Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Chapter 779 The Power of Legitimate and Illegitimate Children Can Be Overthrown
Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

The room was warm and cozy, and the aroma of Lao Jun Mei tea brewed by Yuan Yang was delightful. Jia Cong took two sips, and the teacup was almost half empty.

He felt a delicate fragrance all around him, and Yuanyang, holding a small teapot, stood beside him to refill his cup. The two smiled at each other.

Seeing Jia Cong and Baochai chatting so amiably, and thinking of her second daughter-in-law and Baoyu's disheveled departure, Grandmother Jia couldn't help but sigh.

The two families were of vastly different backgrounds, and even if Cong-ge'er meant well, Bao-yu and his mother couldn't withstand his barrage of words.

After I pass away, I don't know how miserable the second wife's life will be. In the future, she can only rely on her son.

Grandmother Jia said, “Cong’er, I know that you gave the spot in the Imperial Academy to Baoyu out of brotherly affection.”

But as you've seen, Baoyu is in poor health, and I'm afraid he won't be able to handle studying at the Imperial Academy.

Jia Cong chuckled inwardly. Bao Yu's easygoing and plump nature meant he couldn't possibly be this weak if he didn't eat and sleep a lot. There was no one in the world with a strong body.

However, he wouldn't use these words to criticize Grandmother Jia, not only out of filial piety and etiquette, but also because they were vulgar and offensive, and he disdained to do so.

She said, "Grandma, I gave Baoyu the spot in the Imperial Academy because Master has always hoped that his son would become a dragon among men, and I just wanted to help Master fulfill his wish."

Baoyu was already fifteen years old, and the old master of the academy was getting on in years and had limited energy to teach the children. The Imperial Academy was a better place for him to study.

As for whether Baoyu will read it and whether he can understand its essence, that depends on his own intelligence and fate.

If the master agrees to Baoyu's delayed enrollment, Cong will naturally have no objection, and the quota for the Imperial Academy will not be lost anyway.

Because I hold two noble titles, according to the imperial system, there is one hereditary official position in both the East and West Prefectures.

The quota for the Imperial Academy from the West Wing was given to Baoyu, and the quota from the East Wing was given to Huan'er. I'll have the procedures prepared in the next few days, and Huan'er will also be able to enter the academy to study in the spring."

When Jia Cong said this, everyone in the hall was somewhat surprised. The connection between Jia Huan and the Imperial Academy always seemed a bit odd to them.

Because Jia Huan was not only born out of wedlock, but his personality and behavior were also unpleasant, far less popular than his sister Tan Chun in the household.

Compared to the beloved eldest son Baoyu, Jia Huan has always had a very low profile and is often naturally overlooked.

……

Jia Cong and Tan Chun had initially agreed that Jia Huan would enter the Imperial Academy after the New Year, but because he had been punished by Jia Zheng, the matter had not yet been resolved.

To be on the safe side, Jia Cong worried that revealing the matter immediately would cause unforeseen complications.

At that time, Jia Huan had a bad reputation in Ningrong Street because of Jin Rong's affair. Jia Cong had long suspected that someone was manipulating things behind the scenes.

We should immediately discuss the establishment of the Imperial Academy. If anyone uses this as a pretext, and the Imperial Academy hears the news, things will become difficult to manage.

Now, Jia Huan has been recuperating for over a month, and the turmoil outside has gradually subsided.

With the twelfth lunar month approaching and the time for imprisonment fast approaching, this matter can no longer be delayed, and it's time to get down to business.

Yesterday, Jia Cong specifically reminded Tan Chun to go to the East Courtyard in the next few days to inform Jia Zheng about Jia Huan's admission to the prison to audit his studies.

Today, taking advantage of the discussion about Baoyu's imprisonment and studies, Jia Cong brought up this matter in front of Grandmother Jia and everyone else, which was also a move with ulterior motives.

After the news of Jia Huan's admission to the Imperial Academy spread from Rongqing Hall, some people became somewhat wary.

After all, it involved the reputation of the Jia family, which was something that Grandmother Jia had always cared about very much, and this was something that the whole clan knew.

Whether it was Jia Huang's wife outside or the lame Jin Rong, they all had to weigh the pros and cons because they relied on the Rongguo Mansion for their livelihood, and dared not act rashly.

Jia Cong would naturally send someone to warn them, letting them know the gravity of the situation.

Moreover, after a month or so of buffer time, if the matter is then told to Jia Zheng, even if he is angry with his son, he will certainly be very willing to let him study hard and make progress.

……

Jia Cong had also privately pondered and considered the matter of Jia Huan and Jin Rong.

I also learned from Tan Chun that Lady Wang gave Jia Huang's wife two hundred taels of silver in order to quell the situation.

This incident greatly aroused Jia Cong's suspicions. Lady Wang had once been a mistress of a large household, and she should have the foresight and skills to be so shallow.

Doesn't she realize that these two hundred taels of silver aren't just a way to shut people up, but practically a way to convict Jia Huan and give people a huge reason to talk about him!
Because of this incident, Jia Cong secretly began to suspect Lady Wang...

Therefore, by letting Grandmother Jia know about this matter and getting Jia Zheng's approval, Lady Wang would be more wary, and Jia Cong would have fewer concerns about further troubles in the inner court...

……

When Grandmother Jia heard that Jia Huan was also going to the Imperial Academy, she couldn't help but feel displeased.

It's fine if my precious child goes to the Imperial Academy, but why does everyone else go to it? Is the Imperial Academy so unremarkable now?

The thought just popped into her head, but she quickly suppressed it, after all, Jia Huan was also her grandson.

It's not surprising that Grandmother Jia had such thoughts, because Jia Huan had never been to her liking, just like Jia Cong had been back then...

He said, "Huan'er is still so young, she's not old enough to go to prison to study yet, is she?"

Jia Cong said, "Huan'er is indeed not old enough to be imprisoned, but when it comes to studying, the younger the child, the easier it is to train them."

As for Huan'er's age, it's not a big problem.

I have connections at the Imperial Academy. As long as I explain the reason for my request, Huan'er can be admitted to audit classes without being formally enrolled. She'll be officially enrolled when she reaches the appropriate age.

The Imperial Academy was the highest institution of learning in the imperial court. Anyone who claimed they could get things done through it would likely be ridiculed as arrogant.

But Jia Mu and the others were not surprised at all that Jia Cong would say such things.

Because Jia Cong not only excelled in the imperial examinations and was dazzling in his achievements, but was also a fifth-rank Hanlin Academician, everyone who studied there had to give him face.

……

Jia Cong continued, "Third Sister only has Huan'er as her younger brother. I know she has always hoped that her brother will be successful in the future."

When Cong was still at the East Road Academy, my third sister took great care of me, giving me books and pens. Even the Xuelang paper I used for practicing calligraphy was regularly delivered by my third sister.

I have always remembered how good my third sister was to me back then, and naturally I want to help her fulfill her wish.

Baoyu and Huan'er are both my cousins. I have available slots for prison admission, so it's not right for me to favor one over the other.

Hearing this, Baochai couldn't help but feel envious of Tanchun.

Whether it's Lin Daiyu or the Third Sister, they all share a deep bond with Cong and his brother from childhood to adulthood.

They protected and cherished each other, childhood sweethearts, with deep affection and loyalty, but I didn't have such good fortune, as I came along halfway through, and our bond was ultimately lacking.

……

When Aunt Xue and Wang Xifeng, who were present, heard that Jia Huan was also going to study at the Imperial Academy, they were somewhat surprised, but they didn't take it too seriously.

However, when Grandmother Jia heard about this, she felt somewhat uneasy and complicated, because her most beloved Baoyu had hated studying and taking the imperial examinations since he was a child.

They hoped that Baoyu would study hard and achieve success in his studies, so that he could be as successful as Jia Cong in the future. Even though Grandmother Jia was a bit senile, she knew that this was absolutely impossible.

However, just because Baoyu cannot study and enjoy fame does not mean that the other children cannot either. Although Huan is a mischievous boy and does not like to study.

But everyone in the household knew that the Third Sister had been close to Cong-ge since childhood, and Cong-ge, out of love for her, was determined to help her brothers.

Moreover, Cong-ge'er himself was born out of wedlock, so he would probably find Huan-xiaozi, who was also born out of wedlock, more pleasing to the eye.

Although he was very polite to me, he never mentioned Baoyu, let alone spoke ill of Baoyu to my face.

But Grandmother Jia, being an old and shrewd woman, could clearly sense that Cong-ge'er did not like Bao-yu, which was absolutely true.

He is a very capable person. If he were to remember San Yatou's kindness, he would really put in a lot of effort to discipline Huan Xiaozi.

Who knows what kind of success they'll ultimately achieve with that kid?

……

Cong-ge'er's ability to study is so rare that it's one in a million. Even if the Jia family is very fortunate, they could never produce a second one like him.

If he were to train Huan, even if Huan failed the imperial examinations and didn't become a Jinshi or Juren, it would still be an extraordinary achievement if he could pass the Xiucai examination.

With the sun rising in the east and rain falling in the west, compared to the other two, Huan Xiaozi completely outshines my Baoyu.

Given my son's temperament, he will surely look up to my illegitimate son from now on, and will become even more resentful of my Baoyu.

Could it be that one incident of a concubine suppressing the legitimate heir is not enough for this household, and a second one is about to occur?

Jia Cong, born as an illegitimate son of the eldest son's family, unexpectedly rose to inherit the title of Rongguo, although Grandmother Jia has now accepted the fact.

However, whenever she thought about this, Jia Cong's inheritance of the title not only brought external glory, but also caused Jia Mu to feel lingering fear about the internal upheaval of the Jia family between legitimate and illegitimate children.

The imperial edict on the succession to the title stated: "His birth mother, Lady Du, was granted the title of Fifth Rank Imperial Consort, a position of great importance. She gave birth to an outstanding son, worthy of being the eldest son of the main branch, and whose bloodline is virtuous and pure."

With just this one sentence, the imperial decree, the holy order of the emperor, a mother could rise in status through her son, transforming a lowly courtesan into the legitimate heir of the Rong Kingdom.

The day after the imperial edict was issued, officials from the Ministry of Rites personally presided over the replacement of Du Jinniang's memorial tablet in the Jia family ancestral hall, turning it from side to front, in order to align with the proper succession of the Rongguo title.

The Jia family was well aware of the matter, but no one wanted to publicize it or let others easily bring it up. The awkwardness of the situation was difficult to explain to others.

……

Grandmother Jia didn't actually like her eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Xing, but that didn't mean she wanted to see her end up like that, after all, she was the widow of her eldest son.

After moving from the East Courtyard to the West Courtyard, Madam Xing lived a secluded life in the inner courtyard, never venturing out, as if she had vanished from the face of the earth.

Even when he went to Rongqing Hall to pay his respects to Grandmother Jia, it was only a few times a month, and always when no one else was in the hall.

Not only did she avoid her sisters Yingchun and Daiyu, but more importantly, she avoided Jia Cong, lest she feel utterly ashamed in their presence. Because the imperial decree granting Jia Cong his title had been issued, he had been officially recognized as the legitimate heir, and his birth mother, Du Jinniang, had gained the title of the eldest son's legitimate wife.

Madam Xing was still Yingchun's legal mother, but she was no longer Jia Cong's legal mother. Legally and emotionally, she and Jia Cong were now like strangers.

Furthermore, given that she had mistreated Jia Cong since childhood and now had to live out her old age in his mansion, she had no face to flaunt her wealth and naturally kept a low profile as much as possible.

Therefore, since Madam Xing moved into the West Mansion, Jia Cong never visited her, Grandmother Jia never said a word, and Jia Zheng, Wang Xifeng, and others completely ignored her.

Whenever Grandmother Jia thought of this matter, she felt uneasy. Her grandson was so incredibly lucky that he could single-handedly overturn the legitimate and illegitimate heirs.

Although Jia Huan will surely not cause such a scene in the future with his support, Grandmother Jia has only ever doted on Bao Yu, so she is somewhat worried.

However, she would never dare to say to Jia Cong's face that she wanted Grandmother Jia to prevent Jia Huan from studying at the Imperial Academy based on the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.

Since Jia Cong was also born out of wedlock, this was tantamount to telling a blind man that the lamp was dark. His own grandson would surely have a hundred things to say, waiting to criticize and anger him.

Although Grandmother Jia felt somewhat uneasy about the matter and worried about Baoyu, she was not so worried that she could not eat or sleep.

Compared to the fact that the grandfather and grandson are living peacefully together and he is enjoying a carefree life, this is not a big deal right now.

Wang Xifeng, however, was adept at striking up conversations and flattering, saying many good things about how lucky her third sister was, how lucky Huan-ge was, and how the two siblings would surely have a bright future.

Grandmother Jia was both pleased and worried upon hearing this. After a few moments of internal struggle, she sighed and decided not to think about it any further.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu Courtyard.

When Lady Wang and Baoyu came out of Rongqing Hall, one was depressed and the other was terrified. They were truly feeling incredibly humiliated.

Lady Wang wanted to have a private conversation with Grandmother Jia, but the room was noisy and chaotic, and she didn't have a chance to speak. Instead, she showed great timidity in front of the old lady.

Baoyu originally wanted to show off in front of Baochai and say something extraordinary in order to win her favor.

As a result, his face was not shown, but his heels were. He was ridiculed by Baochai for standing by and enjoying the benefits without lifting a finger, and was given a good lecture by Jia Cong.

The two returned to the courtyard, and Madam Wang went to check on Caixia. Seeing that she looked healthy and had nothing else wrong, she let it go.

As for Baoyu, he was often congratulated by his sisters on having a son soon and becoming a father, which made him feel ashamed and indignant.

Now he's too lazy to even look at Caixia, as if by not looking at her, the fact that Caixia is pregnant would never have happened.

After returning to his courtyard, he couldn't help but feel uneasy and anxious when he thought of Jia Cong's words about guiding him through the classics, enduring three years of hardship, and discussing matters with Jia Zheng.

When Lady Wang came out of Caixia's room, Baoyu said with a bitter face, "Madam, with Jia Cong acting like this, how can we stay peacefully in the West Mansion?"

Why don't my wife and I move to the East Courtyard, and let Jia Cong do whatever he wants during the holidays?

"When he's not entertaining guests at Rongxi Hall during the New Year holidays, and we won't run into him when he goes out to work, wouldn't it be much quieter? Our son can just move back then."

Lady Wang frowned upon hearing this. This boy had frightened Baoyu so much that he wanted to flee the West Mansion. He was truly despicable.

But Lady Wang knew in her heart that Baoyu was going to move to the East Courtyard this time, and after the New Year, the wedding would soon be in March.

With so little time remaining, it would be difficult to move it back. Wang Xifeng would surely seize the opportunity to sabotage the project.

Although Lady Wang was well aware that after Baoyu got married, it would be difficult for him to stay in the West Mansion for a long time.

However, if the goal is to strengthen the connection between the second branch of the family and the Rongguo Mansion, this matter can be delayed as long as possible; as long as the foundation is intact, there will be firewood to burn.

If Baoyu were to be frightened by Jia Cong at this critical juncture and back down, it would only further please others, which is absolutely unacceptable.

Lady Wang advised, "Baoyu, if you move to the East Courtyard, how will you be able to take care of the old lady in the future? You will also find it difficult to see your sisters again."

Don't take Cong-ge'er's words seriously. He's just saying nice things. He's too busy being an official and living a life of high status to actually teach you to read.

They're just teasing you. Besides, the old lady said that your studies are for the master to worry about; there's no need for him to interfere.

The Qin couple are in charge of the East Courtyard, so they won't let the gossip reach the master. You can rest assured and stay in the West Courtyard.

"From now on, we'll avoid him when we go in and out. If we can't afford to offend him, can't we at least stay away?"

After much effort, Lady Wang managed to calm Baoyu down and instructed Xiren and Caiyun to take good care of him, keeping an eye on his comings and goings and making sure he didn't cause any trouble.

……

After she left Baoyu Courtyard, she traveled all the way from the West Mansion back to the East Mansion, feeling very agitated.

Lady Wang has recently been experiencing a series of misfortunes. She had originally planned to cripple Jia Huan, that beast who seduced the maid.

Unexpectedly, Jia Cong intervened halfway and easily saved his life. After recovering from his injuries for more than half a month, the boy was able to walk again.

His foolish aunt also became vigilant, staying by Jia Huan's side day and night, keeping a close watch on the boy, most likely due to the instigation of the Third Sister.

Since the second wife moved into the East Courtyard, all the people who were originally useful have changed their minds, and Madam Wang is really short of people she can use.

Last time, I originally wanted to give Musk Moon to Qin Xian's son, Qin Yong, in order to win over Qin Xian and his wife and make them wholeheartedly serve me.

Unexpectedly, another major change occurred midway through. He had just kicked Musk Moon out and hadn't even had a chance to match her with someone else.

Feng'er stirred up trouble in Rongqing Hall, which resulted in Er Yatou taking away Sheyue and making her a maid in the East Mansion, which really made her furious.

She had broken her promise to Qin Xian and his wife, and her face was somewhat embarrassed. She had originally intended to push Qiuwen out to take the blame.

However, Qin Xian's family were also old-timers in the inner quarters. They knew that Qiu Wen had a sharp tongue and were worried that if they married their son off to a great-grandmother, the family would be in turmoil.

So he made various excuses to refuse. Madam Wang originally wanted to use this matter to win people's hearts, so she naturally couldn't force him to drink water.

Otherwise, instead of winning them over, you'll only force them to harbor rebellious intentions.

Qin Xian's wife does have good taste; she hinted in her words that she had taken a liking to her maid, Yu Chuan'er.

Lady Wang originally had four first-class maids. Jin Chuan was dismissed by her, and Cai Yun and Cai Xia were given to Bao Yu to live in his room. Now only Yu Chuan is left.

Yu Chuan'er not only had a beautiful figure and appearance, just like her older sister Jin Chuan, but she was also more stable and honest than her sister.

Lady Wang and Jia Zheng both took a liking to this maid, and naturally they were reluctant to marry her off to someone like Qin Yong.

However, since Qin Xian and his wife were trusted by Madam Wang, she couldn't very well reject their idea, which would only make her feel more isolated and powerless.

She was just a maid, but she was still very reluctant to part with her. These past few days, Madam Wang had been indecisive and quite troubled.

Today I went to Rongqing Hall to pay my respects, intending to make some moves in the West Mansion.

Unexpectedly, Jia Cong came along to cause trouble, which not only delayed things but also made him very angry.

……

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard, Aunt Zhao's Courtyard.

Tan Chun, having been reminded by Jia Cong yesterday, made a special trip to the East Courtyard today.

Since Jia Zheng had not yet left the yamen, she went to Aunt Zhao's courtyard to visit Jia Huan. Seeing that her brother had been recuperating for more than a month and was already able to get out of bed and walk around unsteadily, she was also quite happy.

She took out a copy of the Analects from her bag and said, "This is the Analects I just bought. I've been studying my third brother's old books for his exams recently and have gained quite a bit of insight from them."

I copied some of his annotations and notes from his book into this new book. These were my third brother's insights when he took the imperial examination and became the top scholar.

With my third brother's current reputation, this is something that is hard to come by even if you have a thousand pieces of gold. If it weren't for my third brother being so good to me, you would never have been able to dream of encountering it.

"Keep this book safe and cherish it. Don't damage it, and don't show it off to anyone. If I find out, I won't let you off the hook."

Jia Huan frowned as he took the book and flipped through a few pages. He saw that in addition to the main text, the book was filled with beautiful and elegant regular script written in red ink.

Tan Chun's pretty face hardened, and she said, "This month, you must spend some time studying this Analects carefully."

I'll test you at the end of the month. If you dare to slack off and fail to answer, you'd better watch out.

"Don't expect me to help you with anything from now on. If you cause any more trouble, I'll completely ignore you and make sure the master beats you to death!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Huan couldn't help but shudder. He said with a bitter face, "Third sister, I'm your own brother. How can you be so cruel to me?"

Tan Chun said with a long face, "With all the things you've done, do you think I'm proud to have such a scoundrel as your brother?"

"With your reckless nature, if you aren't strictly disciplined, you'll have a tough time in the future. When that happens, no one will be able to save you."

At this moment, Shishu hurried into the room and said, "Miss, the master has just returned from the yamen and is now having tea in the main room."

Tan Chun didn't even have time to scold her younger brother. She quickly got up and went to the main room to tell her father about her brother's admission to the Imperial Academy.

……

Madam Wang's carriage came out of the west corner gate of the West Mansion and soon arrived at the black lacquered gate of the East Courtyard. When she got out of the carriage, she saw another carriage parked at the gate.

Judging from the style of the carriage and the insignia on it, it is indeed the carriage of the Jia family's East Mansion.

The carriage from the East Mansion would stop at the East Courtyard. Madam Wang didn't need to guess; she knew that Tan Chun had come to the East Courtyard today.

Her brows furrowed involuntarily. Since the last time she used family discipline to injure Tan Chun's hands because of the Zhen family's silver chest incident, she had done so.

The once harmonious mother and daughter, though not of the same family, became estranged and distant, their relationship merely maintaining a facade of politeness.

Therefore, Madam Wang was quite annoyed when Tan Chun came to the East Courtyard.

As soon as she entered the inner courtyard, she heard from the maid that the master had returned home and was now having tea in the main hall...

(End of this chapter)