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

The imperial edict arrived swiftly at Fengping Courtyard.

Ping'er was washing clothes in the courtyard when she heard this and paused in her actions.

She looked up, her eyes filled with worry.

"Brother Jiao, this... how can this be? Ningguo Mansion... we can't go there."

"I have lived in the Second Prefecture for many years and have heard about the situation in Ningguo Prefecture."

"That place may look like a prestigious and wealthy family, but in reality, it has long been rotten to the core."

She paused, seemingly finding it difficult to speak.

"Especially that Master Zhen, whose behavior is the most absurd and outrageous. The relationships between the men and women in his mansion are chaotic and murky."

"If you, a foreign man, go in as a slave, I'm afraid they will find all sorts of ways to torment you, or even find a pretext to make you disappear without a trace."

"Besides, Brother Jiao, have you forgotten? You caused a huge scene in front of all the nobles and dignitaries at the old lady's birthday celebration. If someone recognizes you, all the old and new grudges will pile up..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear.

Jiao Si remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

"I understand what you mean. That place is a den of dragons and tigers."

Ping'er's tone softened slightly as she pondered for a moment.

"Brother Jiao, if we really can't escape it, perhaps... we could try asking Second Madam for help?"

When Wang Xifeng was mentioned, her expression became somewhat complicated.

"After all, Second Madam is the head housekeeper of the Rongguo Mansion, and she's well-connected. If you can get her protection, your days inside might be a little easier."

Before Jiao Si could think further, a knock came from outside Feng Ping Courtyard.

It was someone from Chongzheng Academy who delivered the letter from Xin Like and Miss Qin.

Xin Like's letter was extremely brief and blunt.

"The Jia family mansion is a place that eats people alive!"

"If you're not completely out of your mind, pack your things and get out of Nanjing!"

Qin's message was much gentler, but conveyed the same meaning.

"Jiao Si, Uncle Xin and I both believe that Ningguo Prefecture is not a good place."

"Your identity is sensitive, and there may be unpredictable dangers if you enter. Erlang Society has made preparations by water, and you can leave at any time if you need to."

"Never be reckless."

As Jiao Si looked at the letter in his hand, he recalled Miss Qin's entrustment, and the scales in his heart gradually tipped.

His experience atop Plum Blossom Mountain taught him to assess situations and act accordingly.

The Jia family is a complex place, and I myself have made a fool of myself in front of all the nobles in the city.

Once inside, it is indeed highly likely that every step will be fraught with danger.

Fleeing Nanjing and temporarily avoiding the limelight seems to be a safer choice.

Trying to contact Wang Xifeng first is indeed a good choice.

If Wang Xifeng is willing to help mediate, there might still be a glimmer of hope;

If they refuse, or cannot be contacted, then they should leave immediately through the Erlang Society's channels.

Having made up her mind, the important task of contacting Wang Xifeng fell on Ping'er.

However, something strange happened.

Wang Xifeng, who always seemed to "just happen" to appear and make sarcastic remarks every now and then, suddenly vanished from Jinling City this time.

No matter what method they used, the messages they sent always seemed to disappear without a trace.

This amplified his unease.

This woman is incredibly shrewd and well-informed.

She couldn't possibly be unaware that she had caused such a commotion.

Given her usual tendency to get involved in everything and especially to enjoy watching others suffer, she avoided seeing them at this moment.

Could it be...?

Jiao Si was caught in a deep dilemma.

Entering Ningguo Mansion is fraught with uncertainty and danger.

Fleeing Nanjing may ensure temporary safety, but it would be tantamount to confirming that he was "fleeing to escape punishment."

Having lost his official rank, the subtle protection brought by the Yellow Dragon Mandate Talisman may also become ineffective, making it even more difficult for him to return to Jinling in the future.

What should I do?

Just as I was hesitating, several rough shouts came from outside the door.

"Brother Jiao? Is Brother Jiao here?"

It was Da Mao's voice.

Jiao Si was taken aback. He opened the gate of Fengping Courtyard and saw a pretty figure wearing a brocade jacket.

She is Shui Yun, the younger sister of the Prince of Beijing and the Princess of Changle County.

She was still as mischievous as ever, and brought only Da Mao with her to the outside of Fengping Courtyard.

Jiao Si was somewhat surprised and invited the two into the courtyard.

Shuiyun did not sit down, but stood in the courtyard, looked around the simple courtyard, and got straight to the point.

"Jiao Si, I heard from my brother that the Emperor wants you to go to the Ningguo Mansion?"

Jiao Si nodded, "The imperial decree is difficult to disobey."

Shuiyun laughed heartily.

"That's perfect! You're skilled in martial arts. Instead of becoming a servant in the Ningguo Mansion, how about I take you in and make you my bodyguard?"

"Anyway, your kung fu is much better than Da Mao's."

Da Mao grunted, his huge head shrinking back as if he had been hit hard.

"really?"

Jiao Si's eyes lit up.

Going to the Prince of Beijing's residence would be much safer than going to the Ningguo residence.

Shuiyun stuck out her tongue. "Just kidding. I wouldn't dare to speak on the Emperor's decree."

"Besides, even if I were willing, my brother would never agree..."

Seeing that Jiao Si was somewhat discouraged, Shui Yun quickly spoke up to comfort him.

"However, you don't need to worry too much. Just go into the Ningguo Mansion."

Jiao Si raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean by that, County Princess?"

Shuiyun blinked, feigning mystery.

"Once you're inside, someone will take care of you. You won't really suffer any injustice."

"There's a 'big shot' up there who's going to protect you."

Jiao Si's heart skipped a beat.

Big man?

Within the sphere of influence of the Prince of Bei Jing's mansion, it was even possible for Shui Yun to personally deliver a message...

A name flashed through my mind.

Prince Bei Jing?

If it really is Prince Bei Jing who makes the move, as he is above the Eight Dukes and the head of the Four Kings, then there is not much of a problem!

Shuiyun didn't offer any explanation, she just patted him on the shoulder.

"The message has been delivered; whether you go or not is up to you. I'm heading back now!"

"If I have the chance, I'll visit you at Ningguo Mansion!"

After saying that, she didn't say anything more, turned around and left with Da Mao.

Jiao Si was left standing there, stunned.

Shuiyun's arrival was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, once again stirring up my anxious thoughts.

The secret assistance from the Prince of Beijing's residence seems to indicate that the trip to Ningguo Mansion is not entirely a dead end.

There may be more complex power struggles involved.

Finally, Jiao Si nodded.

He declined the offer from Miss Qin to leave through Erlang Hui and decided to enter Ningguo Mansion instead.

"I want to go take a look."

He said to Ping'er.

"Let's see what kind of den of dragons and tigers is inside, and who is 'protecting' it."

Ping'er hesitated for a moment, then sighed softly and began preparing his luggage.

......

Three days later, Jiao Si, dressed in coarse cloth and carrying a simple bundle, arrived at the side gate of Ningguo Mansion.

Above the main gate, there is a huge plaque with a black background and gold paint, bearing five large characters: "Imperial Decree to Build Ningguo Mansion".

However, how much crimson bloodstains are buried beneath this gold paint remains unknown.

Jiao Si looked back and saw Ping'er looking at him with a worried expression not far away.

He shook his head slightly to indicate that nothing was wrong, then Jiao Si lifted his leg and walked towards the Ningguo Mansion.