The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 195 Wang Xifeng's Defeated Escape

Wave after wave crashed, splashing up spray and making a series of sounds. It was breathtaking, seemingly endless.

The stones on the shore, already broken by the waves, sway helplessly with the tides, left only with prayers amidst the raging wind and rain.

The next morning, Qingwen rubbed her eyes and realized that no one was beside her. She thought that her sister Ping had gotten up before her.

"Sister Ping'er is really something. Master Xin is back, and she gets up so early without even waking me up."

As Qingwen got up, she pouted, but she wasn't angry. Pingjie was new and not familiar with Xinye, so she wanted to show off a bit. She should be understanding of Pingjie, who had always been very kind to them.

After a while, Qingwen got dressed and went to the next room. She thought that since Sister Ping got up so early, she should have already prepared everything, but there was nothing in the room.

"Why didn't you bring water? Where is Sister Ping?" Qingwen asked curiously, only to find Master Xin alone.

Wang Xin, dressed in only trousers and a single jacket, with a sword in his hand, was about to go for his morning exercise. The depression he had accumulated over the years vanished in an instant. Not only did he not feel tired, but he also felt that he had inexhaustible energy. He couldn't help but sigh that youth is indeed wonderful.

Seeing Qingwen enter, Wang Xin didn't say much, only briefly instructing her, "Let your sister Ping rest a bit more, don't disturb her." Without waiting for Ping'er's reply, he left first.

After hearing Wang Xin's explanation, Qingwen was completely confused. What did he mean by that? As she was still thinking, she caught a glimpse of a lotus root-like arm peeking out from under the curtain. It was fair and beautiful.

"Buzz." Even though Qingwen was simple-minded, she understood what had happened. Looking over again, she saw that Wang Xin was no longer there. Gritting her teeth, Qingwen approached quietly, lifted the curtain, and revealed a sleeping beauty.

Ping'er's small, delicate face peeked out from under the covers, her skin fair and rosy, her eyes close together, making her look like a sleeping beauty.

Qingwen had countless questions in her mind, but seeing that her sister Ping was sleeping so soundly, she couldn't bear to disturb her.

He grew increasingly unhappy, but could only suppress it and go out to do chores on his own. The women were not proactive; if no work was assigned in the village, they wouldn't do anything.

Master Xin said this was normal, so Qingwen stopped worrying about it and personally arranged things every morning.

I prepared everything: water for washing my face and brushing my teeth; a toothbrush made of pig bristles; tooth powder from a box.

In June, the nights were a bit chilly, but the temperature began to rise after the sun rose in the morning. Qingwen angrily put the washbasin in the yard.

Wang Xin stopped practicing his sword and went to wash his face. Qingwen couldn't help but say, "Aren't you ashamed? You were sleeping so peacefully, how did you end up getting involved with each other?"

Hearing Qingwen's childish words, Wang Xin found it amusing. What was there to talk about with her? He chuckled, patted Qingwen's head, and went back to the open space to practice his sword.

Persistence is key in everything; one must train hard in the coldest winter and hottest summer. Having witnessed the skills of Liu Tong and his companions, as well as Old Man Chen and his apprentices, Wang Xin knew that while they weren't as miraculous as those in novels, they were indeed formidable.

Just like the difference between an ordinary person and a professional athlete, it may not seem like much, but in reality, the difference is huge and they cannot be compared at all.

He didn't expect to reach their level, but at least he could protect himself. On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes; if it came to the moment when he had to fight for his life, Wang Xin didn't believe he should back down.

Having joined the army to defend his country, Wang Xin often knew he had no way out.

Even if there is a precipice in front of me, I will jump off without hesitation.

"Hey, Master Xin, practicing your swordsmanship?"

The old women went to the kitchen to fetch food boxes because Qingwen had to prepare other things by herself. Wang Xifeng entered the manor and didn't see anyone along the way until she saw Wang Xin and Qingwen in the courtyard.

Hearing the voice, Wang Xin and Qingwen turned around together. It was Wang Xifeng, who was smiling and looking at the two of them.

Qingwen was usually insensitive, but what she saw this morning spurred her on, and she actually understood the meaning in the Second Mistress's eyes. The Second Mistress was checking to see if she and Master Xin had done *that* kind of thing.

So embarrassing! Qingwen was too ashamed to speak and turned her head away from Second Madam.

"Feng girl, what brings you here?" Wang Xin said with a smile, putting away his sword. He couldn't practice today; he would practice again tonight.

I'll take this time to rest more. Once I get back to Datong, I'll be busy and probably won't have this kind of time again.

Wang Xifeng didn't respond to Wang Xin immediately; instead, she was drawn to Qingwen's expression. Could it be? Had something happened between Master Xin and Qingwen? Otherwise, why would Qingwen be acting this way?

He couldn't help but feel a little anxious, wondering what was wrong with Ping'er. He was suppressed by a naive maid and forced a smile, saying, "I was also asked to come and ask for your help early in the morning."

"Who would need to trouble you, Miss Feng?" Wang Xin asked politely.

The reason why he treated Wang Xifeng gently was not because the person in front of him was just Wang Xifeng.

Humans are drawn to beauty; it's ingrained in our genes, and there's no denying it. The more you deny it, the more likely you are to resist. Just as beautiful women are attracted to talented men, this has been true throughout history. As one rises through the ranks, one's subordinates also rise rapidly, following suit.

Tang Ping, Zhuo Zhi, and the others used to be poor soldiers looked down upon by the common people, but now they are all officers, and Wang Xin is confident that they will be promoted again in a few years.

It wasn't that he didn't trust them; on the contrary, because he did trust them, Wang Xin wanted to take many things in advance to avoid future problems, including their marriage, which was also an urgent matter.

There are a million bad things about wealthy families, but the fact is that, proportionally speaking, daughters from wealthy families are more likely to be beautiful and well-educated.

Even the maids of the Jia family would be highly sought after outside. If you don't arrange these things yourself, Tang Ping and the others will also pursue wives from good families as their status rises.

Since that's the case, it's better to stay under our noses and avoid causing trouble as much as possible.

The Wang family has already fallen from grace, and no matter how much Wang Xifeng schemes, she can't escape it. However, Wang Xifeng knows which families' daughters are good and which families' daughters are not.

With this information, I can tell Tang Ping and Zhuozhi, and let them make their choice. If both parties are interested, I can arrange a marriage between them, killing several birds with one stone.

Wang Xifeng didn't understand Wang Xin's inner schemes. She only knew that she had to rely on Wang Xin now, so she was very gentle in her attitude. Wang Xin was also a gentle person, so they got along well and both of them felt good about it.

Wang Xifeng said with a smile, "Master Xin has been staying at the manor for a long time. The old lady knows Master Xin, but she was worried that it would be too abrupt for him. Secondly, the old lady was worried that she was too old and Master Xin was too young to want to see her, so she did not mention it. But after so long, the old lady thought that she should meet him. She was worried that Master Xin would not want to, so she sent me here to ask him if he would like to meet the old lady."

When Wang Xin heard that it was Grandmother Jia who wanted to see him, he didn't know why, so he quickly said, "If the old lady wants to see me, how can I not go? I should be the one to pay my respects to the old lady, but I've been worried about the strict rules in the mansion and haven't dared to speak up. Feng'er, please help me explain this properly to the old lady."

Wang Xin's lack of arrogance pleased Wang Xifeng even more. She had already anticipated his refusal and smiled, saying, "Then I'll go tell the old lady. There's no time like the present; let's do it this afternoon."

After saying that, Wang Xifeng raised another question that had been on her mind: "By the way, where did Ping'er go?"

Upon hearing Wang Xifeng's question, Qingwen blurted out, "Sister Ping is still sleeping."

Wang Xin was speechless and could only pretend that nothing had happened. He and Ping'er had done it voluntarily; it was a matter between adults, so what was there to be embarrassed about?

Wang Xifeng was surprised for a moment, then looked at Wang Xin's expression and guessed something, but she didn't say anything, just stared at Wang Xin and smiled foolishly.

Originally a matter between men and women, Wang Xin stopped worrying when he smelled the fragrance on Wang Xifeng's body and saw her teasing look. He said frankly, "Ping'er and I are in love. She was exhausted last night, and I couldn't bear to disturb her."

Upon hearing this, Qingwen was the first to back away, taking two steps back and covering her face in embarrassment. Wang Xifeng also dared not look any further, and her imposing manner weakened.

Thinking of something, her face flushed, and she said almost unconsciously, "I'll go see Ping'er."

As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Xifeng regretted it. Qingwen didn't want to go, so she went to find the old women to see if breakfast was ready.

Wang Xin didn't want to follow Wang Xifeng inside, so Wang Xifeng went into the room alone, regained her composure, and slowly approached the bedside.

really.

Ping'er looked haggard, but was sleeping soundly, with a slight smile playing on her lips even in her dreams.

Wang Xifeng was initially somewhat displeased, but upon seeing Ping'er's appearance, she felt a pang of pity. That man has no compassion for others; how could he be so rude?

Without waking Ping'er, Wang Xifeng looked at her for a moment, and after confirming that Ping'er was alright, she suddenly blushed again. What kind of mess was this? She quickly got up and went out.

"Feng girl, how is Ping'er?" Wang Xin asked.

Wang Xifeng was too ashamed to listen, so she rolled her eyes, glared at Wang Xin, and quickly walked away.

Seeing Wang Xifeng's hurried departure, her figure swaying, full and well-proportioned, Wang Xin couldn't help but shake his head.

Wang Xifeng has a strong personality, which many people dislike, but from another perspective, it would be very fulfilling to conquer such a woman.

Moreover, Wang Xifeng is not always domineering; she also knows how to say nice things, and her words are more pleasant than those of ordinary people, it just depends on whether she is willing to say them.

After Wang Xifeng left, Wang Xin went into the room to check on Ping'er. Actually, Ping'er had already woken up, but she was too embarrassed to open her eyes after hearing Wang Xifeng's voice.

When her hand was grasped, the rough texture felt like a man's hand. Ping'er was startled and quickly opened her eyes. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw it was Wang Xin. A sweet feeling welled up in her heart, and she gazed at Wang Xin with a pleading look, as if he were asking for her at will, which was quite pitiful.

Wang Xin reached out and smoothed a strand of hair that was draped over Ping'er's cheek, then covered Ping'er's face with his palm, feeling the silky smoothness from his hand.

Ping'er, like a well-behaved kitten, rubbed her little face against Wang Xin's palm. She was as delicate as a peeled egg, making him handle her with utmost care, afraid of using too much force.

(End of this chapter)