Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 447 Hidden Feelings: Aunt Severes New Sorrows, Concubine Fu's Power Struggle Causes Chaos
In a few days, it will be the first day of the eleventh lunar month. Half a year has passed, and today Chen Siyuan must go to the Hanlin Academy to report for duty and cancel his leave.

Fearing that he might disturb Yingchun, who was pregnant, Chen Siyuan stayed at Baochai's East Courtyard last night.

Just as dawn was breaking, Chen Siyuan was woken up by Baochai. Still groggy, he threw a tantrum, until Baochai said impatiently, "If you don't get up, the court might give you a beating."

Once those words were spoken, Chen Siyuan finally woke up. Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he complained, "Having to sit in the yamen at dawn is really inhumane. I'll submit a memorial later and I'll definitely amend this law."

Baochai was both amused and exasperated, and could only coax him, "Alright, alright, if Master wants to submit a memorial, he must first go to the Hanlin Academy to cancel his leave."

Chen Siyuan groaned and let Baochai help him put on his undergarments, and Ying'er helped him wash up and change into his brand-new official robes. Then Xiangling brought in a food box, and Chen Siyuan yawned and ate a little before Baochai urged him to take a carriage to the Hanlin Academy.

To everyone's surprise, when they arrived at the Hanlin Academy, apart from the minor officials on duty, there was no one there at all.

Chen Siyuan stared in astonishment. Just then, a minor official offered him fragrant tea and said, "The editor is new and unaware of the inside story. Apart from the Hanlin scholars who are on duty in the capital, the rest of you do not need to come to report for duty early in the morning."

Following the Ming dynasty's regulations, there was a system of Hanlin scholars serving in the imperial city. The difference was that in the Ming dynasty, selection was temporary, while in the Great Shun dynasty, it became a fixed schedule.

According to the rules of the time of the Supreme Emperor, four Hanlin scholars would take turns to serve in the Southern Study at Chenshi (7-9 AM) every day, and another six would stay overnight in the Imperial City.

Apart from the ten people on duty, the rest can report for duty whenever they want as long as they handle their tasks properly, which can be described as flexible working hours.

Chen Siyuan was dumbfounded, thinking to himself, "If I had known this would happen, why would I have gotten up so early?"
After drinking a cup of tea and dozing off for a while, he stared wide-eyed until the end of Chenshi (7-9 AM) before officials from the Hanlin Academy began to arrive one after another.

Chen Siyuan quickly canceled his leave and went to find the head scholar to ask for a job. The head scholar was named Huang Xiangyong. He was over fifty years old and, although he looked like a scholar, he was very witty when he spoke.

After Chen Siyuan paid his respects, Huang Xiangyong picked up his glasses and looked at him carefully for a long time before nodding and saying, "No wonder he was chosen as the third-ranked scholar. Even I, an old man, am envious of Shuliang's appearance. No wonder my good-for-nothing daughter is always talking about Shuliang."

"Huh?" Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "Is a second-rank academy head really this unreliable?"

Before it was over, Huang Xiangyong said again, "It's alright. From now on, Shuliang will go to Zhengxifang less often. After a while, my daughter will definitely change her mind."

Chen Siyuan stared in disbelief, unsure how to respond.

Huang Xiangyong ignored all that and took a sip of tea. A minor official nearby couldn't stand it and whispered a few words in Huang's ear. Huang then realized what was going on and said, "That's right. Shuliang is new here today. The Hanlin Academy is short of rooms, so we have to ask Shuliang to stay in the back room for now. As for official business... well... there's no rush."

After speaking, the old man leisurely sipped his tea. The clerk waited a while before hurriedly giving Chen Siyuan several meaningful glances.

Chen Siyuan suddenly realized that the headmaster had finished explaining. He quickly cupped his hands and said, "In that case, this student will take his leave."

"Well, go ahead, go ahead."

Before Huang Xiangyong could give any instructions, the clerk hurriedly ran down to lead the way. He first found a side room at the back to settle Chen Siyuan in, and then said with a forced smile, "This... please don't be offended, Editor. Headmaster Huang has an eccentric personality and is also the abbot in charge of compiling the History of the Ming Dynasty. He did not mean to slight you."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "It's alright." He tossed a silver coin to the clerk and said in a low voice, "I am new here and am quite unfamiliar with the rules. Please enlighten me."

The clerk was overjoyed and hurriedly cupped his hands, saying, "I dare not presume to offer guidance. I have been working in the Hanlin Academy for over ten years and believe I know a little bit about it."

The minor official then explained in detail. According to the rules of the Hanlin Academy, the third-place scholar, being a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, should have participated in compiling history. However, the court had already discovered that among those who passed the Hanlin Academy exams, besides those who were capable, some were typical pedants who were simply incapable of becoming officials.

What to do? During the reign of Emperor Taishang, a Grand Secretary submitted a memorial to change the rules, allowing scholars who were not suitable for official positions to remain in the Hanlin Academy to compile books and histories. Those who were qualified for official positions were assigned to the Imperial Study and the Southern Study to accompany the emperor and be ready to answer his questions.

The latter was not assigned the task of compiling books or history by the court. He usually read history, observed politics, and studied the Huangshun Great Proclamation.

What is the Huangshun Da Gao? This book was compiled by Emperor Taizong Li Guo, based on the system of the Ming Dynasty with slight modifications, and it thoroughly explains the operation of the central government and local governments. Anyone who studies this book thoroughly will have a set of rules to follow when encountering problems while serving as an official in a remote area, and will not panic.

After listening to the clerk's detailed explanation, Chen Siyuan stroked his chin and pondered, "Does this mean I can go home after reporting for duty?"

The minor official was dumbfounded. He was a man of considerable experience, used to seeing newly appointed Hanlin scholars and probationary officials eagerly reporting for duty, but this was the first time he had ever seen Chen Siyuan so focused on going home.

The clerk hurriedly said, "Well... it would be best if the editor didn't return until after noon—the head of the department will arrange the duty roster for tomorrow before noon."

"I see," Chen Siyuan thanked the clerk and then asked, "Yes, it's already past 9 a.m., so most of the Hanlin scholars and probationary officials have probably arrived by now, right?"

To everyone's surprise, the clerk laughed and said, "Editor, you don't know. Actually, you're the first one to cancel a fake document."

"Huh?" Chen Siyuan almost burst out laughing. He thought he was lazy enough, but he didn't expect his classmate to be even more lazy.

The clerk, unfazed, explained, "Editor, you may not know, but living in the capital is no easy feat. In the early days, there were some hotheads who didn't go home and entered the Hanlin Academy early on. As a result, they ended up owing more than five hundred taels of silver in a year, and were transferred to be prefects. It took them two full terms to pay off their official debts."

Chen Siyuan rewarded the clerk with another silver coin. The clerk got excited and kept talking, explaining the whole story in detail.

Why are these newly appointed Hanlin scholars and probationary officials unwilling to enter the Hanlin Academy?

Leaving aside the probationary scholars who do not yet hold official positions, let's take Chen Siyuan, the third-ranked scholar, as an example. He is a seventh-rank official, and according to regulations, his annual salary is forty-five taels. The rest of the rewards, rice allowance, ice allowance, and charcoal allowance, along with his salary, would amount to about one hundred and thirty taels.

Putting aside local officials, what about officials from other places? They need to rent houses when they take office, right? They finally become officials, but if they can't afford a horse-drawn carriage, they need to maintain a sedan chair carried by two people, right?

We've already hired sedan chair bearers, but should we also hire maids, old women, and the old gatekeeper? We don't have any tap water at home, so will we have to buy water every month?

Some busybodies have calculated that even the most frugal person would lose 200 taels of silver a year if they entered the Hanlin Academy. Those with many connections would suffer even more, losing 500 or 1000 taels of silver.

When the emperor reached the position of Grand Secretary, the Hanlin Academy and its junior officials were unhappy. They had borrowed money to take office, and every extra day they stayed meant a loss. As a result, Hanlin Academy officials began to request extended leave, with a wide variety of reasons, too numerous to mention.

When the current emperor arrived, the court saw that the Hanlin Academy was mostly empty. This was unacceptable. So, a rule was established that newly appointed Hanlin scholars could take a leave of absence for up to nine months. Without exception, everyone had to take the full nine months before reluctantly returning to the Hanlin Academy to take up their posts.

Chen Siyuan asked in surprise, "Isn't there anyone whose family is well-off?"

The clerk chuckled and said, "Of course there are. But this kind of thing offends people, so those who are wealthy will naturally follow the crowd. Hehe, that's the middle way."

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily, dismissed the minor official, and leisurely took his seat. With a cup of tea and a copy of the official gazette, he leisurely waited until noon.

I was about to leave when the clerk returned. He came inside and presented me with a rough purse, saying with a smile, "You've come at the perfect time, editor. The charcoal allowance is being distributed today. Please sign this book after you receive it."

Chen Siyuan picked up his brush, wrote his name, and waited for the clerk to leave before picking up his purse and weighing it. It was about thirty taels of silver; the Hanlin Academy really was a clean, low-paying department.

After waiting for a while, seeing that no one had informed him of his shift in the palace, he simply borrowed the "Fourth Edition of the Imperial Edicts of the Great Emperor Shun," packed his bags, and left to go home!
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After seeing Chen Siyuan off early in the morning, Baochai went back to her room for a nap. She didn't get up until almost dawn when Ying'er rushed in to report, "Miss, Madam is here!"

Baochai was very surprised and hurriedly said, "Mom's here? Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

The family in the East Courtyard is surnamed Xue. Although the Xue family ancestral hall has never been moved here, Aunt Xue shouldn't need to be notified in advance if she comes. However, despite Baochai's repeated invitations, Aunt Xue always made excuses that Baoyan couldn't be left alone and never came.

Baochai's sudden arrival made her think that something had happened at home again.

They hurried out to greet them, and when they arrived at the gate, they bumped into Aunt Xue carrying Bao Yan as she walked in.

Baochai stepped forward to greet them, and before she could ask any questions, Aunt Xue said with a smile, "Since winter started, Baoyan has been cooped up in his room. The child is getting really bored and keeps clamoring to come out and play. I thought about it for a while, and where can we go for a stroll in the dead of winter? So we decided to come here."

Baochai secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then said reproachfully, "So that's how it is. I thought Mother had something urgent to attend to." After saying that, she looked at Baoyan with mixed feelings, then smiled and greeted her, "Baoyan, do you still recognize me?"

Bao Yan was already over one year old and was just learning to speak. She was still a little shy when she saw Bao Chai. After Aunt Xue reminded her a few times, she timidly called out, "Sister."

"Good girl." Baochai pinched Baoyan's rosy cheeks before leading Aunt Xue inside.

Upon reaching the front hall, Baoqin led her maid to greet them. Aunt Xue, preoccupied with a complex mix of thoughts, forced a smile and exchanged a few words, saying, "Baoyan insisted on coming out for a stroll, so I've come to see you sisters. It's cold outside, Qin'er, you should go back now. I'll talk to your sister for a while and then leave."

Baoqin obeyed and went back to her room after responding.

Aunt Xue saw this and felt a pang of regret. If she had known this would happen, she shouldn't have tied up Qin'er in the first place; now she's become too much of a nuisance.

The mother and daughter had just entered the main room when Wenxing came to report: "Madam... um, Miss, the Madam of the Central Courtyard and the Madam of the West Courtyard have both received word that they will come to pay their respects to you once they are all ready."

This was to be expected, and Sister Bao instructed that tea and snacks be prepared before sending Wenxing away. However, these words, when heard by Aunt Xue, evoked mixed feelings within her.

Now that Chen Siyuan has entered officialdom, Baochai should rightfully address him as "Madam," which would logically make Aunt Xue an "old lady." She's only in her early forties, and just last year she gave birth to a daughter; unexpectedly, in just one year she's become an "old lady." What woman in the world doesn't care about her age?

Previously, Baochai had repeatedly invited her, but Aunt Xue, who was both concerned about Chen Siyuan and afraid that Baochai would discover their secret affair, dared not visit.

Knowing that Chen Siyuan was going to the yamen to cancel his leave, Aunt Xue hurriedly came to the East Courtyard.

But Wenxing's words pierced Aunt Xue's heart like a needle: Yes, she is an old lady now. If this affair gets out, wouldn't everything be over?
Aunt Xue was heartbroken, but she gritted her teeth and made up her mind that no matter how much she couldn't let go of Chen Siyuan, the two of them could never have any connection again.

Thinking this, Aunt Xue became somewhat absent-minded when the mother and daughter started chatting.

Soon after, Yingchun and Daiyu came to visit Aunt Xue, and then a maid interrupted, calling her "Auntie" and "Madam" in a jumbled mess, giving everyone a real headache.

Baochai laughed and said, "Stop it! From now on, you should call my mother 'Auntie' instead. Otherwise, this one is called 'Auntie' and that one is called 'Madam'. And Second Sister and Lin Daiyu are also called 'Madam'. If someone is slow-witted, they probably won't know who to call."

Yingchun and Daiyu readily agreed with smiles.

Knowing that the mother and daughter must have something to say to each other, Yingchun and Daiyu lingered for only a short while before returning to their respective courtyards.

It was at this moment that Aunt Xue noticed Yingchun's protruding belly.

Once only the mother and daughter remained inside, Aunt Xue frowned and asked with difficulty, "My son, there's still no sign of anything?"

She was married in August, and it's been almost three months now. Her second sister's belly is visibly growing, but Baochai shows no signs of pregnancy. Even if Aunt Xue didn't mention it, Baochai herself is quite worried.

However, it wasn't appropriate to say it that way, so Sister Bao said, "I have to ask Doctor Ding to come to the mansion for a check-up every month. After the last check-up, Doctor Ding said that my internal heat ailment might take one or two years to see any effect." Aunt Xue wished she could take his place.

After much thought, she noticed that her daughter was in a bad mood, so she smiled and comforted her, "Perhaps it's just that your time for children hasn't come yet. Anyway, you're still young, so there's no need to rush."

Baochai smiled and agreed. Aunt Xue then said, "I think... Ying'er's face has been painted?"

Baochai, not wanting to admit that she couldn't bear it, laughed and said, "Mother must have heard that my husband is a womanizer. All the head maids in the East and West Wings have been taken, but there's been no news about my West Wing. If word gets out, I'm afraid outsiders will say that I'm jealous."

Ying'er has been with me for so many years, she needs to be settled. After much thought, I had my husband do her hair and makeup some time ago.

Aunt Xue nodded noncommittally, but couldn't help muttering a bit about the principle of using both kindness and severity. Thinking of Baoqin, she added, "It's good that Ying'er has had her first sexual experience, so that Yuan-ge'er won't be abducted by Qin-ya."

Just then, a wet nurse brought Bao Yan over and said to the mother and daughter with a smile, "Second Sister heard that there is a garden, so she insisted on going for a stroll."

Upon hearing this, Baochai quickly smiled and said, "It's my fault, I completely forgot about you, little sister." Turning to Aunt Xue, she said, "Mother, this is your first time here too, why don't you come with me and take a good look around?"

Aunt Xue agreed, and after getting dressed, she followed Baochai to stroll in the back garden.

This year, there was only one snowfall at the beginning of winter, which was quickly dried up by the sun the next day. Now, the grass in the courtyard is withered and the scenery is desolate, but the view from Tingyue Tower to the lake still has some charm.

While they were strolling around, Hongyu came over and said, "Our mistress has prepared a feast and invited you to come to the central courtyard for the banquet after you have finished your stroll."

Baochai and her mother smiled and agreed. After strolling through the garden, they headed together towards the central courtyard.

After the women had exchanged greetings, they invited Aunt Xue to wash her hands and take their seats. Just as everyone was seated, Hongyu came in and said, "It's quite a coincidence that the master has just returned to the manor. He said he would come over here after changing his clothes."

Aunt Xue's face stiffened upon hearing this. She had intended to avoid Chen Siyuan, but she still bumped into him.

She remained calm, but Yingchun asked in surprise, "Didn't you say you wouldn't be back until late afternoon? Why are you back now?"

Hongyu smiled and said, "I don't know about that. Madam, you should ask Master yourself."

Since Chen Siyuan had returned home, it was inconvenient for everyone to start the meal immediately. After waiting for a while, Chen Siyuan, who had changed into casual clothes, went around the screen and entered.

After exchanging greetings with Aunt Xue and the three women, he weighed the purse in his hand and said, "As the saying goes, it's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early. I just started my job today, and it just so happens that the charcoal allowance is being distributed. Here, it's a full thirty taels, no more, no less, ten taels for each of the three ladies!"

His playful remark caused Yingchun, Daiyu, and Baochai to cover their mouths and laugh. The three girls certainly didn't care about ten taels of silver; their monthly allowance alone was a full twenty taels.

Amidst laughter and chatter, Chen Siyuan took his seat. According to custom, Aunt Xue, as the elder, should have sat at the head of the table. Chen Siyuan, as the head of the household, should have sat beside her. However, Aunt Xue had something to hide and dared not sit next to Chen Siyuan, so she smiled and changed seats, sitting next to Baochai at the lower end of the table.

Chen Siyuan felt awkward, but Aunt Xue was only focused on talking to others and didn't even glance in their direction. After a moment's thought, Chen Siyuan roughly guessed what Aunt Xue was worried about. He sighed inwardly, then quickly regained his composure.

Some things should be let go; don't be too demanding.

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Rongguo Mansion.

Grandmother Jia sat upright on the soft couch, leaning on her cane and anxiously looking out, her eager anticipation evident in her expression. After a while, the old lady couldn't help but urge, "Why haven't they returned yet? Go and send a servant to the front to inquire."

Then Sister Feng smiled and comforted her, "Look at you, it's true that a mother worries when her son travels a thousand miles. The master just sent someone to say that he has entered the city, and the old lady wishes that the master could grow wings and fly to her right now."

Madam Xing hummed twice, offering a half-smile without responding. Tan Chun then smiled and said, "Grandmother, don't be in such a hurry. It's still quite a walk from Xizhimen to the mansion. We might be there in a quarter of an hour."

Grandmother Jia breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "My husband is so old, why would I miss him? I'm just eager to see my dear grandson."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun remained calm, but Aunt Zhao, who was pulling at Jia Huan, almost vomited. If it weren't for Fu Qiufang's sudden appearance, the master would still be doting on her. Normally, she and Fu Qiufang would be mortal enemies!

Xichun and Xiangyun chattered and joked for a few more minutes, when suddenly an old woman happily entered the room, curtsied, and said, "Grandma, Master's carriage has entered the courtyard!"

"Oh?" Grandmother Jia was overjoyed. She slightly bent over, almost standing up.

Sister Feng then said, "When Master returns to the mansion, I will lead a few of the younger ones to greet him."

At that moment, Sister Feng took the lead, leading Aunt Zhao, Tan Chun, Xi Chun, Xiang Yun, and Jia Huan to the ceremonial gate to welcome Jia Zheng.

Before long, they arrived at the gate of the ceremonial hall. The group was chatting and laughing in the south hall with their backs to each other. First, Jia Lian led Jia Zheng inside, followed by a beautiful woman, and then a wet nurse carrying a chubby-faced child.

Sister Feng led everyone forward to pay their respects. Aunt Zhao gritted her teeth and, as she straightened her robes, glanced sideways at the beautiful woman.

Behold: a face of jade-like grace, adorned with delicate plum blossom makeup. Cherry lips, willow-leaf brows. Hair as black as clouds, flowing with the grace of snow melted by the wind. More beautiful than a lotus reflected in water, she resembled a lotus blossom dancing on the waves. Her entire being was immaculate, radiating a hundred charms.

Poems as proof:

Her graceful playing of the piano is a natural expression of her beauty, her delicate and gentle demeanor possessing a unique fragrance.

Her eyebrows are not like the dark, imposing mountains, nor are her eyes like clear water reflecting the autumn light.

Her elegant appearance exudes the air of poetry and literature, and her refined beauty surpasses even the fragrance of peach and plum blossoms.

Do not envy the expensive finery and cosmetics; a natural beauty is extraordinary.

Fu, being one to curry favor with the powerful, spared no expense in hiring tutors for his sister, Fu Qiufang, who thus presented herself as a refined young lady. However, in Aunt Zhao's eyes, she became nothing more than a seductive vixen!

After a brief discussion, the group followed Jia Zheng towards Rongqing Hall.

In no time, they arrived at Rongqing Hall. Jia Zheng walked around the screen, glanced at his mother, who was sitting on the soft couch, and rushed forward to kneel down and kowtow, saying, "Your unfilial son, Jia Zheng, greets his mother!"

Grandmother Jia couldn't help but tear up, repeatedly saying "Good, good, good," before finally urging the maid to help Jia Zheng up.

Afterwards, Fu Qiufang also stepped forward to pay her respects. When she coaxed the child and called out "Grandmother" in a clear voice, Grandmother Jia's heart melted instantly.

He said, "This is my family's Wenquxing (God of Literature)? Good, good, come forward quickly, the ancestor will give you a gift."

The child was shy and tugged at Fu Qiufang, looking up to ask. Fu Qiufang said gently, "Zhang-ge'er, go quickly, the old ancestor is going to give you a reward."

With his birth mother's permission, Jia Zhang finally shuffled to Grandmother Jia's side. Grandmother Jia was overjoyed and smiled as she found a gold necklace for him to wear. She then held him on the couch, her eyes filled with boundless affection.

After exchanging a few casual words, Jia Zheng glanced around the room and suddenly frowned, asking, "Where is Madam?"

Everyone inside choked on their words, and Sister Feng secretly chuckled to herself: it would be strange if Madam Wang came out to greet Master Wang when he led Fu Qiufang in. Having received the news that day, she simply feigned illness and didn't go out.

Feng Jie didn't want to get involved, but since Grandmother Jia was looking over, there was no one else to mediate. So Feng Jie smiled and said, "Master, you don't know, my sister-in-law fell ill from managing the household, so Madam had to take on the responsibility herself. Who knew that after working so hard for several days, she was also feeling unwell. She's resting in her room right now."

"Oh." Jia Zheng was upright, not really stupid. How could he not know that his wife was deliberately making him look bad?

He didn't care at the moment, only saying, "My brother is perfectly fine, how did he suddenly have a stroke?"

Grandmother Jia sighed and said, "Master had a stroke before, and then he didn't rest properly. He also drank too much on Mid-Autumn Festival night, which is why it relapsed."

Jia Zheng said, "In that case, after I have settled in a bit, I will go to the east courtyard to visit my elder brother."

Grandmother Jia said, "There's no rush." ​​She glanced at Fu Qiufang and found the girl much more pleasing to the eye. She smiled and said, "Madam's courtyard is cramped. We've already accommodated Aunt Zhou and Aunt Zhao, and there's nowhere else to put them. I think it would be better to settle Aunt Fu and the child in the garden for now?"

Feng Jie'er's eyes darted around, eager for Fu Qiufang and Madam Wang to start a fight. She smiled and said, "What the old lady said makes sense. Ever since the second young lady and Lin Yatou got married, there have been many empty rooms in the garden. I think it would be better to settle Aunt Fu in Yihong Courtyard first? That courtyard is the most spacious and extremely quiet."

Grandmother Jia was finding it increasingly difficult to control Madam Wang, so she decided to use Fu Qiufang to put Madam Wang under pressure. She then smiled and said, "What Feng-ge'er said is right. Let's clean up the Yihong Courtyard and let Aunt Fu move in."

Fu Qiufang quickly stood up and bowed in thanks. She knew she had been used as a tool, but she was also eager to anger Madam Wang so that she could be promoted to the position of official wife later.

Jia Zheng was too lazy to deal with the infighting in the inner quarters, but he was thinking about Jia She. After drinking a cup of tea, he got up and followed Madam Xing to the east courtyard.

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Madam Wang's room.

The clattering of the abacus stopped, and Madam Wang frowned slightly, saying to Zhou Rui's wife, "The public accounts are fine, but why are my private accounts missing?"

“This…” Zhou Rui’s wife hesitated, “…is precisely what Baicaotang lacks in terms of future prospects.”

"Bai Cao Tang?" Madam Wang was quite surprised.

Zhou Rui's wife said, "Last month, Sister You sent a maid to say that Baicaotang had run out of medicinal herbs and could not find any Tibetan medicine merchants, so they simply closed down."

Madam Wang felt a pang of regret, but nodded and said, "Well, it was only five thousand taels of silver invested back then, and now we've earned back several five thousand taels of silver each."

Unexpectedly, Zhou Rui's wife said again, "Madam, Baicaotang has closed down, but Sister You San has opened Huichuntang. The pills are still the same, just under a different name."

Madam Wang immediately frowned in annoyance, but after a long while, she couldn't do anything about Chen Siyuan behind You Sanjie, so she could only respond sullenly without saying another word.

Just then, Tan Xin rushed in and said in a panic, "Madam, I just saw Aunt Fu go to the Yihong Courtyard in the back. I heard that the old lady arranged it."

Madam Wang felt her blood rush to her head, her face turned ashen, and she gritted her teeth, wishing she could immediately rush over and tear the mother and child apart!

(End of this chapter)