Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Chapter 801 Accompanying You to the Ends of the Earth

Rongguo Mansion, Aunt Zhao's courtyard.

In the side room, Tan Chun saw her younger brother's pale face and her heart softened slightly.

Hardening his heart, he said, "Huan'er, you should know what's good for you. Caixia has already entered Second Brother's household and will bear children for him in the future."

She is on par with your brother and sister-in-law. If you dare to harbor any ill intentions or cause any trouble, you will be utterly disgraced in the family.

The master will surely beat you to death. Even if my third brother and I can't save you, my aunt and I will be disgraced because of you and will never be able to hold our heads high again.

Such transgressions against humanity are despised by the world; the dead will not be buried in their ancestral graves and will have no place to be laid to rest…

Tan Chun scolded her younger brother, but in the end, her heart ached terribly, as if she were talking about herself.

Hearing Tan Chun speak so solemnly, Jia Huan's heart pounded in his chest. He also saw that his sister's face was pale and her eyes were wet, as if she was about to cry.

She quickly said, "Third sister, don't be angry. I'll listen to you. I won't mention her again, and I won't provoke her..."

Tan Chun looked somewhat tired and said, "Remember this carefully: you must not think about these useless things for even a moment. Only studying hard and becoming successful is the right thing to do."

Before you go to the Imperial Academy at the beginning of the year, stay at home and study diligently. You are not allowed to step out of the East Campus, or I will disown you as my younger brother!

……

After Tan Chun left, Jia Huan stayed in the room for a while, then angrily threw paper and pen on the table, seemingly venting his resentment.

He muttered curses under his breath: "That wretched Baoyu, he tries to take everything from me, he won't even leave me a maid."

Just because his wife gave birth to a piece of jade, he started spouting nonsense about being born with a jade in his mouth, and everyone treated him like a treasure king.

He's better than me in every way. He's also a hopeless bookworm. Every time he sees Brother Cong, he cowers like a turtle. He knows he's useless.

A sissy coward with a face that looks like a bastard who's about to die. He can't read, so he says that those who can read are parasites.

You heartless idiot, a vile scoundrel born of a mother but uneducated by a father…

Jia Huan dared not disobey Tan Chun, but his resentment was hard to dispel, so he could only vent his anger by muttering curses.

He was raised by his birth mother from a young age. Aunt Zhao was rough and had no kind words. Jia Huan was deeply influenced by his mother and his cursing was rich in vulgar language.

He muttered to himself for a long time, like a turtle chanting scriptures, when the book of Analects with annotations copied by Tan Chun on the table inadvertently came into view.

Jia Huan's eyes lit up for no apparent reason. He grabbed the Analects and subconsciously flipped through it a few times.

Her eyes darted around as she muttered to herself, "That stupid Baoyu, relying on the old lady and the madam's doting on him, is even lazier than me when it comes to studying."

If Brother Zhu were still alive, with his cowardly appearance, he wouldn't deserve to have any face in the family. He would have been crippled by the master long ago.

"You made Master Huan uncomfortable, so I'll give you a big one. Since you can't study, I'll make you a useless piece of trash in the Jia family!"

Jia Huan spoke with some pride, feeling that his idea was absolutely brilliant.

His unorthodox ideas seemed to resonate with him more than Tan Chun's earnest teachings, fortunately, they led to the same goal.

He was excited, his face flushed, and he was so excited that he gesticulated wildly, which aggravated the injury on his buttocks, causing him to wince slightly in pain.

His left hand was bruised and red from Tan Chun's slap, so he could only use his right hand to pick up the Analects and turn the pages one by one.

He muttered to himself, "A gentleman seeks harmony but not uniformity, a petty person seeks uniformity but not harmony—where does that lie..."

……

After leaving the room where Jia Huan was studying, Tan Chun went to Aunt Zhao's room and carefully told her about what Jia Huan had mentioned about Cai Xia.

She said, "Auntie, Huan'er will be entering the Imperial Academy in the spring. There's less than a month left, so please keep a close eye on him."

We must not let him leave the East Courtyard, lest any unforeseen complications arise. We can only feel more at ease once he enters the Imperial Academy to live and study.

The concubine also instructed her maids and servants not to mention Caixia in front of Huan'er, lest he develop any wicked intentions.

Aunt Zhao said, "I know the importance of this matter, so I don't need you to remind me. Huan'er has been recuperating in her room recently and hasn't gone out."

I didn't even tell him that Caixia was pregnant, so as not to make him feel uncomfortable if he heard it.

Third Sister, I always feel that something is strange about this. Caixia entered Baoyu's room less than a month ago, how could she be pregnant?

Xi Ren and Cai Yun had been in the room longer than her, so why was there no sound from them?

I know women's childbirth matters better than anyone else. If one woman can't have it, it's impossible for two women to be unable to have it either, but Caixia is the only one who can.

You said the seed in Caixia's belly..."

Tan Chun blushed with embarrassment upon hearing this and interrupted, saying, "How could you be so confused, Aunt? I told you not to mention this matter again."

"We'd rather avoid these kinds of things in a wealthy family than let our concubines get involved. What if Huan'er gets implicated? What about his life?!"

Aunt Zhao was taken aback by what she heard, and said awkwardly, "You're right. I won't mention it again."

Although she said she wouldn't mention it, she was actually quite boisterous and gossipy, and her doubts were hard to dispel. However, since Tan Chun's words made sense, she could only keep quiet.

He said, "We won't bring this up ourselves, but we can't prevent trouble from arising. Baoyu will be getting married after the New Year."

According to family rules and etiquette, Baoyu must move back to the East Courtyard, and Caixia will also return with a big belly.

This east courtyard is nothing like the west mansion. It's such a small place; you can smell even a fart from someone here. You see each other all the time; who knows what trouble might arise?

……

Tan Chun frowned as she heard her birth mother's coarse words, but she felt more helpless than anything else.

He patiently said, "Auntie, you don't need to worry about this. The old lady already spoke up at Rongqing Hall that day."

After her second brother got married, he moved back to the East Courtyard. The old lady wanted Caixia to stay in the West Mansion to rest and prepare for her pregnancy, so that the old lady could keep an eye on her and take care of her.

Caixia will most likely be raising the child in the West Mansion, and it's uncertain when she'll return to the East Mansion. By then, Huan'er will already be studying at the Imperial Academy, so it won't be a big problem.

Hearing this, Aunt Zhao breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's for the best. Your brother is away studying, so he won't have to see me or worry about me. It will save him a lot of trouble."

As the saying goes, old ginger is spicier. Before the matriarch even entered the house, the maid in the room was already heavily pregnant. Any new bride would feel disgusted.

The old lady wanted to save the child, lest it be abused and killed in a muddle-headed way…

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun felt a chill run down her spine. She had heard countless stories about the grand mansions since she was a child.

She thought of the beautiful Xia girl and the strange look in her eyes when she looked at her third brother, and a sense of unease rose in her heart.

Perhaps the old lady's concerns are not without merit...

He said, "Auntie, don't gossip about this. It's a matter for Second Brother's room, and Madam will take care of it. It has nothing to do with us."

Aunt Zhao quickly replied, "Your words always make sense, and I will listen to you."

With a shrewd person like you, able to take care of Cong-ge and look after your brother both inside and out, I can rest assured.

But daughters grow up and leave home; you're almost of marriageable age, and in a few years you'll be married. Then your brother and I will have no one to rely on.”

When Tan Chun heard the words "getting married," she felt a tightness in her chest. Thinking of the words she had used to scold her brothers, she felt somewhat dazed.

She said, "Auntie, that's not right. Even if I'm no longer in this house, can't you discipline Huan'er? Besides, there's still Master here."

I'm a little tired too, so I'll head back now. Auntie, please keep a close eye on Huan'er."

Aunt Zhao glanced at Tan Chun and said, "You look pale. You must have been upset by that brat. Go home and rest early."

……

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion.

Tan Chun's carriage entered the East Corner Gate, stopped at the Ceremonial Gate, and then she was transferred to a sedan chair in the outer courtyard, which carried her all the way to the entrance of the inner courtyard.

As soon as Tan Chun stepped out of the sedan chair, she saw a man wearing a light blue floral robe and a seven-jeweled jade belt walking towards her with a free and easy gait.

Because of Aunt Zhao's words, Tan Chun was caught in a dilemma, her heart filled with turmoil and her mind unsettled. It was such a coincidence that she ran into Jia Cong, and her heart couldn't help but tremble.

Jia Cong was somewhat surprised to see Tan Chun's sedan chair and asked with a smile, "Where did you come from, Third Sister?"

Tan Chun asked, "I should ask Third Brother first, you left the yamen quite early today, why didn't you take a sedan chair and instead walked?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I came back early today. I just went to the outer courtyard to give Jiang Liu some instructions. You must have gone to the east courtyard, sister?"

A servant had already opened the inner courtyard gate, and the two strolled around the inner courtyard talking as they walked.

Tan Chun said, "I just came back from the East Courtyard."

Jia Cong asked, "How is Huan'er doing lately?" Tan Chun replied, "His injuries have almost healed, and he can walk quite easily. He put in the effort to read the handwritten Analects with annotations that I gave him last time."

Actually, Huan'er isn't stupid when it comes to studying; she just doesn't put her heart into things and is careless and lax in her studies, so I gave her a good spanking.

He developed a mischievous nature from a young age, and it won't be easy to change it overnight.

Jia Cong advised, "It's not surprising that a boy his age is mischievous. As long as he is properly taught and guided, he will definitely make progress. Third sister, don't be too impatient."

……

The two walked to a covered walkway by the waterside pavilion. Tan Chun sat down by the railing, and Jia Cong sat down next to her. He noticed that Tan Chun seemed a little sullen.

He asked, "What's wrong, Third Sister? Why do you look so uncomfortable?"

Tan Chun glanced at Jia Cong and saw that his eyes were bright and full of concern, with deep, clear eyes like an autumn pool, seemingly unfathomable.

A sudden heat rose in her chest, and she turned her bright eyes away, unable to meet Jia Cong's gaze, and said, "Today, my aunt said I'm almost of marriageable age..."

Tan Chun finished speaking, but her pretty face flushed, and her usual bright and elegant demeanor seemed to have vanished. She suddenly became hesitant and stammering.

Jia Cong felt a little strange and laughed, "So what if you're of marriageable age? How old are you? Auntie, you're not thinking of marrying off your daughter, are you?"

Tan Chun was embarrassed by Jia Cong's teasing, and boldly said, "Auntie never thought about marrying me. She was worried that after I got married, she and Huan'er would lose their support."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I'm not afraid of that. Even if my sister gets married that day, I will help you take care of Huan'er."

Tan Chun felt a pang of heartache upon hearing this, and frowned as she said, "You want me to get married so badly, do you think I'm so disliked by Third Brother?"

Jia Cong laughed and scolded, "What are you saying? When have I ever disliked you? I always remember the good things my third sister has done for me."

Even if I'm reluctant to part with my sister, a woman should marry when she comes of age—it's an age-old truth. How could I possibly stop you from getting married?

I know my sister is an outstanding person with high aspirations, and ordinary people are hard to meet her standards.

As long as I, her older brother, protect her, whether she's at home or married, I guarantee my third sister will be content and won't suffer any injustice.

The Jia family has intermarried with the four great families for generations. In my opinion, the sons of noble and aristocratic families are mostly dissolute and mediocre.

My younger sister is intelligent, spirited, and has refined aspirations; these men are no match for her. Perhaps a well-read and virtuous man would be a better match for her.

……

Tan Chun listened to Jia Cong's enthusiastic speech, her face displeased and her heart filled with anger. She twisted her handkerchief into a ball and turned her head away, unwilling to look at him.

Seeing her expression, Jia Cong found it amusing and continued, "Among my classmates, there are many who are both talented and beautiful. I'll help you choose the best one, sister."

Tan Chun asked irritably, "How good is the one you call the best? Is it something that Third Brother is so proud of?"

Jia Cong seemed to think for a moment, then said jokingly, "I was the top scholar in the imperial examination back then. No matter how outstanding they are, they shouldn't be as proud as I am."

Tan Chun couldn't help but chuckle, her gloom dissipating considerably. She said, "Boasting like that, how shameless."

When Jia Cong saw her smiling sweetly and charmingly, his heart skipped a beat, but he also felt a little embarrassed and quickly dismissed the thought.

He laughed and said, "I've figured it out. My sister doesn't have that intention. I was just teasing you. If your aunt wants to marry you, I'll stand in for you."

Tan Chun blushed as he teased her, her face showing a hint of anger and playful reproach. She then playfully punched him.

She paused for a moment, then said, "I think the last two years have been the most fulfilling of my life, with my third brother's support and my sisters' company."

These days are never enough; I'm always afraid that each day will be one less, yet time just slips away. What's so special about getting married?

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I wish all my sisters could stay with me, chatting and laughing every day. It would be so much more comfortable."

"But if we really did it that way, it would be so heartless. We'd all turn into old maids, and people would gossip about me."

Tan Chun glanced at him and said defiantly, "I only hate that I am a girl, unable to step out of the door all my life, unable to see the beauty and wonder of the world."

The day I leave this mansion and my third brother takes me to travel the world, that will be truly a triumphant moment.

Marrying and being a caged bird for life—what's so good about that? I don't care about it at all.

So be it if I'm an old maid; the most important thing is to live a happy life.

Third brother has money anyway, so he can support me for free; it won't cost him much food.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I know that my third sister has lofty aspirations, but it is difficult for her to realize them while confined to the inner quarters."

But nothing is absolute. You speak so frankly now because you're still young and haven't fully matured yet. In a few years, you might not think that way anymore.

Tan Chun, her bright eyes sparkling, said, "Although Third Brother is a Hanlin scholar with exceptional talent, he doesn't know everything. Why speak with such certainty?"

Jia Cong said in surprise, "You're such a strange girl. Do you really want to be an old maid? What a ridiculous idea!"

Tan Chun smiled and got up, not responding to Jia Cong's words.

She pulled him aside and said, "Third brother, let's have dinner at your courtyard tonight. The southern dishes we had last time were delicious, and I want to eat them again..."

…………

Rongguo Mansion, Lixiangyuan.

As dusk deepened outside, glass lanterns hung under the eaves of the courtyard corridor, lighting up one by one, their glow creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.

The main room was brightly lit by candles, and maids and servants came and went, each carrying a plate or dish with a famille rose enamel and silver rim. Under the lamplight, the porcelain shone with a lustrous sheen, making the room look magnificent and beautiful.

On the round table, dishes from the Jiangnan region, such as braised goose feet and duck tongues, steamed duck with fermented rice wine, pan-fried steamed shad, and candied pork with sugar frosting, were successively laid out.

The dishes are dazzling, with excellent color and aroma, and are cooked with exquisite skill, making them incredibly fragrant.

Although the Xue family had been staying at the Jia family mansion for several years, and their business in Jinling had declined in the past two years, their daily life remained as affluent and refined as ever.

Pear Fragrance Courtyard is just a courtyard in the northern corner of Rongguo Mansion, and compared to the wealth and grandeur of the entire Rongguo Mansion, it seems somewhat inconspicuous.

After the Xue family moved in, they took into account the etiquette between relatives and tried not to be extravagant in the interior and exterior decorations, so that it did not look too conspicuous from the outside.

However, the utensils and utensils used in daily life inside, down to the smallest cup and saucer, are all of the finest and most exquisite quality, far beyond what ordinary wealthy families could afford.

The cook in the house was an elderly man brought from Nanjing, who cooked all kinds of delicious southern dishes that were even more authentic than those at Chunhua Restaurant in the east of the city.

The Pear Fragrance Courtyard, though secluded in a corner, exudes the true grandeur of a noble family. The Xue family's daily life is luxurious and refined, in no way inferior to that of the Jia family of Rongguo.

After the servants had set the table and served the dishes, Aunt Xue and Baochai took their seats, but Xue Pan still hadn't come over.

Aunt Xue asked, "I saw Pan'er wandering home before sunset, why didn't he come out for dinner? Tongxi, go and call the young master again."

Baochai said, "Mother, please don't call my brother anymore. He must still be asleep. I ran into him when he came back, and he was covered in the smell of alcohol."

I had Ying'er ask his personal servant, who said he had been drinking with Duan Chunjiang and was quite drunk.

Aunt Xue frowned and said, "This troublesome child, why does he hang out with a grain dealer all day long?"

Baochai said, "Brother has been in the capital for several years and has only managed to complete this one deal. He must be very proud of himself."

Mom, I've often heard my brother talk about Duan Chunjiang. He's very shrewd and cunning, and it seems like he's deliberately trying to curry favor with me, which is why my brother often hangs out with him.

Although my brother is doing well in this business, he is impulsive and straightforward. I worry that he might suffer losses without even realizing it when dealing with such people.

When Mom had a spare moment, she would try to persuade my brother that the family didn't need his antics, and that it was better to give up the grain store business; perhaps it would save them some trouble in the future.

Aunt Xue said, "I also think your brother and Duan Chunjiang are a bit too close."

He is, after all, a young master from a prominent family. He should be associating with noble sons like Cong-ge'er. It doesn't look good for him to be mixed up with small grain merchants.

However, I have been paying attention to the grain store's business, and I have also carefully examined your brother's shareholding agreement. The document is very proper and upright, and there are no hidden dangers.

I'll talk to him about this tomorrow. He knows his own son well; he's not the type to build a family fortune.

He's already had his moment of glory; now it's best to quit while he's ahead and avoid further trouble.

The mother and daughter were chatting idly when the maid Ying'er hurried into the room and said, "Miss, Baoqin from the second branch of Jinling has sent a letter to you. The gatekeeper just delivered it."

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "Baoqin is quite diligent with her letters. She just wrote to you last month, and now she's sent another one. You two have so many private things to say to each other."

Baochai smiled and said, "Nothing else has happened recently. I guess it must be about renting out the shop. Judging by the time it takes, Second Uncle should be able to get it sorted out soon."

Baochai opened the letter and glanced at it, but her pretty face changed color after only reading one side.

He said, "Mom, the letter was indeed about the shop. It was Second Uncle who asked Baoqin to write it. It was a wise move of ours to let Second Uncle handle this matter."

My second uncle used some methods to investigate both openly and secretly, and he uncovered something big about those four shops…

(End of this chapter)