Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard.

In March, the grass is green, the birds are singing, the sun is warm, and all things are flourishing.

The East Courtyard became lively for the first time since Jia Zheng and Mrs. Wang moved in.

Several banquet tables were set up in the newly built flower hall in the inner courtyard, and two seats for male guests were also set up in the porch outside the flower hall. Maids and servants were shuttling back and forth, carrying dishes and soup.

Today is the first day of March, Mrs. Wang’s birthday. She specially set up several birthday banquets in the East Courtyard and invited all the female relatives in the family to have a drink.

Originally, ever since Mrs. Wang moved into the East Courtyard, she had always felt very ashamed, and was afraid that she could not keep a low profile enough, lest she become too ostentatious and cause a joke.

But this time on her birthday she did something very different from her usual style. She set up a banquet in the east courtyard and invited all her family members to join in the feast.

In fact, this was just an ordinary thing in previous years, but the current situation is different from the past. Someone like Grandmother Jia, who knows her second daughter-in-law's temper well, felt somewhat strange.

However, Grandmother Jia never liked to waste her time on unimportant matters. She would just think about them briefly and then forget about them.

She likes lively occasions. She is happy to see her children and grandchildren gathered together at home. How could she waste her energy on these irrelevant things?

In the men's seats in the outer porch, in addition to Jia Zheng, Jia Cong, Baoyu, Jia Huan and other young men, there were also several cousins ​​of the literary generation who were friends with Jia Zheng.

In addition, Jia Dairu, the only elder in the concubine's generation, was also invited.

There was another guest at the men's table, Wang Ziteng, Mrs. Wang's brother.

Ever since Wang Ziteng's wife secretly plotted to harm Jia Cong and the matter was exposed, although Wang Ziteng imprisoned his wife in a Buddhist temple, he was still unable to salvage the breakdown of his relationship with the Jia family.

Although there have been some courtesy exchanges during the years, they were only to maintain the face of the aristocratic families, and the two families had long been treating each other with cold respect.

Naturally, for Mrs. Wang’s birthday party this time, she had to invite her only brother who was an official in Beijing to attend, otherwise it would be too inappropriate.

As for Mrs. Wang Ziteng, it was naturally impossible for her to show up. Not to mention that Lady Jia hated this woman very much, it was impossible for Wang Ziteng to let that woman show up.

As Jia Cong continues to rise in power, he not only holds two titles, but is also a fifth-rank official appointed by the imperial court. Because of Jia Cong, the Jia family's reputation grows.

Wang Ziteng is currently trying his best to restore his relationship with the Jia family, so how could he let his stupid wife come out and spoil the mood?

As for Wang Ziteng’s son Wang Yi, it is impossible for him to appear.

Back then, he provoked Jia Cong and was hit on the head with a knife by Jia Cong. He was frightened to the point of incontinence and made a fool of himself. It is said that he still has a disability. As long as Jia Cong is present, he will not show up, as he cannot afford to embarrass him...

……

Although Wang Ziteng was a guest of honor, his appearance in the Jia family had actually become an embarrassing thing. That is to say, he was very eager for a career in politics, so as long as he could get close to someone powerful, he would remain calm.

However, Jia Zheng was far from having such a scheming mind as Wang Ziteng. He had always been brooding over the fact that Wang Ziteng's wife almost ruined the Jia family's literary and artistic fortune.

Although according to their seniority, Jia Zheng and Wang Ziteng sat next to each other.

But when the two of them were socializing, Wang Ziteng was able to chat and laugh cheerfully as if nothing had happened, while Jia Zheng was quite uncomfortable. The difference in sophistication and cunning was obvious between them.

In fact, the person Wang Ziteng wanted to warm up the most was Jia Cong. Since Jia Cong was now the head of the Jia family, he did not sit at the same table with Baoyu, Jia Huan and others, but sat at a table with his elders.

However, Jia Cong seemed to be only familiar with Jia Dairu. He treated Wang Ziteng's social activities with courtesy and did not say a single extra word. However, there was nothing wrong with his etiquette.

When Jia Cong was a child, he studied at the Jia family school. Jia Dairu was his first teacher, but after he was ten years old, Jia Cong never went to the family school again.

But even so, Jia Dairu still felt very honored when Jia Cong passed the imperial examination for the second time, was granted a title at a young age, and did many brilliant things.

Being able to enlighten a young man like Jia Cong was probably one of the few glorious things in Jia Dairu's wasted life.

Therefore, the old man was very happy about Jia Cong's conversation with him, and he talked incessantly. Wang Ziteng couldn't find a chance to interrupt, and he couldn't help feeling resentful towards the old man.

The most relaxed young man at the men's table was Jia Huan. No one would talk to him, and he didn't want to talk to others, especially his father Jia Zheng and his private tutor Jia Dairu.

So he just focused on the delicious food on the table. At this birthday party, everyone was socializing and talking, but he was the only one who returned to his true self and concentrated on comforting his stomach.

The most uncomfortable person at the men's table was Baoyu. He saw that Jia Cong was the same age as him, but could chat and laugh with a decadent scholar like Dairu. He thought that he was really a parasite and there was no cure.

When Jia Cong originally came, Baoyu thought that he would bring with him pretty maids such as Yinglian and Wu'er, or if that didn't work, he would bring Lingguan who looked like Lin Daiyu.

But he brought Xiaohong, who was always talking about career and economy, which made Baoyu feel really disgusted. Xiaohong was also holding a small wooden box in her hand, and she followed Jia Cong in a strange way...

……

The person Baoyu envied the most was Jia Lan, because because he was young, he could sit in the women's seat in the flower hall with his eldest sister-in-law.

At the ladies' table in the flower hall were not only sisters Yingchun, Tanchun, Xichun, Baochai, Xiangyun, Xiuyan, but also Sister Lin, whom Baoyu had not seen for many days.

He wished he could be like Jia Lan and join in the fun at the women's table.

However, his father Jia Zheng hated him the most for hanging around in the inner chambers, and said that he was now an adult and should learn how to socialize and answer questions in front of others. Even if he was agitated in his heart, he dared not be the least bit presumptuous.

He could only look at the flower hall from time to time. Through the densely hung agarwood curtains between the flower hall and the porch, he could vaguely see the various smiling hibiscus flowers inside, which made him salivate with envy...

……

At the ladies' banquet in the flower hall today, in addition to Lady Jia and the sisters of the family, Mrs. Wang also invited two outside guests, Mrs. Xia and Miss Xia.

This action surprised Jia Mu and others. Today, at the ladies' table in the flower hall, besides Jia Mu, Aunt Xue, several concubines, Li Wan, Yingchun and other sisters, there were also several housewives of the concubines of Rong State.

In fact, they were all Jia family's relatives, except Mrs. Xia and Miss Xia, who were unrelated outsiders. However, they were treated at the same table, which showed how close Mrs. Wang was to the Xia mother and daughter.

Grandmother Jia had exchanged courtesies with Mrs. Xia once, but their relationship was only superficial. She really had not expected that her second daughter-in-law would have such a close relationship with the Xia family.

In fact, according to common sense, since the second house had lost its title and power, Mrs. Wang would not have held a ostentatious birthday banquet. She would have acted out of character, and her confidence came from Mrs. Xia.

That day, Mrs. Wang's dowry, Wang Po, returned from delivering gifts to the Xia family and relayed Mrs. Xia's good words to her master.

When Mrs. Wang found out that her daughter Yuanchun was about to be selected into the harem, she was so excited that she couldn't sleep for several nights. All the energy and spirit she had lost in the past suddenly returned, and she became confident again.

She first went to the West Mansion to visit Baoyu, and earnestly advised him to study hard so that she, as the eldest daughter, could help her brothers in the future.

Later, she felt that her daughter was in the emperor's favor and that as a mother, she should not keep a low profile, lest she lose her daughter's dignity in the future.

So he took advantage of his birthday and excitedly held a banquet.

In addition, Yuanchun asked the Queen for permission yesterday and asked someone to bring a birthday gift from the palace to her mother, which made Mrs. Wang feel that it was a sign of good news.

At this moment, she was dressed in silk and satin, with pearls and jade on her hair, and she was chatting and laughing with everyone at the table with a kind smile.

Mrs. Xia was also clever with her words. She would smile and say nice things from time to time, making the atmosphere even more warm and festive.

Only Miss Xia, who was standing aside, was still young after all, and was far less sophisticated than her mother. Occasionally, when she looked at Mrs. Wang, a hint of contempt would inadvertently reveal in her eyes.

……

In fact, when Mrs. Xia received Mrs. Wang's invitation that day, the Xia family, thanks to their connections in the palace, already knew that Xia Shouzhong had met with misfortune and had been demoted from the Internal Affairs Bureau to the Palace Bureau to sweep the floor.

At that time, Miss Xia was still worried that if Mrs. Wang knew about this, her mother's plan would be in vain.

But Mrs. Xia was a person of great skill and courage. She said that only those who were in the inner palace and paid close attention would notice the transfer of a fifth-rank eunuch.

A lady like Mrs. Wang who never stepped out of the house could not even scratch the surface of the Imperial Palace, which was always shrouded in secrecy.

As long as I don't tell her, it won't be a problem to lie to her for the rest of my life...

When Miss Xia and her mother went to the Jia family for a banquet and saw Mrs. Wang's happy and confident look, she really believed what her mother said.

Miss Xia had just sat down at the table and was too lazy to pay any more attention to Madam Wang, who looked stupid in her eyes.

She was completely satisfied with Jia Cong. She followed her mother to the Jia family for this banquet. Wasn't it just for this? Could it really be to celebrate Lady Wang's birthday...

Only after all the female members of the Jia family had arrived and taken their seats did male guests gradually move into the men's seats outside the porch.

Even though they were far apart, she was able to quickly catch sight of Jia Cong's figure through the dense curtain of agarwood scented beads.

Even though they had never spoken to each other, the glimpse of her that day and the thoughts of her day and night these days had filled their hearts with morbid heat and reverie.

Finally, Jia Cong brought Baoyu, Jia Huan and other children into the inner hall to greet Jia's mother and congratulate Mrs. Wang on her birthday. Even though Mrs. Wang and Jia Cong didn't get along well, they still had to go through with it according to the etiquette of the family.

……

It was the first time that Miss Xia was so close to Jia Cong. Although she still couldn't say a word, the sight of his handsome figure so close before her eyes made her heart beat wildly.

But Baoyu was reluctant to leave the ladies' seat in the flower hall, but Jia Cong had no intention of staying any longer. He even turned around and left without even looking at Mrs. Wang, without waiting for her and her daughter to be introduced.
Seeing that Jia Cong was still so startled, Miss Xia left the flower hall without even standing there for long. But that damn Baoyu was reluctant to leave, looking back every few steps.

At this time, Mrs. Xia, who was standing next to him, saw Jia Cong for the first time. She couldn't help but be stunned by his handsome and extraordinary demeanor.

I finally understood why my daughter was so obsessed with him after only meeting him once.

Such people are indeed very rare, and it is even rarer for them to have achieved such great success at such a young age. It is really rare in the world that they would make girls obsessed with them. It is not surprising if you think about it carefully...

However, Mrs. Xia is not Miss Xia. Even though she thinks Jia Cong is extraordinary, she is still clear in her heart that such a person is not something her daughter can hope to have.

The Xia family wanted to be associated with the noble family of the Jia family, so they could only choose a mediocre son like Jia Baoyu to be a good match...

……

After Jia Cong left the flower hall, Miss Xia felt lost and bored, but when she heard the sound of playful chattering from the seats next to her, her attention was drawn to the girls from the Jia family.

Miss Xia has always boasted of her beauty, but when she looks at the other girls in the Jia family, who are all beautiful in the colors of plum, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo, she realizes that each of them is gorgeous and charming, and is even more beautiful than her.

Among them, she was familiar with the third girl, Tanchun, and she heard Lady Jia and her mother chatting about their granddaughters, seeming to show off a bit.

Miss Xia was also a smart person. After listening to a few words, she was able to distinguish the origins of several girls from the Jia family.

Except for the third girl, Tanchun, the other two girls of the Jia family are Jia Cong's biological sister and a maid who is only ten years old, who can barely be considered Jia Cong's cousin.

The other three girls were all Jia Cong's cousins, and each of them was outstanding in appearance.

Miss Xia had known Miss Xue for a long time. She was also a first-class figure.

Among them, Miss Lin was the daughter of the top scholar in the imperial examination, and her appearance and character were outstanding. The fact that there was such a fairy-like person in the world made Miss Xia feel ashamed of herself for the rest of her life.

Besides, Miss Lin and Miss Xing both lived in his East Mansion...

Miss Xia felt a little sad and jealous, but she didn't know that this had nothing to do with her and it was not her turn to care.

……

At this time, she saw a pretty and neat maid walk into the flower hall and whisper a few words to the third girl, Tanchun.

Ever since Jia Cong appeared, Miss Xia has paid special attention to his affairs. She remembered that this girl had always been with Jia Cong and was most likely his personal maid.

She saw that the third lady, Tanchun, was delighted after hearing what the maid said, so she followed the maid out of the flower hall. The other sisters of the Jia family who were sitting at the same table didn't care at all.

This made her feel a little moved. She made up an excuse with her mother and left the hall.

……

The back garden of East Road Courtyard.

When Jia Cong rebuilt the East Courtyard, in order to make Jia Zheng's daily living more comfortable, he included the area around the original Mengpo Zhai study into the East Courtyard.

The area of ​​the garden in the East Courtyard is therefore much larger than before.

With Mengpo Zhai Study as the center, the waterside pavilion was widened around it, earth was piled up to form a slope, corridors were built, and pavilions were built beside the trees, making the back garden of the East Courtyard beautiful and quite interesting.

Tanchun followed Xiaohong for a while and saw her father's Mengpodai study in front of them. A tall sycamore tree had been newly planted in front of the study, and there were stone tables and benches under the tree.

Jia Cong was sitting there, and there was an exquisite wooden box on the stone table.

Tanchun said with a smile, "Brother San, why did you ask me to come here when you are not enjoying the feast? Is there something important?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "It is of course an important matter to ask the third sister to come out. Tomorrow, the second day of March, is the sister's birthday, which is also a coincidence that it is one day later than Madam's.

A few days ago, I was preparing a birthday gift for my sister, but I couldn't find a suitable one. It just so happened that I got it this morning.

This birthday gift must be given before the birthday to bring good luck and prosperity, and it cannot wait until tomorrow, so I called my sister out."

Jia Cong smiled and opened the wooden box on the table. Inside was an old scroll and an exquisite jewelry box.

Jia Cong took out the scroll, gently unfolded it in front of Tanchun, and said, "This is a fragment of the Du Ren Tie by Zhang Jizhi of the Song Dynasty. I have authenticated it and it is indeed the original.

A few days ago, I was on official business and often went in and out of East City, visiting many antique shops. It was by chance that I came across this, which is also very rare. I will give it to my sister for her enjoyment."

Tanchun is immersed in calligraphy and is one of the few calligraphers in the boudoir. Naturally, she knows the name of Zhang Jizhi from the previous dynasty. His "Duren Tie" is a famous masterpiece handed down from generation to generation.

She saw that the lines of characters on this yellowed ancient scroll were elegant, vigorous, handsome and concise, extremely remarkable, and she liked them very much.

She smiled and said, "Third brother is so thoughtful that he actually gave me such an expensive gift. But in my opinion, third brother's calligraphy is better than any famous calligrapher's."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Third sister, you want my calligraphy, that's easy. I will write as many as you want. But you are a boudoir after all, so just giving me a piece of calligraphy is a bit too simple."

He took out the exquisite jewelry box again, inside of which was a pair of jade bracelets, the jade was moist and transparent.

After all, Tanchun is a boudoir girl and is very familiar with jewelry. Seeing the green and lustrous bracelets, she knew they were rare items.

She smiled and picked it up, playing with it in her hands, her love evident in her eyes.

Perhaps, giving each other books is an elegant thing for literary confidants, but Yuhuan's promise of a beautiful woman as a couple seems to be more in line with Tanchun's wishes.

Tanchun smiled and said, "This jade bracelet is really beautiful. Third brother, please help me put it on." As she spoke, she put the jade bracelet back into the box and stretched out her slender hands to Jia Cong.

Jia Cong was slightly stunned when he heard this, but seeing Tanchun smiling like a flower, pretty and charming, with a look like a little girl, he must be very happy.

He smiled slightly, took the bracelets from the box and put them on Tanchun's wrists. Her wrists were as white as snow, and the double rings were emerald green, which was very beautiful.

……

Not far away at the end of the wind and rain corridor, Miss Xia followed Jia Cong's maid out of curiosity as to why she called Tanchun, and happened to see this scene.

Although it was somewhat impolite for a guest to walk around the host's house without permission, Miss Xia was already very determined, and she was bold and daring, so she didn't care about anything when she thought about Jia Cong...

The pair of jade bracelets on Tanchun's hands were very valuable, but Miss Xia came from a wealthy family and had seen many jade bracelets of this quality, so they were not too rare.

But just now, Jia Cong was smiling and putting the pair of jade bracelets on Tanchun's wrists. The elegance and charm of that moment seemed to be instantly engraved in her heart.

The longing and desire that had been lingering in her heart was aroused into a burning desire to possess her. She wished that the pair of beautiful jade bracelets were on her wrists...

Xiaohong, who had been by her side, had sharp eyes and ears and immediately spotted Miss Xia standing not far away, staring at them blankly.

Xiao Hong had just entered the flower hall twice, so she naturally knew that the only outsiders at the banquet were a mother and daughter. She asked curiously, "Miss Xia, why are you here?"

When Jia Cong and Tanchun heard Xiaohong's words, they also looked over curiously.

Miss Xia seemed to sense Jia Cong's gaze. She was always sharp and shrewd, but now her face was red. She said, "Just now I felt stuffy in the hall, so I came out for a walk and ended up here without realizing it."

Of course Jia Cong knew who this Miss Xia was, and his brows couldn't help but frown, but he quickly regained his composure. Since she was a guest at his house, although he had preconceived taboos, there was no need for him to show it on his face.

As a woman, Tanchun's mind is more delicate than Jia Cong. She seems to have an illusion that Miss Xia's gaze is always fixed on the jade bracelet on her hand.

She felt a little strange. Although the bracelet given by her third brother was outstanding, Miss Xia was born in a royal merchant family and must have seen a lot of expensive jewelry. It seemed that she shouldn't care so much about it...

Moreover, Tanchun had spent several times with Miss Xia and knew that she was a straightforward and generous person, and was by no means a timid and shy girl.

But why did her face turn so red when she saw her third brother, as if she couldn't even say a word?
Tanchun herself is a young girl, so she doesn't need to think too much about such things and she knows why.

Would Miss Xia blush when she saw me?

In Tanchun's eyes, her third brother was either being intimate with his trusted maidservant, or trying to make Sister Lin happy, and there was also the third Miss Zhen who almost became her sister-in-law.

Tanchun was accustomed to all these things; her third brother deserved the best in the world.

But this Miss Xia made Tanchun feel indescribably wary, and felt that she was somewhat unkind and unworthy... (End of this chapter)