A Dream of Red Mansions: A Fairy Tale of Dreams (Complete) - 13

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Chapter Sixty-Four: Qiao Jie'er's Important Mission

"Yay! Mother is so good!" The little girl cheered excitedly, showing no sign of hunger whatsoever! However, Ping'er and Feng Jie seemed oblivious. The two women exchanged knowing smiles, their half-reproachful, half-resentful gazes sending shivers down Bao Yu's spine. He exclaimed inwardly, "It's over! Feng Jie has indeed become suspicious! This naughty little girl has tricked me! I'll definitely get my revenge someday! How? Heh, heh... I haven't thought of anything yet!" "Master, then I'll trouble you to do a little more!" Feng Jie's gaze swept over Jing Xu from head to toe, but in the end, she gently suppressed her anger. After all, Jing Xu had always impressed her with her refined and elegant demeanor, which Feng Jie greatly admired. Feeling a sense of goodwill, she didn't want to embarrass her.
"It's my honor that Miss Qiao likes vegetarian food!" Jingxu forced herself to suppress her disappointment and calmly returned Fengjie's greeting before leading her two disciples toward the kitchen. Zhishan'er and Zhineng'er secretly glared at Qiaojie with hints of resentment, clearly displeased with this younger sister who was a few years younger than them.
The two young nuns' disgruntled gazes met the little girl's triumphant eyes, and their stares, clashing in the air, sparked a fierce exchange. The young girls, without much regard for their own feelings, engaged in a silent battle of wits, which finally ended in a draw at Jingxu's call. Helpless, Zhineng'er and Zhishan'er could only leave with one last glare and sullenly chased after their master.
"Hmph!" The young Qiaojie was truly smug; after defeating the two girls, she turned her provocative gaze toward the pitiful Uncle Bao. With her mother and Aunt Ping's tacit approval, this only fueled her arrogance further!
"Sister Feng, are you tired? How about I give you a back massage?" Baoyu pulled out a chair for Sister Feng ingratiatingly, and even put on a shameless face to serve the beauty. After all, if you do something wrong, you should try to make amends. Maybe you can get lenient treatment that way.
The pleading look in her beloved's eyes softened Fengjie's heart, which was filled with both hatred and bitterness. Unfortunately, before Baoyu's joy could even surface, Ping'er, unusually oblivious to the situation, stepped forward. "Grandma, let me massage your back!" The delicate young woman glared at Baoyu with resentful eyes, her lithe figure positioned between the hateful man and her master, denying him any chance to redeem himself. "Baoyu, as the saying goes, 'Those who offer unsolicited kindness are either up to no good.' Which one are you?!" Although the light was dim, the blissful expressions on the faces of Jingxu and her two disciples couldn't escape the eyes of the intelligent beauty. Add to that the undisguised infatuation in the eyes of Zhineng and the other two women as they gazed at Baoyu, and even a fool could see it, let alone the usually shrewd and reserved Ping'er!
Although Baoyu usually spoke and teased Ping'er without restraint, his eyes filled with undisguised affection, the two had not yet crossed that line. He hadn't expected that the three women from Jingxu, whom he had only known for a few days, would beat him to it. It was no wonder Ping'er was angry!
Although she harbored feelings for him, the cautious and delicate young woman lacked the courage to offer herself to him. Her hesitant and uneasy heart, stimulated by this, did not gain the courage Baoyu had hoped for; instead, she became jealous and refused to give the lecherous man a friendly look! At the same time, due to a woman's innate jealousy, she even hated the heartless man. Her previously open heart was now firmly blocked by an awkward screen, denying the lecherous man any further chance to break through!
Poor Baoyu was speechless, reaping what he sowed. He sighed at the heavens, lamenting the hateful fate, and could only awkwardly sit down in his seat. The little girl sitting across the table, however, still glared at him, giving him no chance to linger.
Not only that, but when Jingxu brought the vegetarian dishes to the table, before Baoyu could even touch them, Qiaojie had already devoured them like a whirlwind. The already meager food was wasted. The little girl shoveled food into her mouth, bowl, and chopsticks, determined to burst her stomach rather than give Baoyu a chance to taste anything.
"Oh! I'm full!" The little girl put down her chopsticks and patted her round little belly triumphantly. She wasn't just full; she was absolutely stuffed, her heart overflowing with hunger! This made the furious Baoyu extremely worried about whether she could even move!
"Pfft!" Seeing Baoyu staring blankly at his chopsticks with a bitter expression, having not tasted a single bite of the fragrant vegetarian dishes—all devoured whole by the little maid—Fengjie and Ping'er could no longer contain their laughter. They burst into boisterous laughter, their laughter a bright and cheerful sight. Unfortunately, the empty-bellied Baoyu had no appetite for the food, only pitifully staring at the empty bowls and plates.
Suddenly, Baoyu's eyes lit up. In the dish lay the last bit of wild vegetable that the little maid had managed to get through—a tempting call to their young master, "Come on, eat me! I'm delicious!" Thank heavens, thank earth, there is still hope in this world! Baoyu was so excited he almost cried. His wrist trembled as he slowly moved towards the target, as if it were a priceless treasure. Eating even a bite was still eating; it was a world of difference compared to not eating anything at all!
The excited young man, not forgetting the little girl's threat, finally relaxed when he saw her slumped back in her chair from being stuffed . "Delicious food, oh delicious food, you're finally mine!
" A swift, steady pair of bamboo chopsticks flashed before Bao Yu's eyes, whistling past just as he was about to pick up the delicacy. They were gone in a flash, leaving the unresponsive Bao Yu staring blankly at the empty plate!
"Mmm! It's really delicious!" Ping'er nodded slightly in satisfaction, her alluring tongue deliberately licking her rosy lips, praising the abbess's improved skills with endless delight!
"Grandma, let's go back to our room!" The delicate young woman, oblivious to having taken someone else's food, gracefully rose and left with Qiao'er and her mistress, leaving the heartbroken Bao Yu standing there, dumbfounded and unable to recover. Good heavens! What kind of world is this? How could the gentle Ping'er have turned into a savage tiger?! Does she even want me to live anymore?!
"Baoyu, Baoyu..." The number of times Baoyu had been lost in thought today was unprecedented, and the adorable Zhi Neng'er gently shook him awake.
Right, with three precious children around, how could he possibly go hungry?! Baoyu's worries vanished, replaced by a deep anticipation in his eyes. He said to Abbess Jingxu with boundless joy, "My darling, I'm starving! Make me something else!" Although it wasn't the first time she'd been addressed like this in front of her disciple, the middle-aged woman was still quite embarrassed. Her words, tinged with reproach and a hint of schadenfreude, laced with a touch of schadenfreude, "It's not that I don't want to, it's just that the kitchen is completely out of ingredients. Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice!" "Ah!" A bolt from the blue struck Baoyu's heart. This poor fellow, the second master of the Jia family and the future head of a noble household, had actually experienced hunger.
"How about I make you some steamed buns?" Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Jingxu provoked our Baoyu again, giving him hope only to plunge him into despair. "But you'll have to wait a while. The stored ingredients are all used up, and everything has to be done from scratch. You only need to wait two or three hours before you can eat!" "Thump!" Unable to bear the blow, the "illusory Baoyu" collapsed to the ground first. Good heavens! Two or three hours would be well past dawn! How could he possibly wait that long?!
This was too much! Baoyu, who had been so cruelly mocked by fate, finally reached his limit. With a wild roar, the madman stretched out his arms and pounced on the three women, opening his mouth wide as if to devour them as delicacies—heh, heh… no, it should be that he intended to feast on their "beautiful sights"!
"Ah... um... oh..." First came a sharp, clear scream, then a murmured moan, and finally, after a flurry of chaotic footsteps, the side hall returned to the usual quiet of the night; while in the bedroom in the backyard, heavenly music flowed and passion burned, sometimes like a gentle spring breeze, sometimes like rain pattering on pear blossoms, sometimes like lightning and thunder, sometimes like the clash of swords, a symphony of the most moving things in the world echoing within the barrier all night long; until just before dawn, a cautious figure slipped out of the bedroom and swiftly flew into a nearby side room.
The world was pure white with swirling snowflakes, and the plum blossoms, blooming proudly in the snow, stood against the wind, adding a few touches of crimson to the white landscape. The intoxicating fragrance of flowers welcomed the songs of birds, and a new day arrived leisurely amidst the birdsong and the fragrance of flowers.
"Second Uncle, did you sleep well last night?" Seeing her second uncle wolfing down his breakfast, the little girl, while struggling to grab some, was also very satisfied with her actions last night. She secretly thought to herself, "You naughty second uncle, you deserved to be hungry all night, you big bad guy!
" "Good, good!" The smiling Bao Erye dared not harbor any resentment. This was Feng Jie's darling, and even though he had been hungry all night, he still happily smiled at the little devil. After all, while beauty was tempting, it could only satisfy the already satisfied "Little Baoyu"!
"Brother Bao, the snow is heavy and the roads are slippery today, so you don't need to go to the Iron Threshold Temple. Anyway, we'll be escorting the coffin back to the capital this afternoon." Feng Jie, heartbroken for her beloved, had lost all her resentment overnight. Her deep affection for Baoyu made the beautiful woman willing to accept everything about him—good or bad, she had no regrets. As long as her lover was sincere, she would be content!
"Yes, the snow is falling so heavily that the ladies and mistresses of the manor probably won't arrive until the afternoon. Baoyu, you can wait at the nunnery. I'll come back to fetch you before we leave!" Even the fiery Fengjie could be so understanding. The usually gentle Ping'er naturally reverted to her charming self. Besides, it was perfectly natural for aristocratic families to have multiple wives and concubines, and to have a large retinue of servants. The delicate beauty herself was Jia Lian's concubine. After careful consideration, she found her jealousy from the previous night quite amusing. She and Baoyu actually had no romantic relationship whatsoever, and she didn't even have the right to be jealous. Why was she so fixated on it?!
Baoyu was overjoyed at the dramatic change in the two beauties, and his thoughts shifted slightly. The feigned bitterness on his face vanished, replaced by a sincere and passionate gaze that deeply touched Fengjie's heart. With a serious expression, Baoyu said softly and earnestly, "Sister, thank you!" "Mm!" Fengjie responded softly and naturally. She understood the deeper meaning in her lover's words. He was not only grateful for her care but also for her understanding and tolerance. There was no need for formalities between them; their hearts were perfectly in sync. A subtle gesture or a restrained glance was enough for them to easily understand each other's feelings.
"Mother, then I won't go either!" Qiao Jie'er didn't share her mother's or aunt's sentiments. This little girl, who couldn't forgive her second uncle, would never leave his side. She wanted to keep an eye on her wicked second uncle at all times, watching over him who only knew how to make love with nuns and not play with her. The smug little girl's heart hardened. Second Uncle, you want to enjoy yourself with nuns alone—no way!
"You can choose not to go, of course!" Feng Jie and Ping'er exchanged a knowing smile, finding it both helpless and amusing. It seemed this little girl, famous for her clinginess, was determined to entangle Bao Yu! That was good; having their daughter help keep an eye on the philanderer would prevent the number of sisters from increasing in the future.
Hmm! Thinking about this, Feng Jie'er found it increasingly reasonable. A brilliant idea flashed into her mind, and she made a "brilliant" decision—from now on, Qiao Jie'er would keep Bao Yu occupied, preventing this lecherous wolf from flirting with other women!
Hehe… Of course, when she met her beloved, that would be an exception!
Fengjie, lost in thought, suddenly perked up, and a slightly absurd idea slipped out, even her words sounding somewhat incoherent. "Good daughter, your mother and Aunt Ping are going to run errands. You must take good care of your second uncle, understand?" "Understood! Don't worry, Mother!" The little girl understood perfectly the emphasis on the word "take care" from her mother. She was practically acting on orders to bully Baoyu's second uncle, and upon hearing this, she became even more spirited and energetic.
Meanwhile, Baoyu's calm expression had been completely shattered; his face was contorted with rage! He was both angry and amused, worried and delighted by his beloved's "brilliant" decision. Amidst a multitude of anxieties, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Fortunately, he was prepared and wasn't afraid of this little girl's pranks!
Ha, ha… Bring it on! I, the "fake" Baoyu, can't handle a little girl like you?! Sister Feng really knows how to think, actually sending her daughter to monitor her, forbidding her from flirting with girls. If she angers me, I'll deal with this little girl... Heh, heh!
"Second Uncle, why are you smiling so strangely? Thinking of some bad ideas again?" Qiao Jie'er withdrew her gaze from her mother and aunt, and turned around to see Bao Yu's "sinister" wicked smile!
Chapter Sixty-Five Unexpected Gain Amitabha! Forgive me, forgive me! The guy, startled awake from his "wicked" fantasies by the little girl's words, felt extremely remorseful. However, the illusory Bao Yu in his mind, bowing and chanting Buddhist scriptures, was more playful than repentant, showing no sincerity in repentance whatsoever!
"No, I was thinking about how to play with our little darling!" Bao Yu's usual composure returned, and the guy who already had a plan fully utilized the tactics of a great man—underestimating him in his mind, but taking him seriously in his strategy!
"Hmph!" If it were before, Qiao Jie'er would have been all smiles, but now she let out a cold snort of great suspicion, her eyes filled with doubt as if she were facing a class enemy. "You would be so kind? I don't believe it!" The little girl's first confrontation with Bao Yu took place at Shuiyue Nunnery. Feng'er, who was watching the show with great interest, quietly passed away in leisure, never to return.
"Baoyu, you're really something!" Jingxu walked out of the nunnery gate side by side with Baoyu. The beauty's words, though seemingly unrelated to praise or criticism, were clearly tinged with amusement. "No wonder you were telling Zhineng and the others stories last night; it was all just to fool the little girls!" "Heh, heh..." The carefree fellow had no sense of being a "liar." He turned back with great pride to look at Qiaojie, who was listening to Zhineng's story. The little girl's eyes were filled with admiration, and with Zhineng gesturing wildly to depict the scenes from the story, the little girl was completely absorbed. She had forgotten the important task her mother had entrusted to her. She even ignored her wicked second uncle as he quietly left Shuiyue Nunnery!
Strolling through the mountains and fields, enjoying the fresh air that one could never experience in the bustling city, and with beautiful women by his side, the distracting thoughts in Baoyu's heart vanished with the refreshing mountain breeze.
The heavy snow had stopped, and the once verdant world was now draped in a silver blanket. A man and a woman whispered sweet nothings on the snow-covered ground, a warm current of affection filling the space between them. The feelings that had arisen from desire finally made up for the regret of their relationship having started too suddenly.
Unconsciously, the figures standing side by side drew closer and closer, finally merging into one under the ripples of the snow.
"Sister Jing," Bao Yu said, his heartfelt affection preventing any playful thoughts from arising. The teasing "My darling" was replaced by the melodious "Sister Jing," a subtle change that stirred the beauty's emotions even more, her beautiful eyes becoming misty.
After a moment's thought, Baoyu couldn't suppress the long-standing doubt in his heart. "Why did you lose your composure when I asked about your family the other day? Is there some hidden reason?" Before his lover finished speaking, Jingxu's expression changed drastically again. The blush of passion vanished instantly, replaced by a panicked paleness. Hatred and sorrow flashed in her eyes, lingering there. Their relationship was already incredibly intimate, and Jingxu, unable to control herself, naturally nestled into her lover's arms, using his strong, warm, and secure chest to resist the chill in her heart.
"Sister Jing, tell me, you are my woman, I will help you no matter what!" Baoyu tightened his grip, pulling his beauty tightly to his chest. His firm words were filled with sincere intentions, and the flowing affection miraculously soothed the beautiful nun's heart, which had lost control.
"Waaah..." Years of suppressed sobs finally erupted, the unrestrained tears releasing endless resentment and sorrow. Amidst the long cries, the two embraced tightly. Baoyu didn't ask any questions, but instead channeled his powerful heartbeat into her, giving her the courage and strength to stand.
The sobs subsided, the tears dried, and the gloom in the middle-aged woman's heart transformed into the sunshine of hope. Under Baoyu's tender gaze, only one thought occupied her mind—the man before her was her heaven, her earth, her happiness and hope! Her trembling voice was low and heavy,
but despite her turbulent emotions, she calmly recounted the family feud she had kept hidden for over a decade. "
It's the Embroidered Uniform Guard again! What a heinous, beastly organization!" Baoyu was enraged upon hearing this, his hatred for the Embroidered Uniform Guard growing even stronger. How many others like Jingxu suffered such fates among the common people? They were utterly corrupt!
"What was the name of that scoundrel who was in charge back then?" Baoyu's calm tone was more chilling than his raging anger. A cold breath flowed from his lips, and the bone-chilling coldness revealed a sharp killing intent.
"Zhao Quan!" Under the oppressive atmosphere, Jingxu gritted her teeth and uttered the name of her sworn enemy!
"Zhao Quan?! The current commander of the Imperial Guard, Zhao Quan!" Baoyu exclaimed in shock. The world was so small; they had circled back to an old friend. It seemed Zhao Quan was destined to be his enemy!
"Yes!" The beauty nodded heavily in response, her jade-like hand unconsciously clenching into a fist, her tense fingers almost digging into her palm. Her beautiful eyes, brimming with anxiety, awaited her lover's response.
"Sister Jing, don't worry, Zhao Quan is doomed!" How could Baoyu miss such a golden opportunity to impress?! Besides, it was a win-win situation; such a convenient favor, and he could even win the beauty's heart—it was truly a blessing from heaven.
Before the beautiful woman could even shed tears of gratitude, Baoyu, his voice brimming with excitement and curiosity, pressed on:
"What exactly is the evidence you're talking about?" "Back then, when the Yellow River flooded, the imperial court urgently allocated a million taels of silver for disaster relief. The person in charge of escorting it was Zhao Quan, who was then a centurion in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. My husband's family was the disaster relief minister sent by the court," Jingxu didn't immediately produce any evidence. Instead, she changed the subject and recounted the secrets of that year in detail, her heavy words revealing a hint of hatred. "Midway through the journey, we encountered bandits. After a chaotic scene, we were safe and sound. But that scoundrel Zhao demanded to open the chests for inspection under the pretext of safety. It was my husband's family's fault for agreeing to his abrupt request in a moment of foolishness. The two of them jointly signed the document to open the chests and carefully inspected the million taels of silver, not a single tael missing." Baoyu listened quietly to the beauty's account. Astute as he was, he knew that the matter must have originated from this. If the seals were broken and the silver was intact, there wouldn't be any major problems. But if even a single coin was missing, it would be a crime of deceiving the emperor.
Before Baoyu could finish pondering the mystery, Jingxu's voice rang out again, "But after arriving in the disaster area, the million taels of silver mysteriously turned into stones, and disaster struck!" Although the matter had been over for a long time, Jingxu still felt utterly helpless. "When the Emperor thoroughly investigated this matter, that scoundrel Zhao Quan actually made a false accusation, saying that my husband's family had embezzled funds. He even produced a forged official document signed only by my husband's family as evidence. That hateful foolish emperor wouldn't listen to any explanation and ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to execute my entire family without even conducting a trial, even my..." "Even my maternal family couldn't escape being implicated!" "And what about the real official letter?" Having heard this, Baoyu understood everything and asked with certainty, "Is the 'evidence' you mentioned, sister, the real official letter?" "Yes!" The middle-aged beauty nodded with endless emotion, her beautiful face slightly ashen with resentment. "After the incident, Zhao Quan sent men to raid my husband's house at night. Fortunately, my husband's family knew there was no hope of overturning the case, so they prepared in advance and handed it over to me to take away. I then hid in the Jia mansion and escaped this calamity." The beauty paused slightly, suppressing endless bitterness. She pulled an official letter from her bosom and handed it to Baoyu, saying, "This is the evidence Zhao Quan has been searching for for so long. But when I showed it to Master Jia, your father, he said that this letter alone couldn't bring Zhao Quan down, because the tyrannical emperor was extremely biased towards him; otherwise, he wouldn't have so arbitrarily closed the case without a trial by the three judicial authorities!" Baoyu calmly opened the yellowed letter, glanced at it, and explained to the beautiful woman, "That's true. If there were no witnesses, Zhao Quan might even turn around and claim that this was a forgery!" The worldly-wise Baoyu then softly added, "This is indeed a forgery." She said, "Actually, it all comes down to the Emperor's whim. It's easy for him to decide who lives and who dies. The three words 'fabricated charges' are enough to decide the life and death of everyone in the world, and can also make anyone rise to prominence and wealth with just these three words!" "Then what can we do? Is there no hope?" Baoyu's insightful reasoning instantly dimmed the light of hope in Xiumei's eyes. Her fighting spirit became frustrated and powerless in the face of cruel reality. You must know that Zhao Quan is now not only promoted and rich, but the Emperor's favor is even greater than before.
"I never said there was no hope!" Baoyu said with a light smile, seemingly unconcerned. He tightened his embrace around the beauty, giving her renewed hope. "Actually, revenge is quite simple. One must be even more ruthless and cruel to bad people. Why don't I send someone to assassinate him? There's no need for gentlemanly conduct with such a petty person!" "This…" The immense temptation caused Jingxu's mind to tremble violently for a moment. After a chaotic struggle, "justice" prevailed in the beauty's heart. "But wouldn't that allow him to die a glorious death, while the wronged soul of the deceased still cannot find justice?!" Alas! "False." Baoyu was speechless now, bitterly smiling as he pondered how he had forgotten this incorrigible bad habit of the ancients! To value reputation more than life itself—how pedantic!
"Baoyu, good man! Do you have any other ideas?" In the middle-aged woman's mind, Baoyu was wise and great, as tall and mighty as an omnipotent god. The fresh and refined beauty's coquettish and seductive teasing immediately made the almost powerless Baoyu lose his mind!
"Darling, I'll listen to you!" The fiery breath made the two of them change their minds slightly. Baoyu, who loved the country more than the beauty, was definitely the material for a foolish ruler. He was captured by the beauty without any resistance.
With a sudden thought, Bao Yu had already devised a brilliant plan. He proudly boasted to his beloved, "You want Zhao Quan to suffer a terrible death? Fine, we'll use his own methods against him! We'll focus our efforts on this fabricated charge!" Seeing the beauty's doubtful and unconvinced expression, the "Great Tyrant" gently caressed her full breasts while shamelessly explaining in detail, "Isn't there no witness? We'll find one for him; the most crucial thing is the Emperor. I've decided to do everything I can to appease that old man. Once Zhao Quan falls out of favor, everything will be solved!" Bao Yu's words sounded simple, but the difficulty was far beyond what ordinary people could accomplish. Understanding this, the beauty was deeply moved and not angry at his empty boasts. Instead, she offered him a sweet and passionate kiss!
Her smooth, fragrant tongue deftly slipped into Baoyu's mouth. Overwhelmed by gratitude and genuine affection, his desire ignited fiercely. Baoyu savored the beauty's passion with gusto. He was undoubtedly a man of exceptional intelligence, easily understanding eight or nine parts of Jingxu's psychology. Although her love for him was mixed with a desire for revenge, he was absolutely certain that even if he couldn't avenge her, she would inevitably fall into his arms—that was enough!
What in this world is perfect?! The pursuit of perfection is a mistake! Since it was all true, why worry about so much?! Not to mention that Zhao Quan was his enemy, wasn't it a man's responsibility and duty to share his lover's burdens?!
Understanding the ways of the world, Baoyu erased the last trace of gloom in his heart and wholeheartedly devoted himself to the beauty's passionate offering.
The scattered sparks of desire merged into a raging fire, and tender kisses intensified with passionate caresses. Lost in their passion, the two forgot everything around them—forgot they were in broad daylight in the wilderness, forgot the teachings of worldly propriety. What awaited this pair of lovebirds was boundless passion, the earth their bed, the sky their blanket!
"Second Uncle, Second Uncle..." a disgruntled voice called from afar. The little girl, having heard the story, immediately realized her wicked second uncle had slipped away. Dutifully, she searched everywhere, while the two young nuns, unable to tell any more captivating tales, could only follow him aimlessly.
Those wretched girls! Seeing that the beauty had awakened from her reverie, Baoyu's wonderful wish to sleep under the open sky and enjoy the snow was shattered!
"I'll never forgive you!" Baoyu pointed fiercely at Qiaojie, his face resolute and impassioned. "From today onwards, it's either you or me!" The magnanimous Baoyu unleashed his fury, while the poor little girl wept bitterly, repeatedly apologizing to her second uncle and vowing never to be a bad person again!
"Second Uncle..." A loud, piercing voice, laced with anger, called out. The little girl approached, her small feet spreading apart, hands on her hips, striking a shrewish pose. "Bad Second Uncle, what are you doing sneaking out into the wilderness?!" "Ah!" A bolt from the blue shattered Baoyu's dream. It turned out that everything he had just imagined was a fantasy. The little girl before him was nothing like the pitiful, begging girl he had imagined; she was a little tiger! And our truly pitiful Second Master Baoyu could only submit, not daring to even breathe loudly, let alone rebuke her!
Chapter Sixty-Six: Walking into a Trap At midday, amidst the deafening drums and fluttering banners, the long procession of pallbearers slowly set off from the Iron Threshold Temple. A vast array of guests and nearly a thousand people from the Ning and Rong mansions formed this grand procession, its extravagance rarely seen even in the capital, a city teeming with the wealthiest. Tens of thousands of ordinary people lined the streets to witness this spectacle, all marveling at how the Jia family truly deserved its title as the head of the four great families, and that the saying "jade halls and gold horses" was indeed no exaggeration!
Amidst the endless lamentations of the departing crowd, Bao Yu, leaving the Water Moon Nunnery, felt as if he had fallen from heaven to hell. The tedious and boring farewell was nothing compared to the boundless spring-like beauty of the nunnery. The listless fellow still had the lingering, dreamy gazes of the three maidens, Jingxu, before his eyes, and their tender words echoing repeatedly in his mind.
Ah! The most heart-wrenching moment of parting! Thinking of this, Bao Yu couldn't help but sigh deeply. Then, his true, carefree nature shifted, and the "false" Bao Yu realized that his separation from the three maidens was only temporary. Once their hair began to flow, they would be reunited for a long time. Besides, he had Sister Feng by his side; why should he be so sentimental?
"Brother, don't be so sad," Jia Lian, who was walking alongside Baoyu, was used to a dissolute life, but he also feigned grief. However, he was even more impatient with the dullness than Baoyu. Lowering his voice, he assumed that the other was thinking the same thing as him, and said in a frivolous tone, "These past few days have been tough for you, brother, spending your days in the wilderness. When we get back to the capital, I'll treat you to a feast at the Heavenly Immortal Pavilion, and then gather all the brothers together to have a good time! How about that?" Baoyu's wandering thoughts and sorrow of parting returned to his mind at the same time. With a calm expression, he secretly chuckled to himself. The "suffering" he had endured these past few days was indeed great. If the Jia family's sons knew about the "suffering" they had suffered, they would probably all die of jealousy! "Hey, hey..." Baoyu responded in a low voice to the real lecher beside him. Although he had no liking for Jia Lian, having him by his side allowed him to escape the "terrifying" little witch's entanglement. Between two evils, he chose the lesser. The rarely free Baoyu was naturally relaxed. He subconsciously glanced at the long carriage of ladies behind him and leisurely followed Jia Lian's words, saying, "I am indeed a little tired. After resting at home for a few days, I will definitely invite Brother Lian to host a gathering!" "How much longer until we reach Zhongzhimen?" Seeing that Jia Lian seemed to be about to continue inviting him, Baoyu changed the subject before he could speak, "Brother Lian, we probably won't be back until dusk!" "Hmm! It's going to take that long? It's so boring!" Jia Lian's irritation was finally triggered by Baoyu's casual remark. He regarded Baoyu as a kindred spirit and had no intention of pretending. He waved his hand impatiently and sighed deeply!
Just as Baoyu was idly chatting with Jia Lian to pass the time, the pre-arranged plan of the Red Mansion was quietly launched as the prey walked into the trap!
"Commander, Miss Qing's cousin, Wu Gui, is requesting an audience outside the mansion!" The Red Pavilion guard's neither humble nor arrogant voice reached Ni Er and Bao Yong's ears. The two exchanged a knowing glance, a glint of shrewdness flashing in their eyes. "Please ask Master Wu to wait in the hall. We'll be there shortly!" The composed Bao Yong suppressed his excitement and calmly gave the order, then turned to look at Zhen Shiyin, who was sitting at the head of the table, and said, "Sir, this kid has indeed come. Should we proceed as Second Master instructed?" "Heh, heh..." Ni Er couldn't shake his rough and unrefined nature, but this only made him seem more straightforward. He interrupted with a smile before speaking, "I was worried that Wu Gui had changed his ways. If he hadn't come, our plan wouldn't have been able to proceed! Luckily, this kid brought it on himself, so we can't blame him!" After saying this, Ni Er and Bao Yong fell silent, waiting quietly for Mr. Zhen to make a decision.
They had initially been somewhat skeptical of Zhen Shiyin's immediate appointment as strategist, but after spending time together, they were now completely convinced of his abilities and deeply admired Bao Yu's discerning eye. Their master's image in their hearts was almost divine!
Inspired by Bao Yu's lofty ideals, Zhen Shiyin devoted himself wholeheartedly to the cause of the Dream of the Red Chamber, except for reuniting with his long-lost daughter. Besides repaying Bao Yu's kindness, he also noticed subtle clues in Xiangling's daily words and actions, realizing that his daughter had fallen for Bao Yu! His efforts
to assist her were also a way of doing his best for his daughter. As a Taoist practitioner detached from worldly affairs, he had few worldly concerns. Although his daughter was already Xue Pan's concubine, Zhen Shiyin, who loved her dearly, almost traveled thousands of miles to Jinling to kill this纨绔恶霸 (a spoiled and arrogant man) after understanding Xue Pan's character, let alone allowing his daughter to continue with him!
After discovering Xiangling's secret, Zhen Shiyin abandoned his plan to take his daughter back to the Great Wilderness Mountain to cultivate Taoism. Even when Liu Xianglian and the others returned to the Taoist temple, he stayed behind with Miaoyu's help. He was determined to do his best to fulfill his daughter's wish and let her live a happy life in the mortal world! Moreover, according to his junior uncle, Baoyu's magical power was now all-encompassing, and his daughter, by following him, was very likely to be able to see the secrets of heaven earlier than he was!
In the blink of an eye, under the questioning gazes of the two leaders of the Red Chamber, Zhen Shiyin focused his mind back to the main topic. After a moment's thought, he made a cautious decision, "Although Baoyu has already made his decision, this matter concerns Miss Qing. Let's listen to her opinion, after all, Wu Gui is her cousin!" "No need!" Before Zhen Shiyin finished speaking, his clear and firm words reached the ears of the three of them. The tall Qingwen and the gentle Gui's wife entered hand in hand.
Qingwen, with her sculpted beauty, became even more radiant after her love affair with Baoyu. Already the most beautiful maid in the Jia household, she now rivaled the three sisters of the Jia family!
"Greetings, Miss Qing! Miss Gui!" Bao Yong and Ni Er hurriedly rose to greet them. They dared not show the slightest disrespect to these two mistresses, though they were not officially recognized, and their character had earned their complete respect.
Zhen Shiyin, though not offering a full bow, responded with a gentle smile. The refined middle-aged scholar, having enjoyed the company of the two women with his daughter, also treated them like his own children.
After some pleasantries, Qingwen gracefully sat down and glanced at her sister-in-law sitting beside her, her silent gaze conveying a final question.
Her sister-in-law, understanding her sentiment, calmly nodded slightly. Bathed in Baoyu's tenderness, Qingwen had long since forgotten the heartless rogue Wu Gui, and upon learning of Baoyu's plan, she had firmly expressed her own will! All fortune and misfortune rested on Wu Gui's single thought; one thought brought him wealth and honor, another brought him to a miserable death. It was less a scheme and more a final test of Wu Gui's conscience.
"Mr. Zhen, please do as Bao Yu says!" Gui's sister-in-law, usually so reserved and silent in public, spoke up—it was the outspoken and fiery Qingwen. "Before leaving, Bao Yu said that as long as Wu Gui wasn't completely blinded by greed, he should arrange for him to live a life of luxury in another place. This would be my last act of kindness as his cousin!" "Since Miss Qingwen says so, then you two should proceed according to the original plan!" Zhen Shiyin greatly admired Qingwen's decisiveness. His daughter lacked this kind of assertiveness; she clearly harbored feelings for Bao Yu, yet she was always subtly controlled by that scoundrel Xue Pan!
Thinking of this, the middle-aged scholar sighed sadly, secretly resolving to help his daughter when she returned from paying respects at the Jia mansion. He hoped that Miss Qing could lend a hand!
"Miss Qing truly is a heroine among women; no wonder she became Baoyu's confidante!" The middle-aged scholar, unusually fawning over someone for his daughter's sake, showed the universal love of parents, even a Taoist cultivator with supernatural powers!
Seeing Zhen Shiyin's humble attitude, the intelligent Qingwen immediately understood. Furthermore, having already discerned the subtle, alluring affection between Xiangling and her lover, she smiled confidently and replied with great poise, "Mr. Zhen, you flatter me! Actually, Sister Ling is more understanding than I am. My Baoyu often talks about her to my sister and me!" The middle-aged scholar gazed at the sky with deep regret, lamenting his past negligence. He subtly entrusted Xiangling's affairs to Qingwen.
"Mr. Zhen, rest assured, leave Sister Ling's matter to my sister and me. We'll make sure you're satisfied!
Right, sister?" Qingwen cut to the chase, dispelling any ambiguity in her words. She glanced back at her sister-in-law, knowing the gentle and dutiful woman wouldn't object, but still respectfully inquired of her charming sister-in-law's opinion.
"Hmm!" The sister-in-law finally spoke, though it was just a single, incoherent word, but her solemn tone and heavy nod clearly expressed her heartfelt wishes.
"Mr. Zhen, Qingwen won't disturb your business any longer. Farewell!" With Zhen Shiyin's heartfelt thanks, the two women gracefully turned and left, returning to their shared happy world with Baoyu.
"Master Wu, please have some tea!" The maid gently placed the teacup down, bowed respectfully, and then quietly withdrew.
Master Wu?! Ha, ha… Wu Gui was overjoyed by this unprecedented title, feeling as if he were floating on clouds. His excited gaze swept across the elegant and grand living room, his heart filled with even greater delight.
Lately, he had been experiencing a series of dreamlike surprises, and even now he still felt a sense of disbelief. He had thought his good days in the Jia family were over after Qingwen fell out of favor and was expelled, but before he could even return home to scold his cousin, a lucrative position to purchase New Year's goods in Jiangnan fell into his lap.
The man who had just returned laden with his spoils hadn't even had a chance to breathe a sigh of relief when good fortune once again descended from the sky, leaving him dizzy and disoriented, completely bewildered. Qingwen had miraculously turned her life around, catching the eye of Shi Yu, the best friend of Bao Yu and the head of the Red Mansion cigarettes, and being taken into his separate residence. Although not a formal marriage, Qingwen had already been acknowledged as the mistress of the house in front of all his subordinates. Even his honest wife had come along to enjoy a life of luxury.
He was rich! This was the first thought that crossed Wu Gui's mind upon hearing the news, and the sudden smiles of those around him made him look up to the heavens.
Since his cousin had risen to prominence, why wouldn't he, as her cousin, climb up the social ladder?! Sure enough, as soon as the mourning hall at the Ningguo Mansion was set up, he rushed over in a flurry; everything was exactly as he had dreamed. The address "Master Wu" gave Wu Gui a taste of what it was like to be a master.
"Ha, ha..." A hearty laugh jolted Wu Gui out of his reverie. Accompanied by the laughter, Ni Er entered the hall first, followed closely by Bao Yong with a smile.
Most of the people in the Jia household had seen these two incredibly popular figures favored by Master Bao. Wu Gui instinctively stood up, about to bow respectfully as usual, but then remembered his changed status and, momentarily unsure how to address them, awkwardly froze on the spot.
"Brother Wu, no need for such formalities, we can't accept them!" Ni Er and Bao Yong sneered inwardly; the other man truly was a classic example of a smug, petty person!
Bao Yong stepped forward and bowed first, saying, "Brother Wu is one of Second Master's men, so there's no need for such formalities!" "Heh, heh..." Wu Gui finally couldn't help but laugh out loud with smug satisfaction. "Then I thank Brother Ni and Brother Bao for their kindness!" The guy, who didn't look like a prince even in a dragon robe, said as he sat back down in his original seat, his carefree expression as if he were the master and Ni Er and Bao Yong were the servants!
The two men, seemingly oblivious to the offense, sat down opposite Wu Gui. Ni Er, with a rugged face and a hearty smile, asked directly, "Brother Wu, are you here to see Master Shi or Miss Qing?" "This..." Wu Gui naturally wanted to see Shi Yu, his future brother-in-law, to reap the benefits, but the fake guy was too embarrassed to speak directly, so he could only wait hesitantly for Bao Yong and the other man to speak up for him.
Bao Yong, as expected, was astute and perceptive, but this greatly disappointed Wu Gui. Bao Yong, with a nonchalant air, proactively interjected, "Brother Wu, your timing is unfortunate. Master Shi has been away on business these past few days, and Miss Qing went out to offer incense early this morning and hasn't returned yet." "However…" Seeing the obvious annoyance and impatience on Wu Gui's face, Ni Er added a delightful twist, "Master Shi instructed us before he left that if you arrived, Brother Wu, we should treat you well. And Master Shi also said…" Ni Er paused here, deliberately mocking the shallow and shameless man, and then pretended to be thirsty, taking a sip of tea.
"What did Master Shi say? Please tell me, Brother Ni!" Wu Gui, his face beaming with joy, forgot his pretense of aloofness and eagerly pressed for an answer. The not-so-stupid fellow sensed his good days were about to begin!

Chapter Sixty-Seven: The petty man's triumph. The kind-hearted Bao Yong took over the conversation again, and together with Ni Er, they lured their prey into the trap. "Master Shi said that if Brother Wu is willing to condescend, he would like to serve as a commander in our Red Mansion guards. I wonder if Brother Wu would be willing?" "It is a great blessing for me to be valued by Master Shi, but I don't know if I can shoulder this important responsibility?" Wu Gui's heart was turned upside down in an instant. His rise to prominence had come so suddenly, and fame, fortune, and beautiful women were all within reach! The unexpected surprise almost made him jump up. Although he pretended to be calm and humble, his trembling body and clenched fists had already betrayed him.
"Brother Wu, you are truly humble!" Ni Er stepped forward and grabbed Wu Gui's wrist, unleashing his long-lost streetwise charm. "From now on, we are truly on the same side, so why be so polite?! Someone like me can handle this job, so for someone as talented as Brother Wu, it's a piece of cake!" "Then thank you for your kindness, Master Shi!" Under the influence of Ni Er's friendly and boisterous manner, Wu Gui, who had been suppressing his feelings for so long, finally shed his restraint, abandoning his usual rascal ways.
"That's right," Ni Er said loudly, putting his arm around Wu Gui's shoulder. "To celebrate Brother Wu joining us, let's go to Baxianju for a drink. No one can take the host's place from me today!" "Alright! I'll host Brother Wu again tomorrow!" Bao Yong echoed Ni Er with a beaming smile, both of them showering Wu Gui, their new favorite, with compliments.
Baxianju was the most famous tavern in the city, its price matching its reputation. Wu Gui, who had never been to such a place before, had no reason not to go! He didn't even feign an excuse and followed the two towards the gate.
Walking on the bustling, prosperous streets of the capital, Wu Gui's chest was more firm than ever before.
"Oh! Master Bao, Master Ni, please come upstairs, esteemed guests!" Bao Yong and Ni Er were clearly not first-timers. Before they even crossed the threshold, the hotel manager came up from behind the counter to greet them. After bowing respectfully, he looked at Wu Gui with a puzzled expression. "This gentleman looks unfamiliar, may I ask who he is?" "Manager Liu, you're really blind!" Ni Er pointed at Wu Gui with a slightly exaggerated expression and said, "This is our new commander, Master Shi's brother-in-law—Master Wu!" "Oh! So it's Master Wu, please forgive my poor eyesight!" Manager Liu, being a shrewd and shrewd businessman, became even more humble at Ni Er's words, "Master Shi's brother-in-law!"
"Waiter, take these three gentlemen to the best private room on the third floor!" Manager Liu's genuine smile was as excited as if he had found a gold ingot. It was unclear why he was so happy.
Ni Er and Bao Yong exchanged a knowing smile, while Wu Gui was already floating on air in this unparalleled glory, his light steps barely registering when he had reached the third floor.
Fine wine and delicacies arrived in no time, and with the waiter's attentive service, Wu Gui truly felt like he was living the life of a god.
"Brother Wu, we'll need your help in the future. Please put in a good word for us with Master Shi when you have time!" Ni Er, his face flushed from drinking so much, naturally got to the point after a few rounds of drinks. "Do you know how much Master Shi trusts you? This time, the biggest..." "Ni Er, drink!" Bao Yong interrupted Ni Er's drunken ramblings, then turned to the waiter standing nearby and said, "You can leave now. We three brothers don't like other people around when we drink!" After the waiter left, Bao Yong scolded, "Ni Er, Ni Er, how many times has Master Shi told you! You must be careful in your actions. How could you speak so carelessly in such a public place?!" "Heh, heh..." Ni Er nodded with an embarrassed smile, then changed the subject and said in a low voice, "I was just happy and forgot the rules. Now that there are no outsiders, you can speak, right?" Before Bao Yong, who had a bitter smile on his face, could respond, Ni Er said obsequiously to Wu Gui, who was looking at him expectantly:
"Master Shi is planning to transport all his stock to Jiangnan this time. This super lucrative position is obviously specially prepared for you, Brother Wu, his brother-in-law!" "Really?!" Upon hearing this good news, Wu Gui's face lit up with intense joy. He proudly raised his glass in response to Ni Er's toast, "Cheers! I will definitely not forget the kindness you two have shown me!" "Then thank you in advance, Brother Wu! Hehe... what a generous brother!" Bao Yong was also in high spirits. After gulping down the wine in his glass, he said in a deep voice, "Master Shi said that once he..." "We'll set off as soon as we get back. He's already chosen the route for you, and he's only going to tell you. Even the two of us don't know. The road isn't safe right now!" "What are you afraid of?! We're not taking the old route this time, and with Master Bao and Master Shi personally planning it, I don't believe those robbers are gods who can predict things so accurately!" Ni Er's words completely dispelled Wu Gui's fear. He was also greatly impressed by how cautious the Red Mansion guards were, and he was even more proud of himself as the future commander of the guards.
"Let's forget business and drink!" The three men, after a hearty meal and drinks, talked only of romance and poetry. Ni Er, completely carried away by the merriment, suggested, "Brother Wu, would you be interested in gambling a bit? I'm itching for a game!" "Alright, alright..." Wu Gui, a man of many vices, was particularly fond of drinking, gambling, and womanizing. Hearing this, he immediately considered Ni Er a kindred spirit. Bao Yong, though more composed, also possessed a chivalrous spirit and found
occasional gambling a pleasure. The three "like-minded" men happily left Baxianju and staggered towards the gambling den.
Just as they stepped out of the main gate, the waiter quietly emerged from the next room, his ecstatic gaze giving the expectant Manager Liu a triumphant look.
Under the cover of night, a furtive figure slipped into the mansion of Zhao Da, a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Half an hour later, Liu, the manager of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, emerged from the back door with an air of glee, humming a tune as he went home to dream of promotion and wealth!
"Sir, should we report this to the commander and General Sun?" Inside the secret room, a trusted
subordinate respectfully inquired of Zhao Da. "A report is necessary!" Zhao Da, always loyal to Zhao Quan, though ambitious, dared not disobey Zhao Quan's orders. Not wanting such a lucrative opportunity to slip through his fingers, he added, "However, this time I must achieve a resounding victory, so the commander won't keep criticizing me for being useless!" "Sir, I understand!" The spy captain, like Zhao Da, also wanted to achieve this great feat. His subordinate's report was like a windfall; not seizing this opportunity would be foolish!
After a slight pause, the equally anxious captain said to Zhao Da, "Should we arrest Wu Gui and torture him severely? I doubt he'd dare not refuse to confess!" "Idiot, good-for-nothing!" Zhao Da, used to being scolded by Zhao Quan, was quite adept at berating his subordinates. "Wouldn't that alert the enemy? Shi Yu isn't stupid; doesn't he know he can change his route and time? Besides, you didn't hear the specifics clearly; even Wu Gui himself doesn't know. What's the point of arresting him?!" "Then..." The captain of the secret agents was confused, wondering what kind of leader raises what kind of subordinates.
"I have a brilliant plan! From today onwards, closely monitor Wu Gui and investigate his past thoroughly to see if he really is Shi Yu's brother-in-law. Got it?" Zhao Da chuckled confidently to himself. As long as Wu Gui was greedy and lustful, things would be easy.
For several days in a row, Ni Er and Bao Yong took Wu Gui to a life of debauchery and debauchery! Wu Gui, however, was still nowhere to be seen, despite his anxiety. But then he remembered that his promotion and wealth were
practically guaranteed, so he relaxed and indulged himself, determined to release all the pent-up desires he had harbored for years. As dusk fell, Ni Er and Bao Yong returned to the Red Mansion. The two had barely sat down when their men reported on Wu Gui's activities since their separation.
"Brother Ni, the fish are taking the bait!" Bao Yong said with a grin, handing the report to Ni Er.
"Mr. Zhen," Ni Er said, looking at Zhen Shiyin with a worried expression after reading the report, "Do you think Wu Gui will have a change of heart? You know, Miss Qing is his cousin, and Second Master has arranged such a high position for him—enough to ensure a lifetime of glory!" "Human hearts are never satisfied, especially not greedy scoundrels like Wu Gui!" Zhen Shiyin's calm words hit the nail on the head. "Do you really think 'high salaries' can 'cultivate integrity'? That's nothing but a huge joke! What does 'greed' mean? Just wait and see!" A few uneventful days passed quickly. Ni Er looked at the secret report in his hand and high-fived Bao Yong in celebration. The inquisitive Zui Jingang, while pleased, asked Zhen Shiyin, "Mr. Zhen, there's something I don't understand. You know I can't keep things bottled up, heh heh..." Looking at his simple-minded subordinate, Zhen Shiyin chuckled, "Speak freely. It's a responsibility Baoyu entrusted to me..." "First, I want to teach you properly, so tell me!" Ni Er didn't mind being treated like a child and humbly asked, "Miss Qing is clearly Master Bao's lover, so why do we say she's Master Shi's woman? Aren't we afraid of damaging the reputations of both masters and Miss Qing?" "What do we care about reputations? Bao Yu and Shi Yu are not extraordinary people, so why would they care about such things?
We're only doing this for convenience," Zhen Shiyin had to cover up Bao Yu's two identities, and it was best to keep this secret as few people as possible for now. "Besides, you should know that if Bao Yu, with his status, were to take a concubine, wouldn't it become the talk of the town? How would we explain it to the Jia family then?!" "Oh! I understand!" Zhen Shiyin's reasonable words convinced Ni Er, and even Bao Yong, who was a former henchman of the Jia family, couldn't help but nod in agreement. He was quite familiar with the rules of aristocratic families.
At the same time, a lively discussion about this matter was taking place in the study of the Sun family.
Excited, Zhao Da and his trusted subordinates entered the Sun residence. Waiting for them in the study were the smiling faces of Sun Shaozu and several key advisors.
After a boastful exchange, Zhao Da said smugly, "General Sun, this is what happened. That Wu Gui has been bribed with a large sum of money and beautiful women. We just need him to get the route map and departure time. Then we can deliver a fatal blow to them—this time, we've got all their supplies!" "General, what a great opportunity!" Sun Shaozu's subordinate, dressed in a tight-fitting uniform, excitedly clasped his hands in a fist salute.
"This is like a piece of fat meat falling from the sky, a great favor from heaven to the general!" "There seems to be something amiss," said the old man dressed as a scholar to Zhongshan Wolf's right, stroking his goatee. "Shi Yu is always cautious in his actions. The last two successful sneak attacks were entirely due to our surprise attack. How could they be so careless this time, and even promote a talentless rogue to a high position?!" "Why so many concerns? You're overestimating Shi Yu!" The subordinate in the previous martial attire objected disdainfully. "Shi Yu is merely good at scheming; what strategy does he have?!
They were utterly helpless when I attacked them before!" "Shut up!" Zhongshan Wolf impatiently interrupted the two's argument, and slowly said with a thoughtful expression:
"Commander Zhao has already responded. Xue Pan and Jia Yucun have both been captured and are currently under severe torture. If we deliver a fatal blow to the Jia and Xue families financially, then even if they want to bribe officials, they will be powerless to do so!" Zhongshan Wolf paused slightly, cautiously turning to his scholar subordinate, "However, what you say makes a lot of sense. If we fall into their trap, we will suffer a great loss!" Zhao Da didn't want his efforts to be in vain. He was already prepared and secretly sneered inwardly. They wanted to prevent him from making a great contribution—no way!
A smug smile crept across Zhao Dafang's thin face. After the commotion subsided among Sun Shaozu's men, Zhao Dafang leisurely pulled out a document and handed it to Zhongshan Lang, saying, "General Sun, rest assured, I have conducted a thorough investigation. This is Wu Gui's information. His identity and character are absolutely trustworthy; he's practically a born traitor! Heh, heh..." His triumphant laughter infected Zhongshan Lang and his men. After carefully reading it, even the scholar's men smiled, largely agreeing with Zhao Dafang's words.
"Hmm!" Sun Shaozu gently closed the document, making his final decision. "Brother Zhao, your great achievement is just around the corner, but..." Wu Gui, his mind racing, paced back and forth in his house, his anxious eyes frequently glancing at the increasingly dark sky. He wasn't feeling guilty or regretful about his betrayal, but rather annoyed that Zhao Dafang hadn't appeared by the appointed time.
Had the other party gone back on his word and refused to give him the reward? That was a hundred taels of gold and a position in the Imperial Guard—far better than serving under Jia Baoyu! A hundred taels of gold would be enough for a life of luxury. Even a maid like Qingwen in the Jia family only received one tael of silver a month; and how could the position of commander of the Red Chamber guards compare to a real court official position?!
Chapter Sixty-Eight: With everything prepared and a clear mind, Wu Gui, after weighing the options, feigned reluctance for a few moments before almost ecstatically agreeing to the other party's request. So what if he betrayed the Jia family? What was the big deal?! His cousin? With such a great temptation, he would even sell his wife and children!
"Brother Wu, I'm late!" Zhao Da leaped over the wall, carrying a large package.
"This humble servant greets Lord Zhao!" Wu Gui bowed respectfully, his eyes fixed on the contents of Zhao Da's hand—the coveted gold!
Just as the golden piece was about to fall into his hands, his dream within reach, a sudden, chilling aura shattered his illusion. The sturdy door, under the powerful impact, shattered into pieces of wood with a loud "boom," scattering everywhere!
"Shameless scoundrel, it was you!" More than ten sharp figures surrounded Zhao Da and Wu Gui. The leader shouted, "I've known for a long time that you're dishonest. Now I can finally bring you to Master Shi to claim credit!" Red Mansion guards! They're doomed! Wu Gui was terrified, his face ashen and his soul almost leaving his body. He had long heard of the Red Mansion guards' prowess. Looking at the broken wood on the ground, he felt utterly hopeless, seeing stars and feeling cold and icy.
Although Zhao Da was a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he held this high position mostly because of his kinship with Zhao Quan. His desperate resistance didn't last long. The predictable fight ended abruptly with a scream. The leader's blade swept across Zhao Da, and he fell to the ground, silent and lifeless.
"Spare me!" Before the guards could surround him, Wu Gui's knees buckled and he knelt on the ground. Staring at the gleaming longsword, his heart pounded with fear. He stammered and kowtowed repeatedly, "I...I am...Master Shi's...brother-in-law! You can't...kill me!" "What brother-in-law?! I only recognize you as a traitor! Master Shi won't blame us, die!" The leading man roared, raising his gleaming steel blade high, bringing it down on Wu Gui's head with the force of a mountain crashing down.
"Ah!" A sharp, piercing scream ripped through the air. Before the blade could even touch flesh, Wu Gui collapsed to the ground with a thud
. The cowardly fellow had fainted from fright. Not only that, but a foul stench emanated from between Wu Gui's legs, suffocating the space around them. The descending steel blade sliced through the air, narrowly missing Wu Gui's neck before returning to its sheath. The guards immediately covered their noses and retreated hastily.
"Haha... Well done!" Zhao Da, who had been dead, sprang to his feet, a smug look on his face.
"This humble servant greets Commander Baihu. Please punish us for our previous offense!" The group of men knelt down in unison, their true identities finally revealed.
Zhao Da was quite pleased with his men's performance. He glanced disdainfully at Wu Gui, who lay there like a dead fish, and had no more doubts. "You stay here and wake this fool! As for the gold, give it to him to calm his nerves and make him work for us properly!" Before he finished speaking, Zhao Da turned and walked out the door, beaming with pride. He secretly thought to himself that he had now accomplished a great feat, and that once Commander Qianhu succeeded in his mission, his own promotion to marquis and general would be just around the corner!
Heh heh… The whole city knows of the passing of the Jia family's patriarch, and the imperial court has even issued a decree of condolence, not only granting him special land to set up a mourning hall, but also allowing all officials, from princes down to civil and military officials, to pay their respects. Such favors have certainly brought great glory to the Jia family, but it has been a burden for Sister Feng, who manages the affairs of both mansions, keeping her constantly busy. Even more burdensome is our young master Baoyu, who not only has to pay his respects morning and evening, but also, despite being so close to his beloved, has no chance for a private
rendezvous. Sigh! Baoyu followed the crowd out of the mourning hall, and seeing that it was still dark and he was still sleepy, he muttered to himself, "Heavens! There's still a month left, getting up before dawn every day to pay respects—this is no life for a human being! I'd better go back to my courtyard and get some more sleep!"
This simple request from the lazy fellow proved difficult to fulfill. Before he even entered the Grand View Garden, the energetic Beiming stopped him again. "Second Master, Bao Yong is requesting an audience outside the gate!" "I know!" Baoyu's spirits lifted upon hearing this. He had been utterly bored these past few days; finally, he had nothing fun to do! Having orchestrated Wu Gui's scheme, he naturally knew why Bao Yong was there. Everything was prepared, just waiting for Bao Yong to appear and entrust Wu Gui with an important task! Heh, heh... But before that, he had to see that annoying Prince Zhongshun first! This play couldn't be done without his cooperation!
Amidst the vast expanse of white snow and ice, a sedan chair, surrounded by a retinue, came to a stop before the gates of Prince Zhongshun's mansion. Bao Yong, leading the procession, stepped forward without waiting for his master's command to present a visiting card. The gatekeeper, accustomed to judging people by their appearance, casually flipped open the card and, seeing it was the arrival of the renowned second young master of the Jia family, his previously haughty head instantly drooped to the ground. The hunchbacked servant hurriedly announced the arrival inside.
"Damn it! This Prince Zhongshun is truly no good!" Baoyu, surveying the magnificent mansion before him, couldn't help but sigh. He was a frequent visitor to Prince Beijin's mansion. While the two mansions were comparable in grandeur, Prince Zhongshun's felt overbearing and incredibly luxurious, yet lacking the refined elegance of the Jia family's residence.
As the saying goes, "Environment shapes character," and this mansion exuded an unmistakable arrogance; no wonder such a degenerate as Prince Zhongshun could emerge from it!
"Brother Jia, you've kept me waiting!" Just as Baoyu was intently observing the Prince's mansion, the Prince Zhongshun, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, greeted him with a smile at the gate. His seemingly polite words concealed his displeasure, and he said with a barbed tongue, "It's really difficult for me to see you! It's even more difficult than seeing my imperial brother!" Bah! Baoyu cursed inwardly. So what if he's a prince? Why does he have to flaunt his royal blood in front of me? I'm not buying it!
"Your Highness, please forgive me. Things have indeed been going badly for my household lately," Baoyu said with a sincere and friendly smile, then changed the subject, "But I think that given our friendship, Your Highness won't mind, right?!" "Heh, heh... Of course! Brother, please!" The Prince Zhongshun hadn't fully taken control of the Red Chamber yet, so he naturally had to maintain a humble and respectful image towards this good-for-nothing. The fake prince waved his hand and led the way, and the two slowly entered the Prince's mansion amidst the pleasantries.
The clouds drifted away with the passing time, while laughter and cheerful chatter filled the main hall of Prince Zhongshun's mansion! One was willing, the other had ulterior motives—a perfect match!
The so-called negotiation, under Baoyu's clueless performance, became entirely a one-sided demand from Prince Zhongshun. Prince Zhongshun, who had initially planned to proceed step by step, became even more smug. When discussing specific quantities, he suddenly demanded a year's worth of goods from Jiangnan. The good-for-nothing Baoyu hesitated only slightly before readily agreeing under Prince Zhongshun's slightly somber expression!
"Good! Brother Jia is indeed straightforward!" Prince Zhongshun, who had always used his power to oppress others, had no suspicion of the man's overjoyed reaction to the smooth negotiation, taking it all for granted!
"Brother, since you're here, let me prepare a feast for you to enjoy. I'll also have Qi Guan sing a couple of songs for us, and we'll have a few drinks together, how about that?" The smug fellow genuinely liked Bao Yu—he liked his clumsy antics, of course. He even brought out his own "treasures" to share with the young master!
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness!" Unable to accept such treatment, Bao Yu suppressed his nausea and resolutely declined the prince's offer, citing his return to his residence to pay respects.
Only after leaving the mansion and getting into his sedan chair did Bao Yu finally breathe a sigh of relief. Despite his repeated refusals, the self-important Prince Zhongshun still had Qi Guan come out and give him a tender look. If Bao Yong hadn't intervened in time, using the old lady's orders to "remind" his master to return home, he would have almost lost his temper on the spot.
Damn it! I'm never coming to this den of dragons and tigers again! Still shaken, Master Bao took a long time to calm his chest. To ensure the show continued, he had no choice but to send Bao Yong and his men back to the mansion first, while he himself headed alone towards the Red Mansion.
"This humble servant greets Master Shi," Shi Yu's imposing figure entered the mansion. Naturally, the most delighted was the scheming Master Wu Gui.
Far away in the Jinling government office, Zhao Quan, unusually composed and dignified in front of the Jinling officials, displayed a rare gentle light on his thin face.
Jinling, the old capital, was teeming with high-ranking officials. Although Zhao Quan's position as a commander was not low, at least half of the officials in the hall held higher ranks than him. Yet, reality was cruel; facing the commander who held their lives, these usually domineering officials could only force smiles and tremble with fear, trying to curry favor with the de facto ruler of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!
"What are your opinions on my decision, esteemed officials?" Zhao Quan, feigning generosity, waved his hand in front of him, trying to make his tone as sincere as possible. "Speak freely, and I will correct any shortcomings in my decision!" "Lord Commander, your wisdom and skill are impeccable! This decision is absolutely appropriate!" Almost simultaneously, dozens of high-ranking officials, as if they had rehearsed, sang praises in unison, their sycophantic behavior resembling flattery of the emperor in the imperial palace.
"Ha, ha... Please rise, gentlemen!" Zhao Quan's smile was beaming, his deepest ambition clearly sensing the atmosphere in the hall. He was so pleased he almost blurted out, "May all of you be promoted!"
After a moment of contemplating his superior position with slightly closed eyes, Zhao Quan adopted a feigned air of fairness and open-mindedness, saying, "Since you gentlemen have no objections, then I will take the liberty of making the decision." "Your Excellency is wise!" The first rule of being an official—flattery! These officials were masters of this; timely flattery was the only way to secure their wealth and status.
Zhao Quan suppressed his excitement, his expression unchanged. He nodded slightly, then changed the subject, shouting with unparalleled authority, "Guards, take the convicted official Jia Yucun and the murderer Xue Pan to the prison cart and return to the capital immediately for trial by the Three Judicial Offices!" The crowd dispersed, leaving only Zhao Quan and a few trusted confidants in the vast hall of the government office, waiting for the prison cart to depart.
"My lord, Jia Yucun has confessed and agreed to cooperate with us, but Xue Pan hasn't given an inch yet. Why don't we wait until everything is settled before returning to the capital?" A subordinate who always advised Zhao Quan cautiously suggested to his master. Zhao Quan was that kind of guy—he wanted his subordinates to have ideas, but he didn't want them to be too clever; he was practically a reincarnation of Cao Cao!
"Hmm!" This time, the subordinate clearly understood the situation. Zhao Quan looked around the hall with great approval. Zhao Quan, with a hint of excitement, revealed the truth: "I originally wanted to pry Xue Pan's words out before returning to the capital, but the situation in the capital is excellent, and I urgently need to return to take charge. Zhao Da has finally given me a chance! Heh, heh… Time waits for no one!" While Zhao Quan was busily preparing to return to the capital, Shi Yu was also ready in every way, only lacking the final push.
"Master Shi, I take my leave!" On the surface, Wu Gui was overjoyed and excited. He departed with a grand send-off from Shi Yu. The position of Red Mansion Commander held no appeal for him now, just as the saying goes, "Greed knows no bounds!" Although he had been terrified and made a fool of himself by Zhao Da's test, all his grievances vanished like smoke under the glittering weight of gold!
"Master Shi, why didn't you set off sooner? It would have been better if this shameless scoundrel had disappeared sooner!" Bao Yong withdrew his contemptuous gaze from Wu Gui's retreating figure, looking at his master with respectful eyes filled with puzzlement.
"Don't rush," Shi Yu patted his trusted subordinate's shoulder and explained with a smile, "Zhao Quan has taken a large number of elite troops to Jinling. Let's wait for him to come back before we play! Otherwise, how will that scoundrel Prince Zhongshun know the pain?!" "Heh, heh... Master Shi is right!" Bao Yong chuckled in agreement, his boiling blood rushing to his eyes, his wild heart yearning for battle clearly visible. Only real swordplay was the favorite of a tough guy like him!
After a series of busy runs, Master Bao finally settled everything, and the established plan began to move along the pre-laid path. The understanding and support of Qingwen and the other two women pushed the plan to its climax!
The deafening drums and music of Ningguo Mansion reached Bao Yu's ears. The once energetic fellow seemed to hear a lullaby and instantly became weak all over, listlessly moving towards the mourning hall.
"Ouch!" Just as the listless Baoyu was about to cross the high threshold of the Ningguo Mansion's side gate, a dark shadow suddenly crashed in from inside. Before the Second Master Bao could react, his protective magic shield had already pierced through his body, deflecting the attacking "object."
A soft groan made Baoyu's heart flutter. It turned out the shadow was a person, not an object. Although the rebound from the magic shield was weak and harmless, a mortal body still couldn't withstand the enormous impact. The terrified, beautiful woman was about to fall to the ground, bleeding profusely!
Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Battle of Men and Women (Second Sister You) Protecting women is a man's nature, especially for the naturally affectionate Second Master Bao. At this critical moment, his tall figure suddenly appeared beside the beauty, his warm hand swiftly pulling the beauty in danger into his safe embrace.
The woman, now safe and sound, nestled gracefully in Bao Yu's arms. Her gaze, a mixture of shock and surprise, held a fiery intensity that seemed to freeze time itself.
Bao Yu looked down at her, while she simultaneously looked up at her savior. Their eyes met briefly in the air, and an invisible spark ignited within them, a fleeting infatuation forever etched into their hearts.
Bao Yu, focusing intently, finally recognized the woman in his arms as the wanton You Erjie. His usual aversion to her vanished like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the budding flame of passion within him. His hand, now devoid of warmth, gently pulled her away, and he retreated, trying to escape the wanton woman.
Still shaken, You Erjie found herself suddenly in a man's arms. Her chastity, hidden beneath her flirtatious exterior, initially struggled fiercely, but upon turning around and seeing that the man was none other than Bao Erye, the very man she had intended to seduce, her desire to escape transformed into a burning passion. Since heaven had presented her with such a golden opportunity, how could she easily give it up?!
"Ai-yo!" Her drawn-out, sweet voice was both delicate and seductive. You Erjie's alluring face blossomed like a flower, her shimmering eyes determined to make Bao Erye lose his senses. Her innate and acquired fragrance, like a fierce tiger, enveloped the space between them. Her nimble hands, like spring vines, wrapped around her prey's wrists. Taking advantage of Bao Yu's retreat to avoid suspicion, the beauty feigned weakness and leaned effortlessly into his embrace.
"Sister You, be careful!" Although he felt disgusted, Baoyu couldn't bring himself to throw her to the ground. However, the clever fellow managed to grab her arm at the last second, thus avoiding another intimate encounter.
"Oh, it's Brother Bao! You startled me! My heart is still pounding!" Sister You said, feigning fear, but her beautiful, affectionate eyes showed no sign of panic, only a burning light that seemed to melt even the hard-hearted Baoyu! "
It was my fault, I was too impulsive and bumped into Sister You." Baoyu took another step back until he was at a safe distance before releasing his hands from the woman's shoulders. Although his words were apologetic, his relaxed expression showed no sincerity. After all, he had walked in slowly, while she had barged in headfirst!
Seeing her prey escape once again, You Erjie's strong nature transformed into a fiercely competitive spirit. Gritting her teeth in anger, the beautiful woman cursed inwardly, "I refuse to believe that you, Jia Baoyu, are truly a gentleman. No lecherous man has ever escaped my grasp, let alone a mere pretty boy like you!" Although the You sisters hadn't been in contact with Baoyu for some time, their schemes against him hadn't slackened. They had used this time to gather information about Baoyu's past, hoping to find his fatal weakness and strike decisively. Their
efforts paid off. Thanks to You Erjie's innate social skills, she had learned everything about Jia Baoyu from birth to the present. The two clever and intelligent sisters, along with the stunningly beautiful and mischievous Qin Keqing, spent their days plotting against Baoyu.
Truly, what they discovered was astonishing! The three girls were shocked and terrified by the drastic change in Baoyu before and after his strange illness. However, after secretly verifying the story with Keqing, a spirit herself, and You Sanjie, a disciple of the Great Wilderness Mountain, they ruled out the possibility of demonic possession. Unable to understand, they attributed it to the miraculous power of the "Spirit Jade"—it must have saved Baoyu's life in a moment of crisis, and even, as a blessing in disguise, opened the acupoints in his mind, transforming him from a simpleton into the handsome and extraordinary Second Master Bao!
Having reached this conclusion, the three girls finally felt the difficulty and pressure of the situation. The beautiful ghost spirit, seeing the deadline given by the Ghost King fast approaching, paced anxiously.
You Sanjie, filled with gratitude, felt deeply for Keqing's plight and was heartbroken. To better understand Baoyu, she used her charm to bewitch the self-important Jia Lian, but unfortunately, Jia Lian only had a superficial understanding of Baoyu and it didn't have much effect.
What to do? Time was running out! After further discussion, the three women finally identified the only common thread in Baoyu's transformation—his tender-heartedness and, to put it bluntly, his lustful nature! All signs pointed to Baoyu being anything but a paragon of virtue. As for his coldness towards his sisters, the You sisters interpreted it as feigned aloofness and a tactic to get closer to them!
This understanding led to their earlier chance encounter; otherwise, why would You Erjie have appeared at the secluded side gate?!
"Farewell, Sister You! I'm going to pay my respects to the old master!" Before the flirtatious woman could cast another glance, Baoyu bowed and headed into the courtyard.
"Ah!" A scream came from behind him. Baoyu instinctively turned around and saw that Sister You's face was deathly pale, her expression filled with pitiful pain.
"Sister You, what's wrong?" Baoyu asked with concern, his eyes red and brimming with tears, while carefully assessing her sincerity. Seeing that her pain didn't seem fake, he stopped.
"Nothing, I just twisted my ankle. Brother Bao, you go on your way!" Sister You forced back her tears and generously gestured for Baoyu to leave. She then took a step forward, and as soon as her foot touched the ground, another heart-wrenching cry of "Ouch!" rang out.
Baoyu looked around and saw that the place was indeed remote; there wasn't even a maidservant to help. The heartfelt cries of the promiscuous woman were so poignant that even the most hard-hearted person would feel sorry for her, let alone the sentimental Baoyu!
"Sister You, don't move! Let me help you!" Seeing the beauty swaying as if she were about to take another step, Baoyu quickly stepped forward and, before she could even agree, had already taken her arm.
"Thank you, Brother Bao! It hurts so much!" A smug glint flashed in Sister You's teary eyes as she thought to herself, "You lecherous devil, you've finally shown your true colors! No matter how cunning you are, I'll make you drink my foot bath water!" "Hehe... Sister's foot injury is also my fault, it's nothing!" Feeling guilty for bumping into the beauty, even though she was a wanton beauty, Baoyu still felt extremely apologetic. For the first time, he omitted the polite but awkward "You family" in his address.
The moment his palms touched her fragrant shoulders, even through the thick winter clothes, the beauty's natural softness clearly penetrated Baoyu's palms. His male instincts were awakened in that instant by the smooth touch and intoxicating fragrance. A burning desire began to churn and rage in Baoyu's heart. Fortunately, his past aversion to this woman was deeply ingrained in his mind, preventing the eager "little Baoyu" from revealing his true nature!
The woman being helped, You Erjie, was equally uncomfortable. She had to pay a small price to tease the lecherous man, and this wasn't her first time having simple contact with a man. When Baoyu's large hands touched her shoulders, her disdainful heart suddenly trembled. The heat of Baoyu's palms was unlike anything she'd ever felt before; the scorching heat exploded in her heart like thunder and lightning, shattering her confidence and sense of superiority. She almost collapsed to the ground for the first time!
A lecherous man! A real lecherous man! This Jia Baoyu was a real lecherous man! Otherwise, how could his hands be so terrifying, as if possessed by magic?! Thinking of this, You Erjie wasn't helpless. She quickly regained her composure, a strong mental wall firmly imprisoning the turbulent waves in her heart. "
Hmph!" You Erjie thought to herself, "That was close! I almost lost to my prey!" Fortunately, she had already seen through the man's despicable true nature, otherwise she would have stumbled!
The secretly pleased beauty hadn't anticipated that while suppressing her pounding heart, she was also sealing away the warmth Baoyu had transmitted within her heart. This magical warmth was now subtly but ceaselessly changing within the tide of passion, as formidable as termites! A thousand-mile dike can be breached by an anthill; would You Erjie's impenetrable wall of the heart suffer the same fate? Or would the astute beauty, with her discerning eyes, eliminate the termites one by one, thus maintaining her undefeated reputation as a wanton woman?
Lost in their own thoughts, the two silently entered the pavilion. You Erjie, her spirits lifted, assumed, based on past experience, that the lecherous man would seize the opportunity to embrace her. She was prepared to tease him and whet his appetite.
Unfortunately, the man before her was indeed a lecherous man, but a special kind of lecher who preferred romance to vulgarity. Baoyu, after helping the wanton woman to sit on the brocade stool, did not take the opportunity to make advances. Instead, to everyone's surprise, he turned and walked out of the hall.
"Sister You, please sit for a moment!" Before the words were even finished, the tall figure had already walked a long way away, giving Sister You no chance to seduce her!
Humph! Pretending! Sister You was not discouraged at all. Experienced beauties had encountered similar situations before. Such people were the most hateful. They would either set up lewd schemes or go to get medicine to treat their foot injuries so that they could take advantage of their delicate bodies.
A voice enveloped in magic came from behind the artificial hill in the courtyard to Sister You's ears, "Sister, Jia Baoyu is not taking the bait, what should we do?" It turned out that Sister You and the invisible ghost were hiding here at this moment; under the reputation of the divine stone, although Ke Qing could become invisible, she dared not approach the divine stone even half a step. The scene of being hit by the divine stone in Jin Chuan'er's mourning hall made her have no choice but to rely on the You sisters to achieve her goal!
Sitting in the pavilion, Sister You shook her head slightly, her confident eyes signaling her sister not to act rashly. The best was yet to come.
As expected, a moment later, Baoyu's hurried figure reappeared, and You Erjie was overjoyed! But before her long-prepared groan of pain could escape her lips, the next turn of events left the beauty stunned and utterly dejected.
Baoyu had returned, but he was leading a large group of maids and servants. The kind-hearted Master Bao didn't even approach the pavilion; under his calm and composed command, the "injured" You Erjie was carried onto a stretcher and, surrounded by maids, marched in a grand procession towards the Jia family's pharmacy!
"Sister You, please rest well. I'll visit you another day!" The hateful Baoyu didn't follow, uttering these perfunctory words before quickly heading towards the mourning hall again. He had never been so enthusiastic about offering incense before!
As he passed the artificial hill, the all-powerful Master Bao paused slightly and glanced at it subconsciously. In that instant of hesitation, his immense magical power burst forth, enveloping the entire courtyard with unparalleled might.
Hidden behind the artificial hill, the human and the ghost, seeing Baoyu's gaze upon them, sensed something was wrong and were immobilized before they could react. The defiant You Sanjie gritted her teeth, but despite using all the magical power she had cultivated over ten years, she couldn't move an inch!
Huh! Baoyu's superhuman senses allowed him to accurately detect the source of the two magical powers. Sensing only a pure and righteous aura, he withdrew his fierce killing intent. He intended to step forward to investigate, but his nemesis, the little witch, appeared out of nowhere, interrupting his chance to discover the truth.
"Second Uncle, you actually hid here! Hehe..." The cheerful little girl, though still defiant towards her wicked second uncle, had softened considerably. Her teasing tone drew closer, "Don't want to burn incense and kowtow? Trying to hide? Don't even think about it with me here! Come with me!" A helpless, bitter smile crept onto his face, and his wild energy returned to his mind. Seeing the little girl getting closer, Bao Yu could only speak in a deep, magical voice, "Regardless of your purpose, I'll spare you this time because you're not demons. Go back to where you came from! This isn't a place for you!" His authoritative words had barely faded when the pitiful Second Master Bao was caught red-handed by the little girl and obediently escorted to the mourning hall to perform the twice-daily ritual of burning incense and kowtowing.
How terrifying! Cold sweat trickled down You Sanjie's forehead. The cold wind made the girl feel a chill run down her back; the cold sweat from just a moment of fear had already soaked through her clothes!
Is this the power of the divine stone? Although Ke Qing didn't break out in a cold sweat, her spirit was so terrified it almost dissipated. The fear in her ghostly heart was even more severe than that of You Sanjie. Just now, if Bao Yu had added even a little more magic, she wouldn't have been able to maintain her spirit!
Heavens! This divine stone is too powerful! How long has it been since Bao Yu became so powerful! She had only felt this kind of aura from the Ghost King. If this continued, wouldn't he become invincible and possess boundless magic?!
It's over! She can forget about getting the "Spirit Jade"! Ke Qing's spirit, having reached a dead end, went limp and collapsed to the ground. Although she didn't make a sound, the despair in her ghostly eyes was even more shocking!
Chapter Seventy: The Witch Alliance Now, Bao Yu's magic is not only unfathomable, but even her sister's usual seduction has failed! Equally dejected, You Sanjie stood listlessly in place, her mind flashing before her senior brother's eager face. Imagining his disappointment at failing to obtain the divine stone, her young heart ached again!
The power of love was indeed great! In that instant, You Sanjie forgot how terrifying Bao Erye was, and her fighting spirit surged blindly once more. For her senior brother, she was determined to succeed at all costs, even if it meant paying a terrible price!
Human hearts are easily influenced, and even the most desperate spirits are no exception. Under the overwhelming force of You Sanjie, Keqing's spirits lifted, and she forcefully suppressed her intense fear. At worst, her soul would be scattered; if she wasn't afraid of that, what else was there to fear?! "
Jia Baoyu, I will never let you go in this life!" This silent roar came from the heart of You Erjie on the stretcher. Such a meticulously planned scheme had failed; the beauty's usual confidence finally began to waver. The wound to her pride was far more unforgettable than physical pain.
The invincible You Erjie, who had always been a force to be reckoned with in love, never expected to stumble and sink with Jia Baoyu. Her competitive spirit and wounded pride roared together. An enraged tigress was indeed terrifying; she thus made an unwavering vow to be entangled with Baoyu for life!
The initial confrontation ended in a crushing defeat for the "Jia Baoyu Deception Alliance," but the three spirited women fought on despite repeated defeats, growing stronger with each loss! What clever schemes will they devise to make Baoyu hand over the sacred stone or keep him within ten feet of it?!
"Second Uncle, what are you dawdling for? Hurry up!" Qiao Jie'er impatiently pushed her wicked second uncle's strong back with her jade-like hand, pushing him forward with effort like a calf plowing a field.
Heh, heh... Baoyu couldn't help but secretly rejoice, never expecting such treatment! The mischievous fellow not only didn't quicken his pace, but deliberately slowed down, letting the girl push him forward with a flushed face, comfortably enjoying her full-fledged service!
Humph! Qiao Jie'er wrinkled her delicate nose slightly. Although she knew her second uncle was "bullying" her, she unusually didn't throw a tantrum this time. Instead, she pushed her wicked second uncle forward even more vigorously.
The little girl's efforts paid off. The light-footed Bao Er Ye strolled comfortably through the central gate as if walking on clouds, secretly hoping the journey could stretch on indefinitely so he could get his revenge on the little girl! Unfortunately, his wishful thinking was thwarted by fate; his delight vanished with a coquettish cry.
"Second Brother, I've been looking for you for so long!" A sweet voice and a slender figure appeared simultaneously. Who else in the entire Jia household would address him like that except for the great witch Shi Xiangyun?!
"Sister Yun, I've brought her to you!" Although Qiao Jie'er was a generation younger than Xiangyun, they were the closest in age among the women. Qiao Jie'er had no sisters of the same generation, and Xiangyun, used to being the younger sister, wanted to experience being the older sister. So they hit it off and addressed each other as sisters in private.
He'd been tricked! The little maid's smug boastful words revealed her true intentions. Baoyu, realizing the truth but too late, sighed in despair. Xiangyun's strange expression finally reminded him of the girl's solemn warning at the Iron Threshold Temple. But how could a man immersed in the flowers have the mind to guess the answer?!
"Second Brother, do you remember what people asked you?" Xiangyun was indeed going to pursue Baoyu's old grievances. Her playful eyes revealed a strong expectation. As soon as the girl spoke, he unconsciously took it seriously, as if Baoyu's inability to remember would be a great hurt to her. "Tell me!" The straightforward and innocent girl's charming and lovely face became anxious, and her playful heartstrings began to tighten!
"This...heh, heh...what's so difficult about this?!" Under Xiangyun's beautiful eyes, which held a hint of resentment, Baoyu dared not give a perfunctory answer. The shrewd guy could only use his signature move—to talk around while grinning foolishly, using this moment to rapidly process information in his mind, hoping for a sudden flash of inspiration.
The charming and innocent Xiangyun possessed a gentle and endearing side amidst her liveliness and innocence. Although she knew Baoyu's intentions, she didn't expose him, only her eyes began to redden as she nervously awaited her second brother's response. Unfortunately, Qiaojie wasn't so kind. The little maid, eager to see a good show, immediately kicked her while she was down, "Second Uncle, since it's not difficult, just tell us! Are you deliberately deceiving Sister Yun because you think she's honest?" That brat! Baoyu broke out in a cold sweat upon hearing this. Seeing that Xiangyun indeed had a hint of anger on her face, as if she had been successfully provoked by the little maid, the Second Master Bao hurriedly spoke up to comfort the girl, "Sister Yun, how could your second brother deceive you? Tell me, from childhood to adulthood, when have I ever lied to you?!" Although Baoyu had only known the girl for half a year, he could only grit his teeth and endure it. Letting a beautiful woman be heartbroken was not something a man would do!
"Second Brother is right!" Like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse, the charming and innocent girl indeed pondered for a moment before responding in a cooperative tone, "You've always been the best to me since we were little, but..." A shadow of sadness crossed Xiangyun's slightly round face, and she changed the subject, her voice tinged with reproach, "But in the past six months, you've never taken the initiative to contact me, and every time we meet, you're not as affectionate as before. I don't even know if you're still the same Second Brother!" As she spoke, the girl raised her hand to wipe her reddened eyes, forcing out a few tears that were welling up.
"Don't cry, don't cry... it's all Second Brother's fault!" The girl's sorrowful tears struck Baoyu's heart like a heavy hammer. At that moment, he felt utterly wicked, and he could no longer remember that he was not actually the Second Brother the girl spoke of.
The falling tears did not disappear; instead, a mist of water surged, as if the tears were forming a line. Panicked and flustered, Baoyu wanted to slap himself. In his haste, he blurted out, "Second brother, I'm sorry! I was careless and neglected Sister Yun. But I really haven't forgotten Sister Yun. Look, I even prepared a gift for you!" To cheer up the girl, Baoyu reached into his robe and took out a three-foot jade belt. This was the Immortal Binding Rope that he had painstakingly refined over the past few days. After subduing the Immortal Binding Rope, Baoyu originally intended to restore it to its original state through cultivation. However, while refining it, he had a sudden inspiration. He thought of the many beauties who had been kind and affectionate to him, yet he had never given them any gifts. This jade belt, made from the Immortal Binding Rope, could not only represent his affection and accompany her constantly, but also protect the safety of the beauties.
After being refined by his extraordinary magical power, and combined with the inherent wonder of the Immortal Binding Rope, although it was divided into dozens, its power remained incomparably strong. Not only could it not harm mortals, but even ordinary demons could hardly escape its magical binding. Even more miraculously, these jade belts could communicate with Baoyu's mind; no matter where he was, he could instantly sense her call.
"What is this? It's so beautiful!" Xiangyun involuntarily reached out and took it. Gazing at the jade belt with its leisurely flowing multicolored light, the girl was completely captivated without any resistance, even forgetting her "heartbroken" tears!
"This is a five-colored fairy rope that Second Brother specially prepared for his younger sister, Sister Yun. Please accept it with a smile!" Bao Yu had really gone all out this time. He originally wanted to give it to his beloved Sister Feng as soon as possible, but since he had blurted it out in a moment of panic, how could he take it back with his unrestrained and carefree nature? He took the opportunity to praise his "sincere intentions" again and again. "I wonder if Sister Yun likes it?" "I like it, so I'll forgive you this time! If there's a next time, I'll never talk to you again!" Xiang Yun was overjoyed with this gift, which could be described as a treasure among treasures. The gloom on her jade face disappeared completely, and she regained her joyful nature. She moved her delicate body and wanted to rush into Second Brother's arms!
Bao Yu happily opened his big hand, but before the excited swallow could fly into his arms, it was once again ruthlessly stopped!
Having witnessed her wicked second uncle's extremely outrageous behavior at the Water Moon Nunnery, Qiao Jie'er wasn't so easily appeased. Her shrill cry snapped Xiangyun out of her emotional turmoil. "No! Sister Yun can't let Second Uncle get away with this!" Alas! Baoyu's tall figure instantly shrank. How could he have forgotten this little devil?!
"Yes! Qiao Jie'er is right!" Under the little maid's constant winking and gesturing, Xiangyun finally remembered her important mission. Suppressing her urge to rush forward, she threatened again with a mournful tone, "Unless you promise to obey my and Qiao Jie'er's orders from now on, I won't forgive you, and I'll even complain to the Old Ancestor!" As the girl spoke these threatening words, her jade hand hurriedly hid the jade belt in her bosom. Even if Baoyu disagreed, she would never return this treasure to him.
It was that little girl again! Baoyu turned back and glared at Qiaojie with resentment. Even if he were stupid, he could understand at this point that the two witches must have conspired beforehand, just waiting for him, their prey, to take the bait!
"Fine, fine... I'll do whatever you two little devils say, is that alright now?!" Baoyu sighed helplessly, his face feigning tears, but he harbored no resentment. After all, how many men in the world could bear to refuse the "kindness" of two such beauties?
"Hehe... Second Brother (Second Uncle) is so kind!" The two beautiful girls almost simultaneously beamed with joy, their expressions changing far faster than Bao Yu's masterful ability to change his expression. Xiangyun even happily took out the fan pendant that Bao Yu had lost and handed it over, "Here, I'll give it to you again, but you're not allowed to lose it again!" Good heavens! So that's what it was! Bao Yu looked at the little ornament in his hand with endless sorrow, truly wanting to cry but having no tears. This little thing had been exchanged for a magical five-colored rope, along with an unequal treaty with unknown consequences!
A flash of inspiration struck Bao Yu, and he finally remembered when he had lost it. The tender moments he shared with Sister Feng on the blue stone in the dense forest flashed before his eyes again. The guilty-hearted fellow didn't even dare to ask any further questions and unhesitatingly put it back into his pocket.
"Second Uncle, I want a five-colored rope too!" The shrewd Qiao Jie'er, well aware of the wonderful use of power, immediately made a nearly unreasonable request after the treaty was settled.
"That's all. You can't just buy this whenever you want. This is the only one I have!" Out of revenge for the little devil, Baoyu refused without hesitation. His firm words revealed his determination to teach this troublemaker a lesson!
"Second Uncle, you just promised to obey my orders, and you broke your promise!" The wronged little girl tearfully accused Baoyu, then turned to Xiangyun and pleaded, "Sister Yun—Sister, look at Second Uncle!" "Second Brother, just give Qiaojie one. It's just a belt! I know you're the most generous!" Although Xiangyun's eyes were still a little shy and her flirtatious glances were faint, it was precisely this awkward beauty that stirred Baoyu's heartstrings more than You Erjie's mature and gorgeous appearance.
The seasoned warrior nearly stumbled and was defeated by the Great Witch. Fortunately, the Little Witch's usual actions had deeply wounded him, allowing him to swallow back the words he was about to utter at the last moment. The wavering warrior hurriedly shook his head, indicating that there was no way to stop him!
"Waaah...you're bullying me! Sister Yun has the Five-Colored Rope, but I don't!" The little girl's tears, whether real or not, welled up uncontrollably. She was so sad that she almost burst into tears. "I'm going to tell Grandmother and Mother that you don't love me anymore!" He was full of confidence in dealing with Grandmother Jia and Baoyu, but the little girl's unintentional mention of Sister Feng hit his weak spot. Time was limited, and he had only refined two pieces of the Five-Colored Rope so far. He planned to give one piece to Sister Feng, and the other piece was to thank Ping'er, the kind "matchmaker." Of course, his purpose was not limited to that.
But now Xiangyun has beaten him to it. If this matter falls into the ears of Sister Feng and Ping'er, the Shuiyue Nunnery incident has only just been resolved. If this happens again, I'm afraid the two beauties will be consumed by jealousy! I won't have the same good fortune as before!
Oh well! This little devil is indeed my nemesis! Thinking of this, Baoyu saw Qiaojie crying louder and louder, and could only sigh to the heavens, feeling a sense of desolation.
"Oh!" The shameless fellow pretended to suddenly realize something. "I remember now, there's another one here that was originally bought for someone else. Since Qiaojie likes it, then even if your second uncle is sorry to his friend, he can't let you be sad. Here!" "Hehe... Second uncle is so kind!" Qiaojie's ability to change her expression is even better than Xiangyun's. One moment it was gloomy and rainy, and the next it was sunny and bright. The little girl stroked the jade belt in her hand with great joy, showing no trace of sadness!
"This was requested by your second uncle from a truly virtuous immortal. You must remember to always wear it around your waist..." Having already given away the immortal rope, the naturally easygoing man immediately gave the two women detailed instructions. He didn't want his efforts to be wasted!
"Yes! We understand!" Bao Yu's unusually serious expression made the two women understand the importance of this item. They unanimously remembered his words. Before Bao Yu could finish speaking, the two women unabashedly unbuttoned their outer garments and wrapped the jade belt around their waists!
Chapter 71: One Bed, Five Good Things, Endless Pleasure (Part 1) Although the lecherous man was naturally amorous, he hadn't yet felt any lust for the two young and innocent women. Taking advantage of their dressing, the man with a wry smile quickened his pace and entered through the front door, swiftly moving away from the two dangerous witches!
"Yay! Success! Hehe..." Joyful laughter bid farewell to Bao Yu. The two women, having gained much, carefully stroked the strange treasure around their waists, temporarily abandoning their intention to tease Bao Yu!
As the last rays of light were swallowed by the night, Baoyu finally ended his long and tedious mourning ceremony. The endless stream of people left him only able to look Fengjie in the eye. Feeling listless and powerless, he reluctantly left her sight.
"Baoyu, you're back! You must be tired!" The gentle Xiren greeted him at the gate of Yihong Courtyard, her tender care flowing gently into his heart. Although they could be considered an "old married couple," the gentle Xiren showed no sign of arrogance, serving Baoyu with the same meticulous care as always.
Before the gatekeeper could announce his return, Qiuwen, Sheyue, and Yuchuan rushed out, their excitement tinged with a hint of reproach. Although Baoyu had returned to Yihong Courtyard these past few days, he always kept himself locked in his room, mysteriously up to something!
Amidst gentle words and the fragrance of flowers, Bao Yu entered the hall, surrounded by four women. Xi Ren helped him change into his outer robe, Mushe gently wiped away the snowflakes, Qiuwen served hot tea, and Yuchuan massaged his back and shoulders—this was truly the life of a fairy!
"Bao Yu, you...you tonight..." After a moment of tenderness, the innocent and charming Mushe couldn't help but ask. Although the girl had mustered her courage, her stammering words still revealed boundless shyness. She couldn't continue halfway through her sentence and could only bury her flushed face between her increasingly full breasts.
As soon as Mushe spoke, Xi Ren stopped walking, Qiuwen's figure stopped, and Yuchuan's hands stopped moving—everything in the room stopped for a moment, and a heavy atmosphere silently flowed between the four expectant hearts.
Baoyu first chuckled involuntarily, then a thought flashed through his mind and he felt a pang of guilt. If he hadn't neglected them for so long, how could the four girls, with their dignified and self-possessed nature, have extended such a passionate invitation?!
"Heh, heh... Tonight the snow is heavy, the wind is strong, and the weather is cold. I'm feeling weak, so I can only ask my darling Xiaoyue to warm me up!" Baoyu lowered his head and gently kissed the girl's earlobe. His hot breath made it impossible for Mushe to pretend to be calm. After a groan, a burning passion ignited in the hearts of all the girls.
"Mmm!" Mushe's lips murmured softly. The silent cry made her understand the source of her inexplicable irritability these past few days. What the four sisters had meant as a joke earlier that day had turned into a game, and the game had become a selection for who would be the vanguard. After a fierce struggle, our little Mushe unfortunately lost. For the first time in her life, she had to take the initiative to be intimate with her lover. The shame and embarrassment in her heart were unimaginable!
Fortunately, her efforts finally paid off. A powerful surge of happiness swept through Musk Moon's heart, dispelling any embarrassment she might have felt! The young woman had turned misfortune into blessing; exchanging a little embarrassment for her beloved's affection was absolutely worthwhile, making her beam with joy!
The three victorious girls, however, felt a bittersweet mix of joy and sorrow, regret mixed with anticipation. Bao Yu's readily agreed dispelled their doubts; the unusually affectionate behavior of the young master Bao Yu these past few days had inevitably led the four girls to wonder—did Bao Yu no longer love them?! The current outcome proved that their beloved still held them in his heart, though not for them personally. Musk Moon, how could she not receive his favor in the future?!
Before the three women could even register the complex emotions swirling in their hearts, Baoyu suddenly looked up with a mischievous smile. His fiery words, carrying an overwhelming force, slammed into their hearts. "Little Yue'er alone isn't warm enough. The three of you should help keep warm!" His domineering words left no room for negotiation. The desire that Baoyu had been aroused by You Erjie during the day finally erupted in that instant. His commanding tone left the four women feeling only shame, not anger. This also conveniently eliminated their innate sense of modesty—this was their master's order, not their own shameful thoughts!
"Hehe..." With that thought, the four women finally completely convinced themselves. Since it was an irresistible order, they might as well open their hearts and enjoy it!
Xi Ren and She Yue had already openly lived with Bao Yu, and Qiu Wen's feelings for him were also passionate and intense. Among all the women, only Yu Chuan had not confessed her feelings to Bao Yu. However, from the moment she entered the Yi Hong Courtyard, or perhaps from the moment she saw her brother-in-law write the blood-written memorial tablet for her sister, the idea of taking care of her brother-in-law in place of her sister had been deeply ingrained in the young girl's mind.
As the saying goes, what is inwardly expressed will outwardly reveal itself. Every move Yu Chuan made was overflowing with tenderness, and how could the shrewd and extraordinary Bao Yu not understand? Whether it was to make up for the regret of losing Jin Chuan, or the girl's own affection moved his soft heart, in order to cut the Gordian knot quickly, Bao Yu, deeply moved, swept away all the heavy barriers between the two with just one sentence, directly entering their home and besieging the city.
True love came so suddenly, and happiness descended in an instant. Yu Chuan, bewildered, was swept away by the tide of love and desire, unable to extricate herself!
The beautiful mirrored door opened gracefully, revealing a vibrant and passionate bedroom. A large bed specially made for Bao Yu, surrounded by springtime allure, was ready for its grand occasion.
Qiu Wen and Yu Chuan naturally retreated to the outer edge of the bed, pushing Bao Yu, who was positioned closer to the inside, towards Xi Ren and She Yue. Though the young girls' hearts were willing, their innate modesty led them to choose a self-deceptive "sleep." The
sexually aroused, illusory Bao Yu chuckled, "Sleep, let me create an endless dream for you!" Xi Ren and She Yue, becoming the lambs to the slaughter, cried out and sang amidst the wolf's growling, their fragrant sweat and bodily fluids splashing, making the "sleeping" Qiu Wen and Yu Chuan blush crimson and breathe softly.
Since his first taste of the ultimate pleasure of a perfect bed, Bao Yu had become completely addicted. The passion at the Water Moon Nunnery had etched this unique flavor into his very bones and heart!
His four beautiful maids were naturally his best "sparring partners" when his interest was piqued; it would be wrong not to share such a wonderful feeling with his lover! Heh, heh… "Sizzle!" The sound of deep, forceful penetration was loud and powerful as Bao Yu pressed heavily onto Xi Ren's soft, alluring body. Under the pressure and sudden, heavy thrusts of her lover, the beauty involuntarily blushed, her breath quickened, and a delicate fragrance wafted from her lips.
"Ah!" The long-lost pleasure was familiar yet now fresh. Bao Yu's member, unused for some time, had become even more potent. Even as Xi Ren was immersed in boundless pleasure, she couldn't help but feel a strong sense of surprise.
What was it?! The beautiful woman bit her lower lip slightly, her round face flushed crimson as she suppressed the sounds of pleasure rising in her throat. Her innate curiosity made her subconsciously raise her hips to meet his thrusts, yet she still carefully considered her options!
Yes! It was hotter and warmer! The jade pillar, unchanged in size and color, remained as rosy and firm as before, but the temperature had subtly changed. It had once been a scorching heat that burned her heart like a raging fire! Now it was just right, a warmth tinged with a burning heat, a gentle spring-like sensation bringing a tingling, soul-stirring itch. And with the timely entry and exit of the foreign object, the unbearable feeling transformed into boundless pleasure that instantly overwhelmed her!
Before Xiren could think further, Baoyu had already increased the speed of his thrusts. In the midst of the fierce wind and torrential rain, the beauty's heart trembled, and boundless passion illuminated her entire soul. The tender beauty, chasing after intoxicating pleasure, hesitated to hold her heart in her thoughts. With a scream, she wholeheartedly wrapped her limbs around Baoyu's body, and her unrestrained lips left a series of love marks on her lover's chest!
Greatly affected, Musk Moon lost herself under the all-encompassing caresses of Baoyu's large hands. Following Baoyu's large hands, which were as light as a feather, she involuntarily stood up and knelt behind her lover, pressing her beautiful breasts tightly against Baoyu's back. Her slender and charming body swayed with his movements, never allowing their intimate contact to be separated.
Whether it was the burning passion in her beautiful eyes or the intense moans of Xiren earlier, the usually docile Musk Moon became unusually mischievous. Unable to contain herself, she lifted Xiren's jade-like legs high, much to the delight of Baoyu, who was currently exploring the soft, secluded valley. His excited "little Baoyu" thrust in and out with fierce force.
Musk Moon's excitement didn't stop there. Just as Baoyu withdrew and her lover was about to thrust again, her strong hand suddenly pressed down on Baoyu's waist, and without hesitation, she pressed down with all her might. With
a "whoosh," a powerful gust of wind arose, and the swift, menacing arrow pierced deeply into its target without warning.
"Ah..." A sharp cry of pleasure pierced the sky. Caught off guard, Xi Ren blurted out unimaginable words in her boundless fervor, "Broken...broken! Bao Yu...you...you big bad guy, you...you've...broken me!" The cute round head was deeply inserted into Xi Ren's flower core. Surrounded by softness, Bao Yu was not angry at all because of Mushe's mischief. On the contrary, he greatly appreciated it and kissed her passionately. The movement of the foreign object did not stop at all. It even displayed its supernatural power in the valley, changing its length and size at will, repeatedly grinding against the beauty's flower core and the four walls of her honey hole!
Hmm! Sparks were flying in the hearts of the "sleeping" Yu Chuan'er and Qiu Wen. The sounds that were previously faintly heard through several walls were now happening three feet away. They finally realized that being there in person and eavesdropping through the wall could not be measured by common sense. Without experiencing it firsthand, they would never understand how passionate it was!
Panic, shyness, anticipation… indescribable feelings flashed through the hearts of the two women simultaneously. Amidst the turmoil of countless thoughts, the most unbearable was the sight of their innocent virginity! A blush spread beneath their inner garments like a spring tide, and passion burned fiercely within their delicate bodies. Their feminine reserve gradually vanished under the enchanting music!
The enchanting spring song came to an end. Under their lovers' vigorous thrusts, Xi Ren and She Yue reached the peak of desire one after another. "Divine bliss" left them floating and tumbling on the crest of waves, endlessly. After the storm subsided, having received the baptism of their lovers' nectar, they drifted off to sleep, filled with boundless satisfaction!
The end of the first half caused Yu Chuan'er and Qiu Wen's hot, delicate bodies to tremble violently. The second half, filled with both fear and anticipation, was about to begin. The long-awaited mutual love and spiritual fusion was about to happen—the most important moment of a woman's life was about to arrive!
A thousand thoughts swirled and intertwined, finally converging into a silent cry that resonated in their hearts: "Come! Let the storm rage even more fiercely!" This mystical call summoned a fiery, powerful body. A figure, marked with love's marks, nimbly flipped, swimming like a fish into the trembling waves of the two women.
No superfluous words were needed; everything was perfectly expressed in action! The best love at this moment could only be a passionate, unresisting union!
Where the fiery hands passed, their helpless undergarments fluttered in the air, and their two exquisite bodies trembled incessantly in the heat, awaiting the arrival of true love!
A young girl's first night should leave beautiful memories. The passionate Bao Er Ye, to repay the girl's sincere love, suppressed his surging desires and tenderly laid both girls flat. After giving Yu Chuan a loving look, he turned and lay down on Qiu Wen's body. It was this considerate look that made Yu Chuan, though "neglected," feel incredibly sweet inside. She returned her thoughtful brother-in-law's tender gaze with a mixture of shyness and joy. Her
long-awaited, unrequited love had finally received a tangible response. The girl, who had once gone astray, finally saw the bright sunshine. Tears of endless emotion welled up in Qiu Wen's eyes, a thousand feelings swirling within her, and she laughed and cried with overwhelming excitement.
Long, strong fingers gently caressed the girl's bright red nipples. The boundless heat made her firm breasts appear even fuller, the bright red peaks trembling and standing proudly in the wind.
The passionate performance in the first half had already stirred Qiuwen's heart, and the long-brewing spring tide swept over her unwelcome jade gate!
The perceptive Baoyu, of course, wouldn't act rashly. With tender caresses and deep kisses, he subtly employed all his skills, and when the girl was panting and unable to contain herself, his long-awaited arrow finally shot forth with the most beautiful trajectory in the world.
"Ah!" The tearing pain made the girl involuntarily groan softly. Although the pain was unbearable, no woman in the world would forget this moment of agony—the joyful pain of having love entrusted to her, the pain of happiness!
Baoyu didn't let Qiuwen cry out in pain. His hot lips and tongue soothed her heart with the caresses of love. After a moment of silence, under the witness of the vibrant "peach blossoms," Qiuwen, now a new wife, began to take the initiative.
Chapter 72: One Bed, Five Delights, Endless Joy (Part 2) The tiger's waist slowly advanced, and the long-suffering "Little Baoyu" used his last bit of patience to slowly sneak into "Little Qiuwen's" home. As the saying goes, the brother is in love and the sister is willing. "Little Baoyu" and "Little Qiuwen" met for the first time and felt like they had known each other for a long time. They were inseparable!
Advance, surround, advance again, surround again. The never-ending battle began. The brave and fearless Little Baoyu felt a softness on his head. He had finally struck the heart of the little sister's flower. How wonderful!
The thick and fragrant spring tide sounded like adding fuel to the fire. The intimate collision sound went from slow to fast, from light to heavy, until finally it was like thunder in the sky and galloping horses on the plain.
Yu Chuan, standing so close, didn't close her eyes this time, for she had long forgotten the need for restraint. Previously, she had only heard the sounds of her brother-in-law and Xi Ren, but now this live-action erotic drama was unfolding right before her eyes. Moreover, with the slightest increase in their movements, the unavoidable contact of their burning skin was inevitable. Unconsciously, the beauty, unwilling to escape, mistook Qiu Wen, who was experiencing the impact, for herself, feeling the same tumultuous waves washing over her heart!
For Bao Yu, dealing with a girl experiencing such inexperience was a piece of cake. When Qiu Wen blossomed in the storm, although he hadn't yet reached that incomparably tingling moment, he, out of pity for the beauty, still bestowed his favor upon her, sending Qiu Wen to the heavens with his fiery passion!
Without pausing or delaying, the passionate Bao Yu swiftly shifted his position. Before Yu Chuan could react, her delicate legs were gently lifted and parted. The girl had just cried out in surprise when a deafening "boom" resounded in her mind. The previously barely perceptible friction sound became as clear and audible as lightning in the beauty's heart!
"Plop!" With the help of the intense spring tide, Bao Yu swiftly and decisively tore through the barrier again. The powerful foreign object instantly penetrated deep into the valley, reaching the very core of her flower before pausing its attack. "Ah!"
Only now did Yu Chuan's cry of surprise and pain begin to echo in the confined space. The pain of losing her virginity vanished under Bao Yu's sincere and earnest caresses.
Tender fingers plucked the strings of Yu Chuan's heart, like plucking a zither, stirring her overflowing love. The harmonious sounds of phoenixes and dragons danced and leaped within her heartstrings. Sensing her brother-in-law's genuine affection, the young woman could only manage a joyful "Ah!" before she was already intoxicated by love, no longer caring whether Bao Yu saw her as a substitute for her sister.
Forget it, whoever her brother-in-law saw her as, as long as she truly loved him, that was enough! Joy, pain, tingling, and pleasure... all swirled within her heart!
Compared to Qiu Wen, Bao Yu's affection for Yu Chuan was a deeper, more profound love, though this boundless affection stemmed from his love for Jin Chuan, it did not diminish his tender affection for this identical face!
A man can love many women at the same time; this love is vast and boundless. But the woman a man truly loves in his life depends on fate and destiny. The first woman the "fake" Bao Yu met upon arriving in this land was Feng Jie—the love of his life. This is love! Then came Jin Chuan'er—a beautiful but unremarkable girl in the Jia family. Yet, it was precisely this unremarkable Jin Chuan'er who stole the show and entered his heart, yearning for true love. This is what we call fate!
Thoughts arise from the heart, and actions follow. The boundless affection made the physical contact even more exquisite. Even the ordinary act of entering and exiting became incomparably beautiful under the spark of their connection!
"Ah… Brother-in-law!" The surging emotions finally pried open Yu Chuan'er's shy lips. Her unrestrained exclamation caused the heavens and earth to change color, and the sun and moon to dim! At such a moment, the passionate girl found it even harder to forget her beloved brother-in-law's identity. Taboo is indeed invincible; even an innocent girl cannot escape its bewitching charm!
"Sister-in-law!" Baoyu, who was also defeated by the taboo, roared almost like a scream. If he hadn't set up a barrier beforehand, this earth-shattering roar would probably have spread throughout the entire capital, making all the men with sisters-in-law feel their hearts flutter and opening the hearts of all the young girls who were sisters-in-law!
"Ah!" Driven to madness, Baoyu thrust in and out hundreds of times with thunderous force. The girl's body, like a drifting duckweed in the wind, was barely kept from being thrown off the bed by his powerful hands. With another fierce thrust, Baoyu's fiery whispers stirred up even greater waves, "Little sister-in-law, brother-in-law loves little sister-in-law the most!" "Oh!" Yuchuan's breath quickened under the dual pleasure of mind and body. The boundless, burning, tingling sensation rendered her speechless, and she murmured uncontrollably, "Ouch... harder... lighter... brother-in-law... don't... lighter...!" Her indistinct words were more potent than the strongest aphrodisiac in the world. The mischievous man, oblivious to the beauty's true intentions, could only thrust hard when her words were soft, and then gently push and pull when she was limp and weak!
The caresses, sometimes light, sometimes heavy, brought forth a symphony of sounds, rising and falling, the ripples growing higher and faster, like a sudden, powerful storm between Baoyu and Yuchuan, grand and irresistible!
"Ah!" An unprecedented scream brought the ultimate pleasure, the powerful object suddenly swelling at the moment of the beauty's climax, its large, round head tightly gripped by the open mouth deep within her honeyed depths. Though not as stunning as Fengjie's legendary weapon, it still sent Baoyu into a state of utter numbness, and the uncontrollable volcano erupted with a deafening roar, the magical lava etching Baoyu's eternal mark into the beauty's body!
The sounds of lovemaking slowly ended in a melodious and gentle melody, and the lovers, deeply embracing each other, drifted into a sweet dream!
Although the passionate night of five lovers in one bed was full of fun, it could not hold back the passage of time. The moon sets and the sun rises, day and night alternate eternally, and a new day leisurely arrives with the crowing of the rooster.
A captivating glow danced across the languid faces of the four women. Like newly opened flowers still bearing traces of dew, they awoke refreshed and invigorated despite the effects of the magical lava. Xi Ren and She Yue, long favored by the emperor, were breathtakingly beautiful!
Having "worked" all night, Master Bao was naturally delighted amidst the fragrant flowers and swaying maidens, contentedly enjoying the four women's tender and affectionate service.
"Eh!" Qiu Wen, who was adjusting her lover's clothes, inadvertently saw her reflection in the peephole. Seeing her face glow like a peach blossom, her beauty enhanced, the subtle radiance on her jade-like face like the smooth luster of jade, she exclaimed in astonishment!
"Hehe..." Having had the same experience, Musk Moon immediately understood Qiu Wen's feelings. The old-married relationship with her lover had emboldened the young girl, her eyes gleaming with a playful glint. Before even speaking, she laughed,
"Qiu Wen, now you understand what good things Sister Xi Ren ate to become so beautiful, right?!" Musk Moon's charming words had barely left her lips when Qiu Wen and Xi Ren, blushing with embarrassment, retaliated with their delicate hands. Under the girls' relentless tickling, Musk Moon ran around the room, playfully begging for mercy. The originally tender morning had thus turned into a warm and harmonious one.
"What are you talking about? I don't understand!" Yu Chuan, who had only recently arrived, interrupted the fray, grabbing Musk Moon to demand an explanation.
"Hehe..." Even Xiren and Qiuwen could no longer suppress their laughter. The cheerful Qiuwen, in an incredibly ambiguous move, set a trap for Yuchuan, "Sister Chuan'er, you've eaten this good stuff, haven't you noticed you're even prettier now?" The love of beauty is a woman's nature, appealing to all ages! Hearing this, Yuchuan hurriedly leaned over the mirror for a careful examination. "Yes! I think I'm even prettier now!" The girl's curiosity was churning with delight. She turned back and grabbed Mushe again, asking for the reason, her eager expression showing she wouldn't give up until she understood!
"It's like this..." Seeing that Xiren and Qiuwen were about to make their move again, the cheerful girl quickly went behind Yuchuan and recounted the "temptation" trap that Baoyu had used to tease them!
"Ugh!" Now it was Yuchuan'er's turn to be overwhelmed. She was truly shocked by what she heard! The girl never imagined that the questions she kept asking were about something so embarrassing! The beauty was extremely ashamed at this moment, and only hoped that she would kick the ground to make a big crack so that she could hide in it in her utter embarrassment!
Feeling completely relaxed and blissful, like an immortal, Baoyu dared not answer. He simply watched the four beauties frolicking with delight, his mind drifting leisurely amidst a sea of flowers, finding endless joy!
While the Yihong Courtyard was a scene of enchanting beauty and swirling emotions, the Red Mansion was heavy with tension, its atmosphere chilling and menacing, a palpable aura of killing intent emanating from the steel blades in everyone's hands.
"Mr. Zhen, are you coming with us?" Ni Er asked Zhen Shiyin with surprise. The man's refined appearance and long-standing gentle demeanor had almost made Ni Er forget that he was a true master!
"With you here, sir, there's nothing to worry about!" Bao Yong hadn't forgotten the humiliating scene of their first encounter at the Jia family cemetery. The image of Zhen Shiyin casually knocking him and Ni Er unconscious was etched into his mind.
"The time has come! Let's go!" Zhen Shiyin didn't offer any further explanation, calmly leading the way towards the gate. Although the entire operation was expected, the middle-aged scholar, for his daughter's sake, went to great lengths, personally leading his men out of the capital under cover of darkness!
Within three days, on two official roads far from the capital, two fierce battles broke out almost simultaneously.
The attacked Prince's carriage was completely annihilated, all its goods stolen, a severe slap in the face to the esteemed Prince Zhongshun, turning his usually imposing face into a bright red mess!
The other attack targeted the Red Mansion guards. This ragtag group, unlike the Prince's guards, lacked loyalty and fighting spirit. Seeing the situation turn against them, they fled, just like before, their goods stolen by masked robbers! This time, however, they were less fortunate. In the chaos, a stray arrow killed Wu Gui, the Red Mansion's commander and a trusted confidant of Master Shi! Enraged, Master Shi Yu vowed to dig the robbers out of the ground to avenge his brother-in-law!
Inside the Prince Zhongshun's mansion, the smug Prince Zhongshun, still caught up in his excitement after the caravan's departure, hadn't yet calmed down. While enjoying Qi Guan's alluring performance, he fantasized about how to squander the endless wealth he had "hard-earned."
Should he build an even larger and more luxurious mansion? Or should he use the gold and silver to scour the country for more beautiful women and young boys to indulge his pleasure?! Ah! What a headache! The self-satisfied Prince Zhongshun gulped down his wine, and as his mind raced, a brilliant idea flashed into his head, lingering there!
The Leopard House! That's it, he'd build a Leopard House! Although he hadn't become emperor, with his boundless wealth, he could still build a Leopard House palace in Jiangnan, and even larger and with more beautiful women than his elder brother's pleasure palace!
Heh, heh… The guy, whose mind was already flooded with drool, couldn't help but admire his own idea to the point of prostration—no, it should be that four of his legs landed on the ground, while his "fifth" limb stood erect!
"Report, Your Highness, something terrible has happened…" His scrambling subordinate rushed into the palace in a panic, his stammering words shattering Prince Zhongshun's beautiful dream!
"What?! What did you say?!" Prince Zhongshun asked again in disbelief, pointing angrily at his subordinate's nose, "Say it again!" "Your…Your Highness, the goods…were…robbed, and the brothers…are all dead!" Under his master's murderous gaze, the guard trembled even more violently.
"Robbed!" Prince Zhongshun wasn't particularly concerned about his men being dead. What else were men for if not to die?! They could be replaced; there were plenty of men who wanted to be guards at the palace!
The arrogant fellow, who had subconsciously repeated his subordinate's words, paused for a moment, then seemed to suddenly awaken, erupting in fury with a thunderous roar, "Damn it! Who dares to mess with me?
They're asking for trouble!" In his rage, the noble prince was no different from a rustic country bumpkin. After venting his anger, he immediately summoned his advisors to discuss a solution. "Do you think it could be that good-for-nothing Jia Baoyu who did it?" A cornered dog will bite indiscriminately, but this time, it turned out to be a lucky guess!
"Your Highness, it shouldn't be!" The advisor, who thought himself clever, carefully replied after much thought:
"The Jia family's goods were also robbed, and I heard that a very important person died!" "Then which brat dares to provoke me?" Upon hearing his subordinate's report, Prince Zhongshun immediately abandoned his unfounded guess and slammed his fist heavily on the table in great anger.
"Your Highness, hasn't the Jia family's caravan been robbed several times already?" Another advisor cautiously glanced at his master's face and whispered, "My guess is that the same group that robbed our goods and the Jia family's caravan are the same people..." "Slap!" Before his subordinate could finish speaking, the volatile Prince Zhongshun, instead of showing any joy, slapped him hard across the face. "Idiot, good-for-nothing! Do you think I need to tell you this?! What am I keeping you around for?! Get out there and investigate! If you don't find the thieves, you won't have a good life!" "Investigate! Search every inch of the capital and find these people!" Similar roars echoed through the Jinyiwei's headquarters. Even after his subordinates had quickly left, Zhao Quan's raging anger hadn't subsided in the slightest. The teacup beside him, carrying with it endless grievances, shattered on the ground!
Although Zhao Quan's men had slaughtered the caravan guards and seized a large amount of goods, before they could even enjoy their success, another group of men ambushed them halfway through. Their skill was like cutting melons and vegetables, and they double-crossed the caravan and left, leaving only a few lucky Jinyiwei guards who fled back to the Qianhu Mansion in terror!
Chapter Seventy-Three: Enmity Between Tigers and Wolves "Brother Zhao, could it be that Jia Baoyu saw through our scheme and is deliberately playing dumb to take advantage of us?!" Sun Shaozu looked bitterly at the banquet in the hall, which was originally intended to celebrate their victory, and looked at the restless Zhao Quan with a questioning gaze.
"That good-for-nothing Jia Baoyu?! Impossible!" Zhao Quan sat heavily back in his armchair, softening his tone as he explained to his companions, "Jia Baoyu's reputation as a good-for-nothing has been widespread since childhood. Back then, we didn't even have this idea. He couldn't possibly be pretending to be stupid to this extent!" "That's true!" Sun Shaozu nodded in agreement, and after pondering for a moment, said again:
"But this time, we attacked the Jia family's real cigarette convoy based on the intelligence provided by Wu Gui. Who else but us would know about this clue?" Zhongshan Lang paused slightly, his confusion growing. "Moreover, the Jia family's convoy pretending to be transporting goods was also attacked. It's really strange!" "Brother..." Zhao Dagang, who had failed to achieve his goal but instead made a big mistake, hurriedly changed his words under Zhao Quan's angry glare: "Sir, I suspect that Wu Gui sold the intelligence to both families at the same time, which is why this happened. Moreover, Wu Gui was also killed on the spot. So many of Jia family's men were unharmed, but he was the only one killed. Is this a cover-up?!" "Bang!" Before Zhao Dagang could finish speaking, Zhao Quan suddenly slammed his hand
on the table and stood up. Zhao Dagang, who thought he had said something wrong again, trembled and his knees buckled as he was about to kneel down to beg for forgiveness! "Yes! Very likely!" To Zhao Dagang's surprise, Zhao Quan blurted out involuntarily as he paced back and forth in the hall.
Sun Shaozu's violent eyes flashed with murderous intent as he shouted hatefully, "Damn it! Who are these people?! They're even more ruthless than us!" "Brother Zhao," the three men were utterly perplexed. Sun Shaozu called out to Zhao Quan, who was pacing back and forth, his eyes filled with anticipation and astonishment, "Why has Master Xiong been missing all this time? Without him, our important matter will be difficult to handle!" "I haven't heard from Master Xiong either!" Zhao Quan showed no anxiety whatsoever; instead, a strange look of joy flashed across his face. He waved his hand, dismissing Zhao Quan from the hall.
Seeing his subordinate disappear, Zhao Quan excitedly revealed the answer, "Brother Sun, don't worry! While Master Xiong is gone, a tremendous helper has arrived! Heh, heh..." "Is that so?" Sun Shaozu's heart skipped a beat. Master Xiong was already a god in their eyes; they hadn't expected an even more powerful figure to appear! Overjoyed, Zhongshan Wolf eagerly pressed, "Brother Zhao, tell me quickly, who exactly is this extraordinary person?!" Zhao Quan subconsciously glanced around, showing just how important this secret was. He then spoke in a tone only the two of them had heard, "I only received the news yesterday. It turns out that Lord Xiongshan is a subordinate of the Imperial Advisor and has been dispatched to another region. From now on, we can contact the Imperial Advisor directly if we need anything!" "The Imperial Advisor?! That's wonderful!" Although the Embroidered Uniform Guard holds the greatest power in the world today, there are numerous factions in the court with relatively equal influence. However, there is only one person who can influence the entire situation—that is the current Whirlwind Imperial Advisor, the immortal being most revered by the Emperor!
"Brother Zhao, let's go find the Imperial Advisor right now! With his supernatural powers, he'll surely find out who's behind this!" Zhongshan Wolf excitedly told Zhao Quan, "The great undertaking is about to succeed!" "Heh, heh..." Zhao Quan was also relieved, but his words were tinged with regret as he sighed, "Alas! The Imperial Advisor wrote that he's going into seclusion to cultivate the immortal arts of longevity, and we're left to figure things out ourselves during this time; however, he has completely controlled the tyrannical emperor, and we only need to eliminate the four loyal families who are obstacles to the court, then the great undertaking will surely succeed!"...
"We still have to do it ourselves!" This failure added a touch of worry to the usually confident Zhongshan Wolf's eyes, and the hidden enemy in the shadows instilled in him a nameless fear!
"Most of the court officials won't truly side with us until we eliminate the Jia family. Although these so-called 'Eight Dukes' are now just empty shells, their prestige and loyalty to the court pose a great threat to us!" Zhao Quan also felt an unprecedented sense of powerlessness and frustration!
"The Jia family has enjoyed imperial favor for generations, and now they've become imperial relatives. Coupled with their marriage alliances with the other three great families, they're truly our biggest obstacle!" At this point, Zhongshan Wolf's mind flashed with a sudden inspiration. His helpless expression transformed into a fierce and ruthless one. "Brother Zhao, now that we've captured Xue Pan and Jia Yucun, and with the Imperial Advisor's assistance, shouldn't we immediately seize this opportunity to impeach the tyrannical emperor?!" "That Xue fellow is a tough nut to crack; he still refuses to confess!" Zhao Quan sighed again in frustration. "Jia Yucun's evidence alone isn't enough. The most regrettable thing is that we can't find any of the family members of the victims Xue Pan killed. We don't know where they were hidden beforehand." "Then keep beating him! Use all the torture methods the Ministry of Justice has on him! I refuse to believe this guy is made of iron!" Zhongshan Wolf gritted his teeth, filled with intense hatred. The invisible black threads of the demonic talisman on his chest accelerated their fusion into his body. The transformed man's mind was now wide open, and in an instant, an even more vicious scheme came to mind!
"Brother Zhao, the connection between the Jia family and the tyrannical emperor lies in that Consort Yuan. Why don't we..." Sun Shaozu said, making a cruel gesture across his neck, then continued smugly, "As long as her death is shrouded in mystery, it will surely instill resentment in the Jia family towards the imperial family. Perhaps in their anger, they'll give us an opportunity!" "Ha, ha... Brother Sun, what a brilliant plan!" Zhao Quan instantly looked at his accomplice with newfound respect. Not wanting to appear foolish, he added with a slightly mocking smile, "Brother Sun, haven't you taken a liking to Jia Yingchun? Why not seize the opportunity to give the Jia family a surprise?! I know Jia Yingchun's biological father, Jia She, is a collector of fans and often appears at the largest antique shop in the capital. Why don't you make a few more chance encounters and let this old man fall for you?" "Heh, heh... Thank you for your concern, Brother Zhao. If I succeed, I will certainly present you with this matchmaker's gift!" The wolf and Zhao Quan, one a wolf and the other a scoundrel, burst into laughter, utterly smug! All the previous frustration from the defeat vanished like smoke.
While some rejoiced and others grieved, the Red Mansion was filled with laughter and merriment!
"Second Master, that was exhilarating!" Bao Yong seemed to have returned to his henchman days, his face flushed with unquenched passion, his slightly unrestrained laughter booming. "Those Imperial Guards scattered in a single charge by the brothers! I took them down one by one, it was truly exhilarating!" "You were exhilarated, but I was bored!" Hearing Bao Yong's hearty laughter, Ni Er was greatly dissatisfied with his mission, acting like a child throwing a tantrum: "Next time I want to switch places with Bao Yong! Attacking my own brothers this time was so boring, even Wu Gui was snatched away by a quick-fingered brother!
Sigh!" "Ha, ha..." Bao Yu and Zhen Shiyin could no longer contain their laughter, joining Bao Yong and his core men in a burst of laughter.
"Brother, I'll definitely switch with you next time!" Bao Yong put his arm around the sullen Ni Er's shoulder and teased him with a smug tone, "Who told you to lose to me in rock-paper-scissors, hehe..." "Mr. Zhen, thanks to you, none of the brothers were hurt this time. I'll toast you!" After the laughter stopped, Bao Yu sincerely raised his glass in a toast, and then looked around at everyone and said, "Brothers, let's all toast Mr. Zhen!" "That's right, I, Lao Bao, have really seen it all this time. Mr. Zhen's kung fu is amazing. He must be a top master in the martial arts world!" Bao Yong took the lead in standing up. Most of the core members of the Red Mansion had also witnessed Zhen Shiyin's superb martial arts skills, and naturally echoed him by raising their glasses to toast the god-like Mr. Zhen.
"Brothers, don't be so polite. This success is all thanks to Master Bao's meticulous planning and your valiant fighting. It wouldn't have been possible for me alone!" Zhen Shiyin wasn't lying. Unwilling to reveal his Taoist magic in public, he could only use mortal martial arts, which naturally diminished their power!
"Cheers!" The crowd responded enthusiastically, drinking the celebratory wine with great gusto!
"Baoyu, the operation has been a success," Zhen Shiyin chuckled amidst the clinking of glasses, adding, "How about we give Zhao Quan another hand? What do you think?!" After a brief whisper, Baoyu beamed, praising his own discerning eye. "Mr. Zhen is truly a reincarnation of Zhuge Liang. With your help, the plan is truly perfect!" "How is Yinglian doing at home? When will she come to visit her unworthy father?" Zhen Shiyin changed the subject, mentioning Xiangling. This showed that he was indeed concerned about his daughter and was also a test of Baoyu's attitude towards her.
"Sister Ling has been with Sister Bao these past few days. Since recognizing her with Master, she's become much more cheerful. All the sisters in the manor say Sister Ling is like a different person!" Bao Yu spoke naturally, his words flowing smoothly. When he talked about the beauty, her delicate figure involuntarily appeared in his mind. "Master, don't worry, I'll bring Sister Ling out as soon as the old master's mourning is over!" Although a hint of tenderness was faint in Bao Yu's eyes, it still greatly pleased the discerning Zhen Shiyin. The satisfied middle-aged scholar then returned to the main topic.
Bao Yu, preoccupied with the beauty, did not drink to his heart's content. After a few rounds of drinks, he went to the backyard alone. "Qingwen, Sister Lan, will you blame me?!" Although Bao Yu and the two women were already of one mind, this time he had eliminated their relatives. Even the usually carefree Second Master Bao couldn't help but feel uneasy, his eyes filled with tension as he gazed at the two beauties.
"Baoyu, we're yours now. Besides, Wu Gui brought this upon himself. It's better for such a heartless person to die sooner rather than later, to prevent him from continuing to harm the world. Don't say things like that again!" Sister-in-law Gui—it was rare for Lan Jie to speak before her sister, and she went on and on, demonstrating her unwavering resolve.
"Since Sister Lan has said so, I won't blame you!" Qingwen echoed Baoyu, addressing her sister-in-law by her maiden name, as it would be awkward to call her Sister-in-law Gui now!
"Thank you!" Although he knew it wasn't necessary, Baoyu still thanked them excitedly again. Before he finished speaking, he had already pulled the two women into his arms. "My darlings, your husband won't be returning to the manor tonight, let me serve you well!
Heh, heh..." A warm current filled the backyard of the villa amidst fiery laughter, and the alluring moans added a layer of beautiful crimson to the world. During their passionate lovemaking, the wicked man changed his address back to "noble sister-in-law," making the two women never forget that forbidden pleasure, sinking deeper and deeper into the sea of love, the deeper they sank, the more joyful they became!
In the Zhongshun Prince's manor, where the air was thick with menace, all the servants had been trembling with fear these past few days, afraid of becoming the prince's punching bag!
"Crack!" The sound of a heavy object falling and breaking came from the study. The guard who came to announce the arrival instinctively shrank back. Wasn't he just asking for trouble by barging into the door?! But the visitor was someone of great importance, and he couldn't not report it. He could only lament his bad luck!
"Your Highness..." The trembling guard's words were cut short by Prince Zhongshun's furious roar.
"Any news?" A chilling aura emanated from the room as Prince Zhongshun, his eyes bloodshot, glared at his kneeling subordinate.
"No... Bang!" The guard's "No" was barely out of his mouth when a teacup came hurtling towards him. The poor fellow dared not dodge and could only take the blow. Fortunately, Prince Zhongshun was used to a life of luxury and his strength was not great; the flying teacup only caused him minor cuts and bruises.
"Your Highness, Master Shi Yu of the Jia family requests an audience!" The guard, not daring to dodge, hurriedly reported the matter, then anxiously awaited orders, fearing that Shi Yu was not important enough to cause him further trouble!
"Shi Yu?! It's him! Quickly, invite him in!" King Zhongshun had met Shi Yu once before because of the cigarette dispute. Shi Yu, who was just as capable as Zhao Quan, became a talent that King Zhongshun desperately wanted to win over. After all, after snatching the cigarettes, they would need this genius merchant to turn them into gold and silver for them!
"Please, Your Highness, do justice for this humble man!" Shi Yu had barely stepped into the hall when, before the smiling Prince Zhongshun could even greet him, tears streamed down his face, and he bowed deeply to the prince, his upper body almost bent at a ninety-degree angle.
"Brother Shi, please rise. Speak your mind; I will certainly help if it is within my power!" The prince, usually so courteous, was
now full of magnanimity, reassuring the startled and agitated man with unwavering conviction. "Your Highness, my wife's cousin was ambushed and murdered while escorting a convoy. I beg Your Highness to uphold justice and personally punish the culprits!" Shi Yu spoke with righteous indignation about Wu Gui.
Prince Zhongshun, though not exceptionally intelligent, was a seasoned veteran of the officialdom. Hearing this, he was secretly pleased, instinctively sensing that the other party had more to say. With a thoughtful expression, he feigned regret and said:
"I have also heard about this matter, but the thief is elusive and difficult to track down. Even if I wanted to help, it would be difficult!" "Your Highness, I am 80% certain that I know who the murderer is!" Shi Yu's expression turned serious, and a strong sense of resentment replaced his previous sadness. "It's just that my second master is naturally timid. Although I have told him this several times, he has not dared to take any action. That is why I have come to ask Your Highness to uphold justice!" Chapter 74 Punching the Japanese (1) Prince Zhongshun never expected that the real culprit would appear out of nowhere. Thinking of Jia Baoyu's useless appearance in front of him, he couldn't help but believe Shi Yu's words to a large extent. "Brother Shi, please speak. I am not a coward. I will definitely uphold justice for you!" "I punched the Japanese with one hand..." "The Prince of Baoyu is just reaping the benefits of the Red Chamber's incense!" Shi Yu suddenly changed the subject, pointing out Baoyu's faults. As Prince Zhongshun showed signs of impatience, he calmly revealed the truth: "After the caravan was robbed several times, I launched a thorough investigation. Finally, my efforts paid off. I overheard a few words from Zhao Da, a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, after he was drunk. Following the clues, I discovered that the robbers were actually members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in disguise!" Shi Yu paused, his face filled with intense resentment. "I reported this to Prince Baoyu, but he dared not take any action. I never imagined this would implicate my wife's family. I beg Your Highness to intervene!" Zhao Quan?! Prince Zhongshun, seemingly calm, was instantly enraged. He thought to himself, "You, Zhao Quan! We've always kept to ourselves, and now you've dared to bully me!" " If I don't teach you a lesson, you won't know who's the master and who's the servant!
" "Please, Your Highness, make the decision!" Seeing Prince Zhongshun's clenched fists radiating murderous intent, the clever Shi Yu added fuel to the fire, determined to intensify the flames.
"Hmm!" Prince Zhongshun, a seasoned official, though determined to deal with Zhao Quan, that dog of a servant, outwardly feigned indifference. The cunning Shi Yu, however, quickly realized this was a golden opportunity. Why not seize this chance to subdue Shi Yu? Without his right and left arms, Jia Baoyu would be nothing but a useless piece of trash! Heh, heh… a good opportunity!
"Brother Shi, I will investigate thoroughly! If what you say is true, I will certainly submit a memorial to the court impeaching Zhao Quan. You'll hear the good news soon!" Prince Zhongshun's smile was friendly, but his words carried a hint of evasion.
How could the astute Shi Yu not understand this?! A clear disappointment flashed across his handsome face, his eyes filled with anticipation as he gazed at the upright and selfless Prince Zhongshun.
"Brother Shi, how are you finding working for the Jia family?" Prince Zhongshun leaned back leisurely in his chair, his gentle voice carrying a clear implication.
Shi Yu paused slightly, his eyes flashing with thoughtful consideration, then turning into a jumble of conflicting thoughts. Finally, a sharp glint appeared in his eyes as he gritted his teeth and made a decision, solemnly cupping his hands in a fist and saying, "If Your Highness will grant me this request, I am willing to offer up my last remaining stock of cigarettes. Although it's not much, it's enough for the entire Jiangnan region for a month. Please accept it, Your Highness!" "Isn't that a bit much? Will Brother Jia agree?" Prince Zhongshun was secretly overjoyed; he hadn't expected Shi Yu to be so generous! To completely bring this man under his control, his smile was quite rich, and he meaningfully "reminded" Shi Yu, "In that case, Brother Shi, it might not be easy for you to stay in the Jia family!" "Your Highness," Shi Yu struggled again before steeling himself and said hopefully, "When I traveled in the West, I obtained the status of a special envoy. I wonder if you could arrange a small position for me in the court?" "A special envoy from the West?! Hmm! Brother Shi, you are indeed a man of ambition, hehe... No problem!" Prince Zhongshun suddenly realized, judging from Shi Yu's own experience, that this was probably Shi Yu's true purpose—power was a powerful lure! Prince Zhongshun
felt no displeasure at this, after all, only someone like Shi Yu, who craved power, could be controlled; how could someone without desires be bought off?!
"This humble servant greets Your Highness!" As soon as Prince Zhongshun finished speaking, Shi Yu once again bowed respectfully, his words the same as before, but the meaning had changed drastically!
"Ha, ha..." Excited laughter echoed throughout the Prince's mansion. Even long after Shi Yu left, the laughter still lingered. The happy Prince Zhongshun was dreaming again, never expecting such a series of surprises to fall from the sky! Not only had he found the real culprit, but he had also obtained a large quantity of cigarettes and gained a capable subordinate. He truly believed himself to be the darling of heaven, a lucky star!
The entire capital was filled with a tense and murderous atmosphere due to the actions of several major forces. Layers of dark clouds slowly approached the horizon, quietly brewing a tragic bloodbath.
The Jinyiwei secret agents, known for their omnipresence, entered the Qianhu Mansion. Several days of investigation finally allowed them to relax their fears!
"What? What did you say?!" Zhao Quan rushed forward, his eyes like knives as he stared at his subordinate.
"My lord, I personally witnessed Prince Zhongshun's convoy transporting a large amount of goods out of the capital, and I also saw Shi Yu meeting with the Prince's steward several times in secret!" "So that's how it is! No wonder, no wonder!" Zhao Quan sat back in his armchair and couldn't help but sigh to himself.
"Damn it! So it was that old scoundrel, Prince Zhongshun!" Sun Shaozu realized what was happening and cursed angrily, "This guy is so ruthless and quick. He actually bribed that guy surnamed Shi. No wonder he knows the Jia family's cargo transport route!" After a moment, Zhao Quan's turbulent mind calmed down. He waved his hand to stop Sun Shaozu from ordering his men to prepare to rob the city. "Brother Sun, no need. With the strength Prince Zhongshun showed last time, we won't get away with this. Besides, the other side must be prepared. We should think carefully about how to deal with this scoundrel!" "What about Shi Yu? Should we stop trying to bribe him?!" As he said this, Sun Shaozu couldn't help but think of the beautiful woman from the Fu family. He secretly rejoiced that he had been delayed in sending a beauty to her door these past few days because of investigating the murderer.
"No! Continue, and speed it up!" Zhao Quan glanced at his companion with slight dissatisfaction, then said in a serious voice, "Brother Sun, sometimes you should control your lust for women. There are plenty of beauties in the world. After you've succeeded, won't all those beauties in the Jia family be enough for you to enjoy?!" "Heh, heh..." Zhongshan Wolf couldn't show off his power in front of Zhao Quan, so he could only reply sheepishly:
"Brother Zhao, rest assured, I will urge Fu Shi to send his sister to Shi Yu tomorrow!" "Pass down the order: from now on, make Prince Zhongshun the number one target. I need to know who he meets every day, what he does, and even what he says!" After waving his men away, Zhao Quan muttered to himself, "I never thought that Prince Zhongshun was such a wolf in sheep's clothing. I underestimated him before!" "Master Shi, this is a detailed report on the recent actions of Prince Zhongshun and Zhao Quan. Mr. Zhen's strategy is truly remarkable. I, Lao Bao, am completely convinced!" Bao Yong handed the secret report to Shi Yu with an admiring look, but his eyes were fixed on Zhen Shiyin, who was resting with his eyes closed.
"Thump, thump..." Before Shi Yu could respond, Ni Er's hurried footsteps broke the silence of the room. The burly man who rushed in excitedly said to Shi Yu, "Master Shi, I've brought the foreigners you wanted to see into the manor. Heh, heh... these guys look really strange! Like actors on a stage, so funny!" "Ni Er, how many foreigners have arrived?" Shi Yu and Ni Er walked unhurriedly towards the hall. Although he was eager to obtain the status of special envoy, he felt no anxiety. After all, his futuristic Red Mansion cigarettes had an absolute attraction for these foreign merchants! Moreover, the most important thing in negotiations is momentum. If you have the initiative and create an invincible momentum, victory will always be in your hands!
"Reporting to Master Shi, eight have arrived. Most of them look like monsters. Only one looks like us, just a bit shorter. But this guy is the most annoying of the eight foreigners!" Japanese! Shi Yu involuntarily recalled this unpleasant name that only appeared hundreds of years later. The ingrained genetic traits caused his tall figure to suddenly halt, his wild aura erupting like a volcano, his leisurely demeanor transforming into the imposing presence of a towering mountain!
Huh! What's wrong with Master Shi?! Why is he suddenly walking so fast?! Ni Er, puzzled, chased after the briskly walking Shi Yu, secretly wondering if he had some grudge against this small, uncivilized nation of Japan?! How could he, a citizen of the Celestial Empire, know about the near-annihilation of his country hundreds of years later?!
Inside the bustling living room, although the host hadn't arrived, the group of Westerners, all shrewd businessmen, showed no impatience, leisurely puffing on cigarettes provided by their host, thoroughly enjoying themselves!
Only the short man with a beard sat in the chair, greatly annoyed. He turned to the comprador translator standing to one side and said, "Mr. Li, why hasn't the master appeared yet?" "Mr. Quan, please wait patiently. The mansions of my Great Ming are quite vast. It usually takes a while to walk from the backyard to the front hall!" The comprador Li, though a part-time translator, was also somewhat of a member of the Red Chamber faction. He didn't take this Japanese devil's words seriously, and his words were full of sarcasm!
"Hmph!" Quan, dressed as a ronin, snorted coldly in dissatisfaction. His arrogant expression shifted as he was about to start a fight.
"Ha, ha..." A hearty laugh interrupted the whispers in the hall. Amidst the stares of the crowd, Shi Yu strode in, a warm smile on his face. He bowed and said, "Gentlemen, you are all guests from afar. I am Shi Yu, please come in!" "Mr. Shi, I am Bu Shen, the leader of the merchant guild. It is a great honor to meet you!" After everyone was seated again, the representative with a high nose, deep-set eyes, and a full head of silver hair spoke first. His broken but still clear Chinese showed that he had been in the Ming Dynasty for quite some time!
Shi Yu waved his hand, stopping Li, the comprador, from stepping forward to help. His fluent and pure English astonished everyone in the hall. Ni Er and the others worshipped Shi Yu like a god. "Mr. Bu Shen, you are too kind. Judging from your attire, you must be from England! How is your Queen?" "Oh!" Bu Shen was surprised that the other party knew so much about his country. After a gasp, he involuntarily stood up, placed one hand on his chest, and bowed respectfully!
This time, it was Shi Yu's turn to be surprised. The other party's habitual behavior sent a shiver down his spine. This was a unique etiquette of the British nobility. It seemed that this Bu Shi's identity was probably not simple.
No wonder he was the leader of the merchant group! "Mr. Bu Shi, please sit down," Shi Yu returned the greeting respectfully, then changed the subject and asked with certainty,
"Judging from your actions, are you a nobleman in your country? Do you have a title?" "Master Shi, Mr. Bu Shi is the descendant of a Duke of England, and he himself is a viscount!" Comprador Li stepped forward to explain at the right time, then added, "The Bu Shi family is as prestigious and deeply rooted in England as the Jia family!" No wonder! A look of relief appeared on Shi Yu's face. As for the content of his relief, it was related to the politics of hundreds of years later. Of course, someone who knew the secrets of the future would not say it aloud, but a mischievous thought arose in his mind. Wouldn't it be fun to take this Bu Shi as a subordinate? "Ha, ha… Mr. Shi is such a busy man, it’s hard to see him!" The abrupt words interrupted their pleasantries. The rest of the merchant corps remained silent, letting their leader speak with the other man. Only this Japanese man, unwilling to be ignored, insisted on demonstrating his importance!
"And this is…" Shi Yu had already recognized the man's identity upon entering, but now feigned confusion, his calm exterior masking a surge of anger. Like father, like son! Now was the perfect time to teach him a lesson!
"Reporting to Master Shi, this is Xiao Quan, the corps's head guard, from Japan." The lackluster introduction from Li, the comprador, secretly pleased Shi Yu. So this guy was the corps's armed captain; no wonder he dared to interrupt!
Damn it! Those damned Japanese pirates!
"You flatter me, Your Excellency! I was only a little late to give you all a grand welcome. I hope you don't mind, Your Excellency?" Shi Yu's expression shifted slightly as he pondered this. Though his smile remained, the playful glint in his eyes sent a different feeling through everyone. His domineering words carried a sharp edge.
"Mr. Shi, let's get down to business!" The shrewd businessman, Bu Shi, spoke up to divert everyone's attention. With his dual identity as a nobleman and merchant, he wouldn't allow the ignorant Xiao Quan to ruin this negotiation to achieve his goals! The pressure from family rivalry had already made Bu Shi extremely uneasy; whether or not he could forge an alliance with the Ming Dynasty was now crucial.
"Since Your Excellency prefers a straightforward approach, then I'll get straight to the point..." Shi Yu waved his hand, and the irrelevant servants retreated. A war without gunpowder had begun!
Time passed quietly. Although the negotiation wasn't entirely straightforward, Shi Yu, with his refined skills from the future, maintained the upper hand from beginning to end!
"Okay, as Mr. Shi says!" After some contemplation, seeing Shi Yu still leisurely sipping his tea, Bu Shi had no choice but to grit his teeth and concede. The cigarette deal thus ended happily for all.
Chapter 75 Punching the Japanese (2) "Your Excellency Viscount, it's a pleasure to cooperate!" Shi Yu subconsciously stood up to shake hands with the other party, but as soon as his hand was extended, he immediately reacted and naturally pulled it back, turning it into a fist salute.
"Mr. Shi is a genius. If you don't mind, please call me Bu Shi. How about we become friends?" Bu Shi was amazed by his opponent's prowess and couldn't help but feel a strong sense of admiration. Driven by his own purpose, he extended a friendly olive branch to this powerful ally!
"Then I won't stand on ceremony, Brother Bushen!" The other party's friendliness was exactly what Shi Yu wanted. The strange form of address made the two exchange a smile. "I also have an unsolicited request, and I hope Brother Bushen will grant it!" Seeing Bushen adopt a humble posture, Shi Yu, being shrewd enough to know that the other party must have something to ask for, still happily voiced his request to become a special envoy to the West!
"No way!" Before the words were finished, Xiao Quan, who had been holding back for a long time, suddenly objected loudly. Although he had many complaints about the previous negotiations, as the captain of the guard, he knew nothing about business and couldn't get a word in edgewise. Now he finally seized the opportunity to show his arrogant nature.
"Is that so?!" Shi Yu smiled and walked up to Xiao Quan. His tall figure looked down at the short man and said, "Why?!" A bone-chilling coldness filled the space where everyone was. A sudden gust of cold wind made everyone instinctively retreat, away from the cold and terrifying Shi Yu.
"No!" Xiao Quan, standing in the heart of the cold wave, was trembling, but this guy, who had become the captain of the caravan's guards, was quite capable. He managed to stand firm under the overwhelming pressure and stubbornly roared, "Our status as a special envoy of the caravan is an unparalleled honor, and it will not be given to outsiders casually!" "Not casually, right! I understand!" The almost terrifying pressure suddenly disappeared, and an unexpected smile appeared on Shi Yu's face. His inexplicable words left the Red Mansion guards and the caravan members completely bewildered!
"Yes!" The proud Xiao Quan seemed to have forgotten his fear just now. His arrogant and disdainful eyes swept over Shi Yu's scholar's robe from head to toe. "The title of special envoy of the caravan is not suitable for your country's cowardly scholars. Only the way of the samurai is what makes a real man!" "Bang!" Before Xiao Quan's contemptuous words had even finished, Shi Yu suddenly kicked out, and the unprepared Xiao Quan was thrown several feet into the air like a ball.
The sudden turn of events left everyone speechless once again. Looking at Shi Yu, they could hardly believe that this fierce-looking fellow was a nobleman from the Ming Dynasty!
"Damn it! You think I can't be a rogue just because I'm wearing a scholar's robe?" Shi Yu slowly approached Xiao Quan, cursing as he forcefully tore off his outer robe, revealing the martial attire underneath. He extended his index finger and beckoned with utter disdain. "Get up, I'll give you a fair chance!" "Baka!" Xiao Quan, covered in dust, sprang to his feet. His ferocious gaze emboldened the merchants to refrain from intervening, and the Red Pavilion guards, deeply ingrained in Shi Yu's power, were even less likely to stop him.
"Clang!" With a crisp metallic clang, Xiao Quan drew his katana; the curved blade held high above his head, unleashing a fierce and ruthless high-level sword strike—only offense, no defense.
The arc-shaped trajectory perfectly embodies the principles of force. Such a desperate strike, slicing through the void, leaves a trail of seemingly real
yet illusory arcs; its terrifying power is indeed something to be proud of in the mortal realm. Unfortunately, the arrogant Xiao Quan met Shi Yu—Shi Yu, who transcends all reason. To him, his opponent's suicidal move was as laughable as
a baby learning to walk. Without using any magical magic, not even mortal martial arts, Shi Yu, deliberately bullying Xiao Quan, suddenly appeared beside him in a flash, unleashing a lightning-fast straight punch using only physical strength. To convince the Westerners, his footwork and punching movements were all based on their beloved boxing!
Before the seemingly sharp and swift blade could even touch Shi Yu's head, an unstoppable iron fist had already sent Xiao Quan flying again. This time, Shi Yu didn't let go; his tall figure followed like an arrow, landing an uppercut on the Japanese man's chin, turning his fall into a backward flight. Two swings, left and right, landed almost simultaneously on his cheeks, blood and shattered teeth splattering into the air. After the long punch, a close-range short punch landed heavily on his chest and abdomen.
"Boom!" The heavy object crashed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. In a moment, Xiao Quan had been knocked from the hall into the courtyard.
Whew! Done! Finished!
Shi Yu's effortless series of beautiful punches earned thunderous applause, not only from the Red Mansion guards but also from the Westerners' enthusiastic praise, because what Shi Yu had just used was authentic Western boxing, even more perfect and beautiful than what they themselves knew!
"Brother Shi," Bu Shi stepped forward, showing no displeasure at his subordinate's beating. He paused slightly, his voice pleading, "I have a request, and I hope Brother Shi will grant it. Could you teach me this boxing technique?" Just then, Xiao Quan, who had been knocked to the ground, actually stood up shakily. This was because Shi Yu didn't want to escalate the situation, so he had let him off the hook. However, this was still enough to make the arrogant Japanese man suffer!
"Hey!" To everyone's surprise, Xiao Quan, who had struggled to his feet, knelt down in front of his opponent with a thud. His arrogant expression turned into that of a docile puppy. After bowing his head heavily, he said in a voice full of admiration, "Lord Shi is a true man. Xiao Quan is completely convinced!" Huh! This guy actually became obedient after being beaten. Is he a masochist?! I should have used 20% more force earlier! Heh, heh... Before Shi Yu could finish his taunting remark, Xiao Quan had already collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
After a flurry of activity, Xiao Quan was carried to the clinic, and Shi Yu's status as a special envoy was thus confirmed without further doubt. The enthusiastic Bushi immediately pulled out the seal representing the English diplomatic envoy and stamped it firmly, further shocking Shi Yu with the extraordinary nature of the other party!
"Brother Shi, is it possible to discuss what I mentioned earlier?" Everyone returned to the hall and sat down comfortably.
With an eager expression, Bushi brought up the matter again. Seeing the other party's generosity, Shi Yu was pleased and wanted to reciprocate, but his playful nature made him feign reluctance. "Brother Bushi, it's not that I'm unwilling, but the master said it shouldn't be casually passed on, unless…" The bored fellow paused slightly, took a satisfied sip of fragrant tea, and then, under the curious gazes of everyone, gave Bushi a glimmer of hope, "Unless it's someone closely related to me!" "This…" Westerners don't have such a long history of civilization, and the slow-witted Bushi couldn't react immediately, only able to sigh in disappointment.
"How about this," Shi Yu, having finished teasing him, immediately changed the subject with an incredibly "kind" decision, "If Your Excellency recognizes me as your elder brother, then I can rightfully pass on my knowledge to you." "Master Shi's idea is excellent!" Comprador Li, having more or less guessed his master's intentions, happily added fuel to the fire, "In our Great Ming, there's a saying that those who are accomplished become teachers. Master Shi and Your Excellency hit it off immediately, so there's no need for a teacher; recognizing Master Shi as your elder brother is just right!" "Good!" The man, oblivious to Shi Yu's scheming mind influenced by the future, carefully considered the matter and couldn't find any disadvantage in it. Furthermore, wanting to quickly establish a connection with the Jia family, he happily became Shi Yu's subordinate.
"Younger brother greets elder brother!" At Shi Yu's insistence, "elder brother" became the strange title "elder brother."
"Younger brother, please rise!" The response to "elder brother" was, of course, "younger brother!" Shi Yu was extremely satisfied with this. Although there was no real benefit, at least he had vented some anger for his future compatriots!
After the two exchanged greetings again, a gleeful Shi Yu immediately ordered a banquet to be prepared. He then took advantage of the free time to take his younger brother, Bu Shi, to the training room to learn boxing.
When the banquet was ready and the two returned to the hall, the bruised and battered Bu Shi admired his older brother even more for "beating" him. Although he had suffered a series of blows under his older brother's tutelage, the poor little brother, who longed to one day sweep away the British Empire with his fists, was happy to endure it!
Ten days later, the merchant corps, laden with goods, secretly left the capital. Shi Yu readily agreed to his younger brother's request. After all, helping out in the internal strife across the ocean was a good thing; providing supplies was just a small matter! Mutually beneficial, right?
"Second Master, you've missed a good show while you've been away!" Bao Yu had just entered the main hall of the villa when Bao Yong excitedly greeted him, unable to contain his excitement as he vividly recounted how Shi Yu had thoroughly beaten Xiao Quan that day.
Bao Yu forced a smile, maintaining a composed expression as his subordinate vividly described the scene before him. He, the "person involved," didn't know whether to smile or burst into laughter.
"Yes!" Finally, after Bao Yong finished speaking, the "kind" Ni Er continued the "story." Poor Second Master Bao didn't share Qiao Jie's interests; although he was extremely proud of what he had done, he had no interest in hearing it again.
After recounting the recent events involving Master Shi and the merchant guild, Ni Er sighed heavily, lamenting, "Second Master, why didn't you come sooner?! By the way, how come you and Master Shi always miss each other? It's like you've made an appointment!" Bao Yu, his heart skipping a beat, chuckled and patted Ni Er's shoulder, naturally changing the subject. His calm face, however, was startled by his subordinate's unintentional remark. The guilty fellow couldn't reveal the truth now. Although his two subordinates were loyal, they lacked cunning. Just in case, it seemed it was time to ask Miao Yu for help. Hadn't the beauty once disguised herself as Shi Yu? Heh, heh… a good idea! He was just worried about not having an excuse to meet her!
"Second Master, the Fu family has sent a beauty to present to Master Shi," Bao Yong finally got down to business after the casual conversation. "Master Shi said the Fu family belongs to Zhao Quan, and he's taken this woman to your backyard on your behalf. Please handle her when you have time!" "Heh, heh..." Ni Er didn't reply this time, but he and Bao Yong chuckled mischievously. Only men could understand that strange smile; it clearly implied that Master Shi was a paragon of virtue, while he, Second Master Bao, was a lecherous wolf!
Bao Yu, deliberately acting this way, returned their knowing smiles and then calmly walked towards the backyard. Fu Qiufang had been sent here for several days, and he had almost forgotten about her while busy dealing with the merchant group. Now it was time to deal with her!
"Bao Yu, you've come!" A gentle voice, tinged with surprise, startled Bao Yu from his reverie. Just as he stepped through the archway of the backyard, he encountered Lan Jie, who was alone.
"Sister Lan, how are you? Where's Qingwen?" Sister Lan and Qingwen always appeared together. Bao Erye, who was holding the beauty in his arms, looked around in surprise, but did not see Qingwen's figure!
"I'm fine! Although you can't come every day, I'm not lonely with my sister by my side." Since entering the villa, the beautiful young woman's resentment had disappeared. In addition, with Bao Erye's frequent caresses, the beauty's charming face blossomed like a flower, and her beauty quietly rose to a higher level, making our Bao Erye even more fond of her.
"No, be careful the servants don't see!" Although they were an old married couple, the beautiful young woman's natural dignity was hard to change. She gently brushed away her lover's mischievous hand from her chest and said softly in an unsteady tone,
"Perhaps my sister is used to playing around with the sisters in Yihong Courtyard, and she often mentions Xiren and the others." "It's really hard on her," Baoyu said with deep emotion, stroking the beauty's hair intimately. "Back then, in order to deceive everyone, I pretended to expel her from the Grand View Garden. Now that the situation has changed, it's time for the sisters to reunite!" Baoyu was not speaking casually, because Xiren had heard about Wu Gui's matter and naturally also heard about Qingwen. The four intelligent and extraordinary girls couldn't help but become suspicious. With crying and making a scene, they used their innate feminine skills. Before they could even threaten to hang themselves, the Second Master Baoyu was "forced" to tell the truth.
After the four women, who knew the truth, feigned a playful complaint, they were filled with envy for the Red Mansion that their lover had mentioned, for it was the true paradise that could belong to them! Although the four girls, including Xiren, were exceptionally intelligent, women are naturally prone to jealousy and sour grapes. With Qiuwen leading the way in her protests, the pitiful Baoyu had no choice but to agree to let them reunite with Qingwen at the other residence as soon as possible. The two lovers embraced tenderly, and after a moment of silent affection, the quiet young woman gently broke the silence, "My sister went to chat with Miss Fu; by the way, what are you planning to do with Miss Fu? I think she's a pitiful person!" "Heh, heh... you're pitying her now? She's a spy sent by the enemy!" A playful glint flashed in Baoyu's eyes as he feigned a lecherous grin, "Aren't you afraid I'll find you another sister?!" "Hmph!" Even the gentlest woman knows what jealousy tastes like. The beautiful young woman, also feigning anger, lightly poked her lover's forehead with her jade-like hand, pouting incessantly, "You dare! She's a gift for Master Shi Yu, not for you, Baoyu!"

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