Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Twenty li south of Shenjing lies Wawu Town.

When Man Hai heard Jia Cong's name, his eyes lit up with fervor, and he said, "Before I led the army out, I asked my father, Khan, who the general of the Great Zhou would be in charge of the battle."

The father mentioned Liang Chengzong, the general of Liaodong, and also mentioned Jia Cong, who was also among the generals who led the campaign.

It now seems that the information about the spies in Shenjing must have been wrong; Jia Cong did not go on the expedition and is still guarding Shenjing.

Duan Chunjiang is such an incompetent fool; he even misjudged this small piece of information, almost ruining his chances of achieving great military merit.

Han people are Han people after all; they are all unreliable.

Jia Cong was a master of firearms in the Great Zhou Dynasty and the head of the firearms workshop. Legend has it that all the rare firearms of the Great Zhou Dynasty were created by Jia Cong with his own dedication.

Since we infiltrated Wawu Town, we have eliminated all the survivors in the vicinity, and the news has not leaked out at all; otherwise, the Zhou people would have already mobilized their troops.

In their eyes, the capital region should be a very safe and secure place, but Jia Cong still maintained such vigilance and protection over the firearms workshop.

There must be great secrets hidden in the workshop, most likely a large stockpile of sophisticated firearms, crucial to the Zhou army's victories and defeats. That's why even Jia Cong was kept in the capital to oversee affairs.

……

The adjutant beside him said, "Second Prince, the Zhou army guarding the workshop currently numbers less than a thousand men, while Your Highness commands twenty thousand elite cavalry."

As long as we march our troops toward the firearms workshop, the Zhou people will be caught off guard and unable to reach it, allowing our army to easily seize the workshop.

Once we seize the superior firearms from the workshops, we Mongols will be even more powerful, and then we will have no reason to worry about failing to achieve our Great Khan's ambitions.

Man Hai sneered, "I've heard that even the most powerful firearms rely on gunpowder to fire. Which of us Mongols would make such a thing?"

Even if you manage to seize a lot of firearms, there will eventually be a day when they all run out. Seizing a bunch of useless things is ultimately not a long-term solution.

The most valuable thing in the firearms workshop was not the exquisite firearms, but the Earl of Weiyuan, Jia Cong!
He was a world-renowned master craftsman of firearms. All the firearms of the Zhou people were made by him. If the Mongols could capture him alive, they could have any firearms they wanted.

With the arsenal of the firearms workshops being weak and Jia Cong lurking there, this was a golden opportunity.

If I can capture Jia Cong alive, it will be an immense achievement, and we can temporarily put aside the matters concerning Father Khan's military orders and plans.

"If we capture this man and take him north, the Great Zhou court will lose face, and the Mongols will have countless firearms. It will be only a matter of time before they graze their horses across the southern lands!"

……

Man Hai said to his personal guards and scouts, "Go to Shenjing East City again immediately to investigate and find out Jia Cong's daily routine. Return and report back to me as soon as possible."

Since the Eternal Heaven has shown me such favor, I will not let this opportunity pass me by. I must capture Jia Cong alive!
"As long as I can accomplish this extraordinary feat, my father will surely reward me handsomely. I don't want land or people, I only want what I desire most..."

Man Hai stopped talking as soon as he finished speaking, suppressing the urge to vent his anger.

He said to his adjutant, "Jia Cong has a special status. He is a noble and high-ranking official of the Zhou people. If we try to kidnap him, the capital city will definitely send troops to rescue him."

You should immediately prepare your troops, leaving behind two thousand-man squads to guard the grain and supplies and control the area surrounding Wawu Town.

The remaining elite cavalry were on standby at any time. The Zhou people had always been short of warhorses, and even though Shenjing was the capital, there could not be more than 10,000 cavalrymen.

Even if they send troops to rescue us, they cannot defeat our more than 10,000 elite cavalry. As long as we can achieve victory quickly, the entire army should immediately retreat north and absolutely must not linger in battle.

……

On the 18th day of the first month of the 16th year of the Jiazhao reign, at the Rongguo Mansion, in the East Courtyard.

Before dawn, as the first light of day broke over Ningrong Street, a carriage set off from the East Gate of the mansion and traveled along the quiet street.

The carriage had only traveled for a few dozen breaths when it stopped in front of the black lacquered gate, where the gatekeeper placed a footstool in front of the carriage.

Shi Shu carried the package down and helped Tan Chun down from the carriage. The two entered through the black lacquered gate and headed towards the inner courtyard of the east courtyard.

After the Lantern Festival (January 15th of the lunar calendar), the government offices in the capital city ended their ten-day holiday, and all officials officially returned to their posts, marking the end of the New Year celebrations.

Although due to the war against the Mongols, many important officials in the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works and other government departments had already gone to work in the government offices because of the war.

There were also many officials like Jia Zheng who held sinecure positions and still stayed home to rest peacefully through the Lantern Festival. Only they themselves knew the difference between being diligent and idle, and the warmth and coldness of life.

Although the country was at war, the capital city was no different from previous years, and everything was operating on its original trajectory, seemingly unrelated to the flames of war.

As all the major government offices officially opened, the Imperial College, as a national academy, naturally also started its semester on the same day.

Tan Chun arrived before dawn that day, because it was Jia Huan's first day of school, and she naturally helped her aunt and brother with the preparations.

Baoyu and Jia Huan entered school on the same day, but the difference was that Baoyu was enrolled and studied, while Jia Huan was an auditor and lived in prison.

Because Baoyu is the eldest brother of the second branch of the family, and the Jia family is now established through scholarship, entering the Imperial Academy is a major event. Tanchun also has to come to show respect, although in her heart it is just a secondary matter...

In Aunt Zhao's courtyard, Jia Huan also got up early. Since being encouraged by Jia Cong and urged and guided by Tan Chun, he has been studying very hard these days.

Although his reasons for his dedication may sound absurd, he did indeed gain some understanding of the books and even developed a longing and expectation for entering the Imperial Academy.

If Baoyu knew of such a scheme, he would surely be heartbroken and lament that another parasite had been added to the family.

……

The room was filled with many packages of various sizes; Jia Huan had quite a lot of luggage to take with him because he was studying in prison.

As Aunt Zhao tidied up, she kept muttering to herself, "You've never left home before, this is your first time away from home."

Although Cong-ge'er helped you with the arrangements, and he has influence in the Imperial Academy, he is currently away on a military expedition, so his influence is naturally less than it should be in the capital.

You've gone to study in prison, but don't think you can gain an advantage. I've noticed over the years that Cong-ge doesn't like these kinds of tricks.

Even if you manage to study and advance your education in the future, and want to make a career in the private sector, you will ultimately need his support. So don't do anything that disgusts him.

You're imprisoned and studying alone. You're not allowed to cause trouble. If you do, I'll skin you alive!
Nowadays, it's best to keep a low profile and focus on your studies. You can get away with anything later when you've made something of yourself.

If you can really do that, you'll definitely win your third sister's favor. A good word she says to Cong-ge is more effective than a hundred words from an ordinary person..."

Jia Huan said impatiently, "Auntie, you're nagging too much. I'm almost a scholar myself, and I already understand these principles. Do I need you to nag me?"

His eyes darted around, and he seemed to be thinking of something smug. A strange smile appeared on his face, with a hint of wickedness.

He laughed and said, "Auntie, you don't need to worry too much. If I go to the Imperial Academy alone, I'll definitely feel uneasy. I'm really afraid the instructor will call me an idiot."

But with Baoyu by my side, I feel reassured. My son is very confident; just you wait and see, he won't let you down.

……

Aunt Zhao raised her eyebrows and muttered, "You maggot-hearted fool, what does your academic success have to do with Baoyu? You're talking nonsense and your brain is full of water."

Jia Huan said with a wicked smile, "Auntie, you don't know how to be clever. If you don't want to be looked down upon and bullied, there has to be someone who is even more stupid and useless than you, then others won't care about you."

This is a principle I've come to understand after years of studying at the clan school, and I guarantee it's correct.

Aunt Zhao said disdainfully, "You've been messing around in and out of the clan school. Is that what you call studying? Don't make me ashamed."

Jia Huan didn't take his mother's disdain to heart and continued to say with great interest, "It's not so bad that Baoyu is lazy."

My son was originally lazy in his studies, and I don't say anything about the older brother, but he is not only a lazy thief, but also more shameless than anyone else.

He couldn't read the words of sages, and to cover up his stupidity, he slandered the ancient sages every day, saying that all those who read books were parasites.

Although his son was also very bold, he would never dare to say such things. Last time, he was beaten by his master because the scholars of the Imperial Academy were disloyal and unfilial.

"Auntie, how could someone like him possibly fare well in the Imperial Academy? If I were to utter even half a word of this, the people there would kill him!"

……

Aunt Zhao was startled by these words and scolded, "You heartless scoundrel, you should go study. Why do you have to provoke Baoyu?"

He's the legitimate son of the second wife, the apple of the eye of the old lady and the madam. If something happens to him at the Imperial Academy, and it implicates you, do you even want your life?

Aunt Zhao was speaking harshly, but Jia Huan remained indifferent. Suddenly, someone at the door snorted coldly, and Jia Huan couldn't help but tremble when he heard the voice.

He saw Tan Chun standing at the door, her pretty face frosty, looking at him coldly.

Jia Huan quickly smiled apologetically and said, "Third sister is here. I knew you cared about me and would definitely come to see me off."

Tan Chun said coldly, "Don't try to change the subject. If you have the guts, repeat what you just said from beginning to end."

I'll go tell the master right away and have him break your legs. You don't need to go to the Imperial Academy anymore; it'll save you from disgracing the master and my third brother!"

Jia Huan's face turned pale, and he quickly begged for mercy, saying, "Third Sister was just saying it for fun, how could she do such a thing? Please forgive me this time."

Tan Chun almost poked Jia Huan's face with her finger, scolding him: "If you dare to do such a thing, I will disown you as a brother, and your life or death will be none of my business."

Baoyu is the elder brother, and you, born into a wealthy family, don't even understand basic manners. Even if you were to study and achieve success, you would only be a hindrance to education.

Jia Huan hurriedly begged for mercy, saying, "Third sister, I will never say such a thing again. Please forgive me this time, and I will never do it again."

……

Seeing that her words had frightened her brother, Tan Chun's expression softened slightly as she said, "Huan'er, you need to know what's right and wrong, and stop thinking about these pointless things."

You finally decided to change your mind and study, and you even got the chance to enter the Imperial Academy. Whether you can make a living in this lifetime depends entirely on this one opportunity.

Sending you to study at the Imperial College is not just about getting you into a good school, but also about helping you understand principles, the way of heaven, etiquette, and the right path.

The book of contemporary essays that your third brother gave you contains not only the eight-legged essay, but also self-cultivation, self-improvement, and a sense of integrity!
Baoyu is your elder brother. Even if you don't get along, you should still treat each other with respect. You are not allowed to have any wicked thoughts, or you can forget about having any place in the family!

Jia Huan muttered, "Third Sister, I was wrong, okay? I promise you I will never mess with Baoyu. But what I said wasn't a lie. He's a complete idiot when it comes to studying, and his mouth is full of sycophantic nonsense. Does he even deserve to study and get a degree?"

There will always be someone I can humiliate to death, and even if he's the legitimate son, it won't matter..."

Seeing her brother's eyes light up, Tan Chun felt a mix of amusement and exasperation, but she didn't say anything. She breathed a slight sigh of relief, but her words remained firm.

He said, "Shut up, you're so useless, just babbling on and on about nothing."

"Come with me to see the master and mistress, then to the west mansion to see the old lady. Today is a major day for your imprisonment, so keep your mouth shut and don't say a word. Just bow and scrape."

……

East Courtyard, Baoyu Room.

Xi Ren and Cai Yun busied themselves, assigning maids and servants to move all of Bao Yu's belongings for his trip onto the carriage.

Although Baoyu was not imprisoned like Jia Cong, it seems that he didn't lose much of his personal belongings.

Lady Wang asked, "Is Baoyu going out to study this time? Is his servant doing a good job running errands?"

Xiren said, "Madam, please rest assured. Li Gui will bring three servants with him, and everything will be taken care of inside and outside."

Lady Wang said, "Baoyu, when you go back to the Imperial Academy to study, you must put in a lot of effort."

Your elder brother Zhu is fifteen years old and has already taken the imperial examination to become a scholar. You are also fifteen years old now, but you haven't even taken the exam yet. If this continues, it will be terrible.

Although studying is hard work, given the current situation at home, if I don't study, people will gossip.

There's nothing we can do about it. You should study hard for two years. If you can get into school, you'll make me proud.

The glory and honor of the province have been stolen, and the second wife has been looked down upon. Whether the second wife can rise in the future depends entirely on you.

As Baoyu listened to Madam Wang's nagging, his already bitter mood intensified, and he felt increasingly annoyed.

No matter how hard I tried to hide, I couldn't escape this day. Despite my pure and innocent heart, I was destined to become a corrupt official.

The Imperial Academy was seen as prestigious and aristocratic by others, but given Baoyu's limited understanding, he always held it in utter contempt.

The wife even mentioned her eldest brother, Zhu, who was obsessed with the imperial examinations and fame back then and didn't know how to turn back from his misguided path.

Immersing oneself daily in these nonsensical pronouncements of sages and saints eventually leads to the loss of one's mind and energy, ultimately resulting in an untimely death.

Having witnessed such a tragic lesson in front of her own family, and suffering such heart-wrenching pain, has the wife forgotten it all, yet she forces herself down this deadly path again?

It is evident that the pursuit of poetry, books, and official careers truly distorts human ethics and morality. No matter how much the master beats or scolds him, his own breadth of vision and knowledge are ultimately without fault.

Unfortunately, I was too insightful to see through the evil in it all, but I was powerless to do anything about it. This is truly a great tragedy for the world!

If they had also died from studying hard, it would have been too late for these people to regret it. They never expected that the two brothers would end up on the same path. It is truly a tragedy.

When that time comes, how heartbroken Lin Daiyu, Baochai, and their sisters at home will be; they will surely bury me with tears…

……

Baoyu was lost in a state of extreme grief and indignation, feeling both joy and sorrow. No one else could know the turmoil in his heart.

Caiyun took out an indigo-blue round-necked robe with a dark floral pattern and was about to help Baoyu change into it.

This robe was a new piece made before the new year. Its color and style are elegant and dignified, and it was originally intended for Baoyu to wear when he entered prison.

Baoyu's thoughts were interrupted by Caiyun, and he was quite unhappy. When he saw the new indigo robe in her hand, he couldn't help but frown.

He said, "This color and style is so tacky and old-fashioned, how am I supposed to wear it out? You're an old man, how come you're getting more and more confused?"

Go get that bright red robe with golden lotus and floral patterns. After all, you're going to study at the Imperial Academy, so you should dress a little more formally..."

…………

Caiyun kindly accepted the new robe, but was rebuked by Baoyu, leaving her feeling very depressed and aggrieved.

Caiyun didn't think Baoyu's bright red outfit was anything special or pleasing to the eye, and even the young ladies in the family didn't wear red.

Miss Shi does like to wear red, but she's a pretty girl, and she looks best in red, as beautiful as a flower.

Even though Miss Shi liked to wear red, she seemed to have changed after the New Year. Her clothes became more simple and elegant, as if she had grown up.

Young women no longer want to wear red, but Second Master, a dignified man, insists on dressing like a boiled crab; he doesn't look good at all.

The Second Master is becoming increasingly strange these days. He touches and pinches people on the bed every day, leaving them covered in bruises, but he can't resist.

Living a life of widowhood is one thing, but since no one knows and one can endure the misery without others noticing, no one will see through the situation or feel ashamed.

If the Second Master were to go to such a prestigious place as the Imperial Academy, dressed in bright red, it would be a laughingstock and he would lose face big time.

Caiyun felt that her good intentions had been taken for granted by the Second Master, and she was angry, so she went to get the big red golden lotus robe.

……

Xiren quickly stopped Caiyun and said, "Second Master, the Imperial Academy is the school of the imperial court, and it is full of proper scholars."

Scholars who took the imperial examinations all wore simple blue robes and gowns, which made them appear more learned.

Who would wear red to the Imperial College? People would gossip. In my opinion, this indigo robe is a bit too bright and lively.

It's a proper color, and a newly made robe; there's not a single fault with it. Second Master will still wear this one.

With a sorrowful expression and a furrowed brow, Baoyu said, "In this life, to follow one's heart and not be bound by one's nature is the way of Heaven."

It's ridiculous that in places like school, where we should be studying and reasoning, we should be so rigid and inflexible, even unable to dress ourselves freely.

When Lady Wang heard Baoyu's words, she felt her temples throbbing. Her son was sometimes too troublesome, yet he would spout high-sounding principles, just like a blind man stirring up trouble.

He frowned and said, "Baoyu, you mustn't make a fuss anymore. What Xiren said makes a lot of sense. The Imperial Academy is a place for studying. How can you go there dressed in red?"

If you don't behave, I'll tell your father, and he'll give you a good beating!

Upon hearing this, Baoyu's expression changed slightly, and he felt a tingling sensation on his cheeks. He instinctively stopped speaking immediately.

Xiren was very good at reading people's expressions and knew Baoyu's temperament well. She took the robe from Caiyun's hand and quickly dressed Baoyu.

Seeing that Baoyu looked at the indigo robe with disdain in his eyes, she worried that he would talk nonsense again, so she quickly changed the subject.

He said, "Second Master, it's only the fifteenth day of the lunar month, and it's still very cold outside. I'll give the hand warmer and silver frost charcoal to the servant."

If you feel cold, Second Master, tell them to add some charcoal for you. Don't forget this while you're studying; your health is the most important thing.

These guys are all lazy thieves. If you don't order them around, they won't move. You'll just end up freezing to death for nothing..."

Lady Wang nodded repeatedly, feeling that Xiren was meticulous and attentive, and not only knew how to serve Baoyu well.

She was more decisive than Caiyun and knew how to advise Baoyu, so she wouldn't let him act recklessly. It's just a real pity.

……

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard, Main Hall.

Lady Wang led Baoyu into the main hall. Since Baoyu was entering the Imperial Academy today, which was a major event for the family, she naturally had to greet and speak with the elders.

They had just entered the hall when they saw Aunt Zhao and Tan Chun, along with Jia Huan, also entering the hall.

Although Lady Wang showed no outward sign of discomfort, she felt uneasy, thinking that Jia Huan, being born out of wedlock, was not worthy of entering the Imperial Academy with Baoyu.

Outsiders would definitely think that the second branch of the family has no manners, treating legitimate and illegitimate children the same, with no respect for etiquette or hierarchy whatsoever. It's all because of that brat from the East Mansion.

When Jia Zheng saw his two sons enter the hall, both of whom were going to study at the Imperial Academy today, he felt a sense of anticipation.

Since Xue Pan's incident, and the subsequent exposure of Feng Yuan's case, Jia Zheng has been restless these past few days, fearing that disaster will befall him one day.

Although the Ministry of Personnel sent officials to Jinling to investigate Jia Yucun, the two places were far apart, and it would take at least half a month for news to be sent back.

With Jia Cong currently out of the capital and Jia Zheng having no one to consult with, he is increasingly anxious every day, merely enduring the passing of time.

With his two sons starting school today, he can temporarily put aside his worries and must cheer himself up.

Although Baoyu appeared respectful, there was an air of decadence in his eyes, which made him frown, but he was too lazy to scold him.

Jia Huan, on the other hand, had bright eyes and an excited and joyful expression on his face, showing more energy than Bao Yu.

Jia Zheng said, "Today, you two brothers are entering the prison to study. This is an extremely rare opportunity that ordinary families cannot obtain even through hard work."

After you are imprisoned, you must study hard. Although I am in the office on a daily basis, I will check your studies whenever I have free time. You must not slack off.

If you continue to be as unambitious and unruly as before, failing to live up to Cong-ge's good intentions, you'd all better watch out!

Upon hearing Jia Zheng's words, Baoyu felt uneasy, sweat broke out on his forehead, and he had the urge to turn around and run away, but in the end, he didn't have the courage.

Suddenly someone spoke beside me, a loud, hoarse voice, brimming with excitement.

“I have remembered your instructions, sir. I have reformed myself and will study hard after entering prison.”

"I just need to study hard for a few years, so I can study and get into a good school in the future, and I will definitely bring honor to my master..." (End of this chapter)