Dream of the Red Chamber: Starting with a Chronicle of Tragic Love

The meeting at Plum Blossom Mountain ended happily for all.

Jiao Si and Liu Rushi reunited after a long separation, poured out their hearts to each other, and their relationship developed further.

Liu Rushi was overjoyed to receive Jiao Si's promise, and her heart was filled with tenderness and warmth.

Qin Keqing's worries about marriage have now been resolved with the help of Jiao Si and Liu Rushi.

As for Jia Rong...

"Qing and I had a very pleasant conversation, and I was reluctant to part ways."

—We don’t know what Qin Keqing was thinking, but at least that’s what Jia Rong himself said.

Therefore, as soon as everyone returned to Ningguo Mansion, Jia Rong couldn't wait to run to find Jia Zhen.

"Father! Father! Good news!"

Jia Rong danced with joy.

"Today, I chatted and laughed with Miss Qin at the Moon-Gazing Pavilion for quite a while! She has completely let go of that absurd incident from last time!"

"They even proactively invited me to discuss wedding details!"

"In my opinion, this marriage is a sure thing!"

Jia Rong recounted all the events that had transpired at the Moon Gazing Pavilion that day.

Of course, he concealed the fact that he spent most of his time deliberately trying to please others.

Jia Zhen sat in the armchair, holding a teacup, and sipped his tea slowly and deliberately.

After hearing Jia Rong's report, he snorted coldly.

"It's fairly satisfactory."

"However, don't get too excited yet."

"That old bastard Qin Ye is incredibly stubborn. As long as the wedding ceremony isn't over, the marriage isn't considered secure."

"You better behave yourself and don't cause any more trouble."

Jia Rong nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, yes, I understand! I will definitely behave myself!"

He was extremely pleased with himself and strode out of the main hall.

Surely my position as heir is no longer in danger?

-----------------

at the same time.

Jiao Si had just returned to his room and hadn't even sat down to catch his breath when there was a soft knock on the door.

"Is Brother Jiao there?"

It was Cuilu's voice.

Anxiously, he opened the door.

"Brother Jiao, Madam requests your presence."

The maidservant lowered her head and spoke very softly.

"Brother Jiao, you need to be careful with your words and actions. Grandma Zhen seems... to be in a bad mood."

Jiao Si nodded.

This was expected.

Following the maid, we arrived at a side hall in Madam You's courtyard.

Lady You was already waiting there.

She was dressed in a casual light purple dress, sitting in a chair, holding a cup of tea in her hands.

His face was expressionless, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Seeing Jiao Si enter, she waved her hand, signaling the maid to leave.

The door closed, leaving only the two of them inside.

Madam You put down her teacup and looked up at Jiao Si.

"Jiao Si".

She spoke, her voice tinged with coldness.

"I've heard about what happened at the Moon Gazing Pavilion today."

"Qin Keqing took the initiative to invite him, and they had a very pleasant conversation?"

She paused, then leaned forward slightly.

"What... exactly are you planning?"

"Don't forget, the matter of Fengyou Temple... isn't over yet."

"Aren't you afraid... I'll expose that?"

Her voice was low and clearly threatening.

Jiao Si sneered inwardly.

This ruthless woman indeed revealed her fangs.

If it weren't for my last-minute act of biting my tongue, breaking down the door to escape, and then standing guard outside to preserve their dignity at Fengyou Temple...

I'm afraid that she, Qin Keqing, and Cuilu would have long since lost their reputations and become a laughing stock.

Now, she actually dares to use this to blackmail me?

That's really... repaying kindness with enmity.

But Jiao Si showed no sign of it on his face.

He bowed, cupped his hands, and spoke with utmost respect.

"Grandma Zhen is joking."

"The incident at Fengyou Temple was purely accidental; I am also a victim."

"As for the Moon Gazing Pavilion today... everything is under my control."

He raised his head and looked at Madam You, his eyes calm.

"Speaking of which... I have some matters that require your help, madam."

Lady You raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? You want to borrow my help?"

"What do you want to do?"

Jiao Si did not answer directly.

He simply said it.

"Naturally, it's about doing what's beneficial to my wife and also to myself."

Lady You stared at him for a long time.

Suddenly, she smiled.

"it is good."

"As long as it's to stir up trouble between them, I'll give you my help, or even my manpower, let alone leverage it."

She stood up and walked over to Jiao Si.

"But Jiao Si, listen to me carefully."

"The final outcome is up to you."

"If they really do get married smoothly..."

She leaned closer, her words chilling.

"You'll get what's coming to you."

After saying that, she stopped looking at Jiao Si and turned to leave the side hall.

Jiao Si was left standing there alone, his eyes growing cold.

It seems that after resolving the issues with Qin Keqing and Jia Rong, we still need to carefully consider the situation with Lady You.

This woman clearly sees herself as a pawn that can be used and discarded at any time.

Just a tool.

-----------------

It was evening.

Jiao Si arrived at a secluded corner outside Ningguo Mansion.

Butterfly was already waiting there.

The little girl looked around nervously.

Upon seeing Jiao Si, her eyes lit up, and she quickly jogged over.

"My benefactor!"

She took out a small bag wrapped in bright red silk from her bosom and stuffed it into Jiao Si's hand.

"Here! Sister Liu asked me to give this to you!"

Jiao Si accepted it.

The red silk package wasn't big, about the size of a palm, but it felt quite heavy.

The silk covering was very carefully wrapped, and two small characters were embroidered on it in gold thread:

"Replenish Yang".

Next to it was a line of even smaller characters: "Essence for Prolonging Offspring".

The packaging is brightly colored, giving off a somewhat frivolous vibe.

It's obvious at a glance that this isn't something you can buy in an ordinary pharmacy.

Butterfly's face flushed slightly as she explained in a soft voice.

"Sister Liu said... she got this medicine from her mother."

"My mom told me that there was once an eighty-year-old man who used this medicine and immediately... immediately... became as strong as an eighteen-year-old boy!"

The more she spoke, the redder her face became, and the lower her head went.

"Sister Liu specifically instructed you, my benefactor, to be very careful when using it! Only about one spoonful is enough!"

"Otherwise, there will be big problems!"

Jiao Si looked at the packet of "Yang-Boosting and Fertility-Prolonging Golden Pill" in his hand and understood.

He nodded and carefully put the medicine packet away.

Then, seeing Die'er's shy and adorable appearance, he suddenly felt like teasing her.

He deliberately moved closer and lowered his voice.

"Butterfly, why are you so nervous?"

"Could it be... that you also want to try the effects of this medicine?"

Butterfly was taken aback at first.

Immediately, her entire face turned bright red.

Like a startled rabbit, she took two steps back and covered her face with her hands.

"My benefactor! What nonsense are you talking about!"

"I...I'm leaving!"

After saying that, she turned around and ran away without looking back.

Jiao Si watched her retreating figure and couldn't help but chuckle.

Then, he stopped smiling, turned around, and went back to Ningguo Mansion.

He returned to his room.

Jiao Si closed the door and placed the packet of "Yang-Boosting and Fertility-Prolonging Golden Pill" on the table.

He found a pen and dipped it in ink.

Then, on the back of the red silk pouch, a line of small characters was written neatly:

"Take three spoonfuls two hours before the procedure."

After he finished writing, he picked up the medicine packet and examined it carefully for a moment.

A meaningful smile curved at the corner of his mouth.

Night was falling.

Most of the people in the mansion had already retired for the night.

Jiao Si quietly went out and came to the vicinity of Jia Rong's courtyard.

He hid in the shadows and observed for a moment.

After confirming that no one was around, [they] made sure that no one was nearby.

Then, he quickly walked to Jia Rong's door.

He deliberately loosened his grip.

The bright red silk medicine packet fell to the ground with a "thud".

It landed in a conspicuous spot right outside the door.

Jiao Si didn't even look at him before turning around and leaving.

Without stopping, he headed straight towards the You family's courtyard.