Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 218 Loan

"A good thing?"

You Erjie smiled and stood up, her figure graceful. She lightly moved her lotus steps to the table and brought the teacup. She turned back with delicate lotus steps and handed the teacup to Chen Siyuan. You Erjie then lowered her body and sat down next to him, smiling and whispering, "Didn't I send the medicine that eldest sister needed before the New Year? A few days ago, eldest sister consulted the imperial physician for pulse diagnosis, and he said that her cold symptoms have indeed improved -"

A pair of eyes squinted at me with a smile, and she whispered, "--Eldest sister was grateful, so she wanted to treat you to a banquet. Unfortunately, there are so many people in Ningguo Mansion, and it's difficult to entertain them. So, eldest sister thought of choosing a day to come here and have a drink."

Yu Shi invited us to drink? And she invited us from her own house? Even a fool wouldn't be fooled by this!
Chen Siyuan didn't know what Youshi was thinking. The Ningguo Mansion was like a cesspool, and Chen Siyuan didn't want to have anything to do with it.

Yin Shi said, "It's just a trivial matter. You can talk to Sister Zhen about it. Don't take it to heart."

The words immediately made You Erjie stunned. She knew that there was no cat in the world that didn't steal fish. She thought Chen Siyuan would be attracted to her, but she didn't expect him to reject her outright!

This is not a easy matter. Before and after the New Year, You Erjie has received many benefits from Youshi. If things fail to be done, won't all those good things have to be returned?
Thinking of this, You Erjie pressed her body against Chen Siyuan and said delicately, "Sis, it's rare for you to ask me to come back. I have already agreed... Master, please agree to this one time."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Third sister, there was a commotion with Sister-in-law Xunzhen before. I don't believe you didn't know about it."

You Erjie was immediately choked up, hesitating for a moment before she said, "Eldest sister is also pitiful. After living in Ningguo Mansion for so many years, she still doesn't have a son or a daughter."

Are you going to borrow from yourself again?
Chen Siyuan was at a loss for words and said, "I don't even know what my strengths are—" Seeing You Erjie's downward glance, Chen Siyuan coughed and said hurriedly, "—That doesn't count. I'm being serious."

You Erjie then said in a coquettish manner, "Master, how many outsiders do you think your eldest sister sees in a year? Even if she does, apart from those who are rat-eyed, old and useless, how many of them are really pleasing to her eye?"

Indeed, the women of the inner house usually stayed indoors, so naturally they rarely saw men from outside the family. Even among the Jia family members, Chen Siyuan stood out from the crowd.

Besides, there are You Erjie and You Sanjie in this new house, so Youshi’s comings and goings can be concealed... If you calculate it, won’t it be me who will be found?

Chen Siyuan frowned and pondered the pros and cons.

Second Sister You had been observing her expression, her thoughts racing. Seeing she was silent for a while, she added, "Eldest Sister doesn't covet anything else. She just wants a child to be with her so she can have someone to rely on when she's old." After a pause, she added, "Besides, Third Sister is watching her so closely. If Eldest Sister comes too often, I'm afraid she won't be happy."

Chen Siyuan came back to his senses and asked in surprise, "Third sister also knows?"

You Erjie laughed and said, "I've told her twice, but she didn't agree, and she didn't say it wouldn't work either."

Chen Siyuan could only believe You Erjie's words to a point. He was too lazy to think about it anymore, so he stretched out his body and simply lay in You Erjie's arms, saying, "I just caught a glimpse of the wind, and my head feels a little swollen."

You Erjie quickly and obediently began to massage him. Although she hadn't received a promise, she didn't refuse this time. You Erjie thought to herself, "One day, while the third sister is away, I'll just invite the eldest sister over. I don't believe the master will let this piece of fat meat go."

Chen Siyuan had no time to think about Youshi. He was completely focused on his latex business and fell asleep without realizing it. When he woke up a moment later, he heard from the front that Third Sister You had returned.

Third Sister You returned home at dusk and was delighted to see Chen Siyuan.

Everyone had dinner together. When Qingwen went to the second room to look after Luan'er, Chen Siyuan said that the third sister would stay alone today.

You Erjie was not jealous either, as she knew that it must be the master who had made the decision. He was not sure what the third sister was thinking, so he might secretly find out at night.

At that moment, You Erjie left with a smile, leaving only Chen Siyuan and You Sanjie inside.

When it was night, after the maid Chunxi left, Chen Siyuan and You Sanjie went to the bed.

They made love for a while, and after more than half an hour, Third Sister You was naked, with her pretty eyes half slanted, her pink arms stretched out, loosely holding a bend of snow lotus root, the fragrance of fat was faintly heard, and her three-inch golden lotus feet were gently swaying.

In a moment, the third sister was like a piece of cotton wool blown by the wind.

“Brother—”

Chen Siyuan was so shocked by the sound of him whispering in his ear that he couldn't control himself.

After they washed themselves, they lay down in each other's arms. After exchanging a few sweet words, Chen Siyuan said, "Second sister talked to me this afternoon."

The third sister had half-closed her eyes, but upon hearing this, she glared and snorted, "A dog's mouth can't spit out ivory. His heart is completely obsessed with money. If someone gives him a little benefit, he would sell himself out."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Sister, do you know?"

The third sister stood up, frowning and saying angrily, "How could you not know? She keeps talking about it every few days, like she's reciting a sutra. We might as well send her to a nunnery and make her a nun!"

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily and continued, "She also said that she asked her sister, and she said that she neither agreed nor refused... What does your sister think?"

"Me?" Third Sister You said a little aggrievedly, "What can I think? I will at most be a concubine in the future. If the mistress is a powerful woman, I might even become a mistress. Such matters should be taken care of by the mistress. I won't be involved in anything from now on."

Chen Siyuan exclaimed in surprise, but seeing that Third Sister You looked aggrieved but spoke with great sincerity, he was convinced that she was telling the truth. He then asked in surprise, "Why would you think that?"

"Oh, my good second sister keeps nagging me about this all the time. If she talks too much, shouldn't I think about it more myself?" Third Sister You said, "Most of what she says is nonsense, but this one sentence is correct. If I don't know what's good for me and always act like a young mistress, I'm afraid that Brother Yuan will get tired of me one day."

As soon as the words came out, Chen Siyuan immediately hugged her in his arms with pity, and comforted her: "Sister is so good, I can't bear to let her go."

Third Sister You felt a little relieved, and suddenly remembered something, and said, "Yes, Second Sister told me last time that many poor families came to look for me during the first month of the year... Eldest Sister, you keep looking for me."

"Why are you listening to me?"

Third Sister You raised her eyes and said, "Why else? I just saw Brother Yuan was gaining momentum and wanted to find a good match for my family."

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily. The impoverished people Third Sister You was referring to were those noble families who had lost their ancestral titles and most of their family property, but who still managed to maintain their status by pretending to be rich.

According to the rules set by Emperor Taizong Li Guo, except for a few hereditary titles, all inherited titles must be demoted by two levels.

The Dashun nobility, below the fourth rank of Qingqi Duwei, was not hereditary, but earned through accumulated merit. Above this were the third rank General Wei, the second rank General Shen, the second rank Founding County Man, the first rank Founding County Son, and above that were the super rank Earl, Marquis, Duke, and County Prince, with Duke, Marquis, and Earl further down the hierarchy.

This fourth-rank Light Cavalry Commandant is the lowest inherited title. If one accumulates the merits of two Light Cavalry Commandants, he can be promoted to General Wei; if one accumulates the merits of four Light Cavalry Commandants, he can be promoted to General Shen; if one accumulates the merits of General Shen three more times, he can be promoted to Baron of the Founding County; if one accumulates the merits of Baron of the Founding County three more times, he can be promoted to Son of the Founding County.

When you reach the level of Earl, you have two merits and one rank, and you need six merits to be promoted to Marquis.

A hundred years after the founding of the Dashun Dynasty, the Ning and Rong mansions, known as the Jia Banchao, now only have two generals of the second and third ranks left. The Lin family, which has been a marquis for generations, has lost its title. Those founding county men and county daughters, big and small, have naturally become impoverished families at this time.

At that moment, Chen Siyuan hugged You Sanjie and gave her a good cuddling, then yawned and fell asleep. Chen Siyuan was completely focused, and You Sanjie couldn't help but think about it. She wondered if Brother Yuan had mentioned this matter today and she really had the idea.
Third Sister You complained for a long time, and because half her body was numb, she wanted to move. But as soon as she moved, Chen Siyuan rudely hugged her back. Third Sister You stared at Chen Siyuan with blinking eyes, and the more she looked, the more she liked him. Suddenly, she realized that she was not the main wife after all. As long as Brother Yuan cared about her, why should she care about other people's affairs?
She then snuggled up in Chen Siyuan's arms and fell asleep.

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

The next morning.

Siqi carried the food box and came to the small kitchen in the Grand View Garden. She had just passed the villa where she came to visit her parents. From a distance, she saw Mrs. Liu and Liu Wu'er whispering and laughing about something under the eaves of the five small kitchens.

As Siqi got closer, she heard Sister Liu say with a smile, "Uncle Yuan hasn't come back yet. Help yourself to the tofu skin buns and milk sugar porridge. Mom just gave you an extra bowl."

Liu Wuer said, "Mom, it would be embarrassing if someone saw this."

Sister Liu said with a smile, "You live by the mountain and eat by the mountain, you live by the water and eat by the water. You haven't been short of money from your masters in any place, so why do you care so much? Yes, in the future, you should pay more attention to Master Yuan. Your father is looking forward to you taking up residence soon."

"Oh! I won't talk to you anymore!" Liu Wu'er was young and blushed as she stamped her feet and walked away.

Sister Liu chased after him for a few steps and warned, "Walk slowly, be careful not to sprain your ankle... this child." Turning her head and seeing Siqi, Sister Liu's smile faded slightly and she nodded, "Get breakfast for your young lady? It's ready this morning."

Siqi responded coldly, went in and put down the food box, and saw Sister Liu put a bowl of Jianlian and red date soup into the food box. There were tofu skin buns, but the milk sugar porridge was nowhere to be seen.

Siqi frowned, but since she was leaving the house soon, she suppressed her anger. Seeing her unfriendly expression, Sister Liu quickly made amends, "Miss Siqi, you might not know. We prepared two thin dishes this morning. Miss Hupo said the old lady and Miss Yun liked the milk and sugar porridge, so she gave them a little extra... But the same goes for the Jianlian and red date soup."

"Yeah." After all, it was the second young lady's expenses, so what did it have to do with her, Siqi?

After a vague reply, Siqi picked up the food box and walked back. Before the New Year, Siqi treated Yingchun very warmly, hoping to match the second young lady with Master Yuan. In this way, she would naturally be considered a dowry maid and could enter Master Yuan's room with full legal rights.

But the eldest master's intentions were treacherous, the second daughter herself was not up to the task, and the eldest wife had been making a fuss for some time, but now there was no movement. Siqi was frustrated, but naturally she had other thoughts - if she couldn't marry into the family, then she would have to wait until she was old enough to ask the eldest wife to let her leave the house.

She returned to the back building of her room. As soon as she reached the stairs, Xiu Ju greeted her. She said, "Sister Siqi, Nanny Wang just came and kept on pestering me. She finally wanted to borrow your gold filigree bracelet! She hasn't returned the jade hairpin she borrowed last time, and now she's borrowing it again!"

Siqi put down the food box and glanced inside, she saw the second girl Yingchun sitting upright on the bed, holding a chess manual in her hands, her face calm, as if nothing had happened.

Siqi chuckled and said, "Madame Wang is the young lady's wet nurse. She'll return the things she borrowed sooner or later. Besides...the young lady isn't anxious, so why should you be?"

Xiu Ju glanced at Yingchun, who looked indifferent, and sighed, saying nothing more.

After serving Yingchun breakfast, Siqi called out to everyone and came downstairs carrying a small bag.

But just as she turned around the large painted screen, she ran headfirst into Wang Zhu's daughter-in-law—the daughter-in-law of Yingchun's wet nurse, Nanny Wang. They exchanged a few words, and Siqi noticed Yingchun's gold filigree bracelet on Wang Zhu's daughter-in-law's wrist.

Seeing him glance over, Wang Zhu'er's wife quickly hid the bracelet in her sleeve and said, "My wife is going to the palace to see the imperial concubine today, so I have to go do my errand."

Siqi said goodbye to him, walked two steps, turned her head and looked at him with contempt, then walked through the Grand View Garden and was about to come out from the back door of Rongguo Mansion.

Thinking that she would be able to meet Master Yuan soon, Siqi was instantly delighted. After leaving Ningrong Back Street, she quickly hired a donkey cart and headed straight for the Big Grid Lane.

It took a long time to arrive at the place. Siqi paid the fare and walked to the front of the courtyard. Seeing that the door was locked, she took out the key from her handkerchief - this key was given to her by Chen Siyuan last time and he had never taken it back.

After unlocking the door and entering, Siqi noticed the room was in disarray. Not only was there a layer of dust in the room, but the brazier was also filled with charcoal ash. The bed itself seemed relatively clean, but a quick glance revealed circles and dots of water stains...

Thinking of Aunt Xue, Siqi immediately frowned and spat, secretly cursing her for being an old cow eating young grass. Although she had never asked Master Yuan, Siqi was already convinced that Aunt Xue must have taken advantage of Master Yuan's weakness. Otherwise, why would Master Yuan, with such a bright future, be so involved with such an old woman?
After cursing for a while, Siqi quietly cleaned up the place, found a pair of scissors and took apart the quilt cover, found the quilt and mattress cover in her small bag, took the needle and thread and started to stretch it carefully.

She tensed up, and when she caught a glimpse of a figure moving outside, she quickly looked up. She saw Chen Siyuan, his hands resting on his waist, peering inside. Seeing it was her, he smiled and stepped inside.

Siqi dropped her bedding and hurried out to greet him with a smile. When they met in the hall, Chen Siyuan said with a smile, "From a distance, I saw the door open and thought it must have been opened by some bad guys, or maybe someone had come to usurp the throne."

Siqi called him "Uncle Yuan," and Chen Siyuan feigned anger and asked, "Why are you being unorthodox again?"

"Brother Yuan," seeing Chen Siyuan's face smiling again, Siqi said, "Brother Yuan forgot to take the key back last time. I'll give you the key later--"

"Just keep it."

Chen Siyuan looked around with his hands behind his back. Seeing that the floor had been swept, the dust had been wiped off, and even the bedding had been changed, he immediately praised, "She is indeed a virtuous woman."

Siqi said happily, "It's what I should have done. How could I deserve your praise?"

As he was speaking, he saw Chen Siyuan move in front of him, and after a brief comparison, he smiled and said, "I am indeed an inch taller than you."

Siqi, originally filled with shyness, came to her senses upon hearing this. She also measured herself and said with even greater joy, "Sure enough! Maybe in the future, my brother will be two or three inches taller than me!"

She was naturally tall, not to mention women, even the servants and masters in the mansion were taller than her. Because she had a bald back, she was called a "one-zhang green" and because of her bad temper, she was also called a "female tiger."

That's why, in the original novel, Siqi was tricked by Pan Youan. This time, it was naturally different. Siqi's heart and eyes were filled with Chen Siyuan, because he not only never disliked her, but also liked her figure very much.

Siqi was about to say something else when Chen Siyuan poked her chin. He then opened her teeth and teased Dingxiang for a while. Siqi's body went limp in an instant and she couldn't help but plead, "Brother... the quilt hasn't been--"

Chen Siyuan had things to do in the afternoon, so he couldn't bear to wait. He immediately pulled her to the bed and said jokingly, "Why bother with all that? You have to change soon anyway." At that moment, her silk dress suddenly fell off, her hair was half-askew, her eyebrows were furrowed, her waist was swaying, and for a moment, her voice was soft and gentle, her eyes were hazy, and there was no need to say more.

After a long time, Siqi had no more strength left and turned over to lie down. Her eyes were full of shyness and spring-like laziness. She seemed to be neither asleep nor drunk, just like Yang Fei in her spring sleep.

When he caught his breath, he looked up and saw Chen Siyuan putting on his clothes and tying them with ribbons.

Siqi was surprised and asked, "Brother, are you leaving now?"

Chen Siyuan said, "There's an important matter that needs to be dealt with recently, and it can't be delayed any longer. You know I've been leaving early and returning late these days because of that important matter."

Siqi was now a little more relieved and said, "Since my brother is busy, please let me know. We can do the same another day."

Chen Siyuan reached out and pinched her cheek, then said with a smile, "If I change the date, you might become suspicious."

"I won't." Siqi argued, thinking to herself that she might not be able to talk about her own affairs this time.

After a while, Siqi helped Chen Siyuan get dressed. Chen Siyuan stood there for a moment, thinking for a moment, then he dug out a banknote from his sleeve and put it in Siqi's hand: "Keep it for yourself and buy some jewelry. I was going to buy it myself, but I'm really busy lately."

Siqi's face suddenly changed, and she said, "Brother, it's not because of this—"

Before he could finish, Chen Siyuan interrupted, "What are you thinking? Giving money to my own woman is only natural. Yes, once my big plan is settled, I'll need help. If you have anyone suitable at home, just send them over and I'll arrange a job for them."

Holding the banknote in her hand, Siqi said happily, "My cousin has been unemployed. I'll ask Aunt about it later."

Chen Siyuan nodded, and then became intimate with him for a while before quickly leaving.

After watching him leave the courtyard, Siqi put on her clothes and returned to the bed. Only then did she look down and saw that the banknote was worth one hundred taels. She was immediately very proud - her brother really loved her, otherwise why would he give her such a large banknote?

When she looked back at the bed, Siqi immediately looked embarrassed... Chen Siyuan was right, this time she might have to change the bedding completely.

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

But Chen Siyuan returned to Rongguo Mansion by carriage. He had just returned the carriage and was about to go to the inner courtyard when Mrs. Wang came back in a sedan chair.

Mrs. Wang raised the curtain and caught a glimpse of Chen Siyuan, calling out "Brother Yuan" from afar. Chen Siyuan had no choice but to wait.

After a while, Jin Chuan'er and Yu Chuan'er took Miaoyu down first, and then helped Lady Wang get out of the sedan chair.

Miaoyu said something to Mrs. Wang, nodded slightly to Chen Siyuan, and then flicked her whisk and went into the corner gate.

After a while, Jin Chuan'er and Yu Chuan'er came over with Madam Wang. Chen Siyuan exchanged glances with them, and Madam Wang asked, "Brother Yuan, did you just come back?"

"Exactly, ma'am?"

Mrs. Wang frowned and said, "I just met the Madam, it's really...ah."

Seeing her worried look, Chen Siyuan said, "Madam, let's go inside and talk."

Mrs. Wang nodded in agreement, and the two of them entered the corner gate. It was quiet here, so Mrs. Wang slowed her pace and said, "I just met the Madam. She said Baoyu was a bit useless, and even I, his mother, complained about it."

In the past, Yuanchun had used eunuchs to pass on messages, but some messages were naturally difficult to pass back and forth. When Lady Wang came to the palace, Yuanchun naturally told her about Baoyu's situation on the day of the visit.

No matter how gorgeous your poems are, how can you forget to praise the merits and virtues? Yuanchun herself racked her brains to rewrite two poems, and she didn't know how to explain it afterwards.

If this gets out, and anyone says that "the Jia family is ungrateful", everyone in the Rongguo Mansion will be in trouble!
Chen Siyuan had only heard Sister Bao's brief account of what had happened that day, but she hadn't mentioned the details. Hearing Mrs. Wang's words, he suddenly realized: Yes, it was Baochai who had reminded Baoyu to change the lyrics, and Daiyu had helped Baoyu compose "Apricot Curtains in Sight." After reading it, Yuanchun was overjoyed, feeling that Baoyu had made great progress.

Especially the apricot curtains in sight, with their eulogies, were exactly what Yuanchun was thinking.

Now that the marriage contract has been finalized, Daiyu has gradually become indifferent to Baoyu and naturally will not rush to help him; Baojie has someone else in her heart and naturally is too lazy to correct his mistakes. So Baoyu showed his true colors!

At this moment, Mrs. Wang heard her say, "I thought Baoyu looked clever and could not be any worse than he is now. Who could have guessed that he has become even more useless?"

What could Chen Siyuan say? He could only offer comfort, "Brother Bao is still young. After two years, find a famous teacher to teach you carefully. I believe you will achieve great things in the future."

Mrs. Wang complained, "Because of the old lady's pampering, he has become lawless. Even the most famous teacher can't teach him anything!"

After a pause, without waiting for Chen Siyuan's reply, she sighed again, "Forget it, Brother Yuan has no right to intervene in this matter. Why am I telling you all this... Yes, I have already told the Empress. She said that you can just live in the Qingtang thatched cottage from now on. She also said that she hopes you will pass the next exam."

Chen Siyuan was overjoyed and quickly thanked her with a smile. He followed Madam Wang around Mengpo Zhai and finally stopped in front of Madam Wang's courtyard. "Madam, I've heard that Jintai Academy has a rigorous academic atmosphere. If we send Brother Bao there, maybe he'll even calm down a bit."

"Jintai Academy?"

This Jintai Academy was originally Daxing Charity School. Later, Wanping Charity School was merged into it and renamed Jintai Academy. It was the official school of Shuntian Prefecture, also known as Zhuangyuan Prefecture.

During the reign of Emperor Taishang, Jintai Academy produced two consecutive top scorers in imperial examinations, and from then on it became a holy place for scholars and juren to study in the north.

Mrs. Wang had never been educated, so naturally she didn't know any of this. After Chen Siyuan briefly explained it, she said, "The master's disciple is a magistrate in Shuntian Prefecture. I think with his recommendation, it won't be difficult for him to enter the Jintai Academy."

Mrs. Wang was reluctant to let Baoyu go away to study, so she thought to herself, "What Yuan-er said makes some sense. I'll go talk to the master first and then we can talk it over."

The two said goodbye. When Chen Siyuan passed by the small courtyard in the northeast, he deliberately slowed down his pace. However, he did not meet Aunt Xue and Baochai. He turned around and passed through the garden and went straight back to his own courtyard.

Who would have thought that she would see little Xichun coming out with a frown on her face. When she caught sight of Chen Siyuan, Xichun immediately said angrily, "Brother Yuan said he was not busy anymore, but who knew he almost came to nothing again."

Chen Siyuan said with a smile, "I'm so sorry, I thought Fourth Sister would come looking for me in the afternoon."

Little Xichun smiled, revealing her teeth that looked like woven shells, and said, "It's too early to find him. If it's too late, Brother Yuan might disappear again."

Chen Siyuan laughed, reached out and rubbed Xichun's head, and then the two of them went back inside.

Because Xichun always came, Xiangling, Hongyu, Wu'er and others did not treat the fourth young lady as an outsider. When they saw the two masters talking, Hongyu pulled up the colorful screen and went to the side room with Ruhua to play.

Only Chen Siyuan and Xichun were left in the study. Chen Siyuan wanted to teach Xichun how to play the flute, but Xichun shook her head and said, "I don't want to learn today. I played so much that my cheeks are sore this morning. But I have something to ask Brother Yuan——"

"Fourth sister, tell me."

Xichun said, "It was my eldest sister-in-law's request. Originally, it was my third sister and I who should have spoken together, but now that I've encountered it myself, I have no choice but to speak."

Xichun talked a lot, but Li Wan was grateful that it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to teach Jia Lan, so she wanted to ask Chen Siyuan to teach her when he was free.

Chen Siyuan thought to himself that this was a coincidence, and was just trying to find a reason to look for Li Wan.

So he nodded and said, "Okay, I'll go find my eldest sister-in-law later. If Brother Ruolan is willing, I will agree to it."

Xichun was surprised and asked, "Huh? Isn't it the same now that Brother Yuan has agreed?"

Chen Siyuan blinked and said, "Fourth sister is very insightful, why are you confused now? I went to look for my eldest sister-in-law, so there must be other things."

Xichun responded with a "yes," and then said, "Brother Yuan, you are talking nonsense again. How can I understand people's hearts?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Fourth sister, have you forgotten what we talked about last time regarding the situation in the two mansions? How should I protect myself?"

Xichun pondered for a long moment before finally remembering, "So it was this matter." She paused, looked around, then leaned closer and said in a low voice, "Those words weren't my own thoughts."

Hmm? Could it be that Tanchun taught her that? Min Tanchun is indeed worthy of her reputation...

Xichun added, "Second sister told me this in private."

Yingchun? Ermutou?

Because Chen Siyuan had just arrived and Yingchun was still unmarried, the two of them had little contact, so Chen Siyuan had simply thought of him as a wooden man from a book. Hearing Xichun's words, he was greatly surprised.

Then Xichun said proudly, "Second sister sees everything clearly, but she herself is in that position, neither left nor right. She can only play dumb and let the people below her gossip about her."

Is this happening?

Chen Siyuan frowned and thought: Yes, I have heard Tanchun and Xichun mention that the second girl Yingchun is very good at playing chess. She usually plays chess by herself when she has free time, and only occasionally reads the Taishang Ganying Pian.

If one is good at playing chess, he will not be clumsy. I am afraid that he read the "Tai Shang Ganying Pian" because he was unable to vent his anger, so he had to do so?
In the original novel, Yingchun married the Zhongshan Wolf. If Yingchun was indeed a soft-tempered person, she would have just allowed Sun Shaozu to do whatever he wanted at home. Why would she have been tortured to death by him? It is likely that she was stubborn in private, which is why she often clashed with Sun Shaozu.

Seeing him lost in thought, Xichun said, "If you, Brother Yuan, marry in the future, why not think of my second sister?"

"Hmm...hmm?" Chen Siyuan came back to his senses, rubbing Xichun's head with a smile and a tearful expression. "Great, so the fourth sister is here to act as a matchmaker."

Xichun then said, "Second sister and Brother Yuan are of similar age and have very compatible personalities. It's a pity that the eldest master is a difficult hurdle. Otherwise, wouldn't they be a perfect match?"

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily and said, "Just say this in private, don't spread it outside."

Xichun agreed with a smile, but she had other thoughts in her mind.

There was no flute lesson that day. Chen Siyuan teased Xichun for a while, and suddenly remembered something. He stood up and took a box from the antique shelf. He opened it and took out a palm-sized ball shaped like a hydrangea. It was wrapped in brocade and had tassels decorated with bells. After it fell to the ground, it bounced high up, which surprised Xichun.

"Huh? What is this?"

Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "There are latex balls inside. I thought of a way to play with them. When the weather warms up and the flowers bloom, we can find more people to play with them."

Xichun was naturally very excited. She played with the ball for a while before getting up to say goodbye.

After seeing Xichun off, Chen Siyuan changed his clothes and, seeing that it was almost noon, hurried to Li Wan's room.

Without further ado, after a while, Chen Siyuan walked out of the Grand View Garden and stopped in front of the west door of Li Wan's room. He went forward and knocked lightly. After a moment, Biyue opened the door.

Seeing that it was Chen Siyuan, Bi Yue asked in surprise, "Master Yuan?"

Chen Siyuan bowed and said, "Is the elder sister-in-law here? Please let her know and tell her that I have something to discuss with her."

"Yes, Master Yuan, please come in first."

Bi Yue let him in and quickly passed a message inside. In a moment, Li Wan led Jia Lan to stop at the door of the back room to greet them.

After a brief exchange of greetings, everyone went inside to chat. After the host and guest were seated, and Suyun and Biyue were dismissed, Chen Siyuan finally said, "Sister-in-law, I've come here to ask for help... Could you lend me some money? I should be able to pay it back in about half a year."

Li Wan said, "Thanks to Brother Yuan's help last time, otherwise I wouldn't know what to do with it... But I don't know how much Brother Yuan wants to borrow?"

Chen Siyuan raised four fingers and said, "Forty thousand taels."

(End of this chapter)