The Red Mansion

Chapter 184 Jia Zheng: My son-in-law is a prince?
When Xue Baochai wrote the three characters "the lonely moon," her brush suddenly paused, leaving a trace of ink on the snow-white Xuan paper, just like a lonely star in the night sky.

When it was Jing Qing's turn, this beautiful woman, who was always confident in her poetic talent, hesitated upon seeing the excellent works of Yuan Chun and Xue Baochai. The Huzhou wolf-hair brush paused repeatedly between her slender fingers, the ink nearly dripping. Finally, she wrote a few lines of delicate small regular script:

"Stars fall like chess pieces from the heavens, and the years pass quietly in the small courtyard."

Though my body is in this mortal world, my heart has already ridden the wind to the edge of the sun.

After finishing writing, Jing Qing stole a glance at Jiang Nian, afraid that he might misunderstand the meaning of the poem. But she saw that Jiang Nian was focused on reading it, his face showing no emotion.

Xing Xiuyan's hand trembled slightly as she took the pen. She bit her lip, pondered for a long time, and then wrote the poem:

"The wind blows down purple clouds, and fireflies illuminate the night."

I long to gather the moonlight to adorn my embroidered handkerchief, but fear it will scorch my delicate fingers.

After everyone finished reading, they cheered in unison.

Jiang Nian smiled and said, "It's remarkable that you have such intelligence at such a young age."

Yuan Chun urged Jiang Nian, "Grandpa, it's your turn."

Jiang Nian pointed at Xiang Ling and laughed, "I'm not in a hurry. Look at Xiang Ling's expression, she's so eager, she's probably already impatient. Why don't we let her give it a try too?"

Yuan Chun then smiled and said, "Since the master has spoken, Xiang Ling, you should also compose a poem."

Xiangling was overjoyed and hurriedly washed her hands, her excited appearance as if she had received some kind of treasure.

After washing her hands, Xiangling took the Huzhou wolf-hair brush, pondered for a long time, and then suddenly put pen to paper and wrote:
"Suddenly, the Milky Way pours down with ten thousand points of light, and flying jade fragments trail across the sky."

Yuan Chun laughed and said, "You've really improved. Your move this time is quite remarkable."

However, after Xiangling finished writing this couplet, she stood there stunned, holding her pen, unable to continue. She blushed with embarrassment and looked to Jiang Nian for help.

Jiang Nian understood and said with a smile, "Shall I finish the couplet for you?"

Upon hearing this, Xiangling's eyes lit up immediately. She hurriedly presented the wolf-hair brush and stepped aside.

Jiang Nian did not refuse, picked up her brush, dipped it in ink, and continued writing on the Xuan paper:

"May I carry with me a thousand-year-old wish in an instant, and let it scatter into an endless dream in the human world."

The brush moves with the grace of dragons and snakes, and the fragrance of ink fills the air.

After reading it, Yuan Chun and Xiang Ling both exclaimed that it was wonderful.

Xue Baochai pondered the three words "Dream Unending" and nodded unconsciously.

Jing Qing stared at the elegant handwriting, lost in thought.

Yuan Chun laughed and said, "Although you have done a wonderful job of supplementing Xiangling's poem, I haven't seen your own poem yet." As she spoke, she personally unfolded another tribute paper from the Cao family of Jing County.

Jiang Nian nodded and said, "You have all composed seven-character quatrains. As the only man here, I will compose a seven-character regulated verse."

Having said that, he rolled up his sleeves, picked up a brush, and saw the wolf-hair brush moving swiftly and boldly across the Xuan paper, the ink penetrating deep into the paper:
"Jade palaces spill pearls, a myriad valleys are cold; silver shuttles weave haphazardly, white silk is tattered."

Who first witnessed the mighty river's cascading flow? Tonight, we hear once more its ancient torrents.

All fleeting brilliance is but a temporary journey; only the burning of the body and the shattering of feathers create a wondrous spectacle.

I wish to use the embers to write on green bamboo slips, to inscribe the unfinished elixir in the heavens.

Yuan Chun and the others were stunned after reading it.

This poem is well written!
To write about meteor showers from a broader perspective of time and space and with deeper philosophical reflections on the universe.

The phrase "玉宇倾珠" (Jade Palace Overturned with Pearls) metaphorically describes the vast night sky as a jade palace, with countless shooting stars resembling cascading pearls; the phrase "万壑寒" (Ten Thousand Valleys Cold) describes how the light of shooting stars illuminates thousands of mountains and valleys, highlighting the biting cold of the winter night; "银梭乱织" (Silver Shuttle Weaving in Disorder) uses the image of the Weaver Girl's silver shuttle to symbolize the crisscrossing shooting stars; and "素绡残" (Plain Silk Broken) compares the night sky to plain silk, with shooting stars tearing it apart and leaving scars.

Yuan Chun carefully examines the lines “Who first saw the long river pouring down?” which subtly echo Zhang Ruoxu’s “Who first saw the moon by the riverbank?” pushing her own perception to the ancient and primordial era. “The long river pouring down” and “the eternal torrent” metaphorically represent the meteor shower as a surging torrent in the long river of time and the primordial universe.

When Xue Baochai read the lines “All fleeting brilliance is but a temporary journey,” she thought that the dazzling light of each shooting star was nothing more than a passing visitor, while the shooting star, in its shattered state, created a wonder of the world, which was truly magnificent.

Xing Xiuyan felt that the last two lines, "I wish to share the embers to write on the green bamboo slips," were the most wonderful. After the meteor burned out, she wished to capture its remaining light and heat and "write" this sincerity transformed from the embers back into the boundless sky.

After everyone cheered, Yuan Chun sighed to Jiang Nian, "It's not that I'm biased, but tonight's poetry champion should be yours, sir."

Xue Baochai and the others all nodded in agreement.

Jiang Nianming instructed Xiangling to put everyone's poems into a box.

The box is carved with a lotus scroll pattern, which makes the snow-white manuscript of poems appear even more elegant.

Suddenly, another shooting star streaked across the sky outside the window, seemingly adding a footnote to the Jiang family poetry gathering.

……

……

The following morning, a maid named Qianxue arrived at the Jiang family's residence in the eastern suburbs, her feet glistening with morning dew.

Inside the back room, Baoqin, Xiren, Jinchuan, and Yuchuan were exchanging pleasantries with Qianxue. These five were sisters who had grown up together in the Rongguo Mansion since childhood.

Suddenly, Qianxue knelt down with a thud, tears streaming down her face before she could even speak: "Please, sisters, save me!"

It turns out that Qianxue was originally a maid in Jia Baoyu's room in Rongguo Mansion. More than two months ago, Jia Baoyu was angered by his wet nurse, Granny Li, and took his anger out on her, which led to her being kicked out.

Qianxue learned that Xiren had recently been expelled from the Rongguo Mansion and had come to the Jiang family. So today, Qianxue made a special trip to visit her old friend, hoping that she could also become a maid in the Jiang family.

After hearing Qianxue's tearful pleas, Baoqin helped her up, saying, "Please get up."

Xi Ren lowered her head and remained silent, twisting the handkerchief in her hand. She herself had been brought to the Rongguo Mansion by Yuan Chun and had only been there a short time, so it was inappropriate for her to interfere in such matters.

Jin Chuan glanced at Bao Qin and said softly, "It would be best if Sister Bao Qin spoke on her behalf to Grandma about this matter."

Baoqin sighed, "I'm afraid I'm not enough on my own." Then she looked at the sisters Jin Chuan and Yu Chuan, "Why don't the three of us take Qianxue to see Grandma together? It'll be easier to talk with more people."

Qianxue was about to kneel down to express her gratitude when Baoqin stopped her, saying, "Don't rush to thank me. Whether it will work out or not is still uncertain."

Immediately, Baoqin, Jinchuan, Yuchuan, and Qianxue went together to the side room of the main house.

Yuan Chun was sitting idly in the east side room, while Qing Wen served her tea and fruit.

Seeing Baoqin and the other three enter, Qingwen secretly glared at Baoqin—it turned out that because Qianxue had come, Baoqin and the others had gone to catch up, leaving her alone on duty, which made her feel a little resentful.

Baoqin stepped forward and curtsied to Yuanchun, softly explaining the matter of Qianxue in detail. After speaking, she secretly gave Jinchuan a wink. Jinchuan understood and also pleaded, "Grandma is always kind. If you can take Qianxue in, it will be her good fortune." Yuchuan, however, only lowered her head and twisted her handkerchief, not daring to say anything more.

Seeing this, Qianxue knelt down and took two steps, then kowtowed heavily, choking back tears as she said, "Please, Grandmother, have mercy..."

Yuan Chun frowned slightly, feeling troubled. She had some dealings with Qian Xue when she was at the Rongguo Mansion, and knew Qian Xue to be a dutiful and good maid. Moreover, Bao Qin, Jin Chuan, and Yu Chuan had all come to her for help, especially Bao Qin, who had served her since childhood and was utterly loyal; she couldn't bear to refuse them.

However, both Qianxue and Xiren were expelled from Rongguo Mansion because of their mistakes. Moreover, she had just asked Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang for Xiren. If she were to ask for Qianxue again in the blink of an eye, it might displease her maternal elders.

Just as Yuan Chun was hesitating, Jiang Nian suddenly lifted the curtain and entered.

Seeing all the maids standing solemnly in the room, especially an unfamiliar maid kneeling on the ground with tears streaming down her face, Jiang Nian raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, "What kind of show is Madam putting on here?"

Yuan Chun blushed slightly. She hadn't wanted Jiang Nian to know about this, but now that she had witnessed it, it was difficult to hide it. So she waved for everyone to leave and explained the matter of Qian Xue in detail. Finally, she sighed softly, "What does Master think should be done? I'll listen to Master's advice."

Jiang Nianxin sighed inwardly, "Well, another hairpin!"

Qianxue is a maid in the supplementary register of the original novel. Zhiyan Zhai's commentary states, "Qianxue went to the Temple of the Prison God," indicating that after the Jia family's downfall, she not only did not hold a grudge against Jia Baoyu, but also visited him at the Temple of the Prison God, demonstrating her loyalty and courage. It is a pity that the last forty chapters of Cao Xueqin's original manuscript were lost, making this maid a character whose story ends without a conclusion.

After a moment's thought, Jiang Nian said, "Since Madam says that Qianxue is a good person, and Baoqin and the others have pleaded for her, it's fine to accept her. However, your concern is valid. You just asked the Old Madam and Mother-in-law for Xiren recently, so it would be inconvenient to ask for Qianxue as well. How about this, you give her some silver to live on for now, and after some time, find a good opportunity to obtain her slave status."

Yuan Chun nodded and said, "We'll do as you say, sir."

Jiang Nian added, "You have enough maids by your side, but only Yu Chuan is temporarily serving Miss Xing. If Qian Xue comes in the future, let her serve Miss Xing, and Yu Chuan can return to your room."

Yuan Chun agreed again.

After Jiang Nian left, Yuan Chun suddenly sighed inwardly, "Bao Yu is becoming more and more willful!"

Qianxue and Xiren were both expelled from the Rongguo Mansion, all because of Jia Baoyu's actions.

……

……

At the hour of Shen (3-5 PM) on this day, the setting sun cast several long shadows on the blue brick floor of the Ministry of Works.

Jia Zheng, who was off duty, straightened his official hat and was about to get into the sedan chair when he suddenly heard someone call out loudly behind him, "Brother Cunzhou!" He turned around and saw General Feng Tang, dressed in official robes and with a jade belt around his waist, striding towards him.

The Feng family and the Jia family were old friends, and Feng Tang had a close relationship with Jia Zheng.

"Brother Xiangjun!" Jia Zheng hurriedly straightened his clothes and stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

Feng Tang helped him up and said with a smile, "It's been a long time since I last saw you, Brother Cunzhou, you look even more radiant. Since we've met by chance today, why don't we come to my humble abode for a few drinks? And let Ziying meet her uncle."

Jia Zheng repeatedly said, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness and would never dare to disobey."

The two then each rode in a sedan chair to the Feng family's residence.

The banquet was held in Feng Tang's study, furnished with the finest furniture. On the wall hung an authentic work by Mi Fu, and on the desk sat an ancient bronze tripod, creating an elegant atmosphere.

Feng Tang didn't invite anyone else to accompany him, only drinking with Jia Zheng. He then called his son, Feng Ziying, to offer him a toast. Feng Ziying was handsome with striking features and a refined demeanor. When offering the toast, he spoke eloquently, and Jia Zheng couldn't help but praise him a few times.

After several rounds of drinks and five dishes, Feng Tang suddenly slammed down his wine cup and waved away the servant who was holding the wine pot.

Upon seeing this, Jia Zheng's chopsticks froze in mid-air, a piece of braised pork trembling on the tip, about to fall.

"Brother Cunzhou," Feng Tang suddenly leaned forward, the candlelight casting a deep shadow on his face, "How is your son-in-law, Guard Jiang, doing these days?"

Jia Zheng's chopsticks landed with a "clink" on the crimson glazed dish: "Brother Xiangjun, why are you suddenly asking about your son-in-law?"

Feng Tang did not answer, but instead asked, "Do you know about your son-in-law's background?"

Jia Zheng was increasingly surprised, and under Feng Tang's persistent questioning, he recounted what he knew about Jiang Nian's background.

After listening, Feng Tang poured himself a cup of wine, the wine droplets appearing like a silver thread falling into the cup in the candlelight. After drinking it, he lowered his voice and said, "Brother Cunzhou, have you heard a strange tale?"

Jia Zheng sat up straight and said, "I would like to hear the details."

Feng Tang's Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice lowered even further: "To be honest, I heard someone say yesterday..." He suddenly stopped, looked around to make sure no one was there, and then said, word by word, "that your son-in-law is actually the bloodline of the current emperor who was lost among the common people!"

Jia Zheng was stunned, his eyes wide open, and it took him a long time to find his voice: "Is...is this really true? Where did you hear this from, Brother Xiangjun?"

Feng Tang dipped his finger in wine and drew a circle on the table: "This matter is of great importance, so please forgive me for not revealing its source. I shouldn't have told Brother Cunzhou either, but I'm telling you out of consideration for our long-standing friendship."

Jia Zhengqiang tried to remain calm: "This matter is truly shocking; it must be a rumor."

Feng Tang immediately gave Jia Zheng a detailed analysis...

After Feng Tang finished his analysis, Jia Zheng was in a state of shock, thinking to himself, "So, is my son-in-law possibly a prince?"

Suddenly a gust of wind blew by, causing the candlelight to flicker, just like his turbulent emotions at that moment.

……

……

By the time the sun set at dusk, it was already dark. Lanterns had been lit throughout the Rongguo Mansion, their red glow illuminating the corridors and even the carved window frames.

Jia Zheng alighted from the sedan chair outside, looking dazed and silent. He walked silently through the side gate, then through two more ceremonial gates, before finally making his way to Rongxi Hall, where he lived.

Seeing her husband's unusual expression, Madam Wang was surprised and asked respectfully, "Sir, are you having some difficulties with official business? Why do you seem so distracted?"

Jia Zheng seemed not to hear, sitting like a wooden or clay sculpture, his eyes blank, as if his soul had left his body.

Lady Wang asked three times before Jia Zheng suddenly realized what was happening and abruptly waved his hand, "All of you, get out!"

Seeing Jia Zheng's solemn expression, the servants dared not say anything and quickly withdrew, closing the door behind them.

Madam Wang grew increasingly alarmed and suspicious: "Could something terrible have happened?"

Jia Zheng suddenly turned his head and stared straight at her, his voice low: "Today Feng Tang told me a strange story about Nian Ge'er." At this point, his throat tightened, as if something was stuck in his throat, and after a long while, he continued: "Feng Tang said... Nian Ge'er might be... or he might be the bloodline of the current emperor who has been living among the common people!"

Madam Wang was momentarily taken aback: "What do you mean?"

Jia Zheng said, "Perhaps it's Nian Ge'er or a prince!"

This time, Madam Wang understood. Her eyes widened instantly, and the prayer beads in her hand fell to the ground with a "clatter." Her voice trembled as she asked, "Is...is this really true?"

Jia Zheng then recounted everything Feng Tang had said.

After hearing this, Lady Wang was stunned for a long time before she murmured, "No wonder! He is so young, yet he has been appointed as an imperial envoy twice. He enjoys such great favor from the emperor, and even the retired emperor has shown him great favor. Back then, the Empress Dowager specially arranged for Yuan Chun to marry him... If he is really a prince, then all these things make sense!"

Then, overjoyed, she hurriedly asked Jia Zheng, "If... if our son-in-law is truly a prince, wouldn't he be granted the title of king in the future? In that case, wouldn't Yuan Chun become a princess?"

Jia Zheng: "..."

(End of this chapter)