The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 110 Turbulent Events Within the Inner Court
Upon hearing Jinlian'er's words, Wu Yueniang stretched out her slender fingers and gently pinched Jinlian'er's rosy cheek, laughing and scolding:
"You shameless hussy! The master has only been pampering you for a few days, and you've already forgotten your place and become so frivolous? Although you are now of a higher status than the other servants, are you really going to spout such nonsense? Be careful that those gossipy bastards don't overhear you, embellish your words, and spread them to the master's ears. What good will that do you?"

Jinlian'er, knowing her aunt wasn't angry but rather scolding her, grabbed Yueniang's wrist and began to wriggle and shake it like a piece of candy, gazing at her expectantly with her almond-shaped eyes, and said in a sweet voice:

“My dear aunt! I only dare to speak so freely in front of you. Do you know that I have never dared to gossip in front of anyone else? It’s because I know that you know I am sincere and will not punish me.”

Jinlian'er pouted: "This humble servant is too small and insignificant to compare with the venerable lady's wisdom and compassion. What if that charming and alluring widow outside really takes over the master's place and bewitches him so much that he doesn't even want to come home? We are the head of this grand mansion, and if the master's favor is stolen by the outsider, wouldn't we be left waiting in that empty room, hoping for his return with bated breath?"

Upon hearing this, Yue Niang withdrew her hand and slowly adjusted her sleeve, the jade bracelet on her wrist jingling softly.

She glanced at Jinlian'er, took a sip of the fragrant tea beside her, and slowly said, "Silly girl! Since you know that we are the proper masters of this Ximen mansion, you should understand some principles. It is our duty to win over the master's heart; it is a proper skill. But this skill must come from the root."

She paused, her eyes darting around, glancing at Xiangling who stood to the side, seemingly understanding but not quite, before turning back to Jinlian'er: "If you want to keep the master in check, you must figure out his tastes and preferences. What colors does he like? What kind of music does he enjoy? Does he prefer quiet or liveliness? Does he like sweet or savory flavors? When he's asleep, does he like someone fanning him or scratching his back..."

"You must understand every single thing. Going along with his wishes and pleasing him is the key to securing his favor! No matter how beautiful or charming you are, if you only know how to act coquettishly or foolishly, or if you think of resorting to unorthodox methods like witchcraft, voodoo dolls, or gossiping and causing chaos in the household, giving your husband headaches and worries, do you think he will appreciate your good deeds?"

Moon Maiden put down her teacup, her voice lowered, yet carrying even more weight:
"Throughout history, how many of those who follow unorthodox paths have ended up well? They either bring trouble upon themselves or become the beneficiaries of others' efforts. Our Ximen family, with its vast wealth, is considered a wealthy family in Qinghe County, but we have succeeded through honest business practices and by maintaining harmony within the family."

"You should focus your energy on the right path and serve the master well. Isn't that better than anything else? Those wildflowers outside, no matter how fragrant and beautiful, are nothing but fleeting affairs. How can they enter the main hall and disrupt the order of our household?"

Jin Lian'er listened in a daze. Her hibiscus-like face first showed hesitation, but gradually a look of being taught appeared on her face. She twisted the handkerchief in her hand again and again.

After listening to Yue Niang's words, Pan Jinlian repeatedly thanked her, saying, "Your teachings are truly wise, every word is golden advice. I will remember them and dare not have any more wild thoughts."

After saying that, he suddenly knelt down with a "thump" in front of Yue Niang, his knees hitting the blue brick floor with a dull thud.

Wu Yueniang was just about to drink tea from the small, multicolored covered cup from the Chenghua kiln when she was startled by the sudden kneeling. Her hand paused, and the tea almost spilled out.

She put down her teacup, her two delicately drawn willow-leaf eyebrows slightly raised, and said in surprise, "Oh dear! What are you up to now, you little vixen? You just said you remembered it, and now you're acting all sneaky again. Why are you kneeling here for no reason? Get up and talk!"

Jinlian'er didn't get up, but instead lowered her head, twisting a bright red handkerchief tightly in her hand. Her voice, tinged with timidity and determination, was as soft as a mosquito's buzz as she said, "Good aunt, this servant... this servant has something on her mind, like a fishbone stuck in her throat, like a rope hanging over her heart. She doesn't know whether she should say it or not... she's afraid that if she says it, she'll anger you..."

Seeing her like this, Yue Niang already guessed what was going on, but she pretended to be relaxed, spat, and laughed as she scolded:
"You cunning and wicked hussy! Get up! Ever since you stepped through the threshold of this Ximen mansion, have I ever treated you like an outsider? When have I ever not doted on you? Even Xiangling,"

As she spoke, she glanced at Xiangling, who stood obediently to the side, and said, "You two are both people who are close to me. In the future, you will be promoted to the master's inner quarters. That is a sure thing and a matter of honor. In front of me, what is there that you are hiding or afraid to say? Get up and speak boldly!"

Upon hearing this, Jin Lian'er felt as if she had received a pardon. She abruptly raised her head, her teeth clenched as if she had made a tremendous decision, and hurriedly said:
"Auntie is magnanimous and kind-hearted, but I've crawled out of the mud and seen a lot of filth! I... I'm afraid of one thing! What if... what if that alluring widow outside has a good belly and comes here specifically to run this business, and one day she gets pregnant with Master's child... what if the woman outside gets pregnant first?"

The smile that Wu Yueniang had just been wearing froze on her face as if it had been hit by a cold wind, and then crumbled and peeled away little by little.

Her almond-shaped eyes suddenly widened, a sharp glint flashing in them, and stared directly at Jin Lian'er's face.

The air inside the room seemed to freeze suddenly, and even the incense smoke rising from the incense burner seemed to stagnate.

Xiangling listened with her heart pounding, barely daring to breathe, feeling a chill run up her spine.

The Moon Goddess remained silent for a long time, a silence so oppressive it was hard to breathe.

"Sigh..." Yue Niang rubbed her throbbing temples, her face showing an unusual weariness and gravity. "Your words... though unpleasant to hear, have struck a chord with me. How could I not hope that you two sisters would be worthy of the family name and produce offspring for the Ximen family as soon as possible?"

“But the ways of the world and people’s hearts have always been like this—whichever wildflower raised outside bears fruit first, there will inevitably be a huge uproar over there vying for status and property! This is by no means a sign of prosperity for our mansion; it is a misfortune for the family and the root of chaos!” She paused, her sharp eyes sweeping over Jinlian’er and Xiangling, who stood with her hands at her sides, and lowered her voice: “Moreover… the little affair between the master and her is ultimately something that cannot be brought into the light! There are some private things in my heart that I shouldn’t tell you, for fear of corrupting your minds.”

Looking in the direction where her master and Madam Lin had disappeared, Yue Niang said calmly, "That Madam Lin, with the glittering title of Lady of the Imperial Decree, how noble and respectable she is! Yet she disregards all shame and finds an excuse to step into my doorstep as the eldest daughter-in-law. That's fine, but frequent visits are the proper way for a family to prosper. I hope the two courtyards can visit each other often!"

"But to come here so blatantly for the first time, without even having a sip of tea or a meal, and then act as if no one else is around, trying to seduce the master and have fun in the Ximen mansion! Isn't that just like 'worshipping the Three Pure Ones before Buddha, and suing the King of Hell in the courtroom'?"

"To put it mildly, it's harmless and even a picture of family harmony. But to put it bluntly, this is more than just an offense; it's a slap in the face to me, Wu Yueniang, and a disgrace to my position as the head wife! I only wanted to please my husband and didn't want to cause any trouble..."

As Yue Niang finished speaking, she picked up her now-cold tea and took a sip, as if trying to calm herself. She looked up, her gaze sweeping back and forth between Jin Lian'er and Xiang Ling's faces several times:
“Since…since that vixen is so unrestrained, we can’t let her have her way.” Yue Niang said with a smile, “You two, pack your things later and go to the master’s place. If the master asks, just say that I sent you there to add some excitement and to entertain the master. Let’s see if that third-rank noblewoman is ashamed.”

Her tone shifted abruptly, her gaze turning stern as she stared at the two of them, emphasizing each word: "Remember! I don't care about your methods or schemes; you can do as you please. But there's only one rule—you must only add to the master's enjoyment, making him feel even better about the house! You must never act recklessly or show any jealousy or possessiveness, and you are absolutely forbidden from offending or provoking that Lady of the Imperial Decree in your words!"

"If you displease the master, spoil his enjoyment, or cause any embarrassment... Hmph, when the master's family discipline comes down, don't expect me to cover for you in the slightest! Physical suffering is a small matter, but losing the master's favor is truly a matter of life and death!"

Jinlian'er, having received this order that was both overt and covert, aimed to solidify her position in the emperor's favor, was overjoyed. She refused to believe the old widow could outdo her. As if a honey pot had been overturned, she forced a smile, only managing to curve her almond-shaped eyes into crescent moons as she said sweetly:

"Don't worry, Madam! I know what I'm doing. I'll make sure you're completely at ease and realize that the ladies in our household are the most considerate and charming! Just you wait and see, that flirtatious noblewoman still wants to have your child? With me here, she's dreaming!" With that, she grabbed the still somewhat bewildered Xiangling, swayed her slender waist, and rushed off like a gust of wind to get ready and prepare her methods.

Watching their excited departing figures, the Moon Goddess's eyes held a complex and unreadable expression, and she sighed. The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease!

Now, Jinlian'er, having received Yueniang's approval, felt as if she had received a royal decree, and her desire to win favor grew even stronger. She grabbed Xiangling, who had been keeping her head down and remaining silent, and turned to leave, urging, "Good sister, hurry and come with me to get ready, don't be late!"

When they reached a secluded spot under the corridor, Jinlian'er glanced left and right with her bright, alluring eyes. Seeing that no one was around, she suddenly stopped, turned around, and with an affectionate yet inquisitive smile on her face, leaned closer to Xiangling and asked in a low voice, "Good Ling'er, let me ask you something from the bottom of my heart—has Master... taken you in?"

Xiangling was taken aback by the question, and then her fair face flushed red to her ears, as if rouged. She hurriedly lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, almost inaudible: "...No...I didn't..."

"Really not?!" Pan Jinlian's eyes lit up instantly, scanning Xiangling's face several times to confirm she wasn't faking it. The latent hostility and wariness she harbored towards Xiangling melted away like thin ice exposed to the sun!

So she's a virgin who's never touched the master's body! Jin Lian'er's mind raced instantly. This innocent girl, who hasn't even been introduced to the master, naturally poses no threat. Her thoughts raced, and the affectionate smile on her face instantly became even sweeter, as if it could drip honey.

"Oh my silly Ling'er!" Jin Lian'er affectionately reached out and gently pinched Xiang Ling's smooth cheek, then took her arm and pressed her whole body against hers, as if the two were sisters. "In that case, you don't need to come along!"

Xiangling was taken aback by her sudden intimacy and looked up blankly, "Huh? Didn't Auntie instruct..."

“Auntie gave the order, but we have to consider the situation, don’t we?” Jin Lian’er’s eyes flickered, with a hint of “I’m thinking of you” in her concern. “What’s the situation outside? And what is Madam Lin’s status? What can a pure and innocent girl like you, with such a thin skin, do there?”

"Do you know how to serve a man? You're inexperienced, won't you be terrified? If you become timid and hesitant, you'll only upset the master, and you'll have failed your wife's mission and suffered a fright for nothing?"

Seeing that Xiangling seemed to understand only vaguely, she became even more confident, patting her chest and saying, "Good sister, you just stay in your room and do whatever you want, whether you're reading or writing. I'll go alone! No matter what kind of dangerous place it is, I've seen it all before, I have my own ways of handling things. I'll make sure I do a good job of what Auntie asked me to do, and I won't let you suffer that filth for nothing!"

Xiangling was already afraid of the outer mansion, and she was also afraid of meeting the noble Madam Lin. She was even more afraid that she did not know the ways to please men and would ruin the instructions given by her aunt.

Hearing Jinlian'er speak so sincerely and considerately, he felt relieved and quickly nodded gratefully, "Thank you for your consideration, Sister Jinlian! Then... then I'll have to trouble you, Sister."

Jin Lian'er was even more pleased to see how cooperative Xiang Ling was. She took Xiang Ling's hand but didn't rush to leave. Instead, she sat down on the balustrade under the eaves and put on a sincere and open-hearted look.

(End of this chapter)