Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Lixiangyuan.

Daiyu, Tanchun and Xiangyun left Rongqing Hall and were just strolling in the garden. After walking for a while, the three of them went to Lixiangyuan to talk to Baochai.

When Baochai saw the sisters coming, she hurriedly asked Ying'er and Jinchuan to serve tea. The sisters were chatting.

Suddenly, Tanchun's maid Shishu came hurriedly, probably jogging all the way, her little face flushed.

Shishu is Tanchun's personal maid. Her personality is somewhat similar to Tanchun's. She is very straightforward and smart, and speaks very clearly.

When she saw Tanchun, she said in a crisp voice, "Miss, just now the Second Miss came back to Rongqing Hall and said that an official from the Ministry of Rites had just gone to the East Palace to announce the decree to the Third Master.

Not only did they reduce the Third Master's mourning period from three years to six months, they also granted him a grace, saying that he would be exempted from the imperial examination next spring. I heard from the Second Miss that this was to allow the Third Master to take the imperial examination next spring."

Daiyu and other sisters were very happy to hear this, and they didn't mind the six-month mourning period.

However, everyone knows that Jia Cong studied hard and won the first place in the academy examination and the provincial examination twice. A proud scholar like him must have attached great importance to the spring examination.

Baochai smiled and said, "This is the best possible news. Brother Cong is in great mourning and according to etiquette he should be deprived of the imperial examination. He will have to wait three years before he can take part in the spring examination. This is such a pity.

Now that the emperor has bestowed such grace on scholars like Brother Cong, it is more valuable than promotion to a higher position.”

Shi Xiangyun smiled and said, "I heard that the outcome of the Jieyuan is always a sure thing. I heard from the old lady before that thirty years ago, Master Jing from the East Palace passed the imperial examination and was the first time in the eighty years since the Jia family was founded.

Now the glory has been taken by the third brother, which is really amazing.

Let's not sit here any longer, let's go to the East Palace to congratulate our Third Brother, and ask him to be generous and set up a table in the Ascension Pavilion early, so that we can drink, play rock-paper-scissors, and have a good time as sisters."

Daiyu chuckled and said, "Look at what you said. You always come here to have a good time."

Xiangyun said rather shamelessly, "That's not the case. Nowadays, every time I go to the East Palace, it's just for fun.

You don’t know, I’ve been so bored at home these past few months, I’m almost going moldy, and my aunt won’t let me go out, unlike you guys, who are having fun together every day.”

Xiangyun was delighted when she thought that she would be able to meet Jia Cong when she went to the East Palace.

I haven't seen my third brother for several months. I don't know if he has become thinner or fatter. I asked him to bring me some stuff from Jiangnan, but I wonder if he still remembers it.

Baochai smiled and said, "Sister Xiangyun is right. Let's go and congratulate them now. We must let Brother Cong be the host. But we can't drink wine, so as not to violate taboos."

Daiyu also smiled and said, "Sister Xiangyun, the East Palace is more lively now. This time when my third brother came back from the south, he brought back his cousin Xiuyan and Lingguan, who can sing very beautiful operas.

Unfortunately, the country is in mourning now, so I can’t listen to it now. I’ll have to wait until next year.”

Tanchun glanced at Daiyu and said with a smile, "And this Lingguan has another wonderful thing that you will never guess."

Daiyu naturally understood what Tanchun meant, so she just smiled and didn't say anything.

Xiangyun was immediately curious and asked, "What is so wonderful about Lingguan? Tell me about it."

Baochai smiled and said, "It will be wonderful only if you see it for yourself. It won't work if we tell you in advance."

Xiangyun was impatient, and was tickled by these words. She said coquettishly, "You are not good people. You are making me uncomfortable when you are talking halfway. Let's go to the East Mansion now. I can't wait any longer."

When Baochai thought of Lingguan's appearance and glanced at Daiyu's bright smile, she couldn't help feeling a little lost.

It is said that when the Cong brothers met Lingguan in Gusu, they wanted to keep her by their side and brought her all the way back to the capital from Jiangnan.

When Na Lingguan entered the East Palace, Lin Daiyu liked her very much and even taught her how to read and write.

The sisters left Lixiang Courtyard. Since it was close to a small gate between the two palaces, it was very convenient to go to the East Palace without having to go around Rongqing Hall, so they didn't know about the turmoil in Rongqing Hall.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

When Jia Mu and others heard the report from Lin Zhixiao's wife that people from the clan residence had entered the mansion, they were all surprised.

Wang Xifeng stood up from her seat when she heard this, with an expression of uncontrollable surprise on her face, and she said, "What a coincidence! Our Second Master left home so early in the morning."

After hearing what Wang Xifeng said, Jia's mother and Mrs. Wang immediately understood what she meant. They knew that the clan member's visit must be about the inheritance of the title.

Grandmother Jia's face lit up with joy, and she said, "Lian'er, you don't need to be more thoughtful. You can't just stay at home peacefully at this time. Why are you running around everywhere? Send the servant to find him back quickly."

Wang Xifeng's face was filled with joy, and she said, "Grandfather, I will send more servants to look for them right away."

She stood up and hurriedly left Rongqing Hall, but she was thinking in her heart, having seen the third brother Cong's pomp and circumstance in the past, would the succession to the title also require an announcement of the decree, and would her own imperial edict be issued as well?

Wang Xifeng was thinking proudly in her heart, but before she had taken a few steps, she heard Lin Zhixiao's wife say with a little embarrassment: "Old lady, Second Madam, the official from the clan affairs office is looking for Second Master Lian.

They want to see the Second Master and Master Bao."

Wang Xifeng hadn't even reached the hall yet when she heard these words she froze in her tracks, her heart in turmoil. At this moment the clan house didn't want to see the Second Master but wanted to see the Master and Baoyu.

At that moment, Wang Xifeng gritted her teeth and her heart was in chaos. Could it be that the title of the eldest master was not passed on to the second master, but was going to be passed on to Baoyu? This was really against the will of heaven. How could this be possible?

Although Wang Xifeng has always been shrewd, she cares too much about titles and honors, and her concern leads to confusion.

In addition, the clan government had previously proposed to replace Jia Cong as the crown prince, which always left some shadow in Wang Xifeng's heart.

Now, hearing that they did not want to see Jia Lian when they came to the mansion, and specifically asked to see Jia Zheng and Baoyu by name, it was inevitable that he would think of something else.

When Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang heard what Lin Zhixiao said, they were also shocked and confused, and probably had similar thoughts as Wang Xifeng.

Although Grandmother Jia loved Baoyu the most, she also loved her eldest grandson Jia Lian very much. The title of Rongguo had always been inherited by the eldest son in the family. If the clan office tried to change the heir again, Grandmother Jia would feel it was inappropriate.

When Mrs. Wang heard that she was only going to meet Jia Zheng and Baoyu at the clan residence, her heart exploded with joy. Such a good thing actually happened. If she hadn't forced herself to restrain herself, she would have laughed out loud.

Grandmother Jia felt somewhat helpless, but no matter to whom the family title was passed on, as long as it was her grandson, she could only deal with the current situation and then make up for it.

He said, "Baoyu, you and your master should go to Rongxitang and meet the superior of the clan government. Remember to be careful in your behavior and words."

Baoyu hated dealing with official affairs the most. Now, not only was he asked to meet an official from the clan office, but he also had to go with his master. Naturally, he was extremely unwilling to do so.

But she could not resist Lady Jia's comfort and Mrs. Wang's happy reminders and urging, so she had to go reluctantly.

Wang Xifeng stood there in a daze, with an unpleasant look on her face. Although the clan office passed the title to Baoyu, it was just a momentary guess and seemed very absurd. Wang Xifeng was so smart that she didn't believe it.

But at this critical juncture, the people who came from the clan residence did not see Jia Lian, but instead saw the old master and Baoyu, which makes people think more.

Coupled with the behavior of Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang, Wang Xifeng felt extremely ashamed and angry, but she couldn't get angry. She cursed Jia Lian in her heart, and at this critical moment, she actually went out early in the morning to lie down.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall.

Just as Baoyu arrived at the gate of Rongxi Hall, Jia Zheng received a message and hurried over.

When Baoyu saw Jia Zheng, he shrank back as if by reflex, and his usual graceful and elegant demeanor was quickly shattered, causing Jia Zheng to frown slightly.

When Jia Zheng saw two soldiers from the Imperial Clan Affairs Bureau wearing swords standing at the entrance of Rong Xi Hall, he felt a little surprised, but he didn't have time to think about it and entered Rong Xi Hall.

A young man in the uniform of a fifth-rank official was already waiting in the hall. When he saw Jia Zheng and Baoyu come in, he gave them a cold look and asked, "Is it the Minister of Works Jia who is here in person?"

Jia Zheng quickly replied, "It is me. I wonder what business this gentleman has come to your house for today?"

The man looked even colder, and did not answer Jia Zheng's question immediately. Instead, he pointed at Baoyu and asked, "Is this Jia Baoyu, the son of Lord Jia?"

When Baoyu saw that the official suddenly asked his name and looked a little unfriendly, he couldn't help feeling uneasy.

Seeing that the other party spoke coldly and asked about Baoyu's identity right away, Jia Zheng was also confused and could only reply, "It is my son Baoyu."

The man replied, "I am Liu Shuyou, a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Clan Affairs. I have been ordered by the Grand Master Zhongshun to write a letter to criticize your family!

Young Master Jia Baoyu was so arrogant and rebellious in his words that he attacked the royal family, saying that the marriages arranged in the palace were all done by foolish men and women, and he mocked the current emperor. How dare he!

When the news reached the palace, the emperor was furious and severely reprimanded the clan office for failing to discipline the sons of meritorious officials.

The Grand Master originally wanted to punish your son according to the laws for meritorious service. Although the Lord was disgusted with your son's words and deeds, he showed some mercy and spared him a heavy crime, considering that he was no more than an old man and was of the bloodline of the Rong country.

But he ordered the Grand Master to write a letter to criticize him and ordered the government to discipline him strictly. If he commits the same offense again, he will be punished severely without pardon!"

Liu Shuyou and Jia Zheng are both fifth-rank officials. Judging from his age, his official qualifications are less than Jia Zheng's. However, when facing the dignified head of the Rongguo Mansion, he is very imposing.

His words to Jia Zheng just now were merciless, and became more and more harsh as he spoke, almost swearing at him.

……

Prince Zhongshun, the head of the clan affairs office, had always looked down upon and despised the spoiled descendants of the four princes and eight dukes.

Qi Guan, a famous actor in Shenjing, was once the favorite of Prince Zhongshun, but he was seduced by Jia Rong from Ningguo Mansion. He also bought a house in the east of Shenjing City to have sex with her, and the incident even became known to everyone, making Prince Zhongshun deeply ashamed.

When Emperor Jiazhao ascended the throne, the two Dukes Ning and Rong of the Jia family stood aside and watched because of the emperor retired, which caused a rift in Prince Zhongshun who supported Emperor Jiazhao.

Later, the disgusting incident of Qi Guan happened. Prince Zhongshun beat Qi Guan to death in anger. Perhaps it was because of love turning into hate, and he became more and more disgusted with the Ningrong Jia family.

Now that he had gained such a big topic of criticism from Baoyu, how could he let go of the opportunity to humiliate the Jia family? Moreover, he knew very well how the emperor felt about the Rongguo Jia family, so he acted even more without scruples.

Prince Zhongshun sent Liu Shuyou to handle this matter, and he also had a good intention.
Liu Shuyou was a second-class Jinshi in the 13th year of Jiazhao. He was talented, but he was born in a poor family. He was fierce by nature and hated evil. If such a thorn was asked to handle this matter, let alone the Duke's Mansion, even if it was the Prince's Mansion, according to Liu Shuyou's temperament, he would not show mercy.

At this moment, Liu Shuyou's sharp and stern words were like a sharp knife or spear, stabbing straight into Jia Zheng's heart. His face turned pale at first, then turned purple with anger, and there was a distorted look of horror on his face.

Baoyu, who was standing aside, was already frightened by Liu Shuyou's words. How come the emperor and the clan office knew what his family said?

Baoyu looked at Jia Zheng's expression which was about to explode, and felt extremely frightened. He wanted to run away, but his legs were so weak that he seemed unable to move.

……

Liu Shuyou handed the letter of reprimand from the Imperial Clan Court to Jia Zheng and said coldly, "Sir Jia is an old official in the Ministry of Works. I have to keep my dignity. I will not read this letter of reprimand again. Please accept it, Sir."

Jia Zheng took the letter of rebuke with great fear and trepidation, and said with shame, "It is unfortunate for our family to have given birth to such a rebellious son, who has brought disgrace upon the emperor. Jia Zheng cannot escape the blame, and deserves death."

Liu Shuyou said calmly, "If the descendants are immoral, it will bring disaster to the family. This kind of thing is not rare. Lord Jia, please discipline your son strictly to prevent any harm. This will allow me to report back when I return."

After Liu Shuyou finished speaking, he did not leave. Instead, he sat down, picked up the fragrant tea that the maid had just brought, and took a sip slowly.

After all, Jia Zheng had been an official for more than ten years. When he saw the two sword-bearing soldiers from the clan affairs office standing at the entrance of Rong Xi Tang, he knew what Liu Shuyou meant.

He stamped his feet and shouted, "Lin Zhixiao, come in!"

Lin Zhixiao was an old servant in the Rongguo Mansion. He had seen a lot of scenes. It was no small matter to see an official from outside the clan house enter the Rongxi Hall, so he had been guarding outside the hall.

When he heard Jia Zheng calling him, he hurried into the hall. Jia Zheng looked furious and said, "Immediately take the spring stool, ropes, and household sticks, and seal off the Rongxi Hall.

If anyone dares to report this to the old lady, I will kill his entire family, including you, Lin Zhixiao. Go now!"

Lin Zhixiao was shocked when he heard this. When the master wanted to teach Master Bao a lesson, according to convention, someone would go to inform the old lady before the master took any action.

Every time, Master Bao would just suffer some physical pain, but it was nothing serious, and the old lady would arrive just in time to save him.

By working as a housekeeper and servant, Lin Zhixiao not only wins the favor of the old lady, but also takes into account the dignity of the master in educating his son, and also allows Master Bao to receive fewer beatings.

Lin Zhixiao was already very good at this kind of tactics, but the situation today was quite different.

Lin Zhixiao had just heard clearly outside the hall that the official from the clan affairs office said that Master Bao had insulted the retired emperor with his words.

For people like Lin Zhixiao, the emperor is an unattainable god. Master Bao has committed a capital crime, so how could he dare to play tricks on him?

Besides, the master had just said something cruel, that whoever reported the news would have his entire family beaten to death, including him, Lin Zhixiao, which made him even more afraid to get involved.

……

Baoyu was so frightened that he was covered in cold sweats, but as his father and the officials from the clan affairs office were present, he dared not even move. Although he could still stand for a while, he seemed to be terrified inside.

After a while, a servant came over with a weapon. Jia Zheng ordered the servant to tie Baoyu to the spring stool. He then grabbed the family stick, swung it round and hit Baoyu on the buttocks.

At this moment, Jia Zheng even forgot that Liu Shuyou was present. All he could think about was the disaster of his son verbally insulting the former emperor, and his past disappointment in his son was stirred up.

Baoyu has been spoiled by the old lady and the lady since he was a child. No matter how much the old lady disciplined him, it was like scratching an itch. He indulged himself in the backyard every day, became rich and lazy, did not read poetry and books, and wasted his time.

Jia Cong, who was of the same age as him, was not only successful in the imperial examinations, but also able to achieve great success on his own. However, Baoyu had been studying for six or seven years and could not even recite the Four Books. He was also ignorant of the immensity of the world and spoke nonsense all day long.

I have no fun in living having raised such a useless son.

The more Jia Zheng thought about it, the angrier he became. He spared no effort in whipping the boy with the stick in his hand, one blow after another.

From Rong Xi Tang came the strange sounds of whipping buttocks, mixed with Baoyu's heart-wrenching screams. The once glorious and luxurious Rong Xi Tang now exuded a sense of cruel irony.

If the late Duke Rong knew about this in his afterlife, he would be so angry that he would kick open the coffin because of his dissolute grandchildren.

Lin Zhixiao was standing outside the hall. When he heard the heart-wrenching noise inside, he couldn't help but feel trembling with fear and was sweating profusely.

And the fifth-rank official from the clan affairs office, Liu Shuyou, who was in the hall, seemed to be oblivious to the deafening whipping and screaming in front of him. His expression did not even change, and he continued to drink his tea leisurely.

It is rare to see a civil servant as ruthless as him.

After being hit by Jia Zheng more than ten times, Baoyu's screams became quieter, and after being hit more than thirty times, he had fainted. The white silk trousers on his buttocks had been soaked into a blood-red color.

Lin Zhixiao, who was standing outside the hall, had seen so much that his legs went weak. If he watched Master Bao being beaten to death and the old lady found out afterwards, his whole family would be killed as well.

Now he no longer cared about Jia Zheng's threat. He gritted his teeth and asked his trusted servant to go to Rongqing Hall to report the news. He stumbled in and grabbed the family stick in Jia Zheng's hand.

He said, "Master, please stop beating him. Master Bao is almost dead. If you continue beating him, someone will die. If the old lady finds out, I will die too."

Jia Zheng shouted, "It is because of your indulgence that he has become so lawless. If he really kills his father and the emperor one day, none of us will live. It is better to end it now."

As he said this, he untied his belt and put it around Baoyu's neck. Lin Zhixiao was frightened.

Liu Shuyou, who was leisurely drinking tea just now, looked gloomy when he saw this situation and stood up suddenly.

Sternly said: "Master Jia, your son's words were wild and insulted the emperor. The emperor was particularly lenient and asked the clan members to give him a warning and his family to discipline him strictly.

Lord Jia wants to take your son's life for this, which is against the will of heaven. Does he want His Majesty and the Imperial Clan Bureau to bear this bad reputation? "

Liu Shuyou's cold words were like a bucket of cold water poured on the furious Jia Zheng, and the hand holding the belt froze all of a sudden.

At this time, there was a flurry of footsteps outside the hall. Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang had received the news from the servants and came late. By this time, Jia Zheng had finished his work.

When Lady Jia saw Baoyu unconscious with his buttocks covered in blood, she couldn't help but burst into tears.

She was about to yell at her son Jia Zheng, but when she looked at Liu Shuyou standing beside her with a stern look on his face, she swallowed her words back.

Although his old face was already livid, he still suppressed his anger. In the past, with her status as a super-rank imperial official, he would not have taken a fifth-rank official seriously.

But the servant who reported the news just now said it clearly, it was because Master Bao said insulting words to the retired emperor that the clan affairs office came to the mansion to make trouble.

Grandmother Jia had been the imperial eunuch of the Duke's Mansion for half her life, so she still had some brains. This dog official from the clan affairs office was clearly sent by the emperor to torment and punish his own Baoyu.

If Lady Jia had said more at this moment, it would have been a challenge to the Emperor, and the old lady did not have the courage to do so.

……

Liu Shuyou saw all of Lady Jia's angry but speechless expression, but his face remained expressionless.

He said, "Master Jia, your son has been punished with a cane. I hope you will teach him well in the future. I will take my leave now."

As he reached the hall, he looked back at Lady Jia and the gold necklace around Baoyu's neck, as if he had thought of something.

Suddenly he said, "Master Jia, I have something good to say to you."

Although Jia Zheng stopped beating Baoyu with the stick, he seemed to be exhausted. It was not because he had used too much force just now, but mainly because he was frightened by Baoyu's verbal insults to the emperor.

Hearing that Liu Shuyou had something to say, he quickly replied, "Master Liu, please speak clearly."

Liu Shuyou said calmly: "There are rumors out there now, saying that your son was born with a strange appearance and was born with a jade in his mouth, which is rare in the world and a good omen for a saint.

My Lord, you are well-read in poetry, books and historical records, and you should know that the four words "saint's auspicious omen" are very taboo.

Even if you are humble about the title of saint, your family is a duke's family, and your children are extremely rich and noble, not those poor and weak people. Why do you still seek such false reputation and bring troubles instead!"

Liu Shuyou's words not only made Jia Zheng feel cold, but also frightened Jia's mother and Wang Fu-ren, who were sobbing beside Baoyu.

On ordinary days, the thing that the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law like to talk about most is the fact that Baoyu was born with a jade in his mouth, and their complacency is evident in their words.

It was because of their actions that the young Baoyu got certain hints, and he often threatened to throw the jade as a way of acting coquettishly. This was just a common trick used by children.

Whenever Baoyu dropped the jade, Grandmother Jia and Mrs. Wang would become particularly immersed in the play, either crying out of heartache or complaining about why Baoyu dropped his own vitals.

Whenever others mentioned Baoyu's noble status as a child born with a jade in his mouth, they were even more delighted.

A piece of jade with words engraved on it since the mother's womb was truly regarded by them as a symbol of the Jia family's superiority.

Now Liu Shuyou's cold words were like peeling off their faces in an instant, and he laughed at them without any hesitation.

The two current monarchs do not dare to say that they have the miraculous signs of being a sage, but an unlearned son of the Jia family is spreading this miraculous sign everywhere...

Grandmother Jia didn't know whether the words just now were Liu Shuyou's intention or the palace's intention, but according to her guess, it was most likely the latter.

After Liu Shuyou left, Jia's mother cried and scolded Jia Zheng: "You are a father, but you are so cruel! If I had come a step later, you would have beaten my Baoyu to death!"

Jia Zheng seemed to be over-stimulated today, and very rarely did he show any weakness in front of Lady Jia.

With a look of pain on his face, he said: "Old lady, it's not that my son is cruel to beat him, listen to what he said, he actually dared to insult the emperor with words, if I don't beat him in front of the clan house today.

How can this matter be explained away? I am afraid that the entire Rongguo Mansion will be in trouble in the future!"

After hearing this, Jia's mother was speechless, tears streaming down her face. She muttered to Baoyu, who was unconscious, "You evil creature, why do you have to say such deadly words!"

Jia Zheng left Rong Xi Tang with a depressed look on his face, leaving Baoyu to be taken care of by Jia Mu, Mrs. Wang and others. His back was slightly hunched, and he looked extremely lost and desolate.

When he was leaving the hall, he turned back and said to Grandmother Jia, "Madam, according to your son's wishes, you should take the jade from Baoyu and don't let him wear it anymore.

Don’t mention the topic of being born with a jade in the mouth again in the future. It makes people laugh and is really meaningless. It may even cause trouble.” (End of this chapter)