Dreams of Jianghu

Last time on Grafting Life: Lin Yu Yang asks the Jinghai Count to help his father.

This chapter has been brought to you by me, and Smash10101.

Chapter 28 – Red Chamber (28)

In reality, Lin Yu Tong was not concerned about the developments of the matter with Jia Rui, just curious. What was she curious about? She was curious about the mirror called the “Precious Mirror of Voluptuousness.”¹

But if there really was such a mirror, with Lin Yu Tong’s daring, she would just shrink back. She would not dare to touch it. Such a thing was weird. Even if she managed to get it, she could not trade it for money. What did she need it for?

In any case, her actions would look strange.

She put away these thoughts, and waited in the courtyard for news from Yangzhou.

With this wait, spring left and autumn came. The weather grew cold.

“We have been in the capital for more than half a year. A few more rainstorms, and it will be winter. Father’s letters all report everything is fine, but the matter must not be going very well.” Lin Yu Tong had charcoal braziers set up in the rooms. The fire had been stoked and she buried peanuts and sweet potatoes in them that were now crackling inside.

Lin Yu Yang had grown up quickly in this half year, and was a head taller than Lin Yu Tong. Under Lin Yu Tong’s watch, he never slacked off in his exercise. He slowly gained healthy muscle and no longer looked weak, but steady and reliable.

He nodded. “There is no news now, this is good news.”

Lin Yu Tong agreed with the words. She had forgotten the words from the original work. But Qin Ke Qing still being alive meant that it was still not time yet.

It even was not possible to calculate time from Qin Ke Qing’s illness, Qin Ke Qing switched many physicians who could not help her. It was an illness of the mind. She had hung herself. Who knew when this person would hang herself?

It was useless even if she was worried.

She thought that they would keep on waiting, but one day, Lin Ping ran in. “Miss, Master sent news. Master has been promoted.”

Lin Yu Tong suddenly stood up. “So you mean Father is coming to the capital?” Amitabha, it finally passed.

“No…… No…… “Lin Ping panted.

“No what? Speak.” Lin Dai Yu was also panicked now. “Is he coming to the capital soon?”

“No!” Lin Ping breathed out and said, ” Master has been promoted to Director-general of the two rivers. He has already taken the position and does not need to return to the capital.”

“Ah!”

“Ah!”

The sisters cried out in surprise.

Lin Yu Tong thought, how did he get promoted? She could not understand. The position of director general of the two rivers was a lower first rank position with true power, the highest power of the area.

Based on the territory division, this included Jiangxi, Anwei, and Jiangsu. He had absolute power of the military and government in these three provinces. The power was stunning.

She feared that Lin Ru Hai did not just manage to escape from the salt tax burden this time, but had done something of great merit. But even so, this position was too high.

In the past, he was a member of the imperial censors, and then the salt-control censor of Yangzhou. Lin Yu Tong had never figured out what rank this was but the imperial censors were first part of the central supervisory and then sent to Yangzhou’s salt route to supervise.

This was not a good job. For the officials below, it was someone coming to criticize them.

So if he really found something, it was not strange that he died in this position.

He was the director-general now, but it did not erase the fact that he had been a censor for half his life. Anyone would tremble in fear of such a person.

No free windfall would fall from the sky. It was hard to say if this was good or bad.

She was dazed, and did not know if she should be happy or worried.

“So this means that Dad cannot come to the capital,” Lin Dai Yu could not disguise her disappointment. She turned and asked, “Is he wanting us back?”

“I fear not.” Lin Yu Tong said in a low voice, “This promotion is fishy. So fast, it may not be a good thing. Who knows what is behind this?”

Lin Dai Yu sighed. “Is it really good to be an official? What is good about these days living in fear?”

Lin Yu Tong ignored her complaint and said to Lin Ping. “Invite them in and send someone to the Zhang Family to bring Yang-ge’er back first.”

Lin Ping acknowledged this and hurriedly left.

Lin Ru Hai had sent one of his trusted. Lin Yu Tong invited him to sit and personally served tea. She said, “Does Father have some message for you to pass on?”

The subordinate said, “Yes, Master only said for Misses and Young Master to patiently wait. Also for you not to worry. This time, his life is not in danger, it is just a question of how much achievement he will have in the future.”

Lin Yu Tong understood some but also did not understand fully. But if his life was not in danger, she did not care. For a person who was going to die, as long as he was alive, it was a profit.

She said, “Return and tell Father to not feel pressure. We do not hope for him to be ennobled or become a minister. As long as he is fine, that is good. Put his life first. At worst, we will return to the country and farm. Us children will not blame him at all.”

The subordinate’s expression changed, growing serious as he nodded.

Lin Yu Tong called Lin Ping to settle him in the Lin Residence. After resting, he would immediately return to Jiangnan.

The message was by mouth, meaning that his letters were being checked. Lin Yu Tong was worried to some degree, but at least he was still alive. This was better than no news.

“Sister is right. No matter what, there is nothing more important than a family being together. Being able to farm in peace is a kind of good fortune,” Lin Dai Yu whispered.

Just as she finished, they heard hurried footsteps from outside. Lin Yu Yang had returned.

The person who had been sent to get Lin Yu Yang likely had not even left the alley yet. But Yang-ge’er had come back. This meant that he had gotten the news and hurried back.

“You know.”

“Sister knows.”

Lifting the curtain, sister and brother asked when they met.

Lin Yu Tong pulled Lin Yu Yang into the room. Lin Dai Yu poured tea for Lin Yu Yang. “Brother, first rest and then speak.”

Lin Yu Yang drained the tea and said, “Great Uncle told me to tell you not to panic. There is more to the matter. He said that Father has always been steady and he was on his guard. This time, one does not dare to say he is clearing the Jiangnan officials for the emperor, but if he manages to hold onto this important place, and does not let people with other intentions do as they please in Jiangnan, it will be a great achievement.”

“I hope that Father will come back to the capital to retire,” Lin Yu Tong shook her head and said.

Lin Yu Yang grimaced. “Sister, you are not outside so you do not know. You think people can just retreat like that? In the past, he offended so many people in Yangzhou. If he really left like that, we would not be able to have peaceful days. Even if I entered public service, I would not be able to act freely.”

What he didn’t say was the marriages of his sisters which would be difficult. In politics, after one left the position, no one cared about them. Father may also have thoughts of risking himself once more for their sake. Even if something happened to him, the emperor would help his son for the sake of such loyalty, and that way, they would be able to survive.

“Also, if the emperor had someone suitable, he would not have chosen Father. The emperor cannot be defied. Sister, you have to consider the weight of these words,” Lin Yu Yang was slightly frustrated.

“Yes, if we get on the ship, it is not easy to get off. I should have understood this a long time ago. Now that we cannot retreat, we must keep on going.” Lin Yu Tong’s energy seemed to be robbed away.

Now, she finally knew how laughable it was to think to affect a world with only her own power. Events were completely not in her control.

“Sister, we likely cannot return to Jiangnan soon.” Lin Yu Yang grimaced.

“Then let us quietly wait for Father to return to the capital,” Lin Yu Tong said.

Then she stood up and said loudly, “Sister-in-law Ping, go back to our home. I have something to send to Father. You will get someone to carry it back to Jiangnan.”

Sister-in-law Ping acknowledged it.

“What is it?” Lin Dai Yu asked, “I will also send back the needlework I made for Father.”

“All right.” Lin Yu Tong responded. She thought, she would pour out the rain water she had that Lin Dai Yu had gathered during the summer and switch it out for the spring water from her space. If this was transported back, with Lin Ru Hai’s personality, he would use it to make tea. If he dared to drink it, he would only drink a cup a day, and nothing major would happen. Then, she would have someone make the trip every month. Letters were not convenient, so she would just have people carry messages by mouth.

The more she thought, the more plausible she felt it was.

She sent away Lin Yu Yang and Lin Dai Yu. “Yang-ge’er, go pack up some of your essays for Father to read. He will know if you have improved or not. Dai Yu, go pack your needlework.”

After the two left, she led the servant girls to dig up the rain water and dew they had buried. In the name of checking, she opened them and switched out the water before ordering them to seal the containers tight. She did not fear people poisoning or doing other things to the water. It was very safe.

After Sister-in-law Ping left, Lin Yu Tong sighed in relief.

Lin Yu Yang saw his family busy in the courtyard and no action from the Jia Family. He could not help but smile. “It has all spread outside, but the Jia Family has not made any noise.”

“They don’t even have someone in court sessions. What do they know? How would they know of it?” Lin Yu Tong shook her head. “It is good if they learn it late. We can have more peace. Otherwise, we will have to have a banquet and guests. It will be very noisy.”

Lin Dai Yu was by the side, smiling but silent.

Just as she was saying she wanted peace, Wang Xi Feng flew in and dragged Lin Yu Tong away. “My sister, quick, come with me. People from the palace have come to the front, saying they are from the empress’ palace. They come with an edict from the empress for you to go into the palace for an audience. Tell me, what is the cause, I do not know what happened.”

“My good sister-in-law, slow down,” Lin Yu Tong said with a smile. “Let me clean up first.” She pointed at the dirt on her clothes.

“Oh, you are a noble miss, how come you are so dirty?” Wang Xi Feng pushed her and directed Chun’er and the other servant girls. “Quick, get your miss changed.”

Lin Yu Tong entered her room and Wang Xi Feng asked Lin Dai Yu and Lin Yu Yang, “What happened? Has something changed with Uncle-in-law?”

Lin Dai Yu glanced at Lin Yu Yang. Seeing him nod, she said, “It is not something major. Father has just been promoted to director-general of the two rivers. Maybe the palace wants to see us to show their favor.”

Wang Xi Feng gaped and then clapped her hands in joy. “Such a happy event! Why did not you tell me earlier?”

“We did not have the time.” Lin Yu Tong came out of the room and said, “We just learned. The person who gave the message just left and you came.”

The three followed Wang Xi Feng towards the inner courtyard.

“This is a very happy matter. Luckily you are able to hold still,” Wang Xi Feng looked at Lin Yu Tong and tisked.

“Sister-in-law, I do not treat you like an outsider.” Lin Yu Tong looked at Wang Xi Feng. “There is a saying, “make amends for crimes.” And another called “a man can only be judged after his death.” It is hard to make any judgments before one is in their coffin. It is too early to say whether one’s merits are greater than their failures.”

Wang Xi Feng stopped walking. “You are bluffing me. If he advances, he will be ennobled or become a minister. What are you afraid of?”

“Sister-in-law, the matters outside are not as simple as you think. In the future, you will see people who dare to accept any money but not dare to offend anyone. Hide from them. There are not many who end up well in history. If retribution does not come today, it will come tomorrow. If something gets dragged out, there is nothing good.” Lin Yu Tong looked meaningfully at Wang Xi Feng.

Wang Xi Feng froze. The words had deep meaning. She knew that Lin Yu Tong was not one to easily speak.

Lin Yu Tong just said this because the topic came here and she thought of how Wang Xi Feng helped someone with their lawsuit.

If she still dared to interfere after being told so clearly, then there was nothing to pity.

Lin Dai Yu glanced at Lin Yu Tong, and then at Wang Xi Feng, she looked down. She naturally knew that her sister was hinting to Sister-in-law out of kindness.

When they arrived, Mother Jia, Jia She, Jia Zheng, Madam Wang, Madam Xing and even Jia Jing had come. Clearly, they were puzzled by this edict out of nowhere.

This eunuch was even more confused. Such a major event that the entire court knew about, but this Jia Family was clueless. So laughable.

Seeing Lin Yu Tong and the others arrive, the eunuch stood up with a smile. “Greetings to Misses and Young Master.”

Lin Yu Yang naturally came forward and helped him stand up, giving him a pouch. “Inner Minister, us juniors cannot accept such a greeting.”

The eunuch shoved the pouch into his sleeve. It was very light. Without saying, it would be silver certificates. His smile grew more sincere.

“Young Master, you are too polite.” The eunuch said. “The empress heard that Official Lin’s family is temporarily staying with the Jia Family and has sent this one to invite Misses and Young Master into the palace for an audience.”

Lin Yu Yang glanced at Lin Yu Tong. Seeing Lin Yu Tong nod, he said with a smile, “All right, then we will leave now.”

“How can you do so?” Mother Jia called. “Change before you go, do not insult your superiors.”

The three were dressed well. Because they did not like extravagance, their attire was average, and was not shameful no matter where they went.

According to Mother Jia, Lin Yu Yang would have to dress like Jia Bao Yu in order to be acceptable?

She felt that her brother was very good like this, simple, natural, in good taste. This was enough.

Lin Yu Yang frowned and looked with conflict at the eunuch.

Money would buy anything. The eunuch said proudly, “The empress is still waiting. This is good.”

Mother Jia finally gave up.

Lin Yu Tong led Lin Yu Yang and Lin Dai Yu to enter the palace, carried by sedans.

After they left, the Jia Family exploded.

“There must be a reason for this,” Jia Zheng combed his beard and said.

Mother Jia nodded. “Time is tight. People from the palace are here and we cannot ask more. Feng-yatou, have you learned anything along the way?”

Wang Xi Feng was still pondering Lin Yu Tong’s words. Hearing Mother Jia ask, she immediately smiled. “Oh, Forebearer, I still have not recovered. Uncle-in-law Lin has been promoted to director-general of the two rivers.”

The hall buzzed. Regardless of whether it was the masters or the servants, they all had shocked and then joyful expressions.

Mother Jia paused and then smiled with joy. “Oh! Such an unexpected surprise!” Then she said, “How come these children did not tell the good news?”

Wang Xi Feng thought, it was because they were careful. People would look three steps ahead of where they stepped. The Lin Family would look ten steps ahead. However, she could not say such things but she explained, “You mistake the cousins. When I went there, they were going to send someone to tell you. But the people from the palace came so quickly.”

Mother Jia was soothed and said, “This is good news. We should celebrate, invite people and party for three days.”

If this was the usual time, Wang Xi Feng would have happily gone. But after Lin Yu Tong’s words today, she perceived that the Lin Family did not have such intentions to publicize it at all.

They did not want to celebrate their own good news. What was the meaning in her family acting like this?

She was smiling, but inside, she became even more disapproving.

Lin Yu Tong entered the palace but did not even see what the empress looked like. There were just a few polite words, two boxes of stuff bestowed down, and she was sent out. Lin Yu Yang got the same treatment on his side, summoned by the emperor, asked a few questions about family and his schooling and then encouraged. He got some things and then met up with Lin Yu Tong and Lin Dai Yu. They were still sitting in the palace sedans.

Lin Yu Tong understood. This was just a statement. With this event, the family would have an easier time in the Jia Family as they were now known to the emperor and empress.

This was to resolve Lin Ru Hai’s family worries.

Lin Yu Yang was still in his awe and love of the emperor. Lin Yu Tong could understand this. She herself did not have the idea of an absolute monarch in her bones, but she would not teach her brother to act like this. It would be too dangerous.

When they returned to the Jia Family, they were greeted very warmly. Because they carried gifts from the palace, the main gate had even been opened to welcome them.

Jia She, and Jia Zheng even called Lin Yu Yang, their nephew, to the study to talk.

Mother Jia rubbed Lin Dai Yu’s hand. “Your mother is an unlucky one……”

Lin Yu Tong rolled her eyes. She had to pull Jia Min in and make sure the Jia Family’s existence was felt. Was Jia Min truly at peace down there? She likely was very bothered by her mother constantly mentioning her.

During Lin Yu Tong’s daze, she did not know what Mother Jia said, just heard Jia Bao Yu smile and shout, “We should bring Sister Yun over.”

“Good good good!” Mother Jia joyfully agreed. “Our Bao Yu is the best to have your sisters on mind.”

Lin Yu Tong was speechless.

She did not know what to say.

Wang-shi glanced at Mother Jia and thought that she was really muddle headed.

Now, Lin Dai Yu was the daughter of a first rank official. Even if she did not like the girl, there was no reason for her to block the marriage with her son. It was time to put more effort in. Why did the old miss want to call over a daughter from her paternal family?

The other was not a daughter of a marquis, just an orphan. The two marquises of the Shi Family had their own daughters. How well could they treat their niece?

The more she thought, the more she felt that while both girls were not likable, Lin Dai Yu was more preferred. She had a good father, and a good brother.

The siblings did not appear very passionate about the Jia Family celebrations. They occasionally appeared and then retreated back to their own courtyard. Lin Dai Yu said that she was sick, Lin Yu Yang had to go to school, and Lin Yu Tong naturally had to watch over the home.

After a few days of liveliness, the weather turned cold and the wind was evil. The floor heating had started long ago, so now it was just to have the fire burn more hot.

When Lin Yu Tong opened her eyes, before she even washed up, Sister-in-law Ping came in. “Miss! Missus Rong of the Eastern Residence passed away last night.”

Finally happened. Qin Ke Qing was dead.

Lin Ru Hai had fallen seriously ill before Qin Ke Qing’s death in the original work. Now, Lin Ru Hai was not dead and he had been promoted, but Qin Ke Qing’s death could not be changed.

She took a deep breath. “Send the funeral money. When the procession occurs, set up a road altar. Do not make it attention-catching. When Yang-ge’er returns, have him deliver condolences. That’s all.”

Sister-in-law Ping acknowledged and then turned to leave.

She was in a daze for a while on the bed. In the end, Qin Ke Qing was a stranger she had only just met.

Ignoring ethics was something that people held in contempt regardless of which era it was. Her fate could not be blamed on others.

Thinking for a while, she started to think of another important matter.

Qin Ke Qing was dead. So Jia Yuan Chun will start to rise. The Grand View Garden was going to be built and the tide of buildings in the capital was about to start.

This was a good business opportunity.

Thinking of the silver Jia Min gave the Jia Family, Lin Yu Tong felt pain inside. There were also the gifts that her family had sent ever since they came here. The more she thought, the more she hurt. How could she not take the chance to earn a fortune?

The Grand View Garden was said to have cost a million taels of silver. But Lin Yu Tong felt that it was an exaggeration. But regardless of how much was spent, there was profit in here.

She sent Lin Ping to call over the storekeepers in the capital and carefully instructed them to try to gather lumber, stone, and other building materials. If she could get a monopoly, she could set the price. As long as she did not go overboard, no one would seek out a distant supply when there was one close by.

Stones, bricks, tiles, pillars. These were heavy things. It was not possible to transport them from afar. It took time, and the manpower was costly.

Also, these families were going to be building at the same time, and time was tight.

The storekeeper did not understand so Lin Yu Tong said, “Arrange matters in the next few days, and also get in contact with the stewards and servants of Noble Consort Wu and Noble Lady Zhou, and also the Jia Family. Business will likely come from these families, big business.”

The storekeeper shook inside. This proved that this was related to the palace. Right now, the master was a director-general, and the misses and young master had gone into the palace. They may have gotten some news. He did not dare to doubt and said, “I fear there is not enough silver to use.”

“Take it from my accounts.” Lin Yu Tong said with a smile, “You are a good hand at business. If they know that our goods are the best, and the most expensive, the business will get done.”

Understood. It was related to the face of the consorts. Would their paternal families not bear to get face for them?

After discussing this, Lin Yu Tong’s mood improved.

As expected, with money to be made, people would be happy no matter the time.

After Lin Yu Yang returned, Lin Yu Tong sent him to the Ning Ducal Establishment. She had him change into plain clothing and warned, “Do not stay for long. Come back after you go. No one there is a good person.”

“I know.” Lin Yu Yang responded with a smile.

As expected, he returned soon.

“I do not know what’s going on. Master Zhen cries like his parents are dead, but Jia Rong is not there. Jia Rong’s wife is gone, but he has disappeared. He is the father-in-law. When he sees someone, he says that a daughter-in-law is better than ten sons. What nonsense is this? When I got there, it was a mess, no one was in charge. I heard that the mistress of the household is ill, but when did the illness of the mistress of the household stop other servants from working? I think that Sister-in-law Zhen is hiding. The servants are so clever. They know the intentions of their mistress, and so they are slacking off.” Lin Yu Yang came back and complained to Lin Yu Tong.

Lin Yu Tong thought, of course You-shi was pretending to be ill and hiding. A few days ago, she had been jumping around. Now that she was needed, she immediately became ill. Was the meaning not clear enough?

It was just Wang Xi Feng who always looked down at this You-shi and wanted to show off how capable she was so she went there to work thanklessly.

“Also, Sister-in-law Zhen’s paternal sisters are guarding the coffin. It is nonsense. There are men coming in and out. She does not fear colliding with them.” Lin Yu Yang was very scornful. “I heard that the idiot of the Xue Family took the wood that Prince Yizhong was going to use for his wall. Heavens, there are no laws in the world.”

Arrogant and ignorant, waiting for death.

“Okay! Do not care for someone else’s family.” Lin Yu Tong sent him to rest. “This matter is finished. It has nothing more to do with us.”

As expected, the second day, Wang Xi Feng displayed her abilities in the Ning Ducal Establishment. Compared to You-shi‘s usual conduct, she crushed You-shi.

Of course, the servants of the Ning Ducal Establishment had nothing good to say of her.

Lin Yu Tong would think sometimes, maybe that this Wang Xi Feng was not trying to be competitive. She was more willing to believe that Wang Xi Feng and Qin Ke Qing had been friends and she wanted the other to have a good funeral.

Thinking like this, she felt better.

Qin Ke Qing’s funeral was very grand. Lin Yu Tong calculated and had to feel pain on Jia Zhen’s behalf for his silver. Because of Qin Ke Qing’s funeral ceremony, everyone in the Jia Family moved to the Iron Threshold Temple.

Wang Xi Feng found the temple inconvenient, and went to live at the Moon Water Abbey, taking Jia Bao Yu and Qi Zhong with her.

The abbess Jing Xu observed Wang Xi Feng’s expression as she fawned. Wang Xi Feng felt very smug, but when a lawsuit was mentioned, her heart suddenly shook.

She thought of what Lin Yu Tong had said.

“…… People who dare to accept any money, but not offend anyone…… How many of such officials have a good ending…… Do not get involved……”

The words echoed in her ears. Yes! The Lin Family had a first rank official, and were careful in each step. Her residence was a ducal establishment, but had no one in court. Why did she feel that there was nothing in the world she could solve?

She closed her eyes, like she was dozing off. A long time later, she said, “Such matters are not things a woman like me can handle. No matter how much you praise me, it is useless.”

“Silver can……” Jing Xu said, thinking that the silver was not enough motivation.

Wang Xi Feng was swayed for a moment, but then seemed to hear Lin Yu Tong’s mocking laughter. “Tell me, why did you accept all that silver? A mouse saving food for a cat. How much money did you use for yourself?”

She suddenly felt disheartened. Was she working so hard for Ping’er to steal it all for Second Master Lian?

She sneered inside and waved a hand, looking like she was about to sleep. She did not give Jing Xu a chance to speak.

This Jing Xu was puzzled inside. When did Second Missus Lian change her personality?

In reality, ever since Wang Xi Feng saw the servants of the Lin Family, she had suspicions about Ping’er. Now that she paid attention, she truly found that she had a traitor right next to her.

She usually was cunning. Even though she was very angry, she did not show it. This person had a very good reputation in the residence. Also, if she was switched for someone else, they may not be as easy to use as this one. So she endured, and watched. She was secretly looking for someone who could replace Ping’er.

When the time came, the girl would be officially elevated to be a concubine. She and Second Master Lian had already gotten together so it did not matter.

If this was public, she was virtuous. Ping’er would not be the original Ping’er.

She had pondered this for a long time now, just not having told anyone.

Wang Xi Feng found that Bao Yu and Qin Zhong were missing now that she was not busy with Jing Xu. She called a servant girl to look. If someone got close to Bao Yu outside, then she would not be able to explain it.

When the servant girl came back, she was red. “I thought that Master Qin Zhong looked good…… But he is together with that Nun Zhi Ning…… They are inside and won’t come out. Later, Bao Yu went in…… Zhi Ning ran out, not dressed properly…… I thought I would wait a while and then go in to avoid the masters being embarrassed. But when I got to the threshold, I heard the sounds inside were not right…… So I quietly came back.”

Wang Xi Feng turned red and white in turn. “I thought he was a good one, the same as his brother, just as bad. No wonder……”

No wonder Eldest Sister Lin always looked down on Bao Yu.

She gave a small sigh. In the end, this was a child that she had seen grown up. In this wilderness, she had to care for him. “Go watch from afar, and bring him here when he comes out.”

The servant girl turned and left.

Because of Bao Yu’s matter, Wang Xi Feng was not in a good mood for several days after she returned to the residence. She thought, the men of the world were just so. Even Bao Yu, who was proud of his understanding of women and cared for them, did not understand the pain of women. What was there to hope for? What women wanted was just faithfulness. Nothing could compare to faithfulness.

The affairs of the household could not tolerate her slacking off like this as Jia Zheng’s birthday had arrived.

She started to get busy again, but she was already used to it. Half of the Jia Family’s time was spent on banquets, minor and major ones, one every few days, never resting. She could manage these things blind.

But this birthday was a special day for the Jia Family. Just as they were celebrating, Eunuch Xia came from the palace, saying that Jia Zheng was summoned to the palace.

Oh! It had been many years since the Jia Family had been summoned to the palace.

It was not a trivial matter for a little fifth rank assistant secretary to have the favor to be summoned into the palace.

Lin Yu Tong knew, Yuan Chun was about to be promoted to consort.

She wanted to know the result even more than the Jia Family. The book had only briefly mentioned families other than the Jia Family but she did not have to just do business with the Jia Family.

When the edict of Yuan Chun being elevated to Consort Xiande came, the Jia Family boiled over, everyone cheering.

The servants were already proud, and now, they were even more so.

A consort had come from their family! This meant that they may be the maternal family of a prince in the future, or even higher…… Their future was promising.

Lin Yu Tong followed everyone and congratulated.

Madam Wang started to be reserved. Her thoughts had changed. In her view, Lin Dai Yu was not worthy of her son. An imperial brother-in-law could match a commandery princess.

Lin Yu Tong felt that Madam Wang had elevated Xue Bao Chai in order to fight Mother Jia. Or rather, she used the Xue Family to step on the Lin Family. Maybe it was because Aunt Xue was from her paternal family, she felt it was fine to elevate her paternal family. She did not truly want the daughter of a merchant for a daughter-in-law. But later, the Jia Family’s days got worse by the day. She had to keep a grip on the money of the Xue Family so she had Jia Bao Yu marry Xue Bao Chai. She had been picking all this time, trying to pick the best for Jia Bao Yu. Otherwise, when Yuan Chun became a consort, she could have asked for an imperial edict. If a marriage was decreed, everyone would have been settled. But she had not. In the end of the story, Yuan Chun had lost favor in the palace. As a mistress, she could not have not felt that the Jia Family declined after Yuan Chun became a consort. Her choice at the time was very wise. With the wealth of the Xue Family, her son would have a carefree life.

Lin Yu Tong thought about it and regardless of whether it was right or wrong, she was happy. Now that the consort had been titled, the park was going to be built soon. The silver invested would not be for nothing.

Could she not be happy?

Lin Dai Yu gave several looks to Lin Yu Tong……

Editor’s ramblings: Apologies if the quality here is a little lower than normal. I edited this on my phone at the airport. The next chapter might also be the same.

Translator Ramblings: Kudos to Smash because these last few chapters are super long, like three times the length of the initial few.

Wang Xi Feng’s characterization in the story is one of someone who is very capable, hard-working, ambitious, a natural talent with words, and desires to keep the family preserved. As a result, she takes all the chances she can to take charge of matters, and save as much money as possible while make more money by giving out high interest loans (illegal to do). However, she dies of illness as the Jia Family collapses, and all her efforts were for nothing.

Table of Contents

• Grafting Life Chapter 27 – Red Chamber (27)
• Grafting Life Chapter 29 – Red Chamber (29)
• Grafting Life Chapter 30 – Red Chamber (30)