Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Shenjing, located in the eastern suburbs of the city, at the foot of the Yanshan Mountains.

Snow-covered landscapes, dense grass and forests, and frigid air—on the vast, desolate outskirts of the city, a group of knights galloped on horseback.

The thunderous sound of hooves pounded the snow along the way, making it scatter like flying flowers and jade, carrying a sense of unrestrained joy.

Both riders are young, spirited, handsome, and dashing.

A man rode a magnificent yellow horse, its hooves spurring and hooves pounding, a truly spirited sight. The saddle and reins were inlaid with gold and silver, exquisite and luxurious.

The other person rode a black horse, whose saddle was sturdy but simple, far less expensive than that of the yellow horse.

But the horse was tall and imposing, with a glossy black coat and pure white hooves. It was in no way inferior to the magnificent yellow horse, and it was hard to tell which was better.

The man was dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, with a bright red felt cloak and an ancient, heavy curved sword hanging from his saddle. He was tall and handsome, and it was none other than Jia Cong.

That morning, after the morning court session ended, Jia Cong had just stepped out of the Meridian Gate when Noyan Taiji sent a guard to deliver a message, inviting him to go hunting outside the city.

Jia Cong knew that this Mongolian prince had strong nomadic habits and was always enthusiastic about hunting.

The first time I met him was on Hanzheng Street, when he was returning from hunting outside the city. The second time I met him was on the eastern outskirts of the city, when he was also returning from hunting.

Since Jia Cong submitted a special memorial to Emperor Jia Zhao and was appointed as the recorder of the peace negotiations between the two states, he has consciously approached Noyan Taiji.

Nuoyan Taiji also deliberately befriended him, perhaps because the two had similar temperaments.

But with this increasingly close relationship, does Noyan, like herself, also have other deeper intentions?
Although Noyan Taiji did not reveal his true feelings in his words, many things in human interactions can be clearly perceived without being spoken.

During their last meal together, Noyan Taiji subtly revealed to him that the Ordos tribe had no ambition for supremacy and was willing to cease hostilities, but was only forced by circumstances.

Although Noyan Taiji's words were veiled and lacked direct honesty, Jia Cong could clearly sense that this was a test from the other party.

As the saying goes, all's fair in war, and Jia Cong could not yet be certain whether this was the true demand of the Ordos tribe.

However, it is obvious that the Ordos tribe and the Anda Khan of the Tuman tribe had differing opinions and disagreements regarding the matter of launching a military campaign in the south.

Even the ten fingers of a person are of different lengths. The three major tribes of the Mongol Empire each control tens of thousands of people and have tens of thousands of elite cavalrymen under their command.

In order to survive, they each have their own plans and intentions, which is perfectly normal.

If we were to say that the three tribes, with their hundreds of thousands of people, were all as ambitious as Anda Khan, they would be united in purpose and determined to achieve their goal.

Although the nine border towns of the Great Zhou are heavily armed and ready for battle, they are probably already embroiled in endless fighting and chaos, making it difficult to hold their ground.

As Jia Cong stated in his memorial: "Breaking the enemy's alliance and weakening their edge, we have already defeated a thousand troops before the army has even moved."

Before a major war between the two states, even if it is impossible to defeat them one by one, there is still much that can be done by employing good strategies, enticing them with benefits, guiding them to pacify, and dividing their forces.

Furthermore, according to the morning court session today, the situation within the Great Zhou's interior is not optimistic. Salt smugglers are causing havoc in the Jiangnan region, hindering the collection of salt taxes and resulting in insufficient tax revenue in Jiangnan.

Hebei and Shanxi provinces are adjacent to key border towns. The cold weather in these two areas has caused unrest among the people. If the situation gets out of control, these border towns will be in grave danger.

The imperial court recognized that providing disaster relief and reassurance to the people in these two regions was an urgent matter that could not be delayed.

If the remnants of the Mongols were to provoke war on the nine border regions, even if they were to win, the consumption of food, supplies, and troops would be enormous, and disaster relief efforts would be severely hampered, with unpredictable future troubles.

……

Jia Cong submitted a memorial to the king, who tacitly approved the idea that he could seek opportunities by associating with Noyan Taiji.

However, given his shrewd and cautious nature, he maintained a measured approach to his actions to avoid giving anyone cause for gossip.

The two of them usually just drank and chatted, which didn't attract much attention.

Today, the fact that officials of the Great Zhou and the leader of the Mongol delegation are riding out of the city on horseback and going hunting together is already too ostentatious and is bound to cause trouble.

However, what Jia Cong saw and heard at the morning court session today made him feel a sense of urgency. The state of the country was worrying, which made him put aside some of his concerns.

On that day, he wrote to Emperor Jia Zhao not only to clear himself of any wrongdoing, but also because he saw an opportunity to do something beneficial.

Having been granted a noble title and appointed to the Hanlin Academy at a young age, enjoying unparalleled glory and national honors, it is only right and proper for me to do some practical things within my power.

As the group galloped closer to a large, dense jungle, Noyan Taiji raised his hand from his horse, and his entourage obeyed immediately, reining in their horses and stopping.

A servant stepped forward, holding a bow and arrow and a quiver of arrows in his hands, and presented them to Jia Cong's horse. Jia Cong readily accepted them.

However, although he was skilled in horsemanship and swordsmanship, he was quite unfamiliar with archery, and the bow and arrow in his hands were mostly just for show.

Noyan Taiji said, “You all stay outside the forest to guard against the beasts. I and Weiyuanbo will go into the forest to hunt. If there is any unusual activity, we will use the horn as a signal.”

After saying this, he smiled and beckoned to Jia Cong, then rode ahead into the woods, with Jia Cong following closely behind on his horse.

The two entered the forest and found a sheltered snowdrift, where they each loosely tied their horses to tree trunks.

Noyan Taiji was all smiles and full of energy, and hunting in the forest made him feel like a fish in water.

The two men each nocked their arrows and took a few steps forward when they suddenly heard a rustling sound in the treetops, as if several dark shadows had swept past.

Noyan Taiji twisted his waist, turned around quickly, drew his bow and arrow, his movements swift and fluid, exuding an indescribable beauty and displaying a heroic spirit.

Jia Cong heard a slight vibration in the bowstring, and the arrow shot into the air as fast as a meteor.

In an instant, the sound of birds flapping their wings was heard, and a golden pheasant fell from the treetop, its neck pierced by an arrow.

Jia Cong was slightly surprised. He had practiced martial arts since childhood and was exceptionally sharp-eared and sharp-eyed. Just now, he had only heard birds flying overhead.

Noyan Taiji was able to shoot an arrow into the pheasant's slender neck in an instant, demonstrating his superb archery skills.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Noyan is a good archer. Everyone says that the people of the grasslands are good at riding and shooting, and it is indeed true."

Noyan Taiji laughed and said, "People of the grasslands grow up on horseback and make a living by herding and hunting. These are our survival skills, and we just become proficient through practice."

He pointed into the distance and said, "Jia Cong, look about thirty paces away, there's a snowdrift, and you can see fresh moss next to it. You can also see wild rabbits."

No sooner had Noyan Taiji finished speaking than Jia Cong saw the snow there move and a gray hare poked its head out.

He casually drew his arrow, and imitating Noyan Taiji, quickly nocked the arrow, and aimed at the hare in the distance.

Seeing that he was awkward in drawing the bow, Noyan Taiji knew that he was not good at archery.

However, the bow that the attendants gave Jia Cong earlier was a one-stone bow. Even among Mongolian warriors, only the strongest and bravest among them would have enough strength to draw it.

Jia Cong's archery skills appeared rudimentary, but his arm strength was remarkably powerful. He effortlessly drew the bow to its fullest extent.

Noyan Taiji's eyes lit up. Although he was a skilled archer, he could only use a seven-dou bow and could not draw a full-strength bow.

When Jia Cong thought he had also aimed, he released the arrow, which flew into the snow and was still two steps away from the rabbit.

……

Jia Cong laughed at himself, "I've practiced martial arts and swordsmanship since I was a child, but I've never seriously practiced archery. I'm really just showing off my limited skills in front of an expert, making a fool of myself."

Noyan Taiji saw that his archery skills were mediocre, but he remained calm and unconcerned, making a joke of it, which revealed a hint of magnanimity.

He laughed and said, "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. No one can be good at everything."

Although you are not good at archery, you have your own strengths: strategic planning, decisive victory, composing lyrics, and passing the imperial examinations—skills that ordinary people cannot achieve.

Moreover, your arm strength is extraordinary, comparable to the most skilled archer on the grasslands.

As the Han Chinese books say, the key to skillful application lies in the mind; the same applies to archery. Once you understand the essentials, you can hit the target accurately.

Noyan Taiji took an arrow from his quiver and said with a smile, "Why don't you try shooting another arrow?"

Jia Cong smiled as he took the arrow, drew his bow again, and Noyan Taiji walked to his side, following his gaze forward.

Extending his left hand, he raised Jia Cong's right elbow, bringing his right hand close to his chin. Then, extending his right hand, he pressed down slightly on Jia Cong's left hand, which was holding the bow.

He said, "Use your eye as a guide. If the prey is above you, raise the arrow one inch higher. If the prey is below you, lower the arrow two inches. Also, pay attention to the wind direction and the speed of the prey."

The key to its application lies in one's own mind; with enough practice, one can quickly master it.

Nuoyan stood close to Jia Cong, instructing him on archery, her eyes following the arrows as she aimed at the prey in the distance.

Jia Cong smelled a sweet fragrance on him, which he could clearly identify as the scent of Xinchunhao soap, mixed with a hint of grassy fragrance.

Nuoyan's clear voice rang in my ears: "It's ready."

Jia Cong released his grip on the bowstring instantly, and the arrow shot out like lightning. The wild rabbit in the distance seemed to sense something and was about to dart away to escape.

However, the bow in Jia Cong's hand was very powerful, and the arrow flew like a meteor, hitting the hare almost instantly and stirring up a cloud of snow mist on the snow.

Noyan Taiji laughed and said, "You are really smart. You understand things very quickly and have strong arms. As long as you practice diligently, you will definitely become a sharpshooter."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "That's because you gave me excellent guidance. My luck seems to be pretty good too."

The two wandered around the forest again and hunted a few more pheasants and rabbits. They found a stream in the forest, washed and skinned their prey, and then roasted them over a fire.

Although Noyan was a prince of the Ordos tribe, the Mongols lived by the Yi River and made a living by hunting. Everyone was skilled in the wild and could do things very quickly.

Before long, a bonfire was lit by the stream, and the cleaned wild game was roasted in the hot flames, gradually emitting a rich aroma.

Noyan Taiji laughed and said, “I am a grassland person, and I can also read the Han books and be well-versed in literature. You are a Central Plains person, and you can also ride horses and hunt with a bow. There is no difference between Central Plains people and grassland people. We can ride horses together, hunt in the mountains and forests hand in hand, and live in harmony without bloodshed.”

Jia Cong said, "You are right. Both the people of the Central Plains and the people of the grasslands regard food as their heaven. Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life, and the human world has the etiquette of harmony."

Slaughter and war, which weaken both sides, are by no means the best policy. The Great Zhou established garrisons along the nine borders to defend itself, which was also a way to stop the war between the two states.

However, with a powerful figure like Anda Khan emerging on the grasslands, the Ordos tribe's desire to expand trade might simply be a way to avoid a life of scarcity.

However, for Anda Khan of the Tuman tribe, increasing the trade volume would strengthen his foundation, bolster his military power, and further fuel his ambition to expand southward.

The Great Zhou had no choice but to guard its gates strictly and prepare its troops for battle. This was the way to secure the country and protect its people, and we dared not slacken our efforts.

If the Ordos tribe truly desires to cease hostilities and maintain peace, and does not aid in military campaigns, the Great Zhou will appreciate their sincerity and treat them with courtesy, rather than making a blanket decision.

……

Noyan's eyes lit up as she asked, "Are you serious?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I am only a fifth-rank official of the court, so I naturally dare not speak on behalf of the court, but what I am saying is the common sense of governance."

The Ordos tribe has a desire for harmony; I can convey this to the imperial court to mediate. If the world were less filled with bloodshed and violence, and the heavens and earth were filled with a clearer atmosphere, why not do it?

Noyan said, "The Ordos tribe is indeed sincere in its desire for peace. They are currently in dire need of supplies from the trade during the winter. Can the Great Zhou loosen its grip on peace negotiations?"

Jia Cong said, "The key to the peace talks between the Great Zhou is not only the Ordos tribe. Considering the overall situation of both states and the stability of the Great Zhou's territory, we have no choice but to proceed with caution."

The Great Zhou will not relax its standards in the slightest regarding this peace agreement between the two states.

However, legal principles are not without human sentiment, and common customs can contain ways to adapt to changing circumstances. The Ordos tribe has shown sincerity in seeking peace, and the imperial court will not turn a blind eye.

Noyan Taiji said, "The Ordos tribe has lived in the Hetao region for generations, although the Tuman and Yongxielun tribes have already entered and occupied the area."

However, the Ordos tribe had been established for generations and had deep roots, remaining the lords of the Hetao region, a fertile land beyond the Great Wall.

We have fine horses, cattle, sheep, furs, medicinal herbs, and horn glue, while the Central Plains have grain, cloth, tea, salt, and agricultural implements. Both sides can take what they need.

From a young age, I was taught by my mother that warfare is not a permanent solution. Only by ending the war with the Central Plains and achieving mutual benefit can tens of thousands of households and people recuperate and thrive…

Jia Cong could clearly sense the elation and excitement in Noyan Taiji's eyes, which made him even more certain that his original guess was correct.

From their first meeting in Hanzheng Street, Noyan Taiji expressed his intention to befriend them, which was not simply a matter of shared temperament.

Rather, it was a choice and a test he made as a prince of the Ordos tribe, driven by his concern for the safety and interests of his tribe.

Judging from this incident, the purpose of their relationship was not entirely pure, but fortunately, they both ended up in the same place.

Jia Cong recalled Liu Binfang's evaluation of Nuoyan: "He is neither arrogant nor extravagant, cautious and meticulous, and has a deep and shrewd mind."

Just as she intentionally approached him, he was also creating opportunities for himself.

Just as he left his entourage outside the forest, only he and his companions went into the forest to hunt, otherwise the two of them would not have been able to take advantage of the situation, which led to this open and frank discussion.

Moreover, Noyan Taiji's repeated mentions of his mother made Jia Cong pay even more attention to this person.

Noyan Taiji was well-versed in Chinese studies, familiar with the food and customs of Jiangnan, and had a natural affinity for the Central Plains. This must have come from the teachings and influence of his Han Chinese mother.

He was able to find opportunities in Noyan Taiji, including their tacit understanding and smooth consensus.

Upon closer examination, the unknown Han Chinese mother of Noyan played an indispensable role.

Moreover, the unintentional remarks made by Noyan Taiji show that his mother was not only well-versed in Chinese studies, but also had a remarkable perspective and insight.

Even in the Central Plains, such a woman would surely come from a wealthy and influential family, let alone in the wild and rugged northern grasslands...

……

The Great Zhou Dynasty, Jinling, the Xue family's old residence.

Since Aunt Xue's family moved to the capital, the once grand mansion has become much quieter, with only the second branch of the Xue family having some human presence.

The Xue family's ancestors rose to prominence as Ziwei Sheren (a high-ranking official in the imperial court), and their official positions and power were slightly inferior to those of the Jia, Wang, and Shi families.

However, the Ziwei Sheren was a central government official, and the Xue family had been imperial merchants for generations, accumulating wealth and connections over decades, making them a force to be reckoned with.

The eldest branch of the Xue family inherited the business of imperial merchants, while the second branch, Xue Yuan, was selected by the palace to travel to the frontier to investigate and handle important matters. All of them were descendants of the ancestor, the Ziwei Sheren.

In addition, the Xue family had intermarried with three other families throughout history, making the four families intricately connected, sharing both prosperity and adversity.

This is why the Xue family's official rank and honors were not as high as those of the three great families of Jia, Wang, and Shi, but after the Du family of Jinling was destroyed, they were listed as one of the four great families of Jinling.

Even though the Zhen family of Jinling rose to prominence later and earned the reputation of "Zhen Half-City" through maritime trade, they still could not obtain the position of the four great families of the Xue family.

Not to mention the changes of the world. Now the Zhen family is like the Du family of Jinling back then. When disaster struck, they were wiped out and never returned to what they once were.

Although the Xue family mansion is quite old, it has been renovated many times due to generations of wealth. The interior of the mansion is magnificent and shows the grandeur of a wealthy family.

Due to the inheritance of the family business, the second branch of the Xue family had already purchased a superior residence ten years ago. They would only return to live there for a few days during festivals so that the whole family could reunite.

However, given that Aunt Xue's family has moved to Shenjing, and Xue Pan is currently unregistered, his chances of returning to Jinling are slim.

Aunt Xue was worried that leaving the ancestral home vacant for too long would easily lead to trouble.

Moreover, his son was a spoiled brat and incapable of inheriting the family business. For the sake of the long term, he developed a desire to win over and be close to his second wife.

The letter instructed Xue Yuan's family to move back to their ancestral home and live there permanently so that they could take care of the old house.

In the main room of the second family's residence, a crimson satin bed was covered with two brown and gold-threaded floral backrests, and a dark blue coin and python-patterned pillow.

The incense burner in the room was warm, and the air was filled with the fragrance of styrax. Xue Yuan sat back on the daybed, covered with a thin blanket, and coughed occasionally.

The crimson brocade curtain was lifted, and a graceful woman entered. Her skin was as white as jade, her eyebrows and eyes were like paintings, and her beauty was unparalleled. She was stunning and the whole room shone with brilliance.

She wore a yellow floral print cross-collar long coat, a beige long skirt, a gold lock with eight treasures hanging from her chest, and a tray in her hand with a small white porcelain bowl decorated with gold on it.

Seeing Xue Yuan coughing with a worried look on his face, he said, "Father, the medicine soup that was just brewed, drink it while it's hot."

Xue Yuan said with a wry smile, "Baoqin, you've been drinking medicine three times a day, and your mouth is numb. Let's put it aside for a while, and I'll drink it later."

Xue Baoqin said, "My father has been traveling around all year round, which is really too tiring. Now that he is getting old, his health is not as good as it used to be."

"The invasion of cold pathogens is difficult to resist. After returning to Jinling this time, Father, why don't you close down your business, recuperate, and let the family live a peaceful life? Wouldn't that be better?"

Xue Yuan laughed and said, "After so many years of doing business, how can it just end like that? This isn't that easy..."

Xue Baoqin said, "Since it can't be finished in a short time, why not let my brother manage the business? He is reliable, young and strong, and Father will have less to worry about."

Xue Yuan smiled wryly and said, "Although your brother is reliable, he is still too young and cannot handle these things. Let's wait until this is over before making any decisions."

……

Baoqin asked, "Father, I heard from the housekeeper in the inner courtyard that Xinchun Company sent a letter over, and I heard it was written by Sister Bao."

Xue Yuan handed the letter on the table to Baoqin and said with a smile, "Business in Jinling is not as good as in previous years. Sister-in-law and Bao'er have come up with a good idea."

Baoqin took the letter and glanced at it, her delicate brows furrowing slightly, her expression somewhat puzzled.

She said, "I've never heard of the Xue family having any dealings with Xinchun Shop. How could you, Aunt, rent such a high-class shop to them? How could you trust them so much?"

Xue Yuan smiled and said, "The Xue family and Xinchun Company do not have any relationship, but your family trusts Cong Ge the most."

Baoqin was slightly taken aback and didn't react for a moment. She asked, "Father, who is Cong-ge'er?"

Xue Yuan laughed and said, "It's not surprising that you don't know this since you've never spent a day in the Jia family. Cong-ge'er is none other than Jia Cong, the Earl of Weiyuan."

When Xue Baoqin heard Jia Cong's name, her heart skipped a beat for no reason.

Recalling the fleeting glimpse she caught when she lifted the carriage curtain last year as she left the capital, a blush crept onto her pretty face.

She had traveled all over the country with her father since she was a child and had seen a lot, but she had never seen such a handsome and extraordinary young man before.

Not to mention the letters from my cousin and aunt, as well as news from relatives in the north, that I received during that year.

This extraordinary young man from the Jia family accomplished so many brilliant and dazzling feats.

My thoughts are like clouds and rain, and I yearn for heroes like the rising tide. At the tender age of youth, I am always prone to daydreaming.

That hasty encounter became increasingly clear and unforgettable in her mind.

Although she was well aware that she was of marriageable age, these unusual feelings were somewhat against propriety...

Xue Yuan laughed and said, "Xin Chun Hao is nominally managed by Manager Qu, but in reality, it is the property of Marquis Jia Cong of Weiyuan, though it is handed over to Manager Qu for management."

Although this matter was not publicized, it was well known among the upper-class families and wealthy merchants, and even within the Imperial Household Department, and the current emperor tacitly approved of it.

Baoqin laughed and said, "This elder brother of the Jia family is too capable. He is not only skilled in literature and martial arts and famous throughout the world, but also so proficient in business."

Xue Yuan sighed, "The Jia family was already showing signs of decline, but I never expected them to be so blessed, producing someone like Jia Cong."

As your father, I am truly envious. What a pity, what a pity…” (End of Chapter)