Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Zhen Fangqing smiled faintly and said, "A person like you is not a fool, I know I can't hide it from you.

I did this not only to help Xinchunhao, but also for my own plans and intentions.

My father spent his entire life planning and left behind a huge business. Since he disappeared at sea, I am his only bloodline and must shoulder the burden of inheriting his father's business.

But I am a woman after all, and one day I will leave the Zhen family.

I am doing this only to use the power of Xinchun to create a way out for the business left by my father and to provide an additional layer of protection for its continuation.

I think this is a good thing for both of us, and I hope Yuzhang can consider it carefully."

Jia Cong didn't expect Zhen Fangqing to speak so frankly and tell him all his private thoughts about wanting to assist Xinchunhao.

This should also show her greatest sincerity.

Moreover, in this era, the customary way of life for women from aristocratic families was to be confined to the inner house and enjoy a luxurious life. After getting married, they would take care of their husbands and children, and spend their entire lives without leaving the house.

Like Zhen Fangqing, who broke through the barriers of the world and worked tirelessly for the family business left by her father, according to Jia Cong's different understanding of the world, a woman like Zhen Fangqing deserves due respect from others.

However, one thing is one thing, and he was not so impulsive as to agree immediately just because the beauty asked him a question.

Because he knew that the Jinyiwei had seized fine iron that could be used to make muskets in the Zhen family's shop. If this were to come true, the danger hidden in the Zhen family could not be ignored.

Is Zhen Fangqing's desire to use the Xinchun to create a retreat related to this matter?

Although Jia Cong had no empirical evidence, his intuition told him that there was probably a connection between them.

Therefore, he didn't want to get involved in this mess without knowing the whole story.

Jia Cong said: "Miss Zhen's suggestion is very constructive, but it is not a trivial matter. Please allow me to go back and think about it."

Zhen Fangqing was somewhat confused by Jia Cong's novel word choice and asked curiously, "What is constructive?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Constructive means it makes sense and is insightful."

Zhen Fangqing was very happy to hear that he approved of her idea, and said with a smile: "This is not a trivial matter, it really needs careful consideration, there is no rush, but you must reply to me as soon as you have made up your mind."

……

At this time, the maid came over to remind them that the birthday banquet in the inner courtyard had started, and the old lady asked them to go over quickly.

Zhen Fangqing took Jia Cong and Lingguan to the large flower hall where the banquet was to be held.

When they were halfway there, Zhen Fangqing suddenly asked, "Yuzhang, there is something I am curious about. Since Xinchunhao became famous in Jiangnan, many anecdotes have been circulated among big merchants.

For example, it is said that you have known the shopkeeper Qu since childhood, and the two of you opened a Xiuniang incense shop in Shenjing. The business was booming and then it expanded into Xinchunhao. These are common sense.

But Miss Qin came to Jinling only a year ago. She is a careful and shrewd person with great talent. I wonder which noble family she comes from?"

After hearing this, Jia Cong felt strange. This man was just so tactful and as capable as any man, but how come he turned gossiping in the blink of an eye?

No matter how outstanding she is, her feminine nature can never be eliminated...

Jia Cong and Qu Hongxiu had already considered Qin Keqing's identity, and this matter had actually become irrelevant.

The entire Ningguo Mansion was stripped of its title and expelled from the family. Jia Zhen died, and Jia Rong was exiled to Qiongzhou for thirty years with no chance of returning alive. Youshi could only live her life like a transparent person in the Rongguo Mansion.

All the servants in Ningguo Mansion have been sold, and the foundation of the entire Ningguo Mansion has been completely wiped out.

Keqing is no longer an important person. Apart from her parents, who in this world would remember the divorced woman in Ningguo Mansion that day?

As time goes by, being forgotten is an inevitable result...

Moreover, since Qin Keqing joined Xinchunhao, she has been in charge of the company's internal affairs, unlike Qu Hongxiu who often travels outside.

In addition, she was very concerned about the old events in Shenjing, so she was very careful when coming and going. Apart from people in the business, outsiders rarely saw her.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Miss Qin is a distant relative of Manager Qu. Her real name is Qin Yao. Because her family fell into poverty and her relatives were separated, and she has outstanding management talent, she was invited to be the second manager of the business."

When Jia Cong was speaking, Zhen Fangqing kept tilting her head to look at his expression, her bright eyes flashing, as if she could see into his heart.

After listening to his explanation, she smiled and said, "So that's how it is. Last time Miss Qu and I discussed the purchase of the farm, I met Miss Qin once. She is an extremely outstanding woman."

Jia Cong saw that there was a slight smile on her lips, which made her look charming and attractive, and the smile seemed to have profound meaning.

He suddenly felt a bit of a headache. A woman who was too smart was curious and gossipy.

……

The Zhen family seemed very friendly to Jia Cong. They did not let him attend the birthday banquet in the outer courtyard, but instead arranged for him to attend the birthday banquet in the inner courtyard.

You know, the birthday banquet in the inner courtyard is almost equivalent to a family banquet.

The birthday banquet in the inner courtyard was attended by the women from various branches of the Zhen family, as well as some young men of similar age to Jia Cong who were not yet adults and were not yet old enough to dance like elephants.

Compared to the birthday banquet in the outer courtyard where guests come to pay their respects, the atmosphere at the birthday banquet in the inner courtyard is much more relaxed.

Although the Zhen family had the idea of ​​arranging a marriage between Jia Cong and Zhen Fangqing.

However, this matter was only known to Old Lady Zhen, her son and daughter-in-law, and a few trusted old servants of Liu Xian's family. No one else knew about it.

Now they were a little surprised to see a stranger at the family dinner in the inner courtyard, and they became even more curious when they saw the third young lady of the family personally brought in the birthday banquet.

Seeing how Jia Cong and the Third Miss were a perfect match, some of the older concubines probably had their own guesses.

Therefore, after the birthday banquet, the Zhen family members were very smart and did not treat Jia Cong as an outsider, and the atmosphere of the banquet was surprisingly harmonious.

Jia Cong was not a fool. Under such circumstances, it was impossible for him not to notice something strange, so he felt a little uncomfortable during the birthday banquet.

After finally waiting for the birthday banquet to end, he said goodbye to Old Madam Zhen and hurriedly left the Zhen Mansion with Lingguan.

……

Zhen Mansion, Chenghui Hall.

This is the residence of Zhen Yingquan and his wife, the second branch of the Zhen family.

After the old lady's birthday party was over, Zhen Fangqing accompanied her mother back to rest.

Ever since Zhen Yingquan disappeared at sea, the second wife has rarely seen visitors in the past few years. She usually worships Buddha in seclusion in Chenghui Hall and hardly ever leaves the house.

Her family members all knew that she was very depressed and usually did not disturb her.

Today was the old lady's birthday party, and the second wife stayed almost from beginning to end, which is a rare occurrence in recent years.

To put it bluntly, he is still worried that the first wife will make a fuss about his daughter's marriage.

No matter how smart and capable your daughter is, she is still a woman after all. If the wife of the first wife, out of selfishness, lets her daughter entrust her to the wrong person, then her daughter's life will be ruined.

So out of this concern, even if she was too lazy to take care of external affairs, she still struggled to come forward and help her daughter to check.

Today, when she saw Jia Cong in Yuhe Hall, she put her worries aside. Although the eldest wife was extremely selfish, she had not caused any trouble.

……

Zhen Fangqing took the tea brought by the maid and handed it to her mother personally.

When Zhen Yingquan got into trouble, Zhen Fangqing bid farewell to Concubine Zhen in the palace and hurried back to Jinling, not only because she had to take care of the business left by her father.

Moreover, Mrs. Zhen was devastated when she heard the bad news about her husband. Her health collapsed and she has been bedridden ever since.

As the only daughter of the second wife, Zhen Fangqing had to go home to serve her parents out of filial piety and affection.

Mrs. Zhen Er took the teacup from her daughter and said, “Mother knows that the eldest wife’s mind has changed since your father’s accident.

The first wife is disgusted by the fact that you have been controlling the family business, and is afraid that the first wife will lose out on this family fortune. She doesn't even think about the fact that this business was run by your father.

For business, he went out to sea with the ship, but he was lost... "

When she said this, Mrs. Zhen Er's voice was choked up and her eyes turned red.

Zhen Fangqing understood his mother's thoughts best, and hurriedly comforted her in a gentle voice.

The second wife calmed down and said, "The first wife didn't think about it. If she really handed over the business to the first wife, would they be able to take it over?

Although she raised two sons, neither of them was good at managing affairs, and both of them were capable.

Although Shiwen is quite smart, he has been overly spoiled since childhood and does things eager for quick success without considering the consequences.

Your father once said that if the master didn't pay more attention to his son, it would be easy for him to get into trouble.

Baoyu, the son of the eldest wife, is even worse than his brothers. He is over fourteen years old and neither studies for the imperial examinations nor goes out to work. He spends every day hanging out with the maids in the inner house.

Mother doesn't want you to show up in public, but if not, the business that Master has built will decline in three to five years."

Zhen Fangqing said, "Mother is right. If any of them had half the cunning and ability of Jia Cong, why should I suffer this? Wouldn't it be easier for me to hide in the backyard and be a lady from a wealthy family?"

The second wife smiled and said, "Although the first wife is very selfish, she did a good thing this time. That Cong brother is indeed very outstanding and a perfect match for you.

Qing'er, mother knows that you are capable, but no matter how capable you are, you are still a woman, and finding a good home is the most important thing. If your marriage with Cong'er can be successful, mother will be relieved.

At that time, if the eldest wife wants the business, we will give it to her. We will not care if they squander the family fortune. As long as you have someone to rely on for the rest of your life and live a good life, your mother will not care, and your father will not blame you either."

Zhen Fangqing smiled and said, "Mother, you said it as if you could marry me off tomorrow. This matter hasn't even started yet, and even if it does, it may not be able to be settled."

The second wife couldn't help but smile when she heard her daughter's words.

His daughter was clever and capable, and had a beautiful appearance that was a delight for a girl, but she did not show any girlish kindness in her words and deeds.

Ordinary girls would most likely be shy and timid when talking about their marriage.

She talked about her marriage affairs with great ease, as if she was talking about a very ordinary matter.

The Second Wife said with a smile, "Look at what you said. With my daughter's looks and character, is it possible that Cong-er would not like her? I am an experienced person, and I can see that Cong-er would definitely like you."

After hearing what her mother said, Zhen Fangqing was slightly stunned and thought to herself, does he really like me?

……

Suddenly she thought of Lingguan, who had always been by Jia Cong's side. She was pretty, gentle, smart and charming.

Jia Cong's every word and action showed great favor towards Lingguan. Was it just because she was cute?
Maybe others would think so.

But when Zhen Qingfang first visited Grandmother Jia at the Jia Mansion, she had seen the beautiful Miss Lin from the Jia family.

Even though Zhen Fangqing was always proud of her beauty, she had to admit that Miss Lin was truly one of the most beautiful women in the world.

Miss Lin is not his biological sister, nor his cousin, but his cousin.

At that time, the eldest wife proposed to invite Jia Cong to come out for a meeting. Any smart person could probably guess what she meant.

Zhen Fangqing was very smart and noticed that none of the girls from the Jia family cared, except Miss Lin, who felt a little uncomfortable.

It is common for cousins ​​to grow up together and develop feelings for each other in big houses, and it is nothing new.

It is the most difficult thing in this world to accept the favor of a beautiful woman. I think he would not be able to remain indifferent to such an outstanding girl.

Lingguan, who was inseparable from Jia Cong, had a voice, appearance and smile very similar to that of Miss Lin. This was probably the reason why Jia Cong was so fond of her.

When Zhen Fangqing thought of this, he felt confused and even a little lost...

……

"Mom, don't worry too much about this marriage. I think it's probably not going to work out."

When Mrs. Zhen Er heard this, she was shocked. She had met Jia Cong today and was very fond of his conversation and appearance. Moreover, at such a young age, he was already an official appointed by the court and was granted the title of earl by the emperor.

Such a person is hard to find even with a lantern. Mrs. Zhen Er liked him more and more the more she looked at him. She was very happy for her daughter, but she did not expect her daughter to suddenly say such cold words.

Mrs. Zhen asked in surprise, "Qing'er, what are you talking about? I see that you and Cong'er get along well. Don't tell me that someone like you is not worthy of him?"

Zhen Fangqing said: "Mother, it doesn't mean that just because two people get along well, they can talk about marriage. Jia Cong has a very good reputation in Shenjing.

I also heard from my second sister last time that it is no exaggeration to say that he is the best among the sons of nobles in Shenjing.

At such a young age, he was conferred the title of hereditary earl by the emperor. What a great wealth this is.

The city of Shenjing is filled with the doors of aristocratic families and there are countless daughters of wealthy families waiting to be married. How can others not see the good in Jia Cong that we can see?

In my opinion, it’s just that Jia Cong is still young and not yet at the age for marriage, so the marriage has not been arranged.

He is only on an imperial mission in Jinling for a few months, and he will eventually return to Shenjing. Jinling and Shenjing are thousands of miles apart, and there will always be someone who is closer to the water and gets the moon first. "

Not to mention the distant past, that day when the eldest wife and I went to pay a visit to Madam Jia, among the young ladies of the Jia family who were sitting with us, there were two cousins ​​of Jia Cong, both of whom were extremely outstanding girls.

I have finally understood that for a man like Jia Cong, there will definitely be a lot of talk about marriage in the future, and that place will only be waiting for your daughter."

After hearing this, Mrs. Zhen Er showed a disappointed look on her face and said, "You are right. The good things in this world will only be remembered by one person.

If your father had not met with the accident, you would still be in the palace accompanying the old concubine. Wouldn't you be closer to Cong'er? If the old concubine was in charge, their marriage would be a natural thing.

But now it is useless to say all these, marriage is destined by heaven, it really cannot be forced, we can only let nature take its course. "

Zhen Fangqing smiled and said, "I'm not thinking about marriage right now. I'm just thinking about doing business with Xinchunhao."

Mrs. Zhen II scolded, "You girl, you don't worry about your own life, but only think about doing business. You are really crazy."

Zhen Fangqing smiled slightly: "Mother, the Xinchunhao is actually Jia Cong's property."

Mrs. Zhen Er was surprised: "Although mother has been in the inner courtyard for the past few years, she has heard that Xinchunhao is an imperial merchant and has a great reputation in Jinling in the past two years. How come it has become Cong'er's property?"

Zhen Fangqing smiled and said, "I can still fool you about this matter. This is not a secret in the first place. All the big merchants in Jinling know about it.

I heard that Jia Cong knew the manager Qu of Xinchunhao. Manager Qu was known for his kind deeds and raised several orphans, which cost him a lot in daily expenses.

Jia Cong then created his own secret formula for making perfume, and opened a perfume shop with Shopkeeper Qu in Shenjing. He originally only wanted to subsidize Shopkeeper Qu's expenses, but he never expected that it would become a big business. "

These things were all found out by Zhen Fangqing through asking Liu Xian. When talking about Jia Cong's bizarre past, she was quite interested and there was even some yearning in her eyes.

Madam Zhen Er smiled and said, "I was right when I said that this Cong brother is amazing. He is not only good at both civil and military affairs, but also very knowledgeable about business.

It is a good thing for you to do business with Congge'er. You are siblings from an old family, so it is good for you to get to know each other better." (End of this chapter)