The Red Mansion

Chapter 170 Returning to Jiangning
It was already the fifteenth of October, and the north wind was beginning to blow.

The maple leaves outside Jiangning City had already turned red, rustling in the cold wind.

The city gate guards were rubbing their hands and stamping their feet to warm themselves when they suddenly saw dust rising in the distance, and a large troop of people approaching. In one of the carriages sat Jiang Nian, dressed in the uniform of a guard.

"The Imperial Envoy has returned to the city!" The guards hurriedly straightened their ranks and lined up to welcome him.

Jiang Nian left Jiangning for Suzhou on September 13th, and more than a month has passed. Today, she returned to Jiangning.

When Jiang Nian left Jiangning earlier, he led He Yun, two personal guards, and forty elite cavalry. Several of the Jiangning cavalrymen were killed in Suzhou.

This time, Jiang Nian returned with many more people, including Xing Xiuyan, as well as Luo Sect criminals such as Yao Jisheng, Murong Zheng, Han Tianhong, and Tan Fengchi who were being escorted. In addition, they were also transporting more than one million taels of silver.

The large contingent entered the city gates of Jiangning in a grand procession.

The high-ranking prisoners in the prison cart all looked disheveled: Yao Jisheng was disheveled and no longer possessed the imposing presence of his former sect leader; Murong Zheng was ashen-faced and huddled in a corner; Han Tianhong, though wearing heavy shackles, still exuded a fierce aura; Tan Fengchi closed his eyes and remained silent, seemingly resigned to his fate...

People along the way pointed and whispered, and some who had been oppressed by the Luo sect even spat at the prison cart.

……

……

Previously, Jiang Nian had agreed with Ren Pijiang, Qi Jianyu, Dai Shijiao, and Zou Jianyuan to gather in Jiangning in about a month. Jiang Nian was the last of the five to return to Jiangning; the other three had all returned before him.

Jiang Nian still uses the Jiang residence in Jiangning as the imperial envoy's headquarters.

At this moment, Jiang Nian, He Yun, Ren Pijiang, Qi Jianyu, Dai Shijiao, and Zou Jianyuan gathered in Jiang Nian's study. Jiang Nian listened to the four of them give a detailed report on their respective trips to Huai'an, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, and Hangzhou to investigate and suppress the Luo Sect. Except for Qi Jianyu, who failed to capture the God of Wealth, Shen Chuankui, in Yangzhou, the other three could be considered to have succeeded smoothly.

Qi Jianyu frowned and said with shame, "This humble official is incompetent and let Shen Chuankui get away."

The study fell silent immediately.

Jiang Nian stroked the celadon teacup on the table and suddenly said, "This matter is not your fault. Shen Chuankui is not only the God of Wealth of the Luo Sect, but also the cousin of Shen Chuanen, the chief salt merchant in Yangzhou. His family is very powerful in Yangzhou, and the situation is extremely complicated."

Qi Jianyu said dejectedly, "Should we just give up like this?"

A glint flashed in Jiang Nian's eyes: "Of course not! I will report to His Majesty and let him decide."

He had a premonition that he would visit Yangzhou someday...

……

……

Just as Jiang Niangang finished discussing the matter of suppressing the Luo sect with Ren Pijiang and others, he suddenly heard that Jia Yucun, the prefect of Jiangning, was requesting an audience.

"That fellow got here quickly!"

Jiang Nian thought to himself that he had already heard about the Wang family's Prince Bin.

Jia Yucun, dressed in the official robes of a fourth-rank prefect, entered the study and bowed respectfully to Jiang Nian, his voice clear yet tinged with flattery: "Your humble servant Jia Yucun greets Your Excellency the Imperial Envoy."

Jiang Nianxu offered a helping hand: "Grandpa Jia, there's no need for such formalities."

After Jia Yucun took his seat, he first flattered Jiang Nian for her merit in suppressing the Luo Sect, and then talked about how he had personally interrogated the Wang family and found out that Wang Zibin was a member of the Luo Sect and had fled to a Wang family estate thirty miles east of the city. He promptly reported to Chen Bina, the Governor-General of Liangjiang, and Wang Zibin was arrested and brought to justice...

Although Jiang Nian had already heard about this matter, she couldn't help but sigh as she listened to Jia Yucun's account: "The Wang family is really unlucky! First there was Wang Long, then Wang Zibin appeared, and with Emperor Taishun's hostility towards Wang Ziteng, the Wang family is doomed this time!"

Jiang Nian deliberately asked, "This imperial envoy remembers that you have a past with Wang Ziteng?"

Jia Yucun's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "I was indeed fortunate to have been promoted by Lord Wang back then. However, one who eats the emperor's food must be loyal to the emperor. Now that I know that someone in the Wang family is colluding with a heretical sect, how could I let personal matters interfere with public duty? Moreover, I saw that the Imperial Envoy had traveled thousands of miles to Jiangnan to investigate and ban the Luo Sect. He had worked very hard. How could I not do my duty?"

As Jiang Nian listened, she sized up this Jia Taizun. He had a heroic appearance and spoke with righteous indignation. Who would have thought that beneath this exterior lay a heart that fawned over the powerful and was even ungrateful?

However, in Jiang Nian's view, Jia Yucun was indeed talented and could be utilized. As long as this person did not offend him, there was no need for him to punish him...

……

……

The most wanted criminals of the Luo sect were imprisoned in the temporary detention facility of the Governor-General's Office of Liangjiang, including Cheng Muqian, the protector of the Heavenly Sect; Yan Boheng, the protector of the Earthly Sect; Yu Xilian, the Venerable Transmitter of Scriptures; Weng Ningyue, the Venerable Chief of the Grain Transport Bureau, and so on.

Since the imperial envoy's headquarters had no place to detain people, after meeting Jia Yucun, Jiang Nian personally escorted the sect leader Yao Jisheng, the protector of the Human Sect Murong Zheng, the sutra protector Han Tianhong, Tan Fengchi and other important criminals of the Luo Sect to the Governor-General's Office of Liangjiang.

The Viceroy of Liangjiang's office had already received the news, and Chen Bina personally led his officials to greet him outside the gate.

"Lord Jiang, you've worked hard!" Chen Bina said with a cupped hand and a smile. "This annihilation of the Luo Cult is truly a great achievement!"

Jiang Nian returned the greeting: "It is all thanks to His Majesty's great fortune and the Governor's skillful management."

He then personally escorted Yao Jisheng, Murong Zheng, Han Tianhong, Tan Fengchi and other prisoners to the temporary detention facility.

The temporary detention facility was heavily guarded, with guards every three steps and sentries every five steps.

As soon as the cell door opened, a foul stench and the smell of blood hit you.

Jiang Nian discovered that Cheng Muqian, the Heavenly Protector of the Luo Cult, looked like a Taoist priest, Yan Boheng, the Earthly Protector, looked like a monk, and Murong Zheng, the Human Protector, looked like a lay Buddhist.

“The three schools of Heaven, Earth, and Man; the three teachings of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism,” Jiang Nian thought to himself. “The Luo Sect is indeed all-encompassing.”

Chen Bina said, "This place is filthy. Why don't you move to the flower hall to talk, Your Excellency?"

Jiang Nian nodded and went to the flower hall with Chen Bina.

Jiang Nian asked, "I wonder how the Governor-General's investigation into the ban on the Rochian Church is progressing?"

Chen Bina solemnly replied, “This matter is of utmost importance, how dare I be negligent? More than forty private gatherings have already been shut down, and we are working hard to shut down the remaining thirty-odd ones as well.”

Jiang Nian then asked, "Has Your Excellency received the Emperor's secret decree ordering you to investigate officials who colluded with the Luo Sect?"

Previously, Emperor Taishun had not only issued a secret edict to Hong Tianpei, the governor of Jiangsu, but also a secret edict to Chen Bina, the governor-general of Liangjiang, ordering Chen Bina to investigate and prosecute several Jiangnan officials who were involved with the Luo sect.

Chen Bina was frustrated, but he maintained a calm expression: "Received, and is investigating in accordance with the order."

This matter put him in a difficult position because he had close ties with several of the officials involved.

……

……

After meeting Chen Bina, Jiang Nian intended to go to the Jiangning military governor's office to see Tang Jina, but learned that Tang Jina was waiting for him at the imperial envoy's residence. Furthermore, Aunt Xue and Xue Jin were also waiting for him there. Therefore, Jiang Nian hurriedly returned to the Jiang residence in Jiangning and went to the study to see Tang Jina first.

Inside the study, Tang Jina was sitting and drinking tea. Upon learning that Jiang Nian had arrived, he took the initiative to greet him, cupping his hands in a salute: "Lord Jiang, you have returned in triumph, and I have come to offer my congratulations!"

Jiang Nian quickly returned the greeting: "Lord Tang, you are too kind. I was going to pay my respects at the Jiedushi's office, but I learned that you had come in person."

After speaking, he asked Tang Jina to sit in the main seat, but Tang Jina insisted on refusing. After some back and forth, the two finally sat side by side.

Amidst the fragrant tea, Tang Jina inquired about Jiang Nian's efforts to suppress the Luo sect in Suzhou, and Jiang Nian recounted the details.

"Lord Jiang's military strategy this time was brilliant; I am truly impressed!"

Tang Jina listened intently, praising him sincerely, while secretly thinking to himself: "This prince who was lost among the common people is young and promising, decisive in his actions. He is truly a dragon among men, a rare talent. Wouldn't it be a pity if the Fourth Prince didn't acknowledge such a prince?"

"Lord Tang has led his troops well. The two hundred elite cavalrymen you summoned this time are truly brave and skilled in battle," Jiang Nian praised sincerely. Then, his expression darkened, and he changed the subject, lamenting, "It is a real pity that we have lost more than thirty elite cavalrymen this time."

Jiang Nian's operation to establish a comprehensive network in Jiangnan to suppress the Luo Sect was largely due to the two hundred elite cavalrymen from Jiangning dispatched by Tang Jina, more than thirty of whom sacrificed their lives.

Tang Jina waved his hand and said, "Lord Jiang's crackdown on the Luo Sect is like sending out troops to release horses. If it's like sending out troops to release horses, how can it not result in casualties?"

Jiang Nian said, "The two hundred elite cavalry under Lord Tang's command have all made great contributions. I will request the imperial decree to provide generous compensation to the thirty-odd soldiers who died in battle, and I will also request the imperial decree to reward the remaining one hundred and sixty-odd people."

Tang Jina said, "Lord Jiang loves his soldiers like his own children, and I will not neglect them either."

Jiang Nian took a sip of tea and suddenly said, "There is another private matter that I need to trouble Lord Tang with."

Tang Jina put down his teacup: "Lord Jiang, please speak freely."

“The former Suzhou prefect, Jing Yunduan, was convicted of embezzlement, and his family and servants were all given to Lord Tang as slaves,” Jiang Nian said slowly. “To be honest, Lord Tang, his daughter, Jing Qing, is now my concubine.”

Tang Jina was unaware of this matter, and narrowed her eyes slightly: "Is this really true?"

Jiang Niansui then recounted in detail how Jing Qing came to the capital and how she herself was ordered to take a concubine.

"It was my fault in this matter," Tang Jina said with a wry smile. "To tell you the truth, my wife is very jealous and cannot tolerate a young and beautiful maid like Jing Qing, so she sold her to Qimeng Courtyard as a courtesan."

Jiang Nian smiled slightly: "How can this be blamed on Lord Tang? Besides, if it weren't for this, I wouldn't have had the chance to become acquainted with Jing Qing."

At this point in the conversation, Tang Jina understood Jiang Nian's intention and took the initiative to say, "Since Miss Jing is already Lord Jiang's beloved concubine, I will give the remaining dozens of members of the Jing family to Lord Jiang."

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Tang!" Jiang Nian cupped his hands in greeting, but then said, "However, I should offer a price to buy it. If I try to get a bargain, I'm afraid His Majesty will not be pleased. If you would be so kind as to grant my request, please sell it to me at the market price plus 20%. I would be extremely grateful."

Tang Jina understood, declined for a moment, then stroked his beard and smiled, "In that case, let's do as Lord Jiang says."

The Jing family still has dozens of members who are servants under Tang Jina's name, including Jing Qing's mother.

Jiang Nian's purchase of these dozens of people was not just to please Jing Qing.

Jiang Nian had heard Jing Qing say that the Jing family was strict in managing their household, and their servants were much more disciplined than those in the Rongguo Mansion. Now that she had just established her own household, she was in dire need of capable servants to manage her estate.

Which of those powerful and wealthy families didn't rely on their estates for their livelihood? The Rongguo Mansion's profits came from its estates.

Managing the estate would not only provide the Jiang family with a stable and substantial income, but also allow them to expand their population.

……

……

Jiang Nian personally escorted Tang Jina out of the house, then returned to her study and ordered someone to lead Aunt Xue and Xue Jin into the study.

When Aunt Xue led Xue Jin into the study, she saw Jiang Nian sitting upright in a grand chair. After a month apart, her face showed signs of hardship, but she appeared even more imposing and dignified.

After Aunt Xue and Xue Jin finished their greetings, Jiang Nian asked them to sit down.

As soon as they sat down, Aunt Xue couldn't wait to bring up the fact that all ten male members of the Wang family in Jiangning had been arrested, and that it had been discovered that Wang Zibin was a disciple of Luo Jiaoshan. She asked anxiously, "I wonder how the Wang family will be dealt with?"

Jiang Nian's expression hardened: "Wang Long colluded with the Luo Sect to cause trouble, and Wang Zibin is a virtuous disciple of the Luo Sect. The evidence against him is irrefutable. This time, the Wang family is likely to suffer a complete disaster!"

Although Aunt Xue had already heard Xue Jin's speculation beforehand, she was still shocked to hear Jiang Nian say this, and hurriedly asked, "Will I be implicated as well?"

Jiang Nian calmly replied, "Since I have promised to protect you, I will keep my promise."

After hesitating for a long time, Aunt Xue timidly asked, "Could...could you please beg Lord Jiang to save the Wang family..."

After all, the Wang family was her maternal family, and now that she saw the entire Wang family about to suffer misfortune, she couldn't help but feel sorry for them.

Jiang Nian's voice suddenly turned cold: "The Wang family has committed a grave crime, one that cannot be forgiven. I have already done my utmost to protect you, and I have done more than enough. Do not push your luck!"

Upon seeing this, Aunt Xue trembled and dared not plead for the Wang family any longer.
Jiang Nian then discussed the merger of the two branches of the Xue family's businesses with Aunt Xue and Xue Jin.

After the discussion, Jiang Nian changed the subject and suddenly asked Xue Jin, "How have you been feeling lately?"

Xue Jin was surprised. Why did Jiang Nian suddenly ask about his health? Under Jiang Nian's questioning, he immediately explained in detail.

Jiang Nian said, "When I was in Suzhou, I contracted a fever and met a famous local doctor named Su Tianshi. His medical skills are extraordinary..." He then gave a detailed account of Su Tianshi's background and medical skills, saying, "You might as well go to Suzhou to seek treatment."

Xue Jin's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he quickly bowed and thanked him: "Since it was Lord Jiang who recommended him, then Su Tianshi must have extraordinary medical skills. I will certainly go to Suzhou to ask him for treatment."

Aunt Xue also thanked her, secretly wondering: This domineering and mean-spirited Jiang Nian is actually so concerned about Xue Jin!
Little did she know, Jiang Nian had other plans in mind; if Xue Jin could live a few more years, it would be beneficial to him.

Jiang Nian then said to Aunt Xue, "I'll go to your residence tomorrow afternoon."

Aunt Xue was taken aback at first, then overjoyed: "This...this is exactly what I wanted!"

She knew that the imperial envoy's presence was tantamount to announcing to the whole city that she was under his protection, and that those petty scoundrels who coveted her family's property would be more restrained.

In fact, Jiang Nianming went to the Xue family tomorrow not only to protect Aunt Xue, but also to take the opportunity to see the home where Xue Baochai grew up.

"I hope to see Miss Qin tomorrow."

Jiang Nian added another sentence to Xue Jin, a hint of something unfathomable flashing in her eyes.

How could Xue Jin refuse? He readily agreed.

After Aunt Xue and Xue Jin took their leave, Jiang Nian sat alone in the study, sipping tea and pondering a question: would Madam Wang and Wang Xifeng of the Rongguo Mansion in the capital be implicated?
If Madam Wang and Wang Xifeng are also implicated this time, then there will be quite a show to watch in the Rongguo Mansion!
Jiang Nian couldn't help but think of Wang Ziqi and Feng Shi, Wang Xifeng's parents.

He had learned that while he was traveling south of the Yangtze River, the couple Wang Ziqi and Feng Shi had moved back to the capital from Jiangning. He wondered how the two of them were doing now, and whether it would affect Lady Wang and Wang Xifeng.

(End of this chapter)