Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 178 Aunt Xue’s Thoughts

The hall was silent. Aunt Xue had a worried look on her face and was twisting her handkerchief. As her daughter was beside her, she could not keep looking at Chen Siyuan. Bao-chai sat quietly, and because of Aunt Xue, she lowered her head and remained silent.

Chen Siyuan took a sip of his teacup and pondered for a moment, wondering if the book didn't mention this incident. Was it intentionally omitted, or was it because of his own misfortune that this happened?

He immediately said, "Don't worry, Madam, Sister Bao. Everything has a reason. This is for no reason. The Imperial Household won't force anyone to death, right?"

"This..." Aunt Xue frowned and said, "Pan'er's case file was withdrawn a while ago, so I sent Pan'er to the inner court to deliver the death notice."

The mourning document referred to Xue Ke and Xue Baoqin's father, who had previously been the Xue family's imperial merchant. With his passing, a member of the Xue family had to take over. Previously, due to the Jinling case, Xue Pan had become a living dead, making it difficult for him to take over the imperial merchant position.

After checking the case file, it was found that Xue Pan had no criminal record, at least in the capital, so the imperial merchant would naturally be replaced by Xue Pan.

Sure enough, Aunt Xue said, "We delivered the funeral notice and originally wanted Pan'er to take over the imperial merchant's job. But just as we finished the job, the Guangchusi called Pan'er over, saying that the emperor intended to rebuild the Hall of Supreme Harmony and ordered my family to buy twelve golden nanmu trees over seven meters tall from Bashu."

After a pause, he continued, "At first I thought Doctor Geng was deliberately making things difficult for my family, so the next day I sent Pan'er to deliver three thousand taels of silver... But Doctor Geng not only refused to accept it, but also forked Pan'er out."

Chen Siyuan nodded, and with a vague suspicion in his mind, he asked, "Does the concubine's family have any grudge against Doctor Geng?"

Aunt Xue shook her head like a rattle and said, "I haven't even had time to curry favor with him, how can I have any grudge against him? Doctor Geng took office two years ago, and my family had just settled in the capital. We even sent him a tribute of two thousand taels of silver."

Chen Siyuan nodded again, frowned, and thought: "I have some ideas, but I can't be sure yet. I have to go to the inner court to inquire tomorrow."

Aunt Xue hurriedly said, "Since Brother Yuan has this idea, why don't you explain it to us? Even if you can't do anything about it, at least you know the reason."

Baochai chimed in, "That's right. If you have any thoughts, Brother Yuan, feel free to speak up. As the saying goes, one person's plans are short, but three people's plans are long. Perhaps we can now discuss a solution."

Chen Siyuan said, "Well, I have two thoughts. First, does Doctor Geng have any grudge against Doctor Cao?"

Aunt Xue was stunned. She exchanged a glance with Baochai, both agreeing that this was reasonable. For no apparent reason, the Xue family was a royal merchant family passed down from their ancestors, with relatives spread across the land, including close ties with the Jia, Shi, and Wang families. How could Doctor Geng, after all his trouble, dare to manipulate the Xue family so easily?
Maybe it’s because of the Cao family’s connection!
Baochai said hurriedly, "I have heard that Doctor Cao is very prudent and has never made any enemies in his many years as an official. Although what Brother Yuan said is not impossible, it is not easy to be sure of it."

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "I thought so too. So if it has nothing to do with the Cao family... I'm afraid someone has taken a fancy to the Xue family's imperial merchant position."

People die for money, birds for food. Purchasing for the imperial family is a losing business, so why did Aunt Xue cling so tightly to her job as an imperial merchant? Because with this job, she could travel around the country without being bullied by local officials. She could also set up other businesses under the protection of the imperial court.

Of course, the money earned by the imperial envoys from the inner court was a loss, but the Xue family could not only make the money back from other businesses, but also make a lot of money. Naturally, they became more and more reluctant to give up the imperial merchant envoys.

The Xue family's quiet prosperity was sure to inspire envy. Even among the eight major salt merchants in Yangzhou, who was wealthier than the Xue family? And who wouldn't secretly want to trade with them?

The Xue family was in such trouble this time, probably because someone had ulterior motives and took advantage of the fact that the Xue family was an orphan and a widow with no one to take charge. Aunt Xue also had conflicts with the Wang family, so she bribed Doctor Geng to use methods to punish the Xue family.

The meaning is self-evident. If you are smart, you should quickly withdraw from the job as an imperial merchant, otherwise you will lose money in the future.

Aunt Xue was horrified upon hearing this, and was at a loss for what to do. Her eyes shifted between Baochai and Chen Siyuan, and she said, "This...this...my Xue family has always been kind to others. How could we be targeted by someone?"

Baochai turned and patted Aunt Xue's hand, saying, "As the ancients said, 'A common man is innocent, but he who possesses a treasure is guilty.' This is exactly the truth. We are an orphan and a widow, and my brother is useless...wouldn't he be coveted by someone with ulterior motives?"

Aunt Xue asked in panic, "What should we do?"

Because of her doubts, Aunt Xue has rarely interacted with Wang Ziteng in the past few years. Moreover, Wang Ziteng is now an official away from home, so it is inconvenient to exchange letters. She is afraid that distant water cannot quench immediate thirst.

While Baochai was comforting her mother, she glanced at Chen Siyuan, who was sipping his tea calmly. Their glances met, and suddenly she understood. Yes, this was a good opportunity. Why not take advantage of this matter and simply send the imperial merchant away?
Just as he was about to speak, Aunt Xue spoke to Chen Siyuan first, saying, "Brother Yuan, you must have a way to save the Xue family, right?"

Sister Bao looked up at Chen Siyuan. Chen Siyuan met her gaze and said thoughtfully, "We still don't know what Doctor Geng's plan is. We must ask him first."

Aunt Xue asked hurriedly, "Do you think we should give Doctor Geng some more money?"

Chen Siyuan shook his head. Baochai beside him said, "Mother, do you think that the man who covets the job of the Xue family's imperial merchant is from a family with less wealth than ours? If he can urge Doctor Geng to take action against the Xue family, I'm afraid he has already been fed."

Aunt Xue was instantly distraught, and then she could no longer contain herself, looking at Chen Siyuan pitifully.

Just one glance made Chen Siyuan panic. He was afraid that someone would see through his tracks, so he coughed and said, "Madam, you are just too worried. Even if this matter cannot be reversed, it will take three years to transport the golden nanmu to the capital. We won't need it right away. Why is Madam scaring yourself?"

Baochai also said, "Brother Yuan is right. Why don't we wait a few more days and see what happens? If someone really has set their sights on our imperial merchant business, they'll probably come looking for us later. Once we find out who this person is, we'll be able to counter his moves. Right now, we're completely in the dark, and it's pointless to panic."

Aunt Xue nodded and said, "I am anxious. In that case, Brother Yuan... Baochai and I will go back first. We will consult Brother Yuan again after the matter is settled."

"Okay, I'll take Auntie and Sister Bao home."

The three of them stood up at that moment, and Chen Siyuan escorted the mother and daughter out of the door. He watched them turn through the alley, then shook his head and turned back to the main room.

He thought to himself that since Aunt Xue had asked him to do something, he would definitely investigate. However, it was a small matter like this, so he was afraid it would be difficult to ask Prince Ping of Yan. However, since he had dealt with Zhai Kui several times, he thought it would be better to ask Doctor Zhai to investigate.

Silent all night.

The next day, Chen Siyuan slept until noon. After a leisurely wash and breakfast, Chen Siyuan didn't bother to call his servant Qingyu to accompany him. He borrowed a horse and headed for Xiaohuazhi Lane.

When I knocked on the door and entered, Second Sister You and Third Sister You came out to greet me happily. After not seeing me for a few days, the two girls looked even more radiant.

They immediately surrounded Chen Siyuan on both sides and brought him inside, serving him tea and snacks, as if they wanted to treat him like a master.

The three of them had not seen each other for a long time, and they missed each other very much. So the two girls just asked a little about the autumn examination, and then Chen Siyuan hugged them and took them to the west room for a good time.

When the wind and rain died down, You Erjie, dressed in her clothes, sat upright before the Linghua mirror, caressing the peony silk flowers on her temples while her slender white fingers traced the base of her neck. The collar of her goose-yellow shirt was slightly open, revealing a deep red mark on her snow-white breast—the mark left by Chen Siyuan's mad sucking moments ago.

He turned his head and glanced at the kang, and could not help but scold: "It's sunny and broad daylight, and my sister wants to come now!"

At this time, Third Sister You was still clinging to Chen Siyuan's chest, her pomegranate-red dress bunched up at the side. She was wearing only an amber-colored bellyband, with her snow-white arms sticking out. Her slender jade hands with nails painted with phoenix-scented jelly were repeatedly stroking Chen Siyuan's heart.

The blush on her face was about to fade, and her eyes moved. The moment before, she glanced at Chen Siyuan with indescribable tenderness and affection, but when she glanced at You Erjie, she was suddenly full of ridicule.

He said, "Second sister, what you said is unconscionable. I just rested early, but it was you who got up on your own and kept going..."

You Erjie's face turned red with embarrassment and she was speechless.

She was a little older and had benefited a lot from the guidance of Old Man You, so before she met Chen Siyuan, she already knew everything about matters between men and women.

Old Lady You had once told her that the sensations of sex were extraordinary. If she was lucky, perhaps Second Sister You would also get to experience it.

You Erjie was naturally skeptical. While she felt some pleasure during her first intercourse, she only remembered the pain. Afterward, when things got a little better, the ecstasy wasn't there... Who knew that when the three of them were fooling around together, your good sister, You Sanjie, would act like a ghost, smiling and doing whatever the Yuan brothers said. You Erjie, filled with shame and indignation, would soon learn what ecstasy was all about.

At that moment, something in my body dissipated, everything in front of me suddenly became hazy, and then I felt as if I was climbing up to the clouds, floating in the air.

The whole person seemed to have jumped out of the three realms. At that moment, You Erjie didn't care about money or headgear, as if she had never cared about them.

Once there is a first time, there will be a second time, and it happened again just now. So You Erjie was thinking about asking Chen Siyuan for some benefits, but now she was too lazy to open her mouth and just wanted to savor it quietly.

Chen Siyuan reached out and patted Third Sister You on the back, saying, "Hurry up, I have to get up."

Third Sister You gave a coquettish, almost irritating sound, and then reluctantly stood up. Chen Siyuan sat up, took the handkerchief handed to him by Third Sister You, wiped himself roughly, and hurriedly put on his shirt.

Seeing this, You Erjie hurried over to serve. Chen Siyuan stretched out his arms, letting the two sisters serve him, and said, "Yesterday, the concubine of the Xue family asked me to listen to a matter. It's urgent, so I have to go to the inner palace. Yes, I will take you to see the house tomorrow."

Third Sister You said with a smile, "Why would Brother Yuan have to run around for such a small matter? I had some free time a few days ago and looked around a bit, and I've picked out three places I like. Tomorrow, when Brother Yuan is free, I'll go take a look with him."

Chen Siyuan couldn't help but lean over and kiss Third Sister You's innocent face, then said with a smile, "Sister, you are so considerate. Okay, tomorrow then."

After getting dressed neatly, Chen Siyuan took a look at his pocket watch. Seeing that it was almost noon, he hurriedly said goodbye to the two sisters and rode his horse towards Dagezi Lane... Qingwen was still waiting for the letter.

The two sisters saw Chen Siyuan off and returned to their room together. Second Sister You, who was usually more dignified, found a stool to sit on; Third Sister You, who had never been restrained by her own temperament, kicked off her embroidered shoes and lay on the kang with her bare feet.

A plain brocade pillow was propped up under her elbow, and she was dressed in a bright red dress, looking like the only bright red rose among a garden full of white peonies.

The kang table was nearby, and the maid Chunxi brought wine and snacks. Third Sister You poured herself a glass, held the wine cup in one hand, squinted her eyes and took a sip. Then a smile spread across her face, and she hummed a tuneless little song. The joy in her heart drove Qiu Han out of the room.

The intoxication of You Erjie faded slightly. After carefully putting on her makeup, she turned to You Sanjie and said, "Sister, how can you still be so cheerful? Brother Yuan has passed the autumn examination. This is a big deal!"

Third Sister Yu snorted, "What difference does it make whether Brother Yuan passes the Autumn Examination? Even if he does, he's still Brother Yuan, and I'm still me."

You Erjie then said, "Brother Yuan, how old are you? If the Autumn Examination is over, not to mention the Lin family girls in Rongguo Mansion, I'm afraid families outside will come to compete for you. If a wife really comes, I'm afraid it will be difficult for you and me!"

Third Sister You opened her eyes, glanced at Second Sister You, and said, "I think clearly, but you can't see it clearly. Brother Yuan has a bright future and will definitely find a suitable marriage. I know him and love him, so I won't stop him.

But I can't bow down and curry favor with my wife. It would be better for me to stay out there and be free and at ease."

"But--"

Before You Erjie could say anything, You Sanjie said, "Brother Yuan even entrusted me with the management of the pill business. Why should I be worried? It's you, Second Sister, who's just being too suspicious."

You Erjie was choked and speechless. She thought to herself, "I gave you the pill business, but it has nothing to do with me!"

You Erjie straightened her posture and pursed her lips at the diamond-shaped mirror, thinking to herself, "I'm really slow at every step." Third sister, relying on her aggressive personality, had simply left the family and abandoned her for him, so her brothers naturally looked upon her differently.

I'm afraid I won't be able to match the success of others if I try to force myself to do so. I have to find a way to make a living... At the very least, I have to get some shares in Baicaotang.

Thinking of this, You Erjie remembered the booklet at the bottom of the box - it was the booklet that You Lao Niang had secretly stuffed in her last time. You Erjie blushed with shame at the first glance, and thought it was just a coquettish trick that was not worthy of being shown in public.

Now that I think about it, if I lag behind others in every aspect, shouldn’t I resort to some coquettish tactics?
Without mentioning You Erjie's thoughts, it is said that Chen Siyuan had lunch with Qingwen at noon, and only went to the inner palace in the late afternoon.

The Imperial Household had three courts and seven departments, including Fengchen Court, Wubei Court, Shangsi Court, Shenxing Department, Qingfeng Department, Zhaoxing Department, Kuaiji Department, Zhangli Department, Duyu Department, and Guangchu Department.

Zhai Kui was the Langzhong of the Kuaiji Division. When Chen Siyuan arrived at the inner government office, he found the gatekeeper to report and stood outside waiting for a full cup of tea before a minor official came to meet him.

"But Master Chen is here in person? Doctor Zhai invites you in to chat."

The clerk was extremely polite, and Chen Siyuan smiled and accepted the offer, then followed the clerk into the inner courtyard. After a while, he arrived at the second courtyard, and soon saw Doctor Zhai waiting in front of a wing room.

Chen Siyuan hurriedly bowed from a distance and said, "How could I dare to trouble the doctor to come and welcome you personally?"

Zhai Kui returned the greeting with a bow and laughed heartily, "Young Master Chen's Autumn Examination is over. There will surely be news of his success tomorrow. Perhaps he'll even be admitted to the Hanlin Academy in the next exam. I'm merely here to greet my colleagues first."

Chen Siyuan hurriedly said modestly, "Shuntian Prefecture is full of talented people. I'm not sure if I can pass the Autumn Examination this time."

"Mr. Chen, you are too modest. Please." "Please."

The two entered and sat down as host and guest. After tea was served, Zhai Kui said, "The Beijing Grocery Store will open soon. The prince personally ordered it. Does Master Chen know about it?"

"Wankelai? What a nice name." Chen Siyuan praised casually.

Zhai Kui immediately searched for the classics and records and began to talk about the general merchandise market. The Imperial Household had already vacated the site in the capital and began repairs in April. Only after the sea trade payment came back in June did the Imperial Household Yamen begin to contact sources of goods.

The first one to be contacted was the Leting Iron Works, which was under the Ministry of Industry. In the early years, its iron production accounted for more than 50% of Dashun's total. However, in recent years, due to the depletion of old mines, its output has dropped to 30%.

Furthermore, due to the previous agreement between the imperial court and the British, shipyards across Dashun were building ships in order to transport the 100 million jin of pig iron. Consequently, the price of iron plummeted. The price of Leting iron, already brittle and difficult to fetch, plummeted even further.

The Ministry of Works was naturally delighted when the Imperial Household came looking for them, but within a few months they had agreed on a price. From then on, the Imperial Household set up a wide network, collecting and gathering goods from all over the country. They gathered thousands of goods and sent them to the capital, ready to open their doors and welcome customers in October, once the venue was renovated.

Zhai Kui spoke of this matter endlessly, proudly. Chen Siyuan knew that, given the efficiency at the time, this could be considered a swift operation. Apart from other things, just the communication between the north and the south would take more than a month to complete, even with a fast horse.

He then praised him profusely and briefly pointed out two shortcomings. Zhai Kui was immediately delighted, and both host and guest were delighted. Zhai Kui stopped calling him "Mr. Chen" and started calling him "Chen Siyuan's cousin, Shuliang." The two naturally became closer.

After two cups of tea, Chen Siyuan started talking about the Xue family.

Zhai Kui was stunned when he heard this. He said, "Yes, Shuliang is now living in Rongguo Mansion and has some dealings with the Xue family." He paused and lowered his voice, "Shuliang, it's better not to ask about this matter. There are many hidden dangers behind this."

Seeing how serious he was, Chen Siyuan leaned forward and whispered, "Could it be that someone has taken a fancy to the Xue family's imperial merchant position?"

Zhai Kui said chuckled, "If a child carries gold in a busy city, won't he attract wolves and jackals?"

"Hiss... Is the person behind this very important?"

Zhai Kui pondered for a moment and said, "Never mind. I expect someone will come to the Xue family soon to talk to them. It doesn't matter if it's earlier or later..." He then lowered his voice a bit and said, "The one who is trying to get the Xue family's envoy is Huang Shanrong, a wealthy man from Shanxi. The one who is behind this is the prince's brother."

The prince was referring to Prince Ping of Yan. He had only four brothers of the same generation: the old Prince Yi Zhong, who had caused the trouble, the current emperor, and the remaining Prince Zhong Shun.

Even if one were to use their knees to ponder, one would know that if the Emperor wanted to control the Xue family, why would he go to such lengths? A single oral order could bring the Xue family to an irretrievable state. With such roundabout ways of forcing them, it must be the King of Zhongshun.

Tsk, this is not a easy matter to handle.

Chen Siyuan had been living in Rongguo Mansion for nearly a year, and he vaguely heard from those fragments that in the later years of the Emperor Taizong, the four families of Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue supported the old Prince Yi Zhong, while another faction supported the current Emperor.

Prince Ping of Yan, due to his young age, was not involved. But Prince Zhongshun, with his bad character, narrow mind, and high self-esteem, actually joined in and tried to seize the throne.

As a result, the Supreme Emperor issued an edict, stating that the old Prince Yi Zhong was in trouble, Prince Yan Ping was safe and sound, and Prince Zhong Shun became a stinking piece of shit that everyone hated.

If the old Prince Yi Zhong had not just been punished by the current emperor and died of depression, how could the emperor tolerate the noisy behavior of a fly like Prince Zhong Shun?

Furthermore, because the Emperor Taishang is still living in the Daming Palace in good health, whether for the sake of the drama of a loving father and a filial son, or of brothers being friendly and respectful to each other, or because he does not want to leave a bad reputation in history books, the current Emperor cannot act rashly against Prince Zhongshun.

This is troublesome. This stinky piece of shit is holding the title of prince. Unless he commits a heinous crime, no one can do anything to him.

It is difficult to expect peace or a turnaround, so we can only look for other ways.

Chen Siyuan knew it was inappropriate to ask any further questions, so he thanked Zhai Kui solemnly and agreed to meet again for a drink after the results were announced the next day. Then he hurriedly got up and said goodbye.

When he rode back to Rongguo Mansion, it was already the afternoon.

Xiangling was having her period that day, so she moved to the side room. Hongyu welcomed her in and helped her wash her hands and face while she said, "Just now, the fourth lady came to look for the master, but when she saw that he hadn't returned, she went back."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "My fourth sister is probably here to learn the flute from me. Bring me the bamboo flute. I'll go for a walk in the garden later."

Hongyu smiled and said, "The weather has been nice these past two days. The fourth young lady must be playing in the garden right now."

After a while, Hongyu took out the bamboo flute, and Chen Siyuan took it in his hand and walked out of the house. Suddenly, he heard the sound of a singing voice coming from Lixiangyuan next door.

The Autumn Examinations were over, and the twelve young opera performers in Lixiang Courtyard were no longer prohibited from studying and practicing diligently every day. Chen Siyuan, temporarily ignoring the twelve officials, walked with his hands behind his back, holding his bamboo flute, and soon entered the garden through the back door.

Who would have thought that after they had gone down the winding mountain road and passed the stone cave, before they had even caught a glimpse of little Xichun, they saw Aunt Xue leading her companions hurriedly coming towards them from afar.

When she caught sight of Chen Siyuan, Aunt Xue couldn't help but call out, and her pace quickened a bit.

Chen Siyuan took a few steps forward and said, "Madam."

Aunt Xue said anxiously, "I heard that Brother Yuan is back. I've been thinking about him a lot. How did you hear about that matter?"

Chen Siyuan's heart moved, and he remained silent. He glanced at Tongxi and said, "Please move aside, Madam. This matter should not be publicized."

Aunt Xue was preoccupied with this matter and naturally had no suspicion of anything else. She quickly told Tongxi, "Go and have some fun. There's no need to wait for me. I'll be back soon."

Tongxi bowed in response and turned to look for the waterside pavilion. There were melodious sounds of stringed instruments and laughter in the pavilion. He thought that Sanchun, Daiyu and others were gathered there.

But Chen Siyuan stretched out his hand and led Aunt Xue to the east. There was a elm-shaded hall near the water, connected to a rockery in the north and a peony garden in the south. It was a very secluded place.

As Aunt Xue approached Chen Siyuan, she couldn't help but pause. She had a rough idea of ​​what he was thinking, but she pursed her lips and went in.

At this time, there were tables and chairs in Yuyin Hall. Aunt Xue sat down first, and Chen Siyuan did not hesitate to sit next to her.

Aunt Xue suddenly felt uneasy. She pinched the corner of her clothes and said uncomfortably, "You...you don't do anything rash."

Today she was lightly made up, wearing a goose-yellow brocade gown with delicate orchids embroidered on the cuffs and collar, looking gentle and dignified. But at this moment, she was flustered and shy, giving off a childish air.

Chen Siyuan looked at her, then chuckled and said, "We're hiding here, and I haven't done anything. Why are you so panicked?"

"Speak, let's get down to business. Have you heard about that?"

Chen Siyuan asked playfully, "Is the concubine looking for me just because of this?"

"No, it's just—"

Aunt Xue was so anxious that she couldn't say anything. She stared at Chen Siyuan with her moist eyes. Chen Siyuan was so amused that he reached out and grabbed her hand, playing with it while saying, "I just came back from the inner court. Sure enough, someone has taken a fancy to the Xue family's imperial envoy."

"Ah? Who is this thief?"

"The man in front of me is Huang Shanrong, a wealthy Shanxi merchant. The Huang family has always made a living outside the borders of China, and their dealings with the Mongols inevitably involve the sale of contraband. Last year, when the Datong case broke out, countless Shanxi merchants were implicated. I imagine Huang Shanrong must be feeling grief-stricken, so he sought support and determined to become a royal merchant."

Aunt Xue asked, "Brother Yuan, do you know who's behind the Huang family?"

Chen Siyuan nodded and uttered three words: "King Zhongshun."

Aunt Xue's eyes widened, and she trembled violently for a moment, remaining silent for a long moment. Then, with tears welling up in her eyes, she said, "Prince Zhongshun is the most tyrannical of all, and he has grievances against the four families... Now, the Xue family's position as an imperial merchant is in jeopardy!"

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "It's true that it can't be saved." After a pause, he continued, "But even if it can't be saved, there are ways to avoid it."

Aunt Xue felt a glimmer of hope. She turned around, took Chen Siyuan's hands, and pleaded, "Brother Yuan has the best ideas. Please help me!"

Chen Siyuan said gently, "If something happens to you, how can I not care? In my opinion, Nanmu should take over the task first, and then finalize the marriage between Wenlong and the daughter of the Cao family as soon as possible, preferably this year. That way, even if the Xue family loses the imperial merchant, at least they still have Doctor Cao to look after them, so they won't suffer too much.

As for that Nanmu…I wonder if the imperial merchant will be punished for messing up his job?”

Aunt Xue nodded and said, "A fine and a beating with a stick."

"How much is the fine?"

"It's always twice as much."

Chen Siyuan snorted in amusement and said, "The seven-foot-long nanmu wood only costs five hundred taels, twelve pieces cost six thousand taels, and the double fine is only twelve thousand taels. Just drag it out for two years, then claim the wood was damaged during transportation, and have Wenlong go to the Guangchusi to plead guilty. It's just a few dozen lashes and twelve thousand taels of silver. In these two years, the Xue family can earn at least fifty thousand taels, right?"

"This..." Aunt Xue bit her lower lip and pondered. After a long while, she couldn't make up her mind. She hesitated and said, "How about I write to my brother and ask him if he has any ideas?"

Chen Siyuan sighed, "Since Prince Zhongshun has dared to take action, he's convinced that Inspector Wang is powerless. Instead of begging him, why not consult with the Master and Marquis Baoling?"

Aunt Xue had a hard time speaking out, and after a while she said, "Brother Yuan, you don't know that the Xue family, as an imperial merchant...is not just a matter for the Xue family."

Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue are all connected, known as the Four Great Families of Jinling. But there's also the Zhen family in Jinling, even more powerful than the Xue family. Why doesn't anyone mention it? It's probably because these four families are all connected. The Xue family operates in various locations, and since they receive support from the other three, they naturally have to share their profits with them.

Otherwise, why would a daughter of the royal family marry a merchant?
Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "Well, why don't you go and talk to the old lady first. As for the rest, we'll wait and see."

"Yes." Aunt Xue agreed with her head lowered.

That's how it is. When the sharp blade hanging over my head hasn't fallen, I'm in a state of panic all day long. When it does fall, I find that I'm only injured, but not beheaded, so I can finally put my mind at ease.

Chen Siyuan had already told her the worst possible outcome, so Aunt Xue stopped thinking about it and only wanted to force the other three families to step forward and compete with Prince Zhongshun.

Before they knew it, they were holding hands, shoulders touching. The sun was setting, its afterglow streaming through the window onto them. Chen Siyuan looked at Aunt Xue's face, his heart stirring. He reached out and gently smoothed a strand of hair from her ear. Aunt Xue stiffened, her face flushing. She raised her head and met Chen Siyuan's gaze, her eyes filled with shyness and panic.

I couldn't help but call out "Brother Yuan" softly.

Chen Siyuan reached out and put his arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her into his arms. Aunt Xue's heart pounded, thinking she was being flirted with again. She couldn't tell whether she was angry, shy, or hopeful.

Unexpectedly, Chen Siyuan didn't act frivolously. He simply patted her plump shoulders, feeling the unique softness and bounce of her voluptuous body, and said soothingly, "Don't worry too much. In my opinion, the best plan now is to finalize Wenlong's marriage as soon as possible. That way, even if the imperial envoy is lost, at least the Xue family can still maintain its wealth."

"Well, I, I saved it."

Chen Siyuan reached out and straightened her body, carefully smoothed her hair, and said with a smile, "Go ahead, I'll go teach Fourth Sister to play the flute later."

Aunt Xue pursed her lips and agreed. Women's hearts are like the sea's needle. She had just thought that Chen Siyuan was going to flirt with her, and she thought that even in the face of such a big event, Chen Siyuan still remembered that dirty thing, which was really annoying. But Chen Siyuan only spoke softly to comfort her and didn't actually flirt with her. Instead, she felt uncomfortable and wondered if Brother Yuan was disgusted with her.

She glanced at Chen Siyuan, then stood up and walked to the door with lotus steps. She stopped, turned around, bit her lower lip, and glanced at him. Suddenly, she said, "In two days...you, if you have time, come with me to take a look at the house."

After saying this, Aunt Xue fled away.

(End of this chapter)