Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 386 Red Makeup and Plain Coffin
"Reporting to Madam Zhen, Master Jing died from ingesting gold and cinnabar during a period of illness, which caused him to swell up from the heat," Physician Wang replied, then bowed and stepped aside.

Lady You's face turned ashen. Jia Rong had disappeared without a trace. Lady You had originally planned to plot his death, but Jia Zhen refused first, and then Chen Siyuan rejected the plan himself, so she had no choice but to obey orders.

The father-in-law had always been hiding in the Xuanzhen Temple to avoid trouble, neglecting household affairs and living like a clay or wooden sculpture, which made Jia Zhen and his son increasingly willful and reckless. But even a clay or wooden sculpture, as long as it had a breath left, would still have some restraint from Jia Zhen... Now that the father-in-law is gone, it is feared that Jia Zhen will become even more uncontrollable in the future.

Seeing that Madam You's complexion was not good, the Taoist priest hurriedly replied, "It turns out that the elixir made by the master's secret method caused the trouble. We Taoists also advised that 'you should not take it before your cultivation is sufficient,' but we did not expect that the master would secretly take it tonight during the Gengshen hour and ascend to immortality. This is probably because he has attained the Tao through his devout heart, escaped the sea of ​​suffering, shed his physical body, and departed on his own."

Even a three-year-old wouldn't believe such a thing, let alone Lady You. She simply wouldn't listen and still ordered her servants to lock up the Taoist priests, while sending someone to urge Jia Zhen to come.

Seeing that Xuanzhen Temple was too cramped to properly house the body, they ordered that Jia Jing be wrapped up and moved to Tiekan Temple. It was the height of summer, and the heat outside was unbearable, making it unsuitable to leave the body there.

After the head maid gave a suggestion, Madam You sent the head maid to buy ice.

After a long while of busy work, just as dusk was falling outside, Jia Jing's body was finally moved onto the carriage. At that moment, Jia Zhen led a group of servants on horseback.

Jia Zhen stumbled and fell off his horse, wailing for a long time before immediately seeking revenge on the Taoist priests. Lady You persuaded him for a while before finally calming the enraged Jia Zhen down. The couple then escorted Jia Jing ahead to the Iron Threshold Temple.

In the capital, most wealthy families would collect ice in winter and store it in their cellars for use in the summer heat. Even so, it was usually not enough in the summer, and they would always have to buy more from the market.

Although Jia Jing did not inherit the title, his funeral could not be taken lightly. The body must be kept in state for at least five weeks. Considering the waste of ice, even the combined reserves of the East and West mansions would not be enough.

Whether it was genuine filial piety or just for show, Jia Zhen spent a large sum of money to buy ice. The next day, when Jia Lian came to the Iron Threshold Temple to help out, Jia Zhen rode off to the border region. After the Dowager Empress entered the underground palace, the Emperor, following the doctor's advice, went on a northern tour to the border region more than a month ahead of schedule.

Although Jia Jing was a commoner, he came from the Ningguo Mansion and was formerly an official under the Crown Prince. Since he passed away, it was only right and proper to petition the Emperor for some honors.

Fortunately, the Emperor's journey was not too far at this time. Jia Zhen spent seven or eight days traveling back and forth before finally obtaining the imperial edict: Although Jia Jing was a commoner and had rendered no service to the country, in consideration of his grandfather's merits, he is posthumously granted the rank of fifth grade. His sons and grandsons are ordered to escort the coffin through the north gate into the capital and place it in his private residence for burial. His sons and grandsons may continue the funeral rites until the coffin is returned to his hometown. The Court of Imperial Sacrifices is to grant him a sacrificial ceremony according to precedent. All officials in the court, from princes down, are permitted to offer condolences and pay their respects. This is the imperial decree.

Meanwhile, Madam You stayed at the Iron Threshold Temple to handle the funeral arrangements. Because she was worried about the Ningguo Mansion, she asked Madam Xing and Second Sister You to take care of things on her behalf.

After Jia Zhen obtained the imperial decree to return, the coffin was moved back to Ningguo Mansion, and the arrangements for the temporary placement of the body were not discussed further.

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

On the day of the small memorial service, Chen Siyuan observed carefully. Xichun still did not come to the Ningguo Mansion, and the eldest master, Jia She, only helped to greet the guests at the front, but did not take a single step to the mourning hall.

Jia Guang, Jia Heng, and the others seemed to take it all in stride. Chen Siyuan secretly pondered that his own guess was right; Xichun was probably Jia She's child.

Around 3 PM, Chen Siyuan leisurely returned from Huifang Garden to Qingtang Thatched Cottage. However, as soon as he changed into a new outfit with cut sleeves, Madam Xing came to his door.

Qingwen was still busy helping Chen Siyuan change his clothes when Madam Xing came in. She glanced at him and said, "Yuan-ge'er is my nephew, there's no need to be so discreet. You may all leave for now, I have something to discuss with Yuan-ge'er."

Miao'er and Tiao'er lowered their heads and looked meekly. Xiangling and Qingwen, without suspecting anything, excused themselves and left together.

Only the two of them remained inside. Madam Xing plopped down in her chair, fanning herself while slightly loosening her collar. She frowned and complained, "It's so hot! Do you know that the East Mansion has spent over a thousand taels of silver just on ice?"

Chen Siyuan echoed in agreement. Seeing that Madam Xing's face and neck were covered with a fine layer of sweat, he moved the ice basin over and picked up a banana leaf fan to cool her down.

He then asked with a smile, "Now that Sister-in-law Zhen has returned home, does she still need you to continue looking after her?"

Madam Xing said, "Second Sister You is still young, and she can take good care of the child, but how can we expect her to do anything else? Besides, she comes to the mansion to look for Qingwen every few days. It sounds to me like the two of them are doing business together."

Chen Siyuan smiled and nodded, then told her about how You Erjie and Qingwen had partnered to open a wedding shop.

After hearing this, Madam Xing hesitated for a long time before finally saying, "I've always heard you say that little hussy Qingwen is excellent at needlework, and that she even embroidered a screen?"

Chen Siyuan, understanding the implied meaning, said, "She's busy right now, but there's a ready-made screen for the kang (heated brick bed). If you like it, I'll send it to you later."

Madam Xing was immediately satisfied and couldn't help but kick off her embroidered shoes, sticking out her plump, round feet and rubbing them against Chen Siyuan's legs.

Chen Siyuan was already feeling unbearably hot, so he reached out and grabbed it, scratching it a few times. Madam Xing giggled and pulled her leg back, then scolded, "Stop acting strangely. The doors and windows are all open right now. Do you want someone to see us?"

Madam Xing's eyes were alluring, and she hummed twice before stopping, clearly wanting it very much. She picked up her cool tea, took a sip, and then leaned closer, saying, "Hey? I've noticed something's off with Weng-ge these past few days."

Chen Siyuan's face stiffened for a moment, then he asked with a normal expression, "What's wrong?"

Madam Xing pondered and said, "I don't think Zhen's wife is very close to that child. Weng'er doesn't look much like Zhen's wife, but rather resembles her second younger sister."

Nonsense, Second Sister You is Old Lady You's biological daughter, while Madam You is merely her stepdaughter. Naturally, Ugly Boy resembles Second Sister You more.

It wasn't good to discuss this with Madam Xing, lest she spread it around later. So Chen Siyuan said, "A nephew is like his uncle... and without an uncle, he's like a concubine. What's so strange about that?"

Madam Xing felt something was amiss, but couldn't quite put her finger on it, so she simply moved on and said, "The second branch of the family has been running to the Wang family quite frequently these past few days. I wonder what mischief they're plotting. Feng'er is really useless; she can't even control Lian'er and has become a handle in the second branch's hands."

I think Feng'er can't hold out any longer. Why don't you come up with a couple of good ideas? We can't just let the huge Rongguo Mansion fall into the hands of the second branch of the family, can we?

Lady Wang went to the Wang family for Baoyu's sake, right? How did it become, in Lady Xing's mouth, that she was plotting against the Rongguo Mansion?
Chen Siyuan sighed and glared at Madam Xing, saying, "With the Empress and Prince Teng around, even if the Old Madam and Second Sister-in-law are on your side, you can't do anything to the Second Madam. I advise you to just shut up."

Madam Xing looked displeased, muttered a few words, and then simply turned away.

Chen Siyuan knew exactly what Madam Xing was thinking. She was just urging Madam Wang and Sister Feng to continue their struggle, preferably until Jia Lian was killed, so that Fourth Brother could inherit the title.

The saying "a man's greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant" perfectly describes this situation.

Madam Xing tried to coax Chen Siyuan again, but he wouldn't respond. She became annoyed and muttered under her breath, "You heartless bastard!" This made Chen Siyuan's expression change, and he reluctantly stopped talking.

After a short while, she turned and said, "The master told me yesterday that he would like to discuss the dowry of the second daughter with the old lady in the next few days."

The Rongguo Mansion has never divided its households, so the dowries of the daughters upon marriage are naturally paid from the public funds. But in the current situation, Madam Wang, who is in charge of the household, can only barely maintain it, robbing Peter to pay Paul. Where would she possibly afford to pay for the dowries? She might have to use the old lady's personal savings.

Chen Siyuan was immediately alarmed and frowned, saying, "Does the master intend to swindle the dowry money?"

Madam Xing said disdainfully, "They said that we need to stockpile that rotten houttuynia cordata. The other day they asked me how much of my savings I had. I bet they're short of money again." She paused, then added, "Never mind, it's not appropriate for you to take the lead in this matter. I'll mention it to Yingchun later, and make sure to inform the old lady in advance, so that she doesn't fall into their trap."

Chen Siyuan nodded in agreement. Seeing that it was getting late, Madam Xing got up and took her leave, leading her maid back to the east wing.

Chen Siyuan had no interest in studying, so he simply got up and strolled into the courtyard. As soon as he came out of the room, he saw Xiangling and Qingwen sitting side by side in the corner of the wall. The pear tree outside the courtyard was lush and its shade perfectly concealed the two of them.

Qingwen rolled up her sleeves, lifting her skirt to reveal her fair legs and arms; Xiangling rested her chin on her hand, dozing off, her neckline split open, revealing her soft, voluptuous figure.

Just as Chen Siyuan was finding it amusing, Wu'er came out of the west wing to greet him. Chen Siyuan turned his head to look at her and was surprised to see that Wu'er looked very healthy, without a single bead of sweat on her face.

Before the question could be asked, Wu'er smiled and said, "I'm weak, but I feel just right now, and I don't feel stuffy at all."

Chen Siyuan chuckled and joked, "It's actually a good thing that I don't want to be weak."

No sooner had the words left her mouth than Yunxiang rushed in. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she approached Chen Siyuan and exclaimed, "Sir, sir, two women from the Zhen family have come. I don't know what they brought, but the Second Madam is currently answering their questions."

The Zhen family has sent people again? And it was Sister Feng who stepped forward to answer... Perhaps because of the passing of the Dowager Empress, the Zhen family also felt that something was wrong, which is why they accelerated the exchange of favors with the Jia family?
Chen Siyuan was still pondering when Yunxiang added, "And another thing, Master Bao is back. I saw Madam heading towards the ceremonial gate to greet him!"

"Hmm?" It was Prince Teng who stepped in and brought Baoyu back from the Prince of Beijing's residence?

Chen Siyuan was very puzzled. He casually tossed Yunxiang a silver coin, called Wu'er over to quickly change her clothes, and then went to look ahead.

He took three steps at a time and left the Grand View Garden, passing through the narrow passageway and Mengpo Studio. After passing through one corridor, Chen Siyuan finally stopped in another corridor. As soon as he stood still, he could hear the commotion coming from Qixian Studio.

Soon, maids and servants escorted Lady Wang and Baoyu toward Rongqing Hall. Lady Wang, her eyes brimming with tears, tugged at Baoyu's hand, calling him "my darling" and "my sweetheart" repeatedly. Baoyu, however, smiled and comforted her, saying, "It's just a visit to the Prince's mansion for a few days. Why are you crying, Mother?"

Madam Wang hesitated for a moment, then said, "In short, you've suffered a lot."

To everyone's surprise, Baoyu laughed and said, "Since I am an honored guest, how could I possibly suffer a loss? Mother, you don't know, but the Prince has also invited Qi Guan. If it weren't for the national mourning period, which is not a time for banquets, I don't know how much more joyful we would be!"

Madam Wang was taken aback for a moment, scrutinized Baoyu for a long time, but ultimately said nothing. She sighed and said, "Never mind, let's go see the old lady first. Your grandmother has been talking about you every day these past few days."

Seeing the crowd slowly enter through the hanging flower gate, Chen Siyuan wiped the sweat from his brow and walked back. He recalled Madam Wang's expression and immediately felt amusement.

Perhaps Lady Wang was thinking of Qin Zhong back then? Qin Zhong and Jiang Yuhan were one thing, but now there's Prince Bei Jing. Even if Lady Wang is foolish, she probably knows that Bao Yu's homosexuality is not quite right.
With a slight pout, Chen Siyuan strolled through the passageway and entered the Grand View Garden via the side path. No sooner had he passed the Qin Fang Pavilion than he saw Xueyan and Ouguan approaching, hand in hand, chatting and laughing, carrying a box of pastries.

Upon seeing Chen Siyuan, the two maids hurriedly stepped forward to greet him. When Chen Siyuan asked where they were going, Xueyan smiled and said, "Madam Pan sent half a cart of watermelons. Miss Bao chilled them early this morning and just invited the young ladies to eat them. Now that we heard that Second Master Bao has returned to the mansion, everyone is going to Rongqing Hall to have some fun."

Just moments ago, the official was chatting and laughing with Xueyan, but now, upon seeing Chen Siyuan, he became extremely reserved, lowering his head and remaining silent.

Chen Siyuan nodded to Xueyan and said, "Alright, I'll tell your girls to avoid eating too much cold food later, so they don't ruin their appetites again."

Xueyan smiled and replied, "I know," then curtsied, pulled Ouguan away from Chen Siyuan, and headed towards Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Chen Siyuan glanced back, his heart filled with curiosity about Ouguan. He suddenly recalled what the maid Yunxiang had said: since Diguan's passing, Ouguan had been melancholy and had repeatedly said she wanted to cut her hair and become a nun, to stay by Diguan's side for the rest of her life…

Tsk, no wonder she avoids me like the plague; it turns out Lily has someone else in her heart.

Chen Siyuan stopped and turned back towards Qingtang Thatched Cottage. But as soon as he turned past the Provincial Villa, he saw a red figure in the distance at Aojingxi Pavilion, haphazardly throwing fish food into the pond, which caused the koi carp inside to frantically scramble for it.

It's Xiao Xichun!

Because of the sweltering summer heat, the young lady was dressed lightly in her own courtyard, so Chen Siyuan couldn't go around looking for her anymore. As a result, he hadn't seen Xichun for quite some time. Now that he had guessed Xichun's background, how could he not know that the young lady was feeling melancholy? After a slight hesitation, he quickly walked a few steps and turned to cross the Qinfang Sluice Bridge. Just then, Xichun looked over, and Chen Siyuan waved to her from afar.

Little Xichun kept a straight face and seemed to come to her senses after a while. Then she stood on tiptoe and waved to Chen Siyuan.

Chen Siyuan walked around the pool and soon arrived at the Aojingxi Pavilion. There he saw Xichun curtsy and softly call out, "Brother Yuan."

Chen Siyuan chuckled, hands behind his back, "I haven't seen Fourth Sister for several days. What's wrong? Is Fourth Sister also suffering from the summer heat?"

Xichun mumbled, "The heat is unbearable. Even Baoqin has lost her spirits. She spends most of her time hiding in her room to cool off. It's really boring."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "It's truly enviable. I'd like to stay home and not go out, but I always have miscellaneous matters to deal with."

As he spoke, he stood shoulder to shoulder with Xichun, reached out and grabbed the fish food from the bowl Xichun was holding, and casually tossed it in. A large koi, about two feet long, thrashed about, pushing aside the other fish, and devoured the fish food.

"What a huge koi!"

The two exclaimed in unison, then fell silent. Xichun sighed; being close to Chen Siyuan, she didn't hide her feelings and pouted, saying, "Brother Yuan... you've probably guessed it, haven't you?"

"Hmm." Chen Siyuan couldn't pretend to be stupid with the little girl.

Xi Chun took a deep breath and frowned, saying, "Why are there so many annoying things? They're always hovering around me, as annoying as flies!"

Chen Siyuan didn't know how to comfort her, so he could only offer some platitudes, saying, "People can't choose their birth, but they can choose how they live." After a pause, he gently advised, "Fourth Sister is certainly very troubled right now, but if you follow my advice... it's better to take a longer-term view. In ten or twenty years, some things will fade away, and looking back, they will be nothing but fleeting clouds."

Fourth Sister is of noble character; even if those servants grumble in their hearts, they cannot falsely accuse her. If there are any ignorant and nonsensical words, Fourth Sister, just tell me, and I will vent your anger on your behalf.”

Everyone says that the fourth young lady, Xichun, has a cold personality. She has lived in another mansion since childhood, and her nominal father and brothers have never cared about her. In fact, everyone in the East and West mansions knows that Xichun is an illegitimate child! If it weren't for Chen Siyuan's closeness and care, she probably wouldn't even have anyone to confide in.

As the saying goes, "Many voices can melt metal, and accumulated slander can destroy bones." No wonder Xichun was aloof; if it were anyone else, they would probably have been drowned in spittle long ago.

Xi Chun's nose tingled, and she couldn't help but sob a little, but she forced herself not to let the tears fall. She turned her head and glanced at Chen Siyuan with teary eyes, then lowered her head and responded in a muffled voice, only then feeling a little more at ease.

After trying to comfort Xichun for a while, Chen Siyuan realized that Xichun's inner conflict was difficult to resolve and that further persuasion would be useless. He figured that only by leaving the Jia family would Xichun be able to put this matter behind her.
After exchanging a few words, he changed the subject and said, "Brother Bao is back. Everyone is going to Rongqing Hall to see the excitement. Fourth Sister doesn't want to go?"

Xichun pouted and said, "They're always making a ruckus, but I just want some peace and quiet."

Seeing Chen Siyuan's smiling face, Xiao Xichun continued, "Don't underestimate me just because I'm young. I know all about those messy things. It's all a tangled mess of arguments, impossible to untangle. Why bother?" After a pause, remembering that her second sister Yingchun would be getting married next year, and Chen Siyuan would be moving out then, Xichun said dejectedly, "To be honest, Brother Yuan, I secretly hope this family is completely ruined. Then I'll cut my hair and become a nun!"

"Pah, pah, pah! Children's words are innocent, let the wind blow them away!"

Chen Siyuan frowned, reached out and ruffled Xichun's hair into a mess, and sternly reprimanded her, "Don't say such unlucky things at such a young age. Just because you've become a nun doesn't mean you're truly free from worldly desires. Think about Zhineng!"

Xi Chun immediately shrank back. After a moment, she said, "That's true. In this world, even nunneries aren't peaceful." She sighed and then lowered her voice to Chen Siyuan, "Brother Yuan, you don't know, Zhi Neng secretly came looking for me earlier."

"Oh?"

Xichun said, "It was Caiping who brought the news, saying that Zhineng was penniless and couldn't make ends meet. I had known her for a while, so I gave her a pair of gold bracelets and twenty taels of silver... I don't know how she is now."

Chen Siyuan shook his head and remained silent; he too did not know Zhi Neng'er's whereabouts.

Xichun hesitated and said, "I can't go to the nunnery. I only hope that if I fall into trouble someday... Brother Yuan can take me in."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Fourth Sister, are you implying that I am also heartless and ungrateful? With our friendship, do we need to say such things aloud?"

Xichun laughed too, raised her small hand and hovered it in mid-air, saying, "Some things must be sworn with a high five, otherwise how can I have the face to ask Brother Yuan for help?"

"Okay, then it's settled."

Snapped--

Two slaps, one big and one small, landed on each other, and Xichun's expression relaxed a bit. Just then, Baoqin called out from afar, and Xichun responded, then stuck out her tongue at Chen Siyuan, saying, "I just remembered, I promised Baoqin I'd have dinner later. Brother Yuan, I'll be going now."

Chen Siyuan smiled and agreed, watching Xichun walk quickly to meet Baoqin. The two whispered among themselves and looked over in their direction. Chen Siyuan then waved to them. Baoqin waved back and then pulled Xichun forward.

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

Before we knew it, it was getting late.

Sister Feng had already answered the two women of the Zhen family correctly. At this moment, she was lying on the kang (a heated brick bed) with her brows furrowed in thought, while her maid, Feng'er, kept fanning her.

Footsteps came from outside, and Ping'er lifted the beaded curtain and entered. Feng Jie'er came to her senses and saw that Feng'er was covered in sweat, so she said, "Alright, you're covered in sweat too, go and rest. Remember to make sure Qiao Jie'er eats plenty of snacks."

Feng'er agreed, handed the fan to Ping'er, and turned to head towards the east end of the room.

Ping'er stepped forward to fan Feng Jie'er and advised, "Grandma also said that Qiao Jie'er doesn't seem to use much food herself."

Sister Feng said, "It's too hot and humid to eat."

Ping'er didn't dare to say anything more. After a while, she tentatively asked, "Grandma, what about what I mentioned last time... what has Grandma thought about?"

Sister Feng immediately frowned and said, "I feel nauseous just looking at him now, how can I possibly think about having a child?"

Ping'er said, "But now Grandma only has Qiao'er to rely on. Are you really going to just watch Aunt Zhang give birth to a boy?"

Feng Jie stubbornly replied, "Even if she gave birth, she would have been raised by me." She paused, glanced at Ping'er, and said, "You're not afraid of getting dirty... Fine, we've been master and servant for so many years, I've long considered you a sister. I'll mention it to your second master later, and have him go to the yamen to get your indenture released."

Ping'er was thrilled and quickly knelt down to express her gratitude.

Sister Feng reached out to stop her, saying, "Who are you trying to impress with this act? Since I promised you, I will keep my word."

Ping'er was originally a concubine. If she were released from her indenture and then recognized as a sister by Feng Jie, her status would be even higher than Zhang Jinge's.

Ping'er hesitated for a long time before finally pulling out a paper packet from her handkerchief and quietly handing it to Feng Jie.

Sister Feng glanced at it, puzzled, and asked, "What is this?"

Ping'er looked embarrassed and mumbled, "Grandma said she felt nauseous, so after thinking it over, I asked someone to get some medicine from the Shuiyue Nunnery. The old nun said that even the most chaste and virtuous woman might not be safe after taking this medicine..."

Sister Feng blinked in astonishment, then suddenly muttered in a low voice, "You filthy little hussy, I treated you like a sister, and you gave me such disgusting things?"

Ping'er immediately knelt on the kang and said, "Grandma! Heaven have mercy! If it weren't for you, why would I have to lose face and beg such a filthy thing? If you had your child to rely on, why would we care about Second Master?"

Seeing Ping'er's earnest words, Feng Jie'er couldn't help but tear up, and suddenly remembered the old lady's hesitant expression last time.

In order to quell the trouble caused by Jia Lian, Baoyu, whom she cherished dearly, was sent to the Prince of Beijing's mansion for more than half a month. Just now, Lady Wang's gaze was like a knife, as if she wished she could cut Fengjie into a thousand pieces.

Furthermore, Sister Feng had received many benefits, and the old lady subtly advised her to take good care of her health as soon as possible so that she could have a son.

But...why?
It was Jia Lian who ruined his health and couldn't have a son; what did that have to do with Feng Jie?

Sister Feng was annoyed and said in a low voice, "So what if I closed my eyes and pretended to have been trampled by a wild donkey? Don't you know what kind of body he has?"

Ping'er said, "Second Master hasn't eaten those tampered-with pastries for quite some time now. The imperial physician examined him the other day and said there was nothing seriously wrong. Madam, why don't you give it a try? What if it works?"

Feng Jie felt wronged, but knew there was no other way out, so she remained silent. Ping'er, observing her expression, knew that Feng Jie had tacitly agreed.

He hurriedly landed and said, "Second Master is still in the East Mansion. Master Zhen invited you to stay for drinks. I will bring you over in a little while."

Feng Jie hummed twice, whether in response or not, and Ping'er smiled and hurried off to wait for Jia Lian.

The dishes hadn't been taken down yet, and Feng Jie stood there in a daze. When she came to her senses, she immediately noticed the paper package on the kang table. Gritting her teeth slightly, Feng Jie tore open the package and saw that it contained reddish-brown powder, which smelled strange.

He gritted his teeth and mixed the powder into the tea.

Before long, the sun set and the moon rose outside, and then one could faintly hear Ping'er giving instructions. A moment later, Ping'er lifted the beaded curtain, and two rough-looking old women groaned as they helped Jia Lian, who looked like a lump of mud, inside.

Sister Feng raised her sleeve to cover her mouth and nose, and moved aside in disgust. After Ping'er saw off the two rough maids, Sister Feng said, "How could she possibly have a child looking like that?"

Ping'er whispered, "Grandma, don't worry, I have a way." As she spoke, Ping'er took out a small porcelain bottle from her handkerchief, poured out a pill, pried open Jia Lian's teeth, and stuffed it into his mouth.

Ping'er turned around and nodded to Feng Jie, then prepared the evening snacks and was about to take them away.

With quick reflexes, Sister Feng grabbed the cup of tea and, taking advantage of Ping'er's retreat, gulped it down. The taste was quite strange, with an extremely bitter aftertaste.

Feng Jie forced herself not to vomit. After sitting upright for a while, she suddenly felt hot all over. Feng Jie gritted her teeth and leaned over to undress Jia Lian.

At this moment, Jia Lian, who was already drunk, suddenly started talking nonsense: "You little hussy, you're the wet nurse, so how come I'm not the wet nurse?"

Sister Feng froze, her expression changed drastically, she raised her hand and slapped Jia Lian across the face, then got up and walked out!
(End of this chapter)