The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Siqi and Pan Youan are a pitiful, hateful, yet admirable ill-fated couple in Dream of the Red Chamber.

The tragic part is that they loved each other but could not be together, and ultimately both of them perished.

What is hateful is their ignorance and cowardice.

As Yingchun's personal maid, Siqi not only developed feelings for her cousin Pan You'an, but she also dared to exchange love letters and erotic films with him in the Grand View Garden, which was full of noble ladies.

This directly led to Lady Wang's anger, resulting in the search and ransacking of the Grand View Garden and the wrongful deaths of several good daughters.

Even worse, she dared to invite Pan Youan into the garden for a secret rendezvous at night!

This is something that no noble family or even a wealthy ordinary family would ever allow.

This is the folly of both of them.

Pan You'an was cowardly.

After their affair was discovered by Yuanyang, Siqi still harbored the resolve that if the truth came out, they would simply die together.

However, Pan Youan, out of cowardice and fear, simply ran away.

He is even more extraordinary than Jia Baoyu.

He fled to another place in one breath, leaving Siqi, whom he had teased, to face the difficult situation after the truth came out alone.

What is admirable is...

Siqi was willing to die for love.

Pan Youan witnessed Siqi's death, and after his fortunes turned around and he became rich, he still dared to commit suicide for his former love.

That's why Jia Lian was willing to stand here in the freezing cold and handle this matter personally.

If it were any other two servants he didn't know, daring to have a secret meeting in his inner courtyard, even if he were the most merciful, he would definitely give them a severe beating and throw them out, regardless of whether they lived or died.

Once you've done something, you have to be prepared to pay the price for your actions.

It was precisely because these two individuals each possessed outstanding qualities that Jia Lian decided to give them a chance to start anew.

Seeing that Pan Youan had stopped struggling, Jia Lian loosened his grip on his foot and said coldly, "Do you feel extremely angry and powerless?"

Do you know that your anger and your helplessness are all because of your own stupidity?

Since you like Siqi, you should find a way to get her out of this secluded mansion.

Even if you can't do that, you should at least try to arrange to meet her outside the mansion.

To barge in so recklessly, treating your lives and fortunes like a joke, is utterly foolish!

At this moment, Siqi finally realized that Jia Lian did not truly intend to kill Pan Youan. Unable to hold back her tears, she knelt at Jia Lian's feet, her face filled with remorse, and said:

"I hope Second Master will calm down. It's all my fault. I've let down the family's nurturing and I've also let down Miss."

I shouldn't have been so shameless; I shouldn't have let him in.

I beg you, Second Master, have mercy and spare him; he's already bleeding...

"I'll take responsibility for my actions. I was the one who invited him here. Second Master, if you want to beat or punish him, I'll accept it all. I only beg you to spare him."

Siqi looked at Pan Youan's bleeding shoulder with great heartache, not knowing what to do.

Jia Lian frowned, then finally released his foot.

But his tone remained icy: "Did you hear that? Because of your stupidity, you easily put your woman in danger before you were even capable of protecting her."

Even when facing danger, you are not as responsible as a single woman.

I'm asking you, are you even a man anymore?

At this moment, Pan Youan finally felt the excruciating pain in his shoulder.

After being helped to sit up by Siqi, he was filled with remorse upon hearing Jia Lian's reprimand.

Looking at his beautiful cousin, her face streaked with tears and filled with sorrow, he couldn't bear to meet her gaze: "I'm sorry, cousin, it's all my fault..."

It was clearly his youthful impetuosity that led Siqi to agree to meet him in the garden after much pleading.

It can be said that the current situation is entirely his fault.

But Siqi protected him and defended him from beginning to end, yet he...

Thinking about his previous behavior... he pulled his legs back, not daring to let Siqi see that he had wet his pants.

Siqi patted his head, hugged him, and comforted him, "Alright, don't say these things. Following you is my own choice."

Don't be afraid.

In this life, if we are to be born, let us be born together.

If we're going to die, we'll die together.

"Ah."

After all, he was the one who dared to attack Jia Lian. At this moment, Pan Youan was no longer afraid of death and firmly embraced Siqi.

Beside her, Aqi frowned, glanced at her younger sister who had a maternal smile on her face, and finally sheathed her sword.

Sure enough, the younger sister understands adults' thoughts better in the end.

Ah Qin certainly understood Jia Lian's feelings.

When Jia Lian gave the order to let Chen Xi go, she knew that Jia Lian was just trying to scare her.

Let's set aside whether Jia Lian is the kind of person who treats human life so lightly.

Even if he was truly angry and wanted to execute the servant who had made the mistake.

We will absolutely not let him die in the Grand View Garden, nor let him sink in this beautiful Qinfang Creek.

She thought to herself that her master was indeed too kind and patient.

Even on their grasslands, such a thing would be unforgivable, deserving only a swift and decisive end.

Moreover, this happened within the strictly regulated mansion of a noble family.

Not only did the Second Master have no intention of executing these two men, but he also went to great lengths to teach and admonish them. One can only imagine how fortunate these two men are.

Siqi was now certain of Pan Youan's determination to die with her. She was moved and grateful to Jia Lian.

Indeed, she was willing to give everything for Pan Youan, including her life.

But as a woman, how could she not hope that the man she has her eye on is a great hero?
She was naturally somewhat disappointed by Pan Youan's previous cowardly behavior.

However, she knew that not everyone was a heroic figure like Master Lian.

Everyone praised Master Bao, yet he still caused Jin Chuan to jump into a well.

So although she was disappointed, she did not blame Pan Youan.

Unexpectedly, after being provoked by Jia Lian, Pan Youan actually dared to lay a hand on Jia Lian for her sake.

This was something she never expected.

They were all born into the Jia family and had been servants of the Jia family for generations.

It can be said that if Jia Lian were to investigate Pan Youan's actions just now, all seven or eight members of the Pan family would be implicated.

Although she was born into a lowly family, Siqi felt it was all worth it to have met a man who was willing to do anything for her.

Although she wasn't afraid of death, Siqi naturally wouldn't seek her own demise now that she knew Jia Lian had no intention of taking their lives.

Therefore, she pulled Pan Youan back and bowed to Jia Lian, who was already leaning against the Xiangshan rock, holding Yuanyang's hand lightly, and seemed indifferent to the two of them, saying: "Tonight, we two were blinded by greed and have failed the mansion, failed the second master, and failed our young lady even more."

We dare not ask for forgiveness, but only beg for your mercy, that we may be buried together in life and death.

Upon hearing Siqi's words, Yuanyang rolled her eyes at Jia Lian and quietly withdrew her hand.

Jia Lian then looked at the two who were no longer embracing and crying.

"It's not like I'd die. I'm not such a heartless person."

However, you can no longer stay by your girl's side.

After I get back tonight, I'll pack my things and move out of the garden first thing tomorrow morning to go home.

As for you…

Jia Lian looked at Pan Youan.

Pan Youan realized that Jia Lian had only been bluffing him, and he felt a wave of fear when he thought about how he had dared to attack Jia Lian.

So, facing Jia Lian's gaze, he kowtowed very sincerely and said, "Second Master was right in his reprimand. This servant is truly foolish and unworthy of being a man."

However, one should take responsibility for one's actions. This servant has offended the Second Master, and I accept whatever fate awaits me, whether it be death or torture.

"I only beg that you, Second Master, will not implicate my family. I will be eternally grateful for your great kindness."

Jia Lian said, "If you could remain unmoved under those circumstances, then there's no point in you living."

All right.

Considering that you still acted like a man at the last moment, I can give you another chance.

"I could even arrange for Siqi to marry you..."

Pan Youan could hardly believe his ears upon hearing this.

I thought that even if I survived tonight, there would be no chance for me and my cousin again.

His aunt already disliked him, and if she found out that Siqi had lost her status as "Second Miss" because of her, she probably would never forgive him, let alone accept him as her son-in-law.

But now Jia Lian actually said he could arrange for Siqi to marry him?

If Jia Lian were willing to speak up, even if his uncle and aunt were unwilling, they would absolutely not dare to go against the wishes of Second Master Lian.

Overwhelmed with emotion, he disregarded his shoulder injury and kowtowed heavily on the grass several times, saying, "As long as Second Master is willing to grant my request, my life belongs to Second Master from this day forward. Even if Second Master wants me to die, I will not say a word."

If I break this oath, may I be struck down by heaven and earth, and forsaken by both gods and men.

Pan Youan spoke these words with conviction, making Jia Lian even more convinced that he had made the right judgment about people.

Men, especially boys like Pan Youan, always have to go through certain things to grow up.

In the original story, after escaping the capital, he wandered around for a year. Although it is unknown what he did, he eventually became rich.

Jia Lian felt that such a backgroundless fugitive slave who had fled to escape punishment could make a name for himself in such a short time, so he must have some talent or luck.

He needed some loyal men, and Pan Youan and Siqi hadn't committed any unforgivable crimes in his eyes.

That's why I decided to take this person in and use him for my own purposes.

"You don't need to die."

I have some businesses, which are now under Jia Yun's control.

I'll give you three years. Go and be Jia Yun's servant, learn as much as you can, and help him manage these businesses.

"So, if you agree, I can arrange for Siqi to marry you right now."

Pan Youan was shocked once again.

Let him become Master Yun's servant.

This isn't a punishment at all; it's clearly a stepping stone for him.

He was almost speechless for a moment, and after regaining his composure, he kowtowed even more forcefully to the grass: "Second Master, your great kindness and virtue are unforgettable..."

"Let me make this clear from the start: if you cheat or shirk your responsibilities over these three years, or fail to achieve results that satisfy me..."

If you are convicted of multiple crimes, you may not be able to bear the consequences.

"Rest assured, Second Master, even if I die, I will do my best to fulfill the tasks you have assigned me!"

Jia Lian snorted coldly and said, "Get out the way you came in."

If this alerts others, you should know what the consequences will be without me telling you.

"Yes……"

Pan Youan knew perfectly well that Jia Lian meant he was letting him off the hook.

As long as Jia Lian forgives him tonight and no one else knows about it, the matter can be considered closed.

He had thought he was going to die, but he never expected it to end like this. His gratitude towards Jia Lian was beyond measure.

He got up to leave, but then remembered Siqi beside him...

"She will go back first thing tomorrow morning, and then you can go to your uncle and aunt's house to find her."

"Yes, thank you, Second Master."

Pan Youan had no more worries. He kowtowed twice to Jia Lian one last time, then got up and walked into the darkness, supporting his shoulders.

Seeing his appearance, Siqi was somewhat worried.

"Don't worry, as a man, a small injury won't kill me."

Jia Lian gave Siqi a perfunctory reply, and then said, "You should also get dressed and go back."

Remember, tonight we'll say goodbye to you girls.

If she asks, just say it was my idea.

Of course, if you're willing to tell her the whole truth, I won't stop you.

"Yes, thank you, Second Master..."

Siqi shakily picked up her clothes from the ground and put them on again.

The night on New Year's Eve was cold, very cold indeed.

Seeing this, the mandarin ducks quickly stepped forward to help.

After finally getting dressed, she dared not face Yuanyang's concerned gaze. She only glanced at Jia Lian one last time before leaving the place with endless complicated thoughts, heading towards Zilingzhou.

Yuanyang watched her leave, then turned around and found Jia Lian staring intently at her.

Her face flushed, and she belatedly realized, "I should go back too..."

Jia Lian wasn't about to let her go. He pulled her close, held her in his arms, and teased, "Trying to run away? Not so easy."

"Those two ruined what was going on, now you have to make it up to me!"

"Pah, you have the nerve to say that? What kind of boss are you, always lying to people..."

"It's because the little mandarin duck is so beautiful that men can't get enough of her."

A blush crept onto Yuanyang's face, clearly as she recalled the very beginning.

I felt a strange sense of gratitude towards Siqi and Pan Youan.

If it weren't for them, I would have already fallen into Jia Lian's trap.

That scoundrel Second Master didn't really want to relieve himself; he clearly wanted to bully people!

When she noticed that Jia Lian had once again placed her hand in an inappropriate place, she quickly pulled it back and said in a deliberately cold voice, "Hmph, Second Master only knows how to bully us maids."

He treated Siqi like that just now...

That's absolutely awful.

Yuanyang witnessed the whole affair from beginning to end, and in her heart she actually admired Jia Lian very much.

If it were any other master, upon seeing a servant trespassing into the inner courtyard and flirting with the young lady's personal maid, they would at least give him a good beating, if not kill him.

But Jia Lian was initially fierce and menacing.

But in the end, it seems his intention was to enlighten those two fools and make them realize their mistake.

They even showed leniency, granting permission for this audacious yet foolish pair of lovers to be together.

How can one not admire and respect such a magnanimous master?
Hearing Yuanyang's words and seeing her blushing face, Jia Lian thought she was jealous, so he laughed and said, "Alright, that was just to scare them."

Even if Pan Youan really is a coward, I won't do anything to Siqi.

I wouldn't even look at her.

Upon hearing this, Yuanyang, though believing Jia Lian's words, still pretended not to understand: "What's wrong with Siqi? She's quite beautiful."

Otherwise, her cousin wouldn't have risked being beaten to death to come in for a secret rendezvous..."

As Yuanyang spoke, her little face was still flushed.

I feel that tonight's experience was both shameful and somewhat exciting.

Jia Lian clearly noticed that Yuanyang was more willing to be close to him at this moment. After all, while she was saying that she should go back, she did not resist and even flirted with him obediently.

So he laughed and said, "She has a bad personality and isn't as pretty as my little mandarin duck, so of course I know who to choose."

Yuanyang listened and didn't know what to say, only saying, "She is indeed a bit spoiled, but after this experience, she will definitely change."

Just as Yuanyang said, Siqi was arrogant and spoiled.

Taking advantage of being the young lady's personal maid, or second mistress, she often bullied the old women and maids of lower status than her.

In addition, her looks were rather average... perhaps she didn't meet Jia Lian's aesthetic standards.

In short, Jia Lian really had no interest in her.

Otherwise, given her status as one of the four maids of the Jia family known for their "music, chess, calligraphy, and painting," Jia Lian would have kept her around and wouldn't have granted her wish so easily.

Yuanyang was actually very willing to be close to Jia Lian, after all, Jia Lian's embrace was truly generous and warm.

Unfortunately, Jia Lian was far too dishonest.

Moreover, given the examples of Siqi and Pan Youan, she truly did not want to lose her virginity in this wilderness in a muddled state.

So she stomped hard on Jia Lian's foot, and while Jia Lian was in pain, she escaped from his embrace, then quickly ran away with small, delicate steps.

Aqin and Aqi walked over at the right moment. Seeing Jia Lian's depressed look, Aqin burst out laughing.

"Second Master is becoming more and more useless. He can't even control a young girl. No wonder he's suffering."

Jia Lian pursed his lips but didn't explain anything.

Yuanyang had already made it clear that she didn't want to be in such a place, so Jia Lian certainly wouldn't force her.

Otherwise, do you really think he can't control a little girl?

"They're getting bolder and bolder; they even dare to make fun of me."

Come here, lie down obediently, and accept your punishment.

Jia Lian patted the large rock beside him. He had to admit, Siqi and her cousins ​​knew how to choose a place; it was much more secluded than the spot where he had previously flirted with Yuanyang.

Seeing her younger sister rush over to hold onto the stone without stopping, looking like she couldn't wait to be punished, Aqi blushed slightly and was about to retreat back into the darkness.

Unexpectedly, Ah Qin turned around and called out to her: "Sister, Master was traumatized tonight, he looks very fierce."

The younger sister was a little scared and asked her older sister to come and help, to share some of the Second Master's 'punishment'.

Aqi felt embarrassed, but seeing Jia Lian's encouraging gaze...

After hesitating for a moment, I obediently walked over and, imitating my younger sister, knelt down beside her.

Jia Lian immediately stood up, exuding an air of heroic spirit.

A man should act like him. (End of Chapter)