Three Wives and Four Concubines in the Dream of the Red Chamber

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But when she turned her head again, she saw Mengzhi sneaking up to Gu Yu again. She didn't think much of it and just invited her to play together.

"What are you doing, Mengzhi? Why don't you come with us for a walk?"

Startled by the shout, Mengzhi froze. Fortunately, Baochai and the others were behind her and couldn't see the embarrassment and shyness on her face. She stammered an explanation:

"I wanted to ask Brother Yu something... um... ah—! Right, Brother Yu, have you seen my tutor? She should have come over these past few days..."

"..."

Gu Yu's expression was subtle. Thinking of the old woman who had been locked up in a separate courtyard by his servants, he awkwardly touched his nose.

"Hmm... Don't worry, Zhi'er, she's doing very well. She just asked me to pass on a message: you should enjoy yourself to the fullest..."

Mengzhi tilted her head, seemingly unsure whether she understood Gu Yu's meaning, and simply smiled.

"That's good... She was specially assigned to me by my father. I wonder where my father is now?"

……

Leave

Sorry, I think I caught a cold and didn't get up until 6 a.m.

I ate a meal, took some medicine, and since I had a bit of a headache, I rested.

Chapter Seventy-Eight: Your Mother and I Fell into the Water—Pah!

Jiang Ming, who was finally reminded of his slightly leaky little cotton-padded jacket, was now glaring at his sons in front of him.

On this trip, he only brought his eldest, second, sixth, and eighth sons. These four were raised by the Empress and were more favored by Jiang Ming than his fourth son, Jiang Hui, and seventh son, Jiang Le.

Most importantly, the princes are getting older, but he has not yet formally appointed a crown prince.

The three brothers, who were now harboring their own ambitions, were all brought before him, which inevitably led to much speculation.

After all, a crown prince hasn't been appointed yet. And even if one were, so what? Everyone knows that the current emperor wasn't the crown prince back then…

"Once we arrive in Puyang, Ping'er, He'er, and Zhuo'er, the three of you should go and discuss the matter yourselves. The floods in Jiangnan have far-reaching consequences. You should each go and inspect a place, reassure the people, and not take it lightly."

The three exchanged a glance, their eyes burning with intense fighting spirit. Jiang Ming, who was watching from above, felt a pang of pain in his teeth, but now that they were gaining momentum, he couldn't just act rashly anymore.

Although he had witnessed the brutality of the struggle for the throne back then, and was both a participant and a beneficiary of it, now that it was happening to him, he suddenly felt a deep empathy for his father, the Emperor of Xuanji Palace.

Everyone says that the eldest son should be the heir, but in his eyes, the eldest son is still a bit lacking. He has been misled by those pedantic Confucian scholars. Wouldn't he be easily coerced in the future?

His remaining sons each had their own strengths, and he himself had gone through the same process. How could he bear to let them harbor resentment by giving up a rank? They were all his and the Empress's own sons, and as long as they didn't cause trouble like he had back then, he would let them be!

Just thinking this, seeing the absent-minded Eighth Brother Jiang Zhi on the side, Jiang Ming felt a lump in his throat again, and his face darkened.

"Zhi'er, you go too! You're never serious, can't you learn from your older brothers?"

Jiang Zhi has always stood firmly on the side of his eldest brother, Jiang Ping. Although Jiang He is also his own brother, Jiang Ping, who is deeply influenced by Confucianism, is undoubtedly the best brother to him.

Now that Jiang Zhi has been reprimanded, Jiang Ping, as expected, stepped forward again to plead for him:

"Eighth brother is still young. He will naturally understand things in a couple of years. Father, please don't get angry."

Jiang Ming was naturally not really angry. After all, among his sons, Jiang Zhi looked the most like his mother. Although he was a bit playful, he had made it clear early on that he had no intention of competing for that position, and on the contrary, he had a good relationship with his older brothers.

Jiang Zhi, with his keen insight, quickly added:

"Father, this time I will accompany you on your journey north! My brothers are going to Jiangnan to share the burden of the court. I don't have that much ability, so I will just stay with you and watch how you defeat those barbarian dogs!"

Outsiders were unaware of the inside story, but these princes, who had been out of the city for several days, naturally knew that the reason they were sent to disperse through Jiangnan was probably also a precautionary measure, in case something truly went wrong…

Hearing Lao Ba's words, Jiang Ming couldn't help but smile. This youngest son had always been the palace's go-to man, spending the most time with him and Empress Zhou. Now, he was going to accompany him north, which truly made him feel very gratified.

"Nonsense! Military and national affairs are not child's play! If something happens to you, how will the generals act? You'll just have to follow the boss!"

"this…"

Jiang Zhi's face showed a hint of regret. Although he had never seen the misty rain of Jiangnan, he imagined it was not too different from the scenery in the palace. As for the scenery of the North and the heroic spirit of the battlefield, those were truly rare sights. Now that it had been rejected, he didn't know if he would ever see them in his lifetime.

"Then I won't go with my older brother, I'll go to Suzhou for some fun!"

Jiang Ming raised an eyebrow and secretly glanced at Jiang Zhi. Seeing his enthusiastic expression and the lack of reaction from Jiang Ping beside him, he nodded slightly.

"Your mother will still be going to the Summer Palace. Remember to give her a good visit then, and also to Mengzhi, your younger sister in the capital—"

I wonder how Zhi'er is doing now? Does she miss me and Fifth Sister?

Lost in thought, Jiang Ming waved his hand, signaling them to leave, and then went to the Empress's residence, where the two of them reminisced about the lonely and helpless Zhi'er.

Although Gu Yu's affection for Zhi'er was genuine, nothing beats being with them. Besides, that boy was a womanizer, and there were plenty of girls on the estate; Zhi'er would inevitably have her lonely moments no matter what…

……

"I...I like Yu-gege the most~"

Unable to withstand Gu Yu's relentless advances, Meng Zhi collapsed into his arms, blushing as she answered this potentially disastrous question.

After they separated earlier, Gu Yu deliberately sneaked into Daiyu's room that evening. He saw Daiyu leaning against the bed, lazily reading a book. Without any politeness, he climbed onto the bed and playfully hugged her waist.

"Good sister, I've told you before that reading at night is bad for your eyes, why don't you listen?"

Looking at the large tallow lamp in the room, Daiyu rolled her eyes coquettishly, but still obediently put down the book, her voice tinged with teasing.

"Brother Yu is busy serving this older sister and that younger sister, I didn't expect him to have the mind to worry about my cousin Lin's eyes. Aren't you afraid of getting tired? Oh dear!"

Gu Yu's large hand, which was wrapped around her slender waist, reached up and pinched her as if punishing her. He then turned her stunningly beautiful face closer and deliberately smelled it, laughing:

"I don't think many of the dishes today had vinegar in them, so why does it smell sour again?"

Daiyu blushed and tried to slap his mischievous hand, but couldn't. She could only turn her head away, deliberately avoiding looking at him, but her body went even weaker.

"Isn't that great? Now I'm just jealous, so Brother Yu can visit even more often and taste the sweetness in other people's rooms?"

The changes in the You sisters naturally didn't escape their notice, and Gu Yu made no attempt to hide it. At this moment, she could only bury her face in the young woman's elegant neck, inhaling her fragrance, and defending herself:

"I didn't think that way. It's just that I've been either studying away from home or staying at the Grand View Garden these past few years. My second and third sisters, Keqing, live alone in the mansion, and I haven't seen them much in the last two years."

"Mengzhi is of a very noble status and is not someone I can easily meet. Now that I have the opportunity, I would like to spend more time with them. My sister is always magnanimous and generous, so I'm sure she can think of their needs, right?"

Daiyu's heart softened, and she forgot all about being a lady. She turned her head and gently covered Gu Yu's mouth with two slender, white fingers.

“I didn’t mean to be temperamental… Brother Yu, you treat everyone equally, and I’m just happy. How could I be jealous? I was just joking with you.”

As for the subsequent punishment and playful antics in bed, it's best not to go into details here. After settling things here, Gu Yu immediately slipped into Meng Zhi's room and, with just a few words, coaxed Meng Zhi into smiling broadly.

Just as the two were enjoying themselves, Gu Yu rolled her eyes and, with a mischievous grin, suddenly asked a question that struck right to the soul.

"Who does Zhi'er like the most now? Her father or her mother? Or her elder brother? Or…?"

Seeing Gu Yu staring intently at her, Mengzhi's face flushed red. In the candlelight, her crystal-clear eyes shone brightly, and the shyness and infatuation in them were a fatal blow to Gu Yu. She parted her cherry lips and gave her answer.

"I...I like Yu-gege the most~"

Chapter 79 One Step Away from Victory

Upon hearing this answer, Gu Yu felt a jolt of electricity run through her body, even her skull went numb. She couldn't help but tighten her grip on Meng Zhi, holding her even closer.

As everyone knows, beautiful girls don't lie.

I, Gu Yu, am even more powerful than the number one person in the world!

When he arrived, Mengzhi had already taken a shower. He had picked her up from the bed, and her hair was still damp. Her fragrance was even stronger.

The thin pajamas could not keep out the temperature of their bodies. With his heart pounding, Gu Yu felt that he had nowhere to vent his anger. He looked down at the little girl with her pretty face flushed, took a deep breath, and suddenly stood up.

Fortunately, Mengzhi wasn't very tall, so she wasn't afraid of bumping her head while standing on the bed. Gu Yu, on the other hand, was a little shorter than her when standing in front of the bed, which made her feel quite surprised by the height difference.

“Zhi’er…”

Looking directly at the girl in front of him, even the thin nightgown couldn't hide her noble air. Her petite and delicate figure was so close to him that Gu Yu couldn't help but reach out and touch her slender waist.

"No~"

Mengzhi stood obediently in place, feeling Gu Yu's warm hands slowly caressing her waist. Her body trembled slightly, her gaze gradually became hazy, and she uttered a series of murmurs.

"Brother Yu..."

Standing there at night in such thin clothes, even though it was the height of summer, I didn't feel hot at all.

But Mengzhi felt her face burning intensely, and the area where Gu Yu's palm touched her felt increasingly hot, surging through her body in waves, making her want to twist her body to avoid the heat.

Only when the girl's delicate body trembled slightly did Gu Yu come to his senses. He helped Meng Zhi sit up on the bed, and unable to contain his impulse any longer, he took off his shoes, got into bed, and stared at Meng Zhi with burning eyes, saying:

"Zhi'er...how about I sleep here tonight?"

Mengzhi's pretty face flushed red. Although she was pure and innocent, there were many palace maids around, and she naturally understood the proper boundaries in such matters. However, if it were Gu Yu...

"Hmm~..."

Gu Yu's face lit up with joy. His heart pounded with excitement, and his hands trembled. The battle-hardened man struggled several times before finally unbuttoning Meng Zhi's nightgown, revealing her fair and delicate body with skin as smooth as jade.

Fragrant shoulders, collarbones, pink undergarments, snow-white abdomen... Gu Yu felt that her eyes couldn't take it all in. Her gaze swept over Meng Zhi with fiery intensity, making Meng Zhi bite her lip and turn her head away, her face flushed.

"Brother Yu~"

Swallowing hard, Gu Yu felt her throat was terribly dry, and couldn't help but stare at Meng Zhi's delicate lips, her voice hoarse.

“Zhi’er…look at me…”

Although he doesn't plan to devour this little girl tonight, he has plenty of tricks up his sleeve, and he'll surely get a good taste of the Imperial Princess's flavor...

As Mengzhi turned her head gently, Gu Yu cupped her chin in his hands. Watching his handsome features slowly approach, she blushed and closed her eyes without even being taught.

"嘤~"

The first encounter was brief and to the point. Gu Yu only briefly tasted Meng Zhi's soft, jelly-like lips before avoiding any contact with her pearly teeth, afraid of upsetting the innocent girl.

Mengzhi was somewhat amused by the gentle kiss and reluctantly opened her eyes to look at Gu Yu, her gaze still carrying a hint of dissatisfaction.

After all, she had seen Xichun and Gu Yu kiss before, and it wasn't like now where they broke up after just a touch.

Understanding the meaning in Mengzhi's eyes, Gu Yu couldn't help but smile slightly. This girl was actually pushing her luck? It seemed he would have to use his real skills!

"Mmm~!"

The next action immediately exceeded Mengzhi's imagination. Almost fainting from lack of oxygen, Mengzhi felt that she could not think of anything. She could only rely on her body's instinct to sing softly. Her gentle voice was like the most poisonous drug in the world, which could easily steal Gu Yu's soul.

"Zhi'er...Zhi'er~!"

With her eyes blazing with fury, Gu Yu maintained her composure only through the last ounce of her mental strength, but her usual calm was nowhere to be seen in her movements.

He roughly grasped the girl's delicate breasts through her undergarments, and the slight kneading only elicited soft moans and deeper panting from her.

"She's about the same size as Lin Daiyu..."

Gu Yu's mind finally cleared up a bit. Seeing Meng Zhi's slightly furrowed brows and seemingly uncomfortable expression, he became even gentler in his hands, striving to give the girl a perfect first experience.

As he watched the girl's brows gradually relax, Gu Yu's anger subsided somewhat. After another long kiss, he finally released her defenseless tongue and solemnly unbuttoned her undergarment.

Hidden among the messy red marks were two pink nipples that were so eye-catching. Gu Yu licked his lips, stuck out his tongue and buried his head, using only the tip of his tongue to tease those two small nipples a few times. Meng Zhi's body suddenly trembled, and then she cried out and arched her back.

"Brother Yu~!"

The fragrance of flowers emanating from the girl intensified. Gu Yu, finding his clothes uncomfortable against his groin, quickly stripped them off and pulled the girl into his arms.

Skillfully parting the girl's fair thighs, silently feeling the slippery heat emanating from a certain forbidden area, Gu Yu gently exhaled, took Meng Zhi's arm, and ambiguously kissed and licked her fair armpit.

"Gardenia smells so good... *kiss*"

When Mengzhi slumped weakly into his arms, Gu Yu wrapped her arms around his neck, freeing his hands, and savored the delicious meal before him with all his might...

……

The night was long, and before the maid outside could make a sound, Gu Yu opened her eyes on time. Looking down at the peaceful face in her arms, she couldn't help but smile. She gently kissed her forehead, then carefully separated their intertwined bodies and prepared to get up.

Last night, we accidentally went a little too far and the inexperienced Mengzhi choked, accidentally getting white fluid all over her head and face. We had to ask the waiting maids to boil water again to wash her, and it took a long time before she could finally fall asleep.

However, he still had to leave early. After all, no matter how much they knew in private, they still had to maintain the dignity of these young ladies, and he could only suffer a little loss himself!

Gu Yu carefully pulled the still-warm pink undergarment from the bedside table and tucked it into her sleeve, as if the sunlight outside the door had become much brighter.

"Now only Miaoyu's is missing..."

……

As the courtyard regained its vitality, someone in Xiangyun's room was still lying on the bed, tossing and turning, looking completely lost.

"Why can't I fall asleep...?"