Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Sister Feng's Courtyard.

Inside the main room, sunlight streamed in through the stained-glass windows, bathing most of the daybed under the west window in warm sunshine, making the room cozy and inviting.

Wang Xifeng led Aunt Xue into the room, and the two sat on the daybed. She then had a maid serve freshly brewed hot tea.

Since Ping'er was resting today, Wu'er had more work to do than usual and needed to inspect various parts of the mansion, so she took her leave first.

Feng'er removed half of the hot charcoal from the incense burner to prevent the main room from becoming too hot under the direct sunlight.

Aunt Xue laughed and said, "I only heard half of what you said. Could it be that Ping'er is pregnant?"

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "There's no good news. Brother Cong is destined to be a busy man. He used to be busy studying all day, and now he's busy being an official. He's always out early and back late."

"I'm not afraid of my aunt laughing at my use of vulgar language, but Ping'er has only been in the family for almost half a year, and we only just consummated our marriage a few days ago. How could she be pregnant so soon?"

Upon hearing this, Aunt Xue breathed a sigh of relief. She had always been concerned about her daughter's future and was still undecided.

If Jia Cong's household had a child early on, even if opportunities arose in the future, it would be somewhat disadvantageous for his daughter...

He laughed and said, "Cong-ge'er is a man destined for great things. It is only right for him not to be obsessed with the bedroom. He is still so young. Why would he worry about not having many children in the future?"

Wang Xifeng said, "Aunt is a wise woman. Even if I don't say what I'm thinking, Aunt must already know."

My second uncle was exiled to Liaodong, which ruined his future. He was gone for fifteen years, and by the time he returned home, my eldest sister was almost married.

After all these years, my only hope now is that my brothers Cong and Ping'er will have children soon, so that I can have more security.

Although this saying is a bit worldly, it's crude but the principle is sound; this is the way things are in grand mansions.

Aunt Xue thought of Wang Xifeng and her own sister, both women of the Wang family, but their vision, knowledge, magnanimity, and methods were far inferior.

The elder sister believed that it was because of Cong-ge'er that the second branch of the family lost the Rongguo title, and she harbored resentment in her heart, trying to trip them up whenever she had the chance.

They didn't consider the reasons at all. Baoyu had offended the palace, and even without Congge's influence, the title would most likely not have gone to the second wife.

In essence, Jia Lian also lost his title, and Cong Ge'er most likely took his place.

But Fengya saw things clearly in this matter, and unlike her sister, she didn't act in the slightest. She didn't show any dissatisfaction, and instead stood up for Congge'er early on.

She even sent her personal maid to Cong's room. Now, these two, uncle and sister-in-law, are quite shrewd and have a firm grip on both the East and West mansions. That's what you call a smart person.

Unlike her own sister, who is like a tall candlestick that only illuminates others and never herself, always blaming others for everything and always being right.

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "You are a shrewd person, unlike those narrow-minded people. You also have a long-term vision."

You have helped Congge'er and Ping'er achieve their goals; you will surely be blessed in the future, so please rest assured.

……

The two chatted for a while before getting down to business.

Wang Xifeng asked, "What important business does Aunt have with me today? Why is it only Aunt who came today, and Baochai didn't come along?"

Aunt Xue said, "Baochai went to the East Mansion early this morning to chat and keep her company with the sisters. I didn't call her."

You are probably aware of the current situation in my family. Your younger brother is unruly and often gets into trouble. He has no patience to manage the family business.

Over the years, I've worried myself sick, afraid that I'd squander the business left by your uncle and wouldn't have the face to face him in the afterlife.

Business in Nanjing is not what it used to be; it's becoming increasingly difficult. Forget about making a fortune; just avoiding losing money is considered a success.

Because of your brother's lawsuit, I have been forced to live in seclusion in the capital for many years, and my ancestral business in Nanjing has become increasingly distant and beyond my reach.

I realized that if things continued like this, our family fortune would inevitably decline. I had to find a compromise to preserve it.

After much effort, Aunt Xue finally managed to rent the Xue family's ancestral shop in Jiangnan to Xinchunhao. She explained her thoughts to Wang Xifeng and asked her to act as a go-between.

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "Auntie's idea is excellent. Not everyone is cut out for business. It's no big deal that Brother Pan is unfamiliar with this."

It's normal for a shop to make or lose money. As long as the Xue family's ancestral shop can be preserved, the family business will not collapse. This is what is meant by "as long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn."

This matter could have been very convenient, so why did Auntie have to go through all this trouble?

Having lived in the same mansion for so many years, we are as close as family, and we can see each other every few steps.

Even if Aunt herself had asked Baochai to go find Cong, since the siblings have always been close, it would have only taken a few words.

In my opinion, Cong will definitely agree, so why did Aunt need to ask me to mediate?

……

Aunt Xue said, "You know your brother is a reckless man, and he can't get a word in edgewise with Cong-ge'er."

Although Bao-ya-tou is a good girl, she is an unmarried young lady, and it's inappropriate for her to discuss family business matters, let alone talk about commerce; that would be even more inappropriate.

As you know, last time, because your aunt moved to the East Courtyard, it was not advisable for our Xue family to stay any longer.

It was Cong-ge'er who was so courteous and kind in inviting me to stay; I still owe him a favor.

Although I am now doing this to preserve the Xue family's ancestral business, I am in a position of authority as an elder, yet it is really inappropriate for me to discuss matters of commerce and finance with him.

So after much thought, I decided to ask you, as my sister-in-law, to step in and mediate.

After hearing these words, Wang Xifeng felt that Aunt Xue's thoughts were thorough and made a lot of sense.

However, a strange feeling arose in her heart. She had heard that Baochai got along very well with her sisters and that she and Cong brothers were also very compatible and harmonious.

Although young women are supposed to get married and it's inconvenient for them to interfere in their ancestral business, she's still unmarried and can do things behind closed doors, so who would dare to say anything?

Wang Xifeng knew that her cousin, though a daughter of a prominent family, possessed extraordinary intelligence and wit, and that her reluctance to take the lead must be her own decision.

Why is she so open and uninhibited with Cong and his brother in general, yet she tries to distance herself from this matter like this?

Could it be that she felt it would be embarrassing for a young woman to talk about business matters in front of Brother Cong?

Wang Xifeng didn't think that her cousin's actions were without reason; she just couldn't think of a reason for it at the moment.

Since she couldn't understand the reasoning behind it, she stopped racking her brains, since it was an insignificant matter anyway.

……

She said, "Auntie's words make a lot of sense. In the past two years, because Miss Qu from Jinling has always been very respectful, I have paid more attention to Jinling Xinchun Company."

The wife from her maternal family often wrote letters mentioning that the Zhen family in Jinling had fallen on hard times, while Xinchunhao's business in Jinling was becoming increasingly prosperous.

Businesses have always thrived by seizing opportunities. The young woman from Naqu was able to become a female merchant queen; she must understand such a simple principle.

Right now, Xinchunhao needs to make a big splash. Putting aside places like Suyang, most of the prime shops in the bustling city center of Jinling are held by local powerful families.

Later generations, no matter how much money they had, couldn't buy good shops even if they had the money.

My aunt came up with this brilliant idea at just the right time, catching the wave of this trend perfectly.

Moreover, with the Cong brothers backing them up, the Xue family felt at ease renting out the shop.

Aunt, you can rest assured that this matter is in my hands. I heard that Brother Cong has been busy at the yamen these past few days, so I'll take the opportunity to talk to him.

This matter benefits both sides and is bound to succeed. If we act quickly, it might even be finalized before the end of the year.

Aunt Xue was delighted to hear this, and the two chatted about other things before parting ways.

……

In the eastern suburbs of Shenjing City, at the Ministry of Works' firearms workshop.

That day, Jia Cong counted the number of breech-loading guns in the workshop's inventory, and the production of five hundred breech-loading guns was nearing completion.

However, he did not slow down the production of breech-loading rifles; on the contrary, he made sure that everyone in the workshop was working diligently.

He also instructed Deputy Supervisor Liu Shizhen to calculate the costs of all materials needed for the ongoing construction and to submit a special report to the palace, preparing to request additional material supplies from the Ministry of Works.

After the morning court session this morning, Emperor Jia Zhao had already issued an imperial edict in response. Minister of Works Li Dekang personally oversaw the matter, and the additional construction materials will soon be delivered to the workshops.

In the workshop's main office, Jia Cong and Liu Shizhen were discussing the progress of the construction and estimated that nearly a hundred more breech-loading guns could be produced by the end of the twelfth lunar month.

It would have been virtually impossible to achieve this level of construction efficiency before October.

However, as the manufacturing process of breech-loading guns continued to improve and the precision of manufacturing steadily increased, the craftsmen's skills became more and more proficient.

The goal of manufacturing 100 breech-loading rifles in a month is no longer out of reach.

With sufficient materials and a reasonable schedule, the project is highly likely to be successful.

The two were discussing the details when Qian Huai, the workshop manager, walked into the official residence with documents in his hand.

He said, "Lord Jia, the remaining twelve breech-loading guns will be counted two days ago, and the construction and testing will be completed before sunset tomorrow."

The remaining stockpiled firearms inspection can also be completed before sunset tomorrow. I have already drafted the necessary documents for contacting the Ministry of War; please review them, sir.

Jia Cong took the document handed to him by Qian Huai, carefully read through it, made a few minor revisions, and then returned it to Qian Huai.

He said, “Manager Qian, I will go to the palace the day after tomorrow to report the victory to the Emperor. After the Emperor approves it, you should send a document to the Ministry of War to follow up on the follow-up matters.”

"The construction of five hundred breech-loading muskets is complete. The subsequent progress cannot be relaxed. You will conduct regular inspections of the various workshops, and report any problems promptly." Qian Huai, with a serious expression, bowed and said, "Please rest assured, sir, I will do my utmost and will not slacken."

Jia Cong nodded to him, and Qian Huai took a step back before turning around and leaving the official residence, his manners extremely respectful.

……

Jia Cong watched Qian Huai's departing figure, his gaze slightly deep.

Liu Shizhen hesitated slightly before saying, "My lord, there is something I am unsure whether I should speak of."

Jia Cong smiled slightly and said, "Lord Liu, please speak frankly."

Liu Shizhen said, "Yesterday at 2:45 PM, someone saw Qian Huai enter the palace alone, with palace eunuchs waiting to guide him."

Jia Cong's eyes flickered, and he asked, "Who saw it?"

Liu Shizhen said, "He is a junior officer of the Jinwu Vanguard guarding Chengtian Gate. He is a cousin of mine in the capital, and we have close daily contact."

He was just transferred to the Jinwu Vanguard last month, and was only assigned to guard Chengtian Gate this month.

One day, when I was leaving the ward to return to the city, Qian Huai rode in my carriage with me. We happened to run into my cousin on the way, and that's how he remembered what Qian Huai looked like.

Upon hearing Liu Shizhen's words, a chilling and oppressive feeling arose within Guan Xie.

Both Jia Cong and Liu Shizhen were well aware of the implications for the entire firearms workshop and even the entire firearms bureau.

Only one person, due to his official duties and imperial favor, was granted the privilege of entering the palace to meet the emperor: Jia Cong, the Director of the Firearms Bureau.

Even Liu Shizhen, who was the deputy director of the palace, did not have the honor of entering the palace. Qian Huai was just a minor official of the eighth rank. Why was he able to enter the palace alone?

Liu Shizhen was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in two examinations and a man of outstanding talent. He didn't need to spell things out for Jia Cong to understand.

Youyou said, "So my guess was right after all."

Liu Shizhen looked surprised and said, "Sir, you've long suspected something was amiss with him?"

Jia Cong didn't say anything, but just glanced at the door. Liu Shizhen immediately understood, walked to the door, looked left and right, and then closed the door.

Jia Cong said, "When the Firearms Bureau was first established, it was located within the Ministry of Works, so the selection of personnel naturally started with the Ministry of Works."

At that time, I set a rule that anyone who wanted to work in the Firearms Department must have some knowledge or expertise in firearms.

After searching through all the files of officials in the Ministry of Works who could be transferred, only Qian Huai, an eighth-rank clerk, met the requirements.

Because he was born in the coastal areas of Zhejiang and Fujian, his father was a rural craftsman who knew how to make rudimentary firearms. He sold the firearms he made to mountain hunters for self-defense and hunting.

Therefore, Qian Huai was familiar with firearms from a young age, and even received instruction in the craft from his father. The Firearms Bureau had just been established and needed such practical talents.

So he was transferred to the Firearms Department, where he became the first clerk. After joining the department, he worked diligently and was highly praised by both superiors and subordinates.

Since the establishment of the workshops in the east of the city, His Majesty has required all officials and craftsmen entering the workshops to undergo strict screening, and I fully agree with His Majesty's move.

Afterwards, I presented the Emperor with the structural diagram of the breech-loading gun. The Emperor was delighted after seeing it and ordered the development of the breech-loading gun.

Because the task of manufacturing breech-loading guns was heavy, the workshops not only had to recruit skilled craftsmen, but also had to assign more officials to take charge.

At that time, Qian Huai volunteered to take charge of the firearms workshop. Since he was a veteran of the firearms department and had a good reputation for his character and work, I naturally agreed.

He later passed the screening by the palace and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. After entering the workshop, he remained diligent and conscientious, and his conduct was excellent.

But then some things happened that made me feel a little confused.

……

Liu Shizhen asked, "What is it that you are puzzled about, sir?"

Jia Cong said, "His Majesty has high hopes for the development of breech-loading guns. Since the development of breech-loading guns began, he has frequently summoned me to the palace to inquire about the progress of the development."

However, not long after, the number of times the Emperor summoned me to the palace suddenly decreased significantly, which was puzzling and unusual.

However, His Majesty's attention to the manufacture of breech-loading muskets will not diminish in the slightest.

Although Liu Shizhen was a skilled and practical person, he was also a legitimate Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) and his thinking and intelligence were quite remarkable.

Jia Cong's words were only brief, but he immediately understood.

He said, "What you mean is that from that time onwards, His Majesty had other channels of information to understand the progress of the breech-loading gun production."

So that's why the number of times I summoned you to the palace has decreased so much without you even realizing it?

Jia Cong nodded and said, "At the time, although I had doubts, I did not suspect Qian Huai until I took the imperial examination. That is when I began to suspect him."

Liu Shizhen looked puzzled and asked, "Sir, how is this matter related to the imperial examinations?"

Jia Cong said, “There are six officials in charge of the workshop, including you and me. Five of them are Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) from both the provincial and metropolitan examinations, while only Qian Huai is a Juren (successful candidate in the provincial examinations).

When I was selecting personnel for the Firearms Department, I paid close attention to their resumes and past experiences. I have carefully read through the official documents of each of you.

Qian Huai passed the provincial examination at the age of twenty-one, which was quite remarkable in terms of his academic achievements. However, from then on, he encountered many setbacks in his examinations.

He took the imperial examinations four times in a row, and failed each time; it's quite a sad story.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shizhen couldn't help but sigh. He himself had only been studying diligently since childhood, and it was only after more than ten years of hard work that he was able to achieve success in both the imperial examinations.

He was well aware of how arduous the path to success in the imperial examinations was. Qian Huai had just turned twenty when he passed the examinations, so he must have been full of vigor and ambition back then.

Unexpectedly, he failed the imperial examinations four times. If he hadn't been granted a special imperial examination, he would have wasted twelve years of his life. How many twelve-year periods does one have in a lifetime?

For a person who passed the imperial examinations early, to have their progress stalled for twelve years would be an incredibly painful blow. Liu Shizhen felt a chill run down his spine just imagining it.

Jia Cong said, “Brother Liu and I both came from the imperial examination system. Passing the imperial examination is the lifelong aspiration of every scholar.”

If it were you, a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations, over thirty years old, in the prime of your life, would you simply give up and resign yourself to a lower-ranking position?

Liu Shizhen said, "If it were me, I would never do that. I would definitely make a comeback and take the imperial examination again. Otherwise, how could I live up to my lifelong hard work?"

Moreover, Qian Huai was already quite talented to pass the imperial examination at the age of twenty-one. His ability to take the examination four times, failing each time but never giving up, shows his remarkable willpower and perseverance.

With his intelligence and temperament, he would never easily give up his pursuit of officialdom.

Jia Cong said, "You are right. His resume records that he took the imperial examinations many times and thus lived and studied in the capital for many years."

Because he had spent a long time in Shenjing, he had accumulated some connections. Two years ago, he was recommended by someone and selected by the Ministry of Personnel to work as a clerk in the Ministry of Works.

I think this was just a temporary measure for him. Working in the Ministry of Works would allow him to build connections and earn a decent salary, which would make it easier for him to stay in Beijing to study.

You should know that once a clerk reaches the seventh rank, that's the maximum he can go. With his intelligence and perseverance, he would never stop there.

Continuing to participate in the imperial examinations is his only option.

……

Jia Cong continued, "But on the eve of the imperial examination, I stayed home to study every day, and I was also in mourning for my father, so I entrusted all the affairs of the neighborhood to Brother Liu."

I only come to the workshop every few days to check on the progress of the breech-loading gun development.

But every time I went to the neighborhood, I saw Qian Huai busy going in and out without stopping, showing no signs of studying for the imperial examinations or preparing for the spring examinations.

It wasn't until after the imperial examinations were over that I learned Qian Huai hadn't participated this year, which seemed highly unusual.

Liu Shizhen said, "During the nine days of the spring imperial examination, I was in the neighborhood managing affairs, and Qian Huai was indeed in the neighborhood every day."

But I rarely went to the Ministry of Works, and before he joined the workshop, I had no connection with him and knew nothing of his past, so I didn't pay any attention to it.

Jia Cong said, "Given his dedication to the imperial examinations, if he misses this year's spring examination, he will have to wait three more years."

There is only one explanation for why he would act this way: he believes that what he is doing is more important than the imperial examination.

Or perhaps, what he's doing will bring him greater benefits than taking the imperial examination.

Even if Jia Cong hadn't said what he was going to say next, Liu Shizhen understood perfectly well that there was probably only one person in the world who could make a candidate gain more benefits than the imperial examination itself.

Of the six officials who entered the ward, five of them, apart from Qian Huai, were all Jinshi graduates.

Apart from Jia Cong and himself, the other three had all served as officials for many years. Such people cherished their reputation and had great potential for advancement in their careers.

They would never stoop to being informants or spies, and no one would ever hire people like them, except for Qian Huai…

Jia Cong said, "Since firearms have demonstrated their power on the Liaodong battlefield, the art of firearms has become a national treasure, and firearm workshops are of paramount importance to the military and national security of the Great Zhou."

Under the watchful eyes of the public, petty villains covet it, and evil spirits are difficult to fathom.

The court governs and the emperor administers the government; some things are simply what is expected of him, and I will not object to them.

Now that this matter has been brought up, Brother Liu, just keep it to yourself and don't mention it to any third party.

Moreover, we spent every day with Qian Huai, and from what I saw, his enthusiasm for firearms manufacturing and the effort he devoted to it were no less than ours.

However, his experiences and circumstances are different from yours and mine; there are some things he cannot control. I hope things won't really turn out this way in the future…” (End of Chapter)