Chapter 467: Mrs. Wang’s Tricks

Madam Wang has been feeling empty inside lately.

Their son, Jia Baoyu, now works at the Court of State Ceremonial, and their daughter-in-law, Mi, teaches at the Women's Academy. The young couple treat each other with respect and live a harmonious and happy life.

The more harmonious the family seemed, the more uneasy Mrs. Wang felt – in this family, she, as the mother, felt increasingly invisible.

That day, Madam Wang was sighing alone in her room again.

Seeing this, Zhou Rui's wife leaned forward and whispered, "Does Madam miss Miss Bao? I heard that Miss Bao is managing the Xue family's business very well now. She is truly capable."

These words struck a chord with Madam Wang.

She recalled Baochai's composure and understanding, and compared it with her daughter-in-law Mi's "lack of ambition," and a thought quietly arose: if Baochai could become Baoyu's concubine, with Baochai's talent, she would definitely be able to manage the household affairs.

As for Madam Mi, since she likes to show her face in public, let her be.

Therefore, Lady Wang began to frequently invite Baochai to her residence for conversation.

At first, Baochai had no suspicions. Every time she came, she would bring the latest snacks and fabrics and chat with Lady Wang about everyday matters.

"Good child, it's kind of you to still remember me." Madam Wang held Baochai's hand. "How is your brother doing lately?"

Baochai sighed softly, "It's still the same old story. Fortunately, the family business is back on track now, so even if he wanted to cause trouble, he wouldn't be able to make any big mistakes."

Lady Wang carefully observed Baochai and saw that although she was over twenty, she was still beautiful and her demeanor had become more capable. The more she looked at her, the more satisfied she became.

However, after this happened several times, Baochai gradually realized that something was wrong.

Madam Wang always subtly inquired about her marriage, and frequently complained that Madam Mi neglected her family, always saying, "If only you could come and keep me company more often."

After returning from the Jia family mansion that day, Baochai was alone in her room, lost in thought.

Ying'er brought in tea and, noticing her unusual expression, quickly asked, "What's wrong, Miss?"

Baochai shook her head: "I've always felt that my aunt has been acting strangely lately. She...could it be that she wants me to..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but Ying'er already understood and exclaimed in surprise, "How can this be! You are now in charge of such a large family business, why would you want to be someone's concubine?"

Baochai frowned: "I hope I'm just overthinking it."

However, Madam Wang's actions became increasingly obvious.

She began to praise Baochai on various occasions, even saying in front of Mi Shi, "If Baoyu could marry someone as capable as Baochai, I would be at ease."

Madam Mi was a clever woman. Upon hearing this, she simply smiled faintly and said, "Mother is right. Miss Xue is indeed capable and manages the Xue family business very well."

These words were spoken neither humbly nor arrogantly, acknowledging Baochai's abilities while also implying that she already had her own career.

Madam Wang was met with a rebuff, which made her even more displeased.

After Baochai noticed this, she began to make excuses to decline Madam Wang's invitation.

It's not that I'm busy with business, it's that I have to go out to check the accounts.

After repeatedly hitting a wall, Madam Wang grew anxious and came up with a foolish idea.

On this day, she hosted a banquet under the pretext of appreciating chrysanthemums and invited Baochai.

The invitation specifically stated, "Only close relatives are invited; formalities are not required."

Baochai wanted to decline, but Aunt Xue advised, "After all, we are relatives, we can't be too distant."

The banquet was held in the Jia family garden, and as expected, only Lady Wang, Baoyu, Baochai, and a few maids were present.

After several rounds of drinks, Madam Wang suddenly said she had a headache and needed to go back to rest. Before leaving, she said to Baoyu, "You should take good care of Baoya."

Baoyu, unsuspecting, continued to talk with Baochai about his recent experiences.

But less than a quarter of an hour later, a maidservant from Madam Wang's side rushed in to report: "Second Master, Madam has suddenly fainted!"

Baoyu was shocked and rushed to Lady Wang's residence.

Baochai was about to take her leave, but the maid said, "Miss Bao, please sit for a while. Madam may ask you questions when she wakes up."

No sooner had Baoyu left than the garden gate was locked from the outside.

Baochai knew something was wrong and was about to call for help when she suddenly felt dizzy and feverish all over.

"This wine..." She gripped the table, suddenly realizing, "It's been spiked!"

Just then, Baoyu returned: "Mother is fine, she just said it's an old ailment..." Seeing that Baochai's face was flushed and she was unsteady on her feet, he hurriedly went forward to support her: "What's wrong, Sister Bao?"

Baochai forced herself to push him away, saying, "Quick...get out of here..."

However, it was too late.

Lady Wang barged in with a group of maids and servants, and upon seeing the scene, she shouted, "Baoyu! What...what did you do to Bao'er?"

Baoyu then realized he had fallen into a trap, and turned pale with anger: "Mother! What are you doing?"

Madam Wang cried and wailed, "I only asked you to keep Bao'er company and talk to her, and you...you actually did such a thing! How is Bao'er supposed to face anyone after this?"

Although Baochai felt unwell, she remained conscious.

She forced herself to stand up straight and said coldly, "Aunt, you don't need to act anymore. Wasn't it you who put the drug in this wine?"

Lady Wang was taken aback, not expecting Baochai to expose her so directly.

Baochai continued, "I respect you as an elder and have always given you face. I never expected you to resort to such despicable means!"

She turned to Baoyu and said, "Brother Bao, please send someone to the academy to invite Sister Lin and Sister Mi over."

Baoyu then realized what was happening and hurriedly ordered his servant to fetch someone.

Madam Wang panicked: "Bao'er, what... what are you doing?"

Baochai sneered: "I'm not going to do anything, I'm just asking someone to judge this. Let's see which mother would ruin her niece's reputation just to control her son!"

These words were extremely harsh, and Madam Wang's face immediately turned ashen.

Before long, Daiyu and Lady Mi arrived in a hurry.

Also present was Yuan Hongqu—it turned out the servant was clever and knew this matter was no small thing, so he specially went to invite Yuan Hongqu.

After learning what had happened, Yuan Hongqu's face turned ashen: "That Madam Wang! She actually resorted to such despicable means!"

Before Madam Wang could argue further, Yuan Hongqu interrupted her directly: "No need to say anything more! If word gets out about what happened today, not only will Bao'er's reputation be damaged, but Bao Yu's career will also be affected! Are you trying to ruin both children?"

Daiyu stepped forward to support the swaying Baochai and said to Madam Wang, "Aunt, Baochai has had a hard life these past years. The Xue family depends entirely on her. If anything happens to her, the Xue family will be finished. Can you bear to see your niece fall into such a predicament?"

Madam Mi also said, "If Mother feels that her daughter-in-law has done something wrong, she should just say so. Why drag innocent people into this?"

Under repeated questioning from everyone, Madam Wang finally broke down in tears: "I...I just wanted someone who cared about me to be by my side..."

Yuan Hongqu sighed, "If you're lonely, you can come to the academy and see how those women live such wonderful lives. Why insist on clinging to the younger generation?"

The farce ended with Madam Wang admitting her mistake.

But after this incident, Baochai was completely heartbroken and never went to the Jia family again.

On the contrary, Baoyu and Mi Shi's feelings deepened because of this incident.

In front of everyone, Baoyu solemnly promised: "I will have only one wife in this life and will never take a concubine."