Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Mrs. Wang's face was all smiles as she was chatting enthusiastically with Lady Jia. She knew that the old lady was getting old and loved to hear about such happy events as matchmaking and marriage.

She was already afraid of and disliked Sheyue, and only wanted to use her to win over Qin Xian and his wife, not caring about her life or death after she got married.

Besides, the old lady is living a long and prosperous life and has long since stopped caring about worldly affairs. How could she know whether Qin Yong is good or bad, or whether he is round or biased? It’s up to her to decide what she wants.

The old lady didn't know Qin Yong's background, and it was even more impossible for Yingchun and other rich girls to know.

Mrs. Wang cut the Gordian knot. After she had spoken in front of Lady Jia, the matter was now settled. She would go back and take Musk Moon back to the East Courtyard.

Let's hurry up and get that bitch into the bridal chamber within these few days. Once the rice is cooked, no one else can say a word against it.

Qin Xian and his wife were even more devoted to her. It was a very cost-effective thing to exchange such a benefit for a little girl.

However, Mrs. Wang never expected that Wang Xifeng, who had nothing to do with this matter, would actually jump out to interfere.

She said that Musk Moon and Qin Yong were a perfect match, but Wang Xifeng said that this marriage was inappropriate, which was an insult to her in front of everyone.

Mrs. Wang was angry, but she couldn't help feeling the dignity of an elder and stood up from her chair.

He asked righteously, "Feng girl, what do you mean by that? Why is this marriage inappropriate?"

……

Wang Xifeng didn't take Lady Wang's bluffing seriously at all.

She knew that Qin Xian was the steward of the East Courtyard and was now her aunt's confidant. Her aunt gave Sheyue to him as a daughter-in-law, naturally because she wanted to take him in.

Qin Xian is a family of Wang Shanbao's from the bottom of their hearts. When Si Qi was sent out to get married, Qin Xian was kicked to the East Courtyard by himself.

Although Qin Xian and his wife did not do anything wrong, how could they not have resentment towards themselves and Cong Lao San?

It would not be good for Cong Lao San and himself to let these people be completely devoted to his aunt. For both public and private reasons, we should take precautions in advance and tear down his aunt's platform.

He laughed and said, "Others may not be able to tell what kind of person Qin Yong is.

Because I am the housekeeper on a daily basis, I know some of the ins and outs of the household. Qin Yong is a man who eats, drinks, gambles, and prostitutes, and he wanders around day and night. He is not a good person.

As for the managers of various places in the family, no one dared to assign him any errands because they knew his character. He is a grown-up man, but he has nothing to do until now, and everyone avoids him.

When Mrs. Wang heard this, her face changed. She naturally knew Qin Yong's character, but she didn't care about that. She was just doing Musk Moon a favor to save face.

He quickly defended himself, "Feng girl, you've gone too far. It's common for a half-grown boy to be a little naughty.

When you grow older and get married, you will experience and become sensible, but this is not the way everyone in the world lives."

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "Second Madam is wrong. Qin Yong is already 20 years old and has grown a beard. He is no longer a young boy.

He is already this age, but he still behaves recklessly every day, just living off his parents. There is a quarrel every three days and a disturbance every five days at home.

Just ask anyone in the back alley, and the neighbors will know it."

……

When Grandmother Jia heard this, her face turned ugly. Last time, she knew that Musk Moon had persuaded Xiren not to spread Jia Cong's words.

From this incident, we can see that Musk Moon is a clever girl whose thoughts and behaviors are quite to Lady Jia's liking.

If such a good girl is promised to a second-rate guy like Qin Yong, it would be a waste of her. What a stupid thing his daughter-in-law did.

After hearing what Wang Xifeng said, not only did Grandmother Jia feel uncomfortable, but sisters such as Yingchun and Daiyu also felt dissatisfied.

They all knew that Mrs. Wang was an experienced woman in the inner court and had been the mistress of the Rongguo Mansion for many years. She was not a foolish person.

Since Sister Feng knows Qin Yong's background, Mrs. Wang must also know it.

But she still wanted to promise Musk Yue to Qin Yong. This was obviously an attempt to ruin this girl. It was a very dishonorable thing to do.

Wang Xifeng continued, "Mushu Yue is not only a maid of the Second House, but also a maid of the West House. Her slave indentures are all in the public house.

Since the Second Madam has sent her away from Baoyu's room, it is logical that she should be returned to the palace and let us assign her a new job. This is the correct thing to do.

The second wife is now silent and is determined to arrange her marriage, and the one she promised is a guy like Qin Yong.

Brother Cong is a scholar and has always been strict in managing his family. If something goes wrong with this marriage and he asks about it, I, as his sister-in-law, will not be able to explain it. "

……

Mrs. Wang felt heartbroken when Wang Xifeng scolded her. Seeing that the old lady didn't say anything, she felt even more aggrieved.

He blurted out, "Feng girl, the more you talk, the more evil you sound. Congge goes out early and comes back late every day, busy with government affairs.

He has no time to care about a girl's affairs, and you don't need to bring up Cong Ge'er."

Wang Xifeng said: "Second Madam is wrong. Brother Cong inherited the family business of Rong. The servants and maids in the mansion are all his property in essence.

Naturally, he has his share of concerns, so let's not gossip about it since the Second Madam is interested in this marriage.

As the younger generation, we have to be considerate. Why don’t we ask Musk Moon to come over and ask her? If she is willing to this marriage, then she can just treat me as meddling.

Let the Second Madam decide where she should go. If something goes wrong in the future, I will just let Brother Cong complain a few words."

After hearing what Wang Xifeng said, Mrs. Wang almost died of anger. How could the maid in Baoyu's room become Cong'er's property?

The second wife has kept a maid for many years, but she has no power to manipulate her and can only let that boy play with and control her. This is simply outrageous!
But although she was angry, she couldn't find any fault with the other party's words, and even Lady Jia, who was present, didn't say a word.

……

After Wang Xifeng had spoken, she turned to her maid Feng'er, "Go to Baoyu's courtyard and ask Sheyue to come over, and tell her that the old lady and I have something to ask."

Mrs. Wang's face changed slightly when she heard this. In the morning in Baoyu's courtyard, she had just mentioned Qin Yong's marriage, but that damn girl, Musk Moon, was completely unwilling.

I was just forcing her down. Now I'm asking this girl to go to Rongqing Hall for questioning. With her sharp tongue, she'll definitely keep trying to keep her from getting hurt.

He was thoughtful enough before he went out and asked two maids to look after Musk Moon.

But Feng'er is Wang Xifeng's capable maid, and she is never an easy person to deal with. If she brings up the old lady, the two old women won't have the courage to stop her.

Wang Xifeng had a sharp eye. She saw that although her aunt was still pretentious after she asked someone to call Sheyue, her expression changed and she became more confident.

As for what Musk Moon would say when she came, Wang Xifeng was not worried at all. This girl was also very shrewd. She had already asked someone to pass a message to Cong Lao San.

That means she is determined not to give in to her aunt, let alone marry a vile guy like Qin Yong.

When Lady Jia saw that her daughter-in-law was unable to cope with what Wang Xifeng said, she was obviously in a passive position.

How could she not understand that this girl Feng spoke fluently and seemed to be well prepared.

Grandmother Jia was upset, feeling like she had fallen into a trap. The first and second wives were fighting again...

……

Grandmother Jia could see it, and smart girls like Daiyu and Tanchun naturally also saw the clues.

Daiyu felt that since the maids in the mansion were all her third brother's property, it was naturally a good thing for Sister Feng to help her third brother.

As the second daughter of the royal family, Tanchun is more familiar with Sheyue than anyone else and knows that she is the most favored person in Baoyu's room.

Not only did the wife kick the man out for no reason, but she also married her to Qin Yong, such a despicable man. Her methods were too overbearing.

If it had happened in the past, Mrs. Wang would have been so embarrassed by being treated so harshly and would have lost face in front of and behind others.

As the daughter of the second wife, Tanchun is not only smart and outspoken, but also capable of handling matters on the spot.

He always had to come out to speak for his stepmother and try to smooth things over and ease the atmosphere.

But last time she was severely reprimanded by Lady Wang in the East Courtyard, and the rift between the legitimate mother and the concubine's daughter had already deepened. She no longer had that mood and just watched coldly.

……

Yingchun has a gentle and meticulous temperament and is best at thinking things over. After listening to Wang Xifeng's sharp words, she has completely grasped the direction of events.

Thinking about what Wang Xifeng said to me before the Second Wife came, it seems quite meaningful now.

She said that the servants in the East Palace were all from the south and were not accustomed to the customs of the northerners. She should employ some northerners who were born in the family, which would make it easier for the housekeeper to do his job.

He also said that the maids around Brother Cong were all born in his family, and he used them very skillfully.

He also said that the girl he liked was useless, and only the girl that his brother Cong liked was really useful.

Yingchun pondered over it in her mind and concluded that Sister Feng must have known about Musk Moon before the Second Wife entered Rongqing Hall.

Those strange words she said to me before were definitely not without purpose. It sounded like Brother Cong also knew about Musk Moon.

Sister Feng's actions in the hall today were probably instructed by Brother Cong, otherwise Sister Feng would not have hinted at me like this...

……

Just as everyone in the hall was thinking about their own things, Mrs. Wang was feeling very uneasy.

Feng'er had already brought Sheyue into the hall. Mrs. Wang was disappointed, and the two old women who were guarding the place did not dare to stop Feng'er.

Without waiting for others to speak, Wang Xifeng asked, "Musk Moon, did you know that the second wife asked you to leave Baoyu's room and arranged a marriage for you?" Just now, Feng'er went to Baoyu's courtyard and said only two words, which frightened the two maids guarding Musk Moon and took her away easily.

Feng'er was a maid trained by Wang Xifeng, so she naturally learned her master's cleverness and adaptability. On the way, she explained everything that happened in the hall to Sheyue.

Musk Moon was also a smart maid. She immediately understood that Xiaohong had conveyed the message to Master Cong Sanye, and that the Second Mistress was going to save her.

At this time, how could Musk Moon not know the meaning of Wang Xifeng's question? She immediately knelt down in the hall.

She said, "Madam Bao said that there are too many people in Mr. Bao's house. When Mrs. Bao comes in, she will bring maids with her as a dowry, and there will not be enough space to support so many people.

Madam wants to let Bihen and I out. Since Madam has asked me to do so, I am willing to leave Master Bao's room, but I don't want to get married, especially not to marry Qin Yong.

If my wife forces me, I will not obey her even if I kill myself!

I beg for mercy, old lady and second grandmother. I am a maid in the family. No matter what errands you assign me, whether it is washing clothes, cooking, guarding the house, patrolling at night, or doing rough housework.

Just don't force me to get married. I can do anything. Let me have more time to take care of my parents for a few more years."

……

Musk Moon had a strong character and never gave in easily. She thought that she had always been diligent and attentive in serving Baoyu in his room and had done nothing wrong.

I didn't expect that Mrs. Wang would dislike her so much. Not only did she drive her out, but she also pushed her into Qin Yong's fire pit.

Now, speaking of it in front of everyone, I can’t help but feel angry and sad.

He also thought of the misfortune he had encountered, and how Baoyu, who had served him for many years, was completely helpless and could only hide away and watch.

Instead, it was Xiaohong, her good sister in the past, and Master Cong Sanye, who had never spoken to her, who extended a helping hand to her and pulled her out of this fire pit.

She was filled with mixed emotions, speaking from the bottom of her heart, tears streaming down her face. Seeing how sad she was, everyone in the hall was moved.

Seeing her pitiful appearance, Jia's mother felt a pang of pain in her chest and said, "Well, if you don't want to get married, then don't get married. No one will force you."

Then he said to Mrs. Wang, "Since Baoyu no longer needs her in his room, just let her go. She is only a little old and can still serve her master for a few more years.

As for the matter of marriage, a forced marriage is not a happy one. If she doesn't want to, it's not good to force her. It's boring to force her to do it. I think we should just forget about it."

Mrs. Wang was beaten so badly by Wang Xifeng that she had no power to fight back.

Seeing Musk Moon say such harsh words in front of everyone, he made himself lose face and was so angry that he almost set himself on fire.

But she didn't dare to lose face in front of the younger generations in the family, otherwise she would never be able to step into the West Mansion again.

Now that Lady Jia has said this, can she still say no?
……

At this time, Mrs. Wang was feeling regretful. She saw Musk Moon and Xiren whispering yesterday and was worried that this unpleasant maid might have discovered Baoyu's hidden illness that day.

If the matter were to leak out, the second house would become the laughing stock of the Jia family, and she would have no hope in her life, so she was in a hurry to drive Sheyue out.

If she had known that Musk Moon was so unruly, she should not have been so hasty, but would have easily transferred her to the East Courtyard.

When it comes to her territory, she has no control over it. No matter how smart and capable Wang Xifeng is, she is powerless to do anything about it.

At that time, I will tie up this bitch's hands and feet and throw her onto Qin Yong's bed. It will be a done deal. Let's see how this bitch dares to act so arrogantly...

……

When Lady Jia saw that her daughter-in-law had a gloomy face and said nothing, she knew what she was thinking.

The second daughter-in-law has been the mistress of the household for more than ten years and is used to holding power. It may be difficult for her to change her mind for the time being.

It’s just that Feng girl has exposed Qin Yong’s affair, and in front of these granddaughters, the daughter-in-law can’t be allowed to do whatever she wants, otherwise it will give her a lot of gossip.

Grandmother Jia said, "Feng girl, since Musk Moon is not in Baoyu's room anymore, you should first arrange a job for her.

She has served Baoyu for many years and has never been heard to have done anything wrong. She is also a maid raised in the family, so it is not good for her to be wronged. "

Just as Wang Xifeng was about to speak, Yingchun said, "Madam, I used to have two maids who ran errands for me.

Last time, Brother Cong asked Wu'er to help Sister Feng with the household management and asked for a maid to assist Wu'er.

Now I'm leaving the vacancy for Xiu Ju temporarily. This girl also has to serve me on a daily basis and is very busy.

Now that the year is almost over, the affairs of the inner courtyard will become more and more complicated, and we are short of manpower.

I think Musk Moon is a smart girl. I've always heard that she's very capable. Since she's free now, I can let her go to my place and take over the position of a stewardess maid.

After the busy New Year period, if Sister Feng wants to use her, I will return her to her."

……

When Wang Xifeng heard this, she was amazed. This second girl is now in charge of the household. She must have really become a smart girl.

I just gave her a little hint and she understood what I meant. Wu'er only had a maid by her side, so this was a great excuse and it was perfect.

In fact, it was an easy task for Wang Xifeng to arrange a job for Musk Moon in the West Palace.

But last night Jia Cong hurriedly sent Yinglian over and asked her to try to protect Sheyue, as if he knew she would get married today.

Wang Xifeng saw how much Jia Cong cared about Sheyue, and for a moment she couldn't figure out what he and this girl were up to...

If it were Jia Lian, if he dared to provoke the maids in the mansion, Wang Xifeng would skin him alive.

But Jia Cong was only her brother-in-law, an unmarried man, and was regarded as a supporter by Wang Xifeng, so she was not so particular about her poverty.

Besides, Jia Cong was so proud and was always liked by the maids in the mansion. No one knew whether he had ever hooked up with Sheyue.

Since he cares about this maid, Wang Xifeng might as well push her to Jia Cong instead of keeping Sheyue by her side, which would at least be a favor to him.

It was because she had such wild thoughts in her mind that she hinted to Yingchun in such words earlier.

Yingchun has always been the most protective of her brothers. After hearing what Wang Xifeng said, she realized that Wang Xifeng must have obtained the instructions of her brothers to keep Musk Moon.

Since this girl is related to his brother, he would naturally pull her to his side first.

Besides, when she was in the West Mansion, Yingchun knew that Baoyu had a maid named Sheyue, who was eloquent, down-to-earth and smart, and an excellent maid.

Regardless of whether she has any relationship with his brother, he would just keep her by his side and do some work for him first.

Besides, it was quite pitiful to see the Second Wife mistreating her like this. Giving a helping hand to someone in need is a blessing for both you and the other person, and it is always right.

……

After hearing what Yingchun said, Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Second sister is really quick to act. Since you like this girl, it will be a great blessing for her to use her as a servant in the East Palace.

As a sister-in-law, I am not so stingy that I even shamelessly asked for it back. Musk Moon, why are you still standing there? Come on, kowtow to the Second Young Lady."

After hearing Yingchun's words, Musk Moon was stunned for a moment. She thought that the Third Master asked the Second Mistress to come forward to save him, and that the Master would most likely assign her another task in the West Mansion.

She never dreamed that the second young lady would fall in love with her and ask her to work as a steward and maid in the East Palace. This was too unexpected.

It is impossible to say that she was unhappy. The East Mansion is where Third Master Cong lives, but it is much more formal than the West Mansion.

Apart from the Third Master Cong, there were only a few girls in the mansion, and they were all very neat and tidy.

All the servants in the West Palace knew that the threshold to the East Palace was extremely high. Not many servants in the West Palace could enter, not even Master Bao.

Musk Moon was a little confused as she was just kicked out by her wife but she was able to work in the East Palace.

After hearing Wang Xifeng's reminder, she suddenly came to her senses, and quickly kowtowed to Yingchun to express her gratitude, and then kowtowed to Lady Jia and Wang Xifeng.

When Lady Jia saw this result, she was even more confused than Musk Moon.

It is not a rare thing that the maid who was driven out of the second house is going to work as a steward and maid in the first house.

This second daughter-in-law of mine always does some inappropriate things, and as a result, she is slapped in the face by her sister-in-law and younger sister-in-law from the first wife. What a stupid thing.

……

When Mrs. Wang heard Yingchun's words, she felt as if she had been struck by lightning. She felt a breath stuck in her chest and could neither go up nor down.

The maid that she had driven out was going to be transferred to the eldest wife's house to be the steward's maid of the East Palace. This was obviously an attempt to flatter Musk Moon and to tear her own face.

There are generally two types of maids in the Jia family. One is a personal maid who is always by the master's side and is responsible for taking care of the master's food, clothing, and daily life.

Zijuan beside Daiyu, Xiuju beside Yingchun, and Shishu beside Tanchun are all maids of this type.

Another type of maid is the steward maid, who is in charge of certain duties in the mansion, holds certain authority, and assists the master in managing household affairs.

Ping'er, who is beside Wang Xifeng, is a famous maidservant. When Wang Xifeng is not in charge, Ping'er can almost take over.

Wu'er, who was beside Jia Cong, and Yuanyang, who was beside Jia's mother, also served in daily life, but to a large extent they were also maids.

Musk Moon was originally in Baoyu's room, and she was not considered the chief maid, but she was deliberately promoted by the first wife, which almost drove Mrs. Wang crazy.

Her heart was burning with anger, her mind was full of crazy thoughts, and she just wanted to know how to stop this.

Otherwise, if the news gets back to Baoyu Courtyard, I will lose face again... (End of this chapter)