Dream of the Red Chamber: My Daiyu Has Been Reborn

The atmosphere in the Rongguo Mansion was eerily oppressive. Even the maids and servants breathed more heavily, fearing they would become scapegoats and suffer undeserved misfortune.

Grandmother Jia sat by Jia Baoyu's bedside, her face grim, and asked the servant beside her, "Has any news come from Shuntian Prefecture?"

"Reporting to the old lady, the second master has already reported the case to the police, but there's no news yet."

Just then, a flustered maid rushed in.

Grandmother Jia was already feeling annoyed, and seeing the young maid's reckless behavior, she frowned and was about to lose her temper.

Seeing that Grandmother Jia's expression was not right, the young maidservant quickly spoke up first: "Grandmother, the Second Young Master Gu has come again, saying that he is delivering an invitation to the flower appreciation banquet for Princess Anning."

When Madam Wang heard that Gu Jinhong had arrived, she stood up abruptly, her eyes red-rimmed: "How dare he show his face here? If you ask me, is it him who beat my Baoyu?"

"Shut up!" Grandmother Jia shouted at Lady Wang. After calming herself down, she turned to the maid and said, "Please invite Young Master Gu to Rongqing Hall."

Madam Wang persisted, saying, "Old Madam, Baoyu has always been kind to everyone, except for his feud with that Gu Er. That Gu must be the culprit who injured Baoyu."

Grandmother Jia looked at her coldly: "Do you have any evidence? If you don't, then shut your mouth. They've come to deliver an invitation; if you make a scene at this time, you'll only bring shame to the Rongguo Mansion."

Despite saying that, Grandmother Jia also felt that it was highly likely that Gu Jinhong was behind it. Jia Baoyu usually associated with the young men of the mansion who had connections with the Jia family, so they had no reason to do such a dirty trick. Only Gu Jinhong... She looked at Jia Baoyu lying on the bed, lost in thought.

Could it be that the two old women spread the word about Baoyu sneaking into Pear Fragrance Courtyard at night, and the Gu family found out?

Grandmother Jia shook her head and sighed. If that were the case, even if it could be confirmed that Gu Jinhong was responsible, they would ultimately be in the wrong.

"Yuanyang, help me to Rongqing Hall."

Yuanyang responded and helped Grandmother Jia out.

Madam Wang was left standing in the room, her face alternating between pale and flushed, her teeth almost grinding to powder.

Jia Baoyu had already woken up. With his eyes half-open, swollen shut to slits, he asked incoherently, "Mother, who has come? Does Lin Daiyu know I'm injured? Has she come to see me?"

Inside Rongqing Hall, Gu Jinhong was already seated, slowly sipping his tea with a composed demeanor, showing no sign of guilt whatsoever.

Upon seeing Grandmother Jia enter, Gu Jinhong stood up and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Madam."

Grandmother Jia forced a smile: "Young Master Gu, there's no need for such formality. May I ask what Her Highness the Princess's instructions are?"

"The Flower Festival is just a few days away. My mother is hosting a flower-viewing banquet at the Princess's residence and has specially sent me to deliver this invitation to the ladies of your household."

Granny Li presented the invitation, and Grandmother Jia took it, glanced at it, and nodded: "Your Highness is very kind. I will definitely lead the women of the household to attend."

"It would be wonderful if Madam could grace us with her presence," Gu Jinhong said, then changed the subject. "There's another matter I'd like to ask Madam for a favor. My mother is very concerned about Miss Lin, so she prepared some small gifts and had a junior servant deliver them. I wonder if Miss Lin is free at the moment?"

Grandmother Jia paused as she was about to serve tea. Now that the title of the Eldest Princess had been invoked, how could she possibly refuse to use the facilities?

"Amber, go see if Yu'er is free. If she is, have her come over."

"Yes," Amber replied and withdrew.

Grandmother Jia sized up the young man before her; his face was like jade, and his demeanor was refined. But the thought of her beloved Baoyu still lying in bed weighed heavily on her heart.

"Has Young Master Gu been busy lately?"

Gu Jinhong smiled faintly: "It's alright. I usually just stay at home and chat with my mother, and occasionally go out for a stroll."

Grandmother Jia narrowed her eyes and said meaningfully, "Young people should get out and about more, but they should be careful when going out at night. Although the capital is under the emperor's nose, there are always bad people who might do evil. It would be best if Young Master Gu took a few more people with him when he went out."

Gu Jinhong's expression remained unchanged, but he asked with concern, "The old lady's reminder is correct. I heard that your esteemed young master Bao was attacked by villains last night. I wonder how badly he was injured? Have the culprits been caught?"

Grandmother Jia tightened her grip on the prayer beads. Was this concern or provocation? If it was concern, she didn't believe it a thousand times over. If it was provocation, there was nothing wrong with the other person's expression and tone.

"Thank you for your concern, Young Master Gu. I have already informed Shuntian Prefecture."

Gu Jinhong nodded: "Lord Zheng of Shuntian Prefecture is very capable in handling the case, and I expect there will be results soon."

Footsteps sounded outside, and Daiyu followed Amber into Rongqing Hall.

"Grandmother".

Grandmother Jia beckoned to her: "Yu'er is here. Young Master Gu has sent some things to you on the orders of the Princess."

Gu Jinhong gestured for Granny Li to step forward: "My mother is thinking of Lin Daiyu and specially prepared some clothing and food for me to bring over."

With a smile, Granny Li handed a box to Zijuan: "This bird's nest is top-quality blood bird's nest. Miss, you should add some when you cook porridge or stew soup; it's very nourishing. There are also a few bolts of brocade and some food outside. The brocade is a new pattern that just arrived from the palace, which suits Miss Lin's temperament perfectly. I'll have someone deliver it to your courtyard later."

Grandmother Jia watched from the side, a smile on her face: "The Princess is so kind, Yu'er, shouldn't you thank her?"

Daiyu looked at Gu Jinhong and gave a slight bow: "Aunt Laolan's concern is truly something for me. Thank you for making this trip, Young Master Gu."

"Sister Lin, you're too kind. If you need anything, the Princess's residence and the Marquis's residence aren't far from here; just let us know."

Before Daiyu could answer, Grandmother Jia interrupted, "Young Master Gu, rest assured, Yu'er is my own granddaughter, and I would never let her suffer any injustice."

Gu Jinhong smiled and said, "The old lady dotes on her granddaughter, so I'm naturally at ease. I have another request. My mother has a few words for me to convey to Sister Lin. Would you allow me to speak with her alone for a few minutes?"

Grandmother Jia looked at Gu Jinhong, and the smile on her face immediately faded a bit: "Young Master Gu, this is probably not in accordance with the rules. Although you and Yu'er are engaged, the formal betrothal ceremony has not yet taken place. If word gets out, it will damage Yu'er's reputation."

Gu Jinhong's expression remained unchanged: "This junior understands what the old lady means. However, with Granny Li serving us, it doesn't count as being alone together."

After a moment of silence, Grandmother Jia finally relented.

"In that case, let the maids and nannies stay with you, and you can talk for a while in the courtyard. I'm tired, so I won't sit with you."

"Thank you for your kindness, Madam."

Grandmother Jia said nothing more, and with Yuanyang's help, she slowly walked out of Rongqing Hall.

Gu Jinhong turned to Daiyu and smiled, "Sister Lin, would you like to accompany me for a walk in the courtyard?"

Daiyu pursed her lips, did not refuse, and took the lead in walking out.

The two walked side by side under the veranda, about an arm's length apart. Zijuan, Granny Zhou, and Granny Li followed at a distance, wisely keeping their distance.

Gu Jinhong turned his head to look at her slightly reddened earlobes, a smile playing on his lips, and spoke first: "Little sister, please don't call me 'Young Master' anymore, it's too formal. How about calling me Jinhong or Second Brother Gu?"

Daiyu paused, not expecting him to speak like this, and her face immediately turned bright red: "You sent your grandmother away just to tell me this?"