Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The east courtyard is Aunt Zhao’s courtyard.

The sky was dark and night was falling. The lights on the windows of the main room were bright. Figures were walking back and forth, and Jia Huan's painful groans were heard.

Jia Huan was carried back to the yard, and Tanchun asked someone to call a doctor to treat him, while she herself retreated behind a screen.

Now it is late, and although we cannot find a famous doctor, we can ask a doctor from a drug store to come and provide emergency treatment.

When Tanchun heard her aunt asking about the injury, the doctor replied: "The young master's injury is serious. In addition to the rupture of the skin and flesh, the leg bone is also bruised.

Although it is not a serious injury that is difficult to recover from, you must stay in bed for a month before you can get out of bed and walk around a little. It will take two months to fully recover. Don't rush it."

The doctor applied medicine to Jia Huan's wound, prescribed some internal medicine to dissipate blood stasis and remove toxins, and left after giving some medical advice.

Tanchun walked out from behind the screen and saw that her brother's face was pale and he kept groaning in pain. She felt distressed and angry.

She scolded him in a playful voice, "If you had listened to me more often, been more cautious, and done things with more discipline, it wouldn't have come to this.

As a good man, it's okay if you don't study hard. As long as you follow the rules in your daily life, you will naturally have a stable life in the future.

But he didn't know how to respect himself, and provoked these evil people, causing a lot of scandals. No wonder the master was angry. "

Aunt Zhao felt somewhat guilty when she saw her daughter's sharp words and angry face.

Qiang smiled and said: "Your brother now knows he is wrong. He still needs to rely on you as his sister. You just need to teach him more."

Tanchun's eyes turned red, and she said angrily, "Aunt, what you said is ridiculous. Am I going to stay at home forever? How can I teach my brothers?

Huan'er is your adopted son. Since you have raised him, you should discipline and admonish him well. You have always spoiled him and let him do whatever he wants, causing him to become lawless.

If he doesn't have a good ending, will my aunt have a good life? If my third brother and I hadn't come here now, how would we deal with this matter?

Auntie, you should be more vigilant and keep a close eye on him. If Huan'er makes trouble again, I will never care. Let him be beaten to death by the master, and we will all be safe!"

……

Tanchun became angrier and angrier as she spoke, and tears kept flowing down her face. She and Yingchun were both older sisters, so why didn't she have the blessing of a second older sister?

There is no need for the second sister to worry about her brothers, as the third brother will only pamper her like a treasure.

Aunt Zhao felt angry and frustrated when her daughter rebuked her, but she was in the wrong and did not dare to say anything in reply.

Because she knew very well in her heart that her son was useless and she would most likely have to rely on her daughter in the future...

Jia Huan suddenly said, "Third sister, I really didn't beat Jin Rong, how could I do such a dirty thing.

Madam gave Caixia to Baoyu, please help me get it back..."

Before Jia Huan could finish his words, Aunt Zhao slapped him on the corner of his mouth, interrupting him immediately.

He cursed, “You are a filthy seed with a maggoty heart. The third girl is a rich lady, how can she be in charge of messy things?

If you dare to talk nonsense again, I will break your legs and you will never have to get out of bed again!"

Tanchun saw Jia Huan in such a state and he even mentioned Caixia. Her aunt's behavior was also a little abnormal. The tone of their words made people suspicious.

He also thought of the last time when his aunt went to the East Palace specifically, wanting him to help his brother ask for Caixia.

Tanchun was a very intelligent and astute person. She seemed to have thought of something and her expression changed slightly.

Although she didn't go out much in her daily life, she often went to Rongqing Hall. She had heard that Caixia was going to enter Baoyu's room and would greet the old lady tomorrow.

……

When Aunt Zhao saw her daughter looking at her and her son, with shame, anger and coldness in her bright eyes, she couldn't help but tremble in her heart.

As she was the daughter she gave birth to, she knew how shrewd Tanchun was. Huan'er's nonsense just now had made her suspicious.

He said hurriedly: "Your brother was beaten by the master and is confused. He is still talking nonsense now. Don't pay attention to him."

At this time, a figure swayed at the door and Jia Cong walked into the room. Tanchun wanted to ask a question, but she felt a little ashamed and swallowed it back involuntarily.

Aunt Zhao quickly stood up and said with a smile, "It's all thanks to Cong'er who spoke up, otherwise Huan'er would have been beaten to death by the master."

Jia Cong said, "Aunt, please don't say such nonsense. Huan'er is Third Sister's biological brother. How can I just sit there and do nothing?

Auntie, please discipline Huan Er and don't make any more trouble. Everyone should live in peace, otherwise Third Sister will be worried every day."

After hearing this, Aunt Zhao was amazed in her heart, wondering what kind of fate this third girl had to have such good fortune.

It goes without saying that Brother Cong spoke up for Huan'er out of favor for the third girl.

Every word he said was out of consideration for the third girl. It was rare to see such protection.

Aunt Zhao said to Tanchun, "Third girl, it's getting dark now, go back to the East Mansion with Cong'er and rest early.

The East Courtyard is a mess, it's not a place for you to stay. I will keep a close eye on your brother. If this bastard gets into trouble again, I will break his legs!"

Tanchun found that her biological mother spoke in a vulgar and illogical manner, and felt quite embarrassed in front of Jia Cong.

But she didn't say much. Her pretty face turned red from vomiting. She patiently gave Aunt Zhao a few more instructions before leaving the East Courtyard with Jia Cong.

……

As soon as Tanchun and Jia Cong left, Jia Huan said unconvincedly, "Aunt, I was just talking to you nicely, why did you slap me?

That guy Baoyu tried to steal my Caixia, so I asked my third sister to help me get her back. What's wrong with that?

I figured out that as long as it was about my third sister, my third brother Cong would definitely help her out. As long as he spoke, my lady would not dare to refuse to return the person to me.

Caixia and I have played this game many times. How can I let Baoyu take it away? Wouldn’t that make me a coward? "

When Aunt Zhao heard this, she turned pale with fright and stepped forward to cover Jia Huan's mouth tightly.

He cursed in a low voice: "You stupid bastard, you are still saying such things at this moment, do you want both of us to die?

Now the rumors are all over Ningrong Street, saying that you are fooling around with men at such a young age, and your reputation is worse than anything in the toilet.

If Cong Ge'er hadn't spoken up for you at this moment, you would have been beaten to death by the master. Now you can't even stand up straight, but you're shouting that you're having an affair with Caixia.

If any rumor gets out, you will be guilty of the serious crime of raping a mother maid. You haven't cleaned up the previous crime yet, and now you're committing two crimes on top of one. Do you still have a chance to live?

If the master knows about this, he will definitely beat you to death. Even if Congge dotes on your third sister, he will not dare to provoke this matter, otherwise his reputation will be ruined.

Who will come to save you then? If you are proven guilty of these crimes, we will all be doomed.

Your third sister’s reputation is ruined. Will she be able to get married in the future?
Even if Congge is willing to support her for the rest of her life, she will hate both of us. If you are beaten to death by the master, my life will be over.

If you dare to say another word, I will strangle you to death, you filthy bastard, and then hang you with a rope. At least I can save your third sister.

It won't be that all three of us will be killed, there will always be one person alive to burn paper money for us!"

……

Aunt Zhao spoke viciously and pretended to strangle Jia Huan, which scared Jia Huan so much that he almost wet his pants.

Now his buttocks were broken by Jia Zheng and he lay there unable to move at all, so naturally he couldn't even escape.

He hurriedly said, "Aunt, please forgive me this time. I won't dare to say it again. Isn't that enough?"

Aunt Zhao restrained her fierce look and said, "Don't mention Caixia again, not even a word, or we will all die.

She is just a maid, and now she is gone. As long as you can endure this period, there will naturally be better ones in the future."

Jia Huan thought of the wild and playful times he and Caixia had in the storehouse, the woodshed, and the stable, and he felt ecstatic, but also more uncomfortable.

She muttered, "Caixia is obviously mine, but Baoyu came to snatch her away. He has no shame at all."

Aunt Zhao suddenly asked, "Did you really sleep with Caixia?"

Jia Huan said unconvincedly: "Every time Caixia comes to the room, you deliberately hide away. Isn't that what you want me to do?"

Aunt Zhao felt a little embarrassed when she heard this. She originally wanted to make it a fait accompli and let her son marry Caixia as soon as possible.

Who would have thought that his son would be involved in Jin Rong's troubles and almost get into big trouble. As fate would have it, the cooked rice turned into half-cooked rice.

……

Jia Huan was unhappy and muttered, "Should we just let my son's woman go like this..."

Aunt Zhao was also a little depressed and said, "Just shut up. If you don't want to die, don't mention this person again.

To tell you the truth, I just got the news that Madam not only sent Caixia to serve, but also let her enter Baoyu's room.

The arm is not as powerful as the thigh. I was worried that you would get into trouble, so I didn't tell you. Today, all Caixia's belongings have been moved to Xifu.

Now that you have been beaten half to death by the master and can't even move your butt, can you still stop her?

I guess she is afraid to see you now, and she won't even go back to the East Courtyard. She must have gone directly to the West Courtyard from the Madam's Shop."

After hearing this, Jia Huan felt so angry that he felt like he was on fire. He couldn't move his butt and could only pound the pillow with his hands.

Aunt Zhao said, "If she had spent the night in Baoyu's room, it would be irreversible. Would you still want her?

Caixia is also a smart child. If she doesn't want to die, she will keep her mouth shut about your affairs and you can just muddle through.

It's just that Madam, who has been smart all her life, was confused for a moment and didn't realize the truth at all. Baoyu deserved to drink your foot washing water. I feel refreshed when I think about it."

……

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion.

Jia Cong took Tanchun on a carriage, drove out from the black oil-painted gate of the east courtyard, and headed for the East Palace.

It was already dark, and Tanchun was in a depressed mood. She casually lifted the curtain of the carriage and saw that there were few pedestrians on Ningrong Street, exuding a quiet and desolate atmosphere.

The cool night wind blew in through the car window, making her hair flutter in the wind, and her pretty face looked unusually pale in the night.

She recalled how Jia Cong had just spoken in the East Courtyard, and how he had taken control of the situation in an instant with just a few words, saving her brother's life, which made her admire him in her heart.

She turned around and glanced at Jia Cong. Although the light in the carriage was dim, she could still see his handsome face, which made her heart beat faster.

She thought of riding in the same car with her third brother at night, enjoying the quiet time together. This had never happened before. This was the first time like this, and she felt happy.

She had a lot of things she wanted to say, but with Shishu sitting next to her, she couldn't say some of them.

Thinking of the vulgar and absurd behavior of my biological mother and brothers, every time I think of them, I feel worried and anxious, my heart is heavy and stagnant, and I feel indescribable pain in my heart. …

The distance from Dongluyuan to the Earl's Mansion was very short. The carriage only ran for a while before it stopped at the east corner gate of the Earl's Mansion.

Jia Cong jumped off the carriage first, asked Jiang Liu to bring a footstool and put it away, then he took Tanchun's hand and helped her out of the carriage.

The night wind was cool, and Tanchun's slender hands were as smooth as silk, and felt cold in her hands.

Jia Cong said, "Shishu, please go back quickly and light the incense burner in the room. It's a bit cold at night. Third sister can go back to ward off the cold."

The secretary quickly agreed and trotted back.

After Jia Cong and Tanchun passed through the corner gate, a maid from the inner courtyard and four servants were waiting for them with a sedan chair ready.

Because there is a long distance from the West Corner Gate to the Inner Three Gates, it is okay for Jia Cong, but for a rich girl like Tanchun, it is a bit difficult to walk.

The two of them got on the sedan chair, and the old woman led the way. The sedan chair passed through the ceremonial gate, the side door of the outer hall, and the side door of the inner hall...

The night was dark and the gates were closed. The sedan chair moved for a long time, but it seemed as if there was no end in sight.

……

Jia Cong and Tanchun sat shoulder to shoulder in the sedan chair. Since there were only the two of them, Tanchun felt more relaxed and had fewer concerns.

Even though some of the words were too private and embarrassing, she couldn't help but tell Jia Cong.

Said: "Third brother, I always feel that something strange happened today."

Jia Cong said: "I have told the master that I don't believe that Huan'er, at such a young age, would cause such a scene as Long Yang's. There must be some twists and turns in it.

These words were not only meant to excuse Huan'er and stop the master from re-enforcing the family rules, but I also thought so in my heart.

I always feel that someone is behind this matter, most likely Jin Rong is spreading rumors, or there may be other reasons, after all, there is no smoke without fire."

Tanchun said, "Third brother is right. We can wait until the storm is over and then find someone to investigate the cause.

"My sister is talking about something else. When I was in the room just now, Huan'er was already so badly injured, and he even asked me to help him and his wife ask for Caixia."

After hearing this, Jia Cong was slightly moved and said, "Huan'er is already thirteen years old. I think he understands human affairs. Could it be that he and Caixia have an affair?

Otherwise, why would I not forget to ask you for this at this time? "

Jia Cong said this directly. Tanchun's pretty face turned red and she couldn't help feeling embarrassed.

Jia Cong felt that the temperature in the sedan chair seemed to have risen a little, and the fragrance of Tanchun permeated the air.

He suddenly realized that he was in front of his cousin and that what he had just said was a bit explicit, so he coughed awkwardly.

……

At this moment, the sedan chair suddenly stopped, and the old woman who led the way replied that the sedan chair had arrived at the gate of the inner courtyard, and that the servants should be removed and replaced by maids to carry the sedan chair into the inner courtyard.

Tanchun said, "Now that we have reached the inner courtyard gate, there is no need to bother any more. You can go and have a rest. Third brother and I will just walk a few steps."

Jia Cong and Tanchun got out of the sedan chair. The old woman had the sedan chair carried away, and she led the way holding a glazed lantern.

After Jia Cong and Tanchun entered the inner courtyard gate, they took the lantern from the old woman and asked her to go down and rest.

After the old woman had gone far away, Jia Cong said, "Yesterday I heard Sister Lin mention that the old lady mentioned in her idle chat that the second wife allowed Caixia to enter Baoyu's room.

Tomorrow is the day for the ceremony, and Huan'er is asking you to ask for Caixia now. This sounds a little wrong, so you better be careful."

Tanchun's face was still flushed as she said, "I also think this is not right. Last month, Auntie came to the East Mansion to see me and also mentioned asking for Caixia for Huan'er.

The two of them are so concerned about this matter, it makes people suspicious, could it be that Huan'er has done something stupid again! "

Jia Cong and Tanchun both grew up in wealthy families and were both intelligent and shrewd people. They could sense the danger hidden in the matter without having to explain it clearly.

They all slowed down their pace involuntarily. The inner courtyard was cool at night, the breeze was blowing on their faces, the flowers and trees were fragrant, and the mood was charming, but they all felt a little heavy in their hearts.

Jia Cong thought for a moment and said, "This matter is extremely inappropriate. I advise my sister not to touch it, so as not to get involved and cause trouble.

Send a message to Auntie tomorrow and ask her to keep Huan'er's mouth shut and not mention this matter again!"

After hearing what Jia Cong said, Tanchun's pretty face turned pale and she whispered in a trembling voice: "Third brother..."

Jia Cong said, "Sister, don't forget that Caixia is the second wife's personal maid. Last time, sister had a rift with the second wife because of family affairs.

Auntie and Huan'er asked for Caixia several times, as if they had really done something unclean.

Huan'er committed the sin of molesting her mother's maid, which was a serious crime of incest. If the Second Wife caught her, how could she not be furious?

If the master knew, even if I were the head of the family, I would not be able to protect Huan'er..."

……

When Tanchun heard this, her face turned pale and she felt dizzy and her whole body was about to fall. Jia Cong hurriedly supported her and asked her to sit down on the nearby corridor.

Tanchun felt a chill all over her body. If her brother committed the crime of raping their mother's maid, neither the clan law nor the family rules would let him off, and his life would most likely be in danger.

Given the third brother's status, if he came forward to protect Huan'er for his own sake, it would tarnish his own reputation.

I have such an incestuous brother. I will never be able to hold my head up high again in my life...

When Jia Cong saw that Tanchun looked unhappy, the usually bright and smart girl became a little confused.

He felt a little pity in his heart, and could not help holding Tanchun's hand, saying, "No matter whether Huan'er and Caixia have any relationship, we have to stop now.

If Huan'er and Caixia were really unclean, as long as they didn't make a fuss, they would most likely be willing to have sex.

It is a good outcome for a maid to become the concubine of a legitimate son. She is willing to do so. Why should you and I be bad people?

The matter thus disappeared without a trace, which just happened to preserve Huan'er's reputation. From now on, he can be strictly disciplined in secret.

Ru Huan'er and Caixia are not unclean, they have just been together since childhood and are closer than others, so there is no risk.

I am more inclined to believe this result, because the Second Wife is a shrewd person in the inner house, and she loves Baoyu like a treasure.

Caixia is someone close to her, so she must know the inside story better than us and it is impossible for her to make a mistake on such a matter.

Now that the Madam has allowed Caixia to enter Baoyu's room, it is an ordinary family matter. The news has spread to both mansions, and she will have to perform the formalities and enter the room tomorrow.

We only have this one night, and we are not gods, so we can't do anything. Besides, Huan'er is only thirteen years old, he can't handle it himself.

If he really makes a scene, not only will he be insulting his mother's maid, but he will also be insulting his brother's concubine. This kind of filth in the inner house will ruin his life."

……

Tanchun said in a trembling voice: "Third brother is right. No matter what happens, if Huan'er spreads the news, not only will he be killed.

"Third brother has worked so hard these years to build our family reputation, but it has all been ruined by Huan'er. I am no longer able to live my life as a human being."

Jia Cong sighed: "So even if we have some guesses about this matter, the best way is to let it go and avoid any trouble."

After listening to Jia Cong's thoughtful considerations, Tanchun felt grateful but also sad.

Said: "I really envy my second sister. As someone who is a big sister, she doesn't have to worry about anything, and she has brothers who love and care for her.

Pianhuan'er is such a dandy and cunning guy that he never gives me peace of mind. He gets into more and more troubles and I don't know how he will end up like this."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Even if you don't have a powerful brother, you still have a cousin like me.

As long as I am alive, I will protect my third sister. I will never let her suffer, and I will never let anyone look down on her."

After hearing what Jia Cong said, Tanchun felt shaken at heart. She felt sweet but also sad. She had mixed feelings and couldn't control herself.

……

Jia Cong said, "I know that Third Sister has a strong temper. She usually speaks harshly to Aunt and Huan'er, but it's just out of love and regret.

Sister should actually think about this. Huan'er is not as smart as you, nor as lovable as you. She has been brought up by an experienced person like the old lady since she was a child.

Although he is a concubine's son like me, he has never suffered any hardship, and I am afraid that my aunt dotes on him a lot. How can you ask him to do more for you? "

When Tanchun heard the words "I'm so disappointed in you", her whole body trembled, as if she was struck in the heart, and she couldn't help but cry.

Every word Jia Cong said seemed to hit the mark, as if he understood her thoughts better than she did.

Her body trembled slightly, her heart softened, and she involuntarily rested her head on Jia Cong's shoulder, and her tears flowed even more.

Jia Cong felt the soft and fragrant scent in his arms. He was slightly stunned. A feeling of pity and love welled up in his heart. He couldn't help but want to hug Tanchun's shoulders.

In the past, when he was with Zhishao and Wu'er, or chatting and playing with Daiyu, they always behaved intimately and naturally.

Suddenly he remembered that Tanchun was his cousin and he should not be too passionate and unrestrained. He immediately retracted his hand, feeling a little embarrassed.

Seeing that Tanchun's face was full of tears and she was crying sadly, he gently stroked her hair and said with a smile, "What a silly girl."

Just with this sentence, Tanchun seemed to move closer to his shoulder.

Jia Cong said: "I know my sister is strong-willed and hopes that her brothers can also be successful, so I have to help her share some of the burden.

I don't know if Huan'er is cut out for study, but if he reads more books and is influenced by more saints, it will definitely be beneficial to his future conduct in society.

I originally had two places in the Imperial College, one of which I had given to Baoyu. Although Huan'er was not old enough, I had some connections in the officialdom.

You can ask someone to intercede for him and let him attend the Imperial Academy as an auditor first, so that he doesn't take up a place in the academy, and then he can be officially enrolled when he turns 15.

Several teachers of the Imperial College all came from Qingshan Academy, and they had some friendship among fellow students.

I want Huan'er to live in the prison. It is better for her to spend more time in prison and be influenced by her words and deeds than to hang around at home."

Jia Cong casually mentioned his plan, and Tanchun only said one sentence, "Everything will be done according to third brother's wishes," and her tears never stopped.

Before she even said it, her third brother had already thought of it. In fact, I am as lucky as my second sister.

Tanchun's heart was filled with peace and joy. She only hoped that time would pass slowly so that she could always lean on Jia Cong's shoulder like this.

But this joy and sweetness is so illusory, as if it was stolen secretly, full of sin and shame.

Her chest was filled with heart-wrenching pain and she seemed to have difficulty breathing. Even though she was about to suffocate, she was unwilling to give up.

Why, he is my cousin... (End of this chapter)