[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber":3,"chapter-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-877":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","My Life as a Rising Force in the Red Chamber",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2311675,4515,"Chapter 877","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-877",877,"\u003Cp>The Earl’s Mansion, Jia Cong’s courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the eastern stained-glass window lattices, the outside remained utterly dark, not a trace of dawn visible—just like this brief, bitter spring night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the room stood a bronze incense burner with blue-and-white lotus-carved lattice, its fragrance soft and lingering, the charcoal within glowing red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The large four-poster bed’s silk canopy was tightly closed, occasionally trembling without wind, while the sound of a nightingale’s trill drifted on, lasting deep into the night, silent only when no one knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the bed, brocade quilts wrapped jade-like skin, a silk pillow cradled snow-white flesh, a faint, intoxicating scent clung and did not fade, overflowing with tender intimacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er awoke from sweet slumber, her starry eyes fluttering open to see Jia Cong asleep, his arm threaded beneath her neck, holding her tightly against his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slightly lifted her body and saw Ping’er sleeping on the outer side, her hair scattered like clouds, cheeks flushed with rosy hues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brocade quilt had slipped down, revealing a sliver of snow-pale, smooth shoulder, her head tilted against Third Master’s shoulder, sound asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er felt a quiet pride—Third Master still held her even in sleep, not Ping’er; surely he cared for her more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for last night’s events, though every detail was vividly etched in her mind, Wu’er dared not dwell on them—it was far too shameful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last night, Third Master had somehow coaxed and tricked them into sharing one bed; perhaps because his campaign was imminent, none of them wanted to let him go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of last night’s tender exchanges, Wu’er’s whole body burned, faintly recalling how exhausted she had been, then how Third Master had pinned Ping’er beneath him…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er wondered if she should rise early now that dawn was coming—what if someone found out? She’d die of shame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she couldn’t bring herself to rise first, so she feigned sleep, pressing closer to Jia Cong—though sleep was now impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, the window’s darkness faded, faint dawn light barely visible; Ping’er suddenly awoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sat up bundled in the quilt, gazing at Jia Cong’s peaceful face, her cheeks burning, her body trembling with soft weakness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wu’er nestled beside Jia Cong, seemingly still fast asleep, her long, curled eyelashes fluttering slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er’s lips curled faintly; she said nothing, lifted the canopy, picked up her clothes from the floor, and dressed quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once she had donned her undergarments and was about to step down from the bed, she couldn’t help saying: “Wu’er, stop pretending to sleep—get up and get dressed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ll be knocking soon with hot water—if they catch us like this, they’ll laugh us to death, and don’t you dare blame me later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er, caught out, blushed furiously and rose, her expression half-exasperated, hastily fumbling for her clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they moved quietly off the bed, Jia Cong had already woken; fearing their embarrassment, he feigned sleep—last night, he had indeed been reckless…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er, meticulous as ever, dressed fully, then went to the dressing table to carefully arrange her hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er, however, merely tidied her hair after dressing, then stepped forward to help Ping’er style her coiffure, carefully inserting hairpins and ornaments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er smiled: “No need for your fuss—I can manage myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er snorted: “You think I’m doing you a favor? How flattering. Last night wasn’t you on watch, was it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if you came in early today, you shouldn’t be disheveled and half-dressed—those maids are sharp as knives; they’d see through it at a glance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re too ashamed to show your face, do you think I’ll look any better? You couldn’t even hold your watch—dragging me into this nonsense, it’s utterly humiliating.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If even a whisper spreads, they’ll say Third Master is too wild, and that’ll ruin his reputation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er’s face flushed crimson: “You think so deeply—I admit I’m wrong, alright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er said: “Don’t say that. Next time you’re on watch, I’ll come over and bother you too—we’re even.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er couldn’t help laughing at that, her whole body warming, scolding: “You’ve been opened up by Third Master—you’ve grown bolder, reckless, shameless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tomorrow Third Master leaves for battle, and I couldn’t bear to let him go—that’s why I lost control last night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This was already too far—I won’t play with you again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Next time you come on watch, I’ll turn and run—I’ll clear the bed for you. He won’t trick you into it again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er laughed: “Are you too clever? You covered for him last night, then left no trace behind…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er had harbored some unease over last night’s indulgence, but Ping’er’s careful words had dissolved much of it in moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, Jia Cong’s voice came from behind: “What trace are you leaving? I’m getting up—why won’t you help me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, both Ping’er and Wu’er blushed furiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er said: “This time, Third Master, dress yourself—I’ll help Ping’er sister hurry up, so no one spots anything, and we all save face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er smiled: “Exactly. Last night you got all the benefits—today, Third Master, bear the burden a little.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong chuckled, leapt from the bed, gathered his scattered clothes, dressed quickly, then took a padded jacket from the robe rack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er, with Wu’er’s hairpin and phoenix clip inserted, glanced in the mirror and said: “Now we’re all tidy—this is enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She rose to help Jia Cong don his outer robe, while Wu’er fetched the sash and fastened it around his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Wu’er moved to comb Jia Cong’s hair, Ping’er suddenly remembered something and hurried to the door—she recalled Third Master had bolted it last night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now she was still inside, yet the bolt was locked from within—any maid arriving early would grow suspicious…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Ping’er neared the door, before she could reach for the bolt, quick, crisp footsteps sounded in the corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone walked up and knocked twice, then tried to push the door open—naturally, it wouldn’t budge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? When did you lock the door? Wu’er, are you up? The big copper basin’s still in here—I came to fetch hot water for Third Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er recognized the clear, lively voice—it was Qingwen, of course—and her heart sank; of all people, the most curious one had come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen, hearing the bolt slide open right after she spoke, as if someone had been waiting by the door, felt a pang of oddness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the door opened, Qingwen saw Ping’er standing before her—elegant robes, glossy black hair, ornate hairpins, poised and radiant, utterly lovely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen frowned: “Ping’er sister, why are you up so early? Why lock the door to Third Master’s room? This is strange for dawn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er met Qingwen’s large, bright eyes, their gaze flowing like water over her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was suspicion in them—and an unmistakable curiosity…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er felt uneasy under that stare and laughed: “When I came in, I worried about the draft—I must’ve locked it without thinking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen didn’t believe it; she noticed Ping’er’s darkened brows, luminous eyes, faintly flushed cheeks, and plump, pink lips—truly exquisite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as a woman, Qingwen was momentarily spellbound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled: “Ping’er sister, you look stunning today—far more beautiful than usual. What rouge and lip tint are you using? I’ll buy some too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er unconsciously touched her lips, a strange feeling rising—what kind of eyes does this girl have? I have no lip tint left…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last night, with Third Master, I’d rubbed it all off…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She laughed: “You’re mistaken—I don’t wear rouge at dawn. Go help Third Master make the bed—I’ll fetch the water.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen grew even more puzzled—didn’t women apply rouge and powder in the morning?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shook her head in confusion, stepped inside, and moved toward the four-poster bed to tidy it—just as she reached it…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er’s face flushed crimson; she dropped her comb and stepped in front of Qingwen without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blushing, she said: “Qingwen, your hands are more skilled—I’ll tidy the bed, you comb Third Master’s hair.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen sniffed, muttering: “The bed smells strongly of perfume—Wu’er, you use too much rouge. Next time, save it—you’ve got silver, but don’t waste it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er stiffened, quickly replying: “Yes, maybe it’s too much—I’ll use less next time, as you say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong quickly added: “Qingwen combs best—let her do it, I love how she does it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen, distracted, didn’t press further and smiled: “Third Master finally recognizes my worth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong watched as she picked up the comb, carefully brushing his hair with nimble, graceful hands—truly efficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed inwardly—this girl’s nose was too sharp; if she wandered around the room, she’d surely blab…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er swiftly folded the brocade quilt, tidied the bedding, bundled it into a package, and carried it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen said: “Wu’er, just tidy the bed—why make such a fuss? There’s no sun today, you can’t dry the bedding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu’er smiled: “I’m not drying it—I’m replacing it. Third Master sleeps here one more night, then leaves for battle. I want him to sleep on fresh bedding, more comfortably.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen watched Wu’er’s graceful figure, carrying the large bundle, hurry out, muttering: “What’s gotten into Wu’er? Suddenly so busy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Replace the bedding? Should’ve done it days ago. Wait till today just so he sleeps on it one night? Even the mistress is foolish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong laughed: “Let Wu’er do as she pleases. Get your hair done, then wait for breakfast—we’ve much to do today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen smiled: “Don’t worry, Third Master, I won’t delay your matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hands moved faster, using a fine-toothed comb to meticulously smooth his hair, then weaving her slender fingers through it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Against his jet-black strands, her palm looked like jade, her fingers like willow branches—delicate, exquisite. In moments, she tied his topknot and secured the hair cap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er entered with a copper basin of hot water; Qingwen helped Jia Cong wash his face and rinse his mouth. He turned to leave for the main hall to eat, but saw Qingwen heading inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong said: “Qingwen, what else do you need? Come eat breakfast with me—eating alone is dull.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwen replied: “Third Master, don’t you see how messy the inner room is? The stool’s overturned and no one fixed it—I’ll tidy it first, then join you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping’er quickly said: “It’s just a small thing—go eat with Third Master, I’ll clean up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Cong smiled: “Let Ping’er sister handle it. I leave on a long journey the day after tomorrow—next time we eat breakfast together will be a long while.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1725,"2026-06-20T12:19:58.587Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","2caa3fbe003b1a86d8cd298ca1af389d4c9bb556d35c00586e598476729c2f9c","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-878","my-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-chapter-876",920,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-life-as-a-rising-force-in-the-red-chamber-cover.jpg"]