A stew of the Red Chamber

Chapter 28 Not a Drop of Water Leak

After seeing Madam You off, Wang Qing deliberately pointed to a young maid in front of everyone and instructed her, "Go inside and find Miss Ping'er. Tell Lai Wang to come and wait for me early tomorrow morning."

Although Laiwang was not as good as Laida, he was still a favorite of Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng. Hearing that he had instructed Laiwang to come and wait early in the morning, they couldn't help but feel respect.

With some time to spare before lunchtime, Wang Qing went to his study, grabbed a copy of The Romance of the Western Chamber, put his feet up on the table, and leaned back in his chair to pass the time.

Just as Zhang Sheng was setting Cui Yingying up on a chair, ready to continue their encounter day and night, they heard someone outside shouting, "Miss Ping is here! Master, Miss Ping is here!"

Wang Qing hurriedly slammed the book down on the table, stood up, straightened his clothes, and went out to greet him.

As they stepped outside, they saw Ping'er being escorted by several servants.

Wang Qingqing cleared his throat and asked in confusion, "Why is Sister Ping'er here? Did the little girl not explain clearly?"

Ping'er quickly explained, "It's not that I didn't explain clearly. I just happened to have something to do, so I came to ask you, sir."

The messenger maid emerged from the crowd, presenting a plate of pastries like a precious treasure, and said, "I explained it very clearly, and the young lady even rewarded me with a plate of osmanthus cakes!"

Although the food in the courtyard had improved significantly after Wang Qing arrived, the exquisite pastries in the Rong Mansion's inner garden were still a rarity, and several young maids stared longingly at the plate of pastries.

Wang Qing stepped forward and patted the little girl's head, saying, "Don't eat it all by yourself, share it with others."

The little girls immediately cheered.

Wang Qing then looked at the old women and servants who had gathered around and said, "Go and keep an eye on them, don't let them make too much of a fuss."

After dismissing the servants, Ping'er glanced at the half-open door of the study and asked, "Did I disturb Master Qing's important business?"

The study is usually a place for handling official business, and Ping'er was worried that he might have unexpected guests.

Wang Qing, however, assumed she wanted to have a private talk in the study, so he simply made way for her and gestured for her to enter.

Ping'er hesitated for a moment, then stepped inside.

She immediately noticed the book Wang Qing had placed face down on the table and laughed, "I never expected that not only is the old man incredibly skilled, but he's also literate!"

Although the Jia family was of noble birth, they had long since abandoned military service for civil service and no longer held any real positions in the army.

The Wang family, however, was different. Wang Xifeng was raised as a boy from a young age, yet she didn't know many characters, which shows the Wang family's attitude towards education.

Ping'er grew up in the Wang family and was influenced by what she saw and heard, so it's not surprising that she asked this question.

Without batting an eye, Wang Qing said, "Even Guan Yu never puts his Spring and Autumn Annals down! I'm just reading some miscellaneous books to pass the time."

He subtly pushed the book to the corner of the table and pulled the chair he had been sitting in outwards, saying, "Sister, please sit down and talk."

"How could I possibly accept such an honor? Please sit on a stool!" Ping'er quickly declined.

"Why are you being so formal with me, sister?" Wang Qing insisted.

Seeing that he was about to reach out and press down, Ping'er had no choice but to reluctantly sit on half of her bottom.

It wasn't that Wang Qing was deliberately trying to please Ping'er; rather, it's a matter of lifelong learning.

In his previous life, he had seen similar round-backed armchairs, but his home did not have such furniture.

There would be no opportunity for them to learn and practice.

I was just seeing how the folding chair is used. Although, it's impossible for Ping'er to put her legs up on the armrests and strike a shameful pose.

But once you sit down, it becomes even more intuitive and easier to visualize... no, visually assess the height difference of the armrests, whether the backrest fits snugly, and where your hands should grip, so that they can comfortably support your knees and provide stability...

While silently calculating in her heart, she said aloud, "Sister, don't worry. I've already cleaned up the mess at the yamen today. Tomorrow morning, I'll have Laiwang come with me to the yamen, and we can take the person away."

He paused and then said, "Sister-in-law Zhen just came over and said that Brother Zhen has invited some old friends and relatives to his house for lunch tomorrow. I'll have to trouble you, sister, to ask Laiwang to come over early so he won't be late."

Although Ping'er had not yet revealed her purpose, after thinking it over, it was probably related to the release of Ni Er. Perhaps Jia Lian had instructed Lai Wang on something, and Wang Xifeng did not want to expose her private lending of usurious money, hence the time conflict.

These words, in turn, gave Ping'er a starting point, and she quickly took over, saying, "To be honest, sir, that's exactly why I came."

"Hmm?" Wang Qing asked, looking puzzled.

Ping'er said with concern, "Yesterday, Madam Zhen asked Grandma about Master."

"Ask me about me?" Wang Qing was a little confused.

Ping'er hesitated before speaking, then said, "Master, you don't know this, but Master Zhen is the kind of person who won't do anything without a profit. You've never met him before, so why would you be so kind?"

Although Wang Qing knew that Jia Zhen was no good, as Ping'er said, he had never met him before, let alone offended him.

Since Madam You kept saying that she wanted to thank him for increasing patrols and cleaning the surrounding area, Wang Qing didn't think too much about it.

Hearing Ping'er say this, he couldn't help but become alert.

He had indeed not offended Jia Zhen, but the gambling dens that were raided were likely connected to Jia Zhen by many people.

Given Jia Zhen's personality, he might very well plot against himself because of this.

But I just patted my chest and made a solemn promise that I would definitely attend the banquet on time tomorrow. I can't just break my promise based on guesswork, can I?

Furthermore, if Wang Qing were merely a distant relative, he might have been wary of any underhanded tricks Jia Zhen might have up his sleeve. But with that Huiwen tattoo, he was more than happy for Jia Zhen to cause some trouble so he could complain to Grandmother Jia.

At that time, if Grandmother Jia settles the matter peacefully, she might even be able to make some compensation, with interest.

He was eager to try it out, but on the surface he looked grateful and said, "Thank you for reminding me, sister."

Then, somewhat indignantly, he said, "I have never offended Brother Zhen. I even remembered him when I increased patrols at the manor. If he really had any schemes against me, I wouldn't be afraid of him!"

Seeing this, Ping'er was afraid that he would act impulsively and question Jia Zhen, so she quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Master, please don't be impulsive. This is just my guess. If people hear about it, they will say that I was stirring things up."

Wang Qing was merely putting on an act so that Jia Zhen might have some real scheme and take the opportunity to escalate the situation.

But she said, "Don't worry, sister. You're thinking of me wholeheartedly, so I won't make things difficult for you. If you provoke me, I'll just deal with it as it comes."

Seeing that Wang Qing indicated he wouldn't provoke her or put her in a difficult position, Ping'er felt much more at ease and continued, "Master Zhen is ruthless in his actions. If it's detrimental to you, please don't act impulsively. If you don't mind, you might as well talk to me privately and give me some advice."

Wang Qing inwardly scoffed, but outwardly said gratefully, "How could I possibly implicate my sister?"

"Master has always been very considerate of me, how could I not repay such kindness? I was just offering advice, would you possibly sell me out?"

When it comes to gratitude, Ping'er couldn't help but feel a little ashamed. She lowered her eyes, her face filled with resentment, and her hands, which were resting on the table, unconsciously clasped tightly together.

Wang Qing, however, thought to himself that she was just putting on an act, and thought to himself that selling was out of the question, buying was more likely.

Her face was filled with excitement as she reached out and grasped Ping'er's hands, her voice hoarse as she said, "Sister, you've thought so much for me, I would never betray you, even if it meant going through fire and water!"

Ping'er was also surprised by his sudden action and was momentarily stunned.

When Wang Qing's thumb pinched the tiger's mouth, he was already powerless, his body went limp, and he leaned back in the chair.

However, as she fell, the distance between the two suddenly widened, and her arms tensed up. In an attempt to steady herself, she subconsciously grabbed Wang Qing's hands, as if intentionally pulling him forward.

Wang Qing seemed to have misunderstood her intentions. He braced his elbows on his knees, leaned forward, and once he was close enough, he grasped Ping'er's hands, palms facing up, and placed them directly on her legs.

His large, broad hand felt like a branding iron, sending a tingling sensation through her.

Ping'er was both shocked and ashamed. Her heart was in her throat, and she felt short of breath. Involuntarily, she slightly opened her mouth and pressed her legs tightly together.

But Wang Qing's eyes were burning with sincerity as he said, "Sister risked everything to offer this advice. I have no way to repay you, but if there is ever anything I can do to help you in the future, I will do my utmost!"

Wang Qing's words, though seemingly casual and ambiguous, inadvertently struck at Ping'er's weak point.

She might have declined other promises, but she couldn't refuse this one.

Recalling Wang Xifeng's instructions, the shame in her heart subsided considerably.

Hesitating whether to strike while the iron was hot, he feared that Wang Qing would think he was taking advantage of a favor.

Just as they were caught in a dilemma, they heard faint footsteps coming from outside the door.

Ping'er was startled and abruptly pulled her hand back, using the armrest as leverage to get up with difficulty.

Wang Qing also hurriedly stood up from the stool and rushed to the door.

When Sister Liu, carrying a tea tray, saw the door suddenly open, she was taken aback. Then, she said with a fawning smile, "Won't you have a cup of tea before you leave, young lady?"

Ping'er ignored her, lowered her head and went out. After passing Sister Liu, she took another sniff of the cold wind outside and forced herself to calm down, saying, "It's getting late. Madam will have dinner soon, so I'll take my leave now."

Watching Ping'er's unsteady figure, Wang Qing turned around and went back to his study. He looked at the chair in front of his desk and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

Although he didn't know that Wang Xifeng wanted to take all the confiscated silver, he knew that she must have kept a portion of the principal and interest for herself.

Offering unsolicited favors is either a sign of malice or theft.

If she weren't thinking about that sum of money, why would Ping'er have come all this way to remind her to be wary of Jia Zhen?

Wang Xifeng wanted to cook the fish in three ways, and Wang Qing was not to be outdone.

Last time, we agreed to release them, which was already a concession. This time, we should collect some interest.

Anyway, since Sister Liu was also acting under Wang Xifeng's orders, it wouldn't be a big deal if she saw the two of them arguing while serving tea.

Unexpectedly, Ping'er was exceptionally cautious and left no room for error.

……