Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Sister Feng's Courtyard.

The green roof tiles and the delicate, upturned eaves cast graceful shadows against the boundless blue sky.

The corridor was bustling with people, with maids and servants constantly coming and going, their movements and gaits all showing a hurried pace.

Since the monthly allowance was distributed on the sixteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the noise in Sister Feng's courtyard has never stopped. There are many complicated matters coming and going every day, and it never stops.

With Lunar New Year's Eve approaching, the entire household is busy preparing for the New Year. Before the eve of the New Year, every part of the large mansion must be cleaned and painted to make it look brand new inside and out.

All stocked lamps, screens, tables, chairs, and utensils must be taken out of the warehouse, and people should be assigned to dry and clean them for use in banquets and feasts during festivals.

The plants and greenery in the flower gardens throughout the mansion must be pruned and cared for by gardeners, with withered plants removed and new ones added to ensure lush growth, in accordance with the wishes of welcoming spring and seeking good fortune.

The New Year's Eve ancestral worship is an important event at the end of the year. Cleaning the ancestral hall, hanging ancestral portraits, incense and candlesticks, offering meat and vegetarian sacrifices, and inviting monks and Taoist priests are all necessary.

During the annual sacrifice, not only must all the disciples of the eight branches of the Shenjing family be present, but also the twelve branches of the Jinling family will send people to participate in the sacrifice, and arrangements must be made for the banquet, food and lodging.

As the head of both the East and West mansions, the ancestral worship ceremony involved both mansions. Yingchun was worried that the West mansion would be short-handed and unable to take care of everything.

Send Musk Moon with four maids and servants to Sister Feng's courtyard to be at Wang Xifeng's beck and call, and help with miscellaneous tasks related to the sacrificial ceremony.

With a little free time, Wu'er and Ping'er began to compile the list of guests to be invited to the New Year's banquet, which included both long-standing relatives by marriage and distinguished family friends.

Ping'er had followed Wang Xifeng in managing the West Mansion for many years and was familiar with the guests at the end of the year. Wu'er was literate and skilled in writing. The two complemented each other perfectly.

After dealing with two groups of messengers, Wang Xifeng checked and filled in any gaps in the lists provided by the two women. The three of them were discussing matters.

The door curtain was lifted, and Lin Zhixiao's wife entered with two maids, each carrying a bundle.

Lin Zhixiao's wife smiled and said, "I have already bought all the kinds of fabrics that Grandma asked me to buy. They are all top-quality goods from the city."

Grandma was so generous and caring; even at the end of the year, she didn't forget to use her own money to buy fabric for her sister-in-law to make clothes.

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "It's not that I'm being generous. I don't have the rank to do this. I'm just a gofer."

The old lady used her own money to buy fabric and make clothes for her unmarried grandson and granddaughter during the Lunar New Year, so that everyone could have a festive time.

Regarding Baoyu and Huan'er's allowances, I had a maid convey a message to the Second Madam earlier, since I didn't know their clothing preferences, so I asked the Second Madam to take care of it.

The money she spent on this matter could be offset by the old lady's own savings.

The Yuan Cong brothers also wanted to buy materials, but their second sister said that she had prepared the best materials for her brothers at the beginning of the month.

Buying more materials would be a waste; consider it as her already helping her brother receive the old lady's reward, there's no need to squander money.

While chatting, Wang Xifeng untied the package that had been delivered. Inside were many fine fabrics, bright and exquisite, a dazzling array.

Lin Zhixiao's wife smiled and said, "Third Master is also blessed. Second Miss is so thoughtful and considerate in everything she does."

Wang Xifeng fiddled with the fabric in her hands and said with a smile, "It's rare to see siblings like them. Second Sister treats her brother like a treasure, holding him in her hands and unwilling to put him down."

Last year during the Spring Festival, several noble and wealthy families wanted to establish a marriage alliance, and the old lady tried to mediate, but her second sister refused with various excuses.

Now that she is the eldest daughter in charge of the household, the old lady can't force her too much, so another year has passed.

I think she's reluctant to part with her younger brother, and doesn't even care about her own marriage. Now that Cong and his brother have become Hanlin officials, their reputation is even greater than before.

He is too old to marry due to his filial piety, so naturally everyone is paying even closer attention to his second sister. This year's Lunar New Year is sure to be even more lively, with countless people expected to come knocking on his door.

……

As Wang Xifeng chatted, she examined the fine fabrics in her hands. Suddenly, she spotted a piece of sapphire blue fabric with floral patterns, which was exceptionally elegant and luxurious.

Curious, he asked, "Didn't I tell you to only buy fabric for girls? Why do you also have fabric for men?"

Lin Zhixiao's wife glanced at it and laughed, "It was my carelessness. I bought this material together with the other materials and forgot to put them separately."

This was purchased for me by Miss Xing from the East Mansion. I don't know where she found out, but I'm in charge of sourcing all the fabrics from the West Mansion, so I'm familiar with the market conditions.

Yesterday, I sent my maid, Zhuan'er, to deliver a message that I want to buy the finest fabric. Price is not a concern, as long as the quality is good. She also specified the pattern and style.

Wang Xifeng was slightly taken aback. She rubbed the smooth, silky fabric in her hand, then suddenly realized what was going on and smiled, "I know who Sister Xing bought it for."

Lin Zhixiao's wife laughed and said, "Grandma is so perceptive. She guessed it right away. Although Zhuan'er didn't say it explicitly, I could tell from his expression, so I naturally picked out the best ones to buy."

This is a superior layered satin woven in Suzhou. It is thicker than ordinary satin and has a grander design and pattern, making it perfect for men to wear in winter.

This satin was more expensive than other fabrics, and because I was a regular customer and got a discount, it still cost me three taels and seven mace of silver.

Wang Xifeng said, "Oh dear, things are in high demand at the end of the year, and prices are really not cheap. Xiuyan and the young ladies in the manor are treated the same, receiving two taels of silver per month."

I heard that Uncle Xing is getting old and his health has been declining these past two years. Xiuyan's monthly allowance is mostly used to support the family, and she doesn't have much money of her own.

This piece of fabric probably took up almost half a year's worth of her salary, but she was willing to spend it; she's a thoughtful girl.

Wu'er, who was standing nearby, also stepped forward to look at the fabric and said, "Although Miss Xing has two taels of monthly allowance and the Second Miss dotes on her, she rarely uses money."

The clothes, shoes, and socks she wore were all made by herself and her maid, and she used very little rouge and face powder.

The second young lady saw that she only had one maid and was worried that she wouldn't have enough for daily needs. She originally wanted to assign her another maid, but she declined.

Third Master, however, liked her simple and unassuming nature, often praising her virtues. When he visited Second Miss's room, he would always seek out Miss Xing to speak with her.

Ping'er laughed and said, "That's not all. Miss Xing is also very popular. All the girls in the family feel close to her, and Miss Shi is inseparable from her."

Previously, when Miss Miaoyu stayed at our residence, she was eccentric and taciturn. Apart from Sister Zhishao, she didn't talk much even when interacting with others.

Ironically, he and Miss Xing hit it off very well, and he even let her stay overnight in the small courtyard on the south slope, which was quite a strange thing.

Lin Zhixiao's wife laughed and said, "Third Master's future wife seems to be quite reliable."

Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Although the First Madam had some delusions back then, she did do a good thing, even though she was to become a concubine in the future."

But Xiuyan's appearance and temperament are impeccable, and I find the child pleasing to the eye.

Although she grew up in a humble family, now that she has entered the Earl's mansion, she stands tall and proud, living a life full of wisdom at a young age.

Brother Cong really has a knack for attracting romance; he always seems to have all the good things in life…

……

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu Courtyard.

Yesterday, Jia Zheng sent word to test Baoyu's studies. In his fear and anxiety, Baoyu simply lay in bed and pretended to be sick, not even daring to leave the main room.

He endured a day in fear and trepidation, and by the morning of the second day, Jia Zheng had not spoken again, so he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Early in the morning, he sent his maid Jia Hui to Rongqing Hall, instructing her to return quickly and report to him if she saw the sisters coming and going.

As the hour of Chen (7-9 AM) was drawing to a close, Jia Hui returned to report that the Second Miss and the other girls had just entered Rongqing Hall.

Upon hearing this, Baoyu became very excited, dressed himself in his finest clothes and headdress, and set off for Rongqing Hall.

As he reached the gate, he saw a maid enter the courtyard. She was beautiful with bright eyes and white teeth, and her figure was graceful and charming. It was Yu Chuan.

Baoyu's legs went weak. Could it be that his master had sent Yuchuan to deliver another message, ordering him to go to the East Courtyard for a test?

He felt remorse and grief, feeling that Heaven was unjust and why he was being treated so cruelly. Did his master intend to force his own son to his death?

At this moment, he dared not go out, fearing that Yu Chuan would see him. He turned around and rushed into the inner room, repeating the same trick and falling ill again for another day.

Xiren was coming out of the inner room when she saw Baoyu looking flustered and wondering what he was up to now.

Just as she was about to ask, a clear voice came from the courtyard: "Sister Xiren, is Master Bao at home?"

When Xiren saw that it was Yuchuan, her heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but smile bitterly. No wonder the Second Master was so flustered just now; the Master really wouldn't let it go.

She forced a smile and said, "So it's Sister Yuchuan. You've been coming here quite often these past two days. Did Master send you to deliver a message, asking Second Master to go to the East Courtyard for instruction?"

Yu Chuan smiled and said, "This time I'm not relaying a message to the master. I'm doing this on the orders of the mistress. It's a good thing, so don't worry, Sister Xi Ren."

When Xiren heard that it wasn't the master's order, she breathed a sigh of relief.

He laughed and said, "You are Madam's person, so the master and madam are quite willing to let Bihen Qiuwen run errands instead of making you run errands every time."

Yu Chuan smiled and said, "Madam has assigned Bi Hen and Qiu Wen other tasks. They are not as free as me. I am willing to run errands in the West Mansion. I can also find time to talk to my sister." Xi Ren led Yu Chuan into the main room and saw that she was still carrying a package. She asked, "What rare thing did you bring?"

Yu Chuan untied the package and found a lot of brand-new fabric inside.

She said, "The New Year is just around the corner, and the old lady used her own money to make new clothes for Master Bao. The madam selected several pieces of fabric and let Master Bao choose the one he liked."

"My wife also picked out fabrics for my sisters. Take a look and see which piece you like; there's still time to cut the fabric and make clothes before the New Year."

Baoyu, who had just fled in panic, was now hiding in the inner room listening. He knew that Yuchuan had come for another reason, and he immediately felt relieved.

He heard Yu Chuan's clear and melodious voice, which made his heart soften. He quickly went out to talk, forgetting all about going to Rongqing Hall.

Then I saw Yu Chuan, with her slender figure, beautiful face, and bright eyes, fiddling with the fabric with Xi Ren.

She was truly indescribably charming and adorable, even surpassing her sister in some ways, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her.

He laughed and said, "So it's Sister Yuchuan who's here. It's so cold, I'm worried you'll catch a cold running around like this."

Chunyan, quickly go and get Yuchuan a cup of hot tea; it will warm her up.

Xiren felt strange upon hearing this. The Second Master's old habit had relapsed; he couldn't resist flirting with any pretty maid he saw.

Some people really don't learn their lesson; have they forgotten what happened with Jin Chuan?

Yu Chuan is not like her sister; she is always unyielding and keeps her distance from the Second Master. It is likely that the Second Master will only make things difficult for himself by harboring resentment towards Jin Chuan.

……

Now Xiren has come to her senses. She originally thought that Baoyu's impotence had been cured when she saw that Caixia had become pregnant.

Unexpectedly, after several tests by her and Caiyun, they discovered that he was still useless.

No one knows what stroke of luck Caixia had, that she was able to revive like a withered tree and encounter such a golden opportunity...

Although the Second Master was all show and no substance, he still couldn't resist any pretty girl and would get excited about her without thinking. I don't know why.
He also frequently sent his young maid to Rongqing Hall, and whenever she heard that the young ladies of the family were coming, she would eagerly rush off to attend the event...

When Yu Chuan saw that Bao Yu was speaking inappropriately and without any restraint, and that he was acting like a madman, even calling her "sister," she couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine and felt an indescribable discomfort in her heart.

She couldn't help but take a step back and said, "Master Bao, please don't call me that. I'm just a servant girl. Why are you calling me 'sister'? Aren't you afraid of what others will say?"

Second Master's illness is recovering quite quickly. I'll go back and tell Master, so he can rest assured!

Upon hearing this, Baoyu's face changed drastically. He panicked and said with a bitter expression, "Sister Yuchuan, is it not okay that I said something wrong?"

Actually, I'm still sick and lying in bed. I only came out to speak because I heard you coming and was worried about being impolite. Please don't spread rumors to the master..."

Xiren, standing to the side, couldn't help but chuckle. She hadn't expected that Yuchuan, who was usually quiet, would be so eloquent. With just one sentence, she had subdued the Second Master, making him panic and turn from a younger sister into an older sister.

Yu Chuan said impatiently, "Second Master, please stop talking nonsense and hurry up and choose the right material so I can go back and report to Madam."

"Sister Xiren, you, Caiyun, and Caixia should also choose fabrics that you like, so I can report back to them when I get back."

Xiren said, "Caiyun is at home, but Caixia went to Dabeisi Temple to pray to Guanyin who grants children, so she won't be back for a while."

Yu Chuan asked curiously, "Isn't Cai Xia pregnant? I heard she has severe morning sickness. Why did she go out like this?"

Xi Ren's smile was a little stiff as she said, "I haven't had morning sickness lately, so I went to the temple to pray for blessings. Once my body gets a little bigger, I won't be able to go out anymore."

"For us servant girls, giving birth to a son for our masters is a major life event, so naturally we wouldn't neglect it; we'd definitely go and pray to the gods."

Xi Ren spoke politely, but her heart was filled with bitterness and jealousy. She was truly helpless, as her belly was not cooperating.

Yu Chuan didn't care and just told Xi Ren to help Cai Xia choose.

Although Baoyu liked Yuchuan's beauty and cuteness, she was really not someone to mess with. If she went to talk nonsense in front of the master, he would be in big trouble.

Feeling a bit bored, he stepped forward to pick out fabrics and saw a bright and eye-catching piece of rose-red bamboo-patterned fabric. He smiled and said, "This fabric is excellent."

Yu Chuan frowned, puzzled, and couldn't help but say, "Second Master Bao, this fabric is for maids and young ladies. If you were to wear it, you should choose a bright red one."

Baoyu suddenly realized what was happening and said awkwardly with a smile, "I know this is what the young lady is wearing. I just said it looks nice, not that I want to wear it myself."

Xi Ren felt a little strange, so she quickly changed the subject, picked out a piece of sapphire blue fabric with floral patterns, and said, "Second Master, this piece of fabric is quite good."

I've seen it before; it's top-quality brocade from Suzhou, and it's not cheap. It would look great on Second Master."

Baoyu glanced at the fabric and thought the color was bland and not bright and pleasing enough.

He frowned and said, "This color is really bad. It has a vulgar, slovenly feel to it. Only a sycophant would like it. It has no spirit or energy whatsoever."

Yu Chuan was indignant, feeling that of all the materials she brought, this one was the most precious and beautiful. What kind of eyesight did Master Bao have to think it was vulgar and messy?

A thought suddenly popped into her mind: Third Master Cong is handsome; if clothes were made from this material, he would look exceptionally dashing in them…

Baoyu searched and searched, but his interest waned, and in the end he chose a piece of bright red fabric to settle for.

After Xiren and Caiyun had chosen the materials, Yuchuan packed her bags and left quickly, wanting to go to Lixiang Courtyard to talk to her sister, not wanting to stay a moment longer.

Baoyu watched Yuchuan's retreating figure and sighed deeply. Xiren and Caiyun knew his temperament and did not want to pay him any more attention.

……

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard.

After leaving Baoyu Courtyard, Yuchuan went to Lixiang Courtyard to talk to her older sister Jinchuan. The two sisters naturally talked about Qin Yong.

Many days have passed since the incident at Donglu Courtyard, and despite a city-wide search by Zhen'an Prefecture, Qin Yong has not been apprehended.

However, no matter what, even if Qin Yong escapes, he will surely be far from Shenjing, like a stray dog, his life hanging by a thread.

Furthermore, Qin Xian and his wife had been banished to Tongxian Farm and were no longer allowed to set foot in the Jia Mansion. The Qin family had been completely kicked out.

Yu Chuan could finally rest easy. The two sisters were overjoyed when they talked about it, and they were extremely grateful to Jia Cong.

Yu Chuan bid farewell to her sister and returned to the East Courtyard. Just as she arrived at the main gate of the Black Oil Courtyard, she saw an unfamiliar woman talking to an old woman from the outer courtyard, holding a package in her hand.

Yu Chuan glanced at it a few times, but she was in a good mood and didn't care. She hummed a little tune as she entered the courtyard.

……

East Road Courtyard, Aunt Zhao's Courtyard.

Aunt Zhao, having received instructions from her daughter Tan Chun, has been keeping a close eye on her son these past few days.

Even though Jia Huan's injuries had healed and he could walk freely, she still kept him confined to his room to read, not even allowing him to step out of the courtyard.

Given Jia Huan's unruly nature, Aunt Zhao might not have been able to control him.

However, Jia Huan suffered setbacks, was severely injured by his father, and was patiently guided by Tan Chun. With all these causes and effects converging, he actually calmed down and changed from his previous state.

Aunt Zhao went to the east wing twice and saw her son lying on the desk, holding a book and shaking his head.

She was overjoyed at the sight, walked back to the main room, leaned against the door frame, cracked melon seeds, and dreamed of her son passing the imperial examination.

If the child that crawled out of her own belly were to one day ride on Baoyu's head and gain the master's favor and praise, the mistress would surely be so disgusted and resentful that she would hang herself.

Thinking of all these wonderful things, she couldn't help but smile broadly, almost shouting with joy.

Just as she was enjoying herself, she saw an old woman enter through the courtyard gate. Aunt Zhao recognized her as the gatekeeper's wife from the outer courtyard.

The old woman, still carrying a bundle, smiled and said, "Auntie, just now the Golden Sleeve Shop in the east of the city delivered some ready-made clothes, saying that you ordered them from their shop."

I happened to run into the old woman delivering clothes at the gate, so I brought it to my aunt's inner courtyard.

Aunt Zhao was puzzled. She had not made clothes at the Golden Sleeve Shop, so why were clothes being delivered to her?

However, she has a gossipy nature and likes to take advantage of small things. If someone gives her clothes for free, she won't miss it and will definitely open them to take a look.

She snatched the package from the old woman's hand and opened it with great interest.

Inside was a brand-new round-necked robe, made of high-quality soft silk with a dark blue pattern, which looked very pleasing to the eye.

She was secretly delighted, thinking she could just give the robe to her son to wear, but suddenly she found something in the robe, and her expression changed drastically... (End of Chapter)