Dreams of Jianghu

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Last time on Grafting Life: The consort died.

Chapter 68 Red Chamber (68)

How come a perfectly fine person suddenly passed away?

Madam Wang was stunned. After reacting, she felt that the hope and plots of half her life dissipated. Immediately, her mind was filled with the face and voice of her daughter before entering the palace. Her eyes rolled back and she fainted.

Jia Lian had been in the home for so long. Even if he did not want to see others, he had to ask around about this. The consort had been the hope of the family. Jia Zheng was still in his position, and Jia She did not even have someone to discuss with. He could only have Jia Lian run around while he and Jia Zhen waited at home.

You-shi frowned and sat next to Wang Xi Feng asking, “How to tell the old mistress?”

Wang Xi Feng was in a daze. Lin Yu Tong’s words had been right, as expected. In a blink, it arrived. She did not have time to be sad. She thought of how to send away the children.

Hearing You-shi‘s words, she said, “Such a important matter, will we be able to hide it?”

You-shi stilled and looked at Li Wan. She frowned and said, “I fear something happening to the old mistress. What about then?”

Wang Xi Feng shook her head. “No one will be able to endure this.”

You-shi still wanted to speak when Xiao Hong ran in, panicked. “Missus, go see the ge’er, he cannot stop fussing. Something is wrong.”

Wang Xi Feng immediately stood up. “You discuss, the child cannot leave me.” Then she left like the wind.

Out the door, Wang Xi Feng asked Xiao Hong in a whisper, “Is Gui-ge’er fine?”

“Fine!” Xiao Hong said, “But it is like this now, Missus still has to make the final arrangements.”

“I know.” Wang Xi Feng responded. Right now, other than the clothing and jewelry she usually used, the rest had been moved away. Even the decorations had been moved, and fake ones put in their place.

On the other side, just like Wang Xi Feng had thought, such a great matter could not be kept a secret. Mother Jia heard this, and immediately covered her chest, falling back. Jia Bao Yu only stood by Mother Jia and cried. Xue Bao Chai felt very irritated. The family had trouble, the man did not think to help and just cried. What was the use in crying?

Even before news came from the palace, Mother Jia and Madam Wang fell down. Everyone could not find someone with an idea, and came to ask Wang Xi Feng.

Wang Xi Feng said, “Something happened to the consort. The old mistress cannot have anything happen to her. I think, how about having a wedding to push away the bad luck?”

Madam Xing said, “Is it feasible?”

“How about having Second Sister’s marriage along with Bao Yu’s marriage together, it will be simple, but there was no time for anything else,” Wang Xi Feng suggested.

Jia She heard this and allowed it. Having a respectful son-in-law was a layer of protection.

Wang Xi Feng had permission and was not polite, picking things out of the stores. Silk, medicine, incense, furniture, even if only the heavy things were left, as long as the materials were good, she did not mind. She also took silver from the old mistress’ stores. At this time, she would move out as much as possible with the excuse of the dowry. Even if it was given to Ying Chun, it was not a loss. Hopefully, this brother-in-law commander would help her a bit for the sake of the dowry, and her scheming was not for nothing.

Yuan Yang looked at this, and did not say a word. She thought that Wang Xi Feng was in a hurry to marry Ying Chun off because she wanted to get the protection of a capable family. If the dowry was rich, then people would have face to beg aid in the future.

The entire family thought this. Even Ying Chun had such thoughts.

The night before the marriage, Wang Xi Feng toldYing Chun, “…… The consort is dead, this family is…… Right now, I have found a place for you. The marriage is done. It will spare any change in the future, and you being unable to escape. If not for this, the family likely will not have given you silver for the dowry. Take this silver, and just take care of yourself.” She said to Si Qi, “I give your miss to your care. No matter what happens in the future, if you protect her, you will protect yourself.”

Si Qi had been saved by Ping’er once and swore to protect Ying Chun before Wang Xi Feng got up and left.

“I feel that Second Missus’ words are an ill omen,” Si Qi said after seeing Wang Xi Feng off.

“Regardless, we are leaving sooner or later. As long as there are quiet days to live, it does not matter the place,” Ying Chun lowered her head and said.

The day of the marriage for Ying Chun and Bao Yu was the same. They send Ying Chun out one gate, and then Xue Bao Chai was moved from one courtyard to another.

In these days, Jia Bao Yu had been guarded by Mother Jia. Only when he put on the wedding robes did he dazedly say, ” Sister Lin has come home?”

Xi Ren immediately changed expression, wanting to explain. But fearing that he would make a fuss, she just said vaguely, “The bride is about to arrive. Second Master, do not delay.”

Bao Yu thought the bride was Lin Dai Yu and was very happy.

Xi Ren took the chance to find Yuan Yang to tell her what had happened. “I fear this little forbearer will make a fuss during the ceremony, what to do?”

Yuan Yang stomped her foot and said, “You go, I will arrange this.”

Xi Ren trusted Yuan Yang. If she said she could arrange this, big trouble would not occur. Yuan Yang called Chun Xian to come and led her to the Xue Family’s courtyard.

“Miss Bao, today, have Chun Xian help Miss,” Yuan Yang said with a smile.

Ying’er was not happy. Why did someone else get to help her miss on her wedding day?

Xue Bao Chai immediately understood. Fortunately, she was always composed, and agreed without a smile. Everyone knew that in the first two years, Chun Xian had served Lin Dai Yu, but was not as close as Zi Juan.

There was no need to say why this arrangement was occurring. Could it not be depressing? She was a person, not a saint. Her wedding day was still so irritating.

Yuan Yang could not care so much right now as long as the marriage slowly went through. As long as the old mistress recovered, nothing else was important.

Jia Bao Yu saw this was Chun Xian helping the bride and his smile could not be contained. Looking at the figure, it did not seem very similar, but he had not seen Sister Lin for a long time. When a girl grew up, she was not the same. He could not be too rash, and make Sister unhappy.

Only after entering the wedding chamber and the veil was taken off was Jia Bao Yu stunned. This was Sister Bao, not Sister Lin.

“Sister, how come you are here?” Jia Bao Yu dazedly asked.

“Where can I be if not here?” Xue Bao Chai flushed red, and appeared a bit bashful.

This expression stunned Bao Yu. He would not think of asking more, and could not look at her enough.

Bao Yu was not unfamiliar with women. He remembered how he regretted not being able to touch Xue Bao Chai’s arm in the past. Now that she was in front of him, how could he resist?

The two were very loving for a night. Xi Ren and She Yue guarding the door sighed in relief, but also felt jealous and heartsore.

The next morning, Bao Yu was in a good mood to draw Xue Bao Chai’s eyebrows. The pair naturally had to go visit Mother Jia for the morning greeting. Just as they left the door, they saw that the hibiscus which had withered in the courtyard had bloomed overnight in an eerie display.

Jia Bao Yu dazedly said, “Qing Wen and Bi Hen have returned.”

The nonsense words caused everyone to feel a shiver.

Xiao Hong came with Wang Xi Feng’s orders to welcome the new couple. When she entered the yard, she heard the words and thought, Qing Wen is very well right now, why scare people?

She came over with a smile, “It can be seen that the plants have souls, and are congratulating Second Master Bao and Second Missus Bao. Also, there is another happy matter. The old mistress and the mistress have woken up. The physician visited them, and they are fine for now.”

In reality, the mistress was fine, but the old mistress’ health was not as good as before.

Bao Yu was overjoyed. Xue Bao Chai felt that with a good omen right after her marriage, her days in the family would be better.

The new wife had to meet the new relatives and present tea after marrying in. To Xue Bao Chai, it was just a formality. She grew up in the Jia Family. Who did she not know?

Mother Jia saw the new couple and gave a smile, giving them meeting gifts. Madam Wang was even more comforted. She had birthed three children in her life. Her eldest son and eldest daughter had both died before her. Right now, the one left was a treasure.

Just as they were arranging for a vegetable banquet and for the family to have a party to rid of the bad luck, footsteps came from outside.

Jia Zheng had committed crimes in his position. He was arrested and on the way back to the capital right now.

Mother Jia forced herself to hold on and ordered, “Go to the Lin Family, go to the Lin Family, ask Son-in-law Lin.”

Everyone looked at Wang Xi Feng. Right now, she was the only one who could enter the Lin Family.

Wang Xi Feng had been thinking of how to send the children away. This time, she did not hesitate, and immediately agreed.

Lin Yu Tong saw Wang Xi Feng come in holding Jia Gui and Qiao-jie. She knew the other had come to seek shelter for her children. She sighed and said, “Leave Xiao Hong behind. Do not worry about the children. The Lin Family does not have many children, and we do not mind raising two more.”

Jia Min was Lin Ru Hai’s wife in the end. If they did not do anything at all, they would appear too cold-blooded. But if they knew the matter was troublesome and still took in two children, it was something else.

Even if the emperor knew, he would only say that Lin Ru Hai valued his relationships. Also, two children, a young girl, a still nursing baby, the children were innocent.

Keeping them would not harm anything.

Wang Xi Feng immediately knelt. Lin Yu Tong could not stop her.

Wang Xi Feng said, “Seeing the Zhen Family’s end, I am very anxious. If I really…… Sister, please watch the children grow up.”

Lin Yu Tong knew when people were facing the unknown and scared, the terror would magnify. At this time, nothing said would be appropriate. She nodded and agreed. “Do not worry. As long as I am here, the two children will be safe.”

Wang Xi Feng hugged the two children. Qiao-jie was old enough to know what was happening. She pulled on Wang Xi Feng’s sleeve and did not let go. “Mother, do not abandon me.”

Regardless of how strong a person was, they could not endure this. Wang Xi Feng glanced at Xiao Hong. Xiao Hong nodded, showing that she would look after them. Wang Xi Feng left without a glance.

Lin Yu Tong comforted. “It is fine. You are just staying with Aunt for a few days, you are just visiting relatives. When the matter of the family is finished, she will come for you.” Then she led them to Lin Dai Yu’s courtyard. The other was more patient with children than she was.

Lin Dai Yu saw this and understood. “When I was young, I was protected in my maternal family. Now, I will repay the favor.”

Lin Yu Tong ordered people to prepare a courtyard and said to Xiao Hong. “Just stay here and do not worry. Maybe it will not be too bad.”

Xiao Hong naturally kept on thanking them. If the Lin Family was not willing to help, not just Missus and the children, even her family would not be able to easily escape. They may be separated and sold to different places.

The family was in chaos. Other than Ping’er, no one detected her actions.

“Missus, you are……” Ping’er was alarmed.

“Do not make a fuss, just in case. The calamities come one after another. I am worried,” Wang Xi Feng brushed her off.

“Good, it will avoid the chaos of the family harming them,” Ping’er nodded in understanding.

At this side, missus and servant spoke, and then Zhou Rui’s wife hurried in. “Mistress calls for Second Missus Lian to go over, Ping’er as well.”

Wang Xi Feng smiled in scorn at herself. Now that Bao Yu had married, there was the Second Missus Bao. They started to call Xue Bao Chai Second Missus, while she had become Second Missus Lian. The difference of the words showed who was superior in their minds.

“I will change and go. I have to talk with mistress about the master,” Wang Xi Feng said.

“It is good if you have news. Something else happened. The mistress is angry,” Zhou Rui’s wife said, “The master of the XueFamily has been arrested by the Ministry of Justice. I do not know why, there are many things being said about the Iron Threshold Temple……”

Wang Xi Feng stopped for a moment and thought, as expected, when the wall fell, everyone pushed.

Wang Xi Feng had no attention to spare for the fuss between Aunt Xue and Xia Jin Gui. She was not able to do anything. Jia Qin’s unspeakable matters meant he deserved to be punished.

She hurried to the old mistress’s yard and saw Miao Yu visiting. Wang Xi Feng felt annoyed and said to Ping’er, “Send someone to send this Miao Yu away. If she is left in this chaos, a calamity will happen sooner or later.”

Ping’er nodded. Wang Xi Feng whispered, “Find a clean place.” It would be a good deed. She hoped the heavens had eyes and would protect her children.

Then, Ping’er sent grannies to forcibly deliver Miao Yu to the Imperial Thinking Temple. It was the place the noble families in the capital used to keep the women who had committed crimes. It was very strict, and nothing unspeakable would occur there. But there was one thing, if no one came to get them, they had to stay in the temple, without any freedom. Even their wealth would be given to the temple for safekeeping. They had to plant their own vegetables, make their own food. They did not have anyone to serve them. Later, Lin Yu Tong heard of this and found it amusing. She did not know if Miao Yu’s desires would have been worn away inside. But no matter what, it was better than her original end.

The matters of the Jia Family fell to Wang Xi Feng to work on, but when the calamity came, no one could stop it.

In the night, Wen Tian Fang came with news that he was responsible for raiding and confiscating the property. He asked Lin Yu Tong if she had anything to say.

Lin Yu Tong was thankful for his consideration. Seeing Lin Dai Yu’s concern, she told him, “Do what you need do. But take more care with the women, and do not have anyone impinge on them.”

The next morning, soldiers surrounded the Jia Family’s two residences, gathering the masters together, and the servants together.

The women were in the old mistress’ rooms. The men could only be outside, all so frightened they could not stand.

When they saw the person coming in was Wen Tian Fang, the family sighed in relief. Regardless of the crime, at least, they would not suffer very much.

Aunt Xue held Xue Bao Chai’s hand and said, “We will return home. I do not know if your brother is alive or dead. If you go in, what about me left alone?”

Xue Bao Chai felt bitter too. Right now, how could she not regret? If they had delayed a few more months, everything would be fine.

“Mother, return. Have the storekeepers search for news of Brother. Right now, I cannot go if I want to.” She pushed Aunt Xue. “Maybe I will have to depend on Mother.”

Aunt Xue glanced at Madam Wang. Her lips moved but she did not say a thing, leaving. The people outside asked her identity and then did not stop her.

Li Wan suddenly said, “I do not see Qiao-jie and Gui-ge’er.”

Everyone looked at Wang Xi Feng. As expected, she was sitting alone, not in a panic. She clearly had sent the children away ahead of time.

Had she known of this beforehand?

Mother Jia’s face turned black. She asked, “Feng-yatou! What is this!”

“Who knows how many of the family will survive. My children are with the Lin Family because Sister Lin likes them and wants them to keep her company. I did not expect them to escape this calamity. Old Mistress, you should be happy. No matter how you are family is in the future, we saved a root. Why are you so angry?” Wang Xi Feng looked at Mother Jia and asked.

Mother Jia choked and said, “If you knew beforehand, I could have arranged things.”

“What arrangements? The two children do not know anything, and people will forgive them for being innocent. But will Old Mistress be able to do anything about Bao Yu a grown man?” Wang Xi Feng felt very unhappy and said directly.

This was the truth. The Lin Family able to take in the children ahead of time was a great favor.

The outside could hear the fighting inside. Jia Lian’s heart relaxed. He looked at Wen Tian Fang with gratefulness.

But Li Wan hated Wang Xi Feng. “You are an aunt, how vicious you are, you do not think of Lan’er……”

Wang Xi Feng sneered. “I think you have lost your mind. You are a widow, and Lan’er is young. You have not committed any crimes, what are you afraid of?”

At these words, the women in the room sighed in relief. But Madam Wang heard the words and paled. Other people had not broken the law, but she had.

Wen Tian Fang arrested and locked up all the men before standing outside and saying to Mother Jia. “Old mistress, do not panic. Soon, grannies from the government will come in and take you to the eastern city.”

Ping’er looked through the crack in the window and said, “It is the Jinghai Count, the son-in-law of the Lin Family. He has grannies come to get us, this is giving us face.”

Wang Xi Feng said, “Did you not hear? We are going to the jail in the eastern city. The commander there is our second son-in-law. Don’t worry, Old Mistress, the Lin Family’s son-in-law is willing to help, and we are going to Second Son-in-law’s territory, we will not suffer.”

What Wen Tian Fang did not say was that this was just limited to the women. He was not so polite with the men of the Jia Family.

Table of Contents

• Grafting Life Chapter 67 – Red Chamber (67)
• Grafting Life Chapter 69 – Red Chamber (69)
• Grafting Life Chapter 70 – Red Chamber (70)