Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard.

Although Yu Chuan was not talkative, she was quick-witted and noticed that Qin Xian's wife was looking at her suddenly, and her gaze was very annoying.

She served Madam Wang daily and naturally knew that Qin Xian, that good-for-nothing son, was now scheming to get married.

Qin Yong was also a servant born into the household, so if he wanted to marry, he could only marry a servant or maid from the household.

But all the maids in the household knew Qin Yong inside and out, and every single one of them knew what kind of person he was. Any maid who reached the appropriate age would avoid this matter.

For some unknown reason, the lady suddenly grew tired of Musk Moon in the Second Master's room and even considered marrying Musk Moon to Qin Yong.

Since they were all maids from the second wife's household, Yu Chuan had known Musk Moon since childhood and was worried for Musk Moon at the time.

Fortunately, Musk Moon was lucky. Although she was kicked out of the Second Master's room by the Madam, she was chosen by the Second Miss of the East Mansion by some strange twist of fate, thus escaping the misfortune of being betrothed to Qin Yong.

Yu Chuan never dreamed that Musk Moon would escape unscathed from the second wife's house, and that this trouble would fall on her head.

Qin Xian's wife actually had feelings for me and secretly asked my wife to marry me off to Qin Yong, although she kept this from me and my wife.

But how could she hide it from her personal maid? Although Madam Wang did not agree immediately, Yu Chuan was still filled with anxiety.

If I were to be paired with a scoundrel like Qin Yong, I'd rather just hang myself.

She originally wanted to discuss it with her sister Jin Chuan, but now she was the only first-class maidservant left by Lady Wang's side, and she couldn't leave for even a moment.

When relatives visit or come to the West Mansion to pay their respects, the mistress only takes her in and out, and she is not allowed to leave even if she is lazy.

Although Bihen and Qiuwen, who worked in Bao Erye's room, were transferred to the East Courtyard by their mistress, she only assigned them odd jobs.

They weren't allowed to follow him when he came and went, and his words implied that he looked down on them as mere second-class maids, and that having them around wasn't respectable enough...

Although Madam Qin did not immediately agree to Qin Xian's plea, Yu Chuan felt as if a thorn had been planted in her heart, and she was afraid and panicked whenever she thought about it.

……

She then heard Qin Xian's wife gossiping to the madam, clearly trying to sow discord between the first and second wives, which made her find the old woman even more repulsive.

When her elder sister Jin Chuan was forced to jump into a well, it was thanks to Third Master Cong that her sister's life was saved. She has always been grateful to Third Master Cong.

Not to mention that whenever she had free time to talk to her sister, her sister would not only talk about her daughter's good points, but also often talk about how righteous and outstanding Third Master Cong was.

Last time, when Yuchuan went to Pear Fragrance Courtyard to find her sister Jinchuan, she happened to run into Jia Cong.

This man of such high status had no airs at all, and was very kind to this young girl, even giving her a rare persimmon.

Everyone has their own scale in their heart; no one is blind or stupid, so surely they can distinguish right from wrong.

Although she was a maidservant from the second wife's side, she couldn't stand Qin Xian's wife's attitude, constantly speaking against her conscience and stirring up trouble.

Although I dare not say it to his face, Third Master Cong is much better than Second Master Bao. If either of them insists that it is not true, then they are shameless and lying.

Yu Chuan was somewhat unsettled when she heard Qin Xian's wife say, "What you say is absolutely right. Second Master Bao is a nobleman born with a jade in his mouth, a legitimate grandson of the Duke."

The Second Master's wedding is a major event for the Rongguo Mansion, and it must not be done lightly or carelessly.

Although the situation at home is different now than before, my wife doesn't need to worry too much.

Based on my limited knowledge, upon careful consideration, I believe there is a way to remedy this situation.

……

Madam Wang's eyes lit up, and she said, "Tell me what good idea you have in mind. If it is indeed good, I will remember your kindness."

Qin Xian's wife said, "I heard rumors in the West Mansion that the concubine's several old shops in Jinling were rented out to Jinling Xinchun Shop because business was not good."

It is said that Xinchunhao is the most popular imperial merchant in Jinling. The concubine is very resourceful. She doesn't have to do anything and just sits there collecting a lot of rent.

Every relative in the family knows that Xinchunhao is actually the property of Third Master Cong, but it is managed by a woman surnamed Qu.

Since Master Cong can give benefits to his concubine, he should naturally give benefits to his wife as well. The master and mistress are his blood relatives, and their relationship is much closer than that of his concubine.

My wife has two dowry shops in the city, but business is too difficult these days, so she rents them out to Xinchun Shop.

Given the relationship between Third Master Cong and the Master, it wouldn't be appropriate to charge the shop rent at market rate. He should at least give some of it to the Master and Madam; it would be a way for Third Master Cong to fulfill his filial duty.

……

Hearing this, Yu Chuan couldn't help but feel disgusted. Qin Xian's family was too shameless. How could they say such things as taking advantage of others?

Although the master has been kind to Cong Sanye, he is not the master's biological son after all. It is Bao Erye who should fulfill his filial duties. You can't just make a fuss about filial piety.

If the wife does as Qin Xian's mother says, wouldn't that be like reaching into someone else's pocket for money? If outsiders find out, they'll laugh at the second wife.

Hearing this, Madam Wang was quite tempted, but she couldn't make up her mind for the time being.

She witnessed Jia Cong and Baochai's affair and was filled with shame and indignation, which caused her to develop a rift with her sister's family.

He originally intended to take advantage of the second branch of the family moving out of Rongguo Mansion to force his sister's family out of the West Mansion as well, so that Jia Cong would not be able to continue toying with Baochai.

Unexpectedly, that young man from the East Mansion, indulging in illicit affairs, came up with a clever excuse and managed to keep his sister's family in the West Mansion, causing Lady Wang to lose face.

Now that the Xue family's business has benefited from Jia Cong's influence, in Lady Wang's narrow-minded speculation, it's nothing more than a trick by adulterers.

Madam Wang felt very uncomfortable, and naturally, she was also very jealous and envious.

But she was also very clear that Jia Cong did not like her, and it would be difficult for her to get such benefits.

She frowned and said, "My two dowry shops aren't exactly thriving, but their daily business is decent. Besides, we've stocked up on a lot of new goods this year."

If the shop is rented out, it will be difficult to place the new goods inside. You can't just sell them off at a loss, or you'll lose a lot of money.

Furthermore, the shopkeeper and the shop assistants were all part of my dowry that I brought from the south. Without the shop, it would be difficult to settle these people.

The Xue family is a merchant family; they only calculate money in their dealings. Our Jia family is a noble family; if we act in the same way, we will be laughed at.

Your method is good, but I can't do it that way. I have to consider the reputation of the second branch of the Jia family and the master.

……

Hearing Madam Wang's words, Qin Xian's wife felt a bit disgusted. Now that the second branch of the Jia family had become like this, what dignity did they still have?

But this wife is so arrogant, always talking about "respectability," doesn't she care if others find it embarrassing?

But she only dared to keep these thoughts to herself and would never let them slip out.

Because their family was also desperate, they could only rely on the second branch of the Jia family to make a living.

Tracing back to the source, it turns out that back then, Siqi's maternal grandmother, Wang Shanbao's family, abused Cong Sanye in the East Courtyard and even forced Cong Sanye's maid to jump into the river.

From then on, the Wang family and Jia Cong became mortal enemies. In the end, Wang Shanbao's wife was killed by Jia Cong, and the Wang family and Jia Cong became an inextricable entanglement.

Siqi, the granddaughter of Wang Shanbao, was the personal maid of the second daughter Yingchun, but because of this, she was unable to gain a foothold in the Jia family.

Yingchun returned the indenture to Wang Shanbao early on, gave him a sum of money, and sent him off to marry someone else. Wang Shanbao and his family were completely kicked out of the house.

Because Wang Shanbao's daughter married Qin Xian's brother, Qin Xian's wife was considered Siqi's aunt, making the Qin and Wang families inextricably linked by kinship.

Ever since Jia Cong rose to prominence in the Jia family, Qin Xian's family became pariahs and fell into a downward spiral.

The couple initially lived a life of ease with Jia She and Madam Xing, but unexpectedly, their luck ran out, and soon the master and mistress also fell ill.

With the arrival of the Second Master and Second Madam in the East Courtyard, Qin Xian and his wife had nowhere else to go but to follow Madam Wang's orders again.

If they dare to seek favors at the West Mansion, Second Madam, mindful of the grudge against Third Master Cong, will surely crush them.

Over the years, Qin Xian's family has secretly cursed Wang Shanbao's family countless times, saying that the trouble caused by that short-lived old woman has ruined the Qin family's fortunes for life.

Although she and Madam Wang were like oil and water, she didn't actually feel a connection with each other; she just had no other choice.

……

Seeing that Madam Wang was too proud to admit her mistake, she was momentarily speechless. However, she had ulterior motives and needed to give Madam Wang a suggestion so that things would be easier to discuss later.

He smiled and said, "What you say makes sense, Madam. Master and Madam are both noble people. How could they think like us? I am the one who lacks knowledge."

The wife was unwilling to rent out her dowry shop, but after careful consideration, it turned out to be a good idea, as it was another appropriate solution.

This method, compared to renting out a shop, is both unassuming and extremely respectable, and it will earn the lady a large sum of money, which will surely allow Bao Er Ye to have a grand and lavish wedding.

Madam Wang's eyes lit up when she heard this, and she said, "There is such a good method! Tell me about it."

Qin Xian's wife smiled and said, "Madam is a person of high status, and she usually stays in the inner quarters to manage things, so she doesn't know much about outside affairs."

But my husband, because he manages the household affairs in the outer courtyard, is always running around in the market, so he knows quite a bit. Now, Xinchun Shop only has one branch in Shenjing, which was the embroidery shop from back then.”

When Madam Wang heard the name of the Embroidery Shop, her heart skipped a beat; she knew the name of this shop very well.

Back then, Jia Zhen of the East Mansion lost his entire Ning family fortune and his life because of this shop...

Qin Xianjia continued, "Xinchun Company manufactures its own rare items such as perfumes, soaps, toothpaste, and toothbrushes."

They only sell their products through their own business and never distribute them to other companies, so they can buy them at whatever price they want, and no one can steal their business.

I heard that many wealthy merchants in the capital city have tried to distribute Xinchunhao's goods through various channels, but all of them have been rejected by the shopkeepers.

Although some people were unconvinced, Xinchun Company was a royal merchant of the Imperial Household Department, and with Third Master Cong standing behind it, no one dared to have any wicked thoughts.

The benefits that Cong Sanye received were naturally not for others to enjoy, but the wife and the master were different.

Given the bond between Master and Third Master Cong, as long as Madam is willing to take charge of this matter, and considering their blood ties and deep affection, it is bound to succeed.

I'd heard a few years ago that the embroidery shop could make a net profit of 50,000 taels of silver every year. Now that Xinchun Shop's reputation is growing, it must be making even more money.

If the lady's dowry shop could distribute Xinchunhao items, wouldn't the money come in like mountains and seas?

If we lower our prices privately, we can even take half of the business from the Embroidery Girl's Incense Shop.

By then, even the mistress will be dizzy counting the silver, so there's no need to worry about the expenses of Master Bao's wedding..."

……

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang's heart pounded wildly.

Back then, when Jia Zhen wanted to seize the Embroidery Shop, he confidently stated that the shop could earn 50,000 taels of silver a year.

She had once aroused the envy and jealousy of Lady Wang. Having served as the mistress of the Rongguo Mansion for over ten years, she was a woman who had seen much of the world.

Even with the immense wealth of the Rongguo Mansion, the annual income from various sources was less than 20,000 taels of silver. Since Jia Cong was demoted and inherited the title, the public income has been significantly less than in previous years.

This shows how tempting a shop with an annual profit of over 50,000 taels would be for Madam Wang.

Not to mention that now that the second branch of the Jia family is in dire straits, Lady Wang, who loves pomp and circumstance, has an even more intense and burning desire for money than ever before.

Moreover, Qin Xian's idea wasn't to let him seize Xiu Niang's incense shop; it was simply to distribute Xin Chun Hao's goods based on family ties.

I also paid real money to purchase goods from Xinchunhao; I wasn't just taking advantage of the younger generation in the family.

That Xiu Niang's incense shop can earn 50,000 taels of silver a year. She also owns two dowry shops. If she can get a share of 10,000 to 20,000 taels of business, she will be satisfied.

Even if they live in a cramped courtyard on the east side, their lives will be more glamorous than those in the west.

Therefore, Madam Wang felt that Qin Xian's idea was very reasonable and respectable, and there was nothing wrong with it.

She even considered speaking to the old lady first, and if all else failed, asking the master to intervene; there was no way this couldn't be accomplished...

He laughed and said, "Qin Xian's family, you are indeed a shrewd man. This idea is indeed excellent. This is a legitimate business, and it is easier to open up to people from your own family."

Seeing that Madam Wang was satisfied, Qin Xian's wife felt even more smug and thought that she might have an opportunity to speak about her own affairs.

He smiled and said, "Madam, judging from the rumors these days, the concubine and Master Cong are now on good terms, which is why they have been able to rent out the shop."

Why don't you talk to your concubine, Madam? After all, you are sisters, and she will surely speak up for you.

"At that time, with the Madam and Concubine's influence, it will be easier for Third Master Cong to succeed. Besides, the Master will also be there to keep things under control."

Upon hearing this, Lady Wang's face stiffened slightly. Only she and Caiyun had witnessed Jia Cong and Baochai's scandalous affair.

Because of her sister's pleas and her husband's instructions, Madam Wang never revealed her true intentions.

Qin Xian's wife was naturally unaware of the details of the matter, which is why she came up with such an idea. Little did she know that Madam Wang and Aunt Xue had already developed a rift.

While it would be a good idea to have her talk to her sister about it now, it would be a bit awkward for her to do so.

Given that the boy and Bao'er have an ambiguous relationship, this matter seems to be trying to undermine the Xue family...

But then she thought again that this was something she could do, since she had something on Bao Yatou, and her younger sister was a shrewd person.

If I were to ask her to speak on my behalf, she certainly wouldn't dare to refuse.

That Cong-ge'er is a lecherous scoundrel. If Bao-ya-tou could speak up for him, given their illicit affair, things would be much easier to resolve...

Madam Wang smiled and said, "I will consider handling this matter. You have come up with such a good idea, and I will not forget your kindness after the matter is resolved."

……

With a humble smile, Qin Xianjia said, "I do have something I'd like to ask of you, Madam." As she spoke, she glanced at Yuchuan.

Madam Wang, being a shrewd woman in the inner quarters, naturally understood the implication and said, "Yuchuan, you don't need to serve here anymore. Go and rest."

When Yu Chuan saw that Qin Xian's wife and the madam were talking to each other, they deliberately avoided her, so she felt that it was probably not something nice. Thinking of that messy affair, she felt a little uneasy.

However, because of Madam Wang's words, he obediently withdrew from the main room.

But she was still uneasy, so she went out of the main hall, walked half a circle around the house, and then went to the row of windows on the west side.

In the cold winter, because charcoal was always burned for warmth in the house, one of the windows on the west side of the main room was always left ajar to let in the charcoal smoke.

Yu Chuan was Lady Wang's head maid. Because she had to move around and do chores every day, she would not wear too many clothes even in winter.

Fortunately, she mostly served indoors, and even when she went out, it was only a short walk, so wearing less clothing didn't bother her.

She tiptoed to the half-open window and could clearly hear the voices inside.

However, being dressed in thin clothes, she felt icy cold after standing under the window for only a short while, and quickly rubbed her shoulders to drive away the chill.

Her fair and delicate hands were red from the cold, and she shivered as she breathed on them to warm them. Her expression remained alert, and she could hear clearly what was being said in the room.

Qin Xian's tone was obsequious as he smiled and said, "Madam, I dared to ask you last time, although there are many maids in this mansion, none of them are as good as the ones you personally trained."

Yu Chuan is so fortunate to have been raised by the Madam; I really adore her.

If she were to marry my Yong'er, I would definitely treat her like my own daughter. I just don't know if I'm fortunate enough to have that blessing.

……

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang's face stiffened slightly; this Qin Xian's wife was far too impatient.

She just came up with a good idea and immediately wanted to reap the benefits; it seems she really has her eye on Yu Chuan.

However, since Madam Wang still needed to use the couple, she had to save them some face. She couldn't just let the dog guard the door while preventing it from licking the bones.

He said, "I've thought about what you're saying carefully. When a girl grows up, she'll eventually be betrothed. Should we keep her as an old maid?"

However, Yu Chuan is only fourteen this year and will not turn fifteen until next year. She is too young to serve others.

I think we should discuss this matter again when she turns 18; there's no rush now.

Moreover, she's my only trusted maid, and I can't do without her for the time being.

Qin Xian's wife was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this, but Madam Wang's words were not without reason.

Maids in the Jia family were usually sixteen or seventeen years old before they were assigned to servants in the outer courtyard. Yu Chuan was not yet fifteen years old, so she was indeed still quite young.

Besides, she was the mistress's personal maid. Giving her away at such a young age would make the mistress lose face.

Even if the lady of the house is willing to let Yuchuan be around fifteen years old, it is still a great honor for the Qin family.

My own wretched son is already twenty. He's endured so many years of hardship; a year or two won't make a difference if he gets married.

Qin Xian's wife knew that Madam Wang wouldn't let her reap the rewards so quickly, but fortunately, she didn't refuse.

The Qin family were all born servants, destined to rot in the Jia family compound their entire lives. Their only purpose was to squeeze some benefits from their masters and maintain a semblance of respectability in front of others.

Yu Chuan is the madam's personal maid. If her son were to marry her, it would be an extremely glorious thing, and the Qin family and the madam would become even closer.

Qin Xian's wife suppressed her disappointment and smiled as she flattered Madam Wang.

Madam Wang said, "Go to the Pear Fragrance Courtyard in the West Mansion and see if Auntie and Bao'er are home. I have something to say to them."

Qin Xian's wife was just agreeing when she suddenly heard a clicking sound from outside the small window, as if something had hit her.

Madam Wang's expression changed, and she said to Qin Xian's wife, "Go outside and see what's going on!" (End of Chapter)