Red Mansion Huacai

Chapter 142 Gathering
Qingwen blushed and said after a long while: "How old is the Fourth Master? The Second Master Bao of Rongguo Mansion is two years younger than the Fourth Master. He has been hanging out with the maids for a long time."

Fu Qiufang frowned. Baoyu looked frivolous and didn't know how to love himself at such an age.

Qingwen seemed to be explaining again, and whispered: "There are some things that Sister Fu doesn't know. The fourth master had a lot of contact with the second girl of the eldest master's family earlier. The eldest lady didn't know what she thought, and invited the fourth master to have a drink. It just so happened that the Fourth Master was getting rich at that moment, so the eldest lady poured the unstarted medicine into the wine."

"Ah?" Fu Qiufang was shocked.

Qingwen said: "Fortunately, Fourth Master still maintained his innocence and escaped in the end. If not, he will definitely be manipulated by the eldest master and eldest lady at will in the future. But because of this, he was robbed by Hu Meizi on the way. ."

"Fox Meizi?"

Qingwen gritted her teeth and said bitterly: "It's Siqi who lives next to the second girl. This man has no respect for himself. He had an affair with the young boy earlier. Later, when the young boy got into trouble, she begged the Fourth Master to save him. The boy in front of me didn't even look at himself in the mirror, so he said that he would sacrifice his life to save the life of the fourth master."

"Then he—"

"The fourth master naturally refused. Afterwards, for some reason, the young boy was married to Jiubian, and Siqi fell in love with the fourth master, and looked for an opportunity to show his courtesy. If the eldest lady hadn't given him the medicine, then the foxy boy would... The fourth master won’t even take a look!”

Fu Qiufang was thoughtful. He knew that there were many discords in the homes of wealthy families, but he didn't expect the situation in Rongguo Mansion to be so chaotic.Thanks to his deep city, others would have broken up with him long ago.

Qingwen said again: "That's why the fourth master... knows what it's like. In addition, the fourth master always has a secret meeting with the Siqi every month. We, we are also afraid Fourth Master is addicted to it, so he did it as a last resort."

Fu Qiufang nodded and said, "It's hard for my sister."

Qingwen smiled and shook her head, but said nothing more.Fu Qiufang thought to herself that Qingwen's words were only half true and half false.How could an ordinary maid sacrifice her face to serve someone like this?I'm afraid Qingwen takes the master very seriously in her heart.

Thinking about it this way, it's no wonder that Hongyu gave him a show of strength last time.Apart from her status, in terms of first come, first served, she was not as early as Qingwen, Hongyu and others.

These mistresses who had their own future were relieved of their headaches. Fu Qiufang was contented. After getting the truth from Qingwen's mouth, she turned around and called four maids to discuss the appointment.

The four maids still have no status, so each of them is still entitled to three days. Fu Qiufang has two more days since she has status.

Fu Qiufang originally wanted to go to Xiangshan Temple to worship Buddha when she had time. Seeing that Li Weijian was busy with business these days, she didn't mention it until Li Weijian was free in the future.

In a blink of an eye, it’s the fourth day of June.

On this day, Jia Yun personally escorted two carriages to the garden.Not to mention rice, flour, grains, oils, and various dishes, two chefs from Xianluju were also accompanying them.

These two are brothers, and their ancestor was an imperial chef who came from the former Ming Palace. He is best at fusion of exquisite dishes from the north and the south.Just for these two three days' wages, Li Weijian wasted 40 taels of silver.

The dishes brought down are certainly extraordinary, including mountain delicacies from Liaodong, fusang figurines, and fresh river freshness.Speaking of the figurine alone, the dried abalone inside is about the size of a palm.

These two carts of delicacies from mountains and seas would cost thousands of taels of silver.Without letting Li Weijian come forward, Fu Qiufang counted the ingredients, called two chefs and two cooks, discussed and drafted the recipe, and left it to entertain Rong Guofu and others tomorrow.

Afterwards, Fu Qiufang brought the recipe and asked Li Weijian for his opinion. Li Weijian took a brief look at it and became more and more satisfied.Having such a virtuous wife saves him a lot of trouble.

After looking at it carefully, he crossed out two dishes and added two more, and the menu of a total of eighteen dishes was decided.

In the past two days, Li Weijian had some ideas. Suddenly he remembered that Fu Qiufang wanted to worship Buddha that day, so he smiled and said: "I forgot about it these past two days. After entertaining the brothers and sisters in Rongguo Mansion, I will take you to Xiangshan Temple." Pay homage to Buddha.”

Fu Qiufang just smiled and shook his head: "I'm busy with business, it's important. It's still a long time, and it will be the same after a while when I'm not busy anymore."

"Then I'll go there when I have free time in a few days."

Fu Qiufang nodded in agreement. There was nothing else to do that day.At night, after dinner, Fu Qiufang pushed Li Weijian out of the room, saying that since the rules had been set, she would always take the lead in abiding by them.

Li Weijian has eaten meat, so how can he be patient enough to scratch the itch?It's just that Fu Qiufang was too virtuous and actually pushed him out.

After sighing, Li Weijian had no choice but to go to the side room and rest for a good night with Xiang Ling in his arms.

When the weather turns around, I get up early and start working up and down.A few maids and the Ding family swept the garden, and even took care of several small courtyards where guests lived.

At noon, the Rongguo Mansion sent a steward and a boy to report that besides Grandma Zhu, Li Wan and Jia Lan, Baoyu, Sanchun, Daiyu, Baochai, Jia Huan and Xiang were also here. Yun said that Jia's mother was afraid that Li Wan would not take good care of her, so she sent Jia Lian to accompany her.

It’s not that I don’t know, it’s just that I’m shocked!Together with the maid, mother-in-law and young boy, there are forty or fifty people in one place!The person in charge came to ask for advice, wondering how the garden could be arranged.

Li Weijian was still thinking, and Fu Qiufang mused: "Eldest sister and Brother Lang naturally want to live in a separate courtyard. Several girls are put together in pairs, and four guest courtyards can be accommodated.

Second Master Lian is old, why not live alone in Zhiyuan Hall?Baoyu and Brother Huan were of the same age and happened to live in Zhichuntang.Master, do you think it's okay for me to be arranged like this? "

Li Weijian nodded: "It's most appropriate."

Immediately inform the steward, and the steward follows the order and leaves.

We have to entertain guests tomorrow, so we were busy up and down today. Thanks to Fu Qiufang and Hongyu, they assigned the maids to go around, and everything was finally done before nightfall.

When it was almost noon, Wu Zhong, who had gone out to investigate, came back to report that the Rongguo Mansion's convoy had passed Yuquan Mountain and would arrive in about half an hour.

Li Weijian waited for a while, and took advantage of the time to lead Fu Qiufang and Qingwen to the door to greet them. After a while, he saw a dozen carriages and horse teams driving towards them in a mighty manner.

As they approached, Jia Lian, who was riding a horse, dismounted first, smiled and said with cupped hands, "Brother Jian, I'm sorry for bothering you this time."

Li Weijian raised his hands to welcome him: "Brother Lian, what you said is wrong. I insisted on inviting you, so why bother? Is the journey going smoothly?"

Jia Lian said: "It's been a smooth journey. This year has been good and the weather has been good. The victims outside Hedgehog City in March have dispersed long ago. The capital is the most benign place. How can the thieves dare to disturb Tai Sui?"

While he was talking, the carriage had stopped. Li Wan led Jia Lan out of the carriage first, and Li Weijian stepped forward to greet him.

After all, it was his sister. With a little courtesy, Li Wan scanned the garden behind and said: "This place is quite quiet. Brother Jian, this garden is worth buying. There is a lot of dust in the capital right now, and it will be boring to ride in a carriage for a while." I'm covered in sweat. This fragrant mountain is still quiet and cool."

Li Weijian smiled and said, "If eldest sister likes it, just come when you have time." Li Wan agreed with a smile and urged Jia Lan to come forward to see the gift.

In the back compartment, Baoyu was like a butterfly wearing flowers, wandering among the warblers and swallows, but did not come forward for a long time.It wasn't until all the girls came forward that Baoyu followed.

Everyone greeted each other, and Xiangyun, who was dressed in red gauze, laughed and said, "Fourth brother Jian, don't be surprised if I come uninvited."

Li Weijian smiled and said, "What did Sister Shi say? I'm afraid of neglecting this charming guest who can't even be invited."

"Brother Jian is really good at talking, so I'll take him seriously."

Xiangyun smiled and stepped back. Li Weijian glanced at the girls, only briefly stopping at Daiyu, Baochai and the other two girls.Maybe since they rarely travel like this, Daiyu is showing joy at this moment; Baochai is as demure as usual; but the two girls are welcoming the spring, they haven't seen each other for a few days, and their eyes are full of tenderness and sweetness.

Li Weijian greeted everyone into the garden, walked side by side with Jia Lian, and asked when the meal was served.

Jia Lian then said that they came out of Rongguo Mansion after having breakfast and had some snacks on the way, so no one was hungry at this time.Li Weijian then ordered a banquet to be held at Shenshi.

Over there, Fu Qiufang accompanied Li Wan and discussed the accommodation arrangements. Li Wan could not fault anything, praised Fu Qiufang a few more words, and then led the girls towards the four guest courtyards.

Jia Lian was placed in Zhiyuan Hall, which was guarded at the entrance of the garden and was easily accessible.

Baoyu and Jia Huan followed. I don't know whether Fu Qiufang did it intentionally or not, but this place is at the east end of the garden, and it is inconvenient to go anywhere.And if you want to go to the guest house in the northwest, you have to pass by Jia Lian's Zhiyuan Hall.

Jia Huan was very happy to see the magnificence of this place, so he left the two maids and ran inside.Baoyu frowned and pondered, then turned to Li Weijian and said, "Fourth Brother Jian, why do you place me here? Why don't you stay in the guest courtyard with your sisters?"

Li Weijian smiled and said: "Brother Bao, the guest courtyard is reserved for the girls. Why don't you consider which two girls are easy to talk to and discuss a swap with them?"

"This--"

Baoyu wanted to be close to the sisters, but he didn't want to annoy them.And this place is larger than Zhiyuan Hall, so it is just right for him and Jia Huan to live here.If he were transferred to Jia Lian's Zhiyuan Hall, the eight maids accompanying him would not be able to be accommodated.

Baoyu cursed in his heart, but he had to agree and said: "I can't stay here for only three days, so I don't have to worry about it anymore. I just want to live here."

"Brother Bao, just be satisfied. We will set a time for the banquet. Brother Bao, please rest for a while. I will ask the maid to invite you."

Baoyu then cupped his hands and said, "Fourth brother Jian, go on your own. I've been riding in a carriage all morning and I'm feeling really depressed right now. I just want to take a walk around."

Li Weijian stopped caring about Baoyu and went to the small courtyard where the guests lived.

Baoyu was about to go out for a walk, but Xiren and Meiren hurriedly stopped him. Meiren said, "Second Master, I'm sweating all over the road. How uncomfortable are these sweaty clothes? It's better to change your clothes and go for a walk."

"Okay, then change quickly."

But after a moment, Baoyu took on a new look, ordered Xiren and Meiren to accompany him, and happily walked out of the door.Jia Huan brought two maids with him, both of whom were the eldest maids around him. (Note [-])

When he saw Baoyu coming out of the door, he didn't want his maid to accompany him, so he got up and chased him out.

He shouted to himself: "Brother Bao, let's go shopping together."

Jia Huan smiled on his face, but when he walked, he squinted his shoulders and squinted, secretly holding back his anger.Aunt Zhao provoked her every day, and Mrs. Wang and Wang Xifeng repeatedly suppressed her. The old lady was not happy, so all the servants in the house were able to bully Jia Huan.

Although he is young, how can he not hate Baoyu in his heart after experiencing this for many years?
It was during this time that I came to stay in the garden for a while. The girl next to me got the news early in the morning, but Jia Huan was the last to know.If Aunt Zhao hadn't made such a fuss, it would have been a matter of debate whether she would take him with her or not this time.

Because Jia Huan secretly hated Li Weijian.When Li Weijian came to the house for the first time, he gave Baoyu and his sisters gifts, but accidentally left Jia Huan behind.

Aunt Zhao scolded her a lot for this.Originally, they only thought that Li Weijian was a poor relative who was fighting against the autumn wind, so they just scolded him and let it go. Aunt Zhao and Jia Huan never cared about it.

Who would have expected that in just two months, Li Weijian would create such a huge battle.This is not a poor relative!

Last time, Aunt Zhao was thinking of setting up a matchmaking relationship between Tanchun and Li Weijian, the third girl in the family. However, Tanchun was too young, and because of the issue with her buttocks, she was delayed.

Aunt Zhao invited her for a drink, and she finally formed a good relationship. Unexpectedly, Li Weijian forgot about Jia Huan this time!Because before leaving, Aunt Zhao said some strange things.

Jia Huan followed Baoyu as he walked among the waterside pavilions. Jia Huan looked around secretly. However, Baoyu brought four maids with him at this time. If this is not the case, wouldn't it be nice to push him into the water?
After walking around for a while, he turned out from the back of Zhiyuan Hall and saw a beautiful woman leading a maid, Pingting, towards her residence in the northeast.

Jia Huan had never seen Fu Qiufang before, so if he glanced sideways, he was sure it was a female member of Li Weijian's family.He took two steps forward and grabbed Baoyu, pointing his finger: "Brother Bao, look, whose girl is that?"

"Ok?"

Baoyu stopped and looked over there.Among the green willows and flowers, the woman had a graceful figure and a quiet face, but she didn't pay attention to it. She kept walking towards the mansion.

Baoyu smiled and said, "I have seen this girl before."

Thinking of the meeting with Fu Qiufang that day and hearing that she had become Li Weijian's concubine, Baoyu suddenly felt pity.

He said: "How can such a beautiful lady be a concubine? No, I have to persuade Miss Fu."

After saying that, he walked away. Xiren immediately became anxious and chased after her: "Second Master Bao, Miss Fu has already passed the door. What's the use of Second Master Bao's persuasion now?"

Meiren even said: "Second Master Bao, that mansion is the inner residence of Fourth Master Jian, so it's not easy to enter."

Baoyu was used to being pampered by Mrs. Wang and Jiamu at home. He never cared about whether it was the inner house or not. He kept walking and said: "It was just a few words, why did it get involved in the inner house? I am a relative of my own." Isn’t he considered a foreigner?”

　Note 3: Calculated based on the monthly money, in the original book, three coins received by Aunt Zhao are missing. Jia Huan is a serious man in the Rongguo Mansion, so these three coins should be the monthly coins of the maids around him.

　　A second-class maid earns 1 condom, and a rough servant maid costs 500, which is exactly the same as 3 condoms.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)