A stew of the Red Chamber

Chapter 3 Settling In

Wang Xifeng hurriedly stepped forward and replied, "It's nothing serious, just a few bottles of rose dew and a tea set. Wu Cuo just tallied it up and hasn't had time to report it yet."

Faced with Madam Xing's questioning, Wang Xifeng chose to remain silent and offer only passive resistance.

However, when questioned by his aunt and maternal aunt, Lady Wang, his attitude was completely different.

As he spoke, he had already come up behind Madam Wang, bent down, and adopted a posture of humbly listening.

Madam Wang, however, did not let the matter drop because of her attitude. Instead, she turned her head away suspiciously and asked, "I didn't hear any commotion in the courtyard last night, so how could something be missing?"

"That's what I think too!"

Wang Xifeng echoed, then quickly bent down, her head lower than that of the seated Madam Wang. When Madam Wang saw her face, she looked embarrassed and said, "Perhaps the servants were in a hurry and broke something, but they didn't dare to admit it, so they reported the theft."

The rose dew was a gift from my second aunt to Madam last time, and the Ru kiln tea set was also part of Madam's dowry and personal funds; neither of these were put into the public accounts. Originally, I planned to investigate further before reporting to Madam for a decision, to prevent the servants from taking advantage of the situation.

Her bending down and stooping over made Wang Qing, who was watching the show from the back, suddenly feel a bright light in his eyes.

It wasn't noticeable when she was standing, but now that her body was bent at a ninety-degree angle, her impressive proportions were immediately revealed, and her long legs, which were hidden under her skirt, were also faintly visible.

Although her buttocks were not as full as Li Wan's, who was also standing behind Madam Wang, they were exceptionally perky.

Fearing too many people would distract him, Wang Qingsheng pretended to be deep in thought, only using his peripheral vision to estimate the height and proportions.

When Madam Xing heard that Madam Wang had lost her own private funds, her arrogance immediately subsided.

Madam Wang wasn't concerned about what was lost, but Madam Xing linked the lost item to Sanchun's reputation, which was a dereliction of duty on her part.

Seeing that Wang Xifeng had both explained and saved face, his expression finally softened.

Despite not being very involved in household affairs and having a chaotic courtyard, Madam Wang's inability to cook didn't stop her from complaining about the cook.

Perhaps feeling it was inappropriate to only inquire about the losses within their own compound, they continued, "What about the losses at the front?"

"The one leading the statistics is Lian Er; he went to Yingtian Prefecture and hasn't returned yet..."

Upon hearing this, Madam Xing, who had been somewhat speechless, immediately shouted, "See! I told you they couldn't handle it. I don't think they need to force themselves..."

Before Madam Xing could finish speaking, Grandmother Jia interrupted sharply, "Enough! It's just a loss of some money! How old is she? She'll gain some experience in a couple of years. When I was a granddaughter-in-law, I wasn't as good as her!"

If Madam Xing continues to cause trouble like this, even if Wang Qing is young and inexperienced, he will probably start to see the problem.

Seeing that Madam Xing was determined to get what she wanted, Grandmother Jia decided to send Wang Qing away first.

Unexpectedly, as soon as they turned their gaze to the young man, they saw that he looked puzzled and stepped forward, saying, "Judging from what you two ladies and sister-in-law are saying, could it be that even under the emperor's nose, in the most virtuous place, there are still bandits daring to cause trouble?"

Seeing that Wang Qing not only ignored their family's troubles but also inquired about the thieves, Grandmother Jia breathed a sigh of relief.

She was just hoping Wang Qing would ask this question so she could cover up the embarrassment of her family being robbed, and quickly explained, "Brother Qing, you don't know, this has been going on for two or three months now. They specifically target wealthy and powerful families, causing headaches for the entire court."

"Didn't the authorities arrest anyone?"

"Why weren't they arrested?"

Grandmother Jia shook her head and sighed, "But these thieves are very cunning and skilled. The capital is so big; they're attacking here and there, and the three shifts of yamen runners in Yingtian Prefecture are completely disoriented. They can't even touch the hem of someone's clothes, let alone catch them!"

"It's also because they're incompetent! They raise soldiers for a thousand days, only to use them for one; if the officers can't even catch thieves, what use are they?"

With the fearlessness of a newborn calf, Wang Qing patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, Grandma, if I catch them, I'll make sure they don't leave alive!"

"It's good that you have the intention!"

Although Wang Qing was broad-shouldered and looked like a skilled fighter, he was still just a boy who hadn't reached adulthood, so Grandmother Jia didn't take his words seriously.

Wang Xifeng, who was standing nearby, seized the opportunity and said, "If Brother Qing can catch these thieves, I will be truly grateful."

Even though she was very skilled in social maneuvering, she was powerless against the combined attacks from Madam Xing and Madam Wang, and she wished someone would step forward and show strength.

Even if we can't catch him, it's not really fair to blame him, but at least we can take someone down with us and share some of the pressure.

Thinking of this, he quickly added, "Two fists can't fight four hands. Brother Qing is ultimately outnumbered and outmatched. If needed..."

Wang Xifeng was thinking of temporarily getting rid of this hot potato.

But then Grandmother Jia waved her hand and said, "There's no rush to catch the thief. Qing-ge'er must be tired after his long journey. Feng-ya, take him downstairs to settle him in."

Grandmother Jia naturally saw through Wang Xifeng's intentions, but she couldn't refuse out of politeness and acted too hastily. Before even settling in, she ordered Wang Qing around.

Unlike Madam Xing, Wang Xifeng quickly said, "Look at my impatient nature. I only drove away those thieves yesterday, so they probably won't dare to do it again for the time being. Brother Qing, let's settle down first and then make further plans."

She was eager to get away as soon as possible and quickly took her leave.

Wang Qing also quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This junior will pay my respects to the old lady another day."

We left Rongqing Hall.

Ping'er quickly stepped forward, saying with concern, "Grandma..."

Wang Xifeng raised her hand, interrupting Ping'er, and turned to Wang Qing, saying, "Brother Qing, you didn't bring any luggage?"

"A carriage has been hired and is waiting at the side gate."

Wang Xifeng sighed and said, "Brother Qing, you heard it too, the manor was robbed last night..."

Wang Qing, understanding the implication, quickly replied, "I wouldn't dare trouble you, sister-in-law. Just find someone to take me there."

"Oh dear! I'm so sorry! I'm so grateful to Brother Qing for smoothing things over for me today. My wife is counting on you to help her out and bring those thieves to justice. How could I possibly neglect you, Brother Qing?"

"I am grateful for the care I have received from the old lady and my sister-in-law, and I should do my part in return. I dare not trouble my sister-in-law any further."

Wang Xifeng then reluctantly agreed, saying, "Since that's the case, let Ping'er take you there. I'll apologize to Brother Qing another day for neglecting him."

"I wouldn't dare! Thank you for your trouble, Miss Ping'er."

Wang Qingqian declined, glanced behind Wang Xifeng, and took the opportunity to sized up Ping'er.

She was only slightly shorter than Wang Xifeng, wearing a five-colored chrysanthemum patterned satin jacket with a duck-egg blue background and a light blue pleated skirt.

Although it cannot compare to the dazzling embroidery of Wang Xifeng, it is superior in its understated elegance. A light green ribbon tied around the waist creates a captivating and alluring effect.

Ping'er quickly stepped forward, gesturing for him to enter: "Master Qing, please!"

After the two left Grandmother Jia's courtyard, Ping'er casually called over a maid and ordered her to go to the side gate to deliver a message.

He then led Wang Qing through the passageway east of the Inner Gate, past the Tiren Mude Courtyard and Mengpo Studio, and then south along the alleyway inside the wall.

The servants along the way all turned to look at her, but Ping'er seemed absent-minded. She only nodded slightly to the gazes that came her way and silently led the way.

She walked quickly, taking large steps, which caused the fur coat behind her to loosen and tighten, sometimes revealing and sometimes concealing her graceful figure.

Knowing that she was Jia Lian's concubine, Wang Qing didn't feel comfortable approaching her, so he simply lagged behind by half a step and followed her without looking at her.

Upon arriving at the small courtyard next to Pear Fragrance Courtyard, Ping'er introduced Wang Qing to the servants and instructed them to take good care of him. Then she went to the courtyard gate and looked out.

Seeing this, Wang Qing, understanding the situation, said, "Miss Ping'er must be a capable person in your sister-in-law's life. I'm afraid your sister-in-law has other matters to attend to and wouldn't dare trouble you to wait any longer!"

Upon hearing this, Ping'er's face flashed with apology. After a slight hesitation, she still gave a graceful bow and said, "Thank you for your understanding, Master Qing. Then this servant will take her leave now."

After saying that, he left in a hurry.

Watching Ping'er's departing figure, Wang Qing shook his head helplessly.

He knew that Ping'er and Wang Xifeng had a deep bond as mistress and servant, and he had no complaints about arranging for her to live next to Lixiang Courtyard.

After all, the relationship between the two sides was not close at all, and it would be quite inconvenient to arrange for a man from outside the family to live in the inner courtyard of the mansion.

But what can be tolerated?

He went to great lengths to persuade his father to pledge allegiance to the emperor, all in an attempt to squeeze into high society and live a lowly life.

Although he was on a heavy mission in the capital, it didn't stop him from using his official position for personal gain, and perhaps even collecting a few valuable items for himself in advance.

Originally, I thought that with that Huiwen as a stepping stone, even if Grandmother Jia didn't treat me as an honored guest, I could at least get one or two pretty maids with names and names to keep me warm in bed.

Unexpectedly, a mafia-like figure appeared out of nowhere, and what should have been a smooth process was ruined by Madam Xing's commotion.

Thinking of this, Wang Qing silently made a note for Madam Xing in his mental notebook.

……