Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu Courtyard.

There was a light snow last night, which stopped after a quarter of an hour. This morning, apart from some traces on the eaves tiles, there were no other signs of snow.

But the temperature dropped suddenly, and it was dry and bitingly cold. The maids walked through the yard with their necks hunched, coming and going in a hurry.

The incense burner in Baoyu's room was burning hot, and a white porcelain incense burner was placed on the desk, emitting the sweet and soft scent of red orchid, exuding a sense of luxury and fragrance.

Baoyu took a book of popular stories, flipped through a few pages and then threw it on the table, sighing for a long time. He was really very sad.

Yesterday, the lady came to the courtyard and suddenly wanted to chase Musk Moon and Bi Hen out. Baoyu was shocked when he heard this.

Afterwards, Bihen came to beg Baoyu, crying like a pear blossom in the rain, and asked Baoyu to talk to the lady to at least let her stay.

Baoyu also shed tears for Bihen. After all, Bihen had been in love with him for many times and had taken good care of him, so it was naturally difficult for him to let her go.

However, he had always observed filial piety, so how could he go against his wife's wishes and keep Bi Hen by her side? He was at a loss for a moment and didn't know what to do.

He woke up this morning feeling depressed, so he picked up a romance book to cheer himself up. When he read the stories about separation and death between men and women in the books, he felt even more sad.

He lamented the injustice of heaven and that he always had to do things that desecrated his daughter. How could he not be sad and heartbroken?

What made Baoyu even more sad was Musk Moon. Although he had no romantic relationship with her, she was a maid who had served him for many years.

Not to mention that Musk Moon is also a very beautiful woman, and in Baoyu's heart she is a beautiful woman with extraordinary talent.

It would have been fine if the madam wanted to kick her out, but how could Musk Moon be so cruel as to abandon her when she said she was willing to go out?

This made Baoyu really sad. He had never treated Musk Moon badly, so why did she do this?

Baoyu thought that Musk Moon should be like Bihen, begging him to stay with tears in her eyes, so that his daughter's love would not be in vain.

Early in the morning, Baoyu specially called Musk Moon to talk, and said many words of pity and reluctance to part with her.

But Musk Moon's face looked grim, not at all as eloquent as she used to be. Baoyu was sad inside, as he must be thinking that Musk Moon was going to leave him, and he was extremely heartbroken.

After a while, Musk Moon asked, "Second Master, do you mean that you want to go and ask Madam to let me stay?"

Baoyu's heart was filled with sadness and grief, but because of Musk Moon's cold words, he was suddenly silenced, stunned, and felt very embarrassed.

It was also after a long while that he mustered up the courage to say, "You have been in my room for many years. When my wife comes again, I will definitely ask for mercy."

Musk Moon had followed Baoyu for many years and knew his character very well. When she saw his evasive eyes when he spoke, the last bit of her attachment to him was gone.

When Xixue and Xiaohong were driven out, Master Bao didn't even say a word in defense in front of his wife.

The Second Mistress laid off his maids and servants, saying as many as he wanted to lay off. Master Bao had no words to respond and just kept crying.

Why on earth could he speak up for justice when it happened to me? I'm just a girl, how could I have the weight to change the Second Master's temper?

The two of them had nothing to say to each other afterwards. Baoyu felt a little reluctant and embarrassed. Seeing that he looked hesitant, Musk Moon found an excuse to leave the room.

Baoyu was left alone in the room, feeling uncomfortable and filled with sorrow, muttering to himself.

I don't know how much time had passed before I heard footsteps outside the door. I saw Madam Wang coming in with Yuchuan, followed by two maids.

……

The sadness that was surging in Baoyu's heart actually gave rise to some heroic spirit, and when he saw Mrs. Wang, he even felt an urge to plead for her.

I only heard Mrs. Wang say, "Yuchuan'er, go call Sheyue over. I have something to say."

When Baoyu heard the coldness in his wife's words, the rising passion in his heart suddenly died down and he shrank back to a calm and indifferent state.

After a while, Musk Moon followed Yuchuan in. She had an indifferent expression and after bowing to Lady Wang, she stood there without saying a word.

Seeing that she did not beg like Bihen, and her behavior seemed firm and calm, Mrs. Wang felt angry.

He said, "I told you yesterday that you have served Baoyu for many years. Even if you want to leave now, I will not treat you badly and I will find a good place for you.

You are over sixteen and have reached the age for marriage. I went back yesterday and helped you with this matter.

I have already chosen a suitable man for you, he is Qin Yong, the second son of Qin Xian's family. He is twenty years old now and is just the right match for you.

I will give you twenty taels as a dowry, and when the old lady and I have reported this matter, I will choose a date for your wedding after you go out."

When Musk Moon heard what Lady Wang said, her expression changed immediately, and even Xiren and Jin Chuan who were present changed their expressions.

……

Qin Xian was originally the uncle of Yingchun's maid Siqi. Since Yingchun was taken to the West Mansion by Lady Jia to be raised since she was a child, Qin Xian and his wife followed her to the West Mansion.

In the past, Mrs. Wang was the head of the West Mansion, and Qin Xian and his wife worked under her.

Later, Jia Cong developed a grudge against Wang Shanbao's family and designed a witchcraft plot to get rid of her. Eventually, Wang Shanbao's family was executed by the government.

Because Wang Shanbao's family is Siqi's grandmother, Siqi has many grievances against Jia Cong.

Later, Yingchun followed Jia Cong's advice and let Siqi leave the house and get married. This not only eliminated potential hidden dangers, but also prevented Siqi's misconduct from damaging Yingchun's reputation.

The reason Qin Xian and his wife were able to gain a foothold in the West Mansion was because they relied on Wang Shanbao's family and Si Qi. Now that they have lost their foundation, how can they continue to stay?

When Wang Xifeng was reducing the population, she set her sights on this couple, and Mrs. Wang took advantage of the situation and sent Qin Xian and his wife back to the East Courtyard.

It was thought that the couple would fend for themselves from then on and no one would care about them anymore, but unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better and Mrs. Wang eventually moved to the East Courtyard.

At that time, all the old servants in charge of the West Palace knew that the second branch of the Jia family had lost power, so they all tried to avoid being assigned to the East Courtyard.

Mrs. Wang was a shrewd person in the inner court. She was worried about the management of the East Courtyard, and finally let the old servant of the West Courtyard take charge. She didn't know how he would betray her in the future.

So Qin Xian and his wife, who had been rotting in the East Courtyard, became precious in Mrs. Wang's eyes because of their old grudges with Jia Cong and Wang Xifeng.

After she had tried to win over Qin Xian and showed her goodwill, she let Qin Xian continue to be the steward of the East Courtyard, and let Qin Xian's maid be the manager of the Inner Courtyard.

Qin Xian and his wife were almost at the end of their rope in the Jia family, and from then on they devoted themselves to Lady Wang.

Mrs. Wang could go in and out of the West Mansion all day long to seek personal advancement, but she didn't have to worry about people like Aunt Zhao rebelling in the East Courtyard because Qin Xian and his wife were there to keep the peace for her.

She also gave Qin Xian and his wife some benefits on a daily basis to make them more loyal to her, and naturally she knew what they wanted most.

The maids who were able to enter Baoyu's room at that time were all outstanding among the maids in the West Palace, with first-class appearance and figure.

Although Mrs. Wang disliked Sheyue, she was also a very pretty girl. Giving her to Qin Xian as a daughter-in-law was definitely a favor.

……

When Musk Moon heard Lady Wang mention Qin Xian's second son, her face changed drastically and she blurted out, "Since Madam wants to reduce the number of people in Second Master's room, I am willing to leave.

Even if I have to work as a maid or a night watchman, I won't complain, but I don't want to get married!"

Xiren and Yuchuan were not surprised at all when they saw that Musk Moon flatly refused. As long as she was a decent girl, who would be willing to marry that playboy from the Qin family?

Qin Xian's second son is named Qin Yong. He is 20 years old this year. He is addicted to alcohol and gambling. He is ugly and has no skills. Everyone avoids him.

Xiren and others never thought that Mrs. Wang would actually marry Musk Moon to Qin Yong, which would ruin Musk Moon's life.

Madam Wang scolded, "You are such an unruly person! When the servants and maids in this mansion reach a certain age, their masters will arrange their marriages for them.

This is how your parents got married, and now they have many children and grandchildren.

I didn't marry you to the servant in charge of the stables in the outer courtyard. I married you to the son of Qin, the steward. This is already a honor for you.

It is not your turn to be presumptuous. If you still dare to be stubborn and disobey, and disobey the family rules, you will be beaten to death!"

Madam Wang said to the two maids, "Keep an eye on her and don't let her wander around. I'm going to Rongqing Hall to talk to the old lady, and I'll bring her back to the East Courtyard when I come back."

……

After Mrs. Wang left, the two old women stared at Musk Moon with a gloating sneer on their faces.

Musk Moon's face was pale, but she was not too panicked. Her big, watery eyes just stared at Baoyu.

He asked, "Master Bao, you said you would ask Madam for me, what do you say now?"

Baoyu met Sheyue's fixed gaze and was a little afraid to look at her, but he didn't want to lose face in front of Xiren, Yuchuan and others.

He said with gritted teeth: "If it doesn't work here, Madam, I will go and ask the old lady. I will go and find her right now."

As Baoyu spoke, he walked out with unsteady steps, as if Musk Moon's gaze was a little sharp, making it difficult for him to face it and he was anxious to avoid it.

Xiren knew Baoyu's character best. The Madam had just gone to Rongqing Hall. Would the Second Master go to plead with the Old Madam at this time?
Even if Xiren's thoughts were on Baoyu, she didn't believe it...

Musk Moon watched Baoyu leave in a hurry, her eyes full of disappointment, which then turned into a cold expression, and she never wanted to look at him again.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

As soon as noon arrived today, Wang Xifeng went to Rongqing Hall to pay her respects. At that time, Jia's mother was still having breakfast, and she felt a little strange to see her coming so early.

Wang Xifeng only said that she got up a little early and wanted to come and see the old lady. Grandmother Jia was happy to hear that and even invited her to have breakfast with her.

At sunset yesterday, Yinglian received Jia Cong's order to pass on a message to Wang Xifeng, asking her to deal with the matter of Musk Moon. When Wang Xifeng learned about the matter, she became excited. Her aunt was really capable of making trouble. She chased away Baoyu's maid for no reason.

But the aunt never expected that Baoyu was a useless guy, but the maids around him were all very helpful.

There was a girl named Xiaohong in front, who had been favored by the third brother Cong for a long time. He was just waiting for the aunt to drive her away, and then he would promote Xiaohong to be a housekeeper.

Now my aunt wants to drive Sheyue away again, but she didn't expect that this girl is even more ruthless than Xiaohong. She has already hooked up with Cong Lao San.

When my aunt wanted to chase someone away, Cong Lao San immediately sent a message to protect her. The matter was not delayed overnight and it was really a timely relief.

Wang Xifeng recalled the last time Musk Moon came to ask about the delay in the monthly allowance. She spoke eloquently and had a sharp mind, so she felt that this girl was quite good.

Now it seems that she is more than just decent, she is simply amazing. A young girl can actually let Cong Lao San protect her.

Wang Xifeng thought that Musk Moon was also very pretty, but she just couldn't figure out when she had hooked up with Cong Lao San.

……

Her aunt was also a miserable person. She always drove away the maids in an arrogant manner and ended up bringing shame upon herself every time. Wang Xifeng felt happy when she thought about it.

Jia Cong asked her to protect Sheyue, which was naturally an easy task for Wang Xifeng.

She thought of Yinglian coming to tell her that the Second Wife wanted to drive Sheyue out of Baoyu Courtyard and arrange a new place for her.

Wang Xifeng was very disdainful after hearing this. She thought her aunt was so arrogant that she thought she was the housekeeper of the West Mansion and had forgotten who was in charge of the West Mansion now!
Before leaving home in the morning, Wang Xifeng asked Feng'er to bring a maid to keep an eye on the second gate of the inner courtyard and Baoyu's courtyard, and report to her if they saw the second wife moving around.

He also instructed Lin Zhixiao's family to send someone to watch the door closely and not allow anyone to take Musk Moon out of the West Mansion.

……

Wang Xifeng came to Rongqing Hall early and blocked the door. She accompanied Lady Jia to have breakfast and then helped her to the front hall to talk.

She was a very eloquent person, and she was also quick-witted and resourceful. She found many topics to talk about and made Lady Jia very happy.

Half an hour later, Yingchun, Daiyu and other sisters came over, and Rongqing Hall became more lively.

Wang Xifeng was in great excitement as she was looking forward to the performance. She made many jokes and created bursts of laughter in Rongqing Hall.

Yingchun always felt that Wang Xifeng was a little strange, so she asked with a smile, "What good things did Sister Feng get today? She seems to be in a very good mood."

Wang Xifeng said with a smile: "Now that the two families have the Cong brothers, everyone else has to look up to the Jia family.

We women in the inner house, when times are good, can just close the door and take care of household chores, and live a carefree and easy life, so shouldn't we be happy?

Second sister, you are a young girl, and you are in charge of the East Palace. It must be very tiring. Will you not have enough people to help you?"

Yingchun smiled and said, "The East Mansion only has Brother Cong and a few of us sisters. There are fewer servants in the mansion than in the West Mansion, so it is not bad to manage it on a daily basis.

However, the servants of the East Palace were bought from the south of the Yangtze River. When these people first arrived, they encountered many inconveniences in doing things because they were southerners unfamiliar with the customs of the northerners.

These people were born in the warm south of the Yangtze River. In the previous year, many people could not stand the cold weather in the capital, and the government was in chaos for a while.
Thanks to Sister Lin and Sister Three’s help, everything went smoothly after the first winter, and now it’s naturally going very smoothly.”

……

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "The servants bought from the south may be more polite and diligent than those from the north, but they are not as caring as the servants born at home.

Look at the girls around brother Cong, Zhishao, Wu'er, and Qingwen, they are all decent northerners, raised in their own families.

When they were young, they were maids, and when they grew up, they became housewives, and the Cong brothers were very happy with them.

Even in front of my second sister, because there are too many daily affairs, there should be more people like this, so that they can share some of the burden on weekdays."

After hearing what Wang Xifeng said, Yingchun felt strange. She was also a careful girl and always felt that Wang Xifeng had something else to say.

Daiyu at the side said with a smile: "From what Sister Feng said, it sounds like she got a nice girl and wants to give her to Third Brother."

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "What's the use of a maid that I like? It will only work if Brother Cong likes her."

A few people were chatting there when suddenly Wang Xifeng's maid Feng'er came in and whispered something in her ear. Wang Xifeng nodded silently.

Not long after, I heard the maid at the door say, "The second wife is here."

The curtain at the entrance of the hall was lifted, and Mrs. Wang came in with a smile and a graceful manner.

When Wang Xifeng saw her aunt, a pretty smile appeared on her face, and her pink lips slightly parted, revealing her snow-white teeth like woven shells.

Daiyu was extremely smart and seemed to sense something. Her beautiful eyes moved between Wang Xifeng and Mrs. Wang...

……

Mrs. Wang entered the hall and was not surprised to see it full of people. It was the time when the younger generation came to pay their respects, so naturally the hall was full.

She smiled and sat down, chatting with Grandmother Jia for a while before saying, "Madam, I have something to tell you, and it's a happy thing."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Oh, you have some happy news, tell me about it."

Mrs. Wang hesitated and said, "Madam, three people have entered Baoyu's room. In addition to them, there are three older maids, Sheyue, Qiuwen and Bihen.

Ever since Cong'er inherited the title, the West Palace has lost a large amount of property, and the public treasury is not as well-off as before, so they always have to think of ways to save money.

I think after Miss Xia gets married, she will definitely bring a few maids as a dowry, and Baoyu's room will not be able to accommodate so many people by then.

I have transferred Qiu Wen to serve in the East Courtyard, but Baoyu's room is still too crowded, so I thought about letting Sheyue and Bihen go."

When Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun and other sisters heard this, they felt a chill in their hearts.

Mrs. Wang said let him go, but that was just a nice way of saying it, but in fact it meant driving him out.

The Rongguo Mansion has always been lenient towards its servants. Unless a servant commits a serious mistake, they are rarely kicked out of the mansion.

It was only last year that the court's new policy increased the two taxes, and the Western Palace was in a tight spot. Later, Jia Cong was demoted and inherited the title, and the property of the mansion was reduced, so Wang Xifeng was forced to cut the population.

Even if the household slaves were sent out of the house, they were not left to fend for themselves. They were either sent to work on the Jia family's farm or to do odd jobs in a shop, so that they could make a living.

Regarding what happened with Musk Moon yesterday, Jia Cong only asked Yinglian to tell Wang Xifeng, and did not tell Yingchun and other sisters because he did not want the matter to be publicized.

So when they heard that Mrs. Wang wanted to chase away the maid, they all felt a little strange.

I've never heard of the maids in Baoyu's room doing anything wrong, so why are they suddenly being driven out? What kind of approach is this?
……

Wang Xifeng knew the truth of the matter, and couldn't help laughing when she heard her aunt's excuse.

My aunt thinks that the Jia family should all belong to the second branch, and she wishes she could lie in the West Mansion and suck blood every day.

When Baoyu was getting married, she asked for eight thousand taels from the public treasury. If she was thinking of saving money for the family, that would be crazy.

She was just chasing away two maids, was there any need to say such nonsense? She looked at everyone else as fools who could be easily fooled by her.

……

Although Grandmother Jia is old, she is also a shrewd person in the inner house. She always feels that her daughter-in-law's words today are a bit nonsense.

She was just talking about some happy event, and now she is talking about kicking out Baoyu's maid. The last time Feng laid off Baoyu's maid, she was the most anxious and angry.

Mrs. Wang continued, "Yesterday I summoned Sheyue and Bihen for questioning, but Bihen refused to leave and begged me to keep her even if I had to do chores for her.

However, Musk Moon was very clear-headed and considering the current difficulties, she was willing to go out.

I thought that she had served Baoyu for many years, and it would be bad to let her suffer too much, so I went back to the East Courtyard and did some thinking and found a good marriage for her.

She will have someone to rely on for the rest of her life after she leaves, and it will be worth it for her to serve Baoyu."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "You have a very good idea. The maids have grown old and need to be released. It would be a great honor for the master and servant to arrange a good marriage for them.

I just listened to Musk Moon in the past. Since she is Baoyu's maid, she must be decent. Find someone who is a good match for her, otherwise Baoyu will lose face. "

Madam Wang smiled and said, "What the old lady said is very true. The man I found for her is very respectable. He is Qin Yong, the second son of Qin Xian, the steward of the East Courtyard."

Grandmother Jia was a little confused and asked, "Qin Yong, I have never heard of this man. He is a perfect match for Sheyue."

Grandmother Jia stopped caring about household affairs more than ten years ago and she was always high-handed. Naturally, she had no idea about Qin Yong's situation.

Even Lady Jia didn't know about it, let alone Yingchun, Daiyu and other girls in the boudoir.

……

But Wang Xifeng had been the housekeeper for many years, and had daily dealings with the managers of the inner and outer courtyards, so there was almost nothing she didn't know about in every nook and cranny of the mansion.

When she heard the name Qin Yong, she couldn't help but curse in her heart: The second son of the Qin family is a second-rate guy. How can he be considered a decent person? It's really like seeing a ghost in broad daylight.

My aunt is so cruel. Marrying Sheyue to this boy will only ruin this girl.

No wonder the third brother Cong acted so quickly and asked me to pass the message and ask me to take care of the matter. Could it be that he knew about my aunt's plan?

No matter what the situation was, Wang Xifeng made up her mind to intervene first.

She did not wait for Mrs. Wang to reply to Lady Jia and said, "Second Madam, I think this marriage is very inappropriate..." (End of this chapter)