Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The eastern suburbs of Shenjing City.

The magnificent black horse, tethered to a tree, was leisurely grazing on the grass roots on the ground. Ellie, with her back to Jia Cong, seemed to still be seething with anger.

Jia Cong said, "When did I ever say I didn't care about you? I owe my current success to your help in Liaodong. Do you think I'm that heartless?"

Ellie turned around, tears still streaming down her face, and said, "You can't be so sure. I think even if someone has a conscience, it doesn't seem like there's much of it."

Jia Cong said, "It is only natural for an aunt to return to her hometown to pay respects to her ancestors and search for relatives after leaving her home for many years. As her daughter, you should accompany her back."

Your aunt wants to stay in her hometown, so you should stay with her for a while. Then I will write to her again and persuade her to take you back to the capital.

I'll think of a good excuse, and I'll definitely bring you back. Then we can be like we are now, riding horses together whenever we have free time.

Ellie burst into laughter through her tears and said, "I'll remember that. You're not allowed to fool me, or I won't let you off the hook."

Jia Cong reached out and wiped away the tears on Ellie's face, and smiled, "Don't worry, when have I ever lied to you?"

Ellie snorted and said, "I'll have to think about that. You're the best at sweet-talking people. Even if you haven't lied to anyone before, there's no guarantee you won't lie in the future."

As she spoke, she found a clean spot under the tree, took out a handkerchief, dusted herself off, and sat down. Jia Cong naturally sat down next to her.

He said with a wry smile, "Can't you say something nice? You're making me sound like a liar. Am I really that bad?"

Ellie retorted, "Who told you to make me angry? You won't even let me make you angry back? Before we went back to the South, you said you'd take me to Jiangnan for a visit sometime."

Now that I'm going back alone, what else can you be but a liar?

"Who knows when you'll be back? And you seem so nonchalant about it. Am I wrong to say you have little conscience?"

Jia Cong knew that Ai Li was always straightforward, carefree, and bold, with a spirited and heroic nature, never showing any trace of girlish weakness.

Just because she was going to Jiangnan for a long time and wouldn't be able to see him, she had so many heartaches and complaints. He wasn't stupid; he naturally knew her feelings.

He couldn't help but be moved, and gently put his arm around her shoulder. Ellie felt a surge of tenderness in her heart and naturally leaned into his arms.

The winter sun shone brightly, warming everyone. Ellie's dark brown, cloud-like hair, fragrant and shimmering with a pale golden glow, was beautiful.

The two nestled together in silence, neither willing to speak, simply immersed in the tranquil, leisurely time.

Jia Cong turned his head and saw that Ellie had her eyes closed, and her beautifully shaped lips seemed to have a slight smile, making her look exceptionally charming and alluring.

She asked with a smile, "Ellie, is your ancestral home in Liuhe, Jinling?"

Ellie kept her eyes closed and said, "My mother never talked about family matters before, but she told me some things this time because she was going back to the South."

The Xu family's ancestral home was in Liuhe, and they were a prominent family in the area. They also had businesses in Nanjing.

More than a decade ago, the Xu family got into some kind of trouble, and family members either died or scattered.

My mother also suffered greatly, which is why she ended up in Liaodong in the north. Otherwise, she wouldn't have met my father, and I wouldn't exist.

Jia Cong recalled that ever since he met Xu, Ellie's mother, he felt that her words and actions were quite extraordinary, unlike those of an ordinary commoner.

After hearing Ellie's explanation of her origins, it became clear that this was the only plausible explanation.

The sky was clear and the surroundings were quiet. Soft jade was in his arms, and her breath was as fragrant as orchids.

Ellie said, "Yuzhang, let's stop talking nonsense and just stay here for a while. The sun is really nice..."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Aili, it's almost the middle of the twelfth lunar month, and it's an old custom in my household for relatives and elders to visit each other."

"When we get back to the city later, come with me to buy some gifts for your aunt."

Ellie smiled and said, "I knew you were good at sweet-talking people. No wonder my mother always speaks highly of you."

……

Shenjing, Qingyufang, Xiafu.

In the courtyard in front of the main hall, Madam Xia's trusted servant, Granny Chen, was assigning tasks back and forth, while several maids and servants busily moved and carried objects.

The courtyard was filled with many exquisite flowerpots, all of which were in full bloom, dazzling and beautiful.

There were also three chests containing silk, sachets, fans, and delicate pastries.

Miss Xia, accompanied by her maid Baochan, was walking along the covered walkway when she saw the busy scene in front of the main hall and frowned slightly.

Baochan, who was standing beside her, felt a little scared when she saw her young lady's expression.

Ever since the young lady learned that Baoyu had gotten the maid pregnant, she has become increasingly irritable and short-tempered. If anything goes against her wishes, she will throw a tantrum.

Although the girl didn't physically hit her, Baochan received a lot of scoldings every day, which made her somewhat anxious.

Miss Xia asked, "What are you all busy with?"

Granny Chen quickly stepped forward and said with a smile, "It's almost the middle of the twelfth lunar month, and wealthy families in the capital are now exchanging gifts and favors."

The lady said that the Jia family is the future husband's family of the young lady, so such etiquette should not be lacking. She asked me to prepare a few small gifts to send to the Jia family in the name of the young lady.

This is just for casual conversation and isn't much of a gift. We'll send a slightly thicker one during the holidays.

This will also help the young lady build good relationships within the Jia family, ensuring a more comfortable and respectable life after she marries into the household.

Baochan became somewhat apprehensive after hearing Granny Chen's slightly ingratiating words.

Everyone says that Granny Chen is the mistress's confidante and a very shrewd person, but I think she's just a fool.

She didn't know that these days, the girl was most annoyed by people mentioning her marriage, and now she was taking her anger out on Granny Chen.

……

Upon hearing Granny Chen's words, Miss Xia raised her eyebrows slightly and said irritably, "Bring me the gift list and tell me what kinds of things are being given."

Old Mrs. Chen felt uneasy when she heard her daughter's unfriendly tone. She had heard that her daughter had been in a bad mood lately, so she quickly handed over the gift list.

After looking at the gift list, Miss Xia's eyes narrowed slightly, as if she had thought of something.

He asked, "Why is the gift list only for Old Madam Jia, the Second Madam, and Baoyu? Why is there no gift for the Earl of Weiyuan?"

Granny Chen was slightly taken aback when she heard this, and quickly said, "Miss, the Jia family is now our in-laws, so there are naturally etiquette rules to follow when giving gifts."

Old Madam Jia and the Second Madam, one is the girl's future ancestor and the other is the girl's mother-in-law, both are the girl's proper elders, and the first priority is to send them off.

Since Baoyu is the young lady's future husband, she should naturally give him a gift as well.

Although the Earl of Weiyuan was extremely famous, his seniority was not high; he was only of the same generation as the young lady and not the son-in-law's brother-in-law. Therefore, logically, he didn't need to make a special trip to see her off.

Miss Xia glared at him and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? Although Jia Cong is young, he is a hereditary nobleman bestowed by the Emperor and the head of the Jia family's east and west mansions."

He was even more respected than the old lady of the Jia family. When the Xia family and the Jia family formed a marriage alliance, whose power did you think they were after?

Burning a bunch of useless incense instead of worshipping the real Buddha statue—what kind of courtesy is that? What a foolish thing to do!

Granny Chen looked troubled and said, "Miss, I'm doing this as Madam instructed. Madam didn't say that a copy should also be sent to Marquis Weiyuan."

Miss Xia said coldly, "My mother is always busy, so it's understandable that she might not have thought things through completely."

Granny Chen continued to argue, "Miss, if I prepare another one, it won't cost much money, but I won't be able to explain it to Madam."

Miss Xia blushed and said angrily, "If it's hard to explain to Madam, how can it be easy to explain to me?"

I'm not married yet, so my words don't carry any weight. I see you're getting bolder and bolder!

Even if I marry out of the Xia family, I will still be my mother's only daughter, and I won't have any say in family matters. Do you think I'm easy to fool?

When my mother returns, I'll ask her about this principle: do you, you lackey, understand manners better, or do I, as the young lady, do?

……

Upon hearing this, Granny Chen trembled with fright. Although her daughter was young, she was a fierce woman and would probably be even more formidable than her mother-in-law when she grew up.

The Xia family is small, with no branch or side branch, so this family business will eventually belong to the girl.

Now that I've offended her, I don't even know how I'll die.

He hurriedly said, "Miss, your words could shorten my lifespan; how could I possibly bear such a burden?"

What the young lady says makes perfect sense; it's just that I'm getting senile. I'll do as she says.

Miss Xia frowned again and asked, "Why are these the things that were given to Baoyu?"

Granny Chen hurriedly replied, "The gifts given to the son-in-law are all everyday items, such as food and clothing, and are also common items. You can't go wrong with any of them."

Miss Xia said arrogantly, "He's not even a scholar. These things like food, drink and entertainment are of little use to him. Prepare his gifts again."

As he spoke, he picked up a brush and scribbled on the gift list before tossing it to Granny Chen.

He said, "According to the gifts I wrote down, the gifts should be sent to Jia Cong and his elder sister, Yingchun, according to the etiquette of the East Mansion."

Baoyu, please rearrange the formalities according to the written instructions. Be careful if there are any mistakes!

When Granny Chen took the gift list and glanced at it, she felt a bit of a headache. The gift that the young lady was giving to Jia Cong was the same as that given to Old Madam Jia, and even slightly more expensive than that given to the Second Madam.

That's understandable, after all, Jia Cong is the head of the Jia family. Although his seniority is not high, his status is incredibly high, so it's reasonable for him to be more courteous.

However, the etiquette for presenting the precious jade was rather strange, and Granny Chen's mind went completely blank.

Unable to resist asking, "Miss, is it inappropriate to send these gifts to the son-in-law at the hour of the fifteenth of the twelfth lunar month?"

Miss Xia glared and said, "He's the age where he should be using these things. Go to Wenhan Street and buy the best ones according to the list I made. Once the gifts are all prepared, and I've checked them to make sure there are no problems, send them to the Jia family immediately. Don't delay."

Granny Chen's expression was strange, but she didn't dare to say a word and hurriedly went out to prepare replacement gifts.

Because Baochan couldn't read many characters, she couldn't understand the gift list written by Miss Xia.

But she clearly heard Xia give Jia Cong additional gifts and change Bao Yu's gift list.

She asked cautiously, "Miss, is it inappropriate for you to change Madam's gift list? What if Madam is unhappy?"

Miss Xia snorted and said, "What do you know? This is called 'the more polite, the better.' No matter how many social norms or rules there are, you can't find fault with giving gifts."
Isn't Baoyu quite capable? Before I even married into the family, he was already sleeping with the head maid.

How could such private matters be known to everyone? It's clearly someone deliberately spreading rumors.

Aside from the second wife, I can't think of anyone else in the Jia family who would do such a thing.

They've humiliated me like this, so I'll show them what's what. Who's afraid of whom? Humph!

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

With the twelfth lunar month nearly halfway over, the Rongguo Mansion became increasingly lively, with nobles and elders from various families starting to visit each other more and more often, following the customs of previous years.

Throughout the year, everyone is busy with their own lives, and unless there is a birthday banquet or a happy occasion, there is little interaction between them.

However, since the New Year is a major occasion, families must visit and socialize with each other. But if they only visit each other during the New Year, it will inevitably feel abrupt and unfamiliar.

Therefore, around the middle of the twelfth lunar month each year, the women of each family would go out to visit and make appearances, to familiarize themselves with the ways to give gifts during the New Year, and to facilitate the deepening of friendships and connections between families.

This is also a household chore that women from wealthy and powerful families must do every year-end. Every wealthy and powerful family does this.

As a result, Rongqing Hall has recently seen a surge in visitors. The hall is filled with people dressed in fine clothes, adorned with precious jewels and fragrant ornaments, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Although it is customary to reciprocate, since Jia Cong is not yet married and his elder sister Yingchun is not yet married, the East Mansion naturally does not need to be involved in these formalities.

In the past, these formalities were handled by Madam Wang and Wang Xifeng, but now Madam Wang naturally no longer holds that title.

Wang Xifeng became unusually busy, leaving her daily household chores to Wu'er and Ping'er, and frequently going out to visit other households.

Now, thanks to Jia Cong, the Rongguo Mansion is not only a family of dukes, but also a veritable family of Hanlin scholars, holding a superior position among the nobles of the capital.

Whenever Wang Xifeng visited, as the elder sister-in-law of a Hanlin scholar, she was always looked up to, which made the usually strong-willed Wang Xifeng very proud and pleased.

These past few days, when Lady Wang visited the West Mansion, she often saw Wang Xifeng dressed up and surrounded by attendants, which made her feel extremely bitter, but there was nothing she could do about it.

……

Because Marquis Baoling Shi Nai was working in the Ministry of War in Jinling, and his family and children were all in Jinling, he would not return to Jinling during ordinary holidays.

As a prominent noble family in the capital, the Shi family naturally had to handle the annual gifts and etiquette for the festivals.

On this day, Li was visiting Grandmother Jia at the Rongguo Mansion, and Shi Xiangyun naturally came to accompany her.

Since it was someone from Grandmother Jia's family, Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun, and other sisters were also present.

Grandmother Jia did not forget to call Baoyu over to pay his respects. Xiren, worried that Baoyu might get into trouble again, followed closely behind and entered Rongqing Hall together.

On this day, Wang Xifeng went out to visit other women in the West Mansion. Since there were no other women in the household, Grandmother Jia sent word to ask Lady Wang to come and accompany her.

Just then, Aunt Xue brought Baochai to Rongqing Hall to pay their respects and have a chat with Grandmother Jia, making the hall even more bustling with activity.

……

Madam Li smiled and said, "Auntie, you are becoming more and more blessed as you get older. Look at your family, surrounded by children and grandchildren, you are becoming more and more wealthy and comfortable."

Previously, Cong-ge'er was granted a title for his military achievements, and among the sons of noble families in the capital, no one could compare to him.

Now he has passed the imperial examination and become a Hanlin Academician at the age of fifteen, which is rare from ancient times to the present.

"Now the Jia family's east and west mansions are enjoying great prosperity and influence. They are a powerful and influential family in the capital, unmatched by any other, and something others can only envy."

Grandmother Jia felt comforted by her niece-in-law's kind words, and Aunt Xue, always eager to please, also chimed in with many kind words.

Yingchun, Daiyu, and others were already used to such praise, and although they didn't take it seriously, they still felt quite happy to hear it.

Only Baoyu felt heartbroken and restless upon hearing this, but with Daiyu and the other sisters present, he lacked the courage to lash out and couldn't find any reason to do so.

He eagerly awaited Li Shi's lavish praise of Jia Cong, but she didn't even glance at him, and the conversation shifted to trivial matters concerning the Shi family.

This made Baoyu feel very disappointed. In previous years, no matter how much his aunt from the Shi family said, she always praised him for his handsome appearance, good manners, and filial piety.

Now it's as if he's been forgotten. This Aunt Shi doesn't look that old, how could she have become so confused so quickly?

Baoyu was feeling extremely depressed and lost, and the image of a bright moon and gentle breeze, filled with sorrow, was just surfacing in his mind when he suddenly heard Li mention him.

"Now Baoyu is also having a series of happy events and is becoming more and more successful. I heard that he is engaged to the Xia family girl Guihua and they will get married in March of the new year."

Just now I heard Yun'er say that the maid in Baoyu's room is pregnant, and the aunt's family will have more children, which is a cause for celebration.

It's just a pity that Cong-ge'er is in mourning for three years and can't find a wife right away, otherwise the old lady would most likely be doubly happy.

As Li spoke warmly, she couldn't help but glance at her niece Xiangyun, who was chatting and laughing with her sisters, looking carefree.

He couldn't help but shake his head inwardly. Xiangyun was still young and didn't seem to have matured at all.

She spends her days amusing herself among her sisters, and she doesn't seem to show any particular care or concern for Cong-ge.

Second sister-in-law had put a lot of thought into placing her in the Jia family's care, but this girl didn't care at all, just drifting along like a watermelon rind, going wherever she felt like...

……

Baoyu originally thought that when Li mentioned him, she would definitely praise him for being handsome and filial. Wouldn't it be embarrassing for him to say that in front of his sisters?

Hearing these words, Lin Daiyu realized that many people in the world are blinded by their own limited perspectives, and that Jia Cong could not possibly have all the advantages.

Unexpectedly, Aunt Shi, who only visited a few times a year, learned to do the same things as everyone else.

The fact that he immediately wished for their marriage and the birth of their child made Baoyu feel utterly ashamed and filled him with grief and indignation.

I, a person of impeccable integrity, have been truly tainted by these vulgar and unbearable matters.

When others talk about me, they only bring up these things and repeatedly humiliate me. Is there nothing else I can do besides getting married and having children?

He was born with a jade in his mouth, but it was the master's fault for taking the jade away, making him unworthy of the name.

No one mentioned it again, and all that strange omen was wasted. So many benefits they had received were thus obscured, like a pearl hidden in dust. How tragic it is to think of this…

……

Grandmother Jia, Li Shi, and Aunt Xue were chatting happily when they saw Xue Baochai smiling broadly beside them.

He asked with a smile, "Bao'er, you and Cong'er discussed the shop a few days ago. Has everything been settled yet?"

Baochai smiled and said, "Brother Cong and I have already discussed it and agreed. The letter we wrote together was sent to Jinling yesterday, according to Brother Cong."

He said Miss Qu is always efficient and would definitely be able to get this matter settled before the end of the year.

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "That's really good. You siblings and relatives should help each other like this. Cong-ge'er has done a respectable thing."

When Baoyu heard Baochai's cheerful voice talking about writing letters with Jia Cong, her words filled with an unspeakable intimacy, it caused him a sharp, aching pain in his heart.

Jia Cong, such a lecherous man, has already taken many outstanding daughters from the household, and now he wants to provoke Baochai. He is truly insatiable and disgusting.

Why is it that whether it's Lin Daiyu or Baochai, they only see the good in this corrupt man, while their own pure and outstanding character is so easily overlooked?

When did this world become so corrupt and unclear, causing someone as loving and pure-hearted as me to suffer endless neglect and humiliation...

Lady Wang felt disgusted when she heard Li praise Jia Cong so readily, as if the dignified Lady of the Marquis couldn't speak without his name.

I finally heard her mention Baoyu's happy news, but she took a turn halfway through her sentence and brought up Cong-ge'er again.

Is my precious jade only fit to be a supporting character? Is that boy from the East Mansion the most desirable in the whole world? This is simply outrageous!

Seeing that Baoyu's face was rather pale and his expression revealed sorrow and grievance, Lady Wang knew that Li's words had upset him, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

If I had known it would be so uncomfortable, I should have made an excuse to decline when the old lady asked me to come and keep her company.

Even his own precious jade shouldn't have come, lest he suffer unnecessary humiliation.

Just as Madam Wang was filled with resentment, she suddenly heard Lin Zhixiao's wife stride into the hall.

She said, "Grandma, a few people from the Xia family have come. They said they were instructed by their young lady to send a small gift for the Mid-Autumn Festival."

Now, both people and goods are waiting outside the second gate.

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "We've come at a lively time. Quickly, invite them in."

He then smiled at Madam Wang and said, "This Miss Xia is only one or two years older than Baoyu. She is much more polite and sensible. She will surely be a capable person in the future."

Upon hearing this, Lady Li, the wife of Marquis Zhongjing, and Aunt Xue naturally flattered Grandmother Jia, praising the Xia family's daughter for her good manners and Baoyu for his good fortune.

Madam Wang's earlier displeasure vanished instantly, and she felt even more satisfied with the Xia family's daughter.

This daughter-in-law, who is not yet married, is not only outstanding in appearance, but also generous and polite in her conduct; she is truly a first-rate person.

Even if Cong-ge'er marries a proper wife in the future, no matter how good she is, she will most likely not surpass his daughter-in-law. This is something Bao-yu is very proud of. (End of this chapter)