Red Mansion Huacai

Chapter 417: I appreciate your love (final chapter)
The next morning, Xiangyun's face was rosy, and she was very gentle and tender before sending Li Weijian out of the ceremonial gate. When she returned to the East Road Courtyard, Yuanyang came to find her.

When the master and servant met, Yuanyang teased Xiangyun. Since getting married, Xiangyun has become more and more indifferent to meat and vegetables. While talking, she patted her belly and said angrily, "It's all because of this little thing. Now I can't do anything convenient."

Yuanyang smiled and said, "Madam, just be content. You are pregnant right after you got married. Other girls can't even hope for that."

Xiangyun giggled for a long while, tilting her head with great pride.

After a while, Yuanyang saw that the fire was almost ready, so he said, "I got a letter from the front saying that the master sent someone to Tongzhou yesterday afternoon."

Xiangyun didn't understand, and said, "Fourth brother said that Tongzhou has convenient water and land transportation, so he wants to build an industrial park. Now he is trying to persuade the court to reduce taxes for the industrial park."

Yuanyang flicked her handkerchief and frowned, saying, "Madam, that boy went to sweep the Xue family's canning factory. Who knows what the master is planning? If the Xue family member takes advantage of the opportunity to get in, there will be trouble in the house tomorrow."

"The Xue family? Sister Bao?" Xiangyun said cheerfully, "Don't worry, she is the one who thinks the most and will only make things worse for herself. Even if she enters the house now, won't she still have to offer tea to me and Sister Lin? Oh, she is very proud, maybe she will learn from Siqi and simply stay out of the house."

Yuanyang was about to say something but stopped herself, thinking to herself, there is more than one Siqi out there, and her master would stay at Fengjie'er and Ping'er's place for half a day from time to time, so who knows what good things they have done?

Thinking about this, Yuanyang was secretly discouraged. Her daughter was useless and had a broad mind, and the master could not tolerate any sand in his eyes. Why should she be a villain in the middle?
He stopped talking about the matter and just told some funny jokes, which made Xiangyun laugh so hard that she fell down.

Li Weijian had received Ding Rusong's reply early in the morning, and he couldn't help laughing. They were just a bunch of bullies, but now they had forced Sister Bao to almost offer herself to him. He also thought to himself, maybe Sister Bao had some feelings for him?

Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, Emperor Zhiping is eager to make progress and is wary of the power of the New Party. He is now gradually using his teacher Yan Xiyao. Who knows, maybe one day his teacher will get what he wants and become the Prime Minister. At this moment, I am only the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue because of my age. I have to wait ten years before I can become a minister. After another ten years, I can inherit my teacher's political legacy and enter the cabinet as a prime minister.

At this moment, there is no need to be so cautious.

To make this clear, Li Weijian and Ding Rusong said, "This bully is really a nuisance to the capital. I'm afraid that merchants who want to invest in the future will be upset when they see this kind of person. You should take my handwritten letter to Shuntian Prefecture to explain the pros and cons. It's not good to see one fish spoil the whole pot of soup."

Ding Rusong agreed and immediately took the name card to Shuntian Prefecture. At this time, the governor of Shuntian Prefecture had been replaced by Wang Ji, an old friend of Yan Xiyao. After hearing Ding Rusong's retelling, he immediately sent a group of yamen runners to Tongzhou and arrested all the young lagu on the same day. Within three days, they were convicted and sentenced to hard labor, while the rest were exiled to the Western Regions.

Sister Bao was worried for several days. Firstly, she didn't know whether her bold behavior that day would be seen as too frivolous in Li Weijian's eyes; secondly, the cannery was harassed by the green-skinned Lagu every day, which was very annoying and even delayed production.

The factory has few orders now, and only the big order from Prince Khorchin can maintain a little profit. The shipment is imminent, and if it is delayed, it is possible that the factory will lose money this year.

After several days of thinking too much and sleeping too little, Sister Bao became increasingly haggard. Only the news that her nephew Xue Peng was out of danger comforted her a little.

That afternoon, Bao-sister was counting the accounts with an abacus when she saw Ying-erh come in happily. Without even bothering to bow, she pulled Bao-sister's arm and said anxiously, "Girl, girl! The old shopkeeper has sent a letter saying that the gang of ruffians have all been investigated and punished by the government!"

Sister Bao's heart was moved, but her face remained calm as she said, "Those guys did such evil things that they deserved the misfortune they are in today."

Qia Baochan carried Xue Peng inside and said, "Thank God, this difficulty is finally over."

Everyone in the family breathed a sigh of relief. Although Bao-jie didn't show it, she heard that someone was selling spring apricots outside, so she asked Ying'er to buy a basket to share with everyone in the family.

One day, the shopkeeper came to tell the details of the situation. When Bao-sister heard that the people doing the job were all servants from the Shuntian Prefecture, she realized that this was probably the work of Fourth Brother Jian.

For a moment, I was in a state of panic, extremely uneasy. I wondered if he looked down on me because I had some agenda? Or was he treating me like a cat or a dog? If he liked me, he would tease me; if he was tired of me, he would disappear for a while.

While she was thinking, Ying'er came to report again: "Miss, I just saw the Marquis go to see the third and fourth ladies again."

"Hmm." Baochai responded, but remained calm. Her flirting and parting handkerchief were already extremely shameless, and Baochai dared not do anything else.

She had been working on an account book for two hours, but the book was still turned to the first few pages. Sister Bao supported her cheek with one hand and held the brush with the other. The ink on the brush was now half dry.

Nearing the 30th hour, Ying'er hurried in again and said, "Miss, the Marquis is coming to our house!"

Sister Bao's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't tell whether she was surprised or happy. She was stunned for a moment, then she put down her brush and got up to greet him. But the brush was not put away properly, and it rolled over and fell, staining a large area of ​​her clothes.

Ying'er said anxiously, "This...Miss, go change your clothes quickly. It's not good to see people in this state of disgrace."

While Baojie was hesitating, she heard Baochan leading Li Weijian to the backyard.

Sister Bao sighed and said, "That's all. I'm in a bad enough state now anyway."

She took a deep breath and walked out of the bedroom. She saw Baochan leading a tall official towards her. Baojie was in a trance. She didn't know why the figure suddenly turned into the bad official Jia Yucun. Just as she was wondering, she saw the young official Li Weijian.

Sister Bao stepped forward, bowed and said, "My Lord."

Li Weijian said with his hands behind his back, smiling, "When did Sister Xue become so unorthodox?"

Baochai raised her eyes and took a quick look, then lowered her head and whispered, "Fourth Brother Jian."

"Yes," Li Weijian nodded and said, "If something went wrong with your family's livelihood, why didn't you come to me to tell me? I have to send someone to find out."

Sister Bao led Li Weijian into the room, and after they sat down, she said, "Brother Jian is in charge of all the important affairs of the court. How dare a little girl like me take care of such a trivial matter?"

Li Weijian said: "Sister Xue and I have known each other for several years and we have a very close relationship. I have always been able to take care of Sister Xue's affairs."

Sister Bao looked at him and blushed at his passionate gaze. She quickly told Ying'er to serve tea and sent him away.

Sister Bao was holding the handkerchief and was about to say something else, but she saw Li Weijian suddenly stand up, come close to her, and take her in his arms without saying a word.

Sister Bao was so embarrassed that she trembled, but she heard Li Weijian say, "I read the poem written by the beautiful lady. It is fresh, elegant, and has a cool and subtle fragrance. It is very praiseworthy. I also read your words and suddenly realized that I was deeply moved by your love and deep feelings. I couldn't help but feel pity. Thinking about the past, it was not a coincidence. How could my sister and I miss each other?"

Sister Bao's eyes immediately turned red with grievance, and she said, "Since it was a coincidence, it must be God's will."

Li Weijian said, "I am not one of those corrupt scholars. I learn practical knowledge and do not believe in destiny. Since you and I are in love, how can I let you down? I have the idea of ​​marrying you. What do you think, sister?"

Baochai bowed her head and said, "I am a humble girl with little luck and little fate. I cannot bear the love and care of Fourth Brother Jian."

Li Weijian could tell that Baochai was not sincere, so he said, "Forgive me for being rude, but after a closer look, I found that you are Chang'e from the heavenly palace who was temporarily banished to the mortal world. It is a great fortune that you have taken notice of me. It was a coincidence that I was hiding in the wild at that time. Now that I have spread my wings and taken to the sky, I cannot do without your help."

Upon hearing this, Baochai burst into tears and threw herself into Li Weijian's arms, saying, "I have had a rough life, and now I am even more destitute. I have long been heartbroken. Who can I tell all my worries to? Since ancient times, girls have been most afraid of a rough love life. Not only do I not have the glory of a golden house, but I am also tortured by a heartless man. How can I not be sad and resentful!"

Li Weijian hugged her tightly and said, "Don't worry, sister. I will never let you down in the future."

Baochai burst into laughter and pretended to beat her chest. Li Weijian was overjoyed and leaned over to cover her lips. Baochai was reluctant and awkward in the first half, but took the initiative in the second half.

I don't know how much time had passed, but suddenly there were footsteps outside. Sister Bao was so startled that she quickly pushed Li Weijian away, and quickly tidied up her half-undone silk shirt, and gave Li Weijian a look that seemed both angry and happy.

A few days later, Li Weijian came to see Sister Bao again. As usual, the two of them dismissed the servants and gathered together to show their affection. They were so affectionate that they could not help but indulge in pleasure. They were like fish in water, and they got along well. Li Weijian came back every two days.

A year passed like this, and Sister Bao never mentioned the matter of marriage, and Li Weijian never mentioned it either. One day, Li Weijian came again, and the two were about to get married, but suddenly Sister Bao refused. She was afraid that Li Weijian would be unhappy, so she said, "I feel quite sleepy recently, and I like to eat sour apricots. I wonder if you are pregnant?"

Li Weijian was startled and hurriedly checked her pulse. He felt a slippery pulse and was overjoyed. But Sister Bao said worriedly, "You and I are so unclear now. I am still an unmarried girl. What will I do if I give birth to a child?" Li Weijian said nonchalantly, "Everyone in the family depends on you. How could anyone gossip about us?"

Sister Bao was a person who cared about her reputation, so she said, "Even if you don't say it on the surface, I'm afraid you've already criticized me in your heart."

Seeing her bitter face, Li Weijian asked tentatively, "How about I carry you into the family?"

Sister Bao immediately shook her head: "You also know that I care about my reputation the most, how dare I enter the Marquis' Mansion?"

Neither this nor that worked, and Li Weijian was at a loss for a moment. Sister Bao thought, "Since you said that a golden house is a good place to hide a beauty, why not build a golden house and take me in?"

Li Weijian was surprised and asked, "What about the family?"

Sister Bao said, "Bao Chan has long been released from prison, and is now Peng Er's biological mother. Because of me, Xue Ke and Tong Xi always come and go in a hurry. If I am not at home, they will definitely take care of Peng Er in the future. He is now a sixth-rank official, and in a dozen years, he may be a fourth-rank official. What should I worry about then?"

Li Weijian smiled and said, "Since you have made your plans, just wait for my letter." He paused, and seeing the anxiety in Baochai's eyes, he comforted her, "Don't worry, sister. Since I said I would take you as my arm, I will never treat you like a canary in a cage. It just so happens that I have some shady business here, which can be handed over to you to take care of."

After the two of them had finished their plan, Li Weijian returned home.

After more than a month, Sister Bao became more and more worried, wondering if Fourth Brother Jian had forgotten about her.
Sitting in the room that day, Ying'er brought a letter. Baojie opened the letter and read it, and her face was immediately filled with joy. Ying'er was surprised and asked, Baojie just said, "Jia Lan passed the imperial examination."

That evening, Sister Bao sent Ying'er away and walked in the courtyard by herself. Suddenly, she heard frogs croaking outside the wall, so she quietly opened the door and came out, and saw a carriage parked by the wall. Sister Bao hurriedly got on the carriage, and when she entered, she saw Li Weijian sitting in it, smiling.

The carriage started moving, and Li Weijian said, "It's conspicuous in the inner city, and I'm afraid it will be inconvenient for my sister to come and go. I bought a new house in the outer city, with three roads and three entrances, and a small garden."

Sister Bao felt relieved upon hearing this, and she leaned her head on Li Weijian's shoulder, looking back at the Xue family who were gradually walking away, and said infatuatedly: "I have given up everything now, and whatever you say is what it is."

A year later, Bao Sister gave birth to a boy. With her lover's care and support, Bao Sister felt that she had wasted the first half of her life, but now she was finally on the right track.

On the day when the palace examination results were announced, not only did Jia Lan rank seventh in the practical science exam, but even the plain-looking Jia Jun ranked among the top three. When Emperor Zhiping heard that Jia Lan was raised by Li Wan, he was deeply impressed and said, "Such a chaste girl is admirable. We must erect a chastity memorial arch for her so that people can admire and emulate her."

On a whim, he wrote a great article and appointed Li to a high position with generous salary, and sent people to the Jia family to put the purple python on Li Wan.

Li Wan was flattered, and she put on a pearl crown, a phoenix coat, a golden seal on her chest, a hairpin and a tassel on her head, and went to the palace in a sedan chair to express her gratitude. This caused a sensation in the capital, and everyone knew about it and envied it.

When Li Wan returned from the palace, she was already over thirty years old, with a face full of honors and white hair on her temples. Seeing Li Weijian and his family, as well as everyone from the Jia family, coming to congratulate her, she was so happy that she burst into tears.

After crying, she sighed, "Nothing else in my life matters, except for two things: I have a good brother to help me, and I have a well-behaved child."

Daiyu, Xiangyun and others all joked, hoping that their children could be as successful as Jia Lan. Li Weijian arrived halfway through the banquet.

Li Wan was so happy that she couldn't help but drink a little. Seeing that Li Weijian was tall and straight, but just in his early twenties, and seeing that Tanchun and Xichun were already grown-up girls, she pulled Li Weijian in front of Tanchun and Xichun and said, "Brother Jian, after all these years, even Qiaojie is going to be married, and these two are still waiting. Don't you know what they are thinking?"

"Sister-in-law!" Tanchun was so embarrassed that she didn't know what to do.

Although Xichun was also shy, the little girl raised her head and stared at Li Weijian.

Li Weijian felt embarrassed and couldn't help looking at Daiyu and Xiangyun across from him. Xiangyun looked happy and cheerful while Daiyu frowned slightly and finally sighed without saying anything else.

At this time, Li Wan said, "No matter what happens today, you must give an explanation!"

"Big sister, I understand." Li Weijian bowed to Tanchun and Xichun and said, "If you two sisters don't mind, I would like to treat her as my concubine."

Tanchun was so flustered that she was at a loss as to what to do. She could only say, "I, I... I'll just follow Fourth Sister."

Xichun smiled and said, "Okay."

............................................................

Another two years passed.

On this day, all the sisters gathered in Huifang Garden to play around. Xichun, who was drunk, took out the model of the Grand View Garden in the past. Everyone pointed at the patterns on it one by one, and looked at the dilapidated appearance of the next door and sighed.

When Li Weijian came back, he saw that the girls were not in high spirits, so he hurried to ask Daiyu. Daiyu told him about this matter, and Li Weijian smiled and said, "How difficult is this? I will buy the house next door someday and rebuild a Grand View Garden... Well, this time there is no need to separate the Grand View Garden."

The next day, when they heard that Li Weijian was going to rebuild the Grand View Garden, all the sisters came to ask about it. When they confirmed it was true, they were all overjoyed. So there was another feast. After three rounds of wine, Xiangyun was drunk and looked naive, and Daiyu's cheeks were flushed. Then Xichun came to comment on the people in the family.

After a lot of discussion, everyone decided to draw lots to comment.

Baoqin smoked Xing Xiu's cigarette, put down the stick and said: "He is indifferent to his encounters, indifferent to his feelings, does not compete with the world, and has a superior temperament."

Xing Xiuyan blushed at the compliment and stammered, "How can I be that good?"

Everyone praised Baoqin for being fair, so Xing Xiuyan happily agreed.

Xiangling picked Ping'er, who was not here at the time, so Xiangling said calmly: "She can be clean in a filthy environment, and can reconcile in a chaotic environment. She has a good nature and is a good talent."

Everyone said hello.

Xichun drew Sister Feng and thought, "Cao Cao."

Everyone was amused and confused. When they thought about it, they realized that Sister Feng and Cao Cao were indeed somewhat similar.

Then comment one by one:

Baoqin: As beautiful as a flower, and with great talent.

Xiangling: Everything is pleasing to the eye, and everyone is pleasing to the eye, but the only thing I lack is scheming.

Yingchun: Talent and virtue cannot be taken into consideration at the same time, and cowardice will lead to lifelong criticism.

Tanchun: She is talented and intelligent, but unfortunately she was born a girl by mistake.

Baochai: She appears calm and composed, graceful and elegant, but in fact she is warm on the outside but cold on the inside.

Xiangyun: His talent and character are as good as Xue Lin, a true hero.

Daiyu: I can only describe her in one word: ‘crazy’. She lives with love and dies without it.

After talking for a while, they suddenly talked about Baoyu. Because Baoyu disappeared without a trace, everyone fell silent. Daiyu held the stick and looked at Li Weijian. After thinking for a while, she said, "Second Brother Bao... He is infatuated and ruthless. He chose to be free from all worries, but he regrets his whole life."

(End of this chapter)