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

Chapter 156 Night at the Ximen Mansion [10,000 words, seeking monthly votes]

Ximen Qing emerged from Li Shishi's warm and cozy boudoir, still carrying the warmth of the bed and the scent of perfume.

Stepping into the back garden, I saw the moonlight was hazy and the shadows of the trees were swaying. A cold draft swept over me without warning and went straight to my neck.

The official shivered and realized that he felt much lighter—he had forgotten his brand-new coat in Li Shishi's room!
The official thought to himself, then turned to go back and retrieve it. After a few steps, he returned to the door of the warm pavilion, only to see Li Shishi's personal maids, Xiao Tao and Jinse, leaning against the door frame, hands on their hips, blocking the way like door gods.

When Xiao Tao saw the master return, she quickly curtsied, her face beaming with smiles, but her voice was low: "Greetings, sir! Miss is currently... is currently bathing and changing inside, the water is splashing, and she has instructed that no one is to disturb her."

The official listened intently and indeed heard the faint sound of splashing water coming from behind the screen deep in the warm pavilion, interspersed with Shishi's languid and weak singing. The sound was not like a melody, but rather like a low panting breath, or the warbling of a beautiful oriole, captivating and enchanting.

As expected of the top voice actor, Ximen Da Guanren felt a surge of warmth in his heart, followed by a sense of helplessness. At this moment, that jacket was probably draped over the incense burner, warming and fragrant.

She could only wave her hand at the two maids: "Alright, alright, once your young lady is ready, please bring the coat to my room tomorrow." Xiao Tao smiled and readily agreed.

No sooner had Master Ximen left than Xiao Tao, the maid who had been blocking the door, lifted the curtain and quietly slipped into the warm chamber.

The room was filled with steam, a sweet and warm fragrance mingled with the aroma of bath beans, making one feel weak in the knees. Behind a gilded screen with phoenix decorations, the faint sound of splashing water could be heard.

Xiao Tao tiptoed around the screen, and the scene before her eyes brightened. In a large, vermilion-lacquered bathtub, Li Shishi leaned languidly against the rim. Hot water overflowed, and rising steam clung to her smooth, white body like a veil. The clear water reflected the flickering candlelight, casting a hazy, dreamlike glow over the scene beneath.

Her shoulders were sculpted like jade, soft and warm, with water droplets rolling down their smooth curves. Ripples spread as she scooped water with her hand. Her skin, reflected in the shimmering water, shone with an incredibly smooth, fleshy sheen, inspiring fantasies.

Her jet-black hair clung damply to her smooth back, with a few strands sticking to her sweaty cheeks and neck, adding to her alluring languor.

The candlelight and the reflection in the water illuminated her skin, making it appear like fine white porcelain, yet also radiating a vibrant, fragrant pink hue. She was truly a soft, warm jade, filling the room with a lively and enchanting atmosphere.

Xiao Tao clicked her tongue in admiration, "Oh my, Miss! Every time I see you bathing, even the Jade Maiden descended from Guanyin Bodhisattva's throne isn't as beautiful as you! Look at that figure, that flesh... No wonder all the princes, nobles, and high-ranking officials in Tokyo have their eyes glued to you, wanting only to lock you up like a canary in their rich cages!"

Li Shishi didn't even bother to lift her eyelids, only letting out a lazy hum from her nose, letting the lukewarm water wash over her. Her slender fingers listlessly fiddled with the petals floating on the water's surface, the petals clinging to her fingertips before slipping away.

"Hmph, those princes and nobles, their mouths are full of honey, but which of their words are sincere?" Her voice was lazy and sticky with moisture: "How many sisters and brothers have been elevated by them, and what have they ended up with?"

"How many people have died in deep mansions with white eyebrows and red eyes? I've seen through their tricks better than a glass lamp!" She paused, her body underwater straightening slightly, the candlelight illuminating half of her snow-white, wet shoulder and neck.

"Haven't you heard that saying?" Li Shishi glanced at Xiao Tao sideways, her red lips parting slightly: "A wife is not as good as a concubine, a concubine is not as good as a stolen one, and a stolen one is not as good as one that can't be stolen!"

She flicked the withered petal in her hand, letting it drift on the water's surface, her tone growing increasingly cold and self-deprecating: "Now that I'm outside this cage, relying on this empty fame, relying on the itch they can't 'steal', I'm naturally worth a hundred times more, everyone is chasing after me, wishing they could pile mountains of gold and silver in front of me."

She raised her wet arm, water droplets sliding down her slender, lotus-root-like arm, her posture utterly captivating, yet her words were as cold as ice: "But once I truly comply with their wishes, enter their gilded cage, and become that 'stolen' thing... humph!"

Li Shishi gave a cold laugh, the sound of which seemed particularly jarring in the steamy atmosphere of the warm pavilion:
"They really become dusty old decorations on their shelves, moldy old clothes under chests! Once the novelty wears off, putting them away is considered a blessing from their ancestors, while they are often beaten or scolded, given away, or even sold to shameful places for a few taels of silver!"

She abruptly submerged herself in the water, leaving only her beautiful face, as lovely as a peach blossom, floating on the surface. Her eyes, however, held no warmth whatsoever as she sighed softly:
"So, silly girl, instead of believing their hypocritical and nonsensical 'appreciation,' why not just openly 'sell' yourself outside this cage? You'll have money to spare, your body will be at ease, and you'll feel good inside!"

“Miss is right!” Xiao Tao leaned closer, picked up the fine linen cloth draped over the bucket, and gently wiped her smooth back as she said, “Just now, Master Ximen returned and left his coat inside the house.”

Upon hearing this, Li Shishi glanced at the padded jacket placed beside the bed, the man's sweat and stench still lingering in her nostrils.

She was silent for a moment, her body, immersed in the hot water, shifted slightly, creating a soft splashing sound. Suddenly, out of the blue, she asked a question, her voice slightly hoarse from the bath:

"Little Peach, tell me... are there people in this world who don't care about money or physical attraction, but simply because they find each other's interests, temperaments, and ways compatible, and get along well, they... develop genuine feelings and develop that tender and lingering love?"

Xiao Tao was wringing the fine linen handkerchief in her hands when she heard this. She was taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing, almost choking on her own laughter. Her eyebrows curved into crescent moons, revealing her mischievousness: "Oh my dear young lady! What a question! Of course there are plenty of those! They're everywhere!"

She draped the cloth over the rim of the bucket, counted on her fingers, and vividly imitated the neighborhood slang:

"As the saying goes, 'A turtle and a mung bean are a perfect match, a lame donkey and a broken millstone are a match made in heaven!' 'A lousy chess player can beat a master chess player for three days and three nights without feeling hunger or thirst!' 'A music lover meets a flute player, isn't that a perfect match?'"

"And then there's that saying, 'The butcher's wife loves watching pigs being slaughtered, and the scholar's daughter enjoys reading sentimental essays. To each their own, and when they find something they like, they're scratching the right spot, and it's like a spark igniting a wildfire.' Miss, don't you think that's a twisted logic?"

Li Shishi was amused and chuckled, causing ripples on the water. She laughed and scolded, "You little hussy! You're getting more and more unruly! What are you chewing on? It's like you've seen countless turtles, mung beans, lame donkeys, and broken millstones! I'll tear your glib tongue apart if you're not careful!"

Xiao Tao giggled and dodged away, pleading, "I was just going along with what you said, using a simple analogy! The words may be crude, but the principle is sound, isn't it?"

She stole a glance at Li Shishi and saw that although Li Shishi was laughing and scolding, her eyes were covered with a layer of misty water. It didn't seem like she was really angry, but rather revealed a kind of inexplicable loneliness, like the red tears of a candle, hot and then cold.

Xiao Tao muttered to herself, no longer daring to joke, and simply lowered her head to focus on serving this unpredictable courtesan as she bathed.

The warm pavilion was once again filled with the sound of splashing water and rising steam, but even this couldn't dispel the inexplicable chill that had washed over Li Shishi's heart. Gazing at the flickering candlelight, she sighed softly and sank even deeper into the water.

When the official returned to his room, he felt a chill all over his body.

Just as he sat down to have a sip of cold tea to calm himself, he heard a soft "whoosh" of the curtain. His trusted servant, Dai'an, shrank his neck and tiptoed in like a thief, his face showing a hint of panic, pale and uncertain, as if he had seen a ghost in broad daylight.

Ximen Qing was already in a bad mood when he caught a glimpse of this. He slammed his teacup heavily on the table and yelled, "You little rascal! Where have you been hiding? I told you to stay in the room and obey my orders, and you've been nowhere to be seen all this time!"

Seeing his master's anger, Dai'an hurriedly knelt down, but forced a fawning smile onto his face and replied in a sly tone:
“My good father! I deserve to die! But… I saw you go into Miss Li’s inner quarters, and I figured that with your skills in subduing the 'Rouge Tiger,' and the speed with which you mounted your horse, it would probably take you several hours to recover. I was just waiting outside, the cold wind was blowing down my neck, and my bones were stiff, so… I thought I had nothing else to do, so I went out for a walk to warm myself up…”

Upon hearing the subtle flattery in these words, Ximen Qing laughed and cursed, "What a cunning lackey! Your mouth is getting smoother and smoother, like it's been coated with honey! From which scoundrel did you learn such disrespectful and shameless talk?"

Seeing the master smile, Dai'an grew bolder. As he got up, he wiped his forehead and temples. This wipe was significant; by the candlelight, Ximen Qing could clearly see that Dai'an's forehead was covered with a dense layer of sweat, glistening under the lamplight, and even his temples were soaked.

"Huh?" Ximen Qing asked in surprise, "In this freezing weather, you went out for a 'walk' and you're all sweaty? It's like you ran ten miles and stole someone's wife!"

Dai An was stumped by the question. His fawning smile froze for a moment, and his eyes darted around. He quickly smiled again and said, "Well... I was walking in a hurry and sweated a bit. Hehe, I learned to talk like this from the steward..." He made up an excuse, but a few more beads of sweat rolled down his neck.

Ximen Qing squinted at Dai An's furtive appearance, never expecting him to have done something so serious. He simply snorted and waved his hand, "Go to sleep. We'll go back after the city gates open tomorrow."

Having been away from the grand and luxurious Ximen residence for several days, the quiet and deserted guest room stirred up some longing. I wonder what Yueniang is doing under the lamp right now? And those two maids, Jinlian'er and Xiangling, who are always so good at acting cute and silly, are probably gossiping somewhere.

As the Beginning of Winter approaches, the chill in the air grows stronger.

The backyard of the Ximen residence was bustling with activity and noise, even more lively than the market.

Wu Yueniang sat upright on the kang (heated brick bed) in the warm hall, wearing a simple silver fur coat. A thick account book and several pages of red paper gift lists were spread out on the kang table in front of her. Her face was calm as she glanced at the group of maids and servants bustling about.

Yue Niang slightly raised her chin, exuding the authority of an elder woman: "Xiao Yu, the storeroom key is with you. Go and count out those twenty newly harvested baskets of top-quality Qingzhou cabbages. Have a few maids move them to the open space in the back shed. Make sure they are washed and wilted tonight, in preparation for pickling winter vegetables. Remember, the salt must be aged salt from an old jar, and the peppercorns, star anise, and ginger slices must be prepared in full according to the old custom. Not a single bit less will do!"

"Yes, Auntie!" Xiaoyu replied crisply, then turned and left briskly.

Yue Niang's gaze then turned to Lai Bao's wife, who was standing to the side: "Have all the mountain produce and wild game that Lai Bao purchased and delivered from Hu Family Village the other day been counted and stored?"

Lai Bao's wife hurriedly bowed and replied, "Reporting to Auntie, everything has been counted: twenty pairs of pheasants, four deer legs, fifty catties of roe deer meat, thirty dried wild rabbits, and ten baskets of various dried mushrooms. They are all piled up in the warehouse, and the accounts have been recorded."

“Hmm,” Yue Niang nodded, her fingertips tracing the gift list. “The best game is selected: a pair of deer legs, six pairs of pheasants, twenty catties of roe deer meat, two baskets of top-quality mushrooms, along with four jars of newly opened Jinhua wine from our cellar. Everything is prepared; this is a gift for the county magistrate.”

"Also select four plump wild rabbits, four pairs of pheasants, and a basket of common mushrooms, along with two bolts of fine Lu silk. This is for Master Qian in the county government. Once the items are prepared, have Lai Bao deliver them first thing tomorrow morning, so as not to be late."

"As for the other garrison militias, they will be sent to Hujiazhuang in accordance with the usual practice of the previous year when the second batch arrives."

"Yes, madam, I'll go do it right away." Lai Bao's wife received the order and hurried off.

"Yu Xiao!" Yue Niang called over her personal maid Yu Xiao again, only to find that no one was around. Yu Xiao was probably chopping wood and tending the stove in the backyard, or scrubbing the filthy chamber pot.

A wave of sadness washed over her. After all, she was her head maid who had served her for so many years, rarely making mistakes. She was usually the most considerate and self-reliant, quick and efficient, with a good memory, handling all sorts of trivial matters flawlessly. How hateful… how hateful that she couldn't control her own desires, couldn't rein in those two wanton legs!

She changed the subject and said, "Jinlian, you personally take Chun'er and Qiu'er and pack four boxes each of the various delicate pastries you made the other day: jujube paste and yam cake, chestnut pastry, rose sugar cake, and sesame crisps. Seal them with oil paper. These are to be distributed to the neighbors and familiar female relatives. Also, pack a separate box of the most exquisite ones and put it in the study so that the master can enjoy them while writing."

Jin Lian'er quickly replied, "Your Madam is very thoughtful, I understand." She silently memorized the details.

Yue Niang glanced at Jin Lian'er, who was fighting back with eyes full of life, and sighed in her heart. She thought of Yu Xiao again, who could remember many more things perfectly.

No sooner had the instructions been given than Sun Xue'e, the kitchen manager, came back with a small booklet in hand to report:
"Auntie, the menu for the banquet at the manor on the day of Lidong (the beginning of winter) has been prepared. Please take a look. The first dish is 'Hundred Treasures (cabbage) Bringing Blessings' Soup, for good luck!"

"The dishes include braised deer tendon and sea cucumber until tender, pheasant and mushroom hot pot, and steamed winter bamboo shoots and duck; along with a few seasonal stir-fries, four kinds of dried fruit, four kinds of fresh fruit, and four kinds of candied fruit; the staple food is mutton dumplings for the Beginning of Winter, and the soup is old hen stewed with goji berries and red dates. Does that sound alright?"

The Moon Goddess carefully examined the ingredients and nodded, saying, "Alright. The deer tendons must be thoroughly soaked, and the sea cucumbers should be plump and thick. The baby pheasants should be tender. The mutton for the dumpling filling must be freshly slaughtered lamb, finely chopped, and plenty of ginger juice to remove the gamey smell. Go to the shop today and buy all the ingredients you need. Go to the accounting office to collect the money, and then report the accounts to me later."

"Yes, Auntie, I guarantee there won't be any problems!" Sun Xue'e breathed a sigh of relief after receiving confirmation and hurriedly went to make arrangements.

Moon Lady remembered something else and called to a young maid who had just finished moving cabbages: "Dongmei, go to the front accounting office and tell clerk Fu to carefully calculate the winter clothing allowances due to each household head, estate manager, and shopkeeper this year, along with the holiday bonuses, according to the old custom. Seal them tightly in red paper and make sure they are distributed two days before the start of winter. Don't let anyone gossip behind our backs and say that our household has been shortchanging us!"

In no time, the Moon Goddess spoke eloquently and logically, assigning all the matters related to purchasing, preparing, storing, and giving gifts for the Beginning of Winter in a proper and orderly manner.

The maids and servants received their orders and performed their duties diligently, busy yet without chaos. Under Yue Niang's direction, the vast Ximen mansion began to operate in an orderly manner in preparation for the upcoming Winter Solstice Festival.

The brazier on the kang table steamed with warmth, reflecting Yue Niang's calm and focused face. This composure and competence were the very foundation of the stability of the Ximen family's backyard.

She picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and looked at the prosperous scene of "rice piled up in heaps" before her. A hint of satisfaction flashed across her eyes, but she was worried about her husband again, wondering how he was doing in the capital.

After assigning many trivial tasks, Yue Niang felt a heavy weight in her heart and wanted to catch her breath. So she took the hand of her personal maid Xiao Yu and walked out, picking up her jade flute and strolling towards the backyard.

The moon was as large as ice, offering little warmth, and the chill was eerie.

The rear quarters, being adjacent to the kitchen and servants' yard, appeared more chaotic than other areas. The air was filled with the smells of firewood smoke, the salty odor of pickled vegetables, and an indescribable, murky atmosphere of life at the bottom of society.

In the dim light of the night, a thin figure could be seen struggling to chop firewood with a heavy axe. Beside him, several freshly washed, damp, and gleaming chamber pots sat crookedly.

The figure was wrapped in a tattered, stiff, coarse cloth coat, its sleeves rolled up high, revealing forearms that were no longer as fair as before, but instead tanned dark, covered with chilblains, cracks, and bruises. Old wounds layered with new ones were a shocking sight in the pale moonlight.

She chopped a few times, then stopped to catch her breath. Sweat clung to her face, making her look disheveled.

Yue Niang paused, a sharp pang in her heart. That figure—who else could it be but Yu Xiao? The Yu Xiao who had followed her since before her marriage, combing her hair and makeup, managing her trunks and keys, a figure of some standing in the Ximen household! And now she had fallen to this state. Yu Xiao seemed to sense the gaze and abruptly looked up. Their eyes met, and Yue Niang clearly saw the immense panic, shame, and… a sliver of humble hope that surged within her eyes. Yue Niang's heart tightened; unable to bear watching any longer, she immediately turned and walked away.

"Auntie—!" A hoarse cry, tinged with tears, rang out from behind, followed by a muffled thud.

Yue Niang froze, not turning around, but she could imagine Yu Xiao kneeling on the cold, muddy ground.

"Auntie! I know I was wrong! I really know I was wrong! Please, Auntie, have mercy! Please forgive me this time!" Yu Xiao's voice trembled with despair, and the sound of her forehead hitting the ground was clearly audible: "I will never dare to do it again! Please, for the sake of how I have served you since I was a child... I beg you..."

The words "served her since childhood" struck Yue Niang's heart like a heavy hammer. Her vision blurred instantly, as if she could see again the nimble little maid Yu Xiao from her maiden home, bringing her tea and water, keeping her company while she embroidered, and chatting. The two of them had once shared a tender affection. A wave of bitterness rushed to her nose, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

She gripped the handkerchief hidden in her sleeve tightly, her nails almost digging into her palms. She couldn't be soft-hearted! Absolutely not! Yu Xiao had committed a grave offense, a mistake that could bring shame upon the entire Ximen household and embarrass her, the legitimate wife!
If we let this go lightly, where are the rules? Where is our authority? How will we manage the servants in this household in the future?

Moon Lady took a deep breath of the icy air, forcibly suppressing the sob in her throat. Her voice was deliberately raised, carrying an icy hardness and sternness, as she rebuked without turning her head:

"You know you're wrong? Too late! This is the result of your own actions, and you deserve this punishment! The rules of this manor are not to be trifled with! If I spare you today, everyone will follow suit tomorrow, and the cats and dogs in the courtyard will dare to climb on the roof and tear off the tiles! Wouldn't this backyard become a filthy place? You'd better bear it! If you dare to say another word, you'll be in for a beating!"

Having said that, she didn't linger. Almost hastily, supported by Xiaoyu, she quickly left this suffocating place. Behind her, only Yuxiao's suppressed, desperate sobs remained.

Only after walking a long way, until the crying could no longer be heard, did Yue Niang's tense back relax slightly, and her steps slowed down. She silently trod on the moonlight that shimmered like broken silver on the ground, while Xiao Yu, watching her expression, dared not even breathe loudly.

After a long silence, Yue Niang finally spoke in a low voice, her tone slightly hoarse: "Xiao Yu."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Xiaoyu replied quickly, holding her breath.

“From today onwards…” Yue Niang paused, as if choosing her words carefully, “…in the daily meals served to the servants in the kitchen, add an extra spoonful of meat to Yu Xiao’s…meat. Whether it’s slices of meat or meat soup, there must be a little bit of oil. Don’t let anyone notice anything special. Occasionally, put some chicken legs at the bottom of her bowl. She’s a clever person, she’ll know what’s going on.”

Xiaoyu's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately understood the old lady's intention. She whispered, "Yes, I understand. I will tell Granny Wang in the kitchen in secret."

Moon Lady walked on in silence for a while longer. When she was almost at the main room's door, she suddenly stopped, turned her head, and looked sharply at her most trusted confidante beside her. Her tone was more solemn and admonishing than ever before:

"Xiaoyu, listen carefully and remember this well. All of you who serve me and the master have your dignity given to you by your master, so you must know how to respect yourselves! If in the future... any of you have any intention of getting married and living a proper life, just come to me openly, kowtow, and say a word!"

“I, Wu Yueniang, am not such a harsh mistress. I will find you a respectable and honest family, prepare a decent dowry, and send you off in style, thus fulfilling the bond between mistress and servant!”

Her voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a chilling edge: "But what if someone is shameless and secretly does such a despicable and disgraceful thing..."

Moon Lady's gaze swept over Xiao Yu's face, which had turned deathly pale. Each word was sharp and piercing: "Yu Xiao's predicament today is your fate tomorrow! Did you hear me?"

Xiaoyu trembled under that gaze, and knelt down with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly. Her voice was strained: "This servant heard you! This servant will remember your teachings, Madam! I would never dare to harbor the slightest improper thoughts! I would never dare to do anything that would damage the reputation of the manor! If this servant utters even a single falsehood, may I be struck by lightning!"

Looking at Xiaoyu kneeling on the ground, and recalling the desperate figure by the woodshed, Yueniang felt a mix of emotions. In the end, she said nothing more, only wearily waving her hand: "Get up."

Now, following the old custom, Lai Bao rode a fast horse, accompanied by two clever and strong servants. Traveling day and night, covered in dust, he arrived at the remote, mountainous, and densely forested Hu Family Village.

But after nightfall, the village appeared even more desolate than in previous years.

The farmers were gathered together, seemingly discussing something important, their faces all etched with worry and despair.

Hu Cheng, the young master of Hu Family Manor, had already received the news. He hurriedly went out of the manor to greet the chief steward of Ximen Mansion. When he saw him, he hurriedly put on a smile and said "thank you for your hard work." However, his smile was three parts anxious and seven parts forced, as if it were pasted on.

"Steward Lai, you must be tired from your journey! Please come in and have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up!" Hu Cheng ushered him into the main hall of Futang with great hospitality.

Lai Bao didn't refuse much. He lifted his robe, sat down, took a bowl of tea, briefly moistened his lips with it, and then placed it on the table. Without even raising his eyelids, he went straight to the point:
“Young Master Hu, we’ve known each other for a long time, so let’s skip the formalities. Frost’s Descent has passed and Winter’s Beginning is just around the corner. Your household is eagerly awaiting various wild game and mountain produce to prepare festival gifts and feasts.”

"We clearly wrote it down in black and white before the New Year: this second batch of mountain goods requires 100 catties of roe deer meat, 30 pairs of pheasants, 8 fat deer legs, 10 baskets of top-quality dried mushrooms, plus 30 dried wild rabbits... Now, I suppose everything is ready?"

Hu Cheng's smile froze, and he rubbed his hands, looking somewhat embarrassed: "Steward... well... to be honest, this year the mountains have encountered some kind of evil spirit, and wild animals are extremely scarce, ten times harder to hunt than in previous years!"

"The villagers got up before dawn and worked until midnight, but they could only manage to gather about 70 or 80 percent of the required amount. They were still short 20 jin of roe deer meat, 10 pairs of pheasants, and deer legs... Alas, they only managed to find two decent ones. The wild rabbit and mushrooms, however, were enough to make up the required amount."

"Considering how difficult things have been for everyone, could you grant me a few more days? I'll urge them into the mountains like my life depends on it, and I'll risk my life to make up for the shortfall for the Ximen family!"

Lai Bao put down his teacup, the polite smile on his face vanishing instantly, revealing a pair of piercing eyes. He slowly dusted off non-existent dust from his robe and said in a deep voice:
“Young Master Hu, our family has been doing business with your Hu family manor for quite some time now. You must be a loyal customer, right? The two hundred taels of silver deposit we made before the New Year were delivered to your manor in full, without missing a single coin.”

"With the start of winter fast approaching, countless eyes are on the stove, and countless mouths are waiting for the feast to begin. Furthermore, so many high-ranking officials and nobles from Qinghe County and the capital are waiting for the proper etiquette from my Ximen residence. It cannot be delayed. And you're telling me that so much is still lacking?"

Lai Bao, without making a sound, added the names of the high-ranking officials and nobles of the "capital" to his speech, then leaned forward slightly, staring into Hu Cheng's eyes, lowering his voice with an all-knowing shrewdness:

"Besides... on my way here, I heard that the Zhu family village next door has hit the jackpot this year, with their granaries overflowing with wild game, and they're just worried about not finding any generous customers to buy it."

"As for the price... hehe, I heard it's slightly more flexible than what we agreed on before the New Year. Before I left, my aunt specifically instructed that if your estate is really unable to afford it, our household... isn't without other avenues to explore."

"No! Steward! No!" Hu Cheng's face turned pale and sweat instantly broke out on his forehead when he heard the words "Zhu Family Village".

Ximen Mansion is a regular customer of Hu Family Village. If this deal falls through, not only will they have to return the two hundred taels deposit before the New Year, but it will also be even more difficult to survive without this regular customer.

He quickly stood up: "Master Steward, please calm down! Please calm down! It's our estate that's been incompetent! Please sit for a moment! I'll personally go and urge them to make sure you get what's missing today! Today, I will make sure you get everything you need! The price... the price will be the same as it was before the New Year! No bargaining!"

Lai Bao then picked up his teacup again, blew away the foam, and said without even raising his eyelids, "The roe deer meat and pheasant, the last batch is already in the manor. My aunt said that the quality is far inferior to that of two years ago. It's one thing to be short-weight, but this deer leg is so thin... it really doesn't look presentable."

"Now that you've delayed our season again, how about this, I'll give you those few good deerskins you have stored on your estate as compensation. Also, those dried mushrooms, I see that several baskets look... hmm?"

Hu Cheng felt as if he were being stabbed in the heart, knowing that his opponent had his Achilles' heel. He could only grit his teeth and steel his resolve: "Very well! The head steward has a good eye! Those few deerskins... add them on! As for the mushrooms... I'll personally go to the storeroom and pick out ten baskets of the best for the Ximen residence, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

Lai Bao nodded in satisfaction: "Then I'll trouble Young Master Hu. I'll stay here for the night; the goods need to be loaded onto the trucks tomorrow."

Hu Cheng wiped his sweat, nodded repeatedly, and hurriedly rushed out of the hall to make arrangements.

Lai Bao watched Hu Cheng's disheveled figure, a barely perceptible sneer curling at the corner of his lips. In business, it's all about timing and finesse; with these good deerskins in hand, he could buy several fine, expensive coats or cushions.

He calmly sipped his coarse tea, pondering how to explain things to his aunt and how much money he could save for his uncle.

Hu Cheng forced out a last bit of a smile and left the hall.

A cold wind blew, but the anxiety in his heart felt like boiling oil. He called the steward over: "The meat we're delivering this time—roe deer, pheasant, and deer legs—is all short of the required weight! The Ximen family are our honored guests; we can't neglect them!"

He was panting heavily, his spittle almost spraying onto the steward's face: "You must go to the neighboring Li family village tonight and borrow some roe deer meat, pheasant, and deer legs to tide us over!"

The old steward readily agreed, "Yes, yes, yes! I'll go right away and borrow those mountain goods back!"

Just as Hu Cheng was urging the farmhands to work frantically, burning the midnight oil to gather goods and load them onto the carts, a rapid, rain-like sound of hooves came from afar in the deep night outside the village, shattering the silence of the mountains and fields.

A magnificent, fiery red horse, its hooves swirling, swept towards the manor gate like a crimson whirlwind. Before the horse had even come to a complete stop, the rider deftly flicked the stirrups and leaped gracefully to the ground.

In the firelight, it was clearly visible that it was none other than Hu Sanniang, the famous young lady of Hu Family Village.

She was dressed in a fiery red silk outfit that clung tightly to her body, outlining her stunningly voluptuous figure, typical of a martial artist. Her chest was prominent, stretching the tightly bound garment to its fullest extent.

Although her waist was cinched to a slender waist, it exuded a resilient strength, connecting to her suddenly protruding, round, full-moon-like buttocks below. The curve, after being jostled around on the saddle for so long, still carried a trembling quality that stirred the heart.

She was extremely beautiful, with almond-shaped eyes and peach-blossom cheeks, and a striking and heroic air about her. However, at this moment, her eyebrows were raised, her beautiful eyes were filled with murderous intent, and her cheeks still had a blush of rouge on them, which added to her wild and untamed shrewishness.

Travel-worn, with slightly damp temples and a few strands of hair clinging to her smooth forehead and neck, the embroidered phoenix knife at her waist slapped against the outside of her firm and elastic thigh with her movements. A chilling aura emanated from her, indicating that she had traveled a great distance and rushed back to the manor with a heart full of anger.

Hu Cheng caught a glimpse of his sister's fiery red figure and felt a sense of relief. He rushed forward and asked, "Sister! You're finally back! In the capital... have you gotten the cloth and silk? There are thousands of people on the estate who are desperately counting on this material to make winter clothes."

Although Hu Sanniang was beautiful with a touch of heroism, her voice carried a hint of coquettishness and resentment unique to young women: "Brother! Don't even mention it! I just picked out the finest thick cotton satin and fabrics, and even paid the deposit at their counter! Who knew that as soon as I stepped out, I was harassed by a few ignorant brats and scoundrels! They were swearing and trying to rub their filthy hands on me!"

Her almond-shaped eyes widened, and her willow-leaf eyebrows shot up: "When have I, Hu Sanniang, ever suffered such filth? In a fit of rage, I punched and kicked those scoundrels until they were crawling on the ground! But when I turned to find the cloth shop owner, he turned out to be a coward! He was so scared that his face turned green, saying that we had offended the nobles in the city, and he absolutely refused to sell us any more goods! He even returned the deposit! I'm truly furious!"

Upon hearing this, Hu Cheng's face instantly changed from sallow to deathly pale, and then turned a deep liver color, causing him to collapse.

He beat his chest and stamped his feet, his voice trembling with tears: "Oh my dear aunt! My dear ancestor! What did my brother say to her the night before she left?"

"The capital is a den of dragons and tigers, a place where dragons and tigers hide! The streets are full of noble sons, you must restrain your temper and be patient for a while to make things better! How could you... how could you not control your fists!"

"Now look what's happened! We haven't even gotten the cloth! What am I supposed to do to shut everyone up in this village? Are we supposed to make them go hunting and gathering herbs in tattered, exposed clothes? Besides, there's no one to make new clothes. Winter Solstice, Lantern Festival, and New Year are coming up soon. We can't expect everyone to celebrate the holidays in their old clothes."

He pointed at his sister, his finger trembling with anger.

Hu Sanniang was scolded by her brother, and her coquettishness was instantly suppressed by her anger. She straightened her back, and the lines of her round and full buttocks were taut under her tight red pants, showing amazing elasticity and strength.

She retorted without backing down, her voice clear yet menacing: "Tolerate? Brother! You want me to stand there like a prostitute and let those filthy bastards touch my face and pinch my hands? I, Hu Sanniang, am a man of integrity, and I don't have the 'tolerance' in my bones! If they hit me, so be it, what's there to regret! If they come again, I'll beat them until their parents don't recognize them!"

Hu Cheng was so speechless by her blunt words that he rolled his eyes and almost choked on his breath. He pointed at her and stammered, "You...you..." for a long time before finally stamping his foot heavily and sighing, "Alas! My silly sister! What's the use of saying all this now! We're out of cloth! Several major festivals are coming up soon. Are we supposed to make everyone, young and old, wear old clothes?"

Looking at her brother's face, which was so full of sorrow, and then glancing at the worried and expectant eyes of the villagers peeking through the cracks in the doors and windows, the raging anger in Hu Sanniang's chest seemed to be doused with cold water and gradually subsided, turning into a heavy feeling of helplessness and bitterness that stuck in her heart.

Her full lower lip was bitten tightly by her pearly teeth, leaving a slightly alluring indentation, but a resolute glint flashed in her eyes:

"Brother! Don't worry! If we can't buy them in the capital, I'll just ride as fast as I can to Qinghe County to get them! Qinghe County is a major port on the Grand Canal, with countless merchant ships coming and going! It's just that... it's just that the price is a little higher than in the capital! We'll tighten our belts, spend a little more money, and we'll be able to buy them!"

"More expensive?" Hu Cheng gave a bitter laugh, his voice filled with despair and weariness. "How much silver do you think our estate has left? These days, those people are expanding their territory more and more, taking over a lot of the forest that should belong to us. This year's income has plummeted, where would we find the extra money to buy that 'more expensive' Qinghe cloth? Sigh! This year-end... it's really going to be tough!"

Looking at his sister's stubborn yet self-reproachful face, he could only sigh heavily and turn back to deal with Lai Bao.

Hu Sanniang stood there, clenching her fists tightly, gazing towards Qinghe County in the distance, a layer of unyielding sorrow shrouding her heroic brows.

[Nearly 20,000 words have been updated, please vote with your monthly tickets!]

(End of this chapter)