Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Baoyu was either trembling with fear or speaking his mind frankly, thinking that he was struggling to survive and indulging in self-deception to protect his innocence, but in reality, he was just lazy and pretentious.

Although Yingchun and her sisters saw through his scheme, they disdained to speak ill of him. Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang doted on him, so even if they saw through his scheme, they wouldn't expose him.

This caused Baoyu to be timid as a mouse, but in his heart he thought he was the only one who had gained the light. Although his words were trembling, he couldn't help but feel a sense of longing and pride.

In his rage, Jia Zheng delivered a resounding slap that shattered all his delusions in an instant. He dared not feel grief or indignation, only fear remained, and he forgot his innocence, leaving only a life of compromise.

The slap was so loud that it was clear that Jia Zheng, in his rage, had unleashed his full power, and the force of the blow was terrifying.

Shi Xiangyun, who was peeking from behind the screen, pouted and rubbed her sore forehead, but she didn't see that Baoyu's cheek had instantly become red and swollen.

Lady Wang was heartbroken and rushed forward to help Baoyu up. However, with her husband beating their son and the old lady still present, she, as the daughter-in-law, dared not say a word.

With the old lady's thunderous rage on both sides, even if she were to grab a knife and mount a horse, there would always be a reason, and she wasn't afraid that the master wouldn't restrain himself...

When Grandmother Jia saw that Baoyu's cheeks were red and swollen, she was so frightened that she trembled all over. She was both pained and angry and was about to scold her son.

Unexpectedly, Jia Zheng's anger, fueled by Bao Yu's reckless words, surged within him, and he blurted out a torrent of furious words before Grandmother Jia could even utter a word.

Seeing Jia Zheng pointing at Baoyu and cursing, "You shameless beast, you have no idea how arrogant you are!"

The Jia family has many descendants, and the old lady has Cong-ge and the girls to be filial to her. Who do you think you are, daring to speak presumptuously about filial piety here?

Without your feigned affection, does the Jia family have lost their filial piety? How utterly shameless!

The Imperial Academy is a public institution of the imperial court, a place for cultivating talents and nurturing scholars, yet you have slandered it with your clever words. Those who enter the academy to study are all devoid of filial piety, and are extremely absurd and arrogant.

You foolish and ignorant beast, do you know how many high-ranking officials in the imperial court studied diligently at the Imperial Academy before taking the imperial examinations to enter officialdom?

Are all these high-ranking officials in the imperial court people who have violated the principles of filial piety? The Great Zhou Dynasty has always governed the world with filial piety in mind. Are all the officials employed unfilial?
You ignorant, arrogant, and depraved beast! Your words today, once they get out, will make the Jia family the enemy of all the civil officials in the court.

Your son Cong has devoted himself to studying poetry and books, and all the literary and reputation he has earned for our family is about to be destroyed by you!
"If the old lady hadn't been here today, and I didn't want to disturb her, I would have skinned you alive to settle the score and give you peace and quiet."

……

Grandmother Jia originally intended to reprimand her son for being so harsh on his grandson, but Baoyu's casual remarks were surprisingly effective in her son Jia Zheng's eyes.

The fact that the Jia family had become the enemy of all the civil officials filled Grandmother Jia with horror, and she swallowed back the curses that were about to come out of her mouth.

Noble and wealthy families enjoy wealth and honor for generations. Even if their offspring are unworthy and commit crimes in the streets, as long as it is not a major case, they can simply spend some money and connections to get by.

As long as the conflict can be dropped and the foundation of the wealthy family is not damaged, the family's wealth can continue.

However, if a powerful military family becomes entangled with a high-ranking civil official, it is not easy to resolve the conflict peacefully. If they are not careful, they may bring about the ruin of their family and property.

Today, the world is at peace. Even though the remnants of the Mongols from the north are invading, the court is still governed by civil officials. The words of civil officials are sharper than the swords and spears of military generals.

Having spent her entire life as a noblewoman, Grandmother Jia was well aware of these taboos and taboos.

If what the son said is true, and the Jia family offends all the civil officials in the court, that would be a terrible disaster...

……

Grandmother Jia said urgently, "Baoyu only said a few idle words. Even if he was wrong, you can teach him a lesson with your words. Why did you have to be so harsh?"

He's a man destined to settle down and start a family; how can you treat him like a child, beating and scolding him? What will people think if word gets out?"

Jia Zheng, his face flushed with anger, said, "Old Madam, if he was just talking nonsense, I would not have been disrespectful to you."

This beast is truly too stupid, ignorant and arrogant to the extreme, and has no sense of right and wrong, respect and taboo whatsoever.

If even the slightest word of his nonsense were to get out, not only would the Jia family become a laughingstock, but it would also bring trouble upon the family.

Grandmother Jia's expression changed slightly, and she said, "I know Baoyu shouldn't have been assigned to the Imperial Academy, but it's just gossip in the inner courtyard, how could it be as serious as you say?"

Jia Zheng said, "Has the old lady forgotten that last time Baoyu's words insulted the Emperor? Wasn't that just gossip in the inner quarters, which resulted in a huge uproar?"

The Imperial Clan Court issued a formal rebuke, a gesture of utter disgrace that no noble family has ever made.

At that time, Congge'er was about to be betrothed, and he had always been highly regarded by the emperor. In addition, he still had the blessings of his ancestors, so the palace showed him some leniency.

Otherwise, Baoyu would have been punished long ago. How could this beast have escaped so easily? He committed such a disgraceful act and still hasn't learned his lesson.

They even dared to spout nonsense in the inner courtyard, making up stories about filial piety among the scholars of the Imperial Academy.

He's clearly a fool, yet he thinks he's right. How could I have raised such a scoundrel? How dare he even live in this world?

The old lady was magnanimous and generous to the noble ladies in the palace, but she was quite different to the civil officials and high-ranking officials in the court.

They followed the path of poetry, books, and sages, adhering strictly to the orthodox tradition, upholding loyalty, filial piety, propriety, and righteousness, and never tolerating the slightest deviation.

If even the slightest word of Baoyu's words were to leak out, the entire court of civil officials would surely be in an uproar.

Those who enter the Imperial Academy are unfilial. Which of them would be willing to bear such a stigma? They would surely rise up in droves to criticize the Jia family for its corrupt doctrines and its arrogant and lawless disciples.

If the Censorate hears of this and impeaches the Jia family, they will surely become the target of public criticism.

How can the son hold his head high in front of his family elders and how can he continue to serve as an official?

If the Imperial Clan Court decides to proceed based on this statement, they might come knocking again. Baoyu has repeatedly incurred public wrath; if his son doesn't beat him to death, he might as well die.

Not only will the Jia family's reputation be ruined, but Cong-ge'er is leading troops into battle, a momentous occasion that should be a source of pride for the family, yet this beast has tarnished their honor. How can they bear this!"

……

When Grandmother Jia heard Jia Zheng's scathing remarks, her old face changed color. Hearing that the Imperial Clan Court was coming to her door, she recalled the past events and was still filled with lingering fear and panic.

He said, "Yuanyang, go and guard the door. Remember who is walking around outside the hall. Tell them to keep their mouths shut. Anyone who talks too much will not be let off lightly!"

Yuanyang readily agreed and hurriedly went out to check and give instructions. She felt increasingly disgusted with Baoyu and even gave him a disdainful glance before leaving.

Even if this Second Master Bao is useless, it would be fine if he just stayed home and did nothing. But he's always so self-righteous, talking nonsense and causing trouble, never letting anyone have a moment's peace.

While Third Master was making great achievements outside, he was just causing trouble at home, truly more trouble than he was worth.

Baoyu's cheeks were red and swollen, and he was filled with grievances. Hearing Grandmother Jia's words, he panicked and Yuanyang hurriedly went out to do errands. He was so frightened that he even put away his grievances.

When the Imperial Clan Court official came to visit, my father nearly beat him to death in front of everyone. He was bedridden for several months before he could get out of bed and walk around.

To suffer such a calamity again would be worse than dying right now...

Lady Wang was also frightened by Jia Zheng's words. She had originally wanted to say a few words in defense of Baoyu, but now she dared not say a word.

……

Although Grandmother Jia felt sorry for Baoyu being beaten, after hearing Jia Zheng's words, she couldn't help but complain, "Baoyu, you must be careful with your words in the future."

"Don't utter a single word about matters concerning studies, career advancement, officialdom, or right and wrong, lest you stir up more trouble and needlessly anger your father."

Upon hearing this, Baoyu felt extremely aggrieved. If Jia Zheng hadn't been present, he wouldn't have dared to act recklessly and would have burst into tears, heartbroken and indignant.

Even though she had been severely beaten by her husband, normally the old lady would have been heartbroken and given him a good scolding.

Even the old lady has changed her mind now. Not only has she shown less pity and affection, but she has also told me to speak less in the future.

He was speaking from the bottom of his heart, but people in the world are too hypocritical and greedy. Filial piety is all empty talk and nothing but a bunch of rubbish.

These corrupt officials are scheming, hypocritical, and do things that are illogical, yet they don't want to be exposed.

Once their true colors are exposed, they will stir up trouble, question and impeach, resorting to any means necessary; their true colors are utterly disgusting.

It is clear that my observation that the rigid, formulaic style of the imperial examinations was harmful, causing countless talented men to fall into corruption and become parasites, is ultimately correct.

No matter how the world deceives and humiliates me, I will never abandon the pure and innocent moon...

Baoyu's face was burning hot, and he was feeling extremely ashamed. But in an instant, he found a reason to calm his shame and was filled with longing and emotion again.

If Jia Zheng knew his state of mind at that moment, he would most likely have unleashed his divine power and immediately ended the life of this wicked beast.

……

After hearing Jia Zheng's words, Grandmother Jia felt even more strongly that it was not a proper thing for Baoyu to go out to study.

He sighed, “Baoyu has lived peacefully at home since childhood, so he has no idea about the outside world, and he also has some mental disabilities.”

Not to mention his weak constitution and inability to handle the studies at the Imperial Academy, his temperament is also worrying. If he makes a mistake while out, wouldn't that cause even more trouble?

In my opinion, the matter of studying at the Imperial Academy should be postponed for another year.

Lady Wang breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Grandmother Jia's words. The matter of studying at the Imperial Academy had already caused such unpleasantness; it was better if Baoyu didn't go.

Jia Zheng's expression turned serious, and he said, "Grandma, because of today's incident, Baoyu should go to prison to study, otherwise it will only give us something to talk about."

Grandmother Jia asked in surprise, "I don't understand what you're saying. Why don't people go to the prison? Studying is a family matter. How can this give people something to talk about?"

Jia Zheng said, "Last time, Baoyu spoke recklessly in his room, offending a nobleman in the palace. Everyone present was a close relative."

However, within two days, the Imperial Clan Court learned of the matter. The old lady was a worldly-wise person and knew that there were no secrets in the house.

Although sending Yuanyang out to guard and keep quiet would keep the gossipy people in check, if you don't want people to know, then don't do it in the first place...

Although Jia Zheng had not finished speaking, Grandmother Jia's expression had already changed slightly, and she already knew the meaning behind her son's words.

When noble families moved around, the women in the inner quarters would often talk about strange and horrifying things, occasionally mentioning the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Imperial Carriage Bureau.

I've heard that these strange government offices operate erratically, often planting spies among the wealthy and powerful. Although it's hard to tell if they're true or not, it's better to believe it's true than not...

… Jia Zheng continued, “If even a whisper of Baoyu’s reckless words today were to spread, the matter would be difficult to resolve.”

As a Hanlin scholar, Congge'er was already a figure of great interest. It must have been common knowledge that he used his own hereditary privileges to bring his cousin into the Imperial Academy.

If Baoyu is not allowed to enter the Imperial Academy to study, his family will have to go to the Imperial Academy to cancel his student status, and this matter will be impossible to hide from anyone.

If outsiders knew that Baoyu had uttered such nonsense, his family would immediately stop him from studying in the prison. Wouldn't that make us elders condone this beast's wild words?

This will give people a huge reason to criticize him. This beast is arrogant and immoral. Could it be that the elders in his family have also joined him in his evil ways?

Old lady, the Jia family is now a family of scholars who have passed the imperial examinations, a noble and respectable family. We must not let this wretched beast's mistake drag the whole family down with us.

Therefore, for whatever reason, Baoyu must enter the Imperial Academy to study; otherwise, today's events will give others ammunition to criticize him and bring disaster upon the Jia family!
Moreover, it was out of brotherly affection that Cong-ge gave the Imperial Academy spot to Bao-yu.

If Baoyu hadn't been motivated to study harder because of this, that would have been one thing, but he even made some outrageous remarks and refused to go to the prison to study anymore. Where is Cong-ge'er's face now?

Even brotherly affection is being neglected; how can he possibly help his brother anymore? Please, madam, think this through carefully.

……

Upon hearing Jia Zheng's words, Grandmother Jia's face stiffened, and she felt powerless, for every word her son spoke was a matter of sound reasoning, leaving no room for rebuttal.

Leaving aside the question of whether Baoyu's decision not to study at the Imperial Academy would invite gossip and trouble.

This was a difficult situation for Cong-ge'er to explain to his face. He had eagerly given Bao-yu a spot in prison, but in the end, it was a case of 'one hand clapping and the other not catching up,' and Bao-yu had humiliated him.

As Yingchun casually mentioned, Jia Cong didn't care too much whether Baoyu entered the Imperial Academy or not.

From now on, if there are any good things, they will no longer be so eager to give them to Baoyu. If this continues, it will not be a good omen.

……

Grandmother Jia said helplessly, "Since that's the case, let's just let Baoyu go to prison to study and cover up the current incident for now."

Hearing this, Madam Wang still had something to say, but since the old lady and the master both said the same thing, she dared not say anything more.

Upon hearing Grandmother Jia's words, Baoyu was so angry that he almost burst into tears.

The master beat and scolded him, calling him a beast over and over again, until his scalp tingled, his limbs went weak, and he was in unbearable pain.

All this was still not enough; he still couldn't escape the torment of being imprisoned and corrupt. Heaven truly has no eyes; why should I humiliate myself like this?

Grandmother Jia then said to Jia Zheng, "Since I have agreed to let Baoyu study in the Imperial Academy, you must also grant me one request."

Jia Zheng frowned and lowered his head, saying, "Please give your instructions, Madam."

Grandmother Jia said, "Although Baoyu's words were inappropriate, you have already scolded him and hit him. Let's leave it at that."

Let him rest for a couple of days until the bruises on his face disappear. Then he can go to prison to study. We'll talk about the rest later.

"You are, after all, father and son. You've taken him back to the East Courtyard; you can't continue to beat and scold him, or I won't stand for it."

Jia Zheng looked weary and said, "Grandma, please rest assured, this wicked beast is not a human being, and I am utterly disappointed in him."

I took him back to the East Wing today, so my son won't hit him anymore, and I don't want to get my hands dirty.

Jia Mu: "..."

Mrs. Wang: "..."

Baoyu should have been overjoyed at no longer being beaten, but instead he felt even more wronged, and a chill ran down his spine.

Shi Xiangyun, behind the screen, rubbed her temples. Thinking of Jia Zheng's words about getting his hands dirty, she suddenly felt like laughing, but then realized it was inappropriate.

Pulling a helpless-looking Tan Chun along, they dashed away from the backyard of Rongqing Hall...

……

Tan Chun and Xiang Yun went to the small gate between the two mansions. One of them was Bao Yu's younger sister, and the other grew up with Bao Yu under the care of Grandmother Jia.

The thought of Baoyu racking his brains to fabricate fallacies and absurdities to avoid studying, as if he had gone mad, is disappointing and uninteresting.

The two had only gone halfway when they saw the maid Xiuju coming towards them.

He said, "Third Miss, Miss Shi, Second Miss and the others haven't returned to the East Mansion. Miss Bao, please come and sit in Pear Fragrance Courtyard. Let me go find you and go with you."

Tan Chun smiled and said, "It must be because Brother Xue is not at home today, making it more convenient for the sisters to come and go, that Sister Bao invited us to sit down."

The two entered the main hall of Pear Fragrance Courtyard. Yingchun, Daiyu, and the others all knew that they had stayed in the back hall earlier to listen to news.

He then inquired about how Baoyu's matter had been resolved after the Second Master entered the hall.

Tan Chun briefly recounted what had happened in the hall. Everyone knew that although Bao Yu was still studying in the Imperial Academy, given his temperament and mindset, it would probably be a waste of his time there.

The sisters only discussed it briefly, and none of them were interested in talking about it anymore, instead exchanging casual gossip.

……

Tan Chun also put aside the matter of Bao Yu. She had always had the ambition of a young lady, and just now she heard Aunt Xue talking about family matters in the hall.

She casually asked, "Sister Bao, I just heard Auntie say that you've been keeping track of the accounts lately, and I heard that the Xue family's business in Jinling is booming."

Baochai laughed and said, "It can't be called booming. We rented out the four old shops to Xinchun Company at full price, which saved us a lot of trouble and freed up a lot of manpower."

With the help of my second uncle, the family business was much smoother than before; it was just about preserving the family business.

Now that the remnants of the Mongols have raised an army and marched south, there is unrest among the people in the surrounding prefectures of the capital, making business difficult.

Nanjing, located in the Jiangnan region, was originally far from the ravages of war, making it a much more peaceful place and easier to do business.

Aunt Xue, accompanied by her maid, brought in some tea and snacks and overheard Tan Chun and Bao Chai chatting.

He casually chuckled and said, "The family business in Jinling has also improved, all thanks to Cong-ge'er."

Recently, things have been a bit chaotic in the capital. The shopkeeper told me that there are a lot of people from other places in the city, who are refugees from the north.

Although the city's population has increased considerably, business is slower than before, except for rice and grain stores, which are always packed with people.

There are also many shady characters on the street. This morning I heard the old gatekeeper say that there are some unfamiliar faces on the back street, wandering around every day.

They must be those who fled here, mostly struggling to make a living and looking for a way out. This kind of situation is the most unpredictable.

Fortunately, you sisters don't leave the house, so there's no need to worry about these things..."

……

In the capital city, at the Dali Temple government office, Yang Hongbin was an official.

A subordinate judge stood before the desk and reported the affairs of the government to Yang Hongbin.

Since taking over the military storage leak case and investigating the officials involved, Chen Ruichang has attracted the most attention as various pieces of evidence have emerged.

From Chen Ruichang to Duan Chunjiang, and from Duan Chunjiang to Xue Pan, these individuals ultimately became the targets of the investigation.

In the past few days, Yang Hongbin instructed several of his judges to withdraw from investigating other officials involved and instead focus their efforts on Chen Ruichang and two others.

The judge said, "Your Honor, the Xue family currently resides in the Pear Fragrance Courtyard on the south side of the Rongguo Mansion, with their outer gate opening onto the back street of the Rongguo Mansion."

"I have already assigned three men to the back street to monitor the Xue family's movements day and night."

Yang Hongbin, busy flipping through the documents at hand, looked up and asked, "Have you found anything?"

The commentator said, "After Xue Pan and Duan Chunjiang went to the Duke of Qi's mansion to visit Chen Ruichang, Xue Pan invited Duan Chunjiang to drink the next day, and they haven't seen each other since."

Xue Pan usually went out every day to meet with the sons of noble families in the city to drink and watch operas. He had a wide circle of friends, but no one seemed suspicious.

The Xue family's residence was usually deserted. Apart from the shopkeeper who would occasionally visit, no relatives or friends ever came to pay their respects.

Yang Hongbin said, "Xue Pan is just a spoiled brat. Even if he is involved in the case, he is not a key figure."

Having three people at the Xue family's residence is a waste of manpower; we should transfer two of them to keep an eye on the Duke of Qi's mansion.

……

The judge accepted the order and went out to carry it out. Not long after, Zhou Tai hurriedly came in.

He said, "Sir, I have already had an expert examine the food you obtained from the Duan family's grain shop."

This is indeed sheep intestine, fried in butter, then baked and dried before eating.

Yang Hongbin frowned and said, "In the Great Zhou Dynasty, the slaughter of oxen must be reported to the government in advance, otherwise it will cause legal trouble."

Aside from the larger restaurants and eateries in the city, beef was hard to find in ordinary places, let alone cooked or fried with beef tallow.

Zhou Tai said, "What you said is right, sir. The expert said this is not a food from the capital, but only appeared in Datong a few years ago."

However, not many people like to eat it. Locals dislike the strong gamey smell, since this dish originated from outside the Great Wall.

Moreover, it is a common food among the remnants of the Mongol tribes in the northern desert. Our Great Zhou oxen are precious and we do not usually use beef tallow.

But cattle aren't considered precious on the grasslands, and they can be slaughtered at will; using beef tallow to make food is quite common.

Yang Hongbin's eyes flashed with a strange light as he said, "That means Duan Chunjiang is not a Han Chinese, and the travel documents he left behind for the government are all forgeries."

This man was a Mongol from the northern deserts; so that's the secret... (End of Chapter)