The Red Mansion

Chapter 139 Requesting Imperial Decree to Arrest the Person
After Jiang Nian strode out of Rongqing Hall, Jia She, his face turning purple with rage, continued to curse, "What an ignorant little beast! How dare he act so wildly in our mansion! He's gone too far!"

Jia Zheng sat blankly in his chair, at a loss, only shaking his head and sighing repeatedly.

Grandmother Jia was stunned for a long time before she came to her senses. She hurriedly instructed Jia Lian, "Lian-ge'er, you go and see him off quickly. Although he is young and impetuous, he is still our son-in-law. Don't let people laugh at us for being impolite."

Actually, it was because he was wary of Jiang Nian, believing that Jiang Nian was someone not to be trifled with.

Grandmother Jia then turned to Yuan-chun, gesturing for her to come closer. She then took Yuan-chun's cold, soft hand and gently advised, "Good child, try to persuade Nian-ge'er. We're all family, why have things come to this..."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chun silently wiped away her tears and lowered her head without saying a word.

Her mind was in turmoil.

In her view, now that she was married, she should naturally prioritize her husband, Jiang Nian. Regarding the theft of the Xue family's three thousand taels of gold, she agreed with Jiang Nian's assessment that it was mostly Lai Shangrong's doing. But seeing her family and husband in such a precarious situation, how could she possibly cope?
Jiang Nian left Rongqing Hall, striding briskly through courtyards and heading straight out of the Rongguo Mansion's main gate. He stood for a moment by the stone lions outside the gate, then saw his own carriage emerge from a side gate. It turned out that Yuan Chun, not wanting to keep him waiting, had hurriedly bid farewell to Grandmother Jia and followed him out.

When Jiang Nian saw the carriage arrive, he personally stepped forward and lifted the curtain. Yuan Chun looked up at him from inside the carriage. Their eyes met; one's expression was resolute, while the other's eyes were filled with worry.

Jiang Nian suddenly instructed Dong Liang in front of the carriage: "Go to the Prince Zhongyi's Mansion in Shuaifu Hutong outside Dong'anmen."

After speaking, he boarded the carriage and sat with Yuan Chun.

Dong Liang responded with a "Yes," then whipped his horse and urged it onward, the wheels rumbling as they headed towards the east entrance of Ningrong Street.

Inside the carriage, Yuan Chun was startled, her slender hand clutching her handkerchief tightly. She hesitated and asked, "Master, are you... asking the Thirteenth Prince to look into this matter?"

Jiang Nian nodded slightly and saw that Yuan Chun's almond-shaped eyes were slightly red, her face powder was stained with tears, and her face was full of sorrow. She couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

Jiang Nian gently stretched out her arms and pulled Yuan Chun into her embrace, whispering softly in her ear, "This matter has come to this point, which was not my intention. I cannot bear to see you lose face in your family. However, three thousand taels of gold is no small matter; how can it be allowed to be stolen for no reason? Those wicked servants of the Lai family are also extremely hateful and must be punished. Now that the old lady and father-in-law of the Rongguo Mansion are unwilling to follow my plan, I have no choice but to directly use the power of the government to eliminate this scourge."

Yuan Chun found his words reasonable, but she said with great concern, "If we ask the Thirteenth Prince to intervene in this matter, His Majesty will most likely find out. Once Lai Shangrong's crimes are confirmed, will His Majesty punish the Rongguo Mansion?" As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes again.

Filial piety is highly valued in this era. Yuan Chun is virtuous and talented, and her filial piety is reflected in her respect for Grandmother Jia and her parents. How could she not worry about her parents and family?
Jiang Nian gently patted Yuan Chun's back and comforted her, "Madam, please don't worry. The Rongguo Mansion has a deep foundation and is protected by the Emperor Emeritus. Moreover, Lai Shangrong has long been freed from the slave status of the mansion. His Majesty will not punish the Rongguo Mansion this time."

That's not entirely untrue. Considering the scandals Jia Zhen and Jia Rong caused, the Rongguo Mansion only suffered reputational damage, not actual harm. However, it's not hard to imagine that if Lai Shangrong's crimes were proven true, Emperor Taishun would inevitably develop even more dislike for the Jia family, and if the retired Emperor Jingning found out, he would likely also harbor resentment towards the Rongguo Mansion.

Hearing Jiang Nian say this, Yuan Chun felt somewhat relieved, but she still couldn't help but frown slightly.

……

……

After Jiang Nian and Yuan Chun left the Rongguo Mansion, the commotion in Rongqing Hall spread like wildfire throughout every courtyard and room. Maids, wives, and old women gathered in twos and threes in the corridors and corners, whispering and adding fuel to the fire, making it even more lively than a play.

Ping'er hurriedly returned to Feng Jie's courtyard, lifting the hem of her skirt. She saw Wang Xifeng, who was in confinement after childbirth, leaning against the kang (a heated brick bed) and eating bird's nest porridge from a bowl with lotus patterns.

Seeing Ping'er return, Wang Xifeng hurriedly put the bowl on the table and asked impatiently, "How did things go?"

Ping'er stepped forward and recounted everything she had seen and heard.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng chuckled, her phoenix eyes curving into crescents: "What a fine son-in-law! To dare to scold the master in public like that, making him lose face!" As she spoke, she covered her mouth with her handkerchief and chuckled.

She had long disliked Jia She, her father-in-law, and now that she saw him suffer a setback, how delighted she was!
Remembering something, Wang Xifeng frowned slightly, her two willow-leaf eyebrows drooping, and sighed, "It's just a pity!" As she sighed, she stretched out three jade-like fingers and gently pinched them together, her eyes flashing with a sharp light, just like a cat seeing fish.

She managed the inner quarters of the Rongguo Mansion and knew of the Lai family's greed and wealth. If Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng followed Jiang Nian's suggestion and the Rongguo Mansion arrested and interrogated the entire Lai family, and it was confirmed that Lai Shangrong had plotted to seize the Xue family's gold, the Rongguo Mansion could then use this opportunity to confiscate the Lai family's assets. However, if Jiang Nian directly petitioned the authorities to deal with the Lai family, the Rongguo Mansion would most likely have no share in their wealth…

Ping'er asked curiously, "Why did Grandma sigh?"

Wang Xifeng didn't answer. Her two willow-leaf eyebrows furrowed more and more tightly. Suddenly, she shook her head and clicked her tongue. Her regret was even greater than that of losing her own dowry.

In fact, she estimated that the Lai family's assets were more than her dowry.

……

……

Tan Chun also specially sent her head maid, Dai Shu, to Rongqing Hall to watch the show.

Dai Shu ran back to Tan Chun's side like a gust of wind.

Tan Chun was sitting and chatting with Lin Daiyu, Ying Chun, Xi Chun, and Jia Baoyu.

After the book was brought in, it vividly described how Jiang Nian and Jia She had a public argument in court and how Jiang Nian stormed off, even describing the way Jia She slammed his fist on the table.

Upon hearing this, everyone reacted with varying expressions.

Lin Daiyu gently covered her lips with a handkerchief, her eyes flashing with a half-smile, thinking to herself, "That young master Jiang is quite a man of principle, actually causing such a scene at Rongqing Hall."

Tan Chun's almond-shaped eyes widened as she listened, thinking to herself, "That master is indeed absurd, and those scoundrels from the Lai family certainly deserve to be severely punished! It's just a pity that the old lady and the second master are both kind-hearted. For the sake of these scoundrels, they've made such a fuss with Master Jiang. Isn't that foolish?"

She only thought these words to herself, but dared not say them aloud.

Yingchun, as was her habit, lowered her head and sighed softly, "Why bother..."

Xi Chun sneered, "Let them make a fuss! It has nothing to do with us anyway!"

Jia Baoyu stood there dumbfounded, not even noticing that the teacup in his hand had tilted. After a long while, he murmured, "Isn't it difficult for my elder sister to be caught in the middle now?"

His concern for Yuan Chun was genuine.

……

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Jiang Nian had already considered this beforehand: if Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng did not agree with him and did not arrest the Lai family so that he could interrogate them, how could he ask the authorities to arrest them?

If he were to go directly to the government, the matter would either involve the Shuntian Prefecture or the Infantry Battalion responsible for guarding the inner city of Shenjing, which would then involve Lu Keduo, the Commander of the Nine Gates.

Jiang Nian was not familiar with the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, and although she had met Lu Keduo, the Commander of the Nine Gates, they were not close.

Lukodo also led Jiang Nian to contact Longkodo from her past life. Longkodo in her past life didn't have a good ending; one of his crimes was forming cliques for personal gain. Therefore, Jiang Nian felt she shouldn't get close to Lukodo.

Moreover, even if Jiang Nian sought help from the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture or the Commander of the Nine Gates, Lu Keduo, this matter involved him and the Rongguo Mansion, and it was inevitable that Emperor Taishun would find out about it.

After thinking it over, Jiang Nian decided to go directly to the Thirteenth Prince.

He approached the Thirteenth Prince, who would surely consult Emperor Taishun. If Emperor Taishun supported him, the matter would be simple and easy. However, once it was confirmed that Lai Shangrong had plotted to seize the property, the Lai family would inevitably suffer a tragic fate.

Besides, he hadn't troubled the Thirteenth Prince for a long time; his position as Imperial Bodyguard and Cavalry Captain had been idle for three months. This was a perfect opportunity to use this matter to make Emperor Taishun and the Thirteenth Prince remember him again… …

……

It was already the hour of You (5-7 PM).

Although the sun in the sky had lost some of its scorching heat, the sunlight was still bright enough to gild the entire capital city with a golden edge.

As the Jiang family's carriage rumbled along, it arrived outside the Zhongyi Prince's Mansion in Shuaifu Hutong outside Dong'an Gate. From a distance, two imposing stone lions with wide-open eyes stood guard in front of the gate, and the four large gilded characters "Zhongyi Prince's Mansion" on the vermilion gate gleamed in the sunlight.

Jiang Nian straightened her clothes, got out of the carriage, and headed straight for the Prince's Mansion.

Yuan Chun lifted the carriage curtain and saw her husband's tall and straight back, like a pine tree, as he walked step by step towards the Prince's mansion, finally disappearing through the side gate. She twisted her handkerchief again and again with her slender fingers, and finally sighed softly, instructing Dong Liang, "Let's go home." As the curtain fell, a single tear landed on her skirt.

According to Jiang Nian's arrangement, Yuan Chun will first take a carriage back to the eastern suburbs, and after Jiang Nian has met with the Thirteenth Prince, she will ride back on horseback herself.

The Thirteenth Prince, still extremely busy with official duties, has not yet returned to his palace.

Fortunately, Jiang Nian entered the Prince's mansion, and after only a quarter of an hour, the Thirteenth Prince returned.

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, a stately and magnificent carriage slowly pulled up outside the Prince's mansion. He was heavily guarded by attendants, and it was the ceremonial procession of the Thirteenth Prince returning home. The carriage entered the mansion through a side gate.

Before long, someone came to invite Jiang Nian: "Guard Jiang, you have been waiting for a long time. The Prince has summoned you in his study."

Jiang Nian immediately went to the Thirteenth Prince's study and saw the Thirteenth Prince reclining on the daybed, drinking tea, dressed in a casual dark blue silk robe.

Jiang Nian bowed respectfully to the Thirteenth Prince, who smiled and said, "Yi-ge'er, it's been a long time. You seem to have grown taller and stronger. What brings you here today? And what brings you here?"

As he spoke, a hint of interest flashed in his eyes. He wondered what kind of trouble this "restless" commoner prince would stir up this time...

……

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As Jiang Nian expected, when he explained the matter to the Thirteenth Prince in detail, the Thirteenth Prince did not make a decision on his own, but decided to consult Emperor Taishun the next day.

The following day, the Thirteenth Prince went to the Danning Residence in Changchun Garden to pay his respects and explained the matter in detail to Emperor Taishun, adding his own insights.

The Thirteenth Prince shared Jiang Nian's opinion, concluding that the Xue family's three thousand taels of gold were most likely seized by Lai Shangrong.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taishun's face darkened slightly, and he immediately ordered the eunuch: "Summon Jiang Linghuang, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, to an audience immediately!"

Jiang Linghuang was at Changchun Garden at the time, and had something to report to Emperor Taishun.

Although Jiang Linghuang, as the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, did not hold a very high rank and was unlikely to make final decisions on many matters, he was able to directly report to the Emperor.

After Jiang Linghuang entered Danning Residence, Emperor Taishun explained the situation and then issued an edict: "I order you to immediately join forces with Imperial Guard Jiang Nian to arrest the Lai family and all their associates and interrogate them thoroughly!"

Emperor Taishun took this action for several reasons. First, Jiang Nian was a commoner son whom he admired. Second, like the Thirteenth Prince, he also felt that the case was most likely the work of Lai Shangrong. Third, since ascending the throne, he had been working hard to crack down on bandits along the Grand Canal. If the case was indeed Lai Shangrong colluding with water bandits, or colluding with thieves to impersonate water bandits, he considered it to be a very serious matter.

……

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At noon that day, Jiang Nian was taking a nap at home when he suddenly felt someone gently nudging him. When he opened his eyes, he saw Yuan Chun standing by the bed and said softly, "Master, wake up. Magistrate Jiang of Shuntian Prefecture has sent someone to invite you to jointly investigate the case of the robbery of the Xue family's gold."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian sat up abruptly, immediately understanding: this must be Emperor Taishun's decree.

Yuan Chun deliberately didn't summon Xiang Ling, but personally brought out the hat and robes of a third-class guard. While helping Jiang Nian change her clothes, her brows furrowed. Jiang Nian knew that she was worried about her family, so she just patted her face lightly and said, "Don't worry," without saying anything more.

After changing her clothes, Jiang Nian stepped out of the main room, her magnificent yet practical guard's uniform gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

Upon exiting the mansion, Meng Xiong, dressed in the robes and hat of a sixth-rank Imperial Guard, was waiting with a fine horse in his arms.

Jiang Nian rode in a carriage and quickly headed towards the Shuntian Prefecture in the inner city of Shenjing.

Meng Xiong accompanied him on horseback.

The horses' hooves clattered and the wheels rolled all the way, first entering the inner city, then passing through the streets, and heading straight for Gulou Street.

……

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The Shuntian Prefectural Government Office was located on Gulou Street in the inner city of Shenjing (Beijing), not far from the former residence of Emperor Taishun, the Prince Yitai Mansion. The three gates of the government office, adorned with animal heads, were wide open, with a dozen or so yamen runners standing on both sides, exuding an air of authority.

Jiang Nian's carriage rumbled as it arrived at the government office.

Jiang Nian passed through the ceremonial gate, went around the admonition stone archway, and came to the back hall. There she saw Jiang Linghuang, the prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, reviewing documents in the signing room. When he saw Jiang Nian come in, he quickly got up to greet her.

The two took their seats as host and guest, and were served fragrant tea.

Jiang Linghuang's eyes were bright and piercing as he stared at Jiang Nian. He first explained Emperor Taishun's decree in detail, then stroked his beard and asked, "Does Guard Jiang have any insightful opinions on this case?"

Jiang Nian was prepared and calmly said, "I think we should proceed in two directions: first, immediately seal off the Lai family's residence and arrest them; second, quickly go to the Rongguo Mansion, where the Lai couple are most likely located, and bring them to justice..."

Then, Jiang Nian recounted in detail the interrogation and other matters after the arrest.

After listening, Jiang Linghuang couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "Although Jiang Nian is young, he is meticulous and decisive. It seems that his ability to become a third-class imperial bodyguard and be appointed as a Yunqiwei is not only due to his powerful backer, but also because he is quite capable."

Immediately, Jiang Linghuang ordered the mobilization of yamen runners. Within half an hour, more than a hundred yamen runners had gathered in the courtyard of the government office. Some carried iron rulers, some carried chains, and others carried fire and water sticks, exuding a menacing aura.

Jiang Linghuang was dressed in a civil official's robe, while Jiang Nian wore a guard's hat and robes. The two stood side by side.

After giving instructions to the constables, Jiang Linghuang said loudly, "This time, I am investigating an important case by imperial decree. You must act seriously!"

The yamen runners responded in unison, their voices shaking the roof tiles.

With the assignments finalized, Jiang Nian and Jiang Linghuang each rode a horse, leading a large contingent out of the Shuntian Prefecture government office and heading straight for the Lai family mansion and Rongguo Mansion in the western part of the city.

Pedestrians on the street quickly made way for them upon seeing this.

(End of this chapter)