Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Shenjing (the capital city), Honglu Temple, Huitong Hall.

Inside the main hall of the pavilion, the ceiling is decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, and the walls are painted red and inlaid with gold, making it extremely magnificent and splendid.

The charcoal fire in the brazier emitted a dark red glow, warming the spacious main room.

A large table was placed in the center of the main room, and on one side sat a Zhou Dynasty official in a solemn official robe, with a refined and serious expression.

On the other side sat officials from the Mongol delegation, each dressed in their own unique style, their bodies burly, their beards and hair in tangled fur coats.

The officials on both sides were either speaking righteously and sternly or cursing and swearing at each other, confronting each other with angry eyes, making a complete mess of a quarrel.

The interpreters on both sides were shouting themselves hoarse, afraid of missing a single word.

They spoke loudly to the interpreter on the other side, clenching their fists and pointing their fingers, spitting as they spoke, more aggressive than the others, as if they were about to climb onto the table and start a fight.

To the side of the long table was another small table with writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone on it, but not a single word was written on the snow-patterned Xuan paper, and the brush, which was covered with ink, had begun to dry and harden.

Jia Cong, dressed in the official robes of a Hanlin scholar, was exceptionally handsome and elegant. He sat upright behind the table, arms crossed, watching the two sides of officials arguing and bickering, looking somewhat bored.

Since the Mongol delegation increased the trade volume by 40%, the peace talks between the two sides have reached a stalemate, with neither side's peace leaders attending the negotiations.

All that remained were the officials from both sides engaging in daily consultations and verbal battles, each trying to gain the upper hand and advantage for their own side.

As the chief clerk of the peace negotiations of the Great Zhou, Jia Cong did not participate in the specific negotiations, but he had been present to listen in for two days.

He saw that the officials on both sides were fully engaged, arguing their points and working tirelessly towards their respective goals.

But with both sides' leaders having left the peace talks, the remaining people were unable to make a decision. In his eyes, these people were nothing but utter nonsense.

Just as he was getting increasingly bored and suppressing the urge to yawn, the Western clock in the hall struck, indicating that it was almost noon.

A junior official in charge of the restaurant came in to announce that it was lunchtime and the food and wine were ready, inviting all the gentlemen to dine.

The two officials, who had just been arguing fiercely, immediately stopped their tempers and showed no signs of tension. They told the clerk to hurry up and serve the food.

The two sides even exchanged a few jokes, since they had been arguing all day and were all quite hungry.

Seeing this scene, Jia Cong found it somewhat amusing. At this moment, many servants from the pavilions filed in, carrying rice, wine, and dishes.

At this moment, a maidservant suddenly appeared at the entrance. She was pretty and slender, but she didn't dare to enter the hall and kept looking back and forth at the door.

When she saw Jia Cong, her face lit up with joy, and she waved to him repeatedly. Jia Cong smiled back at her and then walked out of the hall alone.

The long table in the hall was filled with dishes. Apart from wine, the officials of the Great Zhou had rice and vegetables, while the officials of the Remnant Mongols had steamed and boiled meat.

One of the officials from the Ministry of War was about to invite Scholar Jia to dine with him when he turned around and found the small table empty; Jia Cong was nowhere to be seen.

……

On the veranda outside the main hall, Jia Cong smiled at the young maid and said, "Xiaoxia, did your master send you to deliver a message?"

This maid was indeed Noyan Taiji's personal maid, but she was not Mongolian; she was a proper Han Chinese girl, whom Noyan had reportedly bought after arriving in Shenjing.

Since being appointed as the peace negotiation clerk, Jia Cong has been going in and out of the meeting hall these past few days, listening to the peace negotiations between the two countries every day.

As one of the three leaders of the remnant Mongols, Noyan Taiji has not appeared at the peace talks since the negotiations between the two sides reached a stalemate.

Perhaps because he had too much free time, whenever the two states were taking a break during peace talks, Noyan Taiji would send his maid to invite him over for tea and a chat.

Jia Cong made this peace treaty recorder to take advantage of the situation and use it as a means to investigate the intricacies of the conflicts between the remnant Mongol tribes.

As one of the three leaders of the delegation, Noyan Taiji was an important figure to break through, and he also wanted to befriend him, so he naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.

In the past few days, he and Noyan Taiji have been in frequent contact, and the two have become more familiar with each other. The maid Xiaoxia often runs errands and delivers messages, and has also become very familiar with Jia Cong.

Xiaoxia smiled and said, "Lord Weiyuan, it is mealtime now. Our Taiji has prepared wine and dishes. Please do us the honor of joining us."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "That's great! Although you Taijis are from the grasslands, you are familiar with the customs, food and culture of the Central Plains. I have seen it all."

The food and wine he served to his guests were always carefully selected and of the highest quality; I was fortunate enough to have such a meal.

You wouldn't believe it, but the food at the Huitongguan restaurant, while not exactly inedible, was certainly not good.

Besides, having dozens of people crammed together to eat is no different from feeding a donkey or a horse; it doesn't look appetizing at all.

Xiaoxia couldn't help but giggle as she listened to Jia Cong's witty remarks. Her bright eyes darted around Jia Cong's face, and she felt very happy.

Xiaoxia also grew up in the capital. Although she was born into a lowly slave family, she still knew Jia Cong's name very well.

It is widely rumored in the capital that Jia Cong is a renowned scholar, excelling in both poetry and calligraphy. He was granted a title at a young age, passed the imperial examination with flying colors, and was also said to be as handsome as Pan An, a rare beauty in the world.

Given Xiaoxia's background, she would have had little chance to meet Jia Cong, but unexpectedly, becoming Nuoyan's maid gave her such an advantage.

This Earl of Weiyuan was not only so handsome that he was dazzling to behold, but he also spoke in a warm and approachable manner, without any airs.

Even though she was just a lowly maid, he was always polite, kind, and witty, which made Xiaoxia very happy.

Every time Xiaoxia was sent by Nuoyan to deliver a message to Jia Cong, it was a joyous occasion.

She felt that although Taiji was a grassland man, he was not only an outstanding person, but also quite insightful, having recognized the merits of Weiyuanbo early on.

……

Jia Cong followed Xiaoxia into the Ordos Inn and saw that a table in the south-facing hall was already filled with delicacies and fine wine.

Noyan Taiji wore a moon-white robe with dark floral patterns, his black hair was tied up in a bun, he was tall and elegant, dressed in Han Chinese attire, and was very debonair.

When he saw Jia Cong enter, he smiled and said, "You're doing a very good job with your current official position, so I can talk to you more often."

I was bored eating alone at lunchtime, so I asked you to come over and keep me company. Please don't think I'm bothering you.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I am not familiar with these Ministry of War officials, and it would be boring to eat with them. Since you have prepared fine wine and delicacies, I will naturally accept them."

When Noyan Taiji saw Jia Cong dressed in official robes, he laughed and said, "Your attire makes eating and drinking quite inconvenient. It would be better if you changed into something else."

I've made a new robe, but I haven't worn it even once. Since we're similar in build, it'll be more convenient for Xiaoxia to help you change.

Jia Cong felt a little strange. Although Nuoyan was also tall, she looked thinner than him. They couldn't be considered to have similar figures.

However, drinking while wearing a Hanlin official's robes was indeed somewhat inconvenient and lacked decorum, so he went with Xiaoxia to the back room to change.

Xiaoxia took out a brand-new royal blue satin robe with floral patterns, lined with soft and precious fur, and the workmanship was very gorgeous and exquisite.

After Jia Cong changed into the long robe, he found it fit him perfectly and felt a little strange.

……

When Noyan Taiji saw Jia Cong return after changing his clothes, he smiled and circled around him, saying, "They fit you very well."

The two sat down for a few drinks and chatted for a while, both smiling broadly, making the atmosphere even more harmonious.

Noyan Taiji said, "Brother Cong has been listening to the talks for several days and thinks about when the two countries can reach an agreement."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "The Mongol delegation has increased the trade volume by 40%, which exceeds the court's limit. It will be difficult for the two countries to reach a peace agreement."

Even if I hadn't said it, Noyan, being a wise and insightful person, would surely have already known what was going on.

I heard that the mission was led by Altang of the Tuman tribe, who was a very famous figure on the grasslands.

Since we can see the consequences of increasing the trade quota by 40%, Lord Altan must also be well aware of them.

Knowing that this move would lead to a stalemate in the peace negotiations, why did he insist on proposing it?

I've been observing the peace talks these past few days, and aside from both sides wasting time, it's been utterly pointless, which is quite perplexing.

After Jia Cong finished speaking, he looked at Nuoyan with his bright eyes, hoping to find some clues from his expression.

In fact, this question was not only on Jia Cong's mind, but also on the day he went to visit his superior, Wang Shilun and Gu Yankui had the same question.

However, no one could fathom the mystery. Noyan was one of the three leaders of the Mongol delegation, and Jia Cong believed that he must know the secret.

Upon hearing Jia Cong's words, Noyan Taiji's heart skipped a beat; in fact, he had long harbored the same question.

When Altan summoned him and Yongshelen's tribe, Galtai, to increase the trade volume by 40%, Noyan Taiji raised concerns.

However, Aletang did not care about this and claimed that even if the peace negotiations became more difficult, he would extend his stay in Shenjing and spend more time on negotiations.

Looking back now, it seems like a deliberate delay. The real reason behind it was never mentioned by Altan, and even Noyan Taiji couldn't figure it out.

He also recalled the many clues he had discovered, such as why the chieftain of the Tuman tribe, Darughachi, had arrived in Shenjing so early to conceal his identity and open the Duan family's grain shop. Why did Duan Chunjiang deliberately befriend Chen Ruichang, the second grandson of the Duke of Qi, through Xue Pan, when this man happened to be serving in the Five Military Commands?

When Aletang first arrived in Shenjing, he sent people to contact the Duan family's grain shop. Why did he not have any further contact with them after that?

Noyan Taiji tried to connect these doubts with the increase of 40% in the border trade quota in Aleppo, but found no connection.

Although the three major Mongol tribes of ten thousand households share the same lineage, they still have differing demands and interests.

If Anda Khan wanted to integrate the forces of the various tribes, he needed to resolve or cover up their differences, and the best way to do this was to block and filter information.

The Ordos and Yongshelen tribes knew what they needed to know, and naturally, they would minimize any disagreements.

Such methods of governing the masses were naturally well understood by Noyan Taiji, who was well-versed in the history of the Han Dynasty.

But whether it was him or Gertai, if they asked Altan about the details, the other party would definitely make excuses and evasions, so asking would be pointless.

Although there were potential differences between the Ordos tribe and the Tuman tribe, under the overall interests of the Mongol tribes, Noyan Taiji would not inform Jia Cong of these matters.

He laughed and said, "You only said that increasing the trade volume by 40% is the limit that the Great Zhou Dynasty cannot accept."

Little did they know that only this amount of trade could alleviate the shortage of supplies in the various Mongol tribes during the autumn and winter.

If the Great Zhou can achieve this trade volume, the nine border regions will surely be free of war, and both states will be able to secure their lands and defend their borders, living in harmony. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

……

Jia Cong solemnly replied, "I also agree with opening up trade routes so that both countries can learn from each other's strengths, meet each other's needs, and live in harmony."

However, the Tuman tribe's Anda Khan had amassed an army of over 200,000, and his ambition to graze his horses southward was already quite obvious.

Given that there are people on the grasslands who covet foreign lands, it is perfectly reasonable for the court to take precautions and be vigilant; it is the way to protect the country and ensure its peace.

If the Great Zhou truly agrees to increase the trade quota by 40%, it won't be as Noyan claims, merely alleviating the shortage of supplies among the Mongol tribes.

Rather, it would truly embolden the enemy, and Anda Khan would not be deterred in the slightest by this, so this matter could never be implemented.

When Noyan Taiji met Jia Cong, who was usually warm and amiable, his tone and words gradually became stern and cold when he spoke of the Mongol tribes' southward ambitions.

A sense of melancholy involuntarily arose in his heart. He thought that he was a rising star in the Southern Dynasty, an official who came from a family of scholars and officials. He must have been firm and resolute in distinguishing between loyalty and virtue, and between the inner and outer courts.

He had also quelled foreign invasions along the nine borders, making him a born general. He would always be prepared for any foreign invasion attempts and would not have any intention of appeasement or pacification.

……

Jia Cong carefully observed Noyan Taiji's expression and said, "I know that the Ordos tribe has lived in the Hetao region for generations. The land there is fertile and the water and grass are abundant."

Ancient books say that during the Qin and Han dynasties, the area near the Yellow River in the Hetao region was suitable for growing grains and was known as the "Jiangnan of the Northwest." Could it be that there was a shortage of resources there?

Noyan Taiji said, "The land in the Hetao region that can grow grain and wheat is a legend from hundreds or thousands of years ago. It has changed many times over the generations and has long since disappeared."

The Mongol tribes only lived by following the water and grass, and were naturally resistant to farming methods. However, it is true that the Hetao region was rich in water and grass and was the best in the northern desert.

The ancestors of Ordos were granted titles by the emperor of the Northern Yuan Dynasty and were able to live in the Hetao region for generations. In the past ten years or so, the grassland tribes have been in turmoil and scattered, and the situation is no longer what it used to be.

The Tuman tribe was powerful and ranked first among the Mongol tribes. Ten years ago, the Tuman and Yongshelun tribes led more than a thousand people into the Ordos region, and the Ordos region was no longer unique to Ordos.

The three major Mongol tribes, each with its own 10,000 households, were intertwined and inseparable, sharing both prosperity and adversity.

The thoughts of each individual and their mission, whether to fight or make peace, cannot be simply and crudely explained…

After saying this, Noyan Taiji smiled self-deprecatingly and said, "I invited you to drink with me today, to enjoy a leisurely and carefree time."

Discussing these turbulent national affairs is truly uninteresting; it's much more enjoyable to drink and chat. These troubling matters are best left unmentioned.

He then poured wine into Jia Cong's cup, and thereafter their conversation turned to casual topics, returning to a relaxed and carefree atmosphere.

After a few drinks, Jia Cong, not daring to overindulge in alcohol because of the peace talks scheduled for the afternoon, ate some food and then took his leave.

Although today's topic seems to have yielded no results, Noyan Taiji's words still revealed a lot of information.

The Hetao region is no longer unique to Ordos; the Tuman and Yongxielun tribes have also invaded it.

The three major Mongol tribes, each with its own myriarchy, have a more complex and intertwined history than one might imagine.

As Noyan Taiji said: "The thoughts of one person and one party, whether to fight or make peace, cannot be explained in a crude and simple way..."

This gave Jia Cong some new clues. He couldn't be sure if this was some kind of test, something that Noyan Taiji was doing intentionally.
……

The afternoon's peace talks between the two nations at the meeting hall were as heated as ever, with seemingly convincing arguments that were ultimately just endless rambling.

Jia Cong only sat for half an hour before finding an excuse to get up and leave, taking a carriage back to his residence.

As he walked along, recalling Noyan Taiji's words, he became more certain of his original conjecture and saw a clear opportunity.

When they returned to their own courtyard, Qingwen helped her change out of her official robes, and then she went to her study.

He took out a letter from the book box on the table. It was copied in tiny characters. He carefully read it through and only left the courtyard and the mansion after confirming that there were no errors.

He wandered alone through the streets and alleys, walking for the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, until he reached a quiet courtyard in the east of the city.

When they gently knocked on the courtyard gate, Ellie came out to open it. She was wearing a royal blue embroidered Shu brocade robe and an indigo-scented sweat towel, which made her look even more graceful.

He chuckled softly, "You should still be at your post at this hour, how did you end up here?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I have an important letter that needs to be sent to Jinling. There happened to be some free time at the yamen, so I came over."

Ellie laughed and said, "What letter? What's so important that you're in such a hurry to send it?"

Jia Cong said, "My family has several high-quality shops in Jinling, which we plan to rent to Xinchunhao. This is really timely."

Thinking that everything would be settled before the end of the year, I sent the letter to Nanjing early.

The two chatted as they entered the main room of the courtyard, where they saw several trunks and baskets, and Ellie's mother, Xu, was tidying up things.

When she saw Jia Cong coming over, a smile appeared on her face. She personally fetched a teapot and tea, then left the main room to let them talk alone.

Jia Cong said, "I wanted to send two maids over, but Aunt Xu wouldn't allow it. She even has to serve the tea herself. It's really not right for her to be so overworked."

Ellie said, "My mother is used to a simple life up north, so let her have her way."

Jia Cong pointed to the trunks and boxes in the main room and asked, "Why does it look like you're packing luggage? What's going on?"

Ellie said, "I haven't been out for quite some time. Since you have some free time today, why don't you come with me for a walk outside the city?"

Jia Cong was naturally without worry. The two went to the stables to fetch Jia Cong's black horse and Ellie's hawk.

As usual, they rode two horses together, exiting Hongde Gate and galloping through the eastern suburbs of the city.

Jia Cong held Ai Li's slender and soft waist. The wind from the saddle rushed towards him, and her soft hair brushed against his face, carrying a warm and sweet fragrance.

They didn't dismount until they reached an open space next to the pipeline.

Ellie put Jia Cong's letter into a bamboo tube, carefully tied it to the eagle slave's foot, and then with a slight flick of her wrist, the eagle slave spread its wings and flew away.

Ellie tilted her head back and let out a clear whistle. The eagles circling in the air responded with two cries, flapped their wings vigorously, and flew south.

Jia Cong glanced at the sky and asked, "You still haven't said why you're packing your bags. It looks like you're going on a long trip."

Ellie led the black horse to a tree, tied the reins, and said, "After my mother arrived in Shenjing, she asked someone to take a letter to Jiangnan."

A few days ago he said that after the New Year, he would take me back to my ancestral home in Liuhe, Nanjing, to pay respects to my ancestors and visit relatives and friends.

Hearing that Ellie's tone was somewhat gloomy, Jia Cong laughed and said, "You grew up in the north, haven't you always wanted to see the beauty of Jiangnan? This is a good opportunity."

Moreover, ancestral worship and visiting relatives are important family events. The old lady looks quite distinguished and is probably from a wealthy family. It is a good thing that you can trace your roots.

I will write to Jinling Xinchunhao as soon as I get back, and have someone take care of everything for you. You don't need to worry about anything when you arrive in Jiangnan; everything will be taken care of for you.”

Ellie looked up at Jia Cong, her bright eyes shimmering with the light of the sea, and frowned as she said, "Why do you seem so eager to send me away? I just don't like this kind of thing."

"Hey, I'm going to be gone for a long time. My mother might miss her homeland and stay there for an extended period."

Jia Cong was somewhat taken aback: "You really intend to stay here permanently? Jinling Liuhe is located at the heart of Jiangnan, and its people are quite distinguished; it's a good place, but..."

Ellie was on the verge of tears. She pounded Jia Cong's shoulder twice and said, "You're so heartless. You said all sorts of nice things to lure me to the capital."

"Now you're ignoring me, and even said Jinling Liuhe is a good place. Don't expect me to talk to you again." (End of Chapter)