The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 58 Xiangling Enters the Ximen Courtyard

Ximen Da Guanren sighed, “Brother, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, it’s really not about money. This thing… is against the natural order, how can it be used too much? You are young, you should take better care of your health.”

Upon hearing that it was "not about money," Xue Pan assumed that Master Ximen only accepted treasures and not silver. He was thunderstruck and cried out, "Brother! You don't know! I don't have any treasures you want. All the valuable treasures in my house are locked up in the hands of my mother and my sister Baochai. They cherish them more than their own lives!"

"Brother, I only get a little pocket money each month, how can I scrape together such a huge bet? Brother, please do me a favor, even if you don't care about me! No! Ten times! Dozens of times! I'll die laughing!" After saying that, he hugged Ximen Qing's leg and shook it again.

Ximen Da Guanren had already made up his mind, but on his face he showed a thoughtful expression. After a long while, he slowly said, "Brother Xue, since you say so... it reminds me of something. As you know, I am still childless. Recently, I have been thinking about taking a concubine who is good at bearing children, so that I can continue the family line..." He paused, glancing at Xue Pan's expression, and said casually, "The other day at the dock, I saw a girl of yours named Xiangling. She is very beautiful and has a very good temperament. I wonder... would you be willing to part with her for me?"

Xue Pan was crying his heart out when he heard the name "Xiangling." He looked up abruptly, as if grasping at a straw, and exclaimed, "What? Xiangling?"

The official frowned, thinking to himself, "Could it be that this fellow is still reluctant to part with this charming little lady who has a unique way of crying?"

But then Xue Pan's eyes lit up, even his dark circles seemed to brighten as he shouted:
"It's a deal. Once you've said your piece, you can't go back on it."

“Take that maidservant, what’s there to refuse! This unlucky thing! I misjudged her at first, thinking she was a good one, but who knew that in less than half a month, she would turn into a madwoman! If she’s not happy at the slightest thing, all she does is cry, cry, cry! I got so annoyed by her crying that I slapped her twice, and then my mother and sister started nagging me!”

"That jinx, I hate seeing her! Getting rid of her is exactly what I wanted!"

He recalled all the unpleasantness Xiangling had brought him, and gritted his teeth even more. "If you like her, brother, just take her! Let alone one Xiangling, even two or three, I would be willing to part with her! I only ask that you give me some more elixirs, that would be the greatest favor you could ever do!"

Ximen Qing was overjoyed to see him so readily agree, but he only smiled faintly and reached out to help him up: "Alright, alright, since it is my sincere offer, it would be unreasonable for me to refuse. But please remember, brother, this is precious, every grain used is one less, so please do not use it lightly."

"I understand, little brother. I just want to use this elixir to establish a reputation in the capital's pleasure quarters! So that people will know that the Xue family has a worthy successor!" Upon receiving this promise, Xue Pan immediately stopped crying and smiled. Joyful light burst from his dark eyes. He bowed repeatedly and said, "Thank you, brother! Thank you, brother! You are truly my reborn parents! My second parents! I will send someone to bring Xiangling to you as soon as I get back."

The official laughed and said, "Then it's settled. I'll wait for Brother Xue at home."

Xue Pan thanked him profusely and ran out, jumping and skipping.

Yue Niang watched the plump figure leave with surprise before saying, "Sir, when Li Zaoli left just now, he mentioned that there are still some important documents and deeds to be settled at that wealthy Zhang's silk shop. I would appreciate it if you could go to the silk shop yourself as soon as possible to check them."

Ximen Da Guanren nodded to indicate that he understood: "I will go after I finish paying my respects. By the way, you should personally keep an eye on the banquet in the kitchen."

Yue Niang stopped and nodded slightly: "Whatever rules you require, sir, please give me your instructions."

Ximen Qing took two steps forward: "There's no need for all that fancy stuff and extravagance. The father and son we've invited today are great heroes; they don't appreciate such empty displays. The most important thing about this banquet is sincerity and affection. It's a family feast, not a banquet for guests. Let's make it... make it feel like our own family is sitting around celebrating the New Year, enjoying a hot and comforting meal!"

Yue Niang smiled and said, "I understand. Don't worry, my lord, I know what I'm doing. I'll go to the kitchen and personally oversee things." With that, she turned and headed towards the kitchen, her steps quick and nimble.

Ximen Da Guanren straightened his clothes and walked towards the guest room.

As soon as I stepped onto the corridor, a few steps away from the guest room door, I could hear voices coming from inside through the slightly ajar door.

One is vigorous and profound, like an ancient pine; the other, though possessing the clarity of a young person, speaks with a resounding force, revealing a solemnity beyond his years.

It wasn't about mundane family matters or romantic musings.

"...The Jurchen Wanyan tribe held a swearing-in ceremony on the banks of the Anchuhu River. Aguda declared himself Dubojilie and established the state of 'Jin.' In just over a year, they had already captured Ningjiangzhou and Chuhedian... The Liao emperor was terrified. This was not a minor ailment, but a serious threat to the heart! If the court continues to be complacent and negligent..."

"...Master is absolutely right. The Liao government is corrupt, and the Jin people are fierce and ruthless, like wolves driving sheep. But our Great Song..." The young Yue Fei paused, his voice filled with sorrow and indignation, "...the border defenses are neglected, and the Imperial Guards are arrogant and lazy. I fear we are no match for the Jin people. If this continues, I fear it will not only be difficult to recover Yan and Yun..."

"...The Jurchens rose up in the Changbai Mountains and the Heilongjiang River region, their power spreading like wildfire. The Liao Dynasty, this crumbling wall, is clearly about to crumble. Once the Liao Dynasty collapses, the Jurchens' iron hooves will reach Youyan, and the northern frontier will be left without any protection! Can't the officials of the court see this imminent calamity of war?"

As Master Ximen heard Yue Fei becoming more and more excited, he slowed down and stopped.

"To embellish its 'Cuijin Garden,' the Prince of Beijing's mansion sent people to Taihu Lake and Lingbi, digging three feet into the ground to search for uniquely shaped peaks that were 'leaky, transparent, wrinkled, and thin'! The Prince of Zhongshun's mansion was not to be outdone; the 'majestic and lofty' stones in its garden were all forcibly requisitioned from thousands of miles away! Furthermore, the mansions of the Dukes of Shan, Qi, Rong, and Ning, with their stones vying for attention, spent far more than ten million on the 'flower and stone tribute.' And then there were Cai Jing and Gao Qiu who deceived the Emperor."

Upon hearing this, Ximen Qing saw that the heated atmosphere inside had not subsided and that they were talking more and more. He sighed softly, not wanting to disturb the two, and quietly turned and left.

The official arrived at the gate of the mansion.

"Prepare the horses!" he ordered the servant in a deep voice.

The father and son were having such a good time talking that I should go and settle the silk shop myself, so as to avoid any unforeseen complications.

Before long, the servant led over the green chrysanthemum horse.

The official mounted the saddle, and with a gentle flick of the reins, the horse seemed to understand his intentions, and slowly and steadily stepped out of the Ximen mansion gate.

Although it was nearing evening, the market in Qinghe County was still bustling.

As soon as Ximen Da Guanren entered the main street of Qinghe County, the hustle and bustle of the city and the lively atmosphere of everyday life swept over him like a heat wave.

I had only ridden a few steps.

Suddenly, a sweet, cheerful voice called out from the side:

"Oh my! Isn't this Master Ximen? You've really made a rare trip to this humble place, keeping this old woman waiting for so long! This old woman has been looking forward to it with bated breath!"

Three chapters! [Golden Hairpin is begging for your monthly votes, gentlemen!]

(End of this chapter)