Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall.

The bright sunlight outside the window streamed through the stained glass and into the room, reflecting the dust floating in the air and creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.

Xiao Hong's hair was jet black and glossy, her clothes were bright red, her figure was slender and graceful, her eyebrows and eyes were delicate and beautiful, and her eyes were bright and clever.

With nimble hands, she helped Jia Cong tie his hair into a bun, and in a moment it was done. She used a jade hairpin with a dragon hook to secure the bun, and after examining herself in the mirror, she stopped.

Reflected in the mirror, the two, one sitting and one standing, each relaxed and graceful, complemented each other quite well.

Xiao Hong couldn't help but laugh when she heard Jia Cong's words were amusing, and said, "Third Master is teasing people again. How can there be so many maids to save?"

Everyone says that all the maids around Third Master are literate, but I'm completely illiterate. Wouldn't that be embarrassing for Third Master? I'd like to ask Third Master to teach me to read..."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "It's a good thing to want to learn to read. If you can't read and write, you'll really miss out on a lot of fun in life."

I can't control other people's girls, but my girl naturally needs to be literate.

It just so happens that I'll be at Rongxi Hall during the holidays, and I have nearly a month's leave. I'll teach you for half an hour each day, and you'll learn to recognize and memorize ten characters.

If you put in a little more effort, you'll be able to recognize several hundred characters by the end of the year, which will be enough for recording and keeping accounts.

After the New Year, I'll be going to the government office and won't have much free time. I'll have Yinglian continue teaching you. I'll test you every five days. If you study hard for a year, you'll be able to understand vernacular stories and miscellaneous notes.

Xiao Hong was overjoyed, her eyes lit up, her words were crisp and cheerful, and her mouth was as sweet as honey.

"Third Master, you are so kind. I am so lucky to be your maid. There is no master in the world as good as you."

"Whatever you say goes. If you tell me to go east, I won't go west. I'll definitely put in the effort and not let you down!"

"Third Master, you've had some wine and hot water, are you feeling a bit tired? Let me massage your shoulders, it'll really help..."

Jia Cong saw that Xiao Hong was quick-witted, eloquent, and full of flattering words.

As if determined to talk herself silly, I couldn't help but chuckle and tease her a few times.

……

The two were chatting and laughing when a voice came from outside the door: "Xiao Hong, is Third Master inside? The old lady wants to invite him to Rongqing Hall for a talk."

Jia Cong recognized Yuanyang's voice and quickly came out of the room, asking, "Sister Yuanyang, does the old lady need me for something?"

Yuanyang said, "The third master of the Shi family visited the old lady. The old lady originally wanted to invite the third master to accompany the guests, but it just so happened that the third master was entertaining guests in the side hall."

Xiao Hong saw Jia Cong follow Yuanyang out, talking as they walked, and their words carried over from afar.

"Later, the second master discussed with the old lady that since the third master's room was vacant, they should add more maids for him..."

Hearing this, Xiao Hong felt a little discouraged and muttered to herself, "These people are all so idle. Third Master doesn't lack maids, yet they're always eyeing them."

……

On the covered walkway, Yuanyang followed Jia Cong and continued, "When I just went out, the Second Madam was talking, and I was very unhappy to hear it."

Jia Cong paused slightly and asked, "Why is the Second Madam unwilling to have a maidservant added to my household? Could this person be from the Second Madam's quarters?"

Yuanyang said, "Third Master is clever; he guessed it right away."

Jia Cong knew what Yuanyang was talking about, and although he was surprised when he thought of Yu Chuan, he wasn't too astonished.

Now that I am the head of two households, I must have first-class maids to serve me.

The first-class maids in the mansion were only found in the rooms of Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and Lady Xing.

Although Madam Xing was down on her luck, she still held the title of the principal wife in name only, and now that she was a widow, no one would dare to make a move on her, lest it cause gossip.

Lady Wang has become a concubine, and all the expenses for the second wife are allocated from the West Mansion's public funds. According to the family rules, she cannot use first-class maids.

Therefore, Jia Cong was not too surprised by this outcome. There was some reason for this, mostly related to the reduction in the number of cases involving the second wife...

……

Yuanyang followed Jia Cong along the covered walkway, the sky outside was clear and the sun was warm in the garden.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she thought of that summer when the two of them walked across the clear water stone bridge, and the folding fan that shielded her from the scorching sun.

In Rongqing Hall, he was forced by the master to cut off his hair with scissors, and the hand that held him tightly felt so warm and strong.

Yuanyang watched Jia Cong's departing figure, feeling that he was very close to her, yet also somewhat distant, and her bright eyes welled up with tears...

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Lady Wang objected to the matter of Yu Chuan, which displeased Grandmother Jia, Tan Chun, and others, but they were unwilling to show it. However, Jia Zheng's face already showed anger.

The Shi couple were unaware of the Jia family's background, let alone Lady Wang's scheming; they only felt that she was somewhat disregarding the bigger picture.

Jia Zheng had already offered to send a maid, and even if she was unwilling, she had to consider her master's reputation.

To let a maid cause discord between husband and wife is truly a losing proposition and shows a lack of foresight.

Seeing this scene, Li Wan sighed inwardly. With the support of the Cong brothers, Baoyu and Jia Huan were able to study at the Imperial Academy. This favor was no small matter.

The master's idea of ​​giving the jade bracelet to Cong's brothers as a gift was excellent. It showed the family's close-knit and refined nature, and demonstrated the reciprocal nature of their kinship.

Yu Chuan was beautiful, and the Cong brothers were both charming and romantic; it was said that they favored the maids the most.

If Yu Chuan becomes favored in the household in the future, and since she was born into the second wife's family, the two families will have a lot of connections because of this, and she will have to pay a real price in favors.

The wife doesn't think long-term at all; she can't even give up this small benefit. I really don't know what she's planning.

Keeping such a first-class maidservant to save face for her family only attracts a lot of gossip.

The second wife is already a concubine, and she will always be one. All her efforts in doing trivial things are not only useless, but also ruin the family's relationship.

……

Baoyu felt extremely uncomfortable when he heard his master and mistress talking about adding maids to Jia Cong's room.

Hearing that the master was going to give away the jade bracelet, she felt her heart burning with pain and jealousy, and wanted to shout and scream.

He had always been lustful and had always fantasized about the sisters Jin Chuan and Yu Chuan, always thinking of provoking them. Otherwise, Jin Chuan would not have ended up jumping into a well.

Although Yu Chuan was not as lively as her older sister Jin Chuan, she was beautiful and charming, no less so than her sister. Her quiet nature made Bao Yu even more fond of her.

However, Yu Chuan was introverted, didn't talk much, didn't like to joke, and kept her mouth tightly shut, like an unpryable clam.

Baoyu wanted to provoke them, but couldn't find a way in.

Last time, when Yu Chuan delivered fabric to his room, Bao Yu couldn't help but tease her a bit. Yu Chuan then brought up Jia Zheng, which scared Bao Yu half to death.

Even so, Baoyu, who considered himself superior and loved to boast that girls were made of water, couldn't help but covet this pretty girl.

Now that she heard that her master had given her away, and even to Jia Cong, that parasitic official, she was naturally heartbroken and filled with indignation.

However, with his father Jia Zheng present, he didn't dare to act recklessly. But now, seeing his wife's words that she was unwilling to give away the jade bracelet, his hopes were greatly rekindled.

Unconsciously, a warm current flowed through my chest, and I sighed in my heart that Heaven has eyes, and that not everyone in the world is a fool.

I never noticed before that my wife has such insight. As a son, I should be filial to my mother and make my wife happy.

He mustered his courage and said, "What you say makes sense. Yu Chuan is still young and can barely serve you. How could she possibly serve Brother Cong?"

"Madam's idea is excellent. Although both Bihen and Qiuwen are excellent, I think Qiuwen is more outstanding and would be perfect as Cong's maid."

When Grandmother Jia heard Baoyu's trembling voice, clearly showing that he was forcing himself to be brave, she was both amused and exasperated.

Baoyu is truly bewitched. He has to interfere with any maid who has any connection with Cong-ge'er, which is really a headache.

She was about to speak to cover it up, but it was too late. Her son shouted angrily, "Shut up! There are elders all here. How can we allow you, you beast, to speak out of turn!"

When Baoyu heard Jia Zheng's rebuke, he trembled violently, terrified.

His gaze fell upon Yu Chuan, whose pretty face was flushed. She was truly captivating. The thought that she too had been taken away by Jia Cong filled him with resentment.

He stammered, "Master, you know my..."

Jia Zheng roared in fury, "You beast, get out of here!"

……

Shi Ding was successful in his official career and had seen too many big scenes, but even an upright official finds it difficult to settle family disputes, and he was also a relative of the Jia family.

Seeing the couple arguing and the father and son facing off in the hall, looking somewhat embarrassed, he didn't know what to say for a moment.

But I felt that Baoyu was being too unreasonable. Jia Cong was the elder brother and the head of the Jia family. It was none of Baoyu's place to talk about his private affairs.

Seeing that things were getting out of hand, Grandmother Jia frowned and said to Jia Zheng, "Alright, it's such a trivial matter, why make such a fuss?"

I think your idea is good. Baoyu is just a child; it's not worth getting angry over a few casual remarks.

Grandmother Jia was really worried that if Baoyu said a few more silly things, her son might go crazy and trigger Baoyu's mental illness, which would be difficult to handle.

Jia Zheng frowned and said, "What the old lady said makes sense, but Baoyu is really too ignorant and doesn't understand the slightest sense of propriety or decency."

The lady's suggestion was also inappropriate. Cong-ge'er was the head of two households, and according to the family rules, he should have a first-class maid in his room.

"Qiuwen and Bihen are both second-class. If we were to give them to Cong-ge'er, it would be too embarrassing and would not be in accordance with the family rules." Grandmother Jia was somewhat at her wits' end, but in front of her younger relatives, she couldn't afford to lose face, so she had to keep a straight face and do her job.

He smiled at Madam Wang and said, "I understand what you mean. It's only natural to be reluctant to part with a maid who has served you for so many years."

Although Yu Chuan is still young, she will eventually be released to marry in a few years, and she can continue to be a maid for the rest of her life.

Now that Zheng'er has given her to Cong'er, she might have a bright future, and you'll be proud of her then."

……

Li was stunned by the scene and felt that her aunt had really had a hard time. Her son was quite knowledgeable, but her daughter-in-law was a complete fool.

Even if a young girl is very beautiful, she's not Chang'e descended from heaven. Exchanging her beauty for two special privileges in prison is a very worthwhile deal.

Baoyu's mother kept making excuses, leaving everyone stuck in a stalemate. The Wang family, once known as one of the four great families of Jinling, is now becoming increasingly unrecognizable.

When Li visited Grandmother Jia, she naturally wanted her aunt to support her. Moreover, since this matter would benefit Jia Cong, she became even more certain of her decision.

He laughed and said, "Grandma is right. Even if we raise a daughter, she will still get married when she grows up, let alone a maid."

The eldest sister-in-law is also kind-hearted and used to treating servants well. She is reluctant to let go of her maid who has been with her for many years, and she is also loyal and affectionate.

Since she'll eventually give up, it's better to find her a good outcome; that would fulfill our duty as master and servant, and it would be a happy occasion.

Madam Wang was heartbroken and on the verge of tears. Her husband had done such a foolish thing. He was going to skin her alive and slap her face. What kind of good thing was this?

When Grandmother Jia saw that her niece-in-law was speaking more tactfully and subtly giving her face, she finally felt relieved.

He then smiled at Madam Wang and said, "Since you are reluctant to part with it, and Zheng'er wants to give it away, I will make the decision myself and I will not force either of you."

"Give this girl some face. Just ask her if she's willing. If she is, then it's fine; if not, then it's over. No one needs to be put in a difficult position."

……

Upon hearing this, Li was taken aback. Her aunt was trying to smooth things over, but she was being far too presumptuous.

Although Cong-ge'er is exceptionally handsome, young girls would surely be willing to be with him. It's not surprising that Chang'e has always loved young men.

However, this girl was the second wife's personal maid. In wealthy families, they were raised by her side from a young age, whether out of affection or for the sake of saving face.

Even if this girl wanted to be with Cong-ge'er, with so many people around and the Second Madam standing by, she probably wouldn't be able to say it for a while.

If she were to say she was unwilling to serve Cong-ge'er, her aunt would be left out in the cold, her elder brother would lose face, and Cong-ge'er would feel uncomfortable knowing that.

My aunt is usually very shrewd, but this time she was a bit careless...

……

Li was a little hesitant, but then she heard Grandmother Jia ask, "Yuchuan, your master wants you to be Cong'er's maid. I'm just asking if you're willing."

All eyes in the hall were on Yu Chuan. Seeing her blushing face and flustered look, everyone waited for her to reply.

As the eldest daughter-in-law of the second wife, Li Wan was very familiar with Yu Chuan on a daily basis, and sometimes she would even ask her to bring her son along, so naturally she hoped that Yu Chuan would have a good outcome.

She also knew that although Yu Chuan didn't talk much, she wasn't a foolish girl. Any maid would know that there was a brighter future ahead.

However, the outcome can be quite different whether you ask a question in front of a crowd or in private.

If she hesitates to speak the truth in public because of her wife's feelings, she might miss a good opportunity.

Because Grandmother Jia interrupted Jia Zheng, Baoyu didn't immediately leave Rongqing Hall. Hearing Grandmother Jia's question, he couldn't help but look at Yuchuan.

He felt a surge of pity and tried to soften his gaze, hoping that Yu Chuan could see it and imagine that such a pure and affectionate person could probably move her heart.

If she can remain clear-headed as a result and avoid getting involved with Jia Cong, that parasite, thus avoiding the disaster of being defiled and ruined, then she can at least say that she has done right by her own heart...

……

Upon hearing Grandmother Jia's question, Yu Chuan immediately came out and knelt down, her head bowed so that no one could see her expression.

When her elder sister Jin Chuan had an accident, Yu Chuan developed a rift with Madam Wang. After all, sisters have a deep bond, which is only natural.

However, for some reason, Madam Wang did not mistreat Yu Chuan because of the Jin Chuan incident, and treated her as before.

Although her elder sister harbored deep resentment towards the second wife, Yu Chuan and Madam Wang lived in harmony and maintained a bond of loyalty between mistress and servant.

Although her older sister always tried to help her and told her not to get involved with the men from the second wife's family, hoping that one day she could leave the second wife's family.

But her sister's earnest teachings did not become a knot in her heart; she took them as advice and they did not cause her any urgent panic.

After all, the Bai family had been servants of the Jia family for generations, and from childhood, she was raised to never have any outrageous plans unless absolutely necessary.

……

She originally thought life would continue like this, until Qin Xian's family proposed marriage for their son, wanting her to marry Qin Yong.

The wife knew perfectly well what kind of person Qin Yong was, yet she still agreed to the marriage, only delaying it slightly.

This caused her to completely lose interest in the master-servant relationship amidst deep fear.

The wife did not mistreat or belittle herself because of her sister. It was not that the wife was compassionate, but she simply felt it was not worth it and disdained to do it.

But in order to win over Qin Xian and his wife, she would use herself as bait to fish out villains like Qin Yong, not caring at all about her own life or death.

Because in the wife's eyes, she and her sister were just servants, objects to be used when they were useful, and discarded when they were an eyesore.

It was only because Bao-guniang and her sister went to beg Third Master for help that Qin Xian's family met a bad end, and only then was she able to escape from disaster.

Although she didn't know what method Third Master had used, he had saved her sister's life, and he had also saved hers. Wasn't that enough?
……

When the people in the hall saw Yu Chuan kneeling on the ground, they remained silent for a moment, wondering what she was planning.

Tan Chun noticed that her stepmother's gaze was sharp, staring intently at Yu Chuan with a cold look in her eyes, as if she wished she could shut her up.

Tan Chun felt worried. Even if Yu Chuan refused the matter due to circumstances, the Madam had already developed a grudge against her, and she was afraid that she would not treat Yu Chuan as well as before.

Such a lovely girl, staying in the East Courtyard like this can't last long...

When Baoyu saw Yuchuan kneeling silently, he felt a surge of pleasure and tenderness. Everyone said that Jia Cong was smug, but that was not all true.

There are still beautiful and charming young women out there who won't be easily fooled, which shows that my feelings are not alone and that I am ultimately right.

Just as Baoyu was enjoying himself immensely, he suddenly heard Yuchuan's clear, neither arrogant nor humble, voice echoing in his ears.

"Grandma, the master and grandma have instructed me, and I dare not disobey. I will serve the Third Master with all my heart."

When Madam Wang heard this, her face turned extremely ugly. She cursed inwardly, "This ungrateful brat!"

Baoyu had just seen Yuchuan in a daze and assumed she was unwilling to do so. He was feeling smug and happy, but he didn't expect his suspicions to be exposed so quickly.

It is heartbreaking to see that the world is so corrupt and it is hard to find any clarity. A perfectly good young woman is about to be defiled by Jia Cong, this parasite.

If it weren't for Jia Zheng's presence, he would have definitely cursed the heavens and the earth to vent his pent-up resentment...

When Tan Chun saw that Yu Chuan was resolute, spoke clearly and unambiguously, she couldn't help but smile and secretly praised her as a good girl.

When Grandmother Jia heard Yuchuan's words, she smiled and seemed completely unsurprised.

She was convinced that Yu Chuan had been seduced by Jia Cong, and now he wanted her to be his grandson's maid. If she didn't agree, it would be truly unbelievable.

He laughed and said, "You're a good girl, with good judgment and ideas. You're a lucky one. If you serve Cong-ge'er well in the future, you'll definitely benefit from it."

……

Seeing that things were going smoothly, Jia Zheng was naturally in a good mood. He thought that Yu Chuan was clever and would surely be valued by Jia Cong, which would also bring him honor.

Hearing Grandmother Jia's cheerful words, as if she couldn't wait for this to happen, Baoyu felt so frustrated that he wanted to die.

She kept telling herself that if it weren't for the master forcing her, Yuchuan would never have agreed, and she was truly pitiful.

He looked at Yu Chuan with a pained expression, and saw that her pretty face was rosy, her spirits were high, and her eyes held a hint of joy.

There was not a trace of sorrow on his face; he was clearly wallowing in self-pity. Baoyu was overcome with grief and began to weep uncontrollably, as was his habit...

Seeing that Yu Chuan responded appropriately and had truly seized the opportunity, Li Wan was naturally pleased to see it succeed.

Thinking of how he had treated Yu Chuan gently, and how he had even asked her to look after his son in his spare time, and how they had a good relationship,

With Yu Chuan becoming Jia Cong's maid, she gained more acquaintances and connections within Jia Cong's household, which was naturally a good thing.

However, since her mother-in-law looked unhappy, Li Wan naturally didn't want to provoke her with anything auspicious.

Although Li Wan had her concerns, Marquis Zhongjing, Li Shi, had no taboos and stood up for her aunt, saying many good things about her.

He praised Grandmother Jia for her efficient handling of affairs, commended Jia Zheng for his care for his nephew, and also mentioned Yu Chuan's remarkable birth.

He also praised Madam Wang for her kindness to the servants, saying that she was indeed befitting a noble family. He said that all the elaborate sedan chairs were brought along, and not a single one was left behind, which created a lively atmosphere in the hall.

Lady Wang dared not show any displeasure in front of Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng. She even forced a smile after hearing Li Shi's kind words, but inwardly she was furious.

At this moment, a maidservant outside the hall said, "Third Master is here."

Yu Chuan couldn't help but turn around and see the curtain at the entrance of the hall being lifted, and Jia Cong leading Yuanyang into the hall.

She glanced at Jia Cong, and saw that he was also looking at her, his gaze clear and bright, radiating warmth… (End of Chapter)