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

Chapter 181 The High Official Embarks on His Path to Success Again
Although Ximen Da Guanren was not completely sober, the sweet words and attentive service from his wife and maidservants made him feel a tingling sensation deep inside.

Upon hearing the words "Master Mi," the last bit of clarity that had been suppressed by the alcohol suddenly surged up.

He took the sandalwood box in his hand.

It felt heavy in my hand, and the deep, warm fragrance of the sandalwood, mixed with the slightly astringent smell of new lacquer, filled my nostrils.

My fingertips rubbed against the smooth, cool silver-plated edge, then I gently pressed on the exquisite turquoise clasp. With a crisp "click," the mechanism sprang open.

Inside lay a neatly folded, antique-colored silk scroll.

The official held his breath, carefully took out the scroll of silk, and slowly unfurled it on the kang table.

The flickering candlelight illuminated the silk scroll clearly: its texture was fine and tough, with the "black silk" pattern woven between the warp and weft threads faintly visible—this was the renowned "Shu silk"!

The silk was a slightly ivory-yellow color, with ink stains dripping on it. Each character was as if carved by a knife and axe, with rugged and angular strokes, yet it flowed smoothly like clouds and water, revealing an indescribable wildness and freedom. It was Mi Fu's unparalleled writing style!

The characters varied in size and ink density, with countless variations in thickness and dryness. Each stroke, when started, was like a boulder falling from a high peak, sending a shiver down one's spine.

The final stroke is like a gossamer thread, captivating the viewer's soul.

Its sharpness is revealed at the turning point, yet it is also perfectly natural, like the traces left by Mi Fu in his drunken revelry.

The ink is deep and rich, yet vibrant and full of life. You can almost hear the soft rustling of the brush against the silk, making your heart itch with desire.

At this moment, Yue Niang, Jin Lian'er, Xiang Ling, and Li Guijie also curiously gathered around, their perfumes and body fragrances filling the greenhouse to the brim.

Although they knew a few characters and understood a few lines of poetry, when it came to calligraphy, especially the unrestrained style of Mi Fu, who reached the pinnacle and triumphed over rules with "intention," it was as if they were separated by a thousand mountains. They saw the characters as crooked and grotesque, completely lacking the upright, rounded, and noble style of the official script they usually saw.

Jin Lian'er was the most outspoken. She pursed her cherry-like lips, twisted her waist, and spoke first, her voice crisp and bright:
"Oh, my good sir! This dark, messy blob, what kind of drunken madman smeared this in a fit of madness? Is it really worth that general sending it over as a treasure? In my opinion, it would be better to send a few bolts of the latest palace satin, or a few boxes of exquisite pearl-embroidered hair ornaments from the south, to wear on the sisters' heads. Wouldn't you be happier then?"

As she spoke, her eyes darted toward Ximen Qing's face.

The official laughed heartily and pinched Jinlian'er's waist: "What do you know, you little hussy! Don't underestimate this 'torn silk'! This is an authentic work by Mi Fu! Priceless! Take it to the capital, and you can easily find someone who knows its value to exchange it for several mansions with gardens and waterside pavilions without batting an eye!"

"Ah!" Upon hearing this, all the women gasped in unison, their cherry-like mouths agape.

A grand mansion in the capital! Several of them! That's an unimaginable display of wealth! Although they knew their own homes were luxurious, the mountains of gold and silver piled up in several mansions in the capital still far exceeded their appetites.

Sure enough, once such things were converted into gold and white, the women's eyes instantly filled with awe, and the ink seemed to be plated with a layer of gold.

Amidst the gasps of amazement, a muffled thud was suddenly heard!
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw that Xiangling, who was usually the most docile and timid, was kneeling upright on the cold floor tiles!

Her body trembled uncontrollably, her lips quivered, and even the small silver hairpin in her hair swayed precariously. Tears welled up in her eyes.

This sudden action stunned everyone. Jin Lian'er scoffed, covering her mouth with her handkerchief: "Xiang Ling'er, are you so happy you've gone mad? Or has your soul been bewitched by this calligraphy?"

Moon Lady frowned and said, "What are you doing all of a sudden? Get up quickly, the floor is getting cold!"

Ximen Qing was also greatly surprised. Looking down at the pink flesh trembling on the ground, he deliberately dragged out his question with a hint of drunken intimacy and teasing: "Oh? You little piece of meat, what evil spirit have you encountered today? Or have you done something wrong and are afraid of being punished by the master? You're trembling like this, poor thing."

Xiangling raised her tear-filled eyes, her voice trembling uncontrollably, yet carrying an unprecedented stubbornness and longing, staring intently at Ximen Qing: "Master... Master, please calm your anger! This servant... this servant did nothing wrong... this servant... this servant begs... wants it."

The official laughed and said, "Just say what you want. Is your master that scary? Every time you're in my arms, you wriggle your waist like a water snake and keep moaning!"

Upon hearing this, Jinlian'er and Guijie couldn't help but burst out laughing, glancing at Xiangling.

Xiangling's face instantly turned bright red, as if it were about to bleed. She was only wearing a thin apricot-red silk shirt in the greenhouse, with the collar of her inner garment slightly open. The exposed section of her snow-white neck and chest was blushing with embarrassment, and fine beads of sweat seeped out and slid down her pink neck.

But she did not back down. Taking a deep breath, as if using all her strength, she suddenly raised her hand and pointed to the open Shu silk scroll on the kang table. Her eyes were fixed on the dripping ink with a burning, almost greedy gaze. Her voice trembled strangely, as if in a dream: "This servant dares to be so bold! I beg you, Master... I beg you, Master, to have the grace to allow Xiangling... to see... to see this calligraphy! This servant... this servant wants to... to copy it!"

When she said the last two words, "copying," her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, almost inaudible, yet it penetrated into everyone's ears with unusual clarity and persistence.

"Huh?" Ximen Qing was truly stunned this time, and his drunkenness had mostly subsided.

Although Xiangling was a maid in the study, her skills were not particularly high.

She's literate, can write a few elegant characters in traditional Chinese calligraphy, and loves reading poems about romance and nature. I've never seen her so obsessed with this damned calligraphy. Is this little vixen truly bewitched?

The official narrowed his eyes, his gaze scrutinizing and amused, and chuckled, "You? Can you even tell what's so good about these characters? This isn't like the flower patterns you used to draw."

Xiangling suddenly raised her head, her eyes still glistening with tears, yet surprisingly bright. She spoke urgently and stammeringly:
"My lord, you are wise! I can't explain it either! It's just... just looking at these words, it felt like something had struck my heart! That brush... that stroke, the varying pressure and speed, the infinite mystery! The shape of the characters... that crooked and slanted style... I just felt... I just felt..."

She was at a loss for words and, in her desperation, kowtowed repeatedly, her smooth forehead striking the cold, hard floor tiles with a soft thud. "Please, Master, have mercy! Let me... take a few more glances! Just a glance! That's enough! My... my heart is burning!"

The official laughed, "If you want to see, that's easy, look all you want! But—"

"This thing is of great use to me, Master, and it concerns the future of the Ximen family."

"It must not be touched by even a speck of sweat from your hands or a drop of saliva from your mouth! You must even keep it three feet away when you breathe! It can only be placed on the desk for admiration from afar, and you must never try to copy it! If you accidentally get even a tiny bit of ink on it, it will ruin everything."

Upon hearing this, Xiangling's previously eager little body suddenly shrank back, like a startled sparrow, and even the small flower she had just picked by her temple trembled a few times.

She shook her head frantically, like a peddler's rattle, her voice urgent and timid, tinged with genuine sobs, repeatedly saying, "I won't look anymore! I won't look anymore! Master, please spare me! I'll never dare to have such improper thoughts again! I deserve to die!"

Ximen Qing was taken aback by her sudden fear: "Huh? Just now you were kneeling on the ground kowtowing like a dog, almost knocking a hole in the floor tiles to beg for mercy. How come you're scared out of your wits after just one sentence from the master? Your change of heart is faster than the weather in June?"

Upon hearing this, Xiangling raised her tear-streaked face and looked at Ximen Qing with her almond-shaped eyes brimming with tears: "Master! What a generous master you are! You treat us, your beloved servants, like royalty, rewarding us with fresh fruits and bright clothes and accessories. Even when we occasionally make small mistakes, you never scold or beat us because of your temper. You are always so magnanimous!"

"Even if you searched the whole world with a lantern, from the highest heavens to the deepest hell, you would never find another master as kind-hearted, compassionate, and upright as you, sir!"

As she spoke, she gently tugged at Ximen Qing's sleeve with her small hand.

“Master, you just said that this calligraphy copybook will be of great use, which must be a matter of utmost importance! Even if I were a foolish and ignorant person, I would not dare to delay your important matter in the slightest! Even if I had ten lives, I would not dare to do so!”

These words were spoken in a way that was both sweet and gentle, humble and tactful, every word hitting Ximen Qing's sore spot.

Upon hearing this, the official laughed heartily, stretched out his hand, and without saying a word, pulled the still kneeling, timid Xiangling up and into his arms.

As soon as Xiangling's soft, fragrant body entered his arms, Ximen Qing's hands began to roam freely, pinching and kneading her waist and hips as if kneading a fine dough, his breath reeking of alcohol as he teased her:

"Oh my, my little sweetheart, you're such a sweet little devil! Your sweet words are like honey! I haven't spoiled you for nothing!"

Xiangling felt weak all over from his kneading, her face flushed, but she didn't dare to dodge, she just shrank into his arms.

Ximen Qing enjoyed the warmth and softness of the woman in his arms, and breathed hotly into her ear with a smug look: "Don't worry! I love you! The one who wrote this calligraphy model, Mi Wenzhang, will be coming to the mansion to learn sketching soon! When he does, I'll have him leave you some models to copy."

Upon hearing this, Xiangling felt as if she had received a life-saving elixir or a sweet dew. Her heart pounded in her throat, and she was so happy that she felt like her bones had melted away.

She rubbed against Ximen Qing like a little taffy, pressing her delicate body against him, and said in a sweet, trembling voice, "Thank you, Master, for your great kindness! Your kindness to me is so deep, I am so happy that my soul is about to fly away!"

Ximen Qing, aroused by her rubbing against him, squinted and pinched her soft cheek, teasingly saying, "You little smooth talker, what's the fun in just saying thank you? When your sister Jinlian thanks Master, that tone is so pleasant. Why don't you learn from her?"

Upon hearing this, Xiangling was taken aback for a moment, then raised her wet eyes to steal a glance at Pan Jinlian.

Just then, Jinlian was praised, and with a smirk, her captivating eyes immediately darted towards Li Guijie, her gaze full of smugness and provocation. Guijie, her face flushed with anger, glared fiercely at Jinlian, turned her head away, and let out a cold snort.

Xiangling lowered her head and buried herself in Ximen Qing's arms again, calling out in a sweet voice, "Good father... dear Daddy... Daddy treats Xiangling like a precious jewel... so tenderly, Xiangling... Xiangling wishes she could rip her heart out and let Daddy touch and rub it..."

Her voice was both sweet and charming, with a touch of novice awkwardness, yet it was incredibly seductive, penetrating right to the bone.

Ximen Qing felt his bones go weak at her calling him "Darling Daddy," and he couldn't help but laugh, a laugh that was both fiery and audacious.

Right now, however, most of his thoughts were still on the calligraphy copybook. Suppressing his anger, he gestured to Yue Niang, who was standing beside him, and instructed, "Alright! Yue Niang, put this treasure away carefully! Lock it carefully in my large sandalwood cabinet!"

Wu Yueniang watched coldly from the side. Seeing her master embracing Xiangling, and hearing him call her "darling," her heart tightened and her ears burned. She knew that her master was in high spirits at the moment, and after drinking several cups of wine, he might pull her along at any moment.

Thinking of this, Yue Niang's dignified face flushed crimson, like a fiery sunset. She wished she could escape immediately. Feeling like she'd been granted a pardon, she quickly and crisply replied, "Yes, sir! I'll go right away and make sure it's handled perfectly!"

She moved with lightning speed, picking up the scroll of Shu silk calligraphy as if it were a burning ember, carefully folding it, and placing it back into the mother-of-pearl-inlaid sandalwood box, fastening the clasp with a click. She held it tightly to her chest, muttering incessantly:

"Don't worry, my lord! I'll go lock it right away! It's crucial to keep the doors and windows secure! We need to be careful to avoid any thieves!"

Before the words were even finished, the person had already darted out like a mouse avoiding a cat, lifting the curtain and disappearing with a "whoosh," leaving behind only a faint scent of jasmine hair oil that swirled in the warm room, mingling with the body odor of the remaining three lovely people.

The next morning, the north wind whistled as it swept across the rooftops, and the sun's shadow timidly began to climb.

Ximen Qing was already dressed in a brand-new black sable fur coat and sat upright in a rosewood armchair in the center of the front hall.

Although the hall was quiet, it was warm and inviting. The only sound was the delicate smoke from the sandalwood incense burner, and the underground heating made the blue brick floor warm. A warm, earthy atmosphere mixed with the sandalwood fragrance filled the room.

Moon Lady was wearing a thick, lotus-colored silk jacket with a silver fox fur collar and a plain white silk skirt. She sat down next to the Master on a small table covered with a wolfskin rug.

Pan Jinlian, Li Guijie, and Xiangling, the three lovely ladies, stood in two rows like the wings of a goose, holding their breath and standing quietly behind the master and Yue Niang.

The high-ranking official took a sip of piping hot Lu'an tea, a gulp echoing in his throat. The warm tea made him feel even more refreshed. He then called to his servant, Dai'an, "Go, quickly summon Lai Bao to see me!"

Dai'an responded with a "Yes," wrapped his cotton-padded coat tighter around himself, and dashed off, lifting the curtain in a flash.

Before long, hurried footsteps could be heard outside, accompanied by stomping and rubbing. Na Laibao followed Dai'an, hunched over and with his neck hunched, as they hurried into the warm hall.

Upon entering the hall, a wave of heat hit me. Peeking up, I saw the official wrapped in a mink coat, his face ashen; Yue Niang, wearing a fur coat, also looked solemn; the three ladies behind him stood holding their breath in the warm air, the oppressive yet cozy atmosphere making it hard to breathe.

He usually moved around in front of the high-ranking official with a certain air of dignity, but he had never seen such a scene of sitting upright, silent, and warm-hearted people.

Knowing that something of utmost importance must be at play, his heart was already pounding like a drum.

Lai Bao's legs went weak, and he dared not stand any longer. With a "thump," he knelt down on the warm blue brick floor, his forehead almost touching the cracks in the bricks. He said, "This humble servant Lai Bao will obey your orders, Uncle."

The high-ranking official then set down the warm Ding ware teacup in his hand, tapping the bottom of the cup lightly on the small rosewood table with a crisp "tap." He cleared his throat, his voice exceptionally clear in the warm room:

"Get up." After Lai Bao stood up tremblingly, with his hands at his sides and shoulders hunched, the official slowly said, "There are a few important things for you to do. Remember them well. First, go to your aunt and get the money."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over Yue Niang, whose head was bowed and sleeves were tucked in, before continuing to give instructions. His voice was not loud, but every word resonated in the warm, quiet room:
"Once the silver is paid, immediately go and find that skilled craftsman to oversee the making of four items: the first item is the silver figure of 'Four Yangs Holding Longevity,' which must be exquisite and of sufficient weight, and no shortcuts should be taken."

"The second thing is to make a wine pot made of pure gold, engraved with the character for longevity and cloud and bat patterns. It should be presentable and presentable."

"The third item is two exquisite jade peach cups. The peaches should be carved to be plump and juicy, and the stems and leaves should be lively and cheerful."

When Lai Bao heard about the "Silver Figure with Four Yangs Holding Longevity", the "Red Gold Longevity Character Pot", and the "Mutton Fat Jade Peach Cup", he was secretly amazed, knowing that these objects piled up with immense wealth must be sent to the capital city, the highest heaven!

I felt even more solemn and listened intently, afraid of missing a single word.

"That's not all," the official said, taking a sip of hot tea.

"Go back to the silk shop on Lion Street. On the counter are two sets of bright red and multicolored silk python robes that were specially ordered from Hangzhou. Examine them carefully to see if the stitches are tight, the python eyes are bright, and the gold thread is dazzling. If there is anything wrong, have our tailor fix it. After taking them out, wrap them in the best brocade cloth so that they don't get dusty."

"Then take from the silk shop's warehouse: twenty bolts of plain white ramie silk from Songjiang wide looms and twenty bolts of Han brocade from Nanjing—specifically those with patterns of intertwined peonies and children playing, and the colors must be bright and festive."

"Add twenty bolts of fine Western cloth, thick and substantial, with a deep, calm color. Pack them all carefully, wrap them tightly in oilcloth, and protect them from wind, snow, and moisture."

As Yue Niang listened from the side, she silently calculated the money that was being spent like water. Her eyelids twitched slightly, and her fingers unconsciously twirled the prayer beads in her sleeve.

“Furthermore,” Ximen Qing turned to Yue Niang, his tone softening slightly but still leaving no room for argument, “there is also…”
"Moon Lady, today you should take all the fresh local products collected from various parts of the mansion, whether they are mountain goods, forest goods, or the best fruits, pastries, and dried game from our own estate. Select the best and presentable items and prepare two sets. Arrange them neatly in the finest gold-decorated gift boxes to show off our family's wealth and prestige."

Moon Lady replied softly, "Don't worry, my lord, I will take care of it. I'll go and do it right away."

The official's gaze was like lightning, fixed on Lai Bao's face, each word like an ice bead hitting the blue brick floor: "Lai Bao, you're a clever man, you should know what's going on. You probably already have a pretty good idea where to send these precious items to bribe officials. That's right, just like last time, to that powerful place!"

He leaned forward slightly, his fur robe causing the chair to creak softly, and an invisible pressure emanated from him.
"This time, you will again lead Dai'an and those strong guards from the manor to carefully escort us all the way. I will follow behind. This task concerns my future, and even more so the honor and wealth of the entire Ximen family! Not a single mistake can be made! If there is even the slightest mishap..."

Ximen Qing snorted coldly, and there was no need to finish his sentence; the chill he exuded made Lai Bao's knees go weak.

"I...I understand! I will do my utmost to live up to your trust, sir!" Lai Bao was terrified, feeling as if a thousand-pound weight was pressing on his shoulders, and cold sweat streamed down his back.

The official nodded slightly, softening his tone, but his admonition carried even greater weight: "Good! Do your best, and if you do it perfectly, I will reward you handsomely. Go!"

Lai Bao felt as if he had been granted a pardon, but dared not show it. He could only kowtow repeatedly on the ground, saying, "Thank you for your grace, sir! I will go right away! I will go right away!" He didn't even care that his forehead was covered with warm ash from the ground.

The official waved his hand in agreement. Only then did Lai Bao dare to get up, his back bent, and hurried backward out of the warm but suffocating front hall.

As soon as the thick gray squirrel cotton curtain was lifted, a gust of northwest wind carrying snow foam "whooshed" in like an ice knife, causing Lai Bao's fat body to shiver. The suffocating warmth and oppressive atmosphere in the hall just now were instantly blown away by more than half.

He dared not delay for a moment, and immediately pulled out a small sheepskin notebook, worn smooth and with frayed edges, from under the handkerchief close to his skin. He then tremblingly took out the half-broken rabbit hair brush from behind his clothes, licked it to moisten it with ink.

Under the dim sunlight filtering through the clouds at the eaves, with her back against the cold, piercing vermilion pillars, her teeth chattering, she wrote with lightning speed down her pen, noting down each and every item of gold, silver, jade, silk, cloth, local specialties, and fruits that her master had instructed her to provide, along with his demanding requirements for "dense stitches," "bright eyes," and "plump and juicy"—all as if they were her most treasured possessions.

After writing, he held his breath tightly, his eyes wide open, and silently recited the few lines of still-wet ink in his mind three or four times. He then secretly counted the number of items on his fingers to make sure that not a single thing was missing. Only then, like a fish out of water, did he exhale with a "ha!" as if he had relieved himself of half his life.

He hastily wiped the cold, oily sweat from his forehead, his heart still pounding like a broken drum, and he inwardly groaned:
"My goodness! Just preparing these dazzling gifts is enough to scare people to death! The Ximen family is so wealthy that every step they take is like walking on thin ice. I really don't know how the head steward of the Cai family, who holds the keys, manages to handle so many mountains of gold and silver and deal with so many devils every day."

"Those are the real immortals, with their noses in the air and oil dripping from their fingers! We errand boys and lick boots, even if we're reborn as watchdogs in our next life, we probably won't reach that level!"

At this moment, his mind was churning with these thoughts of envy and awe, completely unaware that fate had other plans at play.

When the times change and the world transforms, and one day, after stumbling and trembling, one finally climbs to that position of power and influence, where one's hands are brimming with wealth, looking back at this shivering, sweating state under the pillars today, one realizes how cruel fate can be, as if from another world.

This cycle of creation is truly:

Those who are like ants before their eyes envy the great ambitions of others; only in the future will they realize they are merely actors in a play!
With these lukewarm thoughts swirling in his mind, Lai Bao's feet seemed to be on fire. He wrapped his worn-out blue cotton robe tightly around himself, hunched his neck, and braved the biting wind that could freeze his ears off, dashing towards his small courtyard, which was only an arrow's throw from the mansion.

Just as I reached the front of my own yard, before my frozen fingers even touched the door knocker, a dark figure suddenly pounced out from the shadows of the wall!
Lai Bao screamed in terror, nearly losing his mind! He looked closer and saw—good heavens! It was none other than Han Daoguo, the spineless man of his mistress, Wang Liu'er!

Han Daoguo's hair was disheveled like a chicken coop, his face was sallow and thin, his eyes were bloodshot and red like rotten peaches, and his whole body was covered in snow and mud. He didn't care about the filth and cold ground. With a "thud", he fell straight down in the snow and mud in front of Lai Bao's feet like a half-cut rotten tree stump.

Extending two claws, frozen purple and with black grime under their nails, they clung desperately to the relatively thick cotton trouser leg that had come to protect them. Tearing at the tattered gong, its voice cracked by the northwest wind, they howled in a heart-wrenching, desperate wailing:
"Guard your ancestors! Protect your ancestors! Please have mercy and save us from suffering! Quickly... quickly save my damned wife!"

(End of this chapter)