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

Chapter 70 The Maidservant Xiangling
Upon hearing this, Yue Niang understood perfectly: "My husband probably forgets which way the study door faces 359 and a half out of 360 days a year! The number of times he's been to the academy over the years is less than the number of times he goes to the brothel's outhouse in a month."

"He recognizes the words on the scroll, but the scroll doesn't recognize him! Now he's acting like a 'study companion'? Could it be that my husband has recently learned a new trick from some courtesan, wanting to play the role of a hypocrite—like a cat stealing fish and using a book box as a cover? Has he taken a fancy to this pretty young lady who is fair-skinned, delicate, and has a touch of scholarly air?"

She knew perfectly well what was going on, but refused to say it aloud. She thought to herself, "My husband is in his prime, full of vigor. It's only right to have a few more women in the house. Xiangling is pretty, has a graceful figure, and seems gentle. Even if she suddenly develops a liking for the study, or any other room, if she can keep my husband's heart from wandering off to those dirty, smelly places, it will save him a lot of trouble. If I'm lucky enough to get pregnant and give birth to a son or daughter, it will be a blessing for the Ximen family, adding to our household."

Thinking of this, Yue Niang's face showed no displeasure whatsoever; instead, a gentle and docile smile appeared on her face as she followed Ximen Qing's train of thought, saying, "Since you say so, sir... naturally, that's good. As for the study..."

Her eyes flickered slightly, her voice still soothing: "...There is a rather spacious side room on the east side of the study, fully furnished with a bed, curtains, tables, chairs, a dressing table, and a mirror stand. Especially the lacquered canopy bed, which is very sturdy and spacious, with brand-new bedding. It's usually locked up, so no one goes in, and it's kept very clean. Why don't we let Xiangling stay in that side room? Firstly, it's close to the study; secondly, it's quiet there, which suits her gentle nature. What do you think, sir?"

She deliberately emphasized the sturdiness of the bed curtains and the freshness of the bedding, her words revealing the "use" of the side room, almost implying that "that place was just prepared for you."

Ximen Da Guanren waved his hand and said, "You can arrange it."

At this moment, a dozen or so square tables were set up in the courtyard. Servants, kitchen helpers, and maids from various rooms were busy setting the table, the clinking of cups, plates, and bowls filling the air with laughter. Several female stewards moved about, calling out to serve food and refill wine, creating a lively scene reminiscent of a bustling marketplace. Upon seeing the esteemed gentleman arrive, they all bowed respectfully.

Ximen Qing was quite satisfied with the display. The hall was as bright as day, with several large glass palace lanterns hanging high, illuminating the entire room. A scarlet carpet had been spread out on the large round table made of nanmu wood, and silver pots and jade cups were arranged to the brim.

Wu Yueniang busily directed her trusted wives to adjust the positions of the cups and plates: "The outer table is all set up, and the inner table is also ready. We are just waiting for our distinguished guests to take their seats. I thought that since this is a family banquet, we might as well make it lively inside and out, and gather together auspiciousness."

Master Ximen looked around and saw that the hall was decorated in a magnificent yet dignified manner. Even the incense burner in the corner was burning with the finest agarwood, and the wisps of smoke, set against the backdrop of the burning red candles, added to the atmosphere of wealth and luxury. He nodded and praised, "Excellent! My wife has worked hard and arranged everything perfectly! This is the true dignity of our Ximen mansion! I will go and invite you both."

Shortly after.

Ximen Qing led Zhou Tong and the young Yue Fei into the brightly lit hall, where Wu Yueniang was already standing with a smile.

Xiangling had already heard Ximen Qing mention why he wanted her from Xue Pan. When she saw the young Yue Fei approaching, she disregarded all etiquette and knelt down on the ground with a thud. She kowtowed three times to Yue Fei, her forehead hitting the cold floor tiles hard, causing the pearl hairpins at her temples to scatter and the fine tassels to fall down her cheeks, mingling with the surging hot tears.

"Lord Yue's kindness is immense! Xiangling... Xiangling will never forget it!" She choked with sobs, almost unable to breathe: "If it weren't for Lord Yue at the dock that day, I would have been whipped to pieces and thrown into the canal! Today, I am again saved by Lord Yue, escaping that cannibalistic pit of fire and finding a new master... You... you are my benefactor in two lifetimes! In the next life, I will repay your kindness even as a cow or a horse..."

"Absolutely not! Absolutely not!" Yue Fei's bronze face flushed crimson, and he waved his hands repeatedly, "I just happened to see injustice and it just so happened that I was there! Please get up, young lady!"

Seeing that Xiangling was still kowtowing, he quickly sought help from Master Ximen.

The official smiled and said, "Alright, get up."

Xiangling then stood up, her forehead slightly red and swollen, indicating that she had indeed exerted herself.

Ximen Qing, however, did not rush to offer his seat. Instead, he first clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zhou Tong and Yue Fei, his face beaming with a broad smile.
“Master! Senior Brother! I’ve really neglected you these past two days! I feel really bad about it! You don’t know, with the end of the year approaching, all those official engagements and miscellaneous trivial matters have come rushing in, keeping me so busy I don’t even have time to spare! I haven’t been able to find any time to properly talk to you and have a drink with you. I really deserve a beating! I deserve a beating!”

Zhou Tong stroked his white beard and chuckled, "Qingguan, you have such a large business, of course you have to manage it. Here with you, the two of us eat and drink well, and live a leisurely life!"

Yue Fei clasped his hands in a fist salute and said calmly, "Junior Brother, you are very busy with matters at home, so there's no need for you to trouble yourself with us. These past two days, we have been well taken care of by my sister, with tea, fruit, and other gifts provided continuously, which is already more than enough. Thank you so much, Junior Brother, for rescuing Miss Xiangling and making my heart's desires fulfilled. I don't know how to express my gratitude enough."

Wu Yueniang quickly replied with a smile, "Master Yue, please don't say that. We're all family, it's only right and proper. It's a great honor that you and the old immortal could come here."

Her address of "Master Yue" was both respectful and natural. Ximen Qing was both amused and exasperated: "Hey? This...how does this work? Senior brother, you call me junior brother, that's fine. But you call the people in my household 'sister'?" He pointed at Wu Yueniang, then at Yue Fei: "This is a mess!"

Seeing his appearance, the young Yue Fei couldn't help but laugh heartily: "What's wrong with this form of address? Let each person address themselves as they see fit! I respect her as my elder sister, and her calling me 'Lord Yue' is also an honor. As long as everyone is happy!"

"Alright, let's each do our own thing." Ximen's official quickly invited the two to sit in the main seats.

Ximen Da Guanren said to Xiangling, "Since this is a family banquet and your savior is here, why don't you sit down and add to the festivities?"

Xiangling dared not actually sit down, shaking her head vigorously: "This servant has already eaten, and would never dare to disturb the masters' enjoyment..."

Wu Yueniang said with a smile, "If the master tells you to sit, then sit. At least eat something and keep him company for a chat."

Xiangling had no choice but to sit on the very edge of the embroidered stool, barely covering half of her buttocks, her waist taut and straight.

Meanwhile, Jinlian, dressed in a light green shirt with a light red handkerchief tied around her neck, carrying a lacquered tray in her hand, happily went to the front yard after finishing her work.

As dusk fell, listening to Yu Xiao's insults, her cold laughter grew even stronger: "You shameless slut! You're having a good time cheating on your lover, yet you have the nerve to curse me? Since you've offered your face up for me to slap, I'll grant your wish! But if I tear off the mask now, all I'll get is a few words and a scolding from the old lady. What good will that do? Wouldn't that be too easy for you?"

"Hearing that we'll meet again at the old place to rekindle our romance... Good! Very good! As the saying goes: to catch a thief, you need the stolen goods; to catch an adulterer, you need to be caught red-handed! When the time comes, in front of all the distinguished guests and the entire household, I'll catch you red-handed, a wanton harlot, and see how you'll have the face to stand in this mansion! My master values ​​his reputation the most; let's see how you, his trusted maid, will handle this!"

Inside the hall at this moment.

The table was laden with all sorts of delicacies: braised pork hock in a rich, dark sauce, steaming sea cucumber with scallions, snow-white and tender chicken marrow and bamboo shoots, golden and crispy fried quail... Silver pots and jade cups, reflecting the candlelight, exuded an air of opulence.

Ximen Qing took the heavy, engraved silver pot from Xiao Luan's tray, intending to pour the wine himself. Wu Yueniang quickly stood up and said gently, "My lord, please sit down, I'll do it." She stepped forward gracefully, first walking to Zhou Tong's side, bowing slightly, and steadily holding the pot with both hands, filling the plain jade cup to eight-tenths full: "Old Immortal, please have some." Her voice was soft and clear.

He then turned to Yue Fei, and respectfully poured him wine, saying with a smile, "Master Yue, please." Only then did he pour wine for Ximen Qing and himself.

Ximen Qing then stood up, raised his cup, and loudly addressed Zhou Tong and Yue Fei: "Master! Senior Brother!!"

"I've specially prepared this simple meal today, both to welcome Master and Senior Brother, and to apologize for any neglect. This is a way for the entire Ximen mansion to have some fun behind closed doors! What do you two think—"

He pointed to the empty hall and said, “The maids and servants have all set up a feast in the courtyard outside. Let them have their fun. Let’s avoid too many people talking and spoiling our conversation! Don’t be formal, just enjoy yourselves! This first cup is for you two!” With that, Ximen Qing took the lead and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp, revealing the bottom of the cup.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Tong clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "Excellent! Qing Guan has made excellent arrangements! This is what a family banquet should be like! It's delightful!" He also downed his cup of wine in one gulp. Yue Fei also raised his cup and drank it all.

They were enjoying their meal and drinks, having gone through several rounds of conversation.

Yu Xiao secretly left the banquet and headed towards the backyard.

(End of this chapter)