Three Wives and Four Concubines in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Page 44

"..."

Seeing that Sister Feng hadn't reacted yet, the women laughed even harder. Gu Yu looked at their beautiful, trembling figures and gave Sister Feng a thumbs up in her heart, thanking her for her selfless dedication in making her the butt of their jokes.

……

After returning home, Sister Feng indeed sent someone to inquire about the matter and learned that she had almost been used as a pawn. She secretly resented this.

She wasn't the type to remain silent after being wronged. She deliberately sent someone to inform the garrison commander's family, not only embezzling five thousand taels of silver from the Zhang family without doing anything, but also deliberately spreading rumors about the Zhang family's words and deeds, forcing them to take the initiative to marry their daughter off to prove their innocence.

Fortunately, the garrison commander's son was a romantic, and the couple became very harmonious. The parents-in-law didn't make things difficult for the young wife, and it was a happy ending for the lovers, making it a good thing for Sister Feng.

After the Zhang family sent someone to inquire with Jingxu, Jingxu rushed over to find Fengjie in a great hurry. Fengjie looked surprised and said:

"I just sent a letter to the military governor of Chang'an, Yun Guang, to arrange this matter. How could this have happened? Oh no, the Zhang family has already married their daughter off, so why bother them?"

"Wang'er! Quickly send someone to retrieve the letter!"

"Yes!"

Seeing that Sister Feng's anxious expression seemed genuine, and that she instructed Lai Wang'er to act quickly, Jingxu could only sigh at the Zhang family's bad luck. As for the benefits they sent? Are you kidding me? Once it's in my stomach, you think you can take it back? You'd better ask all those wealthy families who invited me to give lectures first!

Chapter Fifteen: Gu is a scholar of the Western Spring and Autumn Period!

The Mid-Autumn Festival was just a few days away. The Jia clan leader of Ningguo Mansion was still immersed in his own world of sadness and could not get out of it. Unfortunately, the Jia ancestor of Rongguo Mansion fell ill. Therefore, the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was tasteless and ended hastily.

Even when Lin Daiyu and the others, whom he hadn't seen for many days, gathered together, Baoyu couldn't muster much interest; his mind was elsewhere.

It turns out that many wonderful things happened during this trip to Shuiyue Nunnery. After Baoyu returned, he wanted to read books with Qin Zhong at night, but unexpectedly, Qin Zhong fell ill after returning.

Upon hearing this, Zhi Neng'er of Shuiyue Nunnery was worried about her lover and secretly ran away from the nunnery to visit Qin Zhong. Unexpectedly, she was caught by Qin Ye, who made her faint from anger and fall ill. It seems that she will be useless in the next two days.

Baoyu wanted to visit them, but couldn't find an excuse to leave the mansion. His second brother, Lian, had been ordered to go to Jiangnan a few days ago because the garden's framework was complete and they needed to start purchasing actors and nuns to fill it. Baoyu couldn't find any help for the time being.

Although I instructed Mingyan and the others to go twice, they could only shake their heads and couldn't explain anything clearly, which only made me angry for no reason.

His worried and distressed appearance naturally caught everyone's attention, and Tan Chun was the first to ask:

"Second brother, is something troubling you? I noticed you didn't smile much at the banquet earlier, why is that?"

Baoyu simply shook his head, not intending to tell his sisters about such things. However, when his gaze shifted and he saw Gu Yu, his eyes lit up, and he begged Gu Yu to come over and talk to him.

Although he disliked reading, he still greatly admired Gu Yu's abilities. His second brother Lian had mentioned to him several times when he took him to Yingkexuan that it was Gu Yu's family property!

Watching Baoyu frantically jumping around in the distance, while Gu Yu remained calm and composed, Baochai and Daiyu's beautiful eyes sparkled. Aside from being a little older than Gu Yu, Baoyu seemed inferior in every way, and now, without any distractions, the contrast was even more striking.

After hearing Baoyu's request, Gu Yu casually agreed. He had almost forgotten about Qin Zhong and Zhi Neng'er. It seemed he would have to go back and see Ke Qing in the next couple of days.

If Zhi Neng'er's wishes were fulfilled, Xi Chun would probably be even less inclined to become a nun...

Thinking of this, Gu Yu readily agreed, which made Bao Yu even more grateful. However, Gu Yu couldn't bear his so-called "eyes like autumn waves" and kept her distance without making a sound.

With his worries resolved, Baoyu felt much better. Seeing Lin Daiyu, he suddenly remembered something and quickly came up to her with a smug look on his face. He took out a string of beads from his pocket and wanted to hand it to Daiyu.

“When I was paying respects at the roadside a few days ago, I ran into Prince Bei Jing, who gave me a string of wagtail-scented prayer beads bestowed by His Majesty. They are very nourishing, and they would be perfect for you to wear.”

Daiyu was looking at Baoyu, who was blocking her way, with some confusion. When she heard him talking about the bracelets of this prince and that emperor, she was even more speechless and quickly waved her hand with a look of disgust.

"I don't want anything that a stinky man has touched!"

"Forehead…"

Baoyu's smile froze, and he awkwardly withdrew his hand, feeling even more dejected. Why couldn't he succeed every time he tried to please Lin Daiyu?

The lion cat from last time was still being raised in the yard by Xi Ren and Xi She Yue, and this time the bracelet was rejected before it could even be sold. Why is it so difficult for me?

However, having at least resolved one of his concerns, Baoyu didn't fall into a hysterical state. His mood worsened, so he bid farewell to everyone and went back to his courtyard to find Xiren for comfort.

The group went to sit in Yingchun's courtyard, but in front of the gossipy servants, not only did Gu Yu feel uncomfortable maintaining her composure, but Xichun and the others also disliked the situation of not being able to get close to Gu Yu. They could only leave with regret, and in their hearts they missed the environment in Gu Yu's courtyard where they could be unrestrained.

Once back in the courtyard, Daiyu was led to the study by Gu Yu. Xiangling brought in some food and then closed the door behind her.

When the two were alone, Daiyu was always bolder. Even though Gu Yu held her firmly in his arms and wouldn't let her get down, she gently patted Gu Yu a few times to show her dissatisfaction, and then she would lie comfortably in his arms.

Seeing that it was still early, Gu Yu pulled a book out from under the table, intending to discuss it with Daiyu. Daiyu looked at the title with curiosity and realized it was "The Romance of the Western Chamber".

Although it was a book for leisure, Daiyu only used it as an opportunity to spend more time with Gu Yu. Moreover, the young girl was very curious about this kind of 'forbidden book' that adults were not allowed to read, so she continued reading and unexpectedly became engrossed in it very soon.

Seeing Zhang Sheng and Cui Yingying happily reunited with Hongniang, Daiyu inexplicably thought of Zijuan helping Gu Yu... Her body felt hot and her face flushed.

Gu Yu naturally noticed Daiyu's unusual behavior. Although the Romance of the Western Chamber, a forbidden book in its time, was not even considered children's literature in the information-saturated modern world, it was enough to make these young ladies, who rarely even saw men, yearn for it.

As they read, the two found themselves spontaneously embracing and kissing. Daiyu, her face full of sweetness, playfully patted Gu Yu's mischievous hands before continuing to read.

Gu Yu rested his head on Daiyu's shoulder, and upon seeing a classic line, deliberately let out a long sigh, saying in a 'mournful and self-pitying' tone:

"It's a pity that my stunning beauty has met your sickly and melancholy body. Lin Daiyu is such a lucky man."

"Pfft!"

When Daiyu saw him deliberately using words from the book in a affected tone, she couldn't help but laugh.

But when Daiyu looked up at Gu Yu's handsome face, she blushed and realized that what he said seemed to make some sense...

However, she was not one to back down, and upon seeing the next sentence, she quickly used it to retaliate.

"If you're all show and no substance, a mere empty shell, aren't you even worse off than me, with my 'frail and sickly body'?"

"Ok?"

Gu Yu's expression was strange. She deliberately pushed forward, eliciting a soft cry.

"I'm going to die!"

Daiyu's face flushed, and as she recalled the good deed Gu Yu had done that day, a hint of spring appeared in her eyes.

Gu Yu felt a surge of warmth in his heart, and lowered his head to kiss her intimately again. Looking at Daiyu's beautiful, slightly breathless state, he teased her:

"Now that my sister has been touched by this stinky man, what are you going to do about it?"

Daiyu calmed her rapid breathing, looked up at Gu Yu's smiling face, her eyes full of affection.

"In that case, I don't want this body anymore, you can have it all—mmm~"

……

The next day, Gu Yu went home and informed Qin Keqing of her father's serious illness, offering her words of comfort and earning a grateful look from Keqing. If it hadn't been such bad news, Gu Yu would have certainly earned a few kisses from her; now, however, he could only regretfully give up.

That evening, a doctor arrived at the Qin family home, but after speaking with Qin Zhong for some time, Qin Zhong looked conflicted.

The next morning, the Qin family hung white banners. It would be empty talk if Qin Keqing said she had a deep affection for the Qin family. Besides, she still had a younger brother who was alive. She just cried for a while and that was it.

Now she's practically an unregistered resident who can't be seen in the light of day. She can still meet people outside the capital, but if she goes to the Qin family to mourn and gets recognized, even Gu Yu will be in big trouble.

Chapter Sixteen: The Grand View Garden is Completed

With Gu Yu's help, Qin Zhong's illness was quickly cured by the doctor, but Qin's father could only be buried hastily.

Not long after Qin Ye was laid to rest, a young sister-in-law began to be seen with Qin Zhong. This woman was none other than Zhi Neng'er, who had escaped from the Shuiyue Nunnery.

Baoyu finally got out of school during the holiday and was very happy to see that the two were safe and sound.

"I asked someone to check on you the other day, and I'm relieved to see you're alright today."

The girl next to her had changed into her usual girlish clothes and put on a small hat; her delicate face was full of struggle.

Seeing Zhi Neng looking at him with a pleading expression, Bao Yu was taken aback, but quickly realized what was happening and hurriedly comforted her.

"Don't worry, that old nun Jingxu saw that you ran away and even came to my house to inquire about you. I've already made a scene. No one is helping her look for you outside. As long as you avoid going in that area and get recognized, you'll be fine."

Zhi Neng'er breathed a sigh of relief. She was still young and hadn't even received her ordination certificate yet. Now, Jing Xu had nowhere to look for her. In a few years, when her hair grew out and she matured, she wouldn't be afraid of being caught and taken back even if she came face to face.

At this point, the three were unaware of the gravity of the situation. Fortunately, someone else quietly went to the government office to resolve the issue of the notice, allowing them to complete their plan.

Qin Zhong looked at the beautiful Zhi Neng'er beside him, his heart filled with determination. At first, he was only attracted to her good looks, and after he succeeded in getting her at the Shuiyue Nunnery, he could not say that he had fallen in love with her.

But when he was bedridden, Zhi Neng'er came to his door, but Qin Ye kicked her out. When she turned back, her eyes were full of worry as she looked at him, which greatly touched Qin Zhong's heart.

These past few days, the old doctor has been treating him while also giving him advice, which has helped him understand many principles. He has also made up his mind to change his ways, start anew, and live a good life with Zhi Neng'er.

“Brother Baoyu, in the past we thought we were more knowledgeable than others, but now that I have experienced this, I realize that I was wrong! From now on, we should aspire to fame and success, and strive for glory and prominence.”

Baoyu stared blankly at his friend, speechless. Why had they all become so vulgar? It was one thing for his handsome brother Yu to be like this, but even Qin Zhong, who used to share his lofty ideals, was saying such things?!

Qin Zhong had not yet noticed Bao Yu's unusual behavior and was still sighing from the bottom of his heart, hoping that Bao Yu could learn some lessons from the experience.

"Although my family still has several thousand taels of silver in assets, we can't just sit around and live off them forever. I've never paid attention to these things all these years, but now I'm the only one who realizes how difficult the world is. If a good man doesn't succeed and establish himself, he can't even protect his family."

After that, Baoyu couldn't hear anything else they said. Feeling lost and confused, he left the two of them behind and walked back on his own.

Fortunately, Mingyan and the others were guarding outside. When they saw Baoyu walking out of the Qin family looking so lost and confused, they were startled and quickly went up to shake him awake.

Seeing that they were about to rush in and teach Qin Zhong a lesson, Baoyu quickly stopped them and returned home dejectedly.

……

By the time Jia Lian returned from Jiangnan, it was almost November. Due to the floods, the prices of actors and the like were lower than expected, and the remaining budget was, of course, pocketed by Second Master Lian without any hesitation.

Although the major tasks such as crafting gold and silver utensils were entrusted to Jia Rong, and the matters of lanterns and silks were also entrusted to Jia Qiang, the profits from just purchasing girls and hiring tutors were enough for Master Lian to enjoy a full-on spree of prostitution in Jiangnan.

Upon seeing Jia Lian's dissolute demeanor upon his return, Wang Xifeng knew he had been out fooling around quite a bit. However, having underestimated the size of Jia Lian's pockets, she naturally couldn't have imagined that Jia Lian had actually accomplished a full-fledged affair.

Despite the long journey and 'hardship', Master Lian was able to enjoy the attentive service of his wife and maids after returning home from his visit to a brothel, which was incredibly comfortable.

However, his experiences in Jiangnan still made him unable to resist getting up at night to have a private chat with Wang Xifeng.

At first, Wang Xifeng didn't take it seriously. Everyone knows who they are. If you dare to compare me to those prostitutes outside, I'll give you a good beating right here and now!

Unexpectedly, Jia Lian actually brought up serious matters. It turned out that he had not only visited the Zhen family, but also Lin Ruhai in Suzhou, and only then did he learn about some of the Gu family's rough edges.

"Wow~ His family provided nearly half of the state's relief food! How much money is that?"

Sister Feng clicked her tongue in surprise, realizing for the first time that she was not good with numbers.

Although the Jia family had many people and good food, the daily expenses in Suzhou were thousands or even tens of thousands of times greater.

Even if it's just for one month, it's almost equivalent to the combined daily expenses of the Rong and Ning mansions for twenty years—and these are two Duke's mansions!

She originally thought that with Yingkexuan as a golden goose, Gu Yu would have no problem revitalizing the family in the future, but she never expected that the family's wealth was so substantial that she was so wrong.

Thinking of this, Wang Xifeng felt a pang of jealousy. She knew that Yingchun and the others were almost certain to marry into the Gu family. She regretted that she hadn't been born a few years later and didn't have that good fortune!

Seeing Jia Lian still sighing beside her, Wang Xifeng recalled his dissolute ways during his trip to Jiangnan, and a nameless anger welled up within her. She snorted coldly, turned over, and went to sleep, leaving Jia Lian completely bewildered.

...

As the garden was completed day by day, Baoyu had already sneaked into the garden to play several times. After the completion, he accompanied Jia Zheng and others to inspect it. Not only did he feast his eyes, but Jia Zheng also gave him a chance to put his ideas to use and name the various scenes.

Shan Pinren, Bu Guxiu, and others understood the implication and deliberately flattered Baoyu, making Jia Zheng quite proud. Although he still pretended to reprimand Baoyu, even Baoyu himself could see Jia Zheng's joy and didn't take it to heart.

On Gu Yu's birthday, he said something to Daiyu that made the young girl blush. That night, after exhausting the two beautiful maids to the point that they couldn't even move a finger, the lights were still on in Daiyu's room.

Gu Yu quickly cleaned herself up, put on a thin shirt, and slipped into the next room. After lowering the curtain, she left Zijuan and Xueyan, who had been pretending to be asleep, outside, blushing as they listened to the live sex show on the bed all night.

The next morning, Daiyu was woken up by something hard pressing against her. She subconsciously reached out to touch it, then realized what it was, her face flushed red, and she met Gu Yu's gaze as he opened his eyes. Before she could say a word, she was pulled into his arms again.

Ever since Gu Yu 'took care' of her from head to toe that day, Daiyu was so ashamed that she refused to let Gu Yu treat her like that again. But yesterday, Gu Yu coaxed her to leave the door open on her birthday, and in a half-hearted attempt to resist, Gu Yu got his way again.

Half of the bed was muddy after a night of commotion, and the two of them squeezed together on the other side, whispering sweet nothings and making the two people outside wonder whether they should go in and call out.

Chapter Seventeen: The Imperial Concubine's Visit Home

Since the completion of the Grand View Garden, the Jia family has been submitting memorials to the emperor. Before New Year's Eve, news spread from the palace that the imperial concubine had been granted permission to visit her family during the Lantern Festival. The entire Jia family began to busy themselves with preparations to welcome Yuan Chun.

These days, Lady Wang's aura has visibly risen, and she even subtly reveals a tone of authority in front of Grandmother Jia, a far cry from her usual kind and gentle image.

Although she didn't go so far as to perform a ritual in front of Grandmother Jia, Wang Xifeng had suffered quite a bit these past few days.

Ever since that day when she made an excuse to stop instigating the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates, she had been manipulated by her aunt. Now that Madam Wang had gained power, it made things even more difficult for Wang Xifeng.

The matter of usury was handed over to Zhou Rui's wife again. Even Sister Feng now has to consider her attitude when distributing her monthly wages, which is really frustrating.

But who could blame her for wanting to prove herself? If she didn't want to remain unknown like Li Wan, she had to volunteer for all the hard work; only then could she have a chance to rise in the ranks. Even if the key to managing the household was in Madam Wang's hands, as long as Feng Jie was capable, she could still be worthy of the title "Second Mistress Lian"!

On the surface, the aunt and niece were still getting along well, at least during the New Year's Eve dinner, they took good care of everyone, as always. But after the dinner ended and she returned to her room, Fengjie couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in her heart.

Recalling the haughty look in Madam Wang's eyes when she talked about the Imperial Concubine's return to the mansion at the banquet, and the words of congratulations from everyone, Fengjie was filled with envy, jealousy and hatred.

Strictly speaking, she was the daughter-in-law of Jia She's eldest son's family. Logically speaking, after she entered the family, she should have gradually learned to manage the household affairs. However, the situation in the Jia family was quite different.

Because of Jia She's absurd behavior and Grandmother Jia's doting on her youngest son, Jia Zheng, even the main hall of the Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall, was reserved for Jia Zheng. Jia She, the heir to the title, could only be squeezed into the eastern annex, which was truly a strange occurrence.

To make matters worse, Madam Xing, as a second wife, was not favored by Grandmother Jia, and her voice in the household became increasingly weak. When Fengjie married into the family, she hadn't grasped the situation and only thought that with the help of her aunt, Madam Wang, things wouldn't get too bad.