A stew of the Red Chamber

Chapter 75 Eliminating Future Trouble

Qin kept saying that Pan Youan was her fault, and then she made her own family take responsibility.

Siqi was naturally strong-willed. She had risked everything to save her cousin, so how could she bear such injustice?

To make matters worse, she dragged Siqi along to see Pan Youan.

Although she was forced into it at the time, Siqi never thought of breaking her vow since she had made the curse.

Furthermore, if Qin's actions are allowed to continue, and if the news reaches Wang Qing's ears, it will not only cause unnecessary misunderstandings, but may also affect Yingchun's marriage.

Unable to bring up Wang Qing, she had no choice but to threaten Grandmother Jia.

Siqi was already tall and robust, and the mention of Grandmother Jia made Qin Shi even more fearful. She could only resentfully utter, "You're ruthless!"

He then slunk away.

As soon as she left, Madam Wang said with a look of relief, "Oh my! You've finally come to your senses! I told you long ago, that little beast is no good, but you and your daughter were blinded by him!"

Qin Fu shook his head with shame, then looked at Siqi and said, "In the past, it was alright with your cousins, but now that you're older, you should be more careful."

He paused and said, "Besides, Master Qing is upright and honest, and he can't stand cowardly people like You An. You should be more careful in the future and not provoke Master Qing's displeasure."

Although he had gotten what he wanted, it was only supposed to be a verification of his identity, but that man kept changing his mind and coming up with new tricks...

Recalling the tragic scene of last night, and Wang Qing's boastful words: "Even I, a master, cannot beg for a maid like you."

Siqi was not only upset, but also had a feeling that she couldn't quite put her finger on.

Disheartened, she said, "Now that things have turned out this way, we probably can't even be relatives anymore. It's better to cut ties cleanly and avoid awkwardness when we meet again!"

Wang echoed her sentiments, while Qin Fu remained silent.

Just then, Wang Shanbao and his wife walked in.

Just as Madam Wang was about to inquire about the rumors surrounding Yingchun's marriage, Wang Shanbao's wife spoke first: "It's good that Siqi is at home! Madam hasn't let me serve her these days, so I heard from someone that the First Madam went to see Master Qing a while ago, seemingly intending to betroth the Second Miss to him. I came here immediately to inform you."

Wang Shanbao and Qin Fu became scapegoats, and Wang Shanbao's family was neglected. Naturally, those below them changed their tune depending on the wind.

Now that the father-in-law and son-in-law have been released unharmed, it's inevitable to speculate that Master Qing only forgave Siqi because she was Yingchun's head maid.

They quickly tried to salvage the situation by informing Wang Shanbao's family of the news.

Knowing that Grandmother Jia had even given the Divine Arm Bow to Wang Qing and that he had received his favor, Wang Shanbao was naturally overjoyed, and the two of them hurriedly came to report the good news.

They had hoped their granddaughter would seize the opportunity, and they were full of praise for Wang Qing.

The saying "three men can make a tiger" applies here. Everyone in the family was overjoyed, and since it was already a fait accompli, Siqi's grievances had lessened considerably.

However, her family kept urging her, both openly and secretly, to seize the opportunity, hoping that one day she could serve Wang Qing, which made her somewhat uneasy.

He quickly made an excuse, saying that Yingchun was waiting for him to go back and serve her, thus escaping from the encirclement of his family.

Return to the three small main rooms in the east corridor.

Yingchun had just returned from her morning and evening greetings and was unaware that Qin Fu and the others had been released. Seeing that she was travel-worn and hadn't even changed her clothes, she hurriedly inquired about the situation.

Upon hearing that Qin Fu and the others had been released early that morning, she couldn't help but look at Siqi and ask suspiciously, "What a coincidence?"

Siqi felt a chill run down her spine and quickly said, "It's not exactly a coincidence. I heard from my maternal grandmother that the First Madam went to see Master Qing a while ago and mentioned the young lady's marriage. Today, I heard from my father and maternal grandfather that Master Qing was just putting on an act and didn't actually make things difficult for them..."

Last night at Rongqing Hall, Yingchun vaguely guessed Madam Xing's intentions, but she was puzzled by the timing.

After hearing this explanation, he immediately had no more doubts.

She took a deep breath, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Since Brother Qing has released your father, you should, no matter what, go with your family to express your gratitude in person!"

Siqi quickly said, "This servant...this servant will let it go! If people misunderstand, it might damage your reputation, Miss!"

Thinking of what happened last night, Siqi was still in fear and dared not take the initiative to see Wang Qing.

Unexpectedly, Yingchun shook her head and said firmly, "This isn't just something your grandmother knows about; it's impossible to hide it now. Yesterday, Madam forced me to go and offer toasts, so what misunderstanding is there to speak of?"

"But since nothing is settled yet, shouldn't the young lady be even more..."

Before Siqi could finish speaking, Yingchun sneered, "When Madam forced me to offer a toast, did she ever think about avoiding any awkwardness? Master and she probably hoped to create some misunderstandings so that the household would be in a difficult position and the marriage would be finalized!"

He paused for a moment and then said, "Go back again and tell your family that you just asked for leave yesterday. Ask them to wait for you for two days. I embroidered a purse yesterday. Once it's finished, take it to Brother Qing secretly!"

Siqi looked up in surprise at her young mistress, feeling that Yingchun was an absolute stranger.

The master and servant exchanged a glance and both lowered their heads somewhat guiltily.

……

West City Military Command.

After meeting with his subordinates from the other four cities, Wang Qinggang instructed them to cooperate with Zhuang Ze and several other veteran subordinates to arrange matters such as investigation and recruitment.

Back in the duty room, I had just finished sketching the coal stove and honeycomb briquettes, and made some notes.

Then Nie Chong, with his shifty eyes, slipped in.

Wang Qing casually handed him the blueprints and said, "Find a few trustworthy craftsmen and build some according to these blueprints."

Although this thing is not complicated and will be leaked sooner or later, we should delay it for now.

Yesterday, I discussed with the Emperor that we would arrange for some trustworthy craftsmen to rush out a batch of samples through Nie Chong.

I assumed Nie Chong had come for the same reason, but to my surprise, after receiving the order, he didn't rush to carry it out. Instead, he lowered his voice and said, "Sir! That man surnamed Hu just told me something!"

The one surnamed Hu? Isn't that Manager Hu from Huichuntang?

Wang Qing asked in confusion, "What is it?"

"He told me privately that he secretly added some medicine when treating that boy..."

"What do you mean?" Wang Qing asked, frowning.

Nie Chong gave Wang Qing a knowing look, and said cryptically, "This guy surnamed Hu said that some wealthy people who are into this kind of thing often ask for this medicine for their handsome young servants. After taking it, they become even more androgynous..."

"Get out!" Wang Qing shouted before he could finish, "What kind of heretical methods are you suggesting? You told him to do this?"

Nie Chong quickly shook his head and said, "No, no, no! I only just found out myself!"

Seemingly worried that Wang Qing wouldn't believe him, he paused and explained, "Perhaps this guy surnamed Hu is used to doing this kind of thing. Seeing that kid looking all respectable, and with cold water poured on his lower body, he thought he was something special..."

"Alright!" Wang Qing waved his hand dismissively. "Have him give him twenty lashes as a warning. Now, get on with what I gave you!"

Although this man surnamed Hu misunderstood his meaning, he did manage to eliminate any future trouble for Wang Qingyong.

Wang Qing then found it difficult to take drastic measures.

……