Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Jia She's funeral was over. Except for the East Courtyard where some mourning was still being hung, the entire West Courtyard had been cleared of mourning and had completely returned to its former appearance.

When Jia She was alive, he was just a playboy who lived off the blessings of his ancestors. After his death, he seemed to have no influence on the entire Rongguo Mansion, and even if he did, it was probably negative.

Today, Rongqing Hall is very lively. Baoyu is sitting in the main seat, hugged by Jia Mu, while Mrs. Wang and Wang Xifeng are sitting on the side seats.

Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun and other sisters were sitting at the bottom, talking in low voices around Xiangyun.

Today, Chen, Marquis of Baoling, and Li, Marquis of Zhongjing, came together to pay a visit to Lady Jia. As the old lady's son had just passed away, they wanted to visit and comfort her, and it was also a way of expressing their feelings to old relatives.

Of course, during their conversations, none of these experienced noble wives would touch upon sad topics. Instead, they would pick out things that Lady Jia liked to hear, and the atmosphere in the hall was as warm as a spring breeze.

And Grandmother Jia's favorite topic is naturally her most proud Baoyu. The two nieces-in-law of the Shi family know how to please Baoyu and praise him from time to time, saying good things about how sensible and filial he is.

A few days ago, the news of the arranged marriage between Jia Cong and the girl from the Zhen family spread all over the city. In order to avoid suspicion, Baoling Hou Chen hurriedly brought Shi Xiangyun back to the marquis' mansion. Quite a while has passed.

No one expected that Jia Cong's arranged marriage would come true, and even the marriage decree was issued. But what was even more unexpected was that such a big change happened in the end, and everything returned to the starting point.

The marriage between Jia Cong and Shi Xiangyun, which was arranged by Baoling Hou Chen and Lady Jia, seemed to have become possible again.

But things are different now. Jia Cong needs to observe mourning for three years and cannot get engaged or marry within these three years, which makes Chen, Marquis Baoling, somewhat disappointed.

However, she thought that Shi Xiangyun was still young, and would only be of age in three years, so there was no need to be too anxious.

Both Lady Jia and the two marquises of the Shi family put this matter aside for the time being.

……

Shi Xiangyun had been staying in the marquis's mansion for several months. When she heard that Jia Cong had returned from Jinling, she was delighted and clamored to go to Jia's house to play with her sisters.

But Chen, the Marquis of Baoling, always refused. Later, when Xiangyun heard that Jia Cong was going to be granted a marriage, she was depressed for two days for some reason. But she was young after all, and she seemed to understand it, but soon forgot about it.

Just when she was bored at home, her aunt Chen suddenly said that she would take her to the Jia Mansion to visit the old lady, which was really a pleasant surprise for Xiangyun.

Although she is cheerful and carefree, and a little careless, she is not confused when she needs to be careful.

She knew that Jia Cong had just lost his father, so she changed her habit of wearing red and wore a light blue top with a white collar, a white cross-collared top, and a beige long skirt.

The pearl hairpins and tiaras on her head were much simpler, and she exuded an elegance and prettiness that she had not had before.

At this moment, he was saying, "Why are you all here? Why is Third Brother nowhere to be seen? He has been in Jinling for so long, and I haven't seen him for several months."

Yingchun replied, "This morning, an old friend of Brother Cong came to visit. He seemed to be looking for Brother Cong's help in an emergency. He is now discussing something at the Dongfu Mansion. He will probably come over later."

Xiangyun looked curious: "How come he is still a young old friend? What's so young about him?"

Daiyu smiled and said, "I just happened to see her. She was a little girl under ten years old. Of course she was young."

As Daiyu spoke, she glanced at the two marquises of the Shi family. Although they often praised Baoyu when talking to their grandmother, they never forgot to mention her third brother.

In fact, Daiyu had vaguely guessed some of Mrs. Baoling's thoughts before, but she was not sure in her heart.

After the twists and turns of Jia Cong's arranged marriage, and that night in the boudoir when Jia Cong explained his feelings to her, Daiyu also came to terms with some things.

Xiangyun is the younger among the sisters and is still young and ignorant. The sisters have always been good friends, so she let go of the idea. After all, it will be three years later...

……

Earl's Palace.

Lingguan was very happy to see Douguan. After they talked for a few words, Lingguan knew the general reason and took Douguan to the study to find Jia Cong.

Jia Cong only asked a few questions and found out the reason.

It turned out that the death of the old Concubine Zhen was given a state funeral, and the palace issued an edict that all families with titles were not allowed to hold banquets or music for a year.

Therefore, in the next year, the Jiaofangsi will be deserted, and no one will come to listen to singing, watch plays, or have fun at banquets.

As an office under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites, Jiaofangsi also needed to set an example in stopping music and mourning, so it took the opportunity to lay off the singing and dancing girls in Jiaofangsi.

All the old and frail musicians in the market were either dismissed from the public or sold to good families; young actresses and musicians who had not yet become stars were also sold.

Douguan and the other four were newcomers who had just been bought by the Jiaofangsi from Suzhou. Not only were they young, but they also had no background in the Jiaofangsi, so naturally they were all on the list of those being sold.

Douguan said that in the past few days, several groups of wealthy businessmen and nobles have come to see them, all of them wanting to buy them, and it seems difficult to tell whether these people are good or evil.

Originally, Douguan and five others were bought into the Shenjing Jiaofangsi by Zou Miner, thinking that they would have a safe place to live. However, they did not expect that they would be sold into slavery less than a month after entering the Jiaofangsi.

This time, not only will she lose her career as an opera singer, but she will also become a slave or a concubine, and the dangers ahead are unknown.

And this time, without Jia Cong and Zou Miner to take care of such kind people, it is very difficult to predict what will happen to them.

Therefore, they have been panicking day and night for the past few days and don't know what to do.

Although Douguan was the youngest, he was the most intelligent and courageous, so he thought of sneaking out of the Jiaofangsi and asking Lingguan and Jia Cong for help.

Jia Cong heard the reason clearly, touched Douguan's head, and said with a smile: "Remember that we are old friends. If you come to me for help, I will definitely lend a hand.

I am familiar with the headmaster of the Pipa Se of the Jiaofang Division, Du Dajie. I will have someone send a letter to her and ask her to help. I will buy you all to my house first, so that I can make arrangements later."

When Douguan heard that Jia Cong was willing to help, his big eyes curved into a smile, and he did not hide his inner joy at all. He looked very pleasing.

Jia Cong asked again: "Do you have any relatives at home?"

Douguan said: "Kuiguan and I were sold when we were young, and we don't know where our homes are anymore. Fangguan, Ouguan, and Aiguan all have parents and brothers at home.

Third Master, I have no home anymore. Please buy me and let me stay with Lingguan. I can do whatever I want, including washing clothes and cooking."

Seeing Douguan speaking pitifully, Jia Cong patted his head and said with a smile, "What's so difficult about this? It's OK as long as you are willing to stay.

For others who have family members, I will help them get rid of their citizenship, give them money for their journey, and send them back home to live and live in peace with their families.”

Lingguan was naturally very happy when she knew that she would have Douguan as her companion in the future.

As they were talking, Juan'er came in to report that a clerk from the Ministry of Rites had come to report that an official from the Ministry of Rites would arrive at the mansion in a quarter of an hour to announce the imperial edict, and asked the Third Master to be prepared to receive the imperial edict.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Grandmother Jia was still gossiping with her two nieces-in-law.

Shi Xiangyun was young and active, and since all the people in the room were her elders, she didn't have to worry too much. She said goodbye to Lady Jia and took Daiyu and Tanchun to visit the garden and talk about personal matters.

Baoyu wanted to go along, but the two marquises of the Shi family were very eloquent and often praised him, which made Grandmother Jia even more amused, so she asked him to stay with the guests and they could not leave for a while.

Yingchun is the only one among the sisters who is oldest. Now she is the head lady of the East Palace. Jia Cong has never shown up, so she always has to stay in the hall to entertain the guests.

Baoling Hou Chen said: "This time, Cong'er was granted marriage by the palace, which is a great honor. Although his love was taken away due to an accident, it can be seen that the marriage destined by heaven has not yet arrived. I am afraid that there will be better ones in the future."

After hearing this, Jia's mother looked at Xiangyun's back as she left and said, "You are right. Marriage has always been destined by heaven, and human power can never overcome heaven.

Brother Cong is a troublemaker. There are always some unexpected things happening. I have gotten used to it over the years."

Grandmother Jia smiled at Chen and said, "If you see any outstanding young lady, keep an eye out for her. Three years is not too long, but it is not too short either. I am old enough to make it through."

When Baoling Hou Chen heard this, she was delighted. The aunt's words had a hidden meaning. She was telling him clearly that now everything had to start from the beginning. The marriage between Jia Cong and Xiangyun was something the old lady took to heart.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have said anything. Three years is not a long time. If she can endure it, it is obvious that she still wants to take charge of this matter.

Mrs. Wang and Wang Xifeng, who were present, were both savvy people in the inner house, so they naturally understood the meaning of Lady Jia's words.

Mrs. Wang was in a very depressed mood. She felt somewhat dissatisfied and uncomfortable about Jia Cong's marriage to the daughter of the marquis's family in the future, but she was absolutely unwilling to let Baoyu marry the old lady's niece's granddaughter.

Although Wang Xifeng understood what Grandmother Jia meant, she didn't care at all because it had nothing to do with her which woman Jia Cong married.

What she cares about most now is when Jia Lian can inherit the title so that she can become a lady of honor as soon as possible.

Wang Xifeng couldn't help but feel excited when she thought that one day, when there would be a court celebration, she would be like the old lady and the lady, wearing heavy makeup and brocade clothes. How glorious and dignified that would be.

However, now that the eldest master’s funeral was over, there was still no news from the clan house, which made Wang Xifeng worry day and night.

……

After hearing what Lady Jia said, Marquis Zhongjing Li knew that her sister-in-law's worries were finally put to rest.

Li was also happy in her heart. Now Jia Cong was the most outstanding son of the noble family in the Great Zhou Dynasty, and his future would surely be promising.

Moreover, Jia Cong has always been on good terms with her master. Three years later, he will become the son-in-law of the Shi family, which will be of great benefit to the Mansion of Marquis Zhongjing. Naturally, she will be happy to see it happen.

It's just that Jia Cong is currently in mourning, so it's not appropriate to talk about marriage openly. This is why Jia's grandmother's words were so obscure just now, otherwise it would be a bit disrespectful.

Marquis Zhongjing Li was more clever and obedient than her sister-in-law, so she changed the topic, making the conversation atmosphere between the two families more cheerful.

She smiled and said, "Aunt, Cong-ge'er is not in a good situation now, but Bao-yu will be ready for marriage next year, so he won't have to worry about that.

I also heard that someone has recently proposed a marriage to Baoyu."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "You are well-informed. A few days ago, Taoist Zhang from Qingxu Temple was enthusiastic and always liked to do things to tie red strings and accumulate good fortune.

He did mention two suitable girls, but Baoyu is not destined to marry early, so I asked him to help me find a suitable girl and wait for a year or two." Li, the Marquis of Zhongjing, smiled and said, "Everyone in the capital knows that Baoyu is a noble boy born with a jade in his mouth. I guess there is no other such person in the world."

Besides, Baoyu has such a proud appearance and character that Congge is no match for him. As long as the old lady spreads the word that Baoyu wants to get married, the threshold of Rongguo Mansion will probably be trampled down by others."

Wang Fu felt extremely relieved after hearing what Li said, and the crow's feet at the corners of her eyes couldn't help but open up. She just thought in her heart, why didn't she realize before that this marquis' wife was so knowledgeable.

Especially Li’s sentence: Baoyu is a noble son who was born with a jade in his mouth, there is no other like him in the world.

It really touched Mrs. Wang's heart, and she felt as if someone had poured two buckets of honey into her throat.

The thing that Mrs. Wang was most proud of in her life was the trick of being born with a jade in her mouth. Her Baoyu was a rare and precious son in the world, which just proved that she, as his mother, was also extremely precious.

Baoling Hou Chen, who was standing by, couldn't help but laugh secretly when she saw her brother and sister-in-law were so sweet.

I know that my brother's wife was just making up stories to create a good atmosphere and cater to my aunt's preferences, so that she could know the advantages of the Shi family and quickly arrange a marriage between the two families in the future.

Last time, her sister-in-law told her privately that the saying that Baoyu was born with a jade in his mouth was actually not welcomed in the palace...

……

Wang Xifeng, who was standing by, looked at Li with a strange look, thinking that the wife of Marquis Zhongjing had always been a smart and capable person, so why was she talking nonsense now?

Even a guy like Baoyu who is not very sensible can be on par with the third brother Cong. When did this marquis' wife go blind?

Even if he was just telling lies to make the old lady happy, this nonsense was too shameless.

Hearing this, Jia's mother was also delighted and scolded with a smile: "You are too much of a talker. Baoyu is just a boy of the younger generation, how can you praise him like that? Be careful not to spoil him.

Don’t be fooled by Baoyu’s good looks. He is forced to study by his father every day, and he is also hollow inside. That’s why I always tell him that he shouldn’t get married early. It’s better to raise him for a few more years before making a decision.”

Baoyu, who was standing aside, heard others talking about their own marriage and felt a little restless and uncomfortable. He almost blurted out that talking about marriage was the empty talk of foolish men and women.

Fortunately, he was not dizzy yet. He looked up in the hall and realized that Daiyu was not there. He felt relieved.

When she heard the two wives of the Shi family speak well of her, she felt a little shy and at the same time pleased, so she no longer thought about leaving Rongqing Hall to play with her sisters.

Baoyu believes that he has some insights that transcend the mundane world, but it is hard for him to give up his romantic ways, and there is nothing he can do when others say he is good.

When he heard the wife of Marquis Zhongjing say that he was outstanding and that Jia Cong was almost as good as him, he was even happier. It turned out that he was also so outstanding, but he had never realized it before.

It shows that there are people in this world who recognize these rare qualities of mine.

Baoyu felt deeply moved, and he only hoped that Lin Daiyu could have the same insight as the Marquis's wife and be able to see his own strengths. Then his life's work would be complete...

……

A group of ladies in the hall were talking lively and happily. Grandmother Jia and Mrs. Wang were both happy. Baoyu also became complacent when he learned that he was as good as Jia Cong.

At this time, Lin Zhixiao's wife came in and said, "Old lady, our head of the family asked me to pass on a message saying that the gatekeeper of the West Mansion just came to report.

Several officials rode into Ningrong Street and headed straight for the East Palace. Now that the main gate of the East Palace has been opened, it is estimated that something must have happened. "

Jia Mu and others were all shocked when they heard this.

Baoling Hou Chen had some experience and said, "Madam, the main gate of the noble mansion is usually closed. It is only opened during weddings or funerals, or when the emperor is about to issue an imperial decree.

The officials from the East have come and opened the main gate, so it must be that Cong-ge has had another happy event. This child is really extraordinary."

After hearing this, Baoyu showed a look of disappointment on his face. Jia Cong was obviously a first-rate figure, but he spent all day playing tricks in the officialdom. It was such a waste of such a person.

Mrs. Wang turned the Buddha statue in her hand in distress, thinking that everyone was talking about Baoyu's good things just now, why did that guy show up again, really not letting people have a peaceful day.

Yingchun, who was sitting nearby, stood up and said, "Madam, Brother Cong is alone in the East Palace. I will go over to take care of him. I can report back to you when I get any news."

After Yingchun finished speaking, she hurried out of Rongqing Hall with her maid Xiu Ju.

……

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion.

Jia Cong was talking to Lingguan and Douguan. When he heard Juan'er say that officials from the Ministry of Rites had come to the mansion to announce the imperial edict, he probably guessed what it was about.

A few days ago, he submitted a memorial to Emperor Jiazhao expressing his mourning for his father. According to the rules, matters of mourning for officials should be announced to all officials by the Ministry of Rites after the emperor's approval.

The Ministry of Rites of the Great Zhou Dynasty was composed of four departments: Ceremonials, Sacrifices, Hosts and Guests, and Fine Foods. Managing the affairs of officials in mourning was the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites.

After changing into formal clothes, Jia Cong hurried to the Xuande Hall in the East Palace. After entering the hall, he saw an official wearing a fifth-rank robe, with a decent appearance and a straight body, waiting in the hall.

The butler of the Earl's Mansion was arranging servants to set up the table with candles and incense for receiving the emperor's order.

When the official saw Jia Cong coming in, he smiled and said, "I am Zhou Honghui, a doctor in the Ministry of Rites and Ceremonials. I am here to announce the imperial edict to Lord Jia on the orders of the Grand Master of Rites."

Jia Cong said, "Thank you, Lord Zhou, for announcing the decree."

The steward lit the incense and candles and left. When Jia Cong knelt down, Zhou Honghui unfolded the imperial edict and read:

Emperor Fengtian Chengyun issued an edict:

When Weiyuan Earl Jia Cong's father had just passed away, he requested a three-year mourning period, strictly observing filial piety according to etiquette, which was a common practice of filial piety.

However, he was the director of the Firearms Department of the Ministry of Works, in charge of important military and firearms affairs, which was related to the art of strengthening the army and the country. It was his filial duty as a son, and the king should not neglect state affairs.

After weighing the two options and taking into account both family and country, he was granted a half-year mourning period and allowed to resume his service.

Because of her father's death, she was granted marriage. In recognition of her loyalty and filial piety, she was exempted from the imperial examination in the spring of the 15th year of Jiazhao.

This is it.

Zhou Honghui read the imperial edict and said with a smile: "I have read many imperial edicts of mourning, but it is rare to see such an imperial edict as the one for Weiyuan Earl, where His Majesty specially granted a shorter mourning period and gave him additional favors.

Moreover, he was granted the opportunity to take the Spring Imperial Examination. I think Weiyuan Bo will definitely pass the examination next year. I would like to congratulate him in advance."

Although Jia Cong came from a noble family, he had a natural gap with the civil service group.

However, he won first place in both the Yongzhou Academy Examination and the Provincial Examination. Not only was he unique among the children of nobles, but even since the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty, there had never been a son of a civil servant who won first place twice.

Moreover, Jia Cong was an expert in both calligraphy and poetry. Not only had he reached the level of a school of calligraphy and created his own style, but each of his poems could be handed down from generation to generation, and his reputation as a poet shook the world.

This also made it very strange that this special noble son gained the favor of the civil service groups in the court and the country.

The most important thing was the eloquent essay he wrote in the provincial examination entitled "The Lack of Morality among Scholars". The four-character saying in the essay was regarded by scholars from both the court and the public as an unchangeable truth.

Jia Cong has established a lofty status in the officialdom. I am afraid that no scholar in the world would have any class barrier against him just because of his noble birth.

In their eyes, Jia Cong's consistent literary and artistic achievements made him more worthy of being a scholar than any of them, and a natural seed for a civil servant.

Therefore, an official of the Ministry of Rites like Zhou Honghui, who came from a legitimate family, would not care about Jia Cong's noble background and would show his closeness to him when they first met.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Grandmother Jia and others waited for a long time before they saw Yingchun coming back with a happy face.

He said, "Madam, the officials from the Ministry of Rites in the East Palace have conveyed the imperial edict to Brother Cong, saying that the emperor has granted Brother Cong a six-month mourning period and has also granted him the grace to be exempted from the imperial examination next spring.

This way, Brother Cong won’t have to wait another three years for the imperial examination, and he will definitely be able to pass the exam next year.”

Marquis Chen of Baoling was delighted to hear this, but before he could say anything, Marquis Li of Zhongjing spoke first.

She said, "Madam, how can I say this? Your grandson is not only first-rate, but also a blessing that ordinary people cannot compare to.

Ordinary officials have to observe a period of mourning for three years. Even if the emperor values ​​them highly and they cannot leave, reducing the period to one year is considered a great honor and favor.

I have never heard of anyone like Congge'er, who was reduced to half a year of mourning in one go. It shows how much the emperor values ​​him.

What's more, he will be given an additional chance to take the imperial examination next spring. Cong'er is the top scorer in Yongzhou, and it seems that the Jia family will have a successful Jinshi next year.

This is a rare thing in a noble family. In my opinion, with Cong'er's ability, he might be able to pass the imperial examination and become the top scorer for his aunt.

That would not only bring honor to the family, but would also make the name last forever… "

Baoyu, who was beside Lady Jia, was stunned when he heard that the emperor wanted Jia Cong to take part in the imperial examination even though he was so devoted to filial piety. His face turned pale.

The word "Spring Examination" is a depressing nightmare to Baoyu, because when he had been studying at home for six or seven years, he could only recite the Four Books by heart, let alone continue his studies...

If the master heard that Jia Cong would pass the imperial examination next year and would definitely pass, he would be so happy, and his own day of suffering would surely begin.

When Baoyu thought of the scene where Jia Zheng forced him to study, he couldn't help but shiver all over and felt that it would be better for him to die.

At this time, Li, the Marquis of Zhongjing, seemed to be still unsatisfied and blurted out, "Aunt, in my opinion, among the dozens of families of the Jia and Shi families, there is no son more outstanding than Cong."

After hearing this, Baoyu couldn't help feeling aggrieved. Just now his aunt said that Jia Cong and himself were equally matched, but now he became unique...

Mrs. Wang, who was standing by, felt distressed when she saw Baoyu's face turn pale and become a little dazed and stupid after hearing Yingchun's news.

That kid is simply the nemesis of my Baoyu. What an injustice, what an injustice!

Just when the atmosphere in the hall was unpredictable, Lin Zhixiao's wife hurried into the hall and said, "Old lady, the officials from the clan office have just entered the house and are now waiting in Rongxi Hall..." (End of this chapter)