The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 361 Seeking Help
Xue Baochai's daily routine has always been regular. This morning she got up and washed up as usual. After finishing, she sat in front of the dressing table and stared at the mirror for the first time, as if she was in a trance.

At this time, the maid Ying'er just brought breakfast. She was secretly surprised to see this, because she knew that her daughter was not a sentimental person, so she put down the food box and walked behind Baochai.

Xue Baochai was so lost in thought that she did not notice Ying'er's arrival. She saw in the mirror that the beauty's hair was as black as ink, her face was flawless like the bright moon, her eyes were clear as water apricots, her lips were red without any lipstick, her eyebrows were green without any makeup, and she was dignified, quiet, gentle and generous.

"What's wrong with the girl?" Ying'er asked softly.

Xue Baochai was taken aback and said, "You little rascal frightened me. You walked without making any sound."

Ying'er smiled and said, "Young lady, you are in a daze. I don't know what you are thinking about so deeply. Now you blame me for walking silently." After saying that, she glanced at the golden locket with the words "longevity" engraved on it on the dressing table, as if thinking about something.

Xue Baochai hurriedly put on the gold lock, put it inside her clothes, and buttoned up her coat, asking, "Did the master come back last night?"

Ying Er shook her head and said, "I haven't heard about it. I'm afraid he hasn't replied."

Xue Baochai sighed secretly, stood up and walked out of the house. Ying'er hurriedly reminded her, "Miss, you haven't had breakfast yet."

Xue Baochai said, "I won't go out today. I'll eat later. I'm going to the garden to relax first."

"Oh, it's good to have a day's rest. The girl has been tired recently." Ying'er said happily, and hurriedly took a cloak and went out of the house.

It was mid-autumn, the sky was high and the clouds were light, and the swallows and wild geese were flying. Xue Baochai came to the back garden and looked up. Suddenly she realized that some of the leaves of the trees in the garden had been secretly dyed yellow by the autumn wind. Some of the remaining leaves were swirling and falling from the branches, adding a sense of loneliness.

Xue Baochai was not a sentimental person. Seeing this, she couldn't help but feel a little depressed. She said softly, "Time flies so fast. In the blink of an eye, it's autumn again."

Ying Er nodded and said, "Who says it's not true? I remember that it was just early summer when we left Beijing for the south, and now it's Mid-Autumn Festival. I recall that when the young lady went to Beijing, she wanted to respond to the imperial edict for the selection of concubines, but unexpectedly, the Tatars broke through the border and went south, and the imperial court cancelled the selection. The young lady wasted several years in Beijing, and now she is always busy day and night, year after year. If this goes on, she will waste her youth."

Seeing the bleak autumn scenery before her, Xue Baochai couldn't help feeling sad when she heard Ying'er's words. When she participated in the talent show, her original intention was to help her family, but she was not selected in the end. Three years passed in the blink of an eye, and her brother was still useless and even got worse. She was almost sixteen years old. How many years of her youth did she have left to waste?
Just at this moment, an autumn wind blew, blowing up the fallen leaves in the yard. Xue Baochai shivered unexpectedly, feeling the chill penetrate her skin. Ying'er hurriedly tied her cloak on her, saying, "It's a good thing I brought my cloak. It's late autumn, and it's still quite chilly in the morning. Miss, be careful not to catch a cold."

Xue Baochai tightened her cloak and said with relief, "You used to be forgetful, but now you are more careful."

Ying'er said proudly, "After following you for so many years, no matter how dumb I am, I should have made some progress."

"Let's go over there." Xue Baochai walked into a pavilion by the water. Under the railing was a small pond full of water caltrops. The water caltrop flowers had already withered, leaving only a pond of green duckweed.

Ying'er said happily, "It's time to pick these water chestnuts. Fresh ones are the sweetest and most refreshing. I'll go down and pick some for you to taste." After saying that, she rolled up her sleeves and was about to climb down from the rockery next to her.

Although Xue Baochai also loved to eat fresh water chestnuts, she still hurriedly grabbed the reckless girl and said, "You are so greedy. It's not a joke to fall down. Let the steward send a few boys in to pick them all at once. How much do you want to eat?"

Ying'er stuck out her tongue and smiled, "We have to wait. It would be better for us to pick and eat them right now."

As the two were talking, Xiangling came over in a panic. Before she even entered the pavilion, she said in a hurry, "The master has been arrested by the Jinyiwei. Go quickly, young lady."

Xue Baochai was greatly surprised. She quickly walked out of the pavilion and came forward to ask anxiously, "Why was you arrested, Master?"

Xiangling shook her head and said, "I don't know either. I was told by the master's servant that the master was taken away by the Jinyiwei in Weicui Tower."

Xue Baochai didn't know the name Weicui Tower, but as soon as she heard the name she guessed it was a brothel. She was afraid that her elder brother had gotten into a conflict with someone because of jealousy again. Even if it was just an ordinary murder case, the Jinyiwei should not be alerted.

Xue Baochai could not help but be frightened and had a bad premonition. She hurried to Aunt Xue's room. As soon as she entered the room, she saw her mother was pale and frightened. Two servants were kneeling on the ground. They were the two who followed Xue Pan every day. At this moment, both of them had bruises on their faces and looked embarrassed. They were kneeling there trembling.

"Bao girl, your brother has been arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guards. What should we do now?" Aunt Xue said in a trembling voice with red eyes when she saw Baochai coming.

Xue Baochai calmed down and comforted her, "Don't worry, mother. No matter how powerful the Jinyiwei are, they still abide by the law. Although my brother is usually a bad guy, he would never do anything to rebel. I'm afraid he might have offended someone from the Jinyiwei accidentally because of jealousy. Anyway, he just asked someone to pass on some money."

Aunt Xue cried, "This time it's different. I heard it's related to the shipyard. The captain of the Jinyiwei who arrested the man is called Hua. He also said that even if your uncle Wang Ziteng came in person, it would be useless, not to mention Jia Yucun."

Xue Baochai was shocked when she heard this. Jia Yucun was the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture, and her uncle Wang Ziteng was the Minister of War, both of them were officials of the second rank and powerful figures in the dynasty. How dare they speak so arrogantly? It seemed that her elder brother had committed a serious crime, and they probably had real evidence in their hands.

"Did the other party really say that? If you dare to exaggerate, you will not be forgiven." Xue Baochai looked at the two servants and asked sternly.

The two servants hurriedly said, "The leading Jinyiwei centurion called himself Zhou Hua, and he is a subordinate of Lei Zhengfa from the Nanjing Pacification Division. He did say that, and I dare not lie to him."

Xue Baochai asked hurriedly: "Why did the other party arrest people?"

The servant stammered, "I don't know either, but it seems to be related to the batch of old boats that Master sold last month." Xue Baochai's heart skipped a beat, and Ying'er said in a low voice, "Oh, I remember Master did sell the old boats in the boatyard last month, and the buyer was in a hurry and took all the boats away the next day. Miss found it strange, so she asked Master a few more questions, but Master didn't know anything about it and just took the money and sold the boats."

Aunt Xue stamped her feet and said, "This is bad, this is bad. That bastard must have bought a boat to do some illegal business, and he has implicated Pan'er. This evil creature always thinks of the present and not the future. Now he has even alarmed the Imperial Guards. I don't know what evil thing that bastard has done. What should we do?"

Xue Baochai calmed down at this time and comforted him, "If it's just about selling the boat, it shouldn't matter much. No matter what evil things the other party did, you are just doing legitimate business. There is no conspiracy. At most, you will be charged with negligence."

Aunt Xue felt relieved after hearing this and nodded, "You are right, but the Jinyiwei is dispatched. It is not a small matter after all. Moreover, the Jinyiwei prison is not for the faint of heart. Your brother is spoiled, how can he resist? It is better to get him out as soon as possible. Even if it costs a little more money, it can be regarded as spending money to avoid disaster."

As they were talking, Xue Ke and Xue Baoqin also rushed over after hearing the news. Xue Ke asked anxiously, "Auntie, elder sister, I heard that elder brother was arrested by the Jinyiwei. What did elder brother do wrong?"

Xue Baochai said, "It's not clear yet, but it's probably related to the batch of old boats that my brother sold last month. Brother Ke, you came at the right time. We are all women, so it's inconvenient for us to come forward. You should go to the prison of the Jinling Zhenfu Division to visit him immediately. If you can see my brother in person, you should be able to find out the whole story, and we can prescribe the right medicine."

Xue Ke nodded and said, "Okay, I'll go right away, but what if the Jinyiwei doesn't allow visits?"

Xue Baochai sighed inwardly. Her younger brother was timid and mediocre, and ultimately he would not be able to think things through. If Brother Huan were here... Alas, Brother Huan had just entered the venue to take part in the provincial examination today. How could she disturb him and distract him at this moment?
Although Xue Baoqin was younger than her brother Xue Ke, she had been traveling around the country with her father as a trader since she was a child, so she was more experienced. She reminded him, "Brother, don't just follow the rules. If the other party doesn't allow you to visit, try to give them some benefits. If that doesn't work, go and ask Jia Yucun for help. He's a capable man."

Aunt Xue nodded and agreed, "Yes, find Jia Yucun. He was the one who helped settle the murder case involving Pan'er."

Xue Ke said happily, "Auntie is right. Jia Yucun's restoration was due to the help of our Wang family. Now that Brother Pan is in trouble, he should return the favor. I will go now."

Xue Baochai hesitated to speak, with a worried look between her brows, because according to her observation, people like Jia Yucun are the best at opportunism, and they are also often the most selfish and cold-hearted. He is happy to do things that add icing on the cake, but it is absolutely impossible to help people in times of trouble. It would be a blessing not to add insult to injury. Although her uncle Wang Ziteng is still in a high position, he is hard to guarantee that he will not be dragged down by the case of Prince Yi Zhong. From the fact that Zhou Hua, a hundred households of the Jinyiwei, dared to say that he was not afraid of Wang Ziteng coming in person, it can be seen that people like Jia Yucun will really work hard for the Wang family as before?
However, as the situation was urgent, Xue Baochai did not say it explicitly in the end, so as not to disappoint her mother and Xue Ke and the others. Besides, it might as well give it a try, maybe it would work.

So Xue Ke left in a hurry. Half a day later, a servant came back to report: "Second Master went to the Pacification Office first, but the prison warden would not let him in. Even if he stuffed money into his pocket, it was useless. He said that the Second Master was involved in a serious crime and no visit was allowed. Second Master had no choice but to go to the Yingtian Prefecture Office."

Aunt Xue was so anxious that she was at a loss of what to do. She urged Xue Baochai to write to Wang Ziteng and Mrs. Wang for help. Although Baochai was smart, she was just a woman with no power or connections. She was at a loss at the moment, so she wrote two letters and sent her family members to the capital on horseback day and night.

Xue Baoqin sighed, "It's a long way to the capital, and it's been nearly a month. Far away water can't quench one's thirst. I'm afraid that big brother can't stand it in prison."

Aunt Xue became even more anxious after hearing this, and tears started to fall again. Xue Baoqin suddenly had an idea and said with a smile: "We prayed to gods and Buddhas everywhere, but we forgot about the real Buddha next to us!"

Aunt Xue asked hurriedly: "Where did the real Buddha come from?"

Xue Baoqin looked at Xue Baochai and said with a smile, "Brother Huan."

Aunt Xue's eyes lit up and she blurted out, "Yes, how could I forget Huan'er? He led troops to suppress bandits and worked with Jinyiwei Commander Yi Hong. They must be familiar with each other. The pacification officer of Nanjing Pacification Office is Yi Hong's subordinate. If Huan'er came forward to intercede for him, they might release him."

Aunt Xue looked at Xue Baochai as she spoke, a little embarrassed, "Last time, because of your brother's matter, mother ignored Huan'er. Bao girl, you have always been close to your brother Huan..."

Xue Baochai's face was slightly hot. She understood her mother's intention. She just wanted her to ask Jia Huan for help. So she said, "Mother, have you forgotten that today is the day of the provincial examination?"

Aunt Xue said anxiously, "Yes, I forgot about this. Huan'er is probably taking the exam in the examination room right now. He won't be able to appear for three days. What should we do now?"

Xue Baoqin smiled and said, "Don't worry, Auntie. With my brother's personality, it might not be a bad thing for him to suffer in prison for a few days. There's no need to rush for a few days."

Xue Baochai said lightly, "The provincial examination consists of three consecutive sessions, each lasting three days. You have to go out on the last day and enter again on the second day. It takes a lot of mental and physical energy. It's better not to disrupt Brother Huan's rhythm at this time, so as not to distract him. Let's wait until the three exams are over before we talk about it."

Aunt Xue frowned and said, "That will take ten days. I don't know if your brother can make it. He might even lose his life. It's better to ask Huan'er for help after he finishes the first exam. It won't take much time anyway."

Xue Baochai remained silent.

Seeing this, Xue Baoqin said hurriedly, "Don't worry, Auntie. Brother Huan will take three days to take the exam. Even if he takes the exam, he will definitely not have the energy to entertain others. He may fall asleep as soon as he gets home. Besides, Brother Huan has been delayed for three years. He finally got the chance to take the exam. It would be unreasonable if he was distracted and failed because of the trouble caused by big brother. It is better to wait a little longer. After all, it concerns his career for the rest of his life. Our family is not like ordinary families. Even if the Jinyiwei are cruel, they dare not take human lives lightly. At most, big brother will suffer a little."

Aunt Xue glanced at the silent Baochai and couldn't help but sigh. Even though she was unhappy, she had to give up.

Half a day later, Xue Ke sent a servant back to report: "Second Master has asked Jia Yucun for help, and the Pacification Office has agreed to visit. Second Master asked me to come back to get some bedding and clothes and send them to you."

Aunt Xue was overjoyed and immediately ordered her servants to pack up the things and load them onto a truck and send them to the prison outside the Zhenfusi Yamen, asking Xue Ke to take it to Xue Pan in the prison.

"Amitabha, Jia Yucun is truly capable." Aunt Xue clasped her hands together and chanted the Buddha's name, her brows raised with joy. It seemed that she believed that her son would be able to escape soon.

(End of this chapter)