Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard, Mengpo Zhai Study.

Ever since the second branch of the Jia family moved into the East Courtyard, Jia Zheng lost his position as the head of the glorious country and the East Courtyard became deserted.

Apart from the people from the two mansions and old relatives and friends who occasionally come and go, no prominent figures have ever come to visit.

However, in the past two days, the popularity of the East Courtyard has increased dramatically, and many officials in the court have come to visit one after another, which makes Jia Zheng and his wife a little flattered.

That day, Jia Zheng met several waves of visitors and then returned to his study in the inner courtyard to rest alone.

He had just asked his maid to prepare some hot tea to relieve his fatigue when he heard the sound of bells and pendants jingling at the door. He saw his daughter Tanchun enter the study, followed by a maid to serve her.

Tanchun took the fragrant tea from the maid's tray and handed it to Jia Zheng herself, asking, "Master, did you just come back from seeing the guests?"

Jia Zheng smiled and said, "Today is a day off, so I could have taken some time to relax, but I didn't expect several visitors to come over. It's hard for you to keep wanting to come back. I wanted you to come over to talk, but you never had time."

Tanchun laughed and said, "My daughter has always been spending her days with her sisters. She has become too playful. The master has not fulfilled his filial duty at home and has only been coming back to pay his respects. This is already disrespectful."

Jia Zheng smiled and said, "You are grown up now. You have so many sisters at home. Naturally, we cannot let you be alone. It is enough for you to have this thought.

Brother Cong has always loved you and your sisters, and you have been in harmony since childhood. With his support in the future, I will be relieved that you will have a safe place to go. "

When Tanchun heard her father talking casually about marriage, she felt a little shy. She was smart and quick-witted by nature, so she naturally understood what Jia Zheng meant.

I am a daughter born out of wedlock, and when it comes to marriage in the future, the nobles and wealthy families will not marry a daughter born out of wedlock as their legal wife.

Now that the Second Branch of the Jia Family has become a side branch, it would be logical for a bastard daughter like myself to be even weaker than before.

But with the love and care of her cousin Jia Cong, no one else would dare to look down on her. In the future, her marriage would also be looked up to and she would have a decent and glorious fate.

Originally, she and her sisters lived in the West Mansion and were raised by the old lady since childhood. Now they live together in the East Mansion. The master is also very happy to see this, as it reflects the long-term planning of their parents.

Although Tanchun did not care about her future marriage and felt that her current life was great and she would be satisfied only if it continued like this, she was still very grateful for her father's kindness.

Every family has its problems. My second elder brother and Huan'er were both lazy by nature and did not like to study. Despite repeated instruction, they made little progress, which made their father extremely disappointed.

I think the son that my father was most satisfied with was my elder brother Xianzhu who went to school at a young age, but unfortunately he died young...

My father felt lost and helpless, so he always focused on my third brother. He loved and cherished him since he was a child, and even gave himself, a concubine's daughter, a lot of love because of this.

Whenever Tanchun thought of this, she felt sad.

And there was another thing. I have been very close to my third brother since childhood. My wife must be uncomfortable and would like me to leave as soon as possible so that she won't have to see him and won't be annoyed.

According to the family rules of wealthy families, the wife is one's biological mother and has great control over one's marriage.

Now that I live in the East Palace, I have my sisters to keep me company, and my third brother to be my guardian. My wife is worried and doesn't dare to say anything more...

……

Tanchun asked, "Master, I heard that the officials who have been visiting recently are all officials who will take the imperial examination this spring. Because of their misconduct before the examination, they will be punished by the court.

They came to visit the master just to ask him to mediate and intercede for them?"

Jia Zheng smiled bitterly and said, "That is indeed the case, but the Spring Examination fraud case has caused such a big stir, and the court wants to punish the officials, how can I mediate?

These visitors are just Xiang Zhuang's sword dance, aiming at Pei Gong. They know that Congge'er is highly regarded by the emperor, so they want to use me as a bridge to get Congge'er's help. "

When Tanchun heard what Jia Zheng said, she blurted out the words she had prepared in her mind, "Master, although my third brother can have a say in the palace, he is a candidate for the imperial examination this spring and is in a difficult situation.

This time the Spring Examination cheating case has caused such a big stir. Given his current status, if he tries to excuse the officials who committed the crime, he will definitely be suspected. Then he won’t be able to explain himself clearly, and it will also implicate the master.”

Jia Zheng said: "Of course I know this. The fraud case has just been settled. Fortunately, Cong has not been implicated in the slightest. The results of the palace examination will probably be announced soon.

How could I possibly bring such trouble upon him at this critical juncture? However, I was still an official in the Ministry of Industry and it was difficult to avoid the official circles.

The foreign guests who visited us these days were just paying lip service to our requests and they will not really agree to do anything.”

When Tanchun heard this, she knew that her father had a clear mind, so she felt relieved. The father and daughter chatted for a while.

Although Jia Zheng has a straightforward personality, he is not completely confused. No one knows a daughter better than her father.

Knowing that Tanchun came back this time, she probably heard the rumor and was worried that she would not be tolerant and would really agree to the thing, which would bring trouble to the family.

He thought that it was quite rare for his daughter to be so shrewd and sensible at such a young age.

Jia Zheng sighed, "Baoyu is past the age of dancing elephants, but he is still unstable, lazy and absurd. If he could be as sensible and intelligent as you, I would be satisfied."

Tanchun advised: "Master, don't worry. Second brother is still young. When he gets married and has his own family, he will naturally be sensible and will not disappoint Master's expectations of him."

After hearing Tanchun talk about getting married and starting a family, Jia Zheng couldn't help but look at the couch in the study. Although he had replaced the couch with a new one a long time ago, he still felt uncomfortable when he saw it.

At this time, footsteps were heard outside the door, and Mrs. Wang came in. She was slightly stunned when she saw Tanchun was also in the study.

Tanchun had said what she wanted to say and sat for a while before exchanging greetings with Jia Zheng and Lady Wang and finding an excuse to leave.

Mrs. Wang waited until Tanchun left and said, "Master, the two wives of officials who came with us today told a lot of stories in the inner courtyard. It was so pitiful to listen to them with tears in their eyes.

They are both officials in the court. Since they have come to the master's door, the master should help them if he can. Everyone has difficulties in the officialdom."

Jia Zheng frowned and said, "The emperor has appointed them as officials for the Spring Examination. This is an honor and dignity that others cannot even hope for.

These people don't know how to cherish themselves, and they even do some immoral things. Who can I blame? I don't have the ability to excuse them. Even if I do, I won't care, so as not to bring disgrace to the civilized society. "

Mrs. Wang felt a little discouraged when she saw how determined her husband was. Ever since the second branch moved into the east courtyard, it had become increasingly neglected and no one paid any attention to it.

It's so hard to find someone who wants to seek help, and they're all officials appointed by the imperial court. It's such an honorable thing, but the master doesn't want to pay attention to them. Who will come to him in the future?

Jia Zheng said: "I know these people's methods. When they bring their wives to visit, they must have said something in advance and asked the ladies to send gifts to the inner courtyard.

The inner courtyard cannot keep any of the gifts it receives. Let the housekeeper send smart servants to return them all."

Although the Second House has now moved to the East Courtyard and is no longer what it used to be, Mrs. Wang comes from a prominent family after all, so she is not so greedy for gifts from others.

She just felt that her husband was still capable, and she used some connections to get Jia Yucun the position of prefect of Yingtian.

Now he just hides his incompetence and doesn't want to pay any attention to such a good appearance.

Mrs. Wang thought of Tanchun who was in the study just now. The three girls were all led astray by the boy from the East Palace. She didn't know what she had said to the master just now, and the master's tone suddenly became harsh.

They say that girls are extroverts, which is true, they are always in the way...

……

Jia Zheng's eyes fell on the couch, and he frowned again, asking, "Last time, we discussed the marriage between Baoyu and Miss Xia. It's been a long time, is there any definite news now?"

When Mrs. Wang heard this, her face froze slightly. She was very satisfied with Miss Xia's character and appearance, but after she proposed marriage to Mrs. Xia last time, she did not respond for a long time, which made her a little disappointed.

He said: "Half a month ago, Mrs. Xia sent someone to send fresh gifts. It is said that she went to Tongzhou to take care of the family business. Now I am afraid she is not in the capital, and there is no confirmed news about the marriage.

Our family is a duke, and Baoyu is the eldest son of the Jia family. For someone of this status to marry the daughter of an imperial merchant is considered a low status.

I can’t keep urging them to reply, because it would seem like Baoyu can’t find a husband, which would bring shame to the Jia family, so I’m not in a hurry to urge them.”

Jia Zheng said: "Madam, you are worrying too much. It is a gentleman's demeanor to be polite to others. It is not a shameful thing.

Although Baoyu is the eldest son of the Jia family, there is a lot of gossip outside nowadays, and he can't care too much about his current situation.

As the saying goes, the phoenix seeks the hen. Since we were the ones who initiated the marriage proposal, it is reasonable for the man to consult the girl's family afterwards. If the Xia family agrees to this marriage, it will also be a happy event.

Even if they don't agree, we already know about it earlier. Even if it's complicated, it's just a third time, so we can just arrange another marriage for Baoyu." After listening to Jia Zheng's words, Mrs. Wang felt that there was some truth in them. In fact, she was also anxious about Baoyu's marriage. She finally fell in love with Miss Xia and didn't want to miss it easily.

He was thinking of giving the Xia family more face and sending people to inquire about their relationship, and Mrs. Xia would definitely have to give a reply.

Even if Mrs. Xia is still in Tongzhou, she must give a reply after returning, which can be regarded as a final decision.

She said, "Master, what you said makes sense. I will prepare some gifts and have my trusted maid send them to you so that we can get the marriage sorted out as soon as possible."

……

In the Earl's Mansion, outside the Yingchun Courtyard, there is a small pavilion by the water.

Jia Cong and Yingchun had played two games. Jia Cong lost the first game, but at the end of the second game, he was lucky enough to be ahead by a few points.

As to whether Yingchun intentionally let her brother off to make him happy, only they themselves knew.

The two siblings were all smiling and enjoying themselves, and they sorted out the pieces and prepared to play another game.

Just as Jia Cong was about to make a move, he saw a graceful figure appear on the other side of the corridor. She was wearing an apricot-red jacket embroidered with magnolia flowers, a white horse-faced skirt, and had shiny black hair and a sparkling hairpin.

When she got closer, she saw that the person was pretty, charming, graceful and smiling. It was Tanchun.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Third sister is finally back."

Daiyu, who was watching the game on the side, chuckled when she heard this and said jokingly, "Third sister only stayed in the East Courtyard for one night, but Third brother feels so sad. What will he do when he gets married in the future?"

Tanchun glared at Daiyu, bit her lip, twisted Daiyu's arm, glanced at Jia Cong, and scolded her with a smile, "You are the only one who likes to joke around. You talk as if you will never get married."

Daiyu's face turned slightly red, as if she sensed something, but she just smiled and said nothing, pretending to concentrate on watching the game.

Tanchun suddenly thought of what her father Jia Zheng had said in the Mengpo Zhai study just now, and unconsciously glanced at Jia Cong.

My mind was in turmoil. What good was there in getting married? It was not as happy and free as it is now...

Jia Cong asked, "Sister has gone to the East Courtyard. How has the master been these days?"

Tanchun smiled and said, "Master, everything is fine. Recently, many people have come to visit you and want to ask you to intercede for them. I talked to you about some gossip and you thought I was right. Apart from that, there is nothing else."

Jia Cong smiled and poured a cup of warm tea, handed it to Tanchun and said, "Sister, you have worked hard. Have a cup of tea to moisten your throat."

Tanchun took the teacup and was stunned. She then understood in her heart that sisters can talk about anything. She was gone for two days and one night, and someone must have told her the reason.

Daiyu smiled and said, "Third brother is rewarding you."

Tanchun smiled sweetly, took a sip of tea, and said, "Thank you, Third Brother."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Sister, you got it wrong. I should thank my third sister."

Yingchun smiled slightly, twirled the chess piece with her slender fingers, and gently placed a piece down. The sound of the chess piece was so crisp that it seemed to echo...

……

Shenjing, Qingyufang, Xia Mansion.

It was hot and dull in the afternoon in late May.

In front of the embroidery building, there is a sycamore tree with lush branches and leaves. The dazzling sunlight reflects on the green leaves, which are emerald green and transparent, with veins clearly visible, revealing an unusually flamboyant vitality.

The loud chirping of cicadas could be heard between the branches, revealing a suppressed monotony and restlessness.

Miss Xia was walking back and forth in her boudoir alone. She looked thin and irritable, with her eyebrows slightly raised, as if she was waiting for something. Her maid Baochan had gone somewhere unknown.

She was wearing a pink and white light satin double-breasted jacket, embroidered with exquisite two-color hibiscus branches. It was extremely delicate and gorgeous, and it only made her look more slender, with a waist as slender as a willow, and a well-proportioned figure, making her look charming and graceful.

Since returning from Baoyu's birthday banquet that day, Miss Xia had quarreled with her mother several times over Lady Wang's proposal of marriage, and she has been confined to the inner courtyard and has not gone out for a long time.

Her heart was burning with longing, and she had no way of venting it, so she asked her maid Baochan to find out what was going on outside.

Upon learning that Jia Cong had won the first place in the imperial examination, he was overjoyed and became more and more deeply lustful, unwilling to extricate himself.

She panicked and resisted the Jia family's proposal, but she knew that if she missed the chance to marry the man she loved, she would be separated from him forever, even in life or death. All her passion would be shattered.

She had seen Jia Cong, such a handsome and talented man, and the thought of her being forced to give herself to Baoyu, such a weak fellow, to share a bed with him and stay together for the rest of her life made her feel sick.

These days, I have been dreaming on the bed, feeling limp and weak, with a sea of ​​illusions and a tangle of love and resentment. I toss and turn, unable to control myself...

She had also gritted her teeth and wanted to sacrifice herself to satisfy his love, but in the end she was not brave enough and could not bear to do it.

Fortunately, Mrs. Xia went to Tongzhou to take care of her business during this period, and no one forced her into a marriage, which gave Miss Xia a chance to catch her breath and live one day at a time.

Although Miss Xia could not leave the house because her mother was not around, she had fewer concerns and more convenience in finding out news from the outside world.

She also gave Baochan a bag of silver, enough for her to instruct others to find out the news.

Baochan and Baoyu's romantic play were just like Miss Xia, obsessed with love and unable to forget it.

Every day, she tries her best to trick her daughter into submission. Only if Miss Xia marries into the Jia family can she and Baoyu renew their relationship and have an affair again...

Therefore, when Miss Xia asked her to inquire about Jia Cong, Baochan was very enthusiastic and proactive, because she knew very well that even if the girl agreed to the marriage, it would not be because of Baoyu, but because of Jia Cong.

Although Baochan felt that this match did not seem appropriate for Baoyu, she could not suppress her lust and her selfishness grew day by day. She thought that if the marriage was successful, the girl and Baoyu would not get along well, and she would be able to get the upper hand, and wouldn't she and Baoyu be able to live a happier and more romantic life.

Therefore, she took great pains to find out about Jia Cong's news, and spared no effort, even at all costs to ignite fire in her girl's heart and lead her astray.

Although Miss Xia was fierce and powerful, she could never have dreamed that her personal maid, who she usually tolerated being beaten and scolded, would actually interfere with her marriage and plot against her.

……

Miss Xia knew that the fifteenth of this month was the day when the imperial examination results would be announced. She was also well-versed in poetry and books and had some knowledge.

Jia Cong was already the first place winner of the imperial examination. Even if he didn't get the top spot, he would most likely be able to get into the first class, which would be a great honor.

She knew that there was no hope for her and Jia Cong to be together, but she was a hot-tempered and stubborn person, and the more she couldn't get what she wanted, the more she desired it.

Since I can't be with him, seeing his extraordinary beauty can make me happy and comfort my love in my heart...

Therefore, as soon as the fifteenth day arrived, she asked Baochan to find someone to inquire about the news.

But news came from outside that it was not Jia Cong who passed the imperial examination, but a major fraud case broke out in the examination, and the imperial decree announced that the palace examination would be postponed.

The Magistrates' Court searched the entire city for candidates and scholars, and even the third-placed candidate on the list was thrown into prison, causing a huge uproar in the city and causing great fear.

After hearing what happened, Miss Xia became extremely worried. Even the third-ranked person on the list was sent to prison. Was Jia Cong, who was ranked first on the list, also implicated?
She was concerned about Jia Cong's safety and disliked the old woman Xu who bought groceries in the kitchen. She was illiterate and could only ask about trivial matters. How could she understand a major fraud case?

So he found an experienced housekeeper from one of his own shops and asked Baochan to pass on a message to inquire about the cheating in the imperial examination and find out whether Weiyuan Earl of the Jia family was involved.

Miss Xia was quite scheming. Although the housekeeper was an old member of the Xia family, she was not her mother's confidant and usually did not interact much with her mother. It would be easy for her to block her mouth if she asked for information.

The old woman listened to Baochan's instigation and said that the Xia and Jia families were discussing a marriage, and the young lady was worried that her husband's family would be in turmoil and affect her lifelong stability, so she was inquiring about the information of the head of the Jia family. The old woman did not suspect anything.

Within a day, the old woman came back with a reply, explaining the whole story of the fraud case in great detail. Earl Weiyuan of the Jia family was also quite safe and was not involved in it at all.

After hearing the news, Miss Xia felt relieved. From then on, she asked the old woman to deliver news every two days.

Today was the day to hear the news. Because Mrs. Xia had just returned from Tongzhou yesterday, Miss Xia was worried that the news might be leaked, so she did not allow the old woman to enter the house and asked Baochan to go out to receive the news.

But this damn girl has been out for a long time and hasn't come back to report anything, so Miss Xia is getting a little anxious. (End of this chapter)