Red Mansion: Picking up a Lin Daiyu

Chapter 522 A Radiant and Charming Fairy

Outside Zhengyang Gate, at the Beijing Garrison's drill ground.

The autumn wind was chilly, and in the dim morning light, five thousand light cavalrymen stood in formation, their banners fluttering in the wind.

The air was filled with the mingled smells of iron and leather, reflecting the somber mood of the soldiers.

With the strong support of Shanxi merchants, the mobilization meeting was able to be held ahead of schedule.

On the high platform, dragon flags were planted everywhere, and the cold wind swept through, making them seem like taut bowstrings.

All the civil and military officials attended the ceremony, while only three people sat on the platform.

One of them was the eldest prince, Liu An, who presided over the ceremony on behalf of his father, Emperor Longyou, whose health had not yet recovered.

Secondly, the third prince, Liu Yun, was observing from the front of the stage.

The prince in the center of the two princes was Duke Dingguo, Yue Ling.

He was dressed in a black python robe and military uniform, with the emperor's sword hanging at his waist, a symbol of imperial favor, and his eyes were as deep as an abyss.

On either side of the platform, officials were arranged according to their civil and military ranks, roughly in line with the order of the court assembly.

The auspicious hour had arrived. After Xia Shouzhong, the Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Department, struck the gong, Liu An, dressed in the ceremonial robes of a prince and holding a jade tablet, stood in the center of the high platform as the officiant.

Having managed court affairs for many days, he no longer needed to exert himself to maintain his dignity. His expression remained calm and normal, but a hint of fervor still shone deep in his eyes.

Such elite troops being controlled by his second brother was a situation he truly did not want to see.

But the tide had turned, and he had no choice but to hand over the tiger tally.

After scanning the dark, imposing army, Liu An's gaze finally settled on his second brother, Liu Yi's face.

Raising his wine cup, Liu An read aloud: "The Central Plains are glorious, and the Mandate of Heaven is bright! Today, I, the King, by the decree of my Imperial Father, hereby proclaim this to the vast Heaven and the earth."

"The rebellious Jianzhou Jurchens have violated our borders, slaughtered our people, and tore apart our land. This barbarian has committed evil for ten years, and Heaven and Earth despise him!"

"You are all valiant warriors of Dachang, wielding sharp weapons and clad in armor. Now, a thousand miles from here to Liaodong, you shall offer the enemy chieftain's head as a sacrifice to our banner!"

"Those who slay generals and capture flags will be granted titles and honors inscribed in red ink; those who are loyal and brave enough to die for their country will have their heroic names cast in bronze vessels!"

"I beseech Grand Commander Yue Ling, Duke of Dingguo, to lead the royal army in a grand and magnificent display of force!"

Liu An turned around abruptly, lowered his posture, and invited Yue Ling to step forward.

Yue Ling stepped forward with his sword, standing half a step in front of Liu An.

Without needing to raise his voice like Liu An, his deep, resonant voice pierced through the wind and horns, reaching the ears of every soldier.

"Soldiers! War has broken out again in the northern frontier, and the enemy cavalry covet our land! The Emperor is deeply worried, and the nation is in grave danger! Today, His Highness the Second Prince has been appointed by Heaven to lead the army on a northern expedition!"

Yue Ling's gaze was as tangible as a physical object, sweeping across each person's face with immense pressure. "This journey will take you through countless mountains and rivers, where you will drink blood from the blade! What you wield is the power bestowed by the Emperor's Sword! What you protect is the land left to you by your ancestors! What you guard are the homes of your parents, wives, and children!"

"On the day of your triumphant return, I, the Commander-in-Chief, will personally congratulate you on your victory!"

Amidst the deafening shouts of battle, the Second Prince Liu Yi stepped onto the high platform and stood before the First Prince Liu An, his eyes wide open.

Liu An took the commander's tiger tally from the tray of the official in charge of ceremonies, handed it over, and then lowered his voice to say with concern, "Second brother, your journey carries the fate of the nation, a heavy responsibility that is no child's play. I hope you will take good care of yourself, not let down Father Emperor's reliance, and never forget the earnest expectations of those in the capital."

Every word was precious, like silver needles piercing the air. Liu Yi narrowed his eyes, showing no fear, but instead a sharp and piercing smile appeared on his face. His voice was clear and loud, deliberately made so that all the close officials around the high platform could hear him clearly.

"Your Majesty is too kind! I will certainly do my utmost to eliminate any threats and live up to Father's high expectations and the court's trust! With Your Majesty in charge of the capital and a pillar of the state like the Duke of Dingguo assisting us, the situation inside and outside the capital is as solid as a rock! Your Majesty, please rest assured!"

However, when the Duke of Dingguo was mentioned, Liu Yi intentionally reminded him, "Don't try any tricks. No one in the capital can make a fuss about the Duke of Dingguo."

The sharpness implied in his words was self-evident.

Upon hearing this, Liu An's expression seemed to freeze for a moment. He handed over the tiger tally, but did not immediately let go and shook hands with Liu Yi.

Liu Yi secretly pulled hard on the tiger tally, and Liu An also frowned slightly and secretly increased his strength.

Although Liu An was large and stout, he was no match for Liu Yi, who had honed his physical strength, and was pulled off a stumble by him.

The rivalry between the two was not only observed by Yue Ling, but also by Shui Rong, Prince Zhongshun, Chai Pu, Dongfang Zhi and other close ministers who were near the stands.

Some shook their heads and sighed, while others had sharp eyes; their thoughts were all different.

As the lengthy ceremony drew to a close, the tense atmosphere eased.

The nobles and officials drank tea and chatted, watching the army depart into the distance.

Liu An personally beat the drum to cheer on the army as it set off.

Only Yue Ling and the Third Prince Liu Yun remained on the stage.

Previously, Yue Ling had already harbored suspicions about the situation in the capital.

According to his understanding, although the eldest prince and the second prince each had their own problems, neither of them were incompetent; they were both truly talented.

The two are now openly fighting, but the usually unassuming Third Prince has remained completely uninvolved, keeping his residence closed to visitors day and night.

Whether he was self-aware and didn't want to get involved, or whether he wanted to play the role of the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, Yue Ling decided to test him again.

He didn't want to get involved in the power struggle between the princes, but he always felt that it was a game, a test for everyone.

Being involved in the situation oneself, one needs to gather information from all sides.

I glanced at the Third Prince Liu Yun, who was still dressed in his usual simple and elegant clothes, so quiet that it was as if he didn't exist.

Holding a cup of tea that had long since gone cold, he lowered his eyes to gaze at the floating tea leaves, his posture humble and submissive, completely out of place in this atmosphere of war and strife.

Yue Ling spoke leisurely, his tone revealing no emotion whatsoever.

"Does His Highness seem rather uninterested in this send-off ceremony? Or perhaps the tea doesn't suit his taste?"

Liu Yun looked up as if startled, completely unexpected that Yue Ling would take the initiative to ask her a question, her eyes filled with confusion.

Setting down his teacup, Liu Yun cupped his hands and said, "You flatter me, Duke Dingguo. Such a momentous event for the nation is awe-inspiring, and I dare not speak loudly. The tea, the tea is quite good."

His answer was too perfect, but Yue Ling's professional instincts told him that the more perfect something seemed, the more likely it was to hide a shocking secret.

In particular, if Liu Yun can portray a timid, cautious, and even somewhat cowardly prince so vividly, then he can probably handle other roles as well.

Yue Ling, not one to be swayed by appearances, inquired further: "Is that so? Your Highness, though you bow your head to sip tea, your fingertips are as steady as mountains, and your breath as deep as a still pool. This calm and collected demeanor is more like observing the world in tranquility?"

Liu Yun's body stiffened instinctively, then she raised her head, her face still docile.

Calmly meeting Yue Ling's gaze, Liu Yun said, "Grand Commander, your insight is truly remarkable. I was indeed observing."

After a pause, Liu Yun looked into the distance and added, "I'm watching my elder brother presiding over the ceremony with natural majesty, I'm watching my second elder brother in armor and wielding his weapon with overwhelming power, and I'm also watching you, Duke Dingguo, commanding the three armies with unparalleled spirit."

She withdrew her gaze and looked back at Yue Ling, a faint smile playing on her lips, which seemed somewhat cold. "This land is picturesque, teeming with heroes and turbulent times, but it's rather bland to be paired with this cup of tea."

Liu Yun's words were airtight, but Yue Ling still found something different in his quick wit.

This guy is not simple.

He must be hiding something, and after thinking about it carefully, Yue Ling realized that she didn't really know what she had done to him.

However, if the Embroidered Uniform Guard were to find out about secretly investigating a prince, it would inevitably cause misunderstandings. Yue Ling's current focus is still on the small plot of land he has cultivated. "Given Emperor Longyou's abilities, it is reasonable for him to have a child with even deeper cunning."

As his gaze drifted into the distance, Yue Ling sighed inwardly, "Perhaps the army's departure is only the prelude to all of this. And I, standing before the princes, how will they deal with me?"

Yue Ling was undoubtedly a staunch supporter of the monarchy, but the princes did not want Yue Ling's "emperorship".

……

"Master Miaoyu, are you telling the truth? You really saw your elder sister?"

After returning from the capital, Miaoyu's first task was to go to the courtyards of the three sisters, gather them together, and convey Yuanchun's message.

Nodding slightly, Miaoyu reassured the three springs, saying, "Don't worry, the Emperor is kind-hearted and known for his benevolence. How could he deliberately mistreat the virtuous concubine?"

"Moreover, the affairs of the Rongguo Mansion had nothing to do with her. Not only was she completely unaware of them, but she also reminded Old Madam Shi several times not to get involved. It was the head of the Jia family who refused to listen to advice."

The three of them breathed a sigh of relief; hearing that their eldest sister was safe and sound was the best news of all.

Tan Chun hesitated for a moment before asking, "So, now that you're in the palace, elder sister, are you...?"

Miaoyu quickly answered, saying, "She lives in a Buddhist temple in the palace, chanting scriptures and praying every day. She is atoning for her sins while also praying for blessings. Although she only eats vegetarian food, she looks quite well."

“When I visited her, she was quite surprised to see me. When she asked about you, she burst into tears and asked me to come back and tell you to serve the Duke of Dingguo well and not to feel sorry for the Jia family.”

Upon hearing this, tears welled up in Sanchun's eyes.

Among them, the eldest sister, Yuan Chun, suffered the most.

She was sent to the palace at a young age to be a low-ranking palace maid. After she grew up to be a maid, she sacrificed herself for her family and was promoted to a high position, with the expectation that she would bring about change for the Jia family.

But how much power could she possibly have in the palace? In the end, she was devoured by the Jia family's inflated selfishness, a completely undeserved disaster.

Xichun wiped her eyes and asked tentatively, sobbing, "Master Miaoyu, your master is now His Majesty's mother. Could you ask her to plead for my sister's release?"

"She has always lived in constant fear, never having a moment of peace. Now, confined in a Buddhist temple, she..."

Tan Chun quickly interrupted, "Fourth Sister, don't act rashly."

"Master Miaoyu's master has only recently been recognized as a relative, and he doesn't even know how to get along in the capital. How can he plead for our affairs? Aren't you putting Master Miaoyu in a difficult position?"

Yingchun sighed and echoed, "Third sister is right. Let's not cause any more trouble. With Master Miaoyu, at least we can hear eldest sister's messages. Before, we couldn't even send letters home."

Xi Chun pursed her lips, feeling wronged. She was only thinking about sisterly affection.

Although she didn't spend much time with her eldest sister, she often took care of them in their letters home.

Especially when she visited her family, even though she came from the Ningguo Mansion, she was treated the same as everyone else.

For Xi Chun, who is relatively unknown, there is no parental love or brotherly love. The only people she has ever felt this kind of care are Yue Ling and Yuan Chun.

"Okay, it was my fault."

Xichun and Miaoyu bowed and apologized. Miaoyu quickly helped her up and comforted her, saying, "I can understand your feelings, but as for allowing Consort Xiande to leave the palace as a criminal, I'm afraid that is beyond my master's power."

"However, it was His Majesty who was convicted for this. In fact, there is still a chance for things to turn around."

Everyone turned to look, their eyes fixed intently on Miaoyu.

Miaoyu scratched her head awkwardly and said, "I'm not lying. The final decision on how to handle this matter rests with His Majesty. But His Majesty's attitude toward the Marquis is clear to all."

"Especially since my visit to the palace, the Empress has praised the Marquis highly, mentioning him every few words. In the future, if the Marquis achieves further merits, she may very well grant your wish through this."

"After all, the Marquis dotes on you all."

"what?"

The three girls looked at each other, and a blush slowly crept onto their cheeks.

How can they be considered spoiled? It's obvious that many young ladies in the manor have been going to the outer study lately, but only a few of them don't go out alone. Too many people would make things more difficult.

In other words, their pampering hasn't even begun yet.

He had the desire to steal, but lacked the courage.

The more they talked about this topic, the more embarrassed they would become, so Tan Chun quickly changed the subject, saying, "Master Miaoyu, your master has already returned to secular life after entering the palace, so you don't need to wear the Haiqing robe every day anymore, do you?"

“I have always felt that Master Miaoyu has clear eyes and a graceful figure, but it is hidden by this wide blue robe, making her look plain. If she were to wear a casual dress, she would stand out from the crowd even in the mansion, far surpassing the three of us sisters.”

When Tan Chun mentioned it, Miao Yu was also interested.

Her master has already shaved his head, but she is practicing with her hair tied up. What is there to be reserved about?

"This, isn't it good..."

"What's wrong? Second sister, your figure is similar to Master Miaoyu's. Bring a few new dresses and let's change into them together."

Before long, a maidservant brought over a lot of clothes, including items for all four seasons.

Miaoyu found all the clothes she hadn't worn since she started cultivating and had the three girls dress her up nicely.

She tried all sorts of styles, from elegant long dresses to elaborate palace hairpins.

In the end, she changed into the simplest and least decorated long dress. The pale yellow brocade made her skin look as white as snow, and her slender waist was outlined by the belt, making her look like a willow. The skirt hem hung down from her knees and shimmered with a faint luster in the slanting sunlight.

Her figure was slender and graceful, with shoulders that looked as if they had been carved. Her slender curves, which were usually hidden by her monk's robes, were now fully revealed.

Tan Chun quickly stepped forward and tied up her loose long hair, leaving only a few strands hanging down her temples, making her look even more like a fairy.

After getting dressed, the three girls were all stunned and momentarily speechless.

Her eyebrows resembled overlapping distant mountains, and her eyes were like autumn waters brimming with waves. Her cool and aloof expression was softened by her gorgeous attire, making her exceptionally beautiful.

Her entire demeanor transformed from ethereal Buddhist spirit to breathtaking beauty.

Her fleeting beauty and graceful figure were breathtaking and captivating.

"Does it look good?"

Just then, Yue Ling lifted the felt curtain and peeked in.

"Miss Tan Chun, I have something to discuss with you, but where is your maid?"

When Yue Ling looked up, she saw an unfamiliar figure in the room, though the voice sounded somewhat familiar.

When the woman turned around, her face was full of shyness and charm.

"Miaoyu?"

Miaoyu was extremely embarrassed, as if she had just returned to secular life and been caught red-handed by her beloved. "Greetings, Your Excellency..."

Seeing her flustered look, Yue Ling couldn't help but smile. "You look good, but you were just as stunning when you wore the sea-green robe."

Miaoyu's gaze melted instantly, and ripples spread through her heart, gradually forming a vast ocean of emotions that surged into towering waves...

(End of this chapter)