The Splendor of the Red Chamber

Meanwhile, Wang Xifeng informed Madam Wang and Madam Xing.

He then ordered a carriage to be prepared outside the second gate, ready to take Ping'er back to the Rongguo Mansion.

When the master and servant arrived at the carriage, they found Jia Lian already waiting inside.

Seeing him reach out to help her up from his elevated position, Wang Xifeng rolled her eyes coquettishly, climbed the steps to the carriage on her own, and asked in a sour voice, "Second Master, are you impatient?"

"Haha~"

Jia Lian pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear, "I just wanted to ask if you still want her to drink your foot bath water today."

Feeling the warmth of her breath on her ear, Wang Xifeng's plump and charming body went limp, her heart filled with a mixture of anticipation and fear.

However, she hadn't recovered yet and ultimately didn't dare to confront Jia Lian directly, only stubbornly saying, "I was too kind to her yesterday; she only deserves to drink Ping'er's foot bath water."

Hearing her stubbornness masking her soft heart, Jia Lian knew things were settled.

Then he instructed her, "If you reach an agreement, have her send the maid away beforehand and slip a piece of white cloth through the crack in the window."

After saying that, he pecked Wang Xifeng on the cheek, put her down, and leaped off the carriage.

Seeing his swift movements and graceful movements, Wang Xifeng felt both love and hate. She thought to herself that with such skills, and having set a precedent with Qin Keqing, who knows how he would steal kisses and seduce women in the future!

But if she were to back out now, the couple would likely fall out again.

Feng Jie could only suppress her displeasure and go to Qin Keqing to explain.

…………

Inside the west wing of Zhiwei Pavilion.

Qin Keqing secretly poured the medicinal soup into her water bag, and then quietly lay back down on the bed.

Worried that Jia Lian wouldn't be able to persuade Wang Xifeng, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep or eat. Although she wasn't actually sick, her complexion was much worse than the day before.

This feeling is truly agonizing.

However, Qin Keqing had already exhausted all the possible countermeasures and words she could think of yesterday, and now she really had no other choice but to wait in vain.

Just then, Ruizhu pushed open the door and came in, announcing, "Grandma, Second Grandma Lian has come to visit you."

"really?!"

Qin Keqing, no longer feigning illness, sat bolt upright and excitedly asked, "Where is she? Quickly, invite her in!"

If Wang Xifeng wanted to refuse, there was no need for her to come in person. Since she has come, the matter is most likely settled.

I really don't know how Uncle Lian managed to persuade that fiery Feng!

Seeing Qin Keqing so excited, Ruizhu couldn't help but secretly admire the deep bond between the aunt and daughter-in-law.

When he went outside to bring Wang Xifeng in, he specially said to her, "Second Mistress Lian, our mistress is usually very close to you. Hearing that you were coming, her illness has improved a bit. You must visit us often in the future."

"Is that so?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng smiled insincerely and said, "I'm afraid she'll be even happier if others come more often."

"You mean Grandma Zhu?"

Ruizhu naturally assumed that she was referring to Li Wan.

Wang Xifeng was too lazy to waste words with a maid. When they reached the door, she instructed, "You all stay outside and keep watch. My daughter and I need to have a private talk."

Upon hearing this, Ruizhu gratefully pleaded, "Then please comfort our grandmother."

Wang Xifeng ignored her and went straight into the bedroom.

Qin Keqing then put on her coat and sat up. The two women stared at each other, neither willing to give way.

After a stalemate lasting for more than ten breaths, Wang Xifeng snorted coldly, locked the door, took two steps forward, and said coldly, "Have you finished writing the guarantee? Let me see it."

Although Wang Xifeng could read, she wasn't very good at writing, and her handwriting was crooked and illegible.

Qin Keqing was aware of this, so she had already prepared the contract and immediately took it out and laid it on the table for Fengjie to see.

But the contract read:

[Contractor: Wang Xifeng]

I hereby voluntarily swear an oath to do my utmost and make every effort to protect the son born to the Qin family and ensure his inheritance of the Ningguo family lineage.

In the future, I will definitely mediate and resolve any disputes among the Ning family clan, matters of family power, and inheritance of property, and will never shirk my responsibilities and stand idly by.

This agreement comes from the heart, is written down as proof, and will be upheld forever.

Wang Xifeng read it several times to confirm that there were no discrepancies, then took out her personal seal and stamped it at the end.

Seeing this, Qin Keqing quickly said, "Please, Auntie, give me another fingerprint."

"Hmph~"

Wang Xifeng knew that she didn't trust her, and she was naturally unhappy, but since things had come to this point, there was no need to dwell on it anymore.

So he used the inkpad to press his fingerprint onto it.

Qin Keqing then put the contract away.

Seeing her joyful expression, Wang Xifeng felt a mix of bitterness, anger, resentment, and regret. She couldn't help but say sarcastically, "Don't be too happy yet. With your delicate body, you might not be able to be Tang Xuanzang!"

He paused, then reluctantly instructed, "If you are ready, send the maids away beforehand and slip a piece of white cloth under the window."

After saying that, he didn't even bother to look at Qin Keqing again and turned to leave.

In the outer living room.

Ruizhu and Baozhu were talking with Ping'er when they saw Fengjie come out so quickly. They asked in surprise, "Second Mistress Lian, are you leaving already?"

"Um."

Wang Xifeng suppressed her overwhelming jealousy and said to the two maids, "Your mistress has something to tell you. Go in and listen to her instructions."

With that, he took Ping'er and left Zhiwei Pavilion.

Ruizhu and Baozhu first escorted Wang Xifeng outside, then hurriedly went to the bedroom to check on Qin Keqing's condition.

Seeing her standing in front of the table wearing a coat, Ruizhu immediately exclaimed happily, "Grandma, are you feeling better?!"

Then Baozhu cautiously inquired, "Grandma, is something on your mind?"

Qin Keqing's gaze first swept over Ruizhu, then fell on Baozhu. After a moment, she instructed, "Ruizhu, go outside and keep watch. I have something to say to Baozhu."

This west wing is cramped and was originally where the maids lived. It only has a living room and two bedrooms.

Qin Keqing figured that even if she sent people away in advance, there was still a chance something might happen. It would be better to find someone to help with welcoming and seeing off guests and to keep watch.

Moreover, if she doesn't conceive in the next few days, she'll need the cooperation of those around her to pretend to be pregnant later.

Ruizhu was indeed a loyal servant, but he was somewhat naive and straightforward, and his actions were not meticulous enough.

Baozhu, however, was clever and quick-witted. She had probably already figured out what was going on, but she had kept quiet all along.

Therefore, after careful consideration, Qin Keqing chose the pearl.

Ruizhu didn't think much of it, agreed, and went outside to keep watch.

Qin Keqing beckoned Baozhu closer, then gently stroked her belly and said, "Baozhu, do you think it's possible I'm pregnant with Jia Rong's posthumous child?"

Baozhu's almond-shaped eyes widened instantly.

After a long pause, she stammered, "If Grandma is really pregnant, that would be wonderful news, but... but..."

"Precious Pearl".

Qin Keqing interrupted her stammering and took her hand, speaking frankly: "You must know why I moved here. I would rather die than submit to such a shameful thing."

The only way forward now is to conceive a posthumous child to ensure a future for us masters and servants, instead of being trapped in despair and at the mercy of others!

Upon hearing this, Baozhu knelt down at Keqing's feet with a thud, sobbing, "Of course, this servant also hopes that Grandmother will conceive a child born after her death, but we servants couldn't protect Grandmother even in Ningguo Mansion, and now that we're in Rongguo Mansion, a place where we know no one, what can we do... what can we do..."

"You don't need to worry about these things."

As Qin Keqing helped her up, she said, "I've already arranged everything. As long as you cooperate with me, you'll be well rewarded in the future."

There will definitely be benefits, but they may not be the benefits that Baozhu wants.

After all, although Baozhu is clever and quick-witted, she may not be loyal enough.

To ensure everything goes smoothly, they have no choice but to drag her into it—being taken in by a handsome and dashing young master like Master Lian would be an incredible benefit for a maid.