Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 188 Painting cakes to satisfy hunger
Not to mention that Chen Siyuan was thick-skinned and believed that even if he got the questions in advance, it would not be considered cheating as long as he did the questions himself; even if he was thin-skinned, he would not admit to this.

He immediately agreed and talked to King Yanping about his livelihood for a while before leaving. After leaving the palace and getting on the carriage, Chen Siyuan thought about King Yanping's strange expression just now, looking at him as if he were a fool, and suddenly he felt uneasy again.

After thinking about it for a while, I couldn't help but be shocked!

Yes, the imperial examination was a grand ceremony for selecting talents throughout the ages, a safe path for commoners to ascend to the upper echelons of society. Therefore, cheating in the imperial examinations was a major crime throughout the dynasties.
How did Chen Siyuan manage to pass the imperial examination? No matter how much he tried to defend himself, he couldn't deny that it was the exam questions that King Ping of Yan secretly leaked. If someone had the real evidence, even with the blessing of a saint, King Ping of Yan would be in big trouble.

So, every word King Ping of Yan said just now was to test whether he had leaked anything?

Moreover, although Prince Ping of Yan looked lazy, he had been in charge of the inner court for several years without any mistakes. People in the court and the public only criticized his dandy habits and trivial matters, which showed that he was a scheming person.

Based on this calculation, it is possible that King Ping of Yan had heard the rumor first, and found out early in the morning that it was Lai Shangrong who was responsible. After a careful investigation, he confirmed that he had not leaked the news, and then ordered the city inspector to expose the matter?

It is better to take precautions before it happens - it is better for Prince Ping of Yan to solve the case himself than for others to do so.

Thinking about this, Chen Siyuan couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat. Fortunately, although he had been frivolous recently, he had only indulged in women and had not forgotten to be cautious in his words and actions. Otherwise, offending Prince Ping of Yan would be a small matter, but he might be involved in a major case and lose his life!
Only then did he remember that this life was different from his previous life, where life and death were in his hands!
Chen Siyuan, after discussing Lai Shangrong's situation, couldn't help but sigh, "The political world is treacherous. I've barely passed the Autumn Examination, and I've almost been dragged into a major case. Alas, it's best to be cautious with your words and actions from now on. Remember, silence is worse than a thousand words."

Sister Bao was horrified! A few days ago, Nanny Lai had come to the door, a scene that had spread throughout the household. Sister Bao had just learned that Lai Shangrong had actually accused Chen Siyuan of cheating in the imperial examinations, and she was naturally furious. Later, when she heard that the Master had dealt a severe blow to the Lai family, Chen Siyuan acted completely indifferent, as if the matter was over.

Who would have thought that in just ten days, this matter would become a major case!
Sister Bao hurriedly asked with concern, "Will your...Brother Yuan be implicated?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "That fellow was just making up a false accusation. Whether he has any evidence or not, how could I be implicated? I expect he'll just be summoned to give a statement tomorrow and will be back in a matter of hours." He paused and added, "As for Lai Shangrong, he'll be in for a rough time if he doesn't die this time."

Sister Bao whispered, "Those worthless fellows should be banished three thousand miles away, so they won't be a nuisance to others."

Ever since she had sided with Chen Siyuan, Sister Bao had been united with him in hatred of the enemy and could not wait to execute Lai Shangrong one day.

Sensing Sister Bao's mood, Chen Siyuan couldn't help but think to himself that during their recent interactions, although Sister Bao was quiet, she was a bit more lively than before... Perhaps it was because she had run out of Lengxiang Pills?
He knew what was on Bao Sister's mind. Seeing that the two of them had reached the hillside and were surrounded by camellia flowers, he quietly reached out his hand and lightly hooked Bao Sister's palm.

Baochai's heart was pounding with fear. She instinctively pulled her hand away, but she forced herself not to move. In the blink of an eye, her face flushed red. She turned her head and covered her face with her hands, mumbling shyly, "Brother Yuan..."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said softly, "Don't worry, Sister Bao, the rumors in the mansion are all nonsense."

"Ah."

"The most important thing now is to change my concubine's mind," Chen Siyuan thought to himself. He had met with Aunt Xue several times recently, and each time he was only concerned with clearing his mind and body. When they did talk, they mostly talked about the marriage with the Cao family. As for Sister Bao... Chen Siyuan had some dignity, so he didn't dare to bring it up with Aunt Xue.

Seeing Sister Bao frown, Chen Siyuan said, "I've talked to the concubine twice, but it seems to have little effect. Sister Bao spends all day with the concubine, so why not try a more gentle and subtle approach? When the concubine hits a wall someday, she'll surely remember what you've said and change her mind."

Sister Bao knew what he said made sense, so she frowned and sighed, "Mother has been preoccupied with brother's marriage these days. I'm not sure if she listened to my indirect suggestions."

There was laughter behind her, and Bao-sister turned her head to look, and saw Sanchun, Xiangyun and Baoyu coming into the garden playfully.

Chen Siyuan took one look and said, "Xiangyun is here too."

Baochai said with a teasing look on her face, "Miss Lin moved away, and within two days Miss Shi came. The old lady must have something in mind..." She couldn't help but feel lucky that she had changed her mind. Otherwise, after defeating Miss Lin, she would have to fight with Yun girl again.

Maybe Yun will leave, and another sister will come. The old lady dislikes the Xue family mother and daughter, and Baochai is no fool, so how could she not know? Young girls are already young, and if Baochai had her way, the Xue family would have moved away long ago. It was Aunt Xue's desire for a perfect match that kept her lingering in the Rongguo Mansion.

On second thought, yes, I was so focused on the rumors that I forgot to tell my mother about this... I wonder how my mother would feel after hearing this.

Because of the arrival of Sanchun, Xiangyun and Baoyu, it was inappropriate for the two of them to stay together. Baochai went around to the back of the villa where the relatives came to visit, and Chen Siyuan simply went down the hillside to meet everyone.

Baoyu was listless for several days, crying countless times at night. Fortunately, Baoyu was still young. Although he understood the world, he had only a vague understanding of the affairs of men and women. With the help of Jia Mu, Wang Fu Ren, Xi Ren and others, he gradually calmed down.

He had heard Xiangyun was coming, so he had come out of Qixianzhai to play. Baoyu was originally in a good mood, but when he saw Chen Siyuan from a distance, his expression suddenly changed.

Thinking about how Chen Siyuan had taken away Lin Daiyu, and how she was heartbroken at the sight of her, how could she pretend to be nice to Chen Siyuan?
Baoyu's brows were furrowed, his teeth clenched, and his fists clenched. Xiren, who was standing by, saw that things were not going well and hurriedly said, "Miss Yun, there's Master Miaoyu over there. She's incredibly elegant. The surroundings of Longcui Temple are exquisite. Why don't we go take a look?"

Xiangyun didn't know the reason. She was a playful person by nature, so she said excitedly, "Okay, okay, my dear brother, let's go to Longcui Temple and take a look!"

After saying this, he dragged Baoyu towards Longcui Temple.

Sanchun followed behind and first greeted Chen Siyuan from a distance, then looked at each other and secretly breathed a sigh of relief - they were afraid that the two of them would bump into each other and cause Baoyu, the devil, to go crazy again.

Chen Siyuan, who had come from afar, was bored and scratched his head for a while before he simply turned around and went looking for Baochai again. But just after crossing the sluice gate, he saw someone stumbling in like a madman.

Is it Lai Shangrong who was taken away?
How could Chen Siyuan resist the entanglement with Lai Dajia? He took two steps at a time and dodged behind the Jade Emperor Temple. He peeked out and saw Lai Dajia crying and running through the garden, heading straight for his own courtyard.

Seeing him walk away, Chen Siyuan walked out, secretly shaking his head. He thought Lai Ma would come to Lady Jia to ask for help, but this was a case of great consequence. Not to mention Lady Jia, even the old concubine would not be able to save Lai Shangrong.

Suddenly, he noticed laughter nearby. Turning his head, Chen Siyuan saw two teenage nuns, looking at him and chatting with each other across the trees and flowers in the Jade Emperor Temple. Seeing him glance over, the older nun gave him a long look before laughing and pulling her companion away.

Chen Siyuan wondered, who was in charge of these temples and ancestral temples? Jia Qin?
Just looking at these two young nuns, one can tell that most of these nuns were decent-looking girls from poor families, devoid of any Buddhist or Taoist teachings. They treated temples and nunneries as mere means of making a living, and when they grew older, how could they tolerate the advances of outsiders? No wonder Master Jia Zheng later declared that everywhere was a den of filth and corruption.

Chen Siyuan was a man of limited integrity. While he was having a secret meeting with Aunt Xue, he was also obsessed with Baochai. But there was one thing he always did: he would take responsibility for any woman he provoked. He would never do something like that, toying with a poor woman.

He was about to move forward when someone suddenly emerged from behind the Jade Emperor Temple. It was Baoyu's maid, Xiren. Xiren glanced at Chen Siyuan, then hurried over, bowing, biting her lower lip and saying pitifully, "Brother Yuan, the Second Master and some girls are coming. Could you please go somewhere else first?"

Chen Siyuan didn't want to run into Baoyu in the first place, and was about to leave when Xiren came. He smiled and narrowed his eyes.

He lived two lives as a human being. In his previous life, he read "Dream of Red Mansions" and was troubled by many things. Apart from young ladies like Chai, Dai, Yun and Sanchun, among the maids, Qingwen and Xiangling were the ones he cared about the most.

In this life, by chance, he first got Xiangling and then Qingwen. These days, Qingwen has become increasingly close to him, and in the previous chapter, she even snuggled up to him and recounted many of the quarrels in Qixianzhai.

During this time, she hadn't missed the head maid, Xiren. Qingwen had frowned and said, "Xiren may appear to be so thoughtful and considerate, but she's actually treacherous. If she doesn't carefully consider her methods of harming others, she might not realize it until her death!"

Then he listed one evil thing after another that Xiren had done. For example, Fenglucha Xixue was chased away, and Bihen and Master Bao were caught by the mistress. In each of these incidents, Xiren was nowhere to be seen, yet her shadow was everywhere!

In vain, I am gentle and gentle, and the empty clouds are like osmanthus and orchid.

Chen Siyuan knew Xiren's true face, and seeing her now, he couldn't help but feel a sense of vengeance for Qingwen. He simply didn't rush to leave, but leaned forward and jokingly said, "Sister, how unreasonable! You're sending me away right after I've arrived?"

Xiren saw his face approaching, but she did not retreat. She bit her lower lip and continued, "Master Yuan also knows that my Master Bao almost had a hysterical attack when he saw Miss Lin just now. Now that he sees Master Yuan, he might go crazy again... If that is the case, I am afraid that the whole family will be in turmoil."

As he spoke, he glanced at Chen Siyuan, then quickly lowered his eyes, staring at Chen Siyuan with a puzzled look.

I thought to myself, although Xiren is used to coaxing people, what did she mean by that look just now? Why was her gaze full of admiration?
After a moment's reflection, he finally realized: That's right! Xiren was most afraid that Daiyu would marry Baoyu, and she had been gossiping about it. If he were to intercept her, wouldn't Xiren be secretly laughing?
Besides, Xiren always urged Baoyu to make progress, and she couldn't stand the way Baoyu played with women instead of making progress. So, what Xiren admired...wasn't it about herself?

Thinking about this, Chen Siyuan suddenly felt uneasy. He was about to plant maggots on Xiren, but who knew that these maggots had already been planted?

I had a strange feeling in my heart, as if I had woken up from a dying dream and found that I was the one who was the powerful country.

After a brief moment of thought, he sighed solemnly and said, "It's hard for me to be so kind, sister. It's a pity... Never mind. I'll leave now."

As he spoke, he turned around and walked away. After walking about ten steps, he suddenly stopped, turned back, and nodded at Xiren.

Xiren bowed again hurriedly, stood up and saw Chen Siyuan walking away. She couldn't help biting her lower lip and thinking - if Baoyu could be a little bit as capable as this Mr. Yuan, why would she have to work so hard at home every day and get no thanks for her efforts?
My heart couldn't help but beat again, and I wondered what Mr. Yuan had meant by that "what a pity" earlier. My face flushed as I thought about it, thinking that I had caught Mr. Yuan's eye, and I felt a mixture of embarrassment and secret joy.

After Baoyu and several other girls came over, Xiren finally came to her senses and hurriedly followed them to serve them.

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

Mrs. Wang’s courtyard.

Ever since Sister Feng started spreading rumors, Lady Wang couldn't help but take them to heart. She thought that Yuan, a young and talented man, and now that he had passed the imperial examination, would be a perfect match for her niece, Wang Yunping. If the two were to marry, with his brother Wang Ziteng's support, Yuan would surely rise to prominence. Furthermore, she feared he would become even closer to her.

How could Brother Yuan avoid the conspiracy to seize power in Rongguo Mansion?

The more she thought about it, the more right it seemed. She couldn't hold back any longer, so she sent her maid, Jin Chuan'er, to talk to Chen Siyuan. But just as Jin Chuan'er left, Aunt Xue came to visit.

Dinner was just over when Mrs. Wang came to the door to greet her. From a distance, she could see Aunt Xue approaching with graceful, elegant steps. When she came closer, she took one look at Mrs. Wang and exclaimed in surprise, "Sister, how come you look a few years younger?"

Aunt Xue was startled and feigned annoyance, saying, "Sister, are you teasing me again? Of course not! I've only been using makeup to cover it up these past few days."

How could Mrs. Wang believe it? The fine lines around Aunt Xue's eyes and neck had completely disappeared. What kind of magic powder could have such an effect?
After the two sisters entered the room and sat down, Mrs. Wang kept asking Aunt Xue what her secret recipe was. Aunt Xue felt distressed and could only make up a story: "Maybe you're just happy. Sister, you don't know, the Cao family sent a letter today, saying that they can pay the prize on the 18th of this month."

"So that's how it is. It's really a happy occasion."

Mrs. Wang thought that Aunt Xue was celebrating a happy occasion and did not ask any more questions.

Aunt Xue secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "Sister, have you heard the rumors in the mansion? Why do I hear that sister seems to be trying to match Yuan'er and Yunping?"

Mrs. Wang laughed and said, "I don't know where it came from. I didn't take it seriously at first... But then I thought, Yunping will be sixteen next year, the same age as Yuan-ge'er. In terms of ability, character, appearance, and family background, aren't they a match made in heaven?" She covered her mouth with a smile and said, "I won't hide it from you. I'm interested in trying to match them up. I'll just ask my sister-in-law tomorrow and make a decision."

Aunt Xue blinked, her heart suddenly filled with anxiety. "Oh my goodness! I thought it was just a rumor, but who knew my sister, Lady Wang, was actually trying to bring these two together... How would I cope with this?"

She immediately frowned and said, "Sister, you are so confused!"

Seeing the eagerness on his face, Mrs. Wang couldn't help but wonder, "How could you be so confused about such a great thing?"

Aunt Xue counted on her fingers and said, "Sister, have you ever thought about Yunping's character, and what kind of character is Yuan'er? Yunping has been spoiled since she was a child, and she never yields even to her brother. Yuan'er's parents died young, and he comes from a humble background, but he has a proud heart. If these two get together, wouldn't it be a match made in heaven?"
If they start a fight within three or five days of the wedding, not only will my sister be in trouble, but I'm afraid they'll also resent her."

"Ah?" Mrs. Wang was startled and couldn't help but think carefully.

Indeed, she only thought about their match, not their personalities. Yun Ping was spoiled, needless to say; and Yuan Ge'er was also a compliant person. On his first day at the mansion, he dared to confront the Xue family directly, which gave you an idea of ​​his personality.

If these two really get together... maybe what my sister is worried about will come true.

He suddenly came to his senses and slapped his thigh, saying, "Oh, I almost did something wrong! Fortunately, my sister reminded me, otherwise I would have regretted it too late in the future." He sighed for a while and was about to say something else when Yuchuan'er came in and replied, "Madam, Lai Da supported Lai Ma Ma and went to Rongqing Hall crying and shouting, and Lai Aunt also went to the back crying and shouting. I heard that Lai Shangrong was arrested by the government."

"Oh, what do you mean?" Mrs. Wang frowned.

Yuchuaner said, "It seems to be the rumor spread by Lai Shangrong after Master Yuan graduated from high school."

Madam Wang and Aunt Xue exchanged a glance, frowning as they spoke, "Brother Yuan is magnanimous, and Madam Lai is taking advantage of her age and seniority... Didn't they let it go?"

Aunt Xue had been trying to shore up the family business for the past few years, and she had some experience with the government. She had also heard Chen Siyuan talk about it before, so she said, "Sister, you're mistaken. The Autumn Examination is a grand ceremony for selecting talents for the imperial court, and there's no room for carelessness. With this rumor, how can Brother Yuan still have the final say? I'm afraid the emperor will be alerted, and he'll have to send officials to investigate."

Mrs. Wang said, "The Lai family is really foolish. How can we handle such a big thing now?" She was afraid that Lady Jia would soften her heart, so she forced Jia Zheng to agree. She quickly stood up and said, "No, I must go to Rongqing Hall to take a look!"

Aunt Xue couldn't help but feel curious, so she stood up and said, "In that case, I'll go with you."

The two sisters walked out together. They had not gone far when Lady Wang suddenly stamped her feet and said, "I almost forgot. I just sent Jin Chuan'er to look for Yuan'er."

Aunt Xue was suddenly filled with fear, thinking to herself that it was a good thing that she came early, otherwise Mrs. Wang would have talked about Yunping with Yuan'er soon.
Mrs. Wang said, "Yuchuan'er stays at home. If Brother Ruoyuan comes..." After a pause, Mrs. Wang thought for a moment and said, "...let him stay away. No matter how much the Lai family begs, we can't interfere in this matter."

Yuchuan'er quickly agreed, and the two sisters went to Rongqing Hall.

At this time, Rongqing Hall was in chaos.

Old woman Lai Ma lost her crutch and could not get up from her knees no matter how Yuanyang and Amber supported her; Lai Da was in tears and was pounding his head in agony.

Grandmother Jia was old, after all, and the crying gave her a splitting headache. She also heard that it was all because of the rumor-mongering incident from the previous episode, so she didn't think much of it, thinking it was Chen Siyuan's fault again, and she quickly sent for Jia She and Jia Zheng.

The two brothers came in surprise, and had just entered when Lady Wang and Aunt Xue arrived.

Lai Da knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Master, Master, please save my son."

Nanny Lai cried, "If anything happens to Rong'er, I, the old woman, will die!"

Grandmother Jia said worriedly, "You two came at the right time. Rong'er has just been detained by the government. Hurry up and think of a way to rescue him."

Just as Jia Zheng was about to speak, Mrs. Wang retorted, "Old Madam, you are foolish! Even the ministers would avoid a case of this magnitude, so how could you dare allow your uncle and the master to approach you now?"

Grandmother Jia said confusedly: "Big case? What big case? Wasn't it reported by Yuan Ge'er..."

The eldest master knew what was going on as soon as he heard it, and before Lady Jia could finish, he jumped up and said, "Oh, mother is really confused! This involves the Talent Selection Ceremony, which is a huge case that will break the sky. I dare not let my second brother get involved!"

Grandmother Jia was immediately stunned, blinking and unable to speak. The Lai family mother and son continued to wail and wailed. Lady Wang was pleased, but her face was filled with anger as she said, "Stop it! Your Rong is asking for trouble. Don't let him drag down the master family!"

Lai Mama was about to speak, but Lai Da, seeing the situation was not good, hurriedly said, "This, this, I was also in a hurry at the moment. I really didn't know that my son had committed such a serious crime. I beg old lady to forgive me!"

How could Grandmother Jia not know that she had nearly been used as a pawn by these two servants? She was naturally furious, but she couldn't leave the Lai family for the time being. She frowned and sighed, "Well, you guys are understandable..." Turning to look at Jia Zheng again, she said, "Master, please help me check and see if Rong'er can be given a lighter sentence?"

Jia Zheng pondered and said, "The death penalty may be avoided, but the punishment of life is unavoidable... I'm afraid Lai Shangrong will be exiled three thousand miles away this time."

"Ah?" Upon hearing this, Lai Ma's eyes suddenly darted away and she fainted. Lai Da clenched his fists, feeling extremely regretful.

Following the Ming system, it emphasizes the punishment of false accusations. Lai Shangrong fabricated rumors and caused trouble, and was put in shackles, stripped of his official title, and exiled to the frontier. There was no way he could escape.

As the saying goes: If you don't punish the diligent or the lazy, you will never open their eyes.

Blame Lai Shangrong for being blind. Who allowed him to spread rumors and cause trouble, and then reveal the truth? Who allowed the person who helped Chen Siyuan cheat to be King Ping of Yan, and King Ping of Yan had the sage's approval?

Fortunately, this matter was endorsed by a saint. If King Ping of Yan had acted alone, the entire Lai family would have been killed without a burial place.

At that moment, Jia Zheng watched coldly, Mrs. Wang was not polite, and the eldest master Jia She added fuel to the fire, which made the Lai family so choked that they could not move. Lai Da left in shame, carrying Lai Ma on his back.

Mrs. Wang thought the timing was perfect, so she said to Lady Jia, "Old Madam, it's not that your daughter-in-law is being nosy, it's just that the Lai family is such a mess. If it weren't for your uncle and the master being sensible, I'm afraid our family would be dragged down by them this time!"

Jia Mu knew that Lady Wang coveted power in the palace, so she excused the Lai family, saying, "The Lai family is just a few generations of slaves. How could they know about official affairs?"

Jia She was also afraid that Lady Wang would seize his power, so he said, "The Lai family has always been loyal. Perhaps they are desperate and are seeking help from anyone. If they intend to harm the master, they wouldn't dare to do it even if they had the guts."

Aunt Xue was in no position to speak, so Lady Wang could only look to Jia Zheng for help. But Master Jia Zheng remained silent, leaving Lady Wang furious.

Before Lady Wang could say anything else, Grandmother Jia spoke up, "Master is right. So, let's do this... Let the Lai family deal with the trouble they caused themselves. After all, Lai Shangrong has long been freed from slavery, so it's probably not the Jia family's turn to intervene. I'm tired, too. You all should go back."

After saying this, Grandmother Jia helped Yuanyang up and went to the bedroom in the west corner.

Everyone dispersed, but Madam Wang looked uneasy. She thought to herself, without help, she wouldn't be able to seize even the best opportunity. She couldn't help but think of Chen Siyuan again, but it was a pity that Wang Yunping wasn't a good match for him.

Mrs. Wang couldn't help but think, apart from Wang Yunping, is there any other good girl in the Wang family who is a good match for Yuan'er?

"Sister, you were just being reckless. All we have to do is lower the old lady's prestige. Everything else will just fall into place."

"Yeah." Mrs. Wang nodded absentmindedly, then suddenly turned her head to look at Aunt Xue.

Yes, the Wang family doesn’t have a suitable girl, but the Xue family does. Isn’t Baochai a ready-made one?

Aunt Xue felt uneasy at being looked at. She couldn't help but stroke her temples and asked, "Sister, why are you looking at me like that? Is your makeup worn out?"

"Oh, it's okay. I just think what my sister said makes sense, so I was a little anxious just now." Mrs. Wang replied absentmindedly.

He pondered in his heart, but his sister was obsessed with Baoyu, and the public servant had borrowed 50,000 taels of silver from the Xue family. If he suddenly tried to match Baochai with Yuange'er... he was afraid that his sister would not be able to get over it.

This matter...needs to be considered carefully. Why not call these two young ones over from time to time? They're about the same age, and they're just beginning to fall in love. Who knows, they might even develop feelings for each other. If we can make it a done deal, that would be perfect!
Thinking of this, Mrs. Wang smiled and said to Aunt Xue, "Why don't you see Baochai?"

"The little ones all went out to play in the garden, and Baochai went along to join in the fun."

Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "Sister, you know that I am most proud of Baochai. She is quiet and gentle, truly a beautiful girl you can hardly find even with a lantern. When you have time, ask Baochai to come to my place more often. I love talking to her."

Aunt Xue blinked, suddenly delighted. "Since my sister has said so, I'll let Baochai go out more often in the future." Then she laughed and said, "I am most proud of having a daughter like Baochai. Sometimes when I see Pan'er's silly look, I wish Baochai could share some of his intelligence with him, so that he won't be so muddle-headed and confused all day long."

When the two sisters returned to Lady Wang's courtyard, they saw Jin Chuan'er and Yu Chuan'er coming to greet them. Yu Chuan'er said, "Madam, Master Yuan just came by, but he went back after hearing what he had to say. He said he would come back to visit you tomorrow when he has time."

Mrs. Wang nodded in agreement, thinking that she would have to trick Baochai into coming tomorrow.

At this time, the eldest master Jia She returned to the east wing courtyard and sat in the outer study for a while. Thinking that he had not visited Mrs. Xing and his fourth brother for many days, he passed through the three-story ceremonial gate and went to the main room.

When he entered, he saw a wet nurse in her early twenties, lifting her clothes to nurse the fourth brother. Jia She stared at her for a long time with a pair of thieving eyes, and then went to look for Mrs. Xing.

Mrs. Xing looked happy but was calm in her heart. She asked the master to sit down and told the maid to serve tea.

Jia She waved his hand, frowning slightly. He said, "Don't bother. I'll sit for a while and then leave."

When a woman is in confinement after childbirth, the doors and windows are kept tightly closed, and Mrs. Xing is not allowed to wash or comb her hair. Although there is a fumigation cage with roasted spices inside, the strange smell is still hard to conceal.

The two exchanged a few words, and the eldest master was about to leave after asking about the fourth brother's situation. Unexpectedly, Mrs. Xing suddenly said, "Master, Brother Yuan has passed the imperial examination."

"Ok?"

Seeing that he had no recollection, Madam Xing said, "Master, have you forgotten? You said that day that after Brother Yuan passed the imperial examination, we would consider betrothing the second young lady to him."

"Hmm..." Jia She twirled his beard and pondered. He was naturally reluctant, as Chen Siyuan came from a humble background. Even if he passed the imperial examination, he would only be a wealthy man. On the other hand, Chen Siyuan, relying on his ability to attract the attention of Prince Ping of Yan, managed several major deals, earning Jia She a different eye.

Putting aside the question of genuine or fake maritime trade, the Baicaotang alone had already distributed four hundred taels of silver to the master this month. Four hundred taels! Jia She could not help but regret it. If he had known it was so profitable, he should have invested all his wealth in it. Wouldn't that have given him one or two thousand silver coins to spend every month?

I regret it.

When Jia She pondered this, he suddenly had an idea. Marrying Yingchun to Yuange'er...it's not impossible, as long as Yuange'er can provide a good job.

Hiss…could this be done the other way around? For example, first, I'd make a promise, lure Yuange'er in with a good job, and then I'd marry Yingchun off myself?
The more he thought about it, the more he felt there was a way. Jia She couldn't help but smile and said, "Madam, what you said makes sense. I'll think about it. I'll find Yuan Ge'er in a few days and ask him what he means."

These words made Mrs. Xing feel strange.

I thought to myself that Jia She never does anything without profit, so why did he agree so readily now?
"Okay, you should rest well, I'm going to go ahead first."

The eldest master Jia She left after saying a few words.

Mrs. Xing was filled with suspicion, and the more she pondered, the more she felt something was amiss. She tossed and turned at night. The next day, fearing that Yuan'er had been tricked by Jia She, she hurriedly found Miao'er and instructed her, "Go find him and tell him that the master agreed to his marriage to the second young lady yesterday, but that the promise was so easy that I'm afraid there's something fishy going on."

Miao'er already knew what kind of person Jia She was, so she quickly agreed and went to the back when she had the chance.

By this time, Miao'er had passed through the black-oiled gate and entered the Rongguo Mansion through the corner gate. She then passed through the corner gate next to the stables and entered the inner courtyard. Walking along the alley, she happened to run into Jin Chuan'er coming out of Lady Wang's courtyard.

The two maids just nodded slightly when they saw it, because there was no harmony between the first and second wives, and even the maids under them looked down on each other.

We had only been walking for a short distance, but who knew they were still together after walking for a while, and eventually they both arrived at Chen Siyuan's courtyard. Miao'er couldn't help but ask suspiciously, "Are you going to look for Brother Yuan too?"

Jin Chuan'er said, "So, sister... our mistress sent me here to ask Master Yuan to come and talk to her."

(End of this chapter)