Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 365 The Legend of the Phoenix and the Phoenix: A Perfect Match for Tonight

Now that Siqi had delivered the message, how could the two upstairs dare to embrace each other? Yingchun, with tears streaming down her face, gently pushed Chen Siyuan away, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Chen Siyuan felt a pang of pity and squeezed Yingchun's plump hand before stepping aside. A moment later, he heard Madam Xing exclaim dramatically, "My child!" and then she strode up the steps, rounded the screen, and embraced Yingchun in her arms.

Soon after, Lady Wang and Sister Feng helped Grandmother Jia upstairs, and in no time they surrounded the bedside.

Chen Siyuan couldn't rush forward, so he retreated step by step around the screen, eventually only able to stand guard at the top of the stairs. The head maid, Siqi, stared at Chen Siyuan with her watery eyes. The group of girls who had received the news from Chen Siyuan hadn't arrived yet. She whispered to Chen Siyuan, "Thank goodness, Master Yuan, otherwise the young lady would not know what would have happened."

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "Second sister's illness came on strangely."

Siqi sighed deeply, then remembered the rumors about the east courtyard, and stammered, "Master, that man surnamed Sun has asked the master for me again."

Chen Siyuan glanced sideways and said coldly, "Even if the master wants to let you leave the manor, he will still have to find a proper reason. Selling a young lady's personal maid without cause will not be a good reputation. You should keep asking around. If all else fails, you can leave the manor on sick leave. I will figure out a way to deal with the indenture later."

Siqi nodded repeatedly. If possible, she would rather marry into Yingchun's household there, where she would become a head maidservant, a position even more prestigious than that of an ordinary concubine.

Just look at Ping'er, the girl beside the Second Madam, and you'll know that everyone in the mansion, even the Old Madam, gives Ping'er a lot of face.

Before she could say anything more, she heard Xiao Xichun shout, "Second Sister has indeed woken up!" and immediately pulled Tanchun upstairs to see.

Siqi didn't know what to say, so she led the people inside. Chen Siyuan quietly went downstairs to find the old master to answer questions.

The old master, surnamed Zhang, with the Taoist name Dingxuan, was a member of a collateral branch of the family. Chen Siyuan chatted with him briefly, but when Zhang Tianshi was mentioned, the man became evasive and expressed considerable dissatisfaction.

Chen Siyuan thought about it and realized it made sense. Both the Zhang family in the south and the Kong family in the north were ancient families with a history of thousands of years. Their relationships were complicated and complex, and there were probably countless conflicts between the legitimate and illegitimate children. Naturally, Zhang Gaogong had a lot of dissatisfaction with Zhang Tianshi.

After drinking a cup of tea, Grandmother Jia sent her head maid, Yuanyang, to say, "The second young lady seems much better." Chen Siyuan hurriedly inquired about the follow-up matters, and Zhang Gaogong gave him a few brief instructions. Chen Siyuan then presented him with a gift of two hundred taels of silver. Seeing that it was getting late, he found Zhou Rui's wife and instructed her to lead Gaogong to the guest rooms first, and to send a carriage back to Baiyun Temple early the next morning.

A short while later, Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, Lady Xing, and others came downstairs to return. Chen Siyuan did not want to linger, so he found Xiuju, gave her some instructions, and then returned to Qingtang Thatched Cottage.

That day, nothing else happened, but unexpectedly, Sister Bao brought Ying'er to visit that night.

The two had a very close relationship, which Hongyu, Xiangling and the others were used to. As they were about to serve fragrant tea, everyone else withdrew, leaving the two alone in the study to talk.

"My second sister's illness was extremely strange, but she was cured after a Taoist priest cast two talismans on her."

During the year, there were often banquets. Baochai was a little foodie, so her face, which had become thin and pointed, returned to its full moon shape. It seems that she made up for it during the winter.

Chen Siyuan fondled her soft hands, finding them plump and boneless. Upon hearing this, he echoed, "The Master did not speak of strange phenomena, physical prowess, disorder, or spirits... Regardless, she has finally woken up."

Baochai glanced at her suspiciously and chuckled, "That's right, it's no use calling others, but you wake up as soon as they call."

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily and teased, "Is Bao-mei jealous?"

Baochai snorted and said, "If I were that jealous and vindictive, I'm afraid you would have driven me to my death long ago."

Chen Siyuan smiled but remained silent. Baochai gave him a reproachful look, then said, "Soon it will be Lin Daiyu's turn to give birth, you must be careful."

Chen Siyuan scratched his head in dismay. Both were his children, and he had given Yingchun a unique birthday gift. How could he treat Daiyu poorly? Besides, Daiyu was very perceptive. If he didn't put in the effort, she might be upset for quite some time.

Chen Siyuan readily agreed, saying he already had an idea. Baochai didn't mention the matter, then hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but stopped herself.

Chen Siyuan observed his expression and couldn't help but tighten his grip around his waist, asking, "Is there something you're having trouble saying?"

After thinking it over, Baochai said, "Mother came to the small courtyard in the northeast yesterday for Second Sister's birthday. I went to her room early this morning and saw her retching. I was naturally concerned and wanted to go and fetch the imperial physician, but Mother avoided my gaze and kept stopping me."

"Oh?" Chen Siyuan forced himself not to change his expression, thinking to himself, could it be that Aunt Xue is really pregnant?

Upon closer examination, something seemed amiss. How could she have been nauseous so much in such a short time? So he said, "Perhaps it's because the concubine has been back at the old residence these past few days, and the food and drink there are quite different from what she eats at the Rongguo Mansion, which has spoiled her appetite?"

Although Baochai had some doubts, she was not certain, so she nodded and agreed with Chen Siyuan, saying, "Perhaps that's the case. Tomorrow I'll send an old woman to the old house to take a look. Because of my brother's departure, my mother is heartbroken, and she has been eating vegetarian food all year. I'm afraid she might be unwell."

Chen Siyuan nodded, but in his heart he was thinking that he should take some time in the next few days to visit the Xue family’s old house and ask Aunt Xue what was going on.

The two talked for a long time, with Baochai chattering about this and that, and Chen Siyuan trying to get closer to her but being rejected. Chen Siyuan pondered for a while, and then it suddenly dawned on him... That's right, his own relationship with his second sister was about to be settled, how could he leave Baochai's matter aside?
After a brief consideration, Chen Siyuan took Baochai's hand and said, "Once you've finished your mourning period, we need to get our affairs on the agenda."

Perhaps it was because she understood Baochai's thoughts, Baochai immediately smiled and blushed, saying, "No rush, there's still more than half a year to go... Besides, you have to take the imperial examination next year, so it's not good to be distracted."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Let's sign the marriage agreement first, and we can talk about other things after I pass the imperial examination."

Baochai then responded in a voice barely audible.

Chen Siyuan chuckled inwardly. When he tried to be intimate again, Baochai indeed stopped resisting. After a few caresses, Baochai blushed so much that her eyes seemed to well up with tears, and she finally managed to break free.

Fearing that Chen Siyuan would pester her again, Baochai hurriedly took her leave.

After seeing Baochai off, Chen Siyuan returned to his study and reminisced for a while. He couldn't help but recall the tearful appearance of his second sister, Yingchun, that afternoon.

It's strange, considering that Second Sister has never met Sun Shaozu, so why would she dream of him? Could it be that Siqi often talks about him, and that's why she dreams about him because she thinks about him during the day? Or is there some strange or supernatural force at play?

Or perhaps, it's all preordained, and Second Sister is dreaming about her original ending?
Thinking of this, Chen Siyuan wondered if he could secretly ask Baochai if she had had any strange dreams since she started following him.

Lost in thought, Chen Siyuan didn't realize that the night was getting dark and the dew was getting heavier. Hongyu came to urge him to go to bed early after washing up.

The next morning, Chen Siyuan was about to personally escort Zhang Gaogong back to Baiyun Temple when he heard that Grandmother Jia had already sent Lai Da to escort him. Only then did he leisurely return to his room to rest.

After breakfast, Hongyu was sent to Yingchun's Zhuijinlou again. When Hongyu returned, she said with a smile, "Second Miss is indeed much better. She kept saying that it was thanks to Master Zhang who invited her that she slept soundly last night without having a single dream. This morning she ate two bowls of green rice porridge and half a steamer of xiaolongbao."

Relieved, Chen Siyuan quickly tidied himself up, went to the front to call a carriage, and led his servant Qingyu and a guard to the Yanping Prince's Mansion.

Following the Ming dynasty system, the government was nominally on holiday for seven days during the first month of the lunar calendar, but in reality, the official seal of the government office remained sealed until after the first month when official business was not conducted.

Chen Siyuan thought that it was already February, and it was time to put his business on the agenda.

Traveling lightly and simply, they arrived at the Prince of Yanping's residence. After presenting their invitations, a young eunuch soon came to lead them in.

Because he visited often, the eunuchs inside were quite familiar with him. Upon seeing him, they would smile and say, "It's quite a coincidence. Yesterday, the prince was still talking about Chen Xiaolian. He was going to send someone to deliver an invitation to Xiaolian during breakfast this morning. Unexpectedly, Xiaolian himself came to visit."

Chen Siyuan asked with a smile, "Did something go wrong at Wan Ke Lai?"

The young eunuch replied, "That's not something I can know. Please come with me, sir."

Chen Siyuan agreed and followed the young eunuch through several palace gates to the back garden of the Prince's Mansion. It was only February in the capital, and the willows inside were just sprouting tender buds. The young eunuch led him into a flower hall, which was full of red and green flowers in full bloom.

Chen Siyuan waited a short while, then a eunuch led him around the screen, where he could see Prince Yanping holding a brush and teaching the young princess to write large characters.

The little princess was beautiful, and her eyes darted around when she heard the noise. She then said coquettishly, "Father, Father, I'm tired!" King Yanping smiled indulgently, put down his brush and ink, and said, "Very well, you can rest with your wet nurse for a while, but you can't skip the ten characters today."

The young princess responded with a "yes," giggled, and ran off on her own, prompting her maids and servants to exclaim "Oh dear, oh dear!" and hurriedly chase after her.

Chen Siyuan stepped forward to greet him, and upon looking up, he saw that King Yanping was frowning. He casually waved his hand and said, "Please take a seat."

A young eunuch carried over an embroidered stool. After Chen Siyuan sat down, he cupped his hands and said, "I just heard that Your Highness was planning to send invitations to students, but I don't know what happened?"

Prince Yanping said, "In the past few days, His Majesty has just decided on the expenditure for the next few years at the court meeting. Unexpectedly, the day before yesterday, there was a military report from the southwest that Pagan has repeatedly invaded the border. I'm afraid war is about to break out."

Bagan... does that refer to Myanmar? Chen Siyuan pondered, as if it were around this time in his previous life, when Bagan rose to power and a major war broke out in the southwest.

However, he is only a scholar who has passed the imperial examinations, so what does such an important matter of the court have to do with him?
Then Prince Yanping said, "The grain transport has been repeatedly disrupted, and the Yellow and Huai rivers have reached a point where they cannot be left unmanaged. In addition, the northwest is unstable. The Ministry of Revenue has calculated that this year's deficit will likely be an additional five million taels. Yesterday, His Majesty summoned me and ordered that, compared to last year, the Imperial Treasury must pay at least two million more taels of silver." As he spoke, he stared at Chen Siyuan and said, "Shuliang has always possessed the abilities of Tao Zhu, but I wonder if he has any good strategies to help me?"

As the saying goes, one should not concern oneself with affairs of state if one is not in a position of authority. Chen Siyuan was merely a minor scholar who had never participated in court politics. Where would he find two million taels of silver for the Prince of Yanping in such a short time?

He didn't rush to speak, but frowned and pondered for a moment before saying, "I wonder if Your Highness still remembers the medicine I offered last time?"

King Yanping immediately said with disdain, "It's just a medicine. Even if it's a unique business, how much money can you make?"

Chen Siyuan replied solemnly, “Your Highness is unaware that this medicine has remarkable uses and is inexpensive. If it is sold on a large scale, I dare not say how much, but it will certainly bring in over ten thousand taels of silver a year.” He paused, then added, “As for the remaining money, please allow me to go back and think it over carefully.”

Seeing that Chen Siyuan did not refuse outright, Prince Yanping smiled and said, "I know this is a bit of a stretch, but if you help me, no matter how you do in the imperial examinations, I will guarantee your future."

Chen Siyuan pondered that Prince Yanping meant that if he failed the imperial examination, he would most likely recruit him into the inner court as an official. Regardless, it was a kind gesture, so he quickly got up to thank him.

Unexpectedly, King Yanping paced back and forth and said, "As for your medicine... tsk, didn't you sell it to King Zhongshun?"

"Huh?" Chen Siyuan was taken aback.

Knowing that nothing stays hidden forever, how did King Yanping find out so quickly?

Seeing that Chen Siyuan was puzzled, the Prince of Yanping said, "My good brother went to the Daming Palace a couple of days ago and boasted to Father Emperor that if he got your prescription, it would surely be widely used and benefit the people in the future."

Chen Siyuan hurriedly said, "Your Highness is unaware that although the prescription has been given, I have not made any agreement with Prince Zhongshun not to disclose it again; besides, the prescription that Prince Zhongshun bought was too expensive, and I have another prescription in my possession..."

"Hahaha... Good, you even dare to cheat my good brother!" King Yanping laughed loudly, looking very pleased.

Chen Siyuan said with a fawning smile, "I dare not offend anyone to their face, but I am not someone to be trifled with."

"Alright, alright, even if it's not about making money, just to rip him off once, this deal is worth it! You're all alone, are you thinking of getting me to partner with you this time? Hmm... later you should find Ding Daolong and make sure this business is done well."

Chen Siyuan was overjoyed and quickly bowed, replying, "Yes, Your Highness, I will certainly not disappoint you."

Prince Yanping smiled and nodded, then pointed to the young eunuch in the flower hall who was waiting for orders, and ordered him to lead Chen Siyuan to find Ding Daolong. He then paced back and forth, pondering where to find the silver.

Chen Siyuan wandered out of the Prince's Garden and waited for a while in a side hall. Soon after, Ding Daolong came quickly.

After the two men exchanged greetings, Chen Siyuan presented the houttuynia cordata extract. Ding Daolong, however, was not pleased but worried, saying, "Although this herb is readily available, it may be difficult to find at this time of year. I think it would be better to open the workshop after June."

Chen Siyuan said, "Dry grass is best, it saves us the trouble of drying it."

"I see."

Ding Daolong was relieved and discussed with Chen Siyuan, agreeing on the proportion of the shares between the two families. He also promised to send two guards from the Prince's Mansion to accompany Chen Siyuan on his business. Only then did Chen Siyuan leisurely leave the Prince's Mansion.

Remembering Aunt Xue's nausea, Chen Siyuan was still worried, so he simply sent his servant Qingyu back by carriage, while he rode Qingyu's horse and headed straight for the Xue family's old residence.

The Xue family's old residence had only three courtyards. After Xue Pan died violently, a group of people in the house were dismissed, and Cao Shi took another group with her when she went to Jinling. As a result, the number of maids and old women in the house became increasingly scarce.

Chen Siyuan gave his name, and after a short wait, Tongxi led him to the main hall.

After a few days apart, Aunt Xue remained as usual. Chen Siyuan and Aunt Xue waited for a long while before Aunt Xue finally sent all the maids and servants away.

Chen Siyuan hurriedly asked, "Baochai, I see you're gagging a lot, are you pregnant?"

Aunt Xue rolled her eyes, put down her teacup, and said, "How could it be so fast? It's just that I haven't eaten meat in a long time, and I felt a little nauseous after eating a bowl of meat porridge the other day." She paused, then added, "But my period hasn't come yet."

Perhaps due to the nourishment she had received in the past few days, Aunt Xue looked much better, her face regained its plumpness, and she had gained some weight.

Chen Siyuan asked anxiously, "When will the diagnosis be available?"

Aunt Xue pondered for a moment and said, "It'll be at the end of the month, won't it?"

Chen Siyuan frowned and pondered, "It's not good to travel in the first three months. If we go south in May, it will be a bit too hot."

Aunt Xue, however, already had a plan. She stroked her lower abdomen and said, "It would be just right to take the sea route slowly, but..." She hesitated, perhaps because she hadn't yet decided how to cover it up.

Chen Siyuan was still worried, so he said, "How about I take you back to settle in when I have some free time?"

Aunt Xue shook her head. Now that she was pregnant, she naturally dared not return to Jinling, otherwise, seeing too many relatives and friends would inevitably reveal her whereabouts.

She had already thought of a place for herself, but she wasn't sure, so she tentatively said, "I originally had a wet nurse named Chao. Because she was too old to move around easily, when we sold our property and left Jinling, she was settled in her hometown of Changzhou. Granny Chao is the most considerate. If I go to Changzhou to settle her, I'm sure there won't be any problems."

Chen Siyuan said, "Being unfamiliar with the place and its people might be detrimental to childbirth."

Aunt Xue, however, had made up her mind and said, "Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. I think Changzhou is quite good." She paused, then seemed to hesitate.

Just then, Chen Siyuan was contemplating having tea and didn't see it. Aunt Xue bit her lower lip and finally let go of her thoughts.

The maids and servants she keeps by her side are all perfectly capable. For one thing, Tongxi and Tonggui are extremely considerate. Even if she were to secretly give birth to a child, these two would keep it a complete secret. However, Aunt Xue is a thoughtful and calculating person, and just now she even considered having Chen Siyuan take these two maids away.

I figured that this would be a more appropriate approach.

However, considering that Chen Siyuan's entourage was already overflowing with people, even if Tongxi and Tonggui were taken in by him, they would not have any official rank in the future. They were afraid that the two maids would not be happy about it, so they gave up the idea.

Although the servants knew that Chen Siyuan would marry Baochai someday, the son-in-law and mother-in-law couldn't talk for too long. After giving some more instructions, Chen Siyuan was urged by Aunt Xue to get up and take his leave.

By the time they returned to the Rongguo Mansion, it was nearly midnight.

Chen Siyuan strode into the Grand View Garden, and just as he turned past the Qinfang Pavilion, Xichun caught up with him.

Chen Siyuan stopped and greeted him with a smile, but Xichun, with a cold face, leaned closer and whispered, "Brother Yuan, do you know that Zhao Guoji was murdered?"

(End of this chapter)