Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The Rongguo Mansion, the backyard of Rongqing Hall, the Grand Flower Hall.

Fu Qiufang knew her brother's scheme. Although she was reluctant, her elder brother had always been like a father to her, and she had no choice in the matter.

Her elder brother was eager to marry into a wealthy family, but his own family was poor, so he couldn't find a suitable match and wasted many years of his life in his maiden home.

Besides, although she is exceptionally talented and beautiful, she is already in her twenties, her youthful beauty is fading, and it is difficult for her to find a suitable match.

My elder brother routinely flatters Jia Zheng, but he's only using Jia Zheng's connections to curry favor with the Earl of Weiyuan, Jia Cong, hoping to gain favor with him...

Miss Fu, well-read and possessing a certain pride, felt deeply ashamed of her brother's scheming in the military campaign.
But if she felt no curiosity or admiration for the young head of the Jia family, who was exceptionally talented and handsome and famous throughout the land, that would be a lie.

Therefore, Miss Fu was somewhat reluctant to comply with her brother's various actions.

Her elder brother had instructed her to pay her respects to the Grand Madam in the Rongguo Palace, so that she could befriend the Jia family's young ladies and find opportunities for future interactions among the ladies.

However, now that Master Jia is reprimanding his son in court, she, as a female relative of the maternal family, should avoid the situation. It would be too impolite to stay if she insisted on doing so.

Moreover, this young lord is also present. If he sees that I have acted rudely, won't he despise and look down on me...?

Once Miss Fu had made up her mind, she bid farewell to Grandmother Jia. Grandmother Jia breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, as her son had reprimanded Baoyu in court, which was quite embarrassing for him in front of outsiders.

This girl from the maternal family was quite perceptive. Grandmother Jia instructed Yuanyang to fetch a pair of gold and jade rings as a gift for Fu Qiufang upon their meeting, and also asked Tanchun to see the guest off.

……

After the guests left, Grandmother Jia complained, "Why did you have to scold Baoyu again? He was just watching a play, was it really worth getting so angry?"

Jia Zheng said, "Grandma, it's not that I want to scold him, but Baoyu is already past the age of dancing elephants and is about to get married and start a family, yet he still hasn't accomplished anything."

Cong-ge'er, mindful of their brotherly bond, helped him enroll in the Imperial Academy, but he showed no appreciation whatsoever, continuing to wander around every day, too lazy to study the classics, which was truly unfilial.

Now the Jia family is a Hanlin family, a scholarly family among the noble families in the capital. If Baoyu, as the legitimate son of the second branch, cannot even enter the academy, what kind of behavior is that?

The family's reputation, which Cong-ge had worked so hard to earn, was about to be ruined by this wretched beast. His son was disciplining him so that he could bring honor to the family.

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia was momentarily speechless. She wanted to defend Baoyu, but with all the family members and younger relatives gathered in the hall, there were some things she couldn't say.

Grandmother Jia knew all too well how hard her eldest son studied, because Yuanyang frequently visited the East Mansion.

This Cong-ge'er studied day and night by lamplight, and didn't leave the mansion for a whole six months.

In order to focus on the imperial examinations, the vast family business of the Western Mansion was neglected and left to Feng Yatou to manage, with at most a maidservant assigned to keep an eye on it.

It was only through such a relentless and hardworking approach that he was able to pass the imperial examination and achieve the title of Jinshi. With his frail physique, Baoyu could hardly endure such hardship.

If we really listened to our son's idea and let Baoyu study like Cong-ge'er, he might end up like Zhu'er back then, ruining his foundation and losing his life. How terrible would that be?

Besides, Cong-ge'er's ability to influence fortune is indeed his own skill, and this family business was also passed down to him.

Now that Cong-ge'er has established the family, he should protect and care for the disciples. Why should my Bao-yu have to work so hard? It is only right for him to live a peaceful and comfortable life.

His own son was also obsessed with such things. The family had already produced a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), which was prestigious and respectable enough. Did he really want Baoyu to be like that? Wasn't that too greedy...?

However, these words could only be kept in her heart; it was really inappropriate to say them in front of others, especially since Jia Cong was present, so these words absolutely could not be uttered.

……

Baoyu was so terrified by Jia Zheng's scolding that his scalp tingled and his heart trembled. When he saw Fu Qiufang hurriedly taking her leave, not even wanting to look at him properly, his heart ached terribly.

Then I saw that Yingchun, Daiyu and the other sisters were just standing by and watching, and not one of them came out to speak for me. They were really so cold-hearted.

He wept bitterly in his heart. Even if the master wanted to punish him, why did he have to do it at this time? How could he face the ladies in front of Yuxiu in the future?

My lifelong aspirations of integrity have been slandered and defamed to an unbearable degree; there is truly no place for me in this world...

Not to mention Baoyu's unfounded and nonsensical thoughts, Jia Zheng felt even more justified in his reasoning when he saw that Grandmother Jia was somewhat at a loss for words, and even the old lady had nothing to say.

He became increasingly self-righteous and cursed at Baoyu: "You worthless wretch, you don't read the Four Books, you don't study the Five Classics, you know nothing but bullshit."

With your mediocre knowledge, going to study at the Imperial Academy would only bring shame to me and Cong-ge.

"How dare you stand here and waste time! Do you want to hear the whole play? You shameless brat, go back to your studies and get out!"

When Grandmother Jia saw her son's furious outburst, she felt embarrassed and her face turned rather ugly.

However, the Jia family is now at the height of its power. In addition to its background as a noble family, it has also gained the reputation of being a member of the Hanlin Academy. These old relatives and nobles are all insanely jealous.

Grandmother Jia was also very pleased with this wonderful thing. Now, in front of everyone, she wanted to stop her son from disciplining her grandson's studies. If word got out, she would be contradicting herself.

He frowned and said, "Since you don't like him listening to opera, then don't let him listen."

You're almost fifty, and you still don't know how to take care of yourself. Why are you throwing such a tantrum? Xiren, take Baoyu back to school.

……

Upon hearing Jia Zheng's words to get out, Baoyu was already terrified, his legs went weak, he was completely disoriented, and he was overwhelmed with shame.

He hoped that the old lady and his wife would intervene and save him from danger.

If the old lady cares about herself, it would be best to scold the old man a few times, so that she can save face in front of her sisters...

Unexpectedly, the old lady did not stand up for him, but instead complied with the master's wishes and let him go back to his studies, which broke Baoyu's heart.

Lady Wang wanted to speak up to dissuade him, so as not to make her son Baoyu lose face, but with Jia Zheng so aggressive, she dared not speak up and risk offending him.

Seeing Jia Zheng's fury, Xi Ren and Cai Yun wanted to pull Bao Yu away, but as unofficial concubines, they dared not act on their own.

Upon hearing Grandmother Jia's reminder, they felt as if they had been granted a pardon. The two of them helped Baoyu out of the main hall in a hurry, and Caixia followed behind them.

Grandmother Jia sighed repeatedly, no longer in the mood to listen to the opera, and had Yuanyang help her to the back hall to rest.

Seeing the old lady like this, Jia Zheng also felt bored. Now that Jia Huan knew how to study hard, he originally wanted to go to Baoyu Courtyard again to check his studies and strictly supervise and educate him.

Seeing Grandmother Jia in such a state, fearing that further commotion would anger the old lady and become uncontrollable, they had no choice but to give up for the time being and leave the main hall in a huff.

After Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng left one after the other, it would be inappropriate for the others to sit there and watch the play. So everyone only sat for a short while before dispersing.

……

Ningrong Street, Earl's Mansion.

Jia Cong led his sisters through the covered walkway between the two mansions and returned to the East Mansion. It was not yet noon, the air was chilly, but the sun was shining brightly, making everyone feel warm and comfortable.

Shi Xiangyun was sullen and grumbled, "I was enjoying the play 'The Dream of Nanke' when it was ruined after only one scene. It's really disappointing."

"It's all my second brother's fault. Since he knew the Second Master wanted him to study, he shouldn't have gone out wandering around. Now we can't listen to the opera."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "What's there to complain about? We just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time."

"If Sister Yun loves opera, we can hire an opera troupe to perform at the East Mansion during the New Year. I guarantee no one will spoil your fun."

Shi Xiangyun smiled and said, "That would be best, Third Brother, don't make empty promises. I'll be waiting for your opera troupe during the New Year."

Yingchun said, "Over the years, the Second Master has been angry countless times about the matter of studying. He has never stopped beating, scolding and disciplining Baoyu, but he has not made any progress."

In truth, not everyone can succeed in studying and pursuing an official career. There are many scholars in the world, but only a few can achieve top honors in the imperial examinations. It wouldn't be surprising if Baoyu didn't succeed.

Jia Cong said, "Master naturally knows this principle, but he has devoted his life to studying for the imperial examinations. Because of family matters, he has been unable to fulfill his wish, so he naturally places his hopes on his offspring."

When my elder brother Xianzhu entered school at a young age, it was a source of great pride for my father. Unfortunately, he died young.

Baoyu was the master's only legitimate son, so the master naturally placed his hopes on him. But the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.

If Baoyu truly studied diligently, but his talent was limited and he was unlikely to achieve much, his father would not be too harsh on him.

But Baoyu completely despised reading and even liked to say that reading was a waste of time and wealth, which went against his father's wishes. How could the two father and son possibly get along?

This is a knot in the old man's heart that he has been carrying for many years; he himself cannot see it through, and no one else can help him.

Shi Xiangyun smiled and said, "Now the Second Master doesn't need to see through it. Didn't he say that Brother Huan has repented and is now studying very hard?"

In short, both were his sons. The second elder brother was unwilling to study, but the Huan brothers were willing to study, so the second master could finally have hope.

But I've always known that Huan and his brother, like my second brother, didn't like studying. It's truly strange that they've suddenly changed their minds.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "It's all thanks to Third Sister's ability. Even with Master's strict discipline over the years, she couldn't accomplish what Third Sister could do in less than half a month."

"This skill is truly remarkable. Third Sister, please tell us about it so we can all broaden our horizons." Upon hearing this, Tan Chun looked somewhat embarrassed. Thinking back to the day she tried to motivate Jia Huan, she noticed the unprecedented gleam in his eyes and naturally understood why her brother had changed his ways.

It's just that this bastard brother is so diligent, it's so absurd and strange that I can't bring myself to say it, and it's absolutely inconvenient for me to say it either.

She could only force a smile and say, "Third brother thinks too highly of his sister. I don't have such great abilities. It's just that Huan'er has grown up a bit."

He's become much more sensible than before, and I happened to offer him a few more words of patient advice. I never expected him to listen so attentively.

Daiyu and the other sisters thought it made sense and didn't think much of it. Only Jia Cong, who knew Tan Chun's temperament well, sensed the strangeness hidden in Tan Chun's words.

He guessed that Jia Huan's change of heart towards studying was definitely not for the reason Tan Chun had mentioned.

But whatever the reason, if it can guide Jia Huan onto the right path, then it cannot be wrong.

……

Jia Cong was chatting with his sisters when Musk Moon came towards him and said, "Third Master, Jiang Liu just came in and said that he has done what you asked."

They're currently waiting in the side hall of the outer courtyard, waiting for Third Master to come and question them.

Upon hearing this, Jia Cong's heart stirred. He had instructed Jiang Liu to investigate Qin Yong's behavior, and Jiang Liu was sure to have gained something.

When Jia Cong arrived at the side hall of the outer courtyard, Jiang Liu had been waiting for a long time and asked, "Have you found any clues about Qin Yong's matter?"

Jiang Liu said, "Indeed, we have made some progress. In the past few days, I have not only conducted secret investigations, but also kept an eye on Qin Yong's comings and goings, and have found out a lot of information."

Although Qin Yong was a servant born into the household, he had never been assigned any official duties and had no real work to do in the mansion, so he spent his days wandering around outside.

His reputation was also terrible. He associated with scoundrels, gambled, fought, swindled, and did many immoral things.

Many of Ningrong Street's relatives had suffered at his hands, but his parents first served as stewards for the eldest master, and now they have become stewards for the second master.

Therefore, others were wary of him, and since most of the things he did to his neighbors were minor evils, they did not cause any major disasters.

The relatives of the Jia family on the street all rely on the mansion for daily assistance and support. No one else dares to offend Qin Xian and his wife for the sake of small gains.

However, two months ago, Qin Yong caused an accident.

Qin Yong was over twenty years old. Because of his poor reputation in the household, the stewards in various places disliked him for being dishonest and dared not assign him any tasks.

Later, he was assigned to the East Wing Courtyard by his parents. His first wife heard about his bad reputation and didn't allow him to get involved in the affairs of the courtyard.

Given his reputation at home, whenever the maids in the manor reached a certain age and were assigned to various servants, he was naturally not among them.

Therefore, Qin Yong was still unable to find a wife even in his twenties. Neighbors said he hated this and became increasingly greedy for women.

Whenever he had money, he would go to brothels to fool around. He would verbally provoke any young woman on Ningrong Street who was even remotely attractive.

Before February, he somehow found a way to make a fortune and invited a few cronies to drink on a pleasure boat on the Liuyang River.

……

Jia Cong was startled upon hearing this. He had visited the Liuyang River cruise ship last year, and Cai Xiaoyu had hosted the event.

Because the Liuyang River has a wide expanse of water, offering a panoramic view, the scenery is excellent for boating and drinking at night.

However, the food and drinks served on the boats along the Liuyang River were very expensive, and ordinary people rarely went there.

Even though Qin Xian and his wife were the stewards inside and outside the East Wing Courtyard, they only received six taels of silver a month. Qin Yong, having no job, naturally didn't even receive a monthly salary.

He has the money to go out for drinks on a pleasure boat on the Liuyang River, but he'd need to make a fortune first. Given Qin Yong's personality and behavior, any windfall he makes is likely to be ill-gotten...

Jiang Liu continued, "They went on the boat to drink and invited a father and daughter to play the stringed instrument and sing. The girl who sang was from a poor family, but she was very beautiful."

Qin Yong was overcome with lust upon seeing them. Seeing that the father and daughter were poor and were wanderers from out of town with no roots in the capital, he became even more unscrupulous.

Afterwards, he harassed the singing girl repeatedly and even threatened to marry her.

Although the woman was poor, she was a respectable girl from a good family, while Qin Yong was a slave born into a family. How could that father and daughter agree to marry her?

Qin Yong was rejected by the father and daughter, but he still refused to give up. One time, he took advantage of a situation and tried to force himself on the girl.

The girl resisted fiercely, and in her panicked attempt to escape, she slipped and fell into the water, drowning. Her father refused to accept this and wanted to take her to the authorities.

It is said that the matter escalated quite a bit, but for some reason, it calmed down quickly.

However, many of the local thugs and hooligans knew about this because Qin Yong often hung out with them, and I happened to find out about it.

These people have different accounts. Some say that Qin Yong spent twenty taels of silver to settle the matter privately with the girl's father, so it didn't go to the authorities.

Some say that Qin Yong threatened and intimidated the elderly man, and even beat him severely. The man knew he was a servant of a wealthy family, so he fled the capital overnight to avoid trouble.

There are many conflicting accounts of this matter, but the government has remained silent, and Qin Yong is unharmed, so it's certain that no one has reported it.

Upon hearing Jiang Liu's words, Jia Cong's face darkened. If this was true, Qin Yong had driven a good man to his death; he was a wicked servant who deserved to be executed.

Jiang Liu continued, "Yesterday I was keeping an eye on Qin Yong's comings and goings. He was drinking at a restaurant on the street corner, and I happened to overhear something."

Someone at the table mentioned Yu Ai, speaking in a lewd and unrestrained manner, talking about dirty affairs, and also mentioned Huang Da's nephew Jin Rong. In short, there were no good things to say.

Qin Yong, having drunk a few more cups, blurted out drunkenly, "What is Jin Rong anyway? If he dares to show off again, I'll break his other leg."

Upon hearing this, Jia Cong's heart skipped a beat, and doubts immediately arose within him...

……

He said, "His words are strange. It's as if he broke Jin Rong's leg, but it's also as if he's just talking nonsense while drunk."

Jiang Liu said, "Third Master and I think the same way. Everyone said that Third Master Huan did it, and he was punished by Second Master for it."

Jia Cong said, "I heard from the Third Miss that Huan'er kept arguing that Jin Rong's leg wasn't broken by him."

But at that time, only he and Jin Rong were arguing, so no one believed the story. To quell the controversy, the second wife even compensated Jia Huang's wife with two hundred taels of silver.

Jiang Liu said, "Third Master, if it weren't for Third Master Huan breaking Jin Rong's leg, wouldn't Second Madam's two hundred taels of silver have been used to admit her guilt and give others a pretext to criticize her?"

Jia Cong gave a cold laugh: "That's the crux of the matter. Moreover, Jin Rong was ambushed and the singing girl was forced to her death, both of which happened two months ago. It's quite a coincidence."

Jiang Liu said, "Third Master, Qin Yong is a servant of the Jia family. Actually, it's simple. If we capture him and punish him with the family rules, he won't be afraid to tell the truth."

……

Jia Cong shook his head and said, "This matter is not appropriate. Whether Jin Rong's leg was broken by Qin Yong cannot be determined based solely on his drunken words. It may just be something he said offhand."

The victim did not report the incident of driving the singing girl to her death. Without the people's complaints, the authorities will not take action. We have to use our own methods to extract confessions. Even if we report it to the government, there will be a lack of witnesses.

My second master and I are both officials appointed by the imperial court. If we act in this way, we will be less than thorough. Qin Yong is, after all, a servant. Outsiders will think that there is infighting within the Jia family, which will only invite ridicule and gossip.

Moreover, with no witnesses and unclear facts, someone in the family is bound to stir up trouble. Such actions are not clean and efficient, and will only give oneself ammunition for criticism.

There's also the Second Master's face to consider; some things can't be done too harshly right now.

Moreover, my purpose in dealing with Qin Yong is to help others escape their predicament. If I were to arbitrarily resort to family law and private punishment, that would be blatant violence, and that person would have no good days in the East Courtyard.

Although I have a solution, creating too many complications is not a wise move.

Moreover, if the rumors are true, Qin Yong paid twenty taels of silver to settle the matter privately with the old singer.

Qin Yong was unemployed, so for him to come up with twenty taels of silver was no small sum.

He also went drinking on a pleasure boat on the Liuyang River; the source of his money is a mystery.

Jia Cong paced back and forth in the side hall for a few steps, then stopped and said, "These past few days, you've tried every means to find that old singer."

Whether he settled things privately with Qin Yong or fled the capital to avoid trouble, we must find this person. Given that his daughter died unjustly, he probably hasn't gone far.

Go back to the account and take four hundred taels of silver. Once the person is found and the matter is confirmed, the four hundred taels of silver will be given as anonymous compensation for the good Samaritan.

But we must persuade this person to immediately report the matter to the authorities.

Qin Yong was nothing but a wicked and unruly servant. Under the torture and interrogation of the officials, what could he possibly refuse to confess?

How he drove innocent people to their deaths, whether he beat Jin Rong to death, and how he made ill-gotten gains—the official evidence is irrefutable.

If anyone in the household is implicated and behaves improperly, as the head of the family, I will govern the household according to the law, cleanse the family, and show absolutely no leniency! (End of Chapter)