Dreams of Jianghu

Last time on Grafting Life: Ping’er pawns some of Mother Jia’s things. Mother Jia gets sick.

This chapter has been brought to you by me, and Smash10101.

Chapter 45 – Red Chamber (45)

Wang Xi Feng rolled her eyes inside. This second master was truly a master. He would always push the matters of the family to her immediately. However, they were husband and wife outside, and she had to protect him. She took over the conversation with a smile, “Eldest Brother, really, the court is in session right now. Uncle-in-law Lin is likely not home at all. How can we invite him? Could we chase him to the Gold Bell Hall?”

Jia Zhen stilled. This was right. The men of the Jia Family exchanged looks and quickly looked away. None of the men in the room qualified to attend a court session. Right now, they even managed to forget the fact that officials had to attend court. Jia Zheng felt his face was burning and very uneasy.

Wang Xi Feng chuckled and walked to Mother Jia. “Old Mistress, we know that you miss your granddaughter, but Sister Lin likely cannot come. Yesterday, I sent someone to the Lin Family for some jars of pickled vegetables, and heard that Sister Lin just recovered from an illness. A few days ago, there was a rainstorm and Sister got a cold. Because she feared that the old mistress would worry, the Lin Family did not come to you. I learned, but did not dare to say. Sister Lin is filial and knows to not have Old Mistress worry. I, as a sister-in-law, have to understand that as well. If Old Mistress did not ask, I would not dare to mention it. If we go to invite her right now, it likely is not appropriate. One, you and your granddaughter may exchange illnesses, and you will both not be able to recover. Second, I fear Uncle-in-law Lin overthinking, and that the old mistress blames him for not taking good care of Sister Lin, causing unnecessary trouble. Do you not think so?”

Mother Jia listened and then looked deeply at Wang Xi Feng. She felt that the words were not right and wanted to say more, when she heard Wang Xi Feng say, “If you miss her, you can send people with medicine, it is a token of your goodwill.” She did not mention bringing the other over.

Madam Wang sighed in relief. Right now, Wang Xi Feng was pregnant, and no one was able to go out on errands.

The old mistress knew that they would not be able to invite Lin Ru Hai if they went. The old mistress just put out a condition and was waiting for Lin Ru Hai to bargain. If he could not come, then could he refuse to let Lin Dai Yu come? With an advance and a retreat, she would achieve her goal of having Lin Dai Yu come. But even so, if the Lin Family agreed, who in the family would go to bring her here? Wang Xi Feng, with her belly, could not go. Madam Wang thought, at that time, she would be the unlucky one. She truly did not bear to let go of her face and do things that people did not want in their home.

Wang Xi Feng’s words made Mother Jia unhappy. She did not believe the smart Wang Xi Feng did not manage to understand her meaning today.

She looked and saw that Madam Wang clearly did not want to help. This caused Mother Jia’s thoughts which had come out of the blue to come to an end.

The palace physician came, saw the room full of people and thought something was very wrong with the old mistress of the Jia Family. What great illness required such ceremony? But when he took the pulse, he did not know what to say. Just that an old person got a cold because of the wind? In any other family, a bowl of ginger soup, a sleep under the blankets, and everything would be fine. But the Jia Family had invited him with such gravity. He did not know who they were acting for. Did they hope that he would spread news of their filialness for them? If not for the fact that they gave a lot of silver, who would come to serve this family?

After complaining inside, he made a prescription. Thinking of the family’s conduct, he chose the most expensive ingredients possible. Otherwise, the family would think that he was a quack.

Seeing that the physician said nothing was wrong, the room immediately dispersed. Wang Xi Feng was not willing to stay and look at the old mistress’ expression and said that she would not add to the chaos here with her belly. She turned and left.

Mother Jia leaned back on the pillows, asking Yuan Yang, “What is with Feng-yatou these days?”

Yuan Yang had always been on her guard against Wang Xi Feng. She felt that the other was too clever and said vaguely, “Second Missus is on good terms with the eldest Miss Lin, and may know something. Master Lin came to the capital to report on his duties, but after these months, he did not say he was returning to Jiangnan or staying in the capital. But he goes to the palace everyday, and carriages come and go from the gates of the Lin Family. There must be something that we do not know. Since we do not know anything, then maybe it is really not appropriate to rashly go and invite him. Second Missus likely is thinking for Old Mistress.” If they went to invite the other, and the other did not come, would it not embarrass the old mistress?

Mother Jia stopped and did not speak.

The next day, Mother Jia recovered and recalled that it was soon to be Wang Xi Feng’s birthday. She called the Eldest Missus Zhen, You-shi, from the Ning Ducal Establishment, saying that she wanted to celebrate Feng-yatou‘s birthday, and wanted the missus’ help to prepare.

The old mistress mentioned coming together to present a gift. If the old mistress had an idea, who would not give face? Everyone all said how much they would give. The room was very lively and the news soon reached Wang Xi Feng. She sighed inside. In reality, she was not happy at all. Who was willing to give silver? Regardless of whether it was the old mistress or the mistress, they would not be happy. The misses of the family already had hard days, and if they lacked the monthly silver, she did not know how they would make it to the next month. Many of the higher ranked grannies and servant girls also had to contribute. These people would not say anything openly, but they likely would not be willing to give silver. Did this not attract hate?

Xiao Hong said, “The old mistress will give for Bao Yu. The mistress just said she will give for the eldest missus. Roughly speaking, it will be more than a hundred silver. It is enough to have a party for five days, much less three.”

“Do not pay attention to other things, the main matter is to return the gift,” Wang Xi Feng sighed. “No need to think about the old mistress, just pick some heavy gold hairpin, the style does not matter, give it to the old mistress. It will pay off her sixteen silver. The mistress may not even give silver, she probably just said it. No need to attend to that. Prepare a few boxes of copper coins and deliver them to the misses. Say that it is for them to reward others. This will pay them back. Find some good cloth, cut them into sections, and give it to the servant girls and grannies. Just say that I accept their goodwill. Send some fresh fruit to Aunt Xue, it will be a token. The Xue Family does not lack for money, and they are also relatives. If I repay them the silver, it is not giving them face.” She thought for a moment and then ordered Xiao Hong. “Just do this.”

Xiao Hong saw that her missus did not mention Eldest Missus Zhen and suddenly understood. Eldest Missus You was in charge. Who would know if she gave silver or not? However, she probably would not contribute any silver, and would even get the silver that remained. She nodded and went to act.

Xiao Hong was brisk in her work. Before the silver for the gift was even sent, gifts of similar value were delivered. Who did not feel good? This was done beautifully.

You-shi received the silver from everyone the next day and was puzzled. Looking at how easy it was, she thought that Feng-yatou was liked by everyone. Seeing that Madam Wang’s silver had not been delivered, You-shi shook her head. If that side did not give, could she demand it? She could not help but think of what the servants were saying about the residence having a hard time right now. From how the old mistress was acting, it appeared so.

She smiled inside, and then went to discuss the birthday with Wang Xi Feng.

“You are more and more respected now.” You-shi said, half true and half false. “Not just the old mistress values you, no one in the family says anything bad about you. You are like a bodhisattva.”

“Why are you teasing me, am I troubling you?” Wang Xi Feng rolled her eyes and said, “Just manage the silver how you want. I am pregnant and I am too tired to spare the effort for this.”

“Of course you benefit from it. “You-shi glanced at her and said, “The old mistress said that because people are familiar with the play troupe in the family, a troupe from outside should be hired.”

Wang Xi Feng’s smile faded. Was this truly honoring her? Knowing that she was pregnant and hiring a troupe? What if the clanging and banging scared the child away?

You-shi looked at Wang Xi Feng’s expression and seemed to understand a bit. It could be seen that no matter how much the old mistress said she valued Wang Xi Feng, she did not truly keep the other on her mind. She just pretended to not know this and waited for Wang Xi Feng to speak, feeling schadenfreude.

Wang Xi Feng knew You-shi‘s personality. The two had argued in secret and in the open more than once. She rolled her eyes and spat, “I do not believe you don’t know which troupe the old mistress likes. Why come ask me? Just get it done. Will I go and watch the performance?” She looked down and touched her belly. How little did people think of this child that such things could occur. It broke her heart to even think of this.

You-shi admired the loneliness in Wang Xi Feng’s eyes. She was about to stand when she saw Xiao Hong come in with Zhou Rui’s wife.

Zhou Rui’s wife put the silver on the table and said to You-shi, “I originally wanted to find Missus in your residence. But Missus has come first. This is interest for Mistress and Missus.”

Wang Xi Feng laughed inside. What did it mean presenting it in front of her? Hoping that she would return it? Why? She chuckled and said, “Mistress has spent money.”

You-shi looked strangely at Wang Xi Feng. Did this one take the wrong medicine this time? Why was she at odds with her own aunt? Zhou Rui’s wife made it this obvious already, presenting the silver in front of Wang Xi Feng, because they did not want to give the silver. Now, Wang Xi Feng did not accept, right in front of her. Take the silver or not? You-shi smiled inside, and gave it back to Zhou Rui’s wife. “Have the mistress hold onto it. If there is not enough, I will come find Mistress.”

Zhou Rui’s wife refused a few times and then left with the silver.

Wang Xi Feng sneered. “Are you not taking my silver to do charity?”

“Do not be shameless, how is it your silver?” You-shi stood up and said, “You are mad about silver, you have so much already, you want to take it into the coffin?”

Wang Xi Feng heard this and was going to spit at her. You-shi turned and left with a smile. She was in a good mood after watching Wang Xi Feng and laughing at her.

On the second day of the ninth month, Lin Yu Tong sent Sister-in-law Ping with gifts for Wang Xi Feng on her birthday.

The Lin Family gave Wang Xi Feng so much face. Ping’er just grabbed onto Sister-in-law Ping’s hand and did not let go, insisting she stay and eat before leaving.

Because it was Mother Jia’s goodwill, Wang Xi Feng could not just stay in her courtyard. She had to go to the front. She did not go watch the performance, but went to the side chamber of Mother Jia’s courtyard to rest. If people came with birthday wishes, she would talk a bit with them. When people were not there, she would rest. Ever since she became pregnant, she said to the outside she was short on energy. No one found this strange.

Just as she was resting, she heard a ruckus outside. Soon, Xiao Hong came in, her expression a bit unnatural.

“What is it?” Wang Xi Feng asked. “Do not pretend, what happened?”

“The old mistress sent people to find Bao Yu. Xi Ren said that an important concubine of the Beijing Prince’s Establishment passed away, so he went out in plain robes,” Xiao Hong said in a whisper.

Wang Xi Feng thought, in the world right now, a concubine was so important, and the funeral would be so grand. Her birthday collided with such a day. She could just accept her bad luck. In any case, she did not care about such taboos. Seeing that Xiao Hong was still hesitating, she asked, “Is there something else?”

“A boy said that Second Master Bao sent people to prepare yesterday, and secretly left through the back door today. He seemed to go out through the north gates. He was dressed plainly, and was going to pay homage,” Xiao Hong said.

Plain clothing! Such a day was truly uncomfortable. How come she was so unlucky?

Wang Xi Feng’s heart chilled. Yesterday, the horse had been prepared. Then, the day had been chosen yesterday. But who in the residence did not know that she was having her birthday today? Bao Yu was going to pay homage to someone, why did he have to go today? Also, he did not dare to let the residence know of it. Xi Ren had lied for him. Thinking about it, she felt even colder inside. This meant that Bao Yu knew that it was not appropriate for him to go to mourn today, but he still went. Based on Xi Ren’s character, she would have urged him to do otherwise, but he still went. It would be seen that this person who he did not dare to let others know of was more important than her, his sister-in-law and also cousin. While she was not completely sincere in her good to Bao Yu, it was at least half true. In the end, she was treated like this. It was so ironic to speak of. She scornfully smiled and said to Xiao Hong, “Just pretend to not know.”

But Mother Jia waited for Bao Yu to return before starting the banquet.

Wang Xi Feng could not hide and came out with a smile. “Lucky that the old mistress cares for me, and lets me enjoy today.” She however was willing to sit in the main seat.

Because she was pregnant, she did not touch any of the wine.

You-shi urged. “You cannot drink, but you should pay everyone back for their goodwill.”

Wang Xi Feng was about to speak when Ping’er stood with a smile, “Eldest Miss Zhen, if you do not mind that I am crude, I will drink for my missus.” This would avoid a battle of words in front of everyone and delay the day.

You-shi smiled and glanced at Wang Xi Feng. “Do you bear it?”

“Of course I do. I just fear that our Second Master Lian will not. Please have mercy,” Wang Xi Feng said nonchalantly.

You-shi pulled Ping’er over and said, “Lucky that you have such a good servant girl who helps you, but you attack the other. I thought that your personality has changed. It appears that you are still as fierce and frugal as before.”

Wang Xi Feng laughed, not caring at all. She only picked what she liked to eat. Looking at the crowd, she found it dull. She just held a spoon and let her eyes fall shut, pretending to nap.

Mother Jia called Xiao Hong to help Wang Xi Feng go down and rest. She said to Aunt Xue, “It must be a boy. A daughter will not trouble her mother like this.”

Aunt Xue nodded and agreed. Wang Xi Feng embarrassedly asked for forgiveness and then went to the side room of Mother Jia’s courtyard to rest. The banquet had not finished, and it would not be good if she left.

When Wang Xi Feng went to rest, Ping’er took care of receiving guests for her. Right now, she was half in charge of the household, and everyone gave her some face. People like Li Wan and Tan Chun were said to be in charge of the household, but in terms of real power, they did not have as much power as a concubine who had once been a servant girl. How could these people feel good? Their servants kept on dragging Ping’er to drink, and soon, she got drunk.

No matter how lively it was outside, Wang Xi Feng pretended to be sleepy but called the kitchen to make two bowls of sour soup. It was delicious to eat mixed with rice. Xiao Hong felt her teeth ache as she watched from the side.

The curtain suddenly lifted. A young servant girl looked in and then shrank back.

Wang Xi Feng saw this and said to Xiao Hong, “Take a look, so sneaky. I do not know what trouble will come.”

Xiao Hong saw that the girl was one she had left in the courtyard to stand guard and went out. “What is it? How come you are so rash?”

The servant girl got close to Xiao Hong and said in a low voice, “Missus left, and then Second Master came back to the courtyard right after. I saw Second Master take many things from Concubine Ping’s rooms. There was cloth. Second Master had his servant take the things out. I thought that Second Master was going to exchange them for silver, and just looked through the screen in the room, and did not go out. A while later, the servant sneaked with Bao Er’s wife into the courtyard, and they went to Concubine Ping’s room. I saw this…… It is not good, and I came to tell. If it is discovered now, how embarrassing will it be for our missus?”

Xiao Hong’s face turned white in fury. She hurriedly said, “Go back and watch. Do not let others dirty our rooms.”

The servant girl responded and ran away.

Xiao Hong hesitated and did not know whether to tell the missus. But thinking about it, she did not know if this could be kept a secret. What could be hidden from people in the residence? Even the flies and mosquitoes in the residence had an extra pair of eyes and ears. She gritted her teeth and entered. Seeing that Wang Xi Feng had finished eating, she handed over tea.

“Did something happen?” Wang Xi Feng rinsed her mouth and spat into the spittoon. She said, “Tell me, our family will have something occur every day, there is nothing rare.”

Xiao Hong said nervously, “No matter what, Missus has to care for the child in your belly first.”

Wang Xi Feng stopped and said, “Speak, did our second master do something again?”

Xiao Hong told her simply. Wang Xi Feng immediately felt her rage shoot up. She was pregnant and it was a day like this. He hung around outside and she just closed an eye to it, pretending to not know. But he chose such a day to bring someone to the courtyard to do such a thing. Who was he slapping in the face?

“Missus, do not be angry. This is just my stupid idea. Missus, do not be angry. Just think about your child. It is right to get your support, do not be angry about this,” Xiao Hong urged.

“You are right.” Wang Xi Feng’s face was pale. She had a dark smile. “Let him just do it.”

Xiao Hong jumped in fright. Her missus was never easy going. She feared that Second Master would not have good days in the future.

Ping’er was dizzy because of the wine and stood to beg for mercy, saying that she would return after she washed her face. These people thought that she had to go to the washroom. She had drunk a lot. This was a normal response.

Ping’er dazedly went toward the courtyard, wanting to fall down and sleep. Her head heavy and her feet light, she seemed to sway on her feet.

The servant girl at the door saw that it was Ping’er who had come and was not in a hurry to report. Second Master only said to see if Second Missus came back. A concubine could not control Second Master, and it would not be important.

There was nothing unusual along the way. Ping’er made it back to her rooms. Just at the door, she heard sounds coming from inside.

“…… Your wife, in the past, she was like the king of hell. Now, Ping’er has managed to control her. Sooner or later, missus and servant will be dead, and we will be more free……” a woman in the room said.

“Ping’er, that harlot, is even more controlling now. She can die. But my wife cannot die.” This was Jia Lian’s voice.

Ping’er did not know what she was feeling. She was so good to this person, but then some wild woman had been guided to her rooms, and the other hoped for her to die.

The woman said, “What, you do not bear to part with that shrew? If you leave me……”

“Oh, my consort, I cannot leave you, I will die in you.” Jia Lian groaned. “I do not care about the shrew, but my son. If my son is born, it is okay if she dies. I will marry one with a soft personality, and we will be able to have fun.”

Ping’er felt rage shoot out of her head. She suddenly pushed the door open. “You do such dirty things, and you dare to hope that I and Missus die.” Then she charged and lifted the blanket, exposing the two. Ping’er did not know where she got the strength to grab Bao Er’s wife by her hair and dragged her off the bed. “You hussy, you like to seduce men? I will let people look at your dirty flesh today.”

The two had been having fun, and when Ping’er came in, they were not able to react. Ping’er usually did not hit people. Now, she just dragged Bao Er’s wife naked outside. Jia Lian wanted to stop her, but he was not wearing anything right now, and did not have the face to run out.

Bao Er’s wife was someone who was respectable, and only dared to say such things in secret, not daring to face Ping’er head on. She was limp from the fright. Because Ping’er was drunk and angry, she pulled Bao Er’s wife towards the courtyard.

Most of the servants in the courtyard had been sent away by Jia Lian. No one stopped her. When they got outside, there were many who came to watch, and no one stopped her.

A naked woman was surrounded by people. Even the most wanton woman could not endure such a thing. Bao Er’s wife wanted to die.

Someone reported such a noise to Mother Jia. Mother Jia said, “Ping’er is so unreliable after drinking a bit of wine. Today is her missus’ good day. Why make a fuss and let people see a joke?”

Yuan Yang felt both afraid and cold. She hurriedly said, “It is my fault, I should not have let her drink.”

Mother Jia said with a smile, “The matter is just a coincidence, just a master having fun, nothing important. After a few years, it will be better.”

Zhou Rui’s wife had stopped Ping’er outside. There were other married women who disliked Bao Er’s wife’s wantonness so they took her from Ping’er’s hand. They attacked her and said many unpleasant things.

Ping’er’s mind cleared up some after walking away. Now, she recalled what she had done and felt afraid. Gasps sounded around her.

Jia Lian had become more angry as he thought about it and gave chase with a sword. “Ping’er is more and more arrogant. If I do not teach her a lesson today, what about my face? Even if I beat her to death today, what would the government office do?”

Ping’er looked at Jia Lian’s snarling face and thought of how she treated him in the past. She immediately cried. She did not dodge, and headed straight for the sword in Jia Lian’s hand. “Second Master, you just kill me, I have no interest in living. Since Master and that hussy have been thinking about killing me and Missus for a long time now, why find an excuse now? Just take my life. I will ask a favor for my missus, for Second Master to keep Missus alive until the child is born.”

Then, with a cold laugh, she slammed towards the sword. Jia Lian was caught off-guard and did not expect her to truly throw herself on the sword. Immediately, blood came out of her stomach, and the surrounding people started to scream.

Jia Lian had not expected this, releasing the sword in his hand, stunned where he stood.

Ping’er had fallen down.

“What are you doing?” Wang Xi Feng shouted at the crowd from a distance, helped by Xiao Hong.

Everyone quieted and made a path. Wang Xi Feng saw this, and jumped in fright. “Call for a physician! Quick, call for a physician! You stupid girl……”

Xiao Hong said in a low voice, “Missus, it is chaos here, you are pregnant……” Then she said loudly, “Missus, what is wrong? Does your belly hurt? What to do about this?” Then she said, “Quick, call for the physician.”

Then she just hurried others to run the errand and help carry Wang Xi Feng back to her courtyard.

It was a mess here, and the banquet was ruined. Luckily, there was no edge to Jia Lian’s sword. Ping’er’s skin was cut through and it was a minor wound. She also benefited from this. No one pursued her for the mistake of trying to take charge of her master’s matters as a concubine. She just rested in her rooms.

Wang Xi Feng had been fine to start with, and she had the care of the physician from the Lin Family. She did not even need to worry about creating lies. She just said that her pregnancy was unstable, and she had to rest.

Wang Xi Feng forbade Jia Lian from entering her rooms. Xiao Hong said, “Missus does not feel well. Second Master, why hurt Missus? The son in her belly is the most important.”

“I just want to say something. Even if Second Missus is angry, just say something. Being quiet like this is very worrisome.” Jia Lian was full of regret. He had just drank a few cups, and had some thoughts, but it ended up like this.

Wang Xi Feng laid inside the room and sneered inside. She heard Jia Lian’s words, but they were like the wind and she did not keep them on her mind.

Xiao Hong urged for a while to get Jia Lian to leave. Jia Lian thought and went to Ping’er’s room. No one stopped him from entering Ping’er’s room. But Ping’er kept her eyes closed and did not look at him. Jia Lian knew that Ping’er was truly seeking death and said, “I just drank some and said some nonsense. Why are you so angry? If you really die by my hands, how can I have peace of mind?”

A scornful smile flashed across Ping’er’s lips.

At this moment, she truly understood Second Missus’ thoughts and what it meant that “there is no grief so great as despair.”

Sister-in-law Ping did not think that she would encounter such a matter just by delivering birthday gifts. She returned to the Lin Family and told about this in detail.

Lin Yu Tong gaped at this. She had not thought that with so many people and events changed, what should happen still happened. She shook her head and smiled. Never mind. Jia Lian would regret it sooner or later. Both Wang Xi Feng and Ping’er had love for him but he did not know to treasure it. Now, he forced them to die inside. In the future, how would he benefit?

She sighed on Wang Xi Feng’s behalf and did not pay any more attention. Right now, she was preparing for the auction house.

However, Lin Dai Yu’s sudden visit gave her a new chance to gain wealth.

“What is this?” Lin Yu Tong pointed at the jars and bottles that Lin Dai Yu brought and asked.

“Sister, do you not dislike that you seem to get tanned in the summer even if you stay in the room? I made these. It will make your skin white.” Lin Dai Yu pointed casually at the pile of things.

For whitening — skin care — pure and natural.

Lin Yu Tong suddenly stood up. The flowers she planted carefully did not bloom, but the casually planted willow grew up.

She was planning an auction right now to make more silver for Lin Dai Yu to use for her charity. But she could not take the silver with her when she left. Could she not feel any regret? Now the things that Sister Lin brought her opened another window for Lin Yu Tong. She could not get the secret recipes of other people, but there was no problem with the secret recipes of her family. The silver she made would count as Sister Lin’s research funds. If she managed to get some good medicine and beauty recipes, if she passed it back, she would make a lot.

So, people had to have kindness. All kindness and effort would not be a waste. The return may come secretly in a different way.

Translator Ramblings: I’m never sure if novels underestimate the amount of cheating/affairs or there’s a lot more in reality…

Table of Contents

• Grafting Life Chapter 44 – Red Chamber (44)
• Grafting Life Chapter 46 – Red Chamber (46)
• Grafting Life Chapter 47 – Red Chamber (47)