Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Chapter 827 Preventing Disaster Before It Happens

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Grandmother Jia gave her a good scolding and a beating, while her niece-in-law, Li, cheered her on. The commotion was quickly resolved.

Laughter and cheerful conversation returned to the hall. Some were confident, some were secretly delighted, some felt relieved, and some were happy to see the outcome. Everyone had their own thoughts.

Lady Wang's furious rage and Bao Yu's infatuation and sorrow seemed very out of place and were subconsciously ignored by everyone in the hall.

When Jia Cong entered the hall, he first greeted Grandmother Jia, and then exchanged pleasantries with Shi Ding and his wife, making the atmosphere in the hall even more harmonious.

After Grandmother Jia recounted the story of Yu Chuan, Jia Cong smiled and said to Jia Zheng, "Master, you're being too formal. As the elder brother, it's my duty to support my cousin's studies."

The two positions for hereditary prison officials were already vacant; it was merely a convenient matter, hardly worthy of the master's generous gift.

Jia Zheng laughed and said, "I often go to the clan school. There are quite a few children from the seven outer branches who are interested in studying."

You've given both of the two hereditary prison spots to the second son of the family; that's a great favor. I'm just thanking you on behalf of Baoyu and Huan'er."

Upon hearing this, Baoyu felt disgusted and filled with resentment. He thought, "Who wants to study at the Imperial Academy? It's all because of you that I was forced and harmed."

I even thank Jia Cong, that parasite, for this matter, and he has to give up a maid like Yu Chuan. This is not my intention at all, yet he insists on forcing it on me. It is truly absurd.

Shi Xiangyun chimed in with a laugh, "Third brother, this is a gift from an elder that cannot be refused. Such a beautiful maid is not enough for you to be proud of, so just keep her."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Cong-ge'er, what Yun-ya said makes sense. Just accept the reward your master gave you, and don't forget the good things your master has done for you."

Jia Cong said, "Then I will accept it without being impolite. Thank you for your kindness, sir."

When Baoyu heard Shi Xiangyun say that he could not refuse a gift from an elder, it sounded so jarring.

The beautiful and lively Yun sister has now fallen into the mundane, speaking only of worldly etiquette and manners, unaware of her own descent into depravity. How pitiful and lamentable.

Then we see Jia Cong taking advantage of Shi Xiangyun's words to take the maid Yu Chuan as his concubine. He is hypocritical and lustful, truly shameless, and cannot help but be hated and despised.

……

At this moment, footsteps came from outside the hall. No one was seen, but a cheerful laugh echoed. The red brocade curtain was lifted, and Wang Xifeng entered.

She schemed and plotted relentlessly to expose her aunt's shame and prevent her from coveting the eldest son's family fortune.

Originally, they used their magic and deception to get the story from Grandmother Jia that the second branch of the family's monthly allowances would be cut after the New Year.

Even so, it will take some effort to explain things, but Rongqingtang's affairs can never be kept secret.

Today, Jia Zheng sent a maidservant a gift of thanks in the hall. Rongqing Hall was bustling with people coming and going. As the head housekeeper, Wang Xifeng was naturally sharp-witted and observant.

The matter had barely been settled when someone tipped her off.

She's a gossipy and lively person, so naturally she had to show her face and join in the fun.

Originally, Madam Wang's first-class maids were the key to the reduction of expenses for the second branch of the family.

Now that it's been removed first, things will go much more smoothly after the New Year, which naturally pleases her.

Seeing everyone in the hall laughing and chatting happily, except for her aunt who had a sour face, she felt a strange sense of amusement.

He laughed and said, "Grandma, I was running errands just now when I passed by Rongqing Hall and heard that the Second Master had rewarded Brother Cong with a great treasure."

I came to see out of curiosity, and to my surprise, it was Yu Chuan, that maid. I'm not as lucky as others. I hope that one day the old lady will take pity on me and reward me with something good too.

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "You little monkey, you're supposed to be a housekeeper, yet you're so unreliable, always rushing to wherever there's excitement."

Everyone couldn't help but laugh at Wang Xifeng's witty remarks, and the atmosphere in the hall became increasingly joyful.

Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Second Master is the most considerate of the younger generation. No wonder Brother Cong is so close to Second Master."

……

Hearing this, Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng were both pleased, but Lady Wang was quite disgusted by Wang Xifeng's silver tongue.

Wang Xifeng continued, "The Second Master gave the jade bracelet to Brother Cong just in time to meet a manpower shortage."

It's the busy end of the year, and Wu'er and Ping'er are working from dawn till dusk in the West Mansion, leaving Cong's brothers short-handed.

With Qingwen and the others by her side, Miss Zhishao was busy managing Cong's courtyard and helping her second sister with household chores, so she was always occupied.

During the New Year holidays, Cong and his brothers often entertained guests at the West Mansion, spending a long time at Rongxi Hall, with only Xiao Hong as their maid.

Xiao Hong was also in charge of miscellaneous tasks inside and outside Rongxi Hall, and she would put down her rake and pick up a broom, running around in circles inside and outside.

Brother Cong needed a meticulous maid to follow him around and take care of his clothes and daily needs, and Yu Chuan was just the right person to fill that position.

According to my plan, since the Second Master has already given her away, why not have Aunt Lin arrange for someone to move Yuchuan over today?

"Let them stay at Rongxi Hall first, to take care of Cong's brothers' daily affairs. After the New Year, they can move to the East Mansion. That would be the most suitable arrangement both ways."

……

Upon hearing this, Jia Cong smiled inwardly, secretly praising Wang Xifeng for her expertise in domestic affairs, quick wit, and swift and methodical responses.

Lady Wang was unwilling to discuss the matter of Yu Chuan, and everyone in the hall knew this. Wang Xifeng wanted to act decisively and leave no room for anyone to take advantage of the situation.

Hearing this, Madam Wang felt increasingly depressed. She felt that everything that had happened today was sudden and unpredictable, like falling flowers and flowing water, leaving her no time to deal with it.

Although the matter of Yu Chuan was already a fait accompli, she originally wanted to delay for a few days to give Yu Chuan a proper scolding.

We should use some gentle persuasion to send this maid to the East Mansion, so she can be an informant. Otherwise, if we throw a bucket of water at someone, there won't even be a commotion.

Wang Xifeng acted so hastily that she was caught off guard.

She was looking for an excuse to shut Wang Xifeng up and delay the matter for a few days.

But then Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "Cong-ge'er is so old and unmarried, how could he possibly understand these intricacies of household affairs?"

Your thinking is very thoughtful. Let's proceed according to your plan and get everything sorted out today.

Lady Wang was cut off from her words by Grandmother Jia and could no longer speak. Her face turned bitter, and she had a lot of things to say stuck in her throat, unable to get them out or down, which made her heart ache.

……

Yu Chuan'er felt dizzy listening to this; she had been somewhat dazed ever since she entered Rongqing Hall today.

As if propelled forward by an invisible force, astonishment and surprise intertwined, churning endlessly.

She had just settled on a new place to live, but she was already moving out of the East Courtyard that very day. However, she was quite willing to do so.

Originally, the household assigned and placed servants, so he had no say in it. But the old lady insisted on asking for his opinion.

Yu Chuan knew that by agreeing to this matter in court, she had greatly offended her mistress. Having served her for so many years, how could she not know her temperament?

If I stay in the East Road Courtyard any longer, I'll feel really uneasy, not knowing what might happen. It would be more reassuring to move away sooner.

Thinking of all this, she felt peaceful and content. Not only was she extremely willing to serve Jia Cong, but there was also another benefit.

It will be much easier to talk to my sister from now on, unlike when we were in the East Wing Courtyard, where we had to be careful about everything. My sister will definitely be very happy to know that I have gotten such a good result.

Having received a word from Grandmother Jia, Wang Xifeng promptly summoned Lin Zhixiao's wife and had her take a few old women with her to follow Yuchuan back to the East Courtyard to put away her belongings.

Seeing Wang Xifeng's swift and decisive actions, and how she didn't even exchange pleasantries with her in front of her, acting so brazenly like a thief breaking into a house, Lady Wang was deeply impressed.

She grew increasingly angry, her face turning cold. She gripped the prayer beads tightly in one hand, her knuckles turning white. But the girl had already given them away in public; could she possibly stop her?

Today, the master presented gifts, and everyone praised her. However, Feng'er still acted with a cold demeanor.

With her so aggressive demeanor, it seems unlikely that the matter of the second wife's dismissal will be resolved anytime soon...

……

Rongguo Mansion, Lixiangyuan.

The main room was warm from the incense burner, and the north-facing window was bright and dazzling, with sunlight slanting into the room and shining directly on Baochai.

She was past the age of marriage, in the prime of her youth. Although her figure was slender and delicate, it was also full and radiant, with a perfect balance of plumpness and softness, making her charming and captivating.

She wore a honey-colored satin cross-collar long jacket with gold trim on the upper body, a bright red cross-collar inner garment underneath, and a light blue long skirt on the lower body.

Although they are all everyday clothes, they are elegant and refined, yet bright and gorgeous, which further accentuates the character's grace and makes her shine.

She held an embroidery hoop in her hand and was embroidering a round fan surface, creating a lifelike orchid pattern with flowing green leaves and budding flowers.

At this moment, the door to the main room was pushed open, letting in a gust of cold wind. Aunt Xue entered, wearing a cloak, followed by her maid Tongxi, who was carrying a packing bag.

Baochai asked, "Mother went to the shop to check the accounts. How was the year-end harvest?"

Aunt Xue said, "These shops are doing quite well, and it's really thanks to Cong-ge'er. Since he became a Jinshi and entered the Hanlin Academy, his reputation has become even more renowned. Merchants all know about the connection between the Xue and Jia families, and they also know that we live in the Rongguo Mansion."

In business, people give you face, the purchase price is fair, the delivery is fast, and the styles follow the market, so business naturally goes smoothly.

This half-day is spent taking inventory, distributing lucky money to the shopkeeper and staff, and closing up shop at sunset, just waiting to reopen next year.

After all this, my back aches and my waist hurts; I'm really getting old and useless.

I brought back two jin of bird's nest. I'll give half to Fengya, which is a two-month supply. Tongxi, please deliver it to her now.

Tongxi received the instructions, divided the packing bag in half, and went out to deliver the items.

……

Baochai was pleased to hear that the shop was doing well and asked, "I haven't seen you all day, brother. I thought you went to the shop with mother?"

Aunt Xue said, "Your brother's horse, which has no bridle, went out early this morning, saying that the Duan family's grain shop was closing its accounts at the end of the year and they wanted him to come over and get a share of the profits."

He made this deal and was always proud of it, so he was naturally overjoyed. I couldn't count on him.

Next time, you'll come to the shop with me again. Unlike your brother, you're naturally suited to running a business.

You're just idling at home, doing nothing but embroidering in your room. You never go to the East Mansion, nor do you talk to Cong-ge'er. You should be keeping your sisters company."

Baochai understood the meaning behind her mother's words, and her pretty face blushed.

She said, "The end of the year is the busiest time for both mansions. Second Sister is busy managing the East Mansion, and Sister Lin and Third Sister will also help out. These days, there's no time for idle chatter."

Brother Cong has taken a ten-day break and has been spending most of his time in Xifu recently. However, he is busy entertaining guests every day, so it is not appropriate for him to bother them.

"Once it's New Year's Eve and everyone's been busy with family chores, there will be more free time, and we can talk then."

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "You've thought things through carefully. Business at the shop is picking up, and you'll have some free time starting tomorrow. It'll be New Year's Eve again, so you should visit the old lady more often."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but glance at her daughter, who had truly blossomed into a beautiful young woman, a real feast for the eyes.

She sighed inwardly. Year after year, even the most outstanding beauty cannot last forever...

……

Baochai said, "Mom, didn't I tell you last time to tell my brother to have less contact with Duan Chunjiang? How come he's getting more and more intimate with him?"

This man was originally from out of town, but he had the ability to open a grain shop in the capital. He must have a very impressive background. The shop had been open for less than half a year, yet he had already made such a big business.

Our family also owns shops, so you know that these kinds of people have very unconventional methods and are quite shrewd.

My brother is impulsive and always hangs out with people like that. I'm worried he'll be taken advantage of.

The Xue family now only has wealth and status, but no real foundation of their own. In the past two years, they have only been able to barely maintain their family business by relying on the Jia family.

Currently, four prime shops in Nanjing have been rented to Xinchunhao, while the other businesses are being managed by my second uncle. The shops in Beijing are also doing well.

These profits alone are enough. A steady, gradual approach is the key to long-term success. We don't need to rely on my brother's grain shop business; it's better to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Aunt Xue sighed, "Your brother has only managed to make this one business deal, and he's still very enthusiastic about it."

"But what you said makes sense. The family doesn't need that little bit of money. Once he receives his annual allowance from the grain store, I'll make him close down the business."

……

As the mother and daughter were chatting, Jin Chuan brought out freshly brewed hot tea and served it to Baochai and Aunt Xue.

Just as Tongxi returned from outside, he saw Jinchuan and said, "Sister Jinchuan, I have good news for you. How will you reward me?"

Baochai laughed and said, "You're talking nonsense. You haven't even said anything yet, and you're already asking for a reward. Where does that logic come from?"

Tong Xi laughed and said, "I went to Second Madam's courtyard to deliver bird's nest. I heard them say that Second Master gave Yu Chuan to Third Master as a maid, and today she will be moved to Rongxi Hall."

Jin Chuan was startled and blurted out, "Is this really true? I've never heard Yu Chuan mention it before?"

Tongxi laughed and said, "They said it was something the Second Master mentioned suddenly, and the concubine didn't know beforehand, let alone Yuchuan."

Baochai smiled at Jinchuan and said, "Your mouth is truly blessed. You said that Brother Cong could save Yuchuan, so you asked your sister to repay him by serving him like a slave."

Now that the Qin family has just been driven out of the East Courtyard, your words have immediately come true. You'd better be careful what you say from now on.”

Aunt Xue had also heard about Qin Yong's situation and said with a smile, "This is a good thing. Your sister being able to become Cong Ge'er's maid is a rare and promising future for her."

Jin Chuan blushed upon hearing this, her expression delighted, and she said, "I never expected that Yu Chuan would be so lucky."

Although she said this aloud, she sighed inwardly, glanced at Baochai subconsciously, and then fell silent...

……

Just then, footsteps came from outside the door, and the maid Ying'er said, "Second Miss and Miss Lin are here. Our young lady is in the main room."

Baochai put down her embroidery frame, stepped forward to help Yingchun remove her veil, and said with a smile, "The household is very busy at the end of the year, how come Second Sister and Sister Lin have time to come over?"

Yingchun smiled and said, "Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. Musk Moon helped Second Sister-in-law and has already returned to the mansion today. All the important matters of the East Mansion have been settled. Let her take care of the rest."

Taking advantage of the opportunity, I asked Lin Daiyu to go to Rongxi Hall for a visit, and to check on you and your aunt while she was there.”

Aunt Xue laughed and said, "You, as the older sister, are too worried. Your brother stays in the West Mansion for a little while, and you're so concerned that you have to come and check on him even if you can't see him."

"With Cong'er's talent, you're not worried about him getting cold or hungry."

Yingchun smiled and said, "Auntie, you don't know, although he is very successful outside, he is used to keeping things simple and has always been a bit careless."

At the end of the year, he was entertaining guests at Rongxi Hall. I told him to bring Qingwen and Yinglian with him so they could take care of them both inside and outside the house.

He insisted that the West Prefecture was in a state of chaos due to the large number of people coming and going at the end of the year, and that the two of them would only make things more difficult.

"Rongxi Hall only has one head maid, Xiaohong, which is hardly enough to serve everyone, so I brought Lin Daiyu here to take a look."

Upon hearing Yingchun's words, Daiyu pursed her lips slightly, though her dislike of Qingwen and Yinglian being around was merely an excuse.

…………

Third Brother cherishes his maid the most and is extremely protective of her. Baoyu is still stuck in the West Mansion, not only running around everywhere but also getting involved with pretty maids.

Qingwen has a fiery temper and a sharp tongue; she never suffers a loss. Yinglian, on the other hand, is gentle and soft-hearted, and is most likely to be taken advantage of.

These two were exceptionally beautiful, and when they were taken in and out of the West Mansion, the Third Brother was often preoccupied with social engagements and couldn't take care of them for long.

Given Baoyu's eccentric nature, if he were to start talking nonsense, it could easily cause trouble, and he might really break ties with the second wife's family.

Third Brother is taking precautions; once Baoyu gets married and moves out of the West Mansion, he won't have such concerns.

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "You don't need to worry now. The Second Master just sent Yuchuan to Congge'er as a maid, and she will be able to enter Rongxi Hall today."

Yingchun and Daiyu were surprised to hear this, and Aunt Xue smiled and explained what had happened.

Yingchun smiled and said, "This is just in time. Yuchuan has been by the Second Madam's side for many years. She is a capable and efficient maid and will surely serve Cong-di well."

Daiyu smiled and said, "Third Brother's fate is so strange. He attracts too many maids. Now he has another one. His courtyard is almost overflowing."

Baochai couldn't help but chuckle, and gently pinched Daiyu's lips, saying, "Your little mouth is too good at teasing. How could a dignified nobleman not have room to keep maids?"

He then asked, "Why are only you and your second sister here? Where are the other sisters?"

Daiyu said, "The second master of the Shi family came to visit, and my maternal grandmother asked my third sister and Yun sister to accompany the guest."

My fourth sister was drawing at home, specifically the painting "The Imperial Banquet." She drew it several times but wasn't satisfied, so she had to redraw it before she was satisfied.

Now they are meticulously painting and applying colors, stubbornly refusing to go anywhere.

Sister Xing was busy sewing clothes, her eyes red from exhaustion. No matter how much we tried to persuade her to stop, she wouldn't stop. She refused to go out for a stroll; she was so thoughtful, no wonder everyone doted on her.

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "Miss Xing is a fine young lady. It's not unusual for young girls to want to look pretty and wear new clothes for the New Year."

Daiyu smiled slightly and didn't say much, but Baochai was a quick-witted person and much more attentive than Aunt Xue.

A slight pang of pain shot through my heart. Xiuyan was gentle, easygoing, and reserved; she wouldn't care about wearing bright clothes.

She would be busy sewing clothes, not for herself, but for her brothers Cong, since she was a concubine with a formal title.

With something to cherish and no worries, she could painstakingly do needlework for her brothers Cong, which earned her the admiration of Lin Daiyu.

Although Sister Xing comes from a humble background, she is pure of heart, undisturbed by worldly matters, peaceful and self-possessed, and finds contentment in herself, which is a blessing in itself...

(End of this chapter)