The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 196 Misunderstanding
In a little while, the old women would bring the meal. Although reluctant, Ping'er seized the opportunity to get up. She didn't want everyone to know, even though the old women would soon find out about her and Xinye's affair. With their big mouths, it probably wouldn't be long before everyone in the garden knew.

She sat up from the edge of the lacquered bed, the blue satin quilt slipping off her body, the light filtering through the curtains catching her half-covered breasts, which were even more lustrous than the jade hairpin that had been placed on the table the night before. She forced herself to call out, "Master Xin."

Although it wasn't explicitly stated, the meaning was clear: Wang Xin knew that Ping'er wanted him to avoid her.

It's strange, really. Thinking about Ping'er's appearance last night, and then this morning, she was even embarrassed to get dressed in front of him. Even though it had all happened, she was still embarrassed. If it weren't for what happened last night, Wang Xin wouldn't have forced her to do that, but since she was already his woman, he wanted to tease her a little, so he deliberately didn't leave.

Ping'er saw through Wang Xin's intention, but was too embarrassed to ask him for help. She just bit her lower lip and looked at Wang Xin with a wronged expression.

“Then I’ll turn around,” Wang Xin said with a smile, and he really did turn his back to Ping’er.

"Master, you're lying to me." Ping'er said speechlessly, "Wait a moment, Master will definitely turn around."

Hearing Ping'er's words, Wang Xin chuckled and said, "I won't turn around. You'd better get up quickly. Qingwen might come into the room soon, and you'll be even more embarrassed then. You should seize this opportunity."

Before he could hear any movement behind him, Wang Xin reminded him, "Don't miss the opportunity, or we won't have enough time later."

Ping'er wasn't stupid, but after hearing what Xinye said, she was really worried that someone else would come. She could only gamble that Xinye wasn't lying to her. While being on guard, she hurriedly got dressed. She was extremely nervous, but there was also a sweet feeling in her heart.

Finally hearing the noise behind him, Wang Xin deliberately held back for a while.

Ping'er probed for a while and, seeing that Wang Xinzhen didn't turn around, breathed a sigh of relief. She also guessed that Master Xin might be doing it on purpose. However, she had to hurry and get dressed before he noticed. She quickly got up and ran her fingertips over the neatly folded honey-colored silk skirt by the pillow, touching half an inch of the neckline.

Although he couldn't see what was behind him, he could hear and sense that Ping'er had lost her vigilance. Wang Xin suddenly turned around, startling Ping'er so much that she turned pale.

Knowing this would happen, Ping'er was both angry and covered her chest with her silk jacket, looking as panicked as a frightened rabbit.

The sky was already bright, and sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the room.

Ping'er's delicate skin was clearly visible, and traces of last night could still be seen. Wang Xin saw it clearly and laughed, "Don't hide, I've seen it all. You might as well get dressed sooner."

Ping'er had no better solution, so she could only frantically endure Wang Xin's gaze, which was so intense it felt like it was real. Ping'er felt uneasy under his gaze, and the busier she was, the more mistakes she made.

In the end, Wang Xin went over and reached out to help Ping'er put on her clothes. Ping'er was both embarrassed and anxious. She tried her best to dress while resisting the large hand that was interfering with her. Finally, she couldn't help but spit out, "Master, please don't do this."

After a while, Ping'er finally calmed down and gave Xinye a reproachful look. It was this man who made her so tired just by getting dressed. Only then did she notice that Xinye was still wearing only a thin shirt and trousers, and asked with concern, "Xinye, aren't you going to change your clothes?"

"I wonder where Qingwen put them." Wang Xin looked into the room. In the past, Qingwen would take the clothes out and hang them on the clothes rack.

Ping'er also realized why Master Xin hadn't changed his clothes yet, and thought of Qingwen. She felt ashamed. She had originally planned to go back early in the morning so that no one would find out, but who knew that Master Xin didn't care about her at all. She was really tired and thought she would rest for a while, but who knew that she would never wake up again.

She was too embarrassed to speak, but Ping'er knew where Wang Xin's clothes were, so she quietly went and found a new set.

The atmosphere inside was quiet. Ping'er was still barefoot. When she came back, she hesitated for a moment, as if she had mustered up her courage. Without waiting for Wang Xin to speak, she took the initiative to change Wang Xin's clothes. Then she knelt down to tie his belt. Wang Xin couldn't help but lower his head and could see Ping'er's smooth forehead. His gaze fell on the ground, where her pair of jade feet were perfectly illuminated by the light, making them look pure, delicate and exquisite.

"I'm so tired." Ping'er murmured after finishing her work, "It's exhausting to get dressed in the morning."

"This isn't my fault," Wang Xin said with a smile, taking Ping'er's hand and leading her outside.

Ping'er followed behind Wang Xin, letting him pull her along as they went out the door. Standing at the doorway, looking at the bright weather, Ping'er couldn't help but shield her brow with her other hand. Feeling the warmth of the view, she couldn't help but reveal a charming smile.

“Feng girl was just here,” Wang Xin finally said.

Ping'er didn't want to hide it from Wang Xin, so like a child who had made a mistake, she honestly confessed, "I know."

Wang Xin smiled, not minding, and said, "The old lady wants to see me. I'll be going there this afternoon. You and Qingwen stay at the estate. We'll talk about it when I get back."

Ping'er then realized why the Second Madam had come and asked in surprise, "Why does the Old Madam want to see Master Xin?"

Wang Xin guessed, "Maybe it's to see what kind of person I am."

Jia Zheng and Lin Ruhai were of the same ilk. With the failure of Wang Ziteng, Lin Ruhai’s importance became more and more prominent. In the original timeline, because Lin Ruhai had already died of illness, Jia Zhen of Ningguo Mansion and Jia She of the eldest son’s family of Rongguo Mansion began to take the lead.

Their fates clearly demonstrate the adage "when the cat's away, the mice will play," and astute observers like the historians noted, they grew increasingly estranged from the Jia family.

Now that Lin Ruhai is still alive, one thing is certain: the status of the second branch of the Rongguo Mansion will be not only more stable, but also higher, just like it was before Lin Ruhai died in the original timeline.

Of course, this refers to the internal situation of the four major families.

His identity was complicated. Although his surname was Wang, he was recommended by Lin Ruhai, who was also Jia Mu's son-in-law. Jia Mu wanted to see him, most likely because his status was rising. This was a good thing for him; the more friends the better, as it meant uniting the majority.

War is a poor strategy; it leads to death and, in the end, mostly the children of ordinary people. The best approach is to win over more people through peaceful means and subdue the enemy without fighting.

If it were a Japanese pirate raid or an invasion by non-Han people, that would be a different matter; everyone would have a responsibility to resist the enemy.

As for internal conflicts, Wang Xin still hoped to use more moderate methods. The Japanese pirates had been quelled, and the problem of the Shu tribes outside Datong Pass was not difficult in general. As for the Shenghu, although the trouble was considerable, he was confident in his ability to deal with it.

If the people can have a stable and comfortable living environment, then my service as a soldier will be worthwhile, my salary will be more secure, and I can live a peaceful and content life.

Just like when he defeated the Japanese pirates and left Nantong City, the people knelt down to see off Wang's army. He did not want to see the people because he felt ashamed that he could not give up everything to fight the Japanese pirates, so he could not bear this trust and affection.

Although Zhang Jifu was a clever man who liked to make money and was said to own more than 100,000 mu of land in Jiangnan, Wang Xin did not care about this, because he had never seen an official who was not corrupt. What Wang Xin cared more about was Zhang Jifu's skills in governing the country.

Whether it's using civil administration to control military affairs, or plundering from abroad and sharing the spoils, whatever the outcome, as long as it ensures the stability of the Great Zhou people's lives and continues to bring peace for another hundred years, then I have to accept it.

As for the ideal world of Great Harmony, Wang Xin didn't believe anyone could achieve it. So, he would gain more people's approval, return to Great Harmony to solve the problem of the Hu people, and continue living his own life. Then he would have a clear conscience.

These thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant. Ping'er, unaware of this, asked curiously with a smile, "What kind of person is Master Xin?"

Hearing Ping'er's laughter, Wang Xin ignored her exclamation, grabbed her, and spun her around several times. Ping'er was both surprised and delighted, her face turning pale with amusement. She patted Wang Xin's arm in mid-air, crying, "Master, put me down, put me down!"

Ping'er wasn't heavy at all, like a rag doll. Wang Xin put Ping'er down, looked at her heaving chest, smelled the fragrance on her body, and laughed: "The one who eliminates all enemies."

Ping'er was still in shock, experiencing the thrill of the moment for the first time. Hearing Wang Xin's words, she thought he was teasing her and couldn't help but roll her eyes, saying, "What Master Xin said is strange."

“What’s so strange about that?” Wang Xin said calmly. “I’m a soldier. I have no other skills but fighting. Those who are capable go to govern the country, while I, of course, am the one who eliminates all enemies and becomes the Great Wall of the nation.”

Ping'er understood and asked curiously, "Who knows if anyone has the ability to cure the country?"

Hearing Ping'er's curiosity, Wang Xin nodded and sighed, "Yes, that's why the old saying goes, 'It's easy to conquer the world, but difficult to govern it.'"

Ping'er didn't understand why Wang Xin was worried. She obediently leaned on Wang Xin's shoulder, stroked his chest, and said gently, "I am just a young woman and don't understand those things. I only wish that Master Xin will live a peaceful life."

"Humph."

A heavy, cold snort came from afar. Qingwen went outside to take the food box that the old women had brought. Carrying it by herself, she saw the two figures from a distance and trembled with anger.

How could Sister Ping'er do this? The three of us used to be fine, but now I feel like I'm superfluous.

Qingwen looked aggrieved, as she had arrived first.

Seeing Qingwen's appearance, Ping'er quickly left Wang Xin and went to coax Qingwen. Qingwen was also a child at heart, and before long, she couldn't help but laugh again. The small round table was filled with laughter and joy as it served four dishes and a soup.

Time flies, and soon it was afternoon.

Wang Xin followed the old lady's courtyard all the way to invite his Yuanyang, who was Grandmother Jia's head maid.

Her father was named Jin Cai, and her elder brother was named Jin Wenxiang. They were purchasing agents in the household of Grandmother Jia. Their families had been slaves in the Jia family for generations. Because they were born into the family, they were highly trusted. For this reason, she had a very high status among the maids in the Jia family.

None of this is surprising. What is surprising is just how beautiful this mandarin duck is, that even Jia She couldn't resist having designs on her.

From behind, she has a wasp waist and slender shoulders, and is very alluring.

Thinking back to my impression of her when we met, she had an oval face, jet-black hair, a high nose, and a few freckles on her cheeks. She was indeed beautiful, but what was even more attractive was her youthful and energetic spirit.

No wonder she could make Jia She lose his mind and anger the old lady; such a face and personality are indeed irresistible to many older people.

Wang Xin was just curious and didn't think much of it.

Yuanyang was an extremely clever maid. She keenly noticed Wang Xin's gaze, as if he was staring at her the whole time. Yuanyang sneered inwardly. It turned out that the rumors about Lord Xin were just that—rumors. He was nothing more than a lecherous glutton.

He couldn't help but feel contempt, and his expression grew increasingly unfriendly, yet he showed no signs of anger, radiating youthful energy as if he were joking.

(End of this chapter)