Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion.

The sun has passed noon, the autumn sun is shining brightly, and it is approaching late autumn.

There were also many yellow leaves on the sycamore tree under the eaves of the back porch in Jia Cong's courtyard. Every afternoon, the leaves would slowly fall to the ground.

He was flipping through a collection of contemporary essays in his study, his mind a little unsettled. Through the window, he saw Lingguan and Douguan, both of them sweeping the fallen leaves on the ground with brooms.

Last time, the Shenjing Jiaofangsi laid off staff due to a national mourning. Originally, five people, Douguan, Fangguan, Ouguan, Aiguan and Kuiguan, were to be sold off. From then on, their future was unpredictable.

It was Douguan who slipped out of the Jiaofangsi and asked Jia Cong for help. Jia Cong bought the five of them into his house through Du Qingniang's relationship.

Because Douguan and Kuiguan had lost their families long ago, Jia Cong raised them both in his mansion.

A few days ago, Shi Xiangyun stayed at the Jia Mansion for a short time. When she saw Kui Guan, she got along very well with her, so she asked her to keep her company. From then on, she followed her day and night, and they were inseparable in their daily play.

Douguan lived with Lingguan just as he did in Suzhou, and was very happy and proud.

Since Fangguan, Ouguan, Aiguan and the other three had their parents still alive, Jia Cong revoked their indentures and sent them back home to live their own lives.

In fact, they envied Douguan and Kuiguan because they could live in a wealthy family.

But they had a strange relationship with Jia Cong, and had no connection with Jia Cong like Lingguan, Douguan, and their parents were still alive. Jia Cong was willing to remove their indentures, so naturally he had no reason to keep them.

Things in the world are unpredictable and everyone has his own fate.

Perhaps for Fangguan, Ouguan and Aiguan, this is the best ending and destination. Although Douguan and Kuiguan have no relatives, they can live a safe life with the protection of Jia Cong.

……

Under the bright autumn sun, Jia Cong saw a layer of fine sweat beads on Lingguan's snow-white forehead and a hint of blush on her little face. She waved the broom in her hand and turned her slender waist, looking very childish and lovely.

Suddenly, Lingguan turned around and looked towards the gate of the courtyard. She smiled and said, "Miss Lin, Sister Zijuan, you are here. Come in and sit down."

After Jia Cong finished his morning essay homework, Daiyu happened to come over with Zijuan, and she happened to catch Jia Cong's break time.

Jia Cong took Daiyu into the study, and the two chatted to relieve their boredom. They then went to Yingchun's courtyard together and saw Baochai, Tanchun and Xiangyun were all there.

Jia Cong discovered that Baochai had been coming to the East Palace much more often than usual recently.

Sometimes Baochai came over in the morning and spent time in the garden with her sisters. She often waited until sunset before going back, and her appearance was a little different from usual.

Jia Cong did not see Yingchun, so he asked, "Why are all of them here, but my second sister, the host, is missing?"

Baochai said, "Second sister just went to see Sister Feng with Xiuju."

Jia Cong asked, "Is the second sister-in-law not feeling well again?"

Baochai replied, "That's right. I went to see her once before I came this morning. I don't know what happened these past two days. Sister Feng's illness had improved a lot, but suddenly it relapsed.

Second sister went to check on sister Feng because she heard that she was seriously ill. "

Jia Cong thought about the day when he met Yang Hongbin, and Wang Xifeng asked Ping'er to come and invite him to ask him in person about the news that Jia Lian was sent to the Dali Temple.

When Wang Xifeng heard that Jia Lian had confessed to the salt and iron trafficking in Datong and was destined to be exiled to the frontier, she was so shocked and sad that she burst into tears. Jia Cong and Ping'er tried to persuade her for a long time but to no avail.

I think it must be because Wang Xifeng was too sad that her illness relapsed.

Baochai saw that Jia Cong looked unhappy and asked, "Brother Cong, is it because Second Brother Lian is not doing well that Sister Feng is like this?"

Jia Cong said: "My second brother's crime has been proven. Now we just need to wait for the Dali Temple to make a judgment. My second sister-in-law is also overly worried."

As the two were talking, Yuanyang came into the courtyard and said to Jia Cong, "Third Master, the old lady and the master are in Rongqing Hall. Please go over and talk to them."

On the way, Jia Cong asked Yuanyang a few questions. It turned out that Wang Xifeng was ill again, and her illness was so severe that she couldn't get out of bed for the past two days.

After going to see her, Jia's mother realized that it was because of Jia Lian's crime that Wang Xifeng was overly sad and her old illness was revived.

Grandmother Jia asked Lin Zhixiao to invite Zhang Youshi to treat the disease. Because she was worried about Jia Lian, she asked someone to call Jia Cong over to explain the situation.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

As Jia Cong and Yuanyang entered the hall, they saw Grandmother Jia sitting in the middle, with Jia Zheng and Mrs. Wang sitting next to her, and Yingchun sitting below her.

When Jia's mother saw Jia Cong, she asked, "I went to see Feng today. She is getting sicker. I heard that she asked you to find out about Lian'er's affairs two days ago. She must have heard something bad, so she is like this.

I asked Feng girl, but she just cried and refused to say anything, so I had to ask you to come over and ask.

What is the current situation regarding your brother's case? What crime will he be charged with? Is there any room for maneuver?"

Jia Zheng also said, "I asked my colleagues today and they said Lian'er has been taken from Jinyiwei to the Dali Temple and imprisoned. However, I don't have any connections in the Dali Temple, so I don't know the truth.

I heard earlier that Congge and the Dali Temple had worked on a case together in Jinling, so they must be familiar with each other. "

Jia Cong said, “Master, I went to the Dali Temple the other day to inquire about the news. My second brother has confessed to the Jinyiwei and confessed to the matter of Datong’s salt and iron trafficking. The confession has been confirmed.

He is now being escorted to the Dali Temple to be tried and sentenced. Although the amount of salt and iron transactions involved by my second brother is not too large, the salt and iron transactions are suspected of aiding the enemy, and he will be sentenced to exile for at least ten years.

That day, my second sister-in-law asked me what was going on, and I couldn’t hide it from her, so I had to tell her.”

After hearing this, Jia's mother sobbed and said, "This matter cannot be concealed. It's better for you to tell her. This will happen sooner or later.

Is this evil creature so short of money that he has to do such a dangerous thing? I have heard about it in previous years. Selling salt and iron to the border is a life-threatening thing.

He and Feng girl have been married for so many years, but they have no offspring. Now he has to be exiled for so many years. Feng girl is only this young. Isn't it a sin to let a woman live as a widow? "

Jia Cong felt sad after hearing this. In fact, all these disasters were caused by Jia She. Jia Lian only went to Datong to make contact because he was intimidated by his father's power. He was completely betrayed by his father, but he could not say this clearly.

……

Jia Cong said, "I underestimated the sentence of exile to the frontier. The situation has changed. I'm afraid it will be more than that. I just don't dare to tell my second sister-in-law."

Grandmother Jia shuddered with fear and said, "Ten years of exile is not enough, but do you want to take Lian'er's life?"

Jia Zheng also turned pale when he heard this, and asked, "Brother Cong, what has happened?"

Jia Cong said: "My second brother has revealed in the Jinyiwei that Xie Jing, a second-class male and guerrilla commander of the Beijing Camp, Qi Jianhui, a second-class male, and Qiu Liang, the commander of the Five Cities Army, are all involved in the salt and iron trade.

The emperor was very angry when he learned about this and has ordered the Jinyiwei to conduct a thorough investigation. Once the evidence of the guilt of these three noble families is confirmed,

In order to deter lawlessness, His Majesty will definitely deal with this matter severely. My second brother will be implicated and may be in great danger."

After hearing this, Jia's mother burst into tears again and said, "These families are all old friends and veterans. If they knew that they were sold out by Lian'er, they would hate our Rongguo Mansion. The reputation left by the Duke is ruined!"

Jia Zheng was also anxious after hearing this and said, "This matter has alarmed His Majesty, I'm afraid it will be difficult to resolve. Brother Cong, you have always been valued by His Majesty, can you please ask His Majesty for mercy.

Even if it means saving his life, or even exiling him for half his life, I have no choice but to accept it."

Grandmother Jia sobbed and said, "Brother Cong, Lian'er is your biological brother, we are blood brothers.

I won't force you to do anything difficult, you just need to ask the emperor for mercy, as long as you can save his life, it will be your merit if it succeeds."

Jia Cong said: "Second brother is my eldest brother, Cong will not ignore it. I have heard the news in the past few days that Xie Jing, Qi Jianhui and Qiu Liang have been detained by the Jinyiwei.

The related shops and accounts of these three companies have been sealed and confiscated by the Jinyiwei. I am afraid that it will take only a few days to determine the charges.

His Majesty has granted me the power to make direct reports. In the next few days, I will make a report to His Majesty and plead for my second brother.

However, this major salt and iron case has involved many hereditary nobles. This matter is of great importance and is of no small magnitude. Although I have submitted a petition for leniency, it may not be effective.

Please understand, old lady and master, that things may be possible, but they may not be accomplished."

Before Grandmother Jia could say anything more, Jia Zheng said, "Since Lian'er has violated the law, there is nothing we can do about it. As long as Cong'er does his best, it is a sign of brotherly love. Man cannot overcome nature, and there is nothing we can do about it."

Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng were feeling anxious when they suddenly saw Lin Zhixiao rushing in with a look of joy on his face. He said, "Madam, there is good news."

Grandmother Jia's face was still covered with traces of tears, and she felt sad for her grandson. When she suddenly heard Lin Zhixiao's wife talking about the happy event, her face suddenly darkened.

He said with dissatisfaction: "Don't you even consider the time? You are still talking about happy events!"

Lin Zhixiao's wife was startled by Jia's mother, but she came to her senses immediately and said, "Madam, it is indeed a happy event. Doctor Zhang just examined the second madam and found that she is pregnant!"

……

Jiubian, Datong, and Sun Zhanying’s residence.

The Sun family is a family of Datong. Not only do they serve in the military, but they also run various businesses in Datong. They are one of the few wealthy families in Datong.

Because of the hereditary military position, the Sun family's mansion did not dare to violate the rules, but it still had gates and courtyards, covered a large area, and was luxurious and imposing.

In the main hall of the mansion, all the servants who served on a daily basis had been dismissed. Only Sun Zhanying sat in the middle, reading a letter.

Sun Zhanying was in his early forties, tall and strong, with a straight nose, a wide mouth, slightly protruding cheekbones, bright eyes, a short beard under his chin, and a calm and sophisticated demeanor.

Behind him stood a young man who looked somewhat similar to Sun Zhanying. In the hall also stood a sturdy man who looked dusty and seemed to have come from afar.

The Sun family has inherited the position of commander in the Datong border army for three generations.

The Sun family's hereditary position of commander may not be worth mentioning in a place like Shenjing where nobles are as numerous as dogs, but it is quite important in a remote border town like Datong.

After three generations of operation and accumulation, the Sun family's influence in the local area has become increasingly deep-rooted, and it has become a very prestigious military family in Datong.

Sun Zhanying was a man of great strategy, decisive and ruthless, more resourceful than both his father and grandfather.

Since he inherited the military position, he has been on good terms with his superiors in the army, and has sought power and real position in the Datong army. Internally, he has trained his family members and children, and run various businesses in Datong to accumulate wealth for his family.

Therefore, in the past ten years or so, the power of the Datong Sun family has been growing day by day, and it has become increasingly important both among the officials and civilians in Datong.

……

Sun Zhanying read the letter with a gloomy face. He asked, "Second-class male and Beijing camp guerrilla Xie Jing, second-class male Qi Jianhui, Wucheng military commander Qiu Liang and others were involved in the salt and iron trade. Did Jia Lian of Rongguo Mansion confess?"

The man replied, "Last month, Jia She, the first-class general of Rongguo Mansion, died suddenly. After that, the Jinyiwei found evidence from somewhere and took Jia She's son to the imperial prison.

After just a few days, the Jinyiwei of Shenjing were dispatched everywhere to investigate the details of the three noble families' travels to Datong. When my master learned of the situation, he asked me to deliver the message to Lord Sun urgently.

As to whether these three nobles confessed on behalf of Jia Lian, it is not known at present."

Sun Zhanying's eyes flickered as he asked, "With your master's ability, even he wouldn't know?"

The man replied, "Mr. Sun, you don't know that since the incident of Jinling Guard Zhou Zhengyang in July this year, the Dali Temple of the Capital and the Five Military Commandery were involved in a leak of secrets, which caused the imperial prisoner to escape early.

The current emperor was extremely furious and ordered the Court of Inquiry to investigate the matter thoroughly, which caused a bloody storm in the officialdom of Shenjing. More than a dozen officials from the Ministry of Personnel, Dali Temple, Five Military Commandery and other departments lost their lives as a result.

After this incident, all the major government offices in the capital strictly guarded their doors, not daring to make the slightest mistake for fear of bringing disaster.

Key departments such as the Imperial Guard, the Dali Temple, and the Ministry of Justice have become more meticulous in their actions, not leaving any loopholes or loopholes.

My master also spent some effort but was unable to get access to the contents of Jia Lian's confession. After Jia Lian joined the Jinyiwei, he even forbade his family to visit him, so it was impossible to find out the details of the matter.

However, the actions of the Jinyiwei in Shenjing City were obvious, and it was absolutely right for the three noble families to be closely investigating matters related to salt and iron.

The master knew that the salt and iron businesses of these three families were all connected with the third young master of the mansion. Once the truth was revealed, the disaster would be disastrous.

My master, out of friendship with us, sent me on horseback to deliver a message to Lord Sun so that he could make preparations early.

In addition, the master has something else to say, which he did not express in the letter, so I will convey it to you personally."

……

Sun Zhanying took a look at the letter in his hand. This letter didn't even have a signature. If it fell into the hands of a third party, no one would know who wrote it. That person was quite cautious in his actions.

Even so, there were some words that could not be left in the letter, but were spread by his confidant Qianli himself. What were the words that were so taboo?

The man said, "My master said that if these three families are found guilty and reveal their connection with the Third Young Master, I'm afraid it will be difficult for them to recover. In this time of crisis, it would be a good idea to go north to avoid disaster and make plans for the future."

When Sun Zhanying heard what the other party said, his face changed, a fierce light flashed in his eyes, and there was even a hint of murderous intent. The atmosphere in the main hall became cold and solemn.

The sturdy man seemed unaware of Sun Zhanying's abnormal reaction and remained calm.

Sun Zhanying asked again, "Shaozu was ordered by me to go to Nanjing to do some work. Half a year has passed and there has been no news. Can your master find out his whereabouts?"

The man said, "The workshop in Jinling was very secretive back then. Weiyuan Earl Jia Cong went to Jinling to investigate the case. I don't know what means he used to work with the Jinyiwei to search and confiscate the workshop.

The guards and all the craftsmen in the workshop were either killed or captured. Only the Third Young Master escaped. Afterwards, the Jinyiwei searched the entire city but could not find the whereabouts of the Third Young Master.

The master also sent people to search Jiangnan, but they couldn't find any trace of the Third Young Master. Most likely, the Third Young Master lost contact with us, and knowing that the matter was of great importance, he hid somewhere and dared not show up. "

Sun Zhanying's face was grim, and he said, "Please tell your master to continue searching for his son in the south."

The man replied, "I will definitely convey your message. I have already delivered the letter and will not delay any longer. I will return today to report to my master."

After the man finished speaking, he bowed to Sun Zhanying and saluted, took two steps back, turned around and walked out of the main hall, striding away. His movements were quick and decisive, with a military demeanor.

……

The young man standing behind Sun Zhanying looked at the man's figure going away and asked, "Father, the man in Shenjing was not involved in the salt and iron affairs. Why was he so kind and sent a message to you thousands of miles away?"

Sun Zhanying smiled coldly: "He has good intentions, but he has something on us in the Sun family's hands, and he is worried that the Sun family will be convicted and he will be implicated as well."

The young man asked curiously, "Father, how could a person like him let us have such evidence?"

Sun Zhanying said: "Shao Rong, you are the eldest son of the Sun family. Compared with your two brothers, you are calm and wise, and more suitable for being an official than your brothers. The Sun family's business will need you to take on the responsibility in the future.

So there are some things that I don't want you to be too involved in. There is one taboo, so I only let your third brother Shaozu handle it, but I didn't tell you about it.

However, your third brother has been missing for half a year since he went to Nanjing for work. Something must have happened. Now that the situation has suddenly changed, I have to let you know the whole story.

Do you still remember the incident in late spring this year when a gun was stolen from the Liaodong Yafu Pass Firearms Army Arsenal?"

Sun Shaorong said: "Of course I know about this. I heard that nine improved Rumi guns were stolen from the arsenal. This type of musket was modified by Weiyuan Earl Jia Cong based on the Ottoman Rumi gun.

Although I have never seen this new type of musket, I have heard that it is extremely powerful. It was with this type of firearm that Weiyuan Bo was able to pacify the Jurchens outside the Liaodong Pass. "

Sun Zhanying said: "Jia Cong is gifted and proficient in Western Yi techniques. He created all kinds of incredible firearms for the emperor.

He also used various new firearms to defeat the Jurchens in Liaodong, establishing the most brilliant military feat of the Jiazhao reign.

Moreover, he led the construction of the Firearms Bureau and participated in the establishment of the Shenji Camp, which enabled the emperor to have the capital to compete with the noble forces in the army and reverse the weak foundation of military power since the emperor ascended the throne.

From this, we can see how much the current emperor values ​​the secret firearms of the improved Rumi gun. If this firearm is stolen and the method of making it is leaked, it would be like stealing the emperor's family property."

Sun Shaorong was slightly shocked when he heard what his father said, and asked, "Could it be that the theft of the new-style musket in Liaodong is related to my father?"

Sun Zhanying remained calm and said, "When the news of the theft of the Liaodong muskets came out, the emperor ordered the military posts and the Jinyiwei along the way to conduct a thorough investigation and set up checkpoints to prevent the stolen muskets from being smuggled out of Liaodong.

The man in Shenjing used a strange tactic. Instead of transporting the stolen muskets directly south, he transported them north to Datong, and then transferred them through our Sun family's route to Shenjing, and then south to Nanjing.

Otherwise, how could he have hidden his secrets under the strict defense of the imperial court? "

……

Sun Shaorong listened to his father's words and said nervously, "The hidden danger of stealing muskets is huge. Father has always been cautious, why would he get involved in this matter so easily?"

Sun Zhanying said: "Shaorong, I know you have always been cautious, but the Sun family has been operating in Datong for generations. Datong is a remote border town. If the Sun family takes over another place, it will be difficult for them to achieve great success.

The current emperor ascended the throne by extraordinary circumstances, and the way he came to the throne was not in a formal way. There have always been nobles in the court and the public, royal descendants, and people with ulterior motives.

If it were not for the fact that the current emperor is quite talented and has worked hard to govern the country for the past decade, with his achievements and prestige being obvious to all, I am afraid that the world would have been in chaos long ago.

However, the tree wants to be still but the wind does not stop. There are rumors in the court and the public that the emperor has been busy with government affairs for more than ten years and has overdrawn his energy. I am afraid that this will not last long.

Therefore, those with strong foundations in the government and the public are ready to make moves. The theft of Liaodong muskets means that someone is making preparations for the long term!

The man from the capital once sent someone to deliver a message, promising me an important position in the Sun family's military garrison in the south of the Yangtze River and asking me to assist in transporting the muskets from Liaodong.

My Sun family has been living in Datong for several generations. Although it is prosperous now, it has reached a bottleneck and it will be difficult to make further progress in the future.

If they can move to the prosperous area south of the Yangtze River and occupy an important position in a military town, relying on the accumulation of several generations of their family, they can take root and develop in south of the Yangtze River and become a prominent family. In time, the Sun family will have unlimited potential!
Our family has been trapped in Datong for three generations. It is so rare to encounter such an opportunity! "

……

When Sun Zhanying said this, his expression showed excitement. For a family that had only been able to tinker in a remote border town for generations, having the opportunity to gain a foothold in the prosperous Jiangnan region was truly a great temptation.

Sun Shaorong looked worried and said, "Father, it is of course very rare for the Sun family to have such an opportunity, but the risks are not small."

Sun Zhanying said: "Everything in this world is fair. The greater the benefits, the greater the risks. If the Sun family had followed the old ways for more than a decade, they would not be where they are today.

Moreover, the man in Shenjing has a noble status and deep roots, and he will surely become a big shot in the future. If the Sun family does not take advantage of the opportunity, they will probably be trapped in a place like Datong forever.

Besides, as long as we deliver the guns, it will be a token of our loyalty to both parties. We will never be able to cut ties with them again. We are not afraid of him using dirty tricks. If he becomes powerful, my Sun family will also benefit from it!"

Sun Zhanying looked at the letter in his hand and sighed: He wrote to me last month to inform me that Jia Cong had solved a major case in Jinling, and Du Hengxin, the chief officer of the Jinling Commandery, was executed.

Many high-ranking officials of the garrisons under him were implicated and arrested, and many important positions in the Nanzhili Garrison were vacant. He also said that he would make plans for his father and help the Sun family gain a foothold in the south of the Yangtze River.

In just one month, the situation has taken a sudden turn for the worse. Once those three noble families in Shenjing reveal the truth, my Sun family will be in great trouble.

I didn't expect that the most dangerous firearm theft was eliminated by that person without any risk. Instead, the salt and iron business that the Sun family is most familiar with got into trouble. It's a matter of time and fate!"

……

Sun Shaorong had a heavy expression. In fact, he had different ideas from his father Sun Zhanying. He felt that the Sun family had a solid foundation in Datong, and it would not be a bad thing even if the family would be rooted in Datong for generations from now on.

Although the Sun family can gain a foothold in Jiangnan and will definitely gain greater long-term benefits than in Datong, as my father said, the greater the benefits, the greater the risks.

With Sun Shaorong's steady personality, deep down he felt that there was no need for his father to take such a risk.

But now that what has been done has been done, as the eldest son of the Sun family, he can no longer stay out of it and can only follow his father to the end.

Sun Shaorong said, "Father, the man from Shenjing sent a message asking the Sun family to go north to avoid disaster and make plans for the future. Is this asking us to leave the country..."

Sun Zhanying waved his hand to stop Sun Shaorong before he could finish his words, and the father and son stood up and went into the inner hall.

The father and son sat behind closed doors in the inner hall study, and Sun Zhanying said, "Going north to avoid disaster is what you mean."

Sun Shaorong's face changed and he said, "Father, if the Sun family takes this path, unless the mountains and rivers are overturned, there will be no day for the Sun family to turn over!"

Sun Zhanying smiled bitterly and said, "Once the Salt and Iron incident breaks out, do you think the Sun family will be able to turn things around if they don't take this path?

The man from Shenjing asked his confidant to spread this message thousands of miles away. His intention was very sinister. As long as my Sun family goes north, even if we have the leverage over him, we will no longer be able to control him.

He wanted to turn the conspiracy into an open one, taking advantage of the Sun family's salt and iron incident to eliminate the threat without bloodshed.

This kind of thinking and scheming is really quite impressive. I am right to say that he will be able to achieve something in the future."

Sun Shaorong thought for a moment and said, "Father, the person from Shenjing sent a message that we will be delayed on the road for ten days. I am afraid that the situation in Shenjing has changed now. We must prepare early."

Sun Zhanying said: "You should immediately deploy personnel to keep a close eye on the four south gates of Datong and strictly check the movements of people entering the city. If there is any abnormality, report it immediately.

In addition, select reliable young men, lead a capable cavalry, and go 50 miles south of the city to investigate the movements along the way. If any unusual movements are discovered, report back quickly so that we can make arrangements in advance.

All valuables in the home should be counted and sorted out as soon as possible, and the carriages and horses for the children in the family should be prepared in advance.

In addition, General Qian’s third concubine prepared a generous gift for me on her birthday.

Find an opportunity to invite Deputy General Zhang Tianlin to a drink, and tell him that a batch of goods will be shipped out this month, and ask him to complete the customs clearance procedures. In the past, he was given a half-tenth bonus, but this time he can be given 20%, and he can pay 10% first. "(End of this chapter)