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

Chapter 32 Pan Jinlian's Ambition
There was a rustling sound from inside the room, and the door creaked open halfway, revealing a man—it was Wen Shusheng.

He wore a worn-out square headscarf and a blue cloth robe with oil stains and twisted patterns. The cuffs were frayed and rolled up. He had a sallow and thin face with three sparse tufts of beard, but his eyes were very bright and alert as he looked the man up and down.

Seeing that Lai Bao was neatly dressed and had an extraordinary bearing, he quickly put on a smile, cupped his hands, and said, "You flatter me, I am Wen Bigu. May I ask your honorable name, esteemed guest? What brings you here?"

Although he asked the question, he had already stepped aside, allowing Bao to enter the house.

The room was quite cramped, with a table, a chair, a couch, and a few old books on the table.

Lai Bao, being so worldly-wise, could tell at a glance that this person was in a predicament, and he already had a plan in mind.

He did not sit down, but stood and bowed deeply, his face beaming as he said, "Mr. Wen, I am a servant from the Ximen family, here to offer my respects. My master has long admired your reputation, your moral character and literary talent, which are unparalleled in the region. Moreover, you are known for your warmheartedness and willingness to help others. However, I have never had the opportunity to meet you, so I have specially sent you here today to offer my respects and express my admiration."

As he spoke, he took out the heavy handkerchief bundle from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

Upon hearing the words "Master Ximen," Wen Bigu's eyes flashed with joy. When he saw the shape of the handkerchief bundle, he already knew what it meant.

He suppressed his wildly beating heart, but pretended to be reserved on the surface. He took it with both hands and felt that it was heavy in his hands. He was overjoyed.

He feigned reluctance, saying, "Oh dear! Master Ximen is the foremost figure in Qinghe County. I am but a humble scholar, living in a small alley, without merit or reward. How dare I accept such a generous gift? It would be too much of an honor for me!"

Meanwhile, his fingers were already tightly gripping the handkerchief, and through the cloth, one could feel the hard, cool outline of the silver ingot, which probably weighed more than ten taels.

He beamed with joy, as if ten tiny claws were scratching at his heart.

Lai Bao, being so experienced, saw through his intentions perfectly. He pretended not to know and said with a smile, "Sir, please don't refuse! My husband often says that you are a true scholar, naturally elegant. This little gift is just to add to your paper and pen expenses, and is really not much of a token of my respect. My husband has another matter to trouble you with."

Wen Bigu said, "Please speak."

"My lord has heard that you have a long-standing relationship with Steward Zhai of the Cai family in Tokyo, and has long admired Steward Zhai's prestige and virtue. I have now taken the liberty of writing this letter to pay my respects to Steward Zhai, but I have no way to do so. I earnestly hope that you will remember our shared hometown and lend me your assistance. My lord has already expressed your gratitude, and I will be deeply grateful and will repay you handsomely in the future!"

Wen Bigu heard the name "Zhai Qian".

He thought to himself, "This Master Ximen is indeed incredibly powerful. His purpose is probably not just to get close to Zhai Qian. He seems to be trying to curry favor with Lord Cai Jing! He's offering silver coins right off the bat. If this succeeds, how could he not reap the rewards later?"

At that moment, the pedantry of a scholar had long been worn away by poverty. He hurriedly took the letter, patted his chest, and said, "Rest assured, Steward Zhai! Steward Zhai and I are indeed old friends. This is nothing but a small favor, nothing to boast about! With such kindness from Master Ximen, how could I not do my utmost? I will write this letter immediately and personally deliver it to Master Ximen's residence tomorrow evening!"

As he spoke, he swiftly snatched the silver purse into his sleeve, his movements so quick that he feared Lai Bao might change his mind.

With these ten taels of hard goods, his sleeves immediately felt heavy and heavy, and even the cuffs of his tattered robe seemed to gain a bit more confidence.

Lai Bao was secretly pleased to see that he had agreed so readily and received the money so easily. He became even more respectful on the surface and said many flattering words before taking his leave.

Wen Bigu escorted him to the door, watching Lai Bao's departing figure. He clutched the hard, cool silver ingot in his sleeve, wishing that this Ximen official would ask him to write several letters every day.

He retreated back into the house, bolted the door, hurriedly took out his purse, and held it up to the faint light filtering through the window cracks. He weighed the gleaming silver in his hand, then brought it to his lips and bit it. Only then did a satisfied smile bloom on his face, completely devoid of his previous refined demeanor.

He was only thinking about getting a good wine, a pound of cooked meat, and some top-quality paper and ink—this crucial letter of recommendation required his utmost attention and careful wording!
If Ximen Da Guanren succeeds, he might invite me to be his tutor. Wouldn't that be a thousand times better than staying here?
Ximen Qing brought Pan Jinlian to his mansion.

Pan Jinlian swayed and bounced with the horse, her slender waist like a water snake and her round, plump buttocks rubbing and twisting incessantly in Ximen Qing's arms.

Ximen Da Guanren looked down and saw that the little hussy was panting, and knew that she was seducing him.

It made my lustful desires surge!

If it were that lustful fiend from before, he probably would have already started indulging in debauchery on horseback in broad daylight.

This woman's reputation for being seductive is truly well-deserved!
He pulled on the reins and scurried through the vermilion gate of the Ximen Mansion.

After he dismounted inside the second gate, Wu Yueniang, supported by her maid Xiaoyu, came out to greet him.

She immediately spotted Pan Jinlian, who was following closely behind Ximen Qing, her head bowed and eyes lowered. Yue Niang immediately put on a gentle and amiable smile, but in her heart, she quickly weighed her options.

She was astonished, wondering where her master had found such a stunning woman.

This woman had a graceful and charming figure, and was incredibly beautiful.

Although he wore a worn blue cloth shirt, it couldn't hide the color of his entire body, especially his eyes, which, even when lowered, seemed to have watery light about to overflow. He was quite handsome! The gentleman's taste was indeed excellent!
Yue Niang stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "My lord has returned." Her gaze then fell on Pan Jinlian, with a hint of a mistress's scrutiny and assessment: "And this young lady is...?" Ximen Qing smiled and said, "She's a little something extra from Zhang the wealthy man! Yue Niang, please make her comfortable!"

Wu Yueniang said softly, "They look so neat and tidy! Even I, a woman, envy those small feet and their beautiful faces. They are truly pitiful to behold! I wonder what your husband plans to do with them?"

Wu Yueniang's question was well-considered, demonstrating both the magnanimity of a mistress and a keen understanding of her husband's intentions.

Is he interested in being a wife or concubine?

I'd rather be a slave!

Ximen Da Guanren was untying his handkerchief when he heard this, and paused slightly in his movements.

He glanced at Pan Jinlian, who stood with her head bowed.

He grunted and waved his hand, saying, "For now, keep her in my room to serve me."

That's an ambiguous statement.

Pan Jinlian, who was listening nearby, felt a little disappointed that she wasn't going to be married right away, but she cheered herself up. As long as she was close to her new master, she wouldn't have to worry about not having a chance!

Sitting on his horse, he could already feel his new master's barely suppressed restlessness.

Let's add fuel to the fire for him tonight!

Upon hearing the words "serve her in my room," Wu Yueniang's smile did not diminish at all; instead, it became even more amiable.

But her mind was already racing: "Serving in the room?"
This is no ordinary place for a maid! The master's intention is clearly to take a liking to this maid and intend to make her his own!
They just haven't decided on a formal title yet.

As the principal wife, she knew Ximen Qing's nature well and understood that her most important task was to be "virtuous and generous" and to ensure the continuation of the Ximen family line.

With one more person in the house, there is one more chance of having children.

As for whether this girl is well-behaved or a seductress, that's a matter for later; for now, let's settle her down first.

"Yes, my lord, rest assured." Yue Niang's voice was gentle, with the composure of a mistress of the house. "Since you need someone to serve you in your room, I will make sure to arrange it properly. It is a blessing for my sister, who is so beautiful, to serve you in your room."

At this moment, Ximen Qing seemed to remember the important matter and pointed to the blue silk package that Xiaoyu was holding: "Look, this is what that old dog Zhang gave us as compensation. It's 1,500 mu of excellent irrigated land outside Qinghe County. The land deeds and documents are all inside, and the government has stamped them with its red seal. Keep it, and when Lai Bao comes back, tell him to find some honest and law-abiding tenants to take care of it. As for the harvest, you can decide how to handle it."

Wu Yueniang accepted the heavy package with both hands, her heart filled with joy.

1,500 acres of fertile land! This is the solid foundation of our family business!

She solemnly replied, "Don't worry, my lord, I will take good care of you. Once you return, I will make careful arrangements and will not let you worry."

She gestured for Xiaoyu to hold it carefully, for this was the foundation of the Ximen family's prosperity.

Wu Yueniang continued, "Not long ago, my elder brother came over and said that the military guards had piled up 800 shi of old rice in the warehouse by the dock, and asked the sir what to do with it."

Ximen Da Guanren frowned.

This old rice will soon get moldy if left out; it probably needs to be disposed of and sold as soon as possible.

It's edible, but the taste isn't good, and selling it cheaply isn't worth it.

We need to find them a suitable place so that we can make the most of them.

Inside the Ximen residence, a harmonious atmosphere prevailed as everyone pondered the matter carefully.

But inside Zhang Da Hu's mansion, the sound of weeping was deafening, and at the door stood a short, overjoyed boy.

It was Wu Dalang who came to marry.

[Gentlemen, if you enjoyed this, please consider giving me two months' worth of tickets! Thank you!]

(End of this chapter)