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

Chapter 19: What about Pan Jinlian?

Ximen Da Guanren frowned slightly, glanced at the sky, and saw that the sun had set and it was already getting dark.

Since Earl Ying was still waiting for him, and it wouldn't be good to waste any more time, he said:
"If you trust me, my lady... I can lend you a hand. The wall may be high, but I believe it won't be difficult for me to lift you up."

“Lift...lift?” Li Ping’er’s heart pounded wildly, almost leaping out of her chest.

Why would a strange man lift you up?
Where should I entrust it?
Waist? Hips? Buttocks?

None of these are acceptable.

Doesn't that mean I'll have to touch my own body again?

This...this is outrageous! But if we don't do this, are we really supposed to stay in the Ximen mansion until dawn?
That's something you can't clear your name even if you jump into the Yellow River!

As dusk settled, a cool breeze began to blow.

The wind blew, causing Li Ping'er's thin clothes to cling tightly to her body, further highlighting her exquisite curves.

She looked at the high wall that seemed to block her way out.
Looking at Ximen Qing's tall figure standing in the twilight, with a gentle breeze blowing, he appeared exceptionally handsome and dashing, with a touch of romantic charm.

Like countless threads, or like a cat's claws.

He immediately scratched open the area of ​​his body that was almost covered in cobwebs.

It reveals its bright red, tender heart.

She bit her lip, two red blushes rising on her face, unsure whether to reject or rejoice.

Her voice was as soft as a whisper: "Then...then I'll have to trouble you, sir..."

Ximen Qing nodded: "My lady, please don't worry, I understand!"

He rushed to the base of the wall in a few steps, his legs sinking into a solid horse stance, his large, strong hands crossed and placed firmly in front of him, getting into position.

"My lady, please come up."

So that's why you entrusted me with this task.

Li Ping'er's heart was pounding so hard inside her that it almost burst out of her clothes.

Yet, I was somewhat disappointed.

She shuffled along the wall, her eyes sweeping over Ximen Qing's thick, strong arms and broad, mountain-like shoulders. A wave of heat rushed to her face, and she blushed with embarrassment, her neck turning a deep pink. She lowered her head, almost burying it in her chest.

She stole another glance at that charming yet wicked face.

My heart was pounding.

Now that things have come to this, there's no way out.
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and her delicate, slender hand, like a spring onion, trembled and timidly placed on Ximen Qing's hot shoulder.

Her other jade-like foot, clad in a thin embroidered shoe, tentatively touched the palm of Ximen Qing's clasped hands.

Ximen Qing felt a softness in his palm, a warm and fragrant touch like jade, penetrating through the thin, cicada-wing-like embroidered shoe material and reaching right through the lines of his palm.

The delicate, exquisite arch of the foot felt like a living thing in my hands.

He swallowed hard and shouted in a low, hoarse voice, "Wife, stand firm!" Before he finished speaking, the muscles in his arms bulged, and he thrust upwards like a drawn bow, unleashing a powerful surge of energy!
"Ah—!" Li Ping'er exclaimed, feeling her body lighten as she was lifted off the ground.

In her panic, she hurriedly reached out to grab the top of the wall, but grasped at nothing.

Losing her balance, she slumped backward and fell limply.

With quick reflexes, Ximen Qing's large hand slid smoothly and landed precisely under her round buttocks!
Li Ping'er had never done farm work or manual labor, and had little muscle.

Li Ping'er was so embarrassed by this sudden favor that she felt like her soul had left her body.

His other foot kicked out instinctively.
The delicate embroidered shoe was thrown off and landed to the side.

A bare, white, tender lotus root-like foot, still warm and slippery, landed squarely on Ximen Da Guanren's burning face in the midst of the chaos!

A subtle, warm fragrance, unique to women's feet and mixed with sweat and perfume, wafted into Ximen Qing's nostrils.
Using the force of that step, Li Ping'er finally managed to grab onto the top of the wall in a flustered manner and climb over in a disheveled state.

Only Ximen Da Guanren remained by the wall, his face still bearing the slick, sweaty footprints, and the lingering, breathtakingly soft scent on his palms. "What a mess!" Ximen Da Guanren wiped the warm, fragrant footprints left by the jade feet from his face.

Such a beautiful young woman, with such sweaty feet, I wonder if she has athlete's foot.

He strode outside.

But then a maidservant came to greet them.

He performed a curtsy.

With lively eyes and a fair complexion and thin lips, she was Yue Niang's head maid.

Jade flute.

She was also a head maid in the Ximen household.

"Greetings, Father. Your mother asks if you would like to have dinner at our residence tonight?"

"No need, I'm about to go out." Master Ximen strode out.

After leaving his grand, ornately decorated mansion, Ximen Qing did not take a sedan chair. Instead, he strolled towards the Lichun Courtyard with only his personal servant, Dai'an.

This brothel, Lichun, is located deep within Lion Street, the most bustling and lively street in Qinghe County. It is the county's top-tier brothel and den of iniquity.

It was already late, dusk was falling, and the lights of Qinghe County were just coming on.

Lanterns and signs hung high on both sides of the street, making the bluestone pavement appear and disappear.

Vendors carried their wares on shoulder poles, hawking steaming hot wontons and soup dumplings. The aroma, a blend of perfume and alcohol, wafted in the evening breeze.

There were also groups of idlers and hangers-on, leaning against the corner of the wall or squatting in front of the steps, their eyes darting around, sizing up passersby.

Upon seeing Ximen Qing approaching, he hurriedly greeted him with repeated "My lord, my lord" and bowed repeatedly.

He bowed and sneered, hoping to be chosen by Master Ximen to be his henchman.

A few distant clapper sounds added to the hustle and bustle and ambiguity of the night in the city.

Amidst this prosperous scene, who could see the land crumbling and countless refugees fleeing?
Ximen Qing walked with his eyes straight ahead and his steps were light as the wind.

He was dressed in a fashionable brocade robe and had a jade belt around his waist; he was also a famous figure in Qinghe County.

Passersby invariably glanced at it and gave it a wide berth.

As I walked to a street corner, in the dim light of dusk, I suddenly heard a slightly hoarse cry: "Steamed buns—hot steamed buns—"

Ximen Qing looked in the direction of the sound and saw a short figure guarding a bamboo basket stand. A paper lantern next to him swayed in the evening breeze, revealing the man's short, stocky build and rough features. It was none other than Wu Da, the pancake seller.

Wrapped in a worn-out cotton-padded coat, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, he hunched his neck and stared longingly at passersby.

Wu Da also spotted Ximen Qing. He recognized the wealthy man from Qinghe County and hurriedly forced a fawning smile, bowing as he said, "Master Ximen! You must be tired from your journey. Would you like to try some of my freshly baked steamed buns? They smell delicious!"

Ximen Da Guanren initially didn't want to pay any attention and was about to walk straight past.

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he stopped in his tracks.

He looked at Wu Da's honest, somewhat timid face and asked, "Wu Da, it's getting late. Why don't you pack up and go home? Your beautiful wife at home must be getting impatient and is going to blame you."

Upon hearing this, Wu Da's ingratiating smile froze, turning into one of bewilderment and embarrassment.

He rubbed his hands together and said with a forced smile, "My lord... please don't make fun of me. I'm just a poor pancake seller, exposed to the wind and sun all day long, barely making ends meet. Where... where would I get a wife? Everyone in Qinghe County knows that I'm just a bachelor, living in a dilapidated house."

"Huh?" Ximen Qing's smile froze instantly.

Are there no women at Wuhan University?

What about Pan Jinlian?
Where did Pan Jinlian go?

(End of this chapter)