The Retirement Life Across the Heavens Starting from Dream of the Red Chamber

"She's here, she's here! Miss Lin has arrived!" A maid rushed into the room, calling out excitedly. Ou Mengmeng lifted her eyes and took in the room full of dazzling jewelry and riches. Not far away, an incense burner was emitting a scent strong enough to suffocate her. She sighed and closed her eyes briefly. She clearly remembered that just moments ago, she had been standing at the school gate, seeing the children off for the last time. Tomorrow, she was finally going to enjoy her well-earned retirement. But then, someone came to attack. As the person in charge, she had no choice but to step forward. The cold blade of a dagger had pierced her body, and the only thought in her mind was whether her booked vacation in the Maldives could still be postponed. And then, she was startled awake by the cry of "Miss Lin." Opening her eyes, this was the sight before her. Ou Mengmeng almost pinched herself. But before she could say anything, a soft and gentle hand reached out and wiped the corner of her mouth lightly. "The Old Madam must be tired. She knew Miss Lin was arriving today and was thinking about it all night, waking up several times." "Not just the Old Madam— all of us have been eagerly waiting," chimed in a woman in her thirties. Though still young, she was dressed in a serious, old-fashioned gown and spoke with a flattering smile. If Ou Mengmeng still couldn't recognize where she was, then all those years of reading would have been in vain. But she still found it hard to believe—had she actually transmigrated into a book, just like those fictional characters her students used to talk about? Ou Mengmeng had been the principal of a top elementary school in Dongwu City, Huaguo, for thirty years. Under her leadership, the school had risen from a district-level key school to one of the top ten elementary schools in the entire province. Her students, now grown up, often visited her, joking that while she wasn’t the best at teaching, she excelled at discipline—she used to chase them down whenever they misbehaved. What no one knew was that she was utterly tired of managing people. She had applied for a lower-stress administrative role a year ago—denied. Six months ago, she applied again—still denied. Recently, the higher-ups wanted to convert the school into a private institution and wanted her to stay on as principal, but she refused. She had planned her retirement meticulously—booked hotels, arranged her itinerary, even packed her suitcase. She had even purchased a small house in a scenic rural area, far away from her former students, ensuring that no one would ever disturb her again. She had made up her mind—her retirement life would be peaceful, undisturbed. So why, why, did she close her eyes once and open them to this? Before she could let her thoughts spiral further, a group of people entered the room, escorting a delicate-looking little girl of about five or six, her face pale and sickly. Sure enough, she matched the description from the book: "Two brows like distant mist, neither frowning nor relaxed. Eyes filled with emotion, yet unreadable. A sorrowful grace upon her cheeks, frail beauty in her every movement. Teardrops shimmered, her breath was soft. In stillness, she was like a delicate flower reflecting in the water; in motion, like a weak willow swaying in the wind. Smarter than most, yet burdened with illness, outshining even the legendary beauties of old." Ou Mengmeng felt like dying again. What was she supposed to do now? Follow the novel's plot, rush forward, embrace the girl, and tearfully declare: "Of all the children, I love you the most!" That line was so over-the-top that only a child would believe it. Actually, even Redology scholars didn't buy it, so whether she believed it or not was irrelevant. The real question was—was she supposed to act this out? "Old Madam!" A maid named Yuanyang gently supported Ou Mengmeng. She didn’t seem suspicious at all. After all, Yuanyang had grown up serving the Old Madam. She had climbed the ranks to become the head maid, someone even Wang Xifeng and Lady Wang had to treat with respect. She understood the Old Madam better than anyone—though outwardly warm and humorous, the Old Madam had once been a lowly daughter-in-law, rising step by step to rule this vast household. Even now, though she seemed indifferent, she still had everything under control. If she had rushed forward and cried, that would have been suspicious. But remaining silent? That was much more in character. "Alright, she's here now. Everyone, leave." Ou Mengmeng steadied herself and spoke. The previously cheerful atmosphere in the room instantly vanished. Everyone looked up at her in shock. What did she mean? No introductions? No formal greetings? No gathering of the young ladies to meet their new cousin? She was dismissing them just like that? "Boys and girls should not sit together after the age of seven. Move Baoyu elsewhere. Lin Daiyu will stay in the warm chamber in front of my quarters. She has traveled a long way—greeting the elders can wait." Ou Mengmeng reached out her hand, pulling the little girl to sit beside her, her voice calm and steady. "Old Madam—" Lady Wang had been seated below, deep in thought. She had been considering the lack of formalities, but then the Old Madam suddenly ordered Baoyu to be moved away? Lady Wang had always wanted to take her son back, believing that he was being spoiled under the Old Madam's care. Yet now, the Old Madam had personally kicked Baoyu out, citing outdated etiquette rules. Baoyu was much older than seven—why bring this up now? Lady Wang felt stifled. The other women, including Xing Shi and Li Wan, also felt confused. Were they all being dismissed? No introductions? No greetings? Had something upset the Old Madam? "I'm tired. No need to come over for dinner tonight. Everyone may eat in their own rooms." Ou Mengmeng waved her hand, still looking displeased. Just as everyone hesitated, laughter echoed from outside. "I'm late, I'm late—" A stunning woman, straight out of the novel’s pages, entered gracefully. But as soon as she saw the eerie silence in the room, her laughter faltered. Hurriedly, she bowed to the elders, stealing a glance at the child beside the Old Madam, but dared not speak. "Leave." Ou Mengmeng closed her eyes and coldly uttered the command. No one dared to protest. One by one, they rose, bowed, and left swiftly. Even little Daiyu was frightened. She had been anxious throughout her journey, and now, standing before her grandmother, she felt even more uneasy. The Old Madam hadn’t let her bow. Hadn’t introduced her to the household. Had dismissed everyone in an instant. Had she somehow offended the entire family upon arrival? "It has nothing to do with you." Ou Mengmeng gave her a reassuring smile before turning to Yuanyang. "Have the preparations been made?" Yuanyang hesitated. Baoyu was the Old Madam's cherished grandson, yet now she was asking him to move out. Where would he go? No one in this house was easy to deal with. Still, under the Old Madam's cold gaze, Yuanyang quickly forced a smile. "Yes, but Second Master Baoyu went out to burn incense today. Moving now might be too disruptive—" "Let Lin Daiyu rest here. Have it done before dinner." The Old Madam nodded, accepting the explanation, but setting a firm deadline. Yuanyang bowed and left, her heart pounding, though her face betrayed nothing.