Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 71: Women are not allowed to stay in college

It is said that since Third Sister You met Chen Siyuan last time, a few days later she heard the old servant mention that a young man from the neighboring Xing family had come to visit, and she immediately became interested in him.

During these days, apart from accompanying Old Lady You and Second Sister You to Ningguo Mansion to help out, she had calmed down and just sent her maid to observe the Xing family's situation every day, hoping that Chen Siyuan would come again.

As luck would have it, that day the maid came to report that a handsome scholar on a tall horse had indeed gone to the Xing family. Third Sister You was immediately overjoyed. After much thought, she suddenly turned her eyes and, not caring whether it was appropriate given the approach of winter, she found a kite and hung it on the wall, then had the maid secretly open the door and look out.

When they saw Chen Siyuan coming out of Xing's house, the little maid informed him, and You Sanjie hurriedly climbed up the ladder to the top of the wall, which led to the scene just now.

Seeing Third Sister You's rosy face, watery eyes, and charming glances, even though Chen Siyuan's heart was as calm as water at the moment, he couldn't help but feel a little moved.

I am a young man, so how can I refuse the affectionate admiration of a pretty girl?

Especially Sister You San, although she was only fourteen or fifteen years old, she was a natural beauty. One could tell at a glance that she would be a beauty in the future.

Chen Siyuan pulled the reins, bowed and smiled at the pretty face on the wall, saying, "It's my third sister."

Third Sister You chuckled and said, "Brother Chen is here to visit again?" Then she said coquettishly, "Last time, he clearly said that he would come to see me when he had time, but I waited and waited, and Brother Chen always passed by my house without entering... Could it be that he was just trying to fool me last time?"

Chen Siyuan laughed heartily and said, "I've really been busy with various matters lately. After I finish the Ning Mansion business, I will definitely come to visit Old Man You."

Third Sister You curled her lips and said, "Brother Chen is trying to tease me again. I think it's better to do it today than to wait for another day. Why don't you come over for a cup of tea?"

Chen Siyuan held out his hand: "How dare I come to visit empty-handed? I'm afraid that Old Man You will say that I don't know the etiquette."

Third Sister You smiled and said, "Mother and Second Sister have gone to Ningguo Mansion. Now I am the only one at home."

"This……"

According to the etiquette at that time, unmarried women were not allowed to meet men other than themselves.

Third Sister You knew this, and seeing Chen Siyuan silent and pensive, she said, "I admire Brother Chen's poetic talent, and I've been composing a poem these past few days, imitating him. I hope Brother Chen can give me some pointers. Oh, I haven't even reached the age of marriage yet, so I can't be considered a married woman. Besides, my family is a small one, so we don't have so many complicated rules."

Having said that, Chen Siyuan simply agreed and said, "Then I'd better obey your command and ask Third Sister for a cup of tea."

Third Sister You was overjoyed and said happily, "Brother Chen, please wait a moment!"

Her pretty face was hidden behind the wall. After a moment, the courtyard door opened and Third Sister You came to greet them at the door herself.

Chen Siyuan dismounted and led the horse closer. Ziyoumen took the reins, and Chen Siyuan greeted You Sanjie in a formal manner.

The third sister returned the gift and said with a smile, "Mom got some daughter tea a few days ago. I tasted it very well. I'll ask Brother Chen to try some later."

"it is good."

As they were talking, Chen Siyuan followed Third Sister You into the inner chamber. They walked around the screen wall to the hanging flower gate, and then went up to the winding corridor on the side.

Third Sister You led the way, and looked back from time to time. Although half of her face was covered, her smile could not be concealed, which made the maid keep winking at her. However, Third Sister You seemed not to see anything and continued to do her own thing.

Soon they were in the hall. Third Sister You warmly invited Chen Siyuan to sit down and personally brewed the girl's tea. After adding the water twice, she brought a cup to Chen Siyuan and placed it next to him. "Brother Chen, try it," she said. "The first two brews of this girl's tea are dark in color and strong in flavor. After the sixth or seventh brew, it's too bland. Only the first few brews have the best color and flavor."

"Thank you, Third Sister. I'll give it a try." Chen Siyuan took a sip and smacked his lips. "Could it be that they put dried tangerine peel in it?"

The third sister narrowed her eyes and smiled. "Brother Chen tasted it right away. I thought my daughter's tea was too sweet, so I added some dried tangerine peel. Last time, mother and second sister couldn't taste it. Brother Chen must be really good."

"Third sister, you have a good idea." Chen Siyuan praised casually.

Third Sister You, however, did not turn around to sit down. She stood in front of Chen Siyuan like a servant, and said angrily, "We are actually related in some way, but calling me 'Third Sister' all the time is really strange. Haha, it's like there's a Third Sister next door too. If you don't know, you might think you're calling someone else. Brother Chen, just call me 'Third Sister' from now on."

"Third sister."

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, you are the third sister, what about Tanchun?
Third Sister You agreed immediately and added, "Then I will call you Brother Yuan from now on."

Fairy! The sound of "Brother Yuan" made Chen Siyuan feel a little numb.

At this moment, the maid could no longer bear to watch, so she stepped forward and poked You Sanjie, saying, "Miss——"

Third Sister You blinked in bewilderment, then clasped her hands together in realization: "Yes, I almost forgot that poem."

As he spoke, he hurried into the side room and returned a moment later with a draft of a poem in his hand. When Chen Siyuan approached, he suddenly became shy and said, "It's not well written, brother Yuan, please don't laugh at me."

Chen Siyuan said, "Poetry is just about expressing one's feelings. As long as it's not just whining, any form of expression is fine... er..."

Glancing down, I saw the words written on it: "A lifetime of love for one person, willows swinging in the deep spring. A glance at the attic railing, a lifelong commitment. Peonies bloom in the eastern suburbs, orioles sing and swallows dance in the shade of the trees. Our shadows rest together by the small bridge and flowing water, returning home smilingly to the same door."

This poem "Spring in the Painted Hall" is clearly a love poem for the boudoir!

When he looked up again, he saw Third Sister You still standing in front of him, her eyes almost tearing out of tears.

Now, I'm afraid that Chen Siyuan only needs to mention it vaguely, and that Third Sister Yu will pack her bags and elope with him at night.

Chen Siyuan didn't consider himself a good person, but he couldn't do anything to deceive a girl who was "only interested in herself." He couldn't help but think to himself that what happened to Third Sister You in the future was a matter for the future. Now she was just a young girl who had just begun to fall in love.

Even those reckless actions were due to my own...

Forget it, let’s just let it go for now. If there is a turning point in the future, we can talk about other things.

After making up his mind, Chen Siyuan said seriously, "Third sister, although this Huatangchun poem is not well-made, its merits outweigh its flaws. Especially the line 'The shadows of the two stay together under the small bridge and flowing water, and return to the same school with smiles' is very well written. It just lacks some blank space." He paused and said, "Qin Guan also wrote a Huatangchun poem: The east wind blows the willows and the day is just beginning to grow. The rain is over and the grass is setting in the sun. The apricot blossoms are scattered and the swallows are fragrant, and the red makeup is damaged by sleep. The precious seal is burned by the smoke of dragons and phoenixes, and the painted screen is locked in the clouds of Xiaoxiang. The night chill is slightly transparent through the thin silk clothes, and there are endless thoughts.

"Third sister, look, this poem doesn't mention love in any sentence, yet it's all about love... Third sister?"

"Ah?" Third Sister You had been staring blankly, and only came to her senses when she heard Chen Siyuan calling out to her. She hurriedly said, "So that's how it is. I only know a few words, and now I'm learning to write poetry. It's really embarrassing." Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "How can it be embarrassing? I just said that Third Sister's flaws are not enough to outweigh her merits."

"really?"

Third Sister You looked over with hope in her eyes. Seeing Chen Siyuan nodding with a smile, she immediately breathed a sigh of relief, "I'm just learning to walk in Handan. Just to hear Brother Yuan say 'the flaws do not outweigh the merits' is already satisfying." After a pause, she added, "I didn't know Brother Yuan..."

Just then, someone outside suddenly called out, "Anren, the second girl is back!"

Third Sister You blinked, unable to finish the rest of her sentence. Her face was filled with disappointment, and she immediately smiled and said, "What a coincidence! Mother and Second Sister are back just now."

Chen Siyuan immediately stood up to greet them. When he reached the door, he saw Old Lady You and Second Sister You walking towards him from the corridor.

Old Lady You gave Third Sister You a look, then smiled and greeted Chen Siyuan, "Why are you here, Brother Yuan?"

Before Chen Siyuan could say anything, Third Sister You continued, "I just saw Brother Yuan passing by, so I shamelessly asked him to come and give me some pointers on a poem I've been writing these days."

Chen Siyuan bowed and smiled, "It's because I'm a little thirsty that I came to bother you."

Old Lady You said with a smile, "Why are you bothering me? Normally, even if I wanted to invite Brother Yuan, I couldn't. Don't wait around, Brother Yuan, please come in and sit down."

The group entered the inner room. Second Sister You went to the outer room to change her clothes. Old Lady You took off her coat and sat at the head of the table. She smiled and said, "I've been hearing a lot about Brother Yuan's name these days... I heard that Brother Yuan has some connections with one of Futai Yan's staff members."

"Yes, Master Sun was my former tutor."

Old Lady You's eyes suddenly lit up, and she said earnestly, "Brother Yuan is such a man, and with such a good tutor, he will surely pass the imperial examination and rise to prominence in the future. Hehe... unlike our family, we don't even have a son, and our family business has declined. Who knows when it will fall apart."

After a pause, seeing that Chen Siyuan did not respond, Old Lady You secretly winked at Third Sister You, but this third daughter was staring at Chen Siyuan with all her heart and eyes, and did not even look at her!
Old Lady You was so angry that she collapsed on her back. Finally, she couldn't help but say, "Brother Yuan, regarding the matter of opening a port and sending ships to Fusang... I wonder if Brother Yuan could help out a little? My family is poor, and we can only scrape together a thousand or two thousand silver coins."

As soon as she finished speaking, Third Sister You was immediately upset and said angrily, "Mother, what you said is inappropriate. We all know that this business is a good thing that is hard to find even with a lantern. Nowadays, the Zhejiang Guild Hall is crowded with guests. Brother Yuan is just an old friend of the tutor. This favor will fade with each use. Brother Yuan has just come to visit, how can mother ask for it?"

"You——" Old Lady You gritted her teeth secretly, wishing she could pick up a feather duster and beat up her prodigal daughter with her elbows sticking out!
It's true that 'a girl can't be kept at home when she grows up'. Just think how many times have we met? Third Sister already has no regard for her mother. I'm afraid if they meet again, she might run off with that Chen guy!

Before Old Lady You could say anything, Chen Siyuan said, "Mr. You, it's not that I'm trying to shirk my responsibility. Master Sun is only here to collect the silver for three ships, which is a maximum of 90,000 taels. I've been to Master Sun several times, and the total has exceeded 10,000 taels. At this point, I simply don't have the face to bother with him anymore."

Third Sister You interrupted, "That's what I was saying... Mom, what you just said wasn't right. You should at least consider Brother Yuan."

Old Lady You was so angry that she was speechless.

Chen Siyuan felt something was amiss and stood up, saying, "I originally came here to ask for some tea, but I've been lingering for quite some time now, so I won't stay any longer. I'm truly rude today, and I'll come visit you again another day."

Old Lady You's mood was greatly reduced, and she said, "Maybe Brother Yuan has other things to do, so I won't keep him anymore." She then asked the maid to send him off.

Unexpectedly, Third Sister You interrupted and said, "I'll go and see Brother Yuan off. No need to bother anyone else!"

He then walked in front of Chen Siyuan, bowed with a smile and said, "Brother Yuan, please."

"Third sister, please go first."

Seeing the two of them flirting with each other, Old Lady You clutched her chest, feeling incredibly suffocated. At this moment, Second Sister You emerged from the side room, and upon seeing Old Lady You's condition, she hurried over to ask, "What's wrong, Mom?"

Old Lady You snorted, "You are angry because of your good sister!"

You Erjie hurriedly patted her back to help her calm down. It took her a long time to recover. Then she saw You Sanjie standing on tiptoe, playing with the ends of her hair, with charming eyes and a smile on her face, about to come in.

Seeing her like this, Old Lady You became even more angry and pointed at her, scolding, "You still remember to come back? Why didn't you just go with that Chen guy?"

Third Sister You was stunned for a moment, as if she was really considering whether to follow Chen Siyuan. Then she said angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about, Mom?"

Old Lady You looked at You Erjie and said, "Look, look!"

You Erjie glanced at You Sanjie angrily and said softly, "Sister, please say less."

Third Sister You opened her mouth, but seeing that Old Lady You was very upset, she changed the subject and said, "Mom is in a bad mood right now. I'll go back to my room first."

"You stop!"

Old Lady You suppressed her anger and said, "You are almost coming of age. How can you invite a man from outside your family to entertain you? If this gets out, will you ever get married?"

Third Sister You muttered, "Isn't it that she hasn't even reached the age of marriage yet..."

Old Lady You took a deep breath and said, "Besides, that Chen guy is just a lost dog. Now he's gaining power because of that assistant to the governor. Once that assistant leaves, you'll see if anyone still cares about him."

Third Sister You frowned and said, "My admiration for Brother Yuan isn't because of that idiotic friend—" She began to laugh as she spoke, "I admire his character and talent."

Old Lady You slammed her hand on the table and shouted, "What have I taught you all along? Is character and talent good enough to be eaten or clothed? Marrying a man means having clothes and food. Have you forgotten what your country aunt did a while ago? She devoured the food and flattered everyone, hoping to get something for nothing before leaving. Are you going to be like that someday?"

Third Sister You became stubborn and said stubbornly, "If...if he really marries me, what does it matter if I have to eat coarse food? As the Buddhist scriptures say, one knows the warmth and coldness of water only after drinking it. If he has me in his heart, even simple food and drink will be sweet to him. If...it's not fate, then even fine wine and delicious food will taste like chewing wax."

"Crazy, crazy, absolutely crazy!"

Old Lady You was so angry that she was gasping for breath. She stood up and looked around, then ran towards the feather duster. Second Sister You saw that something was wrong and hurried to stop her: "Mom, what are you doing? Third Sister is still young. You should teach her carefully in the future. Don't hit her carelessly."

"She's almost the age of marriage, how can she still be young? I think it's because she's grown up and can't be kept. She's hiding a wild man in her heart and has developed an affair with someone else! Don't stop me, or I'll give her a good time today!"

At this moment, Third Sister You stiffened her neck and said, "Mother, even if you beat me to death today, I won't change my mind. My marriage is my own decision, and even if I starve to death tomorrow, it has nothing to do with you, mother!"

(End of this chapter)