Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 241 When the time is right, heaven and earth lend a hand

These days, Jia Zhen increasingly desires a son and has been having an affair with Jia Heng from the back street. Behind closed doors, he is also seen having illicit relations with one of his concubines.

Consequently, Jia Zhen grew increasingly disliked Jia Rong. Jia Rong saw this and became even more anxious, yet he was even less able to conceive. He always needed pills to help him during intercourse. How could he not resent Old Lady You in his heart?

He also learned that Old Lady You was pregnant. After a quick calculation, he wondered if it was his own child. Jia Rong was afraid that he would lose his title to Jia Zhen because he could not give birth to a son. He couldn't help but think to himself, if Old Lady You really gave birth to a boy, wouldn't this matter be easily resolved?

Having made up his mind, Jia Rong, a spoiled brat, only needed to spend his money to have plenty of hooligans at his beck and call. First, he hung tattered shoes and smeared dog blood on the door, then he threw in excrement, played ghost games at midnight, and now even Dr. Guo has fallen victim to his schemes.

Although Dr. Guo was unaware of the situation, Jia Rong had made a harsh statement, so how could he dare to keep Old Lady You any longer? Since it was the end of the day, he sent a message to the new residence and Ningguo Mansion, asking the three sisters to take Old Lady You, who was six months pregnant, back home. This time, Dr. Guo didn't even want the old You family residence anymore!

Although Sister You was a feisty and straightforward person, she was at a loss when it came to matters concerning Old Lady You, so she had to send Dongmei to invite Chen Siyuan.

"Rong-ge'er is restless?" Chen Siyuan said with a smile, "This matter is simple. I will go to Ningguo Mansion in a while and tell Brother Zhen."

Sister You raised an eyebrow and said, "Can this be discussed?"

Chen Siyuan said, "What can't be said? It's the father and son who have broken the moral order; I'll just pretend I don't know anything about it."

Third Sister You frowned in thought. What could she do now that things had come to this? She couldn't very well just have someone send Old Mother You back, could she? So she gritted her teeth and said, "Alright, I'll go to the Ningguo Mansion with my brother later!"

After saying that, he got up and went to the back to change his clothes.

As soon as she saw him leave, Sister You immediately sidled up to Chen Siyuan and said, "Master... it seems that Eldest Sister is pregnant."

Chen Siyuan blinked, then said with a wry smile, "It's only been a few days, how come you're pregnant already?"

At the beginning of that month, Madam You had her period. Although the two had been intimate a few times in recent days, it couldn't have happened so quickly, could it?
Unexpectedly, Sister You said, "Eldest sister came early this morning and said that for some reason, her back has been aching these past few days, and she's also been feeling sleepy... Mother said before that this is how it is when she's pregnant with me, so maybe eldest sister is pregnant too."

Chen Siyuan squinted and asked, "Then what should she do?"

Second Sister You said, "Eldest Sister originally wanted to go to Granny Ma to ask for some medicine, but Granny Ma has disappeared. She had no choice but to ask Master for some advice."

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "Better safe than sorry. Why not give some medicine to Madam You?" So he lowered his voice and said, "I'm in a hurry today. I'll send the things over in a couple of days. You can take them to her."

Second Sister You nodded obediently.

As they were talking, Sister You had already changed her clothes and returned. Chen Siyuan got up and went out of the house with her, and then took a carriage to Ningguo Mansion.

On the way, Sister You suddenly said, "That's right, Ni Er has returned. But that old woman Ma is suspicious. Before Ni Er came back, she packed a package and went out of the city. I don't know where she is now."

No wonder Madam You couldn't find Granny Ma; she must have been scared away by Ni Er!

He thought to himself, "That old hag harms people without them even realizing it, and she's always playing tricks. I bet that mushroom powder must have some amazing effects. I should ask that old hag for more later. Who knows when it might come in handy?"

The carriage soon arrived in front of the Ningguo Mansion. Seeing that Chen Siyuan and You Sanjie had alighted, the gatekeeper dared not be negligent and immediately found the steward to welcome the two inside. After the servants informed the inside, a short while later, an old woman led the two to Ning'an Hall.

That day, Jia Zhen was drinking with Jia Heng when he heard that Chen Siyuan and You Sanjie had arrived, so he quickly invited them in. After everyone greeted each other, Jia Zhen said with a smile, "Brother Yuan... what brings you here, you and your wife?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "I dare not hide it from you, Brother Zhen. I do have a difficult matter that I would like to ask for your help."

"Oh? Everyone in the two mansions knows how capable Yuan-ge is, yet there's something that's putting him in a difficult position?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and glanced at Jia Heng, who, being sensible, stood up and said, "Since Brother Zhen has guests, I shouldn't bother you. Let's get together again tomorrow, brothers?"

Jia Zhen agreed and then sent Lai Sheng to deliver it.

Knowing that Chen Siyuan had something to say, and that You Sanjie had a frosty expression, Jia Zhen was unsure and simply sent all the servants away.

At this moment, another old woman replied, "Grandma said she twisted her back and can't work, so she won't be coming right now."

Jia Zhen waved his hand to dismiss the old woman, then asked, "Brother Yuan?"

Chen Siyuan sighed and said, "It's a real tragedy. Old Madam An had already remarried, but Rong-ge'er kept pestering her... A few days ago, he hired a group of hooligans to cause trouble, and yesterday he even beat up Dr. Guo. Now Dr. Guo is insisting on sending him back, and my third sister and I are at our wits' end, so we have to come to Brother Zhen for advice."

Jia Zhen blinked, then flew into a rage, slamming his fist on the table and shouting, "You beast! I've been lenient with him these past few days because of his injuries, but he's only become more arrogant! Men, bring Rong-ge'er here! And bring the family discipline!"

Chen Siyuan quickly intervened, saying, "Brother Zhen... I shouldn't interfere in this family matter. I only ask that Dr. Guo be appeased. My third sister and I have no other requests."

Jia Zhen knew that Old Lady You was pregnant, but how could he know if it was his own, Jia Rong's, or someone else's? Because of Old Lady You's status, Jia Zhen could not bring her into the Ningguo Mansion, so he had to pretend to be deaf and dumb and pretend he didn't know.

Unexpectedly, Jia Rong brought up the matter again! Jia Zhen already disliked Jia Rong even more, so why would he give him any face now?
He immediately said, "Brother Yuan, don't worry, that beast will definitely not dare to cause trouble again. After such a thing happened, I really can't show my face. Please tell Brother Yuan to pass on a message to Dr. Guo and appease him properly. Tell him that if Rong-ge'er causes trouble again in the future, I will beat him to death!"

Chen Siyuan readily agreed, then turned to look at You Sanjie. You Sanjie said coldly, "I only hope you keep your word."

The two men, not wanting to linger, simply got up to take their leave. Jia Zhen was filled with shame and anger, but dared not antagonize Chen Siyuan, so he patiently saw them off at the ceremonial gate.

Before he could turn around, he saw Jia Rong coming from the small study in front of him, looking dejected, with rouge still on his face.

Jia Zhen's anger flared up, and he pointed at Jia Rong, saying, "You beast, I'd rather beat you to death today, so that you won't bring disaster to the whole family in the future!"

Having said that, he looked around, grabbed the bolt of the ceremonial gate, raised it high, and stormed off. Jia Rong, upon seeing Jia Zhen, was like a mouse before a cat, trembling uncontrollably.

None of the servants dared to stop him; they could only plead from the side, "Master, please spare the young master this time!"

Then a quick-witted person sent a message inside: "Quickly go and invite Grandma here!"

In the chaos, Jia Zhen had already reached them, and in his rage, he attacked, smashing the door bolts all over Jia Rong's face. Luckily, Jia Rong instinctively turned his head to the side, and the bolt slammed heavily onto his shoulder. With a 'crack', Jia Rong screamed in pain and immediately rolled on the ground like a gourd.

"You wretched creature, still daring to play dead?"

Jia Zhen ignored everything and started wildly striking the door bolt. Jia Rong only managed to raise one hand to block, rolling and dodging, but still took several blows. Luckily, Jia Zhen's body was weakened by wine and women, and he only managed a few blows before running out of strength; otherwise, Jia Rong wouldn't be alive today.

Meanwhile, in the East Wing courtyard, Madam You received the news and pondered it deeply. If Jia Rong hadn't caused trouble, Old Madam You's matter would have been over long ago, and there wouldn't have been any more trouble.
Furthermore, she had been feeling weak and listless for the past few days, and had talked to her second sister about it early this morning. Her second sister insisted that she was pregnant. Amidst her surprise and joy, Madam You naturally harbored a hopeful thought: if she really gave birth to a boy, wouldn't her child inherit the family business in the future?

Even a wrecked ship has three thousand nails. No matter how much the Ningguo Mansion has been emptied out, it is still a noble family. After becoming a third-rank general, she can inherit the title of fourth-rank light cavalry captain. With a title, she and her son will naturally have no worries about food and clothing.

As for Jia Rong... Lady You would love for Jia Zhen to beat the meddlesome Jia Rong to death this time. However, as his stepmother, she had to step in and stop him out of consideration for their relationship.

She was already exhausted, and now she pretended to be unable to walk, which made the maids and old women carry her in a sedan chair. Only then did she appear to be in a hurry, but in reality, she slowly made her way to the outside of the ceremonial gate.

When they arrived at the place, Jia Zhen was leaning on the door bolt, panting heavily, while Jia Rong was huddled on the ground, wailing incessantly. Madam You was startled and quickly came downstairs, saying, "Master, why is this happening? Even if the young master has made a mistake, it's not right to beat him like this. Father and son should talk things out."

Jia Zhen sneered, "Have I ever spoken to this beast properly? Don't worry about it, let him howl today. If he's lucky enough to survive tomorrow, I'll have to admire his backbone!"

Jia Rong is already half dead; if he survives another night, how will he survive? Seeing that even You Shi couldn't persuade him, the quick-witted steward secretly sent someone to the Rongguo Mansion.

It was nearing evening, and the two masters, Jia She and Jia Zheng, had already returned home. Upon hearing that Jia Zhen had lost his temper and nearly beaten Jia Rong to death, they rushed to stop him. Jia Lian, who had also received word, went along as well. When they entered the Ningguo Mansion, they saw Jia Rong lying on the ground, wailing incessantly, his face covered in blood.

Jia She and Jia Zheng reprimanded him repeatedly, but Jia Zhen only claimed that Jia Rong was unfilial, without giving any explanation as to how he was unfilial.

Now that Jia Zhen's anger had subsided, he was also afraid that Jia Rong might die, so he took the opportunity to order people to carry Jia Rong back to his own courtyard and instructed that the imperial physician be invited to treat him. But I won't go into details.

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As soon as Chen Siyuan and You Sanjie left the Rongguo Mansion by carriage, You Sanjie let out a soft moan and threw herself into his arms, her eyes glistening with desire, as if she couldn't wait to consummate their marriage.

The woman had always admired strength, and when she learned that Dr. Guo intended to send Old Lady You back, Third Sister You panicked. However, she managed to get Chen Siyuan to come to the Ningguo Mansion, and with just a few words, he covered up the enormous disaster.

Reason is just reason. If it were just You Sanjie looking for him, why would Jia Zhen listen? It's only because Chen Siyuan is different from before, and even Jia Zhen has to think highly of him, that he values ​​him so much.

Moreover, the man beside her was one she had chosen herself. Although she lost her rightful first wife because of her greedy mother's interference, seeing Chen Siyuan becoming more and more outstanding, You Sanjie felt that she was unworthy of the position of first wife. So, while content to be a concubine, she couldn't help but fall more and more in love with him.

Having answered both Aunt Xue and Madam Xing correctly yesterday, Chen Siyuan was naturally filled with lingering fear. Fortunately, he had conserved his energy today and estimated that he still had some strength left, so he boldly embraced You Sanjie.

That day, after dinner, Sister You San became petulant and chased away Sister You Er, leaving only herself and Chen Siyuan in the building. One was filled with great desire, and the other was burning with passion. Before long, their bodies were intertwined, their lips were pursed, and their faces were flushed. They removed their hair ornaments and light silk robes, and together they entered the bed to enjoy the pleasures of love.

A poem testifies to this: "The fragrance of jade perfumes her fair skin; the phoenix in the tower is not lonely in solitude."

The Red Phoenix Star shines upon the golden hairpin, a moment worth a thousand pieces of gold, a result achieved effortlessly.

Around midnight, the two lay down in each other's arms. Third Sister thought that Chen Siyuan was being considerate of her, which was why she hadn't been able to fully enjoy herself earlier. So she became even more tender and affectionate, and she snuggled into his arms like a cat.

After exchanging sweet nothings for a while, Chen Siyuan asked again, "What exactly has my sister been busy with? Why didn't you even tell me?"

Sister You smiled mischievously and said, "It can't be said, it can't be said. It's not long until May, brother will know then."

Seeing that Chen Siyuan was about to ask again, Sister You suddenly changed the subject and said, "Brother, don't forget the important matter these next few days."

Chen Siyuan asked in surprise, "What's so important?"

Sister You chuckled, "Could it be that brother has forgotten that Qingwen gave birth?"

Chen Siyuan blinked, then suddenly realized. That's right, Qingwen gave birth on March 28th, and now that she's almost twenty, shouldn't we prepare a congratulatory gift in advance?

Sister You said in a low voice, "Brother has been busy these past few days, and Qingwen has been keeping quiet... I think if brother doesn't send you a nice gift in the future, she might give you a hard time."

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily and nodded repeatedly. That's just how Qingwen is. She never considers herself a maid. Her heart is with you, so she'll act childish towards you and won't care about the difference in status.

Sister You hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said, "If the gift is satisfactory, there might be an unexpected surprise."

Chen Siyuan simply said, "Thanks to my sister's reminder, I'll go to the Imperial Workshop in a couple of days to find a suitable congratulatory gift." He didn't think much about what kind of unexpected joy it might be, and because he was overcome with drowsiness, he immediately took You Sanjie's arm and fell asleep.

The next day, Chen Siyuan, though reluctant, knew he had to answer Li Chongming correctly. He had eaten breakfast and changed his clothes at the Qingtang thatched cottage before riding his horse to the Jiangsu Guild Hall.

The Jiangsu Guild Hall was not far from Henian Hall. Chen Siyuan glanced at Ding Daojian on the way and saw that he was already unharmed. The two looked at each other in silence for a while before heading to the guild hall.

Upon arriving at their destination, Chen Siyuan settled Li Chongming in the top-tier courtyard. When Chen Siyuan went to investigate, he could hear a constant stream of classical Chinese phrases coming from inside. Listening closely, he realized that it was Shan Pinren and Zhan Guang discussing tea with Li Chongming.

The servant, Qingyu, stepped forward to announce the arrival of the door. Chen Siyuan quickly went inside and greeted the three men, saying, "I am ashamed, I am ashamed. I have been unable to get away these past two days. I am grateful for your company, gentlemen. I will certainly send you a thank-you gift later."

Zhan Guang and Shan Pinren smiled and said it was no problem. Chen Siyuan then smiled and said to Li Chongming, "Brother Li, please forgive me. I must do my best to be a good host today."

Li Chongming was secretly pleased with himself, but pretended to be polite and said, "Brother Chen, why be so formal?"

"Oh? This is only right and proper, Brother Li, please don't refuse."

After seeing Zhan Guang and Shan Pinren off, Chen Siyuan was about to take Li Chongming sightseeing when Li Chongming said, "The two gentlemen accompanied me on a tour of the capital a couple of days ago. The capital is certainly different, but it's all rather ordinary. Why don't we brothers drink and have a good time today, until we're completely drunk?"

Chen Siyuan was more than happy to accept, so how could he refuse? He immediately instructed his servant Qingyu to prepare wine and food, and soon they began to eat and drink in the room.

Chen Siyuan patiently offered a few flattering words, and Li Chongming indeed revealed his ugly side, unable to cite the origins of common allusions, yet insisting on showing off his knowledge. It was inevitable that Chen Siyuan would have to play the straight man later.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Li Chongming, unable to contain himself any longer, said, "Shuliang, you may not know, but I have come to the capital for a very important matter."

Chen Siyuan was startled, wondering if this person had accidentally told Zhan Guang and Shan Pinren.
So he said seriously, "Oh? Brother Li, have you discussed such an important matter with those two gentlemen?"

Li Chongming said, "This matter is of utmost importance, how could I speak recklessly? You two gentlemen are refined people, and what we are talking about is naturally about romance and nature."

Chen Siyuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "I see. But may I ask what brings you here, Brother Li?"

Just as Li Chongming was about to keep everyone in suspense, he suddenly remembered that the Diamond Sutra was brought to the capital by Chen Siyuan. He sighed and said, "If it were anyone else, I wouldn't tell you even if you killed me. Since it's Shuliang who asked, I can tell you." He paused, then lowered his voice and said, "I came here for the Diamond Sutra."

Chen Siyuan squinted and smiled, "Brother Li, you also know that the Diamond Sutra was presented to Prince Yanping?"

"Huh...huh?" Li Chongming's eyes widened in shock, and he stammered, "You, what did you say?"

Chen Siyuan feigned surprise and said, "Brother Li, do you know? My sister-in-law obtained the original Diamond Sutra and was afraid that it would be plotted against by someone with ulterior motives. After thinking it over, she simply entrusted me to present it to Prince Yanping."

"This...this..."

Chen Siyuan said, "Brother Li, you don't know, the Prince treasured this item so much that he wanted to bestow money upon it on the spot. But my sister-in-law said that keeping this item in her possession would be the source of disaster and trouble, so she declined and only asked the Prince for a promise."

"This...my sister is so confused!"

Seeing Li Chongming's distress, Chen Siyuan slapped his thigh and frowned, saying, "Isn't that right? Your sister-in-law insists on recommending Brother Li to be a so-called retainer in the Prince's mansion... Tsk, a mere retainer, how can it compare to the real money?"

"Huh?" Li Chongming was taken aback.

Chen Siyuan frowned and said, "I was puzzled and couldn't help but ask my sister-in-law. To my surprise, she said that Brother Li was eager to enter officialdom, but he was constrained by Li Jijiu and had not been able to use his talents all these years. She couldn't bear to see this, and she also thought that since Brother Li had never been an official before, he would be without a foothold if he were to obtain an official position. That's why she asked the Prince for permission to first work as a guest in the Prince's mansion, and then try to obtain an official position later."

Li Chongming pondered it carefully, and it seemed to make sense. Many down-on-their-luck scholars had worked as retainers in the homes of powerful and wealthy people. Take Fu Shi, for example; he was a retainer under Jia Zheng in his early years, and now he's a sixth-rank official, isn't he?
The Rongguo Mansion is now a thing of the past; how can it compare to the power and prestige of Prince Yanping? If he were to gain the prince's favor in the future, wouldn't he rise to prominence overnight? He doesn't even aspire to become a prime minister; he only wishes to serve as a prefect.

Thinking of this, Li Chongming said, "My sister is foolish. Why didn't you tell me about this beforehand? If I had known, I should have brought my usual writings with me before we set off, so that His Highness wouldn't be unaware of my abilities."

Bah! What makes you think you can do that?!
Chen Siyuan then said, "As the saying goes, a tiger father begets no dog son. With Li Jijiu's guidance, Brother Li's knowledge is naturally excellent. Moreover, what the Prince needs now are capable people. Perhaps Brother Li will be of great use immediately upon arriving!"

"Oh? Is that so?"

Chen Siyuan nodded patiently and said, "Yesterday, my sister-in-law came to see me in the afternoon. Knowing that I have a past relationship with Prince Yanping, she asked me to take Brother Li to the Prince's residence tomorrow. But... I don't know when Brother Li will be free?"

"I'm available anytime."

Chen Siyuan said, "No rush. His Highness has been very busy these days. I will set a date to introduce Brother Li to His Highness after I see him tomorrow."

Li Chongming was overjoyed and kept saying "good!" He was so happy that he didn't know what to do, and simply drank several cups with Chen Siyuan. However, it was past mid-morning, and Chen Siyuan was only slightly tipsy, while this fellow had drunk too much.

Having no other choice, Chen Siyuan had to send his servant and Qingyu to carry the body to the bed. After pondering for a moment, he left the Jiangsu Guild Hall.

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Chen Siyuan didn't go far. Since he had been drinking, he simply found a teahouse nearby to sober up. Although he had already made this boastful statement, it was not good to delay indefinitely. He had to bite the bullet and report to Prince Yanping.

The Imperial Household Banks and Exchange Shops haven't been established yet, so I imagine Prince Yanping must be short of funds. If that doesn't work, I could ask Li Wan to offer her 10,000 taels of silver in exchange for a private exchange; I wonder if that would secure her a position as a guest of honor. If that still doesn't work, then I could encourage Prince Yanping to establish the futures trading companies in Songjiang and Guangzhou.

Chen Siyuan, the left and right armies, had made up his mind to take the route of the noble and aristocratic in the future. This kind of "bad idea" of "competing with the people for profit" was better left to Prince Yanping to take the blame.

After sobering up and wearing a sachet to mask the smell of alcohol, Chen Siyuan headed to the Yanping Prince's residence.

Upon arriving at his destination, he dared not see Prince Yanping first, but instead sought an audience with Ding Daolong, the head of the royal kitchen, through a guard at the gate.

Knowing that Prince Yanping trusted Chen Siyuan, the guards of the Prince's residence did not refuse and sent someone inside to inform him. A short while later, Ding Daolong arrived, surprised, and invited Chen Siyuan to sit in a side hall. He couldn't help but ask, "Chen Xiaolian, is there something you need from me?"

"Indeed, may I ask the Steward, what do you have to say about the prince's personal retainers?"

Ding Daolong, understanding the unspoken meaning, couldn't help but laugh, "Chen Xiaolian wants to find a job as a courtier for his friend? That's easy. In his younger days, His Highness was lazy and fond of poetry and literature; someone skilled in composing poems would naturally suit His Highness's tastes. However, since His Highness took charge of the inner court, due to the numerous affairs, it's inevitable that some of his courtiers would be capable of getting things done. But I wonder about Chen Xiaolian's friend—"

Chen Siyuan said, "I am ashamed to say that my friend is utterly useless."

Ding Daolong blinked, not understanding: "Is Chen Xiaolian playing a trick on us?"

Chen Siyuan said with a wry smile, "The steward doesn't know, this matter all started because of the Diamond Sutra." He then briefly explained the cause, and said with distress, "Now that Li Chongming has come uninvited, my sister-in-law doesn't know how to deal with him, so she had to ask me to answer. The steward knows that I am just a mere scholar, how can I handle such a family matter? But it would be really unreasonable to leave it unattended... In desperation, I thought of the Prince."

Ding Daolong was equally dumbfounded, unsure how to respond.

Chen Siyuan then probed, "But I wonder if Your Highness would agree to offer me ten thousand taels of silver?"

Ding Daolong said with a stern face, "Does Chen Xiaolian perhaps regard the Prince as one of those petty scoundrels who wouldn't do anything without a profit?"

"Ah? I'm ashamed, well—"

Before he could finish speaking, a voice came from outside: "Wait, there really is ten thousand taels?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Siyuan turned his head and saw Prince Yanping striding towards him in a python robe.

Chen Siyuan and Ding Daolong hurriedly stood up to greet him, but the Prince of Yanping was not one to stand on ceremony. He casually waved his hand and stared at Chen Siyuan, saying, "Really ten thousand taels? Then I'll take this deal!"

Chen Siyuan and Ding Daolong were both stunned, wondering what the prince was up to now. Ding Daolong quickly came over and said, "Your Highness, what's wrong—"

Prince Yanping sighed, "Today, that scoundrel He Kehua impeached me for embezzling more than 10,000 taels of the Ministry of Revenue years ago. My elder brother couldn't bear to offend me and reprimanded me, ordering me to make up the difference within the month... Bah! I've already spent all that money, where would I find any left over?"

He Kehua, the Left Censor-in-Chief, was most fond of impeaching nobles in order to gain fame and integrity.

Ding Daolong asked in surprise, "Lord He? Wasn't the Prince the other day—"

The Prince of Yanping, his face flushed with anger, said, “Don’t even mention it! I had a meal with him on official business the other day, hoping to make some good friends, but who knew that this scoundrel would betray me like that! Ding Daolong, find a few reliable men, catch a few old toads, stuff their mouths with peppercorns, tie them up, and throw them into the He family’s house tonight… Bah! You dare to embarrass me, you surnamed He, you won’t get away with this!”

Chen Siyuan secretly memorized it, thinking to himself, "This move... is this the kind of move that the prince can use?"

At this moment, Prince Yanping said again, "Chen Shuliang, it's agreed that there will be 10,000 taels of silver. Even if Li Chongming is completely useless, I will still provide him with a share of rice and grain. I want to see the 10,000 taels within three days."

Chen Siyuan hurriedly agreed, but fearing he might offend Prince Yanping, he didn't dare utter a sound. After listening to the prince's grumbling for a long time, he finally sent him away from the palace.

Once he returned to the Rongguo Mansion, to prevent any unforeseen complications, Chen Siyuan made up his mind that he would present the 10,000 taels of banknotes to Li Wan after a while.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Truly, when the time is right, heaven and earth are all in cahoots. I was just thinking about how to persuade King Yanping, but then King Yanping was impeached and urgently needed money to fill the hole... Where can I go to seek justice in this situation?"

After his initial triumph, he was secretly jolted awake, reminding himself never to take chances again. Especially the imperial examination four years later, which was like a thousand soldiers crossing a single-plank bridge.

If he succeeds on the first try, that would be wonderful. I imagine the Rongguo Mansion will have fallen by then, and if he seizes the opportunity, he might be able to rescue his sisters. If he fails, it will probably take a lot of effort to rescue his sisters.

Without further ado, Chen Siyuan hurried back to the Rongguo Mansion in the afternoon. After changing his clothes at the Qingtang Thatched Cottage, he rushed to Daoxiang Village to find Li Wan.

Just as they turned the corner of Qinfang Pavilion, they bumped into Ping'er.

"Uncle Yuan!"

Ping'er bit her lower lip, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. Chen Siyuan stepped forward to greet her and asked in surprise, "Miss Ping'er, is there something you need from me?"

Ping'er nodded, glanced around, and gestured towards the direction of Cui Zhang, saying, "Please, Master Yuan, take a step."

Chen Siyuan nodded, and as they arrived near Cui Zhang, Ping'er said, "Our mistress is certain that her previous hysteria was caused by someone plotting against her. I dared not lie, so I told her about the scribbled talisman. But mistress was initially certain that it was Aunt Zhao's doing, and then she noticed that Caixia was acting strangely, so she guessed that Caixia had stuffed the object into her pillow."

Tsk, Feng Lazi is indeed a master of domestic intrigue. What makes a master of domestic intrigue? It's someone who judges by intentions, not by actions. Who benefits most from her and Baoyu's deaths? That would be the one who committed the heinous act.

Chen Siyuan said, "I see. Second sister-in-law is indeed amazing."

Ping'er pleaded, "Uncle Yuan, you don't know, but our grandmother has never been one to hold back. As for that Uncle Rui from before... Anyway, please help persuade him, Uncle Yuan, so that our grandmother won't do anything drastic."

Chen Siyuan asked in bewilderment, "If you repay evil with kindness, how will you repay kindness? You repay evil with justice, and kindness with kindness. If I hadn't been lucky enough to see through the mystery, even if Second Sister-in-law had survived, she would probably have fallen seriously ill. Why is Miss Ping'er speaking in favor of outsiders?"

Ping'er shook her head and said, "If it were up to me, someone with such malicious intentions would simply be sent away. But Grandmother wants to ruin her life..."

Chen Siyuan said, "That's what she got for her own actions... I know that Miss Ping'er is kind, but kindness depends on the time and the person."

Seeing that she couldn't reason with her, Ping'er sighed and said, "Perhaps I'm too soft-hearted and can't bear to see such a tragedy."

Chen Siyuan then pondered, "However, Miss Ping'er is right... She's just a little maid, why bother with those methods, Second Sister-in-law? Just send her away."

Ping'er secretly breathed a sigh of relief, quickly thanked Chen Siyuan, and then took her leave.

Chen Siyuan walked with his hands behind his back, and only when he reached the gate of Daoxiang Village did he ponder, "Ping'er being too kind isn't a good thing. It's like in the original story, where You Erjie clearly intended to make Fengjie die of anger, yet Ping'er secretly brought food to You Erjie... Hmm! Could it be that Ping'er wanted to use You Erjie to make Fengjie die of anger?"
Chen Siyuan was startled and looked around, but Ping'er was nowhere to be seen. He immediately thought to himself, there is never any innocent goodness in this world. Ping'er is smart, how could she not know what kind of thoughts You Erjie was up to?
On the one hand, he pretends to be obedient to Sister Feng, and on the other hand, he tries to curry favor with Sister Feng's nemesis. He plays the good guy on both sides so that he can reap the benefits.
Chen Siyuan shook his head. It's still unknown. Perhaps Ping'er is just simply kind-hearted?
She immediately snapped out of her daze and knocked on the door. Su Yun pushed the door open and looked inside. She then quickly announced, "Grandma, Uncle Yuan is here!" and hurriedly ushered Chen Siyuan in.

Chen Siyuan had only walked a few steps into the courtyard when he saw the curtain lifted, and Li Wan came out from the main room to greet him.

Seeing the worry in her peach blossom eyes, Chen Siyuan smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Sister-in-law, I have not failed you!"

Upon hearing this, Li Wan's face immediately lit up...

(End of this chapter)