Red Mansion Beijingwang

In the Rongguo Mansion, Li Wan's courtyard.

A middle-aged woman walked along the corridor, came to the door and lifted the curtain to enter, stared at the beauty who was sitting on a kang table near the window, embroidering with knitting in her hands, and asked softly, "Wan'er, what are you embroidering?"

Li Wan raised her head slightly, glanced at the middle-aged woman with her beautiful eyes, and replied softly, "Aunt Li, I am planning to embroider a few clothes and send them to Brother Lan next time I have time."

This Aunt Li is from Li Wan’s family. She came to visit her the other day and is now staying temporarily in the Mansion of Duke Rong.

Aunt Li understood what she said and sat down on a brocade cushion at the side. She said with a somewhat disappointed tone, "I was thinking of visiting Brother Lang, but I didn't expect that he wasn't in the house."

Speaking of which, Jia Lan was also her junior. She had come to visit her, but she had not expected that Jia Lan was studying in Prince Beijing's Mansion at the moment, so she had not seen him.

Upon hearing this, Li Wan's bright eyes beneath her willow-leaf brows narrowed, and she didn't know what to say for a moment.

After all, it wasn't just Aunt Li who couldn't see Lang'er, it was also the case for her as a mother.

At this moment, the maid Suyun came in and said, "Grandma, Auntie, Master Bao is here."

After that, not long after, Baoyu, dressed in brocade, came in. Her face, as white as the moon, was smiling, and she greeted politely, "Sister-in-law, Aunt Li."

Aunt Li looked at the handsome young man with a twinkle in her eyes and said with a smile, "Wen'er and Qi'er are in the east wing. Second Master, go look for them there."

She knew very well why Jia Baoyu came.

Baoyu scratched his head embarrassedly when he heard this, then bowed with a smile on his face and said, "Sister-in-law, aunt, I'll go over first."

Due to the strict supervision of his father Jia Zheng, he could no longer live the carefree life he once had. He was fed up with reading those stinking pornographic texts every day. Also, as his sisters were not at home, he had no energy and lived a boring life every day.

But things were different now, as Zhuda's sister-in-law's aunt came to seek refuge, she brought two cousins ​​with her. Their pretty looks, as tender as green onions, made Baoyu very happy.

For Baoyu, he likes beautiful daughters, and being able to play with his two sisters is also a kind of fun in his boring life.

So, as soon as he has free time, he comes to play with Li Wen and Li Qi.

Li Wan's beautiful eyes looked at Baoyu's departing back, a faint blush appeared on her graceful face, she lowered her head slightly, and said nothing.

Logically speaking, men should be more cautious when they grow up, and Baoyu, a man, should not be so casually alone with his daughter who is still in the boudoir. However, Aunt Li did not care and even welcomed it.

In fact, Li Wan understood this behavior very well. She guessed that Aunt Li saw that Baoyu was still unmarried and liked playing with Wen'er and Qi'er, so she had her own thoughts in mind.

"Parents who love their children will plan for their long-term future," Li Wan did not feel aversion to this.

Aunt Li looked at Li Wan, knowing that she had guessed her little thoughts, but she did not take it to heart. After all, she was Li Wan's family, and they were her own family.

After pondering for a while, Aunt Li asked, "Wan'er, Wen'er and Qi'er are getting older, and I should also worry about their major affairs. You are the eldest grandmother of the Duke of Rong's mansion and have been in the mansion for a long time. What do you think of Baoyu?"

In the original novel, the mansion of Duke Rong was full of beauties, and Aunt Li didn't have much in mind. But now it was different. Seeing that Baoyu was still very concerned, she began to think that if her daughter could marry into the mansion of the Duke, it would be a good family.

Li Wan frowned upon hearing this, raised her eyes and glanced at Aunt Li. Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, she couldn't hide it. After thinking for a while, she said softly, "Aunt, I know Baoyu's personality well. He just likes playing with beautiful daughters and has no other thoughts."

It's strange to say, such a good man, but he doesn't have any thoughts at all. It's really puzzling.

Aunt Li was quite surprised when she heard this, and thought to herself, no wonder Master Bao has no one who cares about him at his age, so this is the case!

If a man is too lazy to do anything, he must be a playboy, but if he has no feelings for women at all, people will think that he is physically ill.

Li Wan didn't care about Aunt Li's complaints and continued, "Besides, given Wen'er and Qi'er's status, the old lady and the second lady would not agree."

It is true that her Li family is a noble family, but Li Wen and Li Qi are just side branches and cannot share the reputation. Even if Baoyu is not from the eldest branch who inherited the title, the status of a son of a Duke's Mansion is not something they can afford to marry.

Aunt Li chuckled and said, "Wan'er, I am not someone who is too ambitious. I don't expect them to be my wife. If they are of good character, it's fine for them to be my concubine."

This time she brought her two daughters to visit relatives, but actually to seek refuge. Life was hard in poverty, so Aunt Li did not have any extravagant hopes of becoming rich overnight. She only hoped to find a good man so that they would not suffer.

Upon hearing this, Li Wan lowered her eyes and remained silent.

To be honest, letting a daughter be a concubine does seem like climbing the social ladder, but she has long passed the age of girlish dreams and understands the cruelty of real life. With the voices of Li Wen and Li Qi, the most she can do is marry into a small family and become the main wife, managing the daily necessities of life and living a very poor life.

Li Wan could understand Aunt Li's behavior.

After pondering for a while, Li Wan couldn't help but warn: "If you have such thoughts, then don't look for Baoyu."

It's okay for her to be Baoyu's wife, but it's absolutely unacceptable for her to be a concubine. Not to mention that her mother-in-law is two-faced and difficult to get along with, just considering Baoyu's immature temperament, being her concubine would ultimately make things difficult for his two cousins.

Hearing this, Aunt Li's eyes flickered slightly. After a pause, she nodded and said, "Well, I'll listen to you."

Since Li Wan said so, she had no reason not to believe it.

To be honest, although Baoyu looks like a handsome man, I don't know why, but I always feel that Baoyu is a little silly and not smart enough.

Originally, she thought that Baoyu was just too young and didn't understand things well, but after hearing Li Wan's reminder, Aunt Li realized that this was a person who couldn't take responsibility.

It's good that she is looking for a supporter for her daughter, but she is not the kind of person who would sell her daughter just for some wealth.

Thinking of this, Aunt Li was moved. She looked at Li Wan with her eyes twinkling, and suddenly asked, "Wan'er, what is the character of the Prince of Beijing?"

Lang'er is currently in Prince Beijing's mansion. He has heard that the Prince of Beijing is a kind person. If that is true, his two daughters will be favored by the prince, which is many times better than Baoyu.

Li Wan's body trembled when she heard that. An unnatural look appeared on her beautiful face. She felt strange in her heart. She said in a strange tone, "The prince is fine."

Aunt Li's heart moved, her eyes flashed with a hint of light, and she hurriedly asked, "What is the best way, Wan'er, tell me."

"This"

There was a barely perceptible blush on Li Wan's pretty face, and she felt a strange sense of belonging in her heart, so much so that even the weaving and embroidery movements in her hands were a little awkward.

How could she describe the prince's good qualities? Could she say that the prince was tall and handsome?

"What's wrong? There's nothing to be ashamed of." Aunt Li didn't know why Li Wan was shy. Although she felt a little strange, she didn't think too much about it.

After all, she didn't expect that the widowed Wan'er's heart and eyes were already full of traces of the prince.

Li Wan's face paused, her long eyelashes trembling, and she said softly, "The prince is humble and kind to others, but he is a bit lustful. There are so many people in the palace that you can't count them with two hands, but he treats them very well."

Not to mention her, a widow, even the nephew's wife in the next courtyard was not spared, and he had collusion with her. It was not just lustful, but extremely greedy.

But Li Wan knew in her heart that she had been tricked by Zhen Hua and could no longer stop herself. She also knew that the prince treated the people around him quite well.

Hearing this, Aunt Li's eyes lit up.

Isn't this what she wanted? Since the prince is not a heartless person and his status is noble, if her daughter can win the prince's favor, then she doesn't have to worry about her two daughters.

After a moment of silence, Aunt Li looked at Li Wan intently and said, "Wan'er, do you want to go to Prince Beijing's mansion to visit Brother Lan?"

"Ok!"

Li Wan was surprised, but soon understood that her aunt wanted to take the opportunity of visiting Lang'er to introduce Wen'er and Qi'er to the prince.

Aunt Li didn't care about Li Wan's surprise. Instead, she said earnestly, "Wan'er, Wen'er and Qi'er are your cousins. If you think the prince is humble, you have to help him. You can't just watch them go home without a place to stay!"

Li Wan: “.”

Asking her to help with the introduction is like a chicken paying a New Year's visit to a weasel, it's just a waste of time!

Ningrong Street, the former residence of the Duke of Ning. In the small porch, pearl curtains were hung, smoke curled up, and the fragrance was fragrant. Zhen Hua sat upright on a soft couch, her black hair was tied with pearls and jade, and her temples were slanted with jade hairpins. She was as beautiful as peach and plum, and her eyebrows were curved.

At this moment, the beauty looked at the little maid kneeling in the hall with a tender look in her eyes. She took a sip of tea from the cup with her delicate hands and said softly, "You also know my rules. I cannot tolerate people with dirty hands and feet."

Although he didn't look angry, he had an aura of majesty without even getting angry.

The little maidservant trembled and cried, "I was blinded by my own greed. Please forgive me this time, madam."

"Ah"

Zhen Hua sneered, and said no more. She winked at the nanny beside her, and the nanny came forward and dragged the little maid away.

She would not be merciful to the maids with dirty hands and feet.

The maid Jingzhe walked in, ignoring the little maid who was being dragged and crying, and walked forward with a smile on her face and said, "Miss, the prince is here."

"The prince is here."

Zhen Hua's heart trembled when she heard that, and she straightened up unconsciously, her delicate eyes and eyebrows filled with surprise.

The pain of an orphan and a widow guarding this house alone is beyond words, but now she never expected that her cousin would come to find her, which is not a happy thing.

Jingzhe nodded and said, "Yes, the prince is coming this way."

Zhen Hua was overjoyed, and immediately put on her makeup in a hurry. She asked nervously with a somewhat urgent tone: "Jingzhe, is there anything wrong with me?"

"The girl is fine, the prince will surely be happy to see her." Jingzhe complimented with a smile.

Zhen Hua felt relieved when she heard this. Her bright eyes under her willow-leaf brows looked out the door. Suddenly, she seemed to remember something and ordered, "Jingzhe, go call Youshi."

It's a rare occasion for my cousin to come, so we must let him enjoy himself. If it weren't for the sudden incident, we would have to call Aunt Zhu from the Rongguo Mansion to come in case of emergency.

Jingzhe's heart moved when she heard the words. She narrowed her eyes, lowered her delicate head, responded, and then retreated.

Not long after, Shui Rong walked in, looked up at the beauty sitting on the couch, and called softly, "Hua'er."

Zhen Hua was delighted. Her beautiful eyes under her willow-shaped eyebrows looked at the young man with affection. Her charming voice was filled with joy as she said, "Cousin, you are here."

In fact, in the beautiful woman's heart, she still felt quite resentful towards the young man in front of her. After all, it was his fault for taking so long to come and see her, which really made her suffer.

But when he saw the young man in front of him, all the resentment disappeared.

Shui Rong stepped closer and gazed at the beautiful woman's face, which was as white as snow. She looked like a blooming peony, bright and charming. He said softly, "Hua'er, do you miss me?"

Zhen Hua did not answer. She stood up and rushed over. She wrapped her slender arms around the boy's neck and started biting it, expressing her longing for him with her actions.

Shui Rong held the beautiful woman's waist, his nose filled with her sweet fragrance, and he felt helpless.

Originally, I wanted to have a chat and reminisce about the old times, but who would have thought that my cousin was too resentful and didn't even need this stage. She just poured out her heart directly, which showed how sad this beautiful lady was.

Well, let her be.

"Cousin, why are you free to come here today?"

A blush appeared on Zhen Hua's cheeks, and her beautiful eyes under her slender eyebrows looked at the young man in front of her. Her tone seemed to carry a hint of reproach, as if she was saying: Cousin, why did you come just now?

Shui Rong chuckled and said, "I wanted to draw, so I came here secretly."

To be honest, Shui Rong was bored and happened to think of his cousin here, so he secretly came over to comfort his sweet cousin.

Hearing this, Zhen Hua rolled her eyes at the young man and snorted, "Don't think I don't know. I'm afraid you are tired of the food at home, so you thought of this wild food of mine."

If I really miss myself, I should have come here a long time ago. Why did I come only now and make people wait so long?

Shui Rong was speechless when he heard this. His sweet cousin used to be so gentle and well-behaved, but now she even said such self-deprecating words. He really didn't know what to say.

Perhaps this is the sorrow of being alone in an empty room that makes a person unrecognizable.

But Shui Rong didn't care. After all, it was because of him that his sweet cousin had this change, which caught people off guard.

What's more, such a sweet cousin makes Shui Rong even happier, or as Zhen Hua said, he came here to hunt for food.

Reaching out and pinching the beauty's cheek, Shui Rong smiled and said, "Okay, it's my cousin's fault. Today, I'll let you do whatever you want. As long as Hua'er is happy, it's fine."

"That's pretty much it."

Zhen Hua was delighted. She gave the boy a reproachful look with her beautiful, clear eyes. Then she slowly squatted down and put her slender hands on the boy's belt.

Although I feel resentful, I am comforted by my cousin's attitude.

Shui Rong couldn't help but laugh when he saw this. Zhen Hua had previously shown that she missed him through her actions, but in Shui Rong's opinion, this sweet cousin might be thinking about more than just him!

Shui Rong frowned and stared at the soft brocade couch with a leisurely look.

Not long after, Shui Rong heard a slight sound of footsteps. He couldn't help but frowned and looked back outside the door. He saw a beautiful figure standing under the eaves. It was Youshi.

Yu's cheeks turned pink and she felt a little embarrassed. Even though the prince's figure was blocking her view, she knew what her daughter-in-law was doing.

"Why are you here?" Shui Rong didn't expect You Shi to come here suddenly. He was a little surprised and couldn't help but ask.

You Shi's heart paused, she turned her head slightly, and replied somewhat embarrassedly: "Your Majesty, Hua'er sent someone to ask me to come here."

When Jingzhe came to find her before, he told her that the prince had come and asked her to come over and do something. She knew it in her heart, after all, this was not the first time.

Zhen Hua raised her beautiful head, her sparkling eyes looked up at the young man's handsome face, pursed her lips and said, "Cousin, I asked my mother-in-law to come here, aren't you happy?"

Humph, she was well aware of the subtle changes in her cousin's face when he saw Youshi coming. He must be very happy at this moment!
Shui Rong looked straight ahead, gently stroking the beautiful woman's head with his hand, but said nothing.

Zhen Hua, who knew the truth, did not expose the boy's little thoughts. She turned her head to look at the beautiful Youshi and called out, "Mother-in-law, come here."

Yu's delicate body trembled, and her face was as rosy as clouds, bright and charming. Seeing that the young man did not refuse, she bit her pink lips lightly with her pearly teeth, then moved closer with light lotus steps.

Since I'm here, I've made mental preparations.

Besides, it’s not just Zhen Hua who is alone in her empty room, she is the same. In fact, compared with Zhen Hua, her life at this age is even more difficult.

Shui Rong looked at Youshi, who was hanging her head in front of him, and felt very strange. It was said that the mother-in-law was the nemesis of the daughter-in-law, but this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair were obviously the opposite of each other.

At this time, Zhen Hua stood up, without saying much, and touched her belt with her slender hands, then bent down in front of the beauty table, looking at the boy with her beautiful eyes under her willow-leaf eyebrows, and said coquettishly: "Cousin~"

Shui Rong smiled knowingly upon seeing this, and without hesitation, he moved closer.

"Ok!"

Zhen Huani hummed. The long-lost touch made her heart beat fast. Her two beautiful eyelashes closed slightly, and her mind was immersed in it.

Zhen Hua's sweet humming lingered in Youshi's ears, her snow-white face flushed as red as a beautiful peony. Suddenly, a hand was placed on her arm, she staggered, and fell on the young man.

"Your Majesty. Um~"

Before she could finish her words, the young man came forward. Feeling the young man's willfulness, the beautiful woman's heart was beating fast. (End of this chapter)