Three Wives and Four Concubines in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Page 86

As soon as he left the courtyard and reached the front yard, he saw Jia Lian standing under the porch, seemingly doing something. Before he could speak, Jia Lian spotted him and waved from a distance.

"Brother Yu!"

Gu Yu's lips twitched, and she could only temporarily stop her journey back to the garden, turning to greet Jia Lian instead.

"What's wrong, Brother Lian?"

Jia Lian looked at Gu Yu with a mournful expression, then waved away the servant behind him, leading him aside, before sighing and saying:

"Brother Yu, you seem to be having a great time!"

"Oh? What makes you say that?"

Gu Yu's eyes flashed, knowing that Jia Zhen and the others already knew about her intercepting the You sisters, but she still pretended not to know and asked Jia Lian in return.

Jia Lian gave a wry smile, unsure of where to begin. If he were truly unhappy, it would have dissipated long ago. After all, he had only met him once or twice, and it wasn't worth the shamelessness to pry into his feelings. But…

“Sigh… Brother Yu is a smart man, why pretend to be confused with me? Brother Zhen is very angry, he has smashed several teacups.”

Gu Yu looked at Jia Lian with a puzzled expression.

"The You sisters are quite beautiful, so what's wrong with me taking them in? Does Brother Zhen think that my Gu family is not good enough for the You family's daughters?"

Jia Lian opened his mouth, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He couldn't very well reveal that Jia Zhen was after his sister-in-law, could he? He paced back and forth twice, feeling utterly troubled.

He was entrusted by Jia Zhen to get to the bottom of things and, ideally, get the money back, but how could he bring it up now? He hesitated for a long time, not noticing the coldness in Gu Yu's eyes behind him.

Torn between his close, playful brothers and his respected "lifesaver," Jia Lian hesitated for a long time before finally stamping his foot, letting out a long sigh, and making his decision.

“Yu-ge’er, I know you’re very clever, so you probably can’t guess what I mean. But I… sigh! It’s best to be careful over there. We all know what the old lady is thinking. Fourth Sister is from the East Mansion. If it is… it’s better to be prepared.”

The coldness in Gu Yu's eyes faded, and a genuine smile appeared on her face. She nodded slightly to Jia Lian in gratitude:

"I appreciate your kindness, Brother Lian, but I never expected Jia Zhen to be so heartless and treacherous, reaching so far."

After a slight pause, Gu Yu smiled again:

"I'm sure you know about my shops in the capital. I'm looking to expand my perfume business in Ping'an Prefecture, but I'm short-handed. I've heard you've been there a few times and are quite successful. Would you be interested in a collaboration?"

Jia Lian was taken aback, but immediately realized the meaning behind Gu Yu's words. He was so excited that his eyes blazed with excitement, and he still couldn't believe it as he said:

"What do you mean, Brother Yu?"

“This item is expensive, and it is unlikely that only officials and wealthy families would buy it easily. The Jia family has extensive connections in Ping’an Prefecture, and they must have great potential. If Brother Lian is willing to take over the affairs of Ping’an Prefecture, how about I provide the goods and we run the business together? At that time, Brother Lian will not have to be busy with trivial matters in the mansion all day long, and he will have his own achievements.”

Jia Lian's heart pounded wildly, and his mouth went dry as he listened. He could almost see the glorious moment after he had made a name for himself, when even the strong-willed Feng Jie would have to fawn over him. He was even more glad that he had made the right choice, never expecting such a rich reward, and that it would come so quickly!

“In that case, Brother Yu, there’s no need to rush. I’ll go to Ping’an Prefecture in a few days to investigate. That’s the important thing.”

Calming himself down, Jia Lian forcibly suppressed his excitement and immediately offered his suggestions in a composed manner, as if he had instantly transformed into a seasoned businessman.

Gu Yu smiled and nodded in agreement. After a brief discussion about the trip to Ping'an Prefecture, the two chatted and laughed for a bit more before parting ways.

Chapter 114 Mei Ying'er

When Gu Yu returned to the courtyard, Xiang Ling was lying in the room taking a nap. When Qing Wen saw him walk in under the blazing sun, even though she knew he was not afraid of the heat or cold, she still went up to him with heartache to wipe away the thin layer of sweat. She then quickly went to get some cool tea and fruit to help him cool down.

Seeing that her face was flushed after her busy work, and that she was about to wake Xiangling, Gu Yu quickly grabbed her and wiped her sweat instead.

"It's so hot, you should move around less. Anyway, we don't have anything to do, so let's chat for a bit, okay?"

Qingwen blushed slightly and snuggled against him, secretly pleased, but she still made Gu Yu's feelings clear:

"Master has spoiled her too much. Now she's a maid who doesn't even pay attention to a sound. What's the point of keeping her around?"

Gu Yu chuckled and tapped Qingwen's delicate nose, then asked in return:

"Why can't you keep her working? Why didn't you ask her for help the other night?"

Hearing such lewd words in broad daylight, Qingwen blushed, let out a soft moan, and buried her head, refusing to talk to anyone. Gu Yu laughed and simply picked her up and laid her down on the cool chair, then lifted her chin and kissed her.

"Um……"

In such cold and hot seasons, Gu Yu's embrace was simply the best place in the world for these young girls. Qingwen felt hot from the kisses and clung even tighter, trying to draw more coolness from this human-shaped piece of cold jade.

Gu Yu was already getting impatient with this lingering, but Qingwen and the others had only been at it for a couple of days, so he could only silently endure it. He gently caressed the girl's slender waist with his hand, and Qingwen blushed and couldn't help but squeeze her long legs together. With Gu Yu's lips and teeth occupied, she could only let out a couple of moans through her heavy breathing, making her even more alluring.

When Gu Yu finally released her tongue, a trail of saliva hung from her lips, which she unconsciously licked back in. This only fueled Gu Yu's desire, and he could only retaliate by reaching down and kneading her slightly upturned, snowy buttocks hard.

"All you do is seduce me—but you're utterly useless. Are you trying to drive me crazy?"

Qingwen looked up at Gu Yu pitifully, biting her lip to endure the intense stimulation, not daring to provoke this brute.

"With someone as powerful as Master, we can't possibly handle him. Should we call Zijuan over? It's terribly hot outside."

Hearing her say that, Gu Yu's heart stirred, as if a cat's claws were scratching at him. He recalled the exciting scene when he deflowered Zijuan. If the three girls could play with him to his heart's content...

"You brat, all you know is to call for reinforcements. Calling Zijuan is a matter for later; you can't escape now!"

"Hmm~..."

After playing around with Qingwen on the lounge chair for a while, finally ejaculating into her little mouth, Gu Yu stood up satisfied, patted her pert little bottom, and smiled smugly.

"Alright, alright—I'll let you off the hook for now. After we finish eating, go and call Ying'er over. I have something to ask her. Let's go have some tea first."

Qingwen coughed twice, stood up with a flushed face, gave him a reproachful yet sweet glare, and hurriedly fled. In this hot weather, if she didn't drink some water to replenish her fluids, she would probably be completely dehydrated!

"They say there are only overworked oxen, not overworked fields, so how come..."

Qingwen inwardly spat, her face flushed, and went back to her room to change her clothes. When she came out and saw Xiangling still sleeping soundly in bed, she couldn't help but angrily pinch her little rabbit, startling Xiangling awake. Before Xiangling could fully recover, Qingwen quickly suppressed her laughter and ordered:

"Master is waiting outside for you to serve him. The tea is already on the table. Remember, this time it has to be sweet."

She touched Xiangling's cherry lips with her finger and, before Xiangling could ask a question, hurriedly shoved her out. As for the faint moans that followed? It wasn't her doing; what did it have to do with her?

Gu Yu had already overheard the conversation inside, so he was happy to pretend to be oblivious and took full advantage of the confused Xiang Ling. He then asked her why she was being so proactive, which made Xiang Ling realize that she had been tricked. In the end, she could only blush and let it go.

After spending half the day cuddling with the two girls, the three of them finally came out of the room for dinner. After eating and laughing, they noticed that the heat on the ground was gradually dissipating. Qingwen hurriedly went to find Ying'er, afraid of delaying Gu Yu's business. Before long, she rushed back with Ying'er.

Seeing that she was covered in sweat again, Gu Yu smiled helplessly. She first told Xiang Ling to go with her to change her clothes, and then looked at Ying'er, who was also covered in sweat, with a smile, and pulled her a few steps to the side.

"I heard that Miss Yun from your courtyard went back? Why didn't you tell me?"

Ying'er blushed and glanced up at him, then quickly lowered her head again, her voice carrying a hint of resentment:

"Aren't you going to go and check on things? Are you just going to wait for our girl to come all the way here?"

"Forehead……"

Gu Yu awkwardly touched his nose. The servants of Hengwu Garden weren't from his Gu family, so how could he go over there and let outsiders watch the spectacle? But these words seemed to make him sound like he had nothing but vulgar thoughts, so he couldn't say it outright for the time being.

Turning around, Gu Yu pulled Ying'er aside, bent down and kissed her, apologizing with a smile:

"It was my oversight. How about you leave the door open for me tomorrow so I can come over and have some fun?"

Ying'er blushed and shrank back slightly after being kissed by him, but with Gu Yu holding her back, she had nowhere to run. Her shyness made Gu Yu chuckle, and he gently touched her delicate cheek, teasingly saying:

"What are you afraid of with me here? No one will see, and besides, Xiangling and the others have seen it before..."

"Master~"

Ying'er's heart trembled, and she hurriedly told Gu Yu to shut up, as if saying that reminded her of the punishment that day. Her heart trembled and her face was flushed with shame.

The two playfully wrestled for a while longer. Ying'er pursed her lips, hesitated for a long time, and finally mustered up the courage to speak:

"Sir... there's something I need to tell you..."

"Oh? What happened?"

Ying'er boldly took Gu Yu's arm, turning her face away so that Gu Yu wouldn't see the shyness on her face:

"Young Master Bao was beaten today, so Xiren asked me to make some tassels for her to tie on her handkerchief to cover her sweat, but..."

Turning back, Ying'er glanced at Gu Yu with bright eyes, then quickly turned her head away again, her voice trembling with a girlish shyness and burning passion:

"But now that Master is—I can no longer help him as before, but Xiren and the others don't know that, and I don't know what to do..."

Gu Yu felt a surge of warmth in his heart upon hearing this. He pulled her into his arms, lowered his head, and kissed her delicate lips. He forcefully wrapped his tongue around hers and sucked on it until Ying'er was breathless before finally letting go.

"What am I?"

Ying'er was forced to lift her chin, her watery eyes darting away from him. Gu Yu grinned wickedly and leaned in again to take the girl's sweet saliva. He held her round, plump buttocks with both hands and slowly kneaded them. The elastic touch was irresistible, and he couldn't help but become more and more intense.

When Gu Yu slowly released Ying'er's tongue again, she was already breathing heavily, groaning in Gu Yu's arms.

"Good nightingale, you'd better explain yourself clearly, what am I?"

"Hmm...Master...you are—you are the son-in-law~"

Gu Yu shook his head, refusing the girl's shy response to his address. He then used his hands slightly to press his fingertips into the slightly warm crevice of her buttocks, moving them up and down slowly.

"No, no, think again~"

Ying'er let out a soft cry, her two hands weakly resting on Gu Yu's large hands, but she couldn't move them even an inch. Her jade legs subconsciously tensed up, but this only made the pressure from Gu Yu's hot fingers even more obvious. Before long, the girl completely lost her strength and slumped down, Gu Yu's fingers sinking even deeper.

"Waaah~ Master...no...Master~ Oh ah~No...Husband—Husband~! Hmph~Master, stop rubbing, it hurts so much...Waaah—~"

Seeing that she was already rambling incoherently, Gu Yu finally let her off the hook for the time being. His eyes were fixed on the girl's flushed face, and his hoarse voice was like a devil tempting an angel, making Ying'er unable to have any objection.

"My dear Oriole...remember to call me Daddy from now on..."

"Remember to wait for me by the rockery tomorrow at noon... okay?"

"Okay, Daddy~... Mmm~!"

Chapter 115 Revenge Should Not Be Waited Until the Next Day

When Ying'er walked back to Hengwu Garden with weak legs, the lanterns in the courtyard were lit. Baochai looked at Ying'er, who had just returned, with a puzzled expression. Seeing that Ying'er was blushing and absent-minded, Baochai blushed first and quickly pulled her into the room.

"What did they want to see you about?"

Ying'er's eyes darted away, her face flushed with shyness, and she stammered, unable to speak. However, she quickly recovered and asked Baochai in return:

"Miss hasn't visited Young Master Yu these past few days. Just now, Young Master Yu asked me why Miss Yun left without telling him, and said he wanted to come and visit. Should I pass on the message to her tomorrow?"

Baochai gave her a shy, reproachful look, then turned and sat on the edge of the bed, a hint of joy on her lips. Today, she had accompanied her mother to visit her aunt, Lady Wang, and the two of them had started talking about her marriage. Just as she was getting a little impatient, this unexpected incident occurred.

Although Madam Wang spoke lightly, everyone knew Baoyu's character; it probably didn't quite amount to raping his mother's maid, but it was certainly frivolous teasing. Therefore, when they returned, Aunt Xue was too embarrassed to say anything more, and she could relax a bit.

"I don't have anything to do, why would I need to bring anything? What are you going over there for tomorrow?"

Ying'er realized she had spoken out of turn, blushed, and covered her mouth. However, she quickly came up with an excuse and hurriedly replied:

"Didn't Xiren ask me to make a few knots? It just so happens that Young Master Yu also asked me to help out. If I don't go to his place tomorrow, am I supposed to go help Second Master Bao instead? After all, he's Miss's person. Does Miss have any thoughts on this?"

Upon hearing this, Baochai disregarded her usual dignified composure, revealing a rare youthful charm, and playfully pinched Ying'er's cheek.

"You brat! Always making fun of me. I should have sent you over there to serve me every day, then we'd see if you'd still have the nerve to talk back—"

"Hahaha, oh dear~ have mercy, girl—hehehe~"

……

After seeing Ying'er off, Gu Yu saw that it was still early, so he simply went out the side gate to go home. He didn't go to the backyard to see Ke Qing and the others, and directly ordered the servant to call Gu Yong.

After Gu Yong rushed over from Yingkexuan, Gu Yu finished explaining the matter of going to Ping'an Prefecture for the inspection and then lowered her voice to give the following instructions:

"These next few days, send people to find out how many of the servants' properties in the Rong and Ning mansions have taken advantage of the Jia family. Keep all the evidence in your hands; I need it."

Gu Yong nodded calmly, not asking why Gu Yu needed this information while staying at the Jia family's residence. He was about to take his orders when Gu Yu hadn't finished speaking:

"Furthermore... gather as much evidence as possible of the illegal activities committed by Jia Zhen and his family in the Ningguo Mansion, ideally enough to lead to their confiscation of property and extermination, and dig out as much as possible..."

A cold glint flashed in Gu Yu's eyes. He was no good man. He already disliked Jia Zhen, and now he dared to throw a tantrum. Did he think he was made of clay?

Gu Yong was taken aback. After hesitating for a moment, he asked:

"The Ning and Rong families are both Dukes of two states. If you, young master, are to touch the Ning family, there's no guarantee that the Rong family won't have its own ideas. Or... how about we take down the Rong family as well?"

As he spoke, Gu Yong made a subtle gesture. Gu Yu glared at him speechlessly. Her sisters were all here. What if they got frightened?

"...That's fine, but there's no need to dig too deep. A few taps will suffice. The Second Madam Lian of the Rongguo Mansion has lent money at exorbitant interest rates and almost caused someone's death. You can follow this line of inquiry and perhaps find some overlooked evidence."

Gu Yong nodded respectfully. He hadn't expected that the young master, alone as a guest in the Jia family, could obtain so much information without making a sound. He was indeed exceptionally intelligent!

After the two discussed for a while longer, the atmosphere finally relaxed, and Gu Yong smiled again:

"The two young ladies that you took in the other day, the old women inside said, are fairly well-behaved. It's just that their mother... is now bedridden. You can just give the order when you want."

Gu Yu glanced at him with displeasure:

"They're relatives, after all. How can they be so rude? Just tell the servants to take good care of them. When the time comes, fate will be unavoidable, and no one can find fault with them. Tell them that whatever the two sisters ask for, they should be granted their requests for ginseng and bird's nest. They can't refuse. Do you understand?"

"Yes, yes, yes! Young Master is so considerate! Look at my mouth, hehe..."