Uncle Lai in the Red Chamber

Chapter 313 Reversal and Reversal (Two in One)

(Wish everyone good luck in the Year of the Rabbit!)

Inside Yihong courtyard.

Musk Moon and Qiu Wen leaned against a pillar on the porch, knocking melon seeds and chatting.

"Hey! If the second master knows that Miss Miaoyu is going to leave the mansion, he doesn't know how anxious he will be?"

"No, I'd better hide this from him. Don't let him know."

"But we deliberately hid it from him, and he couldn't even give Miaoyu a ride. If he found out, he couldn't blame us to death?"

"Giggle! You little prodigal, are you afraid that the second master will be angry with you? Don't worry! The second master can't bear to blame you. He will ignore you for ten days... or three days at most!"

"Stop chatting. I'm afraid the second master is coming out right now. Let's stop him quickly and walk around the yard with him. Don't let him go for a walk in the garden."

After Musk Moon and Qiu Wen left, Zicuckoo slowly walked out from the corner, biting her lower lip tightly, staring at the two people's leaving figures, her eyes gradually changing from hesitant to firm.

In fact, she only needs to use her brain a little, and it is not difficult to see the doubts. Sheyue and Qiuwen have been staring at her all the time, so why are they chatting not far away from her today?

Then they left together without any precautions?

It's just that she has been in Yihongyuan for half a year, and she has never even seen Jia Baoyu in person, and she doesn't want to miss this rare opportunity.

The offensive words of New Year's Eve still ring in his ears. Jia Baoyu has probably really forgotten himself. Even if he sees him in the yard, what can he do?
She is just one of the maids. If she wants Master Bao to recognize her from the bottom of his heart, this is undoubtedly an opportunity that cannot be missed.

He secretly followed the roof fan to the corner of the wall and quietly stared into the courtyard.

Sure enough, within a moment Jia Baoyu stepped out of the house.

The attacker behind him hurriedly chased after him and said, "Second Master! Didn't Miss Qin reject Second Master yesterday and said she would stay at Xiaoxiang Pavilion to accompany Miss Lin? Where are you going now?"

She was not bluffing, but Mrs. Wang summoned her this morning to tell her to be optimistic about Jia Baoyu.

Mrs. Wang issued a special order, and she didn't dare to obey the law, otherwise, this aunt would not even think about it until Lai Shangrong exposed it.

The situation at the Poetry Club that day was no secret in Grand View Garden. She already knew it. Based on her experience that day, she naturally believed that Lai Shangrong was dissatisfied with Jia Baoyu and wanted to take the opportunity to make Mrs. Wang denounce Jia Baoyu.

In this case, even if Uncle Lai is unhappy and cannot take it out on himself anymore, he still has room for maneuver.

In addition, March in spring is not as cold as last time. The best thing to do is to get more spankings, and you will never catch the wind and cold again.

Moreover, apart from the fact that the marks on the body need to be carefully covered up, it is really not a punishment at all.

She had made up her mind to choose the lesser of two evils. Unless Zijuan fell into the trap, she would not be able to say a word.

Jia Baoyu didn't even look back, waved his hand and said, "I'll go outside the Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Maybe I can run into Sister Qin if she feels bored."

Xiren winked at She Yue and Qiu Wen in the courtyard, and they immediately held Jia Baoyu's arms on the left and right.

"Second Master! My hair is messed up. Why don't you go back to the house and comb it for me?"

"I have a new rouge today, please come in and have a taste!"

"This..." Looking at the Musk Moon and Autumn Patterns on the left and right, Jia Baoyu hesitated.

Just at this moment, the purple cuckoo from the corner rushed out.

He fell to his knees with a thump.

"Second Master!"

"you are?"

She was kneeling on the ground, but Jia Baoyu didn't see her appearance clearly. In addition, she was not as good as before, and she was only wearing the clothes of a rough maid.

After hearing this, Zicuckoo slowly raised her head and looked at Jia Baoyu expectantly.

"Are you... Zijuan?"

If Xiren knew him best, he had indeed completely forgotten about Zicuckoo.

The last time Zijuan was punished by Mrs. Wang, he did not help her. He felt that he owed her, so it was better to selectively forget it than to feel guilty.

Now it was clear that the person kneeling on the ground was Zicuckoo, and Jia Baoyu couldn't help but take half a step back.

When Zicuckoo saw this, she couldn't help but feel a little disheartened, but then she remembered the conversation between Musk Moon and Qiu Wen.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she gritted her teeth and said, "I know that the Second Master has a close relationship with Miss Miaoyu. When I heard that she was leaving the house, the Second Master was still kept in the dark, so I came here to tell the Second Master!"

"What? Miaoyu is leaving the house?" Jia Baoyu was shocked.

Ignoring Zicuckoo who was kneeling on the ground, he flicked his arm to throw away Musk Moon and Qiu Wen, and ran out like crazy.

At this time, Xiren finally let out a long breath.

"You... you!"

He pointed at the rhododendron on the ground with trembling fingers, as if he was too angry to speak.

Then he stamped his feet and shouted all the way: "Second Master, you can't..."

Following Jia Baoyu's footsteps all the way out of Yihongyuan.

The two of them chased each other and came to the front of the Cuicui Temple.

When Jia Baoyu saw Mrs. Wang, she suddenly felt timid and hesitated.

"Second Master, no!" came a shout from the attacker behind him.

Mrs. Wang, who was chatting with Lai Shangrong, looked up at the sound. When she saw Jia Baoyu, she lowered her face and said, "Niezhang, why are you here?"

Jia Baoyu timidly said: "I heard that Miaoyu is leaving, so my son came to see her off!"

Hearing his satisfactory answer, Mrs. Wang couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, nodded and said, "Then just say goodbye to her!"

With Mrs. Wang's permission, Jia Baoyu hurriedly stepped forward and asked, "My sister is living well, why are you leaving in such a hurry?"

Miaoyu had long forgotten what the outsider had said before, and turned to Jia Baoyu affectionately.

"It's fate to meet each other, but it's a pity that I offended the treacherous villain, so I have to go!"

"Sister, who has nothing to do with the world, how could she offend others..." At this point, he suddenly remembered Lai Shangrong standing next to his mother, and couldn't help but turn his head and look over.

Mrs. Wang noticed something was wrong and hurriedly shouted: "It's a gift, don't delay Shang Rong's errands!"

"On an errand?" Jia Baoyu originally thought that Miaoyu was just leaving the house, but after hearing what Mrs. Wang said, it seemed that Lai Shangrong wanted to take the person away in the name of running an errand.

While he was doubting, he heard the hateful-looking Lai Shangrong say loudly: "Thank you madam, I will take him away!"

This sentence instantly broke through Jia Baoyu's fragile heart. He only thought that Lai Shangrong was bullying men and dominating women and wanted to take Miaoyu home.

First there was Lin Daiyu, and then there was Miaoyu. Could it be that I could only watch helplessly as he snatched away all his sisters?

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but look at Xue Baoqin in the crowd, and saw the slightest hint of unbearable in her eyes, and she suddenly became filled with pride.

Pointing at Lai Shangrong, he angrily rebuked: "Sister Miaoyu has no fights with the world, where does the lawsuit come from? It's clearly you who are using the public for personal gain!"

"Evil! Keep your mouth shut!" Mrs. Wang wailed.

This is what Lai Shangrong was waiting for. He quickly raised his hand to stop Mrs. Wang, and said with a smile, "I enforce the law impartially. Why do you pretend to be a public servant for personal gain? Brother Bao can help me solve my doubts!"

"You...you clearly hold a grudge against Sister Miaoyu, and that's why you made up the groundless charges!"

"Haha!" Lai Shangrong smiled contemptuously: "It's unreasonable? Do you know what she committed?"

“How can a monk get into trouble if he has nothing to do with the world?”

"What a person who has nothing to do with the world!" Lai Shangrong turned to Miaoyu and said, "Why don't you ask Miss Miaoyu to explain to Brother Bao where your food and clothing expenses come from!" "She is originally a young lady from an official family. , of course it belongs to her family!" Jia Baoyu rushed to defend himself before Miaoyu could speak.

"Not bad!" Lai Shangrong shouted.

Seeing everyone looking at me in surprise, I felt very satisfied.

After a pause, she said loudly, "It's the people's fat and people's anointing that her father scavenged!"

In fact, Miaoyu's father was just reselling salt, not people's wealth, but this can have a sufficient shock effect.

Of course, if the imperial court lacks taxes, it will be enough to force them to do so.

He was not afraid that Miaoyu would seize this person to make excuses. Since he was accused of having his house confiscated, how could he not know that the money had come from a wrong way?

Even if you know that it is not Minzhi Mingan, you cannot deny the fact that Zangyin is a person. Therefore, even if you blame Lai Shangrong for inappropriate words, as long as it is confirmed that it is Zangyin, who will believe her?
Corruption can also explain that when the water is clear, there will be no fish, and plundering the people's wealth is completely different in nature. Although everyone still thinks that Lai Shangrong is seeking revenge on Miaoyu, they no longer sympathize with her.

Lai Shangrong looked deeply at Lin Daiyu and said righteously: "Although I took over the case, I dare not take credit. This was a case handled by my father-in-law personally. It was only because he died of illness in office that I did not give full credit. He only dealt with the criminals but failed to recover the dirty money for the court.

Years ago, I took over the post of Salt Patrol Censor and consulted my father-in-law's records. Then, following his legacy, I sent people to the local area for overt and covert inspections, all the way to the capital. "

This is undoubtedly another reversal. It was originally said that Lai Shangrong could not escape the suspicion of revenge, but he did not expect that he was just trying to complete the unfinished business of Lin Daiyu's father.

This is not Lai Shangrong targeting Miaoyu, but Miaoyu hitting the muzzle at the right time.

Not only was he considerate and caring for Lin Daiyu, but he was also determined to fulfill her father's last wish, which shows that he was a very affectionate person.

Unconsciously, everyone looked at Lai Shangrong with a faint glow in their eyes.

Looking at Lin Daiyu, whose eyes were filled with tears and couldn't help herself, Lai Shangrong nodded slightly.

"Miss Miaoyu, did I say anything wrong?"

At this point, it can be said that we are done, and of course we need to confirm the results.

Unexpectedly, before Miaoyu could speak, Jia Baoyu spoke again and said plausibly: "Even if what you said is the truth, it's not sister Miaoyu's fault!"

"What a sin! How dare you say that! Isn't it a sin to hide dirty money!" Mrs. Wang angrily scolded.

Lai Shangrong waved his hand unhurriedly and said: "Of course this officer knows that although she has been hiding her father's dirty money, it is because no one in the Yamen followed up. Of course, she will not let her bear it alone, so I only intend to recover the dirty silver and have no intention of embarrassment."

After a pause, he continued: "My duty is to enforce the law impartially, but Xiuyan still has a friendship with her, so I have informed Xiuyan that she is also waiting at the back door at the moment. If Miss Miaoyu has any difficulties in the future , Xiuyan will lend a helping hand."

He sometimes calls me my official and sometimes me. His titles may seem confusing, but in fact they are deliberately showing a clear distinction between public and private matters.

After saying that, he cupped his hands towards Mrs. Wang.

"Xiuyan is pregnant. It's inconvenient to wait any longer, so I'll take my leave now!"

Miaoyu was ashamed of herself at this time. She had always behaved extremely aloof and aloof, but now it was revealed in public that she had spent money on food and clothing in a shady way, which undoubtedly slapped her hard twice in the face.

In particular, those disdainful glances deeply hurt her self-esteem.

Like a zombie, he followed Lai Shangrong out of the back door of Rong Mansion.

He caught a glimpse of Xing Xiuyan, who was standing next to the back door of Rong Mansion with a big belly, and turned his head away in a hurry.

"My uncle is also responsible. We sisters, if you have any difficulties, feel free to come to the house to find me."

As he said that, he pointed at the Lai family's old house opposite and said, "It's right opposite the door!"

The more noble and arrogant a person is, the less able they are to accept their downfall and being known by people they know well, especially Miaoyu.

It would be fine if this was what others said, but when it came from the mouth of Xing Xiuyan, who had been favored by her, Miaoyu couldn't accept such an inversion.

Especially last winter, Jia Baoyu made such disdainful remarks.

He raised his head and said, "If you don't bother Aunt Xing, a monk has no desires or pursuits. He only worships the Buddha and has no distractions. How can there be any difficulties!"

Hearing that she was talking about Aunt Xing, Lai Shangrong snorted coldly, this is typical of people who have never been beaten by society.

Xing Xiuyan knew Miaoyu's character well, so she didn't take it seriously, and quietly tugged on Lai Shangrong's sleeve.

Miaoyu does not live in the world, but she also has a maid and two women. Although they also dress as nuns, they are servants who are well aware of the sufferings of the world.

They looked at Xing Xiuyan apologetically. These three people had followed Miaoyu for many years and were old acquaintances with Xing Xiuyan.

Xing Xiuyan nodded slightly and pointed to the Lai family's old house opposite again.

Only then did the three of them feel at ease, clasping their hands together and saying thank you.

Lai Shangrong sent Xing Xiuyan back while the mother-in-law of Rong Mansion was stuffing Miaoyu's large and small bags into the carriage.

Before going out, he warned the concierge Wangcai: "My aunt has limited mobility. If nuns or lay people who lead spiritual practice come to see her, there is no need to go in and inform them. Tell them to drop the conversation and go back to the new house to tell me!"

After finishing the instructions, he returned to the back door of Rong Mansion, but there was a stalemate between the two sides.

"what's the situation?"

"Sir! They grabbed these two bags of dirt and refused to let go!"

"This... these are not dirty things, they are all the lady's... personal belongings."

The little nun held the two bundles tightly, while Miaoyu beside her looked sad and angry.

"Hmph! I'm afraid they are all dirty things bought with dirty money! Each monk's robe is worth a lot of money. Is this the cost of an ordinary monk?"

The accompanying Yushitai official said righteously: "Sir! It's so easy to carry the banknotes because they are soft and soft. They don't want us to search for them. How do we know there is nothing hidden inside?"

He was not embarrassing Miaoyu, but seeing that Xing Xiuyan and Miaoyu were old acquaintances, he wanted to force Lai Shangrong to do favoritism.

It's just that he misjudged the situation. Lai Shangrong hadn't considered this yet.

I took a look at the green lotus monk's robe on Miaoyu. It should be made of brocade, which is the best among silks. The pattern is outlined with warp and weft. A piece of brocade costs about 500 taels of silver.

Modern people don't know the unit of horse, but a piece of clothing is a piece of cloth, which is the common sense of ancient people.

Although the brocade was made into monk robes, which greatly reduced the value of the brocade, and Lai Shangrong was not familiar with the rules of the pawn industry, he estimated that one hundred and eighty taels of silver should not be a problem.

"In this case, I cannot show favoritism. However, after all, they are the personal belongings of my daughter's family, so I will take them to the Jinyiwei prison together with their dirt, and ask the female prison chief of Jinyiwei to help me count them!"

The Yanxunxunshi was originally Emperor Zhenglong, who gave Lai Shangrong a name to investigate corruption. There were only a few co-investigating officials, but Lai Shangrong never considered this aspect.

Therefore, there are no accompanying yamen servants at all, let alone the head of the female prison.

Normally, Lai Shangrong would have been afraid of breaking a taboo, but this time he had already reported to the emperor, and only asked the Jin Yiwei to help count the dirty items. He was undoubtedly displaying the stolen money and dirty items in front of the emperor.

Even if the emperor heard about it, he would not be suspicious. Instead, he would feel that he was dedicated to the public and had no selfish motives.

This result was beyond the expectations of the accompanying censor. Unexpectedly, Lai Shangrong actually offered to go to Jinyiwei to do an inventory.

The four Miaoyu people on the side were already pale. Although they had never seen Jin Yiwei, their reputation as a prisoner was well known.

"No! I didn't commit any crime. Even if I die, I won't go to the Jinyi Guard Prison..." Miaoyu exclaimed.

Lai Shangrong said kindly: "Miss Miaoyu, don't be embarrassed. It's just a routine matter. I will watch over you and I won't treat you harshly."

Then, he said to the three people around Miaoyu without any doubt: "Why don't you help Miss Miaoyu get into the car!"

"Miss! Just listen to Mr. Lai! If we piss him off, no one will really care about us!"

At this time, Lai Shangrong was their only hope, so how could they dare to offend him.

The three of them couldn't help but put the lost Miaoyu into the carriage.

Lai Shangrong then got on his carriage, and with a wave of his hand, he directed his entourage to go to the prison of Jin Yiwei.

(End of this chapter)