Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 431 A Man of Great Demeanor

South of Nengren Temple, the residence of the You sisters.

Luo Siliang presented a ladle of water, saying respectfully, "Master, please try it; it's truly sweet water!"

Chen Siyuan took the water and sipped it, finding it refreshingly sweet. He immediately laughed and said, "Good, good, good. The rewards will be the same as last time. Also, Luo Siliang has done a good job digging the well, so starting next month he will take over the monthly allowance for the manager."

Luo Siliang smiled and agreed, bowing and scraping as he watched Chen Siyuan turn and leave.

Chen Si had only walked a few steps when Sister You San approached him and said, "There is already a sweet water well in the garden, why bother to dig another one, brother?"

As they spoke, the third sister naturally wrapped her arms around Chen Siyuan's arm, and half of her body pressed against him.

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Sister, you are like a well-fed man who doesn't know the hunger of a starving man. There was a sweet water well here before, and the water was fine. Sister, I'm afraid you don't know how many families outside have to buy water to survive."

Sister You asked in surprise, "Now that Brother has entered the Hanlin Academy, can he really handle business affairs? Besides, I think that method is very simple. It's just digging a well deeper. Anyone can do it at a glance. How can you make money from it?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "I have a brilliant plan."

After he said that, Sister You San didn't press the matter further. Just then, passing by the converted nunnery, she faintly heard a soft sigh coming from inside.

Chen Siyuan paused briefly, then pretended not to have heard and left the side garden with You Sanjie. Once they reached the main house, Chen Siyuan asked, "Are those two still safe?"

You Sanjie said, "Siqi pestered for several days and finally got a personal maid. Every day she acts like a concubine, wishing she could have food served to her and clothes done to her. Brother, you have no idea how comfortable she is. On the other hand, Miaoyu sends people to spy on you every two days."

This was exactly what Chen Siyuan had expected. Siqi was previously a head maid, and although she had the title of a mistress, she was still a servant in the end. Now that she had left the Rongguo Mansion, she had transformed into a concubine who received two hundred taels of silver a year and had maids to serve her. Wasn't she extremely content?
On the contrary, Miaoyu, except for a period of hardship when she left the Rongguo Mansion, lived a life of luxury. Her desires were naturally different from Siqi's.

However, this woman is resentful when kept at a distance and disrespectful when approached. Although she has been tamed, the hawk still needs to be trained. It cannot be fed too much, nor can it be allowed to starve.

Nodding in agreement, Chen Siyuan exchanged a few more words with Sister You before getting up to leave.

Unable to hide her disappointment, Sister You bit her lower lip and said, "Brother, won't you stay a little longer? Why are you leaving now?"

Chen Siyuan said, "Now that the Sweet Water Well is completed, I must make a trip to the Prince's Palace."

When Third Sister You heard that it was a serious matter, she didn't object. Since Second Sister You wasn't there, Third Sister You and Siqi saw Chen Siyuan off together.

Just as he was about to leave, Chen Siyuan suddenly stopped, turned around, and glanced at Siqi a few times. Siqi, feeling uneasy, twisted her handkerchief and asked anxiously, "Master?"

Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment and said, "You... shouldn't stay cooped up in your room all day. Take some time to go for a walk in the garden."

After giving his instructions, Chen Siyuan went out, got into his car, and left the place in the blink of an eye.

Siqi was completely baffled. Knowing that she was not as favored as You Sanjie, she came over and asked, "Third Aunt, do you know what Master meant by what he just said?"

Sister You covered her mouth and laughed, "Brother means you've gained some weight lately."

"Gained weight?" Siqi frowned and cried out in aggrieved tone, "Heaven have mercy, when have I ever been lazy?" She knew what Chen Siyuan liked about her, because Siqi might be lazy, but she never stopped practicing sitting in the tub.

Where else would you say you've gained weight?

Yu Sanjie covered her mouth and laughed as she left. Siqi, fuming, went back to her room and found a large dressing mirror to compare herself to the clothes. After a while, she hurriedly ordered her personal maid to bring the clothes she had made in the spring. After a quick comparison, her waist was still the same, but her hips were a full two inches longer than in the spring.

Siqi knew this was the effect of sitting in the vat, and she was both amused and exasperated. She gritted her teeth and said, "Where have you gotten fat? When Master comes back next time, I'll definitely give him a good scolding!"

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Chen Siyuan was unaware that he had wronged Siqi. He sat crookedly in the carriage, reciting his thoughts. The carriage rumbled along and soon arrived at the Yanping Prince's Mansion.

The servant Qingyu called out, and Chen Siyuan lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage.

Chen Siyuan was once a favorite of Prince Yanping, and now he is a Hanlin scholar, so his situation is naturally different from before.

As soon as he got out of the car, Ding Daolong came out to greet him with a smile.

Upon meeting, Ding Daolong smiled and said, "Hanlin Chen, your timing is perfect. His Highness happens to be at home today. May I ask what brings you here, Hanlin?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "It's just a coincidence. I've stumbled upon a lucrative business opportunity these past few days. After verifying it a few times and seeing that it's definitely legitimate, I've rushed here to see Your Highness."

Ding Daolong's smile grew even wider. His previous business selling houttuynia cordata had enabled him to purchase a large three-courtyard mansion outside. To Ding Daolong, Chen Siyuan was practically a god of wealth.

Ding Daolong couldn't help but laugh. He led Chen Siyuan through the side gate and then said, "I was wondering why I was woken up by magpies so early in the morning. It turns out it was because of Hanlin. His Highness instructed that no one else should be seen, but when Hanlin comes, there is no need to announce his arrival. Just lead him straight to the study."

"Oh, Your Highness is too kind. I am ashamed."

The two chatted casually as they walked, and soon entered the study in the back garden. Chen Siyuan went inside and saw Prince Yanping teasing and talking to a myna bird.

Upon seeing Chen Siyuan arrive, Prince Yanping raised an eyebrow and said, "The Lin family's daughter has just married into the family. She should be enjoying a sweet and loving marriage right now. Why aren't you at home taking good care of your beautiful wife? What brings you to my residence?"

Before Chen Siyuan could explain, Ding Daolong said, "Your Highness, Chen Hanlin has unintentionally found a lucrative business. Because he remembers Your Highness's kindness in helping him, he has come to the Prince's residence."

"Oh?" King Yanping forced himself to perk up a bit. This year the weather has been favorable, the summer grain has already been stored, and the autumn grain will be stored in another month. Apart from a few prefectures and counties that suffered from disasters, the local reports all say that this year should have a bumper harvest.

In an agrarian society, 85% of the taxes collected by the Great Shun Dynasty came from grain production. With grain in hand, there was no fear in the heart, and the Emperor, confident that this year's expenses were sufficient, did not squeeze the imperial treasury. Furthermore, Prince Yanping was lazy and indolent; without the Emperor's prompting, he simply let things slide.

Fortunately, this prince still had some sense of unease and knew that something unexpected might happen, so he managed to muster some spirits.

Unexpectedly, Chen Siyuan said, "Your Highness, the plan I have proposed is not only about making money, but also about relieving the drinking water problem for millions of people in the capital."

"Oh?" King Yanping perked up again and said, "Shuliang, please sit down. Come, bring some good tea. Shuliang, please tell me in detail."

Ding Daolong quickly brought over a chair, and Chen Siyuan thanked him, lifted his robe, and sat down before beginning to speak at a leisurely pace.

Chen Siyuan's plan was quite simple: He would send craftsmen from the Imperial Household Department to the high-ranking officials and nobles in the inner city to sell their sweet water wells, agreeing on a price per well, thus generating some income. He even suggested that the Emperor himself bestow a favor, allowing the officials and nobles to dig sweet water wells for free, and that they would surely praise the Emperor's wisdom in unison.
The outer city was a melting pot of all walks of life, with numerous hutongs (traditional alleyways). Each neighborhood had several sweet water wells, waterwheels were used to fill water towers, and then latex pipes were used to connect each household. Water fees were either agreed upon monthly or the water consumption of an entire hutong was tallied and the fees were shared equally.

It doesn't need to be much; just half the price of what the current water tyrants who control the waterways would be enough for the entire capital to feel grateful for the imperial court's benevolence.

Upon hearing this, King Yanping was indeed greatly intrigued. What was the Inner Treasury? In the eyes of the scholar-officials, it was the imperial family competing with the people for profit, so in those days the Inner Treasury had no good reputation.

Just as Chen Siyuan said, he made money and gained a good reputation, which can be described as a great thing that kills two birds with one stone!

After a moment's thought, King Yanping couldn't help but laugh and said, "Very good, very good. If it is as Shuliang said, it is truly a great thing. There is only one thing... Did they really dig a sweet water well?"

Chen Siyuan said, "I used servants from my household, and the leader is named Luo Siliang. If Your Highness does not believe me, just call someone over and we will dig a sweet water well in the palace."

"Alright, then. Without further ado, go back and send Luo Siliang over." He paused, then realized it wasn't appropriate and said, "No, I'll send a guard with you back."

Chen Siyuan smiled and bowed in acceptance.

King Yanping sighed inwardly, thinking that Chen Siyuan truly possessed the abilities of Tao Zhu. Then, a sense of wonder arose within him, and he couldn't help but say, "Strange. Since this plan is feasible, and Shuliang is no longer a commoner, why not submit a memorial to the court?"

Chen Siyuan gave a strange smile and said, "What does Your Highness think?"

King Yanping stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then pointed at Chen Siyuan and cursed, "Cunning and treacherous!"

Chen Siyuan smiled without saying a word. After drinking a cup of tea, he immediately got up to take his leave. Ding Daolong saw him off at the Prince's residence and sent the Prince's guards with him. He watched Chen Siyuan leave into the distance before hurriedly returning to his study at the back.

Upon returning to Prince Yanping, Ding Daolong couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Why did Your Highness just say that Hanlin Chen was cunning and treacherous?"

"Ha, instead of submitting a memorial, he comes to me, isn't that just being cunning?" After a pause, seeing his confusion, and in a very good mood, King Yanping offered some guidance: "Firstly, he is a young scholar who has passed the imperial examination, so he should keep a low profile and not show off his talents; secondly, who do you think those thugs who control the sweet water wells are? Which one of them doesn't have a powerful official as a backer?"
If Shuntian Prefecture had implemented this policy, who knows how many lawsuits would have ensued. I, the Prince, am in charge of the Imperial Household Department, but I have no patience for entanglement with those thugs. I'll simply dig sweet water wells everywhere, halving the water price. Then, not only will those thugs be left speechless, but even their masters will be left with no recourse… unable to voice their grievances.”

Ding Daolong gasped, then quickly gave a thumbs-up, saying, "Your Highness is truly brilliant. I've thought about it over and over but still can't figure out the trick. In that case, this Chen Hanlin is indeed cunning."

Prince Yanping sneered, "Which of those officials in the court isn't cunning? The truly honest ones would probably die of old age in the Hanlin Academy." After a pause, before Ding Daolong could think it over, Prince Yanping ordered, "When that Luo... Banjin arrives, treat him to good wine and food, and make sure he digs a sweet water well. Also, keep it a secret, and don't let it get out."

Ding Daolong readily agreed and turned to deal with the matter, without further ado.

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Rongguo Mansion.

The sky was clear and the breeze was gentle today, and Grandmother Jia was in a very good mood when she got up early. But for some reason, after breakfast, when Madam Xing and Madam Wang left, the old lady suddenly became worried.

Unfortunately, Sister Feng is about to give birth and can only stay in her room to rest; Yuanyang has also married along with Daiyu. With many understanding maids gone, the group of head maids, not knowing what Grandmother Jia was thinking, could only try to tell jokes and amuse her, but Grandmother Jia was not buying it at all.

Later, Li Wan came by and vaguely guessed what the old lady was thinking. So she privately called over her head maid, Amber, and said, "The old lady is thinking of Daiyu."

Amber was stubborn and inflexible, so she was puzzled by what she heard and asked, "What is it, Miss Guanlin?"

Li Wan laughed and said, "Have you forgotten that today is Lin Daiyu's homecoming day?"

Amber blinked, then suddenly realized! The three-day homecoming should be today, right? But the homecoming must be to the bride's parents' home. Daiyu's parents died early, and the Jia family is surnamed Jia, not Lin, so how can it be considered her parents' home?
That's how it is, but it's up to Miss Lin to make her own decision. If she's mindful of the kindness she received in raising her, what's wrong with asking Master Yuan to come to the Jia family today? Unfortunately, Miss Lin didn't come today.

Amber knew little about Daiyu's affairs, only vaguely knowing that Lady Wang was quite harsh towards Daiyu, but she did not know that Grandmother Jia outwardly protected her while actually being two-faced.

She frowned and muttered, "Miss Lin, you are, after all, her maternal grandmother. Why don't you take advantage of your homecoming to come and see the old lady?"

Li Wan was speechless for a while, thinking to herself that if she were Daiyu, she probably wouldn't have come to the Jia family that day. She then said, "I think the weather is very nice. Why don't we coax the old lady to go for a walk in the garden to clear her mind? Maybe that will cheer her up."

Amber agreed, bid farewell to Li Wan, and turned to argue with several head maids, constantly mentioning how lively the garden was.

Grandmother Jia was reluctant to go, but then she heard Emerald say, "Speaking of which, the third day of next month is Grandmother's birthday. Second Miss and Miss Lin will both have to come to offer their congratulations. Oh? Speaking of which, today should be Miss Lin's homecoming day."

As soon as she finished speaking, Grandmother Jia's face darkened.

Then a parrot said, "Speaking of which, Miss Lin is quite pitiful. She doesn't even know where to go on her homecoming day."

Jade smiled and said, "Miss Lin's house is surnamed Lin, so where else do you need to go back to?"

The parrot feigned sudden realization and said, "Oh, right, does that mean Miss Lin doesn't need to go anywhere? It's just a pity that the old lady is still thinking about it."

Jade added, "What's so difficult about that? The old lady just needs to send out the invitations, how could Miss Lin not come?"

The maids chattered amongst themselves, easing Grandmother Jia's annoyance. Since it was the old lady, she smiled and said, "She's only recently married, and there are so many things to do at home. Even if I were worried, it wouldn't be convenient to call her back right now. Anyway, Yu'er will be back next month..." She paused, then smiled again, "Alright, I know you all want to go play in the garden, but you insist on using my name. Come on, let's go for a stroll together."

Several maids breathed a sigh of relief. Immediately, one brought a cane, another came to help, and the maids, like a flock of beauties, escorted Grandmother Jia to the Grand View Garden.

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It was nearly noon when Chen Siyuan arrived in a carriage, followed by at least four guards from the Prince's Palace. Upon returning to Zhuanxiangfang, Chen Siyuan called over Li Cai and then hurriedly summoned Luo Siliang, who had just returned.

After giving a few brief instructions, he handed the man over to the guards of the Prince's mansion. Upon hearing that he would be working for the Prince's mansion, Luo Siliang felt a weight lift from his shoulders and followed the guards away in a daze.

After a moment's thought, Chen Siyuan went to the Central Courtyard first.

As soon as he entered the ceremonial gate, Hongyu came to greet him.

Chen Siyuan then asked, "Where is my second sister?"

Hongyu smiled and said, "Madam has been sleeping in a bit these past few days, and she's taking a nap right now."

Chen Siyuan paused, then said, "I'll just take a look and leave."

Hongyu smiled and agreed, leading Chen Siyuan into the main room. The second young lady had only just woken up and was still dazed. Suddenly noticing Chen Siyuan's arrival, her face lit up, and she quickly got up to greet him.

Startled, Chen Siyuan quickly took two steps forward and grabbed Yingchun's hand, saying, "Second sister, be careful, or you might harm the baby."

Yingchun laughed and said, "These past few days, all I've done is eat and sleep, and Hongyu won't even let me do needlework. Thinking about it carefully, haven't I become a pig?"

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily, pulled her hand and sat her down on the bed, showering her with concern and care. Yingchun felt comforted, but then suddenly heard a rumbling in her stomach and asked in surprise, "You haven't had lunch yet?"

"Don't even mention it," Chen Siyuan complained, frowning. "I went to Nengren Temple early this morning, took a look at the newly dug sweet water well, and then hurriedly went to the Prince's Mansion. The Emperor doesn't need starving soldiers, but the Prince doesn't understand. After hearing my idea, he turned around and sent me away."

“Then—” Yingchun hesitated slightly, then said, “—then you should go to the West Courtyard quickly, because I didn’t know you were coming at this time, so the kitchen didn’t leave any food.”

Chen Siyuan squeezed Yingchun's slightly plump hand and said, "Okay, I'll talk to you for a while and then I'll go."

The second young lady wasn't stupid; how could she not know what he was thinking? She said, "I was indeed a little jealous that day, but it was my uncle who risked his life for it, so how could I hold it against Lin Daiyu? Besides, sooner or later, my husband will earn me an imperial title."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "That's right, good food is worth waiting for."

The young couple chatted gently for a while before Chen Siyuan got up, said goodbye to Yingchun, and returned to the west courtyard through the passageway of the second courtyard.

To everyone's surprise, as soon as they entered the main courtyard, they saw Daiyu leisurely lying on a rocking chair under the corridor, eating grapes while being served by Xueyan.

Xueyan caught a glimpse of Chen Siyuan about to speak, but he stopped her. The man quietly moved closer and couldn't help but scrutinize her.

Then I saw Daiyu wearing a short white silk shirt, holding a round fan to cover her chest. She wasn't wearing trousers, but a gauze skirt. Her legs were spread apart, and she rested one small, delicate foot on the windowsill. Her toenails were painted with red nail polish, the tips of which were very attractive. Her left leg was bent and placed on the corner of a bench, revealing her alabaster-white leg, which was only partially covered by the skirt.

With a gentle wave of a round fan, Daiyu closed her starry eyes and slowly opened her red lips. Xueyan quickly fed her peeled grapes. Daiyu seemed to enjoy the grapes, so she slightly propped herself up on one leg, and the rocking chair began to creak and sway.

Chen Siyuan watched with a smile, saying that this was truly the Crimson Pearl Fairy Herb. Previously, while living in the Rongguo Mansion, Daiyu had followed the rules and regulations, which had undoubtedly suppressed much of her natural instincts. Now that she was free from those constraints, she naturally acted more freely.

A moment later, a playful thought crossed his mind, and he reached out and gently scratched Lin's foot. Startled, Daiyu opened her eyes wide. Seeing that it was Chen Siyuan who was doing it, she scolded, "When did you get back?"

"Just got back, still hungry."

Having said that, he put down his feet, and seeing that the recliner was spacious, he simply lifted his robe and sat down, squeezing in with Daiyu and swaying back and forth.

"Why haven't you eaten? Xueyan, tell the kitchen to cook some food for the master, something quick and easy."

Xueyan agreed and quickly turned to leave.

Daiyu looked a little awkward sitting on her side, so Chen Siyuan reached out and put his arm around her shoulder, letting her lean against him. The rocking chair creaked and swayed incessantly, and the young couple exchanged questions and answers, with Chen Siyuan recounting what had happened that day.

Upon hearing this, Daiyu couldn't help but exclaim, "This is truly a wonderful thing! My father used to say that the people in the capital had difficulty getting water. I was born in Suzhou and grew up in Yangzhou, and I never knew that getting water was so difficult. It wasn't until I came to the capital and heard the old women describe it that I began to understand a little bit about it."

Now that you have offered this method, who knows, the people of the capital will one day be grateful for your kindness.”

Chen Siyuan was very pleased with himself and said, "They are all empty names and not worth mentioning."

"Look how smug you are!"

Daiyu was well aware of his smugness, but Chen Siyuan's demeanor seemed genuinely amusing to her.

She had borrowed many romance novels about talented men and beautiful women from her close friend, Bao. At first, she felt that they were kindred spirits. In their spare time, they would either gamble on books and drink tea, or play chess under the moon. They were very affectionate and lived a blissful life.

After reading Chen Siyuan's tattered book, "Life is Like a Dream," I had a different feeling. I felt that such a life was somewhat superficial. I was afraid that the beautiful women in the book would grow old and fade, and then such a respectful and harmonious life would never return.

Now that she's married into the family, and they've only known each other for a few days, although Chen Siyuan has become increasingly unruly, Daiyu actually feels that this is the only way to make things more stable.

Because she didn't care how much benefit this matter would bring or whether it would help her in her official career, as long as the people around her were happy, she would go along with their madness.

"Chen Shuliang, stop getting cocky! Hehehe—"

Hearing the familiar words, Chen Siyuan said indifferently, "I'm currently unemployed at home, so let's stay here for a while and talk about it later."

After saying this, he tilted his head and looked at Daiyu for a few moments, and her breath, as fragrant as orchids, sprayed on his face. Chen Siyuan was distracted and suddenly whispered, "It's strange, but I'm not very hungry now. Why don't you come into the room with me, my dear wife? I have a rare gem that I'd like you to take a look at."

"Rare and precious materials?" Daiyu blinked, her pretty face instantly turning red. She raised her hand and punched his chest, pouting, "You're being indecent again."

Chen Siyuan chuckled and said, "Being so formal all the time is exhausting. With my sister in front of me, why should I pretend?"

Daiyu was also itching to get her way, but a trace of worry crossed her mind... Chen Siyuan didn't have to hold back; at worst, he could find another girl to vent his desire on. She was afraid that she wouldn't be able to resist.

She wouldn't be of marriageable age until next year, so giving birth now would be too dangerous. Because of this, Daiyu pouted and said, "Today... why don't you go find Xueyan? I saw that little vixen's eyes practically melt when she saw you."

Chen Siyuan was tempted, but he mumbled, "Let's talk about it some more. Right now, I just want to hold my sister and talk to her for a while."

The young couple lay side by side for a long time until Xueyan returned with a bowl of shredded pork noodles, at which point Chen Siyuan reluctantly got up.

That night, Chen Siyuan shamelessly pestered Daiyu again, and it goes without saying that he thoroughly violated her beauty and fragrance.

She then asked Lin Daiyu to do another favor, but Daiyu was too weak to lift her limbs and could not do any more work.

Therefore, he pleaded, "Good brother, please forgive me. If you are feeling really frustrated, just go to the next room and find Xueyan. Right now, my wrists and legs don't feel like my own!"

Seeing that Daiyu was indeed beyond help, Chen Siyuan sighed and had no choice but to give up. After coaxing Daiyu to sleep, he tossed and turned for a while before slipping on his shoes and sneaking into the next room.

Moonlight streamed through the window, and on the daybed, a graceful figure lay curled up.

Chen Siyuan approached and, seeing that Xueyan hadn't made a sound, was quite surprised, thinking to himself that this girl was rather carefree. He, the great official Chen, never forced anyone to do anything against their will—well, except for that time with Madam Xing—and was just in a dilemma when, unexpectedly, Xueyan rustled over and suddenly whispered, "Master?"

Eighteen or nineteen-year-old girls, having only just heard the eavesdropping, how could they possibly fall asleep?
One had long harbored feelings for the other, and the other had developed a desire for him. Chen Siyuan responded softly, lifted the brocade quilt, and pulled the person on the bed into his arms.

Their eyes were filled with affection; her rosy cheeks nestled against him, her lips parted gently. The embroidered curtains hung low, and the silk quilt was spread out gracefully.

For a time, the pillow was set with sharks and bream, the quilt was turned over in red waves, the fragrance of flowers lingered, and the waist swayed several times, needless to say.

(End of this chapter)