Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

In late spring, the wind was blowing sideways and a drizzle of rain was falling from the sky, washing the trees, flowers and plants in the yard fresh and making them shine with a green and moist luster.

The flying eaves of the main room in the courtyard cast a dark green silhouette against the misty sky, revealing an unusual elegance and tranquility.

In the main hall, Zhishao, Qingwen, Lingguan and others had nothing to do, so they were sitting in the corridor under the eaves, chatting casually.

The gentle sound of rain outside, accompanied by the sweet voice of my daughter, echoed in the quiet courtyard...

Since Jia Cong finished the imperial examination, he still often tinkered with firearms drawings in his study, but he did not have to study as hard every day as before.

Except for Wu'er who was busy in the West Mansion every day, the other girls and maids around him were not as busy as before. They often had this kind of sitting time before the sun rose every day.

At this time, the half-closed courtyard door was pushed open. Zhishao and others saw the hem of a skirt fluttering behind the door, revealing indigo embroidered shoes under the skirt. Two people, holding brown butter paper umbrellas, entered the courtyard one after the other.

The person in front of me has a slim and graceful figure. She wears a ivory-white double-breasted jacket with a red collar and a bright red pleated skirt with scattered flowers. The paper umbrella in her hand is slightly tilted, revealing her pretty face.

The person following behind her was wearing a purple satin bodice with a snow-blue background and colorful embroidery. She had a pretty face and a nimble gait. It was the maid Zijuan.

Zhishao stood up with a smile and said, "Miss Lin is here, the Third Master is in the study."

Daiyu smiled and said, "I just came back from the West Mansion and came to visit Third Brother. You have already passed the examination, why is Third Brother still working so hard?"

Zhi Shao smiled and said, "It's not about studying. The Third Master is fiddling with those strange drawings again."

Daiyu left Zijuan in the main room to talk with Zhishao and others, and went into the study alone.

Just then, Jia Cong was seen bending over his desk, fiddling with some large sheets of white linen paper, while Yinglian was sitting at the desk in the west window, copying calligraphy.

Daiyu saw the pieces of white linen paper on the desk. They were smooth as snow and flawless, and larger than usual in size. There were intricate and exquisite designs painted on them, giving them a strange beauty in which every detail was clearly visible.

Daiyu comes from a family of scholars and has been studying since childhood. She has been immersed in literary affairs and is very familiar with all kinds of stationery.

She could tell at a glance that the white linen paper used by Jia Cong was very common and rare.

Ordinary white hemp paper is made from ramie pulp and has some grain defects. However, the pure white paper like the one used on Jia Cong's desk is of the highest quality.

This kind of white linen paper is not only much harder than the ordinary rice paper used for calligraphy and painting, but also much tougher and more resistant to wear and tear. It is often used as drawing paper by craftsmen.

……

Daiyu said with a smile: "Third brother, why are you fiddling with your firearms again? Is it that breech-loading rifle? I see you have been thinking about it for a long time, but you haven't made it yet?"

Since Daiyu often went into Jia Cong's study to talk, she was somewhat familiar with the new type of musket that Jia Cong was fiddling with.

However, she was smart and knew the importance of the matter. She would only chat with Jia Cong occasionally when they met, and would never mention it to anyone else.

Seeing that it was Daiyu, Jia Cong smiled and said casually: "It's almost done. The workshop has forged a qualified gun body, but the firing pin is not yet suitable..."

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Daiyu looking at him with a pair of bright watery eyes, with a somewhat confused look.

He couldn't help but smile in his heart, thinking that he was really obsessed with this breech-loading rifle.

Since the end of last year, he has been leading the firearms workshop to manufacture breech-loading rifles.

After nearly half a year of research and testing, the breech-loading rifle's body has been finalized, and the barrel, gun body, and bolt all meet the requirements.

The only difference is that the firing pin used to fire paper shell bullets is extremely difficult to manufacture due to its slender and sharp shape and is extremely easy to break.

Jia Cong had been thinking about it day and night these past few days, trying to find ways to improve the situation. Just now when Daiyu asked him about it casually, he blurted out the idea in a state of selflessness.

But a girl like Daiyu, who had only stayed in the boudoir, would not understand what was said to her, so she naturally looked confused.

……

Jia Cong put down the blueprint in his hand and said with a smile: "Sister, why are you out on a rainy day?"

Daiyu smiled and said, "My second sister is not feeling well today, Xiangyun is staying with her in the room, so my third sister and I will go to the West Mansion to pay our respects to the old lady.

The sky was cloudy at dawn today, and although Zijuan brought an umbrella, it hadn't rained yet.

We had only been sitting in Rongqing Hall for a while when the old lady said that after the birthday banquet with the elephant dance, Baoyu stayed in the East Courtyard to study. It was obvious that he had become sensible after his birthday.

It happened that the old nanny who was with the old lady came back and told her that she had been asked by the old lady to go to the East Courtyard to see Baoyu. When she got there, she found out that Baoyu had accidentally broken his head yesterday.

After hearing this, Jia Cong tried to hold back his laughter. It seemed that Jia Zheng had really listened to what he said that day and had concealed the fact that Baoyu was injured very strictly.

Daiyu added: "When the old lady heard that Baoyu was injured, she could no longer sit still and hurried to the East Courtyard to visit him.

"My third sister will naturally go with me, but I'm worried that if I see Baoyu, he'll start to talk nonsense again, so I'll naturally find an excuse not to go."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "After this period, you won't have to worry about Baoyu arguing with you."

Daiyu asked curiously, "What does Third Brother mean by this? Why don't I understand?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Didn't you hear the master ask him to stay in the East Courtyard to study? Besides, he has passed his fifteenth birthday and is old enough to get married. He might get married soon, so why would he bother you?"

Daiyu looked unconvinced and said, "Over the years, my second uncle has asked Baoyu to study so many times. I don't know how many days he could have lasted each time. I don't believe it.

As for Baoyu's marriage, my sisters and I went to the West Mansion and heard the news a long time ago that my second aunt had been helping Baoyu find a marriage.

But the last time we caused trouble at the clan house, the rumors spread were not good, I am afraid this matter is not that easy, Third Brother is really talking nonsense and trying to fool me with random words. "

At this time, Qingwen came in to serve tea to Daiyu. Jia Cong handed it to Daiyu and said with a smile: "I am talking seriously, why am I trying to coax you again?"

Daiyu raised her lips slightly and said, "Baoyu is not as fragrant as my third brother. Last time my third brother had his birthday, my grandmother invited four noble ladies at once.

Those four girls didn't look at Baoyu, but stared at you. Third brother, don't tell me you didn't notice it. Are you feeling particularly proud? "

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I have to observe mourning for three years. During these three years, my body will be indestructible. It is useless to stare at me."

Daiyu had just taken a sip of tea when she heard what he said. She couldn't help spitting out the tea and burst out laughing.

"Third brother, you are so shameless. You are so rare. Everyone is looking forward to you. You are not ashamed to brag."

Jia Cong looked at her with a smile and said, "Look at what you said, sister. I am so bad that you don't want me at all."

Daiyu's pretty face turned red, she snorted, and deliberately turned her head away from him, but there was a smile on the corner of her mouth.

The two chatted a lot of gossip. Qingwen came in and refilled the cup twice. Only then did Daiyu stand up to leave. Jia Cong held an umbrella and walked her back to her own yard.

After leaving Daiyu's courtyard, he remembered that Daiyu had said that Yingchun was not feeling well today, so he went to Yingchun's courtyard to visit her.

When he saw Yingchun, he asked about the cause of the disease. Yingchun blushed slightly and just said that she had caught a cold and it was not serious, and asked him not to worry. Only then did Jia Cong stop asking any more questions.

Yingchun asked him about the examination and when the Ministry of Rites would announce the results. The brother and sister chatted for a while. When Jia Cong saw that Yingchun was a little sleepy, he got up and left.

When he came back, although the sky had not yet cleared up, the bright sunshine had penetrated the gaps in the gloomy clouds, making people feel relaxed.

……

Earl's Mansion, Tanchun Courtyard.

The courtyard was quiet, and the banana trees in the yard were lush and green, crackling with sound as the rain hit them.

Cui Mo held an oil-paper umbrella, pushed open the gate, and helped her girl into the yard.

Tanchun was wearing a light blue round-necked gown embroidered with broken chrysanthemum branches. Her slender waist was like a willow, and she looked elegant and pretty. The ruby ​​phoenix hairpin on her head sparkled in the drizzle.

It's just that she walked a little absent-mindedly, and the hem of her beige dress was slightly wet by the rain...

In the morning, when Jia's mother heard that Baoyu had fallen and was injured, she hurriedly took a carriage to the East Courtyard to visit him. Tanchun was Baoyu's biological sister, so naturally she had to accompany him.

When they arrived at the east courtyard, Tanchun saw Baoyu with a bandage on his head, looking like he had fallen quite hard.

Naturally, Grandmother Jia complained to Jia Zheng and Mrs. Wang, saying that they had made Baoyu stay in the east courtyard for two days and had caused him to suffer a bloody head.

Although Tanchun was also heartbroken about her brother's injury, she was a careful person after all. She watched from the sidelines and always felt that the master and the mistress looked strange, as if they were hiding something.

The old lady originally insisted on taking Baoyu back to the West Mansion. Jia Zheng and Mrs. Wang repeatedly persuaded her to wait until Baoyu recovered from his injuries before letting him return to the West Mansion to accompany the old lady.

She also asked Xiren privately where Baoyu fell. Xiren blushed and stammered.

When the old lady left, Mrs. Wang talked about Baoyu's marriage again. She had already proposed marriage to the Xia family for Baoyu and was preparing to matchmake a girl from the Xia family for Baoyu. She sounded a little anxious.

When Tanchun saw all this, she knew that the whole matter was not simple, and she felt a little uneasy until she returned to her own courtyard in the East Palace.

……

After a long time, she heard footsteps coming from the door, and the maid Shishu walked in quickly.

Tanchun was in the East Courtyard today, and she was somewhat suspicious about everything about Baoyu. She also heard that Mrs. Wang was in a hurry to arrange a marriage for Baoyu, and the girl from the opposite side was from the Osmanthus Xia family.

In the past, at Mrs. Wang's request, Tanchun and Miss Xia had visited each other several times. Jia Cong had reminded her to be more careful because Miss Xia was not an easy person to deal with.

Tanchun has been close to and trusting of Jia Cong since she was a child, so her third brother's several reminders were naturally not without purpose.

Now, Miss Xia, who was not easy to get along with in the eyes of her third brother, was going to be her sister-in-law. Naturally, Tanchun felt a little worried.

When she and Lady Jia left the East Courtyard, she left the secretary to pack up her things in her room. In fact, she left this trusted maid to walk around the East Courtyard and spy on what was going on.

Shishu is a personal maid who has served Tanchun since childhood. She is as smart and clever as Tanchun and is very efficient and competent in her daily work.

As soon as she entered the house, she closed the door and said, "Girl, I followed your instructions and pretended to pack my things in the room, and took a walk in the backyard.

People from all over the place met and chatted for a while, but none of them knew where Master Bao fell.

Later, when I passed by Mengpo Zhai Study, I saw Mrs. He, who was in charge of pruning and maintaining the flowers and trees in the yard, cursing there.

She said that the rose she had been raising for half a year was stepped on to death by a short-lived maid, and used dirty words like "this outsider has no manners" and so on.

I was curious, so I complimented her casually, and she started chatting with me when she was happy.

She said that it was Master Bao's birthday that day and she was tidying up the flowers and trees in the back garden when she saw from afar a little girl helping Master Bao into Mengpo Zhai.

Not long after, she saw the master and the third master also enter Mengpo Zhai, and then there was chaos inside, but because she was some distance away, she couldn't hear clearly what was said.

Soon a little maid ran out of Mengpo Zhai. She was the one who had helped Master Bao into the house just now.

Mrs. He said that she recognized who it was now. It was the personal maid of Miss Guihua Xia. Mrs. Xia and Miss Xia had been to the mansion several times, and each time they brought this maid with them. Mrs. He had seen her several times, so she was able to recognize her.

……

When Tanchun heard this, her heart suddenly jumped and she felt that something was wrong. Why would Miss Xia's maid help her second brother into the study?

The secretary continued, "Mrs. He also said that the maid left Mengpo Zhai in a panic and didn't even look at the path she was walking on.

He walked straight past the flower bed and ended up breaking Mrs. He's precious rose with its roots, which made her very angry.

Mrs. He also said, she also said..."

Shishu was originally eloquent and spoke fluently, but he began to stammer at the end.

Tanchun saw that her maid's face was red and her expression was strange. She frowned and said, "Girl, when did you learn to be hesitant? If you have something to say, just say it."

The secretary was urged by Tanchun, so she said, "Mrs. He said that when the maid came out of Mengpo Zhai, her hair was disheveled, her clothes were untidy, and she looked a little embarrassed.

The old woman even said some dirty talk, saying that the Xia family’s maid must have done something bad just now…”

When Tanchun heard this, her pretty face couldn't help but blush. Although she was still a virgin and didn't know anything about the relationship between men and women, she was not ignorant of everything.

She knew what He Pozi meant by just guessing, otherwise why would Shi Shu blush just now...

The secretary continued, "Mrs. He also said that after the maid left, the Second Master and the Third Master also left the study, but the Second Master Bao did not come out.

Not long after, she saw the master and the mistress return to the study. After a while, she saw Caiyun and the doctor enter the study.

Girl, this matter looks strange from both inside and outside. I feel that Master Bao didn’t break his head yesterday, but it seems that he fell after the birthday banquet that day…”

……

Tanchun's originally rosy face gradually turned pale and her expression looked a little ugly.

She was a smart and insightful person, more shrewd and capable than the average girl. After listening to what the secretary said and thinking about it for a while, she could guess the general reason.

Baoyu must have taken advantage of the Xia family's visit to bring her maid into the study, and probably did something shameful.

The master has always admired and liked the third brother the most. After the banquet, he asked the third brother to go to the study to talk. Unexpectedly, the two of them happened to discover something...

Originally, Tanchun felt that it was somewhat inappropriate for Baoyu to marry Miss Xia, whom her third brother found difficult to get along with.

Now Tanchun had to put these worries aside. Baoyu even got involved with someone else's personal maid, so how could he and Miss Xia be clearly involved?
Moreover, the master and his wife both approve of this marriage, so there must be a reason. How can I, a bastard girl, be in charge of it...

The secretary said, "I heard from Mrs. He that the Third Master also entered the study that day, so he must know the details.

The Third Master loves you so much, you only need to ask him and you will know everything clearly. "

Tanchun lowered her eyes and her long eyelashes trembled slightly.

Said: "Third brother usually talks to me about everything, but this incident, even after so many days, he didn't mention a word.

He must have felt that some things would pollute a girl's ears, so he kept it secret from me. Why should I ask? Besides, I don't have the ability to take care of this matter.

Shishu, just pretend you don’t know what happened today, and don’t tell anyone about it, remember that.”

Shishu said, "Don't worry, young lady. I'll remember it."

Tanchun added: "During this period of time, let's try not to go to the East Courtyard, and wait until these things are over before we talk about it..."

She looked out the window at the misty courtyard. After being washed by the rain, the air was unusually clear and fresh. She suddenly felt relieved and relaxed, and sighed slightly.

In the past, she always had some regrets that were difficult to talk about, but now she feels that she is actually very lucky.

No matter how much filth and right and wrong there are in the world, with this East Palace and her third brother, her body and mind can find a home and she can retreat and live in peace.

The lush green banana tree in the courtyard was specially planted by Jia Cong when Tanchun moved into the East Mansion last year. In just one year, it has grown into a beautiful and graceful tree with deep roots and lush leaves.

……

The palace city of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Qianyang Palace.

Although it was late spring in the capital and the weather was becoming milder, the spacious and airy hall exuded an unusual chill.

At this moment, in the hall, besides Emperor Jiazhao, there was Guo Lin, who seemed to always be by his side, and another man in plain clothes, kneeling on the ground without saying a word.

The emperor was carefully reading the documents in his hands, which recorded the details of the development of the breech-loading rifle by the firearms workshop.

Emperor Jiazhao spoke with a hint of excitement, and asked, "Qian Huai, according to your record, the breech-loading rifle has now been completed and has been successfully tested."

The man in plain clothes was Qian Huai, the manager of the Firearms Workshop of the Ministry of Works, and also a spy planted in the Firearms Workshop by Emperor Jiazhao.

Qian Huai replied: "Your Majesty, since the beginning of spring, although Jia Jianzheng has been busy with the spring imperial examination, he still often comes to the workshop to inspect the progress of the breech-loading rifle.

In mid-March, the workshop craftsmen followed Jia Jianzheng's instructions and repeatedly quenched and purified the top-grade Ottoman iron to forge a breech-loading rifle barrel that was strong enough.

The rest of the bolt, stock, auxiliary parts, gunpowder ratio, and paper shell bullets were also finalized one after another, and the parts for gun assembly began to be run-in.

After the Spring Examination, Jia Jianzheng went to the workshop almost every day to supervise the progress of the construction of the breech-loading rifle. Five days ago, the gun body was assembled and the test firing was successful.

However, there are still some flaws, and Jia Jian has not yet reported the good news to His Majesty for the sake of prudentness."

Emperor Jiazhao asked quickly: "What other flaws are there?"

Qian Huai replied: "Your Majesty, although the breech-loading rifle was successfully tested, the firing pin used to detonate the paper ammunition is extremely difficult to manufacture because of its slender and narrow shape.

The firing pins currently forged by craftsmen are not strong enough. After a breech-loading rifle fires less than ten bullets each time, the firing pin will crack or wear out and break.

Jia Jianzheng gave this situation a strange name, called resonance fracture. Although I didn't quite understand it, I knew what it meant, which was to forge a stronger firing pin.

According to Jia Jianzheng's suggestion, the newly forged firing pin must be able to support the breech-loading rifle to fire thirty bullets without breaking, so that the breech-loading rifle can be used in actual combat.

By that time, the breech-loading rifle will be considered a real success. When the musketeers go to war with breech-loading rifles, as long as each of them is equipped with a few more firing pins, they can fire a large amount of ammunition. "

Emperor Jia Zhao smiled and said, "I understand what you mean. The breech-loading rifle has actually been successfully built, but the construction technology of a certain component has not yet reached Jia Cong's expectations."

"Your Majesty is wise, that's exactly it."

"Let me ask you, what is the specific power of the breech-loading rifle's test firing now?"

Qian Huai replied: "Your Majesty, the workshop has now produced four prototype breech-loading rifles, and the shooting distance and firepower of each prototype rifle are five times that of the Great Zhou's improved Lumi gun.

As long as the breech-loading rifle is used in actual combat, within its effective range, the improved Lummi gun will not be able to hit the enemy at all and will only become a pile of scrap metal. "

Emperor Jia Zhao's eyes lit up with surprise, as if he couldn't believe it, and he asked anxiously, "Is the power of the new breech-loading rifle really five times that of the improved Rumi gun?"

Qian Huai replied confidently: "Your Majesty, I have been on site to observe almost every test firing of the breech-loading rifle, and its power is five times that of the improved Rumi gun, without a doubt.

Jia Jianzheng also said that at present, it is just a sample gun test. As the breech-loading gun is finalized and mass-forged, the precision of the manufacturing technology will gradually improve, and the power of the breech-loading gun will increase slightly. "

Emperor Jia Zhao was so excited that he couldn't help patting the imperial desk and said, "Good! Jia Cong really lived up to my expectations!"

Qian Huai, who was sitting next to him, said: "Jia Jian is so creative and ingenious, and has come up with something that no one has ever thought of before. As a craftsman like me, I admire him to my core.

Even though he was busy with the imperial examinations, he never forgot to worry about the construction of firearms. His dedication to his duties and his loyalty to the country made people admire him even more. "

Guo Lin, who was standing by, saw that although Qian Huai was the emperor's eyes and ears and reported matters of the firearms workshop on a regular basis, he was generous with his praise for Jia Cong.

This man was just a minor official in charge. Although he was doing spy work, he was impartial in his actions and words, and he was quite impressive.

Emperor Jia Zhao smiled slightly and said, "You said it very well. Although I asked you to be my eyes in the firearms workshop, you must obey his orders and do your best in the construction of Jia Cong's firearms.

Go down and do your job well. I will not treat you unfairly..."

……

Thanks to the firearms developed by Jia Cong in recent years, Emperor Jia Zhao was able to use his trusted ministers such as Gu Yankui and Shi Ding to greatly expand the firearms camp in the Five Military Camps.

Through the use of advanced and sharp firearms, the military structure of the Five Battalions was gradually replaced, and eventually more than 100,000 elite troops of the Five Battalions were completely under control for the first time.

Jia Cong went to Jinling twice and solved major cases such as the Jinling Water Inspectorate and the Jinling Guards.
This allowed Emperor Jiazhao to seize the opportunity and completely wipe out the old power of the Jiangnan Guards.

The key government offices such as the Nanjing Military Headquarters and the Ministry of War of the Secondary Capital were all replaced by the most trusted ministers of Emperor Jiazhao, so the emperor was able to firmly control the military power in the south of the Yangtze River.

Moreover, because Jia Cong solved the major case of the Jinling Guards, it was confirmed that Zhang Kangnian, a relative recommended by King Zhao, was the main culprit in the major case of the Jinling Guards.

Emperor Jia Zhao took this opportunity to weaken the military power of the King of Zhao in the southwestern border area and further consolidate the military power in his pocket...

It can be said that the achievement of all this is closely related to Jia Cong.

This made Emperor Jia Zhao feel more and more that Jia Cong seemed to be a blessed general, because the chain shocks he triggered opened up a new world for his monarchy, surprising him again and again...

……

Now Jia Cong has developed a new breech-loading musket, which has a killing power five times that of the improved Rumi gun. To Emperor Jia Zhao, it is tantamount to a weapon of heaven's punishment, and the Great Zhou army has added another powerful weapon.

Emperor Jia Zhao could imagine how powerful the army's combat effectiveness would be if all of his five armies, the Shenji Battalion, were equipped with this new type of breech-loading musket.

At that time, his desire to compare himself with his ancestors, expand territory, achieve great achievements, and leave his name in history was not just an illusion.

When Qian Huai knelt down and left the palace, Emperor Jiazhao was looking at the documents in his hands, still immersed in the joy of the development of the breech-loading rifle.

However, even though the successful creation of the breech-loading rifle made Emperor Jia Zhao ambitious and he admired Jia Cong's talents more and more, the firm prudence and clarity in his heart did not fade away...

The best talents in the world are all within the emperor's grasp. Making good use of them and weighing them appropriately are things that an emperor should always plan for.

He suddenly thought of what Qian Huai had mentioned about the Spring Examination, and asked, "Guo Lin, how is the review of the Spring Examination at the Ministry of Rites going?"

Guo Lin sensed the emperor's thoughtfulness and said, "Your Majesty, this morning, the Ministry of Rites has received news that the eighteen examiners of the Spring Examination have selected the best candidates from each room to copy the papers.

Among them, there are the top 10 people in each of the 18 rooms and the top 24 people in each room, totaling 450 people.

In the past few days, the chief examiner and co-examiners of the Spring Examination have been evaluating the candidates and will submit the list to the palace for review in a few days. The list will be posted on the 25th of this month."

Emperor Jia Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "I am looking forward to seeing how Jia Cong will rank on the list..." (End of this chapter)