The Red Mansion

Chapter 186 Emperor Taishun: Let it be.
Jiang Nian and Yuan Chun entered the study together.

Inside the study, the silver charcoal crackled and burned brightly in the brazier, the scarlet flames licking the bluish-gray charcoal, filling the room with a spring-like glow.

Yuan Chun had just returned from the snow, her clothes still carrying a chill. She was first warmed by Jiang Nian's gentle words, and now, as she entered the study, she felt even warmer all over.

Xiangling brought over a tea tray and handed a cup of hot tea to Yuanchun. The steaming tea made Yuanchun's fair face glow.

Jiang Nian admired Yuan Chun's graceful sipping of hot tea. Her brows were furrowed like spring mountains, her eyes were like autumn waters, her lips were like cinnabar, and her slender fingers held jade. She asked, "The old lady of the Rong family urgently summoned you. What important matter could it be?"

Yuan Chun paused for a moment, then deliberately raised the corner of her eye slightly, showing a hint of coquettishness, and said, "I won't tell you now, I'll tell you tonight."

Seeing her like this, Jiang Nian became even more curious and leaned closer, smiling, "What's so mysterious about it?"

Yuan Chun deliberately tilted her body slightly to the side and said reproachfully, "Master, please be patient. You'll find out tonight anyway." Then she turned her head and smiled, "If you don't have anything urgent to do right now, how about I teach you another tune?"

Seeing that she was changing the subject, Jiang Nian knew that she was intentionally keeping him in suspense, so she followed up with a smile and said, "But I wonder which branch you will be teaching this time?"

Yuan Chun straightened her sleeves and said seriously, "It is 'Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute.' This is a piece I am good at. When I was serving the Empress Dowager in the palace, I often played this piece, and the Empress Dowager also loved to listen to it."

He then gave Jiang Nian a detailed introduction to "Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute".

Seeing her earnestness, Jiang Nian cupped her hands and smiled, "In that case, I'll have to trouble you for guidance, Madam."

Just then, a soft "crack" was heard outside the window; a tree branch had broken due to the wind and snow.

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

Outside the window, the air is filled with the delicate beauty of scattered jade; inside, spring warmth and fragrance abound.

Yuan Chun ordered Bao Qin to bring the Nine Heavens Jade Pendant Qin, and then summoned Xi Ren and other maids to set up the qin table.

Once everything was arranged, Yuan Chun waved for the maids to leave. Bao Qin understood and led the maids out of the study, gently closing the carved door behind her.

Inside, Yu Jiangnian and Yuan Chun sat side by side at the zither table.

The glow of the silvery embers illuminated their faces; one was heroic and capable, the other stunningly beautiful—truly a perfect couple, deeply in love.

Yuan Chun turned her head to Jiang Nian and smiled, "Let me demonstrate it to you first, and you can observe the finger technique carefully."

As she spoke, she took off the jade bracelet from her wrist and placed it on a small lacquered table to the side.

Jiang Nian sat up straight and replied, "That's exactly right, I'll listen attentively."

Yuan Chun lightly rolled up her sleeves, revealing a section of her fair, alabaster wrist. Her slender fingers first lightly brushed the strings to test the sound. Then, with a gentle pluck, a clear "tinkling" sound was heard, like a drop of clear spring water falling into a secluded pool. Her fingers then flew across the strings, and the music sometimes lingered softly like a sob, and sometimes soared high like a long roar.

However, the mood with which Yuan Chun played "Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute" today was different from when she played it in the palace in the past.

When she played this tune in the palace, she was either thinking of Cai Wenji's tragic fate or lamenting her own destiny of being sent to the palace by Grandmother Jia.

Today, the music flowing from her slender fingers is a recollection of her past life in the palace, and also a reflection on the mystery of Jiang Nian's origins—perhaps she is of royal blood, a son of the dragon and a grandson of the phoenix.

Jiang Nianke was unaware of the subtle nuances at play.

……

……

By evening, the snow had stopped.

A thin layer of snow had accumulated in the Jiang family's courtyard, which, reflected in the twilight, looked like a layer of shattered jade.

After having dinner with Yuan Chun, Jiang Nian went to his study as usual.

At this moment, Yuan Chun entered the study, sat down next to Jiang Nian, and gently waved her hand. Xiang Ling understood and quietly withdrew, closing the door behind her.

Yuan Chun then parted her lips slightly and asked Jiang Nian, "Where will you be staying tonight, sir?"

Jiang Nian said, "The east wing."

The east wing is where Jing Qing lives.

Yuan Chun's face suddenly flushed slightly. She lowered her head and said softly, "Master, would it be alright if you stayed in the main room tonight?"

The implication was clear: she wanted Jiang Nian to spend the night with her.

Jiang Nian had spent the previous two nights with Yuan Chun, and whenever he wanted to stay in the west or east wing, Yuan Chun always went along with him.

Yuan Chun is behaving strangely today.

Jiang Nian immediately understood: Yuan Chun wanted to tell him in detail about the urgent summons from Grandmother Jia that day.

He gazed at Yuan Chun, noticing her lowered neck, shyly fiddling with her sash, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of anticipation and timidity. He smiled and said, "Since you have so kindly invited me, how could I dare refuse?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chun burst out laughing, then covered her mouth with her handkerchief, her eyes darting around as she scolded, "Master, you're just making fun of people."

He got up and left the study.

……

……

into the night.

Inside the main bedroom of the Jiang family's house, the curtains hung low.

Although the embers in the silver frost charcoal brazier were still burning and warm, the darkness was caused by the lights being out and only the snow light from outside the window filtering in.

Yuan Chun, dressed in an apricot-red soft silk nightgown, her hair half-disheveled, was nestled in Jiang Nian's arms.

Jiang Nian gently stroked her fragrant shoulder and said with a smile, "My lady, can you tell me now what the matter is that the old lady of the Rong family summoned me so urgently today?"

Yuan Chun remained silent for a moment, the only sound being the mingling of their breaths. After a long while, she softly hummed in agreement, but still did not speak. Jiang Nian did not urge her either.

After a while, Yuan Chun seemed to have made up her mind and said in a low voice, "This matter... is related to Master's background." Her voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible.

Jiang Nian froze instantly, but remained silent.

Yuan Chun noticed this and continued, "The old lady and my mother heard some rumors that the eldest master... the eldest master might be..." She paused, seemingly finding it difficult to finish, before saying, "...or perhaps the bloodline of the current emperor who has been living among the common people!"

After these words were spoken, the room became eerily quiet.

Jiang Nian remained silent for a long time before asking, "Where did you hear that sound of wind?"

Yuan Chun then explained the situation in detail.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian showed little surprise.

He had long anticipated that his true background would be speculated upon and spread.

Yuan Chun's voice grew softer, yet trembled slightly: "Master, is this rumor... true?" Jiang Nian pulled her closer to him and said gently, "Go to the Rong Mansion again tomorrow and tell the old lady and your mother-in-law that this is utter nonsense. This concerns the dignity of the imperial family; how can they speak such nonsense? Does the Rong Mansion want to bring trouble upon themselves? Remember to make them keep quiet about this matter."

That was a clever way of putting it.

Now that things had come to this, he couldn't bear to deceive Yuan Chun, but he also couldn't tell her the truth. His words at this moment, without directly telling Yuan Chun that it was a rumor, but only asking her to tell Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, showed a measured approach.

Yuan Chun, quick-witted, hurriedly said, "I was being presumptuous. I will inform the old lady and my mother tomorrow." After saying that, she buried her face in Jiang Nian's chest.

Jiang Nian hugged her tighter and gently patted her back, saying, "How can this be your fault?"

The winter night was deep and still, the room dark yet warm. Yuan Chun was held tightly in Jiang Nian's arms, her mind racing with thoughts: "Judging from Master's words, he doesn't seem to completely deny it. If he truly is the emperor's child, this matter is naturally inconvenient to state openly." Thinking this, a tremor ran through her, and she thought, "So, perhaps Master really is..."

Jiang Nian was also deep in thought.

He pondered whether he should proactively go to the palace to explain the matter to Emperor Taishun, lest the emperor suspect that he had spread the rumors. After consideration, he abandoned the idea. Even if he went to the palace to explain, Emperor Taishun might still suspect that he had spread the rumors. Moreover, he had just returned to the capital after achieving merit, and if he proactively told Emperor Taishun about such a matter at this time, Emperor Taishun might suspect that he was arrogant and wanted Emperor Taishun to recognize him as a prince.

In any case, he didn't spread the news; he even kept it from Yuan Chun, and then had Yuan Chun inform Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang. That way, if Emperor Taishun asked about it later, they could explain themselves.

For a moment, Jiang Nian and Yuan Chun each had their own thoughts, but they both tacitly remained silent.

A northerly wind began to rise outside the window, causing the windowpanes to creak slightly.

……

……

the next morning.

Inside the warm pavilion of Rongqing Hall in Rongguo Mansion, the fragrance of agarwood wafts gently, drifting between the carved window lattices.

Grandmother Jia was leaning against a brocade cushion, listening to Jia She speak with her eyes half-closed.

Jia She, dressed in a crimson robe with floral patterns, had a smiling face and was bowing to Grandmother Jia, asking for an astonishing sum of money.

Although Jia She inherited the title of First-Class General, he was not the head of the Rongguo Mansion. He lived off his meager salary, yet he was a spendthrift. He spent his time either drinking, watching plays, or buying concubines and maids.

Just as they were talking animatedly, Yuanyang suddenly lifted the curtain and came in, saying urgently, "Grandma, the eldest daughter is back!"

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia perked up and exclaimed, "Please come in quickly!" She then waved to Jia She and said, "You should go back first; we can discuss this matter later."

Jia She's old face immediately turned a deep liver color.

He knew all too well that the old lady was biased, treating his second brother Jia Zheng like a precious jewel, while always treating him, the eldest son, with indifference. Over the years, he had no choice but to swallow his anger. But now, even his granddaughter Yuan Chun was treated better than him; the moment Yuan Chun arrived, the old lady wanted to send him away.

Moreover, Madam Xing had recently suffered humiliation at the Jiang family's house and complained to Jia She that Yuan Chun had stood by coldly, showing no respect for Jia She, her master. Jia She was already seething with anger because of this, and seeing the old lady's attitude, he couldn't help but sneer, "So, your young lady has returned, and you want to send your son away? Do you think I'm not even as good as a married-out maid?"

These words were extremely harsh, and the warm pavilion suddenly fell into a deathly silence.

Grandmother Jia was already displeased because Jia She had asked for ten thousand taels of silver that day. Hearing his words, she became furious, her face turning ashen. She slammed her hand on the table and said, "Yuan'er, you came today to discuss some important matters. But all you do is ask for money. What kind of behavior is this!"

Upon hearing this, Jia She's old face turned even more crimson, and his beard trembled as he said, "Old Madam, you are so biased! After Yuan Chun got married, all she cared about was that little beast! Not to mention that she puts me in her eyes, even you, Old Madam, probably don't even rank in her heart. All these years of pampering her have been for nothing!"

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia was terrified, her heart pounding. She thought to herself, "If Nian-ge'er is truly the Emperor's son, then by speaking such wild words, isn't the eldest master insulting even the Emperor himself?"

Thinking of this, Grandmother Jia said sternly, "You've really lost your mind! From now on, you must not utter a single word about Nian-ge'er and Yuan-chun, not even in your dreams, let alone behind their backs!"

These harsh words startled Jia She. Why was the old lady so angry? He was stunned for a moment, speechless.

Just as they were at an impasse, Yuanyang suddenly announced loudly, "The eldest young lady has come in."

Before she finished speaking, Yuan Chun gracefully entered Rongqing Hall.

Upon seeing this, Jia She snorted and turned to leave.

When Yuan-chun saw Jia She, she quickly curtsied and said, "Greetings to the Master."

Jia She merely glanced at him coldly, then lifted the curtain and left without looking back.

Grandmother Jia hurriedly beckoned to Yuanchun and said, "Good child, come and sit down." She then sighed, "Master has become increasingly unruly lately, don't take it to heart."

Yuan Chun smiled gently and said softly, "Your granddaughter wouldn't dare."

Soon, Madam Wang, having received the news, rushed to Rongqing Hall, panting heavily, clearly having traveled a long way.

Grandmother Jia then put down her teacup and said to Yuanyang and the others, "You may all step outside the hall. Do not come in unless you are called in."

Seeing this spectacle, everyone became curious again.

Amber tugged at Yuanyang's sleeve and whispered, "Sister, do you know what intimate words the Old Madam and the Second Madam want to say to the Eldest Miss?"

Yuanyang shook her head, thinking to herself, "It's nothing more than something related to Young Master Jiang. I just don't know what it is that's so important that even I can't bear to hear about it."

Inside the warm pavilion, Grandmother Jia had Yuan Chun sit next to her on the kang (heated brick bed), while Lady Wang sat on a stool below.

Yuan Chun then relayed Jiang Nian's instructions: "The master specifically asked me to tell you that those rumors outside are utter nonsense. This concerns the dignity of the imperial family, how can such nonsense be allowed? Could it be... could it be that your household wants to bring trouble upon itself? Remember to keep quiet about it."

Upon hearing this, the expectant looks on the faces of Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang immediately dimmed.

Grandmother Jia was also afraid, thinking to herself, "Now that the Emperor Emeritus is no longer protecting our household, we really can't afford to cause trouble!"

Madam Wang was also afraid. The destruction of the Wang family had left her with a deep psychological shadow. She herself had almost suffered a disaster, so how could she dare to cause trouble again?
After a long silence, Grandmother Jia sighed, "What Nian-ge'er said is right. Such rumors should indeed be stopped." Then she looked at Madam Wang, "Go back and tell Second Master."

Madam Wang quickly agreed, but her eyes betrayed her disappointment.

The three of them discussed some details in hushed tones before Grandmother Jia called someone in to serve them.

When Yuanyang and the others heard the summons, they rushed in. They saw that the old lady looked solemn, the second wife was pale, and the eldest daughter had a slight frown. They were all puzzled, but none of them dared to ask a question.

……

……

This morning.

Inside the Yangxin Hall of the Imperial Palace, the heated floor made the room feel as warm as spring.

After Prince Zhongyi and Emperor Taishun had finished discussing several important matters of the court, Prince Zhongyi suddenly whispered, "Fourth Brother, I have heard that some people are spreading rumors that Yi Ge'er may be a child of the emperor."

He then proceeded to explain the details in detail.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taishun simply nodded slightly: "I already know that some people are spreading this matter, but it is merely speculation."

Prince Zhongyi smiled and said, "Just as Fourth Brother predicted. Yi-ge'er enjoys the Emperor's favor, has been appointed Imperial Envoy twice, and given his background, discerning people can easily guess what's going on." After a moment's thought, he added, "Should we strictly prohibit such rumors?"

Emperor Taishun shook his head and said, "How can this matter be strictly prohibited? I cannot issue an edict on this matter. Let it be."

(End of this chapter)