Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 261 Baoyu's Misfortune
Jia Zheng's outer study.

Jia Yucun stroked his beard and laughed, "Judging from his handsome appearance and brilliant writing, he is clearly a gifted young man. Brother Cunzhou, who knows if Baoyu won't achieve something in the imperial examinations someday? Ah? Hahaha—"

These words were naturally directed at Baoyu. Jia Zheng, being of upright character, smiled and said, "My son is quite unruly and does not deserve such praise from Mr. Yucun." Glancing at Chen Siyuan, who was sitting upright, Jia Zheng said, "It is possible that Shuliang will achieve something in the next examination."

Chen Siyuan quickly smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. He and Baoyu had been there for quite a while, but all he heard was Jia Yucun and Jia Zheng spouting official platitudes; there wasn't a hint of real drama in their conversation. He couldn't help but wonder to himself, what was the purpose of Jia Yucun's visit?

At this moment, Baoyu felt extremely uncomfortable, but because Jia Zheng was holding him down, he sat up properly. However, he looked dejected and listless.

After Jia Yucun laughed, he said to Chen Siyuan, "You sent a visiting card yesterday? I'll be free tomorrow, so you can come straight to Xinglong Street."

Chen Siyuan quickly stood up and agreed. Jia Zheng noticed the impatience on Baoyu's face and frowned in displeasure. He then ordered, "I won't restrain you two. You may leave now."

Baoyu felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He quickly got up to thank him, and then, without waiting for Chen Siyuan, he ran away as if he were escaping.

After bowing to the two men, Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment before leaving the outer study.

At this moment, Jia Zheng said, "Has Mr. Liao Yucun also heard about the Iron Net Mountain incident?"

Jia Yucun sighed, “In this peaceful and prosperous age, with the emperor at the height of his power, who would have thought that a coup would occur? This time… I wonder how many people will be implicated.”

Jia Zheng felt a pang of sympathy, and said with no small amount of envy, "When Mr. Yucun went to Jiangnan to govern, he opened up ports, repaired ponds, promoted agriculture and sericulture, and established the prefectural school. He also had the merit of suppressing the river bandits. I expect that after this audience with the Emperor, he will surely rise to great heights."

Jia Yucun was secretly pleased with himself, but on the surface he humbly waved his hands repeatedly and said, "The court is in complete chaos right now, so I'm afraid it's not the right time to go to court. Besides, what I did in Jiangnan was just following the Emperor's orders, and it's really not worth mentioning."

Jia Zheng laughed and said, "Mr. Yucun is too modest. Few governors and viceroys in the world can match his civil and military achievements."

Jia Yucun smiled and shook his head, waving his hand and saying, "People's lives are difficult, I'm just doing my duty." After a pause, he suddenly said, "Speaking of old stories in Jiangnan, there is only one strange case worth mentioning."

Jia Zheng became interested and asked, "Oh? But I wonder what kind of strange method it is?"

Jia Yucun took a sip of tea before calmly saying, "It all started at the beginning of the year. I had just returned from suppressing bandits when an old woman suddenly blocked my way to file a complaint. In this area, lawsuits naturally fall under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner. I was about to send someone to take her to the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's office when the old woman started banging her head on the ground and crying incessantly."

I was momentarily moved by compassion, which is why I accepted the lawsuit. Little did I know I'd get myself into such enormous trouble.

"Oh?"

Jia Yucun frowned and thought back, "That old woman was actually pleading for the Rong family's young lady..." He turned to Jia Zheng and said, "Brother Cunzhou, you don't know, but the Rong family was originally a powerful clan in Suzhou. It was only because of the change of dynasties that they gradually declined. In this generation, the Rong family's parents died early, and before they died, they sent her to Yunqi Temple in the suburbs."

Yunqi Temple has a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree that oozes amber-colored sap every rainy night, which condenses into "wood tears" and can be used as medicine. After Rong entered the temple three years ago, the Taoist Yuxu entrusted her with the responsibility of looking after the ginkgo tree.

But ever since Madam Rong started looking after Ginkgo, things have become strange.

"Hiss, is there something strange about that ginkgo tree?"

Jia Yucun said: "One day, the old woman suddenly saw Rong Shi return in a panic. She repeatedly questioned her, but Rong Shi only shook her head and did not say a word. Afterwards, whenever the tears in her eyes were clear, the abbot Yuxu would invite her to drink tea and discuss the Dao; when the tears turned turbid, he would say that her fate was cursed and lock her in the West Annex Hall."

The white crane's attitude also changed depending on the clarity of the liquid; sometimes it would bring ancient scrolls to accompany the bird, and sometimes it would flap its wings and strike the window to intimidate the bird.

Yu Xu's secular nephew repeatedly broke into her house through the window when the wood tears were murky, using the pretext of "gathering herbs" to tear up her treasured annotations of the *Huang Ting Jing*.

"That is strange."

Jia Yucun said, "That day, hail suddenly fell, and Rongshi, holding a box given to her by her deceased father, fell into a deep well. The half of the crane-shaped jade pendant she was holding matched the notch in the sword tassel of the Jade Void Taoist's nephew. The old woman sensed something was wrong and only went down the mountain to complain after Rongshi was sent away."

"But what's so strange about this case?" Jia Zheng was completely baffled.

Jia Yucun said, "Seeing the old woman's loyalty, I sent her a visiting card to the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's office. Who knew that after a month or so, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, Lord Lu, came to see me and told me about the case again."

It turns out that the area within a ten-mile radius of the ginkgo tree was originally the land of Rong's maternal ancestor. Back then, the Taoist Yuxu, under the guise of suppressing evil, bribed the yamen runners and gradually transferred the land to his own name. However, the Taoist Yuxu wasn't after the land; he was after the gold mine beneath the ginkgo tree!

Over the course of twenty years, the Taoist Yuxu piled sand into a tower, and all the gold he dug up from the ground was cast into statues of the Three Pure Ones, which were then enshrined in the main hall. The so-called turbid wood tears were actually caused by the backflow of slag with rainwater; the abnormal behavior of the white cranes in the temple was all because they disliked the smell of slag.

Miss Rong died because she had seen through the truth of the matter, which is why Daoist Yuxu took such drastic measures.

"Oh—" Jia Zheng frowned inwardly. He was not good at quick thinking and for a moment he did not know what was strange about this case.

Jia Yucun put down his teacup and said, "It's getting late, so I'll take my leave now."

"Mr. Yucun, won't you go and see Yu'er?"

Jia Yucun laughed and waved his hand: "This is my female apprentice's maternal family, why would I worry about them? Ah, hahaha..."

Jia Zheng rose with a forced smile and said, "In that case, I will see Mr. Yucun off."

Jia Zheng escorted Jia Yucun to the gate and watched him leave in his sedan chair before considering turning back. The few guests who accompanied him hesitated to speak, and some were about to open their mouths when others stopped them with glances.

Jia Zheng returned to his study and sat down. After thinking it over carefully, he suddenly gasped in shock!
What a strange case! Jia Yucun is clearly cursing!

The old woman in the case likely refers to Wang, Daiyu's wet nurse; Rongshi naturally refers to Daiyu! The remaining Yuxu Daoist corresponds to the old lady... or the entire Jia family; the ginkgo tree and the gold and copper mine refer to the Lin family's property; the white crane refers to the sycophantic servants of the Jia family; Yuxu Daoist's secular nephew... refers to Baoyu!
Upon realizing this, Jia Zheng was so ashamed that his face turned pale and then red!
Not only did he embezzle his niece's property, but the old lady also treated him with inconsistent kindness. And the ignorant Baoyu even forced his way into Xiaoxiang Pavilion the other day... All these things made Jia Yucun practically want to curse her out!
Upon further reflection, since Jia Yucun called it a strange case, it must have been resolved... How was it resolved? With Rong Shi dead, Yunqi Temple would be razed to the ground! The underlying threat was palpable; if anything were to happen to Daiyu, Jia Yucun would likely fight to the death!
Having learned the reason, Jia Zheng was too ashamed to face anyone, so he quickly sent the group of guests away. Jia Zheng knew he couldn't do anything about his mother, but he certainly had plenty of ways to deal with his rebellious son.

It must be because Daiyu's wet nurse went to Xinglong Street to complain yesterday that Jia Yucun came uninvited today. Jia Zheng was even more annoyed. He got up angrily, put his hands behind his back, and went to the back to find fault with Baoyu.

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

Meanwhile, Xiangyun and her servant Cuilu overheard some gossip near the small kitchen and learned that it was Chen Siyuan who had saved Jin Chuan'er.

Cuilu and Jin Chuan had learned etiquette together since childhood, and their friendship was extraordinary. When the two of them arrived at the back garden gate, Cuilu couldn't help but sigh, "Thank God, it's all thanks to Master Yuan who saved her, otherwise she would probably be dead by now!"

Xiangyun nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Cuilu had been with Xiangyun since childhood, so she naturally knew the effects of the golden unicorn. Thinking of her daughter's arranged marriage, although it was also a prestigious family, it was a declining branch. In terms of character and talent, how could they compare to Chen Siyuan?
He hesitated for a moment, then finally said, "Miss, do you think Master Yuan's good deeds were rewarded? Otherwise, how could he have happened to pick up that golden unicorn?"

Xiangyun nodded at first, then paused, and after realizing what she meant, frowned and said, "Stop talking nonsense!"

Cuilu smiled and said, "I was just mentioning it casually, I didn't say anything else, why are you so anxious, Miss?"

Xiangyun frowned and shook her head, saying, "Never mind, you wouldn't understand anyway, so let's not talk about it anymore. Let's go see Jin Chuan'er quickly."

Cuilu agreed and followed Xiangyun out of the back garden gate.

As soon as the mistress and servant left, Ying'er came out of Pear Fragrance Courtyard. It was Baochai who had let her have her own way, so Ying'er came to Pear Fragrance Courtyard to find some young actors to play with. Just as she was about to leave, she happened to hear Xiangyun and Cuilu talking.

Ying'er took two steps after them, and seeing the master and servant turn onto the narrow passage, she couldn't help but frown and ponder, muttering to herself, "Wasn't that golden unicorn obtained by Master Bao? How did it end up in Master Yuan's hands?"

Ying'er was just like Yunxiang, the gossip in Chen Siyuan's courtyard. She immediately felt that this matter was urgent and hurriedly went to Hengwu Garden to find Baochai.

Unfortunately, Ying'er's search was fruitless. It was Baochai who, upon hearing that Jin Chuan had jumped into the well and been rescued by Chen Siyuan, hurriedly went to Qingtang Thatched Cottage to look for her.

He then bombarded Hongyu with questions, and only after confirming that Chen Siyuan was indeed unharmed did he breathe a sigh of relief and say, "I don't know what got into your master. He could have just called the servants to come and help. Why did he have to risk his life?"

Hongyu frowned and said, "That's exactly what I said just now, but the master said that he was in such a hurry that he couldn't care about anything else, so he jumped down directly."

Suddenly, Wu'er said from outside, "Sister Hongyu, Granny Bai and Sister Yuchuan have arrived."

Hongyu said, "I guess the Bai family came to thank you, sir, but you haven't returned yet..."

Baochai nodded and said, "Alright, I'll go with you and answer the questions correctly."

The two of them came out together and saw the Bai family mother and daughter kneeling respectfully in front of the Qingtang thatched hut, kowtowing repeatedly.

Hongyu called to the old woman and hurriedly went forward to help her up.

The old man was sobbing and unable to speak. Although Yu Chuan'er's eyes were also red, she managed to say something coherent: "If it weren't for Master Yuan's rescue, my sister would probably be dead by now. Not to mention kowtowing a few times, it would be only right for our family to set up a longevity tablet for Master Yuan from now on."

Sister Bao laughed and said, "Quickly pull your mother up to talk. Brother Yuan isn't here right now, so all your kowtowing... is probably for nothing."

"what?"

Hongyu chimed in, “Granny, please get up. My master really isn’t here… Besides, how old is my master? You two are kowtowing repeatedly, aren’t you afraid of shortening his lifespan?”

Baochai said again, "If you are grateful from the bottom of your heart, then you can just say it in your heart. There is no need to come and kowtow." When she looked up and saw Chen Siyuan coming from afar, Baochai knew that he was probably not comfortable with such a scene, so she quietly waved to him.

Chen Siyuan understood and quickly hid behind the Jade Emperor Temple.

The Bai family mother and daughter thanked him profusely, but seeing that Chen Siyuan had not returned, they could only leave with a sigh, saying that they would come back to thank Chen Siyuan again another day.

After the two left, Chen Siyuan smiled and emerged from behind the Jade Emperor Temple. Baochai stepped forward and playfully scolded, "You always have to show off! You have no idea how worried I was!"

Seeing his annoyance, Chen Siyuan smiled even more broadly and said, "It was just in a moment of panic... I'll think things through before I act next time."

Bao-jie breathed a sigh of relief and said in a low voice, "After this incident, I might have to go to Auntie's place. You... just tell her that you ran into this and it's not appropriate to see Auntie right now."

Chen Siyuan had long harbored this intention. This matter was the fault of Lady Wang and her son Baoyu. Fortunately, Jin Chuan was saved by Chen Siyuan; otherwise, who knows what people inside and outside the mansion would say about these two?

One is utterly irresponsible, the other is all talk and no action; with such a reputation, how can Baoyu possibly expect to find a good marriage in the future? Dream on!
Logically, Madam Wang should be grateful to Chen Siyuan. However, she is, after all, an elder, and the Bai family are Madam Wang's attendants. If Chen Siyuan were to go, Madam Wang might lose face, and the relationship would become somewhat less cordial.

The two separated. Baochai took two steps, then suddenly stopped, turned around, and walked back to Chen Siyuan. She looked up at him seriously and said, "Be careful, and don't act impulsively again!"

Her charming and earnest expression made Chen Siyuan's heart flutter. So Chen Siyuan quickly reached out and tugged at Baochai's plump and soft hand before saying seriously, "Okay, you'll definitely be more careful from now on."

Baochai rolled her eyes at him before heading towards Madam Wang's courtyard.

When Baochai arrived at Lady Wang's courtyard, Caixia and Jinchuan had already been dismissed, and Yuchuan had gone to the back to look after Jinchuan, so only Caiyun, the head maid, remained in the courtyard.

Upon entering, they found the room completely silent, with Aunt Wang sitting alone in a chair, her brows furrowed in sorrow.

Baochai called out to him and then sat down beside him.

Madam Wang asked, "Where did you come from?"

“From the garden.”

"Have you seen your brother Bao?" Baochai shook her head and said, "I have not seen him."

Madam Wang sighed and said, "Do you know that Jin Chuan just jumped into the well? It was Yuan Ge who saw her and saved her."

Sister Bao said, "Speaking of which, I did see Brother Yuan. He just came back from the outer study. He must have bumped into something when he went down the well. He's not walking very smoothly now."

Madam Wang said gratefully, "This child is so honest. Who would jump down to save someone?"

Baochai laughed and said, "It was in a moment of panic, but at least we were careful and no one was killed."

"Yes, yes," Madam Wang nodded repeatedly, still feeling lingering fear. If Chen Siyuan hadn't rescued Jin Chuan'er, their reputations would have been ruined!
It's one thing for Baoyu to be young and lack responsibility, but if he were to be branded as wicked, which girl would dare to marry into the family in the future?

Madam Wang couldn't help but complain, "The other day she broke one of my things, and I got angry, hit her, and chased her away. I only said I'd be angry with her for a couple of days and then call her back up, but who knew she'd be so temperamental!"

Baochai had someone she loved, so she wouldn't defend Lady Wang. She only said, "At least she's been saved. Auntie will go back and talk to Jin Chuan to clear things up."

Lady Wang sighed again, feeling conflicted. After this incident, should she keep Jin Chuan or not? As for Zhen Zhen, keeping her was difficult, and not keeping her was equally difficult.

Just then, Caiyun said, "Master Bao has arrived."

Lady Wang was feeling annoyed when she heard this and immediately frowned, saying, "You've come at the perfect time!" She wanted to give Baoyu a good scolding, but Baochai was right there beside her.

Baochai was so clever; she quickly got up and said, "Since Aunt has nothing else to do, I'll go first. I'll find some medicinal wine for sprains and bruises and send it to Brother Yuan later."

Madam Wang said, "This is a serious matter, you should go quickly."

Baochai got up to say goodbye, and bumped into Baoyu as she was leaving. Baochai simply nodded at Baoyu, ignoring his attempt to speak, and walked right past him.

Baoyu turned his head and stared in astonishment, then sighed and frowned as he went inside.

At this moment, Baoyu also received the news, and he was naturally very distressed. He vaguely regretted that he had run away without a care that day, leaving Jin Chuan alone to be beaten and scolded.

Dejected, he entered the room, and as expected, Madam Wang couldn't contain her frustration and launched into a tirade against Baoyu.

After a long while, they finally let Baoyu leave. Baoyu, bewildered and unsure where to go, walked slowly with his hands behind his back and head down, sighing as he went. He strolled into the hall, and just as he turned past the screen door, he bumped right into Jia Zheng, who was walking in from the opposite direction.

"Stop!" Jia Zheng shouted, and Bao Yu was so frightened that he gasped and had no choice but to stand aside with his hands down.

Jia Zheng was already in a bad mood after being mocked by Jia Yucun, and when he saw Baoyu looking so smug, he immediately became angry and gave him a thorough scolding.

Suddenly, a steward came to report: "Someone from Prince Zhongshun's residence has come to see the master."

Jia Zheng was taken aback. The Jia family had no dealings with Prince Zhongshun and even had a grudge against him. It was truly a case of a night owl coming to the door without a reason. He couldn't care less about reprimanding Baoyu anymore and ordered, "Quickly, please come in," before heading towards the south hall.

Upon entering, they saw that the visitor was the Chief Clerk of Prince Zhongshun's residence, a fifth-rank official, even higher than Jia Zheng, a fifth-rank Assistant Minister. Jia Zheng addressed the Chief Clerk as "student," but after a few words, the Chief Clerk coldly laughed and said, "There's no need for you to handle this; a single word from you, sir, will suffice."

In our household, there is a young male actor named Qi Guan, who was originally granted a place in the inner garden by imperial decree. Since leaving, he has stayed in the household for less than half a year, but now he hasn't returned for several days. We've searched everywhere for him, but haven't been able to find his way. Therefore, we've inquired everywhere. In this city, eight out of ten people say that he's recently become quite close to the young master of the Jade-Haired Man's household. We, your humble servants, know that your household is not like other homes where one can enter and demand things without permission; therefore, we are informing Your Highness.

The prince also said: "If it were any other actor, a hundred would be fine; but this Qi Guan was bestowed by imperial decree, so it is inconvenient to give him to your son. If you admire him very much, why don't you secretly submit a petition to the emperor? Wouldn't that be more convenient for both of you?"

If Your Excellency does not submit a memorial, I must also convey to your son that you request Qi Guan be released. This would both spare the Prince from the crime of being ungrateful and save us officials from the trouble of searching for him.” After saying this, he quickly bowed.

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng was both shocked and angry, and hurriedly ordered someone to summon Baoyu.

Baoyu went inside to confront the chief clerk, but to his dismay, he was wearing the handkerchief that the Queen of the Kingdom of Qianxiang had offered as tribute! After a few words of confrontation, the chief clerk exposed his deception, and Baoyu immediately lost his nerve, thinking to himself, "How did he know this! Since he knows even such a confidential matter, he probably can't hide anything else from me. I'd better send him away to prevent him from revealing anything else." (Note 1)

He then confessed to Jiang Yuhan's purchase of property in Zitan Fort outside the city!
Upon receiving the news, the chief clerk's face grew even more disdainful. He laughed and said, "If that's the case, it must be there. I'll go and look for it. If I find it, fine; if not, I'll have to come and ask you."

Having said that, he got up and left. Jia Zheng was so angry that his eyes widened and his mouth twisted. He told Baoyu not to move while he hurriedly went to see him off.

After seeing off the chief clerk, Jia Zheng turned around and saw Jia Huan, with shifty eyes, lingering near the left side of the ceremonial gate. (Note 2)

Jia Zheng glanced at it and immediately became furious, demanding, "What is it?"

Jia Huan lowered his head and said meekly, "Jin Chuan jumped into the well!"

Jia Zheng was taken aback and said, "Why would Jin Chuan jump into the well for no reason? There has never been such a thing in my family. Since our ancestors, we have always treated our servants with kindness and gentleness. Perhaps I have been neglecting my household affairs in recent years, and naturally the stewards have taken advantage of their power, leading to this tragic and reckless suicide. If outsiders find out, what will become of our ancestors' reputation!" He immediately ordered someone to find Lai Da and other stewards.

Jia Huan hurriedly said, "My mother told me that the day before yesterday, Brother Baoyu tried to rape Jin Chuan, one of Madam's maids, in her room, but failed and beat her. Jin Chuan then threw herself into a well in a fit of pique."

Here, Jia Huan glossed over the details, only saying that Jin Chuan'er jumped into the well, but not what happened afterward.

Jia Zheng assumed that Jin Chuan had drowned herself in the well and was so angry that his face turned ashen!

He shouted, "Quickly, bring the precious jade here!"

As he spoke, he went into the study and ordered, "If anyone tries to persuade me again today, I will hand over all my official hat, belt, and family property to him and Baoyu! I will inevitably become a sinner, shave off these troublesome hairs on my sideburns, find a clean place to end my life, and avoid the sin of disgracing my ancestors and giving birth to a rebellious son."

Seeing Jia Zheng's fury, the group of guests immediately bit their fingers and hurriedly withdrew... not one of them dared to step forward to persuade him.

Jia Zheng, panting heavily, sat upright in his chair, his face streaked with tears, repeatedly shouting, "Grab Baoyu! Grab a big stick! Tie him up with ropes! Close all the doors! If anyone tries to send a message inside, beat them to death on the spot!"

The servants had no choice but to agree in unison, and several of them went to find Baoyu.

Now, Baoyu, knowing things were going badly, paced anxiously in the south-facing hall, but couldn't find anyone to pass on a message. He finally bumped into an old nanny, but she was deaf and blind. Baoyu said "front gate tower," but the old nanny misheard it as "hip joint," and they talked at cross purposes. Baoyu was so anxious he was jumping up and down. Soon after, a servant took Baoyu to Jia Zheng's outer study.

Upon seeing Baoyu, Jia Zheng's eyes immediately turned red and purple. He didn't bother to ask about Baoyu's extramarital affairs with actors, his giving away of private gifts, his neglect of his studies at home, his sexual misconduct with his mother and maids, or his forced entry into the women's quarters. He simply ordered, "Gag him and beat him to death!"

The servants dared not disobey, but they knew that Baoyu was the apple of the eye of the old lady and the madam, so although the paddle was raised high, it fell lightly. But Baoyu was so disoriented at this moment that he forgot to scream and just endured the beating tremblingly.

Jia Zheng was furious. He stepped forward, kicked the clapperboard away, snatched it back, and gritted his teeth as he slammed it down thirty or forty times!
Seeing the situation escalating, the crowd rushed forward to intervene. Jia Zheng, however, refused to listen, saying, "Ask him what he's done, whether he deserves to be spared! It's all because of people like you who have ruined him all this time. And now you're trying to stop him? What if he murders his emperor and father tomorrow? Then you won't be able to stop him!"

Seeing that they couldn't persuade them otherwise, the crowd had no choice but to back out and quickly find the old woman at the ceremonial gate to send a message inside.

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After leaving Jia Zheng's study, they didn't return to the thatched cottage, thinking that Bao Yu might get a beating soon, so they simply went to the Qin Fang Pavilion to cool off. Unexpectedly, Tan Chun and Xi Chun came looking for them, chatted for a while, and then saw Dai Yu and Xiang Yun gathered together, so everyone went to the Dicui Pavilion to cool off and watch the fish.

With so many people around, it was impossible to have any private conversations. Instead, the second young lady talked with Chen Siyuan for quite a while.

Just then, an old woman rushed over and said from afar, "Oh no! Master Bao has been beaten badly by the master!"

Chen Siyuan thought to himself that the real show was about to begin. He followed the group of girls, whose faces had turned pale with fright, to the old woman for an explanation. The old woman gave a few incoherent words, saying only, "Madam ran ahead. I think Zhou Rui's wife went to fetch the old lady!"

After this incident, everyone wanted to go to the front to persuade her. However, the second young lady was still unmarried, and the outer study was outside the ceremonial gate, so it was not appropriate for her to go and see. Daiyu noticed Yingchun's dilemma and said, "Even the biggest things have probably already happened. You all go and see, I'll stay with the second young lady."

Although Xiangyun was already engaged, she was a carefree person, and upon hearing this, she ran out first. Chen Siyuan then led the two younger girls, Tanchun and Xichun, out of the garden, and they happened to run into Aunt Xue and Sister Bao in the Furen Yude Hall.

Without saying much, the group went straight through the west corner gate to the back of Rongqing Hall. After that, they went out of Rongqing Hall and through Qixianzhai. From afar, they could see Yuanyang and the others helping the trembling Grandmother Jia out of the corner gate.

Just outside that side gate was Jia Zheng's outer study. The old lady was so angry that she shouted from afar, "Kill me first, then kill him, wouldn't that be much cleaner!"

Having said that, he was helped into the outer study by Yuanyang and the others.

Chen Siyuan and the others followed a moment later into the outer study. Jia Zheng was talking to Grandmother Jia when Chen Siyuan glanced at the room and saw blood gushing from Baoyu's buttocks. He immediately gasped in shock... Jia Zheng had indeed gone too far!

At this moment, Grandmother Jia said, "You don't need to be stubborn and argue with me. I shouldn't interfere with whether you hit your son or not. I guess you're also tired of us women. It's better if we leave you sooner rather than later, so that everyone can be clean!" With that, she ordered someone to go and get the sedan chair and horses, "Your wife, Baoyu, and I will return to Jinling immediately!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng was so frightened that he knelt down and begged for mercy. At this moment, filial piety was of paramount importance. Even without Lady Wang and Baoyu, if Grandmother Jia herself were to return to Jinling in anger, and some busybody were to submit a memorial impeaching her, Jia Zheng would be in deep trouble.

Leaving aside Jia Zheng's pleas for forgiveness, Grandmother Jia was still worried and hurriedly went to check on Baoyu. Seeing that Baoyu's face was deathly pale and his buttocks were covered in blood and flesh, she immediately hugged Baoyu and wept bitterly.

Sister Feng arrived at some point, and everyone stepped forward to persuade her. Chen Siyuan seized the opportunity to interject, "If the old lady is worried about Brother Bao, she should quickly find the imperial physician for a consultation, lest the injury linger and be delayed any longer."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia stopped crying and said, "That's right, quickly go and call the imperial physician!"

Sister Feng said, "It's not a good place to treat injuries. I think it would be better to move Brother Bao back to Qixianzhai as soon as possible."

Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang both agreed, and then a volunteer old woman came to help Baoyu up. Fengjie was so frightened that she scolded, "You fool! Don't you even open your eyes and look? He's been beaten like this, and you still want to help him walk! Hurry up and go in and bring out that rattan bench."

The old women then realized what was happening and hurriedly carried the stool (Note 3) over, and with a flurry of hands, they lifted Baoyu towards Qixianzhai. Chen Siyuan followed them out, and Tanchun and Xiangyun, both feeling sorry for Baoyu, also wiped away their tears. Little Xichun rubbed her eyes with a handkerchief, but it was all bark and no bite; Baochai, on the other hand, just frowned deeply, too lazy even to bother rubbing her eyes.

Seeing Chen Siyuan glance over, Baochai glared at him, then suddenly gestured to the side. Chen Siyuan followed her gaze and saw Xiren talking to Baoyu's servant, Mingyan.

The group arrived at Qixianzhai in a grand procession. Although Qixianzhai was spacious, it couldn't accommodate so many people. Fengjie stopped them, saying that they should come back to see Baoyu later.

Aunt Xue, Baochai, Tanchun, Xichun, Xiangyun, and others sighed and went back to the back first. Chen Siyuan waited for a while not far from Qixianzhai. When he saw Xiren walking back quickly, Chen Siyuan waved to her.

Xi Ren glanced around and, seeing that no one was watching, quickly approached.

Without wasting words, Chen Siyuan asked directly, "Why was Baoyu beaten?"

Xiren replied, "Mingyan said that perhaps Master Xue leaked the news, letting Master know about Qi Guan's matter; and Huan-ge'er mentioned Jin Chuan'er's matter in front of the Yimen Gate, which is why Master got angry."

Chen Siyuan frowned and said, "Wenlong is living in the old house now and only comes here every three to five days. How can you blame him?"

Xiren choked for a moment before saying, "Perhaps Mingyan is just guessing... but Mingyan saw Huan-ge'er complaining with his own eyes."

Jin Chuan'er didn't die, and it's unknown how Jia Huan made such a blatant accusation.

With a wave of her hand, Xiren hurried back to Qixianzhai. Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment, then went out through the side gate and saw several scholars gathered outside Jia Zheng's outer study, looking worried.

Chen Siyuan caught sight of Zhan Guang and quickly said, "Mr. Zhan, please come in."

Having received many benefits last time, Zhan Guang quickly apologized and hurried over.

After the two men had met, Chen Siyuan lowered his voice and asked, "What exactly happened just now? Why did Master suddenly become so angry?"

As they spoke, he quietly tugged at his sleeve and secretly slipped a silver ingot into his hand. Zhan Guang felt the ingot slip down his sleeve and immediately knew it was worth at least ten taels. He quickly said, "The old man on Xinglong Street told me a story earlier, and you've been thinking about it ever since."

(End of this chapter)