Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 209 What you want

Ding Daolong narrowed his eyes and saw Chen Siyuan's serious expression. His eyes fell on the brocade box again. He began to think a little. He said, "In that case, Chen Xiaolian will come with us."

Ding Daolong soon led Chen Siyuan into a side hall. After the maid closed the door, Chen Siyuan unfolded the brocade box and took out the original work of Liu Gongquan from the scroll sleeve.

Ding Daolong was the chief chef of the palace. He had studied and learned calligraphy in the palace since he was young. His face changed as soon as he saw the calligraphy. After seeing the signature, he gritted his teeth and stared, pointing at the calligraphy and painting, trembling and unable to speak for a long time.

"This...this...this...this is Liu Gongquan——"

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "Yes, it is the Diamond Sutra written in regular script by Liu Gongquan. The full text has over 5,000 characters. It has undergone many changes, and only the last few characters have been slightly damaged. The rest is intact."

Ding Daolong took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He reached out tentatively but didn't dare touch it. He could only mutter, "A rare treasure, a national treasure!"

You must know that this Diamond Sutra was originally inscribed on a massive stone. During the early Song Dynasty, the stone was split into twelve pieces and has since been destroyed. Even copies, let alone originals, are extremely valuable. Currently, only one Tang Dynasty rubbing remains in the palace, and this alone would be worth a fortune.

This original work has just turned up. At this time, there are countless people in the world who love calligraphy. Once this original work is brought out, how can it be measured by money? It might even become a good omen!

Ding Daolong didn't dare to touch it. He slowly withdrew his hand, turned his head and looked at Chen Siyuan and asked, "Where did Chen Xiaolian get this treasure? Do you intend to present it to the prince?"

Chen Siyuan blinked and coughed, "Dianshan didn't know that this thing doesn't belong to me. I'm just offering it to you."

Ding Daolong couldn't help but laugh and said, "Whatever the case, please wait a moment, Chen Xiaolian. I will send someone to inform the prince immediately. I expect the prince to return as soon as he finishes his court session."

Chen Siyuan bowed in agreement and took his seat in the side hall. Ding Daolong ordered the maid to bring some tea and snacks, then hurried away.

After a while, a maid brought tea and snacks, and then two guards from the palace appeared at the door.

Chen Siyuan just sat there calmly.

After an hour, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside. Chen Siyuan looked up and saw King Ping of Yan, wearing a sable fur coat and a dragon robe underneath, striding towards him.

Chen Siyuan hurriedly stood up, and before he could bow, the King of Yanping asked, "Where is the original work of Liu Gongquan?"

Chen Siyuan hurriedly bowed, then quickly stepped aside and pointed at the table: "It's right here."

Prince Ping of Yan passed Chen Siyuan and reached out to grab it, but then stopped mid-stretch. He turned and glanced at an old man behind him, who then leaned forward, carefully spread it out, and then used a silk handkerchief to cushion his hand as he unrolled the scroll bit by bit.

The old man's expression was originally solemn, but when the scroll was fully unfolded, his features suddenly became lively. His beard trembled, and his whole body trembled. King Ping of Yan couldn't help but ask, "How is it?"

"Yes, Your Highness, it is the original, it is the original!"

King Ping of Yan laughed heartily, looking up to the heavens. He waved his hand and said, "Quickly send this auspicious sign to my brother, the Emperor. Go quickly!"

Immediately, a group of eunuchs carefully picked up the scroll, put it into a huge box, and ran away carrying it.

At this time, King Ping of Yan looked at Chen Siyuan with a smile, his hands behind his back. "Chen Shuliang, what does the Diamond Sutra say? Whatever it says, I agree with it."

Chen Siyuan dared not take advantage of the noble man who gave him face.

"Your Highness," he said, "this item belongs to Mrs. Zhu of the Rongguo Mansion. She knew keeping it was like a child carrying gold in a busy market, so she simply entrusted me to deliver it to the inner court. Firstly, to pawn it for some money to spend; secondly, she also hopes that Your Highness will consider this and take good care of it in the future."

"Oh? Who is Sister Zhu?"

Chen Siyuan explained Li Wan's origins in detail, and concluded by saying, "Mrs. Zhu has only Lang'er by her side now, and all her thoughts are on him."

At that moment, Chen Siyuan described the situation of Li Wan and Jia Lan in detail.

King Ping of Yan stood with his hands behind his back, thinking for a moment, then smiled and said, "This is easy. Come on, give me a waist badge!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a eunuch brought a plaque. Prince Ping of Yan picked it up, threw it to Chen Siyuan, and said with a smile, "With this, if there's ever any discord between Jia and Li, you can come to me. Also, the calligraphy is worth seventy thousand taels. I'll have the banker's bill issued shortly, and you can take it back with you."

Seventy thousand taels is neither too much nor too little, but with the promise of King Ping of Yan, it seems valuable.

Chen Siyuan quickly bowed and agreed. He stood up and asked, "Your Highness, is the Imperial House open?"

Prince Ping of Yan smiled and nodded in agreement, saying, "Wankelai has been open for over two months now, making a fortune daily. Not only that, but the money collected is also incalculable. Next year, the Imperial Household will be able to open branches in Xi'an, Taiyuan, and Tianjin. Upon hearing this, the Holy Emperor was greatly pleased and granted the Imperial Household two hundred thousand taels of silver to start this bank. Wherever Wankelai opens, the Imperial Household will open a branch there."

After a pause, he continued, "Yes, you should make it clear with Jia Lishi that you can only exchange the banknotes for 10,000 or 20,000 yuan. At least keep the rest for a few years, otherwise the bank may not be able to operate normally."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Your Highness, rest assured. I don't think there's any bank in the world more reputable than the one run by the Imperial Household. Even if I didn't tell her, Sister Zhu would never cash in the banknotes and deposit them elsewhere." After a moment's thought, he bowed and said, "Well... Your Highness, I have another matter to discuss with you."

"Oh?" Prince Ping of Yan was in high spirits. His brother, Emperor Yankang, had reached adulthood and had gradually taken control of government over the past decade. While he and the Emperor were ostensibly a loving and filial father, in reality, the Emperor's veteran ministers had either died or retired, leaving only a handful of officials remaining in the court. They were a minor force.

Emperors throughout history were incredibly wealthy, possessing no shortage of food, clothing, and women. Whenever they seized power, they sought nothing more than to leave their names in history. How could they leave their names? Naturally, they had to demonstrate their civil and military prowess!
In terms of military success, the conquest of the Western Regions and the submission of U-Tsang are comparable to those of the Tang Dynasty; however, in terms of civil governance, it is slightly inferior. At this time, the presentation of this authentic work by Liu Gongquan will surely cause a sensation throughout the world, and can be considered to slightly make up for the shortcomings of our dynasty's civil governance.

Prince Ping of Yan was in a hurry to return this time because he had received an oral order from Emperor Yankang. Now that he saw that the item was indeed an authentic one, he was naturally in a very good mood and became even more kind to Chen Siyuan.

At that moment, King Ping of Yan pointed and said, "Shuliang, please sit down and talk."

The two sat down, and another eunuch attentively refilled their hot tea. Chen Siyuan then asked, "Your Highness, what is the story behind the rubber forest on Zheng He Island?"

Prince Ping of Yan raised a brow. It was Emperor Taizong Li Guo who had championed the introduction of latex, but Taizong passed away before it could even be produced. During his reign, the Supreme Lord sought out talented individuals to study the substance, but in the end, they only managed to create latex balls for fun.

To put it bluntly, latex production was a losing proposition for the Imperial Household. They spent a considerable amount every year, yet their income was insufficient to cover their expenses. This was why the Imperial Household was considering selling the operating rights to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

"From what you say...are you interested in taking over the latex business?"

"That's right," Chen Siyuan said, "I have been studying hard for several months and have made some progress. But Your Highness also knows that I am young and poor..."

With a snort, King Ping of Yan laughed and pointed at Chen Siyuan and Ding Daolong and said, "Ding Daolong, he said his family is poor, do you believe it?"

Ding Daolong said cheerfully, "Who doesn't know that Chen Xiaolian has the ability to grow goods? Xiaolian, please stop joking."

Chen Siyuan guessed that Prince Yanping was aware of his every move, but he was thick-skinned and said without blushing, "Although I have some ideas, I lack the capital. If I want to succeed, I must rely on others. Your Highness knows that I only own 25% of Baicaotang."

King Ping of Yan said cheerfully, "Stop talking nonsense and just tell me what you want to say."

"This... I want to borrow the power of the prince and the inner court to avoid being targeted by villains later."

Prince Ping of Yan considered that the five-year management rights of the Rubber Forest were originally offered for sale by the Imperial Court. If he participated in the business, it would simply be a transfer from one hand to the other, without having to pay any extra money. So he asked, "What percentage of the Imperial Court do you want to invest?"

"How about 30%?"

"Then 30%."

Chen Siyuan's speech was immediately useless. He blinked and quickly stood up and bowed: "Thank you, Your Highness!"

King Ping of Yan said, "Is there anything else? If not, then hurry and leave. I am anxious to see the emperor in the palace."

Chen Siyuan bowed and took his leave, and was immediately escorted to the gate of the palace by Ding Daolong with a smile. A short while later, a minor official from the inner court came on horseback and handed over a stack of banknotes.

After calculating everything, Chen Siyuan let out a long sigh as he climbed into the carriage, feeling incredibly proud. With the Imperial Household involved, this business was secure for at least five years. As for five years from now, Chen Siyuan would have either already entered the government or been absorbed in his studies, so why would he even have the energy to care about his livelihood?
A man cannot live without power, and a woman cannot live without money. Just earn enough money in five years, and that's enough. If you're still not satisfied, you might end up like that Yangzhou salt merchant, who's never going to be slaughtered like a pig!
The imperial court took a 30% cut, meaning Chen Siyuan only needed to raise 70,000 taels of silver to secure the rights to operate the latex business for five years. Adding the costs of setting up a workshop, he'd need around 80,000 taels.

Li Wan had just obtained 70,000 yuan in banknotes, and with the addition of Aunt Xue and the Jia family, Chen Siyuan would be able to easily get the job done if he could use his eloquence.

As he thought this, the carriage rumbled on. When it approached the Imperial City, the servant Qing Yu outside the carriage suddenly said, "Master, that looks like Master Miaoyu's sedan chair."

"Huh?" Chen Siyuan came back to his senses and hurriedly lifted the curtain. From a distance, he saw a green wool sedan chair coming out of the palace gate. A corner of the curtain was lifted, revealing half of a face. It was indeed Miaoyu.

After a moment, the person inside glanced over and saw Chen Siyuan. Chen Siyuan nodded slightly to Miaoyu, who only nodded once and lowered the curtain of the sedan chair.

The carriage was naturally faster than the sedan chair. After it was far away, Chen Siyuan asked Qingyu outside the carriage, "Does Miaoyu often go to the palace?"

Qing Yu said, "Sir, it seems like it happens a few times a month."

Chen Siyuan nodded, lowering the carriage curtain, lost in thought. He had heard Miaoyu often went out, but he hadn't imagined she was visiting the palace. Indeed, Miaoyu, a nun in her hair, naturally had easier access to the palace than ordinary people.

Chen Siyuan didn't think much about it and told Qingyu to go straight to the new house in Nengren Temple.

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

In the east of the inner city, Babao Hutong, the Xue family’s old house.

The Xue family's rules were not like the Jia family's two meals and three snacks, but they were just three meals a day. Early that morning, the bride, Cao, led her two maids, Hexin and Suijin, to the main hall of the west courtyard to establish the rules.

The maid Tongxi greeted them at the door and led Cao inside with a smile.

In the hall, Aunt Xue was talking to Baochai. Seeing Cao coming, she quickly smiled and waved, "You should sit down too. If I were you, there's no need to come here every day to set the rules."

Cao said, "Rituals cannot be abolished."

As she finally bowed politely, Aunt Xue felt relieved and nodded repeatedly. She looked past Cao and carefully examined the two maids, Hexin and Suijin.

Both of these maids have plump figures and full chins, which is commonly known as a good look for bearing a boy. The Cao family obviously put a lot of thought into it.

However, two months passed, and Xue Pan was still restless every day, but no one showed any signs of moving. Not only that, but Xue Pan's former concubines were also nowhere to be found.

No matter what, this incident cannot be blamed on anyone else. It was Xue Pan's fault that he was still young. Aunt Xue wanted to go to Baicaotang and get more pills.

After hearing the order, Cao sat down with a calm face. She answered the questions one by one about what had happened during the day and the gifts that needed to be sent to various places during the New Year. She covered everything in detail. Even if Aunt Xue was picky, she would not be able to say anything at this moment.

She thought to herself that this daughter-in-law was indeed a virtuous woman. Apart from her inability to bear children, she was truly impeccable in other aspects.

After the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had talked, Cao took the maid back to the east courtyard to handle miscellaneous affairs.

Aunt Xue frowned and said, "Your sister-in-law is a good person, but your brother is really disappointing."

Baochai knew what Aunt Xue was thinking, so she consoled her: "Don't be too anxious, mother. The fate of children is determined by heaven. Who knows when they will come."

Aunt Xue only frowned and nodded, saying nothing more. Just then, a maid came in from outside and replied, "Madam, Tonggui sent a message saying that Master Yuan has returned from Jiangnan."

"Oh?" Aunt Xue was suddenly very emotional, and even Baochai beside her couldn't help but look moved.

Not to mention the passionate love affair between Aunt Xue and Chen Siyuan, Baochai had also previously placed most of her heart on Chen Siyuan. They thought Chen Siyuan might not return until after the New Year, but who knew that he returned before the New Year.

So they all thought: Could it be that he came back in the wind and snow just because of me?
Aunt Xue was lost in thought, and she asked, "Why should we rush into this matter, Brother Yuan?"

Baochai said, "Perhaps Brother Yuan is worried about his studies... I heard that Brother Yuan will be killed in the next moment." Aunt Xue said, "Buddha bless you, Brother Yuan has all the qualities of character, appearance, talent and learning. It is only natural that he will be admitted to the imperial examination."

Baochai smiled and nodded in agreement.

The mother and daughter chatted for a while, but their minds had already drifted away, so they went back to their rooms, but they couldn't help feeling anxious.

Aunt Xue was restless, and could not help but hold her cheek with her hand as she thought about the past. Thinking of the embarrassing situation in the courtyard, she became more and more upset. Sister Bao also returned to the small room and folded and unfolded the square towel she had made long ago, and unfolded and folded it again, and a smile appeared on her usually quiet and calm face.

When it finally reached the afternoon, both mother and daughter were feeling tired and were about to take a nap together when a maid came in and said, "Madam, Miss, Brother Yuan has sent a New Year's gift!"

Aunt Xue was so delighted when she heard this that she stood up. Fearing Baochai might notice something, she quickly said with a smile, "That's right, Brother Yuan! He just came back yesterday and didn't even ask to rest for a few days. How come he's here today?"

Baochai smiled and said, "You're already twenty-six today. I thought that Brother Yuan would be busy sending New Year gifts everywhere in the next few days."

Aunt Xue smiled and nodded, then said thoughtfully, "Go and urge Pan'er to come quickly. We'd be sorry to keep Yuan'er waiting for so long."

The old woman smiled and said, "Don't worry, Madam. I've already informed the East Courtyard this morning."

Aunt Xue said to Baochai again, "My child, let's go ahead too. I'm afraid your brother will be here with others soon."

Baochai agreed, and the mother and daughter went to the front hall.

By this time, Chen Siyuan had already entered the main gate, and behind him, a servant from the Xue family was answering the young servant Qingyu, who was collecting half a cart of Su-style cloth, brocade, etc. into the warehouse. When they reached the ceremonial gate, they saw a thin figure walking quickly in the distance.

"Brother Yuan, you're finally back!"

The voice was familiar, but this person... Chen Siyuan looked at him carefully for a few seconds before realizing that this person was Xue Pan who had lost a lot of weight.

Chen Siyuan stared in astonishment and asked, "Why...Brother Wenlong has suddenly become so thin?"

Xue Pan felt embarrassed and said vaguely, "It's hard to explain... Let's go, mom and sister are still waiting in the west courtyard. Let's go and see them first. Don't leave in the afternoon, we brothers must get drunk!"

Chen Siyuan smiled and agreed, but couldn't help but ask, teasingly, "Isn't Cao being treated harshly?" Xue Pan hesitated for a moment before finally sighing, "Of course Cao is good, but those two demons, He Xin and Sui Jin, are incredibly difficult to deal with!" He paused, then whispered, "Brother Yuan, those Baicaotang pills... uh, do they have any other tonics?"

Chen Siyuan laughed secretly in his heart, wondering if Xue Pan had been captured by Cao's two maids?

His thoughts were pretty much on point. During the first month of the wedding, Xue Pan was still able to hang out with other girls every now and then. After Aunt Xue and Madam Cao had nagged him twice, the two maids, He Xin and Sui Jin, came to the rescue at night. These two girls were already good candidates for a son, and with the bounty offered by Madam Cao, they seemed to be able to absorb dirt while sleeping.

In this case, even if Xue Pan had a body of iron, he could not bear it. He lost a lot of weight in just over a month!
But Xue Pan had nowhere to turn to. A few days ago, he complained to Aunt Xue, and was scolded by her. She said that the roosters in the countryside that didn't lay eggs might as well be slaughtered and eaten.

Xue Pan was horrified when he heard this, so he worked even harder at night over the past two days. However, for some unknown reason, He Xin and Sui Jin were still not pregnant, which made Xue Pan very worried.

If it were just Xue Pan, would Chen Siyuan care about his life or death? But for Baojie, he was his cheap brother-in-law; for Aunt Xue, he was his adopted son. So Chen Siyuan showed a little more concern and said, "Wenlong has been overworked... The Bu Tian Pills and Huan Chun Pills from Baicaotang are just the right ones for him. The former invigorates energy, and the latter strengthens the body. Wenlong can just go to Baicaotang to get the medicine later."

Xue Dashazi was immediately overjoyed and said with a smile, "That's great. These past two days, I've been weak and let those two little demons gain the upper hand. When I get the pills tomorrow, I'll definitely let these two little demons see how powerful I am!"

When they entered the second courtyard, they saw a young woman with a maid waiting in front of the hall. Xue Pan quickly introduced her as his first wife, Cao.

Chen Siyuan bowed and glanced at her. Seeing Cao's pretty face, he couldn't help but feel sorry for her. In a previous life, she might have been able to be cured, but in this life, it was difficult.

Xue Pan introduced him cheerfully, told Cao to prepare a banquet later, and then led Chen Siyuan to the west courtyard.

In the blink of an eye, they entered the main hall. Xue Pan strode in quickly and, before even getting around the screen, shouted, "Mom, sister, Brother Yuan is here to give you New Year's gifts!"

Chen Siyuan turned around the screen and saw Sister Bao standing there gracefully, glancing at him with a smile; Aunt Xue also stood up from the couch, smiling hopefully.

Chen Siyuan smiled and stepped forward to greet her. Aunt Xue said quickly, "I just told Baochai that Brother Yuan only came back yesterday, so there's no need to rush here."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Etiquette cannot be abandoned. Besides, I brought some earthenware gifts from the Xue family with me. I don't know what to do with them if they stay with me. It's better to send them to me as soon as possible."

At this time, Xue Pan said, "That's more than that. How many things did those rooms loose? I'm afraid that even if you add them up, they're not as valuable as what Yuan Ge gave me."

Aunt Xue immediately said angrily, "How can friendship be measured by money? Stop being so rude in front of Brother Yuan!"

Xue Pan was the first one to be picked, and he immediately became depressed.

Baochai said, "Mother, please don't stand around. I think we should ask Brother Yuan to take a seat first."

"Yes, yes, brother Yuan, please come and sit down. Ying'er, bring the tea for the girl."

Chen Siyuan bowed and took his seat. After Ying'er offered him a cup of fragrant tea, he briefly described the situation in Jinling. Aunt Xue hated the other wives so much that she didn't care about their lives. She only asked a few questions about the second wife, but Chen Siyuan had never met Xue Ke or Baoqin.

After discussing the situation in Jiangnan, Chen Siyuan turned and said, "Madam, the business I mentioned before leaving has probably been confirmed this time."

"Oh?" Aunt Xue was immediately interested. She glanced at Xue Pan, who was staring at her with a cow's eye, and frowned, saying, "Pan'er, go and prepare the feast."

"I--"

Before Xue Pan could say anything, Baochai said, "Brother Yuan seems to like crab meat and boiled dried bean curd strips. Please give me your instructions."

Xue Pan, no matter how dumb he was, could see that Aunt Xue and Baochai clearly didn't want him to eavesdrop. So, mumbling, "If you don't want me to listen, just say it," he gave Chen Siyuan a cursory bow and sauntered off.

As soon as he left, Aunt Xue said, "Brother Yuan, tell me, what is the news?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "First, I've secretly worked out a recipe. I'll test it carefully tomorrow and it will surely make the latex popular all over the world. Second, I went to the Prince of Yanping's mansion today and the prince agreed to let the mansion take a 30% stake in this business in the future."

"Really?" Aunt Xue was immediately relieved.

Before they parted in October, Chen Siyuan mentioned this matter after they had made love. At that time, Aunt Xue was full of nostalgia and did not think about it carefully, so she agreed to it without thinking.

As soon as Chen Siyuan left, Aunt Xue began to think. The Xue family was now on the decline, with their livelihoods dwindling, and they could no longer afford to make any more money. On paper, they could withdraw tens of thousands of silver, but if this money went to waste, the Xue family would be left with nothing. She hesitated.

Hearing Chen Siyuan's words, he felt relieved. Since Chen Siyuan was able to persuade King Ping of Yan, he thought his latex business wouldn't fail, right?
Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "It's about right. At worst... within five years, I can double my earnings."

Aunt Xue was immediately very interested. If the money doubled in five years, converted into lending money, the annual interest rate (compound interest) would be at least 15%.

Taking advantage of Aunt Xue's distraction, Chen Siyuan exchanged a glance with Bao-jie, who clenched her handkerchief. She forced herself to calm herself, believing Chen Siyuan's actions were in line with their earlier agreement: if the Xue family's account money was withdrawn and invested in the latex business, there would naturally be no opportunity for Xue Pan to become corrupt. It would be a good opportunity for him to live a life of idleness and wait for death, and to give Bao-jie a nephew sooner rather than later.

Baochai took a deep breath, then turned to Aunt Xue and said, "Mother, Brother Yuan always has a clear vision. He said it would double in five years, so I think he was just guaranteeing it would be worth it. Who knows, he'll make back his money with interest in a year or two. And since Prince Ping of Yan took charge of the Imperial Household, businesses across the board have been booming. Given Prince Ping's discerning eye, he's already picked up on this latex business, so I think it's not far behind."

Aunt Xue nodded repeatedly and said, "How about the Imperial Household taking 30% and my family taking 40%?"

Chen Siyuan and Aunt Xue had an affair, and naturally wanted to keep the wealth within their family, but he also didn't want Aunt Xue to take it all, so he smiled and said, "The specific share needs to be discussed later."

It was reasonable for him to say this. How could a big deal involving 100,000 silver coins be settled in a short time?

After the incident was exposed, the three chatted for a while, and then Xue Pan came to invite them, saying that the banquet was fully prepared. So everyone went to the main hall of the east courtyard.

Cao was about to leave, but Xue Pan pulled Chen Siyuan aside, saying they were close friends and asking her to just sit down. So everyone gathered around the table. Xue Pan, who hadn't been out and about for a while, was also tempted by the wine. He pulled Chen Siyuan aside, and soon he himself was drinking heavily.

Aunt Xue thought this was really outrageous, so she ordered Cao to help Xue Pan back home first. After the couple left, Aunt Xue couldn't help but feel itchy and said something else, "I guess Brother Yuan has been busy these days, too?"

Chen Siyuan said, "It's not so bad. I just need to visit my teacher and classmates." He paused, looked at Aunt Xue and said, "Yes, my own house needs to be tidied up... The virtuous concubine will be visiting soon, and it would be inconvenient for me to stay at home. I'd better go out and take shelter."

Aunt Xue's heart moved when she heard this. This house... is it the one in Dagezi Lane?
It was past 3:00 PM, and everyone had already eaten and drunk their fill. Bao-jie thought to herself that her brother was drunk, and that it would be inconvenient for her mother and sister-in-law to see him off. She figured she might have to see her brother off herself. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel a little anxious, so she said, "Mother, I think we should clear the table and serve some tea and snacks."

Aunt Xue agreed at first, then said, "Yes, I think they made some goose fat rolls this morning? Go ask the kitchen to send some down for Brother Yuan to try."

Such matters could have been instructed by ordinary maids, so why bother asking me? Sister Bao was puzzled and glanced at Aunt Xue, but Aunt Xue had already given the instructions and then turned back to find Chen Siyuan to inquire about the latex business. Sister Bao pondered for a moment and suddenly realized that her mother had sent her away because of that business.

Thinking of this, Baochai responded, stood up and walked out.

As soon as Baochai left, although there were maids inside, they all stood at a distance. Aunt Xue lowered her voice and asked, "When does Brother Yuan plan to go to the old house?"

"Tomorrow afternoon."

Aunt Xue bit her lip and nodded quickly, then called out to Tongxi, "Please clear the table."

Tongxi agreed, and soon the table was cleared, Baochai also returned, and everyone sat down to drink tea and chat. After a cup of tea, Chen Siyuan stood up to take his leave.

Aunt Xue was reluctant to leave, and yet she was thinking of their meeting tomorrow, so she said, "Baochai, please see Yuan-er off for me."

Sister Bao was secretly delighted, her face calm, she responded and stood up to see him off.

Aunt Xue watched the two of them leave the room together and couldn't help but feel secretly happy - Yuan'er was thinking about her as soon as he came back, which showed that his true love was not misplaced.

Baochai and Chen Siyuan left the main hall and walked side by side, half a pace apart. Baochai glanced at them sideways, and since Ying'er and Tongxi were both there, she said, "Brother Yuan, you've returned from the south and seem more serious than before. That latex business is too big a undertaking, and we need help from all sides. Although my family isn't what it used to be, we still have sixty or seventy thousand silver coins in our account... If there's anything you need, just let me know."

Baojie was giving away the whole thing ahead of time. Chen Siyuan thought to himself, "There's only 60,000 or 70,000 yuan left on the books. It's a good thing Aunt Xue didn't lend Lady Wang the money before, otherwise the Xue family would have been completely destitute." No wonder in the original book the Xue family clung to the Rongguo Mansion and refused to leave. All the money was spent by the Jia family, so how could Baojie find a good family?
So Chen Siyuan whispered, "Don't worry, sister Bao, if possible, I will naturally take that share first for my own people."

When Baochai heard the words "one of our own", her face flushed immediately, but she couldn't suppress the upturned corners of her mouth.

After passing the ceremonial gate, Sister Bao finally recovered and said casually, "Yes, I haven't asked Brother Yuan if his trip went well yet?"

"It's okay," Chen Siyuan whispered. "I met with Governor Jia and changed the clan agreement. Apart from that, there's nothing else to worry about."

"changed?"

Chen Siyuan stopped, turned his head and nodded at Baochai.

Sister Bao was a smart person. Seeing the deep meaning in her eyes, she guessed it after a little thought.

Yes, Miss Lin has always been weak, and it is hard to say whether she can give birth to two sons even if she gets married. Since she has accepted the marriage for the sake of the Lin family's ancestral line, she must always focus on the Lin family.

In this case, regardless of the order of marriage, I am confirmed to be the main wife?

Sister Bao couldn't help but feel excited!
The man before me is perfect in every way, and he seems to be rising in power, and who knows if he will become an official one day... The most precious thing is that he knows me so well. With such a good man as my companion, what more could I ask for?

With her heart pounding, Sister Bao couldn't help but whisper, "I, I secretly made a square scarf for Brother Yuan. I'll send Ying'er to give it to you someday."

Chen Siyuan smiled and agreed, saying, "Okay, then I'll borrow Sister Bao's good words. I only hope that after I enter the government, I can pacify the four directions and bring eternal peace!"

Although the words were gentle and soft, they sounded like a loud bell in Baochai's ears, shaking her heart. In a trance, Chen Siyuan in front of her was wearing a round-necked red robe and a black gauze hat, clearly looking like a young official!
(End of this chapter)