Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The palace city of Da Zhou, Qinghe Palace.

Ever since that day when the steward of the second branch of the Zhen family, on the orders of Zhen Fangqing, went to the mansion to pay his respects to Lady Jia, everyone in the Rongguo Mansion believed that Jia Cong's marriage was imminent.

However, after several days, no news came out of the palace, which made Jia Mu and others wonder if they had guessed wrong.

Just when Grandmother Jia was confused, news suddenly came from the palace that the old Concubine Zhen was critically ill.

Old Concubine Zhen was the only surviving concubine of Emperor Hongxuan, the adoptive mother of the current emperor, and the most senior noble in the palace. Even the current Emperor Jiazhao treated her as the imperial grandmother.

Moreover, she is the woman with the highest status and the most respect among the old nobles of the Great Zhou Dynasty. She has more or less connections with all the major families and has great influence in the court and the country.

Therefore, when the news that the old Concubine Zhen was critically ill spread, all kinds of greetings and memorials from old noble families, officials from the court and the public came pouring into the palace like snowflakes.

The nobles and officials of various families also came to the palace to pay homage and visit the emperor to show their respect.

On this day, Jia's grandmother also entered the palace with the Concubine Dowager Nan'an, the Concubine Dowager Xining, the Princess Beijing and others to pay a visit to the sick Concubine Dowager Zhen.

Grandmother Jia was old and experienced. When she saw how sick and frail Old Concubine Zhen looked and how she could not get out of bed, she thought that the old Concubine Zhen was over eighty years old and was probably not well.

Grandmother Jia also witnessed the entire audience process, and the imperial physician from the Imperial Hospital was waiting outside the door.

The imperial physician also instructed the dowager concubine's personal nanny not to let the dowager concubine have too much verbal communication with the visitors, so as to avoid exhausting her mind. Everyone in the room looked as if they were facing a great enemy, which showed that the old dowager concubine's condition was serious.

During the entire audience process, the Concubine Dowager Nan'an, the Concubine Dowager Xining, and even the great-granddaughter of the old Concubine Zhen, the Princess Beijing, all nodded in response, and the palace maids served tea.

He only managed to keep himself together and chat with Lady Jia for a few words, two of which involved questions about Jia Cong.

This could not help but make Lady Jia feel flattered, and the Concubine Dowager Nan'an and the Concubine Dowager Xining who were present also looked surprised.

Only Princess Beijing who was present knew the truth and sighed in her heart. The old princess dowager loved her third sister to the core and knew that she would marry into the Jia family in the future.

Therefore, even when he was sick, he was still kind to Madam Jia, because he thought that when his third sister married into the Jia family in the future, she would be valued and loved more.

Grandmother Jia also saw that Zhen Fangqing, who had always been with the old empress dowager, had lost almost a lot of weight since they met her at the Jia Mansion a few months ago.

……

When she was leaving the palace, the Concubine Dowager Nan'an and the Concubine Dowager Xining congratulated Lady Jia.

The Nan'an Concubine smiled and said, "Madam Jia is so lucky to have raised such an amazing grandson. Today, the old concubine treated the Madam especially well. The honor of the marriage is just around the corner."

Xining Concubine also laughed and said, "I have only heard of it before, but I have never seen Miss Zhen San who was raised by the old Concubine. Today, I was amazed to see that the Zhen family actually raised such a beauty.

No wonder the old concubine loves her more than a treasure. Such a person is more than qualified to be married to the royal wife. It is also a very respectable thing for Madam Jia to marry such a granddaughter-in-law. "

After hearing the compliments from the two princes' wives, Grandmother Jia felt somewhat flattered.

But he felt mixed emotions. His plan to marry Xiangyun to Jia Cong and have the Jia and Shi families unite through marriage ultimately failed.

Although the arranged marriage was good, once the old Concubine Zhen passed away, people would forget about her and the meaning of the arranged marriage was largely lost.

……

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion.

Daiyu had been recuperating for two days. She had been suffering from a heart disease to begin with, and after receiving Jia Cong's heart medicine, she gradually recovered. Grandmother Jia was naturally happy and relieved to see this.

Grandmother Jia recalled that day when Daiyu had just been asked to move back to the West Mansion when she suddenly fell ill, as if the topic of moving back had something ominous.

He also remembered what Wang Xifeng had said about offending the flower god and encountering guests, so he asked Wang Xifeng to worship the flower god of the season according to the "Jade Box" to put his mind at ease.

Grandmother Jia was an old and suspicious person. Seeing that Daiyu's condition had improved significantly, she did not dare to bring up the topic for the time being, for fear that she would act rashly and cause trouble again. She thought she would talk about it after some time had passed.

Besides, it won't be too late to move the two granddaughters back to the West Mansion after the marriage is arranged. The two mansions are only separated by an alley, and it will only take an hour.

……

Jia's grandmother no longer brought up the topic and changed it back, which was naturally what Jia Cong and Yingchun wanted, and the sisters continued to get along as usual.

It was only after Tanchun asked Master Xiushan to chant sutras to exorcise the evil spirit that Jia's mother was assured to leave Daiyu in the East Palace. She had to settle the matter before Jia's mother could make this promise...

That night in Daiyu's room, Jia Cong explained everything to her, which reassured Daiyu. Then, he spoke softly and tenderly, which aroused Daiyu's tenderness and made her fall in love with him even more deeply.

Just as Jia Cong said, if the palace insisted on granting the marriage, it was not something Jia Cong could influence at all.

Should she let him disobey the emperor's order because of her, ruining his future or even his life? Daiyu would rather die herself than let him end up like this.

Moreover, Jia Cong opened his heart to her that day and would never abandon her. Although Daiyu still had some worries in her heart, it was enough to calm her down.

Daiyu's mood went through so many twists and turns, she took a step back and stepped forward, and after a series of twists and turns, she became more resilient. She was less sad and stubborn than before, and she felt a little more open-minded.

She was quick-witted and intelligent, so she could naturally feel Jia Cong's affection. Regardless of whether the palace would grant her a marriage or not, her third brother would treat her with all his heart. If there was really no perfect solution in the world, this was enough.

Jia Cong went to her room every day to keep her company and talk. There was more sweetness and tacit understanding between the two of them than before, and they seemed to be closer than before.

Love in this world will go through all kinds of ups and downs, which will sever old ties and make the two people strangers from then on, but it will also go through trials and tribulations, removing the dross and retaining the truth, making the true love more real.

……

Ever since Jia Cong gave Liu Shizhen the concept drawings of the breech-loading rifle, which were enough for the entire Ministry of Industry's firearms workshop to work on for half a year, he even reported to the workshop less often.

He spent most of his time at the mansion, sometimes staying in Daiyu's room to chat with her, sometimes visiting Yingchun and Tanchun, or reviewing the classics and Cheng's essays.

Tanchun's visits to Jia Cong's courtyard suddenly became more frequent. She would come to ask questions and practice calligraphy every day. Sometimes when Jia Cong was reviewing his lessons for the Spring Examination, she would often sit by his side and read with a book in hand.

Just like time is precious, one should split one day into two.

……

Jia Cong also heard from Tanchun that Baochai was suddenly feeling unwell, as if her old illness had relapsed at the turn of autumn and winter, and she could only take her usual Lengxiang Pills.

But her illness was progressing very quickly, and she had not left the Lixiang Garden for several days. One day, Jia Cong and Tanchun went to visit her, and Baochai just said that she was not seriously ill, but would recover after some time.

When Jia Cong went to visit her, Baochai's big, clear eyes would often stare at him inadvertently, as if she had a lot to say but nowhere to say it.

When Jia Cong and Tanchun left, Jin Chuan specially saw them out of Lixiang Courtyard. She seemed to have something to say but couldn't say it.

Tanchun knew that Jia Cong had saved Jin Chuan and that the two had some connection. Judging from Jin Chuan's situation, she must have something to say to her third brother, so Tanchun made an excuse to leave first.

Seeing that Jia Cong was the only one left, Jin Chuan said, "Third Master, when the young lady came back from the East Palace that day, I served her personally. That night, I heard her crying quietly for a long time before she fell asleep.

Afterwards, she asked me not to tell anyone. Logically, I shouldn't say anything, but the girl is a steady person and rarely happens like that night.

I was worried, thinking that when she came back from the East Palace that day, she must have encountered something in the East Palace. The Third Master is smart and must know the reason."

When Jia Cong calculated the date, he found that Daiyu had suddenly fallen ill that day. He was not completely unaware of how Baochai treated him.

But now there is the matter of the arranged marriage at home, and the trouble of Jia She stealing and transporting muskets abroad. He is in trouble both at home and abroad. How can he dare to cause more trouble now, so as not to cause trouble to others and himself.

He more or less understood why Jin Chuan said those words to him, as she did it out of concern for Baochai.

He just said, "Girls always have some worries, but they will be fine after they pass. You take good care of Sister Bao, and I will come to see her in two days."

……

Under the bright autumn sun, Jin Chuan stared blankly at Jia Cong's receding figure and sighed in her heart. She knew that after saying so much, how could the Third Master, who was so smart, not know what he meant?

But all he said was polite and evasive, and it was obvious that he didn't want to provoke her, so the girl's heart was in vain.

Ever since Jia Cong rescued Jin Chuan from the well, she has been thinking about Jia Cong all the time. However, due to the huge difference in their social status, such thoughts are unacceptable in a big mansion, so she just keeps it in her heart.

After she arrived at Baochai's room, Baochai was particularly close to her, even as close as Ying'er who had been by her side since childhood, and she was often by her side wearing daily clothes.

After a while, Jin Chuan finally understood the reason why the girl treated her like this, not because she was so good.

It was only because he was saved by the Third Master and was entrusted to the girl by the Third Master, and the relationship with the Third Master was implied that made the girl look at him differently.

Others were unaware of the girl's infatuation, but as the person involved, Jin Chuan understood the feelings behind it.

When Jin Chuan jumped into the well and was on the verge of death, Jia Cong came to rescue her. She saw Jia Cong's brilliant face through the rippling waves at the bottom of the water, and from then on, a demon was planted in her heart, and she would never forget it.

Because of her obsession and out of gratitude to Baochai, she went against her usual behavior and said these words to Jia Cong, but Jia Cong seemed calm, which inevitably disappointed her.

……

Jia Cong returned all the way to the East Mansion. Although Jin Chuan's words lingered in his mind for a long time, he finally let them go.

What worries him most now is not the marriage arranged by the palace, because this is not something he can control, and it is useless to think too much about it, and it is not a matter of life and death.

What he was most worried about was Jia She's theft of muskets. Yesterday, Ellie came to the Earl's Mansion specially and brought him a letter sent by Feiyu from Jinling Xinchun.

The letter said that the Jinling Jinyiwei had made a major breakthrough in their investigation of a private musket-making workshop. They had discovered the origins of the two wooden boxes seized from the workshop, which had been sent from Jia She's Hongchun Fur Shop.

The facts were exactly as Jia Cong had deduced. Jia She was involved in the theft of the stolen muskets from Liaodong, and was closely linked to the private firearms workshop in Jinling.

Whether it was stealing muskets or being involved in the private manufacture of firearms, it was a crime tantamount to treason, and the serious crime of being stripped of his title was an outcome that Jia She could not escape.

If Jia She is convicted, it will definitely have a huge impact on the Rongguo Mansion, and he may even be stripped of his title and his property confiscated. It is unpredictable what the final outcome will be.

As Jia She's biological son, although Jia Cong has been granted a title and established a mansion, it would be difficult for him to avoid being implicated.

Moreover, Qu Hongxiu also mentioned in the letter that the news was delivered to the Jinling Xinchunhao headquarters by someone who hid his identity and used the hands of a beggar.

In other words, the news had already spread in Jinling Wei, and someone got the news and warned him. Jia Cong did not know who sent the message.

However, in this situation, since I can receive the message, then other people must have received it as well.

Most likely, the Jinyiwei had already sent the news to the higher-ups in the capital, but the Xinchun Feiyu message was much faster than the ordinary express post station. According to the distance, I am afraid that in a few days, the news that Jia She participated in the theft of muskets would reach the Jinyiwei Command in the capital, and then it would be the day of the incident!
This matter had made Jia Cong deeply worried and occupied most of his mind. Naturally, he did not have much energy to pay attention to what Jin Chuan said.

……

Shenjing, Anfengfang.

Since noon, the sun has disappeared, the sky is gloomy and covered with clouds.

The streets and alleys in the alley are prosperous, with various kinds of restaurants, taverns, and brothels, and the place is crowded with people and noisy.

The gloomy weather, which seemed to indicate that heavy rain was about to come, did not affect the popularity of the market.

Not only common people and wealthy merchants come and go here, but also many officials from the court and the government, who come here in groups of three or five to have fun.

Therefore, it is common to see people with elegant clothes and extraordinary demeanor here.

In a private room on the second floor of an inconspicuous little restaurant on the street, two men were sitting opposite each other and drinking.

One of them was the shopkeeper Zhao who brought a cart of medicinal herbs into the city that day. The other was a man with elegant clothes and a clean appearance.

"Master Liu, you are in a hurry to meet me, but what is the urgent matter?"

Mr. Liu said: "Our spies in Jinling Jinyiwei have sent us news that they have confirmed that the two wooden boxes in the workshop were sent from Jia She's Hongchun Leather Goods.

Ge Zhicheng, a captain of the Imperial Guard, sent his trusted captain Liu Hai, who brought official documents and verification papers, and was already on his way to the capital to deliver the report.

Fortunately, our spy left Jinling one day earlier than Liu Hai, so he was able to send the news to Shenjing in advance. Our people also found that Liu Hai was slow and it would take a few more days for him to reach Shenjing.

But it leaves us some time to clean up the mess...

Since the workshop was seized, you have tried many ways to cover it up in Jinling. You thought it was flawless, but you didn't expect those two wooden boxes to reveal flaws. It's really hard to guard against."

Shopkeeper Zhao listened to the other party's words, his face was solemn, and he said: "Sir, Jia She was conferred the title of first-class general, and he is the heir of the Rongguo Jia family. His status is very important. This matter is probably very difficult."

Lord Liu asked, "Where is Sun Shaozu, who delivered the goods to Jia She, now? Once Jia She is arrested and he betrays us, the matter will be complicated and difficult to handle."

Shopkeeper Zhao smiled grimly and said, "Don't worry, sir. No one can find Sun Shaozu right now. He can't ruin our business."

Lord Liu said, "We must be very cautious in handling Jia She's matter.

Although Duke Rong has passed away, the Rong Jia family's disciples and old friends in the court and the military should not be underestimated. The Rong Jia family's position among the four kings and eight dukes is even more important.

As the future trend changes, how the Rong family's position will be, and its influence on the old-school nobles in the court and on the world and people's hearts will still play a significant role.

This is also the reason why the higher-ups asked Sun Shaozu to collude with Jia She to transport the goods to Liaodong. They wanted to leave a mark and handle for the Rongguo Jia family for future use!
Moreover, the superiors thought highly of Jia Cong, the Weiyuan Earl of the Jia family, and thought that he was a man of profound strategy and both civil and military talents.

Not only is he the legitimate bloodline of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, but he is also promoted and reused by the current emperor. This is unique among the sons of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes.

If such a person can be won over, he will definitely be of great use in the future.

However, once Jia She's crime was exposed, given the current emperor's alienation from the four kings and eight dukes, the Rongguo Jia family would certainly be stripped of their titles and convicted, and it is even possible that their property would be confiscated.

Jia Cong is Jia She's biological son, so he will definitely be implicated and even lose the emperor's favor. He will also lose his future value, which is something the higher-ups don't want to see.

So for the sake of safety, I have received an order that this matter needs to be handled in this way... "

Lord Liu glanced at the thick door curtain at the door of the private room and still lowered his voice.

At this moment, the heavy clouds that had been gloomy in the sky for a long time suddenly rolled over, and silver lightning pierced through the clouds, making a loud noise that shook the earth.

A downpour of rain came pouring down after an extremely brief warning. The dense and noisy sound of the rain obscured the conversation between the two people in the elegant room, making it difficult to hear clearly...

……

The palace city of Da Zhou, Qinghe Palace.

There was a faint astringent smell of herbs in the bedroom of Old Concubine Zhen. The old concubine was lying on the couch, covered with a soft white silk quilt and a thick and soft pillow behind her.

There were also serving maids and palace maids in the bedroom, as well as Zhen Fangqing, who was dressed in palace clothes and looked graceful and elegant.

Sitting on the embroidered cushion in front of the couch was an old man wearing a green nine-dragon robe. He was the former emperor Yong'an who had retired to the deep palace.

Old Concubine Zhen waved her hand weakly, and the personal nanny beside her and several serving palace maids all silently left the hall.

The old concubine said to Zhen Fangqing beside her, "Qing'er, you should go down as well. Don't let anyone disturb me. I want to talk to His Majesty."

Zhen Fangqing's eyes flashed slightly. After bowing to Emperor Yong'an, he walked out of the hall. He asked the palace maids and eunuchs to gently close the heavy door of the palace, and he stood respectfully at the door waiting.

In the bedroom, Emperor Yong'an stepped forward and twisted the brocade quilt covering the old Concubine Zhen.

Emperor Yong'an was the high and mighty emperor emeritus. To others, he was just a majestic, silent, and unfathomable emperor.

He would only show such rare admiration in front of the old Concubine Zhen.

Old Concubine Zhen looked gentle and said, "Your Majesty, I have been away from my hometown in Jinling for more than 60 years. All the elders and brothers and sisters in my family have passed away, and the younger generations of the Zhen family have met few of them.

Even my niece-in-law who is the head of the family now, I have never met her. Only Fang Qing has been raised by me since she was a child, and I treat her as my own daughter.

The person closest to me in this world, besides Your Majesty, is this girl.

When Empress Xiaoyuan passed away, I was so blessed to have the late emperor’s love and care for me, and to have been entrusted with the task of raising Your Majesty. This is the greatest honor of my life.

During the past decade or so, Your Majesty has retired to the deep palace, living a secluded life, but I understand that Your Majesty is deeply saddened.

I won’t live long, and I have kept some things in my heart for a long time. Even if it violates the taboo and displeases His Majesty, I will tell you everything now.”

Emperor Yong'an smiled and said, "Old Concubine Dowager, please don't say such things. It's hard to avoid illness when you are old. You have the imperial physician to take care of you. Just take care of yourself for a few more days.

I am here today to talk to the Concubine Dowager. You can say whatever you want. There is nothing to worry about."

Old Concubine Zhen looked gentle, as if she was recalling something, and after a while she said, "Back then, among your majesty's sons, the King of Wu was extremely talented, both civil and military, and no one in the royal family could match him.

He is loved by Your Majesty and is regarded as the heir to the throne. He is a very affectionate person and is very respectful and respectful to me.

Other princes all call me the Queen Mother, but he is the only one who values ​​friendship and is sincere in his heart. He does not mind avoiding taboos and often calls me the Imperial Grandmother.

But I didn't expect that something like this would happen later. I loved him as much as Your Majesty did! Every time I think of it afterwards, I can't help myself!"

……

When Old Concubine Zhen said this, she couldn't help but burst into tears. Emperor Yong'an had tears in his eyes and his body was shaking slightly, as if he was trying hard to suppress his inner sorrow.

"If he was just an ordinary prince, he would still be serving the Holy Emperor.

Your Majesty has loved outstanding young heroes in recent years. Others may not know this, but I know your Majesty’s painstaking efforts. Your Majesty is trying to make up for the regret in his heart…”

The words of Old Concubine Zhen seemed to have touched the heart of Emperor Yong'an, revealing the most secret and kind emotions in his heart.

The emperor was originally in a sad mood with a stern expression, but he gradually relaxed, his eyes slightly closed, and a look of relief and liberation appeared on his face.

Old Concubine Zhen continued, "Take the Jia family's child for example. Your Majesty got his calligraphy several years ago and has been admiring it from time to time, unable to let it go.

Later I heard that he had made great contributions to the pacification of Liaodong. Your Majesty often told me that this child was a rare genius in both literature and martial arts.

When the Emperor conferred the title of Honor upon Jia Cong for his achievements in Liaodong, if Your Majesty had not asked the Empress Dowager to bestow gifts on Jia Cong and sent people to the Jia Mansion to ask for a name for him, without such guidance, how could the child have obtained the honor of inheriting the throne?

Although His Majesty remained calm, his sincere love for talent is touching. His Majesty probably saw a familiar shadow in Jia Cong, so he treated him like this.

That day I saw Jia Cong in the palace. He was as handsome and elegant as he was in the past. Although I am old, my heart is still young and I am not confused. I can see things clearly... "

Old Concubine Zhen glanced at Emperor Yong'an and saw that although his face showed no sadness or joy, there was a ripple in his eyes, which showed that he was extremely uneasy.

"The reason why Your Majesty has not granted the marriage yet is that he is worried that Jia Cong will lose his future if he marries Fang Qing.

However, a wise monarch has compassion and cherishes talents, while the laws of nature determine success and failure, life and death.

That child has already inherited a noble position, and has more than enough for a life of wealth and glory. If he is left idle because of an arranged marriage, he will live a peaceful and comfortable life from then on.

Compared to the King of Wu back then, this is a blessing…”

The last words of Old Concubine Zhen shocked Emperor Yong'an and hit his soft spot!
He looked at the old Concubine Zhen who raised him and lay on her sickbed. Her face was sad and the light in her eyes was gradually fading.

Emperor Yong'an was extremely sad. He had experienced such sorrow once more than ten years ago, and he never expected that he would have to endure it again.

Although he is not my biological child, the decades of mother-son love cannot be a falsehood.

Moreover, what the old Concubine Zhen said is mature and wise, and there is some truth to it...

Emperor Yong'an was trembling in his heart, and he spoke to the old Concubine Zhen on the sickbed with a sad voice: "I was helpless back then, and for the sake of my ancestors' country, I suffered a heart-wrenching pain.

All these years, the Concubine has been thinking about day and night, just to let me put my worries aside. I understand the Concubine's painstaking efforts, and I will definitely make her happy. I will issue an order to grant her marriage, and use this auspicious omen to pray for her health. "

He shouted to the outside of the hall in an excited voice: "Ouyang Bin, enter the hall!"

When the chief eunuch Ouyang Bin heard the sound, he hurriedly opened the palace door and walked into the bedroom.

Emperor Yong'an said in a deep voice: "Pass on my order, order the Ministry of Rites to immediately draft a marriage decree for Jia Cong and Zhen Fangqing, select an auspicious date, and announce it to the Zhen and Jia families!"

When Concubine Zhen heard the Emperor Yong'an's decree, her dim old eyes flashed with light, but soon dimmed again.

Old Concubine Zhen slowly moved her dry and cold hands, gently held Emperor Yong'an's broad palm, and said: "Your Majesty should let go of the past, relax your mind, take care of your body, and stay healthy every year.

I will no longer be able to accompany Your Majesty all the time, I thank Your Majesty for your kindness... "(End of this chapter)