Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 141 Engagement Letter Birthday
Chen Siyuan thought to himself, this is something Old Lady You could do. He vaguely remembered a boss in his past life who had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in a fit of rage. Although he survived, he was left paralyzed.

Yu Sanjie was not a person with a big temper, so Chen Siyuan could only coax her to prevent her from getting really sick.

Yin Shi said, "It's only eight hundred taels, why are you so angry?" He immediately shook his sleeves and took out a stack of banknotes from his sleeve pocket and handed it to You Sanjie, "Take it, sister. If it's not enough tomorrow, I'll send more."

Third Sister You stood up, frowning as she repeatedly refused, saying, "Brother Yuan, take it back quickly. I don't know when my mother will come again. She is a very short-sighted person and hates money. If she sees it, I don't know what will happen."

After a pause, he continued, "I have two or three hundred silver coins on me now, which is more than enough for my living expenses. If I really don't have enough in the future, I will ask Brother Yuan for more."

Chen Siyuan thought about it, then agreed, and said with a smile: "That's a deal, sister, don't be angry, it's not good for your health to get angry."

He now had less than four thousand taels left, and he was truly spending money like water. There was a joke in his past life that one man had one wife per room, but now it seemed the same even in this world.

Although the Third Sister You in front of him was completely devoted to him and was willing to eat coarse food with him, how could Chen Siyuan treat Third Sister You like this?

This is just Third Sister Yu, who is shamelessly wishing for more. In the future, there will be Sister Bao, Sister Lin, Sister Yun... There are so many sisters here, there must be money to spend, right?

Chen Siyuan thought to himself that this money-making plan must be put on the agenda.

After hearing what he said, Third Sister You finally breathed a sigh of relief. She then stood up, rustled out a piece of paper from under her pillow, and handed it to Chen Siyuan, saying, "This is the engagement letter. Brother Yuan, take a look."

Third Sister You pouted, her face showing aggrieved feelings. Chen Siyuan naturally knew why Third Sister You felt aggrieved. With the betrothal money, Third Sister You would be buying a concubine. When she entered the house, she would at most be a concubine. Without the betrothal money, Third Sister You would be a concubine, and her status would naturally be different.

Chen Siyuan took the note and said soothingly with a smile, "Sister, why worry? Your mother raised you and now that life is difficult, I, your third sister, must be filial to her. Regardless of whether there is a betrothal gift or not, you are still the same to me."

Third Sister You was deeply moved. She was most afraid that Chen Siyuan would look down on her because of this. Hearing him say this, she finally put her worries to rest. Her eyes were moist at the moment, and she didn't care that Second Sister You was right beside her. She sobbed and leaned forward, and Chen Siyuan took her into his arms.

You Erjie, who had been watching silently, had just seen Chen Siyuan pull out another stack of banknotes. She roughly estimated that there were at least six or seven hundred taels of banknotes! You Erjie's eyes immediately became hot and her heart began to beat fast!

The look in his eyes when he looked at Chen Siyuan was different. He had previously paid a thousand taels, and now he was asked to pay another six or seven hundred. He had thought that Chen Siyuan was just a poor tycoon with some talent, but who knew he was actually a wealthy man!
Yes, perhaps it was nothing compared to the wealth of the Ningguo Mansion. How much benefit did You Erjie get from accompanying You Lao Niang to the Ningguo Mansion? Even if she really became Jia Zhen's concubine, her monthly allowance was only a few taels of silver - Feng Jieer in the Rongguo Mansion only received five taels of silver. Could You Erjie's income be higher than Feng Jieer's?
You Erjie suddenly had another thought. Having money and being willing to pay are two different things. Chen Siyuan looked generous, young and handsome. He was much better than Jia Zhen and Jia Lian! Moreover, he was a capable man. If she really committed herself to him, wouldn't she have found a safe place to live in this life?

Normally, seeing the two of them hugging each other, You Erjie would have moved away. But now, with her mind in a state of confusion, she stood there, her thoughts running wild.

At this moment, Third Sister You said, "Brother Yuan, take a quick look. If it's not right, I'll ask Mom to rewrite it later."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "There's no guarantor, and no clear evidence. This engagement letter is just for your reference, it's not binding."

As he spoke, he unfolded the paper and scanned it, and saw the words written on it: "This letter is by Chen Siyuan, sixteen years old, and has lived in the capital for generations... In order to continue the family line, he specially invites You Erjie, the daughter of You Shi, from the outer city of the capital, to be his concubine..."

Chen Siyuan blinked and looked carefully. Sure enough, it said "You Erjie"! How...how did it become "You Erjie"?

Third Sister You, who was in his arms, saw his strange expression and asked hurriedly, "Brother Yuan, what's wrong?"

"Oh... well..." Chen Siyuan replied vaguely, closing the engagement letter and saying, "I already said it's not counted, but my sister is just being suspicious."

Third Sister You was so angry that she had a headache. She had probably never even looked at the engagement letter carefully. If she opened it now, she would probably fall seriously ill. Well, let's keep it a secret for now.

Third Sister You said, "At least it's a written document, so she won't have to ask for the betrothal money again in the future." After a pause, she added, "To be honest, I haven't looked at it carefully yet. Brother Yuan, bring it to me."

Chen Siyuan's brows were furrowed, unsure how to respond. Just then, You Erjie came to her senses and, seeing her strange expression, knew there must be something hidden. She stepped forward and said with a smile, "Sister, you're ill. I'll take a look at you on your behalf."

As he spoke, he reached out and snatched the engagement letter from Chen Siyuan's hand. Chen Siyuan looked at You Erjie and couldn't help but wonder, could it be that You Erjie and You Lao Niang were colluding with each other to steal You Sanjie's money? The more he thought about it, the more likely it was. You Sanjie had said before that You Lao Niang had always planned for the two women to share one husband.

At this moment, he couldn't care less about anything else. He had to comfort Third Sister You. So Chen Siyuan gently stroked Third Sister You's back, lowered his head and asked with a smile, "Sister, I'm sure you didn't eat well today. Later, ask the nanny to prepare a few delicious dishes, and I'll accompany you to have a good meal."

Third Sister You had no doubts and raised her eyes to ask, "Brother Yuan, aren't you leaving today?"

"I promised to accompany you, so naturally I won't leave."

Third Sister You was immediately delighted when she heard this. Old Lady You had been so angry that she hadn't eaten or drunk anything for half a day. Now she was also hungry, so she said, "I want to eat pearl tofu soup and braised fish jerky with mushrooms."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Okay, I'll tell someone to do it right away."

Third Sister You tilted her little face upwards and began to smile foolishly, then pressed it against Chen Siyuan's chest, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. She had been wronged early in the morning, so she naturally wanted to take the opportunity to act coquettishly.

While Chen Siyuan was trying to comfort Third Sister You, he stole a glance at Second Sister You. He saw her glance at him for a few times, and her face suddenly changed color. She looked up at Chen Siyuan in surprise and suspicion, then lowered her head shyly. Then, her face flushed, she folded the engagement letter and whispered, "I've looked at it for you, but I can't see anything wrong. I'll take it for you first. You talk to Brother Yuan, and I'll go tell the nanny to prepare the banquet."

After saying this, she covered her face with her sleeves and walked away with lotus steps.

There is no need to mention the sweet love between Chen Siyuan and You Sanjie in the west room, but when You Erjie arrived at the main hall, her heart was still beating fast. She found the little maid Chunxi to tell her to prepare the banquet. You Erjie thought for a while, then hurried to the side room and found Xia Zhu to discuss things in a low voice.

"Did you tell Mom about Third Sister saving a thousand taels of silver?"

Xia Zhu stammered and finally nodded in agreement.

Although You Erjie wasn't particularly bright, how could she not understand something so obvious? Xia Zhu must have tipped off Old Lady You, knowing the information, had come to seize the silver. Taking advantage of You Sanjie's impatience and lack of careful consideration, she simply wrote the engagement letter in You Erjie's name.

It was always her mother's thoughts. You Erjie didn't know whether she was surprised or happy at the moment. After thinking about it for a while, she seemed to be happier?
As for how to deal with it in the future… what cat in this world doesn’t steal fish? The last time I entertained that guy at home, when I saw my third sister get up and leave, didn’t he scratch the soles of his feet?
Thinking of this, You Erjie smiled and put on her makeup in front of the mirror. She calculated the time and waited until the wine and food were ready before heading to the main room.

At this time, Chunxi was helping You Sanjie change her clothes. Perhaps because she had not eaten or drunk anything for half a day, You Sanjie no longer had the same spirited look as before. She looked sickly and weak, as if she would fall down at the slightest breeze, just like Xi Shi.

Chen Siyuan supported him all the way and helped him to his seat.

There were only six dishes on the table, and Chen Siyuan personally served a bowl of soup to Third Sister You. Third Sister You ate a spoonful of soup with a hint of delight, then frowned and said, "I don't know why. I was clearly hungry just now, but now I don't feel like eating after taking a bite."

You Erjie pretended to be virtuous and comforted her, "Sister, please eat a little more. You won't let...Brother Yuan worry about you."

Third Sister You glanced at Chen Siyuan and nodded, "Then I'll eat some and have a couple of drinks with Brother Yuan."

Drinking? Chen Siyuan hurriedly said, "Forget it today. I have to go to the Imperial College early tomorrow morning, so it's not convenient for me to drink."

Just kidding, I already have a headache from being angry, and if I drink more, I'm really not afraid of a cerebral hemorrhage.

You Erjie also said, "My sister is sick...why don't I accompany Brother Yuan to have a couple of drinks." As she spoke, she stood up and picked up the wine pot, poured wine for Chen Siyuan, and filled her own glass.

After sitting down again, he held the wine glass in both hands and invited her: "Mom is also afraid of poverty, so this is a bit unkind. I hope Brother Yuan will forgive me."

"No problem." Chen Siyuan picked up the wine glass and drank it all. Then he saw a small foot quietly hooked on the side of his calf.

Chen Siyuan was startled. He glanced at You Erjie and saw that her face had turned pale after drinking a glass of wine. He thought to himself: "Again?" It seems that his previous thoughts were correct. This time, there must be collusion between insiders and outsiders.

He immediately raised his foot and stepped on the little foot, causing You Erjie to scream in surprise.

Third Sister You raised her eyes and asked in surprise, "What happened to Second Sister?"

You Erjie blushed and said, "This wine... is really strong."

Third Sister You had no doubts and simply said, "Then just drink a few fewer cups."

You Erjie agreed vaguely, and Chen Siyuan invited You Sanjie to eat. Despite Chen Siyuan and You Erjie's repeated persuasion, You Sanjie only ate a few dishes and half a bowl of glutinous rice.

Perhaps she was truly ill from anger, for after a brief meal Third Sister You began to yawn and feel extremely sleepy. She forced herself to stay with him for a while longer, then could not help saying, "I'm really sleepy, but I can't stay with you any longer."

Chen Siyuan finally let go of You Erjie's feet and stood up, saying, "Why should we be so formal? Since you're not feeling well, I'll help you rest."

Third Sister You agreed and let Chen Siyuan help her back to the west room. After they sat down on the kang, Third Sister You pulled Chen Siyuan's hand and said affectionately, "You said you wouldn't leave today."

"Well, I'm not leaving. You take a rest first, I'll come and accompany you later."

Only then did Third Sister You smile and let go. A maidservant, Chunxi, came in to help Third Sister You wash and dress, and Chen Siyuan returned to the main hall to continue his meal.

As soon as he sat down, Chen Siyuan felt that You Erjie seemed to be closer than before?
Instead of looking at each other, You Erjie shyly raised her glass and said, "Brother Yuan is very talented. His poems are now known throughout the capital, and I don't know how many girls are singing them. I offer a toast to Brother Yuan."

"it is good."

The two drank another glass.

At this time, there was only Xia Zhu serving inside. When You Erjie gave her a look, Xia Zhu understood what she meant and went quietly to the west room to serve You Sanjie.

With no one else inside, You Erjie couldn't help but become even more unbridled. After the two of them had a few drinks and snacks, Chen Siyuan saw that the diamond-shaped foot from before had actually climbed up all the way, heading straight for the bull's eye. Chen Siyuan clamped his legs together, reached out with his left hand, and captured it.

You Erjie was wearing a camellia-red jacket with a diamond pattern, and a snow-blue, cross-collared midi underneath. She had turned her head away, her sleeves half covering her face. She looked extremely shy, but her diamond-shaped feet were still moving back and forth, making Chen Siyuan feel hot inside.

Chen Siyuan then asked, "That engagement letter...could it be that it was written by my second sister?"

You Erjie was startled for a moment, then her face turned anxious and she said angrily, "Brother Yuan thinks too highly of me. Go ask Third Sister, and you'll find out that I usually have no ideas and always do whatever Mom says."

"Really?" Chen Siyuan scratched the sole of the diamond-shaped foot.

You Erjie shrank back, but was trapped between his legs and could not move.

At that moment, he only whispered, "It was all Mom's idea. I really didn't know before. I did get a rough idea just now, but I was afraid of upsetting my sister if I told anyone, so I kept it a secret."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "In that case, I should thank you, Second Sister?"

Hearing that his tone was not right, You Erjie hesitated for a moment and whispered, "Although it was Mother's own decision, I am very willing in my heart. Now that things have come to this, why not go with the flow? That engagement letter... just think of it as being written to me. From now on, Third Sister will be your noble concubine, and I will be your good concubine."

Upon hearing this, Chen Siyuan let go of the water chestnut foot and picked up the dishes without saying a word.

You Erjie was anxious and leaned closer, saying, "Could it be that you dislike me? I... although I've been going to Ningguo Mansion more often, I've only been accompanying them for drinks, and my eldest sister has been watching from the sidelines. Even if those two had any intentions, they couldn't do anything."

Does that mean he is still innocent now?

Chen Siyuan glanced at You Erjie. As the saying goes, the more you look at a beautiful woman under a lamp, the more charming she becomes. The You sisters were truly natural beauties, and You Erjie was extremely pretty, less playful and more gentle than You Sanjie.

Recalling the story in A Dream of Red Mansions, after being ridiculed for her affair with Jia Zhen and his son, this woman changed her ways when she was with Jia Lian, and refused to hang out with them again. Although she later schemed and earned her way into the Grand View Garden, she was ambitious but lacked talent, and was ultimately killed by Sister Feng.

Now that there has been no ridicule of having an affair, Chen Siyuan naturally wants to take her into his room... However, due to his extraordinary feelings for You Sanjie, Chen Siyuan always has to take You Sanjie's thoughts into consideration.

Therefore, he said immediately: "I understand what Second Sister means...but this matter requires Third Sister's consent."

Second Sister You was puzzled and asked, "You can decide this matter by yourself, so why do you have to ask Third Sister?"

Chen Siyuan pondered, "When I was down and out, Third Sister remained steadfast in her devotion. How could I possibly let such a beautiful woman down?" He paused, then added, "As for the eight hundred taels, consider it as Third Sister's support for all these years. I've finished my meal, Second Sister, enjoy."

After saying that, he stood up, bowed slightly and went to the western end of the room.

You Erjie's pretty face turned pale, and seeing his strange figure, she immediately covered her mouth and laughed. She thought to herself, no matter how high-sounding your words are, you still can't stand the teasing, right?
She wouldn't argue with You Sanjie. If she teased her more, she wouldn't believe there was a cat in the world that didn't steal fish. Thinking about it, You Erjie poured herself a drink, and then she felt relieved. She stood up and asked the maid to clear the table.

When Chen Siyuan arrived at the west end room, Third Sister You had already washed up, covered herself with the quilt, and was waiting with her eyes open. Seeing Chen Siyuan coming, she smiled with relief.

Because Third Sister You was ill, Chen Siyuan embraced her and fell asleep. After some time, Chen Siyuan suddenly woke up, feeling something strange under him.

He opened his eyes and lifted the quilt. With the help of the bright red charcoal fire in the fumigation cage, he saw Third Sister You serving him attentively.

Chen Siyuan asked, "What time is it?"

"It seems like it's past the middle of the Yin hour."

Chen Siyuan thought that he was not too short of money now, and he would buy a Western pocket watch someday, so he said, "You are still sick..."

Third Sister You came closer and whispered in his ear, "Perhaps after a couple of times, the depression in your heart will disappear."

Chen Siyuan had been teased twice yesterday. He was young and full of energy, and he was immediately moved when he heard the words. Suddenly, there was a rustling sound, and then there was a charming sound...

It was dawn when Chen Siyuan saw that it was getting late, so he simply didn't even have breakfast and hurried back to Rongguo Mansion through the back door.

Despite his warnings, Hongyu still pouted after not returning home all night. Glancing at Xiangling's tired face, Chen Siyuan inquired about Zhen Fengshi's condition. Xiangling replied, "I asked Doctor Ding from Heniantang to prescribe a prescription yesterday. I took two doses, and by this afternoon I was sweating, but my fever had subsided."

Chen Siyuan said, "I'll go over and take a look today. You don't have to stay in the room for the next few days. Why don't you stay with your mother first?"

Xiangling was grateful and nodded in agreement.

Liu Wuer brought a lunch box, and Chen Siyuan wolfed it down, causing Hongyu to ask in surprise, "Master, are you really that hungry?"

I've been busy for most of the morning, how can I not be hungry?
Remembering that today was Baochai's birthday, Chen Siyuan sent Liu Wu'er to find the powder box he had carved yesterday and gave it to Hongyu, saying, "Send it to Sister Xue when you have time this afternoon."

Hongyu accepted it, took a look at it, and said jokingly, "Miss Xue has already given such an exquisite gift. In the future, there will be gifts for the second, third, and fourth ladies... Yes, especially Miss Lin. I wonder what kind of gift Master will give her."

Chen Siyuan had already thought about it and said vaguely, "The hermit has his own clever plan."

After breakfast, Chen Siyuan dressed neatly and took a car to the Imperial College.

But at noon that day, Baochai had gotten up early in the morning and was helped by maids such as Ying'er to dress up.

The sewing room had delivered two new sets of clothes some time ago. After choosing among them, Baochai picked out a plain jacket and skirt with silver thread and lotus pink color.

After she changed into new clothes, someone from the kitchen brought her longevity noodles. Baojie said some auspicious words. Baojie smiled and asked Ying'er to give her a dime, which made the old woman so happy that she kept blessing her.

After finishing the longevity noodles, Baochai, accompanied by her maid, went to the courtyard to light incense, offer tea, and burn paper. Afterwards, she went around to pay her respects, first to the old lady, then to Mrs. Xing and Mrs. Wang, and then to the wet nurse to offer her congratulations.

More than an hour passed during this walk. The old lady, Mrs. Wang, Mrs. Xing, and others naturally gave gifts to celebrate the birth of the child. Baochai returned to her room and received birthday greetings from the maids Tongxi, Tonggui, and others.

Because Baochai was only fourteen years old, she did not dare to accept the maids' grand greetings, for fear that it would shorten her life and fortune, so she only asked the maids to say "thousands of greetings".

According to custom, offerings from monks, Taoists, and nuns, name tags, anniversary locks, and a female birthday present were all present. The birthday banquet was scheduled for the afternoon, and Baochai had originally planned not to invite an opera troupe, but she couldn't persuade Mrs. Wang, so she invited a troupe to perform to liven up the atmosphere.

After half of the Si hour, Sanchun, Daiyu and Baoyu, who had taken the opportunity to skip classes, came together to celebrate Baochai's birthday.

The second girl Yingchun gave a pair of palace flowers, the third girl Tanchun gave a piece of calligraphy, the fourth girl Xichun gave a painting, Daiyu gave Cangshan Jushi's "Suiyuan Poetry Talk", and Baoyu gave a fan pendant.

It is always lively when brothers and sisters get together.

Sister Bao smiled demurely and said, "It's just an ordinary birth, one that happens every year. I think we should just stay home and enjoy it, so as not to trouble Madam and Old Lady." After a pause, she looked at Yingchun and said, "Speaking of which, Second Sister is only halfway there this time."

Xichun suddenly realized, "Yes, my second sister will be coming of age in a few days."

Yingchun was a little flustered and said with a smile, "Why are you talking about me for no reason? It's Bao's birthday today."

Tanchun said excitedly, "We must have some fun today. I heard Madam has invited an opera troupe. Why don't we play some guessing games or tossing pots?"

Baoyu shook his head and said, "No, no, that's too vulgar. I think the weather is beautiful today. Why don't we go for a stroll in the garden?"

Daiyu glanced at him and said, "You're talking nonsense again! The garden is full of craftsmen. How can we stroll around?"

Baoyu suddenly realized and said with a smile, "Yes, I forgot that there are differences between men and women."

At this moment, Xichun heard: "Sister Bao, has Brother Yuan sent any gifts?"

Baochai shook her head and said with a smile, "Master Yuan is going to the Imperial College today. I'm afraid he won't be able to see me off until he comes back in the afternoon."

Xichun pondered, "The gifts we gave were all ordinary, but Brother Yuan's was something special. So, why don't we invite Brother Yuan over for a drink and a play this afternoon?"

As soon as these words came out, Tanchun hurriedly whispered, "Fourth sister, don't talk nonsense... It's not easy for Brother Yuan to come over."

Xichun was very surprised, but seeing that everyone was silent and pondering, she did not ask. Then everyone started to chatter about other things, and Baochai really found the pitching pot, and everyone had a good time playing with it for a while.

After a while, Ying'er came in and said to Baochai, "Miss, Hongyu from next door is here."

Xichun had sharp ears, and upon hearing this, she immediately said, "It must be Brother Yuan who sent a gift!"

Baochai was also puzzled, wondering if this time he was going to give her another beautiful lady in blue and white porcelain. She immediately asked Ying'er to invite Hongyu in.

Hongyu entered the inner room and greeted everyone with openness. She also congratulated Baochai on the birth of her son and then presented the brocade box: "Master instructed me this morning to bring a birth gift to Miss Baochai."

Baochai bowed and said, "Thank you, Brother Yuan, for your concern. Please thank him on my behalf."

Hongyu nodded in agreement, handed over the brocade box and left.

When the brocade box came into Baochai's hands, Xichun, who was standing by, begged, "Sister Bao, please open it quickly and take a look. I wonder what Brother Yuan has sent me this time."

Baochai looked up and saw that everyone was looking at her. Although Yingchun, Tanchun, and Daiyu didn't say anything, their eyes were full of curiosity.

Baoyu also said, "Sister Bao, please open it quickly so that we can see."

Baochai was also very curious, so she did not refuse and opened the brocade box. She lowered her head to take a look and saw a silver shell-shaped powder box lying inside.

Looking closely, it depicts a girl opening a window to gaze out. In the courtyard, a maid is seen flying a kite with the string pulled. The string snaps, sending the butterfly-shaped kite caressing and tumbling outward. You can vaguely make out the girl covering her mouth in surprise, the maid pointing at the kite in shock and yelling.

Baochai suddenly recalled that day when she had a sudden impulse and found an old kite at night. In the morning, before everyone else woke up, she and Ying'er flew the kite in the yard.

But that day she was flying the kite by herself, and who knew that the string would break... Seeing the kite fall into the next room, Baojie was afraid that if the news got out, it would affect her peace, so she pulled Ying'er back to the main room like an ostrich, pretending that nothing had happened.

Who would have thought that Chen Siyuan would actually engrave this thought on a piece of tin? Sister Bao's lips curled up, and she suppressed a smile as she said to everyone, "It's a tin cosmetic box. I wonder where Brother Yuan found it."

Although she said this, she knew that this thing was probably made by Chen Siyuan himself.

Baoyu stepped forward and said, "Let me take a look too. Hmm? It looks quite exquisite."

He was not shy and simply held up the box to examine it. Tanchun and Xichun then came forward to examine it together.

The two sisters exclaimed in amazement, and Tanchun said with certainty, "It's so exquisite, it must have been made by Brother Yuan himself."

Xichun clasped her hands and said, "Yes, Brother Yuan can even make porcelain, so naturally he can make tinware as well."

Daiyu didn't go closer, but she vaguely caught a glimpse of a powder box, but she didn't see any engraving on it. She felt a little strange, wondering if he'd given her porcelain once before and would always give her tinware from now on? He'd given Baojie a powder box, but he didn't know what he'd give her tomorrow.

While she was pondering this, she suddenly caught sight of Xichun looking intently at her. Daiyu felt something was amiss, and sure enough, she heard the little girl say, "Brother Yuan is clever and skillful, and possesses both talent and virtue. Perhaps he'll be able to pass the imperial examination one day. Hey, Sister Lin is giving birth on the twelfth of next month. I wonder what Brother Yuan will give her."

Daiyu said angrily, "He can give whatever he wants, but Fourth Sister is so worried about it."

Baoyu frowned suddenly, thinking of the marriage certificate, and said, "How can it be so easy to pass the provincial examination? Two or three thousand people compete for thirty-six places. You have to be extremely lucky to pass it on the first try. Brother Yuan... you have some talent, but the provincial examination is not about poetry and songs. I think... it's very difficult." As he spoke, he glanced at Daiyu, but saw that she lowered her head and said nothing.

Baochai's heart moved, and she said at the right moment, "Brother Bao, since you know that the provincial examination is difficult, why don't you study hard earlier?"

Baoyu was startled and could not help saying, "I won't follow those who seek fame and reputation, those traitors and parasites of the country. I am a pure and honest person and I will not be defiled by them!"

Baochai's expression remained unchanged, but a wave of disgust welled up in her heart. Seeing Baoyu about to lose his temper again, Tanchun quickly said with a smile, "Why are we talking about Sister Bao's birth? Ying'er, quickly set up the pitching pot."

Yingchun chimed in with a few lines, and everyone began to chatter and playfully engage. Baoyu, however, was distracted by Baochai's words, and stole glances at Daiyu several times without receiving any response. Thinking that Chen Siyuan might pass the provincial examination someday, Baoyu was deeply upset.

After playing for a while, he said he was tired and went back to Qixianzhai.

Even at the subsequent banquet, Baoyu could not refuse, which made Aunt Xue very surprised and suspicious. She asked Baojie about it privately several times.

After school that day, Chen Siyuan wandered around the city. If he wanted to make money, he couldn't afford to work as hard as the imperial court, lest he wind up making things easier for others. He had to find a job that wasn't too conspicuous, but had a promising future.

However, he didn't know how to wander around, so Chen Siyuan returned to Rongguo Mansion before nightfall. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he vaguely caught a glimpse of a graceful figure strolling on the alley through the round light hole on the west side.

The little maid came out of the side room and approached, but before she could speak, Chen Siyuan raised her index finger to stop her. After a few glances, Chen Siyuan simply turned around and left.

When he walked to the alley between his own courtyard and Lixiang Courtyard, he saw Sister Bao walking with her head down, obviously with a lot on her mind.

Chen Siyuan stood with his hands behind his back, smiling as he watched Baochai casually kicking the stones under her feet. Only when no one was paying attention did Baochai reveal the mood of a teenage girl.

Baochai turned around suddenly. She had originally pursed her lips, but when she caught sight of Chen Siyuan, she was slightly surprised and quickly regained her composure. She bowed from a distance and said angrily, "When did Brother Yuan come?"

Chen Siyuan walked closer with a smile and said, "I've been watching for a while... Could it be that Baoyu has angered Sister Xue again?"

Sister Bao rolled her eyes at him without replying. A moment later, the two of them stood side by side, looking at the osmanthus tree sprouting in the Pear Fragrance Courtyard.

Sister Bao suddenly asked, "Brother Yuan, have you ever met someone like that...who won't listen no matter how much you try to persuade him?"

"How could I not have encountered this? There are countless people who refuse to listen to good advice, perhaps because they are limited by their cognition, trapped by the obstacles of knowledge and understanding, or simply because they are impulsive at the moment."

Sister Bao looked over with her watery almond eyes: "Then Brother Yuan——"

"Well, I'm only giving you advice once. It's up to you whether you listen or not." After a pause, he added, "I'm different from Sister Xue. I never rely on others."

(End of this chapter)