Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The Rongguo Mansion, the inner courtyard, second gate.

When Caiyun saw Baoyu suddenly become overjoyed after a moment of grief, she felt a chill run down her spine.

Sister Xiren keeps fooling the Second Master like this, which saves him from causing trouble again, but if she keeps playing this trick on him, she might actually turn him into a fool.

I don't even believe these words, but the Second Master was so happy to hear them; it's really a bit creepy.

Sister Xiren said that even the old lady couldn't decide on Third Master Cong's marriage, and that it would definitely be arranged by the palace in the future, which was not wrong.

Even if the palace bestows a marriage upon a princess, the princess will not be married off. Most likely, the marriage will be to the daughter of an official. Last time, the third daughter of the Zhen family in Jinling was given as a gift.

The third daughter of the Zhen family was from an official family, and Miss Lin's father was a third-ranking scholar and also the salt commissioner of Yangzhou. Does that mean she wasn't from an official family?

Sister Xiren's words can only fool the Second Master, not even me. With the Second Master's muddle-headed mind, how could he possibly succeed studying at the Imperial Academy...?

However, Caiyun is now down on her luck. She has slept with Baoyu for half a year, but she still remains chaste. She just lives day by day and has no time to worry about these things.

……

Baoyu was tricked by Xiren and looked back at the inner courtyard of the West Mansion, still reluctant to leave, just as he saw Tanchun and Xiangyun coming over.

Baoyu's eyes welled up with tears, and he was deeply moved, knowing that his sisters still cared about him.

When Tan Chun saw that Bao Yu had returned to normal and was no longer as foolish and crazy as before, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Although she now feels resentful towards Baoyu's words and actions, he is her elder brother from the same father, and their blood ties cannot be erased.

She only hoped that Baoyu would come to his senses soon, so that her master could have more dignity, and that the second branch of the family wouldn't be too disgraceful in public and in private.

Today, Baoyu has moved to the East Courtyard. According to Madam's usual mindset, she must be extremely uncomfortable, otherwise she wouldn't have not even shown her face.

Just now, Baoyu learned that Sister Lin was entertaining guests with Third Brother and was about to have another attack of her illness. If something happened, Madam would definitely stir up trouble.

The rift between the first and second wives was widening, putting Tan Chun and her husband in a difficult position, which is why she rushed over.

Baoyu's words offended his second sister, so he had to smooth things over between them. In the end, someone saw him off at the second gate, and the sisters were able to save face.

Shi Xiangyun and Baoyu both grew up by Grandmother Jia's side. Seeing Tanchun rushing to the second gate, they felt it was inappropriate to let her go alone, so they followed her.

Tan Chun instructed, "Second brother, moving to the East Courtyard is not the same as moving to the West Courtyard. You need to be more disciplined and polite in your daily life, so that the master will be happy."

Some things are best left unsaid, only to Xiren. Don't easily divulge them to others, lest rumors spread and cause trouble.

Although the sisters won't see each other often afterward, their second brother will be just as good as ever, living a harmonious life with his wife and being filial to their parents.

Baoyu was initially pleased to see Tanchun see him off at the second gate, and the sisters exchanged intimate words.

Tan Chun's talk about trivial matters, etiquette, rules, marriage, and starting a family was quite irritating and boring.

Seeing that Baoyu looked listless, Tanchun knew that he hadn't liked what she had said, so she did her best and said no more.

……

Shi Xiangyun saw that Tan Chun's words of advice were all very useful, but judging from Bao Yu's expression, he didn't seem to take them to heart.

She couldn't help but say, "Second brother, you'll be entering the Imperial Academy after the New Year. Moving back to the East Campus now will make it easier for you to concentrate on your studies."

We sisters grew up together, and I know that my second brother is exceptionally talented and intelligent.

Although passing the imperial examination is extremely difficult, with my second brother's talent and intelligence, I think it is still possible for him to study hard and pass the provincial examination.

If the second brother can succeed, he will have face in front of his sisters, and his life's achievements will be accountable. The second branch of the family can also establish itself because of the second brother.

Everything that the second master used to disapprove of has been covered up, so it wasn't in vain that we sisters grew up together.

……

Tan Chun had already seen through Bao Yu's thoughts and knew that he would ultimately disdain poetry, books, and the imperial examinations, so she would not advise him to study, lest everyone feel uncomfortable.

If this reached Lady Wang's ears, she would most likely not have thought it was well-intentioned, but rather that it was meant to mock Baoyu and make him angry and ill, thus making her look like a petty person.

Therefore, she carefully considered the limits of her words, hoping that Baoyu would be more enlightened and less absurd, and that he could live a peaceful life.

Shi Xiangyun, however, is different from Tan Chun. She is always straightforward and speaks her mind, saying only what she wants to say, without the same restraint as Tan Chun.

In addition, he was eloquent and articulate, and in a short while, he finished speaking in a flurry, as if he were going to a temple to offer incense and fulfill a vow.

Baoyu had just heard Tanchun's words, and although he felt they weren't very thoughtful, he listened patiently because his third sister meant well.

Xiangyun's words were not only unkind, but also quite hurtful, making him feel embarrassed.

Xiren had been listening in the background. Seeing Shi Xiangyun's quick wit and Baoyu's unpleasant expression and twitching lips, she couldn't help but speak up.

She knew in her heart that Shi Xiangyun was different from the other sisters. Although she was close to the Second Master when she was young, they often quarreled and argued when things didn't go their way.

In the past, it wouldn't have been a problem, but today, on the day Second Master moved, he was already uncomfortable with Second Miss and had also quarreled with Miss Yun. How can they possibly meet again in the future?

She quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, saying, "What the young ladies say makes perfect sense. Second Master should remember it well, as it's getting late."

I was worried that Second Master would miss the auspicious time for moving in and setting up the bed, so Third Miss and Miss Yun will stay here until Second Master is settled in, then we'll invite the young ladies to come and visit."

Seeing Baoyu's expression, Tanchun naturally understood what Xiren meant and said, "Sister Xiren is right. Let's get in the carriage quickly so as not to delay us."

Baoyu blushed, wanting to speak but not daring to. He was led into the carriage by Xiren, and the coachman cracked his whip, and the carriage headed towards the side gate.

……

Tan Chun watched the carriage drive away, sighed softly, and said, "Sister Yun, you know Bao Yu's temperament."

If you talk about studying and getting into a better school, he might not listen, and you'll just be wasting your time.

Shi Xiangyun said, "We grew up together, and my second brother is about to get married, yet he is still so confused and absurd, and even thinks he is right."

I couldn't bear to see him like this. Even though I knew he wouldn't like to hear it, I felt guilty if I didn't say anything. Once I said it, my heart felt clean.

As for whether my second brother can listen to us, that's his own business. We've done our best.

The second branch of the family has already moved to the east courtyard. In a few more years, the second master and mistress will grow old, and if the second brother continues like this, things will likely become even more difficult.

Although Xiangyun is forthright and has a carefree manner, she was born into a prestigious and wealthy family and is well aware of the changing dynamics of human relationships within such a large household.

Tan Chun was shrewd and astute; although Xiang Yun hadn't said everything, she understood the meaning behind it.

Now that the third brother has inherited the title of nobleman and the eldest branch has taken over the Rong family business, although the second branch has not yet separated from the family, it is only a matter of time.

Because of the bond between the master and the third brother, it might have dragged on for a few years, but this is the final outcome.

Baoyu is unwilling to study and has no ability to make a living. If he were to separate from the family and establish his own household, he would lose the protection of the main household and become nothing...

However, Tan Chun was a young lady confined to her chambers, so even if she worried about these things, it would be of no use.

……

Shi Xiangyun said, "Third sister, don't talk about these uncomfortable things. Let's go back and talk to the old lady for a while, and then go back to the East Mansion."

Let's find our own fun. After Sister Lin finishes entertaining the guests, the sisters can sit by the fire and chat. Xiuyan and I have a game of chess that we haven't finished yet.

My third brother said he'd treat everyone to an opera troupe for the New Year, which I really enjoyed. I still remember it, and I need to make sure he keeps his word.

Hearing these words, Tan Chun felt relieved, and the two sisters held hands and returned to the inner courtyard.

Just as they reached the vicinity of Rongqing Hall, they saw Lin Zhixiao's wife coming towards them, followed by two maids carrying two gift boxes.

Tan Chun saw that the gift box was decorated with gold and silver, and was luxurious and noble, unlike ordinary things. Lin Zhixiao's wife was also holding a red and gold visiting card in her hand.

He asked, "Aunt Lin, whose gift is this? It looks quite impressive. Is it from an old relative of yours?"

Lin Zhixiao's wife laughed and said, "Third Miss has a good eye. She can tell that this gift box is extraordinary. This is not from some old relative, but a gift from His Highness Prince Zhao."

Tan Chun was startled upon hearing this. The Western Mansion had never had any dealings with the Prince of Zhao, so why would they suddenly send him festival gifts? This was quite a show of respect.

Shi Xiangyun looked around the gift box and smiled, "No wonder this gift box is so expensive. It turns out it's from the palace. I've never seen it before."

Lin Zhixiao's wife laughed and said, "Your family has never had any dealings with Prince Zhao before, but this year not only did you send a prayer door, but you also invited our Third Master to a banquet at the Prince's mansion."

Third Master is still so young, it's truly impressive that he can maintain such dignity. This Prince Zhao is a man of great honor, everyone outside says he will be the emperor in the future..."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun's expression changed. She glanced at the maid carrying the gifts and frowned, saying, "Madam, you can't say things like that; it's a big taboo!"

When Lin Zhixiao's wife saw Tan Chun's pretty face darken slightly, her heart skipped a beat. She knew that Tan Chun was favored by Jia Cong and was a knowledgeable girl.

He is usually very kind to his servants, so his current attitude and words must be due to his own inappropriate remarks.

She quickly smiled apologetically and said, "It was all my fault for blurting it out. I'm an illiterate old woman with no knowledge. I heard some nonsense outside and just babbled on and on."

"Please forgive me this time, young lady. I'll never dare to say such things again."

Tan Chun took the visiting card. The bright red card was printed with a four-clawed golden dragon pattern, exuding an imposing aura. This was the unique mark of a direct descendant of a royal noble.

The jade clasp at the fold of the visiting card fits perfectly, emitting a delicate fragrance of musk and orchids; its craftsmanship is exquisite. Inside, it states that on the eighth day of the first lunar month, the birthday of the Prince of Zhao, Jia Cong is cordially invited to a banquet at his residence.

Lin Zhixiao's wife said, "Prince Zhao sent two boxes of New Year's gifts, one for the old lady and one for the third master. The manners are very thoughtful."

Tan Chun returned the visiting card to Lin Zhixiao's wife, asking her to deliver it to Rongqing Hall, and then send someone to the East Mansion to deliver the message.

……

Shi Xiangyun asked, "Third sister, Third brother established a household in the East Mansion and inherited the title of Earl of Weiyuan. He is the true heir."

"When the King of Zhao sent a visiting card to his third brother, he should have sent it to the East Palace. Why did he specifically send it to the West Palace, even including a separate gift for the old lady?"

It's not surprising that Shi Xiangyun would ask such a question, since Emperor Jia Zhao had allowed Jia Cong to inherit the title of Rongguo.

On that imperial edict conferring titles, the Weiyuan title was of legitimate lineage, while the Rongguo title was of secondary lineage; it was written with the power of the imperial pen and determined by imperial decree.

The contents of that imperial edict had already spread throughout the noble and wealthy families of the capital. Shi Xiangyun had heard her uncles and aunts discuss it privately more than once.

After a moment's thought, Tan Chun said, "My third brother once told me that there are four kings and eight dukes in the court, all of whom are old nobles who established the country and expanded its territory."

High in merit and position, with profound experience and extensive connections, and with a solid foundation in both civil and military affairs, the old Duke of Ning and Rong of the Jia family was one of the eight dukes.

Back then, the retired emperor was exceptionally skilled in military strategy, which intimidated the nine border regions. He led expeditions against the Mongols in the north and against the Tibetans in the west, and he heavily relied on the sons of four kings and eight nobles.

Therefore, even after nearly a hundred years of the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the power of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes remained undiminished. Whether they were civil or military officials in the court, or imperial relatives and nobles, they all considered it an honor to associate with them.

Although the title of Weiyuan Marquis of the third brother is hereditary and of noble status, it is still a newly conferred title. Compared with the Rongguo Marquis, which has been inherited for generations, his connections and foundation are somewhat shallower.

I often chatted with my third brother, and he taught me many anecdotes about officialdom. He said that the children of the royal family received a different upbringing than those from ordinary families.

They were all adept at observing the winds and seizing opportunities, and at preparing for unforeseen circumstances. King Zhao sent the invitation and New Year's gifts to the West Palace, not the East Palace.

Most likely, it was because the third brother, Weiyuan Jue, was a man of considerable influence, having been granted a legitimate title through military merit. He also held the position of Director of the Firearms Department of the Ministry of Works. It was easy for the Prince of Zhao to arouse suspicion by sending a visiting card to the Eastern Palace.

Although the Rongguo title of Xifu was famous, it had been passed down for two generations and was not as conspicuous as the Weiyuan title. Because of its long-standing ties with the royal family, the princes could easily conceal their movements.

King Zhao also sent New Year's gifts to the old lady, which were said to be respectful to elders.

Prince Zhao is the current Empress's biological son. When Sister Zhi Shao was still in the West Palace, the Empress bestowed gifts upon her. Prince Zhao then sent a letter to the West Palace, doing so without leaving a trace.

Furthermore, Rong Guojue is connected to the Four Kings and Eight Dukes. If my guess is correct, the Prince of Zhao has likely invited the sons of the other Four Kings and Eight Dukes to his birthday banquet as well.

……

Shi Xiangyun was a straightforward person and had no patience for all this roundabout talk. She frowned and said, "Third sister, what's wrong with these people's brains?"

It's just a simple banquet and gift-giving, yet there are so many convoluted details involved. How did they even figure it out? It's truly astonishing.

Seeing Xiangyun's horrified expression, Tan Chun couldn't help but chuckle and said, "You think being an official is so easy? There's a lot to learn in officialdom."

These are all things my third brother taught me. Now you should know how capable and powerful my third brother is, to be able to hold such high official rank at such a young age.

He's only a few years older than us, and I have no idea where all that knowledge and insight he has comes from.

I've read the Four Books and Five Classics, but I still can't figure these things out. The ancients said that knowledge is innate; my third brother is probably one of those people.

Seeing Tan Chun's serious expression and sparkling eyes, Shi Xiangyun couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.

He laughed and said, "Look at you, you get all excited when you talk about your third brother, your eyes light up, you laugh happily, and you look prettier than usual."

If you weren't cousins, I would have really thought...

Tan Chun blushed and glared at him, saying, "What did you think it was? You dare to say it!"

Shi Xiangyun laughed heartily: "Third sister, I feel like you're a little guilty..."

Tan Chun blushed and laughed as she scolded, "I know what you're thinking. Come here and let me tear your mouth apart."

He then stepped forward to grab her, but Xiangyun laughed and ran away. The two of them chased and laughed on the veranda...

……

The Earl's mansion, the inner courtyard from the Green Hall.

Jia Cong accompanied Daiyu out of the hall. Today, Liu Shizhen came to the mansion to pay New Year's visits, and Jia Cong accompanied him, serving tea and chatting for a long time. They had just seen him off.

Because Daiyu was receiving Madam Liu at Conglu Hall, Jia Cong went to the hall after returning to the second gate, while Daiyu strolled back to the inner courtyard.

The afternoon sun was bright and slightly dazzling, its warmth felt cozy on my skin.

Jia Cong glanced at Daiyu beside him and saw that her black hair was like a cloud, shining in the sunlight, and he could faintly smell a pleasant fragrance.

Although she had just been entertaining guests, Daiyu did not appear annoyed. Instead, she smiled and her pretty face was flushed. As she moved, the blue phoenix hairpin on her head shimmered.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "There are so many guests coming during the New Year holidays that it seems even more tiring than going to the yamen to do errands on a regular day."

I'm also troubling my sister to entertain the female guests for me. She must be getting bored. After the sixth day of the new year, there will be fewer guests.

I asked the Emperor to invite an opera troupe; I had promised Sister Yun that we could enjoy a few days of opera and relax properly.”

……

Daiyu smiled and said, "Third Brother has a bright future in his official career, and he will naturally have to deal with many social interactions and obligations in the officialdom."
I was with my father when I was young, so I saw a lot of things.

I don't share Baoyu's lofty ideals. I find the officialdom and economic system utterly corrupt. Without officialdom, how could the government govern and the people be governed, how could the hardships be alleviated?

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Sister, you have remarkable insight. You are indeed worthy of being the daughter of a third-ranked scholar. If you had been born a man, you would surely have had a bright future."

Daiyu laughed and said, "What's wrong with being a girl? Although I can't be an official, since my third brother is an official, I'll just pretend I am one too."

Actually, my second sister could have been the one to entertain guests today, but I insisted on doing so.

Now that Baoyu has moved out of the West Mansion, he's bound to say a lot of strange things. I don't want to run into him, so I don't have to listen to his nagging.

Not only would you feel uncomfortable meeting him, but if you don't reciprocate his behavior, who knows what he might do? It's better to avoid him and have some peace and quiet.

Actually, entertaining guests isn't tiring. Most of these officials' wives are literate and have a lot of classical allusions to tell, which is quite entertaining.

Madam Liu, who came today, comes from a prominent family in Yangzhou and is considered a respectable scholarly family. Her father is currently serving as the prefect of Laizhou.

She was an old friend of my father's in officialdom. She was unmarried in Yangzhou, and I was too young to have met her then.

However, when it comes to their family backgrounds, the two are quite connected. Yangzhou is not far from Suzhou, and they can be linked in many ways.

Her mother was from Suzhou, so she told me many stories about old Suzhou, and even mentioned Panxiang Temple a few times, which I found quite interesting.

……

As the two were chatting, Musk Moon brought over an invitation and said, "Third Master, this was sent by Madam Lin from the West Mansion."

Just now, Prince Zhao sent his family with an invitation and gift box. Steward Lin served tea to receive them. Prince Zhao invited Third Master to a banquet at the Prince's residence on the eighth day of the month.

Jia Cong took the invitation and looked it over. After Mushe left, Daiyu said, "Third Brother, have I never heard of you having any connection with Prince Zhao?"

Jia Cong said, "Indeed, we have no contact. It was only when Princess Zhao passed away that I went to pay my respects according to official etiquette."

Daiyu said, "I heard Third Brother say last time that the main culprit in the Jinling Guard case was Prince Zhao's brother-in-law, and Prince Zhao was implicated in the matter."

Although most of us sisters stayed at home, we had heard of this Prince Zhao, because he was the most famous among all the princes, and there was a taboo about him succeeding to the throne.

My third brother usually stays at home and rarely goes out except when he goes to the government office. He rarely has official social engagements and is very cautious in his dealings with officials.

The Prince of Bei Jing invited him several times, but my third brother always made excuses to decline, unwilling to get involved in any trouble, let alone this Prince Zhao.

"Any prince of this status is under the watchful eyes of the public, and with such underhanded tactics at play, wouldn't his invitation to the banquet incur taboo?"

Jia Cong said, "What my sister says is absolutely right. A few days ago, my elder sister sent Baoqin to deliver New Year's gifts and specifically told me to remind me of this matter."

Prince Zhao was originally of high status and was the Empress's son, making him arguably the most illustrious prince.

However, after the major case involving the Jinling garrison, Zhang Kangnian, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War in the secondary capital, was not only his brother-in-law but also recommended by the Prince of Zhao to serve in the Ministry of War in the secondary capital.

Zhang Kangnian was assassinated before he could be apprehended. Whether the Prince of Zhao was involved in the case is unclear, and the Emperor has already become suspicious.

I'm handling this case. Zhao Wang's background is unknown, so we can't get involved. I'll have my second sister prepare a small gift and we can just casually deal with it.

Prince Kangshun has shown me great favor, and Prince Ning and I are colleagues. There are reasons for my interactions with them.

I have no connection with the King of Zhao, so it is only right for me to keep my distance.

Moreover, given King Zhao's current situation, he should keep a low profile and exercise restraint.

After the death of his late wife, the Empress selected a new wife for him, causing quite a stir, and now she is holding a grand banquet.

Since I've received an invitation, those with powerful family backgrounds and noble connections will most likely receive one too. I wonder what His Majesty will think…” (End of Chapter)