Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Ever since the second branch of the Jia family moved out of the Rongguo Mansion, Yingchun, Daiyu and other sisters have settled in the East Mansion, and Rongqing Hall has become less lively than in previous years.

But today the hall is very crowded. Grandmother Jia is leaning on the Luohan couch, with maids such as Yuanyang and Amber serving her.

Jia Zheng and his wife sat with several of their children and grandchildren to chat, and Li Wan also entered the hall with her maid. Except for a few concubines, almost no one from the second room was left out.

Wang Xifeng also sat on a sedan chair and entered the hall early. Grandmother Jia had someone bring a soft chair to seat her.

Not long after, Aunt Xue and her maid also entered Rongqing Hall to express their joy. They started by congratulating Lady Jia on raising a grandson who was the reincarnation of Wenquxing.

Jia Zheng was quite happy to hear this, but Mrs. Wang couldn't help feeling angry. She felt that her sister was being disloyal and was always speaking and doing things to save the eldest wife's face.

Could it be that my younger sister is so foolish that she wants Baoyatou and Congge'er to be together? Then she is really out of her mind and has no idea what the old lady has been planning for a long time.

At this time, Yingchun asked her maid to pass a message to Lady Jia, because the good news of the government's list would most likely be reported to the Earl's Mansion. She and her sisters would wait for the good news and then come to report the good news to the old lady.

The atmosphere in the hall was driven by Aunt Xue, and everyone's conversation kept revolving around Jia Cong's announcement of the results of the exam.

If Jia Cong was not the head of the two mansions and was not so famous, I wonder if such a scene would occur.

At least Grandmother Jia must still speak in an old-fashioned tone, for example, the children of a hereditary noble family do not need to rely on imperial examinations to change their family status and so on.

Besides Jia Zheng, the person who was most enthusiastic and delighted about Jia Cong's success in the imperial examination was Li Wan, who held her son's hand and gave him advice from time to time.

She had been a widow for many years and had always been cautious in her actions. She only wanted her son to become successful, so she was naturally very envious of the glory of the imperial examination.

She said, "Madam, Master Jing of the East Palace also passed the imperial examination and was a Jinshi. It was many years ago. It is really rare that Brother Cong can also pass the imperial examination this time."

At first, Grandmother Jia didn't care too much about Jia Cong's study for the imperial examinations, and even thought that since he had been granted a title, there was no point in him studying.

However, the event of passing the imperial examination and becoming a Jinshi was an extraordinary event and had always been recorded in the family tree. For Xuan's descendants, no matter how noble the family was, it was an extraordinary cultural event.

Now Grandmother Jia dared not say those frivolous words anymore, otherwise she would become a laughing stock if it got out.

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "That was thirty years ago. The eldest master of the East Palace and the Duke of our palace were still alive at that time. That was the heyday of the Jia family.

Jing'er was very smart since he was young and he studied hard. He even passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi. It was such an honor for a noble family to have a literary talent.

Those noble and old relatives were so jealous that their eyes turned red. The runners from the Ministry of Rites came to announce the good news, and the two mansions were as lively as if it were New Year's Day.

The banquet lasted for ten days, and everyone said that the Jia family was a family of both civil and military talents, and there was no other family like them among the noble families.

You are young and have never seen the grand scene back then, but even though it has been decades, I can still remember it clearly whenever I think of it."

Grandmother Jia's words were full of nostalgia. I wonder if she was thinking of the glory of Jia Jing's success in the imperial examination, or she was missing the enviable power and glory of the Jia family when Duke Rong was alive.

Jia Zheng smiled and said, "I was also beginning to learn to read at that time, and I remember this incident very clearly. My eldest brother from the East Palace ranked 73rd in the provincial examination, and then ranked 49th in the second class of the palace examination.

Originally, although my eldest brother ranked second, he was not able to enter the Hanlin Academy. The Emperor took into account the merits of the two ministries and specially granted my eldest brother the position of reviewer in the Hanlin Academy.

This was a rare grace, and even among the successful candidates of the same year, it was a great honor, and it brought great honor to the Jia family.

It was after seeing my elder brother's literary achievements that I made up my mind to pursue a career and make a fortune, but unfortunately, luck is in the hands of God and it is beyond my control."

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "You have the blessing of your ancestors. Even without the imperial examination, you have become a fifth-rank official. Many Jinshi graduates are only fifth-rank officials when they grow old."

Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "What the old lady said makes sense. No matter how good one's ability in studying and taking exams is, it cannot compare to the title and blessings passed down from generation to generation by a duke."

After listening to this, Grandmother Jia smiled and nodded. Her daughter-in-law's words touched her heart. Grandmother Jia was born into a wealthy family, married into a wealthy family, and lived a life of wealth and glory, but it was not because of the blessings of her ancestors.

Besides, although Jia Jing passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi, Grandmother Jia knew very well what his final outcome would be.

So in Jia's mother's view, although passing the imperial examination is respectable, it doesn't seem to be very useful...

……

After hearing what his wife said, Jia Zheng frowned and was too lazy to respond.

After listening to Mrs. Wang's words, Li Wan pulled her son to her side, somewhat regretting having let her son come over too early.

There was some resentment in her heart. Why did Madam say such secret words on the happy day of Brother Cong's success in the imperial examination? If Lan'er heard it, it would be disastrous.

If my son really believed what his grandmother said, and thought that studying was useless and that the right thing to do was to wait to enjoy the blessings of his ancestors, then this child would be a waste.

Li Wan decided that she would teach her son in person afterwards to let him know the truth of achieving fame and success on his own without relying on his ancestors' influence.

Otherwise, if his son listens to these nonsense and becomes like Baoyu, who doesn't like to study and only likes to play with maids, then what hope will there be for him in his life?

After hearing what her sister said, Aunt Xue sighed in her heart, thinking that her sister was also crazy. Wasn't she just lying with open eyes?

If Cong had not been able to study hard, how could he have been appreciated by the emperor and had the opportunity to be granted a title? When had he ever relied on the blessings of the Jia family's ancestors? It can be seen that studying is extremely useful.

Even if he inherited the title of Rong, it was just a bonus given by the emperor. The imperial edict clearly stated that any illegitimate son born to a concubine could inherit it...

I, a businessman, can see everything clearly. My sister has been a noble lady for half her life, but she is becoming more and more confused.

She couldn't let go of the honor of being the wife of the house for half her life, and she was unwilling to accept Cong'er. She had really lost herself in his thoughts.

……

Earl's Mansion, Conglu Hall.

Yingchun, together with her sisters Daiyu, Baochai and others, decorated the mansion to make it look particularly festive, and then they all went to the hall to sit and wait.

Because Cong Lu Tang is closest to the outer courtyard, the maids from the outer courtyard do not have to go through the cumbersome process of entering the inner courtyard to pass on messages.

Moreover, Yingchun felt that today was the day of her brother's success in the imperial examination, and that it would be grand enough to announce the good news in the formal hall of the inner courtyard.

Because Jia Cong has left the house, the inner courtyard is now filled with female relatives, and the housekeeper of the outer courtyard also follows Jia Cong to look at the list.

Yingchun had already instructed the capable steward of the outer courtyard to open the main gate of the Earl's Mansion and prepare red envelopes, money for success in the imperial examination, firecrackers and other items.

When the runners from the Ministry of Rites came to report the good news of success in the imperial examination, there would be a lot of excitement.

At this time, the Western pendulum clock in Cong Lu Hall rang, and the time was already past half past the hour of Si. Suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard outside the hall.

A maid with a happy face entered Cong Lu Tang, and when she saw Yingchun, she said, "Miss, the servant who checked the list with Master Bo reported that Master Bo won the first place in this year's imperial examination!"

All the sisters in the hall were shocked when they heard this. They were a little at a loss for a moment, but then they reacted and were all beaming with joy.

Although they knew that Jia Cong had a special position and would definitely pass the exam, no one expected that he would actually win the first place. It was truly a great joy and the best thing that could happen.

Shi Xiangyun's voice was clear and crisp, her eyes sparkling as she said, "Third brother is really amazing. He has already won the first place in the imperial examination, and now he has won the first place in the imperial examination. Will he win the first place in the imperial examination in the future?"

Baochai smiled and said, "When I left home this morning, I said that I had never seen a top scholar in my life. I wonder if I will see them all now."

Daiyu smiled and said, "It is certainly a good thing to be the number one scholar. In short, it is a good thing to be a Jinshi. Third brother doesn't need this honor, but just wants to open up a career path."

Yingchun asked the old woman, "How come the servant came back, but Brother Cong hasn't returned yet?"

The old woman said, "The servant who brought the news said that there were too many people looking at the list today. After the list was posted, thousands of people left and the carriages could not move fast on the road.

So the housekeeper asked the servant to run back and report the news first, so that the young lady can rest assured. "

Yingchun smiled and said, "Tell the outer courtyard a message. The messenger will be rewarded handsomely. Ask the steward to watch the gate. When the messenger from the Ministry of Rites brings good news, report back to me immediately."

……

At this time, a fast horse galloped in from the intersection of Ningrong Street. The official from the Ministry of Rites on the horse had a small red flag on his body and was carrying a bright yellow satin bag, attracting a lot of attention on the road.

The horse galloped to the main gate of the Earl's Mansion. As soon as the yamen runner dismounted, a servant was already waiting at the door, leading him into the main hall of the outer courtyard.

After receiving Yingchun's message, the steward of the mansion did not dare to enter the main hall of the outer courtyard, but stood at the door of the main hall waiting.

When the runner saw that the steward was well-dressed, he thought he was the master of the mansion. He happily took off the imperial satin package on his back and took out the list of candidates for the imperial examination from the Ministry of Rites.

Sing loudly: "Your family's candidate Jia Cong has won the first place in the imperial examination in the 15th year of Jiazhao. He has a bright future and a great career in officialdom!"

The yamen runner reported the good news and handed the Ministry of Rites examination books to the steward with both hands. The steward smiled happily, took out the red-sealed brocade bag that he had prepared earlier, and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

The runner felt them and realized they were two ten-liang silver ingots. He was overjoyed. The Weiyuan Marquis's mansion was very wealthy. These were enough food for the whole family for two years.

He thought that Jia Cong, the champion of this exam, was the head of two Jia families. It was a pity that the Ministry of Rites only had one copy of the exam report. Otherwise, both families would have gone to report the good news and they would not have to work for several years...

The steward stuffed the red envelope into the yamen runner's pocket and quickly turned to the servant beside him and said, "Let's set off firecrackers at the gate and scatter money for the success of the imperial examination. Today is the day for the great master's success in the imperial examination. Everyone, please be alert!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he hurried to the inner courtyard to report the news, holding the Ministry of Rites examination books.

Yingchun, Daiyu and other sisters were still immersed in joy in Conglu Hall when they heard the dense and loud sound of firecrackers coming from outside.

Xichun was young and still at the age where she loved to be lively, so when she heard the explosion, she jumped up and clapped.

The old woman who brought the message quickly walked into the hall again, this time with a bright yellow book in her hand, and said that the outer courtyard had received good news from the messenger from the Ministry of Rites.

When the servant brought the message just now, the sisters were delighted, but they felt that this good thing came too suddenly. Now that they saw the book from the Ministry of Rites, they couldn't help but feel even happier.

All the sisters were daughters of wealthy families who had never stepped out of the house, and it was the first time for them to see such a rare item as the list of successful candidates in the imperial examination.

They saw in the book that Jia Cong had won the first place in this year's imperial examination, as well as the signatures and seals of the three chief examiners and the official seal of the Ministry of Rites of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Yingchun smiled at the old woman and said, "When the housekeeper returns home, tell her what I said. Everyone in the mansion will get double their monthly allowance this month. Congratulations to Master Bo for passing the imperial examination."

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Grandmother Jia was chatting with Aunt Xue and Mrs. Wang. Jia Zheng was looking at the western pendulum clock in the hall with a slightly anxious expression. Baoyu was standing behind him with a dazed look and feeling uncomfortable all over.

Just then, there were loud sounds of firecrackers outside the hall. Jia's mother and others were startled and quickly asked Yuanyang to go out and take a look.

After a while, Yuanyang came in with a big smile on her face and said, "The old lady is very happy. The East Palace is setting off firecrackers, and someone came to deliver a message saying that the third master has won the first place in the imperial examination. Now the second young lady and her friends are coming to tell the old lady the good news."

In fact, Grandmother Jia and Mrs. Wang did not quite understand the meaning of Huiyuan. When Jia Zheng, who was standing by, heard this word, his expression froze for a moment, and then his face turned red.

His voice trembled as he asked, "What did you say? Brother Cong won the first place in the imperial examination. That's the top spot. Did you hear it wrong?"

Yuanyang smiled and said, "Don't worry, Second Master. I heard it for real. I asked him one more time and he said it was indeed Third Master who won the first place in the imperial examination."

At this time, the door curtain of Rongqing Hall was lifted, and a graceful figure was seen swaying, her skirt fluttering, and her hairpins shining. Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun and other sisters entered Rongqing Hall.

When Baoyu heard that Jia Cong had passed the imperial examination, he felt nauseous and a fishy odor seemed to be coming out of his nose. He almost wanted to run away.

Just then, she saw the sisters coming, including Sister Lin. She couldn't help feeling very happy, but Sister Lin was holding a bright yellow booklet in her hand. She didn't know what it was.

Just as he was about to speak, he heard Yingchun smiling and saying, "Second Master, Yuanyang is right, Brother Cong won the first place in the imperial examination.

It is clearly written in the books of the Ministry of Rites, and there are also seals of the three chief examiners and the Ministry of Rites."

Upon hearing this, Baoyu's good mood was completely destroyed, and his face turned pale...

Yingchun took the book from Daiyu and handed it to Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng took the book and read it carefully.

She said with an extremely excited look: "Old lady, Cong brother really won the first place in the imperial examination. This is the first time since the founding of the Great Zhou that a noble family has won the first place. Old lady is very happy!

Back then, the eldest brother from the East Palace had such an honor, but he only ranked seventy-third in the imperial examination, while Brother Cong won the first place. They are really incomparable and cannot be compared.

"Brother Cong has already won first place in the examination and first place in the provincial examination, and now he has won the imperial examination as well, which brings honor to the family and brings glory to the whole clan. The Jia family has such a rare talent, which is truly a blessing from their ancestors!"

Female relatives such as Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang did not know much about the imperial examinations. They only knew that passing the examination was a great achievement.

No one in the Jia family had ever won the top prize in the imperial examination, and none of the women in the inner house would care what the top prize was.

Now, after listening to Jia Zheng's explanation, I realized how remarkable it was to be the first in the imperial examination.

Jia Jing, who had been praised by his family for thirty years, only ranked 73rd in the imperial examination. Compared with Jia Cong, who ranked first, he seemed insignificant...

Li Wan looked at the book in Jia Zheng's hand with shining eyes. She led Jia Lan forward to take a closer look and said, "Lan'er, take a closer look. You should learn from Uncle Cong in the future. Only then will a man live up to his life!"

Jia Zheng nodded and said, "Daughter-in-law Zhu'er is right. Raise Lan'er well and she will bring honor to our family in the future."

After hearing this, Baoyu felt so uncomfortable that he almost fainted. He felt his legs going weak and he seemed about to fall.

He suddenly thought of the scene when Daiyu entered the hall just now. Sister Lin actually held Jia Cong's useless book tightly in her arms, as if it were a priceless treasure. What should he do?

After listening to Jia Zheng's words, Mrs. Wang really didn't expect that the boy from the East Palace was so amazing. He was much better at the exams than the eldest master of the East Palace, and he had stolen so much limelight from him.

His eldest daughter-in-law was really out of her mind. She actually started to flatter that boy in front of so many people. Look at what he said to his son. I don't know where his elbow is going.

Mrs. Wang looked at the examination book in Jia Zheng's hand and wanted to tear it up...

Although Aunt Xue was shocked, she had gotten used to it over the years.

She just felt that her daughter had a really bad vision. To choose such a person, this Cong Ge'er was really evil. It would be fine if he just passed the imperial examination, but he was always the top scorer every time.

Although this Cong brother was outstanding, he was just too outstanding. She sighed in her heart. The more this happened, the more dim her daughter's dreams became...

……

At this time, Grandmother Jia also began to realize what an extraordinary thing her grandson had done in this imperial examination. Even Jing'er was far inferior to him.

Grandmother Jia was in a heavy mood. Congge was so outstanding that her own Baoyu was even more inferior...

However, as a duke of the Jia family, Grandmother Jia still knew that Jia Cong's success in the imperial examination was a great thing for the Jia family, so she was still happy.

Grandmother Jia said to Wang Xifeng, "Feng girl, you are the head of the family now, you must take good care of Cong's wedding and not skimp on the money that should be spent.

We can’t let his simple nature allow such a big thing to end so simply.”

Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "What the old lady said is very true. This matter cannot be left to Brother Cong's wishes, but to the old lady's wishes. It must be a grand ceremony.

Now that the weather is warm, things cannot be stored, so I asked Lin Zhixiao and his wife to buy a batch of pork, mutton, fruits and vegetables starting yesterday.

As long as someone congratulates tomorrow, we can have a grand banquet.

But the old lady should be prepared, for there may be more such excitement in the coming days."

After hearing this, Jia's mother looked a little confused.

Jia Zheng, who was standing by, said with a smile, "I understand what Lian'er's wife meant. The palace examination will be held next month. Cong'er is the first place winner and will most likely be in the first class. He will be even more glorious then than today."

After hearing this, Jia's mother also realized that Cong'er's presentable appearance today was not enough, and there was actually an even bigger one...

Mrs. Wang felt a little dizzy after hearing this. She was afraid that by that time, her master would have to bring his family over to see the boy's glory.

After hearing what his father said, Baoyu felt dizzy and filled with grief and indignation.

Jia Cong has been making trouble one after another. If he doesn't make the master angry, he will definitely force him to study. I'm afraid I will be trapped in the East Road Courtyard to study in the future. It's better to die...

……

A maid outside the hall came to report that Third Master Cong had returned home and was now heading to the West Mansion to tell the old lady the good news.

However, Jia Cong returned to the East Palace and heard from the steward that his sisters had all gone to the West Palace to announce the good news. As it was an event of passing the imperial examination, according to the etiquette and conventions of the elders, he naturally had to come and announce the good news to Lady Jia.

When Jia Cong entered Rongqing Hall, Jia Zheng naturally praised him lavishly.

The way he looked at Jia Cong showed his great relief, which was evident in his words. His eyes were bright and his spirits were high. He seemed to be even more excited and happy than Jia Cong.

Jia Zheng followed the clan's custom and gave Lady Jia a few reminders.

Grandmother Jia also ordered Lin Zhixiao to open the Rongguo Ancestral Hall and asked Jia Zheng to accompany Jia Cong, and naturally did not forget to bring Baoyu, Jia Huan, Jia Lan and other male members.

Several people entered the ancestral hall to comfort their ancestors, and placed the Ministry of Rites examination booklet neatly on the incense table, probably to let the ancestors take a look when they have time and be happy together...

……

As the results of the imperial examination were announced, the Jia family's eastern and western mansions were overjoyed at Jia Cong's success in the exam.
In the huge city of Shenjing, in the wine shops, brothels and brothels, those whose names were on the imperial list were full of confidence, while those who were not on the list were sad and lost, and this was the case year after year.

The imperial examination in the 15th year of Jiazhao seemed to have come to an end, but the strange undercurrent it triggered seemed to have just begun to surge.

……

On the morning of April 26, there were still few people on the road.

The bookstores on Wenhan Street have gradually removed their door panels and opened for business.

A middle-aged man in his thirties walked back and forth on the road for a long time, seemed a little hesitant, and finally walked into the Xiao family bookstore, which had the largest shop area.

He strolled for a while among the shelves in the bookstore and saw an old man sorting books.

The old man was in his fifties or sixties, with wrinkled cheeks and a weather-beaten face, and he was wearing clean coarse cloth clothes.

The middle-aged man stepped forward and asked in a gentle voice: "Old man, do you still remember me?"

The old man looked back, with a puzzled look in his eyes.

After a moment, he thought of something and said with a smile, "I remember that you came to buy a book some time ago. I remember it was the Liu Jichuan Collection."

The middle-aged man's eyes lit up and he said, "Old man, you have a really good memory. I'm here to buy books and also to ask you something."

The old man looked confused and asked, "What do you want to know, sir?"

The middle-aged man said, "I heard from the old man that there were two people who looked like candidates who also came to buy the "Liu Jichuan's Collection of Essays".

One of them was in his early twenties, courtesy name Xiwen, and the other was nearly forty years old, courtesy name Baokun, but his surname was unknown.

I would like to ask the elderly what else they said when they bought the book that day?"

The old man looked confused and asked, "Why do you ask such a thing, sir?"

The middle-aged man's face was a little stiff, and he smiled and said: "Those two are my friends. We competed in writing, and their articles were inspired by the collection of Liu Jichuan's works.

That's why I want to know what they said when they bought the book, so that I can understand their writing intentions and ideas.

In this way, I can adapt to the situation and write a better article to suppress it. It is just a desire to win between friends. I am sorry to make the old man laugh. "

As the middle-aged man spoke, he took out a silver ingot from his sleeve. It weighed three taels, which was half a month's salary for him.

The old man took the silver without any expression and said with a smile: "So that's how it is. Scholars competing in writing is also an elegant thing. If I think about it carefully, I can probably remember it."

The old man walked back and forth in front of the shelf and said with a smile, "It seems that you are not senile at all. It really reminds me.

At that time, the scholar named Xiwen took a fancy to the collection of Liu Jichuan's works and was very interested in buying it.

The scholar named Bao Kun persuaded his companions that since the imperial examination was approaching, it was more important to study the topic proposed by Mr. Huang, and there was no need to waste time on obscure texts..."

As the old man spoke, he tried his best to recall what he had said. Although there were interruptions in his speech, his words were closely connected and it was obvious that he had not made it up at random.

Although he looked old, his memory was not bad. He slowly recounted what happened many days ago, gradually revealing the whole story...

The middle-aged man became more and more frightened as he listened. His expression was gloomy and surprised, and there was an unusual severity in his eyes.

He listened to the old man's words and stood there in deep thought for a while. After a long while, he smiled and said to the old man: "Thank you very much, old man."

After the middle-aged man finished speaking, he walked out of the Xiao family bookstore and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

The old man walked back to the shelf, picked up the "Liu Jichuan's Writings", revealed an imperceptible sinister smile, and then threw the book back to the shelf... (End of this chapter)