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

Page 130

"..."

After chatting with Grandmother Jia for a while, Sister Feng stood up, noticing the time, and said with a displeased expression:

"Our ancestors are only concerned with their own happiness. They don't even care about their granddaughters' stomachs. They are educated and don't feel hungry after being taught by our ancestors, but my stomach is about to burst!"

"You little rascal, hahaha! Alright, alright, let's go sit in the front!"

Grandmother Jia chuckled and patted her forehead, then quickly rose to invite Daiyu and the others to the side hall. Wang Xifeng came up and took her arm, saying:

"Yu-ge said he would come to pay his respects to the Ancestor after settling things at home first. Judging by the time—he should be here by now. He brought the person back to the Ancestor safe and sound this time. I wonder if the Ancestor will reward him for his service?"

"..."

Amidst the laughter and chatter, Baoyu couldn't help but turn around to look at Daiyu, who had been nearby just moments before. He wanted to say a few words to her, but before he knew it, she was whispering in Baochai's ear again, so he had to give up with regret.

Chapter Ninety-Two: Miaoyu's Inescapable Fate

Daiyu and the others keenly noticed Baoyu's subtle movements. They exchanged a glance, silently pursed their lips, and pretended nothing had happened.

When they were chatting in the mansion earlier, Sister Feng mentioned that Baoyu had a hysterical attack a few days ago. When they heard him shouting stupid and filthy words, they guessed why and felt even more disdain.

In the past, we always said he was too young to understand the ways of the world and that he would change when he grew up. But now, after so many things have happened, he has been punished, put in solitary confinement, and even forced to study for a few days, but he is still so incorrigible. He is truly beyond redemption!

Then look at their Yu-gege. He could have just laid down like Bao-yu, but he was still so hardworking and ambitious. He became a Juren at a young age, and he managed his daily affairs in an orderly manner. His shop was thriving. In every way, he completely surpassed Jia Bao-yu.

It's one thing that he wasn't ambitious in the past, but now that his sisters have learned about him in advance, it's actually provoking him. It's truly incomprehensible!

If it weren't for the familial bond and the fact that it was in front of Grandmother Jia, she probably wouldn't have bothered to even greet him.

The group, each with their own thoughts, arrived at the side hall. Suddenly, they heard an old woman outside the door reporting that Gu Yu had returned. Daiyu and the others couldn't help but secretly look towards the door with anticipation.

The next moment, Gu Yu, dressed in a blue robe, walked in with a smile and respectfully bowed to Grandmother Jia. Her every move was elegant and graceful, a style completely different from that of wealthy young men like Bao Yu. The stark contrast made the eyes of all the women sparkle, almost unable to hide their admiration.

Looking at Gu Yu's confident demeanor before her, Grandmother Jia nodded in admiration, personally helped him up, patted his hand, and smiled:

"Yu-ge'er, you've really worked hard, entrusting your good-for-nothing granddaughters to your care... Seeing how well they've been raised, I know you've put in a lot of effort."

"What are you saying, old lady? It's what I should do—"

Seeing Daiyu and the others suddenly blush and give her a coquettish look, Gu Yu suddenly realized the inappropriateness of her words and quickly changed the subject awkwardly.

"I've already troubled you a lot in the past, not to mention that my second sister and Lin sister have taken good care of me. It's hardly worth the trouble."

The word "should" was indeed a bit rash. Although it was a secret known to everyone, it was still inappropriate to reveal it. Gu Yu could only quickly use the relationship with Grandmother Jia and the others to cover it up. Fortunately, it was over.

"Grandmother, don't be polite with this brat! Second Sister and the others didn't just eat and drink for free. Didn't he even make them work as accountants? Where can he find such capable accountants? I'm afraid the food and drinks weren't even enough to pay their wages, which is why they brought two carts of fruits to settle the debt!"

Wang Xifeng deliberately put her hands on her hips, looked up at Gu Yu with a shrewd expression, and said as if to say, "You can't fool me, kid," which made everyone burst into laughter.

"You're just being silly! Brother Yu's heartfelt gift turned into a pile of ashes in your mouth. You blow it away with the slightest movement of your lips. Why haven't I seen you bring over several cartloads of fruits to show your respect to me?"

Grandmother Jia also responded with a stern face, but after a few moments she couldn't help but burst into laughter, making the banquet even more lively.

"Hahaha... Hurry up and serve the food!"

"Please, ma'am."

……

The meal was lively and cheerful, but Baoyu, despite his shamelessness, couldn't strike up a conversation with the sisters. So he turned to Gu Yu and asked how they had managed on the estate.

Although Gu Yu spoke lightly, mentioning things like reading, fishing, and painting, Daiyu and the others, who knew the inside story, immediately recalled the enchanting scene that had occurred. They all blushed, but they couldn't reveal their feelings at such a banquet, so they had to suppress their embarrassment and almost fainted from shame.

Fortunately, even Grandmother Jia, in her joy, drank a few more cups, and everyone was flushed and tipsy, so they didn't find it strange.

After finishing their meal, the group chatted with Grandmother Jia, whom they hadn't seen in a long time, while cooling off in the heat outside. They ate dinner again, then bid farewell to Grandmother Jia, who was drowsy from the effects of the alcohol, and went through the side gate together, strolling back to their own courtyards.

Entering through the east side gate, the first place they saw was Baoyu's Yihong Courtyard. Gu Yu and the others wouldn't try to keep him there. Seeing Baoyu awkwardly open his mouth, he could only enter the courtyard with a slightly aggrieved expression. They then exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere suddenly relaxed.

"It's not dark yet, would you like to go and sit with Miaoyu for a while?"

Miaoyu was still a nun, so she quietly returned to the garden and did not attend the Jia family's banquet. Gu Yu, fearing that her girlish sentimentality might surface, simply invited the other women to go for a stroll together, but—

"Tch! How can you be so reckless even after you're back!"

Daiyu glanced around nervously, her face flushed, and hurriedly slapped away Gu Yu's outstretched hand. Although she complained, a deep sense of regret flashed in her eyes.

She's only been back for less than a day, and she already misses the carefree days she had on the estate. Why would she need to be so cautious?

Gu Yu wasn't embarrassed by the tap; she changed her gesture, touched her nose, pretended nothing had happened, and then looked at the other girls.

Baochai and the others were afraid that they might cause trouble because they had just returned and were used to being at ease, so they all quickly sided with each other and refused, saying that they needed to go back and tidy up their rooms. Even Xichun, who was usually the most proactive, did not dare to take the risk.

You guys made me go alone!

Gu Yu shrugged indifferently, her eyes brightened by the wine, and she couldn't help but twitch her lips, looking mischievously towards the direction of Longcui Nunnery. Then she leisurely followed behind them and walked towards the west side of the Grand View Garden.

This delay just happened to coincide with another faint commotion coming from Yihong Courtyard. Tanchun, no longer in the mood to cover for Baoyu, frowned and looked at the courtyard wall, saying:

"How come after so much time, Bao Erge's courtyard is still like this? Could it be that he can't even control the maids anymore? What kind of image would this have if people found out?"

Gu Yu had exceptional hearing and had already figured out who was making the noise. Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but laugh:

"Third sister, you've misunderstood Baoyu. On one side is the old man who has been with him for a long time, and on the other side is his former maid. It's not easy for Baoyu to favor one side over the other. Besides, that's just his nature. Since he can still bear it, let's just let him be."

"A maidservant?...Could it be Jin Chuan?"

Tan Chun, realizing what had happened, sneered repeatedly. Even Dai Yu and the others showed a strange expression. They had also heard about Jin Chuan jumping into the well, and the reason why they couldn't take sides was probably not just because she was a maid...

Thinking of this, Tan Chun felt even more bored, shook her head in disgust, made up her mind to ignore this mess, and quickened her pace to leave the place with her sisters.

After seeing them off past Qinfang Gate, Gu Yu watched them continue walking to the left towards Xiaoxiang Pavilion, while she herself turned right with anticipation, following the path past the Jade Emperor Temple and heading towards Longcui Nunnery.

"This time, I won't hold back..."

He only scratched the surface of things several times in Zhuangzi, not because he was kind-hearted, but because he inexplicably felt that things were not quite perfect.

Now that I'm back in the Grand View Garden, wouldn't it be the perfect strategy to completely conquer her, in front of her who has been my emotional support all these years?

Chapter Ninety-Three: Everything is Ready

"Girl, girl?"

The maidservant beside her blinked in confusion, somewhat unable to understand why Miaoyu, who always went to her evening prayers without fail, was still in a daze.

"Shouldn't the young lady be going to her evening lessons?"

"Hmm? -- Oh!"

Miaoyu snapped out of her daze, gave a slightly flustered reply, and walked absentmindedly toward the back hall. Her usually practiced routine suddenly felt awkward, and she seemed to no longer recognize the Buddha statue she had seen for nearly ten years.

"I wonder what they're doing now? They should be inside the garden by now..."

Although she was looking up at the Buddha statue, Miaoyu seemed to see a scene of laughter and conversation amidst pear blossoms and spring rain. She had only just begun reciting the scriptures when she suddenly stopped.

When she came to her senses again and looked at the kind and benevolent face of the Buddha statue, Miaoyu suddenly felt a pang of shame. She lowered her head, closed her eyes, and tried to clear her mind to do her evening prayers.

"...Samadhi of Buddha Recitation...with a mind focused on Buddha Recitation..."

Just as my thoughts were beginning to settle down, a maid suddenly came in and asked for instructions:

“Miss, that young master Yu is here again. He says he has something to discuss with you.”

As she spoke, the maid couldn't hide her curiosity. After all, Miaoyu had been gone for over a month, and when she returned, she seemed like a completely different person, no longer even paying attention to her evening lessons!

Miaoyu's heart skipped a beat, and she almost stood up from the prayer mat. She managed to restrain herself and, without turning her head, tried to keep her voice calm as she said:

"Please invite him in. He must want to discuss some important matters with me. Remember to keep watch outside and don't let anyone disturb him."

"Hey."

Gu Yu was squinting and casually looking at the flowers and plants outside the courtyard. Perhaps it was because of the alcohol, but she felt a little hot and couldn't help but tug at her collar.

"Why aren't they out yet? Come on."

Just as she was muttering to herself, footsteps finally came from inside. The maidservant welcomed Gu Yu in, led her to the front and back of the room before retreating. Behind her back, she blushed and secretly peeked at him, her heart filled with curiosity.

"So this is the young master's family that kept the young lady there for over a month... She's so beautiful..."

Although he hadn't been here for a long time, Gu Yu still walked to the back hall with practiced ease. Miao Yu was sitting at the table, wringing her handkerchief. When she saw him walk in with a mischievous grin, she subconsciously blushed and stood up, but she was still happy inside.

What brings you here now?

"Can't I come to see you if there's nothing wrong?"

Gu Yu glanced at her and replied domineeringly, then leaned closer. Miao Yu was startled. Although she had already given instructions, she still glanced nervously at the doorway, and lightly braced herself against Gu Yu's chest with both hands.

"No—have you been drinking?"

The aroma of wine emanating from Gu Yu, mixed with his original fragrance, smelled exceptionally pleasant. Miao Yu sniffed and was almost drawn in, but she quickly realized what was happening and hurriedly went to make tea to sober up.

Before she could break free from Gu Yu's embrace, Gu Yu grabbed her and laughed:

"What's the rush? I'm not drunk—besides, I'm leaving right away, why bother making a scene?"

A hint of disappointment flashed in Miaoyu's eyes, and her mood visibly dipped. Gu Yu chuckled inwardly and finally stopped teasing her.

"I'll go back now and come back tonight..."

Miaoyu's eyes widened as she looked up at the mischievous smile on Gu Yu's face. She paused for a moment, then finally realized what he had just said. Her pretty face flushed red, and she took two steps back and turned away, no longer daring to look at Gu Yu.

Gu Yu leisurely observed Miao Yu's graceful figure from behind. Back in the garden, she changed into simple monk's robes, but they couldn't hide her slender waist and slightly rounded buttocks, making Gu Yu want to pat her a few times to test the feel.

"What, Sister Miaoyu, are you unwilling?"

Seeing Miaoyu trembling and unable to speak, Gu Yu walked over with a light laugh. He didn't hug her, but instead leaned down and blew a breath of hot air into her ear, which made Miaoyu shiver and finally come back to her senses.

"No...no! Although there aren't many people in this nunnery, my maid is still here...I..."

"What are you afraid of? There's still the main body up ahead, isn't there? Just say I asked you to hold a Dharma assembly or something, and send her to keep watch at the front, okay?"

"me…"

Miaoyu's heart skipped a beat. She wanted to refute it but couldn't find any loopholes. That's right, even her maid didn't expect that she would trick her into going out.

But if I were to get her to agree, wouldn't that be incredibly embarrassing?!

Seeing Miaoyu's conflicted expression, Gu Yu roughly guessed what she was thinking, so she didn't ask her to express her opinion on the spot, and said with a smile:

"Does Sister Miaoyu know Journey to the West?"

"Ok?"

Miaoyu hadn't quite grasped why they were bringing up Journey to the West.

Gu Yu reached out and gently patted her forehead three times, then suddenly leaned in and kissed her soft cheek before turning away impatiently.

"Remember to leave the door open~"

"!!!"

Miaoyu covered her face, feeling her heart pounding like a drum. She only realized what was happening when Gu Yu stepped out of the room and started talking to the maid outside. Suddenly, she couldn't move her feet and could only slump into the chair, panting, her eyes glazed over.

After exchanging a few words with the maid outside, Gu Yu left the Green Bamboo Nunnery, feeling in a great mood. It seemed that the fruits of her past efforts would be harvested tonight!

It is said that a girl like Miaoyu, who is fifteen or sixteen years old, has a stronger desire than a woman in her thirties or forties who is as lustful as a wolf. She can become soft as water with just a kiss or a touch, and even just a chance glance can make her unable to resist squeezing her legs together.

In short, just go straight for her and open her mouth; she can't take it!

"We ordinary people are truly happy today!"

Humming an unknown tune, Gu Yu strolled leisurely toward Pear Blossom Spring Rain. He had already wasted so much time, and the garden lights had already been turned on. Once the night patrolling maids and servants had passed, it would be time for him to set off. He had to hurry.

……

Why hasn't Master returned yet?

Qingwen sat at the table, rubbing her chin on her hand, bored. She would occasionally glance at the door. When Baochai and the others returned to Hengwu Garden, they told them that Gu Yu would be back later, but now it was getting dark and he was nowhere to be seen.

"Xiangling, shall we go out and look for—Xiangling!"

Xiangling, standing beside her, was still engrossed in reading a collection of poems, muttering to herself. Seeing that Xiangling could no longer hear her own voice, Qingwen rolled her eyes and said resentfully:

"When Grandpa comes back, I'll tell him you're reading so late that you'll ruin your eyes!"

Something seemed to have triggered Xiangling's awakening. She quickly looked up, only to realize with a start that it was already time to light the lamps. With a reluctant look, she glanced at the book in her hands again, but weakly protested:

"Isn't this being tidied up... I didn't force myself to watch!"

"Humph!"

Qingwen turned her head triumphantly. She had finally caught this little vixen red-handed, so there was no reason not to use her. She had to get under her thumb a few times, like having her share some of her burdens. But she couldn't bear to do it too much...

Just as they were struggling with their decision, the voices of the maids in the courtyard suddenly came from outside the door. Qingwen and Xiangling's eyes lit up, and they quickly got up and ran out.