Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Chapter 351: Suspicion about the Secret Box

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu Courtyard.

Jia Zheng beat Baoyu severely that day. After recuperating for a few days, he still could not get out of bed and often groaned in pain.

Xiren took off her shirt every day to check her injuries. The torn skin and flesh on the upper thighs began to scab over, but the four-finger-wide scars grew higher and would not go away for a while.

Xiren was terrified every time she saw this. If the Madam and the Old Lady had not arrived in time that day, she would have been beaten to a disability.

Baoyu and Jia Cong are the same age. In the past two years, Jia Cong has been busy studying and working as an official, but Baoyu and Xiren have secretly done many things they could do.

Therefore, the two of them had a kind of intimacy that no one else had. So every day when Xiren served him and applied medicine, she would nag him as usual: If you had listened to me, this wouldn't have come to this.

Although Baoyu was still too injured to get out of bed, he was still worried about other things. He was accustomed to Xiren's thoughtfulness and tenderness, and did not take her words too seriously.

The first thing he was concerned about was Jin Chuan. Later he heard that Jin Chuan had committed suicide by jumping into a well because of what happened that day.

He was a man who loved to seek sorrow and hatred for no reason, and most of the time he seemed as foolish as a madman. Jin Chuan's behavior naturally made him feel very sad.

It is so rare to have such a strong-willed and unyielding daughter. She actually jumped into the well for me. I am a man like me, and I am really intoxicated that I have such a blessing...

But later, when he heard that Jin Chuan had been rescued, the sadness that had been brewing in Baoyu's heart was suddenly mostly gone, and he actually felt a little empty inside.

Moreover, he also heard that after Jin Chuan fell into the well, she was met by Jia Cong, who asked two strong women from the kitchen to go down the well to fish her out.

Baoyu felt a little uncomfortable after hearing this. He could have been as elegant as Ehuang and Nvying, but Jia Cong treated him so abruptly.

He actually asked two burly men with "dead fish eyes" to go down the well to rescue people. The scene was really ugly and it really ruined the scenery.

In his opinion, a handsome and elegant man like Jia Cong was rare in the world, but because he read those rotten books and wanted to be a parasite, he was worn down and had no kind heart at all.

So he has always felt very sorry for Jia Cong...

At this moment, he seemed to have forgotten that when Mrs. Wang slapped Jin Chuan, that person ran away in a flash, pissing and shitting.

Later, when he heard that Baochai and her wife had asked Jinchuan to be a maid, Baoyu felt a little better.

Thinking that he would feel better, when he went to see Sister Bao, he could also see Jin Chuan. The sight of such a wonderful pair of people getting together made him feel silly and happy again.

Since he has been bedridden recuperating, the three sisters have often come to visit him, but Baoyu most wants his Lin Daiyu to come and see him, and of course his Baochai sister as well.

But whether it was Daiyu or Baochai, every time they came to visit, they were with other sisters and never came alone.

He had pleaded with Sister Lin, since it was not convenient for him to move around now, and asked her to come to his room more often when she had time so that they could talk.

But Daiyu didn't hear what he said at all. After he had recuperated for a few days, when her sisters came again, Daiyu didn't come at all.

Later one day, Ying'er brought some top-grade blood-dissolving pills and asked Xiren to dissolve them in warm wine and apply them on the wound. After the heat and poison were dissipated, the wound would soon heal.

Baoyu was delighted to hear this. At least Baojie still loved him. Even though she didn't come again, she still asked the maid to bring medicine for the wound. This kind of friendship touched Baoyu's heart.

But Ying'er said that the pills were sent by the madam and her daughter did not know about it. She also said that now that her daughter had Jinchuan to serve her, she had time to help the madam deliver things.

After hearing this, Baoyu felt as if he had been hit by frost and almost burst into tears. It turned out that he was still a lonely man after all. How could a piece of dirt like him deserve the care of such a beautiful girl?

When Xiren saw this, she felt sad and said that the sisters are getting older every year and can't be like they were when they were little. They should be more respectful and polite to each other.

This tone of voice, which was so strict and ceremonial, was exactly the same as Mrs. Wang's. Baoyu was almost upset to death after hearing it. He wondered when this gentle and docile Xiren had changed her attitude and whether she would let him live...

……

Lixiangyuan, in Aunt Xue's room.

When Aunt Xue heard that her daughter wanted Jin Chuan to be a maid, she felt a headache and called Baochai into the room to question her.

Seeing her daughter coming in, she said with a look of complaint, "Baochai, why are you so confused? Your aunt wanted to drive Jinchuan out of the house, so go and get her back and use her yourself.

How can your aunt put her face? You used to be a smart child, how come you did such a stupid thing? "

Baochai frowned and said, "Mother, I have discussed this matter with my aunt and told her the whole story. It was my aunt who agreed to it herself, and I did not force Jinchuan to marry her.

You know that the incident of Brother Bao getting beaten up a few days ago caused such a big fuss. It was clearly Brother Bao who caused the incident. Jin Chuan did nothing wrong, but was provoked to jump into the well.

Brother Cong was lucky to have saved her. Brother Cong was kind-hearted and wanted this girl not to die in vain and to have a good place to live.

I'm just lending a hand. Not only will it be an extra servant, but it's also a good thing to give someone a way out... "

Aunt Xue glared at him and said, "I knew you were doing it for that boy. You keep mentioning his name. What kind of magic potion did he feed you that you even helped him to deal with such a mess?"

Baochai blushed and said angrily, "Mom, look at what you are talking about. I just feel sorry for Jinchuan. What's wrong with taking her?"

Aunt Xue has now realized that Cong is no longer the same as he used to be. The old lady said that he will be arranged to marry in the future, and there is a 99% chance that he and her daughter will not be together.

But my daughter is becoming more and more stubborn and I don’t know how to deal with her in the future.

Suddenly, Ying'er's voice came from outside: "The Third Master is here, come in and sit down."

Aunt Xue was slightly startled when she heard the words, but then she saw a smile on her daughter's face and she stood up and left the room.

Aunt Xue was very surprised because Cong seldom came to Lixiangyuan alone, and he came even less often since he moved to the East Palace.

……

A few days ago, Jia Cong heard Baochai say that she had a reliable method for dealing with Jin Chuan, and he had been thinking about this matter in his heart.

In the original storyline, Lie Jinchuan committed suicide by jumping into a well. Now that I have encountered the same situation myself, I must resolve this deadlock and not let such a life be wasted in vain.

He saw Baochai coming out and said with a smile, "I came to the West Mansion today to pay my respects to the master, and I came to see Sister Bao on the way."

Baochai smiled and said, "I know you. You came to see me just for the sake of convenience. You probably wanted to ask about Jinchuan's matter and see if she has been settled."

Jia Cong was exposed by Baochai, and he did not hide it. He smiled and said, "Sister Bao is too smart. I can't hide anything from you."

Baochai smiled and told Mrs. Wang that she had asked for Jinchuan to be her maid.

That day, Baochai said that she had a reliable method. Jia Cong had some vague guesses in his mind, but he was not sure.

In fact, if Daiyu or Tanchun asked Jinchuan to be their maid, they would both be willing.

But they are all young ladies of the Jia family, and Mrs. Wang is the mistress of the house. Since she wants to drive Jin Chuan out of the house, they naturally don't want Jin Chuan anymore.

However, the Xue family and the Jia family are two families, and Baochai is Lady Wang's niece. Only this result can truly solve the situation.

Now, after hearing Baochai's words, Jia Cong felt relieved.

He smiled and said, "This is the best outcome for Jinchuan. I knew Sister Bao was a considerate person, but I didn't know she had a kind heart, a benevolent mind, and the ability to make decisions wisely.

Sister Bao solved the headache so easily. "

Baochai's pretty face turned red, and she saw that Jia Cong looked delighted, with clear and bright eyes that made people's hearts warm. His words were sincere, not a joke, but truly came from the heart.

This made Baochai feel that no matter what she did, it was worth it.

……

Shenjing, Hongchunfang, Fuleyuan.

Fuleyuan was where the musicians from the Jiaofangsi lived.

The entire Fuleyuan occupied half of Hongchunfang, where more than 300 musicians from the Shenjing Jiaofangsi lived.

At the entrance of Fuleyuan, there are rows of copper boxes, each of which is well made and carved with exquisite and complex patterns, reflecting a dark yellow and quiet light in the night. Each copper box corresponds to a first-class apartment in Fuleyuan.

Only first-class musicians who have been evaluated by various coaches from the Jiaofangsi can live in first-class accommodation.

These people were all highly skilled musicians, and were guests of honor for high-ranking officials and dignitaries in the capital. Whenever there were banquets hosted by high-ranking officials and nobles, these famous musicians from the music troupe would always be present.

When the rich and powerful held a banquet and wanted to invite a famous actor or musician to perform, they would send a visiting card in the corresponding copper envelope.

This is called "submitting a letter to invite music" at banquets and festivities in the capital, and is considered an elegant activity during drinking and entertainment.

……

Since Zou Min'er became the Pipa Se instructor, she has been known as the Jade Venerable Pipa Heavenly Sound Lady, and she is the only disciple.

It began to enter the vision of many people in the Jiaofangsi.

Some people have heard Zou Min'er practicing the pipa. Although she was a new learner, she had already shown great talent and diligence, and was said to have won the approval of Lady Qing.

Because of Qing Niangzi's relationship, she quickly moved out of the messy office of the Jiaofangsi and moved into the spacious and tidy first-class apartment in Fuleyuan.

Although this attracted some jealous glances from those in the Music Bureau, as a direct disciple of Lady Qing, many people wisely kept their mouths shut.

But Zou Min'er had never performed in public, so her music was not well known. Although she lived in a first-class apartment, outsiders were very unfamiliar with her, and no one ever sent her a bronze envelope inviting her to perform.

This was also specially built for her by Madam Qing. A musician living in a first-class apartment is very suitable for Zou Miner's current identity.

All the musicians who could live in the first-class residence of Fuleyuan were people with extraordinary skills and connections. Behind them might be a high-ranking official of the Ministry of Rites or a powerful person in the capital.

They are completely different from those low-level musicians who are easily molested by others. Generally, officials and dignitaries will not offend them easily in order to maintain their dignity in their respective circles.

……

Although she would never receive an invitation to a musical performance in her copper envelope, Zou Min'er would habitually check her copper envelope every time she took the bus back to her residence.

Ever since she was recruited by Du Qingniang into the China Railway Company, she has been doing the screening and analysis of various intelligence reports. For the intelligence reports that fall within her area of ​​authority, the relevant spies will write them down in cipher and put them in her copper envelope.

This way of transmitting information is neither conspicuous nor safe and fast. This is also one of the important reasons why Du Qingniang arranged for her to live in a first-class apartment.

Today, when she got off the carriage and returned to Fuleyuan, she glanced at her copper box No. 37 as usual. The mark on the circular indicated that there was a letter inside.

Zou Min'er used the key to open the copper box as usual and took out the things inside.

When she returned to the room, she carefully looked through the items in the copper box, except for a few common secret intelligence letters.

There was also a note written on mulberry paper, folded neatly, with an address written on it. The signature was a bit strange, with no name written on it, but a butterfly-shaped kite drawn on it.

......

The tenth day of July is the beginning of autumn. The yang energy gradually fades, the yin energy rises, and all things become restrained and mature.

In the west of the city, there is Chunhua Restaurant. The hall on the first floor is bustling with people and tables and chairs are placed one after another. The people eating and drinking here are all ordinary people. They drink and chat with each other without any particular manner.

After walking up two circles of stairs to the second floor, the environment is much more elegant. There are only a few tables in the hall, and there are closed-door pavilions around the hall.

The second floor of Chunhua Restaurant has a quiet environment and is not intended for the general public. The drinks and dishes here are 30% more expensive than those in the first floor hall.

The second floor is not just a place for eating and drinking, but a place for wealthy and elegant people in the city to relax and chat on a daily basis.

A young man walked up the stairs leading to the second floor. He was tall and slender, with a delicate and handsome face. He looked like a scholar, but with a more feminine air.

The waiters on the second floor are also accustomed to such scenes. Most of the guests drinking in the elegant pavilion on the second floor are scholars who enjoy elegant conversation and poetry.

The waiter stepped forward and asked, but the young man had made an appointment with someone to meet at No. 5 Accord.

……

In Courtyard No. 5, when the young man pushed the door open, someone was already waiting in the room.

He was a fifty-year-old man with gray hair, an old face, and a look of fatigue and weariness.

When the old man saw the young man, he shouted in surprise: "Miss, I can see you!"

Zou Min'er sighed and said, "Uncle Wei, if I hadn't seen the butterfly kite you drew, I would never have dreamed that it was you. When I was a child, you often made butterfly kites for me to play with."

Wei Bo was very excited: "I knew that the young lady would remember it!"

Zou Miner said, "Since the incident at the mansion, all the servants in the house have been implicated and sold. When Wei Bo's mother passed away, I happened to go back to attend the funeral and just happened to escape the disaster. I am lucky."

The old man's name was Wei Shuer. He was a veteran soldier in the garrison. As he committed a crime, he was doomed to death. It was Zou Huaiyi who managed to save him and helped him support his widowed mother.

From then on, he was devoted to being a slave in the Zou family and was a confidant of Zou Huaiyi. Before the Zou family encountered trouble, he happened to return home to attend the funeral, otherwise he would have been sold to who knows where.

Wei Bo said, "Although I just left the mansion, after the master got into trouble, someone must have known that I was the master's confidant and wanted to find out the master's secrets from me.

Not long after, a group of people came to my door. I managed to escape with great difficulty, but these people kept haunting me and tried their best to search for my whereabouts.

I have been hiding everywhere for the past year, but I can no longer hide in Jiangnan. I also heard that the young lady was exiled to the Shenjing Jiaofangsi.

He then made up his mind to go north to inquire about the young lady's news. Contrary to common people's expectations, he actually managed to escape from these people's pursuit.

But this Shenjing City is under the feet of the emperor, the master has been convicted, and the young lady is in this situation now, so Old Wei has to be extremely careful.

Over the past year, someone has been pursuing Old Wei so relentlessly that I was afraid of causing trouble for the young lady, so after arriving in Shenjing, I didn’t dare to come directly to see the young lady.

I secretly observed the young lady's comings and goings, and I didn't dare to act rashly. I found that the young lady took things out of the copper box every day, so I left a note and asked her to meet me. "

Zou Miner nodded after hearing this. She was an old servant in her family. He was experienced and had always been trusted by her father. He was indeed a cautious person.

But he was puzzled and asked, "Wei Bo is just an old servant of the Zou family. His father is already dead. Why are there still people chasing you? Do you know who they are?"

Wei Bo shook his head and said, "I have been busy hiding for the past year and have not had the time to investigate the identities of these people. I just fought them once and found that their skills are like those of soldiers!"

When Zou Miner heard this, her heart skipped a beat and she suddenly remembered the confession that Madam Qing showed her...

Wei Bo took out a palm-sized shell-inlaid wooden box from his body. The style was very sturdy and exquisite, and it was sealed with tight glue and paint.

Said: "Miss, later I heard that the master was involved in the matter of the Japanese wanderers, and that's why he met with an unexpected accident.

When I returned home to attend the funeral, the Yingtian Prefecture government was already investigating the case, and it caused a lot of uproar.

When I returned home to attend the funeral, my master gave me this wooden box and asked me to keep it with me for safekeeping. If there was peace in the city after a month, he would let me bring it back.

Now it seems that the master would do something, he should have left a backup plan just in case, but he didn't expect that something would really happen in the end!"

When Zou Miner saw the wooden box in Wei Bo's hand, her heart began to beat wildly. She never expected that her father had noticed something was wrong at the beginning and actually left such a thing behind.

But when she thought about it carefully, no matter whether her father was good or evil, to be able to reach the high position of a captain in the Water Conservancy Bureau, he must have experienced a lot and was a meticulous person. It was reasonable for him to do such a preventive measure.

However, after the incident at the Zou Mansion, Wei Bo was hunted down for no reason and had no time to care about the mystery. He was also exiled to the Shenjing Jiaofangsi...

Zou Miner took the shell-inlaid wooden box with trembling hands. If the wooden box had been touched, there would definitely be traces left.

She carefully checked the glue and sealant on it, and confirmed that it was intact before she used a hairpin to pry open the seal and gently opened the wooden box.

There was a stamped note in the box.

(End of this chapter)