Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

As night deepened, the north wind howled, and the snow fell more heavily.

The valley was littered with debris and reeked of blood.

In just a short time, the corpses of men and horses on the ground were mostly covered by falling snow.

Even if there were survivors, they could not survive the bitter cold of the night and the wild beasts attracted by the blood.

Guo Zhigui ordered his men to collect the uninjured warhorses. These were the best military horses of the Mongols, and it would be a waste to just throw them away.

The gathered warhorses were used to load grain carts, increasing the speed at which the grain silos could be pulled away from this dangerous place as quickly as possible.

Because Guo Zhigui was not very literate, he could not understand the pamphlet he had found, so he called Jia Lian over to look at it.

Jia Lian flipped through the booklet and said, "Zhi Gui, this is an account book. It lists place names, shops, people's names, and the transactions of goods and money."

It was something this person used for keeping records and bookkeeping; it looked quite ordinary, nothing strange about it.

The two looked it over from side to side, but couldn't see anything unusual. Guo Zhigui then casually stuffed it into his pocket.

He said, "Second Master, according to Sun Yuxiu's confession, Sun Dali knows that we are the grain team of Liaodong Town, and he knows our return route even better."

This man runs a charcoal shop in town. We've bought charcoal from his shop and met him face-to-face, so we couldn't see anything suspicious about him.

He is a very capable person, capable of accomplishing such a great feat in Donggang Town, and we should not underestimate him.

Sun Yuxiu has gone and will not return. He will surely send people to investigate. We are leading a large group of grain carts and are moving slowly. We have no way to escape the pursuers.

With the incident at the military granary in Donggang Town, the supply of grain to the nine border towns will inevitably face difficulties for a while, as this grain is now a precious commodity.

To preserve this batch of grain, we cannot return to Liaoyang via the original route. I suggest that Second Master lead the grain convoy to the nearest town, Jizhou.

"Go there to lay low for now. I will send a lone rider back to Liaoyang to report. The commander-in-chief, knowing about the events at Donggang Town, will surely send troops to meet us and will also urgently report to the court."

……

Jia Lian asked, "Brother Zhigui, aren't you coming to Jizhou Town with me?"

Guo Zhigui said, "I am a battalion commander in the army. Now that I know about this matter, I cannot ignore it."

Third Master often said that speed is of the essence in war. The occupation of the military granary in Donggang Town and the infiltration of the Mongol Tartars into the pass were both major incidents that could cause upheaval.

The message must be delivered as soon as possible, or things will get out of control. If the Mongols had planned this all along, how many civilians would die if they were to advance unimpeded?

Xuanfu Town is the closest to Donggang Town. The Mongols would attempt to sneak in at night, and their entry route would be closest to Xuanfu Town. Someone must be there to warn them in time.

Seeing that he was so young and barely literate, yet so thoughtful and brave, Jia Lian couldn't help but admire him.

The third brother himself is remarkable, and the people he trains are also remarkable. No wonder he was able to rise to the rank of battalion commander at such a young age.

He said, "I will listen to Brother Zhigui and take the grain convoy to Jizhou Town. You must be careful on your journey."

Guo Zhigui selected four spearmen, had them unload their muskets, and carried only swords and bows and arrows. They left the mountain pass and headed west. The sound of horses' hooves echoed, and they disappeared into the night in a moment.

Jia Lian looked up at the sky, which seemed to be approaching midnight. He thought of the dangers in the north and how lively the mansion must be at this time.

He sighed deeply, led the grain convoy out of the mountain pass, changed the original route, and chose a small path towards Jizhou.

Silence returned to the mountain valley, the ground littered with corpses. At first, there were faint groans, but as the snow covered the area, it quickly became deathly silent...

……

In the capital city, at the Rongguo Mansion, in the Rongqing Hall, it was just past midnight on New Year's Eve.

In the main hall of Rongqing Hall, the banquet was halfway through, filled with laughter and joy. The entire play "The Romance of the Western Chamber" had been performed on the stage, along with other plays such as "The Zither Challenge" and "Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute".

The women listened with great interest. Fewer fried and hot dishes were served on the table, but soups, tea, and fruit were served continuously, and the festive atmosphere remained undiminished.

After the last act was performed on stage, Grandmother Jia, being of advanced age, felt the air in the flower hall growing increasingly cold.

He asked, "What time is it now?"

Yuanyang replied, "It's already past midnight."

Grandmother Jia said, "No wonder it's chilly and I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable."

Yuanyang quickly took a thick woolen coat and put it on Grandmother Jia.

Wang Xifeng said, "Grandma, why don't we move to the heated kang in the warm pavilion? It's not as spacious there as it is here, but we can put a few tables together and everyone can sit down."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said it was fine. Everyone got up and went into the warm pavilion. After all, it was not as spacious as the flower hall. Everyone's personal maids stayed in the flower hall to wait for them to serve them.

Qingwen ran to Wu'er's side and whispered something. Wu'er smiled and nodded. Then she went to discuss it with Zhishao and Ping'er. They all had the same idea.

The three of them went into the warm pavilion and complained to Grandmother Jia, saying that the East Mansion was currently filled with maids and servants, and that the young men and women were all here, so it was inevitable that something would be overlooked on New Year's Eve.

So I'll go back and patrol first, just to avoid any accidents, and come back to pay my respects at dawn tomorrow.

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "You three are quite well-behaved, knowing how to help Cong-ge'er look after the household belongings. You've been sitting with him all night, so go back and get some rest."

"I have nothing planned for tomorrow, the first day of the lunar month. Come early for dinner and to watch the opera; it'll be another day of fun."

Aunt Xue smiled at Grandmother Jia and said, "Cong-ge'er is really good at managing people. The girls in his room are not only first-class in appearance and character, but also thoughtful and good at managing a household."

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Cong-ge'er has always had this kind of character; he is truly blessed."

Lady Wang, who was listening from the side, was displeased. She couldn't help but glance at Xiren and Caiyun. Caixia was nowhere to be seen, saying that she had gone back to rest.

Baoyu's room was full of wooden blocks, and he wasn't as good at socializing as others.

His own sister was always trying to curry favor with that guy, without even caring that he spoke in a shabby way.

These girls have no background whatsoever, do they think no one knows? They don't deserve her flattery and praise.

Aside from Ping'er, who has some background, one is a former nun and the other is the daughter of a cook, which is quite respectable.

That boy from the East Mansion is a lecher. He'll take anyone with a bit of looks, regardless of their background, and he'll drag them to his bedside. He has no manners whatsoever of a young master from a prominent family.

As Ping'er and the others left, they waved to Jia Cong. Jia Cong nodded, preparing to entertain them briefly before returning home after midnight.

After all, he is now the head of the Xi family, and it seems inappropriate for him to leave too early.

……

After the women, including Grandmother Jia, went to the warm pavilion, Jia Cong, not wanting to follow, went out to change his clothes. When he returned, he ran into Xiao Hong coming out of the flower hall.

He asked, "It's not over inside yet, where are you going?"

Xiao Hong laughed and said, "The warm pavilion is so big, I won't squeeze in there. Let's go back to Rongxi Hall and take a look."

Yu Chuan is all alone in the room; she must be quite bored. The maids and servants in the main hall are drinking, gambling, and making a ruckus. I'll go check on them.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I'm also getting a little tired of staying here. I was just thinking of getting some fresh air. Let's go back and take a look together."

The two entered Rongxi Hall together. Xiao Hong went to inspect various places, while Jia Cong returned alone to the three side rooms on the east side.

As soon as I pushed open the door, I found the room to be dimly lit. The candles in the two outer rooms were extinguished, and only the candlestick in the left wing room was lit.

Jia Cong lifted the curtain and went in, smelling a fragrant and sweet scent. Yu Chuan was lying on the small couch, fully clothed.

A delicate emerald silk quilt was half-draped over her slender waist, and she was sleeping soundly.

Jia Cong stepped forward to take a closer look and saw that her cheeks were flushed, her eyebrows and eyes were graceful and beautiful, and under the lamplight, her long, curved eyelashes cast delicate shadows on her eyelids.

Yu Chuan was a very alert sleeper. Although Jia Cong's footsteps were light, they still startled her as he approached. She sat up and rubbed her eyes.

He asked, "Third Master, have you finished the New Year's Eve banquet?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "It's only midnight, how could it be so fast? The old lady and the others have moved to the warm pavilion, and I'm just going out for a stroll."

Aren't you bored being alone? What did you eat tonight? Why are you going to bed so early?

Yu Chuan relit the candlesticks in the room one by one, and then went to the brazier to make tea for Jia Cong.

He laughed and said, "I won't be bored. When Xiao Hong went out, she told the kitchen to send over the New Year's Eve dinner, which is all top-quality dishes."

After I finished dinner, my sister came over to talk to me. We stayed for a long time before she went back to serve Miss Bao.

I was tired from being alone, and worried that there were too many lights in the room, so I turned off the candle in the outer room. I only meant to relax for a little while, but I ended up falling asleep.

……

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Going to bed too early tonight won't be good. When it's past midnight, the fireworks and firecrackers will be going off all at once, and I'll definitely be woken up."

Falling asleep again in the middle of the night is not easy, and I'll definitely be tired during the day tomorrow.

Yu Chuan smiled and said, "Then I won't sleep. I'll keep Third Master company and talk to him."

Jia Cong asked Yu Chuan to make him some tea, and the two sat there chatting casually. Occasionally, the candlelight flickered and burst open, and the room was filled with laughter and conversation.

Baoyu felt that Yuchuan was not good at teasing, like a clam whose mouth could not be pried open, but Yuchuan had a lot to say to Jia Cong for some reason.

The two sat for a while. Xiao Hong returned from her inspection and was about to start talking when she suddenly saw Zi Juan come in.

He laughed and said, "The old lady said she wants to set off firecrackers and fireworks to make it lively and drive away the smell of alcohol."

The men from the side rooms of Songxuan Hall have all gone home for the New Year. The old lady asked me to call the Second Master, as well as Second Master Bao and Third Master Huan.

The girl said she hadn't seen Third Master, so he must have wandered off to Rongxi Hall. She asked me to come and call him so we could watch the fireworks together.

Xiao Hong laughed and said, "Miss Lin is truly a fortune teller; she can predict where Third Master is without even leaving the house."

Zijuan chuckled inwardly, recalling the girl's playful words whispered in her ear before she left:

Third Brother has gotten a new maid, and he's probably enjoying the novelty. He must be feeling cooped up and needs to get some fresh air. He'll most likely be looking for a young girl to talk to; you'll find her as soon as you go...

Jia Cong, accompanied by Zijuan, Xiaohong, and Yuchuan, went to Rongqing Hall.

They saw Lin Zhixiao's family with several servants setting up a knee-high screen in the courtyard to prevent firecrackers from accidentally popping out and injuring people.

Then tables, chairs, and teacups were set up behind the screen, and finally all kinds of fireworks were arranged.

These fireworks were not purchased from ordinary shops; they were either imperial fireworks made by the Imperial Household Department or tributes from various regions.

During festivals, the palace would distribute gifts to noble families and high-ranking officials to show the emperor's great favor and to demonstrate the joy shared by the emperor and his subjects.

These imperial fireworks, though not very large, were all extremely exquisite. After being lit, they produced various patterns and were accompanied by various firecrackers, creating a dazzling and spectacular display.

After the servants finished making the arrangements, they all left the inner courtyard, and several young women came out, each holding incense sticks.

Grandmother Jia led the female relatives out of the hall and they all took their seats. Although Jia Cong was a junior, he was the head of the family, so he and Jia Zheng both had seats.

In previous years, Baoyu always had a seat, but now even Grandmother Jia didn't dare to be presumptuous. He could only stand in the same row as Jia Huan, watching from behind Jia Zheng.

Seeing that Baoyu was becoming increasingly pitiful, not even having a seat and having to stand with his half-brother, Lady Wang felt even more resentful.

Then I saw Yu Chuan standing behind Jia Cong with Xiao Hong, their hands gripping the back of Jia Cong's chair, looking quite innocent and intimate.

Madam Wang's eyelids twitched. This girl had only been away for a few days, and she was already getting along so well with this boy. How come she had never noticed her frivolousness before?

To put it bluntly, they are sisters after all. How could she have been deceived by her for so long? Deep down, she is just as frivolous as her sister!
Baoyu was more open-minded than Lady Wang, and he didn't feel ashamed at all for not having a seat.

His sorrow prevented him from sitting with Sister Bao and Sister Lin to celebrate the New Year and watch the fireworks.

Seeing Xiao Hong and Yu Chuan behind Jia Cong, he felt even more pain and regret.

When Xiren saw that Baoyu was acting foolish again, she couldn't help but worry that he would cause trouble again, so she held his sleeve tightly with her hand.

……

Once everyone was seated, apart from Lady Wang who was troubled by her own actions and Baoyu who looked self-pitying, everyone else looked cheerful.

Several young women, holding incense sticks, stepped forward to light and set off fireworks. Instantly, a deafening roar filled the air, and the fireworks burst forth in a dazzling display.

Scattered like stars in the sky, soaring like nine dragons into the clouds, then a thunderclap from the ground, the flying spirits startled the nine heavens.

Lin Daiyu, being of a delicate nature, could not withstand the resounding voice of Bi Bo, so Grandmother Jia embraced her in her arms.

Xiangyun, however, had no taboos. Whenever a dazzling and beautiful flower bloomed in the sky, she would exclaim in praise, her voice clear, melodious, and joyful.

Xichun couldn't sit still; she would excitedly stand and jump around, only to be pushed back down by Yingchun, after which she would quickly bounce back up.

Tan Chun and Bao Chai were excited, pointing at the fireworks in the sky and laughing and chatting with each other, forgetting their worries.

Xing Xiuyan, however, remained calm and composed, her demeanor elegant. She would often turn her head to look at Jia Cong, and when she saw his sapphire blue robe with floral patterns, she would smile.

……

After the fireworks were finished, Lin Zhixiao's wife brought in many children, all of whom were underage members of the seventh branch of the family, to kowtow and wish Grandmother Jia a Happy New Year.

Grandmother Jia was overjoyed and, following custom, ordered the young actors to sing a "Lotus Flower Ballad" accompanied by bamboo clappers and cymbals, scattering copper coins all over the ground for the children to grab and have fun.

After the commotion subsided, Grandmother Jia returned to Rongqing Hall with her family. Wang Xifeng had the prepared duck porridge, jujube and rice porridge, almond tea, and other desserts served.

After everyone had eaten casually, in keeping with the New Year's wishes for a sweet and plentiful meal, and had some mouthwash, they all dispersed.

Although according to custom, one should stay up all night on New Year's Eve, wealthy families are all pampered and no one would stay up all night to avoid harming their health; they would simply leave the lights on while they sleep.

……

Jia Cong returned to the East Mansion with his sisters Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun, and others. The sisters were all delicate women and were exhausted after staying up half the night.

Xichun, being young, had been playing happily, but now she was yawning constantly. Even Xiangyun, who was the most energetic, was clamoring to go back to sleep.

Jia Cong saw his sisters off to their respective homes. When he entered his own courtyard, he found that all the rooms were lit up, and although the main hall was closed, it was brightly lit.

He pushed open the door and went in. Inside, the incense burner was burning warmly, and the air was filled with the fragrance of perfume. The scene was beautiful and charming. It was almost midnight, and all the girls and maids around him were still there.

A long rectangular table was placed on the kang (heated brick bed), laden with fruits and vegetables, as well as a small jar of Shaoxing wine. The flickering red candles made the display even more dazzling.

Zhi Shao, Wu Er, Ping Er, Qing Wen, Ying Lian, Ling Guan, and others, apart from their outer garments, wore only short jackets and undergarments, their figures graceful and their bearing fragrant, each possessing their own unique charm.

Everyone smiled broadly when they saw him come in. Douguan, who was dozing off, jumped up as soon as Jia Cong entered.

He laughed and said, "Third Master, you're finally back! Everyone's been waiting for you. They wouldn't let us touch our food until you came back. I'm starving."

Lingguan laughed and scolded, "At the banquet in the West Mansion, you didn't stop eating. How could you not be hungry? Aren't you afraid of overeating?"

Zhi Shao smiled and said, "The old ladies have moved to the warm pavilion, so it's not convenient for us to crowd in. We've discussed it privately, and we think it's good that our own courtyard should be lively during the New Year."

Qingwen said, "That's exactly the point. When I was at a banquet in the West Mansion, surrounded by ladies and grandmothers, I was always on edge."

I dared not speak loudly, nor eat heartily; I was so tired from sitting that I just wanted to go back to my own yard and have some fun.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Since you want to have some fun, why don't you stay up tonight? You'll have dark circles under your eyes tomorrow, and people will complain that you don't look good."

Qingwen smiled and said, "It's a rare occasion on New Year's Eve. As long as Third Master doesn't mind the dark circles under my eyes, it's alright."

Ping'er said, "If we don't invite the Second Miss, Miss Lin, and the Third Miss to our New Year's feast, they will blame us."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I think we should forget about it. I just came back with the sisters, and they were all sleepy. Even Yun-meimei, who is so talkative, is clamoring to go to sleep."

There's still a long time until the Lunar New Year, so let's not bother them tonight. We can invite them over for a meal another day."

……

Qingwen smiled and said, "That's fine too. Today, we'll just have drinks and chat with Third Master. We'll host another day to treat the ladies."

As she spoke, she jumped off the kang (a heated brick bed), loosened Jia Cong's sapphire blue floral robe, removed his inner jacket, took off his boots, and put on his everyday soft shoes.

Jia Cong wore only a light green cotton-padded jacket and white silk trousers with ink-splashed fabric, the trouser legs casually hanging loose, looking very relaxed and at ease.

Qingwen helped Jia Cong tidy up and said with a smile, "I also made a new robe for Third Master. He only chose to wear Miss Xing's, but Miss Xing's handiwork is really good."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I wear the robe you made for so many days a year. My cousin rarely makes one, so naturally I should choose which one to wear first."

Qingwen smiled and said, "Let's not talk about the robe. Today is New Year's Eve. I'd like to offer a toast to Third Master. You don't need to lift a finger; I'll take care of it."

As she spoke, she brought the wine cup to Jia Cong's lips, and Jia Cong laughed and said, "You really don't learn good things, you just learn Lin Daiyu's mischievousness."

Everyone laughed and followed Qingwen's example by toasting Jia Cong. Even Douguan's eyes lit up, and she did the same.

The atmosphere at the table immediately became lively. Since everyone present was a close friend or family member, there were no outsiders or formalities. They simply chatted, laughed, and ate casually.

After drinking a little wine, they played a game of rock-paper-scissors, with the loser being punished by drinking. By the early hours of the morning, half of a small jar of Daughter's Red wine had been consumed.

……

Jia Cong was also feeling the effects of the wine, and Ping'er said with a smile, "On such a beautiful day, it would be best if Lingguan sang a song. Why don't you sing one?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "This is the best idea. Last time, because of the great death of the Dowager Empress, we couldn't be too excessive in our daily lives, so Lingguan and I would hide in the study to sing."

Now there's no need to hold back. Just sing a song, whatever it may be, whether it's sad or happy. Just sing what you like, and we'll all enjoy listening.

Ling Guan also drank two glasses. She rarely drinks alcohol and has a very low alcohol tolerance. However, the alcohol made her cheeks flushed, making her look exceptionally beautiful.

Seeing that Jia Cong wanted to hear a song, she looked at him with eyes that sparkled like water, thought for a moment, and then smiled and said, "Since it's not a big deal, how about I sing 'Lazy Eyebrows' from The Peony Pavilion?"

No one else knew what the song "Lazy Eyebrows" was, but Lingguan, who came from a performing arts background, was also very fond of it, and Jia Cong gave her many opera scripts.

The Romance of the Western Chamber and The Peony Pavilion are among the most common works, as these plays were often used as models when teaching her to read and write.

The two enjoyed studying and refining the poem in private, and Jia Cong naturally knew about it, "Lazy Eyebrows."

He smiled and said, "This tune is excellent; sing it carefully."

Lingguan smiled, her beauty captivating, and her melodious voice rang out:
This year's spring scenery is the most alluring; what's missing is the low-lying and high-lying pink painted walls.

Springtime feelings can fly everywhere, like the slumbering rose clinging to the hem of a skirt—just as flowers, like the human heart, are drawn towards goodness…

The music was clear and melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate, its lingering charm captivating the audience.

As Lingguan sang the middle section, her voice became increasingly expressive, her heart trembling, her eyes darting towards Jia Cong. Though still a young girl, her affection was already evident in the melody…

……

After the song ended, everyone cheered and became excited. What started as a drinking contest turned into a singing contest where the winner had to win.

Crisp and beautiful sounds rose and fell, some light and smooth, others deep and resonant. Some people tapped their cups with chopsticks, their voices echoing the music, and laughter filled the air. Even Jia Cong sang a song.

Until the last watch of the night, Douguan secretly drank some wine from Lingguan's cup and curled up on the kang (heated brick bed) to sleep.

Qingwen's cheeks were flushed and intoxicating, her eyebrows were adorned with a hazy smile, and she exclaimed, "My heart is beating so fast, I'm about to die of intoxication."

Wu'er laughed and said, "Who told you to drink?" But she herself was also feeling hot and weak, so Qingwen leaned on her and the two of them slumped on the kang.

Yinglian and Ping'er both had low alcohol tolerance, and each hugged their pillows, seemingly half asleep, unwilling to move.

Jia Cong had already drunk several cups at the West Mansion, and upon returning, he was toasted by everyone and drank quite a bit himself, leaving him feeling dizzy and lightheaded.

Lingguan was afraid of ruining her voice, so she didn't dare to drink too much. Zhishao, on the other hand, was not urged to drink by anyone because she had practiced Buddhism. Although both of them felt dizzy, they were still sober.

Seeing that Jia Cong was heavily intoxicated and that the night was growing deeper, they helped him to his inner room to rest... (End of Chapter)