Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion.

In the early morning, the sky was dim and the east was just slightly bright.

Beside the Doufengxuan in the inner courtyard to the north, there is an open sloping land surrounded by water on three sides. Usually, few people pass by, and the environment is quiet and secluded.

In the cool and clear morning light, human figures were moving and swaying on the slope, the silver light of the knife was flickering, and the sound of the wind was trembling.

This is the quietest and most spacious place in the Earl's Mansion. Few people walk around here and no one disturbs them. It has become the place where Jia Cong practices swordsmanship on a daily basis.

At the age of ten, he started to exercise his muscles and hone his swordsmanship with Qu Hongxiu. Except for a few personal maids, he never mentioned this to anyone else, not even the people in the Jia family knew about it.

When he faced the provocation from Wang Ziteng's son, he scared Wang Yi so much that he became incontinent with one knife in an instant.

Grandmother Jia and others just thought that the two young men were just quarreling and that Wang Yi was useless.

When he made the first contribution in the great victory of Yafu Pass in Liaodong, he personally killed Fanercha, the leader of the right guard of the Jurchen Guard, in the battle.

The world knew that he was not only a man of great literary talent, but also had outstanding martial arts skills.

As for how this skill of killing enemies in battle was learned, even Jia Mu, Jia Zheng and others were at a loss as to how to do it.

Studying for the imperial examinations could earn him a future, and the sword skills he had practiced since childhood were the foundation of his life and the skill to save his life. He practiced hard for many years and never dared to slack off.

On the slope, Jia Cong's steps were strange and agile, and the light of the sword was wandering all over his body, slowly like the spring breeze blowing on the willows, round and harmonious, and fast like thunder and lightning, strange and cruel.

Gradually, the sword light became slow and fast, connected closely, in one go, without interruption. The bright silver sword light obscured Jia Cong's figure, making it appear vaguely, creating a magnificent and extraordinary scene.

Suddenly he leaped into the air and chopped down with a powerful knife with great momentum.

Wait until both feet touch the ground, and the force starts from the ground. Push the handle of the knife with your left hand. Hold the knife with both hands, turn your wrists, and change the downward chopping force to an upward slant.

The knife moved in strange ways, guiding the force and taking advantage of the momentum. His arms generated tremendous power, and all the energy in his body seemed to burst out of his body in an instant. The knife force was twice as strong as usual.

The cold blade made a sharp explosion in the air, and the surrounding air was inhaled and exhaled.

There was a Chinese toon tree five or six steps away from Jia Cong. The branches covered with green leaves were swaying rapidly due to the powerful energy stirred up by the blade.

The lavender tender leaves on the branches could not withstand the strong disturbance of the air force. They made a faint explosion sound and were shaken off the branches, fluttering and scattering all over the ground.

Jia Cong stopped his knife, a layer of hot sweat broke out on his back, his arms turned slightly red, his energy meridians were flowing and full, and his whole body was filled with a strange and mysterious feeling of clarity.

He was filled with ecstasy, muttering to himself: "The sword energy shakes things!"

He had been taught carefully by Qu Hongxiu since he was young. Qu Hongxiu had told him that the Qu family's swordsmanship was different from the ordinary external swordsmanship in the martial arts world. It needed to be guided by the secret method of moving qi before it could be practiced.

He started practicing swordplay at the age of ten. Under normal circumstances, he was a bit old, but he had a great talent for martial arts and worked very hard.

As long as one has reached the level where the sword energy can shake objects, it means that the foundation of one's essence and blood has solidified, and one's swordsmanship has reached the level of mastery.

Qu Hongxiu once told him that to reach this level, under normal circumstances, it would take at least six to seven years, or at most more than ten years. Those with mediocre talents would find it difficult to break through in their lifetime.

What Qu Hongxiu said originally was not meant to deceive him, but was truly for his own improvement.

But Jia Cong only took five years. Perhaps he was born abnormal, with a spirit, soul and strength that were different from ordinary people...

……

Just as Jia Cong was feeling delighted, he heard footsteps nearby.

He looked back and saw Zhishao walking towards him slowly, holding a long gown in her hands. The gold hairpin inlaid with pearls and emerald on her head flashed brightly in the morning light.

She wore a pink and purple satin vest with a collar, a snow-white cross-collared gauze dress, and her delicate face and figure were elegant, pretty, and charming.

The morning breeze made her slender waist look even more graceful, and her white palace embroidered skirt fluttered slightly, as if she was about to fly into the air.

Seeing Jia Cong's body steaming, she smiled and said, "Third Master, although it is late spring now, it is not yet daybreak and the cold has not gone away. I will get you a coat. Be careful not to sweat while practicing and catch a cold."

As he said this, he put his coat on Jia Cong and tilted his head to look at him again.

He smiled and said, "Third Master seems to be in particularly high spirits. Is it because the Ministry of Rites announced today that Third Master is determined to become a Jinshi Gong, so he is in a particularly proud mood?"

Jia Cong smiled slightly, stretched out his hand and held Zhishao's slender and soft palm, and said: "It is certainly worth looking forward to the list of candidates being published. I think it will be possible to pass the imperial examination.

We lived in poverty in the East Road Courtyard at the beginning. You were the only one who accompanied me to read and write every day. I never thought that this day would come. Life will definitely get better and better in the future."

After hearing this, Zhishao's bright eyes seemed to reflect a trace of confusion, but there was a smile in the corners of her eyebrows and eyes. Under the bright morning light, Jia Cong could not hide his heartbeat.

Zhi Shao smiled and said, "Third Master is so capable, it is natural that he will live better and better in the future.

After the Ministry of Rites posted the notice today, the Third Master’s wedding has come to fruition. Tomorrow, Xiu Yan and I will go to Muni Temple to visit our master and senior sister.

Last time, Senior Sister asked Xiu Yan to convey a message, saying that thanks to Third Master’s invitation of a famous doctor to treat Master, Master’s health has been much better.

Senior sister wants to make a blessing tablet for Third Master, and needs Third Master’s birth date and horoscope, so she asked me to bring it to her when I’m free.”

Jia Cong smiled and said, "It's rare that Master Miaoyu is so thoughtful. Tomorrow I will ask the housekeeper to arrange a carriage and horses to take you there early in the morning."

……

The two chatted and laughed all the way. They passed Doufengxuan and Dengxian Pavilion and walked to a place near Conglvtang. They saw maids in the inner courtyard carrying things and walking back and forth. It was quite lively.

Jia Cong saw Yingchun's maid Xiu Ju running back and forth directing the maids and old women to hang vermilion gauze lanterns on the corridor and red silk balls on the eaves of the door. She was so busy that her little face turned red.

Yingchun stood aside and watched, saying a few words from time to time, with a beautiful and peaceful smile on her face. She looked happy and cheerful, and became even more charming.

Jia Cong noticed that Yingchun had delicate makeup on. She was wearing a newly made embroidered and bordered double-breasted jacket with exquisite brocade branches embroidered on the emerald green satin. She looked extremely luxurious and pretty with her beige pleated long skirt.

A golden phoenix with beads and filigree was inserted in Wu Ya Ya's bun, sparkling in the dim light of the early morning, adding a touch of grace and beauty.

When she was still in the West Palace, Yingchun's original golden phoenix with pearls and filigree was often stolen by her wet nurse and pawned as gambling money.

Jia Cong bought Yingchun another top-grade gold phoenix ornament with pearls and filigree.

Yingchun received the gold hairpin from her brother and from then on she loved it more than a treasure. She would only take it out and wear it during festivals, or when Jia Cong celebrated happy events such as passing the imperial examination and inheriting the title.

As for Nanny Wang, who stole Yingchun's jewelry and pawned it, as well as her son Wang Zhuer and his wife, Jia Cong always disliked them because of their greed and cunningness.

After Yingchun moved to the East Palace, these people were left in the West Palace by Jia Cong.

Wang Xifeng knew that Jia Cong loved his elder sister, and took advantage of the fact that the summer tax on Rongguo Mansion had increased significantly to reduce the number of servants in the mansion.

Taking advantage of the situation, he drove Yingchun's wet nurse and her son and daughter-in-law out of the house and sent them to work on the farm outside the city. This satisfied Jia Cong's wish and also vented Yingchun's anger.

……

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Second sister got up very early today. It's still dark today, and she's already started like this."

Yingchun turned around and saw Jia Cong and Zhishao, and said with a smile: "Today is the auspicious day for Brother Cong to pass the imperial examination, so don't get up early to prepare for it."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "The results haven't been announced yet, and my second sister is not the chief examiner. How can you be sure that I can pass the exam? If I fail, wouldn't it embarrass my brother if we still put up lanterns and decorations at home?"

Yingchun laughed and said, "Today is the day when the results are announced, why are you talking nonsense and not saying anything auspicious?

My sisters and I have already found out everything you are going to try, so you don't need to talk to me.

My younger brother Cong was the top scorer in Yongzhou. Yongzhou is where the imperial capital is located. The examiners of last year's provincial examination and this year's metropolitan examination were all serious officials from the capital.

Even if it is just for the sake of respect from your colleagues in the capital, you are bound to win the title of Yongzhou champion. Besides, my brother Cong has always been an outstanding scholar, so there will naturally be no problem for him.

You have always been valued by the emperor. If you, the top scholar in Yongzhou, cannot make it to the imperial examination, I am afraid that the reputation of the palace will be lost.

I don’t care whether you will pass or not, I just want Brother Cong to get the top score, that would be the real pride, and this life achievement would be complete.”

Jia Cong said with a smile: "Second sister, it is great to be a Jinshi. You think too highly of me."

The two siblings were talking when they heard laughter coming from behind them: "In the eyes of the second sister, her brother is naturally the best in the world, so it is only natural that he gets the top prize."

Jia Cong looked back and saw Tanchun and Daiyu coming together. It was Tanchun who was talking, and her pretty face was full of joy.

Daiyu smiled and said, "Look at Second Sister, she is wearing a new dress, even the most precious pearl and filigree golden phoenix, she looks so elegant and beautiful.

I feel like today is not the day for Third Brother to be happy, but rather Second Sister to be happy, hehe."

Yingchun, who is usually calm, was probably in a good mood today. She made a rare joke and said with a smile: "It's natural. My brother is happy, so it's also my happiness."

Daiyu and Tanchun were both amused by Yingchun, and their light and pleasant laughter echoed in the courtyard in the early morning.

After a while, Xing Xiuyan and Shi Xiangyun also came over. Xiangyun was still a little sleepy. She always liked to get up early and stay in bed, and it seemed like someone had pulled her out of bed.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Early that morning, Jia Zheng's face was relaxed and his expression showed joy. He passed through the inner courtyard's hanging flower gate and went straight to Rongqing Hall.

Following behind him were not only Mrs. Wang, but also Baoyu with a depressed look, Jia Huan with a sly and weird expression, and Jia Lan who was held by the hand of the maid Suyun.

Jia Zheng knew that today was the day when the results of the imperial examination would be announced. He knew that with Jia Cong's reputation and talent, he would definitely be admitted as a Jinshi. The only thing he needed to worry about was how he would perform on the list.

The Ningrong Jia family has been established for more than eighty years. Except for the thirty years when Jia Jing passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi, this is the extremely rare second time for Jia Cong. In Jia Zheng's eyes, this is a major event for the Jia family.

Moreover, compared with Jia Jing, Jia Cong is incomparable in terms of official career, reputation, talent and knowledge. In addition, Jia Cong is still so young, and his future is limitless.

Although Jia Jing had his glory in the past, he became a monk more than ten years ago and had long since become decadent and useless, like a withered thing.

At the beginning, the Ningguo Mansion was stripped of its title by the court due to the Jia Zhen incident. Although Emperor Jiazhao had issued an edict that if the Ningguo descendants made military achievements within three years, the Ningguo lineage could have its title restored.

However, Jia Rong, a member of the Ningguo clan, was exiled to Qiongzhou, and his life or death is unknown now. Even if he returns, he will be a commoner. The other Ningguo clan members have already become decadent and corrupt.

The so-called restoration of the title due to military merit was nothing but a foolish dream. Now, there was only a short time left before the three-year deadline mentioned by Emperor Jiazhao, and the Ningguo title was irreversibly lost forever.

Although Jia Zheng had a mediocre career, he had studied poetry and books in his early years and attached great importance to the honor of his family. However, his own talents were ordinary and he was incapable of making contributions to either the country or his family.

Now, of the two branches of the Jia family, the Rongguo branch is the only one left. The prosperity and continuation of the family depends only on Jia Cong.

In addition, Jia Zheng was a man obsessed with imperial examinations and fame. His eldest son, Jia Zhu, died early, and none of his other sons were successful, so he placed all his unfulfilled hopes on Jia Cong.

Therefore, when Jia Cong passed the imperial examination, Jia Zheng was sincerely happy. He came to the West Palace early this morning to wait for the good news of the examination results.

In order to show the etiquette of the scholarly family, he naturally had to bring his wife along. As for bringing Baoyu and other descendants, it was naturally to use the grand event of the Jia family's business today as an example to inspire the descendants. As for whether it would be useful, that was another matter...

……

Baoyu, who followed Jia Zheng, had rested for some time and the wound on his forehead had mostly healed, leaving only a blood scab.

Although he tied a wide forehead band, it still couldn't cover it completely, and he looked a little weird.

During this period, Mrs. Wang felt sorry for her son's injury, so she prepared plenty of nourishing soups and drinks every day. Baoyu's face became rounder and more radiant, and he looked more and more like the Mid-Autumn moon.

Ever since Jia Zheng told him that he had to go to the West Mansion early in the morning to wait for the good news from Jia Cong, Baoyu's body and mind have been in a suppressed state.

Although I dared not say a word of disobedience, I felt like crying to the heavens and raging to the earth. Since God had given me life, why did he use such filthy things to torture and ravage me every day? How unfair...

Jia Huan, who was standing aside, was more relaxed than Baoyu because he was only a bastard's son, and Jia Zheng's expectations for him were naturally not as high as those for his legitimate son Baoyu.

In addition, Jia Huan is far less talented than Baoyu. Jia Zheng himself is an experienced person and knows that no matter how hard Jia Huan studies, his achievements will be very limited, so he is even more dispensable.

Therefore, Jia Huan felt no pressure in his heart about coming to observe Jia Cong's glory, and he was just there to watch the fun and curiosity.

From time to time, he would look at the scar on Baoyu's forehead and his stinky expression, and he would feel refreshed in his heart, with a gloating smirk often showing on the corners of his mouth.

……

Mrs. Wang on the side could not help but complain: "It is a good thing that Cong is good at studying, but I heard that there are more than 300 people on the list of candidates for this imperial examination.

Even if Congge passes the imperial examination, it is an ordinary thing. He is not the first place in the imperial examination. The master is so cautious. Please don't let the younger generation suffer and lose his sense of direction.

Besides, Baoyu is not fully recovered yet, he should rest more, so why bother to let Huan'er and Lan'er come over? "

Jia Zheng's face darkened after hearing this, and he said, "You make it sound so light, but you know that these 300 people on the list are from the vast territory of the Great Zhou, and they are the best talents in the country.

There are ten people from the capital city on the list this time, which means that the imperial capital is a gathering place of great talent. I have been educated, so I naturally know that the imperial examination is difficult and extraordinary.

Cong Ge'er must have outstanding talent and ability, as well as years of hard study, to achieve what he has today. If you don't understand, don't talk nonsense.

Don't you think about what Baoyu has done? His injury is considered minor. I just want him to come and see Congge's grand event so that he can understand the truth that hard work pays off.

In order to prevent him from waking up and continuing to mess around all day long..."

Mrs. Wang was speechless after being retorted by Jia Zheng. When it comes to talking about moral principles, ten Mrs. Wangs are no match for Jia Zheng, so she had to shut up in frustration.

……

Jia Zheng walked into the inner courtyard and saw the maids and old women there cleaning everywhere and hanging up lanterns and decorations, looking extremely busy.

On the way, they met Lin Zhixiao's wife, who told them that Ping'er and Miss Wu'er had instructed that the results of the Third Master's imperial examination would be announced today, and there needed to be a more festive atmosphere inside and outside the mansion.

After hearing this, Jia Zheng felt that it made a lot of sense. Such a happy event in the Jia family should naturally be celebrated, and it would not be good to be too careless and low-key.

Mrs. Wang was furious, and felt that the rules in the Rongguo Mansion were becoming more and more unruly. Everyone was so short-sighted, and acted so frivolously and ostentatiously over trivial matters, which was not decent.

After listening to what Lin Zhixiao's family said, Baoyu was about to criticize these flatteries in the official career in his heart, but suddenly he heard the words Ping'er and Wu'er. His eyes lit up and he immediately found the fun of visiting the mansion today.

But along the way, a round-faced man looked around everywhere, but there was no sight of Ping'er and Wu'er.

When he passed by Rong Xi Tang, he saw Xiao Hong instructing maids to clean the inside and outside of Rong Xi Tang, and she even climbed up the ladder herself to hang the red silk on the eaves of the door.

When Baoyu saw Xiaohong's slim figure, pretty face and an expression of joy that could not be concealed, he thought that she must be feeling very happy because Jia Cong had passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi.

When Baoyu thought of the day in Rong Xi Tang when Xiao Hong taught him about official career and economics, he suddenly felt a little nauseous. He followed Jia Zheng and walked quickly past Rong Xi Tang, looking as if he was retreating.

When the group entered Rongqing Hall, they saw Wang Xifeng already talking with Lady Jia.

When Mrs. Wang saw that Wang Xifeng was also wearing new clothes, looking radiant inside and out, and her words and expression were full of joy, she felt uncomfortable again.

The eldest wife is about to produce a Jinshi, and his niece's backing will become more solid. How could he not be proud?

Jia Zheng asked, "Have you sent anyone to ask the East Palace whether Cong-ge'er has gone out? We should send more servants to accompany him, so that there will be someone to look after him inside and outside, and it will be easier to report the good news."

Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Second Master, don't worry. Wu'er and Ping'er went there early in the morning to take care of it. They just sent someone to tell you that Third Brother has gone out, and the housekeeper has arranged for people and carriages."

……

Ministry of Rites of Shenjing, east wall of the south courtyard.

When Jia Cong arrived at the Ministry of Rites, he saw that the east wall of the South Courtyard was already crowded with people, with voices clamoring and sleeves waving in the wind. The scene was magnificent.

Because of the long eastward-facing wall of the South Courtyard, there is a wide, flat and tidy open space in front of it that can accommodate thousands of people.

Normally, the Ministry of Rites received envoys from foreign countries and held ritual ceremonies, and related ceremonial etiquette was often held here.

Because this place is spacious and the walls are high and flat, it has always been used as the place where examination results are posted.

There are more than 3,000 candidates taking the imperial examination this year, but according to Jia Cong's estimation, the number of people gathered at this time may be more than 3,000.

The elderly, the weak, women and children can be seen in the crowd. I guess many candidates brought their relatives and friends to see the list.

The gathering of such a large number of people is always risky, whether in ancient times or today. Once pushing and trampling occurs, the consequences will be unimaginable.

In front of the east wall of the South Courtyard, the Qinian Prefecture and the Zhen'an Prefecture deployed hundreds of yamen runners, who were acting as if they were facing a formidable enemy, holding water and fire sticks, and pulling up ropes and wooden fences to maintain order at the scene.

Early this morning, a battalion of elite cavalry soldiers were deployed to garrison and surrounded the Ministry of Rites. After all, there were thousands of people gathering there, and if a riot broke out, the consequences would be unpredictable.

Yesterday, Jia Cong made an appointment with Cai Xiaoyu and Liu Xiaoping to look at the list together, but when they arrived at the place, it was so crowded that they couldn't find them at all.

Jia Cong got off the carriage, followed by two servants, and tried to take a few steps forward among the crowded crowd.

After confirming that he could not squeeze under the east wall, he wisely gave up hope and retreated back to the side of the carriage.

He felt quite good about his performance in this examination. What Yingchun said made sense, so he would not belittle himself whether he made the list or not.

Since I was confident in my heart, I wouldn't be anxious or angry, and I wouldn't have to squeeze under the east wall with sweat all over my face.

……

At this time, the drum of admission in the South Courtyard of the Ministry of Rites rumbled!
The sound of drums was like ripples on a calm lake, spreading rapidly and shaking the mind of every candidate who was looking at the list of candidates. A sense of silent depression and solemnity arose in the dense crowd.

Even though Jia Cong was standing on the outskirts of the crowd, he could still feel the depressing and suffocating atmosphere.

After the Dengke drum was struck three times in succession, the atmosphere on the scene became more solemn, and the noise and bustle of the dense crowd seemed to disappear all of a sudden.

At this time, four officials from the Ministry of Rites and six or seven yamen runners, escorted by a team of elite imperial guards, walked out of the South Courtyard gate and walked to the east wall of the South Courtyard.

Two of the runners set up ladders and carefully applied rice paste on the wall, while four officials from the Ministry of Rites opened the wax seal of the imperial edict and took out three copies of the same shape.

There were three hundred candidates who made it to the imperial examination. They were divided into three lists according to their rankings and posted from low to high.

As soon as the bright yellow list appeared, the crowd that had been reading the list in silence immediately burst into an uproar, and the crowd surged forward uncontrollably like a surging wave.

Hundreds of government officials faced the surging crowd, many of them looked pale. They waved water and fire sticks, shouted and dissuaded the crowd at the top of their lungs, and tried their best to block the flow of people.

A hundred elite soldiers from the Cavalry Battalion stationed at the Ministry of Rites were temporarily transferred to join the ranks of maintaining order and gradually brought the situation under control.

……

At this time, the last place in the imperial examination in the 15th year of Jiazhao was posted on the east wall of the South Courtyard by two runners from the Ministry of Rites.

The bright yellow background and the neat and dense black fonts on the list seemed to capture the attention of all the examinees in an instant.

These candidates who entered the Spring Examination were all the best among the scholars.

They studied hard for many years and went through many imperial examinations, including the prefectural examination, the academy examination, and the provincial examination, before they could gain the honor of being selected in the spring examination.

I went to school in childhood, studied hard as a teenager, and never gave up until I was old. All the hard work over the years is now upon us!

The one who has no ambition, the one who does not expect to rise to the top, will not hesitate even if it means risking his life!

Countless pairs of eyes converged on the first list, searching for their own names while praying to the gods and Buddhas to bless them to be on the list.

Ecstatic voices began to be heard from the crowd, disturbing the minds of countless people.

Some people burst into tears and shouted at the top of their lungs: "I won, I won!"

Some people were full of energy and felt relieved, shouting: "I passed the exam, may our ancestors bless me!"

Some people just laughed wildly without saying a word, looking like crazy...

But there are only a hundred names on the list, just a few lucky ones among more than 3,000 candidates. Most of them fell into the abyss of disappointment and huge self-doubt...

Immediately afterwards, the second list was posted, and a huge wave of excitement arose among the crowd again.

Sometimes people cheer ecstatically, but they are always met with extremely envious looks from those around them, and they feel increasingly disappointed.

There were even a very small number of candidates who could not bear the loss of the two lists and fainted from despair and depression, causing a commotion among the people around them. They were hurriedly carried out of the crowd by the yamen runners who arrived.

At this time, Jia Cong was standing on the outskirts of the crowd. He couldn't see the words on the notice clearly, and he couldn't help feeling a little anxious.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd laughed wildly, the voice was distorted and piercing, and it sounded a little funny: "Sure enough, there are people who did worse on the test, I am also on the list, haha!"

This sound is so strange that it's hard not to pay attention to it...

When Jia Cong heard the voice, he couldn't help laughing out loud. He knew who it was without even looking.

He jumped onto the shaft of the cart and looked around, and sure enough, he saw Cai Xiaoyu jumping up and down in the crowd, and the strange words he said made people around him envious and a little disgusted.

Liu Xiaoping, who was standing next to Cai Xiaoyu, covered his face with his hands in embarrassment and subconsciously took a few steps away from his classmate. He seemed to be a little ashamed and afraid that his appearance would be remembered.

Jia Cong couldn't help laughing in his heart. Being on the list as Cai Xiaoyu was a rare and bizarre thing. It would definitely be a topic of ridicule for him for the rest of his life.

However, the glory of being on the list of successful candidates in the imperial examination made Cai Xiao forget himself a little and he was still immersed in ecstasy.

He was still sighing with high spirits: "Yu Zhang is really a wonderful person. As long as there are people who are worse and worse, there is hope that they will be on the list. This is a wise saying..."

Some of the candidates who had not yet made it to the list had fierce looks in their eyes and asked angrily, "Who is Yu Zhang? What a lunatic!"

Although Jia Cong was outside the crowd, he could hear Cai Xiaoyu's stupid words from afar and couldn't help but frown... (End of this chapter)