Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

At Rongguo Mansion, Jia Baoyu felt very remorseful for offending Daiyu at the Iron Threshold Temple. After returning home that evening, he hurriedly went to apologize to Daiyu.

Unfortunately, it didn't have much effect.

Sure enough, early in the morning, right after finishing breakfast, he slipped away to Daiyu's room, intending to plead for her again.

At the time, Daiyu was feeling down. This was because the pair of baby squirrels that Jia Lian had given her two years ago had long since grown up, but recently, one of them had suddenly fallen ill.

Despite Daiyu's best efforts to take care of him, nothing was of great benefit.

When I woke up this morning, I found that he was becoming increasingly listless and on the verge of death, with little time left to live.

Daiyu quickly released him and tended to him on the desk, hoping that he would be out of danger.

When the maid Zijuan saw Daiyu's appearance, she couldn't help but advise Daiyu not to be too sad.

However, seeing that Daiyu didn't seem to care much about these words, she thought for a moment, walked over to Daiyu's side, sat down and said, "Speaking of which, Master Bao treats you with the same care that you have for 'Yu Nu' and 'Yu Jiao'. Why don't you give him a good look?"

Last night, even though Master Bao begged the young lady in such a humble voice, she ignored him. That was really not right of her.

Yu Nu and Yu Jiao were the names Daiyu secretly gave to the two squirrels.

At first, Daiyu couldn't tell the sex of the two squirrels. It wasn't until the squirrels had grown quite a bit that Daiyu did a lot of research and, with the help of others' experiences, she finally determined that the two squirrels Jia Lian had given her were both female.

That's why these two names were chosen.

When Daiyu heard that Zijuan had wronged her, she snorted and ignored her.

Seeing this, Zijuan continued with a smile: "Speaking of which, our Master Bao was originally a troublemaker at home, but he has changed since you came, Miss."

Because the girl had lost her mother, Master Bao was afraid that she would be mistreated in our family, so whenever he got something good, he would always give it to the girl first.

Only when the girl no longer wants it does he dare to give it to someone else.

Given his feelings for the girl, she shouldn't keep giving him the cold shoulder.

Upon hearing this, Daiyu paused briefly, then said angrily, "Since he's so good, why don't you stop being my maid? I'll go and beg the old lady to send you to his room, okay? That way, I can repay his kindness!"

I don't know what he did to you that made you keep praising him to me. Humph.

Zijuan chuckled.

Jia Baoyu did not give her any benefits; the reason she did this was actually for Daiyu's sake.

Jia Baoyu was the apple of the eye of Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, and no one in the mansion dared to offend him in the past.

Although Daiyu was Grandmother Jia's granddaughter, in the end, she was still an outsider in this family.

If we show no mercy to Jia Baoyu now, and if Grandmother Jia and the others see this, they will probably be unhappy, which is not a good thing for Daiyu.

That's why she wanted to persuade Daiyu and Jia Baoyu to reconcile.

Of course, Zijuan didn't need to say such things to Daiyu, as it would seem like she was trying to curry favor. She chuckled and, in the manner of an older sister, tolerated Daiyu's sharp words, saying with a smile, "Miss, please don't say such hurtful things. To say nothing of the best, even among the young masters of noble families in the capital, Master Bao is considered one of the finest."

The girl is also a smart person. Look around, which noble young master would be so considerate and tolerant towards a girl?

Look at Baochai's brother, that Master Xue. I heard he beats and scolds the maids and servants in his house all the time. Baochai and her aunt have told him off about it countless times, but he doesn't take it seriously.

Only Master Bao is criticized by others for being too soft-hearted and compassionate. This shows that Master Bao's character is truly rare.

Besides, the old lady…

Zijuan stopped abruptly at this point.

What she was trying to say was that Jia Baoyu is handsome, and the old lady dotes on the two of you; you're bound to be betrothed in the future...

However, it was clear that before Grandmother Jia made her stance clear, even if everyone could guess what she was thinking, it was not something a mere maid like her would dare to reveal first.

Daiyu was moved by Zijuan's previous words and did not pay attention to Zijuan's expression.

She admitted that Zijuan was right; Jia Baoyu was indeed good to her, even to the point of trying to please her.

But what does that prove? It just shows that you're good-looking.

He treated all the maids in his household, and any other pretty girls, the same way, didn't he?

She would rather not receive such flattery.

He openly took advantage of the maids and committed other despicable and wicked acts...

On several occasions, he even tried to take her hand as if she were a maid, taking the opportunity to take liberties with her... If she hadn't remembered her second brother Lian's teachings and been careful to distinguish between men and women, he probably would have succeeded.

Thinking this to herself, Daiyu, eager to refute Zijuan, didn't think much before blurting out, "No matter how good he is, what does it have to do with me? Besides, can he compare to Brother Lian?"

Although I felt it was slightly inappropriate to say it, I didn't really care.

Anyway, she really felt that her cousin Jia Lian was the one who was truly respectable.

Her cousin, Lian Er, cared for her and loved her, but he was always proper and respectful towards her as his cousin. Even back in Suzhou, when he carried her up the mountain on horseback, and during the long journey he took her to the capital, he never harbored any improper thoughts towards her…

Upon thinking this, a blush suddenly appeared on Daiyu's face.

Zijuan was dumbfounded. What was going on? Why was the young lady blushing when Master Lian was mentioned?

Zijuan was also very clear about the relationship between Jia Lian and Daiyu.

That was the image of a mature and steady cousin, showing meticulous care for his orphaned cousin. Even though Jia Lian rarely came to talk to Daiyu, everyone in the mansion probably knew that Second Master Lian's gaze was always on this cousin who was staying as a guest.

In terms of affection for the young lady, he only showed a little less care in his daily actions than the old lady.

This earned him the girl's respect.

The girl was naturally aloof, but she became somewhat obedient and sensible only in front of Master Lian.

"Second Master Lian is naturally very good, better than anyone else, but..."

But, silly girl, can these two people be compared?

Even if Master Lian is a good man, he can only take care of you to some extent before your daughter gets married.

But what about Master Bao? He's the person you'll be spending your whole life with...

"But what?"

Daiyu coolly retorted with a question. Seeing that Zijuan had admitted Jia Lian was better than everyone else, it was tantamount to admitting that her previous statement that Jia Baoyu was better than ten thousand others was wrong.

Therefore, he stopped arguing with Zijuan, glanced at the sickly Anu, sighed helplessly, pulled out a drawer, and started doing the needlework that he had just begun.

"...Huh, I rarely see you doing this, young lady. What are you making this time?"

"It's nothing, just doing it for fun."

Zijuan, being Daiyu's personal attendant, recalled that Daiyu had been searching for flower patterns in her room a couple of days ago, and realized that it was for this purpose.

Judging from the style, she guessed, "Miss, you're making gloves, aren't you? Judging by the design, could they be for Second Master Lian again?"

"Don't talk too much. If you say another word, I'll kick you out."

Daiyu blushed slightly and reprimanded Zijuan with a lack of confidence.

Knowing that Jia Lian was going to escort his bride to the borderlands, she was very worried, but she didn't know what she could do for him.

The only thing I could think of was that the gloves I gave Jia Lian last time to keep warm in the northern frontier were either lost or worn out. So, I thought I might as well make him another pair.

That's all we can do. Even when giving gifts, we can't just give anything. Only this one can express her feelings without being easily misunderstood.

The mistress and servant were whispering in their private room, unaware that Jia Baoyu had overheard everything they said.

Jia Baoyu stood blankly at the doorway, tears streaming down his face.

He was deeply pained, never expecting that he was so insignificant in Daiyu's heart.

All the good things he did for Daiyu, Daiyu was completely oblivious to!

Instead, comparing him to Jia Lian is pointless; the key difference is, he's not even as good as Jia Lian!

Jia Baoyu prided himself on being detached from worldly affairs, but he was still a man after all. How could he admit that he was inferior to other men? Especially not in the heart of the girl he cared about most!

No one knows the heartbreak and despair he felt when he heard Daiyu say that he was no match for Jia Lian.

It's one thing for ordinary people to think he's inferior to Jia Lian, but why would Daiyu also think so?

Although Brother Lian Er has his own system of doing things, in essence, he is nothing more than one of those ambitious and scheming sycophants. How can he be compared with such a refined and outstanding young master as him?

He sought neither wealth nor fame, but only to live for women, to cherish them, and to be with them...

Isn't she a million times better than a vulgar person like Jia Lian? Lin Daiyu, I mistakenly considered her a confidante, and thought she was someone who wouldn't conform to worldly ways. Who knew I was wrong about her.

As he was already grieving, the conversation between the master and servant about the "gloves" overheard only worsened his already heavy heart.

She made things for her second brother Lian again...

It's been two years, and she still hasn't made anything specifically for herself.

Although he had a few of her things in his own box, they were just ordinary things that Daiyu had made but didn't want, which he had obtained through great effort and pestering.

Now, when I compare myself to him, don't I look like a joke?

Jia Baoyu, heartbroken and devastated, originally wanted to silently leave this sorrowful threshold. However, his resentment compelled him to step inside, his gaze fixed on Daiyu at the altar.

Zijuan was talking to Daiyu when she suddenly noticed Daiyu frowning and looking ahead. She turned around and saw that it was Jia Baoyu. She quickly stood up and said with a smile, "Oh, it's Master Bao! Miss seems to be in a good mood. Master Bao, why don't you talk to her? I'll go pour you some tea."

Faced with Zijuan's enthusiasm, Jia Baoyu abandoned his previous gentle and polite demeanor.

He ignored Zijuan, his gaze fixed blankly on Daiyu, and murmured, "Why is that?"

When Daiyu saw Jia Baoyu suddenly enter from the door, she guessed from his appearance that he might have overheard her conversation with Zijuan.

She felt a little guilty, but seeing Jia Baoyu's rudeness and his immediate questioning of her, Daiyu immediately lost her temper.

With a flick of her head, Daiyu said coldly, "What? Why? Master Bao is so domineering. Not only did he barge into my room without saying a word, but he also glared at me like that... He was the same way at the Iron Threshold Temple yesterday. Did I come to your house just to be treated like this?"

As she spoke, Daiyu felt wronged, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Jia Baoyu was stunned. How could she do this? She was the one who hurt me, so why was she acting all aggrieved first? For a moment, he felt a strange anger in his heart and asked, "I ask you, what is it about me that makes me inferior to others?"

Even if I am not well for a thousand days, I will be well for one day. Ever since the girl came to our house, I have been thinking about her day and night, afraid that she has been wronged, so I often come to keep her company and relieve her boredom.

Fearing that the old lady and her family might not be able to take care of her, and that the girl's room was lacking in anything, every time she would go and tell the old lady to have someone make up for it.

For so many years, we've shared meals and slept in the same bed. I always thought I understood girls best, but who knew I'd given my heart to the wrong person? I never imagined she'd treat me so cruelly behind my back!

Jia Baoyu spoke with such grievance that tears streamed down his face.

Upon hearing this, Daiyu felt even more heartbroken and aggrieved, with nowhere to confide in anyone!

Yes, Jia Baoyu helped her a lot, adding or removing things from her room, and she was grateful.

However, Jia Baoyu's directness at this moment makes it seem as if he, as the master, is bestowing charity upon her, who is living under someone else's roof.

Also, what do you mean by eating at the same table and sleeping in the same bed? It's true that they ate at the same table; Grandmother Jia usually ate with her granddaughters and great-granddaughters, plus Jia Baoyu.

But to sleep in the same bed is utter nonsense from Jia Baoyu!

At this point, he even went so far as to verbally slander her and ruin her reputation.

Even during the winter when she first arrived at the Jia family mansion, she and Jia Baoyu both lived in Grandmother Jia's room, one sleeping in the gauze-curtained room and the other in the outer room. Not to mention now, Grandmother Jia has long since assigned rooms to her grandchildren and added her own maids and servants to serve them.

Therefore, after Jia Baoyu finished speaking, she raised her eyes and tried her best not to be forced by Jia Baoyu. She scolded him in a coquettish voice: "You damned thing, if you dare to talk nonsense again, who will eat at the same table with you or sleep in the same bed with you?"

If you keep talking nonsense here, I'll tell my uncle and aunt that you're bullying me.

Daiyu was only eleven or twelve years old, and being a guest in the house, she was still somewhat afraid and humbled in the face of Jia Baoyu, who was in a state of emotional turmoil. Therefore, she could only bring up Jia Zheng and Lady Wang to intimidate him.

It worked!

Jia Baoyu's spirits lifted, and his eyes cleared instantly.

Zijuan, who had just returned from pouring tea, had no idea that the two cousins ​​would start arguing like this, like two black chickens, after she had only taken a few steps. She hurried over to pull Jia Baoyu apart and persuade him.

"Alright, Master Bao, please calm down. It's just that Miss has been in a bad mood lately. Her pet Anu is quite ill, so perhaps you should come back later, Master Bao."

Zijuan, wanting to avoid trouble, wanted to persuade Jia Baoyu to leave first.

Little did anyone know, her words struck a nerve with Jia Baoyu.

He glanced instinctively at the squirrel on the table...

It was given to her by Jia Lian again!

He was even angrier, and as he regained his senses, he recalled how he had lost his composure with Daiyu. Seeing Daiyu's tearful face, it was clear that she was not going to forgive him. He felt angry, ashamed, anxious, and utterly humiliated.

Zijuan's gentle words did not move him. He had a sudden inspiration, pushed Zijuan away, and with his other hand, ripped off the necklace from his gold necklace, which was his "lifeblood," and slammed it heavily onto the table in front of him.

When the fine jade came into contact with the pearwood table, it not only produced a deafening sound, but the precious jade also bounced three zhang high, and then with several clanging sounds, it fell to an unknown location.

"Ah~"

Upon seeing this, Zijuan's expression changed drastically.

Everyone in the Rongguo Mansion knew about the jade pendant on Jia Baoyu's body.

That was something Jia Baoyu brought with him from his mother's womb, something his family revered as an auspicious omen, and also Jia Baoyu's lifeblood.

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Even Grandmother Jia wouldn't dare to disrespect it!

When Jia Baoyu was young, he was willful and would smash things when things didn't go his way, in order to force Grandmother Jia and others to do as he pleased.

However, I've never seen Master Bao smash things so badly before.

At this moment, she couldn't care about anything else and hurriedly bent down and lay on the ground to look for the jade.

The clever Zijuan knew that if anything happened to this thing in the house, or if it was lost, she might not even be able to save her own life!

Even Daiyu would probably suffer a great deal of blame.

As for Daiyu, she was naturally startled by the enormous noise when Jia Baoyu unleashed his ultimate move, and even stopped crying for a moment.

"Squeak squeak squeak..."

Even the listless squirrel on the table was terrified by this sudden "earthquake".

It rolled over in a panic, trying to escape, but its legs were weak, and after only two attempts, it lost its footing and fell to the ground, making a softer "thud" than the sound of jade hitting the ground.

Although Daiyu saw it, she didn't dare to go over and pick it up at that moment.

Jia Baoyu also saw the little guy's miserable plight, and a hint of pleasure flashed through his mind.

This puzzled him greatly, for he clearly liked the little guy very much and used to come over often to secretly feed him behind Daiyu's back.