Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Shenjing, Honglu Temple Huitong Hall, Ordos Inn.

Inside the main room, Jia Cong and Noyan Taiji sat facing each other at a table. On the table was a white porcelain incense burner with red and blue incense sticks burning, the smoke curling gently and soothingly.

Noyan Taiji wore a moon-white robe, with snow-white fox fur trim on the collar and cuffs, a rhinoceros-hide leather belt with jade accents around his waist, and a dragon-hooked jade hairpin. He was noble and elegant.

The charcoal fire glowed warmly in the small red clay stove, and spring water bubbled in the rolled iron kettle. Noyan Taiji's hand bones were well-proportioned, exuding a harmonious beauty.

The rolled iron kettle filled with boiling water was quite heavy, but he held it steadily in his hand, pouring water and brewing tea without shaking it at all, showing a very steady hand strength.

Jia Cong was not surprised by this. He himself was a martial artist, and Noyan Taiji was a skilled archer who could easily draw a seven-bucket bow, so his arm strength was naturally remarkable.

Although he had never seen Noyan Taiji make a move, he had seen the sword that Noyan Taiji carried when they first met on Zhengyang Street that day, which left a deep impression on Jia Cong.

It was a heavy, curved sword with a dark fish-skin scabbard adorned with red and yellow gemstones, and a gleaming brass handle honed over time.

Jia Cong himself was a swordsman, so he naturally knew that this style of sword was not just for decoration, but a real weapon for killing.

Noyan Taiji was skilled in archery and horsemanship; judging from his posture while carrying the pot, his hand skills must have been considerable.

The Ru kiln gaiwan contains top-grade Jiangnan Yunwujian tea, which is brewed with boiling spring water, swirling and releasing a refreshing and pleasant aroma.

The room, from its furnishings, tea sets, incense burners, and the owner's attire and demeanor, exudes a strong Han Chinese charm.

There is not a trace of the ruggedness of the grasslands here. Outsiders who suddenly walk into the room would never guess that the owner is a nobleman from a Mongolian tribe.

……

Noyan Taiji filled Jia Cong's teacup and said, "After waiting for many days, I have finally received a letter from Father Khan."

He strongly supported the border trade, entrusted me with the entire matter, and asked me to convey his gratitude to Earl Weiyuan.

This achievement allowed tens of thousands of herders in Ordos to recuperate and thrive, benefiting greatly and accumulating immeasurable merit. Yu Zhang is a benefactor to my Ordos tribe.

"If you ever face danger or need anything from me, even if we are separated by thousands of miles, Nuoyan will go through fire and water for you, even unto death."

Jia Cong said, “Noyan, you flatter me. What I have done is nothing more than matters of justice and national affairs, but I will always remember this kindness.”

Yesterday I was busy with the initial peace negotiations and didn't have time to come see you. There's something I don't understand and I'm about to ask you.

The mission had previously increased the trade volume by 40%, and the two countries have consistently maintained their position on this matter during peace negotiations.

Why did the strategy suddenly change overnight, agreeing to the trade quotas set by the imperial court? What external factors caused this change?

In fact, the Great Zhou and the remnant Meng were opposing sides. According to common sense, Jia Cong should not go straight to the point, as he had already touched on the other side's secrets.

But now that he has reached a pacification agreement with Noyan Taiji, and both sides are on equal footing, he has asked this question so frankly.

……

Noyan Taiji saw that Jia Cong's eyes were clear and bright, like a deep pool, which moved him deeply and made it hard to refuse.

He lowered his eyelids slightly, replaced Jia Cong's cup with a new one, refilled it with fresh tea, and said, "I know Yu Zhang is cautious in his dealings and will surely have this question."

The three major Mongol tribes entered the capital to negotiate peace, following the lead of the Tuman tribe. The peace agreement was based on the edict of Anda Khan.

Before dawn yesterday, a messenger from the Tuman tribe arrived in the capital. Aletang immediately summoned all the tribes to report and negotiate a settlement based on the trade volume agreed upon by the Great Zhou.

Although I did not see the secret letter, I could guess from its contents that it must have been instructed by Anda Khan.

My trusted confidant sent a message back to the main camp outside the pass. When he returned, he told me that eight days ago, ten li behind the Mongol camp, it was speculated that Anda Khan intended to withdraw his troops.

Upon hearing this, Jia Cong's expression brightened slightly. Although the Great Zhou and Ordos had secretly established border trade, the Ordos tribe was, after all, a Mongol tribe.

Regardless of whether it's from the perspective of legal lineage or the common interests of the grasslands, it's only natural that Noyan Taiji would have reservations about him.

But he still spoke frankly, seemingly without any deliberate attempt to hide anything.

The news of the retreat of troops ten miles was a top military and state secret, but it was said that he would frankly tell Jia Cong any relevant information, which surprised Jia Cong.

Moreover, Jia Cong observed his expression and did not detect any signs of pretense.

Jia Cong said solemnly, "Thank you for telling me the truth, Nuoyan. I will convey this to the court."

Noyan Taiji smiled and said, "Since the Ordos tribe is on friendly terms with the Great Zhou and engages in border trade, it has no desire to get involved in the war with the Great Zhou."

The prerequisite for both sides to resume border trade is a shared stance on war and peace. On this point, Yu Zhang and I are of one mind and share the same opinion, so naturally I must share what I know with you.
My mother taught me from a young age that friends should be sincere and open-hearted, so that relationships can last.

Once the peace treaty is signed by both sides, I will return north with the delegation a few days later. I will leave my trusted confidants in the capital, and Yu Zhang can explain the follow-up details of the border trade to them.

This parting, however, separates us by thousands of miles, north and south. I wonder when we will meet again…

……

Shenjing, the Great Zhou Palace, Qianyang Palace.

In the dead of winter, when the weather was bitterly cold, Emperor Jia Zhao moved from the front hall to the warm pavilion in the rear hall to conduct his daily affairs.

Inside the warm pavilion, the fireplace burned gently, and the purple copper incense burner burned the finest red charcoal.

Wisps of smoke rose from the nine-ringed, intricately carved jade incense burner, burning the ambergris incense offered as tribute from the western coast.

Outside, the wind was biting cold, chilling to the bone; inside, it was warm and cozy, like spring.

The warm pavilion was silent, except for the occasional sound of dipping a brush in ink and putting it down. Emperor Jia Zhao was focused on reviewing memorials, with only Guo Lin attending to him.

The palace maids and eunuchs on duty stood guard outside the pavilion, each in their place, completely silent, as if they dared not even breathe loudly, because the emperor needed absolute quiet to govern.

After reviewing the memorials at hand, Emperor Jia Zhao put down his vermilion brush and casually asked, "Guo Lin, what secret reports have been received from the Imperial Carriage Office recently?"

Guo Lin said, "Your Majesty, this morning we received a report from the Honglu Temple that fifteen members of the Mongol delegation who stayed at the temple have left the city."

Together with the advance personnel of the delegation from the northern part of the city, they left the city and returned to Beijing. A total of 327 people left the capital, of whom 11 were registered.

According to information gathered, during the signing of the peace treaty between the two countries, the mission members will leave Beijing in batches, making their return journey north quite intensive.

The messenger who entered the mission's camp in the early hours of the day before yesterday was confirmed to be a special envoy from the Tuman tribe. The contents of the letter he carried could not be discerned, but it must have been a secret edict from Anda Khan.

The fact that the Mongol delegation changed its mind overnight and agreed to the amount of trade with the imperial court was due to this letter.

In addition, news came from Fengzao Palace last night that the mourning period for Princess Zhao had passed, and the Empress was selecting a new consort for Prince Zhao. The news began to spread.

The Empress also set the criteria for selection: prominent families, scholarly officials, ancestors of virtuous character, upright reputation, and numerous offspring.

He was neither a high-ranking official in the capital nor a military officer; he was the legitimate son of the main wife, healthy and robust, with a dignified appearance and virtuous character; his parents were respectful and upright, and his name was renowned in his village.

Emperor Jiazhao listened in silence, his eyes flickering. He wasn't concerned with the officials in the capital or the military achievements; he was merely trying to minimize the threat of the empress's relatives, and only to make it a show to others…

The Empress ultimately had extremely high expectations for her son and planned for the long term...

He said, "The Empress is prudent in her dealings and knows the importance of things. It's no wonder the Empress is anxious that Princess Zhao has not left any children."

At this moment, Yuan Jing, a sixth-rank official on duty, entered the hall and said, "Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Wang Shilun, Minister of War Gu Yankui, and Earl of Weiyuan Jia Cong are waiting for your summons outside the hall."

Emperor Jia Zhao said in a deep voice, "Summon them to an audience."

Figures moved about at the entrance of the warm pavilion. Emperor Jia Zhao saw three ministers enter the pavilion. Wang Shilun had a calm demeanor, but was weathered by time. Gu Yankui was vigorous, but appeared slightly old.

Jia Cong, being the lowest in rank and seniority, followed closely behind the two. Although his demeanor was respectful and refined, he could not hide his imposing presence and dashing spirit, and his brilliance was not overshadowed.

Wang Shilun said, "Your Majesty, the imperial edict for peace negotiations between the court and the remnants of the Mongols has been drafted and finalized. We have carefully considered and revised it many times to ensure that there are no errors."

In fact, the amount of goods involved in the trade had already been reported to the Emperor previously, which can demonstrate the grace of the Celestial Empire's teachings and suppress the treacherous intentions of those beyond the Great Wall.

The money and grain involved in the trade have been calculated and verified by the Fourth Section of the Ministry of Revenue and are now presented to Your Majesty for review in the draft edict.

Guo Lin received the imperial edict presented by Wang Shilun and handed it to the emperor. Emperor Jiazhao unfolded the edict and carefully read it, occasionally asking questions.

Wang Shilun and Gu Yankui each responded cautiously. After the draft edict was reviewed by the emperor and his ministers and several minor revisions were made, it was finally found to be without error.

Jia Cong simply stood aside, listening to the three of them ponder and discuss the imperial edict.

Emperor Jiazhao ordered Guo Lin to have the Grand Secretary copy the treaty and seal it, which would serve as proof of the peace agreement between the two countries and be announced to the world three days later.

……

After the peace treaty between the two states was finalized, Emperor Jiazhao glanced at the silent Jia Cong and asked, "Minister Jia, how is the border trade with the Ordos tribe progressing?"

Jia Cong replied, "Your Majesty, today Noyan Taiji received a reply from Jirang Khan, praising the border trade between the two sides and giving Noyan Taiji full authority to make the decision."

"The detailed rules for border trade in the Ordos region that I presented last time have been verified and discussed several times with Noyan Taiji, and he has no objections. These rules constitute the regulations for border trade between the two sides, and both sides shall abide by them. They will not be explicitly announced in writing. They have been reviewed and approved by Lord Wang and Lord Gu, and I request Your Majesty's perusal."

This set of border trade rules is similar in theme to the peace treaty between the two countries, but its content is much more concise and closer to the actual practice of border trade.

The goods involved in the border trade between the two parties were initially exchanged on a case-by-case basis. As both parties maintained stable performance, adjustments were made item by item.

After the signing of the peace treaty between the two states, the Ordos region was able to receive a portion of the trade goods.

However, among the three tribes, the Tuman tribe is the most powerful and will definitely have the upper hand in the distribution of resources, leaving the Ordos tribe with very limited resources.

The private trade along the Hetao border provided the Ordos tribe with additional supplies, enabling them to recuperate and recover independently, thus freeing them from the control and dominance of the Tuman tribe.

The Great Zhou could not only obtain scarce resources such as warhorses from the Hetao region, but also form a force of division and restraint among the three major Mongol tribes, thereby improving its control over the situation in the Nine Border Regions.

Of course, this goal cannot be achieved in a short time; it requires deepening appeasement with the Ordos region in order to ultimately succeed.

Both Jirang Khan and Noyan Taiji were outstanding figures on the grasslands, and they were well aware of the intentions of the Zhou emperor and his ministers.

This was originally an open and aboveboard scheme, an exchange of political benefits that both sides needed to achieve their objectives.

Emperor Jia Zhao read the details and had no objections. He instructed Jia Cong to handle the matter as soon as possible and ordered the Ministry of War to issue a secret order to Ningxia Town to cooperate.

Jia Cong said, “Your Majesty, the situation has suddenly changed in this peace negotiation between the two countries. The Mongol delegation has already returned north in batches, and their eagerness to leave is worrying.”

The previous incident where the Mongol delegation suddenly increased the trade volume by 40% caused the peace talks between the two states to stall for a month.

Yesterday, they suddenly changed course again, accepting the amount originally set by the court. Their behavior, from arrogance to obsequiousness, is like child's play and arouses suspicion.

It seems more like they suddenly raised the requirements for trade not to gain any advantage, but to waste time and delay.

If my prediction unfortunately comes true, then any method used to delay time must have a cover-up behind it.

However, I have pondered this for a long time but have no clue what to do. Although I have doubts, I have no concrete evidence.

Today I met with Noyan Taiji, who said that eight days ago, the three Mongol camps had less than a month's worth of food left, and the camps had retreated ten miles. Anda Khan was already considering withdrawing his troops.

With the peace negotiations between the two countries concluded, the Mongol army withdrew its troops, which seemed reasonable on the surface.

However, Anda Khan was a powerful and ambitious leader of the steppes, cunning and scheming, and had long harbored ambitions to move south.

Although he seemed to be showing signs of resignation, all's fair in war, and the court should not become complacent just because the two countries have reached a peace agreement.

The Xuanda-Jiujiang border area must remain on high alert, ready for any eventuality, observing any unusual movements, and preventing any opportunity for the remnants of the Mongol Empire to exploit!

……

Upon hearing Jia Cong's words, Wang Shilun's eyes lit up slightly. He was a civil official, and although he was not very skilled in military affairs, he was well-educated and knowledgeable.

He saw that although Jia Cong was young, he was far-sighted, insightful, and well-versed in the situation, and was mindful of potential dangers even in times of peace.

Whenever he handles a situation, he often displays a maturity beyond his years, which is amazing and truly makes him a formidable young talent.

Liu Jing'an was known as a literary master and scholar, possessing profound knowledge and strategic acumen. He truly lived up to his reputation, having raised a figure like Jia Cong.

Gu Yankui became wary upon hearing Jia Cong's words, which implied that all warfare is based on deception.

He said, “Your Majesty, this old minister agrees with the words of the Earl of Weiyuan. Anda Khan is ambitious, arrogant and warlike, and cannot be regarded as a person of ordinary etiquette.”

Nine years ago, he repeatedly invaded the border regions, engaging in several fierce battles with Marquis Liang Chengzong of Pingyuan. Despite repeated defeats, he persisted, displaying an unruly and untamable nature that must be guarded against.

Emperor Jia Zhao coldly said, "Jia Qing's words are reasonable. Since I ascended the throne, Anda Khan has been a major threat to the northern frontier, far surpassing the Jurchen Three Guards in the past."

I never dared to hope that a peace decree would be enough to subdue such a powerful figure on the grasslands.

The mere trade and peace negotiations could not satisfy Anda Khan's appetite; what he desired was to restore the former glory of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty and to covet the vast empire of my Great Zhou Dynasty.

Such ambitious and treacherous individuals will not easily back down; they must ultimately be defeated and eradicated to eliminate future threats!

Hearing the chilling murderous intent in Emperor Jia Zhao's words, Wang Shilun sighed inwardly. He was a traditional civil official, and the Confucian principles of benevolence and forgiveness were deeply ingrained in him.

In his view, the Great Zhou had become a great and powerful nation, having driven out the Tartars and reigned supreme over the Central Plains. It had a deep foundation and was supported by the people. It was not something that Anda Khan could easily overthrow.

Rather than confronting each other head-on and wasting national resources and people's livelihoods, it would be better to adopt a more conciliatory approach and slightly loosen the restrictions on trade.

This allowed the Mongol tribes to be tamed, their suffering alleviated, their fighting spirit weakened, and then the strategy of divide and conquer applied to them.

The pacification policy implemented by Jia Cong for the Ordos tribe was the best approach he approved of.

If this continues, the Mongol tribes will have a secure livelihood and will be less inclined to wage war. No matter how ambitious Anda Khan is, he cannot achieve great things on his own.

Subduing the enemy without fighting, preserving national strength, and nurturing the people's livelihood are the long-term strategies for governing a country.

However, Jia Cong was the first to advocate the art of firearms. With his ingenious ideas, he developed a large number of powerful firearms, which rapidly strengthened the military power of the Great Zhou and greatly inspired the emperor's ambition for achievement.

When His Majesty ascended the throne by extraordinary means, he harbored a dark and unyielding spirit, always wanting to surpass the former emperor and his peers with unparalleled achievements, thus demonstrating his magnificent imperial power.

The people and events of that time are now separated by life and death, their echoes fading into the lakes and seas. The emperor, though a wise and benevolent ruler, could not overcome the mental barriers within himself.

Wang Shi recalled the past like smoke, and his heart was filled with emotion. He then heard the emperor's cold words coming from behind the throne.

"Minister Gu, I hereby order the Ministry of War to issue an urgent decree to the Xuanfu and Datong garrisons, instructing them to strengthen their defenses and not to relax their vigilance. All other garrisons shall submit a copy of this order and cooperate..."

…………

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

After noon, as the sun sets, this is the quietest time of day in the hall.

In the past, the sisters Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun and others would come over to visit in the morning, and even if they stayed for lunch in the hall, they would return to the East Mansion after noon.

In the remaining time, Grandmother Jia would either rest on her bed or invite a few of her sisters-in-law from the concubines' quarters to play dominoes for amusement.

But she wasn't in the mood for such things today. At noon, Yingchun and her granddaughters returned to the mansion, and Grandmother Jia originally intended to go back to her bedroom to rest for a while.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered the back hall, he saw two old women washing clothes under the eaves, whispering and gossiping about how the second son's share of the allowance was excessive and violated the family rules.

This was exactly the same thing Wang Xifeng had said in the hall that day. Grandmother Jia was furious and immediately questioned the two old women.

The two old women were caught gossiping by the old lady, and they were naturally terrified, so they dared not hide anything.

These past few days, such rumors have been circulating in the household. They were just repeating hearsay, but after Jia Mu questioned them carefully, they managed to come up with seven or eight names.

Grandmother Jia was a worldly-wise woman, and she knew that rumors were already rampant and that it would be difficult to trace the source of the rumors.

……

Wang Xifeng's proposal to abolish the second branch's regular tribute was in accordance with family rules and clan regulations, but Grandmother Jia's favoritism towards Jia Zheng since childhood was already deeply ingrained.

She naturally didn't want her son to lose face for the family, so she planned to prolong the situation as long as possible.

I never expected that rumors would spread so widely in my household. This matter can no longer be covered up, so how could I not be angry and resentful?

Just as Grandmother Jia was sighing, Yuanyang brought her a steaming cup of Lao Jun Mei tea and said, "Grandmother, this is freshly brewed tea. Have a sip to calm your nerves."

“Yuanyang, that day when Feng was discussing matters in the hall, there were only the three of us present. How did the gossip spread throughout the entire mansion?”

Yuanyang's heart skipped a beat. Even though the news had leaked out that day and many people were gossiping, why hadn't the Second Madam taken any action to deal with it? The rumors had been circulating for several days.

He said, "Old lady, Rongqing Hall is your residence. Everyone in the mansion is keeping an eye on it."

The back of Rongqing Hall leads to the backyard, separated only by a screen or curtain. There are many maids and servants in the backyard, but they can't block out the conversation.

Although a warm curtain hangs at the entrance, how many ladies, grandmothers, and young women come and go every day, each accompanied by maids and servants?

Anyone with a keen eye would overhear a few words as they pass by; that's not unusual. Let Second Madam handle it, and the gossip will die down."

Grandmother Jia was upset, but she knew that Yuanyang was right, so she asked her to go and call Wang Xifeng to talk. Yuanyang went out of the hall for a while and then followed Wang Xifeng back in.

Grandmother Jia asked, "Feng'er, lately the servants in the manor have been gossiping and spreading all sorts of nonsense, becoming increasingly unruly."

Wang Xifeng's eyes darted around, and she said with a worried expression, "I heard rumors yesterday that these servants are becoming increasingly unruly. I have already asked Ping'er to investigate secretly."

We haven't caught the source yet. Once we find the culprit, we'll have to beat him to death with family discipline. As for the servants involved in the rumors, we'll send them all to live on the estate.

We can also take this opportunity to reduce some of the population, so the public funds' deficit will be smaller next year. Otherwise, my granddaughter-in-law's family will have a really tough time.

When Grandmother Jia heard Wang Xifeng complaining about being poor again, she was both amused and exasperated, and a sudden throbbing pain shot through her head... (End of Chapter)