Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Fengjie's Courtyard.

Wang Xifeng was supported by her maid Feng'er and followed by a capable old woman. When she returned to her courtyard, the sun had already set in the west and the glazed lanterns were lit under the eaves of the courtyard.

Wang Xifeng entered the inner room and saw Ping'er tidying up the account books on the table on the kang. She asked, "Why didn't you see Wu'er?"

Ping'er replied, "There's not much to do today. Wu'er went back to the East Palace just after sunset. Why did you take so long, Grandma? I was just planning to go to Rongqing Hall to pick you up."

As Ping'er spoke, she assigned the maids to serve the various exquisite side dishes that had been prepared earlier, the fragrant medicinal chicken soup, and two bowls of rice porridge. She helped Wang Xifeng to loosen her coat and helped her sit down to eat.

Wang Xifeng said, "Madam was also in Rongqing Hall today, and we talked for a while, so she came back late.

You didn't go with me today, but you didn't hear anything unusual."

Ping Er smiled and said, "How could something strange happen in Rong Qing Hall? Grandma, please tell me about it."

Wang Xifeng said, "Madam and the old lady have discussed and want to find a wife for Baoyu."

Ping Er handed Wang Xifeng a pair of chopsticks and said, "Second Master Bao and Third Master Bao are both the same age. They are also fifteen this year and are at the right age to get married.

If the eldest master had not passed away last year, the third master's arranged marriage would have been completed, and the couple would have been married by now, so it's not surprising that the second master Bao is planning to marry, right?"

Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "You don't understand what I mean. I'm not saying that it's unusual for Baoyu to propose marriage, but that the girl Madam wants to propose marriage to is unusual."

Ping Er was curious and asked, "Which girl do you want to talk about, Madam? It's just Miss Bao. The golden and jade match has been in the works for several years."

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "I knew you would guess wrong. The lady was not talking about Miss Bao, but Miss Lin."

Ping'er's heart skipped a beat when she heard this, and she suddenly remembered that last year she was instructed to go to the Second Miss's room to inform her of the Third Master's marriage.

When he went out, he saw Daiyu's back in the distance. She was walking unsteadily. It seemed that she must have happened to go to the Second Miss's courtyard. She must have heard his good news, but left without entering the house.

After that, Daiyu fell seriously ill. From that time on, Ping'er realized that Miss Lin had some unusual feelings towards the Third Master.

Later, when the eldest master passed away, Miss Lin accompanied the third master to keep vigil every day. Although the third lady also often came to keep vigil, the two people's expressions were different.

Miss Lin looked like she was helping the Third Master to show his filial piety, and there was an indescribable intimacy between them.

In fact, it is not uncommon for cousins ​​in a large mansion to develop feelings for each other over time. The Third Master and Miss Lin grew up together, so it is not strange at all.

From that time on, Ping'er kept this matter in her heart.

However, love affairs between men and women in a large mansion are not only taboo and ambiguous, but also involve the reputation of the girls in the boudoir. Moreover, Daiyu has not yet reached the age of marriage, and if she starts to make assumptions, it will be difficult to deal with if something happens.

Ping'er had a kind and gentle heart, so even though she saw something going on, she never mentioned it to anyone, not even to Wang Xifeng.

Now Wang Xifeng gave her to Jia Cong. Although she has not yet entered the East Palace, her status has been determined.

Therefore, Ping'er had long regarded Jia Cong as the good man to whom she could entrust her life, and she protected him closely in her heart.

Besides, Ping'er knew that the Third Master had been close to the sisters in the family since childhood, and among these girls, only Miss Lin was a cousin.

If Miss Lin fell in love with the Third Master, and she is such a fairy-like figure, the Third Master would probably be moved.

If that day ever comes, Miss Lin will become the mistress of the house...

Besides, Miss Lin grew up in the Jia family. Everyone is familiar with her and knows her well. Miss Lin is straightforward and frank. As long as you treat her sincerely, she is a very easy person to get along with.

Ping'er thought to herself that if the Third Master married Miss Lin in the future, it would be a hundred times better than marrying a strange-looking wife outside.

So according to Ping'er's thoughts, whether in public or in private, she was cautious about this matter, hoping that no unnecessary complications would arise. Since the Third Master had not revealed any information, naturally no one could mention this matter.

……

She asked cautiously, "Grandma, does the old lady agree with what the madam said?"

Wang Xifeng said: "Sister Lin is the apple of the old lady's eye. She has been looking forward to this marriage for many years, but Baoyu was young before and Sister Lin was even younger.

In addition, Miss Bao entered the mansion a few years ago, and the Madam was obsessed with finding a perfect match, so the old lady didn't say much. Now that the Madam has spoken up, how can the old lady not go along with it? "

Ping Erh felt a little worried after hearing this and asked, "From what Grandma's point of view, is this marriage sure to come to fruition?"

Wang Xifeng smiled faintly and said, "I think the old lady and the mistress are both thinking too easily. It won't be very convenient to accomplish this.

When Sister Lin first came to our house, she was only six or seven years old. At that time, she and Baoyu were quite harmonious, but things have changed a lot in the past few years.

I have been watching from the sidelines. During these four or five years, Sister Lin has never been kind to Baoyu. She always plays with her sisters and never interacts with Baoyu alone.

Baoyu was more enthusiastic towards her than his other sisters and wanted to get close to her wholeheartedly, but Miss Lin always ignored him, and they were like a pair of enemies.

The old lady complained to me several times, saying that her two daughters were very annoying and always quarreled with each other. However, it was normal for children to quarrel with each other.

The old lady also said that the more such two people are, the closer they will be when they grow up, but this is somewhat nonsense.

I am also a girl, and I still don't understand Lin Daiyu's behavior. She doesn't care about Baoyu at all, but Baoyu is only interested in her.

Although Lin Daiyu was born with a rare appearance in the world, she was weak since childhood, and people inside and outside said privately that she was a beauty lamp.

She looked weak on the surface, but her heart was very strong. Besides, she didn't care about Baoyu, so she was absolutely unwilling to take the easy way out.

If the old lady and the mistress were to arrange a marriage for each other, the evil wind would blow and blow out her beauty lamp in a single blow. Then who would the old lady cry to? "

Ping Er was also shocked when she heard Wang Xifeng's words. Her face turned pale and she said, "If this marriage goes through, Miss Lin will be in trouble."

……

Seeing Ping'er's worried expression, Wang Xifeng didn't think much about it. She just thought that Ping'er was just being soft-hearted and kind as usual.

He smiled and said, "You are a kind-hearted person, so there is no need to be so surprised. Even if the old lady and the mistress like it, it will be difficult to succeed.

Although the aunt died early, the master of the Lin family is still alive. It has always been the parents' orders and the matchmaker's words. Lin Daiyu still has her father to make the decision. Although the old lady is her grandmother, she actually has no say in the important matters.

Moreover, there is another important point here. The master of the Lin family is a top scholar in the imperial examination and a famous figure in the world. His ability in studying is probably better than that of my third brother.

Now he is in charge of the salt affairs in Lianghuai and holds a high-ranking official position of the fourth rank. His future is much better than that of our second master.

For a person of his family background, even if his son-in-law cannot be a Jinshi, he must at least be a Juren. Otherwise, how can he consider them a good match and where can he put his face?

Baoyu's current condition has already ruined his reputation. Not to mention that he started elementary school at the age of five, but now he is fifteen and cannot even go to school.

If Master Lin can choose him as his son-in-law, humph, I will write my last name backwards!"

Ping Erh was trying not to laugh, and she did not say anything. She sighed, "This is the best, so there won't be any trouble."

Wang Xifeng added: "From what I have seen, Third Brother and Sister Lin are a good match. They are a perfect match."

Ping'er's heart skipped a beat when she heard this, and she blurted out, "Grandma, how did you see that?"

Wang Xifeng was stunned: "What did I see?"

Ping Erh came to her senses and realized that she was overthinking. She quickly changed the topic and said, "I mean, how did you know that they were a good match?"

Wang Xifeng said with a smile: "What's so difficult about this? There are only two grown-up brothers in the family, Baoyu and my third brother.

"Third brother, no matter his appearance or ability, there is no one like him. He is more than qualified to be a princess. Baoyu is not worthy of Lin Daiyu, so how can third brother be worthy of her?"

In fact, according to Wang Xifeng, it would be a good thing if Jia Cong married Daiyu.

Not only was Daiyu raised in the Jia family since childhood, the sisters were also very familiar with each other.

Moreover, Daiyu came from a scholarly family and had read a lot of poetry and literature, but she was born a girl by mistake. Although she was extremely intelligent, she was a refined person and must have been impatient with household chores.

According to common sense, once Jia Cong married, his wife would be the rightful mistress of both the East and West mansions of the Jia family, and the undisputed housekeeper of the two mansions.

At that time, Wang Xifeng's power as the housekeeper of the West Mansion would have to be returned to her brother's wife.

But if Jia Cong married Lin Daiyu as his principal wife, Wang Xifeng felt that given Daiyu's personality, they would have a good relationship as sisters as they had lived in the same mansion for many years.

Daiyu will definitely hand over the management of the West Mansion to herself, and Wang Xifeng's position and power in the Jia family will remain intact. Isn't this a great thing?

If Jia Cong marries a woman from outside in the future, what kind of relationship will he have with her? He will naturally take back the power of the West Mansion manager, and she, Wang Xifeng, will go wherever she wants...

……

Ping Er smiled and said, "They are really a good match. They look and have good family backgrounds. There is no better match."

Wang Xifeng smiled and said jokingly, "I don't know what you are thinking, but your calculations are correct. Sister Lin grew up at home and knows her inside out."

Ping'er's pretty face flushed red after her thoughts were exposed...

Wang Xifeng continued, "It is of course the best that things turn out this way, but in my opinion, it is not easy.

The third brother is too outstanding and has had a lot of misfortunes. Last time, due to the sudden death of the eldest master, the arranged marriage between him and the third daughter of the Zhen family was withdrawn.

But outsiders said that Miss Zhen San was very favored by the Supreme Emperor, who specially granted her the honor of guarding the imperial tomb even though she was not a member of the royal family.

Before the New Year, my third brother had specially gone to the imperial mausoleum to give Miss Zhen a New Year gift, which showed that he still had feelings for her. Besides, there were reasons for withdrawing the marriage, and the two of them had been given a heads-up by the royal family, so it wouldn't just end like that.

Now, the third daughter of the Zhen family is still standing in the imperial mausoleum in the east of the city. No one can say for sure whether this matter will be brought up again in the future.

This is just my third brother's business outside. He has another business at home.

Before the arranged marriage, the old lady was determined to marry her niece's daughter, Miss Shi, to her third brother so that the Jia and Shi families could marry. Lady Baolinghou was almost breaking down the threshold of Rongqing Hall.

Now that my third brother has inherited two titles, the family lineage will definitely branch out into two branches in the future.

Even if the third brother wants to go through the route of an appointed marriage in the future, he still has a vacancy left. I'm afraid the old lady is still thinking about the matter of the eldest sister Shi...

Ping Er was dumbfounded by Wang Xifeng's detailed remarks.

I was thinking about Miss Zhen San, Miss Lin, and Miss Shi Da, wondering which one would be a better wife.

She didn't think about it for a while, and then she felt dizzy. She couldn't help but feel a little strange. The Third Master was really provocative...

……

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "I get dizzy just thinking about this, so let him worry about it himself in the future.

He was also destined to be a romantic person. Since he was a child, he loved all the sisters in his family and the maids around him, and they all loved to get close to him.

In my opinion, no matter how much the old lady and the wife scheme, it will be of no use. Look, my third brother has suffered in the past few years, and the old lady can still control him.

Whoever he likes in the future will be his. He will definitely find a way to get her. The old lady and the mistress will have no way to stop them."

Ping Er smiled and said, "That's right, Third Master is capable. You should make your own decisions on matters like this."

Wang Xifeng listened to Ping'er's words with admiration and pride that could not be concealed. She smiled bitterly in her heart. Cong Lao San really knew how to deal with women. She didn't know what benefit he gave Ping'er. This confused her again...

Wang Xifeng continued, "Third brother's affairs have too many cards, and we don't have the ability to worry about them. Now there is just one strange thing."

Ping'er asked curiously, "Grandma, what are you wondering about?"

Wang Xifeng said, "You also know that in the past few years, Madam has been busy with the matter of a perfect match, and she has regarded Sister Baochai as the best in the world, and she has been eager to have her as her daughter-in-law.

How could such a hot and passionate thing change so suddenly? Now, for the first time in history, he has set his sights on Sister Lin and completely left Baochai aside. "

Ping'er didn't care much about what she heard, and said casually, "Maybe something happened that made the Second Madam change her mind."

Wang Xifeng's eyes lit up and she said, "What you said is quite reasonable. This matter must be very serious. It has caused Madam to dislike Sister Xue, otherwise Madam would not have abandoned the Xue family.

It's just that for such a big thing, I didn't hear any news in my house. It's really weird."

Ping Er smiled and said, "This matter has nothing to do with you, madam. Let the second house's affairs be left to their own devices. Madam, there is no need to worry about it."

Wang Xifeng didn't take Ping'er's words to heart. Her eyes flickered with a curious look...

……

Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

Outside the corridor, Wu'er was holding a tray with two bowls of osmanthus and lotus seed soup on it. She was walking in the shadow cast by the eaves of the corridor. The evening breeze gently blew her pink and white embroidered skirt, making her look very light and pretty.

The candlelight in the study was still bright. Jia Cong was reading the notes on the imperial examination sent by Lin Ruhai. Yinglian was sitting at the other end of the desk practicing calligraphy, occasionally looking up at Jia Cong who was working hard.

Wu Er entered the study and said, "Third Master, take a break. Have the lotus seed soup you just made before you read."

Jia Cong asked, "I haven't seen Zhishao since dinner. What have you been busy with?"

Wu Er smiled and said, "Third Master has been reading so much that he has become stupid. Now he remembered that he didn't see anyone. Zhi Shao is not feeling well today and has gone back to her room to rest. I will take over her duty tonight."

Jia Cong was slightly startled and asked, "What's wrong with her? The spring chill hasn't gone away yet. Could she have caught a cold? I'll go and take a look."

Wu Er saw Jia Cong stand up, her pretty face slightly blushed, and she quickly said: "Don't worry, Third Master. I have taken care of my daughter's illness. She will be fine after a night's rest."

Jia Cong understood immediately, took the osmanthus and lotus seed soup on the tray, drank it in a few gulps, and then picked up the book in his hand.

He smiled and said, "I got two new books today, which will be very helpful for the Spring Examination. I will have to study for another hour. You can go back to your room and rest first. You don't have to wait for me."

Wu'er agreed with a smile, cleared the tray and dishes, and went into Jia Cong's room.

Facing the dressing mirror in the room, she took off her coat and skirt, removed her hairpins and jewelry, and undid her bun, leaving only a small snow-white silk dress with a right lapel.

The dim, flickering candlelight in the room illuminated Wu'er's slender and delicate body, making her look extremely charming and alluring.

She went to Jia Cong's bed again, spread out and tidied up the folded brocade quilt with a cloud pattern of fortune and luck, and fluffed up the soft red satin pillow made of kapok cotton, so that he could sleep comfortably when he came back.

Now that the weather has turned warmer, Wu'er doesn't need to warm the quilt for him. After finishing cleaning, he went back to the couch and lay down to rest.

The night outside the window was as dark blue as ink, and the residual light of the moon was reflected on the window frame, as if it was coated with a layer of bright silver, shining faintly, and everything was silent.

But for some reason, on this day, Wu'er tossed and turned and couldn't sleep. He remembered what Ping'er said a few days ago, and then he thought of his mother's nagging these days.

……

Earl's Mansion, Daiyu Courtyard.

Daiyu was sitting under the lamp, having read a book for a long time. She yawned slightly, stood up and walked a few steps, preparing to go to bed.

Suddenly, I saw Zijuan coming in from the door, her face still a little flushed, and asked curiously, "Where did you go so late again? Why did you come back at this time?"

Zijuan picked up the teapot on the table, poured a cup of tea and drank it, then said: "Luckily I went out today, otherwise I wouldn't have heard the news. I ran all the way back here and I am half dead with thirst."

Daiyu laughed and said, "You are such an impetuous girl. It's no big deal, but you are still jogging in the dark. You are not afraid of stepping on your skirt and falling down."

Zijuan said, "Don't be joking, girl. After hearing my news, I'm afraid you will also come here trotting.

I felt a little uncomfortable after dinner, so I stopped eating. I thought about asking Yuanyang to draw the patterns for me two days ago, and thought she must have finished it, so I thought about going over there and taking a walk.

When I went to the backyard of Rongqing Hall, before I entered Yuanyang's room, I heard her chatting with Amber. I had some concerns, so I didn't push the door open.

They were just saying that the Second Madam came to Rongqing Hall today and talked to the Old Madam about Baoyu's marriage. The implication was that she wanted to marry the girl to Master Bao, so I hurried back to tell the girl the news."

When Daiyu heard this, her pretty face turned pale and her eyebrows frowned slightly. Thinking of the strange look from her second aunt in Rongqing Hall today, she realized that this was the reason. She couldn't suppress the disgust in her heart.

Seeing Daiyu's unhappy expression, Zijuan said, "Don't worry, young lady. They just mentioned this matter and nothing has happened yet. There is no need to panic now.

Besides, if something really happened, there is still... Third Master here. He is such a capable person, how could he not be able to protect the girl?"

Daiyu blushed slightly when she heard Zijuan's words. Although she did not hide her feelings from her trusted maid, she was still a little shy when she mentioned it in private.

Daiyu went to the desk and picked up the letter from her father. She had read the contents of the letter many times and was familiar with it.

My father came a long way to send my third brother a note on his experience in the imperial examination, hoping that my third brother would have more confidence and assurance after his success in the imperial examination. This shows how much my father values ​​my third brother.

As the saying goes, no one knows a daughter better than her father. When my third brother passed through Yangzhou, I sent a letter home in advance to help him arrange food, clothing, housing and transportation.

There are some things that a girl is embarrassed to say out loud, so I can only use this roundabout way. My father is a smart man and he must have seen through my intentions, otherwise why would he treat my third brother like this.

When Daiyu thought about this clearly, she felt more reassured, and her originally slightly pale face also softened a little.

He said to Zijuan: "If you think about it carefully, there is no need to panic. Not to mention that the third brother is the head of the family now, he has a say in family affairs.

And the most important thing is that I have a father now. My affairs will be decided by my father. This is the natural right.

With my father in front, no matter what my grandmother and second aunt say, it doesn’t matter.

However, the affairs of Rongqingtang have always been something that cannot be kept secret. You just happened to go there and heard the news. It will probably not take long for the news to spread.

It's fine for others, but I'm afraid Baoyu will hear the news and find an excuse to make a fuss, which is troublesome just by thinking about it.

Zijuan, tell me tomorrow that I am not feeling well and cannot go to the West Palace often.

But once I think of a good way to get rid of this trouble, it won’t be too late for me to go to Xifu.”

Zijuan said, "The old lady loves Master Bao the most, what else can the young lady do? Hiding all the time is not a long-term solution."

Then he smiled and said, "Should we tell the Third Master about this? He will be panicked after hearing this. The Third Master has the most methods and ways, and he will always find a way to help the girl solve the problem."

Daiyu's pretty face flushed, and she said, "I won't tell Third Brother, it's too embarrassing. Anyway, this matter is not true. I will stay in the East Mansion and not go out, and no one can do anything to me.

I wouldn't be afraid even if the old lady came to visit, and I wouldn't be afraid if my second aunt came."

Zijuan asked curiously, "What do you mean, young lady? Why don't you be afraid if the second wife comes?"

Daiyu smiled and said, "You don't understand. Second aunt is most unhappy about Third Brother getting the title of Rong State. She and Third Brother have been at odds for the past few days.

The third brother is a capable man. On the surface, he cares about the second master's face, but in reality, he won't suffer any loss.

As soon as my second aunt enters the East Palace, she will speak three points lower. Then someone will help me..." (End of this chapter)