Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 153 Ridicule
The servant chased after him for a short while before returning with a mournful look on his face, covering his cheeks. He said, "I really can't stop Master Yuan. It looks like he's almost at the gate of Ningguo Mansion."

Jia Rong, holding onto the door, had recovered somewhat, his eyes blank, his life boring. If he had known this Chen man was so difficult to deal with, and there were plenty of pretty girls around, why would he have bothered to flirt with You Erjie?

Jia Rong was filled with regret and was too embarrassed to stay in the courtyard, so he had to ask the servant to support him and hurried to Ningguo Mansion.

As soon as they left, Third Sister You squinted at Second Sister You and snorted, "You know what kind of treasures Rong has in his belly, but you insisted on provoking him. Now look what you've done, you've caused trouble, haven't you?"

You Erjie first frowned in melancholy, then suddenly she remembered something and smiled, saying, "That's right, sister."

Brother Yuan must be jealous, right? If that wasn't the case, why would he have beaten up that Rong boy? Thinking of this, You Erjie was instantly smug. She thought to herself, there's no cat in the world that doesn't steal fish, so what if it caused trouble?
If I show some kindness and gentleness to you, I'm sure you can persuade Brother Yuan to change his mind... Who knows, this bad thing might turn into a good thing.

You Erjie breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that all of Old Lady You's previous statements were wrong, except for one: marrying a man provides him with food and clothing. Brother Yuan was generous, and she didn't ask for anything else. With a monthly allowance of five taels of silver, maids and old women to serve her, and all her food and clothing needs covered, she could follow him steadily for the rest of her life.

If she could become a good concubine someday, that would be even better. She had heard that Miss Lin was born weak and didn't seem likely to be able to bear children. In that case, she wouldn't have too much hope, but her child might one day inherit the family business.

Thinking of Chen Siyuan again, I found everything about him pleasing.

The Jin Ping Mei poem says that the men who can most move a woman's heart are Pan Lu and Deng Xiaoxian.

You Erjie recalled that Brother Yuan was handsome, so he had the character "Pan"; he was generous and capable, so he had the character "Deng"; and last time he stayed overnight, Third Sister had been clamoring for half the night, so she was afraid he had the character "Lu" as well. It was just that Third Sister had been so rude to her, and she was so busy studying for the imperial examination that she had no free time.

You Erjie thought to herself, how could I possibly have all the good things in this world? It's already a rare opportunity for Brother Yuan to have three of them.

When You Erjie thought of this, she couldn't help but curl up the corners of her mouth.

Third Sister You, standing by, was having a completely different thought. Her mind was filled with images of Chen Siyuan's furious attack, beating Rong to the ground. Third Sister You was a fiery-minded person, and she particularly relished this kind of masculinity that could subdue her.

As her imagination ran wild, she didn't know what she was thinking of, but her pretty face flushed and she pressed her legs together tightly. She only hoped that Chen Siyuan would come back to the courtyard after talking to Jia Zhen, so that she could enjoy the night like a pair of mandarin ducks embracing each other and indulge in the joy of love.

At this moment, You Erjie came back to her senses and frowned, saying, "Brother Yuan, will you be alright?"

Third Sister You said proudly, "Brother Yuan is the most capable, how could he be in trouble? This time, Rong was at fault first, so no matter how we argue, it's not Brother Yuan's fault."

She said so, but Third Sister You remembered her cheap brother-in-law Jia Zhen, who always had the final say and acted arbitrarily in the Ningguo Mansion. She was afraid that Chen Siyuan would suffer a loss. So she frowned and thought for a moment, then stood up and said, "Chunxi, help me change my clothes while I go over and take a look. If the Ningguo Mansion dares to bully Brother Yuan, I will fight that Jia guy to the death!"

You Erjie was startled and quickly stood up to stop her, saying, "Sister, don't make trouble. If you go...how will you explain to mother when you get back?"

"Do I need to explain? They are both shameless, and I don't think I know what they are up to. If you dare to touch Brother Yuan, I will spread the news of Qin's affairs to the whole city. Let's see if their family will still have face!"

You Erjie added, "At least it's for the sake of my eldest sister."

Third Sister You pushed Second Sister You away and frowned, saying, "Don't mention her! Don't you know what she's thinking? Big brother, don't talk about second brother. We don't treat her as our real sister, and she doesn't treat us as her real sisters either. Mother is always asking for money, and even if she gave us money to supplement the dowry, she has already paid it back with interest.

If that's the case, where's the point of showing any mercy?"

Chunxi knew that Third Sister You was the one in charge of the family, so he hurriedly helped Third Sister You put on her coat, and then took up a lantern and got ready. Then he followed Third Sister You to the Ningguo Mansion to look for her.

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

Chen Siyuan slapped Jia Rong's servant away, then strode across the side street with a sullen expression. If he was angry, it had subsided after he had beaten Jia Rong up. He knew in his heart that he had no position now, and all his reliance was in vain.

Therefore, anyone like Jia Rong who tries to extend his claws must be ruthlessly cut off, otherwise who knows how much trouble will come to him in the future.

Besides, because of him, Jia Zhen of Ningguo Mansion had gained a lot of wealth for nothing. Now if Jia Rong came to argue, it would be neither moral nor logical for Jia Zhen to let him go.

Chen Siyuan always planned before taking action. It was because he had thought it through clearly and had a plan in mind that he dared to beat Jia Rong up and then come to him.

In a blink of an eye, they arrived at the corner gate of Ningguo Mansion. Chen Siyuan had a frown on his face and was angry.

A sharp-eyed doorman hurried down the steps and bowed, "Master Yuan, what are you doing?"

"Just let them know that I have something important to do and need help from Brother Zhen!"

Seeing that Chen Siyuan looked unhappy, the doorman agreed and turned to give his companion a look. The latter immediately ran in to report. The doorman then smiled and led Chen Siyuan into the back hall.

Who doesn't know that this Mr. Yuan is a man of outstanding talent and reputation, and has been appreciated by a noble man? Because he is a doorman, he dare not approach him and cause trouble.

After a short wait, the chief steward Lai Sheng came and glanced at Chen Siyuan meaningfully, then politely escorted him into the ceremonial gate.

The Lai family had suffered several losses from Chen Siyuan, losing a lot of money and ruining their reputation. Lai Sheng was also cautious now, fearing to offend this Mr. Yuan.

After entering the ceremonial gate, with the help of a maid, they arrived at Ning'an Hall in a moment.

After passing the porch and entering Ning'an Hall, he looked up and saw Jia She, Jia Lian and Jia Zhen drinking.

Jia Zhen smiled and greeted him, "Brother Yuan, you are finally here. I just sent someone to invite you, but I didn't expect you to have not yet returned from the Imperial College."

Jia She stroked his beard and said, "Since Brother Yuan is here, let's take a seat together."

Chen Siyuan bowed with a serious face and greeted everyone one by one. Seeing that his expression was not right, Jia Zhen quickly turned his head to look at Jia Lian, but saw that Jia Lian was also confused. Jia Zhen couldn't help but feel more puzzled.

At this moment, Chen Siyuan said, "I won't be attending this banquet. I came here uninvited to seek justice from Brother Zhen."

Jia Zhen frowned and said, "Brother Yuan, if you have something to say, please speak directly."

Chen Siyuan said, "My uncle also knows that I am a young man with a bit of a lust for women, so he found a concubine and placed her in the back street, Xiaohuazhi Lane."

Jia She and Jia Lian exchanged a glance, their minds already clear. Although Chen Siyuan had concealed his name, Xiaohuazhi Lane was very close to the Rongguo Mansion, so who wouldn't know that Third Sister You lived there?
The two of them looked at Jia Zhen together and saw that Jia Zhen had a stern face, and they already had some guesses in their minds.

As expected, Chen Siyuan was furious: "Who would have thought that after school today, when I went to observe the palace, Rong Ge'er would come uninvited and even dare to flirt with my concubine! I know I have done nothing wrong to Rong Ge'er, and certainly nothing wrong to the Ningguo Mansion. I would like to ask Brother Zhen to enlighten me, but what did I do wrong?"

Chen Siyuan's words concealed the names, but they also concealed another of Jia Rong's crimes. You Erjie and You Sanjie were nominally You Shi's biological sisters. A stepson molesting his stepmother's biological sisters was incestuous! If the censors heard of this and reported it, Jia Rong would certainly suffer a serious consequences, and even Jia Zhen would be demoted!
Jia Zhen was unchecked in Ningguo Mansion, so he ran rampant, but he still had to maintain some dignity outside. Upon hearing this, he flew into a rage, slamming the table and shouting, "You still have this? Ridiculous! Brother Yuan, don't worry, I'll teach this beast a lesson today!"

After a pause, he ordered the maid outside the door, "Come, bring that little bastard over here, and bring the family rules as well!"

Seeing this, Jia Lian tried to smooth things over by saying, "Perhaps Rong'er drank too much and had some bad sex. Brother Zhen, there's no need to be too angry—"

Before Jia Zhen could speak, Chen Siyuan said, "Brother Lian, what you said is inappropriate. How can you run into my concubine's room and act crazy while drunk?"

If it were any other matter, Jia She might have offered some words of advice. However, the status of You Sanjie and You Erjie was unusual, so Jia She could not offer any advice. So he scolded, "Lian'er, stop talking nonsense." Turning to Jia Zhen, he said, "Rong'er is always riding a horse and flirting with beautiful women. It's really outrageous. Zhen'er needs to be disciplined."

Jia Zhen nodded and said, "Brother Yuan, please take a seat. I will give you an explanation today."

Seeing Jia Zhen's tactful attitude, Chen Siyuan bowed and accepted, then walked a few steps to sit down at the table below Jia Lian. Jia Lian chuckled, thinking that he shouldn't have spoken so carelessly, and immediately hurriedly poured tea for Chen Siyuan.

After a while, Jia Rong still hadn't arrived, but Youshi, who had received the news, came quickly.

Once inside, You Shi hurriedly greeted everyone, then frowned and said, "I heard that Master wanted to beat and kill Rong'er. What's going on?"

Jia Zhen cursed loudly, "Stupid woman! If you hadn't spoiled him every day, how could that beast have made such a big mistake today?"

Yu Shi was so scolded that she dared not retaliate and remained silent. Just then, Lai Sheng came in and said, "Master, Rong'er is here!"

As they were talking, two maids helped Jia Rong inside. Jia Rong was also cunning. Fearing a beating from Jia Zhen, he simply rolled around outside in the dust, becoming not only dirty but also moving with difficulty.

Jia Zhen didn't care about that. When he saw him enter, he reached out, grabbed the wine glass, stood up and threw it at him.

The wine glass didn't hit Jia Rong, but it hit the old woman next to him.

"Good beast, you're finally back. I'm going to teach you a lesson today!"

Jia Rong was so frightened that his legs trembled. He fell to his knees with a thud and begged for mercy, "I was wrong. I drank two extra bowls of cat urine and that's why I lost my composure. Father, please forgive me. Uncle Yuan, please forgive me!"

Jia Zhen stepped forward and kicked Jia Rong in the heart, knocking him down. He snatched the stick from the servant behind him and swung it up to hit him all over the head and face!

Jia Rong raised his hand to resist, then screamed and fell to the ground with his head in his hands.

Jia Zhen lost his temper, and the others could only plead for Jia Rong's mercy from a distance, but no one dared to step forward to stop him. Yu Shi bit her lower lip and thought for a long time. Seeing that if the beating continued, someone would be killed, she hurried forward to pull Jia Zhen away and said, "Master, calm down. If you continue to hit me, I will..."

"Bitch, get out!" After slapping Youshi to the ground, Jia Zhen was about to swing the stick again.

Jia She couldn't bear to watch this anymore and said, "That's enough. Zhen'er, please wait!"

Jia Zhen steadied himself, finally dropped his stick, pointed at Jia Rong and said, "You wicked, wicked bastard! How could I have given birth to such a thing as you!"

Jia She stood up and ordered, "Why don't you take Rong'er down to get him treated?"

Lai Sheng glanced at Jia Zhen and saw that he had no objection, so he quickly waved his hand and asked the servant to carry the humming Jia Rong away.

Jia She, pacing with his hands behind his back, said, "It's the father's fault for raising a child without teaching him well. When educating a young person, you can't just use sticks to persuade them. You must teach them the principles clearly."

Jia Zhen repeatedly agreed, leaving Jia Lian stunned. "Can't we just use sticks to talk?" Then how had he gotten through the past twenty years? If he disobeyed even a little, Master Jia She would have beaten him just as hard as Jia Zhen!

Jia Zhen frowned and said, "It's all my fault for being so busy with my chores that I haven't been able to discipline Rong'er enough." He then ordered, "Pass my words on. Rong'er is not allowed to leave Ningguo Mansion for the next six months. If anyone dares to let him go without permission, I'll hold you accountable!"

Lai Sheng and others agreed one after another, not daring to breathe.

Only then did Jia Zhen turn around and bow, saying, "Brother Yuan, I'm really sorry for what happened today."

Chen Siyuan's expression softened, and he said, "Brother Zhen is kind and virtuous, and he handles things fairly. I respect him."

Jia Zhen's face turned grim as he said, "Don't worry, brother Yuan. If that beast dares to do evil again in the future, I will simply beat him to death to prevent him from causing trouble in the future!"

Chen Siyuan's words of praise seemed to be free, and he said he would leave without asking for money. At least he could put the matter behind him for the time being and maintain a superficial harmony.

As for what Jia Zhen thought privately, what did it have to do with Chen Siyuan? Even if Ningguo Mansion was a powerful family, it couldn't interfere with a person from an outsider like him.

The matter was settled, so Chen Siyuan did not stay any longer. He said goodbye to Jia Zhen politely and left.

Because of Chen Siyuan's interruption, the other three also lost interest. Jia She and Jia Lian also wanted to return to Rongguo Mansion, so Jia Zhen asked them to wait for a while and returned to take out a scroll of "Dancing Cranes" by Mr. Ming Hongbao from the back and gave it to Jia She.

Jia She was naturally overjoyed. This calligraphy was worth at least 1,500 taels. Jia Zhen really knew how to behave. The uncle and nephew were so happy that they didn't mention it.

But Chen Siyuan was escorted out of Ningguo Mansion by Lai Shengli. He had just taken a few steps when two people suddenly came out of a private alley and blocked his way.

It was already dark at this time. With the help of the lantern carried by Chunxi, Chen Siyuan could see clearly that the person coming was You Sanjie.

"Why is my sister here?"

Third Sister You stepped forward and pulled Chen Siyuan's hands, asking with concern, "Brother Yuan, are you okay?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "What can I do? I was in the right to begin with. Brother Zhen was furious just now and beat Jia Rong up. I'm afraid Jia Rong won't be able to get out of bed for ten days or half a month."

Third Sister You breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "That's good. I was just thinking about it. If Brother Ruyuan doesn't come out, I'll break into Ningguo Mansion!" Seeing Third Sister You's menacing look, Chen Siyuan sneered and pinched Third Sister You's cheek. He said, "Thank you for your protection, sister. But from now on, just leave this kind of thing to me. Men are responsible for the outside world, and women are responsible for the inside world. How can I let Third Sister show up in public to stand up for me?"

Upon hearing this, Third Sister You was instantly dazzled and couldn't help but cling to Chen Siyuan's arms, giggling, "Well, I knew Brother Yuan was capable." After a pause, she lowered her voice and said, "It's too late now. Why don't...why don't Brother Yuan just come to my place?"

Chen Siyuan couldn't help but feel excited, and nodded, "Okay, wait for me to tell you, and then we'll go back together."

The two of them walked side by side, went around the front, and Chen Siyuan went through the back door to find a maid to pass on the message, and then took You Sanjie by the hand into Xiaohuazhi Lane.

As soon as they entered the small courtyard, You Erjie came to greet them.

"Brother Yuan——"

"Yeah." Chen Siyuan responded with a cold face without paying any other attention. He then pulled You Sanjie to the main room.

You Erjie was standing far away, frowning and thinking. After a while, she sighed and was about to follow him into the main room, but Chen Siyuan closed the door with his backhand.

You Erjie was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, but she also knew that she had offended Chen Siyuan this time, and she might have to be gentle and considerate to make up for it in the future.

In the main room, You Sanjie was in the heat of the moment. She didn't care whether Chen Siyuan had eaten or not. She pulled him and went straight to the west room.

Chen Siyuan was at a loss for words and said, "Huh? I haven't eaten yet."

Third Sister You paused for a moment, then called Chunxi over and asked her to instruct the maid to prepare food for Chen Siyuan.

After a while, Chunxi brought a bowl of plain noodles. Chen Siyuan did not dislike it and ate it with great gusto. When he turned around, he saw Third Sister You sitting at the head of the kang, looking at him with a smile.

At this moment, the third sister had her hair tied up loosely, her scarlet jacket half-open, revealing a scallion-green bodice and a glimpse of her snow-white breasts. She wore green trousers and red shoes, her golden lotus feet sometimes raised and sometimes lowered, never a moment's elegance. Her two pendants seemed to swing, and in the candlelight, they made her brows shrouded in green mist, her lips adorned with cinnabar.

Her eyes, originally a pair of autumn water, now became even more affectionate. Even though Chen Siyuan had no shortage of women these days, he still felt his heart flutter when he saw her.

How could he hold back any longer? He stepped forward, picked up Third Sister You, and carried her to the bed amidst her giggles...

You Erjie had originally planned to come and complain to Chen Siyuan after dinner, but the door to the main room was closed in the blink of an eye. Then, a charming voice could be heard from within, which made You Erjie panic. She had no choice but to wait patiently. But she waited until midnight, and the night was already deep. How could You Erjie find him? She suppressed her thoughts and thought of seeking her chance another day.

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

The next morning, Chen Siyuan hurriedly left the courtyard and returned to Rongguo Mansion. Third Sister You was in a languid mood, not getting up until the sun was high in the sky.

The two sisters met in the hall. Second Sister You noticed that Third Sister You looked a little better. Thinking of how Brother Yuan had walked out that morning, holding his waist, Second Sister You couldn't help but say, "My sister hasn't married yet...you should be more restrained in matters of the bed."

At this moment, Third Sister You felt relaxed all over, and she felt that everything from her toenails to her hair was clear and transparent. Hearing this, she covered her mouth and laughed, "Sister, you are talking about me now. I'm afraid I won't be able to let go after I have experienced it in the future."

After saying this, Third Sister You narrowed her eyes and couldn't help but recall the past.

You Erjie, a virgin after all, blushed slightly. Unable to contain her curiosity, she asked after a while, "Is it really...comfortable?"

Third Sister You smiled but didn't answer, thinking to herself, how could it be as simple as just feeling comfortable? She'd tossed and turned several times last night, each time feeling like she was floating in the clouds, drifting like a god, and then every part of her body felt comfortable. If she weren't exhausted, Third Sister You would have wanted to hold Chen Siyuan in her arms and not get out of bed.

After the two sisters had breakfast, although You Sanjie was feeling lazy, she still dressed neatly and went to Dou Guafu to learn how to do the accounting, leaving You Erjie alone at home, lost in thought.

It was not unheard of for You Erjie to hear about the affairs between men and women. Old Lady You once said in private that although it was a little hard to bear, she had to endure it for the sake of money and pretend to be comfortable. Only in this way could she win favor and have plenty of money to spend in the future.

But Third Sister You was so absorbed in it, unable to extricate herself, as if she were truly enjoying herself. How strange! Could it be that this was different from what Mom had said before?
Without mentioning what happened to You Erjie, it is said that there is no wall that is impenetrable in this world.

Chen Siyuan beat Jia Rong violently last night and came to the house again, which made Jia Zhen furious and beat Jia Rong so hard that he could not get out of bed. The matter was reported to the Rongguo Mansion before noon.

Tanchun and Xichun were still young. Tanchun vaguely felt that it was inappropriate for Chen Siyuan to have a mistress before he got married. Xichun had no other thoughts. She thought that Jia Rong had never looked at her straight in the eye, so she was secretly happy that he had given her a good beating.

Although Yingchun had some girlish thoughts, she was a stubborn person who always let Jia She and Lady Xing handle everything. Now that the marriage hadn't been finalized, she couldn't show them.

When Yingchun heard that Chen Siyuan had a concubine, she felt a little unhappy, but she didn't say anything else.

Baochai listened to Ying'er's words but didn't take them seriously. As for Baojiejie, not only was there no possibility between her and Chen Siyuan now, even if they did, she would still be the principal wife one day. The concubine was just a seductress who used her sex to amuse others. What could she possibly do?

The rest of the family, including Lady Xing, Xiangling, Hongyu, Miao'er, Tiao'er, and Siqi, each had their own thoughts, but were reluctant to express them one by one. However, trouble arose in Rongqing Hall.

But on this day Daiyu was sitting at the table playing her harp, when Zijuan, having received the message, came in from outside with a cup of tea.

He spread out the lunch box and said, "Girl, take a break. It's time for lunch."

Daiyu responded by smoothing the strings of her zither, then stood up and sat down again. Looking at the spread-out food box, she immediately lost her appetite.

Zijuan put the dishes aside and couldn't help saying, "I just overheard something, and it seems like Master Yuan and Rong'er from the East Courtyard are having a quarrel."

Daiyu said nothing, but just looked up at Zijuan.

Zijuan said, "It seems that Master Yuan had a mistress in Little Flower Branch Lane, and somehow Rong went over to provoke her. Master Yuan got mad and beat Rong, and then he went to complain to Master Zhen, who then beat Rong so hard that she couldn't get out of bed."

Nanny Wang was away at the time. Xueyan, who was tidying up her zither, heard that Zijuan had maggots and couldn't help but retort, "As the saying goes, a girl is sought after by hundreds of families, and the same goes for a boy. Besides, Master Yuan is already old, and he only has a few maids in his room? Master Bao is still a few years younger, and he has over a dozen maids inside and out. That... medicine for abstaining from sex must be sent to Qixianzhai a lot."

Zijuan raised her eyes and smiled, "Why do you get anxious when I talk about Master Yuan?"

Xueyan sneered and said, "I was just saying a few fair words to prevent the young lady from believing the rumors."

Zijuan ignored her and only said to Daiyu, "If she were a maid, it wouldn't be a big deal, but she's a concubine... I heard that girl doesn't seek money or status, she just wants to follow Master Yuan wholeheartedly."

Xueyan was immediately furious and couldn't help but say, "It's better than Master Bao not being able to protect even the maid next to him—"

Snapped--

Daiyu slammed her chopsticks down on the table, her pretty face frosted as she scolded, "That's enough! Stop saying such nonsense in front of me from now on. Whether it's Big Brother Yuan or Second Brother Bao, do I have to choose one?"

Xueyan hurriedly said: "Girl, you——"

Daiyu turned around and glared at Xueyan. Xueyan was unable to continue speaking and just glared at Zijuan angrily.

Daiyu spent some lunch feeling depressed, and then simply lay down on the bed and took a nap.

Who would have thought that just after he closed his eyes and lay down for a while, Baoyu came looking for him with Xiren.

Xueyan remembered Nanny Wang's instructions and stopped for a moment, only letting Baoyu in after Daiyu stood up.

Baoyu sat at the head of the bed and said jokingly, "Sister, did Rong'er get beaten?"

Daiyu frowned and said, "I did hear some gossip."

Baoyu said, "Rong'er is the same. Why did he have to mess with Brother Yuan's mistress when he could have messed with anyone else... Eh? Do you know who that mistress is?"

Daiyu said angrily, "Anyone who is willing to be someone's concubine is just a bunch of shameless vixens. Who cares who she is?"

"So, sister, you didn't know either. I told you secretly... that concubine is actually the sister-in-law of You Da!"

"Ah?" Daiyu was astonished, wondering if that wasn't Jia Rong's aunt? What was this person thinking? How could he dare to tease his own aunt?
Then Baoyu said, "This wine is not good to drink. After a few bowls of yellow soup, even a clever girl like Rong'er almost lost her moral integrity. No wonder Brother Zhen is so angry!"

As he spoke, Baoyu watched Daiyu's expression intently, expecting her to be disgusted. But Daiyu remained perfectly calm, without a trace of anger.

Baoyu couldn't help but ask, "Sister, aren't you angry after hearing this?"

Daiyu glanced at him in surprise and asked, "Why should I be angry?"

"you--"

Isn't it because of the marriage certificate? If it weren't so, why would Master Bao go to so much trouble to spread rumors?
He didn't know that Daiyu was angry at Chen Siyuan, but how could Baoyu be a good person? Apart from the others, Qianxue, Bihen, and Qingwen, three maids were driven away in a row. Which one could Baoyu protect?

I just cry when I think of it, and then I don’t know what to do afterward?
Daiyu was furious, not only about Chen Siyuan, who had a mistress, but also about Baoyu, who was right in front of her. She thought the two of them were equally matched, and the crow fell on the pig, so the eldest brother should not talk about the second brother!
Daiyu glanced up at Xiren and suddenly stood up and said with a smile, "Oh, my dear sister-in-law is here too! My fault! I was so busy talking that I didn't notice her. Zijuan, please bring a chair over."

As soon as these words were spoken, Baoyu's face flushed crimson. Even Xiren felt bad. Blushing, she quickly stepped away and said, "What's Miss Lin doing? I'm just a maid... Miss Lin can only talk nonsense!"

Daiyu chuckled and said, "Whether it's nonsense or not, everyone knows it clearly in their hearts."

Baoyu was so ashamed that he laughed awkwardly for a while, then simply found an excuse to go to the west room to see Lady Jia.

Daiyu only let out a sigh of relief, but she didn't know that Xiren had secretly made up her mind. No matter what, this Second Madam Bao must not be Miss Lin, otherwise how could she have a good life in the future?

Xiren has many thoughts. Daiyu calls her "good sister-in-law". If Daiyu becomes Bao's second wife, then who will this "good sister-in-law" marry? She can't stay in Bao's room, right?

Daiyu sat there for a long while, feeling quite bored. Although she had no feelings for Chen Siyuan, she didn't want to see him indulge in women. Remembering how Xueyan had urged her to make a purse for Chen Siyuan a few days ago, Daiyu took the purse and went out for a stroll in the garden.

After strolling for a while, she suddenly saw willow trees covered with catkins on the willow bank to the east of the villa. Daiyu had an idea and ordered Xueyan to pick some catkins.

Xueyan didn't understand what was going on. When she came back from gathering catkins, she saw Daiyu stuffing them into her purse. She then handed it to her and said, "You should take it to him when you have time."

Xueyan happily agreed, thinking that her daughter had developed some feelings for Mr. Yuan.

After dinner that day, Xueyan calculated the time and thought that Chen Siyuan would be returning soon, so she hurried to the small courtyard at the back.

After arriving at the small courtyard and chatting with Xiangling and Hongyu for a while, Chen Siyuan returned a moment later.

Xueyan stepped forward with a smile and greeted him. She then handed the purse to Chen Siyuan and said with a smile, "Master Yuan, this is a gift from our daughter. Master Yuan, please take good care of it."

"Did Sister Lin give it to you?"

Chen Siyuan thanked Xueyan with a smile, and held the purse in his hand, only to feel that it was bulging... Could it be that there was a letter hidden inside?

It was not easy to open such a private item in front of others, so Chen Siyuan opened it only after Xueyan left. He then saw that it was full of willow catkins.

Catkins?

Chen Siyuan frowned and thought, then he suddenly realized that Daiyu was mocking him!

Willow catkins are also known as poplar flowers. In the Rongguo Mansion, only the willow bank next to the river has willow catkins. Putting them together is just a mockery of the fact that they are fickle and easily attracted to other people.

Chen Siyuan sighed and thought to himself, what a sharp-tongued Lin Daiyu is!
Chen Siyuan was scratching his head, unable to think of a response. After a long pause, he decided to play ostrich. He wondered, "What's wrong with being a scumbag?" Time reveals a person's true character. A passionate and long-lasting love is a hundred times better than Baoyu, the man who would abandon her after having an affair.

All in all, let Daiyu adapt to the situation, otherwise she might not be able to live like this in the future.

Just as he had made up his mind, he suddenly heard a noise outside, and then Yunxiang shouted, "Master, the fourth lady is here!"

　This chapter was stuck in review, so I deleted and revised it and reposted it. Oh...it's hard to describe the intelligent review.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)