Dream of the Red Chamber: A Refined and Elegant Young Man in a Turbid World

Ni Er and the other ruffians were all taken aback, thinking to themselves how lucky they were that they hadn't made a move. Although they didn't know exactly how many members the Jia family had, they knew that since Jia Cong wasn't a member of a collateral branch of the imperial family, he must be the master's own son.

If this is really damaged, our group won't be able to make a living in Beijing anymore.

Thinking of this, Ni Er couldn't help but shudder, and hurriedly bowed and clasped his hands in greeting.

"It was my poor eyesight. It was Third Master Cong. Please forgive our rudeness earlier..."

Jia Cong smiled and offered a helping hand.

"It's just a common squabble between ordinary people, nothing to brag about. I've heard you have a good reputation on West Street and are known for your straightforward personality."

As he finished speaking, his gaze swept over the gambler who was still cowering to the side, and then looked at Ni Er. "It is only right to pay back debts, but to push someone to the point of death is to go too far. Let's let this go today, and there is no need to press them any further."

Upon hearing this, Ni Er hurriedly replied, "Third Master's orders are correct! I will obey Third Master's orders, and this matter will be considered settled!"

Having said that, he kicked the gambler hard.

"If it weren't for Third Master's sake, I would have broken your arm today. Now get out of here!"

The gambler felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He scrambled to his feet and kowtowed several times, repeatedly saying, "Thank you, Third Master! Thank you, Second Master Ni, for your mercy!" He didn't even dare to pick up the few scattered items on the ground. He dashed out of the alley and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Jia Cong glanced at the three or four hooligans behind Ni Er; each of them had a fierce look on their faces and didn't seem like good people. He then took out another piece of silver and handed it over.

"I was originally here today to make purchases for the government, so I can't stay long. We've become acquainted through this misunderstanding, so let's make friends. Take this money and treat the brothers to some wine!"

Ni Er was so frightened that he waved his hands repeatedly.

"No, no, no! Third Master already gave that fellow an extra eight taels of silver. I have no shame; how could I dare to ask for more!"

Jia Cong deliberately put on a stern face.

"Could it be that you look down on my money, thinking it's too little?"

Although Ni Er is a scoundrel who lends money at exorbitant interest rates and spends his days gambling and drinking, he is actually a chivalrous and righteous man from the lower class who values ​​loyalty and justice, and is a typical "street chivalrous hero" in Cao Xueqin's writing.

Seeing Jia Cong's sincerity, the man wiped his face with his sleeve before sheepishly accepting the silver.

"Since Third Master thinks highly of my brothers Ni Er, from now on, in this small area of ​​West Street, if you dare to even flinch in the face of your orders, whether it's through fire or water, you're not a real man!"

As he spoke, he stuffed the silver into his pocket, turned around and glared fiercely at the group of hooligans behind him.

"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and pay your respects to Third Master! From now on, Third Master Cong will be our benefactor. Anyone who dares to show the slightest disrespect should first ask if my fist will allow it!"

The ruffians quickly bowed and clasped their hands, respectfully saying, "Greetings, Third Master." Their previous ferocity had turned into respectfulness, and they didn't even dare to breathe loudly.

Jia Cong patted Ni Er on the shoulder with a smile.

"Very well, we're all brothers. If you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, feel free to come to the Rongguo Mansion to find me. In a few days, I'll treat you all to a drink right here on West Street!"

"Third Master is so generous!" The group of hooligans, who idled away their days, were extremely honored to befriend such a handsome young man. They were all beaming with pride and bowing to each other.

Today, Jia Cong went out to do errands for Wang Xifeng, so he didn't dare to linger. He only asked Ni Er which gambling dens he usually frequented before hurriedly returning to the Jia mansion with Li Rong.

Li Rong was a little confused.

"Why would Third Master want to associate with these scoundrels? They spend their days idly, drinking and loafing around. Getting involved with them will only bring trouble. If the master and mistress find out, they'll surely give you a good scolding."

Jia Cong was too lazy to explain to the servant boy, so he simply lifted the curtain of the donkey cart and got in.

"What do you know? Just do your job well. Tell the kitchen to prepare a couple more side dishes for dinner. If you're happy, then I'll be happy! Remember, don't gossip about what happened today. Just pretend you never saw Ni Er."

Although Li Rong didn't understand what Jia Cong was happy about, he still obediently went to the kitchen. At dinner, in addition to the two braised chickens bought from Dongxinglou, a plate of braised prawns and a mutton hot pot were added.

As the year draws to a close, the weather is getting colder and colder. Everyone in the Rong family is busy preparing incense, candles, paper horses, door gods, and peach charms for the New Year, as well as offerings and banquets for clan sacrifices.

The old women and maids in each room were bustling about, and the corridor was piled with newly purchased pine branches and cypress leaves. Cartloads of silver frost charcoal were being delivered to each courtyard, and even the side gate was several times more lively than usual.

Even Jia Cong was assigned a task, following his elder brother Jia Lian, whom he rarely saw, as they traveled through the various estates and warehouses of the Rong Mansion to verify information.

Despite his daily womanizing, drinking, and licentious behavior, Jia Lian is a man who understands rules, is worldly-wise, and knows the pros and cons. He handles almost all the mundane affairs and internal responsibilities of the household.

"This cheap older brother is quite the pragmatist." Jia Cong had worked alongside Jia Lian for several days and had witnessed the other's abilities firsthand. No wonder Jia Zheng entrusted him with the task of repairing the Grand View Garden.

After several busy days, Jia Lian took the opportunity to slip two ten-tael silver ingots into Jia Cong's hand, a shrewd smile on his face.

"Brother, you've worked hard these past few days, running around with me inside and out. You've checked the accounts carefully and handled the tasks efficiently. Here's some money for you. Buy yourself a new outfit, or keep it for yourself. Just don't mention it to anyone else."

Jia Cong calmly took it and tucked it into his sleeve, then smiled and bowed in return.

"Thank you, Second Brother. I was just doing this for the manor. How could I accept such a personal gift?" He gently tucked his hand into his sleeve, not actually pushing it out.

He knew Jia Lian's ability to amass wealth. He had made a fortune when the Grand View Garden was built by imperial decree, and now that he had this job at the end of the year, the estate and the storehouse would inevitably have to give him another "tribute." He only gave him twenty taels because he wanted to keep him quiet.

Jia Lian nodded, then glanced at the old women and servants coming and going outside, his enthusiasm fading as he resumed his usual efficient and capable demeanor.

"I still need to go to the storeroom to check the ritual implements for the sacrifices. You can make yourself at home first. If you have time later, come sit in my courtyard and we can have a couple of drinks."

Jia Lian rarely showed such warmth towards him. Even after Jia Cong learned martial arts, he remained indifferent and rarely appeared in public. Today was quite strange.

Since the other party had spoken, Jia Cong had no choice but to agree.

"Since it is my second brother's order, how could I dare disobey? I will definitely come to bother you later."

As night fell, lanterns were lit one by one in each courtyard of the Rong Mansion. Jia Cong dismissed Li Rong and went alone to Jia Lian's courtyard. Before leaving, he had already inquired and found out that Wang Xifeng was still at her estate in the south of the city and had not yet returned.

The charcoal brazier in Jia Lian's room was burning brightly. Seeing Jia Cong enter, he waved for the servants to leave, then personally rose, picked up the wine pot, and poured him a cup of hot wine.

"Sit down, there's no one else here, let's have a couple of drinks together."

Jia Cong chuckled twice, then raised his wine cup to Jia Lian.

"I have a low alcohol tolerance, so please don't blame me if my second brother doesn't enjoy himself enough."