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

Chapter 80 Sisterly Love
Wang Xifeng looked around.

Only then did she seem to notice Xue Pan, her eyes darting around with a hint of mockery: "Oh! This is Brother Pan, isn't it? You've had your share of trouble on the road, haven't you?"

Xue Pan felt somewhat awkward under her bright and flamboyant beauty. He chuckled twice, unsure how to respond. He felt that this sister-in-law was a hundred times more clever than the courtesans of Qinghe in Jinling, and his heart was itching with desire.

Sister Feng then bombarded the servants with instructions: "Sister Zhou, quickly get Pear Fragrance Courtyard all tidied up! Send over the best bedding, curtains, and furnishings! Prepare tea, fruit, and vegetables immediately! Carefully carry in all the trunks and luggage that the concubine brought! Be quick and efficient!"

In no time, all the maids and servants in the room were being directed around by her, adding to the lively and noisy atmosphere.

Just then, a maid announced from outside the door: "Madam Rong has arrived!"

With a flick of the curtain, Qin Keqing gracefully entered.

Today she wore a lotus-colored satin jacket embroidered with gold butterflies and clouds, and a light green embroidered cotton skirt with gold patterns. This made her oval face appear as pale as snow, with only a touch of rouge on her lips that was strikingly red. Even so, it did not diminish her stunning beauty in the slightest.

Qin Keqing's almond-shaped eyes were smiling, and as she looked around, her gaze seemed to ripple like spring water, gently sweeping over everyone. Wherever her gaze fell, even the air seemed to soften.

She first curtsied to Lady Wang, her figure swaying gracefully like a willow in the breeze; then she turned to Lady Xue, her voice sweet and melodious, her breath like orchids: "Greetings, Aunt. Miss Bao is truly of fine character, as delicate and beautiful as a tender onion; I adore her from the bottom of my heart." After exchanging greetings with Baochai and Daiyu, her gaze finally settled on Baoyu: "Uncle Bao is here too."

"Is this Rong-ge's daughter-in-law?" Madam Xue asked with a smile, quickly replying, "Oh my! My lovely girl! Don't flatter me like that! I've heard from my sister that you're an exceptional beauty. Now that I've seen you in person, I know the rumors are true! Your looks, your figure, and the way you handle things—you're truly a celestial being descended to earth!"

Wang Xifeng's phoenix eyes seemed to have hooks as she carefully traced Ke Qing's slightly pale yet alluring face. She sighed, "You're not feeling well, you should be taking good care of yourself. What are you doing running here so eagerly? Look how pale your little face is!" Then, she said to Ping'er, "Hurry up and get that down cushion, lest it hurt her delicate skin!"

Qin Keqing smiled faintly, her lips as pale as newly blooming cherry blossoms. Her voice remained soft and gentle, with a hint of languid weakness: "Thank you for your concern, Auntie. There's nothing seriously wrong, but my chest feels a little tight and constricted." As she spoke, the fabric of her clothes stretched taut, revealing a startling silhouette, her flesh trembling slightly.

As Fengjie responded, her plump and voluptuous body sat down next to Keqing. Her heavy buttocks pressed into the brocade cushion, creating a large, fleshy ripple that made the sickly Keqing appear even more slender and graceful, evoking pity.

She grabbed Keqing's soft, boneless, and smooth hand, placing it on her own warm knee and gently stroking and kneading it. Her voice was crisp and cheerful, yet warm and affectionate: "My dear Keqing! Didn't you mention the other day that you were going to the nunnery in a few days to offer incense on your mother's death anniversary? Have you decided on an auspicious day yet?"

Keqing was adjusting the narrow cuffs of her coat, revealing a section of her fair wrist, as white as snow. Upon hearing this, her slender, delicately painted fingertips trembled almost imperceptibly, like the wings of a startled butterfly.

She coughed lightly twice, the taut fabric of her dress creating a startling curve, as if fearing her breasts might collapse at any moment. She quickly covered her petal-like lips with a plain white handkerchief. When she lifted her face, the paleness had faded slightly, revealing two delicate, perfectly proportioned peach-blossom hues. Her face was flushed with spring-like beauty, her gentle demeanor exuding a captivating allure. She softly said, "Replying to Auntie, it's set for the next few days." Fengjie clapped her hands, her phoenix eyes sparkling: "That's perfect! Just call me, and I'll come out of the manor with you!"

She leaned closer to Keqing's ear, her voice even lower, a warm, powdery scent wafting into Keqing's ear: "I happen to have a few accounts to collect. Once I'm done, where are you headed? Let's see if we're going the same way!"

Qin Keqing's heart skipped a beat! They'd accepted the accounts?

She suppressed the sudden surge of fear, maintaining a gentle and polite smile, though her hand, hidden in her sleeve, subtly clenched her handkerchief. Trying to keep her voice steady, she asked, "Where are you going to collect the accounts, Auntie? Is it on your way?"

Sister Feng waved her hand dismissively, as if she were talking about something extremely ordinary: "Hey, it's not far, just over in the south of the city. It's time to settle a few old scores."

"Oh, I'm going to Shuiyue Nunnery!" Qin Keqing said hurriedly.

Calming myself down, I quickly thought: It's probably too much of a coincidence to run into them. I've never heard of any outside accounts in Qinghe County.

She took a deep breath, and in an instant, her face regained its gentle and charming smile, her voice carrying just the right amount of concern: "I see. That's good, it'll be more lively with you traveling with me. It'll save me from feeling bored by myself."

She paused, her eyes darting around, and looked at Fengjie with genuine concern. "But... Auntie, you must be very careful when you go to the outskirts to collect debts. Those merchants are a motley crew, and there might be some shameless, cunning scoundrels among them! What if they offend your precious auntie? In my opinion, it would be best to take a few strong, burly servants with you!"

Upon hearing this, Sister Feng chuckled, "Oh dear, it's so kind of you to worry about me like this! Don't worry! What haven't I seen, you auntie? But you—" She changed the subject, looking Ke Qing up and down at her almost translucent pale skin:
“Winter is almost here, and the wind is like a knife! And going to that cold nunnery again, the chill is so strong! You look so frail, and you're dressed too plainly and thinly! I'll have Ping'er send you my new scarlet felt cloak with silver fox fur lining! The fur is so glossy and smooth, light and warm, it will cover you from head to toe, and not a single breeze will get in! You're so delicate, you absolutely can't stand the slightest bit of cold!”

“That cloak is my aunt’s new item, she hasn’t even worn it yet, how can I…”

"Hey! Take it if it's yours!" Sister Feng interrupted her, her tone resolute: "Why are you being so formal with me? Your health is the most important thing! Look at your pale face, without a trace of blood, you look just like a paper lantern that would break in the wind, it's heartbreaking to see!"
Two beautiful women were talking about their feelings for each other, while two old widows were reminiscing about the past.

Baochai looked at the bustling yet unfamiliar place and suddenly felt a gaze fall on her, so she went to meet it.

(End of this chapter)