Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 127 Breaking a good thing
At that moment, Mrs. Xing and Mrs. Wang returned to the main room. Feng Jieer was answering the female relatives. Suddenly, she saw the two of them having a good time as if there was no grudge between them. She couldn't help but marvel at it.

The first and second wives always maintained a superficially harmonious relationship, but in reality, they were full of intrigue and scheming. When did these two become so harmonious?
Feng Jieer could not help but be secretly vigilant, fearing that the two would gang up on her. She immediately set the table and turned to look for Ping'er to listen. The master and servant had been mumbling for a long time but could not find a solution, so they had to keep quiet for the time being.

The next day, she suddenly received a letter. Mrs. Xing sent her maid to say that Jia Yun had another job and asked Fengjie to choose someone else to be the comprador of flowers and trees in the garden.

Feng Jieer couldn't help but become more suspicious, but she couldn't figure out the reason after listening carefully.

On this day, Lady Wang was hosting a banquet, and Sister Feng, being her aunt and niece, went to help out according to custom. Unexpectedly, upon arriving at Lady Wang's courtyard, she saw Lady Wang smiling as she escorted Chen Siyuan out with a gift.

Weird! When did Brother Yuan become so close to Lady Wang? Looking at my aunt, it's as if she truly treats Brother Yuan as her own nephew, even more so than the eldest lady.

Mrs. Wang greeted Feng Jieer and then said to Chen Siyuan, "Brother Yuan, the concubine's side is also considered a relative. Although there were some disagreements before, at least the clouds have dispersed. Brother Yuan, do you think -"

Chen Siyuan smiled and bowed, saying, "Madam, you are worrying too much. This business is not mine. It's fine if my concubine wants to get involved."

Mrs. Wang heaved a sigh of relief and praised, "Brother Yuan, you seem to be a man of great generosity. In that case, I would like to thank you on behalf of my concubine."

"You're too polite, ma'am." Chen Siyuan greeted Feng Jieer again before bowing and leaving.

As soon as he left, Sister Feng came forward and asked, "Madam, are you speaking on behalf of the concubine?"

Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "That's what I thought. Brother Yuan is such a peculiar boy. He thinks of his relatives whenever he gets any benefit."

That's how it is.

Sister Feng also laughed and said, "That's right. I made some money last time. This time, thanks to Brother Yuan, I'm afraid I can make a few hundred taels again."

At that moment, the aunt and niece came in chatting and laughing. Feng Jieer couldn't help but think to herself, could it be just that simple?
For several days, Rongguo Mansion hosted banquets one after another. After Lady Wang, it was Aunt Xue, Li Wan, and Sister Feng who hosted banquets.

Aunt Xue invited only the women of the household and specifically sent Xue Pan to summon Chen Siyuan. Due to the large crowd, not much was said during the feast, but Aunt Xue praised Chen Siyuan profusely, evidently having received a message from Lady Wang. After the banquet, Aunt Xue also told Chen Siyuan that she would host a private dinner for him in a few days.

Li Wan only invited female relatives, but Baoyu shamelessly went to join in the fun, but Chen Siyuan didn't go because he wanted to save face.

On the other hand, Jia Lian changed his usual behavior when they met and was very warm. He even drank several cups of wine to apologize during the meal. Chen Siyuan took advantage of the situation and simply laughed it off and talked about the past grudges with her.

It was already the tenth day of the lunar month. Chen Siyuan was just thinking about visiting the Xianqu Bookstore when he suddenly received a gift. It was a small bundle that was delivered from outside. Hongyu brought it in with a strange look on her face and handed it to Chen Siyuan without saying a word.

"Who sent it?" Chen Siyuan asked curiously.

Hongyu smiled and said, "Master, you'll know after you take a look yourself."

Chen Siyuan opened the bundle and saw a pair of shoes inside. This style... this stitching... let's not talk about it. Chen Siyuan thought for a while, then asked uncertainly, "Third Sister Yu?"

Xiangling also came over. Although she couldn't help laughing at the ugliness of the shoes, she spoke up for Third Sister You and said, "It's a thoughtful gesture."

Chen Siyuan didn't mind, so he simply took off his shoes and put them on. After walking a few steps, he quickly changed back. Perhaps it was Emperor Taizong Li Guo's doing, but the shoes were already divided into left and right. However, when Chen Siyuan put them on, he felt that both shoes were right feet... Could it be that Third Sister You had used the shape of a single shoe to make a pair of crutches?
Just as he was scratching his head, Xiangling said, "These shoes... they look similar to the ones I made. Wait, sir."

As they were talking, Xiangling came in and soon returned with a pair of shoes. Xiangling's needlework was similar to Hongyu's, and her shoes were of standard quality, with fine stitching. Chen Siyuan had changed into a new pair of shoes, which were much more comfortable.

Thinking of the promise he had made before the New Year to visit the You family, Chen Siyuan said, "When you're still, you're tempted to move. I'm going out to visit a friend today, so there's no need to leave me any food for the time being."

Hongyu said mischievously, "It doesn't matter whether you leave me dinner or not, what matters is that you remember to come back."

Chen Siyuan laughed and put the matter behind him. He dressed up and was about to go out when Tongxi, a maid from Lixiangyuan, brought an invitation and arranged a banquet for Chen Siyuan on the 14th day of the first lunar month.

Chen Siyuan solemnly agreed and dismissed Tongxi. Leaving the courtyard, he could see that most of the pavilions and towers in the eastern courtyard were already completed. Construction on the central villa for the imperial visit continued even during the New Year holidays. Chen Siyuan decided that when he returned early today, he would stroll around the gardens.

Today was a warm and breezy day, so Chen Siyuan simply led his horse forward and headed to the vicinity of Huguo Temple to buy four gifts: a package of Suzhou-style dim sum, a package of Lu'an tea, a package of dried scallops, and a package of premium bird's nest. Carrying these four gifts, Chen Siyuan headed straight for the You family.

In a moment, he arrived at Jinjing Hutong and happened to run into Xing Dequan who was walking towards him with a figure eight step.

Xing Dequan rubbed his eyes, clasped his hands together and said with a smile, "My good nephew is here to see his uncle again? Tsk tsk, you came just like that, but why did you bring so many things?"

Chen Siyuan was at a loss for words. He dismounted and saluted, then quickly said, "I'm not here to see Third Aunt today."

Xing Dequan glared and said, "What's this guy doing..." As he spoke, he saw Chen Siyuan raised his chin. Xing Dequan looked over and saw that it was the You family. He frowned and took a breath, saying, "How is he related to their family?"

Chen Siyuan smiled but said nothing.

Xing Dequan suddenly understood and smiled, saying, "Good boy, I thought you were a decent guy, but it turns out you like girls from the boudoir. Well, forget it today. Tomorrow your uncle will take you to various alleys. Tsk, what's so good about a yellow-haired girl? Your uncle will take you to open your eyes and show you what is called charm."

Chen Siyuan wanted to offer some comfort, but he knew that even if Xing Dequan listened to him directly, he would likely ignore him. Anyway, he just hoped Xing Dequan wouldn't get sick in the future.

The two men separated at that moment, and Chen Siyuan led the horse to the door of You's house and knocked on the door.

An old family member opened the door and saw that it was Chen Siyuan. He immediately said happily, "Hurry up and tell Anren, the second lady, and the third lady that we have a distinguished guest!"

Chen Siyuan was puzzled, wondering how he became a distinguished guest.

A moment later, Third Sister You ran out first. When she saw Chen Siyuan, her eyes instantly became moist. She pinched the ends of her hair and pursed her lips, yet a smile still hung on her face. This expression contained both resentment and joy.

Soon after, You Laoan and You Erjie also came to the ceremonial gate to greet them. When You Laoan saw Chen Siyuan, she immediately smiled and said, "Brother Yuan is here? Don't stand there, come in quickly, hey, Brother Yuan is an honored guest now."

Chen Siyuan pondered briefly, and he had a pretty good idea of ​​what Old Lady You was thinking. He figured Madam Xing had been spreading the news to everyone she met, and the news of the maritime trade had undoubtedly spread. "One thousand taels out for six months, only to return one thousand three hundred or four hundred taels. Where else could you find such a good deal?"

Chen Siyuan understood, and with a smile, he greeted Old Lady You and Second Sister You, then followed them to the main room. Third Sister You lagged behind, frequently glancing at Chen Siyuan, opening her mouth to speak but holding back because Old Lady You was still there.

After entering the main room, Mrs. You An warmly invited Chen Siyuan to sit down, and Chen Siyuan presented the gift he had brought.

Mr. You glanced at the four gifts and saw that except for the snacks, all of them were very valuable, and his smile suddenly became even wider.

After they were seated and served fragrant tea, Old Man You said, "I met Brother Yuan a few times earlier, and I felt he had a bright future. Who would have thought that within two months, Brother Yuan would have already met Prince Ping of Yan. Hehe... what's that saying? It truly is true that the blessed have nothing to worry about."

Chen Siyuan replied, "It was also a stroke of luck. I didn't know the person I met that day was the Prince of Yanping."

Old Man You said, "I heard that my brother is going to engage in maritime trade again this time. I wonder how much silver it will cost to get involved this time?"

Chen Siyuan replied, "It's still a thousand taels to get involved... Could it be that Anren is interested?"

You Laoan suddenly thought about it and said, "This one thousand taels is not a small amount. I will collect it later. If I can collect it, I will come to settle it with you."

"Okay, let's follow Anren."

Although they were called Lao An's, You Erjie was only fifteen or sixteen, and Old Lady You was only thirty-three or thirty-four, two or three years younger than Aunt Xue. Mrs. You of Ningguo Mansion was of the same age as Mrs. Xing, and if someone other than those in the know were to stand together and claim that Mrs. You and Old Lady You were sisters, they would probably be believed.

Old Lady You was also understanding. She chatted with Chen Siyuan for a while, then stood up and said, "It's rare for you to come to our house, so you must get drunk tonight. Second and third sisters, chat with me while I go prepare the banquet."

At that moment, Old Lady You got up and left, leaving only Chen Siyuan, Second Sister You and Third Sister You inside.

Third Sister You was overjoyed. Years ago, Old Lady You had disliked Chen Siyuan, calling him a poor, poor man. But after the New Year, the situation suddenly changed. Madam Xing spread the word that Chen Siyuan had been ordered by King Ping of Yan to engage in maritime trade, and word spread everywhere that everyone knew it. Many noble families became interested.

Even if the head of the family was a bit reserved, those ladies would still try to get involved by taking their own money.

The You family's mother, daughter and three other people had been to Ningguo Mansion two or three times in the past year, and they had heard that the incident had become more and more of a fuss each time!

Mr. You was skeptical at first, but later he began to believe it and his opinion of Chen Siyuan changed in an instant.

To her, being called out outside Donghua Gate was nothing but a vague matter. How could it be as important as being appreciated by an important person?

As soon as Old Man You left, Third Sister You couldn't help but look at Chen Siyuan with a smile. She opened her mouth to speak again, but suddenly she saw Second Sister You sitting there neatly, with no intention of moving at all.

Third Sister You frowned slightly, feeling a little awkward, but she came over and sat down next to Chen Siyuan. She picked up the teapot and poured tea for him. She asked gently, "Why did you come here on horseback? Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?"

"It's a warm day today, so I won't be afraid if I wear a cloak."

Third Sister You continued, "Just bring a few snacks. Why buy so many goodies?"

"It's my first visit, so I shouldn't be too shabby. Yes, eat more of those blood swallows. I heard they're very nourishing."

Third Sister You pursed her lips in agreement, her gaze towards Chen Siyuan filled with unconcealable affection. After a moment, she continued, "I was going to look for you on the fifth day of the New Year, but since you were so busy, I didn't go. By the way, did you receive the shoes? I'm clumsy, so I can't make them very well."

It wasn't just bad. It was simply unwearable.

Chen Siyuan smiled and shook the shoe on his right foot. Third Sister You glanced at it and saw that the shoe on his left foot was a different style. She asked curiously, "Why is he only wearing one?"

Chen Siyuan said, "What are you talking about? Both of them are right feet. How do you want me to wear them?"

"Ah?" Third Sister You slapped her forehead and said in annoyance, "Oh no, I must have forgotten to turn the shoes over." After saying that, she started giggling to herself.

The two were talking animatedly when suddenly a pair of bare hands brought a tray of tea and snacks. Chen Siyuan looked up and saw You Erjie smiling calmly as she said, "Brother Yuan, please have some tea and snacks. I'm afraid it will be some time before dinner."

Brother Yuan? If I remember correctly, You Erjie is older than him.

"Oh, thank you, second sister."

You Erjie bowed but didn't retreat. As if suddenly remembering something, she said, "Yes, I've always heard from you, Third Sister, that Brother Yuan is particularly good at poetry. I wonder if he's produced any new works recently? You and I aren't big readers, but we both enjoy the profound elegance of Liu Yong and the boldness of Xin Qiji."

Chen Siyuan replied casually: "That's not the case..."

Before he could finish, Third Sister You frowned and said, "Brother Yuan has been studying hard lately. He'll be going to the Imperial College in a few days. How can he have time to write poetry?"

You Erjie pretended to be surprised and said, "Yes, I actually forgot. My sin, my sin... Then I wonder if Brother Yuan Da will choose to be an official after graduating from the Imperial College?"

Third Sister You retorted, "Brother Yuan is going to take the imperial examination in the autumn. What kind of official position can a graduate of the Imperial College choose?"

Sensing the vague hostility from You Sanjie, You Erjie smiled and said, "So that's how it is." She then bowed again and moved her lotus steps back to her seat.

Afterwards, Third Sister You and Chen Siyuan kept whispering to each other, with Third Sister You occasionally covering her mouth and laughing. If Second Sister You was not right beside her, the girl would have wanted to throw herself into Chen Siyuan's arms.

Third Sister You was puzzled, wondering what was wrong with Second Sister You. She glanced over every now and then, but Second Sister You always avoided her. When Third Sister You turned her head around, she would raise her delicate head and look at Chen Siyuan.

Chen Siyuan drank several cups of tea, then, as he was in a hurry, he excused himself and went to the side room to change clothes. You Erjie and You Sanjie were left inside. You Sanjie immediately frowned and went over angrily: "What do you mean, Erjie?"

You Erjie was puzzled and asked, "Third sister, what are you talking about?"

Third Sister You gritted her teeth and sneered, "Don't you, Second Sister, look down on poor old man? Why, just because Brother Yuan met Prince Ping of Yan, Second Sister has changed her mind?"

You Erjie said, "Third sister, you're too worried. Mother sent me to watch over you before she left because she was worried about you..."

Third Sister You laughed in anger, pointing at her own nose and saying, "Me? Do I need Second Sister to watch over me? Ha, what a joke!"

Ever since she met Chen Siyuan, Third Sister You would never go to Ningguo Mansion if she could avoid it. On the other hand, Second Sister You, although she complained privately, had she ever refused?

Third Sister You's biological father was just an ordinary wealthy man, and her stepfather was a minor official of the sixth rank. After a lifetime of hard work, they left behind only a small courtyard with two entrances. Unfortunately, Old Man You An was not good at business, and he thought that he was doing An's honor, so he only knew how to spend lavishly every day and socialize with ladies of high rank.

As a result, the family naturally became increasingly poor. It was because of the large dowry given to Youshi that Old Lady You was able to get into the Rongguo Mansion, and from time to time she would go to beg for money, only to get a few melons and dates to make ends meet.

It was also because of the difficult life that Old Man You spent all day instilling evil ways into his two daughters.

What about sayings like "Marry a man for food and clothing," "Appearance is less important than substance," and "I'd rather be a concubine to a rich man than a wife to a poor man"? At first, Third Sister You quite believed this, but upon encountering Chen Siyuan, she threw all her usual beliefs out the window. But what about Second Sister You? She's probably still harboring ambitions of climbing the wealth ladder. If she hadn't seen Brother Yuan's impending rise to prominence, why would she have come to chat with him?
Third Sister You said coldly, "We're sisters, so stop saying things that don't mean what you mean. Brother Yuan and I are in love, so what if Second Sister tries to interfere? You'll lose face and end up with nothing."

You Erjie laughed and said, "Sister, you really misunderstood..." After a pause, she continued, "...Besides, since we are so in love, what's the harm in me talking to him? What are you afraid of, Third Sister?"

"you--"

Just as Third Sister You was about to say something, she heard footsteps approaching from outside. She immediately sneered, turned around, and greeted Chen Siyuan with a smile. Third Sister You took two quick steps, tugged at Chen Siyuan's sleeve, and said, "Have you seen that wintersweet? It's in full bloom now. Let's go take a look."

Chen Siyuan was no Wuxia A'mon, so how could he not notice that You Erjie was deliberately trying to strike up a conversation? He glanced at You Erjie and said with a smile, "Okay." Soon the two of them left the main room and went to the courtyard to admire the winter plum blossoms.

You Erjie sat in the hall, sipping her fragrant tea, a smile on her face, her mind brooding. How could she not know Third Sister's personality? Perhaps Chen Siyuan was just craving something new for a while, but if they continued to spend time together, he would probably grow tired of her.

On the contrary, her gentle nature might make her more appealing to men.

Around noon, Mrs. You returned and ordered a table full of food for her, spending three taels of silver. Chen Siyuan sat down and took a quick look around, and he knew that Mrs. You had put a lot of thought into the meal. This table full of Huaiyang dishes must have been ordered especially for him.

At that moment, cups were clinked and glasses were passed around. Old An You and Second Sister You kept urging them to drink. Third Sister You couldn't stand it anymore and felt like protecting him. She blocked three cups for Chen Siyuan in a row.

Perhaps because she drank too eagerly, after three cups, Third Sister You's pretty face flushed immediately, and she spoke in a very coquettish manner. She felt less cautious and even took out her embroidered shoes to rub against Chen Siyuan's legs.

Chen Siyuan was teased to the point of being unable to bear it, so he reached out and grabbed Jinlian, scratching the back of her feet. He saw Third Sister You beside him suddenly let out an "ouch" and shrank back.

Old Man You asked, "What happened to Third Sister?"

Third Sister You simply said, "I was dizzy from drinking so much that I missed a step just now."

After a few words, You Laoan started chatting with Chen Siyuan again.

After a while, Third Sister You came back to tease her. Chen Siyuan got angry, clamped his legs together, peeled off the embroidered shoes, and scratched the soles of her feet a few times.

Glancing at Third Sister You out of the corner of his eye, he saw her supporting her chin with her hand and looking at him lovingly. Chen Siyuan was afraid that Third Sister You, who was drunk, would become unbridled, so he quickly let go of her feet.

At this moment, a maid came in and said, "An'er, Mrs. Li from the backyard is here to invite you to play dominoes."

"Oh, that's unfortunate."

Before Old Man You finished, Third Sister You stood up and said, "I'll go send her away. It's a good time to get some fresh air. I feel dizzy right now."

He immediately stood up and left the table, glanced at Chen Siyuan before walking out.

Chen Siyuan stared intently at Third Sister You's feet, and saw that not a single shoe was missing... Whose shoe was that between her legs?

Turning his gaze to You Erjie on the other side, he saw that her face was calm. She looked at him, and then her diamond-shaped feet without shoes stretched out their feet again... What a fairy!

Wait, could it be You Erjie again this time?

Chen Siyuan was teased for no reason, so how could he bear the loss? He immediately raised his glass and invited Anren to drink, saying, "Thank you, Mr. An, for preparing the banquet. Today's dishes are really rare. I offer you a toast."

As he spoke, he picked up the wine cup and drank, then pretended that his hand slipped, and with a sound of "ouch", the wine cup fell, spilling the warm wine on the lotus root foot.

You Erjie cried out in surprise and quickly retreated. Old Man You, unaware of what was happening under the table, said hurriedly, "Oh, perhaps my brother has had too much to drink?"

It just so happened that Third Sister You returned at this time. Seeing that Chen Siyuan seemed to have choked on his wine, she came over and stroked his back, saying, "I've always told Brother Yuan not to drink too much. He's so young, but Mom keeps urging him to drink."

Chen Siyuan said, "No, I won't be able to drink any more. I'm afraid I'll lose my composure. So, I'll take my leave."

How could Old Man You agree? He hurriedly said, "Brother, you've been drinking and sweating. It would be bad for you to go out and get caught in the wind. Why don't you rest for a while and leave after the alcohol wears off?"

Third Sister You was also reluctant to leave him, and said from the side: "That's right, Brother Yuan, don't be so stubborn, take a rest before leaving."

Chen Siyuan couldn't refuse, so he just agreed.

When she stood up, she kicked the embroidered shoes into the corner under the table, and was supported by Sister You San to the west room.

As soon as he left, Old Man You said, "We're almost done. Why don't we go and get some tea?"

You Erjie responded softly, but she didn't stand up. A diamond-shaped foot scrambled around under the tablecloth, but couldn't find the shoe.

Chen Siyuan arrived at the western end of the room and was helped to his bed by Third Sister You. He could hold his liquor quite well, but he had recently developed a habit of taking a short nap every afternoon. He was feeling sleepy, so after lying down for a short while, he fell asleep.

Third Sister You carefully covered him with a blanket, then sat beside him with her hands on her cheeks, watching him intently. It was only when Old Lady You called her from outside that she got up and left.

Chen Siyuan lay still for a moment, then felt Third Sister You return. He took a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. The two of them were enjoying their first taste of the pleasure, and just when they were enjoying it, Chen Siyuan, in a playful mood, grabbed her hand and pulled Third Sister You into his arms.

He opened his eyes and smiled, "Have you ever thought—uh, why is it you?"

The person in his arms was timid and shy, but it was You Erjie!

Before Chen Siyuan could react, he heard a shout from the door: "You——"

Chen Siyuan quickly pushed You Erjie away and said to You Sanjie, "Third sister, I—"

Third Sister You came in with a fierce momentum and said directly: "Brother Yuan, there is no need to explain. I know what she is thinking!" Then she gave Second Sister You a fierce look and said: "I tell you, dream on!"

After this misunderstanding, Chen Siyuan didn't dare to stay any longer. He dressed hurriedly, said goodbye to Mrs. You Laoan, and was then sent out by You Sanjie.

The girl was so angry that her face turned pale. Chen Siyuan wanted to say something, but for a moment he didn't know what to say. That was her own sister. How could a real sister flirt with her "future brother-in-law" like this?

He only sighed and looked at Third Sister You without saying anything. Third Sister You bit her lower lip and said after a while, "Go back and ride slowly... I'll come find you when I have time in a few days."

"Okay, the waters of Shichahai have bloomed. I'm afraid the grass will be green and the birds will be singing in a dozen days. Let's go for an outing then."

"Ah."

Third Sister You nodded in agreement. Seeing that no one was around, she stepped forward and hugged Chen Siyuan. Then she forced a smile and said, "Go back quickly. Don't take off your hood, or you'll catch a cold."

Without saying anything else, Chen Siyuan pulled the reins and jumped on the horse. He turned his head to glance at Third Sister You, then urged the horse to go away.

Seeing his figure hiding at the entrance of the alley, Third Sister You put away the smile on her face, slammed the gate shut, and walked back to the main room angrily. She picked up the teacup and smashed it on the ground.

Snapped--

The white porcelain shattered into pieces, shocking Old Lady You so much that she trembled all over. Then she forced a smile and said, "It was just a misunderstanding. I'm afraid Brother Yuan mistook me for Third Sister."

Third Sister You sneered, "Second Sister, do you think I don't know what you mean? You see Brother Yuan is about to become successful, so you're willing to stick with him even if it means sacrificing your dignity. What were you doing before?"

Old Man You said, "Look, we're sisters, why are you making such a fuss? Besides, I think this is a good thing." Facing Third Sister You's puzzled look, Old Man You said, "How can the younger sister be married while the older sister is still waiting to be married?"

These ten fingers were of varying lengths, and Old An You naturally felt partial. Second Sister You was always docile, taking her word for it; Third Sister You, on the other hand, was different. Initially, she didn't take it seriously, but lately, she's even more critical of him.

Old Lady You had indeed misjudged Chen Siyuan. Regardless of his academic performance, he had already earned the favor of King Ping of Yan, and he would be rich and powerful in the future. If the third sister married him, I'm afraid she wouldn't be able to collect bribes in the future... It would be even better if the second sister married him.

As for Third Sister You's dissatisfaction... at worst they could just get married together, and that way she could save on the dowry.

By then, when the sisters are united, how can the girl from the Lin family, no matter how noble she is, be able to defeat them?

Old Lady You was about to reason with Third Sister You, but Third Sister You refused to listen and turned away.

Old Man You didn't care either. He whispered to You Erjie, "Don't worry about her. She'll be angry for a day or two."

You Erjie agreed with her head down, remembering that she had just fallen into Chen Siyuan's arms, and that man's hands were not idle. Now she felt a little uncomfortable in her chest...

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

But Chen Siyuan returned all the way to Rongguo Mansion, and it was not yet 3 p.m.

Just as he had returned the horses, Yu Sixun, the doorman, arrived, saying that the eldest lady had come to see him. Chen Siyuan went to the east wing, and Madam Xing chattered excitedly for a long while.

It was a matter of maritime trade that had been spread over the past few days, and indeed many women had come to seek help, either to try to get involved on behalf of their families, or to simply take their own money, and the total amount they received was actually over 20,000 taels!
Mrs. Xing calculated that she could earn two thousand taels of silver in half a year for free. How could she not be happy?
Not only was Wang Shanbao's wife present, but even the maid Fei, who had never been seen, had come. After a while, I learned that Fei had been ill and had only recovered before the New Year.

Since there were outsiders present, Chen Siyuan naturally couldn't speak privately with Mrs. Xing, so after a while he got up and said goodbye.

Mrs. Xing was naturally disappointed. She glanced at Wang Shanbao's wife and Mrs. Fei, wondering if Wang Shanbao was easy to get rid of, but how would Mrs. Fei be dealt with? She might have to find some work for them someday, so they wouldn't have to stay by her side all day and have to avoid having to interact with that little thief.

When Chen Siyuan re-entered the Rongguo Mansion, he saw two old women carrying a crying maid. The maid only had a small bag with her.

Seeing the two maids throwing the servant out of the corner gate, Chen Siyuan called Yu Liu over and asked in a low voice, "What happened?"

Yu Liu said, "It seems to be Bihen from Master Bao's room... Has he committed a crime?"

Bihen? Chen Siyuan was puzzled. For a moment, he couldn't remember when this maid was kicked out. Then he thought it was a pity. If only it was Qingwen who was kicked out this time. Who knows, he might be able to take advantage of it.

Remembering his intention to visit his parents' villa in the morning, Chen Siyuan simply bypassed the east courtyard, entered from the corner gate, passed through the hall and arrived at the three small rooms. Li Wan's room was on the side, and there was an alley next to Fengjie's courtyard.

Not far away, there was a water room on the side, and next to it was a corner gate. Chen Siyuan walked straight in, looked around, and saw that the corridor was neat, the rocks stood in a forest, and the pavilions and towers were mostly built. It was likely that it would be complete in another month or so.

Chen Siyuan was sighing in his heart. How much money would it cost to rush the work in winter?

After turning around Cuizhang, Chen Siyuan headed west, crossed several bridges, and looked at the buildings around him. He could vaguely make out Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Zhuijin Tower, Qiu Shuang Zhai, etc. He then headed north and walked along the winding corridor. In front of him was a stone cave.

Just as he was about to go in, he suddenly heard the sounds of a woman begging and a man panting.

Chen Siyuan suddenly stopped and looked around, then picked up a piece of leftover wood to protect himself, thinking that the construction servants had evil intentions and kidnapped someone's maid into the cave.

Chen Siyuan shouted, "Who?"

The male voice inside choked, and then a female voice shouted: "Help, help—"

Chen Siyuan picked up the wood to clear the way and moved towards the stone cave. Suddenly, he saw a man in the clothes of a servant inside, wrapping his clothes in a panic. When he saw Chen Siyuan, he turned around and ran away.

The man looked even weaker than Chen Siyuan. Chen Siyuan suddenly became brave, shouted, and hit him on the shoulder with a stick. The man screamed strangely and did not even bother to tidy up his clothes. He staggered away.

Chen Siyuan chased after her for two steps, then heard a cry for help from behind him. He then turned back to observe. The cave was dim, and Chen Siyuan observed her carefully for a long moment. Suddenly, he felt that the woman looked familiar. After a long pause, he tentatively asked, "Miss Siqi?"

Siqi's silk shirt was half-undressed, and she didn't know what drug had taken her. She could only mumble in her sleep, "It's hot, so hot..."

　Siqi said, "A woman deserves a man. I was deceived by him, and now I am his. I will never give my virginity to anyone else. I hate him for being so cowardly. He has to take responsibility for everything he does, and why did he run away? Even if he never comes back, I will never marry."

　　"A momentary slip" clearly indicates that Pan Youan deceived Siqi. This woman has both good and bad reputations, and different perspectives will lead to different conclusions.

　　It is true to say that she is unfaithful. After all, not only did she betray Yingchun, but she also dragged Yingchun into trouble. It is also true to say that she is pursuing her own happiness. After all, Yingchun is not valued and her marriage is worrying.

　　Personally, I think Siqi is too brave but not loyal enough.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)