The Red Mansion

Chapter 203 Beauty Trap

After meeting Jiang Nian at the Salt Bureau, Shen Chuan'en rode in a sedan chair, winding his way through the city to a secluded residence. The house was simple on the outside, but exquisitely furnished inside.

Shen Chuan'en sat down in the hall, sipping tea while waiting for someone.

About 15 minutes later, a knocking sound came from outside the gate, three light and two heavy.

Shen Chuan'en gave a wink, and a servant hurriedly opened the door, leading in a middle-aged scholar in a dark blue long gown, who was none other than Wen Zaizhang, a trusted advisor of Lin Ruhai.

The term "muyou" refers to a secretary or advisor.

Wen Zaizhang stepped into the hall and bowed to Shen Chuan'en as soon as he entered, saying, "Greetings, Master Shen."

Shen Chuan'en waved his hand to indicate that there was no need for formalities. After Wen Zaizhang took his seat, he cut straight to the point: "Is there any important intelligence?"

Wen Zaizhang said in a low voice, "Last night and this morning, the imperial envoy Jiang Nian was having a private conversation with Lin Ruhai in the inner room of the Sibing Hall. As for what they were talking about, we really couldn't find out."

Shen Chuan'en frowned and tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "Go on."

“There is one more thing,” Wen Zaizhang said. “Today is the Lantern Festival, and Jiang Nian wants to go for a night stroll tonight. In the next few days, he will visit all the famous scenic spots in Yangzhou. Lin Ruhai ordered me to accompany him and serve him, saying that it is to fulfill the duties of a host.”

A glint of light flashed in Shen Chuan'en's eyes: "Is there anything else?"

Wen Zaizhang said, "That's all for now. Jiang Nian is cautious in his actions, so it's difficult for him to gather intelligence on her."

Shen Chuan'en pondered for a moment and said, "In your opinion, is he greedy for money?"

Wen Zaizhang stroked his beard: "There is no sign of greed at the moment."

Shen Chuan'en continued, "Yesterday you sent a tip that Qiu sent a pretty maid to serve him?"

Wen Zaizhang replied, "That's right. Originally, Lin Ruhai sent his servant Kang'er to serve him, but I don't know if it was Lin Ruhai's idea or Qiu's idea, Kang'er was replaced by Qiu's maid Xiao Nan. Xiao Nan is seventeen years old this year, and her looks are outstanding among the women of the Salt Bureau. Jiang Nian did not refuse."

Shen Chuan'en nodded, thinking to himself, "This young man is, after all, a young man full of vigor. It's only natural for young people to be lustful."

Wen Zaizhang suddenly remembered something and quickly said, "Oh, right, there's one more thing."

Shen Chuan'en asked, "What is it?"

Wen Zaizhang said, "Kang'er, Lin Ruhai's trusted servant, spied on Lin Ruhai and Jiang Nian in the Sibing Hall last night and was kicked out."

Shen Chuan'en frowned and asked, "Do you know whose spy this servant is?"

Wen Zaizhang shook his head: "It's still unknown."

Shen Chuan'en said in a deep voice, "Since Jiang Nian is so cautious, you must remember this, Xiao Yi."

Wen Zaizhang said, "I understand."

Shen Chuan'en pushed a prepared brocade pouch over: "This is a reward for you."

Wen Zaizhang took the brocade pouch, which felt heavy in his hand. Knowing that it contained gold, he immediately beamed with joy: "Thank you, Master Shen!"

Shen Chuan'en whispered a few more instructions, and Wen Zaizhang nodded repeatedly...

……

……

After Wen Zaizhang took his leave, Shen Chuan'en sat alone in the hall, deep in thought:
"Although Jiang Nian is young, he is a ruthless official who should not be underestimated!"

"He has been an imperial envoy three times. The first time was to go to Laizhou to reform the salt administration, which affected the entire Shandong; the second time was the Luo Jiao case not long ago, in which he destroyed the Luo Jiao, which shocked the entire Jiangnan region; this time is his third time serving as an imperial envoy, coming to Yangzhou to take over the Lianghuai salt administration. How could he really be as he claims, only seeking a peaceful transition? Besides, he had already rushed to have two secret talks with Lin Ruhai yesterday after arriving, and he was very cautious during the talks!"

"Last time, my cousin Shen Chuankui's identity as a member of the Luo Sect was exposed, and that guard Qi came to Yangzhou but couldn't catch him. It's possible that this time Emperor Taishun specifically sent Jiang Nian to Yangzhou to deal with my Shen family!"

"The person who came here is evil!"

Thinking of this, Shen Chuan'en's expression turned solemn.

He then left the secluded courtyard in a sedan chair and returned to his own residence.

His residence was extraordinary, located on the south bank of Baozhang Lake. It was a vast garden called Shen Garden.

Baozhang Lake is the Slender West Lake of Jiang Nian's previous life, and it is usually called Baozhang Lake in this era.

The sedan chair moved slowly along the south bank of Baozhang Lake.

Under the sunlight, the lake surface shimmered with golden light, and the sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments drifted from the distant painted boats.

Shen Chuan'en lifted a corner of the sedan curtain and looked at the lake view, but had no heart to appreciate it.

Before long, the sedan chair arrived at Shen Garden.

Upon entering the garden, one sees pavilions and towers nestled among ancient trees and strange rocks, exuding extravagance everywhere. Shen Chuan'en, however, has no interest in admiring the scenery and goes straight to his study. Along the way, the servants, seeing his gloomy expression, stand at attention, holding their breath.

Upon entering the study, Shen Chuan'en sat down in a grand armchair.

Before long, a middle-aged man dressed in a brown robe strode over; he was Yan Xiu, the chief steward of Shen Garden. After bowing, he asked, "What are your orders, sir?"

Shen Chuan'en lowered his voice: "Immediately transfer all the smuggled salt from the warehouse." He then took out a copper key. "Transfer it to that abandoned house at the dock. It must be done today!"

Lin Ruhai knew exactly where the Shen family's private salt warehouse was located.

Yan Xiu was startled upon hearing this: "Within today?"

Shen Chuan'en said in a deep voice, "If we don't have enough manpower, send more people and get it done as soon as possible! After the transfer, we must guard it strictly! If the imperial envoy finds out, we will be doomed!"

Yan Xiu broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly took the keys: "I'll take care of it right away."

Shen Chuan'en whispered a few more instructions, and Yan Xiu nodded repeatedly.

After Yan Xiu left, Shen Chuan'en straightened his clothes, passed through several courtyards, and arrived at a lakeside pavilion deep in Shen Garden. This pavilion overlooked Baozhang Lake and was a truly secluded place.

As soon as they reached the door, a delicate fragrance wafted over. Two young maids in green robes lifted the beaded curtain and announced in a clear voice, "Master has arrived."

A stunningly beautiful woman emerged from inside. She was about sixteen or seventeen years old, dressed in gorgeous clothes, and had a rather unusual name: Yu Zhaoying. She was Shen Chuan'en's adopted daughter.

"Your daughter greets her godfather." Yu Zhaoying bowed gracefully, her voice like pearls falling on a jade plate.

Shen Chuan'en smiled and helped him up, saying, "My son, there's no need for such formalities."

He then entered the inner room and sat on the Xiangfei couch.

Yu Zhaoying personally served fragrant tea, but noticed that Shen Chuan'en's expression was strange.

Shen Chuan'en took a sip of tea and said slowly, "I have raised you for many years, and now it is time for you to be put to use."

Yu Zhaoying was taken aback upon hearing this. Although she had known this day would come, she was still terrified when it actually happened. Her slender fingers clenched the handkerchief tightly.

Seeing this, Shen Chuan'en laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'm not asking you to serve some old geezer." He coughed lightly, "It's an imperial envoy who is only seventeen years old. His surname is Jiang and his given name is Nian. This young man is not only young, but also has a dignified appearance and an extraordinary demeanor."

Yu Zhaoying relaxed her tense body slightly and stole a glance at her godfather.

Shen Chuan'en then explained the situation in detail, and then gave instructions...

As Yu Zhaoying listened, two blushes rose on her face. After Shen Chuan'en finished speaking, she bit her lip and whispered, "Daughter... I'm afraid I won't do a good job..." Shen Chuan'en sighed, "If it weren't for the circumstances, I wouldn't have assigned you. This matter concerns the survival of my Shen family and the life of your godfather. You must do your best."

Although his tone was gentle, it conveyed an undeniable authority.

Shen Chuan'en then took out a brocade box: "Here are some precious pieces of jewelry that you can use for your makeup. Remember, you must make sure he likes you!"

Yu Zhaoying took the brocade box, feeling its immense weight. Upon opening it, she found a pair of jade bracelets, a gold-inlaid jade hairpin, and several other exquisite pieces of jewelry, all of considerable value.

After Shen Chuan'en left, Yu Zhaoying sat alone in front of her dressing table, gazing at her reflection in the mirror in a daze. Then she gently stroked the gold-inlaid jade hairpin, the pearl strings hanging from it swaying slightly, like teardrops...

……

……

Today, Jiang Nian met with many people at the Salt Bureau, including several general merchants such as Shen Chuan'en, as well as officials such as Yu Fuxi, the Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai, and Guo Xia, the Prefect of Yangzhou.

In the late afternoon, in the outer hall of the Salt Bureau, Jiang Nian had just seen off a merchant and the teacups had not yet been removed when another merchant, Tang Chengyu, came to see him.

Tang Chengyu was the third largest merchant in Yangzhou, after Shen Chuan'en and Zhuang Shuli.

This man had a close relationship with Lin Ruhai, who said that he was trustworthy and kept his promises, and was highly respected among the salt merchants.

Jiang Nian had his doubts. In his mind, Lin Ruhai already had the flaw of poor judgment in judging people. The reason was that Lin Ruhai had recommended Jia Yucun, and his trusted servant Kang'er was likely a spy…

Just as Jiang Nian was deep in thought in the hall, she saw Tang Chengyu enter steadily. He was in his thirties, wearing a long robe, with a thin face and bright, piercing eyes.

"Tang Chengyu, the chief merchant of Yangzhou, pays his respects to the Imperial Envoy."

Tang Chengyu performed the proper etiquette, his voice neither humble nor arrogant.

Jiang Nian smiled and offered him a seat, then asked, "I've heard that Master Tang and Imperial Censor Lin have a close relationship?"

Tang Chengyu calmly replied, "I have had some dealings with Imperial Censor Lin because he has not abandoned me. Imperial Censor Lin is upright and honest, but now he is seriously ill, and the merchants and people of Yangzhou are all worried."

Jiang Nian nodded and asked several more questions, carefully observing Tang Chengyu in the process. She noticed that Tang Chengyu was composed and spoke with composure.

Jiang Nian suddenly changed the subject: "How many sons does Master Tang have?"

Tang Chengyu was taken aback, wondering why Jiang Nian would suddenly ask such a question. He then replied, "I have only one son, whose name is Chun. He is six years old this year." As he spoke, he showed a kind expression, "He is very naughty. I hope you will forgive him, Lord Jiang."

"Tang Chun?" Jiang Nian paused slightly in her teacup.

Tang Chengyu smiled and said, "That's right."

Jiang Nian sighed inwardly, "It seems that the Tang family in this world is equivalent to the Jiang Chun family in my previous life! If so, Tang Chengyu can indeed be appointed as the head of Yangzhou!"

He remembered that in his previous life during the Qing Dynasty, there was a family named Jiang Chun in Yangzhou. Jiang Chun was the head of Yangzhou during the Qianlong era, and his father was named Jiang Chengyu.

Thinking of this, Jiang Nian suddenly smiled and said, "A good name. Spring is full of sunshine, and all things are budding and flourishing, which is a sign of prosperity."

Tang Chengyu, unaware of the imperial envoy's intentions, could only force a smile.

Jiang Nian was not in a position to bring up the matter of the head general for the time being.

……

……

Lin Daiyu was both looking forward to and reluctant to accompany Jiang Nian on the trip.

Even so, at the hour of You (5-7 PM) that day, Lin Daiyu still had her two maids, Zijuan and Xueyan, carefully dress her up in the Hibiscus Pavilion.

The Hibiscus Pavilion was brightly lit, and Lin Daiyu was sitting in front of her dressing table, staring blankly at her reflection in the mirror.

Zijuan was combing her long, black hair, the sandalwood comb making a soft rustling sound as it brushed against her cascading hair.

"Would you like to wear this white jade plum blossom hairpin today, young lady?"

Zijuan took out a hairpin from her makeup box. It was made of warm jade and had exquisite carving.

Lin Daiyu nodded gently, but her heart was filled with a thousand thoughts.

Seeing that she seemed distracted, Zijuan smiled and said, "Miss, are you thinking about the excitement tonight?"

Lin Daiyu snapped out of her daze and lightly spat, "You talk too much." But when she saw her reflection in the mirror with a slight upturn of her lips, she quickly straightened her face again.

At this moment, Xueyan came in carrying a hand warmer: "Miss, the hand warmer is ready, and I've added lily fragrance to it." As she spoke, she took out a veil, "This is the veil that Aunt Qiu sent today."

Lin Daiyu took the veil and held it up to her nose. Zijuan smiled and said, "Aunt Qiu is very thoughtful."

Xueyan suddenly pouted, "Miss, please take me with you tonight." Seeing Lin Daiyu hesitate, she became even more aggrieved, "Miss, you're being unfair! I've been serving you since I was little, Sister Zijuan only came later!"

Indeed, Xueyan was a maid in the Lin family, serving Lin Daiyu since childhood and accompanying her to the capital. Zijuan was a maid given to Lin Daiyu by Grandmother Jia after she moved to the Rongguo Mansion.

"Shut up!" Lin Daiyu scolded softly, but saw that Xueyan's eyes were red, while Zijuan lowered her head awkwardly. Thinking of the bond Xueyan had shared since childhood, her heart softened, "Fine, if you want to come, then come along."

Xueyan immediately stopped crying and started laughing.

Zijuan pursed her lips, gently inserted the white jade plum blossom hairpin into Lin Daiyu's hair, and then applied rouge to Lin Daiyu's face. The beauty in the mirror had exquisite features and slightly flushed cheeks.

Xueyan stared in amazement: "You look so beautiful today, young lady."

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu was both delighted and embarrassed. Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly heard a series of light footsteps outside. Zijuan quickly lifted the curtain and saw that it was Xiaonan.

Xiao Nan was also going on a night out with Jiang Nian tonight, and she had dressed up carefully, wearing an apricot-red vest and a silver beaded hairpin in her hair, which made her face even more beautiful.

"Miss." Xiao Nan entered the inner room, curtsied to Lin Daiyu, and said in a clear voice, "Lord Jiang sent me to ask if you are ready? We are supposed to leave in a quarter of an hour, and he asked me to take you to Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion first."

Lin Daiyu's hand trembled slightly, almost slipping from her grasp. Seeing this, Zijuan quickly took the rouge box and said softly, "Don't worry, Miss, there's still plenty of time." As she spoke, she took a fine brush to draw Lin Daiyu's eyebrows again.

Immediately, Lin Daiyu touched her lips with lip rouge in front of the mirror, and saw that the person in the mirror had become even more beautiful with a touch of vermilion on her lips.

Xueyan brought a veil and put it on Lin Daiyu, while Zijuan tied a light purple embroidered plum blossom cloak around Lin Daiyu's neck.

Xueyan brought out the hand warmer again, and Zijuan checked the handkerchief, sachet, and other items again.

The three of them, master and servants, were so busy that it seemed they were going to some important appointment.

Just as she was about to leave, Lin Daiyu suddenly turned around and took out an exquisite sandalwood folding fan from the bottom of her dressing case.

Xiao Nan asked in surprise, "It's chilly at night, why are you carrying this, young lady?"

Lin Daiyu did not answer. This folding fan was a gift from her mother many years ago, with a water lily embroidered on its surface. Now, upon returning to Yangzhou and seeing this old item again, she felt both fondness and nostalgia.

Hui and two maids walked from the Hibiscus Pavilion toward the Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion, where they saw colorful lanterns already hung in the backyard, illuminating the corridors as if it were daytime. The faint sounds of sheng, xiao, drums, and music could be heard from outside the wall, indicating that the lantern festival in the market had begun.

As they approached Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion, Lin Daiyu suddenly stopped, feeling extremely nervous.

Zijuan said softly, "Why did you stop, Miss?"

Lin Daiyu remained silent, took a deep breath, gently patted her chest, straightened her back, and continued walking forward.

(End of this chapter)