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

Lian'er turned the corner and, once she was out of Jia Zhen and his son's sight, finally breathed a long sigh of relief.

She touched her cheek, which was still burning, but couldn't help feeling happy.

Although she was beaten, she achieved her goal!

It's certain that Jia Rong's betrothal today will not go through.

How could Qin Ye, a rigid and prideful man, tolerate his future son-in-law being called a heartless man by a woman who came to his door crying and making a scene on the day of the betrothal?

Moreover, "Jia Rong, the eldest grandson of Ningguo Mansion, was confronted by a woman crying and demanding repayment of debts on the day of the betrothal."

If this gets out...

In Nanjing, which family with any standing and who cherished their reputation would dare to marry their daughter to him?

If Jia Rong can't marry a daughter from a respectable family, wouldn't the chances of Lian'er, who is already in Jia Rong's household and has saved his life, becoming his legal wife increase significantly?

Thinking of this, Lian'er couldn't help but smile.

Even the pain on my face seemed to have lessened considerably.

Besides, Jia Zhen's attitude just now was quite mild.

They even said, "I, as your father-in-law, will take care of everything for you."

It seems that Grandma Zhen was right.

Jia Zhen, mindful of his reputation, would not actually do anything to her in public.

He might even feel guilty or want to compensate her because of what happened today?

Wouldn't her life be even better then?

Lian'er became happier and happier as she thought about it, and her steps became lighter.

She crossed the street and quickly returned to the side gate of Ningguo Mansion.

The gatekeeper noticed the injuries on her face and her disheveled clothes, and his eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't dare to ask any questions.

Lian'er is now Rong Daye's servant, practically his mistress, so they can't afford to offend her.

Lian'er nodded to them, then entered the mansion with her head held high, heading straight for Madam You's room.

-----------------

Arriving at Madam You's door, Lian'er calmed her breathing and gently knocked.

"Madam, it's me, Lian'er."

"Come in," came Yu's calm voice from inside.

Lian'er pushed open the door and went in.

Lady You was sitting in front of her dressing table, having her hair combed by a maid.

Seeing Lian'er enter, she raised her hand to signal the maid to leave.

Only the two of them remained in the room.

Madam You turned around, her gaze falling on the obvious handprint on Lian'er's face and the bloodstains at the corner of her mouth. A barely perceptible look of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

She pointed to the embroidered stool next to her.

"sit."

Lian'er sat down as instructed, her face filled with barely suppressed excitement and a desire to claim credit.

"Madam, the matter is settled!"

She lowered her voice, her tone excited.

Lady You smiled slightly.

Speak slowly and carefully.

Lian'er then began to tell her story.

She first recounted how she cried and made a scene at the Qin residence, shouting accusations of being a "heartless man" and "playing with his body" until everyone knew about it.

As Madam You listened, an approving smile appeared on her face, and she nodded gently.

"Well done."

"That's how we make things escalate."

Lian'er felt even more pleased with herself after receiving the praise.

She went on to describe how Qin Ye flew into a rage, how he questioned Jia Zhen, and how he stormed off.

The smile on Madam You's face deepened.

"it is good."

"This is the effect we wanted."

"Qin Ye is such a conservative old man, he cares most about his reputation. How could he possibly swallow this insult after being made a scene in public like this?"

Seeing that Madam You was so satisfied, Lian'er spoke even more enthusiastically.

She described how Jia Rong rushed out, slapped her, and punched and kicked her.

At this point, she pointed to the injury on her face, her eyes glistening with tears, revealing a hint of grievance.

The smile on Madam You's face faded slightly, replaced by a concerned expression.

She got up, walked to Lian'er's side, and gently touched her cheek.

"Does it hurt?"

Lian'er nodded.

"It hurts... but for Madam's sake, this servant can endure it."

Madam You sighed, her tone gentle.

"Taking action is a good thing."

"Once he takes action on the spot, many things afterward... will be easier to handle."

"You've been wronged."

Lian'er quickly shook her head.

"I'm not wronged! It's my honor to serve you, Madam!"

She paused, lowered her voice, and said it with a hint of self-satisfaction.

"Madam, you don't know, but then Mr. Zhen came."

"He kicked Master Rong away and stopped him from hitting the maid again."

"He...he also gently comforted me, and asked me..."

She paused deliberately at this point, secretly observing Madam You's expression.

"Ask this servant... who is behind this?"

The smile on Madam You's face froze for a moment.

But she quickly regained her composure.

"Oh? So what did you say?"

Lian'er puffed out her chest, her tone full of pride and loyalty.

"Of course I didn't say that!"

"This servant insists that it was my own foolishness and wishful thinking that caused this, and that no one instructed me to do so!"

"When Master Rong heard this, he was about to beat the servant again, but Master Zhen stopped him."

"Master Zhen finally... told me to come back first, saying that he would take charge of everything."

After she finished speaking, she looked at Madam You expectantly, waiting for her praise and approval.

He was so loyal and patient, he didn't betray his wife...

Won't your wife value you more?

Perhaps, they will reward me even more, or... help me become the legal wife sooner?

Lian'er thought to herself with delight.

however.

Contrary to her expectations, Madam You did not show the smile of satisfaction and appreciation after hearing her words.

instead......

His expression instantly became much more serious.

That smile vanished completely.

Instead, a complex and indescribable expression appeared.

There was shock, vigilance, and a hint of...panic?

Although it was only a fleeting moment, Lian'er still managed to catch it.

Lady You remained silent.

She didn't speak immediately.

He just stood there, looking at Lian'er, his eyes shifting uncertainly.

After a long while...

She then slowly began to speak.

The voice was still gentle, but it seemed as if there was something between it and the person.

"Lian'er..."

"You did a great job."

"Thanks for your hard work."

Lian'er was taken aback.

That sounds like a compliment, but why does the tone sound so distant?

"Mrs......"

What she wanted to say.

However, Madam You raised her hand to interrupt her.

"You've been frightened and are tired today."

"Let's go back to our hometown and rest for a few days."

"Once things have calmed down here and the time is right, I will send someone to bring you back."

She paused, then emphasized her words.

"remember."

"Let's set off immediately."

"Go through...the back door."

Lian'er was completely stunned.

Go back to my hometown?

Now?

Going through the back door again?

Why?

Didn't the matter get done? Didn't I perform a great service?

Why did the wife not only refuse to reward him, but also tell him to... hide back in his hometown?

A strong sense of unease and doubt welled up in Lian'er's heart.

She opened her mouth, wanting to ask more questions.

But looking at Madam You's calm yet unquestionable gaze, she ultimately didn't dare to ask.

"Yes...this servant obeys."

She lowered her head and responded with a sound.

The pride and joy in my heart vanished in an instant.

Instead, there was a deep sense of bewilderment and... a faint sense of fear.

Lady You looked at her and added another sentence.

"Remember my words."

"Now, immediately."

"Go through the back door."

Lian'er dared not ask any more questions, quickly curtsied, and turned to leave the room.

My steps were much heavier than when I came in.

As Madam You watched her departing figure, her eyes gradually turned cold.

She stood there, silent for a moment.

Then, he quickly walked to the door and called softly to the outside:

"Someone come here."

A trusted guard appeared silently outside the door.

Madam You lowered her voice and quickly gave a few instructions.

The guard listened, his eyes narrowing slightly, before nodding.

Then, he moved silently and followed in the direction Lian'er had left.

Madam You closed the door, leaned against the door panel, and took a deep breath.

Her face had lost its previous composure and gentleness.

All that remained was solemnity and... a lingering fear.

Jia Zhen...

He did indeed become suspicious.

He even specifically asked Lian'er about the person behind the scenes...

He was testing the waters.

It's also a warning.

Yu closed her eyes, her fingers unconsciously clenching her sleeves.

Just then.

A familiar voice suddenly came from outside the door.

Cold, with undisguised anger and...mockery.

"Ms. You".

"You confessed yourself."

"Or... should I explain it to you?"

It's Jia Zhen!

Yu was visibly shaken!

She suddenly opened her eyes!

Her face instantly regained its usual gentle and dignified appearance, but a hint of panic flashed deep in her eyes.

She took a deep breath and calmed herself.

Then, he slowly turned around, his face showing just the right amount of confusion and bewilderment.

"master?"

"What...what did you say?"

"I...don't understand."

Her voice was soft and innocent.

It's as if they really know nothing.