The Red Mansion

Chapter 198 Lin Daiyu: Hmph, how annoying!
Su Tianshi slowly said, "There is still a two-thirds chance of survival."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian thought to herself, "Two or three points of hope is a seven or eight point of death." Thinking of this, she frowned slightly, tapped her fingertips lightly on the table, and asked again, "Since you say so, sir, this disease must be very dangerous. May I ask what the reason is?"

Su Tianshi stroked his beard and sighed, "The illness that Lin Shiyu is suffering from this time is a long-standing ailment, not something that happened overnight. Firstly, it is due to congenital deficiency. This is because his ancestors did not leave him much wealth, resulting in a deficiency of qi and blood, which led to difficulty in having offspring and a small family. Lin Shiyu only had one son and one daughter, but the son was unfortunate and died young. Now he only has one daughter left, who I heard is also suffering from a lot of illnesses and has been taking medicine since she was an infant."

Jiang Nian nodded slightly, thinking to herself, "The fact that Lin Ruhai and Lin Daiyu were both weak is related to heredity, so that makes sense."

Su Tianshi continued, "Secondly, it is due to excessive mental strain. Lin Shiyu studied diligently from a young age, achieving the third-highest rank in the imperial examination, and after entering officialdom, he was even more conscientious. Especially..." At this point, his expression suddenly froze, as if he hesitated.

Jiang Nian said, "Please speak freely, sir."

Su Tianshi then said in a low voice, "Especially in recent years, when he served as the Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai, the salt administration has been deeply entrenched in corruption, and the infighting among officials has been particularly fierce. Lin, the Imperial Censor, has to both reform the salt administration and navigate between various factions. He is worried day and night and is exhausted. How can this not damage the foundation?"

Jiang Nian nodded slightly: "What you say makes sense, sir."

Su Tianshi continued, "Due to congenital deficiencies and long-term overwork, I caught a cold this winter, which quickly became uncontrollable and eventually turned into a serious illness. Now my vital energy is greatly depleted and all five internal organs are weak. Even with good medicine, it will be difficult to achieve quick results."

Jiang Nian frowned and asked, "Is there really only a two-thirds chance of survival?"

Su Tianshi solemnly replied, "I am not boasting, but if it were an ordinary doctor, I fear there would be no chance of survival. I have practiced medicine for decades and have gained some knowledge of this illness. Moreover, I have not arrived too late, which is why I have been able to preserve this two or three percent chance of survival. If it had been a few days later, even if Hua Tuo were reborn or Bian Que were resurrected, they would be powerless to save him." In truth, under his treatment, Lin Ruhai's chance of survival was not only two or three percent, but he deliberately underestimated it to avoid taking responsibility.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian secretly rejoiced: "Luckily, I sent someone to invite this Master Su early on!"

Jiang Nian stood up, cupped his hands, and earnestly said, "Sir, your medical skills are superb. I hope you will do your utmost to save Minister Lin's life. If you can turn the tide, I will reward you handsomely."

Su Tianshi also rose to return the greeting, saying, "A doctor's heart is benevolent, and I will do my best. However, this illness is dangerous and requires both internal and external treatment. In addition to medicine, one must also calm the mind and spirit."

Jiang Nian nodded in agreement, thinking that it was impossible for Lin Ruhai to fully recuperate this time, since she needed to assist him in reorganizing the salt administration, but she could try to minimize the mental strain on Lin Ruhai.

……

……

After inquiring about the details of Lin Ruhai's illness, Jiang Nian understood the situation. She straightened her clothes and went straight to the inner room. Lifting the soft blue silk curtain, she saw Lin Ruhai sitting on a rosewood armchair, his face pale and his lips bloodless. Although he tried to appear energetic, he could not hide his frail and sickly appearance.

Inside sat a middle-aged scholar named Wen Zaizhang, a trusted advisor to Lin Ruhai.

Jiang Nian quickly stepped forward, cupped her hands, and said, "Lord Lin, didn't I just tell you to lie down and rest? Why are you still forcing yourself to sit? How can I feel at ease if you don't take care of your health?"

Lin Ruhai forced a smile, his voice weak but still maintaining official decorum: "I am deeply grateful for Lord Jiang's consideration. However, it would be truly improper for me to speak with you while lying in bed."

Seeing his reaction, Jiang Nian sighed and said, "In terms of kinship, you are my uncle-in-law; in terms of age, you are my elder. Now that you are ill, why bother with these formalities? Why not sit in bed and talk? It's both convenient and good for your health. If you refuse again, you will be overstepping your bounds."

Lin Ruhai was about to decline, but seeing that Jiang Nian was already making a move to help him up, he could only smile wryly and say, "In that case... I'll do as you say, sir." He then called a servant to help him slowly move to the front of the nanmu wood frame bed. However, he refused to lie down completely, but instead placed two pillows behind him, half-leaning and half-sitting.

At this moment, a light rain was still falling outside the window. The raindrops were still as fine as cow's hair, clinging to the window frame without making a sound. Only the occasional "plop" of water dripping from the eaves fell onto the steps.

Although the charcoal fire inside was burning brightly, it still felt somewhat cold.

Wen Zaizhang, a staff member, moved a chair to the front of the bed and invited Jiang Nian to sit down.

As Jiang Nianfang sat by the bed, he suddenly heard Lin Ruhai say, "I just received a secret decree that Lord Jiang has been ordered to take over the salt administration of Lianghuai and has designated this salt office as the imperial envoy's residence. According to the rules... I should move out."

Jiang Nian smiled and said, "Your Excellency Lin is overthinking it. This saltworks is quite large, and it can accommodate more people. You are currently seriously ill, and it would be inappropriate for you to move there rashly. Besides, His Majesty has specifically instructed you to be grateful for the Emperor's grace and to assist the new minister despite your illness. It would be more convenient for us to live together in the saltworks."

Lin Ruhai didn't force the issue and secretly rejoiced. He knew his illness was serious, and if he really had to move, his body would probably be even more unable to withstand it, and a temporary relocation would also be troublesome.

After a pause, Lin Ruhai forced himself to speak to Jiang Nian: "Although I am grateful for Lord Jiang's consideration in allowing me to continue living in the Salt Bureau, this Four-Part Hall is the main house of the inner quarters, and it should be given to you, my lord, to live in."

The Sibingtang was the main residence of the Salt Commissioner's Office in Lianghuai, but it was not located in the middle of the road; rather, it was on the west side. The garden-style architecture of Jiangnan emphasizes winding paths and secluded spots, which differs from the Rongguo Mansion and Ningguo Mansion in the capital, where the main residences were located in the middle of the road.

Han Qi, a famous minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, once built the Sibing Hall. The name of the hall comes from Xie Lingyun of the Southern Dynasties, who said that "good time, beautiful scenery, pleasant things, and joyful events are difficult to combine." The name reflects the pursuit of an ideal life.

Jiang Nian said, "There's no need for that."

Seeing that he insisted on declining, Lin Ruhai said, "Since you are determined not to live in this Sibingtang, if you don't mind, you can stay temporarily in the Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion in the backyard."

Seeing that Lin Ruhai was speaking weakly, Jiang Nian did not want to trouble him with such trivial matters, so she turned to Lin Ruhai's advisor, Wen Zaizhang: "Do you know about this Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion?"

Wen Zaizhang immediately bowed forward and gave a perfunctory introduction.

It turned out that there was an ancient well in the backyard called Peach Blossom Spring. Its water was clear and used to brew tea, producing a bright and mellow tea. Next to Peach Blossom Spring was Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion, which was Lin Ruhai's study. He often invited his advisors and guests here to draw water from Peach Blossom Spring to brew tea.

Jiang Nian seemed to be deep in thought. Seeing this, Wen Zaizhang became even more attentive: "The furnishings in the pavilion are exquisite. You can see the rockery and winding stream when you open the window, and there is an old plum tree in front of the back window. Now is the season when the plum blossoms are in full bloom. It is truly a rare and wonderful place. Your daily life here is extremely comfortable. It also shows that our Imperial Censor Lin does not neglect you."

Lin Ruhai nodded slightly.

Jiang Nian said, "Imperial Attendant Lin, please rest and recover. I will go and take a look at Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion later before making a decision."

Lin Ruhai then asked Jiang Nian how many people she had brought to Yangzhou this time, and made arrangements for their accommodations.

After the matter was discussed, Lin Ruhai said, "His Majesty has secretly ordered me to assist Lord Jiang in handling salt affairs. I must report in detail all inquiries and must not shirk or delay. Lord Jiang, please feel free to ask any questions."

Jiang Nian smiled slightly and said, "Although His Majesty has ordered you to assist in the management of salt affairs, you have already overworked yourself today. Besides, I have just arrived in Yangzhou and many things are still unclear. It is not too late to discuss the salt administration after we have settled in."

Lin Ruhai nodded and leaned back on the pillow, panting.

Jiang Nian suddenly remembered something and said with a smile, "The Rongguo Mansion in the capital learned of your illness and specially arranged for your daughter to return to Yangzhou to visit you, escorted by Jia Lian. They came with me and are now at the Salt Bureau. Why don't we call them over to see you? It would be a wonderful thing for father and daughter to reunite after so long." A glint flashed in Lin Ruhai's eyes, and he immediately ordered his servants to summon Jia Lian and Lin Daiyu, and then had them leave, leaving Jiang Nian to accompany him in the inner room.

A short while later, the tinkling of jade pendants and the soft rustling of curtains filled the air. Lin Daiyu, supported by Zijuan, slowly entered. Upon seeing her father's frail and sickly appearance, tears streamed down her face like broken pearls. Just as she was about to rush forward, Lin Ruhai coughed lightly and said, "Yu'er, the Imperial Envoy is here. He is, in a sense, your brother-in-law. You have been fortunate enough to receive his help along the way. Why don't you pay your respects first?"

Lin Daiyu was taken aback. She stole a glance at Jiang Nian, who was sitting upright to the side, and thought to herself, "Has he ever taken care of me along the way? I've only seen him a few times from afar!" Although she thought this, she dared not disobey her father's orders, so she could only reluctantly curtsy to Jiang Nian and say in a low voice, "Greetings, sir. Thank you for taking care of me along the way." Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, and it carried a hint of reluctance.

Jiang Nian seemed oblivious, and said with a smile, "Sister Lin, there's no need for such formalities."

The affectionate address of "Sister Lin" ignited a small fire in Lin Daiyu's heart. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed instantly, and she thought to herself, "Who is your Sister Lin? Humph, how annoying!" When she looked up, her dewy eyes held a hint of anger as she gave Jiang Nian a wink.

Lin Daiyu disregarded her dislike for her cousin-in-law for a moment, quickly stepped forward, knelt by the bed, and looked at her father's thin and pale face, tears streaming down her face.

Seeing this, Jiang Nian stood up and said, "Uncle and cousin have been reunited after a long separation, so I won't disturb them any longer. Let's go and take a look at Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion. If it's suitable, we can stay there."

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu unconsciously clenched her handkerchief, secretly alarmed: "This... this cousin-in-law is actually going to stay at Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion?"

Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion is located in the backyard, and Lin Daiyu lives in a residence in the backyard called "Hibiscus Pavilion".

Seeing Lin Daiyu furrow her brows again, Jiang Nian glanced at her with a half-smile before leisurely leaving.

After Jiang Nian left, Lin Daiyu felt that the air in the room was a bit fresher, so she knelt down in front of her father's bed and told him in detail about the joy and sorrow of their reunion.

Jia Lian, growing impatient, finally couldn't hold back and asked, "What did the doctor say about Master's illness?"

Lin Ruhai sighed, “If an ordinary doctor were to treat my condition, there would be no chance of survival. Fortunately, Lord Jiang sent someone to invite a divine doctor surnamed Su from Suzhou, who said there was only a 20-30% chance of survival.”

Before she could finish speaking, Lin Daiyu was already weeping again, sighing inwardly, "Father... he only has two or three percent chance of survival!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian felt a deep sense of unease. His original plan for heading south was to take away Lin Ruhai's family fortune, and he had assumed Lin Ruhai was doomed. Now, hearing that there was even a sliver of hope, it was like a bucket of cold water being poured over his head. On the surface, however, he feigned concern and said, "In that case, you must take good care of yourself."

Jia Lian couldn't help but ask again, "Was it really the divine physician that Brother-in-law Jiang sent to invite?"

Lin Ruhai then explained the matter in more detail.

After hearing this, Lin Daiyu lowered her head and thought to herself, "I should thank him for this." But then she suddenly looked up and asked, "Father wants Brother-in-law Jiang... to stay at Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion?"

Lin Ruhai nodded.

Before Lin Ruhai could explain, Lin Daiyu hurriedly said, "I will still live in the Hibiscus Pavilion. If he lives in the Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion, wouldn't that be... wouldn't that be..."

Before she could finish speaking, she lowered her head in embarrassment.

Lin Ruhai understood, stretched out his withered hand, gently stroked his daughter's hair, and said softly, "Yu'er, you don't know. According to the imperial decree, Lord Jiang uses the Salt Bureau as his official residence, and I should have moved out. But now, out of consideration for my serious illness, he not only allows me to stay, but he also hasn't given up Sibingtang. The best residences in the Salt Bureau are Sibingtang and Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion. Although Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion is in the backyard, it is still some distance from Hibiscus Pavilion. Besides, he is your cousin-in-law and an imperial envoy. He is very busy with official duties, so why would he go to your residence without a reason?"

Lin Daiyu lowered her head and remained silent, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She thought to herself, "If Baoyu lived there, I would be more than happy. But it has to be this cousin-in-law I've never been close to..."

Lin Ruhai added, “Now that you’ve returned, my illness is half cured. However, since the Imperial Envoy is staying at the Salt Bureau, you must strictly abide by the rules and not act willfully.”

Lin Daiyu nodded obediently, but her dislike for her cousin-in-law only grew stronger. She twisted the handkerchief in her hand again and again, creating several creases.

Hmm, disgusting!

……

……

The drizzle was like smoke and mist, continuous and persistent.

Wen Zaizhang, holding an oil-paper umbrella, led the way with his body slightly bent, while Jiang Nian also walked with her umbrella.

The two followed the bluestone path, passed through the moon gate, and arrived at the backyard.

The backyard was already a pleasant place, but it took on a different charm in the drizzle. Rainwater pattered on the artificial rocks like beaded curtains; and the misty rain veiled the winding corridors like a light gauze.

After turning past a bamboo fence, a quiet ancient well suddenly appeared, the three characters "Peach Blossom Spring" on the well curb worn smooth by the passage of time.

Wen Zaizhang hurriedly said, "My lord, please look, this is the famous Peach Blossom Spring in Yangzhou. The water from this spring is the best for brewing tea."

Jiang Nian approached and examined the well closely. She saw that the well water was as clear as a mirror, and although the peach trees beside the well had not yet blossomed, their branches were glistening from the rain.

Wen Zaizhang then led Jiang Nian to the pavilion by the spring. This pavilion was spacious with three bays, green tiles and white walls, and a plaque with the words "Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion" hanging under the eaves, written in a vigorous style.

Inside the study, a rosewood desk was furnished with the Four Treasures of the Study, all of the finest quality. Above the desk sat a jade mountain carving depicting a boy asking questions under a pine tree. A bookshelf against the wall was filled with various books. A tea table was also set up, displaying a set of Jun ware tea utensils, lustrous as jade. A chessboard sat beneath the window, flanked by two cushions. Several paintings and calligraphic works hung on the walls, among which "Rainy Jiangnan Landscape" was particularly exquisite.

Wen Zaizhang hurriedly opened the window and said, "Please take a look, sir."

Outside the window, the artificial hills are exquisite, surrounded by winding streams, and appear even more serene in the rain.

Opening the back window again, I saw an old plum tree with gnarled branches, its blossoms vibrant despite the rain.

Wen Zaizhang said with a fawning smile, "Imperial Censor Lin loves to read and meet friends here. It's the perfect place to cool off in the summer and admire the plum blossoms in the winter. I dare not deceive you, sir, although this pavilion is not as magnificent as the Four-Part Hall, it is the most charming place in the Salt Bureau."

Jiang Nian was quite satisfied, so she said, "Let's stay here."

(End of this chapter)