Red Mansion Huacai

Chapter 360 No One Helps Me to Achieve My Ambition

In the east room of Zhichun Hall, Ping Er was sitting on the couch, absentmindedly knitting her brocade. Thinking about what Feng Jieer had said before, she couldn't help but feel uneasy. The Fourth Master Jian was naturally a good person. If she could be cherished by such a good man, it would be a blessing in this life.

But she had been taken in by Master Lian early in the morning. From ancient times to the present, there is no two suns in the sky and no two masters in the world. How could a woman marry two husbands? If this were to get out, how would she be any different from those wandering women in the world?

But Sister Feng kept forcing her, and if she didn't give in, she was afraid that she would be in trouble in the future. Ping'er was at a loss for a moment, and she just thought about it randomly, hoping that there would be a way to have both when the time came.

Outside, cicadas chirped, and suddenly there was a scream from the west. I heard the second wife lower her voice and scolded, "You are pregnant, you——"

It seemed as if Fourth Master Jian whispered something to her. After a moment, Second Mistress whispered, "Then be gentler..."

Ping'er blushed as she heard this, and couldn't help thinking to herself, how dare you do this when your grandmother is already so pregnant? Aren't you afraid of disturbing the fetus? Fourth Master Jian usually seems to be a well-behaved person, why is he so careless now?

Little did she know that being pregnant made her want that kind of thing more than usual. Li Weijian comforted her with gentle words and coaxed her, and Feng Jieer was reluctant but willing, but finally agreed. Although they didn't really make love, they were able to win over her with words. After a while, Feng Jieer suppressed a sweet groan, and then there was no sound.

Ping'er felt the same way when she heard it, and she crossed her legs and wished she could twist them together.

After a while, Feng Jieer opened her eyes with a ruddy face, looked at Li Weijian who was in amusement, and immediately hit him lightly with an angry look, and whispered: "Ping'er's little hoof is in the east corner, you go find her."

Li Weijian smiled and said, "Is that really the case?"

"Don't be so ungrateful after getting an advantage!"

Li Weijian made a sound of "tsk", stood up and went to the east side room. After passing the hall and arriving at the east side room, Ping'er heard the footsteps and her heart seemed to jump out of her throat. When she looked up and saw Li Weijian coming, Ping'er stood up in a panic and called "Master Jian Si", then stood there biting her lower lip and unable to speak.

Li Weijian was indeed a womanizer, but it was always consensual. He was naturally unwilling to do such things under coercion and inducement. He glanced and saw a screen next to the soft couch in the east room, with a clean bucket behind it. Feng Jieer was in her advanced period, so she had to change clothes more frequently than usual.

The clean bucket was covered with a lid and there was some frankincense burning beside it, so there was no strange smell at all. Li Weijian nodded in response, and when he came closer and looked down, he saw that Ping'er's face was red with arrogance.

Li Weijian whispered, "Miss Ping'er... do you know everything?"

Ping'er said nothing, lowered her head, gritted her teeth and nodded. Li Weijian sighed and said, "Then I'm sorry."

As he spoke, he stretched out his hand and pulled Ping'er behind the screen. Ping'er screamed, and quickly covered her mouth, only looking at Li Weijian in confusion.

Seeing Li Weijian approaching little by little, Ping'er took a step back, but she was right against the wall, with nowhere to go. Then she closed her eyes again, pretending to let him torture her.

Unexpectedly, Li Weijian whispered in her ear: "I'm sorry, you have to appease your second sister-in-law, otherwise Miss Ping'er and I will have a hard time."

Ping'er opened her eyes, still puzzled, and then half of her soft body was captured by a big hand. Ping'er opened her mouth to say something, and felt a warm breath against her neck, and every breath made her feel numb. After a while, the skirt was lifted up, and the other hand began to caress through the underwear.

Ping'er had just listened to the words from Qiangen'er, and her anger was already rising. Li Weijian was also an expert in this field, and in just a moment Ping'er could not help but moan softly.

There were sounds of footsteps outside, and Li Weijian knew that it must be Sister Feng who was worried and came over to see what was happening, so he quickly turned Ping'er around. Ping'er was unstable, so she reached out and grabbed the upper edge of the screen.

Wang Xifeng walked through the hall to the east side room, and peeped through the treasure pavilion, and saw the two people arguing behind the screen. After watching for a while, Wang Xifeng faintly heard Ping'er's heavy breathing, and thought it must be fake, so she turned around and poured herself a cup of tea, rinsed her mouth briefly, and then thought about it. She had never tried that position before.

At this moment, Ping'er suddenly groaned. Fengjie turned her head to look and saw that the hands grabbing the upper edge of the screen were clasped tightly, with the knuckles turning blue and white. In a moment, they seemed to have no strength left, and the figure behind the screen suddenly collapsed like mud.

Feng Jieer was pleased at first, but then she squinted her eyes and thought to herself, Ping'er is usually very serious, but now she seems to have lost her soul? I will ask her in detail what it feels like when I get back.

Feng Jieer had just lost her money and was now tired, so she went back to the bed to rest.

In the east room, Li Weijian picked up Ping'er and put her on the couch. Ping'er was too embarrassed to face anyone at this moment, so she just curled up on the couch with her head tilted and eyes closed.

Li Weijian leaned forward and whispered, "Then you take a rest. I'll talk to Second Madam for a few words and then I'll be back."

"Fourth Master." Ping'er suddenly called Li Weijian, took out a towel from her waist and handed it to Li Weijian, blushing and saying, "Fourth Master, wipe it."

Li Weijian wiped his hands hastily, and seeing Ping'er turned over again and dared not see anyone, he smiled and stood up and went to the west room.

Lying on the soft couch, Ping'er's heartbeat had not yet calmed down. Since she was taken into the room, with the permission of the Second Mistress, she had only accompanied Second Master Lian more than a dozen times, but it had never been like this.

I was just responding to the matter in vain, and nothing really happened. It seems like I have lost my soul just now.

The conversation between the Second Mistress and Fourth Master Jian came from the west room, but Ping'er had no time to listen. Her mind was in a state of confusion, and the image of Fourth Master Jian appeared in front of her eyes from time to time.

Suddenly, she felt sad. If she had been taken in by Second Master Lian, maybe if she had asked Second Madam to agree, she could have followed Fourth Master Jian. Now, she could only think about it.

After a while, Sister Feng called out, "Someone come and see Brother Jian off."

Feng Er went inside, and then Feng Jieer said, "I talked with Brother Jian for a long time, but Ping Er got sleepy and is probably sleeping soundly now. Please see Brother Jian off for me."

Feng Er agreed and led Li Weijian out. When they arrived in front of the Treasure Pavilion, Li Weijian turned his head and glanced at the eastern end.

Ping'er, who was sitting on the couch, looked around, met those clear eyes for a moment, and then immediately looked away.

For some reason, my heartbeat was even faster than before.

After Fourth Master Jian left, Ping'er suddenly felt lost and a little self-pitying. After a moment, she sighed, thinking that as a maid, how could she make her own decisions?
"Ping'er, come here."

When Feng Jieer called her, Ping'er got up reluctantly, spread out her skirt and walked towards the west room.

When I entered, I saw Sister Feng lying on the bed with her cheek propped up.

Ping'er came closer and called out softly, "Grandma, are you calling me?"

Sister Feng patted the bed, and Ping'er had to sit down reluctantly.

Knowing that Ping'er was feeling awkward, Feng Jieer said, "I just discussed with Brother Jian and decided that we should not go to the Black Mountain Manor. The combined income of the manors is less than 20,000 taels a year."

Ping Er was a little surprised, as she had never expected that Feng Jieer would suddenly talk about serious matters. So she asked hurriedly, "So, have you been saving the thirty or forty thousand silver coins that Madam has?"

Feng Jieer said, "In a few days, a company will issue bonds with an annual interest rate of 10%, and the principal and interest will be paid off in three years. He is right. I am already disliked by others. If I try to make a living, I am afraid that some people will have bad intentions."

Is there anyone? Although Mr. Lian is unreliable, he doesn't seem to be able to do such a thing. On the contrary, the newly married You Erjie, as well as Youshi and Mrs. Xing, might really harm the Second Mistress out of jealousy in order to seize her body and dowry.

Ping Er nodded and said, "Madam, you are right. Even if it is only 10%, it is not a small amount. Think about the water conservancy shares, which only pay 5%, but they still attract a lot of people. The principal and interest will be repaid in three years, which is more than 10,000 silver coins. If Madam adds some privately, I am afraid it will be enough for Qiaojie's dowry." After a pause, she continued, "But we need to send people to inspect the farm in Liaodong, otherwise I don't know how the Wu brothers will appease Madam."

Wang Xifeng said coldly, "Why would I rush to offend someone? Since your second master has secretly married someone, I will not care about this matter. Anyway, it is all public money that is lost. If there is no money in the future, whoever wants to offend others can go and investigate!"

Ping'er wanted to persuade her, but knowing that Fengjie was still angry, she simply did not reply.

Wang Xifeng snorted twice, and suddenly glanced at Ping'er with her phoenix eyes: "How did it taste just now?"

Ping'er's face turned red instantly and she kept silent again.

Wang Xifeng giggled twice, raised Ping'er's chin and said, "Follow me carefully, and you will definitely get benefits in the future." After a pause, she said, "You don't need to drink the contraceptive soup."

"what?"

Sister Feng said, "If it is true, I will send you back later, and we can conceal it."

Ping'er didn't know what to do. Look at the Second Madam's attitude, as if she would not be relieved until she got pregnant? This was the only time I had sex with Fourth Master Jian, but I didn't expect there would be a sequel... But could I really bear this sequel?

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Li Weijian had no idea what Feng Jieer and Ping Er were thinking. He just rode his horse towards his own garden under the rising sun.

When they arrived at Jingyuan, Daiyu had not returned yet, and Xiangling and Xiuying were both sleepy and taking a nap. Qingwen had just woken up and came to greet them with sleepy eyes, but was stared at by Li Weijian, who made her feel puzzled. Then he dragged her to the study room at the back to have some fun.

After the two of them were dressed, Qingwen suddenly asked suspiciously, "What did the Fourth Master see outside?" Li Weijian argued, "Don't mention it. I went to Xiangshan after the court session and happened to meet my second sister-in-law for a tonic meal. She had a whole pot of garlic oysters. I thought it was good, so I ate a few more bites. Who knew I couldn't help it when I came back."

Qingwen immediately started to chuckle and said, "Master, you are still young. It would be better for you to eat less leek, mutton, oysters and other irritating foods in the future."

Li Weijian thought to himself that this time, Oyster had been wrongly treated. In fact, he had just comforted two poor women, but he had to go back alone.

The two of them came out of the study and went to the front hall. At this time, Xiangling and Xiuying also woke up. After a few words, another eunuch brought a few watermelons, saying that they were the first crop of Daxing. The emperor gave some to the ministers who accompanied him to taste.

This year, there was not too much rain, so watermelons were delicious. Watermelons at this time are divided into two types: one is thick-skinned and has a soft flesh, with not much edible part and a slightly sweet taste; the other is a seeded watermelon, which has little flesh when you open it, so you can just dig out the flesh, dry the seeds, and fry them before eating.

Li Weijian lost interest after eating one piece, thinking to himself that it was a pity that he knew the results but not the reasons, and had no idea how to improve the watermelon. He was afraid that he would never be able to eat the kind of watermelon that would be available in the future in his lifetime.

Suddenly a maid came back and said that Daiyu had already returned.

Sure enough, a little later, Daiyu led Zijuan and Xueyan to the Qingyin Pavilion. Today, Daiyu was wearing a pink dress with a pink stand-up collar, a pink and orange embroidered plum blossom silk jacket, a cream-white embroidered silk skirt, and a pearl hairpin and warm yellow palace flowers in her bun, looking delicate and dignified.

Li Weijian came over, took her hand and sat down, saying, "Sister, are you okay?"

Daiyu smiled and said, "It's all good. The Imperial Concubine took pity on my young age and took care of me many times. The other ladies were also very friendly. I wandered around the two gardens with the Imperial Concubine, and just had some warm tea and snacks before returning." After a pause, she added, "My elder sister is here too today."

Li Wan went there too?
Daiyu smiled and said, "Big sister has been talking to Consort Xian De for quite a while. I have been following Consort Gui, so it is not easy for me to get close to them."

This was a very thoughtful arrangement. Since Li Wan had left, Yuanchun could just tell Li Wan what she wanted to say. If Daiyu was alone, it would be hard for her to avoid it.

Xueyan at the side said with a smile: "Not only that, the Madam made a poem impromptu, which caused the Imperial Concubine to praise her endlessly. I heard that the Madam was in poor health, so I specially invited the imperial physician to treat her."

Li Weijian smiled and said, "It is also the kindness of the Imperial Concubine. I was thinking of asking the Imperial Physician tomorrow. So, what did the Imperial Physician say?"

Daiyu pursed her lips and said unhappily, "It's still the same as before, but I'm afraid I can't go on the northern tour with my fourth brother this time."

Zijuan hurriedly said, "The Imperial Concubine said that this northern tour is very hard. We have to walk seventy or eighty miles every day. We can't eat or bathe as we like. Besides, it's snowing outside the Great Wall in August. The imperial physician said that the young lady should take care of herself while she is still young. I'm afraid that catching a cold and being bumpy like this will be bad for her health."

Li Weijian said sternly, "Let's forget about it this time. When I go to Jiangnan next year, I will bring my sister along if I accompany you."

Xueyan smiled and said, "Master is right. The Imperial Concubine also said that the southern tour is by boat, which is much more comfortable than the northern tour. February and March are the best times to go south."

Daiyu said, "Forget it this time. I will definitely follow you on the next southern tour. I will also ask my fourth brother to come with me to pay respects at my parents' graves."

"As you should. I would have done the same even if my sister hadn't said it."

Daiyu exhaled a breath and said, "I heard that it's not good to bring too many women with you on the northern tour. Fourth brother, please choose two suitable ones to follow you." After a pause, she continued, "It was cloudy for half a day, but the sun came out again in the afternoon. I'm sweating all over. I'm going to change my clothes."

Daiyu got up and led the maid to the main house at the back. She returned after a long while, but she had changed into a moon-white silk dress with floral prints.

Li Weijian was in a dilemma. If Daiyu didn't go with the emperor on his northern tour, it would be difficult for him to decide who to choose. So he scratched his head and said, "Let's just draw lots after we get home in a few days."

Daiyu was overjoyed: "Okay, then it depends on which sister is more lucky."

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The horse-drawn carriages rumbled out from Ningrong Street.

In the carriage, Aunt Xue frowned and said angrily, "We are relatives after all. If the Jia family's reputation is ruined, are they going to blame us for moving out?"

Sister Bao had a calm expression on her face and remained silent.

Just now, the mother and daughter went to Rong Mansion, and Tanchun greeted them with a wooden face. Aunt Xue and Baochai went to see Grandmother Jia first, and the old lady perfunctorily greeted them, then said she was tired and sent them out. The two went to see Mrs. Wang, but Mrs. Wang had her eyes closed and was reciting scriptures. She never paid any attention to the mother and daughter of the Xue family.

"The Jia family is too snobbish! Even your aunt is like this!"

Seeing Aunt Xue trembling with anger, Baochai said, "Aunt has made a mistake, and now is the time for her to cultivate herself. We moved away in a hurry, and we didn't do anything for you, so I'm afraid you must be angry too."

Aunt Xue immediately said aggrievedly: "Why didn't I run around? How many times did I go to your aunt's place? Even your uncle refused to come forward, what can I do as a woman?"

Because of the cold reception, the mother and daughter never asked for help. Thinking back now, Aunt Xue was in a dilemma: "What should I do? The old lady won't take it, and Lian'er is not here... My son, why don't we just stop running the factory?"

Sister Bao shook her head and said, "If we don't set up the factory, will mother and I just sit there and eat up all our savings?" After a pause, she continued, "Besides, it's not easy for Second Brother Lian to get involved in this matter. After all, he is a layer away from Jia Hua. Uncle is now an official in Jiangnan, why don't we write a letter and ask him to introduce me to you."

Aunt Xue thought for a moment, nodded and said, "Your uncle has always been upright. I think if we agree, he will not refuse." After a pause, she said in annoyance, "If I had known this, I should not have come to your house today."

Baochai said, "Mother and Auntie are sisters after all. Come and visit them every ten days or half a month."

Aunt Xue was immediately in a dilemma and said, "As soon as we entered the courtyard, there were two fierce-looking women watching us. Your aunt clearly had something to say, but she glanced at the women watching her and didn't say it out loud."

Sister Bao shook her head and said, "Mother, remember, even if Auntie asks for something, you shouldn't interfere. Auntie must cultivate herself and wait for Uncle to come back before there will be a chance to turn things around."

After all, she was Jia Zheng's original wife. She had been removed from her post as head of the household and had been imprisoned for some time. Moreover, the Wang family was in its heyday. When Jia Zheng came back, it was expected that the old lady would naturally release Mrs. Wang.

Aunt Xue was half-believing and half-doubting, and she just said, "Who can say for sure? Let's wait and see."

The mother and daughter returned to Sanyanjing Hutong in the outer city. Baochai hurriedly picked up her pen and wrote a letter. She also personally took Ying'er to a post office, paid the postage, and sent the letter by express mail over a distance of 600 miles to Jia Zheng in Jiangnan.

After leaving the delivery shop, seeing that it was still early, he went to Chang'an East Street. Daiyu's two shops were located there, and Xing Xiuyan was currently running the business there.

The carriage stopped in front of the shop. Sister Bao opened the curtain and saw a plaque with four large characters on it: "Orchid Grass Food Box". The shop was not big, and there were no tables or chairs inside. There was only a clerk standing guard in front of the door.

Baochai wore a veil to cover her face. When she got off the carriage, the waiter hurried to meet her and said with a smile, "My lady, my family does not provide dining in. We only send out food boxes."

Sister Bao asked, "Is Miss Xing inside?"

The waiter said, "So you are looking for Miss Xing. Please come in, Miss. Miss Xing is right behind us. I will go and invite her right away."

Sister Bao nodded and followed the waiter into the room. When the waiter went to call Xing Xiuyan, Ying'er beside her said, "This restaurant is really strange. There are no tables, chairs or benches at all. Could it be that they can earn money just from the food boxes?"

Sister Bao said, "The food boxes here are all of Jiangnan style. There are countless officials in the capital who were born in Jiangnan. One exquisite food box costs five hundred coins. If we order a hundred boxes every day, it will cost a lot of money. What's more, I'm afraid we don't even know how many boxes we have ordered."

As soon as she finished speaking, Xing Xiuyan came over in a hurry without even taking off her apron. She smiled and said, "Thanks to your good words, we have only been open for two days and have already sold more than 80 orders today. Who knows, we may be able to make some money in the future."

Baochai smiled and said, "The income from restaurants and restaurants is at least half. My sister has saved a lot on labor costs alone, so it's possible that she can make 60% profit."

Xing Xiuyan knew what was going on, so she just said, "I haven't calculated it yet, but I'd be lucky to get half of the profit. Sister, is there something you want to ask me this time?"

Baochai hesitated, and Xing Xiuyan immediately realized that this was not the place to talk, and hurriedly led her to a wing room at the back. The two sat down as host and guest, and a maid brought tea. Sister Bao said, "But there is something I want to ask you about. The canned food you sent me last time was very good. You also said that Fourth Brother Jian was planning to transfer the recipe?"

Xing Xiuyan smiled and said, "Master Li has a big family and wealth, I'm afraid he wouldn't look down on this kind of business... I heard that Sister Baoqin seems to be in charge of this matter."

"Baoqin?" Baochai was immediately embarrassed and thought, "If I look for Baoqin, she is my sister after all, so I'm afraid it would be difficult to ask her."

Xing Xiuyun thought to herself that it was indeed difficult to say it, because Baochai was very jealous of Baoqin that day, and afterwards, for some reason, the two sisters had a very unhappy quarrel.

But Baochai helped her when she was helpless, Xing Xiuyan was grateful for her kindness, so she thought: "Sister Bao is right, why not go directly to the machinery factory to order a machine, after all, the recipe can be converted into the machine."

Baochai was immediately pleasantly surprised and asked a few more questions. After she got the answer clearly, she talked with Xing Xiuyun for a while and then returned satisfied.

When they got home, Aunt Xue was taking a nap. Bao-sister was full of confidence and couldn't help feeling excited, so she called Ying'er to give her some pen and ink.

As he picked up the pen and started writing, he thought about the past and suddenly remembered the poems of the predecessors. So, a line of words appeared on the rice paper: No one helps me to reach the sky, but I will walk through the snow to the top of the mountain.

(End of this chapter)