Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 266 Celebrating Birthday and Intending to Take a Concubine (Second Update, Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Meanwhile, Chen Siyuan and Feng Jie came from behind, and Hongyu, worried about them, followed along.

Old Madam Ye was in charge of the laundry room, which was located in the northwest corner of the Rongguo Mansion. The Grand View Garden was separated from the servants' quarters by an inner wall. Although there was a west corner gate for passage, it was separated by water, making it very inconvenient to pass through. So the group of people came out through the back gate and wandered around before finally arriving at their destination.

From afar, Chen Siyuan could see the incessant commotion inside. Tan Chun, her face ashen, stared at the group of old women. Old Ye Ma, covering her face, lay on her side on the ground, crying and screaming, throwing a tantrum. Shi Shu, despite her young age, kept chattering away, leaving the group of old women speechless.

"...What a coincidence? Where do all these coincidences come from? The other day it was Auntie's skirt that got ruined from washing, yesterday it was Third Master Huan's clothes that got a hole from scrubbing, and now it's our young lady's skirt that's ruined. Tell me, why can't other people's clothes be ruined by washing, but ours are ruined?"

One of the old women said evasively, "If clothes are washed too many times, they might not be able to withstand being scrubbed again..."

Shi Shu reached out and grabbed the half-dry clothes, throwing them directly at the old woman, saying, "Come here, come here, scrub another hole in them and let me see!"

The old woman was at a loss for words when someone with sharp eyes spotted Sister Feng approaching and quickly exclaimed, "Second Mistress is here!"

The surroundings fell silent instantly.

Tan Chun turned her head to look, and Feng Jie and Chen Siyuan had already arrived.

Sister Feng reached out and pulled Tan Chun, scolding her, "Why are you so angry?"

Tan Chun quickly said, "I've tolerated it twice, but I really can't stand this filth today."

"Then you should just find me or Ping'er. Why bother arguing with such a good-for-nothing?"

Cui Mo said from the side, "Our young lady went to look for them, but unfortunately, neither Second Mistress nor Sister Ping'er are there."

Feng Jie muttered, "Where did that little hussy Ping'er go again?" After a pause, she patted Tan Chun's hand and said, "Third sister, just leave it to me to handle. A young lady like you who is not yet married is not good at dealing with this kind of thing."

Tan Chun quickly thanked her, saying, "Thank you so much, Second Sister-in-law."

"It's only right that this is the case. It's my fault for not managing the household well." Feng Jie glanced at Tan Chun, then looked at Old Ye, who was rolling around on the ground, and sneered, "What, are you going to lie down and answer questions just because I'm here?"

Startled, Old Mrs. Ye quickly scrambled to her feet and said aggrievedly, "Second Grandmother, it's really..."

Sister Feng just snorted coldly, and Old Madam Ye immediately lowered her head in embarrassment, not daring to say a word.

Leaving aside how Sister Feng disciplined the old women in the laundry room, let's talk about how Chen Siyuan greeted Tan Chun, and the two of them walked together along the alley towards the back gate of the Grand View Garden.

Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment and then comforted her, "Third sister, there's no need to be upset—"

Before she could finish speaking, Tan Chun blinked, her icy expression softened, and she smiled, saying, "Thank you, Brother Yuan. I wasn't really angry just now."

Chen Siyuan tilted his head and glanced at him, then exclaimed in admiration, "Good, you are a promising young man."

Tan Chun let out a sigh of relief and said, "I'm always so hesitant and indecisive, it's really not pleasant. Now, I'm learning from Brother Yuan's example, throwing a punch to avoid a hundred punches, it's truly exhilarating. From now on, I won't rely on anyone, I'll just speak based on reason, and no one will be able to find fault with me!"

As they were talking, they had already entered the Grand View Garden. Chen Siyuan pondered for a while, and seeing that no one was around, he whispered to Tan Chun, "Third sister is certainly capable of doing things this way... but if an honest official wants to outmaneuver a corrupt official, he must be a few times more cunning than the corrupt official."

Third sister, remember this: methods are just methods; success is what matters. Before you act, distinguish friend from foe, minimize the enemy's numbers, and maximize your own. With that, you'll be invincible; how could you possibly fail?

Tan Chun was in high spirits at this moment. Although she nodded and remembered the reasoning, she did not think about it carefully. Instead, she smiled and talked about the birth of their child the day after tomorrow. The two talked all the way, but because it was getting late, Chen Siyuan had to return to the new house, so they parted ways.

Without further ado, it's already May 13th.

Early that morning, Chen Siyuan changed into a new sky-blue outfit, went first to the courtyard to burn incense and pray, and then went to pay his respects to the elders. Leaving aside Madam Xing and Madam Wang, Grandmother Jia, unusually, had a kind expression on her face, smiled and said a few words to him before dismissing him.

Just as Chen Siyuan was about to return to Qingtang Thatched Cottage, Xiangyun caught up with him.

Seeing the little girl biting her lower lip and frowning, Chen Siyuan asked in surprise, "What's wrong, Sister Yun?"

Xiangyun pouted and remained silent. Cuilu, who was standing to the side, said, "Master Yuan, you don't know, but yesterday afternoon the Marquis's mansion sent a message saying that they would be taking the young lady back to the mansion soon."

The Emperor has returned to the capital, and news of what happened at Tiewang Mountain has spread. Remembering Xiangyun's hasty engagement, and now that Marquis Baoling wants to take her back... It seems the historians are trying to distance themselves from the Jia family.

However, Xiangyun was still young, and all she wanted to do was play with her brothers and sisters. Hearing Cuilu's words, tears welled up in her eyes. Just then, Sister Bao came from the direction of Xiaoxiang Pavilion and saw this scene. She quickly stepped forward and asked, "What's wrong?"

Cuilu had no choice but to repeat herself. Baochai quickly wiped away Xiangyun's tears and instructed her, "Don't let anyone see this. If you tell your second aunt later, it will cause more trouble."

Xiangyun nodded silently, first giving a Zhongjing crown to Chen Siyuan, then taking Baochai's hand and saying, "Sister Bao, you must think of me. You should also mention it to Second Brother Bao later, and think about bringing me back."

Baochai was both amused and exasperated, and had no choice but to agree. Later, the steward's wife from the Shi family came to urge her, and Xiangyun reluctantly let go. Baochai then went to the front to see her off, but that's another story.

Chen Siyuan stood at a distance, watching Baochai and Xiangyun leave the garden. He was quite puzzled, because he still didn't know which family Xiangyun was engaged to.

Never mind, I'll ask Sister Bao later, and I'm sure I'll get a clear answer.

Just as he was about to turn around and take a step, he suddenly heard someone call out from behind: "Brother Yuan."

Chen Siyuan turned his head and saw the second young lady approaching with a smile.

"Second sister." Chen Siyuan dared not be negligent and quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

Yingchun quickly approached, curtsied to Chen Siyuan, and stood up, smiling, saying, "You know I can't go out these days, so I won't join in the fun this time." As she spoke, she reached out to Siqi beside her, who then presented a small bundle with a mournful expression. Yingchun took it and handed it to Chen Siyuan, saying, "I didn't know what to give, so I made a pair of official boots for Brother Yuan, hoping that Brother Yuan will rise to prominence in the future."

Chen Siyuan naturally thanked her. The second young lady, Yingchun, didn't linger after presenting her congratulatory gift; she exchanged a few words and then led Siqi back home.

Chen Siyuan found it quite strange... After that incident, Yingchun should have been somewhat awkward around him, but after several visits, she seemed perfectly normal. He wondered if the second young lady was just dull-witted... or if she was simply hiding her true feelings.

Since things are unclear, let's not think about them for now. Seeing that it was getting late, Chen Siyuan decided not to delay any longer and returned to Qingtang Thatched Cottage. He then led Xiangling, Hongyu, Wu'er, Yunxiang, and others to the new house by carriage.

When the group arrived at the new house, Third Sister and Qingwen warmly greeted them. Qingwen especially liked Xiangling's personality, so she hugged her arm and chattered on and on.

After Xiangling and the others went to their rooms to settle in, Sister You San asked Chen Siyuan, "Brother, did you give Jiang Wu some instructions a few days ago?"

"That is true," Chen Siyuan replied.

Sister You's expression turned strange for a moment, then she said, "Jiang Wu has replied... Never mind, let's ask him to come."

Chen Siyuan agreed, and soon brought Jiang Wu in. Jiang Wu entered, bowed and scraped, and then said something that left Chen Siyuan speechless!

For the past two days, Master Jia Zheng hadn't missed a single day at Biandan Alley. Jiang Wu, after asking around among the old women, learned that the house there was newly rented, and the inhabitants were none other than Fu Tongpan's younger sister—Fu Qiufang!

This is truly... a pear tree in full bloom overshadowing a crabapple tree; Lord Zheng may be old, but his heart is still young!

Chen Siyuan stood there stunned for a moment, then sighed inwardly: Good heavens, Master Zheng really did keep a mistress, and it was Fu Qiufang at that. Thinking about it this way, Madam Wang probably wouldn't care, but Aunt Zhao would probably be furious… No, that's not right. If Fu Qiufang behaved herself as a mistress, Madam Wang would probably turn a blind eye. But if Fu Qiufang wanted to enter the Rongguo Mansion, Madam Wang would definitely take drastic measures.

This matter may seem irrelevant to him for the time being, but who knows if such changes will affect him in the future?
What will happen next remains to be seen; let's wait and see.

Chen Siyuan encouraged Jiang Wu and gave him a string of cash as a reward. Jiang Wu was so happy that he bowed repeatedly before happily leaving.

As soon as he left, Sister You frowned and said, "I've heard that Master Zheng is extremely upright, so how come he would keep a mistress?"

Chen Siyuan was both amused and exasperated, and said, "That's hard to say... Perhaps she was just feeling really frustrated, which is why she fell for the honey trap?"

Sister You pursed her lips and said, "Everyone says the Ningguo Mansion is absurd, but I think the Rongguo Mansion is no less so. Oh well, it has nothing to do with us anyway. I'll go see if the opera troupe has arrived yet."

Chen Siyuan sat idly for a while, when Xia Zhu came to report: "Master, the eldest mistress of Rongguo Mansion has arrived first with Lan Ge'er."

"Oh?" Chen Siyuan dared not delay and hurriedly went to the ceremonial gate to greet him.

At this moment, Li Wan and Jia Lan had already gotten off the carriage. Jia Lan was pointing to a small private school next to the main gate and talking to Li Wan.

Chen Siyuan stepped forward to greet them, and Li Wan laughed and said, "The rest of them are still behind. I told Feng Jie'er to come ahead with Lan Ge'er."

This was to be expected; Li Wan probably also wanted to meet the old scholar who taught Jia Lan. Chen Siyuan spoke a few words with Li Wan, then found Jiang Wu and invited the tutor out.

The private tutor was nearly sixty years old, with a lean and refined appearance, and he was very methodical in his actions. Li Wan only had to say a few words to him before she secretly admired him.

After turning away from the private tutor and entering the ceremonial gate with Chen Siyuan, Li Wan said gratefully, "Thanks to Brother Yuan, Mr. Feng seems very capable, and Lan'er has made great progress in her studies these days."

Chen Siyuan said, "Of course. If it weren't for my sister-in-law's help last time, the latex business would have been quite difficult."

Li Wan laughed and said, "It's a mutually beneficial thing to do. Brother Yuan makes it sound like you're taking advantage of me... In fact, it's me who owes Brother Yuan a lot."

Jia Lan chimed in, "My mother was grateful to Uncle Yuan and secretly made the Three-Ingredient Buns twice, but they never quite tasted quite right, so she didn't send them to him."

Chen Siyuan's mouth watered immediately, and he said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, you have this skill? I really want to try it."

Li Wan shook her head and smiled wryly: "I can't. I haven't cooked in a long time, and I'm quite rusty now. I'll try again next time. If it tastes good, I'll send some to Brother Yuan."

Chen Siyuan smiled and agreed. Then, Sister You Er and Sister You San came to greet him. Just then, an old servant outside came to say that he had seen the Rongguo Mansion's carriages. Chen Siyuan then said goodbye to Li Wan and went outside to greet them.

In a short while, six carriages arrived at the gate.

Feng Jie and Ping'er got off the carriage first, followed by Yingying and Yanyan, who chattered away. Tan Chun, Xi Chun, Baochai, Daiyu, and Xing Xiuyan were alright, speaking softly. The remaining maids, who rarely went out, found everything fascinating, and their conversation went on and on.

Sister Feng was in a very good mood today, and upon seeing this, she smiled and scolded, "Ping'er, go and manage this, otherwise we might not be able to get in the door even after sunset."

On one side, Chen Siyuan stepped forward to greet everyone, while on the other side, Ping'er ran around, calling out to the maids twice before they finally quieted down.

Once inside the courtyard and through the ceremonial gate, the young women couldn't help but admire the residence.

Xichun, being a child, spoke without restraint, saying, "Brother Yuan, this house looks a bit small... it doesn't even look as big as the old ancestor's courtyard."

Tan Chun smiled wryly and quickly said, "Fourth Sister, please stop talking. This three-courtyard house is already quite large." Seeing Xi Chun's surprise, Tan Chun said, "Land in the capital is extremely valuable. Brother Yuan has not yet entered officialdom. Even if he has a lot of money, he cannot afford a very large house."

Xichun nodded blankly, then glanced at the side garden and immediately smiled, "There's a garden too, that's nice."

Following behind, Baochai and Daiyu walked together, chatting casually. Baochai, however, paid close attention to everything around her, finding the residence exceptionally pleasing. She secretly thought that compared to the Xue family's old residence, this place was not much different.

Xing Xiuyan walked only with Zhuan'er. This girl was always quiet and gentle, and she would only scold Zhuan'er when he was too noisy.

Because there were many people talking, Sister Feng said to Chen Siyuan, "It's rare for them to come out, so I think we shouldn't be too reserved. Why don't we go for a stroll in the side garden?"

Chen Siyuan readily agreed, and then You Erjie, You Sanjie, and Qingwen led everyone to stroll in the side garden.

Although the scenery inside was small, it was still quite exquisite, and the group of people found it very interesting.

You Erjie was a thoughtful girl; somehow she found herself beside Baochai, being attentive and warm, answering every question. Qingwen was particularly fond of Daiyu, and Daiyu was also surprised to see Qingwen. The two of them stopped strolling and instead sat in the pavilion, chatting about what had happened since they last met. You Sanjie and Xing Xiuyan hit it off, chatting and laughing, though it was unclear what they were saying. Qiaojie and Luan'er had somehow ended up playing together. The two girls were only a year or two apart and were at the age where they loved to play and make a fuss. In a moment, they left Ping'er behind and giggled as they disappeared into the flower bushes.

Chen Siyuan strolled along with his hands behind his back, a smile on his face, accompanying Feng Jie on her walk. He casually agreed, but inwardly he felt incredibly pleased... All his scheming and calculations had been worthwhile; seeing his sisters so happy and harmonious, he felt it was all worth it.

By noon, a stage had been set up in front of the main house, and two tables of food and drink were arranged in the main house, while two more tables were arranged in the side rooms.

An old woman came to inform them, and just as everyone had finished their stroll, they all headed towards the main room.

After the guests and hosts were seated, everyone presented their gifts. Li Wan, the eldest sister-in-law, presented a fan from a previous dynasty; Feng Jie presented a Western pocket watch; Baochai presented a brocade box containing a double-badger jade pendant; Lin Daiyu presented a jade clasp with a landscape painting and poem; her cousin Xing Xiuyan presented a handwritten copy of the *Taishang Dongxuan Lingbao Tianzun Shuo Jiuku Bazui Miaojing* (Scripture of the Supreme Lord of the Mysterious Cave and the Spiritual Treasure), the *Third Miss Tanchun* presented a pair of boots; and the Fourth Miss Xichun presented a handmade net.

The remaining sisters, including You Erjie, You Sanjie, Xiangling, Qingwen, and Hongyu, each gave congratulatory gifts. Since their official positions had been decided long ago, they all gave everyday needlework items. Because everyone was present, Chen Siyuan couldn't exchange glances, but secretly glanced at Baochai, his cousin, and Daiyu. After a short while, the troupe leader came in to offer his congratulations and handed over the opera script.

Since it was Chen Siyuan's birthday, he was the one who had to choose the play first. He had no interest in the Anhui Opera Troupe, so he simply handed the script to Li Wan first. However, Li Wan firmly declined to accept it, so he handed it to Feng Jie and said, "Second sister-in-law didn't get enough of it last time, so why don't you choose a few plays you like to watch this time?"

Sister Feng declined slightly, but readily agreed, ordering three plays in one go: Qingfeng Pavilion, Havoc in Heaven, and The Story of the Black Basin. Only then did she hand the playbook to Sister Bao.

The plays were performed one after another, and in no time more than a dozen plays had been selected. Seeing that Xichun still wanted to select more exciting ones, Sister Feng quickly said with a smile, "Fourth Sister, please stop now. These dozen or so plays will probably be performed until dark."

Xichun pouted and said, "We've finally come out, so we should enjoy ourselves to the fullest... I think Brother Yuan's house is quite spacious, so why don't we stay here and go back tomorrow?"

Tan Chun immediately poked Xi Chun with her finger: "Fourth Sister, stop talking nonsense."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Didn't you say a while ago that you wanted to start a poetry club? If you ask me, starting a poetry club doesn't have to be limited to poetry. Today we can play handball, tomorrow we can watch a play, and the day after we can drink and compose poems together. Wouldn't that be great?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Tan Chun and Xi Chun, the two younger girls, clapped their hands in praise, and even Dai Yu and Bao Chai were quite moved. Feng Jie was still watching the play intently when Li Wan said, "The weather is hot now, so even if we start a social gathering, it will be better to wait until autumn."

The sisters all agreed that this made sense, so they decided to start the society again after July.

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

The Chen family's new residence was filled with laughter and joy, while the Rongguo Mansion presented a completely different scene.

The cicadas were chirping noisily. Baoyu lay on the bed, lost in thought. He was unable to walk properly and couldn't fall asleep. He had nothing to do when he was awake, and he was truly bored.

Xiren sat down on a stool beside the bed, making a knot in her hand; Mushe sat by the bed, fanning Baoyu.

Baoyu was really annoyed and couldn't help but ask, "Why haven't my elder sister and younger sister come today?"

Xiren glanced at them but remained silent. Then Mushe smiled and said, "Today is the birthday of Master Yuan. The eldest mistress and the second mistress have led the young ladies to the Chen family's new residence to offer their congratulations. They may not return until after Shenshi (3-5 PM)."

Baoyu gave a lukewarm response, but felt even more stifled.

After a while, Yu Chuan came and said that Lady Wang wanted to talk to Xi Ren. Xi Ren put down her work and followed Yu Chuan to Lady Wang's courtyard.

As soon as she reached the door, she saw Aunt Zhao rushing out. Xiren gave way slightly, and only went inside to look for her after Aunt Zhao and her maid had left.

Once inside, Madam Wang exchanged only a few ordinary words before bringing up the matter of hiring maids for Qixianzhai. Xiren was secretly delighted. Last time, her monthly allowance had increased, and now she was even discussing maid matters with her. Wasn't her position as a concubine secure?

Xiren suppressed her joy and could only nod twice. To her surprise, Madam Wang agreed to both, and decided on the replacement maids in just a few words.

Leaving that aside for now, let's talk about Aunt Zhao. She led Little Magpie and Little Lucky to the ceremonial gate in a hurry. The old woman guarding the gate chattered on for a while, and Aunt Zhao stingily handed over a few dozen coins before she could talk to her brother Zhao Guoji through the ceremonial gate.

For several days in a row, Master Jia Zheng returned home late, and even when he did, he only went to Mengpo Studio. Madam Wang didn't pay much attention to him, but Aunt Zhao took it to heart.

She knew in her heart that, in the end, all she could rely on was the favoritism of her husband, Jia Zheng. If Jia Zheng grew tired of her, the old lady would probably ignore her as well.

Two days ago, Aunt Zhao had asked her brother Zhao Guoji to secretly follow Jia Zheng and see what he was doing outside every day.

The two met through the door, and Aunt Zhao asked anxiously, "What did you see?"

Zhao Guoji stammered, "I did see it... but... sister, you'd better not ask."

Although Aunt Zhao was usually clueless, she was remarkably accurate when it came to such matters. She immediately frowned and asked, "Did she go to a brothel, or did she keep a vixen?"

Zhao Guoji sighed, "The master rented a house in Biandan Hutong, and Magistrate Fu's sister moved in... sister?"

Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhao was struck dumb, swaying and nearly falling. Little Magpie and Little Lucky quickly rushed to help her. Aunt Zhao spun around for a moment, finally regaining her balance, and then anxiously asked, "You, did you see it clearly?"

Zhao Guoji said, "There's no mistake. Yesterday I saw the master's servant guarding the door from afar. I was afraid I was mistaken, so I asked around among the neighbors... Oh, sister, you should quickly go and tell the master properly, otherwise what will we do in the future?"

Aunt Zhao was so anxious that tears streamed down her face. She said, "Don't even mention being angry; I'd even kowtow and admit my mistakes, but the master won't see me now. I...I'll go talk to the madam!"

Zhao Guoji called out a few times through the door, but there was no sign of Aunt Zhao anywhere.

Aunt Zhao hurried along, and when she entered Madam Wang's courtyard, she bumped into Xiren coming out. Aunt Zhao ignored Xiren and barged straight in.

Caiyun quickly stopped her, saying, "What are you doing, Aunt?"

Aunt Zhao cried, “I’ve come looking for Madam… Good Caiyun, please tell Madam that I have something urgent to tell her.”

Caiyun agreed and went inside to inform Madam Wang. Immediately, Madam Wang glared at her and said, "How dare she show her face here?"

Caiyun dared not answer. After a moment, Madam Wang said, "Let her get in here. I want to see what she has to say!"

Caiyun agreed and turned to lead Aunt Zhao inside. As soon as Aunt Zhao entered, she knelt down in front of Madam Wang without saying a word, crying out, "Madam, it's terrible! Master has been keeping a vixen outside!"

Lady Wang was taken aback. The ice money was due to be distributed this month, but Jia Zheng hadn't yet deposited it into the public funds. Lady Wang and he had long since lost their marital bond, and they'd had a fight recently, so she hadn't questioned him. She knew Jia Zheng had been leaving early and returning late these days, assuming he was venting his anger at the brothel, but little did she know he was keeping a mistress.

After a moment's thought, Lady Wang was suddenly filled with regret! If she had known Jia Zheng's temperament, she should have found a beautiful woman to marry as his mistress. In that case, how could Aunt Zhao have been so upsetting?
Madam Wang frowned and scolded, "Stop talking nonsense! Master is just busy with official duties, how could he be keeping a vixen?"

Aunt Zhao cried, "It's true! My brother Zhao Guoji saw with his own eyes that Master went to Biandan Alley after the court session."

Madam Wang, twirling her prayer beads, felt a surge of joy and said, "Does Master need your approval to do what he wants?"

Aunt Zhao was taken aback. After a moment's thought, she roughly understood Madam Wang's intentions. Annoyed, she quickly said, "Madam, you don't know, that woman is Magistrate Fu's sister!"

Madam Wang was taken aback and asked, "Fu Qiufang?"

"Yes, yes, it is indeed Fu Qiufang. Madam, if she were a virtuous woman, I wouldn't dare come to you to complain. But the Fu family... they have ulterior motives!"

Madam Wang was immediately enraged!
Does Lady Wang not know what Fu Shicun is thinking? She has sent servants to visit him several times, and last time she even arranged a meeting with Baoyu. The two are ten years apart in age, and the Rongguo Mansion is such a prestigious family. How could they possibly find a girl ten years older than Baoyu to be their wife?
I'm afraid that Fu Shi is so obsessed with making his sister Fu Qiufang Jia Zheng's concubine that he might die of anger, and then Fu Qiufang would naturally become Jia Zheng's official wife!

Madam Wang felt a surge of anger rush to her head, just as Yu Chuan'er came from outside: "The concubine has arrived."

Madam Wang slowly released her grip on the prayer beads and said to Aunt Zhao in a nonchalant tone, "I understand, you may leave."

"Mrs?"

"Get out!"

Aunt Zhao was taken aback for a moment, then sighed and had no choice but to leave.

A moment later, Yu Chuan led Aunt Xue inside. Aunt Xue glanced back at Aunt Zhao, who was leaving dejectedly, and asked in surprise, "What is she doing here again? Sister, she seems to be upset?"

Madam Wang said coldly, "Sulking? I'm afraid this sulking will only continue in the future."

"What do you mean by that?"

Madam Wang dismissed the maid and then spoke with Aunt Xue. Although Aunt Xue was only vaguely knowledgeable about business, she was extremely adept at the power struggles within a household.

He immediately said, "That Magistrate Fu is up to no good! He's just waiting to make my sister angry so that some damned Fu Qiufang can be promoted to the official position!"

Lady Wang sighed, "Sister, what do you think I should do about this?"

Aunt Xue frowned and said, "Isn't that simple? If my brother-in-law doesn't say anything, my sister can pretend she doesn't know anything; if he does say something, then we'll make a three-point agreement: no matter what, Fu Qiufang can't be allowed into the house!"

Madam Wang hesitated, "You know that the old lady has always favored the master. If the master were to ask the old lady for permission..."

Aunt Xue thought for a moment and said, "What's so difficult about that? Fu Qiufang already has a bad reputation. If her reputation gets even worse, the old lady will care about her reputation. How could she allow such a woman to enter the family?"

Lady Wang seemed to be deep in thought. Suddenly, she remembered that when she was looking at Baoyu, the two old women from the Fu family had also looked at Chen Siyuan... This could be used as a topic of discussion.

After Aunt Xue left, Madam Wang, seeing that it was almost noon, went to Qixianzhai to see Baoyu before heading to Rongqingtang.

That day, Baoyu was unable to walk, so the rest of the family went to the Chen family's new residence. Grandmother Jia, who was used to lively gatherings, felt rather lonely at this moment.

Seeing Madam Wang arrive, he smiled and said, "What a coincidence that you've come! I've been feeling rather bored lately. It's strange, I usually find it annoying when there are too many people talking and chattering. But now that it's suddenly quiet, I feel a bit stifled."

Madam Wang smiled and said, "At your age, the old lady should be enjoying the company of her grandchildren. If it's too lonely, it will only become more boring."

Grandmother Jia nodded repeatedly, and then sent Yuanyang to the front to urge the servants to go and check on the Chen family, asking when everyone would return.

After recounting Baoyu's situation, Madam Wang changed the subject with a smile and asked, "Does Madam still remember one of Master's retainers, a man named Fu Shi?"

Grandmother Jia said, "Of course I remember. It's all thanks to your efforts, sir, that he was able to get a government position. By the way, did the Fu family send someone over a few days ago?"

Lady Wang said, "Two old women have come, saying they both serve the Fu family's daughter. The Fu family's daughter is twenty-three this year, and she's not good enough for anyone, so I don't know what she was thinking this time, that she actually came to look at Baoyu."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "It's not surprising that people from humble families would have the desire to climb the social ladder."

Madam Wang said, "What's even stranger is what happened next. It just so happened that Yuan-ge was there at that time, and those two old women kept staring at Yuan-ge and asking him all sorts of questions, which made Yuan-ge very uncomfortable."

Grandmother Jia pondered and said, "I've heard that the Fu family's daughter is also a beautiful young lady. Although she's a bit older, she's from an official family... She's quite a good match for Yuan-ge'er."

Although the old lady wished Baochai and Chen Siyuan would become a couple, she looked down on the Xue family mother and daughter, which is why she said those words.

Madam Wang said, "I'm afraid that the Fu family girl has really developed feelings for him... I won't have the face to talk to Yuan-ge'er about it then."

Grandmother Jia took it as a joke and said with a smile, "Why would we need you? I'm afraid the Fu family will find someone eloquent to run errands for us."

Lady Wang had already put out a lot of trouble, and then chatted with Grandmother Jia for a long time before finally taking her leave at dinner time.

Just then, another servant came back and forth, saying that the young ladies were having a lively time and would probably be a little late returning.

When it was past mid-Shenshi (3-5 PM), Jia Zheng came to inquire about my well-being.

After the mother and son exchanged a few ordinary words, Jia Zheng became restless, his face showing a mixture of unease and hesitation.

No one knows a son better than his mother, so Grandmother Jia asked, "Does Master have something to say?"

"This... I am ashamed, but there is indeed something I need to discuss with my mother."

Grandmother Jia nodded and dismissed the maids. Only then did Jia Zheng hesitate and say, "I am truly unfilial for causing Mother such concern for my bedroom affairs."

Grandmother Jia sighed, "I told you back then that Aunt Zhao's future would be uncertain, but you took a fancy to her looks and insisted on making her your concubine. Now you're reaping what you sowed."

Jia Zheng nodded with a sigh, and said, "These past few days, my son has been in a bad mood. Every day after work, he would drink with his colleagues to relieve his frustration... Who would have thought that he would lose his temper while drunk and ruin his daughter's reputation."

As he spoke, Jia Zheng blushed deeply with embarrassment.

Grandmother Jia frowned slightly and asked, "Which family's daughter is she? She can't be a courtesan, can she?"

"No, no," Jia Zheng hurriedly replied, then stammered, "It's...it's the younger sister of my retainer, Fu Shi."

Grandmother Jia was immediately astonished: "Fu Qiufang?"

(End of this chapter)