Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 79 Incident (Subscription Request)

Xiangling was able to remember some things when she was kidnapped. Later, she was raised in the kidnapper's home. Whenever Xiangling mentioned the names of her father, mother, or herself, she would be beaten by the kidnapper.

At such a young age, what could Xiangling do? She could only keep it in mind and never dare to reveal it to the kidnapper again.

When Xiangling was twelve or thirteen, she was brought up to the Xue family. Thanks to the protection of Aunt Xue and Baochai, she was not taken away by Xue Pan. However, the Xue family never asked about Xiangling's past, treating her as if she had been bought.

Xiangling had learned a lesson, and she usually didn't want to talk about this matter. If she hadn't accidentally ended up in Chen Siyuan's room, she might have been taken in by Xue Pan someday. If Xia Jingui had asked her about her past, Xiangling would have just shaken her head and said, "I forgot."

If Xiangling revealed her background, she would no longer be a concubine, but a concubine who could threaten Xia Jingui's position as mistress. Xiangling was no fool, and she knew that Xia Jingui was full of malicious intent. How could she reveal her background and bring about a fatal disaster for herself?
(For details about concubines, please refer to the relevant works.)
The kidnapper didn't allow her to say it, and the Xue family didn't care, but in fact, how could Xiangling have ever forgotten the past?
She had thought before that the master treated her very well, and that she would find an opportunity to tell the master quietly in private after they checked into the room tomorrow... She never expected that the master would ask her at this time.

"Maybe I still remember something... Do you really want to ask?"

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "I've asked everything. How can there be any truth or falsehood?"

Xiangling looked at Chen Siyuan carefully, and after a moment's hesitation, she made up her mind and said, "Master, I used to have a family—"

Xiangling told the story in detail, describing the situation at home, how she was abducted, and how she came to the Xue family.

Having not spoken of this for many years, Xiangling let out a long breath and frowned, saying, "I don't know what the situation is like at home after I was kidnapped. I don't even know if I'll ever see my parents again."

Chen Siyuan's thoughts turned after hearing this, and he said seriously, "I asked about your past just now because I heard a friend mention today that there was a daughter of Mr. Feng Su from Fengjia Village in Ruzhou who returned home. Her name was Zhen Feng. She often complained to people about a daughter she had lost many years ago. The daughter had a rouge mole between her eyebrows. It's been more than ten years now."

"Ah?" Xiangling cried out in surprise, her face a mixture of joy and delight. "That must be my mother!"

Chen Siyuan nodded and smiled, "I thought of you the moment I heard that. Now that you've said that, doesn't it make sense?"

Tears welled up in Xiangling's eyes and she nodded repeatedly.

Chen Siyuan reached out to wipe away her tears and said softly, "Xiangling, do you want to go see him?"

Xiangling covered her mouth and nodded repeatedly, then suddenly remembered something and shook her head.

Chen Siyuan asked, "You're nodding and shaking your head, do you want to or not?"

Xiangling sobbed and said, "Well, there's no need to rush. I'll leave it all to you, Master."

Chen Siyuan said, "I asked you for your opinion, but you want me to make the decision. Well, we've been separated for eleven years. Even if you don't want to miss it, your mother must be going crazy. In a few days, I'll find someone to take you to Ruzhou, okay?"

Xiangling's expression suddenly changed after hearing this. She frowned and looked at Chen Siyuan, then asked tentatively, "Master, do you not want me anymore?"

"What is this nonsense?"

Xiangling said, "My father is also a man of honor. If he really goes back, I'm afraid my parents won't allow me to come and look for him. He's far more intelligent than I am. If even I can figure it out, how could he not know?"

Who said Xiangling was stupid? She was only stupid because she was with Xue Pan. Isn't that smart?

Chen Siyuan reached out and pinched Xiangling's cheek, then laughed heartily, "How could I bear to leave you behind? I just have something I need your help with, and I'm really busy.

Also, I heard that your grandfather, Feng Su, treated your mother quite harshly. Even if you go there, don't rush to acknowledge your mother. Instead, meet your mother privately and then find a way to take her away. Once you've done what I've instructed, bring your mother back with you."

Xiangling hurriedly asked about her mother's situation, and then asked her father. Chen Siyuan told her everything he knew, which made Xiangling very worried.

Thinking about what Chen Siyuan just said, it does make sense.

Xiangling asked, "What does the master want me to do?"

Chen Siyuan said seriously, "This matter is a secret. I've left you a golden sachet. Once you pick up your mother, open it and you'll know the answer." He paused, fearing Xiangling might not believe him, and whispered, "This matter concerns my future fame and fortune, so I can't be careless."

Xiangling immediately nodded with a frightened look on her face: "Don't worry, sir, I will definitely take care of it!"

Seeing her serious expression with a stern face, Chen Siyuan suddenly felt itchy. He thought to himself, I've finally been a good person...but who knows which thief will get the advantage in the future!
Well, for now, I'm afraid I don't need to ask for it myself; Xiangling is completely willing in her heart. But what happens after that? With her innocence lost, will Xiangling be left to be a widow forever? Well, there's no point in overthinking it. Just consider it a good deed. I can't just watch a girl like Xiangling end up "returning home," can I?

Xiangling was already nestled in Chen Siyuan's arms. Chen Siyuan said with a smile, "Come on, wipe it off. I'll take you guys to the temple fair in a few days. We'll buy some things so you can look presentable when you meet your mother."

Xiangling smiled through her tears and nodded earnestly. She had enough clothes for all seasons, but she couldn't wear a winter coat. She briefly calculated her monthly allowance and thought she could afford a ratskin coat. She leaped with joy and said, "Well, then, I'll go talk to Hongyu and Yunxiang."

"Go."

Xiangling leaped for joy as she left the main room. Soon, Yunxiang's joyful shouts could be heard from the courtyard. Maids like them never had a day off. Only when they reached their prime did they get a few days off. Going out with their master to the temple fair like this was something they, not even the older maids in Master Bao's chambers, could do once a year.

That day and night, Xiangling did her best, and the joy she experienced in her boudoir was needless to say.

The next day, Chen Siyuan went to look for Ma Panlong and his three good brothers again. Qian Feihu said, "Brother Chen, you don't know that someone broke into Liu Xifu's house last night, tied him up tightly, stuffed him into a carriage and sent him away. I saw how nimble those people were, so I didn't dare to follow them."

Chen Siyuan was horrified. He had been so focused on himself yesterday that he had completely forgotten about this matter. He was secretly alert and quickly said, "Fourth Brother is right. It's also my fault for not explaining it clearly yesterday. Now Liu Xifu doesn't need to be watched."

After Chen Siyuan finished speaking, he pondered for a moment to see if there were any mistakes or omissions. He then whispered to Ma Panlong, asking him to register again and issue two passes. He then pleaded with Qian Feihu to escort Xiangling all the way to Ruzhou once the passes were issued.

The three brothers had received Chen Siyuan's kindness and had long wanted to repay him. Qian Feihu immediately patted his chest and agreed, but later said with regret: "It's a pity that I can't drink at my second brother's wedding."

Xu Dabiao laughed and said, "Fourth brother, are you thinking about the wedding banquet or the wedding night? We brothers have a long way to go, so we don't mind a wedding banquet."

Ma Panlong nodded repeatedly. He had listened to Chen Siyuan's detailed explanation earlier, and although his expression didn't show it, Ma Panlong guessed that this matter was of great importance and should not be taken lightly.

Chen Siyuan added, "Don't even think about being lazy, my two brothers. After my maid leaves, you still have to help me with something." He paused, then looked at Xu Dabiao and said, "After you finish this, I'm afraid you won't be able to attend my second brother's wedding."

Xu Dabiao smiled casually and said, "That's perfect. When fourth brother and I come back, we'll let second brother make up for it!" When Ma Panlong prepared the wine and food, the four brothers toasted each other.

On the 12th day, Chen Siyuan was having dinner in his room when a maid came to the door and said that the master from the front wanted to see him.

Chen Siyuan did not dare to delay and hurried to the study outside the east wing.

When he entered and saw Jia She, he saw that his eyes were narrowed and his expression was unclear. After a moment, he said, "The man surnamed Sun has escaped."

Chen Siyuan remained silent, only looking up at Jia She. He saw that the eldest master Jia She was both relieved and afraid. When he looked at Chen Siyuan, his eyes were full of relief. He said, "It's a good thing that my brother reminded me early, otherwise my five thousand taels of silver would have been wasted."

Chen Siyuan bowed and said, "My uncle has taken me in, which is a great kindness. How dare a nephew betray him?"

"That's right! My brother is a grateful man." After a pause, Jia She thought for a moment and said, "There's just one thing. If someone outside asks you about it, just say I lost... well... a thousand taels. Don't say anything else."

I understand. He's afraid of getting into trouble. But if he says this, how will the people in the mansion view him?
As if he could see Chen Siyuan's concerns, the eldest master Jia She said, "We are all family members in the mansion. I will handle the matter myself. Don't worry about it. Besides, you should stay home and study hard these days."

"Yes."

After hearing what he said, Chen Siyuan finally agreed. After the two of them discussed it, Jia She sent Chen Siyuan back.

As expected, within two days, a curious person came to the door.

That day, Sister Feng was tending to the Rong Mansion's affairs in the three small rooms at the back, when Ping'er, having received a report from a maid, suddenly said to Sister Feng, "Madam, a shopkeeper named Xu is outside and says he wants to see Master Yuan."

Feng Jieer was startled and asked, "Which Shopkeeper Xu?"

Ping'er replied, "He said he runs a rice shop in the outer city."

Sun Guangcheng's escape was like a bolt from the blue. The wealthy merchants and rich men who realized that they had been deceived beat their chests and stamped their feet. Some reported the matter to the police, while others searched privately. They thought no one would dare to cause trouble in Rongguo Mansion, but unexpectedly, Manager Xu came.

Jia She had of course discussed this matter with Sister Feng, who thought that Chen Siyuan was also fooled by the man surnamed Sun and had no idea that the two were actually in cahoots.

Not to mention that she made a small profit thanks to Chen Siyuan, just because he came to help manage Ningguo Mansion every few days, Feng Jieer had to make some concessions.

Ping'er, standing by, asked tentatively, "Grandma, do you want to invite Master Yuan?"

Feng Jieer raised her willow-shaped eyebrows and sneered, "Ignorant creature, I'll have you chase him out. If you dare to pester me again, I'll stab you to death!"

"This..." Ping'er has always been kind to others and is not sure what Fengjie is thinking.

Then Sister Feng said, "Also, tell Lai Da what to do with the things we had agreed on before. Now that things have come to this, he's using me as a shield. Can he still do his job as the chief steward?"

Seeing Feng Jieer's resolute words, Ping Er finally agreed and turned to go to the front to give instructions. Lai Da, the front desk clerk, got the message and dared not refuse. He said a few words to the shopkeeper Xu, who was speechless and had to leave in embarrassment.

Ping'er observed carefully, and seeing that the visitor was paying a visit to the eldest master, Jia She, she returned to tell Sister Feng the news: "Madam, the shopkeeper Xu has been sent away. Later, there came Fu, the magistrate, and it seems that he is here to pay a visit to the eldest master."

Fu Shi, a student of Jia Zheng, had been appointed magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture on his recommendation. This magistrate was responsible for solving cases. The Sun Guangcheng case involved tens of thousands of silver coins, and Shuntian Prefecture should have sent yamen officers to question Chen Siyuan. However, Chen Siyuan sought refuge at the Rongguo Mansion, and Fu Shi, a student of Jia Zheng, had to go in person to investigate.

Hearing this, Sister Feng smiled and said, "That's fine. Actually, it was only after we shamelessly begged Brother Kenyuan that we agreed. Then, when we realized something was wrong, we rushed to remind him... It wouldn't be good if this matter implicated Brother Yuan."

Ping'er smiled and said, "Mother, you're right. I think Master Yuan is a good man."

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

After about a cup of tea, a maid came to find Chen Siyuan and said that the master wanted to see her.

Chen Siyuan followed the maid to the study outside the east wing of the courtyard. When he entered and took a look, he saw that the eldest master Jia She was sitting upright, with a green-robed official sitting below him.

Jia She glanced at Chen Siyuan and, without waiting for him to greet him, pointed at him with a sullen face and said, "Why don't you come and see Fu Tuiguan?"

Chen Siyuan hurriedly greeted Jia She first, then bowed to Fu Shi and said, "I'm honored to meet Fu Tuifu." (Tuifu is an elegant name for a magistrate.)
The tutor smiled and stood up, giving him a light hand. He took a look at him and said to Jia She, "Ah, my nephew is a handsome man, and he has been to school. He will surely pass the imperial examination and rise to great heights. I congratulate the general!"

Jia She curled his lips and said, "He has become so stupid from reading that he can't even tell the difference between good and bad people. Fu Tuiguan, please sit down and talk. I will ask you all your questions. Even if he has committed a crime, I will not forgive him!"

Fu Shi said, "General, what are you talking about? You just explained that my nephew never spread the story outside and only mentioned it at home."

Jia She stroked his beard and nodded, saying, "That's right. If it weren't for this scoundrel trusting that guy surnamed Sun, how could I have lost a thousand taels of silver?"

Chen Siyuan secretly praised the master's skillful tactics of publicly scolding but actually defending him. He then bowed deeply and said, "Every fault is my nephew's fault... Master Fu, do you want me to appear in court and give my statement?"

Fu Shi waved his hand and said with a smile, "Why bother with all this fuss? This matter has nothing to do with you, young friend Chen. Just come to the Japanese official and give a statement." (Only those who have passed the examination can call each other friends. If they have passed the examination, the examination holder can call them "young friend," regardless of age.)
Jia She pretended to sigh, "You don't know, Judge Fu, but ever since that scoundrel came to my house, I haven't had a single day of peace. First, I asked the governor of Ping'an Prefecture for a recommendation for a place in the Imperial College, and then I lost a thousand taels of silver... Tsk tsk, even Lian'er never made me worry like this."

Fu Shi laughed and said, "General, you are too kind."

Jia She squinted his eyes and snorted at Chen Siyuan, "What are you still standing there for? Go back to study and don't leave the house without my permission!"

Chen Siyuan also cooperated, said goodbye to the two of them with a dejected look, and then hunched over and walked out of the outer study.

From a distance, Jia She could be heard saying behind him, "Let's not talk about him anymore. Come, come, I got a new fan today, and I was just about to ask Fu Tuiguan to appreciate it."

Fu Shi was very understanding and agreed, "Oh? If I had known that the general had such a hobby, today would be a good opportunity to experience it. Hahaha..."

Chen Siyuan paused briefly at the door, thinking to himself, "The gentry's money will be returned in full, and the common people's money will be split 30-70." As for those wealthy merchants? Those who should be held responsible should be found, and those who should report to the authorities should report. What did the swindlers' evil deeds have to do with the "gentry"?
(End of this chapter)