The Red Mansion

Chapter 195 Lin Daiyu Returns to Yangzhou
After changing her clothes and having lunch, Jiang Nian went straight to her study.

Yuan Chun followed her in and gently closed the carved door behind her.

Jiang Nian was standing by the window, sipping tea and gazing absently at the snow outside. When she saw Yuan Chun come in, she turned to look at her.

Yuan Chun moved gracefully to his side, took out the string of sandalwood prayer beads, gently stroked them with her fingertips, and asked, "Where did you get these prayer beads, sir?"

Jiang Nian turned around and took the prayer beads, playing with them as she said, "Today, during my visit to the palace, I not only had the honor of meeting His Majesty, but also the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager is kind and has bestowed this item upon me to ensure my safety."

Although Yuan Chun had anticipated this, hearing Jiang Nian say it himself still gave her a jolt. The thought of "dragon seed" resurfaced, and she thought to herself, "If the master were not a dragon seed, how could he have met the Empress Dowager? And the Empress Dowager even bestowed upon him the Buddhist beads she had carried with her for many years?"

She opened her mouth, almost blurting out the question, but ultimately forced herself to hold it back. She knew it was inconvenient to ask her husband about this fact; even if she did, he wouldn't be able to admit it, and it would put him in a difficult position.

After a long silence, Yuan Chun finally found her voice: "What is the matter that His Majesty summoned you, sir, today?"

Jiang Nian walked to the table and sat down, then asked Yuan Chun to sit down as well, before saying, "The Emperor Emeritus read my poems and thought they were acceptable, so he wishes to see me."

His tone was so calm, as if he were saying that it snowed quite heavily today.

Yuan Chun stared blankly at Jiang Nian: "The Emperor Emeritus... summoned me because of your poems, Master?"

Jiang Nian nodded, but did not speak.

Yuan Chun thought to herself, "If the Emperor Emeritus is my master's grandfather and the Empress Dowager is my master's grandmother, then all of this makes sense."

One lie often requires many lies to cover it up.

Jiang Nian couldn't tell Yuan Chun about the matter of the dragon seed, but she also didn't want to make up more lies to cover it up.

In any case, Yuan Chun is intelligent and knows how to behave appropriately, so she won't flaunt her abilities.

This tacit understanding is not bad.

Jiang Nian gazed at Yuan Chun and said calmly, "Today, while meeting the Emperor, I also received a task."

Yuan Chun knew that the task the Emperor had assigned to the young master was no ordinary matter, but she only smiled and asked, "I wonder what kind of task it is?"

"His Majesty has once again appointed me as Imperial Envoy." Jiang Nian tapped the table lightly with her fingertips. "This time I am going to Yangzhou. As for what exactly I am going to do, I cannot tell you in detail, Madam."

Yuan Chun clenched the handkerchief in her hand and sighed inwardly, "As expected, it's another imperial envoy!"

After a pause, Yuan Chun asked, "When do we depart?"

"Three days later."

Before Jiang Nian could finish speaking, Yuan Chun frowned slightly, and the meticulously drawn distant mountain-like eyebrows suddenly rippled.

Yuan Chun was secretly annoyed: "The end of the year is just around the corner. Doesn't that mean that Master won't be able to spend the New Year at home? If he's not home, how are we women supposed to have a good New Year?"

She immediately smiled and said, "His Majesty values ​​you so highly, I am overjoyed for you. Although I cannot spend the New Year at home..." Her voice trailed off at this point.

Seeing her forced smile, Jiang Nian said softly, "Yu the Great tamed the floods, passing his home three times without entering. With the imperial mandate upon me, how dare I be preoccupied with the New Year?" As she spoke, she reached out and brushed away non-existent dust from Yuan Chun's sleeve. "You are so virtuous, capable of considering the bigger picture and understanding the greater good!"

Yuan Chun lowered her head, and when she looked up again, she was about to discuss the travel arrangements and the New Year's arrangements at home when Jiang Nian changed the subject: "Today when I entered the palace, I also learned something that is related to the Rong family."

Yuan Chun's heart skipped a beat, her subconscious thought that her family had gotten into trouble again, but she forced herself to remain calm and asked, "I don't know what it is?"

Jiang Nian then recounted how Lin Ruhai had fallen seriously ill and requested to retire.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chun knew that Jiang Nian's mission to Yangzhou must be related to the salt administration there. She twisted the handkerchief in her hand, because she felt that if something happened to her uncle Lin Ruhai, the pillar of the Lin family through marriage would collapse, and the Rongguo Mansion would fall into further decline.

"This matter..." her voice was slightly hoarse, "Should we inform the Rong family?"

Jiang Nian nodded: "You should go there yourself today and visit the old lady and your mother-in-law while you're at it."

Yuan Chun nodded as well.

……

……

The snow stopped in the afternoon.

Yuan Chun rode in a carriage with a green canopy, pearl tassels, and eight precious ornaments from the eastern suburbs of Shenjing to the Rongguo Mansion.

The wheels crunched over the snow, leaving two tracks on the road.

Yuan Chun lifted a corner of the curtain several times, and saw that the streets and houses outside the carriage were all covered in silver. Occasionally, sparrows hopped on the snow, leaving behind a series of claw marks like bamboo leaves.

Inside the Rongguo Mansion, Grandmother Jia was playing dominoes with Madam Xing, Madam Wang, and Li Wan in Rongqing Hall.

Suddenly a servant rushed in to report: "Grandma, the eldest daughter has arrived!"

With a good domino hanging in mid-air, Grandmother Jia immediately lost interest in playing. She pushed the domino away and hurriedly ordered Li Wan to lead the servants to fetch it.

Madam Xing harbored resentment towards Yuan Chun, yet she was also curious about why Yuan Chun had come on this snowy day, so she waited in the hall with Grandmother Jia and Madam Wang.

Before long, Li Wan led Yuan Chun in gracefully.

The people in the hall looked closely and saw that Yuan Chun was wearing a scarlet felt cloak with a brocade jacket underneath, and a gold filigree phoenix hairpin with jewels inlaid in her hair, making her look radiant.

The hall was warm and cozy, so Yuan Chun took off her cloak and handed it to Bao Qin, then stepped forward to greet Grandmother Jia and the others.

Grandmother Jia pulled Yuanchun to sit beside her, took Yuanchun's hand, and asked, "My child, why did you come in this freezing weather?"

Yuan Chun smiled and said, "Firstly, I came to visit the old lady and the ladies, and secondly..." She immediately stopped smiling, "The master has something he wants me to tell him."

Jiang Nian has something to tell you? That must be something important!
Grandmother Jia hurriedly asked what was wrong.

Yuan Chun then recounted how Jiang Nian had come to the palace that day to pay her respects and learned that Lin Ruhai was seriously ill and had requested to retire.

Before she could finish speaking, Grandmother Jia became saddened: "Of all my children, the one I loved most was Lin's mother, but she left me so early that I never even got to see her again. Now, even Lin's father is seriously ill."

Yuan Chun comforted him, saying, "Uncle is a lucky man; perhaps things will turn around."

Grandmother Jia sighed, "I hope so!"

After a slight pause, Grandmother Jia asked curiously, "What brings Nian-ge'er to the palace today?"

"Today, the master has entered the palace to meet the Emperor..." Yuan Chun paused deliberately, and sure enough, all eyes in the room turned to her. "His Majesty has entrusted him with an important mission, and he will be heading south to Yangzhou in three days to carry out his duties."

As Jiang Nian had reminded her, Yuan Chun did not mention poetry or Jiang Nian's meeting with the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager at this time.

Even so, the entire hall was already filled with astonishment!
Is this Jiang's son-in-law being appointed as an imperial envoy for the third time? And this time he's going to Yangzhou on official business. Considering Lin Ruhai's serious illness and request for retirement, this assignment is most likely related to the salt administration in Yangzhou.
Grandmother Jia, fiddling with her prayer beads, tentatively asked, "Does Nian-ge'er's mission to Yangzhou involve the salt trade?"

Yuan Chun smiled gently: "Since the master hasn't said anything, I shouldn't make any guesses."

Grandmother Jia couldn't help but look at Lady Wang, only to find that Lady Wang was also looking at her. For a moment, their eyes met, and they both thought in unison, "Could it really be a child of the emperor? Otherwise, how could the emperor's favor be so great?" Grandmother Jia pondered for a moment, twirling the prayer beads in her hand, and then asked Yuan Chun, "Since your Uncle Lin is seriously ill, shouldn't we send Lin back to Yangzhou to visit him?"

Yuan Chun sighed softly, "Uncle Lin only has this one daughter, so he should go back, both out of courtesy and reason."

Grandmother Jia nodded, "That's what I think too." She then ordered Yuanyang, "Go and invite Lin's maid."

Before long, the tinkling of jade pendants could be heard, and Lin Daiyu gracefully arrived, followed by Yingchun, Tanchun, and Xichun, with even Jia Baoyu hurrying to follow.

The sisters were there to see Yuan Chun, but were also curious about why Lin Daiyu had been suddenly summoned.

Lin Daiyu was wearing a moon-white padded jacket embroidered with plum blossoms, with an apricot-colored handkerchief tied around her waist, making her appear delicate and frail.

Grandmother Jia took Lin Daiyu's hand and sighed before speaking, "Good child, there is something I need to tell you." She then told her about Lin Ruhai's serious illness.

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu's face turned deathly pale, and her dewy eyes immediately filled with tears, which slid down her cheeks like dewdrops rolling down a lotus leaf.

As expected of her, her crying skills are amazing!
She can cry on cue, and she can cry instantly without being told to.

As she cried, Lin Daiyu suddenly clenched the handkerchief in her hand, her knuckles turning blue, and her body swayed.

Grandmother Jia embraced her and said, "I want you to go back to Yangzhou to visit them. What do you think?"

Lin Daiyu said, "Father is unwell, so as his daughter, it is only right that I..."

Before he could finish speaking, he choked up and could no longer speak.

Seeing this, Jia Baoyu was so anxious that he scratched his head and couldn't help but step forward and tug at Grandmother Jia's sleeve, saying, "Grandmother! It's the dead of winter, and Lin Daiyu is weak. How can she withstand such a long journey? We can just send someone from our mansion to visit her on her behalf."

Actually, he was reluctant to part with Lin Daiyu.

Grandmother Jia frowned and said, "Nonsense! The bond between father and daughter, the principles of filial piety and righteousness, are not things that a child like you can understand." Seeing that Jia Baoyu was about to speak again, she softened her tone and said, "It's just a temporary farewell, a visit. You'll be back eventually."

Upon hearing this, Jia Baoyu dared not dissuade her any further. He stared blankly at Lin Daiyu, noticing the tears glistening in her eyes. His heart was filled with mixed emotions, and he sighed inwardly, "If Lin Daiyu goes away, who knows if she will ever return? And if she does return, who knows when?"

After Lin Daiyu, the three sisters, and Jia Baoyu had left, Grandmother Jia ordered Yuanyang to bring fresh tea before discussing with Yuanchun: "Since Nian-ge'er is going to Yangzhou on business, could Lin'er accompany him?"

Jiang Nian had already given Yuan Chun instructions on this matter, and Yuan Chun responded according to Jiang Nian's instructions: "Master is acting on the Emperor's orders this time, and the ceremonial boats are all regulated, so it is inconvenient to bring Lin Daiyu along."

In truth, Jiang Nian did wish to bring Lin Daiyu along, but as an imperial envoy traveling south to Yangzhou, it was indeed inconvenient. However, once Lin Daiyu returned to Yangzhou, the two would naturally meet there.

Grandmother Jia pondered for a moment, fiddling with her prayer beads, and then suddenly said, "In that case, I intend for your second brother Lian to escort your sister Lin south. As the imperial envoy going to Yangzhou, Nian-ge'er should help in any way he can."

Yuan Chun nodded knowingly: "I will tell you, sir."

Immediately, Grandmother Jia ordered someone to summon Jia Lian and Jia She.

Jia Lian arrived at Rongqing Hall soon, and a little while later, Jia She also arrived.

Jia She was dressed in a dark blue brocade sable coat, his face flushed, and he seemed drunk. Upon entering Rongqing Hall and seeing Yuan Chun there, he immediately frowned, his expression turning sour. Yuan Chun, however, didn't mind and greeted him as usual.

Grandmother Jia told her about Lin Ruhai's serious illness and her intention to send Jia Lian to escort Lin Daiyu.

Upon hearing this, Jia She's cloudy eyes immediately lit up. He quickly dismissed all the servants and even said to Yuan Chun, "You may also leave."

Grandmother Jia was displeased: "The eldest daughter can stay here. Is there anything she can't hear?"

Jia She sighed helplessly, rolled his eyes at Yuan Chun, and then said, "Grandma's suggestion is absolutely right! The Lin family has few descendants, and Lin's brother-in-law has no close relatives or direct descendants, nor does he have a second wife. He only has Lin's daughter. If anything happens to her, the family property should naturally be inherited by Lin's daughter. As the maternal grandmother, it is only right for Grandma to manage it on her behalf. Besides, my sister's dowry is among the family property." He then glanced at Jia Lian, "When you go south this time, you must bring back your uncle's family property."

Madam Xing's expression immediately lit up with joy.

Madam Wang's fingers, which were holding the rosary beads, suddenly tightened.

Although Grandmother Jia's expression remained unchanged, a glint of shrewdness flashed in her eyes.

All three of them were tempted!

Lin Ruhai's ancestor had inherited the title of Marquis, making the Lin family a prominent and influential clan. However, their direct line was small, resulting in a highly concentrated family fortune. Lin Ruhai himself was a third-place scholar in the imperial examinations and served as an official for many years, including the lucrative position of Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai. Furthermore, when Jia Min, the daughter of Grandmother Jia, married Lin Ruhai, her dowry was even more lavish than that of Yuan Chun…

"This son-in-law Lin's property should indeed belong to our family!"

Grandmother Jia thought to herself.

Jia She and Madam Xing both thought to themselves, "Once we acquire this Lin family fortune, we must keep a large portion of it for ourselves..."

Observing Jia She's expression, Jia Lian said, "When I go, I will make sure to take stock of my uncle's property." As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Jia Mu's expression.

Jia She interjected, "That's exactly right!"

Grandmother Jia glanced at Yuan Chun, then coughed and said slowly, "Lian'er is gone, but the most important thing is Lin's filial piety. As for the rest..." Her gaze swept over Jia She's face, "Just do as your father says."

……

……

After leaving Rongqing Hall, Lin Daiyu staggered back to her residence, her eyes brimming with tears. If it weren't for her maid Zijuan supporting her, she would have fallen into the snow long ago.

Yingchun, Tanchun, Xichun, and Jia Baoyu arrived shortly after, each offering their own words of comfort.

Yingchun handed over the embroidered handkerchief and said softly, "Sister, don't worry, Uncle Lin is a lucky man."

Tan Chun was more practical and had already instructed Zi Juan to prepare the luggage properly, including a heater for the journey.

Xi Chun remained silent.

Lin Daiyu forced back her tears and curtsied to everyone: "Thank you for your concern, sisters. May I have a moment to myself?"

Sanchun understood and had no choice but to withdraw.

Only Jia Baoyu stood still, staring intently at Lin Daiyu, as if he had a thousand words to say.

After the sisters left, Jia Baoyu suddenly rushed forward, his eyes pleading, "Good sister, you must come back! And come back soon! No matter how good Yangzhou is, it can't compare to here." As he spoke, he grabbed Lin Daiyu's sleeve, "If you don't come back, I... I can't live."

Seeing him like this, Lin Daiyu felt a mix of bitterness and sweetness in her heart. She shook off his hand and scolded, "What nonsense are you talking about! I'm not going to fulfill my filial duties. Since the old lady asked me to come back, I must come back."

He turned his back as he spoke, his shoulders twitching slightly.

Jia Baoyu was speechless for a moment, and just stood there motionless.

Seeing that Jia Baoyu hadn't moved for a while, Lin Daiyu slowly turned around, only to see that tears were welling up in Jia Baoyu's eyes.

At this moment, she felt she had so much to say to him, but she didn't know how to express it.

All the words in my mouth instantly turned into a long sigh...

(End of this chapter)