Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The Great Zhou Palace, Wenyuan Pavilion.

This place is where the Grand Zhou Cabinet governs, and it is also where the elites of the court gather. Wang Shilun, who holds this position, is shrewd and knowledgeable.

Jia Cong's clear and insightful words left him somewhat dazed, his thoughts churning. Only Jia Cong's clear voice continued to echo in his ears.

"The students thought that the peace negotiations could be carried out step by step, and that it was the right time to take advantage of the peace negotiations to investigate the differences and entanglements among the three tribes."

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. This can help the court plan for the overall situation outside the Great Wall, prepare for any eventuality, and seize the opportunity to strike first..."

Jia Cong's words took a different approach, hitting the nail on the head from what others overlooked, giving Wang Shilun a refreshing feeling.

The two men got into a lively conversation and chatted for nearly half an hour before Jia Cong got up to take his leave.

Wang Shilun escorted him to the gate of the official residence. After Jia Cong bowed and left, he remained standing there, watching his departing figure, lost in thought.

After leaving Wenyuan Pavilion, Jia Cong went to the Ministry of War to pay his respects to Gu Yankui.

He was very familiar with Gu Yankui, and their conversations were more casual than those with Wang Shilun.

Gu Yankui was naturally pleased with Jia Cong's appointment as the peace clerk, and his thoughts on the remaining Mongol tribes were also recognized by Gu Yankui.

However, the Mongol delegation is now raising its bargaining chips, attempting to increase the trade volume by 40%, and the peace talks between the two states have reached a stalemate.

Gu Yankui and Wang Shilun no longer attended the peace talks, leaving only a few officials from the Ministry of War to handle the daily consultations.

Gu Yankui instructed Jia Cong to participate in daily consultations as an observer, to pay attention to the progress of the peace talks, and to assess the situation.

If he encounters any inconvenience in his plans, he can consult me ​​at any time.

Once Jia Cong had met with the two officials in charge of the peace negotiations, he would have gained all the advantages in participating in the various aspects of the peace negotiations.

As for how to settle his thoughts, he had not yet made a complete plan. He did not have a deep relationship with Noyan Taiji, so he could only act according to circumstances.

When he left the Ministry of War, it was nearly noon, because Gu Yankui had said that there was no important agenda for the Ministry of War and the Mongol delegation today.

So he didn't have to go to the meeting hall again. The production of 500 breech-loading guns was now complete, and the major tasks of the Firearms Department were finished by the end of the year.

Since he was appointed by imperial decree to be the chief clerk of the peace negotiations between the two nations, he temporarily handed over the firearms workshop to Liu Shizhen for management and never returned to the workshop outside the city.

So, stealing half a day of leisure, I found a quiet shop, had lunch, and then headed home.

……

The Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

During the day, Wu'er and Ping'er went to the West Mansion to manage household affairs, while Zhi Shao went to the South Slope Courtyard to accompany her master and senior sister.

A north wind howled in the courtyard, and the doors and windows of the main room were tightly closed. Two bronze and cloisonné incense burners were burning, filling the air with a warm and fragrant aroma.

Qingwen, Yinglian, and Lingguan were warming themselves around the incense burner. Three pairs of embroidered shoes of different colors were placed on the edge of the burner, looking delicate, lively, and charming.

Qingwen was embroidering a handkerchief, and Lingguan was examining it closely next to her, while Yinglian was flipping through a book of true records.

On the daybed in the hall, Douguan, wearing rabbit fur earmuffs on her head, was dozing off against a cushion, her little face flushed, looking charmingly languid.

The afternoon was quiet and long, and Qingwen and the others enjoyed themselves, chatting and laughing with each other from time to time.

They had nothing of real business to discuss, only talking about how well the embroidery was done here, how wonderfully the colors were chosen there, or Yinglian would recount passages from books, each of them discussing and laughing.

Douguan found their conversation interesting and was no longer sleepy in the afternoon. She came over and squeezed in with them. One moment she asked Qingwen to teach her embroidery, and the next she asked Yinglian to teach her to read.

Just as the group was enjoying themselves, they heard footsteps coming from the courtyard, and then Jia Cong pushed open the door and came in.

Yinglian hurriedly put down her book and stepped forward, smiling, "Young Master, what's so wonderful today? You can leave the yamen and return home in broad daylight?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Since there isn't much official business today, I'll take the opportunity to go back to the manor early and enjoy half a day of leisure. What are you all doing?"

Qingwen laughed and said, "What else can we do? We just embroider, read books, and chat to pass the time. I'll help Third Master change into his official robes."

After Jia Cong took Qingwen back to their room and changed her into her everyday clothes, he let Qingwen and the others talk at home. He then took advantage of the free time to stroll around the sisters' courtyard.

……

As we approached Daiyu's courtyard, we heard the north wind howling as soon as we entered. The bamboo shadows in the courtyard rustled and swayed.

Upon entering the outer room of the main house, one sees Zijuan sitting with her head down, doing needlework, with a four-legged charcoal brazier beside her, burning with bright red bamboo charcoal.

She wore a light blue embroidered purple satin vest with a collar, a pink patterned stand-up collar jacket, and a pink long skirt, exuding a delicate and graceful beauty.

Seeing Jia Cong enter the room, she smiled and said, "I didn't hear that Third Master was taking a day off today. It's quite rare to see you here at this hour."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "It's just a coincidence that I'm heading back to the manor early today. I haven't visited in a few days, so I came to see Sister Lin."

Zijuan said, "The young lady hasn't gone out since lunch. She's been dozing on a recliner in the inner room for some time now."

I was worried that if the girl slept too long, she wouldn't sleep well at night. Third Master's arrival was just in time, and he was able to talk to her to relieve her fatigue.

Third Master, you can go wait in the inner room. I'll go make you some tea.

Jia Cong knew that Zijuan was clever and knew how to take good care of Daiyu. Since she let him wait in the inner room, it must be because Daiyu was sleeping fully clothed and there was no need to be discreet.

The inner room was three degrees warmer than the outer room. The incense burner inside was burning hot, covered with a bamboo slat cover, emitting a fragrant and warm aroma.

On a bamboo reclining chair, covered with a thick satin-lined quilt, Daiyu leaned back, eyes closed, fast asleep.

Jia Cong approached quietly and saw Daiyu wearing a light blue satin long jacket with floral patterns, a moon-white pleated skirt embroidered with plum blossoms, and a futon blanket covering her slender waist.

Over the past few years, Daiyu's karmic debts have been extinguished, her inner knots have melted away, and she has broken free from her old ways. She has also taken the Three Lives Nourishing Soul Pill to strengthen her constitution and nourish her body.

Now, each day is better than the last. The root of the illness is gradually disappearing, and my Qi and blood are becoming more and more harmonious. I eat and sleep well, and my complexion is radiant and delightful.

Although she was not yet of marriageable age, she had already grown into a tall and graceful woman with a slender waist and graceful curves, like a lotus flower in full bloom, becoming more and more charming and beautiful.

Her originally slightly thin cheeks now have a youthful softness, radiating a bright and radiant glow.

She slept soundly, her skin fair and radiant, her cheeks slightly flushed, her eyebrows delicately arched, her eyelashes curled, and her breath intoxicating.

Jia Cong did not wake her, but instead brought over a round stool, sat down next to the recliner, and admired Daiyu's beautiful sleeping state for a moment.

He then gently unfolded the blanket around her waist and covered her body to prevent her from being startled in her sleep.

However, Daiyu was a very alert sleeper. As soon as Jia Cong made the slightest movement, she opened her eyes slightly.

Seeing Jia Cong sitting beside him, he sat up and said with a smile, "It's really rare for Third Brother to come at this hour."

At lunchtime, the kitchen served a wild mushroom and pheasant soup, which was quite delicious. I ate a few extra bites and felt a bit sleepy, so I lay down briefly and fell asleep without even realizing it.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "What's the big deal? My sister is healthy, eats and sleeps well, which is a rare and precious thing."

Daiyu teased, "Look at what Third Brother is saying, what do you mean by being able to eat and sleep well? I've become a lazy girl."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Even a lazy girl is better than a sick girl. As long as my sister is healthy and free from all illnesses, nothing else matters."

Your uncle didn't want you to come back to Yangzhou to visit your family after you turned 18.

Judging from my sister's current complexion, with a year or two of rest, she'll surely grow even more beautiful. Wouldn't my uncle be overjoyed to see her?

When Daiyu heard him mention the age of coming of age, her pretty face inexplicably flushed, and she said, "Third Brother is just saying nice things to coax people."

He then asked, "It's quite unusual for Third Brother to return home so early today. Don't you have any duties to attend to at the yamen?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "The major tasks of the yamen at the end of the year have been completed, and I don't need to keep an eye on the remaining matters every day."

These days I've been able to steal some free time, which is why I was able to return home early, though I've disturbed my sister's sweet dreams.

As the two were talking, Zijuan brought in hot tea, and Xueyan carried a copper basin of hot water to help Daiyu wash her face and wake up after sleeping.

Daiyu asked Zijuan to bring out the chessboard and pieces, and the two played chess and chatted. Outside the window, the cold wind was biting, but inside, the sound of chess pieces falling was mixed with pleasant laughter.

……

The two were playing chess when they heard footsteps outside the door. Zijuan asked, "Sister Ping'er, what brings you here?"

Jia Cong heard Ping'er say, "Is Third Master with Miss Lin?"

Upon seeing Ping'er enter the inner room, Jia Cong laughed and said, "You're quite well-informed, knowing to come here to find me."

Ping'er smiled and said, "It's already December, and the New Year is just around the corner. Grandma said that Third Master is the head of both the East and West mansions, and there are some things that need to be done together during the New Year celebrations."

They sent me to deliver a message to the Second Miss, wanting to hear her ideas and plans.

I discussed the matter with the Second Miss and talked with Musk Moon about the arrangements. After everything was finished, I went back to our courtyard.

According to Qingwen, Third Master had already returned to the manor and was visiting the young ladies' courtyards.

I came to Miss Lin's place first, and sure enough, I saw Third Master there.

Daiyu smiled and said, "Sister Ping, please don't come here often. Since you're here, please sit down and chat. Zijuan, please serve Sister Ping some hot tea." Ping'er smiled and said, "Miss, you don't need to be so polite. I have something to discuss with Third Master. I'll come back to ask for your tea next time."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Why are you looking for me out of the blue?"

Ping'er said, "This morning, Second Madam said there was something that had been sitting there for two days, but Third Master was too busy with official duties to do it."

"Let me tell Third Master when I see him that he needs to visit Grandma's courtyard when he has some free time. Grandma has something important to discuss with Third Master."

Jia Cong asked, "Second Sister-in-law, did you say something important?"

Ping'er replied, "Grandma only said it was about Aunt's family, but didn't tell me the details."

I thought Third Master would return to the manor early today, so I might as well take this opportunity to go there; it won't delay important matters.

Jia Cong was puzzled. Since it was a matter concerning Aunt Xue's family, why didn't he speak up himself, but instead had Wang Xifeng do it?
Daiyu said, "Third Brother, since Sister Feng has something important to discuss with you, you should go and see her first. We can play chess and talk again when you come back."

Jia Cong led Ping'er out of Daiyu's courtyard. The two passed through the small gate of the corridor between the two mansions, entered the West Mansion, and headed towards Fengjie's courtyard.

Ping'er slowed her pace slightly and said, "Third Master, please wait in Grandma's courtyard first. I'll go to Rongqing Hall to inform Grandma. When you come out, Grandma will go and greet the old lady."

……

Upon hearing this, Jia Cong paused slightly and said, "Second Sister-in-law went to Rongqing Hall?"

Ping'er heard a hint of disappointment in his words, along with a faint sense of headache, and she couldn't help but find it amusing.

His master was top-notch in everything, and every year during festivals, countless nobles and relatives would come to visit.

Whether it was noblemen or young masters, or women and elders in the inner quarters, Third Master could handle them all with ease, maintain composure, and speak with authority, earning him praise from everyone.

He has never said much in front of his own grandmother, and even when he does have something to say, it is mostly to annoy the old lady.

When they usually went to the Third Master's Rongqing Hall to pay their respects, the Second Miss would accompany them closely, while the other young ladies of the family would follow them around like stars around the moon.

Because the girls knew Third Master's temper, they helped him and the old lady, so that the two of them could have more harmony.

As for why the Third Master didn't speak affectionately to the Old Madam, it's because he was neglected by the Old Madam when he was young and suffered too much in the East Wing Courtyard.

Thinking of the rumors about Jia Cong in the East Wing Courtyard, Ping'er felt a pang of heartache. How difficult it must have been for Third Master back then.

Although many years have passed, the knot in the hearts of the grandfather and grandson is probably difficult to completely remove.

Ping'er said, "When I came to the East Mansion, I knew that Third Master would be returning early today, so I stopped Madam from waiting in the courtyard."

Jia Cong said, "Since Second Sister-in-law is in Rongqing Hall, you go and deliver the message. As soon as Second Sister-in-law gets up and leaves, the old lady will most likely ask why."

"There's no way to avoid it. If I don't visit, there will be more conversation during holidays, and everyone will feel less comfortable. A proper greeting will keep things peaceful for everyone."

Ping'er smiled bitterly to herself. She had been too naive. She wanted to help Third Master avoid trouble, but there were too many informants in the West Mansion. Just as Third Master said, there was no way to escape.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Grandmother Jia was leaning back on the daybed, chatting with Wang Xifeng. Lady Wang, who had come to pay her respects that day, was also there, chatting and laughing with her.

Baoyu sat listlessly to one side. His sisters had come to Rongqing Hall that morning, but Baoyu remembered what had happened a few days ago and was too embarrassed to show his face.

When Lady Wang visited the West Mansion, she insisted on bringing Baoyu along to chat with Grandmother Jia.

She knew that in the old lady's heart, she was far less precious than her son. Since the old lady always remembered the second branch of the family, Baoyu naturally had to show his filial piety more often.

Yuanyang, wearing a mugwort-green cross-collar long vest, a light blue long skirt, and a pine-green handkerchief tied around her waist, was standing by the couch and table, brewing hot Lao Jun Mei tea for Grandmother Jia.

Although Grandmother Jia was old, she ate a refined and luxurious diet, often eating oily dishes such as fish and meat. Lao Jun Mei tea was the best for digestion and relieving greasiness, and Grandmother Jia drank it every day.

Wang Xifeng speaks fluently and often utters witty remarks, which sometimes make Grandmother Jia laugh heartily. Although Lady Wang also laughs along, her smile is somewhat forced.

Now that she can no longer easily move around the West Mansion, she naturally hopes to have a private conversation with Grandmother Jia every time, but with Wang Xifeng standing right in front of her, it's really inconvenient.

This made her feel a little annoyed. This girl Feng was in charge of such a big mansion, yet she just sat there idly, not moving, and kept acting silly and talking nonsense in front of the old lady.

When I was in charge of the Rongguo Mansion, I never had so much free time, not even for a single day and night.

Madam Wang harbored resentment in her heart, but she was only projecting her own experience onto others. She didn't fully understand that Wang Xifeng's current management style was vastly different from when she was in charge.

Back then, Wang Xifeng was merely a gofer for Madam Wang, doing everything according to Madam Wang's wishes. She was overwhelmed with work and couldn't fully utilize her abilities.

Now that Lady Wang is no longer controlling him, he can handle everything according to his own wishes, making things much more straightforward and efficient, and naturally achieving twice the results with half the effort in everything he does.

In addition, Ping'er was the only one by his side to help him, and he was short of capable people. Now he has the addition of the meticulous Wu'er.

This meant that one Ping'er had become two, which naturally made things much easier for her than in previous years.

With the West Mansion now lacking the second branch of the household and a large number of servants, and with Yingchun and her sisters moving to the East Mansion, only Grandmother Jia and herself remain as the masters of the entire mansion.

Although Baoyu still lingers in the West Mansion, he's a complete idiot. Without Madam Wang's support, Wang Xifeng can easily manipulate him.

Moreover, Lin Zhixiao and his wife were won over by Jia Cong, and they took meticulous care of household chores, even more so than in previous years, which made things much easier for Wang Xifeng.

Therefore, even though it is now the twelfth lunar month and the household chores in the West Mansion are increasing day by day, Wang Xifeng still manages to cope with them with ease. After being busy for half a day, she can relax after noon.

Yingchun, Daiyu, and other sisters would visit Rongqing Hall in the morning, while Wang Xifeng would mostly show her face in the afternoon.

Knowing that Grandmother Jia was getting old and that the days were short in winter, she dared not take a nap so as not to sleep soundly at night.

She chose to come in the afternoon to pay her respects and talk, both to make things convenient for herself and to please the old lady, because as long as she talked to relieve her boredom, Grandmother Jia would not feel sleepy at all.

In the past, when Wang Xifeng came over, she would sit for a short while, chat for a few hours to relieve her boredom, and then leave.

But seeing Madam Wang come today, she was unwilling to leave so quickly.

She knew that her aunt was still ambitious; even though the second wife's family had fallen to such a state, she was still thinking about turning her life around.

If I were to get up and leave on my own, my aunt would probably stir up trouble and gossip in front of the old lady.

I have nothing to do this afternoon, and going back would just be a waste of time, so I might as well stay here and stir things up.

……

Just as Wang Xifeng was speaking wittily and stealing the spotlight, making Grandmother Jia very happy and cheerful.

Madam Wang was full of ambition and had a lot to say, but she had no way to use it and became a mere background figure in the hall, feeling depressed and uneasy.

At this moment, footsteps were heard outside the hall, and the curtain was lifted to reveal Jia Cong and Ping'er entering.

When Grandmother Jia and Wang Xifeng saw Jia Cong at this time, they were somewhat surprised, but they didn't pay much attention to it.

Only Lady Wang seemed somewhat uncomfortable when she saw Jia Cong.

Although the second wife had long since moved out of Rongguo Mansion, Madam Wang still harbored a deep attachment to the West Mansion and would occasionally return to inspect it.

However, every time she came, she would choose a time when Jia Cong was at the yamen during the day, trying her best to avoid meeting him.

Normally, Jia Cong would not appear at the two mansions in the afternoon unless the government office was closed.

When she left home today, Jia Zheng went to his office as usual, which is why she came over to visit him.

Unexpectedly, she ran into Jia Cong. She knew very well that Jia Cong did not like her, and she felt somewhat awkward, like an unwelcome guest meeting her host.

After Jia Cong paid his respects to Grandmother Jia, Wang Xifeng said with a smile, "It's rare to have Brother Cong at home at this time. I have something important to discuss with you."

Jia Cong said, "I just heard Ping'er mention it. Why don't we go to Second Sister-in-law's courtyard to discuss it, so as not to disturb the old lady?"

Grandmother Jia casually asked with a smile, "Do you two have any important matters to attend to? Is it something to do at the end of the year?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng's heart stirred slightly, and she subconsciously glanced at Madam Wang.

Thinking back to when Aunt Xue proposed moving out of Rongqing Hall, Madam Wang, as the elder sister, didn't say a single word to persuade her to stay, appearing quite indifferent.

Later, when Cong and his brother sincerely tried to persuade the Xue family to stay, even a fool could see the unease on their aunt's face.

Wang Xifeng never understood the reason for this, and would often bring it up to ponder it afterward.

Although she couldn't figure it out, she was certain that her two aunts must have secretly harbored resentment towards each other, but neither of them would bring it up.

Seeing that Madam Wang still refused to give up and that her words and actions still showed no sign of letting go of the Xi Mansion's business, she naturally saw an opportunity to squeeze and suppress her, and she would not miss it.

The fact that the Xue family was still living in Pear Fragrance Courtyard made Auntie realize that the Xue family and the eldest son's family were becoming increasingly close, which naturally embarrassed her.

The Western Prefecture is an impenetrable fortress, impenetrable and unassailable. It's only her who's a nuisance, so it's good that she gives up on her hopes as soon as possible.

He laughed and said, "Look at what the old lady is saying. This matter is important, but it's also a good thing that can be done without keeping it from others."

The Xue family has a large business in Jinling, but times are tough these days, and they would like to ask Brother Cong for help..." (End of this chapter)