Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Chapter 430: The Golden Hairpin

Shenjing, Prince Beijing’s Palace, inner study.

Prince Beijing and his wife were sitting in the study, talking about what the Zhen family was planning recently.

Princess Beijing was beautiful and graceful, wearing a phoenix-patterned palace gown with a dignified demeanor.

Although she is already Huaxin's age, she is much older than Zhenfang.

But the Miss Zhen Er of that year is still beautiful and graceful, as bright as the moon, brilliant and moving, and unforgettable.

Her every move and gesture exudes the charming and intoxicating grace of a mature woman.

Although she and Prince Beijing were married through an aristocratic family, they lived in harmony after marriage and Prince Beijing doted on the princess.

Back then, the old Prince of Beijing did not marry into any of the noble families in the capital, but instead married his son to the eldest daughter of the Zhen family in Nanjing. There must have been some hidden meaning behind this.

In terms of marriages between descendants, staying away from the circle of nobles in Shenjing can not only keep a low profile and avoid suspicion from the royal family, but also allow the Beijing King's line to not be restricted to a particular time and place.

Jinling is the hub of half of Jiangnan, and the Jinling Zhen family has been rooted in the secondary capital for a hundred years. They are one of the most powerful families in Jiangnan, and their hidden power and prestige cannot be underestimated.

What's more, there is an old Concubine Zhen who holds a high status in the palace, and standing behind her is the retired emperor...

Although the marriage between Prince Beijing's Palace and Jinling Zhen's family was not glorious and dazzling in appearance, it was solid and practical in substance.

Everyone said that the old Prince Beijing was mediocre and did nothing all his life, but how many heads of aristocratic families would be shallow-minded?

Princess Beijing smiled as sweet as a flower and said: “Your Highness, the day before yesterday I went to the palace to deliver a letter to the old empress dowager. After hearing about my third sister and Jia Cong, the old empress dowager was very interested in this marriage.”

He also said that he would make a suggestion to the Emperor, and maybe even grant the two of them a marriage.”

Shui Rong smiled and asked, "You met the old concubine this time. How is the old concubine's health?"

Princess Beijing sighed, "The old concubine is over eighty years old, which is considered a long life. Although she is in good spirits, she is old and minor illnesses are inevitable.

The third sister grew up with the old empress dowager, and the relationship between them is extraordinary. The last time the third sister went to the capital to visit her, she only stayed for a few days before returning to Jinling.

When I went over this time, the old concubine said that every time she saw her third sister, it would be one less time.

So she cares about this marriage more than anyone else.

She also said that if her third sister married Jia Cong, she would be able to see her anytime in the capital….”

Shui Rong said, "It is rare for a person to live to be eighty. If the Zhen family relies on this alone, there will always be an end. My father-in-law is also thinking long-term and wants to accumulate wealth for the Zhen family in the future."

Miss Zhen Er naturally understood what Shui Rong meant. Old Concubine Zhen was already in her twilight years and didn't have many years left to live.

As long as the old Concubine Zhen passed away, the Zhen family in Jinling would lose their greatest support.

Shui Rong said: "Jia Cong is the leader of the younger generation of nobles in Shenjing. If he becomes the son-in-law of the Zhen family, it will show that the four kings and eight dukes are of the same blood and strengthen their influence.

It will also be extremely beneficial to the future of the Jinling Zhen family."

As the couple was talking, a maid came in to report that Liu Yong, the chief secretary of the palace, was waiting in the outer study and had important matters to report to the prince.

Miss Zhen Er was familiar with her husband's temper, and the two of them had formed a tacit understanding over the years. When she saw that he had other things to do, she left on her own.

Although the Palace of Prince Beijing has been wealthy for generations, the two generations have long been on the fringes of the court and no longer hold real power in the army. Over the past decade or so, the two generations of Prince Beijing have been living a leisurely life.

The Beijing Prince's Mansion should have been a place of leisure, but Miss Zhen Er knew that her husband was a man of great talent and could not bear loneliness, so he was a person who could not sit still.

He is often busy with chores and I am not allowed to help, so I can only let him do what he wants.

For Miss Zhen Er, what she cares about most at the moment is the marriage of her third sister. It is her duty as a daughter of the Zhen family to do her best to help her father make this happen.

If the marriage goes through, not only will I have sisters to keep me company in the capital, but my parents' family will also get a lot of help.

……

Prince Beijing's Palace, outer study.

Liu Yong, the chief official of the palace, handed over a letter and said, "Your Majesty, this is a letter from Zhen Shiwen, the second son of the Zhen family in Jinling."

Shui Rong took the letter, opened it and read it, his face looking a little gloomy.

Seeing Shui Rong's uneasy expression, Liu Yong asked, "My Lord, has something happened to Second Master Zhen?"

Shui Run frowned and said, "This letter was sent from Jinling ten days ago. Jinling and Shenjing are far apart, so the information cannot be transmitted quickly enough. I don't know what the current situation is.

The letter said that Shiwen was under house arrest because he had been seized by the Maritime Customs for smuggling firearms, which left him with a criminal record.

When the firearms theft in Liaodong happened, Jinling Jinyiwei checked all those suspected of smuggling firearms, and they found him.

His manager reported that there were signs that the fine iron in the store's warehouse had been moved.

There have been strangers around the store recently. I think he is being targeted by the Jinyiwei.

If Jia Cong hadn't pulled him out of the Jinyiwei, who knows how it would have ended."

Liu Yong asked, "Your Highness, the Zhen family's affairs are somewhat risky. If something goes wrong, will Your Highness be implicated?"

Shui Rong said with a gloomy face: "When it comes to meticulousness and experience, Zhen Shiwen is far inferior to his cousin!
The Zhen family of Jinling is the princess's family, and they are closely related to the Beijing Palace. Liu Yong, take your people to Jinling..."

……

The sky is full of red clouds and the sun is setting.

On the official road about eighty or ninety miles away from Jinling City, six fast horses were galloping at full speed.

The knights on each horse were carrying long packages wrapped in cloth, which looked a bit strange.

The sound of horse hooves flying is like muffled thunder, and the smoke and dust raised are like a rolling yellow dragon, quite majestic, making people feel the rider's eagerness to hurry on.

When the horse team came to a double fork in the road, the leading young man on horseback suddenly reined in his horses and took out the map he carried with him to check the route.

A musketeer named Liu Zhen beside him asked, "Jiang Liu, why did you stop? Ten miles ahead is an official post called Gantang Post.

Our horses have galloped for nearly a hundred miles and their horsepower has weakened. With your military flag, you can change horses at the post station so that we can keep moving fast.

Only in this way can we get back to Shenjing in four days."

Jiang Liu looked at the map and then turned back to look at the official road.

He said: "Before we set out, the Third Master instructed that we follow the Master in and out of the government office every day, and there must be many people who know us.

Now that they are suddenly leaving the city on horseback, the situation in Jinling is unclear. The Third Master is worried that someone with bad intentions may track or even intercept them along the way.

The Third Master said that the most dangerous distance is within one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles from Nanjing, and it is very easy to be tracked.

If we change horses at the Gantang Post ahead, we will have to use the military flag, which will leave obvious traces, and others will easily figure out that we are returning to Shenjing for important official business!
If what Third Master said comes true and someone takes the risk, it will be difficult for us to resist it alone.

The third master said that as long as they bypassed Gantang Post and ran a distance of two hundred miles, they would be able to escape possible pursuit.

Now it is almost dark, and it is less likely to be noticed if we rush at night. We would rather take a detour. As long as we run for half the night, we can travel two hundred miles.

We no longer have to worry about being intercepted along the way, ensuring that the Third Master's memorial can reach the capital safely."

After Jiang Liu finished speaking, he ran back and forth several times on the fork road leading to Gantang Posthouse.

After returning to the intersection, he said, "This method was taught by the Third Master. It leaves a mess of horse hoof prints. If someone follows us, they won't be able to figure out where we are going.

After saying this, he jumped off the horse again, took out the prepared thick cloth from the package, and wrapped the four horse hooves. The others followed him and did the same.

After a busy period, Jiang Liu pulled his horse's head and rushed to the fork in the road on the left. Liu Zhen and the other four firearms soldiers followed closely behind.

……

When they had walked for less than half a cup of tea, more than a dozen fast horses swarmed up on the official road behind them, with a very imposing manner.

When they reached the double fork, the knights stopped their horses one after another. These men were sturdy and their movements were agile, showing quite a military demeanor.

Some of these people were checking the situation at the intersection below, while others were checking the chaotic horseshoe shape on the ground, but none of them could figure out what was going on.

The two leaders discussed for a few words, chose the fork in the road leading to Gantang Posthouse, and galloped away on their horses!

……

Jinling, Fenglefang.

A three-story house with white walls and red doors in the alley was like a speck of dust in the light, inconspicuous among the many official residences in the alley. A capable young man walked into the study and saw the middle-aged man, who was always dignified, walking back and forth in the study, seeming to be a little uneasy.

When the young man saw this scene, his eyes flickered slightly and he said, “Sir, this afternoon, the people we arranged will report back.

Jia Cong's personal attendant, along with several of his bodyguards, rode out of Taiping Gate at high speed, apparently going on a long journey.

The middle-aged man's expression changed slightly, and he asked, "How could his followers suddenly leave Jinling with their guards if they didn't stay with him? Did they send someone to track them down and find out where they went?"

The young man replied: “I received the news and sent a team of fast horses to track them down. We chased them all the way to Gantang Posthouse, which is a hundred miles away. However, they did not pass the posthouse and then lost their trace.

But judging from the direction they are heading, they are most likely heading back to Shenjing."

The middle-aged man looked gloomy and said, "Since Jia Cong came to Jinling, everything has been peaceful. Why would he suddenly let his personal entourage return to the capital? There must be a reason for this."

What young people see every day is that the other person is warm and steady, and remains calm and composed at all times. Only those who have experienced ups and downs in life can develop such a tenacious mentality.

It is not common to see people looking so worried.

The middle-aged man asked, "Is there any new news from Gusu?"

The young man said, "Last time, Luo Xiong sent a message saying that a suspicious person appeared in Gusu City, wandering around the streets, acting mysteriously and unpredictably.

But recently the Gusu area has been relatively peaceful, and there has been no unusual activity."

The middle-aged man said, "Tell Shui Luosha to leave Gusu immediately. If something unexpected happens in Gusu and it's hard to control, have her take charge to avoid future troubles!"

The young man looked stern and asked, "Sir, it is said that Zou Huaiyi left a secret tent to protect himself. Does Zhou Zhengyang have such a backup plan?"

The middle-aged man sneered and said, "Zou Huaiyi left behind the secret account, but he didn't save his life. The person who is most likely to know the whereabouts of the secret account is his daughter Zou Miner.

But his daughter was also killed by us, so even if the secret account exists, it is useless now."

The middle-aged man sighed, “This is just the last resort.

However, at the last moment, as long as enough people die, even the biggest secret can be kept!"

The middle-aged man's voice echoed in the study, revealing a ruthlessness and coldness that made the young man feel a chill in his heart.

……

Mingze Lane, Jinling.

After more than ten days of recuperation, Zou Min'er's condition has stabilized.

Although he is still unable to walk, he can get up and lie down on his own in daily life.

In the eyes of others, she had been assassinated in Qingyin Pavilion.

In the eyes of the middle-aged man in Fenglefang, she was the daughter of Zou Huaiyi who was silenced.

In the eyes of others, she was just a beautiful but unlucky lady from Qingyin Pavilion.

Ever since the day her body was taken out of Qingyin Pavilion by Jia Cong, except for the first few days, it has still aroused some sighs and sympathy.

But in the magnificent city of Jinling, countless lives and deaths take place every day, and the dead are like lights extinguished, eventually disappearing without a trace.

Those who had known and heard of her soon forgot her existence.

Although I was once seriously injured and almost died, the pain has not subsided to this day.

But having carried so many guilts and grievances, Zou Min'er felt more relieved than ever before when suddenly everything was relieved and she was isolated from the world.

Being completely forgotten seemed to mean that it was easier for her to forget everything.

……

At that time, the Water Rakshasa's nearly fatal blow not only eliminated life and death, but also cut open the shackles in her heart.

Since I learned from Lingguan last time, Zhou Zhengyang has been hidden by Luo Xiong, the commander of Suzhou Guard.

She realized that she was getting closer and closer to the truth of the Water Supervision Bureau case.

Jia Cong came here every day, sometimes spending the night in Mingzhe Lane, but sometimes he would leave without having dinner.

Since Zou Min'er was seriously injured in the assassination attempt, Jia Cong has taken care of her in every possible way. The two of them have been intimate and close to each other.

The girl's defenses had been broken, and her feelings towards Jia Cong had gradually changed. Naturally, she paid special attention to his every move.

She noticed that whenever Jia Cong did not spend the night in Mingze Lane, he would always come back the next day with fresh clothes and neat appearance, and even his hair was combed meticulously.

It seemed that every time he went out for the night, he was served and cared for by someone he loved.

That day, after Jia Cong had lunch in Mingze Lane, he helped Zou Min'er change the medicine on her wound.

Zou Miner knew that he would not stay here overnight today. Whenever he stayed overnight, he would not change the medicine for himself so early.

When it was getting dark, Lingguan took care of Zou Min'er and finished her dinner, she asked casually, "Lingguan, does he have a careful maid to serve him in the Jia Mansion?"

While cleaning up the dishes, Lingguan said casually, "Butler Jin did arrange two maids for the Third Master, but the Third Master doesn't like them, so he has to do his daily washing and grooming by himself.

Jin Cai's family said that the last time the Third Master came to Jinling, he brought a personal maid to serve him. He must be unaccustomed to being served by a stranger."

Zou Miner didn't find it strange to hear this. She herself came from a wealthy family of officials. It was common for young masters and young ladies to be used to being taken care of by people who were close and familiar to them. They would feel uncomfortable if someone else took care of them.

But Lingguan said casually: "But the Third Master doesn't live in the mansion every day. He comes back every two days to teach me and Douguan to read and write."

When Zou Miner heard this, she suddenly understood something in her mind. She was in a daze for a long time before she sighed slightly.

……

The next day at noon, when Jia Cong came to Mingze Lane again, Zou Min'er found that Jia Cong looked radiant and was wearing a brand new moon-white soft silk robe with silver bamboo patterns.

Her hair was as black as ink, and her bun was still combed meticulously.

This new robe has fine stitching and neat workmanship, with delicate and elegant embroidery on the lapels, and it fits the body perfectly from shoulder to arms, waist to back.

Zou Miner came from a wealthy family. She noticed that the robe not only fit well, but also had a style and embroidery that was extremely suitable for Jia Cong, making him look even more handsome and beautiful when he wore it.

Such a hand-made and carefully selected robe could never be made in a ready-made clothing store. Only someone who was an excellent needlework expert and very familiar with Jia Cong could make it.

Zou Miner suddenly understood and couldn't help feeling a pang of sadness in her heart. How could a man like Jia Cong not have a woman he likes by his side?

She suddenly had the absurd urge to ask which woman sewed his clothes and tied his hair.

But in the end, I was smart enough not to ask and could only remain silent.

He is the son of a duke, a member of a royal family with noble honors, and he also has a handsome appearance and a beautiful mind that are rare in the world. What's so strange about that?

Although I have let go of life and death and am free, my identity is unclear. There is a huge gap between me and people like him, so why should I worry about it?

It was just that when she first met Jia Cong in Ziyun Pavilion, she developed a complex and delusion about him. Although she was full of hatred and resentment afterwards, it was still difficult to erase. How could she let it go just like that?

Seeing that she looked strange, a little depressed, and worried, Jia Cong asked with concern, "Is your wound hurting again today?
Mr. Zhang said that your wound is quite deep and it will inevitably cause some pain during the healing process. Don’t worry too much, it will heal soon.”

Jia Cong saw the slightly old copper hairpin on her bun, took out a delicate box from his body, and took out a gold hairpin with a plum blossom pattern and kingfisher feathers from it.

"I noticed that the copper hairpin on your head is a little old. Last time I took Lingguan to Ziyun Pavilion to buy something, I helped you pick out a gold hairpin."

Zou Min'er's heart trembled, and she took the hairpin from Jia Cong's hand in a daze.

This hairpin is full of golden light. The head of the hairpin is in the shape of a plum blossom, with green leaves as the background and jade inlaid. It is exquisite, noble, beautiful and elegant.

The styles and shapes are very suitable for him. He must have carefully selected them according to his own appearance.

The bitterness in Zou Miner's heart was instantly diluted by the tenderness that emerged. Although there was no possibility between her and him, he still had her in his heart, and that was enough.

Jia Cong smiled and helped her take off the copper hairpin, and gently inserted the gold hairpin with plum blossom pattern and kingfisher feathers into her hair bun. Zou Min'er was so intoxicated that she couldn't utter a word.

"I have taught Lingguan how to change the bandage. The little girl is very careful and will take good care of you."

Zou Min'er was stunned and asked, "Are you leaving?"

Jia Cong said: "I have written a memorial about the events in Nanjing and asked someone to send it to the capital urgently. I estimate that I will receive news of the imperial edict in six or seven days.

I can't just wait in Jinling, there are some things I need to do, and I have to go to Gusu early to make arrangements, so I won't be able to come over for the next few days."

(End of this chapter)