Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 110 Two Invitations
Without mentioning what Mrs. Wang was thinking, it is said that Chen Siyuan returned to his own courtyard and immediately went into the study to study contemporary literature.

After dinner that day, someone suddenly came to visit. Hongyu went out to greet the visitor, then a strange look appeared on her face, and she eagerly welcomed the visitor in.

He turned around the screen and said to Chen Siyuan, "Master, the snow goose that was with Miss Lin is here."

Snow goose?

Chen Siyuan put down his book, stood up, and walked out. Xueyan was about the same age as Hongyu at this time. Taking a look at her, he saw that her eyebrows were like willow leaves in early spring, her face was like peach blossoms in March, and she had a pair of smiling eyes that seemed to be smiling even when she was silent.

Chen Siyuan came out and said with a smile, "Did Sister Lin ask you to come?"

"Greetings, Master Yuan." Xueyan bowed and handed over a small bundle, saying, "My daughter received a gift from Master Yuan yesterday. After searching for a long time, she finally chose these books as a return gift."

Chen Siyuan took it and glanced at it, instantly overjoyed. This was a fragment from the Song Dynasty, and it was already worth a fortune now. If it were passed down to future generations, it would be worthy of inclusion in the National Museum!

Chen Siyuan said, "Thank Sister Lin for me."

Since this was their first encounter, Xueyan didn't say much, and just said, "I've sent the return gift. I hope Master Yuan likes it. I'll take it back first."

Chen Siyuan nodded, and without even a glance, Hongyu took Xueyan's hand and walked out. As soon as they reached the courtyard, Hongyu whispered, "How's Miss Lin?"

Xueyan was puzzled.

Hongyu then said, "Yunxiang in the courtyard saw Second Master Bao going crazy and heading towards Rongqing Hall. My master was worried that Second Master Bao would make a scene and anger Miss Lin again, so he simply went to the front to invite the master."

Xueyan's eyes widened with laughter, and she suddenly realized, "So it was Master Yuan who invited me here..."

She couldn't help but lean towards Chen Siyuan a little more, and whispered to Hongyu in a low voice, "Sister, you don't know, our girl was so angry that she burst into tears. Fortunately, the master came and that Bao Tianwang withdrew his magical powers."

Hongyu smiled and said, "Amitabha, then our master has done another good deed." After a pause, she continued, "I think you are very kind to me. Let's visit each other more often in the future. My master has always been unruly here. It would be nice if you could come and talk to me when you have time."

Xueyan narrowed her eyes and smiled, "I think you're quite kind, Sister. I'll definitely come visit you often in the future."

At that moment, the two maids became as close as one person. They held hands and walked out of the small courtyard with smiles. Hongyu accompanied Xueyan all the way to the East Courtyard before returning.

Entering the courtyard, Hongyu frowned, and there was no smile on her face.
This master of our family was having an affair with a young lady before, but now he is engaged to Miss Lin. What is going on?
Hongyu had already known from the clues that the young lady was You Sanjie. If the master married You Sanjie someday, Hongyu would be delighted. You Sanjie came from a humble family, and even the maids she brought with her as a dowry were not particularly outstanding. While she was not as good as Xiangling, she was at least comparable to Zijuan and Yuanyang.

Even if this gentleman becomes an official in the future, he will still have a limited number of concubines around him. Just like Master Jia Zheng, only Concubine Zhao and Concubine Zhou are included in the family tree.

There were only three officially recognized members of the eldest master, Jia She's family. The rest, unnamed, were not protected by imperial law, could not be included in the family tree, and even if they had children, they would not be able to raise them on their own. Moreover, they could be sent away at will without any pretext, so they truly had no protection at all.

My master seems to be a man of excellent character and talent. If he becomes an official in the future, he may be able to become an official of the fourth or fifth rank. In this way, he can have two concubines by his side.

Xiangling is so pretty and she was the first one to follow the master, so the concubine must have Xiangling. So, there is only one left.

If the master marries You Sanjie, Hongyu is confident that she can compete with the girl who comes with the dowry; but if it is Miss Lin... no matter whether it is Xueyan or Zijuan, which one of them is worse than herself?

Moreover, Miss Lin has a good family background. Even if Miss Lin does not fight for it, the maid who comes with her as a dowry will also seek a position as a concubine.

Although she had just intended to befriend Xueyan, she felt uneasy. Her heart was completely on the master, and she didn't know if the master would have an explanation.

While thinking about it, I entered the main room and saw Chen Siyuan personally placing the fragments on the bookshelf one by one.

Hongyu's lips moved, but she didn't say anything. Liu Wu'er was still there, so some things were hard to say.

That night, Hongyu helped Chen Siyuan wash up, then went off to wash up herself. Entering the warm room, the two of them spent a little time together, and Hongyu became even more obsessed with him than usual.

Chen Siyuan was very perceptive and felt that something was wrong with Hongyu. He simply brought her to his side, hugged her in his arms and asked, "Why are you so clingy today? Is there something on your mind?"

Hongyu kept silent for a while before she said, "Master, who are you going to marry in the future?"

Chen Siyuan said: "Marry them all."

Hongyu said angrily, "We were just talking peacefully, but you're teasing me again."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "I'm not joking... Go to the bottom of my bookcase and get the letter."

Hongyu said, "I can't read very well, so are you going to let me read the letter?"

Chen Siyuan choked and said, "It's not good to be illiterate. You should learn it with Wu'er later." Seeing Hongyu nod absentmindedly, Chen Siyuan continued, "That letter... or rather, the marriage certificate, states that Sister Lin and I will be performing the ceremony of consummating the family lineage."

Hongyu blinked and got up. She was only wearing a rose-red bellyband. Under the dim candlelight, her neck and arms were dyed an attractive yellow.

"Jianjiu?"

Chen Siyuan raised his index finger: "Shh, keep your voice down."

Hongyu quickly covered her mouth, her mind turning to another thought. The practice of holding two ancestral halls has existed for a long time. During the time of the Supreme Lord, one person was allowed to hold two ancestral halls, and nowadays, holding two ancestral halls is common among the people.

If it is a concurrent succession, it means that Chen Siyuan can still marry a wife.

If Chen Siyuan becomes an official in the future, he can take four concubines just like Jia Zheng, a fifth-rank official!

Hongyu was originally anxious, but now she suddenly felt relieved.

Four, excluding Xiangling, even if two were given to Xueyan and Zijuan, there would still be one left. I have been with the master for quite some time, always doing my best, and I'm almost giving him everything. Don't I have one of the four concubines?

Seeing Hongyu smiling, Chen Siyuan reached out and pinched the tip of her nose, then said with a smile, "Are you relieved now?"

"Yes!" Hongyu nodded heavily and snuggled up to Chen Siyuan's arms again.

Hongyu smiled, feeling relieved, but her hands and feet began to move unsteadily. Without Chen Siyuan's words, she huddled under the quilt.

After a while, it seemed that Chen Siyuan could not bear it anymore, so she came out playfully, looking at Chen Siyuan expectantly with a pair of round eyes, the meaning of which was self-evident.

How could Chen Siyuan hesitate? He turned over and pressed Hongyu under him.

He had been teased by Madam Xing earlier, and then by Tiao'er again. He was already furious, but when he saw Hongyu's expression of "waiting for you to taste her", he didn't care about anything else.

The quiet mansion was a happy spring night, my heart aching with thoughts, my bones melting away. The petals had once broken the stamens, the willow branches swayed again. The branches were charming, the horns conveyed love, and longing brought tears to my eyes. The water bones were tender, the jade mountains were majestic, and the mandarin ducks embraced the spring breeze. After the tender embrace, Chen Siyuan was gentle again, and the two finally fell asleep in each other's arms.

The next morning, Chen Siyuan opened his eyes but Hongyu was gone.

There was a kang in the warm room for warmth, and a fumigation cage outside, so the room was naturally hot. Chen Siyuan had just recovered from a cold, and when he stood up, he felt his throat dry. He thought Hongyu had already woken up, so he called out, "Hongyu, bring me a cup of warm tea."

There was a response from outside, and the next moment Liu Wuer came in with a cup of tea.

"uncle."

She handed over the tea. Chen Siyuan was surprised, but he took it and drank it all in one gulp. Only then did he feel his throat relieved a little. He immediately asked, "Where's Hongyu?"

Liu Wuer said, "Sister Hongyu... wasn't feeling well, so she left early this morning after giving her instructions."

Huh? Is this my period?

Although the servants in Rongguo Mansion didn't get a holiday all year, the maids did get leave for their menstrual period. However, since there was no such thing as leave at that time, they usually wrapped charcoal in cotton cloth during their menstrual period, which made it very inconvenient to move around.

At this time, the menstrual period is considered to be not completed, so there is a false menstrual period.

Chen Siyuan smacked his lips, feeling disappointed. He'd finally broken his fast, only for Hongyu Tiangui to arrive... This meant he'd been fasting for quite some time.

Eh? Hongyu is on her menstrual leave, so doesn't that mean Liu Wu'er will be on duty that night?

He glanced at Liu Wu'er, and the girl seemed to know what he was thinking. She immediately turned her head away with a red face.

Sure enough, that night Liu Wu'er clumsily helped Chen Siyuan wash and dress, and waited until he went to the warm room to sleep. Then she moved the bedding from the side room and went to the bed without saying a word.

Although Chen Siyuan is not a human being when he is casual, most of the time he is really not a casual person.

Mrs. Xing did it out of concern for her life and family, Xiangling did it out of pity, Hongyu did it naturally, and as for Miao'er and Tiao'er, they were purely forced by Mrs. Xing.

Liu Wu'er had been here for some time, but she still couldn't let go of her pride and seemed out of place. Chen Siyuan didn't bother to correct her, let alone talk about love. He was now completely focused on the imperial examination. If he didn't study hard now, how would he win the bet later?

I think that Sister Lin has such a fairy-like appearance now, and I don’t know how she will be able to transcend the world in the future.

That afternoon, Miao'er came again. With Hongyu away, she became bolder. While Liu Wu'er was in the study, she leaned in close and rubbed against Chen Siyuan.

After a long pause, he finally brought back Mrs. Xing's words: "Madam said that the matter has been discussed with the master, and the master asked you to bring Yun'er back."

That's good.

Chen Siyuan leaped for joy and hugged Miao'er's waist. The maid had a ticklish spot on her waist, and the slightest touch made her snuggle in his arms as if acupuncture had been applied. Then, with a seductive look, she said, "Brother, aren't you afraid of others seeing us?"

Chen Siyuan said, "Then wait until no one sees us."

After sending Miao'er away who was reluctant to leave, Chen Siyuan went out and went to the back to look for Jia Yun.

Jia Yun's family lived in the back street of Ningrong. Chen Siyuan took a quick look and arrived at their door within a cup of tea.

When they reached the courtyard, they saw Jia Yun helping a woman hang out clothes to dry. Chen Siyuan called out, and Jia Yun exclaimed happily, "Uncle Yuan is here to see me? Mother, this is Uncle Yuan!"

The woman dropped the wash basin, wiped her hands hastily, and said with an awkward bow, "Oh, Brother Yuan is here. My Yun'er is so grateful to you—"

Chen Siyuan waved his hand and said, "Fifth sister-in-law, you are too polite. It is also Brother Yun who needs help. Now that I am too busy at home, I have come to ask Brother Yun for help."

The woman said, "Brother Yuanyuan knows how to talk. It doesn't matter if he helps or not. Yun'er can just lend a hand to Brother Yuanyuan." After a pause, she added, "But let's make a deal. The silver from last time... is considered a loan from Yun'er."

"Fifth sister-in-law, you—"

"Let's be honest. Even brothers should settle accounts. Yun'er only followed me around for a few days, why would she ask for two hundred taels?"

Chen Siyuan's status was now established, and he no longer needed to spend a lot of money to recruit people. He immediately said, "Okay, then let's do it, Fifth Sister-in-law. There happened to be an errand in the mansion, and I mentioned it to my uncle. When my uncle heard that Yun'er was needed, he wanted to meet him."

The fifth sister-in-law was overjoyed and hurriedly said, "Hey, Yun'er, why don't you thank your uncle Yuan?"

The Rongguo Mansion wants to build a villa for the imperial visit, and they are pouring gold and silver into it like a mountain of gold and silver. Who doesn't know that any job will bring good money?
Jia Yun came up and thanked her solemnly. The fifth sister-in-law gave him a few more instructions before letting Chen Siyuan take Jia Yun away.

The two of them went straight to the east wing and entered the outer study to meet the eldest master Jia She.

Jia Yun was a man of great intelligence. Jia She hinted at something, and when Chen Siyuan nodded, Jia Yun readily agreed. The master, satisfied, gave Jia Yun the task of buying and caring for the flowers and trees.

After giving a few brief instructions, Jia She sent Jia Yun away, leaving Chen Siyuan alone.

Jia She sent the servants and maids away with a glance, leaving only two people inside.

Jia She then said, "Brother Yuan, the marriage contract was too hasty..."

Chen Siyuan smiled bitterly and said, "Uncle, if I hadn't responded to the situation that day, I'm afraid the old lady would have rejected the marriage certificate."

Jia She snorted coldly and said, "The old lady is old and selfish. How can such a matter as marriage be treated as a joke?" Seeing Chen Siyuan smile bitterly and remain silent, Jia She continued, "In my opinion, you don't have to be so honest. Baoyu moved from the old lady's place to Qixianzhai yesterday... Daiyu often goes to the East Courtyard, where there is a small garden. Brother Yuan, you might as well go and have a look when you have time."

Is this encouraging me to hook up with Daiyu? I couldn't ask for more!
Chen Siyuan pondered and said, "This...if the old lady knew about it, I'm afraid..."

"Tsk," Jia She said with a disdainful smile, "even though the old lady is so decisive now, the servants are not stubborn. Just go to the small garden and don't worry about anything else. If anything goes wrong, I will take care of it for you."

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "The East Courtyard will be demolished soon, right?"

"Well, it won't be long," Jia She said. "Yingchun will be back in a few days, Xichun will be sent to Zhuge's daughter-in-law, and Tanchun will return to the second room. But the small garden is already part of the plan, so it doesn't need to be demolished."

Chen Siyuan pretended to agree reluctantly, and Jia She did not ask about his crafts and articles, but waved his hand and sent him away.

Chen Siyuan went straight back to his own courtyard. This time, Liu Wuer came out to greet him. Yunxiang's little trumpet had gone somewhere to spread rumors.

Liu Wuer said, "Master, two invitations have been delivered."

(End of this chapter)