Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 214 Less than Three Points
But it is said that Baoyu went to Rongqing Hall in the morning and acted coquettishly with Lady Jia, saying that he was tired from the previous two days and did not want to go to the private school.

Grandmother Jia was naturally distressed. After asking a few questions, she said, "It's not even the end of the first month yet. You should rest at home for a few more days."

Baoyu was overjoyed. After breakfast with the old lady, he went to play with Baochai. Unexpectedly, Mrs. Wang came early that morning to talk to Aunt Xue. Baoyu had just spoken a few words to Baochai when she began to encourage him to study.

Baoyu was extremely impatient with Mrs. Wang and Aunt Xue in front of him, but he couldn't say anything. When Mrs. Wang got up to leave, Baoyu simply followed her out of the northeast courtyard.

He returned to the Qixianzhai, and being bored, he simply joined the maids in playing dice and go. Baoyu played for a while, but then lost interest. Just then, a maid came in and said, "Master Zhen from the East Palace wants to invite you to watch a play and light lanterns."

After hearing this, Baoyu hurriedly asked the maid to change his clothes. Before leaving, he remembered the steamed yogurt with sugar that Yuanchun had given him. He still remembered that Xiren loved it, so Baoyu told Meiren, "Remember to save the steamed yogurt with sugar for Xiren when she comes back in the evening."

Meiren, Musk Moon and the others joked a few words, but Baoyu ignored them. He walked out with his hands behind his back, smiling, and walked out of the ceremonial gate by himself, leading the servants and quickly heading towards Ningguo Mansion.

Unexpectedly, Jia Zhen was singing operas such as "Ding Lang Recognizes His Father", "Huang Boyang Sets Up the Ghost Formation", "Sun Wukong Makes Trouble in Heaven", and "Jiang Ziya Beheads the Generals and Becomes a God".

Suddenly, gods and ghosts appeared in disorder, demons and monsters were exposed, banners were raised and people chanted Buddha's name and walked with incense! The noise of gongs and drums could be heard from far and wide, and everyone in the street praised: "What a lively show, you can never have it in other places!"

Seeing that the situation was really unbearable, Baoyu simply went to the back to talk to Youshi, and after a while he went to wander somewhere else.

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

Without mentioning Baoyu's situation, let's say that Sister Bao had just seen Mrs. Wang and Baoyu off. When she turned around, Aunt Xue said, "You were fine, why are you saying something Baoyu doesn't like to hear?"

Sister Bao's heart was full of Chen Siyuan, so how could she have the patience to tangle with Baoyu? She just said quietly, "Mother saw the imperial concubine's visit that day. I think she is also dissatisfied with Brother Bao's lack of knowledge. I am trying to persuade him a few more times now, for his own good."

These words immediately left Aunt Xue speechless. She only frowned and said, "Your aunt has just come to her senses and talked to me for a long time. She said that after the first month of the year, she will think of a way to make Baoyu study hard. She doesn't ask for his progress, but only for him to understand right and wrong, to understand reason, and to be able to talk to others about official careers and economics."

Sister Bao nodded in agreement, but she was still scornful. If Baoyu could change so easily, would he still be Baoyu? As the saying goes, it's easy to change a country, but hard to change one's nature. He was a playboy who loved to play around with women and looked down on a career in politics and finances. How could he truly strive for success?
Just as the mother and daughter returned to their room, Tongxi, the head maid, came back with a message: "Madam, Miss, Yindie, who works for Grandmother Zhen, is here to invite you to the East Palace for a drink and a play."

As soon as she finished speaking, she heard a loud clanging sound of gongs and drums. Aunt Xue was stunned and hurriedly asked Yin Die to come and ask about the show.

Yindie knew it was inappropriate, so she mumbled and stammered, and Aunt Xue immediately lost interest. After sending Yindie away, she said to Baochai, "This show is too noisy. I really can't stand it. My son, if you want to go, then go by yourself."

In reality, Sister Bao had no desire to witness such a chaotic and lively spectacle. She was only thinking about the possibility of running into Chen Siyuan, so she said, "Brother Bao will definitely go. I'll go and apologize to him, and that'll be all right."

Aunt Xue had no doubts and said happily, "That's right. Men in this world value dignity. If you say something humble and submissive, he won't blame you anymore."

Sister Bao nodded with a smile, and after changing her clothes and getting dressed, she went to the back building first. After asking Sanchun and Daiyu, the two younger ones, Tanchun and Xichun, were very excited and were delighted to hear that it was such a play. However, Yingchun was having her period, and Daiyu did not like such lively performances, so the two of them stayed behind.

Baochai and the two younger ones, Tanchun and Xichun, came forward and got on a sedan chair at the ceremonial gate. In a moment, they entered the ceremonial gate of Ningguo Mansion. As they got out of the sedan chair, they saw Madam Xing leading Xing Xiuyan out of the carriage.

Baochai, Tanchun and Xichun then stepped forward to greet them.

Mrs. Xing had never been educated, and she usually couldn't stand watching those pedantic operas. Now, hearing that the East Palace was only performing lively operas, she was naturally itching to go out. She laughed heartily and said, "Oh my! Visiting my parents and taking care of the children is really boring. You sisters can chat while I go to the back to chat with Brother Zhen's wife."

Hearing the increasingly frequent sound of gongs and drums and the continuous cheers from the servants, Mrs. Xing became more and more anxious. She left Xing Xiuyan and took Miao'er and Tiao'er and hurried to the back.

The remaining Xing Xiuyan hurriedly stepped forward with a smile to greet the sisters. Sister Bao had a calm expression on her face. She looked at Xing Xiuyan carefully and saw that she was wearing a white fox fur coat, a round-necked robe with a bright red background and a light green magnolia embroidery, a white collar lining, and a light red long skirt.

With a light touch of makeup on her face, a plum blossom-shaped gold hairpin in her hair, and pink palace flowers on her temples, she looked truly charming and lovely. Because the two little ones were still there, Sister Bao didn't want to talk to Xing Xiuyan any more, so she went to the back first.

They went straight to the back and exchanged greetings with Youshi and the others. Baochai and the others then sat down by the window in the Ascension Pavilion for tea and snacks. Even if Jia Zhen acted recklessly, he had to keep up appearances, as this time, men and women sat separately.

Jia Zhen led the men to sit around the bottom of the stage, while the women were all placed in the Dengxian Pavilion.

At this time, the drama of havoc in heaven was being performed. All the Jia family members below were clapping their hands and cheering, and all the family members in the immortal pavilion were praising it endlessly.

Mrs. You was embarrassed and gave a vague response, but she was complaining bitterly in her heart. Only Mrs. Xing praised her sincerely, which made Mrs. You laugh and cry.

After the visit, Youshi began to think about the matter again. She had been talking with Mrs. Xing for a while. Glancing down, she saw that Chen Siyuan had not arrived, so she asked, "Why didn't your nephew come?"

"Brother Yuan," Madam Xing was about to complain, but suddenly she remembered Chen Siyuan's instructions. She quickly clasped her hands and whispered, "He's very busy. This time, I'm afraid he's going to create a large camp worth hundreds of thousands of silver coins!"

Yu Shi's eyes lit up when she heard this! Ever since their last romantic encounter, she'd been yearning for him, and couldn't forget him. After carefully listening to his actions, she was filled with admiration. This woman admired the strong. Compared to Jia Zhen and his son, who lived a life of idleness and idleness, Chen Siyuan, who had made his fortune from scratch, was so much stronger!

Yu-shi praised, "Oh, this is truly extraordinary!"

Mrs. Xing was reluctant to part with the show, her eyes fixed on the monkey doing somersaults below. She tilted her head slightly and said complacently, "The capital this time is too huge. I'm afraid it's going to be like the maritime trade business, where the shares go to the highest bidder." After a pause, she added, "Brother Zhen, my wife, I'm not saying this, but owning something yourself is worse than owning it from your parents. Brother Yuan said that, after deducting the capital, any extra sales will be split 50%."

Yu Shi was indeed concerned when she heard this and hurriedly asked, "Aunt, you didn't tell me what you do for a living. How can I manage it?"

Mrs. Xing hesitated for a moment, but she wasn't too stupid after all, so she just said vaguely, "This matter hasn't been finalized yet. It will be decided next month." After a pause, she said, "Don't worry. Even if I ignore my daughter-in-law, I will still pay attention to you."

Yu Shi immediately smiled and thanked her profusely. The two were of similar age and background, and though they might be a generation apart, they were actually like close friends.

As they were talking, Baoyu came out from the table and soon ascended to the Immortal Pavilion. Mrs. Xing, Mrs. You, the clan members and other relatives came to greet him.

Baoyu had intended to go look for Baochai and Xing Xiuyun, but unexpectedly he was harassed by several clan members and family members, and he became distressed in just a moment.

With no other options, Baoyu found an excuse to leave the Dengxian Pavilion. At that moment, Xue Pan had just arrived and was enjoying himself with Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Jia Rong, playing guessing games and drinking games. He assumed Baoyu had gone to the Dengxian Pavilion to have some fun and ignored him for a while.

Because of the tension throughout the New Year holiday, the people in Ningguo Mansion inevitably slacked off and let their guard down. The older servants who accompanied Baoyu thought that they would not be back until the evening, so they simply dispersed. Some gambled in Ningguo Mansion, some secretly went home for New Year tea, and some went to whorehouses or drank. The younger ones were attracted by the lively performances and went to watch the fun. For a while, no one followed Baoyu.

Baoyu paused at the waterside pavilion, surveying Tianxiang Tower. He thought of Qin Shi and felt a wave of melancholy. Then, remembering a painting of a beautiful woman he had seen in the study up ahead, he left Huifang Garden and headed forward.

In the Ascension Pavilion, Sister Bao and Xing Xiuyan weren't fans of such a lively spectacle; they had come simply hoping to see Chen Siyuan. But they waited left and right, but he showed up nowhere. Not only Xing Xiuyan, but even Sister Bao couldn't help but get impatient.

At that moment, Xing Xiuyan got up to change her clothes, and Sister Bao stood up and said, "It's a coincidence. Why don't we go together?"

Zhuan'er, who loved the hustle and bustle, was watching intently and said with a smile, "Very good, Miss Bao and Miss go together, and I'll be excused."

Xing Xiuyan didn't insist, and immediately left the Ascension Pavilion with Sister Bao. As the two women walked along the path, Sister Bao said, "Sister Xing, that Zhuan'er is really unruly. He needs to be carefully disciplined from now on."

Xing Xiuyan laughed and said, "Sister Bao, you don't know, Zhuan'er was originally a nun in Panxiang Temple. She couldn't stay there any longer, so she came to my house. She used to be unruly, but now she's become much better than before."

"So that's how it is," Sister Bao smiled and said nothing more, "Sister Xing's plum blossom hairpin looks very unique. It's obviously Su Yang's work."

Xing Xiuyan said, "It's the same old look from a few years ago. To be honest, this is the only thing I have that I can show off. I can't compare to the other sisters in the mansion who have everything."

Sister Bao said, "These head ornaments are just ornaments. I only chose the simple and elegant ones to embellish them. I never like hair that is covered with gold, silver, pearls and jade. On the contrary, you look like a girl from a good family."

Xing Xiuyan smiled and said, "My family is poor, but I didn't expect that my poverty would be justified when I came to Sister Bao's place."

Sister Bao laughed and said, "You are so mean to yourself. Sister Xing is so virtuous and beautiful, how many daughters of noble families can compare to her?"

Xing Xiuyan said with a smile, "Sister Bao, stop praising me. I know my own business and I dare not compare myself with other girls."

After a brief test, Baochai saw that Xing Xiuyun had a calm temperament and was indeed a free-spirited person, and she immediately felt relieved and happy.

After the two girls changed their clothes, Sister Bao said, "That play was really noisy. Sister, you've never been to Huifang Garden before. Why don't we go for a stroll together?"

Xing Xiuyan agreed and wandered around Huifang Garden. After a while, Sister Bao couldn't help but ask again, "Sister Xing, did you go to Brother Yuan's new house a few days ago? I heard it's brand new and has a unique side garden. It's a pity I didn't get to see it."

Although Xing Xiuyan has a calm personality, Sister Bao has tried to test her in every possible way. Xing Xiuyan is actually a smart person. Even if Sister Bao tries to hide it on her face, how can she hide it completely?

Xing Xiuyan thought to herself that her cousin was so outstanding that he really attracted the attention of the girls. She was afraid that Miss Bao next to her must have had feelings for her cousin.

She was a carefree and carefree person. Since she was willing to be your concubine, she would not offend the future mistress. So she smiled and said, "My cousin was worried that I would be bored in my room, so he invited me to stay for a few days. The house is really beautiful, but the side garden is a bit messy. Sister Bao, please take a look when you have time and give some suggestions. Who knows, my cousin will do what she said."

Baochai immediately blushed and said, "Sister, what are you talking about? How could he...Brother Yuan listen to me?"

Xing Xiuyan covered her mouth and laughed, "It's hard to say."

Bao-jie's probing only made her blush. Even so, she realized Xing Xiu-yan had no intention of competing for her, and this made her even happier, and she became even more intimate with her. They wandered along, and when they returned, they saw Tan-chun pulling Xi-chun down from Tianxiang Pavilion.

Xichun frowned and laughed, her face extremely sad.

The two of them hurried forward and asked, "What happened?"

Tanchun was at a loss for words and said, "Don't mention it. Rong'er found some ice cream (Chinese ice cream) somewhere, and Fourth Sister ate two bowls of it. Now she has a stomachache and is about to go back."

At this moment, Xiao Xichun cried out "Ouch!" several times and yelled, "Oh no! I need to change my clothes!"

Tanchun hurriedly pulled Xichun away. Baochai and Xing Xiuyan exchanged a glance and asked, "Sister Xing, do you still want to watch the show?"

Seeing Xing Xiuyan smiling and shaking her head, Sister Bao said, "I'm tired of the commotion too. Why don't we go say goodbye to Sister Zhen and then go back."

Xing Xiuyan agreed, and the two of them went up to Dengxian Pavilion to say goodbye to Youshi, and then went down the pavilion and left Huifang Garden.

The Ningguo Mansion originally had three roads. The west road was the ancestral hall, and the exits to Huifang Garden were only on the east and west roads. The courtyards on the middle road were not connected. Because they had to take a carriage back, Sister Bao and Xing Xiuyan went to the east courtyard.

As soon as she emerged from the corner gate, she saw a little maid running towards her, holding a garment. The maid hadn't even fastened her undergarment properly, revealing a large area of ​​her neck and arms, which made Baochai and Xing Xiuyan stare in amazement.

Baochai frowned, knowing that the East Mansion was in disarray, so she dragged Xing Xiuyan with her and headed for the stables. But at that very moment, Baoyu and the servant Mingyan came out of the small study, chatting and laughing!

Sister Bao only took a glance and sneered inwardly: I thought it was the unpromising servant of the Ningguo Mansion fooling around with a little maid, but who knew it was actually Baoyu and his servant! Even if Brother Yuan was lustful and sensual, he wouldn't learn from Baoyu to be so desperate and find a little maid to fool around with in someone else's house, right?
Over there, Baoyu was chatting and laughing with Mingyan, but when he went out, he ran into Sister Bao and Xing Xiuyan, and immediately his face turned awkward. He was about to go forward to explain, but saw Sister Bao pull Xing Xiuyan away. Baoyu thought to himself, after all, it was Mingyan who made the mistake just now, so why should he explain himself?
So he just frowned and stopped, then urged Mingyan to go to Xiren's house.

Over there, Sister Bao and Xing Xiuyan got into the car. Xing Xiuyan saw that she looked unhappy, so she said, "Maybe it has nothing to do with Brother Bao..."

Baochai sneered, "Sister, why are you bringing up such irrelevant things? Yesterday I wanted to make a willow-leaf knotted cord, but I couldn't get it right. Wouldn't you come and help me later?"

Xing Xiuyan agreed with a smile.

As the carriage left the Rongguo Mansion, Sister Bao lifted the curtain and breathed a sigh of relief. "Even with such a character, Mother still dreamed of that ridiculous golden marriage? How could Baoyu compare to Brother Yuan?" The more Sister Bao thought about it, the more certain she became. She couldn't help but show her affection for Xing Xiuyan, and she became even closer to her.

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

The soft and fragrant quilt is slippery, and the body is busy in the dream. How can we fight fiercely, and the butterfly is complete. How many romantic thoughts are there, and the parting is quiet.

Pocket Alley.

The sounds of pleasure from within intensified, the gauze curtains became disheveled, and then a pair of legs emerged, five toes digging into the gauze curtains tightly. A hand tugged at the curtains, and then there was no sound. Suddenly, the pink arms and legs slumped down like soft mud.

A moment later, Chen Siyuan emerged, rustling and dressed. After tidying himself up, he tossed a hundred-liang banknote into his pocket and said with a smile, "Today, the East Palace is going to see a play and display lanterns. I really have to go. If you need money tomorrow, just come find me."

After saying this, he didn't care about what was happening inside, and immediately put on the square scarf and walked out.

Xiren, who was inside, hadn't even woken up yet. Chen Siyuan was a veteran of battles, having taken Xilaizhi for a long time before and practicing the Zhuang Qigong daily since returning from the Jiangnan campaign. How could he be compared to a child like Baoyu? Even if Chen Siyuan hadn't taken Xiren into consideration, she would still have lost three battles.

At this moment, she felt as if Chen Siyuan's words came from beyond the horizon, and her body felt light and floating, as if floating on the clouds. After a long while, Xiren finally got up, groaning, and only then did she feel a slight pain in her lower body.

Xiren's face flushed, and she bit her lip, lost in thought. Although she knew she shouldn't have done that, she couldn't help but reminisce about her recent madness. She thought to herself, this Brother Yuan is indeed different from Master Bao...

After pondering for a while, Xiren felt a chill coming from beneath her. Afraid of soiling her relative's bed, she quickly grabbed a handkerchief and wiped it. Then she sighed again, thinking she'd have to find an excuse to ask for the contraceptive soup.

After getting up, she dressed neatly, tidied up the room, and then locked the door and went home.

She had left early and had not returned yet. Her brother Hua Zifang thought Xiren had gone to ask Master Bao for help, so he waited for her to come back, then immediately pulled her aside and asked, "Did you get the money?"

Xiren nodded silently and took out the hundred-liang banknote from her handkerchief.

Hua Zifang took it in her hand and couldn't help but smile, "Sister, this is the best idea. Master Bao is from a wealthy family, and he's a hundred times better than Master Qu. This is over three hundred taels, and maybe we can get some more in the future. Mother's illness will finally be solved."

Seeing Xiren biting her lower lip and saying nothing, Hua Zifang smiled and said, "Come in quickly, the sisters are talking to mother."

After saying this, Hua Zifang left and Xiren went inside.

As expected, there were only girls there. It was Xiren's mother who sent Hua Zifang to bring several nieces and nephews to have New Year's tea.

When Xiren entered, she naturally attracted both praise and disgust from the sisters.

Who knew that not long after, someone outside called out, "Is Brother Hua here?"

Xiren recognized Mingyan's voice, and Hua Zifang, who was in the courtyard, hurried to greet her. When she opened the door and saw Baoyu and his servant, she was startled—she had thought Baoyu had changed his mind and was here to collect the banknotes.

Hua Zifang hurriedly helped Baoyu off the horse and shouted inside, "Second Master Bao is here!"

It would have been fine for others, but Xiren had just done something wrong, and her face turned pale immediately, and she hurried out to greet them.

When he saw Baoyu, he quickly pulled him away and asked, "Why are you here?"

Baoyu laughed and said, "I was feeling rather bored, and came to see what you were doing."

Xiren finally felt relieved after hearing this. She sighed and said with a smile, "You are really being ridiculous. What can we do?"

When Xiren heard Mingyan say that only the master and servant were coming, she couldn't help but frown and nag for a while.

At this time, Xiren's mother also came out. After a brief conversation, Xiren pulled Baoyu inside.

There were three or five girls sitting in the room. When they saw Baoyu, they hurriedly stood up to greet him, but when they sat down again, they shyly kept silent. Baoyu was amused and, noticing a girl in red who was particularly beautiful, he kept staring at her.

Xiren's mother greeted them warmly, offering tea, fruit, and snacks. Xiren said, "You don't have to work in vain. I know what's going on. You don't have to set out the fruit, and I wouldn't dare give you anything to eat."

After Baoyu sat down, Xiren peeled a few pine nuts and let Baoyu eat some.

After a while, one of the sisters mentioned the magical jade, and Xiren took it off Baoyu's neck and handed it to the sisters to see for themselves. Then she put it back on Baoyu. Baoyu sat there for half an hour, and when it was almost time for dinner, Xiren didn't want to keep Baoyu to eat, so she sent her brother Hua Zifang to hire a sedan chair to take Baoyu back.

After the people had left, some sisters and Xiren laughed and said, "Master Bao always listens to what your sister says. If you tell others that they are master and servant, they look like brother and sister."

Xiren smiled without saying anything, and couldn't help but think of Chen Siyuan again.

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

Chen Siyuan arrived at the Ningguo Mansion leisurely. Because he was a little late, Xue Pan and Jia Rong started to make a scene and demanded a penalty drink. Chen Siyuan drank three glasses of wine as punishment and then sat down to mingle with the others.

At this time, all the female members of the family had left, and Jia Zhen could not help but become more and more unrestrained. He quietly found the troupe leader and gave him instructions. In a blink of an eye, the little actors began to sing vulgar and obscene songs.

The fool Xue immediately perked up, stopped eating the food and wine, and stared with his big eyes, clapping his hands in praise from time to time; Jia Lian was even worse, staring at the male lead without letting go, and then turned his head to say a few words to Jia Zhen, and the two of them immediately burst into laughter.

Chen Siyuan was naturally impatient to hang out with this group of people. Seeing this, he simply kept drinking. In just a short while, he was drunk and fell when he stood up.

Xue Pan immediately sneered, "Brother Yuan is drunk, drunk!"

Chen Siyuan scrambled twice before finally getting up, helped by a servant, still clamoring for a drink. How could Jia Zhen agree? Chen Siyuan was a distinguished guest of the Ningguo Mansion. In just six months, Baicaotang had brought in nearly five thousand taels of silver, making it look more profitable than the Liaodong manor.

Because it was Jia Zhen who personally led people to help Chen Siyuan back. He watched Xiangling, Hongyu, and Liu Wu'er help Chen Siyuan lie down before leading people back.

After they left, Hongyu and Liu Wu'er were still preparing some hangover soup. Xiangling sneered, "You really believed me! I was just pretending to be drunk!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Siyuan sat up from the bed, smiled bitterly, and said, "I really have no choice..." He then briefly described the situation in Ningguo Mansion and said, "If I don't leave, I don't know how miserable I will be in the future."

Hongyu and Wu'er couldn't say anything; after all, they were all servants of the Jia family. Xiangling no longer had so many concerns and frowned, saying, "The Ningguo Mansion is really getting worse... Master, please don't visit them anymore."

Chen Siyuan smiled and agreed without further ado.

On the other side, when Baoyu returned to Qixianzhai, he saw Meiren pouting and sewing the soles of her shoes in a sullen manner. He asked Qiu Wen about it and found out that she had had an argument with Li Ma.

Baoyu frowned slightly, perhaps because of the last commotion over the maple dew tea, which had gotten Qianxue kicked out. Having learned his lesson, Baoyu smiled wryly and said, "Don't argue with her. Just let her be."

After dinner, he estimated that it was getting late, so he sent someone to bring Xiren back.

After a while, Xiren returned. When she saw Baoyu, she hurriedly asked if he had eaten. She also greeted his mother and sisters on his behalf.

Baoyu hurriedly sent Qiu Wen to fetch some steamed yogurt with sugar, but Qiu Wen sneered, "If Madam Li hadn't been greedy and eaten it, why would Mei be so angry?"

Without waiting for Baoyu to say anything, Xiren said she didn't like it and only wanted to eat chestnuts.

Baoyu didn't suspect anything and took some chestnuts to peel.

When all the maids had gone off to do other things and only two were left, Baoyu asked with a smile, "Who is that person in red today?"

Xiren said, "That's my second aunt." (Note 1)

Baoyu couldn't help but sigh in admiration when he heard this. Xiren knew that Baoyu had fallen into his old habit of cherishing flowers and jade. She remembered that she had been forced to give herself to Chen Siyuan because of money, and had asked Baoyu for help several times but failed. She was immediately upset and said a few words to Baoyu.

As she spoke of her sister preparing her trousseau and waiting only for her wedding, and seeing Baoyu's uneasy expression, Xiren sighed, "Since I came here, the sisters have not been able to be together for several years. Now that I am leaving, they have all left again."

Baoyu didn't like what he heard, so he threw away the chestnut and said, "Why, are you going back now?"

Xiren said, "Today I heard my mother and brother discussing that I should be patient for another year. Next year they will come back and redeem me."

Baoyu was stunned and quickly said that he would not let her go, then that Mrs. Wang would not let her go, but each time he was refuted by Xiren. By the end of the story, Baoyu felt that he could not keep Xiren, and suddenly he burst into tears.

Xiren saw this and felt secretly proud.

Xiren was also a person who cared about her reputation. Today, Mr. Yuan treated her as just a prostitute in a brothel, throwing away the banknotes and walking away. At that time, Xiren was confused and lost in her passion. When she regained her composure at home, she felt humiliated.

She also thought that it was Baoyu's fault, so why did she follow the example of the pimp and seduce Chen Siyuan? So she put all her blame on Baoyu!
Xiren knew that Baoyu had an unusual personality. He was mischievous and naive, unlike most other children, and he had several strange and unspeakable faults. Recently, relying on the old lady's doting love, the master and the mistress could not control him very strictly, so he became more and more unruly and willful, and he hated discipline.

Xiren knew that even if she committed herself to Chen Siyuan, she would have no future, and might have to rely on Baoyu. With both resentment and hope, Xiren tried to force Baoyu to redeem herself on the way home.

Seeing Baoyu weeping profusely and then rolling up his quilt to go back to sleep, Xiren felt quite pleased. She ordered the maid to pick up the chestnuts and then turned back to push Baoyu.

"Why should I be sad? If you really want me to stay, I won't go out."

Baoyu jumped up upon hearing this and said, "Tell me, how can I keep you here? I can't say for sure myself."

Xiren smiled and said, "We have always been good friends, so there's no need to talk about it. But today, if you want to keep me here, it's not about this. I'll tell you two or three other things. If you really agree to them, even if you really want to keep me here, I won't leave even if a knife is placed on my neck."

At this moment, Baoyu only asked Xiren to stay. He would agree to accept not only three items but even three hundred items.

Xiren made an agreement with him: first, he must not speak nonsense or seek death; second, he must read some books even if he has to pretend to be serious, and must not say words like "traitors to the country and parasites"; third, he must not slander monks and Taoists, apply rouge and powder, or eat the rouge on girls' lips.

Baoyu had no choice but to agree, and Xiren felt a little relieved.

The next morning, when Xiren woke up, she felt heavy, with a headache, swollen eyes, and burning sensations in her limbs. She knew immediately that she must have caught a cold during her frenzy the previous day.

She forced herself to help Baoyu dress and was about to fall asleep, but then she thought of what happened yesterday and forced herself to find Doctor Hu. Doctor Hu was a complete lack of moral integrity and only cared about money. Xiren stuffed a dime into the doctor's pocket and got him a prescription for contraceptive soup.

Because it was difficult to light a fire in Qixianzhai, Xiren headed for the small kitchen in the Grand View Garden. Unexpectedly, just after crossing the Qinfang Gate Bridge, she ran into Chen Siyuan, who was walking with his hands behind his back.

Xiren's heart trembled, and she quickly lowered her head and bowed.

"Caught a cold?" Chen Siyuan said as he came closer and took a look.

Xiren said vaguely, "Maybe he caught a cold at night."

Chen Siyuan responded, then suddenly said, "Yesterday I sent someone to consult Doctor Ding of Heniantang. Doctor Ding said that when ordinary doctors feel that all medicine has failed, they will prescribe a mysterious prescription. They might use century-old ginseng, thousand-year-old ganoderma lucidum, or all kinds of strange herbs. They are absolutely untrustworthy. If your mother doesn't get better, why not consult Ding Daojian of Heniantang..." He paused, then continued, "...just tell me my name, and Ding Daojian will definitely see her."

Xiren felt strange and looked up at Chen Siyuan, then quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Master Yuan."

"Heh," Chen Siyuan said with a playful smile, "After all, we are still husband and wife."

Xiren blushed at the words and was about to say something when she saw Chen Siyuan had already walked away. She watched him walk away, biting her lower lip and wondering: Can Baoyu change? Even if he did, could he ever be even a fraction as good as Master Yuan?

Thinking of the whisk handle that was as thick as a baby's arm, Xiren thought, let alone other things, that thing is probably not even a third as good as this!

(End of this chapter)