Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Jinling, the Xue family's old residence.

Xue Baoqin and Xue Dou had traveled all over the country with Xue Yuan since they were young. In their memory, their father was always a strategist and a gentleman.

They rarely saw him so enraged, perhaps because they never had the chance to...

Xue Yuan said, "Dou'er, immediately report this matter to Yingtian Prefecture and let the government intervene and handle it according to the law. Take my invitation to Jia Yucun and ask him to take time out of his busy schedule to handle this case."

"Back then, regarding Pan'er's affair, he received many benefits from the Xue family. His official position and career advancement were also thanks to the Rongguo Jia family. Given the close kinship between the Xue and Jia families, he had to give them face."

Upon hearing this, Xue Dou's expression changed slightly, and he said, "Father, although Cai Ronghui's actions are despicable, he is, after all, an old member of the Xue family shop."

He is already over forty years old. If this matter is reported to the authorities, he will be sentenced to at least ten years of exile. He has worked for the Xue family for more than twenty years. It would be better to give him some face.

Making him make up the deficit and expelling him from the Xue family will serve as a punishment, and will also help the Xue family gain a reputation for being kind and benevolent.

Xue Yuan's face darkened, and he said, "What you're saying is utter nonsense. The Xue family is a prominent clan with a large population and complex relationships. How can it be compared to an ordinary family?"

Such large and powerful families manage their households like armies, showing only womanly kindness and lacking authority. This leads to a loss of respect and trust among the people, and if this continues, chaos and disorder are bound to ensue!
Cai Ronghui has been a member of the Xue family for twenty years, but the Xue family has not treated him badly. As the manager of a shop, he receives a generous salary every year.

He committed such a rebellious and shameless act, which makes his crime even more serious. If everyone followed his example, the Xue family would be doomed!

I want to deal with Cai Ronghui, not just punish him personally. Do you think Cai Ronghui is the only one who has done wrong in the four rented-out shops?
Those unrented shops are not uncommon examples of this kind of embezzlement of public funds.

Severely punishing Cai Ronghui is a way to make an example of her and deter others. If we continue with this womanly leniency, those old hags will eventually devour the Xue family.

……

Xue Yuan spoke sternly, giving his son earnest advice. Xue Dou blushed and lowered his head, not daring to speak.

Xue Yuan sighed, "The reason why the Jia family in Ningguo was raided was not only because the ruler of Ningguo disregarded the law."

Furthermore, the old servants in the household abused their power, committed numerous evil deeds, and squandered the blessings of Ningguo, causing everyone to want to get rid of them.

Congge'er, having learned a painful lesson from the Ningguo incident, wiped out all the rebellious old servants of Rongguo and confiscated hundreds of thousands of taels of silver from their homes, a truly shocking amount.

Only after this cleanup and rectification was the Jia family of Rongguo able to stabilize its household, eliminate internal troubles, and achieve its current glory.

"Cong-ge is a few years younger than you, yet he possesses such ruthless methods. This is true competence in managing a household. You should carefully study and learn from him."

Xue Dou blushed and bowed, saying, "Your son has learned your lesson and will do as you instruct, Father."

Xue Yuan then said, "After Cai Ronghui is brought to justice, you should send a message to the managers of all the shops in the Xue family, telling them to take this as a warning."

If any store has any unexpected losses, please explain it clearly as soon as possible. As long as the losses are covered, I can forgive and forget about it.

"If I wait until I find the discrepancies in the accounts, I won't care about saving face for generations. Cai Ronghui is a prime example; the Xue family will never tolerate evil!"

Xue Dou readily agreed and then went out to do his work.

As Xue Yuan watched his son's departing figure, he couldn't help but sigh. Xue Baoqin, who was standing beside him, asked, "Why did you sigh, Father?"

Xue Yuan said, "Your brother is kind and gentle by nature, which is naturally his good point. He doesn't need to worry about people like Pan'er."

But your brother's temperament is only fit to keep the family in order, not to start a business. My health is not as good as before, and I have the will but not the strength to revitalize the family business.

If your brother had even half of Cong'er's ability, he would surely have restored the glory of the Xue family ancestors. I could die in peace then.

Baoqin advised, "Father, excessive worry is bad for your health. My brother is kind and honest, which is rare among the sons of noble families. Father, don't have too high expectations."

That young man, Cong, is only a teenager, yet he can lead troops to quell rebellions and excel in the imperial examinations. Such a person is one in a million; how can everyone compare to him?

Xue Yuan chuckled and said, "You silly girl, I said a few words to your brother, and you're already defending him."

However, I just want your brother to learn some wisdom and composure, to not be too rigid in his thinking, and to know how to adapt to changing circumstances.

I know, of course, that Cong-ge is no ordinary person. He comes from a noble family and has a precious bloodline, so it's not surprising that he's extraordinary..."

Baoqin smiled slightly upon hearing this, not caring much. Her father truly favored this Congshi brother, mentioning him in everything.

There's a saying that daughters are always the best, while sons are always better than other people's, and that's absolutely true.

Xue Yuan added, "I think the shop matter can be settled in the next few days, and I will personally hand over the shop to Manager Qu then."

You should write a letter and tell your cousin the details.

……

Rongguo Mansion, Lixiangyuan.

Baochai was reading a book in her room when her maid Ying'er came in carrying a large package and said, "The shopkeeper has taken care of everything you wanted to buy, Miss."

Everything was done according to the young lady's instructions. I brought it here for her to review; if there were any errors, the time could be rearranged.

Baochai opened the package, inside were two apricot-yellow monk robes, two strings of 108 exquisitely crafted Bodhi prayer beads, two boxes of top-quality sandalwood and musk incense sticks, and two jars of this year's aged pre-Qingming Longjing tea.

The items are not particularly valuable, but they possess a refined and elegant Buddhist charm.

Ying'er asked, "Miss, these are all items used by monks. Whom are you specially preparing these gifts for?"

Baochai smiled and said, "This is for Abbess Xiushan and Miss Miaoyu. Ever since they moved to the East Mansion, I often go to the small courtyard on the south slope with my sisters."

Master Xiushan was a highly virtuous and respected nun, while Miss Miaoyu was exceptionally talented and beautiful, with refined taste in poetry and literature. Both of them were extraordinary individuals.

Moreover, she is also Zhi Shao's master and senior sister, and it is said that she has given Zhi Shao a second life. Brother Cong has great respect for them as master and disciple.

On the fifteenth of this month, they will move back to the Muni Monastery outside the city, and will prepare a small gift as a token of their farewell.

I heard that Brother Cong has left his small courtyard on the south slope empty, waiting for them to come and stay when they have time. Given Zhi Shao's kindness, they will definitely visit often in the future.”

Ying'er picked up an apricot-yellow monk's robe to look at it and saw that the stitching was delicate, the materials were exquisite, and the craftsmanship was also very skillful.

He said, "This monk's robe is very well made. I wonder if the size will fit perfectly?"

Baochai smiled and said, "I checked their sizes beforehand, and since monks' robes need to be a bit loose, they will all fit perfectly."

As the mistress and servant were chatting, the maid Jin Chuan brought in a tea tray and said, "Miss, would you like some tea? I just brewed it."

As he spoke, he placed the covered bowl on the table. His hand was a little unsteady, and he cried out, causing the covered bowl to tip over slightly, spilling tea all over the table.

When Baochai saw that Jin Chuan's face was pale, she quickly took her hand to look at it and asked, "How could you be so careless? Did you burn your palm?"

Jin Chuan said, "I was a little distracted just now, but luckily I didn't get burned. I'll go make you another cup."

Baochai said, "Let Ying'er go instead. You've been so absent-minded these past two days. I was just about to ask you what's wrong."

……

Jin Chuan recounted to Bao Chai what Yu Chuan had told her the day before, her pretty face full of worry.

He said, "I know this matter is very troublesome. Yu Chuan is the second madam's maid, and now she is being held captive in the East Wing Courtyard."

Because of the Third Master's matter last time, the Second Madam has already developed a grudge against you, Miss. Even if I beg you to save my life, it will be difficult for you to reach out to the East Courtyard.

When the second wife saw that her daughter was asking about it, given her temperament, she would probably hold onto Yuchuan even tighter.

If she gets provoked and acts impulsively, insisting that Yuchuan marry Qin Yong, my sister will be doomed.

These past two days I've wanted to ask the girl for advice, but I haven't dared to bring it up with her. Besides her, I don't know who else to turn to.

Yesterday, I heard from Ying'er that the Second Madam wanted to scheme against Xinchunhao's business, but she was rebuffed by the Third Master and looked quite embarrassed.

Now the Second Madam must be holding a grudge against the Third Master. Even if I ask you to ask the Third Master for help, the Second Madam will probably become even more ruthless when she sees him intervene.

If I were to take it out on the jade bracelet, wouldn't that be even worse? I didn't sleep a wink last night; I was so worried.

Baochai said, "So that's why you've been so absent-minded all day. I've also heard of Qin Yong; I've heard he's a scoundrel."

Last time, Aunt wanted to marry Musk Moon to him, but Musk Moon refused no matter what. Fortunately, Second Sister took her in later, otherwise she would have made a huge fuss.

My aunt doesn't know what she was thinking. Knowing Qin Yong's true colors, she still pushed all the good girls from the second wife into this mess, causing everyone to complain.

Jin Chuan said with a bitter face, "Miss, you always have the best ideas. Please save my sister. If you really marry her off to Qin Yong, she will definitely force herself to death."

Baochai said, "You're right. Now is the worst time. Aunt wanted to get involved with Xinchunhao, but Brother Cong strongly rejected it."

Seeing that she, as a close relative, had failed to achieve anything, while the Xue family was able to rent a shop to Xinchunhao, she must have felt even more resentful.

If I were to ask my aunt for help, she would definitely not give me the time of day, and it would most likely backfire. If my brother Cong were to intervene, my aunt would be even more determined to do the opposite, and things would definitely become even more complicated.

Although the Cong brothers are the heads of the family, Yu Chuan is their aunt's personal maid, and she is confined to the East Courtyard. If their aunt wants to do something, even the Cong brothers would be caught off guard..."

Upon hearing this, Jin Chuan's pretty face turned pale. In her mind, Third Master Cong was the most powerful man in the world, almost omnipotent.

But this time, being caught in the eye of the storm, it seems he can't save his sister this time either.

Seeing that Jin Chuan's face was pale and her eyes were filled with tears, Bao Chai advised, "Don't panic. Auntie said that when Yu Chuan turns 18, there are still about half a year left."

It's not too dangerous for the time being. Although Brother Cong can't directly take action, he's a man with connections to the heavens, so he must have a better way than us.

He always leaves early and returns late; whenever I have free time, I talk to him about something, and he always comes up with a good solution.

Jin Chuan burst into laughter after hearing this and said, "What you say is right, Miss. I have never seen anyone more capable than Third Master. What others cannot do, Third Master can definitely do."

"As long as Third Master can save Yuchuan, I'll have my sister serve him like a slave to repay his kindness."

Baochai said, "Before this matter is exposed, you should carefully instruct Yuchuan that the East Courtyard is your aunt's territory, and tell her to be extra vigilant in her daily life."

But you must be patient and not let anything slip. If Brother Cong comes up with a plan, then you'll have an opportunity to implement it..."

……

The Great Zhou Palace, Qianyang Palace.

After the morning court session this morning, Jia Cong urgently presented the strategy for trade along the Hetao border to the palace, while he waited outside Chengtian Gate for imperial instructions.

Not long after, a palace eunuch delivered an imperial edict summoning him to the Qianyang Palace for a meeting.

When he entered the hall, he found that Grand Secretary Wang Shilun and Minister of War Gu Yankui had already entered the hall before him.

Jia Cong, by order of Emperor Jia Zhao, explained his proposed border trade strategy in court. The four of them, the emperor and his ministers, then discussed and revised the details of the strategy.

Before noon, Jia Cong's proposed strategy for trade along the Hetao region was approved and officially adopted by Emperor Jiazhao.

The quantity and types of bilateral border trade, as well as some prohibited materials such as refined iron, and the controllable trade of river salt and pig iron, have all been carefully defined and restricted.

Gu Yankui further proposed that the Ordos tribe should exchange for fine horses, and that a certain number of high-quality mares should be guaranteed to ensure that the Great Zhou army's horse population would not run out of manpower...

In addition, both sides should abide by their commitments to border trade, such as ensuring the safety of border trade caravans and the Ordos region ceasing its activities of raiding for hay in border towns.

Those who were plundered in previous years must be returned to the Great Zhou in batches. Those who wish to return to their hometowns must not be harmed or obstructed by the Ordos tribe.

For example, if the remaining Mongol tribes intend to move south, the Ordos tribe needs to restrain its forces, appease and maneuver, avoid sending vanguard troops, and maintain open communication with the Great Zhou, etc.

Some of these mutual commitments can be reached at the very beginning of the smuggling trade between the two parties.

However, some mutual commitments require time for both sides to adjust to each other's border trade practices and improve mutual trust and understanding before they can be implemented step by step.

Moreover, the appeasement and retreat intentions formed by both sides around Jia Cong's border trade strategy have only been established in their main framework at present.

Many details need to be refined and improved, and Zhou Shilun and Gu Yankui need to discuss and implement them.

The task that Emperor Jiazhao assigned to Jia Cong was to make contact with Noyan Taiji by formulating border trade strategies and establishing a framework for mutual commitments.

Both sides should reach a preliminary consensus as soon as possible to facilitate further consultations.

After all, it would take some time for Noyan to send a message to the Ordos tribe and for Jirang Khan to agree to send a reply.

The four rulers and their ministers even agreed that, in order to guide the Ordos tribe to pacify the region, the Great Zhou could show some sincerity and alleviate the Ordos tribe's winter supplies shortage.

If the negotiations between the two sides proceed smoothly, the first batch of smuggled goods can be urgently prepared by the caravan in Jiubian around the end of the year and transported to remote passes in Ningxia for trading.

Because the caravan was in a hurry, in order to ensure the secrecy of border trade and smuggling, the news was blocked to the greatest extent possible, and the mobilization of personnel and materials was facilitated.

Emperor Jia Zhao adopted Jia Cong's strategic suggestion and appointed personnel from the Liaodong branch of the Xinchun caravan as the backbone of the border trade caravan.

Emperor Jia Zhao ordered Marquis Zhongjing to select elite troops from the Five Armies to strengthen the escort force of the caravan, since smuggling activities on the border were prone to various unpredictable risks.

Even though Jia Cong's strategies were all motivated by patriotism, as a monarch, he still had to weigh the pros and cons of his position...

Emperor Jiazhao issued an edict in court, ordering Jia Cong to take charge of the matter, and the Ministry of War to provide full assistance where needed.

Because the Great Zhou and the remnant Mongol states are currently negotiating a peace, the court's efforts to guide the Ordos tribe in appeasement must remain secret.

The two sides held secret discussions but did not reach a final agreement; the matter was kept secret from the emperor and his four ministers...

……

Shenjing, Huitongguan.

When Jia Cong left the palace, it was not long past noon. He thought that if he were to conduct his first trade of goods at the Ningxia pass around the end of the year, time would be quite tight.

Jiang Liu was then instructed to drive directly to the consulate. At present, the routine peace talks between the two countries have become useless formalities.

Noyan Taiji and other leaders of the delegations had long since stopped attending the peace talks in person. He spent his days either hunting or whiling away the time at the guesthouse.

Jia Cong planned to disclose the border trade matter to Noyan Taiji as soon as possible, so as to know the other party's intentions and attitude.

He kept his eyes closed and pondered throughout the journey, refining his words and strategies for negotiation in order to achieve the most effective outcome.

This was not a conversation between two people, but a mutually beneficial game between the Great Zhou and the Ordos tribe.

When the carriage arrived at the meeting hall, it was quiet because it was afternoon and the officials from both sides who were negotiating and making peace had already left.

As Jia Cong walked along the corridors and pavilions, he did not encounter any officials or clerks.

He knew that Liu Xiaoping was selected as the Registrar of the Court of State Ceremonial. Ever since he took charge of the peace treaty between the two countries, he had been going in and out of the meeting hall every day and often met with Liu Xiaoping.

The two had also had a few private drinks together. This classmate and close friend had entered officialdom and was somewhat different from before. He had lost his scholarly air and gained a calm and composed demeanor.

When he passed by the office of the chief clerk, which was quiet and empty, he bypassed the office and went directly to the Ordos Prefecture post station.

Just as they reached the main hall of the inn, they saw Xiaoxia, the maid of Noyan Taiji, coming out of the hall.

Upon seeing Jia Cong arrive, he smiled and said, "Taiji asked me to invite Lord Weiyuan to a banquet at noon, but I didn't see Lord Weiyuan when I went to the Peace Hall. I didn't expect to see him here in the afternoon."

Please, Lord Weiyuan, have some tea in the side hall. Our Taiji is taking a bath in the inner room and will be ready shortly.

Seeing the steam rising from the main room, carrying the familiar fragrance of Xinchunhao soap, Jia Cong followed Xiaoxia to the side hall.

He waited in the side hall for only a short while before his maid, Xiaoxia, came to invite him into the main hall.

When he re-entered the main hall, he saw Noyan Taiji walking out of the inner hall, wearing a moon-white Han-style robe with floral patterns, lined with black precious fur, looking elegant and handsome.

He laughed and said, "Nuoyan, I apologize for keeping Brother Cong waiting. The soap you sent is truly a wonderful thing. It is very pleasant to use for bathing and cleansing."

"You gave me quite a lot, but I used it up pretty quickly. If I can't use it when I go back to the grasslands, I'll feel really uneasy."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "That's no problem. When you return to the grasslands, I'll send you a few boxes, enough for you to use for two or three years."

In future border trade, I will have soap delivered regularly as a gift from Noyan, ensuring your continued enjoyment.

Upon hearing this, Noyan Taiji's eyes lit up, and he asked, "What does Brother Cong mean by the border trade between the two sides?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Last time we went hunting outside the city, Nuoyan said that the Ordos tribe had the intention to stop the fighting and the desire for peace."

If both sides can be good neighbors, cease hostilities, and benefit the common people, it would be a wonderful thing. I have already reported this matter to the current emperor.

The Emperor is benevolent and kind-hearted, with a desire to benefit all under Heaven. He intends to turn conflict into peace. He has issued an imperial edict to me, and I have come today to discuss this matter with Noyan.

Upon hearing this, Noyan Taiji's face lit up with joy. He said to Xiaoxia, "Quickly prepare pen, ink, and paper for me, and then go and tell Huergan to prepare a fast horse to wait for you."

He was also instructed to arrange for guards to be on guard, and that anyone visiting the inn must be notified beforehand before entering. He was also instructed to secure the area around the main hall, ensuring that no one was allowed to approach.

Seeing that Noyan acted cautiously and swiftly, Jia Cong nodded inwardly. Guiding the Ordos tribe to pacify the region was a secret matter, and this was exactly how Noyan should respond.

My initial guess was correct; Noyan Taiji's participation in the peace delegation was probably something he had planned all along.

He then selected the most important points from today's court discussion, such as the laws governing border trade, the importance of keeping promises, and the standards for traded goods, and explained them to Noyan Taiji one by one.

Noyan Taiji took notes, occasionally asking Jia Cong questions and discussing the matter. In just a few cups of tea's time, he had already written several pages of letters.

Seeing him holding the brush and writing, Jia Cong noticed his skillful technique. Although his calligraphy wasn't that of a master, the strokes were neat and elegant, indicating he must have received instruction from a young age… (End of Chapter)