Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 357 Who Knows the Secrets of a Beautiful Woman's Heart

Chen Siyuan glanced sideways and immediately smiled. He hadn't been able to interfere much with Xiangyun's matter earlier, so he had only spoken up and hadn't really exposed Chen Yejun's true colors.

Unexpectedly, this guy took advantage of my kindness and started bullying me instead.

The Prince Zhongshun, seated high above, glanced at Chen Yejun and said with a smile, "What do you mean? Did Chen Xiaolian just have a conflict with someone?"

Chen Siyuan cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness need not worry. I was merely unable to bear it any longer and thus vehemently condemned a heartless and hypocritical scoundrel. This man is fond of his concubine but refuses to grant her the status of a principal wife; he despises his fiancée but covets her dowry. Your Highness, do you think such a scoundrel deserves to be condemned?"

Chen Yejun slammed his fist on the table in anger and said coldly, "You, surnamed Chen, had better watch your mouth!"

Chen Siyuan said nonchalantly, "Huh? That's strange. I just called him a rat, why are you getting so worked up, Brother Chen?"

At this moment, Prince Zhongshun coughed and said, "Today is the Lantern Festival, so don't bring your private squabbles into the open. Come, serve wine to Chen Xiaolian."

Immediately, a maidservant brought up a tray containing three cups of wine.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness." Chen Siyuan picked up his wine cup and drank three cups in a row. Perhaps he drank too quickly, because soon his face was flushed with alcohol.

King Zhongshun clasped his hands in praise and then invited Chen Siyuan to sit down.

As luck would have it, Chen Siyuan was sitting opposite Chen Yejun and the female entertainer. Seeing Chen Yejun gritting his teeth in hatred, Chen Siyuan was secretly delighted.

Thinking to himself that the Xiangcheng Marquis's mansion was already an empty shell, and that Chen Yejun was wearing nothing more than a half-new rat-skin coat, he was probably no match for him in terms of family background and connections. He wondered where this guy got the confidence to swagger around.

Just as he was pondering how to embarrass Chen Yejun, a scholar beside him said, "I have long heard that you, Friend Chen, are exceptionally skilled in poetry. Nowadays, in the brothels of the capital, there are still actors reciting your poems. On this auspicious Lantern Festival, why don't you compose a poem to add to the festivities?"

Chen Siyuan's eyes darted around, and a plan immediately came to mind. He smiled at the man and said, "More than a thousand years have passed since the Tang Dynasty, and countless poems, lyrics, and songs have been produced. Many famous works have emerged during the Lantern Festival. I know I cannot compare to my predecessors, and I am afraid I will disappoint this friend."

The man laughed and said, "Friend Chen is too modest... However, there are indeed many famous poems and lyrics for the Lantern Festival, and it may not be easy to innovate. Why don't we not set a theme or rhyme, and Friend Chen can compose whatever he likes?"

The Prince of Zhongshun, sitting at the head of the table, stroked his beard and laughed, “Indeed, I almost forgot that Chen Shuliang is particularly skilled in writing lyrics. On this festive occasion, Shuliang, please do not refuse. Do not be bound by any particular theme or rhyme, just compose a poem to add to the festivities.”

Chen Siyuan cupped his hands and replied, "Then please allow me to consider it, Your Highness."

"Easy to say."

Chen Siyuan pretended to ponder for a moment, then smiled and said, "I saw that Brother Chen and his wife are deeply in love, so I just wrote a poem to make up the numbers. If it is not well written, please don't mind. Come, bring me pen and ink."

With a wave of his hand, King Zhongshun summoned a palace attendant to bring over a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Chen Siyuan picked up the brush and wrote a poem in a short while.

Just now, I had urged the scholar to tilt his head and look at the poem. After reading only two lines, his expression turned strange. After the poem was finished, the scholar covered his face and suppressed a laugh.

The eunuch stood by and waited until the ink was slightly dry before presenting the paper to Prince Zhongshun. To his surprise, Prince Zhongshun didn't even look at it, waving his hand and saying, "Chen Shuliang has long been known for his talent. Just read it aloud, so that all the famous scholars in the world may know what Chen Shuliang's words are."

The eunuch swallowed hard, nodded in agreement, and then picked up the paper and began to read aloud: "The fragrance of jade perfumes her fair skin, and the phoenix in the tower is not lonely; the red phoenix star shines on her golden hairpin, and she knows that a moment is worth a thousand pieces of gold."

"

After the poem was recited, not only the people below, but even the King Zhongshun sitting at the head of the table had strange expressions. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the poem was an erotic poem, and it implied that the female musicians around Chen Yejun were prostitutes.

The current dynasty is slightly more open than the previous Ming dynasty. Although female musicians are not considered of low social status, they are not much higher either. Moreover, due to the legacy of the previous Ming dynasty, female musicians were married to actors, and the actors were required to wear green headscarves. By this time, this had evolved into the practice of cuckolding.

The old saying goes that a prostitute is matched with a cuckold, and the cuckold refers to a female entertainer or a cuckold.

Chen Siyuan's poem, though seemingly beautiful, actually hurled a torrent of abuse at Chen Yejun and the woman from the music house!

The female musician's eyes were already red, and she shoved Chen Yejun, demanding that he step in. Chen Yejun, enraged, slammed his hand on the table and pointed at Chen Siyuan, saying, "You, surnamed Chen, dare to insult me!"

Chen Siyuan was taken aback and said, "Brother Chen, what are you saying? Who doesn't know that your wife comes from Jinxiang Courtyard? My poem is written based on the truth; is there any fabrication in it?"

"you--"

The Marquis of Xiangcheng's mansion, having lost its title, was merely an empty shell. Chen Yejun had hoped to curry favor with the powerful, but Prince Zhongshun, arrogant and haughty, had never even given him a second glance.

Seeing Chen Yejun's discomfiture, and because of her dislike for the female musicians beside him, she immediately said, "That's right, Shu Liang was just telling the truth and there was nothing fabricated. Chen Yejun, you're so angry... could it be that you want to ruin the poetry gathering?"

Chen Yejun's face turned pale and then red. Not daring to offend Prince Zhongshun, he swallowed his anger and bowed, saying, "I dare not... I am not a good drinker, so I will take my leave now."

King Chungshun waved his hand haphazardly and said, "Come on, send the gifts out for me."

Chen Yejun's expression changed, but he finally cupped his hands in greeting, helped the musician beside him up, glared at Chen Siyuan, and then quickly followed the eunuch downstairs.

For a while, they drank and chatted. The people around him thought Chen Siyuan was just joking, but no one said that his poems were too reckless. This was because Chen Siyuan was famous for his talent, and everyone knew his famous poems. So everyone just assumed that Chen Siyuan was deliberately cursing.

After several rounds of drinks, Chen Siyuan remained on edge, pondering the true purpose of Prince Zhongshun. Just as he was thinking this, Prince Zhongshun excused himself to change clothes and left, and then a eunuch approached and whispered, "Chen Xiaolian, the Prince requests your presence."

Chen Siyuan got up without making a sound and followed the eunuch downstairs, arriving shortly at a private room on the second floor.

After entering and exchanging greetings, and taking their seats, Prince Zhongshun said, "Shuliang is widely known for his talent, but few people know that you possess the abilities of Tao Zhu."

"Your Majesty is so complimentary."

King Zhongshun chuckled and said, "I heard that you saved Shou'an with medicine in the twelfth lunar month. I wonder what kind of miraculous medicine it was?"

Chen Siyuan picked up his teacup and pondered to himself, "This Prince Zhongshun really has ulterior motives; he's eyeing my houttuynia cordata."

There are two methods for preparing this medicine: distillation and alcohol extraction. The former is significantly more potent than the latter. Chen Siyuan had planned to sell the latter to Jia She that very day, but unexpectedly, Prince Zhongshun also came knocking on his door, drawn by its allure.

However, this man is cunning and suspicious. If we offer it up on the spot, it might arouse his suspicion. Therefore, Chen Siyuan hesitated and said, "It was just something I obtained by chance. I don't think it would catch the eye of Your Highness."

Prince Zhongshun said, “I’ve already told you not to be so modest. Even the imperial physicians in the palace were helpless with Shou’an’s condition, yet Shuliang’s two small bottles of miraculous medicine cured him instantly. Hehe… To be honest, I’m interested in that prescription. If Shuliang is willing to part with it, I will certainly satisfy him.” “This—” Chen Siyuan frowned and said, “Your Highness, this medicine involves too many things. First, there’s Prince Yanping, and second, there’s my uncle. We agreed on it a few days ago, and although we haven’t signed a contract, I can’t break it… If Your Highness is truly interested, perhaps you could let me go back and discuss it?”

Prince Zhongshun's expression changed instantly, and he said with a sullen face, "Chen Xiaolian, are you disrespecting me? Your Baicaotang is making a fortune, but don't think that just because my brother is protecting you, you can rest easy."

Who are you trying to scare? Chen Siyuan isn't a three-year-old child. How could he be intimidated by a powerless prince who is disliked by the emperor?
However, if we can take advantage of the situation and get Jia She and Prince Zhongshun to fight each other, it would be a very pleasant thing.

Chen Siyuan pretended to wipe his sweat, and after a long while, he said nervously, "In that case, I will definitely give Your Highness an answer in three days, is that alright?"

Prince Zhongshun stared at Chen Siyuan for a long time, then suddenly a smile appeared on his face. His voice seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth as he said, "Good, I expect you will not disappoint me in three days!"

Just then, there was a knock on the outer door, and the eunuch said, "Your Highness, Prefect Shao of Shuntian Prefecture is here to see Chen Xiaolian."

Prince Zhongshun glanced at Chen Siyuan with a strange expression and said, "I didn't expect Shuliang to have such connections, that he's even involved with Shao Shibiao."

Chen Siyuan was puzzled, wondering if Jia Yucun had intervened this time? But Jia Yucun hadn't come. If Jia Yucun had indeed come, it would be enough for him to protect him; why would anyone else need to intervene?

Puzzled, Chen Siyuan rose to take his leave, saying, "Your Highness is too kind. I am also unaware of the reason. I shall take my leave now!"

After saying this, he bowed respectfully, bid farewell to Prince Chungshun, and quickly left the private room.

Turning around to the stairwell, sure enough, there stood a high-ranking official in his forties, wearing a red robe, standing proudly in the room.

Chen Siyuan dared not be negligent and stepped forward to greet him. Shao Shibiao looked him over carefully and then smiled and said, "I heard Yucun mention before that since you are Ruhai's son-in-law, we should get to know each other better in the future."

Chen Siyuan readily agreed, but Shao Shibiao added, "This is not the place to talk. If Yu'er hadn't sent your calling card, I wouldn't have known you'd been lured here by Prince Zhongshun. I imagine Yu'er is anxiously waiting, so you should leave quickly."

"Thank you, Lord Shao."

After a proper farewell, Chen Siyuan quickly went downstairs. As he walked westward, a cold wind blew in his face, and a smile immediately appeared on Chen Siyuan's face.

I was just wondering why Shao Shibiao would come to smooth things over, but it turns out it was because of Daiyu!

He walked briskly and arrived at Ruyi Residence after a while. Feng Jie, Daiyu, and the others were waiting anxiously, and when they saw him return unharmed, they hurriedly went up to ask him what was wrong.

Prince Zhongshun wanted to seize power by force, and Chen Siyuan also intended to set a trap for him; such matters were difficult to explain. He claimed that he was only invited by Prince Zhongshun because of his talent and reputation, and that he was able to escape after composing a poem.

As it was getting late, Sister Feng urged everyone to leave Anlan Garden and hurriedly return to Rongguo Mansion by carriage.

Chen Siyuan returned to his thatched cottage. Since it was already past midnight, he washed up and went to bed early, without saying anything else.

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

The next day was the fifteenth of the first lunar month.

Chen Siyuan didn't get up until late morning. While having breakfast, he was thinking about whether to go looking for Sister Bao or Sister Lin later. Before he knew it, his little maid Yunxiang secretly came looking for him.

Approaching them, he lowered his voice and said, "Sir, sir, Second Master Lian didn't come home all night last night. Second Madam just threw a huge tantrum. I heard she even smashed the food box!"

Chen Siyuan paused, his chopsticks still, and asked in surprise, "Second Brother Lian hasn't returned? What about Aunt Zhang?"

Yunxiang said, "Aunt Zhang returned half an hour earlier than Master."

What happened? Jia Lian abandoned Zhang Jinge and ran away on his own?
Chen Siyuan was momentarily confused, so he sent Yunxiang away first. After breakfast, Chen Siyuan intended to go find Lin Daiyu to chat for a while. However, when he arrived at Xiaoxiang Pavilion, the old woman left behind told him that Daiyu had gone to Rongqing Hall.

Chen Siyuan thought about it and realized it made sense. Today was the fifteenth, a time for family reunions. He figured that Sister Bao and Sister Lin would definitely go to Rongqing Hall to please Grandmother Jia.

Just as he was about to return to his thatched cottage, he heard someone calling his name from behind. Chen Siyuan stopped and turned around to look, and saw Xing Xiuyan leading Zhuan'er, who was carrying a bundle, towards him.

Chen Siyuan waited a moment until Xing Xiuyan approached before asking, "Cousin, where are you going?"

Xing Xiuyan smiled and said, "Today is the fifteenth, and I must go to the estate to reunite with my parents."

Because Xing Zhong and his wife were not favored by Madam Xing, they were sent to work as minor stewards on the estate last year.

Chen Siyuan frowned and said, "The estate is simple and austere. I prepared a lot of gifts before the New Year. If you want to go, cousin, why don't you come back to the new house with me first and bring the gifts? It's my way of showing my appreciation."

Xing Xiuyan smiled and shook her head, saying, "Life is much better than when we were in Suzhou. My father is a bit dim-witted. If you really give him a lot of gifts, I'm afraid he'll squander them again. He'll get gambling debts and cause trouble again."

Chen Siyuan thought about it and agreed, saying, "Alright then, cousin, please wait a moment. I'll have Qingyu bring some mountain produce and food."

Xing Xiuyan agreed with a smile.

Xing Xiuyan went to wait in the carriage at the front, while Chen Siyuan found his servant Qingyu, who soon returned with two baskets of mountain goods. Xing Xiuyan took the baskets and then boarded the carriage to head towards the village outside the city.

After seeing off his cousin Xing Xiuyan, Chen Siyuan entered the ceremonial gate when he heard voices approaching behind him. Turning around, he saw that it was Jia Lian who had returned.

Chen Siyuan stamped his foot, cupped his hands, and asked, "Second Brother, where have you been coming from?"

Jia Lian stammered, "Yesterday at the lantern festival, I happened to run into the eldest brother of the Marquis of Jinxiang. I couldn't refuse him, and I got drunk, so I didn't come home all night."

Is that so? Chen Siyuan looked closely and saw two hickeys on Jia Lian's neck. Suppressing any hint of mockery, he thought to himself, "This Jia Lian isn't drinking; he's clearly been out partying!"

I heard that Sister Feng was furious this morning, so Brother Lian should just pray for himself.

Chen Siyuan pretended not to know anything, chatted with Jia Lian for a few words, and then took his leave. Unexpectedly, as soon as he returned to the thatched cottage in Fanqing Hall, Hongyu came out to greet him and said, "Master, Miss Yun has been here for a while. If you hadn't returned by now, Miss Yun would have left."

Is Xiangyun here?

Chen Siyuan nodded and quickly entered the room. He looked up and saw Xiangyun sitting dejectedly in a chair, her mind elsewhere. It was clear that the Lantern Festival yesterday had upset her greatly!
(End of this chapter)