Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 438 A Clever Trial in the East Wing, A Tender Moment by the West Window as She Grooms Her Hair

Chen Siyuan followed Xiaoluo out of the main room, intending to go to the west wing along the covered corridor, but Xiaoluo turned east instead.

Chen Siyuan was slightly taken aback, and Xiao Luo pouted and said, "Our young lady had arranged to stay in the west wing, but who knew that as soon as we entered today, all her belongings had been moved to the east wing!"

It's obvious without asking that this was the work of the Xue family's eldest branch. Although the Xue family's eldest branch has declined, they still have some servants. This time, when Baochai got married, she had two maids with her as part of her dowry—Wenxing and Ying'er—as well as four maids. The maids arrived first, and Baoqin only had two personal maids, so she was at the mercy of those maids.

In the main courtyard of the East Wing, both the east and west wing rooms have small side rooms on their south sides. According to custom, the side room in the east wing is used as a small kitchen, and the side room in the west wing is used as a latrine. If you want peace and quiet, the west wing is more suitable.

On this joyous day, Chen Siyuan didn't want to waste time on trivial matters, so he nodded and remained silent. Xiao Luo hesitated, then sighed and continued leading the way.

He arrived at the east wing shortly after and knocked on the door. The door creaked open, and the maid inside quickly curtsied to Chen Siyuan.

Chen Siyuan strolled inside and saw a beautiful figure sitting on the wedding bed. He picked up the red silk-wrapped scale rod and lifted the veil, revealing a woman with pearly eyes, jade pendants jingling, brows like spring mountains, and eyes as clear as autumn water. Two dimples graced her rosy cheeks. She sat there with a half-smile, her head bowed and her hands clasped, fiddling with the hem of her clothes.

She glanced at Chen Siyuan and then called out sweetly, "Husband."

Chen Siyuan was taken aback, then raised his hand and flicked Baoqin's smooth forehead.

Baoqin winced in pain, clutching her forehead, and asked, "Why did you flick me, my husband?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "You little devil, how old are you? Why don't you quickly stop using your supernatural powers?"

Baoqin giggled with delight, stood up, stepped past Chen Siyuan, took the ladle handed to her by the maid Xiaodian, turned around and presented it with both hands, saying, "I know my husband can't stay today, but please drink the nuptial wine before you leave."

"Okay." Chen Siyuan agreed and drank half of the wine in the ladle. Before he could put the ladle down, he heard a 'snip' and looked up to see a pair of gleaming scissors slicing past his temple.

After blinking for a moment, it became clear that Baoqin, who was standing with her legs crossed, had cut a strand of hair from her temple and twisted it together with her own hair—this was called "tying the hair."

Before Chen Siyuan could recover, he quickly took the wine ladle and drank the remaining wine in one gulp.

Chen Siyuan was speechless for a while. The custom of tying hair originated from the ceremony of joining hair into a bun, and it was not until the Tang and Song dynasties that it evolved into tying hair. However, in the Great Shun Dynasty, because the Neo-Confucianism of Zhu Xi and Cheng Yi was promoted at the founding of the dynasty, the practice of cutting hair was changed to taking strands of hair from the couple's hair from the comb and tying them into a knot of hearts.

Baoqin was a concubine, and since she was still young, it was not appropriate for her to run into Baochai's room to steal Chen Siyuan's hair. So, she had no choice but to cut it off with a pair of large scissors.

Baoqin smiled serenely, but a smug glint flashed in her almond-shaped eyes. How could Chen Siyuan possibly hold back? He stepped forward and reached out to pinch Baoqin's little face into a round dumpling.

Soon after, when he let go, Baoqin's pretty face was already a mess of makeup.

Baoqin pouted and complained, "I'm already married into the family, but my husband still treats me like a concubine."

“You’re still young,” Chen Siyuan paused, then added, “Also, try not to compete with your sister in the future. If you cause any trouble at home, I’ll punish you.”

Baoqin protested, "How is this a case of being at odds? No matter what, I am a concubine, not just an ordinary maid who has been promoted. What's wrong with bringing my dowry a few days ago? If we were really going to be at odds, wouldn't it have been better if I had brought my dowry today?"

Chen Siyuan would never believe such nonsense. If Baoqin brought her dowry today, it would likely be mixed up with Baochai's. That would actually enhance the reputation of the Xue family's main branch, and that little fox wouldn't stand for it.

Since she was a pretty girl and young, Chen Siyuan was more tolerant of her. He smiled and said, "If you keep arguing, I won't help you when your sister deals with you later."

Upon hearing this, Baoqin immediately smiled and fell silent.

Chen Siyuan reached out and pinched Baoqin's delicate nose, then called her "little devil" before turning and leaving.

As soon as she left, Baoqin leaned back with a smile and sprawled out on the bed, muttering to herself, "Xiao Luo and Xiao Dian, hurry up and fetch some water to remove your makeup. Wearing so many pearls and hairpins on your head makes your neck stiff."

Xiao Dian hurried to fetch water, and Xiao Luo came over with a worried frown, saying, "Aunt...Auntie, are we just going to let Master leave like this?"

"What's the rush?" Baoqin said dismissively, "No matter what, my husband can only stay in my sister's room today. As long as he comes to my place today, no one will dare to look down on us from now on."

After a pause, Baoqin suddenly got up, rummaged under her pillow and found a spring book, then turned and stuffed it into Xiaoluo's hands, saying, "Take a good look at this thing, it might come in handy in a while."

Xiao Luo glanced at him, then blushed crimson with embarrassment and stammered, "Auntie, this, I... Master..."

Baoqin smiled with narrowed eyes and said, "I treat you like a sister, do you think I don't know what you're thinking? The moment my husband comes in, your eyes are practically glued to him."

Xiao Luo could no longer save face. She hurriedly stuffed the spring book into her handkerchief, made an excuse to go fetch water, and turned and ran away in a panic.

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

Meanwhile, Chen Siyuan returned to the main house and just then Wen Xing left with a copper basin. The east courtyard was a connected structure, with three rooms in the front and three in the back of the main house, totaling six rooms. The two main halls were connected from front to back, making it appear deeper than ordinary houses.

Upon entering the west wing room, one sees Sister Bao sitting upright in front of her dressing table, her hair ornaments removed, and Ying'er casually tying her hair into a bun.

Upon seeing Chen Siyuan, Baochai smiled serenely and asked, "Has Baoqin been making a ruckus?"

Chen Siyuan pointed to his temples. Baochai glanced at him and immediately changed color. She stood up, frowned, and scolded, "Qin'er is really reckless. Even if you're married, why cut off so much hair? It's a good thing... my husband doesn't have to work in the government office, otherwise wouldn't people be amused by this?"

Chen Siyuan tugged at Baochai's soft hand and laughed, "Alright, she's still young. Let her be mischievous for a couple of years. She'll be fine when she's older."

Baochai curled her lips, saying nothing on the surface, but inwardly she scoffed.

There was no need for Ying'er at that moment; she personally served Chen Siyuan by undressing him.

It was nearly Mid-Autumn Festival, and the night was chilly. Chen Siyuan took off his outer garment, leaving him in only his undergarments. The couple sat down at the table to eat, while Ying'er and Wenxing hurriedly brought in the incense burner.

Soon the incense burner was steaming, and the inside became warm as spring.

Since Chen Siyuan had drunk quite a bit of alcohol earlier, Baochai only offered him tea. Chen Siyuan, his stomach full of wine, couldn't eat anything, so he simply held his teacup, tilted his head, and stared at Baochai.

At first, Baochai was a little embarrassed, but later she met his gaze with a look of affection. Both of them had smiles on their faces. Chen Siyuan couldn't help himself and grabbed Baochai's left hand with one hand, while his feet became entangled with Baochai's delicate feet.

Baochai felt sweet inside, but was also afraid that the maid would see it, so she gave her a reproachful glare.

Chen Siyuan ignored him, and suddenly, as if sensing something, he recited in a low voice:

With bright eyes and white teeth, she is no ordinary person; with a beautiful face and red lips, she is exceptionally talented.

Her blue collar reveals her refined character, and her beautiful heart overflows with poetic eloquence.

Morning clouds and night moon inspire poetic inspiration; jade tablets and frosty brushes interpret the beauty of ink and brush.

The embroidered chamber is deep and secluded, unknown to most; yet, the bright beauty of spring in the boudoir can be found.

"

Such blatant praise made Baochai blush and her heart melt. She squeezed Chen Siyuan's hand a few times with her left hand, finished her meal in a few bites, and then urged Ying'er and Wenxing to clear the table.

After the two maids finished tidying up, Wenxing was about to ask someone else when she saw Chen Siyuan carrying Baochai in his arms and heading straight for the bed.

Ying'er covered her mouth and laughed, then quickly dragged the stunned Wenxing out.

Baochai cried out and fell onto the bed. When she looked up, she saw Chen Siyuan's clear eyes were right in front of her.

Her expression shifted between anger and joy as she said, "Everyone saw it."

Chen Siyuan said, "So what if I see it? My sister and I have already gone through the wedding ceremony."

Bao-jie smiled gently, reached out and hugged Chen Si-yuan's neck, her almond-shaped eyes filled with affection.

Chen Siyuan's heart fluttered, and he leaned down to kiss her. After only two light pecks, Baochai turned her head away and hurriedly said, "There, there's still something important we haven't discussed."

Chen Siyuan mumbled, "What important matter is there? The only important matter today is the wedding night!"

Baochai pushed and shoved twice, but seeing that she couldn't break free, she said to herself, "I forgot to mention earlier that Mother is still at the old house, so the ancestral hall won't be moved here. There's no need to go to offer sacrifices tomorrow; we can do it when we go back to our parents' home... um..."

"Alright, alright, whatever you say, sister." She nestled against him and lay down on the bed, the gauze curtains were drawn, and the red candles flickered.

The brocade curtains were warm and inviting, her hair disheveled, her locks loose. A golden phoenix hairpin slipped from her pillow. Her eyes were misty, she breathed softly, her heart overflowing with tenderness and longing—a thousand emotions, a thousand schemes, need not be described further.

The next day, although she didn't need to serve her aunt and uncle, Baochai was afraid of being teased by the second young lady and Daiyu, so she woke up early, not long after dawn.

Her slightest movement startled Chen Siyuan awake. He had drunk half a jar of wine the day before and was still a little hungover. Rubbing his eyes, he pulled Baochai into his arms again and said, "My parents passed away long ago, why are you up so early?"

Baochai nestled in his arms and said, “The day’s plan starts in the morning. Even if we don’t have to serve our aunts and uncles, we should still get up early.”

Chen Siyuan gave a muffled reply, then suddenly opened his eyes and teased, "Little sister, are you alright?"

Seeing his enthusiastic expression, Baochai playfully punched him lightly, scolding, "We just shared a room last night, how could you... and you're still doing this? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"

Chen Siyuan chuckled mischievously and remained silent. Baochai, knowing what he was thinking, blushed deeply with embarrassment.

She was never a cold or aloof person to begin with. After finally marrying her beloved, the burning passion in her heart was released, and naturally, she was aroused in bed. Chen Siyuan was also good at sweet-talking people, and since Baochai was half-heartedly resisting, she was easily swayed by him.

Otherwise, Baochai wouldn't be in this state of backache, leg weakness, and inability to walk properly.

Chen Siyuan persisted shamelessly for a while, but seeing that Baochai was getting annoyed, he finally gave up. At this time, it was almost dawn, so Baochai hurriedly called Ying'er and Wenxing inside to serve her.

The young couple, all lovey-dovey, finished their breakfast and then headed to the courtyard on Zhonglu Road.

After a short while, they arrived at the main house in the central courtyard. After entering the side hall and passing the screen, Baochai saw that Yingchun and Daiyu were already sitting upright, smiling and looking over at her.

Daiyu turned to the Second Miss and said with a smile, "What did I tell you? Sister Bao is the most reserved by nature, she would definitely come over here early."

The second young lady greeted her, "Sister Bao, please sit down. Everyone says you two are very close, and now it's clear that it's true. Sister Lin's words are absolutely accurate."

Baochai stepped forward to greet the two of them, and after taking her seat, she scolded them playfully, "Lin girl is gossiping behind my back again."

"Why should I say it behind your back? I'll say it to your face too!"

Baochai glanced at Daiyu, then couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.

She should have been the principal wife, but by chance she became the concubine. Although Sister Bao harbored resentment in her heart, after two years, that resentment has mostly dissipated.

Moreover, Baochai herself had her own comparison. Compared to when she was pressured by Madam Wang and Aunt Xue to find that damned golden and jade marriage, and had to take Cold Fragrance Pills from time to time to suppress her heart fire, how could she compare to now having a good man by her side and being carefree and at ease?
Having just spent the night in a tender embrace with Chen Siyuan, Baochai was in a very good mood, and her face was beaming with an undisguised smile.

Chen Siyuan sat for a while before heading to the study at the back. The three sisters inside immediately relaxed a bit. The second young lady, Yingchun, was still somewhat reserved, but Lin Daiyu had no more inhibitions and couldn't help but step forward to tease Baochai quite a bit.

Baochai was repeatedly thwarted and became so angry that she wanted to chase after Daiyu. However, Daiyu only lightly grabbed her ribs twice, and Baochai herself turned into a soft dough.

Seeing that this was going too far, Yingchun said, "Alright, alright, Baochai just got married yesterday, and she still has a lot of things to do. Lin and I won't keep you any longer. We'll just wait until the Mid-Autumn Festival in a few days to have a good time."

Baochai smiled and agreed, then bid farewell to the two girls and headed towards the east courtyard.

She had just entered the main room when Chen Siyuan followed closely behind.

After a short rest, the two headed to the front hall.

The couple sat down for a moment. First, Baoqin and Xiangling came forward to serve tea, and then servants from the East Courtyard came forward to kowtow.

Ying'er and Wenxing distributed all the silver coins in the basket, and everyone left with profuse thanks.

Then Chen Siyuan gave Baochai another 10,000 taels of silver, which made Baochai feel even more at ease.

After lunch, the couple sat on the daybed and chatted idly in the late afternoon.

It was mentioned earlier that Jia Lian had brought a girl named Yun'er into the family, and then that Wang Yunping had returned to the Wang family. After a long sigh, Baochai leaned against Chen Siyuan's chest, suddenly remembering the money she had on hand.

Including what Chen Siyuan gave her, she now has a total of 73,000 taels of silver on hand.

Baochai had already prepared a response, and immediately raised her head and said, "Yes, I do have something to discuss with my husband."

“Sister, please tell me.”

Baochai then said, "When I got married, my mother only left me 20,000 taels of silver, which was for daily expenses and Baoyan's dowry. She brought the rest of the money with me."

Not only that, but she also handed over her properties in the capital to Baochai.

After a moment's thought, Chen Siyuan frowned and said, "Wouldn't that mean we'd be living off our savings?"

Baochai smiled and said, "Don't forget that I have a sister-in-law."

Oh right, there's also Cao Shi. Cao Shi's dowry wasn't particularly large when she got married, but she owned farmland and shops, which meant she could earn several hundred taels of silver every year. In addition, with Baochai's marriage, the Xue family's main branch became even smaller, so even a few hundred taels would be enough.

"I see." Chen Siyuan nodded, relieved.

Baochai continued, “My mother was arguing with me earlier, saying that it’s not good to keep so much money in hand, and that we should invest in some businesses instead. After thinking it over, I have an idea… What do you think, my husband, is it alright to exchange all the money for copper coins?”

"Hmm?" Chen Siyuan was surprised.

The Great Shun was not the Great Qing; its naval power was unmatched, at least in the Eastern Hemisphere. At this time, the Portuguese were accumulating silver reserves, and the silver-carrying ships from South America only made a brief stop in Manila before continuing their journey back to their homeland, rather than engaging in large-scale purchases from the Great Shun.

In addition, the Japanese shogunate closed the country to the outside world and strictly prohibited the outflow of gold and silver. As a result, the exchange rate of silver to copper rose from one tael of silver to nine hundred wen at the time to one tael of silver to one thousand wen.

In Da Shun, both silver and copper were in short supply. Fortunately, wealthy households were willing to mint silver and bury it in winter melons, otherwise the silver-copper price ratio would have risen even further.

However, things always turn around when they reach their extreme. The imperial court had already noticed the soaring price of silver, so it repeatedly sent envoys to Japan to communicate. Just last month, it opened the gates of the Kaifu government and exchanged firearms, cannons, and other military equipment for a certain share of silver and copper from Japan every year.

In this way, the price of silver will inevitably fall, and it might even recreate the situation in the time when one tael of silver was worth nine hundred copper coins. If Sister Bao operates properly, she can definitely make a fortune.

Chen Siyuan then laughed and said, "Little sister, are you perhaps planning to open a money exchange?"

Baochai laughed and said, "It's just a matter of moving things around. I still have a pawnshop under my name, so I think that should be enough. By the way, the old manager sent a letter a while ago saying that he will be returning to the capital after the New Year."

The old shopkeeper... Zhang Dehui?

Chen Siyuan was momentarily dazed and said, "I didn't realize that three years have passed in the blink of an eye... It must have been hard work for you, old manager. I wonder who you plan to appoint to take over?"

Baochai smiled and said, "The old shopkeeper has a nephew who is very reliable. I heard that he has gained experience in the past three years. In addition, he is still young, so he is perfect to stay on Zheng He Island to take care of the latex business."

"Alright."

Seeing that Chen Siyuan also agreed with her idea, Baochai was overjoyed. She quickly got up, found a pen and ink, and listed all the relatives and friends she could contact.

Seventy thousand taels of silver converted into copper coins is no small sum. It would likely cause a stir in the capital alone, and people would have to search for it everywhere.

The Xue family's eldest branch had long resided within the inner court, and naturally had many relatives and friends, including many who ran money lending businesses. Baochai selected four families, picked up her brush, and wrote letters to each one, intending to visit them all after the Mid-Autumn Festival.

As night fell, seeing Chen Siyuan's mischievous grin, Baochai blushed with embarrassment, but she was also eagerly anticipating his arrival.

The intimacy within, the fragrant sweat soaking the quilt, the tender embrace—it goes without saying.

The next day arrived in the blink of an eye. Early in the morning, Chen Siyuan went to practice his stance training. Ying'er and Wenxing wandered around outside for quite a while, until around dawn, before urging Baochai to get up.

On this day, she had to return to her parents' home. Baochai mustered her spirits, hurriedly dressed up, and after breakfast, she went with Chen Siyuan to the Xue family's old residence.

(End of this chapter)