Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 163 Chen Siyuan's Birthday

It is summer and the doors and windows are not closed.

In the small courtyard, two servants were huddled in the corner to enjoy the cool air, muttering to themselves. From time to time, they heard noises coming from the main room, glanced inside, and then continued muttering to themselves again, covering their mouths and laughing.

Xia Zhu hid in the side room. Unable to bear the suffocation any longer, she came to talk to the two maids.

A maid smiled when she saw Xia Zhu and said, "Congratulations to your daughter. From now on, you will definitely need Second Sister to look after her."

Another woman also said, "The water has been exposed to the sun during the day. Listen for any noises. We will carry the tub in later."

The You family was poor and could not afford a maid with outstanding appearance. Since Xia Zhu was of ordinary appearance, she never thought of climbing into the master's bed. She just hoped that the girl would marry into a wealthy family in the future so that she could get a raise in her monthly salary.

Hearing this, he smiled and nodded, then hid under the crabapple tree and looked into the main room.

Suddenly, he heard his daughter moan loudly, and then there was no sound for a long time. Xia Zhu blushed and was undecided about whether he should go or not.

A maid said, "Don't worry, we'll have to be together for a while afterward. It won't be too late to go when we call you."

Xia Zhu nodded shyly and waited under the eaves.

In the west end room of the main house, You Erjie suddenly lay straight on Chen Siyuan's chest, with her eyes closed and brows furrowed, her dark clouds dissipated and her face full of spring, which looked even more beautiful under the candlelight than in the daytime.

After a while, Chen Siyuan patted her snowy back and said softly, "It's only your first time, what are you trying to show off?"

Without even opening her eyes, You Erjie said, "Third sister... I've told you several times that Brother Yuan is still not mature at this age and shouldn't overwork him."

Tsk, You Erjie is so considerate. I’m afraid her whole heart is on me.

Chen Siyuan felt strange. If it were in his previous life, he would have been criticized for such behavior, but now, at most, he would be accused of being a playboy.

Come to think of it, apart from all the inconveniences, this is actually more satisfactory at this time.

After a while, You Erjie rolled over and landed on the side. As her body was being pulled, she couldn't help but frown and moan. Then, as if to show off, she straightened her body as if she had just been fished out of the water, found a white cloth handkerchief nearby, and folded it up. There were dots of red plum blossoms on it.

Lying beside Chen Siyuan with her hand on her cheek, You Erjie couldn't help but say, "Husband..."

"Ok?"

"I've thought deeply about you, and now I've given you everything... but I don't know how I'll deal with the future." As if worried she hadn't explained clearly, she added, "How much do I get as a monthly allowance?"

Chen Siyuan teased Yingrou while playing with her, "Second sister, are you short of money?"

"How can I not be short of money?" You Erjie whispered, "We were already short of money at home, and now and then I go to Ningguo Mansion to beg for money. If I'm lucky, I can get a hundred taels each time, and if I'm not, I can only get thirty or fifty taels. And mother has to maintain her dignity, so this money is really hard to spend. I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, but the most I have on hand is twenty taels for myself."

"so little?"

You Erjie nodded pitifully, then leaned over and rubbed her soft hair against Chen Siyuan's body, saying, "Now even the twenty taels aren't enough." After a pause, she continued, "Before, my sister and I were angry. Although we didn't lack food or clothes, we had no other rouge or powder. I had no choice but to spend the money I had saved."

Chen Siyuan sighed and said, "I didn't want you to have such a hard time... Don't worry, since you're following me now, I can't guarantee your status, but I'm sure the money will be there. Go get my clothes."

You Erjie agreed with a smile, adjusted her bellyband, put on her gauze dress, and got out of bed to get the clothes hanging on the hanger. Chen Siyuan took it and rummaged through his sleeves, and in a moment he found two hundred-liang silver notes, which he tossed directly to You Erjie without even glancing at them.

"Spend it first, and we'll talk about it after you've used it up."

You Erjie's expression was immediately touched. She found a handkerchief and began to wipe Chen Siyuan's face carefully. She smiled and asked after a while, "This two hundred taels... is it from the second year?"

If it's for two years, that's eight taels of silver a month, which is quite a lot!
Unexpectedly, Chen Siyuan said, "Second sister, you are being a little disrespectful. These two hundred taels are for one year. Every Spring Festival from now on, the same two hundred taels will be given."

Chen Siyuan had a clear idea, especially remembering that in the book, Lian Er seemed to give You Erjie a monthly allowance of five taels of silver, with the rest of the food and clothing expenses calculated separately. Then You Erjie quietly became Jia Lian's concubine, even avoiding Jia Zhen and his son when they came to visit, leaving You Sanjie alone to answer.

With a personality like this, he'd be content with money, which would save him a lot of worry. Chen Siyuan was short of everything else except money. With over 13,000 taels of silver on hand and future income from pills, why would he care about a mere 200 taels?

When You Erjie heard the two hundred taels per year, she was immediately dazzled. She moaned and snuggled into Chen Siyuan's arms, pressing her pretty face against his, and occasionally putting her cherry lips close to him for a kiss.

Chen Siyuan felt itchy all over because of the scattered hair, and couldn't help laughing: "Can you still bear it?"

After receiving the silver, You Erjie didn't care about anything else. She just smiled and said, "Maybe, maybe it's okay..."

Chen Siyuan was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

He couldn't help but think to himself that a man in this world must have money and power. The saying, "Drunk on a beauty's lap, awake in power," was exactly that.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help feeling a little lonely, and suddenly I thought of Lin Daiyu and Baochai. My heart, which had been dead in the previous life, seemed to come alive again, and I suddenly coveted the extravagant hopes that I had originally given up.

After a moment, Chen Siyuan stopped laughing and secretly sneered at himself, thinking that he was really taking advantage of the situation.

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

On the other side, because Third Sister You had not visited for a long time, Mrs. You was surprised and ordered wine and food to be served as a treat.

After a few months, Youshi carefully observed her adopted sister and found that her eyebrows and eyes had grown a little more mature, and she was more bright and charming than before. Although she was still as fierce and unruly as usual, she had the charm of a rich lady.

When the wine and food arrived, the two sisters drank a few cups before Youshi finally opened up and said, "Third sister, it's not right for you to get too angry with mother."

Third Sister You ate a longevity fruit with a smile and sneered, "Big Sister, what you said... I'm afraid you've already hated Mom to death in your heart, right?"

Yu Shi frowned and asked, "What are you talking about, Third Sister?"

"What are you talking about? The truth." Third Sister You picked up the wine cup and drank a sip herself. She curled her lips and said with a smile, "Don't you know what mother is thinking? Big sister, don't you know? Besides the favor we gave you that day, mother has repeatedly pushed us sisters in front of brother-in-law. I'm afraid that her feelings have faded from your heart, haven't they?"

Yu Shi pondered for a moment, staring at Third Sister You for a moment before she smiled and said, "I didn't expect Third Sister to understand everything."

Third Sister You snorted complacently and said, "Not to mention me, Second Sister also sees it clearly... But she is soft-hearted and covets the wealth of the Ningguo Mansion. Oh, she forgets that if she really follows Mother's wishes, I'm afraid that Eldest Sister will fight her to the death."

After a pause, he continued, "What does it matter if the Ningguo Mansion is rich? I have chosen a good man, and he may not be worse than my brother-in-law in the future."

Youshi rarely visited Rongguo Mansion. Although she knew that Chen Siyuan was capable of great things and had forced Jia Zhen to beat Jia Rong up once, she had no idea what his abilities were.

Then he asked, "Since Third Sister is so confident...I guess Brother Yuan must be extremely capable."

"More than that?" Third Sister You couldn't help but praise him, shaking her head and saying, "The Imperial College gathers the world's best talents. Since Brother Yuan went there, only one monthly exam in the past six months has been won by someone else, and the rest have all gone to Brother Yuan. I thought, with such ability, how could he not be admitted to the imperial examination one day?

That's fine, but Brother Yuan has been recognized by King Ping of Yan and has made a big splash. Yes, a while ago, he was worried that I'd be bored, so he came up with another business... Even my brother-in-law invested five thousand taels of silver."

Yu Shi knew about this and hurriedly asked, "I heard Master say that... Yes, Third Sister, how is your livelihood going?"

Third Sister You pulled out two black and white porcelain bottles from her bosom and placed them on the table. She looked at Youshi and said, "Brother Yuan sent some to the master and the elder master of the West Mansion earlier. You can ask your brother-in-law later. This time we've got some new medicine. Not only can men not live without it, but it's also very nourishing for us girls."

"really?"

Third Sister You nodded and exaggerated the story of Mrs. Ding Daojian's amenorrhea and the return of menstruation. This frightened You Shi so much that she was stunned and said in surprise, "This, this is a miracle drug, isn't it?"

Third Sister You said proudly, "Of course it's true. If you don't believe me, just try it yourself." She picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks and paused in mid-air. Third Sister You continued, "I came back because, firstly, I haven't seen you for a long time. Now that I'm so close, I just had to come and see you. Secondly, now that the medicine is ready, and your family has invested money, I can't just sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labor."

"How to say?"

"We must spread the word among those four kings and eight nobles, otherwise how can we make money from this business?"

The five thousand taels of silver came from the public treasury, so naturally the profits should also be counted as part of the public treasury. Because Youshi was a little concerned, she discussed it with You Sanjie for a while, and then promised, "Since that's the case, I'll go to other families someday and raise a few more issues with the imperial edict of the rear court."

Third Sister You agreed, and the two sisters clinked glasses and talked about their daily lives for a while. Suddenly, Youshi said, "Oh, why didn't Second Sister come today?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Third Sister You's face changed immediately. When she thought of her second sister lying limp in Brother Yuan's arms, she suddenly lost her appetite and her mood was greatly ruined!
So he simply drank in silence, and in a moment he had emptied half the pot of wine, which shocked Youshi and made her at a loss. Seeing that You Sanjie wanted to drink more, Youshi hurriedly stopped her and was about to comfort her, but You Sanjie stood up and said, "It's not fun to drink with my eldest sister. Forget it, I'll go back now. Don't forget about your livelihood."

After saying this, he actually went straight away. Youshi hurriedly sent him out of the ceremonial gate. Only then did she see him leading a little maid and walking as if he were in a carriage, and hiding at the corner gate.

However, Third Sister You walked fast and slow along the way. Finally, she turned back to Xiaohuazhi Lane, knocked on the door, listened carefully, and saw that there was no movement. Only then did she feel relieved.

Xia Zhu was carrying a bathtub out with the old woman at the time, and when she saw this, she hurried over to meet them.

Third Sister You ignored him and went inside with a huff and a pout. She saw Chen Siyuan had changed into a dry and clean shirt, but Second Sister You was nowhere to be seen.

Third Sister You asked, "Where is she?"

"Not very comfortable, I'm going back to my room to rest."

Third Sister You stamped her feet and was about to go look for him, but Chen Siyuan quickly grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. He couldn't help but smile and said, "Look at you. You were the one who clearly nodded, and now you're so angry again."

Third Sister You looked aggrieved and silent, her eyes blinked and her eye circles turned red, tears falling like pearls from a broken string.

Chen Siyuan knew that Third Sister You was feeling aggrieved, so he simply took her inside, said nice things to her for a long time, and whispered in her ear for a while. Seeing that Third Sister You was still not feeling better, Chen Siyuan simply started to play with her.

Third Sister You was sullen at first, but soon she became moved, and the two of them could not help whispering to each other. They undressed in a flurry, and for a moment they embraced each other in the ecstasy of love.

Chen Siyuan was furious that day and kept making trouble until late at night.

When the wind and rain stopped, Third Sister You couldn't help but complain.

Chen Siyuan was secretly very proud and said, "If I wasn't afraid of hurting myself, do you think you could withstand it?"

Third Sister You flirted with Chen Siyuan, but inwardly she was horrified. She thought to herself that she had been giving in to him before... If he really let her do what he wanted in bed, not only herself, but even Second Sister You would not be able to resist!
Chen Siyuan observed Third Sister You's expression and saw that she didn't mention Second Sister You at all. He was immediately delighted. He thought to himself, the female writer was right. A girl's body and mind are connected. Once this was clear, all the resentment in his heart dissipated, and he felt a surge of clarity.

The day went on as usual. I had just finished school and returned to Rongguo Mansion to rest when a note came in saying that the master wanted to see me.

Chen Siyuan changed his clothes and followed Tiaoer to the east cross courtyard. During the time, he teased Tiaoer. When they entered Jia She's outer study, he saw Tiaoer holding a painting and twirling his beard, looking at it, smiling and nodding from time to time.

Hearing the footsteps, Jia She reluctantly put down the calligraphy and painting, waved his hand to signal Chen Siyuan not to be so polite, and said, "Brother Yuan, you're here? Come and take a look at this painting of the Dragon and the People in the Suburbs."

A picture of the people living in the suburbs of Longxu?
Chen Siyuan stepped forward to examine it, glanced at the signature, and immediately understood. This painting was by the famous Northern Song Dynasty artist Dong Yuan, and any surviving examples are truly rare.

After a careful examination, Chen Siyuan exclaimed, "Excellent! It's rare to see such a large mountain barrier. It possesses the ingenious composition of the Northern School, yet also the gentleness and delicacy of the Southern School. While the figures are heavily colored, the landscape is painted in a subtle shade of green, and the use of hemp-fiber texture gives it its own distinct character. This is a truly exceptional piece!"

Chen Siyuan said something, Jia She nodded, and the smile on his face became even wider. After he finished praising him, Jia She couldn't help feeling proud and laughed out loud with his head raised.

"Very good, very good. Brother Yuan does have some insight." Extending his hand to invite Chen Siyuan to sit down, Jia She said proudly, "Fortunately, I acted quickly, otherwise, Prince Zhongshun would have gotten it."

"Oh? I wonder where my uncle found it?"

Jia She then said, "This painting was once a treasured possession of the old Prince Yi Zhong. It was only because the old prince had done something wrong that his unworthy sons took it out to sell. Fortunately, I received the news early, and I spent several days searching before finally choosing this painting." He gestured with his thumb and little finger, shaking them, and said, "It only cost me six thousand taels!"

As the saying goes, gold is valuable in troubled times, and antiques are valuable in prosperous times. Now, during this peaceful and prosperous era, the prices of rare calligraphy and paintings naturally soared. Don't think that six thousand taels is too much; in fact, if you really let a wealthy family buy it, I'm afraid it would sell for ten thousand taels.

Let alone anything else, those fat-bellied salt merchants in Yangzhou could afford even two six thousand taels! As he spoke, Jia She opened up and told the story of the past few days. When Chen Siyuan heard that it was Wang Ren who tipped off Jia She, he immediately understood what was going on. He thought it must be Madam Wang who had used some trickery to induce the eldest master Jia She to spend all his spare money.

After a long while, Jia She talked about calligraphy and painting, and thinking about his empty pockets, he said to Chen Siyuan, "Brother Yuan, when will the pill business start?"

Chen Siyuan bowed and said, "I was just about to report to my uncle that my nephew has made some improvements and developed two pills from one. The former has an immediate effect, while the latter strengthens the body and replenishes the vital energy. Even women will benefit greatly from taking it."

He then praised the two medicines to such a miraculous degree that Jia She was so excited that his ears were burning with excitement.

Jia She said, "In that case, why not choose a day to sell it? Yes, bring some over later, and I'll distribute it around. Within a month or so, I guarantee that everyone in the capital, nobles, and wealthy families will know about it."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "With my uncle's help, I don't have to worry about anything."

"This..." Jia She pondered and said, "I was short of money before, but I heard that the sea trade bill will be delivered in a few days. I wonder if that amount of money..."

Chen Siyuan immediately said in embarrassment: "Uncle, it's too late. Brother Dongfu Zhen, the concubine of the Xue family, the second wife, Brother Lian, and my nephew himself, have pooled together 20,000 taels of silver to hoard all the medicinal herbs. Now it is really difficult to allow anyone to get involved."

Jia She frowned immediately.

Chen Siyuan added, "However, if this medicine is widely marketed by my uncle, I will give you 20% of the profits."

Jia She frowned and said, "Twenty percent? Hmm...how are you planning to sell this medicine?"

Chen Siyuan said, "I won't cheat you, young or old. Ten taels of silver for a bottle of twelve pills."

Jia She was so shocked that his eyes widened. He asked, "Ten taels of silver?"

Chen Siyuan complained, "Ten taels of silver is barely enough to make a profit, my uncle thought, but promotion requires 20% of the profit. It would be good if we can make 50% of the profit from these pills. After deducting the rent for the shop and hiring staff, it would be good if we can have 20% left to share out as profits."

Jia She was still unwilling to accept this and could not help but say, "Brother Yuan, 20% of the promotion income is a bit too little. I think 30% -"

"No, 20% is the limit. If you give less, I'm afraid everyone will come to our door to demand an explanation."

Jia She's mood soured as he pondered the matter. He hadn't originally hoped to get a share of the profits; he simply wanted more pills. Chen Siyuan hadn't given him much before. Now, hearing that a bottle cost ten taels of silver, even though Jia She, the eldest master, had a thick skin like a city wall, it was difficult for him to ask Chen Siyuan for them.

Because his mood was ruined, Jia She responded with a few perfunctory words and sent Chen Siyuan away.

After a brief visit to the east wing, Chen Siyuan simply went to the back to find Mrs. Xing. He told her about his business in detail. Mrs. Xing was naturally envious and kept patting her chest, saying that she would promote it everywhere in the future.

After returning to Rongguo Mansion from the east wing, Chen Siyuan simply went to look for Mrs. Wang first. However, Mrs. Wang and Aunt Xue went to Rongqing Hall, so Chen Siyuan turned around and went to the back to look for Sister Feng.

It was also a coincidence that Sister Feng had just had some free time that day, and was eating smoothies with Ping'er at that moment.

Upon hearing that Chen Siyuan had arrived, Feng Jieer hurriedly changed her short-sleeved clothes and put on a gauze summer dress, and then let Chen Siyuan in.

The two of them exchanged greetings and sat down. Sister Feng said with a smile, "Last afternoon, Madam gave instructions that if Brother Yuan has a child tomorrow, a feast will be prepared, and the twelve little actors will perform a few excerpts, and you little ones can have some fun."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Madam, it's hard to refuse your kindness. Madam told me about it two days ago. I was about to refuse, but Madam didn't allow me to speak and finalized the matter on the spot."

Sister Feng said meaningfully, "It's because of Brother Yuan'er's ability, otherwise how could he have won the Madam's favor?"

Feng Jieer had previously looked up to Chen Siyuan because of Qin's funeral arrangements, and later saw him become famous and show off his power in the Imperial College, and finally he was appreciated by a nobleman.

That would have been fine, but this man was originally the eldest wife's nephew, but he had maneuvered so many things that the wife had treated him as her own son or nephew. I'm afraid even her brother Wang Ren couldn't compare to him in terms of intimacy! Because Feng Jieer was privately amazed, she was naturally very curious about Chen Siyuan.

Chen Siyuan smiled and waved his hand, simply letting the matter go. He said, "I came to see my second sister-in-law today because the pills are about to go on sale. I hope you can spread the word about it later."

Jia Lian had put in two thousand taels of silver, and Sister Feng would not neglect it. She smiled and said, "After all, it's our own business, so why would I just sit there and watch? Don't worry, brother Yuan. If I meet the women from other families in the future, I will definitely have a good talk with them."

Chen Siyuan smiled and nodded, and then explained the effects of Bu Tian Wan and Huan Chun Dan one by one, which made Feng Jieer's eyes light up.

She couldn't help but exchange glances with Ping'er, who then said, "Master Yuan, is the Huanchun Pill truly effective in treating women's hidden ailments?"

Chen Siyuan blinked, then he remembered that Wang Xifeng seemed to have suffered a hemorrhage later?

Before he could speak, Ping'er said, "Master Yuan, you don't know, I... I have some menstrual irregularities. No doctor or medicine has helped. Every time my period comes, I suffer from excruciating pain."

Ping'er spoke openly, without a trace of embarrassment on her face, while Fengjie'er looked away. Chen Siyuan was a brilliant man, so how could he not tell that Ping'er was speaking on behalf of Wang Xifeng?
Chen Siyuan frowned and asked, "Miss Ping, what did the imperial physician say?"

"It's just that there's qi deficiency, blood heat, and some blood stasis."

Chen Siyuan said, "I've only skimmed through some medical books, so I'm not sure about Miss Ping's condition. To be honest, this medicine is made by Heniantang. If Miss Ping is free someday, why not go to Heniantang and ask Doctor Ding for a consultation? Then, you can mention it and we'll know if this Huanchun Pill is effective."

Ping'er bowed and said with a smile, "I see. Thank you, Master Yuan."

Chen Siyuan waved his hand and pulled out a small, dark porcelain bottle from his sleeve. He said, "Leave this bottle of Huanchun Pill here. If it's useful in the future, Miss Ping can take it. If not, leave it to my second sister-in-law to recuperate."

Feng Jieer was delighted and said with a smile, "Look, everyone says I'm thorough, but how can I compare to Brother Yuan's thoroughness? Oh my! No wonder everyone is so proud of Brother Yuan."

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily, and seeing that the job was done, he stood up and said goodbye.

As soon as he left, Feng Jieer couldn't wait to pull out the cork of the bottle, boiled out a pitch-black pill and sniffed it.

Ping'er said, "Madam, Master Yuan said that we must see a doctor to know if it is suitable for us."

Sister Feng asked, "Can Doctor Ding really compare to Doctor Wang? Doctor Wang couldn't do anything about it, so could it be that Doctor Ding could? Why does it smell so strange?"

As she spoke, Feng Jieer raised her hand to swallow, found some tea and drank it down, then said, "I'm so busy now that I don't have time to go to Henian Hall. My body belongs to me, and I don't know if it's suitable for me. Don't worry about it."

Ping'er was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. She wanted to try to persuade him again, but she sighed and kept silent.

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

But it is said that this day came when Chen Siyuan gave birth to a son.

Early in the morning, Xiangling brought new clothes for him to change into. Liu Wuer came from the kitchen early in the morning with a lunch box containing freshly cooked longevity noodles.

The incense table was set up in the courtyard early, and Chen Siyuan came to the courtyard dressed neatly, not to mention burning incense, tea, and paper.

Because she had to go to the Imperial College to study today, it was not appropriate for her to show etiquette to her elders. She went straight back to her room, took the silver box handed to her by Hongyu, and sat down waiting for the maids to come and pay their respects.

Because Chen Siyuan was not yet twenty, everyone just bowed to him as a sign of respect so as not to shorten his lifespan.

According to custom, Chen Siyuan distributed the bimonthly allowance that day. The women in the room were delighted to receive the bonus. The young maid, Yunxiang, held the silver in her hand and admired it for a moment before eagerly asking, "Master, did my third sister get any bonus?"

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily and said, "Your third sister isn't with me, so where did the reward money come from?"

Yunxiang immediately smiled awkwardly and said, "That's just what I asked. Master is busy, so I'll go clean up."

Yunxiang ran out excitedly, then came back running like crazy, saying, "Master, Sister Yuanyang is here."

Chen Siyuan did not dare to neglect and went to the main door to greet her. Yuanyang smiled and bowed, said a few auspicious words, and then presented Jia Mu's gift.

Chen Siyuan thanked him and when he turned around and opened the bag, he saw that the small bag contained a pair of shoes.

shoe?

Chen Siyuan smiled secretly, thinking that Grandmother Jia really didn't like him. Sheng'er gave him a pair of plain shoes, which meant that she just wanted Chen Siyuan to get out of here as soon as possible.

Then Mrs. Xing sent a set of clothes, fifty birthday peaches, and fifty bundles of silver thread noodles. Perhaps she had discussed it with Mrs. Xing, and Jin Chuan'er also sent gifts according to Mrs. Xing's rules.

What surprised Chen Siyuan was that Li Wan also sent a maid to deliver a set of Hu brushes.

After a busy period, it was getting late. The gifts sent by the remaining people would probably have to wait until Chen Siyuan returned from school, so Chen Siyuan did not stay any longer. After giving a brief explanation, he took a carriage to the Imperial College.

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West Dagezi Lane of the Imperial College.

Nanny Qu was hanging out clothes in the yard when she suddenly heard a knock on the door. She wiped her hands on her apron and hurried over to open the door.

At a glance, I saw Chen Siyuan standing in front of the door, reeking of alcohol.

"Master is here?" Madam Qu stepped aside and said with a smile, "Qingwen was saying that Master would come today, but it was past noon and he still hadn't shown up. Now he couldn't bear it anymore and went to bed."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "I don't know who spread the news, but my classmates all knew I was having a baby today. We gathered together for a feast at noon and are only now leaving. Is Qingwen asleep?"

Madam Qu smiled and said, "Master, go and have a look yourself. Qingwen has put so much thought into it."

Chen Siyuan nodded and, without Madam Qu following him, walked into the main room. Turning into the western end room, he saw a brand new Zhongjing crown placed on the kang table. This Zhongjing crown was worn by officials at home during the Ming Dynasty, but in this dynasty, even scholars could wear it.

This hat has an iron wire frame and is covered with black gauze and black velvet. The top of the hat is slightly square and slightly protruding in the middle. The front is decorated with a crown beam pressed with silk thread. There are two mountains at the back, also with gold edges.

On the kang nearby, Qingwen was curled up in a sound sleep, her legs bare. Perhaps when she rolled over, she pulled open her front lapel, revealing a tender white area under her neck.

Chen Siyuan touched the Zhongjing crown and thought that Qingwen must have worked late into the night to make it, so he couldn't help dozing off at this moment.

Perhaps Qingwen was still holding on at noon, but she waited and waited but she didn't see him coming, so she went to bed.

Chen Siyuan untied the net scarf holding his hair and put on the Zhongjing crown. He felt that it was cooler than the tight-fitting net scarf. He looked in the palm-sized mirror and found that he looked more stable than before.

With a smile on his face, Chen Siyuan knew that if he left without saying goodbye, Qingwen would be disappointed, so he immediately sat on the edge of the kang with one leg and reached out to scratch the soles of her feet.

The nail-painted toes curved and then moved aside. Chen Siyuan laughed secretly, reached out again to find a strand of hair, and playfully inserted it into Qingwen's nostril.

Qingwen's brows furrowed, her face twitching as she moved. After a long moment, she couldn't help but open her eyes. She took a dazed look before scrambling to her feet and saying, "Master is here? What time is it?"

"It's almost noon, and my classmates are treating me to a lunchtime dinner. It's hard to refuse. I'll just have a few words with you and then I'll be leaving."

Qingwen smiled and said, "Master, since you are busy, there is no need to come and see me."

Chen Siyuan smiled without saying anything, pointing to the Zhongjing crown on his head and said, "Did you work up all night to make it?"

Qingwen smiled and nodded, saying, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? I stayed up for two nights to finish it."

Chen Siyuan said, "Why stay up late? You can make up for it later."

Qingwen kept shaking her head but said nothing. This was a gift, and how could it be the same if it was given on the birthday or afterward?
Yu Qingwen was grateful for Chen Siyuan's rescue, but she also had some little girl's thoughts. Any more or less of this gift wouldn't be good, and only seeing it on her head with her own eyes today would she feel a little relieved.

Although she didn't say anything, the girl's affection was evident in her words, and when Chen Siyuan saw it, his heart was warmed.

(End of this chapter)