Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

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

Through the east-facing stained-glass window, it was still pitch black outside, with not a trace of dawn in sight, just like this short spring night.

A bronze incense burner with auspicious and longevity symbols and cloisonné enamel decorations sits in the room, its fragrance lingering and never dissipating, while the charcoal fire inside glows red.

The large canopy bed with its curtains tightly closed sometimes trembled even without wind, and the melodious chirping of orioles could be heard, continuing for a long time in the deep night, until it finally subsided.

The bed is covered with a brocade quilt, the pillow is made of gauze, and the air is filled with a delicate fragrance that lingers and never dissipates, creating an indescribable scene of beauty.

Wu'er awoke from her sweet sleep, her starry eyes slightly open. She saw Jia Cong fast asleep, so she put her arm around her neck and held her tightly in her arms.

She slightly raised her body and saw Ping'er sleeping on the outside, her beautiful hair disheveled and piled up like clouds, her cheeks flushed.

The quilt slipped down, revealing a section of her fair and delicate shoulder. She leaned her head on Third Master's shoulder, fast asleep.

Wu'er was slightly smug. Third Master was still holding me while he was asleep, but he didn't hold Ping'er. He must love me more.

As for what happened last night, although every detail was vivid and unforgettable, Wu'er dared not think about it too much, as it was simply too shameful.

Last night, somehow, through a combination of coaxing and deception, the three of them ended up sleeping in the same bed. Perhaps it was because the Third Master was about to go on a campaign, and they were all reluctant to part with him.

Thinking of the passionate lovemaking of the previous night, Wu'er felt feverish all over, vaguely recalling how exhausted she was, and how Third Master had pinned Ping'er down on top of her again...

Wu'er thought that it would be dawn soon, and wondered if she should get up early, otherwise she would be so embarrassed if people found out.

But she was too embarrassed to get up first, so she could only continue to pretend to be asleep, squeezing closer to Jia Cong, but she could no longer fall asleep.

……

After a short while, the darkness outside the window faded, and a faint glimmer of dawn appeared. Ping'er was startled awake.

She struggled to sit up, wrapped in the blanket, and looked at Jia Cong sleeping peacefully beside her. Her pretty face flushed, and her body went limp.

Seeing Wu'er leaning against Jia Cong, seemingly fast asleep, her long, curled eyelashes fluttered slightly.

Ping'er pursed her lips slightly, not bothering to point it out. She lifted the bed curtains, picked up the clothes from the floor, and quietly put them on.

After she finished dressing and was about to get out of bed, she couldn't help but say, "Wu'er, you're still pretending to be asleep. Get up and get ready."

They'll be knocking on the door with water soon. They'll see they've found out, and they'll laugh themselves to death. Don't blame me then.

Wu'er was startled by her shout, her face flushed red as she stood up, looking somewhat helpless, and hurriedly fumbled for her clothes to put on.

Although the two women tiptoed out of bed, Jia Cong was already awakened. Worried that they would lose face, he could only pretend to be asleep. He had indeed been somewhat absurd last night...

……

Ping'er was meticulous. After dressing herself neatly, she went to the dressing table to carefully do her makeup.

After getting dressed, Wu'er casually tidied her hair and went forward to help Ping'er comb her hair and carefully insert hairpins and ornaments.

Ping'er smiled and said, "You don't need to be so attentive, I can take care of it myself."

Wu'er snorted and said, "You thought I was helping you? You wish! You weren't on night duty last night."

Even if you came in earlier today, you shouldn't have been disheveled and unkempt. Those maids are too clever to tell the difference.

If you lose face then, how can I have any pride? I can't even keep watch on my own night watch, and you're dragging me around and making a scene. That would be incredibly embarrassing.

If even the slightest rumor were to spread, people would say that Third Master was being too reckless, which would damage his reputation.

Ping'er blushed and said, "You've thought this through quite carefully. Now you're saying I was wrong?"

Wu'er said, "You don't need to say such things. When it's your turn to be on night duty, I'll come and bother you too. Then we'll be even."

……

Upon hearing this, Ping'er couldn't help but chuckle, her whole body burning with heat. She laughed and scolded, "You've been enlightened by Third Master, and you're becoming more and more reckless and shameless."

Third Master is leaving for war tomorrow, and I'm a little reluctant to part with him, which is why I couldn't control myself last night.

This has gone too far; I dare not cause any more trouble with you.

"Next time you come over for night duty, I'll turn around and run away, making room for you obediently. Third Master, you can't trick me into having you again."

Wu'er laughed and said, "Aren't you a little too shrewd? You covered for Third Master last night, and now you're unwilling to leave any more evidence..."

Wu'er still harbored some resentment about last night's affair, but Ping'er's gentle words quickly dispelled much of it.

As the two were talking, Jia Cong's voice came from behind: "What excuse do you have left for me to use? I'm getting up, and you're not even here to help me."

Ping'er and Wu'er blushed when they heard this.

Wu'er said, "This time, Third Master will dress himself. I'll help Sister Ping'er get ready quickly so that no one notices anything amiss and we all lose face."

Ping'er laughed and said, "That's exactly right. Third Master took full advantage of us last night, so please bear with us for a while today."

Jia Cong smiled upon hearing this, jumped off the bed, tidied his scattered clothes, and dressed in a short while. He then went to the clothes rack to take out his padded jacket and put it on.

Ping'er had a phoenix hairpin inserted into her hair by Wu'er. She glanced at herself in the mirror and said, "Now everything is neat and tidy. This is enough."

As she spoke, she got up and helped Jia Cong put on his outer robe, and then Wu'er took the belt and helped Jia Cong tie it.

……

When Wu'er was about to help Jia Cong comb his hair, Ping'er suddenly remembered something and quickly walked towards the door, because she remembered that Third Master had bolted the door last night.

She's still in the room, but the door is locked from the inside; the maid who arrived earlier will surely be suspicious...

Ping'er had just approached the door and hadn't even had time to pull the latch when she heard hurried, crisp footsteps in the corridor.

Someone walked up to the door and knocked twice, then tried to push the door open, but naturally it didn't.

"Hey, when did you lock the door? Wu'er, are you up yet? The big copper basin is still in the room from last night. I need to fetch hot water for Third Master."

Ping'er heard the clear and pretty voice and knew it was either Qingwen or someone else. Her heart skipped a beat. Of all people, it had to be the one with the strongest curiosity.

As soon as Qingwen finished speaking, she heard the door bolt being pulled, as if someone was guarding the door, which made her feel a little strange.

When Qingwen waited until the door opened, she was surprised to see Ping'er standing in front of her. Her clothes were exquisite, her hair was black and shiny, and her hairpins were gorgeous. She stood tall and graceful, a feast for the eyes.

Qingwen felt a little strange and said, "Sister Ping'er, why did you get up so early and lock the door when you went into Third Master's room? That's really unusual for you so early in the morning."

Ping'er saw Qingwen's beautiful big eyes, her gaze shimmering and moving as she looked her up and down.

His eyes held a hint of suspicion, along with a strange thirst for knowledge...

Ping'er felt uneasy under Qingwen's gaze and laughed, "When I came in, I was worried that it was windy outside, so I unconsciously locked the door."

Qingwen was somewhat skeptical, but then she saw Ping'er's dark eyebrows, bright and clear eyes, slightly flushed cheeks, and alluring pink lips. She was truly indescribably beautiful.

Even though she was a woman, she was momentarily lost in thought.

She smiled and said, "Sister Ping'er, you look so beautiful today, much more beautiful than usual. What rouge and lip balm are you using? I'll buy some to make myself look better too."

……

Ping'er subconsciously touched her lips, feeling a strange sensation in her heart. What was this girl thinking? She didn't have any lip rouge left.

Last night I was fooling around with Third Master, and he's already taken everything from me...

He laughed and said, "You've misjudged me. Why are you putting on rouge so early in the morning? Go help Third Master make the bed, and I'll go fetch water."

Qingwen found it even stranger. Ping'er must be half asleep. Isn't rouge and powder applied first thing in the morning?
She shook her head in confusion and went into the inner room to make the bed. She had just reached the canopy bed and was about to start making it when she reached it.

Wu'er's pretty face suddenly turned bright red. She put down the comb in her hand and quietly stopped Qingwen in front of her.

Blushing, she said, "Qingwen, my hands aren't as nimble as yours. You comb Third Master's hair, and I'll make the bed."

Qingwen twitched her nose slightly and muttered, "The fragrance on the couch is so strong. Wu'er, you've used too much rouge. Use it sparingly next time. Even if you have money, you shouldn't do this."

Wu'er's face stiffened, and she quickly replied, "It does seem a bit too heavy. I'll take your advice and use it sparingly next time."

Jia Cong quickly said, "Qingwen is the best at combing hair. I would be most pleased if she did my hair."

Distracted by them, Qingwen didn't think too deeply for a moment and laughed, "Third Master finally knows my merits."

Jia Cong saw her pick up a comb and carefully comb his hair, her movements light and skillful, truly very efficient.

He breathed a sigh of relief. This girl had such a keen sense of smell; if he let her run around the room, she'd probably just start yelling nonsense...

Wu'er quickly folded the brocade quilt, then packed up the bedding and sheets, bundled them into a bundle, and went out.

Qingwen said, "Wu'er, just make the bed. Why make such a commotion? There's no sun today, so you can't air out the mattress."

Wu'er laughed and said, "I won't air out the mattress. Third Master will sleep one more night tonight. He will be going to war tomorrow. I'll change the mattress for Third Master so that he can sleep more comfortably."

Seeing Wu'er's graceful figure, carrying a large bundle of objects, she quickly walked out of the room, muttering, "What's wrong with Wu'er? Why is she suddenly so busy?"

"We should have changed Third Master's mattress a few days ago, but we waited until today to do so, and then let him sleep on a new mattress for one night. The head of the household is really confused."

……

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Let Wu'er do her thing. Get her hair done and wait for dinner. There are still many things to do today."

Qingwen smiled and said, "Third Master, don't worry, it won't delay your important matters."

She quickened her pace, carefully combing her hair with a fine-toothed comb, then weaving her little hands back and forth.

Against her jet-black hair, her palms appeared even more like jade, her slender fingers delicate and graceful. In just a moment, she had tied her hair into a bun and carefully attached a hair crown.

Ping'er brought in a copper basin of hot water, and Qingwen helped Jia Cong wash his face and mouth. Just as he was about to go to the main room for a meal, he saw Qingwen about to go into the inner room.

Jia Cong said, "Qingwen, what else are you busy with? Have breakfast with me. It's no fun eating alone."

Qingwen said, "Third Master, don't you think the inner room is a mess? The stools have fallen over and no one is helping them up. Let me tidy up first, and then I'll have breakfast with you."

Ping'er quickly said, "These are nothing, you just keep Third Master company while he has breakfast, I'll take care of the tidying up."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Let Sister Ping'er take care of it. I'm going on a long trip the day after tomorrow. We'll have to wait a while before we can have breakfast together again." With that, he took Qingwen's hand and led her into the main room.

Qingwen was flattered and said with a smile, "Third Master, today is quite a rare sight. Sister Ping'er and Fifth Sister are exceptionally diligent. If they could all be like this, I would be happy to sleep in every day..."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I'm going to war tomorrow, so you can all relax for a while. You can sleep in every day, and who will bother you?"

……

The two entered the main room, where the kitchen maid and several servants came in carrying food boxes and quickly set out a breakfast table.

After having breakfast, Jia Cong left the mansion to handle some business. It was the last day before his departure for the expedition, and he had many things to do. He also needed to go to the palace to bid farewell, as required by the proper etiquette between the emperor and his subject.

After Jia Cong left, Qingwen instructed the cook to clear away the dishes. Just as she reached the veranda, she saw Wu'er and Ping'er talking at the corner.

Ping'er said, "Wu'er, I'm busy with some business at the West Mansion today. You can come over later. Help Third Master prepare some lamb liver and venison, and some goji berries and dates."

Go to the warehouse and get an old ginseng root that's been stored for a long time. Stew it with other ingredients for half a day, and when Third Master comes back in the evening, he can have some tonic.

Take another portion to make dry rations. The weather is still cold; let Third Master take it with him. It will last for two days.

Wu'er said, "Sister Ping'er, it's not as exaggerated as you say. Third Master was quite energetic last night."

Ping'er said, "Third Master is going to war, which is a very demanding and exhausting task. We can't let him suffer a loss. It's always good to give him some nourishment..."

Seeing the two whispering and seemingly getting quite engrossed in their conversation, Qingwen left the courtyard while still talking.

She recalled how Ping'er and Wu'er had been quite strange in the room earlier. Now that they had prepared a medicinal meal for Third Master, why did he need to replenish his body?

She often heard old women make crude jokes, and when men suddenly wanted to take supplements, there was usually some improper reason behind it.

Qingwen's big eyes lit up, and her heart warmed. She felt that today's events were too strange, and that they must have done something good...

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Grandmother Jia leaned against the couch, letting Amber massage her legs with a beauty mallet, while Yuanyang brewed tea and served it to her.

Aunt Xue was sitting on a round-backed chair next to the daybed, chatting with Grandmother Jia.

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "Where is Bao-ya so early in the morning? I haven't seen her for the past two days."

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "A few days ago, Jinling sent me the account books for the second half of the year. I'm getting old now and can't afford to waste my energy."

Bao'er has been helping me with the accounts, so I haven't been going out much these past few days. I only went to the Second Miss's courtyard for dinner yesterday at sunset.

They came back saying that Cong-ge'er is going to war tomorrow. I got up early this morning and asked the shopkeeper to prepare some items, all of which are gifts for Cong-ge'er's departure.

They took four pairs of cotton boots, more than ten pairs of cotton socks, and several pairs of high-quality brocade-embroidered hand-me-downs.

There were also two cloaks and two boxes of cakes, biscuits, and grains, all of which were durable and could be stored for a long time.

Bao'er sent these items to the East Mansion early in the morning. Although they were not valuable items, they would be useful for a long trip.

"Whether Cong-ge'er uses it himself or not, giving it to the soldiers is a very good deed. He needs to win people's hearts while leading troops in battle."

……

Grandmother Jia sighed, "Last night, Er Ya sent someone to tell us that Cong Ge'er is going to war tomorrow."

Cong-ge'er was also destined for a life of toil. Although he excelled in his studies, passed the imperial examinations with flying colors, and was on the verge of becoming an official and receiving a noble title—a truly respectable life.

He worked far harder than the average person, barely reaching adulthood, yet he had to lead troops into battle in freezing weather.

When his grandfather first went to war, he was already much older than him, which made his concubine worry and spend money on him, even thinking of these things for him.

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "It is precisely because he is so young that he has such remarkable achievements. The Rongguo Mansion is better than the last generation. It is also a blessing for the old lady."

What are these things I have? The old lady knows my financial situation, and my son is here to collect a debt.

If he doesn't cause trouble on ordinary days, I pray to the gods and Buddhas. Fortunately, he has become more sensible in the past year and no longer wanders around aimlessly, saving me a lot of worry.

He couldn't possibly manage the small business at home; I was the only one who kept it afloat, burning the midnight oil.

Thanks to Cong-ge'er for getting involved in the Xinchunhao business, Jinling's family business has finally stabilized, saving a lot of money.

My meager possessions are truly insignificant, yet the old lady spoke of worrying and wasting money; it's truly embarrassing.

As Aunt Xue was saying this, a maid outside announced, "Second Madam and Master Bao have arrived."

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "Since Baoyu moved to the East Courtyard, his father has been keeping him at home studying every day. I haven't seen him for several days."

Today I specially sent someone to tell his father to let Baoyu out for some fresh air..."

…………

When Aunt Xue heard that her sister and Baoyu had come over, her face stiffened slightly. Although this was understandable, she felt a little uncomfortable.

The sordid affairs within this grand mansion were hard to hide from the people inside. Baoyu's hasty and abrupt move out of the West Mansion was initially unknown to Aunt Xue.

Because it involves the reputation of the inner courtyard of the West Mansion, Grandmother Jia has issued a gag order, instructing all maids and servants who know about the matter to keep their mouths shut.

Although Grandmother Jia's actions were driven by a selfish desire to protect Baoyu's reputation, they were also the proper conduct of a lady of the inner quarters, and Jia Cong and Wang Xifeng had no objections.

Whether Wang Xifeng was outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant is another matter, and it would have been incredibly easy for her to make sure that those who could know about it were aware of the matter.

So not long after, Aunt Xue learned from the gossip of the servants in the West Mansion that Baoyu was having an affair with a female guest in the side room in broad daylight.

Moreover, he was so foolish as to leave behind evidence, which made Cong-ge and Feng-ya-tou unable to tolerate it any longer, so they kicked him out of the West Mansion in a fit of anger.

However, after Baoyu returned to the East Courtyard, everything was calm and nothing major happened.

Aunt Xue knew her brother-in-law Jia Zheng's temper; she knew he would beat him to death if he knew his son had done such a despicable thing.

She naturally understood, but feared that things would escalate and damage the reputation of the Rongguo Jia family, and even her brother-in-law Jia Zheng was kept in the dark.

Once Aunt Xue understood the reason behind it, she naturally refrained from revealing the information.

This nephew, who was born with a jade pendant and was once treated with great honor, is actually such a dissolute scoundrel at heart.

To seduce a woman from another family in broad daylight is even more despicable than a son going to brothels and drinking with women; the thought of it makes me nauseous.

Since she herself was raising an unmarried daughter, Aunt Xue naturally reminded Baochai to stay away from Baoyu.

Now, seeing Baoyu enter the hall with his sister, dressed in luxurious clothes and with a wealthy appearance, he seemed harmless.

But in Aunt Xue's eyes, he always imagined him in the side room, fooling around with women, behaving in a disgusting and despicable manner...

……

At this moment, Aunt Xue felt extremely uncomfortable facing her own nephew and wished she could stay far away from him.

Baoyu was very polite and called her "Auntie," but she only gave a forced reply, showing none of her usual warmth.

Lady Wang's mind was entirely on her son. Seeing her sister's awkward expression and the loss of her kindness towards Baoyu, she couldn't help but frown.

But today, the old lady specially sent word, inviting her and Baoyu to come over for a visit, which pleased and comforted Lady Wang.

The old lady still dotes on Baoyu, so the second branch of the family's status and prestige will never fall, especially with the master still around.

A sense of hope welled up in Madam Wang's heart, and she felt a surge of ambition.

She smiled and said, "Grandma, Baoyu is busy studying now and can't come to visit often to fulfill his filial duties. It's a great blessing that you still think of him."

Just now when I arrived at the door, I overheard my sister and the old lady chatting quite animatedly. I wonder what good news they've got?

Grandmother Jia was still smiling and silent when Aunt Xue glanced at Baoyu and said with a smile, "The happy events in this mansion always involve Cong-ge'er."

Yesterday, news came from the East Prefecture that Cong-ge'er will be heading north tomorrow.

A boy of only fifteen years old can become a general and lead troops into battle—something that doesn't even exist in plays.

The old lady was just saying that when the old master first went to war, he wasn't as young as Cong-ge.

The Rongguo Mansion is getting better and better with each generation, which is a cause for celebration. I really envy the old lady for raising such an outstanding grandson.

It's a pity I don't have the old lady's good fortune. Even if I could get just a tiny bit, it would be a great honor..."

……

Lady Wang was somewhat pleased with herself because Grandmother Jia was concerned about Baoyu. She asked questions in a casual and self-important manner, putting on the airs of a senior wife of the Jia family in front of her sister.

Unexpectedly, this dim-witted younger sister said something like that. Jia Cong is going to war, why should his sister be so excited?

The lady doted on Baoyu and specially sent a message to the East Courtyard, asking Baoyu to come and speak to her.

What should have been a wonderful thing turned into a farce by that boy the moment Baoyu entered Rongqing Hall.

All the cats and dogs in the West Mansion have gone mad. Do they think they can't speak properly once they're away from that boy? Madam Wang felt a wave of nausea and disgust.

Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "Your sister is quite the wise old woman. She even sent Cong-ge'er a farewell gift before he went to war. It's truly a good omen."

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang was at a loss for words, feeling a tightness in her chest.

My sister has now developed a completely different mindset, and doesn't care about me or Baoyu at all. She's only on that boy's side, so she's really no longer a good match for me.

This kid went out to become a soldier, and his own sister was still trying to curry favor with him, even giving him some ridiculous "departure gift," and the old lady was even talking about some kind of lucky charm.

Should I send one too? That kid shouldn't be burdened with too much courtesy; he can't handle that kind of good fortune, and he'll just get robbed of it by open or covert attacks outside…

Putting aside Lady Wang's malicious intentions, when Baoyu heard that Jia Cong was going to lead the army on a campaign, he felt as if he had been insulted, his whole body was ashamed, and he was filled with resentment.

Overwhelmed with grief and indignation, he felt that the entire West Mansion had been defiled, and that every step and every place here reeked of the stench of Jia Cong, that parasite.

Just then, the maid guarding the gate outside said, "The young ladies have all arrived..." (End of Chapter)