Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 448 Scalding Tea Breaks the Ritual Between Wives and Concubines; The Emperor's Intentions Are Unpredictable; His Official Career Is in Peril
After a long while, Madam Wang suppressed her anger and patiently asked, "Where is the master?"

Tan Xin then said, "Master went to the east courtyard to see the eldest master."

Madam Wang nodded, and Zhou Rui's wife then offered a suggestion from the side: "Madam, once the master arrives, that vixen will surely come too. We can give her a good beating then!"

Perhaps it was because she was going through menopause, but Madam Wang was getting angrier and angrier the more she thought about it. She immediately started whispering to Zhou Rui's wife, waiting to give Fu Qiufang a piece of her mind!
Meanwhile, Madam Xing and Jia Zheng went straight to the main room of the east wing. As soon as they entered the east side room, Madam Xing covered her mouth and nose and said in a muffled voice, "Master, Second Uncle has come to see you."

As Jia Zheng entered, he was met with a pungent stench. There were only two old women serving him inside. Jia She lay slumped on the kang (a heated brick bed), his mouth and eyes crooked, waving his still functional right arm and making incoherent noises.

Jia Zheng was stunned and said, "Brother, you only suffered a stroke, how did it come to this?"

Madam Xing sighed, "At first, she could at least manage a few words, but it got worse and worse. Now she can't even speak, and if she doesn't get to her point, she'll raise her hand to hit someone."

Jia Zheng sighed, and despite the stench, stepped forward to grasp Jia She's hand, saying sorrowfully, "Brother, don't worry, I'll take care of everything at home."

Jia She rolled his eyes and mumbled incoherently. There's a saying, "A dying man's words are good," but that depends on the person. Given Jia She's greedy and petty nature, knowing his days were numbered, all he could think about was who would inherit his title after his death.

But Jia Zheng rambled on for a long time, avoiding mentioning this matter altogether.

In his anxiety, Jia She kept patting Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng, with red eyes, nodded repeatedly and said, "I know that you care about your brother, so I will go back first and come to visit you again another day."

After saying this, he nodded slightly to Madam Xing, lowered his head, sighed, and left.

Not to mention Jia She, who had suffered a stroke, even Madam Xing was astonished. She turned to her head maid and asked in bewilderment, "Do you think Second Uncle is really stupid or just pretending?"

Red Lotus and Green Calyx looked at each other, not daring to speak of such a matter casually.
After a while, Madam Xing said, "That's enough. I'll just take care of Fourth Brother. No matter what, the family will not shortchange me and Fourth Brother on our expenses."

The title should rightfully be inherited by Jia Lian, and since Madam Xing doesn't get along with her adopted son and daughter-in-law, she naturally doesn't bother with it.

Without mentioning what Madam Xing thought, let's talk about how Jia Zheng left the east wing and returned to the Rongguo Mansion in no time.

As soon as they entered through the side gate, a maidservant from Fu Qiufang's side came up to them and said, "Master, the concubine is currently being settled in Yihong Courtyard. Perhaps due to the long journey, she is feeling a little dizzy."

Fu Qiufang, determined to become Jia Zheng's principal wife, used every means at her disposal to win his favor. She appeared dignified and beautiful in public, and alluring and charming in private. Within two years, she had this Confucian scholar completely under her thumb.

Jia Zheng, upon hearing this, did not find anything amiss, but instead said with concern, "This is not something to be taken lightly. Go to the front and fetch the imperial physician to examine Qiu Fang."

The maid agreed, and then said, "Auntie is afraid that Madam will be angry, so please ask Master to tell Madam that she is angry."

Jia Zheng said, "Why would Madam be upset about such a trivial matter?"

He immediately urged his maid to go ahead and fetch the imperial physician, while he himself strolled towards Madam Wang's courtyard.

He and Lady Wang had maintained a cold and distant relationship for many years, and their marital affection had long since vanished. If it weren't for the fact that this mission had gone wrong and he had to ask Prince Teng for help, Jia Zheng would have been too lazy to even approach Lady Wang.

Walking along the alley, winding past Mengpo Studio, they soon entered Lady Wang's courtyard. Jia Zheng was walking with his head down when he suddenly heard someone call out "Master" plaintively from the side.

Jia Zheng stopped to look and saw Aunt Zhao with Jia Huan staring at him from the moon gate, her lips pursed.

Jia Zheng frowned after glancing at him, and when he saw Jia Huan looking dejected and slumped over, he became furious.

She scolded, "What kind of behavior is this? Stand properly!" After a pause, she said to Aunt Zhao, "I have something to say to Madam. You take Huan'er back first, and I will come to see her later."

Without waiting for Aunt Zhao's reply, he turned and went into the main room.

Aunt Zhao was immediately heartbroken, knowing that she could not win back Jia Zheng's heart.

When Aunt Zhao was young, she was incredibly beautiful; otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to climb into Jia Zheng's bed while Lady Wang was giving birth. When a woman is young and beautiful, even if her personality is a bit eccentric, a man will still dote on her. But things are different now. Aunt Zhao is old and her beauty has faded, yet her personality remains the same as when she was young. Compared to the well-educated and reasonable Fu Qiufang, she naturally arouses Jia Zheng's dislike even more.

Overwhelmed with grief and indignation, Aunt Zhao's eyes reddened. Upon returning to her room, she said to Jia Huan, "Huan'er, the master probably doesn't care about us anymore. We might have to rely on each other for survival from now on."

What's the situation now? Jia She has suffered a stroke and is half-dead; he could die at any moment. The eldest son's family has Jia Lian, who inherits the title, as well as the second legitimate son, Fourth Brother, and the second illegitimate son, Jia Cong. Unless Lady Wang is ruthless enough to kill all the male members of the eldest son's family, the title will definitely not fall to the second son's family.

With the title of nobility out of reach, and with Lady Wang having recently fallen out with her niece, Feng Jie, perhaps one day after the old lady passes away, Jia Lian and Feng Jie will have to expel the entire second branch of the family from the Rongguo Mansion.

If they stay in the mansion now, they are already living under someone else's roof. If they go out to follow Lady Wang, the resentment from years ago will still remain. At that time, where will Aunt Zhao and Jia Huan have a way to survive?
Aunt Zhao was, after all, a woman. Without Jia Zheng as her backer, all she could do was sob and wail.

Jia Huan didn't know how to comfort Aunt Zhao, and could only keep his eyes darting around. Over the past year, there had been widespread discontent throughout the Rongguo Mansion. Monthly allowances were delayed day by day, sometimes even extending into the next month. The rewards had also become much thinner—previously, only silver was given as rewards, but now silver, copper coins, old cloth, and stale rice were all being given as rewards.

The servants of the Jia family ate and used the household items, so keeping these things was useless. They had no choice but to find shops to sell them off. Often, items with an apparent value of two taels of silver could only be exchanged for one tael of silver at best.

Although Jia Huan was unaware that this was an omen of impending disaster for the Rongguo Mansion, he was so bored and restless in the mansion that he was determined to abscond with the money and go out to live a carefree life.

He was about to speak to Aunt Zhao, but then he hesitated, fearing that Aunt Zhao would scold him, so he held back.

Leaving aside the mother and son, let's talk about Jia Zheng entering Lady Wang's room. He saw that Lady Wang was sitting upright and did not get up to greet him. Jia Zheng only frowned and nodded slightly before sitting down as well.

Tan Xin served him fragrant tea, and Jia Zheng took a sip before asking, "I heard you weren't feeling well. Are you feeling any better now?"

Madam Wang said coldly, "It's just a bit of a lump in my throat, but it's troubled for you, sir... Where is Concubine Fu?"

Jia Zheng said, "Qiu Fang has had a long journey and is feeling unwell, so I let her rest at Yi Hong Courtyard first."

These words, if left unsaid, only made Madam Wang even angrier.

"Qiufang..." Madam Wang sneered, "You call him 'Master' so affectionately, you must be in his favor to be so fearless, right?"

Jia Zheng frowned and admonished, "Stop making trouble! I have some serious business to discuss with you."

Madam Wang turned her head away and said, "You and that vixen were all lovey-dovey in the south, and now that trouble has come your way, you're thinking of me? No way! You brought this trouble upon yourself, so deal with it yourself!"

Jia Zheng sighed, his imposing manner diminishing slightly, and said in a low voice, "This matter... was due to my momentary lapse in judgment, which is why I fell into their trap. I know you harbor resentment, but even if you resent me, shouldn't you at least consider the Empress's feelings?"

Madam Wang turned her head away, trembling with anger, and said, "Does the master have any conscience? Now he's using the Empress as an excuse!"

Jia Zheng frowned and said, "Even if I don't say it, Your Highness also has the surname Jia, so we are all in the same boat, sharing both glory and loss."

Lady Wang was so angry that she burst into tears. Jia Zheng, who was already impatient with coaxing people, simply stood up and said, "Enough. You're still angry. We'll discuss this matter later."

After saying that, he sullenly walked out and went straight to the back of the Yihong Courtyard to find Fu Qiufang and her son.

As soon as she stepped out the door, Madam Wang smashed the cup.

Tan Xin and Zhou Rui's wife rushed forward to persuade her, but Madam Wang cried, "He's taking advantage of the fact that the Empress won't abandon my family! He's truly heartless!"

Zhou Rui's wife then said, "For the sake of the Buddha, Madam, please be more tolerant."

Lady Wang remained silent in a huff, but secretly she was thinking of making a trip to the Wang family in the next couple of days, hoping to avoid implicating Jia Zheng.

Madam Wang did not sleep well all night, and when she got up the next day, she was inevitably in a bad mood.

Just as they were having breakfast, Yu Chuan came to report: "Madam, Aunt Fu is leading Zhang Ge'er this way."

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang said, "Just say that I haven't gotten up yet, and trouble Aunt Fu to wait a while."

Knowing that Madam Wang intended to torment Fu Qiufang, Yu Chuan'er responded and went out to deliver the message.

After a while, Tanxin served Madam Wang breakfast, and then she leisurely called Fu Qiufang in.

Two years had passed since they last met, and Fu Qiufang's beauty was even more striking than before. Perhaps it was because she had been with Jia Zheng for so long that her former delicate and refined appearance had completely faded away, replaced by an increasingly noble air.

Madam Wang grew even angrier, and asked with a sarcastic smile, "Is Aunt Fu feeling any better?"

Fu Qiufang curtsied and said sweetly, "It's all my fault. I was a little dizzy from the long journey yesterday, so I was too lazy to come and greet you, Madam. I never expected that you would blame me for protecting you, Master."

Madam Wang sneered, "Look at you, who are you trying to impress with this pretentious act?" She paused, then stared at Fu Qiufang and said, "I have nothing to say to you. After you've served the tea, go back and rest, lest the master blames me for tormenting you again."

Fu Qiufang glanced at Jia Zhang, who was hiding behind her legs, and urged him to pay his respects to Madam Wang before stepping forward.

Zhou Rui's wife had already brewed a cup of tea with boiling water. Fu Qiufang was about to pick it up when Zhou Rui's wife suddenly took the tea tray away.

Fu Qiufang was taken aback, and Zhou Rui's wife then laughed and said, "What are you standing there for, Aunt Fu? Quickly serve tea to Madam."

Fu Qiufang pursed her lips and frowned, looking pitiful, but inwardly she was secretly delighted. She had always aimed for the position of Lady Wang's principal wife; otherwise, why would she have married a middle-aged man like Jia Zheng?

Upon returning to the Rongguo Mansion, he was just wondering how to proceed when Lady Wang unexpectedly handed him a knife.

She reached out to cup it, but the slightest touch caused her to gasp in pain from the heat. Seeing Zhou Rui's wife's cold smile, she then carefully cupped it and turned to present it to Madam Wang.

"Madam, please have some tea."

Lady Wang kept her nose down and mouth shut, as if she hadn't heard anything.

Madam Wang thought she had succeeded, but little did she know that she had already fallen into Fu Qiufang's trap.

A moment later, Fu Qiufang suddenly exclaimed in surprise, and the teacup fell over, spilling all the boiling water inside onto Madam Wang's head and face.

Madam Wang screamed in pain from the burn, and Zhou Rui's wife was startled and shouted, "This is outrageous! They even dare to scald the Madam!"

Fu Qiufang said with a wronged expression, "The tea in the cup was too hot, so I didn't hold it steady for a moment."

Several maids hurriedly used handkerchiefs to wipe Madam Wang's face. Madam Wang felt her face burning and her anger rising. How could she suppress her anger?

He slammed his hand on the table and ordered, "Come on, take it, and beat it!"

At a command, two burly women rushed in from outside. They twisted Fu Qiufang's arms, and Zhou Rui's wife slapped Fu Qiufang a dozen times with both hands.

Jia Zhang was only two years old when he was so frightened by the situation that he burst into tears.

For a short time, shouts, curses, slaps, and cries filled the air, creating a truly lively scene!

Yu Chuan couldn't stand it any longer and hurriedly said to Madam Wang, "Madam, even if Aunt Fu is at fault, she should be punished properly... If she is beaten like this without any explanation, I'm afraid Master will hold it against Madam later."

Before Madam Wang could reply, Zhou Rui's wife said, "What kind of logic is that? This lowly maid spilled Madam's hot tea. Madam is in charge of the household. Even if she were dragged out and beaten to death, who could say anything about it?"

These words were purely meant to provoke a fight. Fu Qiufang was a concubine of high rank; let alone a dead end, even Lady Wang couldn't simply kick her out. Amidst the commotion, a loud shout was suddenly heard, and Jia Zheng strode in.

Looking up, Jia Zheng saw that Fu Qiufang's eyes were full of tears, her face was swollen, and her hands were red and swollen from the heat. He was immediately furious!
Without a word, he stepped forward and kicked Zhou Rui's wife to the ground, then chased away the two rough old women with both hands. Only then did he hurriedly help Fu Qiufang up and ask, "Qiufang, I'm late."

The youngest son, Jia Zhang, quickly grabbed Jia Zheng's leg and cried out, "Father, Madam is going to beat Mother to death! Father, save Mother..."

Jia Zheng was furious, but seeing Fu Qiufang shaking her head repeatedly with a pitiful expression, he said, "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

After saying that, he turned to look at Madam Wang, pointed at her nose and cursed, "You poisonous woman, Qiu Fang has just returned, and you want to beat her to death?"

Madam Wang laughed in anger, pointing to her wet hair and saying, "I'll beat her to death? Master, look who spilled this! It's just a cup of boiling tea, and I haven't even said that this vixen is trying to kill me!"

Just then, Fu Qiufang reached out to grab Jia Zheng's arm, and gasped as soon as she touched it.

Jia Zheng quickly looked down and saw that the index finger was red and swollen, obviously burned.

Then there's the Confucian scholar, who, over the years, has been exposed to all sorts of tricks and methods within the inner quarters, so Jia Zheng has at least a basic understanding of them.

She retorted angrily, "Splashed you? If you hadn't harassed me with boiling tea, how could Qiufang have made such an unintentional mistake?"

"you--"

Before Lady Wang could argue, Jia Zheng waved his sleeve and said, "Fine, I won't argue with you. From now on, Qiu Fang should just stay home and live her life behind closed doors. The two of you should never see each other again!"

Having said that, she grabbed Jia Zhang with one arm and pulled Fu Qiufang with the other, striding out. As Fu Qiufang passed the screen, she suddenly turned back and smiled, which made Lady Wang so angry that her blood rushed to her head, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.

Chaos erupted inside. One person went to fetch the imperial physician, another tried to soothe Lady Wang's heart, and Zhou Rui's wife came over to pinch her philtrum. After a flurry of activity, Lady Wang finally regained consciousness.

She then cried out, "What a tragedy! How could I have married such a heartless man! Enough! He treats me like this, how can I possibly have the face to go back to the Wang family and beg for help?"

These words were obviously spoken in anger, but even if it were for Yuan Chun's sake, Madam Wang would still have to make a trip to the Wang family.

As the saying goes, good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels a thousand miles.

The situation in Lady Wang's courtyard was not concealed, and within an hour the whole household knew about it. Because the monthly allowances and rewards were often delayed, the servants of the Jia family had long harbored resentment. Therefore, apart from Lady Wang's personal maids, everyone else said that Lady Wang was jealous and mistreated her concubines.

When the masters of Rongguo Mansion received the news, Madam Xing watched coldly, treating it as mere entertainment; while Sister Feng was overjoyed, hoping that Fu Qiufang and Madam Wang would fight to the death.

Grandmother Jia was a discerning woman, and upon receiving the news, she frowned and said, "This Aunt Fu is quite cunning."

That's what they say. Now that Lady Wang has become too powerful to control, Grandmother Jia also wants to use Fu Qiufang to curb Lady Wang's power.

However, this matter needs careful planning, and we should wait until the Jia Zheng incident has been resolved before discussing it further.

That afternoon, despite her reluctance, Madam Wang went to the Wang family home.

Just a few days ago, Wang Ziteng had returned to the capital to report on his duties. When Lady Wang mentioned Jia Zheng's matter, Wang Ziteng immediately frowned and said, "Cunzhou is too pedantic and upright, and is really not suitable to be an official. Moreover, this matter has already reached the Emperor's ears, and it is too late to say anything. If Cunzhou were not confused, he would have changed the letter he sent to discuss the matter when the Prefect of Huai'an made the plan. Now... at least there is the Empress's favor, so I don't think the Emperor will punish him too harshly."

Lady Wang was greatly disappointed and said, "Wouldn't that implicate Her Majesty?"

Wang Ziteng shook his head repeatedly and said, "His Majesty knows what kind of person Cunzhou is, otherwise he wouldn't have appointed him as a school inspector. Sister, don't worry, it's just a minor punishment at most."

Lady Wang returned home disappointed. When she told the Rongguo Mansion about the incident, it immediately caused Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng to panic.

Jia Zheng was utterly despondent and knew he had no ability to be an official, so he said, "Forget it, let's wait for the Emperor's decision."

Grandmother Jia scolded, "Foolish! If we don't act now, are we just waiting to be punished? Since Prince Teng won't help, then we'll seek help from Marquis Zhongjing. Go and send an invitation to Marquis Zhongjing's residence, inviting the Marquis to come over for a chat."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Wait a minute... It's just that Master is back. Why don't we hold a family banquet the day after tomorrow and invite Marquis Zhongjing and Yuan'er?"

Jia Zheng was still looking dejected, but Feng Jie laughed and said, "That's right, now that Brother Yuan has entered the Hanlin Academy, he might be able to accompany the emperor one day. If he puts a word on that, it will be more effective than begging a hundred times from outsiders!"

Grandmother Jia nodded and said, "Now we can only ask around for help, hoping it will be of some use."

Without delay, the Rongguo Mansion sent out invitations everywhere that very day. After some deliberation, Jia Zheng took the gifts and headed to the Eastern Palace.

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

The Chen family of Faxiangfang.

That afternoon, Chen Siyuan returned home from his official duties. As soon as he entered the house, he heard shouts coming from the main hall, as if someone was drinking and playing drinking games. Just as he was wondering about this, Li Cai came up to him with a wry smile and said, "Master, your uncle has been here for a while. He has invited some friends over and they are eating and drinking in the main hall."

Uncle... Xing Dequan? This guy only got married not long ago, what's he doing here?

Chen Siyuan nodded and immediately turned and headed towards the back hall.

Upon entering, the thugs noticed Chen Siyuan's official robes and imposing presence, and immediately fell silent, daring not to utter another word.

Xing Dequan was still shouting, "Come on, come on, your old man is going to beat you this time! Hey?" Xing Dequan saw Qingpi give him a wink, so he quickly stepped on the stool and turned his head to look. When he caught sight of Chen Siyuan, he immediately smiled and said, "Brother Yuan? Hey, don't be afraid, don't be afraid, this is my nephew."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Uncle, what brings you here?"

"This..." Xing Dequan rubbed his hands repeatedly, then got up and hurriedly pulled Chen Siyuan aside, saying, "Brother Yuan, it's rare for your uncle to ask you for a favor... I was short of money before, so I borrowed twenty taels of silver from a few brothers. I was planning to pay it back after the wedding, but who knew that tigress would grab the door bolt and beat me up."

I was so angry that I had no choice but to come to Yuan-ge for advice.

Chen Siyuan frowned and asked, "Gambling again?"

Xing Dequan chuckled sheepishly and said, "A little gambling is harmless fun. The debts from the past two months, including the winnings, amount to only twenty taels. Look, Yuan-ge—"

Chen Siyuan said with a stern face, "This is the last time. If it happens again, I'll have to bring my uncle to see my aunt."

Xing De froze for a moment, scratched his head and said, "Wouldn't my older sister skin me alive? Forget it, I won't gamble anymore."

Chen Siyuan glanced at the group of thugs and said, "Don't associate with these kinds of cronies anymore."

Xing Dequan muttered, "I don't have a single penny. Now everyone avoids me."

Chen Siyuan chuckled inwardly, thinking to himself that the Second Miss Cheng was indeed a tigress, and it seemed she had subdued Xing Dequan.

He immediately summoned the steward to settle the accounts, chased away a few thugs, and then half-jokingly invited, "Uncle, why don't you have lunch before you go back?"

To everyone's surprise, Xing Dequan immediately shook his head like a rattle drum, saying, "No, no, no, none of your three wives are easy to get along with. The youngest one is sarcastic and cunning, with a voluptuous figure and a smile that hides a knife. Only the second young lady said a few kind words, but she couldn't withstand the barbed remarks from the maid beside her."

I wouldn't dare make myself uncomfortable. I'm leaving now, Yuan-ge, no need to see me off."

Chen Siyuan stood there stunned for a long time, watching Xing Dequan run off in a flash.

Sarcastic and unsettling...that's Daiyu; a smile hiding a dagger, that's Baochai. Wow! Who said Xing Dequan was stupid? He sees it very clearly, doesn't he?

Forget about it. Xing Dequan isn't brainless; he's just a hopeless idiot. Since that's the case, Chen Siyuan didn't bother trying to find him a job.

Shaking his head, he passed through the ceremonial gate and entered the central courtyard. In no time, he arrived at Yingchun's room, where Daiyu and Baochai were also present.

After exchanging a few words, Daiyu asked, "Have you seen your uncle?"

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "He was sent away with twenty taels of silver."

Daiyu laughed and said, "What did I tell you? You look just like that mother locust."

Yingchun chuckled and said, "Lin Daiyu's mouth is getting more and more unforgiving."

Baochai smiled and said, "I heard from Li Cai that Uncle has some shady characters following him around. Could it be that he owes gambling debts? My husband helped pay them off this time, but what if there's a next time?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Don't worry, your uncle knows what he's doing. Besides, with your aunt keeping an eye on things from now on, I'm afraid your uncle won't have time to come and bother you."

Upon hearing this, Sister Bao stopped talking.

Yingchun added, "Husband, the Rongguo Mansion sent an invitation this morning, inviting you to a banquet at their residence the day after tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, both Daiyu and Baochai fell silent.

The incident in Huai'an has caused quite a stir, and everyone knows that this banquet is anything but pleasant. Since this concerns Yingchun's family, the two of them find it difficult to bring it up.

"The day after tomorrow?"

Chen Siyuan pondered for a moment and understood the Rongguo Mansion's intentions. Then Yingchun pursed her lips and said, "I heard that Madam went to the Wang family yesterday, presumably about Second Uncle's matter. If you are in a difficult position, just say something vague and don't make any promises."

Chen Siyuan laughed and spread his hands, saying, "Let alone the Emperor, I can't even go to the court now. Even if I wanted to help, what could I do? Second Uncle is probably just grasping at straws in his desperation."

Yingchun, deeply grateful to Madam Wang for raising her for over a decade, frowned and asked, "Will Second Uncle be implicated this time?"

Chen Siyuan shook his head and said, "It will probably be idle for a while."

Yingchun breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Second Uncle's temperament is not suited to being an official. It's better for him to stay at home and avoid causing any more trouble."

Chen Siyuan wholeheartedly agreed. He then chatted with the three ladies for a while and had lunch together, but I won't go into details.

Before they knew it, it was the fifth day of the month. After finishing his duties at the government office, Chen Siyuan and Yingchun took a carriage to the Rongguo Mansion.

They arrived at their destination in no time, and the carriage went straight through the side gate. Chen Siyuan helped Yingchun out of the carriage, and Jia Lian greeted them with a smile.

After a brief exchange, Hongyu and Xiuju helped Yingchun to the back to see Grandmother Jia, while Jia Lian accompanied Chen Siyuan to the south hall for tea.

After a while, when the topic of Jia Zheng came up, Jia Lian frowned and said, "It's not good... The old lady sent an invitation to the Marquis of Zhongjing's residence, but the next day she sent someone to say that the Marquis of Zhongjing is currently unavailable. Second Uncle went to the Eastern Palace again, hoping that the person in the Eastern Palace can protect Second Uncle's official position."

Chen Siyuan, who was drinking tea, almost choked on his drink when he heard the words "Eastern Palace"!
At this hour, how dare Jia Zheng go looking for the Crown Prince? To put it bluntly, what was originally just a minor punishment might actually turn into a real beating!

Jia Lian noticed something was wrong and quickly asked, "Brother-in-law, what's going on...?"

After thinking for a moment, Chen Siyuan suddenly laughed and said, "Oh, the tea was too hot, I burned my tongue a little. Yes, I wonder how Mount Tai is doing. I might as well go to the east courtyard to check on him."

(End of this chapter)