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

When Jiao Si opened the letter, a faint fragrance of plum blossoms wafted from it.

The beautiful handwriting, with a touch of untamed spirit, is none other than Liu Rushi's handwriting.

"Hearing that you have escaped the clutches of the Eastern Depot and returned safely, I am overjoyed and deeply relieved."

"Although it has only been a few days since we parted at Yunlou, the situation has been fraught with danger, and I have been worried day and night, barely able to sleep. Now that I have heard the good news, I can finally feel a little at ease."

"The Cloud Tower, usually bustling with noise, has recently felt unusually quiet and desolate. The wind stirs the curtains, as if there were the shadows of old friends; the moon is full over the western tower, but there is no one to share a word with."

"I lean alone against the carved railing, often recalling the heroic figure of you standing alone with your sword drawn on the top of Plum Blossom Mountain, facing death with unwavering courage. I also remember our reunion at the Cloud Tower, when you rescued me with a gauze curtain and embraced me tenderly."

"The long night is still, the fragrant bed has been swept clean for a long time; the cold moon hangs low, and the red curtains are still soaked with the chill of autumn."

"Alone on my pillow, the brocade quilt is icy cold."

"If you don't come, what's the point of sending a letter?"

Jiao Si's ears felt hot, and his heart inexplicably began to itch.

This Liu Rushi truly lived up to her reputation as an extraordinary woman.

On the day of Plum Blossom Mountain, everyone else retreated, but she and she stayed behind to cover the retreat and bravely faced death.

Later, upon returning to Jinling City, he used the matter of combing and gathering as a pretext to expose Qian Qianyi's ugly mask in front of all the prominent figures in Jinling City.

Now that the dust has settled, someone came to visit late at night with this... invitation.

That's incredibly bold...

He coughed lightly a few times, folded the letter, and looked somewhat unnatural.

Seeing his face turn red, Die'er, who was standing to the side, opened her eyes wide with curiosity and asked in a low voice.

"My benefactor, what's wrong? Did you leave in such a hurry that you didn't have time to put on a warmer coat?"

"Your face looks flushed and hot; could it be that you've caught a cold?"

Upon hearing this question, Jiao Si felt even more embarrassed and quickly waved his hand, offering a clumsy excuse.

"Exactly, exactly. The wind tonight is strangely cold; it's almost unbearable for me."

"You'll need to drink some ginger soup later."

Just as they finished making up their excuses, they saw two men returning from their illicit affair standing in front of the door, their arms around each other's shoulders.

"Brother Baihu, why are you so wet?"

"Brother Zhishan, it's really hot and dry on this autumn night. I just exerted myself so much, and now I'm sweating profusely."

"Let's not talk about that anymore. Let me tell you about that young lady, Little Sparrow. Excellent skills, excellent price..."

Jiao Si glared fiercely at the two of them and kicked the broom leaning against the door away.

The broom flew through the air, hitting the backsides of two men who were seeking pleasure. The two men stumbled and fell into a ditch beside them.

Jiao Si looked at Die'er awkwardly.

But then Die'er covered her mouth and smiled, letting out an "Oh".

Although she found it strange, she didn't press the matter, and simply lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes.

She was thinking about Sister Liu's instructions and what might happen tonight, and a blush crept onto her face.

Jiao Si clutched the letter, his mind in turmoil.

To go or not to go?

Liu Rushi's invitation was bold and passionate, and he was not entirely unmoved.

Leaving aside the weight this emotion carried for him after their shared life-and-death experience atop Plum Blossom Mountain and the heartfelt confession at Huai Shang Yun Lou.

The saying goes, "A fair maiden is the object of a gentleman's affections."

Just considering Liu Rushi's figure and appearance, what man wouldn't like her?

But it was already late at night, and he didn't know if there were any spies from the Eastern Depot or other forces outside. Besides... he subconsciously glanced in the direction of the west wing.

In the end, he made up his mind.

He coughed lightly, carefully put the letter away, and said to Die'er.

"Miss Butterfly, it's late. Let me take you back to Huai Shang Yun Lou."

Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in Die'er's eyes.

My benefactor... this is the time to keep our appointment.

I was happy for Sister Liu, but also a little nervous about what was about to happen.

After all, Sister Liu made it clear before she left that she might have to accompany them tonight...

She nodded obediently, "Okay...okay, benefactor."

Let's set off now.

Just as the two were about to leave, they heard a gentle voice behind them.

Her voice was gentle, yet it carried a distinct hint of bitterness.

"Brother Jiao, it's so late, are you going out?"

He turned around and saw that Ping'er was already standing at her door.

Ping'er had changed out of her previous plain dress and was now wearing a thin, light purple cloak. Her hair was loosely tied up, and she seemed to be preparing to go to bed.

But judging from those clear eyes, she was clearly not really asleep.

She had already heard the commotion in the courtyard, seen Die'er, and guessed the origin and contents of the letter.

The inexplicable feeling in her heart, like something gently tugging at her, made her unable to resist coming out.

Jiao Si felt a little guilty after being asked by her, and the burning sensation on his face became even more pronounced.

He mumbled a few words before remembering that he had already told Die'er that he would take her home.

This is a perfect excuse right now.

"Ahem... It's like this, I was just getting ready to go to bed when I heard Miss Die'er knocking on the door, saying that she had gotten lost and ended up in Fengping Courtyard."

"It's late now, and it's not safe for a young girl like her to go home alone. I was just about to take her back to Huai Shang Yun Lou!"

"I'll be right back after I drop you off!"

Ping'er listened quietly, her gaze shifting between Jiao Si's face and Die'er's body, a slight smile curving her lips.

A rare glint of cunning flashed in her eyes.

"Brother Jiao is right, it's indeed not safe at night. However..."

"Since we're seeing someone off, having another person accompany us will make the journey safer. How about I accompany Brother Jiao to escort Miss Die'er back?"

Jiao Si's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly waved his hand.

"There's no need to go to so much trouble. Miss Ping'er, you rescued me from the bottom of Plum Blossom Cliff and accompanied me to the Cloud Tower and the Eastern Depot. You must be exhausted."

"You should get some rest. I can take you there by myself, I'll be right back."

Ping'er took a step forward, her voice firm.

"Brother Jiao, you were just saying it wasn't safe to stay up late, but now you think I'm safe alone at Fengping Courtyard?"

"What if someone sneaks in while you're away?"

"I'll go with you, so we can look after each other."

"this......"

Jiao Si was speechless. He couldn't very well say that he was worried Ping'er's visit would disturb his "good time" with Liu Rushi.

Although he and Ping'er didn't have a close relationship, for some reason, this thought made him feel somewhat guilty towards Ping'er.

He thought for a moment and came up with another reason.

"A place like Yunlou... is a mixed bag, it might not be very convenient for you, Miss Ping, to go there."

Ping'er smiled slightly.

"Although Huai Shang Yun Lou is a place of pleasure, the fourth floor where Lady Liu lives has always been elegant and refined, and ordinary people are not allowed to enter."

"Besides, we're just escorting Miss Die'er home, not going out to philander. As long as we have a clear conscience, what is there to be afraid of?"

"Also, Brother Jiao, have you forgotten that although I come from the Duke's mansion, I am not the kind of pampered young lady who never leaves the house? I have seen some things."

His words were so impeccable that Jiao Si could find no excuse to refuse.

Looking into Ping'er's determined eyes, he sighed inwardly.

"......All right."

Jiao Si reluctantly accepted the result.

"Then let's... go together."

After saying that, he sighed to himself.

Die'er listened from the side, glancing at Jiao Si and then at Ping'er. She vaguely understood something and couldn't help but bury her head even lower.

The three of them left Fengping Courtyard together and walked towards Huai Shang Yunlou under the moonlight.