Chapter 10, To defend against external threats, one must first ensure internal stability
"You say these words to flatter me, and while I am indeed happy, it is because you still care about us. But wouldn't it be better if you spoke the truth?" Xi Ren blinked her eyes playfully.
Jia Baoyu felt somewhat disappointed; he had hoped to engage in a "deep yet simple" conversation with Xi Ren. Observing her indifferent demeanor, it was clear that his hopes were dashed. Based on his countless experiences of failed romantic pursuits over half a lifetime, he concluded that there was no chance left.
"Li Momo, it is not that I do not respect the elderly and love the young, but rather that you lack proper decorum. Do you not know what kind of person I am? I possess noble character and integrity, a spirit of generosity, and I treat the virtuous with respect, embodying kindness and compassion. This is the kind of person I am."
Sister Xiren is a mature woman, and it is not good to hide it. Mature women are great, especially the mature and confident type; I just like that type. Jia Baoyu sighed and said seriously: "Sister Xiren, to deal with external issues, we must first stabilize our internal situation. Only if you all unite and do not cause me trouble can I consider other matters. Do you understand what I mean?"
Ah, Sister Xiren, do not cry, do not cry. Am I, Jia Baoyu, the kind of person who forgets righteousness for the sake of profit? I have high moral integrity and a good reputation, so rest assured, I will keep Granny Li here. Jia Baoyu held tightly to Xiren's hand; Sister Xiren considered the bigger picture, even at this moment, thinking of me. She is indeed a good candidate to be a wife. Oh dear, I have digressed again
"Who am I, I wonder? As soon as I entered the room, I encountered a pair of lovebirds. It was quite a challenge for me to plead with the second master in the kitchen for some food, and upon returning, I still have to endure your displeasure." Qingwen entered with the dinner, sneering continuously.
Qianxue stirs up trouble, and she deserves it; I will not plead for her. Even if Li Mama has made mistakes, she is still your wet nurse, and it would not be good to drive her away from either side. One should consider the situation carefully to avoid being scolded or beaten, and one must think of oneself. If you truly want to expel Li Mama, then you might as well expel me along with her; it would be cleaner for everyone to part ways. " Xiren's eyes turned red, and tears fell down. If you truly want to expel Li Mama, then you might as well expel me along with her; it would be cleaner for everyone to part ways. " Xiren's eyes turned red, and tears fell down.
I will take care of the internal matters for you, serving the ruler's interests and being loyal to the ruler's affairs, so you can rest assured. Xiren nodded slightly, and with a gentle tug of her delicate hand, she pulled it out.
Jia Baoyu, with a flushed face, said: "Li Momo, it is true that you have made contributions, but the Jia family has not treated you poorly either. Haven't you and your son reaped enough benefits over the years? Do you even have to meddle with my meals? Are you trying to starve me to death or what? Do you not dare to admit that you are guarding the treasure while stealing it yourself, a thief shouting to catch a thief?"
Qinxue was driven away, just as Xiren had said. In a moment, someone came to inquire. Jia Mu sent Yuanyang, Wang Furen sent Jinchuan, and Wang Xifeng sent Ping'er. Fortunately, it was only a minor issue, of no great consequence
Oh! Second Master, what great authority you have! To speak frankly, if you want to drive the old servant away, you are not yet substantial enough. Without the old lady's word, how would I dare to leave? I must say, your generation truly dismantles the bridge after crossing it, not understanding the importance of remembering the source of the water you drink. Second Master, all your growth is due to my nurturing, and that is the result of my blood, drop by drop
Madam Li understood immediately, and upon looking down, her face turned red with embarrassment, feeling utterly ashamed, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to hide in.
Alright, it is almost midnight, so this matter is settled. Everyone can rest assured and go to sleep. In the future, during the time of the pig (from 9 PM to 11 PM), no card games or drinking will be allowed. I am doing this for your own good. I am a reasonable person; if others do not offend me, I will not offend them. If others respect me by a foot, I will respect them by a mile. Now, everyone can disperse.
Old Lady Li escaped a calamity and was deeply grateful to Jia Baoyu, moved to tears. Human nature is such that it tends to bully the weak and fear the strong. Only by employing both kindness and severity, using a carrot and a stick approach, and combining bitter with sweet, can one win people's hearts and make them serve one's purposes
Tossing and turning in bed, my stomach growled with hunger. Turning my head, I saw Sister Xi Ren sitting by the bed, intently mending a pair of shoes, which I could tell without guessing were my own. In my previous life, who would care or pay attention to such things? This level of meticulousness made me feel somewhat uncomfortable.
As she jumped up, most of the items she was carrying fell out, including rouge, powder, fine biscuits, and candy, as well as broken silver. These were all things that Baoyu cherished the most. The maids looked at each other in astonishment; was this not a case of guarding the property while stealing it?
The old hag is utterly shameless. If it weren't for the fact that I am an exemplary student, adhering to the principles of integrity, beauty, and love, I would have kicked you straight to Ningguo Mansion and then bounced you back to Rongguo Mansion.
In his previous life, he came from humble beginnings, struggling at the bottom of society, and deeply understands the hardships of life; therefore, he is able to comprehend the suffering of the "lower class"
Madam Li and her son Li Gui, along with Qian Xue, all knelt down to plead for mercy, tears streaming down their faces. Not only was the pay for working at the Jia residence substantial, but the lifestyle was also quite easy. How could they give up such a good opportunity? Madam Li and Qian Xue deeply regretted their actions, as they had thought that Jia Baoyu would still possess his former temperament, not realizing that he had become so decisive and resolute.
I know you are trying to comfort me; how could I not be aware of your intentions? Do you think I am someone who disregards the bigger picture?" Xiren shot him a glance and said with a laugh.
Jia Baoyu waved his hand, and after such a commotion, he lost his appetite for food. He lay down on the bed and fell asleep. Damn it, in my past life, I survived on instant noodles every three days; missing a meal won't kill me.
This matter can only be approached gradually, without haste. Xi Ren is a clever person; with him managing internal affairs and myself handling external matters, what is there to worry about regarding the success of significant undertakings? With this thought, he felt considerably more at ease.
"Why are you staring at me? What I said comes from the heart, and every word is true." Li Momo held her head high, brimming with pride. "Jiahui, oh, now you are already called Si'er. He wants to make amends and secretly gestured to Li Momo with a nod towards the ground.
Sigh, I am always too soft-hearted, too soft-hearted, bearing all the problems myself... That person, Granny Li, human greed is like a snake swallowing an elephant, you and Qianxue can roll away together, I am tired, no need to see you off! The young heart of Jia Baoyu has suffered a tremendous blow, he thought he was already shameless enough, but compared to Granny Li, he is merely a small witch facing a great witch, akin to the difference between a toilet and a skyscraper
I spit! If you were a kind person, even pigs would climb trees. Li Momo jumped up high like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, saying: "How can the Second Master speak without a conscience? I, as an old servant, have been diligent and careful; where have I taken even a penny from you? Without evidence, do not speak recklessly; there are deities three feet above your head..."
Xiren, feeling reluctant, tugged at Baoyu's sleeve and gently advised, "Baoyu, if you want to drive away Qianxue, we have nothing more to say. However, Li Mama is someone designated by the Old Lady, and she does hold a certain seniority. If this disturbs the Old Lady and the Madam, won't you suffer the consequences?"
One cannot truly compare people. Qingwen, angered by Qianxue, has long since run out. Qianxue and Jiahui harbor ill intentions, while Qiuwen and Bihen can only watch coldly from the sidelines. In comparison, the distinction is clear. Sister Xiren's heart is one of genuine goodness, unlike this young master, who speaks nonsense with his eyes wide open.
"Lower-class people? Sister, your words are not correct. We are all born equal, and everyone has the right to democracy. Therefore, you should take a good rest now; chatting with me is the proper thing to do." Jia Baoyu said with a playful smile, seizing the opportunity to hold her hand, which felt quite nice, smooth and tender.
"Baoyu, we girls have not read much poetry or literature, so we do not understand what you are saying. However, it is a good thing that you have an interest in poetry and literature." Xiren's big eyes blinked with a look of confusion
"Do not act mischievously." The person was unable to resist him, shook her head and sighed, and poured another cup of tea for him. Her eyes were slightly red and swollen, likely due to being saddened for a while over Qianxue's matter. These girls, they still have such deep sisterly affection.
It turns out that my sister knows everything, truly strategizing from within the tent and achieving victory from a thousand miles away. My admiration for you is like the endless flow of the Yangtze River, unceasing, like the Yellow River bursting its banks, unstoppable..." Jia Baoyu exclaimed, sweating profusely, "Who says that young girls are easy to deceive? If anyone says that again, I will get angry with them!
As one grows older, one becomes increasingly indifferent to many things
Sister Xi Ren, it's so late, are you still busy? I have no worries about food or clothing, so why work so hard? How about we have a good conversation, delving into things in a simple manner?" Jia Baoyu, from behind her, could see Xi Ren's snow-white neck, slightly tinged with a hint of red, which appeared even more enchanting under the glow of the night lights
"Why don't you ask where Qingwen has gone?" Xiren replied off-topic, smiling, "As servants, we must wholeheartedly think of our masters; what does it matter whether it is hard or not?"
"It's alright." Jia Baoyu teased her palm a few times, shifting the topic to alleviate Xiren's sorrowful emotions. For him, it was merely a trivial matter. Xiren's delicate hand was truly beyond words; he became increasingly enamored with it.
The canopy door has yet to recognize the fragrance of brocade, and the entrusted matchmaker also suffers in silence. Who admires the elegant and lofty style? We all pity the world for its frugality in adornment. Who dares to boast of their skill with the needle using ten fingers, yet does not compete in the length of their drawn brows? Bitterly lamenting year after year, pressed by golden threads, I make wedding garments for others.
However, Jia Baoyu did not think this way. Every move he made was being monitored, which was not much different from being a prisoner. Although he was a second-generation rich kid, this feeling always made him uncomfortable. He was someone who had come from an era of democracy, yearning for freedom and ease. This situation must be resolved as soon as possible.