Dream of the Red Chamber: Daiyu and I swapped clothes

Chapter 31 Dilemma
Lixiangyuan,
The cold wind has been biting for days, and snowflakes like shattered jade fall intermittently.

The earth was silent, devoid of the usual chirping of insects and birds, making the secluded Pear Blossom Courtyard even more secluded.

After passing through a bamboo-lined path, you reach an open area where you'll find a secluded courtyard. The walls are now covered with a thick layer of snow, resembling a giant white dragon winding and coiling.

In front of the main gate, several maids, bundled up tightly, were sweeping snow with brooms. When they saw someone coming, they recognized Lin Daiyu and hurriedly dropped the brooms to report to the house.

"Miss Lin has arrived! Quickly, please have her sit in the hall. I will go and inform my mistress right away."

Lin Daiyu had recently become somewhat accustomed to being received with such utmost respect and trepidation.

This is all thanks to that纨绔 (playboy/spoiled brat).

Stopping the little maid who was about to run off, Lin Daiyu quickly explained, "There's no need to disturb Aunt. I just wanted to talk to Sister Bao today."

"Yes, yes." The little girl nodded like a chick pecking at rice.

Before long, a familiar, soft voice came from inside the door.

Xiangling lifted the curtain and came out, curtsying to Lin. "Miss Lin, my young lady is waiting in the room. Please come with me."

After escorting Lin Daiyu into her room, Xiangling politely asked Zijuan and Xueyan to stay, saying, "Sisters, why don't you go to the side room and have a cup of hot tea to warm yourselves up?"

Inside the house, only the two sisters remained, whispering to each other.

This was undoubtedly Xue Baochai's careful arrangement; Lin Daiyu's sudden visit was certainly not for any trivial matter.

I had previously misunderstood her, thinking she was a fairy who ate flowers and drank dew, untouched by the dust of the mortal world. But after several intimate conversations recently, I realized that she has a deep understanding of things and is even well-versed in economics and worldly affairs.

“Sister, you’ve come so suddenly. I haven’t prepared anything for you, I’m afraid I’ve been too rude.” Xue Baochai stood up to greet you.

Lin Daiyu's eyes shifted slightly as she quietly surveyed the room.

The furnishings in Xue Baochai's room were as simple and unadorned as her clothes. There were no toys or trinkets, and the bed was only covered with a blue gauze curtain and plain bedding, which made people feel cold.

She didn't look like a young lady in her boudoir; she looked more like a widow.

Seeing this, Lin Daiyu felt somewhat relieved.

How could Xue Baochai, so rational and clear-headed, easily fall in love with a man?
"Sister, you are too kind. It was I who came uninvited and disturbed you. I only hope that I have not disturbed your peace and quiet."

Xue Baochai shook her head, brewed a cup of refreshing Biluochun tea for Lin Daiyu, and poured herself a strong black tea.

"Even if my sister hadn't come today, I was just about to go looking for you."

"Oh?" Lin Daiyu tilted her head, looking at her with a puzzled expression.

Xue Baochai smiled gently, "Sister, you probably don't know yet, but the Marquis of Zhenyuan has been promoted to Deputy Commander of the Patrol Division. Just as you said before, the Xue family's trip has been a timely help."

"?"

Lin Daiyu's eyes, which were full of affection, widened into almond-shaped eyes, filled with doubt and confusion.

"How could this be? Getting a promotion just for entering the palace and meeting the emperor? It can't be that easy. Did I do something good?"

But then Xue Baochai continued, "The Xue family and the clerk of the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion jointly run this cotton-padded clothing business, so they know more about the inside story than outsiders."

"Others were surprised that the Marquis of Zhenyuan was suddenly given important positions and real power, but we heard that the strategies that turned the crisis into an opportunity and even turned misfortune into a blessing all came from the mouth of that Second Young Master Li."

Xue Baochai praised her without reservation, exclaiming, "Just as you say, sister, you are a genius. It seems I truly owe you a great favor."

Lin Daiyu was even more surprised and immediately grabbed Xue Baochai's wrist, asking, "Sister, could you explain in more detail?"

Seeing Lin Daiyu's unintentional urgency, Xue Baochai was puzzled. "Hmm, why is Sister Lin so concerned about the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion? Could it be that she has a secret relationship with that family? Or has she taken a liking to that Second Young Master Li? But, Sister, you and I are both young ladies confined to our chambers, how could you possibly be acquainted with a man outside the household? That's too absurd." After a mental storm, Xue Baochai still smiled and explained to Lin Daiyu, "We wouldn't know the details."

"It is said that Marquis Zhenyuan entered the palace to meet the emperor twice. The first time, it seemed that he did not get the job he wanted. When he left the palace for the second time, he was given the task of supervising the military supplies of the three armies. He eventually found out that the corruption case involving winter clothing and cotton wadding was orchestrated by Earl Zhongxin. Now that the truth has come out, Marquis Zhenyuan has naturally been promoted."

After a pause, Xue Baochai lowered her voice and said, "According to the servants in the manor, both of these trips to the palace were suggested by the Second Young Master."

Lin Daiyu silently put down her teacup, her whole body seemingly losing strength, and she leaned back gently in her chair, her expression slightly dazed.

Unexpectedly, this playboy turned out to be a ruthless character with a masterful mind.

He easily resolved what he thought was a difficult problem, and even gained real power within the household. His situation was no longer as precarious as before, where anyone could bully him.

Now he's gained the emperor's favor!

With a slight movement in her throat, Lin Daiyu ultimately did not ask any further questions.

Instead, Xue Baochai continued, "It is a good thing for the Xue family that the Marquis of Zhenyuan has been promoted. Of course, we should also thank my sister for her discerning eye. This young master Li's learning and vision will probably amaze the world. Even I doubted the truth of this news when I heard it from outside."

"Looking at it now, he was indeed a person of extraordinary talent."

Hearing Xue Baochai's praise, Lin Daiyu was suddenly startled and looked over in disbelief.

"Sister, you...you also think that Young Master Li is a good person?"

Xue Baochai was completely baffled by the question.

Isn't this what you strongly recommended?

Now that you're starting to stand out, you're starting to think it's not good?

Xue Baochai couldn't fathom Lin Daiyu's thoughts, but she still felt it was inappropriate to slander someone who was truly capable, especially since the Xue family had already decided to fully support Li Er Gongzi's studies.

"Sister, it's not that I think he's good."

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu breathed a sigh of relief.

"Moreover, even Mother thinks he is a rare young talent. The Xue family values ​​its relationship with the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion and believes he has a bright future. Of course, I must thank my sister again. If it weren't for your strong persuasion to let the Xue family bear the cost of the several thousand taels of silver for winter clothing, the relationship between the two families might not be so close now..."

Lin Daiyu could no longer hear what Xue Baochai said next.

When I heard Xue Baochai say that even Aunt Xue thought it was good, I felt a wave of dizziness.

If even the elders think it's a good idea, doesn't that mean they're trying to arrange a marriage?
Someone as clever as Baochai can still laugh without the slightest resistance; doesn't that mean she tacitly approves of the marriage?

Lin Daiyu's vision went black, and when she looked at Xue Baochai's dignified and beautiful face again, she felt a strange feeling.

Now, Zijuan is by her side every morning, and Xueyan is still not used to it when she wakes up.

If I were to be born as a man in the future, and Xue Baochai were to stay by my side and serve me in bed, what would I do?

Lin Daiyu didn't dare to think about it further. She suddenly stood up, her voice trembling slightly, "Sister, I suddenly remembered that I haven't taken my morning medicine yet, so I need to go back first. If you need anything, you can come find me again."

Xue Baochai nodded in surprise, and before she could see her off, Lin Daiyu had already hurried out the door.

"Strange, did I say something inappropriate again?"

Xue Baochai frowned and pondered, but she couldn't grasp the point at all...

(End of this chapter)