Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 156 Peeping through
In early summer, the heat becomes stronger.

At noon, in Da Ge Lane, west of the Imperial College, a carriage creaked to a halt in front of a house. Behind it came another cart, and the servant leading it, Qing Yu, was accompanying him. Seeing the first carriage stop, he quickly dropped his leg to the ground and sprinted a few steps to the front.

After speaking to the driver for a few words, Qing Yu turned around and said to the driver, "Sister, Madam, we've arrived."

Qingwen drew aside the carriage curtain and looked up to see a brand new quadrangle courtyard. She was instantly delighted, feeling that this place was exactly what she wanted.

As the saying goes, money talks. Chen Siyuan managed to get something for nothing. He now had 15,000 taels of silver in his hand. He spent the money and bought this courtyard house in just three or two days.

Nanny Qu got off the car first and raised her hand to help Qingwen land. The servant Qingyu found the key and opened the gate in the southeast corner, inviting Qingwen and others to come in.

The black oil gate was wide open, and the first thing in sight was the mountain screen wall. Since it was just a courtyard, there was no moon-shaped door or hanging flower door. Walking and looking around, I saw that there were four and a half rooms on the north side, three side rooms on the east and west sides, three main rooms, and two side rooms on each side.

All together, there are a total of seventeen and a half rooms.

Qing Yu then said, "Sister Qingwen, shall I go find Li Fu to move all the things in?"

Qingwen nodded and said, "Go ahead."

Qingyu responded and turned away. Nanny Qu, who was also perceptive, waited until they were all alone before patting Qingwen's hand and saying, "You are so lucky, girl! Tsk tsk, a full seventeen and a half rooms! Even an ordinary young lady couldn't afford such a house. The master bought it all for you. It shows he has you in his heart."

Qingwen couldn't help blushing as she said, "Mammy, what nonsense! I'm just a maid, and my indenture is still in the master's hands. Even if I move in, I'll still be a servant in the future."

Although she said this, Qingwen couldn't hide her joy. She looked around for a while, thinking about how to tidy up the courtyard.

Nanny Qu smiled silently, her mind clear as a mirror. Although Qingwen was a servant with a bond, her beauty was unmatched by any other young lady. And how could her daily behavior resemble that of a servant?

Her hands had two-inch nails painted with rouge, and apart from sewing, she never did any rough housework. With such beauty and having been pampered since childhood, she was bound to be a concubine one day, so how could she be an ordinary maid?

At this moment, Qingwen pointed to a corner of the courtyard and said, "This courtyard is a little lonely. I'll talk to Master later and suggest moving a crabapple tree in here and planting some flowers and plants. That way, it'll liven up the place."

Aunt Qu agreed without hesitation and said with a smile, "Since you have made the decision, there is no reason for me to disapprove."

Qingwen frowned and said angrily, "Look at what you said, Madam. I'm not some seductive woman who tries to seduce others and learn bad things. If what I say is right, you will naturally listen. If it's wrong, how could you listen?"

Nanny Qu smiled but said nothing. At this time, Qing Yu came back and said that he had found a porter and would be moving things inside in a while.

Qingwen wanted to stay and look after the family, but was pushed into the second room by Madam Qu, who thought that if she stayed there, trouble would easily arise.

Qingwen knew she was pretty, and that day, when she went shopping, she had attracted the constant scrutiny of the crowd. If she had been targeted by such treacherous men, she might have gotten herself into trouble. So Qingwen hid in the side room for half an hour, waiting until the laborers had left. Then she emerged and instructed Madam Qu and Qingyu to gather the things.

By two o'clock in the afternoon, everything had been hastily put away. Madam Qu and Qing Yu were wiping everything with a wet rag when there was a knock on the door.

Qingwen was sweeping the floor with a feather duster when she heard the noise and hurried out. She inquired through the door and found that it was indeed Chen Siyuan.

Qingwen hurriedly opened the door and saw Chen Siyuan standing in front of the door with his hands behind his back, wearing a long satin robe with a light blue collar and a white background with small floral patterns. He had a gauze net covering his head and was holding a folding fan in his hand.

Because of what Nanny Qu had said earlier, Qingwen felt a little more reserved. She quickly bowed and said, "Master is here."

"Yeah." Chen Siyuan stepped inside and Qingwen quickly closed the door.

Chen Siyuan slowed down his pace and waited for Qingwen to catch up. Then he said, "Do you like this house? I've looked around a few, but some were too big or too old. Only this one seems suitable."

Qingwen said, "This house is certainly fine, as it pleases the master. But it's a little empty for just me and Madam to live here."

Chen Siyuan stopped and frowned, then said, "Yes, I'll hire a maid some other day, and I'll also need an old man to look after the door."

As they were talking, Nanny Qu and the servant Qingyu hurried out to greet him. They exchanged greetings. Chen Siyuan then moved inside and found a chair to sit down. Qingwen poured him a cup of warm tea she had just brewed and asked, "Master, you're here now. Have you had your meal yet?"

Chen Siyuan waved his folding fan and said, "The heat is unbearable. I really have no appetite right now."

Qingwen pondered and said, "Why not have Mammy make Master a bowl of mixed noodles with cold water, topped with radish leaves, cucumber shreds, bean sprouts, and some fried longevity fruit? I think Master will eat more."

Chen Siyuan's mouth watered after hearing this and he said with a smile, "Okay, now that you mention it, I want to eat it."

Madam Qu quickly put down her work and went to work in the east wing kitchen. Qingwen sat down next to Chen Siyuan and fanned him with her round fan.

After a moment, Qingwen said, "I thought Master was going to send me to Little Flower Branch Lane."

"Hmm?" Chen Siyuan asked with a smile, "Who told you that?"

"Sister Xiangling said that the other day."

Chen Siyuan had considered this idea, but Qingwen had a fiery temper and, having lived in the Rongguo Mansion for so long, she was inevitably arrogant. Third Sister You was also quite aggressive. If the two of them were together, they would likely cause a catastrophe. After some deliberation, Chen Siyuan decided to find another place to live to avoid further trouble.

Chen Siyuan then said with a smile, "Third sister hasn't made up her mind yet whether to marry in or not, how can you go there? Just wait and see. If Sister Lin marries in the future, you can go to her place and take care of her."

Qingwen blinked and smiled, "Master, you're just saying it again. Miss Lin has Zijuan and Xueyan at her place. What am I going to do there?"

Chen Siyuan just smiled and said, "Let's wait and see."

Qingwen fanned herself for a moment, then stretched out her fair little hand and said, "Master, this month's allowance hasn't been paid yet."

Chen Siyuan smiled and fished a banknote from his sleeve pocket. He thrust it into Qingwen's pocket and said, "You'll be in charge of the money here. From now on, the monthly allowances for the nanny and the old man, as well as their daily expenses, will all come from you."

"Yes." Qingwen happily took the banknote.

Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment and then said, "Yes, most of the people living nearby are students from the Imperial College. You can't just go around looking for work."

Qingwen raised an eyebrow and said, "I won't accept it. If a woman can do her needlework slowly and at her own pace, she can still brighten her mood. But if she works from dawn to dusk every day, even if her hands and eyes don't get tired, her heart will be exhausted. After all, I won't go hungry or cold following you, Master. Why bother making myself uncomfortable?"

"Huh?" Chen Siyuan immediately looked at him differently, with a look of surprise on his face.

Qingwen was puzzled, then suddenly realized, "Could it be that Master thinks I'm that ignorant?"

Yes, people say that people are clever and skillful, and just looking at Qingwen's craftsmanship, you can tell that she is definitely not stupid. The reason why she was disliked by everyone was, firstly, because they were jealous of Qingwen's good looks, and secondly, because Qingwen was spoiled and arrogant, and her temper was careless, which offended everyone.

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "I thought you were young and didn't know these things."

Qingwen snorted, rolled her eyes complacently, and said, "There are all kinds of people out there, and if there are good ones, there are naturally bad ones—" After a pause, Qingwen turned her head and whispered, "When I was seven years old, I went with my mother to pick lotus roots. On the way back, we ran into a kidnapper. It's a good thing my mother saw him early, otherwise I wouldn't know where I am now."

Chen Siyuan asked, "You were almost kidnapped too?"

Qingwen nodded solemnly, but when she thought of her mother, she suddenly felt lost.

Chen Siyuan saw this and rubbed Qingwen's head with a sigh, saying softly, "Are you missing home?"

Qingwen pursed her lips and shook her head vigorously, saying angrily, "They've all sold me out, and I don't want to do that!"

"Did your family encounter any difficulties? Is that why they sold you out?"

Qingwen said, "My mother had a serious illness, and the family was in debt. Seeing that my father couldn't pay it back, he coaxed me into taking me to my uncle's house, but who knew he would sell me to a trafficker halfway there." Her voice gradually faded, and Qingwen continued, "Later, we moved to the capital, and I was bought by the Lai family. Nanny Lai originally planned to send me to Rong'er's room, but when she saw that I was good at needlework, she changed her mind and sent me to the Rong Mansion instead."

After a pause, Qingwen pursed her lips and said, "It's been four or five years now. I used to hate her to death, but now that I'm older, I know that if you hadn't sold me, my family would have been ruined. I don't hate anyone now. I just... I just want to see mother."

Chen Siyuan said, "If you had told me earlier, I would have let you go to Suzhou with Aunt Zhen. With Aunt Zhen watching over you, there won't be any accidents along the way."

Qingwen suddenly raised her little face to look at Chen Siyuan, and asked in surprise, "Master, will you let me go home to see a doctor?"

Chen Siyuan was even more puzzled than she was. He smiled and said, "Why wouldn't I agree to that? It's not like you won't be coming back."

Qingwen felt relieved and immediately forgot what Madam Qu had said. It was true, she had only met Master Yuan a few times, and he had helped her, and Master Yuan had never mentioned anything about it. She had believed Madam Qu's words before, and she had even thought that Master Yuan had always wanted to take her in as a concubine...

Qingwen blushed as she thought this, but her heart leaped with joy. She said with a smile, "Auntie Zhen said she'll come once every one or two years. Can I go with her next time?"

Chen Siyuan said, "Okay, if you can't come, then you don't need Aunt Zhen. I'll take you to Suzhou."

Qingwen was so happy that she clapped her hands together repeatedly, and her face became brighter.

Although she was young, she had already grown into a graceful young lady. Although she was still short in stature, she had an almond-shaped face, peachy cheeks, beautiful eyebrows and white teeth. When she smiled, it was like a hundred flowers blooming, which made Chen Siyuan stare at her.

Qingwen felt something, so she turned her head away. Her heart ached, and she felt rather proud. She thought to herself that her master was not above worldly matters.

Just at this time, Madam Qu brought two bowls of mixed noodles. There was a sweet water well in this small courtyard. Although it was only one entrance, it cost Chen Siyuan two thousand taels of silver.

The noodles, now blanched in well water, were still a bit cool, which really whetted Chen Siyuan's appetite. Perhaps because she had been with Baoyu for so long, Qingwen had become less formal, so she simply sat down at the same table with Chen Siyuan, and the two of them began to eat with a gusto.

After the meal, seeing Chen Siyuan sitting aside with his belly laughing, Qingwen immediately smiled, and came over to fan him, chattering about interesting things in the past, and they felt a little closer.

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

That day, Chen Siyuan took a leisurely nap in his newly bought small courtyard. Qingwen was fanning him all the time and occasionally driving away mosquitoes that came to disturb him.

By the time he went to school in the afternoon, Chen Siyuan was full of energy and felt that he was carrying his lessons much better than before. He was secretly proud of himself, thinking that he had killed two birds with one stone: he could take a nap and have some time to talk to Qingwen.

When school was over at 3 p.m. that day, Chen Siyuan had just left the Imperial College when the servant Qingyu came up to him and said, "Master, Doctor Ding from Heniantang sent someone to the mansion, and they frightened the first lady."

"what?"

Qing Yu said, "The eldest lady thought the master was ill, so she went to the waiter and asked him about it carefully. She learned that Doctor Ding had other matters, so she sent the servant to inform him."

Is there another reason? Did Ding Daojian get sick from the food, or has the drug's properties been determined?
Chen Siyuan boarded the carriage and ordered, "Let's go to Henian Hall first."

The driver agreed and the carriage headed towards Baita Temple.

A quarter of an hour later, the carriage stopped in front of Henian Hall. Chen Siyuan got out of the carriage. The servant inside recognized him and quickly asked Ding Daojian to come and greet him.

Ding Daojian hurried out and greeted the two men. Ding Daojian said excitedly, "Mr. Chen, please come in and have a chat."

Chen Siyuan glanced at the expression on his face and couldn't help but laugh, "Could it be that Doctor Ding has already determined the properties of the medicine?"

Ding Daojian smiled and nodded, "That's pretty much it. It was just a coincidence. I've been testing the properties of herbs these past few days while flipping through medical books by ancient doctors. Who knew that all the herbs Young Master Chen sent, except for that damned Xilaizhi, were actually recorded there."

"Oh?"

As they were talking, the descendants came to the back hall and sat down. Ding Daojian explained in detail that it was the "Yuewang Yaozhen" from the Tang Dynasty and the "Shoushibaoyuan" from the early Ming Dynasty. Both had records about Cordyceps, and their medicinal properties were very similar.

As to why no one in Beijing knew about it, it was probably because everyone treasured it and U-Tsang was thousands of miles away, making travel difficult. The two places were often isolated, so such a good thing as Cordyceps was not known to outsiders.

Ding Daojian searched through all the Tibetan medical books at home and found some clues about other Tibetan medicines, but Shilajit was unknown.

He tried it himself and couldn't sense its medicinal properties. Unexpectedly, his pug loved it and licked it, and after a few days, it showed signs of puberty. By comparing the two, he had a pretty good idea of ​​the medicinal properties of shilajit.

Ding Daojian was so excited that he told Chen Siyuan all the medicinal properties of various Tibetan medicines one by one, which made Chen Siyuan dizzy.

After a cup of tea, Chen Siyuan couldn't help but ask, "Doctor Ding, could you combine a few herbs and make a pill?"

Ding Daojian frowned and said, "Mr. Chen wants to make medicine? We need to try them one by one."

Traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions are always tailored to individual needs and the times, and are never set in stone. For a ready-made medicine like this, its properties must be carefully studied, and the formula determined based on the main, secondary, and adjuvant ingredients. Cases like this where a single pill is used by a hundred people are rare.

Chen Siyuan said, "If it weren't difficult, why would I have sought out Doctor Ding?" Ding Daojian thought for a moment and said, "Well, I'm afraid this pill won't be easy to make in one go. I need to try it a few times first. So, I'll try mixing it first, and Master Chen can come back in three days to get it."

"Okay, Doctor Ding, there's no need to be too anxious."

Chen Siyuan had already put the money in his pocket, so he was naturally not in a hurry at this moment.

After three days, without waiting for Chen Siyuan to come and pick them up, Doctor Ding sent someone to Rongguo Mansion to deliver more than twenty pills, and asked Chen Siyuan to try them and explain their effects.

Chen Siyuan was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. He was at the peak of his energy right now, so why would he need any external assistance?

After thinking about it, the Second Mansion has no shortage of people who can test this thing. Not to mention Pang Ren, the eldest master Jia She will definitely be proud of this thing.

It so happened that after school that day, Chen Siyuan brought some Cordyceps sinensis. He immediately found a brocade box to put it in and told Hongyu, "Go to Rongqing Hall and give these Cordyceps sinensis to Sister Lin."

He then explained in detail how to take it. Hongyu smiled and agreed, then took the brocade box and went to Rongqing Hall. Chen Siyuan calculated the time, guessing that the master would be free at this moment, so he found two porcelain bottles, divided the medicine into two and filled each, then leisurely went to the east wing courtyard.

Who knew that as soon as he went out, he ran into Xiao Xichun who came towards him with a flute in her hand.

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Fourth sister, are you here to learn the flute?"

"Yeah." Xichun nodded, then asked in surprise, "Brother Yuan is going out?"

Chen Siyuan said, "It's okay. Fourth sister, please stay with me for a while. I'll be back after delivering something to my uncle."

"Okay." Xichun said briefly and led the maid into the courtyard.

Chen Siyuan went straight to the garden. Before entering, he glanced at Lixiang Courtyard and saw two servants carrying boxes and baskets towards the alley.

He thought to himself that he had not seen Baochai for quite some time, and the Xue family was moving to a guest house in the northeast these days. He was afraid that he would only run into her in the garden one day.

They entered the garden, walked around the various scenic spots, and when they reached the main gate, they saw Aunt Zhao leading a little maid into the garden.

Aunt Zhao glanced at Chen Siyuan and frowned slightly. When the two of them bumped into each other, Chen Siyuan smiled and bowed, saying, "Aunt, are you here to stroll around the garden?"

Aunt Zhao said, "It's hot and stuffy in the house, so I came to the garden to cool off...Brother Yuan, I heard you found a good job this time? Why didn't you tell me?"

Chen Siyuan was secretly complaining in his heart, thinking, Who are you? Do you really think of yourself as an elder?
Out of consideration for Tanchun's feelings, Chen Siyuan suppressed his inner complaints and said with a smile, "Has Aunt saved up a thousand taels this time?"

Aunt Zhao blinked and said, "You're asking for a thousand taels just to get involved this time?"

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "Yes, Aunt, Madam, Second Brother Lian, etc., at least two thousand taels, and some even five thousand taels."

"This..." Aunt Zhao had been getting quite a bit of goodies from Jia Zheng these past few months, but she had to spend money on Ma Dao Po every now and then. She had only saved a few hundred taels so far, so how could she possibly scrape together a thousand? She chuckled and said, "How can Brother Yuan always get involved in such a big business? I can't even get involved if I want to."

Chen Siyuan laughed out loud and said, "What Auntie said... If it's just a small fight, I'm afraid Auntie will look down on it again."

Aunt Zhao thought about it and realized that what Chen Siyuan said was true, so she was speechless.

Chen Siyuan was about to bow and say goodbye when he suddenly had an idea and said, "It just so happens that I got some tonic medicine. My aunt is in her prime and doesn't need it, but I can give some to the master—" After a pause, Chen Siyuan looked around and then lowered his voice and said, "—it's miraculous."

As he spoke, he handed over a porcelain bottle. Aunt Zhao was stunned for a moment, then suddenly understood. A smile appeared on her face and she said, "It really has miraculous effects?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Auntie, let Master try it and you'll know."

Aunt Zhao's face suddenly lit up with a smile. She shook her handkerchief and said, "Oh, it's still Brother Yuan, who is always so thorough. It's hard for you to think of... Master, can I make Brother Yuan a pair of shoes when I have time?"

Chen Siyuan quickly waved his hand and said, "How can I trouble you, Auntie? They are just my belongings. You don't have to keep them in mind."

After bowing and saying goodbye to Aunt Zhao, Chen Siyuan quickly left the garden and headed towards the east wing.

Aunt Zhao happily held the porcelain vase in her arms. She heard voices approaching and quickly put it in her arms. She no longer felt the heat anymore. After a moment's thought, she simply told Little Jixiang, who was standing beside her, "Go and ask the kitchen to bring a table."

Little Jixianger said, "Auntie, I still owe the kitchen a bunch of money last time."

Aunt Zhao immediately cursed, "You greedy people! Our master wants to have some wine, and these cooks are so cruel that they still dare to ask for money?" Even as she said this, she still managed to scrape together a dime.

Little Jixiang got the silver and hurried to the kitchen to look for it. Aunt Zhao stood in the distance, smiling and thinking for a long time, then turned around and happily returned to her own courtyard.

But Chen Siyuan went to the east wing and delivered the pills. Then, for some unknown reason, Jia She insisted on keeping Chen Siyuan to stay with him for a while.

Chen Siyuan couldn't refuse, so he had to stay. Later, Jia She asked about his livelihood. Chen Siyuan thought about it and knew that Jia She must be regretting it. He pretended not to know and covered up the matter vaguely.

Seeing that Chen Siyuan was not fooled, Jia She lost interest and sent him back later.

Chen Siyuan didn't care. If Jia She came back to bother him, he could just use Prince Yanping as a shield to keep Jia She speechless. Want to reap the rewards after the deed is done? What were you doing before?
It was nearly dusk, and Chen Siyuan, hoping to run into Jinchai, headed back to the garden. But upon entering, he found no sisters or friends, save for a few maids sweeping the floor.

Chen Siyuan was just feeling disappointed when he suddenly heard footsteps approaching from behind. He stopped and looked back, only to see a tall, muscular figure approaching quickly.

When they got closer, Siqi said happily, "Master Yuan!"

Chen Siyuan smiled and asked, "Why are you here?"

Siqi pursed her lips and said nothing, staring at Chen Siyuan with her eyes.

Chen Siyuan immediately understood and asked, "Are you chasing me?"

Siqi responded and said quietly, "I haven't seen Master Yuan for quite some time... so I chased him out, thinking of having a chat with him."

At this time, the two stopped near Daoxiang Village. Chen Siyuan thought for a moment, then extended his hand and said, "Let's go forward."

"Ah."

At that moment, Siqi followed Chen Siyuan and went around to the west of Daoxiang Village.

The Rice Fragrance Village was at the westernmost part of the garden. Across the stream was the garden wall, and behind it was a patch of flowers and trees. When Chen Siyuan got close and saw that there was no one around, he pulled Siqi and went into the flowers and trees.

With a low exclamation, Siqi leaned against a peach tree, pursed her lips, and looked down at Chen Siyuan with moist eyes. Her heart was pounding, and the pair of soft lips in front of her naturally rose and fell.

Suddenly, the claws of An Lushan climbed up, and Chen Siyuan said, "Sister has lost weight these days."

Siqi was flirted with, feeling shy and expectant. She said in a whisper, "I, I live with the young lady in the side room, and it's a bit hard in the summer." After a pause, she continued, "It's also because I miss you, Master. Sometimes I can't sleep at night."

Chen Siyuan knew what Siqi was thinking, so he smiled bitterly and said, "My aunt told me that the eldest master doesn't quite agree."

Siqi had always been a bold person. Upon hearing this, she gritted her teeth and said, "So what if the eldest master disagrees? I often mention the eldest master to the second young lady. Although the second young lady has never said anything, it's possible that she has been interested for a long time... If, if the eldest master and the second young lady are able to get together, the eldest master can't disagree!"

Chen Siyuan chuckled softly, pulled Siqi along, and sat down under the tree. "Didn't I tell you already? At worst, I can wait a few years and have Auntie release you. Why bother dragging down Second Sister?"

Siqi disagreed and said, "I've looked around and there's no one more suitable for the second young lady than the master... Could it be that the master dislikes our young lady?"

"Not really, it's just... difficult."

Seeing his hesitation, Siqi couldn't help but offer him her lips. After a long exchange of sharp words, Siqi finally gasped and said, "Things depend on human effort. Young girls from small families only rush to find a husband after they reach the age of marriage. For a girl like us, we have to wait another three or four years. Who knows, by then, there might be a chance for improvement."

"Well, then just let it be." As he said this, Chen Siyuan fumbled in his sleeve pocket and took out something, which turned out to be a golden twisted silk hairpin.

Siqi's heart skipped a beat, and she asked with a smile, "What is this?"

Chen Siyuan reached out and put it on, examined it, and said with a smile, "It really fits... I fell in love with this item while shopping a few days ago, and I thought it would suit you."

"Uncle Yuan——" Siqi was suddenly moved.

Chen Siyuan said, "We're already like this, why should we be so distant?"

He then reached out and placed Siqi in his arms, leaning over, his hands roaming up and down in an unruly manner, and in a moment they parted her clothes and reached into her small clothes.

Siqi couldn't bear the rubbing anymore. Her body arched up and then slowly drooped down, and her eyeballs rolled up repeatedly.

After a while, Chen Siyuan reached out his hand and touched her lower body lightly. Siqi groaned and then her body shook like a sieve.

After a short pause, Siqi could no longer bear it and begged, "Brother... take me."

Chen Siyuan frowned and said, "Now? But—"

Without waiting for him to say anything, Siqi grabbed Chen Siyuan's neck with both hands, turned over, and the two of them rolled into the flowers and trees...

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

It is said that Aunt Xue and Mrs. Wang had dinner together that day. Baochai was not there because she had gone to look for Baoyu.

Aunt Xue couldn't help but feel uneasy because she couldn't get Mrs. Wang's approval at all, because the old matter was brought up again today.

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Wang laughed and said, "Sister, why are you so anxious? Previously, the old lady was blocking the way and kept trying to match Daiyu and Baoyu. Now Daiyu is already engaged, so who else can compare to Baochai? When Yuan'er has passed the autumn imperial examination, and the old lady has no other thoughts, this matter will naturally come to fruition."

Although Mrs. Wang was telling the truth, she herself had never promised it. What was she thinking? Didn't she think Aunt Xue didn't know?
Besides, even though there were no other girls in the mansion, we still had Miaoyu, and the Shi family had Yun Yatou. Who knew if Mrs. Wang would blame the old lady for this later?
However, the situation was not favorable, and Baochai's selection was still unresolved. Aunt Xue could not help feeling melancholy. Just as she was about to say something, she heard a charming voice from the side courtyard.

Aunt Xue was puzzled when she suddenly noticed Mrs. Wang's face change drastically. After a moment's thought, she knew it must be that vixen, Aunt Zhao.

I looked at the sky. It was still light outside. Why were my brother-in-law and Aunt Zhao arguing now?
Knowing that it would not be a good time to stay, Aunt Xue pretended not to hear anything, talked briefly, and then stood up to say goodbye.

After leaving Lady Wang's courtyard, they should have taken the alleyway straight to the Pear Fragrance Courtyard, but Aunt Xue was feeling bored at the moment, so she said to Tongxi, "You go back first. I'll go for a walk in the garden."

The garden was guarded by a maid and ordinary people were not allowed to enter. Therefore, Tongxi did not say much, just agreed and went back to Lixiangyuan.

Aunt Xue came out from the east corner gate behind Lady Wang's courtyard and went straight into the garden.

Aunt Xue was filled with admiration and worries. She walked aimlessly in a melancholy mood and unknowingly went to Daoxiang Village.

When they got closer, they suddenly heard a charming sound. Aunt Xue was dazed for a moment, thinking it was the sound from Aunt Zhao's courtyard.

But when I came to my senses, the sound not only did not stop, but became more and more intense.

Aunt Xue immediately frowned, wondering which innocent person would dare to do such a shameful thing in broad daylight?

Aunt Xue slowed her pace and followed the sound. Not far along the riverbank, she saw two people entangled in the flowers and trees in the distance.

Aunt Xue should have scolded them, but for some unknown reason, she concealed her voice, hid in the corner of Daoxiang Village, and only poked out half of her face to watch.

Dusk was falling, and the garden was dim. Aunt Xue took a closer look and was horrified. The figure bent over the tree was hard to identify, probably a maid from somewhere. But who else could it be but Chen Siyuan, struggling behind her?

After having many beautiful dreams that night, Aunt Xue remembered Chen Siyuan clearly in her heart and would recognize him even if he turned into ashes!
After the shock, although Aunt Xue knew she shouldn't continue looking, she couldn't control herself and just bit her lower lip and looked over greedily.

Watching the maid becoming increasingly unruly, and listening to the gurgling sound of the water, Aunt Xue unconsciously reached down with one hand...

　This chapter has been pre-reviewed, which means you can't correct typos later, otherwise it will easily get in. Everyone, please bear with me...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)