Three Wives and Four Concubines in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Page 45

I never imagined that after several years of marriage, I would realize that the biggest obstacle to me taking charge of the household was none other than my dear aunt!

She worked tirelessly for her, entertained her relatives, and took care of her sister-in-law. Just as Ma said in later generations, she was busy every day like a mistress of the house, but she didn't have the power of a mistress.

However, not wanting to take the risk of lending money at exorbitant interest rates, Madam Wang disregarded the affection and kinship accumulated over the years and ruthlessly suppressed the matter, which truly chilled Sister Feng to the bone.

Now that Yuan Chun has been made a concubine, Feng Jie can only be subservient and dare not harbor any dissenting thoughts. Even when Lady Wang asks her to personally send an invitation to a young lady from an official family who is practicing Buddhism, she can only agree with a smile.

Who doesn't know that Wang Xifeng, at most, only knows a few words? Yet she still made Wang Xifeng personally send out invitations to invite people. Such a small matter could have been left to a few managers, but instead, she had to put on a show of pride. It's clear that this "good aunt" of hers is not someone to be trifled with.

From the eighth day of the first lunar month, eunuchs came out to check the directions: where to change clothes, where to sit, where to receive rites, where to hold a banquet, and where to retire. There were also inspecting local officials and supervising eunuchs, who led many junior eunuchs out to set up checkpoints and curtains, and to instruct the Jia family members on where to retire, where to kneel, where to eat, and where to issue notices, with various ceremonies.

Outside, officials from the Ministry of Works and the military commissioners of the five cities were sweeping the streets and chasing away idlers. Jia She and others supervised the craftsmen in making lanterns and fireworks, and it wasn't until the fourteenth day of the first lunar month that everything was finally in order.

On the fifteenth, all those with titles, including Grandmother Jia, dressed in their finest attire according to their rank. Throughout the garden, dragons danced in the tents, phoenixes fluttered in the curtains, gold and silver gleamed, jewels competed for brilliance, incense burners burned with the fragrance of lilies, and vases held the blossoms of evergreen flowers. Quietly, no one coughed.

Jia She and others were outside the West Gate, while Grandmother Jia and others were outside the Rong Mansion's main gate. The streets and alleyways were completely covered by curtains.

The group waited and sweated, but no news came. Grandmother Jia was old and her heart was filled with anger. Just then, she saw a eunuch riding up on horseback and immediately sent someone to ask him what was going on.

When they heard that it was still early, everyone lost interest. Fengjie then asked Grandmother Jia and the others to go back and rest, leaving her to take care of them. Then they dispersed.

However, due to a certain decree from the emperor, Consort Yuan's entourage did not return until evening. Before noon, Consort Yuan's entourage finally arrived at the Jia residence.

So Jia She led all the clan's sons and nephews outside the West Street Gate, while Grandmother Jia led all the clan's female relatives outside the main gate to welcome the carriage.

A pair of eunuchs in red robes rode slowly towards the west gate, dismounted, drove their horses out of the curtain, and stood facing west with their hands at their sides. Half a day later, another pair did the same.

Soon, about ten couples arrived, and the faint sound of music could be heard. Pairs of dragon and phoenix banners and pheasant feathers with dragon heads appeared, along with gold-plated incense burners burning imperial incense. Then came a golden umbrella with a curved handle and seven phoenixes, followed by officials in official robes and shoes. There were also eunuchs on duty carrying incense beads, embroidered handkerchiefs, rinsing bowls, whisks, and the like.

After the processions passed by, eight eunuchs carried a golden-topped palanquin embroidered with phoenixes, slowly making its way forward. Grandmother Jia and the others immediately knelt by the roadside.

Several eunuchs rushed over and helped up Grandmother Jia, Madam Xing, and Madam Wang. The palanquin was carried through the main gate, then through the ceremonial gate eastward. At the gate of a courtyard, a eunuch holding a whisk knelt and invited Yuan Chun to alight and change her clothes. The palanquin was then carried inside, and the eunuchs dispersed, leaving only Consort Zhaorong and Consort Cai to lead Yuan Chun alighting from the palanquin.

Inside the courtyard, colorful lanterns shone brightly, all made of gauze and silk, exquisitely crafted. Above one of them was a plaque inscribed with the four characters "Ti Ren Mu De" (meaning "Embrace Benevolence and Immerse One in Virtue").

Yuan Chun entered the room, changed her clothes, and then came out again, boarding her sedan chair to enter the garden. There she saw pavilions and towers standing on the water, and layered rocks and steep cliffs, rugged and secluded. Just a moment ago there was a quiet bamboo forest, and turning her head, she saw a row of large gardens that caught her eye. It was as if all the world's beautiful scenery had been gathered in one place.

It's remarkable how Shan Yezi's ingenious ideas brought together so many different styles of scenery without making them seem out of place. Instead, they felt as if this was how it should be.

The Grand View Garden was far larger than the Shejing Garden that Gu Yu had imitated in his previous life. Bao Yu accompanied her for most of the day but they still couldn't see half of it. Fortunately, Yuan Chun's return to the mansion this time was not as rushed as in the original novel, so she was able to enjoy the garden properly and it did not disappoint the original intention of its construction.

As evening fell, the garden was filled with the smoke of incense, vibrant colors of flowers, and the glow of lights everywhere. Soft music filled the air, creating an atmosphere of peace, prosperity, and elegance that defied description.

Yuan Chun saw the garden's luxurious interior and exterior from inside the sedan chair, and witnessed its magnificent scenery firsthand. She sighed inwardly at the excessive extravagance.

Suddenly, a eunuch holding a whisk knelt and invited her to board the boat, and Yuan Chun alighted from her carriage. She saw that the clear stream flowed like a swimming dragon, and on both sides of the stone railings were various colored lanterns made of crystal glass, which lit up like silver flowers and snow waves. Although the willow and apricot trees above had no flowers or leaves, they were all made of pith paper, silk, and paper, which were attached to the branches. Each tree had several lanterns hanging from it. In addition, the lotus, duckweed, and egrets in the pond were all made of snails, shells, feathers and the like.

The colorful lanterns shone brightly, and the boat was decorated with various exquisite bonsai lanterns, beaded curtains and embroidered screens, and osmanthus oars and orchid paddles, making it a feast for the eyes.

Suddenly, they entered a stone harbor, above which hung a plaque with the four characters "Liaoting Huaxu". Besides this name, there were other names such as "Youfeng Laiyi", all of which were given when Baoyu accompanied them on their inspection of the Grand View Garden last time.

Before entering the palace, Yuan-chun was raised by Grandmother Jia from a young age. Later, when Bao-yu was born, Yuan-chun, as the eldest sister, felt great pity for her mother having a son late in life and showered Bao-yu with affection.

Taking this into consideration, Jia Zheng decided to have Baoyu inscribe the name and hang it on temporarily, so as to comfort Yuanchun.

So they waited for Yuan Chun to correct everything, while outside, people were already anxiously waiting to announce the replacement. Once this matter was settled, the messenger eunuch signaled Sheng Le to accept the gift.

First, the men of the household, including Jia She, paid their respects, followed by the women, including Grandmother Jia. After several rounds of greetings, the ceremony was considered complete. Only after Yuan Chun went to the side hall to change her clothes could she leave the garden and go to Grandmother Jia's house.

Returning to the familiar environment of the Rongguo Mansion, Yuan Chun finally let her tears, which she had been holding back for so long, fall. Just as she was about to kneel down and perform the family ceremony for Grandmother Jia, she was quickly stopped and had to give up.

When she entered the palace, the three sisters were still just learning to speak. Now, seeing them again, they were all about to get married, which made Yuan Chun feel even more sentimental.

With tears in their eyes, everyone clasped hands and exchanged greetings. It took them quite a while to calm down. Only after the stewards, wives, and maids of the two households had finished their salutations outside the hall were Yuan Chun and the others able to speak freely.

Chapter Eighteen: A Strange Development

Fengjie looked down at Yuanchun's head full of gold and silver ornaments with envy. They were both human, and she was confident that her appearance was no less than Yuanchun's. But Yuanchun was now a noble concubine, while she had to work for her mother for nothing. It was truly infuriating to compare people like that!

Yuan Chun, naturally oblivious to Feng Jie's inner turmoil, greeted Daiyu and Baochai through the curtain after meeting them. She was greatly comforted when Jia Zheng mentioned that the plaques in the garden had been inscribed by Baoyu.

“I have been taking care of Baoyu since he was a child, and now I see that he has indeed improved.”

She then hurriedly asked to see Baoyu, and after being asked to refrain from formalities in front of the two female officials, she was finally allowed to see her younger brother. As for the other distinguished guest in the mansion, Yuanchun did not mention him, after all, she had heard of his reputation.

Although she had come with an imperial decree today, she still did not want her younger brother to be overshadowed by the glory of outsiders during this family reunion.

Seeing Baoyu now grown up, yet still retaining a hint of his youthful innocence in his eyes, Yuanchun couldn't help but burst into tears, deeply missing her own time in the boudoir at home.

Just then, Lady You and Sister Feng came up to dissuade them, saying that a banquet was prepared in the garden and that the Imperial Concubine was invited to visit. Yuan Chun then ordered Bao Yu to lead the group, and the group went from the Rongguo Mansion to the Grand Garden's villa for the banquet.

At the banquet, Yuan Chun couldn't help but reiterate that such extravagance must never be repeated. However, while the people below agreed to her words, what they would do behind her back was anyone's guess.

After the family banquet, Yuan Chun thought that today's grand event should be recorded in the annals, so after naming the various scenes, she took the lead in composing a quatrain.

"Built with exquisite craftsmanship, nestled between mountains and water, it took countless hours to complete. It boasts all the scenic wonders of heaven and earth, and deserves the name 'Grand View' for this fragrant garden."

The clever servants below had already spread the word about the Grand View Garden, instructing the craftsmen who were waiting outside to quickly make their own inscriptions and plaques.

After putting down her pen and paper, Yuan Chun looked up and smiled:

"I am not particularly quick-witted, nor am I good at composing poems, as my sisters know well. Tonight I will do my best to fulfill my duty and not waste this beautiful scene. When I have more free time in the future, I will definitely write 'A Record of the Grand View Garden' and 'Ode to the Visit to Relatives' to commemorate today's events."

"Each of my sisters should also inscribe a plaque and a poem, according to their own talents, and compose them on the spot. They should not be bound by my meager talents. I am delighted that Baoyu actually knows how to compose poems, which is an unexpected thought of mine. Among these places, I love the 'Xiaoxiang Pavilion' and 'Hengwu Garden' the most, followed by the 'Yihong Courtyard' and 'Huange Villa'. These four places must have their own poems and verses to be wonderful."

“Baoyu, the couplets you wrote before are excellent. Now, compose another five-character regulated verse for each of you so that I can test them in person. Only then will I not have wasted my efforts in teaching you since childhood.”

Baoyu secretly groaned, but on the surface he had no choice but to agree and then went to come up with his own ideas.

Everyone knew that Yuan Chun mainly wanted to see Bao Yu's level of skill. In addition, the sisters usually knew their own abilities and had no desire to compete, so they all wrote some mediocre works to get by.

Although Daiyu was present, she had no intention of standing out. After haphazardly reciting a poem, she sat there in a daze.

It turned out that a few days ago, Lin Ruhai finally wrote a letter, and the letter was full of paternal love, which made Daiyu miss her old father who was away from home.

However, Lin Ruhai vaguely glossed over a certain matter that the young girl cared about most. After reading the letter and pondering it carefully, Daiyu felt relieved, but not completely at ease.

But she was too embarrassed to write a letter to say it outright, so she rolled her eyes at the innocent Gu Yu, who was caught in the crossfire, in return for someone's 'furious outburst'. It's hard to say who benefited.

As for Baochai, she sat there with her eyes down and remained silent. Ever since the Jia family brought the actors from Jiangnan into the mansion, even though Aunt Xue moved out of Pear Fragrance Courtyard and chose to live in a courtyard in the northeast corner instead of returning to her own home, she understood her mother's ultimate plan.

Seeing Daiyu and Gu Yu exchanging glances and their increasingly intimate relationship, while she herself had no contact with Gu Yu since the day she felt that flutter of Xiaoshi's heart, she couldn't help but feel increasingly empty inside.

Both of them were lost in their own thoughts, so they naturally didn't see Baoyu biting his pen, sweating profusely, and scratching his head in frustration.

It was Tan Chun who first noticed Bao Yu's predicament. Seeing that Yuan Chun was still reviewing the poems of the other sisters, she moved over to Bao Yu's side to check on the situation.

Although Tan Chun's talent could not compare to that of Bao and Dai, she was quick-witted and soon helped Bao Yu finalize the green candle designation. However, she could only helplessly help Bao Yu with the apricot curtain design, which he had not yet completed.

The women nearby, including Grandmother Jia, also noticed the situation. Aunt Xue was secretly anxious when she saw that her daughter had lost in thought.

She wasn't a heartless parent. After vaguely sensing Baochai's thoughts, she made a special effort to inquire about her.

I've heard that Gu Yu's family's Yingkexuan restaurant alone is a fortune, and she herself is quite accomplished, having become a scholar at a young age. If Aunt Xue weren't long past the age of girlish infatuation, she too would surely be tempted.

But just as she was hesitating, a casual remark from Madam Wang made her firm in her decision.

“Yu-ge’er is so capable at such a young age, and I think Pan’er has always trusted him. If Baochai marries into the family, the two of them will be a perfect match, and Pan’er will be able to revitalize the family business with their help.”

When Aunt Xue finally realized what was going on, she was horrified. Wasn't all her hard work precisely to prevent the family business from falling into his hands? If Baochai were to marry into the family, she would become Gu Xueshi of the Gu family. Even if she was loyal to her own family, how could Gu Yu be so easily manipulated?

She knew exactly what kind of person her son was. With this familial relationship, Gu Yu could easily swallow up the Xue family's million-dollar fortune with a flick of her finger. How would she face her deceased husband then?

Rather than gambling that Gu Yu wouldn't be tempted by the prospect of a million-dollar fortune, it would be safer to choose her sister's son, Baoyu. After all, she had been in the Jia family for quite some time and knew his background well.

Kind-hearted, low-skilled, with a powerful background, gentle, and a true relative—perfect for their needs! As for Baochai's feelings, she could only swallow them down.

After all, as children of the Xue family, isn't it normal for them to sacrifice a little for their family? Moreover, judging from Baoyu's qualities, he is a first-class match, so it's not unfair to Baochai.

As for matters of the heart, Aunt Xue said that she hadn't even met her husband before marrying into the Xue family, and that these were just childish thoughts, not worth mentioning!

Seeing that Yuan Chun had almost finished reviewing the documents, Daiyu and Baochai finally noticed Baoyu's condition, and Aunt Xue breathed a sigh of relief.

She knew her daughter's abilities well; if she could help Baoyu, she could improve her chances of winning over her future mother-in-law.

Tan Chun couldn't solve Bao Yu's problem, so she could only tell her sisters. The girls' eyes involuntarily turned to Dai Yu and Bao Chai, since the two with the highest talents were the most likely to help Brother Bao get through this difficulty.

Daiyu had already drafted several poems in her mind from the very beginning, and Xinglian Zaiwang naturally had a completed work as well, but Yuanchun only allowed each of them to write one, so they didn't write it.

Now that Baoyu is in trouble, she is willing to help him, but before she can speak, her face shows hesitation.

Chapter Nineteen: Sugar-Coated Bullets

Daiyu was sensible from a young age, understood people's hearts, and had the purest nature.

That's why she could disregard those formalities and be so close to Gu Yu. Even though Bao Yu was described as a dissolute playboy, Daiyu could still joke and laugh with him after getting to know him.

But now that she has placed her heart on Gu Yu, she should also consider Gu Yu's feelings. A woman's handwritten letter is considered private, and even if she usually only regards Bao Yu as a sister, it would be very inappropriate for it to fall into Bao Yu's hands.

But since the Imperial Concubine has returned to the mansion, even if it's just for the sake of her maternal grandmother, Baoyu must be helped out this time.

Seeing that Baochai was still frowning and deep in thought, clearly unprepared, Daiyu gritted her teeth, called Tanchun over and whispered a few words in her ear, asking her to convey her message.

Baoyu was at a loss when he saw Tanchun go over and say a few words. He then became very excited and wrote the last poem without stopping, and sent it over along with the previous poems.

"Third sister, you've saved me twice!"

Tan Chun tried hard to suppress her laughter and gave a faint reply. Daiyu had specifically told her not to tell anyone, so naturally she wouldn't tattle to Baoyu.

After reading them, Yuan Chun indeed chose the poem "Apricot Curtain in Sight" as the best, and immediately copied these poems to the outer room. Jia Zheng and the others also praised them highly after reading them.

Upon hearing that it was Baoyu's work, Jia Zheng showed a rare smile, feeling greatly gratified.

Seeing that it was almost time, Yuan Chun brought up Gu Yu, who was staying at the mansion, and sent an eunuch to invite him to meet her.

Gu Yu was strolling outside Pear Fragrance Courtyard. Ever since these young actresses moved to Pear Fragrance Courtyard, Baochai had become increasingly distant, making him miss her a little.

Today, everyone went to greet the emperor, and Gu Yu knew that it was unlikely to be her turn, so she settled down to listen to their opera performance.

After listening to just a few clips, someone came to invite him. Gu Yu was puzzled, but seeing the palace attire he was wearing, she went with him. The remaining young actors from Pear Fragrance Courtyard were also taken away.

Seeing Gu Yu bowing respectfully below, like a graceful orchid or a jade tree growing in the courtyard, even Bao Yu, with his home advantage, couldn't compare. Yuan Chun couldn't quite describe the feeling in her heart.

However, she still understood the importance of the person in front of her, and secretly rejoiced at her foresight in not inviting him earlier, and then quickly greeted him warmly.

"Today we will only discuss family etiquette, not national etiquette. Yu-ge, please rise quickly."

The two female officials who had never seen Gu Yu before wanted to speak up to stop her, but they were stopped by Eunuch Xia. They understood what was going on and pretended to be dead with their eyes down.

After exchanging pleasantries, the young actors finally went on stage. After watching a few plays, Yuan Chun gave a performance to everyone in the mansion and then pulled Gu Yu aside to talk.

"Does His Majesty have anything else to say to you today? Yu-ge'er, please remember it well."

"This humble subject will respectfully obey Your Majesty's decree."

Gu Yu bowed respectfully, awaiting further instructions. Unlike the Qing Dynasty of the past, the Great Qian Dynasty did not require kneeling and prostration. Except for important occasions such as the issuance of imperial edicts, even commoners were not required to kneel.

However, in recent years, the government has become increasingly competitive, and the officials have accumulated a great deal of power. Everyone else kneels before them, but you don't. Do you have some kind of dissatisfaction with the upright and just official? You are simply a bold and unruly commoner!

"You unruly brat, utterly unfit for important tasks. You even dare to belittle the national talent selection ceremony; you are utterly ignorant. I hereby order you to study diligently for the next three years. If I do not see you at the next imperial examination, do not blame me for being impolite."

"..."

The more Grandmother Jia and the others listened, the stranger it sounded. It was just like an elder in the family lecturing his or her nephews, so they couldn't help but look up and scrutinize him.

Gu Yu nodded meekly, feeling a sense of helplessness in his heart. He had entered the palace a few days ago and met Meng Zhi there. The Empress was so pleased that she rewarded him with a waist token, allowing him to travel freely.

Although Jiang Ming didn't say anything at the time, he only hinted to him through Meng Zhi, pretending to be deaf and dumb and getting away with it. But now that they've come all the way to the Jia family mansion, it seems that he can't escape the fate of working for them after all.

Gu Yu could easily guess what his so-called "rudeness" was all about—it was nothing more than threatening to arrange marriages for Meng Zhi and Dai Yu, and yet he was completely under Gu Yu's thumb. It was utterly ridiculous.

Seeing that the matter was settled, the lady-in-waiting coughed to indicate that the time had come. Yuan Chun only had time to give the order that the garden should not be closed, so that all the sisters could go in and stay to add some life. She also specially selected Gu Yu, which was obviously a sweet treat given by the wise and powerful Emperor.

As the sedan chair was about to be lifted, Yuan Chun finally couldn't help but shed tears and bid farewell, but she still had to comfort Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang and others who were also shedding tears.

"No need to worry, just take good care of yourself. The Emperor's grace is so great now that he allows me to visit you once a month, so there is plenty of time for us to see each other. Why be so upset? If the Emperor still allows me to visit you next year, I must not be so extravagant and wasteful."

After seeing off the imperial concubine's palanquin, everyone persuaded Grandmother Jia and the others to return to their residence. Gu Yu and Daiyu went back together, but they were still somewhat dazed.

He had been thinking about whether he should go home while he was in Pear Fragrance Courtyard. After all, the Grand View Garden was built as a villa for the Imperial Concubine to visit her family. Even members of the Jia family could not enter it. How could an outsider like himself enter?

Gu Yu was just thinking about how to find an opportunity to meet Daiyu and the others after returning home when she was surprised to receive such a generous gift. Her mind was in turmoil, and thinking of Mengzhi's pretty face, she felt quite confused.

Those who are family know their own affairs. They only rely on their knowledge far ahead of the times and a little bit of cleverness. Since they are already well-off, they naturally don't want to cause trouble.

If Gu Yu were to step into the vortex of the imperial court, he would likely be devoured without a trace. Therefore, he made his stance clear from the beginning, not only having his own family's influence work for Lin Ruhai, but also tacitly allowing Lin Ruhai to use the Gu family's connections and influence as his father-in-law.

But now that Jiang Ming has seized the opportunity to bestow favors upon him, he should be loyal to the king, and he has also received Jiang Ming's favor. If he continues to run away, the world will criticize him, and the reputation of the Gu family will be ruined.

Lost in thought, Gu Yu naturally didn't hear Daiyu call him twice. Daiyu pouted slightly, about to object, when she saw Gu Yu's strange expression and, forgetting that Zijuan and the others were following behind, quickly tugged at Gu Yu's sleeve and shook it.

"Ok?"

Gu Yu followed the gaze and saw that Daiyu's bright eyes were full of concern. Her heart warmed, and she took Daiyu's small hand in her own and held it tightly.