Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 258 Jin Chuan'er is Expelled

When a pair of soft, boneless, and cool hands held his own, Chen Siyuan felt an irresistible itch and couldn't help but grasp Baochai's hands in return, kneading them for a while.

Fearing that Baochai might scold him, he smiled and said, "Times change, things change, and perhaps this is actually a good thing."

Baochai was indeed distracted, letting Chen Siyuan play with her soft hands. Suddenly she smiled and said, "Indeed, it's a good thing."

At this point, Grandmother Jia brought up Xiangyun to distract Baoyu. If the two of them did indeed become a couple, Baoyu would have no reason to stop Baochai from being with Chen Siyuan. Although the imperial examination was still a long way off, even if Baochai stayed in the Rongguo Mansion, she could openly associate with Chen Siyuan.

On the other hand, even if Aunt Xue was still unwilling, she should have given up on the idea of ​​a perfect match this time.

Before she knew it, Chen Siyuan had pulled her into his arms, and they were very affectionate until Baochai was panting heavily. Only then did they separate. Baochai, her face flushed, nestled against him, playfully punched him a couple of times with her small fists, and said coquettishly, "You always have to do this... Can't you just talk to me for a while?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Of course I have to say it, no delay." He reached into her clothes with one hand, and no matter how hard Baochai tried to cover her clothes, she couldn't stop him. Chen Siyuan said, "Speaking of which, it's not just Baochai. If it weren't for me, I'm afraid Lin Daiyu would be even more heartbroken."

Baochai, momentarily distracted, was indeed caught off guard and rolled her eyes repeatedly. Only after he stopped his antics did she return to normal. A moment later, Baochai pondered and said, "In that case, shouldn't Lin Daiyu and I thank you properly?"

Chen Siyuan said solemnly, "Yes, of course we should thank you properly. It's often written in storybooks that a life-saving grace should be repaid with marriage. It's fitting that both of you sisters should marry me someday."

"Pah, shameless!"

Just as Baochai was about to say something else, she saw that his gaze was burning, and the strange hand in her clothes was causing trouble again. Before Baochai could twist and turn, he kissed her cherry lips and tasted her for a while.

Afterwards, the two hid in the study, sometimes whispering softly, sometimes being very intimate, until it was almost 7 p.m. before Chen Siyuan reluctantly left.

Perhaps Chen Siyuan had stirred her desire, for Baochai felt a sharp pain in her abdomen as soon as she lay down. Puzzled, she asked Ying'er to rub it. But after a little rubbing, Baochai's face immediately changed—for some unknown reason, her period had come two days early this month…

While Baochai was both amused and exasperated, she felt an even stronger mix of hatred and love for Chen Siyuan.

The next day, Aunt Xue returned from the old house early in the morning, and Sister Bao went ahead to the small courtyard in the northeast. She said that Chen Siyuan had sent Xiangling to tell her what had happened the day before, and then Baochai told Aunt Xue about what had happened the day before.

Aunt Xue may not understand much about outside affairs, but how could she not know the intricacies of the inner quarters? She couldn't help but feel a lingering fear and said, "My child, it's fortunate that we left first, otherwise, how could we possibly save face now?"

Baochai felt a pang of sympathy and nodded repeatedly. Afterwards, she said, "It's fortunate that Mother was so focused on Auntie, but she completely forgot that the last time the old lady ordered a play, she almost pointed her finger at us and scolded us."

Aunt Xue was immediately embarrassed, her heart filled with unspeakable bitterness. If the young man had nothing to do with her, and were only chosen for his character and talent, Aunt Xue would have gladly arranged for him to marry Baochai. But fate played a cruel trick on her, and it was only thanks to her reckless change of heart that she escaped the calamity of the first day of the month.

The mother and daughter whispered to each other for a while before Baochai returned to the Grand View Garden. Feeling grateful to Chen Siyuan, and having just arrived at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, she had a sudden thought and decided to bring Lin Daiyu and Chen Siyuan together. So she led Ying'er to find him.

Daiyu stepped forward to greet her, and upon seeing Baochai, she smiled and said, "Which gust of wind blew Sister Bao here again?"

Baochai smiled and said, "What kind of wind could it be? I'm afraid it's the wind of those who feel the same pain."

Daiyu was very surprised and pulled Baochai inside before asking, "What do you mean by that?"

Baochai turned her head to look around and saw that Zijuan, Xueyan and others were standing far away. Then she put her hands together and whispered something to Daiyu.

Daiyu was naturally perceptive, and after careful consideration, she immediately realized the situation was her own. If it weren't for the bet made at Rongxi Hall, Lin Daiyu, confined to the Rongguo Mansion, would have had no other choice. Furthermore, since she didn't dislike Baoyu, she might very well have gotten angry about it!
Ever since the green gauze curtain was moved out, Daiyu knew that her maternal grandmother's intentions towards her were probably not pure. But at least every two or three days, she would be called over to inquire about her. At first, Daiyu thought it was because she had chosen that bet, which made her maternal grandmother secretly angry, and that was why she was distancing herself from her.

But looking back now, it's not that simple. My grandmother's intentions were probably a hundred times more malicious than I thought!
Recalling the agreement at Rongxi Hall, Daiyu couldn't help but feel a lingering fear. She thought to herself, "Luckily, I considered the Lin family's ancestral lineage that day; otherwise, I would have suffered greatly!"

Baochai and Daiyu talked for a while, and Baochai gave Daiyu some more advice before getting up and returning to Hengwu Garden. Her departure was not a big deal, but Daiyu was always prone to overthinking, and being alone with her inevitably made her restless.

With the passing of her parents and the untimely death of her half-brother, Daiyu, who longed for the love and care of relatives, had eagerly accepted Baochai's offer, even though she had harbored doubts before. Now, with Baochai revealing Jia Mu's true intentions, Daiyu was heartbroken, feeling utterly alone in the world, with no elders left to cherish her.

Xueyan, Zijuan, and Granny Wang noticed something was wrong and tried to inquire and coax her several times, but to little avail. They all assumed that Daiyu was thinking of her deceased father and mother again, so they could only let her be sad.

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

Before they knew it, it was the first day of the fifth month. On this day, carriages and people were everywhere in front of the Rongguo Mansion. Chen Siyuan came out early in the morning, and together with Feng Jie, they made arrangements. Then, he and Jia Chang and others went ahead to Qingxu Temple.

As the hour of Chen approached, Grandmother Jia and the others came out. Grandmother Jia rode alone in a large sedan chair carried by eight men, while Madam Xing, Li Wan, and Feng Jie each rode in a sedan chair carried by four men. Yingchun, Tanchun, and Xichun rode together in a red-wheeled carriage with a canopy.

Then, Jia Mu's maids Yuanyang, Yingwu, Hupo, and Zhenzhu; Xing Furen's maids Miao'er and Tiao'er; Yingchun's maids Siqi and Xiuju; Tanchun's maids Daishu and Cuimo; Xichun's maids Ruhua and Caiping; Li Shi's maids Suyun and Biyue; Fengjie's maids Ping'er and Feng'er; and Wang Furen's two maids, Jinchuan and Caiyun, were also going with Fengjie.

Another wet nurse was carrying Qiao Jie in another carriage, along with two maids. Including the old wet nurses and servants from each household who were also going out, the carriages filled the entire street. Even though Grandmother Jia and the others had already traveled quite a distance in their sedan chairs, there were still carriages waiting to be filled in front of the gate.

One bumped into the fan, another stepped on the shoe, and some who didn't get along didn't want to be together, chattering and laughing incessantly.

Zhou Rui's wife tried to persuade him for a while without success, so she ran around and tried to persuade him again, and only then did things quiet down.

The large group of people arrived at the gate of Qingxu Temple at 9:00 AM. There, they heard the sound of bells and drums. Judge Zhang, holding a tablet and wearing a robe, led the Taoist priests to pay their respects by the roadside.

Jia Zhen stepped forward to answer, and then Grandmother Jia's sedan chair came forward, and the group headed towards the mountain gate. Once inside the gate, Grandmother Jia instructed everyone to alight from the sedan chair.

Meanwhile, Chen Siyuan was sitting on the bell tower with Jia Chang and others when his servant Qingyu came to report: "Master, the old lady and her party have entered the mountain gate."

Chen Siyuan got up and went downstairs, then said to Jia Chang, who was lying lazily to the side, "Is everything settled? There are many women in the house, so we can't afford to let anyone cause trouble."

Jia Chang chuckled and waved his fan, saying, "This matter will be handled by the lower-level managers. We just need to focus on getting the overall position... Uncle Yuan, why are you so concerned?"

Having said that, he continued to fan himself with his folding fan, showing no intention of getting up. Chen Siyuan frowned inwardly, thinking to himself that this person was merely from another branch of the Jia family and knew he couldn't get anything from him, hence his lazy attitude?

Chen Siyuan was too lazy to argue with these people. Since Sister Feng had entrusted him with this task, he had to handle it properly. So he simply went down the steps and asked the stewards around. Just then, he saw a young Taoist priest take a pair of scissors and go to the front to trim the candle wick.

Chen Siyuan, his face darkening, shouted, "Stop!" He then turned to the steward and said, "What's going on here? Most of the guests are women. What if they get into trouble?"

The man in charge cursed under his breath, bowed and scraped, then turned and kicked the young Taoist priest, sending him staggering. He yelled, "You little Taoist, if you dare to trespass again, I'll plant your lotus flowers!"

The young Taoist priest was so frightened that he could only pick up the scissors and walk back.

Chen Siyuan went to the mountain gate to greet them. After walking more than a hundred steps, he saw a large group of people coming. Jia Zhen was talking to Zhang Daoshi. Chen Siyuan stepped forward and answered a couple of questions. Suddenly, the sedan chair behind them stopped, and Jia Mu got out of the sedan chair, leaning on her cane.

Since Yuanyang and the others were still behind, Sister Feng quickly stepped forward to help them.

Chen Siyuan led everyone into Qingxu Temple. Seeing that the rest of the matters were all private affairs of the Jia family, he simply sat idly under the bell tower.

As the Dragon Boat Festival approached, the summer heat was intense, and because there was no wind, even the slightest movement caused one's clothes to stick to their skin. Qingyu brought over a small stool, and Chen Siyuan sat down under the shade of a tree, constantly fanning himself with a folding fan, hoping that the sun would soon become less intense.

After a while, Miao'er was seen in the distance carrying a water jug ​​and hurrying over.

"brothers!"

Chen Siyuan smiled and asked, "Why are you here?"

Miao'er smiled and said, "Madam was worried that the young master would suffer from heatstroke, so she sent me to bring him some chilled plum juice."

Chen Siyuan was overjoyed and laughed, "I was so hot, sister has saved my life."

Miao'er smiled and poured him a bowl, but before he could pick it up, Chen Siyuan snatched it away and gulped it down. Instantly, he felt cool and refreshed.

Miao quickly poured another bowl and didn't rush to leave.

Chen Siyuan then asked, "How is it inside?"

Miao'er pouted and said, "That Taoist priest Zhang looks like a complete idiot. He just keeps 'hehe' and 'haha'ing. He's supposed to be some kind of Great Illusionary Immortal, but I think he's more like an old rascal." She paused, then whispered, "I don't think the East Mansion Master takes this Great Illusionary Immortal seriously either. I saw the two of them exchange a few words, and then Master Zhen said, 'If you say another word, I'll pull your beard off! Come in with me now.'"

Miao'er imitated the character perfectly, which made Chen Siyuan laugh heartily. He had dealt with this Great Illusion Immortal a few days ago and had felt that he was indeed a bit unreliable.

Miao stayed for a while, leaving behind the pot of chilled plum juice, then turned around and went back to find Madam Xing.

She had just left when, a short while later, Sister Feng arrived again, leading her little maid Feng'er and holding Qiao'er's hand.

Seeing that Sister Feng frowned slightly, Chen Siyuan asked after they had exchanged greetings, "Why is Second Sister-in-law not very happy?"

"Don't mention it." Sister Feng shook her head, frowning as she fanned herself with her round fan. It was because Sister Feng had mentioned changing the name-binding talisman for Qiao Jie earlier, and the Taoist priest Zhang took the talisman and tried to hug Qiao Jie... Taoist priest Zhang was over eighty years old. Although he looked relatively healthy, who could guarantee that nothing would happen to him?

If she strained her back and Qiao Jie fell, a perfectly good thing would turn into a bad one! It was only because Feng Jie quickly and cleverly excused herself that the matter was covered up. In addition, the day was unbearably hot and humid, and Feng Jie's undergarments were sticking to her skin, making her feel extremely uncomfortable, which is why she was not very happy.

However, it was not easy to talk about such a small matter, so Sister Feng smiled and thanked Chen Siyuan for running around, and instructed Qiaojie to obediently call him "Uncle Yuan".

Qiao Jie'er was almost seven years old, and she was so pretty and adorable. After Feng Jie'er and Chen Siyuan had been talking for a while, Qiao Jie'er suddenly said, "Uncle Yuan, when I'm born, can you give me something like my fourth aunt's?"

Sister Feng immediately scolded, "Shut up! Who asks someone for a congratulatory gift to their face?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Children say the darndest things, why should Second Sister-in-law scold them?" He then lowered his head and rubbed Qiaojie's head, saying, "Alright, I'll definitely give you a nice and fun one when the time comes."

Qiao Jie'er was immediately delighted, and then shyly hugged Feng Jie'er's leg, half of her body covering Feng Jie'er's back, while peeking out her little head to look at Chen Siyuan with a smile.

Feng Jie said embarrassedly, "This... Brother Yuan, you've gone to so much trouble." As she spoke, she rubbed Qiao Jie's head and said, "Brother Yuan, you know I'm always so busy that I'm practically running around like crazy. This child is mostly taken care of by the wet nurse. I really don't have time to discipline her myself."

Chen Siyuan said, "Qiaojie looks like a good girl. When she grows up, she will definitely be a beautiful young lady. If you ask me, Second Sister-in-law, you don't need to worry about her."

Sister Feng smiled and said, "She's still young, it's too early to say."

After a while, Ping'er came looking for them. Feng Jie complained and led Qiao Jie back. Qiao Jie was being dragged along by Feng Jie. After walking a dozen steps, she suddenly turned her head and smiled at Chen Siyuan with her eyes narrowed and teeth showing.

A voice suddenly chuckled beside Chen Siyuan: "It seems that young men are most favored by young ladies. First there was Fourth Miss, and now there is Qiao Jie."

Chen Siyuan turned around and saw that Siqi had quietly moved closer to him at some point.

Chen Siyuan asked, "Why aren't you with your girls?"

Siqi said, "Miss is busy strolling around. I really can't stand the heat, so I've come here to escape the heat." Suddenly, she noticed the plum juice on the ground and said happily, "Oh, I'm feeling really uncomfortable. Please, young master, have a cup of plum juice."

Chen Siyuan sat down casually, waved his hand dismissively, and said, "Pour it yourself."

Siqi squatted down, poured herself a bowl, and slowly drank it all in one gulp. After finishing, she let out a "ha" sound, wiped the sweat from her temples and neck, and sighed, "I'm finally alive."

He paused, then took Chen Siyuan's fan and fanned him, whispering, "Young master, do you know what happened just now?"

"What's the situation?"

Siqi pouted and said, "That Taoist priest Zhang is going to find a wife for Master Bao."

"Oh?"

"First, there was a young lady of fifteen, the same age as Master Bao. The old lady said that Master Bao's fortune told him that he should marry later. So the Taoist priest Zhang asked the Spirit Jade to take a look, and then sent over a tray of various items. Let's not talk about the others, but there was a golden unicorn among them."

Chen Siyuan asked knowingly, "And what is the story behind the golden unicorn?"

Siqi scoffed, "Miss Lin was engaged to the young master no sooner, and the old lady brought Miss Yun into the bridal chamber. Who in the whole mansion doesn't know what she's up to? And Miss Yun has a golden unicorn pendant around her neck… Ha, young master, do you think such a coincidence is even possible?" Chen Siyuan smiled noncommittally. Without Chen Siyuan, Grandmother Jia's actions would have been a triple win: suppressing Daiyu, embarrassing the Xue family, and forcing Lady Wang to focus all her attention on Baoyu's marriage, thus neglecting household affairs. Now that the situation has changed, only the power struggle between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law remains.

I wonder what Lady Wang will think when she gets the news.

Suddenly, there was a flurry of activity in Qingxu Temple. Soon after, Lin Zhixiao's wife came looking for him. She said anxiously as she approached him, "Young master, half of the incense and candles we prepared are missing. When we asked Chang-ge, he knew nothing. Master Zhen is angry, and Second Mistress sent me to find you."

Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment, then hurriedly turned and went to look for the carriages outside the mountain gate. He finally found the remaining incense and candles in one of the carriages. After instructing the servants to move them to Qingxu Temple, he saw from afar that Jia Zhen had already cursed Jia Chang as a grandson.

Seeing Chen Siyuan bring incense and candles, Jia Zhen scolded, "Useless thing, get out of here!"

Jia Chang retreated sheepishly, and Jia Zhen then complained to Chen Siyuan, "The children in our family are becoming increasingly useless, making Brother Yuan a laughingstock."

Chen Siyuan said, "It's just a fleeting moment."

Jia Zhen entrusted Chen Siyuan to deliver incense and candles to various places, while he went to find the Taoist priest Zhang to perform the play. He then went to the main building to inform Grandmother Jia. After delivering the incense and candles, Chen Siyuan looked up and saw that Grandmother Jia's expression had changed.

Just then, Jia Zhen came downstairs, and Chen Siyuan said, "Brother Zhen, I wonder what kind of play you were performing? I noticed that the old lady's expression changed."

Jia Zhen said, "Perhaps it's because of the summer heat? It's just three plays: 'The Legend of the White Snake,' 'A Bed Full of Official Tablets,' and 'The Dream of Nanke.' These are all excellent plays."

Chen Siyuan was speechless for a while. Seeing that Jia Zhen was completely unaware, he laughed and said, "This is indeed a good show."

Jia Zhen was busy instructing the opera troupe and had no time to reply to Chen Siyuan. He turned and left.

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "The Legend of the White Snake is certainly good, as it tells the story of Emperor Gaozu of Han slaying the white snake, which perfectly matches the history of the Jia family's rise to power. The second act, barring any unforeseen circumstances, should also be good. However, Sister Bao had previously used this play to mock the Jia family for having no heir, so how could Grandmother Jia not be displeased upon hearing it now? The third act feels even more like a dream... The ending turns out to be a grand dream, ending up as a flower in a mirror or the moon's reflection in water. It's no wonder Grandmother Jia wouldn't be happy."

Unfortunately, this play was already arranged before the gods and could not be changed. The old lady was full of resentment and had no way to vent it, so her face turned ugly.
Chen Siyuan shook his head inwardly, thinking that the Taoist priest was indeed outrageous. Most of these rituals performed before the gods were arranged in advance with the host family. How could anyone just randomly draw lots?
The stewardship was a private matter for the Jia family, and Chen Siyuan didn't want to interfere, so he simply turned back towards the bell tower. But before he even reached the bell tower, he saw Lin Zhixiao and his wife hurrying towards him.

Lin Zhixiao's wife then asked, "Young master, have you seen Master Zhen?"

Seeing the urgency on their faces, Chen Siyuan asked in surprise, "Brother Zhen went to arrange the opera troupe... What happened?"

Lin Zhixiao said, "I don't know how, but the Marquis of Jinxiang's mansion got involved and sent two stewardesses to deliver pigs, sheep, incense, candles, and tea money."

Chen Siyuan, not wanting to entertain Jia's old friends, quickly instructed the two to go find Jia Zhen. Upon arriving at the bell tower, another steward rushed over. Just then, Jia Chang came down from the bell tower looking dejected. Seeing this, Chen Siyuan hurriedly inquired about his condition.

The person in charge said, "This is quite something! Even the Zhao family has sent people over!"

A short while later, Jia Zhen hurriedly went to the mountain gate, and then Lin Zhixiao's wife led three old women to pay their respects to Grandmother Jia.

After these two families set an example, relatives, friends, and prominent families all sent people to pay their respects.

Chen Siyuan secretly rejoiced, thinking that Grandmother Jia must be very annoyed at this moment—the children in the family were useless and almost made mistakes; the Taoist priest Zhang was unreliable and ordered three plays; and now relatives and friends came to pay their respects, knowing that the Jia family was holding a peace ritual, but Grandmother Jia could not give a reason, and could only let relatives and friends speculate wildly. How could Grandmother Jia stay here?
Sure enough, just past noon, Sister Feng came to find Chen Siyuan and said, "Brother Yuan, the old lady seems to have recovered from the summer heat and is feeling unwell. She wants to go back home. I still have to deal with Brother Zhen and can't leave. I'll have to trouble you to escort the old lady back to the mansion."

Chen Siyuan was already impatient, and this was exactly what he wanted to hear, so he cupped his hands and said, "Second sister-in-law, you're too kind. Leave this to me."

Feng Jie was grateful, but said nothing more, and turned to inform Grandmother Jia.

After a while, Yuanyang and the others helped Grandmother Jia out and into a large sedan chair carried by eight bearers. Chen Siyuan led several servants to clear the way, and they returned to the Rongguo Mansion quietly.

The next day, Grandmother Jia had a change of heart, and because Baoyu had thrown a tantrum, she simply decided not to go to Qingxu Temple anymore. Fengjie couldn't refuse, so she patiently invited Chen Siyuan to go to Qingxu Temple to answer questions. The remaining three sisters, Li Wan, and the others all found it boring and also decided not to go.

So for the remaining two days, only Chen Siyuan, Feng Jie, Jia Zhen, and a few other members of the Jia family went to Qingxu Temple to perform the Taoist ritual.

Every day, the household was filled with welcoming and seeing off guests, and the rest of the time it suited Sister Feng's tastes. She got to choose the operas she wanted, and she enjoyed quite a lively performance.

On the third day of the fifth month, Chen Siyuan only spent half a day with Feng Jie. Just after noon, he went to complain to her and hurriedly went to the Xue family's old residence. This was because it was the day Xue Pan was having a baby. Chen Siyuan had received an invitation on the first day of the month and could not miss it no matter what.

Xue Pan, perhaps feeling quite frustrated, held a grand celebration for the birth of his son. Besides several members of the Jia family, Chen Yejun, Liu Xianglian, and others came to offer their congratulations. The much thinner Xue Pan greeted everyone with a broad smile as they took their seats. However, when the banquet was about to begin and Baoyu was nowhere to be seen, he frowned and asked, "Where is Brother Bao?"

Chen Siyuan didn't know what to say, so Jia Qin said, "Uncle Bao hasn't been feeling well these past two days."

Xue Pan grumbled inwardly with a sullen face, only breaking into a smile when Chen Yejun started arranging the wine. During the meal, they toasted and drank, and as the wine flowed freely, Chen Yejun started a commotion, jokingly suggesting that Liu Xianglian dress up as a female character to join in the fun.

Liu Xianglian, being naturally carefree, didn't refuse and indeed dressed up as a female impersonator, singing a song in a cutesy voice. Chen Siyuan, observing closely, saw that Xue the Fool's eyes were indeed wide open. He couldn't help but think to himself, "Could it be that Xue the Fool is going to get a beating today?"

When the banquet ended, Xue Pan, the fool, had already drunk too much, finishing his cup in one gulp. Helpless, Aunt Xue and Madam Cao had to come out from behind to see the guests off on Xue Pan's behalf.

With so many people around, Chen Siyuan felt awkward talking to Aunt Xue, so he took his leave along with the others.

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

The next day was the fourth day of the fifth month. Chen Siyuan had been busy for several days, and today he finally had some free time. Although he got up early as usual to practice his stance training, he then stayed in the house, feeling lazy and unwilling to go anywhere.

Xiangling brought some chilled melon from the small kitchen. Since Chen Siyuan didn't like the peel, Xiangling found a spoon and carefully scooped out the sweet parts to feed him.

After eating two, Chen Siyuan waved his hand to indicate that he had had enough. Xiangling glanced at him and suddenly smiled, saying, "Grandpa has been in the sun for several days and he hasn't gotten tanned at all. His skin is the envy of many young ladies."

Chen Siyuan gave a vague reply, and Xiangling added, "Yes, I've noticed that Miss Lin's mood hasn't been quite right these past two days."

Chen Siyuan immediately perked up and asked, "What do you mean?"

Xiangling shook her head and said, "I can't say for sure either. I asked her but she wouldn't say. I asked Xueyan and Zijuan, and they only said that Miss Lin misses her deceased parents."

Chen Siyuan frowned in thought. Lin Daiyu was all alone in the Rongguo Mansion. Although things were a little better now than in the book, where she was "besieged by swords and frost," she was still inevitably lonely and prone to overthinking. Remembering Baochai's repeated advice, Chen Siyuan decided to make a trip to Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

No sooner had he made up his mind than Wu'er called from outside, "Master, Miss Bao is here."

Chen Siyuan hurriedly got up to greet him, but Xiangling quickly stopped him, saying, "Sir, please change your clothes first!"

Chen Siyuan looked down and saw that he was only wearing knee-length silk trousers and an open-armed jacket. His appearance was really indecent, so he quickly changed his clothes before coming out to greet Baochai.

To everyone's surprise, upon entering the hall, they found Baochai's face as cold as ice, clearly indicating she was genuinely angry! Chen Siyuan was astonished and leaned closer, asking, "What's wrong, Baochai?"

Baochai snorted coldly and remained silent, while Ying'er said from the side, "What else could it be? She's been angered by Second Master Bao. Second Master Bao said our young lady resembles Yang Guifei, I don't know what he was thinking!"

Baochai gave her a reproachful look, and Ying'er immediately shut up, then obediently retreated with Xiangling. Once only the two of them remained inside, Baochai finally spoke up, her voice filled with grievance.

Just now, Baochai came looking for Daiyu, but she ran into Baoyu being stopped by Wang Mama and others in front of Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

When Baoyu obtained the golden unicorn from Qingxu Temple, the three sisters, one after another, mentioned that Xiangyun also possessed it. Even if Baoyu was foolish, he immediately understood and threw a tantrum. After returning home on the first day of the month, he locked himself in his room and refused to go to Qingxu Temple again.

These past two days, Baoyu has been pondering things. He is now thirteen or fourteen years old, and he is already aware of human affairs and is gradually becoming aware of matters of the heart.

Xiangyun was so young, and he had always treated her like a younger sister. How could he have any romantic feelings for her? He used to have Lin Daiyu and Baochai, but Daiyu's marriage was already arranged. In just one year, even Baochai was going to leave him!

The more Baoyu thought about it, the more heartbroken he became. Having grown up with Daiyu since childhood, he longed to see her even more. One day, when he arrived at the gate of Xiaoxiang Pavilion, he wanted to go inside and talk to Daiyu.

Ever since Baoyu barged into Hengwu Garden, the maids and servants throughout the Grand View Garden had received orders from their masters to keep a close watch on him. While it's fine for the cousins ​​to talk, shouldn't Daiyu at least be allowed to change her clothes?

Baoyu was feeling awkward at the moment, so he couldn't listen to the advice of Granny Wang and Xueyan. He thought that the two of them were only thinking about Chen Siyuan and didn't care about him at all, so he immediately lost his temper.

He took off the jade pendant from his body and smashed it on the ground.

This trick had always worked before, but now everyone knew that the Jade of Spiritual Enlightenment could repair itself. Since it was only Xiren who was accompanying them, she picked up the Jade of Spiritual Enlightenment, wiped off the dust, and seeing that it was unharmed, she put it away first. Knowing that she couldn't persuade Baoyu, she hurriedly sent Musk Moon to invite Lady Wang.

Just then, Baochai arrived at Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

With just one sentence: "If you want to see Lin Daiyu, you can just wait a little longer. Why are you trying to force your way in now? Could it be that Brother Bao really has some evil intentions?"

Baoyu choked, only then realizing that Daiyu was dressed lightly, and he was speechless with embarrassment. At this moment, Zijuan came out with a stiff face and said, "Our young lady said she is in a bad mood and does not want to see Master Bao today. Let's talk about it tomorrow."

Baoyu was at a loss. Suddenly, he reached into his sleeve and found a fan cover. He quickly took it out and handed it to Zijuan, saying, "I don't have any other thoughts. I just got a fan cover and wanted to ask your young lady to appraise it."

Zijuan frowned slightly, took the fan cover and went inside. After a moment, she returned the torn fan cover without saying anything, only saying, "Young Master Bao, please go back."

Knowing that he was in the wrong, Baoyu dared not make a fuss anymore. He could only retreat from the entrance of Xiaoxiang Pavilion and then walk with the icy Baochai towards the entrance of Grand View Garden.

Baoyu remembered that Xue Pan had given birth to a son yesterday, and made small talk with Baochai, saying that he hadn't been feeling well yesterday.

Baochai felt utterly contemptuous, and even though she wasn't feeling well, she didn't see Baoyu send any congratulatory gifts.

The two chatted back and forth, and when they got to the play from yesterday, Baochai said, "I'm sensitive to heat, and after watching two plays, it was really hot. I wanted to leave, but the guests wouldn't leave. I had no choice but to say I wasn't feeling well and go keep my sister-in-law company."

Upon hearing this, Baoyu chuckled and said, "No wonder they compare you to Consort Yang; you are indeed plump and prone to feeling hot."

Baochai was furious! At this time, Yang Guifei didn't have a good reputation; she was always associated with the phrase "bringing disaster to the country and the people." Baochai blushed and said coldly, "I'm like Yang Guifei, except I don't have a good brother or sworn brother like Yang Guozhong!"

She was originally going to Madam Wang's place, but now she had no time for that. She turned away from Qinfang Pavilion and headed straight for Qingtang Thatched Cottage.

Baoyu looked embarrassed, took a couple of steps and then stopped. He sighed, thinking that there was no point in returning to Yihong Courtyard, so he dejectedly headed towards Lady Wang's place. After passing Qinfang Pavilion, he saw Xiren following him. Baoyu frowned impatiently and was about to send Xiren back.

At this moment, Musk Moon and Colorful Clouds came looking for him. Seeing that Baoyu had stopped making a fuss, they said, "Madam is looking for you."

Baoyu then sent Xiren and Sheyue back to Yihong Courtyard, and followed Caiyun to Lady Wang's courtyard.

In the quiet thatched cottage, after Sister Bao finished speaking angrily, Chen Siyuan reached out and grabbed her soft hand, saying, "Brother Bao is still young. You should just be his cousin. Why bother arguing with him?"

Baochai said, "Even if she's young, she understands human affairs. How could she say something without thinking? My aunt probably said that about me in private!" She paused, then added, "If it weren't for Mother, I would want to move out of the mansion right now!"

Just as Chen Siyuan was about to offer some comfort, he suddenly heard the little maid Yunxiang shouting from outside: "Master, Master, this is terrible!"

Immediately, Hongyu scolded twice. Chen Siyuan and Baochai exchanged a glance, and Baochai said worriedly, "It might be something serious, you should go and see."

Chen Siyuan agreed, squeezed Baochai's plump hand, got up and went out, and saw Yunxiang hanging her head and listening to Hongyu's scolding.

Chen Siyuan asked, "What happened?"

Yunxiang glanced at Hongyu, then quickly moved to Chen Siyuan's side and said, "It's terrible! Madam is furious, and for some reason, Old Man Bai is leading Jinchuan home, crying all the way."

Chen Siyuan frowned slightly, instructed Yunxiang to go and eavesdrop again, then turned and went back to his room to tell Baojie.

Sister Bao sneered, "I've heard that Baoyu often eats the rouge of the maids around Aunt. No wonder Aunt caught him in the act this time. But she couldn't punish Baoyu, so she sent Jin Chuan away."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Sister, what you said is not right. Why don't you think about it again?"

Baochai was taken aback, and immediately frowned in thought.

(End of this chapter)