Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

The Arhat bed in the hall was covered with a scarlet foreign carpet, with a silver-red gold-coin-patterned pillow on the front and a large autumn-scented gold-coin-patterned quilt, which was extremely gorgeous and luxurious.

Jia's mother's hair was as white as silver. She sat reclining on the couch, wearing a satin front-opening with auspicious floral patterns on it, a snow-blue stand-up collar, and a satin horse-faced skirt with red gold flowers sprinkled on it.

The maid Yuanyang had beautiful eyes, fair skin, a slender figure and was pretty. She sat sideways behind Lady Jia and gently massaged her shoulders and back.

But her beautiful, watery eyes would occasionally glance at Mrs. Wang who was sitting below her, and there was a barely perceptible coldness in her gaze.

Mrs. Wang was just saying, "Madam, the way Feng girl is doing things now is a little too careless.

The monthly allowance was distributed to all parts of the mansion on the tenth day, except for Baoyu's room, where it was withheld. How could this be how he treated his own brothers?

She was using her power as a royal concubine to do whatever she wanted. If this were to get out, people outside would laugh at the Rongguo Mansion for having no rules or etiquette.

I have been in charge of the family for many years, and I have never seen her behave like this. Baoyu has no reason to be wronged like this, old lady, you have to take care of it."

Mrs. Wang had just scolded Musk Moon in Baoyu's courtyard, and then she rushed to Rongqing Hall without stopping to complain to Lady Jia.

Mrs. Wang was furious that Baoyu, a noble and well-behaved boy, had been humiliated in the West Mansion. She really didn't want to endure it for a moment longer.

After hearing her daughter-in-law's seemingly aggrieved but actually aggressive words, Grandmother Jia couldn't help rubbing her brows and felt annoyed.

Gao Le was living a peaceful life, but every day he caused some trouble. There were few people in this family who were content with a peaceful life.

He frowned and said, "Whenever there is trouble in the family, there is always trouble without smoke. Feng girl's behavior is indeed inappropriate.

But you were indeed a little lacking in tact in the way you handled things a few days ago, otherwise there wouldn't be these current disturbances."

Mrs. Wang felt aggrieved when she heard this and said, "Old lady, I am now mostly guarding the East Road Courtyard. I am careful in my words and actions every day. I really don't know where I have made a mistake."

Grandmother Jia said, "A few days ago, Feng asked Ping'er to go to the East Palace to settle down. Baoyu was young and said a few ignorant words, but that was enough.

Feng felt humiliated by him. Even though she was a little angry, she let it go. A child's interruption was not a big deal.

But you shouldn't follow Baoyu's words and say something about Congge's taking a wife.

As his grandmother, I don't care what kind of woman he keeps in his room. Besides, Ping'er is Feng's maid, and they are both willing.

Why do you have to go to such lengths and say those idle words? Do you think Congge will listen to you?

If Cong'er wants any of the young maids in these two mansions, you can see that these maids are eager to take the opportunity, and no one can stop him.

Feng girl wouldn't take Baoyu's few words too seriously, but you are the mistress of the second house, and if you speak up, it means that the second house will interfere in the affairs of the first house.

I have also been a grandmother. It is not easy to manage a large family. There are some things that cannot be touched.

Without rules, there will be no order; without family authority, how can one manage the family?

Cong'er had already let Feng the girl be the housekeeper. Now that the second house was involved in the affairs of the first house, if she didn't use some tricks, how would Cong'er look at her? How could she still be the head sister-in-law?

You have been a housekeeper before, so you should know how difficult this is, and I don’t need to explain it to you.”

Mrs. Wang was slightly stunned when she heard this. She was so angry about the incident that she didn't think too deeply about it for a while. Only now did she come to her senses.

Feng girl deliberately made things difficult for Baoyu, not only to embarrass herself, but also to show it to the boy from Dongfu.

She was worried that Congge would think she had no means and look down on her, making it harder for her to gain a foothold in the mansion.

Feng girl was such a stubborn person, but now she is so shameless as to flatter that boy!
……

Grandmother Jia continued, "I know what you mean. You just want me to speak out and force Feng to pay Baoyu the monthly allowance.

I also know in my heart that as long as I give the order, even if Feng is angry, she will most likely do it.

But what good is it if you fight for this face?
Once things turn out like that, the first and second wives will be at loggerheads with each other.

Cong'er is a very thoughtful person. Even if he doesn't say anything to my face, he will blame me, his grandmother, for being partial to him. Most of the kindness that Zheng'er has accumulated towards me will be gone.

He has reached this point at his age, and his mind and means are much more powerful than Feng girl's.

He had been close to the third girl since childhood, but had always been distant from Baoyu, and there was no special affection between them.

The last time he said those unpleasant words to Xiren was when he passed the imperial examination. He was already a little angry at Baoyu's nonsense.

I forced Feng to pay the monthly allowance, which offended the eldest wife. He shouldn't say too much about this matter, or he might take it out on Baoyu's mistake.

I am not dead yet, but you two families are already at loggerheads with each other. When I die, my Baoyu will not have a good life. "

When Mrs. Wang heard this, her face turned slightly pale. She was not a stupid person, so she naturally knew that what Lady Jia said was very reasonable.

Now that the first wife has inherited the Spyker family business, the second wife has to live on the support of others. The only one they can rely on is the old lady, who can help them maintain more dignity.

But the old lady is over 70 years old, how many years can she protect the second wife...

When Lady Jia saw that her daughter-in-law had become somewhat alert after hearing her earnest words, she still couldn't hide her unwilling expression.

He couldn't help but sigh with disgust in his heart. Although his wife was ruthless and had some means, she always lost the big picture for the small and didn't know how to look at the long term.

Grandmother Jia said: "According to my opinion, I will pretend that I didn't hear what you said today, and I will also pretend that I don't know about these trivial matters such as the monthly allowance.

Anyway, it is only ten days or half a month late. Even if it is gone, it is not a big deal. The maids in Baoyu's room will not starve to death.

Yuanyang, go get twenty taels of silver and go tell Xiren what I mean.

They serve Baoyu very attentively every day. This is my reward to them. You can keep it to buy rouge and powder, or send it back home."

Yuanyang agreed immediately and went to the back hall to get the money to do the work, looking quite efficient...

When Mrs. Wang heard what Lady Jia said, she was dumbfounded and felt aggrieved. "I came to speak to the old lady, is it for the twenty taels of silver?"

How could the old lady forget that the person she loved most in her life was Baoyu? Now she is so concerned about the boy from the East Mansion and tries to smooth things over...

……

Without mentioning Mrs. Wang's resentment, Grandmother Jia continued, "For a family like ours that has been honored for generations, it is common for conflicts to occur in the house.

There is no need to take everything to heart. You must understand the principle of turning big things into small things and small things into nothing. Only in this way can you have a harmonious, prosperous and long-lasting family.

You should also look at the long-term, don't always focus on these small things, I am worried about a big thing now."

Although Mrs. Wang was feeling upset and dissatisfied, she became somewhat curious when she heard Lady Jia say that there was something big to come.

Then she heard Grandmother Jia say, "The eldest girl will complete her ten-year palace service next year and will have to leave the palace and return home. Ten years of her youth will have been wasted.

I brought her up since she was a child, so the most important thing for her after she returns home is her lifelong event.

But the eldest girl is already in her twenties, and it is very difficult for her to find a suitable marriage partner.

The sons of officials and noble families would get engaged after they turned fifteen. How could a young girl catch up?

If I don't see that she has someone to rely on for the rest of her life, I won't be able to rest in peace even if I die.

I thought of asking Cong'er to help plan this matter. He now holds an honorable official position, has a great reputation, is valued by the palace, and has wide connections in the officialdom.

Or maybe he could use his fame to find a good marriage for the eldest girl.

If the family gets into an awkward quarrel over a few months' salary, wouldn't it be a case of losing the big picture for the small? It might even ruin the life of the eldest girl."

When Mrs. Wang heard this, she felt like her brain was about to split. She hated people who were disobedient the most, but it happened that he had the power over all matters concerning the second house.

Now even the eldest girl's marriage has to be handled by this boy. From what the old lady said, if it weren't for this boy, no one would want the eldest girl. This is outrageous.

……

Grandmother Jia continued, "Baoyu is a little strange this time. In the past, he didn't care about these trivial matters, but this time he stopped Ping'er from entering the East Palace.

I know that he has always liked pretty girls. Now that he is older and there is a woman in his room, he understands more about human affairs.

She must be a little envious of Cong'er because Ping'er is good-looking, but this kind of thing is fate, so there is no need to envy her.

As his mother, you have to teach him more. If he falls in love with the maid in the mansion, I will give her to him. It’s not a big deal.

Even if you are not satisfied with what you have at home, it is very easy to spend some money to buy something nice outside.

There is only one thing I tell him to do, that is, he is not allowed to have any say or involvement with any woman in the family who has any relationship with Cong'er.

The quarrels among brothers in the mansions are mostly caused by women. Don't get involved in this, and everyone will be more peaceful. "After hearing this, Mrs. Wang's heart skipped a beat. If it were the past, she would definitely not accept what Grandmother Jia said.

Her Baoyu was born with a unique appearance, was handsome, was the legitimate son of the family, and was so doted on by the old lady, so naturally, the good things in the mansion were given to him first.

But now Mrs. Wang didn't dare to think so. Even if Baoyu fell in love with the maid in the mansion and wanted to ask the old lady for her, Mrs. Wang would definitely stop him.

Because of Baoyu's current situation, no unfamiliar woman can enter the room, otherwise Baoyu's unspeakable hidden illness will be hidden from others.

Once such a thing gets out of the news, the second house will lose all its face and become a laughing stock for the rest of its life. Baoyu will no longer have the face to stay in the West Mansion.

Fortunately, this matter was kept secret, and no one in Baoyu's room knew anything about it except Xiren and Caiyun who entered the room.

Mrs. Wang had even issued an order that Baoyu only allowed Xiren and Caiyun to keep watch at night, while Bihen and Qiu Wen only served outside, to prevent Baoyu from being absurd and foolish in sex.

As for those cunning and restless girls in Baoyu's room, they cannot be kept for long and will have to be sent away sooner or later. The first one will be Musk Moon.

This little bitch is so cunning and cunning. If she were to find out Baoyu's privacy, it would definitely ruin everything...

……

Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

At sunset, the sky is filled with rosy clouds, casting brilliant light and shadows on the inner garden. The clear stone corridors, pavilions and towers complement each other, creating a quiet and beautiful atmosphere.

When Jia Cong returned home from work, he just entered the courtyard and saw Zhishao tidying up things. The marble table was full of things, all of which were Jiangnan style items.

A pair of painted oil-paper umbrellas, four high-quality sandalwood fans, a box of fine Hu brushes, a cinnabar red clay inkstone, and two bags of special green salt.

Jia Cong asked, "Zhi Shao, where did these things come from?"

Zhi Shao smiled and said, "It was just delivered by Miss Lin herself. It's a gift from Master Lin from Gusu."

Jia Cong was surprised and said, "It's not a festival now, and Sister Lin's birthday has long passed. Why did Uncle bring something here at this time?"

Zhi Shao said, "I was also curious, and I was chatting with Miss Lin just now and asked about this topic.

Miss Lin said that an old friend of Mr. Lin’s from the same hometown was transferred to Beijing by the Ministry of Personnel and became the Censor of Shanxi Province in the Censorate.

Since it was rare for an old friend to come to Beijing to serve as an official, Mr. Lin asked him to bring two boxes of gifts to Miss Lin. "

Jia Cong was slightly stunned when he heard this, because he had some impression of the Censor of Shanxi Province. He even remembered that the former Censor of Shanxi Province was named Hong Youfang.

This person was once a marking officer under the five examiners in the Spring Examination. He was recently dismissed and investigated for being involved in a major cheating case in the Spring Examination.

This time, more than 30 Beijing officials like Hong Youfang were demoted and dismissed from their posts for being involved in major fraud cases.

Therefore, during this period, there were often officials serving in other places who were transferred to Beijing to fill vacancies according to official documents from the Ministry of Personnel, and dignitaries from all sides often used communication and mediation to fill these vacancies in Beijing.

It must have been because of this opportunity that Lin Ruhai, this fellow townsman and old friend, was able to come to Beijing to serve as the Censor of Shanxi Province in the Censorate.

For officials from other places to be transferred to Beijing to serve as officials, it is a great opportunity in their career. Many people are promoted quickly and rise to high positions because of this.

Zhi Shao smiled and said, "Miss Lin came to give gifts at the right time, but Third Master happened to leave the yamen a little late, so we didn't run into each other. Third Master, why don't you go over and say thank you."

Jia Cong thought it made sense. It was still light outside, so it would be convenient to go in and out.

When they entered Daiyu's main room, they saw her leaning against the bed and reading a book. When she saw Jia Cong come in, she smiled and said, "Third brother is finally off duty."

Jia Cong smiled and said, “After receiving my sister’s gift, I naturally have to come and express my gratitude.

Daiyu smiled and said, "It's just a local product from my hometown. It's worth it for Third Brother to come and thank you. Xueyan, go and serve tea to Third Brother."

Jia Cong went over and sat down beside the bed. Seeing that he was used to being casual, Daiyu just pouted and let him do as he pleased.

Jia Cong saw Xueyan go out to make tea and asked, "Why is there no sign of Zijuan today?"

Daiyu smiled and said, "Today is Zijuan's mother's birthday. She has secretly saved up money for half a year and bought the gold bracelet she had set her eyes on. She has gone home to celebrate her birthday and will be back tomorrow.

Speaking of monthly allowance, I went to pay my respects to the old lady in the morning, and then went to Sister Feng's place to play with my eldest sister. I heard some rumors.

It is said that the second aunt went to Rongqing Hall yesterday and told Baoyu that the regular money had not been paid in the courtyard, but the old lady did not say anything today, so this matter will probably remain unsolved.

Jia Cong knew what was going on in Rongqing Hall and could never hide it from others.

Yesterday, Yuanyang asked Qingwen to go over and cut the embroidery pattern. When Qingwen came back, she told Jia Cong that the second wife had gone to complain to the old lady yesterday...

Jia Cong said, "Sister, don't you think that Second Sister-in-law's behavior is a bit overbearing?"

……

Daiyu shook her head and said, "Tigers and wolves are lurking on the steps. Instead of talking about cause and effect, it is better to get to the point.

Although what Baoyu instigated was not as serious as these words, the principle is the same.

In the wealthy and powerful families, there are clan rules and etiquette, and the main and secondary branches of the family are distinguished, and each has his own duties and responsibilities.

These are the rules that have been passed down from our ancestors for many years. There must be a reason for them. Without rules, there would be no order.

Sister Feng is now in charge of the West Mansion's household affairs, so naturally she has to strictly abide by these rules. Otherwise, over time, the West Mansion will lose its balance between the primary and the secondary, and will be in chaos.

By that time, if problems arise in the Xifu family business, how could Sister Feng be worthy of Third Brother's trust?

Baoyu grew up with us sisters, and we all know his character.

Things that others know are unreasonable seem to be very reasonable when they come out of his mouth. In short, everything is serious only when it goes according to his wishes.

Therefore, it is useless to talk about serious matters with Baoyu. Although Sister Feng's method is crude, it can reveal the inside and outside and make people see the importance of things.

My second aunt is an elder, so I shouldn't have said anything to avoid being impolite.

But she has always been unwilling to obey Third Brother, and even used Baoyu's words to control Third Brother's marriage ceremony. I really can't stand it."

After hearing what Daiyu said, Jia Cong used to think that she was full of poetry and literature, quiet and elegant, and not vulgar, but he didn't expect her to be so smart and insightful.

He smiled and said, "Sister Lin is still the best. She always supports me."

Daiyu pursed her lips and smiled, saying, "It's good that you know. Just remember to side with me in everything from now on."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Sister has always been a scholar, but I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable about the world. If you can manage the household in the future, you will definitely be three times more capable than my second sister-in-law."

Daiyu blushed for no reason when she heard this, and said, "I was just bragging. I'm not as hardworking and capable as Sister Feng..."

She turned her eyes and said, "This incident is actually the fault of my third brother."

Jia Cong was a little unconvinced and said, "Nonsense, how can the trouble caused by Baoyu's talkativeness have anything to do with me?"

Daiyu smiled and said, "Sister Ping'er is very pretty, and now she belongs to my third brother.

If Baoyu had not been jealous, how could he have gotten into trouble? Naturally, he would have blamed his third brother.

Third brother’s yard was originally big enough, but if things continue like this, I’m really worried that your yard won’t have room for people to live in it…”

……

After hearing Daiyu's teasing, Jia Cong looked a little embarrassed.

He said, "Nonsense, my yard is big enough for my sister to live here. Anyway, I'll let you live in the main room and I'll live in the wing room."

When Daiyu heard this, her face turned red with shame, and in just a moment, she seemed as if she was on fire, and she was unusually bright and radiant.

He said angrily: "Third brother has become more and more shameless. He even dares to tease me. I will tear your mouth off. Do you dare to bully me?"

As he spoke, he stretched out his hands and twisted the corners of Jia Cong's mouth. Surprisingly, his hands were quite strong. Jia Cong's cheeks hurt and he couldn't sit still. He fell on the bed.

Daiyu screamed, quickly loosened her hands, and turned over nimbly so that she was not pressed down by Jia Cong, but her body was already shaking with shame.

The two of them lay on their sides on the bed, their eyes met. This unprecedented situation made them both a little dazed.

Under Jia Cong was lying on a soft bed, and beside him was the sweet and pleasant body fragrance of Daiyu, which was refreshing and intoxicating.

Daiyu came back to her senses and noticed Jia Cong's breathing. She was so embarrassed that she covered Jia Cong's mouth and nose with her hands and muttered, "No."

Then she came to her senses, sat up and pulled Jia Cong's sleeve.

Her pretty face flushed as she urged, "Brother San, stop messing around and get up quickly. How can you lie on my bed and be seen by others..." (End of this chapter)