Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 232 The Appearance of a First Wife (First Update, Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Aunt Xue left first, but she seemed preoccupied, clearly swayed by Chen Siyuan's twisted logic—even from Daiyu's perspective, her relationship with Xiao Liangren was immoral. Xiao Liangren was now gaining power; if he married Baochai, he might truly be able to protect the Xue family.

Leaving aside Aunt Xue's unease, Chen Siyuan, after a period of laziness, finally tidied himself up and returned to the Rongguo Mansion.

Entering the mansion through the back door with an air of nonchalance, Chen Siyuan saw the old woman guarding the gate with a face full of obsequiousness and awe, and he felt smug. He then recalled Jia Zheng's earlier words of advice: although this man was pedantic, he was not wrong in saying that "of all professions, only studying is noble."

Without the protection of an official in this Great Shun Dynasty, no matter how much wealth one accumulates, one will be treated like a fat pig and slaughtered at any time.

He returned to the thatched cottage in the quiet hall, but the little maid Yunxiang was nowhere to be found. Hongyu came out to greet him and said, "Master has finally returned."

Chen Siyuan smiled and asked, "Is someone looking for me?"

Hongyu said, "Miao'er and Tiao'er have come three times, and Sister Ping'er has come once as well." She paused, then smiled meaningfully and added, "That's right, Miss Bao also came this morning."

Hmm? Sister Bao is here too?

Chen Siyuan then asked, "Is Bao-mei here?"

Hongyu said, "I ran into Sister Xiangling in the garden. Sister Xiangling said she was coming back to make knots, so Bao and Ying'er came over and talked to Sister Xiangling for a long time."

Chen Siyuan burst into laughter... Was Baochai asserting her dominance? Although she tried to hide it, anyone with eyes could see it.
Despite her dignified and quiet demeanor, Baochai is actually quite cunning, with one mischievous thought after another, which can sometimes be both amusing and exasperating.

Chen Siyuan entered the house but did not see Xiangling and Liu Wu'er. He assumed the two young ladies had gone to play in the garden. He then let Hongyu help him change his clothes and went to the east courtyard to take a look.

Seeing the clothes all wrinkled and crumpled, Hongyu couldn't help but mutter to herself, "Where has the master gone off to play again? The clothes that were just ironed yesterday are in such a mess again!"

Chen Siyuan laughed and offered no explanation, then strode towards the east courtyard.

Hongyu watched him leave the thatched cottage with a reproachful look, carefully folded the clothes she had changed out of, and sure enough, plucked a few strands of her beautiful hair from them.

Hongyu thought to herself, "My master is good in every way, except he's too much of a womanizer. The women in his room are all of impeccable character, he keeps You Erjie, You Sanjie, and Qingwen in the outer room, and who knows how many other young women he's been flirting with in private."

After a quick calculation, Miao'er and Tiao'er in the east courtyard seemed to be giving their master strange looks, so they were probably going to run away. As for Xueyan and Zijuan in Lin's room, Xueyan was simple-minded and only knew how to smile at their master, while Zijuan was quite cunning and had tried to seduce him with her eyes several times. Then there was Ying'er, Bao's maid; that little vixen had a wicked mind, but fortunately Bao's daughter kept a close eye on her, so she hadn't been seen trying to seduce the master much. Also, Siqi, the maid of the second young lady, had deliberately bumped into the master in the garden several times…

Hongyu exhaled a breath of stale air in annoyance, momentarily unable to make sense of the situation. She thought to herself, "Forget it, why should I bother arguing with those spineless little hussies? I've already submitted to the master; given his temperament, he'll surely make sure I'm settled in the future."

Just as they were pondering this, they heard a chattering sound approaching, and soon Xiangling and Liu Wu'er returned together.

Seeing Hongyu carrying the dirty clothes she had changed out of, Xiangling said, "Master is back?"

"I went back, and then headed to the east courtyard. Didn't my sister see me?"

Xiangling smiled and said, "We were helping with the land reclamation and planting at Grandma's place just now, so we didn't see it."

Although it was only March, the sun was already scorching. Liu Wu'er was covered in sweat and immediately went to the side room to clean up. After cleaning up her dirty clothes, Hongyu turned around and huddled with Xiangling, saying, "Sister, are you all better now? You were already on good terms with Miss Bao, and now you've become Miss Lin's apprentice. You'll have face on both sides from now on."

Xiangling said with a smile, "What are you saying? You haven't been to Miss Lin's place much, have you? Today, when Miss Bao came, who was the one eagerly serving her tea and water?"

Hongyu laughed and said, "I'm not as lucky as my sister, so I have to pray to Buddha everywhere. If I miss the real Buddha, who knows how he'll make things difficult for me in the future."

Xiangling, both amused and exasperated, pointed at herself and said, "I'm lucky?" She wanted to say that she had been kidnapped as a child, so how could she be considered lucky? But then she thought, if it weren't for that, she wouldn't have ended up with the old man by chance. In that case, not only would she not have her current leisurely and comfortable life, but she would also probably never have the chance to reunite with her mother.

Thinking of this, Xiangling suppressed her smile and said seriously, "Hmm, perhaps my fate has truly turned for the better."

Hongyu immediately covered her mouth and laughed, feeling an indescribable envy in her heart. Xiangling's character was first-rate, while the other girl was just uncompetitive and carefree, while Xiangling had no competitive thoughts in her bones.

When her master was not home, she would study poetry on her own or seek out Miss Lin to learn how to compose poems; when her master returned, a few words with him would make her happy for half a day. This tranquil nature was something that not only Miss Bao admired, but even the notoriously picky Miss Lin was extremely proud of.

Hongyu knew her own situation well. In terms of character, she was no match for Xiangling. Moreover, she was born into a family of servants and lacked that scholarly air. So, she had to be considerate of everyone around her.

Then she thought of Liu Wu'er in the side room. That girl had the heart of a young lady but the fate of a maid. Hongyu had known this for a long time, but Wu'er still didn't understand. In the future, she was afraid Wu'er would have a hard time.

Just as she was pondering this, she looked up and saw the little maid Yunxiang skipping and humming all the way back. Hongyu glanced at her and was immediately furious—this Yunxiang was always slacking off and being cunning, and ever since she received the master's order to scout around, she was rarely home.

Hongyu frowned, got up, whispered something to Xiangling, and then stormed off to find Yunxiang.

Yunxiang had intended to chat and joke with the two rough-looking old women, but when she looked up, she saw Hongyu approaching with an unfriendly expression, and she was so frightened that she tried to sneak into the side room.

"Where are you running to?" Hongyu stepped forward and grabbed his neck, frowning as she scolded, "You've been sneaking around like this all day. Let me ask you, did you write any characters today? Can you recite the Three Character Classic?"

Yunxiang stammered with a bitter face, her eyes darting around before she suddenly said, "Sister Hongyu, I have a message for you. If it's useful, could you spare me this time?"

Hongyu blinked, then asked in surprise, "Do you think I'm as easy to ask questions as you, sir?"

But Yunxiang said solemnly, "I guarantee that the message will definitely be useful to you, sister."

Hongyu hummed twice before saying, "Tell me about it."

Yunxiang lowered her voice and whispered in Hongyu's ear, "Yesterday, an old woman saw Xiren from Yihong Courtyard deliberately loitering near the artificial hill. Just as Master Hongyu turned the corner, she bumped into him. The two of them whispered for a while, and Master Hongyu finally handed her something... It's a pity the old woman saw it from across the stream, but she didn't see what it was." She paused, and seeing that Hongyu was lost in thought, Yunxiang added earnestly, "Sister, this matter must not be told to anyone, or Master Hongyu will beat me to death!"

Hongyu released Yunxiang's hand, waved her hand, and frowned, saying, "Fine, I'll let you off this time."

Yunxiang felt relieved and left happily.

Hongyu paused at a distance, deep in thought... How did things get involved with Xiren again? That woman was no easy task; she secretly colluded with the head maids in Qixianzhai to keep a close watch on the maids in the outer quarters. Anyone who tried to curry favor with Master Bao would be squeezed out and forced to leave.

Otherwise, Hongyu wouldn't have come to the old man's room.

Hongyu was stunned, wondering how her master had gotten involved with Xiren again.

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

Now, Chen Si had just left the Grand View Garden and turned past Mengpo Studio when he bumped into Miao'er, who was looking for him.

Miao'er was initially surprised, then glanced around and, seeing no one was around, quickly took two steps and moved closer to Chen Siyuan: "Brother~"

"You've come looking for me?" Chen Siyuan asked with a smile.

Miao'er nodded and said, "The eldest madam is very anxious. She said that the eldest master was scheming yesterday and no one knows what he was thinking. He just thought he would make a fortune from that latex tomorrow."

Hoping to make a fortune from latex? Chen Siyuan thought to himself, with the wealthy and powerful Ministry of Revenue involved, not to mention the stingy Jia She, even the noble families might not be able to buy latex shares. What could Jia She possibly hope to make a fortune from? Hmm... Could it be that he has the intention to hoard and speculate?
Blinking, Chen Siyuan burst into laughter. He was just hoping someone would hoard it and drive up the price of latex. This latex was a practical commodity; back in the Ming Dynasty, it could be made from five to eight taels of silver for a carriage, with roughly 30% of the cost going towards tire manufacturing.

The Great Shun Dynasty was not like the Ming Dynasty—craftsmen in the Ming Dynasty did not receive much pay, and they had to pay a sum of money to their superiors every month if they wanted to go out to work. At that time, the minimum cost of a cart was twelve taels of silver, and if the wheels were made of hardwood from the forests outside the Great Wall, it could cost as much as twenty taels.

The cost of a wheel is between one-quarter and one-third of the cost of a vehicle, so each wheel is roughly worth between seven and a half qian and one and a half liang.

How much do latex tires cost? Five kilograms of latex are enough for one tire, and the labor cost can only increase the price by 30% at most!
Chen Siyuan had another idea in mind that he hadn't revealed: since they were already using latex tires, the pig iron from the toxic materials was all good stuff, so why not just make wheel rims directly? With the rims and spokes made, who knows, in a few years Chen Siyuan might be able to find an opportunity to make a bicycle.

After thinking it over, Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Okay, I understand." He tugged at Miao'er's hand, and only let go when they were almost at the side gate.

Miao'er muttered to herself, "Madam said... she'll give me three days off this afternoon."

Chen Siyuan understood and smiled, "Then I'll come find you when I have time."

As the two spoke, they exited through the side gate and soon entered through the main black-lacquered gate. Just as they reached the third ceremonial gate, they bumped into Siqi walking out.

Upon catching sight of Chen Siyuan, Siqi was naturally delighted. However, seeing Miao'er, that little vixen, nestled close to Chen Siyuan like a little bird, Siqi was immediately filled with anger. She had already submitted to Chen Siyuan that morning; what right did that little vixen Miao'er have to show off like that?
Siqi secretly gathered her strength, then stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "Brother Yuan."

"Hmm," Chen Siyuan glanced at her, his thieving eyes fixed on her chest, inwardly admiring Siqi's increasingly impressive physique. Siqi, far from being annoyed, puffed out her chest, exchanged a few words with Chen Siyuan, then gave Miao'er a disapproving look before walking confidently towards the third-floor gate.

As soon as she left, Miao'er hesitated, glancing at Chen Siyuan a few times, but ultimately said nothing. She had thought it through clearly: how could everything in this world be as one wishes? Since she had abandoned her pride and submitted to such a person, she would have to fight against those scheming women, both openly and secretly.

We're only at the beginning. Not to mention Siqi, Miao'er is still fighting with Tiao'er.

Chen Siyuan entered the main room, where Madam Xing was playing with her fourth son. She immediately put the child down and let the wet nurse take him away, frowning as she asked, "Where did you go? Why are you only coming back now?"

Before Chen Siyuan could reply, Madam Xing waved her hand and said, "Everyone, please step back for now. My son and I have important matters to discuss."

Miao'er curtsied and then left the room with the group of old women.

Madam Xing turned her head and saw Chen Siyuan sitting down with an air of importance. She immediately frowned and said, "Aren't you interested? He said that you can make a fortune without buying latex stocks!"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Isn't this a good thing? The big boss is just hoarding and speculating, waiting to drive up the price of latex before selling it off... Ha, I'm just hoping for a price increase in latex, this move is a win-win situation."

"Ah?" Madam Xing was not very shrewd or calculating. It took her a while to understand, and she couldn't help but exhale a sigh and say, "I thought he was going to ruin your plans... who knew it would turn out like this?" She paused, then added, "I sent Miao'er and Tiao'er to look for you several times today. I'm afraid those little hussies must have seen it all, and they'll definitely whisper sweet nothings in his ear later."

The little vixen was naturally referring to Jia She's concubines.

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "He's not coming to your room, why do you care so much?"

Madam Xing was speechless. Ever since she became pregnant, the master hadn't stayed overnight in her room. He was constantly being harassed and exploited by those little hussies, and the Hundred Herbs Hall's meager resources had probably been completely wasted on pills. Madam Xing thought to herself, "This old man doesn't take care of his health at all; he'll die sooner or later from those little hussies' bellies!"

Strangely enough, ever since she began secretly associating with the petty thief, Madam Xing had completely lost her respect for Jia She. Now, let alone staying overnight in his room, she felt uncomfortable even sitting face-to-face with him, feeling that Jia She reeked of old age and decay, and wishing she could stay as far away from him as possible!
Sometimes, Madam Xing even regretted her actions, thinking that if she had known this would happen, she should have run away with the thief that day. Now that she had a burden by her side, she was afraid she could never leave again.

Thinking this, Madam Xing felt a little resentful and said a few sarcastic remarks. Chen Siyuan, who was good at reading people, immediately came over and comforted her, then asked Madam Xing when she was going to the Jade Emperor Temple.

Upon hearing this, Madam Xing was immediately tempted and whispered, "Let's wait a few days. My period is about to start."

Just then, Miao'er knocked on the door from the outside and whispered, "Madam, Master is back and is looking for Yuan-ge'er everywhere."

Madam Xing casually replied, "I know," then looked at Chen Siyuan with concern. Chen Siyuan patted her plump, soft hand and said, "Don't worry, I guarantee he won't say anything wrong."

After bidding farewell to Madam Xing, Chen Siyuan headed towards the outer study.

After entering and exchanging greetings, and being seated and served tea, Jia She smiled and said, "Brother Yuan is indeed as capable as Tao Zhu; even the Ministry of Revenue sent someone yesterday. I found out a little late and was going to go and support Brother Yuan, but the doctor had already left. By the way, what does the Ministry of Revenue want this time?" Chen Siyuan replied, "Uncle, they seem to have taken a liking to latex..." Observing Jia She's expression, Chen Siyuan deliberately added, "Oh, if Uncle is interested, your nephew should at least leave some for you—"

Jia She quickly waved his hand. "Are you kidding me? A share worth ten thousand taels is valued at fifteen thousand taels. I, Jia She, am not a fool; how could I be ripped off?"

He then said, "There's not much left of that Yuan-ge'er, you should keep it for yourself. I called you today because there's good news."

"Oh? I'd like to hear the details."

Jia She smiled and said, "Someone among my old friends is planning to set up a workshop specializing in making these latex tires. However, they're facing a shortage of latex, so they've come to me for help. This… Yuan-ge, what do you think—"

Chen Siyuan hurriedly smiled and said, "Thank you for your help, Uncle. I was just worried about how to sell latex. There's only one thing: the Imperial Household Department takes 30% of the business, and it looks like the Ministry of Revenue will take 20%. The rest will be scattered, and I can only keep 20% at most. So the price... can only be determined by the market."

Jia She frowned slightly and asked, "Can't you make an exception for me?"

Chen Siyuan immediately protested, "How could I not want to make an exception? But those two families already own half the shares, so there's really no way to make an exception."

Jia She thought about it and agreed. The Prince of Yanping in the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Revenue were not easy to talk to. Over the years, they had always taken advantage of outsiders and had never heard of anyone taking advantage of the Imperial Household Department or the Ministry of Revenue. So he said, "Alright, let's go with the flow. But I... my old friends have ordered more. The first batch should be five thousand taels of silver for latex."

To raise the five thousand taels of silver, Jia She went to the Ningguo Mansion early this morning. After repeatedly discussing it with Jia Zhen, the uncle and nephew finally got together to start this lucrative hoarding business.

Chen Siyuan nodded in agreement, saying, "Of course, I'll write a note as soon as I get around to it. Even if I can't take on the business from the inner court, I'll still give you face by respecting your uncle."

Jia She was immediately overjoyed, stroking his beard and nodding repeatedly. A thought struck him: Chen Siyuan had not only not lost money this time, but had even made a small profit. In five years, his net worth would surely be twenty or thirty thousand taels of silver. So he said, "You are almost sixteen now, it's time to get engaged. Your aunt mentioned it to me a few times before, and I've thought about it repeatedly these past few days. I think Yingchun is a good match for you."

"Huh?" You only remembered yourself now? Where were you before!

Chen Siyuan hurriedly replied, "Well, Uncle, I still need to prepare for the competition, I'm afraid—"

"The next imperial examination will be in three years. If you are lucky enough to pass the imperial examination, countless families will flock to you. But which one knows you as well as Yingchun? You should study hard and I will finalize the matter in two years."

Chen Siyuan blinked, thinking to himself that it was just empty promises! He was both amused and exasperated, and could only bow and thank Jia She.

After the note was written, Jia She happily took it and then sent the man away.

As soon as Chen Siyuan left, Jia She couldn't wait to find the steward of the east wing and send him and his servants to Tianjin to guard the port. If Zheng He Island latex arrived, they were to use this order to stockpile the latex in sufficient quantities.

Having done all this, Master Jia She was brimming with confidence, hoping that the latex would rise exponentially so he could make a fortune. Feeling pleased with himself, he leisurely went to the main room at the back.

He then teased the little boy, who had just rolled over, until he burst into tears. Only then did he say to Madam Xing with a hint of resentment, "I've been thinking about this for a few days and I think what you said earlier makes some sense. I just told Yuan'er that in two years, I will arrange for Yingchun to marry him off."

Madam Xing felt contempt in her heart, thinking to herself that the little thief was now getting ahead, and Yingchun was just a girl born out of wedlock... Could she really be acting like a princess?
She was delighted again in an instant, because Yingchun was gentle by nature and had been raised by her. In this way, even if the little thief got married, she would have a reason to associate with him.

After dinner, Madam Xing couldn't contain herself any longer and simply took two maids and went to the garden.

Upon arriving at Zhuijin Tower, the old woman at the gate hurriedly relayed a message inside. As soon as Madam Xing entered the courtyard, Yingchun, Xing Xiuyan, Baochai, and others came downstairs to greet her.

The three young ladies stepped forward to greet her, and Madam Xing smiled incessantly, saying, "I just finished eating and was thinking of digesting my food, but I ended up at the foot of Zhuijin Tower. I thought I hadn't seen you two sisters for a few days, so I decided to come and see you."

Yingchun and Xing Xiuyan quickly thanked her, and Madam Xing then said, "Baochai is also here...did she disturb you?"

Baochai smiled serenely and said, "Reporting to Madam, I was playing chess with my second sister and was about to lose when Madam arrived."

Upon hearing this, Madam Xing burst into laughter. Since Madam Xing had just arrived, Baochai felt it inappropriate to take her leave immediately, so she went back to Yingchun's room with her.

Madam Xing sat upright at the head of the table, pretending to inquire about the two's diet and daily life. After exchanging a few intimate words, she couldn't help but laugh and say, "Baochai is no outsider, so I'll tell you... I've come here this time because I have some good news to tell you."

Yingchun smiled and asked, "Mother, what's the good news?"

Madam Xing smiled and pointed at Yingchun: "This happy event is about to fall on your shoulders."

"Ah?" The second young lady was surprised, and her face immediately turned red. She was not as young as Tan Chun or Xi Chun. At this time, Madam Xing came to announce the good news, which meant that the marriage was destined. She was so embarrassed that she blushed and did not say anything.

Xing Xiuyan stood calmly to the side, while Baochai wondered what kind of ideal husband Madam Xing had found for Yingchun.

But then Madam Xing said with a smile in her voice, "Just now, the master said that in two years, he would arrange your marriage to Yuan-ge. Tsk tsk, you two cousins ​​will be even closer together from now on, isn't that a wonderful thing?"

Yingchun was so ashamed that she lowered her head, twisted her handkerchief, and wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Xing Xiuyan looked over with surprise, her face expressionless, but inwardly she breathed a sigh of relief. She had been forced into being a concubine due to her family background, and naturally hoped that her future wife would be good-tempered. This second sister of hers was usually unassuming, intelligent, but adept at feigning ignorance, and treated her fairly well… Such a wife would be quite suitable, wouldn't she?

The head maid, Siqi, could not hide her joy. It was truly a case of perseverance finally paying off! She had been running around for half a year without any results, but unexpectedly, the master made a decision with a single word, which finally satisfied her wishes!
What's that saying again? "You can search high and low without finding it, but then it comes to you effortlessly!" If there weren't other people around, Siqi would have loved to kowtow to Madam Xing right now!

On the other side, Baochai's face first showed astonishment, then she looked at the second young lady, Yingchun, with suspicion. Her expression was one of outward surprise, but her heart was in turmoil! The second young lady, Yingchun? Why her? Why her?

Then a bitter feeling welled up inside her. It was because of her mother's obstruction that she and Chen Siyuan had been unable to keep their relationship secret, and now the second daughter had beaten her to it!
In terms of looks, character, and ability, how could the second young lady surpass her? Yet she beat her to it... Yes, it will be decided in two years.

Baochai took a deep breath, her astonishment and suspicion fading, replaced by her serene smile. Taking advantage of a lull in the conversation, she smiled and said, "Then I must congratulate Second Sister... but I wonder what Brother Yuan said."

Madam Xing said, "Yuan-ge'er? What can he say? The master always keeps his word."

That would be a forced match, and I imagine he's quite troubled right now.

Despite the irrelevant things Madam Xing had said, the second young lady, Yingchun, was so ashamed that she dared not see anyone again. She found an excuse to go into her room. Baochai and Xing Xiuyan took the opportunity to get up and say goodbye. Yingchun did not dare to show herself and only sent her maid, Xiuju, to see them off.

As the group descended the stairs, Xing Xiuyan, though unaware of what others might know, was already aware of Baochai's affair with Chen Siyuan. She paused briefly, pondering, and said, "Uncle's character is indeed one of absolute certainty, and what Aunt said may not be true. Sister Bao, you should go and ask your cousin."

Baochai turned her head and glanced at her, feeling deeply moved. She nodded to Xing Xiuyan before leading Ying'er away in a hurry.

Xing Xiuyan watched her leave, secretly relieved. She had always been a free spirit, and thought to herself that it was fortunate she was only a concubine; if she had truly become the principal wife, she might have been in the same predicament as Baochai.

Leaving aside Xing Xiuyan's return to her room, let's talk about the Second Miss's room right now. Siqi is smiling and offering congratulations repeatedly, making Yingchun so embarrassed that she doesn't want to see anyone.

Unable to contain himself any longer, he said, "Stop talking nonsense. This matter is not yet settled, so it's not good to spread it around so that everyone knows!"

Siqi said, "What's the big deal? Miss Bao and Second Master Bao have been rumored to be a perfect match for several years. What has Miss Bao said to others? Besides, the Master has spoken about this matter. It's only a matter of time before it's confirmed!"

Siqi felt a surge of pride, and recalling Baochai's earlier actions, she felt even more delighted. That Aunt Xue had taken advantage of Yuan-ge'er's weakness, forcing him... Now, the daughter was paying for her mother's debts; it was a fitting retribution! Once her own young lady's marriage to Yuan-ge'er was finalized, she would spread the word about Bao-guniang and Yuan-ye's affair, and then see if the Xue family would still have the face to remain in the Rongguo Mansion!
At this moment, Xiuju returned, smiling as she approached. Seeing that the second young lady was extremely shy, she deliberately teased her, saying, "While marriage is indeed a matter of parental arrangement and matchmaker's words, there is still the old lady in the mansion. If the young lady is not happy, we might as well ask the old lady to have the master take back what he said."

Yingchun raised her head and glared at her, but ultimately said nothing. Xiuju then said, "Look, the young lady is quite pleased!"

Enraged, Yingchun got up and threw a pillow at them: "If you keep talking nonsense, I'll send you all back tomorrow!"

Siqi and Xiuju giggled and made way, but how could they not see that their young lady was overjoyed?

Yes, Chen Siyuan is first-rate in every way – appearance, temperament, ability, and talent. Any ordinary girl would be overjoyed to have such a good husband.

As the saying goes, one family's joy is another's sorrow. While the second young lady, Yingchun, was overjoyed in her room, Baochai was naturally deeply troubled. Although she was certain that Chen Siyuan had not agreed, thinking about it was one thing, and Baochai now longed to hear him say it to her in person.

As Baochai led Ying'er back in a hurry, near the main gate of the Grand View Garden, Baochai suddenly stopped, pondered, and gave Ying'er a wink.

Ying'er blinked, immediately understanding, and left. A moment later, she returned and said to Baochai, "The old woman in the tea room said she saw Master Yuan return to the garden, and he's probably at the thatched cottage in the main hall right now... Miss?"

Before Ying'er could finish speaking, Baochai moved her lotus-like steps westward. There were two routes to Qingtang Thatched Cottage. One was the main road, which required crossing Qinfang Bridge and following the passageway northwestward. The other was a longer route, requiring passing Yihong Courtyard, Baishi Bridge, the winding corridor, and the Jade Emperor Temple.

Even though Baochai was anxious, she did not forget to conceal her feelings, so she took a roundabout route.

After a long while, they arrived at the Jade Emperor Temple. Since Sister Bao didn't want to go directly to the temple, she sent Ying'er to look for her.

Meanwhile, Chen Siyuan returned to his thatched cottage, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. He had no idea that Jia She would later tell Madam Xing about the painted cake incident. At that moment, he was teasing his little maid Yunxiang when he suddenly heard someone calling from outside: "Master Yuan?"

Chen Siyuan looked up and saw that it was Ying'er who had come. He quickly left Yunxiang and went out.

Upon reaching the door, Ying'er whispered, "Master Yuan, our young lady is waiting behind the Jade Emperor Temple."

Chen Siyuan frowned and asked in surprise, "What happened?"

Ying'er blinked and said, "Master Yuan doesn't know?" Seeing that he shook his head, she told him about what had just happened at Zhuijinlou.

Chen Siyuan was speechless for a while, then sighed... Madam Xing was originally naive, and now that she had given birth to a son, it was really not good to argue with her.

They hurried towards the back of the Jade Emperor Temple and saw from afar Baochai, dressed in a simple white jacket, standing gracefully under the newly blossoming peach tree.

Chen Siyuan strode forward, while Ying'er stood at a distance, keeping watch.

"I……"

"you……"

The two spoke at the same time, then stopped talking simultaneously. Baochai stared at Chen Siyuan with her almond-shaped eyes, and seeing the concern in his eyes, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Chen Siyuan then laughed and said, "I didn't say anything just now. It was all the master talking to himself. He sent me away before I could say anything." He also revealed Jia She's thoughts.

Baochai felt increasingly at ease, thinking to herself that it was just as she had imagined. Perhaps because of her turbulent emotions just now, Baochai rarely showed any girlish side, and couldn't help but scold, "You... in the future, try to avoid attracting other men."

Seeing her charming and lovely appearance, Chen Siyuan couldn't help but secretly tug at her hand.

Baochai was immediately alarmed and quickly looked around, muttering, "Someone saw us..."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Sister Bao is simply a born wife..." Seeing Baochai looking over with her almond-shaped eyes in surprise, he teased, "She can grace the hall, cook in the kitchen, fight off vixens, and beat up hooligans."

Baochai stared with her almond-shaped eyes, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, and said, "Where did you get that witty remark from?"

(End of this chapter)