The Red Mansion

Chapter 205 A Night of Fish and Dragon Dance (Part 1)

As Lin Daiyu walked, she unknowingly arrived at the banks of the Little Qinhuai River. She saw many boats dotting the river, including painted boats with vermilion lacquer railings and folk boats with blue cloth canopies. The boat lights reflected on the water, making it shimmer with golden waves. On the painted boats, there were also singing girls playing instruments and singing, with the faint sound of music.

The riverbank was also bustling with activity, as groups of young men and women were releasing lotus lanterns, which floated along the water like a silver river cascading down to earth.

Many women walked across the bridge together, laughing and chatting as they crossed the stone arch bridge over the Little Qinhuai River.

In Yangzhou, even women from wealthy and official families were allowed to go out and enjoy themselves on the night of the Lantern Festival, freed from the constraints of traditional etiquette.

In Yangzhou, there is also a custom of women "walking across bridges" on the Lantern Festival. "Walking across bridges" refers to deliberately walking across bridges with auspicious names, symbolizing the warding off of illness and misfortune and the prayer for peace. This custom originates from the ancient practice of "walking away from illness" to ward off disease and pray for blessings.

Lin Daiyu was astonished by the scene before her, and at the same time, she didn't know where to go next.

Left with no other choice, she turned around to look for Jiang Nian. But when she turned around, she saw that he was thirty paces away, standing in front of a lantern stall, leisurely playing with a revolving lantern, as if he had completely forgotten about her.

Lin Daiyu felt a pang of sorrow in her heart, thinking to herself, "What a heartless person, leaving me here..." But she couldn't lash out, so she could only stand there wringing her handkerchief and wait.

Before Lin Daiyu could even speak, Jiang Nian strolled over, and she heard him say with a hint of sarcasm, "What's wrong with you, Lin sister? Can't you walk this far already?"

He raised an eyebrow slightly, his expression clearly mocking her.

"Who can't walk anymore!" Lin Daiyu's voice trembled with anger. "I just... I just don't know where to go!" She blushed as she spoke, annoyed at how childish her words sounded.

A smile flashed in Jiang Nian's eyes, but she didn't answer. Instead, she turned to look at Wen Zaizhang.

Actually, he didn't know what to do next either; the night tour route was arranged by Wen Zaizhang.

Wen Zaizhang understood and quickly stepped forward with a smile, saying, "Lord Jiang, after crossing this bridge, just a hundred steps further is Yuanmen Bridge. That's the most bustling place in Yangzhou, and it'll be incredibly lively tonight."

Jiang Nian nodded and said to Lin Daiyu playfully, "Doesn't Lin Daiyu always like to walk in front? Please, let's cross the bridge now, and you can continue to lead the way." She even made a "please" gesture as she spoke.

Seeing this, Lin Daiyu became even more annoyed.

She had hoped to take this opportunity to walk alongside Jiang Nian, but who knew that this person would be so oblivious to romance.

With a resolute heart, she sneered, "Fine, I'll go. Do you think I'm afraid?" With that, she lifted her skirt and strode towards the bridge.

Zijuan and Xueyan hurriedly followed, and the two maids also rushed after them.

Jiang Nian, however, was not in a hurry, and watched Lin Daiyu's back with her hands behind her back.

But then the petite figure stopped abruptly in the middle of the bridge. The bridge was crowded with women, jostling and pushing each other. Lin Daiyu had never seen anything like it and was caught in a dilemma. Because of her delicate frame, she was suddenly pushed to the railing, and looking down, she was startled to see the Qinhuai River.

Thanks to Zijuan, Xueyan, and two maids protecting her, Lin Daiyu managed to squeeze across the bridge; otherwise, she might have fallen into the river.

Lin Daiyu's silk stockings and embroidered shoes were half-stained by being trampled. When she looked back, she saw Jiang Nian just crossing the bridge, carefully protecting Xiao Nan as if she were protecting her beloved.

Lin Daiyu felt a pang of sadness, and tears welled up in her eyes, shimmering in the lamplight.

Zijuan quickly advised, "Miss, there are too many people and too many eyes on the street. Why don't you wait for Lord Jiang to come and then leave together? That way, he can protect you..."

Before she could finish speaking, Lin Daiyu frowned, her eyebrows furrowed. "Who needs his protection! Let him protect whoever he wants!" With that, she lifted her skirt and strode away in a huff.

As they were walking, they suddenly saw a young man in brocade robes, about ten years old, appear in front of them, followed by four or five burly servants.

This young man named Yu Bin, dressed in fine clothes, blocked Lin Daiyu's way and said with a smile, "Young lady, your eyebrows, eyes, and figure are so beautiful. Why don't you take off your veil and let this great man take a look?" As he spoke, he actually reached out to pull off Lin Daiyu's veil.

Lin Daiyu was startled and stepped back, but Yu Bin took advantage of the situation and grabbed her arm.

"Let go!" Zijuan shouted anxiously.

Xueyan was terrified.

Just as the two maids were about to step forward, they were pushed aside by Yu Bin's servants.

Lin Daiyu had never been treated so lightly before. She was both shocked and angry, and for a moment she was speechless.

Zijuan turned around to call Jiang Nian, but saw that Jiang Nian had already led Xiao Nan, Qi Jianyu, Meng Xiong and several personal guards forward quickly.

Although Jiang Nian was thirty steps behind Lin Daiyu, she was watching Lin Daiyu closely and immediately noticed the danger Lin Daiyu was in.

As Jiang Nian approached, Zijuan hurriedly said, "They have offended you, Miss."

"Let go of that... girl!" Jiang Nian shouted in a deep voice.

Yu Bin looked up and sized up the newcomer. He saw that the man had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and an extraordinary air about him. He was accompanied by several strong men. Meng Xiong was particularly intimidating, with a body like an iron tower. Moreover, Yu Bin recognized Wen Zaizhang and knew that he was the advisor to Lin Ruhai, the Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai.

Yu Bin felt a chill run down his spine. He released Lin Daiyu, but forced a straight face and stared intently at Jiang Nian: "Who are you? How dare you meddle in my business?"

Jiang Nian didn't answer, but instead raised her hand and slapped him across the face.

With a sharp "smack," Yu Bin was knocked back and staggered.

Wen Zaizhang hurriedly said to Jiang Nian, "Lord Jiang, this is the son of Lord Yu, the Salt Commissioner!"

"Oh?" Jiang Nian sneered, "Your father even came to the Salt Bureau to see me today. I didn't know he had raised such a son."

Yu Bin covered his face, his expression full of resentment, and asked Wen Zaizhang, "Who is he?"

Wen Zaizhang said, "This is Imperial Envoy Jiang!"

Yu Bin was taken aback upon hearing this.

By this time, the area was already surrounded by onlookers.

Yu Bin was already afraid of Jiang Nian, but he was unwilling to admit defeat and lose face in public. After hesitating, he only glared coldly at Jiang Nian and then said to the servants, "Let's go."

However, just as he turned around, Jiang Nian kicked him to the ground from behind.

Yu Bin fell, his golden crown askew and his clothes covered in dust.

Seeing this, some onlookers covered their mouths and chuckled, while others whispered among themselves.

Yu Bin struggled to his feet, his face flushed purple, and pointed at Jiang Nian, shouting, "You're courting death!" The moonlight and lamplight shone on Jiang Nian's black mink cloak, giving it a chilling gleam. He said coldly, "You committed a crime, and I caught you. Do you think you can just walk away like that?" His voice wasn't loud, but every word was like an ice pick piercing to the bone.

Wen Zaizhang smoothed things over, saying with a forced smile, "Lord Jiang, please calm down. This Master Yu is the only legitimate son of Salt Commissioner Yu. Please forgive him this time, even if you don't care about the monk's reputation."

"You don't need to say anything more," Jiang Nian said solemnly, then stared at Yu Bin and shouted, "Kneel down and apologize to this young lady!"

Yu Bin was furious. As the only legitimate son of Yu Fuxi, the Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai, and spoiled by his parents, he bullied men and women in Yangzhou, ran rampant in the streets, and did whatever he wanted. Who dared to control him?
He had planned to take advantage of the Lantern Festival when women were out and about to choose two beautiful women to be his concubines, but unexpectedly he ran into the imperial envoy and suffered such humiliation. This so-called imperial envoy looked to be about the same age as him.

Although he was already afraid, he still stubbornly said, "What if I don't?"

Jiang Nian sneered: "If not, then I will arrest you! Your father has failed in his duty to raise his son; let him come to the Salt Bureau tomorrow to apologize in person!"

Just as the standoff was at hand, a secretary named Bai Mao from the Yu family squeezed forward and whispered in Yu Bin's ear, "Master, please be patient! This imperial envoy is acting as the salt commissioner of Lianghuai. Even Lord Yu has to curry favor with him. You should soften your stance this time and absolutely not offend him, lest you ruin Lord Yu's important plans."

After much deliberation, Yu Bin, suppressing his resentment and humiliation, knelt down gently and whispered to Lin Daiyu, "Please forgive me, Miss."

Without waiting for Jiang Nian and Lin Daiyu's response, he hurriedly got up and, with his servants, slunk into the crowd.

Lin Daiyu was still in shock when she saw Jiang Nian protecting her so decisively. She was both happy, surprised and impressed. She wanted to thank her but was too embarrassed. When she saw Jiang Nian turn to look at her, she lowered her head to avoid it and stared at the plum blossom pattern embroidered on her shoes.

Seeing her like this, Jiang Nian smiled slightly and said, "Let Sister Lin continue to lead the way."

Lin Daiyu felt a pang of melancholy. She glanced up, her eyes filled with a mixture of reproach and shyness. Her lips parted slightly, and her voice was barely audible: "I...I don't want to go ahead anymore." As soon as she finished speaking, her face flushed red, thankfully hidden by her veil.

Jiang Nian smiled slightly: "If you don't want to walk in front anymore, then stay by my side. But you must be obedient and well-behaved, understand?"

Lin Daiyu glanced up at him again, then lowered her head and remained silent.

Jiang Nian's tone turned serious: "Do you understand? Answer me!"

Lin Daiyu twisted her handkerchief in anger, but finally managed to grunt in humiliation.

Immediately, Lin Daiyu followed Jiang Nian and they continued walking forward together.

Zijuan leaned close to Lin Daiyu's ear and whispered with a smile, "Lord Jiang is still considerate of the young lady. That slap just now was really satisfying, and what's even more satisfying is that he made that scoundrel kneel down and apologize to the young lady."

Lin Daiyu didn't respond, but only gave a embarrassed and annoyed "humph".

Soon, the group arrived at Yuanmen Bridge.

Yuanmen Bridge was the commercial center of Yangzhou in this era. Silk shops, restaurants, teahouses, money exchanges, and jewelry shops lined the area, and wealthy merchants' residences and guild halls were also gathered there. It was bustling with people on ordinary days, let alone on the Lantern Festival.

Here, the lantern sheds and lantern mountains on both sides of the street were vying for attention, mostly arranged by salt merchants.

In the silk shops, Hangzhou and Suzhou silks shimmered and shone; under the eaves of the restaurants, the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea lanterns spun endlessly; in the teahouses, the storyteller slammed his gavel with deafening force; at the entrances of the money shops, the clerks loudly announced the exchange rates for silver; in the jewelry shops, all kinds of dazzling gold and silver jewels were on display…

The Yuanmen Bridge is located next to the training ground, which was originally a military training ground and is now a large public open space.

At this time, the training ground became a gathering place for various acrobatic performances and food vendors.

A group of acrobats were performing a human pyramid, with a young boy at the top spinning a plate on one leg; several traveling performers were breaking large stones on their chests, drawing cheers from the crowd; a monkey trainer, wearing a red jacket, was riding a goat in circles; a shadow puppet show depicted "Chang'e Flying to the Moon," her graceful figure swaying on a white cloth… There were also various other performances, including flower drumming, magic, ventriloquism, and martial arts.
The huge classroom was packed to capacity.

Lin Daiyu, Zijuan, Xueyan, and Xiaonan were all dazzled and mesmerized by the sight.

Lin Daiyu was already feeling tired, and her legs were weak and trembling as she walked. But at this moment, she was so captivated by the lively scene that she seemed to forget her fatigue.

Suddenly, Zijuan said from the side, "Miss, look over there!"

Lin Daiyu followed Zijuan's finger and saw a dragon dance troupe coming this way. The golden dragon was several feet long and was tumbling and leaping in the firelight, which was quite a spectacular sight.

At this moment, Wen Zaizhang deliberately said to Jiang Nian, "My lord, look! There's a lion dance here. Let's take a look!"

He then led Jiang Nian to a magnificent restaurant called "Mingyue Tower".

The vermilion lacquered balustrades reflect the moonlight, and the glazed tiles gleam with a bluish light. Twelve lanterns hang in front of the building, illuminating the three gilded characters "Mingyue Tower" (Bright Moon Tower) with a gleaming light. Copper bells hang from the eaves, tinkling softly in the night breeze.

In front of Mingyue Tower, a lion dance was being performed. The lion, entirely golden and red, was controlled by two strong men. It shook its head and wagged its tail, and sometimes leaped and rolled. When the lion opened its mouth, it spat out a couplet: "A bright moon shines for a thousand miles."

Jiang Nian had no interest in the lion dance performance at the moment. He had already seen a familiar figure standing on the steps at the entrance of the restaurant. It was none other than Shen Chuan'en, the largest merchant in Yangzhou.

Shen Chuan'en, a refined man in his forties, did not deliberately wear official robes tonight. Instead, he wore an indigo brocade robe with gold embroidery and a Hetian jade pendant hanging at his waist.

As soon as the lion dance ended, Shen Chuan'en strode up to Jiang Nian, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Lord Jiang, what a coincidence!"

Jiang Nian caught a glimpse of Wen Zaizhang's unusual expression out of the corner of her eye, and thought to herself, "Is it really a 'chance encounter'? Or was it secretly arranged by this Master Wen?" On her face, however, she remained calm and returned the greeting with a smile, "Greetings, Master Shen! What brings you here?"

Shen Chuan'en smiled and said, "This Mingyue Tower is my property. In addition to the lion dance tonight, we have specially set up a lantern shed." He then pointed to it.

Jiang Nian looked over and saw a large lantern shed set up in front of the building. Even though the lantern sheds and lantern mountains on this street were vying for attention, this large lantern shed was still very eye-catching.

In the midst of the pleasantries, Shen Chuan'en suddenly beckoned to someone behind him: "My dear daughter, come and greet Lord Jiang."

A woman gracefully stepped forward and bowed to Jiang Nianying, saying, "Greetings to Lord Jiang." Her voice was sweet and clear, like the first cry of a fledgling oriole.

Jiang Nian stared intently and saw that the woman's hair was piled high like raven feathers, with a golden hairpin swaying gently; her slender waist was bound with a white belt, and a jade bracelet shone brightly; she wore an apricot-red brocade jacket with gold trim, and a lake-green pleated skirt, and a subtle fragrance wafted as she moved. Although her face was covered by a veil, the veil was so thin that her features could be roughly discerned through it.

She's an absolute beauty!

“This is Zhaoying, my adopted daughter, whom I have raised for many years,” Shen Chuan’en said to Jiang Nian with a smile.

Lin Daiyu, who was watching closely, saw Yu Zhaoying's eyes darting towards Jiang Nian's face, and felt a sudden surge of irritation.

Zijuan saw it clearly too, and thought to herself, "This merchant's daughter is frivolous!"

Jiang Nian said calmly, "Master Shen is very fortunate to have such a clever adopted daughter."

Shen Chuan'en seemed oblivious and warmly invited, "Since Lord Jiang has come to Mingyue Tower, would you do me the honor of taking a look at my lantern shed?"

(End of this chapter)