Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Lixiangyuan.

Back then, Xue Pan caused a legal trouble in Jinling and allowed his servants to beat Feng Yuan to death, causing a huge uproar.

The Xue family was so exhausted that they could no longer stay in Jinling and moved to the capital to avoid trouble. Baochai still feels lingering fear to this day.

Although Xue Pan had been in Shenjing for several years, he had not caused any further incidents.

But Baochai knew that her brother was impulsive and prone to causing trouble, so she always reminded and advised him.

Even though Duan Chunjiang had no bad deeds, Baochai felt that he was too slippery and always wanted Xue Pan to stay away from trouble to avoid causing any more problems.

He frowned and said, "I often hear that my brother associates with the sons of noble families."

Duan Chunjiang is just a grain merchant, how could he be involved with the sons of noble families?

Xue Pan laughed and said, "Sister, you don't know, Duan Chunjiang is a clever man. He somehow found out that Chen Ruichang works in the Five Military Governor's Office."

He was also serving as a military officer in charge of grain storage and had many connections in the grain business, so he asked me to introduce him to someone, and that's how the two of them got together.

Duan Chunjiang is quite shrewd; he's become very close with Chen Erge these days, even at the outer residence…

Xue Pan immediately realized something was wrong. His younger sister was a lady from a respectable family; how could he speak such vulgar things in front of her?

The three of them usually ate and drank together. Xue Pan knew a lot about Chen Ruichang. In order to please Chen Ruichang, Duan Chunjiang even introduced him to a woman from Datong.

Although Xue Pan had never met him, he was said to be extremely handsome, and Chen Ruichang had kept him as a mistress, going there every few days to sleep and fool around.

He quickly changed his tune, saying, "He even helped Second Brother Chen buy a house outside, and he was very attentive to him."

Brother Chen wouldn't let him suffer losses, introducing him to many connections and business opportunities; otherwise, your brother wouldn't have received so much in year-end bonuses.

……

Xue Pan spoke of this with great pride, for he had never tried before to earn a large sum of money so easily by making friends and building relationships.

His own mother said how good Jia Cong was, and he dared not compare himself to him, but when his mother said that Bao Yu was better than him, he couldn't accept it no matter what.

If I had understood these principles earlier, I wouldn't have gone out and messed around. With my good relationships, I would have made a big business long ago.

Let's see who still talks nonsense then, thinking that Baoyu is better than themselves...

……

When Baochai heard her brother talking about Duan Chunjiang, he was still very enthusiastic, but she felt a strange sense of unease.

He said, "Brother, Duan Chunjiang is just a grain merchant. Compared to families like ours, he was born with far fewer resources."

However, he is too adept at scheming and can even get the sons of noble families to help him get business. Such a person has connections everywhere, so his actions are bound to be somewhat lacking in restraint.

Your brother must be careful when associating with him; Xiao Xiao has been fooled without even realizing it.

With the addition of Xinchunhao to their business in Jinling, and with the help of their second uncle, the family business is more prosperous and stable than before.

There's no need for my brother to put in any more effort. No matter how booming the Duan family's grain store is, it's still just a grain store, and my brother won't make a lot of money. He can only watch the excitement.

I told Mom before the New Year that I advised my brother to stop running the grain store. That way, the family wouldn't be short of money for him, and he wouldn't have to work so hard.

Upon hearing this, Xue Pan, though unwilling, was still somewhat pleased with the grain store business.

However, he knew that his younger sister Baochai was knowledgeable and that what she said always made some sense.

He quickly said, "My mother talked to me about this before the New Year, and I agreed. Once the grain store opens after the New Year, I will settle the details with Duan Chunjiang."

From now on, stay home and behave yourself so you and Mom don't have to worry. These are all minor matters for me, sister, don't concern yourself with them. Focusing on your own future is the most important thing.

Baochai breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this and said, "What do I, a young lady, have to worry about my future?"

Xue Pan said with a forced smile, "Little sister is pretending to be confused again. Your future is not only your future, but also the future of our whole family."

You don't even need to think about it carefully. The Xinchunhao deal alone stabilized the Xue family's ancestral business. All of this was achieved with just a word from Cong-ge.

Sister, don't miss this opportunity. I haven't seen you go to the East Mansion often lately; you should visit more often.

All men are the same; they can't resist a woman's coaxing. And with a sister as beautiful as her, things couldn't be simpler..."

……

Baochai found her brother's words increasingly presumptuous and outrageous, and she couldn't be bothered to figure out his wicked intentions.

With a flushed face, she said, "If you dare to talk nonsense again, I'll lose my temper and let Mom be the judge."

Xue Pan was startled. Luckily, Aunt Xue wasn't there, otherwise he would have been hit with the sole of her shoe again.

She quickly smiled apologetically: "It's all my fault for being careless with my words. Sister, don't misunderstand. Cong-ge is a proper relative, and it's only proper for you to visit him more often."

I'm not going to chat with my sister; she's waiting for me, so I'm heading out now.

Baochai frowned and said, "Brother wants to cut off business with the Duan family, so why is he still going out with them?"

Xue Pan laughed and said, "Even if we lose business, we can't lose friends. More friends mean more opportunities."

Baochai saw Xue Pan turn around and disappear into the main hall in a flash, impossible to stop, and sighed helplessly.

She picked up the purse in her hand and started embroidering again. She had originally intended to make this purse for Jia Cong, but she didn't dare to give it to him even after it was finished.

When a woman gives a man a purse, it is a veiled expression of affection, but she does it merely to console herself.

After only a few needle pricks, I suddenly remembered something, my hand trembled slightly, and I pricked my finger, drawing out a drop of blood.

Baochai slipped her finger into her soft lips and unconsciously sucked on it gently, a hint of paleness creeping onto her pretty face.

When Xue Pan spoke earlier, Baochai hadn't paid attention, but now she suddenly remembered.

The elder brother was going with Duan Chunjiang to visit a friend, who was Chen Erge from the Duke of Qi's mansion. Baochai didn't know who Chen Erge was.

But as Xue Pan just said, this Brother Chen is a military officer of the Five Armies Commandery, who goes to the northern military granary to transport grain during the year.

He happened to encounter the Mongols seizing the military depot, and luckily escaped back to the capital, but was seriously injured.

Just now in Rongqing Hall, everyone spoke with absolute certainty about the Mongols seizing military supplies.

Xiangyun asked Cong if he would lead troops into battle this time. Baochai was filled with anxiety and reluctance, and her mind was in turmoil.

I didn't realize the oddity in my brother's words at first, but now that I think about it, my heart is pounding. How could things have happened so coincidentally?

Something big happened in the north. Someone my brother was in contact with escaped from the military camp and returned, and he was even connected to that Duan Chunjiang.

Although Baochai couldn't see anything wrong, she felt uneasy. The Xue family only had some money and were just an ordinary family now.

Although Baochai was a sheltered young lady who rarely left her home, she was aware of these important military and national affairs and did not get involved in them in the slightest. This was the safest and most reliable approach.

Just now in Rongqing Hall, my second sister said that because of the military storage matter, the court is investigating the leak, and many officials and nobles have been implicated.

Therefore, there have been far fewer visitors these past few days. Chen Erge is the son of the Duke of Qi, isn't he a first-class nobleman's son...?

Baochai grew increasingly worried, wondering if Chen Erge, who had fled back for his life, was also being investigated by the imperial court.

If that's really the case, brother, you should still associate with this person and avoid getting into trouble.

Thinking of all this, Baochai's mind became disordered, and she could no longer sit still. She got up and went to the East Mansion.

She thought that Jia Cong had returned to the mansion at noon and was probably still at home. She had heard that he had been going to the Dali Temple these past few days and probably knew some details.

Although she inquired with Cong and his brother, letting him know that her brother had gotten into trouble, Baochai couldn't help but feel ashamed.

But now that she has become aware of this matter, she cannot sit idly by and must try her best to prevent it from happening again.

Although she didn't know how to bring it up, she thought she would talk to him when they met again in the past.

……

The Earl's Mansion, Yingchun Courtyard.

After the banquet at Rongqing Hall ended, Jia Cong and his sisters went out of the West Mansion and strolled around the East Mansion Garden to digest their food, chatting about everyday matters. They were very comfortable and at ease.

He noticed that Xiangyun, who was usually very talkative, was suddenly quiet today, standing beside him blankly, as if she had a lot on her mind.

She wore a long, bright red embroidered peonies, which accentuated her slender back and waist, making her look graceful and elegant. Her pinkish-purple long skirt fluttered gently in the wind, and the crabapple blossoms were just beginning to open, making her look light and charming.

Jia Cong teased her, "Sister Yun, before the New Year you said that Baoyu was acting strangely and ruined your enjoyment of the opera."

I kept my promise and specially hired a small opera troupe. Have you enjoyed the performances these past few days?

The unexpected events at the banquet stirred up Shi Xiangyun's thoughts, leaving her dazed and confused, as if walking on clouds and mist, her mind wandering, as if in a dream.

Hearing Jia Cong's voice, she immediately realized what was happening, and a blush crept onto her pretty face.
She quickly replied, "I've been listening to excellent plays these past few days. They're all top-notch, and I'm really into them. It's a pity that my third brother is too busy to join me."

Although she was still a young and graceful woman with a carefree and playful nature, her words, as they came to an end, subtly revealed a tender affection, which she herself did not even realize.

Daiyu, who was standing nearby, was observant and always felt that Xiangyun, who was usually straightforward, was behaving strangely today. However, in her haste, she didn't think too much about it.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "It's good that Sister Yun has had her fill of acting, but after today, the opera troupe will have to be cleared out."

"Now that the Mongols are invading, the court is facing a major crisis. Too much fanfare and celebration at home might not be appropriate for outsiders."

Xiangyun smiled and said, "I'll listen to whatever Third Brother says. I've had enough of it these past few days. I'll listen again when I have time later."

The two chatted for a while longer before Jia Cong went to manage the firearms workshop. The sisters went to Yingchun Courtyard to chat and pass the time.

Xichun chattered on and on, making Yingchun, Daiyu, and Tanchun laugh non-stop, while Xiangyun didn't join in the fun.

Just as Xing Xiuyan entered the main room, Xiangyun pulled her back to her room to play chess.

……

Xing Xiuyan was easygoing and sincere in her dealings with people, so she readily agreed.

The two lit incense sticks, set up their positions, and Xing Xiuyan, with her bright eyes and beautiful face, focused intently on her moves, placing each piece with measured precision.

Shi Xiangyun was in a daze, playing carelessly and making moves at will. By the middle of the game, her momentum was waning, and she was on the verge of defeat.

Xiuyan smiled and said, "Why are you so absent-minded today? Did you drink too much at the banquet and mess up your chess moves?"

Shi Xiangyun, who usually loved to win, didn't care about winning or losing today. As she casually placed a piece, she blurted out, "Xiuyan, don't you think Third Brother is pretty good?"

Xing Xiuyan smiled brightly, looking very elegant and charming, and said, "My cousin is naturally very good, there's no one better than him." Xiangyun was a little unconvinced by her smugness and said, "You're his little wife, of course you'll say everything about him is good."

Xing Xiuyan blushed, but without feeling shy or embarrassed, and said, "Even if he's not my...wife, I still think he's a very good person."

Then, somewhat puzzled, she asked, "Sister Yun, what's wrong with you today? You're acting strangely, and you're not even focused on playing chess."

Xiangyun said with some envy, "Look how good you are! If you want to say someone is good, you say it openly and honestly, without hiding anything. That's what makes you straightforward!"

Xing Xiuyan smiled and said, "Look at what you're saying. Are you hiding something? Which one do you want to say is the best? Let me hear your opinion."

Xiangyun blushed and quickly changed the subject, saying, "I was just saying it casually, there's no need to hide it."

Now that my sisters and I are together, I am only temporarily staying at the East Mansion. When my second uncle and aunt return to the capital, I will move back home.

Unlike you, who will stay here for a long time, when you're a few years older, all the sisters will have scattered, and you won't be able to see each other anymore.

……

Xing Xiuyan laughed and said, "What's wrong with you today? It's rare to see you so sentimental."

Even if it's a few years later, when the sisters have all grown up and married, you will be a noble lady, and the old lady will love you dearly and will never let you marry far away.

"The sisters will still be in Shenjing by then, so meeting up will be easy. There's no way you can't do it. You're a straightforward person, why are you worrying unnecessarily?"

When Xiangyun heard Xing Xiuyan mention getting married, she might have laughed it off normally, but now she felt extremely uncomfortable.

She dared not say aloud that what she meant by "in the future, when we can't even meet again" did not refer to the sisters, but to something else entirely...

The sudden thought that arose today, like tangled threads, was impossible to unravel, causing her some panic and inexplicable anger. She threw the chess piece back into the chess basket.

She said sullenly, "I'm a little tired, I'm going back to sleep."

Xing Xiuyan was a little confused and asked, "What's wrong with you? Why are you sleeping in broad daylight?"

I slept too much during the day, so I can't sleep at night. Please don't chat with me or bother me...

Shi Xiangyun ignored her, waved to Xing Xiuyan, and left her room.

As Xiangyun passed through the courtyard, she saw Xue Baochai enter. She greeted her casually, then went back to her room. Without even taking off her clothes, she spread out the brocade quilt and covered her head.

……

In the main hall of Yingchun Courtyard, Yingchun saw Baochai coming over and quickly asked her maid to serve fresh tea.

Baochai only exchanged a few casual words before learning that Jia Cong had already left the mansion, and she felt somewhat disappointed.

She asked, "Second sister, just now in Rongqing Hall, you said that the remnants of the Mongols occupied the northern military camps, and the sons of noble families in the capital were implicated."

"These past few days, even the number of visitors has decreased. This matter has escalated so much; I wonder which families have been unlucky enough to get into trouble?"

When Yingchun heard Baochai mention the military granary, she was somewhat surprised but not too concerned. It's normal for young ladies from secluded families to be curious.

He said, "That's not the case. I heard from my brother Cong that the military depot was seized because someone leaked the information. His Majesty is furious and has ordered the Court of Judicial Review to investigate thoroughly."

Baochai composed herself and boldly asked, "Didn't you say that Brother Cong often goes to the Dali Temple? Could it be that he's there to investigate cases? Does that mean he knows which families are suspected?"

Yingchun smiled and said, "I heard Cong mention it a few times. His Majesty asked him to be involved in this matter, but not to investigate the case. He will not be involved in the affairs of the court tomorrow."

He was just chatting casually with me; he wouldn't have gone into such detail. He didn't mention the suspects, since it's none of our business anyway.

Baochai was disappointed and dared not mention her brother's connection with the Duke of Qi's mansion, let alone the relationship between Chen Erge and the military granary.

Unable to find a suitable topic, she could only change the subject and chat absentmindedly for a while before returning to Pear Fragrance Courtyard.

She had already made up her mind. When her brother Xue Pan returned, she would explain the seriousness of the situation and tell him to stop associating with these people.

……

North of the capital city, on Yongchun Street, is the Duan Family Grain Shop.

As the sun set, a carriage slowly made its way down the street and stopped in front of the grain shop.

Duan Chunjiang stepped down from the carriage, his face still flushed from the wine, but his eyes were clear and he showed no signs of drunkenness.

He and Xue Pan went to the Duke of Qi's mansion to visit Chen Ruichang, who was recuperating from his injuries. After leaving, he entertained Xue Pan again, and the two of them found a place to drink.

Although he looked down on wastrel like Xue Pan, he would put on a show as long as things were not over.

He would not slack off or be careless in the slightest, making himself appear, inside and out, like a rice merchant who curries favor with the powerful and wealthy.

He had just reached the shop entrance, unlocked the latch on the ground, and was about to remove the shop door panel.

I saw a man squatting under the eaves of the opposite house. He was in his twenties, dressed in a coarse cotton-padded jacket, and looked quite inconspicuous. He was eating a naan bread.

When Duan Chunjiang saw this man, his eyes lit up. Their eyes met, and the man stood up and strolled over from across the street, munching on a naan bread.

Duan Chunjiang removed a door panel and stepped into the shop. The man followed closely behind and also slipped into the shop.

Duan Chunjiang closed the door and laughed, "But Dali sent you back. News has already spread from Shenjing that the military granaries have fallen. All your efforts have not been in vain."

The man said, "The matter was very successful. We obtained a total of 650,000 dan of grain, which is enough for the army to march south."

When I set off, Prince Du led a large army to besiege Xuanfu Town and had been besieging the city for a day. There were accomplices from my Sun family in the city, and the city was about to fall.

After the Great Khan seized the military camp of the Great Zhou, he controlled the secret passage into the pass and gathered a large army in Donggang Town to guard against any unusual movements in Datong and Jizhou Towns and cut off communication from both the east and west.

"Once Prince Badu captures Xuanfu Town, the gateway to the south will be wide open, and the Great Khan will have no worries about his rear, then he will lead his army south!"

Upon hearing the news, Duan Chun was greatly encouraged. His family had been loyal ministers for generations. When the remnants of the Mongols were driven out of the Central Plains by the Great Zhou, Duan's ancestors followed them to retreat beyond the Great Wall.

Although the Duan family is of Han Chinese blood and looks like Han Chinese, they no longer consider themselves Han Chinese at heart.

When the Mongol invaded the south, Duan Chunjiang felt no resistance, nor did he harbor any thoughts of being a foreigner. He simply felt it was only natural and even gratifying...

As for the Sun family men who returned to report the news, or people like Sun Dali, they were even more shameless than him. They were not so much influenced by generations of Mongols, but simply traitors who sought personal gain at the expense of their country.

The man produced a letter and said, "This is a letter from the Great Khan himself, detailing matters concerning the capital..."

…………

Duan Chunjiang carefully accepted the letter, checking that the sealing wax on the envelope was intact. Anda Khan's letter, sent from afar, must contain confidential and important matters.

Although the Sun family had pledged allegiance to Anda Khan, they played a significant role in capturing the military stronghold of Donggang Town.

But in Anda Khan's mind, no matter how loyal and diligent the Sun family was, they could not compare to the Duan family, who had served the Mongols for generations.

Therefore, there are some things that Duan Chunjiang can know, but the Sun family doesn't need to know.
Duan Chunjiang was well aware of this, so when the Sun family sent the Khan's letter, he naturally had to be extra careful.

He quickly read the letter, his expression somewhat solemn. He read it again, then lit a candle and burned the letter.

The man asked, "What are the Khan's instructions in his letter?"

Duan Chunjiang said, "It turns out that the Great Khan has other plans in Shenjing. However, even if Xuanfu Town is captured, the southward advance will not be accomplished overnight."

The Great Zhou Dynasty is blessed with a strong national fortune and a solid foundation of people's strength. There are many things that need to be prepared for.

The Khan instructed me to be careful and to protect the grain store as a hidden stronghold, as it would be of great use in the future. However, given the current uncertain situation, I must plan carefully.

The letter said that Dali had recommended you to the Great Khan, saying that you were quite skilled and wanted you to stay and help him. Which branch of the Sun family are you from?

The man said, "I am Sun Xiujie, a descendant of the third branch of the Sun family. I obey all orders from the Darughachi."

Duan Chunjiang nodded and said, "Does Dali know about Chen Ruichang's matter? I went to the Duke of Qi's mansion today."

He escaped from Donggang Town, wounded by an arrow in the shoulder and back. Dali was too careless; he actually managed to return alive. I'm afraid this will cause future trouble.

Sun Xiujie said, "We didn't expect him to show up. We never thought that he would be the one leading the team to escort the last batch of grain. It was really unexpected."

Chen Ruichang was among the military officers who gathered at the restaurant that day. He was lucky; not only did he not die from the fire, but he also managed to escape in the chaos.

They dispatched a large team of men, chased him for a hundred miles, but still couldn't kill him. This kid is really lucky.

"Don't worry, Manager Duan. Now that this kid is back in the capital, just give the order, and I'll definitely find a way to finish him off!"

……

Duan Chunjiang shook his head and said, "Now is not the time to kill him. After he escapes back to Shenjing, he will report the matter of the military granaries to the Great Zhou court."

He's a prominent figure now, so if he were to suddenly die at this juncture, it would certainly raise suspicions.

I heard rumors yesterday that the Dali Temple was investigating the leak of military supplies. I am not sure if Chen Ruichang has been suspected yet.

Moreover, I have known him for a long time, but I have never asked him directly about the matter of the grain supply and military depots. Even he himself did not know about it; he was the one who leaked the secret.

Even if the authorities investigate him, it will be difficult to trace it back to me. But now that he has suddenly died, things are different.

The Dali Temple will definitely keep a close watch on us, and we might end up getting ourselves into trouble.

Sun Xiujie said, "But keeping this kid around will ultimately be a disaster."

Duan Chunjiang said, "Chen Ruichang can't be touched right now. I'll think of another way to get rid of him."

The grain shop is opening tomorrow. I'll have the shop assistants watch over the shop while we prepare another escape route in the city.

I'll arrange a job for you at the restaurant across the street. Settle down first. Chen Ruichang can't be killed, but the others are another matter..."

……

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

Jia Cong went to the firearms workshop at noon, and after working there for half a day, he returned to his residence before sunset.

He went to Yingchun Courtyard after entering the inner courtyard and asked her to select something from the storeroom to prepare an exquisite gift for him.

In addition to medicinal herbs, furs, imperial wine, spices, and other items, perfumes and soaps were also prepared, along with several bolts of elegantly colored satin, all items suitable for the women.

Yingchun listened to Jia Cong's instructions and, feeling a little curious, asked, "Brother Cong, when visiting relatives during the New Year, we should bring simple gifts as a courtesy."

You've taken this courtesy quite seriously. Where is it being delivered, and to which relative or distinguished guest?

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I have been unable to take time off these past two days due to important matters of the court. In fact, this matter should have been done long ago, and it would be impolite to delay any longer."

The gift must be delivered to the Xuantian Palace on Mount Luocang, where the master has shown me great kindness, for which I will never forget…” (End of Chapter)