Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard, Aunt Zhao's Room.

Aunt Zhao originally thought she had gotten the better deal and was quite pleased with herself.

When they saw what was tucked in the robe, they were startled and a sense of dread rose in their hearts.

She hurriedly clutched the package tightly, a forced smile appearing on her face, and said to the old woman, "I didn't expect Jinxiuhao to be so quick; it's been finished in just two days."

The old woman said with a smile, "This robe is such an expensive item, it must have cost a lot. Madam is very generous and really loves her son."

Aunt Zhao forced a smile and said, "We only have this one boy, so naturally we have to cherish him."

She quickly turned around and went back to her room. She grabbed a handful of copper coins from the money box, but then felt it was too much and couldn't bear to part with them, so she put half of them back.

He shoved the money into the old woman's hand as he went out, saying, "I'm sorry to have troubled you to make this trip. Here's some money for you to buy some wine."

Don't tell anyone about this; my wife will think I'm wasting money.

The old woman laughed and said, "Don't worry, Auntie. It's only right that I run errands for you. I won't gossip."

Aunt Zhao dismissed the old woman, returned to her room, opened her bundle, and took out a jade-green sachet from her round-necked robe.

He muttered a curse under his breath, "That brat is incredibly audacious! Does she want to kill me and Huan'er?"

As soon as Aunt Zhao opened the bundle, she saw the emerald green sachet and immediately realized the origin of the robe.

Her son, Jia Huan, had the same emerald green sachet and had boasted to her that Caixia had made it for him herself.

Later, her son lost the emerald green sachet, and he was upset for two days, so Aunt Zhao remembered the incident clearly.

The sachet tucked inside the robe was exactly the same as the emerald green sachet Jia Huan had before; Aunt Zhao recognized it at a glance as being made by Caixia.

She couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "That shameless girl, she got pregnant by Baoyu, and she still wants to seduce Huan'er."

Doesn't she realize where she lives? With so many people coming and going in the West Mansion, how dare she do such a lewd thing?

If someone accidentally sees this, Huan'er will be ruined! I'm still waiting for him to pass the imperial examination and bring me honor!

……

As Aunt Zhao was talking to herself, a figure suddenly flashed at the door, and Jia Huan walked in. Aunt Zhao was so frightened that she trembled and quickly stuffed the green sachet into her sleeve.

He cursed, "You heartless wretch! Instead of studying, you're out wandering around aimlessly. Be careful San Ya finds out and beats you up!"

Jia Huan said with a bitter face, "Auntie, I got up at three quarters past Chen hour and have been reading for an hour and a half. My back is sore from sitting."

"That Baoyu reads for a month, but he doesn't read as much as I do in a day. I'm not an animal; I should be allowed to rest and catch my breath."

As Jia Huan spoke lazily, he suddenly noticed the package on the table and curiously picked up the robe inside.

He gestured to himself and laughed, "This robe is really well made. My aunt really loves me; she didn't forget to make new clothes for her son for the New Year."

My son will be starting school at the Imperial Academy after the New Year. It's full of respectable scholars, so he should be dressed smartly. This robe is quite appropriate for the occasion.

Aunt Zhao said impatiently, "If you want to wear it, then wear it. Why all this nonsense?"

She added, "Now you know, only your old mother cares about you. This is a new book I made for you. You just need to study hard."

After sending Jia Huan away to study, Aunt Zhao sat alone for a while, thinking about how many eyes were watching the West Mansion, and she was still worried.

She called out to the outside, "Little Lucky One, where have you gone again!"

As soon as Aunt Zhao finished speaking, a little maid appeared out of nowhere and shouted, "Auntie, I'm here. What do you need me for?"

Aunt Zhao rummaged through the money box and picked out a three-tael silver coin, saying, "Go to Jinxiu Shop and make a round-necked robe for Huan-ge'er."

Use the finest, dark blue-green silk with a subtle pattern; make sure the wrong color is used. Tell them to hurry and get it finished before New Year's Eve!

……

The Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong's Courtyard.

As the sun set and the sky was ablaze with red clouds, Jia Cong returned to his residence. Upon entering the inner courtyard, he saw maids and servants bustling about in and out of every room and along the covered corridors.

The idle houses and pavilions are being dusted and cleaned, colorful lanterns are being hung in the corridors, and curtains and window sashes are being removed and washed in the main halls and rooms. The atmosphere of the New Year is already everywhere.

These past few days, as the peace negotiation coordinator, he has been busy assisting his superiors, Wang Shilun and Gu Yankui, in completing the signing of the peace treaty edict between the two countries.

Before sunset today, the peace treaty between the two countries was signed by the chief officials of both sides, and the Cabinet affixed its red seal. The Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs then presented the document for affixing the imperial seal. All procedures were completed.

Tomorrow morning at court, the peace treaty will be read aloud, thus announcing to the world that the Great Zhou and the Mongols will henceforth be friendly neighbors and mutually beneficial...

After the morning court session, the imperial court would host a banquet for the members of the Mongol delegation at the Ziguang Pavilion in the palace. The emperor would naturally not attend; the banquet would be hosted by Wang Shilun and Gu Yankui.

Afterwards, the Mongol delegation will leave the palace and depart from the capital, thus concluding the peace talks between the two countries. Jia Cong, as the peace clerk, will have officially completed his mission.

However, the border trade between Da Zhou and Ordos is still being secretly and intensively promoted.

……

When Jia Cong entered his courtyard, he saw many maids and old women doing odd jobs, dusting and cleaning everywhere, while Yinglian and Lingguan were giving instructions and directing them.

Douguan carried water buckets for the cleaning lady, but being small and weak, her little face turned red from struggling, and water splashed everywhere. It was hard to tell if she was helping or just playing.

In the main room, Zhi Shao was sitting by the incense burner doing needlework. She was wearing a light purple satin front with floral patterns, an ivory white cotton skirt embroidered with plum blossom branches, and pink-soled embroidered cotton shoes.

With a delicate touch of a silver needle, her hair was dyed black, and her hairpins shone brightly. She was elegant and beautiful, quite pleasing to the eye.

When she saw Jia Cong enter, she quickly got up, helped him take off his official robes and change into his everyday clothes, straightening and tidying the hems of his clothes, showing her meticulous care and consideration.

Jia Cong asked, "Zhi Shao, everyone's here, but I haven't seen Qing Wen?"

Zhi Shao said, "Just now, Zhuan'er came to call her and said that Miss Xing wanted to see her."

The second young lady also sent word that the third master should return to the manor and visit her courtyard. She said everything the third master requested had been prepared, and she wanted the third master to come and check if everything was in order.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I was just thinking about this. I'll need it in the next couple of days. Second Sister is quick on her feet; she's already prepared it for me."

……

After Zhi Shao helped him get ready, Jia Cong went to Yingchun Courtyard. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he heard Shi Xiangyun's clear and melodious voice.

"Second sister, why did third brother give away so much soap? It will last for several years."

Yingchun said, "This is a gift from Brother Cong to that Mongolian prince, the one who sent us game before. We can't buy these things in the border regions, so he sent more than he could."

Shi Xiangyun came from a noble family and knew a little about taboos: "Won't Third Brother's friendship with the Mongolian prince cause gossip?"

Jia Cong walked into the main room and said with a smile, "Sister Yun is so thoughtful. But don't worry, my relationship with Nuoyan involves peace negotiations, and the palace has given its approval."

Four boxes were placed on the floor of the main room, all of which had been opened. Yingchun said, "I have prepared everything that Cong-di wanted for you. Please check if it is all in order."

The first box was neatly stacked with Xinchunhao soaps, along with various perfumes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other items. Based on the market price of these items, this box alone was worth four or five hundred taels of silver.

The second box contained fine silks, fans, sachets, tea sets, cups, and various high-quality porcelain items, all lustrous and exquisite, products from the Central Plains and Jiangnan region.

The third box contained various writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, as well as complete sets of classics, historical texts, philosophical works, unofficial histories, and popular opera scripts.

The last box contained various dried goods from both the north and south, as well as preserved meats and other local delicacies.

……

Jia Cong carefully examined the contents of the box and said with a smile, "Second Sister is so thoughtful. These things are so meticulously prepared and exactly what I wanted."

Yingchun smiled and said, "Brother Cong, I imagine that Mongolian prince is a man of great speed and skill, so we should send him some swords and knives as a gift."

"It's one thing for you to send soaps and perfumes, but why are you even sending books and food from the Central Plains? How can they possibly accept and get used to them?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Second sister, you don't know this, but this Mongolian prince is different from others. His mother is a Han woman, and he has half Han blood."

He was taught by his mother from a young age, and was well-versed in classical Chinese literature; he was a refined man.

Yingchun knew that her brother was exceptionally talented and could be described as a refined person, so she was somewhat surprised that this Mongolian prince was probably quite learned.

Jia Cong continued, "He is also a connoisseur of fine food, familiar with the flavors of Jiangnan cuisine. This is probably because his mother was from Jiangnan, so he was influenced by her from a young age."

That's why I'm sending these preserved foods from both the North and South. Even on a long journey, they can be properly preserved, and I think travelers will surely appreciate them."

Noyan Taiji is a key figure in this peace negotiation; I have a good relationship with him, and this is the proper way to bid him farewell.

Yingchun knew her brother's temperament well and was always meticulous and attentive to official duties, otherwise she wouldn't have made so many contributions.

But his dedication to this Mongol prince was naturally due to his role as acting emperor, and he probably valued the prince highly in private as well.

...The two siblings were chatting when the old woman in charge of the inner courtyard rushed in.

He said, "Outside, there are Mongolian friends from the Earl's Guild Hall who bring their families to deliver New Year's gifts."

The leader was a Han Chinese woman who was already waiting in the outer courtyard. She first presented the visiting card and gift list.

I went to the Earl's courtyard, and Miss Zhi Shao said that the Earl was staying with the Eldest Miss, so I rushed here to report.

Shi Xiangyun laughed and said, "Could it be that Mongolian prince who knows the etiquette of the Central Plains and sends a visiting card and gift list before arriving at the door?"

Jia Cong took the visiting card and gift list, unfolded them and saw familiar handwriting; it was indeed Noyan Taiji.

Curious about what rare items the Mongolian prince might be giving, Shi Xiangyun took the gift list from Jia Cong's hand.

He unfolded the document and read aloud softly: "Two famous horses from Ferghana, twenty top-quality furs, a single-stone carved bow, and a precious dagger from the Abbasid Caliphate."

A box containing various medicinal herbs and musk wax, and a box containing festival gifts for women.

Shi Xiangyun laughed and said, "Second sister was right after all. This prince is indeed a man of great speed and skill. Look at all the things he sent."

Yingchun smiled and said, "Brother Cong, your friend's gift is quite generous. The Jia family is a family of military merit. I've heard about it since I was a child. Their top-quality Ferghana horses are more valuable than gold."

Musk and amber, medicinal herbs from the grasslands, are rare and precious items. Why is it a Han Chinese woman giving them as gifts? Isn't your friend a prince?

……

Jia Cong was also a little puzzled, so he asked the stewardess to lead the person into the inner courtyard.

Not long after, the head maid led a young girl into Yingchun Courtyard.

Yingchun and the others couldn't help but be curious, and their eyes all turned to look at them.

The girl appeared to be fourteen or fifteen years old, dressed in Hanfu, with a slender figure and beautiful face, and carrying a small ebony carved box in her hand.

When Jia Cong saw the girl, he smiled and said, "Xiaoxia, what brings you here to deliver a gift?"

Xiaoxia smiled broadly, looking pretty and poised. She gave Jia Cong a slight curtsy and said, "Our Taiji says that it's too conspicuous for him to come to our door with gifts in broad daylight."

The attendants who came today have all changed into Hanfu, so as not to cause any gossip for the Earl.

He also heard that the eldest sister of the Earl was in charge of the household, and that the Taiji regarded the Earl as a close friend. Not wanting to be impolite, he asked Xiaoxia to pay his respects on his behalf.

This box of jewelry and ornaments is a small gift for the young lady as a New Year's present. Please do not consider it crude.

Yingchun and Xiangyun, hearing the maid's refined and elegant speech, concluded that she must have been taught by the Mongolian prince. Jia Cong remarked that the maid was well-versed in Han Chinese learning, and indeed she was quite capable.

Yingchun gestured to Xiuju, who stepped forward, took the small box, placed it on the table next to Yingchun, and casually opened the lid, revealing a dazzling light.

The box was divided into two compartments. One compartment contained dozens of perfectly round pearls, each about the size of a middle finger, with a soft, dazzling glow. They were top-quality pearls from the East.

The other compartment contained exquisite jewelry such as hairpins, ornaments, and pendants, each piece of which was exquisitely crafted, radiant with inner brilliance, and extremely valuable.

Yingchun was a young lady from the Jia family. She had seen fine things since she was a child and knew that this box of things was very valuable.

He said, "Your host is being too polite; it would be impolite to refuse."

Xiaoxia glanced at Jia Cong, a slight smile in her eyes, and said, "When Taiji came, he said that he and the Earl got along well and that the Earl had done him a great favor."

"Young Miss is the eldest sister of the Earl, a noble lady who manages the household. This is but a small token of my respect; please do not find it too crude."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Xiaoxia, I have accepted the gift. Please thank Nuoyan for me. He is about to travel far away to return north, and I also have a farewell gift to present to the Huitong Hall tomorrow."

Yingchun chatted with Xiaoxia for a few more minutes before having Xiuju take two maids to see her out of the mansion.

After Xiaoxia left, Yingchun looked at the several boxes on the ground and laughed, "Brother Cong, it seems our etiquette was a bit too light."

Jia Cong understood why Nuoyan was being so polite; it was because she wanted to thank him for facilitating the border trade.

He smiled and said, "Second sister is right. The Mongolian prince was a bit too heavy-handed. It's still thanks to your help that this matter is settled."

Noyan's mother is Han Chinese, probably in her thirties or forties. There's no need for extravagance; preparing some high-quality jewelry and ornaments from the Central Plains should suffice."

Shi Xiangyun curiously fiddled with the jewelry in the box, and asked in surprise, "These pieces of jewelry are all of the highest quality, and the styles are the most fashionable. Could it be that Xiaoxia picked them out?"

How could that Mongolian prince, a rough and uncouth man, possibly understand the intricacies of these hairpins and ornaments?

Jia Cong casually said, "There's nothing strange about that. Noyan comes from a unique background, is very knowledgeable in Chinese studies, and is familiar with the customs and culture of the Central Plains."

His mother was a Han Chinese woman, literate and quite talented, likely from a prominent family. He grew up surrounded by such people and naturally learned some of the ways of the inner chambers of women's lives.

Yingchun laughed and said, "You're such a cunning girl. You don't need to know the tricks of the trade. As long as you pay, the shops will naturally recommend you for the best."

……

After chatting with Yingchun and Xiangyun for a few minutes, Jia Cong got up and returned to his own courtyard. As he passed the west wing, he saw that the door was ajar and subconsciously stopped.

He raised his hand and knocked on the door, asking, "Is Xiuyan inside?"

A soft, gentle voice came from inside the room, seemingly tinged with embarrassment: "Cousin, please wait a moment..."

All that could be heard were hurried footsteps inside the room. After a short while, the door was opened, and the sweet fragrance of her daughter wafted out. Xing Xiuyan's pretty face flushed slightly, and she looked somewhat shy.

Jia Cong saw that she was wearing a bright red magnolia-patterned jacket, a pink square-necked stand-up collar coat, and a white embroidered cotton skirt. She was graceful, pretty, and elegant.

He chuckled and said, "What are you busy with, all mysterious?"

Xing Xiuyan was a little shy and said, "I'm doing needlework. I'm too clumsy and my skills are too poor. I'm not worthy of being seen."

Jia Cong said, "You can't fool me like that. You make your own clothes and shoes every day, so how could your needlework be bad?"

He wandered around the room and saw a new calligraphy scroll hanging on the south wall, which was the Heart Sutra written in plum blossom seal script.

The handwriting is beautiful and skillful, with a refined and elegant style, exuding a transcendent air. The signature is indeed Miaoyu.

He smiled and said, "Miss Miaoyu's calligraphy is truly remarkable, no less than that of Third Sister, each with its own unique style."

Xing Xiuyan poured hot tea from the stove and handed it to Jia Cong, saying with a smile, "Sister Miaoyu received the Heart Sutra handwritten by her cousin and treasures it like a precious gem."

She would always appreciate and ponder each piece, and wrote many herself. She only chose this one to give me before leaving the mansion. Because it was taken out to be framed, I only hung it up yesterday.

Jia Cong noticed a faint fragrance wafting around his neck, and Xing Xiuyan was pressed close behind him. He turned around and saw her slender, white fingers, as white as jade, gesturing on his shoulder.

He chuckled and said, "Why are you measuring my shoulders, little sister? Qingwen does that all the time. I heard you called her over to talk, is it because of this?"

……

Xing Xiuyan blushed and said, "I got a piece of fabric and want to make a robe for my cousin to wear for the New Year. I don't have Qingwen's skills, so please don't look down on me."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "What are you saying? I'd love to hear that, how could I possibly find it objectionable?"

Doing some needlework is fine, but don't do too much, and definitely don't do it by candlelight. It's bad for your eyes at such a young age, and that's no joke.

My second sister mentioned this last time, worried that one maid wouldn't be enough for you, and wanted to get you another one. Why don't you want one anymore?

Xing Xiuyan said, "I'm not that delicate. Back in Suzhou, my family was struggling financially, just barely making ends meet."

Don't do anything yourself. Since coming to Shenjing, not only are my parents by my side, but my old friends have also come to Shenjing. Everything is really going smoothly.

After entering the East Mansion, my second sister and cousin took good care of me and even gave me the service of maids. I was quite content.

Besides talking with her sisters, she often played chess with Xiangyun. She had a lot of free time, so doing needlework was both simple and a good way to pass the time.

……

Now that she had brought up the matter of making clothes, she no longer hesitated. She took a soft ruler and carefully measured Jia Cong's shoulder width and arm length, and even picked up a brush to carefully write it down.

Seeing how seriously she was working, Jia Cong let her do as she pleased, and a smile appeared on his face as he watched her circling around him.

He said, "You have a peaceful and easygoing nature, and an open mind, which is excellent. You will turn adversity into good fortune and will definitely be very lucky in the future."

After hearing Jia Cong's words, Xing Xiuyan smiled and said, "I also feel that I am quite blessed."

Jia Cong saw her measuring her waist with a soft ruler, her slender hands wrapped around her waist, her face like a delicate jade carving, her fingernails stained with pale red balsam juice.

He was so engrossed in watching her that, listening to her soft, sweet voice, a strange impulse stirred within him...

Xing Xiuyan measured the size with her hands and was about to withdraw her hands from behind when she found that Jia Cong was holding them, and she couldn't help but feel a little hot all over.

A wave of shyness, joy, and unease washed over her, and she felt a little confused. She instinctively wanted to lean against his back, but she was hesitant and could only let him hold her small hand.

A quiet, serene atmosphere filled the room… (End of Chapter)