The Red Mansion

Chapter 165 Jiang Nian bravely rescues Miaoyu Xiuyan
Miaoyu also felt uneasy and said softly to Xing Xiuyan, "In that case, I will go with you to take a look."

After saying this, he summoned Granny Pan, who usually served him, and ordered her to carry a lamp and lead the way.

The three of them left the meditation room, opened a door in the wall, and arrived at the bungalow rented by the Xing family outside the temple.

Seeing that the doors and windows of her house were tightly closed and the inside was pitch black, Xing Xiuyan's heart began to pound. She knew that her parents had been drinking and playing drinking games together tonight, and she had just heard the sounds of their games. Why were the lights off and the doors closed now?

Miaoyu couldn't help but feel nervous.

Even Granny Pan held her breath.

The night wind swept through the bamboo forest, the bamboo leaves rustling as if whispering secrets, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Xing Xiuyan forced herself to calm down and went forward to push the door, but it wouldn't open, clearly because it was firmly bolted from the inside.

"mom, Mom, Mom!"

Xing Xiuyan called out three times, each time more urgent than the last, but the room was as silent as an ancient tomb, without even an echo.

Just as they were wondering what was going on, they suddenly heard a flurry of footsteps behind them. Miaoyu, Xing Xiuyan, and Granny Pan were all startled, and then they saw a group of soldiers surrounding them.

It was Jiang Nian and He Yun who led their troops to pursue and annihilate them here.

Miaoyu and Xing Xiuyan stared dumbfounded at the large number of soldiers. Granny Pan's hand holding the lantern trembled violently, and the light and shadow cast on the ground flickered wildly, just like the three of them at that moment.

With the help of the lamplight, Jiang Nian could clearly see the appearances of Miaoyu and Xing Xiuyan.

Miaoyu was beautiful, with her hair styled in a Miaochang bun and wearing a moon-white satin cloak, like a fairy descended from the heavens. Xing Xiuyan was younger, with a pretty face, and dressed in simple clothes.

Some soldiers were so captivated by Miaoyu that they were momentarily mesmerized. Some even thought to themselves, "How did such a stunningly beautiful nun with long hair suddenly appear out of nowhere on Xuanmu Mountain at night? Could she be a fox spirit or ghost disguised as a human to bewitch people?"

Jiang Nian was also amazed. After regaining her composure, she solemnly asked, "Who are you? Why are you here?"

Miaoyu was aloof and proud. When the soldiers asked her questions, she simply turned away coldly and did not answer.

Granny Pan was so frightened that she was out of her wits and dared not utter a sound.

Only Xing Xiuyan managed to remain calm, her voice trembling as she asked, "Gentlemen... why have you come here?"

Jiang Nian frowned and said, "We are apprehending cult traitors and have tracked them down here. You must report your origins immediately!"

Upon hearing the words "cult traitors," Xing Xiuyan's heart sank. The heart-wrenching screams from just moments before still echoed in her ears. Could it be that her parents had been murdered? Thinking of this, her fingertips trembled, her eyes reddened, and she almost lost her balance.

Seeing that Xing Xiuyan looked dazed, Jiang Nian said again, "Miss, please answer my question!"

Xing Xiuyan barely managed to compose herself and replied in a trembling voice, "Your Excellency, this house was originally my residence. Just now, I was in the meditation room next door when I suddenly heard someone shouting 'Murder!' outside the window. That voice... sounded just like my mother's. I was terrified and rushed over to check, only to find all the lights out, the doors locked, and no one answered when I called for my mother. I don't know... I don't know what happened..."

At this point, her voice choked with emotion, and tears welled up in her eyes, making her look pitiful.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian knew something was amiss. Just as she was about to reply, she heard a soft creaking sound from inside the bungalow, as if the door latch had been moved.

How quick-witted he was! He immediately shouted, "Young lady, retreat at once!"

Before he finished speaking, the short-handled knife at his waist was drawn with a clang, its cold light flashing, and he darted out like a hawk.

Although Xing Xiuyan was a young girl, she showed some intelligence at this moment, and upon hearing the sound, she quickly took several steps back to the side.

Granny Pan and Miaoyu were both stunned and stood there, as if they were clay sculptures or wooden statues.

It's too late to say, then soon!
With a loud bang, the wooden door burst open, and four dark figures rushed out like hungry wolves. The one in the lead was agile and lithe; he was none other than Peng Qi, Yao Jisheng's trusted disciple.

It turned out that Yao Jisheng was hiding inside the house. He overheard the soldiers questioning him outside and knew that something was wrong. He thought to himself, "If I don't use a surprise attack, I'll be trapped like a turtle in a jar today!" He immediately devised a wicked plan and ordered his four disciples to launch a surprise attack and capture the man, intending to take him hostage in order to escape.

Peng Qi rushed out of the door, his movements as swift as lightning. His left hand formed a claw, grabbing Granny Pan's throat, while his right hand reached for Miaoyu.

Just as the demonic claws were about to touch Miaoyu, a silver streak suddenly appeared, piercing through the air—it was Jiang Nian's short-handled knife!

With a muffled thud, Peng Qi's right arm, which was reaching out to Miao Yu, was severed by a single stroke. Blood gushed out like a spring, splashing onto Miao Yu's moon-white satin cloak, like a few red plum blossoms blooming in the snow.

Peng Qi let out a miserable cry and staggered backward.

He Yun drew his bow to its fullest extent, and the arrow flew like a shooting star. With a "whoosh," an arrow pierced the air and struck another disciple squarely in the neck. The man didn't even have time to utter a sound before he fell backward, dead.

Two bodyguards, like tigers descending the mountain, charged into the battle, swords flashing. One disciple, unable to dodge in time, was struck and instantly killed, his blood splattering five paces away.

In the chaos, Granny Pan struggled to escape, but was slashed in the back by a disciple. The old woman groaned and fell to the ground, her clothes instantly soaked with blood.

In the blink of an eye, two of the four disciples were dead and one was crippled.

Peng Qi, whose arm was severed, had a face as pale as paper. He and another disciple named Huang Xiang were swarmed by the soldiers and pinned to the ground.

Jiang Nian ordered her men to light the torches.

He Yun led his soldiers into the house in single file, only to find the floor stained with blood and Xing Zhong and his wife lying in a pool of blood, their faces pale and their eyes still open, unable to close their eyes in death.

Yao Jisheng was standing by the window, intending to escape in the chaos, but when he saw the soldiers rushing in, he even tried to escape by climbing out the window.

He Yun reacted swiftly, stepping forward and grabbing Yao Jisheng's shoulder with his large, iron-like hand, pulling him down. In the torchlight, Yao Jisheng's face was ashen, and his lips were bloodless.

Xing Xiuyan staggered inside and was struck dumb by the sight of her parents' corpses. She collapsed to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably, her cries like those of a cuckoo at night.

Outside, Miaoyu still stood there, her usually clear and bright eyes now filled with confusion. How could she, a woman raised in seclusion and nuns since childhood, have ever witnessed such a dangerous and bloody scene tonight? She had almost been taken hostage by the bandits. If it weren't for the heroic official's timely rescue, she would probably be lying on the ground with a knife, just like Granny Pan.

Suddenly, she heard Xing Xiuyan's heart-wrenching cries coming from inside the house. Miaoyu was startled awake and stumbled to Granny Pan's side, where she knelt down.

Granny Pan lay on the ground. When she saw Miaoyu approaching, her cloudy old eyes suddenly lit up. Her dry, cracked lips trembled, and she called out "Miss" in a weak voice before falling silent again.

Miaoyu stared blankly, two clear tears silently sliding down her cheeks, but she didn't cry out.

Inside the room, although Jiang Nian saw Xing Xiuyan crying her heart out, she had no time to comfort her and hurriedly ordered He Yun to search Yao Jisheng's entire body.

He Yun found ordination certificates, account books, and other items on Yao Jisheng.

By the firelight, Jiang Nian examined the ordination certificate closely and saw the words "Miao Di" clearly written on it. She was overjoyed and thought to herself, "This person must be Yao Jisheng!"

There were two ledgers, one recording the sources of Luo Jiao's wealth, and the other recording the officials who bribed him. Jiang Nian glanced through the ledgers, not having time to examine them closely, and asked Yao Jisheng in a deep voice, "You are Yao Jisheng?"

Yao Jisheng's face turned ashen, and he remained silent.

Jiang Nian stepped out of the house, followed closely by the soldiers escorting Yao Jisheng.

Jiang Nian pointed at Yao Jisheng and asked the one-armed Peng Qi, "Who is he?"

Peng Qi was in extreme pain, clenched his teeth, and remained silent.

Jiang Nian sneered and ordered her personal guards, "Cut off another arm of his!"

Before he could finish speaking, two guards had already pinned Peng Qi down, and with a flash of light, another arm fell to the ground.

Peng Qi screamed and rolled around, his blood staining the yellow earth.

Miaoyu witnessed this scene and was stunned. She sighed inwardly, "This official is so ruthless!" But then she thought of Jiang Nian's life-saving grace and the valiant slash, and she didn't find him hateful at all. Instead, she felt a little admiration for him, which was quite strange.

Jiang Nian then pointed at Yao Jisheng and demanded of Huang Xiang, "Who is he? Tell us the truth! If you don't, we'll cut off both your arms!"

Huang Xiang was terrified: "My lord, please understand, he... he is the sect leader!"

Jiang Nian pressed further, "Is it Yao Jisheng?"

Huang Xiang nodded.

Seeing this, Yao Jisheng glared at Huang Xiang with resentment, wishing he could tear him to pieces, but alas, he was already a prisoner, and could only sigh in vain.

In fact, if Yao Jisheng hadn't been so reluctant to part with the millions of gold and silver treasures in the underground palace of Puji Temple, Jiang Nian would have had a very difficult time catching him.

Now, the million-dollar gold and silver is gone, the person has been arrested, and the Luo Cult is finished!
Jiang Nian moved closer to Miaoyu and asked, "May I ask your Buddhist name, young lady?"

Normally, someone as aloof as Miaoyu would avoid speaking to a man, let alone even seeing a man in the distance. But things were different now—the figure who had leaped to her rescue amidst the flashing blades and bloodshed had left a deep imprint on her heart, and that single strike seemed to have severed some shackles within her.

The moonlight in the meditation room is indifferent, yet the glint of swords and the shadow of blood are destined to meet!

Therefore, Miaoyu responded softly, "Miaoyu." As she spoke, she unconsciously glanced up and met Jiang Nian's burning gaze. Startled, she quickly lowered her head, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her jade cheek.

Upon hearing the name "Miaoyu," Jiang Nian's heart skipped a beat, and she asked, "What is the name of the young lady inside?"

Miaoyu frowned slightly, feeling displeased: "Why are you asking me her name?" But she still answered calmly: "That is Miss Xing, named Xiuyan."

Jiang Nian couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "This trip to Xuanmu Mountain was originally for official business, but not only did I meet the perfect couple Miaoyu and Xing Xiuyan, I also formed this bond amidst the bloodshed."

The mystery of fate is undeniable!
Jiang Nian stepped into the room again, where she saw flickering candlelight illuminating Xing Xiuyan weeping over her parents' corpses. Her frail body trembled incessantly, like a solitary orchid in the autumn wind, a sight that evoked pity.

Jiang Nian stepped forward and deliberately called out, "Miss Xing Xiuyan."

Xing Xiuyan was startled by the sound, and looked up at Jiang Nian through her tear-filled eyes.

As the candlelight flickered, Jiang Nian carefully examined the young woman: though not a stunning beauty, she possessed a natural charm. Her dark hair was loosely tied up, adorned only by a wooden hairpin, yet it could not conceal her refined and elegant aura.

Actually, Jiang Nian really likes Xing Xiuyan from the original novel.

Although the original novel doesn't describe Xing Xiuyan in many words, it portrays her as pure and refined. She is the poorest girl in the Grand View Garden, and though her clothes are simple and her hairpins are worn, she is content and serene, like a solitary orchid exuding its fragrance in the Grand View Garden. Just like the line she wrote in her poem about red plum blossoms: "It seems to be no ordinary color, its intensity and lightness are determined by the ice and snow."

Thinking of this, Jiang Nian said softly, "Miss, you have suffered such a great change. I wonder what your plans are for the future?"

Upon hearing this, Xing Xiuyan's tears fell again, and she shook her head, choking back sobs, "I...I don't know..."

Jiang Nian hesitated for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Is Madam Xing of the Rongguo Mansion in the capital a relative of you, Miss?"

Xing Xiuyan's eyes suddenly flashed with surprise: "How did you know, sir?"

Jiang Nian said solemnly, "I am Jiang Nian, a bodyguard of the emperor. I am here by imperial decree as an envoy to investigate and suppress cults in Jiangnan. Yuan Chun, the eldest daughter of Rongguo Mansion, is my wife. I have long heard that Madam Xing has relatives living in Panxiang Temple in Suzhou."

This was originally a pretext, but it was said flawlessly.

Xing Xiuyan had no doubts. When she looked at Jiang Nian again, she felt not only awe but also a sense of familiarity.

Seeing this, Jiang Nian said, "If you have nowhere to go, why don't you come with me to the capital and seek refuge with the Rongguo Mansion? I won't be leaving Suzhou for a few days, and I can help you with your parents' funeral arrangements."

Xing Xiuyan was young, and now, having suddenly suffered a family tragedy, she was all alone and had no relatives to turn to in Suzhou. Jiang Nian had saved her from danger, which filled her with awe, and given their familial ties, his words were filled with genuine concern. She lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then softly said, "In that case… thank you for your kindness, sir…"

At this moment, a group of nuns from Panxiang Temple arrived with lanterns, including Abbess Huichen and Miaoyu's master Huixuan.

Huichen was around fifty years old, while Huixuan was slightly younger and a bit thin.

Upon witnessing the scene, all the nuns were horrified and repeatedly chanted "Amitabha Buddha."

Another old nanny surnamed Su and a young maid named Mei'er also arrived; both of them served Miaoyu.

Jiang Nian said to Hui Chen, "I am Jiang Nian, a bodyguard of the emperor. I have been ordered to go to Jiangnan as an imperial envoy to investigate and suppress heretical sects. Tonight, I have been chasing the rebels here and did not mean to disturb your temple."

Miaoyu, who was listening intently, was secretly surprised: "So this young official is actually the Imperial Envoy!" She couldn't help but steal a glance at him and saw that Jiang Nian had an extraordinary demeanor and an air of authority in his speech and manner.

Huichen put her hands together and said, "So it is the Imperial Envoy who has arrived. These bandits are so vicious that they did not even spare Granny Pan and the Xing couple. It is truly a sin."

She glanced at Xing Xiuyan, who was still sobbing inside the room, and sighed to her, "Poor thing, you lost both your parents overnight. What will you do now? If you have nowhere to go, why not become a nun at Panxiang Temple? I'm willing to take you in."

This nun, Huichen, harbored resentment towards Miaoyu for her aloofness and haughtiness, but quite liked Xing Xiuyan. Now that Panxiang Temple was short of nuns, Xing Xiuyan could be put to good use if she came.

Xing Xiuyan was startled upon hearing this; she had no intention of becoming a nun! Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Jiang Nian for help.

Jiang Nian understood and said, "I appreciate your kind intentions, Abbess. I have already inquired and found out that Miss Xing and Madam Xing of the Rongguo Mansion are related. The eldest daughter of the Rongguo Mansion is my wife. I will take Miss Xing to the capital to visit the Rongguo Mansion."

Upon hearing this, Huichen's face flashed with disappointment. Stealing a glance, she saw that the soldiers around her were all armed with swords and arrows. How could she dare to disobey the imperial envoy's wishes? She could only force a smile and say, "I see. I was overthinking it. It is her good fortune to have your protection, sir."

Miaoyu had calmed herself and observed everything with a cold eye, thinking to herself, "Xiuyan's parents were both drunkards who rarely cared for their daughter. Their violent deaths might not be a bad thing for Xiuyan. But..."

She glanced at Jiang Nian, a worry rising in her heart: "Will this young imperial envoy treat Xiuyan well? If Xiuyan goes with him, will it be a blessing or a curse?"

(End of this chapter)