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

Page 85

Hearing that suddenly gentle voice, Gu Yu's heart softened, and she forgot all about saving face for Jia Zheng and the others, so she simply spoke out:

“Sister, there’s no need to be modest. They are really not as knowledgeable as you. My purpose in going there is not what it seems. If you really want to study, then I will have to trouble you, sister.”

"Oh? What are you up to now?... Perhaps you're thinking of begging Third Sister for help?"

After thinking for a moment, Daiyu came to a fairly reliable conclusion. She couldn't help but pout and glare at him. This bad guy hadn't even gone to curry favor with her father yet, and he was already thinking about getting close to her second uncle!

“How could that be possible…”

Gu Yu choked, but he couldn't admit that he was trying to set a trap for Bao Yu. Besides, Tan Chun was indeed in his heart. Feeling guilty, he didn't dare to continue being stubborn and quickly tried to change the subject.

Just then, Zijuan walked in. Gu Yu quickly waved and took the sandalwood comb she brought. He patted Daiyu's head and gently began to comb her hair.

Daiyu couldn't hold back any longer, so she had to forgive him this time. She blushed and turned her head away so that Gu Yu wouldn't have to exert so much force with his hands. The two of them were both immersed in this warm atmosphere.

Zijuan was suddenly forced to eat a mouthful of dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection), and couldn't help but smile helplessly. But when she touched her lower abdomen, she quickly blushed and retreated to avoid disturbing them. However, she couldn't help but imagine the scene of wearing the clothes that Gu Yu had sent her. She was too lazy to go find Qingwen and the others, and just sat outside, blushing and lost in thought.

"Then it's settled, okay?"

"Hey, I'm in the first year of junior high and I still have to go out, what's the rush?"

"So, does that mean your sister agrees?"

Daiyu was a little overwhelmed by his playful questioning. After dodging him several times, she could only resign herself to her fate. She blushed, glared at him, and then nestled in his arms, her voice soft and sweet like a kitten's.

"When have I ever failed to give you what you wanted... You're just deliberately trying to annoy me..."

"Hehe~"

Gu Yu didn't actually plan to have Daiyu come over tomorrow. After all, the matter with Jia Zheng hadn't been resolved yet, and if he gave up halfway, wouldn't he have wasted his efforts?

He just teased Lin Daiyu from time to time. This kind of intimate interaction was so irresistible to him. He always wanted to see this girl's shy nature defy him. It was simply captivating.

When the mistress and servant returned home in the evening, their faces were unusually flushed. Fortunately, Daiyu was in a good mood and did not notice the expression on Zijuan's face.

After serving Daiyu until she fell asleep that night, Zijuan washed up and looked at the large red marks on her buttocks. Her face was burning with fever. She quickly turned off the light and went to sleep, feeling relieved that Daiyu hadn't discovered it. But thinking about it again gave her a thrill she had never felt before, and she couldn't fall asleep for a while.

……

With the first day of the new year fast approaching, Gu Yu spent more and more time with Jia Zheng. After all, he had heard about Jin Chuan being beaten, which meant that things hadn't gone as he expected. He decided to keep Bao Yu under control just before the wedding ceremony to avoid upsetting himself.

As time passed and the incident failed to materialize, Gu Yu grew impatient. She wondered if she should arrange for someone to expose it herself, and her mind wandered.

"Nephew...nephew?"

Looking at Gu Yu below, who was deep in thought, Jia Zheng couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This child was of excellent character and conduct. Whenever he discussed books and philosophy, he would ponder deeply and become engrossed in them. Why wasn't such a prodigy his son?

Thinking of Baoyu's frivolous and ignorant dissolute manner, Jia Zheng suddenly felt a surge of anger. Just a few days ago, Jia Yucun had brought the chief steward of Prince Zhongshun's mansion here because of this wicked boy's seduction of an actor named Qi Guan. He had given him some face and made a note of it, but unexpectedly, he hadn't improved at all!

"Coo coo—coo—"

Hearing birds chirping outside, Gu Yu's eyes lit up, and she immediately perked up, thinking about how to get Jia Zheng to run into that brat Jia Huan as soon as possible. However, before she could even speak, Jia Zheng put down his book, looking rather listless.

"Yu-ge'er is exceptionally intelligent, and this old body of mine can no longer teach him anything. I'm sure he'll pass the imperial examination next spring. It's a pity that Bao-yu and Huan-er are both extremely unruly. If they could learn from Yu-ge'er's diligence and hard work, I could die in peace!"

"You flatter me, Master Zheng! Baoyu is naturally gifted and his intelligence is no less than mine. It's just that he doesn't focus on his studies right now. When he gets older in a few years, he will naturally settle down."

Jia Zheng's expression softened a bit. He knew that Gu Yu was just trying to coax him, but Bao Yu did indeed have a certain talent. He only hoped that, as Gu Yu said, Bao Yu could settle down and focus on his studies in the future, and then he could rest assured.

"I have an appointment with Lord Jia this afternoon. My dear nephew, you should go back and rest first. If you have any problems in the future, you can come and ask me anytime."

"Nephew, see you off!"

Gu Yu almost burst out laughing. She secretly gave Jia Yucun, who liked to climb the social ladder, a thumbs up in her heart. She was glad that the help came at the right time. But she was also afraid that it would take too long and she would miss Jia Huan and the others who had been persuaded to come. So she quickly got up and accompanied them.

Looking at his sensible and reasonable distant nephew, Jia Zheng was greatly pleased. He suddenly remembered his mother's suggestion to marry Tan Chun and the others into the Gu family, and he was even happier. He became even closer to Gu Yu.

"Hahaha—Alright, Yu-ge'er, then come with me. You haven't really explored the manor much, so you'd better take a good look around today."

"Yes."

Chapter 112 They could all be strangled to death.

As the group arrived at the front yard, Jia Zheng pointed to the small courtyard next to Rongqing Hall, intending to introduce the origin of the courtyard, when a commotion not far away immediately broke the harmonious atmosphere.

"Hurry! Go check it out!"

Hearing the sound, Jia Zheng looked over and saw Jia Huan leading several servants about to run over. He snorted angrily.

"stop!"

Jia Huan's excitement suddenly froze. He subconsciously turned around and saw Jia Zheng and his entourage staring at him with grim faces. He trembled in fright, his bones went limp, and he shrank back like a monkey, which made Jia Zheng even angrier.

"Why are you running away! You're like a wild horse all day long, and the people who take you around never care about you!"

He glared at the servants beside him, startling them into kneeling down. Jia Huan, seeing Jia Zheng about to erupt in anger, hurriedly tried to explain:

"I didn't run away just now. I just heard that a maid jumped into the well and was just pulled out. I don't know if she's dead or alive, so I wanted to go and see."

Jia Zheng was startled and suspicious upon hearing this, and with Gu Yu standing nearby, he felt even more unlucky about the words.

"You're just spouting nonsense again! Who would jump into a well for no reason? My family has always been kind and benevolent, and such a thing has never happened since our ancestors! ... It must be because I've been too lazy to manage the household affairs in recent years, and I was careless for a moment, which led to this disaster. If outsiders knew, what would become of our ancestors' reputation!"

Jia Zheng felt a burning sensation on his face, and having lost face in front of his relative Gu Yu, he felt even more determined to take the matter seriously. He hurriedly ordered his servants to summon Jia Lian and Lai Da.

Jia Huan broke out in a cold sweat, not expecting Jia Zheng to make such a big fuss. He hurriedly knelt down and grabbed Jia Zheng's sleeve, saying:

“Father, there’s no need to be so angry. Only the people in Madam’s room know about this; no one else knows anything. I only heard about it from my mother…”

As he spoke, Jia Huan saw that the servants were all behind him, and he no longer cared that Gu Yu was with Jia Zheng, so he spilled everything.

"I heard that the other day, Brother Baoyu was in Madam's room and tried to rape Madam's maid, Jin Chuan! In the end, Jin Chuan was beaten up instead, and she probably jumped into the well in a fit of pique."

Before he could finish speaking, he heard that Baoyu had actually raped his mother's maid. Jia Zheng was so angry that he trembled all over and his face turned ashen. He didn't care about waiting for Jia Yucun in front anymore. He turned around and went back to his study, ordering his men to tie Baoyu up.

"Anyone who dares to send a message inside, I'll kill them on the spot! Today I'm going to beat this rebellious son to death! If anyone tries to persuade me again, then I'll hand over all my official hat and family property to him and Baoyu, and I'll go and shave off these troublesome hairs on my sideburns, so I won't have the face to face my ancestors in the future!"

Watching Jia Dezheng storm back, Gu Yu smiled slightly, deliberately falling two steps behind before turning to Jia Huan and saying:

“Your father is furious and might beat Baoyu badly. The other day you caused trouble, and Baoyu covered for you in front of the old lady. Today he needs your help, so hurry up and tell the old lady about this.”

Jia Huan pursed his lips, wanting to say "it's good to kill him," but ultimately dared not, and could only slowly agree, reluctantly going to fetch reinforcements for Baoyu.

Watching the kid stagger around, Gu Yu shook his head. But as long as he was faster than before, it was fine. As for Bao Yu inevitably getting a few more beatings, he was happy to watch the show.

As soon as Jia Zheng sat down in the study, tears welled up in his eyes, and his heart ached. He never imagined that his unfilial son, who had been idle all day, would actually do something so immoral! Even if his mother came today, he would beat this unfilial son to death!

"Bring him here! Get the big stick! Get the rope!"

As soon as Gu Yu reached the door, she heard Jia Zheng's excited voice from inside. Seeing several servants going out to prepare, she went up to him and gently advised him:

“Master Zheng, there’s no need to be so angry. There must be some rumors circulating. Although Baoyu is a bit spoiled, how could he do such a thing? Putting aside everything else, he has always been filial and gentle. How could he have gotten into such a mess? It would be better to find out the truth first and then teach him a lesson.”

Jia Zheng waved his hand weakly, looking down at the handsome and elegant Gu Yu. His heart sank even further. He felt ashamed of his ancestors for raising such a wicked son. He didn't care about the reasons, but just for the incident with the actor a few days ago, he deserved to be beaten half to death.

However, he couldn't bring himself to mention this to Gu Yu, so he just closed his eyes and waited for people to bring Bao Yu over.

Not long after, Baoyu walked in looking bewildered and timid. Before he could even kneel down and speak, Jia Zheng's eyes turned purple upon seeing him. He lost all intention to reprimand him and instead shouted:

"Gag him and beat him to death!"

The servants dared not disobey, so they could only press Baoyu down on the stool, raise the large board and beat Baoyu's buttocks more than a dozen times in one go. Baoyu cried out in pain, but his mouth was gagged, so his voice was temporarily quiet. Jia Zheng felt that the servants had not worked hard enough, so he was so angry that he took the board himself and beat him hard.

Seeing that the beating was getting too fierce, the guests nearby tried to persuade him again, and they all rushed over to stop him. But Jia Zheng wouldn't listen. He vowed to beat him half to death to vent his anger. But before he could continue, Lady Wang, supporting Grandmother Jia and the rest of the group, rushed over in a hurry.

"Baoyu! My Baoyu! My son!"

Seeing Baoyu tied to the stool, his face streaked with tears, Lady Wang cried out. Forgetting the guests and servants present, she rushed forward to stop Jia Zheng from striking him with the rod, crying out repeatedly:

"Baoyu! My poor son—, if Master wants to strangle him, he might as well strangle me first, so that we, mother and son, can have someone to rely on in the underworld!"

As she wept, thinking of her son Jia Zhu, she burst into tears, her sobs never ceasing. Grandmother Jia, trembling, approached to check on Baoyu's expression. Seeing that the beating wasn't too severe, she breathed a sigh of relief, then turned back to glare at Jia Zheng and said angrily:

"Why not just strangle me too? Wouldn't that be cleaner?"

Jia Zheng had already put down the wooden board, and upon hearing this, he immediately knelt down and admitted his mistake:

“What are you saying, Mother! Your son will have nowhere to stand! Your son is disciplining Baoyu for the sake of our ancestors’ honor. How can your son bear such words?”

The room was packed with people. Aunt Xue was there with Baochai, Fengjie, Yingchun, and Xiren. Baochai and Yingchun didn't even bother to look at the beaten Baoyu. They just glanced at Gu Yu with suspicion. Seeing his reassured look, they felt relieved and just stood in the background, exchanging glances with Gu Yu.

They arrived just in time this time. Although the beating was more severe than usual, it wasn't enough to make him unable to walk. Grandmother Jia got angry again and ordered someone to carry Baoyu back to recuperate. Only Jia Zheng, who had been scolded, stood blankly in the study with a gloomy face, feeling extremely bitter.

After watching Grandmother Jia leave, Gu Yu quickly called out to Lady Wang:

"Madam Wang, please wait!"

Lady Wang was just thinking of accompanying Baoyu back to his room when Gu Yu called out to her. She turned around with a puzzled look on her face, but she had no choice but to give him some face and stay for the time being, without even looking at Jia Zheng.

"Brother Yu, thank you so much—"

"Does Madam Wang know that there was more to the story than meets the eye that day?"

Seeing that she was about to reveal that she had secretly helped Baoyu find reinforcements, Gu Yu quickly stopped her and prepared to guide her thoughts.

"What else could it be? The master is disciplining his son, are we supposed to interfere? But how can beating like this... Waaah—"

Seeing that Madam Wang was about to lose her composure again, Gu Yu quickly and decisively told the whole story. After hearing this sordid matter again, Jia Zheng sighed and sat down in his chair.

Lady Wang was taken aback. Looking at Jia Zheng, whose face was ashen, she realized he had misunderstood the matter. No wonder he had been so ruthless in trying to kill Baoyu. She quickly explained:

"What a vile, gossipy woman! I only slapped Jin Chuan a few times because I was angry at her frivolous words, how did it become...? Master! Bao Yu is also your own son, don't you know his character? How could he do such a thing?"

Before Jia Zheng could speak, Gu Yu naturally interjected:

"But now it's probably impossible to cover this up. For the sake of Baoyu's reputation, we need to think of a way."

"this…"

Lady Wang, feeling lost and confused, turned her gaze to Jia Zheng, but Jia Zheng was only sighing and lamenting. Helpless, Lady Wang, seeing that the room was empty, could only turn to Gu Yu, who seemed calm and composed.

“Yu-ge’er… Everyone says you are a genius, exceptionally intelligent. Bao-yu is quite close to you, and the old lady has treated you well. Just for the sake of… just for the sake of all your brothers and sisters, you should come up with a plan to help him.”

Chapter 113 Pig Farming Plan

What the people inside the room said is unknown to outsiders. However, after Lady Wang came out, she quickly called Xiren over, patted her on the shoulder meaningfully, and then went to visit Baoyu.

Xi Ren looked around blankly as everyone left, leaving only Gu Yu not far away. She hesitated before walking up to him to follow his instructions.

"I wonder what urgent matter brings you to see me, Young Master Yu?"

Gu Yu, with a somber face, shook his head helplessly and said:

“Brother Bao, this matter is truly absurd, causing Jin Chuan to jump into the well. Now we have to find a way to cover it up for him. But you have always served him, do you know if he has been acting strangely lately? How could he suddenly do this?”

Xi Ren was startled. She hadn't even had a chance to find out what was going on when she was suddenly connected to Jin Chuan'er. When she thought about Jin Chuan'er's identity, she was completely at a loss.

“Young Master Yu, outsiders may not know what kind of person Master Bao is, but don’t you brothers and sisters know him too? How could he do such a thing? He must have been possessed or provoked again… Ah! A few days ago, after he came back, he kept muttering something to himself, and he didn’t even care when Miss Yun went to her house. He was like a demon following her. This must be the reason!”

"Holy crap, I hadn't even thought of that reason yet!"

Gu Yu raised an eyebrow, looking at the anxious Xiren with surprise. She quickly noted down this reason, thinking it would lessen Grandmother Jia's objections. As for Xiangyun going home? Why didn't Baochai tell her…?

Seeing Gu Yu deep in thought, Xi Ren, though anxious, dared not disturb him and could only endure it until Gu Yu came to his senses. Only then did she reveal a slight smile and say:

"I know what Baoyu is like, otherwise I wouldn't have asked you to come and ask. Now the master and mistress have made a decision for the time being, but they still need you maids who serve them to cooperate wholeheartedly."

After gesturing for Xiren to come closer, Gu Yu whispered his plan:

"Jin Chuan survived the well jump and has now been rescued. To avoid gossip, Madam will give her to Bao Yu in a few days to prevent further trouble."

"what?!"

Xiren's eyes widened, her mind in turmoil. Jin Chuan was a maidservant; if she came over, who would be in charge of the courtyard? But thinking of Baoyu, no matter how bitter she felt, she dared not show any resentment and could only try her best to remain calm.

Gu Yu glanced at her, surprised that she had recovered so quickly. She couldn't help but secretly admire her, and then smiled reassuringly:

"You don't need to worry. Now that you're in your courtyard, you should follow the rules of your courtyard. This isn't the only thing that will depend on you."

“Now that Baoyu is growing up, and he’s caused such a commotion, Master and Madam intend to use this opportunity to get Baoyu to settle down. You can’t control him just by having him study, so you’ll have to put in a lot of effort.”

“But…but we can’t control Baoyu either. He’s always been free and easy. How can we hold him back? If we can occasionally give him a few words of advice, it’s only because he’s kind-hearted and doesn’t hold it against us.”

Gu Yu chuckled twice, too lazy to play dumb with Xi Ren any longer, and simply stated it directly:

"Madam said, don't hurt Baoyu's body. As long as you can win his heart, she will definitely make you a concubine in the future."

"what!!"

Xiren cried out in alarm, her face flushed with shame and fear. She thought that her affair with Baoyu had been discovered by the madam, and she was so frightened that her vision blurred and she stumbled, but thankfully she didn't fall.

Gu Yu, with her hands behind her back, didn't intend to help her up. Seeing that she slowly recovered on her own, she shook her head and prepared to leave.

"Don't worry, no one will go to Madam to gossip. This is a good opportunity to fulfill your dream, so you'd better do your best. Tomorrow I'll find a chance to take him out for some excitement, and you can make your move when he gets back."