Three Wives and Four Concubines in the Dream of the Red Chamber

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"But……"

Baochai hesitated before speaking, wanting to refuse. After all, this was all Gu Yu's money, and now that she had suffered an undeserved calamity from Baoqin, how could she accept it?

"Don't worry, Miss Bao. We're all relatives in the household, why make such a big deal out of it? Otherwise, when Master returns, you can go and apologize to him in person."

Qingwen's last sentence was strange, causing all the women to cover their mouths. Baochai blushed and was about to refute her, but seeing that the discussion had suddenly stopped, she quickly shut her mouth.

"What do you mean I should apologize... Shouldn't it be Baoqin and the others who should apologize—hmm?"

Looking at the four pretty faces huddled together, Baochai's heart skipped a beat. She abruptly turned to look at Qingwen's smiling face, but couldn't discern anything. She quickly and quietly patted her chest.

"It's said that Baoqin is coming to the capital this time to get married; we can't let Qingwen misunderstand..."

"only……"

Looking at the Li sisters, Coco Lee and Li Qi, Baochai inexplicably thought of the second and third sisters, You Erjie and You Sanjie, and with Xing Xiuyan standing beside her, elegant and poised with a carefree air, she finally began to think seriously.

If that's the nature of that bad person... no wonder Qingwen was willing to help!

Having figured out Qingwen's thoughts, Baochai couldn't help but take a few more glances at the girls. Judging from their appearances, they were all stunningly beautiful, but she still needed to observe their inner character more closely.

Thinking of this, Baochai quietly tugged at Yingchun's arm, and under her questioning gaze, leaned over and said a few words, then composed herself and joined the previous topic.

"Let me observe Miss Xing's character more closely...?"

Yingchun looked over blankly, not knowing what Baochai meant by those words. After hesitating for a moment, she silently remembered the matter and obediently observed from the shadows.

After the commotion finally subsided, the group smiled and bid farewell to Daiyu. Xing Xiuyan walked in the corner as usual, but suddenly couldn't help but look up to the side. She saw the second young lady of the Jia family smiling shyly at her, so she returned a faint smile and continued on her way with her head down.

"Why do I feel like someone has been staring at me?"

As for the second daughter, who remained as taciturn as ever, she was immediately excluded.

I was stunned at first sight!

Chapter Seven: Is there something evil in the Jia family mansion?

As it was getting late and it was inconvenient to explore the remaining areas, Baoqin took her leave and headed to Grandmother Jia's courtyard. Xing Xiuyan stayed at Zilingzhou with Yingchun, while the Li sisters, Li Wen and Li Qi, went to Daoxiang Village to stay with Li Wan.

In the following days, with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the girls were always busy receiving guests and entertaining the wives and concubines. They didn't have time to stroll around the garden and were busy in Rongqing Hall all day. As a result, they became more familiar with each other.

It wasn't until the thirteenth of August that Daiyu and the others finally settled down and, unusually, gathered together again, jokingly wanting to go for a stroll in the garden.

Even now, during this golden autumn season, the air is still filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, and the flowers, plants, and trees in the garden show little sign of withering. The weather is also quite cool, and you don't feel hot even after walking around for a while.

After passing Daoxiang Village, Baochai was smiling and about to lead them across the water bridge to Hengwu Garden when Baoqin curiously looked at the garden faintly visible at the end of another pebble path, which seemed to have houses as well. She couldn't help but ask:

"What kind of courtyard is that on this road? It looks quite nice. Why don't we take a look around here first?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

After saying that, Baoqin turned around with a beaming smile, only to see her sisters' smiles frozen and their expressions silent. A chill ran down her spine.

"But are there any... taboos?"

She only dared to think these words in her heart, after all, the Jia sisters were all there. Fortunately, the strangely terrifying silence dissipated very quickly, as if the silence just now was just a coincidental illusion.

"This is where Qingwen and the others live. Xiangling is probably still studying hard right now, so let's not disturb them for now."

Baochai walked ahead with a normal expression, leading the way. Before Baoqin could reply, Daiyu and the other three sisters quickly followed, leaving her behind.

"what happened?"

Baoqin looked suspiciously at the shadows of the trees over there, then at the Jia family girls who were chatting and laughing with the Li sisters and Xing Xiuyan.

It seemed like the same lively scene as before, but now it felt strangely unsettling. Baoqin shook her head, secretly mocking herself for overthinking, and quickly put her mind at ease and followed.

"Could it be that I've been reading too many folk tales? Why am I being so paranoid..."

Since it was still early, Daiyu suggested with a smile that they visit the Green Bamboo Nunnery. Baoqin and the others then discovered that the nuns invited by the Jia family were also exceptionally beautiful, and their hearts were already somewhat numb from the shock.

Xing Xiuyan, who had previously been low-key and silent, was pleasantly surprised at this moment. She took the initiative to step forward and take a look, revealing a rare bright smile:

"So it was Master Miaoyu!"

"Do you know?"

Seeing Xing Xiuyan affectionately step forward and take Miaoyu's arm, the women exchanged smiles and quickly inquired about the relationship between the two.

“I was her neighbor for ten years, separated by only one wall. She practiced Buddhism at Panxiang Temple. My family was originally poor, and we rented a house in her temple. We lived there for ten years, and I would go to her temple to keep her company when I had nothing to do. All the characters I know were taught by her.”

"We were friends from humble beginnings, and also had a mentor-student relationship. We went to visit relatives, and heard that she had left with her master because she was out of step with the times, and ended up here. Now, by a twist of fate, we have met again!"

"Truly a twist of fate! It's remarkable that you two, scattered across the country, have reunited here so soon. Let's raise a toast!"

Xiangyun's eyes sparkled, as if she could already see the unbreakable bond between the two. Now that Miaoyu had become her best friend, she must be able to imagine—wait, what?

Xiangyun suddenly froze, staring blankly at the two laughing and talking people in front of her. The smile on her lips suddenly froze, and she couldn't help but consider the possibility of the thought she had just had.

After spending time together, they could naturally see that the new sisters were all good people, but when Xiangyun thought about someone's personality, she suddenly regretted getting to know them.

Isn't this just inviting a wolf into the house?

In the blink of an eye, three wolf cards were dealt to them. Xiangyun pouted, suddenly losing her previous enthusiasm. She quietly walked to the side and kicked some pebbles, then couldn't help but look up at the south, counting the days in her mind.

"We should be heading back in a few days..."

……

With these new relatives this year, even without Jia Zheng at home, the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet in the inner quarters was more lively than in previous years, and the entire mansion began to bustle with activity early in the morning.

When Daiyu and the others came to pay their respects, Grandmother Jia, unusually, smiled and asked Baoqin to go play with them, and also specially asked Baoyu to go and keep them company.

"The water in the garden is cold now, so you have to protect your sisters and make sure nothing goes wrong."

Baoyu stood up happily, bowed, and followed the others out, but he didn't see Daiyu and Baochai's slightly pouting lips.

As soon as she entered through the side gate, Daiyu rolled her eyes, then turned to Baoqin with a smile and said:

"Xiangling asked us to give her some pointers yesterday. Why don't you go and join in the fun, Baoqin?"

"What kind of guidance?"

Baoyu couldn't help but interject, a sense of foreboding creeping into his heart. Before he could think about it for a moment, Baochai, understanding Daiyu's train of thought, revealed the answer.

"It's her scholarship, of course. This girl is obsessed with reciting poetry now. If she were to study some classics and historical texts, I think she would be no less accomplished than the scholars!"

"Huh? Could it be that she's going to become a female scholar?"

Baoqin was intrigued by these words. She hadn't expected that the girl, who was usually as pure and gentle as a rabbit, would have such a side. Her interest was piqued, and she quickly expressed her desire to go and see for herself.

As they talked, the topic naturally turned to academic pursuits. Daiyu and Baochai were both exceptionally intelligent, and with their deliberate guidance, Baoqin naturally joined in the discussion with great interest, making Baoyu's forehead throb with excitement.

They had already reached the entrance of the Grand View Garden, but they were still discussing which master's poem had a more profound meaning. Baoyu felt dizzy and didn't want to sit and suffer in the pear blossom and spring rain. He quickly made an excuse that he had heard a lesson and wanted to go back to study.

Watching Baoyu's disheveled retreating figure, Baoqin, noticing that the Li sisters and Xing Xiuyan were not present today, finally couldn't help but turn around and ask the question that had been lingering in her mind for days:

"Sister Lin, I have a feeling—"

Baochai was about to interrupt the girl's foolishness when Daiyu tugged at her sleeve, stopping her and letting Baoqin finish speaking.

"...He is the old lady's darling. These days, the old lady often talks to me about my second brother's character. He is a very good person. Although he doesn't like reading much, there's no need to make him lose face like this."

Baoqin was perceptive and had just noticed Baoyu's uneasy appearance. However, she still cooperated with Daiyu and the others to continue talking, but her curiosity grew stronger.

She has always believed that you can know a person's face but not their heart, and that seeing is believing. She believes that you should see a good person or a bad person with your own eyes before you can comment on them.

For example, when she went to the capital this time, she heard that she was going to the Jia family to find Aunt Xue, who was staying there. Naturally, Baoqin also inquired about the Jia family and heard about the reputation of Jia Baoyu.

Since entering the mansion, although she had seen her second brother's dislike of reading, she knew from his daily conduct that he was not the lecherous person rumored to be. Therefore, she was even more puzzled by his attitude towards Daiyu, Yingchun, and Tanchun, who were supposed to be closer to him.

Chapter 8 My Sister Is Strange.jpg

Seeing that the conversation had already begun, and considering that Daiyu was somewhat distant, Tanchun, who was standing to the side, stepped forward without hesitation to take over the topic.

“Sister Baoqin’s words are interesting. How can studying hard and making progress make people lose face? It’s not like those families who can’t afford to study think it’s a way of showing off.”

Baoqin choked upon hearing this, feeling somewhat frustrated. She hadn't made things clear to protect her brother's pride, but his even closer sister didn't take it seriously. Wasn't she just wasting her time?

Seeing her expression, Daiyu quickly smiled and came over to take her arm, leading her towards the pear blossoms in the spring rain, explaining as she did so:

"It's not that we meant to belittle Brother Bao, but Sister Baoqin is a discerning person. Has she ever seen another family with Brother Bao who spends all day idly hanging out with girls like this?"

Baoqin subconsciously shook her head. She had traveled all over the country and had never seen such a scene before, so she was really surprised in the first few days after arriving.

Young men of Baoyu's age who were already married were generally focused on their studies, or at most, they were beginning to learn how to manage the family property.

Even if they're a bit of a scoundrel, they're out there bullying men and women and chasing after prostitutes. How can someone like this be allowed to mingle like this in the inner chambers? Wouldn't that ruin the reputation of their own sisters?

Seeing Baoqin frown and a hint of displeasure flash in her eyes, Daiyu was secretly pleased and continued to press on:

"Sister Baoqin should also know the harm of continuing like this, but the old lady dotes on him too much, so we can't speak up or scold Brother Bao. We can only try to keep him from being idle all day long."

Baoqin finally understood, and sighed, saying:

"Although I've only been here for a short time, I can see how much the old lady loves my second brother. Although he has a good heart, he is getting older after all. Why didn't the old lady think of coming here?"

No one dared to respond to that.

Daiyu quickly changed the subject and continued talking about Xiangling. Baoqin thought it was just an excuse after she understood, but she didn't expect it to be true, so she went along to see what was going on.

This was her first time visiting Pear Blossom Spring Rain. She was surprised to see the endless rows of lush flowers, trees and shrubs until she reached the gate and caught a glimpse of the general layout of the courtyard. There was also a large garden next to it.

"A garden this deep inside, how can it be suitable to live there for long? The mosquitoes alone are especially hateful, wouldn't it just ruin your health?"

Although the cool autumn weather was fine, Baoqin felt uneasy as she tugged at her handkerchief, thinking of the scenes she had witnessed in Shu. The capital was better than Shu, but that couldn't stop you from living right here among the flowers and plants.

"There's no need to worry about that. When Brother Yu moved in, he had already buried lime and spices deep inside, and used many other methods. There are also servants who take care of things every day, so there shouldn't be any problems."

Baoqin nodded with some doubt, but she became even more curious about the Yu-gege that Daiyu had mentioned.

She had heard this title from them more than once these days. Apart from knowing that he was Lin Daiyu's brother, that he was temporarily staying at Pear Blossom Spring Rain, and that Xiangling and the others were his maids, she knew very little else.

Now, entering the pear blossom spring rain for the first time, Baoqin couldn't help but take a closer look, subconsciously wanting to know more.

"Since he's Lin Daiyu's brother, he must be quite old. Why would he still live in the garden? And he's not of the same status as Bao Yu... It's really strange..."

With this thought in mind, Baoqin decided to ask Aunt Xue again when she had time. After all, Baoyu could be considered her own brother after recognizing Lady Wang as his godmother, but this Yu-gege, who was completely unrelated to her, had nothing to do with her. Naturally, she had to find out the truth to avoid causing any trouble.

During the meal, Daiyu secretly glanced at Baoqin several times and saw that she was sitting in her seat chatting and laughing with her sisters without looking to the side. She finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She only relaxed after hearing Baochai talk about Baoqin, and no longer needed to deliberately hide it. This gave Baoqin the opportunity to hear them discussing Gu Yu.

However, it was only because Daiyu knew that Baoqin was already engaged that she dared to bring her over; otherwise, it would have been too impolite to invite her to a strange man's courtyard.

When it was time to eat, Baoqin finally sensed something was wrong. She watched as the other women stayed at Pear Blossom Spring Rain to eat as if it were perfectly normal, while her own sister and Daiyu sat down on either side of her in the main seats. She hesitated, wanting to say something but holding back.

"..."

Isn't this a bit against the rules? How can this happen when the host isn't home? Isn't this usurping the host's place? No, this is like a cuckoo taking over someone else's nest!

What surprised her even more was that after the maids Xiangling and Qingwen finished serving the dishes, they cheerfully pulled Ying'er and Zijuan away, leaving only one maid standing behind her to serve her.

"this…?"

Seeing Baoqin looking at her with a somewhat bewildered expression, Baochai smiled and comforted her:

"They're usually very close, they're just having a meal together in a private room, don't worry."

"?"

What kind of maidservant would ignore her mistress and go eat by herself?

Baoqin saw that what she said was nonsensical and was about to ask further, but then she glanced at Xichun and Xiangyun beside her, who were already laughing and picking up their chopsticks to eat. So she swallowed her words, thought for a moment, and turned to her maid:

"Zhu'er, you should go down and find them first. You don't need to wait here."

As she said this, Baoqin understood and felt ashamed. Daiyu and Xichun were all more pampered than she was, so why were they so lenient with the servants? Even her most well-behaved cousin had no complaints, while she had become the old scholar.

Is this the demeanor of a noble lady?

Baoqin stared at the laughing and talking women with bright eyes, as if she had discovered something extraordinary, which strengthened her belief that seeing is believing.

It is said that the more noble a family is, the stricter the rules are, but this Rongguo Mansion is not like that at all! Look at the young ladies of this family, none of them are spoiled or domineering, and they are even so tolerant of the servants. They are truly beautiful inside and out!

"The old lady is too kind to you. The food in this garden seems to be better than what she eats. I've never seen anything like it."

After tasting a few bites of the food on the table, Baoqin spoke with a mixture of admiration and doubt, but she sat up slightly and raised her eyebrows to look at Daiyu and the others with a more serious expression.

She had already been amazed by the luxury of the Rongguo Mansion by living and eating with Grandmother Jia, but she never expected that the treatment in this garden would be even more extravagant, which was simply unimaginable.