Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Jia Cong's words left Grandmother Jia speechless. She naturally understood the meaning behind Jia Cong's words; her daughter-in-law's scheming this time had made the boy wary.

He was trying to put a stop to the conversation, so that the Jia family's sons would give up any thoughts of getting their hands on Xinchunhao, and Baoyu would also lose this excellent opportunity to accumulate family wealth.

But given the current situation, who in the family could argue with Jia Cong? That kid spouts grand principles, but what he says is like a knife cutting into flesh; no one can withstand it.

Why bother making trouble for yourself over this? Grandmother Jia only hopes that the two of them can live in peace and that she can enjoy a comfortable and dignified old age. She hopes that her current troubles will pass as soon as possible.

He quickly said, "Cong-ge'er, now you are the head of the family and the patriarch of the Jia clan. As long as it can protect the family's wealth and prosperity for a long time, we will do as you wish."

Upon hearing Grandmother Jia's words, Lady Wang felt a pang of despair. This young man had easily swayed and intimidated the old lady with just a few words, ruining a perfectly good thing.

If things continue to be handled like this, how will the second wife ever have a chance to rise in status...?

Grandmother Jia said, "Cong-ge'er, Bao-yu was born noble... born with a delicate body."

Unlike you, he is not capable enough to venture out into the world, achieve great things, and be granted official titles and ranks.

The second wife came up with this idea simply to accumulate some wealth for Baoyu, so that he would have some foundation to rely on in the future.

Jia Cong sensed the undisguised doting affection in Grandmother Jia's words, but instead of being moved, he found it amusing.

The old lady probably wanted to say that Baoyu was born noble, perhaps even born with a jade in his mouth, but she just couldn't bring herself to say it in front of her.

As for the claim that Baoyu is frail, that sounds even more ridiculous. Now that Lin Daiyu is recuperating, her health is improving day by day, and she is no longer frail.

Baoyu's increasingly broad and robust physique, along with his plump belly from being two months pregnant, are hardly the epitome of delicate frailty.

Some affected and false statements, repeated so many times, seem absurd to outsiders, yet they themselves have come to believe them.

Grandmother Jia continued, "As the saying goes, parents' hearts are full of love and worry for their children. Your master and second mistress have also been very worried about Baoyu."

Now that you have achieved great success, as your elder brother, you should provide more support to Baoyu.

"As the brother of a Hanlin Academician, if Baoyu were to show a little more dignity, wouldn't you also feel proud?"

Jia Cong smiled slightly and said, "What the old lady said is true. Baoyu is my cousin, so it is my responsibility to support and guide him."

In truth, there are ways for a man to achieve success and gain respect in the world. Given Baoyu's intelligence, it's not too difficult for him to realize this.

Grandmother Jia now has to admit that her grandson is incredibly capable; he can accomplish things that others can never even dream of in their entire lives.

Therefore, she had a strange conviction in Jia Cong's words, and when she heard him say that Baoyu also had a path to success, she subconsciously believed it without a doubt.

He quickly asked, "Although Baoyu is a little weak, he has been a smart child since he was a child. If you can guide him to become successful, everyone will praise you."

Even Lady Wang put aside her shame and resentment and couldn't help but look at Jia Cong, wanting to hear what solution he had.

Even Aunt Xue was a little curious, considering Baoyu's lazy and absurd behavior, her own son seemed to be more clever than him.

How can he possibly amount to anything like this? Cong-ge'er can even do this; that's an achievement far more impressive than being granted a title or becoming an official…

Only Baochai heard this in the hall. Her mind turned slightly, and a smile involuntarily appeared on her lips. However, she quickly composed herself and did not say anything.

……

Jia Cong said, "A man who aspires to be successful and wants to be proud in front of others has only two paths."

One was to join the army, fight on the battlefield, and achieve military merit. My milk brother, Guo Zhigui, was just a coachman in the Western Prefecture back then.

Since joining the army in Liaodong, he has risen through the ranks in just a few years thanks to his military achievements. He is now a commander-in-chief at the young age of fifteen, with a promising future ahead of him.

A man with lofty ambitions can possess such spirit, even if he comes from humble beginnings as a servant.

Baoyu's social standing is far superior to Zhigui's; as long as he has ambition, his future achievements will certainly not be inferior to Zhigui's.

Grandmother Jia shook her head and said, "You've always been shrewd, how can you say such foolish things? Baoyu has been pampered since he was a child, how can his body withstand the hardships of military life?"

I've met your servant a few times. He's always been a rough and big guy since he was a child, so naturally he's good at making a name for himself in the army.

"If Baoyu were to follow his example, he would have no future, and might even lose his life. Absolutely not!"

Lady Wang was filled with resentment upon hearing Jia Cong's words. "My Baoyu is the legitimate grandson of the Rongguo family, born into nobility, yet this brat has made him a soldier."

He has such a vicious mind; he's trying to kill my Baoyu.

The direct descendants of the Jia family, the generation with the character "Yu" in their name, had lost Jia Zhen and Jia Lian, and there was also a useless illegitimate son, Jia Huan.

If my precious jade were to be taken away, I could leave him all alone to be smug. I'm really going crazy with desire!

Even Aunt Xue was confused at this point. They were just talking about family traditions, so why was Cong-ge'er suddenly worrying about Bao-yu's future? What kind of logic was this?
Jia Cong said, "Since the old lady does not want Baoyu to join the army, if Baoyu wants to make a name for himself and stand out from the crowd, then he can only rely on studying and learning."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia's face stiffened, and she said, "The general principles are certainly correct, but you know that Baoyu has never liked studying since he was a child."

Because of this incident, the father and son have been at odds for many years, and I'm afraid this path will be difficult.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Grandma, studying is a hard job. No one is born liking to study."

But as long as one is responsible, teaches effectively, and learns properly, anyone can read well.

Cong was just a concubine's son in the East Road Courtyard back then, and his background was far less illustrious than Baoyu's. He could only establish himself in the world by studying poetry and books diligently, and yet he has achieved what he has today.

If I can do it, then Baoyu should naturally do it too. Even if he can't become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), even if he becomes a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial imperial examinations) in the future, it will be enough to support the family of the second branch of the family.

Then, the old lady won't need to worry so much about him, and the old man will have fulfilled his wish for his son to succeed.

Grandmother Jia said with a wry smile, "Now I understand. For a family like the Jia family, with its distinguished military lineage, it's impossible for its children to achieve anything."

If one cannot achieve merit through military service, then the only option is to study and pursue further education.

It's certainly a good thing that you're planning for your brother's future, but you think that everyone else can do the same because you've earned such a great future through studying.

That's oversimplifying things. Studying requires both talent and opportunity; it's not that easy. How many people can actually become the top scholar in the imperial examinations?

Jia Cong said, "The old lady is right. Studying does depend on opportunity, but Baoyu has now been given that opportunity."

Grandmother Jia rarely chatted with Jia Cong, but today she was intrigued and asked, "Tell me what this stroke of luck was."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "A few days ago, I heard my sisters say that the Xia family's daughter came to deliver the December Festival gifts, and gave Baoyu a box of the Four Books and Five Classics, showing that she has high hopes for his studies."

I truly never expected that Miss Xia would also aspire to study; she'll be a good wife and mother in the future. Baoyu is truly blessed…

After Baoyu gets married, he will settle down in the East Courtyard. At that time, he will have a virtuous wife to encourage him at home and his father to teach him every day.

Therefore, Baoyu's marriage is a golden opportunity for his studies, which he must cherish and never miss.

……

Lady Wang felt annoyed and disgusted by Jia Cong's words. This boy knew that Baoyu disliked reading, yet he still came up with a bunch of reasons to force him to study.

This isn't forcing Baoyu to suffer; what is he up to? It's utterly despicable.

Hearing Jia Cong say that Miss Xia had the ambition to study and that she had the appearance of a virtuous wife, he was moved.

Lady Wang thought of the Four Books and Five Classics that she had given to Baoyu, and realized that her daughter-in-law, whom she had originally thought highly of, was just like this Cong-ge.

Although it didn't sound like a bad thing, it still made Madam Wang feel somewhat uncomfortable.

If this new bride were to force Baoyu to study and improve his education every day after marrying into the family, she herself would be a good wife who would benefit from her husband's success.

The master was pleased to see this, but the young couple would probably fight. Thinking of this, Madam Wang suddenly felt a headache coming on.

Lady Wang was preoccupied with doting on her son and was already confused by Jia Cong's words, but Aunt Xue, an observer, seemed to have discerned some of the underlying meaning...

……

Grandmother Jia said, "You brought up this matter, which is exactly what I was worried about."

When Baoyu saw his father, he would tremble as if he were avoiding a cat or a mouse.

His father only knew how to force him to study, either beating or scolding him, causing chaos every time.

"It's better with me watching over him. If I weren't around, who knows how his father would torment Baoyu? What if something bad happened to him?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang calmed her confused mind and her eyes lit up slightly.

If the old lady worries that the master's strict discipline might cause Baoyu to develop bad habits, wouldn't it be better for him to continue staying in the West Mansion...?

Aunt Xue gradually realized that Cong-ge'er was quite shrewd; he had really gone to great lengths to achieve this.

Baochai sipped her tea leisurely, glancing at Jia Cong with her bright eyes, a rare mischievous smile appearing on her lips.

Jia Cong said, “Grandma, there’s no need to worry too much. I will discuss this matter with Master. I have been taught by Master Jing’an since I was a child, and I can only study effectively if I follow the right methods. If I just burn the midnight oil and waste my energy, not only will I not be studying properly, but I will also ruin my health. That would be a real loss.”

Cong would definitely explain these tips and principles to his master, so that his master could teach him peacefully and not beat or scold him, which was the right way to educate people through reading.

"At that time, Baoyu will be able to study peacefully, with a virtuous wife and loving father supervising and guiding him. The opportunity has arrived, everything is ready, and he will surely succeed in his studies."

Hearing this, Grandmother Jia was moved, knowing that her son valued Jia Cong the most.

Others' words may not be useful, but when Jia Cong speaks, his son can usually listen to him.

The old lady understood that after Baoyu got married, he would have a wife and female relatives by his side. Even if it was to avoid suspicion between men and women, it would not be appropriate for brothers from different households to live together in the same mansion.

Although she was reluctant to part with Baoyu, she was even more worried that if Baoyu moved to the East Courtyard, he would be constantly being nagged by his father. Jia Cong's words put Jia Mu at ease.

He smiled and said, "Since you have this plan, it is a very appropriate thing. Find some time to talk to your father properly and tell him not to be so harsh on his son."

"If Baoyu gets married in this way, things will be more harmonious and smooth, and I will be more at ease. If he truly succeeds in his studies because of this, I will naturally remember your kindness."

……

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Don't worry, Madam. I will keep this in mind and will definitely discuss it with Master."

"In the future, when Baoyu and his wife settle in the East Courtyard, the Master will surely teach them gently and no longer beat or scold Baoyu. The second branch of the family will prosper and everything will go smoothly."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia repeatedly praised it, feeling that such a tacit and considerate understanding between her and her grandson was unprecedented.

Seeing the filial piety between the grandfather and grandson, Madam Wang, though trying to hide it, still had a face as black as the bottom of a pot.

He had originally planned to distribute Xinchunhao products, but this kid ridiculed and threatened him, so he gave up on the idea.

How did things suddenly turn so completely different, and they suddenly started talking about how Baoyu moved back to the East Courtyard after his marriage?

These two things have nothing to do with each other, but this Cong-ge'er used sweet words to force a connection and coaxed the old lady into agreeing.

The grandfather and grandson worked together in perfect harmony, without the grandson getting a single word out, and they made the decision. It was utterly absurd.

Originally, Madam Wang intended to keep quiet about the matter, hoping that as long as the truth was not revealed and no one wanted to cause a scene, the matter would simply be left unresolved.

After Baoyu got married, he was still able to live in the West Mansion thanks to the old lady's affection.

After Caixia gave birth to a son, the old lady continued to dote on her great-grandson. Baoyu's family lived in the West Mansion for ten or eight years. Even the most incongruous things became reasonable.

She had to ask Old Madam An questions, and also take care of her son and grandson. She frequently went in and out of the West Mansion. The Second Branch and the Rongguo Mansion could never sever their ties for life.

In the eyes of outsiders, the second branch will always be the legitimate heir of the Rongguo family. Even if that boy from the East Mansion seizes the title and family business, the second branch will still receive the respect due to him!

……

Madam Wang had planned everything perfectly, just waiting to get through the next few months, and things would surely go as she wished.

She never expected that Jia Cong would suddenly act strangely today, bringing up the matter of Baoyu's relocation in the open.

He even used the ridiculous excuse of a chance to study to trick the old lady into agreeing to the marriage and relocation of Baoyu on the spot.

Even though Madam Wang felt it was inappropriate, she couldn't find a single word to stop her, and she was so angry that she was about to die.

Moreover, since my sister and niece both heard it with their own ears, this matter can no longer be kept secret. I'm afraid that the news will spread from Rongqing Hall later, and then it will be too late to undo it.

Seeing her sister's unpleasant expression, Aunt Xue sighed inwardly. Since her sister's family had moved to the East Courtyard, there was no reason for Baoyu to stay in the West Courtyard.

But Cong-ge'er never spoke about this matter. It was probably because only the old lady, Feng-yatou, the eldest wife, and You-shi, who lived alone in the inner courtyard of the West Mansion, remained.

The unmarried sisters all moved to the East Mansion, and Cong-ge'er, having no qualms about it, didn't bother with the matter.

If your sister doesn't want to sever ties with the Rongguo government, she should understand Cong'er's intentions and behave herself; then this matter won't be exposed.

But the elder sister was unwilling to accept the decline of the second branch of the family. Baoyu was always causing trouble, and the elder sister wanted to turn things around every day. She even wanted to get her hands on Xinchunhao's business.

Finally, they touched Cong-ge'er's sore spot, making him wary. He brought up something he had never mentioned before to settle things today.

And right in front of the old lady, openly and cleanly, he squeezed Baoyu out of the West Mansion, and no one could find fault with it. The old lady even remembered his good deeds...

Cong-ge'er was impatient to watch his sister cause trouble any longer. Once Bao-yu got married and moved to the East Courtyard, his sister's biggest connection with the West Mansion would be completely severed by him.

From now on, if my sister wants to enter the West Mansion, she can only pay her respects to the old lady, and she won't even have a different excuse.

If they wanted to cause trouble in the West Mansion again, they probably wouldn't be able to find a reason, leaving them in a completely awkward situation.

After the old lady passes away, I'm afraid my sister will never be able to even step into the West Mansion again...

……

Although Lady Wang was extremely unhappy about Baoyu's marriage and move, she couldn't find a reason to object.

Moreover, since Grandmother Jia had already given her approval, Lady Wang had no choice but to endure it for the time being, no matter how unwilling she was.

Because of the many words spoken in the hall, and given her advanced age, Grandmother Jia appeared somewhat tired.

Jia Cong then took the opportunity to get up and leave. Lady Wang and Aunt Xue also got up, and Grandmother Jia asked Yuanyang to help her to the back hall to rest.

Madam Wang looked unwell and appeared resentful. She hurriedly left Rongqing Hall.

The maid Yu Chuan followed behind Madam Wang, but her steps were hesitant and uncertain.

Although her sister Jin Chuan comforted her and eased some of her worries, she still couldn't shake off the knot in her heart.

The thought of returning to the East Courtyard with Madam Wang inexplicably filled him with panic.

Because there is no older sister there, no one to rely on, and she would be at the mercy of others.

As she was about to step out of the hall, she couldn't help but look back, first at Baochai, then subconsciously at Jia Cong.

In her subconscious, she felt that these two people, who had saved her sister's life, might also be able to save her...

However, today at Rongqing Hall, Madam's attempt to embezzle the wealth and benefits of Xinchun Company has greatly offended Third Master Cong.

After being reprimanded by Third Master Cong, she was left feeling extremely embarrassed and ashamed. Given her pride, how could she not feel resentment?

Third Master Cong also said that after Second Master Bao got married, he would move back to the East Courtyard to study, and the old lady agreed to this in person.

Judging from his wife's expression, he knew she must be very unwilling. Without Master Bao in the West Mansion, his wife would no longer have the convenience of coming and going.

From then on, the wife's resentment towards Master Cong would be hard to let go.

If something happens to me in the future, I hope that just as Third Master Cong saved my sister, he can also lend a helping hand to save me.

Given his wife's temperament, she would absolutely refuse, and might even use it to vent her frustrations, who knows how she would degrade herself.

Yu Chuan felt a chill run through her heart as she thought about these things. The light she had seen after being encouraged by her sister Jin Chuan seemed to be instantly extinguished...

……

Jia Cong greeted Aunt Xue and was about to turn and leave when his eyes met Yu Chuan's as she turned back.

Although he often saw Yuchuan, the two rarely interacted. It was only on that day at the entrance of Lixiang Courtyard that they exchanged a few casual words.

Although it was just a few words, it still left an impression on him.

She is a bright and intelligent girl. Although she does not have the same spiritedness and sharpness as her older sister Jin Chuan, she has a quieter and more approachable demeanor.

According to Jia Cong, among Lady Wang's four head maids, Yu Chuan seemed to be the least noticeable.

Jin Chuan was beautiful and outstanding, with a sharp and strong personality, attracting attention wherever she went. She was taken in as a maid by Baochai because of an accident.

Caiyun has now entered Baoyu's room. She is said to be a clever and shrewd maid, and Jia Cong often hears people mention her.

There were even more rumors about Caixia. Jia Cong knew that she had an ambiguous relationship with Jia Huan, and her hasty entry into Baoyu's room also made him quite suspicious.

Only Yu Chuan, though as beautiful as her sister, was rarely mentioned by Jia Cong, appearing obscure and seemingly ignored.

However, Jia Cong often saw her following Lady Wang in and out, and her movements were very agile and nimble.

While the maids around Lady Wang had all gone their separate ways, she kept Yu Chuan by her side the only one.

Given Madam Wang's formidable nature, the fact that Yu Chuan was kept until the end at least shows that the girl was beyond reproach.

When Jia Cong saw her suddenly turn around, her eyes were clear and bright, soft and gentle, seemingly full of worry and helplessness, making her look pitiful.

He was somewhat puzzled, wondering why she had such an expression, but in an instant she turned around and followed Madam Wang out of Rongqing Hall... (End of this chapter)