Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 74 Sincerity
After Aunt Zhao said this, she felt aggrieved and annoyed!
That day, she had already made arrangements with her master Jia Zheng before going to Chen Siyuan to plead for her favor. With Chen Siyuan's approval, Aunt Zhao happily pawned all her valuable headgear the next day, just waiting for Jia Zheng's four hundred taels of silver!
Aunt Zhao's plans were brilliant, but she never expected that things would not always go as planned. A few days ago, Jia Zheng even received a charcoal gift from his subordinates, but before he could go look for Aunt Zhao, he was intercepted by someone sent by Lady Wang.

It turned out that the brothers of Concubine Zhou of the East Courtyard had gotten into trouble, and their boat capsized while sailing, spilling a cargo of official salt into the river. The victim took them to court, and even if the Zhou family pawned their property, they couldn't come up with the five hundred taels, so they had no choice but to send people to the capital for help.

Concubine Zhou had been born a maidservant in Lady Wang's dowry. She was plain in appearance, but gentle in disposition. By this time she was old, and Jia Zheng had not visited Concubine Zhou's courtyard for many years.

After all, there was some affection between them in the past, and with something like this happening, Jia Zheng couldn't just walk away and ignore it. Because Lady Jia was still alive, the first and second houses had never been separated, so Jia She and Jia Zheng's regular salaries and rewards were all taken into the public treasury, and the private filial piety was left to the two of them to deal with as they pleased.

It was not convenient to use public funds to pay for this matter, so Jia Zheng had no choice but to give away the four hundred taels of silver notes he had just received and had not even warmed up yet. Mrs. Wang also added another hundred taels from her own pocket and hurriedly gave it to the person who came.

Aunt Zhou was naturally very grateful, so she had to come over to cry and complain.

Aunt Zhou was relieved of her worries, but Aunt Zhao was very angry.

I was secretly wondering, why did this happen right after Master received the charcoal gift to the Zhou family? And the amount was almost the same, how could it be such a coincidence?

Aunt Zhao was a clever woman, and she knew that Jia Zheng was proud of her character, which showed all her thoughts on her face. So she did the same thing every day for more than ten years. Whenever she made a foolish move, she would be scolded by Lady Wang, and then her master Jia Zheng would take care of her in private.

Because she didn't dare argue with Madam Wang, she just hated Concubine Zhou to death. She endured it for a few days, and then one day when Madam Wang was visiting Ningguo Mansion, Concubine Zhao came to the door and scolded Concubine Zhou in various ways for half an hour.

Who knew that after cursing, he turned around and ran into Chen Siyuan.

Chen Siyuan didn't know the true situation, but he could see the embarrassment on Aunt Zhao's face. He thought it was because she was short on money. He secretly regretted that he couldn't trick her this time. But he frowned and said, "It will take some time? This... Aunt, you'd better hurry up. I went to see Master Sun today, and Master Sun said that if the governor's letter allowed them to add another shipload of goods, they would probably leave for Songjiang in the next two days."

Aunt Zhao blinked and said in surprise, "Ah? You've gathered the money so quickly?"

Chen Siyuan was puzzled and said, "Auntie, don't you know that even if the price is increased by 20%, there will still be people willing to buy it? With the market price being so high, how can there not be enough money?"

"Ouch!" Aunt Zhao immediately beat her chest and stamped her feet. She had thought she had lost a hundred taels, but now she heard that it wasn't just a hundred taels, it was clearly a loss of two hundred taels!
Damn Aunt Zhou, I’m not done with you!

Restraining her anger, Aunt Zhao smiled and said, "Brother, can't you be accommodating for a few more days?"

Chen Siyuan shook his head and said, "It's not my decision. Auntie knows the ins and outs of this matter... Anyway, Auntie, please do it as soon as possible."

"Hey, I'll go find my brother as soon as possible in the next two days!"

Chen Siyuan nodded, bowed and said goodbye to Aunt Zhao, and happily returned to his own courtyard. Unexpectedly, just as he arrived at his door, he saw Xue Pan strolling in from the side door next to the Lixiang Courtyard.

Seeing Chen Siyuan, he frowned immediately, opened his mouth to say something, then flicked his sleeves, snorted coldly, and turned straight into Lixiangyuan.

Are you being angry with yourself?
Given Chen Siyuan's temperament, he might have to teach Xue Pan a lesson. However, time is running out, so for now, let's just treat this guy as a piece of shit and let him go.

Returning to his own courtyard, Xiangling and Hongyu came to greet him warmly. After washing his hands, Chen Siyuan pondered, "I've been so busy all this time and haven't had much time to wander around. I wonder if there are any lively places in the capital?"

Hongyu said, "It's almost winter, but there's still no snow. It's better not to see all the beautiful scenery. If you want to see something exciting, why not go to one of the various temple fairs? There are seventeen temple fairs in the capital, and there are some every year."

Chen Siyuan asked, "Which one is better?"

Hongyu pondered and said, "Why not go to Huguo Temple? It's open for two consecutive days on the seventh and eighth days of the lunar calendar. There are pearls, jade, antiques, silks and satins, flowers, birds, insects, fish, and all kinds of snacks."

It was already October, and after calculating how many days it would take to complete Xiangling's household registration, Chen Siyuan said to Xiangling, "Wait until the 17th or 18th of this month and I'll take you to Huguo Temple."

Xiangling was not born stupid. She was disciplined by a kidnapper when she was young, and was frightened by Xue Pan when she grew up so that she dared not speak out. That's why she put all her thoughts into her thoughts, and in the future she devoted herself to poetry, which is why she seems stupid.

This time, however, things were different. She was with Chen Siyuan, who treated her very well and never disciplined her. Xiangling's personality gradually changed, and she became more lively and active.

Hearing Chen Siyuan say this, Xiangling was immediately delighted and asked, "Really?" Then she said with a hint of mischief, "Master, you must keep your word. I've made a note of it."

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily and said, "A spit is as good as a nail, and it counts. When have I ever tried to trick you?"

Xiangling pursed her lips, smiled, and shook her head, but ultimately said nothing. She thought to herself, "Didn't I coax her a while ago?" It's one thing for my feet to be sore, but I also choked on something... When I rinsed my mouth this morning, I could still smell a faint, odd taste.

Hongyu, watching the two exchange glances, felt a pang of bitterness in her heart. She wondered if those shoes had been made in vain. What was the difference between her and Xiangling? Or was it that she had simply never caught the master's eye?

A pair of pretty eyes stared at Chen Siyuan secretly, her heart full of resentment.

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

East Cross Courtyard.

Earlier, when Chen Siyuan had gone to Jia She's outer study, a maid from the ceremonial gate had mentioned this, and soon Miao'er had heard it. Not long after, Madam Xing also knew about it.

Mrs. Xing was still in a trance today, and from time to time she recalled the absurdity of that time. She thought that the little thief had just made up his mind as usual.

Unexpectedly, Miao'er said, "Madam, she said that when the master came out, his face was rosy and he seemed very happy."

"Hmm...hmm?" Mrs. Xing came back to her senses and glanced at Miao'er. Then she asked, "Where's the master?"

"He went to rest in Aunt Jiaohong's room."

This rest was a real rest. Jia She was old, and even if he swallowed strong medicine, he would only be tormented once every three to five days. How could he withstand the torment every day?

Mrs. Xing thought to herself, "Since the master is so happy, maybe the deal will be done." Oh no, that little thief is a liar! Will he just take the money and run away? Then I'll lose both my wife and my army.

Mrs. Xing hurriedly asked, "Then... where did Brother Yuan go?"

Miao'er said, "Seeing that he has entered the corner gate, Master Yuan should have returned to the small courtyard at the back."

Mrs. Xing could no longer sit still. She stood up and paused, remembering that Wang Shanbao was used to taking advantage of her age and that it would be inappropriate for her to stay around. She ordered, "It's getting cold. Go ask Nanny Wang to check on the Second Young Lady and see if she needs anything. Although she's not my biological daughter, I can't treat her harshly."

Miao'er was puzzled. When had Madam Xing ever cared about Yingchun before? Why was she suddenly concerned about her now?

Seeing Miao'er didn't move, Madam Xing glared and said, "Are you not going yet?"

Miao Er came to her senses and quickly responded, then turned to ask Wang Shanbao for instructions. Wang Shanbao was completely confused, not sure what Madam Xing was thinking. But since Madam Xing had spoken, she decided to go.

As a result, as soon as Wang Shanbao left, Mrs. Xing could no longer sit still. She took Miao'er with her and went to the back to look for Chen Siyuan.

Hongyu was still feeling sad when she heard someone knocking on the door.

Immediately, the maid Yunxiang shouted, "Master, the eldest mistress is here!"

Chen Siyuan was startled, thinking that Madam Xing must have come for the silver. He immediately led two maids to greet her.

Arriving at the door, he saw Madam Xing's face frosted and her eyes filled with resentment. Chen Siyuan said nothing more and simply led Madam Xing inside. After they sat down and served tea, Chen Siyuan said, "I think Auntie must have heard about it. Yes, I have taken care of that matter."

As he spoke, he pulled out the receipt from his sleeve. Xiangling took it obediently and handed it to Mrs. Xing.

Unexpectedly, Madam Xing didn't even glance at them. She only glanced at Chen Siyuan and then said, "You two can go down and play. I'll have a private chat with Brother Yuan."

Several maids didn't know when, but seeing the eldest lady's serious expression, they all agreed and left the main room.

Chen Siyuan watched the door close, and after the maid had gone far away, he turned around and asked in a playful tone, "Are you sending the maid away in such a hurry?"

As he said this, he stood up and went straight to Mrs. Xing's side.

Mrs. Xing said angrily, "Stop!"

Chen Siyuan blinked, confused.

Madam Xing said angrily, "What on earth do you mean? I, I've already been in such a state, and you still want to harm me!"

Chen Siyuan asked in confusion, "Harm you? Where does that come from?"

"Let me ask you, has the master given you the receipt?"

"Yes."

Madam Xing slammed the table and said in a low voice, "That's just harming me. I can't redeem the silver, and you've gone far away. How am I supposed to cope?" Her eyes reddened with anxiety as she spoke. "If I had known that, I shouldn't have believed your lies. I should have sent you before the Master. Even if the Master wanted to divorce me, my reputation wouldn't have been ruined. Woohoo... Now my money is gone, and my reputation is gone. What do you want me to do?"

Chen Siyuan was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, thinking that she was indeed a woman from the inner chamber, and he didn't know what she was thinking.

He stepped forward and whispered, "But the receipt can still be redeemed now."

"Wuwuwu... hm?" Madam Xing, who was sobbing at her desk, was startled. She looked up at Chen Siyuan suspiciously and asked, "Can you redeem it?"

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "With Prince Zhongshun's men watching us, we'll have to hold out for a while."

Madam Xing lowered her gaze, snatched up the receipt, and said, "Then... can this receipt be exchanged for two thousand three hundred taels?"

"If it's less, the price will go up to 2,400 tomorrow."

Madam Xing still refused to believe it. She looked straight at Chen Siyuan and asked, "Really? Are you trying to fool me again?"

"Why would I lie to you?" Chen Siyuan leaned over the chair's armrest, put his arm around Madam Xing's slightly plump shoulders, and said, "I told you long ago, I'm here for fame, not money."

Chen Siyuan pondered this last night and finally came to a realization: since he had been with Madam Xing before, for the sake of her reputation, she wouldn't dare betray him.

Why? Perhaps it was because a woman's reputation was paramount at that time. Starving to death was a minor matter, but losing one's chastity was a major one. If Madam Xing really did spread the news, Chen Siyuan would only have to claim he had been having an affair with her long ago, and Madam Xing would be dead!

After understanding this, he naturally became less wary of Mrs. Xing.

Mrs. Xing burst into laughter, her tears bubbling. She shyly turned her head away, wiping it with a handkerchief. Then she gave Chen Siyuan a rueful look and said, "It doesn't matter if it's 2,300 or 2,400. I'll exchange it tomorrow. I've got to put the money in my pocket!"

Just as he put down his handkerchief, he saw Chen Siyuan handing him two stacks of banknotes.

Mrs. Xing blinked and looked up in surprise: "This is——"

Chen Siyuan whispered, "A husband and wife are bound by a hundred days of grace. I may have to flee soon, so I don't want to owe you anything. Keep these two thousand taels. This will be enough for Third Sister's dowry. You can keep the rest for yourself."

The servants in this mansion are all arrogant and want to get things done. They have to bribe you with money. Last time we had 200 taels, and this time we have 400 taels left, which should be enough for you to spend for a few years."

He sighed as he spoke, "I had no choice... If I could really stay, I might be able to take care of it. But now it seems that it's difficult..."

Mrs. Xing came from a humble family, so why had the eldest master, Jia She, ever cared about her? To put it bluntly, her second wife was nothing more than a clay sculpture or wooden carving in public.

As the saying goes, one knows whether the water is hot or cold only after drinking it. It is not that Jia She has been indifferent to her over the years and Lady Xing has been living a miserable life, so how could she be so obsessed with making money just to accumulate a dowry for her unmarried sister?
Has anyone ever really cared about her?

Chen Siyuan's words were so sincere and heartfelt that they moved Mrs. Xing deeply. The grievance in her heart was aroused again, and her nose became sore and tears fell.

Chen Siyuan glanced at her and asked in surprise, "I've explained everything to you, why are you crying again?"

Madam Xing wiped it with a handkerchief, smiling and shaking her head. Looking at the 'Brother Yuan' in front of her, with his resolute features and fine manners, wasn't he the handsome man she had been dreaming of in her boudoir?

It's a pity that I was born before you, and we only met now, and under such circumstances...

The past was beyond recall, and now he was leaving her again. Mrs. Xing felt a sudden reluctance to let him go. Suddenly, she remembered Chen Siyuan's bewitching words that day, and thought that even if he left, she still had a child by her side, which was at least a thought.

Mrs. Xing, who was originally leaning weakly in Chen Siyuan's arms, suddenly leaned firmly, put her arms around his waist, and then raised her head with eyes full of longing.

Chen Siyuan was about to say something else when his gaze met hers, and his mouth suddenly went dry. He figured a quick resolution wouldn't arouse suspicion, right? He reached down, scooped up Madam Xing, and strode straight to the bedroom...

　The previous marriage certificate was rewritten.

　　Available on Sunday~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)