Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The camp of the remnant Mongol delegation was located on the northern outskirts of the capital city.

It was nearly dawn, the sky was still dark, and the east had not yet seen the first light of day. The vast and deep wilderness outside the city was completely silent.

The mission's camp was like a giant beast lurking in the darkness; apart from a few bonfires lit for illumination, there was no other sound or movement within the camp.

It was the most drowsy time of the night when a group of armored soldiers, carrying swords, patrolled back and forth listlessly in front of the wooden gate of the main camp.

Five hundred paces away from the main camp of the remnant Mongols, stood the garrison of the Five Armies, which housed three thousand elite troops.

Although the camp was equally quiet, the soldiers on patrol were in high spirits and dared not slacken their efforts in the slightest.

The reason these 3,500 elite troops were stationed near the mission's camp was to monitor the actions of the Mongol mission and prevent any unforeseen events.

The two camps were five hundred paces apart, and a swift horse charge could reach them in an instant, creating a stalemate and a situation where neither side dared to make a move unless absolutely necessary.

……

The Mongol delegation that came to Beijing to seek peace had as many as two thousand people in its entourage. In addition to eight hundred people entering the city, there were as many as a thousand people stationed in the northern suburbs of the city.

The Mongol warriors were skilled in horsemanship and archery, and were brave and good at fighting. With thousands of elite soldiers gathered in their camp, they could not be ignored.

Under the pitch-black night sky, in the vast wilderness, the two camps appeared to be strategically positioned, but in reality, they were in a tense standoff.

Although they are all silent, the invisible power they generate permeates and flows through the desolate wilderness, as if it were a tangible thing, lingering for a long time.

Suddenly, the soldiers patrolling at the entrance of the mission's camp, who had been listless a moment ago, seemed to perk up the next and all looked north at the same time.

From the endless darkness in the distance, faint, rapid sounds could be heard.

The sound was initially very faint, like a night breeze sweeping across a desolate plain, making it difficult to discern.

But the nomads of the grasslands are accustomed to riding horses and roaming across vast and boundless lands. Their hearing is more acute than that of the Han people, and they can detect subtle movements even from a distance.

The sound was initially extremely distant, almost inaudible, but it rapidly approached the mission camp, instantly shattering the silence of the wasteland.

The sounds were rapid and intense, filled with a wild power, like drumsticks pounding the earth.

The soldiers guarding the mission's camp were all elite grassland troops, most familiar with the sound of galloping horses.

The sound of hooves coming from afar indicated that at least three riders were galloping side by side, which would make such a commotion.

The leading soldier remembered that a message had been sent from the city, and immediately realized what had happened. He rushed into the camp to report the news.

The mission camp was soon thrown into turmoil, the silent tranquility was broken, and then the camp gates were flung open.

More than ten riders rushed out of the camp, heading towards the sound of hooves in the distance.

A great commotion came from the mission's camp, alarming the Five Armies camp five hundred paces away. Fires lit up one after another in the camp, and countless soldiers poured out of the tents.

The key positions in the camp were quickly occupied and guarded by soldiers. Within moments, the entire Five Armies Camp resembled a hedgehog with its quills standing on end, revealing a dangerous aura.

……

At the gate of the main camp, a captain from the Fifth Army rode out alone towards the delegation's camp to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

Before he could even get close to the mission's camp, more than ten fine horses galloped out from the darkness to the north, rushing into the mission's camp at lightning speed.

The galloping horses and men created a strong gust of wind, carrying an aura of valor. The captain of the Fifth Army Camp was surprised and subconsciously reined in his horse.

He shouted, "I am Li Haoyang, a captain in the Zhou army camp of the Great Zhou Dynasty. I have come on the orders of my commander to inquire about the commotion in your camp. Please tell me immediately!"

A leader emerged from among the guards at the gate of the mission's camp.

Speaking in slightly broken Chinese, he shouted, "Just now, the envoy from the delegation came from the north, and the cavalry was ordered to come out of the camp to receive him. There was nothing serious."

Upon hearing this, the captain breathed a sigh of relief. The presence of thousands of soldiers from the Mongol delegation outside the city was a highly sensitive matter.

The 3,500 elite troops responsible for monitoring were naturally on edge, fearing any unexpected changes.

However, it is only natural that the Mongol delegation, in order to obtain the greatest benefit from the peace negotiations, would report all the details of the process to the grasslands for discussion and decision-making.

Seeing that the mission camp had returned to calm, the captain turned his horse around and returned to camp to deliver his orders.

Before long, the two camps returned to calm, and under the cover of the dark blue night, it seemed as if nothing had happened.

However, from the rear tent exit of the mission camp, two fast horses galloped out of the camp and headed towards the capital city.

Less than a quarter of an hour later, another fast horse emerged from the mission camp and galloped in the same direction.

However, it was still early, and even if they arrived at the city gate, they would have to wait until 3:45 AM for the gate to open before they could enter the city.

……

Shenjing, Honglu Temple Huitong Hall, Ordos Inn.

Winter nights are long, and as dawn breaks in the east, casting a hazy glow on the horizon, the Huitong Hall remains shrouded in darkness and silence.

Hurried footsteps came from the corridor outside the innkeeper's house, and the head of the entourage suddenly stopped at the door.

He said softly, "Taiji, news has come from the camp outside the city that a messenger from the north has arrived at the camp and entered the city as soon as the city gates opened."

The bed inside was soft and sweet. When Noyan Taiji heard the sound outside the door, he sat up abruptly, his face showing excitement.

Instead of getting up to open the door, he asked, "Is it Father Khan's messenger coming from the north?"

Xiaoxia, the maid who was sleeping beside her, sat up with sleepy eyes, rubbed her eyes, and looked adorable.

She gently lifted the covers, revealing the open collar of her cotton undergarment, exposing a water-red bodice and a glimpse of her crystal-clear, jade-like neck.

He nimbly jumped off the bed, lit the candle on the table, took a cotton robe from the clothes rack, and carefully draped it over Noyan Taiji's shoulders.

Hu Ergan outside the door continued, "Taiji is not a messenger of the Great Khan, but a messenger of the Tuman tribe."

Taiji instructed us to have men at the northern camp keep a close watch on the movements to the north. They discovered that the people traveling overnight entered the camp and then quickly left to enter the city.

The situation appeared extremely urgent, so he sent men to follow them along the way into the city and urgently report to the Taiji.

Noyan Taiji's hair was disheveled, but he was wide awake. The flickering candlelight illuminated his handsome face, which was filled with disappointment.

He muttered to himself, "The letter has been sent for many days, but Father Khan's messenger has not yet arrived. I wonder if something went wrong. Meanwhile, the Tuman tribe's messenger entered the city overnight..."

"Suddenly, Gan, keep a close eye on the movements of the Tuman tribe's post station. If there's anything unusual, report back immediately. Xiaoxia, help me get dressed."

Xiaoxia said, "Taiji, it's not even dawn yet. You haven't been sleeping well these past two days. You should sleep a little longer, or you'll ruin your health."

Noyan said, "How can I possibly sleep? I'm not that precious. I just hope nothing bad happens..."

Xiaoxia had no choice but to help him dress and tie his clothes, and then comb his hair into a bun, but Nuoyan's gaze was fixed on the window.

He muttered to himself, "I thought everything would go smoothly, but good things often come with difficulties. Now I'm even afraid to see Jia Cong..."

……

Rongguo Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

The dark sky outside the window was gradually revealing the first rays of dawn, and the faint light shone gently into the room through the gaps in the window drawer.

Bright yellow light spots were left on the shiny jujube wood floor, as if the quiet darkness of the room was instantly illuminated.

The Thai blue incense burner, shimmering with a faint red light, exudes a sweet and refreshing aroma.

The canopy bed was draped with low curtains, the brocade quilt was soft and fragrant.

Zhi Shao nestled against Jia Cong, her fair and delicate face resting on his shoulder, her long, beautiful hair like clouds and mist, scattered and piled on the gauze pillow.

Even as she was still fast asleep, her snow-white, silky arms unconsciously wrapped around Jia Cong's waist, as if she couldn't bear to part with him.

Perhaps it was a little warm, the brocade quilt slipped down slightly, revealing a section of snow-white, flawless, beautiful shoulder, wrapped in a light blue bodice, like a jade-like spring mountain.

The bib is embroidered with peony branches, the vines intertwined, exquisite and lifelike, elegant and fragrant.

Ever since their first intimate encounter, when Jia Cong mentioned liking the color of peonies, Zhi Shao had never forgotten it and secretly made many...

When the light on the jujube wood floor brightened a little more after a short rest, Jia Cong woke up from his deep sleep.

He took out the gilded Western-style pocket watch from under his pillow, and in the dim light of the tent, he checked the time and it was exactly right.

His body trembled slightly, and Zhi Shao, who was leaning against him, woke up with a start. She opened her bright, watery eyes and asked, "Is Third Master getting up?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "It's a little early, we can still relax for another quarter of an hour."

Zhi Shao sat up and said, "Then we should get up earlier. Third Master has to go to the palace for court, and there's a lot to do. It's always better to get up early."

Jia Cong reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist, and Zhi Shao's soft and smooth body involuntarily fell into his arms.

He smiled and said, "Qingwen and the others are used to doing things like getting up, so everything will be ready in no time."

How come you have more energy than me? You weren't tired at all last night?

Upon hearing this, Zhi Shao's pretty face flushed slightly, and she pursed her lips, nestling obediently in his arms.

He took Jia Cong's gilded pocket watch, played with it in his palm, and carefully examined the hands. He smiled and said, "Third Master, if you want it to be crooked, then let it be crooked, just don't miss the time."

……

Jia Cong reached out and stroked her smooth, silky skin, then smiled and asked, "You went to the Muni Temple yesterday. How are the nun and Miss Miaoyu?"

I also saw you bring something back; what rare item is it?

Zhi Shao said, "Master and senior sister are both well. The newly built meditation room has an underfloor heating system, so Master sleeps very soundly at night. Even if the winter is a bit longer, it doesn't matter."

My senior sister gave me two peach wood charms engraved with the Shurangama Mantra. She had already received them in her small courtyard on the south slope, recited the sutra for eighteen days, and made offerings in front of the Buddhist shrine.

She thanked Third Master for taking care of her and her master. Although these two peach wood charms were insignificant, she had sincerely chanted incantations to activate their spirits, hoping to bring some good fortune.

Consider it a small New Year's gift. I'll give one to Third Master and one to each. Third Master, please don't find it offensive.

I'll hang it in the room and study later, and I guarantee Third Master will have everything go smoothly, and he'll get promoted and make a fortune.

Jia Cong found her words amusing, kissed her on the lips, and said, "Miss Miaoyu, you're very kind. Please say thank you for me when you have time."

Zhi Shao held up her pocket watch and said, "Third Master, it's almost time. We can't stay slouching any longer; we should get up."

Jia Cong was somewhat reluctant to part with her. He held her in his arms and cuddled her intimately for a while before getting up and getting out of bed.

……

When Zhi Shao's pretty face turned pink and she helped Jia Cong get dressed, there was a knock on the door, and Qing Wen brought in a copper basin of hot water.

She wore a light pink satin jacket with a dark floral pattern, a lotus-colored printed cross-collar jacket, and a lotus-colored printed cotton skirt. Her waist was slender, and she looked lively and charming.

She helped Jia Cong wash his mouth and face, and then helped him comb his hair and tie it into a bun. When Zhi Shao had a free hand, she went behind the screen to tidy up a bit.

When she came out, she wore a snow-blue satin embroidered cross-collar long coat and a white cotton embroidered plum and bamboo leaf horse-face skirt, and then sat in front of the dressing mirror to comb her hair.

Jia Cong asked, "Why haven't I seen Wu'er and Ping'er this early in the morning?"

Qingwen said, "Now that the 20th has passed, the New Year is just around the corner. There are many things to do at the West Mansion during the New Year. The two of them just arrived at the West Mansion and had their breakfast there."

Wu'er said that after finishing her work at the West Mansion in the morning, she would return to the East Mansion in the afternoon to help the Second Miss with matters here.

Although Musk Moon is clever and capable, this is her first time managing a New Year's celebration, and she needs someone to lend a hand.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "With these women in both households, Second Sister and Second Sister-in-law are much more relaxed."

Qingwen smiled and said, "Second Miss is relieved, but Second Madam has not been so relaxed these past few days."

Jia Cong asked curiously, "What's new in the West Mansion?"

Qingwen said, "Yesterday, Third Master went to the yamen, and Fifth Sister and Sister Ping'er went to the West Mansion to run errands."

Lingguan took Douguan to Miss Lin's courtyard, and even Yinglian went to visit Miss Xing.

Feeling bored staying home alone, I went to Pear Fragrance Courtyard to talk to Jin Chuan, and overheard some amusing gossip.

Zhi Shao laughed and said, "This gossip is quite interesting, it's really rare to hear. Why don't you tell me about it?"

Qingwen laughed and said, "Jinchuan said that there has been a lot of gossip in the West Mansion these past few days, which I have never heard before. I wonder which old woman is gossiping and making up stories."

It is said that the Xifu Public Fund is in dire straits this year. Although it has not incurred a deficit, it has not made a single penny of profit either.

Second Madam was short of money, and her monthly allowance for the twelfth lunar month was only paid two days late. Many gossipy women in the West Mansion began to discuss the matter privately.

Everyone says the Western Prefecture is short of funds this year, but at least there's enough money. They're sure to run into a deficit next year, and I'm afraid a famine will break out.

……

Zhi Shao, curious, asked, "Second Madam is such a capable person. She managed to get through this year, so why can't she do it next year?"

Qingwen said, "I was chatting with Jinchuan and we said the same thing. Jinchuan's gossip is not simple; she makes it sound very plausible."

Because the second wife's family will be adding people next year, including Bao Er Ye's wedding, the family will need a lot more people. Also, the eldest daughter will be leaving the palace and returning home, so naturally, there will be more expenses.

Just considering the daily expenses, the second wife receives a large extra monthly allowance. Adding in additional daily food and clothing, the total amount is quite substantial.

Moreover, although the second wife moved to the East Courtyard, the allowances for the mistress and grandmother in the second wife's household were still paid according to the old custom, and no one in the mansion took care of them.

It is also said that the Second Madam moved to the East Courtyard and was able to use first-class maids, her status was just as high as that of the Third Master.

In any case, the necessary cuts were not made, and instead, there was a constant overspending to make up for the shortfall. With only income and no expenditure, the public funds will naturally become even more strained next year.

This year we've barely managed to get by, so next year we'll naturally be in debt. I don't know much about housekeeping, but it sounds like it makes a lot of sense..."

Upon hearing this, Jia Cong felt slightly puzzled. Although it was just casual conversation, the underlying logic was quite sound.

The maids and servants in the West Mansion are truly capable; their gossip is far too cunning.

Qingwen was straightforward but lacked finesse, and she only listened to these things as entertainment, while Jia Cong could sense something unusual in them.

Baoyu will get married next year, and a new bride and her dowry are indispensable. When his elder sister leaves the palace to return home, the expenses required cannot be reduced.

At present, the eldest and second branches of the family have not yet separated. Even if the public funds are tight, according to the clan rules and family laws, these expenses should be allocated, which is a legitimate matter.

So all this gossip is just meant to confuse people; it's pointless to say it anyway.

The only exception was the sentence: "The allowances for Madam and Grandmother will remain as per previous years."

That's the crux of these gossips; they not only target Lady Wang and Li Wan, but also seem to mock Wang Xifeng's incompetence in managing the household.

Jia Cong's mind raced, and he seemed to have grasped the key point...

Wang Xifeng is such a formidable figure, which old woman or maid in the mansion doesn't know her? Do they really have the audacity to offend her with such gossip?
Feng Lazi remained indifferent to these gossips, letting them circulate in the mansion until even her maternal relatives in the Pear Fragrance Courtyard heard the rumors. This was unlike her usual character.

…………

Zhi Shao said, "Third Master, although these gossips make sense, they involve the Second Madam and the Eldest Madam, which is a bit embarrassing."

These kinds of remarks are fine for the old lady and the second mistress to say; it's just the way things are done in the household.

However, the servants below are not very discreet when they gossip. Now that the New Year is just around the corner, if a disturbance is caused, everyone will feel uneasy and the New Year will not be peaceful.

Even someone as formidable as Second Madam couldn't stop the conversation; this might be a bit tricky. Perhaps Third Master could say something, and those people in the West Mansion wouldn't dare to say another word.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I entrusted the management of the West Mansion to my second sister-in-law so that I could have one less thing to worry about."

My second sister-in-law has always been shrewd and capable; her methods of managing the household and making decisions are far more experienced and efficient than mine.

These gossips are unpleasant to hear, and they're quite sarcastic and offensive to my second sister-in-law. She won't be indifferent to them, so why should I worry about them?

While combing Jia Cong's hair, Qingwen chimed in, "Third Master is right. Sister Zhishao is too kind."

Second Madam is such a formidable figure, there's no need for others to worry about her. She's always the one bullying others, never the other way around!

Zhi Shao couldn't help but chuckle when she heard Qing Wen's uninhibited and amusing remarks.

Jia Cong laughed and scolded, "You quick-tongued girl, it's fine to say it in your own room, but don't go around gossiping in the West Mansion, or your second sister-in-law will hold a grudge."

Qingwen was a little displeased and said, "I was just joking with Third Master. Do you think I'm that stupid to go to the West Mansion to say that?"

Jia Cong teased her on purpose, laughing, "What's wrong with being a little silly? Silly girls don't have many worries, they can live a carefree life, isn't that a good thing?"

Qingwen snorted in dissatisfaction, pinched Jia Cong's arm lightly, and continued to fix his hair while pouting.

……

Shenjing, Honglu Temple Huitong Hall, Ordos Inn.

Noyan Taiji got up before dawn and paced back and forth in his room, his brows furrowed as he pondered things.

He then looked at the map on the desk, tracing the major roads to the north with his finger, and estimated the journey and the time required in his mind.

The maid Xiaoxia brought over piping hot breakfast. Nuoyan ate a few bites haphazardly on the steps and then tossed the food aside, looking distracted.

It wasn't until the sky outside the window was bright and the time was three quarters past Chen Shi (7:45 AM) that he was preparing to arrange manpower, but instead he went hunting outside the city to relax.

Heavy footsteps came from outside the corridor, and the head of the entourage suddenly walked quickly to the door.

He clasped his hands and said, "Taiji, a messenger from the Tuman tribe's post station has come to tell you that Aletang invites you to the main hall of the post station to discuss important matters of peace."

Yongxielun's Gaiertai was also invited; he urged the Taiji to go there immediately.

Noyan Taiji's heart skipped a beat, and he said, "It's only past Chenshi (7-9 AM), why are we in such a hurry to discuss things so early?"

He recalled the recent developments regarding peace negotiations, including Aleppo's 40% increase in trade volume, which led to a stalemate in the peace talks between the two states.

The Tuman tribe, relying on its own strength, insisted on the terms of the peace negotiations, and the other two tribes had no choice but to comply.

As long as Altan doesn't budge on the amount to be exchanged, the Great Zhou will not compromise on this matter at all, so what is there to discuss regarding peace?

Could it be that the messenger from the Tuman tribe rushed into the city at dawn with some important message, causing things to change...? (End of Chapter)