Hiding the News, Xifeng Devises a Strange Scheme; The Secret Leaks, and Daiyu Loses Her Reason

Jia Lian took the fake jade and returned angrily to the study. When the swindler saw Jia Lian’s grim face, he panicked at once and hurriedly rose to meet him. Before he could speak, Jia Lian sneered, “You have nerve! You miserable wretch! What sort of place is the Rong-guo House, that you dare come here to swindle us?” He turned and shouted, “Where are the pages?” The pages outside answered with a roar. Jia Lian ordered, “Tie him up with rope. When the master returns, we will question him clearly and send him to the authorities!” The pages all answered, but though their mouths said yes, not one of them actually moved. The swindler was frightened out of his wits. Knowing there was no escape, he knelt and kowtowed to Jia Lian. “Second Master, calm your anger! I was poor and desperate, so I did this shameless thing. This fake jade was made with borrowed money. I do not dare want it. I will give it to the Second Master for amusement!” As he spoke, he kowtowed without stopping. Jia Lian spat at him. “You reckless thing! Who in our household cares for your worthless......