Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 282 Sangjian Pushang
Grandmother Jia smiled stiffly, but inwardly she felt bitter.

Having overheard those rumors, the old lady assumed that she and Madam Wang were still exchanging barbs from afar as usual, and simply ignored them, assuming that Madam Wang had no other recourse.

Unexpectedly, Lady Wang, now wielding immense power, grew increasingly arrogant, and now she was directly confronting Lady Jia. The veiled criticism had already been mentioned earlier, but Lady Jia was truly at a loss for words.

If you say Lady Wang is wrong, then what about you keeping Baoyu in your room? If you remain silent, what if you spoil your great-grandson Jia Lan?

She glanced at Li Wan, who was staring at her expectantly... Oh right, there was also her granddaughter-in-law, Li Shi. Without Lan Ge'er by her side, what if she became worried and ruined her health? How would she explain that to Li Shouzhong?

Grandmother Jia was at a loss for words and said, "Madam has to manage household affairs, how can she have time to raise Lan-ge?"

Madam Wang smiled and said, "As you know, Madam, Feng'er is handling all the affairs now. I'm just helping to make decisions; how much effort can I possibly put in?"

Grandmother Jia smiled and nodded, then quickly looked at Wang Xifeng. Wang Xifeng was in a dilemma. Everyone knew that Madam Wang was in power now, and she was already trying to get closer to her. What was she supposed to do by jumping in and interfering? But since the old lady had pointed her out, she couldn't stay silent. After thinking it over, she could only try to remain calm.

So he laughed and said, "Madam is really lazy, leaving all the household chores to me while she hides in the back enjoying her retirement. I can't do this anymore. Why can't I take a break?"

To everyone's surprise, Madam Wang said, "Everyone in this household can slack off, but you, Feng'er, cannot."

The implication is that since the title belongs to the eldest son's family and Jia Lian is the heir, it is only natural that Feng Jie, as the second mistress, would manage the household affairs.

Upon hearing Madam Wang's words, Feng Jie was immediately silenced. Madam Wang implied that the Rongguo Mansion would eventually be handed over to Feng Jie, and no matter how much Feng Jie tried to argue, she couldn't say anything.

She smiled and playfully scolded, "Alright, alright, who told me I'm the youngest among all the wives? I'm just hoping that Brother Bao will get married soon, so that I can hide in the back and enjoy a peaceful life after my sister-in-law is married."

Everyone inside burst into laughter, except for Li Wan, who almost cried.

Grandmother Jia continued, “It is a good thing that Madam wants to raise Lan’er. However, Lan’er seems very ambitious now, and his granddaughter-in-law, Li, has raised him very well. Is it not appropriate to move him like this?”

Madam Wang laughed and said, "Old Madam, you seem to have forgotten about Zhu-ge'er. Don't underestimate me just because I'm uneducated; when it comes to raising children, I'm quite particular. I guarantee that Lan-ge'er will be well-behaved here with me." She paused, then said to Li Wan, "Don't be reluctant to part with him. Even if Lan-ge'er comes to my room, will he not recognize you as his mother? Besides, he'll only be resting in my room every night; otherwise, he'll be just like everyone else."

Li Wan forced back her distraught voice and said, "Madam, I..."

Before she could finish speaking, Madam Wang interrupted, "I know what you're saying even if you don't tell me. Over the years, you've been raising Lan-ge'er on one hand and teaching your three younger sisters on the other. You must have been working too hard. You should take this opportunity to rest for a while... As for me, I'm just doing this on a whim. I might get tired of it and quit in a while."

Grandmother Jia then said, "That's settled then. If Lan-ge'er is uncomfortable, let him go back to Li-shi's room to be raised."

Madam Wang scolded, "Look at you all, it seems the old lady doesn't believe I can raise Lan-ge'er well. Fine, I don't believe it. You could raise Zhu-ge'er well before, but now you can't raise Lan-ge'er well?"

The two exchanged a glance and burst into laughter. Feng Jie smiled and glanced at Li Wan, only to see that Li Wan looked miserable and tried to speak several times, but could not utter a word.

Filial piety is of paramount importance. Now that the mother-in-law, Madam Wang, has spoken, what can this widowed daughter-in-law possibly say?

Afterwards, the Rongqing Hall was filled with laughter and conversation, and the matter was never mentioned again. Li Wan was completely distraught, and in her daze, she felt as if Lan Ge'er had left her. It wasn't until the maid Su Yun gently nudged her that she saw a maid bring a food box, and Madam Wang and the others were getting up to take their leave.

Li Wan also rose, bowed, and took her leave. As she rose, she glanced at Grandmother Jia. The old lady merely frowned and sighed, her meaning clear without a word, showing that she too was powerless to do anything this time.

Li Wan was filled with grief and indignation. She was like a walking corpse, and was helped out of Rongqing Hall by two maids. Once inside the Grand View Garden, Su Yun said, "Madam, you must hold on. Didn't you hear what the old lady said? If anything happens to Lan Ge'er, you will have to raise him yourself."

Biyue also said, "This is easy. Why don't we have Lan'er deliberately fall behind in his studies? Then the old lady will have an excuse to resolve this matter."

Li Wan's eyes were already red, and she shook her head repeatedly with tears in her eyes, saying, "No, no!"

Firstly, she feared that Jia Lan was too young and would neglect his studies, thus becoming just another ordinary person; secondly, she feared that if Lady Wang had indeed committed a heinous act, and if anything happened to Lan-ge'er, it wouldn't necessarily cost him his life, but would only damage his reputation, leaving him with no future.

Suyun and Biyue discussed it again, but after thinking it over, they still couldn't come up with a good idea. So Suyun said, "Why don't you go and ask Master Yuan for advice, Grandma?"

Li Wan shook her head to herself. She felt sad and thought she was an unlucky person who had dragged Chen Siyuan down several times. Last time, she almost killed him and he was still injured. How could she dare to trouble him now?

Furthermore, Li Wan had developed feelings for him and naturally didn't want Chen Siyuan to see her in such a disheveled state. She wanted them to be true friends, their feelings expressed but kept within the bounds of propriety, rather than relying on each other in every way as if they had ulterior motives.

Su Yun, unaware of Li Wan's thoughts, said anxiously, "What are you still worried about, Madam? If we don't ask Master Yuan for advice, Lan'er might be taken to Madam's room by tomorrow!"

Biyue also said, "That's right! Besides, it's not like Master Yuan needs to do anything, it's just a matter of talking, so it shouldn't delay the injury."

Su Yun then said, "You help Grandma back first, I'll go to Qingtang Thatched Cottage."

Having said that, he turned away from Li Wan and headed towards the thatched cottage. Li Wan turned and reached out her hand, opening her mouth but ultimately saying nothing.

Biyue helped Li Wan up and said, "Grandma, let's go back first... I don't know how to tell Lan-ge'er later."

Li Wan nodded silently, frowning as she walked slowly, her heart filled with unease. She hoped that Chen Siyuan would indeed have a plan to turn the situation around, but she was also afraid that she would drag him down again this time.

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

Leaving aside Li Wan's return to Daoxiang Village with heavy thoughts, let's talk about what's happening now in the thatched cottage of Qingtang. Xiangling and Wu'er are carefully changing Chen Siyuan's gauze.

Outside, only Madam Xing and two maids were waiting. Madam Xing glanced at them through the gauze curtain and immediately swallowed hard. Because the little thief was injured, Madam Xing hadn't tasted meat for quite some time.

Tiao'er, standing beside her, stole glances at Miao'er, who was pouting and feeling incredibly annoyed. Miao'er would occasionally glance at Hongyu, who was leaning on her cane, and she was seething with hatred.

Miao'er had intended to stay here permanently while the maids were scarce, but after only two or three days, Hongyu returned in a hurry, dragging her injured leg. Just now, that little hussy Tiao'er stirred things up again, so Madam Xing ordered her to return to the east wing.

"Alright, the old man's shoulder has scabbed over again. It seems that the penicillin really worked!"

Upon hearing the sound, Madam Xing turned into the side room and said with a smile, "Amitabha, he's finally getting better. If he hadn't gotten better, I would have begged the master to fetch the imperial physician."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Aunt."

Xiangling moved a stool over, and Madam Xing sat down, smiling as she said, "If I don't care or trouble myself, who will? You're heartless to talk like that."

Chen Siyuan smiled but remained silent. Madam Xing then asked, "Who came to see everyone today?"

Hongyu, who was standing nearby, said, "Reporting to Madam, only Miss Bao and Miss Biao came by and left after sitting for a while. However, Fourth Miss stayed for quite a while in the afternoon and even learned a tune."

Madam Xing asked, "Didn't Zhu's daughter-in-law send anyone?"

Hongyu shook her head and said, "Madam had to take care of Lan-ge'er and the three young ladies, so she must have been extremely tired these past few days. Hearing that Master is better, she stopped sending food boxes every other day."

Madam Xing felt a little relieved, realizing that she had been overthinking things. Li Wan was always as lifeless as a withered tree; how could she possibly have any dealings with a petty thief?

Just as he was pondering this, Yunxiang called out from outside, "Master, Sister Suyun is here!"

Not to mention Madam Xing, even Chen Siyuan was astonished. Li Wan hadn't sent any food boxes for several days, so why did she send Suyun to deliver them again?

Seeing the suspicious look in Madam Xing's eyes, Chen Siyuan said, "Perhaps something is wrong?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Xiangling came out to greet Suyun and led her inside. Chen Siyuan glanced at her and saw that Suyun's brows were furrowed and her face was full of worry. He knew in his heart that something was indeed wrong.

Su Yun stepped forward to greet him, and seeing that Madam Xing was also there, she hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't. Then, remembering that the First Madam was Master Yuan's aunt, and that there was no need to hide the matter, she pleaded, "Master Yuan, our grandmother didn't want me to come, so I've come myself to beg you. Please, Master Yuan, for the sake of our past relationship, do us the best to help our grandmother this time!"

Seeing how serious the situation sounded, Chen Siyuan asked in surprise, "Don't panic, tell me what happened?"

Su Yun was quick-witted and immediately recounted the events that had transpired at Rongqing Hall.

Chen Siyuan was stunned upon hearing this. He thought Lady Wang was just making a veiled attack, but who knew she would actually keep Jia Lan in her room? Had Lady Wang gone mad?

Madam Xing was slightly taken aback, then her face hardened and she said, "Sister-in-law is already this old, and you haven't even properly raised Baoyu. How can you expect to raise Lan'er?"

The remaining Xiangling, Hongyu, Wu'er, and the others were all taken aback, exchanging glances, unsure of what to say.

Chen Siyuan frowned and pondered for a moment before asking, "What did the old lady say?"

Su Yun sighed and, after some thought, repeated what Grandmother Jia had said. Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment and immediately had an idea, but this idea needed to be discussed with someone beforehand. So he said to Su Yun, "I understand. Sister, go and tell your sister-in-law that there's no need to worry about this matter; I have a solution."

Su Yun was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Really?"

Hongyu chuckled and said, "If you don't trust my master, why bother asking for advice?"

Su Yun quickly smiled and said, "I misspoke in my haste. In that case, I'll go and tell Grandma right away!"

Chen Siyuan smiled and nodded, and Xiangling escorted Suyun out.

Seeing Madam Xing scrutinizing him with a strange look, Chen Siyuan didn't respond. He simply told everyone, "You may all step back. I need to have a private conversation with my aunt."

Wu'er agreed, helped Hongyu up, and left the room with Miao'er and Tiao'er.

There were only Chen Siyuan and Madam Xing inside. Madam Xing sneered, "He only borrowed money once, and he almost lost his life. Why are you helping Zhu Ge's daughter-in-law? Tell me, are you up to something again?"

Chen Siyuan feigned surprise, but inwardly he was horrified. He thought to himself that even a woman like Madam Xing, who sometimes made foolish mistakes, could see something was amiss. How could someone as clever as Sister Bao possibly hide it from him? He had to be more careful in the future, or one wrong move could lead to total defeat.

He immediately said, "Tsk, I was thinking of you, and you don't appreciate my kindness, but why are you turning around and biting me?"

"Pah! You're the dog!" Madam Xing spat, then remembered that she had indeed bitten Chen Siyuan when they were passionate, and her pretty face immediately turned red. She quickly covered it up, saying, "I didn't know you had ever thought of me!"

Chen Siyuan sighed and said, "If I don't help you, I'm afraid you'll be sold out and still have to pay the seller some money!"

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "Grandmother Jia is indeed getting old. Although she's become more shrewd, she's less adaptable. If Lady Wang wants to raise Jia Lan, let her do it. She's already enjoying her grandchildren; shouldn't the management of the household... be changed?"

Chen Siyuan had originally planned to instigate a conflict between Feng Jie and Lady Wang, but then he thought again that although Feng Jie was shrewish, she was also short-sighted. She had previously clung to Grandmother Jia's coattails, and now that Lady Wang had taken power, she was even thinking of siding with Lady Wang—she probably didn't even understand herself… She was the eldest son's daughter-in-law!
Not to mention that the aunt and niece were not very close to begin with, even if they had always been close, so what? Because of this matter of managing the household, Sister Feng should not have stood with Madam Wang!
The current arrangement of the second branch of the family in charge of the household is merely a temporary measure because the old lady is still alive. Once the old lady is gone, what good will it do for Madam Wang, who has the Wang family as her backing and Yuan Chun as her support? Unless she kills all the male members of the first branch, how can she possibly control the Rongguo Mansion?
However, given their casual acquaintance, Chen Siyuan couldn't speak so frankly with Feng Jie. The best course of action now would be to have Madam Xing challenge Madam Wang. The eldest and second wives' families were bound to fight sooner or later anyway, so it was better to have Madam Xing step forward while the old lady was still alive.

Given Madam Wang's current power, the old lady might actually side with Madam Xing.

So Chen Siyuan beckoned, and when Madam Xing came close, he whispered something in her ear.

Madam Xing was first taken aback, then overjoyed! When she looked at Chen Siyuan, her eyes immediately became alluring.

Madam Xing was never one to be easy to deal with. In previous years, she had been single-mindedly saving money for her third sister's dowry, which caused her to have some unpleasantness with the housekeeper, Sister Feng. Now that her third sister was married, she had also saved some money for her younger brother Xing Dequan's betrothal gifts.

With the monthly income from Baicaotang, Madam Xing was not short of money, so her ambitions naturally grew. In her view, although she was a second wife, she was still the principal wife of the first wife with an imperial title. Moreover, she was much younger than Madam Wang, so the job of managing the household should fall on her own shoulders, why should it be kept in the hands of her sister-in-law from the second wife's side?

In her earlier years, Madam Xing had caused some trouble, but she was always dealt with badly by the combined efforts of the old lady and Madam Wang. She didn't dare to argue with the old lady, and knowing that she was no match for Madam Wang, she focused all her energy on causing trouble for her daughter-in-law, Feng Jie.

It was only after Chen Siyuan arrived and offered many suggestions that the relationship between Madam Xing and Madam Wang eased somewhat. However, as the saying goes, a facade of harmony doesn't guarantee a true relationship; Madam Xing was harboring resentment, but she hadn't made a scene because she lacked a good solution and had her fourth son. Now, with Chen Siyuan's guidance, how could Madam Xing possibly hold back?

He immediately smiled and said, "Alright, I misunderstood you. Now is truly a good opportunity... Hey? Do you think the old lady could—"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Your wife is almost fifty, why are you in such a hurry?"

Madam Xing laughed and said, "That's right, we've worn her out! Even if we can't manage the household this time, we'll still make her lose face!"

With her eyes darting around, Madam Xing could no longer sit still. She stood up and said, "I'll go talk to the old lady right now!"

Chen Siyuan quickly called out to her, frowning as he instructed, "No rush, let the old lady stay up all night. You can go again tomorrow afternoon before dinner."

Madam Xing couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, "You don't want the old lady to sleep peacefully, do you? You really are a little thief, you've really wicked your heart!" After a pause, she added, "You rest here for now, I'll go back and discuss it with Wang Shanbao's wife, and think about how to explain things to the old lady tomorrow."

Seeing Chen Siyuan nod, Madam Xing quickly left the room, happily leading Miao'er and Tiao'er away.

Chen Siyuan leaned back on the bed, frowning as he pondered. He felt that it was not quite appropriate for Madam Xing to act alone this time, and he would have to find Sister Feng to discuss it with her later.

A moment later, Xiangling, Hongyu, Wu'er and the others entered the room together. Xiangling then teased, "It's clear that the eldest mistress really cares for the young master. I just saw the eldest mistress leave with a big smile on her face, and she even gave Yunxiang a dime."

Chen Siyuan couldn't help but chuckle. If the stingy Madam Xing could part with her money, Yunxiang must be feeling incredibly flattered.

After laughing, Chen Siyuan instructed Wu'er to bring his shoes. After Wu'er helped him put them on, Chen Siyuan said, "I haven't been active for several days, and my body is all rusty. I'm going to Daoxiang Village to give a report anyway, so you don't need to come with me. I'll be back by myself in a little while."

Xiangling instructed, "Walking around is fine, but you must hurry up since you're still injured. Don't open the wound."

Chen Siyuan nodded in agreement and then walked out of the thatched cottage.

After being cooped up in his room for several days, Chen Siyuan felt refreshed as he walked in the garden. But as soon as he reached Cuiyan Bridge, he saw his cousin Xing Xiuyan approaching with a frown, while her little maid Zhuan'er chattered incessantly beside her.

Upon seeing each other, Xing Xiuyan immediately stopped Zhuan'er, stepped forward to greet Chen Siyuan, and then asked with concern, "Why are you out walking around again?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "The wound has scabbed over, so it shouldn't get infected again. Of course, you should walk around a bit, right? Cousin, what's wrong—"

Just as Zhuan'er was about to speak, Xing Xiuyan glanced at him sideways, startling Zhuan'er into remaining silent. Xing Xiuyan then said, "Father drank too much and started arguing with Mother. Unfortunately, Aunt isn't here, so I have to go to the east courtyard."

If it were just drinking, Xing Zhenshi wouldn't have made a fuss. But this time, Xing Zhongshi has probably fallen back into his old habits, and who knows how much he's lost gambling again.

Chen Siyuan pondered, "I'm planning to start a business these next few days, cousin—"

Xing Xiuyan was surprised at first, then quickly shook her head and said, "Don't look for me. Firstly, I have no interest in this matter, and secondly..." Xing Xiuyan smiled bitterly.

Yes, with Xing Zhong, that troublesome father, around, any good business can be ruined!

Knowing that his cousin Xing Xiuyan was of a detached nature, Chen Siyuan did not insist and said, "Alright, if that's the case, I'll think about it again later."

Because she was worried about her mother, Xing Xiuyan hurriedly headed towards the east courtyard after exchanging a few words with Chen Siyuan.

Chen Siyuan watched them disappear into the distance. After crossing the Cuiyan Bridge, he looked up and saw the serene Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Lost in thought, he then strolled towards Daoxiang Village.

It was past midnight, the sun was setting, and it was early summer, a truly pleasant time. Chen Siyuan walked all the way to Daoxiang Village, called out, and Suyun came out to greet him.

"Uncle Yuan!" Su Yun exclaimed with delight.

Chen Siyuan nodded and asked, "Is your sister-in-law here?"

Su Yun frowned and said, "Master Yuan, you don't know, just now Lan Ge'er made a fuss and went to Rongqing Hall in front by himself. Madam couldn't catch up with him, so she sent Biyue to follow him. When she came back, she said she felt stuffy and went to wander around in the back."

Chen Siyuan immediately put on a stern face and said, "Why didn't you send someone to follow us?"

Su Yun said aggrievedly, "We want to go with them, but Grandma won't let us." After a pause, she added, "Don't worry, Uncle Yuan. I told Grandma when I got back that you have a solution. Grandma doesn't seem as distraught as before."

Chen Siyuan breathed a sigh of relief, finally feeling at ease, and said, "Alright, then I'll look for it further back."

After bidding farewell to Su Yun, Chen Siyuan walked along the path from the west around Daoxiang Village. Daoxiang Village was surrounded by fences on both sides and planted with flowers and plants. Behind it was a large peach and plum grove.

Chen Si hadn't gone far when he caught a glimpse of a beautiful figure. She wore a light blue silk cloak with lotus embroidery and a flesh-pink printed collar, over which was a white cross-collar jacket, and a pine-colored horse-face skirt. She stopped beneath the Peony Pavilion, looking up at the unripe plums on the tree.

A pair of delicate hands were placed in front of her, her head slightly tilted back. Although only her profile could be seen from afar, her brows were furrowed and her face was distressed.

Chen Siyuan couldn't help but sigh, feeling a pang of pity. If nothing else had happened, Li Wan would likely have followed the prophecy, enduring hardship and humiliation until Jia Lan passed the imperial examinations with flying colors, only then would she have peacefully departed this world. Her life, filled with loneliness and suffering, was truly heartbreaking.

Chen Siyuan was always one to take things in stride. Having offended Li Wan, how could he simply walk away and ignore it? Without making a fuss, he slowly entered the woods and approached Li Wan.

After getting behind her, Li Wan sighed and said, "I told you I was just going for a stroll by myself. What happened? Lan'er is back? What did the old lady say?"

After a long silence, Li Wan turned around in surprise, only to find a pair of starry eyes staring at her with pity. Li Wan covered her mouth in slight surprise and took a step back, saying in astonishment, "Brother Yuan, is it you?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "My aunt was here just now, so it wasn't appropriate to explain things clearly to Sister Suyun. Now that my aunt has just left, I was worried that you might be feeling uneasy, so I rushed over."

Li Wan asked anxiously, "Brother Yuan... do you really have a solution?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and nodded, saying, "Just wait patiently, and we'll see tomorrow... I think it won't be long before Madam sends Lan'er back."

As the saying goes, "a person's reputation is like a tree's shadow," Chen Siyuan was shrewd and decisive, and had helped Li Wan and her son through several difficult times. Therefore, Li Wan naturally believed his words.

Li Wan breathed a sigh of relief, a slight smile finally appearing on her face. She said, "That's good... Lan'er is my life. If Madam takes her away... I really don't know how I would live."

Chen Siyuan didn't answer, his clear eyes staring at Li Wan without saying a word. Their eyes met, yet it seemed as if they had said everything.

Li Wan's heart trembled, and she twisted the handkerchief in her hand even tighter. She bit her lip, feeling somewhat at a loss. Recalling the scene in the Jade Buddha Hall that day, she couldn't help but blush again and couldn't say a word for a moment.

After a moment, Li Wan lowered her head and said, "Brother Yuan—"

Chen Siyuan suddenly raised his index finger: "Shh~"

After Li Wan stopped talking, Chen Siyuan looked outside and saw a woman hurrying towards them.

Upon seeing this, Li Wan panicked. She was already a widow, and if someone saw her having a secret rendezvous with Chen Siyuan, who knew what kind of trouble it would cause.

He immediately became anxious and quickly hid behind a tree. Chen Siyuan was still standing in front of the tree, but when he saw the woman looking around, she then waved her handkerchief towards the cave. A moment later, he saw a figure running quickly towards them. Chen Siyuan was stunned and quickly hid behind a tree as well.

Li Wan, unaware of the situation outside, immediately tried to step aside, but Chen Siyuan quickly whispered, "Don't make a sound, it's Second Brother Lian!"

"Ah?" Li Wan exclaimed in surprise, immediately recalling what she had seen that day, her pretty face turning as red as if it were bleeding. For a moment, she didn't know whether to dodge or not. Her body slightly touched Chen Siyuan, and she immediately trembled as if struck by lightning.

Just then, Jia Lian and his wife came over. Li Wan heard their voices approaching and immediately covered her mouth, not daring to move.

Fortunately, the two of them hid behind the trees near the Peony Pavilion. Chen Siyuan gestured to Li Wan, who nodded and slowly squatted down.

Jia Lian, who had been sneaking around and peeking out, became bolder when he saw that no one was around. He used his folding fan to lift the woman's chin and said something, which made her giggle and laugh.

Whether it's Banana Grove or Rose Garden, there are no obstructions on either side. Not to mention the Fragrant Garden on the opposite bank, even looking down from the mountain path, one can easily spot their movements.

Because of this, Jia Lian led his wife into the incense shed, which was surrounded by flowers and trees and was not easily seen by others.

Unfortunately, the incense shed was only seven or eight steps away from the Peony Pavilion, so the voices reached Chen Siyuan and Li Wan's ears without missing a beat.

"My beauty... I've missed you so much!"

The daughter-in-law said, "Second Master, aren't you afraid that tigress will get jealous?"

Jia Lian laughed and said, "I only have you on my mind, how could I care about so many other things?"

The daughter-in-law then said, "Tch, I suppose Second Master said the same thing to Miss Duo?"

Jia Lian immediately gave an awkward smile and said, "That's certainly different."

Duo-guniang only cares about money, and Lian-er-ye is the type to get bored easily, so naturally, after a while, he lost interest.

Li Wan, who had lived in the Rongguo Mansion for a long time, couldn't help but whisper after listening for a while: "It sounds like Bao Er's wife!"

Chen Siyuan nodded, thinking to himself that Jia Lian had already hooked up with Bao Er's wife.

A moment later, Bao Er's wife, having received the brocade pouch from Jia Lian, immediately became wanton. Chen Siyuan and Li Wan, peeking through the trees, saw the two gradually huddle together and begin kissing noisily.

Upon seeing this, Li Wan blushed deeply and felt her mouth go dry. Normally, if she had encountered such a situation, she would have felt a strange unease but also felt disgusted; however, with Chen Siyuan beside her, the faint scent of medicine masking his masculine aroma wafting into her nostrils made her dizzy and her mind begin to wander.

Before long, the men and women in the incense shed had already undressed. Chen Siyuan was just about to take advantage of the two being distracted to lead Li Wan away when he looked down and saw Li Wan squatting down looking at him with her peach blossom eyes, her breathing becoming increasingly heavy.

Chen Siyuan was moved. He had been feeling stifled for seven or eight days because of his injuries, and seeing this situation naturally stirred up romantic thoughts in him as well.

Chen Siyuan then called out softly, "Lan Tiao—"

Li Wan was startled by the way her maiden name was called, and her body went limp in an instant. She could only reply with tender affection, "Brother Yuan."

In a moment of passion, Chen Siyuan reached out and pulled Li Wan into his arms. Li Wan gazed into his clear, bright eyes, slowly succumbing to his charms… Suddenly, she heard Bao Er's wife repeatedly calling out "Second Master," and she was jolted back to reality. If she were to have an affair with Brother Yuan, how would she be any different from those despicable couple in the incense shed?
He struggled to push her away, but in his haste, he shoved Chen Siyuan on the shoulder. Chen Siyuan gasped and frowned immediately.

Startled, Li Wan hurriedly let go, terrified and at a loss for what to do.

Chen Siyuan felt only a slight pain before recovering completely. He smiled at Li Wan, shook his head, and reached out to gently stroke her cheek. Li Wan initially stared at Chen Siyuan, but as soon as her fingertips touched him, her breathing became heavier, her eyes rolled back, and she swayed as she nestled into Chen Siyuan's arms.

Chen Siyuan pulled her into his arms, lowered his head and whispered "Lanqiao" in her ear, then gently pecked her rosy, fair ear.

With that peck, Li Wan felt a sudden explosion in her mind, and the burning passion that had been building up in her heart burst forth. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around Chen Siyuan's neck, glanced at him with a furrowed brow, and then closed her peach blossom eyes again, lost in the moment.

Seeing this, Chen Siyuan could wait no longer. He leaned down and gave it two light pecks, then pressed his lips to hers.

For a time, the sounds of lewdness filled the wooden shed, and behind the Peony Pavilion, the two embraced and kissed passionately...

(End of this chapter)