Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Shenjing, Qingyufang, Xiafu.

Miss Xia was feeling smug and overjoyed because of Jia Cong's promotion. Just as she was reveling in his success, she heard that Lady Wang had sent over some kind of red fabric for her wedding dress.

Like boiling soup poured into ice water, it instantly dampened my spirits. Thinking of Jia Cong and then Bao Yu, it was like a delicious dish hitting dog excrement, truly disgusting and nauseating.

The Xia family is an extremely wealthy family. They can afford any good material, so why do they have to send them stupid, dirt-eating women? They just crawl out here to disgust people for no reason, which is really a huge downer.

But Jia Cong's brilliance was dazzling, like the most beautiful dream, which had made Miss Xia deeply obsessed. Even if it meant drinking poison to quench her thirst, she would still do it without hesitation.

Although she loathed this marriage, it was the only way for her to achieve her selfish desires, and now that the wedding was approaching, she naturally couldn't afford to break off relations.

He frowned and ordered a maid to bring in some fabric. A short while later, several old women from the inner courtyard brought in five or six bolts of high-quality red fabric, which were displayed on the table in a magnificent and dazzling display.

The messenger said, "Miss, the old lady Wang who delivers the fabric is the head housekeeper of the lady of the house. The lady wants you to meet her so that you can get along better in the future."

Miss Xia was in a bad mood because of Madam Wang, and she was full of anger. She said angrily, "What Madam Wang? Why should I go to see her? How dare a servant have such a face!"
Go tell your wife that I'm not feeling well, that I'm recovering from an illness—say whatever you want, but if you say even half a word off, I'll skin you alive!

……

When the maid saw that Miss Xia had suddenly lost her temper, and knowing that the young lady was about to get married and had become increasingly unpredictable lately, she quickly agreed and hurriedly fled from her room.

Miss Xia muttered, "A lackey came to the door, and my mother wasn't enough for him, he also wanted me to see her. I'll keep this in mind, and I'll skin you alive someday!"

Baochan was Xia's personal maid and knew why she was angry. It was because the young lady was thinking about Jia Cong and was indulging in frivolous pleasures when, coincidentally, Madam Jia sent over a red satin.

The young woman's pipe dream was shattered, so she was naturally furious. It was also Wang Po's bad luck that she had to offend the young woman at this crucial moment. The young woman would surely humiliate her to death in the future.

Baochan saw the fine red satin on the table, its vibrant red color and shimmering brilliance, and felt a pang of envy. She said, "Miss, now that the fabric has been delivered, why don't you take a look?"

"The girl is so beautiful; when she marries into the Jia family, she should wear the finest red wedding dress, so they can see how prestigious it is to marry someone like her."

Miss Xia was extremely uncomfortable when Lady Wang gave her the red fabric, but when she heard Baochan say that they should also see it, she realized that they included Jia Cong.

I couldn't help but look at those high-quality red fabrics. The fabrics were all bright red with exquisite hidden patterns woven on them, including peony patterns, lotus patterns, bat patterns, and bamboo leaf patterns.

Baochan stepped forward and picked up the red satin with a lotus pattern. She remembered that Baoyu loved to wear bright red satin with golden lotus patterns. She smiled and said, "Miss, this piece of fabric with golden lotus patterns is the most beautiful."

But then Miss Xia picked up a piece of red satin with bamboo leaf pattern and said, "You ignorant girl, this golden lotus pattern is so vulgar. This red satin with bamboo leaf pattern is much more elegant and refined."

"Haven't you noticed how Cong-ge loves wearing moon-white robes with silver bamboo patterns? The kind of pattern that a great talent like him would choose is truly elegant and refined. I like this style myself."

……

Baochan convulsed with disgust upon hearing this. The girl was truly lacking in common sense. She was to marry Second Master Bao, yet the bright red wedding dress she wore was meant to match Jia Cong's appearance. She was getting crazier and crazier.

She couldn't help but say, "Miss, although the bamboo leaf pattern is beautiful, it seems a bit too plain for a wedding. The peony and golden lotus patterns are much more eye-catching and luxurious."

Miss Xia cursed, "That bastard Baoyu is so effeminate. He always likes to wear bright red lotus-patterned clothes. He looks like a wanton slut. I would rather die than wear a lotus-patterned clothes."

He's a dim-witted, vulgar scoundrel. Am I supposed to pander to him? The Jia family is now a Hanlin family, a scholarly and official clan; flaunting their wealth will only make us a laughingstock.

Baochan was speechless upon hearing this. She was barely literate and naturally couldn't explain Miss Xia's reasoning. Moreover, she dared not say more, lest Miss Xia become suspicious.

With a forced smile, he said, "What you say makes sense, young lady. The Jia family is now a scholarly family. Last time we went to pay our respects to the Duchess of the State, she mentioned that Master Bao is going to study at the Imperial Academy."

It was Jia Cong who, in order to help Bao Er Ye, used his connections to get him into the Imperial Academy. Bao Er Ye seemed intelligent and quick-witted; if he studied diligently for a few years, he would surely pass the exam.

"By then, she could pass the imperial examinations and become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). The young lady could then become an official's wife. At that time, Bao-er-ye (a high-ranking official) and Jia Cong (another high-ranking official) wouldn't be much different. Our Xia family should also maintain its dignity."

……

Upon hearing this, Miss Xia couldn't help but burst into laughter. Her laughter was as melodious as silver bells, but it was filled with sarcasm and disdain. She laughed and said, "You brainless thing, a real idiot."

Although I haven't been to the Jia family many times, I've already noticed that Cong-ge'er looks down on Bao-yu with the way he does, and I don't know how much he despises and belittles him.

He sent Baoyu to the Imperial Academy, not to promote him, but simply to save face for his father. Did everyone who entered the Imperial Academy become a Juren or Jinshi?

Last time I deliberately gave him the Four Books and Five Classics, and look at his character. He hasn't read many proper books, but he insists on learning the wild and unrestrained ways of the Wei and Jin dynasties. Does he even deserve to have that kind of attitude?

He was just putting on a show in front of others, pretending to be a stupid fool who couldn't study. If someone like him could pass the imperial examinations, then all the scholars in the Imperial Academy would have to die out.

Don't be fooled by his behavior. He and Cong-ge are the same age. What has he accomplished in his life? If it weren't for the old lady's favoritism, he would be nothing at all.

"Don't spout any more of that stupid talk about him going to school and becoming an official. It's laughable and disgusting. He's not cut out for it; he's destined to be a good-for-nothing, a hopeless case like Liu Adou."

……

Baochan felt a chill run down her spine when she heard her young lady's harsh words. How could the Second Master Bao, who was so handsome and blessed, and also had such charming and philandering skills, be as despicable as her young lady described?

The girl secretly took a liking to Jia Cong and went mad for him, regarding all other men as worthless. Poor Bao Er Ye, how could he have met such a stubborn cousin?

Miss Xia said disdainfully, "The two branches of the Jia family have not yet separated, but they will eventually. This is an inviolable rule of aristocratic families. If the second branch has no one to support it, it will fail."

"Given Baoyu's behavior, he'd struggle to even support himself. But the Xia family has plenty of money; they can easily feed a good-for-nothing. Let's see how he manages to live up to his reputation as a parasite then."

As she rambled on, Miss Xia unfurled the large red and gold bamboo-patterned fabric, wrapped it around her slender body, and kept examining herself in the mirror, fiddling with it and turning it around to compare.

It's unclear what she was thinking, but a blush rose on her fair cheeks, her beautiful eyes glistened with tears, and her whole being was as radiant as fire, as if it could burn everything away, causing a strange sense of unease.

She added, "This Mrs. Jia is most jealous of Cong-ge'er. She's a shameless fool, but she does have some eye for material when she delivers it. This bamboo-patterned material really suits my taste."

Upon hearing this, Baochan broke out in a cold sweat. Her in-laws had kindly sent her daughter wedding dress fabric, but the girl had chosen a pattern that her lover liked. Wasn't she afraid of being struck by lightning?

If the wife of the in-laws found out about this, she would probably die of anger on the spot...

Miss Xia continued, "The other bolts of fabric will be sent back. Mother will definitely send a return gift as well. I have two books on my desk, The Great Learning and The Doctrine of the Mean, which I have carefully read and annotated."

"Take this and give it to my mother. Tell her it's a return gift from me to Baoyu. He's now studying at the Imperial Academy, and as his future daughter-in-law, I should at least show some courtesy."

Baochan said somewhat nervously, "Miss, it seems that Master Bao doesn't like books. You mentioned a lot about them last time, and he even threw a tantrum. Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

Miss Xia said, "The Jia family is now a family of scholars, and it is only natural for their children to study. I am going to join the family, so I should naturally follow the trend and conform to the family's customs, regardless of whether they like it or not."

"Remind my mother again that the return gift should be sent to Rongqing Hall at sunset, when Baoyu's father returns home from his official duties. I want the Jia family to know that I am a woman of principle, hmph!"

…………

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall, at sunset.

As the sun began to set, the golden rays illuminated the vermilion pillars, painted beams, and carved pillars outside Rongqing Hall, casting a brilliant and splendid glow.

Since the imperial decree conferred an official title upon Jia Cong, the Jia family's east and west mansions have been bustling with activity for several days, with guests arriving in droves, until today when things finally calmed down.

With the help of Minister Li Dekang, Jia Zheng also received guests in the outer courtyard of the West Mansion for two days. The officials in the government valued and cared for him. However, the lingering effects of the old case in Jinling were still unclear, leaving him with mixed feelings of joy and worry.

The women of the household frequently visited, and in addition to fostering close family ties, Yingchun, as the eldest daughter of the Dongfu family, attracted the attention of many noble families, and their conversations often hinted at marriage proposals.

Grandmother Jia was happy to see this happen, since Yingchun had already reached the age of marriage and was of marriageable age, but unfortunately, she was in mourning and a decision could not be made for the time being.

Yingchun was originally just a concubine's daughter of the eldest son's family, and was not originally allowed to be the legitimate wife of a noble family. However, she had a brother named Jia Cong, who was not only a member of a powerful family, but also the eldest legitimate son of a noble family.

This made Grandmother Jia very pleased. Now that Madam Xing was practically useless, although Grandmother Jia still had a say in things, she didn't threaten any of the families, but only used filial piety as a temporary measure. Moreover, Grandmother Jia also considered Jia Cong, knowing that he regarded his sister as his lifeblood and would never let her suffer any loss. Grandmother Jia still vividly remembered how he dealt with the Sun family of Datong back then.

Although her younger brother couldn't make decisions for his older sister, even if Grandmother Jia took a liking to a particular family, she wouldn't dare to act rashly without Jia Cong's approval, since things were no longer the same in the family as before.

Moreover, Grandmother Jia knew Yingchun's thoughts and knew that she was reluctant to part with her brothers and had no intention of getting married. In addition, there were still two years of mourning period ahead, so Grandmother Jia naturally did not want to be the bad guy.

Moreover, Yingchun has a brother named Jia Cong, so she won't have to worry about getting married even when she's older. What worries Grandmother Jia is Yuanchun, who left the palace in the middle of the year and is already over twenty. Now, the second wife has been reduced to a concubine.

Yuan Chun's desire to marry into the eldest son's family of a noble family was already impossible. Even becoming the principal wife of a noble family's second son would be extremely difficult, as most women would be the principal wife of an official or a second wife.

Moreover, if the eldest granddaughter wanted a good outcome, she would have to rely on Jia Cong's help. After Jia Cong received the imperial decree and was promoted, Yuan Chun sent congratulatory gifts from the palace, which made Grandmother Jia even more worried.

Therefore, Grandmother Jia was quite concerned this time, hoping that Jia Cong would return in triumph soon. After his return to the capital, his official position would become even more prestigious, and Grandmother Jia hoped that he would help raise her cousin and find her a good husband...

……

Since Jia Cong went to war, Grandmother Jia felt that her granddaughters were lonely, so she invited them to eat every day. Even without guests, Rongqing Hall was always bustling with activity these days.

As the sun set, Yingchun, Daiyu, and the other sisters received a message from Grandmother Jia and went to Rongqing Hall to talk, drink tea, and chat. When the light faded, they had dinner with Grandmother Jia.

When Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and Li Wan came together, the eldest branch of the family was now prosperous and thriving, while the second branch was becoming increasingly weak. Grandmother Jia naturally took care of them, and only when the two branches were in harmony could Baoyu find peace.

As the sun began to set, Lin Zhixiao's wife came to report that Miss Xia had chosen the fabric for her wedding dress, and Mrs. Xia had sent a return gift to express her gratitude. The woman and the gift were waiting outside the hall.

Daiyu, Tanchun, and the others were shrewd and felt that the Xia family was being cunning. Even if they were to return the favor by sending the fabric that the Second Madam had given them, they should have sent it to the East Courtyard instead of sending it to the Old Madam to flaunt.

Lady Wang was pleased to hear this, thinking that Mrs. Xia was experienced and knew that the old lady doted on Baoyu the most, so she knew that she was upright in front of the old lady. The second branch of the family had found the right match.

The Xia family's return gifts looked simple, yet they were exquisite and presentable: two boxes of secret-recipe ambergris, two silk pillows embroidered with fresh flowers and mandarin ducks, and a pair of Ru kiln sky-blue double-eared porcelain tripods.

The gift was delivered by Granny Chen from the Xia family. She was the same person who delivered the gift last time. When she returned, she tried to embellish the story, but the shrewd Miss Xia noticed and almost broke her legs and threw her out to be fed to the dogs.

She was extremely cautious, afraid of offending Miss Xia. Moreover, the delivery of books made her quite apprehensive. As soon as she entered the hall, she looked around.

Seeing that Baoyu was not present, she breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Grandma, Madam, Miss knows that her son-in-law is studying at the Imperial Academy and will surely pass the imperial examination next year."

The young woman had two copies of the *Great Learning* and *Doctrine of the Mean* delivered to her. She had read them carefully and even made annotations by hand. She gave them to her son-in-law as a congratulatory gift for his studies in prison, hoping he would also excel in his studies.

Upon hearing this, Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun, and the others all had strange expressions. They all knew that Baoyu was not academically inclined, and that Miss Xia's good intentions would surely lead to disappointment in the future.

Lady Wang had been feeling quite pleased with herself for the Xia family's return gift to Rongqing Hall, thinking it was a clever and worldly affair. However, upon hearing that Miss Xia had given Baoyu books again, her face immediately stiffened.

He originally thought that marrying a merchant's daughter would not be like a daughter of an official, who would value vanity, studying, and fame. Naturally, she would not look down on her own Baoyu because she envied Jia Cong.

Now it seems something is wrong. Although the daughter-in-law is not from an official family, she is a book lover. She has already sent books twice. Why is something getting more and more strange?
……

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Your daughters are all from well-to-do families and are very knowledgeable about important matters. It's just that Baoyu is still at the Imperial Academy and can't come to see us. There will be plenty of time in the future."

After exchanging a few cautious pleasantries, Granny Jia had Yuanyang personally escort her out of the inner courtyard. Once Granny Chen was out of the hall, Shi Xiangyun eagerly picked up two books and began to read them carefully.

She was outgoing and straightforward, unlike Daiyu and Tanchun who were meticulous. She was also extremely curious. Knowing that Miss Xia had not only given her the book but also made annotations herself, she wanted to see it for herself.

He only flipped through a few pages before laughing and saying, "My third brother has a set of self-annotated Four Books, which is his treasure for taking the imperial examinations. I have read them in my spare time and understand some of the words of the sages."

Although Xia's annotations in the book weren't as profound as her third brother's, they still showed considerable insight. It's surprising that she's a serious bookworm, having put so much thought into reading these books.

Daiyu smiled slightly but didn't say a word. Tanchun had interacted with Miss Xia before and sensed something was off, and a rift had formed in her heart, so she naturally didn't respond.

Yingchun, not wanting to neglect Xiangyun, said, "This is also a good thing. Miss Xia is passionate about poetry and books, which is the style of a well-bred lady. Brother Bao is fortunate to have such a good match."

Shi Xiangyun had been around the Jia family since she was a child, and Lady Wang knew that she was well-read and a talented girl. She praised Miss Xia's annotations as very good, so they must be correct.

Madam Wang felt a little uneasy. She had planned everything meticulously, but she never expected that her daughter-in-law, who came from a wealthy merchant family, would also be a book lover. It was truly unbelievable...

Li Wan did indeed praise Miss Xia, saying that she was knowledgeable, well-versed in poetry and literature, and had a very upright mind. She said that she would definitely be a good wife and mother in the future, and would be able to achieve great things in raising children.

The crowd chatted about the matter for a while, those who didn't speak up remained silent, while those who did speak naturally offered their praise. Then, Grandmother Jia ordered a feast to be prepared, and the topic quickly shifted to other matters.

Grandmother Jia asked, "I heard that Baoyu always returns after sunset, and his tutors don't keep him here. Why haven't I seen him come over yet? Does he still have to study at night?"

Lady Wang said, "Although school ends at sunset, it takes about half an hour to get home from the Imperial Academy. The old lady will probably have already eaten or finished eating by then, so it's not appropriate for Baoyu to disturb her."

Besides, Baoyu is quite sensible now. Every day after school, he reads after dinner, and I hope he can make a name for himself, so I didn't call him over."

Grandmother Jia sighed and expressed her pity upon hearing this, but Tan Chun pursed her lips slightly. Although Jia Huan was currently studying in the prison, Tan Chun often went back to visit Aunt Zhao, so she knew some of the details.

How could Baoyu not want to wander around the West Mansion? It's just that his master was at home keeping watch, either entertaining guests or leaving the office earlier than Baoyu. Although he was lazy in testing him, he urged Baoyu to study.

It is said that whenever Baoyu left the study, his master would scold him, and his wife dared not disobey him. Baoyu was mostly miserable, and everyone just muddled through life.

……

After the meal, everyone rinsed their mouths, drank tea, chatted for a while, and then dispersed. The sisters returned to the East Mansion together. It was a clear and bright night with a gentle breeze and cool water.

Xiangyun laughed and said, "I didn't expect Baoyu's wife to be such a refined person, even more learned than Baoyu himself. After she marries into the family, we sisters will have another person to talk to."

Daiyu smiled and said, "Sister Yun is still the most genuine in nature. She is happy and angry as she pleases, and she sees everything as real. She is always so carefree."

Xiangyun asked, "Sister Lin, what kind of riddle are you using now? It sounds like there's a hidden meaning in your words."

Tan Chun's eyes flickered as she asked, "Sister Lin, is there anything wrong with the Xia family returning the gifts to Rongqing Hall?"

Daiyu said, "If the old lady doesn't think so, why should I say anything? Miss Xia is Baoyu's wife, so it's none of our business."

Tan Chun said, "Actually, I feel it's inappropriate, but I can't quite put my finger on it."

We sisters were just chatting casually; there was no need for such formalities. With more people in the family, it's always good to be a little more thoughtful.

Daiyu said, "This matter is related to Third Sister. After all, Miss Xia is your Second Sister-in-law. I heard this morning that Second Aunt sent red fabric to the Xia family."

It's only natural for the Xia family to return the courtesy, and sending it to the East Courtyard would be the proper thing to do. But sending it to Rongqing Hall at sunset is rather strange, since the West Mansion is the residence of the Third Brother.

Baoyu's reputation for being born with a jade pendant was well-known from a young age, and his many interesting stories about studying had long been spread outside. My tutor, Jia Yucun, had even heard of them back in Suzhou.

Miss Xia and Baoyu have been engaged for almost half a year. Her family is a royal merchant family. People from such families are very resourceful and have shops in the city. They are very well-informed and have a wide network of contacts.

Even someone as unrelated as Jia Yucun could hear about Baoyu from a thousand miles away, so how could the Xia family not know? As a daughter of the Xia family who was betrothed, she must know that Baoyu did not like to study.

Since she knew Baoyu's sore spot, why did she repeatedly send him the Four Books and Five Classics, and why did she always send them to Rongqing Hall, showing them off to everyone in the Jia family? Isn't that strange?

I suspect that she didn't care whether Baoyu loved reading; she only cared that the Jia family was a Hanlin family, and that the imperial examination had become a family tradition. Her actions were quite meaningful.

Perhaps she was apprehensive about coming from a wealthy merchant family, which is why she repeatedly sent scriptures to Rongqing Hall to demonstrate that she was a person who appreciated poetry and books and could be a wife who upheld the family's reputation for prosperity and harmony.

In fact, it is understandable for a newlywed woman to want the love and care of her husband's family. However, this Miss Xia is quite shrewd and not like ordinary people.

Perhaps my sister-in-law is right. She could be a wonderful wife when she marries into the family. She is talented, capable, and a good wife and mother. That would be a blessing for Baoyu..." (End of Chapter)