The Red Mansion.

Chapter 15: Within a short distance, she will be the one to live forever

Accompanied by Xue Jin and Xue Ke, Xue Baochai slowly walked into the Jiang family's courtyard and, led by Yao, meandered towards the backyard.

Xue Baochai's eyes wandered, and she secretly marveled in her heart, "This house looks inconspicuous from the outside, even a little plain, but once you enter the second gate and enter the inner courtyard, you will find a different world."

There is a small path paved with bluestone slabs in the inner house, which winds and twists. From time to time, a few clusters of green grass sprouts emerge from the cracks in the stones, adding a bit of vitality to this quiet house.

Xue Baochai continued walking along the bluestone path and came to the backyard.

The backyard is actually a back garden.

The garden is full of winding paths, with rockery and rocks arranged in an orderly manner. There is also a pool of clear water, which shimmers brightly under the sunlight.

There is a small pavilion standing quietly by the pool. There is a stone table and several stone benches in the pavilion. On the table is a set of celadon tea sets with warm glaze, which contrasts with the surrounding scenery.

Xue Baochai thought to herself, "That Jiang family boy behaves in a domineering manner, but his home is full of elegance."

The place where Jiang Nian practiced martial arts was right by the pool.

When Xue Baochai arrived at the poolside, Jiang Nian was concentrating on archery.

Jiang Nian stood tall with his arms stretched out, holding the bowstring in his hand in the shape of a full moon. With a "whoosh", the arrow shot out through the air and pierced the bull's eye with a dull sound.

Xue Baochai's bright eyes flickered slightly, and ripples appeared in her heart.

She clearly hated and feared him, but at this moment she actually felt that this boy, who was not handsome, had some heroic spirit.

Her tense heartstrings relaxed a little unconsciously, and even her breathing became a little lighter.

Jiang Nian had noticed the footsteps. He paused his archery and turned to look at Xue Baochai. Xue Baochai was also looking at him, and their eyes met.

This was the third time the two had looked into each other's eyes, the first two times being this morning on the Qinhuai River.

When their eyes met for the first time, he looked admiring, but she seemed to be burned by his gaze and quickly turned her head away.

The second time their eyes met, she glared at him angrily, while he raised the corners of his lips slightly and smiled playfully, not caring about her anger but finding it amusing.

This was the third time their eyes met. She quickly lowered her head to avoid his gaze, while he looked calm, as if he had no emotions, just quietly waiting for her to approach.

The wind blew by the pool, ruffling the corners of his clothes and her temples.

This wind seemed to be the bond between the two people.

Xue Baochai lowered her head and brows, like a child who had made a mistake. She walked up to Jiang Nian, knelt down and bowed, her voice soft but trembling, "Greetings to Master Jiang."

Although this trip made her feel humiliated, wronged and afraid, she believed that since she had come here, she should bite the bullet and complete the mission.

Jiang Nian stared at "Sister Bao" who was so close to him and said, "Look up."

This short sentence made Xue Baochai feel embarrassed, angry and afraid. Fortunately, Jiang Nian's tone was not threatening or mocking, but gentle.

Xue Baochai hesitated for a while before slowly raising her head. She did not look directly at Jiang Nian, but deliberately turned her gaze to the side, avoiding something.

On the side is a pool of clear water, in which dozens of koi fish are swimming leisurely. Sometimes they jump out of the water, splashing crystal water and breaking the tranquility of the pool.

At this moment, it seemed as if dozens of koi fish were swimming and jumping in Xue Baochai's heart.

At such a close distance, Jiang Nian stared intently at Xue Baochai's face.

Xue Baochai, who had not yet reached the age of marriage, was still somewhat immature, yet already possessed a striking beauty. Her face was as fair as the bright moon, with a faint radiance. Her eyebrows, like mist and distant mountains, were framed by a pair of bright eyes. Her nose was delicate, and her lips were as pale as a newly blossomed peach.

Jiang Nian's gaze slowly shifted downward, landing on her clothing. She wore a moon-white cotton-padded jacket, a lilac-colored shoulder-length gown, and an ivory-white satin cotton skirt. None of them were old or new, yet they didn't look luxurious. Her whole appearance lacked the aura of opulence accorded her by gold and jade. Instead, she was as gentle and elegant as celadon washed by spring rain. Unassuming, yet possessing a captivating charm.

"She's worthy of being one of the most beautiful hairpins in the Dream of the Red Chamber. Now that I've come to this world of the Red Chamber and met her so early, I'm determined to marry this Sister Bao!"

Jiang Nian thought to himself.

Within a short distance, he will be with her forever!
Following Jiang Nian's focused gaze, Xue Baochai felt as if she were a prostitute being scrutinized by a distinguished guest, and was afraid that Jiang Nian would suddenly make an embarrassing request.

For example, buy her.

Xue Ke, who was only twelve years old, was looking at Jiang Nian carefully at this time. He felt that this boy, who was only three years older than him, exuded an aura of majesty without anger, which made him involuntarily feel a little awe.

At this moment, Xue Jin deliberately coughed, breaking the silent and strange atmosphere. He said to Xue Baochai, "Bao girl, give the banknote to Mr. Jiang."

Xue Baochai woke up as if from a dream. She pulled a stack of banknotes from her sleeve. Still not looking directly at Jiang Nian, she simply handed the banknotes to Jiang Nian. Her pale crimson lips opened, and her voice was like falling maple leaves in autumn, soft and with an imperceptible tremor: "This is ten thousand taels of silver as compensation to you. My brother was so arrogant and offended you. I apologize to you. I hope you will reconcile with us."

Jiang Nian did not take the banknote immediately, but continued to examine Xue Baochai, enjoying the feeling of the dignified and self-respecting Baochai submitting to him.

Xue Baochai grew increasingly embarrassed, annoyed, and fearful, wondering to herself, "Could it be that Mr. Jiang is going to break his promise? Or perhaps make an embarrassing request?"

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but look up and glance at Jiang Nian. Her eyes met Jiang Nian's again, and when their eyes met, she saw a playful smile on Jiang Nian's lips.

Xue Baochai hurriedly lowered her head again, and a faint blush appeared on her fair cheeks.

Jiang Nian then slowly reached out and took the banknote from Xue Baochai, saying gently, "Since Miss Xue has come in person to apologize and compensate, this matter will be dropped."

Although Jiang Nian lives a wealthy life, he is not a wealthy man. All the money in the family depends on his father's supply, and his father's supply is limited.

Jiang Nian calculated that it would cost a lot of money to go to Beijing, so he was naturally happy to get 10,000 taels of silver from the Xue family this time.

When Xue Baochai saw Jiang Nian take the banknote, she felt a little relieved, but she was still nervous. She just wanted to leave this dangerous place as soon as possible and escape from this uneasy situation.

So, she couldn't wait to bow to Jiang Nian again, her voice respectful but with a hint of urgency: "Thank you, Mr. Jiang, for your magnanimity. I... I'll take my leave now."

After saying that, she ran away, silently chanting in her heart: "Don't ask me to stop, don't ask me to stop..."

His steps were light and quick, fearing that something might happen if he stayed any longer.

Xue Jin bowed to Jiang Nian and said earnestly, "Thank you, Master Jiang! When will you release Pan Ge'er?"

Jiang Nian said calmly, "Tomorrow I will ask the governor, Lord Tang, to release him."

Haha, at least let Xue Pan suffer in the cell for one night.

Xue Jin didn't dare to say much, and nodded in response: "Thank you for your help, Mr. Jiang. I dare not disturb you any further. I will take my leave now."

He took Xue Ke with him and chased after Xue Baochai.

Xue Baochai walked a little further away, and couldn't help but look back at Jiang Nian. She saw that Jiang Nian was still shooting arrows. The bowstring was pulled, and the arrow flew out like a meteor, hitting the bull's eye again.

"What a majestic brother!"

"Fortunately, I'm about to go to Beijing. I never want to see him again in my life!"

Xue Baochai sighed in her heart, not knowing that he had just quietly decided on her lifelong destiny.

Does this chapter about the garden drama have the flavor of A Dream of Red Mansions?
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(End of this chapter)