Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

It had been raining in the capital for several days in a row in summer, but it finally cleared up early this morning. The sun was shining brightly, and the haze that had accumulated for several days was swept away.

Daiyu, Yingchun and other sisters had been bored in their rooms for several days. Taking advantage of the good weather, they strolled and chatted in the garden early in the morning, and then went to Rongqing Hall to pay their respects to Lady Jia.

When they passed by Lixiang Courtyard, they met Aunt Xue and Baochai walking out, so they walked together.

Aunt Xue smiled and said to Yingchun, "I have some freshly fermented goose feet and duck intestines here. They are very delicious. You can bring some back later and let Congge have a taste.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to see Brother Cong these days, and I haven’t seen him in a while.”

Yingchun smiled and said, "Brother Cong is not as peaceful as before. He has to attend the morning court every day and leave the house before dark. He will not return home until sunset.

Not only does my aunt rarely see him, even I, her sister, rarely see him."

Before the Spring Examination, Jia Cong did not have to attend the morning court. He only had to go to the firearms workshop outside the city to attend the court, and occasionally go to the Ministry of Works to handle official business.

Therefore, she would get up early every day and have plenty of time, so she would often invite Yingchun and other sisters to have breakfast together, so that they could chat and keep each other company.

Now, he gets up early before dawn every day and goes to the Meridian Gate to attend the daily morning court session in the palace.

Not only did she lose the joy of dining with her sisters, but even their daily meetings became less frequent, which is why Yingchun said these words.

Aunt Xue said with a smile: "Brother Cong is a man of ability who deserves more work. At this age, he is already a Hanlin scholar and a high-ranking official in the court.

Others want to work as hard as he does, but they don't have the ability.

It would be terrible if a boy of his age wandered around the mansion every day and could be easily seen. "

Although Aunt Xue only said this casually, the sisters couldn't help but think of Baoyu. They heard that Baoyu was studying in the East Road Courtyard these days, which was quite strange...

Everyone chatted and went into Rongqing Hall together.

Grandmother Jia always liked lively occasions and celebrations, so she was naturally happy to see a large group of people coming.

She chatted with Aunt Xue about family matters, and talked about food and clothing with her granddaughter. It had only been sunny for half a day when it started to drizzle again.

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "It's raining at the right time. It's inconvenient for us to go back now. Let's relax for half a day. I'll set up a meal here at noon so that we can have more fun."

After hearing this, all the sisters smiled happily and had no objection, but they would never be like this in the past.

In the past, when the sisters came to pay their respects to Lady Jia, Daiyu would usually perform her duties politely and usually find some excuse to return to the East Palace early.

Every time the sisters came to Rongqing Hall, Baoyu would always come at the right time so that he could talk and join in the fun with the sisters.

The most important thing for Baoyu is to get closer to Daiyu and say a few kind words to her...

But that time, Daiyu asked Xiren to pass on a message, and Baoyu took the opportunity to act crazy and stupid in the West Mansion, causing great chaos.

From then on, Daiyu became more and more disgusted with him and tried to avoid him as much as possible.

Every time she came to pay her respects to Lady Jia, Baoyu would still be shameless, pretending to be nonchalant and making big remarks.

I tried my best to come up with some random words to talk to her so that she wouldn't get tired of it.

Although Baoyu's jade had been confiscated by his uncle and he could no longer play the jade-smashing trick,

But if she felt indignant and said a few words to him, she was worried that Baoyu would get angry and, taking advantage of his grandmother's favor, would make a scene again, and everyone would be embarrassed.

So Daiyu would avoid the place whenever she could. Every time she went to the West Mansion, she came and went in a hurry, like a dragonfly skimming the water, and never stayed for long.

Yingchun was a bystander and naturally understood Daiyu's thoughts. She also knew that this cousin was very important to her brothers, so she naturally didn't want to leave her alone and embarrassed.

Daiyu often found excuses to leave and retreat from Lady Jia, and Yingchun would also make the excuse that the housekeeper in the East Palace was busy, and the two sisters would leave hand in hand.

Most of the time, only Tanchun, Shi Xiangyun and Xichun would sit longer.

Tanchun would often chat with Lady Jia, while Xichun was young and just wanted to have food and fun.

Shi Xiangyun has no taboos. When she is happy, she will chat nonsense with Baoyu. When she is not interested, she will just be lazy and ignore him. Everyone has his own way.

Now that Baoyu has temporarily moved to the East Courtyard, the entire West Mansion is much quieter, so Daiyu naturally has no need to try to escape.

……

Grandmother Jia was very pleased to see that all her proud granddaughters had gathered together today and stayed to have dinner with her.

He smiled at Aunt Xue and said, "Today we are all gathered together, except for Feng who is still in confinement after childbirth and cannot move around much, so it is not convenient for her to come over.

The only thing missing here is my Baoyu. For some reason, his wife suddenly had an idea and asked him to stay in the East Courtyard for a few days.

He also said that he wanted his master to give him some pointers on his homework. These two, father and son, were like a cat seeing a mouse, and they never stayed still for a single day.

Wait a few more days, and I will bring Baoyu back, so I don’t have to worry so much.”

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "The old lady loves her grandson too much, and she is worrying too much. Baoyu is different now, and he will get married and set up a household by the end of the year.

He is no longer the little boy he used to be. Although my brother-in-law has a serious temperament and wants his son to be successful, he is a person who attaches great importance to etiquette.

The son is about to get married, so he won’t be as strict as before. He will definitely teach him well and let the father and son get along well. He is also waiting for Baoyu to have children in the future. "

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "What Auntie said is reasonable, but I want to present you with good wishes, so that father and son can live in harmony and have many children."

Aunt Xue continued, "I remembered something. Yesterday I went to see Feng, and she heard that Doctor Hu was an expert in women's medicine.

I wanted to ask him to take my pulse and prescribe some warming and nourishing prescriptions for postpartum delivery, but unfortunately I didn't meet him when I went to ask him.

It was said that Doctor Hu had gone to the East Hospital for consultation, so Feng had no choice but to ask other doctors for help.

My sister has always been in good health and has never had any illness. I wonder what has happened to her?"

After hearing this, Jia's mother was a little worried and said, "They are both almost fifty years old, and naturally they have more problems as they age.

They don't even listen to their daily conversations, and they keep everything from an old man like me. Yuanyang, send someone to ask who is sick.

Shi Xiangyun, who was standing by, heard this and interrupted, "If someone is sick, Sister Xiren is also taking medicine. I heard that she slipped and fell on a rainy day a few days ago."

Xiren used to be Lady Jia's maid and had served her for many years. She had always been valued by Lady Jia. When she heard this, she was surprised and asked a few more questions.

Shi Xiangyun only said that Xiren slipped and was hit in the chest and abdomen by the umbrella. She went to see her and was told that it was not serious and she would be fine after lying down for a few days.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu Courtyard, Xiren's Wing.

Xiren was kicked by Baoyu that day. Although she had been recuperating for several days, she still hadn't recovered much. Her face had lost its former rosy color and had become a little weak and sallow.

She was dragging her tired body and putting on her clothes when the door was pushed open and Musk Moon came in with a tray filled with freshly boiled medicine.

Seeing Xiren getting up and getting dressed, Sheyue frowned and said, "Why are you getting up again? Just lie down and take a rest. Why are you wearing clothes now? You're not going out."

Xiren said, "I have been nursing for a few days and I feel much better. I want to go to the East Courtyard to see the second master. The second master has been sleeping restlessly for a few days. I wonder if he has asked a doctor to see him."

After hearing this, Sheyue's pretty face darkened slightly and she said, "Second Master has Caiyun and Qiu Wen serving him in the East Courtyard. There are so many maids and servants watching over there, so there won't be any problems.

You are already injured like this, and you are still worrying about nothing? Now you want to get up and walk around. You really don't value your life.

The doctor said the day before yesterday that you were seriously injured this time, your five internal organs were damaged, your kidney yin and blood were deficient, and you even vomited a mouthful of blood the day before yesterday.

How old are you? Yet you are coughing up blood. How can this be tolerated?

The doctor told you to take good care of yourself. If you are careless and leave a root of disease, you may...may not be able to have children in the future."

After hearing this, Xiren turned pale and sat down on the bed.

She Yue's eyes were slightly red as she said, "You have already entered the Second Master's room. If you don't have any offspring, you will be an empty concubine for the rest of your life. You will suffer in this mansion.

Now why worry about the Second Master not being able to sleep well at night? You should take care of your own body and not get sick. "

Xiren felt a throbbing pain in her heart after hearing this. How could Sheyue know her suffering? If the Second Master's illness could not be cured, no matter how healthy she was, she would not be able to have children...

He smiled and said, "It's me who is impatient. I'll just lie down and have a good rest. Or you can ask the little girl to go and get some information."

Musk Moon frowned a little and said, "I'll listen to you and send someone to ask. You just lie down and take a rest."

……

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard.

Since Mrs. Wang took Baoyu back to the East Courtyard, she had not told even Jia Zheng about Baoyu's hidden illness.

She only wanted to cure her son's illness secretly and pretend nothing had happened in front of outsiders.

As for Xi and Caiyun who knew the details, Mrs. Wang was still very relieved, after all, they were Baoyu's bedmates. If Baoyu's privacy was exposed, they would be ashamed...

Originally, Xiren asked Wang Xifeng for the addresses of Zhang Youshi and Doctor Hu.

Compared with these two doctors, Zhang Youshi is more famous in the Jia family. He has cured the illnesses of Jia Mu and Baoyu, and even cured Tanchun's hand.

But just because he often went to the West Mansion and was said to have a close personal relationship with Jia Cong.

Even though Zhang Youshi was more famous, Mrs. Wang did not dare to ask him to treat Baoyu, for fear that he would leak the news.

In comparison, Doctor Hu is much more low-key. Although he also moves around in the West Palace, he is not as deeply involved as Zhang Youshi, so it is easier for him to keep his mouth shut.

Moreover, Mrs. Wang secretly inquired and found out that Doctor Hu was also famous and proficient in male and female fertility diseases, which was just the right remedy for Baoyu's problem.

After Doctor Hu examined Baoyu and felt his pulse, he told Mrs. Wang that young brother's illness was not rare. He had seen many and cured many of them.

Although this disease can be cured, it will not happen overnight. It requires the use of high-quality medicinal materials for warming and conditioning. With time, the yin and yang will be nourished, and the dragon and the tiger will work together, and the disease will be cured.

Mrs. Wang was greatly encouraged after hearing Doctor Hu's diagnosis. He was a regular doctor at the Imperial Medical Bureau, so his diagnosis must be correct.

She couldn't help but feel full of longing in her heart, as if she had already seen her son raising children and having many descendants in the second house...

When Doctor Hu wrote out the prescription in all seriousness, Mrs. Wang saw that it used only the finest and most precious medicinal materials, and she felt that the prescription was of great sophistication.

She quickly asked her trusted maid to act quietly and go to the pharmacy outside to find good medicinal materials to make the medicine.

He turned around and hid the prescription himself, and asked Caiyun to watch over the decoction personally. He quietly wrapped up the used medicine residue to prevent others from touching it. He was very careful and cautious.

Fortunately, after Baoyu took a few doses of the medicine, he actually saw some immediate effects. He looked much healthier, with a rosy complexion and brisk steps every day.

Mrs. Wang was overjoyed when she saw this, and asked Caiyun about her bedroom affairs in private. Caiyun just blushed and said that it was still the same, but she was much stronger...

Although Mrs. Wang was a little disappointed, she thought that the medicine would only take a few days and it was not Laojun's elixir, so it would not cure the disease so quickly.

Doctor Hu also said that this disease is not something that can be cured overnight. It takes some time and careful recuperation, step by step, to recover. Don't rush it.

Besides, Doctor Hu's prescription was indeed very effective. After taking just a few doses, Baoyu's body became much stronger.

……

That day, Mrs. Wang called Baoyu over to talk. She saw that Baoyu had a rosy complexion and looked full of energy, which made her happy.

The mother and son were chatting gossip when the maid Yuchuan came in and said that Mrs. Zhang, who was with the old lady, was coming to visit Baoyu.

Mrs. Wang knew that Mrs. Zhang had some background. Her mother was a maid who came as a dowry with Lady Jia. She was also born in the Jia family and was a trusted servant of the old lady.

Mrs. Wang naturally did not dare to neglect him and asked him to come in to talk.

Although that old lady Zhang had some qualifications, she was still an honest person, not a slick and eloquent person.

When she met Mrs. Wang, she bowed and said, "Today, the concubines and the girls came to pay their respects to the madam, and the old lady kept a meal for us in Rongqing Hall.

Seeing that the house was lively and bustling, and thinking that the only person missing was Master Bao, he asked me to come over and take a look and ask Master Bao how his studies were going.

If the Second Master is busy with official duties, he should also take care of his health and not work too hard. Just leave homework for Second Master Bao and let Second Master return to the West Mansion to talk earlier."

After hearing this, Mrs. Wang felt a little troubled. Baoyu was currently undergoing medical treatment, and Doctor Hu would come for a follow-up visit in a few days. How could he go back to the West Mansion at this critical moment?

If Baoyu goes back like this, Doctor Hu will have to go to the West Mansion to see patients. If the old lady finds out, she will definitely become suspicious. As long as she asks a few questions, it will be difficult to hide the matter.

Mrs. Wang was thinking about it, trying to find something to say to get the matter over with.

Baoyu asked excitedly, "Aunt Zhang, in the past, when the sisters went to pay their respects to the old lady, they would just sit for a while and then leave.

Why are they in such a good mood today? They stayed until the old lady invited them to eat, but they haven't been like this for a long time.

Is Sister Lin here all the time? I haven't seen her for a long time. How is your health?"

After hearing what Baoyu said, Mrs. Wang couldn't help but frown. Baoyu's health was in such a state, why was he still in such a good mood and always thinking about these useless things?

……

Mrs. Zhang smiled and said, “Miss Lin has always been here, but it has been a long time since we’ve seen this.

The girls have been staying in Rongqing Hall for quite a while these days, and the old lady has stayed for several meals. Rongqing Hall is also much more lively than before."

After hearing this, Baoyu cried out in his heart what a pity, and couldn't help feeling deeply regretful. Why did he come to the East Courtyard and miss the opportunity to reunite with his sisters.

My sisters must have missed me so much after not seeing me for so long. How could I bear it...

Mrs. Zhang continued with a smile, "Second Master asked about Miss Lin's health. She looks very healthy and in great shape. Thinking back to her appearance in previous years, it is really incomparable.

I heard that the Third Master is very attentive in his daily life. He would visit and inquire about Miss Lin after leaving the yamen every day, and that the pills and diet that Miss Lin takes are very appropriate.

We old people in the mansion all say privately that Miss Lin is a blessed person. She has been so sick since she was a child, and it is all thanks to Master Cong Sanye who has taken care of her.

If the Third Master hadn't helped her find a top-notch doctor, Miss Lin wouldn't be in such good health now."

Baoyu was full of envy and longing just now, and was thinking that he would ask the lady for favors later so that he could go back to the West Mansion earlier and be with his sisters more.

But when Mrs. Zhang said these nonsense, Baoyu's face turned pale and his heart was filled with anger and sadness.

It would be fine if Sister Lin recovered, but it has nothing to do with Jia Cong. He is not worthy of being so close to Sister Lin, it is really disgusting.

Could it be that he is really so lawless that he dares to do something bad to Lin Daiyu...

……

When Mrs. Zhang saw what she said unintentionally, Mr. Bao's face suddenly turned ugly, full of grief and anger.

She was also an old woman with experience in the world, and she had heard many stories about Baoyu. After just a little thought, she roughly understood Baoyu's thoughts.

There was a certain amount of ridicule in her heart. Although she was my mother's confidant, she did not share the same thoughts as Lady Jia on everything.

She also has children and grandchildren. In her heart, she is partial to Lady Jia's favoritism towards Baoyu, and has never been very fond of the outstanding Third Master Cong, and she is somewhat disapproving of him.

But this was the master's private matter, so there was no reason for her to say anything. She just kept it to herself on a daily basis.

In fact, since Jia Cong inherited the family business, there have been many old servants in the Jia family who have the same thoughts as her.

Seeing that Baoyu was indignant, Mrs. Zhang really didn't want to look at him any longer. This Master Bao was really spoiled by the old lady, and he didn't have any discernment at such a grown man.

They are already engaged, and it has nothing to do with him what the girl and the boy are involved with. It is not worth it for him to show such an expression.

Besides, a man like Master Cong San is worthy of even the princess, so it is natural that he will be a match for Miss Lin.

Anyone with a discerning eye would be able to see the hidden meaning of this matter, but no one dares to say anything about it.

Mr. Bao is getting married at the end of the year, but he is still dreaming. Since they are cousins, they will do something good sooner or later. Let's see how he behaves then.

Although Mrs. Zhang was disdainful in her heart, she knew that Baoyu had a bad temper and was worried that if she provoked him, she would get into trouble.

He immediately stopped talking, exchanged a few polite words with Mrs. Wang, and then left.

……

When Mrs. Wang saw that Mrs. Zhang only delivered the message and did not urge Baoyu to return to the West Mansion, she was relieved and saved the energy of finding excuses.

Suddenly, Baoyu said, "Madam, I have also seen the doctor and taken medicine. I feel much better these days.

I think I should go back to live in the West Mansion, so that I can be filial to the old lady on a daily basis..."

After hearing this, Mrs. Wang couldn't help but frown. She didn't believe that Baoyu was in a hurry to return to the West Mansion just to fulfill his filial piety to the old lady.

It must be because of what Mrs. Zhang said about the sisters just now that Baoyu had some new thoughts on his mind.

Mrs. Wang said, "Baoyu, you are going to get married at the end of the year, and the most important thing now is to cure your illness so that you and Miss Xia can have children in the future.

I am almost fifty years old, and you are my only son. I am counting on you for the future.

You should also be more alert now and stop thinking about useless things. "

When Baoyu heard Mrs. Wang talk about having many children and not thinking about useless things, he felt like he was awakened from a dream. He was heartbroken and on the verge of collapse.

But now the old lady was no longer around, and it seemed that the master would soon leave the court. In short, it was not convenient, and he did not dare to make a scene.

Mrs. Wang continued, “I won’t stop you from going back to the West Mansion, but Doctor Hu will go to the West Mansion to see you, and Caiyun will go in and out of the West Mansion to make medicine for you.

How could the old lady not be suspicious? As long as she arrests Doctor Hu and asks him a few questions, you won't be able to hide your affairs.

By then, all the sisters will know how to behave in the future. Just think about how serious it is..." (End of this chapter)