Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 264 Lin Daiyu and Third Sister

She wore a pale white long coat with orchid embroidery on the collar, over which was a white cross-collar undergarment, and a light green long skirt. She wore a veiled hat, carried a small flower hoe on her shoulder, and had a brocade pouch for flower petals hanging from it. In the prime of her youth, Daiyu's figure was gradually becoming slender. Although she was still frail, her stature was almost the same as that of the second young lady, Yingchun.

Chen Siyuan followed behind, leisurely accompanying Daiyu to the hillside. Daiyu put down her belongings, glanced at the fallen petals, and then bent down to sweep them away.

Chen Siyuan looked around and found the same blue stone to sit on. Half of his body was bathed in the blazing sun, while the other half was hidden in the shade of the trees.

With a rustling sound, Chen Siyuan watched with great interest as Daiyu swept up the petals under the tree little by little and put them into her brocade pouch. In just a short while, she was covered in fragrant sweat.

After a while, Daiyu put her hands on her hips, wiped her sweat, gave him a reproachful look, and said, "Now that you're here, are you just going to stand there and watch?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "How can flowers, plants, and trees have feelings? It is only when people express their feelings that they have feelings. My sister burying flowers is not out of genuine pity for the fallen petals, so why should I go to such lengths?"

Daiyu asked in surprise, "That's strange. If I don't pity the fallen petals, then why?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and pointed to his own heart. Daiyu was taken aback for a moment, then turned her head away, and soon went back to her own business.

She lived in the Rongguo Mansion. Her parents had passed away early, so she inevitably felt sorry for herself, confused and uneasy. In addition, she firmly believed in the saying "coming from purity and returning to purity". Seeing things reminded her of herself, so she would often come to bury flowers to relieve her distress.

Daiyu would come from time to time, and the maids at Xiaoxiang Pavilion simply thought it was their young mistress's quirk; Baoyu saw her twice but didn't say anything, only hesitating about whether to help; Baochai had also seen her and teased Daiyu for being too clean. All things considered, only the wicked Chen Siyuan saw right through her intentions.

Recalling the passage from "Life is Like a Dream," Daiyu thought to herself, "Indeed, one cannot judge a book by its cover." Being a girl herself, and born into privilege, she would never consider such uncertainties. Chen Siyuan, however, was different. His life had been turbulent since childhood, and though he harbored the heart of a recluse, his actions were always scheming and maneuvering.

Thinking back on the events of the past few days, Bao Erge was indeed a cynical and resentful man, but he lacked any sense of responsibility whatsoever. He was the one who provoked Jin Chuan, and when his aunt got angry, he ran away, leaving Jin Chuan to be punished. If Chen Siyuan hadn't intervened at the last minute, it would likely have been another murder case.

Stealing a glance at Chen Siyuan, Daiyu thought to herself, if it were him... he probably wouldn't have secretly run away.

Thinking about it that way, it seems more appropriate for him.

Strangely enough, Chen Siyuan had sent cordyceps to Daiyu every month and had gone to the trouble of requesting a medical record and asking Ding Daojian to prescribe medicine for her. Although Daiyu was grateful, she didn't take it to heart... This was probably because she had decided that Chen Siyuan was a sycophantic villain who hoped to rise to prominence by marrying Daiyu.

On the contrary, those two unintentional acts—one being the mistake of taking "Life is Like a Dream" and the other being the truthful statement—made Daiyu look at Chen Siyuan in a different light. So when they met again today, she actually felt that he had some good qualities.

After sweeping away the petals on the hillside, Daiyu stopped in front of Chen Siyuan, leaning on her small flower hoe, and asked from afar, "Did you go to your teacher's house yesterday?"

Chen Siyuan nodded in agreement and said, "The Emperor will be returning to the capital soon, and Governor Jia may very well be given a great position."

Upon meeting him, Jia Yucun was indeed even more enthusiastic. He tested Chen Siyuan's knowledge, discussed several matters concerning the imperial court, and even invited Chen Siyuan to lunch.

Chen Siyuan continued, "Governor Jia especially inquired about my sister's matter, and I answered truthfully. Governor Jia was quite worried."

Daiyu sighed with gratitude, "I am useless, and I have troubled you with this." After a pause, she added, "I suppose you will be returning to Jiangnan soon. If you receive any news, please let me know so that I can ask Granny Wang to see you off."

“Of course,” Chen Siyuan replied. Seeing that Daiyu looked tired, he said, “Since you’re tired, why don’t you sit down for a while?”

“Alright.” Daiyu readily agreed, moved over, lifted her skirt, and sat down on the blue stone.

Just a few days ago, Xing Xiuyan finally managed to write a new section of "Life is Like a Dream," a plot she had discussed with Daiyu. However, Daiyu was extremely dissatisfied after reading it. Although she didn't want to see Sanbai and Yunniang end up in tragedy, the happy ending felt particularly awkward.

Today, the two met again, and Daiyu, no longer feeling awkward, decided to follow the plot of "Life is Like a Dream" and discuss continuing the story with Xing Xiuyan.

At this moment, Daiyu remembered this matter and said, "Sister Xing and I wrote a new section about Sanbai boating and remembering Yunniang. There should have been a poem about it, but no matter how we wrote it, it didn't suit our taste."

Chen Siyuan asked, "What's the context here?"

Daiyu became interested and quickly began to speak. Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "Indeed, they are talented writers. Daiyu and Xing Xiuyan's discussion and continuation have captured seven-tenths of the original's essence, which is truly remarkable."

After Daiyu finished speaking, Chen Siyuan frowned and pondered for a moment, then said, "Sister, would you like to hear this poem:
In the season of falling blossoms, willows line the lanes and alleys, and the east wind blows through the courtyards. The heavy curtains remain as before, but the person peeking through them is far away.

Orioles sing beneath the leaves, swallows perch on the beams, their calls echoing a mournful lament. Longing is futile; I regret ever meeting you.

"

Daiyu was stunned. She thought that incorporating this poem about her youth into her sequel made perfect sense. Looking at Chen Siyuan again, she couldn't help but feel a pang of regret... If only he had studied so diligently, wouldn't his own sequel have been a hundred times better than her mediocre attempt?
Feeling a little frustrated, but also somewhat resentful, I thought to myself that I would think about it carefully later and make sure to write this sequel well.

Daiyu stopped talking about the fleeting nature of life. Her face and neck were covered in sweat, which she wiped away with a handkerchief. She then glanced at Chen Siyuan and said with a smile, "Speaking of which, your son will be born in a few days, but I still don't know what gift to give you."

Chen Siyuan said, "Sister, just send whatever you feel like. It could be a poem or a word, a fan or a painting. If you really can't think of anything, just pick a book and send it over."

Daiyu smiled and said, "That wouldn't be good. You always put so much thought into it, how could I dare to be perfunctory? Why don't you tell me yourself, is there anything you want?"

Chen Siyuan hadn't really thought of it for a moment, but then he noticed the half-new, half-old handkerchief clutched in Daiyu's hand, and said with a smile, "Anything is fine?"

Daiyu blinked and said, "I'll know if it's okay after you tell me."

Chen Siyuan leaned forward, startling Daiyu so much that she leaned back. He moved with lightning speed, snatching the handkerchief from Daiyu's hand in a flash.

"you--"

Just as Daiyu was about to get angry, Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "If it were up to me, I wouldn't need anything else. You just need to give me this old handkerchief."

As he spoke, he folded the handkerchief and was about to put it into his bosom.

Daiyu's face immediately flushed red. Forgetting everything else, she rushed over to snatch the handkerchief, saying, "I just wiped myself, how can I give it to you?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and clenched the handkerchief, letting Daiyu tug at it for a while. When he saw her looking at him reproachfully, he finally let go. Daiyu quickly tucked the handkerchief into her handkerchief, took two steps back, glanced at Chen Siyuan shyly, and whispered, "I've already thought it through. I'll send Xueyan to deliver it to you later."

After saying that, he picked up the flower hoe, nodded slightly to Chen Siyuan, and said, "It's getting late, I'll head back now."

Chen Siyuan smiled and nodded, then stood up and watched Daiyu descend the hillside. He paused and looked back once more before slowly making his way towards Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Chen Siyuan smiled, looked up at the sky, and guessed that Jia Zheng should have returned by now, so he went ahead to find Jia Zheng.

Leaving aside Chen Siyuan for now, let's talk about Daiyu's journey back to Xiaoxiang Pavilion, where she was greeted by maids and servants. Daiyu removed her flower hoe and veil, and went straight inside, where Zijuan immediately brought her warm tea.

Daiyu drank half a cup of tea, and recalling what had just happened, she blushed again. After a moment's thought, she instructed Xueyan, "Go and find my newly embroidered handkerchief with floral and bamboo chrysanthemum patterns."

Xueyan agreed and soon brought back a handkerchief. Daiyu took the handkerchief and went into her study, ground ink and pondered for a while. After a long pause, she picked up her brush and wrote a beautiful poem on the handkerchief:

Flowers bloom and fade throughout the year. I lament the fallen petals, and resent the east wind. The falling blossoms, like snowflakes, vex me. Sitting here watching the petals drift away, the floral season is over; spring has gone again, so fleeting.

I lament the passing of flowers, with whom can I share my sorrow? My morning makeup is languid. So melancholy I am. When the swallows arrive, the red rain is already misty. All the sorrow of spring lingers, impossible to dispel; what is it but the wandering bees?

After putting down her pen, Daiyu carefully examined and pondered the text, then suddenly smiled, wondering if the person might compare themselves to a wandering bee.

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

Chen Siyuan searched all the way to the outer study, only to find a servant guarding the door. Upon asking, he learned that Master Jia Zheng had not yet returned today, and only a few guests were chatting inside.

Perhaps something came up at the government office that delayed things?
Chen Siyuan turned around and saw Xiao Jixiang, who was beside Aunt Zhao, talking to an old woman at the side gate. After a few words, she frowned and looked disappointed. Just as she was about to turn back, she caught sight of Chen Siyuan, so she pursed her lips, curtsied, and then hurriedly turned back.

Chen Siyuan walked leisurely to the side gate. Before he could ask a question, the old woman called out and said with a sneer, "I don't know how many times a day he'll be looking for you. I think the master is really angry this time. He's been sleeping at Mengpo Zhai for two nights in a row. Tsk tsk, Aunt Zhao must be anxious."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "That's hard to say. Perhaps the master will change his mind in a couple of days."

The old woman smiled and nodded, and Chen Siyuan then walked away. But when he arrived at the gate of the Grand View Garden, he saw Tan Chun leading two maids, her brows furrowed.

Chen Siyuan's eyes lit up, and he stepped forward with a smile, "Where are you going, Third Sister?"

Tan Chun forced a smile and replied, "I'll go pay my respects to Madam."

Chen Siyuan said, "I'm feeling dizzy from reading all day. Why don't you gather the other sisters at the hut later and we can play some handball?"

Tan Chun smiled and said, "Then I'll ask them later. If they all agree, we'll go find Brother Yuan together. If there's anything else, I'll let Brother Yuan know."

"it is good."

After bidding farewell to Chen Siyuan, Tan Chun headed towards Madam Wang's courtyard. Although the events of that night were over, a kind word warms the heart for three winter months, while a harsh word chills the heart for six summer months. Madam Wang's resentful gaze and those words were like knives, piercing straight into Tan Chun's heart!
Tan Chun realized at this moment that no matter how obedient she was, in Lady Wang's eyes, she was always different from Bao Yu and Yuan Chun!
Even though she knew she shouldn't think about it anymore, Tan Chun couldn't help but look sorrowful. After entering the courtyard through the side gate and turning around to the front porch, Yu Chuan hurriedly sent a message inside, and soon led Tan Chun inside.

At that moment, Madam Wang was frowning and giving instructions to Zhou Rui's wife. The two of them did not hide it from Tan Chun. The young girl overheard a little and knew that they were sending two maids from the outer courtyard back home.

Zhou Rui's wife accepted the orders one by one and hurriedly went to take care of the arrangements.

Madam Wang sighed, glanced at Tan Chun, and immediately forced a smile: "Tan Chun is here?"

Tan Chun stepped forward respectfully, curtsied, and addressed her as "Madam".

Madam Wang was taken aback, then sighed again. She got up, came over, and took Tan Chun's hand, saying, "My child, it was all my fault for saying the wrong thing the other day when I was angry. Please don't take it to heart."

Tan Chun forced a smile and said, "Since I'm being raised in Madam's room, I can only listen to whatever Madam wants to scold me."

Madam Wang hurriedly said, "That's not how it is. I've always seen how filial you are. It's just that..." Madam Wang gritted her teeth and said, "Now that things have come to this, I won't hide it from you... It's one thing for Huan-ge'er to stir up trouble this time, but do you know that Aunt Zhao almost killed Bao-yu and Feng-jie'er last time?"

"Ah?" Madam Wang then briefly recounted the past, and concluded by saying, "Thanks to the magical jade, they would have survived."

Tan Chun was stunned, but also quite puzzled.

As if seeing through his thoughts, Madam Wang said, "Do you think I'm not angry? Firstly, there's no evidence, and that old hag Ma has run away again; secondly, I really don't want to cause a huge commotion. I was going to let her off this time, and she would have kept quiet from then on, but who knew she would come back to stir things up again. You saw it the other day too; if I hadn't gone a step earlier, I'm afraid Master would have beaten Baoyu to death."

As she spoke, her eyes reddened, and Madam Wang cried, "I'm almost fifty years old, and Zhu'er left so early. I only have this wretched child left by my side. I must at least see him get married and have children. After that, I will not care whether he lives or dies."

Tan Chun was filled with doubt and didn't know what to say for a moment.

Then Madam Wang said, "If it weren't for these two incidents, why would I have quarreled with Aunt Zhao? I was so angry the other day that I said such nonsensical things... My child, please don't take it seriously. I was originally thinking that after I answered correctly and Baoyu got married, I would find you a good family and even prepare your dowry."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun's eyes also reddened, and her lips parted slightly as she finally called out, "Mother." Lady Wang nodded with tears in her eyes and then embraced Tan Chun to comfort her. After a while, she called over Shi Shu to inquire about Tan Chun's condition over the past two days.

She then scolded, "It was just a thoughtless remark, but you child... Oh well, it's my fault. Go to the kitchen and order some dishes that Tan'er likes to eat. I'll have dinner in my room tonight."

Yu Chuan hurriedly agreed and went to the small kitchen to give the instructions. After a while, several maids brought three food boxes and served them to Madam Wang and Tan Chun. For a moment, the mother and daughter seemed to be in better condition than before.

After dinner, Tan Chun said she wanted to visit Aunt Zhao. Madam Wang readily agreed, saying, "Go if you want. When have I ever stopped you? You should also persuade her that even without Bao Yu, there's still Lan Ge'er. No matter what, it's not her place to worry about him!"

Tan Chun readily agreed, and upon leaving the main room, her brows furrowed again. A reconciliation? Even if the two of them acted convincingly, they both knew in their hearts that this time, a broken mirror was unlikely to be mended. Lost in thought, they entered Aunt Zhao's courtyard, where they saw Aunt Zhao and Jia Huan engrossed in their meal. The table held only four dishes: a plate of green vegetables and tofu, a plate of cold white fungus salad, a plate of braised eggplant, and the only meat dish was a small fish the size of a palm.

Jia Huan glanced at Tan Chun and said coldly, "You ungrateful wretch, you deserve it!"

Aunt Zhao raised her hand and shoved a chopstick at Jia Huan, scolding, "Stop talking nonsense, that's your sister!"

Turning her head to glance at Tan Chun, Aunt Zhao forced a smile and asked, "Have you eaten?" Before Tan Chun could reply, Aunt Zhao continued, "It's already this late, I suppose you've already eaten." She pointed at a few dishes with her chopsticks and said with a sneer, "Look at her, she's planning to starve us, mother and daughter. Ha, you haven't had it easy these past few days, have you? I told you long ago, you're my own flesh and blood, would she really treat you sincerely? She's dreaming!"

Tan Chun opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but then stopped herself.

Aunt Zhao then said, "Did you see the master today? Don't worry, this is only temporary. Once I appease the master, those servants will never dare to mistreat us again."

Tan Chun shook her head and replied, "I haven't seen him in the past two days."

Aunt Zhao frowned and muttered, "I think she's really angry this time... I'll go to Mengpo Studio again tonight."

Seeing this, Tan Chun couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, thinking to herself that her birth mother was like this, and her stepmother was like this too. She was caught in the middle and really didn't know what to do.

He immediately turned to Shishu and instructed, "Go and spend some money to order some delicious food for... Huan-ge'er."

Shi Shu agreed and turned to go to the small kitchen. Tan Chun turned back to Aunt Zhao and said, "Since there's nothing to do here for the time being, I'll head back now... Brother Yuan was looking for me just now."

Aunt Zhao waved her hand: "Go, go, you must get along well with Yuan-ge'er, he's quite capable." She opened her mouth, then glanced at Jia Huan. Aunt Zhao quickly got up and pushed Tan Chun aside, whispering in her ear: "I talked to the master about that matter last time, but he said you're still too young... Don't worry, I think it's not good for Yuan-ge'er to get married before the imperial examination. I'll talk to the master again in two years."

Tan Chun was stunned, then her cheeks flushed red. She opened her mouth as if to say something but then stopped herself. After a while, she sighed and said, "I'll go back first." Then she turned around and left with a frown.

As soon as she came out, she saw Sister Feng hurrying in. She glanced at Tan Chun and greeted her, then smiled and went to Madam Wang's room. Tan Chun was still feeling down, so she went to the Grand View Garden in silence.

On this day, Feng Jie's courtyard was bustling with activity. This was because Madam Wang had previously transferred Jin Chuan to the cloth shop that was part of her dowry, and with Cai Xia in front of her, two of the four maids were now available. Those with ulterior motives came to Feng Jie with gifts to ask for favors.

At first, Sister Feng was puzzled, but Ping'er revealed the secret, and Sister Feng suddenly realized that she had circled several maids of similar age in the register that day and then came to Madam Wang's room to ask for instructions.

As soon as Sister Feng entered the room, she showed the register to Madam Wang and said, "Madam, there are two people missing. If Madam decides which maid is good, she can give the order so that the monthly salary can be distributed next month."

If it were just Jin Chuan'er who was missing, Madam Wang might have given up. But now she only had Yu Chuan'er and Cai Yun by her side. Cai Yun often went to Aunt Zhao's courtyard, so Madam Wang picked up the register and asked about the situation of each of the maids listed.

Sister Feng was eloquent and described the maids in detail. Madam Wang pondered for a moment and then asked, "What about Danji and Tanxin?"

When Fengjie saw that both of these women were former maids of Lady Wang, she immediately knew Lady Wang's intentions. She smiled and said, "Madam is indeed good at choosing. Danji is fourteen years old, handsome, and usually cautious in his words and deeds. He can also handle matters thoroughly when given instructions. Tanxin, on the other hand, is clever and especially eloquent. It is also thanks to Madam's good eye that she chose them in advance, otherwise I would have liked to transfer them to my room."

Madam Wang laughed and said, "You have Ping'er by your side, so don't try to take her from me this time. Here's what we'll do: tomorrow you'll have Danji and Tanxin come to my room. For the first two months, they'll be paid the same as third-class maids. If they have time, they'll be promoted to second-class maids in the third month."

Sister Feng smiled and agreed.

Madam Wang then asked, "Also, how much is Aunt Zhao's and Aunt Zhou's monthly allowance now?"

Sister Feng replied, "That's the rule, two taels per person. Aunt Zhao has two taels from Brother Huan, making a total of four taels, plus four strings of cash."

After thinking for a while, Madam Wang said to Feng Jie, "Tomorrow, pick a good maid to send to the old lady to fill in for Xi Ren, and cut Xi Ren's share. Take two taels of silver and one string of cash from my monthly allowance of twenty taels of silver and give it to Xi Ren. From now on, whatever Zhao Yiniang and Zhou Yiniang have, Xi Ren will also have. Just make sure that Xi Ren's share is taken from my allowance, and we don't need to touch the official allowance."

Feng Jie was puzzled, but then she realized what was going on. Originally, Bao Yu had Qing Wen and Mei Ren, but now that they were gone, only Xi Ren was left... Tsk, Xi Ren is quite cunning. I wonder how she managed to fool her aunt. I'm afraid the old lady still considers Xi Ren one of her own.

As if afraid that Sister Feng would be suspicious, Madam Wang sighed, "These days, Xiren has been busy running around, taking care of everything, and has repeatedly advised Baoyu... How could you know how good Xiren is? She is probably ten times better than my Baoyu! Baoyu is indeed fortunate to have her serve him for a long, long time. That's enough."

Sister Feng laughed and said, "Since that's the case, let's expose her face and openly let her stay in the room, wouldn't that be better?"

Madam Wang shook her head and said, "That would be bad. First, they are both young; second, the master would not allow it; and third, Baoyu would listen to Xiren's advice even if she did something unruly because she was a maid. Now that she is his servant, Xiren will not dare to advise him as much. Let it be for now, and we can talk about it again in two or three years."

Feng Jie smiled and agreed, but as soon as she left the main room, she secretly sneered. She thought to herself that Xi Ren was trying to please both sides, thinking she had won the Madam's favor, but little did she know that the Madam's actions were meant to keep her hanging. If she was obedient, she could stay; but if she harbored resentment, Xi Ren would likely be the first to be punished before the new bride entered the house!
As soon as Sister Feng returned to her own courtyard, Ping'er hurriedly came over to fan her. Sister Feng then explained everything to her, and afterwards said, "These past two days have finally been peaceful. Remember, it's Brother Yuan's birthday, remind me to send a generous gift."

Ping'er smiled and agreed, saying, "I think Master Yuan has always respected Grandma, so I'm sure he would agree to such a small and inexpensive favor."

Sister Feng smiled and nodded, saying, "I don't even know how many times I've owed Brother Yuan. If the latex workshop project is successful, I must treat Brother Yuan to a proper banquet when I have time."

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

Grand View Garden.

Meanwhile, Tan Chun entered the garden in a state of distress. Only after being reminded by her maid did she remember Chen Siyuan's previous agreement and hurriedly went to find her sisters.

Who knew that Second Sister Yingchun also got her period in the afternoon; Xing Xiuyan was discussing the continuation of the story with Daiyu and had no heart for playing around; Sister Bao went to the small courtyard in the northeast to accompany Aunt Xue; Fourth Sister Xichun wanted to go, but she had eaten too much watermelon because she was greedy for coolness and was having an upset stomach.

Tan Chun was both amused and exasperated. After going around in circles, she had no choice but to go back to Qingtang Thatched Cottage to return to Chen Siyuan by herself.

As you walk along the path, you can hear laughter and cheerful voices coming from the thatched cottage. When you reach the courtyard, a shuttlecock suddenly flies out and hits Tan Chun on the head by sheer coincidence.

"Ouch!" It didn't hurt, but Tan Chun was startled.

A young maid named Yunxiang ran out from inside and, upon seeing Tanchun, hurriedly asked, "Did you hit the Third Miss?"

Tan Chun smiled and waved her hand: "It's nothing, I was just startled."

As they were talking, Chen Siyuan, Xiangling, Hongyu and others came out to greet them. Chen Siyuan was dressed in short clothes, with a thin jacket on top and trousers rolled up to his knees.

Tan Chun blushed after just one glance and laughed, "Brother Yuan is really too... carefree."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "It's hot, and we might lose our composure."

Tan Chun then said, "I just got back and wandered around for a while. All my sisters and cousins ​​were busy, so I came to let Brother Yuan know. Perhaps we can get together again tomorrow when we're free?"

Chen Siyuan said, "That's alright... It's quite a coincidence, I just finished writing a piece of calligraphy this afternoon, and I was just about to ask my third sister for her opinion."

Tan Chun smiled and said, "Brother Yuan's calligraphy has already captured five-tenths of the essence of Liu Gongquan's style, and he must have made further progress."

Chen Siyuan stepped aside and invited, "That's hard to say. Let's see what you think first, Third Sister."

“Okay,” Tan Chun readily agreed.

As everyone entered the main room, Chen Siyuan said, "The calligraphy is on the desk in the study. Third Sister, take a look first. I'll go change my clothes."

Tan Chun agreed and stepped into the study, where she indeed saw a piece of calligraphy on the desk. She leaned over to take a look and saw that it read: "Heaven and earth are the furnace, and people are the charcoal; only by understanding one's mind and seeing one's true nature can one attain coolness."

Tan Chun was intelligent and immediately recognized that this was meant to persuade and guide.

Heaven and earth are the furnace, and people are the charcoal… Indeed, isn't the Rongguo Mansion now a giant furnace? Tan Chun is caught in the middle, roasted until she's charred on the outside and tender on the inside, truly at a loss for what to do. And looking at the second half of the sentence, this seemingly simple statement about understanding one's true nature is far from easy.
Tan Chun stared blankly at the calligraphy, lost in thought. Chen Siyuan, having changed his clothes, came over and, seeing this, waved his hand to send the maids, including Shi Shu, away. He then walked to Tan Chun's side and asked, "How is it?"

Tan Chun snapped out of her daze and quickly exclaimed, "Of course it's excellent! Brother Yuan has indeed made great progress."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Third sister understands calligraphy, but I wonder if she understands the meaning between the lines?"

Tan Chun shook her head with a wry smile: "I'm confused right now."

Chen Siyuan then pondered, "People's hearts... are separated by their bellies. Since they are separated by their bellies, we must unite them for mutual benefit."

These words were clearly directed at Tan Chun, telling her not to expect any genuine affection from Lady Wang, as they were ultimately separated by a veil; their future relationship should be based on mutual benefit.

Tan Chun said, "Could it be... that I should pretend I know nothing, just like before?"

Chen Siyuan glanced around and saw that Shishu, Hongyu, and the others were all keeping their distance. He then pulled Tanchun to sit down and said in a low voice, "The world is vast, but rules are paramount. Since Madam is the legal mother, Third Sister should just follow the rules and pay her respects to her mother morning and evening. As for Aunt Zhao's outrageous behavior, Third Sister should advise her privately in the future. In this way, you can maintain the mother-daughter relationship in public and have a clear conscience at home. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Tan Chun frowned and said, "It's not that easy—"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Could it be that Third Sister thinks... you only became Third Miss because of Madam?"

Tan Chun shook her head in distress, and after a long while said, "Now I only envy men like Brother Yuan who are upright and indomitable."

"Haha—" Chen Siyuan laughed heartily, and then said, "What my third sister envies is not being a man, but that I can say no to the rules."

Tan Chun thought about it and realized that this was indeed the case.

Chen Siyuan continued, "Why doesn't Third Sister think about how I acted when I first came to Rongguo Mansion?"

Tan Chun immediately remembered that Chen Siyuan had a major falling out with the Xue family as soon as he entered the mansion. At that time, Chen Siyuan was still a commoner, yet he managed to force the Xue family to apologize and apologize, and even sent Xiangling over.

Yes, now that Chen Siyuan has a different position and different abilities, he is naturally qualified to say no to those outdated rules and regulations; but when he first arrived, didn't he also act according to the rules?

As long as she acts properly and doesn't give others a reason to take advantage of her, who in this family can do anything to Tan Chun?

Just then, Chen Siyuan said, "In my heart, I think that my third sister has always had a heroic spirit. If an ordinary man had such spirit, he could become a hero in chaotic times and a powerful minister in prosperous times. Think about Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Guangwu, and Emperor Zhangwu of the Han Dynasty. How did their circumstances compare to my third sister's when they were young? And what happened to them afterward?"

"

After a pause, Chen Siyuan said solemnly, "Your family background is nothing but an empty title; your character and abilities are the true foundation of your third sister."

Meeting Chen Siyuan's hopeful gaze, Tan Chun's heart surged with excitement, and the suppressed passion in her heart instantly soared to the top of her head!

Tan Chun stood up abruptly, her worries vanishing completely. She curtsied respectfully and then said solemnly, "I have learned a lot! Thank you for your guidance, Brother Yuan. Now that my confusion is gone, I know how to act in the future."

Chen Siyuan smiled and nodded: "You are a promising young man."

Tan Chun smiled and pointed to the calligraphy, saying, "I wonder if Brother Yuan could give me this calligraphy as a gift?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "It was originally written for my third sister, so it should be given to her."

He immediately rose, rolled up the calligraphy, and handed it to Tan Chun. Tan Chun held it in her arms as if it were a precious treasure, then curtsied and said, "I won't say anything more. Brother Yuan, please rest and see how I will act in the future."

Chen Siyuan smiled and nodded, but inwardly he was uneasy, wondering if he had gone too far with his energy. Looking at Tan Chun's appearance... she was practically ready to hack her way from the front street of Ningrong to the back street with a watermelon knife!

(End of this chapter)