Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The fourteenth year of Jiazhao, New Year’s Eve.

Earl's Mansion, Daiyu Courtyard.

It was still dark outside, the eaves were reflecting the dark blue clouds, the sound of firecrackers came from far and near, lingering over the courtyard, and the New Year atmosphere became increasingly strong.

Candles had been lit in Daiyu's room since early morning. The bright yellow light flickered and illuminated the whole room.

The room was filled with a soft glow, with a graceful figure moving about. The air was filled with the faint fragrance of the daughter's make-up from when she got up in the morning, which was so sweet that it penetrated the nose and touched the heart.

Daiyu was wearing a long gown with light gold and pink flowers scattered on it, and a pink horse-faced skirt. She had a slender waist that could be held in one hand, a graceful figure, slightly frowned eyebrows, beautiful eyes, and a rosy face. She was extremely charming and pretty.

On the desk in front of her were several piles of gifts, including stationery paper and pens, round fans and paper umbrellas, seal stones and inkstones, incense sticks and jade pendants, and stone table screens, all of which were full of the elegant charm of the Jiangnan region.

In addition, there were two boxes of high-quality Yangzhou green salt, and two boxes of rouge, powder, handkerchiefs, hairpins and other boudoir items from the Jiangnan Jinfeng Pavilion.

The Lin family of Suzhou is a family of marquises for five generations. By the time of Lin Ruhai, there was only one direct descendant, Lin Daiyu, his only daughter. All the wealth accumulated by the Lin family for generations belonged to Lin Ruhai alone.

Therefore, this chief salt inspector of Lianghuai was not just a lofty figure who lived on his official salary. His family assets were quite rich and wealthy. Although not as rich as the four great families in Jinling, the gap was not far behind.

Because Jia Min passed away, the Lin family no longer had any legitimate female relatives to raise, and the salt inspection was also risky.

Daiyu was sent to her grandmother's care for upbringing, because Grandmother Jia was a high-ranking lady of the Great Zhou Dynasty and had a noble status, which could alleviate the shadow of Daiyu's mother's death and serve as a respectful endorsement for her future marriage.

Every year on Daiyu's birthday or the New Year, Lin Ruhai would ask his concubine Chen to prepare gifts and send them to his daughter, so that she could use the old things from Jiangnan for herself, and also give them to relatives and friends as a sign of respect.

The Lin family's New Year gifts were also delivered on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month. Yesterday, Daiyu personally delivered the gifts for Lady Jia, her two aunts, Wang Xifeng, and Li Wan.

I got up early today and started to sort out the gifts for the sisters in the garden.

She pointed at the gifts piled up on the desk and divided them up, saying, "This is for elder sister Yingchun, for younger sister Tanchun, for elder sister Bao, for younger sister Xichun, and for cousin Xiuyan.

Keep this for Yun girl for now and give it to her when she comes.

The last one is for Baoyu, Zijuan, Xueyan, you guys help me deliver it to the East Mansion first and then the West Mansion."

She turned her head and looked at another pile of gifts that had been placed on the embroidered bed. There were obviously more gifts, and there was a small box next to the embroidered bed.

She said, "I will deliver Third Brother's share myself, and ask a strong maid to help me carry the box, which contains the rouge and powder from the Golden Phoenix Pavilion.

It is for Sister Zhishao, Wuer, Qingwen, Yinglian, Lingguan and other girls in Third Brother's room."

Zijuan smiled and said, "Miss, you love the house and the people in it, and you even take care of the girl in the Third Master's room. It's just that you are too partial to her and don't leave any for us."

Daiyu blushed and said angrily, "You are the only one who talks too much. There is another box over there. I'll give it to you. Let's see when you can finish it."

Daiyu ignored Zijuan's giggles and picked up the pile of gifts on the bed and left the room. Zijuan hurriedly called the maid outside and picked up the box to follow her.

……

Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

Daiyu entered Jia Cong's courtyard. Wu'er went to the West Mansion early in the morning to help Wang Xifeng and Ping'er take care of various chores in the West Mansion on New Year's Eve. Zhishao went to Muni Courtyard to stay up with her master yesterday and had not returned home early this morning.

Daiyu met Qingwen and Yinglian and handed over the box of gifts to them. Everyone thanked her happily, and Daiyu went to Jia Cong's study alone.

Lingguan followed behind and said, "Miss Lin, the Third Master went to Rongqing Hall to meet guests early in the morning. I went over to take a look. It was said that the young lady came to give a gift."

When Daiyu entered Jia Cong's study, she saw a wooden box on the desk. It didn't look like something Jia Cong used for reading, so she took a look out of curiosity.

I saw a long gown, a pair of cotton shoes, and a light blue Xue Tao paper neatly placed in the wooden box.

Daiyu was well-read and fond of literature. She picked up the Xue Tao paper out of curiosity and saw the words written on it: The smoke in the deep alley makes me think of the fleeting life, the spring water in the river makes me complain about separation.

Lingguan, who was standing behind him, saw this scene and couldn't help but stick out her tongue, then left the study.

Yesterday, the Third Master received the gift sent from Gusu. He went back to his study and fiddled with it for a long time. He was also in a daze for a long time. I guess he missed Sister Min'er too.

Maybe the Third Master didn’t pack up his things last night, and he went to the West Mansion early this morning, so Yinglian didn’t have time to go into the study to pack up...

……

Early this morning, several sisters-in-law from the eight families in Shenjing who were of the same generation as Lady Jia came to Rongqing Hall to greet and sit around. Because of the seniority, Lady Jia asked Jia Cong, the new head of the family, to come over and show his face.

Ever since he inherited the title of Rong, the annual etiquette has become complicated. Originally, it would only take Jia Zheng to come forward, but now Jia Cong can't avoid it.

Although he felt somewhat helpless, he could not disrespect the clan etiquette. After he finished his socializing, he returned to the East Palace alone and did not meet Lingguan who went to the West Palace to look for him.

When he entered the study, he saw Daiyu sitting at her desk, holding a light blue Xue Tao paper in her hand, turning it over and over again to look at it carefully.

When she saw Jia Cong coming in, she subconsciously hid the Xue Tao letter behind her.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Sister, what good things have you hidden? Take them out and show them to me."

Daiyu pursed her lips slightly, bit her lips, took out the Xue Tao letter from behind her, and said, "I didn't peek at your things, you just put it on the table.

"Third brother, you shouldn't keep such a good thing hidden away, lest others see it, humph!"

Jia Cong forced a smile and said, "Sister, you are joking again. It's just a piece of paper with words written on it. How can it be considered a good thing? If you like, you can let me write as much as you want."

Daiyu blinked her eyes and said, "The handwriting is beautiful and neat, and it took some effort. I think the sister who wrote it must be the daughter of an official."

What Daiyu said was indeed true. In today's world, any woman who could read and write and had good handwriting was most likely to come from a family of officials, with very few exceptions.

Daiyu looked at the Xue Tao paper in her hand, her eyes slightly turned, and she said: "This Xue Tao paper also looks familiar, the paper is soft but tough, not easy to damage, and there is a plum blossom mark on the lower right corner of each sheet.

This is the Xue Tao paper produced by Rongbaozhai in Suzhou. Other companies do not have such a mark. I am from Suzhou, and my family has been using Rongbaozhai paper since I was a child.

Since I was a child, I have often used the Xue Tao paper produced by Rongbaozhai to write calligraphy and poems. Every year, the New Year gifts that Aunt Chen sent from the south were including Xue Tao paper produced by Rongbaozhai.

Daiyu pointed to the gift she had just brought and said, "This New Year gift I gave you includes this kind of Xue Tao paper, which I am very familiar with.

I guess this sister who is writing is not only a daughter of an official, but also lives in Jiangnan, maybe even in Suzhou.

Third brother, do you think my guess is correct?"

Jia Cong looked a little embarrassed and said, "Sister Lin, girls don't need to be so smart."

Daiyu tilted her head slightly, snorted, and said, "I said that Third Brother had learned bad things when he went to Jiangnan this time, and it turned out to be true. In addition to Miss Zhen San, he actually met other confidantes.

It's so good, but you didn't tell your sister about it when you got home. "

Jia Cong felt strange after hearing this. How could such a thing be considered rare...?
Daiyu looked up and said, "Third brother, we sisters usually stay at home and never step out of the house. We love to hear about the strange things happening outside. If you have such good news, you must tell me about it.

At most, I promise not to be petty and not to interrupt Third Brother."

Jia Cong looked at Daiyu with some doubt and said, "Sister, are you trying to coax me and trick me?"

Daiyu chuckled, then said seriously, "I don't want to coax you. It's always my third brother who coaxes me, and it's you who did it."

Jia Cong knew that he would have to hide this matter from Daiyu sooner or later. Although she was gentle and considerate to him, she could not hide her pride in her bones. Since he had seen the clues, it would be best to tell her.

He said, "I just met someone. If you want to hear it, I'll tell you, but don't get angry about it."

Daiyu nodded and said, "Okay, I'll do as you say. I won't get upset."

Jia Cong sat down next to Daiyu and told her the whole story between him and Zou Min'er.

He even did not hide from Daiyu the fact that Zou Min'er faked her death to escape from the lowly status of the Imperial Chariot Department and the Imperial Music Bureau, and lived in seclusion in Suzhou from then on.

Of course, such romantic affairs as undressing and wiping Zou Miner's body, changing her dressings and dressing her, and carrying her in and out were naturally written in the style of the Spring and Autumn Period, with no trace of deletions.

It's not that Jia Cong feels guilty, but once he says something like this, he can never explain it clearly. Daiyu will be embarrassed and will definitely be ashamed and angry, and may even turn hostile...

To say in front of a girl that you had physical contact with another woman is not honesty or frankness, it is probably stupidity...

Jia Cong seems to have magnified the girls' jealousy and ignored their overflowing sympathy.

After hearing about Zou Min'er's experience, Daiyu not only did not lose her temper, but instead she burst into tears and felt quite sympathetic towards Zou Min'er's situation, which made Jia Cong feel a little warm.

Daiyu sighed, "Miss Zou has suffered so much. If it were me, I probably wouldn't be able to survive.

Compared to Miss Zou, we sisters are much luckier. We live in wealth and peace every day, and we can always talk to our third brother and keep him company."

Daiyu suddenly realized what was happening, frowned, and said, "Third brother, do you like Miss Zou? I think she must have given up on you.

You said that you messed around as soon as you went out, and owed so many debts. I wonder how you will end up in the future, hum!" Jia Cong smiled bitterly and said, "My dear sister, didn't you just say that you won't get angry? You can't go back on your word."

Daiyu said unconvincedly, "I'm not angry at all. Third brother, don't call me good sister from now on. Otherwise, when you call me good sister, I'm afraid I don't know who you are thinking of in your heart."

Jia Cong: “…….”

Daiyu stood up and was about to leave. Jia Cong said, "Sister, why are you leaving now? Stay and talk with me. Or should I accompany you to visit the garden?"

Daiyu said, "I am a little tired. I will go back and lie down so that I can stay up late to celebrate the New Year. If I don't have energy, my grandmother will worry about me."

She walked to the door and turned back to say, "Third brother, I'm not being petty. I always keep my word."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I'll go back with my sister."

Before Jia Cong finished speaking, Daiyu had already walked out of the room and disappeared into the distance.

Jia Cong knew that although she always said that she would not lose her temper, she still felt a little uncomfortable after hearing about Zou Miner's story, which was understandable.

Jia Cong waited until Daiyu left, thought for a while, and then took out the sachet that Daiyu had given him, on which was embroidered a pattern of a stone bridge, bright moon and red plum blossoms by Daiyu.

He carefully copied the pattern on the sachet on rice paper, wrote another letter, put the image and letter into an envelope, and stuffed a silver note inside.

He called Qingwen and said, "Have someone pass this letter to the outer courtyard and give it to Jiang Liu, and have him take the letter to Yongjinzhai in the east of the city to find Manager Hong.

Just tell him that it is something I have asked him to do, and ask him to work hard today and make sure it is done before midnight, and send the women to deliver it to the inner courtyard."

Qingwen was confused when she heard this, but she didn't ask any more questions and just passed on the message as it was.

……

Suzhou, Heguangfang.

In a unique courtyard at the end of the alley, the deep winter sunshine is dazzling and bright, full of gentle and peaceful charm.
Zou Min'er was wearing a cloth gown, with her long hair tied into a pretty bun. The gold hairpin with a plum blossom pattern and kingfisher feathers on her head shone brightly under the sun.

She saw that the sycamore tree in the yard had shed only a few leaves, so she picked up a broom and swept away the fallen leaves.

Her bright eyes looked towards the gate subconsciously. When Jia Cong came in that time, she was also sweeping the fallen leaves in the yard. Several months had passed in the blink of an eye.

In fact, not much time had passed after Jia Cong left, but she felt it was unusually long, as if she had spent a very long time in the small courtyard...

Her hands were smooth and her hair was fluttering. She grasped the handle of the broom in her hand and looked at the black-oiled courtyard door. An illusion filled her heart, as if Jia Cong would push the door open in the next moment.

At this moment, someone suddenly knocked on the door. Zou Min'er felt strange and her heart was beating violently.

Shuanghe, the maid who was working in the kitchen, hurried to the gate, took a look through the crack in the door, and then opened it.

A middle-aged woman came in, holding a vermilion wooden box in her hand.

Zou Miner was very disappointed, but then she thought that she was also crazy. Why did he come at this time?

Shuang He obviously knew this woman, and said with a smile: "Auntie Zhou, today is New Year's Eve, how come you have time to come here?"

Aunt Zhou smiled and said, "I got instructions from the shopkeeper. He said that he received a letter from a nobleman in Shenjing a few days ago, asking the company to prepare a New Year gift for Miss Zhou according to his wishes, and also to pass on a letter."

When Zou Miner heard the news from the capital, joy appeared on her pretty face.

Shuangxi took the wooden box from the old woman, thanked her, closed the courtyard door, and said with joy: "Miss, there is a letter from the capital. Is it a New Year gift from the young master?"

Zou Miner smiled slightly, like a rare flower blooming, clear and dazzling.

She took the wooden box, placed it on the stone table in the yard, and opened it carefully. The wooden box was exquisitely designed and divided into several sections, all covered with scarlet velvet.

There was a phoenix hairpin, a pair of earrings, and a pair of jade bracelets, all of which were exquisite in style and dazzling in brilliance. There were also rouge, powder, and other high-quality boudoir items, which looked very luxurious and festive.

However, Zou Min'er's attention was only attracted by a letter in the box. On the letter were written the words "Min'er personally written". Zou Min'er could see that it was Jia Cong's handwriting.

This was his handwritten letter. I don't know if it was sent by flying feathers or if it had been sent from the capital long ago and not delivered to Gusu until New Year's Eve.

Zou Miner unfolded the letter. When she was in Jinling Qingyin Pavilion, she discussed the affairs of Zhou Zhengyang with Jia Cong every day and was already very familiar with his handwriting.

Now when I see the familiar font again, my heart can't help but beat faster.

The letter was full of ordinary things. He described how he was now at home in mourning, and all the daily chores such as living and studying. It was very detailed and patient, and he wrote nearly ten pages of letter paper.

Zou Min'er could even imagine from the lines how Jia Cong lived in his mansion. She felt warm in her heart as she read the thick letter.

In fact, whether from rumors or from Gusu Xinchunhao, Zou Miner knew that after Jia Cong returned to Beijing, many major events happened, with ups and downs, glory and splendor, which were dazzling.

First, the emperor granted her marriage, then he withdrew the decree due to her father's death, and then, with a twist of fate, she unexpectedly obtained the honor of having two titles in one and became the head of the Rongguo Mansion in Shenjing. Everything seemed incredible.

Perhaps he was born with this character, and no matter where he goes, he will stir up a lot of trouble.

However, Zou Min'er has experienced life and death, honor and disgrace, love and hate, and faked her death and lived in seclusion, and now lives a peaceful and tranquil life.

What she wanted to know most was not his dazzling brilliance, but the leisurely and quiet moments in his daily life after he took off his fancy clothes, just like the present time, as if he had always been by her side.

She didn't know whether Jia Cong wrote such a letter to her because they had an unintentional connection with each other or because he saw through her feelings. No matter which one it was, she was very happy.

Shuanghe, the maid next to her, had followed Zou Min'er for so long that she already knew that all the information from Shenjing was related to the young master who stayed overnight at her house that day.

Zou Min'er did not tell Shuanghe Jia Cong's name and identity, but Shuanghe knew that the young lady had a close relationship with that man and that man was the most important person to the young lady.

Shuang He saw Zou Min'er's pretty face blushing, and said, "Miss, look at how beautiful the New Year gift the young master sent you is. Miss, you are so happy after reading his letter. If the young master came to see you often, wouldn't it be great?"

Zou Miner said softly: "Shuanghe, not everything in the world can go as planned. People are bound by fate. Some people can help each other, while others are destined to be forgotten.

Some things, as long as they have existed, are good enough... "

The little maid Shuanghe was totally confused and had no idea what the young lady meant.

……

Jinling, Yuminfang, Quzhai.

On New Year's Eve, the whole city of Jinling was bustling with noise, and the sound of firecrackers heralded the passing of the old year.

The small courtyard with three entrances is also decorated with lights and colorful lanterns, and the atmosphere of New Year is everywhere.

At sunset, red candles were burning brightly in the main room of the inner courtyard. Two boxes were placed on the ground, and various gifts for girls were neatly stacked inside. These were the New Year gifts that Jia Cong had sent from the capital.

Qin Keqing grew up in Shenjing, and Qu Hongxiu also lived in Shenjing for a long time. These gifts are all exquisite items from famous shops in Shenjing. Jia Cong asked Wu'er to buy them in advance just after the twelfth lunar month.

This main house in the inner courtyard was originally where Jia Cong lived, but now Qu Hongxiu and Keqing have set up a table in the house, drinking from each other and chatting to celebrate the New Year.

In the yard, Baozhu was playing with firecrackers like a tomboy, scaring Ruizhu who was watching the fun and making her scream continuously.

The noisy sounds entered the house, dispelling some of the loneliness in the two people's hearts and bringing a lot of home warmth.

Keqing said, "Sister Xiu, Brother Cong can really stir up trouble wherever he goes. Although the marriage proposal didn't come through, he has the honor of having two titles in one body, which is really a great thing."

Qu Hongxiu's heart was slightly moved when he heard this, and he suddenly remembered the portrait he had collected, and said, "His pomp is getting bigger and bigger. I would rather he be mediocre, and it would be best if he was a rich man."

Qin Keqing disagreed. Coming from a family of officials, she naturally hoped that her lover would succeed in the imperial examinations and have a successful career.

He laughed and said, "Sister Xiu, why do you think differently from others? A man's goal in life is to have a career and achievements. Others want to be like Brother Cong, but they don't have what he has."

Qu Hongxiu heard Keqing's words full of pride, but said: "At the beginning, he was just an earl, but he made a fuss and asked the palace to grant him a marriage. Now he has two titles in one body, and he will definitely make more trouble in the future.

If you wait in Jinling, there will be no hope for you."

After hearing this, Keqing's pretty face turned red, and it was unclear whether it was because of the alcohol or because of Qu Hongxiu's teasing.

She said with a slight frown: "Don't just say this to me, save it for yourself too. Now Brother Cong has to observe the mourning period for three years. At least nothing will happen in the next three years."

Qu Hongxiu laughed and scolded: "I think you have been coaxed too much by Brother Cong and have become stupid. If he wants to cause trouble, does he have to get married? Look at how many pretty girls he has kept around him.

He will be fifteen next year, do you think he will act up?
No, I want to write him a letter, telling him that my old Qu family's Kung Fu has other secrets and that he needs to build his foundation for another two years before he can be truly stable."

Keqing was slightly stunned when she heard this. After holding it in for a while, she couldn't help laughing out loud. Her laughter was uncontrollable and her whole body was shaking like a flower branch. Finally, she fell on the table with laughter.

Qu Hongxiu also held back his laughter and said, "Hey, what are you laughing at? You must be eager for me to write this letter..." (End of this chapter)