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

Page 94

"I thought Sister Ping'er had something to discuss with Master, so I deliberately stayed a while. Master was just talking nonsense again. How could I possibly be reluctant to leave..."

Gu Yu's eyes lit up, and she smiled as she gently touched Xiang Ling's chin. Just as she was about to continue teasing this seemingly naive but actually quite clever girl, she suddenly heard laughter approaching and could only regretfully stop what she was doing and go out to greet her.

"Sister Lin, Third Sister, Fourth Sister, why did you all come over so early today?"

As she spoke, Gu Yu subconsciously opened her hand slightly, but unexpectedly, the gentle touch she expected did not come. She suddenly felt a lump in her throat and then realized that Xi Chun was standing next to Tan Chun with her head slightly lowered, seemingly lost in thought.

Having not seen Gu Yu for only a few days, Daiyu suddenly missed him terribly. Now, standing before him, she couldn't help but want to take a few more steps forward, but she restrained herself, gently twisting her handkerchief in her hand, her beautiful eyes brimming with tears as she looked at Gu Yu and said:

"We had enough fun yesterday. It just so happens that Brother Yu needs to study. Although I can't compare to Uncle's group on my own, Sister Tanchun and Sister Xichun together are as good as Zhuge Liang. I just hope Brother Yu won't look down on us for our lack of knowledge."

Gu Yu felt a surge of tenderness at the sight of her beautiful, sparkling eyes, and couldn't help but smile brightly. She quickly invited them inside.

"Sister Lin's arrival is quite a show of force. Who would dare say that the sisters are not learned enough? Third Sister, can you drink this Biluochun tea? I have many kinds in my room. Just tell Qingwen what you want to drink."

Tan Chun pursed her lips and teased:

"Even if we don't want to drink, we have to. Everyone knows that Brother Yu treats Qingwen and Xiangling like treasures. How could we dare to assign them tasks? We'd probably be asked to return the favor by Brother Yu later."

Gu Yu chuckled, then winked at Tan Chun from behind Daiyu, making the girl blush and give up. She then turned to greet Xi Chun, who was behaving somewhat strangely today:

"The Yingkexuan restaurant will be sending over pastries soon. Do you have any that you like, little sister?"

Xi Chun belatedly looked up, and seeing that Gu Yu was still looking at her, she blushed slightly and turned her head away, whispering:

"I'll follow Brother Yu's arrangements."

Gu Yu's eyelids twitched. She felt that Xi Chun was acting a bit strangely today, but Dai Yu had already sat down at the desk, so she couldn't press the matter further. She could only study for a while first.

Watching Daiyu and Gu Yu seemingly on the same wavelength, answering each other's questions without hesitation, one moment they were talking about the Book of Songs, the next they were discussing someone's annotations, and before Xichun could even react, they had jumped to the next topic. Xichun felt her hesitation and shyness gradually lessen, and watching the two exchanging glances with a touch of envy, she finally made her decision…

With several beautiful young ladies accompanying her while she studied, Gu Yu finally put down her book with satisfaction after more than an hour. She felt that she could continue to study hard, but Tan Chun and the others were a little tired and listless, obviously having expended a lot of energy.

Seeing that it was lunchtime, Gu Yu no longer needed to pretend to be a gentleman. He grinned and tried to pull them to eat. Daiyu gave him a coquettish look, not wanting to be tugged at in front of her sisters. She was the first to pull Xichun, who had been closest to her, out of the room.

Seeing this, Tan Chun realized what was happening and quickly followed, blushing. However, Gu Yu caught up after taking a few quick steps. Seeing that the two in front hadn't turned around yet, he secretly kissed her, startling Tan Chun so much that she almost jumped up. Then, her face turned bright red, and she bit her lip tightly, secretly fanning herself with her hand, not daring to look at him.

Gu Yu smiled smugly, deciding to stop while she was ahead. After the meal was finished, Daiyu thought for a moment and said:

"I wonder if Second Sister's illness is any better? Why don't we go and see her together?"

Gu Yu's hand trembled, almost spilling the tea. Yingchun hadn't put on any more sick makeup after returning home. These clever and quick-witted girls would definitely notice something was wrong at a glance, and wouldn't that embarrass Yingchun to death?

However, he had no reason to stop it. Just as he was hesitating, Tan Chun also agreed to the matter. Xi Chun's eyes flickered, and she also agreed. Gu Yu opened his mouth, chuckled twice, and had no choice but to acquiesce.

"Second sister, you'd better be quick-witted..."

Chapter Nine: People's Hearts Are Scattered

Before Gu Yu could speak, Xi Chun instructed Ru Hua to invite Bao Chai over, but apparently no one noticed that Ru Hua was not seen when Bao Chai arrived.

At the west gate, seeing the nervous-looking girl in front of them, the gatekeepers smiled obsequiously and made way for her. After letting her pass, they put away their smiles and secretly followed another person behind her.

Ru Hua clutched the purse tightly in her hand, looking around at the street with a mix of nervousness and curiosity. Ever since she was assigned to be Xi Chun's head maid, she hadn't been able to come out for a long time. Even now, with a mission, she couldn't help but take a few more glances.

It was nearing noon, and being close to the Duke's mansion, there were few pedestrians. The streets were mostly filled with antique shops and calligraphy and painting shops, lacking any sense of daily life. Before long, Ruhua wanted to hurry back and could only try to look around for her target.

At a pharmacy on the street corner, the shopkeeper was dozing behind the counter while his assistant checked the medicinal herbs inside. The place was quiet for a moment, when suddenly a voice rang out, startling him awake.

"Shopkeeper... do you sell medicine here?"

Hearing that a customer had arrived, the shopkeeper immediately shook off his sleepiness, forced his small eyes, which were squeezed into slits by the fat on his face, and said with a fawning smile:

"Of course I'll sell! Does this young lady have a prescription? Our medicines are genuine and of high quality, known for their potent effects, and our prices are fair to all, young and old. Everyone in the neighborhood gets their medicine from me."

After a quick glance, seeing that the girl in front of him didn't have a prescription and looked hesitant, the shopkeeper's mind raced, and he spoke without hesitation:

"Besides, the doctor in our shop is highly skilled, and the pills and ointments he makes are very effective. It's just that the price... well, hehe."

Ru Hua pursed her lips, glanced guiltily behind her, and seeing that no one was paying attention, lowered her voice and said:

"I'm not buying this. Do you have any tranquilizers in your store... the kind that works as soon as possible..."

The shopkeeper paused, then subtly grinned, deliberately frowning as he looked at Ruhua seriously and said:

"Young lady, this kind of medicine can easily be used for illegal activities. If something goes wrong and the authorities are alerted..."

Upon hearing this, Ru Hua was so frightened that she waved her hands repeatedly and said:

"I'm not...! I..."

Before she could finish speaking, the shopkeeper raised his hand to stop her, hesitated, sighed, and took out a small paper package from behind the counter:

"Alright, seeing how young you are, I'll trust you this once. But this medicine is quite expensive. I wouldn't dare sell it to an ordinary person for three to five taels of silver. Seeing how anxious you are, you must need it urgently. Here, take the five taels of silver."

Ru Hua was confused by his words, but at least she got the medicine. She didn't dare to haggle and obediently gave him five taels of silver. Then she quickly lowered her head and ran back.

Watching her departing figure, the shopkeeper stuffed the five taels of silver into his pocket, a smug smile spreading across his face. He'd made five taels of silver from just a small packet of expired sleeping potion—it was practically free money!

As for the effect being much worse? He's selling calming drugs, not sleeping pills, so how could it be worse?

……

Gu Yu accompanied Daiyu and Baochai to Zilingzhou, but she had no romantic thoughts in her heart. She forced a smile and stayed by their side, as if the road ahead was full of dangers that made people hesitate to go.

But what was bound to happen would happen. Daiyu and Baochai were the first to lift the curtain and go in. Just then, Siqi came out after hearing the noise. When she saw that it was Daiyu and the others, she turned pale with fright and showed no joy at all.

"Why is Miss Lin here...and Miss Bao, Third Miss..."

Daiyu glanced at her questioningly, but didn't pay much attention, and went inside on her own. She saw Yingchun sitting on the bed, seemingly drinking medicine, but...

Taking a gentle sniff of the room's fragrance, Daiyu gave Yingchun a strange look, then, without any restraint, teased her in front of the other sisters who entered later:

"Second sister, what kind of magic medicine is this? It's like I've been stewing chicken soup, and my complexion is so good... I hope I can play a match tomorrow too."

Looking at Yingchun, who was leaning against the bed with rosy cheeks and looked even more radiant than usual, Baochai suddenly opened her mouth, her face burning up. She quickly covered her face with her hand and couldn't help but look at Gu Yu.

She remembered that Ying'er was the same after she returned, as if she had been blessed with a new charm. And smelling the obvious aroma of a nourishing soup made with red dates and old hen, Yingchun's illness was self-evident.

As for Daiyu, although she found it strange, she didn't think about it in that way. After all, when Zijuan was deflowered, she didn't bear everything alone like Yingchun did. She was also exhausted, so how could she pay attention to Zijuan's changes?

Gu Yu received a look from Baochai, looked embarrassed, and quickly moved over to secretly touch her soft hand. Then, with a forced smile, she leaned forward to explain on Yingchun's behalf:

“I came to visit my second sister the other day and found that she had been lying in bed for several days, so I decided to make a bowl of chicken soup and bring it over to help her recover faster, right?”

Yingchun blushed and nodded, adding weakly:

"Thank you so much for the chicken soup, Brother Yu. I'm much better now and can go out to play tomorrow. It's kind of you to come and see me."

As she spoke, Yingchun felt her heart pounding in her chest. The shame of lying in front of her sisters made her break out in a cold sweat, her back completely soaked.

Seeing that she was sweating, Daiyu immediately believed her and quickly called Siqi in to change her clothes. She then took out a handkerchief to wipe her sweat and turned back to glare at Gu Yu, signaling him to leave.

Gu Yu walked out helplessly, and Baochai, blushing, quietly followed him out, her eyes fixed on Gu Yu, still somewhat incredulous.

"Brother Yu...you..."

Seeing that things had been exposed, Gu Yu simply gave up and nodded, finally getting Baochai to accept the truth.

Even though her personal maid had been taken by Gu Yu, Baochai was still filled with shock, a touch of envy and bitterness, because a maid and a young lady were ultimately different...

As for Gu Yu, he was not a heartless man. He had the ability and the desire to marry so many sisters. When Baochai thought that Yingchun had secretly taken such a big lead, she couldn't describe the feeling in her heart. Even if Ying'er were added to the family, she would feel uneasy.

"If it were me... but what about my mother..."

The thought of Yingchun taking advantage of the opportunity to fabricate an illness and sneak away from home made Baochai unconsciously start thinking about these things. She couldn't help but spit out her own words, wanting to scold herself for being so despicable. But with Yingchun's brilliant example before her, the pressure seemed to lessen, and her mind became even more confused.

When they went back in, Xichun and Baochai kept quiet, their thoughts unspoken. Yingchun, fearing discovery, also acted cautiously. Gu Yu forced a smile, and Tanchun and Daiyu were left to carry the show like stand-up comedians. The visit was rather dull and soon came to an end.

Chapter Ten: The Ultimate Hunter...

Looking at the group of sisters beside her, Daiyu was too embarrassed to say that she wanted to visit Gu Yu, but Gu Yu didn't interact with them for some reason. So she could only reluctantly tug at her handkerchief and take her leave.

Fearing that Ruhua's absence would be questioned further, Xichun quickly pulled Tanchun away. In a short while, the group dispersed, leaving only Gu Yu and Baochai looking at each other, with Ying'er and Qingwen following behind.

"Sister Bao, shall I take you home?"

Ying'er had already consciously pulled Qingwen ahead and walked away. Baochai opened her mouth, but then, as if remembering something, suddenly blushed and reminded her:

"No... Yun'er will be back tomorrow..."

"?"

Gu Yu didn't quite catch what was going on for a moment. What did it have to do with Xiangyun if he spent time with her? Baochai realized she had said the wrong thing and felt her face flush with embarrassment. Her body went limp and she almost collapsed to the ground.

Gu Yu quickly grabbed her arm, then suddenly realized what was going on. He smiled at Baochai's shy and pretty face without saying a word. However, the entrance to Zilingzhou was not a good place for flirting, so he quickly let go.

"What are you thinking, Sister Bao? I'm just seeing you off. Don't misunderstand a good person."

Hearing his shameless words, Baochai couldn't help but cover her face slightly and take two quick steps forward, unable to bear the shame any longer.

She never imagined she would end up in such a sorry state. Even this little pervert hadn't considered it, and she had actually seriously considered its feasibility. She was utterly humiliated!

"Hey—? Sister Bao, slow down, wait for me~"

Gu Yu suppressed a laugh and hurriedly chased after her, but Baochai, who had broken down, didn't say a word. Even when he secretly pinched her round, perky buttocks, she only trembled slightly and then quickened her pace, returning to the courtyard without stopping.

Qingwen looked at Gu Yu with a surprised expression. She never thought that such a good opportunity to be alone would be met with such a willingness from the master to let Bao-guniang go back. Could it be that he has changed his mind?

"What are you looking at? Go back and stick your butt out!"

Gu Yu looked at the fat meat that was about to be eaten with a regretful expression and made a hasty retreat. When he turned around, he saw Qingwen looking at him strangely, as if she despised his pretentious attitude. In a fit of embarrassment and anger, he decided to kill the chicken to scare the monkey.

"...Master, I was wrong..."

Qingwen blushed deeply and didn't dare to argue back and really anger Gu Yu. After all, they had only been working together for a few days, and their wedding was supposed to start tomorrow. She could only meekly submit and try her best to please Gu Yu.

……

Back at Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, Xichun paced restlessly in her boudoir, occasionally peeking out the window. After what seemed like an eternity, she finally saw Ruhua return.

"Did you buy anything?"

Before Ru Hua could catch her breath, Xi Chun rushed over and looked at her expectantly. Ru Hua nervously checked whether the door was closed, then pulled Xi Chun a few steps into the bedroom before carefully taking out the small medicine packet from her bosom.

"Young lady, this cost five taels of silver to buy; the shopkeeper didn't even want to sell it to you at the time..."

After briefly recounting her glorious achievements, Ruhua stopped talking, seemingly unsatisfied. She then looked at Xichun, who was holding the medicine packet, with a pained expression and said cautiously:

"Young lady, you should think this through carefully. What if someone discovers that this kind of medicine is hidden in the garden..."

She never imagined how audacious Xichun was. Just thinking about the consequences of being found out made her shudder. No matter how expensive the medicine was, she didn't want to keep it.

Xi Chun's eyes flickered, she pursed her lips and stood there for a moment, then solemnly put the small medicine packet into her sleeve, looked up at Ru Hua and said:

"The rest of the silver is your reward. I'm going out for a bit. You stay in your room for now. I... I'll be back after dinner."

Upon hearing the first part of Xichun's words, Ruhua was initially delighted, but then her face fell completely. Normally, she wouldn't dare let anyone know that she had neglected her duty and let Xichun go out alone, let alone now that Xichun was carrying a "murder weapon".

However, Xichun didn't discuss it with her. Before Ruhua could speak, she glanced outside to see if there were any old women, and then ran out in a flash.

"Gu——..."

Looking at the empty doorway and then down at the half-full purse in her hand, Ru Hua didn't know whether to cry or laugh. She could only mutter to herself, "Please pray that nothing bad happens to Xi Chun."

Gu Yu had just returned to the courtyard and couldn't bear to send anyone out in the scorching sun to bring ice again. After all, those maids were also pretty young girls, and although he looked down on them, he still had a heart that cherished them. So he simply didn't need Qingwen to serve them and let them cool off in the side room with the ice they had just had.

Just as Gu Yu picked up the teapot and took a sip of tea, she suddenly twitched her ears and heard a series of light footsteps approaching from the courtyard. Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned her head to look at the door. To her surprise, it was Xi Chun running over.

Taking a few deep breaths to calm herself, Xi Chun, her face flushed with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, greeted Gu Yu:

"What is Brother Yu doing?"

Gu Yu unceremoniously came over, took Xi Chun's small hand, and led her inside. For a moment, she forgot to ask why Xi Chun had been so quiet that morning, and simply replied with a smile:

"Of course I have important business to attend to."

"Oh? Then I—I'll just sit here for a bit and then leave..."

Xi Chun's eyes widened in surprise, then she pouted, feeling resentful that she had come at the wrong time.

The next moment, Gu Yu walked to the desk, naturally picked up Xi Chun's petite body and placed her on his lap, finally revealing his true intentions.

"Why are you leaving, sister? My main concern every day is thinking about you. Now that you're here, I don't have to think about you anymore. Do you really want me to wait for you until my heart is broken?"

"what--!"

These unheard-of corny pickup lines were obviously quite effective on the little girl. Watching her delicate little face turn from fair and flawless to blood red in an instant, Gu Yu felt a tickle in his heart and leaned over to give her a kiss.

Xi Chun's body went limp in Gu Yu's arms, the sweetness in her heart almost overflowing from below. But then she suddenly saw the screen that was covering her, and she remembered what she had seen and heard yesterday. Her delicate body stiffened, and she remembered her original purpose for coming. Her emotions cooled down instantly.

"Brother Yu...would you like to go inside first?"

Blushing, Xichun boldly pressed her lips to Gu Yu's, then jumped down, hands behind her back, and said coquettishly, her watery eyes seemingly hinting at her impending initiative. Gu Yu shuddered, a fiery glint flashing in his eyes. This little girl actually dared to play with fire?!