Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The eastern suburbs of Shenjing City.

As the sun sets in the west, a vast expanse of fish-scale-like evening glow paints the sky, fiery red and enchanting, a truly magnificent sight.

Jia Cong's carriage sped across the open fields. Although the carriage bounced slightly, it did not affect his thoughts.

Liu Shizhen's unexpected discovery of Qian Huai's entry into the palace confirmed Jia Cong's vague suspicions about Qian Huai.

Qian Huai may have belonged to the Embroidered Uniform Guard or the Central Chariot Bureau; in any case, he was Emperor Jiazhao's spy in the firearms workshop.

Undoubtedly, everything that happened in the firearms workshop, as long as Qian Huai knew about it, would be promptly presented to Emperor Jia Zhao.

Although Jia Cong was not in front of Liu Shizhen, he showed a strong reaction to this matter.

But a sense of vigilance and dread filled his heart. Although this was not unexpected, the firearms workshop was a key military and national site, and it was inevitable that it would be under scrutiny and surveillance.

But the presence of someone else's eyes still made Jia Cong feel inexplicably apprehensive.

He couldn't even be sure if there were other spies in the firearms workshop besides Qian Huai.

Although all the craftsmen in the workshop had been personally questioned and screened by him, and had also been investigated by the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Imperial Carriage Office.

But whether it's the Embroidered Uniform Guard or the Imperial Carriage Office, they are all the emperor's lackeys and henchmen, so it's not too difficult for them to do something underhanded.

Even among the six officials in charge of the firearms workshop, Qian Huai may not have been the only informant.

Even if it's Liu Shizhen, whom I trust and am closest to, can I completely trust him?

Fortunately, he was upright and impartial in his words and actions in the workshop, never leaving any room for criticism, so there was no need to worry too much.

Whether it was Qian Huai, the workshop manager, or some other unknown person, whatever their purpose, they were doing sinister and mysterious things.

Jia Cong's only hope was that even though these people went their separate ways, their aspirations were the same, only their ways of being loyal to the king differed.

Perhaps once a monarch ascends the throne, possesses the four seas, and rules the world, he is destined to be unable to be a simple person when faced with immense power and wealth.

Without distinguishing between good and evil, black and white are blurred, all for the sake of self-preservation. Imperial power is passed down through generations, and all things under heaven can be treated as straw dogs.

Wise and thoughtful people, when advancing, remain loyal to the past; when retreating, remain discreet and self-protective. Creating a way out in time is the best policy, for serving a ruler has always been like serving a tiger…

As the wheels rolled on, Jia Cong's mind was in turmoil when suddenly the thunderous sound of horses' hooves came from outside the carriage.

He had fought on the battlefield in Liaodong and knew that such rapid hoofbeats must have been caused by a large cavalry unit galloping at full speed.

Although this place was not within the area protected by the Imperial Guards, Jia Cong passed by it every day on his way to and from work and never encountered a galloping cavalry.

Such a powerful and awe-inspiring commotion is something that ordinary wealthy families could not possibly create.

Jia Cong lifted the carriage curtain and saw nearly twenty fine horses galloping along the official road a dozen steps away.

The riders on horseback all wore fur coats and soft armor, carried swords and bows, and were described as fierce and brave. Their saddles were also laden with prey such as birds, rabbits, and wild deer.

The lead knight in the cavalry was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with slender shoulders, a straight back, and an upright posture, making him quite heroic.

He rode a magnificent, yellow steed, its saddle and reins adorned with gold and silver, exquisite and luxurious.

The man was wearing a black sable fur coat over a white floral robe, and his hair was styled in a Han Chinese bun.

Although he was dressed as a Han Chinese man inside and out, he had a high nose bridge, thick black eyebrows, fair skin, and rosy cheeks, showing the characteristics of a grassland person.

A sense of déjà vu instantly washed over Jia Cong. Wasn't this the same group of people who had galloped wildly on Hanzheng Street that day, startling passersby?

Jia Cong found it amusing; this prince from Ordos seemed to really enjoy hunting.

Moreover, he remains unchanged, still enjoying riding his horse recklessly. Hopefully, he will restrain himself after entering the city.

Although the man had changed into Hanfu, Jia Cong recognized him at a glance as Noyan Taiji, whom he had met on Hanzheng Street that day.

……

At this moment, Jiang Liu was driving his car from the side road onto the main road when he saw a cavalry caravan passing by ahead, their horses moving at an extremely fast speed.

He quickly stopped the carriage and waited for the other party to pass before turning onto the main road.

In the blink of an eye, the twenty-odd riders swept past Jia Cong's carriage like a whirlwind, kicking up clouds of dust.

As Jia Cong lifted the carriage curtain, the dust kicked up by the galloping cavalry rushed towards him, causing him to frown slightly.

However, the cavalry had already galloped a hundred paces away when Noyan Taiji, the leader, suddenly reined in the horses.

The accompanying entourage moved in unison, instantly bringing their horses under control. Their horsemanship was superb and skillful, and their discipline was impeccable, exuding a dignified military aura.

Noyan Taiji waved his hand slightly, and all twenty-odd followers stopped their horses on the spot. Only Noyan Taiji turned his horse around and slowly rode towards Jia Cong.

Jia Cong watched as he controlled his horse with such ease and grace, as if walking on flat ground despite being on the saddle.

The tall, magnificent yellow horse beneath him seemed to understand his thoughts, and without him needing to urge it on, it strolled over at a leisurely pace.

Jia Cong was also a skilled horseman, but he felt inferior to him in comparison.

People from the grasslands grow up on horseback, and their innate understanding and connection with horses is unmatched by ordinary people from the Central Plains.

Noyan Taiji rode his horse to Jia Cong's carriage, dismounted with agility.

He laughed and said, "Today I went hunting with my entourage. When I came from afar, I thought it looked like you. It was a pleasant surprise."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Taiji's horsemanship is still as superb as ever, leaving everyone else in the dust, with an extraordinary presence."

Nuoyuan Yantaiji smiled brightly and said, "Does Lord Weiyuan think I'm going to ride my horse through the streets again, making a ruckus and annoying people?"

Last time was just my first time entering the Central Plains. The people of the grasslands are used to riding horses, but I still understand the principle of adapting to local customs.

I rode slowly outside the city because it was open space; once inside the city, I naturally slowed down. I hope you will forgive me for disturbing the Earl of Weiyuan.

Noyan Taiji's eyes were clear. He glanced at Jia Cong's face and said, "I know that a few miles to the east of here is the firearms workshop of the Ministry of Works of the Great Zhou Dynasty."

It's widely rumored that many of the Great Zhou's amazing firearms were made in the workshop of the Earl of Weiyuan. Is he currently returning home after leaving his post?

When Jia Cong heard him mention the firearms workshop, he felt a slight chill and said, "The Taiji's information network is quite impressive."

Seeing that Jia Cong looked somewhat cautious, Noyan Taiji smiled and said, "The Marquis of Weiyuan pacified the Jurchens in one battle and is a young hero in the hearts of the people."

The deeds of Marquis Weiyuan are mostly circulated among the common people. I heard many stories about him after I entered the city, so it's not exactly a secret.

Marquis Weiyuan need not worry. The Ordos tribe has entered the capital with the sincere intention of negotiating peace and ending the war with the Great Zhou. They have no desire for the Great Zhou's firearms whatsoever.

Although we Ordos people are brave, as long as we have enough to eat and wear, we don't like riding horses and fighting.

The Eternal Heaven is fair to everyone, giving them only what they deserve. Excessive desires and ambitions are not only a heavy burden but also the source of disaster.

In your Han Chinese books, there is a saying that a virtuous person uses things, while a petty person is used by things; this shows that all the ultimate truths in the world lead to the same goal, regardless of the path taken.

……

Jia Cong was slightly surprised to hear this, not expecting that this Mongol prince was also well-versed in the Book of Han.

A virtuous person uses things, while a petty person is used by things. (From Xunzi's "Cultivating Oneself")

It serves as a warning that people should restrain their desires and ambitions, not be swayed by external things, and that those who are content are rich, and those who know when to stop endure.

He had been wary when Noyan Taiji mentioned the firearms workshop, especially now that the Great Zhou and the remnant Mongols were locked in a stalemate of war and peace.

Hearing of the Zhou dynasty's formidable firearms, the Mongols harbored ambitions and desires. It is highly likely that they would attempt to spy on the Zhou while seeking peace in the capital.

Just as he became wary, Noyan Taiji sensed his thoughts and frankly expressed his feelings about the firearms workshop.

Although Jia Cong did not know whether these words were true or false, since Noyan Taiji dared to say them, he must have some reservations.

Moreover, when the Mongol delegation came to the capital to negotiate peace, the Great Zhou only allowed 800 people into the city, while more than 1,000 members of the Mongol delegation were stationed in the western suburbs of the city.

Now, Jia Cong goes to court every day. He has official duties in the Firearms Department, which mostly involve military and national secrets, and he never reports them to the emperor in court.

Although he also served as a fifth-rank scholar in the Hanlin Academy, his position as a scholar was mostly just a figurehead for the Hanlin Academy.

The daily affairs of the Hanlin Academy were reported by Ge Hongzheng, the Hanlin Academy official.

Therefore, Jia Cong's daily court sessions were quite leisurely; he only needed to listen to the reports and discussions of the Six Ministries.

Therefore, he had some knowledge of the dynamics of various departments of the court and the most important administrative affairs at present.

A few days ago, when the Mongol delegation entered the capital, the Ministry of War immediately reported to the emperor, requesting that 3,000 troops from the Fifth Army be stationed in the western suburbs.

The purpose was to maintain vigilance and suppress the more than 1,000 remaining members of the Mongol delegation stationed in the western suburbs of the city.

Moreover, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Court of Judicial Review were mobilized everywhere to conduct a thorough search for any suspicious activity within the city, and Jia Cong had already heard rumors about it.

Under such heightened internal and external vigilance, any attempt by the Mongol delegation to commit any unsavory acts would be tantamount to trying to catch the moon's reflection in the water and inviting disaster upon themselves.

Although Jia Cong and Noyan Taiji only met once, Jia Cong knew that this man was quick-witted and resourceful, and was by no means an ordinary person. As one of the three leaders of the delegation, it was impossible for him to be completely unaware of these matters.

He could naturally think of the pros and cons that he himself could.

Moreover, his words just now were quite meaningful, as he specifically mentioned that the Ordos tribe was sincerely seeking peace and that war was not an unavoidable necessity.

It seems that the Ordos tribe was subtly distinguished from the other two major tribes of the Mongol remnants.

According to Jia Cong's vague conjecture, this distinction mainly refers to the distinction between the Ordos tribe and the Tuman tribe.

The three major tribes of the Mongol Empire each had more than 10,000 households under their command. Each tribe protected its own interests and even had friction and fighting among itself.

Not every tribal leader was as ambitious as Anda Khan, who sought to restore the former glory of the Golden Family.

As Noyan Taiji said, the Ordos tribes were not interested in horseback riding and fighting as long as they had enough to eat and wear.

He also said that excessive desires and ambitions are not only a heavy burden, but also the source of disaster.

Could this be a veiled expression of some kind of disapproval or distrust towards the Anda Khan of the Tuman tribe...?

In short, Noyan Taiji's seemingly unintentional few words revealed many intriguing things to Jia Cong.

Perhaps this was something Noyan Taiji intentionally made him realize?

This made him increasingly scrutinize and ponder this prince of the Ordos tribe.

……

Noyan Taiji laughed and said, "When we met last time on Hanzheng Street, I was very impressed by the demeanor and abilities of the Earl of Weiyuan, and I often think of him afterward."

There's a saying among you Han people: "It's better to meet by chance than to invite someone." Lord Weiyuan, would you be interested in coming into the city for a few drinks?

I've heard that there's a restaurant called Chunhualou in the east of the city, famous for its delicious dishes. I've long wanted to go and try it.

However, I have no one I can truly connect with, and going alone would be too boring. I wonder if the Earl of Weiyuan would be willing to accompany me.”

Jia Cong was slightly taken aback. He was an official of the imperial court, while Noyan Taiji was the leader of the Mongol delegation. There was no official business between them.

After the Mongol delegation arrived in Beijing, in addition to negotiating border trade matters with the relevant government departments, they also socialized and made acquaintances with officials from various ministries.

Regardless of the purpose of such behavior, it is not unusual for both parties to exchange gifts during the negotiation process.

The imperial court did not prohibit officials from contacting members of the delegation; it merely added a few superficial gestures of drinking and feasting to facilitate peace negotiations.

As for how to maintain appropriate boundaries in speech and behavior during contact, officials are well aware of this.

Those who can establish themselves in officialdom are rarely fools; they all understand that they are just playing along, going through the motions, and using their own methods.

Moreover, Noyan Taiji's words just now had already aroused Jia Cong's curiosity.

As one of the leaders of the Mongol delegation, if we can ascertain his thoughts and intentions, it will certainly be beneficial to understanding the overall situation of both sides.

His gaze inadvertently swept over the object and he noticed that Noyan Taiji had a telescope tucked into his waistband, exactly the same as the one he had been given. A slight thought stirred within him.

He said, "Since you have such an interest, I, Jia Cong, am willing to accompany you."

Noyan Taiji was very happy to see that Jia Cong had agreed, and waved to the cavalry not far away.

A burly man immediately rode over; it was none other than Hu Ergan, who had been dealt with by Jia Cong on Hanzheng Street that day.

Noyan Taiji said, “Hurgan, take the best of the game we have hunted and send it to the Earl.”

"Leave one horse behind, the rest of you return to the city first. The Earl and I will go into the city for a drink on our own; none of you need to come with us."

Hu Ergan said, “The Taiji goes out alone without any attendants. We are really worried about him.”

Noyan Taiji said, “Your attire, with swords and bows on your backs, is too conspicuous for you to come with me.”

"The capital is right under the emperor's nose, and the Earl of Weiyuan is a prominent figure in the capital, possessing exceptional skills. With him accompanying us at the banquet, nothing bad will happen."

Although Huergan was rough and reckless, he was very obedient to Noyan Taiji and dared not say anything more after hearing what he said.

He had already decided in his mind to select a few guards, change into Hanfu, and secretly accompany them.

He then selected another batch of fine game and had it loaded onto Jia Cong's carriage. Jia Cong then sent Jiang Liu back to the mansion to report the news.

He rode back to the city with Noyan Taiji. When they arrived at the Hongde Gate in the east of the city, he suddenly led the other guards back to the meeting hall.

Jia Cong and Nuoyan Taiji entered the city alone. When they reached the most bustling part of the city, it was just as dawn was breaking. The streets were teeming with people and the lanterns were just coming on.

The two dismounted and walked slowly with the reins in hand. Noyan Taiji was quick-witted, cheerful, and quite talkative. He often found topics to chat about with Jia Cong and they got along well.

Today, dressed in Han Chinese attire, he walked among the bustling crowd, and no one could tell that he was Mongolian.

Jia Cong even had a strange feeling that Noyan Taiji's words, actions, and daily behavior seemed to be somewhat different from those of the Mongols.

The Hanfu he wore looked so natural and harmonious on him, without the slightest awkwardness; it was as if he was born to wear Hanfu.

……

The two had just arrived at Chunhua Restaurant when night was just beginning to fall. The restaurant was packed with diners and business was booming.

Jia Cong is now quite famous in the capital, and he often gathers at Chunhua Tower with Cai Xiaoxiaoyu, Liu Xiaoping and others. Many of the waiters in the tower recognize him.

As soon as the two stepped into the building, the shopkeeper greeted them with a smile and personally led Jia Cong to a quiet and elegant room on the second floor.

Noyan Taiji laughed and said, "Inviting the Earl out for a drink was really the right choice; it has made things much more convenient."

Once the two entered the private room, the shopkeeper personally handed them the menu. Since Noyan Taiji was a guest from afar, Jia Cong asked the shopkeeper to let him order.

Jia Cong thought that when Mongolians drank and ate, they mostly ordered things like beef and mutton liver.

Noyan Taiji glanced at the menu and said, "Let's start with a few plates of trendy dried and fresh fruits to whet our appetites. I've heard your rose-flavored golden jujubes are famous, so I'll have a plate of those too."

For the rest of the hot dishes, we ordered Jiangnan cuisine, just picking the ones that were on the menu: one serving each of squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, sizzling eel, Suzhou-style braised duck, and crab roe tofu.

"Let's have a mix of meat and vegetables, like braised pork with bamboo shoots and stew, braised pork with tofu knots, and braised pork with ginkgo and bok choy..."

Jia Cong was somewhat surprised when he heard Noyan Taiji recite a list of dishes.

He not only ordered authentic Jiangnan dishes, but also ordered dried and fresh fruits and candied fruits first, and then ordered meat and vegetable hot dishes.

The way he ordered the food was quite elaborate, making him seem less like a grassland dweller and more like a seasoned gourmet.

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "This customer is truly an expert. He has ordered authentic Suzhou and Yangzhou dishes, all of which are our specialty."

Noyan Taiji smiled and said, "Bring me two more pots of Yutangchun from the shop's cellar. Don't try to fool me with some low-aged ones."

The shopkeeper repeatedly said he dared not. He had seen the way the man was ordering food and that he had come with Marquis Jia Cong of Weiyuan, so he assumed that the man was also from a wealthy family and would not dare to deceive him.

After the shopkeeper went to prepare the dishes, Jia Cong laughed and said, "I didn't expect that Taiji, who grew up in the desert, would be so familiar with the cuisine of Jiangnan."

Noyan Taiji laughed and said, "Actually, my mother is Han Chinese, so I have half Han Chinese blood."
My mother often talked about the local customs and the exquisite and delicious food. Since I was a child, I have always admired the scenery and culture of the south.

However, the desert only has birds and beasts, not chickens, ducks, fish, or eggs, so even if Mother knew the local dishes, she couldn't cook them.

"This time, I accompanied the delegation south to negotiate peace. The three major tribes follow the lead of the Tuman tribe, so I don't need to put in much effort. My trip to Shenjing is more like a sightseeing tour."

Upon hearing this, Jia Cong was struck by a thought. Mongolians call their mothers "Eji," and he never expected that this prince from Ordos would be born to a Han woman.

Moreover, Noyan Taiji was refined in speech and meticulous in thought, unlike the straightforward and crude people of the grasslands.

He could quote classical texts in his speech, showing a deep immersion in Han Chinese classics. Could it be that all of this was taught to him by his Han Chinese mother?

In this day and age, women who are literate and knowledgeable are almost always rich and noble, and it's unknown who his mother is.

In just the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the waiters began to serve the ordered dishes.

Noyan Taiji filled Jia Cong's wine cup and said with a smile, "I grew up in the desert and have always admired the people and customs of the Central Plains."

Although we went south to negotiate peace this time, the direction of the peace talks between the two sides is not something that the Ordos region can control, so I will just enjoy my leisure.

"Having met Marquis Weiyuan during this trip to the capital, I consider my journey worthwhile. I'll first offer this cup of wine to Marquis Weiyuan."

Seeing that he raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp, looking carefree and speaking with enthusiasm, Jia Cong smiled slightly and also raised his cup to drink in return.

Noyan Taiji said, "We Mongols are nomadic people who live without a fixed abode. We often gather and disperse, and we regard guests who can drink and make merry with us as lifelong friends."

It is a rare and precious fate that we can meet here today, thousands of miles apart. Since we are now friends, there is no need for formalities in our words, which will show our tacit understanding and closeness.

"My lord, you need not address me as Taiji, just call me Nuoyan. And I will not address you as Earl Weiyuan, but simply call you Jia Cong, is that proper conduct between Han friends?"

Jia Cong smiled, raised his glass in greeting, and said, "Very good."

He had barely finished speaking when his gaze flickered towards the closed door, then quickly returned to his drinking session with Noyan Taiji… (End of Chapter)