Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The Earl's mansion, inner courtyard and back garden.

Jia Cong left Rongqing Hall and accompanied Baochai all the way back to Lixiang Courtyard before walking alone through the covered walkway connecting the two mansions.

When he stepped into the East Mansion, the garden paths were winding, the waterside pavilions were bright and clear, and the pavilions and towers were ethereal and fairy-like, with the air filled with the rich fragrance of winter.

As this familiar scene unfolds before me, the gloom and unhappiness that had been weighing on my heart gradually dissipate.

Although he inherited the Rongguo title and became the head of the Jia family's Rongguo clan, he still preferred to stay in the East Mansion and did not like to go to the West Mansion unless necessary.

Even though the Rongguo Mansion was magnificent and grand, its decadent and absurd atmosphere made him dislike it and unwilling to stay there for long.

The newly renovated Rongxi Hall, though meticulously maintained by Xiao Hong, is bright and brand new inside and out.

However, apart from receiving guests during festivals, Jia Cong rarely visited Rongxi Hall, and never stayed overnight there, causing Xiao Hong to waste a lot of her time and energy.

The once-glorious Duke's mansion was not of much importance to him, but to others it was the source of his family's honor and glory.

Grandmother Jia was content with her luxurious life in Rongqing Hall, while Baoyu was reluctant to leave the West Mansion, infatuated with lust, and prone to melancholy.

Madam Wang, with her insatiable ambitions, frequently visited the West Mansion, stirring up trouble, acting domineeringly, and dreaming of turning the second wife's family around.

Originally, Jia Cong didn't want to bother with these trivial matters. He preferred to live in the East Mansion and avoid seeing them altogether.

In any prominent family, it's not uncommon to find a muddle-headed, biased old woman like Grandmother Jia, a good-for-nothing like Baoyu, and a restless woman like Lady Wang.

Out of consideration for Jia Zheng and Tan Chun's relationship, it's just a matter of spending some money to support them; even if they cause trouble, they won't make any waves.

Although Grandmother Jia was old, she was not completely senile. Since he inherited the Rongguo title, the old lady had faced reality and tried her best to ease the relationship between grandmother and grandson.

Even if Baoyu disregarded patriarchal rules and etiquette, and stayed in the West Mansion instead of going there, Jia Cong wouldn't bother with him anyway.

However, Daiyu disliked his playboy ways and distanced herself from him, but he continued to pester her relentlessly, and his words and actions were absurd, which inevitably made her annoyed.

In all matters concerning himself, from major events like passing the imperial examinations and having many guests at home, to minor family matters like Ping'er entering his room, Baoyu dared to speak wildly and provoke unreasonable people.

He is lazy and shameless without realizing it, and goes around peddling his corrupt and despicable rhetoric.

He couldn't even understand the Four Books, yet he mocked himself for being a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, which was both laughable and pathetic.

He even heard rumors that Wu'er was managing the household in the West Mansion, and that Baoyu was trying to provoke her. All of this had worn down Jia Cong's patience, making him unable to tolerate it any longer.

Compared to Baoyu's absurdity and ridiculousness, Madam Wang's behavior was more risky. She had already warned the Jia family not to provoke the Zhen family's eldest son's hidden silver.

Driven by greed, Madam Wang still wanted to hide the Zhen family's private silver in the East Courtyard, and even severely injured Tan Chun, who tried to stop her.

She even had the audacity to covet the Xinchunhao business, wanting to get a share of the profits, and even encouraged Grandmother Jia to mediate.

A morally flawed woman from a shady background is arrogant, insidious, insatiable, and conceited. If she is not taught a lesson and does not learn to restrain herself, she will surely become the root of disaster for the family in the future.

If we continue to ignore it, over time, resentment will build up and accidents will inevitably occur.

That's why he spoke so sharply in Rongqing Hall today, completely shattering Lady Wang's delusions and serving as a warning to everyone in the Jia family.

Moreover, by using the pretext of studying and pursuing higher education, they revealed that Baoyu had moved out of the West Mansion, thus severing Lady Wang's ties to the West Mansion.

If it weren't for Jia Zheng's kindness, he would have been even more ruthless.

Although Lady Wang was narrow-minded and ruthless, she only had some tricks up her sleeve, and Baoyu was a useless chatterbox.

His methods today are enough to bind their hands and feet, preventing them from becoming powerful demons again.

……

Even so, Jia Cong was filled with resentment that could not be dispelled for a while.

The vast mountains and rivers offer endless freedom to roam, how delightful! Yet, the gloom at home, the entanglements of love and resentment, the hesitation in words and deeds, prevent one from finding true joy.

After he entered the back garden, the sun was setting in the west, the clouds were like fire, and the sky was full of colorful clouds. He strolled along and unknowingly arrived in front of Daiyu's courtyard.

Pushing open the door, he was greeted by a garden full of bamboo groves and rustling bamboo shadows. The stone paths were clear and bright, instantly dispelling some of his worries.

A soft, sweet fragrance wafts in the air, so delicate and alluring that it gently intoxicates the soul.

The south-facing round window of the main house is adorned with a bronze-inlaid bird carriage, upon which sits a snow-feathered yellow-crowned parrot, its graceful movements quite charming.

Daiyu's figure appeared at the window, wearing a light gold and peach-red floral jacket, with snow-white fur trim on the collar, neck, and sleeves, making her face look like a lotus flower, beautiful and dazzling.

"Zijuan, quickly bring over some food, water, and birdseed. I'll feed the parrot."

Jia Cong saw a figure moving by the window; Zijuan was carrying a small copper pot and a small white porcelain jar with painted decorations.

He said, "Girl, you're too mischievous. Why not choose a name like this little parrot? You're just making fun of me."

Jia Cong couldn't help but chuckle to himself upon hearing this. There was a reason why Zijuan said this. She was originally a second-class maidservant of Grandmother Jia, and was called Yingge. She changed her name to Zijuan after following Daiyu.

Daiyu laughed and said, "Who would make fun of you? Your original name was beautiful. You only changed it because you were serving me. It's a pity to leave it there unused."

This little thing is a parrot; calling it "Parrot" sounds nice and affectionate.

As the mistress and servant were chatting and laughing, Daiyu saw Jia Cong enter the courtyard and walk towards them.

He smiled and said, "Third brother is here. I got off work early today and was looking for you to talk to. It just so happens that you've arrived."

The parrot joined in the fun, wagging its tail and calling out, "Third brother is here! Third brother is here!"

Daiyu and Zijuan were amused and giggled. Daiyu kept adding water and food to the bird's perch, coaxing, "Call it again, call it again."

Unfortunately, the parrot was a stupid bird and not very clever. It was busy pecking at its food and when Daiyu urged it on, it could only mimic her words: "Sing again, sing again."

Daiyu was somewhat discouraged upon hearing this, while Zijuan was amused and kept laughing. Daiyu noticed that although Jia Cong was also laughing, he seemed to be somewhat uninterested.

Curious, she asked, "What's wrong with Third Brother? Did something upset you? You look so uncomfortable."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "It seems I really have no guile; even my slight displeasure was noticed by my sister."

Daiyu smiled and said, "Zijuan, go and make tea for Third Brother. We'll go to the study to talk."

Third brother, you're going back to the manor at this hour? Did you get humiliated at the yamen? Tell your sister, who else has the ability to make you angry? Let me hear your surprise.

Daiyu smiled and pressed him into a chair. Zijuan brought in a tea tray, and Daiyu personally took the teacup and placed it in Jia Cong's hands.

Jia Cong said, "It's not because of the yamen, but something unpleasant happened at the West Mansion. Although it's easy to resolve, it's still troublesome."

Seeing that Daiyu's eyes were moist and she was staring at him, waiting for him to continue, he recounted the events that had just occurred at Rongqing Hall.

……

Daiyu sighed upon hearing this: "I really don't understand. My second aunt is also the wife of an official, and she has the title of a fifth-rank noblewoman. She should be a worldly person."

Although the second branch moved to the East Courtyard, they were supported by the West Mansion and their maternal aunt's family had a strong foundation, so they were more than entitled to a life of wealth and honor.

Why are you still scheming about these money-making deals and even trying to take a cut of the profits from the younger generation? It's quite unpleasant to hear, and it makes everyone lose face.

Moreover, Xinchunhao was founded by the third brother, so logically it should be the property of the eldest son's family. It would be a major taboo for the wife to profit from it through connections across the family.

"What use does my second aunt have for so much money? It would be better to educate Baoyu more, to make him more sensible and promising. That's the most important thing."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "The Second Madam has been the head of the household for more than ten years, and she feels that Rongguo should belong to the Second Branch. She probably thinks that I have taken something from Baoyu."

Daiyu pouted and said, "If that's the intention, it's truly laughable. Given Baoyu's personality, how could he possibly take on the responsibility of being given a hereditary title of Rongguo?"

If he were to assume a title and then cause trouble, and then spread those lies criticizing the nobles, it wouldn't just be him who would suffer; his entire family would be punished.

Now that the third brother is supporting the family, everyone in the family is living a stable life. Baoyu can neither study nor stay at home. He is well-fed and clothed, which is also very good. Everyone is at peace.

My second aunt is a woman of experience and should be able to see through these things. Her constant competitiveness is completely unfounded.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "If everyone were as insightful as my sister, the family would be peaceful inside and out, and I wouldn't need to put on a hard face when I speak."

This also involves the feelings of the master and the third sister; one cannot be too lenient or too harsh, making things extremely difficult to handle. The fear is that the second wife won't let things rest and will cause more trouble later.

As Jia Cong spoke, he grew tired. Suddenly, he felt cool, soft fingers reaching out to massage his temples.

The sweet and soft fragrance emanating from Daiyu filled my nostrils, soothing my soul and making me feel completely relaxed.

He heard Daiyu chuckle softly in his ear: "These family matters are settled, and they won't cause any trouble. Third Brother, there's no need to worry about them. Save your energy for important matters outside."

I saw Lingguan massage Third Brother like this last time, and you looked so comfortable. You really know how to enjoy yourself. I always said Third Brother knows how to flatter people. I wonder what kind of spell he cast on Lingguan. I see the little girl serving you like this, all smiles, as if she's even happier than you.

"How well did I imitate it? Will my third brother find it helpful?"

Jia Cong felt pleased and said with a smile, "My sister is so clever. She can learn anything after seeing it only once. It would be even better if she could go a little further."

"Third brother, is that so?"

"Just a little further ahead."

"Yes, that's right. My sister's methods are no less than Lingguan's. I'm truly blessed..."

The two chatted and laughed, sharing their unspoken understanding.

Zijuan carried the charcoal basket to the door, intending to add charcoal to the incense burner inside the house.

Seeing his daughter's small hands massaging his temples, the Third Master closed his eyes and seemed to enjoy it immensely; the two were incredibly intimate.

Zijuan blushed slightly, stuck out her tongue, picked up her charcoal basket, turned around and left, closing the door behind her as if by some strange impulse.

……

Daiyu tilted her head and glanced at Jia Cong. Seeing that his eyes were closed, there was a smile on his lips, and his expression was very peaceful, she couldn't help but smile slightly as well.

He said, "What Third Brother did today was timely. It's better to say some things face to face, otherwise we'll just keep going our separate ways and remain confused."

Grandmother doted on Baoyu the most. If no one spoke up about this matter, Baoyu would likely still spend most of his time in the inner courtyard of the West Mansion after he got married and had a family.

If word gets out of the manor, the third brother, the head of the family, will lose face and be subject to unpleasant gossip from outsiders.

After Baoyu got married, he moved back to the East Courtyard according to family etiquette. He himself did not fail in etiquette, and his third brother was able to have some peace and quiet from then on.

"I won't have to be labeled a careerist or a mediocre official anymore, wouldn't that be great? Hehe."

Jia Cong chimed in, "My sister understands me best. I am a Hanlin scholar, after all. It is too shameful to be looked down upon like this."

Daiyu was amused by his words and giggled, saying, "Third Brother, last time when Miss Xia sent the December Festival gifts, she actually sent Baoyu a box of the Four Books and Five Classics."

I heard that Mrs. Xia has been a widow for many years. It is quite remarkable that a woman could maintain the imperial merchant status for more than ten years and even earn the name of the Osmanthus Xia family.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Xia family is a shrewd and resourceful family. Baoyu, because of his reputation for being born with a jade in his mouth, attracts a lot of attention outside.

His dislike of reading since childhood, along with his strange and unusual remarks, must have been widely circulated.

The Xia family, with its established lineage, would certainly inquire about Baoyu's background now that they have a new son-in-law.

To say that the Xia family knew nothing about Baoyu's affairs is something I simply cannot believe.

So this Miss Xia must have known this, yet she still insisted on giving Baoyu the Four Books and Five Classics. This action was truly outrageous and quite strange.

Based on this, it seems that Miss Xia is also a well-educated young lady who values ​​studying and taking the imperial examinations, and can be considered a girl of good character.

She knew that Baoyu didn't like reading, but she still openly sent him books to encourage him. It's clear that she was a very principled person with a strong personality.

"It's a blessing for Baoyu to marry such a wife; it just depends on whether he can enjoy it..."

Jia Cong was somewhat surprised by Daiyu's analysis. Even though he knew Xia Jingui's temperament, he had to admit that Daiyu's words were very insightful and not at all incongruous.

He was somewhat puzzled, however, that Xia Jingui was a bookish young lady who also had the ambition to encourage her husband to take the imperial examinations; this was really out of character...

If Lin Daiyu's speculations are all correct, what would it be like if Baoyu, who disliked studying, married Xia Jingui, who was fierce, shrewish, and obsessed with fame and fortune?

He imagined some bizarre and terrifying scene, and couldn't help but shudder. He wondered what kind of mess it would make in the future.
He was somewhat relieved that he had spoken his mind today; otherwise, if Baoyu had continued to live in the inner courtyard of the West Mansion after his marriage, the vast Rongguo Mansion would have been turned upside down...

Jia Cong laughed and said, "My sister may look gentle and weak, but she is actually very quick-witted and has a great eye for people and things. She is a formidable girl at heart."

Upon hearing this, Daiyu frowned slightly and said with some dissatisfaction, "Third Brother, praising a young lady for being capable is not a good thing to say."

"Have I treated my third brother badly? I've never bullied you, yet you use such words to slander me."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I misspoke. Sister, this is not called being clever, but rather being exceptionally intelligent and kind-hearted. You are one of the best among young ladies."

……

Daiyu blushed at the compliment, gave a slight humph, and said, "You're good at saying nice things, but I don't know if you mean it or not, and I don't know who you've said it to."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I only come and go with you sisters every day. How could I possibly tell anyone else?"

Daiyu's bright eyes lit up, and she said, "Third brother, the other day you and Baochai were always talking about it. I heard that the Xue family is going to rent a shop to Xinchunhao."

Is this matter settled now? Actually, this is something Brother Xue should worry about; it's more that Miss Bao should handle it herself.

Jia Cong sighed, “It seems that all the daughters of our Jia family are of the same kind.”

The third sister is successful in everything, but Huan'er is a disappointment. The third sister is only a few years older than Huan'er, yet she still worries herself sick over him.

Baoyu's absurdity and ridiculousness are evident in the fact that his elder sister single-handedly supported the family business in the palace for ten years to ensure its survival.

Brother Xue is not only bad at managing the family business, but he's also good at not causing trouble for the family. Sister Bao is worried about the family business falling into ruin, which is why she came up with the idea of ​​renting out the shops.

The letter outlining the strategy for handling the matter was sent to Jinling several days ago. The matter was entrusted to Master Xue, and it's likely almost finished by now.

……

Jinling, the Xue family's old residence.

In the main house of the second branch of the family, Xue Yuan's condition has improved considerably after several days of medicinal soup treatment and the meticulous care of his daughter Baoqin.

Although the winter chill lingered, the sun shone brightly in the courtyard, warming people comfortably.

Xue Baoqin had her maid bring over a reclining chair and placed it under the eaves in a sunny spot so that her father could lean back in the chair and bask in the sun.

Xue Yuan was covered with a thin camel hair blanket, squinting in the sunlight, looking quite content.

Baoqin, dressed in a light blue embroidered chrysanthemum-patterned long coat and a white embroidered long skirt, was sitting to one side preparing tea for her father.

The warm winter sun shone down, and the eight-treasure necklace and gold lock on her chest shone brightly, making her beautiful face even more exquisite, graceful and charming, and breathtakingly beautiful.

At this moment, a handsome young man, about sixteen or seventeen years old, entered the courtyard. He was dressed neatly, with a respectful expression, and looked somewhat travel-worn.

He said, “Father, I just returned from Suzhou. Last time you summoned Granny Jiang to question her, and she had many doubts about the accounts of the old shop on Ping Shi Street.”

Among them, the market price of high-quality silks in the accounts often deviated from the usual market price.

As my father instructed, I have been going to Suzhou these past few days to investigate and purchase goods. The high-quality Suzhou embroidery used by the Xue family shop is all sourced from several well-established embroidery workshops in Suzhou.

The old shops on Ping Shi Street all source their goods from Wu Family Embroidery Workshop, a decades-old brand in Suzhou that can be easily found by asking around in Suzhou.

Using my father's visiting card and leveraging my connections in the Wu County government, I was able to access the old accounts of the Wu family's embroidery workshop.

From March of last year to November of this year, the old shops on Ping Shi Street purchased goods from Wu Family Embroidery Workshop seven times, with each purchase price being 30% higher than the normal market price.

Following my father's instructions, I secretly spent some money to have someone from the county government interrogate me, and one of the managers of the embroidery workshop revealed the truth.

The old shops on Ping Shi Street always bought goods at 30% above the market price. One-third of that was taken by the owner of Chengrun Embroidery Shop, and the other 20% was probably embezzled by the old owner, Mr. Cai.

Furthermore, the embroidery and satin from the old shops on Ping Shi Street were priced 10% lower than those from other shops, so their business seemed to be thriving on the surface.

However, the year-end business accounting results showed that the profits were much lower than in previous years.

The son carefully calculated the accounts and found that the Wu family embroidery workshop alone had a deficit of more than four thousand taels of silver in just over a year.

In previous years, the old shops on Ping Shi Street would only make a profit of around ten thousand taels of silver a year. Now, after all this trouble, they can only break even with a small profit at the end of the year.

My aunt and cousin are far away in the capital, unfamiliar with the market, and only look at the account books. Even if they feel something is amiss, they have little chance of figuring out the truth..."

Xue Yuan was so angry that his face turned red. He threw the teacup in his hand to the ground, making a sharp shattering sound, which startled Baoqin who was standing next to him.

He said sternly, "What a Cai Ronghui! He's all high and mighty in public, and the Xue family has treated him well, yet he's doing such despicable things behind the scenes."

In Jiangnan, a poor family only needs ten taels of silver a year to make a living, while four thousand taels of silver can support an entire village.

Cai Ronghui's actions were not minor evils, but major treachery. And this was just the embroidery business; if the investigation were to go deeper, the losses would likely be even greater.

If such despicable acts are committed by the old shops on Ping Shi Street, other old shops are likely to suffer the same fate to varying degrees. They must be made an example of to deter others! (End of Chapter)