Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard.

Qingwen stood behind Jia Cong, helping him to fix his hair. Her slender yet plump body accidentally touched his back, which made him feel a mysterious shudder.

A graceful figure swayed behind me, a faint fragrance wafted into my nose, the night breeze was cool outside the window, and the room was filled with a fragrant and intimate atmosphere.

Jia Cong was resting with his eyes closed. As Qingwen was fiddling with the things, he suddenly heard her sigh softly. Although it was barely audible, he still heard it.

He smiled and said, "Girl, why are you sighing for no reason? Who has offended you? Tell me and I will help you out."

Qingwen snorted and said, "Except for the Third Master, who else in the courtyard would provoke me?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? When did I provoke you? How come you don't remember it? Tell me about it."

Qingwen could hear Jia Cong's teasing words, and her pretty face flushed. She said "provoke" in one way, but the Third Master deliberately said "provoke" as if it meant something else...

He just snorted in dissatisfaction, didn't say anything, and didn't take it to heart.

Qingwen has a straightforward personality. She was assigned to serve Jia Cong since she was a child, and she speaks frankly in front of him.

Although she felt embarrassed when she thought of her worries at this moment, she had some words in her heart that she had been holding in for a long time. After being coaxed by Jia Cong's words, she couldn't help but say them out loud.

"Third Master, do you think I'm too sharp-tongued and too rough-tempered, and that I'm not as attentive as Wu Er and the others, and that they're more pleasing to you?"

"Now even Sister Ping'er is coming, Third Master will have even less regard for me in the future..."

Jia Cong stood up and turned to look at her. As Qingwen spoke, her face became redder. She was originally hot-tempered, but she didn't dare to look at Jia Cong and just lowered her head slightly.

He couldn't help but reach out his hand and gently pinch Qingwen's pointed chin, lifting her pretty face a little higher.

When my fingers touched Qingwen's face, it was delicate, smooth, sweet and fragrant, and a wonderful feeling came to my mind out of nowhere.

Those beautiful big eyes were as bright as water. She was a little shy at first, but soon she looked at Jia Cong boldly, her eyes full of bright and fearless vitality.

……

Jia Cong laughed and said, "How can such a pretty girl be considered thick? If this is really considered thick, I would rather it be thicker."

Qingwen felt a little proud when she heard his praise, but she muttered, "Third Master only knows how to coax people with words, and I don't know if he really means it."

Seeing her charming expression and whispering, Jia Cong couldn't help but want to tease her.

He smiled and said, “You and Wu Er came here together. She has her advantages, and you have your advantages. I keep them all in my heart.

Since you think I'm close to her, I'm treating you unfairly now. At worst, I can just be close to you."

As he spoke, he put his arms around Qingwen's small waist. He felt it was so slender, warm to the touch, smooth and soft, which made him intoxicated and reluctant to let go.

Qingwen couldn't help trembling all over, and said hesitantly, "Third Master, don't be silly, where are you putting your hands..."

Jia Cong suppressed his smile and said, "You envy Wu Er and I for being so close. Isn't that what it means for two people to be close? Why do you dislike me now?"

Qingwen's words trembled as she tried to pull away Jia Cong's hand that was around her waist, but she was so distracted and lustful that her hands and feet were weak and she couldn't get free.

But he said, "That won't do. Even if two people are in love, it should be done properly and openly."

I also came from the old lady's room. Even if I have to serve the Third Master, I have to perform the same etiquette as Wu'er and the others and pay respect to the old lady.

Otherwise, I would be embarrassed and people would tell on me, and it would also make Third Master embarrassed.

The Third Master also said that when a girl reaches the age of marriage, a man will age by dancing an elephant. I won’t cause trouble for the Third Master…”

After hearing this, Jia Cong felt a little touched and loosened his hands around Qingwen's waist.

Everyone said that Qingwen had a strong temper, was sharp-tongued, and easily offended people. Even she thought she had a rough temper, but in fact she was very clear-headed.

He reached out his hand to stroke Qingwen's hair, smiled and said, "What a good girl, you may not be rough at all, but you are very considerate at heart.

He is very clear about the major principles, understands all the principles, and can control himself. "

Qingwen smiled and said, "Third Master, are you saying nice things to cheer me up? This is the truth."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Of course it's the truth. You should always be like this in the future."

He couldn't help himself and kissed Qingwen on the cheek. It was warm, smooth, fragrant, and indescribably intimate and charming.

Although Qingwen blushed at this moment, she seemed to have lost her shyness. Her eyes were full of joy and happiness, as if she had received Jia Cong's promise.

She went over to help Jia Cong make the bed, and said with a red face, "Third Master, you should go to bed early. You have to attend the court before dawn tomorrow..."

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall, morning.

People coming and going inside and outside the hall are all smiling and talking warmly, all filled with joy.

Because today is August 17th, the day Ping'er goes to the East Palace to stay in her room.

As soon as the auspicious time arrived early in the morning, Wang Xifeng took Ping'er to Rongqing Hall to pay her respects to Lady Jia.

Because it is a matter concerning the women in the inner house, Ping'er's status is somewhat different from that of other maids.

She was not only Wang Xifeng's personal maid, but also helped her to hold the power of the housekeeper of the West Mansion. Naturally, she attracted the attention of everyone in the mansion when she entered the room and promised someone else a room.

The Jia and Wang families are old friends in Jinling, and have been relatives by marriage for several generations, with close ties throughout the ages.

Because of her aunt, Wang Xifeng often came to the Jia Mansion to play when she was a child, just like Shi Xiangyun who grew up in the Jia Mansion in her childhood.

That's why Jia Zhen had similar words about childhood, commenting on Wang Xifeng's childhood: from the time she was a child, she would make the decision to kill just for joking with her older sister.

When talking about Jia Zhen, Feng Ji also said: There is only one older brother Zhen outside, but we can still consider ourselves brothers and sisters. We have been naughty together since we were little and have grown up together.

It can be known that before Wang Xifeng married Jia Lian, she often traveled between the two Jia residences when she was young, otherwise she would not have been called "big brother" and "big sister" as a child.

……

Ping'er is Wang Xifeng's personal maid. Although she is a maid of the Wang family, she has often come to the Jia family with Wang Xifeng since she was a child, and even stayed there for a long time.

Therefore, she had an unusual relationship with the female members of the Jia family and the maids, and they were very close and familiar with each other.

Only mandarin ducks would say this: This is good for us, for example Xiren, Amber, Suyun, Zijuan, Caixia, Yuchuaner, Sheyue, and Cuimo.

Cuilu who followed Miss Shi, Keren and Jinchuan who died, Qianxue who passed away, and you and me, there are about ten people in total.

What haven't you said since you were little? What haven't you done since you were little? "

It was precisely because the Jia and Wang families had close contacts that Ping'er, as a maid in the Wang family, became friends with Yuanyang, Xiren, Sheyue and others in their childhood.

Now Ping'er has settled down for life, and has a first-class fate among the maids. Everyone is concerned about Wang Xifeng's face and Ping'er's good popularity.

Rongqing Hall was particularly lively today, and the seats were almost full with the women of the family watching the ceremony.

Since my sisters are not married yet, it is not appropriate for them to show up in such occasions.

Only Yingchun was Jia Cong's eldest sister and the head lady of the East Palace, so she also sat in the hall.

The other Aunt Xue also brought gifts specially. Even Jia Zhen's widow Youshi and Jia Zhu's widow Li Wan, who rarely appeared in public, came to watch the ceremony.

……

After the Ningguo Mansion was confiscated, Jia's grandmother took care of the reputation of the Ning and Rong families and brought Youshi to the Rongguo Mansion to support her.

Since entering the Rongguo Mansion, Youshi was well aware of her unique identity and always lived in the inner courtyard, rarely coming out to meet outsiders.

Therefore, in recent years, people in the West Mansion almost forgot that the former grandmother of the Ningguo Mansion still lived in the mansion.

In just over a year, Rongguo Mansion has undergone earth-shaking changes.

Yu Shi, who lived deep in the inner courtyard, could never have dreamed that in just a few years, there would be such a dramatic turn of events and Jia Cong would become the lord of Rong State.

Wang Xifeng even replaced Lady Wang and became the housekeeper of Rongguo Mansion.

Youshi is now supported by Jia Cong and cared for by Wang Xifeng, so the matter of Ping'er entering the room involves Jia Cong and Wang Xifeng.

Even if she lives a secluded life, she cannot do without this courtesy.

……

As for Li Wan, although she has been a widow for many years and rarely shows up in public, she likes Ping'er's loyalty and ability, and the two have always been good friends.

Li Wan thought about her own life again. She had a hard time at every step, being a widow raising her son without any capable person to help her. She often envied Wang Xifeng for having a person like Ping'er.

Now that Ping'er has settled down, he naturally has to show up to watch the ceremony. One reason is out of friendship for Ping'er, and the other is to show his goodwill to Jia Cong.

Because she came from a family of officials, her father was the chief academic officer of the Imperial College, and her husband Jia Zhu was also a scholar, but he died young.

She had been influenced by her family for a long time, and what she had been thinking about all her life was her son Jia Lan's future in the imperial examination.

Now that the family has a man like Jia Cong, who was the second place in the imperial examination and a scholar in the Hanlin Academy, she naturally wants to get close to him and borrow his power, all for the purpose of facilitating her son's future.

But she also knew that her mother-in-law, Mrs. Wang, had a deep grudge against Jia Cong. In order to maintain her family and protect herself, Li Wan would never show closeness to the eldest wife in her daily life.

Besides, my son Jia Lan is still young, so there is no need to be too impatient now.

However, Ping'er's entry into the room was a ceremony to curry favor with the first wife because of her personal friendship with Ping'er and her sister-in-law relationship with Wang Xifeng.

She entered Rongqing Hall to watch the ceremony with a dignified manner and was not afraid of being found out by Lady Wang.

Aunt Xue, a relative from outside, was present, so Lady Wang, as the second wife, should also show up. The East Courtyard also received offerings from the West Courtyard every month, and Wang Xifeng was the housekeeper of the West Courtyard, so Lady Wang should also come to join in the fun.

But today, as soon as Li Wan entered Rongqing Hall, she reported to Lady Jia that the mistress was not feeling well today and was recuperating at home, and would come to pay her respects to the old lady in a few days.

Grandmother Jia was not really senile and naturally knew that her daughter-in-law was still not understanding and still had some resentment in her heart, so she made excuses to avoid her.

Grandmother Jia didn't care about it. It was better if the second daughter-in-law didn't come, so as to avoid a situation like today where she would say something stupid and make everyone embarrassed.

Although it was just a maid's entry ceremony, the thoughts and actions of everyone in the hall showed the complicated and tangled worldly affairs of the mansion in an obscure and vivid way.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu Courtyard.

When Baoyu got up early this morning, he had nothing to do. He read a storybook for a while, but soon felt a little bored.

Thinking that he was thirsty and wanted to have some tea, he called Xiren and Sheyue for a long time, but no one answered. He was getting a little annoyed when he saw Caiyun coming in from outside.

Baoyu asked, "I want to have some tea. Why are they gone so early in the morning? Where are they all going?"

Caiyun said casually: "If the Second Master needs to send someone this morning, just call me. Ping'er will be in Rongqing Hall to perform the ceremony today.

Xiren and Sheyue had been good friends with her since childhood. They could not go to Rongqingtang, but went to the second lady's courtyard.

Helping Ping'er put things away and waiting for her to come back to congratulate her will make the friendship we have had since childhood worthwhile."

When Baoyu heard this, his face turned a little ugly and he felt sad and uncomfortable in his heart.

He said, "I was so lost in time that I forgot today is the seventeenth day."

After hearing this, Caiyun's heart skipped a beat and she regretted that she had spoken so hastily just now. Why did she bring up this topic with the Second Master?

Did she know that on that day in Rongqing Hall, when the Second Mistress was setting a date for Ping'er, the Second Master said some nonsense, causing the Second Mistress to withhold even the monthly allowance.

If the Second Master hears this and becomes insane again, causing trouble, then things will be bad again...

Baoyu said: "Although I feel sorry for Sister Ping'er and I am not happy with how others treat her in such a blasphemous way, the world is like this and there is nothing I can do about it.

Today is her big day after all, we have known each other since childhood, so I went over to take a look, it is also a courtesy, and I have done my best."

Baoyu was filled with jealousy and indignation, and just wanted to go over and take a look, but he could not bring himself to say the word congratulations.

He and Ping'er were ordinary people and they had never had much friendship. It shouldn't have been like this, but whenever he thought of this, he would feel aggrieved for no reason.

Perhaps it was because all the beauties in the West Palace were gone, almost all of them had gone to the East Palace, leaving him all alone, which made him feel extremely wronged and unfair.

Jia Cong was greedy and always took possession of and abused beautiful girls. Not only did he bring disaster to the East Palace, he also abused the West Palace. His deeds were truly innumerable and he was extremely despicable and filthy.

……

After hearing what her Second Master said, Caiyun got goose bumps on her back. She thought to herself that she was really confused and her Second Master was talking nonsense again.

How did the Second Master come up with this? Sister Ping'er is so pitiful. She must have fainted from joy after being hit on the head by such a big pancake.

None of the maids in the West Mansion is as lucky as her. She is considered pitiful. How can others survive?

I slept in the Second Master's bed, keeping my virginity intact, and wasting my reputation for nothing. Wouldn't it be enough to kill myself...

Caiyun was worried that Baoyu would cause trouble, so she quickly advised him, "Second Master, you don't have to go. The eldest lady and Lang'er have already gone to the second room.

It can be considered that someone has shown up to watch the ceremony, so it would be better for Erye to save himself this trip and stay at home.

Baoyu showed compassion on his face and said, "How can I not go? You don't know what I'm thinking.

Caiyun, go get the new round-necked robe with golden lotus pattern. I will change into it and go to Rongqing Hall to have a look."

Caiyun smiled bitterly in her heart. Today, Third Master Cong took a woman into his room, but Second Master was wearing fancy clothes. What was going on?

He advised: "Second Master's golden lotus round collar robe is very gorgeous and beautiful, but isn't it eye-catching when worn today?"

Baoyu said emotionally, "Don't talk too much. Clothes are made to be worn. Since it is a good piece of clothing, why should it be left lying around for nothing?

Even if it is an object, if you let it down, you will feel sorry for it and it will spoil the view. This is true for people and things in the world."

Baoyu's profound speech made Caiyun feel dizzy and a little scared. The Second Master had just talked nonsense and now he was talking crazy again.

Although she was afraid in her heart, she could not resist Baoyu's urging, so she took out a brand new golden lotus round-collar robe and helped Baoyu put it on.

He said with lingering fear: "Second Master, it's ok for you to go over there, but remember to only say good things to congratulate us, and don't gossip nonsense.

If we anger the Second Madam again, we will have to live in poverty in the West Mansion..."

Baoyu was quite impatient listening to Caiyun's nagging, and just agreed casually.

Looking at the figure in the mirror, with her brilliant red dress and glorious lotus patterns, it seemed as if she herself had become radiant and dazzling. She felt happy and full of self-pity and self-love.

Suddenly he said, "Caiyun, this dress is very well made, but next time you have to make it narrower, it will be more elegant."

Caiyun agreed without thinking, but she felt a little strange in her heart. The Second Master didn't realize that it wasn't because the clothes were not tight, but because the Second Master had gained a lot of weight...

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Baoyu was dressed in red, holding a folding fan in his hand, looking free and easy, with heavy steps, walking all the way to Rongqing Hall.

In fact, even he himself was unsure why he had to go to Rongqingtang at this time.

But when I thought about how my heartfelt words that day were passed on to Sister Ping'er, I didn't know how they would be distorted and misinterpreted.

If a girl feels that she has dirty thoughts, it would tarnish her pure and sincere feelings.

Judging from the current situation, Sister Ping'er can no longer escape being abused by Jia Cong, and I can do nothing to help her.

But as long as I have time, I will always share my heartfelt words with others so that everyone can know my feelings.

……

The atmosphere in Rongqing Hall was harmonious, with laughter heard from time to time. Maids would often pass by the entrance of Rongqing Hall after hearing the news, whispering to each other with envious looks on their faces.

For the young maids in the West Palace, being promised to the Third Master of the East Palace like Ping'er was probably the most glorious thing in the world.

This gentleman is not only all-powerful and was granted a title at a young age, but he is also a world-famous talent. He looks extremely proud, which makes people feel confused when they see him.

Originally, Zhishao and Wu'er had also performed the ceremony in Rongqing Hall, but they were from the East Palace and were originally the personal maids of Master Cong Sanye.

For the maids in the West Mansion, it was natural for them to have such a result, so it was not too surprising.

But Miss Ping'er was a member of the West Palace. She had never had any relationship with Master Cong, let alone served him for a single day.

She actually got such a great bargain, which naturally made the West Palace maids very envious. They made many fantasies...

Lin Zhixiao's wife was actually sitting on the corridor at the entrance of the hall. She was not busy running around, but chatting and laughing with a few maids who were watching the fun.

Normally at this time, it should be the busiest time of the day. I don't know why it's so nonsense today.

But while she was chatting with the maid, she kept looking at the marble screen in the hallway, as if she was waiting for someone.

After a while, a figure flashed behind the marble screen. Baoyu, dressed in red, appeared in a rather dazzling and ostentatious manner.

Lin Zhixiao's wife stood up suddenly, thinking that the second wife was a real female Zhuge Liang who could predict the future.

Master Bao is becoming more and more cunning. Today, Miss Ping'er is very happy, but he actually came over and dressed like a peacock with mixed feathers. What does this mean?
Baoyu walked around the marble screen and was about to rush into Rongqing Hall excitedly, as he thought his sisters might be there today.

If I could seize some opportunities and say something to awaken the world, I could remind Sister Ping'er of what happened, and also let the sisters know my innocent feelings...

……

But before he could get close to the hall, Lin Zhixiao's family stopped him and asked with a smile: "Where are you going, Second Master?"

Baoyu's face froze, and he said, "Of course we should go to Rongqing Hall. Why did Aunt Lin block our way? If we are late, it will delay things."

When Lin Zhixiao's wife heard him say that he was delaying things, her face turned unhappy.

He said, "It's OK for the Second Master to enter Rongqing Hall normally, but today the women in the inner house are going through the formalities of entering the house, so all men outside the house should avoid entering."

When Baoyu heard the word "outsider", he felt aggrieved and angry. Every time he wanted to go to the East Palace, the gatekeeper would say "outsider is not allowed to enter".

Such nonsense is absurd and makes no sense. It would be fine if the old lady went to the East Palace less often and didn't bother with Jia Cong.

How come I am now labeled as a foreign man in the West Palace? This is nonsense and unreasonable!

He said indignantly: "Auntie Lin, what are you talking about? I am Baoyu, how can I be considered a stranger in the West Mansion? It's ridiculous!"

Lin Zhixiao's wife sneered in her heart. Ever since her daughter Xiaohong was driven out by Mrs. Wang, she has never been kind to the people in the second house.

Now that she heard Baoyu ask such a question, although she still had a smile on her face, her words were somewhat impolite.

He said: "Look at what the Second Master is asking. Now the Third Master has been ordered to inherit the title and the West Mansion is the Third Master's family business.

According to the patriarchal family etiquette, except for the third master, all other male members of the West Mansion are outsiders and naturally cannot interfere in the ceremonial affairs of the female members.

Second Master is also a scholar, how come he doesn't understand such a simple truth, and yet he asks me in this way..." (End of this chapter)