Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 294 Color and Fragrance Are Originally Unintentional Things

A few days passed in the blink of an eye, and the Rongguo Mansion was peaceful and quiet.

Jia Chang pretended to search for two hundred li to the south, where he encountered a wealthy family fleeing north. He only casually overheard their news before hurriedly returning to the capital to report.

Because most of what he heard was hearsay and misinformation, Jia Chang's words were incoherent. One moment he said that all the counties except Daming Prefecture had fallen into the hands of the bandits; the next moment he said that the Maitreya sect's bandits were leading their troops north and would soon attack the capital.

Madam Xing, feigning surprise, rubbed her eyes vigorously with a handkerchief smeared with ginger juice, instantly bursting into tears; Madam Wang sighed repeatedly, chanting "Amitabha" over and over.

Jia Zheng couldn't bear to listen any longer, so he asked a few questions. Seeing that Jia Chang was stammering and unable to answer, he reprimanded him and sent him away.

The old lady sighed repeatedly, but she didn't seem to eat less than a bowl of rice. Perhaps, in private, she secretly hoped that her troublemaking eldest son would fall into the hands of thieves.

The very next day, a servant of Jia She returned with news from afar: Jia She had been alarmed to discover that a bandit had rebelled, and had taken a boat south early in the morning. He had already reached Jinling and planned to return to the capital by sea.

That same day, another contingent of the Beijing garrison set off in a grand procession to quell the bandits in the south. Seeing that nothing was amiss, the Jia family members finally felt at ease.

Madam Xing was furious and went to Chen Siyuan to say a lot of nonsense, basically saying that good people don't live long while evil people live for thousands of years. Why didn't Master Jia She die at the hands of thieves?
Chen Siyuan felt regretful. He comforted Madam Xing and thought to himself that since Jia She was so stubborn, he had to find another way to eliminate this source of trouble.

Disappointed, she returned to the Grand View Garden and happened to bump into Baochai, who was walking ahead. The two exchanged glances, and Ying'er, who was standing nearby, covered her mouth and laughed as she hid to the side.

The autumn breeze was refreshing, making it the most pleasant time of year. The two began to talk near the Bodhidharma Temple. After exchanging a few words, Baochai said, "I don't lack anything, so why send those bolts of cloth and brocade?"

With early autumn already past, the servants in the mansion had long been busy taking measurements and making clothes. Chen Siyuan, thinking of his cousin Xing Xiuyan, went to a fabric shop and bought quite a few.

The gifts sent to the new house were given to You Erjie, You Sanjie, and Qingwen, as well as to Xiangling, Hongyu, and Liu Wu'er at the Qingtang Thatched Cottage. Some were also sent to Xing Xiuyan, some to Lin Daiyu, and naturally, some to Baochai as well.

One bolt each of Rain Silk Brocade and Moonlight Brocade, one bolt of Jacquard Satin, one bolt of Western-style Dorothy fabric made in Suzhou, and two bolts of fine cloth. Baochai also had an extra bolt of pink cotton cloth printed with colorful cloud and floral patterns.

Just as Xiangling arrived, Baochai playfully scolded her but was secretly delighted. She then overheard that Daiyu was missing a piece of pink cotton cloth with colorful cloud and floral patterns, and Xing Xiuyan was missing a piece of rain-patterned brocade. Her heart warmed even more. But upon seeing Chen Siyuan, she couldn't help but start chattering again.

Having known each other for a long time, how could Chen Siyuan not know that Baochai was being disingenuous? He simply said, "It's only for these two years. After that, you'll be in charge of these matters. I won't interfere."

Baochai feigned reproach, but inwardly she was overjoyed. She continued to scold, "Even if you were rich, you wouldn't dare to spend money like this. Never mind that... Do you know that Second Brother Lian has become estranged from Feng'er again?"

"Is that so? Didn't Second Brother Lian just return?"

Baochai laughed and said, "I don't know why, but Lian Erge has offended Feng Yatou again, and now he has moved to the front study. I've noticed that Ping'er has been frowning these past few days, caught between the two of them, I wonder how troubled she must be."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Ping'er may be troubled, but Second Sister-in-law and Second Brother Lian may not be."

This time it was Baochai's turn to be puzzled, and she asked, "Why is that?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Second sister-in-law is busy sparring with the madam, how could she have time to think about Second Brother Lian?"

"What about Second Brother Lian?"

"Him? Ever since he came back from Jiangnan, his mind has wandered. He might be more comfortable living in the study."

Sister Bao thought about it and realized it was true! These past few days, Jia Lian had been leaving early and returning late, and there were rumors of him having an affair with the wives in the mansion. Wasn't he just having too much fun to remember his homeland?
Baochai frowned and sighed inwardly, then her almond-shaped eyes suddenly sharpened. Chen Siyuan's smile froze, and he quickly said, "Don't you know me, sister? I never go out and fool around."

Baochai snorted and remained silent. Chen Siyuan was right; he never went out to seek pleasure with women... but he couldn't resist the fact that beautiful women kept being brought into his room.

Not to mention the You sisters and Qingwen outside, there are Hongyu, Xiangling, and Liu Wu'er right here in the quiet hut. Baochai thought to herself, Chen Siyuan clearly doesn't have time to gossip.

But Baochai was clear-headed; no one is perfect. If Chen Siyuan hadn't been so philandering, Baochai would have become suspicious. Young, handsome, talented in poetry, capable, and a promising scholar—why would such a good marriage fall into her lap so easily?

Seeing that Baochai remained silent, Chen Siyuan smiled and coaxed her for a while before quickly changing the subject, "Why haven't we seen Master these past two days?"

Baochai then said, "What else could it be? Because of Fu Shi's promotion, he was afraid of being questioned by his aunt, so he simply hid outside and didn't come back."

Chen Siyuan couldn't help but sigh, "The old house is on fire... and it looks like it can't be put out. Sister, just wait and see. Perhaps the master will take Fu Qiufang south with him this time, and maybe in two years he can give Baoyu a younger brother or sister."

Baochai scolded Chen Siyuan seriously, saying that he shouldn't joke about his elders like that, but wasn't she thinking the same thing herself?

Looking at Aunt Wang now, Baochai only feels sorry for her. Since ancient times, the husband has been the head of the household, and for someone like Aunt Wang to rely on her family's influence to fight for power and profit in her husband's family is truly inferior and has lost its foundation.

If she were to marry Chen Siyuan in the future, she would never be so foolish.

After a brief get-together, Baochai was about to say goodbye when they suddenly heard the sounds of men and women laughing and talking coming from the north. Just then, the two of them walked along the path to the front of Qinfang Pavilion, where a stream flowed through and artificial hills stood on both sides. They turned their heads to look around and, taking advantage of the open space by the stream, saw Baoyu and Xia Jingui talking and laughing near the rose and peony trellis.

Just as the two were about to look away, they saw Baoyu pull Xia Jingui into his arms and then start eating rouge...

Chen Siyuan and Bao Jie exchanged a glance, and Chen Siyuan coughed and said, "Brother Bao, you have some good skills."

But Baochai sneered, "That's hard to say... Who knows if he's fallen for someone's honey trap?"

Chen Siyuan thought about it and agreed, and simply laughed, "These two are evenly matched, truly a match made in heaven."

Baochai smiled and rolled her eyes at him, then, remembering that she had to go to Madam Wang's place, she bid farewell to Chen Siyuan.

Chen Siyuan watched Baochai leave, then turned back and passed through the passageway he had just passed. He looked north and saw that Baoyu and Xia Jingui were long gone. Only then did he leisurely walk back to Qingtang Thatched Cottage.

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"Second brother... second brother..."

Xia Jingui repeatedly refused, and Baoyu finally snapped out of his daze. Opening his eyes, he saw Xia Jingui's pretty face flushed with spring, and she said shyly, "There are people watching over there."

Baoyu turned his head to look, and saw, across the stream, in the square pavilion and round building in front of the Green Bamboo Nunnery, a beautiful figure was coldly watching them. It was Miaoyu!

Baoyu was immediately startled and quickly took a step back, feeling guilty.

Xia Jingui let out a soft moan and covered her face as she left. Seeing Miaoyu turn away, Baoyu quickly turned to chase after Xia Jingui.

To everyone's surprise, Xia Jingui went straight into Yihong Courtyard and locked the door, refusing to come out. Baoyu was itching to come in, so he knocked on the door and called for a long time, but was still not allowed to enter. He had no choice but to lead Xiren back.

Meanwhile, Baochan, who had been holding the door shut, saw Baoyu leave and hurriedly said, "Miss, Second Master Bao has left."

"Hmm," Xia Jingui responded, then calmly tidied up the leader's clothes.

Baochan hesitated for a moment, then finally leaned forward and said, "Miss, are you perhaps a little..."

Xia Jingui sneered, "What do you know? That second brother seems like a womanizer. It's Mother's method that works. If you want the fish to bite, you have to be willing to throw in the bait." She paused, then said to Baochan, "But the bait can't be too little, or the fish won't bite; and it can't be too much either, or the fish will be full and won't bite. It's good to keep him hanging like this, so that when I go home tomorrow, he won't forget about me."

Baochan thought it made sense, so she laughed and said, "I think Second Master Bao is already so infatuated with you that he can't tell what's going on. At most, next year you will be Second Master Bao's wife."

Xia Jingui snorted and secretly felt smug.

Suddenly remembering Miaoyu from earlier, Xia Jingui frowned and said, "That nun is truly hateful. Did you find out anything about her background?"

Baochan shook her head, not knowing. Just then, Granny Hu entered and overheard the conversation. She leaned forward and said with a smile, "I heard that. She said she was originally a young lady from an official family, surnamed Chang. Because she was frail from a young age, she practiced Buddhism in the temple with her hair still intact." She paused and whispered, "I think she's just trying to make herself look good. What frailty? She's probably just avoiding trouble."

Xia Jingui said coldly, "That nun is really annoying; we must find a way to get rid of her!"

Baochan said from the side, "That's difficult. Madam is about to return home, and Miss will probably be going home in a few days... Even if we want to deal with her, we'll have to save it for next time."

Xia Jingui became even more furious upon hearing this, but Hu Mama smiled and said, "What's so difficult about that? If Miaoyu had stayed in the mansion, it would have been difficult to make a move... But she goes to the palace every few days, and she also goes to the Muni Temple in the west of the city to copy scriptures. It would be easy to deal with her."

Xia Jingui's eyes lit up, and she immediately said with delight, "That's it! We'll hire a rogue to cut off her face, then we'll see how she'll have the face to stay in the mansion!"

Granny Hu hesitated, while Baochan remained silent. Xia Jingui looked over with a smile and said, "Granny, you must handle this matter thoroughly."

Granny Hu quickly agreed and didn't say anything more.

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Meanwhile, Chen Siyuan returned to his humble cottage and sat in his study, patiently studying current affairs. Before he knew it, it was afternoon. Chen Siyuan was feeling dizzy from reading so much, so he ate a little dinner and went for a stroll outside.

Because all the young ladies had gone to Rongqing Hall, they wandered around for a long time without bumping into them. However, they did run into Jia Lan throwing pebbles into the pond at Aojingxi Pavilion.

When the two met, Jia Lan was very pleased with himself. After exchanging a few words, he said, "I'm going to Grandmother's room again today. Hey, Uncle Yuan, don't worry, I guarantee that after another round of this, Grandmother will not think of calling me."

Chen Siyuan asked in surprise, "Are you planning to startle people again?"

Jia Lan shook his head and said, "I've been startled twice already, so it's not good to come again. But..." As he spoke, he reached into his sleeve and took something out.

Chen Siyuan glanced down, frowned, and tentatively asked, "Chrysanthemum?"

Jia Lan nodded repeatedly with a smile.

"That unlucky kid! You can't just eat croton seeds like that!" Chen Siyuan scolded, his face darkening. "Nonsense! What will happen if you get sick?"

Jia Lan said, "There are medical books in Mother's room. I've looked at them carefully. I'll grind them into powder and secretly put them into the snacks later. Everyone will have an upset stomach at the same time, so no one will notice anything amiss."

Chen Siyuan gave Jia Lan a long and detailed explanation, and Jia Lan agreed on the spot before turning around and leaving happily. Whether she listened or not, Chen Siyuan did not know.

He had intended to make a trip to Daoxiang Village to at least give Li Wan a heads-up, but to his surprise, only two old women remained in Daoxiang Village, and Li Wan had not yet returned.

Left with no other choice, Chen Siyuan had to turn back.

To his surprise, as soon as he arrived at his own door, he saw Miaoyu, dressed in a patchwork robe, standing prettily and coldly near the east corner gate.

Chen Siyuan knew that Miaoyu was aloof and thought she was just an ordinary person. He nodded slightly and was about to return home when Miaoyu spoke up, "Amitabha, Young Master Chen, please come a little further."

Miaoyu actually came looking for him? Chen Siyuan couldn't help but look up at the sky. After confirming that the sun was already setting, he followed Miaoyu into the long corridor with a puzzled expression.

Miaoyu walked ahead, wearing a five-colored embroidered satin vest with a paddy field pattern, a yellow belt around her waist, a light blue stand-up collar jacket underneath, and a moon-white long skirt, holding a whisk in her hand. Originally a monk's robe, the yellow belt accentuated her graceful figure.

Chen Siyuan felt a slight warmth in his heart as he looked at her, thinking to himself that it was no wonder his cousin Xing Xiuyan looked down on her so much; this Miaoyu was indeed neither a monk nor a layman.

After a while, when they reached the octagonal pavilion at the end of the long corridor, Miaoyu stopped.

Chen Siyuan stepped forward, cupped his hands slightly, and said, "May I ask what brings you here, Master?"

Miaoyu frowned slightly, clearly disliking the title 'Master,' and then gently opened her mouth to ask, "Does Young Master Chen know the whereabouts of Liu Erlang?"

"Liu Erlang?" After several days, Chen Siyuan took a moment to realize that he was referring to Liu Xianglian. He then said, "Liu Xianglian... I have only met him a few times and we are not close, so I really do not know his whereabouts."

Miaoyu immediately frowned. Chen Siyuan, seeing that she was speechless, was about to bow and take his leave. Unexpectedly, Miaoyu said, "Young Master Chen also went to the Muni Temple that day, didn't he? Since Young Master Chen left, Liu Erlang has disappeared without a trace. Could it be... could it be that you used some tricks?"

baffling!

Chen Siyuan chuckled, then put his hands behind his back and said with a smile, "Just because I also went to the Muni Monastery, does that mean if a murder happens there in the future, it will be blamed on me? Abbess, that's absurd!"

Miaoyu fell silent again, only scrutinizing Chen Siyuan as if she were filled with doubts.

Because of his cousin Xing Xiuyan, Chen Siyuan had never been interested in her, and would only nod at her when they bumped into each other before passing by. He didn't know where Miaoyu got her confidence, as if she was convinced that he had ruined her plans.

Chen Siyuan, who was about to lose his temper and say something impolite, suddenly had a playful thought. He said, "Oh, so the nun has fallen for worldly desires."

“You—” Miaoyu immediately blushed with embarrassment.

Liu Xianglian's heroic rescue of Miaoyu, followed by his nonchalant departure, left a deep impression on her. Some time later, the two met again at the Muni Temple, and they quickly became acquainted.

At first, they only drank tea and appreciated poetry. Later, when Liu Xianglian saw Miaoyu copying the Buddhist scriptures on palm leaves, he volunteered to find the paper. Just then, Xia Jingui entered the Jia family mansion and seduced Baoyu, making him linger there every day. Miaoyu also witnessed the two of them being intimate several times, which naturally made her very angry.

Miaoyu came to the Rongguo Mansion seeking refuge with the Jia family. On one hand, she used the opportunity to exchange the family's ill-gotten gains for valuables with the concubines in the palace; on the other hand, she coveted marrying Baoyu's wife.

With Daiyu and Baochai as precedents, Miaoyu was willing to be a backup, thinking that it would be good even if she became a concubine in the future. Who knew that both Baoyu and Daiyu would fall into Chen Siyuan's hands one after the other, and then the old lady not only rejected Shi Xiangyun, but Lady Wang also brought in Xia Jingui.

Shi Xiangyun is at least the daughter of a marquis, while Xia Jingui is just the daughter of a merchant. What gives her the right to ride on Miaoyu's head?
Because of this thought, although Miaoyu and Xia Jingui never actually fought face-to-face, they exchanged a few moves from afar. Miaoyu, who considered herself aloof, was used to giving Baoyu the cold shoulder; Xia Jingui, harboring malice in her heart, only tried to coax Baoyu.

After being teased by Miaoyu several times, Baoyu stopped looking for her and instead spent his days staying at Yihong Courtyard.

Such behavior naturally chilled Miaoyu's heart. Coincidentally, Liu Xianglian was gentle and refined, and possessed a chivalrous spirit. Although Miaoyu disdained his family background, she couldn't help but feel a sense of goodwill towards him.

Life is unpredictable. Ever since Liu Xianglian delivered the palm-leaf paper, he has disappeared without a trace. Miaoyu inquired around and finally learned from the nun in charge of reception that a Mr. Xue and a scholar-looking Mr. Yuan had come to the Muni Temple that day.

After carefully inquiring about the carriage's design, Miaoyu, in her anger, concluded that Chen Siyuan had ruined her plans.

Miaoyu's mind raced, and she looked coldly at Chen Siyuan, saying, "Indeed, you are a treacherous villain. Only someone like you would judge a gentleman by the standards of a petty person!"

Chen Siyuan said, "What a joke! A lone man and woman sneaking back to the temple, and the abbess says it's all innocent?"

One sentence left Miaoyu speechless.

Chen Siyuan was still unwilling to give up. He felt that Miaoyu's aloof manner was really annoying, so he sarcastically said, "I'm afraid you think this is a match made in heaven? Ha, well, don't wander around for the next few days. I'll come and talk to you again when I have time!"

Having said that, he turned and left, leaving Miaoyu alone, standing there lost in thought.

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

Meanwhile, Chen Siyuan returned to the thatched cottage in a huff. Xiangling went to the new house that day, and Hongyu and Wu'er saw that he looked unhappy, so they came over to show their concern.

Such matters were not easy to discuss with them, so Chen Siyuan pretended nothing was wrong and went into the study, feeling utterly stifled. He wondered if Miaoyu truly considered him a celestial being, or if she suffered from some kind of paranoia.

Why bother with a Buddhist nun like you when you can just stay with Baochai and Lin Daiyu?
Just then, the maid Yunxiang from outside returned with a message, and Hongyu glanced at her and quickly said, "Miss Hongyu has arrived."

Chen Siyuan was wondering who he was talking to when he heard this, so he quickly got up to greet him.

A short while later, upon arriving at the hall, they saw Xing Xiuyan gracefully approaching. Miss Xing was usually serene, but now her eyes held a hint of reproach.

Chen Siyuan had met her before, invited her inside, and asked with a smile, "Cousin, what brings you here?"

"Isn't it all your fault?" Xing Xiuyan said, "It's also because Zhuan'er is so quick to speak. You sent the fabric this morning, and Mother came this afternoon."

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily, realizing that it was Xing Zhenshi who had urged Xing Xiuyan to come.

After a brief conversation, Chen Siyuan said, "That Miaoyu really lived up to your words, neither a monk nor a layman."

Xing Xiuyan was quite surprised and said, "You always avoid her, how did you end up provoking her again?"

"Where did I provoke this? It's clearly a case of being left at home and trouble coming out of nowhere." Chen Siyuan complained incessantly and immediately explained the whole story in detail.

Xing Xiuyan couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, saying, "That's just how she is. I suffered quite a bit when I first arrived." After a pause, Xing Xiuyan couldn't help but ask again, "Is that Liu Xianglian really a dissolute?"

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "The 'scamming gang,' the self-taught 'Yanzi Sect... they're just pretty boys." He then recounted Liu Xianglian's past.

As soon as she finished speaking, Xing Xiuyan couldn't help but frown, looked up and searched over, and hesitated several times before speaking.

Chen Siyuan then asked, "Is my cousin going to plead for her?"

Xing Xiuyan nodded and said, "No matter what, I can read and write thanks to her teaching. Although she is stubborn and somewhat cold-hearted, I can't be heartless. Yuan-ge'er... if it's not too much trouble, could you please help me out this time?"

Chen Siyuan was in a bad mood. If it were anyone else asking for his help, he would probably complain inwardly even if he couldn't refuse. But this time it was Xing Xiuyan who was asking for his help... This girl was always quiet and never wanted to trouble him.

Having finally managed to ask, how could Chen Siyuan bear to refuse?

After a moment's thought, she nodded and said, "Since my cousin has spoken, I have nothing more to say." She then called over her maid, Yunxiang, and instructed her, "Go and have Qingyu go to the Xue family's old residence, meet with Master Xue, and tell him that I am looking for Liu Erlang and would appreciate any clues he may have."

Yunxiang readily agreed, then turned and disappeared in a flash.

Chen Siyuan then turned to look at Xing Xiuyan, and couldn't help but reach out and grab her soft hand, saying, "Can you say that you've repaid the favor you owed, cousin?"

Xing Xiuyan smiled and nodded. Chen Siyuan knew, however, that if Miaoyu were to encounter any further mishaps in the future, his cousin would likely still be unable to resist stepping in to help.

That day, nothing more was said, and before long, the next day arrived.

Yunxiang came to report early this morning that Jia Lan had an upset stomach in Madam's room last night. And for some reason, Madam Wang also got an upset stomach.

Not only did they have a sleepless night, but Jia Lan also caught a cold early in the morning. Lady Wang couldn't take care of him and had to send him back to Daoxiang Village. Li Wan was naturally very worried and quickly spoke to the old lady, then returned to her thatched cottage to look after Jia Lan. The three springs were finally able to relax.

Out of affection for the house, Chen Siyuan asked, "How is Lan-ge'er?"

Yunxiang shook her head and said, "We invited Physician Wang early this morning, so I think there's nothing seriously wrong?"

Chen Siyuan nodded, dismissed Yunxiang, and then ate breakfast. Soon after, a servant named Qingyu came to see him outside the side gate, saying that he had received a reply from Xue Pan.

As Qingyu grew older, it became difficult for him to enter the garden. So Chen Siyuan moved to the side gate near the private alley and met with him there.

Na Qingyu went on and on, saying that Xue Pan had complained a lot, and upon hearing that Chen Siyuan wanted to find Liu Xianglian, he was so angry that he gritted his teeth and immediately wrote a letter.

Chen Siyuan took the letter and examined it carefully. The message about Liu Xianglian was only half a page long, but the cursing was two and a half pages long.

It turns out that after parting ways with Chen Siyuan that day, despite Chen Siyuan's repeated attempts to persuade him, Xue Pan was still itching to go and intercepted Liu Xianglian.

Seeing that Baoyu and Jiang Yuhan were getting along very well, and noticing that Liu Xianglian often dressed up as a female character, Xue Pan had long wanted to arrange a marriage between them. His words, of course, inevitably carried a hint of threat.

Unfortunately, Liu Xianglian disliked homosexuality, and Xue Pan's appearance was also crude, so he immediately became angry! As the saying goes, when people don't see eye to eye, even half a sentence is too much, but Xue Pan kept pestering him, so in a fit of rage, Liu Xianglian beat up both Xue Pan and his servant.

Fortunately, it was at Liu Xianglian's doorstep; if it had been in the middle of nowhere, this man might have killed Xue the Fool in a fit of rage.

Knowing the Xue family's extravagance, Liu Xianglian turned and ran after beating Liu Xianglian, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Xue Pan, bruised and battered, returned to the old house, intending to gather his men to give Liu Xianglian a good beating the next day, but unexpectedly, Aunt Xue returned in a hurry.

Upon learning the reason, Aunt Xue was immediately enraged! His wife, Cao, initially unaware of the cause, also became furious after hearing her mother-in-law's words. She ordered all the servants to guard the house strictly, and anyone who dared to let Xue Pan out would be sold off immediately!

Poor Xue Pan caused a ruckus several times, and Aunt Xue just cried and cursed at him. Cao Shi even picked up a knife and threatened to kill herself and Xue Pan. The simple-minded Xue was terrified and then stayed obediently in the mansion.

At the end of the letter, Xue Pan mentioned several places where Liu Xianglian might be hiding, and asked Chen Siyuan to teach him a good lesson.

Chen Siyuan chuckled to himself after reading it, and then thought that he could finally curry favor with Aunt Xue and Sister Bao this time... Hmm, why not go find Sister Bao tonight?

Gathering the letters, Chen Siyuan instructed, "Go and prepare the carriages and horses; we might have to set off soon."

Qingyu hesitated for a moment, then said, "Master... last time you went outside the city with Master Xue, Third Madam scolded me severely when she found out. This time, you must bring the guards with you, right?"

Chen Siyuan thought about it and realized it made sense. Last time, he had the misfortune of injuring his shoulder, and Sister You San immediately hired two guards at a high price. Now that they were in the new house, they were just sitting around doing nothing all day, so he couldn't let the money go to waste.

Seeing Qingyu looking so pitiful, he said, "Fine, we'll just find a guard."

Qingyu quickly agreed and turned to take care of it.

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Cuicui Temple.

Miaoyu didn't get up until late that day, because she had been having a series of nightmares the night before. One night she dreamed that Liu Xianglian was covered in blood, and the next she dreamed that he had turned into a ghost. Miaoyu was so frightened that she couldn't sleep a wink all night.

Upon waking, she pondered whether it was a case of "what you think about during the day, you dream about at night." Unable to find peace, she consulted a spirit medium and cast a divination. However, the divination result was extremely unpredictable; even Miaoyu couldn't decipher its meaning for a moment.
Just then, the maid Qingfan hurried inside and said, "Miss, Yunxiang from Qingtang Thatched Cottage has delivered an invitation."

Miaoyu accepted the invitation and asked in surprise, "What did it say?"

Qingfan shook his head and said, "No, I only left a note and then left."

Miaoyu frowned slightly, then unfolded the invitation and saw only one line of writing inside: If you wish to find Liu Erlang, come quickly to the back door.

Miaoyu was momentarily at a loss, but then she thought that Chen Siyuan was now a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations, and he had an ambiguous relationship with the Lin and Xue families. Even if he had designs on her, he probably had the desire but not the courage.

Because she was really worried about Liu Xianglian, Miaoyu bit her lip and said, "Let's get ready and come with me to the back door."

Miaoyu was a woman of her word, and Qingfan dared not contradict her. He hurriedly helped her wash up, and before she even ate breakfast, he rushed to the back door.

Because Miaoyu frequently copied scriptures and entered the palace, the old women in various places did not stop her and allowed her to leave the Grand View Garden and walk straight out of the back gate of the Rongguo Mansion.

As soon as they came out through the back door, they saw a carriage parked across the street, guarded by a burly man with a prominent chest and belly and a sword at his side. The servant, Qingyu, quickly crossed the street and bowed, saying, "Miss Miaoyu, my master invites you to get in the carriage."

Miaoyu hesitated, then frowned and asked, "Only one carriage?"

Na Qingyu had already received the instructions and said, "My master said that the young lady can come or not, and we won't wait for her if she misses the opportunity."

Qingfan frowned and tugged at Miaoyu's sleeve, saying, "Miss... I'm afraid this is inappropriate."

Miaoyu said, "I am an outsider, so why should I be bound by worldly etiquette?" She then left Qingfan behind, moved her lotus-like steps across the street, stepped onto a stool, lifted the curtain, and entered the carriage.

Upon entering, one immediately sees Chen Siyuan sitting casually in the room, with a small tea table in front of him and a pot of steaming Longjing tea on it.

Chen Siyuan gestured for her to sit down, saying, "The journey has been long, Master, why don't you have some tea first?"

Miaoyu sneered, "So you really can find Liu Erlang?"

"Of course it's true."

Miaoyu then sat down to the side, turning her head away to look out into the room, completely ignoring Chen Siyuan and the tea.

Chen Siyuan didn't mind. He gave an order to set off and then poured himself a drink.

The carriage rumbled along, and after a long while, it left the inner city and traveled a considerable distance before arriving at an alley. Miaoyu was filled with trepidation and hope, wishing only that Liu Xianglian was well.

To everyone's surprise, the carriage stopped in front of a foot inn. Chen Siyuan said "Excuse me" and then jumped off the carriage.

Miaoyu could no longer contain herself and drew back the curtains to ask, "Where is this?"

Chen Siyuan glanced back at her and said, "No rush, Master, why don't you sit in the carriage and listen to the past of that Liu Erlang?"

Miaoyu frowned and said, "I will inquire about his past myself, there's no need to trouble you!"

Chen Siyuan said coldly, "That's not up to you. If you have the ability, go find it for yourself; if you don't, you'd better obediently follow our arrangements!"

"you!"

After Chen Siyuan finished speaking, he ignored Miaoyu. At this moment, the servant Qingyu stepped forward and pointed to a short man in the shop, saying, "Sir, this is the man."

Chen Siyuan walked in with his hands behind his back and said, "Shopkeeper, bring me a plate of the finest donkey meat, and a pot of old wine!"

(End of this chapter)