Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Mrs. Wang's original words of gloating were dampened by Wang Xifeng's sarcastic remarks, and she even felt a little fearful and dared not say anything more.

Wang Xifeng only thought that she was good at talking and her aunt could not match her sharpness, so she couldn't help feeling proud.

She didn't know that her unintentional words had brought up something hidden in Mrs. Wang's heart. The atmosphere in the hall became a little weird for a moment. Although Wang Xifeng was aware of it, she didn't know the reason.

At this time, footsteps were heard outside the hall, and sisters including Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun came to pay their respects to Grandmother Jia.

The hall was filled with graceful figures and fragrant gowns, and the atmosphere became lively. Baoyu felt happy when he saw the sisters chatting and chatting. He was even more attracted to Daiyu, whom he had not seen for many days.

That day, because of what Daiyu said about reading, he deliberately acted crazy and mad, trying to find some explanation for his laziness and win Daiyu's attention and favor, but he didn't expect to end up in such an embarrassing way.

From then on, he felt somewhat embarrassed in front of Daiyu, and Daiyu stayed more and more in the East Palace because of this, and the two became more distant than before.

But he had lived in the East Courtyard for more than a month, and had not seen his sisters for a long time. He saw that Daiyu's complexion was rosy, her breath was gentle, and she was very charming.

Baoyu's heart was beating fast, but he also felt a little lost. When she was little, Sister Lin was delicate and beautiful, and she was the most beautiful person in the world.

Now you don't see me on a daily basis. I just live a muddled life in the East Palace. I have been poisoned by the corrupt atmosphere in the East Palace and have completely changed my appearance.

It's a pity that the beauty of a girl's frailty has been worn away...

He asked with a bit of forgetfulness: "I haven't seen Sister Lin for a long time. Sister, you look better than before."

Daiyu felt a little uncomfortable when she saw Baoyu's burning gaze, but since her family members were all present, she couldn't be too cold.

He said, "Brother San invited Dr. Zhang to treat him, and he also took the newly made Sansheng Yanghun Pills regularly. He is in much better shape now."

When Baoyu heard the word "third brother", he thought of the day when Jia Cong had persuaded the master to arrange a marriage for him as soon as possible, while he himself was deceiving his sisters at home every day, and he felt sad and uncomfortable.

He said: "Anyone who can treat any disease in this world calls himself a famous doctor. In my opinion, most of them are just seeking fame.

Just like those scholars, most of them are like this. They love to talk about propriety, righteousness, integrity and shame, but their actions are the most shameless.

For example, he took the imperial examination if he wanted to, but he also cheated. It was really absurd and hypocritical.

So, the same goes for those so-called miracle doctors. You can’t trust them completely, sister.

Our bodies and hair are given by our parents, and it is better to be nurtured naturally. It is said that medicine is three-quarters poisonous, and if it is used with external things, it is not a long-term solution..."

After Baoyu spoke these twisted ideas, a smug look appeared on his face, and he seemed to feel very good about himself.

Tanchun, who was listening at the side, couldn't help but feel a headache. Why did her second brother make up stories again and say offensive nonsense? He still didn't change his old habit.

The third brother spent a lot of effort to cure Sister Lin's illness. Instead of saying a few nice words, he made sarcastic remarks...

Daiyu bit her lips slightly after hearing what Baoyu said, but she was not angry and smiled and said, "Baoyu, speaking of scholars, we all know that you are studying in the East Courtyard after not seeing you for a month.

This is a good thing. If he works hard now, he may be able to go to school in a year or two. I am afraid that after the third brother, the Jia family will probably become prosperous again.

I heard that my family is planning a marriage for me. The girl I'm talking about is the Xia family sister. She's a first-class person. This is double happiness. It's just around the corner for her to establish a career and start a family."

When Tanchun heard this, her headache got worse. She was right. Sister Lin was really angry...

When Baoyu heard what Daiyu said, about studying, going to school, and getting married, every word hit him so hard that he felt dizzy and his face turned pale.

When Mrs. Wang heard Daiyu's words, she couldn't help but frown and cursed in her heart, "What a cunning girl! These words seemed like nice words, but the more she listened, the more uncomfortable she felt."

Grandmother Jia listened and shook her head. The two Yu'ers were bickering again. Although they also quarreled when they were young, they were never as disharmonious as they were today.

Wang Xifeng was delighted after hearing what Daiyu said. Although Lin girl looked like a beauty lamp, she had a sharp tongue. Her words were like knives that could stab people in the soft spots.

It would have been fine if my aunt and Baoyu had just come to the West Mansion, but they also said some sarcastic words and thought that everyone in the first house was easy to mess with.

She saw that Baoyu's face was pale and his eyes were dazed, and she was worried that he would put on another big show, so she naturally wanted to dismantle the stage early.

She said, "Old lady, I am pregnant now and my back and waist ache when I sit for a long time. My granddaughter-in-law is useless and cannot serve me. I want to go back and lie down."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "What's the big deal? There's no need to get upset. The baby will be born in two months. It's natural to be like this. Go back and rest."

Wang Xifeng had just stood up when she said to Daiyu, "Sister Lin, didn't you say that the Siamese tribute tea tastes very good? I still have a lot of it, but since you are here, I won't let anyone send it to you.

Come with me to my courtyard and talk, and then just take it with you when you leave."

Because Baoyu was also in the hall, Daiyu was worried that he would say something inappropriate again and make her angry for nothing.

Moreover, when she saw that Baoyu's face looked a little strange after hearing what she said, she was worried that he would act like a spoiled child and cause trouble again. She was looking for an excuse to leave, and when she heard what Wang Xifeng said, it was naturally exactly what she wanted.

She first complained to Lady Jia, and then left Rongqing Hall with Wang Xifeng. Seeing Daiyu couldn't wait to leave, Baoyu felt aggrieved and sad again.

When Grandmother Jia saw Daiyu leaving talking and laughing, she didn't care too much.

He asked Yingchun, "I heard from Yuanyang that today is a day off for officials. Didn't they say that the results of the palace examination cannot be posted? Cong is most likely at home. Why can't I see him?"

Yingchun replied, "Madam, although it is a day off today, Brother Cong seems to have finished an errand and left early in the morning to submit a memorial to the palace, so he did not come to pay his respects to you, Madam."

When Baoyu heard Yingchun mention words like errand, palace, and memorials, he felt a little annoyed and nauseated. In addition, Daiyu had already left, so he felt even more uneasy.

Mrs. Wang was originally somewhat gloating over the rumors of cheating in the imperial examination.

Now Jia Cong has completed his work and submitted a memorial to the palace to seek credit. It sounds very lively and prosperous. He probably won't encounter those bad lucks. He can't help feeling disappointed...

……

Jia Cong went to the Meridian Gate early in the morning to submit a memorial. Ordinary officials, unless they were going to court, had to submit the draft memorial to the Ministry of Public Security, which would then pass it to the Cabinet for approval before presenting it to the emperor for his review.

However, several years ago, Jia Cong was granted the right to make direct reports by Emperor Jia Zhao, and because he was the Director of the Firearms Bureau and his official duties involved military and national secrets, Emperor Jia Zhao made another special exception.

His memorial did not need to go through the Tongzhengsi, but was submitted directly to the palace gate, received by the Silijian, and delivered directly to the emperor without being covered with red envelopes.

By the time he delivered the memorial through the palace gate and passed by the South Courtyard of the Ministry of Rites on his way back home, it was only half past noon, and many scholars had gathered under the east wall.

Judging from the expressions of these people, they are rushing to see the palace examination list, so the result will naturally be disappointing.

Yesterday, Jia Cong saw the Magistrate and the Captain of the Academy arresting people everywhere in a rather ostentatious manner. He wondered whether the Ministry of Rites had issued a notice to delay the announcement of the results.

Although the news of cheating in the imperial examination would have spread widely in the city after a day, the city of Shenjing was really too big, and it was understandable that many scholars were unaware of it.

Jia Cong suddenly remembered that yesterday when he passed by Hancheng Street, he met Yang Hongbin and the Dali Temple runners who were questioning Lin Zhaohe, but they were in vain because Lin Zhaohe had gone to visit a friend in the neighboring county and had not returned yet.

Until today, there are still scholars in Shenjing City who are unaware of the fraud case. Lin Zhaohe has not been in Shenjing in the past few days, so naturally he knows nothing about it.

But Lin Zhaohe would remember that the 15th was the day when the results would be announced, and he would probably rush from Lin County to see the list.

Jia Cong would think of such a simple truth, and Yang Hongbin and Zhou Junxing would definitely think of it too. The result is predictable...

……

East of Shenjing City, Yuping Street, back alley.

Liu Wenxuan walked alone to the end of the quiet alley and rang the brass door cymbals of a small courtyard.

The monotonous and regular sound of metal knocking echoed in the quiet alley.

A tall woman came to open the door. She had a beautiful face and a calm expression. A short blade was slanted across her slender waist. When she saw Liu Wenxuan, she nodded slightly and let him into the yard.

It is early summer and the morning weather in the capital city is already a little hot.

The flowers and plants carefully cultivated in the courtyard were lush and green, and some of the buds on the branches were blooming, colorful and bright. A middle-aged man in his forties, wearing a convenient short brown shirt, with his sleeves rolled up, was loosening the soil with a flower hoe, his movements were meticulous, his expression was happy, and he was enjoying himself.

Although he was dressed simply, his hands and sleeves were stained with mud, and he looked like a home-based flower farmer.

But the warm sunlight shining on him was like a rough jade suddenly shining. It can be seen that his facial features are elegant and his movements and manners are graceful and elegant, which is quite remarkable.

When he saw Liu Wenxuan coming in, he didn't stop what he was doing and asked, "Liu Xuan, what's going on outside now?"

Liu Wenxuan said: "Yesterday, Sun Shouzheng of the Censorate impeached Wu Liang in the morning court, and the tribute scholar Wu Liang was imprisoned in the morning. Only an hour later, the officers of the Censorate were dispatched everywhere.

They interrogated four Jin Kegong scholars in two inns in the east and south of the city, causing a lot of noise.

Our people found out that after Wu Liang was imprisoned, he gave away five other candidates who had also visited Xu Liangxiong before the exam and received guidance from Xu Liangxiong on how to write exam questions.

It was a coincidence that four of the five candidates passed the imperial examination and only one failed. The failed candidate left Beijing and returned home ten days ago, thus escaping a disaster.

From last night until early this morning, the Magistrates' Court was hunting down six more tribute scholars. It must have been because the original four were imprisoned or tortured, which implicated the other six.

In less than two days, including Wu Liang, nine candidates for the imperial examination and two candidates who failed the exam were implicated.

Because today is a day off for officials, the situation has not yet escalated. I believe that after the court opens tomorrow, there will definitely be another wave of disturbances."

The middle-aged man was slightly stunned when he heard what Liu Wenxuan said, and said, "Things are more intense than I expected. That Zhou Yuanshi is working very hard."

Liu Wenxuan said: "Among the students who were arrested in the past two days, only one was lucky enough not to be arrested by the Magistrates' Court, and that was Lin Zhaohe, who ranked third in this year's examination.

It is said that he and Wu Liang were classmates and close friends. He was probably reported by someone or implicated by Wu Liang.

I asked someone about it. He went to visit a friend in Lin County the day before yesterday and luckily escaped the disaster. He doesn't know what's happening in the city. Today is the fifteenth day, and he must be rushing back to Shenjing to check the list.

I have sent people to guard the east and west gates this morning, which are the only ways he can enter the city."

The middle-aged man said, "You want to intercept him midway and warn him in advance, so that he won't fall into the hands of the Magistrates' Court."

Liu Wenxuan said: "Boss, according to your arrangement, we have selected 113 people from the list of the provincial examination in the 13th year of Jiazhao. These people are all the top winners of the provincial examinations in various states.

Afterwards, they selected from these people those with ordinary family backgrounds and no official background, a total of twenty-three people.

Among these twenty-three people, there are seventeen who made it to the imperial examination this year. Lin Zhaohe is the most outstanding among them, ranking third on the list. He is only one step away from the top scorer, Jia Cong.

The boss once mentioned that Jia Cong had a special status, and even if he won the first place in the exam, it would be difficult for him to win the championship.

There have been rumors that Lin Zhaohe is also a hot candidate for the championship. Such an outstanding person will be of great use in the future, and we cannot let him be wasted in the hands of the Magistrates' Court."

The middle-aged man watered the loosened flower pots carefully one by one, saying, "I once said that the Spring Examination is a major event for the country and the people, and even the current emperor cannot fully control it.

We are merely building up momentum and have come to the end of things. Success or failure no longer depends on planning but on fate.

Lin Zhaohe was already in the police station when he passed the exam list. Now that he is on the wanted list of the Magistrate's Court, he can never clear himself of the connection.

You can escape for a while, but you can't hide forever, and it will be useless in the end.

Besides, if you let someone warn him in advance, he would not be suspicious because he ranked third on the list, and he would even guess what was behind this, which would hinder the overall situation.

Therefore, the appropriate approach is to let things take their own course.

Besides, to see if he is genuine or not, we have to put him in the fire to test him.

Zhou Junxing was the emperor's lackey, and he made his fortune by gaining the emperor's attention. He felt that as long as he made this case bigger and more solid, he could bring the power of the Magistrates' Court to its peak and make further progress in his official career.

But he didn't realize that the hunter sometimes becomes the hunted.

His Court of Inquisition was aggressive, but the Dali Temple, the Censorate, and the Ministry of Justice were no match for him, and the officials in these courts all had sharp eyes.

They all have their own calculations and their own interests. Faced with such a major fraud case, they will not remain indifferent. They will definitely follow the situation and ensure their own convenience. This is the officialdom!
We have laid out the fire starter materials. Since the Censorate and the Magistrates' Court have started the fire, someone will naturally add fuel to the fire...

……

Shenjing, East Gate.

Just after noon, the bright morning light painted a layer of hot crimson on the mottled surface of the city wall.

The huge city gate was pushed by the soldiers guarding the city, making a strange creaking sound, like the slowly opening mouth of a giant beast. The people who had been waiting outside the city rushed into the city like moths to a flame.

There was a teahouse near the city gate, in a private room by the window on the second floor, where several sturdy young men, each carrying a weapon, and one of them had a shadow painting in his hand.

They all waited intently for the crowd entering the city, not missing any opportunity.

On the roadside outside the city gate, two vendors were selling bamboo products. While they were dealing with customers, they were also carefully observing the people entering the city.

It was not until the middle of the morning that a young man who looked like a scholar, riding a skinny horse, came slowly towards the city gate in the distance and was about to enter the city.

One of the vendors saw someone coming and was about to step forward when he suddenly felt his shoulder tighten, as if someone was holding him.

He looked back and said with some surprise: Manager Liu…"

At this time, young scholars on horseback gathered among the crowd entering the city, slowly entered the city gate, and turned their horses to head towards the Ministry of Rites.

A group of people in the teahouse saw the scholar on horseback entering the city gate. The leader's eyes lit up, and he whispered an order, and a group of people swarmed out.

……

The capital, the prison of the Magistrate's Court.

Yesterday morning, more than a dozen cells near the innermost part were emptied one by one, and the original prisoners were crammed into other cells in groups of three or five.

As time passed, the vacated cells were soon put to use, and each cell only held one prisoner, which seemed a bit luxurious.

These prisoners were all candidates for the imperial examination who were wanted by the Magistrates' Court for cheating in the imperial examination. They were detained separately to prevent them from colluding with each other.

The Magistrates' Court specially arranged several jailers to take turns to guard the cells all night to prevent the candidates from talking to each other in nearby cells.

Since these people entered the Magistrate's Court Prison, each of them has been punished to varying degrees, and each of them has scars all over their body.

One moment they were noble candidates for the imperial examination and the next they were prisoners, being tortured and forced to confess by the jailers. They lost all their dignity and were humiliated.

Many of them were tortured, and they accused and betrayed their peers. After ten years of hard study of the sages' ethics, morality, integrity and shame, they became like a joke under the unbearable physical pain.

When they were able to take a temporary respite, faced with the failure of their careers and thinking back on their lost morals, their hearts were filled with regret and fear. They could only vent their shame and anger by tracing the root of the problem.

After they signed their confessions and were taken back to the cell, they began to complain and curse non-stop, using the most vicious words they knew from half a lifetime of hard study to curse a scholar named Wu Liang.

Because it was his confession that put them into an irretrievable situation.

The crazy curses that echoed in the cell all night were filthy, varied, hysterical, and endless, and the jailers were terrified when they heard them.

Wu Liang, who was imprisoned in the innermost cell, had a pale face and was drenched in cold sweat. He looked as if he had collapsed. Last night was the most terrifying night in his life.

The prisoners in more than ten cells around him stayed up all night, cursing him with the most vicious words, which were like devil's sound piercing his ears, repeatedly ravaging his spirit and soul.

In their insults, Wu Liang was the most despicable, shameless, and immoral person in the world, and even if he was cut into pieces, it would not be possible to atone for his sins.

In the morning he was tortured by the Magistrate's Court. The severe pain from the whipping and branding made him so miserable that he wanted to die but could not.

But the verbal abuse and humiliation all night long were even more painful than physical torture.

Wu Liang finally understood that compared to a ruined future and being wrongly punished, being ruined and cursed by everyone is the most terrifying thing in this world... (End of this chapter)