Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 119: Growth is imminent
Chen Siyuan reached out and grabbed her, holding her hand and said with a smile, "Are you not angry anymore now?"

Third Sister You said blushingly, "I heard mother tell me something a while ago, but I didn't believe it myself, so I went to investigate myself... Who knew even the doorman at Rongguo Mansion knew about it?" She paused, then added, "Actually, I didn't quite believe it either. Thinking about you... you wouldn't be such a cold-hearted person."

Chen Siyuan pretended to frown and said, "So Third Sister misses me this much?"

Third Sister You shook her head in panic, "No, no, I didn't think that way..." After a pause, she pursed her lips and continued, "I've been waiting for quite some time, but you didn't come to see me. The more I think about it, the angrier I get... Actually, even if you marry someone else, talk to me about it. If it really makes things difficult for you, I will... I will..."

Chen Siyuan smiled, held Rouchi in his hands and shook her, saying, "Third sister, there's no need to say more. I understand."

Third Sister You finally breathed a sigh of relief, but when she saw her hand being taken away by him, her face couldn't help but blush.

Just as she was about to say something else, she heard the maid behind her say, "Miss, Anren is coming up!"

Third Sister You cried out, quickly pulled her hand away, and said in a panic, "You, you go first. I'll come look for you when I have time in the next two days."

After saying that, she raised her eyes and stared at Chen Siyuan, then walked in under the maid's urging. When she closed the door, she left a crack to glance at Chen Siyuan, then hurried back.

Chen Siyuan stopped in front of the door with a smile on his face. He vaguely heard the quarrel between You Sanjie and You Laoan, and then he leisurely returned to the carriage.

So sometimes when a woman is aggressive towards you, it's probably because she doesn't have you in her heart. Otherwise, look at Sister You, who is made of steel and becomes soft as silk.

Chen Siyuan had made up his mind long ago that it would be best if he could marry both Chai and Dai at the same time... but that seems unlikely now. The next best option is to marry Daiyu or You Sanjie. At the very least, he still has You Sanjie as a backup.

He couldn't come here for nothing.

The carriage returned to Rongguo Mansion. By this time, it was already dark, and Chen Siyuan returned to his own courtyard. Liu Wuer had returned home to rest, leaving Xiangling and Hongyu alone.

After a short while, when it was time to go to bed, Xiangling went to the wing room to rest. Hongyu stayed to help Chen Siyuan wash up, and when she returned, she pursed her lips, put her hands behind her back, and looked hesitant.

Chen Siyuan looked at the book by candlelight. He glanced at it and couldn't help laughing. "What's hidden in the back? Is it for me?"

Last time, Hongyu had made him shoes, and a few days ago she had given him a handkerchief. Chen Siyuan had thought this was another needlework gift, but then Hongyu, mumbling something, pulled out a water bag from behind her back.

Chen Siyuan took it in his hand and was puzzled: "Water bag?" Blinking, he suddenly said: "Hot water bottle? It's not that cold at night."

Hongyu blushed and shook her head repeatedly. After a long while, she said, "Sir...it's whale oil."

At this time, the Dashun Navy was the overlord of East Asia. Some fishermen simply followed the example of the Western barbarians and went to the vicinity of Fuso to hunt whales, then boiled the whale oil and brought it back to Dashun to sell.

This whale oil lamp was extremely bright and had no smoke to hurt the eyes, which made it quite popular among the wealthy families at that time.

Chen Siyuan was still puzzled and said, "I don't read much at night. You can save your money for yourself instead of buying expensive things like this."

Hongyu simply lowered her delicate head, too embarrassed to look up. After a long while, she said, "Master... the servants around Second Master Lian all use this thing."

Chen Siyuan was stunned for a moment before he understood what Hongyu meant... It turned out that this whale oil was used to get in through the back door!
Hongyu came closer and whispered, "Master has been feeling depressed these past few days, and I can see he's not in a good mood either... I just happened to overhear something, and then... then..." Suddenly she raised her head and said boldly, "I'm a servant of Master. What's the point of me if I can't even do this?"

Chen Siyuan was moved. He reached out and took Hongyu in his arms, comforting her: "I am proud of you, but it's not just because of what happened in bed."

The red jade pressed against his chest, soothing his heart. After a moment, she whispered, "Master...why don't you...try it?"

Give it a try? Then give it a try!
There was a murmur of chatter, and nothing more to say. The result... naturally, it didn't work out. How could this backdoor scheme be accomplished overnight? In the end, Hongyu's cheeks ached from exhaustion before she finally let it go.

In a blink of an eye, it is the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, commonly known as the Northern Little New Year.

That day, Chen Siyuan went out to find a vegetable farmer and ordered some Dongzi vegetables for the first month of the lunar year. He then took a visiting card and went straight to Prince Yanping's mansion.

The Prince of Yanping's mansion was located in the northeast corner of the inner city. It had three corridors and five entrances, and a garden at the back that was even larger than the main residence. Chen Siyuan handed in his name card and a door bag, then was led to the back hall to wait.

After a cup of tea, a eunuch in a red robe, holding a whisk in his hand, came over with a smile and asked, "Is this Mr. Chen?"

Chen Siyuan did not dare to neglect him and stood up and said, "I am Chen Siyuan, your junior. May I know the name of this eunuch?"

"No problem. I'm Ding Daolong, the chef of the palace."

"Meet Eunuch Ding."

"Very well, very well. The prince is now in the Anle Hall in the garden. He was overjoyed to hear that Mr. Chen was visiting, and he sent us here to show him the way."

"Excuse me, father-in-law."

At that moment, Ding Daolong smiled and nodded, turned around to invite him, and then led Chen Siyuan to the back.

Following a path along the side to the back door and into the back garden, Chen Siyuan took in the area. He thought the Rongguo Mansion was already vast, but now compared to the Prince's Mansion, it was nothing compared to the other. The back garden alone was probably larger than the Ning and Rong Mansions combined!

In the distance, amidst the white snow, one can vaguely make out an island in the middle of the lake, with a pavilion on it. Winding paths, verdant pines and cypresses, and scattered pavilions and terraces are also found.

Chen Siyuan felt uneasy. He pinched the booklet in his sleeve and took a deep breath. Then, seeing that no one was paying attention, he suddenly shook hands with Ding Daolong and said, "I'm a newcomer and don't know the rules. I'll need your care in the future."

As they spoke, a silver note was handed over. Ding Daolong was slightly surprised, then smiled and said, "Well, Mr. Chen, you don't know that the prince has often mentioned Mr. Chen these past few days. I'm afraid that if Mr. Chen doesn't come today, the prince will go looking for him in a few days."

Chen Siyuan agreed with a smile, and followed Ding Daolong around the rockery in front, passed by a grove of flowers and trees, and arrived at a study with a plaque on it that read "An Le Hall".

Ding Daolong asked Chen Siyuan to wait for a while, went inside to report, and then turned around and led him in.

This system followed the Ming Dynasty system, but with some minor differences. Common people only had to bow when meeting an official, kneeling only when passing through the court. Scholars with official titles did not have to kneel when meeting officials or nobles, even when passing through the court.

Chen Siyuan walked in with his head down, hesitated for a moment, and finally bowed and said, "I am honored to meet His Majesty!"

He glanced up and saw Prince Ping of Yan sitting at his desk, fiddling with a cricket jar. He was poking it with a twig, and the crickets chirped from time to time. Without even looking up, Prince Ping of Yan asked, "Any ideas?"

Chen Siyuan said, "I have pondered for several days, repeatedly considered it, and also conducted on-site inspections..."

"Why so much nonsense? Just tell me whether you have it or not."

"Got it." Chen Siyuan took out the thin booklet from his sleeve.

King Ping of Yan became alert and waved his hand, and Ding Daolong presented the booklet.

Prince Ping of Yan glanced at Chen Siyuan, then leaned over to flip through the book. He read quickly at first, then suddenly frowned in thought, then turned back to the beginning. He repeated this several times, and it took him two cups of tea to finish.

Chen Siyuan's legs were sore from standing, but he didn't dare to say anything.

Suddenly, Prince Ping of Yan slammed his hands on the table and said, "That's a possibility! Hahaha, Chen Shu... Siyuan, you really are quite capable. After you pass the provincial examination, how about joining the Imperial Household? Start as a supervisor first. If you do well, I guarantee you'll be promoted to a doctor within three years."

"This..." Chen Siyuan laughed awkwardly and didn't dare to answer.

The Imperial Household was a separate entity, isolated from the Imperial Court. If he entered the Imperial Household, wouldn't his career in the government end, leaving him to work there forever? The Imperial Household Minister was only a fourth-rank official, often a member of the imperial clan. Chen Siyuan could only rise through the ranks to become an assistant minister, but a fourth-rank position wouldn't even compare to a prefect. How could he accept that?
At this moment, King Ping of Yan had a good idea and was in a very good mood. He didn't bother with it for the moment. He just stood up, hands behind his back, and paced back and forth excitedly. Suddenly he stopped and pointed at Chen Siyuan and said, "Do you know what I appreciate most about you? Your vision, your vision, and your vision! Hahaha, I have finally discovered that no matter what business you have, you are always thinking about conquering the world.

Haha, if it were someone else, they probably wouldn't dare to do it, but the Imperial Household Department is spread all over the country, which is perfect for this kind of business!"

He turned around and picked up the booklet, holding it in his hands as if it were a treasure. He quickly closed it and said excitedly, "This is a good idea. I will report it to His Majesty, and we will proceed accordingly next year."

Prince Ping of Yan was delighted. This business started with general merchandise, enticing customers with profit and hurting them with capital. Later, money shops, bill exchanges, and the opening of ports were all connected, one thing leading to another. The Imperial Household was a behemoth, and it favored this kind of business with small capital and high profits.

According to a rough estimate, the profit in the first year may be hundreds of thousands, which is comparable to that of a salt field!

Moreover, this business will probably have more and more prospects in the future. If you manage it carefully, after 10 to 20 years, you may be able to compete with the salt tax.

Now that my brother is suffering from insufficient treasury, the contents of this book can be regarded as a timely relief.

Such a treasure was only exchanged for a Juren, and Prince Ping of Yan felt that he had gotten a great bargain. He had been scolded by Emperor Yankang before, and he thought that if he handed the book to his brother this time, the emperor would definitely have nothing to say!
The more he thought about it, the happier he became, and he couldn't help but find Chen Siyuan more and more pleasing to the eye.

Seeing that Chen Siyuan was still standing with his back bowed, King Ping of Yan said, "Come on, quickly bring him an embroidered cushion."

Ding Daolong bowed in agreement and, smiling, brought over an embroidered cushion. Chen Siyuan breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he had finally passed this hurdle. He then lowered himself to take a seat, and King Ping of Yan ordered a maid to serve him some fragrant tea.

Prince Ping of Yan asked a few more questions about the booklet he didn't understand, and seeing Chen Siyuan's fluent answers, he was even more delighted. He felt that the imperial examination was indeed harmful. Only bookworms and moralists could enter the Hanlin Academy, while people with real talent like Chen Siyuan were rejected.

How unfair!
Seeing that there was nothing left to ask, King Ping of Yan thought for a moment and then ordered, "You will be in Rongguo Mansion for the next few days. I may send someone to look for you at any time."

"Yes."

"According to this book, I believe there is absolutely no reason why it won't work... Ding Daolong, take out half of the portion that His Majesty bestowed upon you the other day and give it to Chen Siyuan to take away later."

Ding Daolong was slightly surprised and quickly responded.

King Ping of Yan turned around and said kindly, "I will go to the palace to see the Saint immediately. I will not keep you here today."

Chen Siyuan quickly stood up and bowed, "In that case, I will take my leave."

King Ping of Yan nodded and said, "Ding Daolong will see you off on my behalf."

Ding Daolong immediately led Chen Siyuan out of Anle Hall and went straight to the side gate of the palace. He made Chen Siyuan wait for about a cup of tea before sending two carriages over.

Ding Daolong smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, the prince treats you well. Here are a thousand gold coins, twenty rolls of fine brocade, twenty rolls of fine silk, twenty honeydew melons from Shaanxi, twenty catties of Wenshui grapes, ten smoked pigs, and twenty air-dried sheep."

Chen Siyuan was delighted and quickly thanked Ding Daolong before riding in a carriage back.

The rest of the items were fine, but at that time, a single coin weighed about one qian, so a thousand coins would be worth one hundred jin, nearly one thousand taels of silver. The brocade and silk used in the decorations were even more difficult to estimate, and their value was probably no less than the money itself. Not counting the rest, these two items alone were worth two thousand taels!

King Ping of Yan was so heroic, it was obvious that the ideas in the booklet were exactly what he wanted.

As they left the palace grounds, the driver in front couldn't help but ask, "Master Yuan... is he acquainted with Prince Ping of Yan?"

How could Chen Siyuan miss such a good opportunity to elevate himself? He smiled and said, "It was just a chance acquaintance. I didn't even know that the distinguished person in front of me was the Prince of Yanping."

The driver sighed and praised, "Master Yuan is so lucky! I heard that the emperor likes Prince Yanping's younger brother the most. I'm afraid he will be made a prince in a few years. With Prince Yanping's favor, Master Yuan's future is just around the corner."

Chen Siyuan smiled modestly and said, "It's too early to say that now... The iron must be strong itself to forge iron. That's right, this matter shouldn't be spread."

The driver smiled and said, "I understand. I understand everything."

The two of them said nothing more as the three carriages passed through the imperial city and arrived at the Rongguo Mansion. They entered the Rongguo Mansion from the corner gate. When they caught a glimpse of the palace seal on the carriage behind them, everyone was naturally surprised!
Lai Da, who was usually out of sight, rushed over to check. He wanted to ask the driver, but Chen Siyuan had just gotten off the carriage safely. He had no choice but to step forward and greet him: "Master Yuan, what are you doing——"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "I just visited Prince Yanping's palace and received some rewards before leaving. Could you please, Steward Lai, set aside six bolts of brocade and silk, and give the rest to the ladies, sisters-in-law, and sisters in various places."

Lai Da agreed without hesitation, and Chen Siyuan left with a bag containing a thousand gold coins.

Lai Da hurried to find the driver to ask, and the driver exaggerated and told a story that shocked Lai Da.

He couldn't help but think in his heart that this poor relative who had no connection with him at all had somehow gotten to know King Ping of Yan. Judging from the reward he received, he must have been appreciated. I'm afraid that a great success is just around the corner!

Thinking that this Mr. Yuan would be going to the Imperial College next year, Lai Da remembered that his son Lai Shangrong had already donated money to become a student and was now studying in the Imperial College, so he thought to himself: Why not let Lai Shangrong get close to this man, maybe they can also catch the eye of King Yanping?

(End of this chapter)