Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard.

In the inner courtyard, after returning home, Jia Zheng changed into his everyday clothes, picked up a cup of hot tea from Yu Chuan, and sat on the daybed, slowly sipping it.

As the red brocade curtain at the door was lifted, Tan Chun, the daughter, entered with a smile, wearing a gold jacket with chrysanthemum patterns and a light orange skirt with chrysanthemum patterns.

She was young and pretty, lively and charming, with a graceful demeanor. Jia Zheng smiled when he saw her.

Although he had two sons, both were dissolute and wasting their lives, which disappointed him greatly.

On the contrary, Tan Chun, the illegitimate daughter, is not only outstanding in appearance and character, but also intelligent, quick-witted, and poised.

She was well-versed in literature from a young age, skilled in both calligraphy and poetry, and possessed the qualities of a truly talented woman. Neither her son, Baoyu, nor Jia Huan could compare to her.

It's a pity that the child was born to the wrong mother. Jia Zheng always felt regretful when he thought about it, otherwise the second son would surely have become a successful scholar.

Moreover, his daughter Tan Chun was fond of literature and learning from a young age. She not only read extensively but also developed excellent calligraphy skills.

She was close to Jia Cong, who was talented and hardworking, from a young age. Their behavior and interests were quite similar, and they could be considered father and daughter of the same mind.

Every time Tan Chun returned to the East Courtyard, Jia Zheng was in a good mood. Although his son was absurd, at least he had a pleasing daughter.

He chuckled, "Third girl, what made you decide to come back today?"

Tan Chun smiled and said, "I wanted to come and see you today, Master. I have something important to tell you. You hadn't returned to the manor yet, so I went to check on Huan'er's injuries."

He has learned his lesson this time and will surely heed his master's teachings in the future, and will not dare to act rashly and cause trouble again.

Today I brought him a copy of the Analects with annotations. I'll have him study it diligently during the twelfth lunar month so he can go to the Imperial Academy in the spring and at least look presentable.

When Jia Zheng heard Tan Chun mention his disappointing son, he was already in a bad mood, but when he heard about studying at the Imperial Academy, he was immediately taken aback.

He asked, "Is Huan'er going to study at the Imperial Academy?"

Tan Chun smiled and said, "Third Brother has two spots for the Imperial Academy. He gave one to Second Brother, saying that brothers should be treated equally, and he wants to give the other one to Huan'er."

Although Huan'er is not yet of prison age, her third brother will ask the Imperial Academy for favors to allow her to audit classes first, and then be formally enrolled when she reaches the required age.

My third brother said that he should enter the Imperial Academy as soon as possible, so that he could be more disciplined and receive more education in poetry and literature.

Regardless of whether she can pursue further education, learning more about the teachings of sages and the principles of conduct will always benefit Huan'er in the future.

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng was excited and delighted, saying, "Cong-ge'er's words have struck a chord with me. Studying is not just about seeking fame and fortune."

Furthermore, it is for the purpose of receiving the teachings of sages and saints, correcting one's mind and body, conducting oneself in the world, and avoiding falling into ignorance.

Although Congge has achieved success in his career, he still remembers to help his brothers at home, and he never forgets to share anything good with them.

This is the demeanor and magnanimity of a true scholar, but Baoyu and Huan'er are both lazy and idle; I'm truly worried they might disappoint them.

Tan Chun asked, "So, Master has agreed to let Huan'er go to prison to study?"

Jia Zheng laughed and said, "What silly question! How could I refuse such a good thing as studying?"

I will tell my family to have your aunt prepare some nourishing food so that Huan'er can recover quickly and be in good spirits to go to prison and study, so as not to embarrass me.

I'm busy with official duties every day and can't keep an eye on everything, so you should also keep an eye on your brother.

If he continues to cause trouble, you may beat or scold him as you please. If he refuses to obey, come and tell me yourself, and I'll skin him alive.

Tan Chun smiled and said, "Master, Third Brother said that since ancient times, one's environment and upbringing have influenced one's temperament and physical development. Huan'er has grown up in a wealthy family and enjoyed riches since childhood, but has not been tempered by hardship."

Although this was just an inmate observation session, my third brother said it would be better for Huan'er to stay in prison to study, to come home less often, to cut off her from extravagance, and to cultivate her character—that's more important than studying.

……

Outside the main room, Madam Wang stood to the side of the doorway and heard the entire conversation between the father and daughter.

She had just heard that Jia Zheng was drinking tea in the main room, so she went into the main room as well. As soon as she reached the door, she heard Tan Chun talking to Jia Zheng.

She knew that her master had always valued this illegitimate daughter, though it hadn't been very obvious before.

Ever since that boy from the East Mansion inherited the Rongguo title, and Baoyu has been frequently slandered and gossiped about, this year has been anything but smooth.

The master then grew increasingly close to the third daughter, who was beginning to overshadow Baoyu, which displeased Lady Wang.

Since being disciplined by her family after that incident, San Yatou has rarely dared to return to the East Courtyard.

This time, they came just as the master was leaving the office. I wonder what kind of mystery they're up to. Now that the father and daughter are talking alone, Madam Wang naturally wants to find out the details.

Upon hearing the reason, Madam Wang's face turned pale with anger, and her hands trembled slightly as she clenched them.

That brat from the East Mansion actually wants to send Jia Huan to study at the Imperial Academy. Is the Imperial Academy such a prestigious place for studying that even a Tom, Dick, or Harry can get in?

It's one thing for him to give Baoyu a place at the Imperial Academy, but Huan is just an illegitimate child. Why should he be treated the same as Baoyu? It's simply outrageous.

Judging from San Yatou's tone, Cong Ge'er seems to be trying to pull Jia Huan along because of her. He's trying to undermine Bao Yu's reputation, which is truly despicable!

Was his offering of a place at the Imperial Academy to Baoyu just a smokescreen from beginning to end?
Actually, it was because of San Yatou that he was determined to help her brother.

He was worried that his family would gossip, so he gave Baoyu this spot to avoid outsiders talking. This kid is really cunning.

Only my own master is honest and kind, yet he was completely fooled by him and still remembers the good things he did for him. This kid's cunning and deceit are truly amazing!

Lady Wang was feeling frustrated when she suddenly heard Jia Zheng say from inside, "It's Cong-ge'er who is so insightful, able to see things that ordinary people overlook. No wonder he has achieved what he has today."

There's an old saying about Mencius' mother moving three times to find the right environment for her son's education. Sending Huan'er to the Imperial Academy to study and cultivate her character and behavior is indeed a good idea. I think Baoyu should do the same.

Upon hearing this, Lady Wang could no longer stand. Her son, Baoyu, was already afraid of studying and had always been uneasy about entering the Imperial Academy.

Just now, that boy from the East Mansion was just deliberately saying that he would instruct him on the classics and doctrines in the West Mansion, which frightened Baoyu so much that he wanted to move out of the West Mansion.

If Baoyu knew that he would be imprisoned to study and would never be able to go home easily again, nor would he have any maids to serve him, he would probably be so frightened that he would become mentally impaired.

……

Madam Wang hurriedly entered the hall and said, "Master, if we let Baoyu study at the Imperial Academy, that will be fine."

We really can't let him stay in prison. I heard that the cells at the Imperial College are small and crowded, with seven or eight people sharing one room. It's unbearable.

The food served in the restaurants was coarse and unpalatable, and the communal eating was noisy and chaotic, lacking any semblance of decorum.

Baoyu was the grandson of the Duke, and was raised in luxury since childhood. He was also always frail, so how could he endure such suffering?

If he were truly imprisoned and not allowed to return, unable to eat or sleep properly, and without any maids to serve him, he might ruin his health before even finishing his studies. My lord, please reconsider!

Tan Chun felt somewhat indignant upon hearing this. Although the Imperial Academy was not as comfortable as home, it was not as unbearable as her mother described.

It's as if Baoyu would lose his life if he were imprisoned to study.

Many of the successful candidates in the imperial examinations and high-ranking officials came from the Imperial Academy, yet they were never seen to have any outstanding achievements.

If we're talking about people who are pampered and honored, who in the two Jia families can compare to the third brother? He suffered so much hardship from a young age, yet he persevered and succeeded in everything.

When my third brother was only fourteen years old, he went to Liaodong to lead troops into battle. He braved ice and snow, pursued the enemy for thousands of miles, and lived in conditions ten times more difficult than those at the Imperial Academy.

He didn't seem to have any problems; he was still perfectly fine, and was even granted a title and official position, becoming famous throughout the land.

It is evident that men need to endure trials and tribulations to hone their minds and forge themselves into capable individuals.

The wife spoiled her second brother, never letting him suffer any hardship, which led to his current temperament. Even if he had some talent, it was all wasted.

Third Brother's idea is the most correct. Huan'er cannot be so precious. She must be driven out of the house to be tempered and her will be tested. She must stumble and fall.

Even if one cannot continue their studies in the future, enduring hardship and learning more principles will be beneficial and harmless throughout one's life.

……

Jia Zheng frowned and said, "The Imperial Academy is the highest public school of the imperial court. Poor children who want to study there cannot even get in. It is not as bad as you described."

Back then, my elder brother Ningguo and our Zhu'er were both imprisoned to study, and they're both perfectly fine now; nothing bad happened to them.

Madam Wang said with tears in her eyes, "Since you mentioned Zhu'er, have you forgotten that Zhu'er studied too hard and ruined her health back then?"

Otherwise, given what happened back then, how could I have lost my life at such a young age? I only have Baoyu now, sir, please reconsider."

When Jia Zheng heard Lady Wang mention this topic, his face turned deathly pale, and an unspeakable regret appeared on his face. He then fell silent.

Tan Chun's heart trembled. When Jia Zhu died, Tan Chun was still young. Although she could remember things, a child doesn't know too much.

The elders in the family only said that Zhu died from a serious illness, and rarely mentioned anything else, as if they were trying to avoid talking about it...

It must be because this exceptionally talented young man, Zhu, was highly valued and loved by his parents during his lifetime, which is why his untimely death is so heartbreaking...

When Madam Wang saw Tan Chun standing to the side, she couldn't help but feel angry. It was all because of that wretched girl's instigation.

He said, "Third girl, if you want your brother to make something of himself and suffer in prison, that's your business. Why bother the master?"

"If Baoyu really goes to prison and ruins his health or gets frightened into something serious, Grandma and I will not allow it."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun's pretty face paled slightly, and she couldn't help but feel annoyed. She had only spoken to her husband about Huan'er. Not a single word about Bao Yu had been mentioned in her conversation. Her mother, doting on her son and worried that her husband would imprison him, had used her as a go-between.

He quickly said, "Madam, I only mentioned Huan'er's matter just now. Huan'er is a bit rough and tough. This time I was thinking of letting him stay in prison so that he can be tempered and trained."

There was absolutely no intention to imprison my second brother. He's been favored and pampered by the old lady since childhood, so it's best if he doesn't go to jail, to avoid causing the family worry.

Upon hearing this, Lady Wang gave a slight humph, then looked at Jia Zheng, determined to dissuade her husband from such thoughts.

……

Jia Zheng rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Tan Chun's words about studying in prison made a lot of sense to him.

Knowing that this was Jia Cong's thought, he agreed with it even more.

In Jia Zheng's heart, Baoyu was the legitimate son. Although his daily behavior was absurd and he never lived up to his expectations, he still held a greater place in Jia Zheng's heart than Jia Huan.

Since Jia Huan was going to study in prison, Jia Zheng naturally thought that Bao Yu should do the same, but Lady Wang's objection made him hesitate greatly.

Thinking that the old lady doted on Baoyu so much, she would definitely not allow this, and she couldn't go against her own wishes, she felt helpless.

He said to Lady Wang, "Since you don't want Baoyu to stay in prison to study, then he can stay. Just let him come and go to and from the prison to study. As for Huan'er..."

Just now, Lady Wang mentioned Jia Zhu's matter and described the difficulties in the Imperial Academy, which made Jia Zheng hesitate somewhat, after all, Jia Huan was also his own son.

Tan Chun wanted her brother to study in prison and return to the mansion as little as possible, not only to let him experience some hardship and refinement.

Furthermore, because she and Jia Cong privately discussed the matter, they felt that there were many doubts about Caixia's affairs, and that the risks involved were unpredictable. If they were not careful, Jia Huan would suffer trouble.

Sending Jia Huan to prison to study was not only to temper his character, but also to keep him away from trouble in the East Wing Courtyard.

Therefore, when Lady Wang said these words, Tan Chun saw the hesitation in Jia Zheng's expression and naturally could not let the matter be abandoned halfway.

He said, "Master, as the saying goes, jade cannot become a vessel without being carved. Huan'er is cunning and impetuous, but fortunately he is still young, and there is still time to guide and correct him."

My third brother said that there were several instructors at the Imperial Academy who originally came from Qingshan Academy and had a long-standing friendship with him.

Third Brother will ask these gentlemen to look after and discipline Huan'er, so even if Huan'er is imprisoned, Master doesn't need to worry.

Jia Zheng was relieved to hear this and said with a smile, "It's commendable that Cong-ge'er is so thoughtful. Since he has made all the plans for Huan'er, we certainly cannot let him down."

Next spring, Baoyu will be sent to prison, and Huan'er will stay in prison, so that both of them can study diligently.

Tan Chun breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but Madam Wang, seeing the joy on Tan Chun's face, couldn't help but feel contempt.

The third girl was instigated by Cong-ge'er and was almost driven mad by him. She even drove her own younger brother out of the house to suffer. She was really ruthless.

Could it be that this girl is delusional, hoping that her brother will be like Cong-ge'er, achieving academic success, passing the imperial examinations, and becoming a Jinshi?
With Huan's pathetic, cat-like behavior, he doesn't deserve anything. He's just dreaming big, and people will laugh at him for it.

After Tan Chun finished discussing the important matters, she felt bored staying there because Madam Wang was present, so she got up and said she was going to see her brother.

Jia Zheng smiled and said, "After you've gone to see Huan'er, it'll be getting late. You should head back to the East Mansion as soon as possible."

Please pass on a message to Cong-ge: when he has a day off, if he's free, please invite him to my study so we, uncle and nephew, can have tea and chat together.

……

After Tan Chun left, Jia Zheng frowned and said, "Just now, the Third Sister only talked about Huan'er's matter, and didn't say anything about ordering Bao Yu around."

Why did you have to say such hurtful things to her, making everyone in the family uncomfortable?

Baoyu, Sanya, and Huan'er are all my children. No matter which one of them has a bright future, it will be a source of pride for us.

It has always been said that one becomes like the company one keeps. Cong-ge'er's current achievements are something that other people can only envy.

Let them get closer to Cong-ge, guide them towards the right path, and encourage them to do good every day, so that they may have a better future.

San Ya Tou has always been close to Cong Ge Er, and now she also wants to help her brother improve himself, which is a very good intention.

However, I see that Baoyu and Cong'er are growing distant, which is extremely bad. As their mother, you should try to comfort them more. Studying and pursuing an official career is the right path..."

Although Mrs. Wang felt annoyed and resentful listening to her husband's nagging, she dared not retort.

She secretly blamed her master for being old-fashioned and not taking into account Cong'er's background; he was, at his very core, an illegitimate child born out of wedlock.

The Jia family and his close relatives, whether it was the second or third daughter, were all born out of wedlock, and now they have added another young man named Huan.

He now owns both the East and West mansions, but the old lady still dotes on my Baoyu the most. How could he not feel resentful when he sees this?

He knew perfectly well that Baoyu was afraid of studying, yet he still gave him a place at the Imperial Academy. He pretended to be a good person in front of outsiders, but who knew what he was really thinking?

Now they're manipulating the third daughter, having her instigate things in front of the master, so that Huan-xiao-zi will be imprisoned and sent to study outside.

It was clearly a scheme to seduce the master, wanting to send my Baoyu to live in prison outside, so that there would be one less thorn in the side at home, which would please him.

Others may not see through his insidious tricks, but he won't fool me. My precious Yu will never fall for that...

After Jia Zheng's long-winded explanation, seeing that his wife remained silent and offered no reply, he knew that her heartache was still unresolved, and further words would be of no use.
He sighed and said, "Forget it, I'm just worrying for nothing. Forcing these things is pointless. Let nature take its course."

……

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion.

After bidding farewell to Jia Zheng and Lady Wang, Tan Chun returned to Aunt Zhao's courtyard and gave her brothers some more private instructions.

He also solemnly instructed Aunt Zhao to keep a close eye on Jia Huan before the end of the year, to avoid causing trouble and to prevent others from taking advantage of him.

Although Aunt Zhao was impetuous and rude, she was not stupid. Having grown up in the mansion, she naturally knew the dangers of the inner quarters.

Even if her daughter only said a fraction of what was said, she understood to some extent, so she readily agreed and told her daughter to return to the East Mansion as soon as possible.

When Tan Chun walked out of the East Courtyard, she felt a sense of relief. Today, she had explained to Jia Zheng about Jia Huan's enrollment in the Imperial Academy and received his approval.

Although Madam Wang suddenly appeared and said some unpleasant things, which stirred up some displeasure, the matter was eventually resolved.

When Tan Chun entered the inner courtyard of the East Mansion, it was sunset. The pavilions and towers on all sides were bathed in golden-red sunset clouds, beautiful, tranquil, and peaceful.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of holly and other plants. Not far away, by the octagonal well, several maids in red and green jackets were drawing water, occasionally letting out cheerful laughter.

Upon seeing this scene, Tan Chun felt inexplicably relaxed, and the oppressive atmosphere she had felt in the East Courtyard slowly dissipated.

As she was heading towards her courtyard, she saw someone hesitating along the path ahead, holding two sheets of paper and reading them intently.

This person wore a moon-white silver bamboo-patterned fur-lined robe, with black hair in a topknot, adorned with a lustrous jade hairpin, a slender waist and straight back, and an elegant and graceful appearance. Tan Chun was delighted to see him.

……

Just now in Rongqing Hall, Baoyu made some boastful remarks, which frightened him so much that he fled in panic after being scolded by Jia Cong.

He chatted with Wang Xifeng and others for a few minutes, and then, because Baochai needed to draft a letter to be sent to Jinling, the two of them left Rongqing Hall and went to Lixiang Courtyard.

After the two discussed and deliberated for a while, Baochai wrote down the plan for renting the Xue family's shop, and it was already sunset.

The two then parted ways, agreeing to go back and consider the matter individually, and to meet again the next day to discuss and revise any necessary additions or corrections.

Once he entered the inner courtyard of the East Mansion, taking advantage of the bright sunset and the clear, bright courtyard, he took out what Baochai had written and carefully read and pondered it.

As I was engrossed in reading, I felt as if a fragrant breeze was wafting around me, sweet and delightful, refreshing and soothing, and I was gently captivated.

You can hear someone speaking; their voice is crisp, clear, and sweet, very light and pleasant to the ear.

"Third brother, why are you studying so hard outside? It's so cold, be careful not to catch a cold."

When Jia Cong turned around and saw that it was Tan Chun, he smiled and said, "Third Sister, where have you been coming from?"

Tan Chun said, "I went to the East Road Courtyard this afternoon and, as my third brother suggested, informed the master about Huan'er's imprisonment and studies. The master agreed."

However, when his wife heard about it later, she became a little uncomfortable, but fortunately, she didn't take it seriously..."

When Jia Cong saw the gloom on Tan Chun's pretty face, he felt protective of her and naturally asked for the details.

Tan Chun then relayed all of Lady Wang's words to Jia Cong, saying, "I didn't mention a single word about Second Brother. Madam is overthinking things."

Jia Cong smiled slightly and said, "Baoyu has been the phoenix of the West Mansion since he was a child. He has always been raised with the utmost care and privilege. Second Madam thinks that Baoyu should be raised like this all his life."

However, the world is full of ups and downs, and things cannot remain unchanged. External factors have changed, and if one is blinded by illusions and indulges in falsehoods, it will be difficult to last and one will suffer great losses sooner or later.

The master has already explained that the second mistress is still opposed to this matter, and Baoyu will surely feel the same way. So let them be; why should we act like petty people?

In the bright, red glow of the sunset, Jia Cong said to Tan Chun, "I know what Third Sister desires, and we have made this plan for Huan'er."

We hope he will make his sister proud in the future, then all our efforts today will not have been in vain.

Tan Chun looked up at Jia Cong, her pretty face beaming with a radiant smile.

She said, "Regardless of whether Huan'er lives up to expectations in the future, I, as her younger sister, will always remember Third Brother's kindness." (End of Chapter)