Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

When Grandmother Jia saw her niece-in-law praising her great-grandson, she felt proud.

She would never again think that praising someone for studying hard was a worthless thing to say; the Jia family was now a distinguished and noble family, and times had changed...

Although Grandmother Jia was somewhat pleased, she smiled at Li Wan and said, "I know you also come from a scholarly family and hope that your son will be successful in the future."

When Cong-ge was ten years old, he began to study diligently. Lan-er is only seven years old this year, yet you are already disciplining her so strictly. You are too cruel as a mother.

"At this rapid pace, are you perhaps trying to raise a top scholar? You're going to overshadow even Cong-ge'er!"

Li Wan laughed and said, "Grandma is joking. Studying is not enough with just hard work; you also need natural talent."

Brother Cong is exceptionally talented and has unparalleled abilities; he is one in a million. How could Lan'er compare to him?

My granddaughter-in-law doesn't have such lofty ambitions. She doesn't dream that Lan'er will be as successful as Brother Cong. If Lan'er could have two or three tenths of Brother Cong's good fortune, I would be burning incense every day.

Children are all mischievous, so strict discipline when they're young is important to cultivate their character. This way, they'll be easier to manage when they grow up, and your granddaughter-in-law will have less to worry about later.

……

Upon hearing this, Madam Li naturally greatly admired Li Wan's parenting methods and offered several words of praise, making the atmosphere even more harmonious.

Hearing this, Madam Wang felt uneasy and couldn't help but suspect something was amiss. Her daughter-in-law's words were quite harsh; what did she mean by that?

It's one thing for her to teach her son to read, but what she means by "strict discipline when he's young so he can be controlled when he grows up" sounds like she's mocking herself for not raising Baoyu well...

I had instructed her before to go to the old lady and talk about the reduction of monthly allowances. She said she would only be able to talk about it when she visited her relatives at the end of the year.

Now is the right time. I bring her out every day, and she should seize the opportunity to do something important. Instead, she's dawdling and lacks any sense of propriety.

He just chats idly with people about teaching children to read, and even raves about that kid from the East Mansion. He's a good-for-nothing, more of a spoilsport than a good person...

Madam Wang was depressed, feeling that her daughter-in-law had been a widow for too long and had lost all her spirit; she was really too disappointing.

……

Marquis Zhongjing laughed and said, "Elder brother has a discerning eye. It was thanks to your love and support when Cong was young that the Jia family has achieved its current status."

The prestige of this Hanlin family is not only impressive to outsiders, but also inspires its members. Even a young child like Lan'er knows to study diligently.

In my opinion, it is only a matter of time before another outstanding scholar emerges from my elder brother's lineage.

Hearing this, Jia Zheng was delighted. He had been obsessed with studying and pursuing the imperial examinations all his life, and he believed that there was nothing more respectable than achieving success through the examinations.

Shi Ding's words struck a chord with him, and he was secretly pleased, but couldn't help but say a few more humble words.

Thinking that his grandson Jia Lan was well-behaved and sensible, and would most likely be a scholar in the future, and that his illegitimate son Jia Huan was also beginning to study hard, Shi Ding's words gave him a certain degree of hope and conviction.

However, the eldest son, Baoyu, was ultimately lazy and indolent, which caused Jia Zheng to feel irritable and regretful.

……

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Since Lan'er is studying in the East Wing Courtyard, let him study hard. We won't bother him. Let Baoyu come and meet his elders."

So he sent Jade to call Baoyu. Seeing Tanchun there, he knew that she was very much loved by Jia Cong, and he didn't want to neglect her too much.

He laughed and said, "Third girl, why don't I see your aunt and brother? It's almost the last few days of the year, and they haven't come out to visit. They're stuck at home and having no fun."

"Why don't we invite them all over? I'm holding a banquet in the hall today; the more people, the more lively it will be."

Tan Chun was shrewd and perceptive. Just now, she saw everyone saying that Jia Lan was studying hard and that Madam's expression was strange. Although she was somewhat pleased, she was also a little uncomfortable.

It must be that the wife is too suspicious. Thinking about how her second brother failed to do well in his studies, and how her sister-in-law's words on raising children hit the nail on the head regarding the wife's worries.

Now that the old lady has asked about her aunt and brothers, Tan Chun naturally won't make a fool of herself by saying something like her brothers are studying hard behind closed doors.

Otherwise, the wife would surely think that she had ulterior motives and was mocking her to her face, which would be unwise to offend her stepmother for no reason.

He laughed and said, "I went to Aunt's courtyard yesterday. Huan'er is a restless sleeper. She kicked off the covers during the night and caught a cold. She has a headache and fever."

It wasn't a big deal. I applied some Sanfeng plaster to my temples, and it got much better. My aunt is taking care of me at home today.

"I'm worried that sending Huan'er over now might bring illness with her. It would be more appropriate for her to come on New Year's Eve to kowtow to the old lady."

Grandmother Jia said, "It's the New Year, and the most important thing is for everyone to be safe and sound. Since Huan has caught a cold, let him rest for a couple of days before coming back."

……

As soon as Grandmother Jia finished speaking, Emerald brought Baoyu into the hall. Baoyu was delighted to see Tanchun and Xiangyun.

Not seeing Lin Daiyu or Jia Baoyu made me feel a little disappointed...

Marquis Zhongjing, Li, smiled and said, "Elder brother, when the old lady mentioned Huan'er, I thought of something."

A few days ago, Xiangyun came home and mentioned that Baoyu and Huan'er were going to study at the Imperial Academy.

It is evident that the Jia family now maintains a dignified and upright character, with Cong-ge'er setting an example; all the children are devoted to studying, which we can only envy.

When Baoyu heard Li mention the Imperial Academy, his face turned bitter. He felt that people in the world were foolish and their hearts were corrupted by the pursuit of fame and fortune.

He never says anything nice, only talks about the corrupt officialdom and its inefficiencies. It's truly not easy for someone with his ideals to live in this filthy world...

Fortunately, he still knew his place. With his father, Jia Zheng, present, he dared not utter a single word, no matter how impassioned he was.

Jia Zheng sighed, "This is because Cong-ge'er made his own fortune and did not forget to help his brothers at home. He gave both of the two hereditary official positions to Bao-yu and Huan-er."

Over the years, Cong Ge'er has been studying for the imperial examinations, traveling south on official business, and fighting in the north, constantly on the move, exhausting himself both mentally and physically.

As his uncle, I am mediocre and can offer him no help whatsoever. Instead, I've burdened him with worries about the future of the second son's heir. The thought fills me with unease.

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "This is the good karma you sowed back then, and now you are reaping the good results. We are all family, and it is only right for him to help his brothers in the family."

"You were so devoted to him back then, so you don't need to feel uneasy now."

……

Jia Zheng said, "What the old lady said is reasonable, but as an elder, I can't remain indifferent to the favors I receive from the younger generation. I always want to do my part for them."

A few days ago I heard rumors that Ping'er and Wu'er from Cong's second wife's household have now entered his room, leaving him with only one proper maid. Is this true?

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "That's not untrue. Several of them were originally women who entered the inner chambers."
Of all the first-class maids serving Cong-ge'er, only Qingwen remains, and that's the one I gave her back then."

Li chimed in from the side, laughing, "Cong-ge'er is the head of two households. He only has one proper maidservant by his side. He can't handle this kind of situation. He still needs to put on a good show."

Upon hearing this, Baoyu felt greatly indignant. "My maids have also become women in my room. Apart from two rough maids, there are no proper head maids."

Now they only give me Xiren and Caiyun to fill the ranks, without even mentioning adding two more suitable ones, and no one has ever brought this up.

But when it came to Jia Cong, it became a problem. People said he couldn't put on a show and that he deserved to be ignored. That was utter nonsense!
He had originally intended to joke and chat with Tan Chun and Xiang Yun, but Li Shi's words made him feel disgusted and sullen.

……

Grandmother Jia smiled at Li and said, "What you said makes perfect sense. Cong-ge'er has always been simple and honest. He only knows how to be an official outside and doesn't care about these things at all."

Fortunately, Feng brought it up that day, otherwise I really wouldn't have thought of the details. He himself doesn't care, but as an elder, one must take care of the family's reputation.

Actually, it's quite simple. There are so many maids in the household; if he takes a fancy to any of them, even the best ones from our own household, we can just give them to him.”

Madam Wang felt aggrieved, finding the household increasingly disgusting. No matter what they said, it always ended up blaming that boy.

We were just talking about the second son's schooling, how did it suddenly turn into adding a maid for that boy? What kind of nonsense is this? It's utterly inappropriate.

Upon hearing Grandmother Jia's words, Baoyu felt a deep sadness welling up inside him. In the past, the old lady always put him first in everything.

Now even the old lady has changed her mind and actually said such things. Doesn't she know that the maids around her are all the best in the mansion?

When these words reached Jia Cong's ears, he was at a loss, given Jia's lecherous, shameless, and domineering nature.

Instead of striking while the iron is hot, he should seize the opportunity to take advantage of the old lady's maids and defile them all. It would be heartbreaking to see them suffer.

……

Upon hearing these words from Grandmother Jia, Yuanyang, standing behind her, was startled, her mind replaying Grandmother Jia's words: "Even the best things we have are given to him."

Could it be that the old lady hasn't forgotten what she said two years ago and is now having second thoughts? Her heart pounded, and a blush rose on her pretty face.

Although she had heard that the second wife wanted to cut expenses and that the second wife was not worthy of having first-class maids, she did not know that Grandmother Jia had such thoughts in mind.

For the past two years, she has been preoccupied with what she has been longing for, unable to forget it, and her thoughts are constantly on her mind. Yet, this one sentence has stirred up a flood of longing and reverie.

……

Tan Chun usually had her mind on Jia Cong, but upon hearing Grandmother Jia's words, her heart stirred slightly.

The old lady's words were quite boastful; most of the top maids in the West Mansion were now living in the old lady's room.

If we're talking about the most outstanding appearance, then it has to be Sister Yuanyang. Could it be that if Third Brother takes a fancy to her, the Old Madam would be willing to give her up?
But then Jia Zheng laughed and said, "The maids around the old lady are naturally all of the best, but you are getting old and need capable people to serve you."

"How could I let Cong-ge'er take your maidservant? Cong-ge'er is a learned and sensible person; I'm afraid he wouldn't dare accept the old lady's reward."

Li laughed and said, "Brother, what you say makes sense. Everyone knows that Aunt is good at training people. The maids around her are all as beautiful as spring onions, which is quite eye-catching."

I know that girls like Yuanyang are always accompanied by their aunt. Cong-ge'er is polite and filial; how could he possibly accept your good things?

Hearing Jia Zheng and Li Shi speak in unison, Yuanyang realized that this matter was improper in terms of etiquette and was probably hopeless. She also didn't want to give the Third Master any reason to criticize her...

Her secret longing faded like the tide, the blush on her face gradually disappeared, and her heart felt empty.

……

Jia Zheng said, "Cong-ge'er is now the head of two households, and he needs to hire a head maidservant, so naturally, the best ones should be used."

But apart from me, the First Madam, and the old lady's maids, there are no other first-class people in the mansion.

The First Madam is now widowed and lives in the inner courtyard, rarely concerning herself with outside affairs. The household needs to be considerate of her, so it's not appropriate to move her maids around. I thought about this a few days ago, and it would be most appropriate to choose someone from the Second Branch. Currently, the Second Branch only has one first-class maid, Yu Chuan.

This girl has served the second wife since she was a child. She is outstanding in appearance and character, honest in nature, and dutiful in her work.

Since Cong-ge'er is supporting Bao-yu and Huan-er's studies, I, as their uncle, cannot remain indifferent and should do my part.

I want to give Yuchuan to Congge'er as a maid; it will fill the vacancy he has.

When Jia Zheng said this, Shi Ding and his wife, who were outsiders and not very familiar with the internal affairs of the Jia family, did not pay much attention.

The Jia family had more than just the main branch in the capital, Rongguo. There were also seven other branches of the Jia family on Ningrong Street, so there must have been many children who wanted to advance their studies.

Jia Cong gave both of his hereditary official positions to Jia Zheng's sons, which was a considerable favor.

As an elder uncle who highly valued education, Jia Zheng naturally appreciated Jia Cong's favor.

If a family wanted to express their gratitude, giving gifts of gold or white would be too vulgar and distant.

Sending a beautiful maid as a thank-you gift is both appropriate and elegant, a common practice among aristocratic families, and they are not surprised at all.

However, the others were caught off guard by Jia Zheng's words, and everyone was surprised and astonished.

Yuanyang felt as if someone had stabbed her in the heart, and involuntarily looked at Yuchuan, who was standing behind Madam Wang.

Seeing that the little girl also looked shocked, her small, rosy lips were slightly open due to the suddenness of the event, and her big, watery eyes were full of surprise.

Then her pretty face flushed red, making her look exceptionally beautiful and pitiful. Yuanyang sighed inwardly, thinking how lucky this girl was.

……

Grandmother Jia looked at her son with some surprise, wondering if Zheng'er had already realized that Yuchuan had been seduced by Cong'er.

He was worried that things might go wrong if he waited too long, so he took the opportunity of the quota for the Imperial Academy to give the jade bracelet to Cong-ge'er, so as to avoid gossip later.

Or perhaps he had overheard the gossip in the West Mansion and used this as an excuse to give away Yu Chuan first, so as not to lose face even more when Feng Yatou was dismissed.

Regardless of what the son was thinking, he was really clever this time, coming up with such a good excuse that everyone could save face.

When Lady Wang heard Jia Zheng's words, she was instantly struck dumb, as if by lightning, and was completely bewildered.

What's going on here, sir? You're actually going to give away the jade bracelet without saying a word beforehand. How can this be allowed?
If Yu Chuan were just an ordinary maid, and her master had given her away, that would have been fine; it was a common occurrence in wealthy families.

But Yu Chuan was no ordinary maid; she was the only first-class maid in the second branch of the household, and she was the most important person to the mistress of the house.

If I lose this girl, I'll really become a concubine, and how will I be able to move freely in and out of the West Mansion in the future?

She absolutely forbade this. Even if Yu Chuan were to die, she should die in our second branch of the family!

……

Just as Lady Wang was about to speak angrily, she heard Grandmother Jia laugh and say, "Zheng'er's idea is excellent. Yu Chuan is a beautiful girl, the most outstanding among all the maids in the mansion."

Your gift is very generous. I think this is a very appropriate matter, so it's settled.

"Yuanyang, go to the side hall and see how Cong-ge is treating guests. Once you've finished your business, invite him over to see the generous gift his master sent."

Although Yuanyang was disappointed, she quickly responded in a low voice and hurried out of the hall to deliver the message.

When Lady Wang saw Yuanyang come out of the hall, she could no longer hold back. However, since Grandmother Jia had already spoken, she dared not contradict her directly. In a moment of quick thinking, she came up with a solution.

He said, “Master’s idea is good, but Yuchuan grew up in the second house and has served me for many years. Although she is a maid, I treat her like my daughter.”

Although she was outstanding, she was still too young, not even old enough to be considered of marriageable age.

As the head of the family, Cong-ge'er should be chosen as his head maid, as she should be a little older and more knowledgeable and considerate.

Qiuwen and Bihen in my room are also head maids. They are pretty, hardworking, and experienced.

It would be more appropriate for Master to choose from the two of them and send them to serve Cong-ge'er.

……

Hearing this, Tan Chun felt a pang of unease. She had also been quite surprised when she heard that her master wanted to give her a jade bracelet.

But recalling the conversation between the father and daughter, Tan Chun, being perceptive, quickly grasped her father's intentions.

Yu Chuan had an excellent reputation in the second branch of the family, and she was also very pretty and outstanding. She did not disgrace her third brother. Tan Chun thought this was a good thing.

But not only was the wife unwilling, she actually tried to use Qiuwen and Bihen as excuses.

These two girls were unwanted by the second brother's room and were not valued by the mistress in the East Courtyard, so they were used to get rid of the third brother.

Third Brother is the head of the family, a man of great status. Why would he need to have maids to serve him, and why would he use maids that Baoyu no longer needs?

If this gets out, what will become of Third Brother's reputation?

Besides, Qiuwen and Bihen are both the subject of much gossip, and their reputations don't seem to be very good...

……

When Grandmother Jia heard what Lady Wang said, she frowned slightly and felt a little annoyed. Why was her second daughter-in-law so clueless and oblivious to the situation?

She didn't even realize that her own maid was being seduced by Cong-ge'er.

If we don't send it out soon, and something shameful happens later, will she have any face left?

Zheng'er's idea is excellent. Sending the girl away now is a favor he owes as an elder, and at least he'll gain some goodwill in return.

If we wait until after the New Year, when Fengya cuts down on the expenses of the second wife's family, she will definitely get rid of maids like Yuchuan.

We'll be giving it all away to Cong-ge for free, without even leaving him a good name. That would be a huge loss...

…………

Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall.

Jia Cong hosted a banquet for Chen Ruiwen and Liu Fang, but the banquet ended in less than 45 minutes.

These kinds of social gatherings between family friends are usually for a specific purpose. Nobody comes to drink and eat; they just get to know each other and then stop.

Although it was just a formality, a few drinks were still necessary. Jia Cong's alcohol tolerance was average, and by the time he returned to Rongxi Hall, he was already slightly tipsy.

At this time, Musk Moon had already left to run errands. Little Red saw that Jia Cong smelled of alcohol, so she quickly went forward to help him up.

He complained, "These two men are so ignorant. They know that Third Master is a scholar, yet they still try to force him to drink."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "It's not that I'm forcing you to drink. When we have family friends, we always have to have a few drinks. It's just that I can't hold my liquor."

It's the holiday season now, and there are many social gatherings at our house. I smell of alcohol, and it would be too unseemly for me to be seen by others. Go and prepare hot water; I need to bathe and change."

Xiao Hong quickly went down to give instructions, and after a short while, maids and servants brought in a tub of hot water.

He then tested the hot and cold water, finding it just right. He dismissed everyone, closed the door, and helped Jia Cong remove his belt and outer robe.

Just as she was about to reach out to take Jia Cong's inner garment, her pretty face couldn't help but blush a little. Although she was Jia Cong's head maid, she had never served him personally.

Such acts of undressing were commonplace for Qingwen and Yinglian, but she had never done it before, so she was naturally a little shy and didn't know how to start.

Seeing her expression, Jia Cong understood what she meant and laughed, "I'm not that drunk yet, how could I be unable to move? You go outside and keep watch."

Xiao Hong breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but also felt somewhat guilty, as she had been given the title of maid without really being considerate.

……

When she retreated to the outer room, she heard Jia Cong undressing inside, and soon after, she heard the sound of running water. Her pretty face couldn't help but feel a little hot.

Suddenly, Jia Cong's voice was heard: "Xiao Hong, bring in my change of clothes and hang them on the clothes rack behind the screen."

Xiao Hong suddenly realized that her maid was a complete idiot; she hadn't even thought to prepare new clothes for the master's bath. She was such a fool.

Actually, you can't blame her. She was originally a third-class maid in Baoyu's courtyard, and her daily life consisted of watering flowers and feeding birds.

Normally, she couldn't even enter Baoyu's room, let alone serve a master a bath, so naturally she didn't know the proper way to do it.

Fortunately, Wu'er was always thoughtful and knew that Jia Cong would be entertaining guests at the West Mansion at the end of the year, so she had prepared several sets of clothes in Rongxi Hall in advance.

Xiao Hong rummaged through her belongings and found new clothes. She hurriedly went into the inner room and hung them on a hanger. She wondered whether she should keep them, but in the end, she ran away.

After a while, when the sound of water stopped coming from the inner room and she heard Jia Cong getting dressed, she asked tremblingly, "Third Master, do you want me to serve you?"

Jia Cong said, "Come in."

Xiao Hong pushed open the door and entered. The room was filled with the heat and humidity, the fragrance of soap, and the scent of a man's heartbeat. She couldn't help but blush.

She saw that Jia Cong had already put on his undergarments and was standing in front of the clothes rack looking at her. He had a smile on his face, as if he was waiting for her to serve him.

Xiao Hong breathed a slight sigh of relief, forgetting her embarrassment and panic, and hurried over to help him put on his outer robe.

She then took a dry cotton cloth, untied Jia Cong's wet hair bun, and carefully wiped it dry. Her pounding heart gradually calmed down.

She glanced to the side and saw that Jia Cong, whom she was serving, was completely unconcerned and did whatever he wanted.

He felt a little disappointed, but he quickly came to his senses. The Third Master had been served by maids since he was a child, and he had seen all kinds of beautiful things. He was used to it.

But he lacks common sense and makes a fuss over the slightest intimacy, not even afraid of making Third Master laugh at him.

Having figured these things out, she became more at ease with her movements, helping Jia Cong to re-comb and style his hair, doing so with increasing dexterity and skill.

Though somewhat apprehensive, she mustered her courage and said, "Third Master, I have a favor to ask of you."

Jia Cong laughed, "Last time you begged me to save Musk Moon, now which girl do you want to save..." (End of Chapter)