Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, East Courtyard, Main Hall.

Jia Zheng's admonition was stern, and he did not expect his sons to reply.

Because both sons were spoiled brats, they not only dared not reply, but even if one of them could reply, he couldn't say anything decent.

But this time it surprised him greatly. Jia Huan, who was even more unruly than Bao Yu, was able to say such resounding words, which Jia Zheng found quite pleasing to the ear.

Baoyu was caught off guard by Jia Huan's sudden words. Shouldn't they all keep quiet in this situation?

Moreover, what Jia Huan said made Bao Yu feel that he was utterly shameless. How could he utter such filthy and vulgar words so openly?

Originally, this half-brother still had some integrity, but now he has degenerated into a scoundrel, and has even begun to yearn for fame and fortune, which has greatly disappointed Baoyu.

Although Baoyu felt disgusted, Jia Zheng was greatly relieved. Even the anxiety and fear brought about by Jia Yucun's implicated case were instantly alleviated.

He laughed and said, "Huan'er has made great progress. It's rare to see such ambition. After entering prison, study hard and learn from your Third Brother Cong to bring honor to the family."

Tan Chun was also somewhat surprised when she heard Jia Huan's words. She knew that her younger brother was most afraid of the master and dared not utter a loud word in front of him.

Before leaving, Tan Chun told him to speak less and just bow and make small gestures, so as not to say too much and ruin his mood for entering prison today.

Tan Chun was quite surprised to hear such pleasing words from him, but she was also happy.

As the saying goes, words reflect the heart. Regardless of his initial motivation for studying, his words just now were powerful and resonant.

This shows that the younger brother has developed a clear mind and is no longer afraid of failing his studies. All the hard work he and his third brother put in has not been in vain.

Aunt Zhao was startled to see her son acting so strangely, suddenly boasting in front of the master. This heartless fool dared to speak so presumptuously in front of the master…

It is evident that Jia Zheng was overjoyed to hear his son's nonsense, which greatly pleased Aunt Zhao.

I think reading is indeed a good thing. My son was forced to read by my daughter for two months, and he actually figured it out and learned to use literary phrases to please his father.

……

Lady Wang saw that Baoyu was trembling and silent in front of the master, while Jia Huan, that illegitimate son, was speaking sweet words in front of the master.

Baoyu has been overshadowed by that brat from the East Mansion, and now even that lowly illegitimate child wants to ride roughshod over me, Baoyu. It's simply outrageous!

My precious Baoyu was born with a jade in his mouth, and he is the most noble of the Jia family. Even he hasn't been able to go to school yet, but this worthless brat he raised wants to study and go to school.

They're all ignorant fools. A bastard born out of wedlock, destined to be kicked out sooner or later, yet they dare to dream such grandiose dreams.

Jia Huan became even more emboldened after receiving praise from Jia Zheng. He was originally a bit cunning and slick, and he saw that his words pleased Jia Zheng.

But Baoyu looked trembling with fear, not daring to utter a single word, and felt increasingly smug, so he couldn't help but stomp on it again.

He said, "My son used to be foolish and lazy, and he didn't strive for improvement. But after being taught by my third brother Cong and sister, he has completely repented."

"You know that studying and pursuing an official career is the right path for a man. My son is now in prison to study; he's made up his mind. If he fails in his studies, he won't have the face to come back to see his father."

Jia Zheng listened with a smile and said, "I naturally admire your intelligence, but studying is not something that can be accomplished in a day, so you should not be too hasty."

Although you are imprisoned and studying, you should still come home often during holidays to visit me and the old lady. Don't neglect family etiquette.

……

Seeing that Jia Huan and his master were chatting warmly, displaying a loving father and son, Lady Wang felt that her own Baoyu was left out in the cold, as if he had become a mere supporting character.

She felt a burning urge and boundless hatred rising within her. She already loathed Jia Huan because he had violated Caixia and gotten her pregnant.

This utterly immoral act could have been used to kill Jia Huan, but not a single word of it could be revealed. Now, they even have to go to the trouble of caring for Caixia's pregnancy.

Although it was done to cover up Baoyu's inability to have an heir, it was something that Lady Wang found extremely disgusting and repulsive.

This humiliation and resentment was difficult to vent, and there was no one to confide in. The fear of failure and the long years of self-consolation kept Lady Wang from eating or sleeping.

The root of all this is Jia Huan. She wished that this beast would die immediately. She had gone to great lengths to fabricate the story of Jin Rong, which could have put Jia Huan to death.

Unexpectedly, Jia Huan was about to be beaten to death by Jia Zheng when Jia Cong suddenly intervened, allowing the illegitimate son to escape with his life.

After that, things took a turn for the worse and were completely out of Lady Wang's control. That little bastard from the East Mansion messed around and actually got Jia Huan to study at the Imperial Academy.

Today I saw this kid acting all high and mighty, and he seemed to have really figured things out. He was genuinely determined to study and pursue his studies, and he didn't hesitate to humiliate himself by staying in prison to study.

Studying at the Imperial Academy day and night requires twice the effort compared to Baoyu's studies in the Imperial Academy. Over time, success may be achieved.

If this beast were to actually succeed in his studies, what would become of my Baoyu? As the saying goes, no one knows a son better than his mother, and my son Baoyu has no interest in studying.

If that beast Jia Huan really gets into school, the master will definitely value him highly, and Bao Yu will be even more neglected. The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children will be reversed, which is disgraceful.

Whether it was due to Caixia's influence or to preserve Baoyu's family status, Lady Wang could not allow this outcome to occur.

If she wanted to use her methods again to get rid of this wicked beast, she couldn't let him stay in prison, otherwise he wouldn't even come home, and she wouldn't be able to use any methods she had.

……

As soon as Jia Zheng finished speaking, Madam Wang smiled and said, "Master, Huan'er is also a legitimate member of the Jia family. He was born into a wealthy family and was pampered from a young age."

While studying hard is a good thing, living in prison to study is too much. I heard that the cells at the Imperial College are several people per room, crammed together like peddlers and laborers.

The food at the Imperial Academy's public market was very coarse and casual, far inferior to what one would eat or live at home. Huan'er's living in such a prison was not a mistreatment of the child.

Since they are both going to study at the Imperial Academy, if Baoyu is to go, Huan'er should go too. Even though she is born out of wedlock, it wouldn't be right to favor one over the other and give outsiders cause for gossip.

Madam Wang's words sounded reasonable, and she exaggerated and belittled the matter of imprisonment. Aunt Zhao, after all, felt sorry for her son, and for a moment she hesitated.

Tan Chun, however, was a shrewd and calm person. When Jia Huan caused trouble with Jin Rong, he almost lost his life. Afterwards, both Jia Cong and she had suspicions.

They felt that Jia Huan might have been framed, but they couldn't find any solid evidence. Moreover, Jia Huan and Cai Xia had an ambiguous relationship, which might involve a romantic affair.

To prevent Jia Huan from getting into trouble within the inner palace, Jia Cong arranged for him to study in the prison, whether it was to protect his brother or for his future studies.

Tan Chun couldn't let anyone ruin this matter. Besides, although Madam Wang's words were well-intentioned, Tan Chun vaguely sensed a sinister undertone, and even a deep-seated, inexplicable jealousy.

Now she was already wary of her stepmother. She didn't want her brother to be imprisoned to study, because it wasn't out of love for the illegitimate son, but rather to prevent her brother from overshadowing Baoyu.

……

Jia Zheng was straightforward and honest, unaware of his wife's sinister schemes. Jia Huan's response was appropriate, though somewhat obsequious.

However, Jia Zheng was also a father, and he was not truly confused or ignorant. He could see that Jia Huan was indeed determined to study and would not follow the same path as Bao Yu.

Moreover, in the past two months, Jia Huan has surpassed Bao Yu in both daily reading and verbal communication when tested by Jia Zheng, which has greatly pleased Jia Zheng.

Now, after hearing the lady's words, he felt a pang of sympathy for her talent and wanted to say something in agreement.

Tan Chun knew her father's temperament well, and seeing his expression and demeanor, she could easily guess what he meant.

She quickly replied, "Madam pities Huan'er for her hard work in studying, which is a blessing Huan'er has earned. However, Second Brother is more polite and reliable than Huan'er."

Upon hearing this, Jia Huan was greatly displeased. How could his third sister be so rude? With Bao Yu acting like a turtle, how could he possibly be worse? This is utter nonsense.

But he wasn't stupid. He knew his sister would never harm him, and there must be a reason for her to say such things. Although it was unpleasant to hear, he could only keep his mouth shut.

Tan Chun continued, "He is always mischievous and troublesome, but fortunately he is still young."

Third Brother often said that the younger the child, the easier it is to teach them. He was worried that Huan'er would leave home and the elders would feel sorry for her, so he mostly indulged her.

That's why the idea of ​​studying in prison came up. Prison instruction and supervision not only make academic progress easier, but the greater discipline compared to home also helps in shaping a well-rounded individual.

……

When Madam Wang saw that her words had already moved the master, Tan Chun came up with a bunch of reasons to refute her.

Although she spoke politely, she was determined and showed no respect for her stepmother, making up her mind to have her brother imprisoned.

She couldn't help but feel resentful. Her third daughter, spending all her time with Cong-ge'er, had been corrupted by that boy, becoming so sharp-tongued. This household was becoming increasingly disorderly; a concubine's daughter dared to challenge her, her legal mother! One day she would teach her a lesson!
Lady Wang was about to use this opportunity to say that she must find some reason to stop Jia Huan from being imprisoned, otherwise there would be endless trouble in the future.

Before he could even speak, Tan Chun continued, "Master, Huan'er was not old enough to be imprisoned, but Third Brother pulled some strings to get her in to sit in on the proceedings."

Moreover, because of Huan'er's imprisonment, the third brother and Li Jijiu pleaded with the prison instructors to arrange her food and lodging, which took a lot of effort and face.

Now they're saying they won't let Huan'er stay in prison, and Third Brother will have wasted his favor. The Chancellor and the Instructor of the Imperial Academy won't look good either.

Upon hearing Tan Chun's words, Jia Zheng immediately abandoned his wavering thoughts and said, "The Imperial Academy is giving Cong-ge'er face; this is an extremely respectable favor."

"One cannot casually smear one's face. Thanks to San Ya's reminder, Huan'er is still diligently studying in prison. At least this year will pass; we'll see what happens after that."

When Lady Wang saw Jia Zheng speak up, she said it made sense, but in her heart she gave up in frustration and felt even more disgusted with Tan Chun.

Although Aunt Zhao wavered just now, she trusted her daughter the most. As long as Tan Chun made up her mind, she felt that she would not be wrong.

Jia Huan was very resistant to Lady Wang because Caixia was taken away. He believed that if she approved of something, he would be right to do the opposite. Therefore, he preferred to stay in prison and study.

Jia Zheng thought it was just his son being imprisoned and that the rest of the family had discussed it. Little did he know that his wife and children had already secretly clashed with each other, and he was completely unaware of it.

…………

Because Jia Zheng was going to the yamen today, he gave his son a lecture and then left the mansion to report for duty at the yamen. Lady Wang, along with Baoyu and Jia Huan, went to the West Mansion to pay their respects to Grandmother Jia.

Tan Chun, Jia Huan, and Bao Yu walked ahead, while Lady Wang left the main hall and fell behind them.

Jia Huan was in high spirits and full of pride because he had just received praise from his father. When Tan Chun saw him in this state, she just smiled and didn't say anything, so she didn't point it out.

When Baoyu saw that Jia Huan had fallen to such a low level, he felt disappointed, disgusted and repulsed. Although he wanted to talk to Tanchun, he could only stay away from them because he found Jia Huan too annoying.

The three siblings walked on the covered walkway, but they were invisibly divided into two groups, one in front and one behind. At first glance, it was not conspicuous, but inside it revealed a clear distinction.

……

Two people emerged from behind the covered walkway, staring at the three people walking ahead. They were none other than Madam Wang and her trusted confidante, Granny Wang.

Since Qin Xian and his wife were expelled from the East Wing Courtyard because of Qin Yong, Granny Wang became the steward of the East Wing Courtyard and gained more and more favor from Madam Wang.

Granny Wang had served Madam Wang for half her life and had learned many tricks and skills of managing the inner quarters, although she had not been in charge of the East Wing Courtyard for long.

But after her adjustments and reforms, all the male and female servants in the inner and outer courtyards were filled with respect and fear towards her, and no one dared to easily disobey or defy her.

As a result, Granny Wang became very well-informed, and nothing could be kept from her, no matter how remote or secluded the East Wing Courtyard was. Madam Wang relied on her even more in everything.

Granny Wang said, "Madam, I've heard rumors lately that Third Master Huan is getting very close to Third Master Cong because of Third Miss."

I heard that when Master Cong was at Rongxi Hall, he personally called Master Huan over to speak with him, praising his progress in his studies and even giving him books.

Rumors spread among the maids in the inner courtyard that Third Master Huan had recently changed his temperament, as if he were a completely different person, and was studying desperately every day.

He must think that Third Master Cong values ​​him and wants to follow the path of officialdom in the future, but with his character, he's just delusional.

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang felt a slight chill. No wonder Jia Huan was so arrogant now, daring to act so presumptuously in front of the master.

It turned out that he had secretly received support from Cong-ge'er. He knew that the master valued Cong-ge'er the most and always listened to Cong-ge'er's words.

He thought that by pleasing Cong-ge'er, he could gain the master's favor. Could it be that his scheming surpassed that of Bao-yu? What a delusional little beast!
The third daughter also instigated this. She has always been dissatisfied with being born out of wedlock, so she sought Cong-ge'er as her backer, and now she has brought her own brother along.

They're trying to gang up on Baoyu and overturn the hierarchy of the second branch of the family. They're all blind! As long as I'm here, they won't succeed!
As Madam Wang figured this out, evil thoughts surged in her heart, and she became increasingly uneasy.

Baoyu himself disliked studying since childhood, but the Jia family's situation was not as good as before, and now they valued studying the most.

San Ya Tou saw this opportunity and conspired with Cong Ge Er to instigate Jia Huan, hoping that he would study hard and change his fate in the future.

If that little beast can really study and get into a good school, how will Baoyu stand on his own two feet at home? His life's hope will be overturned by someone else. This is absolutely unacceptable!
Madam Wang spoke coldly to Granny Wang, saying, "Be more careful these days, and keep an eye on Sanya's comings and goings in the East Courtyard. See if anything seems amiss."

In addition to Li Gui, there were also three servants who accompanied Baoyu to the Imperial Academy to study. They were always on duty at the Imperial Academy.

You secretly instruct one or two of them to keep a close eye on Huan'er's actions, and to report to me immediately if they see anything amiss.

"A kid who's only been in school for a few months, I don't believe he could become a spirit, he hasn't made a single mistake..."

…………

On the 18th day of the first month of the 16th year of the Jiazhao reign, at the Ministry of Works' Firearms Workshop in the eastern suburbs of Shenjing City.

The workshop, which used to be deserted, has become bustling in the last two days, with soldiers and horses frequently coming and going, making it quite noisy and lively.

Jiang Xiaoliu led two hundred elite cavalry guards, half of whom lived in the camp of the five hundred imperial guards, while the other half lived in the firearms workshop.

That morning, as usual, a large contingent of cavalry poured out of the workshop, joined the cavalry from the Imperial Guard camp, and lined up at the workshop entrance.

Jia Cong, dressed in the bright armor of a general, was dashing and imposing. Ellie, also in military attire, rode alongside him on horseback.

The two ran back and forth in front of the cavalry formation twice. Jia Cong then addressed the arrayed cavalry, looking dashing and arrogant, attracting attention.

After he finished speaking, he led hundreds of cavalrymen to patrol and guard the area around the workshops, or to train them in cavalry formations and tactics.

In short, both inside and outside, they were on high alert, which often drew disdain from the guards, who thought that the Marquis of Weiyuan had lost his mind and was just making a fuss over nothing every day.

Ellie rode back and forth with the cycling team, looking somewhat bored and uninterested.

He said to Jia Cong beside him, "Yuzhang, we've been putting on an act for days, but there's still no sign of anything happening, and the Mongol Tartars haven't fallen for it either?"

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Ellie, fishing is not easy. It's not that the fish will be hooked immediately after you put the bait on it. You have to let it observe and test the waters."

It will only take the bait on its own once it gets used to it and determines there is no danger. This requires a lot of patience.

Ellie looked unconvinced and muttered, "You're just trying to fool me again. You talk nonsense all the time, I can't tell which of your statements are true."

Jia Cong smiled and muttered to himself, "It's already the third day. They're more cautious than I expected. Their generals are quite patient."

He reined in his horse, raised his binoculars, and gazed southeast. Ahead lay an unobstructed wasteland on the outskirts of the city, with withered grass and trees, devoid of any new green.

Less than three miles to the southeast, there were rolling hills and slopes that completely blocked the view ahead, so much so that even a telescope couldn't see anything..."

……

Beyond the mountains that even a telescope cannot fully capture, an official road winds its way directly to Wawu Town.

Under the bright morning sun, countless cavalrymen surged out of the town's main street and lined up in front of the valley to the north of the town.

From a distance, they appeared as a dense, dark mass, seemingly countless in number, poised in battle, their imposing presence quite astonishing.

Countless warhorses lined up in dense formation, occasionally neighing and snorting, startling passing birds into scattering in all directions.

A massive cavalry column parted to create a passage, and a young general rode out, fully armored, burly, with a fierce face, exuding an aura of bravery and strength.

He was accompanied by his deputy general and a large number of elite cavalry guards. When he rode his horse to within ten paces of the main formation, he reined in his horse and stopped, looking north toward the official road.

All the cavalry guards lined up behind them, and apart from the occasional low neighing of the warhorses, the huge cavalry formation behind them was completely silent, demonstrating a remarkably strict military discipline.

At that moment, three fast horses galloped up on the official road. The riders were all dressed in civilian clothes. When they reached the front of the formation, they dismounted and saluted the young general.

He said, "Your Highness, this morning Jia Cong behaved as usual, just like the past few days. At dawn, he led his cavalry to patrol around the workshops."

In the past few days, he has moved into the workshop with his personal guards and has not left for a moment. People are coming and going frequently in and out of the workshop, and the guards inside and outside are very strict.

In the past two days, five or six large carts have been coming out of the city, making daily trips to and from the firearms workshop. The carts are all covered with curtains, so the contents cannot be seen.

Just as the servants returned, Jia Cong led several hundred cavalrymen on patrol and guard duty, and was also practicing cavalry formations north of the workshop.

Based on his usual travel pattern, he wouldn't return to the workshop for another hour. The five large carts that entered the workshop yesterday would probably return to the city today as well…” (End of Chapter)