Everyone laughed for a while longer, and the atmosphere in the garden grew even more relaxed.
Just then, Tanchun suddenly asked in puzzlement:
"By the way, why haven't I seen Second Brother?"
"Why didn't he come along to join in the fun today?"
"Usually, whenever we have a little gathering, he's the first to catch the scent and show up. How come he's absent this time?"
Actually, Tanchun had felt for some time that something seemed to be missing. Only just now had she realized that her second brother, Baoyu, was not there.
"Baoyu..."
Baochai's expression shifted slightly when she heard Tanchun ask about him.
Then, after thinking for a moment, she stood up and walked straight over to Tanchun. Bending down, she whispered a few words into her ear.
"!!"
As Tanchun listened, her eyes gradually widened, and an incredulous look appeared on her face.
"Is what you said true?"
Although she felt there could be no mistake, Tanchun still lowered her voice and pressed for confirmation.
"Absolutely true!"
Baochai nodded and whispered with a grim expression:
"Early this morning, I went to see him. He was still limping as he walked."
"He looked utterly miserable."
"??"
Yingchun, who was nearby and saw them whispering, could not help asking curiously:
"What are you talking about?"
"Why are you keeping it from everyone else?"
So Tanchun did not hide it from her. She waved Yingchun closer and repeated what Baochai had said.
"!!"
After hearing it, Yingchun was just as astonished.
"Why did that happen?"
"Did Baoyu anger Second Master again?"
Xichun, who had been listening nearby, rarely took the initiative to speak.
"I know about this."
"I heard that Second Brother hadn't finished his studies and couldn't answer during the examination. Second Master was furious and punished him according