Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

When Yuanyang saw Wang Xifeng enter the hall, she took out a white porcelain bowl from the official kiln, poured in hot Lao Jun Mei tea, and presented it to Wang Xifeng on a tray.

He smiled and said, "Second Madam, this is a newly made Lao Jun Mei tea. Everyone has already had their share, so you should try a cup too."

Wang Xifeng smiled, took the cup, and drank it, repeatedly saying that it was truly excellent tea.

Lady Wang was displeased. These people were all opportunistic, and even Yuanyang was becoming increasingly unruly.

The tea that had been served to her and Baoyu was brought over by a maid. Feng, being a junior, was personally served to her.

Although the second wife moved to the East Courtyard, the master was still the old lady's biological son and had also raised Cong-ge.

These people have become arrogant and reckless in the blink of an eye. Now the West Mansion is getting worse and worse. The old lady is also getting senile. She doesn't try to do anything about it and just lets Feng'er run wild...

……

Upon hearing Wang Xifeng's words, Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "So there's another story behind this. But it's quite common for Cong-ge to be summoned to the palace."

We're just waiting for news anyway, so it's the same as having them wait here. The Lantern Festival is just around the corner.

I was just about to ask Er Yatou how things were being prepared at the East Mansion. The fifteenth of the lunar year is a big day; the family should have a good time.

When Baoyu heard that Jia Cong had been summoned to the palace, and that the old lady had said it was nothing out of the ordinary, he felt really uncomfortable.

They felt that everyone in the family had become corrupt, constantly talking about the incompetence of officials and their cronies, and that Jia Cong had tainted everything inside and outside the family.

Hearing Grandmother Jia say that they should have some fun on the fifteenth of the first lunar month, Baoyu's gloomy mood brightened slightly, and he felt that these people were finally getting down to business...

Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "I thought of what the old lady was thinking a few days ago."

"I've prepared everything for the feast, lanterns, fireworks, the small opera troupe, and the female storyteller for the fifteenth day. The old lady can just wait and enjoy herself."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia couldn't help but smile and said, "Yuanyang, go to the East Mansion and tell Erya and Lin Ya to come and talk to us."

They were just waiting for news at home, so coming here is the same. When Cong-ge returns to the mansion, please come and sit down.

I was also curious to hear what new assignment he had been given to be summoned to the palace so urgently.

……

After receiving instructions from Grandmother Jia, Yuanyang went to the East Mansion to deliver a message. When Baoyu heard that his sisters had come, he was overjoyed, and his previous displeasure immediately vanished.

In the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Yuanyang brought over her sisters Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun, Baochai, and Xichun.

Grandmother Jia hurriedly smiled and asked her granddaughters to sit down. Baoyu was especially delighted, but most of the sisters ignored her.

Originally, Xiangyun and Baoyu could still exchange a few words, but since Baoyu retorted last time, she hasn't calmed down yet, and she just rolls her eyes at Baoyu whenever she sees him.

Grandmother Jia naturally noticed it all, but she didn't take it to heart at all, as it was just a squabble between her young children.

He smiled at Yingchun and said, "Second girl, it's almost the fifteenth of the first month. Feng girl has already prepared a banquet and opera troupe at the West Mansion."

Now that you're in charge of the East Mansion, everything is prepared for the Lantern Festival there. A lively and festive atmosphere is auspicious at the beginning of the year.

Since Jia Cong was suddenly summoned to the palace, and before leaving he mentioned a few words to Tan Chun, the sisters all guessed that his entry into the palace this time was mostly related to leading troops into battle.

Yingchun was filled with worry about this matter. Although it was not Jia Cong's first time on a campaign, he had led his troops to wipe out the Jurchens in Liaodong and returned home safely in the end.

However, when going to war, swords and spears have no eyes, and there is no way to be completely safe. Yingchun was in a state of anxiety and fear, so she had no interest in thinking about fun and excitement.

……

Yingchun said, "Grandma, the East Mansion has prepared lanterns and a banquet for the Lantern Festival, but they haven't prepared any theatrical performances or entertainment yet."

Around New Year's Eve, we hired a theatrical troupe, and the sisters watched the performances for a few days. Later, war broke out in the north, and the Mongols invaded and occupied the area.

The atmosphere at court has become much more tense. Cong Di said that with the country facing war, it would be inappropriate for a family of military merit to set up a stage and perform songs for outsiders.

Therefore, the small opera troupe withdrew last time, and I guess that the sudden entry of Cong Di into the palace this time is mostly related to the expedition.

If that's the case, then naturally we won't invite an opera troupe on the fifteenth of the first lunar month, so that things will be quieter both inside and outside, and it's also a way to bring good luck to Cong-di.

……

When Grandmother Jia heard this, she was taken aback, because Yingchun's words were not wrong. However, she was always cheerful, and if the Lantern Festival was spent in a quiet manner, it would be a bit of a disappointment.

When Baoyu saw that Yingchun's words were all about Jia Cong and that she was truly thinking of him in everything, he felt a pang of grief and indignation. Why hadn't any of his sisters ever treated him like that?

Although Yingchun was Jia Cong's older sister, and no matter how much she loved and cared for him, no one could gossip about it, Baoyu still felt bitter and resentful.

Seeing that Grandmother Jia seemed somewhat disappointed after hearing Yingchun's words, he suddenly had a bright idea in his mind. The old lady was also uncomfortable with his second sister's words.

Baoyu naturally understood Grandmother Jia's temperament. The old lady and he were similar in temperament; neither of them liked to be too restrained, disliked frivolous talk, and preferred plays and elegant pursuits.

Baoyu immediately felt reassured. His second sister was still too young, and had been corrupted by Jia Cong in the past two years. It was really no wonder she was like this.

Although my second sister is also intelligent, she is too protective of her own, unlike the old lady who is so mature and upright.

……

Having gained a strange sense of confidence, Baoyu felt the urge to show off. Now that his sisters were gathered together, he should let them know that he had his own insights.

He laughed and said, "What Second Sister said makes some sense, but it's a bit too rigid. Warfare and killing are things for soldiers and generals."

They are restless and arrogant, eager to seize merit and glory, and want to be distinguished in front of others, regardless of what others think.

They will have their own karma to deal with if they fight or kill, and they shouldn't concern themselves with other people's preferences or amusement. Everyone should just mind their own business and remain innocent.

If they want to go to war, they should go themselves. Why shouldn't others be allowed to enjoy themselves? That would be far too forceful and domineering, lacking any semblance of tranquility and harmony.

Therefore, our family, especially close relatives, can enjoy opera behind closed doors without bothering anyone else in the slightest. As long as everyone is happy and satisfied, that's the best outcome.

……

After saying these words, Baoyu felt quite pleased with himself, thinking that his insights were truly extraordinary.

Since he moved back to the East Courtyard, he has been humiliated by his father, Jia Zheng, every few days. Jia Zheng would call him over to give him private lessons, test his knowledge, and ask him questions.

Unfortunately, Jia Huan is a despicable parasite who is now extremely obsessed with poetry, books, and the imperial examinations. He has memorized those pedantic classics and constantly tries to show off to his master.

This caused the master to constantly curse himself for not studying hard, making Baoyu feel like he was dying. All he could do was go back to his room, cover his head, and cry and make a scene. There was nothing else he could do.

Now that they've moved to the East Road Courtyard, they've lost the old lady's protection and can only endure a miserable and agonizing existence.

Because he was really depressed, he not only read erotic novels to pass the time, but also read books such as the Zhuangzi and Laozi to relax in his spare time.

He unexpectedly gained some seemingly profound insights, which pleased him greatly. He thought he was born with innate wisdom and had a profound understanding of the truth, and he was quite pleased with himself.

Now, dissatisfied with Yingchun's treatment of Jia Cong, he seized the opportunity to make a far-fetched connection and start showing off.

……

After speaking, Baoyu was quite self-satisfied with his detached and untainted heart.

When Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang heard Baoyu talking in a rambling way, they were completely confused and worried. No one had provoked Baoyu, so why was he suddenly talking nonsense?

But Yingchun and her sisters were all well-read and naturally understood the affectation in his words, and they all felt resentful and unhappy.

Yingchun was always kind and forgiving, but her pretty face was slightly sullen at this moment. However, due to her nature and the consideration for Grandmother Jia, she would not rebuke or refute her in person.

Daiyu couldn't help but let out a soft snort, feeling quite dissatisfied, but she turned her body slightly away, too lazy to talk to Baoyu, lest he get involved again.

Upon hearing Baoyu's words, Tanchun frowned slightly, her face turning pale with anger.

This second brother always loved to make far-fetched connections. He had only learned a little from books, and he came up with all sorts of twisted theories.

He could talk nonsense as he pleased, but he deliberately used these words to mock his third brother. Did he think that these words would please his sisters?

It's one thing if he doesn't like reading, but he should at least be a sensible person so as not to be looked down upon. Instead, he's self-righteous and speaks so muddledly.

The second brother's constant behavior will only make his sisters more and more distant.

He just couldn't understand it. His third brother's virtues were far beyond what he could compare to, and it was impossible to sway him with just a few words.

Tan Chun, out of blood ties, still held a protective attitude towards Bao Yu and always hoped that he and his brothers and sisters could get along harmoniously.

But seeing that Baoyu's habits remained unchanged, and that he was deeply self-destructive and beyond redemption, Baoyu grew increasingly disappointed in his elder brother, who shared the same father...

……

Baochai had read widely, including many Buddhist and Taoist scriptures. She understood what Baoyu meant and felt a deep aversion to it.

Baoyu was also from a family of military merit, with a long-standing tradition of fighting for the country and protecting the people, a tradition passed down through generations.

The Cong brothers were Hanlin scholars and military meritors of the court, highly regarded by the emperor. They were generous in their service to the country.

Baoyu read some Taoist and Zen texts and then used them to spread nonsense and ridicule the affairs of the state. He was so ignorant and arrogant that it was truly disgusting!

Xi Chun was still young, not well-read, and had limited experience, so she couldn't understand the meaning behind Bao Yu's words. She just subconsciously disliked him, thinking that her second brother had gone mad again and suddenly became smug, which was completely inexplicable since no one else was praising him.

Among the sisters, only Xiangyun had a forthright and outspoken personality. After hearing Baoyu's twisted logic, she dared to secretly mock her third brother!
A few days ago, she had a quarrel with Baoyu, which made her so confused and absent-minded that she dared not look directly at her third brother.

Hearing today that Jia Cong is about to go on a campaign, I feel even more depressed and reluctant to part with him.

At this moment of trouble, seeing Baoyu, the instigator, naturally made him even more displeased.

Seeing Baoyu's self-righteousness, his ramblings, and even his teasing about his third brother's expedition, she was instantly enraged...

……

Xiangyun blushed with anger, her eyebrows raised. Though she was clearly furious, her complexion was as radiant as a rosy cloud and as beautiful as a begonia.

He said angrily, "Baoyu, what nonsense are you talking about? Third Brother is an official appointed by the imperial court, and his family has been granted a hereditary military honor by the Emperor."

Now the Mongol Tartars are invading the territory of the Great Zhou, and my third brother is about to lead troops to fight for the country, risking his life.

Whether it's the Jia family or the Shi family, aren't they all like that? Are they all beneath your notice?

Instead of saying anything nice, you use these fallacies and twisted logic to openly and secretly mislead him.

Third brother has wronged you, so why do you have to belittle and criticize him like this?

He is older than you, so he is the elder brother. You are the younger brother. There is an order of seniority, and you should show him more respect.

He is still the head of the second family, and he guaranteed your admission to the Imperial Academy. He has been kind and righteous to you. Even if we don't talk about brotherly affection, we should at least follow the patriarchal rules and etiquette.

How dare you mock him like that! I've wasted my time knowing you; don't even think about having anything to do with me again!

Xiangyun has been confused and bewildered these past few days, feeling troubled and frustrated for no apparent reason, and has been holding back a lot of anger.

Hearing Baoyu's sarcastic remarks about Jia Cong, he was instantly ignited with resentment and anger, and he vented his anger without restraint.

She became increasingly angry for no apparent reason as she spoke, her bright eyes brimming with tears. Even though she was the one scolding someone, she was so angry that she was about to cry herself.

Although Baoyu was full of fallacies, he was no match for Xiangyun's quick wit. He was rendered speechless by her rebuttal, his face flushed red, and he felt utterly ashamed.

He wanted to say something to clarify, but in his haste and panic, he couldn't even utter a fart.

……

When Lady Wang saw Xiangyun criticizing Baoyu like this, she turned pale with anger and couldn't help but want to reprimand her.

But she knew in her heart that among these granddaughters, besides Lin Yatou, the old lady loved Xiangyun the most.

Because Shi Xiangyun was her maternal grandniece, a person with direct blood ties, the old lady would lose face if she scolded her to her face.

Moreover, this girl is quite hateful. She scolded Baoyu thoroughly and had already gained the upper hand, but she herself was all teary-eyed, as if she had suffered a great loss.

This kind of quirky, pretentious behavior is so annoying; I never realized it before.

If I scold her now, this brat will definitely throw a tantrum and cry, and the old lady will really blame me.

Now that the whole family has moved to the East Courtyard, and even Baoyu has moved out of the West Mansion, the connection between the Second Branch and the West Mansion is becoming increasingly weak.

Madam Wang was unwilling to give up her hopes, and the only thing she could rely on at the moment was the old lady's affection for her husband's son.

Lady Wang didn't want to make a rash move that would cause Grandmother Jia to harbor resentment and eventually distance herself from the second branch of the family; that would be a huge loss.

Having figured this out, she could only suppress her anger, though her gloomy and ugly expression was impossible to hide.

……

Although the sisters, including Yingchun and Daiyu, were dissatisfied, they did not want to stoop to Baoyu's level and get into any arguments or disputes with him.

They were all somewhat surprised by Xiangyun's sharp and angry words, but they all felt relieved.

Grandmother Jia was somewhat surprised by Xiangyun's words and actions, as both Xiangyun and Baoyu had grown up by her side.

She knew their personalities very well; they had always been like this since childhood. When they were on good terms, they would laugh and talk, but when they had a disagreement, they would quarrel. Grandmother Jia was used to it.

But Xiangyun's expression and words today surprised Grandmother Jia. This girl is acting strangely today. Why is she standing up for Cong-ge'er like this...

Grandmother Jia was, after all, a seasoned woman; she knew all too well the thoughts and feelings of young women.

She recalled how Xiangyun's pretty face had flushed red, her eyes filled with righteous indignation and affection, and how she had so fiercely protected Cong-ge'er.

Could it be that this girl has grown up over the past year and suddenly developed feelings for Cong-ge'er? Otherwise, why would she treat him like this?

She couldn't help but secretly scrutinize Xiangyun, and saw that Yingchun was comforting her, but Xiangyun still had a furrowed brow and seemed somewhat absent-minded.

Grandmother Jia was increasingly convinced that she had not guessed wrong. She was actually happy to see this happen, as she had long planned for a marriage alliance between the Jia and Shi families.

Unexpectedly, the idea suggested by my niece-in-law worked so well that Xiangyun was taken to the East Mansion to be raised, and the two of them really developed feelings for each other.

Grandmother Jia was secretly pleased, but she didn't show it on her face. She frowned and said, "You've always been noisy and argumentative since you were little, never giving us a moment's peace."

Now that they've all grown up, they seem to be acting more and more like children. They argue and bicker over such a small thing.

"Now that we've talked it out and argued about it, let's put this matter behind us. No one is allowed to bring it up again or hold a grudge, or I won't stand for it."

……

Hearing Grandmother Jia's words, Lady Wang felt deeply depressed, thinking that the old lady was getting senile.

Yun is just her grandniece, but Baoyu is her own grandson. It's obvious which one is closer.

Why doesn't he side with the enemy? He just keeps trying to smooth things over and make things difficult for Baoyu. Where does that leave his face?

Although Wang Xifeng was not well-educated, she was extremely shrewd. She naturally understood the veiled criticism in Baoyu's words, and when she heard Xiangyun speak out righteously, she understood it all perfectly.

Baoyu's illicit affairs with women in the inner courtyard's side room tarnished the reputation of the West Mansion's inner courtyard, which made Wang Xifeng very disgusted with him.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone to such lengths and used such force to hastily drive Baoyu out of the West Mansion.

Now, seeing that he remains incorrigible, ignorant of his own limitations, and dares to publicly ridicule the third brother of the Waipai faction, what an ungrateful wretch.

He's blinded by greed, he doesn't even know whose rice bowl he's eating, the rice and grain of the West Mansion have truly been fed to the dogs!

Although Wang Xifeng was angry inside, she didn't show it on her face.

He laughed and said, "Grandma, Sister Yun is usually a bit mischievous, but when she speaks seriously, she is very articulate and her knowledge is no less than that of men."

In the past two years, she has grown into a more and more handsome woman. Not only is she more beautiful, but she also speaks and acts very decisively. She really does resemble the old lady.

It's a pity I wasn't born a man, otherwise I would definitely choose a wife like Yun-mei; her personality is so exhilarating!

Just now, Xiangyun and Baoyu had been arguing, and the atmosphere in the hall was tense. But Wang Xifeng's witty remark immediately eased the tension.

Yingchun and her sisters smiled with pursed lips. Xichun, being young, was even more unrestrained and giggled, making Xiangyun blush with embarrassment.

……

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "You little monkey, you always talk nonsense. You are a girl yourself, yet you still think about getting married. Aren't you ashamed?"

Seeing Grandmother Jia's smiling face, Wang Xifeng knew that her words had touched the old lady's heart.

When the old lady wanted to match Cong's third son with Xiangyun, she almost proposed marriage to the Shi family's daughter-in-law. Wang Xifeng witnessed this firsthand.

If it weren't for the imperial decree bestowing a marriage upon Miss Zhen, this marriage would most likely have come to fruition.

It seems the old lady is still very determined; she'll definitely start making arrangements once Cong Laosan has finished his mourning period.

Otherwise, why would Sister Yun stand up for Brother Cong and humiliate Baoyu like this, and why would the old lady not stand up for Baoyu, but just give him a piece of her mind?

Once Wang Xifeng understood this, she decided to take advantage of the situation and punish the second branch of the family for their misdeeds, determined not to let them continue to act recklessly towards the first branch.

He laughed and said, "Brother Bao has made great progress. He has become more eloquent and is now a student at the Imperial Academy. It is evident that he has been studying diligently lately and his knowledge has also grown significantly."

It's fine for you to chat with your sisters, but you shouldn't involve Brother Cong's important imperial mission. That would be a major taboo.

There are no secrets in the world. Even the whispers in the inner courtyards of a mansion can't be kept forever; they'll be spread around by someone who's never lived long enough.

Brother Bao, have you forgotten? Last time you gossiped about the imperial marriage, which led to the Imperial Clan Court coming to your door and giving you a good scolding. I still feel scared thinking about it now.

If this escalates into another incident, Brother Bao won't be able to handle it. I'll instruct the maids and servants later not to gossip about what happened today.

If this gets back to the Second Master's ears, how much more trouble will he cause...?

Upon hearing Wang Xifeng's words, both Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang's expressions changed drastically.

However, Grandmother Jia was worried that if she provoked the Imperial Clan Court again, she would lose face and cause trouble. Lady Wang was worried that if Jia Zheng heard about it, he would definitely lash out at Baoyu...

Seeing the expressions on Grandmother Jia's and Lady Wang's faces, Wang Xifeng knew that she had hit the nail on the head; with just a few words, she had taken control of the situation.

Growing increasingly enthusiastic, they resolved to go all out and thoroughly humiliate and trample upon the innocent... (End of Chapter)