Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu Courtyard.

After Xiren and Sheyue went to Rongqingtang, the news of Baoyu's accident spread quickly in Rongguo Mansion.

Not only did Lady Jia rush over with her maids and servants, but she also followed Aunt Xue who happened to be talking in Rongqing Hall.

Ping'er, following Wang Xifeng's instructions, brought an experienced maid and rushed over to check the situation.

Wang Xifeng sent someone to the East Courtyard to inform them that Jia Zheng and Mrs. Wang would arrive soon.

The courtyard, which used to be quite quiet, was suddenly flooded with too many people. Masters from all walks of life, accompanied by their maids and servants, were standing everywhere. The place was filled with noise and chaos, like a market where pigs and sheep were slaughtered.

Grandmother Jia walked to Baoyu's bed tremblingly, her old face pale with fear. She pulled Baoyu's hand and kept calling him, but Baoyu lay there like a dead man, ignoring her.

Grandmother Jia was so heartbroken that she burst into tears, beat her chest and stamped her feet, calling her her darling.

Aunt Xue, who was standing by, saw this scene and was a little panicked, but after all, she was not as worried as Lady Jia, so she was much more alert.

She saw Baoyu lying like a dead body, his body was stiff, his eyes were wide open, staring straight at the ceiling of the bed without even blinking, which was quite weird.

There were traces of saliva at the corners of his mouth, and when the maid tried to feed him water, not even a drop could go in. He looked as if he had lost half his life, which was indeed a bit scary.

But Aunt Xue was also a woman who had experienced many things. Her husband and parents-in-law died early, and she had witnessed many matters of life and death.

She checked carefully and found that Baoyu's chest was slightly moving, which meant he was not dead yet. She understood a little...

He said, "Don't panic, old lady. Although Baoyu looks very ill, he is still breathing well and his life is not in danger.

It seems like he has been possessed by an evil spirit or has had a hysterical attack. He is in a state of panic. If you call a good doctor for emergency treatment, he will surely be saved."

Grandmother Jia was also an old woman who had lived for most of her life. She was so confused just now because she was too concerned about Baoyu. It was only after Aunt Xue reminded her that she came to her senses and calmed down.

She reached out and felt Baoyu's breath. Seeing that it was still warm, and even a little heavy, she felt relieved.

Grandmother Jia pushed and called out a few more times, but Baoyu remained in that dazed state, as if he were possessed by an evil spirit.

Grandmother Jia asked hurriedly, "Can we go and get the doctor? Baoyu is in this condition and there is absolutely no time to waste."

Xiren hurriedly replied, "I have asked Qiu Wen and Second Madam to report the incident. Second Madam has sent someone to the Imperial Hospital to ask for Doctor Hu, who often comes to our house to diagnose illnesses. He must be on his way."

After hearing this, Grandmother Jia was still worried. Thinking of the time when Jia Cong's biological mother Du Jinniang was posthumously awarded an imperial decree, she was so angry that she fell seriously ill. Jia Lian invited the famous doctor Zhang Youshi to cure her.

So he asked Yuanyang to tell Feng Jieer to invite Zhang Youshi to diagnose the disease as well, so that he would feel more at ease with the presence of a famous doctor.

……

As Yuanyang just walked to the door, she met Mrs. Wang, who was rushing over in a hurry after hearing the news from Wang Xifeng that something had happened to Baoyu.

When Mrs. Wang saw Baoyu's appearance, she hurried forward to check on him. Seeing that Baoyu was stupid and stiff and unconscious, she was frightened and burst into tears. When Lady Jia saw this, she was saddened again and could not help crying.

At this time, Wang Xifeng also asked Feng'er to support her over. Although she was pregnant now, she was in charge of the Rongguo Mansion after all. If anything happened to Baoyu, she would always have to show up.

After Ping'er arrived, she stood in a corner of the room, just watching what was happening. It was not her turn to speak in this situation.

When she saw Wang Xifeng coming, she quickly found a place for her to sit down. Because Baoyu's room was crowded with people, she and Feng'er stood on Wang Xifeng's left and right to prevent anyone from bumping into her.

……

At this moment, Grandmother Jia suddenly remembered something and asked Xiren, "I put you in Baoyu's room so that you can serve him well and take good care of Baoyu for me.

You must have turned a deaf ear to what I told you. Now that something has happened, I want to see how you will end this!

Just now you said that Baoyu had fallen seriously ill and his life or death was unknown. I rushed here and had no time to ask you how such a sudden incident could have happened.

There must be a reason behind this. Tell me in detail. If you conceal anything or lie, I will not forgive you!"

Xiren and Musk Moon had just gone to Rongqing Hall to report the news. When Lady Jia heard that Baoyu was in trouble, she rushed over without having time to ask any more questions.

Xiren thought she could still get away with it, but it seems that this is not going to work.

She had no choice but to bite the bullet and go visit Daiyu. She then relayed what Daiyu had said, and Baoyu became ill after hearing it. She then told Baoyu the whole story.

When Mrs. Wang, who was standing by, heard the whole story, she was even more furious. It turned out that it was that little girl Lin who had caused her Baoyu to become like a living dead. What a troublesome little bitch!
She actually had good intentions and wanted to promote that girl and bring her together with Baoyu. But now, before anything has happened, she has harmed Baoyu like this with just a few words.

If she is really married and allowed to be with Baoyu every day, she will kill Baoyu. This girl is just like her short-lived mother, both are so cunning and hateful!

……

When Grandmother Jia heard this, she was also stunned and said, "How come Baoyu has become like this and is involved with Lin girl?"

Wang Xifeng, who was standing by, couldn't help but brighten her eyes when she heard the whole story. She was more alert and insightful than Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang.

After listening to Xiren's retelling of Daiyu's words, she had a guess in her mind...

Could it be that Sister Lin had heard that the old lady and the mistress wanted to marry her to Baoyu, so she pretended to be sick and avoided them, and also asked Xiren to pass on these words, in order to discourage the mistress from having any idea?
But no matter what the truth was, there was one thing that Wang Xifeng was very sure of.

As the daughter of a scholar who has won the third place in the imperial examination, Lin Daiyu, who is well-read in poetry and has always been pure and innocent, would never be interested in the lazy and dissolute Baoyu.

On the contrary, an outstanding young man like Cong Lao San is more likely to catch Lin Daiyu's eye. This is almost self-evident, and any woman would know how to choose.

Moreover, for Wang Xifeng, it would be of great benefit to her if Daiyu really got engaged to Jia Cong.

Now that this has happened, how could Wang Xifeng not build bridges and stir up trouble, secretly protecting Daiyu?

She said, "Madam, I just heard what Xiren said. Sister Lin's words are actually very reasonable. She said these words to Baoyu because she sincerely hopes that he will have a bright future.

Sister Lin comes from a family of scholars and officials. Her uncle Lin is a world-famous scholar who has won the third place in the imperial examination. Sister Lin herself has read so many books, so it is natural for her to attach great importance to studying and taking the imperial examinations.

How could such sincere words make Baoyu behave like this? It's really hard to understand. "

Grandmother Jia sighed, "You don't know the truth behind this. Baoyu has been forced to study since he was a child by his master. If he doesn't study well, he will either be beaten or scolded.

Because his master was so strict, he would be scared away whenever he heard about studying.

Lin girl also grew up with you, how could she not know this truth, and why did she bring up this topic in front of Baoyu? "

Wang Xifeng said: "Sister Lin must have said such words because she saw that Baoyu has grown up and there is a certain amount of love and care between sisters.

Now that the old lady wants to talk about this, I somewhat understand. No wonder in recent years, Lin Daiyu and Baoyu are not as close as they were when they were children. They have quarrels every two or three days.

It must be that Sister Lin, who has been taught by her family since she was young, attaches great importance to studying and learning, so she must have advised Baoyu to study hard, but Baoyu didn't like this, so the two of them would quarrel all day long.

Ping'er, who was standing by, heard what Wang Xifeng said and remembered what they had said that day about the matter between the Third Master, Miss Lin and Baoyu. She knew what her grandmother meant.

It was nothing more than wanting to disrupt the situation and make the old lady give up the idea of ​​arranging a marriage between Baoyu and Miss Lin. She couldn't help but want to laugh and quickly lowered her head to hide it.

……

After hearing what Wang Xifeng said, Jia's mother couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart.

Just now, she heard Xiren retell Daiyu's words that her brother-in-law had actually planned to take Daiyu back to the south to arrange for her settlement when she reached the age of marriage.

In fact, it is natural for the son-in-law to plan like this. Even if he loves Daiyu very much, she is his granddaughter's biological mother after all, and it is right to take her back.

Daiyu looked similar to her mother Jia Min, and Grandmother Jia doted on her all her life. However, she did not expect that she went to Jiangnan fifteen years ago and they were separated forever.

The blow this incident dealt to Grandmother Jia was no less than the death of Duke Jia Daishan. That's why as soon as Grandmother Jia saw Daiyu, she doted on her from the bottom of her heart.

She simply transferred all her doting and nostalgia for her daughter to her granddaughter.

The reason why Grandmother Jia was keen on promising Daiyu to her grandson Baoyu was not only because these two grandchildren were her most beloved in her life.

He also knew in his heart that once Daiyu came of age, her father would eventually take her back to the Lin family in Jiangnan.

Only when Daiyu and Baoyu's marriage is successful can Grandmother Jia keep her beloved granddaughter by her side for a long time.

But today Baoyu caused such a big mess, and after listening to Wang Xifeng's words, Jia's mother figured out a lot of things.

In these years, her two Yu'er were no longer as harmonious as they were when they were little. They always looked at each other at cross purposes, quarreled and shoved each other all day long, and seldom talked to each other.

At first, Grandmother Jia thought that the two grandchildren were still young, had childish and competitive thoughts, and it was normal for them to have some disputes.

But today, after listening to Wang Xifeng's seemingly unintentional words, it turned out to hit the nail on the head. The two Yu'ers have been at odds for years, and the problem actually lies in their studies.

……

Grandmother Jia thought of what Xiren had just said, that her son-in-law had said that her future son-in-law must be able to pass the imperial examinations and be able to stabilize the country. How could Baoyu be able to do these things?

Fathers and daughters have always been of the same mind, so her granddaughter must have the same thoughts as her father. No wonder she always told Baoyu to concentrate on his studies. In her heart, she probably despised Baoyu for neglecting his studies and not having any achievements...

After thinking all this through, Grandmother Jia couldn't help feeling a little discouraged. Her two daughters had different interests and aspirations, yet she still wanted to match them up. How could this forced marriage be happy?

At this moment, Jia's mother was possessed by a ghost and thought of what her brother-in-law said: "A man of letters can pass the imperial examinations, and a man of martial arts can bring peace to the country."

I felt quite unconvinced in my heart. Not to mention that my Baoyu was incapable, who among all the noble sons in the capital could do it?

Suddenly, Grandmother Jia's heart was suddenly moved. He was able to pass the imperial examinations and to stabilize the country. Isn't this the way for Congge'er...

She thought that according to her brother-in-law's wishes, her granddaughter would be a perfect match for the boy from Dongfu.

Although he was his own grandson, and had outstanding abilities, and was even the head of the Jia family, the knot that had been there for more than ten years because of Jia Cong's biological mother was always difficult to get rid of.

Although Grandmother Jia planned to marry her niece's granddaughter Shi Xiangyun to Jia Cong, that was just a means of marriage between the Jia and Shi families, and it was not like the love and care she showed to Baoyu.

The granddaughter who looked like her daughter was the most beloved treasure of Grandmother Jia. When she thought of her marrying the distant grandson, she felt an irrepressible reluctance...

...Rongguo Mansion, Daiyu Courtyard.

When Wu'er heard the reason for Baoyu's accident in Fengjie's courtyard, she hurried back to the East Palace.

When she passed by Daiyu's yard, she thought of Qiu Wen from Baoyu's room who came to report the news. She said that the reason for Baoyu's accident was related to Miss Lin.

So she went into Daiyu's courtyard first, and met Zijuan, and told her what had happened, then hurried to Jia Cong's courtyard to report the news.

Daiyu received Zijuan's message and learned that Baoyu had made such a big fuss just because of a few words from her, and she felt a little scared.

Although she knew that Baoyu would definitely not like to hear what she said, she did not expect him to have such a violent reaction.

It can be seen that this person's obsession with laziness is deeply rooted, even to the point where it cannot be touched. I think this is probably the only way he can live his whole life...

Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang simply dote on Baoyu, blinding themselves without realizing it.

But Daiyu grew up in the Jia family and understands Baoyu's character very well.

From childhood to adulthood, Baoyu has thrown jade and thrown tantrums countless times because of things not going his way, causing a huge uproar.

Every time there is a big fuss, but in the end nothing happens. It has become commonplace, and I'm afraid it's all the same now.

But Zijuan was a little worried, so she asked Xueyan to find out secretly.

……

After receiving the order, Xueyan ran to the West Mansion and saw that the whole West Mansion was in turmoil because of Baoyu's matter.

Not only did the old lady and the second lady go to Baoyu's courtyard early, but the second and third ladies also rushed over after hearing the news. Even the old lady's concubines brought their maids to visit.

It was a mess everywhere, as if everyone was putting on a show. It was just a drizzle, but they were pretending that half of the sky was falling.

Before Xueyan entered Baoyu's courtyard, she had already found out everything, and then hurried back to report.

After hearing the news, Daiyu felt more confident and relieved. She picked up a book and lay on the bed to read.

Zijuan advised, "Miss, Baoyu has caused such a big scene, and now he is unconscious. People say he is demented and looks like he is neither dead nor alive.

In the final analysis, it is related to what the girl said. Now that all the family members have gone to visit, the girl should also go to visit, as a courtesy to save face and to avoid gossip.

Maybe after Baoyu sees the girl, his illness will be cured and he will be less involved in trouble."

Daiyu just flipped through the book in her hand and said, "Zijuan, if Baoyu is sick, there are doctors to treat him. I am not a doctor, so why do you have to ask me to go there?

Besides, at this moment, others can go, but I can’t.”

Zijuan was curious and asked, "What's the logic behind this, young lady?"

Daiyu said: "You and I both know Baoyu's character. Just as you said, if I go there, his illness will be cured when he sees me. What does that mean?

Wouldn't it be proof that it was all my fault that he made such a fuss? If he makes trouble in the future, he will do whatever he wants. How can I stay in this family? I won't be fooled by him.

This matter will be exposed sooner or later, so that everyone can understand it.

So, I won't go to see her. You can go there for me and tell my grandmother that I'm sick and can't go to visit her. Just give her an explanation.

As for the Second Wife holding a grudge against me for this, let her hold a grudge against me. This will make me more satisfied and avoid unnecessary trouble in the future."

As soon as Daiyu finished speaking, she heard Jia Cong's voice coming from outside the door: "Sister, what you said is very insightful."

When Daiyu heard Jia Cong's voice, she sat up from the bed and saw Jia Cong walking into the room with a smile. She blushed and said, "Why is Third Brother here?"

……

Jia Cong was reading in the study. When he saw Wu'er rushing over to report the news, he learned that Baoyu had caused such a big commotion in the West Mansion.

After listening to Wu'er's explanation of the cause of this incident, he found it was closely related to Daiyu. He suddenly remembered that Daiyu had something on her mind that day but kept it from him. How could he guess what it was?

Jia Cong looked at Daiyu's pretty blushing face, and tenderness rose in his heart. He smiled and said, "I just got the news about Wu'er, and now I know why my sister kept something secret that day."

When Daiyu heard this, she knew that Jia Cong had guessed what was going on, and she said, "This is not worth it. I can handle it myself, and I don't want to waste my third brother's energy."

Jia Cong sat down beside the bed and said, "I know your sister's good intentions. Now that the Spring Examination is approaching, you just don't want me to be distracted.

But I didn't expect that Baoyu would make such a big fuss, and he really let his sister down."

Daiyu asked, "Are you planning to go over and see Baoyu?"

Jia Cong smiled bitterly and said, “Like my sister, I also don’t want to watch such boring things, but this matter has become a big deal, and now my second sister and third sister have gone to visit.

It would be far-fetched for me to pretend I didn't know in the East Palace. After all, I had to go there to save the master's reputation.

My sister is the smartest. She thought of pretending to be sick early on. She is really foresighted. "

When Daiyu heard Jia Cong teasing her, she snorted with a red face, and pinched Jia Cong's arm in an angry manner.

Then he said, "Third brother, it would be good for you to go over and take a look, but since my grandmother and second aunt have mentioned that matter, it won't work anyway. Third brother, don't get angry and stand up for me.

Although my grandmother has some biased ideas, she is very kind to me after all, and I don’t want my third brother to create another rift between you and your grandchildren because of me.”

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I don't know who said that my sister is innocent and likes to be petty. It's nonsense. Look at your heart, you are so soft-hearted and kind.

Just rest assured, I know the limits. Although the old lady is very partial, she is not completely confused. It is actually a good thing that this incident has been exposed today.

Just stay at home and don't go to the West Mansion these days. You can't pretend to be sick. I'll take Zijuan with me and help you to accept the formal ceremony."

……

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu Courtyard.

When Grandmother Jia asked Xiren about the cause of the incident, she couldn't help but sigh with confusion in her heart.

After hearing the whole story, Mrs. Wang became even more angry with Daiyu. The idea of ​​arranging a marriage for Baoyu and Daiyu gradually faded from her mind.

At this time, there was a noise outside, and a maid came over to report that Doctor Hu had entered the inner courtyard. Grandmother Jia hurriedly asked for him to be invited in for treatment.

Li Wan, along with Yingchun, Tanchun, Xichun and other sisters in the boudoir, temporarily retreated behind a screen in the inner room.

Doctor Hu is an old physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau. It is said that he is an experienced doctor and has been treating patients steadily all his life without any problems.

But I have never heard of any miraculous medicine that can cure any disease. It is quite consistent with the doctrine of the mean in traditional Chinese medicine. In short, it emphasizes stability.

He has been a frequent visitor to the Rongguo Mansion for many years. Whenever the ladies in the mansion have a headache or fever, they often ask him to come for treatment, and nothing has ever happened.

Doctor Hu paid his respects to Lady Jia, then stepped forward to feel Baoyu's pulse and carefully examined the color of his face.

After tossing and turning for a long time, he said slowly: "Brother Shi is just in extreme pain and has lost his mind for a while. You must not force him to wake up, so as not to hurt his soul. He needs to rest slowly to recover.

I will prescribe a few more doses of the decoction to soothe the mind and calm the nerves. Take it three times a day. It will only take three or four days and the disease will be cured."

After hearing this, Jia's mother was confused and asked, "Doctor Hu, according to what you said, my Baoyu can only be like this now. It will take three or four days before he can wake up and speak?"

Doctor Hu said confidently, "Madam, my brother has been invaded by an external evil, and his mind is blocked. This is a state of soul separation. You must not rush into it. You can only nurse him back to health slowly, and you must not make any mistakes."

……

After listening to Doctor Hu's confusing words, Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang were feeling uneasy, when suddenly a maid came in to report that Doctor Zhang had entered the inner courtyard and was about to diagnose Master Bao.

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia's face lit up with joy. That year, she was so angry that she fell seriously ill and almost lost half her life because Jia Cong's biological mother was posthumously awarded an imperial decree and her spirit tablet was enshrined in the Jia family ancestral temple.

It was Doctor Zhang Youshi who prescribed a few prescriptions of medicine and brought Jia's mother back to health in just four or five days. From then on, Jia's mother was quite convinced by this miracle doctor Zhang.

Now that she heard that Doctor Zhang had arrived, Grandmother Jia couldn't help but feel relieved about Baoyu's illness.

As for Doctor Hu, he was just a low-ranking medical officer. Lady Jia, as the wife of a high-ranking duke, naturally had no intention of giving him any face.

When Doctor Hu heard that there was another doctor coming to see the patient, he felt a little dissatisfied as he seemed to be just a substitute. However, Duke Rong's family was too high, so he had to submit.

Everyone heard light footsteps at the door, and Zhang Youshi, dressed in a blue shirt and carrying a medicine box on his back, walked into the house with a smile.

He first paid his respects to Lady Jia, without saying many polite words, then asked about Baoyu's illness, and took Baoyu's pulse, judging from his good condition. His behavior and manner were no different from those of Doctor Hu.

After a brief examination, he opened the medicine box and took out a silver needle that was shining with a cold light. It seemed that he was going to give Baoyu acupuncture.

……

Doctor Hu, who was standing by, saw this clearly and hurriedly stopped him, saying, "My dear, Master Jia is in extreme pain and has lost his mind. This is a damage to his spirit, not a hard disease of the muscles or internal organs.

You can only use decoctions to warm and nourish the body, how can you use acupuncture to stimulate it? "

Zhang Youshi asked, "Have you ever felt his pulse? What is his pulse like?"

Doctor Hu said confidently: "Mr. Jia's pulse is heavy and stagnant. This is because his inner spirit is damaged and his qi and blood are blocked."

Zhang Youshi smiled slightly: "Although Master Jia's pulse is heavy, his vitality is steady. As for the stagnant pulse, it is just because he has been lying in bed for too long..."

Before Zhang Youshi finished speaking, he shook his wrist. Others only saw a flash of cold light, and the silver needle had already pierced down quickly. Doctor Hu beside him didn't even have time to stop it.

Zhang Youshi was skilled in acupuncture. He inserted the needle right into the Hegu point on Baoyu's left palm. His move was quite ruthless...

The person who was stiff as a corpse just now seemed to come back to life in an instant, jumped up, and cried out in pain! (End of this chapter)