Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 249 Madam Xing Arranges a Match

Since it was the day Xichun gave birth, Chen Siyuan and Baochai could not stay any longer. They only spent a little time together behind the shop before taking their respective carriages and riding horses back to the Rongguo Mansion.

Originally, the brothers and sisters had planned to go to the Grand View Garden to play together in the afternoon, but unexpectedly, dark clouds covered the sun that afternoon, and a torrential downpour began in an instant. Although Xiangyun insisted on wearing a raincoat to enjoy the rain, the rain outside was pouring down as well. Xiangyun went to try it out herself and was soon soaked to the bone, laughing and joking.

So everyone gathered at Xiaocui Hall next to Qiushuangzhai, enjoying tea, snacks, and fruit while chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere. Only Xiaoxichun pouted and peered longingly outside.

Xiangyun asked in surprise, "Today is Fourth Sister's birthday. It's just a rain shower, and it will be over in an hour or two. Why is Fourth Sister so worried?"

Before Xichun could speak, Tanchun said, "Fourth Sister isn't worried about this rain. She's looking forward to Brother Yuan's gift and is afraid that the rain will stop him from coming back anytime soon."

Xiangyun then realized and said with a smile, "That's right, Brother Yuan's birthday gift is the most thoughtful... It's just a pity that every time I had a birthday celebration, it was at the Marquis's residence. If I count, he owes me at least two birthday gifts. I will definitely ask Brother Yuan for them later."

Daiyu, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but tease, "What a calculating girl Yun! You didn't send a congratulatory gift when it was someone else's birthday, but now you're making up for it after missing out once?"

Xiangyun was in a good mood and didn't argue with Daiyu. She just smiled sweetly and said, "I'll make it up to Brother Yuan later..." She glanced at Daiyu and then smiled at Tanchun, who was standing next to her, and said, "It's true that birds of a feather flock together. Some of them haven't even entered the family yet, and they're already thinking about how to help Brother Yuan."

Daiyu playfully tossed a handful of longevity fruits at him: "You're asking for it!"

Xiangyun haphazardly scooped up a few coins with her sleeve, then triumphantly crushed one and popped it into her mouth, tilting her head to deliberately provoke Daiyu.

Xiangyun was initially just jealous, thinking that everything Daiyu had previously possessed originally belonged to her, whether it was due to her great-aunt's doting or living in the Bisha Pavilion. Now that she had regained what she had lost, and seeing that her great-aunt only inquired about Daiyu every two or three days, her resentment naturally subsided.

Although they still bickered constantly, they lacked the usual sharp-tongued confrontation.

Xiangyun turned to comfort Xichun and said, "Don't worry, Fourth Sister. Brother Yuan loves you the most. Even if it's raining knives, he'll still rush back."

Second Sister Yingchun laughed and said, "Yun'er is becoming more and more outspoken, but—" She glanced at Little Xichun and said, "Fourth Sister goes to play with Brother Yuan whenever she has free time, so I suppose she must have put a lot of thought into that congratulatory gift this time."

Tan Chun also asked hopefully, "I wonder what gift Brother Yuan will send this time."

Just then, they heard a commotion behind them. Turning around, they saw Ying'er holding an umbrella and Baochai wearing a raincoat, walking briskly from the covered walkway.

The covered walkway meandered from Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, and was separated from Xiaocui Hall only by a grape trellis. Several maids greeted them at the door, and Baochai and Ying'er crossed the railings on both sides of the walkway, passed through the grape trellis, and ran into Xiaocui Hall.

Suddenly, a fierce wind and rainstorm struck, soaking half of Ying'er's body, and even Baochai's skirt was wet.

The sisters hurriedly stepped forward to greet them, and a maid brought handkerchiefs to wipe the mistress and servant together. Baochai had just had a secret rendezvous with Chen Siyuan, and was in a very good mood. Seeing this, she smiled and said, "I should have come later. Who knew it would rain so hard?"

Xichun hurriedly asked, "Sister Bao, has Brother Yuan returned yet?"

Of course he's back, but Sister Bao shook her head and said, "It looks like it's going to rain, so I left first. I don't know if Brother Yuan has returned yet."

"Oh." Xichun frowned in response, then sat down again, propping her round face up with her hands, looking utterly miserable.

Baochai, observing this, exchanged a glance with Daiyu, and both immediately beamed with joy. A moment later, a maidservant at the front gate called out, "Oh dear, Master Yuan is here!"

Before anyone could say anything, little Xichun had already dashed to the door. From afar, through the misty rain, a figure in a black raincoat strode and leaped towards her. Xichun's little face immediately lit up with a smile, and in a moment her eyes crinkled into crescents.

So he clasped his hands together and called out from afar, "Brother Yuan, slow down, be careful not to slip... um—"

Before the words were even finished, the figure in the rain swung its arms wildly, slapped its bottom into the water, then grinned and ran back to this side.

Seeing that he was getting close, Xichun hurriedly chased away the maids at the door, and then saw Chen Siyuan take a big step into Xiaocui Hall.

Water droplets gathered on the raincoat and trickled down the ground. Siqi and Shishu came over to help Chen Siyuan take off his raincoat. When Siqi saw that Chen Siyuan's lower back was wet, she frowned and said, "Why are you in such a hurry, sir? Now look what's happened... Why don't I go to the thatched hut in Qingtang and find a set of clothes?"

Chen Siyuan waved his hand dismissively and said, "It's alright, this little bit of water will dry in a while."

As Baochai hesitated, the Second Miss stepped forward and instructed, "Xiuju, quickly go and fetch a brazier. You need to warm yourself by the fire since you're wet. Dampness is not a good thing."

Xiuju agreed and hurriedly went with Shishu to Qiushuangzhai to fetch a brazier.

Chen Siyuan smiled and nodded slightly to his second sister, then clasped his hands in greeting to the other sisters. He then reached out and rubbed Xiao Xichun's head, before pulling out a brocade box from his sleeve. He then frowned and said, "The box is broken... but it doesn't matter. The contents are made of copper and iron, so they shouldn't be damaged. Fourth sister, take a look."

"Mm." Xichun smiled and accepted the brocade box, then looked up and said, "It's good that Brother Yuan is here. I don't care about any gifts."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Good, good, good, it's all worth it to have spoiled Fourth Sister."

Xi Chun was embarrassed by what she was told, but she still opened the brocade box. After glancing at it, she saw that inside was an exquisite copper box with two raised copper beads on one side and glass mirrors on them; on the other side, there was a handle that could be turned.

The women gathered around, whispering and speculating, but none of them could guess what it was.

At this moment, Chen Siyuan had already taken his seat. Zijuan hurriedly served him hot tea, and after he took a sip, she said, "Fourth Sister, put your eyes close to the cylinder and shake the handle towards the light to take a look."

Xichun responded and did as instructed. A maid turned the handle, and melodious music began to play from inside. Xichun, who was leaning over to examine the painting, couldn't help but exclaim, "The painting is alive!"

Xiangyun, who was only slightly older than Xichun, exclaimed in surprise, "The painting can move? Fourth Sister, let me see it!"

Although Tan Chun didn't speak, she moved closer. Xi Chun started laughing and pushed Xiang Yun aside, saying, "Interesting, let me see Sister Yun first."

Chen Siyuan had prepared this item long ago, and it has been more than two months since then. The paintings inside are all his own, while the remaining chess set was made by the Imperial Workshop.

The Imperial Workshop had initially set a price of seventy taels of silver for this novel item. However, a few days ago, during a trial run, a junior official in the workshop witnessed its true usefulness and was overjoyed. After reporting this to his superiors, he waived the seventy taels of silver, only requesting that Chen Siyuan allow the Imperial Workshop to sell the item in the future.

It was just a toy, so Chen Siyuan readily agreed.

Over there, a few younger ones were gathered around the table, observing. Chen Siyuan sat upright in his chair, glanced around, and noticed that the Second Miss, Sister Bao, Cousin, and Daiyu had not joined them.

Chen Siyuan felt a pang of bitterness in his heart. He couldn't help but think to himself that if his second sister spoke, he couldn't very well not respond, lest he anger Baochai. He was about to talk to his cousin Xing Xiuyan when, as if she had read his mind, she smiled and got up to join Xichun, saying, "What kind of painting can move? Let me see it too."

What a brilliant move to watch the fire from across the river!
Chen Siyuan scratched his head, just as he was about to look for another solution, when he saw Baochai turn her head and say, "Last time Ying'er praised Second Sister's plum blossom knot, and I saw it yesterday. It is indeed very good. Second Sister, please take a walk in Hengwu Garden when you have time. I was just thinking of asking Second Sister how to make the knot."

Yingchun said modestly, "It was just a random beating. How bad was Bao-mei's beating?"

Seeing the two women start talking, Chen Siyuan quickly turned his head and nodded to Daiyu, only to see Daiyu looking at him with a half-smile.

Chen Siyuan pondered, "I saw Doctor Ding a few days ago, and he said that my sister's prescription has been modified again?"

Daiyu said, "Don't mention it. The medicine is getting more and more bitter. I can only manage to drink it after mixing it with honey water. It's kind of you to go to so much trouble. It's just an old ailment anyway. I can add or subtract a little without any problem."

As soon as she finished speaking, Xueyan smiled and said, "Good medicine tastes bitter but is good for the disease. First of all, you only had a slight cough for a few days in the spring and autumn, but you recovered quickly."

Then Zijuan added, "Speaking of which, Madam mentioned before that there seems to be a medicine specifically for the young lady's symptoms."

Lady Wang is looking for medicine for Daiyu? Chen Siyuan frowned upon hearing this. Seeing the emotionless look in Daiyu's eyes, Xueyan was puzzled, but Zijuan's expression was meaningful. How could he not know that Zijuan was tipping him off?

Lady Wang has always disliked Daiyu, so why would she rush to send her medicine? It's unclear whether Lady Wang is deliberately trying to please her or has some other motive.

Since it was him, he said, "This prescription should not be changed easily. You should know that the worst thing to do when treating an illness is to change doctors midway. Now that Doctor Ding's prescription is effective, it would be best for Sister Lin to continue using this prescription."

Zijuan nodded and said, "That's what our young lady said too, and Madam didn't mention it again afterward."

Chen Siyuan looked at Daiyu, and Daiyu turned her head away.

Just as they were about to talk about something else, Xichun reluctantly let go of the item and handed it to Xiangyun to examine. She then walked up to Chen Siyuan and curtsied, saying, "Thank you, Brother Yuan. I really like this gift."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "I'm glad Fourth Sister likes it... There's a small drawer in the back where you can pull out the painting. If you want to explore it, you can pull it out and look at it yourself later." He paused and then added, "Who knows, Fourth Sister might be able to paint this moving painting herself someday."

Although young, Xichun was quite clever. She noticed the flaw in the maid's slightly slow movement and, after hearing Chen Siyuan's explanation, she roughly understood the reasoning. So she smiled and said, "In that case, I must study painting diligently from now on. Our four sisters each have our own refined interests in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. The Empress is skilled in music, Second Sister is skilled in Go, and Third Sister loves reading. If I can't paint, wouldn't I be disgracing my sisters' reputations?"

These words made Chen Siyuan burst into laughter. He reached out and patted Xichun's head again, finding the little girl exceptionally endearing.

After a while, Xiangyun had also looked at it and turned back to admire it. As for asking Chen Siyuan to give her a congratulatory gift in person, it was just a joke. However, Xiangyun had made up her mind that when Chen Siyuan had a son, she would definitely send him a congratulatory gift with care... Who knows, the return gift in the future might be such an exquisite item?
After the Third Sister, Xing Xiuyan, the Second Sister Yingchun, Sister Bao, and Daiyu had all read it, they all praised Chen Siyuan's ingenious ideas.

So they all sat down, chatting and laughing while their thoughts were all different.

Xing Xiuyan watched the fire from the other side of the river. When there were few people, she and Chen Siyuan were very close and talked about everything. But when there were more people, they fell silent and only occasionally chimed in with a word.
At this moment, Xiao Xichun was filled with joy. Seeing that the maids were also envious, she generously invited them to see something new as well.

The third sister, Tan Chun, vaguely knew what the second sister, Ying Chun, was thinking. Several times she tried to bring up Ying Chun, but Baochai would always change the subject. Tan Chun wasn't stupid; she could let it go once or twice, but seeing that Baochai always did this, she couldn't help but start to observe her carefully.

Baochai changed the subject, telling several funny jokes. She glanced at the exquisite copper box from time to time, not suspecting that Chen Siyuan had anything going on with Xichun, but simply thinking that he pitied little Xichun's loneliness, which was why he was so caring and attentive to her.
Seeing that Baochai had diverted the conversation several times, the second young lady, Yingchun, stopped talking. She knew perfectly well that with everyone gathered, what difference would it make whether she said a word more or less? In a few more days, Baochai would be free, and when the rumors reached Lady Wang and Aunt Xue's ears, who knew how they would jeopardize the marriage? This matter couldn't be considered settled until everything was truly resolved!
On the contrary, Daiyu was the most leisurely. She watched the Western sights for a while, occasionally teasing Yun'er with a bite, a cup of tea, and a handful of watermelon seeds. She was very carefree and could be said to have stolen half a day of leisure from her busy life.

As the time approached late afternoon, the rain outside gradually subsided, and the sun began to appear in the west. Then, the head maid, Yuanyang, came in with an oil-paper umbrella and said with a smile, "The old lady has given the order that since it's raining today, we should move the banquet to the large flower hall at the back. The young ladies and singers have all arrived, and the old lady wants the young ladies to go over there."

Xiangyun jumped up with joy and ran towards the main hall, startling Cuilu, who quickly opened her umbrella and chased after her.

The remaining women all glanced at Chen Siyuan.

Everyone knew that Chen Siyuan was not favored by the old lady, so Chen Siyuan rarely went to Rongqing Hall unless absolutely necessary.

However, since it involved their elders, they couldn't say anything.

Chen Siyuan didn't mind. He just stood up and smiled as he said goodbye to the group of girls. Only Xiao Xichun pouted and came over to him, saying, "It's a pity that Brother Yuan can't come with us."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "What does it matter? My baby is due next month anyway. We'll hold the celebration in the garden and make it a big, lively affair."

"Yes!" Xichun nodded vigorously before reluctantly bidding him farewell.

Chen Siyuan leisurely returned to his thatched cottage, chatted with Xiangling, Hongyu, and Wu'er for a while, and then went to his study to review his books.

After a while, the faint sounds of drumming, chanting, and occasional laughter drifted over, and Chen Siyuan felt a sense of loneliness, which made him start to ponder.

Originally, she planned to wait until the truth was revealed before moving out of the Rongguo Mansion. However, her relationship with Baochai was progressing smoothly, and if no unexpected complications arose, they could get engaged within the year and the woman would marry into the family two years later, at which point they could naturally move out of the Rongguo Mansion. But then she thought again... if she didn't stay in the Rongguo Mansion, who would take care of Lin Daiyu?
After hesitating for a moment, Chen Siyuan smiled bitterly, fearing that he would be the one to delay Baochai's marriage in the future.

That day, there was nothing else to do, but as the hour of Xu approached, the thatched cottage in Qingtang had already closed its main gate when someone suddenly knocked on the door from the outside.

At that moment, Hongyu was helping Chen Siyuan wash up. Hearing the sound, she quickly put on her clothes and went to see what was happening. After a while, she returned and said with a smile, "Master, the Fourth Miss is here."

Chen Siyuan looked up in surprise and saw Xiao Xichun leading two maids, Caiping and Ruhua, into the room.

Chen Siyuan stepped forward and said with a smile, "What brings you here, Fourth Sister?"

Xichun said, "Everyone is gathered here, but Brother Yuan is the only one missing. Firstly, I feel bad for him, and secondly, I'm afraid he'll feel lonely." As she spoke, she took the food box from Caiping's hand, carried it to the table herself, and spread it out. Inside was a pot of wine and two wine cups.

Xichun poured the wine, presented it to Chen Siyuan, and said, "Today is the day of my son's birth, so I must invite Brother Yuan to have a cup of birthday wine."

Seeing the girl's earnest expression, Chen Siyuan felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He smiled, took the wine cup, and drank three cups in a row before Xiao Xichun finally smiled and said, "Fortunately, Brother Yuan will have a baby next month. We must have a grand celebration then."

"Okay, it's a deal."

Xiao Xichun reached out and gave Chen Siyuan a high five. Since it was getting late, she hurriedly said goodbye and left.

Chen Siyuan escorted her all the way to the door, and then sent Hongyu and Wu'er with lanterns to see her off. When he saw Xichun and her party hidden behind flowers, trees and rocks, he smiled and shook his head, thinking to himself that this girl was indeed worth the love.

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

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye, and nothing else happened.

Chen Siyuan secretly met with Aunt Xue and Madam Xing twice. Aunt Xue tried to appease him as much as possible, and on the surface, she didn't care at all about whether she would marry Baochai in the future. However, this made Aunt Xue herself take it to heart.

Just a few days ago, Aunt Xue went back to the old house for a short stay. Her daughter-in-law, Cao, subtly inquired about Chen Siyuan's situation, saying that someone had asked the Cao family to marry their daughter to Chen Siyuan.

Aunt Xue listened carefully and found that this family was no ordinary family. They were Fei Maogong, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial! Although Fei Maogong was only a fourth-rank official, his father was a Grand Secretary during the reign of Emperor Taizong, and his family had countless relatives and friends, so they could be considered a prominent family.

Even a family of this stature would consider Chen Siyuan a suitable match, so he is more than a match for their own Baochai.

I also heard my daughter-in-law, Cao, say that people outside were saying that if Chen Siyuan passed the imperial examination in the next round, he would most likely be chosen by the emperor as the third-ranked scholar. In the hundred years since the founding of the Great Shun Dynasty, a twenty-year-old Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) was not uncommon, but it was extremely rare. Moreover, throughout the previous dynasties, those who passed the imperial examination in their twenties were all outstanding individuals.

Aunt Xue had always been close to Chen Siyuan. Although she knew he was remarkable, she never realized he was this remarkable! Seeing that Chen Siyuan didn't seem to care, she began to secretly consider bringing him and Baochai together.
As for Madam Xing, Chen Siyuan used all his skills to teach her a lesson she wouldn't tolerate. However, while Madam Xing agreed readily to his face, she secretly plotted against him, frequently seeking out the second young lady, Yingchun, to instigate him. Knowing Madam Xing's intentions and considering that Master Jia She was always a hypocrite, Chen Siyuan simply ignored her.

It was only the beginning of summer, and the sweltering heat made Chen Siyuan feel restless and unable to concentrate on his studies, even with an ice basin in the study to cool things down.

Looking up, I saw that even the most studious girl, Wu'er, was slumped sleepily on the table in the hall. The girl was only wearing a jacket with a front opening, revealing her two fair arms and a long neck.

Having been in the Rongguo Mansion for two or three years, Chen Siyuan knew that while people were conservative in public, they were extremely uninhibited at home. For example, the maids around the house, unless they went out on business, spent most of their time serving in the room, and most of them dressed like Wu'er.

Liu Wu'er was fast asleep, a dark red mark pressed against her cheek, and a trace of drool lingered at the corner of her mouth. Chen Siyuan found it amusing and leaned over to tease her, when suddenly someone knocked on the door from outside: "Is Master Yuan here?"

Wu'er suddenly woke up with a start and hurriedly hid in the side room. Chen Siyuan quickly said, "It sounds like Ping'er's voice." Only then did he calm Wu'er down.

An old woman led Ping'er in from outside. Wu'er, blushing, put on a gauze dress to greet her, but Ping'er didn't even look at her. She went inside, curtsied, and said, "The East Mansion has set a date for a banquet the day after tomorrow. Madam Zhen has asked our mistress to inform everyone, so I've come to tell Master Yuan."

Chen Siyuan asked in surprise, "Why is the East Mansion holding a banquet when it's neither a festival nor a holiday?"

Ping'er covered her mouth and laughed, "Of course it's a wedding feast." She paused, then lowered her voice and said, "The day before yesterday, the imperial physician examined her pulse and said that Madam Zhen is pregnant."

"I see." Chen Siyuan nodded and smiled in agreement. Madam You's pregnancy was expected. She had felt unwell at the end of last month and hadn't visited the new house once this month. Second Sister You had also mentioned that Madam You's period hadn't come this month, and now, after taking her pulse, it was confirmed that she was pregnant.

Ping'er continued, "Yesterday, the eldest madam, the eldest master, and our mistress went to the East Mansion together. Master Zhen was so happy that he danced with joy and insisted on having a banquet and watching a play. No matter how the eldest master tried to persuade him, he couldn't stop him."

Chen Siyuan said meaningfully, "Brother Zhen's joy is... well, it's understandable."

Ping'er blinked, not daring to respond, and quickly said, "Now that Master Yuan knows, don't forget to come and join the fun. Grandma is waiting for my reply, so I'm leaving now."

Since Wu'er couldn't go to see her off, Chen Siyuan stepped aside and said, "I'll see Ping'er off."

"Uncle Yuan, there's no need for such formalities. Please stay."

Chen Siyuan escorted Ping'er to the courtyard, watching her leave before pausing in the yard with a slight frown. He and Madam You each had their own agendas, and therefore he didn't care much about the child. As for the future, he wasn't going to risk his life for the sake of this child.

Ningguo Mansion is a cesspool, and people should avoid it as much as possible. Why would Chen Siyuan rush into it?

He shook his head and went back to his room to escape the heat, without mentioning it again.

Meanwhile, Ping'er walked out of the Grand View Garden, shading her eyes with her hand, and returned to Feng Jie'er. She then followed Feng Jie'er to Rongqing Hall.

At this moment, Rongqing Hall was filled with laughter and conversation. Madam Xing rarely came to Rongqing Hall, so she picked out the situation in the East Mansion and told it to everyone.

This prompted Grandmother Jia to scold, "This Zhen-ge'er is too impatient. My son is not even settled yet, how can he hold a banquet now?"

Madam Xing smiled and said, "That's what the eldest master said too, but no matter what he did, he couldn't stop Zhen-ge'er. The situation in the East Mansion... the old lady knows about it too."

Grandmother Jia nodded thoughtfully, but didn't respond. Jia Jing had taken refuge in a Taoist temple outside the city, Jia Rong had lost his fertility, and Jia Zhen was so anxious that he kept asking Jia Heng to come to his residence for a chat every three to five days. Who didn't know what he was thinking?

Grandmother Jia naturally looked down on the various aspects of the East Mansion, but because it was a separate mansion, and the Ningguo Mansion was the main branch, especially since Jia Zhen was known for his filial piety, Grandmother Jia didn't dare to say much.

She secretly hoped that the child in Madam You's arms was Zhen'er's, and not Heng'er's.

It was rare for Grandmother Jia to give Madam Xing such a kind look, and Madam Xing's heart stirred, so she couldn't help but say, "Grandmother, there are some things I don't know whether I should say or not."

Grandmother Jia glanced sideways but remained silent... probably fearing that Madam Xing might do something foolish and bring up the situation in the East Mansion.

To everyone's surprise, Madam Xing said, "As the old lady knows, the second young lady is now being raised in my room. As her legal mother, I must think about Yingchun's future. Seeing that Yingchun is not young anymore, I have been busy these days looking for a suitable marriage for her."

Grandmother Jia said sarcastically, "It's kind of you to go to so much trouble."

Madam Xing couldn't tell if she was being nice or mean, and just laughed and said, "What you're saying, old lady, is true. If I don't think about Yingchun's future, who will?"

These words were extremely unpleasant to hear, causing Grandmother Jia to frown deeply.

By this time, Feng Jie and Ping'er had already entered the room. However, with the old lady on one side and the mother-in-law on the other, Feng Jie was caught in the middle and couldn't easily interrupt.

Madam Xing then said, "I've thought it over and, by sheer coincidence, I've found a suitable match... What does the old lady think of Yuan-ge'er?"

"Hmm?" Grandmother Jia couldn't help but frown even more. She disliked Chen Siyuan intensely, because his marriage contract had shattered all her plans. Left with no other choice, Grandmother Jia had to bring Xiangyun over and keep her in the green gauze-covered cabinet.

However, as people age, they become shrewd. In ordinary times, it is fine to act according to personal preferences in matters that are not important; but when it comes to marriage, Grandmother Jia has no choice but to think it over carefully.

Anyone with discerning eyes can see that after a century since the founding of the dynasty, the power and influence of the nobility have waned. Looking at the Ming dynasty, it's clear that civil officials will eventually rule the country. That young man surnamed Chen has already passed the imperial examination at a young age and is extremely talented, possessing both ability and the capacity for wealth accumulation. If he were to pass the imperial examination in the future, his future would be incredibly bright!
Marrying into the family of such a person would not only be unfair to the second daughter, but might even bring great benefits to the Jia family in the future.

Furthermore, the second young lady and her granddaughter know each other well, and Yingchun, being the principal wife, would certainly not be at odds with Daiyu.

In this way, there are only benefits and no drawbacks!
Having thought it through clearly, Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Yuan-ge'er is certainly suitable. However, marriage is a major event that requires the consent of parents and the words of matchmakers. How can I, as his grandmother, have a say? Have you spoken to the master about this?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Xing became even more smug and said with a smile, "Old Madam, you don't know, but it was the eldest master who brought this up first."

Grandmother Jia's smile grew even more amiable, and she said, "Then you two can discuss and handle this matter yourselves. If the dowry is not enough, you can just allocate some from my personal savings in the future."

Madam Xing was overjoyed and couldn't help but stand up and curtsy, saying, "Oh dear, it is the old lady who loves her granddaughter the most. Then this daughter-in-law thanks the old lady on behalf of the second young lady!"

As they were talking, Aunt Xue and Baochai arrived together. Aunt Xue had only heard half a sentence when she entered, greeted them, and said with a smile, "Does the eldest madam have another happy event?"

Madam Xing was pregnant with her fourth son, so Aunt Xue's words were full of sarcasm.

However, Madam Xing was so overjoyed that she failed to grasp the underlying meaning. She simply smiled knowingly and said, "Isn't it a joyous occasion? The eldest master and I have always wanted to matchmake Yuan-ge'er and the second young lady. Seeing how often the two youngsters visit each other, I came today to ask for the old lady's permission. Unexpectedly, the old lady is also delighted, and even said she would add to the second young lady's dowry. Isn't that a joyous occasion?"

Aunt Xue was taken aback. Baochai, who was standing next to her, turned pale instantly, clutching her handkerchief tightly, her face ashen.

Aunt Xue was anxious and said awkwardly, "This...is indeed a joyous occasion, but I wonder what Yuan-ge'er is thinking?"

"Nonsense!" Madam Xing flicked her handkerchief and said with a smile, "Yuan-ge'er is all alone and has already opened a separate account. With the master and I working together to match him up, how could he possibly refuse?"

"I see, that's wonderful, wonderful indeed."

The mother and daughter sat down stiffly, exchanging another glance. Aunt Xue noticed that Baochai was forcing back her tears. Her heart clenched. If only she had known this would happen, she shouldn't have bothered with that damned "golden and jade marriage"! Now, she was the one in the bind!
A short while later, the three sisters, Daiyu, Xiangyun, and Xing Xiuyan arrived together. Madam Xing, who was known for her loose tongue, brought up the matter again in person.

Overjoyed, the second young lady shyly covered her face and left; Daiyu and Xing Xiuyan both looked at Baochai, whose face was ashen; Xichun was too happy to notice anything amiss, but Tanchun noticed something on Baochai's face.

Even Tan Chun noticed the signs, so how could they hide it from Grandmother Jia? The old lady was secretly surprised, wondering if the Xue family was playing both sides? On one hand, they were eyeing the golden and jade marriage, and on the other hand, they were trying to curry favor with Chen Siyuan?
After a while, the crowd dispersed, and Feng Jie and her servant Ping'er whispered to each other all the way.

Ping'er then said, "Grandma, did you see that? Auntie and Miss Bao's expressions changed!"

Sister Feng and the Xue family are not on good terms, mainly because in the past two years, Sister Feng has been wholeheartedly helping the old lady, while the Xue family has been helping Madam Wang. Now that the east wind is prevailing over the west wind, Sister Feng wants to get closer to Madam Wang, but she can't get past Aunt Xue no matter what. She secretly hopes that the Xue family will be put in a difficult position.

Hearing this, he laughed and said, "My aunt is quite scheming. On one hand, she talks about a perfect match, but on the other hand, she's also thinking about Brother Yuan. Trying to have your cake and eat it too... could easily lead to you falling into the water."

Ping'er nodded, then smiled and said, "What you're saying, Grandma, makes it sound like Uncle Yuan is playing both sides."

“Brother Yuan?” Sister Feng sighed, “How can that be the same? Brother Yuan is such a talented young man, truly a family with a hundred women seeking him. It’s just that he is currently confined to the garden. Once he moves out in the future, who knows, good families’ daughters will be lining up to be his maids or concubines.”

(End of this chapter)