Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Lixiangyuan.

Aunt Xue thought about her son's dissolute behavior and the difficulty in continuing the eldest wife's family business. She had to make some adjustments and racked her brains, and couldn't help sighing.

He said: "Xinchunhao, which is owned by Congge, is a big business, but he never asks about it and only focuses on being an official.

Everything was thrown to that Miss Qu to take care of. Even the children of the Jia family didn't need any, but they never had as many troubles as we do.

On the contrary, business is booming day by day. The shop owner mentioned it several times in his letters that Xinchunhao's Jiangnan headquarters is now one of the largest businesses in Jinling.

Ever since the Zhen family was ransacked, Xinchunhao's business has become increasingly prosperous, with shiploads of goods shipped out to sea from Longtan Port every month.

People in Jinling say that Zhen Bancheng has fallen, and I'm afraid it won't be long before Qu Bancheng rises.

This Miss Qu was loyal to Congge'er. Every New Year, birthday, success in an imperial examination, or promotion, she would always travel from far away to send gifts to Congge'er.

I heard that the servants in Lian Congge's East Palace were all selected by her personally, and purchased from all over Jiangnan.

Moreover, every few days, without interruption, boxes of silver were carried to the East Palace. This was all Cong Ge'er could spend.

Moreover, this girl was very thoughtful. Even the old lady and Feng girl often received gifts from her, and each of them touched people's hearts.

The old lady mentioned this to me more than once when she was chatting in Rongqing Hall, saying that Miss Qu was sensible and knew how to behave, a first-class person.

I heard that many of the clothes, shoes and socks worn by Congge were made by Miss Qu herself.

I don’t know where Cong found this woman, who is not only good at doing business and making money, but also good at serving men and pleasing the elders.”

After hearing this, Baochai looked a little absent-minded and felt somewhat sad in her heart.

She said, “Mom, Brother Cong is very capable and blessed, and other people cannot envy such a thing.

This Miss Qu has quite a bit of history. I heard some stories about her from my second sister.

When the Cong brothers were ten years old, they went to study at Qingshan Academy and seldom returned home all year round. Somehow they met Miss Qu, and the two of them opened Xinchunhao together.

I heard that Miss Qu is from Texas. Her father was a bodyguard and has passed away many years ago. Although Miss Qu is a woman, she has inherited martial arts from her family.

Brother Lian Cong's ability to kill enemies in battle was learned from Miss Qu when he was a child. Mom said that she was the woman Brother Lian Cong found, but that's not true."

Aunt Xue heaved a sigh of relief and said, "It turns out that her father was a bodyguard. She has outstanding abilities, but her background is a little lacking.

No wonder when Congge passed the imperial examination last time, Miss Qu sent him several boxes of gifts.

Among them were those sent to the old lady and Feng girl. Feng girl was very happy at that time, and said that Miss Qu was so young, but she had become the imperial merchant of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Not only is he capable, but he is also careful, polite and well-mannered.

If Cong'er married her, he would be marrying a golden Buddha. The old lady looked uncomfortable at the time and didn't say a word.

I think that although the old lady likes Miss Qu's neatness, she thinks her family background is too low for her grandson's wife."

……

Baochai smiled bitterly in her heart after hearing this. The old lady was cautious in her daily work and seldom revealed anything in front of others. Even her mother didn't notice it.

But Baochai's mind was on Jia Cong, so she naturally paid attention to everything related to him.

During this year, Mrs. Baoling's wife came to the old house very frequently, and her words and actions showed that she was old enough to discuss marriage. Ever since the Cong brothers were conferred titles, the old lady had tacitly approved of this matter.

Master Shi, the Marquis of Baoling, went to Nanjing to take up his post. His wife and son followed him, but he left his sister Xiangyun at the Jia family.

Sister Xiangyun has been raised by the old lady since she was a child, so even this is nothing.

But he should live with the old lady in the West Mansion, which was in line with the normal routine. However, he chose to live in the East Mansion. The old lady never said anything, and everyone inside and outside tacitly agreed.

The old lady didn't dislike Miss Qu's low family background, but she had already had Sister Xiangyun's affairs in her mind and naturally didn't want others to interfere.

At the beginning, because the eldest master of the East Courtyard passed away, the marriage between Brother Cong and the third Miss Zhen was annulled. I'm afraid the old lady must have been very happy about it.

……

When Aunt Xue saw her daughter listening to her talking about Miss Qu, she suddenly became dazed, her beautiful eyebrows seemed to be frowned, as if she was full of thoughts.

She couldn't help but feel a little regretful. Why did she talk nonsense about Congge'er's woman? Wasn't this just poking at her daughter's feelings and making her uncomfortable?

He said: "I was just talking nonsense. Miss Qu has been famous for several years, but I have never seen her enter the mansion once, and I don't know what she looks like.

Maybe she is plain-looking, or maybe she is sensible and knows how to behave, but she is still an outsider without any status, and is not as close to Congge's maids as she is to him."

Baochai said, "Mom, you can't say that. Miss Qu is also a talented person. She has made Jinling Xinchunhao so successful on her own.

Just based on this ability, she is an amazing woman. I know Brother Cong's character, he must respect her very much...

If our Xue family had the blessing of the Cong brothers, we would have such a person in Jinling to keep an eye on the family business, and we wouldn't have to worry so much about it."

Aunt Xue sighed and said, "You are right. Your second uncle's situation is probably difficult. He has been running around all these years to collect rare treasures for the palace.

He was doing an official imperial mission, so how could he just give it up? The last time he came to Beijing to check the accounts at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he was said to have been summoned to the palace to meet the emperor.

It would be great if your brother had a personality like Tad'er. Even if he couldn't prosper the family business, he would be more than capable of maintaining it. But he is not like that."

Aunt Xue suddenly thought of something and said, "I heard that the perfume, soap, toothpaste and other items produced by Xinchunhao are selling well in Jiangnan and making a fortune every day.

However, Xinchunhao’s products are only sold in its affiliated branches, and they rarely sell them together with other companies. This business is exclusive to them.

If, based on our close relationship with Congge'er, our two companies can cooperate in business, our Jinling store can distribute Xinchunhao's products.

That is the most profitable business. The family business your father left behind may be able to prosper again."

Baochai shook her head and said, "Mom, you think things are too simple. Xinchunhao has such a prosperous business in Jinling, but no one has ever dared to covet it.

Not only because Miss Qu was so capable and Xinchunhao was a royal merchant, but also because others were wary of the high official titles of the Cong brothers.

He had been to Nanjing twice, solved many major cases, became famous throughout the south of the Yangtze River, and was favored by the emperor.

Officials in Jinling were all willing to give him face, so that Xinchunhao could make a fortune.

After his father passed away, the Xue family's power declined greatly, and the family no longer had any official foundation.

Although my eldest uncle is still the governor of the Beijing camp, his performance has been much worse in the past two years, and it is difficult for him to take care of his relatives in Nanjing.

If Brother Cong really does this favor and allows Xinchunhao's products to be distributed in Xue's store, Xue's business will surely grow greatly.

But we don’t have a capable leader in Jinling, and others will be jealous and covetous. How can the Xue family keep its wealth?

I am afraid that good things will turn into bad things, and what I wanted to prosper my family business will end up being ruined. "

……

When Aunt Xue heard this, her face turned slightly pale. She naturally knew that what her daughter said made sense.

The Xue family was able to do big business in Jinling in the past few years, not only because their master was so powerful.

Moreover, because his elder brother Wang Ziteng was supported by the Jia family and rose rapidly in officialdom, the Xue, Wang and Jia families had a close relationship and helped each other.

The Jinling Xue family had a solid foundation in officialdom, which enabled them to ride on the wind, have a prosperous business, and make a lot of money.

But now the situation is very different. Not only has his elder brother Wang Ziteng lost power, but the Second Branch of Rongguo, which was originally closely related to the Xue family, has also become a side branch.

The foundation that the Xue family relied on in the past has now been completely lost. Just as my daughter said, even if the Xue family becomes rich now, how can they keep it?

Although Jia Cong treated her very courteously, it was also because of the relationship of living in the same mansion for many years, as well as the friendship between Baochai and the sisters of the Jia family.

Although Aunt Xue wanted to find a decent life for her daughter and add a boost to the family by arranging a marriage for her children, this idea was ultimately slim given the current situation...

Baochai said: "The Xue family should not think about how to expand the family business now, but should think about how to keep the family business safe and sound so that there will be a long future.

Only when the children in the family can enjoy a comfortable life of food and clothing can they have a foundation for studying and going to school, and when there are outstanding children in the family or when there are talented people among the children of their elder brothers.

At that time, the clan had an extra support, and it was the right time to think about expanding the family business and wealth. This is a long-term matter, and it would be useless to rush into it.

However, Miss Qu is in charge of the business in Jinling, and her actions are admirable. I really want to meet such a person, or I may need her help in the future."

Aunt Xue's eyes lit up when she heard this, and she asked, "Baochai, what are you thinking?"

Baochai shook her head slightly and said, "It is very rare for Miss Qu to be able to run such a big business in Jinling.

Although I have some thoughts in my mind, they are just my own fantasies. Things in the world are unpredictable, and how can you expect everything to come true..."

……

Aunt Xue was just about to ask more questions when she saw Jin Chuan lift the door curtain and come in, holding a small bag in her hand.

She said, "Madam, the shop just delivered half a pound of bird's nests. They said it was what you asked for a few days ago. It's a high-quality new product that came from the south yesterday." Aunt Xue said, "Caixia is pregnant now. The old lady asked for two ounces of bird's nests every month to nourish the fetus. Feng girl also ordered five ounces from the shop every month."

Baochai smiled and said, "I met Ping'er yesterday and she said that the bird's nest should be used first for Caixia, and that the old lady should use it daily, and Sister Feng should also use it to nourish her body after giving birth.

The bird's nest in Gongzhong is almost sold out, and asked me when the stock would arrive in the shop. It just so happens that I have it now, so I will deliver it to Sister Feng and take a walk at the same time."

Baochai went into the house and changed into a long coat with a white satin cross-collar and a plum pattern. Jinchuan then helped her put on a cloak with a lotus and green crane pattern. The two of them walked out of Lixiang Courtyard one after the other.

Halfway through their journey, they met Baoyu coming out of Rongqing Hall. Seeing Baochai coming towards him with Jinchuan, he could not help but feel happy, as he did not have a long memory.

Baoyu has been in a low mood these days. He is extremely unhappy about Musk Moon going to the East Palace to work as a steward and maid, and even feels a bit of twisted jealousy.

He has always considered himself to be extraordinary and that all the maids around him should be in awe of him. This is true for Xiren, Bihen, Qiu Wen and others.

I thought that if I tried to persuade her to stay, Musk Moon would be so touched that she would be eager to stay in the yard.

But Musk Moon was different. Her cold and resolute words tore Baoyu's narcissistic and sentimental feelings into pieces.

Although he felt ashamed and unwilling to accept it, he could do nothing about it. The East Palace was not only a place where he could only make money, but also a threshold that he could never cross.

When Musk Moon went to the East Palace, he could only watch and sigh. Although he said he would go to Lady Jia to reason with her, he was worried about being blamed by his wife, and he was wavering and very worried.

After a few days of this, the remaining resentment in my heart soon disappeared, as if nothing had happened.

In the end, I just felt sad for a few days and tried to fool myself into letting it go, but I was still depressed the whole time.

……

When I met all the sisters in Rongqing Hall these days, only Xiangyun would talk a few words.

For some reason, the other sisters had nothing to say to him, which made him very sad and bored.

Ever since he had a rather embarrassing experience at Lixiangyuan last month, he now didn't dare to go there easily, especially when Aunt Xue was at home.

Apart from going to Rongqing Hall with her sisters, Baochai usually stays at home or goes to the East Palace.

Baoyu rarely meets Baochai alone in daily life, so this is a pleasant surprise for him and his mood immediately relaxes and becomes more cheerful.

He quickly stepped forward and asked, "Where are you going, Sister Bao?"

When Baochai saw that it was Baoyu, her face froze for a moment, then she smiled and said, "I was just about to go to Sister Feng's courtyard. She ordered some bird's nests from the shop, and I was just about to deliver them to her.

Caixia also had a share of the five taels of bird's nest. The old lady specifically instructed that she should be given two taels every month for the maintenance of her pregnancy.

Caixia is now pregnant and I haven't seen her for a while. Is she looking good and healthy?"

The news of Caixia's pregnancy spread widely in the West Mansion, and even Lady Jia was concerned about it. When Baochai asked about it when they met, it was just out of politeness.

But when Baoyu heard this, his face turned red immediately, and he felt as embarrassed as if he had been slapped on the ears.

Aunt Xue, who was so talkative earlier, and who was so willing to talk about marriage and childbirth, had made Baoyu feel ashamed.

Now, the infinitely beautiful Sister Bao asked about the happy Caixia in person with a smile on her face, without any sadness or gloom on her face, which made Baoyu even more sad and angry.

When he first met Baochai, he had a lot of good words in his heart, which seemed to be about to burst out to please Baochai and make her smile.

But Baochai's greeting made her choke on the problem, and she couldn't get it out, and her round, fair face turned red.

Jin Chuan suddenly said, "Miss, last time I heard Madam mention that she has a secret recipe for keeping a healthy pregnancy. I should ask Madam to write it down and give it to Caixia.

It also allows her to take good care of the baby and give birth to a fat boy for Master Bao next year."

……

Baochai was slightly startled when she heard this, and then she saw Jinchuan winking at her, so she said quickly, "Oh, I don't remember this, remember to remind Madam when you go back.

Copy down the secret recipe carefully and send it to Caixia immediately."

Jin Chuan smiled as brightly as a flower and said, "Don't worry, young lady. I will definitely remember this!"

Baoyu's face had turned a little purple. He was so anxious that he didn't know how to explain himself. He felt indescribable resentment in his heart. It was okay that Caixia was happy, but why did she always blame me?

What's more, they are talking nonsense in front of their daughter, which is really blasphemous and embarrassing. It's a pity that a person as innocent as me is always humiliated like this.

In the past, it was Aunt Xue and Sister Feng, but now even Jin Chuan has started to learn to talk nonsense. Do they want us to survive?

Seeing Baoyu's face turning purple, Baochai asked cautiously, "Brother Bao, I'm going to Sister Feng's place now. Do you want to come with me?"

Baoyu came back to his senses and said hurriedly, "Sister Bao, please go by yourself. I have something else to do and leave first."

The last time he went to Wang Xifeng's courtyard to chat, he wanted to see Wu'er's beauty, but ended up being humiliated by Wang Xifeng. Now he doesn't dare to visit her anymore.

Seeing Baoyu turn around and leave in a hurry, as if he was going to escape, Baochai couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Looking back at the smiling Jinchuan, he said, "I have never heard my mother talk about any secret recipe for nurturing pregnancy, it's you who are causing trouble again.

Jin Chuan smiled and said, "I was worried that Master Bao would cling to the girl and talk too much, so I made up some nonsense on purpose. I didn't expect it to work.

Master Bao lives a strange life. He used to be afraid of people persuading him to study and go to school, but now he is most afraid of people talking about getting married and raising children.

It's as if he didn't have those things if others didn't say them. Is he trying to deceive others or himself? His life is really tiring."

Baochai couldn't help laughing and cursed softly, "What a weird guy, a lot of nonsense and nonsense."

……

Rongguo Mansion, Fengjie's Courtyard.

Baochai brought Jinchuan into the courtyard and went straight into the room in front of the main house.

As I opened the door curtain, a fragrant hot air hit me, and I saw a Thai blue hollow incense burner in the room, emitting a gentle fragrance.

Wu'er was sitting sideways on the bed, recording accounts on the table, while Wang Xifeng was standing aside saying something.

Although she can read now, she cannot write. Wu'er has followed Jia Cong for many years and can write beautiful calligraphy.

Ping'er was holding the eldest sister and walking back and forth in the room, holding a rattle in her hand and shaking it continuously, making the eldest sister laugh continuously.

Ping'er herself was all smiles, holding her elder sister in her arms, unable to let go and never getting tired of it, looking even more charming and lovely.

When Wang Xifeng saw Baochai come into the room, she hurriedly greeted her with a smile, and asked Feng'er to take the bird's nest from Jinchuan's hand. The two of them sat down and chatted.

Baochai accidentally saw a lot of exquisite makeup items neatly arranged in front of Wang Xifeng's dressing table.

One of them was a snow-white porcelain box with exquisite landscape patterns painted on it, and the three words "Jinfeng Pavilion" were written in the middle.

Baochai smiled and said, "So Sister Feng also likes to use the rouge from Jinling Jinfeng Pavilion."

Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "You also grew up in Jinling, so you will recognize this at once. Before I got married, I loved using the rouge from Jinfeng Pavilion.

Later, after she married into the Jia family, since there was no branch of Jinfeng Pavilion in Shenjing, it became difficult to buy it.

This box of rouge was given by Miss Qu from Jinling. She would buy things for Brother Cong every New Year.

As the eldest sister-in-law, I also benefit from Brother Cong's help. Every time Miss Qu sends something to Brother Cong, she never forgets to send a portion for me as well.

There’s something even more bizarre, every time they gave me a gift, they all contained Jin Feng Ge rouge, as if they knew I was used to this kind.

After all, we are all women. I think Miss Qu also uses rouge from Jinfeng Pavilion in her daily life when she arrived in Jinling, so she brought some for me as well.

Brother Cong is also a lucky man. This is a capable and thoughtful girl. I have always wanted to repay this favor. "

Baochai thought of the conversation she had just had with her mother, and thought that although Miss Qu had never been here before, she was still very popular in the mansion, and she couldn't help feeling a sense of emptiness in her heart.

At this time, Lin Zhixiao's wife came into the room and said, "Second Madam, the wife from Jinling sent a letter."

Wang Xifeng took the letter, opened it and read it, smiling, "This Miss Qu really can't stand nagging. Sister Baochai and I were just talking about her.

My wife mentioned her in her letters. Since I received several gifts from the eldest girl, I always owed her a favor and was always thinking about her.

This is because Shenjing and Jinling are thousands of miles apart, and it is not easy to repay the favor.

I wrote to my wife at home, asking her to prepare a gift and send it to Xinchunhao to express my gratitude, and it happened that she mentioned this matter in her letter.

Wang Xifeng read the letter for a while, and suddenly a puzzled look appeared on her face. She said, "This is a rare thing, I have never heard Brother Cong mention it before.

The mistress of the family sent her trusted maid to Xinchunhao to give a gift to Miss Qu, and she came back saying that there was a second manager in Jinling Xinchunhao.

She is a young lady named Qin, with an extremely outstanding appearance..." (End of this chapter)