The Splendor of the Red Chamber

The strong scent of the face wash completely stirred up Wang Xifeng's jealousy, and the next day Jia Lian had to spend half the day watching over her and coaxing her.

I've said all the nice things until my throat is dry, but that hot-tempered woman still dares to act all high and mighty.

Jia Lian didn't want to indulge her anymore, so he planned to drag her back and give her a good beating to settle the matter.

Wang Xifeng finally softened.

Just then, Jia Zheng returned from the Ministry of Works with a message, and Fengjie hurriedly pushed Jia Lian to go and see what was going on, lest they cause a ruckus in broad daylight and become the laughingstock of others.

After Jia Lian left in a haughty and arrogant manner, Wang Xifeng gritted her teeth in hatred.

She complained to Ping'er, "He's clearly making a mountain out of a molehill. He uses this to scare me whenever something happens. Tomorrow, remember to remind me to practice the Eight Pieces of Brocade. Lin Daiyu's health has improved a lot this year, so it seems to be really effective."

Even if the Eight Pieces of Brocade are very effective, they may not necessarily affect that aspect of life.

Ping'er inwardly complained, but said aloud, "I just hope Grandma won't complain about me being long-winded like before."

"Isn't it because we haven't seen any empirical evidence before?"

As Wang Xifeng was speaking, Siqi happened to come in to deliver something, so she quickly beckoned Siqi over to talk.

When Siqi approached, Fengjie took her hand and said with a smile, "When you go back to Miss's place recently, will those old women still dare to go against you?"

Siqi hurriedly said, "I wouldn't dare. They all greet me with smiles now. Even those snobbish people in the kitchen fawn over me."

"That's right!"

Wang Xifeng patted her palm and said decisively, "They respect and fear you because they know you have me and Second Master behind you—but if I send them back, what do you think they'll think of you then?"

"this……"

Siqi had only thought about escaping the tiger's den, but she never expected there to be this layer.

She was proud and short-tempered, and couldn't tolerate any wrongdoing. In the past, she often clashed with others while taking care of the dull-witted Jia Yingchun, and often suffered and was deceived.

Now that she's by Sister Feng's side, she's fawned over wherever she goes. If she were to revert to her original state, or even worse...

Siqi bit her lower lip, momentarily undecided.

Which young person doesn't want to be respected and admired? Who wants to be looked down upon and despised?

But what if...

How should I face my cousin Pan Youan?

"Good girl."

At this moment, Sister Feng coaxed her again, "Now that you are a maidservant of two households, I will give you an extra interest rate in the future."

If you need anything, come here and help me out. When you're free, go visit the girls' room and help me and Second Master keep things under control over there.

In this way, whether it's outward appearance or inner qualities, wouldn't she be the best among the maids?

Siqi was increasingly tempted, but still couldn't make up her mind. She forced a smile and said, "Grandma, please let me think about it some more."

"Hehe, you're someone close to the young lady, do you think I'd force you to stay? Alright, you can go ahead and do your thing."

Wang Xifeng smiled and dismissed Siqi, then turned to Ping'er and said, "That little vixen probably has someone else on the side. Keep a close eye on her and see who she's involved with!"

Ping'er hesitated and advised, "If she really has someone she loves, why should Grandmother force her to stay? What good will it do us if we create an enemy?"

"I didn't force her to stay!"

Wang Xifeng sneered, "What business is it of mine if she chooses to stay? I don't believe a mere maid like her can rebel!"

The more Ping'er tried to persuade her, the more stubborn she became. With a quick thought, she ordered, "Send someone to deliver some things to her parents, saying that Siqi served them well, and that this is a reward from Second Master and me."

Ping'er smiled bitterly, knowing that there was no point in saying anything more. So she opened the private treasury, found the remaining half bolt of satin, and asked someone to send it to Siqi's mother, Qin Wangshi.

When he returned to the main hall to report, he ran into an old woman who came in a panic to report.

"Grandma, Second Grandma! A troop of Imperial Guards has arrived outside, saying they want our Second Master to go on official business!"

"Are you asking our Second Master to go and do some work?"

Wang Xifeng put down the menu in her hand and asked in surprise, "Haven't we just completed the procedures with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel? Even in a rush, it should take at least ten days to half a month before I can take office, right?"

The old woman was speechless and couldn't explain herself.

Wang Xifeng hurriedly called Wang's wife to find out the truth.

Not long after, Laiwang's wife returned in a panic, reporting: "Second Madam, it's terrible! The tomb of the Prince of Nan'an has been robbed! Eunuch Dai from the palace has personally appointed our Second Master as his general, ordering him to investigate this case!"

"What?!"

Wang Xifeng was also startled and hurriedly asked, "Which prince's tomb was robbed?"

"The one who just died not long ago."

"But the mourning period isn't over yet, is it?"

Wang Xifeng stood up and ordered, "Quickly tell your man to ride at full speed to the Sheng family in Jiying Lane to inform the Second Master!"

Just as Laiwang's wife turned to leave, Fengjie called out again, "Come back—Ping'er, go and find the Second Master's official robes and have Laiwang take them with him."

"this……"

Ping'er hesitated and said, "That's the uniform of a civil official. Now, Second Master, shouldn't you be considered a military officer?"

Wang Xifeng waved her hand and said, "In times of emergency, we must act expediently. Having something to wear is better than having nothing at all."

Ping'er then led Laiwang's wife to their home to find the official robes.

On the way, she asked curiously, "Why did Second Master go to Jiying Lane again?"

"It seems to be the Second Master's order. He said that he had already discussed it with Lord Sheng at the yamen and asked the Second Master to take Baoyu to the Sheng family to deliver the tuition fee."

Ping'er then realized and nodded, saying, "Everything else is fine, but it's kind of you that the old lady agreed."

"Perhaps it's because they see our Second Master is making progress, and they think Baoyu should also be more ambitious," Laiwang's wife speculated. "Also, Baoyu has become more sensible this time; he didn't cry and make a fuss about not wanting to go."

"Yes, Baoyu has grown up too."

…………

at the same time.

Jia Lian had already brought Baoyu to the Sheng family in Jiying Lane, where they received a warm welcome from Madam Wang.

Madam Wang was even more enthusiastic than last time.

Firstly, because the eldest son-in-law was arrogant at first but then became obsequious. Yesterday, he made a special trip to the Sheng family to say a lot of nice things, and he also became "instant friends" with Sheng Changwu of the eldest branch of the family.

Then there was her other biological daughter, Rulan, who was about the same age as Jia Baoyu.

According to Madam Wang's wishes, it would be best if her daughter could marry the well-known Young Master Qi. If that didn't work out, it would be even better if she could marry the younger brother of the Imperial Concubine.

Since Sheng Hong had not yet left the government office, she invited her own son Changbai and cousin Changwu to accompany her, and also invited Mr. Zhuang to examine her in person.

After the news spread throughout the Sheng family, three more little heads appeared outside the window as expected.

Even Minglan couldn't resist the urge to ask—she was mainly curious about what Lin Daiyu's childhood sweetheart looked like.

Mo Lan was the first to grab a seat. After taking a look around, she shook her head and said, "This Second Master Bao is so naive. He looks like a little kid sitting next to his brother."

Rulan loved to argue with her, and immediately said sarcastically, "So Fourth Sister likes older men? Then let's ask the family to find you a widower."

"you!"

Mo Lan turned her head and glared angrily at Ru Lan.

Minglan quickly reminded her, "Good sister, there are outsiders inside. Be careful not to let them hear!"

"Hmph~"

Mo Lan snorted coldly and stepped aside.

Rulan thought she had backed down, and smugly went to peek, but as soon as she got to the windowsill, Molan suddenly shoved her hard.

bang~

Rulan's nose hit the window directly, and she cried out in pain.

When she turned around, covering her nose, Mo Lan had already disappeared.

"Who's outside?!"

At this moment, Madam Liu, Wang's trusted confidante, came out with a stern face. Seeing Rulan and Minglan outside the window, she quickly gave them a wink, signaling them to leave immediately.

Then he went back and reported: "Madam, it was one of the maids in the house who accidentally tripped and fell, hitting her head on the wall."

The simple-minded Madam Wang believed her and scolded, "What an unruly child! I'll punish her severely later!"

Then, with a forced smile, he said to Mr. Zhuang, "Please continue the examination, sir."

Mr. Zhuang shook his head inwardly. He had been teaching the Sheng family's children for several years, how could he not recognize Ru Lan's voice?

However, he did not point it out, but continued to examine Baoyu's talent and learning.

Just then, the Sheng family steward rushed in, flustered, to report: "Madam, a number of soldiers have arrived outside, saying they are looking for Second Master Lian!"

"Looking for me?"

Jia Lian was puzzled upon hearing this.

Madam Wang became uneasy, fearing that Jia Lian had gotten himself into some trouble that might implicate the Sheng family.

"Second Master, Second Master!"

Just then, shouts rang out again. Jia Lian recognized Lai Wang's voice and hurried out to ask, "What's going on? What are those soldiers outside doing?"

"They're all imperial guards!"

Laiwang, panting, handed his official robes to Jia Lian and pointed outside, explaining, "The tomb of the Prince of Nan'an outside the city has been robbed. Eunuch Dai specifically asked Second Master to help with the investigation—those people heard that Second Master wasn't home, so they followed me here!"

What?!

Jia Lian was startled and instinctively grabbed his official robes and headed outside.

After taking two steps, he realized something was wrong and hurriedly went back to say goodbye to Madam Wang and Mr. Zhuang. He also instructed Laiwang to stay and take Baoyu back intact.

"Second Master!"

Seeing this, Sheng Changwu volunteered, "I'll go with you, so we can look out for each other!"

Jia Lian agreed after a moment's thought, and then took Sheng Changwu out to meet with the imperial guards, rushing to the imperial mausoleum outside the city.