Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Grandmother Jia's expression showed an unconcealable weariness and sadness, with Lady Wang and Aunt Xue sitting beside her.

Li Gongcai sat at the bottom, while Baochai, Baoyu, Tanchun and other younger people of lower generation stood in a certain order beside him.

Wang Xifeng and Yingchun were in mourning and therefore could not meet guests, so they were not in the hall.

Sitting on the seat on the right was an old Taoist with white hair and beard and a ruddy complexion. He looked like an immortal, which was a very good appearance.

At this time, he was saying to Lady Jia: "Old Madam, please be patient. Birth, aging, sickness and death, the new birth and the old birth, are all the normal laws of the world.

Fortunately, the Jia family of Rongguo has many descendants and many heroes from generation to generation. The old lady should be pleased.

This year, the old Taoist priest has often heard of the great reputation of the Earl of Weiyuan in the mansion. He passed the imperial examinations twice, was both civil and military, and was awarded fourteen titles. He is almost as outstanding as the old man in his time.

This time I have received the royal marriage, although I have to give up my love due to filial piety, I will surely have good fortune in the future."

After hearing Taoist Zhang's kind words, the sadness on Jia's mother's face was alleviated a little.

Taoist Zhang looked at Baoyu again and said with a smile, "Let's not talk about Lord Weiyuan. I haven't seen Bao-ge for more than a year. He is getting more blessed now.

I see that the boy's appearance, speech and behavior are exactly the same as those of the old master back then."

When Grandmother Jia heard this, she thought of her late husband and felt both sad and happy. She said, "That's right. I have raised all these sons and grandsons, but none of them looks like their grandfather. Only Yu'er looks like his grandfather."

Taoist Zhang smiled at Lady Jia and said, "The appearance and skills of the old master back then were naturally unmatched among his generation. The masters in the mansion can't even remember him now."

He laughed again and said, "I estimate that Bao Ge'er will be fifteen next year. The old lady's father Weiyuan is in great mourning now and needs to observe mourning for three years. It is impossible for him to get married for the time being, but it is okay for Bao Ge'er.

My Qingxu Temple is often visited by wives of nobles and nobles to burn incense and pray for blessings. I am fortunate enough to recognize a few of them, including two with very pretty daughters.

In terms of age and family background, she is a perfect match for Bao Ge'er, but I don't know if the old lady has any plans in mind. Although I am willing to be a matchmaker, I dare not act rashly without the old lady's permission."

As Taoist Zhang was speaking, he saw the curtain at the entrance of the hall being lifted, and a young man and woman came in. Both of them were extremely outstanding in appearance, like gods and goddesses, but he had never seen them before, so they looked a little unfamiliar to him.

When Jia Cong came in, Jia's mother said to Taoist Zhang, "My grandson has been studying in the academy for several years. You have never seen him. Let him come and see him today."

However, Jia Cong knew that Lady Jia's words were just a cover-up. He did not go to the academy to study until he was ten years old. The Taoist Zhang had never seen him before because he was a bastard who was hated by everyone in the East Courtyard.

Grandmother Jia then said to Jia Cong, "Brother Cong, this old immortal Zhang from Qingxu Temple has been friends with Rongguo Mansion for several lifetimes. You have never seen him before, so come and pay your respects to him today."

Jia Cong smiled slightly, bowed and said, "Junior greets the Immortal Zhang."

Taoist Zhang stood up quickly and supported Jia Cong. He looked surprised and said to Lady Jia, "This must be Earl Weiyuan. This is the first time I have seen such an outstanding person in my life. You are so lucky, old lady."

Although he said this, he felt a little strange in his heart. When he was young, he became a monk for the late Duke Rong and had a friendship with the Jia family for several lifetimes.

It can be said that they are more familiar with Jia Cong's bloodline and temperament than they are themselves, but when they first saw Jia Cong today, they felt a little strange in their hearts.

I just felt that this Earl Weiyuan was handsome and elegant, with a unique demeanor, rarely seen in the world. His temperament and demeanor were completely different from those of the male descendants of Duke Rong. It was true that one lineage produces extraordinary talents, and one stream raises a hundred people.

……

After hearing Taoist Zhang's flattery, Jia's mother felt pleased and was about to say something when she saw Mrs. Wang looking at Taoist Zhang with a slightly frown.

Moreover, Mrs. Wang's gaze inadvertently swept over Baochai who was standing beside her.

Grandmother Jia was an experienced woman, so she could see what was going on. Taoist Zhang suddenly proposed to Baoyu, which made her second daughter-in-law feel uncomfortable.

Moreover, for more than a year, her daughter-in-law had been bringing up the topic of a perfect match, which had always made Lady Jia feel uncomfortable.

For this reason, Jia's grandmother had asked Jia Zheng to write a letter to her son-in-law Lin Ruhai half a month ago. In the letter, she mentioned that Daiyu was about to reach the age of marriage and mentioned the matter of marriage.

A few days ago, I received a reply letter from Yangzhou. In the letter, my son-in-law politely declined the offer, saying that Daiyu was in frail health and that a famous doctor had been found. After two years of treatment with precious medicine, her congenital deficiency would be cured.

By that time, the daughter is in good health and it is time for her to get married and have children. It will not be too late to discuss the marriage two or three years later.

After hearing this, Grandmother Jia felt helpless. Although Daiyu was her granddaughter and she treated her like a treasure, Daiyu had a father alive and it was not her, her grandmother, who had the right to decide on her marriage.

However, her son-in-law was a top scholar in the imperial examination, and his talent and knowledge were first-class, so Grandmother Jia was very convinced.

What the son-in-law said was absolutely right. His granddaughter had been delicate and frail since she was young. With her physique, if she married him as his granddaughter-in-law and gave birth to children in the future, she would be in danger of death. This was no joke.

If there were a famous doctor with precious medicine, and Daiyu could be well-nourished for two years, she could be a good wife, which would be a long-term plan.

Besides, the children are still young, and it is not too late for them to get married in two or three years, so Grandmother Jia put the matter aside for the time being.

But although Lady Jia temporarily let the matter go, it did not mean that she would allow her daughter-in-law to ruin her plans.

……

The son-in-law would not listen to him. His son Jia Zheng was a filial son. When it came to his children's marriage, he would not go back on his word if he had the final say.

Therefore, when Lady Jia heard Taoist Zhang proposing to Baoyu, although she would not take it seriously, she still wanted to use this as a way to make her daughter-in-law give up the idea as soon as possible.

Jia's mother changed the subject and said to Taoist Zhang, "Old Immortal, which young lady are you talking about? Tell me about it. Maybe she is someone we know in our Jia family."

Taoist Zhang withdrew his attention from Jia Cong and said with a smile: "Let the old lady know that one is the third daughter of the Chengyang Marquis family, and the other is the only daughter of the imperial merchant Xia family.

These two are both fifteen this year, and their family backgrounds are rich and they are a good match for Bao Ge'er. If the old lady is interested, no matter which family she likes, the old Taoist is willing to help her and accumulate this blessing."

Baoyu, who was standing by, felt uncomfortable when he heard Taoist Zhang propose marriage to him. He had been obsessed with Daiyu since he was a child, although they had been estranged over the years and had not been able to get close.

But he had a heart that was not dead. He thought that his attitude towards girls was as warm and sunny as the moon and his sentimental words would surely move Daiyu.

He was fine when Daiyu was not in the hall just now, but now that Daiyu had entered Rongqing Hall, he kept chattering in front of the old Taoist priest with a big nose and even mentioned the name of the daughter of the neighboring family.

After hearing what Lin Daiyu heard, Baoyu was so anxious that he could not stand still.

Look at the old lady, she is still in high spirits. If the marriage really happens, what will happen to my Lin Daiyu? She will cry to death...

When Baoyu thought of this, his heart was filled with compassion. He looked at Daiyu with tragic eyes, but his expression immediately became dull.

Because he saw Daiyu standing next to Yingchun, with a smile on her face, without any trace of entanglement or sadness. Occasionally her eyes moved away, and he didn't know if it was his illusion, as if she was secretly glancing at Jia Cong...

Baoyu felt a pang of pain in his heart, as if the beautiful dream he had imagined in his mind had been shattered at once.

When she heard that I was getting engaged, how come Sister Lin didn't seem sad at all? Instead, she seemed to be in a good mood. She must be seeing things. How could this be?

Sister Lin must be extremely angry, so she pretended to be like this to deliberately irritate me. Baoyu was very sure in his heart that this must be the case!
……

Jia Cong stood beside Daiyu, watching with interest. The scene before him seemed familiar.

This scene should have happened in Qingxu Temple, but now it appeared in Rongqing Hall. It seemed that my existence was like the flapping of a butterfly's wings, causing many original things to deviate from their track.

At this time, Aunt Xue suddenly asked: "The Royal Merchant Xia family, is it the Osmanthus Xia family?"

Taoist Zhang smiled and said, "This lady is really well-informed. The one I am talking about is the Guihua Xia family. They are a large family registered with the Ministry of Revenue and are extremely wealthy.

He is one of the richest men in Shenjing City. Not to mention his fields, he has dozens of hectares of land planted with osmanthus. All the osmanthus farms inside and outside Shenjing City belong to him.

Even the bonsai displays in the palace were tributes from the Xia family, so they were called "Osmanthus Xia Family".

Moreover, their master passed away early, leaving only the mistress of the house with a biological daughter, so people outside say that whoever marries the daughter of the Xia family is marrying a golden Buddha. "

When Jia Cong heard what the Taoist said, he sneered in his heart. Xia Jingui was not a golden Bodhisattva at all. She was more like a golden disaster fetus. Whoever married such a woman would be unlucky for eight generations.

He thought about Aunt Xue's interest in asking and seemed to show some joy after hearing Taoist Zhang's words.

Could it be that the story continues as before, with Xia Jingui marrying Xue Pan in the end?
However, the two women that Taoist Zhang just mentioned were both women who could match Baoyu. When Jia Cong thought of Baoyu marrying Xia Jingui, he couldn't help but shudder.

If such a strange phenomenon really happened, then the Rongguo Mansion would be in chaos. Wang Xifeng and Xia Jingui would meet their match and their generals would be talented. It would be an indescribable situation...

Faced with the strange scene before him, Jia Cong's imagination ran wild for a moment, and all kinds of absurd and bizarre images emerged in his mind.

Suddenly, I heard Grandmother Jia say: "Whether the family is rich or not is secondary. The most important thing is to have a decent family background and a good appearance and character.

Even if the family is poor, it doesn't matter. Just give him a few more taels of silver.

Besides, Baoyu had a fortune-teller tell him before that he is not destined to marry early, so it won’t be too late to wait for two or three years. If there is a good family, you can help me find one first.”

When Mrs. Wang heard what Lady Jia said, her heart skipped a beat. It was obvious that the old lady's words were veiled.

What he said about his upright and clean family background, his sister did not marry into a family of scholars or officials, but a royal merchant family, which made him weaker.

She also said that she didn't care whether the family was rich or not, so the fact that the Xue family was rich was not a big deal. She also said that Baoyu was not destined to marry early, and her niece had just passed the age of marriage. If she waited another two or three years, she would become an old maid.

Mrs. Wang was depressed. The old lady was speaking in a veiled way, and she was openly and secretly not willing to see this perfect match.

Although Daiyu and Tanchun were both very intelligent women, they had no experience and naturally could not hear that the old lady and the lady had already had a silent confrontation with each other.

Most of the others could not hear the deeper meaning in Grandmother Jia's words. Only Jia Cong and Baochai understood some of the meaning.

Because of her position as the person involved, Baochai vaguely understood the meaning of Lady Jia's words. However, to her, the fact that the old lady did not like a perfect match was exactly what Baochai wanted.

Because Jia Cong could know things that others did not know, he subconsciously looked towards Baochai and saw that pair of watery eyes were also looking at him.

But when their eyes met, Baochai blushed slightly and subconsciously turned away.

……

Only after Taoist Zhang had finally finished his long speech did Jia Cong and the sisters disperse. As it was still early, they all went to Tanchun's room to talk.

When Baoyu saw Daiyu leaving, he naturally followed her. Besides, now that his sisters had all gone to the East Palace, it was rare for them to get together in the West Palace.

As soon as he entered Tanchun's room, Baoyu followed Daiyu and said, "Sister, don't believe what that old monk said. His nonsense just now was annoying. I don't take it to heart at all."

When Daiyu heard that Baoyu didn't tell anyone else but was in a hurry to distance himself from the matter in front of her, she wondered what this meant. She felt embarrassed and her pretty face turned a little red.

He said, "Second brother, what are you talking about? Just now, the Immortal Zhang had good intentions and helped you find two good marriages. How can it be regarded as a lie?"

Tanchun glanced at Jia Cong and saw that he was flipping through the books on his bookshelf, as if he didn't hear what Baoyu said at all.

After hearing what Daiyu said, Baoyu felt upset. He thought that Sister Lin did not understand his heart at all and said that Taoist Zhang was arranging a marriage for him with good intentions.

Baoyu felt narcissistic and self-centered. He thought that all the beautiful women in the world should cherish him in their hearts. It would be best if they could bury him with their tears in the future. Only then would his life be complete.

He began to have crazy thoughts in his mind again, believing that Daiyu must be extremely tormented by Taoist Zhang's proposal of marriage to her, so she deliberately said the opposite to him.

So he felt a surge of pride in his heart, and said to Daiyu: "In this world, arranged marriages and arranged marriages are all done by foolish men and women. When men and women are in love, they should be sincere and sincere, and their hearts should be happy with each other, that is the way of heaven.

Such arranged marriages, secret marriages, random matchmaking, and forced pairings have given rise to so many foolish men and women in the world. It is so abominable!"

Baoyu spoke so passionately that the maids and old women passing by outside could not help but look into the room.

After hearing this, Daiyu's pretty face turned red, she bit her lips slightly, and her eyes were filled with inexplicable anger.

Tanchun held her forehead with her hand and felt a headache. Her second brother really didn't understand the situation. He made such bold statements, which were so embarrassing and had no reason.

Jia Cong, who was reading a book in front of the bookshelf, was so shocked when he heard Baoyu say that arranged marriages were the work of foolish men and women that he dropped the book in his hand to the ground.

This shameless Bao is really bold to say that. If these words get out and the people in the palace take it into account, Baoyu will be in great trouble if he doesn't die.

Baochai at the side could not help but say: "Brother Bao, be careful with your words. It's fine if you don't like Taoist Zhang's marriage proposal, but why are you making up a story about a marriage granted by the palace? This is a big taboo."

Baoyu just wanted to show off in front of Daiyu and act like a chaste and loyal person. He felt very happy saying it, but he didn't think about any reservations.

But he was not completely ignorant after all. When he heard Baochai's reminder, his face turned slightly pale.

Jia Cong put the book back on the bookshelf, raised his thumb to Baoyu, and said, "Brother Bao, you are really brave. I have something else to do in the East Palace, so I will leave first."

As soon as Jia Cong left the house, Daiyu followed him out angrily, and Baochai sighed and followed him out.

Baoyu saw that not only Sister Lin had left, but everyone else had also left in an instant, and he said in a sad voice, "Can you please talk properly? I just said a few words and everyone has left."

Only Tanchun frowned and said, "Second brother, you are too rash to say that the arranged marriage is the work of foolish men and women. This is such a big taboo.

Our family has just had an arranged marriage taken away from them, and you have to say such cold words in front of Third Brother. It would be strange if people don't break up."

……

Baoyu returned to his courtyard in a depressed mood. As soon as he entered the door, Sheyue came up to him with a smile and said, "We heard that Taoist Zhang proposed marriage to Second Master just now. Which girl did he choose?"

Baoyu was just getting angry about this, and when he heard Musk Moon talking about something irrelevant, he replied in a gruff voice: "You are also talking nonsense about this matter. Don't mention it again in the future. I will never see that old Taoist priest with an ox nose again!"

Musk Moon was rebuked by Baoyu and her face turned red. She was too angry to say anything back. Baoyu threw himself on the bed and covered his head with the quilt.

Xiren came over and said, "Second Master, what's wrong with this? It's a good thing even if you're talking about marriage, but you don't have to look for one in your family. There's already someone very good at home, so why go far away?"

When Baoyu heard this, he threw off the quilt, held Xiren's hand, and said happily: "Sister, you still understand my heart the best. There really is an excellent one at home."

Musk Moon, who was standing by, was slightly stunned when she heard this. She just felt that this gentleman had become insane again as he spoke in such a panic.

But Xiren has always paid attention to Baoyu's affairs between men and women, and she knows what Baoyu means.

Xiren just mentioned Baoyu's marriage. There is an excellent one in his family. The one she was thinking of was Baochai, while Baoyu must be thinking of Miss Lin.

Xiren had sex with Baoyu so early on, before she even earned the status of a fair and honest girl, and she has always felt guilty about it.

Because of this mental illness, he was afraid of women like Daiyu, who came from a family of scholars and officials, and was also smart and eloquent.

She always felt that young ladies from official families attached great importance to women's moral conduct and rules. She seduced Baoyu to bed so early before she had established a relationship with him. She couldn't help but feel suspicious and thought that Daiyu would definitely despise her.

Baochai is different from Daiyu. She comes from a royal merchant family, is worldly-wise, and is kind and easy-going to others. Unlike Daiyu, who is pure and innocent, Baochai makes Xiren feel closer and more at ease.

But she was just a servant girl, it was not her place to say anything about such matters, and the thought only remained in her heart.

Seeing that Baoyu was still obsessed with Daiyu, Xiren sighed in her heart, thinking that the Second Master was too sincere. Ever since he made Miss Lin so angry that she vomited blood that year, these two people could never get along.

In recent years, Miss Lin has been very distant from the Second Master. She is also a girl, so she can see clearly. It's just that the Second Master is just being too enthusiastic.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Lixiangyuan.

Aunt Xue brought Baochai back from Rongqing Hall and wanted to ask her son to come over to talk, but the maid said that the young master had gone out to meet a friend early in the morning. Aunt Xue sighed and said,
Baochai asked, "Why did you suddenly ask Taoist Zhang about Osmanthus and the Xia family?"

Aunt Xue sighed, "I just want to think about your brother. He is like a horse without a bridle, wandering outside all day long. I am really afraid that he will cause the same trouble as in Nanjing again.

I just wanted to find you a wife as soon as possible so that you can win his heart."

Baochai asked, "Mom, are you interested in the Osmanthus and Xia family?"

Aunt Xue said, "You also know your brother's temper. In addition, given the situation of our Xue family, he would not be a good match for a woman from an official family.

I can marry a lady from a rich family. The Guihua Xia family is the same as our Xue family, both of them are imperial merchants. I heard of their reputation when I was in Jinling, and our family backgrounds are just right for each other."

Baochai said, "The Guihua and Xia families are not the marriage that Taoist Zhang recommended to Brother Bao. Mom wants to arrange this marriage, but I'm afraid it's not suitable."

Aunt Xue said: "That's fine. The old lady made it very clear today. She wants a clean family background. It doesn't matter if they are poor. She doesn't like the wealthy family like the Xia family.

I guess what the old lady said today was meant for me and your aunt. She doesn’t approve of your and Baoyu’s relationship.”

Xue Baochai's pretty face turned red, and she said angrily, "Mom, you talked about my brother's affairs, but why did you drag me into it? I didn't have that intention in the first place, but you made a fuss about the golden marriage."

Aunt Xue glanced at her daughter and thought of the day when her daughter heard the news of Cong'er's marriage. Her old illness came back the next day after she came back. She took Lengxiang Pills for several days, but her condition did not improve.

Later, when she heard that Cong'er had been deprived of his love and married, she suddenly stood up and often went to accompany the coffin with the sisters in the mansion. After all, she was a person who would not give up.

Aunt Xue has seen a lot of the world and no longer has any extravagant hopes for her daughter and Jia Cong. She can't bear to see her daughter getting deeper and deeper into trouble.

She thought about what to say and said, "Now Brother Cong is getting more and more impressive. He went to Jinling and not only got promoted, but also got a first-class baron title in his mansion. How old is he?

Even his marriage was arranged by the retired emperor. Although his father's death deprived him of his marriage, everyone can see that Cong Ge'er is very powerful.

Even the old lady can't decide his marriage, let alone other people. Mother knows what you are thinking, so it's better to let it go as soon as possible to avoid more troubles in the future.

Besides, he is currently in mourning for three years and cannot marry. In three years' time, you will be almost 20 years old, and a girl's youth is only a few years long. Even this one thing is absolutely impossible.

In my opinion, your aunt's idea is the right one. Baoyu is not as unattainable as Cong'er. Besides, he is the legitimate son of a legitimate aristocratic family. He is really a good match for you.

You are a smart kid, you should spend more time in front of the old lady. She is always easy to please, but you may change your mind one day..."

After hearing what her mother said, Baochai's face turned red at first, but as Aunt Xue continued to speak, her face gradually turned paler.

"Mom, why are you saying this? I don't like to hear it."

Before Baochai finished speaking, she stood up and went into the inner room. Aunt Xue sighed helplessly when she saw her. (End of this chapter)