Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 367 Pounce
After a long while, as darkness approached, Chen Siyuan bid farewell to Madam Xing and returned to his thatched cottage. Guo Shilin was a worthless man; although he had obtained the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations), he was utterly clueless.

Even if the Xing family is in decline, Madam Xing is still the second wife of the Rongguo Mansion. How could she allow a mere scholar to bully her younger sister?
Chen Siyuan treated such trivial matters as mere amusement and didn't take them to heart at all. After returning to the thatched cottage, Hongyu came over and whispered something in her ear, saying that the second young lady had blushed shyly the whole time when she heard that she was visiting Chen Siyuan on his behalf.

Chen Siyuan smiled and thought that he would find a matchmaker to propose marriage soon. He then hurriedly went into his study to organize his manuscripts.

The "Chronicles of the Four Continents" has been completed. Chen Siyuan has reviewed and revised it. Baochai, Lin Daiyu, Xing Biaojie, and Qin Yatou have all borrowed it.

Baochai only said it was novel, but kept advising Chen Siyuan to settle down and study the Four Books, saying that it was not too late to write such miscellaneous books after he had passed the imperial examinations.

Daiyu also found it fascinating, and she and Baoqin read it with great interest. Baoqin had traveled extensively with her father in her childhood, and she explained the text in great detail, which made Daiyu want to travel the world.

Xing Xiuyan praised it highly. However, her cousin Xing was a carefree person; she enjoyed watching it while it was on, but once she finished, she didn't have any other thoughts about it.

The four girls each had their own thoughts, and it was hard to say who was right and who was wrong. Perhaps there was no right or wrong, just different perspectives.

Chen Siyuan was of strong will and would not be easily swayed by his wife. He copied the "Records of the Four Continents" as a stepping stone to gain entry into a prestigious institution.

Following the Ming system, but with many improvements, it restored the Tang dynasty's rule that "one cannot be nominated for a position in the central government without having served in a prefecture or county." Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet were mostly selected from among high-ranking officials in charge of regional administration.

Of the current six Grand Secretaries, one is an exception. This man is Li Tangfu, who started his career in river engineering and served as the Director-General of the Waterways in three different regions over twenty years. Three years ago, the court recommended him to the Grand Secretariat to take charge of the Ministry of Works, making him a true Second Grand Secretary!
This man was passionate about geography and landscapes, and he also taught himself Portuguese. In private, he collaborated with Western missionaries to translate many Western works.

After Chen Siyuan passed the imperial examination and became a Juren, he was despised by his teacher. So he planned to write this book as a stepping stone and then join Li Tangfu's school.

He was full of confidence, so Xiangling slowly moved into the study, observed his expression, and said, "Master, this manuscript has been revised several times, and I think it is very well written. Is it ready to be published?"

Chen Siyuan snapped out of his daze and laughed, "Judging from this... you've seen it too?"

Xiangling smiled and said, "After taking a few glances, I found that the customs of various overseas countries are quite different and very interesting."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "You're probably treating this book like a storybook. Oh well, you're pure of heart, you should spend more time reading poetry."

Xiangling immediately said happily, "I don't know much about things outside, so why don't I read more poetry and songs? I got a book of poems from Miss Lin the other day, and it looks excellent. I heard it was written by a talented woman from Hunan. It's a pity I haven't had the chance to see it..." She paused, then quickly picked up the manuscript and said, "If you don't want to revise it, sir, I'll help you bind it into a book?"

"Okay," Chen Siyuan replied.

Nothing more was said that night. The next morning, Chen Siyuan went to the Prince of Yanping's residence again, spent a long time with the Prince, and left behind the "Chronicles of the Four Continents" before leaving with great joy.

Upon returning to the Grand View Garden, she suddenly remembered what Xichun had said yesterday. Seeing that it was still early, she went to Qiushuangzhai to look for it.

The Zhao family were hereditary servants of the Jia family, and Zhao Guoji had died a violent death, so the funeral was held early this morning. Aunt Zhao swallowed her pride and begged everyone she could, and Tan Chun pleaded with Feng Jie, and only then was Zhao Guoji's coffin allowed to be placed in a temple outside the city for seven days of mourning before being buried.

Because Tan Chun was raised by Lady Wang and had no official relationship with Zhao Guoji, she did not appear at today's funeral.

At that moment, Tan Chun was writing calligraphy with her maid when they heard that Chen Siyuan had arrived. The two women looked at each other in surprise. Cai Ping, realizing what was happening, quickly ushered Chen Siyuan inside.

Tan Chun was, after all, a young lady confined to her quarters, and Chen Siyuan had only visited her a few times over the years. Upon entering, he glanced around and saw that calligraphy and paintings hung all around, and a piece of calligraphy on the table with sharp strokes, which he knew must be Tan Chun's work.

After exchanging pleasantries, Shishu busied herself serving tea. Chen Siyuan sat down and exchanged brief pleasantries with Tanchun before lowering his voice to say, "Third Sister, you must be more careful in your actions tomorrow..."

Seeing that Tan Chun was puzzled, Chen Siyuan then explained about Xi Chun's complaint.

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun immediately became anxious and slammed her hand on the table, saying, "Fourth Sister is too hasty. I was just guessing casually. Why should she be in such a hurry to stand up for me?"

Chen Siyuan said, "Xichun is still young. When she first hears about such a thing, she will be completely flustered. She came to me not to complain, but just to ask me to come and talk to Third Sister for a while."

Tan Chun stood up and gave a blessing, saying, "Brother Yuan, you are too kind. In fact, I was just guessing casually and had no other intentions."

That's what they say, but how could Chen Siyuan not hear the bitterness in Tan Chun's words? She was just an unmarried young lady. With the carriage going out of control one after the other, and then Zhao Guoji's death, Madam Wang's actions became increasingly extreme. It was hard to guarantee that she wouldn't take drastic measures against the inner quarters in the future.

Chen Siyuan then said, "After all, Madam cares about her reputation. Keeping you by her side is also to gain prestige. She might use some tricks to deal with the matter of your marriage in the future. As for other things... I think Madam might not be able to tolerate you."

Tan Chun said, "That makes sense. I've figured it out myself. Sigh, Fourth Sister is just too worried."

Chen Siyuan carefully observed Tan Chun and saw that although she looked worried, she didn't seem to be lying. He thought to himself that Tan Chun had been raised in Lady Wang's room since childhood and had never been close to Zhao Guoji. Not only that, but Aunt Zhao and her son Jia Huan might have even used Zhao Guoji to pressure Tan Chun repeatedly.

It seems that Tan Chun was not close to the Zhao state. It was out of consideration for blood ties and her own future that she sighed in her room... but little Xi Chun overheard her.

Tan Chun was intelligent, so Chen Siyuan didn't say anything more. He only said, "Your second sister is now in charge of the household, and she is still using the same strategies you set when you were in charge. Don't worry, your second sister and I will always protect you."

Tan Chun knew Chen Siyuan meant well, but for some reason, upon hearing the last sentence, "Your second sister and I," she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Forcing a smile, she said to Chen Siyuan, "Thank you, Brother Yuan. Now that Second Sister is in charge of the household, the servants no longer dare to misbehave, and Fourth Sister and I have a much better life."

Fearing that Chen Siyuan might notice something amiss, Tan Chun quickly said, "Yesterday, Madam urged me to go, but Second Sister has just recovered and went to manage the household again today. I have nothing to do here, so if Brother Yuan has some free time, why don't you go and see Second Sister?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and agreed, then drank the tea in his cup in one gulp before getting up to take his leave.

After seeing Chen Siyuan off, Tan Chun turned back to the table, lost in thought. Shi Shu, her personal maid, vaguely guessed what her mistress was thinking.

But what could be done? Aside from being somewhat lecherous, Master Yuan was perfect in every way, and the Second Miss beat him to it. The Jia family was a prestigious and powerful household; there was no reason for Ehuang and Nüying to share a husband.

Seeing the worry on her young lady's face, Shishu sighed sadly.

Meanwhile, Chen Si, having left Qiushuangzhai, was not in a hurry to see his second sister Yingchun. Instead, he headed north to Nuanxiangwu to look for Xichun. However, Xichun had gone to play with Baoqin, and he found no one there.

On the way back, they saw Suyun and Biyue directing two rough-working women to carry trunks and baskets forward. Upon inquiring, they learned that Jia Lan was moving to the small study in front to live alone.

Chen Siyuan was quite surprised and said, "Didn't the old lady keep stopping her before? Why did she agree now?"

Su Yun covered her mouth and laughed, "The young master is another year older. The old lady wanted him to stay in Rongqing Hall, but he refused and kept insisting on having his own study. Our grandmother went to the old lady several times before finally getting a definite answer at the end of the year, saying that they would move in after the spring."

It's already February, and a small study has been set up in front. Our grandmother informed the old lady, who then assigned a head maid to accompany the young master, and only then could our grandmother help the young master move.

Doesn't this mean that Li Wan will have to live alone from now on?

Chen Siyuan suppressed his joy, and then he heard Biyue say with a smile, "Our grandmother cried yesterday, but the young master was very happy. The grandmother even scolded the young master for it."

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily. These boys, once they reach a certain age, all want to move out; who wants their mother constantly pointing fingers and criticizing them?
However, the fact that Grandmother Jia intended to send Jia Lan to Rongqing Hall suggests that she was extremely disappointed in Bao Yu and also intended to carefully teach Jia Lan. Unfortunately, Jia Lan was not very close to Grandmother Jia and preferred to live alone in the study.

Chen Siyuan then asked, "Which head maid did the old lady assign over?"

Su Yun smiled and said, "It's the glass in the old lady's room."

After a moment's thought, Chen Siyuan remembered a maidservant of medium height, about thirteen or fourteen years old, with a pretty face.

Just as they were about to say something, Li Wan came out of Daoxiang Village. She caught sight of Chen Siyuan and her eyes lit up. She suppressed her desire and came over to greet him. She then sent two maids away and said, "Go to the front and settle the young master in. If he needs anything or is short of anything, just ask the second young lady for it. By the way, we can cut back on other things, but we can't do without this silver frost charcoal. Suyun, you go to the storeroom yourself. If Lan'er's allowance is not enough, take some from me."

The two maids readily agreed, bid farewell to Chen Siyuan, and led the servants and carrying the trunks forward.

Only Chen Siyuan and Li Wan remained under the Liaofeng Pavilion. Chen Siyuan had not been close to her for a long time, and now he could not help but stare at Li Wan for a long time.

Li Wan blushed deeply at the stare, and feeling guilty, she looked around nervously. Seeing that no one was around, she scolded, "Keep your eyes to yourself, don't let anyone see through you."

Chen Siyuan chuckled, not daring to get too close, and said in a low voice, "The weather is getting warmer, when will you have time to recite the Taoist scriptures?"

Li Wan was both amused and exasperated, but she was also very concerned, so she said, "It's only February, how can it be warm yet? Let's wait a little longer."

Chen Siyuan persisted, asking, "Is someone on night watch in your room?"

With just one sentence, Li Wan's heart trembled, and she hurriedly said, "Don't do anything rash. Either Su Yun or Bi Yue will stay in the room."

Chen Siyuan knew that Li Wan was not as ignorant and fearless as Madam Xing, so he had no choice but to suppress his thoughts.

Seeing that he remained silent, Li Wan assumed he was disappointed and comforted him, saying, "We'll get along well. Just wait a little longer, and we'll meet again someday."

Having said that, seeing that no one was around, she leaned over and tugged at Chen Siyuan's hand. Chen Siyuan was overjoyed and was about to make a move on her, but Li Wan pulled away, gave a distant bow, and fled back to Daoxiang Village as if she were escaping.

But just as they reached the door, he remembered something and turned back, saying, "You studied at the Imperial Academy, do you know if there are any suitable candidates there?"

Chen Siyuan, understanding the implied meaning, quickly asked, "Are you looking for husbands for your two cousins?"

Li Wan frowned and nodded, saying, "My aunt doesn't have many relatives or friends. She originally thought of using the Rongguo Mansion's name to elevate her two cousins, but who knew that the Rongguo Mansion's reputation would be ruined now. Left with no other choice, she had to move out and find another place..."

Chen Siyuan felt indifferent towards Li Wen and Li Qi, and pondered for a moment before saying, "I don't think we need to rush this matter for next year's imperial examination. After I take the exam, I will get to know some talented people. My two cousins ​​are from the Li family of Jinling, and even just because of your father's reputation, there will be countless suitors."

Li Wan, however, was not so optimistic. She shook her head and smiled bitterly, saying, "When people leave, the tea cools. Not to mention outsiders, even within the Imperial Academy, my father's invitation is no longer of much use."

Chen Siyuan's heart clenched, and he was about to comfort her when Li Wan smiled and said, "Flowers don't bloom for a hundred days, and people don't stay healthy for a thousand days. That's just how things are in this world. You don't need to comfort me. I understand it all myself."

Chen Siyuan smiled and, taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, stepped forward and hugged Li Wan. Li Wan was extremely embarrassed, fearing that someone would see them, so she left a few words of advice and hurriedly returned to Daoxiang Village.

Chen Siyuan returned, intending to visit the second young lady, Yingchun, but found her gone again. Xiuju, who had stayed behind, said that today was supposed to be for taking measurements and making clothes for everyone, but there was a problem with the fabric in the storeroom, and Yingchun had led people to investigate.

Thinking that there was plenty of time in the future, Chen Siyuan returned to his thatched cottage.

That afternoon, Chen Siyuan was reading a collection of contemporary essays in his study when his maid, Yunxiang, sneaked in.

Seeing Chen Siyuan engrossed in his studies, he hesitated outside the study, wanting to speak but holding back, wanting to leave but also wanting to stay.

Chen Siyuan snapped out of his daze, noticed the strange look on his face, and immediately smiled and waved, asking, "What is it now?"

Yunxiang breathed a sigh of relief and excitedly came over, saying, "Grandpa, Grandpa, the Zhen family's ladies have arrived. The old lady has asked Master Bao to come and pay his respects."

"The women of the Zhen family?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Siyuan was immediately horrified, fearing that the large boxes delivered by the Zhen family this time could be the source of their wrath and the extermination of their entire family!

Upon further inquiry, Yunxiang revealed that only four maids had come; the Zhen family's wife and daughter had gone to the Prince of Beijing's residence and had not yet shown their faces.

Chen Siyuan was relieved. He thought to himself that the Dowager Consort was seriously ill, and the Zhen family must have received the news and rushed to the capital day and night to attend to her.

(End of this chapter)