Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 440 Even Romance Cannot Hide a Cunning Sharpness; How Can a Cold-Blooded In-Laws Counter the Purpose of Profit?

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Jia family, from the east to the west, was enjoying wine and flowers when a steward came to report that Wang Ren, the brother of Feng Jie, had come to visit and specifically requested an audience with the master, Jia She.

Jia She was quite surprised. Considering that Jia Zhen had no one to accompany him, he left Jia Lian behind and went to the front hall to see Wang Ren by himself.

Upon entering the hall, they exchanged greetings and took their seats as host and guest. Wang Rendong chatted idly for a while before getting to the point. He requested a handwritten letter from Jia She to Wang Jixun, the garrison commander of Jinling, granting him permission to act as he saw fit.

Although the master had been drinking, he wasn't stupid, so how could he dare to agree to this matter so carelessly? Then he remembered that the Wang family of Jinling was currently being watched by the imperial envoy to investigate the case of evading customs duties. If Wang Ren were to take the risk and attack the imperial envoy, wouldn't the Jia family also be implicated?

Wang Jixun was one of the few remaining personal guards of the Jia family, and the master was naturally unwilling to give him up so easily. His face darkened, and he repeatedly refused, saying, "Your uncle now holds great power. Why go to such lengths to have a mere garrison commander obey his orders?"

Wang Ren remained silent, lost in thought.

The master gave a cold laugh, said "See the guest out," and got up and left in a huff.

Turning back to Grandmother Jia's main room, Jia She mentioned Wang Renzhi's request to Jia Zhen and Jia Lian. Jia Zhen frowned and remained silent, while Jia Lian readily agreed.

But Jia Lian's attempt to flatter him backfired. Jia She, already in a bad mood, pointed at Jia Lian's nose and cursed, "You beast! It's bad enough that you can't control your wife, but now even your brother-in-law is bullying me. What use is a worthless wretch like you?"

Seeing that things were not going well, Jia Zhen quickly tried to persuade him.

The master snorted angrily, picked up his wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp. The commotion naturally alerted the other side of the screen. Madam Xing pretended to come over to inquire, and seeing Jia She repeatedly raising his cup, she said, "Master, please drink less. The imperial physician has advised that you should not drink alcohol anymore."

Jia She said nonchalantly, "You stupid woman from the inner quarters, what do you know? I know exactly what's going on!"

Madam Xing rolled her eyes inwardly, sighed, and turned to hurry back to report to Grandmother Jia.

After they went around the screen, Madam Xing said with a smile, "Lian'er angered the master and drank a few more cups, so he casually scolded him a few times."

Grandmother Jia frowned and nodded, feeling rather displeased.

Madam Wang glanced at him sideways and said, "Sister-in-law should also advise him. Uncle suffered a stroke a while ago, and he should be able to calm down and stop drinking alcohol."

Madam Xing pouted and said, "I did try to advise them, but I ended up being scorned for no reason. What did I do to deserve this?"

Madam Wang curled the corners of her lips, but ultimately did not smile. She knew why Jia She was in a bad mood; it was because, on the last occasion of the old lady's birthday, Jia She had obtained a method from Chen Siyuan to dig a sweet water well.

However, the very next day, the servants in the east courtyard learned the proper procedures from Chen Siyuan.

The old man was overjoyed and immediately tried to sell it to everyone. But he failed and was ridiculed for being greedy.

Jia She listened carefully and realized that this method had been spread from the inner palace a couple of days earlier. Nowadays, which respectable family hadn't learned this method and dug a couple more sweet water wells in their own homes? Even the poorer families outside simply dug wells in their own courtyards, which even caused the water price in the capital to drop slightly.

His wishful thinking failed, and he was ridiculed by others, so the master was naturally indignant.

Suppressing a chuckle in her heart, Madam Wang slightly turned her head, and her maid Tanxin approached her. Madam Wang whispered, "Go and see if Ren-ge is still there. Ask him why he did this."

Tan Xin agreed and quickly walked forward.

Lady Wang took a sip of wine, glanced up and saw Baoyu looking sullen, and immediately frowned and sighed.

This wretched girl, Daiyu, caused a scene before her marriage, and Lady Wang, fearing further trouble, simply confined her to Qixianzhai on the day of Daiyu's wedding. On the day of Grandmother Jia's birthday, she was also sent to the Xia family early, and only returned home after Chen Siyuan's family had left.

This action, while preventing further trouble, also distracted Baoyu, causing him to lose his appetite and visibly lose weight. But what could Lady Wang do? She hadn't seen Baoyu act this way before, but now that Daiyu had married, she treated him like her own lifeblood. What use was this act now?
Now, Lady Wang is also feeling uneasy, vaguely sensing that Baoyu may not achieve much in the future, and even agrees with Grandmother Jia's thoughts on many occasions... Rather than hoping that Baoyu will achieve great success, it would be better to arrange a good marriage.

After eating and drinking some food, Madam Wang got up to change her clothes and went to the west wing room outside.

No sooner had they stepped out of the covered walkway than Baochan, who was inside, followed them.

After Lady Wang changed her clothes, she came out and saw Baochan guarding the door.

"Madam, please allow me a moment to speak with you."

Lady Wang nodded slightly, and then led Baochan to a secluded spot in the corridor. Lady Wang asked, "Good child, is there anything you want to say?"

Baochan said, "Madam, I'm afraid the Second Master has gone mad with romantic entanglements."

"what?"

Seeing that Madam Wang was puzzled, Baochan counted on her fingers and said, "These days, Second Master is out partying during the day and then finding a maid to keep him busy at night. But just a moment ago he was perfectly fine, and then suddenly he started sobbing uncontrollably. All of this must be related to Peach Blossom Madness, right?"

After careful consideration, Madam Wang realized there were indeed some similarities. She immediately frowned and said, "If it really is 'peach blossom epilepsy,' then it will be difficult to treat... Do you have any ideas?"

Baochan then said, “Second Master came from Madam’s guts, and Madam knows his temperament best. Second Master has always been tender-hearted towards women, and now that the sisters are getting married, the garden is becoming more and more desolate, so it’s no wonder he’s unhappy. If you ask me, Second Master’s maids have been with him for a long time, so why not pick some decent-looking ones? Who knows, when these new ladies arrive, Second Master might change his mind?”

He paused for a moment, then added, "Of course, the consultation and prescription process cannot be delayed either."

Lady Wang pondered for a moment, then her mind was immediately moved. Apart from Baochan and Xiren, all the others around Baoyu were arranged by the old lady, so how could Lady Wang possibly like them? If she went along with Baochan, she could take this opportunity to place her own people in Qixianzhai.

Understanding this, Lady Wang smiled and said, "My child, it's all thanks to your dedication to Baoyu. I'll think about this plan later. You're a close confidante of Jin Gui, so as long as you serve her diligently, you'll surely have a bright future."

Baochan immediately smiled and said, "Madam, you're too kind. Since Miss sent me here, I will take good care of Second Master."

Lady Wang nodded in response, then lightly patted Baochan before getting up and returning to the main room.

Baochan followed behind, and when they stopped in the side hall, she looked up and saw Xiren glancing over. Baochan couldn't help but curl the corners of her mouth and gave Xiren a low, cold snort.

Xiren bit her lip and twisted her handkerchief, feeling extremely annoyed. Master Bao was by nature fickle and easily bored, and Baochan was adept at using seductive tricks to seduce him. In just half a month, Master Bao would seek out Baochan whenever he needed something, and not only her, but also Musk Moon and others were neglected.

Xiren knew that Xia Jingui would eventually enter the Rongguo Mansion—she had already given birth to a daughter; the only difference was whether she would be a concubine or the principal wife. Right now, she could still maintain a relationship with Baochan, but once Xia Jingui entered the mansion, she feared there would be no place for her in the Rongguo Mansion!

Think back to Qianxue before, she was just as favored as Xiren back then. After she was kicked out, Bao Erye only mentioned it for a few days, but afterwards she was back to enjoying herself with beautiful women.

Xi Ren secretly made up her mind that the best of the thirty-six stratagems was to flee, hoping that Master Yuan would give her a place to settle down, considering that she still had some beauty.

Just as they were pondering this, a loud bang was heard from inside, followed by Jia Zhen asking, "Uncle She, are you drunk?"

Then Second Master Lian said, "Oh no! It seems Father has fallen ill!"

There was a rustling and clattering noise, and chaos erupted inside. A moment later, Grandmother Jia said, "Don't disturb the master! Quickly go and fetch the imperial physician!" She paused, then added, still worried, "Just fetch Physician Wang!"

As soon as he finished speaking, amber sprang out from within and rushed ahead to find Physician Wang.

The maids in the side hall exchanged glances, and Madam Xing's maid, Hongqu, said, "Could it be that he has had another stroke?"

Green Calyx clasped her hands together and said, "It's probably true! The master made a fortune before, and now he's making it again... I'm afraid—"

Leaving aside the commotion inside the annex, the people inside surrounded Jia She, but dared not move as instructed by Grandmother Jia.

The old man was still conscious at this moment, and he tried to get up by supporting himself with his right hand on the ground.

Jia Zhen hurriedly advised, "Uncle She, don't move around. You've had a stroke."

Jia Lian echoed twice, his face showing concern, but his heart was filled with indescribable emotions. His own father had suffered a stroke, and by all accounts, Second Master Lian should have been heartbroken, but at this moment, he felt a sense of relief and even a touch of pleasure!
Lady Wang, who had been observing coldly from behind the scenes, felt her heart, which had grown cold due to Baoyu's incompetence, begin to stir again.

Madam Xing was the loudest, constantly urging the imperial physician and asking Jia She questions, as if only by talking more could she suppress the upturned corners of her mouth.

At this moment, she was almost ready to shout "Heaven has eyes!" in her heart. She had been given so much medicinal wine before, but it had only flared up once, and afterwards, he was just a little unsteady on his feet; the master was still the same as always. Madam Xing had intended to continue her efforts, but then, because of the second young lady's marriage, the medicinal wine was discontinued.

After Yingchun left her house, Madam Xing tried to use the same trick again, but the medicinal wine she had hidden was spilled by the new maid!
After more than two months of depression, Jia She unexpectedly suffered a stroke!

At this moment, Jia She frantically moved his right side, unable to get up several times, and instead started spinning in circles. He mumbled incoherently, but no one could make out what he was saying.

Li Wan couldn't bear to watch any longer and hurriedly said, "Shouldn't we help the master to bed first?"

"Yes, yes, come on, quickly help Uncle She to the bed."

Jia Zhen gave a shout, and two rough-looking old women came in, with Jia Lian helping them. It took them a lot of effort to help Jia She onto the soft couch.

Before long, Physician Wang arrived in a hurry. The crowd made way for him, and Physician Wang bent down to examine the patient. Immediately, he frowned deeply.

At this moment, the head maid helped Grandmother Jia forward and asked anxiously, "Imperial Physician Wang, how is the master?"

Physician Wang stroked his beard and pondered, "Liver and kidney yin deficiency, qi and blood disorder, and obstructed brain meridians... I will prescribe a prescription, and with daily acupuncture, it may provide some relief." He paused, then added, "However, it may be difficult to move around freely afterward, and there will be many dietary restrictions."

Madam Xing, Jia Lian, and others took notes. Physician Wang administered acupuncture on the spot, wrote out a prescription, and then took his leave.

Jia Lian hurriedly went to the front and called several servants to carry the master back to the east courtyard in a sedan chair. Madam Xing pretended to wipe her eyes with a handkerchief, her voice trembling with sobs, but even though she wiped her eyes until they were red, not a single tear came out.

How could the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet possibly continue in this state? Grandmother Jia was getting on in years and was already afraid that she might not live to see tomorrow. Seeing Jia She like this, she couldn't help but feel worried and was helped back to her inner room by her head maid early in the morning.

The rest sighed and dispersed like birds and beasts.

Many people saw Jia She carrying the body back to the east wing, and the news spread like wildfire in no time.

Meanwhile, in Feng Jie's courtyard, Ping'er, who had just nursed the baby herself, heard about this and hurriedly went to the main room to tell Feng Jie, who was in confinement after childbirth.

"The master has had another stroke?" Sister Feng asked, overjoyed.

Ping'er said, "Yes, Granny Sun said that when the master was carried out, his mouth and eyes were crooked and his saliva was flowing everywhere. I'm afraid he's beyond saving."

Sister Feng then said, "These are turbulent times, and I can't go out right now. Tomorrow, you can go to the east courtyard for me and take a look."

Ping'er agreed, and seeing that there was nothing else to do, she returned to her room on her own.

After Ping'er left, Feng Jie held Er Jie'er and couldn't help but smile, saying, "Jie'er is a lucky girl. Who knows, she might even earn a title for her mother."

Because of her previous close relationship with Lady Wang, Feng Jie had always been at odds with her parents-in-law. Now that she heard that Jia She had suffered another stroke and knew that he would not live much longer, it was only natural that the Jia family's title would fall to Jia Lian.

He's a third-rank general, after all. If he inherits the title, he can get an official title in a year or two. With that title, he can finally stand on equal footing with his aunt, right?

After pondering for a moment, she inexplicably thought of Chen Siyuan. Feng Jie stared at her second daughter's appearance, noticing a faint resemblance to Chen Siyuan in her features, and immediately frowned, whispering, "It's because your father is a heartless bastard!"

In the bedroom of the East Courtyard, the gauze curtains fluttered, and the incense burner steamed.

The incense burner was filled with the fragrance of osmanthus, and the whole room was filled with its aroma.

Baochai's hair was disheveled, her face was like the autumn moon, and her cheeks were slanted like half of a beautiful woman's face; her spirit was like a peach blossom, and her brows were furrowed like Xi Shi with a sick heart, but her fair face was even more white and rosy.

After sharing a bed for several days, Baochai had gotten used to Chen Siyuan's routine, and thus always woke up a moment before him.

As dawn approached, Baochai quietly got up. At this moment, she was only wearing an inner garment, with a honey-colored bodice underneath, revealing a large expanse of snow-white skin in front, and two dark purple hickeys on her neck.

Slightly regaining her senses, she tilted her head and saw her beloved beside her pillow. Baochai bit her lower lip tightly, feeling both joy and fear in her heart.

The good thing was that the two were deeply in love and inseparable; the bad thing was that her husband was too capable in bed, and even Baochai, who was strong-willed, could not withstand it.

Recalling the soft moans and swaying waist of last night, Baochai couldn't help but blush as she lost control of her senses and lost control several times.

Thinking that Chen Siyuan was going to the central courtyard tonight, Baochai secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She thought to herself, "It's a good thing we're divided into three households, otherwise I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to endure it and would have had to find a maid to help me."

However, after staring at Chen Siyuan's face for a long time, Baochai suddenly felt a surge of tenderness. She immediately forgot about the nonsense about finding a maid to help her and wished she could stay by Chen Siyuan's side for the rest of her life.

After about half a cup of tea's time, Chen Siyuan suddenly woke up. He looked up and saw Baochai smiling at him. Chen Siyuan smiled, reached out and pinched Baochai's pink cheek, and said, "There's no one at home to set rules for you, so why get up so early?"

Baochai simply laughed and said, "To discipline others, one must first discipline oneself. Everyone is watching. I've only just married into the family; how could I possibly accept the mistress's treatment?"

Chen Siyuan said, "Those in charge are all maids; do you think they would dare disobey their sister?"

Baochai smiled without saying a word. Seeing Chen Siyuan stretch and sit up, she quickly helped him put on his inner clothes.

Hearing the commotion, Wenxing hurried inside to serve.

Chen Siyuan yawned, changed into a short-sleeved shirt, and said to Baochai, "I'm going to practice for a bit, sister, there's no need to rush to get up."

Baochai agreed, and he stretched his arms and legs and went outside.

Baochai immediately instructed Wenxing, "Yesterday's jacket was a bit too thin, go find a slightly thicker one."

Wenxing agreed and went to search the chests and boxes. At this moment, Ying'er came in carrying a copper basin.

After washing and dressing, by the time Chen Siyuan returned to his room, Baochai was already all ready.

Chen Siyuan scolded her a few times, but Baochai just coaxed him to talk. The two of them had breakfast together, and at the end of the morning, Chen Siyuan went to the central courtyard to see Yingchun.

When Baochai arrived at the front hall, she called over a few stewards to give them instructions on various matters. Just as she returned to her main room, she heard a voice calling her from behind. Turning around, she saw Daiyu leading Xueyan and Qingwen.

Baochai quickly turned around to greet her, and took Daiyu's hand, saying, "Why are you here?"

Daiyu smiled and said, "I was woken up early this morning by that hairy beast. I thought that Sister Bao must be up by now, so I came to talk to you for a while."

Baochai led Daiyu to the main room, saying, "Your parrot is like a spirit; it can learn everything it says."

Daiyu nodded repeatedly, still feeling lingering fear.

This morning, the parrot mimicked Daiyu, calling out "Good brother" in a charming and coquettish voice, and then kept chirping, making Daiyu's little face turn bright red with embarrassment!

Since the parrot wasn't human, and Daiyu had only lost a few grains of millet, after much deliberation, she decided to leave it in Chen Siyuan's study for the time being. As for the future, she certainly wouldn't dare to bring it back.

The two sisters entered the room shortly afterward, took their seats as host and guest, and were served fragrant tea by maids.

The two chatted for a while, and seeing that the maids had all left, Daiyu suddenly asked playfully, "Sister Bao... how have you managed to get through these past few days?"

These words were ambiguous, and Baochai, sensing the implied meaning, blushed instantly and stammered, feigning ignorance, "In ordinary life, why would you need to endure such hardship?"

Daiyu chuckled and said, "Fine, if you don't say anything, I won't ask. You'll just have to suffer it all by yourself anyway."

With so many women in the inner quarters, how could they not gossip?
When the second young lady entered the household, she couldn't bear it for more than three days and had to ask her maids for help. When it came to Daiyu, because she was too young to consummate the marriage, her maids took over. But when it came to Baochai, the situation was completely different. Except for one day when Xiangling helped out, Chen Siyuan stayed in Baochai's room for the rest of the days.

Now everyone in the mansion is amazed, saying that only the lady of the East Courtyard can keep the master in check.

Upon hearing this, Baochai immediately became angry and said, "You little brat, Lin, you're making fun of me now. Wait until you come of age next year, and see how I make fun of you!"

Daiyu chuckled and said, "That will have to wait until next year. Let me make fun of you for half a year first."

Baochai pouted in annoyance for a while, but then couldn't help but laugh out loud. A moment later, Baochai leaned in and whispered something in Daiyu's ear, which made Daiyu exclaim in amazement once again.

As the two were having a private conversation, Ying'er suddenly entered and said, "Madam, someone from the Rongguo Mansion has come and said that the eldest master suffered another stroke last night!"

"Huh?" Baochai and Daiyu were both surprised.

Baochai then asked, "Where is he?"

Ying'er said, "I sent a message that the lady of the Zhonglu Courtyard is arguing with the master about going to the Rongguo Mansion."

"understood."

Ying'er acknowledged and withdrew, and Baochai frowned and said, "He has suffered two strokes in one year. This time, he has gone to great lengths to report the news. I'm afraid the master is not doing well."

Daiyu stood up and said, "It is both proper and emotional for me to go and visit her. I will go back and tidy up first."

Baochai agreed, got up and saw Daiyu out of the courtyard before returning to the main room.

Wenxing, still a little confused, asked, "Madam, don't we need to tidy up?"

Baochai shook her head.

She was related to Aunt Xue by marriage in the second branch of the Jia family, and had no connection with the East Wing Courtyard. Even if she were to visit, it should be Aunt Xue who should make the visit.

Leaving aside the situation in the East Courtyard, let's talk about how Yingchun and Daiyu tidied themselves up and hurriedly took a carriage to the Rongguo Mansion.

As before, Chen Siyuan and Yingchun rode in the same car on their way there.

The carriage rumbled along, and Yingchun, resting her head on Chen Siyuan's shoulder, suddenly whispered, "Husband, when I received the news earlier, I was secretly pleased... It's really... a bit unfilial."

Chen Siyuan hugged Yingchun and comforted her, saying, "The Book of Rites says, 'A kind father and a filial son are essential.' The Yan Family Precepts state that if a father is not kind, his son will not be filial. Taishan can be said to have 'gave birth but not raised' to Second Sister, so it is normal for Second Sister to feel resentment."

Yingchun frowned and said, "To give birth and not raise... wouldn't that mean I have to cut off a finger to repay the debt?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "There's no need for that. It's not like we're cutting ties. We'll just do our part."

Yingchun agreed, sighed, and remained frowning.

Chen Siyuan was in a state of confusion, wondering if this was Madam Xing's doing. He wondered how careful she was... If she revealed even the slightest clue, Madam Xing was not one to be trifled with. What if she confessed under the weight of the three trees?
He was filled with apprehension, but urged the carriage to hurry on. After about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, they finally arrived at the Rongguo Mansion.

As usual, Jia Lian came to greet him. Chen Siyuan pulled him aside and asked, "Second Brother, why did Taishan have another stroke?"

Jia Lian sighed and quickly explained the whole story.

Chen Siyuan frowned deeply upon hearing this. Sweetwater Well had suffered a setback, and then Wang Ren came to cause trouble, leading to him drinking too much and then suffering a stroke?

Just as he was about to lead his second sister to the east courtyard, an old woman suddenly ran out of the ceremonial gate and said to Jia Lian, "Second Master, something terrible has happened! The First Madam is blocking the Second Mistress's door and yelling at her. The Second Mistress is crying her eyes out, and no one can persuade her to stop!"

"what?"

Chen Siyuan thought for a moment and said to Yingchun, "You go to the east courtyard first, and I will follow my second brother to take a look at the back."

Knowing she couldn't persuade Madam Xing, Yingchun immediately nodded in agreement.

Leaving aside Yingchun, let's talk about Chen Siyuan following Jia Lian to the back. When they reached the vicinity of the large, painted screen wall, they saw Li Wan dragging Madam Xing out. Madam Xing was still cursing and yelling, "Bad luck! If it weren't for your good-for-nothing brother angering Master, why would Master have suffered a stroke!"
If you don't give me an explanation today, I'll demand one even from the old lady tomorrow!

Jia Lian hurriedly stepped forward, bowed and greeted his mother, and was about to scold Jia Lian when he turned his head and caught sight of Chen Siyuan.

Madam Xing's face stiffened instantly, then she softened her tone and said, "Oh, Yuan-ge'er is here too?"

Chen Siyuan said, "That's right. As soon as I received the news, I brought my second sister to visit Mount Tai early this morning."

Seeing those clear eyes fixed on her, Madam Xing knew what they were worried about. She immediately said, "Alright, I won't argue with you. But Lian'er, from now on you must keep a close eye on your wife!"

He snorted coldly, shrugged off Li Wan, and then walked out.

Chen Siyuan and Li Wan exchanged a brief glance, then Chen Siyuan quickly turned to chase after Madam Xing.

Chen Siyuan began to speak in ordinary language. After the two turned into the alley, Madam Xing gave an order, and Hongqu and Lü'e stopped behind.

Only then did Chen Siyuan whisper, "Master, about this matter..."

Madam Xing said anxiously, "It has nothing to do with me, he did it all himself!" Seeing the suspicion on Chen Siyuan's face, Madam Xing added, "The medicinal wine was spilled a long time ago, it really wasn't me who made it."

Chen Siyuan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's good."

The two didn't say much at the moment. After passing through the ceremonial gate, Madam Xing glanced around and suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

Chen Siyuan looked up and saw a travel-worn young servant talking to an old woman inside the ceremonial gate.

Madam Xing said, "That's Second Uncle's servant. He must have sent a message."

(End of this chapter)