The Famous Detective of the Red Mansion

Chapter 383 - The Sensible Ones

Jia Yucun's sudden gesture of kindness left Sun Shaozong completely suspicious for most of the day and even secretly sent someone to search for Fu Shi to try to ask, but unfortunately, he still couldn't detect anything.

His information was more minor than his political enemies, it was a big taboo in officialdom!

Therefore, after dispersing the government office, Sun Shaozong went straight to Zijin Street and prepared to have Xue Pan go to inquire with Minister Wang about any recent personnel changes in the Central Judicial Office, especially regarding Han Anbang and Jia Yucun.

To his surprise, he arrived at Xue Mansion and waited in the front hall for a moment. However, he heard from the steward of the Mansion that Xue Pan was listening to the opera in the Wangjiang Tower and had not returned to the Mansion yet.

Upon hearing this, Sun Shaozong prepared to bid farewell and leave.

To his surprise again, the steward tried his best to let him stay, saying, "Lord Sun, our Master comes back every day after dark, and I'm sure it's no exception today. If you don't have anything urgent, you might as well stay for a while. Otherwise, when the Master comes back and hears that I haven't kept you, I'm afraid he will have to be furious.”

With Xue Pan's foolish and domineering temper, it was likely that he would get angry about it.

It was still early, so Sun Shaozong stayed and gossiped with the idle steward who had nothing to do.

Since it was in the Xue family, the focus of discussion naturally couldn’t be separated from the ”Elephant Rebellion,” and Sun Shaozong was indeed a bit curious about the fate of the two elephants.

“Originally, according to the Master's intention, we were going to cut those two elephants to pieces. But our Lady said that those two elephants were also forced by ”people” and not the main culprit. Therefore, we only let the Master kill the dog and found another elephant man to domesticate them.”

Upon hearing the steward mention the Lady, Sun Shaozong couldn't help but recall the scene of that day, carrying Xue Baochai running madly.

It was said that Xue Baochai has the appearance of the ”Imperial Concubine Yang,” but when he first met her that day, Sun Shaozong only thought she was tall and symmetrical, far from Li Wan’s corpulent posture. It wasn't until she bounced around on his back that he realized that she was soft and flabby as if she were as soft as cotton!

Coupled with the clotting that could be broken by blowing bullets, it must be captivating to be pressed under his body.

At the same time as Sun Shaozong was fantasizing, there were also people sitting and struggling in the Xue family's house.

This person was none other than Xue Pan's mother, Aunt Xue.

Just now, she heard a response from someone saying that Sun Shaozong was visiting and he was currently waiting in the hall for the Master to return. Aunt Xue's heart has been filled with many thoughts and distractions.

Since Sun Shaozong sacrificed his life to save her on that day, her view of Sun Shaozong has changed a lot, and she even had the idea of recruiting him as a son-in-law.

After all, Jia Baoyu now seemed to have made it clear that he would marry Lin Daiyu. With his stubborn nature, even if her Sister, Old Madam Wang was in charge, Aunt Xue felt hopeless. Wasn’t it a waste of youth if her daughter kept fighting like this?

Although Sun Shaozong didn’t have the aura of the ”Imperial Uncle,” he was also a young and talented person who was famous in the officialdom, and it would be a perfect match with her daughter.

Especially her son was very convinced of him. If they could truly connect with marriage, she wouldn't have to worry about Xue Pan's mistakes in the future.

Considering these many benefits, how could Aunt Xue remain unmoved?

It was just that…

When she mentioned it to her daughter that day, Baochai brought up the old story again and had some doubts about his character.

This left Aunt Xue deeply troubled because she couldn't make it clear whether Sun Shaozong had revealed his true side or she had misunderstood during their first meeting.

From the subsequent meetings, it could be seen that there was a great possibility of misunderstandings. But the first time they met, Sun Shaozong's impolite appearance was vividly remembered by Aunt Xue now.

Else…

Should she give him another chance?

As soon as this idea arose, it grew like wild grass, to the point where Aunt Xue couldn't figure out whether she wanted to test Sun Shaozong's character or show off her seductive demeanor in front of a strong man, who had been hiding deep in her heart for a long time.

Perhaps both!

After being a widow for over ten years, she also shared her daughter-in-law and son's constant mischief, which she had accumulated in her heart, unable to express her impulse to others.

Anyway, after making up her mind, Aunt Xue quickly dressed up in front of the bronze mirror.

She was in a dilemma between the ”red-edged draped tulle skirt” and the ”sapphire blue floral breast skirt” when she heard someone behind her say strangely, “Mother, what are you doing?”

Aunt Xue was so scared that she almost tore the skirt. Looking back, she saw Xue Pan shaking his big head and looking at herself in confusion. She couldn't help but blurt out, "Why did you come to the backyard? What about Lord Sun?”

“He went off.”

Xue Pan said with a big grin, "Second Brother entrusted me with something, and went home to have dinner.”

Already gone?!

Aunt Xue looked at the low-cut and deep-necked imitation Tang Palace dress in her hand, feeling empty and speechless.

When Sun Shaozong left Zijin Street, he didn't go home for dinner. Instead, he circled to a nearby courtyard.

After knocking on the door a few times, someone inside responded in a crisp voice, "Who's knocking? Who's knocking on the door?”

“It's me, Sun Shaozong.”

After Sun Shaozong shared his name, the door immediately opened to reveal the Third Lady You's charming little face.

It turned out that this was the temporary residence of the You family's mother and daughter.

“Come in quickly, Brother-in-law.”

Third Lady You moved aside and let Sun Shaozong in. She looked out with a hopeful expression, only to see Sun Shaozong alone. She was disappointed and asked, "Have you yet to inform Young Master Liu of the location of this place?”

“When I go to the Wangjiang Tower to listen to the opera tomorrow, it's not too late to let him know.”

As Sun Shaozong spoke, he entered the hall without hesitation.

At this moment, Second Lady You had already heard the commotion and hurriedly arranged her appearance to welcome him in. She timidly said with a smile of joy, "Greetings to the Master.”

Old Lady You also rubbed her hands and followed in from outside, saying with a smile on her face, "Second Master must have just come out of the Yamen, right? I wonder what you want to eat today, I’ll go and prepare….”

“Don't bother, I'll just instruct a few words and go back.”

Sun Shaozong waved his hand and said sternly, "In the past few days, you'd better not go out casually, especially not to meet people from Ningguo Mansion.”

Both the mother and daughter of the You family have heard about the conflict in the Wangjiang Tower, and they know that they could no longer tolerate both ends. Moreover, compared to the uncertain future in the Ningguo Mansion, Sun Shaozong was naturally more secure.

Therefore, both mother and daughter agreed.

“If Young Master Liu comes to find me, it wouldn't be considered as going out casually, right?”

Sun Shaozong ignored her, turned his head, and said to the Second Lady You, "Tomorrow morning, you should dress up more plainly. Perhaps I will send someone to pick you up to the Wangjiang Tower to listen to the play. At that time, both of my Concubines will be around. Please be careful and keep good relationships. In a few days, I can also officially take you back to the mansion.”

If this was told to the Third Lady You, he was afraid it would cause some trouble.

But the Second Lady You was a soft-tempered person, especially since she had already handed over her body to Sun Shaozong for internal and external ”examination” that day. At this time, her heart was set on marrying into the Sun family, and she naturally obediently followed Sun Shaozong's instructions without any further words.

Seeing her being so clever and sensible, Sun Shaozong was very satisfied in his heart. He casually took a prepared gold hairpin from his sleeve pocket and handed it to the Second Lady You, saying, "I didn't see much decent jewelry from you that day. Take a look at this hairpin first. If you think the style of the carving is decent, I will bring a pair of headpiece jewelry over in a few days. When I lift you into the door, it will also look more beautiful.”

Second Lady You saw that the hairpin was full of weight and embedded with a lot of agate jade, and she was immediately delighted. What style of carver should she still consider?

She had already glued her tall and plump body to Sun Shaozong's arm. If it weren't for Sun Shaozong's composure, he was afraid he would have caught her inside and played a game without caring.

Speaking of her gentle and timid temperament, Second Lady You was a bold and reckless person who didn't pay attention to ”rules and propriety” between the beds. In the future, once Xiangling gave birth, it was better to gather them together and enjoy flying wings together.

If he kept daydreaming like this, he wouldn’t be able to leave.

With a firm heart, Sun Shaozong pushed Second Lady You away. He strode out of the courtyard, flipped over his horse, and ran a long distance. Looking back, he could still see Second Lady You standing outside like a stone watching her husband.

She was indeed a clever person!

Sun Shaozong had arrived at the mansion. He heard Zhao Zhongji report that Jia Qiang from Ningguo Mansion had arrived and was currently speaking to his Big Brother in the living room.

Upon hearing that it was Jia Qiang, Sun Shaozong guessed in his heart that the Ningguo Mansion meant to be submissive and seek peace. After all, Jia Qiang was the most smooth person and never spoke harshly.

As expected, when he arrived near the front hall, we heard his Big Brother burst into hearty laughter inside, clearly having a pleasant conversation with Jia Qiang.

However, after entering the door, Sun Shaozong couldn't help but be stunned, because, in addition to his Big Brother and Jia Qiang, there were five or six women in the room, all of whom were Concubines of his Big Brother.

“Brother, this is…”

“Haha…”

Sun Shaozu chuckled and pointed at Jia Qiang, saying, "Although Brother Qiang is young, his skill is really impressive. He can tell the depth of a person’s appearance, and he just guessed correctly a few times without fail.”

Sun Shaozong was speechless for a while and didn't want to take on this conversation. He immediately asked, "Brother Qiang, did you come here today to make a statement for your Uncle?”

“I can't hide it from you.”

Jia Qiang bowed with a smile and said, "Actually, we are all relatives. Why bother making each other look shameless? In my opinion, marrying the Second Aunt of the You family is a great thing. Since then, the two families can become closer, isn't it better than anything else?”

As he spoke, he took out a pair of jade rings from his sleeve and said with a grin, "This is a gift I prepared for my Second Aunt. Now that everything is going on like this, it's not convenient to see her. I'll just ask you to deliver it on my behalf.”

He was also a ”sensible” person!

Unfortunately, Ningguo Mansion would be passed to Jia Rong in the future, otherwise, if Jia Qiang would become the head of the family, there might still be a chance to revive the family's reputation.