Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Chapter 533: Spring Warmth Daughter's Fragrance

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

In February, the capital city is still bitterly cold.

After finishing his morning homework, Jia Cong had lunch in the yard, took a few walks, and then returned to the study to get his notes from the previous few days and studied them carefully.

Yinglian was wearing a rose-red printed double-breasted long jacket, a light blue cross-collared lining, and a light blue long skirt embroidered with magnolia branches. She followed Jia Cong into the study.

With a slightly tired look on her face, she rubbed her eyes, made a cup of light tea for Jia Cong to moisten his mouth and help him digest food, and then found a book to read while sitting next to him.

For the first three days, Jia Cong lived in Liu's house on Luocang Mountain, where Liu Jing'an reviewed and commented on his recent essays and policy papers one by one, and gave guidance and comments on the weak points.

The notes in his hand were an excerpt of his thoughts from the past three days. He carefully read through the contents of the notes, comparing and pondering them, and became more and more in harmony with his mind and spirit.

Since living in the palace in mourning, after several months of devoted study, and with the guidance of great Confucian masters like Liu Jing'an, I feel that I have become more knowledgeable and insightful in my studies.

The afternoon sun was unusually warm, shining warmly on people's bodies. He smelled the sweet fragrance of Yinglian beside him, and suddenly felt his shoulders sink slightly.

Glancing sideways, he saw Yinglian leaning her head on his shoulder, the book still in her hands, her eyes hazy and drowsy.

She was at an age when she was very sleepy. She had just finished lunch and her blood circulation was sluggish, but she didn't want to take a nap, so when she was warmed by the afternoon sun, she fell into a deep sleep.

The afternoon sun was bright, shining on Yinglian's delicate and fair face. The rouge mole between her eyebrows was rosy and translucent, her black eyelashes were slightly curled, and her lips were pink, delicate, and lovely.

The graceful and exquisite body exuded a lazy and innocent aura, with a delicate and attractive affinity, which made Jia Cong feel unusually peaceful and gentle.

These days he went to Liu's house in Luocang Mountain and only brought Yinglian with him. He went to class with Liu Jing'an, and Yinglian stayed with him at Liu's house for three days.

She got up early to wash and comb her hair, and studied with her teacher at night. She did all the daily chores of the maids by herself. It was better than studying hard with Liu Jing'an, but it was not much easier.

Jia Cong has been practicing martial arts with Qu Hongxiu since he was a child to strengthen his body, so naturally he has no taboos. Yinglian is a weak woman, and she can't stand it.

I returned to the East Palace last night and got up with Jia Cong early this morning. I was probably very sleep-deprived.

Jia Cong did not disturb her, but just lowered his arm slightly to let her lean more comfortably, and continued to flip through the notes in his hand.

After waiting for a long time, Jia Cong saw Yinglian breathing heavily and actually sleeping quite comfortably.

He stretched out his arms to relieve the numbness in his shoulders, then wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her against his chest, making both of them feel more comfortable.

I wanted to continue reading the notes in my hand, but I felt so soft and fragrant, and I just didn't have the concentration to do so.

He took a sip of the light tea in front of him, and felt the warm and soothing afternoon sun. Through the window in front of the desk, he saw that the winter bleakness in the yard had gradually faded away and the charm of spring began to show.

Qingwen was sitting on the veranda, embroidering a hibiscus flower on a snow-melt silk handkerchief with fine stitching skills. Zhishao was sitting beside her, watching with great interest.

Under the shade of the tree at the eaves, Lingguan was loosening the soil in two flower pots that were sprouting spring buds, while Douguan was sweeping the dead leaves on the ground with a broom. From time to time, she waved the broom, kicked her legs, walked, and sang some clown poses to amuse herself.

Although winter is not over yet, the yard is already full of spring vitality...

……

Starting from February of the fifteenth year of Jiazhao, students who were taking the imperial examinations from all over the country gathered in the capital city to study hard for many years and strive for a promising official career.

In the teahouses and restaurants on the streets of Shenjing, one could often see scholars wearing green robes and Confucian scarves, walking in groups of three or five, drinking and chatting. Some wore simple clothes, while others wore gorgeous ornaments.

These ambitious imperial examination candidates from all over the country added a strong literary and scholarly atmosphere to the magnificent and prosperous city of Shenjing.

Anyone who passed the imperial examination and became a juren was considered to be one of the best among the scholars.

Even if one never becomes a Jinshi in his lifetime, he can still become a famous local gentry. Through the tax exemption for scholars and the donation of land by common people, he can become a wealthy man.

If a juren fails in the imperial examination, he still has the opportunity to become an official. He can be selected as a low-level official or a government official. If he is lucky, he can even be appointed as a seventh-rank county magistrate.

However, due to his status as a juren, even if he was granted a low-level official position, he would have no chance for promotion. If he wanted to make further progress in his official career, he could only become a scholar.

Therefore, for every candidate who came to Beijing to take the imperial examination, although the examination was extremely dangerous, the goal of each of them was to pass the imperial examination and thereby enter the officialdom.

When the imperial examination reaches the stage of the joint examination, what is involved is not only one's own future, but also the future of a family, a place, or even a faction.

If one person passes the imperial examination, the whole family, clan, and village will all be honored and respected, and even the whole family will benefit.

And the fellow villagers, teachers, and peers standing behind him will also gain more wings and extend their influence to the court, which will add new strength to his game of commerce in the world...

……

In each spring examination, there are thousands of candidates from all over the country who come to Beijing to take the exam, but only a very small number of them can finally rank among the top three.

This is a test of the times that is more brutal than the academy examination and the provincial examination. All candidates will do everything they can, give their all, and even resort to extreme means to win the ultimate glory in this imperial examination.

These candidates who were taking the imperial examinations had already begun the fierce competition for official careers and fame before the arrival of the spring examination, but the means and methods they adopted were different.

Some people, after arriving in Beijing, stayed at home and studied hard, hoping to gain fame and fortune through their real talents and knowledge.

After arriving in Beijing, some people would call their friends, pay a visit to high-ranking officials and celebrities, and try to get into the residences of examiners, both to increase their own reputation and to seek some opportunities to pass the imperial examinations...

The capital is included in Yongzhou. As the champion of Yongzhou's provincial examination, Jia Cong naturally attracted attention in this wave.

The previous time the imperial court selected the chief examiners for the spring examination, both Guo Youchang, the Grand Master of Rites, and Zheng Yan, the Junior Secretary of the Ministry of Rites, were unexpectedly eliminated, and the rumors surrounding the incident continue to this day.

Almost all the candidates who came to Beijing to take the imperial examinations had heard of this rumor. Because it involved the chief examiner of the Spring Examination and the winner of the previous Yongzhou County Examination, it immediately attracted the attention of all the candidates.

The trend of winning the first place in the imperial examination is always the most talked-about topic among the candidates.

Thus, with the invisible help of the enemy, he gained many dazzling halos, such as the blood of the Rong country, the talents of both civil and military affairs, the great literary achievements, the title of nobility after one battle, and the fame of his books and poems.

Jia Cong, the top scorer in the last Yongzhou County Examination, quickly became the focus of this spring's examination. Almost all the students who came to Beijing to take the examination focused their attention on the magnificent Earl's Mansion on Ningrong Street.

……

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion, West Corner Gate.

Three or four scholars in green robes and Confucian scarves gathered at the door, looking anxious.

One of them was a scholar in his twenties, with ordinary looks, a slender figure, a pair of lively and bright eyes, and quite a bit of spirit.

He looked at the tall and magnificent Earl's mansion and the plaque on the door of the Weiyuan Earl's Mansion with black background and gold characters, with envy and yearning in his eyes.

He said to his companions, "Brother Yichun, you and I both passed the provincial examination at the age of 20. Even in the Jiangnan area where the imperial examination was at its peak, we were both considered early achievers.

I heard that Jia Yuzhang is only fifteen this year, but he has already won the provincial examination, which is much better than us. It is really amazing. "

The student called Brother Yichun was also around twenty years old. He had a calm and composed expression and a scholarly air, which made him stand out among his peers.

He smiled and said: "This Jia Yuzhang was invited to the Nanxi Literary Society when he was ten years old, and he was able to write the line 'The cliff is a hundred feet of ice, but the flowers are still beautiful' at the meeting. His talent is outstanding and extraordinary.

When you and I were ten years old, we were still playing naughty games in the countryside, not to mention his later poems, each of which was enough to stand out in the literati circle and be remembered forever. It's not surprising that such a person passed the imperial examination at a young age.

It’s just that he has such a great talent for writing poetry, but he doesn’t seem to be very interested in it. Since he wrote those two new poems in Jinling, he hasn’t published any new works in two years. It’s a pity.”

The scholar, who had an ordinary appearance and a somewhat impatient temperament, walked back and forth twice at the west corner gate.

He said impatiently, "The family has taken our invitation in. It's been a long time, why is there still no movement?"

An older scholar who was traveling with him seemed to have seen the world. He stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Xiwen, please be patient. I heard that this Earl's Mansion was originally the Ningguo Duke's Mansion, and it is not like an ordinary family's mansion.

Moreover, this Duke Weiyuan inherited two mansions, and it is possible that he is in Rongguo Mansion today. The Duke's mansion has many doors and is large, so it takes some time to transmit information, which is also common sense. "The scholar named Xiwen was a little stunned after hearing his companion's words.

He murmured, "He really puts on a grand show. Yesterday, Prince Beijing's Palace held a literary gathering and invited guests to a banquet. Even in the palace, the people coming in and out were not as slow and cumbersome as here..."

The candidate named Yichun smiled and said, "You must come to see Jia Yuzhang. I told you that you would most likely not be able to see him. Now you believe me."

Na Xiwen said: "Although he is a duke of noble rank and a legitimate official, since he has passed the imperial examination, he is of the same year as us.

He can write beautiful poems and is well-educated. He is not so proud of his status that he would disdain to associate with common people like us. That would be too self-deprecating. "

Yichun smiled and said, "I'm not so proud of my status. When I arrived in Shenjing, I heard that although Weiyuan Bo was born into a duke family, he was poor when he was young, and everyone in the world knew it, so he is a bit eccentric.

It is said that apart from attending court and going to the government office, he seldom went out for social activities and banquets. He usually stayed at home and enjoyed himself.

We don't know him at all. Does he have to come out to meet us just based on a visiting card?

Now he is well-known among the candidates who have entered Beijing. In the past few days, many people have gone to Xiao's Bookstore on Wenhan Street to admire his calligraphy.

If this news spreads, I don't know how many candidates will follow suit and come to him to submit their applications. Will he meet them one by one? Will he be able to meet them all? I don't think he will open the door to this."

……

Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

The maid who delivered the message brought a few visiting cards into the yard and saw Zhishao and Qingwen fiddling with embroidery on the corridor.

The old woman was a servant that Qin Keqing had chosen for Jia Cong from Jiangnan. She was diligent and conscientious, and also smart and capable.

She knew that the girls in the master's courtyard were all very favored by the master and were destined to become masters in the future. The master's daily affairs were also taken care of by the girls.

He smiled and said, "How are the two young ladies? There are a few scholars outside who have sent invitations to visit you, Master. Can you please pass on a message to him?"

Qingwen took the note, opened it and read it, her little mouth curled up slightly, then passed it to Zhishao to read.

In recent years, the maids in the courtyard have all learned to read and write with Jia Cong. Although Qingwen is not as well-versed in literature as Zhishao and Yinglian, she has no problem recognizing words.

She said in a coquettish voice: "Sister Zhishao, look, it's those idle scholars again. Several groups of people have come here in the past few days. It's really annoying.

Didn't they come to Beijing to take the imperial examination? They didn't study seriously, but visited people here and there every day, and they didn't look shabby.

The Third Master is so knowledgeable, yet he still studies at home. Are they better at studying than him? They just wander around everywhere.

Also, the handwriting on this post is too sloppy, it’s all crooked and messy, it’s not as good as mine, Third Master taught me to write, but this is not the way.”

Zhishao suppressed her laughter and said, "You are such a sharp-tongued person, you should save your spit. They come to visit you and whether they meet you or not, they are guests anyway, and you still have to treat them like a guest.

You have only been writing for a few years, and you want to run before you have learned to walk. You want to write in twists and turns, but you are not even capable of it. You are such a fast talker that there is no cure for it."

Zhishao said to the old woman, "The Third Master has already given instructions in advance that since he is in mourning now, it is not appropriate for him to have noise or banquets. In addition, he has to study for the exam, so he refuses all outside visitors.

Just ask the outer courtyard manager to reply like this."

The old woman continued, "Young lady, the scholars who came to visit you today seem to have some background. It is said that one of them, Zhou Yingchen, was the first place winner in Hangzhou Prefecture..."

Qingwen looked a little proud and said, "Look at what you said, Auntie, Sister Zhishao said she's missing, isn't it clear?

The title of Jieyuan in other people's houses is considered a great honor, but it is not worth it in our house. Our third master is the Jieyuan in Yongzhou, which is much better than the Jieyuan in Hangzhou Prefecture..."

Seeing Qingwen talking so clearly, Zhishao was worried that she would say something strange again and embarrass the old woman who delivered the message, so she reached out and twisted her waist.

Qingwen let out a cry and stopped talking. She knew that she was a quick talker and sometimes said things without thinking. Zhishao was reminding herself.

Zhi Shao smiled and said, "Even if he is the top scholar, it doesn't matter. The Third Master doesn't see guests out of filial piety. Once you explain this, they are all scholars and they will definitely know it."

Qingwen couldn't help but say, "The Third Master is concentrating on his studies in the study room right now. He doesn't like to be disturbed by others, and even we don't easily go in..."

When Zhishao heard this, her face turned slightly red and she almost laughed out loud. She had just entered the main room to help Qingwen get the embroidery thread and saw what was happening in the study.

The Third Master was indeed reading a book, but he was dozing off with Yinglian in his arms...

……

Earl's Palace, West Corner Gate.

After hearing the reply from the outer courtyard manager, several candidates who had come to pay a visit had disappointment on their faces. However, they could not find any fault with the man's refusal to see visitors on the grounds of mourning for his father, which was a serious issue.

The country governs the world with filial piety, and scholars respect the teachings of sages, with filial piety being the top priority.

The scholar named Xiwen said to his brother Yichun, "Yichun, you, the champion of Hangzhou Prefecture, don't seem to have enough face. It's fine if you don't want to meet us, but you don't even have the dignity to do so."

Yichun laughed and said, "I am a champion in other places, but it is useless here. He is also a champion in Yongzhou, so we are even.

It doesn't matter if you haven't seen me. I'll invite you all to Chunhua Tower for a drink. After this trip, I won't go out easily. I'll work harder before the Spring Examination."

……

In Jia Cong's courtyard, Zhishao was learning the line embroidery technique from Qingwen when she saw Ping'er come into the courtyard and asked, "Sister Zhishao, is the Third Master in the courtyard?"

Zhishao replied, "The Third Master is reading in the study."

Ping'er replied, "I have something important to discuss with him." Then she went straight to the study.

Zhishao thought that Jia Cong was spending time with Yinglian. Although it was not a big deal for Yinglian, a little girl, to follow them around, it was still somewhat embarrassing to see them.

He hurried forward and said, "Sister Ping'er, you haven't been here for a while. Has the housework in the West Mansion been very busy recently?"

Ping Er heard Zhi Shao talking to her, so she naturally slowed down her pace and said with a smile: "Second Madam is pregnant now, we dare not let her worry anymore, so we just let her stay in charge.

I took over all the daily affairs myself. Although I am a little busier than before the New Year, fortunately, they are all things I am used to doing, and with my sister Wu Er helping me, I can handle it. "

Ping'er and Zhishao's crisp voices entered the study. Jia Cong's face froze slightly. He patted Yinglian in his arms and said, "I'm so sleepy. Let's go to the couch and sleep."

Yinglian raised her head, rubbed her eyes, and said with some embarrassment: "How could I fall asleep?"

Jia Cong was about to speak, but he saw Ping'er had already entered the study, followed by Zhishao.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "How come Sister Ping'er has time to come here?"

Ping Er smiled and replied, "I encountered something today. It's not a small matter. Second Madam couldn't make up her mind for the moment, so she asked me to ask Third Master's opinion."

Jia Cong was slightly stunned and said, "Second sister-in-law has been in charge of the affairs of the West Mansion for many years, how come she still can't make up her mind."

Ping Erh replied, “Because this matter only happens once every three years, not all year round, now that the Third Master has inherited the title and family property, the Master and the Madam have moved to the East Courtyard to live alone.

The situation at home is very different from previous years, so the scale of handling this matter cannot be generalized from the past, which is why Second Mistress is undecided. "

This matter concerns the eldest daughter in the palace. The second wife will follow the old practice and take out four thousand taels of silver from the West Palace to handle the eldest daughter's affairs.

Although the Third Master has inherited the title and family property of Rong State, it is a downgraded title. The family's property is 500 dan less than in previous years, and the annual income is also much less than in previous years.

At present, the annual income of the Rongguo Mansion is less than 20,000 taels, so they need to be careful with their daily budget to avoid deficits.

Four thousand taels at once is not a small amount, so grandma can't make a decision casually, and needs to listen to the third master's opinion. "

(End of this chapter)