Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 253 King Baotian throws himself into the water

After a short while, Grandmother Jia coaxed Yingchun to return home first, and then she sent Yuanyang to instruct Lady Wang to thoroughly investigate the gossiping old woman the next day.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law hit it off immediately, and as expected, Madam Wang urged Feng Jie to make a round. In no time, all the servants in the Rongguo Mansion were in a hurry, no longer daring to gossip.

The next day, Madam Xing was still unaware of what had happened at Rongqing Hall the previous night. On one hand, she was eagerly waiting for the eldest master to return from Tianjin so that the marriage could be finalized quickly; on the other hand, she kept sending people to Qingtang Thatched Cottage to eavesdrop, waiting for Chen Siyuan to return so that she could humble herself and appease him.

Before the two of them could return, Siqi hurriedly came to the east wing. She spoke briefly to Wang Shanbao's wife, then the grandfather and granddaughter rushed into the main room.

As soon as they entered, Wang Shanbao's wife cried out, "Madam, something terrible has happened!"

Madam Xing was in a bad mood at the time, and upon hearing this, she immediately became angry: "What is it now?"

Siqi stepped forward and said, "Reporting to Madam, the Third Miss came by yesterday... I don't know what she said to our Miss, but she immediately went to beg the Old Madam... She said, she said—"

"say what?"

“She said she was still young and couldn’t bear to leave her family, so she begged the old lady to let her stay for another two years.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Xing was indeed furious. She slammed her hand on the table and exclaimed, "Fine! Fine! I treated her with all my heart, but she turned out to be a traitor! They say the kindness of raising someone is greater than the kindness of giving birth, but I spit on that! Now I've raised a thankless wretch!"

Madam Xing grumbled and cursed for a long time, feeling increasingly aggrieved. What had she done wrong? She only wanted a long-term relationship with the thief, which was why she wholeheartedly tried to matchmake the second young lady with him. Who knew that not only did the thief not appreciate it, but even the blockhead had turned against her? What had she done to deserve this?

It goes without saying that since the old lady has spoken, the master has no choice but to agree and would never go against her wishes.

Wang Shanbao's wife, being rather simple-minded, immediately chimed in, "Madam, not to be rude... but this second young lady is all grown up now, and she has her own plans. No matter how good you are to her, it's probably all in vain."

Siqi inwardly blamed Yingchun for changing her mind, but she couldn't say it aloud. She only complained, "It's all the Third Miss's fault! If it weren't for her instigation, how could our young lady dare to disobey Madam?"

Madam Xing then said angrily, "I thought Tan was a good girl before, but who knew she would turn out like this? Sure enough, this maid is just not fit for high society!"

Just then, a maid entered and said, "Madam, Master has returned home!"

Despite Madam Xing's fierce scolding, she was actually quite uneasy inside. How could she not know what kind of person the master was?
Don't be fooled by the fact that she said she would settle things when she returned. If the old lady speaks up now, Jia She might turn around and scold Madam Xing.

Having made up her mind to play the victim and accuse the other party first, Madam Xing hurriedly got up and went outside to greet him. But she had only passed through the third ceremonial gate when Xing Zhenshi came and said, "Madam, the eldest master was summoned away by the old lady as soon as he got out of the carriage."

Madam Xing arrived a step late, and fearing that the master would scold her in front of everyone, she could only return to the main room dejectedly.

After a quarter of an hour, the eldest master, Jia She, strode back, entered the room, frowned, glanced at Madam Xing, and said, "The old lady has spoken, Yingchun will stay for two more years."

Madam Xing readily agreed, expecting Jia She to unleash a torrent of reprimands. But Jia She simply lifted his robe, sat down, and never mentioned the matter again!

This aroused suspicion in Madam Xing, who was unsure of Jia She's intentions.

Seeing her unease, Jia She glanced at her and sneered, "What's wrong? Does Yingchun really have to be with Yuan-ge'er? What a joke! She is, after all, the daughter of a noble family. Without Yuan-ge'er, can't my daughter find a good husband? Let me tell you the truth, if it weren't for the eldest daughter... Yingchun might have had a chance to rise to a high position!"

"Huh?" Madam Xing asked in surprise, "Sir, what do you mean by that?"

In his smugness, Jia She shook his head and kept everyone in suspense for a while before finally saying, "Do you know why I'm in such a hurry to travel all that way to Tianjin?"

"This...didn't you say that the Duke of Li's mansion had raised some more money?"

"That's just a few coins?" Jia She pursed his lips, then suddenly pointed east: "The real big money came from this guy." He then cupped his hands towards the east.

After pondering for a long time, Madam Xing finally understood what Jia She meant. In the past two years, since Qin Shi's passing, Madam Xing had been visiting You Shi more frequently.

Although both were second wives, Lady You was more at ease than Lady Xing, and knew more about the private affairs of the household. Ever since Jia Jing went into hiding outside the city, the Ning and Rong mansions had once again curryed favor with the Crown Prince. The Jia family's thinking was simple: since they had declined because of the struggle for the throne, they would rise again because of the same struggle.

The second master, Jia Zheng, was an assistant director in the Construction Department. He and Qin Ye had previously embezzled a considerable amount of construction funds. After distributing the profits to the four princes and eight dukes, the majority of these funds were actually sent to the Eastern Palace.

Ever since Qin Ye died, the Construction Department has had a new, incorruptible doctor, so this corrupt business can no longer be conducted.

Although the four kings and eight dukes would send some tributes from time to time, they were reluctant to part with their wealth. Over the years, the Crown Prince had been spoiled by the four kings and eight dukes and had become extravagant. How could he possibly have enough to spend in a short time?
Hearing that the latex business was profitable, the Crown Prince couldn't resist scraping together 10,000 taels of silver. Jia She, having been given the assignment, naturally dared not neglect it and hurriedly went to Tianjin himself.

Madam Xing gasped in surprise, and Jia She then boasted, "The Emperor Emeritus is quite old, and the current Emperor is also nearing the end of his life. In a few years, who knows who will be in charge? At that time, our family's title might just be restored."

"Yes!"

"In that case, how could Yingchun still worry about getting married? Yuan-ge'er is a good man, but who knows what better one might be waiting for him later on?"

Madam Xing gave a vague reply, but inwardly she was disdainful, thinking to herself, "Where in the world could be better than a petty thief?"

Little did they know that Jia She also harbored ulterior motives, which was why he revealed only a few words to Madam Xing. It was true that the Crown Prince was providing funds, and it was also true that the Master was going to Tianjin to manage things. Now, with latex prices fluctuating daily, everyone seemed to have made money, but since the source wasn't in their hands, how could they possibly make a fortune?

Chen Siyuan went bankrupt to make a living from latex, which was his lifeline, so Jia She naturally couldn't have any designs on it... But reducing production and holding back sales wouldn't stop Yuan-ge from making money, so wouldn't everyone benefit?
The master secretly plotted to manipulate Chen Siyuan. If he was sensible, what did it matter if Yingchun was married off to him? If he was not sensible... well, then he wouldn't blame the master for not helping his nephew.

Jia She, weary from his long journey and tired after showing off for a while, got up and went to another courtyard to find his concubines.

After seeing Jia She off, Madam Xing couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Regardless, at least she hadn't been scolded by the master. But as for that little thief… well, she'd just have to wait and see. She wouldn't dare act on her own next time.

As for Yingchun, Madam Xing would no longer concern herself with her. Rather than dealing with someone who was impossible to tame, she would rather focus her efforts on her good niece, Xing Xiuyan.

Just then, Xing Xiuyan came to visit her parents again, so Madam Xing summoned her and showered her with concern and care. Before leaving, Madam Xing also brought her a lot of food, clothing and other necessities, which left Xing Xiuyan feeling confused and wondering what Madam Xing was up to this time.

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

There are no secrets in this world, let alone the Rongguo Mansion, which is leaking information from all sides.
Last night, the second young lady went to Grandmother Jia crying and complaining. Just now, Grandmother Jia asked the eldest master to keep the second young lady there. This matter spread quickly, and in less than half a day, the whole household knew about it.

When the three sisters gathered together, the second sister secretly breathed a sigh of relief, finally able to preserve her good reputation; the third sister was also pleased, thinking that everything had been taken care of; although Xichun was resentful, she knew that her third sister was not truly on Baochai's side, so she remained inseparable from her.
Xing Xiuyan, who had returned to Zhuijin Tower, was by nature a free spirit. Seeing the ever-changing world, she thought of it as "a sudden gust of wind ruffling a pool of spring water." First, she sought out Yingchun for a game of chess, and then went to Xiaoxiang Pavilion to discuss with Daiyu how to continue writing about "Life is but a Dream."
Xiangyun was still young and unaware of the situation, she thought that Grandmother Jia truly loved her second sister Yingchun, and she couldn't help but feel even more admiration for Grandmother Jia.

After discussing things with Xing Xiuyan, Daiyu, having found some free time, led Zijuan and Xueyan to Hengwu Garden. As soon as they entered, Daiyu saw a slight smile on Baochai's face and teased, "Now that you're finally at ease, you're satisfied. Come, come, why don't you serve some tea and call out 'Sister Lin' again?"

Baochai blushed and said, "Why are you teasing me again!"

Daiyu chuckled and said, “You are the wife of the Chen family, and I am the wife of the Lin family. It’s not appropriate to talk about seniority. Just follow the order of arrival. It is right for Sister Bao to offer me a cup of tea.”

Baochai was in a very good mood at the moment! She had originally thought that she would have to have a fight with Chen Siyuan in the east wing before she would stop, but who knew that the second young lady was so clever. Last night she asked the old lady for help, and that's how a disaster was averted.

Thus, Yingchun was no longer an obstacle, and he could only watch helplessly as she became close to Chen Siyuan.

Hearing that Sister Feng had been investigating the gossiping old woman last night, Baochai quickly told Ying'er to stop spreading rumors about Yingchun and Sun Shaozu.

That's just how Sister Bao is. In everyday interactions with her sisters, she says things that are kind and inexpensive, adding to their happiness and making them feel like they're basking in a spring breeze. But if anyone gets in Sister Bao's way, then they can expect her to scheme and plot against them in every possible way.

For Baochai right now, anyone who stands in her way of being with Chen Siyuan is a mortal enemy!
In a very good mood, and grateful for Daiyu's genuine kindness, she joined in Daiyu's antics.

"Alright, alright, Grandma Lin, please have a seat. I'll serve you tea."

As he spoke, he pressed Daiyu's shoulder to help her sit down, and then offered her an empty teacup.

Daiyu couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh: "You're up to no good. Who serves tea with an empty cup?"

Baochai teased, "You're not even married yet, how can I serve you tea? Why don't I go and urge him to marry Lin Daiyu soon?"

As soon as the words were spoken, Daiyu blushed and got up to playfully wrestle with Baochai. Baochai was ticklish, and Daiyu was weak, so the two fought to a standstill. After a long while of playful bickering, they rolled around on the couch together, laughing and joking for a while before finally quieting down.

Daiyu couldn't help but look at Baochai and ask, "Have you spoken to Auntie about it?"

Baochai smiled and nodded, saying nothing more. Aunt Xue, having received the news, naturally sought out Baochai early that morning to discuss the matter. But strangely enough, while Aunt Xue had been quite anxious when Yingchun had tried to take the initiative, she couldn't help but feel conflicted after Yingchun withdrew.

Perhaps she was thinking... maybe it was a performance put on for her by Madam Wang, Madam Xing, and Yingchun?

After the two had been talking for a while, Baochai looked up at the sky and said, "Before I came to the capital, my cousin returned to Jinling to visit her family. I had the chance to see my old friends, and seeing their wistful expressions, I felt a pang of sadness. At that moment, I thought, how wonderful it would be if my sisters and I could stay together for a long time."

Daiyu was clearly moved and nodded in response.

The two girls, one no more than fifteen or sixteen, the other only thirteen or fourteen, were in the prime of their youth. Although they couldn't help but think about the future, their hearts were more focused on enjoying these precious few years of their youthful days in their boudoirs.

Feeling grateful, Baochai became more sincere and turned to Daiyu, whispering, "You...don't always be so tense, you should spend more time with him."

Daiyu said with a playful smile, "You're talking about me again. It's strange. My Xiaoxiang Pavilion is never locked up, so why don't you try to persuade him to come?"

Baochai said seriously, "Do you think I didn't try to persuade him?" She turned her head and frowned, "However, he agreed to it to your face, but he didn't come looking for you afterward... I'm afraid he was also hesitant in his heart."

"Afraid of difficulties?"

Baochai chuckled and covered her mouth, saying, "I'm afraid I've heard that Lin Daiyu is a bit temperamental, so I'm afraid she doesn't know how to speak."

"Oh, you're teasing me again. I'll teach you a lesson!"

Seeing Daiyu lunge at her again, Baochai was so frightened that she quickly rolled to the ground and ran around the table. The two laughed and joked, circling around each other, and for a long time they were still staring at each other across the table.

Baochai laughed so hard she could hardly breathe, then suddenly said, "Hey? Lin Daiyu seems to have gotten much stronger. If it were last year, I'm afraid you wouldn't have been able to keep up with her after just a couple of laps."

Daiyu sneered, "Today, just to save face, I'll take you down, you treacherous one!"

Inside, the merriment continued as before, while the three maids outside occasionally peeked inside, all with happy expressions. Zijuan patiently whispered to Ying'er, while Xueyan sat quietly to the side, wondering if Master Yuan was truly afraid of her young lady's temper.

If only Grandpa Yuan and my daughter were so in love...

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

Yesterday, Baoyu met Jiang Yuhan and felt that they got along well. This morning, he went out to play and fool around again, and did not return until late at night.

Xiren took leave yesterday afternoon and only returned this afternoon. She's currently tidying up in her bedroom, her face full of worry. She's probably had another argument with her brother! Their mother has diabetes, which is costing a lot of money, and her brother, being so stingy, has lent twenty taels of silver to their uncles and aunts who have come to borrow. Naturally, they don't have enough money for medicine. If it weren't for the fact that Xiren and Baoyu were locked up in Lady Wang's room, and Hua Zifang hadn't seen her even after two visits, she probably would have already gone to demand the money back.

Just then, Baoyu returned, still slightly tipsy. Xiren glanced at him and noticed that a pendant was missing from Baoyu's fan. She immediately frowned and asked, "Where's the pendant? Where did it go?"

Baoyu felt that he and Jiang Yuhan were getting along better and better, so he gave him a fan pendant and also received a handkerchief from the Queen of Qianxiang Kingdom. He was very pleased with himself, thinking that after Zhong Ge'er, there was finally a young boy who was dating him.

Fearing that Xiren might suspect something, Baoyu simply lied and said, "I lost my horse."

Xiren didn't mind, she just wanted to find a time to see Master Yuan again.

As night fell, Xiren noticed a large, blood-spotted handkerchief on Baoyu's waist and immediately suspected something. Baoyu, noticing Xiren's gaze, quickly covered the handkerchief with an embarrassed smile.

Xi Ren couldn't help but feel a sense of disdain. At this time, male homosexuality was as prevalent in the Da Shun Dynasty as it had been in the Ming Dynasty, and there were even brothels in the alleys. In this mansion, which young master didn't have a few handsome young servants by his side?

Just like Xing'er and Long'er, who were by Master Lian's side, they were so favored by Master Lian that even the Second Madam dared not easily provoke them, and Miss Ping'er kept her distance from them.

But while the world is the way it is, Xiren has nothing but contempt for it... Why would someone choose to take the dry road instead of the perfectly good waterway? Besides, it's not like a young lady can't take the dry road, so why does she have to go looking for a man?
Moreover, Baoyu has a history of such behavior; he was deeply saddened when Zhong-ge'er passed away. Judging from Baoyu's secretive manner at that time, one could tell that he must have found another 'lover' outside!
So he said, "Now that you have a good pair of pants, give me back my old ones."

Baoyu then remembered that the handkerchief he had exchanged with Jiang Yuhan during the day was given to him by Xiren. He felt remorseful, but he couldn't say it out loud, so he could only smile apologetically and say, "I'll give you another one."

Upon hearing this, Xiren nodded and sighed, "I knew you'd do these things again! You shouldn't have given my things to those scoundrels. It's a wonder you don't have any shrewdness in your heart."

Baoyu remained silent, embarrassed. Xiren knew that if she continued, he would get angry again, so she didn't argue with her. They slept together that night. Baoyu had been feeling stifled in Lady Wang's room for over a month, and now he couldn't hold back any longer. However, Xiren only said she was tired, and Baoyu's attempts to make love failed. He could only hug the quilt and go to sleep.

The next morning, Baoyu woke up to the noise and looked at Xiren with a fawning smile, saying, "You didn't even know you were robbed last night. Look at your trousers."

Xiren looked down and saw the handkerchief that Baoyu had worn the day before tied around her waist. She felt disgusted and quickly untied it, saying, "I don't want this thing. Take it away as soon as possible!"

Baoyu wanted to persuade her again, but seeing Xiren's ashen face, he knew she was truly angry, so he had to shut up. After washing up and having breakfast, Xiren took the food box to the small kitchen.

As soon as Xiren left, a maid came in and said, "Second Master, a eunuch named Xia has come and said that the Empress has sent an imperial decree."

Because Jia Zheng had gone to the yamen early in the morning, and Jia Lian had gone to Tianjin, the eldest master had to come from the east wing to answer the questions. When Xiren returned and received the news, she went to the front to inquire again, and when she returned, she said, "The Empress sent Eunuch Xia out with one hundred and twenty taels of silver. She ordered a three-day peace ritual to be held at Qingxu Temple from the first to the third of the month, with opera performances and offerings. She also asked Master Zhen to lead all the gentlemen in kneeling and praying to Buddha. There were also Dragon Boat Festival gifts given."

After a pause, Xiren suddenly had an idea and said with a smile, "I overheard that Second Master and Miss Bao have the same things: two top-quality palace fans, two strings of red musk beads, two pieces of phoenix tail silk, and one hibiscus mat."

Baoyu was about to ask Daiyu, but he held back and instead asked, "Where are the other sisters?"

Xiren said, "The other girls only have fans and prayer beads."

Baoyu felt depressed and couldn't help but frown.

Xiren glanced around and, seeing that Mushe and the others were not nearby, smiled and whispered, "Judging from the Empress's reward, it's possible that Second Master and Miss Bao's wedding is just around the corner."

Baoyu was taken aback, then frowned and said, "It's just a reward, how did it have to be related to marriage? Shut up!"

Xiren feigned surprise and said, "That's strange indeed. If Second Master doesn't marry Miss Bao in the future, does he perhaps intend to marry someone else?"

Baoyu said, “I don’t know what’s wrong with Sister Bao these days. Every time she sees me, she’s guaranteed to start urging me to study and scheme after just three sentences. I’m an honest and upright person, why would I care about such petty and despicable things?”

Xiren then smiled and said, "If you ask me, you should start reading. You've only been out of the Madam's courtyard for a few days, so the Master can tolerate you for a few more days. In a couple more days, you might have to go to Qixianzhai to study."

Baoyu was immediately distressed. Just then, Yuchuan came from outside and called Xiren outside. Then she whispered, "Madam is looking for you."

Xiren nodded, told Sheyue what to do, and then quietly went to Madam Wang's courtyard.

Upon entering, they saw Madam Wang talking with Aunt Xue. Xiren dared not disturb them, so she stood aside and waited.

After the two sisters finished their usual conversation, Aunt Xue rose to take her leave. Lady Wang saw her to the door before turning back. She glanced at Xiren and asked with a smile, "How has Baoyu been these past two days?"

Xiren said, "I was called out by Master Xue the other day, and I don't know who I met. Last night I changed my handkerchief to one with big red bloodstains."

"Hmm?" Madam Wang couldn't help but ask a few more questions. After finding out the style of the handkerchief, she roughly deduced that it must be worn by a man, and her deeply furrowed brows relaxed.

Lady Wang, being from a wealthy family, was not surprised that her son had a servant boy to help him with his business. She nodded slightly and then asked, "Has Baoyu heard... anything else?"

The message beside them was naturally about Chen Siyuan and Baochai.

Xiren shook her head and said, "Second Master only knows that Second Miss begged the Old Madam to let her stay for two more years."

Lady Wang nodded, but then began to ponder, fearing that if Baoyu heard that Yuan-ge'er and Baochai were betrothed, he would make a scene. Just as she was about to speak with Xiren privately, a maidservant outside said, "Madam, we saw Master Yuan-ye return from behind."

"Oh?" Madam Wang's eyes lit up immediately. She thought to herself that Chen Siyuan was the most capable and was just about to ask him for advice when he happened to return. Since she had no intention of talking to Xiren anymore, she simply ordered outside, "Go to Qingtang Thatched Cottage and invite Yuan-ge'er here. Tell him I have something to discuss with him."

A voice responded from outside, and a maidservant went to the garden to invite him.

Turning her head, Madam Wang instructed again, "Keep a close eye on Baoyu these next few days, lest he cause any more trouble."

Xiren agreed, and seeing that there was nothing else to do, she took her leave. She couldn't help but wonder, what business did Madam have with Master Yuan this time?

Xiren had the intention of intercepting Master Yuan halfway, but she was afraid of being seen by the maids around Madam, so she could only purse her lips and return. However, when she returned to Yihong Courtyard, she did not see Baoyu. She hurriedly asked Musk Moon for help, and Musk Moon said, "He is a restless person. He has gone to wander around the garden."

Xiren nodded in agreement and turned to continue making the knot. But a moment later, a young maidservant rushed in, shouting, "Sister Hua, something terrible has happened! Master Bao has gone mad!"

"Ah?" Xiren was startled and quickly dropped the tassel to come out and see what was happening. She saw two old women near Qinfang Pavilion dragging Baoyu, whose body was half submerged in water, out of the water.

At this moment, Baoyu was disheveled, staring blankly at the sky, and kept shouting, "I don't want to live anymore!" and "It's meaningless!"

If anything were to happen to Baoyu, all the maids in Yihong Courtyard, including Xiren, would be in serious trouble. Therefore, everyone rushed forward and worked together to drag Baoyu ashore.

Musk Moon was so angry that her face turned pale. She looked around and asked, "Second Master was fine just now, how did he become like this?"

An old woman said, "Just now I saw Qin Yu's wife exchange a few words with Master Bao. It was only a few words, and then Qin Yu's wife left happily. Master Bao seemed to have gone mad and ran to Hengwu Garden. He turned around and came back in a daze. We saw that something was wrong and rushed over. Just then we saw Master Bao about to jump into the water and commit suicide."

Qin Yu's wife was Siqi's mother, and she wholeheartedly encouraged the second young lady to marry Chen Siyuan, so that Siqi could also marry him. However, her good intentions backfired. The night before last, the second young lady pleaded with Grandmother Jia, and the old lady then said that Yingchun would be kept for two more years. As a result, Siqi, the maid who accompanied the bride, suddenly lost all hope.

Siqi was furious, and so was Qin Yu's wife! Just then, they bumped into Baoyu. Qin Yu's wife's eyes lit up, and she immediately came up with a plan. She stepped forward and offered her congratulations in a fake manner, saying that Baoyu would be having a wedding banquet at the end of the year.

Baoyu was naturally puzzled and said, "Didn't Second Sister ask the Old Ancestor for help? How come this matter has taken another turn?"
Qin Yu's wife laughed and said, "So, Second Master Bao doesn't know yet? This time it's not Second Miss, but Miss Bao. Tsk tsk, who would have thought these two would end up together?"

Baoyu was immediately struck dumb, and said, "Nonsense! How could Sister Bao be marrying Brother Yuan?"

Qin Yu's wife chuckled and said, "I didn't know that... Perhaps those two have been secretly seeing each other for a long time?"

Having said that, Qin Yu's wife left happily. Baoyu was stunned for a long time, then felt a surge of pride rising in his heart, and he stamped his foot and headed towards Hengwu Garden.

As mentioned earlier, in the sweltering summer, neither young ladies nor maids would dress so neatly at home. When Baoyu stumbled into Hengwu Garden, he naturally startled the old woman who came to stop him.

Unexpectedly, in his anger, Baoyu mustered a burst of brute force, shook off the old woman, and rushed straight to the main house of Hengwu Garden. Ying'er, disregarding everything else, rushed to stop him in her vest: "What is Master Bao doing? Even if he wants to see our young lady, he should at least wait a while—"

"Get out of the way!" In his haste, Baoyu kicked Ying'er inside with a powerful kick to her chest. He strode in, looked around, and shouted, "Sister Bao, I have something to say!"

Fortunately, Ying'er intervened, and although Baochai was angry, she had already put on an outer garment. Baochai came out from the west wing and frowned when she saw Baoyu, saying, "What are you up to now?"

Baoyu asked in a daze, "Sister Bao... I, I want to ask you, you, you... are you really going to marry Brother Yuan?"

Baochai was startled, wondering how Baoyu knew about such a secret. She first thought of her aunt, Lady Wang, but then immediately dismissed the idea. Lady Wang loved Baoyu the most, and she would never have told him about this without prior notice.

While Baochai hesitated, Baoyu rushed forward in two steps. Fearing that he would act rudely in his haste, Baochai quickly took two steps back, frowned, and said coldly, "Wait!"

Seeing Baoyu stop, Baochai steeled her heart and said coldly, "Why should I explain to Brother Bao who I marry?"

"you--"

Before he could speak, Baochai said, "What, could it be that Brother Bao now believes in that golden and jade marriage?"

Baoyu was speechless.

Baochai was pleased and then said, "That's it. Since you don't recognize the golden and jade marriage, I can marry whoever I want. Why are you making such a fuss? Besides, Brother Yuan's character, looks, and talent are all exceptional. Marrying Brother Yuan might even be me marrying above my station."

Then they heard Ying'er clutching her stomach and groaning. Baochai quickly asked, "Someone come here quickly and see if Ying'er is alright."

The old women outside rushed in, pulling Ying'er up on one side and blocking Baochai's way, separating Baoyu from her.

Seeing that the maids and old women were treating him like a thief, Baoyu felt a pang of bitterness in his heart, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why.

He glanced sadly at Baochai, but Baochai ignored him and instead inquired about Ying'er's condition.

Baoyu felt as if his heart was being torn apart. He felt that Lin Daiyu was in front of him and Baochai was behind him. Both of them had abandoned him. What was the point of living?
So he turned around blankly, sighed, and walked out like a walking corpse.

Baochai was furious at the moment, and seeing the blood seeping from Ying'er's lips, she immediately stopped caring about Baoyu. It was the old nanny beside her who spoke up: "Miss, no matter what, you should send someone to follow her... What if something goes wrong? Wouldn't that implicate the Xue family?"

Baochai reluctantly agreed and sent two old women to accompany her.

Baoyu stumbled along the way, and soon arrived at the nearest Cuiyan Bridge. He turned his head and saw Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Xueyan, who was talking to Shishu in front of the door, saw him and her face changed immediately. She was afraid that Baoyu had a fit of hysteria and rushed in. So she quickly closed the door and kept staring at Baoyu.

Baoyu felt as if he had been stabbed several times in the heart, and thought to himself that there was no point in living anymore, so he might as well die!

He stepped onto the Emerald Smoke Bridge, spread his arms, and jumped down... But the water was the shallowest there. Baoyu thrashed about in the water for a long time before realizing that it was only waist-deep... He couldn't even die if he wanted to!
The two old women who accompanied them shouted in all directions, and two more old women from Qinfang Pavilion went into the water to drag them out. After a long and noisy commotion, the situation became what it is today.

Just then, Baoyu's eyes rolled back, and he immediately lost consciousness, startling the maids and servants who cried out, "Second Master Bao is dying! Quickly go and fetch the Old Madam and Madam!"

(End of this chapter)