Red Mansion: Picking up a Lin Daiyu

Chapter 489 Seating Arrangements at the Duke of Dingguo's Mansion

Unaware of the worries of those far away, the Duke of Dingguo's mansion was bustling with activity during the Spring Festival at Yue Ling's residence.

In the old days, the New Year was spent traveling around with Yue Ling, wherever they ended up. The first Spring Festival after returning to the capital was the one with the most people present.

The sisters Xue Baochai and Xue Baoqin took the initiative to handle the income and expenses during the New Year. They bought new clothes for all the sisters during the New Year, and even the servants in the mansion received New Year's bonuses. The whole mansion was filled with joy.

Yingchun, Tanchun, and Xichun, along with the matrons, maids, and servants of the manor, tidied up the back garden once again, gathering up fallen branches and leaves in every courtyard, hanging up red silk lanterns, and decorating it anew.

Zijuan, Yuanyang, Qin Keqing, Ruizhu, Baozhu and others are the chief stewards of the Dingguo Duke's mansion, and they worry about all sorts of trivial matters.

Xueyan was in charge of the kitchen. Every dish served on the table during the New Year had to be approved by her first before it could be written into the recipe.

However, Yue Ling rarely heard of any dish she was dissatisfied with.

I don't know if it's because the cooks' skills have become more and more superb, or because Xueyan is simply not picky about food.

On New Year's Eve,
To celebrate the New Year, the main hall was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. In the center of the hall were several large round sandalwood tables covered with autumn-colored brocade tablecloths. The tassels that swayed were all hand-woven by the maids of the mansion, adorned with various auspicious patterns, showing great care.

The year was filled with joy and reunion. The maids who were preparing the feast in the room were all excited. Zijuan, who had returned from the Shi family mansion, resumed her duties as a maid in the mansion. She led the maids who did menial tasks, and even though she was sweating, she still had a smile on her face.

Life in the Shi family was too oppressive, and it was nothing like the Duke of Dingguo's mansion where people could empty their minds and focus on their work. At least now, he could feel the value of his existence.

But right now she's run into a big problem.

The main table in the center had only eight seats. She had been away from the mansion for some time and didn't know how to arrange the seating arrangement.

Being next to Yue Ling, Lin Daiyu's seat symbolized a higher status within the mansion—an unspoken rule in the household.

Even among the maids, those of higher status had to sit in the main seat, clearly indicating the hierarchy.

Currently, within the mansion, there are nine outsiders besides Yue Ling and Lin Daiyu.

Qin Keqing, Xue Baochai, Xue Baoqin, Shi Xiangyun, Yingchun, Tanchun, Xichun, Xing Xiuyan, Miaoyu.

Zijuan couldn't tell for a moment who was in front and who was behind.

Just as Zijuan was hesitating, she heard the sound of warbling and laughter coming from outside.

Qin Keqing was dressed in a pomegranate red cloak embroidered with gold thread, which was quite eye-catching. As she walked in, one could see that she was wearing an apricot red pleated skirt with gold thread, which made her even more dazzling.

Her waist swayed like a water snake, and a golden hairpin with nine phoenixes holding pearls swayed in her hair.

Zijuan felt a chill run down her spine; it seemed as if this being could extract marrow from bones.

Only my master can tame such a demon.

It's certainly understandable to dress festively for the New Year, but Qin Keqing's outfit was far too dazzling, as if she were there to compete for attention.

Zijuan stepped forward helplessly and said with an awkward smile, "Sister Keqing, you look really beautiful today. No one else could dress as charmingly as you."

Qin Keqing's peach blossom eyes curved into a smile, and her long eyebrows were gently stroked. Zijuan felt as if they could touch her cheek, and she couldn't help but swallow.

With a gentle touch, Qin Keqing poked Zijuan's cheek and chuckled, "Sister Zijuan, you've been away from home for a few months, and you've certainly become more eloquent since you returned. I've come to see if you need any help."

Peeking behind Zijuan on tiptoe, I realized she wasn't there to help at all.

Zijuan knew perfectly well what was going on, so she took her hand and came over, asking, "There is indeed a difficult matter at the moment. Why don't you come and see, Sister Keqing, how should we sit at the main table?"

Qin Keqing waved her hand and laughed, "Isn't that simple?"

“I’m always busy from dawn till dusk, tending to your affairs, so naturally I should sit next to you. As for Lin Daiyu, I think it would be better to let the Third Miss sit here. After all, she’s been very busy lately, and quite successfully. She’s built a glass garden in the garden, which is really beautiful.”

"Second Miss and Fourth Miss will naturally sit next to them, and then we'll include Sister Qin and Sister Bao, making a round of six."

Zijuan twitched her lips, thinking to herself, "In terms of merit, besides Miss, no one is more capable than Baochai, right? Sister Keqing is really selfish."

While Zijuan was still thinking this, Qin Keqing had already moved Xue Baochai's tableware to the far end opposite Yue Ling.

Qin Keqing clapped her hands, put her hands on her hips, and looked very pleased with herself.

"Yes, this looks much better."

Before she could, Xue Baoqin peeked over cautiously.

Zijuan had little interaction with this second young lady of the Xue family, but she heard from others that she was a talented and beautiful woman who was no less than Baochai. Zijuan thought that this was extremely rare and that she must be a remarkable person.

Sure enough, upon entering, one could see her dressed in a golden-green duck-down fur coat, shimmering under the lamplight. She wore a long, pale yellow silk skirt, the hem of which was adorned with twelve pearls, combining the gentleness of Jiangnan with the splendor of the capital.

I've heard that this second young lady has traveled all over the country with her father and brothers since she was a child, doing business everywhere, but I don't know how she managed to develop such snow-white skin.

"You two sisters arrived quite early. Has no one else arrived yet?"

This person was also dressed well, clearly not wanting to be outshone by others at the Spring Festival family dinner.

To be honest, Xue Baoqin's bright smile, paired with this outfit, was no less charming than Qin Keqing's, and they seemed to be on par with each other.

Qin Keqing was even more alert. After Xue Baoqin came over, she kept staring at her until she saw Xue Baochai sitting down on the side of the main seat, taking the place that originally belonged to her. She immediately went forward to negotiate.

“Baoqin, this is my seat. It’s not right for you to change the rules like this.”

The two of them had already started arguing. Zijuan covered her face and stepped aside, wondering what would happen when more people arrived.

Baoqin, however, did not look up at Qin Keqing, and leisurely began to swing her legs.

"Is there any special rule about these seats? It's not first come, first served."

"of course not."

"Then why did Sister Keqing move my sister's tableware just now?"

"This……"

Qin Keqing, who had been speaking aggressively, paused for a moment before changing the subject, saying, "As the master's head maid, I naturally have to sit next to him, and no one in this mansion has made the greatest contribution than me."

Xue Baoqin turned her head with a smile, "Sister Keqing, are you referring to the merits on the bed?"

Qin Keqing raised her head triumphantly. Could this little yellow-haired girl possibly compete with her in this?
All the maids in the manor have received her guidance; she can be considered their mentor!
Xue Baoqin nodded, "Indeed, she is not as good as Sister Keqing. It's a pity that she has been favored by her parents for so long, but she has not been able to produce any offspring for the manor. I think the Marquis should try to find someone else sooner or later."

"Moreover, the Marquis's recent implementation of new policies is clearly largely due to my efforts. I've handled a whole host of tasks, from translating foreign publications and verifying school textbooks to contacting foreign craftsmen and organizing factories. Did you know that the Xue family has already opened a shipyard in Tianjin? The craftsmen there were all hired at great expense from Western countries with excellent shipbuilding capabilities, which will raise the quality of our ships to a whole new level!" Qin Keqing was slightly annoyed, and indeed felt that this Qin sister was more difficult to deal with than Xue Baochai.

Normally, if Xue Baochai were to say a few risqué words, she would be ashamed and run away. But Xue Baoqin didn't care at all, acting all mature and aloof, as if she had really done something with the master.

The other party seized on her inability to have children to attack her, so Qin Keqing had no choice but to rack her brains for a solution.

After a moment, Xue Baoqin spoke first, suggesting, "My sister said that Sister Keqing still owes the Marquis a debt of five thousand taels. I wonder if Sister Keqing has raised enough now."

Qin Keqing gritted her teeth and cursed inwardly, "That gossipy Baochai, why does she say everything?"

He said disdainfully to her face, "You're all just money-grubbing. I don't think I have the ability of you two sisters to make mountains of gold and silver outside."

"How about I give Sister Keqing five thousand taels to buy this position?"

"really?"

A glint flashed in Qin Keqing's eyes, and her gaze suddenly became much clearer.

“Of course there’s no reason for me to flirt with you, sister. Sister Zijuan, please fetch me some pen and ink. I’ll write a receipt and then I can go to the Feng family’s silver shop to exchange it for five thousand taels.”

Qin Keqing urged Zijuan, saying, "Go, hurry up, what are you standing there for?"

In Zijuan's opinion, the shrewd Xue Xiaomei was indeed a cut above the rest.

The fight between the two had just ended when a group of girls arrived.

Yingchun, Tanchun, and Xichun were all dressed in the same style of clothing: brocade jackets with long skirts, and each wore a cloak.

Yingchun's tall figure accentuated her slender waist, and her light red floral top and apricot-yellow long skirt gave her a very gentle and graceful appearance.

Tan Chun has a well-proportioned figure, and she wears a rose-purple floral top and a pink and white long skirt, exuding a refined air.

Xichun was much thinner, wearing a plain dark blue brocade dress and an ivory white long skirt with gold trim, looking exquisite and delicate.

The three women each had their own unique style, but what they had in common was that they had all dressed up carefully.

"Sister Keqing, Sister Baoqin, Sister Zijuan, are we late?"

Zijuan greeted her, saying, "No, we're still quite early."

Tan Chun immediately noticed the strange atmosphere at the head of the table, and without hesitation, she took her sisters' hands and quickly sat down next to Lin Daiyu.

"Since the older sisters have already arranged everything for us, it's fine to just sit here like this."

Zijuan breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that there would be no fight this time, but then footsteps came again in front of the hall, accompanied by that familiar fragrance.

Xue Baochai wore a lotus-green silk brocade crane cloak, and a honey-colored silk skirt with a dark pattern of lotus flowers. The skirt was adorned with white jade pendants.

Xue Baochai has never been particular about her clothes, often appearing in her old dress at home. Even the decorations in her room are simpler than those of others. But today, she has unusually paired her clothes with jade, which shows that she still has some hidden thoughts.

Shi Xiangyun, who was arm in arm with her, didn't look very energetic.
She wore a short, red, flower-patterned jacket with arrow-sleeved cuffs and a tiger-striped skirt, still maintaining her fiery style. However, her face was pale and she had dark circles under her eyes, clearly still worried about the Shi family's affairs.

Zijuan wanted to step forward to comfort her, but felt it was best not to mention it during this festive Spring Festival.

Xue Baochai glanced up and immediately knew what everyone at the table was thinking. She pursed her lips and asked Zijuan, "The sisters are all here, why haven't you brought the tea yet?"

The usually understanding Xue Baochai suddenly became difficult. Zijuan blinked in confusion, then looked at the others with a wry smile and said, "There aren't many people here yet. We'll serve tea together when the dishes are being set out..."

Although Xue Baochai was talking to Zijuan, she glanced at the people at the table and said coldly, "The dishes haven't arrived yet, so why are they all so salty?"

Zijuan knew that Xue Baochai was making a veiled attack, and she struggled to suppress her laughter, so she covered her mouth with a handkerchief.

Standing behind Xue Baoqin, Xue Baochai pinched her cheek and warned, "If you're free, go find Lin Daiyu and get a few more chores to do."

"what's wrong?"

Lin Daiyu entered with a smile, followed closely by Yue Ling.

Zijuan turned around and saw that a perfect couple had indeed arrived.

Perhaps because they had lived together for so long, Zijuan always felt that the young lady's temperament was somewhat similar to that of the master, and her appearance was also very pleasing to the eye.

Today, Lin Daiyu wore a bright red satin white fox fur cloak, with her usual moon-white dress underneath, a satin skirt embroidered with gold butterflies and clouds, and bamboo leaf patterns embroidered on the hem, which was very exquisite.

Yue Ling was also dressed in casual clothes, a sandalwood robe with python patterns and black boots with gold cloud patterns.

His face was gentle and pleasant, yet his every move exuded an aura of authority.

Everyone around rose to greet him, and the banquet was a riot of colors, a dazzling display of beauty.

"Sister Bao, why don't you come and sit down too?"

Lin Daiyu took Xue Baochai's hand and helped her to a seat.

Xue Baochai smiled and shook her head, declining, "No, there are many people at the table. It just so happens that Yunmei and I are sitting next to each other, so we can hear what you are saying."

Lin Daiyu noticed that Shi Xiangyun was not in a good state, so she didn't say much. It was just right that Xue Baochai wanted to keep her company.

He nodded in agreement and called Zijuan over to finish up, leaving an empty seat in the center.

"Sister Yan'er, Master Miaoyu, what are you doing?"

The two have been extremely busy in the delivery room lately. The two babies are not even a month old yet, and the aunts are also recuperating. They all need someone to take care of them during this time.

The two exchanged a glance and, with perfect understanding, made an excuse that they wanted to sit down, thus politely declining Lin Daiyu's offer.

Lin Daiyu put her hands on her hips, glared, and looked up at Yue Ling, saying, "It must be because of Brother Yue. On such a festive New Year, we have to wear such dark colors. All the sisters are dressed like fairies in a painting, but Brother Yue is dressed like ink splashed into a painting. It makes the sisters so scared that they don't dare to sit down."

The little girl covered her mouth and laughed, easing the awkward atmosphere somewhat. Yue Ling also laughed and took the blame, enjoying watching Lin Daiyu act like a matriarch in the hall, assigning seats to others.

After searching through the crowd, Lin Daiyu waved to someone in the distance and said, "Xiangling, come here. Come sit next to Fourth Sister."

The surrounding maids all looked over, their eyes filled with envy.

The farce had ended, and the melodious sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments filled the hall. The New Year was approaching, and laughter and chatter suddenly erupted...

(End of this chapter)