Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongxi Hall.

Jia Huan's outrageous words enraged Tan Chun, who glared at him and cursed, "You are truly hopeless! Your words are crude and unrestrained. I think you're asking for a beating."

As he spoke, he subconsciously looked for the ruler, but how could he carry such a thing with him at all times? Naturally, he couldn't find it anywhere.

Jia Huan, in his moment of arrogance, angered his sister, who threatened to punish him, causing Jia Huan to turn pale with fright.

He wanted to flee in disarray, but because Jia Cong was still present, he hesitated and dared not act recklessly.

She hurriedly said, "Third sister, I misspoke. That's what I meant. Is it okay if I said something wrong?"

Jia Cong was both amused and exasperated. He pulled back Tan Chun, who was about to explode, and said, "Although he speaks roughly, he at least knows what's important. Let's forgive him this time."

Tan Chun said angrily, "Shi Shu, take Huan'er back to the East Courtyard to study. If he wanders around on the way, come back and tell me."

I won't hit him, I'll just let the master know what he's up to, and then the master will be so angry he'll skin him alive!

Jia Huan turned pale with fright and shrank back there, not daring to utter a single word. Shi Shu suppressed a laugh and said, "Huan-ge'er, let's go quickly, lest we anger the young lady."

Jia Huan snapped out of his daze and followed Shi Shu, hastily trying to leave.

Before leaving, he didn't forget to bow to Jia Cong, clutching the collection of essays tightly in his hand, as if he had spoken carelessly and Jia Cong had angrily taken it back.

Tan Chun looked sullen and said, "This brat, no matter how much we try to discipline him, he's still so unruly. He's truly incorrigible."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Huan'er has been a bit spoiled since he was little. How can we change him all at once? We have to take it step by step. Fortunately, he is still young, so there is no need to rush."

Whatever his intentions, at least he's willing to study diligently, which makes him much better than Baoyu. Sister, don't be too demanding; haste makes waste.

Just as Tan Chun was about to speak, she noticed that Jia Cong was holding her hand. She had been about to discipline her younger brother when Jia Cong grabbed her hand in his haste, and she hadn't even noticed.

A blush rose to her cheeks. She felt Jia Cong's hand was warm and strong, and being held in his palm gave her an indescribable sense of security and joy.

Thinking about how his hands were injured and how his third brother was holding them like this, he was still somewhat lost in thought.

If he weren't her cousin, he would surely treat her well too. A sudden surge of lust arose within her, an overwhelming and uncontrollable desire that was frightening...

Tan Chun knew that this thought was shameful and wanted to pull away from him, but she was reluctant to let go, so much so that she could only vaguely hear what Jia Cong was saying.

It wasn't until Jia Cong unconsciously let go that Tan Chun suddenly realized what was happening, and felt a sense of emptiness in her heart.

……

She remained silent for a long time before saying, "Huan'er is impetuous. Why doesn't Third Brother discipline her more? Why does he always say nice things to her?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "You and the master are strict in your teaching, and you scold us every day. So when you come to me, you always have to say some nice things."

This is called having someone play the bad cop and someone else the good cop; if there's only scolding and no encouragement, how can he have the motivation to study?

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun couldn't help but smile and said, "Third Brother is only a few years older than Huan'er, yet he already knows how to guide so patiently. He has truly inherited the mantle of Master Liu."

"If we have children in the future, with such guidance from our third brother, they will surely all be successful."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "You're saying that too early. Third sister, you don't know this, but other people's children are easy to teach, while your own children are always a headache."

In the future, they'll probably be like my third sister, getting angry and ready to fight, and I might even have to ask my younger sister to play the good cop.

Jia Cong was just joking, but Tan Chun found it quite amusing and couldn't help but smile. Suddenly, she came to her senses and felt a pang of sadness and disappointment.

My third brother is talking nonsense. If he really starts hitting the children in the future, his wife will be the one to discipline them. How could I, his cousin, have a chance?

……

Jia Cong noticed that Tan Chun's delicate brows were slightly furrowed. This usually bright and cheerful girl had an indescribable melancholy between her brows, which seemed to be ingrained in her bones and difficult to erase.

He felt a little surprised. Seeing that Tan Chun was not happy, he couldn't help but coax her, "Third sister, don't worry too much. Although Huan'er is a bit of a playboy."

However, he wasn't entirely without merit. Just now, I posed a question to him, and although his answers had flaws and weren't perfect, he had already grasped the basics of the scriptures.

It is evident that he is attentive to his studies, and with proper guidance, he could become a promising individual.

He was only thirteen years old, which was quite remarkable; he was already quite intelligent.

Actually, this is not surprising. Your third sister is so intelligent and quick-witted. Huan'er is your half-sister, how could she be stupid?

He will be allowed to audit classes at the Imperial Academy. I will instruct several instructors to strictly supervise him. As long as he studies diligently for two or three years...

By thoroughly understanding the Four Books and contemporary texts, and establishing a solid foundation in learning, one can make a strong chance of advancing in their studies when the time comes.

Even passing the imperial examination at the age of fifteen or sixteen is considered a remarkable achievement among scholars.

"If the second wife's son succeeds in the imperial examinations, the master's lifelong wish will be fulfilled, and the family will have a worthy successor."

……

Tan Chun's heart was stirred, her emotions were in turmoil, and she could not control herself. She only wanted to escape far away and never see him again, but she refused to leave his side even for a moment.

Jia Cong's gentle words brought her to her senses, but the subtle tenderness within them only made it harder for her to shake off her inner demons.

Thinking of how absurd I had been, how I had disregarded human ethics, how I had indulged in delusions and fantasies, how I had been so hopelessly infatuated and unable to extricate myself, I realized that it was truly outrageous and immoral.

Feeling ashamed and guilty, her anger surged, and for a moment she felt dizzy. Jia Cong saw that she was unsteady on her feet and seemed about to fall.

He quickly stepped forward to support her shoulder and asked, "Third sister, what's wrong? You look so pale."

Seeing his concerned gaze, which seemed to penetrate to the depths of her heart, Tan Chun subconsciously closed her bright eyes, not daring to look at him any longer.

Having such a cousin, isn't that enough? If my third brother finds out, he'll probably ignore me and I'll lose all face.

What fun would there be in living then? We should rectify our minds and eliminate the karmic obstacles from our past lives, and just be a pair of like-minded siblings, so that we can live together for a long time.

……

She composed herself and said, "I was walking a bit too fast when I went to the East Courtyard just now, and maybe I caught a chill. I feel a little uneasy, but it's nothing serious."

"Thank you for your kind words, Third Brother. I hope Huan'er will live up to your expectations."

Jia Cong said, "Don't worry, sister. I'll keep an eye on Huan'er for you. As long as he studies hard, he'll definitely amount to something."

"Shishu hasn't returned yet. I'll have Yuchuan help you. I'll accompany you back to the East Residence to rest first."

Jia Cong helped Tan Chun put on her cloak, helped her sit down in a round-backed chair, and then called Yu Chuan over. The three of them returned to the East Mansion together.

After accompanying Tan Chun back to her own courtyard, Jia Cong helped her to lean against the embroidered couch fully clothed. Seeing that her complexion had improved somewhat, Jia Cong chatted with her.

Suddenly, Qingwen rushed in and said, "Third Master, I've been looking for you everywhere. A palace eunuch just came to deliver a message."

They had originally gone to the workshops outside the city, but since the Third Master was going to the Ministry of Revenue on business today, the eunuch went to the main hall of the Ministry of Revenue.

The officials from the Ministry of Revenue said that Third Master had returned to his residence, so they chased after him here. I went to the West Mansion to deliver the message, and Xiao Hong said that Third Master had returned as well, giving me quite a run for my life.

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun was startled and asked, "Is it something urgent that you're sending Third Brother to the palace at this time?"

Qingwen said, "The palace eunuchs are waiting in the outer courtyard. They didn't say anything, only that His Majesty urgently summoned Third Master to the palace."

……

Tan Chun asked, "The war is urgent right now, and His Majesty is eager to bring Third Brother to the palace. Could it be related to the war?"

Jia Cong said, "Several military reports arrived in the city yesterday, and the nine gates of the city were reinforced with troops overnight. It is expected that the emperor will make a decision in the palace today."

Tan Chun looked worried and said, "Since the Emperor has summoned you, Third Brother, please go quickly. We dare not delay."

Jia Cong nodded, then turned and left without saying anything more.

Seeing that Tan Chun was distracted, Cui Mo asked, "Miss, it's common for Third Master to go to the palace, so there's no need to worry too much."

Tan Chun sighed, "You don't understand what's going on inside. Judging from this situation, Third Brother must be receiving an imperial decree upon entering the palace, and he will most likely be leading troops into battle."

She sat up from the couch, preparing to go out, when Cui Mo said, "Miss, you're not feeling well, you should rest for a while."

Tan Chun said, "It's nothing serious, I was just a little dizzy from being tired, and I felt fine after leaning to one side for a while."

I'll go to my second sister's courtyard to tell her, and you go to Sister Lin's to inform her as well. She's also concerned about my third brother's situation; everything will be clear once he leaves the palace.

……

The Earl's Mansion, Yingchun Courtyard.

As soon as Tan Chun entered the main hall of the courtyard, she saw that the room was warm with incense and filled with fragrance, and that the beautiful clothes and hairpins were dazzling.

Not only were Yingchun, Xichun, Xiangyun, Xiuyan and other sisters present, but Daiyu was nowhere to be seen, and Baochai was also walking around talking.

Tan Chun told Xiang Yun about Jia Cong's urgent summons to the palace, and Xiang Yun blurted out, "I was right! Third Brother is really going to war this time."

That day, the sisters were having a feast at Rongqing Hall. Xiangyun and Baoyu were arguing. In order to make Baoyu furious, she deliberately spoke excitedly about Jia Cong's expedition.

Only a few days have passed, but her mood has changed without her realizing it. When Jia Cong's expedition is mentioned again, she no longer feels any joy, only deep melancholy.

My mind is like a kite with a broken string, drifting aimlessly, angry and confused, unwilling to say another word.

Yingchun and her sisters always treated Xiangyun as a tomboy who never grew up. They were used to seeing her carefree, talkative, and cheerful nature every day, so they had no worries about her.

So he just listened to what she said and didn't think about it too deeply.

Xiuyan and Xiangyun were the closest to each other, and after hearing her strange words last time, I had already become somewhat suspicious.

At this moment, he could tell from her words that she seemed to be hiding something. His bright eyes were filled with emotion as he unconsciously scrutinized Xiangyun.

A short while later, Daiyu received a message from Cuimo and entered the main hall with Zijuan. The sisters knew that Jia Cong had entered the palace and, thinking that he was most likely about to go to war, they couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted and reluctant to part with him.

But they all knew in their hearts that this matter was bound to happen sooner or later, and there was no way to avoid it. Now they just had to wait for Jia Cong to leave the palace to find out what really happened.

Tan Chun was somewhat listless and reluctant to speak. Seeing Bao Chai's slightly furrowed brows, she suddenly thought of something.

She casually said, "Sister Bao, Third Brother said that a great battle is imminent, and he asked both households to stockpile more rice and grain in preparation for any eventuality."

There are quite a few people in Pear Fragrance Courtyard. I wonder if Aunt has made any preparations?

Tan Chun asked this question because when the Xue family first moved into Pear Fragrance Courtyard, Aunt Xue and Grandmother Jia had agreed on the usual practices for daily expenses between the two families.

Because the Xue family was originally wealthy and only lived in the Jia family mansion, they never lacked money for daily expenses.

All daily necessities, such as food, clothing, and daily necessities, are managed and prepared by themselves, and are shared with the Xifu public funds. This is the way to maintain a long-term relationship.

That's why Tan Chun casually mentioned whether Lixiang Courtyard had also purchased more rice.

Baochai said, "Sister Feng reminded us earlier that this matter was arranged by my brother. Duan Chunjiang personally delivered a cartload of rice and grain, enough for us to eat until the end of spring."

Tan Chun was troubled by Jia Cong's expedition, which was also accompanied by her mental illness and inner turmoil. She was filled with sorrow and could not shake off her melancholy, and just wanted to find some idle chatter to pass the time.

She then asked, "I've heard my aunt mention a few times that the Xue family took over the Xinchunhao business, and their business is much more stable now. I don't want Brother Xue to have to work so hard."

"We're planning to close the grain shop partnership, so why is the owner still so enthusiastic?"

Baochai sighed slightly and said, "The business is going to be cut off, but Duan Chunjiang is clever and shrewd, and he won't sever his friendship with my brother."

They often visited each other and were very attentive to my brother, so we didn't say much..."

……

In the capital city, at the Dali Temple government office, Yang Hongbin, the Left Chief Justice, was in office.

Since Wei Guanyao, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, was ordered by the emperor to investigate the major case of the leak of secrets from the military granary in Donggang Town, he appointed Yang Hongbin, the Left Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, to take charge of the case.

Yang Hongbin is a prominent figure in the Dali Temple in recent years. He is not only meticulous and skilled in investigating cases, but also has solved many major cases.

Moreover, he is a top-notch interrogator at the Dali Temple. Once a suspect passes through his hands, he can extract a confession without much trouble.

Although he was resolute in his investigation and interrogation style, he strictly adhered to the bottom line. In his official interactions, he was measured and skillful, leaving no room for criticism.

For example, in the previous major case of cheating in the imperial examinations, Yang Hongbin, under the orders of Wei Guanyao, assisted Zhou Junxing of the Judicial Office in interrogating the suspects.

He used his prudence and competence to restrain Zhou Junxing in everything he did.

We must prevent them from using the imperial examination fraud case to abuse torture, implicate innocent people, and sway the direction of the court.

Finally, taking advantage of Wu Liang's suicide, they turned against their own side, bringing Lin Zhaohe out of the judiciary alive and regaining the presiding judgeship for the Dali Temple.

Ultimately, the trial of the imperial examination cheating case was brought back on track, the main culprits were brought to justice, and the innocent were exonerated.

This not only enhanced the reputation of the three judicial departments, including the Court of Judicial Review, but also dealt a heavy blow to the rampant power of the Judicial Office.

After the major cheating scandal in the imperial examinations, Wei Guanyao, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, valued Yang Hongbin even more.

No superior would overlook a subordinate who is skilled in investigation and interrogation, well-versed in the ways of officialdom, and capable of turning the tide.

The case of the leak of secrets from the military granary in Donggang Town was of great importance and attracted the attention of the emperor. Naturally, Wei Guanyao selected his most capable subordinates to spare no effort in solving the case.

……

At this moment, Yang Hongbin sat upright at his desk, carefully reviewing a stack of investigation documents. There were also three officials in the office, all of whom were Dali Ping Shi under his command.

From that day on, Yang Hongbin and Jia Cong deduced the case and determined the investigation strategy based on Jia Cong's ideas.

In recent days, the main focus of the investigation has been on the eight officials from three departments who were identified as suspects by Jia Cong based on his assessment of the degree of suspicion.

Although Yang Hongbin only had three Dali judges under his command, these judges also had clerks and several other officials under their command.

These grassroots officials of the Court of Judicial Review are the ones who actually handle case investigations, inquiries, and follow-ups.

They rarely sit in the government office all day; instead, they roam the streets, with keen eyes and ears, and have their own methods for searching for clues.

It is no easy task to ascertain the daily conduct, social circles, and suspicious activities of these eight officials.

The three judges, along with their subordinates, spent four or five days to roughly ascertain the backgrounds of the eight officials.

Since each of the three judges was responsible for several officials involved in the case, Yang Hongbi would ask the judge in charge when he saw a certain investigation document.

However, after questioning several people, he found no obvious suspicious activity in the daily behavior and social interactions of these officials involved.

When he saw the next investigation document, the title page listed the official title of the official involved: Chen Ruichang, a fifth-rank military officer in charge of land reclamation...

…………

Yang Hongbin's eyes lit up slightly as he recalled discussing this person with Jia Cong.

He believed that among the four suspected military officers escorting grain, Chen Ruichang, as the second grandson of the Duke of Qi, came from the highest noble family.

Moreover, having personally experienced the calamity of the military depot being occupied, and having escaped back to Shenjing with serious injuries to report the news, Chen Ruichang was the least likely to have leaked the secret.

However, Jia Cong had a different view: Chen Ruichang had delivered the most grain supplies among the four military officers who were responsible for transporting grain supplies, from around the twelfth lunar month to New Year's Eve.

Chen Ruichang is a person deeply involved in the matter, and the time period in which he was escorting grain coincides with the time of the alleged leak.

We cannot dismiss his suspicion simply because he fled back to Shenjing to report the news.

Yang Hongbin and Jia Cong were close friends, and Yang admired Jia's judgment in handling cases, so he also paid more attention to Chen Ruichang.

……

As he flipped through the documents, he asked, "During Chen Ruichang's investigation, were there any suspicious aspects to his daily behavior, or any unusual activity in the flow of people coming and going?"

A court official said, "Reporting to the Temple Master, Chen Ruichang is the second grandson of the Duke of Qi, and is a well-known noble son in the capital."

This person was quite reliable in his daily official duties and did not leave any cause for criticism.

Because his grandfather was the Left Army Commander of the Governor's Office, a person of high rank and great power, he was protected by the Five Armies Governor's Office, and others gave him some respect.

But this man was not like the typical spoiled brat; he was also somewhat worldly and shrewd, and therefore did not become arrogant or domineering. His reputation as an official was also quite good.

His daily interactions consisted mainly of sons of noble families, and he would occasionally attend banquets and drink with his colleagues, which seemed normal at first glance.

In recent months, however, he has been in close contact with a grain shop owner, often drinking and visiting prostitutes together, but this seems rather strange.

According to the manners of noble sons, they disdain associating with merchants, yet this grain shop owner seems to be favored by Chen Ruichang.

……

Yang Hongbin looked surprised and asked, "Is it the owner of that grain shop?"

The judge said, "The Duan family's grain shop on Yongchun Street in the north of the city is owned by Duan Chunjiang. The shop has been open for less than half a year."

Yang Hongbin pondered for a moment and said, "It does sound quite unusual for a prince's son to associate with grain shop merchants."

The judge continued, "I also found it a bit strange. I spent some time investigating and even retrieved the household registration documents of Zhen'an Prefecture."

The grain shop owner, Duan Chunjiang, was not a local, but a native of Datong Prefecture. He was originally a border trader who did tea and horse trade.

However, since the imperial court cut off the tea-horse trade, he lost his source of business and went to Shenjing (Beijing) to do rice business half a year ago.

The official travel permit he left with the government was all in order, leaving no room for doubt; he seemed to be a respectable merchant.

Yang Hongbin's eyes flickered as he asked, "Duan Chunjiang has only been in the capital for half a year. Normally, it would be difficult for him to build up a deep network of connections. How did he manage to get involved with the sons of the Duke's family?"

The judge said, "I have also investigated this matter. Duan Chunjiang's grain store has another owner who owns 40% of the store's shares."

This man was named Xue Pan, a member of the prominent Xue family in Jinling. He had extensive connections in the capital and associated with many sons of noble families.

Duan Chunjiang relied on Xue Pan's connections to conduct rice and grain business with many noble families. It is likely that he allowed Xue Pan to invest in the grain shops because he valued Xue Pan's connections in the capital.

This matter seems normal, but it's a common tactic used by merchants.

Chen Ruichang was introduced to Duan Chunjiang by Xue Pan, which is how the two came to know each other.

I once investigated near Yongchun Street and heard various rumors that Chen Ruichang had solicited business for the Duan family's grain shop.

This is not surprising. Chen Ruichang was a military officer in charge of agricultural settlements under the Five Military Commissions. It was only natural that he would have a business dealing in rice and grain due to his official duties.

Therefore, Duan Chunjiang's attempt to curry favor with Chen Ruichang was similar to his strategy of bringing Xue Pan into the business; both were tactics employed by this grain dealer.

……

Yang Hongbin looked approving and said, "You are very meticulous. You did a good job. The investigation was very thorough. Do you find this grain shop suspicious?"

The judge said, "Your Excellency, although I have tried my best to investigate, I have not found anything suspicious so far."

But something just felt off. Duan Chunjiang had only been in the capital for half a year, yet he was already able to manipulate events, befriend powerful and influential people.

This person is truly remarkable for making a newly opened grain shop so successful and for having unexpected dealings with several noble and wealthy families.

Moreover, he was from Datong, a border town that was convenient for connecting with the areas outside the Great Wall. When the military granaries in the north were robbed, he happened to be in the rice and grain business.

Although the two are unrelated, something just feels off, but I can't quite pinpoint the problem..."

Yang Hongbin's expression was serious, and his eyes gleamed strangely. He said, "You're absolutely right. There's definitely something fishy about this grain shop. Send more people and keep a close watch on it..." (End of Chapter)