The Red Mansion

Chapter 168 The Emperor's Secret Edict

After Jiang Nian accompanied Xing Xiuyan to bury Xing Zhong and his wife, they returned to Puji Temple. Suddenly, a thirty-year-old man came to see them.

This man was dressed in a brocade robe with cloud patterns and gold embroidery, with a jade belt hook hanging at his waist; he exuded an extraordinary air.

His name was Gu Ding, the eldest son of Gu Xu, the Suzhou textile commissioner. He was there on behalf of his father to invite Jiang Nian to the Suzhou textile commissioner's residence.

Upon seeing Jiang Nian, Gu Ding respectfully said, "My father specially ordered me to invite the Imperial Envoy to our residence for a chat." As he spoke, he took out a gold-painted invitation card and presented it with both hands.

Jiang Nian accepted the invitation with a smile and said, "Since it is Minister Gu who has invited me, how could I dare to refuse?"

Gu Xu is no simple man. He is not only the Suzhou Textile Commissioner but also holds the title of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. He is a confidant of the retired Emperor Jingning and also Emperor Jingning's eyes and ears in Jiangnan. Jiang Nian should not offend this person easily.

Immediately, Jiang Nian took a carriage and went with Gu Ding to the Suzhou Textile Bureau located in the city.

Upon entering the city gate, Jiang Nian looked out the carriage window and saw that the city was crisscrossed by waterways, with shops lining both banks, their signs and banners in a riot of colors, and the faint sounds of string and wind instruments drifting through the air—a truly bustling scene.

The Suzhou Textile Bureau, also known as the Gu Mansion, covers a vast area and was rebuilt based on a famous garden from the previous dynasty. It can be described as "a heavenly abode and a wealthy family home on earth".

When Jiang Nian arrived at the Suzhou Textile Bureau, she saw the vermilion gate wide open, with many people standing on both sides waiting respectfully, each holding their breath and standing solemnly.

Jiang Nian led He Yun into the mansion, passing through three ceremonial gates. The front hall was solemn and imposing, with a golden plaque hanging that read "Supervised by Imperial Decree." Turning past the screen wall, they saw a completely different world in the back courtyard: the artificial mountain made of Taihu stones was exquisite and translucent, the winding pool formed by flowing water was graceful and meandering, and a corner of the eaves was faintly visible among the osmanthus bushes.

Turning through the winding corridor, an elderly man with graying hair suddenly appeared to greet us. The man was about sixty years old, with a thin face and wearing official robes; he was none other than Gu Xu, the Suzhou textile commissioner.

"The arrival of Imperial Envoy Jiang truly brings honor to our humble abode."

Gu Xu cupped his hands and smiled, his voice loud and clear, not like someone in their sixties.

Jiang Nian returned the greeting, saying, "Minister Gu's hospitality is too kind to refuse."

As the two were exchanging pleasantries, a man emerged from the flower hall, dressed in the robes of a fifth-rank official. He was none other than Ding Wenhuan, the Assistant Magistrate of Suzhou!

Jiang Nian frowned slightly, immediately realizing that Gu Xu was pleading for Ding Wenhuan.

As the Assistant Magistrate of Suzhou, Ding Wenhuan was in charge of local salt, grain, anti-piracy, river defense, coastal defense, river works, water conservancy, as well as military registration and pacification of the people and barbarians.

This person was corrupt and lawless, even accepting bribes from the Luo sect.

One reason why Jing Yunduan, the former prefect of Suzhou, was punished and his property confiscated was that Ding Wenhuan deliberately delayed the verification of accounts. Ding Wenhuan did this because Jing Yunduan was fair and honest, and this prevented him from engaging in corruption and bribery.

Ding Wenhuan was deeply worried because he knew that Jiang Nian had evidence that he had accepted bribes from Luo Jiao. After his previous attempt to win over Jiang Nian failed, he even asked Gu Xu, the Suzhou textile commissioner, to plead for him.

Gu Xu hosted a banquet and invited Jiang Nian to join him.

On the octagonal table were official kiln porcelain pieces, and in the crystal dish were fresh seasonal fruits.

Jiang Nian declined, saying, "I am under imperial command and dare not drink."

Gu Xu then ordered tea to be served.

The imperial tea, "Dragon Ball Surpassing Snow," rippled with emerald light in the Ding kiln teacup.

Although Jiang Nian accepted the teacup, she did not intend to drink it, to prevent being poisoned.

After exchanging pleasantries with Jiang Nian for a while, Gu Xu suddenly stroked his beard and smiled, "I heard that when Assistant Magistrate Ding learned that Imperial Envoy Jiang was ill, he specially sent his beloved daughter to take care of him, but Imperial Envoy Jiang declined?"

Jiang Nian said, "Miss Ding is of noble birth, how could I dare to trouble her? Besides, there is a difference between men and women, and if word gets out, it will damage your reputation. Therefore, I politely declined, and asked her to convey my thanks to Magistrate Ding for his kindness."

Gu Xu suddenly clapped his hands twice and laughed, "I have two maids here. Although they are not as well-educated and reasonable as Miss Ding, they are still clever and lovely."

Before the words were finished, the tinkling of jade pendants rang out, and two beautiful young women emerged from behind the sandalwood screen. One wore an apricot-red silk blouse and a moon-white skirt, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling with spring, her cheeks flushed like peach blossoms; the other wore a light green Suzhou-embroidered silk skirt, with a jade pendant hanging from her waist, her eyebrows like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn waters. The two women moved with light, graceful steps, and as they bowed gracefully, their eyes were full of charm.

Gu Xu smiled and said, "These two girls, though not as refined as ladies from noble families, are quite good at serving people. If Imperial Envoy Jiang doesn't mind, you can keep them by your side."

Jiang Nian glanced at the two women, both of whom were no less beautiful than Xiang Ling, but she smiled and declined, saying, "I appreciate Minister Gu's kindness. However, I am under imperial orders and dare not indulge in sensual pleasures." As she spoke, she glanced at Ding Wenhuan out of the corner of her eye, "I have a few private words that I would like to discuss with Minister Gu alone."

Gu Xu waved to the two young women and said, "Both of you, step back."

As the two young women were leaving, they glanced back one last time, only to see Jiang Nian sitting upright. They had no choice but to leave dejectedly.

Jiang Nian asked He Yun to step down, and Gu Xu then asked Ding Wenhuan to step down as well.

Only Jiang Nian and Gu Xu remained in the waiting hall. Jiang Nian lowered her voice and said, "I respect Minister Gu as a veteran of two dynasties, so I am speaking frankly with you today. Fortunately, Minister Gu was not implicated in the Luo case. However..." She paused slightly, "Minister Gu, as the emperor's eyes and ears, has failed in his duty. Although I may not report this matter, Ding Wenhuan's crimes are undeniable. If I were to forcibly protect him, I fear it would only harm Minister Gu."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu's teacup trembled slightly. Having been in officialdom for so long, how could he not discern the underlying meaning in those words?
After a long silence, Gu Xu forced a smile and said, "Imperial Envoy Jiang is discerning and thorough. Ding Wenhuan's matter should be dealt with according to the law."

Jiang Nian immediately stood up and cupped her hands in farewell: "Minister Gu is very understanding! I dare not disturb you any longer, I will take my leave now."

Gu Xu dared not stay any longer.

……

……

It was September 25th, and the capital city was shrouded in a continuous autumn rain.

The rain, fine as cow's hair, fell densely on the glazed tiles of Changchun Garden, making a soft rustling sound, just like silkworms nibbling on mulberry leaves.

Inside the Danning Residence, a gilded lion-shaped incense burner emitted ambergris incense smoke, while Emperor Taishun was reading a secret memorial sent urgently from Suzhou by Jiang Nian.

However, the handwriting on the secret memorial appeared somewhat weak and unsteady, unlike Jiang Nian's usual powerful and elegant strokes. Emperor Taishun frowned slightly, and only when he saw the end of the memorial did he realize that it had been written by Jiang Nian while he was ill.

This secret memorial was handwritten by Jiang Nian on September 19th, detailing the situation regarding the suppression of the Luo sect up to that date. At the end, it also stated: "Since arriving in Suzhou, I have unfortunately contracted a fever. The famous Suzhou physician Su Tianshi examined my pulse and said it was caused by 'overwork damaging the spleen, coupled with autumn dryness, resulting in internal accumulation of pathogenic heat.' This memorial was written with great effort while I was ill, and the handwriting is hasty. I humbly request Your Majesty's understanding."

Emperor Taishun was deeply moved upon reading this. He knew Jiang Nian to be diligent, but seeing the weariness revealed in the words of this secret memorial, and recalling how this young prince from the common people had been so spirited before leaving the capital, he felt a pang of pity.

After reading the secret memorial, Emperor Taishun did not immediately reply. Instead, he gently closed the memorial, ordered the eunuchs to prepare a carriage, and went directly to the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs to pay his respects to the retired Emperor Jingning. Inside the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs, Emperor Jingning was wearing glasses and admiring the rain from the window of the warm pavilion. Seeing Emperor Taishun arrive in the rain, he couldn't help but smile and say, "What brings Your Majesty in such a hurry?"

After Emperor Taishun finished bowing, he presented Jiang Nian's secret memorial with both hands: "Please have Father Emperor read it."

After carefully reading it, Emperor Jingning said in a deep voice, "I never imagined that the Luo Cult would be so rampant and powerful! Yuan Yi is a very capable young man."

Emperor Taishun, observing the situation, said softly, "Officials who collude with heretical sects should be severely punished. However, Lu Shiyuan, the Jiangsu Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, is a former official of my father, and I dare not act on my own authority."

Emperor Jingning sighed, "He did have some achievements." He then handed the secret memorial back to Emperor Taishun, tapping his fingers lightly twice on the table. "However, the laws of the court are of utmost importance. Since the evidence is conclusive, let us investigate and prosecute him according to the law."

Emperor Taishun was overjoyed, but also secretly felt regretful.

In the Jiangnan region, the people he most wanted to use this opportunity to punish were Zhen Yingjia, the Imperial Textile Commissioner of Jiangning, and Gu Xu, the Imperial Textile Commissioner of Suzhou. However, Jiang Nian's secret memorial did not mention their collusion with the Luo Sect. Even if it had, given Emperor Jingning's favor towards these two families, he might not have allowed them to be investigated and punished on this basis.

Both the Zhen and Gu families were trusted confidants of Emperor Jingning, and their importance in his heart far surpassed that of Lu Shiyuan, the Jiangsu Provincial Surveillance Commissioner. Moreover, the Gu family had once belonged to the "Eighth Prince's Party," and what Emperor Jingning feared most now was Emperor Taishun settling old scores with his brothers.

After Emperor Taishun returned to Danning Residence, he began to review Jiang Nian's secret memorial, starting with the following: "I am very pleased to have read your memorial. You have worked so hard for the country that you have fallen ill, and I am truly concerned for you. You should take good care of yourself and not overwork yourself..."

As he wrote this, he suddenly heard the rain outside the window getting heavier, and the raindrops seemed to be hitting his heart. His reply immediately turned sharp and incisive...

……

……

This day was the first day of the tenth month.

Although it was a fine day, the wind already carried a hint of chill, indicating that winter was approaching.

The leaves inside Puji Temple are all golden yellow, falling softly in the wind, paving the stone steps in front of the signing room as if they were gilded.

Jiang Nian was busy with official business in the signing room when she suddenly received a yellow silk package sent urgently from the capital. Upon opening it, she found a secret memorial approved by Emperor Taishun, along with a secret edict to be forwarded to Hong Tianpei, the governor of Jiangsu.

He first opened his own secret memorial, and the Emperor Taishun's reply was right there in front of him: "I am very pleased to read your memorial... I am truly worried about you..." Every word revealed the Emperor's great favor. Then he ordered him to be in charge of confiscating the property of Shi Xiao, the guerrilla commander of the Suzhou garrison!
Suzhou was home not only to the Suzhou Textile Commissioner, but also to the Jiangsu Governor, the Jiangsu Provincial Treasurer, and the Jiangsu Provincial Surveillance Commissioner.

Jiang Nian dared not delay and immediately led He Yun and the others to the governor's office. Upon arriving at the gate, Suzhou Governor Hong Tianpei, who had already been informed, personally came out to greet them. The two had already met before.

The two exchanged pleasantries as they entered the flower hall. Suddenly, Jiang Nian took out a secret decree, walked to the center of the hall, stood facing south, and said solemnly, "His Majesty has decreed that I, the Imperial Envoy, shall read it aloud in person. Please, Your Excellency, receive the decree."

Upon hearing this, Hong Tianpei hurriedly straightened his official hat and knelt down, saying, "Your subject, Hong Tianpei, Governor of Jiangsu, respectfully wishes Your Majesty good health."

Jiang Nian immediately proclaimed in a loud voice:

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor issues this secret edict:"

Lu Shiyuan, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner of Jiangsu, and Ding Wenhuan, the Assistant Prefect of Suzhou, were in charge of criminal and civil affairs, yet they dared to disregard the law, accept bribes from the Luo sect, and corrupt the government, harming the people. If such corrupt and unscrupulous individuals are not severely punished, how can we deter others and improve official conduct?

The Jiangsu Provincial Governor, Hong Tianpei, is hereby ordered to immediately remove the official hats of Lu and Ding, dismiss them from their posts, and detain them. All official documents and ledgers must be strictly sealed. Apart from the bribery allegations in the Luo Jiao case, all matters concerning money, grain, and criminal cases handled by Lu over the years, including any instances of embezzlement, bribery, or other misconduct, must be thoroughly investigated. Any officials involved, regardless of rank, found to have colluded with Lu, Ding, or Ding, must be immediately arrested, interrogated, and a secret report submitted.

The governor should know that this case concerns the very foundation of officialdom, and must be impartial and just, setting aside personal relationships, and must not conceal evidence or protect colleagues. All confiscated silver and confessions of the perpetrators should be submitted by special, confidential report via express courier.

Admire this!

The Emperor Emeritus decrees, and the Emperor obeys.

After Jiang Nianxuan finished speaking, Hong Tianpei knelt three times and kowtowed nine times, accepting the secret decree with both hands, his voice trembling slightly: "Your subject Hong Tianpei... obeys the decree!"

When he stood up, Hong Tianpei's face was already a little pale. Although he was not the one being investigated this time, he couldn't help but feel a sense of shared sorrow.

The Jiangsu governor had a garrison of 1,200 men, which was more than the Suzhou city garrison. This garrison was the main force stationed in Suzhou.

After receiving the secret decree from Emperor Taishun, Hong Tianpei dared not delay. He immediately mustered his elite troops and divided them into two teams: one team went to the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's Office to arrest Lu Shiyuan, and the other team went to the Suzhou Prefectural Office to arrest Ding Wenhuan.

On the first day of the tenth lunar month, the autumn wind rustled through Suzhou, swirling up plane tree leaves that covered the ground...

……

……

The residence of Ding Wenhuan, the Assistant Magistrate of Suzhou, was in complete chaos at this moment.

Madam Zhang paced back and forth in the inner courtyard, her handkerchief twisted tightly in her hand. Her daughter, Ding Wanfang, stood beside her, her pretty face deathly pale.

Someone just came to report that Master Ding Wenhuan has been arrested by the governor on charges of colluding with the Luo sect and accepting bribes.

"What are we going to do!" Madam Zhang pounded her chest and stamped her feet. "Your father is usually so cautious, how could he..." Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly remembered something and turned sharply to her daughter, Ding Wanfang. "It's all because of you, you good-for-nothing girl! Last time I asked you to serve that young imperial envoy, you just gave him the cold shoulder. If you had won his favor then, this wouldn't have happened!"

Upon hearing this, Ding Wanfang burst into tears. With her almond-shaped eyes and peach-blossom cheeks, her tear-streaked face added to her sorrow. She recalled the day she visited the inn at the foot of the mountain and saw Jiang Nian, who, despite his illness, still possessed an extraordinary air. She hadn't given him a friendly look then, and had only met him briefly before leaving.

The more Zhang thought about it, the angrier she became. Pointing at her daughter, she scolded, "Your father made you study poetry and literature, learn music and chess, hoping you would marry into a wealthy family. Now look what's happened, we've watched our family be destroyed! Now that your father has been arrested by the governor, our Ding family is likely to suffer the calamity of having our property confiscated!"

"I'll go beg that Imperial Envoy Jiang right now!" Ding Wanfang suddenly said, wiping away her tears. "Even if I have to be his slave, I'll save our family!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang not only did not stop her, but instead summoned her trusted maid to escort Ding Wanfang away. She then turned to Ding Wanfang and said, "If you're going, at least do it with some dignity."

Several maids immediately busied themselves dressing up Ding Wanfang.

After getting dressed, Ding Wanfang boarded the carriage and left the Ding family.

The carriage arrived at an inn at the foot of the mountain. Upon inquiring, they learned that Jiang Nian was not at the inn, but at Puji Temple. The driver was urged to hurry. As they approached the temple gate, the sound of galloping hooves filled the air. Jiang Nian, dressed in the uniform of a guard, rode a magnificent horse. With striking features and an imposing presence, he was followed by a procession of soldiers, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. They were about to raid the home of Shi Xiao, the guerrilla commander of Suzhou.

Ding Wanfang lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and saw the scene outside. Her heart pounded wildly. In her fear, she seemed to be in a daze, staring blankly at the receding dust...

(End of this chapter)