Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Earl's Palace.

Baochai left Lixiang Courtyard, turned left and walked a little, and arrived at the wind and rain corridor between the east and west palaces.

The cymbals of the small gate of the east palace were struck twice, and the sound of copper and iron colliding made a clanging sound, and then the gatekeeper opened the small door.

Baochai often came and went every day. They all recognized her and welcomed her in with a smile.

Baochai knew that the old woman guarding the small door in the corridor was a smart servant of the East Palace, and that only the sisters in the family were allowed to pass. No one else would be allowed to pass at will.

Since Jia Cong inherited the Rongguo Mansion, although both the East and West Mansions were his properties, he still lived in the East Mansion, and the rules for entering and leaving the East Mansion were still strict.

A young man like Baoyu, who is good at treating girls as if they are made of water, cannot enter the inner courtyard of the East Palace as before.

Although Rongxi Hall in the West Mansion was also Jia Cong's official residence, he only arranged for his trusted maids to guard and clean it. Except for entertaining guests during the New Year holidays, he seldom stayed overnight there.

Baochai entered the back garden of the East Palace. Although it was still late winter, many of the plants in the garden were still withered and yellow, only the evergreen shrubs remained green.

The stone paths, corridors, rain pavilions, rockery, waterside pavilions, etc. that we passed by were all tidy and clean, and it was obvious that someone cleaned them regularly every day.

Baochai knew that the number of servants in the East Palace was far less than that in the West Palace, but the atmosphere inside and outside the East Palace was cleaner and more decent than that of the West Palace, making her feel safe and comfortable every time she stepped into the East Palace.

When she arrived at Yingchun's courtyard, it was unusually quiet. In the past, as soon as she entered the courtyard, she could usually hear Xiangyun's bright and cheerful voice.

Baochai asked the maid who was sweeping the yard, but she said that the eldest lady had wanted to pick up the third young lady today, but word came from the east courtyard that the third young lady had been feeling unwell for the past two days.

The eldest lady then took Miss Lin, Miss Shi and Miss Xing to visit the East Courtyard. The master of the second house had not visited the family since he moved to the East Courtyard, so it was a good opportunity to go over for a walk.

Baochai didn't expect to come here and find nothing. She was supposed to go visit Tanchun together, but she came a little late and missed the trip. Anyway, she wouldn't be needed anyway, so she decided to go another day.

He asked, "Will Brother Cong also come with us, or stay at home to study?"

The old woman replied, "The young master didn't go, he is still studying in his courtyard. He just asked the eldest lady to bring the third lady to stay for two days when she comes back.

It is more convenient to seek medical advice in the East Palace, and the famous doctors that the young master knows all know the routes to the East Palace."

Baochai smiled secretly in her heart. She knew that among the sisters, Jia Cong and Tanchun had been the closest since childhood. When Tanchun was not feeling well, he would always go to visit her.

Baochai had heard rumors about Chengjue's affair a few years ago and her aunt's behavior.

He must have been resentful of his aunt's behavior, so he was too lazy to go to see her. He himself was unwilling to go, so he found an excuse to move his third sister back, and he was unwilling to suffer any loss.

But he didn't know that his aunt came to Lixiang Garden today, so even if the Cong brothers went to the East Courtyard, they would not meet her in person.

Sister Tanchun is lucky to have a brother who protects her and cares for her.

When Baochai thought about this, she sighed in her heart. She did have a brother, and although he did care about her, his ideas were all unreasonable.

Moreover, this brother is always out there causing trouble, and I don't know when he will learn to restrain himself and improve himself. Compared with the sisters in the Jia family, I am much less fortunate.

I don't think about those unrealistic things. I just want to know that if one day he can show me more care and love as he does to his sister Tanchun, and we can get closer, I will be satisfied.

Baochai's mind was full of thoughts. The breeze in the garden was blowing gently. Her heart was filled with tender feelings, swaying with nowhere to rely on.

After leaving Yingchun's courtyard, he did not return to the West Mansion, but his footsteps had unknowingly led him to Jia Cong's courtyard.

……

When Baochai entered Jia Cong's courtyard, she saw that it was quiet inside and outside, and she knew the reason.

Because Jia Cong was studying for the imperial examination, the girls in his courtyard were very considerate and careful in their words and actions, fearing that they would make too much noise and disturb his concentration in studying.

As soon as she entered the yard, Si'er and Juan'er, who were wiping the railings of the porch, came over to greet her and then went in to report the news.

Baochai smiled and tried to stop him, saying, "I'm not a stranger, but I came here to walk around when I'm free, to take a look and talk, and then I'll leave. It's too noisy and it's disturbing your Third Master's reading. I can go in by myself."

As soon as she entered the main room, she saw Zhishao sitting in the sunny spot of the south window, sewing a soft silk lining.

Zhishao wore a long jacket embroidered with light purple chrysanthemums, a light yellow cross-collared lining, and a pink cotton brocade skirt.

She has green eyebrows, black hair, a slender back and waist, and is elegant and quiet. The afternoon sun shines on her, making her sparkle and shine, with an indescribable beauty.

Baochai asked with a smile, "Sister Zhishao, is Brother Cong studying inside? I came here to talk to my second sister, but they happened to be going to the East Courtyard, so I stopped by to take a walk."

Baochai knows that Zhishao is the girl closest to Jia Cong. She has grown up with Jia Cong through hardships and has always been the most valued by Jia Cong. The relationship between them is very different from that of others.

Since she was focused on Jia Cong, she naturally saw all these things. She was very close to Zhishao and never treated her as a maid.

Zhi Shao smiled and said, "Miss Bao is here. The Third Master has had his lunch and is now resting in the study. He is not reading. Miss Bao, please go in and talk."

Baochai said, "Since you are resting, I won't go in. Let's talk and I'll leave soon."

As the two were talking, Jia Cong's voice came from the study, asking, "Zhi Shao, who's outside?"

Zhishao smiled at Baochai and said, "I thought the Third Master was just resting his mind. He heard everything the young lady said. It would be better for him to go in and talk."

Baochai entered the study alone and saw Jia Cong sitting in an armchair, looking at her with a smile on his face.

She wore a borderless hair-binding crown made of snow-fat jade on her head, a moon-white brocade robe with dark patterns, and a leather belt inlaid with jade and gems tied around her waist. She was elegant and graceful, and her demeanor was dazzling.

Jia Cong smiled and asked, "How come Sister Bao has time to come over today?"

Baochai smiled and said, "I didn't dare to come and disturb you in your studies in the past. Today I came to talk to my second sister and the others, but by chance I found no one. And I heard that you were the only one at home, so I came to see you."

Yinglian got up and went out to serve tea to Baochai, then left the study, leaving the two of them to talk.

Since Baochai entered the Jia Mansion, whenever she met Jia Cong in the past few years, it was always with other sisters. It was very rare for the two to meet alone.

Although she was full of tenderness in her heart, she was, after all, a wise and magnanimous person. She would not be so embarrassed as to be speechless when facing Jia Cong alone.

At this time, the sunlight outside the window faded slightly, and the sky became a little gloomy, but the atmosphere in the study was warm and harmonious.

Although Baochai is not as intellectually gifted as Daiyu, her whole behavior and manner reveal the talent of scholars.

But her father was an outstanding man with a long-term vision, different from ordinary people. He taught his daughter to study books from hundreds of schools since she was young, and cultivated Baochai's erudite talent.

This allowed Baochai to dabble in poetry, medicine, Buddhism, etc. Such a beautiful girl in the boudoir, when she met Jia Cong, who was full of strange ideas, naturally made them an excellent conversation partner.

Outside the window, the sky is covered with rolling clouds. In the study, the days are leisurely. The two of them chat casually, regardless of the topic, laughing and joking freely, which is quite interesting.

Jia Cong and Daiyu are in love with each other, he is close to Tanchun, he is tolerant and affectionate to Yingchun, and he supports, depends on, admires, or cares for other sisters and maids.

Baochai is different from all of them. Jia Cong is not even as close to her as he is to others, but they have a different kind of tacit understanding. Although there is some distance between them, they can get along on a more equal footing.

……

Jia Cong suddenly thought of something and asked, "Sister Bao, didn't you say some time ago that Brother Xue was looking for a marriage partner, and that the one he had decided on was the daughter of the Guihua Xia family? I wonder how things are going?"

When Baochai heard Jia Cong suddenly ask about this, she remembered the ambiguous look that the girl from the Xia family gave him, and felt a little uncomfortable.

He said: "After Mrs. Xia and Miss Xia left, there was no news for more than half a month, and it was still uncertain whether this matter would succeed or not.

But today, my aunt came to Lixiang Garden. She was asked by Mrs. Xia to come and convey the message of thanking her parents.

It is said that the Xia family invited a virtuous monk to tell fortunes for Miss Xia and her brother, who said that their fates were incompatible and that it would be difficult for them to get married, so the marriage had to be called off.

When Jia Cong heard this, he was slightly shocked.

It seems that after his arrival, many things in this familiar world have subtly changed their original trajectory. The Jia family's East Mansion was defeated ahead of time; Jia She died prematurely; Yingchun and Sun Shaozu broke off their relationship; Yuanchun might not be destined to be a concubine;
Now the marriage between Xue Pan and Xia Jingui has also been called off...

Some of these things are done intentionally, but some are beyond my control. I wonder what changes will happen in the future?

However, the marriage between Xue Pan and Xia Jingui was difficult to achieve, so the Xue family was actually saved. At least Baochai would have fewer difficulties and worries in the future, which was also a very good thing.

Jia Cong asked curiously, "Why didn't Mrs. Xia tell my aunt about the marriage in person? Why did she tell her through Madam? As far as I know, they have no connection with each other."

Baochai said, "I am also puzzled by this matter. Aunt only came to the banquet when the Xia family mother and daughter came to visit that day. I have never heard that they had any contact before, but now it seems that the two of them have a very harmonious relationship.

It's as if we've known each other for many years. Today, my aunt even said a lot of good things for Mrs. Xia. Given my aunt's usual temperament, such words and actions are really strange."

After hearing what Baochai said, Jia Cong felt very strange. Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Xia had become close friends. It sounded so awkward.

He suddenly remembered that day in Rongqing Hall, Taoist Zhang from Yuxu Temple, in front of Lady Jia, had arranged a marriage for Baoyu and mentioned three girls, one of whom was the Guihua Xia family.

Jia Cong felt extremely absurd. Could it be that the Taoist priest's mouth was blessed? Could it be that Jia Baoyu and Xia Jingui were also a perfect match? This world was too crazy.

But given Mrs. Wang's treacherous and paranoid character, it's hard to say what weird and strange things she might do.

But it’s none of my business anyway. As for marriage, if it rains, the girl will get married. Everyone should just take care of themselves...

……

Jia Cong and Baochai chatted casually for a long time, and time passed by unknowingly. Suddenly, a thunderclap was heard outside the window, which frightened Baochai so much that her body trembled slightly.

A heavy rain came down without warning, soaking the yard outside the window in an instant, and the sound of dripping rain could be heard everywhere.

In the capital, although there is not much rain in February, it is not too little either. Once it rains, it will make your bones feel cold.

The rain lasted for half a cup of tea without stopping. The study room, which was originally filled with harmonious atmosphere, was now filled with a strong chill. Baochai subconsciously stroked her arms with both hands.

He said, "Brother Cong, I have delayed your study time by talking nonsense with you. I should leave now."

When Jia Cong saw Baochai getting up to leave, he did not try to keep her. Instead, he went into the inner room, took out an indigo cloak with round flowers and put it on Baochai.

He said, "The winter rain is freezing cold. I see that Sister Bao's clothes are not enough. Put on a cloak to avoid catching a cold. I remember that you have an old illness that is easily triggered on cold spring days."

Baochai's pretty face flushed slightly, and she felt that the cloak on her body seemed unusually warm. She reached out to tie the cloak's neck strap.

He smiled and said, "Speaking of that old illness, I have to thank Brother Cong for asking Doctor Zhang to improve the recipe of Lengxiang Pills, which really makes sense.

Normally, winter and early spring are the times when my old illness often relapses, but the last time I fell ill, I took the newly made pills and the illness was suppressed immediately.

Later, I took the medicine twice as instructed by Dr. Zhang, and there has been no recurrence this winter, which is quite miraculous.

The new medicine is much more effective than the old one. If you take it according to your illness and take good care of it for one or two years, you may be able to get rid of the root cause of the disease.

Moreover, the fragrance of this new pill is not as strong as the old one. It is much more elegant and more comfortable to smell. "

Jia Cong had seen Baochai taking Lengxiang Pills before, and she did indeed have a rich and fragrant smell on her body, which was very strange and pleasant.

Now, after hearing what Baochai said, he felt a little curious and couldn't help sniffing. He couldn't help but say, "It is indeed much more elegant and pleasant, and smells better than before."

As soon as I said this, I felt something was wrong. How could I be so abrupt and smell the scent of a girl?
He couldn't help feeling embarrassed and looked at Baochai awkwardly, but saw that Baochai's face was flushed red and she glared at him with some anger. Fortunately, she didn't bother with him.

Jia Cong felt a little guilty for what he had said, so he said, "Sister Bao, today is unusual. The road is slippery in the rain, so please be careful when you walk. I'll take you back."

Baochai nodded with a red face and walked silently in front of them. The two of them walked out of the study and saw Jinchuan talking to Zhishao and Qingwen in the main room.

When Jin Chuan saw the young lady coming out of the study with the Third Master, not only was her face flushed, but she was also wearing a cloak that wrapped her body tightly.

The color and style of the cloak are not suitable for a girl. Besides, she was not wearing a cloak when she came, so it must belong to the Third Master.

This made Jin Chuan feel a little strange. She didn't know what she was thinking about, and her little face turned red for no apparent reason...

Qingwen, who was standing next to her, was outgoing and did not know how to conceal her expression. Her big watery eyes were full of curiosity, and her eyes moved gently as she looked back and forth at Baochai.

It was not until Zhishao pulled her sleeve in a reproachful manner that Qingwen lowered her head and stopped looking around. Only the corners of her beautiful mouth kept twitching slightly.

Jin Chuan felt that the atmosphere was a bit strange, but even if something happened between her and the Third Master, it was a good thing, so she didn't care and even had some strange expectations.

She held an umbrella for Baochai and walked in front, while Jia Cong followed behind with his own umbrella.

Qingwen also held up an umbrella and followed Jia Cong very attentively. It was unbecoming for the Third Master to go out without a maid, so she must be well served to prevent him from doing anything ridiculous.

Several people were walking slowly in the rain. Fortunately, the rain was much lighter than before, so their bodies were not wet too much while walking. Occasionally, a raindrop swept across their faces, which was cool and pleasant.

The sound of heavy rain echoed around them, and the rain curtain made the scenery near and far slightly hazy.

When the rain hits the grass leaves, it washes out beautiful new green; when the rain hits the water surface, it creates layers of ripples...

……

The few of them walked to the small gate between the east and west mansions. The gatekeeper opened the door. Jia Cong was about to send Baochai to Lixiang Garden.

Baochai turned around and looked at him, her pretty face still flushed, and she said charmingly, "Brother Cong, just send me here. It's only a few steps out of the small gate to the Lixiang Courtyard."

After hearing what she said, Jia Cong stopped and said, "Sister Bao, please come and sit with us when you have time."

Baochai looked at him with her bright eyes, nodded, and then took Jinchuan and walked through the wind and rain corridor connecting the east and west mansions and walked into the rain curtain of the west mansion.

Baochai could not help looking back and saw Jia Cong still standing at the small gate of the East Palace, holding an umbrella and not leaving. His tall and straight figure was somewhat blurry in the rain.

Her heart was trembling and she turned her head away, not daring to look again...

……

Rongguo Mansion, Lixiangyuan.

Aunt Xue looked at the rain outside the window and muttered, "This rain came suddenly. It's much colder outside. Bao girl, you're going out in thin clothes. Don't let the cold bring back your old illness."

Mrs. Wang sat aside with a slight frown. Originally, she had told Aunt Xue about the Xia family's rejection of the marriage proposal and could have gone back.

But when she saw Baochai was going to the East Palace and looked quite happy when she left, Mrs. Wang thought of Jia Cong's outstanding appearance and the many beauties around him.

I had no intention of going to Japan, but today, for some unknown reason, I suddenly had this thought.

My niece Baochai is the daughter-in-law she has chosen for a long time, and she is so beautiful. The boy from the East Palace has always been evil, and if something happens to him, my Baoyu will be in trouble...

So, she made an excuse that the two sisters were chatting about daily life today, but in fact she was just worried and waiting for Baochai to come back from the East Palace.

Aunt Xue could never have imagined that her sister had such narrow-minded thoughts. She treated it as just a normal interaction between sisters and even asked the kitchen to prepare wine and food and asked Mrs. Wang to keep a meal in the courtyard.

Aunt Xue was worried about her daughter, so she said to her maid Tongxi, "Take the young lady's cloak and send it to her in the East Palace. It's raining and cold now, so don't let her old illness be aroused."

After hearing Aunt Xue's instructions, Tongxi hurried into the house to find Baochai's cloak, and was in a hurry to send it to the East Palace with an umbrella.

Mrs. Wang's face turned a little ugly. This precious girl had been in the East Palace for a long time. Why didn't she come back earlier? She had lost her usual manners and obedience.

She was feeling a little irritable and uneasy, when she suddenly heard a happy voice coming from outside: "Girl, you are back. Madam was afraid that you would be cold, so she asked you to bring some clothes over.

Are you okay, girl? Hey, this cape looks unfamiliar, whose is it?" (End of this chapter)