Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 92: Ordered to pick up?

Third Sister You was hesitant and didn't say anything until she entered the shop.

As soon as Chen Siyuan entered, he greeted, "Sister Guan, pick up some side dishes and a plate of boiled mutton... Was there a cow that fell to its death on the farm yesterday?"

Mrs. Guan frowned and said, "Mr. Chen, don't talk nonsense. How can cows die from falling every day?" After a pause, she added, "But one died of illness this morning."

Chen Siyuan understood and said, "Give me a plate of braised beef in soy sauce." He turned to look at Third Sister You and asked, "What would Sanlang like to drink?"

Third Sister You simply said, "All is fine."

Chen Siyuan sat down opposite him and said thoughtfully, "Then let's have a pot of Shaoxing Huang."

Mrs. Guan responded, quickly came over to wipe the table, and set a few side dishes on the table. Chen Siyuan glanced at it and shook his head, saying, "In winter, it's just radishes and cabbages. It's really not pleasant to eat."

Third Sister You laughed and said, "Chen...Brother Chen, those cave vegetables are very expensive. Even the nobles don't dare to eat them often, let alone the common people."

Chen Siyuan was surprised and said, "Cave vegetables?" He was still thinking about whether to build a vegetable greenhouse, but he didn't expect that there would be something similar now?
Seeing that he really didn't know, You Sanjie immediately started to show off.

It turns out that this Dongzi vegetable has been around for a long time. Vegetable farmers built pits, either over open or concealed fires, with slopes covered with paper to block out wind but allow a little light to pass through. The open and concealed fires maintained the temperature inside the pits, and the Dongzi vegetables were cultivated within. During the coldest days of winter, the vegetables were either delivered to the nobles who had ordered them, or covered with quilts and sold from street to street.

There are leeks, cucumbers, spinach, and green chives. Although the variety is not too complete, it is enough for wealthy people to enjoy.

Chen Siyuan came from Yangzhou and had never been to the capital before. He was indeed surprised by what he heard. He felt slightly depressed. It seemed that the vegetable greenhouse project was not going to work.

He had his own plan: all other things are inferior except reading, and the purpose of studying is to become an official. Since he wants to be an official, it is natural that he would like to be a high-ranking official.

At that time, there were two fast lanes for becoming an official: one was to enter the Imperial Academy, and the other was to become a censor. Both of these were considered to be clean officials. Since they were clean officials, they couldn't do anything to compete with the common people for profit, right?

After sighing for a while, Chen Siyuan thought to himself, never mind, if things don't go well in one place, there will always be a way to make a fortune.

After Third Sister You finished speaking, Sister Guan brought up the boiled mutton, braised beef and Shaoxing yellow all at once.

Third Sister You quickly picked up the wine jug, filled Chen Siyuan's glass first, then poured herself a glass. She then cleared her throat and said in a deliberately gruff voice, "Brother Chen, I'll drink first as a token of my respect."

"it is good."

The two clinked their glasses and drank the whole thing in one gulp. Perhaps because she drank too eagerly, Third Sister You suddenly started coughing.

Chen Siyuan said, "Brother, please eat some food to calm down."

Third Sister You nodded in agreement, picked up her chopsticks, picked up the braised beef, took a small bite, and immediately her eyes lit up. The beef was well-marinated and melted in the mouth. It was indeed delicious.

After calming down, Third Sister You asked, "I haven't seen you for a few days...Brother Chen, I wonder what you've been busy with?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "It's just ordinary chores. The Eastern Palace held a ceremony a while ago, and I've been reviewing recently, so I rarely go out. Where's Sanlang?"

"What about me?"

Third Sister You and Old Lady You had been arguing every three days, then every five days, all because of Chen Siyuan. While Hongyu acted with forethought and perseverance, this girl acted impulsively and without hesitation. The more Old Lady You tried to persuade her, the more determined Third Sister You became.

If it was just a favorable impression before, after Old Lady You's persuasion these days, she seems to have a subtle intention of "I will not marry anyone but you".

Today, when Third Sister You arrived at the Ningguo Mansion, she noticed during the banquet that both Jia Zhen and Youshi had unfriendly expressions. If Youshi was just frowning in defense, then Jia Zhen's thieving eyes looked as if he was eager to devour her and Third Sister alive!

Afterwards, Old Lady You found a pretext to take Youshi away, and Third Sister You became even more upset. She simply pretended to be depressed and left the house alone. She also jokingly stole Jia Rong's clothes and went to the Ningrong Back Street to throw stones in an attempt to find Chen Siyuan.

Third Sister You pondered and said, "It's normal, neither good nor too bad. It's just that I've been arguing with Mom these days..."

Third Sister You said in distress, "Mother's words sound very high-sounding, but they don't sound right to me."

Chen Siyuan said, "Sanlang is already an adult, and he has his own thoughts. There is no need to consult the elders at home on everything."

Third Sister You laughed and said, "Chen...Brother Chen thinks so too? Then she must be wrong. What she said is wrong. I don't want to listen to it."

For a moment, he forgot to cover up and a female voice came out, which immediately attracted people to look around.

Third Sister You immediately stuck out her tongue and raised her glass in a hoarse voice: "Just for what Brother Chen said, let's drink it!"

Suddenly realizing that there was no wine in the cup, Third Sister You blinked and picked up the wine jug to pour wine.

After another glass of wine, though light, Third Sister You's face flushed, and she spoke more freely. After a few bites of food, Third Sister You said, "Brother Chen, you've just arrived in the capital, and I'm afraid you haven't had a good time wandering around. Riding a sled or skating on the lake in winter is a wonderful experience. Why don't we go for a stroll tomorrow?"

"Okay, then I'm afraid we have to wait until the twelfth lunar month, right?"

"Now that the weather is getting colder, in previous years it would have been enough in the middle of winter."

Chen Siyuan said, "I'm going to escort my aunt to Miaofeng Mountain in a few days. When I return, it will be Master's birthday. So, it should be around the 17th?"

"Yeah, it depends on Brother Chen."

After the two of them had finished their discussion, Third Sister You became more lively. They chatted casually, enjoying the food and wine, and before they knew it, they had finished the whole pot of Shaoxing Huang.

Third Sister You still felt unhappy and wanted to ask for another pot, but was stopped by Chen Siyuan.

"This wine is used to warm the body and liven up the atmosphere. Drinking too much is harmful to the body. I see that you are already drunk, so let's not drink too much."

The third sister now listened to Chen Siyuan in everything and stopped asking for wine after hearing what he said.

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, if I drink too much... and Jia Zhen and his son take advantage of me, wouldn't I regret it to death?

Third Sister You had a low tolerance for alcohol and a small appetite, but she was full after a few pieces of meat. At first, she sat upright, imitating the scholar's manner, but as time went on, her demeanor became apparent. She crossed her legs, rested her left hand on her knee, supported her right elbow on the table, and rested her cheek on her hand. She swung back and forth on her toes, her gaze fixed on Chen Siyuan, her gaze fixed on him.

The tip of her toes accidentally touched Chen Siyuan, which startled You Sanjie. But when she saw that Chen Siyuan looked calm and was still talking, she became bolder and rubbed her toes against him.

Chen Siyuan was so distracted by the touch that he thought to himself that she was indeed a beauty. If he didn't win the favor of the sisters in the Grand View Garden in the future, even if he could coax this beauty back, it would be enough!
The two of them ate and drank, and the dishes were reheated twice before they left near noon.

After they left the house, Chen Siyuan escorted Third Sister You to a private alley. Third Sister You was afraid that Old Lady You would see her, so she stopped and said, "Brother Chen...Brother Chen, just send me here. I'll go back by myself." After a pause, she continued, "Wait until the 17th, and I'll come back to look for Brother Chen."

Chen Siyuan agreed immediately: "Okay, but don't throw stones from now on. Just greet the maid at the back door."

Third Sister You stuck out her tongue and said, "I know." She waved her hand, turned around and walked out a few steps excitedly, then stopped and turned around to wave at Chen Siyuan, then she walked backwards step by step to the end of the private alley.

Chen Siyuan stood at the entrance of the alley until Third Sister You reached the end of that side, then he moved back home. It's said that Third Sister You made her way back to Ningguo Mansion, immediately provoking a round of scolding from Old Lady You. "During the banquet, my daughter disappeared!" Jia Zhen sent people to search for her, but only after asking the doorman did they learn that Third Sister You had changed her clothes and sneaked out.

Old Lady You was so angry that she fell backwards. She thought, don't think about it anymore, she must be going to look for the male fox!

Because they were still in Ningguo Mansion, Old Lady You couldn't argue with him and just gave him a fierce look. Then she smiled and said goodbye to Jia Zhen, then led her two daughters through the ceremonial gate and into the carriage.

As soon as they entered the carriage, Old Lady You said with a cold face, "Third sister, are you trying to piss me off to death?"

Third Sister You's face was still full of joy. Upon hearing this, she simply said, "If I don't listen to Mother, don't I still have Second Sister to listen to? Could it be that our You family owed the Jia family something in a past life? Sending away our eldest sister wasn't enough, so we have to send our second sister and me as well?"

Old Lady You's face turned pale with rage: "What nonsense are you talking about!"

"Nonsense?" Third Sister You said with a half-smile, "Mother, don't say you didn't see the look in your brother-in-law's eyes." After a pause, she nudged Second Sister You with her elbow and said, "Second Sister, have you discussed this with the eldest sister? When will you marry into the family?"

You Erjie frowned and fell silent. She wasn't a big believer in her own opinions, having been taught by her mother since she was little. But at the time, women's integrity was highly valued. If her brother-in-law succeeded in getting her, and he didn't take her into his family, wouldn't she then become a prostitute?

You Erjie thought about it and looked at You Lao Niang. You Lao Niang said, "What do you know? Your eldest sister is trying to stop her! I think she has to make it a done deal and force your brother-in-law to accept her."

Although Youshi and her second and third sisters did not share the same father or mother, they were sisters according to patriarchal clan law. Although the old system was no longer in place at that time, and concubines were officially considered together, they were still divided into categories such as maid, bestowed concubine, roommate, noble concubine, good concubine, lowly concubine, and maidservant. If You Erjie had been taken into the Ningguo Mansion by Jia Zhen, she would have been considered a concubine.

If anything were to happen to Youshi, the concubine would have a chance to become the first wife. But Youshi wasn't stupid, so how could she tolerate You Erjie entering the house? I'm afraid Jia Zhen would rather spend a fortune to buy a girl than let You Erjie enter the house!
Third Sister You sneered, "What a joke! How could Mother have known that once it was done...my brother-in-law would accept it?"

"You..." Old Lady You was speechless for a moment. After a long while, she said, "Your brother-in-law is a third-class general. It's just a matter of asking him to take a concubine."

Third Sister You said, "The imperial court has set limits on concubines. My brother-in-law only has four legitimate wives, and five or six who are not even listed in the family tree. Mother, do you think Second Sister can squeeze out the others? Or can you bluff Big Sister into agreeing?"

Old Lady You was choked and cursed, and Second Sister You was also thinking. She couldn't help but think to herself, Third Sister's words are reasonable. If I don't get a proper status, then the benefits and money I get won't last me forever. In the end, I will be handed over and not be allowed to enter the house. Isn't it all for nothing?

Thinking of this, You Erjie couldn't help but feel doubtful, and she didn't know whether she should come to Ningguo Mansion again.

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

But when Chen Siyuan returned home, Hongyu kept the food box warm on the smoker because he had not said hello before.

Chen Siyuan told Hongyu and Yunxiang to share the meal, calculated the time, and then headed towards the east wing of the courtyard.

Miao'er came to greet him again. This time, Chen Siyuan looked at her a few more times. He didn't know if it was an illusion, but he always felt that there was some resentment on Miao'er's face, but he didn't know why.

When I entered the main room, Mrs. Xing had already gotten up.

After greeting each other according to the rules and briefly discussing the trip to Miaofeng Mountain, Mrs. Xing sent the two maids away.

When there were only two of them left inside, Chen Siyuan was about to take the opportunity to be affectionate, but Mrs. Xing rolled her eyes at him.

"Just sit still!" Madam Xing said angrily, "Weren't you very familiar with me when you were flirting with me before? Why are you so stubborn when it comes to Miao'er and Tiao'er?"

What he said was… that day, Chen Siyuan used threats, bribes, and some force… The reason I say some force was because Mrs. Xing was initially resistant, then half-hearted, and then even more eager to please. Thinking about it now, it's hard to tell who came first and who came last.

"Huh? Where does this come from?" Chen Siyuan asked in confusion.

Mrs. Xing rolled her eyes and said angrily, "Go figure it out yourself."

When this woman is unreasonable, you can't reason with her. Chen Siyuan shamelessly moved his chair over and reached out to grab her hand. He was pushed open, and then he grabbed it again. After repeated attempts, he finally got what he wanted.

Chen Siyuan didn't ask about the previous incident, but just said, "I don't know yet, do you have any words?"

At this time, when a woman married off, she was also called a "Zi Ren". This was usually when she arrived at her husband's house, where he would give her a courtesy name. For example, when Daiyu first entered the Jia family, Baoyu casually gave her the name "Pin Pin".

At the time, everyone just said they were childhood sweethearts, but that was disgusting enough. Only the husband's family could choose a name for a woman, so how could Big Face Bao have the qualifications?

After that, everyone in the Jia family teased Daiyu with the word "pout". At first, Daiyu was very anxious every time, but later she changed.

Mrs. Xing heard this and said, "Master, why would you care about this? There is no word on it."

"What's your nickname?"

The name of a woman in the boudoir is not allowed to be revealed easily. It is only known privately by parents, relatives and even the husband's family. Therefore, many women recorded in history books have surnames but no names.

Mrs. Xing suddenly became shy. She glanced at Chen Siyuan and whispered, "There is a girl like this... her name is Shumei."

Chen Siyuan frowned and shook his head, saying, "It's too dignified. It's not good. How about I give you a name?"

Mrs. Xing said angrily, "Why would you take it?"

Chen Siyuan ignored her, playing with her soft hands while shaking his head and saying, "Mei, and Yudie—" Die'er? Oh, I'm afraid I can't call you that. So Chen Siyuan said, "—How about calling you Yudie from now on?"

When Madam Xing heard these words, her body suddenly softened. She gradually clasped her hands together, feeling a surge of warmth in her heart, a comforting sensation. Even so, she stubbornly said, "Stop yelling... What if someone hears?"

Chen Siyuan said chuckled, "We're just calling out in private, and we're not spreading it to anyone, so how could anyone hear it?"

Mrs. Xing hummed twice, a smile creeping across her face. Suddenly, she frowned and sighed, "At my age, your age... I'm afraid it won't be long before I'm old and faded."

"How do you talk about this?"

Mrs. Xing said in distress, "I plucked out two more white hairs while dressing up today."

Chen Siyuan soothed her, "That's probably due to a deficiency of Qi and blood. Think of that Taoist priest on the mountain, he's around fifty and still has a full head of black hair. Yudie is only a little old, how can she be considered old and pale? If you don't believe me, go look in the mirror with Fengjie. Even those who say they're sisters from the previous year would believe it!"

Mrs. Xing was overjoyed when she heard this. She smiled and said, "You are so good at making people crazy."

Chen Siyuan said chuckled, "I can also drink other things."

Mrs. Xing was immediately tempted, then covered her mouth and smiled, "Not today, I haven't left yet."

Chen Siyuan's face suddenly showed a look of disappointment. Madam Xing smiled for a while before saying, "I deliberately took a break just now, thinking that you would go and chat with those two."

Chen Siyuan feigned bewilderment and asked, "Me? Why would I bother hanging out with them?"

Madam Xing patted Chen Siyuan lightly and said angrily, "You're such a fool! What we're doing... I'm afraid those two will find out in time. If you don't drag them into this soon, how can we have a future?"

(End of this chapter)