The Red Mansion

Chapter 299 A Deep Mansion, Women's Schemes

On June 11th, Sister You Er was doing her makeup in front of the mirror. The person in the mirror had spring-like eyes and skin as smooth as cream, but dared not apply heavy makeup. She only applied a thin layer of jasmine powder and a touch of rose rouge on her lips. After her black hair was tied into a bun, she wore a single white jade hairpin. The warm and smooth jade made her hair look even blacker.

She wore a moon-white silk dress, which not only maintained the elegance of a well-bred lady but also revealed a touch of flirtatiousness.

Seeing her appearance and demeanor, Madam You felt both gratified and apprehensive. She sighed softly, "Today's success or failure depends entirely on your fate. Remember to be careful with your words and actions. Answer whatever Madam asks, and do not say anything more."

Immediately, Old Lady You, Madam You, and Second Sister You were led to the east side room of Debentang, where they saw Yuan Chun sitting on the kang (a heated brick bed), wearing a casual rose-purple silk shirt. The three women hurriedly greeted her.

Yuan Chun smiled and offered her a seat, her gaze lingering on You Erjie. She praised, "What a beautiful young lady! She's even more stunning than a painting." She then asked You Erjie, "What do you usually do for amusement at home?"

Second Sister You replied softly, "Replying to Madam, I only do some needlework and occasionally read a little, so I know a few characters." Her voice was delicate and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley, yet with a hint of timidity.

Yuan Chun picked up her teacup, took a sip, and asked Madam You, "Did you come here today because you have something to say?"

Madam You and Old Madam You exchanged a glance, their faces flushing. After hesitating for a moment, she said to Second Sister You, "Second Sister, you go and wait outside."

After You Erjie left, Madam You said to Yuanchun, "We are so grateful to Madam and the Duke for taking us in. We have no way to repay such kindness. I think that my second sister is getting older. If she could stay and serve Madam and the Duke, it would be our way of showing our appreciation."

At this point, she was too embarrassed to continue, so she glanced at Old Lady You.

Old Lady You understood and replied, "Madam, you are wise. We are currently living here, but our status is not rightful. If our second daughter can win the favor of you and the Duke and be taken in as a concubine of the Duke, we can settle down in peace and pray for you day and night."

After saying that, he secretly observed Yuan Chun's expression.

Yuan Chun paused, her hand holding the teacup still. She knew perfectly well that this was a desperate measure by the You family mother and daughter to secure their own future. However, despite her virtuous and magnanimous nature, she couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment. She thought of her husband, Yuan Yi, who, though currently only had two concubines, had already been betrothed to Qin Keqing, who had just moved into the mansion the day before. Now the You family was rushing to add another woman—this constant barrage of events was bound to upset anyone.
Seeing that Yuan Chun was hesitant to speak, Madam You quickly added, "Although Second Sister is not very bright, she is good at needlework and will certainly serve you well, serving you tea and water. She will never dare to be negligent in the slightest."

Yuan Chun gently set down her teacup and said slowly, "I understand what you mean. But I've heard that your second daughter is already betrothed to someone since birth?"

Upon hearing this, both Old Lady You and Madam You felt embarrassed.

Madam You blushed even more, embarrassed to talk about it, and glanced at Old Madam You again. Old Madam You had no choice but to recount in detail the betrothal between Second Sister You and Zhang Hua since childhood, and then said that the Zhang family had broken off the engagement yesterday, and Zhang Shouye had personally written the document of annulment. She concluded by saying, "Now that the engagement is over, Second Sister is a free person."

After listening, Yuan Chun pondered for a long time before saying to You Shi, "This matter must be discussed with the Fourth Prince. You should go back and wait for news. I will report this matter to the Fourth Prince at noon today. We will see what the Fourth Prince says then, and I will send someone to summon you to explain."

Upon hearing this, Old Lady You and Madam You knew that this was the end of it, so they got up to take their leave.

Lady You did not forget to call in Second Sister You again, so that Second Sister You could bid farewell to Yuan Chun.

As You Erjie bowed, she couldn't help but look up, meeting Yuan Chun's thoughtful gaze. This gaze was as clear as a mirror, seemingly able to see into the depths of one's heart. You Erjie's heart trembled, and she quickly and shyly lowered her eyes.

When the You family mother and daughter returned to their residence, the second sister of the You family hurriedly asked what had happened. The old lady of the You family told her what Yuan Chun had said and sighed, "Now it all depends on what the Duke of the County thinks."

Sister You lowered her head and remained silent, her heart filled with mixed emotions, both hoping for good news and fearing that her hopes would be dashed.

……

……

Yuan Chun did not immediately go to Li Shen Zhai to disturb Yuan Yi's listening to Lin Ruhai's lecture because of You Erjie's matter. So she waited until noon, after Yuan Yi had finished lunch, before speaking softly: "Fourth Master, today Old Madam You and Madam You brought You Erjie to pay their respects, and they mentioned something."

Yuan Yi looked up: "Oh? What is it?"

Yuan Chun then explained in detail what Old Lady You and Madam You had requested, her words maintaining the dignity of a mistress while also showing a touch of careful consideration. As she spoke, her gaze never left Yuan Yi's face, as if trying to glean some clues from his calm and composed expression.

After listening quietly, Yuan Yi thought to himself: Old Madam You and Madam You are quite eager. Not only are they in a hurry to send Second Sister You to be their concubine, but they are also swift and decisive. Yesterday, they had the Zhang family write a letter of annulment. That's quite a clean and efficient method.

He slowly took a sip of tea, without answering immediately.

Yuan Chun smiled and asked, "What does Fourth Master think?"

Yuan Yi put down his teacup and said, "Miss Qin was already betrothed. She is not yet married into the family. It would be inappropriate to take someone else as a concubine first." He paused slightly, and seeing that Yuan Chun was listening attentively, he continued, "Tell Madam You that this matter is not urgent. I will make a decision in a year or two."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chun knew that he was not indifferent to You Erjie, but simply not in a hurry. She sighed inwardly: You Erjie was indeed a pitiful girl; even the Fourth Master had been moved. She nodded and replied, "The Fourth Master is right; Miss Qin should be the priority."

In truth, Yuan Yi did have some interest in You Erjie. She was one of the beauties in the original story, and in the prime of her youth, beautiful, graceful, and gentle. However, to be honest, he was actually more interested in You Sanjie. But he couldn't say this openly to Yuan Chun, so he kept it to himself for the time being.

Yuan Chun personally helped Yuan Yi to his bedroom for a nap. After Yuan Yi fell asleep, Yuan Chun quietly withdrew and then sent someone to summon Lady You to her courtyard.

In less than a quarter of an hour, Madam You had rushed to the courtyard where Yuan Chun was staying. Yuan Chun invited her to sit down and conveyed Yuan Yi's words, adding a special note: "Since Fourth Master has said so, he must already have a plan in mind. You should just wait patiently."

Madam You was a sensible woman. Upon learning of Yuan Yi and Yuan Chun's intentions, she knew that this matter could not be rushed. She quickly rose to express her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Madam. Since it is Fourth Master's wish, we will naturally obey." After exchanging a few more pleasantries, seeing that Yuan Chun looked tired, she tactfully took her leave.

Back in the backyard, Madam You went straight to Old Madam You's residence.

Old Lady You was sitting on the kang (a heated brick bed) by the window with her second and third sisters, doing needlework. Various colored silk threads were scattered on the kang table. When they saw Madam You come in, the three of them quickly put down their work.

Old Lady You asked impatiently, "How did it go? What did the Madam say? Did the Duke agree?"

Madam You sat down on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), accepted the tea offered by Sister You San, and recounted Yuan Chun's words in detail.

Old Lady You frowned upon hearing this, her voice filled with anxiety: "We're in such a hurry to make arrangements, why does the Duke insist on waiting a year or two? Does he think our family background isn't good enough? Or does he think Second Sister isn't good enough?"

Sister You, who had been shyly lowering her head, couldn't help but raise her eyes upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashing in her bright, clear eyes.

Madam You advised, "Mother, you're too hasty. In my opinion, since the Duke has said so and the Madam has conveyed it, it seems that both the Duke and the Madam intend for Second Sister to marry into the family." Old Madam You anxiously picked up a palm-leaf fan and shook it vigorously a few times, "But if we delay for a year or two, won't that Miss Qin marry into the family first? By then, she will have gained favor, and with the addition of other women, even if your Second Sister squeezes in, what good position will she get? Moreover, what if, after a year or two, the Duke changes his mind and is unwilling to marry your Second Sister? Wouldn't we have ended up with nothing?"

Madam You said, "That may be true, but since it is the Duke's decision, we have no choice but to obey. With Second Sister's looks and character, even if we wait a year or two, the Duke will most likely take her into his household by then. In the meantime, we can only wait patiently, and of course, we cannot give Second Sister to someone else."

Old Lady You sighed and threw her palm-leaf fan onto the kang table: "Fine, fine! Since you say so, we can only wait." She then turned to Second Sister You and saw her with her head bowed, looking lost and forlorn. She couldn't help but feel sorry for her, "My child, I've wronged you."

Second Sister You gently shook her head, her voice barely audible: "What are you saying, Mother? I'm not wronged."

The family chatted for a while longer before Madam You returned to her own courtyard.

Second Sister You returned to her room and carefully examined herself in the mirror on her dressing table. The woman in the mirror had eyebrows like distant mountains and eyes like autumn waters; she was in the prime of her life. She thought to herself, "They say I have to wait a year or two. Perhaps if I find an opportunity to flatter the Duke properly during that time, I can marry him sooner..."

Thinking of this, her cheeks flushed red, and she covered her face with a round fan.

Suddenly, Third Sister You tiptoed in and saw Second Sister staring blankly at the mirror. She laughed and teased, "Second Sister, what are you doing? Are you admiring your reflection and can't wait to become that Duke's concubine?"

She sat down next to her second sister, snatched the fan from her hand, and said with a smile, "If you ask me, why rush to become someone's concubine? Even if he is a noble duke, he is still just a concubine. Why bother with such a concern?"

When Sister You's secret was exposed, she became even more embarrassed. She snatched back her fan and lightly patted her, saying, "Don't talk nonsense! When have I been in a hurry?"

Third Sister You said seriously, "Actually, I wish this matter could wait a year or two. We sisters have depended on each other since childhood. If we can spend a year or two more together, wouldn't that be better than being separated sooner?" She held Second Sister's hand and said sincerely, "Besides, from my observation, this grand mansion may seem wealthy, but in reality, it has many rules and regulations. With Second Sister's gentle nature, it would be better to prepare for a year or two more."

Sister You was filled with mixed feelings. She thought her younger sister was right, but when she thought of the Duke she had met that day, so heroic and noble... how could she not feel longing for him?

……

……

Qin Keqing was adept at social etiquette. Within just two days of moving into the backyard of the Duke's mansion, she prepared various gifts and sent them to different places.

That afternoon, Xue Baochai was reviewing account books in her room when Ying'er came in carrying a brocade box and said, "Auntie, that Miss Qin sent someone to deliver this, saying she wanted to come and pay her respects to you."

Xue Baochai opened the brocade box and found a pair of jade bracelets inside, which were valuable items. She then said to Ying'er, "Go and invite Miss Qin over to sit down. Tell her that I have acquired some new tea and would like her to come and taste it."

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qin Keqing arrived gracefully with Ruizhu.

Xue Baochai personally greeted Qin Keqing in the courtyard, smiling as she took her hand and said, "Miss, there's no need for you to be so polite. You've only just moved in and you're already busy going around everywhere. It makes me feel bad."

Qin Keqing smiled and said, "We are old acquaintances, so I should come to pay my respects, but I'm afraid I'll disturb your peace."

The two entered the house hand in hand and sat down as host and guest, respectively.

Ying'er served the tea, and Qin Keqing took it and tasted it carefully, praising, "It is indeed a fine tea, fragrant and sweet, incomparable to ordinary tea."

Xue Baochai smiled and said, "These were sent from the south recently. If you like them, you can pack some to take with you later."

The two chatted about everything under the sun, from needlework to poetry and literature.

As the two spoke, Ruizhu and Ying'er stood by. Ying'er noticed that Ruizhu was wearing a brand-new light red dress and a gold hairpin in her hair, and cursed inwardly, "This little vixen, she's just a maid, yet she's dressed more elegantly than the young ladies of ordinary families!"

At this moment, Qin Keqing saw an unfinished sachet on the table and exclaimed, "The embroidery is so exquisite, I wonder whose handiwork it is?"

Before Xue Baochai could respond, Ying'er said smugly, "This is a pattern that my aunt gave me the other day. I embroidered it for fun when I had nothing to do." As she spoke, she deliberately turned the sachet over, "Look at the stitches on the back, they're not messy at all."

Ruizhu examined it closely and found that the stitches were indeed fine and neat. However, she secretly gave Ying'er a provocative look and said, "Our young lady also gave me a pattern the other day. I am currently embroidering it. I would like to ask you for your guidance when I finish it."

Ying'er secretly made a face at Ruizhu and said, "I wouldn't dare accept that."

The two maids were secretly vying for power, while Xue Baochai and Qin Keqing seemed to be having a pleasant conversation.

Seeing Qin Keqing's refined manners and speech, Xue Baochai thought to herself, "No wonder Fourth Master values ​​her so highly; not only is she exceptionally beautiful, but she's also incredibly clever and perceptive!" Seeing Xue Baochai's generous and appropriate manners, Qin Keqing sighed inwardly, "Such poise truly befits someone from a distinguished family!"

After sitting for a quarter of an hour, Qin Keqing got up to take her leave.

Xue Baochai instructed Ying'er to pack a lot of tea leaves, and then took out a round fan: "This fan was also recently brought from the south. I think the crabapple blossoms on this fan are elegant and match your temperament, Miss."

Qin Keqing could not refuse and had no choice but to accept it.

After seeing Qin Keqing and her maid off, Ying'er said to Xue Baochai, "Did you see that, Aunt? That little girl Ruizhu's eyes are always darting around; she's obviously a clever one."

Xue Baochai sighed softly, "Even her mistress knows proper etiquette, why bother arguing with her?"

Ying'er thought to herself, "Although Miss Qin is good at dealing with people, she is still a newcomer. Our young lady arrived the earliest, even earlier than the madam. We must not let her overtake us."

After Qin Keqing returned, Ruizhu helped her change her clothes while saying, "That Ying'er is so arrogant. She's just a maid, yet she seems to disregard the young lady."

Qin Keqing said solemnly, "Aunt Xue is someone who serves Fourth Master, so we should treat her with respect. When you see Ying'er in the future, you should also treat her with courtesy."

Ruizhu pouted and agreed, but she was unconvinced in her heart.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Qin Keqing recalled her interactions with the women of the household over the past two days, including her conversation with Xue Baochai today. She thought to herself, "The interpersonal relationships in this household are intricate and complicated. I must be more careful in my actions from now on!"

(End of this chapter)