriarch said that although the chicken soup is made with a whole chicken, the breast meat is not very tasty. Miss, just pick some leg meat to eat. Don't be shy."

Last time I saw my future mother-in-law sweeping the floor—cough, Third Brother said to be frank, and that's my future mother-in-law.

Lin Daiyu knew what kind of person she was from the last time she saw her sweeping the floor. She smiled and said, "I know. If Aunt is worried, how about taking this chicken breast back with you?"

Granny Shen knew it was a joke, so she chuckled a few times and said, "Miss, please have your soup. I'll take my leave now."

Not long after Granny Shen left, a maid outside announced, "Granny Xie from the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence has arrived."

Lin Daiyu raised an eyebrow. Usually, it was Granny Shen who delivered things. Although she knew Granny Xie, she didn't come often.

"Please come in."

Granny Xie came in carrying a basket, greeted the young lady with a smile, and said, "Our general specially instructed us to send some seasonal fresh vegetables to the young lady."

Lin Daiyu glanced at the basket. Although she didn't recognize the contents, she knew from the smell that it contained toon leaves.

"Toona sinensis, broad beans, and goji berry sprouts. These are cucumber seedlings, still with flowers, about the length of a finger, crisp and juicy, the best time to eat cucumbers."

Lin Daiyu smiled and said, "Thank your general for me." She then instructed Xueyan, "Call the kitchen..." After hesitating for a long time and looking around, Lin Daiyu said, "Eat the cucumber sprouts first."

Xueyan called the old woman to move the things to the small kitchen. Lin Daiyu smiled and asked Granny Xie, "Did you see Granny Shen on the way after she left?"

Delivering things twice a day, one after the other, is something only her third brother would do.

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Author's note: Before I knew it, it had reached one hundred chapters.

I'll definitely get them married this month.