Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 288 Fighting
Sister Feng's children's courtyard.

Wang Xifeng sat cross-legged on the kang (a heated brick bed), fiddling with the abacus on the kang table, her brow furrowed with unspoken sorrow. After a short while, Ping'er lifted the curtain and entered, saying to Fengjie, "Grandma, Laiwang's family has arrived."

Sister Feng nodded, and soon Laiwang's wife entered the room.

After Laiwang's wife greeted them, Fengjie said, "Tell your husband to collect the debt ahead of schedule."

Laiwang's wife asked in surprise, "Grandma, it's only the beginning of July...isn't it a bit early?"

Sister Feng said, "Do you think I don't know that I've wasted my potential? But what can I do if I don't take it back? I've just taken charge of the household, and I don't know how many people are planning to laugh at me."

Laiwang's wife sighed and said, "Then I'll tell my husband."

"Go ahead," Sister Feng dismissed Laiwang's wife.

Ping'er frowned and stepped forward, saying, "Grandma, the later monthly allowance is easy to explain, but what about the earlier one?"

Sister Feng frowned and asked, "Have you looked for Lin Zhixiao?"

Ping'er said, "We've searched, but the summer grain needs to be stored in the warehouse first. The warehouse keeps saying they haven't counted it properly, so Lin Zhixiao can't do anything about it."

Sister Feng sneered, "She can delay for a while, but can she delay forever? Fine, let's use it from the next month's allowance and make it up next month."

Ping'er frowned and counted, "It's not just that. The monthly allowance is only a small part. The main part is the food, clothing and other necessities."

Leaving aside the masters in various places, even if Madam Wang were as petty as she was, she wouldn't dare to shortchange them. But now that autumn has arrived, both the front servants and the back servants need to buy new clothes. The storeroom claimed that they hadn't counted them properly, and even the fabric was temporarily withheld. Feng Jie was, of course, a clever woman who couldn't cook without rice.

Sister Feng pondered, "It's just a matter of dealing with whatever comes my way. I still have some fabric in my shop; I can distribute some later."

Ping'er hesitated, but Feng Jie glanced at her and said, "She can only use such underhanded methods to control me now. If I can hold on, she will lose her will to fight back."

Ping'er sighed, "I wonder how long Grandma will have to support herself."

Sister Feng sneered and then said, "Go and see if Brother Yuan has returned this afternoon. The family is large and prosperous, so don't think about cutting expenses for now; instead, think about increasing revenue."

Putting aside other matters, Wu Guozhang acquired a set of tires as tribute and received an order from the Ministry of War a month ago, earning nearly three thousand taels of silver in one go. Feng Jie was naturally envious, thinking that even if she only did small-scale business, she could still earn three hundred taels a month, right?
With an extra three hundred taels, Sister Feng could outlive Madam Wang to death!
Ping'er didn't say anything more, glanced at the clock, and hurriedly said, "Grandma, it's time to go to the old lady's place."

Sister Feng immediately abandoned her plan and snorted coldly, saying, "No matter what, the old lady will always support me. Let's see what the mistress has to say later."

After the master and servant finished getting ready, they went together to Rongqing Hall.

After a short while, Fengjie entered the house and saw Lady Wang and Aunt Xue talking with the old lady. Seeing Fengjie arrive, Grandmother Jia quickly waved her over and said with a smile, "Fengjie, come here quickly. Ever since you took charge of the household, you haven't come to my place much."

Sister Feng quickly smiled and said, "Isn't it all because the old lady is forcing me to do something I can't handle? I'm still young and can't control those cunning servants, but the old lady is forcing me to do it. These past two days, I've been so busy with the expenses and monthly allowances that I'm running around like crazy."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "The summer grain has just been stored away, and we're not short of supplies, so why are you being made to suffer like this?"

Sister Feng glanced at Madam Wang and said, "I don't know that. I've asked several times, but the person in charge of the storeroom only said that the count hasn't been completed yet."

Grandmother Jia's face immediately fell. "Nonsense! Half a month has passed and you still haven't sorted things out? Who's in charge of the storeroom now?"

Before Fengjie could speak, Madam Wang hurriedly said, "Reporting to the old lady, it is Zhou Rui."

"Oh, it's him." Grandmother Jia gave Lady Wang a meaningful look.

Madam Wang explained, "The old lady doesn't know—" She glanced around and, seeing that there were no outsiders, continued, "Because of that pawning matter, the accountant has to calculate the income from each place and check it with the warehouse before putting it into storage. If that cunning servant takes advantage of the loophole, and it becomes a regular practice, who knows how much will be embezzled by the subordinates."

Grandmother Jia responded with a "yes".

Madam Wang added, "Furthermore, my eldest uncle came yesterday and seemed to be considering using public funds."

Grandmother Jia immediately said in an annoyed tone, "What does the eldest master want to do now?"

Lady Wang said, "It seems that Daming Prefecture suffered a drought, and there was no harvest at all."

"Amitabha," Grandmother Jia murmured, then said with a heavy heart, "I wonder how many more people will have to sell their children... Poor thing, since the master wants to go and distribute porridge, let him go. There's only one thing: he must keep a close eye on his servants, lest they use our family's name to commit evil deeds."

Madam Wang then said, "My uncle is very capable in handling old matters, and with so many stewards following him, nothing will go wrong."

Grandmother Jia nodded and looked at Sister Feng, saying, "Then Sister Feng, you can borrow some from elsewhere first, and we'll talk about it after the master has distributed the porridge."

What could Sister Feng say? She could only smile and agree.

Madam Wang then said, "Old Madam, why did the two Marquises of the Shi family seem so distant last time?"

Grandmother Jia frowned and sighed, saying, "Yun'er's second uncle wants to be transferred to a post outside the capital, but her third uncle disagrees, so that's why there's been a commotion."

Madam Wang said, "The Marquis of Baoling is going to be sent out? That's a good thing... I heard that Yun'er's second aunt leads the servants in the mansion to do needlework every day to supplement the family income. I suppose the Marquis of Baoling's mansion is also struggling. Sending her out will bring in a lot of money."

Grandmother Jia shook her head and remained silent. Her two nephews had become estranged after the succession dispute, and it was only in the last two years that they had become close again, but unexpectedly, they were quarreling again now.

After a pause, Madam Wang continued, "Today Baoyu mentioned Yun'er again. If Marquis Baoling is transferred to another post, it would be perfect to bring Yun'er over."

She spoke with a smile, but her words were full of sarcasm and irony. In May, Grandmother Jia produced a golden unicorn, but who knew that the Marquis of Baoling would arrange a marriage for Shi Xiangyun so soon afterward, which had upset the old lady greatly. Now that it had been brought up again, Grandmother Jia was secretly annoyed.

But what could she do? First there was Daiyu, but she was then coaxed away by Chen Siyuan; in desperation, Grandmother Jia pushed Shi Xiangyun, but Shi Xiangyun was also engaged. Now that Grandmother Jia really had no suitable girl, she reluctantly allowed Lady Wang to bring Xia Jingui into the garden.

After chatting for a while, the head maid, Amber, brought in a food box, and then Madam Wang, Aunt Xue, Sister Feng, and the others took their leave.

Sister Feng followed a few steps behind, then turned back to her own courtyard and gritted her teeth as she ordered, "Tell Lin Zhixiao to use the three thousand taels of silver in the accounts."

Ping'er frowned and said, "Grandma, that money is reserved for Her Majesty—"

Before he could finish speaking, he was stopped by a sidelong glance from Sister Feng, who said coldly, "The household is already struggling to make ends meet, how can we possibly care about the Empress?"

Let my dear aunt figure it out herself!
Once inside, Sister Feng grabbed a cup of cold tea and gulped it down in one go. She then urged, "Go quickly and see if Brother Yuan has returned."

Ping'er dared not say much, and after responding, she went to find Chen Siyuan. She went straight into the Grand View Garden and walked along the corridor. She bumped into Biyue just after passing the Qinfang Pavilion.

Ping'er smiled and asked, "Where are we going?"

Biyue smiled and said, "Our grandma went to the Jade Emperor Temple to chant sutras again. After school, I'll go find grandma and bring her back."

Ping'er smiled and agreed, and the two walked together until they were near the Longcui Nunnery before parting ways. Leaving Ping'er aside, let's talk about Biyue, who followed the path uphill and soon arrived at the Jade Emperor Temple. There, Suyun was sitting on the stone steps, dozing off with her chin propped up on her hand.

Biyue tiptoed forward and suddenly made a sound, startling Suyun.

After the two maids joked around for a while, Biyue said, "Grandma hasn't come out yet."

Just then, the sound of jade chimes suddenly rang out.

Su Yun said, "Grandma is suffering. Reciting scriptures might help relieve some of the pain..." Then she frowned and said, "But the sound of the chime is a bit chaotic today... Also, can you take a look? I don't know where that fire crow (woodpecker) came from. It keeps pecking at the tree, which is very annoying. I was about to doze off, but I was woken up twice by it."

Biyue then said, "Perhaps even the Fire Crow can't stand you slacking off, cluck cluck cluck..."

Su Yun rolled her eyes, covered her mouth and yawned, asking, "Is the young master out of school?" Seeing Bi Yue nod, she turned around and knocked on the door, saying, "Grandma, the young master is out of school."

After a short while, someone inside answered and opened the door.

Su Yun glanced at her grandmother and felt that something seemed off about her, but after a closer look, she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Li Wan calmly instructed, "Let's go, and make sure to lock the main gate carefully."

Su Yun agreed, turned around and locked the gate, then followed Li Wan back with Bi Yue. They traveled in silence and soon arrived at Daoxiang Village. Li Wan went inside to inquire about Jia Lan's studies, and Su Yun finally had a chance to be with Bi Yue.

Su Yun lowered her voice and asked in surprise, "Can you tell what's different about Grandma?"

Biyue looked puzzled, glanced inside through the window, and then smiled and said, "What's wrong with Grandma? She looks a bit better, though."

Su Yun also turned her head to examine it closely, and immediately smiled and said, "That's right, your complexion has indeed improved. I suppose you've come to a realization after reciting the Taoist scriptures? It's clear that your trip to the Jade Emperor Temple wasn't in vain."

The two maids laughed and joked, and the matter was dropped.

Li Wan absentmindedly inquired about Jia Lan's studies, then had dinner with him before sending Jia Lan out to play.

Suyun went inside to tidy up, and Li Wan, unable to contain her emotions, went to sit idly in the side room.

Recalling the tender and intimate moments just now, Li Wan blushed with embarrassment again.

In these situations, it's always the woman who initiates the contact first, allowing others to approach her. If she has no flaws in her heart, how could anyone find an opening?
Li Wan was the same. Chen Siyuan had previously ignited a fire in her heart, but after being away for about ten days due to mourning, he had not been able to return. Little did she know that the spark had already ignited in Li Wan's heart. As a result, Li Wan could not help but miss him. Even though she knew that Chen Siyuan had not returned, she still went to the Jade Emperor Temple to chant scriptures, which even made the old lady ask about it.

When they met at the Jade Emperor Temple today, that one word, "Lan Tiao," ignited the passion in Li Wan's heart. In an instant, she was consumed by lust and thus she and Chen Siyuan consummated their relationship.

Despite the slight discomfort in her lower body, Li Wan felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction. Lost in thought for a while, Li Wan suddenly smiled, and her peach blossom eyes came alive with joy. Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching, and Li Wan hurriedly suppressed her smile, looking up to see Biyue entering and handing her something wrapped in a handkerchief.

Li Wan was puzzled for a moment and asked in surprise, "What is this?"

Biyue said, "Grandma forgot? This is the longevity lock that was destroyed with Grandma's hairpin."

As she spoke, Biyue unfolded the handkerchief. Li Wan glanced at it and suddenly felt a sense of disgust. She didn't touch it, but simply nodded and said, "Lan-ge'er can wear it later for his birthday celebration. You can put it away for now."

Watching Biyue rummage through the chests and cabinets, Li Wan glanced around and felt that the room was too plain. After thinking for a while, Li Wan instructed, "Find a few potted plants later. Last time, the old lady said that my place was too plain."

Biyue turned around and said with a smile, "I said the same thing last time, but Grandma wouldn't agree. It's the old lady's words that are effective."

Li Wan laughed and said, "She is, after all, an old lady. How could I dare not listen to her?"

Her smile caught Biyue's eye, and she was immediately taken aback. She then exclaimed, "Grandma's smile is so beautiful!"

Li Wan immediately stopped smiling and scolded, "Shut up!"

Biyue stuck out her tongue, settled the longevity lock, and then hurriedly withdrew.

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A simple thatched cottage.

Xiangling had just delivered the food box and returned to the courtyard when she heard cheerful flute music coming from the study. Wu'er happened to come out from inside, and the two of them sat together. Xiangling smiled and said, "It's kind of you, Master, to be in such a good mood."

Wu'er said, "It's strange, I don't know why Master is in such a good mood."

Xiangling smiled without saying a word, but she was certain in her heart that it was because of Old Madam You. Even if no news of the You family's affairs had spread to the new residence, rumors were still circulating about the Ningguo Mansion.

If it weren't for Old Lady You's willful and reckless actions, how could she have harmed Third Aunt? If the marriage had been arranged that day, I'm afraid Miss Bao would have had no chance with us afterward.

So don't be fooled by how heartbroken Third Aunt is these past few days; once she recovers, she might feel a sense of relief.

Xiangling then laughed and said, "Who would know?"

Xiangling passed by Wu'er and went inside. She waited for a while until Chen Siyuan stopped playing the flute, then she stepped forward and said, "Master, don't forget that Second Mistress will be coming later."

Chen Siyuan nodded, and Xiangling turned to prepare. He then sat down leisurely, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Truly, Zhenzhen'er is a blessed person who doesn't need to ask for anything."

I was supposed to put in some effort, but after only ten days, it all fell into place!

Recalling the scene at the Jade Emperor Temple that afternoon, Chen Siyuan was suddenly filled with romantic thoughts. Over the years, he had been a seasoned player in the world of women, and he naturally had a different kind of affection for this woman.

What looks good may not be useful, and what is useful may not look good. So, those that are both good-looking and useful are extremely rare. Speaking of good-looking things, Chen Siyuan privately summarized them into three categories.

The three qualities that make a person pleasing to the eye are: lean rather than fat; small rather than large; and delicate rather than strong.

Therefore, the beauties painted on the walls are all depicted as slender and delicate, never as plump figures or robust spirits. The beauties painted are meant to be seen, not used.

Otherwise, if you get a bunch of bones, you'll be afraid of crushing them in bed, so how can you enjoy yourself?
There are three suitable conditions for using such a vessel: it should be plump rather than thin; large rather than small; and strong rather than delicate. First, it should be as gentle as a mattress; second, it should be of suitable size; and third, it should be able to bear heavy loads.

Therefore, Chen Siyuan usually needed Xiangling, Wu'er, or Erjie'er and Sanjie'er to work together to feel comfortable, while he could enjoy himself even alone with Aunt Xue, Madam Xing, Siqi, and others. Chen Siyuan originally thought that Baochai was both beautiful and useful, but who knew that Li Wan was also like that! At that moment, when emotions were stirred, her body was surging, and the feeling inside was truly warm and soft, which was difficult for outsiders to describe.

After a while, Chen Siyuan composed himself and waited for Sister Feng to come looking for him.

Before Sister Feng arrived, Sister Bao came first.

Hearing the message from the courtyard, Chen Siyuan hurriedly got up to greet her. When he arrived at the hall, he saw Sister Bao gracefully stepping through the door.

After a quick glance, Chen Siyuan couldn't help but wonder what Baochai's situation would be like in bed tomorrow.

But when Baochai saw his lewd gaze, she immediately scolded him, saying, "Just by looking into your eyes, I can tell you're not thinking anything good."

Chen Siyuan was taken aback and quickly protested, "I haven't seen my sister for quite some time. Is taking a good look at her really a sign of ill intentions?"

Baochai gave a soft hum and said nothing.

After the two sat down, Baochai remembered that with Old Lady You gone, Second Sister You and Third Sister You would have to observe mourning... She immediately understood and was certain that Chen Siyuan must be feeling very stifled, which was why he was looking at her like that.

If it were anyone else, they might feel awkward. But Baochai didn't think that way. She was slightly plump, which was why Baoyu had jokingly called her Yang Guifei. In order to be slimmer, Baochai suppressed her cravings and only ate half a bowl of rice at each meal, but her body didn't become weak.

When Baochai started spending time with Chen Siyuan, she was initially worried that he might dislike her, but to her surprise, he fell in love with her completely... Thinking of this, Baochai felt delighted and thought that the two of them were indeed a match made in heaven.

Then I thought, he's been feeling really stifled lately... why not treat him to something nice?

Unaware of his thoughts, Chen Siyuan quickly focused his mind and began to speak about Old Lady You's funeral.

After hearing this, Baochai sighed and asked, "Then the child—"

"What else can we do? Let's raise Third Sister. Just say she's adopted. At least she can inherit the You family business."

Baochai said, "That's all we can do. When I have time, I'll go and try to persuade Third Sister. People need to look to the future."

After a pause, Baochai suddenly lowered her voice and said, "Do you know that Aunt and Feng'er are fighting?"

Chen Siyuan asked in surprise, "When did this happen?"

"It's been these past few days!" Baochai, now detached from worldly affairs, neither befriended Lady Wang nor looked down upon Fengjie. She then recounted the discord between the two.

After she finished speaking, Baochai couldn't help but laugh and say, "Auntie has been asking Mother for advice these past few days. What do you think—"

Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment and shook his head, saying, "Madam has gained great power, and she has the accounts and the storeroom under her control. If it weren't for the old lady's support, Second Sister-in-law would probably have already admitted defeat. Let's talk to Auntie about this later, and just watch from the sidelines. It would be better if the two of them fought to a standstill."

Baochai smiled and nodded, then said, "There's one more thing. It seems that the master is going to Daming Prefecture to distribute porridge."

Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment, then said, "Kill the poor bastard?"

The whole "porridge distribution" thing is just a nice-sounding facade. In years of famine, wealthy families would distribute porridge to gain a good reputation while simultaneously reselling grain at high prices and buying up land in disaster-stricken areas at low prices. If they did it right the following year, they could make a fortune, not just double their money, but with their connections, they could make mountains of gold and seas of silver with nothing.

Baochai covered her mouth and laughed, "That's the truth, but you shouldn't be so blunt."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "There are no outsiders here, so who would hear if we covered it up?"

After laughing, Baochai lowered her voice and said, "Today, Auntie mentioned it to Grandma, and after thinking about it, Grandma finally nodded."

Chen Siyuan pressed for more information, and after Baochai explained, Chen Siyuan learned that in earlier years, the Jia family had disdained to exploit the poor. The old lady was a vegetarian and a Buddhist, kind and generous to others, and naturally would not have been willing to exploit the common people.

Even if the master wanted to cause trouble, he would only use the money and grain from the east wing to do it himself, and wouldn't make any big fuss.

The reason Grandmother Jia nodded this time was probably because the Ministry of Works business had stopped. Now that even Jia Zheng had been transferred away from the Ministry of Works, the Jia family was in financial straits and had to start to resume their old business.
Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment and said, "Daming Prefecture is hundreds of miles away. As the saying goes, even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. Isn't Your Excellency taking a bit of a risk this time?"

Sister Bao then said, "If you're worried, why don't you go with the master? You can offer advice and suggestions along the way, and if you do something helpful, the master might reward you handsomely!"

This doesn't make sense. What do you mean by a big reward? Sister Bao is clearly talking about Second Sister Yingchun.

Chen Siyuan chuckled awkwardly, "I only love my aunt. I helped her before only because of her."

Baochai gave a hum and smiled without saying a word.

Just then, Yunxiang from outside replied, "Master, Second Madam is here."

Baochai was taken aback, and Chen Siyuan quickly said, "I just sent Ping'er over, and I think it must be about the workshop."

Baochai said, "If I had known this would happen, I should have come a little later. Well, since she's here, I should leave too... Otherwise, I'll feel uncomfortable, and she won't feel comfortable either."

He immediately got up and left, and Chen Siyuan hurriedly got up to see him off.

Upon arriving at the courtyard, Fengjie indeed brought Ping'er to look for her. Seeing Baochai, Fengjie greeted her warmly for a few moments, but Baochai declined, saying she still had to visit Aunt Xue, and then they parted ways.

Chen Siyuan led Feng Jie inside, and after they sat down, Wu'er served them tea. Feng Jie, being a straightforward person, immediately said, "Brother Yuan, you know why I've come..."

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "If it weren't for something that delayed us, the workshop would have been opened long ago. Second sister-in-law, please take a look—" As he spoke, Chen Siyuan pulled out a piece of paper from his sleeve and handed it over.

When Sister Feng took it, she saw that it was filled with various utensils, and the dimensions were marked in detail.

Chen Siyuan said, "I've been thinking about this whenever I have a spare moment these past few days, and as soon as I got back today, I drew all the objects. There might still be some missing, so I'll fill in the rest once the workshop opens. By the way, I wonder if Second Sister-in-law is going to hire someone or use someone she knows?"

Sister Feng said, "I only have a few maids. Of course I need to hire people." She then accepted the note and pondered, "Tomorrow I'll send Laiwang to procure the supplies. Shouldn't I hire some people first?"

"It is better for people to wait for things than for things to wait for them to wait for the other way around."

“That makes sense, then we’ll go along with Brother Yuan’s wishes.” After a pause, Sister Feng added, “Brother Yuan and I are both straightforward people, so why don’t we finalize the contract today?”

"Alright."

Chen Siyuan agreed and immediately found pen and ink and wrote two copies of the contract.

After receiving the contract, Sister Feng did not linger. After drinking a cup of tea, she took Ping'er and left.

After seeing Feng Jie off, Chen Siyuan stood in front of the courtyard gate, scratching his head in frustration… The workshop was about to open, and he hadn’t even gone to talk to Lin Daiyu about it yet. Looking up at the sky, he saw that it was already dusk, and Chen Siyuan made up his mind to go find Daiyu the next morning.

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

The next day, Jia She, Jia Zheng, Jia Zhen, and others gathered at Rongqing Hall. Jia Zheng, who was always upright, knew the true nature of the so-called disaster relief efforts, so he kept silent and let Jia She and Jia Zhen talk at length.

Grandmother Jia agreed yesterday, so how could she go back on her word? She was just afraid that Jia She would incite public resentment, which is why she gave him so many instructions and reminders.

Jia She was impatient, but outwardly he readily agreed. After receiving the money and grain from the treasury, he gathered four stewards and more than twenty servants, and that very day they set off in a grand procession straight for Daming Prefecture.

On that same day, Jia Lian, traveling light and with only a few servants, rode straight to Ping'an Prefecture to carry out his mission.

Chen Siyuan made two trips early in the morning and only had time in the afternoon. He then sent Yunxiang to inquire and learned that Daiyu had returned to Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Only then did Chen Siyuan leisurely head towards Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

After crossing the Emerald Smoke Bridge, you will arrive at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Because she was wary of Baoyu, Granny Wang was standing guard at the door. When she caught a glimpse of Chen Siyuan approaching, Granny Wang immediately smiled and said reproachfully, "Young master, are you here to see our young lady?"

Chen Siyuan cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and accepted with a smile.

Granny Wang then chided, "Young master and young lady are already engaged, but that doesn't prevent anything else. If you have time, young master, you should come more often, so as to avoid any further estrangement in the future."

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, it's fine if she comes every now and then, but if she comes too often... Don't be fooled by Baochai's magnanimous words, she's actually very jealous and might just throw up her jealousy.

As they were talking, Xueyan came to greet them. Upon seeing that it was Chen Siyuan, she happily relayed the message: "Miss, Master Yuan has come to see you."

Then a parrot outside the window mimicked, "Xueyan, quickly lift the curtain, the young lady is here!"

Xueyan led Chen Siyuan to the front of the house and said, "Young master, please wait a moment."

Chen Siyuan nodded in agreement. Looking around, he saw that the place was surrounded by lush bamboo and had a stream flowing through it; it was indeed a secluded and tranquil place.

After a short while, Zijuan responded from inside, and Xueyan then led Chen Siyuan inside.

As Chen Siyuan entered, he immediately saw Daiyu standing gracefully before him, wearing a light green gauze jacket over a pale blue bodice and a white gauze skirt. Her face was unadorned, and her eyes, seemingly about to weep, were looking at him with curiosity.

After the two met, Daiyu smiled and said, "You are truly a rare guest. Zijuan, quickly pour me a cup of the daughter's tea that I brewed this morning."

Chen Siyuan lifted his robe and sat down, smiling as he said, "I've really been unable to attend to things these past few days... How have you been, sister?"

Daiyu nodded and said, "I am fine..."

Before she could finish speaking, Xueyan chimed in, "Thanks to Master Yuan's cordyceps, the young lady is much healthier now. She caught a chill last night and started coughing the next day. I was about to call a doctor for medicine, but after drinking a bowl of ginger soup, she was fine the next day."

Chen Siyuan smiled and looked at Daiyu. Daiyu blushed slightly, but said solemnly, "Thank you, Brother Yuan."

Chen Siyuan thought to himself that Daiyu's frail health was one reason, but her excessive worry and anxiety were probably even more serious. Since he had arranged a marriage with her early on, Daiyu had not only received treatment with cordyceps but also had fewer worries every day, and her health had naturally improved.

He then said, "Now that my sister is much better, I think she doesn't need to stay cooped up in her room every day. She should go out and walk around more, and she might become even healthier in the future."

Daiyu smiled and agreed, then asked, "You are a rare guest. You wouldn't have come to see me today without a reason, would you?"

Chen Siyuan felt a sense of amusement, but then said seriously, "I knew I couldn't hide it from you, sister... but I have a request. I would like to exchange something for the ancient book that you have."

Xueyan, standing to the side, said, "Brother... Master Yuan is being too polite. If you want to see any ancient books, just ask our young lady. Would she refuse?"

Seeing the seriousness with which Chen Siyuan spoke, Daiyu did not refute him this time. Instead, she said, "I suppose that ancient book is extremely important to you? In that case, you may take it for yourself."

“Alright.” Chen Siyuan agreed and went to the study in the east wing. He glanced at it and immediately took a look at one side. He pulled it out and saw that it was the Song Dynasty Jia Tai Pu Lamp Record.

After turning back, Chen Siyuan said, "It wouldn't be right to take advantage of my sister for nothing. How about we settle this with this?"

As he spoke, he took out a document from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and then pushed it in front of Daiyu.

Just as Daiyu picked it up, Chen Siyuan said, "In that case, I have other important matters to attend to, so I won't stay any longer. Please wait, sister."

Daiyu had no choice but to put down the contract first, get up and see Chen Siyuan out of the courtyard, and then return in surprise.

Once inside, Zijuan urged, "Miss, quickly take a look and see what Master Yuan left behind!"

Daiyu nodded silently, unfolded the document, and carefully examined it. She was immediately taken aback.

Xueyan stood to the side, observing with her legs crossed. After scanning the document, she exclaimed in surprise, "It's a contract from the latex workshop? This, Master Yuan, this is..."

Zijuan immediately understood, and Xueyan also figured it out clearly.

What do you mean by asking for a favor from your daughter? Master Yuan clearly found an excuse to forcefully give the workshop to his daughter.

Both maids understood, and how could someone as intelligent as Daiyu not know? For a moment, she felt a pang of sadness, followed by a surge of warmth. Daiyu couldn't take her eyes off the document.

Seeing Daiyu frown and bite her lip, Xueyan quickly advised, "Miss... it's all from Master Yuan's heart, please accept it."

Daiyu carefully folded the contract and sighed, "He originally came to give me a favor, but he insisted on making things difficult for me... If he had spoken kindly, how could I have refused?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Xueyan nodded solemnly: "That's hard to say, when the young lady gets temperamental... um..."

Daiyu rolled her eyes at him, suppressing her inner delight, and casually tossed the document to Zijuan, saying, "We can't just give him the ancient book for free. Since that's the case, let's accept it."

Just then, the parrot under the eaves suddenly cried out, "Big liar! Big liar!"

The three of them, mistress and servants, were all taken aback. Zijuan suppressed her laughter, but Daiyu burst out laughing. Xueyan frowned and said, "That parrot has been corrupted by Miss. What will happen if Master Yuan hears this in the future?"

Daiyu chuckled and said, "Let them hear it. I would dare to say it to their face."

(End of this chapter)