Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 143 Qingwen
Siqi knew it was not a good idea to invite Chen Siyuan to the coming-of-age ceremony. She just mentioned it to plant a seed of thought in Yingchun's mind.

Seeing Yingchun's rebuttal, Siqi didn't get angry. She just smiled and said, "It's a pity that the garden in the mansion hasn't been repaired yet. Otherwise, we could move the event there, put up a screen, and invite everyone we can. It would be more lively than it is now."

Yingchun sneered, "How can we take all the good things?"

Siqi then said, "Miss, you are a simple-minded person. They say that blessed people don't need to ask for anything. I think your nature of not fighting or competing and being content with whatever happens really proves this saying. Who knows, you may have even greater blessings in the future."

Yingchun dropped the chess piece, unable to continue. She glanced at Siqi and said, "Why are you so talkative today?"

Siqi came over and said, "I heard grandma casually mention that the eldest lady seemed to be interested in adopting a girl."

Yingchun was startled, her mind a jumble of emotions. Her mother had died when she was young, and her father had remarried, so she moved to the East Courtyard. At first, she was all alone, with no one paying attention to her. Only later did Tanchun and Xichun move in.

Yingchun had been bullied by the servants for more than ten years and knew she could not resist, so she gradually became numb. When she heard that Mrs. Xing wanted to adopt her, she was naturally confused.

According to the rules, she was only a concubine's daughter, and she wouldn't be able to choose a good family when she got married. But if she was adopted by Lady Xing, she would be considered a legitimate daughter, just like Tanchun. Not only would she have a generous dowry when she got married, but even her husband's family wouldn't dare look down on her.

Most importantly, with the title of legitimate daughter, the servants in the family would no longer bully her, and since she was Yingchun, she would naturally accept it. However, she was puzzled. Madam Xing had always disliked her, so why did she suddenly change her mind and want to adopt her?
At this moment, Siqi sat down beside her and said in a low voice, "The eldest wife's temperament has changed a lot since she became pregnant. Haven't you noticed that she smiles more every day?"

Yingchun thought for a moment and then nodded.

This is true. Perhaps it is because people are in high spirits when they are happy. For several months after Yingchun moved in, Mrs. Xing has always been smiling and has even stopped withholding the monthly wages of her servants.

Siqi said, "That's it. I guess the eldest wife probably wants to do good deeds for the little one in her belly."

Yingchun responded, her mind brooding. Regardless of Mrs. Xing's motivations, being adopted was always a good thing. However, over the years, she had developed a disposition that was neither happy nor sad, so much so that the servants in the mansion privately called her "Wooden."

Yingchun thought to herself that it would be a good idea for Lady Xing to adopt him, and even if it didn't work out, everything would just go on as usual. However, Yingchun did have some interest in her distant brother, as Siqi often mentioned him.

............................................................

But when Chen Siyuan returned to his own courtyard, Hongyu, Xiangling, Liu Wuer and Yunxiang were all there, and there were also two more servants in the courtyard.

Hongyu and the others welcomed him into the room. Just as he had washed his hands, they noticed he was fidgeting. Hongyu exchanged glances with Xiangling, who then said, "Master, you have a day off tomorrow. Are you unable to stay here again?"

Chen Siyuan was startled. He stood up, pulled Xiangling over, and tickled her, "Great, now you dare to make fun of me?"

Xiangling giggled a few times, her body light and graceful. She ducked down and broke free from Chen Siyuan's arms. She ran a few steps before she covered her mouth and laughed, "I didn't say anything wrong."

Chen Siyuan said, "I've been busy with the exams today, so I should go there anyway."

Hongyu brought over some warm tea and asked, "Master, I wonder what place you got in this first exam? I bet you were near the top, right?"

"Yes, among the best." Chen Siyuan had some dignity, knowing that he didn't deserve the title, so he replied vaguely and asked, "Xiangling, is your mother doing well?"

Xiangling smiled and said, "Don't worry, Master. My mother is much better now. She's taken a few doses of the tonic that Doctor Ding prescribed, and she looks much better now."

"That's good. I'll find Doctor Ding later and he'll prescribe some tonic medicine to help your mother recover."

Xiangling gratefully agreed. Hongyu came over and said, "Master, remember to buy yourself some fine cloth and brocade tomorrow when you have a day off. I'll ask a seamstress to make you a few clothes. Only one of the ones I had before can be altered; the rest won't fit anymore."

Chen Siyuan took note of it, hesitated for a moment, then stood up and left the courtyard, going out the back door and heading towards Xiaohuazhi Lane.

Who knew that just as they reached the alley entrance, they saw Old Lady You and two maids murmuring as they emerged from the courtyard. They were both startled when they bumped into each other. Old Lady You then smiled brightly, took a few quick steps forward, and asked, "Brother, are you here to see the second and third sisters?"

"Uh, that's right." Why does this sound so weird?
Before Chen Siyuan could ponder it, Old Lady You smiled and said, "Oh, thank goodness I have you, brother. Otherwise, I don't know how I'd handle marriage in the future. Now I'm saving money... I understand your difficulties, brother. Don't worry, I'm not pushing my second or third sisters to marry you. Just let you figure it out."

"This one……"

Before Chen Siyuan could speak, You Lao'an, fearing that he would make more mistakes if he spoke too much, quickly said, "I won't say much to you, brother. I still have to go to Ningguo Mansion right now. We will talk again tomorrow."

He passed by Chen Siyuan and started whispering with the two old women. After he walked out from a distance, he turned back and smiled at Chen Siyuan.

Chen Siyuan couldn't help but gasp, thinking, "Oh no! I'm afraid the news of the mistake in the engagement letter will be revealed!" With Third Sister Yu's temper, she's sure to explode right now!

Chen Siyuan didn't hesitate any longer. He ran quickly for a while and entered the courtyard. From a distance, he could hear the sound of cups and plates breaking inside.

Chen Siyuan paused and asked Chunxi, who had opened the door, "Is Third Sister throwing a tantrum again?"

Chunxi nodded pitifully and whispered, "When Old An left, the young lady was almost furious. If everyone hadn't stopped her, she would have started a fight with the second sister."

Chen Siyuan hurriedly asked, "Where's my second sister?"

Chunxi pointed to the side room and said, "She's hiding in the side room. Master, the girl is like a firecracker now. She will explode if she touches the flame. Master, you have to be careful."

When Third Sister You gets angry, she is indeed reckless, otherwise she would not have committed suicide by drawing her sword in the original book.

Chen Siyuan nodded in understanding, then walked forward, pushing open the door and entering the main room. Looking around, he saw broken teacups scattered across the floor. The maid, Xia Zhu, stood trembling beside them, not daring to pick them up. Third Sister You was now hunched over the kang, sobbing uncontrollably.

Hearing the footsteps, Third Sister You yelled, "Get out! What are you thinking? Do you think I don't know? Now you're trying to be nice, do you think I'm blind? If it weren't for our sisterly concerns, I'd definitely tear your face off today!"

Chen Siyuan slowed down his pace and asked curiously as he got closer, "What happened to my sister?"

The sobbing Third Sister You was startled when she heard this. She turned her head and glanced at Chen Siyuan with tears in her eyes. There was a thousand kinds of grievances and endless resentment in her eyes. Her red lips moved, and suddenly her eyebrows raised. She sneered and said, "Do you know that it is the Second Sister mentioned in the engagement letter?"

Chen Siyuan was silent for a moment before nodding and saying, "I saw it that day... I saw my sister was so angry that she became ill, and it was difficult to tell her, so I kept it a secret."

Third Sister You burst into tears and said, "Okay, you are trying to trick me too, wuwuwu——"

Chen Siyuan hurriedly sat down beside her, put his arm around her shoulders, and said gently, "God knows, when have I ever lied to you?" He paused, and seeing that Third Sister You ignored him, he continued, "I thought that day, even if I was wrong, I just thought that the money was for Lao An's upbringing. I will marry my sister to you one day, so what does your sister have to do with me?"

The sobbing stopped, and Third Sister You turned her head away, still unconvinced: "Are you telling the truth? Have you never coveted Second Sister's beauty?"

Chen Siyuan hugged her and said softly, "Everyone loves beauty, and if you say you covet it, of course... but how can it compare to the mutual affection between me and my sister? I can't let my sister and I become estranged just for a moment of beauty, can I?"

Third Sister You wasn't the kind of delicate girl who stayed in the boudoir. Chen Siyuan's honest words had made her believe him. As her crying gradually subsided, she leaned closer, wrapping her arms around Chen Siyuan's waist. After a moment, she frowned and said angrily, "You've got some conscience. You didn't try to trick me with those sweet words." After a pause, she added, "You always sneak a glance at Second Sister. Do you think I didn't see it?"

Chen Siyuan laughed dumbly and said, "I only stole a peek when my sister wasn't paying attention... I didn't expect that she saw everything."

Third Sister You hummed a few times, her anger subsiding. She had long known what kind of character Old Man You was. For the sake of wealth and glory, he would literally push his own daughter into a fire pit. It was thanks to her acquaintance with Chen Siyuan that she was able to escape from the You family.

Even so, Old Lady You used her sweet words and tricked her into defrauding a full eight hundred taels of silver from her.

Thinking of the eight hundred taels of silver, Third Sister You suddenly felt uneasy. That was the money Brother Yuan had given her for cosmetics and flowers, so why had it become Second Sister's betrothal money for no reason?
Just now, Brother Yuan said that he would just treat it as his own living expenses. How could Third Sister You be willing to accept this? After thinking for a while, she suddenly said, "Although my second sister has many little thoughts, she is stupid. Now that the engagement letter is in place, we can take Brother Yuan into the family one day. With me taking care of her, she won't cause any trouble." After a pause, she gritted her teeth and said, "I can't just throw away eight hundred taels of silver for nothing!"

Chen Siyuan observed carefully, thinking that Third Sister You might be telling the truth. However, he did not know how to respond, so he just said, "Let's discuss this matter later. Who knows if my sister will change her mind in the future?"

Third Sister You struggled to her feet, frowned, and looked at Chen Siyuan solemnly, saying, "Don't you know what kind of person I am? I always keep my word and keep my promise! Once I say it, it means it."

Chen Siyuan smiled and soothed her, "Okay, okay, I know you're as capable as any man, but love is such a profound and moving word, how can I explain it clearly? You said this in anger today, and if I agree, and you accept it tomorrow, how can I not feel resentful?"

Third Sister You wanted to say more, but Chen Siyuan quickly said, "Forget it, forget it. Let's not talk about this for now. By the way, have you learned how to check the accounts recently?"

Third Sister You finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I originally thought it was just accounting, and that learning how to use an abacus wouldn't be that difficult. But I didn't expect there would be so much involved. I'm afraid it would take me half a year or even a year to learn it. Why did Brother Yuan bring this up?"

Chen Siyuan smiled casually and said, "Sister, you're still upset about eight hundred taels today. When our business gets going in the future and money pours in like water, I'm afraid you'll be filled with scorn when you think back to today."

Third Sister You pondered for a moment, then shook her head and said, "That's different! Even if I make a fortune in the future, eight hundred taels will be nothing. But for me right now, those eight hundred taels are my entire fortune."

Chen Siyuan thought about it and realized that he would be furious if he were in her place. But then he thought again, Old Man You was not a stable person, and it was a good thing that Third Sister You had a rift with him, so that Third Sister You would not be instigated by him and do something stupid again.

Chen Siyuan spoke softly and soothed her for a long time, and finally Third Sister You finally relaxed. Chen Siyuan was afraid that Third Sister You would get angry again if she stayed at home and saw Second Sister You, so he said, "It's inevitable that you will feel depressed if you stay at home all the time. Why don't I take my sister out for a walk today?"

Third Sister You was immediately moved and stood up and said, "Alright, I really don't want to see her now!"

She was naturally talking about You Erjie.

The two of them tidied themselves up, and You Sanjie changed into men's clothes before leaving the Sanheyuan with Chen Siyuan. They strolled leisurely through restaurants and night markets, while You Erjie, who was in the wing room, breathed a sigh of relief.

She knew Third Sister You's temper, which came and went quickly. She had previously blamed everything on Old Lady You and acted aggrieved, but Third Sister You wouldn't listen. Now, she figured that after a day or two, if she humbled herself and acted like a subordinate, she would be able to coax Third Sister into changing her mind.

As for Chen Siyuan...it was only because Third Sister was there that he didn't dare to cheat. If she got the chance again, she didn't believe Chen Siyuan would be able to resist.

That night, Chen Siyuan and You Sanjie strolled around Huguo Temple and ate at a Huaiyang restaurant. Perhaps because she was a native of Beijing, You Sanjie was not used to Huaiyang cuisine and preferred the oily and salty Shandong cuisine.

When the two returned, seeing that Third Sister You's depression had eased somewhat, Chen Siyuan thought, "Tomorrow my sister and I will come for another stroll."

Third Sister You shook his hand and said with a smile, "I know you're attached to me, but you can't afford to delay your studies."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Why would I delay studying? Yes, you may not know this, but I actually took first place in this exam."

Third Sister You was immediately delighted: "Really?" She clapped her hands and said excitedly: "Yes, with Brother Yuan's talent, this first place is a piece of cake for him."

Chen Siyuan felt embarrassed and said, "Let's go to the cloth shop tomorrow and buy some fine cloth and brocade for my sister. It's February now, so she needs to make some new clothes."

Third Sister You was immediately filled with gratitude and said, "Don't just think about me. Brother Yuan also needs to buy some clothes."

"Okay, then sister will help me pick a few."

"Ah."

The two of them strolled back to Little Flower Branch Lane. When they entered, Third Sister You took a look around the side rooms. Seeing that the lights were already off, she snorted coldly, "She's quite clever. Brother Yuan, just wait and see. She'll definitely act pitiful tomorrow."

Chen Siyuan smiled but said nothing. While they were talking, they entered the main room. Yu Sanjie asked the maid to get some hot water and personally helped Chen Siyuan wash up. Then she sent the maid away.

That night the rain ravaged the banana trees, and the spring breeze blew several times, tossing and turning until the trees were exhausted and finally rested.

The next morning, Chen Siyuan was full of energy, but You Sanjie was very restless last night. She was rubbing her lower abdomen and thighs from time to time, looking like she was having difficulty walking.

Chen Siyuan said jokingly, "I think my sister has neglected to move around."

Third Sister You smiled foolishly and said, "Who told you to come only once every three or five days?"

Chen Siyuan had no way of responding to this, so he just laughed it off and helped Third Sister You get dressed. After the two of them had breakfast, they hired a carriage to go to the cloth shop near the Huguo Temple.

Let’s not talk about the two of them, but talk about Rongguo Mansion.

Today was both the day Yingchun gave birth to her son and her coming-of-age ceremony. For a girl to reach the age of fifteen was a major event, and wealthy families would consult someone to calculate an auspicious date for the ceremony. It was rare for Yingchun to hold it on the same day.

That day, Yingchun got up early, bathed, and changed her clothes. After eating some longevity noodles, she followed Baochai's example and lit incense, offered tea, burned paper, and then bowed everywhere. Then she went to Rongqing Hall.

At this time, the female relatives of the two mansions gathered together. Jia's grandmother sat in the high hall, followed by Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Mrs. You, Li Wan, and Feng Jieer. The rest, Tanchun, Xichun, Baochai, and Daiyu, just stood by and watched with laughter.

Feng Jieer, being eloquent, acted as the praising speaker. Lady Xing, bearing the title of legitimate mother, handed the hairpin she had prepared early in the morning to Lady Jia.

Everyone glanced at them. Sister Feng was slightly surprised and couldn't help laughing, saying, "The eldest lady has taken out all the precious things from the bottom of the box. It's obvious that she is worried about the second young lady." Mrs. Xing laughed heartily and said, "I see that Yingchun is getting closer and closer. From now on, I will treat her as my own daughter and keep her by my side."

When these words came out, everyone was surprised. They all knew that Madam Xing had always disliked Yingchun and had never cared about her, so why was she suddenly so friendly now?

Madam Xing was tongue-tied, so Wang Shanbao, the housekeeper, chimed in, "Old Madam, Madam, you don't know. As the saying goes, one doesn't appreciate the kindness of parents until they have children. But our Madam is the opposite. Ever since she became pregnant, she's felt even more sorry for the Second Young Lady. A few days ago, she was saying that it wasn't a good idea for the Second Young Lady to be left alone like this. Even if she got married tomorrow, she might still be looked down upon by her husband's family. So, our Madam decided to adopt the Second Young Lady."

Mrs. Wang was puzzled, wondering what the reason was. Lady Jia was also puzzled, and for a moment she couldn't figure out what Mrs. Xing was planning. Then she thought again, it seemed like a good thing, and she smiled and said, "Oh, that's a good thing. So, I think we can combine the two and make it a good thing. Shall we just settle this matter today?"

Mrs. Xing smiled and said, "It's all up to the old lady."

Yingchun's body trembled slightly. Although she was very happy, she didn't know what to say.

At this time, Sister Feng said, "It's a pity to waste time. Brother Bao is still waiting outside like a monkey. Let's pay our respects quickly."

Grandmother Jia nodded and beckoned Yingchun closer. Yingchun bowed her head, and Grandmother Jia inserted the gold and jade hairpin into her hair, saying auspicious words to herself: "Yingchun has grown up now. You will have a smooth and happy life in the future. I am waiting for you to choose a good family to marry into."

Yingchun blushed and bowed to express her gratitude.

Feng Jieer hastily waved to the head maid Amber, who came forward with a tray containing a cup of sweet wine - this was a gift of sweet wine.

The gift of sweet wine implies sweet days in the future. Yingchun took the wine cup, took a sip slowly, and then a smile appeared on her face.

Sister Feng teased, "Second Miss, is this wine still sweet?"

"Yeah." Yingchun nodded vigorously, her heart full of expectations for the future.

Feng Jieer covered her mouth and laughed, "As your sister-in-law, I can't tease you any more. Forget it, the ceremony is over!"

As he spoke, he glanced at Yuanyang, who understood and offered her a cup of tea. Yingchun took it with a hint of surprise, but when she saw Yuanyang glance at Madam Xing, she finally understood.

He quickly turned around and walked to Madam Xing, saying, "Mother, please have some tea."

Mrs. Xing took it with a smile: "Okay."

After taking a sip, Madam Xing said, "Come to my room more often in the future. I'll take care of anything for you. If I can't make a decision, I'll ask the old lady to make it for me."

Upon hearing this, Jia Mu angrily said, "She is also my granddaughter. Why would I need you to do me a favor?"

Mrs. Xing smiled and pulled Yingchun to her side, saying angrily, "What you said is true, old lady. Yingchun is my daughter now, so shouldn't I, as her mother, step up to the plate?" Turning to Yingchun, she said, "I've prepared a headdress for you. I'll give it to your room when we get back to the East Wing."

Yingchun was flattered and quickly bowed to express her gratitude.

Feng Jieer made a few jokes, and then a maid came in and said with a smile: "Old Madam, Madam, Madam, Master Bao wants to know when the coming-of-age ceremony will be completed?"

Sister Feng laughed and said, "Look, what was I saying just now? Brother Bao is sitting in Qixianzhai like an ant on a hot pot, unable to sit still."

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "Go and call him over. It's too late to make a fuss. Who knows how he'll make a fuss after he's gone."

At this time, Madam Xing whispered to Yingchun, "You can have fun with your sisters. There will be a banquet in the east wing at 3 p.m. The master has even invited a troupe of southern opera to entertain us."

"Thank you, thank you, mother."

Seeing her shyness, Madam Xing patted her delicate hands and said, "From now on, we mother and daughter will not have to separate from each other. Although you are not my child, I will raise you and choose a suitable husband for you."

Upon hearing this, Yingchun was so shy that she was speechless.

Mrs. Xing gave a few more instructions, and soon Baoyu came running in like a gust of wind. On the one hand, he asked about the coming-of-age ceremony, and on the other hand, he asked if he had missed the fun. Daiyu refused to tell him, which made Baoyu scratch his head and make everyone laugh.

After a while, Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang and Mrs. You stood up to take their leave. Grandmother Jia also sent the children to stroll in the garden, leaving Wang Xifeng alone to talk.

After everyone had left, Jia Mu went to find Sister Feng and asked, "What is the eldest lady's plan?"

Feng Jieer was naturally very puzzled and said, "If the old lady asked me, who else should I ask? After all, this is a good thing. It will prevent Yingchun from being looked down upon by her husband's family in the future."

Grandmother Jia thought hard but to no avail, so she could only keep the problem to herself.

The girls had a good time playing in the garden that day. When it was almost 3 p.m., they all gathered in the east courtyard.

Two tables were set up in the main room, and the southern opera troupe began to sing and compose in the courtyard.

Mrs. Xing had intended to call Chen Siyuan along, but seeing that Lady Jia was still there, she held back for the moment. Lady Jia had a few drinks and a few opera excerpts, but perhaps not wanting to stay in the East Wing, she excused herself to fatigue and returned to Rongqing Hall.

After seeing Lady Jia off, Mrs. Xing returned and sat down before saying, "It's hard to have a lively atmosphere with just the group of us. I think we should call Brother Yuan over as well."

Mrs. Wang glanced at Mrs. Xing and saw that she was winking at her. She thought about it a little and knew what Mrs. Xing meant.

Having adopted the second daughter, Yingchun, and then inviting Chen Siyuan to the table...it was clear that they were deliberately trying to bring the two together. Now that Xing and Wang were rarely on good terms, they were intent on stealing the old lady's lover. Naturally, Mrs. Wang was happy to do such a small, cost-free favor.

Yin Shi smiled and said, "I think what the eldest lady said makes sense. What do you think, sister?"

"Me?" Aunt Xue's mind suddenly recollected the erotic thoughts of the past few nights. Thinking that she hadn't seen Chen Siyuan for some time, she said, "I think it's a good idea. After all, Brother Yuan is younger than the second young lady. And from the perspective of the eldest lady, they're cousins. What's there to be wary of?"

Mrs. Xing then asked the younger ones, "What do you think?"

The second girl, Yingchun, didn't dare to refute her and just said, "I'll just follow my mother's instructions."

Tanchun held back her words, but Xichun, still young, could not help clasping her hands and saying, "Good, good, please invite Brother Yuan over quickly. His gift is the most thoughtful. I was just waiting to see what he'll give to my second sister this time."

Mrs. Xing then ordered, "Miao'er, go to the back and invite your brother to join you in the fun."

Miao'er agreed, turned around and went back to look for Chen Siyuan.

It is said that Chen Siyuan accompanied You Sanjie on a stroll that day. Together they bought more than a dozen pieces of fine cloth and brocade of various colors. They did not return to Rongguo Mansion until after noon.

Chen Siyuan was walking in front, followed by Qing Yu and a maid holding several pieces of fine cloth and brocade in their hands. They had just passed the alley and were about to go to their own courtyard when they ran into a pretty little maid.

She looked no more than twelve or thirteen years old, with a slender waist and thin shoulders, and her eyebrows and eyes vaguely resembled Daiyu. She wore a pink double-breasted bodice with a crimson background, a black satin collar and a patterned collar, a bright red embroidered handkerchief tied around her waist, and an ivory yellow silk jacket with a cross collar and a dark patterned pattern underneath, and an ivory yellow long skirt.

He walked like a willow tree swayed by the gentle wind, with a frown on his face.

Qingwen?

Chen Siyuan secretly praised her in his heart, she really deserved the word "pretty", not to mention among the maids, she was not much worse than other girls.

Seeing her glance over, Chen Siyuan didn't want to respond, so he nodded slightly. He was about to pass by, but Qingwen glanced around and suddenly saw the brocade and cloth held by the servant Qingyu, and her eyes lit up immediately.

When he got closer, he bowed and said, "Greetings, Master Yuan."

Chen Siyuan stopped and said with a smile, "Are you Qingwen?"

"Hmm." Qingwen nodded, then glanced at the items Qingyu was holding and said, "Master Yuan bought so much cloth and brocade...are you going to make clothes?"

"Yes."

Qingwen said hopefully, "How about Master Yuan letting me do the sewing? Don't look at my young age, I'm the best needleworker in the mansion."

And such good things?
Chen Siyuan asked, "Isn't that too much trouble?"

After all, she is still a maid in Baoyu's room, and it is not right for her to be ordered around.

Unexpectedly, Qingwen said, "That's not a big deal. I'm just too bored right now." She tilted her head and counted the pieces, then said, "Five pieces in total. Master Yuan, do you want to make five spring dresses? I happened to have a tape measure with me. Shall I take your measurements now?"

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "Okay, in that case, then come with me."

Qingwen nodded happily, walked a few steps, and said, "Well... Master Yuan, I do have to be paid for my needlework." As she spoke, she thoughtfully raised her index finger and said, "Five cents for one piece of clothing. If you want embroidery, the price is extra."

Chen Siyuan paused briefly and agreed directly, "Okay."

Qingwen heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing this. She looked up at Chen Siyuan and felt that he was not as bad as Mr. Bao said. He seemed very easy to talk to.

When Chen Siyuan arrived at his own courtyard, the maid Yunxiang called out to him, and Hongyu, Xiangling and Liu Wu'er came out to greet him. When the girls saw Qingwen had followed them in, they stared in surprise.

Qingwen, without any fear of the stage, went straight to Hongyu and said with a smile, "Sister Hongyu, your master has said that the cuts of those fine cloths and brocades should be given to me."

Hongyu turned to look at Chen Siyuan and saw him nod. Then she smiled and said, "Then I'll have to trouble Sister Qingwen."

"Well, let me measure Uncle Yuan first."

Chen Siyuan ignored Hongyu's frequent glances, went inside to wash his hands, and then stood up to let Qingwen measure with the tape measure. After Qingwen carefully asked Chen Siyuan about the pattern he wanted, she mumbled something to herself and memorized it. Then she said, "Master Yuan, I'll take the fine cloth back first. I'll come back and get the rest when I'm done."

"Alright."

Qingwen took the fine cloth handed to her by Liu Wu'er, bowed, turned around and left happily.

As soon as he left, Hongyu said, "Master, do you know that Qingwen will be charged separately?"

"She said five taels of silver a piece... Tsk, that's almost as much as a piece of fine cloth."

"Then why is the master——"

Chen Siyuan said leisurely, "Be kind to others... Qingwen is so anxious to find work everywhere, it's obvious she's short of money. If you can help me out, I'll consider it a good deed."

Hongyu grumbled inwardly, thinking to herself, "My master's eyes hadn't left Qingwen just now. Who wouldn't know what he was thinking?" But it was useless to wonder. Everyone knew that Qingwen was the concubine the old lady had left for Master Bao. If nothing unexpected had happened, how could she have ended up in my master's room?

The maid Yunxiang, who had been eavesdropping at the door, came in and said, "Master, I know why Qingwen is short of money."

"Hmm? Could it be that his cousin lost the bet again?"

Yunxiang shook her head and said jokingly, "I heard that Manager Lai suggested a marriage to the cook, Duoguan. Duoguan saw her and was absolutely willing. But the girl wanted a dowry, and Duoguan didn't have the money, so he had to ask Qingwen for it."

"I see."

Yunxiang continued, "At that moment I thought they were going to quarrel again, but Qingwen, upon hearing this, went back without a word, borrowed twenty taels of silver, and gave it all to Duoguan."

Chen Siyuan blinked, realizing it was indeed Qingwen. But Qingwen's true love had been misplaced. Baoyu was unable to stop Lady Wang from driving her away, and the officials watched Qingwen wail all night until she died. Chen Siyuan, feeling pity for her, grew even more determined to save Qingwen, no matter what.

While he was thinking about it, Miao'er came in from outside and said, "Master, the eldest mistress invites you to the east courtyard for a banquet."

　I'll update more if I get 1,000 monthly votes. I've calculated that it's definitely enough, so I'll update it in advance.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)