The Good Concubine of the Qing Dynasty [Red Mansion]

As Wang Xiluan approached, Yun Shuyao was the first to notice her. Seeing her walking this way, she stopped her previous conversation. “Chenyu, have you had any contact with Miss Wang before?”

Chenyu replied without hesitation, “No, I only saw her once from a distance when I went to the Jia residence to pay my respects.”

Luoyu had also heard that the Wang family intended to form a marriage alliance. “Didn’t they back off from that?”

The Wang family’s approach was different from the Lin family’s.

However… Luoyu took a careful look at her brother and felt a sense of pride. Oh, it seemed he was just too outstanding.

Wang Xiluan drew closer, a smile on her face. “I didn’t expect to run into you here; what a coincidence.”

Yun Shuyao replied, “It really is a coincidence. Did Miss Wang come here to offer incense?”

After exchanging a few pleasantries, she occasionally stole glances at Chenyu, as if she had something to say. Unfortunately, since others “couldn’t see,” she had to take the initiative to speak. “Cousin Lin, I have something I’d like to discuss with you. I wonder if you could come over there and talk with me?”

Of course, he couldn’t.

Being alone together, a man and a woman, could easily affect each other’s reputations. Since there were many people around them now, their conversation wouldn’t matter even if others saw them.

Chenyu smiled apologetically. “Let’s just talk here; there’s really nothing we can’t say in front of others.”

Wang Xiluan: “…”

She hesitated, wanting to say something but holding back.

She could speak to him alone, but with his sister and aunt present, how could she start?!

Wang Xiluan’s face first turned red and then white, creating quite a scene.

Looking at his face, Wang Xiluan stomped her foot, her face flushed. “I have something I absolutely need to say to you, just the two of us.”

This was unreasonable.

The polite smile on Chenyu’s face faded slightly. “Sister Wang, this is not proper.”

“Is that the only thing you can say?”

Chenyu said, “Of course I have something to say, but some things are not convenient to discuss with you. I believe you can understand, especially since we are not familiar with each other.”

Chenyu shook his head. “Sister Wang, are you trying to talk about the Jia family?” He offered her an escape route.

Their use of titles was due to the connection with the Jia family.

They weren’t really relatives, and given their age, they were in the midst of matchmaking. Chenyu truly didn’t think this was a situation where they could speak privately.

Especially since he knew that the Wang family had expressed interest in this matter; he felt he should avoid any suspicions. The Lin family had already rejected them, and if word got out about this conversation, it would be irresponsible for both of them.

Wang Xiluan had a way out, but she didn’t want to take it. She didn’t know if she would have another chance to see him again. If she didn’t ask, she wouldn’t be able to let it go. However, the pavilion was quite small, so she spoke up, her voice barely audible: “I just want to ask you, do you know what the Wang family means? You know what I’m asking about!”

Chenyu sighed inwardly and nodded. “I know.”

Wang Xiluan was taken aback and asked, “Then do you know about the rejection?”

Chenyu replied, “I know that too.”

Wang Xiluan tentatively opened her mouth, “So, do you have a change of heart now?”

Chen Yu answered, “No.” His voice held no hesitation.

Wang Xiluan’s heart sank. Tears welled up in her eyes; they were all in cahoots and none of them were good people!

She turned around, tears streaming down her face, and was about to run outside when Luoyu stopped her.

Luoyu wouldn’t let her leave like this. If someone saw it, they would think a group of people was bullying a young girl. That accusation was too unfair; she couldn’t bear it. She pretended not to hear and said, “Sister Wang, I know you are very touched. Here, let me tell you again about the legend of the Buddha cutting his flesh to feed the eagle.”

Blocked from leaving and not expecting this, Wang Xiluan’s tears fell in streams. This was going too far! She didn’t want to hear this nonsense at all!

Seeing her like this, Luoyu couldn’t help but let out a sigh. Although they were not far apart in age, she was already married while Wang Xiluan was still waiting in her boudoir. Watching Wang Xiluan gave her the illusion that there was a larger age gap between them. “Sister Wang, with all the people coming and going outside, even if you’re moved by the Buddha’s compassion, there’s no need to be so agitated. Others might think something is wrong with us.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiluan paused, her expression momentarily frozen. The shame and anger that had clouded her mind began to calm. Yun Shuyou softened her tone, “Speaking of which, do you know how this Bodhi Temple came to be?”

“How did it come to be?” Chenyu asked, playing along.

Yun Shuyou explained, “In the center of the main hall, there is a Bodhi tree that has stood for hundreds of years. It is said that it was already there from the beginning. A scholar, while traveling, saw it and chose to rest under the Bodhi tree. During his rest, he had a dream… He attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and decided to shave his head and become a monk. Next to it, he built a grass hut, which became the predecessor of the Bodhi Temple.”

By the time Yun Shuyou finished recounting the origins of the temple, Wang Xiluan had regained control of her emotions. Aside from a slight redness at the corners of her eyes, there was no sign that she had been crying.

“What Bodhi Temple? It’s nothing special!” She raised her chin and walked away with her head held high.

The Lin family doesn’t recognize quality; she will find a better family!

Luoyu watched her retreating figure and gently shook her head. “She shouldn’t have come.”

She already knew that the Lin family had refused. Since she and her brother had no connection, what could she expect to gain from this that would surprise her?

But then she thought, she was the only daughter of Wang Ziteng, who still had no sons. This only daughter must have been raised in the palm of her hand, so it wasn’t surprising that she had developed such a temperament in that kind of environment.

Chenyu looked at her departing figure and said, “Let’s just consider that we talked about Buddhism today. It wouldn’t be good if word got out.”

It wouldn’t be good for him, and even worse for Wang Xiluan.

In terms of reputation, women have it worse.

Luoyu looked at him and said, “No need for you to say anything, but don’t be too kind; I can see she’s going to hold a grudge against us.”

“If she wants to hold a grudge, we can’t ruin her reputation either.”

Yun Shuyou nodded in satisfaction. She hadn’t done anything wrong, and in the end, today’s incident wasn’t really out of line. “Let’s have someone send a message to the Wang family; they’ll be quicker to arrange her engagement.”

After all, Wang Xiluan was already of marriageable age.

She and Luoyu were both participating in the same selection for marriage.

With this delay, time was getting late. Luoyu looked regretfully at the sky. “I should head back.”

“Go ahead,” Yun Shuyou said, reluctantly watching her leave. Next time she went out, it would be hard to say, but since she couldn’t go out, she could always visit her.

Chenyu asked, “Is Fourth Master still busy?”

Luoyu replied, “Yes.”

Because the emperor is going on a tour beyond the Great Wall next month, it must be said that he is truly someone who can’t sit still in the capital.

How long has it been since he returned from the southern inspection? Now he’s already preparing to go beyond the Great Wall.

Yun Shuyou said, “The emperor’s travel is not a small matter; many preparations need to be made in advance.”

Moreover, this time, the eldest prince and the crown prince will be accompanying him, while the third and fourth princes will stay behind.

Yun Shuyou added, “Their busyness is also a reflection of the emperor’s regard for them and an affirmation of their abilities. You should be happy about that.”

…..

At this time, far away in Jinling, the Xue family was in turmoil. Mr. Xue lay gravely ill in bed, his face pale and gray. Mrs. Xue was crying, her eyes swollen and red, looking exhausted as she gazed at him.

Beside her, Xue Pan and Xue Baochai were also in tears.

The head of the Xue family was on the brink of death. He looked at the three of them, his eyes filled with reluctance, regret, and deep concern.

Illness had struck him like a collapsing mountain. He had thought that with some rest, he would recover, but instead, it had dragged him down, leaving him beyond saving.

He had consulted countless doctors around him, even inviting a retired old physician to return from the countryside, but the results were all the same: he was finished.

Yet, looking at his son, whose mind was still like a child’s, and at his intelligent daughter who was unfortunately born a girl, as well as his indecisive wife, he let out a deep sigh. After he was gone, the position of head of the Xue family would surely be lost. His son was still too young, and his daughter’s intellect was not enough to manage things effectively. Without capable assistance, even maintaining the family’s status would be uncertain.

The Xue family was large and prosperous, but it was not a one-man show.

Many of the family’s businesses had to be arranged by him first.

Thinking of this made his heart ache like a knife, but he had no choice but to proceed. He took a deep breath and said, “Have them come in; I have something to say…”

After Yun Shuyiao returned home, not long after the Buddha’s birthday, a peony she had been nurturing bloomed.

The peony was pure white and large, about the size of a big bowl.

When the first buds emerged, they captivated both the old lady and Lin Ruhai.

Neither of them were particularly fond of peonies, but the color and form of this one made them stop and admire it, not to mention those who truly loved peonies.

Yun Shuyiao decided to gift this peony.

Now, her shop had already been set up. Following Lin Ruhai’s appointment to a position in the capital, Yun Shuyiao purchased a shop in a location she had been eyeing.

The capital truly lives up to its reputation; shops here are expensive, and it’s not guaranteed you can buy what you want.

She wasn’t in a hurry to open the shop. After they had admired the peony enough, she had it sent out to the street, where it could be appreciated and commented on by passersby.

On the first day it was displayed, a large crowd gathered around, inquiring about the price.

It was the season for peonies, and during this time, flower farmers would set up stalls along the street, usually showcasing their best specimens. The finest flowers easily attracted customers.

The peony she showcased could compete for this year’s Flower King title.

Chenyu made a special trip to see it. The street was lined with peonies competing in brilliance, and the one nurtured by the aunt had the purest color.

Although it didn’t appeal to those who preferred vibrant peonies, it was a rare treasure for those who appreciated pure white ones.

He also saw a steward from the Wang family inquiring about the price.

In the end, this peony sold for over three thousand taels of silver.

With fame secured, money earned, the shop was now open for business.

Inside, there were no white peonies, but there were some excellent red peonies and several other varieties.

Yun Shuyou made a hefty profit.

Chenyu: “…”

Making money was always particularly easy with the aunt.

Although there were costs involved, they weren’t high.

However, the time span was relatively long.

He couldn’t help but ask, “Aunt, will that small farm be enough? Shouldn’t we buy a larger one?”

Yun Shuyou replied, “It’s enough. Rarity increases value; having more doesn’t necessarily mean more profit.” Her current workload was also manageable, not affecting her cultivation, which was just right.

Chenyu reflected, “I was thinking too far ahead.”

For a moment, he was dazzled by so much silver.

Lin Ruhai looked at him and said, “Alright, you’ve had enough of a break lately; it’s time to get serious. Do you have confidence in placing first in the autumn exam next year?”

If he passed the scholar exam as a third-class scholar, and then ranked first in both the tribute exam and the palace exam, he would achieve the highest distinction, making his name known in history.

Lin Ruhai didn’t necessarily expect his son to accomplish this, as it required not only talent but also the right timing and favorable circumstances—all of which were essential.

In the end, he would be satisfied if his son achieved the first class, but that didn’t stop him from using this to urge his son to strive for improvement. After all, what scholar didn’t have such ambitions?

Chenyu felt a tension in his back.

He was confident about passing the examination to become a jinshi, but ranking first… he never underestimated others.

“I’ll go study right now,” he said.

Watching him leave, Lin Ruhai asked someone to bring tea and then dismissed the servants: “Chenyu has reached the right age; I’ve identified a few suitable families. You should come and take a look…”

It was time for him to get engaged.

The candidates Lin Ruhai chose were all scholars.

Their statuses were not high.

There were Han people as well as Manchus among them.

While they were discussing which family to arrange for Chenyu, Wang Xiluan made up her mind: “Mother, I want to enter the Palace!”

“Didn’t you say before that with the friendship between our two families, I could become a secondary consort? I agree!”

The Lin family meant nothing in front of the Iron Cap Prince!