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

Chapter 192 King Meets King! Feng Jie and Ke Qing Visit Yue Niang

Wang Xifeng curled her lips into a venomous sneer: "Fine! This old lady will show you mercy and grant you half a month of your lifespan! Let me make this clear: the end of the year is approaching, and I'm counting on this sum of money to tide me over! The 'clay Buddha' behind you is, in a way, a respectable person who serves in the same court as my uncle, Lord Wang..."

She paused deliberately, the cold light in her phoenix eyes piercing the steward like an ice pick. "Not to mention that my uncle could crush you bunch of kids with a flick of his little finger, your master wouldn't dare to do anything to him!"

"But if your filthy history of running gambling dens, lending money at exorbitant interest rates, and forcing women into prostitution accidentally gets to the ears of the officials and causes a huge uproar... hehe! At that time, no matter which clay Buddha it is, he will probably be unable to protect himself, let alone the balls of you little devils!"

The steward felt a chill run down his spine. He bowed and scraped, practically bending over to hide in his pants, repeatedly saying, "Grandma's words are golden! Every word is etched in my bones! I'll report to the head steward right away! You can rest assured! It will be delivered to your residence in half a month! It will definitely be delivered in half a month!"

Wang Xifeng snorted coldly, not even glancing at him. Holding her maid's hand, she stepped over the steward's trembling shadow, boarded the carriage, and drove away.

Meanwhile, the steward scrambled into the inner hall, wailing and crying to the head steward, "That Second Madam Lian is gone! But... but she only gave us half a month! And she even said some harsh words..."

The head steward, who was already in a terrible predicament over money, slammed his fist on the table upon hearing this, making the teacups jump around, and began to curse loudly:
"Damn it! Half a month? Does that woman think we're a treasure trove? All the money we had was already fed to that old scoundrel Gao Qiu's dog! The money from those few gold mines that were raided flowed into Gao's pockets like water! I'm practically splitting every copper coin in half now! Where am I supposed to conjure up that 'debt from the King of Hell' for her?!"

He paced anxiously around the room twice, like a trapped beast, then suddenly stopped, his eyes flashing with ferocity: "Damn it! Can a living person be killed by holding their pee? We may be short of money, but aren't there still debtors outside? Gather your men! Sharpen your knives! Right now, there are a few lucrative debts to collect in Qinghe County!"

He grinned maliciously, forcing out three words through gritted teeth, their syllables dripping with blood:

"Men! Block up Master Ximen's residence! I heard he's not home right now. Go scare that woman. Women in the inner quarters are easy to frighten. Just a little threat and the money will come back."

Wang Xifeng returned to the car.

He glanced sideways at Qin Keqing's dazed look, pursed his lips, reached out and pinched her arm, laughing and scolding:
"Alright, alright! Stop looking at me like that lovesick brat! But speaking of which,"

She leaned closer, her almond-shaped eyes gently scraping across Qin Keqing's face, then clicked her tongue twice.

"You little vixen, ever since you came back from the place where those two pledged their love at Shuiyue Nunnery, your face has really become like a dead person's face that has come back to life, white with a rosy glow, even more beautiful and alluring!"

"I think that among all the women and young girls in the capital right now, there isn't a single one with your delicate, charming, and alluring beauty. And yet, here we have a treasure that is unparalleled in the world! I was worried that your sickly, pale face wouldn't last a month, but now you're like a withered flower watered by celestial dew, exuding the vitality of a peach petal with blood seeping through it!"

Qin Keqing trembled as she was pinched, managing only a weak smile.

Wang Xifeng rolled her eyes and spat, "Look at you, half-dead and lovesick! Come on, I'll do you a favor today and take you for a stroll around the gate of Master Ximen's mansion! Even if we don't see the real man, it'll be good to see what kind of 'celestial beauty' his yellow-faced wife looks like!"

Qin Keqing was so frightened that her soul almost left her body. She waved her hands repeatedly and shrank back like a startled rabbit: "Auntie! You mustn't! You absolutely mustn't!"

Seeing her cowardly appearance, Wang Xifeng slapped her thigh and laughed so hard she almost fell over: "Look at your cowardly courage! What are you afraid of? Let me tell you, if he really manages to drag you out of that living dead tomb at Tianxiang Tower and stuff you into his bed at Ximen Mansion, won't you be serving tea and water to that main wife and kowtowing to her as 'sister' sooner or later? You'd better think it through! The moment you enter the door, you'll be labeled 'little' and have the word 'mistress' hanging over your head!"

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Qin Keqing's calm smile deepened, revealing a hint of expectant, dreamlike satisfaction.

She lowered her eyelashes, her fingers unconsciously twisting the handkerchief, her voice as soft as a feather brushing against the tip of one's heart:

"Auntie... I'm a widow, her lineage severed, guarding the memorial tablet... I've long since withered away, just passing the days. Now, to have someone who cares for me, holds me close, and remembers me..." She paused, two unusual blushes rising on her pale cheeks.

"...I'm content with this body and this heart. What's the big deal? What's the small deal? Didn't I toil away like an oil lamp in the Ningguo Mansion, bearing the empty title of 'First Mistress'? What good is being the First Mistress anyway?"

"As long as... as long as I can occupy a large, warm place in his heart..." She raised her head, her eyes glistening with tears, "... even if I died right now, my heart and bones would be filled with sweetness."

Wang Xifeng sighed softly, a rare hint of genuine melancholy appearing in her phoenix eyes: "So be it! I just hope that you two can truly achieve a happy ending, then I'll be rid of a worry. Who knows, if I ever fall on hard times, I might have to come to your Ximen residence to beg for a meal!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Keqing's heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly reached out to cover the woman's mouth, spitting out in exasperation, "Auntie! The bad things don't come true, but the good things do! You, the phoenix of the Duke's mansion, are saying such disheartening things! Take it away!"

Wang Xifeng grasped her hand, the slight melancholy on her face instantly replaced by an indescribable gloom, her brows furrowing slightly: "I can't explain it... it's just that in my heart, it feels like there's a piece of ice inside, I always feel... uneasy..."

Before the words were finished, the steward's wife, who was accompanying the carriage, replied through the curtain in a low but very clear voice: "Second Madam, the carriage has arrived at the gate of Master Ximen's residence."

Upon hearing this, it was as if a thunderclap had struck in a clear sky, instantly scaring half of her soul away! Her fair face drained of color in an instant, her cherry lips trembled slightly, and she wanted to speak up to stop him, but it was too late.

Wang Xifeng, however, had already raised her voice and given the order, her voice carrying the unquestionable authority of the Duke's mansion:

"Guards! Take my visiting card and quickly slip it in! Say that Second Mistress Lian of the Rongguo Mansion and First Mistress Rong of the Ningguo Mansion are passing by your residence and have come to pay their respects to Madam Ximen."

Even if the two gatekeepers in front of the Ximen Mansion were completely oblivious, seeing the three or four luxurious carriages with vermilion wheels and canopies, adorned with gold and jade, and the dozens of imposing guards and attendants, how could they not know that a distinguished person from the highest heaven had arrived?
The two men took the gold-painted red name card. Even though they had seen their share of grand occasions, when they saw the magnificent gold-painted characters "Imperial Decree for the Rongguo Mansion" and "Imperial Decree for the Ningguo Mansion," their palms were already sweating, and their calves involuntarily started to cramp!

How could he dare to be negligent in the slightest? He immediately put away his lazy, vulgar demeanor, straightened his face, and respectfully held the invitation with both hands as if it were two fiery mountains. He moved with lightning speed and rushed to deliver it to the inner quarters.

Wu Yueniang was managing affairs in the main room, fiddling with the abacus beads, when she suddenly heard that the mistresses of the two Duke's mansions had come to visit together. Her heart skipped a beat, and she was filled with suspicion!

We've never had any dealings before, except that I'd heard you mention once that you went to that mansion for medical treatment. Why are you suddenly visiting my home today?

Her expression remained impassive, though the fingers gripping the ledger tightened slightly. She slowly set the ledger down, paused briefly, and spoke in a low but clear voice, with the composure of a matriarch:
"Open the main gate quickly to welcome our distinguished guest! All the gentlemen in the manor, whether servants or hangers-on, step aside immediately and do not peek in! Tell Pan Jinlian, Li Guijie, Xiangling, and Xiaoyu to come with me to greet them. Quickly tidy up the hall and serve them with that set of Chenghua polychrome miniature covered cups. Select the finest and most exquisite pastries and fruits to arrange them, so as not to lose face!"

Before long, the two large vermilion doors with animal head designs, which were rarely left open, creaked open heavily to the sides.

Wu Yueniang had changed her clothes: her upper body was a dignified dark purple satin jacket with long sleeves, trimmed with a black brocade edge about an inch wide; her lower body was tied with a plain-colored horse-face skirt with dark patterns, the skirt hem perfectly straight.
Her black hair was neatly combed, not a single strand out of place, and she wore only a red gold and kingfisher feather hairpin with pearls. Her whole demeanor was calm and capable.

Behind her, Pan Jinlian shone brightly, Li Guijie was charming and graceful, Xiangling was beautiful and pleasing to the guests, and Xiaoyu was clever and well-mannered. All four of them stood with their hands at their sides, completely silent.

Wang Xifeng, supported by Feng'er's hand, stepped out of the carriage with graceful bearing, her gaze sharp as lightning, instantly scanning everyone present.

Qin Keqing followed closely behind, her head bowed, almost burying her face in the fox fur collar. Her steps were unsteady, and she relied entirely on her personal maid, Ruizhu, for support.

Wu Yueniang took a few steps forward unhurriedly, stopped at the foot of the steps, clasped her hands in front of her, gave a deep bow, her posture upright, and her voice clear and respectful:
"I was unaware of the presence of Second Madam Lian of Rongguo Mansion and First Madam Rong of Ningguo Mansion. I apologize for not being able to greet you properly. I am Wu from Ximen, and I respectfully welcome you both."

Pan Jinlian, Li Guijie, Xiangling, and Xiaoyu behind her also bowed in unison.

Wang Xifeng raised her phoenix eyes slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips, and offered a gesture of support: "Madam Ximen, there's no need for such formality. It was our sisters who were being presumptuous in coming."

As she spoke, she followed Wu Yueniang inside, her shrewd phoenix eyes taking in everything around her without making a sound.

The group passed through the hanging flower gate and entered the inner courtyard.

Although this courtyard was not as vast, ornately decorated, or lavishly decorated as the Ning and Rong mansions, it was still neatly and tidy, as if it had been washed clean.

The bluestone path was so smooth it reflected a mirror, and the flowers and trees on both sides were trimmed as if their hair had been combed, without a single stray branch.

Several young maids, all in their prime, stood in the corridor, dressed in brand-new blue satin vests. Each of them stood with their hands at their sides, holding their breath, eyes downcast, not daring to utter a sound. They moved stealthily, like cats, showing how strict the rules were and how skillfully the mistress managed the household.

Wang Xifeng, being a household manager herself, nodded inwardly: Although the Ximen family was not of noble lineage, it was still a well-off household. What was rare was the orderly and efficient manner of the entire household. The servants were well-mannered and respectful, without any of the frivolous and undisciplined behavior often associated with merchant families. It was even more disciplined and organized than the Ning and Rong mansions of the Jia family. It seemed that this Madam Wu was indeed capable of managing the household affairs.

Her gaze immediately fell on the four women following closely behind Wu Yueniang. Upon closer inspection, even Wang Xifeng, who was used to seeing all kinds of beauties, plump and slender, in the Ning and Rong mansions, couldn't help but be slightly surprised.

The woman on the left is tall and slender with delicate features and a quiet yet charming demeanor. She bears a striking resemblance to Qin Keqing, only with a more scholarly air and lacking the imposing figure of her husband.

The two on the right are even more eye-catching: one has a graceful figure, her eyes sparkling with spring, and her every glance exudes a captivating charm—that's Sister Li Gui; and the one on the far right…

Wang Xifeng's gaze, along with that of Qin Keqing who kept her head down beside her, lingered on that woman for a few more moments, almost simultaneously.

She had a fair, oval face, with two arched willow-leaf eyebrows that slanted upwards towards her temples, and a pair of watery, peach-blossom eyes with slightly upturned corners. Her eyes, sparkling with light, naturally carried a charm that was both reproachful and delightful, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.

With a straight and delicate nose, cherry lips, and a graceful and charming figure, she wore a peach-colored floral jacket, which made her skin appear even whiter and more radiant.

She stood there quietly, like a peony glistening with dew, delicate and vibrant, or a jade hairpin laced with poison, her beauty so aggressive that it instantly overshadowed the brilliance of those around her.

"What a beautiful girl!" Wang Xifeng thought to herself, but remained outwardly composed. This woman's beauty was outstanding even in the Duke's mansion; perhaps only Qin Keqing could compare to her.

Wu Yueniang straightened up, a polite smile on her face, and stepped aside to lead the way: "Please, ladies. My humble abode is simple, I hope you two will not find it offensive."

She was composed and unhurried, with a calm demeanor that suggested she had seen many great things. Just a few days ago, she knelt before the incense table in the main hall to receive the imperial edict in yellow silk presented by an angel. All the civil officials in the county came to congratulate her. The scene was much grander than that of the two ladies in front of her!
At this moment, when dealing with the noblewoman from the Duke's mansion, he was impeccable in his manners, showing respect without being servile or arrogant.

Her smiling gaze swept quickly over the two noblewomen before her:
Na Lian's second wife, Wang Xifeng, had an air of grandeur like a golden phoenix. In particular, her phoenix eyes shone brightly, like hooks, and she was clearly a decisive and ruthless woman.

And then look at Grandma Rong, Qin Keqing! Oh my! She's truly a person who stepped out of a painting!

Although she was pale and frail, the natural charm in her eyes and brows, and her timid and delicate demeanor, made the brilliance of the room seem to dim by a third! It was as if there was no one else in the world as gentle, refined, and lovable as her!
Such a temperament instantly made Yue Niang feel sorry for her and felt an indescribable fondness for her!
The hall had been tidied up and was filled with the delicate scent of lilies. On the rosewood table, the white-glazed teacups were as lustrous as jade, and several plates of fresh fruits and pastries were exquisitely presented.

Wu Yueniang invited Wang Xifeng to sit in the head seat, Qin Keqing in the next seat, and then sat down herself at the lower end. Pan Jinlian and Li Guijie stood on either side of Wu Yueniang, while Xiangling and Xiaoyu served tea and water. "You two ladies are of noble birth, which is truly an honor for the Ximen family. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Wu Yueniang got straight to the point, her tone gentle and direct. She looked at Wang Xifeng with a frank gaze, then glanced at Qin Keqing, who kept her head down, with concern. "Madam Rong looks a little tired. Did you have a long journey?"

Wang Xifeng picked up her teacup, gently skimmed off the foam with the lid, and chuckled, "I dare not accept your instruction. I was just accompanying Rong-ge's wife out for a stroll. We passed by your esteemed residence and, thinking that Master Ximen is a renowned hero in the capital, and Madam is a capable homemaker with a good reputation, I took the liberty of coming in for a cup of tea and to see what you've got."

Qin Keqing stiffened slightly when her name was called. She managed to raise her head and gave Wu Yueniang an extremely weak smile, her voice barely a whisper: "Thank you for your concern, Madam... It's just... it's just that my old ailment has flared up a bit, but it's nothing serious..."

She glanced quickly at Wu Yueniang; was this the wife of her beloved?
As expected... she was dignified and well-proportioned, with a face like a full moon, exuding the composed demeanor of a matriarch. Her eyes and brows even hinted at a subtle, understated allure.

Pan Jinlian stood close behind Wu Yueniang, her large, watery eyes, seemingly coated in honey, darting between Qin Keqing's slender figure and stunningly beautiful face. Her heart was pounding like a drum, scratching at her heart.
Tsk tsk, the madam of the Duke's mansion? She's even more beautiful than the Guanyin in the temple! But her sickly and delicate appearance is six or seven parts like Xiangling's... only her noble air is something Xiangling could never match in eight lifetimes!
How strange! How could such a divine figure suddenly appear at our Ximen residence? Judging from her absent-minded appearance... could it be...?
Her heart skipped a beat, and a bold and absurd thought popped into her head! She quickly suppressed it, feeling that the beautiful woman's lowered eyes and hesitant manner were both alluring and made her want to hold her in her arms and cherish her, yet also exuded an inexplicable and sinister charm!
Li Guijie, meanwhile, curiously stole glances at Wang Xifeng's imposing presence and magnificent attire, filled with envy.

Wu Yueniang had many doubts in her heart, but she remained calm on the surface and said gently, "I see. Madam Rong still needs to take good care of herself. Although my humble abode has nothing special, this tea is a newly arrived pre-rain Longjing tea from the south, and the pastries are just simple things made by our own kitchen. If you don't mind, please have a taste. It is just a small token of our appreciation."

Wang Xifeng and Wu Yueniang chatted casually about interesting anecdotes from the capital and seasonal customs, their conversation seemingly relaxed.

Wu Yueniang responded appropriately, neither overly flattering nor impolite, displaying a measured approach. The atmosphere in the warm pavilion seemed harmonious, yet a silent contest and exploration subtly flowed between them.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Wu Yueniang, Wang Xifeng picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and smiled, raising her phoenix eyes slightly.
"We have troubled you for quite some time today. We have had tea and enjoyed the scenery and grandeur of your residence. Madam Ximen is indeed a skilled homemaker, living up to her reputation. We sisters should take our leave now."

Upon hearing this, Qin Keqing felt as if she had been granted a pardon. She immediately stood up, still keeping her head down, and said vaguely, "Thank you for your hospitality, Madam."

Although Wu Yueniang had many doubts in her heart—these two ladies from the Duke's mansion came suddenly, sat for less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, said a few words on the main topic, glanced at people, drank half a cup of tea and were about to leave. What were they up to?

But she still wore a polite smile and quickly stood up to persuade them to stay: "Grandmas, why are you in such a hurry to leave? Have we been unkind in our hospitality? If you don't mind, please stay for a simple meal..."

“You’re too kind, Madam,” Wang Xifeng interrupted her with a smile, already standing up with Feng’er’s help. “There are still some trivial matters at home. I’ll invite you over another day when I have some free time.” Her words were eloquent, but her actions were swift and decisive as she walked out.

Seeing that she couldn't persuade them to stay, Wu Yueniang had no choice but to personally escort the two to the second gate and watch them board the carriage and drive away. The Duke's mansion's carriages and entourage quickly disappeared around the street corner.

Inside the warm pavilion, the aroma of tea lingered, but the tea in the teacups had already gone cold.

Wu Yueniang slowly walked back into the room, her brows slightly furrowed, and sat down in the seat of honor where Wang Xifeng had just been sitting.

She couldn't understand why these two noble ladies had suddenly come to visit; what was their purpose? They claimed to be passing by and asking for tea, but the Second Mistress of the Rongguo Mansion had sharp eyes, and every word she spoke seemed to be weighing something.
The eldest mistress of the Ningguo Mansion was even stranger; she was absent-minded from beginning to end and didn't even dare to look people in the eye...

"Auntie!" A delicate yet urgent voice broke the silence. Pan Jinlian swayed her slender waist as she approached, her peach blossom eyes shining brightly. Lowering her voice, she said mysteriously, "What are you still thinking about? In my opinion, these two women are clearly here for our master!"

Wu Yueniang was taken aback by her nonsensical words and looked up at her: "Jinlian, what nonsense are you talking about!"

Pan Jinlian curled her lip, with an expression that said, "I saw through it all long ago." "Auntie, you're too honest! Think about it, what would people of their status do in our humble home for no reason? And why would they specifically ask to see you? I think they're just here to test the waters! To see what's going on in the master's mansion, and to see what kind of person you are, Madam!"

Wu Yueniang was both amused and exasperated by her absurd reasoning. She rubbed her temples and scolded, "You're getting more and more ridiculous! Both of you are married women."

"Oh dear, Auntie! Isn't there another young widow?" Pan Jinlian stamped her foot anxiously, leaning even closer, almost whispering in Wu Yueniang's ear, her voice lower but filled with absolute certainty.

"Don't you believe me? My premonition is spot on! Didn't you see that Madam Rong from the Ningguo Mansion? She didn't even dare to lift her eyes! Her gaze was so shifty! She must have something to hide! And that figure of hers... tsk tsk, look at those big things of hers!"

Pan Jinlian exaggeratedly gestured to her chest with her hand, her tone sour yet tinged with a strong sense of crisis, "Good heavens! She walks with a shaky gait, and all of us combined probably couldn't match her! A person like her, with such a family background, if she really harbors any ill intentions... Auntie, there might be some turmoil in our household, you'd better be careful!"

"Pah!" Wu Yueniang heard this and was both annoyed and amused. She reached out and pinched the girl's rosy cheek.
"You shameless little slut! Your master has barely left home and you dare to speak ill of him like this? And those big things... I think you're itching for a taste of the purple bamboo strips in your master's hand! If you dare to spout such nonsense again, I'll skin you alive when I get back!"

After scolding her, Wu Yueniang looked at Pan Jinlian's swaying waist and watery eyes, and for some reason, her heart was suddenly drawn to Qin Keqing's bloodless, frightened face, and her figure, which exuded an indescribable, sickly charm.

"Enough, enough, everyone disperse! Anyone who dares to let a single word of what I just said slip by will be in for a world of hurt!"

Wu Yueniang's face darkened, and she once again adopted the imposing manner of the mistress of the house. Her voice was like ice, "Jinlian, hurry up and put away this damn tea set! Gui'er, go to the kitchen and see if dinner is ready yet."

The crowd nodded repeatedly and filed out.

The warm room suddenly felt empty, leaving only Wu Yueniang staring blankly at the two white-glazed teacups on the kang table. The tea in the cups had barely been touched, with two wilted yellow tea leaves floating on top.

She stretched out her finger and unconsciously rubbed the cold, slippery rim of the cup. The chill on her fingertip seemed to seep into her heart through her veins.

The Duke's wife's sudden visit was like a fog shrouded in fragrant powder.

Meanwhile, in the Jia mansion...

Baoyu returned with a string of incense beads personally bestowed upon him by Prince Bei Jing, Shui Rong. Each bead was perfectly round and full, the color of solidified fat, and it exuded a strange, cool fragrance. Moreover, it was a gift from the emperor, with gold thread holding up a bright yellow tassel, making it extremely noble.

Baoyu held it in his hand, feeling the warmth on his fingertips. The sense of pride in his heart was like drinking ice-cold plum juice on a hot summer day, refreshing from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

"Such a fine thing, how could an ordinary person be worthy of it?" Baoyu thought to himself, and with a gust of wind, he rushed to Daiyu's room. He thought that with Lin Daiyu's aloof and proud nature, it would not be an insult to be given this imperial gift of fragrant beads.

Daiyu was reclining on the chaise longue by the window, her small face tense and devoid of its usual liveliness.

Zijuan served him carefully from the side, not daring to say a word.

Lin Ruhai was ordered to go to the capital to meet the emperor in the morning, but by the afternoon the news had disappeared without a trace. Daiyu's heart was hanging in the air, she was very anxious, she had no appetite and could not sleep, and she felt that this deep mansion was like a prison.

Baoyu rushed in excitedly, holding the incense prayer beads in his palm and presenting them to Daiyu like a treasure. His voice was full of joy: "Good sister, look at this! It's a royal gift from Prince Beijin! The fragrance and the quality are unmatched in the entire capital! I thought that no one but a fairy like you is worthy of using it, so I specially brought it for you."

Daiyu slightly raised her eyelids and glanced at the string of beads.

Normally, she might have said a few words, but at this moment, she was filled with anxiety about her father's fate. This golden, fragrant thing was not auspicious to her at all; instead, it was as glaring as a death warrant.

She recalled the rumors of infighting in officialdom and how serving the emperor was like walking on thin ice, and a nameless anger mixed with deep worry surged up within her.

"Hmph!" Daiyu sneered, turning her face away. Her voice was as cold as a knife pulled from an ice cellar. "What 'imperial gift'? It's nothing but trash that some stinking men have handled and stained! It's foul, filthy, and disgusting! I don't want it! Take it away, or it will pollute my eyes!"

Baoyu never expected this scene. His enthusiasm was as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over his head. His smile froze on his face, and his hand holding the string of beads awkwardly stopped in mid-air.

Zijuan quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, and Baoyu awkwardly put away the beads, only to find that the cool fragrance that had just been so refreshing now felt cloying.

His enthusiasm was met with a rebuff, and feeling frustrated, Baoyu involuntarily turned and went into Baochai's room.

Xue Baochai was sitting on the kang (a heated brick bed) doing needlework, while Ying'er was separating silk threads beside her. Seeing Baoyu enter, Baochai put down her work and smiled gently, "Brother Bao is here."

Baoyu then presented the fragrant prayer beads, though not as eagerly as he had been with Daiyu, but still with a hint of showing off: "Sister Bao, look at these, they're imperial fragrant beads bestowed by Prince Bei Jing, they're very rare."

Baochai took it, examined it closely, and twirled the warm, smooth beads between her fingertips. She nodded in praise, "It is indeed a fine piece. The Prince treats you with great kindness."

She handed the beaded string back to Baoyu, her tone still gentle, but her words carried a weight of reality:
“But Brother Bao, such playthings are fine to admire occasionally, but don’t become obsessed with them. The foundation of a man’s life ultimately lies in his official career. For a family like ours, it’s easy to get a nominal official position through donation, but the title of ‘respectable and noble’ cannot be bought with money.”

"The imperial examination is the true foundation. In the future, passing the imperial examination and entering the imperial court will bring real respect and honor. No matter how precious this pearl is, it is just icing on the cake. It cannot compare to the knowledge in one's mind and the honor of having one's name on the list."

Her words, though reasonable and persuasive, were like a gentle nail, puncturing Baoyu's boastful spirit and defusing his enthusiasm.

Baoyu was speechless, feeling as heavy as if he were bound by shackles. He sullenly put away the beads, took his leave, and went out.

Finally, he returned to his room dejectedly, where Xiren was tidying his clothes. Seeing Baoyu's unhappy expression, she quickly poured him a cup of hot tea and asked softly, "Second Master, what's wrong? Who upset you?"

Baoyu, as if he had found his last straw, hurriedly took out the string of incense beads, stuffed them into Xiren's hand, and said in a huff, "Here you go! These are the incense beads bestowed upon me by Prince Bei Jing! Lin Daiyu thinks they smell bad and doesn't want them, and Baochai thinks they're not good for eating! Anyway, they're a good thing, so you can keep them and play with them!"

Xiren was startled. This was a gift from the Emperor! How could she dare accept it? She hurriedly refused, saying, "Oh, my lord! This is unacceptable! This is a favor bestowed upon you by the Prince. Who do you think I am? Please put it away properly..."

As she spoke, she carefully placed the string of beads into Baoyu's arms, as if afraid of breaking it.

As the two were arguing, the curtain was suddenly flung open with a "whoosh"!

Qingwen burst in like a whirlwind, shouting, "Xiren! The rose dew in Madam's room..." Her steps were hurried, and she didn't notice what was happening inside, accidentally nudging someone with her elbow—

A crisp "snap!" was heard!
That precious, imperial-bestowed string of incense beads slipped from Baoyu and Xiren's hands and fell straight onto the polished gold brick floor!
(End of this chapter)