Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 167: Stealing Jade
Chen Siyuan returned to his own courtyard. Yunxiang, the maid, had gone off to play somewhere, and the room was completely silent. He stepped aside the curtains and entered the main room. He looked up and saw Xiangling, Hongyu, and Liu Wu'er gathered in the study, whispering to each other.

Seeing Chen Siyuan come in, the three women separated and came forward to help Chen Siyuan change into a loose linen shirt.

Chen Siyuan sat down leisurely, drank a cup of warm plum soup, and asked with a smile, "What were you talking about just now?"

Xiangling said, "Wu'er said the room was too plain and needed some good feng shui ornaments. We thought about it for a while and decided that a jar of goldfish would be a good idea."

Chen Siyuan said, "Now that you've made up your mind, just tell Qingyu to go buy it."

Xiangling agreed with a smile, saying, "I'll go find Qingyu tomorrow."

Chen Siyuan was very tired after working hard all night. He swallowed two more pills and took a nap in the afternoon.

It was not until after 3 p.m. that Hongyu woke him up.

Chen Siyuan was still drowsy, so Hongyu said, "Master, you'd better get up quickly. If you sleep too much now, you might die at night."

Chen Siyuan calmed down for a while, but found that he couldn't concentrate on reading, so he simply walked into the courtyard with his hands behind his back.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he came out, the little maid Yunxiang appeared beside him like a ghost.

Chen Siyuan was startled and frowned, "Who did you learn this from? Don't be so mysterious from now on."

Yunxiang nodded repeatedly and gossiped, "Master, I was just playing around up ahead and happened to stop in Second Madam's backyard. I heard Second Madam and Second Master Lian arguing from afar."

"Arguing? What's the matter?"

Yunxiang said, "I vaguely heard that Second Master Lian was planning to transfer his share of the pill business to his concubine. Second Madam was naturally unhappy when she found out, so she said she would buy it herself. But who knew that just a short while later, Second Master Lian transferred his share to the eldest master."

Chen Siyuan couldn't help but stare in amazement, wondering what Jia Lian was up to? Such a lucrative business, and he just switched it over? Could it be that Liu Yan'er was blackmailing Jia Lian?

He was confused for a moment, but then he thought, the eldest master Jia She is a person who only takes advantage and never suffers any loss. He is afraid that Jia Lian also transferred his share at the original price, and he only got two thousand taels of silver.

Liu Yan'er is a woman with big ideas. How could she be satisfied with a mere two thousand taels?

I'm afraid that Liu Yan'er can't squeeze money out of Jia Lian, so I have to find another way.

After thinking for a while, Chen Siyuan whispered, "When you have nothing to do at home, go wander around the garden more often. If you see anything happening, remember to report it to me immediately."

"Yeah." Yunxiang agreed, but did not move.

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "I'll give you an extra 500 yuan next month."

Yunxiang immediately beamed with joy, patting her chest and saying, "Don't worry, Master. There's nothing in the mansion that I can't hear!"

Seeing that it was still early, Yunxiang ran out again: "I'm going to stroll around the garden again!"

Chen Siyuan watched her figure disappear into the distance, a smile plastered across his face. Yunxiang was really working hard to get a few bucks.

Little did she know that Yunxiang was asking questions just to be lazy.

Another day passed in the blink of an eye. When Chen Siyuan returned from school, he found his yard quiet again.

He was puzzled, so he pushed open the door and walked in. Standing in the courtyard, he first glanced at the west wing, then walked in and saw Liu Wu'er dozing on the kang table, with the buttons in front of her body half-open, revealing her snow-white tender flesh, set against a bright red bra.

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, this girl is getting bolder and bolder, no longer afraid of being spied on. He glanced at her twice before moving out.

Entering the main room again, I looked up and saw Hongyu leaning against a large chair, one foot on a footstool, the other bent on the chair. Her skirt, rising and falling, didn't cover her properly, revealing her undergarment. Her sleeves were rolled up too high, bracelets dangling from her wrists. Her shoulders were white, slender, and plump. Beads of sweat on her nose and temples were fragrant.

Seeing Hongyu's toes resting on the footstool, Chen Siyuan felt playful and reached out to lift her foot slightly, causing it to slide down. Hongyu stumbled and fell into Chen Siyuan's arms.

Hongyu scolded: "Xiangling you——"

Hongyu suddenly felt something was wrong. She looked up and saw that it was Chen Siyuan who had returned. She rubbed her eyes and quickly stood up, saying, "When did the master come back?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Just got back." He glanced into the west-facing bedroom and saw Xiangling, dressed in a small dress, covered by a brocade quilt, with one pale leg sticking out. "It's not so hot and stuffy today, why are you so sleepy?"

Hongyu smiled and nodded towards the study. Chen Siyuan looked over and saw that a glass fish tank had appeared on the footstool beside him. There were water plants, rocks, and colorful fish the size of a fingernail swimming around in it.

"Did you send Qingyu to buy it?"

"Well, Xiangling, Wu'er, and that darling Yunxiang are all the same. They're going to need feeding soon. If I hadn't stopped them, I'm afraid these fish wouldn't survive the day." After a pause, he continued, "They've been fiddling with the fish and haven't had a nap since afternoon. They can't stand it anymore and have naturally fallen asleep."

Chen Siyuan said, "It's cool in the garden. If you have nothing to do, go walk around in the garden."

Hongyu took the water bottle and poured clean water into the basin. She helped Chen Siyuan wash his hands and said, "We left early this morning, but there were always men wandering around, and servants carrying utensils back and forth. Sister Xiangling was afraid of causing trouble, so she simply sent everyone back together."

Chen Siyuan thought about it and it made sense. There were still some things to be added to various places in the garden these days. Besides, Jia Chang, who was in charge of the little opera singer, Jia Qin, who was in charge of the ancestral temple, and Jia Lian, who was obsessed with Liu Yan'er, these three guys often came and went in the garden. Xiangling was not a maid, so it was not easy for her to run into these "outside men".

As they were talking, Xiangling heard the noise and hurriedly stood up, put on her clothes and came out to greet him. In a short while, one handed her a handkerchief, and another wiped her neck. The girl's body was covered with the scent of powder and powder mixed with a hint of sweat, but she was really warm and soft.

By the time Chen Siyuan had changed into his linen clothes, Hongyu had already cut a honeydew melon for him. Chen Siyuan tasted a piece and said in surprise, "There are honeydew melons in the capital now?"

Hongyu said, "I heard from the vendors outside that the Sage is so proud of the honeydew melons from the Western Regions that he ordered the Imperial Farm to try growing them two years ago. This year, they grew tens of thousands of pounds of them, and since the palace couldn't enjoy them all, they distributed some to the people for sale."

Chen Siyuan nodded and was about to say something else when he suddenly saw Yunxiang running in happily. When she saw Chen Siyuan, she felt like she had seen her savior.

"Master, please save me!"

Hongyu scolded, "How can you be so flustered?"

Yunxiang didn't care and rushed in frantically. When she reached Chen Siyuan, she gasped for breath and patted her chest, saying in fear, "Master, please save me. If Second Master Lian sees me, he will definitely kill me."

Chen Siyuan's expression became serious, and he said, "Tell me in detail, what exactly is going on?"

Yunxiang's face turned ashen, and she began to talk incoherently. Yunxiang was at the age when she loved to play, and at Chen Siyuan's behest, she had spent most of the day playing in the garden.

That afternoon, I went to the garden to play as usual, but I saw Liu Yan'er strolling slowly by herself. She looked around while walking, and only went into the west wing of Daoxiang Village after she saw that there was no one around.

The Daoxiang Village is surrounded by fruit trees, and faces the stream and courtyard wall on the west side. Although there is a small path leading from north to south, it is blocked by peach trees.

Yunxiang was puzzled and simply hid in the Ouxiang Pavilion to observe. Unexpectedly, not long after, Mr. Lian came anxiously looking for her. When they reached the vicinity of Daoxiang Village, they took a good look around and then went into the west wing.

The huge melon like thunder is right in front of her, how could Yunxiang not take a look?

Yunxiang's heart was pounding, and after a long pause she tiptoed towards Daoxiang Village. She went straight to the peach tree outside the west wing and simply climbed up a branch to look over the fence inside.

Although the west wing window was covered with curtains, a corner was still visible, and Yunxiang caught a glimpse of two worm-like figures entangled together.

She was only eleven years old, and all she did every day was play and have no idea about the world. How could she have ever seen anything like this? She immediately lost her mind, missed a step, and fell out of the tree.

The cry of surprise naturally alerted the people inside. Jia Lian growled "Who?" and Yunxiang was so frightened that she tumbled and ran away. She went all the way north into the cave. Looking back, she saw Jia Lian, his clothes disheveled, looking around.

Yunxiang was terrified and hurried up the winding mountain road, out of the back garden gate and ran all the way back home.

After she finished speaking incoherently, not only was it Chen Siyuan, but Xiangling and Hongyu beside her were also extremely shocked.

Xiangling said, "Master, that Yan'er..."

Chen Siyuan shook his head and said, "I also feel that Yan'er has bad intentions, so I have never accepted her as my wife."

Hongyu didn't think much about it and said, "Master, you are very good at judging people."

Xiangling nodded, then frowned. "This Second Master Lian is... after all, she's a concubine the Xue family took in with a banquet. If this gets out, who knows what kind of commotion it'll cause."

Hongyu curled her lips and said, "The Xue family may not be that bad, but the Second Madam is not an easy hurdle to overcome."

Yunxiang on the side said anxiously: "Master, saving lives is the most important thing, stop talking nonsense now!"

Chen Siyuan asked, "Did Second Brother Lian see you?"

Yunxiang said, "I definitely saw it, but whether I saw it clearly or not is hard to say."

Chen Siyuan thought for a moment and said, "Well, you hide in the room, and I'll go out and see if Second Brother Lian is chasing us."

Hongyu couldn't help but remind him, "Master, don't start a fight with Master Lian."

"Ha," Chen Siyuan sneered, "He lost his footing, so he's worried now. He should be afraid that I'll make a scene."

Hongyu thought about it and agreed, so she stopped talking about it.

Chen Siyuan strode out of his courtyard with his head held high, turned around, and headed towards the Grand View Garden. As he reached the backyard gate, he happened to see Jia Lian standing there with a frown on his face, glancing left and right as if searching for something.

As Chen Siyuan approached, the two of them bowed to each other from a distance. Seeing this, Jia Lian forced a smile and said, "Brother Yuan, are you back from school?"

Chen Siyuan quickly responded, "That's right. Second Brother Lian, what are you doing..."

Jia Lian made up a story, "I was just strolling in the garden when I unexpectedly lost my purse. From a distance I saw a little maid pick it up. I ran after her, but unexpectedly lost her. I wonder if Brother Yuan has seen a little maid in a green dress?"

Chen Siyuan thought to himself that if Jia Lian seriously investigated, Yunxiang wouldn't be able to escape no matter how hard she tried to hide. So, it would be best if she just admitted it openly.

Then he said, "I do have a little maid in my room who is dressed like this, but she has been staying in the room and has not gone to the garden. I guess it is not her."

"Brother Yuan, that maid really never..." Jia Lian was about to say something, but when he saw Chen Siyuan's face with a hint of playfulness, he immediately understood. He quickly changed his words and said, "That's right, Brother Yuan said she never came out, so of course she never came out."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Brother Lian is really in a good mood. In this hot summer, he actually went to the garden to appreciate the flowers and willows. I think he feels very happy. Unlike me, I am overwhelmed by the lessons in the Imperial College every day and have no free time."

How could Jia Lian not hear the hidden meaning in Chen Siyuan's words? He could only force a smile and said, "Brother Yuan, you are joking."

Chen Siyuan had previously admitted that it was his maid who had discovered his affair with Liu Yan'er, but he then claimed that the maid had never left the room, his intention to protect and conceal the truth being obvious. With Chen Siyuan as his guarantor, Jia Lian could confront him if any rumors were to surface.

Later, Chen Siyuan hinted that Jia Lian was pursuing prostitutes in the garden. This time it was at least covered up, but who can guarantee that he won’t be seen again next time?
What else could Jia Lian say besides thank you?

Just as he was thinking about it, he remembered that Liu Yan'er was still waiting for him there, so Jia Lian said, "Forget it, there's not much change in my purse, so I'll just consider it a reward. Brother Yuan, I have some miscellaneous matters to take care of, so I'll take my leave now."

Chen Siyuan bowed and smiled, "Goodbye, Second Brother Lian."

The two separated immediately, and Jia Lian hurried back to Daoxiang Village. Passing a winding mountain path and a cave, he soon entered the west wing of Daoxiang Village. Entering, he saw Liu Yan'er hanging her handkerchief high on the beam, about to tie it into a knot and hang herself.

Jia Lian was startled and rushed forward to hug him: "What are you doing?"

Liu Yan'er sobbed, "I was bewitched by you and lost my footing. Now I've been seen. If this gets out, how can I survive? Rather than being drowned in a pond, I'd rather hang myself!"

"Not really, not really, it hasn't come to that!" Jia Lian lifted her off the stool and coaxed her, "That maid only took a quick look, and I scared her, so she won't dare to spread the news."

Liu Yan'er sobbed silently. After a while, she said, "Second Master, it's fine if you just fasten your pants. But pity me, a girl. If I'm really exposed, I can only beg Madam for mercy. I'll swallow the gold and beg for my body to be intact."

Jia Lian laughed and said, "Didn't I tell you that the little maid didn't see it clearly?"

Liu Yan'er said, "We've covered up the past this time, but what about the future?"

"Tomorrow? What tomorrow?"

Liu Yan'er frowned and complained, "Second Master only cares about his own happiness and doesn't think about me. If I get pregnant in the future and he's not at home, how will I explain it?"

Jia Lian suddenly felt overwhelmed and thought, "Then I'll find some contraceptive soup and you can drink it in private?"

Liu Yan'er pursed her lips and said nothing, then burst into tears.

Jia Lian tried to persuade her again, and finally said after a while, "Forget it, forget it. I can't do anything about it now. If you have any requests, just tell me." Liu Yan'er said, "If I really get pregnant in the future, I only ask Second Master to rescue me and leave the mansion."

"It's up to you, it's up to you."

Liu Yan'er continued, "I've married into the Xue family, and now I've only saved a few dozen taels of silver. I'll need to rent a house and raise children in the future, so I'll need some money to support myself."

"Here you go, here you go."

Jia Lian was so upset that he gave all the banknotes he had to Liu Yan'er. Seeing his impatience, Liu Yan'er sobbed and threw herself into his arms, saying, "I've given everything to you, Second Master. I only ask that you treat me well in the future."

With the soft jade and warm fragrance in his arms, Jia Lian was immediately bewildered. He started to touch her and soon coaxed Liu Yan'er to finish what they had not done just now...

After the two parted ways, Liu Yan'er left the west wing of Daoxiang Village. When she reached a quiet place, she took out the banknotes in her pocket and examined them one by one. After counting them over and over again, she found only 1,200 taels. Liu Yan'er frowned.

She had only managed to coax out about fifteen hundred taels, which was hardly enough for her to spend. She also knew about Jia Lian's pawning of his shares, and since he was a playboy, he was bound to spend a lot of time out, so naturally he would keep some money for himself.

If you ask them for it again later, I'm afraid they will only give you a few cents each time.

Suddenly, she heard voices approaching. Liu Yan'er hurriedly put away her silver and money and was about to go out. From a distance, she saw several maids carrying a six-fold glass screen towards the villa where she came to visit her parents.

Liu Yan'er suddenly had an idea and thought to herself that the Jia family had countless precious calligraphy and paintings. If they could find a valuable one, wouldn't these several thousand taels of silver be easily within their grasp?

Just in the pavilion ahead, Aunt Zhao and her maid Xiao Jixiang were observing. Liu Yaner walked up to them and greeted them with a smile.

Aunt Zhao couldn't help feeling proud when she saw that he was polite and courteous.

Liu Yan'er said, "The mansion has purchased a lot of things. I think that glass screen is worth at least several hundred taels."

Aunt Zhao curled her lips and said, "You followed Brother Yuan earlier, so naturally you didn't have much experience. You've only just scratched the surface. I'm not afraid to tell you, the antiques and treasures stored in the mansion shouldn't be displayed to the public, so the old lady sent someone to spend 20,000 silver coins to buy some."

Liu Yan'er was astonished and deliberately praised Aunt Zhao, saying, "Aunt, you are much more knowledgeable than I am... The treasures in the mansion must be extremely valuable, right?"

"Valuable?" Aunt Zhao curled her lips, then suddenly thought of Baoyu and said, "If we really talk about value, it's the magical jade on Baoyu's body. If anyone gets it, I'm afraid the old lady will be willing to pay a thousand or ten thousand taels of silver for it."

At this time, little Jixianger said, "Auntie, where is Huan'er?"

Aunt Zhao looked in the direction of the sound and saw Jia Huan, who looked like a clay figurine, walking towards the waterside with a sad face.

Aunt Zhao's mood suddenly turned sour, and she couldn't help saying, "You can't get on the high platform without a screwdriver, and you don't know how to help your brother when he falls into the mud." She then went to look for Jia Huan, cursing.

Seeing that it was getting late, Liu Yan'er hurried back to the northeast courtyard. Fortunately, Aunt Xue had stayed at Madam Wang's that day. Although Tonggui, who stayed behind, asked a few questions, Liu Yan'er gave him a silver bean. He simply said that the summer heat was so intense that he felt bored sitting in his room. So he went to wander around the garden for a while.

As the saying goes, the speaker may not mean it, but the listener may take it to heart. When Liu Yan'er returned to the front room, what Aunt Zhao said couldn't help but come to her mind.

The Jia family's fine possessions were either displayed in various rooms or locked away in the storeroom. Liu Yan'er was only from the Yan family, not a thief, so how could she have stolen such treasures?
On the contrary, the spiritual jade hanging on Master Bao's chest was easier to obtain. After thinking for a while, the little maid Zhen'er came in with a cup of warm tea. Liu Yan'er asked, "Did you hear when the girls in the mansion will return?"

Zhen'er said, "They say that in previous years the summer heat would return in June, so it would only take about ten days."

Liu Yan'er nodded, and after thinking about it, a plan came to her mind.

Ten days passed in a hurry.

That day, Jia Lian came to meet Liu Yan'er again. After a while of affection, Liu Yan'er leaned against his chest and said, "I haven't had my period in the past few days. I might be pregnant soon."

Jia Lian was so frightened that he didn't know what to do. He asked, "How did it happen?"

Liu Yan'er said, "It's hard to say right now. Perhaps it's too late this time." After a pause, she continued, "However, if I still don't come in a few days, Second Master will have to find a way to send me away."

Jia Lian was sweating profusely. If this matter were to get out, not to mention what would happen to the Xue family, Feng Jieer and the master would probably beat him half to death just to save their reputation.

Jia Lian was at a loss for words and could only nod his head repeatedly, saying, "If your period really hasn't come, I'll definitely find a way to get you out."

Liu Yan'er said, "Second Master, just remember what you said today... Otherwise, hey..."

Jia Lian swore, "Don't worry, I'm in charge now. I'm just sending someone out. You changed your clothes and wiped your face at night. Who can recognize you?"

After a moment of intimacy, the two of them parted ways. Jia Lian was deeply troubled, fearing the affair would fail, but within two days he had settled the matter.

After receiving the news, Liu Yan'er felt relieved.

Two days later, on June 24th, Jia's mother and the others returned from Haidian Village as expected. The once quiet garden was bustling with activity again, as usual.

Every day when she had free time, Liu Yan'er would wander around the garden, hoping to run into Jia Baoyu. As luck would have it, that afternoon Baoyu was about to go out to the garden to play with his sisters. Liu Yan'er saw Baoyu coming from a distance, and after a moment's thought, a plan suddenly came to her mind.

The main gate of the garden faces the green mountains and the stream. There is a winding path in the middle, and there is a wide road on the side where people can walk around.

Baoyu has the heart of a naughty boy and rarely takes the right path. He always takes the side road.

Liu Yan'er hurried over and entered the winding path first. When she heard Baoyu's footsteps approaching, she suddenly rushed out from inside, and the two of them bumped into each other with a cry of "ouch".

Liu Yan'er bumped into Baoyu's arms, reached out and took off the spiritual jade, then pretended to be exhausted and fell to the side while crying "Ouch".

Baoyu staggered and was immediately supported by Xiren behind him.

Xiren was about to open her mouth to scold her, but when she saw that it was Liu Yan'er who had fallen, her expression suddenly changed. She said, "Sister Yan'er, why are you so flustered?"

Liu Yan'er put one hand behind her back and tucked the spiritual jade into her handkerchief. She quickly apologized, "I was distracted for a moment and didn't hear anyone's voice... I'm really sorry, Master Bao."

Baoyu, who had always been kind to women, smiled and said, "I'm fine. Are you okay?"

"It's okay." Liu Yan'er stood up with the help of the rockery, and quickly moved aside.

Baoyu laughed and said, "Don't be so rash from now on. It's just me. If it were someone else, I'm afraid there would be a commotion."

Liu Yan'er smiled apologetically and said, "Who doesn't know that Master Bao is the kindest of people? Being able to stay with Master Bao is a blessing I've earned through countless lifetimes."

Baoyu was used to flattery and didn't take it to heart. He walked with his hands behind his back, leading Xiren and Musk Moon through the green peaks and went to the back to look for his sisters.

Now that she had obtained the magical jade, Liu Yan'er dared not delay any longer. She immediately found Jia Lian's servant and asked him to meet her immediately.

Jia Lian has been avoiding Liu Yan'er these days, fearing that she is really pregnant.

Who knew that after all his hiding, disaster would finally find him. He was afraid that Liu Yan'er would give up and spread the matter, so he had no choice but to go to the meeting.

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

However, it is said that Chen Siyuan returned near the hour of You that day. This was because the British delegation was coming to Beijing that day, and Chen Siyuan could not resist the urging of his friends, so he went to the outer city to take a look at the Western scenery.

The English delegation consisted of no more than 40 people, including some Indians wearing turbans. It looked like the East India Company was using the Queen's orders to engage in trade.

I vaguely recall that during this same period in history, China enjoyed a trade surplus with Britain and India. Perhaps that's why Britain and India forged the imperial edict. It's a shame Prince Ping of Yan isn't available today. I'll have to raise this with the prince someday. I don't want England to take advantage of me.

Thinking that he had not seen Mrs. Xing for a few days, and that she was in the late stages of pregnancy, he could not help but feel resentful after not visiting her for a long time. Chen Siyuan took a short rest and then went to the east wing.

He continued walking through the garden. Just as he had come down from the Great Master Hill, he saw in the distance a dozen maids and servants lined up, searching among the bushes. Behind them were Baoyu, Baochai, and the three sisters, all gathered together, which filled Chen Siyuan with great wonder.

He stepped forward and everyone hurried to greet him.

Chen Siyuan asked, "What was lost?"

Baochai said angrily, "Isn't it the jade that Bao brother wore? I don't know where it was lost. If my aunt knew about it, I don't know what a fuss it would cause."

Tanchun also said, "That's the magical jade, we can't be careless. Secretary, look for it by the water too!"

Baoyu, however, was completely unconcerned and said, "It's just a piece of stone. If it's lost, it's lost. Can't I just stand here alive?"

The second girl, Yingchun, frowned and said, "Brother Bao, please stop talking. The most important thing is to find the magic jade as soon as possible. If you can't find it, not only the madam, but even the old lady will be very upset!"

Chen Siyuan looked concerned and said, "I have helpers in my room. If you need anyone, Sister Xue, just go and ask them. I have to go to the east wing and I'll help you look for them when I come back."

Baochai replied, "Brother Yuan, go quickly. If you really can't find her, you'll have to call more maids and old women."

Chen Siyuan nodded in agreement, then said goodbye to everyone else and headed towards the east wing.

As soon as he left, everyone waited for a long time. Seeing that the magical jade had not been found yet, even Sister Bao couldn't help feeling a little anxious.

Baochai pondered, "I think we shouldn't sit idle. The maids and old women might have missed something. Why don't we follow behind and check for any omissions?"

Tanchun immediately praised: "Sister Bao, this is a good idea."

At that moment, everyone dispersed and followed the maids and servants to search. As the sky gradually darkened, two minutes passed without any trace of the body.

Tanchun went looking for Baoyu and asked, "Second brother Bao, did you lose your magic jade while playing just now, or did you lose it somewhere else?"

Xichun also said, "Did you forget it in Qixianzhai?"

Xiren kept shaking her head and said, "The Qixianzhai was turned upside down, and I remember clearly that the Second Master had worn it out." After a pause, Xiren suddenly realized and clasped her hands together and said, "Yes, just now Second Master Bao and Sister Yan'er from the Xue family bumped into each other. Did Baoyu end up in Cuizhang?"

Musk Moon turned and left upon hearing this, and the others also went to look for the Jade Peak. By this time, it was already dark, so one of the maids simply asked the waitress for a lantern to illuminate the area. Seven or eight people searched the Jade Peak from top to bottom, but could not find the Spiritual Jade.

Musk Moon then asked, "Could it have just happened to fall on Yan'er?"

Baoyu shook his head and said, "How could it be such a coincidence?"

Baochai said, "It's hard to say for sure. Ying'er, go back and ask."

Ying'er agreed, turned around and headed northeast towards the small courtyard. Unexpectedly, after taking only a few steps, she ran into the little maid Zhen'er.

Zhen'er asked anxiously, "Sister Ying'er, have you seen Concubine Liu?"

Ying'er asked curiously, "Isn't she at home?"

Zhen'er said, "Just now, my aunt said that she had lost a brocade bag in the garden while strolling in the afternoon, and she left me and went to the garden. But she waited and waited, but no one showed up, and she waited and waited, but no one came back, so my aunt sent me to look for him."

Ying Er pouted and said, "Don't mention it's you, I still have to look for her——"

The place where the two were talking was very close to Cuizhang, and everyone heard every word of their conversation.

Baochai's heart skipped a beat, a sense of impending disaster. Liu Yan'er, with her seductive ways, had always displeased Baochai. She had been away in Haidian for over twenty days, and who knew what Liu Yan'er had done while there?
Baochai's expression immediately changed, and she could not help but say in a cold voice, "What are you still fussing about? Look around and ask where Concubine Liu has gone."

Ying'er and Zhen'er quickly agreed and went around looking for the maids to ask. But after asking everywhere, all the maids said they had never seen anything.

Apart from Baoyu who didn't care at all and Xichun who was ignorant, the second girl Yingchun and the third girl Tanchun had already noticed that something was wrong, but they couldn't say it out loud because Baochai was still in front of them.

Sister Bao was trembling with fear. The garden was so small, how could Liu Yan'er, even if she had extraordinary abilities, escape the eyes and ears of all the maids? If she couldn't be found now, she might have fled far away!

Not to mention what kind of wealth the man took from the Xue family, the spiritual jade is the lifeblood of the Bao brothers. If this matter gets out, I'm afraid the old lady will have more to talk about, and it will be difficult to talk about the golden jade marriage in the future!

After forcing herself to calm down, Baochai decided that now was the time to go look for Chen Siyuan. After all, Liu Yan'er had been Brother Yuan's personal maid before, so maybe she could find some clues.

Before he could move, he saw Chen Siyuan entering the garden from afar.

Baochai didn't care about anything else at the moment. She quickly walked over, came close to him, bowed hastily, and said, "Brother Yuan, disaster has occurred! I'm afraid Liu Yan'er has stolen the spiritual jade and escaped!"

　Happy New Year to everyone on the first day of the new year!
　　The Year of the Snake welcomes the New Year, and auspicious snow heralds a bountiful harvest. May your career flourish, your family be harmonious and happy, and your health be as agile as a snake. Happy Year of the Snake, and may all your wishes come true!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)