Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 259 Treasure King Displays His Ferocity

Baochai was precocious and adept at reading people's expressions. After hearing Chen Siyuan say this, she carefully considered it and realized that what she had said earlier was inappropriate.

Jin Chuan'er was the personal maid of her aunt, Lady Wang. Without Lady Wang's tacit approval, how could she dare to be so intimate with Bao Yu? Considering that all the maids around Bao Yu were trained by the old lady, Bao Chai became more certain.

But why was Jin Chuan'er chased away?
Baochai looked puzzled, but Chen Siyuan knew perfectly well what was going on, though he couldn't explain. He simply said, "The truth will come out eventually; we might find out by tomorrow."

Baochai nodded slightly, and Chen Siyuan, seeing her indifferent expression, said, "Are you still angry?"

Baochai glanced at him, sighed, and said, "Fine, let him say whatever he wants. I'll just treat it like a dog barking." She paused, then added, "This time, Lin Daiyu is probably angry too. She's been in a bad mood these past few days. Why don't you... go and see her?"

"Okay," Chen Siyuan readily agreed.

Baochai blinked, and seeing how readily he agreed, she felt a little annoyed. Chen Siyuan then leaned over and tugged at her soft hand with a smile, saying, "See, I agreed, but you're not happy about it."

Baochai stubbornly replied, "I was thinking about something else. What's bothering me? Never mind, I'll go see my aunt. You should go to Xiaoxiang Pavilion."

After saying that, she was about to get up, but seeing that Chen Siyuan held her hand tightly, Baochai felt a little embarrassed. She glanced at the outer room and saw that the maids were all enjoying the cool shade under the trees outside and no one was looking inside. Then she tiptoed over and kissed Chen Siyuan's lips, and said shyly, "Well... I'm leaving."

Chen Siyuan gently squeezed her soft, boneless hand before smiling and saying, "Alright, I'll take my sister there."

After seeing Baochai off to the door, Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment and was about to head to Xiaoxiang Pavilion when suddenly dark clouds covered the sun, and raindrops began to fall.

Hongyu, Xiangling, Wu'er, and others ran back one after another. Hongyu advised, "Master, why don't you take shelter from the rain first and go out after the rain stops?" After a pause, Hongyu added, "I have something else to tell you, Master."

Chen Siyuan thought about it and agreed, so he simply turned around and went into the room.

As they were talking, a torrential downpour began. Since the wind was blowing from the south, the maids quickly closed the windows. After a while, Hongyu turned around and went to Chen Siyuan's side, saying, "Master, I just saw Caixia at the side gate of the private alley."

"Oh?" Chen Siyuan asked, "How is she?"

Hongyu said, "They said they would go to the estate with their parents tomorrow. Well, Lai Shun stopped bothering them. Caixia cried and said she shouldn't have trusted the wrong person."

Chen Siyuan shook his head repeatedly. He figured Caixia must have pleaded with Aunt Zhao beforehand, but Aunt Zhao, with her temperament, would rather Caixia take the blame herself than stand up for her. Besides, Caixia was a maid in Madam Wang's room, so how to deal with her was up to Madam Wang, and even Jia Zheng couldn't interfere.

Hongyu continued, "Her father and mother have been scolding her these past few days, and she has given up hope. Thinking that she should thank the master before leaving, she kowtowed three times towards Qingtang Thatched House outside the side gate."

Chen Siyuan pondered, "She's thanking me now, but who knows, she might hate me in the future."

Hongyu asked in surprise, "Why do you say that, sir?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and shook his head without saying a word. A second-class maid in the manor, with her food, clothing, daily necessities, monthly allowance, and bonuses, would cost roughly thirty taels of silver a year. How much silver could she earn on the estate? Besides, because of her, her parents also went to the estate; would those two really like Caixia?

Therefore, one should not harbor malicious intentions... If one does, one should either do it flawlessly, or... simply eliminate the threat altogether. In this way, one will naturally not fear future retaliation.

Because Hongyu had come to Chen Siyuan's side early on and her life had been smooth, her mind was much simpler than in the original book. Therefore, even without Chen Siyuan saying anything, Hongyu pondered for a long time until the rain stopped before she finally understood.

He immediately sought out Chen Siyuan and said, "Then...then haven't I harmed Caixia?"

Chen Siyuan asked in surprise, "She got what she asked for. She went to great lengths to ask someone to find you to get it done. What happens in the future is her own responsibility. What does it have to do with you?"

Hongyu couldn't help but feel annoyed, saying, "I've really done something wrong with my good intentions. Oh well, I'll never drink again, and even if I do, I'll never agree to anything I say carelessly."

Seeing his adorable appearance, Chen Siyuan couldn't help but hug him affectionately and said, "This child is teachable."

After a brief moment of intimacy, Hongyu, unable to bear Xiangling and Wu'er's teasing, fled as if her life depended on it. A short while later, the rain stopped, and Chen Siyuan tidied himself up, preparing to head to Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Before they even reached Qinfang Pavilion, they saw the little maid Yunxiang returning, soaking wet. Although she was drenched, Yunxiang's eyes were bright and her gaze was clearly gleaming with gossip.

Upon catching sight of Chen Siyuan, Yunxiang's eyes lit up, and she quickly stepped forward, saying, "Grandpa, I just witnessed some real excitement!"

Seeing that his hair was disheveled and rainwater was dripping down his strands, Chen Siyuan was both amused and exasperated. He pulled out a handkerchief and threw it at him, saying, "Quickly wipe yourself dry. How did you get so soaked?"

Yunxiang took the handkerchief and wiped her face haphazardly before saying, "Just now, when it started raining, Master Bao entered the garden looking dejected. Who knew he would be blocked at the entrance of Yihong Courtyard? No matter how much he knocked, the door wouldn't open. Later, Xiren opened the door, and Master Bao didn't even look at her before kicking her."

Is Treasure King using his signature move, the Heart-Stopping Kick, again?

"and then?"

Yunxiang said, "I took shelter from the rain for a while, and just now I saw Qiuwen and a little maid whispering as they went to the front to find the imperial physician, saying that Xiren had vomited blood."

Chen Siyuan squinted and pondered for a while before coming back to his senses. Meeting the hopeful gaze of the little maid Yunxiang, he nodded and said, "Not bad, add a string of coins next month."

"Hehehe, thank you for the reward, sir!" Yunxiang was overjoyed, feeling that the rain had been worth it!

Yunxiang went back to Qingtang thatched cottage to change her clothes. Chen Siyuan stopped at Qinfang Pavilion, glanced at Xiaoxiang Pavilion, and then headed towards Madam Wang's courtyard.

Baoyu has been really outrageous these past few days, especially since he's been provoking Daiyu again. If Chen Siyuan doesn't teach him a lesson, he'll really be letting himself down.

Without further ado, Chen Siyuan arrived at Madam Wang's courtyard and saw that Yu Chuan'er and Caiyun were both silent as cicadas in winter. Yu Chuan'er, in particular, had her brows furrowed and her eyes red and swollen... She and Jin Chuan'er were sisters, and it was likely that she had just pleaded with Madam Wang, which was why her eyes were red from crying.

Caiyun came forward to greet him, and Chen Siyuan asked to see Madam Wang. Caiyun hurriedly went inside to inform her, and soon led Chen Siyuan inside.

The main room was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Madam Wang had a deep frown, but when she saw Chen Siyuan, she managed a smile and said, "What brings you here, Yuan-ge'er?"

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "Madam Wang must be furious right now! Caiyun and Caixia were originally servants, while Jinchuan and Yuchuan were her maids. However, Caiyun and Caixia had an ambiguous relationship with Jia Huan. Jinchuan had even told Baoyu about it, but she had never told Madam Wang."

Now that she holds most of the power in the mansion, Madam Wang still wants to control everything. How could she tolerate such disloyal behavior? That's why, in her anger, she beat Jin Chuan and then called her mother to take her home.

Chen Siyuan stepped forward and cupped his hands, saying, "Madam, do you know that Brother Bao just kicked Xiren again, making her vomit blood?"

Madam Wang's face changed immediately upon hearing this, and she asked, "Is there such a thing? Is it serious?"

Chen Siyuan shook his head and said, "A maid has gone to fetch the imperial physician, but the specific situation is still unknown."

Madam Wang hurriedly instructed, "Yu...Caiyun, go and check on Yihong Courtyard!"

After Caiyun agreed, Madam Wang said, "This wretched child, I don't know what's wrong with him lately!" Although she said this, she inwardly resented Grandmother Jia. If it weren't for the old lady's needless fuss and insistence on bringing up a golden unicorn, would Baoyu have thrown such a tantrum?

He quickly said, "Brother Yuan, please sit down."

Chen Siyuan thanked him, lifted his robe and sat down, his brows furrowed as he said, "Madam, if Brother Bao isn't disciplined, I'm afraid..."

Madam Wang sighed, "How could I not know? But with the old lady protecting me, every time I try to discipline her, she stops me."

First, he forced his way into Xiaoxiang Pavilion, and then he kicked Xiren. He was really behaving inappropriately! As for flirting with Jin Chuan, Madam Wang had already tacitly approved of it, so she naturally didn't take it seriously.

Chen Siyuan said, "According to the younger generation, the traditional saying is that a strict father and a kind mother are essential. My wife is a kind person by nature. No matter how strict she is, I'm afraid Brother Bao won't be afraid. He is so unruly now, so he needs someone who can keep him in check and discipline him at all times."

There was a strict father, but how could Lady Wang dare to seek help from Jia Zheng? Once this master lost his temper, he would act recklessly and might even beat Baoyu to death!
Madam Wang then said, "I understand the reasoning behind what Yuan-ge'er said... but I really can't bring myself to say the difficulties involved."

Chen Siyuan said, "Master is too upright. When he gets angry, he might be a bit ruthless. But since it's just to scare Brother Bao, why doesn't Madam bring up the old lady? I'm sure no matter how angry Master is, he won't forget his filial piety."

"You mean-"

Chen Siyuan nodded.

Lady Wang frowned in thought. Chen Siyuan's idea was simple: bring up Jia Zheng, and before he could even make a move, he would invite Grandmother Jia. This way, he could frighten Baoyu without hurting him, achieving the best of both worlds. The only drawback was that the master already looked down on Baoyu, and if this continued, he would probably dislike Baoyu even more.

But then she thought, with that vixen Zhao whispering in his ear, even if Baoyu was a good boy, he probably wouldn't be favored by the master. Considering both her own family and the old lady, and the master not daring to truly depose Baoyu, why not make use of him?
Having made up her mind, Madam Wang nodded and said, "That is indeed a good idea. Yuan-ge'er always has so many ideas. But..."

Chen Siyuan cupped his hands and said, "Madam, please go and call for reinforcements. I will go and talk to Master."

Lady Wang quickly agreed, deeply grateful, and her admiration for Chen Siyuan grew even stronger. She also thought that in the future, Baoyu should spend more time with Chen Siyuan, not necessarily for a lot, but just to learn a little bit about how to conduct himself in society, which would benefit him immensely in the future.

Lady Wang immediately sent a maid to keep watch in the outer study, and then went to Rongqing Hall herself. Chen Siyuan left Lady Wang's courtyard and went straight to Jia Zheng's outer study.

After passing Mengpo Studio and exiting through the front corner gate of Ma Peng, Chen Siyuan turned back west. Jia Zheng's outer study was located to the west of the ceremonial gate. Chen Siyuan approached and spoke to a servant, who went inside to inform him. Soon after, the servant led Chen Siyuan inside.

Jia Zheng sat upright behind his desk, surrounded by several other guests. Jia Zheng glanced at Chen Siyuan, and after Chen Siyuan greeted him, Jia Zheng nodded and said, "Shuliang, you've come at the right time. I just received news that Yucun returned to the capital yesterday."

"Oh?" Chen Siyuan pondered, "Governor Jia has actually returned to the capital? Could he be assigned to another post?"

Jia Zheng said, "Just now I discussed this matter with my advisors, and we all felt that it was still difficult to say... Perhaps Yucun came to the capital this time for money and provisions."

As soon as he finished speaking, another scholar, Zhan Guang, smiled and recounted the story. Only then did Chen Siyuan learn that Jia Yucun had been repairing bridges and roads during his tenure, and at the beginning of the year, he had also been busy repairing the Shitang Reservoir. He was probably short of money and grain, so he came to the capital to request an imperial decree.

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "This is quite a coincidence! Jia Yucun is incredibly lucky! There was just a mutiny at Iron Net Mountain, and the Emperor hasn't even returned to the capital yet, but Jia Yucun has already arrived... Iron Net Mountain was just the beginning. Once the Emperor returns to the capital, who knows how many high-ranking officials will fall from grace. Perhaps Jia Yucun has struck it lucky and will stay in the capital from now on."

Chen Siyuan then smiled and said, "I imagine Lin Daiyu will be overjoyed to know this."

Jia Zheng nodded slightly and gestured for Chen Siyuan to sit down.

Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands again: "Master, I have another matter to discuss, but—"

As he spoke, he glanced at Zhan Guang and the others. Jia Zheng understood and immediately looked at the group of guests. Zhan Guang, being quick-witted, hurriedly said, "Since the scholar has business with you, sir, we shall take our leave for now."

Jia Zheng agreed and gave some instructions on official documents before sending the guests away.

Once only the two of them remained inside, Chen Siyuan frowned and said, "It's really... Brother Bao is going too far, so I have no choice but to come and complain."

Upon hearing that it was because of Baoyu, Jia Zheng frowned and asked, "What has that wretched boy done this time?"

Chen Siyuan then recounted Baoyu's recent misdeeds: twice barging into the women's quarters, harassing his mother's maid, and kicking a servant girl, explaining each and every one of them clearly. Jia Zheng became increasingly agitated as he listened, slamming his fist on the table repeatedly in anger. However, when Chen Siyuan mentioned harassing Jin Chuan, Jia Zheng suddenly paused, his brows furrowed, but his previous uncontrollable rage subsided.

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "Oh no, could it be that Baoyu's actions have stirred up old memories for Jia Zheng... that he's thinking of Jia Zhu?"
What a blunder! If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have brought up the matter of Jin Chuan'er.

Sure enough, after Chen Siyuan finished speaking, Jia Zheng only sighed and said, "This wretched child is becoming more and more willful and reckless! If Shuliang hadn't told me, I would have thought he was just a naughty boy!" He paused, then added, "You go back first, and I'll find his mother and give her a piece of my mind later. Hmph... He's got the nerve to flirt with his mother and maids and barge into the women's quarters. I suppose his illness is cured. He should move to the front of the Qixianzhai to read more books." What a good thing! Whether he gets a beating or not doesn't matter. As long as Baoyu gets out of the Grand View Garden, there will be far less trouble.

Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment, then said solemnly, “Brother Bao is not young anymore. He should learn some principles of interpersonal relationships, economics, and career. If he continues to be so unruly... I’m afraid he will cause a great disaster.”

Jia Zheng was also deeply moved. After briefly drinking a cup of tea, Chen Siyuan delivered his message and then rose to take his leave.

Chen Siyuan's journey back to the Grand View Garden is another story. Meanwhile, Jia Zheng pondered alone in his outer study for a long time before summoning a servant and asking, "Go and see where Madam and Baoyu are!"

The servant dared not delay and hurriedly went to find an old woman in the back to listen. After a while, she came back and said, "Reporting to the master, Madam is currently in Rongqing Hall talking with the old lady... Bao Er is in Yihong Courtyard."

Jia Zheng snorted coldly, got up, and walked out. Meanwhile, while the servant was eavesdropping, an old woman had already informed him inside. As the saying goes, a local official is more powerful than a distant one. Master Jia Zheng had always been a hands-off manager at home, so the people around him were either arranged by Grandmother Jia or secretly allied with Lady Wang. Whenever there was any movement, someone would immediately report it inside.

After Jia Zheng entered the inner courtyard through the side gate and passed Qixianzhai, he saw the maids of Rongqing Hall standing in a corner, looking in his direction. Jia Zheng ignored them, his face grim, and walked quickly along the covered corridor through two courtyards, arriving at Rongqing Hall in a short while.

The head maid, Yuanyang, who lived in the side hall, hurriedly announced inside: "Old Madam, Madam, Master has arrived!"

As they were talking, Jia Zheng entered the room. When Grandmother Jia looked up, she saw that Jia Zheng's face was ashen and asked in surprise, "Master, why do you look like this... has something happened outside?"

Madam Wang, standing to the side, was secretly puzzled, wondering why her husband hadn't gone to Yihong Courtyard this time, but instead had come to Rongqing Hall. With that thought in mind, she quickly got up to greet him.

Jia Zheng shook his head, ignoring Madam Wang. After bowing and exchanging greetings, he said, "Mother, I'm afraid you don't know that Baoyu has been acting up again!"

Grandmother Jia pretended to be oblivious, knowing full well what was going on in the household, that the maids would secretly inform her of everything, big or small, sooner or later. How could Baoyu's actions these past few days possibly escape Grandmother Jia's notice?

"What do you mean by that?"

"What do you mean? He forced his way into his sisters' quarters twice in a row! Mother knows that it's hot and humid now, and the young ladies in their quarters are dressed lightly. That scoundrel just ignored everything and tried to force his way in. When the maids tried to stop him, he hit them. How is he any different from those spoiled brats who bully men and women outside?"

"what?"

"That's bad enough, but then, in a fit of anger, he kicked the maid in his own room until she vomited blood. What is he going to do? If he continues to act so recklessly, he's bound to cause a major disaster!"

"Who did Baoyu kick this time?"

Jia Zheng trembled with anger, flung his hand away, and turned his head away without saying a word. Lady Wang then approached and said, "I just heard that Musk Moon went to the front to fetch the imperial physician. I sent someone to inquire, and it turns out that Bao Yu kicked Xi Ren in a moment of panic… He didn't mean to—"

Before Lady Wang could finish speaking, Jia Zheng sneered, "If it wasn't intentional, you could kick someone until they vomit blood. But if it was intentional, wouldn't you have killed someone?" He paused, then bowed to Grandmother Jia and said, "Every time I try to discipline that beast, Mother stops me... Since ancient times, doting mothers have spoiled their children. That beast is so unruly. If we don't discipline him, who knows if he will cause a great disaster in the future?"

Grandmother Jia, losing face at this point, said, "If you want to discipline him properly, you must explain the reasons to him. How can you just pick up a stick and beat him without even knowing the facts? How old is he? Even if Master beats him badly, what lessons will Baoyu learn?"

Jia Zheng was not happy about this. He thought to himself that he had been beaten by the old Duke since he was a child, and the old lady had never stopped him. Why couldn't he beat Bao Yu?
Seeing the mother and son frozen in place, Madam Wang quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Grandma, what Master says makes sense. Baoyu does need to be disciplined."

Grandmother Jia turned her head away without saying a word, thinking to herself that this was another scheme by Lady Wang, who was determined to take Baoyu away.

Jia Zheng then said, “According to my son, Baoyu was able to kick the maid so hard that she vomited blood, so his illness must be cured. Counting back, he has been neglecting his studies at the private school since last time. Now that he is cured, why not move him to Qixianzhai to study?”

Lady Wang chimed in, "At Baoyu's age, it's no longer appropriate for him to mingle with the young ladies. There's a saying that children under seven shouldn't sit together, and that older children should avoid their mothers. Last time, Your Majesty allowed Baoyu to live in the garden because you thought he was still young, hoping to give him a quiet place to study. But since he moved in, he hasn't studied much and has instead caused some trouble."

If I were to suggest it, we should have Baoyu move back to Qixianzhai. We won't stop him from going to the garden during the day if he has free time.”

Lady Wang had her own thoughts: if Baoyu had first barged into Hengwu Garden and then into Xiaoxiang Pavilion, and then committed some indecent act... even if she managed to cover it up, it would still ruin Lady Wang's plans. She was currently in a high position and naturally didn't want Baoyu to have any further involvement with Baochai or Daiyu.

Grandmother Jia understood the implication in Lady Wang's words. After thinking for a while, she nodded and said, "Alright, you can do as you please. There's only one rule: you are not allowed to hit Baoyu again."

Jia Zheng, pinching his nose, mumbled an agreement. Because he was in a terrible mood, he only said a few words before returning to his study. Lady Wang sat with him for a while longer before finding Feng Jie and instructing her to move Bao Yu back to Qi Xian Zhai after the Dragon Boat Festival.

Feng Jie was quite puzzled, but since Madam Wang said that the old lady had given her approval, she had no choice but to do as she was told. She had no choice but to turn to Ping'er and give her instructions. The news that Bao Yu would be moving to Qi Xian Zhai soon spread in no time.

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

A simple thatched cottage.

Chen Siyuan waited for quite a while before a maid named Yunxiang told him about the matter. Chen Siyuan smiled with relief, thinking that he should bring a congratulatory gift when he went to see Lin Daiyu. Now that the troublemaker was moving away, he thought Lin Daiyu would be a little gratified. After seeing that it was past noon, he got up and went to Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Chen Siyuan walked along the passageway, crossed the Cuiyan Bridge, and arrived at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion. The Xiaoxiang Pavilion had a unique design, with only one door facing the northeast corner.

Beyond the main house, there is a connecting corridor linking to two side rooms in the northwest corner. The main house is built in the style of a side room, running north to south, dividing the small courtyard in two. To the east is a cobblestone path, surrounded by lush bamboo, while to the west is planted with flowers and trees. A stream is channeled through the courtyard, its murmuring water truly making it the most tranquil and secluded spot in the Grand View Garden.

Because of Baoyu's two intrusions, the courtyard gate of Xiaoxiang Pavilion was currently wide open, but two old women were guarding behind it. As Chen Siyuan approached, one of them quickly stood up and said with a smile, "Oh, Brother Yuan is here?"

Chen Siyuan looked closely and saw that the old woman was only about thirty years old, but her face was sallow. It was none other than Wang Shi, Daiyu's wet nurse. Chen Siyuan was startled and frowned, saying, "Why does Wang Shi look so pale?"

Granny Wang laughed and said, "It's an old ailment. I saw the imperial physician a few days ago, but the medicine didn't seem to help much."

Chen Siyuan knew that it was thanks to the persuasion of Granny Wang and Xueyan that Daiyu had finally decided to accept the marriage certificate. He was a man who always distinguished between gratitude and resentment, so how could he stand by and watch Granny Wang waste her time like this?
He immediately asked, "Which imperial physician did you seek, Granny?"

"Doctor Hu."

There's no mistake, that old man is a complete quack.

Chen Siyuan frowned and said, “The three imperial physicians in the manor each have their own expertise, and I’m afraid that the medicine soup for you is not the right treatment. Fortunately, Governor Jia returned to the capital yesterday, and I expect you will visit him tomorrow. You might as well go to Henian Hall. Doctor Ding at Henian Hall is a close friend of mine and is especially good at internal medicine. He might be able to cure your ailment.”

Granny Wang smiled gratefully and said, "It's kind of you to think of me, young master. In that case, I'll thank you in advance."

"Mommy, you're welcome."

As they were speaking, Zijuan came out to greet them. She had just curtsied to Chen Siyuan when Granny Wang smiled and instructed, "Go quickly and tell the young lady that Brother Yuan has arrived."

Zijuan smiled and agreed, then turned and went back into the main room. Chen Siyuan was talking with Granny Wang in the bamboo grove when Xueyan came out smiling and quickly bowed, saying, "Master Yuan, our young lady has just had dinner and isn't in high spirits right now. Please come with me, sir."

Chen Siyuan smiled and agreed, then bid farewell to Granny Wang before following Xueyan along the path to the door. Xueyan lifted the curtain, and Chen Siyuan crouched down to enter, where he saw Daiyu standing gracefully at the door of the study.

She wore a white jacket with a bright red collar and printed front opening, over which was a white round-necked coat, and a bright red pleated skirt with scattered flowers. Her hair was adorned with only a few small palace flowers, and her eyes, which seemed to be weeping, were a little red and swollen, indicating that she had just been crying.

Chen Siyuan stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting. Daiyu curtsied in return, and as she rose, she frowned and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "I've come to see my sister."

Daiyu retorted, "I don't know what's so great about myself."

Xueyan couldn't stand it anymore and came over to say, "Miss... Master Yuan came to see you with good intentions, but you just threw a tantrum for no reason."

Daiyu readily agreed, saying, "I'm naturally a bit temperamental, can't I even vent my temper?" She paused, glanced at Chen Siyuan, opened her mouth, but the words that were about to come out circled back and she swallowed them back. Instead, she said, "Alright, since we're here, we should at least have a cup of tea before we leave."

Xueyan was about to persuade her again when Zijuan quickly tugged at one of her corners. When Xueyan turned her head, Zijuan shook her head at her – her young lady was in a bad mood, and the more she was persuaded, the more she would throw a tantrum. It was better not to say anything.

Chen Siyuan still had a smile on his face, thinking to himself that although Daiyu's temper wasn't directed at him, she really didn't like him.

If one follows the rules and regulations, one will only be a second Baoyu. In the original text, Baoyu was so petty that he still caused Lin Daiyu to lose her temper from time to time, let alone himself.

When he was short of meat, Chen Siyuan was only focused on keeping the girl by his side, and wouldn't have cared about what she was thinking. Now that he's not short of meat, his desires have naturally increased. Now, as he's deeply in love with Baochai, Chen Siyuan's heart is filled with other thoughts.

After they were seated, Chen Siyuan didn't say anything. He let Zijuan serve him fragrant tea and then leave. He just kept drinking tea and eating snacks and fruits, leaving Daiyu standing to the side.

Seeing that he kept talking, Daiyu frowned and asked, "Haven't you had dinner?"

"Ah."

Seeing that he only hummed in response, Daiyu was both amused and annoyed, saying, "So you weren't full, so you came here to eat and drink. You've been satisfied for a long time, and now, even if you're just putting on an act for outsiders, you should at least say something, right?"

Chen Siyuan mumbled something, which Daiyu didn't hear clearly. He then drank the tea in one gulp, poured more tea for himself, and said, "Since it's just for show, I'll do it. I don't know what you mean, but rather than being criticized, it's better to just eat and drink in silence."

Daiyu was taken aback, thinking to herself, "Isn't that exactly the point?"
Daiyu fell silent, turning her head to look out the window. Chen Siyuan ate and drank for a while, and after a while, he let out a burp.

At this moment, Daiyu said, "Why is it that in this world we only see false affection and never true feelings?"

Huh? Daiyu actually seems to be in the mood for conversation? Chen Siyuan was secretly delighted, but he scoffed and said, "What is false affection, and what is true affection? In my opinion, it's nothing but a hustle and bustle."

The world is full of goodwill, and the world is all good.

Daiyu glanced at her sideways and said, "You're so scheming, you have no sincerity in your heart."

Chen Siyuan smiled and did not refute, saying, "But because of that golden unicorn, you are so sure that the old lady is just using you?"

Daiyu suddenly turned her head, looking at Chen Siyuan with disbelief. She had never shared these thoughts with anyone, not even Baochai, so how did the person in front of her know them?

After eating and drinking his fill, Chen Siyuan opened his folding fan and said while fanning himself, "Although the old lady is my sister's maternal grandmother, she still has to take care of the Jia family. On one side is her granddaughter who went against her wishes, and on the other side is the entire family. If my sister were in the old lady's shoes, what would she do?"

She paused, then added, "I imagine that when Lin Yansi was ill, he must have told you this, sister. Since you already knew, why are you so sad now?"

Daiyu sighed and muttered, "I was too attached to appearances."

She's just a twelve or thirteen-year-old girl. No matter how intelligent she is, how could she know the unpredictability of people's hearts?
Chen Siyuan smiled without saying a word. Daiyu pondered for a long time, still unable to understand... Her grandmother, who used to cherish her, had suddenly become a scheming person, and the disillusionment was as painful as if her worldview had been reshaped.

The more Daiyu thought about it, the more heartbroken she became, and she said with a bitter smile, "It seems that I was too willing to trust people in the past, and I forgot my father's instructions."

Chen Siyuan said, "My sister is still so young, and she has lost both her parents. Now she is living with another family, so it is inevitable that she will develop a sense of dependence."

Daiyu shook her head in distress and said with a bitter smile, "It seems that the old lady will have to propose marriage to the Marquis of Baoling's mansion in the future."

"Haha..." Chen Siyuan laughed loudly, "If the old lady has her own plans, how could others not have theirs? Sister, what do you think is the reason why Yun'er was taken back this time?"

(End of this chapter)