Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

The figures swayed, dressed in fine clothes, surrounded by a gentle fragrance, their hairpins and ornaments gleaming, as they chatted about delightful topics.

Grandmother Jia loved lively gatherings, and she was pleased to see so many people arrive. She immediately ordered her maid to serve fresh tea.

They then had charcoal added to the incense burner to prevent the warmth from diminishing with more people, and then chatted with Aunt Xue about other things.

A deal that benefited both parties was settled in just a few words, and Aunt Xue was very pleased.

Seeing that Madam Wang was present, it seemed that everyone had heard Wang Xifeng's mediation of the matter, including the old lady.

Even if the elder sister was unhappy about the Xue family's close relationship with Jia Cong, she would still be wary and dare not do anything malicious out of consideration for the Jia family's reputation.

Otherwise, she would offend everyone in the house, and how would her sister maintain her standing in the Jia family in the future?

Aunt Xue's concerns about Baochai's maiden name also diminished her interest considerably...

Since Wang Xifeng had already brought up the matter, Aunt Xue took advantage of Jia Mu's teasing remarks and asked her daughter to handle the matter.

Although the mother and daughter had already discussed the details of renting out the shop.

However, Aunt Xue had ulterior motives in asking her daughter to discuss the arrangements with Jia Cong.

With less concern for Lady Wang, Aunt Xue also wanted to take this opportunity to let her daughter and Jia Cong have more contact and get closer, so that Jia Cong could receive her daughter's favor.

Because of the pretext of planning the family business, there is no need to worry about being gossiped about. Although the future outcome is unknown, it is always beneficial and harmless.

She watched her daughter and Jia Congzheng talking so congenially and couldn't help but smile knowingly.

……

Jia Cong had traveled to the south of the Yangtze River twice and had lived in Jinling for more than half a year, so he was very familiar with all parts of the city.

The shops Baochai mentioned were all located in the most bustling streets of Jinling, where every inch of land was incredibly valuable.

The fact that the Xue family is willing to offer these shops for rent shows that they are quite sincere about this matter.

Baochai smiled and said, "Although I think these places are not bad, Miss Qu is in charge of Jinling Xinchun Shop, so she knows best which shops are suitable."

"I suggest Brother Cong write to Miss Qu to see which shop locations she prefers, so we can be more targeted and things will go more smoothly."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Sister Bao's idea is still the most appropriate."

Baochai laughed and said, "I usually stay in my room, so I don't have much experience outside. I just figure things out on my own, and I don't always take things seriously."

I greatly admire Miss Qu of Xinchunhao. She single-handedly supports such a large business. I heard from my second sister that Miss Qu is also skilled in martial arts.

The Lian brothers' skills in fighting on the battlefield were all taught to them by their older sister, Qu, from a young age. They are truly capable in any field, and their abilities are truly admirable.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Sister Xiu is my proper teacher, but she is only a few years older than me. If I call her that, she will get angry and think it sounds too old-fashioned."

Baochai found his words amusing and burst out laughing.

Seeing Baochai and Baoyu talking intimately, Baoyu felt a surge of bitterness, as if his heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys were all convulsing.

Feeling a surge of righteous indignation within him, which surged forth from both sides, he could no longer restrain the words that had been suppressed.

She said, "Sister Bao, in my opinion, since the matter of the Xue family shop has been settled, let Aunt and Brother Xue handle it."

My elder sister is a young lady from a respectable family, dignified and elegant, adorned with flowers in her hair, gazing at the mirror, indulging in romantic pursuits—only such a life is worthy of her career.

Why bother with such petty economic matters? Wouldn't that be beneath someone like my sister?

After saying this, Baoyu felt a little proud. He thought that Baochai would be happy to hear his precious words.

Unlike Jia Cong, who, like a parasite, drags along a young lady like Baochai to talk at length about business, disrespecting women, losing all decorum, and utterly nonsensical.

He has read so many books, yet he has not a shred of integrity. What use are all those worthless academic achievements?

The fact that he genuinely loves his daughter alone is enough to distinguish him from others.

……

Everyone in the hall, except for Madam Wang, was chatting happily when Baoyu suddenly spoke, immediately attracting everyone's attention.

Aunt Xue deliberately arranged for her daughter and Jia Cong to manage the shop, and she had her own good intentions.

Hearing Baoyu's sudden nonsensical words, and seeing that he was trying to dissuade him from doing so, she felt a surge of anger.

Baoyu is a man who is about to become a father, and his wife is about to be married. Yet he still bosses around his daughter and has unrealistic fantasies. He has no shame.

My sister is a formidable person, how could she have raised such an unreliable son? I never realized it before.

Wang Xifeng was sharp-witted and had always disliked Lady Wang and her son. Although she was chatting with Grandmother Jia and Aunt Xue, half of her mind was on them.

From the moment Baochai entered the hall, she noticed Baoyu's expression; his eyes seemed to pop out of their sockets, and she felt a sense of scorn and disdain in her heart.

There's no shortage of women in Baoyu's room, yet he's still shameless and unruly, as if he's never seen a woman before.

After seeing Baochai enter the hall, she went straight to sit next to Jia Cong without even glancing at Baoyu.

Seeing Baoyu's face turn pale and his lips involuntarily purse, Wang Xifeng was secretly delighted, thinking that chatting with the old lady was nothing compared to this.

Hearing Baoyu solemnly instructing Baochai, Wang Xifeng almost burst out laughing, thinking that Baoyu really didn't know what was going on.

It's one thing to act recklessly in front of others, but to dare to do this in front of Cong Laosan is something else entirely. He's the kind of person who dares to talk back even to an old lady.

Baoyu is itching for a good beating and wants Cong Laosan to skin him alive and give him a good time.

Wang Xifeng suddenly became very interested, and even lost interest in chatting with Grandmother Jia. Her phoenix eyes kept glancing in this direction.

……

Although Lady Wang disliked Jia Cong, she knew he was like a hedgehog; if anyone embarrassed him, he would prick them until he had a hand full of holes, a trait he had maintained since childhood.

That Baoyu is so clueless. He doesn't know anything about Baoya's background. She's already hooked up with this boy, and he's still so eager to get close to her.

With Bao-yatou's character, does she deserve to be treated like this by me, Bao-yu? She has no such good fortune.

Grandmother Jia was having a lively conversation with Aunt Xue and Wang Xifeng, but she was hard of hearing due to her age.

Unlike Aunt Xue, who was concerned about her own affairs, and unlike Wang Xifeng, who was sharp-witted, she did not hear Baoyu's words clearly for a moment.

If Grandmother Jia had overheard this, she would have surely connected it to the incident of Ping'er entering the room that day, and would most likely have intervened to stop her, lest Baoyu be confused and embarrassed again.

However, Wang Xifeng was a cunning and sly woman. She was waiting to see what would happen and was worried that Grandmother Jia would notice something was wrong and would interrupt the conversation.

As soon as Baoyu finished speaking his heartfelt words, she entangled Grandmother Jia with a topic of conversation, preventing her from paying attention to anything else.

Yuanyang's thoughts were on Jia Cong. Seeing him chatting so amiably with Baochai, she naturally overheard Baoyu's foolish words, but simply ignored them.

……

When Jia Cong heard Bao Yu's foolish words, he wasn't angry, but rather found it amusing, and gave him a mocking look.

Baochai found Baoyu's words forced and unpleasant. She was discussing the shop with her brother Cong, but he said that a girl shouldn't be involved in financial matters.

This wasn't in front of Brother Cong; she was already so angry that she said she didn't act like a proper young lady. Baochai's pretty face turned red.

However, she was always prudent and, because Lady Wang was present, she was somewhat hesitant and unwilling to lose face with Baoyu.

He said calmly, "Brother Bao, you are wrong. When my father was alive, he often taught my brother and me that the Xue family's ancestral property was the result of the hard work of several generations of ancestors."

All descendants of the Xue family, regardless of gender, must do their utmost to ensure the proper inheritance of their ancestral property.

Although I am a woman, I cannot stand idly by and watch the family business fall into disarray, reaping the benefits without contributing anything. I must do my part to live up to my father's teachings.

Upon hearing Baochai's words, Baoyu's round face immediately turned bright red, like a pancake freshly baked in an iron pan.

Although he was narcissistic and arrogant, he wasn't really stupid; he could still tell the difference between good and bad words.

Although Baochai spoke politely and eloquently, and used filial piety as her pretext, no one dared to find fault with her.

But the words she used, such as "standing idly by" and "reaping the benefits without lifting a finger," seemed so sharp, like a blade that kills without drawing blood.

Baoyu felt a tightness in his chest and a burning sensation on his face, as if he had been slapped on both sides.

Madam Wang was also a shrewd woman. She knew that her niece appeared generous and graceful, but in fact, she was quite intelligent and a formidable person.

Those words were polite and reasonable, but in reality they were not polite at all, which made her quite resentful.

As the grandson of the Duke of Rongguo and only of the age of dancing elephants, Baoyu's noble status was incomparable to that of the Xue family, a mere merchant family.

The Jia family has the glory of hereditary nobility, unlike the Xue family which makes a living by selling money. My Baoyu is well taken care of in the inner quarters; that is his destiny of wealth and honor.

The Xue family's sons are destined to be merchants; how can my Baoyu compare?

Madam Wang was about to say a few words to save face for her son.

……

Before she could even speak, Jia Cong said calmly, "Baoyu, you've never understood economics, so you should consult with Sister Bao more often."

Heaven and earth give birth to yin and yang, and the world has men and women who complement each other and are indispensable. Men and women are born equal and of the same kind.

What men can do, women can do too.

To expect a woman to be viewed differently, to be told what she should and shouldn't do, is nothing but pedantic nonsense.

Moreover, whether it is studying for a degree or engaging in commerce, there is no distinction between high and low status.

As human beings, we should learn from our strengths and make up for our weaknesses, choosing a profession that benefits the country and protects our families. Even merchants are not inferior to high-ranking officials and those with high salaries. After the twelfth lunar month, you will enter the Imperial Academy to study. Right now, the most important thing is to work hard on the classics so that you can handle things with ease when you enter the academy in the spring.

Perhaps it can also bring new prosperity to the Jia family's business. Don't worry too much about other things. There will be many visitors to the aristocratic families in the twelfth lunar month. I will often entertain guests at Rongxi Hall.

Since you are still living in the West Mansion, if you have any questions about the classics, you are welcome to come in and ask. I will certainly give you some guidance..."

……

When Baochai heard Jia Cong say that men and women should be treated equally, and that women could do the same things as men, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

The Cong brothers were both second-place finishers in the imperial examinations and outstanding scholars in the Hanlin Academy. They read books but did not blindly believe in them; these are the true scholars.

No wonder he entrusted such a big business as Xinchunhao to Miss Qu to manage. He taught every maid in his room to read and write.

This is what it truly means to value and cherish young women, unlike Baoyu who was merely a hypocrite who loved dragons but was terrified of them, thinking that women should only adorn themselves with flowers and gaze at the mirror, indulging in romantic tales.

He himself is idle and wants all women to be the same, which makes him look at all women in the world as too shallow and worthless, as if they were all as lazy and incompetent as him.

……

Lady Wang originally wanted to speak up for her son and help him save face, but she didn't expect Jia Cong to say such a thing.

Although she felt that the idea of ​​men and women walking together and being on equal footing was utterly outrageous and nonsense, Jia Cong spoke of it in a very high-sounding manner.

Although Madam Wang was very strong-willed, she didn't have the confidence to find fault with a Hanlin scholar.

Moreover, Jia Cong even said he would guide Baoyu in his studies; his master would probably be overjoyed to hear that.

If he were to say no in court, he would be the subject of much gossip, becoming a pariah both inside and outside the household, with everyone in the mansion talking behind his back.

Lady Wang was filled with resentment, and seeing Baoyu's terrified expression, she realized that it was extremely wise of her to avoid this boy every time she came to the West Mansion.

Hearing Jia Cong's words, Wang Xifeng secretly admired him, thinking how clever these scholars were.

He was annoyed by Baoyu's presence in the West Mansion, so he tried every dirty trick in the book: reducing the population, cutting off monthly allowances, and moving antiques, but he still couldn't get rid of him.

Brother Cong is so kind this time, he actually wants to teach him the Four Books and Five Classics, and even teach him in the Rongguo Zhengtang and Rongxitang Halls.

If the Second Master knew that a dignified Hanlin scholar was willing to teach his good-for-nothing son, he would be overjoyed and would definitely force Baoyu to study properly.

Even if Baoyu doesn't die, he'll be badly hurt. Brother Cong's move was vicious; it scared Baoyu so much that he fled in panic and returned to the East Courtyard, where he never left.

Wang Xifeng despised Lady Wang's treacherous intentions, her constant coveting of the eldest son's family fortune, and her keeping Baoyu in the West Mansion to cause trouble. She had long wanted to put an end to this matter.

Now that Jia Cong has stirred up this momentum, they wish they could throw the world into chaos so they could squeeze out this precious second son of the family.

Taking advantage of the situation, he laughed and said, "Brother Bao is really lucky. Brother Cong is a proper Hanlin scholar, busy with important matters of court every day."

If he were willing to guide you in your studies, he would be more useful than any first-rate teacher.

When Cong was taking exams, he always came in first place or top of his class. I've never seen anyone like him in my life. How could someone like him be so good at studying?

Who knows, with Brother Cong's guidance, Baoyu might pass the imperial examination and become a scholar next year.

If things go smoothly like this, the Second Master will be so happy. When I get back, I'll send more people to Xiao Hong to clean up Rongxi Hall properly.

"Perhaps Brother Cong will find this useful when he starts teaching. We must also tell the Second Master about this, so he can be happy too."

Upon hearing Wang Xifeng's words, Baoyu was terrified. If his master found out about this, he would lose his life.

If the master believes Sister Feng's slander and really makes me take the imperial examination next year, I'd rather die now.

He immediately regretted saying those things to Sister Bao, thus provoking Jia Cong's pedantic habit of being a know-it-all.

Now that he had brought this upon himself, thinking of how terrifying it was, Baoyu turned pale, his eyes glazed over, and he stood there dumbfounded.

…………

Grandmother Jia was old and hard of hearing, and had just been distracted by Wang Xifeng, so she didn't pay attention to the conversation between Baoyu and Baochai.

But the old lady heard Wang Xifeng's loud and boisterous words clearly.

What Baoyu could think of, Grandmother Jia could naturally think of as well; she knew her grandson Baoyu's temperament best.

It was just as convenient as Wang Xifeng described; with a few pointers from Jia Cong, one could easily pass the imperial examination and become a scholar.

Yongzhou is such a large area, and every year there are countless scholars who study diligently by lamplight, yet only a little over a hundred scholars are produced each year.

Scholars aren't like fruit on a tree, something you can just pick whenever you want. Since Baoyu finds studying so distasteful, it probably won't be that easy for him.

If his son knew that Cong-ge was willing to give guidance, he would probably go crazy and force Bao-yu to study, and might even kill Bao-yu...

Grandmother Jia quickly smiled and said, "Cong-ge'er said he was willing to guide Bao-yu, but it was only out of brotherly affection. He goes to court and government office every day, working from dawn till dusk."

There was hardly any time for her to guide Baoyu, and even if she did offer some guidance a few times, it was only very limited assistance.

If Baoyu could pass the imperial examination and become a scholar because of this, wouldn't Congge be a living god who can turn stones into gold?

Such matters concerning reading should be taken very seriously. Feng'er, don't speak recklessly. If this gets to Master Baoyu's ears, who knows what his father will do to him.

"How many years did Cong-ge study, burning the midnight oil and burning the midnight oil, to finally win the imperial examination and ascend to the throne? How can this be rushed?"

Wang Xifeng was somewhat disappointed upon hearing Grandmother Jia's words. After all, experience is the best teacher, and the old lady, despite her age, immediately grasped the gravity of the situation.

Brother Cong's plan was quite clever, but the old lady has foiled it.

He laughed and said, "The old lady is right. It's just that I was too impatient. Studying should indeed be done step by step."

Fortunately, Baoyu was in the West Mansion, so it was very easy for Brother Cong to offer guidance, and for Baoyu to ask for advice.

Upon hearing Wang Xifeng's words, Baoyu couldn't help but shudder, feeling for the first time that the West Mansion had become somewhat terrifying.

Compared to not being able to see his sisters at home, it seemed that Jia Cong was personally instructing him on the meaning of the sages and scriptures, and that he had fallen into the life of a parasite. This made him feel more fearful and desperate.

……

Jia Cong smiled and said, "What the old lady said makes sense. We can't rush things when it comes to studying, but it would be too much to ask him to pass the imperial examination next year."

Upon hearing this, Baoyu finally breathed a sigh of relief. Although Jia Cong was usually corrupt and vulgar, at least he had said something of conscience.

But Jia Cong continued, "However, with Baoyu's intelligence, once he enters the Imperial Academy next year, as long as he is diligent and hardworking enough, he will surely reap some rewards."

The West Mansion is not populated much now, and it is quiet inside and out, making it a good place for studying. It is convenient for me to give him guidance from time to time. As long as Baoyu studies hard for three years, he will surely be able to enter the academy.

Baoyu's studies are a major concern for the second branch of the family. When I have some free time, I will discuss it with Master and hear what strategies he has…

Baoyu had just thought Jia Cong was speaking from the heart, but he never expected that Jia Cong would suddenly become inhuman.

Upon hearing Jia Cong say that he wanted to discuss this matter with the master, Baoyu's face turned even paler, and he trembled all over.

Jia Cong is so vicious! Does he think my master won't be able to force me to my death...?

Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng was secretly laughing. She thought to herself, "I knew that if Baoyu acted silly in front of Cong Laosan, he would definitely be skinned alive."

The phrase "enduring three years of hardship" and the constant reminders are meant to pierce Baoyu's heart, pushing him to the brink of despair, perhaps even making him contemplate suicide.

Even Baochai could tell that Jia Cong disliked Baoyu's ignorance and talkativeness; he wasn't trying to guide him in his studies, but rather to teach him a lesson.

She couldn't help but find it amusing, but she held back her laughter to save face for everyone else.

Thinking about Baoyu's nonsense earlier, which had made her quite angry, she now felt a sense of relief.

……

Upon hearing Jia Cong's words, Grandmother Jia couldn't help but frown, feeling a growing headache.

This Cong-ge has been quiet for two years, so why is he starting to act strangely again?

He should just focus on being an official; why should he worry about Baoyu's studies? If he provokes his son's addiction, my Baoyu will be in big trouble again.

He quickly said, "Cong-ge'er, you are now a proper court official, someone who works for the Emperor and handles important matters of the court."

You're busy from dawn till dusk every day, and there's no one at home to help you. We really can't let Baoyu's studies take up any more of your time and energy.

Let his father worry about Baoyu's affairs. Your brotherly affection is already quite remarkable.

Seeing the old lady in a panic, Wang Xifeng hurriedly came out to defuse the situation, her pretty face flushed red, but she couldn't be happier.

When Lady Wang saw that Jia Cong was about to speak again, she was already trembling with fear. If this boy continued to spout nonsense, he would surely scare her Baoyu silly.

She quickly said, "Grandma, I came to your residence today intending to pay my respects, but I haven't had a chance to visit Baoyu's courtyard yet."

I was just thinking of going to see Caixia to see if she's doing well lately; a woman's first pregnancy requires extra caution.

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia immediately agreed and told them to go and take care of the child.

When Aunt Xue saw this, she couldn't help but sigh for her sister.

This Cong-ge'er was only enthusiastic about Bao-yu's studies, yet he frightened the mother and son so much that they fled in panic. His sister knew very well how lazy and incompetent Bao-yu was.

Having raised such a spineless son, the sister still dreams of getting her way and hopes to surpass Cong-ge'er. I don't know where she gets her confidence from...

Jia Cong didn't care at all about Baoyu and his mother leaving.

He said to Baochai, "Sister Bao, I will write a letter to Sister Xiu as soon as I return to the mansion. You can also write down any plans you have and send them to Sister Xiu together."

We'll discuss the arrangements then..." (End of Chapter)