The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 189 Meeting Ping'er

Everyone at Tubi Manor knew that Wang Xin had returned to the manor and was discussing important matters with the masters in the front yard.

Qingwen was simple-minded, and when she was happy, she smiled more.

“Every time Master Xin comes home, he has to take a big bath.” Qingwen was busy making arrangements and carefully told Ping’er, completely unaware of the confusion and shyness in Ping’er’s eyes.

Unlike Qingwen, who was still a young girl and didn't understand many things, even though the old women often talked nonsense, Ping'er was a proper woman and knew the Second Mistress's intention in sending her to Master Xin's side.

My heart sank, I felt lost, yet I listened intently to Qingwen's words.

Qingwen said with a smile, "There's a lot of dust in the military camp. It's full of men who have been through a lot of rough work. They've been away for so long and have been traveling back. I'm afraid they'll need a lot of time to wash up."

Qingwen didn't know where Xinye was eating, but she made arrangements anyway. She sent the maids to inform the kitchen and arranged for hot water to be prepared. She also went to prepare for other things. Ping'er watched Qingwen's skillful movements and couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Are you going to wash him?"

Qingwen was surprised that Ping'er would ask her such a question, and her face immediately turned red. She said with a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance, "Sister Ping, listen to what you're saying."

Ping'er was surprised that it wasn't true; she only made this guess because she saw how skilled Qingwen was.

Ping'er was born a concubine and had long accepted her fate. Qingwen grew up in the mansion, and Xiren, who grew up with her, had long been involved with Baoyu. There were also other maids who were having affairs with Baoyu.

Although Qingwen never crossed the line and maintained her integrity, she knew in her heart that Sister Ping came to serve Master Xin, but she had been used to it since childhood and did not pay too much attention to it.

Ping'er, who was still a little worried, wondered whether Qingwen was oblivious or genuinely didn't care. She breathed a sigh of relief. The ugly daughter-in-law had to meet her in-laws eventually. Since things had come to this, Ping'er could only do her own thing first.

A bathtub and other items were delivered to the house next door, along with a change of clothes.

Now, let's talk about Wang Xin.

Wang Xin originally wanted to ask Zheng Hao, but upon learning that the man had gone to Lu Zhongheng's place, he gave up and went back to the villa to take a bath first.

The trees in the Great Zhou Dynasty had been severely felled, resulting in strong winds and sandstorms in the north. After a long journey, and with the post stations not being as comfortable as home, it didn't matter when they were out, but once they returned to the manor, Wang Xin wanted to take a quick bath, otherwise he would be covered in dust.

"Master Xin is back!" the old women said with smiles when they saw Wang Xin.

Wang Xin smiled and nodded, returning to the manor. He called out first, "Qingwen." There were many young ladies in the manor, and Qingwen often went to play with others, while others also came to play with Qingwen. He hoped that she wouldn't barge in like last time when it wasn't appropriate to do so.

"Lord Xin."

Hearing the shouts outside, Qingwen jumped and skipped out, her face beaming with joy. Seeing the lively and adorable girl, Wang Xin was also happy, and his mood improved considerably.

Just as I was about to go inside, another person came out.

She wore a light-colored silk skirt with silver trim, and a water lily-colored gauze ribbon around her waist. She also wore a long, flowing, violet-colored dress with painted lotus flowers, a fitted waist, and fluttering sleeves. Her face was flushed with shyness as she looked at Wang Xin.

"Lord Xin."

Wang Xin paused for a moment, then looked closely and smiled, "Ping'er, are you playing here?"

Hearing Wang Xin's question, Ping'er became even more embarrassed to speak and couldn't help but lower her head. However, she couldn't not answer, so she raised her head and showed a shy expression.

A pair of reproachful yet hazy eyes captivated Wang Xin.

Wang Xin saw those two bright eyes, smooth as jade, with clear yet pitiful and sorrowful eyes that evoked pity in him. His hands were slender and white, the delicate orchids embroidered on the cuffs highlighting their slender, delicate fingers as he fiddled with his nails on his chest.

"Master Xin, Second Madam sent Ping'er. Ping'er will stay in the manor from now on," Qingwen said from behind.

"what?"

Wang Xin was somewhat confused; Ping'er's status was different.

Qingwen pushed Wang Xin inside, saying from behind, "Some things are hard to explain, let's go inside and talk."

Upon entering the inner room, Wang Xin sat on the couch, and Qingwen followed suit. Ping'er, however, was not as relaxed as Qingwen and stood there awkwardly. It was Qingwen who pulled Ping'er to sit down, and then Qingwen explained to Wang Xin.

Qingwen was still angry when she brought it up, saying, "I still have my pair of scissors hidden under my pillow."

Wang Xin suddenly realized why Jia Lian had lost his composure when he saw him. Although he was somewhat displeased, he didn't think Jia Lian would do anything offensive, and even understood somewhat. Qingwen had grown even more beautiful that year.

It's inevitable to lose composure when meeting someone. Just like in the original text, when Xue Pan saw Lin Daiyu, he couldn't help but be captivated. It wasn't that he dared to do anything to Lin Daiyu; he was simply amazed by her beauty.

I can never forget it. For example, when he was beaten, he became more sensible. When he went out to do business, he even knew to bring back gifts and local specialties for the young masters and ladies of the family. His younger sister would then deliver them to various places, but the gifts to Lin Daiyu's family were the most numerous.

Although Xue Pan was a rough man, he was a local tyrant in Jinling. Although he was not respectable in the capital, he was rich and had the prestige of one of the four great families. He was also well-informed and remained the same.

Of course, that was because Lin Daiyu came from a noble family and was not someone Xue Pan could disrespect.

After Lin Ruhai died, Aunt Xue tried to test Lin Daiyu several times out of consideration for her son's feelings, but Lin Daiyu always turned her away. Xue Pan did a good job in this regard and never acted impolitely.

Even Jia She and Jia Lian had some sense of propriety.

Because Jia She was the master, he was bolder than Jia Lian, but he didn't dare to push him too far. As for Jia Lian, he mostly relied on coaxing and enticing. On the contrary, Jia Zhen was lawless. Therefore, he never went to Ningguo Mansion and never dealt with Jia Zhen.

Rongguo Mansion is Rongguo Mansion, and Ningguo Mansion is Ningguo Mansion.

Lin Ruhai is Lin Ruhai, Jia Zheng is Jia Zheng, and Jia She is Jia She. They need to be very clear about their differences. His living in the Jia Mansion is more for political reasons, and both sides get what they need.

Therefore, Wang Xin comforted him, saying, "After a few days, once we find a suitable house, we will move out."

Qingwen nodded repeatedly, showing no reluctance to leave the manor.

Wang Xin then looked at Ping'er, "Miss Ping, I understand your predicament, but what are your own thoughts?"

Upon hearing Qingwen's understanding of her predicament, Ping'er couldn't hold back the grievances she had accumulated over the past few days, and tears streamed down her face. Qingwen got up and sat down next to Ping'er, saying, "Master Xin is the best person. Ping'er, you shouldn't hide anything from him. You should tell him what's on your mind."

Ping'er hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.

Knowing Ping'er's concerns, Wang Xin added, "Don't worry, no one will tell anyone what you say. Just tell me your thoughts, and I will do my best to help you with anything I can."

Ping'er had often heard Qingwen mention Wang Xin these days, so she believed most of what Wang Xin said.

Faced with this situation, Ping'er mustered her courage and said, "I can't go back, and I don't want to go back, but I don't know how I'm going to live my life from now on."

Wang Xin nodded, understanding Ping'er's situation.

Ping'er and Wang Xifeng had a close relationship, but in the end they were still mistress and servant. If she was given away to whomever she wanted, no matter how honest Ping'er was, how could she not have her own thoughts? An honest person is still a person.

However, Ping'er and the others had no choice but to rely on men because of economic reasons.

This is why modern learning was not popular in the capital, but it was spreading in Jiangnan. Jiangnan's developed weaving industry and the upstream and downstream industrial chains such as sericulture enabled women to gain a certain economic status.

While a more relaxed society has indeed led to a relaxation of military preparedness, it has also allowed the underprivileged and women to receive more tolerance.

"You can come with me and work the same way as Qingwen. You'll earn one tael of silver a month. Just tell me when you want to leave." He had limited abilities, but out of consideration for their past relationship, he tried his best to provide her with a job.

Hearing Wang Xin's arrangements for her, Ping'er felt a sense of security and suddenly understood why Qingwen liked to stay by Xinye's side. So she said shyly, "I will listen to Xinye. Whatever Xinye says, I will do."

Qingwen, the drummer, smiled. Ping'er wouldn't leave, and she had company. She urged again, "The hot water is ready. Master Xin, hurry up and take a bath."

Wang Xin said helplessly, "I haven't even said I wanted to wash it yet."

"I know you well enough to have things prepared long ago." It was actually Qingwen being lazy and wanting to get things ready early so that she wouldn't be caught off guard when Xinye spoke up.

Wang Xin didn't take these trivial matters to heart.

Ping'er hesitated, pursing her lips. Her thoughts were different from Qingwen's. Qingwen was, after all, a girl. When she thought about what she was going to do, Ping'er's neck turned red.

Regardless, Ping'er was unwilling to disappoint her second mistress, and felt a mix of emotions. She tiptoed to the next room, and finally mustered up her courage to go inside.

(End of this chapter)