Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Everyone in the hall listened to the maid's message at the door. Except for Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang who were smiling, Yingchun, Daiyu and other sisters didn't care much.

Wang Xifeng felt a little uncomfortable. Now that Baoyu had even paid the betrothal gift, the old lady didn't show any scruples and let him run around the inner house.

Every day, wherever his sisters went, he would follow them wherever they smelled the scent. He was already a man raising children, so he didn't mind such behavior.

I saw the red brocade curtain at the door being lifted, and a solid figure in red walked into the hall with thumping footsteps.

Everyone saw that Baoyu was wearing a purple gold crown inlaid with gems on his hair, a golden headband with two dragons fighting for a pearl on his forehead, a red round-necked robe with hundreds of butterflies and flowers, and a leather belt inlaid with jade and gold thread around his waist.

Her hair was shiny, her eyebrows were as sharp as a knife, her face was like a chubby peach, her eyes were full of charm, and her whole body was bright golden and red. She was gorgeous and noble, and she unconsciously attracted all kinds of attention.

Sisters such as Yingchun, Daiyu, and Tanchun are all in their prime, and their clothes are bright and colorful, but they pale in comparison to Baoyu's.

Seeing all the sisters gathered together, Baoyu couldn't help but look pleased and smiling, and felt proud in his heart.

After greeting Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang, he looked at his sisters involuntarily, finally stopping on Daiyu.

He smiled and said, "Sister Lin, I haven't seen you for a long time. You look good. How are you doing recently?"

Daiyu's face became a little stiff, and she said, "I'm fine, thank you for your concern."

Baoyu saw that Daiyu's words were stiff and unfamiliar, and she didn't even call her name, and he felt sad.

Fortunately, he could always see Daiyu on time, which was not easy, and he did not dare to show any displeasure.

She smiled and said, "The sisters' residence in the West Mansion is still vacant now. Sister Lin should come and stay with the sisters more often.

The garden at the back of Rongqing Hall has just been renovated and is much better than before. When we were little, we sisters used to play there catching butterflies..."

Baoyu recounted the past with an intoxicated expression, his eyes wandering around Daiyu's pretty face, as if nothing had happened and everything remained the same as yesterday.

Daiyu frowned slightly when she saw Baoyu's words and expression, and began to feel a little uncomfortable...

……

Suddenly Wang Xifeng coughed and said with a smile: "Baoyu, last time the old lady told the family to allocate two taels of bird's nest every month to Caixia to nourish her pregnancy.

I got the best things from my aunt's shop yesterday. When you go back later, remember to ask a maid to get them.

Caixia is pregnant with your child, and you will soon be a father, so don’t forget this when you return.”

When Baoyu saw Daiyu, he was intoxicated with joy and was about to talk about the innocent childhood between the sisters.

Wang Xifeng's inappropriate words as a father made Baoyu feel as if he was struck by lightning. His whole body was numb, his face turned red, and he felt as if his neck was choked and he was unable to speak.

He was filled with endless grief and indignation. It was said that married women would always have dead eyes, and it was absolutely true.

My aunt is like this, and so is Sister Feng. Whenever they meet someone, they always talk about stupid things like giving birth.

No wonder Lin Daiyu and Bao Jie became estranged. They were separated by these people. It is really hateful and lamentable. God is really good at playing tricks on people.

Daiyu's originally frowned brows suddenly relaxed, and the corners of her beautiful mouth were slightly pursed, as if she was suppressing a smile, bringing out a hint of charm.

……

Yingchun continued, “I forgot to congratulate Brother Bao. Dongfu Gong also has some top-quality swallow nests.

We sisters don’t eat this stuff on a daily basis. Originally, because Sister Lin was in poor health, Brother Cong bought it specially from outside.

Sister Lin is getting better this year, and the swallow nests she saved are just sitting there for nothing. I’ll ask Xiuju to pack some and send them to Caixia later.”

After hearing what Yingchun said, Wang Xifeng was slightly moved. Although the second girl was efficient in handling household affairs, she appeared to be soft-hearted and never offended anyone easily.

Now he is following behind me, and is busy coming out to defend me. If you want to give gifts, then just give them. Why does he have to ask Cong Lao San to buy a swallow's nest for Lin Daiyu?

She said this intentionally for Baoyu to hear so that he would give up this idea as soon as possible.

Could it be that something had happened to the sisters in the East Palace, and my original blind guess was correct?

After hearing Yingchun's words, Jia's mother did not think it was as complicated as Wang Xifeng thought, and said with a smile: "The second girl is becoming more and more like the head of the family, and her thoughts are more thoughtful than others.

Baoyu, why are you still standing there? Why don't you thank your second sister? "

Baoyu never imagined that Yingchun, such an elegant and outstanding girl from the boudoir, would be influenced by a woman like Wang Xifeng and also talk about the topic of childbirth.

If you want to send the Swallow's Nest, just go and send it. Why do you have to say it in front of the sisters? How can I behave in front of Sister Lin?

Although he was filled with grief, anger and shame and wished to die immediately, he knew in his heart that whether he was insane or fainted, it would be difficult to recover.

He had made a scene last time, hoping to win Daiyu's favor, but he didn't expect that the two of them would become even more estranged. Naturally, he didn't have the courage to make a scene again.

Baoyu knew that Yingchun was different now and was always loved by the sisters. If he offended her, he would become more and more distant from his sisters.

It's just difficult to say thank you.

……

As the saying goes, no one knows a child better than his mother. When Mrs. Wang saw Baoyu's words and expression, she knew what was going on.

He couldn't help but blame his son for being useless and having such a problem. It took him a lot of effort to turn things around.

At this point in time, Baoyu is still thinking about Lin girl. He really doesn't know the seriousness of the matter.

Yingchun saw that Baoyu had a dull expression and spoke in a dull manner, so she naturally didn't care about his thank you.

What she said just now, in the final analysis, was to protect her brother. What her brother likes, other people should not care about it!

She stood up and said, "Old lady, the second wife was just talking about sending betrothal gifts, and I think your elders have something to discuss.

My sisters and I don’t want to keep you company, so we’re going to go stroll around the newly renovated backyard.”

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Just go ahead. When I have discussed things with the Second Madam, I will go find you guys and have fun together."

When Yingchun and other sisters went to the back hall, Baoyu's eyes were still following the group of graceful figures, feeling somewhat sad about the passing of time.

Wang Xifeng was enjoying the fun and said with a smile, "Baoyu, look at these two boxes of gifts. They are the return gifts from the Xia family to the old lady after they received the betrothal gifts.

This Miss Xia is not only outstanding in appearance, but also generous and polite. She will be loved by everyone when she gets married, and you will be blessed."

When Baoyu heard this, his heart seemed to fall into an icy cave, as if he had been stripped naked, and his whole body was chilled.

Wouldn't it be that if I hadn't been here just now, Lin Daiyu and the others would have known about this? No wonder Lin Daiyu was so cold and didn't even bother to call me by my name.

Then she thought of what Yingchun had just said about Jia Cong buying a swallow's nest for Lin Daiyu, and her heart was filled with grief and jealousy.

……

But Wang Xifeng continued to laugh and said, "My fifth sister-in-law came to the entrance of the alley yesterday and mentioned that Caixia was pregnant.

Now, almost all the old relatives on Ningrong Street have heard about this, and they all say that Baoyu is already outstanding, and the children he will raise in the future will also be outstanding. "

Grandmother Jia was a little surprised when she heard this and asked, "How could this news spread so quickly? Did all the relatives in the clan know about it?"

Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Madam, it has been several days since the doctor took your pulse for the second time.

As the saying goes, good news travels a thousand miles, so it’s no wonder that others know about it.”

When Lady Jia heard this, she just smiled and didn't take it seriously. Mrs. Wang smiled and slowly turned the Buddhist beads in her hand.

After hearing this, Baoyu realized that everyone in the street knew that he had raised a child. He felt as if his soul had been taken away and he wished he could die immediately.

As for Caixia's pregnancy, the joy that washed away his shame of impotence began to fade...

……

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu Courtyard.

Baoyu looked extremely depressed and returned to the courtyard alone.

Just now in Rongqing Hall, Jia's mother and Mrs. Wang were chatting some gossip, so they asked Yuanyang to help them go to the newly renovated back garden to talk to their granddaughters to relieve their boredom.

Grandmother Jia also asked Lady Wang to go with her. Grandmother Jia now felt that Baoyu's marriage with the Xia family was a good one, and she also liked her second daughter-in-law more.

Naturally, Mrs. Wang didn't want to offend Lady Jia. Originally, Baoyu had to attend such occasions so that he could talk closely with his sisters.

But just now in Rongqing Hall, Daiyu saw Miss Xia accepting the betrothal gift and returning the gift, while Wang Xifeng kept nagging about Caixia's belly, which made Baoyu lose face.

How could he remain calm and pretend to be innocent in front of his sisters? Even if he really wanted to go with them, he could only bear the pain and come back to avoid the embarrassment.

He hurried into the yard, and by chance Caixia came out of the wing room. Seeing Baoyu, she smiled and said, "Second Master is back."

Since the first night she entered Baoyu's room, she was filled with shame and anger, but after Baoyu touched her, she immediately felt something was wrong.

After all, she had experienced sex many times, and she soon realized that Baoyu was a useless person.

At that moment, she was so shocked that she couldn't express it in words. She felt relieved, stunned, desperate, and confused. All kinds of thoughts were tangled together.

After being diagnosed with pregnancy by the doctor, the fear and helplessness in her heart made her feel even more anxious all day long.

Every time Mrs. Wang came to visit, Caixia felt as if she had fallen into a demonic realm. She was suppressed by endless darkness and did not dare to look Mrs. Wang in the eye.

She was just a lowly slave girl, whose graceful desires and impulses lured her into an endless darkness and fear, where she was manipulated by others.

But unexpectedly, Baoyu seemed to be unaware of it. He seemed to be convinced that she was pregnant with his child. He was very kind and considerate to her these past few days.

This made Caixia dreamy, and she unconsciously regarded Baoyu as her only support, like a life-saving straw that she grabbed when she was drowning. Even when she saw Baoyu these days, she would feel happy, just like when she saw Baoyu coming back just now, the joy in her heart was also real.

But when Baoyu saw Caixia's bright smile and thought of what happened in Rongqing Hall, his heart was no longer moved. He snorted coldly and walked into the main room without paying any attention.

When Caixia saw that Baoyu had a cold face, as if he was disgusted with her, her pretty face suddenly turned pale, like a illusory and beautiful bubble that was instantly popped.

A few days ago, Master Bao was still speaking softly to me, his behavior was full of tenderness, and he always tried to take advantage of me. Why did he suddenly change his expression today?

……

Musk Moon was carrying a bowl of Tremella and Lotus Seed Soup over there and happened to see this scene.

She saw Caixia's pale face and Baoyu went into the room without looking back. She didn't know why and sighed slightly.
She stepped forward and said, "Caixia, why are you standing in the wind? It's winter now and the wind is cold. You are pregnant, so you have to be careful about everything. What if you get sick?"

Caixia looked a little bewildered and asked, "Sister Sheyue, what happened to Master Bao? Is there something wrong with me?"

Musk Moon said: "Master Bao is still a little childish, he has always been like this, sometimes gloomy and sometimes sunny, he is angry today and sweet-talking tomorrow.

Normally we don't care about it, just let it go on its own. You'll understand it after you've been around for a while, so don't worry about it."

Caixia looked nervous and said, “Although I have heard of it before, I have never encountered it. I used to be by my wife’s side, and he was always nice when he came to talk to me.

It's just that the Second Master was fine a few days ago, why did he suddenly change? Could it be that he encountered something unpleasant when he went out just now?"

Musk Moon advised: "The old lady dotes on the Second Master so much, nothing will make him unhappy. The Second Master's mind is different from that of ordinary people, so don't bother to think about it.

If things really go wrong outside, wouldn't it be better, then it has nothing to do with you.

I advise you not to think too much. You are pregnant now, and the old lady and your wife both think you are precious. What do you have to worry about?

Just follow my instructions and take good care of yourself, then you can give birth to a child smoothly in the future, and then you will have someone to rely on for the rest of your life. What a wonderful thing.

This Tremella and Lotus Seed Soup was ordered by the old lady. The kitchen dares not neglect it and delivers it piping hot every day. You can eat it while it’s hot.”

Caixia was comforted by Sheyue's words and finally put her worries to rest. She was accompanied by Sheyue into the side room.

After a while, Musk Moon came out with an empty bowl, closed the door, and couldn't help sighing.

……

Just as Musk Moon was about to leave, Xiren happened to pass by on the corridor and asked, "Why are you sighing? Is there something wrong with Caixia?"

Musk Moon replied, "Nothing happened. My mother said that pregnant women are prone to wild thoughts. I just tried to persuade Caixia."

When Xiren heard the news about pregnancy, her face suddenly became gloomy and she looked very uncomfortable.

Musk Moon asked, "Sister Xiren, you seem a little distracted these days. Is there something on your mind?"

Xiren said, "I have been feeling a little unwell these past few days, and I don't have anything on my mind, so don't make blind guesses."

As she spoke, her eyes involuntarily looked towards the room behind her. Musk Moon was a shrewd person and could guess what she meant.

She couldn't help but smile, and pulled Xiren to the tree beside the yard, and said with a smile: "Could it be that your sister is upset because she sees that Caixia is pregnant, but you are not."

……

Although Xiren appears to be gentle on the outside, she is actually quite scheming on the inside. She was born in a poor family, and her mother and brother sold her to the Jia family as a death indenture because they could not make ends meet.

Because she didn't want to suffer in poverty anymore, she was determined to become Baoyu's aunt. Qiu Wen and Bi Hen, the two girls in Baoyu's room, had the same idea, so naturally she would not become close friends with them.

Only Musk Moon never had such thoughts. She only thought about going out and being with her parents when she reached a certain age.

Also, because Musk Moon was quick-witted and eloquent, she was a great help both inside and outside the home, and Xiren had always been on good terms with her.

The two of them often spoke with less scruples than others, and Xiren didn't take it too seriously when she heard Musk Moon's teasing.

Said: "Since I entered the Second Master's room, I always wanted to have a result, but I didn't expect it to be like this..."

Xiren stopped talking halfway through her words because there were some things she dared not tell Musk Moon.

She never imagined that when Baoyu first got sick, he took some medicine but there was no improvement.

As a result, a Cheng Yaojin showed up unexpectedly. As soon as Caixia got into bed with him, Erye's illness was cured and the little girl became pregnant.

Seeing Xiren hesitate to speak, Sheyue sighed and said, "Sister is a wise person. You can't say anything about giving birth. It's all a matter of luck.

What is supposed to come will come, and what is not has to be waited for. Besides, my sister has served the Second Master since she was a child, and her relationship with him is different from that of others. It is better not to think too much about it. "

Xiren couldn't help but say, "Sister, you don't understand. Second Master doesn't treat me the same way as before."

Musk Moon asked casually, "I see that the Second Master hasn't changed, so why is he different from before?"

Xiren smiled bitterly in her heart. There were some things that even to Musk Moon, she couldn't say.

It cannot be said that although Baoyu was not capable before, when the two of them were in the same room, he still wanted to cling to her and would not stop until he had taken advantage of her enough.

These days, when they slept in the same bed, Baoyu no longer pestered her and didn't even touch her more than usual. He just finished quickly and slept until dawn.

……

The two were whispering under the tree when they suddenly heard someone ask in a cold voice, "What are you talking about? What happened to Baoyu?"

Musk Moon looked back and saw that it was Mrs. Wang who was speaking. She had a cold face and was staring at her with gloomy eyes.

Musk Moon's heart sank and she couldn't help feeling panic. She felt like she was seeing a weird ghost. Why was it that every time she whispered to Xiren, she would be caught by the lady?

Last time, she talked to Xiren about the delay in the monthly payment and advised Xiren not to tell the matter to the lady to avoid unnecessary complications.

Unexpectedly, these words happened to be heard by Mrs. Wang, who scolded her severely. Whenever Musk Moon thinks about it now, she still feels a lingering fear.

She didn't expect to meet him again. She was subconsciously afraid and lowered her head, not daring to say much.

Xiren quickly said, "To answer Madam, Musk Moon and I were just chatting, and we didn't say anything bad about Second Master."

Mrs. Wang snorted coldly, glanced at Sheyue, and said, "Xiren, come back to my room with me. I have something to say."

……

In the side room of Baoyu's courtyard, Mrs. Wang asked Xiren to close the doors and windows and asked, "Xiren, I think you have always been a prudent person, but today you lied to me.

I heard it clearly. You told Sheyue that Baoyu treats you badly now. If I hadn't stopped you quickly, I don't know what you would have said!"

Xiren was panicked and knelt down in front of Mrs. Wang, saying, "Madam, I know the seriousness of the matter. I dare not talk nonsense to Musk Moon. She has no idea of ​​the truth."

After hearing this, Mrs. Wang felt relieved and said, "It's good that you know the seriousness of the matter. If you let it out, Baoyu will be ruined and you will end up in trouble!
I ask you, how did Baoyu treat you badly? "

Xiren faced Mrs. Wang's gloomy gaze and felt fear in her heart, as if there were millions of drumsticks beating at her.

Although the topic was a bit embarrassing, he did not dare to deceive Mrs. Wang, and he explained the affair in the room to her tremblingly.

Mrs. Wang's eyes flickered when she heard this, and she slowed down her tone and said, "I thought it was something. You are such a silly child, you are so surprised by what you have never seen before.

It is normal for a couple to have hot and cold relations in their bedroom. Now that Caixia is pregnant, Baoyu is naturally more enthusiastic and somewhat neglects others.

I'm afraid it's not just you who feels this way, he probably feels the same way towards Caiyun, it will be over in a short while, it's not worth making a big deal about it."

When Xiren saw that Mrs. Wang's expression had softened, she felt relieved and said, "I am ignorant. I won't speak carelessly in the future."

……

Mrs. Wang said, "I am relieved for you, but Musk Moon is too mean, has ulterior motives, and often hangs around you.

I'm worried that after a while, she'll notice something's wrong and go out and say something nonsense, and Baoyu will be ruined by her!"

Xiren felt strange and said, "Madam, although Musk Moon has a sharp tongue, she has no bad intentions.

She has lived in the Second Master's room for many years and is a person who values ​​old friendships. Even if she sees something, she won't tell anyone.

Besides, the Second Master's illness has been cured, Caixia is pregnant, and the news has spread to both mansions. Even if someone finds out about what happened in the past, it doesn't matter now."

Mrs. Wang looked gloomy and uncertain, and said, "You are still young and have seen a lot of things. Baoyu's illness is now cured.

But this disease is very difficult to treat, and no one can predict whether it will relapse, so Baoyu's disease must be kept secret, and no news can leak out at all!"

Xiren felt a sinking feeling in her heart when she heard Mrs. Wang's sinister words.

The Second Master's illness will relapse. Will Caixia get pregnant and become useless later? What should I do in the future...

……

Mrs. Wang continued, “As for the girl Musk Moon, you must not be careless.

As the saying goes, people's hearts are hidden in their stomachs. How do you know that she won't harm Baoyu? I have never made a mistake in judging people.

Musk Moon is eloquent and can certainly make you believe her, but she can't try to deceive me. I hate this kind of restless girl the most!

Originally, I wanted to clear out the people in Baoyu's room to avoid trouble caused by too many gossips, but I wanted to wait until after the New Year.

Now that Caixia is pregnant, there is no need to delay this matter any longer. Let’s hurry up and get it done so that everyone can feel at ease.”

After Mrs. Wang finished speaking, she stood up and walked around the room, not knowing what she was thinking about.

Xiren felt uneasy, but she didn't dare to say a word.

Mrs. Wang stopped and said coldly, "Go and call Bihen and Sheyue in. I have something to say..." (End of this chapter)