Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

In the suburbs of Shenjing City, there is Muni Temple.

Miaoyu saw that Master Xiushan was pale and listless, and she even coughed up a sleeve of blood.

He turned pale with fear and said with tears in his eyes, "Master, what's wrong with you? It's all my fault. I shouldn't have asked you to predict his fortune."

Master Xiushan took a few deep breaths and calmed her mind a little.

He said, "Don't worry. My body is not in good condition to begin with. The root of my illness has not yet been cured. I am mentally exhausted and a little weak..."

Miaoyu hurriedly helped Master Xiushan back to the meditation room and helped her take some oral medicine.

Master Xiushan rested for a moment and said, "The last time Yuzhang sent Zhishao back, I asked him about his and Jia She's birthdays, and I felt strange at the time.

Now that I have their birth dates and horoscopes, I can tell with a little calculation that they really don’t have the destiny of being father and son! "

Miaoyu brought a cup of tea to Master Xiushan and said, "The rift between Yuzhang and the master of the Jia family is a well-known fact. It must be because of their incompatible fates that they lack the affinity between father and son."

Xiu Shan was in deep thought, his eyes unable to conceal his confusion, and he said, “When I said they don’t have a father-son destiny, I didn’t mean they don’t have a father-son affinity.

It's their birth dates, as well as Yu Zhang's bone structure and temperament. Their horoscopes are totally in conflict, and life and death are incompatible. They may not be father and son!"

When Miaoyu heard this, her whole body trembled slightly, her face turned pale, and the tea bowl in her hand fell to the ground and broke into pieces.

He asked in surprise: "Master, everyone knows that he is the illegitimate son of the eldest son of the Rongguo Mansion and the head of the East and West Mansions of the Jia Family. How can he not be the son of Jia She?

Whose son could he be?"

Master Xiushan said: "This is difficult to calculate, but the Jia family of Rongguo is a century-old family. Such a wealthy family is different from ordinary families. The disputes within the family are complicated and secretive.

Even if his biological father was not Jia She, it might be someone else in the Jia family. Although the innate divine numbers are profound, they are not the only method in the world.

But this matter is too sensational, so only you and I know about it. You must not let any news of it out, not even to Jinghui.

Jia Cong's current official status is based on his status as the heir of the eldest branch of the Rong Kingdom. He has always been highly regarded by the current emperor and has had a lot of connections. Now that he has won the first place in the imperial examination, he has become even more famous throughout the world.

If people were to discover that there was something fishy going on in the Jia family, that the bloodline was in turmoil, and that there was trouble within the family, he would be in great trouble, and no one would be left unharmed, and Jinghui would also be in danger.

By then, you and I, both master and disciple, will be involved, and we may die without a burial place..."

Miaoyu's face turned pale and she said, "Master, don't worry. I know the dangers and I will keep my mouth shut."

Master Xiushan sighed, "In fact, this one is not the most serious one. At best, it is just a secret affair among the wealthy families. We have heard a lot about the inner courtyards of these wealthy families."

Miaoyu was surprised and asked, "Master, could he have done something bad?"

Master Xiushan said: "According to his horoscope, he is indeed extremely noble and has a very noble bloodline.

But people's existence in this world is all caused by the interaction of the Qi of Heaven and Earth, which gives rise to the combination of the four pillars, contains the changes of Yin and Yang, and traces back to the source, connecting cause and effect.

Parents and children are connected by blood, their qi is connected, and their fortunes are closely related. There must be a destiny among them.

Perhaps his biological parents had a cruel fate, which led to his short life. I calculated that he would have a great catastrophe of life and death around the age of ten, and it was so dangerous that it would be difficult to turn around, and he would die without any chance of survival!"

The more Miaoyu listened, the more frightened she became. She saw that Master Xiushan's brows were slightly frowned, and there was confusion in her eyes, and even a hint of strange fear.

Miaoyu had followed Master Xiushan for more than ten years and knew that her master was extremely intelligent and almost incomprehensible. She had never looked so confused and lonely.

Master Xiu Shan said dimly, “But now he is alive and well, and his Yang Sha aura is getting heavier, his vitality seems to be cut off but not cut off, it seems like he is not a mortal. This is really strange!

As a teacher, I have learned the divine numbers from my ancestors and have made countless calculations throughout my life. I have never failed and have never encountered such a strange fate as his.

Every time I saw him in the past, I felt that he was full of spiritual energy, different from ordinary people. Otherwise, how could he have such amazing literary talent and such strong fortune that turned bad luck into good luck.

Now that I think about it, there must be a cause and effect. Could it be that when he was ten years old, he had a great adventure that caused him to exchange life and death, break his chess pieces and be reborn, and have a dead tree come back to life...

How could there be such a miraculous thing in this world? The ancient sages’ scriptures never recorded it..."

……

Miaoyu saw Master Xiushan mumbling to herself, as if she had encountered the most difficult thing in her life.

She knew that her master had studied the innate numbers and had always planned everything out perfectly. Now that she had suddenly encountered an unpredictable situation, it was a huge shock to her.

Miaoyu was frightened and said, "Master, don't think about this anymore. Don't read his fortune for him again. Just take a good rest first."

Master Xiushan found it hard to get over this matter, but after Miaoyu's pleading and consolation, she finally let it go.

Miaoyu did not dare to leave the Zen room for a while. She waited until Master Xiushan fell asleep and was sure that everything was fine before she tiptoed away.

She left Master Xiushan's meditation room and thought about what her master had just said about Jia Cong's fate. It was strange, confusing, and difficult to understand. Her heart could not help but tremble...

At this time, the evening breeze blew by, and Miaoyu couldn't help feeling a chill, and her slender hands subconsciously clasped together.

For a moment, I felt gloomy and dazed. I didn't know where to go and just walked aimlessly.

The pale white silk skirt tied around her waist fluttered slightly in the night, her blue cloth shoes stepped gently, and the silver silk hairpins on her slender waist fluttered in the wind...

Unconsciously, she walked to the main hall of the nunnery again. There were two glazed Buddhist lamps filled with fragrant oil hanging in the hall, and the warm yellow light flowed silently.

Under the light, the kind face of Bodhisattva Guanyin seemed to have the power to calm people, and it slightly comforted and calmed Miaoyu's confused and frightened heart.

She walked into the main hall alone. In front of the statue of Avalokitesvara, there were pairs of red candles on the ebony incense table. The light was graceful and the candle tears were flowing, making her pretty face blush and adding a bit of beauty.

Between the two red candles, there was a peach wood blessing token with Jia Cong's birth date written on it.

Miaoyu took the peach wood token, stroked it gently in her hand, and thought of the day when Jia Cong sent Zhishao back and invited a famous doctor from the capital to diagnose his master.

I sat with him in the Zen room, we made tea and chatted. Although the time was not long, we got along very well and each had his own witty remarks. Thinking back on it now, I feel more open-minded and happy than ever before...

Miaoyu closed her eyes slightly, put the peach wood spirit tablet back on the incense table, knelt on the cushion for a long time, then struck the wooden fish, held the rosary in her hand, and chanted incantations and prayed for blessings to the peach wood token.

It seemed that only in this way could she remove the uneasiness in her heart and the inexplicable ties that had long been hidden in her heart...

The pleasant murmuring of mantras, accompanied by the clear sound of wooden fish, lingers in the temple's Buddhist hall, penetrating the darkness of night until dawn in the east.

……

Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

It was dawn in the east, and the first rays of morning sun filtered in through the carved window lattices of the main room, casting a pale golden shadow on the jujube wood floor, which was warm and harmonious, and contained a hint of vitality.

There was a sound from Jia Cong's bed, and Zhishao came over to open the bed curtains, saying with a smile, "In the past, Third Master would have gotten up at this time, but today he overslept. Did you go to bed late last night?"

Jia Cong also felt a little strange. In recent years, he had been going to bed late and getting up early, and his daily routine was very regular, but today was a little abnormal.

He smiled and said, “It was just the opposite. I fell asleep as soon as I lay down last night. I don’t know why, but my mind was unusually peaceful and happy, and I slept very soundly all night.

It's rare and strange that I woke up and it was already past the time."

Zhishao smiled and said, "There were so many guests coming to celebrate the past few days, and the Third Master was busy receiving and dealing with them every day. He must have been very tired. Perhaps it was because he was relieved after all the work."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I think that's the reason. After a few days of entering the palace for the examination, the results of the imperial examination will be finalized, and there will be fewer important things to worry about in the future."

Jia Cong suddenly thought of something and asked, "The last time you and Xiu Yan went to visit Master Xiu Shan, is Master Xiu Shan's condition stable? Has it recurred?"

Zhi Shao replied, "The last time I went there, Master looked fine. After all, she is old and not as healthy as before. She also often studies the numerology. I have advised her to spend less energy on it."

Jia Cong said, "It's a pity that Dr. Zhang is traveling abroad and there has been no news. Otherwise, it would be the safest thing to ask him to diagnose the nun's pulse.

I sent a message to Mr. Zhang today, asking him to take the trouble to go to the Nun's Court to see the nun again in the next two days, so that you can feel more at ease. "

Just as Zhishao finished helping Jia Cong to wash and dress, the door of the main room was pushed open. Qingwen was holding the freshly ironed official robe, and Wu'er was holding a copper basin of hot water. Behind them were Yinglian and Lingguan.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "You all came early today."

Wu Er smiled and said, "Today is the day when Third Master's six-month mourning period ends and he is reinstated. We should all come to serve him and bring him good luck. I wish him a promotion from now on."

Qingwen said with a giggle, "Wu'er, since you went to the West Mansion to be the housekeeper, you have really grown a lot of knowledge, and you speak in a very elegant and fluent way."

Wu Er's pretty face turned red. She stepped forward and pinched Qing Wen, scolding her with a smile: "You need to be punished for your clever mouth again. What are you talking about? You are the housekeeper."

Several people chatted and laughed as they helped Jia Cong put on his official robes. Each of them smiled sweetly and looked at Jia Cong in circles to see if there was anything wrong with his clothes, which made Jia Cong dazzled.

By the time they entered the main room, various breakfasts had already been prepared on the round table. Before they had time to sit down, they heard light footsteps and disturbing laughter at the courtyard gate.

Yingchun and Daiyu came in with their sisters, because they also knew that Jia Cong's six-month mourning period would end today, so they came to send him a letter and take off his mourning clothes. Everyone gathered around the table, in a friendly atmosphere, and accompanied Jia Cong to have breakfast.

It was just that Lin Zhixiao came in person to invite him, because today was the day for Jia Cong to finish his mourning period, and he had received instructions from the old lady that according to family rules, he must go into the ancestral hall to pray to the ancestors and pay homage to the spirit of his deceased father.

Jia Cong was somewhat disapproving of these red tapes in his heart, but since it was the clan etiquette, he would not do anything stupid like complaining about them, so he just followed the procedures.

After coming out of the Rongguo Ancestral Hall, he went directly out of the west corner gate and went to the Ministry of Rites office in the east of Shenjing City to register for the ceremony of eliminating the mourning period.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Wang Xifeng entered Rongqing Hall early in the morning and was chatting with Lady Jia.

Because Jia Cong was so happy to have won the first place in the imperial examination, the West Palace was filled with guests and there was a lot of excitement for several days.

Although Lady Jia seemed dignified and respectable when entertaining guests, she was old after all, and it was only after she rested for two days afterwards that she was able to recover.

Today, as soon as Grandmother Jia had recovered enough strength, she sent someone to the East Courtyard to call Baoyu to see her. Since the day of Jia Cong's success in the imperial examination, Baoyu has not appeared in the West Courtyard for many days.

Grandmother Jia asked, "Did Cong go out today?"

Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Just now when I was leaving the courtyard, Wu'er came over to take care of things and said that Brother Cong had gone to the ancestral hall early in the morning to pay his respects and had now gone to the Ministry of Rites to register and remove his mourning clothes."

Grandmother Jia sighed and said, "In the past six months, there has been a lot of turmoil in the family, with both good and bad things happening at the same time. Now it has finally calmed down, and Cong-ge has returned to serve as an official again."

Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Don't worry, old lady. After this, everything will go smoothly at home.

Brother Cong has now won the first place in the imperial examination, which is a great honor. In a few days, he will enter the palace for examination. His future will definitely be prosperous, and our two palaces will definitely be successful!"

After hearing this, Jia's mother smiled. The prosperity of the Jia family's mansion was what made Jia's mother happy the most. She was born with a destiny of wealth and honor, so this was what she cared about the most.

At this time, Mrs. Wang brought Baoyu into Rongqing Hall.

After not seeing each other for many days, Baoyu's fair and tender face looked rounder and more pleasing, but his expression looked a little uncomfortable.

Perhaps it was the day when Jia Cong won the top prize in the imperial examination and the joyous scene in Rongqing Hall that made Baoyu feel disgusted and wanted to die.

As a result, he still had some lingering fears about the West Mansion. It seemed that this place had been tainted by Jia Cong, and everywhere was covered with the air of corrupt officials, which made him sigh with regret...

When Grandmother Jia saw Baoyu, her face was full of smiles. She called him to her side and untied the big red headband with the pattern of "double dragons fighting for a pearl" on her head.

It can be seen that the scar on Baoyu's forehead has healed, but there is still an obvious red mark left.

Grandmother Jia said distressedly: "Baoyu, you are fifteen years old now. You must be steady and careful in doing things. You can't fall down like this time when you were just walking properly.

My heart trembles when I see the scars, and I know how badly you were hurt. Your parents are just trying to coax me, humph!"

Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "Madam, we were afraid that you would worry. Baoyu is strong now, isn't he?"

Grandmother Jia said, "His scar has not yet healed. He should eat lighter food these days. Avoid salty, spicy and oily food. Otherwise, scars will be left on him and his appearance will be ruined. What a shame."

Wang Xifeng found it amusing to hear what the old lady said. What was so wrong with Baoyu, who was already over fifteen years old and had a few scars the size of a rice grain on an inconspicuous place on his forehead? What was the big deal?

He is not a grown-up girl, nor is he a famous actor. Can he make a living by relying on his looks?

Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "What the old lady said makes sense. Baoyu hasn't married yet. It would be a shame if such a good-looking man were to be marred."

After hearing this, Jia's grandmother also looked at Baoyu's round and festive face with loving sunshine.

When Wang Xifeng heard this, she suddenly felt a little morning sickness and her stomach was churning.

Seeing this, the maid Feng'er hurriedly handed over the food box. Wang Xifeng picked up a sour plum and put it in her mouth, only then did she breathe a sigh of relief.

When Lady Jia heard Lady Wang talking about getting married, she asked, "Last time you said you liked Miss Xia, how is the marriage going now?"

……

When Wang Xifeng, who was standing by, heard this, her ears almost pricked up.

In fact, Mrs. Wang had taken a fancy to Miss Xia and wanted to marry her to Baoyu. This news had been circulating in both mansions since Baoyu's birthday banquet.

Wang Xifeng had naturally heard about this major event in the inner chamber a long time ago.

She had met Miss Xia several times at Rongqing Hall and East Mansion banquets. In terms of appearance and charm, Miss Xia was considered a first-rate figure.

However, Wang Xifeng was shrewd and had a keen eye for people. She always felt that Miss Xia was a little unusual.

She has a pretty face and bright eyes, but with a hint of sharpness; she speaks fluently, behaves generously, and has a bit of spiciness.

In short, in Wang Xifeng's mind, Miss Xia was a different kind of boudoir character compared to her well-educated and well-mannered sisters, and she naturally felt uncomfortable with her...

At the two birthday banquets held in Dongluyuan, the Xia mother and daughter were both honored guests in the hall, and Wang Xifeng was also at the table.

Wang Xifeng regarded Jia Cong as the supporter of the first wife, so she paid special attention to everything related to Jia Cong.

Therefore, at the two birthday banquets in the East Courtyard, whenever Jia Cong entered the inner hall to pay his respects, Wang Xifeng noticed something unusual.

Every time Miss Xia looked at Cong Lao San, her eyes were filled with lust, as if she was glued to him.

Although Miss Xia pays great attention to her manners and demeanor in front of others, she has restrained herself.

But a shrewd woman like Wang Xi, who had experienced a lot, was particularly attentive and saw everything clearly with her eyes.

……

However, Wang Xifeng never mentioned this matter to anyone.

It's nothing more than that Miss Xia is a girl from another family, and there's no evidence to support this matter. Besides, it has nothing to do with me, so I should be more polite.

Moreover, in Wang Xifeng's view, it was nothing strange for the third son of Cong, who was so proud and romantic, to be stared at by women.

Last time, the old lady invited four young ladies from noble families, originally wanting to be a matchmaker for Baoyu.

As a result, when the four girls saw the third brother Cong, they all stared at him with their eyes wide open.

So it’s not surprising that Miss Xia looks like this.

However, when Wang Xifeng heard that Lady Wang had taken a fancy to Miss Xia and wanted to marry her to Baoyu, she was a little dumbfounded.

Every time Miss Xia sees the third Cong, she is always flirtatious, but she wants to be Baoyu's wife. Aunt's eyes are really not good...

However, she would never mention the reason to Mrs. Wang. Not to mention that these were her conjectures, even if they were true, she would not seek embarrassment.

With the current situation between the first and second wives, if I tell my aunt about this, she won't think I mean well and will probably think I'm trying to interfere.

Besides, Miss Xia likes to look at Cong Lao San, so let her look as much as she wants. It won’t cost her anything, and she can also seduce him away.

There are a lot of women in Cong's family and outside. He may be overwhelmed by the choices, but he will never choose Miss Xia, because the Xia family is not worthy of her. The Xia family can only be worthy of Baoyu...

Therefore, Wang Xifeng didn't care at all about Baoyu marrying Miss Xia, at most she just wanted to watch the fun.

……

When Mrs. Wang heard Lady Jia asking about this marriage, her face looked a little embarrassed.

Said: "At Baoyu's birthday banquet that day, I talked about this matter with Mrs. Xia in a veiled way. She was attracted by our Baoyu's appearance and character.

But she is a widow, and Miss Xia is her only adopted daughter. She has to be careful when it comes to children's marriages, so she said she wanted to test her daughter's opinion first."

After hearing this, Grandmother Jia was unhappy. For a person like Baoyu, marrying the daughter of a merchant was already a bit of a humiliation, so why did the Xia family put on airs?
Said: "It has been a few days since Baoyu's birthday banquet, and the Xia family has not received any definite news. It sounds a bit vague. Don't take it too seriously. Let's just do what we need to do.

According to the rules of our Jia family, when a son reaches the age of 15, he should have a capable person in his room.

Baoyu now has reliable people around him to serve and advise him, which helps him to settle down earlier, understand more about human affairs, and start a family in the future.

I think we should pick a good day, complete all the formalities, and settle the matter."

Grandmother Jia glanced at Wang Xifeng and said with a smile, "Feng girl, Cong-ge'er is old enough too, let's do this together.

Now you are the one who brings good news, you come to pick a good day and pray for good luck, maybe they will have many children sooner in the future." (End of this chapter)