[The Grand View Garden Chronicle] Chapter 92: Wang Xifeng Manages the Festive Celebrations, Xue Baochai Shyly Sings the Dove's Song

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Chapter 92: Wang Xifeng Manages the Festive Celebrations, Xue Baochai Shyly Sings the Dove's Song.
Let's leave aside the story of Feng Ziying, a retainer of Prince Heqin, who was enjoying his life of luxury in his outer residence; With New Year's Eve approaching,
the weather grew increasingly frigid. For three to five days, heavy snow fell in the capital before finally clearing. Looking out the window,
the four gates and nine city walls, the bell and drum towers, the Dinghe River and Xiangshan Mountain, and the imperial palaces were all a vast expanse of white, an icy world.
The Grand View Garden, once designed by renowned architects and skilled craftsmen, had long been planned for this snowy landscape. Now,
draped in silver, the garden was bathed in white, appearing even more enchanting and alluring. The plum blossoms of Longcui Nunnery, the eaves of Zhuijin Tower,
the bamboo of Xiaoxiang Pavilion, the corridors of Dicui Pavilion, the spring of Qinfangyuan, the gravel of Yihong Courtyard, the bridge of Aojing Pavilion, and the fence of Daoxiang Village—each
possessed its own unique charm. At this moment, everywhere was dappled with jade and silver, pure white and glistening with dew, reflecting the snowy winter chill, creating a scene as beautiful as
a poem or a painting, truly intoxicating. Baochai, Daiyu, Xiangyun, Miaoyu, Yuanchun, Yingchun, Tanchun, Xiuyan
, Li Wan, and others, each possessing a touch of elegance and youthful sentiment, inevitably engaged in
activities such as appreciating the snow and composing poems, sweeping paths and smoothing frost, and tying ropes to protect the plum blossoms. Meanwhile, the young maids and servants, still innocent and naive, were even more mischievous, building snowmen and rolling snowballs. Meanwhile, the master of the garden, Prince Hongzhou, had 　　been listless and rarely ventured out
since the day his beloved concubine, Keqing, hanged herself at Tianxiang Tower .
He spent the winter holed up in the Gu'en Palace, occasionally visiting other rooms for a brief visit, but his interest
was always lukewarm. Everyone could see his waning enthusiasm, still preoccupied with Qin Keqing. Meanwhile, in the garden
, while others could enjoy the New Year with laughter and play, Fengjie was anything but idle. Following Hongzhou's
promise upon returning to Beijing from Zhangjiakou, a considerable sum of money was allocated to the garden for expenses: preparing banquets, making lanterns, producing tofu, replacing Spring Festival couplets, welcoming
the Jade Emperor, pasting door gods and New Year pictures, and auspicious characters for happiness and longevity. Fengjie and Ping'er were responsible for overseeing and directing everything, keeping them
incredibly busy. One issue is that all the rooms and courtyards have been newly painted, and many festive decorations for the New Year have been added,
naturally requiring the eunuchs from the three mansions to come and go. Another issue is that this winter, the steward of the Prince's mansion has taken charge, sending
various tributes from the estates and gifts from the servants to the garden, which she must personally receive and distribute. A third issue is that
many antiques, trinkets, jewelry, and paintings are all valuable items, requiring careful allocation and placement in each room and courtyard, ensuring that no one is neglected
and no one is taken advantage of. Finally, there are the deer, rabbits, and bears... Deer tail, monkey head sea cucumber, dried scallops and
bird's nest—all rare New Year's delicacies—had to be meticulously prepared by the small kitchen. The first portion was naturally offered to the Gu'en Palace,
and the rest had to be distributed among the various households, with those weaker receiving less and those with more maids receiving
more. In addition, there were numerous maids, palace maids, and eunuchs throughout the garden, handling tasks such as adding clothes, making quilts,
distributing jewelry, and distributing monthly allowances. With people coming and going, it was no easy task for Sister Feng to manage and arrange everything
so properly. Since Ke Qing's passing, her power and influence had increased, but she was too lazy to bother Baochai, Li Wan, Yingchun, and others. As for
Yuan Chun, her status was still undetermined, and Hong Zhou hadn't even granted her an audience, making it inconvenient to seek her out. Instead, she relied on Xi Ren
, She Yue, and others in the Yi Hong Courtyard to help her out.
This day was the eve of the Lunar New Year, the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month. According to the customs of the time, proper New Year's greetings would not be given until the
first day of the first lunar month. However, the evening was for the "New Year's Eve Banquet," which was a grand feast. Logically, there should have been a banquet bestowed by the imperial
palace, but although there were rumors that the emperor was unwell, the newly appointed Governor-General of Zhili, Li Wei, only said, "I have reported to His Majesty, His Majesty
is very auspicious. He also said that all New Year's celebrations in the countryside should not be prohibited, and that a peaceful and lively atmosphere is the proper way." Therefore, even the inner
court issued an edict, ordering the princes to have their own family banquets for the New Year and not to come to the palace to perform the formalities. Therefore, early in the morning,
Fengjie went to the Gu'en Hall to pay her respects and ask Hongzhou whether he should return to the Prince's Mansion for the New Year. If he stayed in the garden, then
there would naturally be a grand banquet for all the beauties that evening, and she wondered how to handle it. To everyone's surprise, Hongzhou hadn't summoned any attendants last night, and his mood had improved slightly today
. He even laughed and said, "Since I promised you all a good New Year, then you should have a good New Year. You can enjoy yourselves tonight
; I won't go. Otherwise, I'll make you all pretend and not be able to indulge yourselves... You
are family by right, so you should do whatever you want. It's only natural for sisters and aunts to have fun together... You might as well have your maids
tell those who are a bit temperamental that I'm not going, so they won't have any worries during the New Year and can have a good time."
Fengjie knew he was referring to Daiyu, Miaoyu, and probably Yuanchun, but she could only pretend to be confused and vaguely agreed with a smile
.
By evening, in the main hall outside Zhuijin Tower, Fengjie had already ordered the underfloor heating to be turned on.
Thirty to fifty newly crafted palace lanterns hung on the surrounding corridors, some depicting figures of warriors and horses, others the Eight Immortals, some a miniature Jade Pool, and still others dragon and phoenix pillars. The
lantern shades were all newly pasted with yellow paper, each bearing a poem or a riddle—
riddles created by the sisters in the garden before the New Year. In the courtyard of the main hall, the maids and eunuchs had already swept away the remaining snow, but instead brought in eight large glass vats,
placing them in eight directions, each filled with clean water to reflect the colors of the lanterns, making them exceptionally bright and exquisite. On the hall's porch,
two layers of thick curtains hung: one layer of heavy blue cotton to block the wind and cold, and the other decorated with small beaded and floral curtains. Inside,
deliberately unconventional, a dozen or so small rosewood tables were arranged haphazardly, each spacious enough
to seat three people. Inside each table was a soft, plush chair with a fox fur shawl, each with a
small foot warmer and a towel rack. A small bronze stove below held an oil lamp, and a basin of hot water above
kept it warm, neither too hot nor too cold, with towels, hand warmers, and bowls hanging on it.
On the tables were wine cups, tea cups, bowls, chopsticks, and plates made in the imperial kilns. Even before the food was served, dried and fresh
fruits, assorted candied fruits, and delicate snacks filled most of the table, illuminated by a bright candle. In the north wing of the hall,
there were two tables, slightly different and more spacious, one in the center and one slightly to the side. Although these tables were arranged haphazardly
, upon closer inspection, each could be positioned slightly to the west. To the west, an open space was enclosed, where
a small, brightly decorated stage had been erected. The garden was lavishly decorated with potted flowers, bonsai, coral, and coin trees,
truly displaying the utmost care and imperial elegance.
Since the afternoon, Fengjie had sent maids, servants, and even herself and Ping'er to invite him. Since Hongzhou had declined
, it was a small gathering of sisters and aunts. Although the situation was different from previous years' gatherings at Ningrong Garden, the women
had been in the garden for some time, and no matter how shy or ashamed they felt upon meeting, they couldn't feign a family reunion.
Evenings are no longer spent alone with their younger siblings. As evening fell, one after another, Baochai, accompanied by Ying'er and Wenxing, followed by
Baoqin; Xiangyun, accompanied by Cuilou and Cuiyu; Yingchun, accompanied by Siqi and Xiuju; Tanchun, accompanied by Shishu and Cuimo; Xichun,
accompanied by Ruhua and Caiping; Li Wan, accompanied by Suyun and Sumei; Xiuyan, accompanied by Zhuan'er and Li'er; and You Erjie, accompanied by Shanjie
, all came to sit in Zhuijinlou. Although the two sisters, Li Wen and Li Qi, were young, they were seated at a separate table. Xiren, accompanied by Qingwen and
Sheyue, naturally came to joke around. Even Lady Wang and Aunt Xue, who originally dared not come, were invited by Fengjie after much persuasion and
sat at a table in a corner. Even Daiyu, who rarely socialized, came with Zijuan and Xueyan, and Miaoyu came with Zhineng'er.
In Gu'en Hall, Ruiguan and Yuanyang took turns serving Hongzhou. Even the sisters Jinchuan and Yuchuan came with
Xiuluan and Xiufeng to gather together. As for the other maids of some standing, they arrived in a large, imposing group.
Inside the Dripping Green Pavilion, besides Rui Guan serving Hong Zhou, Fang Guan, Ling Guan, Dou Guan,
Ou Guan, Kui Guan, Ai Guan, Qie Guan, and other maids were already dressed up on the small platform on the west side, playing the zither, pipes, flutes, and xiao, using all their
warm and cheerful music to entertain themselves.
With Hong Zhou absent, the maids were a little more relaxed, sometimes guessing riddles outside, sometimes
chatting and laughing in small groups, whispering sweet nothings. Seeing that Feng Jie had deliberately arranged the small tables and chairs haphazardly, they knew she meant
"don't be so formal about positions in the garden, let's be more relaxed," and the maids were naturally happy, simply
sitting wherever they liked. However, they noticed that the two tables on the north side were slightly different; the one
in the center was naturally Feng Jie's, but no one dared to sit on the other.
Just as everyone was about to sit down and speak, Fengjie personally led Yuanchun in from outside. Everyone then began to ponder
Fengjie's good intentions. Today was New Year's Eve, and since Hongzhou wasn't attending, it could still be considered a "family banquet." Naturally,
there should be a way to comfort and appease Yuanchun, the former virtuous concubine. However, she didn't even have a formal rank, and Hongzhou
hadn't yet favored her, yet her past wealth and favor were unmatched. Therefore,
a table had been specially set up below Fengjie's table.
A few days ago, Fengjie had arranged for Madam Wang to meet Yuanchun privately. It was merely a mother and daughter reunion; they embraced and
wept bitterly, unable to utter many words. It was only after Sister Feng made an excuse to leave that Madam Wang, disregarding her shame, softly
pleaded with her once noble and honorable eldest daughter: "When a woman reaches this point, all is lost.
There's no point in talking about chastity or fidelity anymore. You must serve your master well. Eldest sister, although you are already a few years old, you are still
young and beautiful. I see few in the garden who can compare to you. If you are diligent, I'm afraid your master might still grant
you his favor… I am utterly humiliated and have no face to teach you anything. But the fact that we, mother and daughter, can still see each other in
this life is already a blessing we could never have imagined. Even if it is humiliating and shameful, we should…" "I've endured it all... You
crawled out of a pile of corpses, receiving such kindness from your master, yet you don't even feel ashamed to repay it. Even
Heaven wouldn't forgive you... If your master wants to see us girls ashamed, then we'll be ashamed; if your master wants to see us girls humiliated, then we'll humiliate
... If I weren't of such low rank in the garden, and dared not rashly go to see my master, I would... Anyway, your mother won't
harm you again, just be careful." Yuan Chun was both ashamed and bitter, never expecting her mother to have fallen to such a state.
Yet, she couldn't help but feel a joy at "seeing her loved ones again." Overwhelmed with mixed feelings of sorrow and joy, she couldn't say anything, only silently
shedding tears.
However, since Yuan Chun had only just entered the garden, and today was New Year's Eve, she felt a thousand grievances and immense shame in her heart,
knowing that Feng Jie meant well. At this moment, she could only force a smile and greet her sisters one by one. When she saw Lady Wang,
Ying Chun, Tan Chun, and others, she couldn't say anything sad, and then they all took their seats. She was a clever girl, and
having spent a long time in the palace, she knew best the importance of rank and hierarchy. Seeing that the seat that Sister Feng had arranged for her was even above everyone else's, she
refused to sit there and insisted on declining, only sitting at a table on the other side. Everyone was seated when the maids 　　brought out
hot wine, fresh fruit, piping hot pots, and flowing tea. Fengjie, however, picked up a small wine cup and laughed, "This garden is large, and there are many sisters. 　　It's inevitable that some will have headaches or fevers today, or minor illnesses tomorrow. It's rare that everyone is here today, and most of the sisters are present. It 　　's also a good day, so I'll state a few of my 'rules,' and everyone should give me some face and comply with them." 　　Although the women thought she was joking, they vaguely understood that she was giving orders from a superior to an inferior. Since it was 　　a "New Year's Eve family banquet," she, the only "concubine," was naturally the most respected person in the garden. Starting with Baochai, and continuing with the other women, including 　　Lady Wang and Aunt Xue, they all rose and respectfully curtsied, saying, "Everything is at Concubine Feng's command..." Even Yuanchun, 　　unsure of how to address her, rose and curtsied in obedience. 　　Sister Feng chuckled and gestured for everyone to sit down before saying, "The first rule is that we must have a good time today. 　　Everyone should chat and laugh. Don't think we're too vulgar because we're not well-educated; even we blind girls 　　should cheer each other on. Let's play drinking games, tell jokes, and move around as we please. I've even prepared 　　cushions for you. The most important thing is to have fun... The second rule is to have wine. I know you sisters don't drink much, but today 　　is New Year's Eve, the last day of the lunar year, which only comes once a year. I had Ping'er place a pot of warm wine on each table. 　　It's wine made from flower petals sent from the palace. What's it called... what was it again?" Ping'er laughed and said, "Call it ' 　　Qunfang Sui' (群芳髓)," and Fengjie also laughed and said, "It's this 'Qunfang Sui,' it's sweet and mild, actually very good to use, 　　like honey water. Everyone should use some before drinking tea. Don't force yourself, but don't be too reserved either, it's only once a year 　　. It's fine if Lin Daiyu uses medicine because she's not feeling well, but if anyone else doesn't drink a drop of wine, would 　　n't that be a waste of all the effort I've put in for half a month? They should be punished!" 　　Everyone laughed and agreed, but unexpectedly, even Daiyu, who was usually aloof, actually picked up 　　her small cup today and took a small sip under everyone's gaze, indicating that "she was no exception." Sister Feng 　　smiled with delight and continued, "The next point is that the sisters usually live in their own rooms, and people 　　say that every family has its worries. It's inevitable that some of us will have some unpleasant thoughts, especially since some of 　　you are no longer here… But today is New Year's Eve, and I specifically forbid everyone from looking gloomy. Please 　　put aside any sad or upsetting things for now; after the fifteenth, I will grieve with you. But today, you are not allowed to mention them."

"Is it alright? I think it's not up to me to decide, but the master has given the order: 'Don't think about anything too troublesome during the New Year, just
enjoy yourself to the fullest.' Everyone should take the master's order seriously. Anyone who cries and whines today... must be punished
... is that alright?" Upon hearing this, everyone understood her meaning. To be honest, it wouldn't matter to others; one was Miaoyu, Daiyu
, and a few others who were naturally indifferent; another was You Erjie, who was now lonely and helpless; and the third was Yuan Chun and her sister, who inevitably had
their sorrowful and shameful heartaches. But she "absolutely wouldn't allow it," and although she spoke jokingly, it already carried an air of authority and severity.
Besides, it was a well-intentioned order, so how could they not obey? Even Yuan Chun, feeling that silence was inappropriate, picked up her wine cup and
softly echoed, "What Consort Feng said is quite right. At the end of the year, sisters should laugh and have fun. What
kind of appearance is this, crying and sobbing?..." Everyone knew that she was the most heartbroken and embarrassed person in the garden at this moment, but seeing her courage and
composure, they couldn't help but admire her.
Fengjie nodded and continued, "The next item is the New Year's rewards. Antique furniture, decorations, and even the
new clothes made by the mistress according to the design, along with the large portion of the monthly allowance, have all been distributed. There are also
some small trinkets that the master has given as extra favors, which are still with me... I've distributed more than twenty portions, and I was thinking of having some
fun. Outside, the sisters are making riddles. After everyone has some wine, it's not good to just sit and digest.
We can move around, look at the riddles, guess the riddles, and set off firecrackers... The Imperial Household Department has also sent over such a big firework... Anyone
who dares can set it off; everyone can have a good time. Whoever guesses whose riddle or sets off fireworks and firecrackers
for fun should naturally be rewarded with a New Year's gift. This applies not only to mistresses, young ladies, and maids, but also to servants and maids.
If anyone doesn't receive any, we will punish them, is that alright?"
Everyone agreed, hearing her enthusiasm. Some of the mischievous ones were already impatient to see the riddles and
find the fireworks. But then Sister Feng laughed and said, "This last point is the most important..." She paused intentionally, and everyone
knew she had something important to say. The chattering and laughter that had been filling the air quieted down. Then Sister Feng chuckled
and pointed to the west side of the table, saying, "I've already had Fangguan and the others prepare music. There are all
sorts of instruments here—sheng, guan, di, xiao—it's New Year's Eve, and if we just play around or get drunk, wouldn't that be like those boorish men outside?
What kind of decorum would that be?... According to my opinion today, all the ladies, young mistresses, and young women should join in the fun. Those who can sing
should sing a song, those who can dance should dance a dance, those who can play the zither should play a piece, and those of you who are 'refined' can even compose a poem
... Everyone shouldn't be shy; it's good to have a good laugh. The servants and maids are also welcome
to join in if they're interested. " "But the young ladies and maids must have... and, no matter what they act out, they must
have some flirtatious and sensual air..." She said, her voice tinged with shyness. She glanced at the crowd before
blushing and encouragingly adding, "My master has been kind enough to say he's not feeling well today and won't be here... but I think, whether my master
is here or not, we are all his sex slaves, and that's the most important thing. Even pleasure shouldn't be forgotten.
So, even in play, we should remember our status and act flirtatiously to please our master... Actually,
Qin Shi said the same thing before. She was lewd and immoral, betrayed her master, and deserved to die! But the point she made
was still valid... Anyone who doesn't obey me today should be punished!"
Some cheered, while others pondered, feeling that what Sister Feng said was quite profound. The girls in the garden
, except for one named Xiren, were all from prominent families, their status above "young lady"
a testament to their refined manners. From childhood, they had cultivated their talents in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and song. Even if they couldn't sing or dance, playing a musical instrument, reciting a poem, or singing a tune
to add to the festive atmosphere would be appropriate. However, firstly, since Fengjie had explicitly stated that it "had to be flirtatious and alluring," although the girls
had been Hongzhou's servants for some time, they were still quite young and shy. Secondly, since she had specifically said, "Those who can sing should
sing a song, and those who can dance should dance a dance," how could they not comply? Knowing that her poetry was mediocre, were they all just making
up a few lines and spoiling her mood? Thirdly, although her words were gentle,
the use of Hongzhou as a scapegoat carried a subtle but powerful undertone. Those with keen intellect, such as Daiyu, Baochai, and Miaoyu, could easily discern that she was using this opportunity to warn everyone
that now that the master of the garden was decided, it was time for Fengjie to establish her authority. Fourthly, she had just explicitly forbade the discussion
of painful matters, yet she dared to defy the current taboo in the garden by specifically mentioning the name "Qin Shi," and even
went so far as to criticize her, saying, "Lewd and immoral, betraying her master, she deserves to die." Combined with her earlier words, it all sounded like
a warning: "Don't follow Qin Shi's example."
Seeing some people remain silent, Fengjie raised her phoenix eyes and arched her eyebrows, looking at the women with a half-smile.
No one dared to spoil the mood, and they all said, "Everything is up to Consort Feng," and "Sister Feng is absolutely right."
On the other side of the small table, sitting with Ping'er, was a maidservant who served Feng Jie. She
had also served Hong Zhou in bed; her original name was Hongyu, but now she was called Xiao Hong. To liven things up, she couldn't help but laugh, saying, "Madam has mentioned
one punishment after another, but what should be the punishment? We servants only have a few months'
allowance, and we don't have any spare money to pay it back."
Her teasing remark drew laughter from everyone. Feng Jie even scoffed, "Nonsense! You're so clever!
Do you think I'm short of your allowance?" Xiao Hong blushed, waving her hands repeatedly, her face flushed with embarrassment.
She lowered her head shyly and said, "Madam, you've misunderstood me. I mean, fining her some silver is vulgar and forced. I… I
just had a random idea, but I couldn't bring myself to say it…" The other women, not wanting to be rude,
all urged her to speak. Xiao Hong spoke softly, almost inaudibly, her head bowed, and said shyly
, "I was just thinking... Second Madam said that even Gao Le shouldn't forget her roots. I was thinking... I was
thinking... um... Master set a rule in the past that among the female slaves in the garden, if a higher-ranking servant harasses a lower-ranking servant, the lower-ranking servant must
abide by it, even if it's humiliating. Isn't that her duty? But... over the past year, I've noticed that each household is shy, often only
taking pleasure in their own maids... That's all. Although it's barely acceptable, it's still somewhat perfunctory towards Master
... We are originally the mistress's maids and servants; if that's all there is to it, how can we conform to the
hierarchy Master established for the garden?... Today, taking advantage of Madam's words, why not set an example? Master isn't here, so
if anyone breaks Madam's rules at the banquet today, they should be punished... then... then punish her... properly use her body..."
"For the enjoyment of other superiors for one night? ...Grandma said she wanted a romantic experience, and what could
be more romantic than doing these things on New Year's Eve? Tomorrow is the first day of the Lunar New Year, and here are Jin Chuan and Yu Chuan
serving the master. If we tell the master, he might be pleased."
Although she spoke softly, everyone took it seriously. These girls, whether they had lost their virginity or not, were only seventeen or
eighteen years old, and how could they not blush with shame? Before Fengjie could answer, Ping'er, standing beside Xiaohong, frowned and
spat, "You're talking nonsense! Even in jest, you must follow the rules of the master.
There's a clear distinction between superiors and inferiors in the garden. Does that mean that if a young lady or mistress is punished, she should be
forced to have her body taken by another young lady or mistress? And who should be chosen to enjoy it? Wouldn't that disrupt the proper order? If it were a mistress of a household... who would be qualified to enjoy her? If the master finds out you're
talking nonsense, she'll skin you alive..." Xiaohong blushed even more and lowered her head, whispering, "Sister is right... I
was just thinking carelessly... Since that's the case, I think it should be this way. Whoever was punished... today
, let's invite Second Mistress... no... let's invite Consort Feng to enjoy her body. Who in the garden can compare to Second Mistress's status now?"
"...Even if there are some improprieties, it's still acceptable, isn't it?" Fengjie laughed and spat, "You two hussies,
what nonsense are you spouting... How did you get so carried away?" Ping'er lowered her head and thought for a while, then said seriously, "Madam...
Logically speaking, what Xiaohong said is acceptable, but in terms of etiquette, it's acceptable..."
The women in the garden, except for a few who were completely oblivious, after listening for half a day, how could they not understand the implications? They all
knew that Fengjie was using tonight's New Year's Eve banquet to set an example, establish rules, and reorganize the hierarchy within the garden.
The women were ashamed and annoyed, but what their mistress and servant had said wasn't entirely wrong. They all looked at each other, and since things had come
to this point, they naturally had to see what the two "young mistresses" of the garden, Xiangyun and Baochai, would do. Xiangyun was a little sleepy
and only vaguely heard, but Baochai blushed and refused to stay behind the table. Instead, she gracefully walked
a few steps out, performed a deep bow, and spoke clearly, though her voice was soft:
"Sister Feng, although Xiao Hong was joking, what she said is quite reasonable. Firstly, our mistress is in a bad mood right now, and
as servants, it is our duty to find ways to amuse her. Even wishing her a pleasant time is a proper matter for us, and
it's not as important as indulging in poetry and drinking. Secondly, now that something has happened in the garden, we should reorganize the rules of hierarchy.
You, Consort Feng, are the only consort, and you have worked hard to manage the garden for your mistress. As Xiao Hong said, those in higher positions should
enjoy themselves... and indulge in debauchery... while those in lower positions are only in their place. That is the master's rule, and it is also the master's way of bestowing
favors upon those in higher positions and humiliating those in lower positions for amusement. We sisters are
too shy to only use the maids in the house for amusement, and there is a sense of perfunctoriness involved, which is not very appropriate. Although Baochai is clumsy, she understands that Xiao Hong has good intentions, so
please, Sister Feng, don't refuse, and please agree. Even today, the reward for those who violated the rules at the banquet should be given to them." "Body. Speaking
of which, logically speaking, regardless of whether there should be a punishment at any banquet, regardless of Baochai's behavior today, if Sister Feng
is to set rules for the garden, Baochai is the mistress, and Sister Feng is the concubine. Please instruct Baochai to
properly serve Sister Feng tonight... play with her body, humiliate her soul, and defile her. That is the proper way. Before our masters, we are all slaves,
but before Sister Feng, Sister Feng is the master, and I am also Sister Feng's slave. I should be the first, the first in line. It is good to set rules
... However... there are still some matters that cannot be discussed... I ask Consort Feng to consider them."
Although Sister Feng occasionally had interest in the beauties in the garden, she was not as lustful as Ke Qing. She also knew that Baochai was deeply
favored by Hong Zhou and had no intention of actually having other women sexually humiliate her for her own amusement. However, seeing that Baochai was now wearing a pink cotton-padded jacket in winter,
with half a glimpse of spring at the neckline, and that her waist, legs, hips, arms, wings, and breasts were all so slender and beautiful that they were intoxicating.
Her graceful figure was one thing, but her respectful, shy, and humiliated expression was something I had never seen before.
My heart fluttered, and I almost couldn't resist calling her over. But then I heard her say "there's more to it," so I quickly said, "
Sister Bao, please speak..."
Baochai bowed slightly before composed herself and said, "The rules you set when you first entered the garden, Master,
I have never forgotten. But remembering that your first word was 'careful,' I haven't dared to take it literally,
but rather tried to understand and learn your likes and dislikes. Logically, now that we've come to this point, it should be I who politely beg
Sister Feng to accept my body... but I've thought..." Thinking further, the rules set by the master don't just permit women to have sexual relations;
why does it say that those in higher positions rejoice while those in lower positions are humiliated? In terms of status, we are all, in essence, the master's slaves, so why the need for such elaborate
five-rank divisions? After much deliberation, although the master allows the women in the garden to have some…unrestrained desires, he ultimately
cherishes their chastity. It is a blessing for us to be violated by the master, but in matters of love and lust
, we should cry when we should cry, feel ashamed when we should feel ashamed, and be humiliated when we should be humiliated… As for our sexual relations, it's not for the master's enjoyment
, but merely to add to his interest, and also for us to strive to curry favor. Those in higher positions rejoice, while those in lower positions are humiliated…
…Therefore, I had a foolish thought: Baochai is a concubine, and if Sister Feng wants Baochai to serve me, although I must
obey wholeheartedly, I should also follow my natural instincts as a young lady… I should avoid her, evade her, and beg for her attention;
at the very least, I should suffer, endure the pain, and be humiliation. As for Consort Qing, who was granted death by the master's grace,
I don't believe it's true that she betrayed the master. However, there is one thing: the master himself said, "poisoning the women in the garden." Therefore
, after much consideration, I decided that Baochai should not beg Consort Feng for her pleasure… "There's so much to say here, it's just that I'm afraid you
might have misunderstood..."
She spoke tactfully, and everyone accepted her "reasonable logic." Several clever ones
had already discerned that she was implying the forced nature of the lesbian encounter, suggesting "suffering, pain, and humiliation," which
contradicted Hongzhou's earlier instruction to "enjoy the pleasure to the fullest." She was also subtly pointing out that Hongzhou still harbored feelings for Keqing, a clear attempt
to advise Fengjie... yet she was mindful of Fengjie's authority and reputation at every turn. It was truly a fine argument.
Sure enough, Fengjie quickly waved for her to sit, saying with a smile, "Sister Baochai is most considerate of her mistress's wishes;
how could she be as blind as me, spouting nonsense... Let's not spoil the mood, let's continue what we were saying and continue
drinking and having fun..."
Baochai smiled demurely, but instead of returning to her seat, she took a wine cup from her own table and took a small sip.
With a hint of joy, she blushed and said, "But the rules for the banquet that you mentioned earlier, sister, are absolutely perfect
... What's the point of just drinking? And poetry and such are too pretentious... Today is New Year's Eve, and Sister Feng said that
I'll be the first to sing a Taoist ballad I've learned to entertain everyone... If you all like it, please drink
a cup to ward off bad luck and welcome the new year, and I won't punish you, okay?"
Her words truly delighted and charmed everyone, and Sister Feng, smoothing things over, felt a surge of pride... Moreover, Baochai
was always gentle and virtuous; her poetry, calligraphy, and painting were already quite impressive, but for her to actually "sing a Taoist ballad" was enough to impress not only
the maids and palace women, but even Daiyu and Miaoyu were captivated.
But then Baochai whispered a few words in Fangguan's ear. Fangguan smiled and nodded, then
whispered to Lingguan and Douguan as well. Before long, the zither and lute played in perfect harmony, and a melodious Kunqu opera began. Although Baochai said this, she was truly
shy in front of everyone. She lowered her head, fiddling with her sash, and sang softly to the melody:
"The sky is just beginning to clear, the yellow flowers are scattered on the ground .
Sister, you step up to the tower. Stop
, then continue.
Sister, you only say, '
Swallows and sparrows, do not make your chirping, do not make your chirping, lest you
kill a kitchen maid
and end your life, end your life. ' The
moon shines on Hengwu Lake, stars shine on the boudoir.
Sister, you blow out the lamp and listen to the evening sounds
. Layers of shyness, layers of intoxication.
Sister, you only say, '
A young lady should not read poetry and books, do not read poetry and books, lest she
become
a womanizer.'" The lyrics, "Cheap prince, cheap prince,"
though vulgar, possess a gentle and romantic melody, their meaning hesitant and shy. Baochai, usually quiet, virtuous,
peaceful, and kind, surprisingly condescended to sing such a Daoist ballad. Even though the words themselves didn't explicitly mention romance,
they were subtly suggestive, carrying a poignant and melancholic quality… The lines, "Girls shouldn't read poetry, shouldn't read poetry, lest they become
frivolous, cheap princes, cheap princes," perfectly captured the theme, yet carried a hint of unspeakable humiliation. Not
only the others, but even Yuan Chun and Daiyu were captivated.
Who else would "add to the merriment," and what would happen next? Please wait for the next chapter to find out.
Truly: "
Do not say the west wind cannot
blow away the jade and the precious nectar , let them rejoice;
how much sorrow and bitterness there is in the world
, but the years will wash away the cold."

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[The Grand View Garden Chronicle] Chapter 92: Wang Xifeng Manages the Festive Celebrations, Xue Baochai Shyly Sings the Dove's Song

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