Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 446 Bringing His Wife Home Temporarily to Cover Up the Storm

The next day, Madam Xing indeed came to the door. Fearing that Madam Xing would cause trouble, Chen Siyuan simply went to the Yanping Prince's Mansion to borrow the hot spring resort in Xiaotangshan.

When Madam Xing saw that Chen Siyuan was not there, and she couldn't take her anger out on Yingchun, who was pregnant, she had no choice but to find a few concubines and give them a good scolding.

Hongyu, quick-witted and clever, paid no attention; Miao'er and Tiao'er, being Madam Xing's maids, dared not retort. Only Xiuju felt stifled; had Yingchun not given her repeated winks, she probably would have argued back.

Chen Siyuan finally returned leisurely in the late afternoon.

As soon as he entered the main room, Madam Xing perked up and frowned, saying, "Now that you're an official, you don't even respect your aunt and mother-in-law anymore."

Chen Siyuan chuckled, glared at Madam Xing, and then said, "Your Highness invited me at the last minute. I am very grateful for Your Highness's favor and really dare not refuse."

Madam Xing was uneasy under his glare, and quickly put away her aunt and mother-in-law manner, and said with a smile: "I was just saying it casually. Who doesn't know that the young master is capable? How could he be cooped up at home? It's just that your uncle's wedding is set for the end of next month, and your second aunt is a woman. I can't help but ask the young master to step forward and help out, so as to make a good impression."

Chen Siyuan said, "I am naturally duty-bound to handle my uncle's affairs."

As she spoke, she reached Yingchun's side, squeezed her second sister's plump hand, and asked, "How are you, second sister?"

The second daughter laughed and said, "I've been chatting with Mother for half a day, which has relieved my boredom, but my back is a little sore now."

Madam Xing hurriedly said, "You mustn't tire yourself out, my child. You should go and rest. I'll leave after I've spoken with the boy."

The second young lady hesitated slightly before nodding in agreement, and then, supported by Xiuju, she went into the inner room.

After Yingchun left, Madam Xing asked with an awkward smile, "Did His Highness have any instructions for our trip to the Prince's residence today?"

There were no maids serving inside, and Chen Siyuan was too lazy to pretend to be filial. He picked up his teacup and said coldly, "You don't need to worry about things outside... Oh, right, Baicaotang is going to be sold this month. I'll convert your share into something else, and I guarantee you'll get twice as much money as before."

"Really?" Madam Xing was overjoyed and said with a smile, "When Dequan gets married, I, as the elder sister, should contribute something. I only have one or two thousand taels of silver on hand, and I was just worrying about what to do in the future. I didn't expect that I would have a solution."

Chen Siyuan lowered his voice and admonished, "Second sister is pregnant, so you should stop bothering her from now on."

Madam Xing pursed her lips, feeling a pang of jealousy, but she knew she would still have to rely on Chen Siyuan in the future, so she couldn't go against his wishes.

After a moment, Chen Siyuan asked again, "How is the master?"

Madam Xing scoffed and said, "She could still mumble a few words before, but these past two days her mouth has become more and more crooked, and she can't even speak anymore. None of the concubines in the house are willing to come near her, and now they only send a few rough maids to take turns looking after her. I think it will be difficult for her to get through the New Year."

Chen Siyuan sighed, saying nothing on the surface, but thinking to himself: What a fine gentleman, it's a pity he didn't live long.

After confirming with Xing Dequan that the wedding day was set for October 24th, Chen Siyuan decided to see his guests off.

Madam Xing was reluctant, still hoping that even if they couldn't be intimate, they could at least have some tender moments together. However, this wasn't the east wing of the Rongguo Mansion; everyone was watching, and it would be quite inappropriate if word got out.

Having no choice but to get up and take her leave, and seeing that Chen Siyuan had no intention of stopping her, Madam Xing felt disappointed and muttered to herself for a while, "The new bride is taken into the house, and the old one is discarded."

After leaving the Chen family, Madam Xing felt increasingly resentful. After some random thoughts, she remembered that she would have twice as much money in the future and would have to rely on the little thief to secure her fourth son's future. Madam Xing gritted her teeth and made up her mind: If she couldn't get any benefits, so be it. Money is the most important thing in the world!
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After seeing Madam Xing off, Chen Siyuan and Yingchun returned to their room and chatted with the Second Miss for a while. They then glanced at Daiyu, who was still ill, in the west courtyard before heading to Baochai's room in the east courtyard.

As soon as he entered, Baochai came up to him and took off his cloak. She then frowned and said, "It's getting colder outside. Husband, you should change into a thicker coat. You've just recovered from your cold, so you shouldn't catch another one."

Chen Siyuan smiled and agreed, then took Baochai's hand and sat down on the daybed, saying, "I went to the Prince Yanping's mansion during the day and shamelessly asked the prince to borrow the hot spring villa. Let's see when Lin Daiyu gets better. If she does, we'll head to Xiaotangshan for a few days of leisure before the Double Ninth Festival."

Baochai said happily, "That's great. I've heard that Xiaotangshan isn't very high and there are hot springs to soak in, so Second Sister can go with us too."

After a pause, seeing Chen Siyuan's smug smile, Baochai continued, "I was thinking of going home to see my mother sometime later, but since that's the case, let's wait until after we return from the Double Ninth Festival."

Chen Siyuan said mischievously, "Sister, you seem to have forgotten that the East Courtyard belongs to the Xue family, not the Chen family. If you want to go and take a look at the old house, who can stop you?"

It was meant as a joke, but to everyone's surprise, Baochai's expression changed. She bit her lip solemnly before frowning and saying, "Our marriage is a matter of necessity. In my heart, I have never looked down on my husband in the slightest."

Chen Siyuan immediately realized that he had been carried away and had inadvertently touched a sore spot for Baochai. He quickly turned to Yu Zi to soothe her, saying, "Don't be angry, sister. It was just a joke. Besides, don't you know how I've treated you?"

Baochai nodded silently, obediently pressing her rosy cheek against Chen Siyuan's chest. Chen Siyuan then promised, "Today, the Prince also said that my method of digging sweet water wells is useful not only in the capital but also in Chang'an. I've just entered officialdom and have no reward before my term ends. After some time, I'll ask the Prince for help, and perhaps the reward will fall into the hands of the inner court."

Baochai was initially delighted, but then sighed, "Even if a reward is to be given, I'm afraid it will fall on Second Sister."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Sister, do you not believe in my abilities? Aren't you afraid that you'll laugh at me for being arrogant? Since I've found a way to dig a sweet water well, I'll find another way to get you an official title."

Baochai then turned her worry into joy and said, "Believe it or not, who in the world doesn't know how capable my husband is? It's just that you've only recently entered officialdom, and it's better to remain silent than to speak out. Even if you want to stand out, there's no rush."

Chen Siyuan smiled and agreed. Although Baochai had lofty ambitions, she was very sensible and far better than those women who were impatient for quick success and pressured their husbands to make progress.

Before long, it was the eighth day of the month, and Daiyu had indeed recovered greatly. That day, the whole family, numbering several dozen people, went straight to Xiaotangshan, north of the capital, for some leisure.

During the day, we climbed to high places to enjoy the view and admire the red dogwood blossoms covering the mountains and fields. At night, we frolicked and played in the hot spring resort for five whole days before finally setting off to return home.

The hot spring was indeed miraculous. The second young lady, being pregnant, couldn't soak in it for long, only for a quarter of an hour each time before getting out. Even so, she still became fair and rosy-cheeked. Daiyu, who looked slightly sickly, would soak in it for most of the day, and by the time she returned, her illness had completely disappeared. Baochai, on the other hand, had a face as beautiful as the autumn moon and a face more lovely than a flower.

Upon their return, Chen Siyuan mentioned that he would also set up a hot spring resort in Xiaotangshan, and all three women nodded in agreement. Without Chen Siyuan having to make any arrangements, Yingchun, Baochai, and Daiyu pooled together nine thousand taels of silver, and within two days, they had fenced off a hot spring resort at the foot of Xiaotangshan, ready to break ground the following year.

After resting for two days, Baochai told Chen Siyuan what to do the next day and then went to the Xue family's old residence to visit her parents.

The mother and daughter had been separated for nearly a month, and when they met again, they naturally had endless things to talk about.

Seeing that her daughter was doing well, Aunt Xue felt a mix of emotions. After a while, Aunt Xue decided not to say anything more and went to the back to rest, leaving Cao Shi and Baochai to talk.

After whispering with Baochai for a while, Cao suddenly said, "It's been almost a month since my sister-in-law married into the family. Has anything happened lately?"

Baochai's expression stiffened, and then she shook her head and said, "Perhaps it's not time for a romantic relationship yet, so there's no sign of anything happening."

Seeing Baochai's embarrassment, Cao smiled and said, "This matter is not urgent. Perhaps it will come in a few days." After a pause, she added, "I just saw that Ying'er looked resentful. You must pay attention to her, little sister. If you want your subordinates to be loyal, you must give them plenty of benefits, but you can't give them too much. I think you know how to handle it."

Baochai smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law. I have my own ideas about this."

Why is Ying'er so resentful? It's because the head maids of the central and western courtyards have all been taken as concubines, while Ying'er is still wearing her maiden hairstyle, which is why she is unhappy.

Having served as mistress and servant for several years, Baochai knew Ying'er's temperament well and knew that if Ying'er ever escaped her control, she would turn around and bite back.

Since Baochai was increasingly unable to withstand Chen Siyuan's criticism, she might as well get Ying'er's help. In this way, Baochai could receive more favors and perhaps even become pregnant sooner.

After returning home that evening, Baochai gave Ying'er a few words of advice, which made Ying'er blush with delight. She expressed her loyalty and then shyly agreed.

Before they knew it, it was late October. According to custom, Chen Siyuan should have stayed at the East Road Courtyard in the latter part of the month.

The two were very affectionate that night. On the first night, Baochai was already exhausted, and on the second night, she was so weak that she could barely move.

Baochai knew she couldn't possibly endure a third night, so when the two of them were about to get intimate that night, she hurriedly refused. She said to Chen Siyuan, "Ying'er has been with me for so long, she should be settled... I'm feeling weak right now, if you're interested, why don't you go to the back and find Ying'er? That girl has been longing for her for a long time."

Knowing that Baochai couldn't withstand the pressure, Chen Siyuan reluctantly agreed, saying, "Alright, then Ying'er and I will go to the side room."

No sooner had she stood up than Baochai tugged at her sleeve. Turning her head, she saw Baochai biting her lower lip and saying, "No... there's no need to go to the side room. Ying'er and I are like sisters, there's nothing we can't hear or see. When my husband is tired, we can come back to rest."

Is there such a good thing?

Chen Siyuan wasn't stupid. After a moment's thought, he figured out what Baochai was really thinking—she just wanted Ying'er to suffer so that Baochai could reap all the benefits. Perhaps Aunt Xue had pressured Baochai again during her last visit to Ningxia?
How could Chen Siyuan refuse such a good thing that was offered to him? He hesitated for a moment, but finally sighed and agreed.

After a brief moment of tenderness, she rose, bid farewell to Sister Bao, and headed towards the warm pavilion at the back.

The main building of the East Courtyard is a three-room front and three-room back structure connected together. The two middle rooms are the main hall, the west front end room is the main room, and the west rear end room is the warm room where the maids stayed at night.

Chen Siyuan wandered around to the back corner and saw Ying'er curled up in the warm room, perhaps too embarrassed to bear it, and was now pretending to sleep with her eyes closed.

Chen Siyuan thought to himself with amusement, and reached out to touch Ying'er's arm slightly, only to feel her body stiffen.

Back in the Rongguo Mansion, Chen Siyuan had tasted Ying'er's rouge. After Baochai married into the family, although the two never actually had anything going on, they were still very close.

He then chuckled softly, "If you keep pretending to be asleep, I'm going back."

Ying'er was very anxious. She quickly turned around and threw herself into Chen Siyuan's arms, letting out a sweet and coquettish moan and calling out "Master" in a gentle voice. She was incredibly charming.

Without further ado, Chen Siyuan embraced her and rolled around in the warm room, their love lasting and unforgettable.

The two rooms were barely ventilated, and Baochai, who was in the front, was completely flustered by what she heard. When Chen Siyuan returned a couple of quarters later, the two were overcome with passion and spent some time together before finally falling asleep peacefully.

The next day, Ying'er went to an old woman to have her face painted, and then proudly showed it off everywhere, making the whole household aware of it.

Some busybodies whispered among themselves that it seemed the mistress of the East Courtyard was all bark and no bite, as she could only endure it for a little over a month before finally finding a maid to help her.

As a result, the young lady Siqi, who had injured the master's waist, became even more legendary, considered a celestial being. Within a few days, rumors began to circulate that Siqi was eight feet tall, with a waist circumference of eight feet, and possessed the strength to split mountains with one hand. Yingchun, Daiyu, and Baochai, upon hearing the rumors, were both amused and exasperated. They then chased away two gossipy old women, and only then did the household quiet down.

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It was already late October, the north wind was biting, and all the plants in the Grand View Garden were withered.

Xiangyun was listless, pouting and shuffling along, waving a withered branch she had picked up from who-knows-where.

Seeing that she had passed Qinfang Pavilion, Xiao Xichun was about to call out to her, but before she could utter a sound, she was stopped by her third sister, Tanchun.

"Stop yelling! Can't you see how upset Yun is?"

Xichun then said, "Could it be that Lady Baoling is here again to urge her to get married?"

Tan Chun sighed and didn't reply. What else could they have come to urge her to get married? Luckily, the matriarch had the authority to reason with her; after all, Yun'er was still young, how could she be expected to marry before reaching marriageable age?
Thinking this, Tan Chun's face suddenly stiffened, and she couldn't help but think of Daiyu. It suddenly dawned on her that the Lady of Baoling Marquis must have found an excuse to come and press Lin Daiyu.

Therefore, Tan Chun's gaze towards Xiang Yun became even more tender. Seeing that Xiang Yun didn't head west after passing Qin Fang Pavilion, but instead led Cui Lü north, Tan Chun knew that Xiang Yun didn't want to talk to anyone at the moment.

After the two figures, master and servant, were hidden behind the villa where the family was visiting, Tan Chun pulled Xi Chun forward.

To everyone's surprise, as soon as they arrived at the entrance of the Grand View Garden, they saw Su Yun and Bi Yue supporting Li Wan, who looked sick and was coughing incessantly, as they walked towards them.

The two bumped into each other, and Tan Chun glanced at them, immediately exclaiming in surprise, "What's wrong, sister-in-law?"

Su Yun frowned and said worriedly, "She caught a cold the day before yesterday and should have rested properly. Who knew that Madam couldn't put aside the household affairs and managed them for two days despite her illness. Just now, she was so exhausted that she fainted."

Xichun said, "This is terrible! No matter how important the affairs are, there's no reason to ruin your health. Have you called the imperial physician?"

Biyue replied, "Yes, Physician Wang said he would come with his medicine box."

After a few more casual words, the sisters Tan Chun and Xi Chun hurriedly urged Su Yun and Bi Yue to help Li Wan back to Daoxiang Village.

After bidding farewell to Li Wan and her party, Xi Chun said, "With Sister-in-law ill, won't there be no one to manage the household?"

Tan Chun's heart skipped a beat, and she thought to herself: Could it be that my sister-in-law deliberately made herself sick from exhaustion? In that case, she could conveniently get rid of that thankless and arduous job as a housekeeper?
Tan Chun was originally intelligent, but now that she is older, she no longer sees things as simply as she used to.

Xichun didn't care whether Tanchun answered or not, and continued, "Third sister, who do you think Madam will let manage the household this time? Sister Feng has finished her confinement, and Third sister is also free. In my opinion, it doesn't matter who manages the household."

Tan Chun laughed and said, "You're not a mind reader, so stop thinking about such things."

After saying that, she urged Xichun to hurry up and said, "It's strange, I wonder what Sister Feng wants to see us about."

Before long, the two passed through the west corner gate and entered Feng Jie's courtyard. When they arrived at the main room, they saw Feng Jie sitting crookedly on the kang (a heated brick bed), with the wet nurse holding the second sister, and Qiao Jie shaking a rattle drum to amuse her. Ping'er was also coaxing the crying eldest brother, and the whole place was bustling with noise.

Seeing the two sisters enter, Sister Feng smiled and waved, saying, "Come and sit down, I have something to ask you two."

Xichun smiled and looked at the second sister for a few moments before looking up and saying, "Does Sister Feng want me and Third Sister to take care of the second sister?"

Sister Feng said with a smile, "Your third sister is alright, but you're as mischievous as a monkey these days. How could I entrust my child to you?" As she spoke, she picked up an invitation from the kang table and handed it over: "Look, it just so happens that the Laiwang family was near the ceremonial gate at that time. Your second sister sent an invitation, and seeing that it was for you sisters, she brought it to me."

"invitation?"

Xichun happily snatched it, spread it out and glanced at it a few times, then immediately jumped up and laughed, "It really is Second Sister's invitation, inviting us to her home for a small gathering the day after tomorrow!"

Seeing this, Sister Feng laughed and said to Ping'er beside her, "See? I told you, Fourth Sister is definitely overjoyed!"

Ping'er smiled and nodded. Tan Chun was also overjoyed and teased, "Sister Feng, you don't know, Fourth Sister has been looking forward to it day and night. Last month, when no invitation came, Fourth Sister complained about it in her heart several times."

Xichun pouted and laughed, "Who told Second Sister to break her promise? She said she would send the invitation in a few days, but more than a month has passed now."

Sister Feng laughed for a while, then secretly winked at Ping'er. Ping'er then said, "It's a pity that the eldest mistress is currently ill. Why don't you two young ladies ask the old lady for permission later to see who will take you to the Chen family the day after tomorrow?"

Xichun casually said, "If it's inconvenient for eldest sister-in-law, then there's still second sister-in-law, isn't there?"

Sister Feng laughed and said, "Oh, I kindly forwarded the invitation, but you're trying to take advantage of me? No way, it's freezing cold, I don't want to go out."

Xichun quickly tugged at Fengjie'er and begged her for forgiveness. Fengjie'er hesitated for a moment before pretending to be unwilling to agree.

Ping'er saw all this, a smile on her face, but in her heart she thought, "This time, I've finally gotten what Grandma wanted." Although Grandma kept calling him "a thousand cuts" and "heartless," she still cared about Grandpa Yuan deep down.

Even if we don't get to exchange more than a few words, just seeing each other once would be good enough.

Xichun was in a hurry to ask Grandmother Jia for instructions, so she only waited for a short while before she impatiently pulled Tanchun to Rongqing Hall.

The two sisters had just left when Fengjie dismissed the wet nurse and Qiaojie. She was about to say something to Ping'er when she heard Feng'er call out "Second Master" from outside. Then the curtain was lifted, and Jia Lian, who was covered in cold air, walked in.

Sister Feng's face immediately turned cold. She glanced at him sideways and said sarcastically, "Oh, what a rare guest. Why is Second Master here instead of going to Pear Fragrance Courtyard?"

Yun'er from Jinxiang Courtyard did not move into the Grand View Garden. Jia Lian, unable to bear her constant pestering, had no choice but to place her in Lixiang Courtyard.

Jia Lian looked embarrassed and coughed, saying, "I don't want to talk to you about this. Do you know that my second uncle is in trouble?"

Sister Feng asked in surprise, "Second Uncle? Isn't Second Uncle still in Huai'an? What could have happened to him?"

Jia Lian slapped his thigh and frowned, saying, "We've really run into trouble! A couple of days ago, news came that the disaster relief efforts in Huai'an were not going well, and that some sorcerers had incited tens of thousands of people to attack the county town. We thought it was just a rumor at first, but who knew that the official gazette would also publish this story today."

The Emperor is furious and has issued an edict to deploy the Jiangsu garrison commander, the governor's elite troops, and the Yangzhou salt commissioners to suppress the rebellion. Furthermore, the prefect of Huai'an is to be immediately arrested and brought to the capital for questioning… My second uncle has a supervisory post; this time, it seems unlikely he will be able to let the matter pass easily.”

Wang Xifeng frowned slightly, and then suddenly burst out laughing.

Jia Lian asked in surprise, "How can you still laugh?"

Sister Feng sneered, "If anyone should be worried, it's Madam and Old Madam. What does it have to do with me? Maybe after this, we'll be able to relax a bit."

"This..." Jia Lian was speechless. Ever since the master suffered a stroke and was bedridden, he had to consider Lady Wang's mood for everything, big or small. Not to mention anything else, it was not as easy for Jia Lian to embezzle money as before.

Jia Lian used to fear Jia She, and Lady Wang repeatedly tried to win him over, so he never cared about the difference between the first and second branches of the family. Now that Jia She is ill, Lady Wang no longer tries to curry favor with him, and Jia Lian has finally become aware of the situation.

However, Jia Lian, being a young master, was not as insightful as Feng Jie. He immediately said, "No matter what, we haven't divided the family yet, and the household still relies on my younger sister's help. It's not appropriate to make such a clear division."

Sister Feng laughed in exasperation and said, "Fine, fine, your Second Master Lian is too proud to be so particular. From now on, Second Master can just ask the eldest son's family for money."

Jia Lian was rebuffed, and the words of asking for more money stuck in his throat. So he simply got up, turned around, and went to the Pear Fragrance Courtyard in the back to find Yun'er.

At this moment, Sister Feng smiled and said to Ping'er, "After being cooped up for months, finally there's some good news—" She paused, then suddenly changed her expression, hurriedly got up, and ran outside.

Ping'er was puzzled and quickly took two steps to catch up, asking, "What's wrong with Grandma?"

While wrapping herself in her coat, Sister Feng said solemnly, "I need to go and give the old lady a few words of advice first, so that I won't be intimidated by the madam!"

Ping'er was taken aback, and only after careful consideration did she realize what was happening. The people of Huai'an had rebelled, and the Emperor was furious. It was one thing for him to issue an edict to punish the officials, but what he feared most was that the prefecture would be breached by the rebels. Wouldn't Jia Zheng then be torn to pieces?

The old lady is advanced in years and cannot withstand shock. Upon hearing such terrible news, she might fall seriously ill. Now that Madam Wang's power is growing stronger, if the old lady falls ill and cannot recover, wouldn't the second branch of the family be in charge of the household?
Ping'er belonged to the eldest son's family, and since the matter concerned her, she couldn't help but be anxious. So she hurriedly handed her eldest son over to the wet nurse and rushed after Feng Jie to Rongqing Hall.

After a short while, the master and servant arrived at Rongqing Hall. As soon as they entered the side hall, they could hear shouts coming from inside, even through the screen.

Madam Wang cried out, "Old lady, what's wrong with you, old lady?"

A head maidservant cried out in panic, "Quickly, quickly go and fetch the imperial physician!"

The mistress and servant exchanged a glance, their hearts sinking. They both knew they were too late. Now they could only hope the old lady would recover; otherwise… the consequences would be unimaginable!

With Grandmother Jia falling seriously ill, the Rongguo Mansion was thrown into chaos. Fearing that Lady Wang might secretly harm the old lady, Fengjie sent someone to invite You Shi over, while Jia Lian and Jia Zhen of the East Mansion were tasked with discussing matters outside the mansion.

Because of Grandmother Jia's illness, Tan Chun and Xi Chun were unable to keep their appointment at the Chen family's residence. Not only that, Ying Chun and Dai Yu, who were both pregnant, visited Grandmother Jia twice.

Before long, Xing Dequan's wedding was over. Although Grandmother Jia suddenly woke up, she had no appetite and could not sleep at night. She kept urging the Jia family to look for news from Huai'an.

Then one day, a servant of Jia Zheng suddenly delivered a message, saying that Jia Zheng would arrive in Tongzhou soon and would return to the capital within three days.

Upon hearing this, Sister Feng breathed a long sigh of relief, and even though she didn't believe in gods and Buddhas, she still murmured "Amitabha." Madam Xing felt relieved, and Madam Wang's eyes sparkled.

Upon hearing the good news, Grandmother Jia finally showed a hint of a smile. That evening, she not only ate but also went to bed early.

The Rongguo Mansion may seem to have weathered the storm, but trouble is just around the corner.

What trouble? Don't forget that Jia Zheng returned with Fu Qiufang and her son. This Aunt Fu is no pushover; she's been hoping for Lady Wang's early death so she could rightfully become her second wife. Their encounter is like a bolt from the blue; who knows what kind of chaos it will cause!

(End of this chapter)