A Dream of Red Mansions: A Fairy Tale of Dreams (Complete) - 10

Chapter Thirty-Three: A Peerless Beauty's

Own Misdeeds, She Can't Live! Although he had set a deadly trap for Wu Gui, if Wu Gui had even a shred of loyalty, he wouldn't have jumped in; if he had, he would have only wished for more of such scum to die—why be so sentimental?! Besides, according to Qingwen, this guy was never a good person; living in this world would be a disaster. He was acting on behalf of Heaven, but on his—"fake" Baoyu's—own path!
Thinking of this, a wicked smile reappeared on Baoyu's lips. Having found countless reasons, he knew clearly that these were only part of the reason; the main reason he chose Wu Gui was for her—his sister-in-law, this poor woman. Filled with
endless emotion, Baoyu involuntarily looked up at the already bright sky as he stepped through the inner courtyard archway. He secretly pondered that this matter must not be known to Qingwen and the other woman, lest his sentimental actions cause further trouble! He would bury this matter deep in his heart forever, and forever give the two women a truly happy life!
Isn't this a bit despicable? But... I like it! Heh, heh... Just as Baoyu was happily plotting against Wu Gui, he didn't expect that there was a "deep-seated enemy" in the palace who was also scheming against him!
"Princess, Princess..." Two pretty palace maids ran forward breathlessly until the graceful figure in front of them stopped impatiently, and they finally caught up with Princess Tianyi.
"Tianchang, Dijiu, can't you hurry up?! You're always afraid of getting tired when I ask you to practice, and now you're so slow!" Before the two maids could catch their breath, the spoiled princess had already started to complain, but her jade feet subtly slowed down to match the two girls' pace.
The two girls had grown up with the princess since childhood. Although Tianyi was spoiled and willful, she was like a sister to them. Therefore, the two girls were very natural and casual in front of Princess Tianyi, carefully serving her and often playing and fooling around with her.
"Princess, shall we go find Consort Yuan?" Tianchang stepped forward to walk alongside Tianyi, her words laced with certainty despite their question.
Before Tianchang could finish, Dijiu interjected with a hint of displeasure, "Princess, why do we need Consort Yuan's approval? Why don't you just ask the Empress Dowager to issue an imperial decree to summon Jia Baoyu to the palace for a slow and careful lesson!" If Baoyu heard these two maids' urging, he would surely feel a headache coming on and break out in a cold sweat! Truly, like master, like servant!
"You don't understand, that brat is not only arrogant, but also extremely cunning! If we formally summon him to the palace, he'll probably be on guard, and with the whole court knowing, we can't really use any drastic measures! Besides, how can we make this arrogant fool truly submit?!" Tianyi couldn't help but recall the "hateful" image of Baoyu galloping on his horse, and that even more "annoying" wicked smile, which strengthened her resolve to teach Baoyu a lesson!
"Oh!" Tianchang feigned sudden realization, and exchanged a mysterious smile with Dijiu, "So the princess wants Jia Baoyu to truly submit!" "Yes! Is there something wrong with that?" Princess Tianyi looked at her two slightly older best friends with puzzled expressions.
"Hehe, hehe..." Tianchang and Dijiu laughed in unison, their clear eyes flashing with a playful glint. They deliberately emphasized, "The princess is really 'devoted' to that brat!" Although Princess Tianyi was still young and her feelings were not yet fully developed, her sensitive nature as a young girl caused her heart to tremble. Her intense hatred for Baoyu blurred and became confused in that instant, a thousand thoughts flashing through her mind, tangled and chaotic.
"Princess, Princess!" Seeing the princess suddenly freeze in place, Tianchang and Dijiu's eyes flashed with surprise. With soft calls, they unconsciously reached out and nudged the little princess.
"Ah! What?!" Startled awake, Tianyi's jade-like face flushed slightly, bewildered. The young girl felt an unprecedented turmoil in her heart, yet she couldn't understand where this "chaos" came from.
Humph! It's all that hateful brat's fault! The spoiled princess savagely pinned all the blame on Baoyu; thinking of this, the young girl's heart was filled with resentment. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of how to severely punish that brat Baoyu. In her haste, she paused, then leaped away like a bird, ignoring even the anxious calls of Tianchang and Dijiu.
The princess only wanted to persuade her sister, Consort Yuan, to lure the brat into the palace and torment him.
"Sigh!" Two beautiful palace maids sighed in unison, exchanged a helpless smile, and then trotted after her. Although Princess Tianyi's figure had disappeared, they headed without hesitation towards Consort Yuan's palace.
In the luxurious palace with its carved railings and jade walls, in the quiet and elegant bedroom, on a comfortable couch lined with mink fur, lay a peerless beauty, her beauty unparalleled.
Outside the door, though it was the dead of winter, with a raging cold front and fierce winds, the voluptuous beauty, dressed only in a thin dress
, had a rosy complexion. The brocade quilt covering her was thrown aside, and the warmth circulating in the room was enough to make one forget the harshness of winter. Her long, jade-like legs were crossed and laid out. Although the annoying dress concealed her smooth, creamy skin, it could not hide her voluptuous curves. Her fragrant buttocks, made even more alluring by her side-lying position, were round and soft, plump and luscious, just right!
Above the extremely undulating, fragrant body, her slender waist suddenly contracted. Although it was not as small as a young girl's waist, it was even more boneless and breathtaking in its ups and downs!
Her full breasts, even with the beauty's deliberate restraint, stood proudly upright, full and soft, yet still elastic. It was a pity that the "fatal" bright red of the smooth peaks could not be seen; it was good that it was not perfect, otherwise, how many more infatuated men would be lost in despair?
The delicate fragrance of orchids irresistibly filled every inch of the bedroom. With each soft breath of the beauty, her full breasts trembled slightly, their smooth, fragrant skin a sight to behold, enough to make any normal man's soul tremble!
A rare beauty, an absolute beauty! If our Second Master Bao could not see such a peerless beauty in this lifetime, even Heaven would surely regret it!
A long scroll obscured the beauty's jade-like face, with only a few strands of her lustrous hair playfully peeking out. Slender, white fingers emerged gently from both ends of the scroll, adding to her captivating allure along with her jet-black hair. Under
the watchful eyes of everyone, her beautiful hand slowly moved downwards, and time itself seemed to slow down. As the scroll descended, the beauty's face, perfectly matched to her peerless figure, was revealed inch by inch to the world!
Her slender, delicate eyebrows held a melancholy air, her tenderness rivaling even the legendary beauty of Lin Daiyu reborn; her watery eyes, brimming with springtime charm, were captivating even before they blinked, her innate allure reminiscent of Yingchun; her straight, elegant nose and rosy lips, though alas, remained closed, their melodious voice yet to be heard; her smooth, jade-like face was only supported by a faint blush, its radiant glow eclipsing even the jewels adorning her hair.
She was none other than the current Imperial Concubine, Jia Baoyu's elder sister—Yuan Chun.
Having been raised in a place where beauty is imbued with grace and refinement, Yuan Chun, already renowned for her beauty, had become even more dignified and elegant after years in the palace. Her graceful and serene demeanor surpassed even the most beautiful Baochai!
"Alas!" Yuan Chun sighed deeply, glancing again at the painting beside her. The confusion in her heart remained unresolved. She pondered, "Was this poem really written by Bao Yu?" Although the landscape in the painting was vividly depicted, Yuan Chun's attention was drawn to the perfectly fitting five-character quatrain in the corner. She silently recited it in her mind, "From afar, the mountains have color; up close, the water is silent..." No! Bao Yu certainly couldn't have composed such a beautiful line! Yuan Chun overturned the words of fate for the first time. This beautiful woman, more than ten years older than Bao Yu, had raised her younger brother since childhood, acting as both sister and mother. She even loved her mischievous younger brother more than their mother did. How could she not know his true capabilities?!
But why would fate deceive her?! Moreover, Prince Bei Jing also agreed with absolute certainty, praising Bao Yu highly. How strange indeed! Could it really be that people look at each other with new eyes after three days apart?
The beauty's thoughts shifted, and she became confused again, secretly hoping that it was indeed her younger brother's work.
Alas! This little devil, how did my brother get on her good side? These past few days she's been constantly urging me to bring Baoyu into the palace; how could I not understand this spoiled little girl's intentions?! She definitely wants to use this opportunity to teach Baoyu a lesson.
Thinking this, Yuan Chun's elegant face flashed a charming smile. How could she "harm" her own brother?! Her
gentle gaze involuntarily fell upon the poems again, her firm resolve wavering once more due to intense curiosity. She then thought that she hadn't seen her family for over a year; how could she not be happy to see Baoyu?! Unfortunately, palace rules were strict, making it difficult for her to leave the palace to see her family! Only the little devil could freely enter and leave. Could she use this opportunity to let her brother into the palace? If she could just remind him to avoid the little girl's teasing, it would be perfect for both of them!
Just as Yuan Chun was lost in thought, the announcement from the palace maid outside the door startled her awake. Truly, you can't speak of someone during the day, and they appear as soon as you say it!
"Your Highness, Princess Tianyi..." Before the maid could finish speaking, the thick curtain was lifted, and Tianyi rushed in. "Sister Yuan, I've missed you so much!" Throughout the inner palace, Yuan Chun's dignified elegance and unparalleled beauty were universally acknowledged, though there was also considerable jealousy and resentment. However, since the Emperor became obsessed with Taoism, and all the beauties in the harem were neglected and treated equally, the jealousy naturally disappeared, leaving only genuine praise.
Although the spoiled princess was wild by nature and lacked any ladylike qualities, she admired Yuan Chun's dignified virtue the most. In the entire palace, apart from the Empress Dowager, Tianyi only felt a slight sense of awe towards this Sister Yuan.
Yuan Chun, confined to the palace, had no friends in the palace, which was deeper than the sea. Without children, she enjoyed playing with Tianyi in her loneliness, and the two naturally became close sisters.
"You silly girl, you're so kind as to come see your sister so early in the morning?" Yuan Chun teased, her words tinged with affection. Pointing to the scroll, she quipped, "I'm afraid it's for this poem!" "Sister!" Tian Yi, her secret exposed, pouted and called out in a drawn-out, sweet voice, "Do I really miss you?!" The girl shook Yuan Chun's arm incessantly, making the pampered and beautiful young woman dizzy.
"Alright, alright..." Yuan Chun stretched out her jade hand and embraced Princess Tianyi, saying softly, "Stop shaking me, I believe you!" She paused slightly, the beauty, who was in a good mood from being shaken, had a rare playful mood. She suppressed a laugh and looked at the painting, saying, "I thought you came for this, so let's not talk about it anymore!" The spoiled princess did not have a trace of willfulness in front of Yuan Chun. Her own mother had died when she was young, and facing her beloved sister, Consort Yuan, there was always a warm, childlike longing flowing quietly in her heart.
"You're teasing me again," the girl said coquettishly, her adorable crescent-shaped eyes straining to hold back tears, but she couldn't manage a single one. She could only plead softly, "Good sister, your brother really called me a 'dead rabbit' last time, please help me this time! Okay?!" "Giggle, giggle..." Yuan Chun's cheerful laughter was bright and cheerful. Faced with fate, she couldn't help but regain some of her long-lost girlish youth. Her laughter, tinged with schadenfreude, contained a hint of surprise. When had her timid, girlish brother become so "powerful"? He could even utter such words!
"Hmph!" Tianyi rolled her eyes, her crescent-shaped eyes wide with displeasure. But no matter how hard she tried, her adorable demeanor always outweighed her indignation. "Sister, you're biased! You only know how to help your brother, you don't care about him at all!" Although the girl's words were unintentional, they subtly touched the only regret deep in her heart. Born into royalty with no relatives, her life was both the height of prosperity and the depths of sorrow. Tianyi's brothers feared her more than they loved her, wanting only to keep their distance so they could indulge in debauchery and misbehavior. Being a princess meant she had all the world's riches, but Princess Tianyi lacked the parental love and sibling affection of an ordinary girl!
The stirring in her heart made the girl's act instantly real. It was as if her "only" relative, Yuanchun, no longer loved her. Her eyes reddened, a deep sadness filled them, and tears welled up, adding to the heartbreaking pity in the misty water.
The playful smile vanished from the mature beauty's eyes, replaced by a tender embrace as she gently comforted Tianyi. The girl's genuine sorrow was incredibly moving.

Chapter Thirty-Four: Xiangling's Joy "Little sister, don't cry. How could your older sister not love you?" Yuan Chun gently stroked the girl's hair, her doting affection as both an older sister and a mother evident. "Alright, I'll do as you say this time." The beauty paused slightly, then changed the subject seriously, saying, "However, don't go too far. Baoyu is my own brother. He's not a bad person. You two must have some misunderstanding. Let me mediate between you!" "Sister is so kind!" The girl's heart was indeed as unpredictable as a needle at the bottom of the sea, changing in an instant.
Amidst the servants' greetings, a refreshed and upright Baoyu entered the Jia mansion. Although he was deeply in love with Qingwen and the other two women, his desires were still strong, and he knew it was best to leave, considering their delicate bodies had not yet recovered from the storms they had endured. Moreover, there were several other beauties in the Jia mansion who haunted his dreams, and he had been separated from them for many days, longing to express his feelings to them.
Subconsciously, he walked towards Fengjie's residence, but before he had taken a few steps, the image of Jia Lian flashed helplessly through his mind, and with a sigh of disappointment, the depressed Baoyu turned and quickly headed towards Hengwu Garden. At that moment, all he wanted was to lie in the voluptuous and alluring embrace of Aunt Xue, letting the mature and beautiful woman soothe the intense resentment in his heart.
The journey, though not short, was swiftly covered by his hurried steps. The energetic Bao Yu waved his hand, stopping the gatekeeper's announcement, and his tall figure lifted the curtain and entered.
"Auntie Bao..." A burning passion flashed through Bao Yu's mind, countless sparks instantly spreading to every corner of his heart. His clear eyes were shrouded in desire, and before he could even clearly see the person inside, the affectionate name he had been longing for slipped out.
"Ah!" The beauty Bao Yu had been yearning for was indeed inside, but instead of the middle-aged woman's joyful cheers, he was met with utter panic.
The faint gasp of fear from Aunt Xue, the beautiful woman, abruptly halted Bao Yu's passionate whispers. He swallowed the word "Bao" back, and seeing Xiang Ling obediently beside Aunt Xue, the clever fellow quickly recovered his composure after a moment of embarrassment. He subtly changed the subject, saying, "Aunt, Bao Yu has come to pay his respects!" This single word brought a rosy glow to the middle-aged woman's pale face, and her tense nerves began to relax. From an angle unseen by Xiang Ling, the beauty cast a flirtatious glance at her lover, feigning a cheerful smile, and said, "Yu'er, you've come! Come here so Aunt can take a good look at you!" "Xiang Ling greets Second Master Bao!" The fleeting unusual behavior between the two went unnoticed by Xiang Ling. The increasingly cheerful young woman smiled brightly and gave Bao Yu a graceful bow.
"Sister, you're too polite!" Baoyu's eyes lit up. For the first time, he realized that Xiangling, besides her endearing gentleness, also possessed a radiant beauty. With a thoughtful expression, he said cheerfully, "Sister, you don't need to be so polite in the future. I've always been casual with the sisters in the garden. If I were to be so polite, wouldn't I be exhausted?! Besides, such words seem too distant, as if we weren't family!" Baoyu's somewhat inappropriate analogy made Xiangling pause slightly. A smile naturally arose in the beauty's heart. This Second Master Bao was indeed used to talking nonsense. She and he were not family at all, so how could there be any talk of "as if"?!
The dignified and proper Xiangling opened her mouth slightly, intending to politely refuse Baoyu's friendly offer, but unexpectedly, the lady beside her suddenly spoke up, making it impossible for her to resist this inexplicable intimacy.
"Xiangling, Yu'er is right. We're family, so you don't need to be so reserved!" The beautiful woman spoke righteously, but her heart was filled with shyness. An uncontrollable blush crept up her rosy cheeks. Fortunately, she was always radiant, so the clever Xiangling didn't notice anything amiss.
Baoyu, who had come with a heart full of affection, hadn't expected the presence of a "third wheel." Unwilling to leave empty-handed, the clever fellow quickly devised a perfect plan.
"Sister, how many years have you been living at Aunt's house?" Baoyu asked unexpectedly, posing a completely unrelated question. "I've known you for so long, yet I've never heard of your past. Could you tell me about it, sister?" "This..." Her past was a deep-seated wound in Xiangling's heart, one she never wanted to mention in front of others, not even when asked by Baoyu, whom she greatly admired! Xiangling hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject, pondering how to avoid offending Baoyu without hurting his feelings.
"Xiangling, since Yu'er asked, just tell me!" Aunt Xue thought Baoyu was just making conversation to cover up their embarrassing affair. The beautiful middle-aged woman, her heart fluttering with affection, naturally echoed her lover's words, gently holding Xiangling's wrist and softly saying, "You've been here for several years now, but I've never really inquired about your family background. Tell me about it today!" Seeing that Xiangling was still hesitant, the woman, who had misunderstood, continued to comfort her softly, "Child, what can't you say? I understand that your family is very poor. Don't be embarrassed. Yu'er and I are not people who despise the poor and love the rich. We won't look at you with materialistic eyes!" "That's right! Sister, just tell me!" Baoyu cleverly followed up, "If you have any relatives, we can try to help them." "Ugh!" Overwhelmed by their sincere concern, and with Baoyu mentioning relatives, Xiangling's long-hidden sorrow finally erupted like a volcano. All the accumulated grief and resentment turned into hot tears that flowed from her heart.
The deeper the secret, the more powerful the outburst. Xiangling's emotional defenses were breached, and a torrent of emotions surged forth, unleashing a torrent of memories she had suppressed for years.
Once the topic was raised, the delicate young woman no longer wanted to taste the bitter tears alone. The deeply buried past had weighed heavily on her heart, causing her countless midnight dreams to be filled with tears. Although the memories of her loved ones had long since faded, the tall, refined figure of her father remained vaguely in her mind.
Xiangling began her story by how she was abducted and separated from her family as a child by a swindler. Sold into a brothel, she was later taken in by a young nobleman and became his maid. Although her status was still lowly, she lived a relatively peaceful life.
Unfortunately, this didn't last long. As the young woman blossomed into a beautiful young woman, the wealthy young man wanted to take her as a concubine. Although she felt no joy, she could only accept her fate. Just before her wedding night, an unexpected turn of events occurred.
At this point, the beautiful woman glanced at her mother and Bao Yu, who were listening intently. Encouraged by Aunt Xue's kind face and Bao Yu's encouraging gaze, her courage surged, and she revealed the truth without hesitation.
The wealthy young master, wanting to show off, had introduced Xiangling to his cronies, only to attract the covetous eyes of an even wealthier and more powerful rogue—the notorious tyrant of Jinling, Xue Pan! Unable to win her over through gentle persuasion, Xue Pan, enraged, tried to forcibly take her. The wealthy young master, though less powerful, was unwilling to relinquish such a beautiful woman as Xiangling. The argument escalated into a fight, and the naturally ruthless Xue Pan killed his opponent with a single punch. Although he had successfully won the beauty's heart, he had also committed a grave offense and was forced to flee to the capital for refuge. In the end, the charming and beautiful Xiangling had no choice but to become Xue Pan's concubine.
"Alas!" The kind-hearted Aunt Xue embraced the weeping Xiangling and sighed with deep emotion, "I never imagined your background was so bitter!!" Although Xiangling's words contained much dissatisfaction and criticism of Xue Pan, the middle-aged beauty, being a woman herself, was not angry. She knew what kind of person her son was, and Xiangling was truly suffering because of him!
"Sister, I heard from you that you were also born into a wealthy family. Do you still remember where you live?" Although Baoyu was also deeply moved, he already knew this inside story from "Dream of the Red Chamber," so he was not too agitated. The thoughtful fellow calmly steered the conversation step by step to the main topic.
"Yes!" Aunt Xue recovered from her sorrow and comforted her, "We can send someone to contact your parents so your family can be reunited." "It's no use!" Xiangling was more sorrowful than pleased. Her already misty eyes were now even more lifeless. "I've already secretly asked someone to check back in our hometown, but everything has changed. I only know that my mother... my mother passed away not long after I disappeared, and my father also disappeared... vanished. Even the house we left behind was burned to the ground in an unknown fire!"
The beauty became more and more sorrowful as she spoke, her voice choked with sobs. Aunt Xue's heart trembled as she listened, and she involuntarily tightened her arms around Xiangling. Her beautiful eyes flashed with sympathy as she spoke softly from the bottom of her heart:
"Don't cry, child. Isn't this your home? Although Pan'er is unruly, your mother will love you as her own daughter!" "Mother!" The floodgates of emotion had been opened. Xiangling cried out involuntarily and excitedly rushed into Aunt Xue's arms. Although the intelligent beauty lost her composure in her emotional turmoil, her open heart allowed her to better discern the truth from falsehood in the world. The middle-aged beauty's sincere concern instantly resonated with her soul, and Xiangling, who had always been dutiful, accepted this warm affection without hesitation.
Baoyu, who understood everything, felt no sadness, but was shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere. Despite his efforts, he could not muster a natural smile. Helpless, he could only choose silence, silently waiting for the two beauties, one big and one small, to finish crying.
True feelings surged, love overflowed, and tears of emotion flowed endlessly until Baoyu felt he was about to drown, only then did the rain stop and the sun shine brightly.
"Sister, you just said your original surname was Zhen and your given name was Yinglian, right?" The impatient fellow stopped beating around the bush and went straight to the point.
"Yes!" Xiangling's eyes were red and swollen, and her jade-like face, still bearing traces of tears, couldn't help but blush with embarrassment. After all, she felt a
sense of instinctive shyness at being addressed by her maiden name, Ling Shouli, by a man other than her husband. "What a coincidence!" Baoyu exclaimed loudly, successfully attracting the attention of the two women. Trying his best to keep a calm tone, he pretended to recall something. "Some time ago, I met a middle-aged scholar, and he seemed to have the same surname, Zhen!" Baoyu paused slightly, and Aunt Xue chided him first, "You're making a fuss over nothing. There are plenty of people in the world with the surname Zhen. What's so strange about that?" Overwhelmed by emotion, the middle-aged beauty spoke casually, and her undisguised eyes were filled with affection and tenderness.
"Heh, heh..." Baoyu was not offended by his beautiful aunt's scolding, but rather amused. He smiled before speaking and put on a mysterious expression. "It's not so strange that he's surnamed Zhen, but what is strange is that this middle-aged scholar also lost a daughter when he was young and has been searching for her everywhere all day long!" "Ah!" Before Baoyu could finish speaking, Xiangling couldn't help but cry out. Her chaotic and sorrowful heart was instantly filled with anxiety. Her intelligent nature made her subconsciously realize that Baoyu's "strange" words today must have a reason.
"Baoyu, what's his name...?" Her trembling voice revealed Xiangling's inner tension. All her courage poured out from between her red lips. After speaking those few words, her heart tightened and she was too weak to ask any more questions.
"His name is Zhen—Shi—Yin!" The low, slow words exploded in Xiangling's mind like a thunderbolt, each word a thunderclap, so much so that after hearing the name "Zhen Shi Yin," the beauty's mind went blank, devoid of joy, anger, sorrow, or any thought or desire for the world.
"Sister!" Baoyu's words did not elicit the expected excited weeping or grateful embrace from the beauty. Instead, Xiangling remained strangely blank, deathly silent.
"Ugh!" After a moment, Xiangling, regaining some consciousness from the shock, finally burst into tears. She grabbed Baoyu's wrist urgently, almost frantically asking, "Second Master, where is my father? Please tell me where he is!" "Ouch!" Caught off guard, the man cried out in half-joking pain, inwardly cursing his bad luck. He had imagined the beauty rushing into his arms in excitement, but instead, his wrist ached! He never imagined that Xiangling, so petite and charming, could be so strong!
"Yes! Success!" Bao-yu cheered inwardly, but his face remained calm. He casually flipped his wrist and grasped the beauty's soft, delicate hand, taking advantage of her. "Sister, don't be hasty! Who is your father? I'm so confused!" "It's Zhen Shi-yin you mentioned… My father's name is Zhen Shi-yin!" Xiang-ling had never imagined such a joyous occasion. Overwhelmed with unexpected elation, she abandoned all etiquette and rules, touching Bao-yu's skin without any hesitation. Her beautiful eyes, wide open, held a hint of fear and trepidation amidst the heat, afraid this surprise would be fleeting. "Bao-yu, please tell me where he is!" "Such a coincidence?!" Aunt Xue exclaimed in astonishment, her heart filled with joy and excitement for Xiangling. "Yu'er, if you know anything, just say it! Don't keep leaving people in this awkward position!" The middle-aged beauty's casual remark had barely left her lips when Baoyu's strange gaze immediately met hers. The beauty then realized the incredibly ambiguous nature of the situation, and the words "leaving people in this awkward position" made Aunt Xue blush with shame. Yet, amidst this endless shyness, the passion within the room suddenly ignited. Xiangling's presence only amplified the surging pleasure in the beauty's heart. An indescribable and unbearable thrill of "adultery" surged forth, sweeping over her open heart with irresistible force.
Seeing the beautiful mature woman's body writhing with desire, and fearing Xiangling might see through his act, Baoyu reluctantly abandoned his seductive gaze. Although the beautiful young woman was filled with boundless excitement, it was still best to be cautious!
Under a barrage of questions, Baoyu finally spoke, only to leave the two beauties, one young and one old, utterly disappointed!
"Sister, I have met your father once, but I do not know where he is now!" The man, feigning regret, harbored a wicked thought. Ha, ha…who told you to be a third wheel?!
Besides, if this reunited you and your father, Zhen Shiyin would probably take you away immediately. Where would my strategist then be?!
"Ah!" Before the scoundrel could finish speaking, Xiangling let out a mournful cry. The delicate young woman, who had reached the pinnacle of hope, plummeted into the abyss of despair. Her soul, deprived of its anchor, rapidly descended into darkness. Without a single thread of hope, without a trace of cherished memory, the immense blow was too much for her to bear. The already fragile walls of her heart cracked instantly, teetering on the brink of collapse!
"Ling'er, don't frighten your mother!" Aunt Xue, though greatly disappointed, was not deeply saddened as an outsider. Her initial shock, born of sympathy, quickly subsided. Turning her gaze, she saw Xiangling fall silent after her initial exclamation, though tears streamed down her face.
Silent sorrow! The silent weeping was even more heartbreaking. The middle-aged woman's anxious concern seemed so distant and indistinct that even though Xiangling's body was so close, her distant heart could not be awakened. Only her blank eyes instinctively glanced in the direction of the sound, but the long period of numbness failed to retrieve her lost soul.
Alas! How could this be?! The delicate beauty's vacant eyes met Baoyu's in mid-air. The naturally sentimental man hadn't expected such a violent reaction—a reaction so "terrifying"! Actually, it was his fault; why did he have to reopen Xiangling's deep-seated wounds?!
Lifeless, colorless eyes filled with a deathly aura. The beauty's despair at this moment was deeply imprinted in Baoyu's heart, radiating endless gloom that even made the shameless man secretly grieve, a pang of self-reproach rising within him.
How could he be so shameless?! To cause such despair and sorrow for his own selfish desires—what a sin, what a sin!
Chapter Thirty-Five: The First Spark of Love. The man, filled with remorse, hastily tried to salvage the situation, his words, imbued with a magical power, pierced the beauty's heart, awakening her spirit from its grayness.
"Sister, I do not know where your father is? However…" Baoyu paused slightly, inwardly sighing that this was all he could do; everything was now up to fate, to whether Xiangling and Miaoyu were destined for each other! Having made up his mind, he continued, "However, there is one person who knows that I also met your father through her!" Just as Xiangling was about to sink into the abyss of despair and perish, her delicate body suddenly felt lighter. A golden, radiant hand descended from the sky, like a celestial being, pulling her up into the heavens. They floated on the clouds into a fairyland, where endless vitality returned to the earth, and vibrant colors returned to the world.
Seeing that Xiangling had finally awakened from her daze, Baoyu, relieved, didn't wait for her to ask further and said,
"That person is the Fairy Miaoyu of the Green Bamboo Nunnery!" "Miaoyu!" Xiangling repeated with delight. After receiving a heavy nod of confirmation from Baoyu, the beauty said nothing more. In an instant, her slender body surged with boundless power, and she sprang up from the kang (heated brick bed) like a spring.
"Thank you!" Before the solemn thanks had faded, the thick curtain was suddenly lifted, and a delicate figure swept away like a whirlwind, leaving only the slightly swaying curtain to tell the unbelievable story.
Human potential is indeed limitless! Baoyu, filled with emotion, exchanged a knowing smile with Aunt Xue, who was equally shocked. They both instinctively pulled their attention back from following Xiangling away, their initial astonishment instantly transforming into a blazing fire of passion. Their burning emotions surged and surged uncontrollably in the warm embrace.
"Mmm!" Baoyu stretched out his arm, unable to resist pulling his beautiful aunt into his embrace. His fiery red lips, carrying the longing of many days apart, resolutely sealed the words the beauty was about to utter.
"Yu'er, no...be careful, what if Xiangling...!" After a passionate kiss, the middle-aged beauty, suppressing her dazed heart, weakly pushed away her lover's mischievous hand. The
large hand, which was pressing against her soft, full breasts, suddenly stopped, then waved backward in the air. Mysterious magic closed the door, the powerful force replacing the gate, making the door as solid as steel. No sound could escape the powerful magic surrounding it. The magical barrier separated the small space of the bedroom from the world; within this unique new world, only a pair of lovers, their hearts in sync, indulged in unrestrained pleasure!
Their fine clothes fluttered, and in a moment, their naked masculinity and full, soft beauty were perfectly intertwined. Under Bao Yu's skillful teasing, her two rosy lips were already panting. The door of passion opened slowly, and the passageway was swept by spring tides and cleared by jade liquid, waiting for the distinguished guest to arrive.
"You little rascal, still as naughty as ever after all this time?" The beautiful auntie playfully glared at the rascal, her words tinged with reserve, yet her alluring body involuntarily moved in sync with Bao Yu's large hands.
"Auntie, my darling, don't you want me to treat you like this?" The previously interrupted intimate address slipped out, Bao Yu gently pinching her swollen nipple between two fingers, a wicked smile playing on his lips as he stared intently at the beauty. "I've been thinking about my dear auntie all this time!" "Auntie misses you too! My dear Yu'er!" The beautiful woman, consumed by passion, involuntarily followed the rascal's words, caressing him with affection. "It wasn't for nothing that I made excuses not to go home with my sister!" A subtle fragrance filled the bedroom, a burning warmth permeating every space in their hearts, the ripples of passion growing into towering waves with Bao Yu's increasing pressure and movements.
"Mmm!" A passionate moan, deep and resonant, escaped the burning passion in the middle-aged beauty's lips, which involuntarily parted slightly. Her melodious voice, like an invisible hand, easily hooked onto Bao Yu's shoulders, gently pulling his burning, aroused member onto her undulating body.
"Sister, you're so good!" With a tender murmur, Bao Yu's large, firm member thrust forward gently yet powerfully, breaking through the barrier of the beauty's lips and plunging into the depths of her honeyed valley. Only when his burning member was completely buried within her paradise did his relentless assault reluctantly cease.
"Oh!" With the arrival of intense pleasure, the beauty let out a soft moan of boundless satisfaction. Days of longing were rewarded in this instant. The tingling and numbness not only filled her valley but also soothed her restless heart.
His masculine body began to rise and fall, causing his soft and charming body to respond in kind. The symphony of heavenly music once again resounded, rising and falling, near and far, amidst the captivating sound of war drums. Sometimes it was as deep and melodious as flowing water, and sometimes it was as powerful and unstoppable as a surging tide of golden spears and iron horses.
"Ah!" A scream of surprise and a deep roar came at the same time. A passionate battle had finally come to an end. Baoyu's powerful thrusts caused the limp, beautiful woman to cheer and scream with boundless passion. Her soft, jade-like hands and slender legs wrapped around Baoyu's strong, tall trunk like silken vines.
Baoyu, having released a torrent of pleasure, collapsed onto the woman's voluptuous body. Then, with the middle-aged woman's unleashed potential and strong embrace, his still-hidden member trembled once more, spewing out the last drop of passionate "magma"!
After the near-mad tempering he had undergone last time, Baoyu's magical power had not only increased dramatically, but even the skill of "Little Baoyu" had undergone a qualitative change. Supported by the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique, it could not only change size and length at will, but also automatically control the moment of volcanic eruption, enjoying the ultimate pleasure whenever he wanted; now, this "fake" Baoyu could "go" until the end of time without any problem! Heh, heh...!
After a tender and affectionate moment, the clothes scattered on the ground returned to Bao-yu and Aunt Xue. The beautiful woman, her face flushed and eyes sparkling, lay languidly in her lover's arms, her beautiful eyes slightly closed and her expression dreamy, as if still savoring the intoxicating passion of the moment.
After a long, tender time, when a disappointed Xiang-ling returned dejectedly, the traces of passion on Bao-yu and Aunt Xue's faces had faded from her memory. However, the radiant beauty of the woman's face still made the distraught Xiang-ling pause for a moment, wondering to herself with great surprise, "How come Madam looks so much younger?"
Although the confusion in the beauty's eyes was subtle, it did not escape the keen eyes of Baoyu, who possessed extraordinary senses. Sensing something amiss, he quickly changed the subject, subtly diverting the beauty's attention. "Sister, judging from your expression, does Miaoyu not know your father's whereabouts?" "No, that's not it!" Xiangling sat down beside Baoyu without any hesitation, whispering in disappointment,
"The fairy is not in the nunnery. I waited for a long time but she didn't return. Later, a kitchen maid told me that Fairy Miaoyu hadn't returned to the nunnery for several days." "That's truly a pity!" Baoyu, though feigning regret, was secretly delighted. This was fate helping him take advantage of the situation! It seemed he really had to be a "good person" who took advantage of someone in distress! Hehe... "Ling'er, tomorrow your mother will accompany you to see the fairy." Aunt Xue, feeling refreshed and satisfied with her passionate encounter with her lover, couldn't help but feel a surge of familial affection. She gently stroked Xiangling's hair and softly comforted her.
"Perhaps I can find Miaoyu today!" Baoyu's uncertain words still greatly excited the delicate young woman, subconsciously hoping that the Second Master Bao, who had already brought her a surprise, would create another "miracle"!
Before Baoyu could continue speaking, Xiangling, who had been suffering greatly, had already stood up with renewed energy, grabbed Baoyu's wrist, and rushed out of the house.
"Sister Ling, what are you doing?" Baoyu's nimble wrist naturally slipped out of the beauty's grasp, and he looked at the beautiful woman with surprise on her face.
"Let's go find the fairy!" Xiangling said, reaching out to grab Baoyu again. Her swift movements made the scoundrel secretly pleased with himself. Xiangling's actions were like those of a ruthless female wolf, while he, the "innocent" lamb, struggled desperately under her clutches. Heh, heh... The bored fellow couldn't help but chuckle. The strange smile on his lips finally caught the attention of the two women. The beautiful aunt, who was indignant, gently patted her nephew's shoulder, her coquettish tone laced with allure. "Why are you laughing so strangely? Why didn't you take Xiangling to see her?" "Fairy Miaoyu?" "Heh, heh..." Baoyu naturally couldn't reveal his wild thoughts to everyone, so he could only scratch his head with a silly grin. In that instant, his mind raced, and a sudden inspiration struck him. He chuckled softly, "I was just thinking about Miaoyu's eccentric rules and ways of doing things, so I couldn't help but laugh to myself." Upon hearing this, the two women nodded slightly in unison, their beautiful eyes flashing with relief. Miaoyu's eccentricity and aloofness were well-known. Although it wasn't exactly funny, it was quite possible that Baoyu, who was also known for his eccentricities, would find it amusing.
Thinking of this, the two beauties simultaneously curled their lips slightly, their watery eyes losing all traces of worry, replaced by a clear sense of playful joy.
Before they could even begin to tease him, Baoyu quickly explained, "I know where Fairy Miaoyu might be, but as you know, she's always been a strange person. She only allows me to go there alone, and I can't tell anyone else, so..." Baoyu drawled out his words with difficulty, but before he could finish, the lovely Xiangling completed his lie, "Oh, I see! I also know that Fairy Miaoyu has some supernatural powers, so I won't go against her wishes. Please go as soon as possible!" The beauty then solemnly bowed deeply to Baoyu, "Xiangling thanks Second Master Bao for his kindness, and in my next life I will repay him with my life!" "Sister, please rise!" Baoyu, not expecting Xiangling to perform such a grand ceremony, strode forward and helped the beauty up.
The three people in the room were momentarily lost in thought, their minds churning. In their haste, they all forgot the boundaries between men and women. Their actions, driven by human instinct, crossed worldly boundaries, but how could such genuine and natural behavior be restrained by rigid etiquette?
With his strong arms, he forcefully lifted the delicate beauty, and surprisingly, the usually lecherous man refrained from taking advantage of her. Overwhelmed by genuine human emotion, Baoyu declared sincerely, "Don't worry, I will search every inch of the capital to find Miaoyu!" His unwavering resolve revealed a bold confidence, and boundless gratitude transformed into flowing tears that reddened Xiangling's beautiful eyes. Baoyu's resounding words were like a spring breeze caressing her heart, a mysterious warmth welling up within her, flowing through her soul in a wondrous way, instantly smoothing away the cracks of resentment and sorrow.
Xiangling had served Xue Pan for many years, and the domineering Xue Pan, aside from his debauchery, had never uttered such heartwarming words! Even his kind face was rarely seen, let alone such tenderness and affection!
"Thank you!" the delicate young woman thanked him again. A subtle blush crept onto her cheeks due to a subtle change in her heart. The beauty, her mind in turmoil, didn't immediately notice her own change. She instinctively lowered her gaze, avoiding eye contact with Baoyu. Previously, she could look directly into Baoyu 's bright eyes without hesitation, but now she felt fear, as if there were thorns she dared not touch.
Baoyu, smugly absorbed in his brilliant plan to win over Zhen Shiyin, was oblivious to Xiangling's unusual behavior. Even if he sensed something different, he subjectively attributed it to the beauty's bewildered surprise, completely unaware that he had squandered this golden opportunity!
Alas! What a failed lecher!
The astute Aunt Xue sensed something amiss and, quick-thinking, urged, "Yu'er, why don't you hurry up and go!" The middle-aged beauty swayed gracefully, naturally placing herself between Xiangling and Baoyu. She didn't want her daughter-in-law to fall into Baoyu's arms like she had; after all, Xiangling was Xue Pan's concubine! Although her son wasn't perfect, he was still her flesh and blood, and the middle-aged beauty naturally didn't want Xiangling to commit adultery. Although she had already set a precedent, there was a human tendency to "allow the fire to burn but not the lamp to light."
Thinking of this, the beautiful mature woman felt a sudden blush, clearly knowing that besides this reason, the main reason was a woman's innate jealousy. Who could stand by and watch
their lover exchange glances with another without feeling anything?! Even if she eventually genuinely agreed, the bitterness was absolutely unavoidable! Only a broad-minded woman could transform this dissatisfaction into an attraction for her lover; otherwise, she would inevitably become a repulsive, jealous woman!
A sudden jolt ran through Xiangling's chaotic mind. Xue Pan's tyrannical face flashed before her eyes, and a long-cultivated fear made the beauty tremble as if she had fallen into an ice cellar. Her heart turned cold, and she awoke with a start. The emotions that had just surfaced were frozen and shattered by the chill.
Chapter Thirty-Six: Substitution of Love Before Baoyu could respond, Xiangling, now calm, stepped out from behind the middle-aged beauty. Her serene gaze settled on Baoyu, and she bowed gracefully to him once more with boundless gratitude. The man,
unaware that he had missed his chance, continued to laugh and chatter. After a few words, he excitedly strode away, leaving the two women, each lost in their own thoughts, staring at each other intently.
"Ling'er, I hope Baoyu can bring back good news. Just wait patiently!" Perhaps to make up for her earlier "heartlessness," or perhaps to conceal the weakness in her body after lovemaking, the middle-aged beauty's face became even more affectionate. She lovingly took Xiangling's hand and gracefully led her towards the warm kang (heated brick bed). "Come, have a good chat with your mother, so you won't worry or be anxious!" "Okay! Thank you, Mother!" Xiangling truly felt Aunt Xue's sincere love, and her heart was filled with warmth. The clever young woman, while happy, also vaguely felt as if something important had been lost, but she couldn't figure out where this loss came from!
Baoyu, who had just left Hengwu Garden, paused slightly, a confident smile appearing on his handsome face. Then he turned and headed towards Yihong Courtyard. He hadn't returned home all night, and while he had to do his best for Xiangling, he couldn't forget Xiren and the other two girls.
Heh, heh… Thinking of this, Baoyu couldn't help but feel a sense of smug satisfaction. Could this be considered loving a new love while not forgetting an old one? Alas! It's a pity Xiangling isn't his new love. When will he finally get his wish?
This whimsical fellow was unaware that he had just missed a golden opportunity. If he could have opened Xiangling's heart for even a moment and used his methods, he could easily have etched an indelible image into the beauty's heart!
His hurried steps approached the Yihong Courtyard. Baoyu didn't waste the short distance; due to his surge of magical power, many supernatural abilities had inexplicably appeared in his mind.
His mind, enveloped in magical power, flashed with the incomparably beautiful image of Miaoyu. Her affectionate call resonated in all directions with mysterious waves. The "Sound of the Soul" instantly echoed within a hundred miles of the capital, centered on Baoyu, exceeding the speed of light.
The magical "Spiritual Voice" can only be heard by the caster's thoughts. Before Baoyu could even utter his second call, Miaoyu's surprised and delighted response resonated in his heart.
"Baoyu, is that you?!" The moment the beautiful woman's ethereal voice rang out, a torrent of true feelings swept over Baoyu's entire heart. The thousand words that had been swirling within him were swiftly swept away. The usually eloquent Baoyu became speechless, inexplicably uttering the most ordinary greeting, "Okay! Where are you?" Simplicity is the truest form of sincerity. The deep voice of his beloved revealed a profound longing. The fiery threads of love, in a mysterious way, flew across space and entered the celestial beauty's gently rippling heart. The surging true feelings stirred up a monstrous wave, causing the beauty to cast aside even her long-cherished dream of immortality.
After a brief silence, Miaoyu tried to suppress her surging emotions, but couldn't hold back the tears welling in her pure, beautiful eyes. Although she hadn't visited Baoyu when he was ill, her longing and concern were no less than that of Fengjie and the others; in fact, the pure and innocent beauty might even have felt it more intensely! Her
trembling words reached Baoyu's heart, and the two lovers, their hearts in perfect harmony, immediately sensed each other's urgent longing. Overwhelmed with emotion, Baoyu almost rushed to Miaoyu's side, but then, remembering Xiren who was waiting anxiously for him, the sentimental man forced himself to remain calm and recounted Xiangling's situation to the beauty. After a sweet and tender exchange in their spiritual world, they decided on the earliest possible time and place to meet, thus ending their "Platonic" love affair.
The year was drawing to a close, and a severe cold wave was raging! Despite being in the cold wind, Baoyu's heart was filled with boundless warmth, not only because his heart was overflowing with the tender affection of his beloved, but also because he was protected by a mysterious magic that had transcended worldly norms, making him impervious to heat and cold, and immune to all evil.
As he drew closer to the arched gates of the Grand View Garden, the warmth in Baoyu's heart intensified. His steps faltered, and unexpectedly, the charming faces of Xiren and the other two women surfaced in his mind. His thoughts shifted, and, entangled in his emotions, he thought of the other beauties he had deeply loved: Fengjie, Aunt Xue, and Qingwen, her sister-in-law, all appeared before him. Finally, naturally, he thought of his only regret—Jin Chuan !
Alas! If Chuan were still alive, it would be perfect! Overwhelmed with emotion, Baoyu sighed deeply, his heart trembling. Everything before him became dreamlike and beautiful due to the bitter longing.
Chuan?! It really was Chuan! Baoyu felt a blur before his eyes, and Jin Chuan'er's pure and lovely figure gracefully emerged from the courtyard gate. The girl, appearing out of nowhere, showed a look of surprise on her beautiful face. After a slight hesitation, she flew towards him as lightly as a beautiful little bird.
Heavens! If only this illusion could become reality! The now-real Baoyu could only smile bitterly, knowing it was definitely an illusion—an illusion born of longing.
Chuan'er drew closer! Baoyu gazed deeply at the lifelike girl, and, in accordance with his fantasy, stepped forward. Before Jin Chuan'er could speak, he had already seized her and pulled her into his arms, his large hands moving with lightning speed, as if afraid the beauty would instantly vanish into countless specks of light before his eyes.
The illusion could disappear at any moment! The "awake" fellow seized this precious moment, his large hand tightening its grip, giving Jin Chuan'er no room to react. A deep, boundless affection burst forth from his eyes, completely enveloping the beautiful woman's heart!
Deeply shaken, Chuan'er's slightly parted lips quietly closed, a fleeting hesitation crossing her pretty face. The girl then closed her eyes, intently sensing Bao Yu's deep, sorrowful, and sincere affection!
"Chuan'er! I miss you so much!" Bao Yu murmured, taking a deep breath of the familiar fragrance. Lost in ecstasy, he suddenly lowered his head, his burning lips, filled with urgent longing, approaching the beauty's mouth.
"Mmm!" The intense heat was so close, and the girl's heart, clouded by true affection, trembled. Driven by her feminine instincts, she finally snapped back to reality, unexpectedly resisting and twisting away.
Huh! Why does it feel so real?! Although the girl's delicate hand gently pushed him away, the unmistakable touch brought Baoyu back to reality from his reverie.
Startled, he looked closely and realized the girl wriggling in his arms was none other than Jin Chuan! What was going on?!
"Brother-in-law, I'm Yu Chuan!" The girl's coquettish voice finally dispelled the illusion; it turned out our Second Master Bao had mistaken his twin sister for his older sister again!
Yu Chuan, freed from her grasp, wasn't truly angry. Her shy, beautiful eyes glanced around instinctively. "It would be so embarrassing if someone saw us!" She paused slightly, then gave Baoyu a charmingly reproachful glare. "Brother-in-law, you're never allowed to touch me in public again!" The thick-skinned fellow, though embarrassed by his mistake, felt no remorse. Instead, he lamented his foolishness for not taking advantage of the situation.
"Alright! I'll listen to you, sister, and I'll never be intimate with you in public again!" The scoundrel feigned innocence, but deliberately emphasized the words "in public," subtly making his otherwise ordinary words incredibly ambiguous, inevitably raising suspicions.
"You big bad guy!" The girl finally realized her embarrassing slip of the tongue in her haste. Saying this made it sound like she was allowing Baoyu to touch her in private; good heavens! How shameful! The girl could no longer face Baoyu openly. After a deeply embarrassed whimper, she turned around and hopped back to Yihong Courtyard like a startled deer. "
Heh, heh..." Baoyu watched the girl's panicked figure with a smug look on his face, a mischievous smile appearing on his lips. He couldn't help but wonder why Yuchuan, who usually served her mother in the mansion, was in Yihong Courtyard? Was she here to deliver a message?
"Baoyu, did you bully Sister Chuan'er?" Before Baoyu even entered the hall, Xiren had already gently greeted him, her jade-like hands lightly removing the cloak from Baoyu's shoulders and brushing the dust from his hair.
"Heh, heh..." Baoyu tried to get away with his signature silly laugh, but the beauty's knowing coquettish reproach made him softly ask, "Did Yuchuan come to deliver a message?" Before Xiren could respond, he turned around and changed out of his outer robe, then sincerely apologized,
"I didn't come home all night. I'm sure I made you all worry, it's all my fault!" The gentle beauty's slightly round face flashed with captivating charm, and she lowered her voice to whisper, "You rascal! Musk Moon and I are too lazy to be angry with you, but Sister Qiuwen definitely didn't sleep well last night! Who told you to say that when you left!" As she spoke, the beauty glanced at Qiuwen's room out of the corner of her eye.
"As for Sister Chuan'er! Hehe..." Xiren smiled as she straightened Baoyu's clothes, "You're so lucky, you big bad boy! Madam specifically instructed before she went back to her parents' home that Sister Chuan'er will replace Qingwen to serve you here!" "Really?!" Baoyu wasn't as excited and surprised as Xiren had imagined, nor did he feign composure. Instead, he asked softly with a hint of melancholy, a fleeting shadow of gloom crossing his bitter face.
Unable to explain, Baoyu casually offered a few perfunctory words. Not wanting his troubles to upset his beloved, the sentimental man forced himself to change the subject. When Musk Moon, Autumn Pattern, and Jade Chuan'er arrived, the entire Yihong Courtyard was filled with laughter and joy, the storm having passed.
Under Baoyu's deliberate flattery, Qiuwen's resentment at his broken promise vanished. The young girl, rarely experiencing Baoyu's tenderness, felt a sweet warmth in her heart, finding the sky clear, the air crisp, the birds singing, and the world beautiful beyond measure! Infected by this heartfelt joy, her narrow-mindedness subtly shifted, and she genuinely welcomed Yuchuan's unexpected
arrival. Baoyu, who had been eagerly joking and playing with the other women, felt a deep melancholy, which dissolved into a helpless, bitter smile. While he was happy about Yuchuan's arrival, Lady Wang's actions greatly troubled him!
His "mother" clearly mistakenly believed that he, lacking romantic love since Jinchuan's death, would develop feelings for her. Baoyu, truly understanding his own situation, could only smile bitterly to himself. How could Yuchuan replace his love for Lady Wang?! Even if Jinchuan were to come back to life immediately, it would be utterly useless!
After noon, having calmed the women, Bao Yu, filled with excitement, left the Jia mansion. He was both concerned for Xiang Ling and eager to fulfill his own intense longing.
"Hush!" Shi Yu, emerging from a secluded corner, let out a long sigh. Although it was the same person, he felt an inexplicable excitement of seeing the light of day again. Looking up at the sky, he muttered to himself,
"Ha, ha... I, Hu Hansan... I, Shi Yu, am back!" In his excitement, poor Shi Yu almost mistook himself for a traitor. "
I wonder what my darling Qingwen will think if she sees me like this?" Shi Yu's mind raced. It was time for her to know the truth, otherwise, many things would be difficult! If he couldn't trust his own woman, who could he trust?!
Having made up his mind, he strode towards the Red Chamber Villa. His thoughts raced again, and he finally decided that, besides revealing his true origins, he must tell his beloved everything. As a man, he should be brave enough to shoulder all the burdens, but he could also share some of the psychological pressure with his beloved without harming her!
"Master Shi!" The guards at the gate spotted Shi Yu's tall figure from afar and shouted loudly before their leader even approached the gate, "Master Shi is back! Master Shi is back..." As Shi Yu stepped through the gate, surrounded by his men, Ni Er and Bao Yong rushed out of the hall, vying for his attention and excitedly shouting, "You've finally appeared! We brothers have missed you so much!" For Bao Yu, the guards of the Red Mansion were unwaveringly loyal; for Shi Yu, their second-in-command, they held the same respect and affection. Moreover, because Shi Yu also came from humble beginnings, they felt a deep sense of kinship, a warmth more casual and brotherly than with Bao Yu.
Shi Yu's handsome, masculine face broke into a relaxed smile as he mingled and joked with everyone. Seeing Ni Er and Bao Yong's unusual excitement, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself. He had only parted from them that morning; was there really a need for such excitement?
"Master Shi, something big has happened!" Ni Er's rough and boisterous nature was even more evident in front of Shi Yu. Before they could even exchange a few words, he could no longer contain his urgency and loudly got to the point.
"I know!" Shi Yu waved his hand to stop Ni Er from speaking further, and under the astonished gazes of his two trusted subordinates, he calmly explained, "I already met with Master Bao before I came!" His face was calm, but his mind was in turmoil. At this moment, he only wanted to meet Miaoyu. How could he have the mind to listen to worldly affairs?! Especially such boring things that he had already heard before!
Chapter Thirty-Seven Strange Teasing So That's How It Is! Ni Er and Bao Yong greatly admired their two masters' composure. What seemed like a huge problem to them was as insignificant as an ant in their masters' eyes. They truly deserved to be called unfathomable and extraordinary people!
Just as Shi Yu was about to dismiss the two men, Bao Yong suddenly remembered something and stopped his outstretched hand.
"Master Shi, this letter was received after Second Master left!" Bao Yong took out a secret letter from his pocket and handed it to Shi Yu, saying, "Our brothers sent to various seaports have already smoothed things over with both the legitimate and underworld figures." He paused slightly, his voice filled with excitement and his expression thrilled, "The brothers have told us that they have made contact with the Westerners as Second Master instructed, and those Western merchants have even sent a representative to Beijing to discuss the details with us!" Before Bao Yong could finish speaking, Ni Er interjected with amusement, "That Westerner's name is really strange! Why not just call him a normal person? Why does he have to be called 'Mr. Radish'?! Ha, ha..." Radish?! No way?! Shi Yu opened the secret letter and couldn't help but laugh. It turned out to be "Robertson." The brothers couldn't spell it, so they had given him the nickname "Radish."
"Heh, heh..." Knowing it would be difficult to explain, Shi Yu chuckled along, even jokingly asking, "When will this 'Radish' gentleman arrive in the capital?" Bao Yong and the others had never dealt with foreigners before, and barely managed to suppress their surging laughter before respectfully replying, "According to the letter, that 'Radish' gentleman will arrive in the capital in the next few days!" The composed Bao Yong immediately cupped his hands and asked, "Master Shi, should we send someone out of the capital to welcome him as a sign of sincerity?" "This matter is of great importance; we must be careful!" Shi Yu replied. A hint of appreciation flashed in Shi Yu's eyes, but he quickly changed the subject, saying, "However, it's best not to attract attention, lest it cause further complications!" He closed his eyes briefly, then turned to Ni Er and said, "Take your men out of the city immediately. Just provide covert protection. Be careful as you leave. If anything goes wrong, turn back immediately. Under no circumstances should the enemy know about the foreigners!" Watching his two men's brisk retreating figures, Shi Yu smiled contentedly. He then pondered to himself, "Since the foreigners are in Beijing, how should I make the most of them?" Lost
in thought, a thousand ideas raced through his mind, and suddenly he thought of the Opium Wars centuries later. Damn it! These foreign devils will unite to bully our great China in the future. I'll settle this score today, corrupting them with "cigarettes"! Heh, heh… if I could ignite a "cigarette" war among these foreign devils, that would be wonderful!
The troublemaker chuckled for a while, thankfully no one was in the hall, otherwise his heroic image would have been completely ruined, and he would have become a fool in everyone's eyes! His
wandering thoughts returned to his mind, and Shi Yu, his mind clearing, felt a surge of energy. His mysterious magic instantly traversed mountains and rivers, and the "Spiritual Connection" resonated once more in Miaoyu's heart.
Alas! After a few whispered words, Baoyu sighed in disappointment. He hadn't expected even a celestial beauty to have the bad habit of being late! Why did he have to wait for Zhen Shiyin? If only she had come first, he could have been with her… The waiting time was the most unbearable! Entangled in his emotions, the man lacked any composure or calmness. After pacing back and forth in the hall several times, his thoughts drifted to his sister-in-law, Qingwen.
Without hesitation, Shi Yu, acting on his impulses, instructed the guards standing at the hall entrance, "Go to the back courtyard and announce that I wish to pay my respects to my two sisters-in-law. Please allow them to meet me in the front hall!" "Yes, sir!" the guard replied, clasping his hands in a fist salute. Before the words were even finished, his lithe figure had already strode away, his sharp aura carrying a hint of江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) spirit. This made the naturally lazy fellow sigh inwardly, and subconsciously yearn to witness the real world of江湖!
Alas! He had brought this upon himself! Bao Yu had sighed countless times today, secretly pondering with a helpless bitter smile that he actually had to call his own wife "sister-in-law"! He didn't even dare to casually enter the inner courtyard to see her. It was so damn annoying!
Thinking of this, he became even more determined to reveal his two identities to the two beauties, since this was, in name, Shi Yu's residence!
"Sister, you should go see Young Master Shi alone. I'll head back first!" A soft, charming whisper rang out in the backyard. The noblewoman, who was not used to meeting strangers, gracefully stopped her hesitant steps.
"Sister!" Qingwen grabbed her as she turned away, gently advising, "Didn't Baoyu say that this Young Master Shi is like a brother to us, and that we shouldn't treat him like an outsider? Now that Baoyu isn't here, we can't be impolite!" "But..." A blush crept onto the voluptuous young woman's conflicted face. Bound by traditional etiquette, she was shy. "But as women, isn't it inappropriate for us to meet a strange man so abruptly?" "Hehe..." The straightforward girl had no concept of such dreadful rules. Her carefree face looked up at the sky. "What's wrong with that? We're not committing adultery, we're just entertaining a guest! Sister, don't make such a fuss!" Excitement swirls across Qingwen's exquisitely sculpted face, followed by... With great seriousness, she voiced her long-suppressed thoughts, "Besides, men can wander around all day without returning home, while we are confined to our homes, never stepping outside! I, Qingwen, refuse to accept this!" "Heavens! Sister, keep your voice down!" The noblewoman, having never heard such rebellious words, hurriedly cried out in alarm, hastily covering the girl's lips with her jade-like hand. She then looked around anxiously, her wide eyes flashing with worry and concern, "Sister, how could you have such strange thoughts? Please don't let Baoyu hear this, otherwise..." The traditional beauty spoke in a low voice, her heart filled with great worry for her sister's shocking words, fearing that the esteemed Second Master Bao would be furious and storm off, leaving her sister with a tragic end.
"Giggle, giggle..." The girl's light laughter instantly turned into a clear, bell-like sound of joy, her happy face blooming like a flower, a smile devoid of any worry.
"Sister! What's wrong?" A flicker of surprise crossed the noblewoman's beautiful, watery eyes. Her heart, though pounding with anxiety, didn't ease at all despite Qingwen's laughter. Her worried hand instinctively reached for her sister's forehead, fearing she had contracted some strange illness, which explained her delirious and bizarre behavior!
"Sister...sister, I...it's nothing!" Qingwen laughed, gently pushing away the noblewoman's repeatedly touching hand. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself, and her calm tone couldn't suppress a hint of pride. "Sister, don't worry, actually, Baoyu told me all this!" Seeing the noblewoman's wide-eyed disbelief and suspicion, the young woman recalled in a low voice:
"I used to feel that way too, but I could never quite figure it out, which is why I often got a little grumpy!" Qingwen blushed slightly as she spoke, clearly embarrassed by her past behavior. Then, her thoughts drifted to a sweet memory. "During a casual chat, Baoyu said something to me just like he did. I stood there for a long time, just like you are now, sister. Thinking back on it carefully, I realized that what I was really thinking was true!" The girl became increasingly joyful, her excitement radiating a deep affection. She murmured almost to herself, "It's because Baoyu spoke my mind that I fell in love with him!" Her shy words revealed the girl's true feelings. Qingwen, deeply in love, quietly envisioned Baoyu's tall and handsome figure, lost in her dreams.
The tender whispers faded long afterward, and only then did the slightly parted lips of the noblewoman begin to move freely. The beautiful woman, regaining her composure, couldn't help but sigh, "Alas! I don't understand your reasoning, and I don't think there's anything wrong with it!" Seeing her sister-in-law's stubbornness, the fiery and straightforward young woman was about to lecture her.
"I'm going back now!" The noblewoman, however, didn't give her sister a chance to "instruct" her. Before the words were even finished, she had already turned and left again, her slightly apologetic words carried on the wind, "I'll leave the matter of receiving Young Master Shi to you, sister!" Alas! Qingwen didn't stop her sister. She knew that although the noblewoman appeared gentle, she had a strong inner strength. It seemed her path of "guidance" was still quite long.
Thinking of this, she could only force herself to clear her chaotic thoughts and gracefully walked away. The prepared beauty, however, hadn't expected such a great surprise to await her—a surprise far outweighing her joy!
The expected meeting finally occurred. After a perfectly timed greeting, Qingwen slightly raised her head and glanced at Shi Yu.
The composed young woman's heart fluttered slightly; in an instant, her mind raced, her entire being focused on Shi Yu's "strange" eyes!
It wasn't that she had fallen for "Shi Yu," although he was no less handsome than Bao Yu; it was because of Shi Yu's eyes—those eyes, bright and clear like stars, yet shrouded in mystery!
Wait! Why do they seem so familiar?! Unable to suppress the inexplicable thoughts that surfaced in Qingwen's mind, her unanswered curiosity only intensified; the bright and intelligent young woman's attention raced, all focused on those strange eyes. That
's it! A glimmer of inspiration broke through the myriad threads of thought, and the young woman used all her strength to suppress the exclamation that was about to escape her lips! Heavens! This young master Shi's eyes are exactly the same as Bao Yu's!
"Baoyu..." Qingwen finally couldn't control herself from calling out, but immediately realized what she was saying. Seeing Shi Yu staring at her in shock, her face flushed red, and she suppressed the urge to disappear into the ground, softly explaining, "Young Master Shi, I'm sorry! I was just lost in thought and thought of Baoyu! Please forgive my rudeness!" "Oh! I see!" Shi Yu suddenly understood and recovered from his shock, but the turmoil in his mind hadn't subsided. Qingwen's exclamation had indeed startled him!
He couldn't help but think to himself, it seems Qingwen must have sensed Baoyu's presence on her, which is why she acted so strangely! Startled, the man inexplicably felt a desire for "revenge," and a playful smile appeared on his lips.
"Sister-in-law, don't panic, you can even mistake me for Baoyu!" The correct words became flippant because of Shi Yu's playful smile, and the meaning of his words clearly revealed a hint of flirtation.
How could this man be such a frivolous person?! Qingwen never expected Baoyu's friend to be so shameless!
A surge of shame and anger welled up within her, and she forced back her rage, coldly saying, "Young Master Shi, please have some self-respect. This
humble woman takes her leave!" Before the words were even finished, the beauty immediately and without hesitation turned and left, secretly resolving to tell Baoyu about this so he would stay away from such a despicable person in the future! "Beautiful lady, don't be in such a hurry!" Shi Yu's strange childlike heart suddenly surged, his lecherous expression perfectly captured. He deliberately blocked the door with a smirk, "Stay and get closer, how about it?" "You…you…" Qingwen's disgust instantly escalated into hatred, her jade-like hand pointing forward in fury, "Get out of the way, or I'll call for help!" The playful fellow felt this dialogue was so classic, and in a flash, he remembered the response that had been passed down through the ages, "Heh, heh…little lady, go ahead and call!" "Even if you scream your lungs out, no one will hear you." Seeing the disdain flash across Qingwen's resolute face, the rogue hardened his heart and completely erased her reliance. "Don't think anyone will come to save you. I've not only sent everyone away, but I've also cast a spell to seal this hall. No one can hear anything here! My beauty, just obediently comply!" "Help!" Before the lecherous man finished speaking, the fiery girl had already opened her throat and screamed in terror. Her voice was so sharp that it could pierce the clouds and split the sky, and her force was so fierce that it seemed to shake the heavens and the earth! The only victim covered her ears with her hands and exclaimed in great shock!
How could this be?! Everything was just as Shi Yu had said. Her desperate shouts could not penetrate the invisible barrier!
After a series of screams, the beautiful woman's confident face began to turn pale with fear. Her pale face retreated as she tried her best to get away from the terrible lecherous man.
"You scoundrel, don't come any closer!" Seeing the lecherous thief approaching with a lustful look, Qingwen, in her panic, flashed the image of Baoyu's confident smile, a smile that seemed to conquer all, and her courage surged. "You, surnamed Shi, if you stop now, I guarantee I won't pursue this matter today; otherwise, Baoyu won't let you off!" In this critical situation, the clever girl instinctively learned to use both threats and inducements.
How amusing! The scoundrel hadn't expected Qingwen's reaction to be so classic. While forcibly concealing his boundless laughter, he secretly wondered if his darling Qingwen would faint from fright or violently smash things next?
"Little lady, it's no use, no one can save you now!" Eager to see what happened next, the guy completely immersed himself in the role of the dissolute young master, and the imaginary Baoyu shouted in his mind, "Good, good! Update quickly, no eunuch allowed, keep the passion going!" Chapter Thirty-Eight: The lecherous beast's coercion and enticement had completely failed. The retreating girl's delicate body paused, only then realizing she had retreated to a corner. With wolves in front and a dead end behind, the girl's heart flashed with despair as she fell into danger. She called out to her lover again, but still no miracle occurred.
Baoyu… my love! A silent, blood-curdling cry, as tragic as blood, filled the air. The frightened beauty, with her fiery nature and deeply hidden steadfastness, reacted violently, completely exceeding the expectations of the strange-minded Shi Yu. The fierce Qingwen did not plead or cry out as he had imagined, nor did she weakly try to escape reality by fainting. Instead, she took the last step he had anticipated—"suicide to resist and preserve her chastity"—ahead of time.
The panic vanished abruptly, replaced by a radiant, holy glow on her pale face. The beauty gazed into the distance with lingering affection, then her remarkably calm eyes snapped shut. Without hesitation, she violently rammed her head against the wall, her speed utterly astonishing.
"No…!" Panic and fear surged from the girl's face into Shi Yu's heart. The sudden turn of events terrified him instantly. Though not utterly terrified, his heart pounded wildly, a thousand horses galloping through his mind, completely extinguishing any strange, playful thoughts that had been swirling within him.
If it were the real Jia Baoyu, if it were the "fake" Baoyu before his love affair with Qingwen, this tragedy would have been inevitable, and Qingwen would have perished for the most utterly worthless reason! Fortunately, the
"what if" was no longer relevant. Even though it was completely unexpected, this man with his drastically increased magical power had enough strength to avert it all!
Just as the beautiful woman was about to crash into the wall, the rogue, moving at will, suddenly appeared out of nowhere, replacing the deadly wall.
"Ah!" The scream didn't come from the suicidal girl, but from Shi Yu, who had been hit hard as a wall pillar. The force of the impact, unleashed by Qingwen's potential, was unexpected, and the pain in his chest lingered for a long time.
"Wenwen, it's me!" Not wanting to be hit a second time, the man quickly reverted to his true form as Baoyu, his large hand around the beautiful woman's waist as he called out urgently.
Qingwen, who was determined to die, felt the "wall" strangely become soft and warm. Before she could even open her curious eyes, her lover's words, like heavenly music, were already rippling in her heart.
"Baoyu! Ugh!" The moment the beautiful woman heard her lover's words, all her strength and will to die vanished. Endless grievances and grief made her rush into Baoyu's arms and cry loudly.
Realizing he had gone too far, the man gently embraced the beauty, a bitter smile playing on his lips, a deep sense of apology on his face. As he calmed down, a slight surprise
arose within him. Why had he inexplicably teased her?! And why had he gone so far?! Did he harbor some latent perverted gene within him?! After a moment of weeping, Qingwen's panic and grievances flowed out with her tears, but her boundless anger did not subside in the slightest. The fiery and straightforward beauty suddenly lifted her head from her lover's embrace, her face filled with urgency as she shouted, "Baoyu, that lecherous scoundrel surnamed Shi attempted to assault me! You can't let this beast go! Quickly send this scum to the authorities!" Alas! Damn it! The man, reaping what he sowed, wore a bitter expression. He hadn't expected the beauty's resentment to run so deep, instantly labeling him a "lecherous scoundrel, beast, scum!"
"This…" The man, drawing out his words, raced through his mind, searching for the most soothing words to extinguish the flames of anger in the beauty's heart.
"What's wrong with you?! Arrest him!" Qingwen shouted, turning sharply behind her. In her imagination, Shi Yu was cowering in a corner, terrified.
"Huh! Where is he?!" The girl's finger pointed to empty space. Her wide eyes quickly searched the entire hall, but she couldn't find the mysteriously vanished lecher!
"Bao...ah! Who are you?" Qingwen looked pleadingly at her beloved standing silently to the side. Before she could finish her whispered words, Bao Yu's clothes caught her attention. Remembering the lecher's strange ability to mute her earlier, the beautiful girl instantly paled, letting out a cry of surprise before asking.
Before Bao Yu could explain, the terrified girl was already convinced of her suspicions. "You beast! You disguised yourself as Bao Yu to deceive me!" Grief and indignation filled her heart again. Recalling her intimate embrace with him just moments before, she felt even more ashamed and furious!
"Wenwen, I am Baoyu!" The sight of the beautiful woman's tragically pale face caused Baoyu intense pain in his heart, and endless self-reproach welled up
within him. The sweet words he had just prepared vanished in an instant. How could I be such a scoundrel?! How could I let my beloved suffer so much?! Guilt consumed the inexplicable playful shadows in Baoyu's mind, and the usually eloquent man became tongue-tied in his haste. He unconsciously walked towards the woman, saying, "I really am Baoyu! You believe me!" "Don't come any closer, you scoundrel!" Seeing the lecherous man closing in, Qingwen's death wish resurfaced, and she instinctively looked towards the table beside her.
"No..." Although Baoyu, with his extraordinary senses, was in a state of confusion, he still noticed the subtle changes in Qingwen's eyes. Startled, he frantically froze, his hands flailing wildly. "I won't come over! I won't come over! Let me explain!" Taking advantage of this brief moment, the frightened Qingwen took a few more steps back. Seeing that he wasn't chasing her, she relaxed slightly. Looking at the hall door beside her and the seemingly sincere man, she hesitated, unsure whether to believe him.
"You said, if you dare to do anything improper, I will immediately bite my tongue and commit suicide!" The beauty, who had just stepped across the hall door, finally stopped fleeing, driven by curiosity.
"I know, I know..." The obedient and pitiful Baoyu nodded repeatedly. He dared not tease his lover anymore. "It's like this..." Staring at the creature that kept changing before her eyes, Qingwen was dumbfounded in utter horror. Recalling the magical scene in the secret chamber, she had to admit that "ghosts and gods" really existed in this world!
"Are you really Baoyu?" The beauty was already confused. Although she was naturally intelligent, she could not make a definite judgment on this extraordinary matter!
"My darling Wenwen, I really am your good husband!" This self-inflicted tormentor had repeated this countless times, and on a sudden impulse, he uttered even the most intimate words between them, concluding with a confident retort: "Now you should believe your husband, right?" "You…" Qingwen was instantly filled with shame and anger. Before the joy on her face could even surface, the paranoid beauty felt a sudden shift in her thoughts, and a suspicious look flashed across her face. "How do I know you might be someone surnamed Shi disguised as Baoyu to deceive me? What if you were eavesdropping on our conversation?" "This…" Baoyu's features contorted in a grimace, a mixture of endless worry and amusement creeping into his eyes. Good heavens! Qingwen really knows how to think! In the blink of an eye, she's transformed herself from a "great" lecher into a perverted voyeur!
"Speechless now! It seems you're not my Baoyu!" Seeing the other's bitter expression and silent reply, Qingwen's relaxed nerves tightened again. She braced herself for a sudden dash, but a vague thought in her heart made her waver in her judgment. Clinging to the last glimmer of hope, she urged urgently, "What other evidence do you have to prove it?" "Alas! I really am Baoyu!" The "fake" Baoyu sighed dejectedly, feeling utterly helpless, as if questioning the heavens. The weary fellow had never wanted to prove he was Jia Baoyu as much as he did now. Although he was indeed the "fake" Baoyu, being mistaken for one by Qingwen was a great injustice!
He paused slightly, seeing that the beauty was still glaring at him angrily, the desperate fellow sighed deeply, "You still doubt me? Where am I supposed to find evidence for you?!" "I will prove it!" Whether it was Baoyu's plea that received a blessing from heaven or not, melodious heavenly music followed his lament and rang in their ears. The savior seemed to descend from the sky like a fairy, transforming this ordinary and cramped space into a beautiful fairyland in the ethereal atmosphere!
"Fairy Miaoyu!" Qingwen cried out in surprise and joy. Without hesitation, she abandoned Baoyu and rushed to Miaoyu's side. Since the Jia Zheng incident, Miaoyu's extraordinary abilities had been deeply ingrained in everyone's minds, indelible! Seeing her savior, Qingwen, overjoyed, quickly recounted the events, vehemently rebuking the lecherous man in the process.
Miaoyu's appearance also invigorated Baoyu. The usually composed man finally regained his relaxed demeanor, smiling as he watched Qingwen vigorously "slander" him.
"Sister Qingwen, I know everything you're saying. Actually, I arrived shortly after you entered!" The celestial beauty said, giving Baoyu a disgruntled glare.
"What? You arrived long ago! Then why…" Before the girl could finish her exclamation, Baoyu interrupted, greatly resenting Miaoyu's inaction. If she had appeared sooner, he wouldn't have been in such a mess. "Hmph !
" Miaoyu's rare cold snort interrupted Baoyu's complaints. Her words, though sarcastic, were tinged with resentment. "Why should I help you? Aren't you having a great time being a lecherous wolf? You big lecherous wolf!" Her hateful words left a mark on Baoyu's character. Only then did Baoyu realize that his impulsive act had not only frightened Qingwen, but he had probably also unintentionally offended another beautiful woman watching the show!
What a damn bad luck! The guy, who could only smile bitterly, cursed himself again inwardly, and explained softly with a chuckle, "Heh, heh... I just wanted to joke with Qingwen, I didn't expect to frighten her!" "Sister Fairy, is he really Baoyu?!" Qingwen's doubts finally disappeared nine-tenths, and the remaining one-tenth vanished completely with Miaoyu's nod of approval.
"You big pervert!" The beauty, her anger turning to delight, rushed towards Baoyu. Though her heart held no resentment, her slender hands didn't falter, unleashing a relentless barrage of punches that landed squarely. The vicious pervert instantly became the prey of an enraged lamb!
"Ouch! Wenwen, I was wrong, please stop!" Although Baoyu's magical power had surged, his pain tolerance, honed through years of rigorous training, clearly needed improvement. He feigned pain, begging for mercy as he fled, but the girl relentlessly pursued, channeling all her previous fear into boundless energy in her fists.
Miaoyu watched quietly as Baoyu was beaten. The beauty, her Daoist heart in turmoil, barely managed to resist the urge to intervene herself. A bittersweet feeling welled up within her—the celestial beauty was jealous!
If Miaoyu hadn't witnessed the farce spiraling out of control, she would never have shown herself, consumed by jealousy. Even so, she felt she hadn't tormented Baoyu enough. She had intended to surprise him by appearing incognito, but the moment she flew into the courtyard, she saw him dressed as a lecherous wolf, flirting with other women! How could this not stir up turmoil in the heart of the woman she loved?!
Baoyu finally retaliated, forcefully pulling Qingwen into his arms, ready to unleash his revenge, when a report from his subordinate at the gate utterly disappointed him!
"Master Shi, Senior Zhen has returned!" The guard faithfully carried out his master's orders, only to receive a silent complaint in return!
Alas! What an unlucky day!
"Fairy Sister, I'm going back to the backyard!" Upon hearing of the strange man's appearance, Qingwen, who was filled with immense shyness, lost all her heroic spirit. After bidding a warm farewell to Miaoyu, her swift figure flew away, ignoring the hateful Baoyu who was standing to the side with a bitter face. Clearly, the shy girl had not forgotten the wicked man's sins at all!
"Second Master Bao is keeping a beauty in a golden house, truly extraordinary!" Now that the two of them were alone, the celestial beauty no longer concealed her dissatisfaction with her eye roll, and the sourness in her words was even more intense. "I thought you really made this arrangement for Jin Chuan'er, but I didn't expect you to be doing this kind of thing!" "I..." The guy, who felt a sense of foreboding, was about to retort when Zhen Shiyin's elegant figure interrupted him.
"Young Master Jia is truly a gentleman of refined taste, I admire him!" Before the middle-aged scholar even entered the hall, his words of praise and criticism rang out first!
It turned out there was a second bystander! At this moment, Baoyu was truly ashamed! Miaoyu was alright; though they hadn't explicitly agreed, their hearts were connected. But Zhen Shiyin was a complete outsider! Judging from his tone, his lecherous behavior earlier must have been seen by him. How could he not secretly sweat?!
"Master Zhen, how have you been? I apologize for my embarrassing behavior earlier!" Although his mind was unsettled, Baoyu's untamed spirit wouldn't allow him to hold back. He straightened up, a relaxed smile appearing on his lips; his frank expression showed no fear of his own ridiculousness, and his natural warmth made it impossible for anyone to recount his earlier awkwardness.
The celestial beauty's heart, which had been slightly troubled, couldn't help but tremble slightly. Baoyu's extraordinary performance had brightened her eyes; she had rarely seen such a wild and masculine side of her beloved.
Zhen Shiyin was also surprised. The bold and extraordinary young man before him was hard to reconcile with the dissolute playboy he had known before. The middle-aged scholar, who had only met Baoyu once, couldn't help but feel a strong curiosity about him. His previous disdain for Baoyu's frivolous behavior vanished, leaving only a desire to find the truth!
This man was indeed extraordinary! No wonder his junior uncle was with him... Thinking of this, Zhen Shiyin's expression, tinged with a hint of amusement, returned to the depths of his mind. He calmly and solemnly bowed and said, "Young Master Jia is truly sincere and genuine. How can you say anything laughable?! It is I, Shiyin, who should thank you for your help, which allowed my father and I to be reunited!" "It was nothing, you don't need to flatter me, please!" After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Baoyu had regained his usual composure. His bold gestures showed no trace of the frivolousness of a wealthy young master, which greatly impressed the middle-aged scholar.
Miaoyu stood silently to the side. With an "outsider" present, she reverted to her taciturn, celestial beauty, her ethereal grace and otherworldly charm momentarily preventing even the lecherous Baoyu from harboring any thoughts of "profanity."
Time slipped away amidst laughter and chatter. Baoyu and Zhen Shiyin were delighted with their meeting and spoke freely. One was eager to befriend her, the other grateful; their mutual respect and appreciation were palpable, as if they had known each other for a long time. Of the three present, only Miaoyu remained quiet and reserved, occasionally chiming in with a word or two. But even this "occasional" interaction greatly surprised the middle-aged scholar familiar with his junior uncle's past, reinforcing his belief in their extraordinary relationship!
Lost in thought, Baoyu subtly probed Zhen Shiyin during their conversation, taking advantage of the harmonious atmosphere. The latter's response greatly surprised him, prompting him to exclaim inwardly, "Talented! Truly talented! What does Master Bao lack now? Real talent!" Although Zhen Shiyin was a Taoist practitioner, he wasn't like Miaoyu and others, pure and untouched by worldly affairs, almost like a blank sheet of paper. Having renounced worldly life in his prime to pursue the Dao, and having traversed countless mountains and rivers to find his beloved daughter, his knowledge far surpassed that of ordinary people. He responded to Baoyu's words fluently and effortlessly.
Similarly, Baoyu's words greatly impressed the well-informed middle-aged scholar. He hadn't expected such profound insights from someone so young and born into a prominent family! His observations were incisive and full of originality!
A prodigy! Zhen Shiyin held Baoyu in extremely high regard, marveling at his insight and marveling at his talent. Even his master, who had only just begun to grasp the Dao at the Great Wilderness Mountain, was likely no match for him! No wonder, no wonder!
Miaoyu, whose heart was as serene and elegant as a deep pool, felt no surprise. Her beloved's unexpected joy had already left her almost numb; only a faint sense of pride lingered within her.
After another round of cheers, Baoyu, seeing that the time was ripe, finally told Zhen Shiyin everything about Xiangling. Amidst Zhen Shiyin's endless sighs and gratitude, Baoyu then pretended to be distressed and told him about his difficulties and his urgent need for a wise advisor. Finally, with a serious expression, he earnestly pleaded, "Please, sir, lend me a hand! My wish is to use the proceeds from the incense at the Red Mansion to benefit all living beings and repay the world!" "This..." Zhen Shiyin had not expected Baoyu to make such a request. Returning to the mortal world to manage worldly affairs was definitely not his wish, but Baoyu had shown him such great kindness that he hesitated for a moment and could not say the words of refusal.
The scoundrel was incredibly clever. Seeing Zhen Shiyin's predicament, he immediately pressed his advantage, saying, "Baoyu is only making this request out of desperation. In order to fulfill his wish of helping the poor and needy, he has no choice but to act as a philanthropist seeking repayment. I beg you, sir, to consider the suffering of those who are destitute and starving!" The man, who had been pressing him relentlessly, then seemingly generously used a feigned retreat to advance. "Baoyu doesn't need your help indefinitely. You only need to help for a year, and I will find a way to bring Sister Xiangling to live with you at my residence for an extended period, so she can keep you company." "Enjoy family bliss!" Although Bao Yu's words were sincere, the imaginary Bao Yu in his mind secretly chuckled. "With a year, everything will surely be on track, and even without Zhen Shiyin's request, he would have taken the initiative to 'bring' a beauty like Xiangling to another residence. As for the purpose? Heh, heh..." "Bao Yu, then tell me, how do you plan to alleviate poverty and hardship? It's not going to be something like distributing porridge and clothes, is it?!" Miao Yu suddenly interjected, her slightly teasing words unsure whether she wanted to lend him a hand or expose his hypocrisy. The celestial beauty, who understood Bao Yu's roguish nature, quietly rolled her eyes at him, her lingering resentment making her unable to resist giving Bao Yu a great embarrassment.
Chapter Forty: The middle-aged scholar at the Red Mansion School, who was hesitant and conflicted, suddenly brightened up, intently awaiting Bao Yu's answer. He also wanted to listen carefully to the other's plan. Benefiting the common people couldn't be solved by simply distributing porridge and clothes! Otherwise, there would be no such thing as poverty in the world!
The beauty's deliberate attempt to embarrass Baoyu startled him slightly, while Zhen Shiyin's earnest expression made his heart tighten. He hadn't expected his sweet words to be so easily swayed.
If he couldn't get past this hurdle, everything would fall apart! Not finding a strategist was a minor matter; his image in the beauty's eyes would likely be tarnished, jeopardizing their beautiful spiritual connection!
Baoyu met their gazes fearlessly, his calm exterior masking a mental frenzy. With a flawless smile, he quickly found the perfect response.
"Brother Zhen, what do you consider true benefit to all living beings?" Baoyu felt reassured, his limbs relaxed, and he leaned back in his chair, naturally building rapport.
Zhen Shiyin didn't find Baoyu's affectionate address offensive; his mind was focused on pondering Baoyu's seemingly simple yet profound question.
"We asked you, why are you asking us instead?!" Miaoyu, who had been a celestial being soaring through the heavens, suddenly descended to earthly despair, her coquettish tone barely softening her relentless pressure on Baoyu. "Don't change the subject!" "Heh, heh..." Baoyu chuckled softly, unperturbed, and gave the beauty a meaningful look. "Actually, the question is very simple. As long as people are well-fed and clothed, that is a blessing to all living beings!" Baoyu paused slightly, a sigh rising in his heart, and continued, "But the world is so vast, even if the entire Jia family were to give it all, it would only be a drop in the ocean!" Miaoyu and Zhen Shiyin deeply felt the sincerity in Baoyu's words, and they couldn't help but ponder them.
"So, if we truly want to benefit all living beings, we must solve this problem at its root," Baoyu said, but halfway through, he himself fell into genuine thought, his initial playful and perfunctory attitude vanishing. In truth, the thought that flashed through his mind was a long-held, vague idea, but the lazy fellow, preoccupied with the incense of the Red Chamber and the many beauties, had never actively considered it.
"I plan to use the profits to gather the destitute elderly and homeless children from all over the country, giving them a place to live!" "That's a good idea, but as Young Master Jia said before, there are countless destitute elderly and homeless children in the world. This will only have a temporary effect!" Zhen Shiyin, his mind racing, raised his question with deep thought, his experience more profound than ever. The
celestial beauty was astonished that her beloved actually had a plan! Fangxin's dissatisfaction and teasing were dispelled by Baoyu's rare "great" benevolence. Completely unfamiliar with the mundane world, she genuinely became a listener. Even her almost obsessive Daoist heart, yearning to ascend to heaven, underwent a subtle change as she listened intently.
"Brother Zhen is right," Baoyu said, not elaborating further, but directly revealing the answer: "So this is only a temporary expedient. What we need to do is enable people to bravely stand up and be self-reliant, so they can be well-fed and clothed without relying on charity—that is true benefit to all!" "Brother Jia, do you mean we should try to hire poor people for work, or teach them life skills, so they have wages and naturally won't need charity?" Zhen Shiyin followed Baoyu's lead, his admiration unconsciously leading him to address him affectionately.
"Brother is partly right!" A clever fellow can climb even without a pole, let alone when the other party has proactively extended an olive branch! His address was now even more intimate; who knew if he'd eventually call him "Master Taishan" without consulting him first?! Ha, ha… Baoyu gave Miaoyu and Zhen Shiyin a serious look, and said with fervor, "What the world really needs isn't our charity of porridge and clothes, but change here!" The mysterious-looking fellow pointed to his head and declared, "Once they raise their awareness, they'll naturally acquire the skills to survive. As the saying goes, every profession has its master; then why would they need our charity?!" Awareness?! Miaoyu and Zhen Shiyin were both slightly taken aback. The two, with their extraordinary natures, pondered for a moment and understood the meaning of this new term, but their confusion only intensified. How could they raise their awareness?
Before the two could ask any questions, Baoyu, growing increasingly excited, was already lost in his beautiful fantasy. "I will establish many schools throughout the entire Ming Dynasty... um! I mean academies!" He let his slip in his excitement and decided not to correct himself, figuring Miaoyu and Zhen Shiyin would understand anyway!
"These schools will enroll boys and children who can't afford private tutors; our Red Mansion School will naturally be tuition-free. Besides hiring teachers to instruct them in reading and writing, more importantly, we'll hire skilled craftsmen as instructors, allowing students to learn a skill based on their individual interests, so they can make a living from it when they grow up!" Baoyu's mouth was dry from talking, so he picked up his teacup and gulped down a mouthful without regard for decorum, continuing to immerse himself in his grand dream. "Not only will we not charge tuition, but we'll also provide them with three meals a day. Students from far away can live at the school; everything is free. The ultimate goal is to enable them to..." "Self-reliance!" Seeing the ripples in Miaoyu's usually calm eyes, Baoyu's handsome face revealed a clear longing and expectation. "In a few years or ten years, these grown children can become useful talents in all walks of life! And as the only requirement for them, our Red Mansion School will require them to return regularly to teach new students. This way, more people can benefit, and the longevity and permanence of education can be guaranteed!" In his excitement, Baoyu let slip again. Seeing the confusion and bewilderment in their eyes, he quickly added, "Education means imparting knowledge and survival skills!" That works?! After Baoyu's impassioned speech, Miaoyu and Zhen Shiyin, deeply moved, fell into deep thought. Their first reaction was disbelief! But as Baoyu continued, they felt a deep sense of reason. If everything really developed as he hoped, the whole world would definitely have a delightful new look in ten years!
A sudden thought struck them, and a smile involuntarily crept into their eyes. The idea that cooks and carpenters could become teachers, and even tailoring and blacksmithing would become legitimate professions, filled them with amusement. They couldn't help but chuckle at the unimaginable future, a sense of admiration welling up within them. It was truly remarkable that their young master, Bao Yu, could conceive of
such a thing. The admiration in their eyes caught Bao Yu's eye. Still unable to calm his emotions, a smug gleam flashed in his heart. A principle understood by everyone centuries later had astonished these two contemporary elites! This time travel was truly amazing!
After a long silence, Zhen Shiyin, snapping out of his reverie, couldn't help but slam his hand on the table in astonishment. "Brother, I now truly understand what it means to 'hear a single word from a wise man is worth more than ten years of study'! Although I don't fully understand it yet, for the sake of the 'education' you spoke of, I, Zhen, swear I will not return to the mountain until I help you fulfill this great dream!" "Shiyin is right," Baoyu replied. "I also hope to lend a helping hand!" Miaoyu's proactive participation surprised and delighted Baoyu beyond expectation. In the heart of this celestial beauty, Baoyu's image had grown taller than ever before, and his rapid ascent even seemed to rival the Daoist aspirations that the beauty had cultivated since childhood.
The beauty's consciousness churned endlessly, the sublime image of her beloved, radiant with golden light, illuminating every corner of her heart. Endless threads of love and passion surged forth, tightly entwining and swirling around the phantom of Baoyu. Beautiful threads of love wove a perfect net of affection, the burning flames of love burning away all obstacles between them. In that instant, their hearts, already mutually enamored, finally merged completely. A profound resonance surpassed even celestial music, intoxicating them, making them unwilling to awaken!
If before this, Miaoyu's love for Baoyu contained a touch of helplessness—a helplessness born of fate—then at this moment, she was utterly devoted—like a moth drawn to a flame!
Even if Baoyu became a deadly fire, or even transformed into an evil demon, the beauty could not resist the surging waves of her love, life after life, without regret!
Although the plagiarist "fake" Baoyu didn't understand the subtle changes in the celestial beauty, a warm current welled up within him. He cheered joyfully amidst the tender atmosphere, and the beauty's faint, affectionate calls echoed in his heart, stirring endless waves of passion.
Although Baoyu was deeply moved, with Zhen Shiyin present, he could only pour out his heart to the beauty in his mind. He wanted to send Zhen Shiyin away but couldn't find a suitable excuse. Meanwhile, the middle-aged scholar, deeply moved by Baoyu's lofty dreams, had become somewhat numb and oblivious to the situation, showing no intention of leaving. Instead, he kept pressing Baoyu for details about the "school." The scholar,
whose mind had changed, managed to answer some questions before abruptly changing the subject, "Brother, do you think we should bring Yinglian to the other residence as soon as possible to reunite with you?" Finding his beloved daughter remained the middle-aged scholar's top priority! As expected, he followed Baoyu's words and bowed deeply with joy, "I thank you for your kindness, brother. The sooner I can see my daughter, the better!" "How about tonight?" Baoyu's mind flashed with the decisive thought of cutting through the Gordian knot. Moreover, in that instant, he had thought of something more important. This way, he would have a reasonable excuse to be alone with the celestial beauty. As for Zhen Shiyin, that third wheel, he could simply leave him to Xiangling to handle! "Heh, heh..." Baoyu chuckled inwardly at this thought. Before the excited middle-aged scholar could respond, he continued with a teasing laugh, "Brother, you and Sister Yinglian have been separated for many years. I wonder what gifts you've prepared for her?" "This... Brother is right!" Mentioning that even a highly accomplished person like Zhen Shiyin was no different from an ordinary person when it came to his beloved daughter's cultivation, Zhen Shiyin's usual composure vanished. His large hand waved nervously beside his furrowed brows. "I remember Yinglian loved candied hawthorns when she was little. I'll go buy some for her right now!" Before he finished speaking, the anxious middle-aged scholar had already stood up, bowing gratefully to Baoyu and Miaoyu to take his leave. "Brother, Uncle-Master, Shiyin will take his leave now." Baoyu's smug gaze and Miaoyu's astonished eyes simultaneously saw off the refined figure. Their eyes, though different in meaning, both flashed with amusement. Where was the demeanor of a highly accomplished person in Zhen Shiyin now? The power of worldly favors was indeed strong, beyond human resistance! Even the so-called Dao heart was no match for it!
Love and affection are natural! Only by cultivating the path of love can one truly attain immortality, the supreme path!
"Fairy—Sister!" The drawn-out tone burst forth with tender emotions. Now alone with her, Baoyu could no longer conceal the burning passion in his eyes. His tall figure, poised to move, exerted a powerful pressure that surged into the open heart of the beauty.
The long-lost intimate address made Miaoyu's heart tremble. A blush of passion slowly crept up her exquisite face. The sensitive celestial beauty saw through her beloved's intention to pounce on her. Unaccustomed to such ambiguous feelings, she couldn't help but panic. Her hurried words trembled slightly, "I'm going back to the Green Bamboo Nunnery too!" With the words, she took a step, her heart filled with panic as she fled towards the hall door. Before she even reached the threshold, Baoyu's burning figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere, blocking her path. Another inexplicable change occurred.
"Hey, hey... Fairy sister, don't be afraid! I won't eat you!" The teasing laughter turned frivolous and impetuous, the wicked smile no longer filled with sweet affection, but instead became grating and unpleasant!
Qingwen's previous feelings descended upon Miaoyu's heart, fortunately she was Miaoyu—the Miaoyu with profound Taoist magic! The embarrassing scene that would have been both laughable and pathetic was not repeated!
"Baoyu, what's wrong with you?!" The genius cultivation girl accurately sensed Baoyu's abnormality at this moment, her caring words, imbued with magical power, went straight into Baoyu's heart, like a morning bell and evening drum exploding in his consciousness!
Huh! What just happened to me?! The mysterious calming mantra dispelled the shadow that had inexplicably emerged in Baoyu's heart, and the startled guy was slightly stunned, greatly puzzled by his impolite behavior just now.
Miaoyu didn't press further, her magical power seeking the truth emanating from her body. A faint glow enveloped the "strange" Baoyu, and the beautiful woman's spirit, transformed into thought, left her body and entered Baoyu's sea of consciousness, using this miraculous and most effective method to investigate the cause of the anomaly.
Chapter 41: A Rendezvous with the Beauty. The conscious Baoyu forcefully suppressed the instinctive backlash of his magical power. His connection with the beauty prevented him from feeling any resistance, and he willingly opened the barriers of his mind.
The magnificent glow didn't last long, transforming into countless points of light and returning to Miaoyu's sea of consciousness. The beauty, her spirit returning to her body, sighed softly, her eyes revealing undisguised worry.
"Is the situation bad?" Baoyu's heart tightened; the celestial beauty's somber expression gave him a bad premonition.
"Baoyu, have you recently been experiencing those...unpleasant impulses that came over you so often?" Miaoyu, blushing slightly at Baoyu's frivolous behavior, paused briefly before softly asking in return. Though a question, her tone was undeniably certain.
"Heh, heh..." Even Baoyu, true to his roguish nature, felt his face flush. He scratched his head sheepishly, thinking carefully for a moment, then silently nodded in agreement with her assessment. His heart began to pound. "Is it really that serious?" "Alas," Miaoyu sighed softly, her jade-like face gazing solemnly at her beloved. "It's because your magical power has surged, but your Daoist heart hasn't undergone rigorous cultivation. Your temperament is incompatible with it, which is why you often experience inner demons and distracting thoughts!" The beautiful woman, well aware of Baoyu's lazy nature, raised her voice again to emphasize the danger, "To rid yourself of distracting thoughts, you must meditate, regulate your breathing, and train your mind. Once you've established a solid foundation, evil thoughts will naturally cease to arise! Otherwise, these negative thoughts will accumulate and eventually erupt, and you won't just be playing around like this anymore; you'll fall into the demonic path and never recover!" "No! Help!" Baoyu was indeed terrified, his face pale and his limbs trembling. His
pitiful cry was sincere and filled with immense fear! Before Miaoyu, who had been secretly pleased, could even speak, she was already exasperated by the rogue's next words, shaking her head and sighing, "Heavens! Making me meditate and regulate my breathing every day is worse than just taking my life!" The rogue wasn't afraid of falling into the demonic path, but rather of the tedious, boring, and utterly tedious practice of meditation! Back at the Xuanzhen Temple, he had simply tossed aside the Taoist text on the "Methods of Tranquility" like trash. Now, if asked to become an honest Taoist practitioner, he wouldn't change a thing, even for the sake of survival!
Alas! Indeed, old habits die hard! The celestial beauty sighed deeply, her heart filled with countless emotions. She had tried her best to "threaten" the rogue, but it seemed the effect was truly embarrassing for her!
"Fairy sister, you must save me!" Baoyu pleaded softly, his face contorted with bitterness, his eyes gleaming with intense expectation. "You have other ways, don't you?!" Miaoyu thought to herself, realizing that she could never persuade her beloved to return to the right path! Feeling utterly discouraged, the celestial beauty couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment. She said with a hint of petulance,
"What's so difficult about meditation and chanting scriptures? Why are you so afraid?!" "Heh, heh... I don't know either! Just hearing 'meditation and chanting scriptures' makes my heart tremble, and mentioning 'breath regulation and meditation' makes my limbs go weak—in short, I feel completely uncomfortable. Let alone long periods of arduous meditation, I can't even last a moment!" Baoyu indeed felt awkward about meditation and breathing regulation, his large, uncontrollable hands scratching his ears and cheeks, frantically trying to find a solution!
"Hehe..." The celestial beauty could no longer contain her laughter. Seeing Baoyu's current state, he was nothing like his previous lofty and impassioned self; he was now just an innocent and adorable child! Seeing that his expression seemed genuine, the beauty couldn't help but tease him, "You look just like the mischievous monkeys of our Great Wilderness Mountain! I wonder if you were a monkey reincarnated in your past life?!" "Good Miaoyu! Does being a monkey mean you don't have to chant scriptures or meditate? Help me think of a good way! I don't want to become a demon-possessed monkey!" Baoyu was amused by the beauty's teasing, and in his haste, his address became even more intimate. Although their hearts had always been connected, he wasn't satisfied, hoping their relationship could progress further, but the beauty's pure and ethereal aura prevented him from being reckless and profane! Unexpectedly, at this moment, the intimate words that had been brewing in his heart for so long bravely burst forth.
Despite the subtle shift in her feelings, Miaoyu showed no anger; instead, a quiet joy stirred within her. Her beautiful face returned Baoyu's sweet smile, filling the slightly apprehensive young man with overwhelming excitement.
Their eyes met in the void, and a deep, unwavering affection finally broke through the dam of her reserved demeanor. A final flicker of hesitation crossed Miaoyu's mind, but she quickly steeled her resolve and mustered the courage to let the thoughts she had previously forced aside resurface.
"Actually...actually there's another...not-so-good way," the celestial beauty murmured haltingly, her shy and bashful face revealing her boundless embarrassment. "It's the method of channeling, trying to release all the evil thoughts that arise in a special way, like channeling a flood, so that they won't accumulate and cause a drastic change in temperament!" "Great!" The persistent pestering had indeed worked, and Baoyu, having gained so much, couldn't help but cheer. Then, his tone shifted, his eyes filled with confusion. "What exactly does this method of channeling refer to...?" Baoyu asked honestly from the bottom of his heart, but Miaoyu's jade face instantly flushed red, her graceful body burning with shyness. At the extreme of embarrassment, a hint of anger arose. "You dare to tease me, see how I..." The beauty hesitated for a long time before finally saying "how," her pure heart completely blank except for knowing about flying swords to exorcise demons. She couldn't even find a few curse words to say.
With a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth and a clear smile, Baoyu showed no fear whatsoever. The beauty's gentle scolding and slight anger made his eyes shine and his passion burn even brighter than her usual beauty and tranquility! Although the fairy who had fallen to the mortal world had lost her holy aura, her vivid appearance could evoke a more intimate affection in her beloved. It was not a pilgrimage-like admiration, but a real love between a man and a woman!
Miaoyu kept silently reciting the Heart-Cleansing Mantra, and only with great difficulty did she calm the turbulent waves in her heart. However, Baoyu's timely words reignited the blush that had not yet subsided, and this time he did not even spare her crystal earlobes.
"Good Miaoyu, you still haven't told me what to do!" From the beauty's strange expression, the clever fellow vaguely realized something, but instead of avoiding it, he feigned a wronged and honest look. "Is it some kind of Taoist magic?" Before the shy and flustered celestial beauty could answer, the scoundrel followed up with a natural "request": "Teach me! I'll definitely learn from you!" A strong sense of teasing flashed in Baoyu's eyes. Although his face was calm, he was overjoyed inside.
This time, the clear-headed fellow wasn't acting out of inner demons, but rather playing and teasing the beauty out of his nature, trying to break through the hazy mist between them. The collision of sparks between their souls was wonderful, but how could it compare to the unforgettable, soul-stirring fusion of spirit and desire?!
"You..." How could Miaoyu explain the incredibly shy thoughts in her heart? She was furious at Baoyu's obtuseness! Seeing that Baoyu still wanted to personally instruct her, her heart pounded even harder. Amidst this turmoil, she couldn't muster any real anger; instead, a hint of delight lingered beneath her coquettish reproach.
The beauty was shy and speechless, and the man who had intended to tease this celestial beauty suddenly fell silent, and the space between them became quiet.
Ripples spread gently and leisurely in the stillness, carrying with them endless, ambiguous emotions. Silent teasing stirred the beauty's heart more than fiery words; a hidden passion began to collide between their hearts, and the burning flames rose wildly with the surging of their feelings!
In the stillness, the beauty's body grew increasingly hot. Unable to bear it any longer, she gritted her teeth and steeled her resolve. Then, she parted her lips slightly and said, "Just channel your evil thoughts as your magical power has increased. Once you truly transcend the mortal realm, you will be safe and sound!" "I understand!" Bao Yu's expression changed again. He sincerely thanked the beauty. The clever man knew that he couldn't be too forceful with a beauty like Miao Yu who had cultivated Taoism since childhood. In an instant, he withdrew his teasing tactics and replaced them with endless, sincere whispers, "You are so good to me!" Although Bao Yu's measured approach made the extremely shy Miao Yu breathe a slight sigh of relief, the lingering heat still made the celestial beauty feel very embarrassed and uncomfortable. Her ethereal fairy aura transformed into a touching shyness, and the peerless fairy figure, now fallen to the mortal world, fled towards the hall door in a slightly flustered manner.
"Could you come here again tonight?" Baoyu couldn't stop the celestial beauty with profound magical powers from leaving, but his calm words showed no impatience. "After I send Xiangling here to meet Brother Zhen, I have something to discuss with you!" Good heavens! What is he planning to do?! Hearing that her beloved had invited her to meet at night, the sensitive beauty felt a jolt in her mind, and an endless, overwhelming wave surged up, its majestic aura instantly sweeping over her entire heart!
Knowing the rascal well, Miaoyu didn't believe Baoyu would actually have anything serious to say. Her heart pounded with anxiety, "That rascal! I just told him how to guide me, and he immediately targeted me!" Yet, she felt no anger. Her steps faltered, and she blurted out shyly, "What can't you say now?" Baoyu's burning eyes met Miaoyu's without flinching. Despite her intense suspicion, his mischievous smile delivered a serious statement, causing her to instinctively choose to believe him amidst a slight surprise.
"Didn't we say earlier that we were going to investigate Sun Shaozu's residence to find out who was behind the creation of the demon?" Baoyu snapped his fingers in his mind, muttering to himself with amusement. "Heh, heh... that way I can spend a lot of time with my beloved. Given enough time, is there any fortress that can't be breached?!" Before she could reply, Baoyu's bold words had already cut off her hesitation. "No matter what, I must go and investigate the Zhongshan wolf tonight! Now that my magic power has greatly increased, and with your help, I can come and go safely without any trouble!" Perhaps it was out of concern for Baoyu's safety, perhaps it was because she was also happy to be alone with him, or perhaps it was her innate instinct to eliminate demons and protect the righteous path—in any case, the celestial beauty overcame her shyness, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded in agreement to Baoyu's plan to investigate Sun's residence at night.
"Alright!" Before the words, tinged with joy, had even finished, Miaoyu's delicate body had already soared into the air. The faint mist beneath her feet indicated that her Taoist skills had deepened considerably in recent days! Her flying figure swayed slightly, disappearing into the mist; she came and went silently, truly elusive and unpredictable, like a phoenix whose head is seen but not its tail!
"Yay, mission accomplished!" Before the illusory Baoyu could even utter a cheer, the "fake" Baoyu had already jumped up. The long-term concealment of his true origins had left him exhausted, and only when no one was around did he dare to vent in this futuristic way.
Sigh! So much to do! Next, it's time to go back to the manor to "pick up" Xiangling! The lazy fellow sighed dejectedly, his thoughts shifting, and emotions took over. He should go comfort his precious Qingwen first! He wondered if she had told his sister-in-law about it yet?
A hurried figure vanished in a flash, leaving the empty hall utterly silent, save for the swirling chill of the wind that had witnessed the brief, playful commotion.
The biting winter winds howled, the raging cold currents raging fiercely, and in the dim light of dusk, the frost-covered earth shimmered like a white world.
Stepping on the crunching ice, a brave figure arrived in this sparsely populated, snow-covered realm. His swift figure moved forward unimpeded, and a closer look revealed his hostile intentions.
The swirling snowflakes, despite their best efforts, could not break through the invisible barrier of energy surrounding Bao Yu. His strong body left only faint imprints on the snow, his light feet, lighter than feathers, covering a distance of several feet in a single leap!
Seeing everything clearly, the ice and snow sighed in despair. It was the ruler of winter, covering the earth and dominating the void, yet it couldn't subdue a mere human! Enraged, the wind and snow howled wildly, and after a helpless sigh, it had no choice but to shift its target, searching for flowers, grass, and trees to "bully"!
With its wondrous "superhuman speed," the gates of the Jia mansion were soon in sight. Despite his impatience, Baoyu had to regain his composure. He didn't want to be looked at with strange eyes; sometimes, too much admiration wasn't a good thing. "The tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind!" Baoyu always held this as a truth of the world!
Chapter Forty-Two: Baochai's Heart Flutters. Walking slowly, Baoyu couldn't help but recall his playful banter with Qingwen and the other two girls in the backyard. His smug smile made him even more radiant and distinguished!
The virtuous and gentle noblewoman didn't need much persuasion; a few whispered words and passionate caresses were enough to make her eyes glaze over, and she surrendered completely! Only Qingwen remained taut and resentful, but under his powerful and tender caresses, the beauty couldn't hold out for long. After the flow of true feelings, her icy expression thawed, and her anger turned to joy.
Although the two women's resentment dissipated, Baoyu's passion burned wildly from their caresses. Remembering Miaoyu's words that the rogue couldn't control himself—and he had no intention of doing so—he seized the opportunity to pull the equally aroused beauty onto the bed. Sensing the danger, the noblewoman's voluptuous body hadn't even escaped the bedroom door before the magically powerful man had also captured her and dragged her onto the bed of lovemaking.
"Oh!" Boundless satisfaction and tingling pleasure dispelled her original shyness and restraint. Baoyu, riding with unrestrained strength, thrust in and out of the two alluring and seductive valleys once more.
Consumed by lust, he finally enjoyed a thrilling threesome in a fully lucid state. His busy hands kneaded and squeezed one pair of full, smooth breasts and the other of firm, delicate ones. Passionate kisses rained down on their peaks and valleys. Although the two women weren't perfectly coordinated, when he placed the two women together, watching his enormous member repeatedly thrust in and out of their honeyed orifices, the overwhelming sense of accomplishment completely replaced any man's ambition to conquer the world!
This unique passion was exceptionally stimulating. Under Bao Yu's extraordinary strength, the two women once again experienced the special abilities possessed by the only wondrous thing in the world—"Little Bao Yu." The arrival of "divine bliss" sent the two women soaring to the clouds with breathtaking screams, the effects lingering long afterward.
Bao Yu's powerful ejaculation further elevated them to a celestial realm. As they reached the pinnacle of desire, their bodies, nourished by the rain and dew, were subtly cleansed of their mortal flesh. This mystical transformation guaranteed them a lifetime of happiness with Bao Yu!
"Greetings, Second Master!" The obsequious voice of the gatekeeper pulled Baoyu back to reality from his idyllic reverie. Two servants, bundled up in thick winter clothes, rushed to greet him before he even approached. Their figures, wrapped like two bundles of rice dumplings, moved swiftly across the thick snow, demonstrating their eagerness to please their master.
"Second Master, be careful, the road is slippery!" The first servant, wielding a shovel, swung it like a road clearing machine, expertly clearing a path for his master.
The servant who arrived later, though missing the chance to clear the way, was undeterred. With a flick of his wrist, he magically produced a large umbrella from behind his back and held it over Baoyu's head. "Second Master, it's snowing heavily and cold; be careful not to catch a cold!" Baoyu accepted their service with composure. Knowing the ways of the world, he understood his high status in the household and was the undisputed future head of the family. No wonder they were so "warm and attentive" to him!
The composed and unhurried Bao Yu entered the Jia mansion gate, a gentle smile on his face. He said nothing, only nodding slightly in approval, his eyes revealing admiration. Then, under the admiring and joyful gazes of the two women, he leisurely departed. As
night fell, Bao Yu hastily finished his dinner and, under the slightly resentful gazes of Xi Ren, Yu Chuan, and the other women, reluctantly left. Although the gentle embrace of the three beauties made him reluctant to leave, there were priorities. His nighttime visit to the Sun mansion was both to be alone with the beauties and to ascertain the enemy's strength—an urgent matter that had to be done! Otherwise, he, the "fake" Bao Yu, would be helplessly at their mercy!
"Greetings, Master Bao!" The gatekeeper of Hengwu Garden bowed respectfully, her lowered face unable to conceal her obvious confusion. Why would Master Bao come at night?! This was somewhat improper!
"Hmm!" Baoyu responded with a low hum, his tall figure walking straight in before the host could reply.
His impetuous behavior dispelled the suspicions of the maids and servants; none of them would suspect any secret affair in such a blatant manner! The servants quickly realized that Baoyu's behavior was always unconventional, and his visit at night might just be a whim—what was so strange about that?! They were just being paranoid!
Aunt Xue and Baochai were chatting idly, with Xiangling and Ying'er obediently accompanying them, occasionally adding a witty remark. Although only these few women remained of the Xue family in the capital, they lived a harmonious and happy life!
Before the maid's report had faded and the women's expressions of surprise had even appeared, Baoyu had already naturally lifted the curtain and entered.
"Baoyu greets Aunt, Sister Bao, and Sister Ling!" Before everyone, Baoyu dared not flirt with his beautiful aunt, and as usual, greeted each of the women with a cheerful voice. He even bowed and smiled at Ying'er, a maidservant.
"Yu'er, it's getting late. Is there something important you need?" A strong blush mixed with a hint of panic flashed in the beautiful woman's eyes, which she cleverly concealed by wiping her face with her sleeve.
Although the slip-up was covered up, Aunt Xue's heart still trembled. Her thoughts raced, causing her body to heat up. She secretly wondered, "Could it be that Baoyu is thinking of… But he just made me… Ah! This rascal is really something!"
"Brother Bao, please sit down and talk!" The understanding Baochai stepped forward to help Baoyu remove the cloak from his shoulders. The elegant and beautiful woman spoke softly with concern, "It's so cold outside, why don't you wear more clothes? You might catch a cold and just lie there being waited on like your Second Master Bao. But then you'll make Grandmother worry!" Baoyu smiled gently. Baochai's scolding was like a warm current flowing into his heart, which longed for affection. Unwilling to argue, he pretended to be obedient and sat down on the brocade stool under the woman's gentle hand gesture.
"Ying'er, don't make tea. I have urgent business and will be leaving soon!" Baoyu raised his hand to stop the girl who was about to serve him tea. Not wanting to waste time, he went straight to the point, stirring up a storm in the hearts of the girls.
"Aunt, I've come about Sister Ling!" "Ah!" Before Baoyu could finish speaking, Xiangling's delighted exclamation escaped her lips. Since Baoyu left that morning, the beauty's heart had never been at peace. She was either beaming with joy or filled with fear and trepidation. Her chaotic mind was inevitably filled with wild thoughts, and the more she thought, the more anxious she became, fearing that this was a cruel joke from heaven, causing her to miss her father and never be able to reunite with him!
If it weren't for Baochai, who was returning home, bumping into Xiangling who was about to leave, she would have already run to the Yihong Courtyard or even the streets of the capital to look for Baoyu! The clever Baochai saw something amiss in her good friend's anxious expression. After some questioning, Xiangling couldn't help but pour out the truth, along with her inner turmoil, like beans spilling from a bamboo tube.
The beauty was not only stunning, but also exceptionally intelligent and perceptive. Although Xiangling's hurried words were somewhat incoherent, she easily grasped the situation.
After careful consideration, this commanding woman gently persuaded her restless friend. With her and Ying'er's half-pulling, half-pushing "help," Xiangling had no choice but to obediently return to her room. Xiangling understood that Baochai's words made perfect sense; waiting for Baoyu's reply was the best choice. Rushing into the street would not only be like searching for a needle in a haystack, but might also cause Baoyu to miss her reunion with her father.
Just as Xiangling's patience was about to run out, Baoyu's visit finally gave her a ray of brilliant hope! Hearing Baoyu mention "urgent business," the beautiful woman's surging heart could no longer be contained, and she involuntarily asked urgently, "Baoyu, have you found the Fairy Miaoyu yet?!" Aunt Xue's "wild thoughts" vanished instantly, and the beautiful woman, her face burning with shame, felt utterly ashamed. She had only been thinking about her intimate moments with Baoyu; how could she have completely forgotten the important matter?! She was still thinking about those things…! Ugh! So embarrassing!
To conceal her embarrassment, the middle-aged beauty urged, "Yu'er, is there any news? Tell me quickly!" "Mother, don't rush!" Baochai noticed the blush on her face and, surprised, assumed her mother was overly worried about Xiangling. She quickly and gently comforted her, "Since Brother Bao is writing so late, I think it must be good news! Mother, don't rush, getting too excited can harm your health!" Baochai paused slightly, turned to look at Xiangling, and spoke with certainty. Her beautiful eyes, as if sharing her feelings, revealed a deep joy. "Brother Bao said he'll be leaving soon, perhaps to take you to see your father!" "Sister Bao is so clever, that's exactly what I was thinking!" Baoyu sincerely praised her. He had often heard of Baochai's intelligence and elegance, but now he truly experienced it firsthand.
"That's wonderful!" Tears of excitement welled up, streaming down Xiangling's face, the joyful tears scattering in the air. The beautiful woman, unable to control herself, suddenly stood up, eager to see her long-lost father.
A pair of delicate hands pulled Xiangling back from her anxious stand. Baochai, her eyes filled with expectation, pleaded softly, "Xiangling, you don't have to be in such a hurry! Let me ask Baoyu a few more questions, okay?" Although Xiangling was slightly older than Baochai, she always followed Baochai's wishes, not only because of the difference in their social status, but also because she genuinely admired Baochai's innate intelligence and delicate sensibility!
"Alright!" Xiangling suppressed her impulsive feelings, her mind racing as she hurried towards her bedroom. Her swift figure disappeared in a few steps, leaving only her excited voice carried on the wind, "I'm going back to my room to change my clothes!" "Brother Bao, has your friend surnamed Shi returned to the capital today?" Baochai withdrew her gaze from her good friend and turned to Baoyu, speaking softly, her calm tone concealing a barely perceptible excitement.
"Huh! How did you know?!" Baoyu's face was filled with surprise, both at the beauty's quick wit and at why Baochai would ask about Shi Yu!
"Don't forget, most of the shops selling cigarettes at the Red Mansion are owned by our Xue family!" Baochai gave Baoyu a slightly teasing glare, "No matter what, our Xue family is one of the owners!" "Heh, heh..." Although the beauty didn't say it explicitly, the clever Baoyu already understood. For the eldest daughter of the Xue family, getting information from their own shops was a piece of cake! Who told me to be so cheap? The shop mostly used the original staff from the Xue family!
The affectionate Aunt Xue couldn't bear to see her beloved husband embarrassed, so she softly added from the side, "Since Pan'er left, the Xue family's affairs in the capital have been handled by Chai'er!" "So Sister Bao is the behind-the-scenes lady in charge! I admire you!" Bao Yu bowed half-jokingly, his voice slightly drawn out as he retorted.
Changing the subject abruptly, he exclaimed sincerely, "No wonder the shop is so well-run without Shi Yu's management; it turns out it's Sister Bao, this female strategist, secretly helping! I admire her!" The same words carried a completely different meaning. Hearing Bao Yu's sincere praise of the beauty, she was secretly delighted. Her unpretentious smile revealed a natural calmness that she felt she deserved it. She rose gracefully and returned the greeting with humility and grace, "Brother Bao, you flatter me. This is all thanks to Young Master Shi's brilliant management methods. I was merely following the rules!" The woman, a "reincarnation of Yang Guifei," radiated a luminous glow on her flawless face, her boundless admiration and respect clearly visible. "Young Master Shi's ideas are truly novel and effective, unprecedented! I wonder just how extraordinary he is!" "This…" Bao Yu paused, slightly speechless, his face a mask of bitterness, a mixture of amusement and helplessness. The illusory Baoyu cried out in his mind, fiercely pulling "Shi Yu" out of his sea of consciousness, hitting and cursing, "You brat, how dare you steal my credit!
You don't want to live anymore, I'll hit you, I'll hit you..." Seeing Baoyu speechless, the beautiful woman continued, "By the way, with the end of the year approaching, shouldn't we get together to check the accounts?" Oh no... Danger! A great sense of foreboding arose in Baoyu's heart. He had sensed Baochai's curiosity about Shi Yu before! After so long, he thought her curiosity had disappeared, but it turned out to have intensified!
"Isn't that unnecessary! How could I not trust the accounts managed by my sister?!" Baoyu didn't want the beautiful woman to be with Shi Yu, so what about himself? Should he be cut in half?!

Chapter 43 Falling for Mei Xiangling (Part 1)

"No, even brothers should keep clear accounts! Besides, the Xue family and Young Master Shi are not related, so it's best to keep the accounts separate!" Baochai insisted with "righteous indignation," a glint of cunning flashing in her eyes. "Checking accounts at the end of the year is a major event, how can it be done so lightly?!" "Is that so!" Seeing the beauty arguing so firmly, Baoyu, speechless, could only sigh dejectedly. "I'll talk to Shi Yu and see when we can meet to check the accounts!" The helpless fellow's heart was filled with bitterness. The beauty didn't really want to check the accounts; she was clearly just looking for an excuse to see that annoying Shi Yu!
"Chai'er, you are a lady of a respectable family. It's improper for you to meet with a strange man!" Aunt Xue, as expected of Baoyu's confidante, unintentionally helped him at a crucial moment. The beautiful woman softly advised, "Let Yu'er check the accounts with Young Master Shi. Don't you trust Yu'er, your own brother?!" "Yes, yes..." Baoyu hurriedly echoed, his heart overflowing with gratitude for his beautiful aunt. "Don't worry, Sister Bao, I will check carefully!" "No!" Baochai decisively interrupted her mother's follow-up advice, solemnly and earnestly saying:
"Mother, the Xue family's vast fortune will all be handed over to my brother in the future, but he's not in the capital now. As his younger sister, I naturally have to safeguard the family business for him. How can I entrust it to someone else!" The beautiful woman paused slightly, then turned to Baoyu with a gentle expression. "It's not that I don't trust you, but it's best if the Xue family's affairs are handled by the Xue family members themselves. Otherwise, outsiders will think that our Xue family has no one left!" Before her mother could speak, the stunningly beautiful woman turned back to her mother and said, "I am here as a representative of the Xue family. What difference is there between men and women?! I am doing this to safeguard the family business and bring honor to our ancestors!" Baochai's words reached a fever pitch, and she turned to Baoyu again, saying, "Does Brother Bao think that we women are only fit to play and have fun at home and cannot do serious work?!" Baoyu was filled with shame. His usual eloquence was completely stifled by the beautiful woman's teasing. If he objected, he would become the "outsider" in the beautiful woman's words who looked down on the Xue family, and a vulgar "outsider" who disrespected women at that!
Alas! Xue Baochai truly lives up to her reputation! He had finally witnessed her formidable side; who would have thought that such a strong and capable person lay beneath her elegant and virtuous beauty?! Although unwilling, Baoyu had to admit the truth of her words. A bitter feeling welled up in his heart, and Baochai's new image of self-reliance and independence quietly occupied a place in his soul.
"I didn't mean to look down on Sister Bao!" Greatly shocked, Baoyu couldn't help but defend his wise image. "Who says women are inferior to men?! I say women can hold up half the sky!" "Half the sky?!" Baochai murmured, repeating the new term that Baoyu had uttered. The intelligent beauty understood the meaning of her words after a moment's thought. Her gentle eyes flashed with a strong light, and she said excitedly,
"Brother Bao is absolutely right!" The smug guy's smile had just begun to rise when the beauty's next words plunged him from the height of his happiness into a bitter trough.
"These words must have come from Young Master Shi. Only someone as knowledgeable as him would understand such novel terms!" Although the beauty was close to Baoyu, she didn't look at the poor fellow. Her sparkling eyes gazed leisurely at the night sky outside the hall, her heart yearning for new and exciting worlds soaring across endless space to the illusory man she had never met before!
"Baoyu, I'm ready!" Xiangling's excited words interrupted Baochai and Baoyu's "battle." Before she finished speaking, a delicate beauty in new clothes lifted the curtain and entered, looking at Baoyu impatiently and saying,
"Can we go now?" "Sister Bao, I will definitely arrange a time with Shi Yu as soon as possible, and then send someone to pick you up from the mansion!" Defeated, Baoyu had no choice but to surrender, nodding and smiling with complicated feelings.
Even Aunt Xue, who rarely interfered in matters, was speechless at this point. She was quite confident in her daughter's intelligence and virtue, firmly believing that although Baochai had behaved somewhat inappropriately, she would never do anything to invite criticism or give others cause for gossip.
Overjoyed, Xiangling rushed out of the room like a child. A slightly discouraged Baoyu, with a faint bitter smile, quickly followed. The middle-aged beauty, her heart heavy with longing for her beloved, reluctantly saw her off.
Ying'er, walking behind, accompanied Baochai slowly. Seeing that the three were now some distance apart, the pretty Ying'er whispered with a laugh, "Hehe... Miss, you're really something! I thought you were just saying it, but I didn't expect you to actually do it!" Baochai, regaining her composure, smiled serenely, gesturing to the girl to be careful with her words. This was her secret; it would be terrible if her mother found out!
"Miss, is this Young Master Shi really that good? Is he worth you showing your face for? You two haven't even met him once!" Ying'er changed the subject, affectionately pulling Baochai's arm and shaking it gently. "Can I come with you? I want to meet Young Master Shi too! I helped you with the accounts when you were managing the finances, Miss!" "Alright! I understand your thoughts perfectly well. I'll take you with me!" Baochai felt no jealousy whatsoever. Although Ying'er's expression was full of anticipation for Shi Yu, she was her personal maid. No matter who she married in the future, Ying'er would be her dowry maid. She wouldn't be jealous of this completely unnecessary jealousy!
"Giggle, giggle..." The lively Ying'er couldn't help but smile, as if she had already met the mysterious Young Master Shi!
Baochai remained silent, quietly quickening her pace to catch up with the three people about to leave the courtyard. A resolute will swirled in her heart; even the winter snow could not extinguish the fire within her. The long-brewing volcano finally erupted. The beautiful woman, unwilling to be a caged bird, bravely took the most difficult step—overcoming the shackles of traditional morality within herself, bravely flying out of her gilded cage to soar freely in the vast world!
A tempting phrase echoed in Baochai's heart—happiness must be earned!
"Baoyu, why are you so gloomy?!" Excited Xiangling gazed at Baoyu's somber expression with concern. To avoid gossip, the two, leaving the Jia mansion, dared not disturb others. The icy snow made riding horses unsuitable, so they could only carry lanterns, trudging through the deep, uneven snow.
The lively young woman, unabashedly approaching Baoyu, teasingly asked, "Could it be that you're reluctant to part with our Miss Bao?!" Baoyu's wandering thoughts snapped out of their reverie, his gloom vanishing. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself, wondering why he'd created this trouble for himself. Wasn't Shi Yu just a "fake" Baoyu?! Why let such trivial thoughts get to him?!
His gloom dissipated, and the bright spring breeze brought a refreshing breeze. The mischievous boy's mind raced again, fantasizing about the moment when things would escalate, when he would suddenly transform back into his true self, Baoyu. He wondered what Baochai's expression would be then! Heh, heh… how amusing!
Thinking of this, the lecherous man couldn't help but show a strange expression, but he was quickly snapped out of his reverie by Xiangling's teasing words. He forced a smile to cover it up, saying, "I was just complaining about the bad weather. It's such a rare treat to travel the capital with such a beautiful woman like you, but it's so dark and windy, there's no romance at all!" "Hehe..." Baoyu's teasing words were taken as a joke by the beauty because of his natural chuckle. Her beautiful face blossomed without taking offense, and she laughed before even speaking, "No wonder Xiren and the others said you were glib-tongued. Now I finally see for myself!" "Alas!" The beauty's expression changed, and the anxiety in her heart dispelled the smile on her face. With a long, anxious sigh, "This road is so difficult to walk, when will we ever reach that Red Mansion?" "Alas!" Bao-yu deliberately imitated the delicate beauty's long, mournful sigh. Although his imitation was remarkably lifelike, his playful tone revealed no trace of anxiety. "I thought Sister Ling would enjoy strolling with me under the moon! I never imagined you'd be in such a hurry to finish this romantic journey. I'm so sad!" "Cheep, cheep..." The melodious sound of silver bells echoed in the night sky. Xiang-ling was once again amused by the deep "sorrow" on Bao-yu's face, and her heart blossomed with joy. Although her jade-like feet didn't slow down, the impatience on her face had vanished.
After a few lighthearted laughs and playful exchanges, Bao-yu noticed that the beauty was struggling to walk. With a slight thought, he subconsciously looked around. The snowy winter night was deserted; it was truly a perfect opportunity presented by a dark and windy night! Thinking of this, a mischievous smile crept onto his lips. A sudden thought of kindness arose in his mind—he secretly considered helping her reach the villa as quickly as possible! Doing so would expose his extraordinary abilities, but once Xiangling met with her father, it would no longer be a secret. Why not give the beauty a surprise beforehand?! A favor done and a way to please the beauty—how could he let such a perfect opportunity pass him by?!
"Sister, it will take quite a while to get to the villa like this!" Having made up his mind, Baoyu's handsome face shone with extraordinary charm, his seductive voice low and eager, "Do you want to arrive earlier?" "Arrive earlier?! By taking a shortcut? Okay!" Xiangling, following common sense, had come up with the only solution. Her beautiful eyes involuntarily darted around, trying to find a hidden shortcut!
"This is the shortest route!" Baoyu's reply was like a bucket of cold water poured on the beauty's spirit. His leisurely words left her stunned, her gaze filled with surprise and a hint of resentment as she stared at the guy who had teased her.
"Sister Ling, don't be angry!" The rogue's composed expression turned into feigned panic, his movements comically involving bowing and clasping his hands, but the mockery in his eyes grew stronger. "I only said we could get there faster, I didn't say there was a shortcut!" Xiangling rarely interacted with Baoyu, never expecting that the dignified Second Master of the Jia family would have such an "adorable" side! The beautiful woman, her anger turning to joy, felt helpless. A blush of weakness and surrender appeared on her delicate face. "I guess I misunderstood you! What other good ideas do you have? You can't possibly fly over there, can you?!" "Sister Ling is truly exceptionally intelligent, beautiful, gentle, and understanding..." Bao Yu's endless praise flowed like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, leaving the helpless beauty rolling her eyes. She couldn't help but wonder if the person before her was the usually heroic and extraordinary Master Bao. This guy was clearly a scoundrel! Just
as Xiang Ling was about to suppress the strong laughter and inexplicable shyness in her heart, Bao Yu changed his tone and said in an extremely serious voice, "Sister is right, I am going to take you flying over there!" Xiang Ling's beautiful eyes widened instantly, her red lips parted slightly, and she carefully scanned Bao Yu from head to toe, but she couldn't find a trace of playfulness. Bao Yu's solemn tone made the beauty finally understand that he was not joking.
"Baoyu, what's wrong with you?! Don't scare me!" Seeing Baoyu's nonsensical ramblings, which he didn't seem to be doing on purpose, the ladies in the Jia family had long heard of his strange illness and were now convinced that he was having another "illness"!
Baoyu never expected that his "honesty" would elicit such amused concern from his beloved. Sighing at his misfortune, he suppressed his urge to explode and, with a calm and composed expression, said softly, "Sister Ling, do I look like I'm out of my mind?" Xiangling couldn't help but stare intently into Baoyu's eyes. In the dim red light of the lantern, his clear, bright eyes, like cold stars, directly entered her heart.
Thump, thump… her heart suddenly pounded violently. Xiangling didn't notice anything wrong with Baoyu; instead, she was completely flustered by his captivating eyes.
Hmm! Captivating?! How could she have such an embarrassing thought?! Startled and flustered, Xiangling frantically denied it in her heart, but no matter how hard she tried, her heart, pounding like a deer, remained restless.
"Then...then how could you say such nonsense?" A blush crept across the delicate young woman's smooth cheeks. Fortunately, the darkness concealed her instinctive reserve, preventing her from disappearing into the ground. Her beautiful eyes, avoiding Baoyu's gaze, trembled weakly as she lowered her head, and a question arose.
"Sister, do you believe me?" His passionate words, imbued with a mysterious power, penetrated the woman's consciousness. Baoyu, in a magical way, completely projected his inner sincerity into the young woman's heart, allowing her to easily feel his earnestness and affection.
"I believe you!" The telepathic connection caused a subtle change in Xiangling's appearance. She subconsciously believed Baoyu's incredible words, and her innate curiosity made her eagerly anticipate the moment of soaring through the air.
No longer concealing his supernatural powers, Bao Yu let out a low roar, his wild and unrestrained spirit bursting forth. His powerful magic transformed into countless threads that intersected and returned in the void in a trajectory that was in harmony with the ultimate principles of heaven and earth. In an instant, he laid down an invisible wall of magic, keeping the raging wind and snow outside the confined space.

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