Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 109 Chen Siyuan Invites the God

"What kind of person is Miss Lin? And what kind of person is that Chen? One is in heaven, the other on earth, there's a world of difference between them. How could Uncle Lin promise Miss Lin to him?" Then Baoyu took a few quick steps and knelt before Lady Jia, saying, "Grandmother, please tell me something. Is that marriage certificate real or fake?"

Just as Lady Jia was about to speak, Mrs. Wang stepped forward and pulled Baoyu aside, saying, "Baoyu, how long are you going to keep messing around? Daiyu already has the marriage certificate, and her future marriage is her own business. What has it to do with you?"

"I--" Baoyu opened his mouth to argue, but when he looked at Daiyu who was sobbing silently, he was speechless.

Although he was now aware of the ways of the world, he spent all day among women and did not take the distinction between men and women seriously, and had never thought about who he would spend the rest of his life with.

He only wanted his sisters to be around him all the time, and it would be better if they stayed at home. If he chose Daiyu, what about Baochai and Xiangyun?
At this point, Grandmother Jia said, "That matter is still uncertain. Yu'er said that unless Yuan'er passes the provincial examination before Yu'er reaches the age of marriage, it won't count. The Shuntian Prefecture provincial examination only accepts thirty-six candidates, and there are two or three thousand people vying for it. How could he possibly have passed it?"

Mrs. Wang didn't like what she heard and just said, "Get up quickly! If you dare to make trouble again, I'll go call the master!"

Baoyu was so frightened that his body trembled!
Grandmother Jia hurriedly gathered around her, frowning and saying, "Why are you scaring him for no reason?"

Mrs. Wang was not in a position to argue with Lady Jia. She simply glared at Qingwen and scolded her, "You have kidnapped a good boy and ruined him!"

At this moment, a maid suddenly came in and shouted, "Oh no! The master is here with a whistle stick, saying he wants to beat Master Bao to death!"

"what?"

Everyone in Rongqing Hall was shocked. Baoyu was so frightened that he quickly climbed onto Grandmother Jia's legs, crying, "Grandmother, save me!"

As Grandmother Jia stroked Baoyu's back, she frowned and said, "Let him come. If he wants to kill Baoyu, he should kill me first!"

............................................................

Chen Siyuan's daughter.

That day, Chen Siyuan returned from Madam Xing's courtyard and went into his study to study contemporary literature. By noon, Chen Siyuan was feeling a sore neck and shoulders.

Liu Wu'er saw this, pursed her lips and glanced at Hongyu who was busy outside, then put down the book and came over to massage Chen Siyuan.

Chen Siyuan hummed twice in comfort, holding the scroll and said, "Move up a little, use a little more force... That's right."

Liu Wuer had been reading books in the study for some time, and sometimes she would also look through Chen Siyuan's notes, which contained some graffiti and some amazing poems.

Although she was a child of her parents, she had a girl's heart and especially admired this kind of scholar with excellent character and talent. Seeing Chen Siyuan being lazy, she couldn't help but smile.

Just as he was about to speak, he heard the door suddenly open. He looked up and saw the little maid Yunxiang rushing into the study as if she was on a whirlwind.

Hongyu lectured, "Why are you running like crazy?"

Yunxiang didn't care. She went into the study and breathlessly said, "Master, this is bad! I saw Second Master Bao running out of Qixianzhai like a madman and heading straight to Rongqing Hall. Ha...ha...Second Master Bao must have heard about this and there's probably going to be a commotion."

"Hmm?" Chen Siyuan put down his book. It was to be expected that Baoyu would make a scene after hearing this.

Yunxiang continued, "Master... Master Bao is so angry and reckless. Will he anger Miss Lin again?"

Is that even a question? This matter involves his engagement with Daiyu, so Baoyu is going to explode! He has no choice but to interrogate Daiyu, then grab the spiritual jade and start his unparalleled skills.

With his current status, it is not easy for him to go to Rongqingtang, let alone stop Baoyu.

But as the saying goes, 'Everything is born with its own enemy', and Baoyu was fearless except his own father, Jia Zheng. Chen Siyuan thought, since he couldn't come forward himself, why not go find Jia Zheng?
Just read Journey to the West and you'll understand: if you can't defeat the monsters, what do you do? Ask the gods for help!

Then he asked, "Has the master returned home?"

Just how carefree were the Dashun officials? Take Jia Zheng, for example. He would report for duty every day, have breakfast, drink a cup of tea, and do some brief official business. At noon, he would have a working lunch with his colleagues. Those with a good conscience would stay until 11 p.m., while those without would simply leave.

This afternoon, the officials may go home, have a banquet, or visit people. In short, it is their own time.

The maidservant Yunxiang thought for a moment and said confidently, "He's back. He seems to be in the outer study. I heard Sister Liu mention that she was sending tea and snacks to the outer study!"

Chen Siyuan suddenly stood up and said, "The master has treated me well. I was just about to go and thank him for the introduction."

He immediately put on his cloak and went straight to Jia Zheng's study.

With Mrs. Wang's order, Chen Siyuan this time went straight across the East Courtyard, went out from the alley next to Li Wan's room, and found his way to the outer study of the East Courtyard.

He found the servant to inform him and waited for a moment, then the servant led Chen Siyuan inside.

Chen Siyuan took a quick look and saw that besides Jia Zheng, there were a few guests and an unfamiliar old gentleman who was pointing at the painting.

Jia Zheng saw Chen Siyuan and nodded, saying, "Brother Yuan, do you want to see me for something?"

Chen Siyuan stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "I was able to find a famous teacher thanks to the master's introduction. I just heard that the master had returned home, so I hurried over to thank him."

Jia Zheng waved his hand and said, "It is but a trifling matter. Since you have a heart for learning, you should study diligently. Poetry is but a minor art; the true art is the greater one. If you study diligently, and one day you are on the list, I shall be proud too."

Chen Siyuan smiled and agreed, offering a few compliments before saying, "I was just about to tell you, Master, that I've received guidance from a distinguished person and have the hope of studying under Hanlin Mei to learn the craft."

"Mei Hanlin? Mei Yucheng?" Jia Zheng was slightly surprised.

A courtier nearby said, "The Mei family of Xuancheng has three generations of Hanlin scholars. I heard they have a secret for imperial examinations. Since Mr. Chen has caught the eye of Hanlin Mei, it will be easy for him to get the imperial edict in the future."

Another courtier said, "That's right. I've heard that Hanlin Mei is a dull boy. His grandfather was appointed Hanlin at the age of thirty, and his father was even better, having been appointed Hanlin at the age of twenty-eight. But he, on the other hand, wasted decades, only passing the imperial examination at the age of sixty."

The former Qingke said, "Eh? That's not right. I heard that Mei Hanlin devoted himself to calendar science and had no interest in the imperial examinations. It was only when his family business declined that he took the exam, and who knew he would get second place on the first try. Hahaha, the Mei family's reputation is well-deserved."

Jia Zheng also sighed and said, "Brother Yuan, with the guidance of Hanlin Mei, will surely make great progress in the future."

Chen Siyuan thanked Jia Zheng again, and Jia Zheng was about to serve tea and send him off. But Chen Siyuan remained where he was, unmoving. Facing Jia Zheng's inquisitive gaze, Chen Siyuan pondered, "Master, there's something I must discuss with you. I don't know how this younger brother's appointment with Miss Lin got to everyone in the house. Just now, Brother Bao rushed off to Rongqing Hall, and I'm afraid there's going to be another scene..."

"Hmm?" To Jia Zheng, Baoyu and Daiyu were only cousins, and there was no romance involved, so there was really no point in making a scene. Besides, Chen Siyuan had the marriage certificate, and Baoyu didn't, so what right did he have to make a scene?
Thinking of the previous incident between Baoyu, Qin Zhong, and Zhineng, Jia Zheng was immediately furious and slammed the table: "Nonsense!"

Chen Siyuan added fuel to the fire, "I know that the old lady dotes on my brother Bao. If we make a scene, I'm afraid Sister Lin will be furious again. Master also knows that Sister Lin has always been weak. If she gets angry and gets sick—"

That’s even worse!

In the front, Daiyu is escorted by Jia Yucun. Although he hasn't met the Jia family yet, his protectiveness is evident. Jia Lian also mentions that Lin Ruhai entrusted his orphan to Jia Yucun before his death. The Jia family spent a year in correspondence over this matter, finally finally accepting Daiyu. But now, just as the Lin family's wealth has passed into the Jia family, they're bullying Daiyu...

It's easy to say but it doesn't sound good! That would be fine, but Jia Yucun is still in the capital at this time. What if he gets a few words and wants to take Daiyu away in anger one day?
The Jia family has already embezzled the Lin family's property. Where can they go to make up for it now?
As the two sides of the argument piled up, Jia Zheng became even more furious. Suddenly, he shouted, "Evil creature! I didn't bother with him last time, but now he's causing trouble again! Come, call for the family law. I'll beat this evil creature to death today!"

Several retainers rushed forward to stop him, but Chen Siyuan just stood in the hall with his hands clasped in his hands without saying a word.

Jia Zheng was raging with rage, and how could the retainers stop him? He immediately cited the family rules and strode towards Rongqing Hall with great momentum.

Chen Siyuan followed Jia Zheng out of the outer study, watched him go away, thought for a moment, turned around and went straight to Lady Wang's courtyard.

But when Jia Zheng entered Rongqing Hall, he saw Lady Jia lying on the couch with her arms around Baoyu. Mrs. Wang stood up, wanting to say something but stopping herself. The three sisters and the maids did not dare to utter a word and stood by.

There was another faint sobbing sound coming from the green gauze cabinet, and Jia Zheng immediately became annoyed.

"Evil creature, if I don't give you a good lesson today, you might never learn your lesson!"

Grandmother Jia shouted, "If Master wants to beat Baoyu, why not kill me too?"

Jia Zheng was startled, frowning and saying, "Mother, we haven't gotten over what happened with Baoyu last time, and now he's in a rage again. Ruhai sent Daiyu to our house before his death, asking us to raise her well. If she's constantly being harassed by this evil creature, how will I ever explain this to Ruhai?"

Only then did Grandmother Jia turn her head to look at the green gauze cabinet. She was startled when she heard Daiyu sobbing, but she said, "It's just that Baoyu is just jumping to conclusions. He's not really quarreling with Yu'er. Besides, the two Yu'ers have been together since they were little. It's not uncommon for them to be good one day and bad the next."

Jia Zheng stiffened his neck and said, "It may have happened in the past, but it must not happen again in the future!"

There were some things that Jia Zheng was not willing to say directly, but Grandmother Jia understood them.

Yes, there is Jia Yucun who is looking after the family outside to fill the vacant position. If Nanny Wang secretly tells Jia Yucun that she will come to take Daiyu away one day, how will the Jia family make up for the deficit of tens of thousands of taels?

Grandmother Jia said solemnly, "There won't be a next time!" Then she bowed her head and said to Baoyu, "Don't mess with your sister Lin again!"

Baoyu dared not say a word in front of Jia Zheng, he just shivered and cried.

Grandmother Jia couldn't bear it, and said, "I told you before, unless you pass the imperial examination, the matter will be dropped."

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng frowned again.

Grandmother Jia looked up and said, "Today's incident is over... Master, if you want to teach Baoyu a lesson, you should teach him the truth. What's the use of using a stick other than to vent your anger?"

With Lady Jia interfering, there was no way he could get beaten today. Jia Zheng gritted his teeth, glanced at Lady Wang, then looked at Baoyu and said, "Remember this: if you do it again in the future, you will be punished for multiple offenses!"

He immediately threw away his whistle, flicked his sleeves and turned away.

Only then did Sanchun dare to step forward to comfort Baoyu, but Xichun caught a glimpse of Daiyu still sobbing in the green gauze cabinet. She wanted to comfort her but did not dare to move.

Grandmother Jia said, "Go and persuade Yu'er. She has also been wronged."

Sanchun agreed and went to the green gauze cabinet.

Baoyu cried and made a fuss, and was frightened by Jia Zheng. Now he dared not make trouble anymore, but just lay on the couch in a daze.

Mrs. Wang came over and said, "Old Madam, what the Master just said is not without reason. Ru Hai sent Yu'er here with the intention of having her raised by our Jia family. If she is provoked repeatedly by this devil, and something unexpected happens... I'm afraid it will be difficult to explain."

After a pause, he continued, "It is said that children avoid their mothers when they grow up, and there is also a saying that 'seven years old and above do not sit together'. In the past, considering that they were still young, I did not say much. Now -"

Now that Baoyu can go out and play with Zhineng with Qin Zhong, he must be aware of human affairs. Shouldn't he be a little cautious?
Mrs. Wang didn't say anything further, only saying, "My suggestion is that Baoyu should move out. There's a saying that goes, 'Far away, fragrant, near, stinky.' He's just like that. When he gets angry, he doesn't care about anything. If he's farther away, maybe there will be fewer conflicts."

As she spoke, Mrs. Wang looked at Qingwen again, thought for a long while, and said nothing else.

This situation caught the attention of Lady Jia, who said, "Madam, you are right. Since Baoyu is old, I think he should move to Qixianzhai first."

Mrs. Wang felt relieved, thinking that she had won this battle.

Then he said to Baoyu, "Did you see? If you act like a fool again tomorrow, the old lady and I may be able to stop you once or twice, but there's no guarantee that you won't be punished the third or fourth time. You're grown up now, so don't keep on acting like a fool."

Baoyu wept bitterly, feeling that life was meaningless now that Sister Lin had left him. He glanced toward the green gauze cabinet and vaguely saw the three sisters taking turns trying to persuade Daiyu, which only made him feel even more desolate. He didn't care whether to move or not, he just kept crying.

From beginning to end, Lady Jia and Lady Wang, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, never mentioned how to deal with Chen Siyuan. Banish him? Putting aside whether Jia She agreed or not, if word got out, would the Jia family still have any shame?

When Baoyu was tired, Jia's mother sent the maids Yuanyang and Hupo to help pack up the things and move them to Qixianzhai. Mrs. Wang followed her to Qixianzhai and waited until everything was settled before returning to her own courtyard.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, the maid Yuchuaner came over and said, "Madam, Master Yuan just came."

"Hmm?" Mrs. Wang was still wondering who had provoked the master, who was discussing matters concerning the villa for the visit. But now, hearing that Chen Siyuan had come, she immediately had a plan.

Sure enough, Yuchuan'er said, "Master Yuan said he was afraid Master Bao would make too much trouble, so he simply asked Master to go. With the old lady and the mistress around, Master can't really hit Master Bao, so maybe just scare him and the matter will be settled."

Mrs. Wang thought about it and realized that it made sense. If the master hadn't come, there was no telling how long Baoyu would have been making a fuss.

Then he thought: Chen Siyuan is a good person. He invited the master but didn't want to hurt Baoyu... His good intentions are self-evident. Maybe I can win him over in the future.

　What a bolt from the blue! The recommendation rules have changed. No choice, I'll start writing bigger chapters in seven days, with the same word count.

(End of this chapter)