Dream of the Red Chamber: Starting with winning over Daiyu's favorability

Before the rooster crowed, Deng Zechen finally left Rongguo Mansion quietly.

On the way back, thinking about everything he had witnessed at the Rongguo Mansion, Deng Zechen felt a chill creep up his spine.

Without disturbing anyone, Deng Zechen returned to his room and sat alone at the table, lost in thought.

The night finally ended when dawn broke completely.

Thinking of Madam Wang's hiring of a hitman, even though Deng Zechen's martial arts skills had improved somewhat, he dared not be overconfident.

After much deliberation, Deng Zechen decided to visit the Li residence. After all, his senior brother's martial arts skills were unfathomable, and seeking his help was the best option at the moment.

Although he hadn't rested all night, Deng Zechen was still extremely excited. He quickly changed his clothes and headed to the Li residence.

When Du Feng saw Deng Zechen arrive at the Li residence shortly after dawn, he knew that Deng must have something on his mind. After all, although this junior brother was a bit too diligent, he was still someone who would listen to advice.

Since I promised myself I would put my studies on hold for now, I won't change my mind rashly.

"Senior Brother, do you know about Wan Jin Tang?"

Upon hearing the name, Du Feng frowned: "Where did you hear that from?"

Since becoming a disciple of Master Li, he has been taught reading and martial arts by his senior brother, Du Feng.

Deng Zechen could sense that his senior brother was giving him everything, so Deng Zechen trusted Du Feng quite a bit.

"I don't know how I offended someone. That person has some influence and money. I heard that he hired people from 'Wan Jin Tang' to harm me."

Although I've been in the capital for almost three years, I know very little about these things, which is why I came to find my senior brother.

Upon hearing the whole story, Du Feng's face turned as cold as if covered in frost, but he eventually relaxed, his expression becoming somewhat strange.

"Are you sure the person who wants to harm you is from 'Wan Jin Tang'?"

The news was told to him by Lin Daiyu, and Deng Zechen felt it was quite credible.

Even if we can't be 100% certain where the thugs were hired from, there must be a group of people lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike.

"It should be right."

Upon hearing Deng Zechen's words, Du Feng patted him on the shoulder and said in a comforting tone:

"If it really is someone from 'Wan Jin Tang', then you don't need to worry."

Why?

"Because the head of the 'Wanjintang' you mentioned is also your senior brother, but... due to some unforeseen circumstances, he missed the imperial examinations, which is why his personality changed drastically."

Even after completing the study tour assigned to him by his master early on, he was unwilling to return, preferring to travel around in order to earn more gold.

This led to the establishment of the "Wan Jin Tang," which recruited a group of skilled martial artists to work for him.

Deng Zechen's eyelids twitched violently. He wanted to say something, but for a moment he didn't know where to begin.

Perhaps noticing Deng Zechen's silence, Du Feng patiently continued to explain:

"You had only been a disciple of Master for a short time when Master had already passed on this news to your fellow disciples."

Don't worry, 'Wan Jin Tang' always checks the client's identity before accepting an order. Your senior brother probably already knows who you are; he just wants to meet you.

"What kind of person is that senior brother?"

Upon hearing Deng Zechen's question, Du Feng's thoughts seemed to drift back to a long time ago, and after a long pause, he answered with a hint of regret:

"He is your fifth senior brother, surnamed Huo, given name Yan."

He was originally the most talented person in our generation, and our master valued him highly, even making an exception to take him under his wing from a young age.

Unfortunately... fate played a cruel trick on him. After realizing he had no hope of passing the imperial examinations, his personality changed drastically, and he wandered the martial world, rarely returning to the capital.

Deng Zechen was very curious about what this person had encountered to cause such a big change.

"What happened to Fifth Senior Brother?"

"His face is injured."

With just this short sentence, Deng Zechen completely understood.

Putting aside how to face the strange looks from others after being disfigured, people with damaged faces were not allowed to participate in the imperial examinations.

This is a devastating blow to a high-achieving student who has studied diligently for many years; even he himself would find it hard to accept.

Both Deng Zechen and Du Feng felt a little regretful. Du Feng then said:

"Let's not talk about that now. Xiao Wu definitely already knows your identity."

He might take this opportunity to come see you, and you don't need to be afraid when you see him.

He used to be a very carefree person, and even though his personality has changed drastically, he's still very good to his own people.

Deng Zechen snapped out of his regret and nodded absentmindedly.

Seeing Deng Zechen's expression, Du Feng knew that his junior brother was still worried, and jokingly said:

"If you're worried, how about I go with you? I also need to go out and take care of some things, so going with you will just mean taking a slightly longer route."

Not to brag, but in this world, the number of people who can gain an advantage over me is definitely less than two hands.

Deng Zechen's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly agreed, afraid that if he hesitated even a moment, his senior brother would change his mind:

"It would be wonderful if my senior brother could accompany me on this journey. I thank him in advance!"

"You brat, you're really not being polite! Fine, I agree, you can go back now."

After leaving the Li residence, Deng Zechen finally felt that the sword hanging over his head had been removed.

Even with this gloomy weather that seemed to be about to rain, I was in a good mood. Although the sun wasn't shining brightly, there was a gentle breeze that kept the air cool.

After strolling around the capital, I bought some trinkets to give to Xiangling and Qin Keqing when I got back.

If it's just a small amount of money that can increase goodwill, why not?

With the thought of "what's the worst that could happen?", Deng Zechen handed the gift to Xiangling, only to find that Xiangling seemed to have something to say to him.

"What's wrong?"

"Brother Deng, don't you know? It seems that something happened to the lady of the Rongguo Mansion. This morning, the people from the Rongguo Mansion went next door to pick up Miss Lin."

Just as Miss Lin was saying she'd find some time to take me to the hot springs at the estate, the people from the Rongguo Mansion arrived in a hurry. They exchanged a few words with Miss Lin and then hastily took her away.

Deng Zechen was not surprised by the news; in fact, he was the first eyewitness at the scene.

"Don't overthink it. What does other people's business have to do with us?"

Xiangling nodded, but seeing that Deng Zechen didn't seem interested in discussing the matter, she had no choice but to give up.

In the evening, Lin Daiyu still hadn't returned home, but Zijuan braved the rain to come back first.

Upon learning this, Xiangling couldn't contain her curiosity and went to ask Zijuan what had happened at the Rongguo Mansion.

Although Zijuan had brought an umbrella when she returned, her hair was still a little wet from the rain, and she was now carefully drying it after taking it off.

"For some reason, my wife suddenly developed prickly heat. She went to see several doctors, but they all said that it was probably incurable."

Xiangling also found the news very sudden. "Which lady is it?"

"The Second Madam is Jia Baoyu's mother in the mansion."

Xiangling had also lived in the Rongguo Mansion for a period of time, and a woman who spoke very kindly appeared in her mind, but always made her a little afraid.

"How could a perfectly healthy person suddenly get this disease?"

"Yes, no one expected that my wife would have such a serious illness."

The old lady was also very sad, and the young woman felt it inappropriate to leave her alone at this time, so she stayed by her side to show her filial piety.