Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Shenjing, Wenhuifang, Meizhai.

Upon hearing his father's words, Mei Yunsong was heartbroken and indignant, and couldn't help but feel somewhat hesitant.

Because from childhood, if I was even slightly lax or undisciplined in my studies or behavior, which was not in line with the family tradition of scholars, my father would teach me in this righteous and stern way.

Every time his father spoke like this, Mei Yunsong would subconsciously feel guilty, but thinking of Miss Xue's unparalleled beauty and rare charm, he found it hard to give her up.

But then his father said, "The Mei family is a family of scholars, how could they do such a thing as breaking a contract? But even if our family is upright, it is no greater than the law of the country and the righteous path of the nation!"

The marriage between my family and the Xue family was originally considered acceptable. Who would have thought that the Xue family members would be so unfilial, actually leaking military secrets and committing acts of treason and disobedience to the country!
My Mei family is a family of scholars, and has been taught the principles of rites and morality by the sages for generations. We uphold the virtues of loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and brotherly love. How can we possibly form a marriage alliance with a family that is immoral and disobedient? Wouldn't that ruin our family's reputation?

Even if your reputation is slightly tarnished, you have not failed in your loyalty, filial piety, and the conduct befitting a member of the Hanlin family. You are well-versed in literature, yet you are ignorant of proper etiquette and only infatuated with beauty. This has greatly disappointed your father!

……

Mei Yunsong passed the imperial examination before he was twenty, and was a man of considerable talent and learning. Although his father was righteous and stern, his words were actually quite forced, but he maintained the demeanor of a Hanlin scholar.

However, he had been taught by his father since childhood, and over time it had become a habit. He also felt that his father was right. Xue Jiazi had become a traitor and was now causing a great uproar in the city.

He was to marry a girl from the Xue family, which was quite embarrassing in the eyes of outsiders and would likely make him a laughing stock. However, the Xue family girl was exceptionally beautiful, and the thought of her made his heart burn with desire.

Such a stunningly beautiful woman, yet Mei Yunsong had to give up on her. He was heartbroken and cursed the damned Xue family son for ruining a good match; he deserved to die!

Then the father continued, "Jia Cong is not the same as before. He is not only a Hanlin scholar of high rank, but also a fourth-rank official. He is favored by the emperor and is my superior."

Such a family background and foundation are rare even in the capital. The Mei family, being a family of scholars, were a perfect match. However, the Xue family had defied the law and was despised by the world.

It is precisely at this critical moment for the Mei family to pull back from the brink and set things right. Such a move to protect the family's reputation is a testament to heaven and earth and should not be missed, otherwise it would be a disservice to the family's tradition of passing down the scholarly tradition.

I heard that Jia Cong has an elder sister who is over the age of marriage. She is gentle and beautiful, and is the eldest daughter of an earl's family. She is more suitable to be a wife of the Mei family than Miss Xue.

Since Xue's son was convicted and imprisoned, I have been paying attention to this matter. I heard that Jia Cong's eldest sister's maiden name is Fanghua, which is admired by many. Many high-ranking families in the capital have expressed interest in arranging her marriage.

It was common knowledge among the prominent families in the capital that Jia Cong came from a humble background. He had received much love and care from his elder sister since childhood, and the siblings were very close. He always respected his elder sister and refused to marry any of the suitors he had sought.

Therefore, Jia Cong's eldest sister is still unmarried. It is likely because Jia Cong is famous among scholars, a member of the Hanlin Academy, and a direct descendant of civil officials, so he naturally looks down on the uncouth sons of military officers.

My Mei family has been a family of scholars and officials for generations, a family of noble and virtuous officials in the capital. There are few families that can rival my family. If Jia Cong knew this, how could he not be interested?

"It's just that I lacked foresight. I never imagined Jia Cong would rise to such prominence. I was too hasty in arranging your marriage to the Xue family's daughter. Now the Xue family has fallen into disgrace; it's all my fault for ruining you."

……

Mei Yunsong felt disgusted upon hearing this. Jia Cong was the son of a prostitute and came from a lowly military family, yet he was able to occupy a high position in the imperial examinations, while he, the son of a prestigious family, had failed miserably.

These military merits are nothing but empty-handed opportunists who embezzle national resources. Jia Cong was nothing more than a warrior who fought on the battlefield. He despised Jia Cong and naturally, he also disliked his elder sister and her relatives.

He said, "Father, everyone knows the background of Jia Cong's elder sister. She and Jia Cong are both born out of wedlock, while Miss Xue is the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Xue family. How can she compare to her?"

Mei Jinlin said righteously and sternly, "You scoundrel, how could you say such nonsense? Jia Cong inherited the title by imperial decree and is the ruler of Rongguo. He has naturally already been converted from a concubine to the legitimate heir."

His elder sister was registered as a member of the Marquis of Weiyuan's household and is now the eldest daughter of the Jia family's direct line. Apart from Madam Jia Shi, which of the Jia family's female relatives is more noble than her?

How could this eldest daughter be considered an illegitimate child? Miss Xue is merely the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Xue family, while Xue Yuan is only a nominal sixth-rank official in the Guangchu Division of the Imperial Household Department. How can they be compared?

I see you as being blinded by lust and greed, lacking any sense of hierarchy and being short-sighted. You've wasted so many years of studying the classics. How can someone like you uphold the honor of the Hanlin Academy?

I know you failed the imperial examination last spring and were resentful that Jia Cong achieved such a high position. But Jia Cong was the top scholar in Yongzhou and a successful candidate in the provincial examination. His talent and reputation were well-deserved.

His examination essays are kept in the Hanlin Academy. I have read them carefully. His knowledge of the classics and his strategies for policy discussions are outstanding. He is worthy of the title of Hanlin Academician.

Those who study and pursue knowledge should receive the teachings of the sages, cultivate a pure and upright mind, and be humble and open-minded. This is the highest level of learning. You are a member of the Hanlin Academy, yet you harbor feelings of jealousy, which is truly inappropriate.

Moreover, Jia Cong is still your father's superior, so you are not allowed to speak disrespectfully again. If you meet and become acquainted in the future, you should seek his advice and guidance, so as not to fail the refined and scholarly style of the Mei family.

Although the Mei family is a family of scholars, renowned for its integrity and uprightness, it still lacks connections and influence. If we could form a marriage alliance with Jia Cong, the Mei family's prestige would surely rise to a higher level..."

……

Mei Yunsong was also a learned man, but after hearing his father's words, he couldn't help but feel dizzy. His father wanted to break off the engagement, and he was the one who was attached to the old alliance.

Why was my father so confident, righteous, and assertive, that I found his words so reasonable, and even felt ashamed of my own ignorance?

He recalled the day Miss Xue accompanied Master Xue on a visit, when he had a chance encounter with her in the garden. He was immediately struck by her beauty, as if drinking sweet dew, and from that moment on, he was deeply moved and could not forget her day or night.

He remembered that Miss Xue's eyes were shy and her pretty face was flushed, which was very cute. She must have seen that he was handsome and talented, the son of a scholar, and had passed the imperial examination at a young age, and she must have secretly admired him.

Unbeknownst to Miss Xue, she had also fallen in love with him at first sight. Being admired by a scholar like herself must have made Miss Xue overjoyed; this was a match made in heaven.

Unexpectedly, Heaven was jealous of good people and sent down a sudden disaster, breaking up his marriage with Miss Xue. Miss Xue must be heartbroken when she finds out, and Mei Yunsong feels sorry for her just thinking about it.

However, the world is ever-changing, and there are good and evil among people. One may rise to high office, uphold the family traditions of the Hanlin Academy, and be subject to the strict teachings of one's father, who instructs one not to disobey filial piety. There is nothing one can do about it.

Mei Yunsong was filled with grief, but he asked, "What Father said makes sense, but the Mei and Xue families have already agreed to a marriage. If we break the agreement now, we may give others something to talk about."

……

Mei Jinlin stroked his beard in deep thought. He was already handsome, and having spent many years immersed in classical texts, he was truly refined, dignified, and had an excellent appearance.

He said, "The Xue family is no match for the Mei family now, but what you said makes sense. We can't just refuse this marriage proposal outright. We need to find a compromise to resolve it."

There is a way, really. Xue Yuan's sudden trip to the capital must be to try to help his nephew. This is an excellent opportunity...

Every time Xue Yuan entered the capital, he would move around the palace, but he always kept it a secret and never mentioned it to outsiders. I didn't know the details, so I had to be somewhat cautious.
As his father, I don't know who he is connected with in the palace. Before I understand the situation, I shouldn't offend him easily. If he really comes to the capital to protect Xue Pan, then he will expose a major flaw.

Xue Pan was a key criminal in the military depot leak case. The leak not only led to the occupation of Xuanfu and the deaths of 40,000 soldiers and civilians, but also enabled the remnants of the Mongol army to break through the pass and move south, confronting the imperial court at the three northern passes.

This major case marks the beginning of a crisis for the nation, causing a sensation in the court and among the people. The Emperor is furious and all suspects involved will be severely punished to uphold the law. Otherwise, how can the public be silenced?

Jia Zheng of the Rongguo Mansion held an official position conferred by the emperor, but he was dismissed from office by imperial decree due to his involvement in Xue Pan's old case. This shows how much the emperor detested the suspect in the leak case.

Xue Yuan's decision to enter the capital at this time to mediate for Xue Pan is tantamount to playing with fire and getting burned. It is extremely unwise. As soon as the slightest hint is given, the Censor-in-Chief will surely take action.

Impeachment memorials flooded the Empress's palace like snowflakes. Xue Yuan acted arbitrarily, disregarded the law, concealed crimes and wanted criminals, and was condemned by everyone, even to the point of not being able to die a clean death.

At that time, the eldest branch of the Xue family would leak military secrets, the second branch of the Xue family would act rebelliously and arbitrarily, and the entire Xue family of Jinling would be guilty of sins. The Mei family is a noble family of scholars and officials, how could they possibly be related to such a human marriage?

"At that time, your father will personally break off the engagement for you. Let's see who dares to utter a single word of criticism then. They will only praise the Mei family's scholarly tradition, their noble and pure character, and their inability to tolerate even the slightest taint!"

……

Mei Yunsong was shocked by his father's words. He realized that things could be done in this way. He looked at his father, who was deep in thought, stroking his beard, and seemed to have a profound and unfathomable wisdom.

He had already made up his mind. Although he looked down on Jia Cong's background, the other party was still a person of high rank and official position. A marriage alliance between the Mei family and Jia Cong would be of great benefit to his future career.

Although her elder sister was also born out of wedlock, just as her father said, a great man has a long-term vision. As long as he makes an effort, she is just a woman born out of wedlock, and it is fine to support her at home.

However, the beautiful Miss Xue severed all ties with him from then on, leaving Mei Yunsong heartbroken. He feared he would never meet a woman of such beauty again.

Suddenly, a thought struck him. Once Xue Yuan's affair was exposed, how could he escape unscathed? He would surely be convicted and imprisoned, or even lose his life, and the entire Xue family would be utterly ruined. Even if Miss Xue wasn't implicated and sold, she would certainly be alone and destitute. If he were just a little gentle, with his noble and refined demeanor as a scholar, he could easily win her over.

Furthermore, Miss Xue had already secretly fallen in love with him, and since she was in dire straits, he could take her into his room as a concubine, considering their past relationship. Miss Xue would surely be more than happy to accept that.

Having inherited the traditions of the Hanlin Academy and being a well-read scholar, I should have a forgiving and compassionate heart, and even more so, a tender and gentle nature towards women, in order to live up to my own innocence...

Miss Xue will have someone to rely on for life, and he will also win the heart of a beautiful woman. It's a win-win situation, and it might even become a beautiful story in the future. The Mei family's reputation as a scholar will be further enhanced by their compassion and help for the weak.

Mei Yunsong recalled Xue Baoqin's unparalleled beauty and alluring figure, his mind wandering, his thoughts racing, a foolish smile appearing on his face, his whole body burning with desire, wishing he could possess her as soon as possible.

……

Mei Jinlin said calmly, "Once your father has settled the matter of breaking off the engagement, this matter will need to be left unattended for several years. Once everyone has forgotten about it, your father will help you plan another marriage."

As your father, I will ask Director Ge to intervene. Although Jia Cong has not spent much time in the Hanlin Academy, I have paid close attention to him. He has a very close personal relationship with Ge Hongzheng and he greatly respects Director Ge.

As long as Headmaster Ge arranges the marriage, Jia Cong will surely agree to the marriage between the prestigious Mei family. The union of Hanlin scholars will undoubtedly be a celebrated story among the scholars of the capital.

According to his father, Jia Cong is also quite capable in military strategy. If he returns victorious this time, he may well achieve military merit again, and it is possible that he may even be promoted to a higher official rank.

This marriage will surely be even more glorious and will be of great benefit to you and the Mei family. Headmaster Ge is getting old and had already expressed his intention to retire last year, so the matter is expected to happen.

Although Jia Cong was also the head of the Hanlin Academy, his ambition was not in the Hanlin Academy. If Head Ge retired and moved to another place, the one who would succeed him as the head of the academy would definitely be one of the several Hanlin scholars who were deputy heads.

If the Jia and Mei families could form a marriage alliance, Jia Cong would be favored by the Emperor. Given the right opportunity, if he could speak well of Jia Cong before the Emperor, Headmaster Ge would surely be pleased, and the marriage would proceed smoothly.

The Mei family's scholarly pursuits are truly distinguished; to achieve even greater heights would leave me with no regrets in my life, and I would have lived up to the family legacy and prestige passed down by your grandfather.

Upon hearing this, Mei Yunsong's heart pounded wildly. If the Mei family had risen to prominence in this way, he would surely be unstoppable in his official career and would not let Jia Cong monopolize the limelight. Thinking of this, he felt elated.

He cupped his hands and said, "Father, you are thoughtful and resourceful, and I admire you. As it is the parents' decision and the matchmaker's words, I will leave the marriage to you, Father, and I will have no objection."

……

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

When Grandmother Jia learned that Jia Zheng had been suspended from his post to reflect on his actions, she was truly filled with worry. Yingchun and Daiyu, the sisters, dared not disturb him and all took their leave from Rongqing Hall.

Yuanyang brewed a cup of top-quality Lao Jun Mei tea for Grandmother Jia to drink in order to refresh her, but Grandmother Jia still looked listless. After a while, she was about to go to her inner room to relax.

Suddenly, they heard hurried footsteps outside the hall and saw Lady Wang rushing in, her face pale and her expression panicked. Looking at her daughter-in-law's appearance, Grandmother Jia felt a sense of impending doom.

Because her son had lost his official position, Grandmother Jia was already angry with the Wang family. To make matters worse, her daughter-in-law showed up and made a scene. She was really annoyed, but she didn't want to be too rude to Baoyu.

He said, "Has Zheng'er returned to the manor? Why aren't you guarding the east courtyard? Why are you rushing over here?"

Madam Wang said with a worried expression, "Old Madam, Master has just returned to the mansion. I originally wanted to ask him to come to Rongqing Hall to talk, but coincidentally, the son of Minister Chen of the Ministry of Personnel came to visit."

Because he was entertaining guests, the master was temporarily unable to come over. Unexpectedly, after meeting Chen Changji, the master returned and said he would submit a petition to apologize. His daughter-in-law tried to persuade him in every way, but the master ignored her.

Just now, the master finished writing the memorial and, ignoring his daughter-in-law's objections, hurriedly went to the Tongzheng Division to submit it. His daughter-in-law had no choice but to come and tell the old lady what to do.

The court has only suspended you from your post to reflect on your actions, and has not actually dismissed you from office. There is still room for maneuver in this matter. Now that you have submitted a memorial to plead guilty, wouldn't that be an admission of guilt?

This matter could no longer be reversed. The master's official position was granted by the late master, and the emperor had bestowed great favor upon him. The foundation of the second branch of the family depended entirely on the master.

Although the Jia family's east and west mansions were supported by Cong-ge'er, as the saying goes, a single tree cannot make a forest. The official position held by the master was also very important, as it concerned the honor and disgrace of the Jia family.

The daughter-in-law was completely at a loss. The old lady was of high status and had seen a lot, so she could only ask the old lady for advice on how to handle this matter…

……

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia's face changed drastically, and she angrily said, "Zheng'er is already close to the age of fifty, how can he still be so rash in his actions? He doesn't even consult me ​​on such an important matter, what should we do!"
Now that he has gone to the Ministry of Justice, there's no way to stop him. Originally, Cong-ge was the best at being an official and understood the ways of officialdom best. If he were at home, he would definitely have his own ideas.

But he was away on business, and we women couldn't come up with any ideas.

Madam Wang said, "Old Madam, you and the Empress Dowager were once very close friends, with a deep and extraordinary bond. Could you please grant me an audience with the Empress Dowager and ask for her grace to intervene?"

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia's expression changed slightly, and she said, "Seeking an audience with the emperor is no small matter. This matter cannot be taken lightly. We must think it through carefully first."

Now that Cong-ge'er is not at home, only Lin-yatou, who comes from a family of scholars and officials and has been influenced by her family, has some knowledge of court affairs in her daily conversations.

"Let's have a word with her; perhaps she'll have some ideas. Yuanyang, go to the East Mansion and call Er Yatou and Lin Yatou over. Tell them I have something urgent to discuss and ask them to come quickly."

……

Madam Wang felt uneasy, but dared not show it. She said, "For important matters of officialdom like this, Madam, Lin is just a young girl. How could she possibly have any ideas?"

Grandmother Jia said, "You've misunderstood. Lin is exceptionally intelligent. She has been well-read since childhood, able to understand ten things from one, and has also received instruction from her father. She is no ordinary girl."

I know my own granddaughter inside and out. I chose her because she is beautiful and has a strong sense of self, which is why I wanted Baoyu to... But it's pointless to talk about this now.

In the past two years, Cong-ge'er established the East Mansion, and the sisters all lived together. They were influenced by Cong-ge'er to some extent and became more opinionated than before.

At the beginning and end of the year, whenever civil officials visited, the women accompanying them were usually received by Er Yatou and Lin Yatou. This particular visit was even more experienced and a rare occurrence.

Moreover, the Lin and Chen families have a long-standing friendship. Chen Changji is Cong Ge'er's senior brother, and he visited the family twice. His wife was entertained by Lin Yatou, and it is said that they got along very well.

Lin Yatou knows the Chen family better than we do. Chen Changji suddenly came to our door today, and Zheng'er did this. Call Lin Yatou to ask her what happened; she'll most likely be able to explain.

……

Madam Wang was indignant. The old lady was getting senile. How could she let a young girl give her advice on such an important matter as her husband's career? Didn't she feel ashamed?

A short while later, footsteps sounded outside the hall. Yuanyang lifted the threshold and let Yingchun and Daiyu into the hall. Both of them were dressed in elegant skirts and their hairpins shone brightly.

Grandmother Jia explained the situation. In fact, Yuanyang had already told Daiyu the whole story on the way, and Daiyu already knew it. She was quick-witted and had already given her reply.

He said, "Lord Chen of the Ministry of Personnel is a wise and experienced man. He has been through many ups and downs in his official career and is very shrewd and experienced. My elder brother Chen was influenced by his father and is no ordinary person. He always handles matters in a methodical way."

Just as my second maternal uncle received a new imperial decree, the eldest brother of the Chen family's visit at this time must have been for a specific purpose. My second wife's guess was correct; submitting the memorial to apologize must have been his idea.

Madam Wang breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Grandma, Lin'er said the same thing. Master must have been instigated by Chen Changji to do such a foolish thing. What should we do!"

Daiyu glanced at Madam Wang and said, "Second Madam, there's no need to panic. Second Uncle has been ordered by the court to be suspended from his post and detained in the mansion, but the matter is settled and there's no way to avoid it."

Even if the second uncle doesn't submit a memorial to apologize, his official position will be difficult to retain. If he remains unresponsive at this point, he will only give others cause for criticism, further jeopardizing his situation and making it difficult to recover.

Hearing Daiyu's cold and stern words, as if she knew her husband was about to lose his official position, Lady Wang was filled with resentment. This wretched girl was just as hateful as her mother, actually trying to kill the second branch of the family.

She was so close to Cong-ge'er that she learned his aloof tone perfectly. Seeing that the second wife was a distant relative, she took it for granted that her husband had lost his official position. She was truly despicable!
Yingchun watched coldly from the sidelines. She saw that the old lady was listening carefully, but the second wife's face turned ugly and she was quite angry. She couldn't help but frown slightly and felt a little worried.

But then Daiyu said, "My second uncle had just been relieved of his duties by the court, yet he was able to submit a memorial to apologize on the same day. This shows that my second uncle is magnanimous and does not shy away from his sins. He is truly very wise."

"The eldest brother of the Chen family visited so promptly, and the second uncle submitted a petition to apologize. If we follow his advice, the Jia family will owe the Chen family a great favor."

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang turned pale with anger… (End of Chapter)