The Red Mansion

Chapter 154 Seeing Aunt Xue Again

Xue Jin, Xue Ke, and Xue Baoqin went back to their own homes.

Aunt Xue was in the inner courtyard plotting how to curry favor with Jiang Nian when she suddenly heard a commotion outside. Then she saw Xue Pan stagger in. Xue Pan was wearing a wrinkled embroidered handkerchief on his head, and his pine-colored silk jacket was half-open, revealing a bright red handkerchief underneath. He reeked of alcohol mixed with the scent of perfume.

"Mom called me back in a panic. Is there something urgent?"

Xue Pan let out a hiccup, slumped back in the rosewood armchair, his drunken eyes half-open and half-closed.

Seeing his state, Aunt Xue was both angry and annoyed. She had originally planned to take him and Xue Jin to visit Jiang Nian, but now, in this drunken state, how could they meet such an important person? She could only suppress her anger and say, "You're always causing trouble outside, what kind of behavior is this!"

Xue Pan didn't take it seriously, shaking his head and saying, "If there's nothing urgent, I'll take my leave now. I have a few friends waiting for me..." He then got up.

"Go away, go away!" Aunt Xue turned her face away angrily. "You can't be relied on anyway!"

After Xue Pan staggered out, Aunt Xue let out a long sigh.

Suddenly, a message came from outside that Xue Jin had arrived.

When Xue Jin came in, she saw that only Aunt Xue was in the room, and shook her head and said, "I just saw Pan'er go out drunk."

"Don't mention that wretched child." Aunt Xue waved her hand. "Let's talk about serious matters. I've been thinking that we should visit Lord Jiang immediately. Firstly, to sound him out and see if Wang Long's matter will implicate me; secondly, to try and get his full support so that our family can regain its status as a royal merchant. Only then will we have a chance to turn things around."

Xue Jin had specifically asked Jiang Nian beforehand and learned that Jiang Nian would be staying at the Jiang residence in Jiangning this time.

Xue Jin pondered for a moment and said, "What my sister-in-law says is absolutely right. However..." He stroked his beard, "Lord Jiang is now of high status. If there are no benefits that will tempt him, I'm afraid it will be difficult to persuade him."

Aunt Xue sighed, "Let's go visit him first and see what his conditions are."

Xue Jin pondered for a moment and said, "By the time we arrive at the Jiang residence, it will be dusk. It would be inappropriate to rush to ask Lord Jiang for help in regaining the imperial merchant status. In my opinion, although we are visiting today, we should not rush to mention the imperial merchant matter. Sister-in-law, you can invite Lord Jiang to our home for a meal tomorrow. That would be more convenient. Besides, Lord Jiang is an imperial envoy. If word gets out that he is coming to our home for a meal, it will be advantageous."

After thinking about it carefully, Aunt Xue realized that what she said made sense.

Immediately, Aunt Xue changed into a royal blue brocade dress and put on a gold-inlaid jeweled hairpin, making her look both dignified and respectable.

Aunt Xue rode in a small sedan chair, while Xue Jin rode in a horse-drawn carriage, and they both headed to the Jiang residence in Jiangning.

It was already late afternoon, and the setting sun was casting a golden glow on the blue tiles and white walls of Jiangning City.

……

……

After discussing matters with Chen Bina at the Governor's Office, Jiang Nian led He Yun, Ren Pijiang, Qi Jianyu, Dai Shijiao, Zou Jianyuan, and ten elite officers and soldiers from the Imperial Guard to the Jiang residence in Jiangning.

This house was originally his residence, but now it serves as the temporary residence of an imperial envoy.

He knew that using his Jiang residence in Jiangning as the imperial envoy's headquarters would increase the chances of his true identity being exposed. However, he had come to terms with it; times had changed, and now that his true identity was exposed, it was actually a good thing.

He had already gained the favor of Emperor Taishun, and even the retired Emperor Jingning appreciated him. He was already a second-class imperial bodyguard, a two-time imperial envoy, and had also been granted the title of Yunqiwei... Under these circumstances, he couldn't be happier that someone spread the word that he was Emperor Taishun's son, so that Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun would publicly acknowledge him as their grandson and prince!
Upon arriving at the house, one sees the gate tightly closed, with the brass rings on it gleaming, indicating that it is frequently cleaned.

He Yun stepped forward and knocked on the door. After a short while, he heard footsteps inside, and then the door creaked open a crack, revealing Qiu Fu's head.

When Qiu Fu saw He Yun standing at the door and then Jiang Nian, he rubbed his eyes. After confirming that it was him, he exclaimed with delight, "Master, Butler He, it really is you who are back!"

Qiu Fu hurriedly opened the door, then turned back and shouted inside, "Wife, come out quickly! Grandpa's back!"

Qiu Fujia stumbled out upon hearing the noise and bowed to Jiang Nian.

Jiang Nian pointed to Ren Pijiang and the others behind her: "These are my colleagues, and we will be staying here temporarily."

Mr. and Mrs. Qiu hurriedly welcomed everyone inside.

Jiang Nian looked around and saw that the courtyard was clean and the flowers and trees were well trimmed, which pleased her greatly. Qiu Fu was indeed loyal and reliable. Not only did he not move into the inner quarters without permission, but he also did not secretly rent it out for profit. He also kept the house in good order.

First, we need to arrange accommodations for everyone.

After settling in, Jiang Nian and He Yun strolled around the old place, following the winding bluestone path to the secluded back garden. There, they saw artificial hills and rocks arranged in a pleasing manner, and a pool of clear water reflecting the autumn sun, its shimmering waves dazzling the eyes. The small pavilion by the pool remained the same, with a stone table and several stone benches still set up inside.

He Yun sighed, "A year and a half has passed, but this place remains unchanged. It reminds me of the time I practiced martial arts here with the old man."

Suddenly, Qiu Fu rushed over with a visiting card and reported, "Sir, Lord Tang, the military governor of Jiangning, has arrived and is waiting outside."

Jiang Nianxin knew that Tang Jina must have gotten the news from Chen Bina.

Jiang Nian and Tang Jina were acquaintances, as were He Yun and Tang Jina.

Before Jiang Nian went to the capital last year, Tang Jina helped him deal with Xue Pan.

More importantly, Tang Jina was Emperor Taishun's personal bodyguard and trusted military officer when he was a prince. He witnessed the romance between Emperor Taishun and Jiang Xuelian and knew that Jiang Nian was Emperor Taishun's commoner son.

……

……

Aunt Xue rode in a sedan chair, and Xue Jin rode in a horse-drawn carriage. The procession arrived outside the Jiang residence.

Xue Jin got off the carriage first, looked up at the familiar gate, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Last year, he accompanied Xue Baochai to apologize here, when Jiang Nian was just a commoner; today, he came again to curry favor with Aunt Xue, while Jiang Nian was already an imperial envoy and a favorite of the emperor.

The world changes constantly, just like white clouds and grey dogs.

Just as he was sighing, Xue Jin suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves coming from the street corner. Turning his head, he saw a group of soldiers escorting an official on horseback. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the official was none other than Tang Jina, the military governor of Jiangning.

Xue Jin's heart skipped a beat. He quickly walked to the sedan chair where his aunt was riding and said to the window, "Sister-in-law, Governor Tang of Jiangning has arrived. Let's wait outside for a while."

Aunt Xue hurriedly lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and saw Tang Jina dismount in front of the Jiang residence. To her surprise, Tang Jina personally handed over his visiting card upon arriving at the door.

Aunt Xue sighed inwardly, "When Nian-ge was in Jiangning last year, he was just an unknown youth, but now he has such a status and ability!" Xue Jin leaned close to the sedan window and whispered, "Sister-in-law, did you see it? This Lord Tang is of such high status, yet he is so respectful to Lord Jiang."

Aunt Xue said, "He is truly honored and prominent! Let's wait outside."

After a while, Jiang Nian and He Yun came out to greet them.

Tang Jina bowed to Jiang Nian, who quickly returned the bow and said with a smile, "I originally planned to visit Lord Tang at Chenshi tomorrow, but I'm so grateful that you've come to visit me in person today."

Tang Jina repeatedly said, "Lord Jiang, you are too kind. You are an imperial envoy, so it is only right that I come to your door to await your orders."

As he spoke, Tang Jina's gaze lingered on Jiang Nian's face, and he sighed inwardly, "In just one year, this commoner son of the current emperor has risen from a nobody to a favorite of the emperor. It seems that the current emperor's decision to recognize him as his son is a matter of course!"

After exchanging pleasantries with Tang Jina, Jiang Nian was about to lead Tang Jina inside when she suddenly noticed Aunt Xue and Xue Jin. She paused for a moment but did not go forward. Instead, she whispered a few words to He Yun and continued to lead Tang Jina inside.

He Yun then walked towards Xue Jin and smiled, saying, "My master instructed that Madam Xue and Master Jin please come inside and wait. After my master has met with Lord Tang, he will see you."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Xue was both delighted and nervous. She was delighted that Jiang Nian had not neglected her because of receiving the military governor; she was nervous because she had developed a sense of awe and respect for Jiang Nian.

Xue Jin remained calm and ordered her maids and servants to help Aunt Xue out of the sedan chair, and then followed He Yun into the Jiang residence.

After settling Aunt Xue and Xue Jin in, He Yun hurried to Jiang Nian's study to receive Tang Jina together.

Aunt Xue and Xue Jin waited for about half an hour before He Yun returned and led the two to Jiang Nian's study. Tang Jina had already taken her leave by then.

Upon entering the study, only Jiang Nian was sitting there. Xue Jin hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, and Aunt Xue also returned the bow gracefully.

Jiang Nian looked closely and saw that Aunt Xue was wearing a royal blue brocade dress with large peonies embroidered in gold thread on the hem. Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a gold hairpin inlaid with jewels, and bright pearls swayed gently by her ears. She exuded an air of elegance and nobility.

Jiang Nian's heart skipped a beat. This Aunt Xue was different from the image he had seen in movies and TV dramas in his previous life—the woman in front of him was only in her thirties, with radiant skin and beautiful features. Although she was not as delicate as a young girl, she had a mature charm.

Upon closer reflection, Aunt Xue in the original novel may actually be this age and appearance. It's just that film and television dramas often cast older actresses to play the role, which makes people mistakenly think that she is a woman in her forties or fifties.

Jiang Nian said, "Please have a seat, both of you."

Aunt Xue and Xue Jin then sat down.

After Aunt Xue sat down, she bowed and said, "I apologize for my sudden visit, Lord Jiang."

Jiang Nian said, "Madam Xue, you are too kind. Although Baochai is not my legal wife, she is someone I have formally married into the family. In a sense, we are related by marriage, so there is no need to be so formal."

Xue Jin smiled obsequiously and said, "That's exactly right. But now that you are an imperial envoy, we must not neglect our proper etiquette."

Aunt Xue sighed, "Thinking of Baochai, I really miss her. When Lord Jiang took her into his family, I was far away in Jiangning and couldn't even have a cup of wedding wine. I feel really ashamed."

Jiang Nian said, "Baochai is doing well and gets along well with my wife, so you don't need to worry."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Xue exclaimed, "That's good, that's good!" She then sighed, "I was so worried when the three thousand taels of gold I gave her were robbed. Fortunately, Lord Jiang is young, capable, wise, and brave. He found out that it was those two murderers, Lai Shangrong and Wang Long, who were behind it. Not only did he punish the Lai family, but he also returned all the gold to Baochai." As she spoke, she stood up and curtsied, saying, "I thank you, Lord Jiang."

Jiang Nianxu helped him up, saying, "It's my duty, no need for thanks."

Aunt Xue continued, "And then there's that river bandit Li Liu. Last year, he robbed my family on the Grand Canal and killed several of my servants. Fortunately, Lord Jiang took care of this scourge when he went to Shandong on official business, which avenged my family."

Jiang Nian smiled and said, "Li Liu deserved what he got."

Seeing that the atmosphere had eased, Aunt Xue tentatively got to the point: "Lord Jiang... if I may be so bold as to ask, will the Wang family's affairs involve... me?" Her voice trembled as she said "me".

Jiang Nian said solemnly, "Although you are the matriarch of the Xue family, you are still of the Wang family bloodline, so you should be interrogated." Seeing that Aunt Xue's face was pale, she softened her tone, "However, I will only ask you a few questions here later. Just answer truthfully. There is no need to arrest or interrogate you."

Aunt Xue breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said, "Lord Jiang, please ask whatever you want later. I will not utter a single falsehood."

Unexpectedly, Jiang Nian changed the subject: "As for whether you will be implicated, it's hard to say right now. The extent of the Wang family's collusion with the Luo Cult has not yet been determined..." She then gave Aunt Xue a meaningful look, "If the connection is deep, I'm afraid..."

Jiang Nian deliberately left her words unfinished, and picked up her teacup to sip her tea.

Aunt Xue turned even paler with fright and said in a trembling voice, "Lord Jiang, please understand! Since I married into the Xue family, I have had little contact with the Wang family, and I have never even heard of the Luo Cult. I beg... I beg Lord Jiang to take care of me!"

Jiang Nian didn't respond, but continued sipping her tea, ignoring Aunt Xue's anxiety.

Aunt Xue was both surprised and anxious, and hurriedly said, "If Lord Jiang wants to interrogate me, why not do it now! I will definitely tell you everything I know."

So Jiang Nian interrogated Aunt Xue on the spot, asking her questions such as whether she knew who else in the Wang family was involved with the Luo Cult.

Aunt Xue answered each question earnestly, admitting that she truly knew nothing about it.

After the interrogation was over, Aunt Xue forced a smile and said, "I know that Lord Jiang is busy with official duties, but I still implore you to consider our kinship and come to my house for a meal tomorrow. I will definitely prepare the best feast."

“No need,” Jiang Nian said decisively. “As an imperial envoy, it is inconvenient for me to attend banquets casually. Moreover, Madam Xue is involved in the Wang family case, so I should avoid suspicion.”

This refusal left Aunt Xue speechless.

Aunt Xue glanced at Xue Jin and saw that Xue Jin's brows were also furrowed, clearly not expecting Jiang Nian to be so decisive. According to Xue Jin's previous plan, as long as Jiang Nian came to the banquet, it would be convenient to bring up the matter of the imperial merchant. Moreover, Jiang Nian was an imperial envoy, and if word got out that the Xue family had a powerful backer, it would be beneficial to the Xue family.

As a result, Jiang Nian decisively refused.

"He's really cold-hearted! Baochai is his concubine, and he doesn't even show her this much respect!"

Aunt Xue was truly depressed.

Gritting her teeth, Aunt Xue suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Jiang Nian: "Lord Jiang, I'm going to risk my reputation today and just be frank." She raised her head, her eyes flashing with determination, "This time Wang Long committed a crime, and I not only ask for your help, but also for your assistance in restoring my Xue family to its former status as a royal merchant."

Before Jiang Nian could speak, she hurriedly added, "Whatever benefits you want, sir, just name your name! Gold, silver, jewelry, antiques, calligraphy, and paintings—anything the Xue family can offer, we'll give without hesitation!"

He even made a move as if he was about to kneel down...

(End of this chapter)