Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Ningrong Street, Rongguo Mansion.

Although it was close to the Lantern Festival, the wind was still howling and the chill was biting. Fortunately, the weather cleared up and the sun shone brightly and warmly, melting away some of the biting cold.

The flowers and trees in the garden are withered, but the wintergreen is lush and green. The low shrubs that have been trimmed are full of vitality. Under the scorching winter sun, the air is filled with the faint scent of grass and trees.

The winding covered walkway, with its green tiles and red pillars, is bright and colorful, nestled among the trees and grass of the garden, making it appear exceptionally elegant and secluded.

Several figures moved about on the veranda, heading towards Rongxi Hall.

Leading the way was the third daughter, Tan Chun, wearing a pink round-necked robe embroidered with plum blossoms. She had a slender waist, graceful figure, and beautiful eyes.

Her hair, as black as ink, was styled into an exquisite bun, adorned with a few pearl flowers, and embroidered with a ruby ​​phoenix hairpin that shimmered in the sunlight, exuding an exceptionally elegant and gorgeous aura.

She wore a bright red scarlet felt cloak that billowed in the wind, its vibrant red color further accentuating her delicate beauty and captivating charm.

She was accompanied by a maidservant named Shishu, and behind her followed a boy of about thirteen or fourteen years old, wearing a light blue soft silk robe with dark patterns. He had delicate features and his eyes darted around. It was Jia Huan.

He looked at Tan Chun in front of him, blinked, and suddenly quickened his pace to get closer to her.

With a shameless grin, she said, "Third sister, it's still early. I rarely come to the West Mansion, so I'd like to wander around a bit before I go see Third Brother Cong."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun stopped in her tracks, her bright eyes flashing with a sharp edge that made Jia Huan feel uneasy.

He frowned and said, "What are you up to now? You've forgotten what I warned you about. If you try anything funny again, I'll tell the master in a fit of anger."

Whether the master will beat you to death, I don't know, but you'll never be allowed to enter the West Mansion again, that's for sure. If you don't believe me, go ahead and cause trouble!

……

When Tan Chun exposed Jia Huan's thoughts, he looked quite embarrassed and hesitated to speak, because his sister was too shrewd.

Today, Tan Chun suddenly came to say that she would take her to see Jia Cong so that her third brother could correct her studies, fill in the gaps in her knowledge, and give her a better foundation for entering the Imperial Academy.

Although Jia Huan was a little nervous, he was still willing to go to the West Mansion, hoping to take this opportunity to see Caixia.

Although he and Caixia were lovers, they had grown up together since childhood. Caixia was also beautiful and alluring. The young man, enamored with her, committed a passionate and frivolous act.

He had no intention of taking Caixia as his concubine, but the fact that Baoyu took Caixia as his concubine stirred up his emotions, making him even more obsessed with her, almost to the point of being bewitched.

Since Caixia entered Baoyu's room, he had not seen her for several months. Even at the New Year's Eve banquet, he was confined to the men's section.

Even when he entered the flower hall to offer a toast, he happened to see Caixia leave her seat and walk away. Thinking of his past romantic encounters, he felt somewhat tormented.

Tan Chun then gave the order that no one was allowed to enter the West Mansion before entering the Imperial Academy. Aunt Zhao kept a close watch on them and couldn't find any loopholes.

Seeing how strict and vigilant Tan Chun was, he couldn't help but feel a bit deflated.

With a pained expression, he said, "Third sister, I'm your own brother. You're too harsh on me. You punish me all the time."

You care so much about my third brother Cong. If you treated me, your own brother, with even half the kindness you show to him, I would be completely satisfied.

Tan Chun glanced at Jia Huan and said, "Can you compare to Third Brother? If you were even half as successful as Third Brother, I would fawn over you every day and make sure you enjoy it."

Jia Huan retorted, "Third sister, you always compare everything to Third Brother Cong. Are you trying to make others live? You're clearly trying to humiliate your own brother."

Tan Chun said, "Huan'er, you need to know right from wrong. I've already explained the reasons to you. Give up that idea as soon as possible, so as not to harm yourself and others."

With the Mongols in the north now waging war, my third brother is unlikely to be idle and will spend limited time at home.

After you finish reading the Lantern Festival (January 15th), go to the Imperial Academy to enroll. Only then will he call you in for a talk, mostly out of consideration for your father. So don't be careless.

……

Upon hearing this, Jia Huan felt somewhat uncertain about meeting Jia Cong, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere.

She asked, "Third sister, I heard that the Mongol Tartars are going to attack. Third brother Cong has made great achievements in battle and wiped out the Jurchen Tartars. Will he also go to war?"

The master mentioned yesterday that Cong Sange is a born general, with the bloodline of his ancestor Rongguo. Now that the barbarians have invaded the border, the emperor will surely send him to war.

The master said that if Third Brother Cong were to achieve further merit, the Jia family would be in for a glorious return. Every time the master talks about Third Brother Cong, his eyes light up, which is a little intimidating...

Tan Chun looked dejected and said, "I don't know either, but Master is probably right. Third Brother is a master of firearms, so he won't be left out of this kind of battle."

That day in Rongqing Hall, the sisters were chatting when the sudden outbreak of war on the border brought up the topic. Xiangyun said that her third brother was going to go to war again to make contributions.

Tan Chun's thoughts resonated with those of Ying Chun and Dai Yu. Deep down, she didn't want Jia Cong to take any risks, but she also knew that in such matters, one often had no choice but to act.

……

Jia Huan looked on with longing and said, "Third sister, is studying really good? To be a military general, wielding a sword, that's what's truly impressive! Who wouldn't be afraid of that!"

Tan Chun glanced at Jia Huan and said, "With your appearance, you're so sloppy and unsteady. You can't even ride a horse or wield a knife, yet you want to ride a horse and draw your sword."

Jia Huan looked embarrassed and said, "Third sister, what are you saying? No one is born a military general. They all become military generals through military service and training."

My third brother was also very weak when he was young, otherwise he wouldn't have been beaten half to death by the master. He learned his skills later.

Tan Chun glared at him with her big eyes and scolded, "You dare to mock Third Brother? I think you haven't had enough of being punished with the ruler, and now you want to be beaten again!"

Jia Huan was startled. He knew that if he said anything else and his third sister found fault with it, she would usually just scold him a few times and ignore him.

However, whenever Cong Sange is involved, if she says anything carelessly, Sanjie will immediately turn on her. If she gets caught in a weakness, she will definitely punish her.

……

She quickly said, "Third sister, I'm not trying to sway Brother Cong. I'm just saying that I also admire Brother Cong very much, I'm telling you the truth."

Tan Chun snorted and said, "Huan'er, I advise you not to be so ambitious. Do you think it's so easy to join the army and become a general?"

Third brother can charge into battle, risk his life, and kill enemy generals in battle. Can you do all of that too?

Don't think that just because Third Brother can do it, anyone else can do it easily. Most of the people in Shenjing are sons of noble families and meritorious officials, and the title of Marquis of Weiyuan is hereditary and can be passed down without change. But Third Brother is the only one!
I advise you to be down-to-earth. You've made some progress in your studies now, so don't slack off or get distracted.

"Study hard for a few years, and if you can get into school, you'll have a solid foundation for life, and you'll have something to rely on in whatever you do in the future."

Jia Huan was somewhat discouraged and said, "I will listen to my sister. If I really get into school, I will then join the army and become a general. There should be no objection to that, right?"

Tan Chun breathed a sigh of relief when she heard that he was still willing to study, and said, "Let's focus on your studies first, and we can talk about joining the army later."

She thought about it again and realized something was wrong, so she said, "I think you shouldn't overthink it. You're my only son. If I encourage you to join the army, I'll definitely turn against you..."

Jia Huan refused to give up and said, "Third sister, Auntie listens to you. If she turns against you, you should also turn against her, and she will definitely comply."

"This is unfilial of you! Don't expect me to follow your nonsense!"

"Third sister, I'm just trying to improve myself..."

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall, three side rooms in the east wing.

The sunlight was dazzling and bright, streaming into the room with a gentle warmth through the south-facing latticed windows.

The room was brightly lit, and on the desk were brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Xiao Hong and Yu Chuan were practicing calligraphy.

After being carefully instructed by Jia Cong for several days, the two of them were no longer stiff in their brushwork and wrist movements, and they looked quite professional.

The sunlight shone on them, highlighting their graceful figures and making them a feast for the eyes.

Jia Cong circled around the two of them, pointing out flaws in their writing and offering verbal corrections or guiding them with his hand. They whispered sweet nothings to each other, their intimate moments filled with tenderness.

Yu Chuan always remained calm and smiling when the time was right, while Xiao Hong couldn't help but blush, her agility diminished by half, and she felt a little dizzy.

……

Early this morning, Jia Cong went to the firearms workshop outside the city. In the past few days, the workshop's manpower and resources have been focused on the production of porcelain bombs and fireballs.

Compared to the casting of muskets and cannons, the production process of porcelain mines and fireballs was simpler and the production speed was much faster.

With a major battle imminent, Jia Cong divided all the craftsmen into two shifts, working day and night to rush the production. The stockpile of porcelain firecrackers and bombs increased daily and became quite substantial.

As construction speeds up, raw material consumption increases, and the workshop's inventory of materials is about to run out.

Jia Cong then personally went to the Ministry of Revenue to discuss the requisition of construction materials, as items such as saltpeter and sulfur were now prohibited from being transported by the public.

Only the Ministry of Revenue's Guangji Treasury had the authority to requisition and store materials. Originally, such matters were handled by Deputy Supervisor Liu Shizhen and Steward Qian Huai.

But now, facing the war against the Mongols, tens of thousands of troops have gathered outside the capital, the military depots of the nine border regions have been looted, and the grain supplies of the nine towns are also in short supply.

The Ministry of Revenue was extremely burdened with the task of collecting grain and fodder. All the officials and clerks in the government offices worked day and night to handle this matter, and there was no time to spare for manpower and logistics.

Jia Cong worried that if Liu Shizhen or Qian Huai were to speak, their words might not carry enough weight, leading to delays in the supply of construction materials, which would inevitably affect the subsequent battles.

Although Emperor Jiazhao has not yet devised a strategy for using firearms in response to the war against the Mongols, it is only a matter of time, perhaps in the next few days.

Jia Cong's pacification of the Jurchens in Liaodong demonstrated his talent in firearms and military strategy, making him an indispensable choice in the court to lead the troops into battle.

According to his strategic intentions, the successful production and stockpiling of various firearms would determine the life or death of the enemy. He dared not be negligent in this matter and would personally take charge to quickly achieve the production goals, rather than easily entrusting it to others.

……

Fortunately, when he went to the Ministry of Revenue today, the newly appointed Left Vice Minister was a mature and experienced man who knew that Jia Cong was deeply favored by the Emperor and was also aware of the importance of firearms in fighting the enemy.

The palace had previously issued an edict to the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue, stating that Jia Cong had the authority to manufacture firearms during wartime, and that all departments were required to cooperate.

Although the Ministry of Revenue is currently procuring grain and fodder in a very urgent and demanding manner, the Vice Minister of Revenue is still providing maximum assistance due to his reputation.

As a newly appointed official, he was cautious in everything he did. Jia Cong was a hereditary nobleman and a minister trusted by the emperor. He would not only try to flatter him, but also avoid offending him as much as possible.

Otherwise, if this young man fails to accomplish something and speaks well of me to the Emperor, I'll probably be in deep trouble.

Not only were the saltpeter and sulfur stored in the Guangji Warehouse allocated, except for necessary reserves for emergencies, 80% of which was allocated to the Firearms Department for construction.

A small number of personnel from the Ministry of Revenue were also transferred to supplement the insufficient amount of raw materials from the production areas.

In less than an hour at the Ministry of Revenue, Jia Cong had completed all the relevant approval documents and memorials, which were immediately sent to the Office of Transmission for review and approval.

The stockpiled saltpeter and sulfur arrived at the workshop the next day. After all, the relevant procedures at the government office still required half a day, so this was the fastest speed possible.

Since the sourcing of firearm materials was the top priority, Liu Shizhen was in charge of overseeing the construction of the workshop, so he didn't need to be present all the time.

He then informed the officials in charge of the Ministry of Revenue that if there were any unresolved matters, they could send a message to the residence at any time to discuss them.

……

When he returned to the mansion, he ran into Tan Chun. The two talked about Jia Huan's imprisonment. Jia Cong thought that the war was urgent and he was afraid that he would not have much free time at home.

Out of consideration for Tan Chun's guidance of her brother, he asked her to bring Jia Huan to Rongxi Hall to talk, so that she could offer some guidance on matters of the classics, which would be a way of showing his appreciation.

While Tan Chun went to the East Courtyard to fetch someone, he took the opportunity to check Xiao Hong and Yu Chuan's literacy skills.

He had just corrected Xiao Hong's brushstroke technique when the gatekeeper maid came to deliver a message, saying that the Third Miss, along with Huan Ge'er, had entered the main hall.

Jia Cong took a scroll and went to the main hall alone.

Seeing that Tan Chun was sitting on the right side, slowly sipping her tea, Jia Huan was standing there blankly, looking somewhat embarrassed.

When he saw Jia Cong enter, he awkwardly greeted him as "Third Brother Cong," his demeanor clearly showing some apprehension.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I heard from my third sister that Huan has been studying hard lately and has made great progress."

"I invited you here to exchange a few words, so that it might be of some help when you enter the Imperial Academy in the future."

Jia Huan said tremblingly, "Third Brother Cong is a Hanlin scholar, I am not worthy of the title of 'exchanging ideas,' Third Brother Cong, please feel free to teach me anything."

Tan Chun breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that although Jia Huan looked timid, his responses were still quite appropriate. This younger brother of hers was quite promising, and all her efforts had not been in vain.

Seeing that Jia Huan looked tense, Jia Cong didn't ask about his studies first, but just chatted about everyday things until Jia Huan relaxed a little.

Only then did he begin to examine Jia Huan on the most important points of the classics, gradually deepening his understanding. His expression became solemn, no longer amiable, but subtly imposing.

……

Although Jia Huan was a little nervous, fortunately, he received constant guidance from Tan Chun over the past two months and was frequently summoned by Jia Zheng to test him.

They were somewhat familiar with this kind of test-taking situation, so they weren't as easily defeated as they used to be.

Because Jia Zheng always summoned Baoyu and Jia Huan to test him, Baoyu, who was averse to the classics, inevitably became stiff and perfunctory in his answers.

Jia Huan was diligent but lazy in his studies, and his mind was simpler than Bao Yu's. Unlike Bao Yu, who was unwilling to study and instead indulged in fantasies about the words of sages and worthies, which greatly weakened his will to study diligently.

In the past two months, he has been spurred on by Tan Chun and has been using Jia Cong's commentary on the Analects. He is simple-minded and has been reciting it repeatedly, so much of it has already been absorbed into his mind.

When answering Jia Zheng's test, his words were full of classical Chinese phrases and quite eloquent, which was clearly superior to Bao Yu's inarticulate and incoherent words.

Jia Zheng often praised Jia Huan and scolded Bao Yu. Whenever Jia Huan saw Bao Yu being mistreated, he became more confident and proud.

The fact that Tan Chun was so certain about the teaching exam was quite bizarre, and that this sibling rivalry had such a strange effect.

…………

When Jia Huan faced Jia Cong's test, he felt even more awkward than when he faced his father, Jia Zheng. Even though Jia Cong was more gentle than his father, the pressure from him was still inescapable.

Moreover, Jia Cong's method of testing and educating was far superior to that of Jia Zheng and Tan Chun. He first used the original text of the classics for simple questions and answers, and then used the extended meanings to test and educate the students when they went deeper.

This is already the standard method of instruction in a traditional academy, which is somewhat difficult for Jia Huan, who only attends a private school.

Fortunately, although Jia Huan's answers were somewhat hesitant, he did answer every question. Whether they were profound or detailed was another matter.

Tan Chun listened, sometimes nodding and sometimes frowning, seemingly not quite satisfied with her brother's answers.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Third sister, Huan is doing well in his studies and has made great progress. As long as he perseveres, he will surely succeed in his studies."

My third sister is well-educated and truly talented. In my opinion, as long as she studies diligently for a few years, she will definitely be able to enter higher education.

Jia Huan answered the question with trepidation. Although he was not well-versed in the classics, he knew in his heart that he was at a loss for words when Jia Cong asked the question.

Unexpectedly, Jia Cong praised his progress, which made Jia Huan's eyes light up and his whole body involuntarily become excited.

After all, being praised by a Hanlin scholar was far more honorable for Jia Huan than receiving praise from his own master.

Tan Chun was somewhat pleased to hear Jia Cong praise her younger brother.

She said, "Third brother, Huan'er's answers just now were not very good. Third brother, please don't be lenient with him, lest you spoil him."

Upon hearing this, Jia Huan's face fell. However, knowing his sister was formidable, he dared not be disrespectful in the slightest.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "It is naturally good that Third Sister is strict with her younger brother. After all, Brother Huan is only thirteen years old. It is already quite good that he has such an understanding of the classics."

"You're so young, with a bright future ahead. You're sure to make great strides. I've studied for so many years; I'm not likely to be wrong about you."

Upon hearing Jia Cong's words, Jia Huan suddenly perked up. Seeing the change in his expression, Tan Chun suddenly understood Jia Cong's intention, pursed her lips slightly, and said nothing more.

……

Jia Cong took out the books he had brought and said, "Since you're going to study at the Imperial Academy, I don't have anything good to give you."

This collection of essays was used in our college's examinations, and I made annotations on all the eight-legged essays in it.

You may find it a bit difficult to read now, but after a year or two of diligent study, you will thoroughly understand the Four Books and then carefully study them. You will surely make progress in the future.

I hope that after you go to prison, you will study hard and not let down your third sister's hard work, so that you can bring honor to your aunt and sister in the future.

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun's eyes welled up with tears, but she dared not look at Jia Cong too much in front of her younger brother.

He said solemnly, "Huan'er, you must remember this well."

The annotated collection by my third brother is a secret literary tradition of the Jia family; it must be carefully preserved and not shown to others lightly, lest it be desecrated.

Tan Chun had her reasons for saying this. In this day and age, the imperial examination was the focus of everyone's attention, and it was the only way for scholars to change their fate.

Historically, scholarly families and families renowned for their literary talent are more likely to produce outstanding scholars in the imperial examinations than ordinary families. This is due to generations of accumulation, family traditions, and the inheritance of literary excellence.

Liu Jing'an was known as a literary master and scholar. With his extraordinary talent and wisdom, he taught at home for more than ten years, carefully instructing his students and creating the famous reputation of "Eight Jinshi from the Liu Family".

The success of Wenhua family tradition in passing on knowledge and skills, achieving twice the result with half the effort, is evident in this example.

Jia Cong was the top scholar in the imperial examinations three times, achieving the highest rank in the spring examinations and the second-highest rank in the provincial examinations. He was awarded the title of Hanlin Academician and was already a leading figure in the imperial examinations of his time.

His personally annotated eight-legged essays were priceless treasures for scholars taking the imperial examinations.

As a member of the Jia family, he naturally regarded it as a precious treasure, relying on it for his studies and to continue the family's literary reputation.

In Tan Chun's view, this collection of works is quite substantial, and it seems to carry on the mantle of her legacy.

The third brother didn't usually interact with Huan'er, and their relationship as cousins ​​was just average. Yet, he presented her with annotated essays, showing that he remembered their past relationship.

Tan Chun's heart was filled with emotion, a mixture of gratitude and inexplicable sorrow. Her heart was in turmoil, which is why she so carefully informed her younger brother.

Although Jia Huan was young, he was not stupid and naturally knew that this collection of annotations was a truly excellent book.

If I study hard for a few years and thoroughly learn this collection, I will most likely be able to pass the imperial examination and become a scholar, which will embarrass Baoyu to death!

Thinking of this, Jia Huan couldn't help but feel smug. Although he managed to suppress his laughter, he couldn't help but get a little carried away.

He took the collection from Jia Cong's hands, feeling smug, and said with a smile, "Third Sister, don't worry, I understand what you mean, I will definitely keep it safe."

"This good stuff must never be shown to anyone, otherwise they'll get on the exams and I'll fail, wouldn't I be a complete fool!"

Tan Chun, who had just been filled with budding feelings, now had even greater expectations for her younger brother's studies.

Unexpectedly, this unreliable person uttered such outrageous words, causing her pretty face to flush red with anger… (End of Chapter)