Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The sixteenth year of the Jiazhao reign, the sixth day of the first month.

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

Just as dawn broke, the night outside the window was a deep blue, a biting wind blew, and an unexpected winter rain arrived, the sound of the rain pattering softly, as if telling a story.

The fragrance of the canopy couch was rich, the brocade quilt was billowing and swirling, and as it was pulled apart, the scenery was boundless. The snow-white curves of her thighs revealed the spring mountains, and the red flowers and jade-like skin were like rain-soaked rivers.

Inside, a half-burnt candle flickered on a candlestick, its light dancing slowly and casting indistinct shadows through the pink gauze bed curtains.

A lotus-root-colored embroidered gauze pillow is piled high with Wu'er's full head of beautiful hair, thousands of strands, black and shiny, exuding a delicate fragrance.

A fine layer of sweat beaded on her forehead, dampening a few strands of her hair at her temples. Her beautiful, moist eyes shone brightly, captivating all who saw them.

Even as he rode freely, Jia Cong was still drawn to her soft gaze and refused to look away for even a moment.

The sounds of rain and wind outside the window were endless, and Wu'er's melodious and trembling phoenix-like voice would always make Jia Cong lose his mind and climb to the peak of soaring clouds.

After a long while, Jia Cong lay back down beside Wu'er, where Wu'er wrapped her arms around his neck, gently stroking his disheveled hair and letting his hands roam freely.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "While it's still dark, I can still take a nap. There are many things to do in the West Mansion at the beginning of the year, otherwise I won't have the energy to handle them."

Wu'er was a little out of breath. She nestled on Jia Cong's shoulder and laughed, "Today is the sixth day of the new year, the busiest time of the year. One wave has passed."

The female relatives who visited a few days ago are all hosting return banquets. The old lady is too old to go out casually, but the second mistress is busy going to various families to attend the New Year's banquet.

Originally, Bao Erye's courtyard had many people, high aspirations, and complicated affairs. The old lady doted on him the most, and the second wife often visited and kept an eye on him.

When Ping'er and I walk around the inner courtyard, we have to avoid men from outside the courtyard, and we can't interfere in their affairs, lest we be implicated on some pretext.

In short, it's a delicate matter that can't be taken lightly or too harshly, and it also involves the Second Master's affection, so even the Second Madam finds it difficult to handle.

Every word and every matter must be carefully considered before proceeding. Now that Master Bao has moved back to the East Courtyard, there are fewer things to worry about in the West Courtyard.

Third Master, you have no idea how much energy you've saved and how many considerations and entanglements you've avoided.

Second Madam said that from then on, Second Madam would visit less often, and even when she did, they would talk much less.

Nowadays, the comings and goings of relatives from outside the inner courtyard during odd-numbered holidays, the preparation of banquets, and the entertaining of guests are all tedious and tiring, but they do not require much effort.

Aunt Lin had several capable and honest women working under her, who took on all sorts of errands and miscellaneous tasks.

Ping'er and I only handle major matters, managing the inflow and outflow of funds. With fewer constraints than before, things run much more smoothly, and we're not too overworked.

……

As Jia Cong listened to her gentle and tender words, he couldn't help but rub her delicate cheeks, feeling their smoothness like jade silk, and gently caress her pert nose and flower-like lips.

He smiled and said, "The patriarchal rules and etiquette of aristocratic families are still quite effective. Even the old lady doesn't stop us. This is how a family can truly maintain its integrity and purity."

Wu'er snuggled closer to him and said, "But I heard from Second Mistress that the courtyard that Master Bao used has been cleaned and renovated and will be reserved for the eldest daughter to live in from now on."

Third Master, you said that Second Master Bao just left, and now the eldest daughter has come. Won't Second Madam use this as an excuse to get involved again?

Jia Cong said, "Eldest sister, like Baoyu, was raised by the old lady from childhood. Compared to second sister and third sister, she is more favored by the old lady."

She had been in the palace for ten years, and now that her term was up, she was being released. The old lady wanted her to stay by her side for a few more years, so we didn't say much.

Fortunately, the eldest sister is a young lady, so even though she lives in the inner courtyard of the West Mansion, she doesn't have to worry about anything.

Furthermore, the eldest sister is quite insightful and shrewd, far superior to Baoyu. The second mistress's attempt to use her to entangle Baoyu is absolutely impossible; there's no need to worry about that.

The two lay on the couch, chatting about family matters, whispering sweet nothings, their bodies smooth and fragrant. In the prime of their youth, they couldn't help but feel their passion stirred again.

Jia Cong leaned over him, laughing and joking affectionately for a long time before they fell asleep in each other's arms, until the east gradually turned white.

……

At 1:15 AM, Jia Cong finally woke up from his deep sleep. Wu'er helped him dress and wash, and after breakfast, they went to the West Mansion.

Officials and powerful figures have an unspoken understanding that noble families, relatives, and friends will visit each other in the days leading up to the new year.

Starting from the sixth day of the lunar new year, those who came were mostly distant relatives and friends, or lower-ranking officials. These people were just getting acquainted with each other.

After exchanging a few words and serving tea, they bid each other farewell in a friendly manner. Within an hour of arriving at the West Mansion, Jia Cong had already received several groups of visitors.

Jia Zheng also brought Fu Shi to visit, and Fu Shi even asked his sister Fu Qiufang to kowtow and wish Grandmother Jia a Happy New Year.

Fu Qiufang's previous visit to Grandmother Jia gave Fu Shi more reasons to come over.

Jia Cong naturally saw through it but didn't say anything. Fu Shi claimed to be Jia Zheng's disciple, so Jia Cong gave him some face, drank a cup of tea with him, and chatted casually for a few words.

Fu Shizheng was feeling quite confident, while Jia Cong was feeling a bit bored, when suddenly Xiao Hong gracefully entered the hall.

He said, "Third Master, a message came from the East Mansion that your classmate, Cai Jiantao of the Hanlin Academy, is coming to visit, along with Cai Jiantao's elder brother."

Upon hearing this, Fu Shi's eyes lit up, and he said, "I have long heard from outsiders that Scholar Cai's son, Cai Xiaoyu, is a famous talent in the capital."

He and his elder brother were close friends. After passing the imperial examination, he was appointed as a seventh-rank compiler in the Hanlin Academy. Could this be the person?

Jia Cong felt somewhat awkward being addressed as "elder brother" by Fu Shi, who was more than ten years his senior.

He smiled and said, "Judge Fu is right. Xiaoyu and I were classmates at Qingshan Academy."

Fu Shi was thrilled. The young man before him not only held a prestigious official rank, but also had an astonishing network of connections, as he associated with the sons of high-ranking officials and nobles.

It is said that several heads of the Six Ministries have close ties with him. If one could establish a connection with him, wouldn't one's official career be incredibly profitable?

The younger sister had already visited the old lady of the Jia family, but Fu Shi, on the grounds that the sisters were old friends and there was no need to avoid each other, arranged for the younger sister to meet Jia Cong.

However, when Young Master Cai came to visit, he dared not delay Jia Cong, lest people think he didn't know what was important.

He hurriedly told Jia Cong to go and entertain the guests, while he himself would keep Jia Zheng company. Jia Cong naturally took the opportunity to say goodbye.

……

He had nothing to say to Fu Shi, but the awkward and polite conversation was nothing compared to chatting and joking with Fatty Cai.

Jia Cong was puzzled as to why Cai Xiaoyu would bring his elder brother to his door.

He knew that Cai Xiaoyu had an older brother, who was the second oldest in the family, and who was said to be an official in another place, whom he did not know at all.

If it were just Cai Xiaoyu visiting, since the two were close friends from school, Jia Cong wouldn't mind at all. But since Cai Xiaoyu brought his elder brother along, Jia Cong couldn't afford to be impolite.

After bidding farewell to Jia Zheng and Fu Shi, he hurriedly headed to the East Mansion.

On the way, he thought of Liu Xiaoping and Cui Anzhi's visit yesterday. They had always been on good terms with Cai Xiaoyu, and Jia Cong had even casually asked about it.

Liu Xiaoping said he had invited Cai Xiaoyu, but Cai had something to do and couldn't come. At the time, Jia Cong didn't care.

Unexpectedly, just one day later, Cai Xiaoyu and his brother came to visit, which seemed rather strange.

……

When he arrived at the main hall of the outer courtyard of the East Mansion, he saw Cai Xiaoyu wandering around the hall, admiring the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall.

The other boy sat quietly with his head slightly lowered. Although his face was not clearly visible, his skin was fair and his eyebrows were dark. Compared to Cai Xiaoyu's lively and outgoing personality, he had a more leisurely and refined demeanor.

Judging from his complexion, he doesn't look older than Cai Xiaoyu at all; he doesn't seem like his older brother at all...

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Xiaoyu, why didn't you come with Xiaoping yesterday? Your brother's arrival today is truly an unwelcome surprise."

When Cai Xiaoyu saw Jia Cong, his expression was somewhat strange, and he could not hide his embarrassment. He said, "I was delayed by something yesterday, and I only had time to visit today."

This is my third...third brother. He's often heard of Yu Zhang's reputation, so he came with me specifically to...pay him a visit.

The young man stood up, dressed in a moon-white satin robe with floral patterns, his hair as black as ink, adorned with a white jade hairpin, his figure slender and graceful, his face handsome and quite outstanding.

When Jia Cong saw his face clearly, he was slightly taken aback, but he recognized him instantly. A strange feeling arose in his heart; he had seen this person before.

On the day he passed the imperial examination, he rode his horse through the streets and encountered a young lady from an official family. She threw him a handkerchief and asked him to wipe his sweat, which caused quite a stir.

He still vividly remembered the bold girl who threw the handkerchief; he even kept that blue silk handkerchief in his study drawer...

Jia Cong had doubts, but he never imagined that the girl was related to Cai Xiaoyu.

He didn't dare stare at the person, but his gaze swept over the person's earlobe, which was fair and smooth with a slight blush of blood, and the ear hole was clearly visible.

Jia Cong smiled bitterly to himself. Fatty Cai's actions were too absurd. If people found out, who knew what kind of gossip would spread.

He naturally dared not expose the truth easily, and hurriedly stepped forward and said, "So it's Third...Third Brother, I've heard so much about you."

The young man pursed his lips slightly, speaking with composure: "I have long admired the name of the Marquis of Weiyuan and the noble family of the Jia family. I have great respect for your ancestors and have taken the liberty of visiting you. I hope you will forgive my intrusion."

Jia Cong quickly said, "Third...Third Brother, you're too formal. You are Xiaoyu's elder brother, so we are all family. It is an honor to meet you today."

He exchanged a few perfunctory pleasantries, then dared not say more, his smile becoming somewhat stiff.

Seeing the servant from the outer courtyard bring in a tea tray, he quickly blocked the man at the door and took the tea tray from his hands.

The servant was startled and somewhat at a loss. Who was this distinguished guest today that the Lord himself was serving tea?

Even the top executives of the six ministries didn't seem to value him as much as the Earl did...

Jia Cong said softly, "I'm here to entertain the guests. None of you are allowed to come in. Go to the inner courtyard and call Musk Moon over. I have something to tell you."

Seeing Jia Cong personally serve tea, the young man looked somewhat shy and said, "How could I allow Lord Jia to serve tea personally? I am unworthy of such an honor."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Xiaoyu and I are like brothers. It is only right that we welcome such an honored guest. Third... Third Brother, please have some tea. I'd like to have a few words with Xiaoyu first."

……

Jia Cong pulled Xiaoyu to the veranda outside the hall and asked with a strange expression, "Xiaoyu, do you think I'm stupid, that I can't even tell the difference between men and women?"

You call her Third Brother? You're kidding me! The day we passed the imperial examination and paraded through the streets, she was the one who threw me a handkerchief to wipe my sweat…

Cai Xiaoyu's expression changed drastically. He reached out and covered Jia Cong's mouth, saying with a bitter face, "What are you yelling about? If people hear this, it will cause a lot of gossip."

If this gets back to my father, I'm in big trouble.

Jia Cong smiled faintly and said, "Tell me the truth, who exactly is she? I called her 'Third Brother' several times and suffered quite a loss as a result."

Cai Xiaoyu said with a bitter face, "She's not my third brother, she's my third sister." Jia Cong frowned and said, "You're being ridiculous. It's fine for you to bring your sister to visit. My eldest sister will receive you at home."

How could we let her travel in disguise? If people found out, it would ruin her reputation.

Cai Xiaoyu said, "I'm not even married yet, so how can I bring female guests? It was my third sister's idea, and I was forced into it."

My older sister is very stubborn and full of strange ideas. She said that your Earl's Mansion was originally the Ningguo Duke's Mansion, but now it has been upgraded to an Earl's Mansion, so it must be quite extraordinary.

She was bored at home and wanted to see what it was like. If I dared not agree, she would tell my dad about what I was doing outside.

I had no choice; otherwise, I would have come with Xiaoping yesterday.

Jia Cong couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Xiaoyu, you're still young. You're always wandering around the sixteenth floor. You should take better care of yourself."

Cai Xiaoyu looked unconvinced and said, "You make it sound so easy. You noble families really live a life of luxury. I heard you even opened a brothel at the age of fifteen."

In families like ours, the rules are quite strange. I have several concubines, but my father is very strict with his sons, preventing us from getting involved with women too early.

The maids assigned to my room were all ugly, clumsy, and unattractive, while my third sister's maids were all beautiful and well-behaved. It really made me so depressed.

Now that I no longer need to study, I have nothing to do after leaving the government office. My classmates and colleagues have invited me to join them, and it would be a waste not to go. That's when my third sister has a handle against me.

Yu Zhang, I envy you now. Not only are you good at studying, but you were also born into a better family than I was…

Jia Cong couldn't help but laugh when he heard what he said was funny. He said, "You and I are close friends. It's nothing unusual for my elder sister to come to visit."

"But why doesn't your father stop you from taking your sister out like this? He's on leave at home now."

Cai Xiaoyu said, "My third sister is a cunning person. She had planned it in advance. Zhang Tianshi of Longhu Mountain will bring his young daughter to the capital on the fourth day of the month."

They not only come to the court to offer New Year's greetings, but also to the palace on the fifteenth of the lunar month to perform the Luotian Grand Ritual at Taihe Palace, praying for national peace and prosperity, and favorable weather.

Today, His Majesty is hosting a banquet for Zhang Tianshi in the palace. My father was summoned to the palace to attend the banquet; otherwise, my third sister and I would not have dared to go out.”

……

Upon hearing Cai Xiaoyu's words, Jia Cong's heart stirred slightly. Zhang Tianshi of Longhu Mountain had been kind to him; he had received Zhang Tianshi's guidance when he participated in the Nanxi Literary Gathering years ago.

Later, when he entered Qingshan Academy, Zhang Tianshi arranged for him to stay at Luoxia Villa. His kindness and hospitality left Jia Cong with a deep sense of gratitude and unforgettable memories.

However, Zhang Tianshi had not been to the capital for more than five years, so the two had not seen each other for many years. Now that Zhang Tianshi was in the capital, he would definitely visit him.

Cai Xiaoyu said, "Yuzhang, I've heard rumors that you have a connection with Zhang Tianshi. My third sister has also mentioned this."

Yesterday, news spread from the palace that, as a sign of imperial favor, His Majesty bestowed the title of "Qingyi Zhenren" upon Zhang Tianshi's youngest daughter, Qingluan.

Upon hearing the name Qingluan, Jia Cong immediately recalled the young Taoist priest who had visited him in his mansion many years ago. He never imagined that she was actually Zhang Tianshi's daughter.

She felt indignant when she saw her father beating her, and she encouraged her to become a Taoist priest at Longhu Mountain. Looking back now, it's quite amusing.

He still kept that Nine Palaces Dao Tablet, the one Qingluan gave him years ago. He hadn't seen her for many years and wondered what she looked like now...

……

As the two chatted, Jia Cong saw Musk Moon coming from the covered walkway; she was slender and beautiful.

She wore a long vest with an embroidered collar on a light green background, an ivory-colored cross-collar jacket, and a frost-colored cotton skirt. A maid followed behind her.

She walked up to Jia Cong and bowed. Although Cai Xiaoyu was lively and unrestrained, he was very respectful of the etiquette of the mansion. When he saw Jia Cong's maid coming over, he turned his body slightly.

Musk Moon said, "Third Master summoned me here. I wonder what his instructions are?"

Jia Cong said, "Have someone pass on a message to Second Sister: the Third Miss of Scholar Cai's family is visiting today. The sisters from both families are exchanging greetings. Please come into the inner courtyard for tea."

Musk Moon hurriedly sent a maid to the inner courtyard to deliver a message, while she followed Jia Cong into the main hall.

Jia Cong and Cai Xiaoyu went outside to talk for a while. Cai Xiaoyu was getting a little bored, but when she saw Jia Cong return, a smile appeared on her face.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Third...Third Brother, Xiaoyu and I are going to drink and talk later, and we're afraid the smell will bother you. My second sister heard that you're coming to the mansion today."

I would like to invite you to the inner courtyard to serve tea. I have many sisters in my family, and they are all very easy to get along with. I am sure you will all get along well.”

Hearing this, Cai Xiaoyu secretly praised Yu Zhang, thinking to himself that Yu Zhang was indeed shrewd and resourceful, no wonder he was better at being an official than he was.

With this makeover, it became a visit from the Third Sister to the Eldest Sister Yu Zhang, and any previous improprieties in etiquette were covered up by Yu Zhang.

It was common for officials and their daughters to visit each other, and Third Sister often visited Miss Huang, the Vice Minister's daughter.

Even if my father finds out about this, I'll have a plausible excuse to avoid being punished by his family rules...

When Cai San-guniang heard Jia Cong's words, she knew perfectly well that he had seen through her. Although her pretty face blushed with embarrassment, she remained poised and elegant.

His bright eyes sparkled with a hint of humor as he smiled and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Weiyuan."

After speaking, she gave Jia Cong a slight curtsy. Although she was dressed in men's clothing, she was still able to maintain an elegant demeanor without the slightest incongruity, displaying the grace of a well-bred lady.

Cai Xiaoyu secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his sister and maid enter the inner courtyard.

The third sister became acquainted with the eldest sister, Yu Zhang, which made it easier for her to move around without having to trouble herself, saving her trouble.

……

He suddenly felt something was amiss and couldn't help but feel worried. Some things were a matter of face, and he absolutely couldn't afford to lose face.

He said, "Yu Zhang, my third sister is quirky and clever. She's just very curious, but that's all."

Don't overthink it. You are, after all, a Hanlin Academician. Acting with propriety is of utmost importance..."

Jia Cong suppressed a laugh and said, "Where do you think I might be overthinking things?"

Cai Xiaoyu shook his head and said, "Anyway, that's the gist of it. You understand, so why should I say more?"

Stop talking about these useless things. I've come to pay a visit; you're not just going to let me drink tea, are you?

"Quickly set out the wine and dishes, let's have a few drinks. The Duke's family is renowned far and wide; their cuisine is exquisite, it's sure to be excellent, certainly no less than Chunhua Restaurant."

Jia Cong laughed and scolded, "Xiaoyu, I'm your superior in the Hanlin Academy. Aren't you being a bit too arrogant?"

Cai Xiaoyu didn't care and laughed, "Although you are a Hanlin Academician, you have even more airs than Academician Ge. You only show your face in the Hanlin Academy and disappear before noon every day."

You can't control me, you can't scare me. You'd better hurry up and drink and eat, that's the proper thing to do..."

……

In the western part of the capital, at Hongde Gate, it was almost noon, and the sky was overcast and gloomy.

The winter rain that fell in the early morning had long since stopped, leaving mottled puddles of rainwater on the street corners, reflecting the dim light of the sky.

A carriage passed through the dark city gate and finally entered the capital city.

Chen Ruichang lifted the carriage curtain, his face pale and his expression listless, gazing at the magnificent and bustling capital city.

His tense nerves instantly relaxed, and he felt a surge of relief at escaping a great calamity.

Since New Year's Eve, although he risked his life to escape from Donggang Town, he was shot in the shoulder and back with an arrow, and the injury was quite serious.

But the tragic scene in Donggang Town made him dare not stop for a moment. He hastily bandaged his wounds and rode his horse at full speed all night long.

Before dawn, he had escaped seventy or eighty miles, which allowed him to catch his breath.

However, the long and bumpy ride tore at the arrow wounds on his shoulders and back, causing him to lose a lot of blood. If he hadn't been in his prime, he would have almost given up.

After daybreak, he found a traveling healer in a nearby remote village and town, who applied a wound-healing plaster to his wound, which brought his injury under control.

Fearing a fight with pursuers, he dared not take the straight road and chose to take a detour. Fortunately, although his luggage was lost, he still had some gold and silver valuables with him.

He hired a carriage, bought ointments for the wounded, and forced himself to hurry back to the capital.

Although he was physically strong, he came from a noble family and was spoiled since childhood. Although he was a military officer in the Five Armies Command, he was just a show-off who couldn't wield a sword or spear.

He had never suffered such a severe injury before. The arrow wounds he had sustained along the way were sometimes healed and sometimes damaged, tormenting him half to death.

The fall of the military granary in Donggang Town is a major incident that will inevitably be discovered by the military town sooner or later.

If the military garrison had sent a report to the capital earlier, I, as the official grain transport officer, would not only have been forced to flee back to the capital in a sorry state, but I would have also delayed the report and arrived late.

It would be difficult to explain to the authorities; the crime of delaying the battle could not be escaped.

Thanks to his status as a member of the Duke of Qi's family, his life is probably safe, but his career prospects are definitely ruined.

Because of this reason and his worries, despite the slow healing of his arrow wound, he worked day and night with all his might.

But in order to escape, they took a long detour for two days, and it wasn't until noon on the sixth day that they finally rushed back to Shenjing.

He didn't know whether the Nine Border Garrisons knew about the Donggang Garrison, nor did he know whether the relevant military reports had been sent to the capital.

In short, we'll try anything, even if it's a desperate gamble. We've already worked hard for five or six days, so what's one more gamble?

Even though he was wounded by arrows and his body was weak, he dared not return home immediately.

The coachman asked, "Young master, the carriage has entered the capital city. Where are you headed?"

Chen Ruichang roused himself and said, "Go to the Five Military Commands' Office immediately, and be quick!"

Not long after Chen Ruichang's carriage left, the sound of rapid hoofbeats rang out from Hongde Gate, and three fast horses galloped out of the city gate.

They sped towards the north of the city, and even though there were many carriages and pedestrians on the streets, these fast horses were unwilling to slow down.

The road was suddenly filled with flying sand and stones, drawing curses from passersby, and some patrolling officials tried to stop it.

But upon seeing the three knights, dressed in border guard uniforms and each with three small flags on their backs, they all stopped what they were doing.

These three men were not only border soldiers, but the small flags behind them represented urgent news from 800 li away, indicating that there was a major military situation that needed to be reported to the capital immediately. Who would dare to stop them?

The yamen runners watched the three fast horses gallop away, realizing that they were heading in the wrong direction—neither the Ministry of War nor the Five Military Commissions.

Instead, they headed straight for the Meridian Gate of the palace... (End of Chapter)