Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

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

Inside the room, candlelight flickered, bed curtains hung low, and a jade incense burner inscribed with the fragrance of ambergris and orchids, its aroma intoxicating and intoxicating.

Zhi Shao helped Jia Cong onto the canopy bed, Ling Guan poured him some warm tea to soothe his mouth, and the two of them helped him change into his nightgown and let him lean against the pillow.

After removing the screen, Zhi Shao changed into her inner clothes and loosened her hairpins and bun, then returned to her bed.

Seeing Lingguan feeding him tea, Jia Cong was in a drunken stupor, his brows slightly furrowed.

He said, "I drink regularly and have gotten drunk a few times, but today it's really bad, and my head is throbbing."

Zhi Shao smiled and said, "Third Master rarely drinks, and his drinking capacity has always been refined. He had already attended a banquet at the West Mansion today, and then had another drink when he got back."

"That girl Qingwen is strange. She coaxed Third Master into drinking quite a bit of fluid, so it's not surprising that he has a headache. A good night's sleep will do the trick. I'll massage it for him."

As she spoke, she knelt down beside Jia Cong, extended her slender fingers, and gently rubbed Jia Cong's temples, smiling as she said, "Does this feel better?"

Seeing that she was still tipsy, with a pretty face, bright eyes, and a gentle demeanor, Jia Cong found her even more charming and beautiful.

He felt much better after her massage, and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, laughing, "I'm so glad I did."

Although Zhi Shao had tried to restrain herself, she had still drunk quite a bit of alcohol. Now, as she tried to control her head, the alcohol took effect, and she felt dizzy.

He said with a wry smile, "I can't take it anymore. I'm seeing stars. Lingguan, could you rub my head? I need to lean back and rest for a bit."

……

Lingguan smiled and said, "Sister Zhishao, go lie down. I will take care of Third Master."

As she spoke, she took off her embroidered shoes, climbed onto the canopy bed, sat down next to Jia Cong, and reached out to massage his temples.

He asked softly, "Third Master, was my grip too light?"

As Jia Cong saw Lingguan getting closer, he smelled her sweet, youthful fragrance, which was intoxicating and captivating.

Her snow-white earlobes were adorned with gold filigree phoenix tail earrings inlaid with pearls, which swayed slightly and shimmered with a warm glow.

She wore a white Suzhou-embroidered soft silk blouse, with fine and delicate stitches, perfectly fitting her body. The candlelight reflected off the silk, giving it a lustrous sheen.

Her slightly bent waist was slender and graceful, her slender figure like a budding flower, with the first bloom of the beautiful hills.

She had a pair of beautiful, large eyes, bright and moist, as if they could speak. In her bright eyes, one could clearly see Jia Cong himself.

He chuckled and said, "It's just right, and my head doesn't hurt so much anymore."

……

Lingguan smiled slightly upon hearing this, her hands continuing their work. She thought of the lazy eyebrow painting she had just heard about, which Jia Cong found quite appealing.

She hummed softly, "So spring's heart soars everywhere, the sleeping rose clings to the hem of a skirt, just as flowers, like the human heart, are drawn towards good..."

Jia Cong felt the soft, slender fingers on his temples, their gentle pressure making him drowsy. He heard a melodious soft sound in his ear, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.

My whole being felt as if it were sinking into something soft, all the drunkenness and fatigue were smoothed out as if by hot water, and I was so immersed in it that I didn't want to leave.

It was past midnight outside the window, the night was deep, and dawn was still far off. The sixteenth year of Jiazhao had arrived unexpectedly.

The hoped-for peace and tranquility, and the unpredictable ups and downs, will continue as in previous years, and no one can foresee them.

Lingguan's soft humming echoed in the room, conveying a youthful, tranquil, and tender feeling.

On the large kang outside, Wu'er groggily raised her head and couldn't help but smile when she heard Lingguan singing.

She pulled the cotton quilt from the kang (a heated brick bed) over herself, hastily covered the maids around her, and then went to sleep peacefully.

……

The Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong Courtyard, the first day of the first month of the sixteenth year of the Jia Zhao reign.

The morning sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, falling on the deep red jujube wood floor and casting warm, dappled shadows.

Inside the room, on the canopy bed, brocade quilts were piled high, gold and jade were wrapped around the bed, and the woman was fast asleep, her sweet dreams deep. The bed curtains were hanging, and they had not been closed last night.

Zhi Shao slept in the innermost position, her cheeks flushed, her eyebrows like painted willows, and her long black hair piled up beside her pillow. The neckline of her soft gauze dress was slightly open, revealing a glimpse of her fair and smooth skin.

She lay on her side on the pink jade gauze pillow, nestled against Jia Cong's left shoulder, their voices mingling.

Jia Cong lay upright, covered tightly with a brocade quilt, as if he had been carefully served after being drunk.

However, the part of his quilt near the edge of the bed appeared bulging, suggesting that he wasn't the only one, revealing a slender and graceful figure.

On her left shoulder, half of her hair was peeking out from under the covers. Her hair was a little messy, and her head and face were tucked under the covers as she slept soundly.

At the foot of the bed, a section of soft silk embroidered trouser leg peeked out from the corner of the quilt, revealing a delicate foot clad in a cloth sock.

……

As the dappled sunlight on the jujube wood floor moved higher with the rising sun, it finally dazzled Jia Cong's eyes, and he woke up with his eyes half-closed.

Last night I had a headache from drinking too much, but after a good night's sleep, it all disappeared. The bed was warm and soft, filled with the sweet fragrance of a young woman, intoxicatingly fragrant.

Zhi Shao, who was sleeping soundly beside him, was breathing sweetly. But Jia Cong felt that he was surrounded by a soft, warm, and tender body.

He saw the beautiful hair resting on his left shoulder, his heart skipped a beat, and he gently lifted the corner of the quilt, finding Lingguan curled up in the quilt, fast asleep in his arms.

His hair was disheveled, his cheeks were flushed, his breathing was slow and steady, and he was sleeping soundly. He subconsciously pulled the covers over himself.

I feel like my mind is blank. Last night, I had a headache after drinking, and Lingguan massaged my temples and hummed a tune to me.

He felt comfortable and relaxed, and drifted off to sleep in a daze. How did the two of them end up sleeping together?
It was probably too late last night, and the little girl was really tired, so she fell asleep haphazardly. Fortunately, Lingguan's clothes were intact, and she didn't do anything outrageous.

……

He looked out the window at the sun, which was probably already past 7 a.m. He thought about how today was the first day of the Lunar New Year and there were many trivial matters to attend to in both households.

Lingguan moved her body slightly but remained fast asleep, while Zhishao, who was beside her pillow, woke up first.

He smiled and asked, "Third Master, did you sleep well last night?"

Hearing the slight teasing in her words, Jia Cong felt a little embarrassed and asked softly, "Why is Lingguan sleeping here?"

Zhi Shao said, "I was drunk last night and couldn't sleep, so I went to sleep first. She helped Third Master massage his head to help him sober up."

The little girl is a very hardworking person. I guess she got tired after working for so long and fell asleep. I woke up in the middle of the night and didn't want to wake her, so I covered her with a blanket.

Seeing Lingguan sleeping, Zhi Shao blushed slightly and covered her mouth with a smile, saying, "I slept soundly in the latter half of the night. The little girl is pretty, so Third Master didn't do anything..."

Jia Cong chuckled softly and scolded, "Nonsense, I was sleeping soundly. She's so young, I'm not that frivolous. I wouldn't do anything bad with you."

……

Zhi Shao blushed deeply: "Third Master, aren't you ashamed to talk nonsense in broad daylight? I'm ignoring you!"

Seeing her blush, Jia Cong wanted to tease her even more, so he leaned in and kissed her lips, his hand already slipping inside her soft, fragrant clothes.

The two were playfully teasing each other, their soft murmurs coming from under the covers, their sleepy voices endearing and adorable.

"How did I end up sleeping here? I must have been really confused last night."

Zhi Shao blushed deeply and quickly pulled the hand away, covering her clothes with it.

He sat up and laughed, "You were sleepy last night, and I couldn't wake you up. It's more convenient to sleep like this. Why be so particular on New Year's Eve?"

Lingguan lifted the covers and got up. She glanced at Jia Cong, her pretty face flushed red, and she rubbed her eyes, remaining silent for a moment.

……

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. We still have to pay our respects to the old lady. There are many formalities between the two households. I really overslept."

As she spoke, she lifted the covers and got up. Lingguan also quickly got out of bed to fetch Jia Cong's jacket and outer robe.

Zhi Shao smiled and said, "It's not too late, it's only just past Chen Shi (7-9 AM). The old lady has been up most of the night, she won't be getting up early anytime soon."

Lingguan busied herself helping Jia Cong put on his jacket, robe, and belt. Jia Cong reached out and gently brushed the stray hairs from her forehead to her temples.

The two smiled at each other, and the awkwardness of sharing a bed and blankets earlier vanished without a trace.

After dressing lightly, Zhi Shao went to the outer room on the kang (heated brick bed). She was covered tightly with two quilts, and everyone was sleeping soundly with rosy complexions.

Qingwen crawled out of bed, her eyes still half-closed with sleep, and said, "I'm hungry, it's time for breakfast."

Qingwen was woken up by her noise and laughed, scolding, "You half-grown girl can't be satisfied. You were the only one who ate a lot last night, and now you're hungry again after a nap." Zhi Shao smiled and said, "If I want to eat breakfast, I need to wash my face, clean my mouth, and tidy myself up before I can eat."

Douguan loudly agreed and rushed out to get ready. The others got up, and the room immediately became noisy.

Everyone was busy getting dressed, and several people crowded in front of the dressing mirror, busy washing and applying makeup. A burst of laughter and playful banter filled the room with lively energy.

Qingwen, Yinglian, and the others were quick and efficient. They got ready and went out to fetch hot water to help everyone wash their faces and cleanse their mouths.

……

A figure moved at the courtyard gate, followed by footsteps. Musk Moon entered with several old women, each carrying a food box.

Jia Cong smiled and asked, "Sister Musk Moon, what brings you here?"

Musk Moon hurriedly gave Jia Cong a curtsy and said with a smile, "Third Master, may you have a happy new year, rise higher and higher, and prosper year after year."

She added, "Second Miss said that Third Master and the girls in the courtyard all drank wine last night, and they couldn't get up properly this morning, so she asked me to go and prepare some to send over early."

All the young ladies are in the Second Miss's courtyard, waiting for the Third Master to finish his meal so they can go to the West Mansion together to pay their respects to the Old Madam.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Second Sister is so thoughtful. Please ask her to wait a moment while we have our meal."

After breakfast, Jia Cong, along with Zhi Shao, Ping'er, Wu'er, and sisters including Ying Chun and Dai Yu, went to the West Mansion to pay New Year's greetings.

As soon as everyone arrived at Rongqing Hall, they saw Yuanyang returning with a copper basin of hot water.

He smiled and said, "Happy New Year, Third Master. You've come at just the right time. The old lady was tired last night and just got up. She'll have to wait a little while."

Jia Cong led his sisters into Rongqing Hall, where maids served them hot tea. After a short while, Wang Xifeng entered with her maid Feng'er.

……

After exchanging a few words, Yuanyang helped Grandmother Jia into the hall, whereupon they followed the proper etiquette to offer New Year's greetings and best wishes.

When Grandmother Jia saw that the female grandchildren of the eldest branch of the family were all outstanding and beautiful, gathered together, she was delighted. The gloom she felt yesterday during the ancestral worship was long forgotten.

Have Yuanyang bring out the gold ingots that were prepared in advance, some in the shape of plum blossoms, some in the shape of crabapple blossoms, and some in the shape of ruyi (a type of scepter), and distribute them to the younger generation as New Year's red envelopes.

After receiving the proper greetings, Zhi Shao, Ping'er, Wu'er, and the others bid farewell to Grandmother Jia and returned to their residence.

Because Jia Zheng, Baoyu, and others from the second branch of the family would come to pay their respects for the New Year, and since they were women who had entered the household and were in the prime of their lives, they needed to be more courteous and avoid the visit compared to Yingchun and other female relatives of the same lineage.

Moreover, Wu'er and Ping'er know Baoyu's true colors best, so they naturally wouldn't stay and cause trouble.

Not long after the three of them left the hall, Jia Zheng brought Baoyu, Jia Huan, and Jia Lan over to kowtow, followed by Lady Wang, Li Wan, Aunt Zhao, Aunt Zhou, and other female relatives.

Upon entering the hall, Baoyu's eyes darted around. Seeing Yingchun, Daiyu, and the other sisters brought him some comfort, but the absence of Ping'er, Wu'er, and the others left him somewhat disappointed...

……

Jia Zheng, along with the women and children of his second wife, paid their respects to Grandmother Jia according to custom. After the ceremony, Aunt Xue, along with Baochai, paid their respects to Grandmother Jia.

The group sat down and chatted. The most important thing on the first day of the Lunar New Year was to visit each other's family and relatives, and to pay respects to officials.

Wang Xifeng had been handling this matter for many years. The various families and relatives of the Xi Mansion often communicated with each other, and they would exchange messages before the end of the year, with each family visiting on a certain day and time.

Therefore, Wang Xifeng meticulously arranged the daily tea, banquets, and welcoming and sending off affairs in advance, speaking fluently and methodically.

Grandmother Jia was worried that Yingchun was too young, and with Jia Cong's growing reputation and many guests coming to the East Mansion, her granddaughter might not be able to handle it, so she asked a few more questions.

Yingchun smiled and said, "Grandma, there's no need to worry. The East Mansion has been open for two years. Although I'm not very bright, I've stumbled and struggled to manage it twice and have barely learned how to handle it."

Last year, the number of visitors to the various households in the East Prefecture was relatively small, except for Congdi's classmates and teachers at Qingshan Academy, as well as disciples and juniors of Master Liu.

They were his colleagues and subordinates from the Ministry of Works, as well as Cong's younger brother and a few old friends.

This year, Cong's younger brother passed the imperial examination and entered the Hanlin Academy, so there were many more guests than last year.

I have received many visiting cards before the new year. In addition to the visitors from last year, there are many colleagues and subordinates from the Hanlin Academy. They all come from scholarly families, and I cannot be careless about etiquette.

Many visiting cards also came from the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Court of Judicial Review, all of which were connections that Cong's younger brother had made during his official business that year.

In addition, there were Grand Secretary Wang, Minister of Personnel Chen, Minister of War Gu, Grand Master of Rites Guo, and Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices Zheng.

These families all had nephews and nieces visiting them. Although these people were young and some had not yet entered officialdom, they were all from prestigious families, so their visits and receptions had to be very thoughtful.

I have consulted Sister Feng. According to the rules of etiquette among the hereditary nobles, as the saying goes, it's never wrong to be overly polite. We must ensure that Brother Cong doesn't lose face.

In addition, both the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Five Armies had officers who would send visiting cards. Because of Cong's military experience, it would be easier for him to handle it on his own.

Although the number of guests to entertain during the Lunar New Year in Dongfu this year is much greater than last year, this year not only will my third sister be there to help with the cooking.

I've gained another one, Musk Moon. This girl is shrewd, articulate, quick-witted, and shrewd; she's worth several people.

So although there have been many things going on this year, I can still handle things on my end, so please don't worry, Grandma.

……

Yingchun's words were ordinary, but everyone in the hall was surprised. Jia Zheng's eyes lit up, while Lady Wang felt a chill run down her spine.

Hearing Yingchun praise Mushe, he felt even more aggrieved. This wretched girl was a worm in Baoyu's room, only good for causing trouble.

I never expected him to be so good at flattery when he went to the East Mansion. Not long after, he became a spirit and transformed into a dragon. He really is a rebellious creature.

Li Wan comes from a scholarly family, and her father, Li Shouzhong, has been in charge of the Imperial Academy for many years, yet he has not accumulated such a network of connections. It is truly astonishing that Jia Cong is still so young.

Baoyu naturally felt contempt. Jia Cong had only been an official for a few years, yet he had already colluded with so many corrupt officials and traitors, working together in the mud. It was utterly despicable!
Having served as a duke's consort her entire life, Grandmother Jia naturally understood the gravity of the situation and was quite astonished.

He asked, "Brother Cong, how did you accumulate so many connections and relationships in just one year?"

Jia Cong said, "Some of them were there last year, most of them were newly added this year, and the major ones are due to passing the imperial examination this year, so they have more connections with the Hanlin Academy."

Lord Wang, Lord Chen, Lord Guo, and Lord Zheng were all my mentors in the spring imperial examinations, the provincial examinations, and the prefectural examinations. They were taught proper etiquette and I must treat them with the respect due to a disciple. I could not be negligent in their teachings.

Lord Gu has been kind to me. I was able to enter Liaodong and make contributions because of Lord Gu's recommendation. I am deeply grateful for his help.

It will be common for the younger generation of each family to visit each other. On the second day of the Lunar New Year, I will visit each family's teachers and elders.

Officials from other departments interacted frequently this year due to the heavy workload of the Ministry of Works and the close official exchanges between various government offices, thus making many friends among their colleagues.

……

Jia Zheng laughed and said, "It's alright to associate with those colleagues in the Six Ministries, but your four mentors are all highly respected and are all great Confucian scholars of our time."

They have spent half their lives in officialdom, and their students and old friends are all over the court, which will greatly benefit your career.
There is something even more important: the relationship between teachers and students in the imperial examinations is always extraordinary, and these four families could become close friends of the Eastern Prefecture in the future.

Now that the Jia family is a family of scholars, being able to associate with these prominent Confucian families is a very respectable thing.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "What you say makes sense, sir. Now the Great Zhou is at peace throughout the four seas. Although there are still some disturbances in the nine border regions, as long as nothing major happens, the Great Zhou will still focus on civil administration."

For children in such families seeking a better future, the imperial examinations were the most likely path. Associating with Confucian families, cultivating their family traditions, and educating their children was of great benefit.

Hearing these words, Jia Zheng felt as if he were bathed in a spring breeze. Jia Cong's words resonated with him deeply, and this was exactly the kind of grandeur he had been hoping for in the Jia family.

He sighed as he thought of these things. His elder brother had died too soon, leaving behind much to gossip about.

But having raised a son like Cong-ge, all his faults in life were overshadowed, and he was ultimately more fortunate than himself...

……

When Baoyu heard Jia Cong's shameless boasting about his connections in officialdom, his Confucian family history, and his encouragement of his children to study, he was completely bewildered by Jia Cong's words.

This is just stirring up the master's old grudges. Who knows how he'll humiliate himself in the future? Jia Cong is truly becoming more and more despicable, leaving no peace and quiet for anyone!
Lady Wang overheard Wang Xifeng, Yingchun, Jia Cong, and others talking about the distinguished guests visiting the two mansions, describing their lavish and dignified presence.

She was originally the mistress of the West Mansion, and such dignity and honor should have been hers. But now she has fallen into this predicament. Thinking about it, she is anxious and resentful.

Although his master was also a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Works, and was of the same rank as this man from the East Mansion, he was nothing like this kid who could stir up trouble.

Since the second wife moved to the east courtyard, things have really gone downhill. The place is deserted, and nobody goes to the east side courtyard anymore.

Originally, the master was the head of the West Mansion, and every year during festivals, his house was filled with guests. Now, all his old friends and acquaintances have changed their tune and have all flocked to this young man from the East Mansion.

This kid is truly a jinx to the second wife's family. He's like a celestial dog eating the moon and a snake swallowing an elephant, stealing all of the second wife's good fortune. Heaven is truly blind.

When Grandmother Jia heard about the thriving state of the East Mansion, she was pleased to see her grandchildren looking so presentable.

Seeing his second daughter-in-law's somber face, he naturally understood her ulterior motives, and out of consideration for his son, he couldn't be too cold to her.

She asked, "There are many relatives from the bride's family in the East Courtyard. They are from prominent families, and Baoyu has also married into a family. Have there been any visits during the New Year...?" (End of this chapter)