Chapter 760: Loquats Speak of Secrets

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

Jia Cong and the others lifted the red brocade warm curtain. Outside, snow was still filling the sky, and the cold wind was biting; the snow hadn't lessened.

Yingchun helped Xichun tie her cloak and put on her silk gloves before leading her out of the hall.

Xichun was still holding the pink-enameled gold-traced small plate, in which were the loquats peeled by Yingchun, and she couldn't bear to let go.

Daiyu laughed: "Fourth Sister, you really love eating loquats."

Xichun said: "Loquats are refreshing and sweet, it's just that peeling the skin is annoying."

Daiyu laughed: "In the future, I will also peel them for you like Second Sister; you just eat them."

Xichun's bright eyes lit up, and she said happily: "Today is so strange; the sisters are all so good."

Daiyu laughed: "Because you are clever and quick-witted, we all want to treat you well."

Xichun's expression was confused: "Am I quick-witted? What's the use of being quick-witted? Being clever at painting is the most proud thing."

Daiyu burst into laughter and said: "Fourth Sister is also the most clever at painting."

Xichun smiled upon hearing this and said: "Lin Jiejie is the best at understanding painting. Later, I will paint a snow scene picture and will definitely paint Lin Jiejie as beautiful as Third Brother."

……

The group had only walked a few steps when Yuanyang chased after them, carrying a small bamboo basket.

She laughed: "Grandmother saw that Fourth Sister likes eating loquats, so she asked me to send a basket to you all, so Cong Sanye and the young ladies can also taste something fresh."

Jia Cong laughed: "Yuanyang Sister, at this time of year, loquats are rare things. Where did Grandmother get so many?"

Yuanyang laughed: "You can't see loquats on the market now. These were grown in the palace's side halls. The Empress Dowager rewarded Grandmother with two baskets."

"Grandmother is old now, and her teeth aren't as good as before. Eating loquats in winter is icy cold and not very comfortable, so they have been sitting in the room for two days."

"It's just right to send them to you to eat. The weather is very cold now, so they won't spoil even if they sit for a few more days."

Seeing this basket of loquats, yellow and glistening, Xichun's big eyes turned into crescent moons, and she asked a maid to carry it.

Daiyu asked: "Third Brother, the palace side halls are actually so rare that they can grow spring and summer fruits?"

Jia Cong laughed: "The side halls for such fruits can also be called greenhouses or warm rooms. They are enclosed, burning firewood day and night, as warm as spring and summer."

"They can make spring and summer fruits and vegetables grow in autumn and winter. This kind of arrangement is only available in the Imperial Palace; ordinary families can't afford it."

Xichun's face showed admiration, and she said: "Third Brother knows so much."

Jia Cong touched her bun and laughed: "This is recorded in the Book of Han. Fourth Sister is so smart; if you read more books in the future, you will know more than I do."

Yuanyang was about to return when she saw Sister Sister Hupo come out of the hall, followed by the head maid Jade, each carrying half a basket of loquats.

Sister Sister Hupo said: "Yuanyang Sister, Grandmother just said to send half of the remaining basket of loquats to Bao Er Ye Bao, and the other half to Second Grandmother, so everyone can taste something fresh."

"Grandmother said she was a bit tired and has asked the little maids to help her rest, so we don't need to serve her."

"She also said that the snow scene in the East Mansion is rare, and told us not to be stifled in the room, but to go for a walk together. After delivering the loquats, we'll go over together."

Yuanyang felt a slight movement in her heart upon hearing this and couldn't help but look at Jia Cong. She didn't know if it was the cold wind outside or the heat brought from the room, but a blush appeared on her cheeks.

She said: "Grandmother is thoughtful; being able to see the snow scene in the East Mansion is naturally the best."

Jia Cong laughed: "Second Sister, everyone is here today. It's still early, so why don't we go over and not be restrained, each finding a place to wander."

"At noon, we'll set up wine and dishes in Dengxian Pavilion. Everyone doesn't need to be polite, just sit together to drink wine and admire the snow; that would be interesting."

Yingchun laughed: "Dengxian Pavilion is also very suitable. After entering winter, the curtains, window lattices, tables, chairs, and cushions there have all been replaced."

"The charcoal braziers are all fully equipped, and that place is in a high position, which is the best place to admire the snow and scenery. I'll have Musk go and arrange it when I go back."

"I'll have someone invite Sister Baochai, and then call Sister Feng, Liu Wuer, and Ping Er—none of them can be left out."

Xichun said: "Dengxian Pavilion has a row of large windows facing south, where you can see most of Huifang Garden, and you can see the scenery on both sides. It's perfect for painting there."

Yingchun asked curiously: "I don't usually pay attention; how do you know so clearly?"

Xichun laughed: "I've snuck up there to play several times and saw it very clearly."

Yingchun laughed: "I'll have someone set up a desk in front of the window and have your maids move the brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone there, so you can paint to your heart's content."

"The sisters will see your skills today and have you paint us and your Third Brother in."

……

Rongguo Mansion, Wang Xifeng's Courtyard.

The courtyard ground was covered with thick white snow, only the bluestone path leading to the main house was cleared of snow, and bamboo mats were laid to prevent slipping.

In the gaps around the window lattices on the west side, glistening snow was still piled up, and ice flowers had condensed on the glass, looking exceptionally cold and brilliant from afar.

Through the glass window, one could see Wang Xifeng, Liu Wuer, and Ping Er sitting and talking on the arhat couch by the window.

On the couch was a pear-wood shell-inlaid small table, on which was placed a red clay purple sand teapot, brewing new Siamese tribute tea, emitting a light and lingering tea fragrance.

Today was heavy snow. After being busy with the mansion's important affairs in the morning, the rest was left to Lin Zhixiao's wife to handle, and the three of them hid in the room to avoid the winter and keep warm.

On the small table was also a plate of loquats, sent by the little maid from Rongqing Hall just now, and the three were peeling loquats to taste something fresh.

Liu Wuer peeled a loquat and said: "Second Grandmother, being able to eat such sweet loquats at this time of year is truly a rare thing."

Wang Xifeng laughed: "I've been managing the West Mansion for a long time and know a bit about the details. At this time of year, you can't buy loquats even with gold."

"These are rare items grown in the palace's fire-pavilion side halls; you can't find a second place like this in the Love Shenjing, and I'm afraid you can't find it in the whole world."

Ping Er asked curiously: "Grandmother, what is a fire-pavilion side hall? I've never heard of it before."

Wang Xifeng said: "I didn't understand it before either. Because Grandmother often goes into the palace to pay respects, she knows many strange things, and she told me during a casual chat."

"Fire-pavilion side halls are strange rooms in the palace, built in places facing the sun all year round, with fire walls built all around, fire dragons buried underneath, and charcoal braziers burning in the severe winter."

"Even in the middle of winter, it's as warm as spring and summer inside. The roof of the room isn't made of cylindrical tiles and beams, but is paved with semi-transparent glass, so the sun can shine directly in during the day."

"Fire-pavilion side halls are like magic spells cast by immortals; spring and summer fruits and vegetables can grow inside in winter."

"It is said that more than ten years ago, the Imperial Family searched for poor vegetable farmers from the folk, had them castrated and brought into the palace to enter the fire-pavilion side halls, specifically to plant loquats, using methods secretly passed down by the Imperial Family."

……

Liu Wuer had followed her mother to work in the kitchen since she was a child and was very familiar with vegetables and fruits. Hearing the magic of the fire-pavilion side halls, she felt very interested.

She asked: "Second Grandmother, the palace fire-pavilion side halls can grow spring and summer items; why only loquats? Wouldn't it be better to plant some other vegetables?"

Wang Xifeng laughed: "I asked Grandmother this question when I first heard it. Grandmother said that because the Retired Emperor loved eating loquats the most, the fire-pavilion side halls only planted this one thing."

Ping Er chewed the loquat in her mouth and asked: "Who was the expert who came up with such a magical idea for the fire-pavilion side halls? It's truly clever."

Wang Xifeng laughed: "The thoughts of you two girls are just like mine back then; it's only right that you are destined to be managing wives."

"At that time, I also asked Grandmother, and Grandmother said that since the Retired Emperor was young, he only loved eating one kind of fruit—loquats."

"That year, an Imperial Prince of the Retired Emperor, who was exceptionally talented and well-read, saw the allusion of the fire-pavilion side halls in ancient books and spent a lot of effort to ponder it himself."

"On the Retired Emperor's forty-eighth birthday, he built the fire-pavilion side halls in the palace as a birthday gift to show filial piety to the Retired Emperor."

"This sounds like a play, but it's truly rare."

Liu Wuer laughed: "Then this Prince is not only smart and learned, but also a great filial son."

"I often hear by Cong Sanye's side that Prince Kangshun and Prince Zhongshun are both sons of the Retired Emperor. Are they one of them?"

Wang Xifeng laughed: "At that time, Grandmother was just telling an old story, and I just listened to it as a rare thing; I didn't ask so specifically."

"However, Prince Kangshun and Prince Zhongshun are both famous figures, and Grandmother is also very familiar with them."

"If the person who built the fire-pavilion side halls was one of these two Princes, Grandmother would have said it casually back then."

"Besides, although Prince Zhongshun is a powerful figure, I haven't heard that he is very learned and profound. Prince Kangshun, according to his age today, was less than ten years old at that time, so it definitely wasn't him."

"The current Emperor was still a Prince in his private residence at that time. You must know that building fire-pavilion side halls is an act of filial piety. If it was built by the Emperor, Grandmother would have said so long ago."

"In my opinion, it wasn't any of these three noble people; it must be an Imperial figure we don't know. You are so curious, I'll ask Grandmother when I have time."

……

Liu Wuer laughed: "It's just idle chatter; it's irrelevant anyway, so why would Second Grandmother need to ask specifically?"

"It's just that Grandmother's face is truly big; she can even get rewards of loquats planted in the palace for the Retired Emperor to eat." Wang Xifeng laughed: "You really hit the nail on the head. Among the high-ranking nobles in the Love Shenjing, I haven't heard of many families who can receive loquats rewarded by the palace."

"I heard Grandmother say that our old grandfather was a heavy minister of the Retired Emperor, who followed the Retired Emperor through thick and thin, fighting north and south, and was very trusted by the Retired Emperor."

"Grandmother said that the old grandfather loved eating loquats the most during his lifetime. That year, the old grandfather was seriously ill, and the loquats planted in the palace's fire-pavilion side halls for many years happened to bear fruit at this time."

"The Retired Emperor knew the old grandfather was seriously ill, so he rewarded two baskets of loquats, which was also a gesture of comfort between monarch and minister."

"It's just that these loquats were rewarded only two days before the old grandfather suddenly passed away."

"Although the old grandfather has passed away, the favor of the loquats rewarded by the palace hasn't been broken for more than ten years."

"It's just that it changed from the Retired Emperor rewarding the old grandfather at the beginning to the Empress Dowager rewarding Grandmother. Grandmother also said that this was all the blessing left by the old grandfather."

"However, the number of loquats rewarded by the palace every year is only two small baskets, which is an extremely precious thing."

"Except for Grandmother's own use, they are divided among the old masters and mistresses of the two mansions, and most of the rest go into Baoyu's stomach."

"Even for me and the sisters of the family, we don't usually eat a few. Before Cong brother became successful, I'm afraid he hadn't even touched them."

"How could it compare to the comfort we have now? The three of us are gorging ourselves on half a basket of citrus; if we trace the source, we all owe this to Brother Jia Cong."

……

Wang Xifeng looked at the fluttering snowflakes outside the window and sighed: "This winter is colder than last year; I'm afraid Liaodong is even colder."

"The New Year gifts I sent to Liaodong, Lin Zhixiao asked the official courier, who said the things would stop at Hongshu Collection for a few days before being transferred to Liaodong."

"I'm afraid it will take some time before the Bao Er Ye receives them. I don't know how he is doing now."

Ping Er persuaded: "Grandmother, don't worry too much. Bao Er Ye has the care of Cong Sanye's colleagues and comrades in Liaodong, so he won't suffer any losses."

"The bear-skin cloak you sent this time uses the top-quality bear fur sent by Second Sister. Even if Liaodong is a bitter cold place, this one piece alone will keep Bao Er Ye from freezing."

Just as they were chatting, Yingchun's maid, Xiu Ju, came in and said: "Our young lady asked me to pass a message that she wants to set up a banquet in Dengxian Pavilion at noon."

"She asked me to invite Second Grandmother, as well as Ping Er Sister and Liu Wuer Sister, to take their seats. Cong Sanye and the young ladies are waiting for you to drink wine and admire the snow together."

Wang Xifeng laughed: "Second Sister really knows how to live. You go back and say we will definitely be there."

……

Rongguo Mansion, Baoyu's Courtyard.

Baoyu returned with a face full of shame, sorrowful and heartbroken, unable to show his face, and was so angry that he was somewhat dull and stupid.

Even though Xi Ren was by his side to persuade him, he ignored her.

Just as he was feeling depressed and hateful, he saw Jia Mu's maid, Jade, enter, carrying a bamboo basket in her hand.

Because Jade was ranked with Yuanyang and Sister Sister Hupo, she was also a first-class head maid by Jia Mu's side. Even though Baoyu was in a terrible mood, he couldn't show her a hard face.

Besides, anyone who could be Jia Mu's head maid was an outstanding figure among the maids, and Jade was naturally no exception.

Baoyu, although he had been cold-shouldered in Rongqing Hall, would always feel better whenever he saw a pretty maid; it had always been like this.

He asked with a gentle face: "Jade Sister, these are the loquats rewarded by the palace this year? In previous years, Grandmother always sent a basket; why is there only half a basket this year?"

Jade said: "Today Bao Er Ye and Cong Sanye both came to pay their respects, and Grandmother was happy in her heart. Seeing Fourth Sister likes eating loquats,"

"The East Mansion has Cong Sanye and the young ladies, and the population is larger than ours, so Yuanyang Sister sent a basket over."

"Because Second Grandmother is now recovering from childbirth, the rest was divided in half for Second Grandmother, so there are fewer sent to Bao Er Ye than last year."

"This thing is just for a rare treat; the amount doesn't really matter."

Baoyu didn't care about these loquats; in previous years, they were also divided among the maids to eat. Seeing Jade put down the loquats, he was about to say goodbye.

He stared at Jade's beautiful and dignified face and laughed: "Since Sister is here, sit down and talk, otherwise it would be me neglecting you."

Jade laughed: "Thank you for your kindness, Bao Er Ye, but today is Grandmother's grace, and she released me, Yuanyang Sister, and Sister Sister Hupo Sister to go to the East Mansion to admire the snow."

"Now they are waiting for me to go over together, so I shouldn't delay too long."

Jade's words were dense and polite, and after a few polite words, she left in a hurry. Baoyu's face immediately turned purple, and his heart felt like it was being cut by a knife...

……

Earl's Mansion, Plum Forest below the South Slope.

Dozens of plum trees transplanted from Mount Xuanmu, after a night of wind and snow, were all blooming this morning, reflecting the silver-wrapped garden, red plum blossoms like fire, exceptionally enchanting.

This morning, Zhi Shao and Sister Miao Yu got up early in the South Slope Small Courtyard. Looking out the window, they saw the strange scene of the plum forest. After grooming and eating, they carried each other down the slope to admire the plum blossoms.

Seeing the plum blossoms blooming in their old home, both of them were somewhat forgetful, wandering in this plum forest for a long time, still reluctant to leave.

Zhi Shao wore a light blue folding-branch chrysanthemum fur-lined round-collar robe, a light orange folding-branch chrysanthemum horse-face skirt, and was draped in a large red silk cloak with woven gold patterns.

The cold wind blew, the cloak flipped, reflecting the glistening white snow, set off by the fire-like red plum blossoms, dazzling, charming, and beautiful.

Because Sister Miao Yu was a renunciant, her clothes were much simpler than Zhi Shao's. Inside, she wore a light green monk's robe, with a string of 108 Zen Bodhi prayer beads hanging around her neck.

She draped a single-colored pine-smoke green cloak, lined with snow-white fur inside. She didn't wear a Miaochang bun on her head, her hair was coiled, and she only used a wooden hairpin to secure it.

Her slender and delicate figure, her pretty and elegant face, stood quietly in the biting cold wind, her hair fluttering, as if she were about to fly away with the wind.

She held a two-palm-high earth-tripod vase in both hands, and her pair of slender, plain hands were slightly red because she wasn't wearing gloves, her skin white and delicate.

Even though Sister Miao Yu's temperament was cold and she didn't smile much in her daily life, entering the plum forest and seeing the fire-red enchantment on the branches, she couldn't help but think of the scenery in Gusu.

Her fairy-like face couldn't help but show a smile, which seemed even more moving than the pretty red plum stamens on the branches.

Zhi Shao picked up a pair of flower shears from under a plum tree, and the two searched in the plum forest, wanting to cut the prettiest plum branch to put in a vase for Sister Miao Yu.

It was just that the plum branch they liked was slightly higher, and even if Zhi Shao stood on tiptoe, she could barely reach it, but wanting to cut it off perfectly was somewhat difficult.

Suddenly someone behind them laughed: "Zhi Shao, be careful not to sprain your waist; let me help you cut it."

……

Zhi Shao and Sister Miao Yu looked back and saw Jia Cong and Daiyu walking into the plum forest, Jia Cong holding Xichun, who was jumping around.

In the morning, Jia Cong went to Daiyu's courtyard and talked about the plum blossoms transplanted from Mount Xuanmu below the south slope, saying they had all bloomed this morning, and agreed that after returning from the West Mansion, they would go to the south slope to admire the plum blossoms.

After the two came out alone, Xichun followed them, and after the three entered the plum forest to admire for a moment, they saw Zhi Shao holding shears trying to reach a plum branch.

Jia Cong laughed: "I guessed that you and Sister Miao Yu would definitely come to admire the plum blossoms. You sisters and Lin Jiejie are all old friends from Gusu."

"Admiring the plum blossoms of the old home in a foreign land, it's a coincidence and complements each other; it's also an elegant thing."

Jia Cong asked again: "Zhi Shao, which plum branch do you like? I'll help you cut it down."

Sister Miao Yu hurriedly pointed to the plum branch she liked. Jia Cong looked up for a few moments and laughed: "Although this plum branch is not bad, the one above is even prettier."

"Look, that one not only has a more graceful shape, but more than half of the plum blossoms on it have bloomed, and there are still some flower buds. Using it for a vase can make it last longer."

Sister Miao Yu smiled slightly: "We naturally know that the one above is better, but the position is higher; how can we reach it?"

Jia Cong walked under the plum branch, stretched out his arm, and with a light twist of the flower shears, he had cut down the plum branch.

The plum branch was fan-shaped, the branches slanted horizontally, covered with red plum blossoms, like clouds, with a fragrant fragrance, refreshing the heart and spirit.

Jia Cong held the flower shears and casually cut off a few side branches, making the whole plum branch look even more graceful.

Daiyu laughed: "Third Brother really knows a lot of miscellaneous studies, even knowing how to cut flower branches. Where did you learn this skill?"

Jia Cong laughed: "Just cut it casually; it's nothing."

Saying this, he placed the plum branch in a good position and inserted it into the earth-tripod vase in Sister Miao Yu's hand. The plum branch, set off by the vase, looked even more dazzling.

Daiyu and Sister Miao Yu couldn't help but have their eyes light up. Sister Miao Yu held the vase and played with it back and forth, her expression happy, and she smiled slightly at Jia Cong, saying: "Thank you."

Even though Jia Cong had seen Sister Miao Yu often recently, he had rarely seen her smile. He had seen it once before, and it was already quite stunning.

Now seeing her reveal her jade-like beauty unintentionally, it still made people feel lost and relaxed. Perhaps beautiful things in the world would always make people like this.

Daiyu looked at the plum blossoms in the vase and sighed: "What a handsome red plum blossom. Third Brother, help me cut one too; I'll take it back to my room to display."

The four of them became more and more interested, shuttling back and forth in the plum forest below the slope, admiring the plum blossoms and tasting the fragrance while picking out plum branches with outstanding shapes.

Xichun didn't follow closely by Jia Cong's side, but leaned against a plum tree, took out a sketchbook from her cloth bag, and took out the charcoal pencil Jia Cong had made.

Sometimes she looked up for a few moments, and sometimes she painted on the sketchbook, quite enjoying herself.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 761 =====