Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 317 The Golden Lock Sinks into the Sand, a Mystery of the Birth and the Loss of the Family; Cold Fragrance Weeps for the Moon, Burying a Lonely Boat
Two days passed quickly. First, the Xue family sent obituaries to relatives and friends, and the next day they held a small funeral for Xue Pan.

The Xue family was one of the four great families of Jinling. Normally, a funeral bed would be set up in a mourning hall. However, Xue Pan died a violent death, so the procedure was to move him into a coffin.

Despite all attempts to stop her, Aunt Xue finally glanced at Xue Pan and then burst into tears. Baochai and Baoqin pulled and tugged at her repeatedly, and even called for servants to carry her, before they finally managed to move Aunt Xue to the backyard.

Two days later, relatives and friends came to pay their respects as promised. Monks and Taoist priests also held a Buddhist and Taoist ritual, setting a date of 21 days (three times seven) to help Xue Pan's soul find peace.

These past few days, Chen Siyuan has been coming home late and leaving early, taking care of everything inside and outside the house.

Because the Xue family was based in Nanjing, they had few relatives and friends in the capital. After three days of mourning, no one came to offer condolences.

On the fourth day, Jia She, Jia Zhen, Lady Wang, Aunt Wang, and others arrived. Chen Siyuan knew from the scene that the Jia and Wang families could no longer contain themselves and were planning to take action against the Xue family.

Chen Siyuan, having nothing to do in the front hall, simply sipped tea and read. Xue Ke kept glancing at him from time to time, but Chen Siyuan, having gotten the better of him, pretended not to notice.

When Xue Ke looked over for the third time, just as he was about to say something, a servant suddenly entered and whispered a few words to him.

Xue Ke was astonished upon hearing this, and stood up, saying, "Second Brother Lian, Brother Yuan, Hanlin Mei has come in person. I will go ahead to greet him."

Chen Siyuan and Jia Lian looked at each other in astonishment, and then stood up and said, "Mei Hanlin is an honored guest. Let's go and greet him together."

The three of them went out of the back hall and headed towards the main gate to greet the guests. Because of the funeral arrangements, the main gate of the Xue family's old residence was wide open. When the three of them arrived at the gate, they saw a green carriage parked in front of the gate. It turned out that Mr. and Mrs. Mei had arrived together.

The three stepped forward to pay their respects. Xue Ke asked in surprise, "My cousin is just a junior. Although he has suffered a misfortune, it's inappropriate to have Uncle Mei come. Besides, Brother Mei just came the day before yesterday. Uncle Mei, what brings you here—"

Xue Ke felt uneasy, sensing that something was wrong.

Jia Lian said from the side, "A guest is a guest. I have already sent someone to tell you that Scholar Mei would like to come in and have a chat."

Mei Hanlin looked ashamed, glanced at his wife, then gave Mei Chong a cold look, and said, "I am ashamed. There is no need to go inside. I have come here because of my troubles."

Just then, Jia She, Jia Zhen, and others arrived at the door, and saw that after speaking, Mei Hanlin and his wife bowed deeply to everyone.

Master Jia She was startled. In these peaceful times, scholars were valued more than warriors. Although Master Jia She held the title of a first-rank general, he was no match for Hanlin scholar Mei.

Now that Mei Hanlin is still serving as a tutor, he will at least become a prefect after he leaves the school. If his career goes smoothly and he rises to the top, it is not impossible that he will become a minister in a dozen years.

Moreover, those who could enter the Hanlin Academy were naturally well-read scholars with their own pride, so their humility was truly astonishing.

Jia She then said, "Hanlin Mei, what are you saying? How can a junior like me accept such a formality without any reason?"

Mei Hanlin stood up with a bitter face and said, "General Jia, you don't know, I made a marriage agreement with Xue Ke's father many years ago. I was planning to make it happen after my two children came of age. Who knew... who knew that my unfilial son would go against my wishes and have an affair with the neighbor's daughter. They were caught in the act!"

Jia Zhen was aware of the discord between the eldest and second branches of the Xue family, but since the Ningguo Mansion and the Xue family had no kinship ties, he didn't care. He immediately said, "Love between men and women is a common thing. Since the two young people have fallen in love, why don't you, the old scholar, simply arrange a marriage for your son with the neighbor's daughter?"

Mei Hanlin smiled wryly and said, "If it were an ordinary family, I would not go back on my word, but unfortunately, my neighbor is the family of Lord Shan, the Junior Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."

"I see."

Mei Hanlin said, "I was really ashamed to come, but no matter how unfilial Mei Chong is, he is still my son. Second Brother, I am really sorry."

Xue Ke was stunned and speechless.

Jia She stroked his beard, pondering, but still unsure how to begin. Just then, Jia Zhen stepped forward and said in a gesture of respect, "So that's how it is. Parents all over the world have such a heart. To be honest, the old scholar's agreement with the second branch of the Xue family was just a verbal one, and there was no written contract. So it can't be considered a breach of promise."

Mei Hanlin waved his hand and said, "General Jia, please don't mention it again. I am truly ashamed." He then looked at Xue Ke and said, "Let's call off this marriage. If Erlang ever encounters any difficulties in the future, I will do my utmost to help him."

After saying that, he bowed to Xue Ke again. Xue Ke, who had just realized what was happening, stepped aside and returned the bow, saying, "Uncle... there's no need for that. Since Brother Mei already has someone he loves, and the marriage was just something he said casually years ago, let's just drop it."

Mei Hanlin repeatedly expressed his shame, said a few words briefly, then, with a flushed face, pulled his wife into the car and drove away.

Jia She and Jia Zhen both praised Mei Hanlin as a virtuous man. Seeing Xue Ke's distraught state, Chen Siyuan couldn't help but comfort him, saying, "Second Brother, don't worry. You know perfectly well why Sister Qin is seeking a marriage alliance with the Mei family. Mei Hanlin's public promise is even more secure than a marriage alliance. As long as you don't commit any crimes in the future, if you encounter any difficulties, I'm sure Mei Hanlin will remember our promise and will do his utmost to help you."

Xue Ke breathed a sigh of relief, looked up at Chen Siyuan, and seeing his clear eyes, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He said, "Thank you for your guidance, Brother Yuan. It's just that my mother had given me many instructions before she left, and she was determined to make this marriage happen. Now that everything has come to nothing, I can't help but feel a little lost."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "A loss may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Erlang, you don't need to worry about temporary gains and losses. You should look at the long term."

Xue Ke nodded repeatedly, feeling a mix of emotions, and couldn't help but ponder Aunt Xue's suggestion.

Jia She and Jia Zhen went back to the back to discuss the division of the Xue family's property with Aunt Xue, while Chen Siyuan, Xue Ke, and Jia Lian returned to the main hall.

After sitting down, Xue Ke picked up the teacup and pondered. Although he was young, he was a thoughtful and meticulous person. If he was not really suited for studying, he would have to take the imperial examination.

He pondered the matter but couldn't make up his mind. He also knew it wasn't a good idea to write to his mother in Jinling for advice. Aunt Xue had set a ten-day deadline, and seeing that the Jia and Wang families were pressing him again today, Xue Ke knew that his aunt probably wouldn't be able to hold out for much longer. Therefore, he needed to make a decision as soon as possible.

Feeling restless for a long time, Xue Ke was still undecided. Suddenly, he remembered that his younger sister Baoqin was intelligent and decisive from a young age. He thought to himself, why not ask his sister Baoqin what she was thinking?
He immediately stood up and said to the two men, "Please forgive me, brothers, I need to relieve myself."

Chen Siyuan told Jia Lian it was alright, and Xue Ke turned and went to the back. He went through the ceremonial gate and found a familiar old woman and said, "Please trouble you to find my sister. Tell her I have something urgent to discuss with her."

The old woman agreed and hurried to the back room.

A short while later, Baoqin indeed arrived in surprise. The brother and sister exchanged a few words, and Xue Ke pulled Baoqin to a corner and briefly explained what had just happened and the reasons behind it.

"Marrying into the family with my cousin?" Baoqin was astonished.

Xue Ke then said, "Auntie has set a date, and it may be too late to send a letter home. Now it is up to you and me to make a decision. If my sister is not happy, then I will ask Auntie to decline the matter."

Baoqin frowned slightly and pondered for a while before saying, "Mei Hanlin has not yet retired from his post. He only has a good reputation now, so it is not appropriate for him to get involved in family matters such as the division of property between the two branches. Besides, although you are capable of managing money, you should have some capital first."

"younger sister?"

Baoqin waved her hand to stop Xue Ke from speaking, and said, "Besides, Aunt is heartbroken because of Brother Pan's violent death. She is bound to be narrow-minded. Since she said that if Brother Pan does not agree, she would rather give up all the family business, I'm afraid she really can do it."

"That……"

Baoqin puffed out her cheeks and said, "It seems like we have a choice now, but where are we really? If we don't agree, I'm afraid our family will be reduced to ordinary merchants. In my opinion, we should agree. Not only will we get our family's wealth back, but we can also keep the imperial merchant job in our hands. This way, it will be much more convenient for you to do business in the future."

Hearing Baoqin say this, Xue Ke became troubled and said, "But... being a concubine is really too difficult for you, sister."

Baoqin, however, had a clear understanding of the situation. She said, "If we don't agree to your request, Aunt, our second branch will just be ordinary merchants. In the future, my marriage will either be with an ordinary wealthy family or with a scholar. Let's not talk about the former. As for the latter... there are countless talented people in the world. How much luck would it take to find someone who can pass through several stages and pass the imperial examination?"

She paused, then pouted and said, "Brother Yuan's talent is widely known. He is already a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, and he might even pass the next one. It's not too unfair for me to be a concubine."

Xue Ke sighed, looking even more troubled: "Fine, there's still some time, I'll think about it some more."

Baoqin said, "Brother, you mustn't be indecisive! I just heard Ying'er say that the Wang and Jia families in the back hall have been pressuring Auntie. Who knows when Auntie might give in, and then it will be too late. Haven't you heard that hesitation only leads to trouble?"

Hearing Baoqin say this, Xue Ke finally made up his mind and said, "In that case, after the Jia and Wang families leave, I will go and talk to my aunt."

Baoqin nodded in agreement, and then bid farewell to Xue Ke.

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

As soon as Xue Ke returned to the main hall, Aunt Wang angrily led the Wang family members away to take their leave. The three people in the main hall heard the commotion and hurriedly came out to see them off. However, when they came out, they found that Aunt Xue and Madam Wang were nowhere to be seen, only Baochai was walking quietly behind Aunt Wang.

Aunt Xue was grieving the loss of her son, so it was understandable that she wouldn't come out to see him off. But why didn't even Madam Wang come out? Looking at Madam Wang's expression, Chen Siyuan and the other two were not fools, and naturally they figured out some clues.

As they saw her off at the door, Aunt Wang turned to Baochai before she got into the carriage and said, "Baochai, I know you're a good girl. Why don't you go back and persuade your mother more... so you won't regret it later?"

Baochai gave a vague and indifferent reply, and then Aunt Wang turned and got into her carriage, and soon drove away.

Everyone returned inside. Baochai secretly gave Chen Siyuan a meaningful look, which he immediately understood. After sitting for a while in the main hall, Chen Siyuan slipped out to urinate and bumped into the maid Ying'er as he passed through the ceremonial gate.

Ying'er then led Chen Siyuan to the back room to meet Baochai.

Chen Siyuan went inside and saw that Baochai was getting thinner and thinner, and couldn't help but say: "Sister has lost weight again."

Baochai shook her head and said, "It's a good thing, actually. My sisters used to tease me about being a bit plump." She paused, then added, "Now my family has completely offended my aunt."

Chen Siyuan pulled Baochai to sit down and asked, "How did you offend her?"

Baochai said, "My aunt is too greedy. She said that after taking my mother and me over, she wanted to swallow up all of my family's businesses, and she didn't even let go of the imperial merchant job."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Your aunt is really greedy and despicable, but I don't know where she gets her confidence from?"

Baochai sighed, "They say my uncle will be returning to the capital soon, and he's probably going to be promoted again."

"Oh?" Chen Siyuan frowned and thought for a moment.

Baochai whispered, "My aunt said today that my uncle is currently in contact with Prince Jing of North, and he might become the Grand Marshal."

The Grand Marshal was the Minister of War.

Chen Siyuan had originally forgotten the trajectory of Prince Teng's rise to officialdom in the original text, but upon hearing what Baochai said, he immediately laughed and said, "Your uncle is probably deluding himself."

Baochai raised her head in surprise and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Chen Siyuan then said, "I visited Governor Jia when he left the capital earlier. During that time, Governor Jia vaguely mentioned His Majesty's departure. I'm afraid His Majesty had already promised the position of Grand Marshal to Governor Jia."

"Ah?" Baochai covered her mouth in surprise, and said with some envy, "Lin Daiyu has indeed found a good teacher."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Governor Jia got reinstated after getting in touch with Salt Commissioner Lin. Later, Salt Commissioner Lin entrusted his son to someone on his deathbed. Do you think Governor Jia didn't benefit from this behind the scenes?"

Baochai immediately said, "Are you saying that Lin Yansi gave all his connections to Jia Yucun?"

"Isn't that right?"

Sister Bao frowned as she pondered, "That's not a good idea. If you marry Lin girl in the future, won't you lose a lot of support?"

Chen Siyuan chuckled softly, "Official connections are one thing, and the emperor's favor is another. It's really hard to say which is more important."

Baochai then said with relief, "So that's how it is. If the Emperor knew that you had married Lin, he would surely take care of you when you entered officialdom."

Just then, Ying'er knocked on the door again. It was Cao Shi, who had been kneeling for a long time and had fainted. The two hurriedly left the side room and looked ahead.

A short while later, Aunt Xue came from the back of the main house. She moved Cao Shi to the main house amidst a lot of noise and commotion, and then called a doctor to take a look. Hearing that Cao Shi's condition was due to physical weakness, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Around noon, the Jia family took their leave. Chen Siyuan, not wanting to stay behind alone, returned to the Rongguo Mansion with the others.

Upon arriving at the Rongguo Mansion, the eldest master, Jia She, greeted him, saying, "Yuan-ge'er, come to my study for a moment."

Chen Siyuan felt disgusted. Because of Madam Xing's earlier reminder, he assumed that the master was here to borrow money again.

To everyone's surprise, once they arrived at the outer study with Jia She, Jia She chatted idly for a long time without mentioning the matter of borrowing money. After drinking a cup of tea, Jia She finally said, "Wenlong has suffered a misfortune, and I'm afraid the madam's family will face difficulties in the future... Yuan-ge, do you have any ideas?"

Chen Siyuan replied, "Uncle, I have no other intentions. Now that I'm helping with the funeral arrangements, I'll ask you and Aunt to arrange for me to propose marriage on behalf of my nephew."

Jia She raised an eyebrow and said, "Yuan-ge'er, I'm afraid this marriage should be discussed again."

Chen Siyuan frowned inwardly, thinking to himself that the real drama was about to begin. Then he heard Jia She say, "Today in the back hall, my sister-in-law also talked to the aunt about your marriage with Bao'er. As you know, now that the eldest son's line has died out, the aunt does not want to adopt a son from any branch of the Xue family, so she is thinking of having Bao'er inherit both lines."

Chen Siyuan said, "Is that so? My nephew has no objection."

"Foolish!" Jia She frowned and slammed his hand on the table. "You are now the only son of your kind. How can you let Bao'er inherit two families? To put it bluntly, what will you do if Bao'er only gives birth to a son in the future?"

Seeing Chen Siyuan speechless, Jia She said smugly, "This matter... I discussed it with your aunt yesterday. It's fine for Bao'er to want to inherit the Xue family line, but there's no way she can inherit both."

Knowing Baochai's feelings, Chen Siyuan said, "I'm afraid I'll hurt Baochai's heart..."

"Huh?" Jia She glared.

Chen Siyuan quickly cupped his hands and said, "However, this matter involves the ancestral lineage, so I, your nephew, would like to ask you, uncle, to make the decision."

"That's it!" Jia She stroked his beard and laughed. "Today, I argued with my aunt, and although she didn't give in, she was speechless. I expect she'll agree in a few days. As for your affair with Bao-ya, we can't hide it anymore, so I'll have to ask you to let Bao-ya also inherit the Xue family's lineage."

"Yes," Chen Siyuan replied, bowing slightly.

Jia She clicked his tongue, unable to help but envy Chen Siyuan's good fortune. Not to mention the room full of ancient books, Daiyu was already the envy of everyone, just having the support of the Sage and Jia Yucun behind her; now Baochai was also going to inherit the family line. Although the Xue family's eldest branch was not as wealthy as the Lin family, it was still a well-known wealthy family. How could Baochai's dowry be small?
Jia She then said, “You already have two wives who can also be adopted into another family, but the position of principal wife is still vacant. You should find a suitable marriage for your wife.”

Chen Siyuan could only smile awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

Then Jia She stroked his beard and said leisurely, "The choice of the principal wife is as follows: First, her family background cannot be too bad, otherwise she will not be able to surpass Lin Daiyu and Baochai; second, her temperament should be gentle and mild, so that she can reconcile the three branches of the family; third, it is best if she is someone you know well, so that you can avoid future conflicts."

Chen Siyuan blinked, thinking to himself that this master was just short of directly mentioning his second sister Yingchun's name.

Although he was a womanizer, he knew that the timing was wrong—how could he have found his second sister as his principal wife just a few days after Baochai lost her brother and had to become a concubine? That just didn't make sense.

Since it was Chen Siyuan, he said, "Uncle, please forgive me. I have no such thoughts at the moment. Moreover, there are only two years left until the competition. I think I should focus on my studies now. As for matters of love and romance... let's discuss them later."

Jia She felt utterly disgusted, thinking to himself, "What do you mean by 'matters of love and affection can be discussed later'? Miaoyu has only been away from the Rongguo Mansion for a few days, and this kid has already taken her in."

On second thought, it dawned on her: Yes, Yingchun had spoken to the old lady before and caused a scene, so it was naturally inappropriate to bring up the past now. Besides, Bao'er's matter hadn't been settled yet, so it was indeed too hasty.

Therefore, he said, "I am merely giving you a heads-up; just keep it in mind."

There was nothing more to say at that moment, so Chen Siyuan sat for a while before taking his leave.

As they made their way back to their humble cottage, a young maid named Yunxiang greeted them with a cheerful scurry. Upon reaching them, she said urgently, "Master, Master, it's quite a lively day! The eldest mistress's widowed aunt and her two younger sisters have arrived."

"Oh?" Chen Siyuan walked with his hands behind his back, his steps never stopping. He thought to himself, "Isn't that the Li sisters, Coco Lee and Li Qi?"

Yunxiang said, "Grandma is of good character, and I didn't expect that her two younger sisters are also of good character. I took a look at them from afar, and they are both like tender green onions, and they are very pleasing to the eye."

"Really?" Chen Siyuan said casually, at which point Hongyu, Xiangling, and others had already come out to greet him.

Upon entering the main room, Yunxiang remained by her side, chattering, "The old lady saw us once and praised us highly. My widowed aunt originally wanted to live outside, but the old lady insisted on keeping them, so they had no choice but to go to my widow's Daoxiang Village."

After washing his hands, Chen Siyuan sat down with a leisurely smile. Seeing that there were no outsiders around, he said, "This is probably reserved for Baoyu again."

Before Yunxiang could speak, Wu'er said, "Master is talking nonsense. It was clearly the old lady who kept the person because of the eldest mistress. What does it have to do with Master Bao?"

Chen Siyuan smiled without saying a word. He thought to himself that he vaguely remembered that in the original text, in order to restrain Baochai, Grandmother Jia promoted Baoqin to the extreme, which frightened Lady Wang into hastily recognizing Baoqin as her goddaughter, for fear of delaying the golden and jade marriage.

The marriage between Jia Baoyu and Baochai is no longer valid, and now Xia Jingui has appeared. Even the scheming Baochai couldn't win over Grandmother Jia, let alone the wicked Xia Jingui?

Perhaps in the original text, Grandmother Jia kept Li Wen and Li Qi because of Li Wan, but now, it's probably more for Bao Yu's sake.

Coming to his senses, he saw Yunxiang staring at him expectantly. Chen Siyuan smiled and waved his hand, saying, "You're useful. You'll get an extra string of cash next month."

"Hehehe, thank you, sir."

The little maid Yunxiang left happily. Chen Siyuan was hungry, so he quickly sent Wu'er to fetch a food box. While waiting, Wang Mama, who served Daiyu, came to the door.

Chen Siyuan knew that his engagement to Daiyu was made possible thanks to the mediation of Granny Wang, so he dared not be negligent and hurriedly greeted her at the door.

When Granny Wang saw Chen Siyuan, she immediately smiled broadly and said after a few words, "Young master, you've worked hard. It's already winter, and you still have to go to the Xue family to help with the funeral arrangements. You look so thin."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "I haven't been eating well these past few days. I'll make sure to eat properly after I reheat the pot."

Wang Mama smiled and nodded, then said, "I've come today to tell you something, young master."

"Mommy, please tell me."

Granny Wang said, "We only received the news this afternoon. It is said that the young lady's teacher will be arriving in the capital soon."

Has Jia Yucun returned from conquering Jiangnan?
Chen Siyuan asked in surprise, "Why did you come back in such a hurry? Why didn't you send any news before?"

Granny Wang smiled and shook her head, saying, "How would I know about official matters?"

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "Wang Ziteng is rushing back, and now Jia Yucun is also coming back... It's all for the position of Grand Marshal."

At this moment, Granny Wang said, "Young master knows that the young lady's room is full of women, so it's really inappropriate to welcome and see off so many people—"

Before Wang Mama could finish speaking, Chen Siyuan said, "Don't worry, Mama. Just tell Mr. Jia when he will arrive in the capital, and I will go to welcome him myself."

Upon hearing this, Granny Wang smiled and said, "Alright, then I'll entrust this matter to the young master."

After saying that, Granny Wang coughed a few more times.

Chen Siyuan observed carefully and noticed that Granny Wang looked unwell, with a sallow complexion. He then asked, "Granny, have you been ill lately?"

Granny Wang laughed and said, "Perhaps he is still not used to life in the capital. Every winter, he coughs for more than a month."

"This is not a good thing. When you have some free time, I'll take you to Henian Hall to have a look." Chen Siyuan then instructed Hongyu to find some cordyceps, ginseng and other nourishing items to give to Wang Mama.

Granny Wang declined for a long time, but finally had to accept it with a smile.

After seeing off Granny Wang, Chen Siyuan returned to his room, and Xiangling said, "Master has indeed lost weight these past few days. Are you going to the Xue family again tomorrow?"

Chen Siyuan said, "Since the concubine has spoken, there won't be so many things to do from now on. Just go over and help out once every seven days."

Wu'er immediately laughed and said, "That's great! Master can finally take a rest."

Chen Siyuan nodded with a smile, but in his heart he thought that he should go and check on the Xue family every two days. Now only Baochai and her daughter were left in the Xue family, so that they would be able to help if something happened.

Wu'er and Hongyu spread out the food box and served Chen Siyuan his dinner. Just as Chen Siyuan was about to take a walk in the garden, another old woman came to report: "Master Yuan, Chunxi is waiting at the back gate. She said that if you have time, please come home as soon as possible."

Chen Siyuan was very surprised and hurriedly instructed Hongyu to help him get dressed properly before rushing to the back door. He said something had happened at home, but when he asked Chunxi, Chunxi only said that she had been instructed by the Third Sister to come and invite him, and knew nothing else.

Seeing that Chen Siyuan was pondering and not speaking, Chunxi quickly said, "Second Aunt also said that Master can go back for a visit in the next few days if he has time. There is no need to be in such a hurry."

Chen Siyuan then said, "Alright, then I'll go back tomorrow."

Chunxi agreed, curtsied, and took his leave.

Nothing else happened that day. The next morning, after having breakfast, Chen Siyuan went to the new house. After talking with Qingwen for a while, Chen Siyuan went to the back building.

Upon entering, Chen Siyuan heard Third Sister You arguing with Second Sister You. Only when he got closer did he hear Third Sister You explain in detail that Madam You was worried about her biological daughter and wanted to come and see what was going on.

Chen Siyuan couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Jia Zhen nodded?"

You Sanjie sneered, "Now that she's raising someone else's child, Jia Zhen has to coax her, afraid that if she gets upset she'll raise Ugly Boy to death. How could he dare to disagree?"

Chen Siyuan, remembering that he had been married to Madam You for a few days, advised, "If she wants to come, let her come. If you don't like her, just stay away."

Third Sister sneered, "If that's all there is to it, why wouldn't I agree? I'm afraid Second Sister is up to no good and is just trying to coax Brother into acting foolishly."

Chen Siyuan looked embarrassed and said, "If she wants to come, I'll just hide."

You Sanjie had been waiting for Chen Siyuan to say this, and she immediately snorted and stopped arguing.

Knowing he was in the wrong, Chen Siyuan spent half a day coaxing You Sanjie, and then spent the night enjoying the charms of both sisters. He didn't return to the Rongguo Mansion until noon the next day.

As soon as Chen Siyuan entered the Grand View Garden, he bumped into Madam Xing, who was leading Miao'er and Tiao'er. Chen Siyuan stepped forward to greet her, and Madam Xing said, "I just came back from the storeroom and was checking the east wing. Unexpectedly, I need to make winter clothes for everyone in the next few days."

"I see."

Madam Xing looked around and, seeing that the maids and servants in the garden were far away, pulled Chen Siyuan to a corner and whispered, "When you weren't here this morning, Eunuch Xia from the palace came by."

"Oh? Does Her Majesty have another instruction?"

Madam Xing said, "After answering the questions, the master turned around and took Lian'er and Feng'er to Rongqing Hall. Madam Wang was also invited there later. After returning to the east wing, the master immediately sent Lian'er to do his errands."

"On an official business? What kind of official business?"

Madam Xing frowned and pondered, "They say there's some idiot Shi, who was from a wealthy family in the previous dynasty. Now his family business has declined, and he's so poor that he can't even afford to eat. But he still has twenty old fans passed down from his ancestors."

Chen Siyuan was immediately taken aback. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Was this also ordered by Her Majesty?"

Madam Xing nodded repeatedly, saying, "I'm afraid it's pretty much true. I heard a few days ago that Consort Wu somehow found a fan that pleased the Emperor so much that he stayed overnight in her palace. Now that the Empress's position is vacant, even if Her Majesty isn't interested, her servants will have to urge her to. Since the Emperor is so pleased with the fan, wouldn't he order the household to search for it everywhere?"

Chen Siyuan was stunned, thinking to himself that it was because Yuanchun wanted the fan that Jia She had caused the murder case.
Remembering that Jia She had a considerable number of fan paintings, Chen Siyuan quickly asked, "He secretly kept quite a few fan paintings, is it also—"

Madam Xing pursed her lips and shook her head, saying, "What does that have to do with him? You know what kind of person he is. Once he has something good in his hands, why would he give it away so easily?"

"That's strange. The eldest daughter is from the second wife's family, so why is the master so enthusiastic about her?"

“Tch,” Madam Xing said, “What else can we do? The second branch of the family has agreed to the money and begged the master to take charge. He can benefit from this, so naturally he’s very enthusiastic.”

Chen Siyuan frowned and pondered. These fans that Jia She had his eye on could hardly be ordinary objects. He vaguely remembered that in the original text, Ping'er mentioned that the master Jia She had sent Jia Lian to buy twenty fans at five hundred taels of silver each. Shi Daizi, who clearly knew their value, said that he would not sell them even at one thousand taels each. This showed that these fans were quite valuable.

The problem is that the Rongguo Mansion is currently operating at a loss and is in debt. Does it have enough money to make purchases?
Chen Siyuan then voiced his doubts.

Unexpectedly, Madam Xing had a foolish idea and said, "How can you be so silly? If you take over the various businesses of the concubine's family in the mansion, and then resell them, you can make a fortune. I estimate at least ten or twenty thousand, and if things go well, you could make twenty or thirty thousand."

Chen Siyuan then realized. Because there were people coming and going in the garden, although Madam Xing wanted to mention Yingchun, this was not the place to talk. So she told Chen Siyuan to come to the east courtyard when he had time, and then hurriedly said goodbye to him.

Just as Chen Siyuan was about to turn back to Qingtang Thatched Cottage, an old woman rushed over and said, "Master Yuan, it's just in time that you've returned. Otherwise, we would have had to send someone to your house to invite you back."

Chen Siyuan asked, "What has happened?"

The old woman said, "A guard from the Prince's mansion has come ahead and said that Prince Yanping invites Master Yuan to the mansion for a chat."

The Prince of Yanping was looking for him? Chen Siyuan immediately pictured that unreliable figure and couldn't help but wonder what the Prince of Yanping wanted at this time.

(End of this chapter)