Dreams of Jianghu

Last time on Grafting Life: Lin Yu Yang passes the county examinations.

Chapter 32 – Red Chamber (32)

Jia Bao Yu chased Shi Xiang Yun, and comforted her for a while before she had a smile on her face. The two started to talk about a story from somewhere, and were very lively.

Xi Ren saw that it was late and waited a long time in the room. She had finished embroidering a leaf, and seeing that Bao Yu had not returned, she was going to go check the Lin Family.

Qing Wen sneered behind her. “I urge you not to go to the Lin Family and have them embarrass you again. That Miss Lin could play with our second master a few years ago because she was young. Now she is grown up and under the watch of the Eldest Miss Lin, she is more like a noble miss. Go look, ordinary people are not able to see her. Even if she comes out to stroll, there are servant girls and grannies who surround her. On your occasional meetings, have you ever seen her angry because of a little joking? She has a brother and sister. If she has any temper, she will have the temper at home. People will care for her. If you go toward the person who has no place to complain, it is correct.”

Xi Ren heard this and felt that it made sense. The person who had no place to complain was Shi Xiang Yun.

When she reached Shi Xiang Yun’s rooms, Cui Lu came out with a smile. “Sister Xi Ren has come, are you here for Bao Yu, he is talking inside.”

Xi Ren laughed and entered with Cui Lu. She saw that Xiang Yun was dressed in a little robe, sitting on the bed, Bao Yu by her side. They were saying something that caused Xiang Yun to laugh and say that her stomach hurt.

She forced a smile on her face. “Second Master, it is so late, you aren’t going back to rest, and are just disturbing Miss Yun. If you miss bedtime, you will not go to sleep tonight and will say you have a headache tomorrow.”

Xiang Yun glanced at Xi Ren and teased, “I am not drowsy, and there is someone to relieve my boredom. Now Sister-in-law has come.” She smiled. “Second Brother has Sister-in-law to manage him, it is like the circlet around the head and you cannot stay outside and not return home.”

Xi Ren blushed. She feared people mentioning this matter the most. She could not help but think of the words the young servants in the outer courtyard say, “A wife is not as good as a concubine, a concubine not as good as a lover, a lover not as good as one they cannot get.” Each time she thought of how Bao Yu was sneaking around with the servant girls and avoiding her, she felt that the saying was right.

Bao Yu looked a bit displeased but seeing Xiang Yun smiling brightly, he stood up and said, “I will come tomorrow.”

Xiang Yun covered her lips and smiled. Clearly, the two were much happier together.

Xi Ren bowed her head and left with Bao Yu, the two not speaking along the way.

Cui Lu helped Xiang Yun settle for bed. Seeing that her miss now had a displeased look on her face, she asked, “Miss, you are grown up now. I cannot understand what you are thinking.”

“I just feel that the room was lively just now, but it is cold with one person gone.” Xiang Yun laid in bed. “Such a large family, but no one is close to me. In the past, there was Sister Lin to compare too. When Uncle-in-law Lin was ill, I pitied her. I felt that, at least, I had a family. The family is not close, but the uncles and aunts have to care for me to some degree. Only she had no one but the Jia Family. In the residence, she likely would have some trouble. But I did not expect her to have some luck. Her brother and sister were found. Uncle Lin is healthy and was promoted. If the brother and sister found were like Sister Bao’s brother, it would be fine, but Eldest Sister Lin is a capable one and cares truly for her. If she was insincere, she would not be able to take such care everyday and every month. No one can act their entire life. Ever since she got her own sister, Sister Lin never had anything displeasing happen. Even her personality has changed. I take shots at her secretly and openly, but she never gets angry. Her personality changed. Now, her brother is very accomplished, and may become another Uncle Lin in the future. In the home, she has her sister to care for her and teach her. Outside, she has the support of her brother. Her family also has her father to decide for her. While she lost her mother long ago, in this residence, the old mistress, the mistresses, the sisters-in-law, all of them care for her. In comparison, I am the most pitiful. Sister Bao has her mother, and no matter how bad her brother is, it is still a support. That brother is muddle headed, but cares for Sister Bao. Should I hope for my paternal cousins to care for me? I only meet my male cousins a few times each year. They do not remember me. Father’s title was taken over by Uncle. If not for this and them fearing that people would talk of it, likely no one would pay attention to whether I lived or died.”

Cui Lu said, “Miss just said the situation changed, and people change personalities. Miss, in the past, you did not care about this. How come you think so much now? Mistress’ dowry is still present. In the future when you marry, the family will not treat Miss poorly. When Miss is able to take charge of a household, you can do as you please.”

“That is nonsense.” Xiang Yun sighed. “Look at the sisters-in-law of the residence, which of them live as they please? I will not be going to a family I know well, who knows if they are good or not? My uncles and aunts will just send me out the door. Who cares about whether I live or die?”

“Then it is better to find a marriage among those you know,” Cui Lu said, “At least, there are some feelings there.”

Shi Xiang Yun sighed and did not speak for a long time. This servant girl was good, but too innocent. She said, “I tell you not to speak, just remember.” Even if she had such thoughts, she could not say them so directly.

Cui Lu acknowledged, not angry at all. She turned and went to sleep. Soon, snoring could be heard. She clearly was not someone to keep matters on her mind.

The night was silent.

Jia Bao Yu remembered promising Shi Xiang Yun to come and play with her so he came the next day. It was early in the morning, and because Shi Xiang Yun had tossed and turned for half a night without falling asleep, she woke up late.

When Jia Bao Yu entered Xiang Yun’s room, he saw that Xiang Yun’s blanket was only up to her chest and revealed her arms. He sighed, “You are grown up now, but you still cannot sleep properly like before. What if you start talking about how your arms hurt?” As he spoke, he lifted one of her arms lightly and pulled up the blanket for her.

Shi Xiang Yun laughed. “Once you came in, I woke up. It is so early, I have not gotten up now or washed up. But you came in rashly. If other people see, it is not good.”

“We ate and slept on the same bed together as children. No one will say anything.” While he said this, he still went out.

Xiang Yun called for Cui Lu to help her wash up.

Dai Yu woke up early to visit Mother Jia. But Mother Jia had not slept well last night and had not gotten up yet.

Yuan Yang said, “My good miss, go visit Miss Yun. When the old mistress gets up, she will be happy to see you.”

Dai Yu smiled. “You go work. I know that you have no time. No need to care for me here, I will go talk to Yun-yatou.”

Then she left with her servant girls to Shi Xiang Yun’s room.

At the doorway, she did not see any servant girls. Laughter came from inside. When she lifted the curtain, she saw Bao Yu preparing to wash, the water in the basin clearly having been used already by Shi Xiang Yun.

Lin Dai Yu frowned. “You really make trouble. Who will come to someone else’s room without washing up first in the morning?”

Jia Bao Yu smiled and just said, “It has been a long time since I saw Sister. Today, I am lucky. It appears that tomorrow, I will not wash up either, and come out to try my luck. Maybe I can encounter Sister again.”

Shi Xiang Yun took over. “His temper from childhood cannot be changed.

Lin Dai Yu thought of what her sister would say.

Her sister would always say one thing, “Because he had not been beaten enough.”

Lin Dai Yu knew that Sister did not mean to truly beat, but that one was not taught enough. If people truly put effort into teaching, a person would change. It was not a hard thing.

Thinking like this, she did not answer. Shi Xiang Yun slapped the rouge out of Jia Bao Yu’s hand. “When can you change this habit?”

Dai Yu saw the two wash together. Xiang Yun braided Bao Yu’s hair. In the past, she did not feel anything, but now, she felt ill at ease. She turned to leave, saying, “I will first go see if the old mistress has woken up yet. Do not linger, come quickly.”

As she went out, she met Xi Ren face on. Xi Ren said with a smile, “Miss, have you seen our Second Master Bao?”

“In Yun-yatou‘s room,” Lin Dai Yu said. “I saw the two were washing up so I came out first. You can go see. They should be done now.”

Xi Ren thanked her and walked faster.

When she went in to look, they were done. She felt slightly uneasy, but this was the old mistress’s courtyard. She did not dare to say anything, and turned to wash up herself.

Just at the door, she met Xue Bao Chai who was coming in.

She could not help but have complicated emotions. If this Miss Bao was truly polite, she would not have come to a man’s room early in the morning. But thinking that only this Miss Bao could say things to the old mistress, she welcomed the other with a smile.

“Miss Bao is here, quick, come in and sit.” Xi Ren invited her in.

Xue Bao Chai nodded. “You are not helping your master wash up in the morning, where are you going?”

“To go see our master.” Xi Ren frowned. “In the morning, he put on clothes and left. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared. It took a long search. He is in Miss Yun’s rooms. When I went there, the two had finished washing up.” She sighed. “The misses have grown up now. But they are still the same as they were as children. They sit inappropriately, what to do?”

Xue Bao Chai nodded and said with a smile, “Aunt clearly did not judge you wrong.” She clearly knew why Xi Ren was saying such things in front of her.

Xi Ren was not angry that her thoughts were known. She just flushed a bit. “I do not dare to forget Mistress’s favor.” She did not dare to scheme in front of this Xue Bao Chai.

Xue Bao Chai saw that she was relatively clever and said a few more pleasantries. She said farewell to Xi Ren and went towards Mother Jia’s courtyard. Thinking about it, she headed directly for Shi Xiang Yun’s rooms.

“Sister Bao, how come you came as well?” Xiang Yun smiled and had Xue Bao Chai enter.

Xue Bao Chai looked at the pair and only said, “I met Xi Ren and heard that you two were together.” She looked at Bao Yu and said, “Xi Ren is right. You should listen more to her. It is rare to have a servant girl who thinks for you.”

Jia Bao Yu’s face turned stern when he heard this. “Now, rather than just taking charge, she is telling tales.”

“Your words do not make sense.” Xue Bao Chai said with a smile, “I am just giving a word of advice, and if you vent your temper at Xi Ren, I will be the villain who causes trouble.”

Jia Bao Yu was unable to answer. He stood. “Never mind! Never mind! I will go back to see her, and stop her from complaining about me to others.”

He stood and left.

Shi Xiang Yun glanced at Xue Bao Chai. “How come I do not understand Sister Bao’s words today?”

Xue Bao Chai smiled. “You do not understand?” She sighed. “Who am I doing this for?” She poked Shi Xiang Yun’s forehead.

“I know you have been close to Xi Ren since you were a child. But think, that servant girl is in Bao Yu’s room, and is naturally closer than others. When she is displeased, she will show some anger even when speaking to me. If she is angry and keeps on speaking nonsense, what reputation will you have?” Xue Bao Chai sighed. “In the world, people will say what everyone says. They do not know our difficulties. In the future, you have to be careful.”

Shi Xiang Yun’s eyes turned red. “I always admire Sister Lin for having a sister and someone to teach her. Now, with Sister Bao’s golden words, I know what is good and bad.”

“Just treat me like your sister,” Xue Bao Chai smiled and said, “Is this worthy of your tears? Put them away. If the old mistress asks, she will think that I am bullying you.”

Jia Bao Yu was annoyed. When he went back to his room, he saw Xi Ren lying in bed with her back to him. Thinking of her past good, he was less annoyed. He went over and sat by Xi Ren. “What is with you? Everything is fine, why speak nonsense in front of a relative?”

Xi Ren thought, had some harlot heard what she and Miss Bao said and went to tattle tale? So she said, “How come it is a relative? In the past, we said everything in front of Miss Lin and Miss Yun. How come Miss Bao is different and is just a relative now?”

Jia Bao Yu turned his head. “How is it the same? Sisters Lin and Yun are not people like Sister Bao.”

“This is strange.” Xi Ren turned and sat up. “What kind of people are Misses Lin and Yun, what kind of person is Miss Bao?”

Jia Bao Yu could not verbalize it. His face turned red. Then he said, “They all say the paternal and maternal families are close, even when the bones are broken, there is still sinew. Have you heard of relatives between two “maternal aunts?””

Xi Ren paused. Miss Lin was the daughter of Aunt Lin, and had a paternal family relation to Bao Yu. The old mistress was a daughter of the Shi Family. The two families were also in a paternal relationship, but just a degree further away when it came to Bao Yu’s generation.

Now that he cheated like this, Xi Ren did not know what to say. She just said, “Now that Second Master has someone else to serve you, we cannot get close.”

“Just this minor matter, and you cause such a fuss. Now, even relatives know of it.” Jia Bao Yu went into the room in a temper, ignoring everyone.

Xi Ren thought, so he treated Miss Bao differently from Misses Lin and Yun. The latter two were of his family, only Miss Bao was a relative’s family.

But thinking of Miss Lin’s personality, and the abilities of the Lin Family, she felt that if Miss Lin truly stayed for long at home, to people like her, it was not a good thing. Miss Yun still had the feelings from being served from childhood. If Miss Yun came, it was alright. But Mistress would not allow it. She had to be closer to Miss Bao.

Weighing like this, she did not dare to truly make a fuss. She went into the room and pulled a blanket over Bao Yu. He kicked it off. Xi Ren knew that he was not feeling good so she said, “This is my fault. Do not show your mood. When the old mistress calls to eat, it is not good if you look like this.”

Just as she finished, a servant girl called Jia Bao Yu to eat breakfast.

Jia Bao Yu’s expression relaxed slightly. He ignored Xi Ren, and even She Yue who was also close to her.

He walked outside. Qiu Wen and Qing Wen watched from the side, laughing until their stomachs hurt.

Qing Wen said, “Our master is not in a good mood these days. Do not get too close. Otherwise, people will think you are trying to get through.”

Qui Wen smiled and did not speak.

Qing Wen looked at her out of the corner of her eye and snorted. “Do not think that I do not know what you are doing behind my back. Do not provoke me and have me expose it.”

Qui Wen blushed red. She truly could not say anything about Qing Wen’s temper. She wanted to tear up the other’s mouth.

Lin Dai Yu kept Mother Jia company during breakfast and then walked home. Jia Bao Yu saw her ignore him and felt a bit ill. When he returned to his room, he ignored everyone, just called a young servant girl to serve, and named her Si’er. He read some of the scriptures, and seemed to have understood something.

Dai Yu went back to her room, and buried herself in the books, ignoring everything.

Fang Hua came to Lin Yu Tong’s courtyard behind Lin Dai Yu’s back, telling her what she had seen and heard this morning, and even the information she had bought from the young servant girls. She managed to learn almost all of it.

“I think that Second Miss did not eat a lot this morning. She held a bowl of soup after she came back, but didn’t drink much. I am a bit worried,” Fang Hua whispered.

“I know you, you did well.” Lin Yu Tong sighed. “You just hand her more pastries and soups.”

“Yes!” Fang Hua retreated.

Lin Yu Tong thought about the matters of the Jia Family. Lin Yu Tong looked at Jia Bao Yu like this and likely did not feel very comfortable inside. Right now, she hoped even more that Lin Ru Hai could return to the capital.

One day, Sister-in-law Ping said, “Eldest jie’er has the pox.”

Lin Yu Tong suddenly recalled that there was something like this and hurriedly went to visit.

“How come you are here, go home.” Wang Xi Feng hurried Lin Yu Tong away.

Lin Yu Tong smiled and said, “No matter, I have had it before.” She asked, “Young children are mostly fine, adults are in more danger.”

“It is so.” Wang Xi Feng pointed towards the room. “I am worshiping a pox goddess. And I have sent your second brother Lian to move there.”

Lin Yu Tong thought of the Miss Duo caused by this, and sighed. She could not say anything. Also, whether there was one extra woman or twenty more was not very different. In any case, it won’t cause too much trouble so she left. Seeing that there were several physicians present and guarding the child, she stood and bid farewell.

Thinking, she still decided to make meals that children liked to eat. She could send servant girls to Wang Xi Feng.

The food was made with the spring water from her space, and would greatly help Eldest jie’er‘s pox. Lin Yu Tong knew that the girl would be fine, but she did not want the child to suffer. If she had a solution to ease the pain, she would help.

Lin Yu Tong had good skills, and with the aid of the space and the fact she had seen many children’s meals, she made rabbits out of rice, monkeys out of carrots and vegetables, and even made the soup different colors, sending it over in crystal bowls.

Wang Xi Feng saw that Eldest jie’er was eating well and sighed at Ping’er. “I always say that I like her character. Look at this. In this entire residence, who else takes this much care?”

Thinking of how the old mistress and mistresses in the residence only sent a person to ask, and the same with others, the rest not even seriously inquiring, she felt that she got nothing for her efforts in the past years. When it was going well, there were people with her. Now that something had happened, no one cared for her.

After these years, she got no one. She became more dispirited about the household matters.

Thinking of how she only had this one child, if she did not put her attention on the child, it was not worth it to worry about anything else.

With Lin Yu Tong’s secret help, Eldest jie’er was much better than expected. Originally, it was to be a fortnight, but she started to get better after a few days. Wang Xi Feng was very happy.

She thanked the physicians and called Ping’er to bring many gifts to Lin Yu Tong.

Because she had not been working the last few days, many matters of the household had piled up. Zhou Rui’s wife came with Wang-shi‘s words for Wang Xi Feng to keep on taking care of the household affairs. Wang Xi Feng did not refuse, and just sent Ping’er to say to Zhou Rui’s wife. “Just tell Mistress that my daughter still needs care right now. This illness frightened me out of my spirits. If there is anything, tell Ping’er. If Ping’er cannot do it, then find me or the mistress.” It would be best for her to slowly let go of the matters she had.

Zhou Rui’s wife thought of how much Wang Xi Feng usually valued Ping’er and nodded with a smile. The pox was a major matter. While better in the short term, people would be anxious. She could understand Wang Xi Feng having to care for her daughter and agreed with a smile.

Madam Wang nodded. “It will not delay anything, it doesn’t matter who takes care of the matters.”

Zhou Rui’s wife nodded. Then she let Ping’er work on behalf of Wang Xi Feng.

Ping’er went to work so Wang Xi Feng thought about the matter of elevating Ping’er to being a concubine. This was an opportunity. She gave Eldest jie’er to her wet nurse’s care and went to go to the old mistress’ courtyard.

Mother Jia saw Wang Xi Feng and recited Amitabha. “Lucky that you managed to make it through better than others.”

Wang Xi Feng smiled and said, “It is true.” Then she had a worried expression and said, “I am young and I did not understand certain truths in the past. Now, after this event, I have become aware and come to talk with Old Mistress.”

Mother Jia hurriedly asked, “You monkey will have trouble?”

“Do not tease me.” Wang Xi Feng grimaced. “In the past, I was blind. I am very afraid with Eldest jie’er‘s illness. We only have this child. If something happens, it will kill me. My belly has not had any good news in the last few years. I always thought since I was young, it will come sooner or later. But sometimes, the fate of a child cannot be controlled. I was wrong in my thinking back then. Whether or not they come from my belly, if I raise them, even if they are not very close, I will not be lonely. I was thinking of elevating Ping’er, letting her out to a commoner registry, and let her be a proper secondary wife. Old Mistress, you have seen this girl’s character as well. She should qualify, and it will not be a slight for our Second Master Lian. It will also spare such a good girl from having no status following me and him. If she is good and manages to have children, I will raise them. With a birth mother that has a registry.”

Mother Jia looked in shock at Wang Xi Feng. “Are you for real?”

“Today, I came to discuss a date with Old Mistress.” Wang Xi Feng smiled. “Do not tell her right now so she will not be embarrassed.” Then she looked at Yuan Yang who was gaping from the side. “I know that you and her are close but do not tattle to her. If I learn you leaked this, I will ask for you to be a third wife for our second master.”

Yuan Yang blushed and tisked at her. “You are the missus in charge of the household but are not proper at all, teasing us servant girls.”

“So you are not willing.” Wang Xi Feng’s eyebrows rose. “Such a wonder, our second master is handsome, has status, is he not fit for you?”

Yuan Yang blushed and cursed, “You two are in poverty, I will not go to your home. Ping’er is a stupid one to mess around with the two of you.”

Mother Jia laughed and said to Wang Xi Feng, “Go do your things. I will find your mistress and discuss a date.”

Wang Xi Feng smiled and left. Returning to her room, she thought of mentioning this matter to Jia Lian. While she had mentioned it before, this person did not think it true, and had forgotten this matter.

But when she sent someone to find him, she got angry.

So this Jia Lian, after being separated from his wife, was not satisfied hanging out with his servants and had been trying out ways to get in touch with Duo Hun Chong’s wife “Miss Duo”. Before he even succeeded, the servant girl Wang Xi Feng sent heard the news.

Wang Xi Feng was angry but did not make a fuss, feeling very sad. She sent away the servant girl and cried by herself in the room, biting her lips. She gave up on Jia Lian. In any case, she will raise a son, and make sure he did not commit any crimes worthy of execution which would affect her and this was enough.

Jia Lian did not know that Wang Xi Feng knew what he was doing and also Ping’er did not know that she was about to become a concubine.

After another twelve days, she worshiped the ancestors, bathed in incense, and then sent away the pox goddess. Jia Lian moved back to the rooms. Wang Xi Feng went next door to look at her daughter and when Ping’er was putting away Jia Lian’s clothing, a strand of hair dropped out.

Ping’er spat on the inside and put away the hair, wanting to go outside and frighten Jia Lian.

Coincidentally, Wang Xi Feng had thought of mentioning the matter of Ping’er to Jia Lian and was silently coming out of the room when Ping’er was busy.

When she got to the door, she heard Ping’er’s voice, “…… I do not know what dirty and smelly thing you are taking into the room.”

Jia Lian said, “Just clean it up, stop shouting. If she comes, it will not end well today.”

“It will be good if she knows.” Ping’er snorted and laughed. “She will suppress your temper.”

“You harlot, how come you only say bad things?” Then he hugged Ping’er, wanting to take it away. “Give it to me, I will love you later.”

“Love me?” Ping’er said with a laugh. “If you leave me, I will have better days. If she knows, you will have a bad time, and me as well.”

“What are you afraid of?” Jia Lian was embarrassed and said angrily, “I will sort her out another day and then you. She is so jealous, and watching me so closely. She, Rong’er, Qiang’er, and Bao Yu laugh and talk all the time. Have I ever been angry? Only the officials are allowed to set fires and the people are not allowed to light lamps.”

“Who are the officials, and who are the people?” Ping’er snorted. “You are angry, but you do not dare to say nonsense. She dares to laugh with others because she is proper in her conduct. If she is proper, then she does not fear such things. Nothing like you. She is worried, and even I am worried.”

“I just say one thing about her and you have ten waiting for me. It seems that you are closer to her.” Jia Lian pulled Ping’er. “When will we get some time together?” While he was sweet talking, he grabbed the blackmail from Ping’er’s hand. “I will feel better when it is burned.”

“You are so heartless. How much did I hide from her for you?” Ping’er said hatefully. “I will not keep secrets from her after this.”

Wang Xi Feng listened for a while and took a moment to suppress her temper before she said, “What are you keeping secret from me?”

Then she went into the room with a sardonic smile. She saw that Jia Lian was lying on top of Ping’er, his hand already in her clothes. Wang Xi Feng sneered. “Right in the middle of the day, with so many servant girls in the courtyard, do not be so loud. Eldest jie’er is next door and just went to sleep, do not wake her up.”

Then she ignored the pair, saying, “I see that Second Master is in such a hurry so just get it done. I will not watch you in the room, and leave the space for you, standing outside to keep watch.”

Jia Lian’s legs trembled, tongue-tied and unable to speak. Ping’er pushed Jia Lian and said, “Missus says that I do not act to decorum, but not him.”

“In the past, I was very jealous, today, I will permit you. How come it is my fault again?” Wang Xi Feng sneered and responded.

“Missus, do not speak of that to me.” Ping’er flung the curtain. “Do not let me say nasty things.”

Wang Xi Feng laughed coldly and just looked at Jia Lian. “I am a family tiger, what is she?”

“Never mind! Never mind!” Jia Lian said guiltily, “Just a joke, no one thinks it is real.”

Wang Xi Feng looked at the swaying curtain and said to Ping’er in the room, “You remembered it. You are on his side and he just thinks you a joke.”

Jia Lian was so angry he was jumping but had to suppress his temper. “Alright, Second Missus, I am wrong, I will not dare in the future.”

Wang Xi Feng clucked her tongue. “Do not think I do not know what you are doing in the study, and also that wife of Duo Hun Chong. I heard the men say that she is one a man cannot leave once touched.”

Jia Lian heard this and his face was yellow. Not a thing could be hidden from this tiger.

Inside, Ping’er was even more shocked. She did not know all of this. In the past, Missus never concealed from her.

Wang Xi Feng then said, “Rumors of such things have reached my ears. You can imagine what they are saying outside. Second Master, you do not care about your reputation, you like to flatter that harlot by calling her consort, so just go.”

Jia Lian’s lips started to tremble. How come this woman even knew what they had said in bed.

“You think that I had someone monitor you?” Wang Xi Feng said, “If so, would you have succeeded?”

Jia Lian thought, definitely not.

“I do not know how many people you went through trying to get that woman. I do not know how many people were listening by the window. Everyone knows.” Wang Xi Feng was not lying. She did not know if someone had spread this to disgust her, so someone really had heard. Wang Xi Feng said in disgust, “I heard that Duo Hun Chong was in the room.”

Ping’er lifted the curtain and looked out, spitting at Jia Lian.

“Right now, Second Master has become a story in the mouths of the scholars.” Wang Xi Feng said with a pale face. “I do not know what those lowly people think of me and Ping’er, and how many shameless stories they have created.”

Even as terrible as Jia Lian was, no one was willing to have others learn of their personal matters. He immediately said seriously, “Missus, forgive me this once, I will not dare in the future.”

Wang Xi Feng’s eyes reddened. She said, “I have told the old mistress to officially have a party and give Ping’er a position. If you want someone, just tell me. I will get her for you. Do not do it outside. Even I have been affected and become someone for those men to talk about.”

Jia Lian was both ashamed and guilty. He bowed to Wang Xi Feng. Ping’er did not know if she should be happy or worried.

Translator Ramblings: Is cheating one of the constants of human society?

Table of Contents

• Grafting Life Chapter 31 – Red Chamber (31)
• Grafting Life Chapter 33 – Red Chamber (33)
• Grafting Life Chapter 34 – Red Chamber (34)