Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 454 The Embroidered Pouch Stirs Up Trouble: The Drowning of Jia Cong Raises Suspicion

Now, Chen Siyuan returned home from his official duties that day. As soon as he entered his house, he saw two old women supporting a crying little maid as they walked towards the outside.

Chen Siyuan was puzzled and couldn't help but glance at her a few times. Unexpectedly, the little maid immediately seemed to have found a savior, calling out "Master" and struggling to rush towards them.

The two old women were startled. They quickly pulled and tugged at the maid, one grabbing and the other covering her mouth, before finally managing to drag her out of the side gate.

Afterwards, Granny Qu from the ceremonial gate said with a smile, "Master... this... that girl was not honest, so the three ladies discussed it and settled the money to send her away."

Chen Siyuan nodded noncommittally, then turned through the ceremonial gate and arrived at the main room in no time.

The second sister was now nine months pregnant, her belly was high and she had difficulty moving around, while Baochai and Lin Daiyu were chatting beside her.

Upon seeing Chen Siyuan enter, Yingchun greeted him with a smile as usual. Baochai also greeted him, but her gaze was complicated, and Lin Daiyu even rolled her eyes at him.

Chen Siyuan clicked his tongue and chuckled, "Why do you all look at me like I've committed a terrible crime? Why are you all giving me such a cold shoulder?"

Daiyu said, "When the superiors have a certain preference, the inferiors will follow suit even more. My husband should reflect on his actions more in the future."

Having said that, she rose and drifted away. Chen Siyuan stared in disbelief, pointing at Daiyu's retreating figure and asking Baochai, "What's wrong with her?"

Baochai couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh. At this moment, the second young lady said, "It's no wonder that you're blaming your husband. It's all because that girl had some inappropriate thoughts."

Chen Siyuan said, "Madam, please don't speak in riddles. I'm still completely baffled."

Then Sister Bao began to explain. It turned out that a few days ago, when the old woman was sweeping, she found an embroidered sachet in the back garden and hesitated for half a day before handing it over to Yingchun.

Yingchun didn't take it seriously at all, assuming it was something one of the concubines had accidentally left behind—what was a sachet? The erotic albums that the concubines secretly kept were far more elaborate than that sachet. The next afternoon, Baochai, Daiyu, and a group of concubines happened to come to the central courtyard, and Yingchun told them the story as a joke, making a good laugh at Chen Siyuan's excessive indulgence in bed.

While the other ladies didn't take it seriously, someone else did. Zijuan turned and asked each of the women if they had lost their embroidered sachets. At first, Qingwen and the others were dismissive, but Zijuan said, "If it was lost by one of your own sisters, and you're too embarrassed to admit it, just tell me privately. I'm afraid it might have been deliberately left behind by someone with ulterior motives. At best, it would ruin the family reputation; at worst…"

In more serious cases, they might seduce their husbands and take in more concubines. These women only get to have sex for a few days each month. If they have more concubines, wouldn't they only have a few days left?
Qingwen and the others took it seriously and tried to coordinate their efforts. When no one agreed, they finally found an old woman to investigate carefully. Within two days, the concubines worked together to find a maid named Cai'ai.

After carefully questioning Cai Ai about her daily words and deeds, all the concubines unanimously concluded that Cai Ai was a vixen who neglected her own duties all day long and only wanted to go to the garden to bump into the master. What else could she be but a vixen who climbs into bed?
The crowd was in an uproar. Since Cai'ai was from the Zhonglu Courtyard, Ziju, Xiuju, and others went to Yingchun to ask for her opinion. Yingchun was both amused and exasperated. She then consulted with Daiyu and Baochai and they decided to send Cai'ai away from the mansion.

Chen Siyuan felt utterly wronged and said, "What 'picking artemisia'? This is the first time I've ever seen it done today. How can you blame me for other people's thoughts?"

Yingchun and Baochai both covered their mouths and laughed, thinking to themselves: Isn't it because you usually don't know how to behave properly?
The matter was dismissed with a laugh. After lunch, Chen Siyuan approached his second sister and said, "The weather is getting hotter and hotter. Mid-March is even hotter than May. This year's harvest is unusual. Second sister is going to give birth in April. Why don't we take advantage of the fact that we can still move around and go to the villa in Xiaotangshan?"

Yingchun frowned and said, "It's really strange. How can it be so hot? It's alright in the morning and evening, but when the sun is high in the sky, it feels like sitting in a furnace. We don't dare to put out ice, and even if we fan ourselves, we still sweat profusely. Even if my husband doesn't say anything, I will in a few days."

Chen Siyuan said, "Not only Second Sister, but even Baochai is finding it hard to bear." Baochai is strong and can't stand the heat, and this year's weather is strange; she's been covered in sweat even without moving for the past few days. On the other hand, Lin Daiyu is perfectly fine. Perhaps because she's still a bit weak, she finds this kind of weather very comfortable.

“Then let it be. After the Rongguo Mansion holds the memorial service, Second Sister and Bao Sister will go to Xiaotangshan to escape the summer heat.” She paused, then added, “I’m afraid that things won’t be handled properly in the future. Perhaps we should ask Auntie to come and take care of things for us.”

Seeing that his consideration was appropriate, Yingchun smiled and agreed. Just as the couple was about to say something else, Yunxiang came in and said, "Master, Luo Siliang has returned from the inner palace and says he wants to see you."

Chen Siyuan instructed, "Have him wait in the front hall."

Yunxiang withdrew in response, and Chen Siyuan gave Yingchun a few more instructions before moving forward.

As soon as he entered the front hall, Luo Siliang bowed with a smile and said, "Master!"

Chen Siyuan nodded and sat down. Luo Siliang then said, "The Imperial Observatory recently said that there is a fear of a severe drought in the north this year. His Majesty has issued an edict ordering the Imperial Household Department to dig sweet water wells in various prefectures and counties in the north. Because I have some experience, I was invited by the Imperial Household Department. This time, I will go to Daming Prefecture first, and then I will go to Shandong and Zhili. It may take half a year."

Chen Siyuan smiled and encouraged him, "Although I guided you in your skills, the fact that you have been favored by the Imperial Household Department shows that you must have unique qualities in dealing with people and situations. Now that the Imperial Household Department has recruited you, just obey their orders. Your household duties will be kept in reserve, and your monthly allowance will continue without fail."

Overjoyed, Luo Si bowed deeply and said, "I owe my good fortune to your patronage, sir. Rest assured, sir, I will not disgrace your reputation."

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily, offered a few more words of encouragement, and then dismissed the overjoyed Luo Siliang. No sooner had Luo Siliang left, full of profuse thanks, than a young maid, Yunxiang, drifted in like a ghost and said to Chen Siyuan, "Master, the man surnamed Luo originally wanted to ask you for a maid, but for some reason, he didn't dare to speak when he saw you. Now, he's filled with regret after leaving and has come to me to plead his case."

Chen Siyuan chuckled and said, "How old are you to have already learned how to act as a matchmaker?"

Unexpectedly, Yunxiang looked up with her little face and said proudly, "Master, you underestimate me. I'm not bragging, but with my silver tongue, anything reliable I say will come true."

Chen Siyuan was about to make a few teasing remarks when he suddenly remembered Jia Hui, whom he had sent to Shajing Hutong. He immediately beckoned Yunxiang over and whispered, "In that case, why don't you try to mediate between these two?"

"Master, please carry the child well!" Yunxiang, having received her task, skipped away happily.

The nineteenth day arrived in the blink of an eye, and the Jia family held a funeral.

As Jia's son-in-law, Chen Siyuan was supposed to go to the Rongguo Mansion for the funeral that day. Since he had asked for leave from the Hanlin Academy a day in advance, he led Daiyu to the Rongguo Mansion early in the morning.

Upon arrival, Chen Siyuan and Daiyu first paid their respects to the eldest master, Jia She. Then, Daiyu stayed behind to talk with Madam Xing and others, while Chen Siyuan went to the south hall to accompany Jia Lian in greeting the guests.

As the sun rose higher and the number of guests gradually dwindled, Chen Siyuan and Jia Lian finally had a chance to sit down. Chen Siyuan, sweating profusely, gulped down a glass of cool tea before asking in surprise, "Where is Second Uncle?"

Jia Lian immediately looked embarrassed and said, "Second Uncle has lost face and it's inconvenient for him to see anyone right now."

Chen Siyuan was a shrewd man. As soon as he saw Jia Lian's hesitant and smirking expression, he knew that Jia Zheng must have had a grape trellis in the backyard collapse.

It was not appropriate to pry into the private affairs of elders, so Chen Siyuan decided to hold back for the time being.

At noon, Daiyu, leading Qingwen and Zijuan, came around from behind, and Chen Siyuan hurriedly went to greet them.

Daiyu then said, "Madam said that I wasn't needed here. They are all female relatives of the Jia family, and they are all elderly. They chatter on and on, and I can't get a word in edgewise. So Madam told me to go and see my maternal grandmother."

Chen Siyuan nodded in agreement, and instructed Qingwen and Zijuan to take good care of Daiyu before watching Daiyu leave with her maids.

Just as he turned around and sat down, Suyun came over. She greeted Jia Lian first, then stepped forward and said, "Master Yuan, our mistress has something to say to you."

As if afraid that Jia Lian would misunderstand, Su Yun quickly smiled and said, "They are my grandmother's two cousins. Thanks to Master Yuan's matchmaking, they exchanged birth certificates with the two candidates who came to the capital for the imperial examinations a few days ago."

Jia Lian hurriedly offered his congratulations with a smile, and then Chen Siyuan followed Su Yun to the back.

Before long, they passed through the hallway and arrived near the hanging flower gate of Grandmother Jia's courtyard. Suyun asked Chen Siyuan to wait a moment, and then led Li Wan over gracefully.

The two found a shady spot under a tree, and as their eyes met, a bittersweet feeling welled up inside them.

Because of the constant flow of people, Li Wan dared not reveal her presence and quickly said, "Li Wen and Li Qi have privately made a selection, and they both say that Yang Ji and Wang Daoxin are a perfect match. The official matchmaker brought your name card to our door, and soon after, the betrothal letter arrived. My widowed aunt breathed a sigh of relief and just now told me to thank you very much."

Chen Siyuan couldn't help but ask, "Then how does Lan Tiao plan to thank me?"

Li Wan pouted, her expression a mix of anger and delight. Hearing footsteps approaching, she quickly straightened up and said, "I'll treat you to a thank-you banquet for the matchmaker later. Oh, in a couple of days I'll be taking the old lady to stay at the country estate for a while. Tan'er, Xi'er, and Xiangyun will all be going."

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "It's good for the old lady to avoid seeing her child, as it's a white-haired person sending off a black-haired one." Seeing him staring straight at her, Li Wan felt a surge of tenderness. She glanced around and couldn't help but reach out and tug at Chen Siyuan's sleeve, whispering, "It's enough that we care about each other. In this situation, it's not good to force anything else."

Chen Siyuan sighed, and Li Wan smiled sweetly again, saying, "I'm going now, take good care of yourself."

After parting from Li Wan, Chen Siyuan felt increasingly uneasy. Such was the way of the world; if their affair were exposed, not only would Chen Siyuan be disgraced, but Li Wan and her son would likely be drowned in scorn.

After bidding farewell to Li Wan, she turned back to the south hall with a heavy heart, but Jia Lian was nowhere to be found. She inquired among the Jia family's servants and learned that Jia Lian had gone to see off a guest.

Just as they were about to enjoy the food box brought by the servants, Lu'e, a maidservant of Madam Xing, came looking for them and said, "Master Yuan, our Madam is free right now and would like to invite you over for a chat."

Chen Siyuan agreed and got up to follow Lü'e to the back. After passing through the inner ceremonial gate and around the mourning hall, they entered the side room of the west wing.

At a glance, one could see Madam Xing dressed in white mourning clothes, leaning against the headboard, while Fourth Brother, dressed in mourning clothes, was clinging to Madam Xing, calling her "Mother."

Hearing the commotion, Madam Xing caught sight of Chen Siyuan approaching and hurriedly instructed the wet nurse, "Take Fourth Brother downstairs for a short rest; we might have to get busy this afternoon."

The wet nurse agreed and led the fourth son past Chen Siyuan.

Chen Siyuan looked tense because his fourth brother's features resembled his own by at least 50%!
Madam Xing gave another look, and the maid, Lü'e, withdrew, leaving only the two of them inside.

Madam Xing gestured with her eyes, and Chen Siyuan hesitated for a moment before sitting down on the kang (heated brick bed).

Madam Xing immediately chuckled and said, "Now you're feeling guilty? Why weren't you afraid before?"

Chen Siyuan frowned and said, "There are too many people around. Do you have something to ask me now?"

Madam Xing said, "I've been feeling stifled for days, and I don't know who to talk to." Seeing Chen Siyuan's impatience, Madam Xing couldn't help but complain, "Now that he's gone, I can't take care of Er Yatou anymore. Yes, it's been unbearably hot lately, how is Er Yatou?"

Chen Siyuan casually replied, "Send it to the Xiaotangshan villa in a couple of days; it's cooler there than in the city."

Madam Xing pursed her lips and said, "I'm not so lucky..." She paused, then quickly added, "...Oh right, do you know that the second branch of the family is fighting?"

Chen Siyuan finally perked up and hurriedly asked, "Second Brother Lian said that Second Uncle is disfigured. What exactly happened?"

Madam Xing gloated, "My sister-in-law has always disliked Fu Qiufang, and after being humiliated by her several times, she was naturally thinking of getting revenge. As soon as Xia Jingui entered the house, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law whispered among themselves, and my sister-in-law simply went to the Wang family to undermine them. It is said that a member of the Wang family impeached Fu Shi, and the Emperor was furious, saying that he would soon escort Fu Shi back to the capital for questioning."

Chen Siyuan said, "Surely this crime has some kind of justification?"

Madam Xing curled her lip in disdain and said, "That Fu Shi was a sycophant to the end. Now that he's been transferred to the position of prefect, he's thinking of taking back the money he'd bribed. Of course he'll do some unscrupulous things. I heard that he accepted three thousand taels of silver from a local tycoon to help the son of a wealthy family cover up a murder case."

"I see." Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "I'm afraid Fu Qiufang didn't expect that helping Fu Shi get promoted from assistant official to chief official would actually harm Fu Shi."
Quietly taking off her shoes, Madam Xing shifted her leg and placed her delicate feet on Chen Siyuan's lap. Leaning against the kang table, she continued, "You wouldn't believe how lively it was the other day. They were arguing so fiercely that I heard my second brother got angry and slapped his wife in a fit of rage. Then, his wife got angry, grabbed a teacup, and smashed it over his head! Zhu Ge's wife, Feng Jie, and Lian'er didn't know how to stop them. It was only after the old lady intervened that they were finally stopped."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "I'm afraid my second uncle is still harboring resentment."

Even if Jia Zheng was upright and pedantic, he wasn't really stupid. Seeing that Lady Wang held absolute power and that all the servants who were in favor were Wang's personal attendants, even if he was stupid, he would know that his family was about to be usurped by the Wang family.

Fu Shi, being Jia Zheng's protégé, unleashed his pent-up anger, causing him to lose control. But that's about it; Jia Zheng could at most stop visiting Lady Wang's quarters. What else could he do? With the Wang family in power and Yuan Chun still in the palace, he couldn't very well divorce Lady Wang, could he?

Madam Xing remained noncommittal, then suddenly changed the subject, saying, "Little... do you think Fourth Brother really can't inherit the title?"

Chen Siyuan's expression suddenly changed, and he said, "Stop! With Second Brother Lian and Sister Feng supporting us, the eldest branch is only barely managing. If those two leave, how can you possibly be a match for the second branch?"

Madam Xing looked disappointed and said, "Never mind, I was just saying." After a pause, she added, "Yes, if Dequan asks you for money again, you shouldn't lend it to him. My sister-in-law complained to me about it, saying that after he borrowed money from you last time, Dequan hasn't been home for over ten days and I don't know where he's gone off to."

Chen Siyuan was both amused and exasperated, but readily agreed. After talking with Madam Xing for a while, he finally headed forward.

No sooner had they stepped out of the inner gate than they saw Wang Shanbao's wife rushing towards them in a panic, muttering, "Something terrible has happened!"

Chen Siyuan quickly stopped her and asked, "Granny Wang, what happened?"

Wang Shanbao's wife slapped her thigh and said, "Uncle Yuan, quickly call your wife over! Cong'er has somehow drowned in the pond and is not breathing!"

"what?"

Chen Siyuan was taken aback. He bid farewell to Wang Shanbao's wife and hurriedly went to the front to go with Jia Lian to the Grand View Garden.

Before long, they entered the Grand View Garden and saw several servants using rakes to pull a corpse out of the pond at the Qinfang Pavilion.

Sister Feng had arrived earlier and was now covering her mouth and nose, giving orders to her attendants. After the body was dragged into the pavilion, a servant patted Jia Cong's back, but for a long time there was no movement.

Chen Siyuan stepped forward and asked solemnly, "How did you end up drowning in the pool?"

Both sides shook their heads, and an old woman said, "We don't know how Cong-ge fell into the pond. I just happened to see it and hurriedly called for help."

Chen Siyuan calculated that from the time the old woman found her until now, probably two quarters of an hour had passed. The person was completely dead, so how could she be saved?

This was a matter within the Jia family's inner quarters, and Chen Siyuan couldn't interfere too much, so he let Feng Jie coldly inquire around. Unfortunately, with the master's funeral approaching, the servants were busy at the front, and the garden was temporarily unattended, which led to this disaster.

As soon as Chen Siyuan and Jia Lian went ahead, Feng Jie asked the old woman guarding the gate, "Second Madam, I think I saw Cong-ge enter the garden with Third Master Huan. Not long after, Third Master Huan returned to his room."

“Huan Laosan?” Feng Jie’er’s phoenix eyes narrowed immediately. She disliked Aunt Zhao and her son very much, and was convinced that Jia Huan was a born bad seed.

Just as he was pondering this, Xia Jingui arrived late with her entourage.

Xia Jingui stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "Madam is not feeling well. I was serving her when I heard about the incident, so I rushed over."

Sister Feng rolled her eyes and immediately said, "Sister-in-law, you've come at the right time. The old woman guarding the gate said that Huan-ge'er and Cong-ge'er entered the garden together, but Huan-ge'er returned by himself after a short while. On the contrary, Cong-ge'er drowned in the pond."

Xia Jingui said, "This matter probably has nothing to do with Huan-ge. I happened to be leaving the garden with Huan-ge at that time, and I saw Cong-ge playing by the water."

Feng Jie was puzzled and kept staring at Xia Jingui. Just then, Madam Xing arrived, followed by Tan Chun, Xi Chun, and Xiang Yun.

Feng Jie didn't have time to ponder Xia Jingui's thoughts. She hurriedly ordered the old woman to stop the three children and sent servants to find a white cloth to cover Jia Cong's body and carry it to the front. After exchanging a few words with Madam Xing, she said to Xia Jingui with a forced smile, "Since you are in charge of the household, you can just let you handle this matter."

Xia Jingui nodded in agreement and said, "Second sister-in-law, don't worry, I'll go and apologize to Madam myself."

Without saying anything more, Sister Feng went with Madam Xing to the front to see Grandmother Jia.

Xia Jingui disposed of Jia Cong's body first, and then Aunt Zhao arrived with a dejected Jia Huan. Xia Jingui dismissed the others and said with a smile to Aunt Zhao and her son, "How do you plan to thank me in the future?"

(End of this chapter)