Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

Compared to the joy of the good news in the West Palace, the East Palace was calm.

Xiangyun was clamoring to go back to the East Palace to play chess, so Baochai took the opportunity to pull Daiyu along.

Several people came directly to the main hall in Jia Cong's courtyard, because there were not only the best chess pieces, but Wu'er's tea-making skills were also first-class.

Xiangyun and Yingchun were playing chess, while Daiyu and Baochai were watching.

It is said that a person's chess skills are like his character. Xiangyun plays chess aggressively, directly in the middle, with swift attack, while Yingchun plays chess in a continuous and careful manner, with each step being cautious and moderate in advance and retreat.

At the beginning, Xiangyun had the upper hand and took a few pieces ahead. She was feeling quite proud of herself, but just after the middle of the game, she lost a lot of territory in the corners. Yingchun chuckled, and Xiangyun's face suddenly turned bitter.

In the main room, only the sound of chess pieces falling could be heard. There was no other noisy sound, and it did not disturb Jia Cong who was concentrating on his homework in the study.

A few days ago, due to the development of the breech-loading rifle, Jia Cong went to the firearms workshop on the outskirts of the east city almost every day.

After a period of sorting and supervision, the development of the breech-loading rifle has been put on track. Under the guidance of Jia Cong, each group of craftsmen involved in the forging of components has explored their own ideas for improvement.

Although the development of the breech-loading rifle was still not fast, it was moving forward steadily and in an orderly manner, unlike the chaos and disorder when Jia Cong was not involved.

Now that things were on the right track, Jia Cong naturally would not act like a craftsman, staying in the firearms workshop all day and night. He would leave daily affairs to the deputy supervisor Liu Shizhen.

He also changed from going to the workshop every day to once every two or three days. If he encountered problems in the development of the breech-loading rifle, Liu Shizhen and Qian Huai would come to his house in person to consult and discuss with him.

Jia Cong spent most of his time preparing for the Spring Examination.

He opened the window next to the desk a little to let the cold air outside in, neutralizing some of the warm aroma from the incense burners in the room, and his mind became clearer.

Yinglian wore an apricot-yellow round-necked robe embroidered with broken branches, a beige horse-faced skirt embroidered with flowers, and pink and white embroidered cotton shoes. The collar and cuffs of the robe were trimmed with white fox fur, which made her face look as white as snow and her eyebrows and eyes look like a painting.

Yinglian is in charge of Jia Cong's study. Ever since Jia Cong returned from Jinling, he has been concentrating on the imperial examinations, and Yinglian has also become busy.

Most of her work was that of a study companion and a book boy, arranging books, serving pens and ink, adding tea and lighting lamps.

She helped Jia Cong wash his brush, grind ink, spread out paper, and carefully pressed it down with a paperweight. Then she stepped to the side of the desk, sat on the armchair, and read a miscellaneous book.

There was a plate of sugar-roasted chestnuts on the corner of the table. While reading, she did not forget to put food into her little mouth, but she did not dare to make any chewing sound for fear of disturbing Jia Cong.

Every time Jia Cong looked up at her inadvertently, Yinglian would take out a golden chestnut and stuff it into his mouth in a flattering manner.

Jia Cong was writing furiously on the pink and white snow-white paper.

A few days ago, he went to Luocang Mountain to attend a class. Liu Jing'an gave him five current affairs essay topics, and he was now working on the third one.

Before he took part in the Yongzhou County Examination, Liu Jing'an often wrote current essay topics for him to practice and ponder.

Liu Jing'an was known as the scholarly sage of the Wenzong period. He served as the Grand Master of Rites of the Great Zhou Dynasty for many years and presided over many spring and autumn examinations.

Few people could surpass him in grasping the current situation and understanding the trends in the imperial examinations. The essay topics he gave to Jia Cong were all well thought out and not made at random.

Jia Cong was naturally aware of the importance of these current affairs topics. He carefully pondered each topic and took great pains to deduce and write.

Even though he traveled a lot over the years, he never slacked off in his studies.

Whether he was fighting in Liaodong or solving cases in Nanjing, he always carried the necessary book boxes with him and reviewed the classics whenever he had time.

His behavior probably makes him what Baoyu calls a hopeless parasite.

He was not so keen on being a nerd, but he knew that everything in the world has its origin. Back then, he was just a bastard who survived with difficulty in the East Courtyard. He had an obscure background and was despised by the whole family.

If he had not relied on studying to rise up, he would not be in the situation he is in today. People should never forget their roots.

Those who excel in their studies will become officials. Studying is not just about becoming an official. In this world where scholars are in power, fame and honor in the imperial examinations is still an excellent protective hue.

Moreover, his teacher Liu Jing'an devoted a lot of effort to his studies.

Liu Jing'an gave him the courtesy name Yuzhang, and Jia Cong understood the deep meaning behind it. The old man didn't approve of him being deeply involved in official career and seemed to hope that he would be a pure scholar.

However, he has now been promoted to a higher position and has already been involved in all the affairs, which probably goes against his mentor's original intention.

Therefore, whether for oneself or for others, striving to become a Jinshi is also a way to show respect and repay Liu Jing'an's many years of teaching.

After all, if he, as the last disciple of Emperor Wenzong, could not even pass the imperial examination, it would be a disgrace to his master.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall.

Ever since Wang Xifeng married into the Jia family, Mrs. Wang began to live a life of luxury and left the daily household chores to her capable niece.

Unless it was an important family event, he didn't care about other matters. He just recited scriptures and worshipped Buddha in the inner house, chatted with Lady Jia, and doted on Baoyu.

But today the palace is about to issue an imperial decree, and her husband is about to receive the title, which is also the honor of her life. Naturally, she has to do this major event personally.

Those places need to have lanterns hung, those places need to have colorful silks laid out, and the main roads through the palace need to be sprinkled with water and swept immediately.

The middle gate is wide open to welcome the angel who announces the decree, and those flexible servants need to be selected to guard the gate and respond.

To prepare the incense table and candles needed to welcome the imperial edict, one must go to the warehouse and select the best ones.

There must be a red envelope to thank the angel's entourage, and the gift money cannot be too small, so as not to lose the dignity of the master's inheritance of the title...

Mrs. Wang even had the foresight to think that after her master inherited the title, all the nobles in the capital would probably come to celebrate and the threshold of the mansion would probably be broken down.

All the people who will come will be respectable people, so the etiquette of welcoming and seeing off must not be sloppy, otherwise it will bring shame to the noble lord of the second house, which is absolutely unacceptable.

For this purpose, Mrs. Wang planned to use several other main side halls in the mansion, except Rongqing Hall and Rongxi Hall, for entertaining guests.

Fortunately, this is something that will happen in the next few days, so there is no need to rush today. Mrs. Wang also asked Lin Zhixiao's family to allocate manpower and equipment to be prepared for any eventuality.

The old women and servants in the mansion frequently went in and out of Rong Xi Tang. Each of them received instructions from Mrs. Wang and went down to make arrangements as quickly as possible.

Ever since she heard the news from the Ministry of Rites official, Mrs. Wang has had a constant smile on her face, and she looks particularly kind.

Although the old lady is still very strong, Mrs. Wang felt like a daughter-in-law who has become a mother-in-law today.

She appeared to be happy and calm on the outside, but she was actually extremely anxious on the inside, and she felt that the Western clock in Rong Xi Hall was ticking too slowly.

She was looking forward to the arrival of the Si hour. As long as the Ministry of Rites approved the imperial decree, she would be able to gain status through her husband and become a second-rank official by imperial decree.

From now on, in the East and West Mansions of the Jia family, except for the old lady's seniority, she was the most honorable and respectable among the female members.

Although Mrs. Xing was still a first-rank imperial concubine, after her husband's death, even if the title was not revoked by the court, what remained was just an empty title, so Mrs. Wang did not take it seriously.

Originally, after Wang Xifeng stepped down to take care of her pregnancy, the household chores in Rongguo Mansion were taken care of by Li Wan and Tanchun. Now that Mrs. Wang was personally reprimanding Fang Qiu, the two of them just stood by.

Mrs. Wang was feeling very proud when she suddenly heard Tanchun say, "Madam, it's almost time for Si hour. Third brother is still in the East Palace and doesn't know the news yet. I'll go call him now so we can receive the imperial edict together later."

Upon hearing what Tanchun said, Mrs. Wang could not help but frown. She was feeling very relaxed right now, but the third girl was so nosy. She brought up the boy at this moment and ruined her mood for nothing.

Mrs. Wang was now feeling ambitious, and her arrogance naturally rose. She thought back to a few days ago when the old lady had asked Jia Cong to write a letter to the emperor to request the title, but was flatly rejected by Jia Cong.

This incident made Mrs. Wang very unhappy at the time, and she feels even more angry when she thinks about it now. He was unwilling to help with the second wife's affairs, and now that the second wife has become respectable, why should she bring him along?

She frowned and said, "Everyone in the mansion is saying that Cong is very busy right now. He often goes to the workshop outside the city to handle official business, and he also has to study in the mansion to prepare for the spring examination.

Since he is so busy, let him be busy. Why bother to bother him? The master and Baoyu will be enough to receive the imperial edict later. This matter has nothing to do with him. "

After hearing Mrs. Wang's cold words, Tanchun's expression changed. She thought to herself why the lady's words were so blunt, and that her third brother had offended her.

The words from the Ministry of Rites that Lin Zhixiao's family had just conveyed clearly stated that all the officials and children in the mansion should go to Rong Xi Tang to receive the imperial edict.

Could it be that the third brother is not a member of the Jia family? Besides, among the brothers of the Yu generation in the family, only the third brother is the Earl of Lifu, who is granted by the emperor. He is a very important figure in the Jia family.

At this critical juncture of inheriting the noble family title, the third brother, who holds such a high position, has not shown up. What will it mean to outsiders?

Li Wan, who was standing by, also felt that something was not quite right after hearing what her mother-in-law said. She thought that the lady must be too happy today and was saying such stupid things.

If these words were to reach the ears of Brother Cong, wouldn't it create a rift for nothing? We are all family members, so why say such cold words?

The Madam didn't think about it carefully. Even if the master inherited the title, given his upright character and Baoyu's daily behavior, it would not be easy to keep the Rongguo Mansion's family business.

Among the two mansions, only the Cong brothers are capable of both civil and military affairs. No other son of the Jia family can compare to them. Besides, the master has always valued him so much.

The more critical the moment, the more we should get close to him, so that the Cong brothers can help take care of the second branch's business in the future.

Madam, aren't you destroying yourself by saying these cold words?
When Mrs. Wang saw that Tanchun remained silent after she spoke and did not give her any flattering response to her biological mother, she became more and more angry and felt that all her efforts to treat this concubine's daughter well were in vain.

She knew that among the sisters in the mansion, Tanchun was closest to the boy from the East Mansion. She was even three times closer to him than to her own brother Baoyu. Ever since she and the second girl moved to the East Mansion, she had been reluctant to come back.

She didn't even think about whether she was the daughter of the second wife or the daughter of the first wife.

Mrs. Wang was not unaware of the close relationship between Tanchun and Jia Cong. Although she was a little unhappy about it, she didn't take it too seriously.

Now that the second branch was going to become the true master of Rong State, Mrs. Wang's temper naturally became high. The secret unhappiness in her heart in the past was suddenly magnified, making her feel depressed.

The third girl has always regarded the boys of the East Mansion as treasures. Now that there is such a traitor, if she leaks information, it is possible that the first wife will interfere with the family business.

Looking at Tanchun's charming and pretty appearance, she couldn't help feeling disgusted, thinking that this was not appropriate after all. The title and property of Rongguo Mansion were controlled by the second branch, and this power must not have any complications.

Anyway, the third girl is almost reaching marriageable age, so she can be married off to someone she likes, so that she won't become a problem if she stays in the mansion.

Mrs. Wang was planning her strategy and was fully aware of Wanli's situation. She was eager to calculate the wealth and prosperity of the Rongguo Mansion for the next few decades and eliminate the risks that would hinder the glory of the second house in advance.

At this time Caiyun came to report that the master had received the news from the servant and had already returned home from the yamen and had now entered the second gate.

Mrs. Wang quickly put aside her plans and stood up excitedly to greet him.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu Courtyard. Xiren, Sheyue and other maids were busy walking back and forth, rummaging through boxes and cabinets, taking out Baoyu's clothes one by one and placing them on the bed.

Mrs. Wang was busy arranging the matters of receiving the imperial edict, so Grandmother Jia naturally paid attention to her most beloved Baoyu.

Standing by the bed, Jia's mother carefully selected a sleeveless round-necked robe with a bright red background embroidered with golden lotus patterns, a bright red belt inlaid with seven treasures of jade, and a purple gold crown inlaid with jade.

She sent Xiren and Musk Moon to help Baoyu change his clothes quickly. Today was the day when her son Jia Zheng would inherit the title, and her Baoyu would be the future master of the country.

On such a grand day when the imperial decree was issued, Baoyu, as the phoenix of the Rongguo Mansion, had to dress decently and attractively.

Grandmother Jia felt that this bright red outfit would make Baoyu look outstandingly handsome and festive when he wore it.

Baoyu was extremely upset that the old lady had specially come to dress up to receive the imperial edict to confer the title.

He sighed inwardly, thinking that no one in this mansion understood his heart. How could he express his thoughts that transcended the ordinary world to anyone?

Don't they know that they hate these empty formalities of official career and economics the most? Whoever wants to go can go, but why must they drag someone like themselves, an innocent person, into it?

Although Baoyu was impatient, he could not resist Jia Mu's urging and coaxing, and reluctantly let Xiren and Sheyue toss around him. It took a while before he finished dressing.

The happiest person in Baoyu's room today is Xiren. She had seduced Baoyu to do good things two years ago, but she was just making a sexual move to plan for her own future.

Now the second branch has inherited the mansion first, and now the title. In the future, all these things will belong to this master. As his bedside companion, I will have a good life waiting for me.

When Xiren saw Baoyu wearing this exquisite and gorgeous red clothes, she was still unconvinced and put a thin layer of powder on his face.

When Lady Jia saw this, she did not object, but said that it looked more energetic this way.

In this day and age, it is elegant and fashionable for rich and powerful people to wear flowers in their hair and apply powder on their faces.

Baoyu was much more skilled in applying makeup than any other man. When he saw Xiren putting on makeup, he forgot his discomfort.

I went to the bookshelf and got a box of rose-steamed cream, then applied some on my lips. I felt the fragrance was sweet and mellow, and I felt even more elegant and refined.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall.

Lin Zhixiao and his wife followed Madam Wang's instructions and brought a large number of servants to make arrangements. In less than an hour, they had made all the places where the angel's decree passed look brand new.

Everywhere was decorated with lights and colorful lanterns, and everyone was in high spirits. Mrs. Wang had already put on a full set of imperial attire and was escorted by her maid to various places to see for herself. She was also very satisfied.

The fifth-rank imperial robe she was wearing was unusually gorgeous today, and the pearl crown on her head sparkled in the sun, seeming to blind people, as if the fifth-rank imperial robe had become a second-rank robe.

But Jia Zheng frowned and said that he shouldn't be so ostentatious.

While the two were talking, a servant outside came to report that the eunuch who was delivering the imperial edict from the palace, along with officials from the Ministry of Clan Affairs and the Ministry of Rites, had entered the palace and were now heading towards the ceremonial gate.

Mrs. Wang was overjoyed when she heard this, and hurried back to Rong Xi Tang to make arrangements. She asked the maid to call Lady Jia and Baoyu, and asked a capable servant to accompany Jia Zheng to welcome the heavenly official who delivered the imperial edict.

For a moment, there seemed to be a huge joy bursting out, and the group of people were a little flustered.

Because Li Wan and Tanchun did not have imperial edicts and one was a widow while the other was in the boudoir, they were not allowed to enter Rong Xi Tang to receive the emperor's order. They had to wait in a side hall.

Wang Xifeng also brought Ping'er here. Although she no longer takes charge of things, she is still the eldest daughter-in-law of the eldest son after all. She must show up in such occasions, otherwise she will appear too cold and will inevitably attract gossip.

Moreover, she is a married woman, not a widow. Unlike Li Wan and Tanchun, she does not have all kinds of concerns. She can wait outside Rong Xi Hall and show up to help when something happens.

After a while, Jia Zheng brought three officials to Rongxi Hall to announce the imperial edict.

The one walking in front was the Deputy Chief Eunuch Guo Lin, the other was Liu Shuyou, a fifth-rank official from the Ministry of Clan Affairs, and the last one was Zhang Zhenghe, a fifth-rank official from the Ministry of Rites.

These three men were followed by five or six officials, making a crowd of eight or nine people, looking quite imposing.

At this time, Lady Jia, Mrs. Wang, Baoyu and others were already waiting in the hall.

When Lady Jia saw that the eunuch who announced the decree was actually Guo Lin, the deputy chief eunuch of the imperial palace, she was also surprised.

Grandmother Jia knew Guo Lin because two years ago Guo Lin came to the Jia Mansion and announced the imperial decree to confer an eighth-rank official title on Jia Cong, thus she knew his identity and background.

Grandmother Jia never expected that her son, who was merely an heir to a noble title, would be so valued by the current emperor.

Not only did they send officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Clan Affairs to the scene, they also sent the deputy chief eunuch of the palace to announce the decree, which was really a great honor.

Guo Lin brought Liu Shuyou and Zhang Zhenghe into Rong Xi Hall. He glanced around the hall, seemingly ignoring the eager and excited gazes of Lady Jia, Mrs. Wang and others.

He didn't see the person he wanted to see, so he frowned and asked, "The palace issued an imperial decree today, why didn't Weiyuan Marquis Jia Cong come?"

When Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang heard this, they were both stunned.

Only then did Grandmother Jia realize that Jia Cong was not in the hall. Although the second branch had received an imperial decree to inherit the title, she felt that it didn't matter whether Jia Cong was there or not. However, her grandson was an earl, so it was good for him to come out and save the occasion.

Mrs. Wang naturally knew why Jia Cong was not there. Tanchun had mentioned notifying Jia Cong to receive the imperial edict together, but she was too proud and did not allow anyone to notify Jia Cong.

She really didn't expect that the eunuch who announced the decree was so strange. In order to confer the title on the master, he insisted on bringing the kid from the East Palace along. What did this mean?

Jia Zheng was also puzzled. His wife was also a person without rules. When the family received an imperial decree, why didn't she call Cong, who was of such a high position, over earlier to keep order?

Guo Lin saw that none of the Jia family members responded to his question, so his face darkened and he said, "I'm asking a question, but the auspicious time for the imperial edict is approaching, why hasn't Earl Weiyuan arrived?"

After Guo Lin's repeated questioning, both Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang realized that something was wrong. Mrs. Wang's face turned slightly pale, and she suddenly had a bad premonition in her heart.

Grandmother Jia asked Mrs. Wang, "Have you sent anyone to the East Palace to inform Cong-ge'er?"

Mrs. Wang's face had turned pale and she could not utter a word. Grandmother Jia's brows suddenly furrowed.

At this time, except for Jia Zheng and Baoyu, everyone in Rong Xi Tang was not stupid, and they could not understand the meaning of it.
Guo Lin looked at Madam Wang, who was wearing a formal attire and had carefully applied makeup on her face. The old eunuch's mind was as clear as a mirror, and he almost sneered out loud.

Seeing Baoyu in red clothes, with powder on his face and rouge on his lips, even though Guo Lin was a castrated man, he still frowned when he saw him.

At this time, Wang Xifeng, who had been waiting outside Rong Xi Hall, had already heard clearly Guo Lin's questioning in the hall, as well as Mrs. Wang's speechless boredom and embarrassment.

With Wang Xifeng's devilishly shrewd character, she could not guess the reason behind the incident, but she had no time to blame her aunt for being confused.

There was only one thing lingering in his mind: why did the eunuch in the palace who delivered the imperial edict insist that the third brother Cong come to receive the edict? Could it be that this imperial edict was related to the third brother Cong?

When Wang Xifeng thought about this, her heart couldn't help but beat wildly. She suddenly thought of a possibility and felt strangely surprised, but she was not sure because it was too absurd.

Her voice was slightly trembling as she said to Ping'er beside her, "Ping'er, go to the East Palace right away and ask your Third Master to come over to receive the decree. Be quick!"

At this time, Jia Zheng also ordered Lin Zhixiao to go to the East Palace immediately to call Jia Cong over, and several groups of people around Rong Xi Tang hurried to the East Palace.

In Rongxi Hall, Grandmother Jia looked at Guo Lin with a somewhat cold and disdainful expression, as well as the fact that he had just twice questioned why Jia Cong was not present, as if she would not announce the decree unless Jia Cong was present.

Grandmother Jia was also a worldly-wise person. She could not help but anticipate what was happening today and was afraid that something big would go wrong. She looked at Baoyu, who was dressed in red, beside her. Her old face turned pale and her heart sank.

Could it be that the grandson of Dongfu is really a madman? He can cause trouble even at such a critical moment...

Mrs. Wang's face was ashen and her legs were weak. She could only stand firmly by exerting herself.

Ever since she received the message from the Ministry of Rites, she has been overwhelmed by exploding joy.

Now this joy is gradually being swallowed up by a huge void of confusion...

……

Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

Today, Jia Cong's thoughts were flowing smoothly. He wrote the contemporary essay proposed by Liu Jing'an from the introduction, continuation, origin and other sections with unstoppable momentum and great flow.

He kept writing furiously until he reached the summary and conclusion of the contemporary essay, and he felt as if he had finished it in one stroke.

Reading and writing have always been a process of quantitative change to qualitative change. Once the accumulation and contemplation have reached a certain level, there will be a sense of entering a new world.

After finishing this article, Jia Cong was delighted, feeling that his writing skills for the imperial examination had reached an unprecedented level.

If he could break through such barriers a few more times before the imperial examination, he believed that his imperial examination might not be just a formality to gain the title of Jinshi.

Yinglian saw Jia Cong browsing the ink-stained manuscript paper with a look of satisfaction on his face, and knew that he had finished the article at hand.

Yinglian smiled sweetly and praised generously, "Young Master is getting better and better now, and he writes faster and faster."

She seemed to feel that verbal praise was not enough, and she took a sugar-roasted chestnut from the basin and stuffed it into Jia Cong's mouth.

Outside the study, in the main hall, Yingchun smiled as she made her last move. Xiangyun could only admit defeat with regret, shaking her head mischievously, saying, "One careless move, and the whole game is lost."

At this time, everyone saw Ping'er running into the yard in a hurry. Maybe she walked too fast, and her pretty face was flushed with two blushes.

She entered the main hall without even having time to greet Daiyu and others, and went straight to Jia Cong's study.

Jia Cong put down the manuscript paper and was sharing the pot of soft, sweet and fragrant sugar-roasted chestnuts with Yinglian.

Seeing Ping'er coming in hurriedly, Jia Cong said with a smile: "Sister Ping'er, how come you have time to come here?"

Ping'er said, "Third Master, the palace eunuchs are bringing officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Clan Court to the West Mansion to deliver the imperial edict. Second Madam asked me to ask Third Master to come over quickly!"

Jia Cong was shocked when he heard this. He had not been to the West Palace all day. His sisters had gone there to pay their respects early in the morning and returned to the East Palace early. No one came to deliver the message, so naturally he knew nothing about the imperial edict.

Seeing Ping'er's hurried movements, he thought it must be because Wang Xifeng was urging her to do it.

After a while, Lin Zhixiao's wife also came over to invite them, saying that it was the Second Master's order, asking the Third Master to come over to receive the order.

When Jia Cong saw two groups of people coming to urge him, he felt that something was unusual.

At this time, the sisters in the main room were also alarmed. Jia Cong hurriedly changed his clothes and followed Ping'er straight to the West Mansion.

Zhishao and Wu'er were worried, so they followed him to the West Mansion. (End of this chapter)