Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 452 A Wise Woman Observes the Chaotic Situation with a Cold Eye; Xia Jingui's First Scheme in the Household
Chen Siyuan agreed, which pleased Hongyu. After saying goodbye to Chen Siyuan, she left the Chen family. She hadn't gone far when she entered an inn at the entrance of an alley.

They searched all the way to the house numbered "Di" before stopping and knocking on the door.

A moment later, the door opened, and Jia Hui's eyes were red and swollen. Seeing that it was Hong Yu who had come in, she quickly ushered her inside.

As soon as the two women sat down, Jia Hui burst into tears and said, "Sister Hongyu, what happened? If Master Yuan can take me in, I will do anything to repay your kindness."

Hongyu smiled and said, "Master has agreed... However, there are many servants from the Rongguo Mansion in the central courtyard, so it might not be good for you to come. After thinking it over, I think it would be better to settle you in Shajing Hutong."

Jia Hui was taken aback and said, "Shajing Hutong?"

Hongyu said, "Those are the two concubines of the You family living there. It's hard to say about the second concubine, but the third concubine seems arrogant, but she is actually kind to the poor and weak. If you go there and serve her well, I can't say for sure, but I can at least keep you safe for the time being."

Upon hearing this, Jia Hui hurriedly stood up to kowtow, but Hong Yu quickly pulled her back and sighed, "You were close to me when we were in Qi Xian Zhai. Everyone said we were as close as sisters. Now that you are in trouble, how could I stand idly by?" As she spoke, she took out some loose silver coins from her sleeve, wrapped them in a cloth, and handed them over, saying, "Take these coins for your own protection."

Jia Hui accepted the money and then burst into tears.

Hongyu comforted Jia Hui with a few words, but her own mind was in turmoil. Chaos had already broken out in the Rongguo Mansion, and Xia Jingui would soon enter the household; things would likely become even more chaotic then. Unfortunately, her parents were greedy for power within the mansion and refused to leave. Hongyu couldn't understand it. Even the stewards in the mansion were still just servants; how could they compare to the freedom of relinquishing their indentures and acquiring some property?
Putting her thoughts aside for the moment, Hongyu said before parting, "Tomorrow I've asked my wife for leave, and I'll take you to Shajing Hutong first thing in the morning."

Jia Hui reluctantly agreed, tugging at Hong Yu's sleeve, clearly unwilling to part.

The next morning, Hongyu indeed led Jiahui to Shajing Hutong, and did not mention anything about the arrangements.

In the blink of an eye, the Chen family was safe and well, and the three branches of the family each prepared gifts for Baoyu's wedding. Daiyu found a piece of ink with nine dots, Baochai casually picked up an ancient book, and the second young lady prepared a jade pendant symbolizing many children and blessings.

Aunt Xue and Madam Cao stayed there for over a month. Madam Cao was quite comfortable, but Aunt Xue became increasingly uncomfortable. She suggested returning to the old house several times, but Baochai insisted that she stay each time. By mid-February, Aunt Xue could no longer stay, and seeing that she couldn't persuade her to stay, Baochai had no choice but to send Aunt Xue and Madam Cao back to the old house.

That day, Chen Siyuan returned home and first spoke with his second elder sister and Lin Meimei for a while before strolling towards the east courtyard.

Upon entering, Chen Siyuan saw Baochai resting her chin on her hand, her brows furrowed in secret. Chen Siyuan stopped in his tracks and quickly looked at Ying'er, who was serving him. Ying'er didn't know what to say, so she just pouted and shook her head.

Chen Siyuan was perceptive and secretly thought that Aunt Xue must have mentioned the matter of having offspring before she left.

Strangely enough, Ding Daojian examined Baochai last month and said that her health had improved and she might become pregnant soon. However, more than a month has passed, and Baochai still shows no signs of pregnancy.

Chen Siyuan stepped forward, waved his hand in front of Baochai, and said with a smile, "What are you thinking about, little sister?"

Baochai quickly came to her senses, stood up and forced a smile. After inviting Chen Siyuan to sit down, she personally poured him some warm tea before saying, "Mother, you also said that you agreed to stay for a while longer, but you were in such a hurry to go back after only a month."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Although the East Courtyard is surnamed Xue, there is still me in it. I think my mother-in-law is a little uncomfortable."

Sister Bao sighed and nodded silently, "That's how it should be."

Chen Siyuan reached out and pulled Baochai into his arms, asking in a low voice, "Did your mother-in-law say something again?"

Baochai pouted and remained silent.

Chen Siyuan had said the same old thing countless times, and knowing that saying more would be pointless, he gave Ying'er a wink. Ying'er understood and quickly and quietly withdrew. Chen Siyuan then simply picked up Baochai and strode towards the side room.

It took Baochai a moment to come to her senses. Her face flushed, she pounded on Baochai's fists and said, "How can you be so lewd in broad daylight? Quick, put me down!"

Chen Siyuan simply ignored her and only put Baochai down on the bed. He smiled and said, "Even if I'm not tired of giving advice, I'm afraid my sister is already tired of hearing it. In that case, we might as well do more and say less."

Baochai was extremely embarrassed. She struggled to break free from Chen Siyuan's embrace, blushed, and sat down to the side, scolding him, "My husband is so improper! What will people think if they see this?"

Chen Siyuan remained silent, only finding Baochai increasingly alluring. These three ladies, it seemed, were truly all quite different in temperament.

The second young lady felt she was above her station and was extremely obedient in bed; Baochai was very concerned about her reputation, and the more reserved she was during the day, the more proactive she became at night; as for Lin Daiyu, she had not yet consummated her marriage, but she was quite carefree. Perhaps she was happy during the day carrying a small hoe to bury flowers, because in the afternoon she would seek out Chen Siyuan and pester him.

What's even more remarkable is that all three ladies were intelligent; in their previous lives, they would have been described as having exceptionally high cognitive abilities.

What does it mean to have high cognitive ability? It means being able to empathize and understand Chen Siyuan's difficulties. For things you understand, you can offer advice and solutions; for things you don't understand, you will listen carefully to what Chen Siyuan has to say.

Chen Siyuan treated him well, and he was grateful and would repay him many times over in the future. Even if there were occasional disputes, he would always prioritize reason and would not be stubborn because of petty temper.

A rough count reveals that Chen Siyuan had quite a few women of high standing around him. His three wives were Yingchun, Baochai, and Daiyu; and then there were Xing Xiuyan, Hongyu, Qingwen, and You Sanjie. Wait, doesn't that mean he had three wives and four concubines?

As for those with low cognitive abilities, such as Sister You, Siqi, and Ying'er, Chen Siyuan is driven by desire but not by emotion, and will treat them in a different way, without opening his heart to them.

With his mind racing, Chen Siyuan smiled lazily, suddenly rolled over and lay on Baochai's lap, teasingly saying, "Madam, why worry? We'll just work harder in the future."

Sister Bao was discouraged, but for some reason, her annoyance lessened somewhat after he had disturbed her. Seeing his listless appearance, Sister Bao reached out and began to massage his temples.

Remembering that someone from the Jia family had delivered a letter at noon, he said, "A letter has arrived from the Rongguo Mansion. It seems that Brother Bao's marriage has been arranged?"

Chen Siyuan said without raising his head or opening his eyes, "Second Sister said that Madam has made up her mind that Brother Bao will marry a woman with two heads."

Baochai pouted and said, "If two big things have to be divided into two, then how can Xia Jingui not enter the Rongguo Mansion?"

Chen Siyuan said leisurely, "Firstly, Madam is too embarrassed to do it, and secondly, the Rongguo Mansion is running a deficit, so it has to use the Xia family's dowry to fill the gap."

Baochai nodded with relief, about to say something, when suddenly she let out a soft moan. It turned out that Chen Siyuan had somehow slipped his hand inside her clothes.

Baochai scolded her, but when she looked up and saw that Ying'er had already gone away, she didn't say anything.

Baochai tapped Chen Siyuan's nose with her finger before saying, "I saw in the official gazette today that an imperial censor has impeached the Zhen family again?"

Chen Siyuan responded and said, "The Zhen family still wants to put up a stubborn resistance, but they don't realize they've already become fish on a chopping board..." Opening his eyes, Chen Siyuan whispered to Baochai, "I heard that after the old lady of the Zhen family returned to Jinling last year, she didn't do well and became terminally ill before the new year. The entire Zhen family is terrified and has been keeping the old lady alive with ginseng soup, hoping to get through this lawsuit."

Baochai frowned and said, "His Majesty must always give the Emperor Emeritus some face."

Chen Siyuan chuckled and said, "Since the Dowager Empress passed away, the Emperor has been living in seclusion for the past two years. Have you heard of him summoning any ministers?"

Baochai wasn't stupid; she was immediately speechless, exclaiming, "Could it be—"

Chen Siyuan touched Baochai's lips with one hand and said, "Some things can only be understood but not explained. Think about it, even the Emperor Emeritus is like this, so how could the Emperor of today let the Zhen family off the hook? Right now, we are just waiting for the old lady of the Zhen family to pass away, and then the Zhen family will probably be punished."

Sister Bao sighed and said, "Thunder and rain, all are the Emperor's grace."

Chen Siyuan inwardly scoffed. The so-called "thunder and rain" referred to those ministers who relied on imperial power but had no real ability. He, on the other hand, was neither partisan nor partisan, yet he possessed some talent. As long as he didn't make any mistakes in the future, even if the emperor changed hands frequently, no one could harm him.

After mentioning this, Chen Siyuan suddenly realized something and asked, "When did my sister start reading the official gazette?"

Sister Bao blushed slightly and said, "My husband was an official in the previous dynasty, and our family will be dealing with various noble ladies in the future. If we don't know about the affairs of the previous dynasty, wouldn't that be a burden to my husband?"

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily, stood up, and embraced Baochai affectionately. Just as their passion was reaching its peak, they suddenly heard footsteps approaching in the courtyard. Soon after, Hongyu and Ying'er asked, "Are Master and Madam Bao here?"

Baochai was in a state of confusion and infatuation when she heard the sound and hurriedly pushed Chen Siyuan away. But before she could react, Chen Siyuan cried out and fell off the bed.

Baochai became increasingly flustered and quickly pulled Chen Siyuan up, scolding him, "You're up to your old tricks again!"

Chen Siyuan laughed shamelessly. At this moment, Ying'er answered Hongyu and then said to the servants inside, "Master, Madam, Sister Hongyu has arrived." Baochai, dressed neatly, blushed and said, "Come in."

A voice answered from outside, and soon Ying'er led Hongyu inside.

Baochai, with her dignified and serene demeanor, asked Hongyu upon seeing her, "Did Second Sister give you any instructions?"

Hongyu smiled and said, "Our madam said that summer came early this year, and it's already hot in mid-February, so she sent me to invite Madam Bao to discuss summer clothes."

Baochai smiled and nodded upon hearing this, saying, "Even if Second Sister hadn't mentioned it, I would have gone to tell her tomorrow. It's strange, it's only the middle of February, and we can't even wear spring clothes anymore. It's as hot as summer at midday."

Hongyu echoed her words for a while before smilingly taking her leave. Chen Siyuan was about to reminisce with Baochai when Xiaodian came looking for him, saying, "Master, something terrible has happened! Our aunt accidentally cut her finger and is crying right now."

Chen Siyuan was startled and hurriedly went to the east wing to check on Baoqin, leaving Baochai behind. After he left, Baochai rolled her eyes leisurely.

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

Before they knew it, it was the day of Baoyu's wedding.

Because the second young lady was already quite far along in her pregnancy, it was not advisable for her to move around freely. Therefore, only Daiyu accompanied Chen Siyuan this time. As for Baochai, Aunt Xue would take care of things at the Xue family's residence, and since she deeply resented Lady Wang, she simply decided not to go.

With numerous servants in the Rongguo Mansion, and with Sister Feng and Jia Lian managing things, the young couple didn't need to trouble themselves. Therefore, Chen Siyuan simply sat in the front hall drinking tea. After Daiyu had visited Grandmother Jia, she went to talk to Tanchun, Xichun, and Xiangyun.

Around 3:30 PM, Baoyu, adorned in red and colorful decorations, rode a tall horse towards the Xia family, looking dejected. However, by the end of 3:30 PM, he was picked up by a bridal sedan chair and returned to the mansion.

During the banquet, Baoyu was like a puppet, following Jia Lian's orders, and toasting each table with a blank face.

After the banquet ended, Chen Siyuan and Daiyu returned in the same carriage, and the young couple complained endlessly.

Who is Baoyu trying to impress with that blank face? If you didn't want to marry Xia Jingui, why didn't you do it sooner? Now your daughter is already two years old, isn't it a little too late to regret it?
After complaining about Baoyu, Daiyu pressed her hand against Chen Siyuan's chest and said, "Yun'er won't be able to stay in the garden for much longer."

Chen Siyuan asked, "Is it because the Marquis of Baoling is pressuring us too much, or has the old lady relented?"

Daiyu frowned and said, "Baoyu often goes to talk to Xiangyun, but somehow, bad rumors have started to spread. Although the old lady got angry and Sister Feng punished two gossipy old women, with such a reputation, how can Xiangyun shamelessly continue to stay?"

Chen Siyuan's mind raced, and he said, "I'm afraid this matter is inextricably linked to the Xia family."

Daiyu was momentarily confused and wondered, "She only entered the house today, how could she have such great abilities?" As soon as she spoke, Daiyu suddenly realized, "That's right, Baochan has been staying at Qixianzhai all along!"

Chen Siyuan said leisurely, "Whoever benefits is the most suspicious. I think Xia Jingui is not an easy person to deal with. I'm afraid the Rongguo Mansion will have a lot of trouble in the future."

Daiyu sighed softly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Thinking about it carefully, isn't the Rongguo Mansion in complete chaos now? Jia She's days are numbered, and the conflict between the first and second branches of the family is intensifying.

The second branch of the family is also in turmoil. There's the favored concubine Fu, and now there's a vicious daughter-in-law. Add to that the servants who each take sides... tsk, it's like a chaotic mess of rebel kings and warlords! As soon as the old lady passes away, everything will change!
Leaving aside the young couple's private sighs and complaints, let's talk about what happened the day after their wedding night. The next morning, Baoyu and Xia Jingui came to Rongxi Hall to pay their respects to Jia Zheng and Lady Wang.

Upon entering, Xia Jingui glanced up and spotted Fu Qiufang sitting upright to the side.

The two of them served tea according to custom. Jia Zheng said a few meaningless words, then got up and led Fu Qiufang to the back.

Lady Wang then said to Baoyu, "There's no rush to see the old lady. You go back first, and we women can have a chat."

Baoyu agreed, then turned and left in silence.

Once only the two of them remained inside, Madam Wang seemed to have found her pillar of support, patting the chair beside her and saying, "My child, sit down and let's talk."

Xia Jingui responded sweetly, moved gracefully to sit down next to Madam Wang, and then earnestly massaged her shoulders, saying, "Madam, was that woman just now Aunt Fu?"

Madam Wang immediately frowned and said angrily, "Don't mention that vixen! Master is blinded by greed. Now he believes whatever she says and doesn't respect me, his legal wife, at all."

Xia Jingui said in surprise, "Master, you are well-read. How can you favor a concubine over your wife? As the principal wife, why don't you punish that vixen?"

Madam Wang said with difficulty, "With the master protecting her, that vixen is good at deceiving people, and I can't catch her out for a while."

Xia Jingui's eyes darted around, and she smiled and said, "I heard from Baochan that Aunt Fu has an older brother, who was sent to be a prefect because of Master?"

Madam Wang nodded, and Xia Jingui continued, "It seems that Aunt Fu thinks she has her own brother to rely on, which is why she doesn't take Madam seriously. But she has a brother, doesn't Madam have one too?"

Madam Wang was immediately moved and pondered, "My child, you mean—"

Xia Jingui lowered her voice and said, "Why doesn't Madam take drastic measures?"

Yes, without Fu Shi as her support, no matter how favored Fu Qiufang is, she can't escape her own grasp.
After months of distress, Madam Wang finally showed a hint of a smile, and couldn't help but hold Xia Jingui's hand and say, "My child, I know I haven't loved you in vain."

Xia Jingui smiled and said, "My wife and I are family, so naturally I should think of my wife's needs."

"Very well, very well," Madam Wang nodded repeatedly with a smile. She said, "I'll make a trip to the Wang family later and teach Fu Qiufang a lesson!"

Seeing that she had pleased Madam Wang, Xia Jingui immediately said, "Madam, there's something else... I've heard that my husband has an ambiguous relationship with Miss Yun in the garden?"

Madam Wang mumbled, "Yun'er has grown up in the manor since she was a child. Baoyu's relationship with her is merely that of brother and sister. My son, don't listen to the gossip of those good-for-nothings. Besides, Xiangyun won't be staying for long. She will be taken back to the Marquis of Baoling's manor next month."

To everyone's surprise, Xia Jingui said, "Madam, you've misunderstood. I wasn't talking about Miss Xiangyun, but... that Yun'er from Jinxiang Courtyard."

Madam Wang blushed deeply with shame. She, as the mother, didn't know how to excuse the mess her own son had made.

He could only say, "You know Baoyu is mischievous. He just likes listening to Yun'er sing, he probably doesn't have any other intentions. He's still young, my son, I'm afraid you'll have to keep a close eye on him in the future."

Xia Jingui sighed, half-jokingly, and said, "I would like to manage it, but the maids below only listen to my husband."

Lady Wang said sternly, "Whoever dares to instigate Baoyu to be naughty, you can just send them away."

Xia Jingui wanted to hear those words, so she flattered Lady Wang profusely before returning to Qixianzhai. She and Baoyu then went to see Grandmother Jia again, and afterwards they went to the east courtyard before finally stopping.

Now, Madam Wang was a simple-minded woman who had previously been helpless against Fu Qiufang, and could only sulk in silence. This time, having received Xia Jingui's idea, she felt as if she had found a treasure, and the more she thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed. The next day, she went to the Wang family, found a letter from Wang Ren, and sent it to Wang Ziteng at his post.

These correspondences took about two months to exchange. After returning to her residence, Madam Wang ignored Fu Qiufang and kept Xia Jingui by her side every day, hoping that Prince Teng would stand up for her.

With Lady Wang's permission, Xia Jingui pretended to be obedient and clever outside, but upon returning to Qixianzhai, she immediately became arrogant and domineering. Any maid who displeased her was met with immediate beatings and verbal abuse.

Not to mention the senior maids, the junior maids such as Chunyan, Fangguan, and Liang'er were all found to have done something wrong and were given a good scolding.

Before they knew it, it was mid-March, and the eldest master, Jia She, fell seriously ill. Jia Lian and Feng Jie naturally had to go to his bedside to attend to him. Feng Jie's housekeeping duties had to be put aside. Lady Wang thought that a golden opportunity had come her way, so she took Xia Jingui to Rongqing Hall to find Grandmother Jia and said, "Feng Jie needs to go to the east courtyard to attend to him. It's not good to have no one to manage the household. I think it would be better to let Jingui take over the housekeeping duties for now?"

Grandmother Jia had no choice but to say, "Then let Jin Gui manage it for now, and let Feng Jie manage the household when she has some free time."

Madam Wang smiled and agreed, but in her heart she was thinking, "It's easy to invite a god but hard to send him away. Now that the steward's job has changed hands, why would he give it back so easily?"
(End of this chapter)