Dream of the Red Chamber: Starting with a Chronicle of Tragic Love

Outside Jinling City, there is Fengyou Temple.

The temple is built against the mountain, with its green tiles and white walls hidden among the lush greenery.

The stone steps in front of the temple meander, and pilgrims come and go in an endless stream.

There were ordinary people, carrying baskets and incense, with devout expressions.

Some were dressed in fine clothes, riding in sedan chairs or on horseback, surrounded by servants.

Fengyou Temple was a popular place of worship, and it was said that the divination sticks drawn there were extremely accurate, so high-ranking officials and nobles in Nanjing often came here.

In addition to the main hall and side halls, the temple has more than ten quiet rooms.

It is specially designed for distinguished individuals to avoid crowds, burn incense, enjoy tea, and discuss matters in a calm and peaceful manner.

now.

Three people were standing beside the stone steps outside the temple gate.

Lady You was dressed in a lotus-colored brocade dress, with a moon-white vest over it. Her hair was neatly combed and adorned with two red-gold hairpins.

She wore a gentle smile, but her gaze kept drifting to her side.

A maidservant, about fifteen or sixteen years old, named Cuilu, stood beside him.

Cuilu was pretty and had bright, lively eyes. At this moment, she was holding a sandalwood box, inside which was the "top-quality agarwood from the south" that Madam You had mentioned the other day.

The other person was Jiao Si.

Jiao Si, dressed in a dark blue cloth robe, stood tall and straight, three steps behind You Shi with his hands at his sides.

His gaze was calm as he surveyed the pilgrims and the surrounding environment.

Although dressed as a servant, his posture and demeanor still exuded a composure that set him apart from ordinary servants.

While waiting, Lady You got a little bored, so she chatted with Cuilu.

"Green threads".

"This servant is here."

Yu Shi's gaze fell on Jiao Si, and the corners of her lips curled slightly.

Do you know why I only brought the two of you with me this time?

Cuilu blinked, her voice clear and crisp.

"Madam, you have honored me and Brother Jiao Si with the opportunity to visit Fengyou Temple."

Yu chuckled.

She lightly touched Cui Lü's forehead with the round fan in her hand.

"You little hussy, you always know how to say nice things."

She paused, then her gaze drifted towards Jiao Si.

"Don't you know why I brought you two along?"

"You're one of my close confidants, so naturally I'll bring you along."

"As for Jiao Si—"

Yu Shi drew out her words, looking Jiao Si up and down.

My gaze lingered for a moment on his broad shoulders and muscular waist.

"Such a renowned swordsman with two swords has actually come to our residence."

"Wouldn't it be a waste not to keep it with me and make good use of it?"

Jiao Si frowned almost imperceptibly.

He didn't reply, but instead cast his gaze toward the mountain road in the distance.

Seeing his appearance, Madam You found it even more amusing.

She turned to Cuilu, lowering her voice just enough for Jiao Si to hear.

"Cuilu, you're getting on in years."

"When the time comes, I'll betroth you to Jiao Si as his wife, what do you say?"

Cuilu's face flushed red instantly.

She stamped her foot, her voice both shy and anxious.

"Madam! You...you're making fun of me again!"

"This humble servant knows that I am of humble origin and unworthy of Brother Jiao."

She glanced at Jiao Si furtively, her voice even softer.

"Someone like Brother Jiao Si deserves... well, someone like the First Madam!"

Yu was taken aback at first.

He then burst into laughter.

His hearty laughter drew the attention of several pilgrims nearby.

She covered her mouth with a handkerchief, but couldn't hide the smile in her eyes.

"You little rascal, you sure know how to sweet-talk!"

She turned to Jiao Si, her eyes narrowed.

"Jiao Si, did you hear me?"

Even Cuilu said, "You're only good enough for someone like me."

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Jiao Si's face.

He took a deep breath and spoke calmly.

"You flatter me, Madam."

"I am a servant, and you are my mistress. There is a clear distinction between us. How dare I overstep my bounds?"

Ms. You clicked her tongue.

"Look, here we go again."

"It's incredibly boring to constantly talk about 'distinction between superiors and inferiors'."

She took a half-step forward and lowered her voice.

"This isn't the mansion; there's no one else watching over us."

"Can't you... say something nice?"

Jiao Si took half a step back, creating some distance.

"I'm clumsy with words and don't know how to say nice things."

"They only know how to get things done."

Madam You was taken aback by his unyielding attitude.

That nameless anger in my heart surged up again.

Why is Jiao Si so stiff, like a block of wood?

She won't listen to either soft or hard approaches!

She was about to say something more.

suddenly.

Jiao Si's gaze sharpened as he looked towards the mountain road in the distance.

"Madam, Miss Qin has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Madam You immediately suppressed the wanton expression on her face.

He turned around, straightened his clothes, and put on a dignified and gentle smile again.

It was as if the woman who had just spoken flirtatiously and laughed heartily had never existed.

The end of the mountain road.

A slender figure gracefully approached.

Qin Keqing was wearing a light blue dress today, with a moon-white cloak over it.

Her hair was styled simply, with only a gold and kingfisher feather butterfly hairpin inserted.

It was the same one that Ms. You had given me the other day.

She was followed by two maids and a guard; the number was small, but sufficient.

Qin Keqing approached and gave a graceful curtsy to Madam You.

"Qing has met Madam."

Her voice was gentle, and her posture was respectful.

Madam You reached out a hand to help him up, her face beaming with a friendly smile.

"Don't be so polite."

"The weather is nice today, so I'd like to invite you out for a stroll. Don't be shy."

Qin Keqing straightened up, her gaze lingering on Jiao Si for a moment before shifting away.

"Thank you for your concern, Madam."

Madam You sighed, her tone apologetic.

"The other day at the top of Plum Blossom Mountain, I meant well, wanting to get to know you better beforehand."

"Unexpectedly, Rong'er, that child, was ignorant and caused such an absurd thing."

"You ruined our fun and gave you a fright."

She paused, her tone becoming even more sincere.

"I've always felt guilty about it."

"Therefore, I have invited you here today to burn incense and pray for blessings, as a way of... expressing my apologies."

Qin Keqing said softly, "Madam, you flatter me."

"What happened that day had nothing to do with Madam."

"Qing understands in her heart."

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Madam You's eyes.

"I'm relieved that you think that way."

She pointed to the sandalwood box in Cuilu's hand.

"I also brought some high-quality agarwood from the south."

"After we finish offering incense, let's go to the quiet room, savor the fragrance, and have a chat."

Qin Keqing smiled and nodded.

"It's entirely up to my wife."

The group said no more and walked together into the temple.

Jiao Si followed silently behind You Shi, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

The main hall of Fengyou Temple.

The hall was filled with the smoke of incense, and the Buddha statues were solemn.

Lady You and Qin Keqing each lit three sticks of incense and knelt before the Buddha to pray for blessings.

Jiao Si, Cui Lu, and others stood guard outside the hall.

After offering incense, the group walked out of the main hall.

Next to the main hall was a side hall, under which a long table was placed.

Behind the desk sat an old monk with white beard and eyebrows and a kind face.

On the table was a container for divination sticks, and next to it stood a wooden plaque with the words "Interpretation of Divination Sticks" written on it.

Several worshippers were gathered around the table, some shaking lots, others listening to the interpretations.

Qin Keqing's gaze fell on the divination sticks, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

Yu noticed her expression and smiled slightly.

"Miss Qin would like to draw a fortune stick?"

Qin Keqing blushed slightly.

"It's just...interesting to look at."

Madam You smiled and said, "Since we're here, why not give it a try?"

"The fortune sticks from Fengyou Temple are said to be very accurate."

Qin Keqing hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

The two walked to the table.

The old monk looked up at them and clasped his hands together in prayer.

"What do you two benefactors wish to obtain?"

Qin Keqing said softly, "Marriage."

The old monk handed her the divination sticks.

Qin Keqing took it, closed her eyes and prayed silently for a moment, then gently shook it.

A "click" sound.

A bamboo skewer jumped out of the tube and landed on the ground.

Qin Keqing bent down to pick it up, glanced at it, and handed it to the old monk.

Two lines of small characters were engraved on the bamboo stick:

"The moon is obscured by clouds, its shadow hazy; but then, a new village appears amidst the willows and flowers."

The old monk took the bamboo slip, looked at Qin Keqing, and then at the inscription.

"Are you seeking a marriage partner?"

Qin Keqing nodded.

The old monk pondered for a moment.

"This fortune slip... has a complex and convoluted meaning."

"The moon is obscured by clouds, which means that the marriage before us is like a fog, making it difficult to see the whole picture."

"But the phrase 'after the darkest hour comes the dawn' also implies that a new and beautiful place awaits after a turn in the road."

He paused, lowering his voice.

"Your destined marriage is probably not as simple as it appears before your eyes."

Qin Keqing blushed even more.

She stole a glance at Jiao Si, then glanced at Madam You.

She bit her lip, her voice barely audible.

"Master... I'm afraid your calculations are inaccurate."

"I...I'm already engaged."

The old monk smiled and said no more.

He put the bamboo skewers back into the tube and looked at Madam You.

"Would you like to request a divination slip, sir?"

After thinking for a moment, Lady You also said, "Marriage."

She took the lottery tube and shook it a few times.

The bamboo skewer popped out.

Yu picked it up, glanced at it, and handed it to the old monk.

The inscription reads:

"Only upon entering the garden do you realize how beautiful the scenery outside the walls is; the red apricot blossoms on the branches herald the arrival of spring."

The old monk looked at the fortune slip and frowned slightly.

"Esteemed benefactor... are you also seeking a marriage partner?"

Ms. You nodded.

The old monk remained silent for a long time.

"Red apricot blossoms on the branches, full of the vitality of spring, is a beautiful thing."

"But the phrase 'it's better outside the wall' seems to imply a sense of discontent..."

He paused, carefully choosing his words.

"Your husband has an extremely noble destiny, that is without a doubt."

"But this air of nobility doesn't seem to be fully reflected in this marriage at present."

"It seems to be somewhat connected to the scenery outside the wall."

He spoke in a very cryptic manner.

Lady You and Qin Keqing exchanged a glance and both laughed.

Ms. You shook her head.

"I understand even less about what you're saying, Master."

"My husband is naturally noble, needless to say?"

"As for the scenery outside the wall... what does it have to do with me?"

The old monk didn't argue, but simply put the bamboo stick back and put his hands together in prayer.

"The divination slip reads as it is; I will interpret it truthfully."

"Whether you believe or not is entirely up to you."

Lady You took out a few copper coins from her sleeve and placed them on the table.

"Thank you for your help, Master."

She turned to Qin Keqing and smiled, "It seems that today's divination slips are not very accurate."

Qin Keqing responded softly, "It must be that our hearts are not sincere."

The two chatted and laughed as they left the side hall and headed towards the quiet room.