The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 48 is not just about guns and clubs.
Young Master Yue said, "Junior Brother, you have misjudged Yue Fei! A true man, when he sees injustice, is like an arrow piercing a goose's beak, he has no choice but to cry out. How can he care whether she is beautiful or not?"

He sighed and said, "I know you don't understand, junior brother, why there are so many people in the world who are down on their luck, why you are so obsessed with saving one person. Master always said, 'In chaotic times, human lives are like locusts passing through,' what's the use of saving one person? But if I stand idly by because I can't save everyone in the world, then I might as well bury my martial arts in my grave. What difference is there between my ambition and thin clouds in the blue sky? They will just scatter in all directions with a gust of wind!"

Ximen Da Guanren put away his smile, looked at the young Yue Ye, and nodded: "I understand what you mean, Senior Brother!"

Yue Fei shook his head: "You don't understand, you're just as clueless as your master."

He sighed and turned to go back to his room.

Suddenly, Master Ximen called out to him, put his arm around his shoulder, and sat down with him in the pavilion. He said seriously, “Let me tell you a story: There was once a foolish child playing on the beach, frantically throwing stranded seashells into the sea after the tide went out. An old man, leaning on his cane, laughed at him: ‘Silly grandson, there are countless seashells on the beach, how many can you save? And who cares?’ The child, clutching a purple-veined seashell, gasped, ‘Grandpa doesn’t know, to me, this one is my whole world!’ Then he picked up a white jade seashell and shouted, ‘To me, this one is also my empire!’ He shouted this after each seashell he threw away! Every seashell I save, I care about myself!!”

Upon hearing this, Yue Fei's eyes lit up, and he suddenly gripped Ximen Qing's wrist tightly with his iron hands, making Ximen Qing grimace in embarrassment, glancing around furtively for fear of being seen by the maids and servants.

“That’s exactly right! Every seashell struggles to survive in the sand, and when it meets me, I become the wave that carries it back to the sea!” He was so excited that his voice cracked and even revealed his local Tangyin accent: “I never expected that my junior brother would know me!”

Suddenly, he frowned again: "Why is it that the story features a grandson and grandfather? Junior brother, you're not trying to take advantage of me with this story, are you?"

"Young people are so cunning! How could I, your junior brother, be like that!" Master Ximen looked around hastily, subtly pulling his hand away. He stood up and patted Master Yue's shoulder: "Although the Xue family is powerful, since this is the first time you've asked me for help, I'll give it a try no matter how difficult it is! Just wait for my reply! Today, I'll teach you that a man's martial arts skills aren't just about spears and sticks. If used correctly, even fingertips can display might behind a red silk curtain. I will definitely bring back that maid named Xiangling."

Young Master Yue nodded expectantly, but he felt there was something off about his junior brother's words and kept pondering their meaning.

Ximen returned to his study.

Lai Bao was already waiting inside.

At this moment, Yue Niang also came in with Dai An and several servants, and then went out carrying several black gift boxes with gold trim.

"Keep Dai'an here!" Ximen Qing suddenly said, intending to cultivate him. Among this group of servants, only this personal servant Dai'an was the most loyal and obedient. Although he had a slight tendency to be greedy for small gains, he was never disloyal.

Keeping servants is like training hawks and hounds; you must choose those with sharp claws and teeth who are willing to acknowledge their master.

Claws and teeth can be sharpened, but a wolf's heart and a dog's lungs can never be tamed!
"The task I'm asking you to do this time is to wipe away all your past mistakes! Not only that, but you'll also receive a generous reward!" The official first gave a brief introduction to the task he was to perform.

Then he continued:
"Come and protect!"

Master Ximen sat upright in his armchair, tapping his fingers on the table, his gaze fixed intently: "This gift-giving is of paramount importance, no small matter. My future and fortune rest on your shoulders!"

Lai Bao bowed and swore an oath: "Father, rest assured! Even if I die for you, I will handle this matter perfectly! I will not dare to make the slightest mistake!"

Master Ximen nodded, pointed to a bag of silver, and instructed, "Keep this fifty taels of silver for the journey. Although it's not a long trip, don't be stingy with money when you stop at post stations or feed the horses at troughs—especially those gatekeepers at the Grand Tutor's mansion; you must be extremely generous and give them generously!"

"Money flows like water; only by spending wisely can one last. Saving money doesn't guarantee wealth; being able to spend it makes one a wise person. It's like a raft crossing a river; if you're reluctant to leave the shore, how can you reach the treasure mountain on the other side?" He then sneered, "What if you ruin my plans for the sake of that extra silver?"

"Thump!" Lai Bao was so frightened that he immediately knelt down: "My great father, even if I am stupid, I understand the principle that when one person attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven! Father, you are now the great official Ximen, and I am just Lai Bao! If you are the county magistrate, I am the advisor Lai. And if one day you become the Grand Tutor, I will no longer be Lai Bao, but the head steward Lai!!"

Ximen Da Guanren was taken aback: "Then it is my fault, I was not ambitious enough! I blocked your destiny to become the head steward!"

Yue Niang, standing to the side, covered her mouth with a handkerchief and chuckled.

Lai Bao lay prostrate on the ground, forcing a sheepish smile.

Ximen Da Guanren then took out a letter from his sleeve, written by Wen Bigu, with the words "To be opened by Steward Zhai Qian" written respectfully on the cover. He put the letter into the gift box, closed the lid, and solemnly handed it to Lai Bao: "This letter is important and unimportant. The letter is just a gimmick, a gimmick to get Zhai Qian to see you. The content of the letter is not important. What is important is the weight of the gift."

"Remember!" Master Ximen stared intently at Lai Bao: "Once you arrive in the capital, head straight for Grand Tutor Cai's residence. Such a place has strict security and extremely high rules! You must not act rashly!"

"First, find a safe inn to stay in. Then, go to the vicinity of that mansion and find one of those 'hangers-in-law' or 'gatekeepers' who make a living in front of the powerful and wealthy. Give them some silver and find out when Steward Zhai will leave the mansion, or which steward in the mansion is easy to talk to. Remember, don't rush straight to the gate, lest you be mistaken for a troublemaker and chased away, which would ruin everything!"

"Yes! I will remember Father's teachings! I will definitely act with caution!" Lai Bao accepted the heavy gift box with both hands, as if it were his life.

"Go! Come back soon! I'll be waiting for your good news!" Master Ximen waved his hand.

“Dai’an, this is your first time on an important mission. Follow behind Lai Bao and do not say a word. Just watch and listen, understand?”

Dai'an knelt down and kowtowed: "Don't worry, Uncle, once I leave the gate, I'm a mute. All I can do with this mouth is eat, drink, and babble!"

Moon Lady laughed when she heard this: "You should use your cleverness when you're doing things!"

Lai Bao dared not delay. He accepted the assignment, took Dai An with him, selected several capable attendants, prepared fast horses, and set off day and night for the capital.

Just as Ximen Qing had dismissed Lai Bao, a servant came to report from outside: "Someone from the Xue family is here to see you." A steward in blue robes hurried in; it was the same old servant from the Xue family he had seen at the dock earlier that day.

The steward bowed and said, "Greetings, Master Ximen. My mistress has specially sent me to express my gratitude for saving your life earlier today. Although the young lady is awake now, she is coughing severely, and there is even blood in her phlegm. My mistress is extremely anxious and has specially requested that you come to our residence to examine her." As he spoke, he took out a brocade pouch from his sleeve: "This is the consultation fee prepared by my mistress; I hope you will accept it."

Ximen Qing pushed the silver pouch aside and laughed, "We'll talk about it later. Steward, go ahead, I'll be there shortly."

　One more chapter is under review, so you guys have to wait for the reviewers to start work!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)