Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 78: Posthumous Events (Subscription Request)
Chen Siyuan was intoxicated by the smell of fireworks and instantly regained his clarity of mind.

The investigation of the case is up to fate. If Baozhu really knows something, at least I can still live a little longer. As long as I stay in Rongguo Mansion, that nobleman will not dare to take action. I just hope that Jia Lian will come back later, giving me some time to move around, so that I can escape when that nobleman is not paying attention.

There are still a few people left to be settled. Let alone Madam Xing, she is a well-off wife of the first house of the Rongguo Mansion. Even if she is infatuated, I am afraid she will not be willing to follow me. I gave her two thousand taels before, and took her a small amount of money. The dowry for Sister Xing San is saved up. In this way, I can be considered worthy of Madam Xing.

The only thing left was Xiangling... He had taken advantage of the situation, forcing the Xue family to send Xiangling over. She was a decent girl with a difficult life. If he had left without a care in the world, Xiangling might have followed her old path and returned to the Xue family. Given Dai Bawang's temperament, and the subsequent appearance of Xia Jingui, Xiangling might have died.

Since it was the time to leave, Xiangling had to be properly settled.

Thinking back to the Red Mansion, it seemed as if his mother was still living in the home of her maternal grandfather, Feng Su, and her life was not going well. Where did Feng Su live then? After thinking for a while, Chen Siyuan remembered that it seemed to be Fengjia Village in Ruzhou.

Now that Xiangling's household registration has been settled, I will use the money to buy a travel permit and ask my good brother to escort Xiangling all the way to Fengjia Village.

Xiangling's heart was all on herself, and Chen Siyuan couldn't bear to see Xiangling so lost;

As for the remaining three good brothers whom I deliberately made friends with, I cannot repay them myself, so please give them more money!
In order to figure out what would happen after his death, Chen Siyuan had to deal with the lawsuit at hand - Sun Guangcheng was about to run away, and the receipt would become worthless as soon as he turned around.

Mrs. Xing was easy to deal with, having cashed in the receipt long ago and sent it to the Xing family. However, the eldest master, Jia She, was greedy and kept the receipt in his hand the whole time, and it was unknown whether he had sold it in the past few days.

Yes, and there's Wang Xifeng. Since I've just arrived, this cheap second sister-in-law rarely shows kindness, so I don't want to take advantage of her.

With determination in mind, Chen Siyuan urged his horse to go faster and arrived at Rongguo Mansion.

Throwing the reins to the doorman Yu Liu, Chen Siyuan ran towards the Heiyou Gate and said, "Please return the horse for me. I will definitely reward you later!"

Yu Liu happily agreed, but saw that Chen Siyuan had already entered the east wing.

In the east wing, seeing Chen Siyuan hurried in, Yu Si, the brother of the doorman Yu Liu, immediately came forward to curry favor with him.

"Master Yuan is here?"

"Has the Master returned yet?"

"My Lord, the Master just went to the East Palace."

Chen Siyuan stopped, turned around and ran towards Ningguo Mansion again.

After entering Ningguo Mansion from the west corner gate and asking the manager, I learned that Jia She and Jia Zheng were discussing the funeral arrangements with Jia Zhen in the main room in the middle of the building.

Chen Siyuan entered through the ceremonial gate, but it was difficult to go any further, so he hurried to find a maid to pass on the message. The maid went to the inner hall at the back and, after receiving Wang Xifeng's permission, returned to bring Chen Siyuan in.

In the inner hall, Sister Feng was checking accounts with a few housekeepers. Seeing Chen Siyuan arrive, she immediately smiled and said, "Brother Yuan, why are you here today?"

Chen Siyuan walked quickly all the way, and sweat was beading on his forehead. He looked around and then bowed and said in a deep voice, "Second sister-in-law, please excuse me for a moment."

Wang Xifeng was startled and waved her hand. Several maids in charge tactfully withdrew, leaving only Ping'er to guard her side.

Chen Siyuan took a few steps forward and whispered, "Excuse me, sister-in-law, have you gotten rid of that receipt?"

Wang Xifeng frowned and replied, "I sent Ping'er to sell it to Sun's Pawnshop the other day... Why do you ask about this, Brother Yuan? Could it be that—"

Feng Jieer was a smart and thoughtful person, and she guessed some of it after a little thought.

Chen Siyuan shook his head solemnly, "It's hard to say now, but since my second sister-in-law has gotten rid of her, there will be no problem in the future." He then bowed again and said, "My apologies, brother. I still need to go back to find the master."

Sister Feng didn't dare to delay and said quickly, "Brother Yuan, go quickly. Ping'er, you can see him off."

Ping'er agreed and quickly led Chen Siyuan to the back.

Behind the inner hall were the Inner Three Gates, the Inner Ceremonial Gate, and the Inner Sail Gate, all guarded by maids. With Ping'er leading the way, the journey was smooth. If Chen Siyuan had gone alone, he would have had to put in some effort.

Without further ado, after passing the inner gate, Chen Siyuan went straight to find the servant of the eldest master Jia She, whispered a few words to him, and then went to the side hall of the wing to wait.

A moment later, the eldest master, Jia She, came in. When he saw Chen Siyuan's anxious look, he frowned and asked, "Brother Yuan, what's the matter? Why are you so anxious?"

Chen Siyuan quickly stood up and bowed: "Uncle..." As he spoke, he glanced at the servant at the door.

Jia She understood and turned his head to look around. The servant then closed the door and stepped back a few steps to stand guard at the door.

Chen Siyuan stepped forward and whispered, "Uncle, have you sent the receipt yet?"

"Hmm?" Jia She frowned and said, "I was about to take action a few days ago, but suddenly an old friend came looking for me, and I was embarrassed and put it off... Hiss - Brother Yuan, could there be... something wrong with that receipt?"

Chen Siyuan nodded vigorously and said, "My nephew went to the Zhejiang Guild Hall again today. Although Master Sun seemed to be doing normal things, the servant in the room revealed his whereabouts. My nephew was afraid that something had happened, so he hurried back to tell my uncle."

"What happened?"

Chen Siyuan shook his head and gritted his teeth, saying, "After all, I was once your nephew's tutor. For the sake of respecting your father, I cannot speak of it... I hope you will forgive me." He paused and whispered, "Uncle, no matter how good the receipt is, it's safer to put it in your pocket!"

Jia She stared at Chen Siyuan, stroked his beard and nodded, saying: "Brother Yuan is right, I shouldn't be too concerned about the friendship of old friends." Suddenly he turned around and greeted, and a servant pushed the door open and came in.

The eldest master, Jia She, ordered, "Go to Shenglong Bank and tell the old shopkeeper that I have agreed to the deal and that it can be completed today!"

The boy took the order and left.

When the master turned around and looked at Chen Siyuan again, his eyes couldn't help but show a little more relief. He thought to himself that this Yuan brother seemed more agreeable than Lian'er.

Lian'er, raised on luxury, has lost her sense of gratitude. She always asks for favors when someone does something for her. And then there's Yuan'er in front of her. He's endured hardships, and now, even after receiving a small favor, he's already remembered her kindness. Isn't that why he rushes to report the slightest sign of trouble, fearing he'll suffer a loss.

Tsk tsk, who would have thought this cheap nephew is more suitable than his own son? It seems that the matter of the Imperial College can't be delayed any longer. I will find the head of the Chen family in the next few days and transfer this cheap nephew to the warm nationality first.

Thinking this, Jia She's expression became even more amiable. He stepped forward, patted Chen Siyuan on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Thanks to Brother Yuan's reminder, otherwise I would have kept the receipt for a few more days. Why are you sweating so much, kid? Wipe it off quickly. It's cold today, or you'll catch a cold."

This sudden kindness left Chen Siyuan baffled. He breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that this hurdle was over for now. As long as the Jia family didn't lose money, even if Sun Guangcheng got into trouble in the future, he wouldn't be implicated.

Remembering that he hadn't seen Madam Xing for a few days, Chen Siyuan's heart moved and he bowed and said, "Uncle, I still need to go find my aunt and tell her."

Jia She blinked and said, "She bought it again?" Chen Siyuan raised the corner of his mouth and said nothing.

Jia She immediately pondered the matter. He knew how much Madam Xing had in her life. Two thousand taels last time, and this time, perhaps another two thousand taels. By that calculation, wouldn't the income be less than his own?
If I had known this, I should have sold it as soon as I got the receipt that day, and then bought another one worth 5,000 taels. Wouldn't I have made a small profit of 2,000 taels?

Jia She was upset, thinking that he had lost a thousand taels of silver for nothing. His mood suddenly turned sour, so he waved his hand and said, "Go quickly."

Chen Siyuan hurriedly took his leave and left.

Jia She was annoyed for a while, but then he remembered that Chen Siyuan had informed him first and then went to look for Mrs. Xing, so he felt relieved.

Chen Siyuan left Ningguo Mansion and entered the east courtyard through the black oil gate. He walked all the way to the Deyi Gate, spoke to the gatekeeper, and was soon taken in by the maid Miao'er.

It was just after noon, and Mrs. Xing had taken a nap. She was now chatting with her concubines Yanhong, Jiaohong, and Cuiyun in her room.

Upon hearing that Chen Siyuan wanted to see them, the concubines, who were very discerning, quickly stood up and took their leave.

When the three concubines came out of the main room, they saw Chen Siyuan and Miao'er coming from the corridor from a distance. They didn't know what they said, but the three women laughed for a while before going to the side room.

Chen Siyuan walked past Baoxia, turned around the screen, and looked up to see Madam Xing sitting upright on the couch, with Wang Shanbao, the housekeeper, standing beside her.

Chen Siyuan stepped forward to greet her. Madam Xing suppressed her longing and replied briefly. Chen Siyuan then said, "My nephew has something important to report. Please, Aunt, please send the attendants away."

Mrs. Xing's heart fluttered, thinking that the boy was being impatient again. She secretly rolled her eyes at him and feigned indifference, saying, "Then you can all leave first. Nanny Wang should also go. I want to have a private conversation with the boy."

Nanny Wang thought it was just another matter of making a living, so she agreed with a smile. She glanced at Chen Siyuan hesitantly, and then she left with Miao'er and Tiao'er.

As soon as the person left, Madam Xing's expression suddenly changed. With a hint of smugness on her face, she said, "Why are you here now? I was just trying to find a way to get rid of Nanny Wang these past two days."

As she spoke, she pressed her legs together and twisted her waist, and it was unclear whether she was feeling uneasy or expectant.

Chen Siyuan blinked and thought that Jia She might be back soon, so even if he had the intention to do something bad, he didn't have the courage to do it.

Yin coughed lightly, stepped forward and whispered, "I have something serious to discuss with you."

Mrs. Xing had exchanged the receipt for money early in the morning, so Chen Siyuan only talked about business at this moment.

Madam Xing looked over suspiciously, then heard Chen Siyuan say, "Someone has something on me, and I'm afraid I won't be able to leave for a while."

Can't leave? Isn't that a good thing?

Mrs. Xing was happy at first, but then she realized that she couldn't leave... Would Lian'er expose her in the future?

He hurriedly asked worriedly, "What's going on?"

Chen Siyuan shook his head, not wanting to mention that noble man. He simply said, "Now I need you to help me recall. Did anything important happen last August?"

Madam Xing frowned in thought, then shook her head after a while, saying, "It's all just normal, nothing serious... Yes, the old lady dreamed of the old Duke, and she did go to the West Hill to burn incense. The family all went with her, and they also wandered around the West Hill for two days."

Chen Siyuan asked, "What about the East Mansion?"

Madam Xing said angrily, "I'm not a little girl named Feng. Why would I go to the East Palace normally?"

Chen Siyuan said, "This is a serious matter. Think carefully about it, especially about Qiang'er and Qin."

As soon as she finished speaking, Mrs. Xing's eyes were full of ridicule.

Chen Siyuan was at a loss for words, thinking it wasn't him who was asking for gossip. He then said seriously, "This is a matter of life and death!"

Mrs. Xing then reflected solemnly, shaking her head after a long pause, and said, "I've already told you what I know, but I don't know anything else... Miss Feng might know something, why don't I go find her and ask her?"

Chen Siyuan appreciated it in his heart, but shook his head and said, "Forget it. I'm afraid asking won't give me any answer. I'll figure it out myself."

Seeing that Madam Xing was worried, Chen Siyuan went over, pulled her hand and kneaded it, then said with a smile, "Don't ask. This is for your own good. The less you know, the better."

"But you-"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "It's hard to say. That's it. I'm leaving now."

Seeing him turn and leave, Mrs. Xing reached out to greet him, but stopped herself. After he turned around the screen, she hurriedly ordered, "Miao'er, see my brother off for me!"

Miao'er outside agreed and quickly led Chen Siyuan away. Inside, Madam Xing didn't let anyone in for a moment, but instead frowned, feeling lost. She wanted to help Chen Siyuan, but didn't know where to begin. After a long moment, she spat inwardly, "Wicked!" and wondered if she should go find Sister Feng to ask.

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

After a while, Miao'er sent Chen Siyuan to the front of the courtyard and then returned by herself.

Yunxiang was playing shuttlecock in the yard. When she saw Chen Siyuan, she hurried over to greet him and complained, "Sister Hongyu has been unconscious for half a day and hasn't woken up yet."

Chen Siyuan thought Hongyu seemed to have a stuffy nose this morning, so he said, "Maybe she's caught a cold. You can observe her. If the fever doesn't go away, call the imperial physician." (In the novel "Dream of Red Mansions," imperial physicians are also called imperial physicians. This book continues the style of "Dream of Red Mansions.")
"Oh." Yunxiang failed to complain and could only respond silently.

When Chen Siyuan entered the main room, he saw Xiangling coming to greet him from the study, holding a book.

The girl had bright white teeth, and her face was filled with joy. Chen Siyuan smiled, reached out and beckoned her, then took her hand and said, "I asked you a while ago, and you said you had forgotten everything in the past?"

"Ah."

Chen Siyuan asked inquiringly, "Did he really forget... or was he pretending to forget?"

A pair of smart eyes blinked and looked at Chen Siyuan in confusion.

Chen Siyuan said, "Don't you know how I treated you? There's no need to hide anything now that you're here. If you really remember, I'll send someone to look for your parents."

Xiangling's eyes suddenly brightened. First her brows were furrowed, then they relaxed, a smile spreading across her face, like a pear blossom in the rain. She opened her lips slightly and whispered, "Perhaps I still remember something... Master, do you really want to ask?"

(End of this chapter)