The Red Mansion

Chapter 206 A Night of Fish and Dragon Dance (Part 2)

Faced with Shen Chuan'en's warm invitation, Jiang Nian smiled and said, "I'm actually quite eager to see for myself."

Immediately, the two moved to the large lantern shed in front of Mingyue Tower.

Under the lantern shed, a dazzling array of lanterns could be seen: there were lanterns depicting beauties covered in silk gauze, painted with the image of Xi Shi washing silk; there were lanterns made of bamboo ribs, depicting a Qilin delivering a child; there were exquisite pavilion lanterns, layer upon layer. The most eye-catching was the lantern in the center, which was more than ten feet tall and decorated with many small lanterns, illuminating the surroundings as bright as day.

As Jiang Nian admired the lanterns, the passersby all around were staring at Yu Zhaoying. Some men were even more fascinated, but fearing power, they dared not approach—Yu Zhaoying's veil was so thin that her stunning beauty was even more evident under the brilliant lights.

Lin Daiyu, observing closely from the side, thought to herself, "This merchant's daughter is so frivolous. Her veil is as thin as a cicada's wing; what difference is there between her and not wearing one at all? Is she deliberately trying to seduce men? If I wore such a thin veil, perhaps passersby would also enjoy staring..."

Thinking of this, I suddenly realized something was wrong and quickly cut off the thought.

Suddenly remembering something, Lin Daiyu turned to Zijuan behind her and whispered, "Do you know who this Master Shen is?"

Zijuan whispered back, "I just heard from the old lady that this Master Shen is the biggest salt merchant in Yangzhou. Why do you ask about this, young lady?"

Lin Daiyu said, "I was just asking casually."

She knew that when Jiang Nian was reforming the salt administration, this Master Shen was the first person she wanted to target.

Thinking of this, and seeing Jiang Nian and Shen Chuan'en chatting and laughing while enjoying the lanterns, she couldn't help but chuckle to herself: "This stinky brother-in-law is really good at acting. He's plotting to teach her a lesson in his heart, but he acts all friendly on the surface."

Just as he was pondering this, he suddenly heard Shen Chuan'en ask Jiang Nian with a smile, "Where does Lord Jiang wish to go for sightseeing next?"

Before Jiang Nian could speak, Wen Zaizhang preemptively said, "Master Shen, our master wants to take a painted boat along the Little Qinhuai River to Tianning Temple to offer incense, and then go along the North Moat to Hongqiao to enjoy the scenery."

"What a coincidence!" Shen Chuan'en said with a smile. "My humble abode is located on the south bank of Baozhang Lake. The painted boat will be there after crossing the Red Bridge. I was just about to take a painted boat back to my humble abode along the Little Qinhuai River. It turns out that I am traveling the same way as Lord Jiang. I wonder if I could accompany you? I could also explain the scenery to you along the way."

Jiang Nian had only suspected that Shen Chuan'en and Wen Zaizhang were secretly colluding, but now that he saw the two of them acting in concert, he was even more suspicious that tonight's "chance encounter" was a scheme orchestrated by Shen Chuan'en and Wen Zaizhang.

He showed no emotion on his face, only smiling and saying, "That's fine too."

The group left Mingyue Tower and strolled towards the Little Qinhuai River.

The streets were teeming with people, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares filled the air.

Suddenly, an old man came along carrying a bundle of straw, which was covered with candied hawthorns. The bright red hawthorns, coated with a glistening sugar coating, looked like agate beads under the lamplight, which was very tempting.

Shen Chuan'en's eyes darted around, and he stopped to smile at Yu Zhaoying, saying, "My dear daughter, would you like some candied hawthorn?"

He was thinking that if Yu Zhaoying ate candied hawthorn, she should lift her veil so that Jiang Nian could further appreciate Yu Zhaoying's stunning beauty.

Yu Zhaoying was quick-witted and understood immediately. She said sweetly, "I do want to eat, but..." She glanced at Jiang Nian, "With Lord Jiang here, I'm afraid my eating manners will be unseemly and I'll be laughed at."

Shen Chuan'en then asked, "Does Lord Jiang mind?"

Jiang Nian smiled slightly: "Of course I don't mind."

Shen Chuan'en glanced at Lin Daiyu again and asked Jiang Nian, "Excuse me, who is this young lady?"

“This is the daughter of Imperial Censor Lin,” Jiang Nian said calmly.

Shen Chuan'en laughed and said, "So you are the apple of Lin Shiyu's eye! My apologies for not recognizing you!" He then asked solicitously, "Would Lord Jiang and Miss Lin like to try this candied hawthorn?"

Jiang Nian looked at Lin Daiyu.

Lin Daiyu gave a soft hum through her veil: "I won't eat."

Actually, she had been craving candied hawthorns for a while, and the glistening, translucent candied hawthorns in front of her were tempting her. However, she didn't want to accept the merchant's offer, and it was inconvenient to lift her veil to eat in public, so she reluctantly declined.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Nian suddenly instructed Meng Xiong: "Buy all the candied hawthorns from this vendor. Except for Miss Lin, everyone else should have one." As she spoke, she gave Lin Daiyu a meaningful look.

Lin Daiyu was startled, and her fingers unconsciously tightened around her handkerchief—this wretched brother-in-law was clearly doing it on purpose!
Meng Xiong was about to take out his money when Shen Chuan'en quickly stopped him, saying, "No, that won't do! It's just a simple candied hawthorn; it's only right that I, as the host, show my hospitality. Besides, it was my daughter who brought it up first..."

Jiang Nian raised her hand to stop him from speaking: "Please forgive me, Master Shen. As an imperial envoy, integrity is of utmost importance. Even if it is just a mere candied hawthorn, it is better for me to treat you. If you insist on giving it to us, then our people will not eat it." Her tone was calm, but it did not allow for any argument.

Shen Chuan'en's smile froze for a moment, then quickly returned to normal: "In that case, I shall respectfully comply."

Immediately, Meng Xiong bought all the candied hawthorns on the straw bundle and distributed them on the street.

When Yu Zhaoying received a string of candied hawthorns, Shen Chuan'en quickly gave her a wink: "Aren't you going to thank Lord Jiang yet?"

Yu Zhaoying bowed to Jiang Nianying and said, "Thank you for your generous gift, Lord Jiang."

As she stood up, her eyes darted over Jiang Nian's face before she shyly lowered her head.

Everyone received a candied hawthorn, even Jiang Nian and Shen Chuan'en each took a skewer, and Zijuan, Xueyan, and the two Lin family servants each received one, but Lin Daiyu was the only one who didn't get one.

Zijuan handed over her string of skewers: "Please have a taste, young lady."

Lin Daiyu said sullenly, "Who cares about this?"

Before she could finish speaking, a crisp "snap" was heard. Turning around, they saw Yu Zhaoying lift half of the veil, her red lips parted slightly, and her pearly teeth bit through the candy coating. Under the light, her red lips gleamed with a honey-colored sheen, her eating manner both charming and alluring. This attracted the attention of all the men, and even Jiang Nian couldn't help but take another look.

Lin Daiyu's anger flared, and she cursed inwardly, "What a shameless wretch! How is this any different from that of a courtesan?"

Just as she was getting annoyed, she suddenly saw Jiang Nian waving a candied hawthorn in front of her: "Lin Daiyu, are you really not going to try some?"

"Who wants to eat this!" Lin Daiyu glared, her eyes wide with discoloration. "How can you eat this rubbish in public like this?!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Zhaoying frowned slightly, but then relaxed and began to bite even more enthusiastically.

Jiang Nian didn't force herself, and took a bite out of a hawthorn, chewing it with a crunching sound.

Upon seeing this, Lin Daiyu's eyes welled up with tears.

But the man pretended not to see her and continued walking and chatting with Shen Chuan'en.

As they ate candied hawthorns, the group walked towards the Little Qinhuai River. This put Zijuan through a lot of trouble; the maid held a candied hawthorn in one hand while wiping away Lin Daiyu's tears with the other, and whispering words of comfort.

Before long, they arrived at the banks of the Little Qinhuai River. Wen Zaizhang pointed to a painted boat moored on the shore and said, "Lord Jiang, this is the painted boat I reserved."

As everyone looked, although the painted boat had vermilion lacquer and carved railings, it was only a little over ten feet long, barely enough to accommodate a few people, and not enough to seat Jiang Nian, Lin Daiyu and her group.

Jiang Nian raised an eyebrow: "Just this one?"

Wen Zaizhang rubbed his hands, feigning embarrassment, "I didn't know you had so many attendants with you tonight, sir." Jiang Nian asked, "Is it possible to hire more now?"

“This…” Wen Zaizhang hesitated, “During the Lantern Festival, the pleasure boats are probably already fully booked.”

Shen Chuan'en interjected at the opportune moment: "If Lord Jiang does not mind, my humble abode has two painted boats moored here."

He pointed and saw two painted boats moored side by side.

From here, follow the Xiao Qinhuai River to Tianning Temple, then cross the North Moat to Hongqiao, and then cross Hongqiao to Shen Garden. Along the way, you will have to cross more than one stone arch bridge. The Xiao Qinhuai River is narrow, and the North Moat also has narrow sections.

Therefore, the two Shen family pleasure boats in front of them were not very large, but they were much larger than the one Wen Zaizhang had ordered, each of which could accommodate more than ten people. Moreover, one of the pleasure boats was very luxurious, with vermilion lacquered railings, brocade curtains hanging low, and the lantern with the character "Shen" on the bow illuminating the water with golden ripples. Several servants of the Shen family were also standing solemnly on the deck.

Jiang Nian smiled and said, "Very well, then we'll have to trouble Mr. Shen."

Shen Chuan'en hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting: "Lord Jiang's graciousness to board my painted boat is truly an honor for my humble abode. I dare not accept the word 'trouble'."

Jiang Nian turned to Lin Daiyu and said, "Sister Lin, come with me onto the boat."

Lin Daiyu turned away, saying, "I don't want to ride in the same boat as you."

"Oh?" Jiang Nian raised an eyebrow. "Not traveling with me? Does Lin Daiyu perhaps wish to ride with these personal guards?" She then pointed to the several personal guards standing solemnly behind her.

Lin Daiyu glanced at the soldiers, startled, bit her lip, and said in a voice barely above a whisper, "I...I'd rather stay on the same boat as you..."

Jiang Nian smiled and immediately led Lin Daiyu, Zijuan, Xueyan, Qi Jianyu, and Meng Xiong onto the magnificent painted boat bearing the character "Shen". Wen Zaizhang arrived uninvited and said with a smile, "I'll stay by Lord Jiang's side so I can serve him at any time."

Jiang Nian sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "Fine."

Upon boarding and entering the cabin, one is greeted by an extremely luxurious furnishing: a carpet with lotus scroll patterns is laid on the floor, a gilded lion-shaped incense burner is placed in one corner, and a round rosewood table in the center is set with dried fruits and candied fruits, as well as a set of Jun kiln tea utensils.

Shen Chuan'en invited Jiang Nian to sit in the main seat. Lin Daiyu had just sat down next to Jiang Nian when Yu Zhaoying sat down on the other side of Jiang Nian.

"It seems my daughter admires Lord Jiang's charm!" Shen Chuan'en said with a smile, then instructed Yu Zhaoying, "You haven't finished eating the candied hawthorn in your hand yet. Now that you're in the cabin, you might as well take off your veil and eat it. Besides, it would be disrespectful to Lord Jiang to always wear a veil in front of him."

Yu Zhaoying understood and reached out to remove the thin veil.

She is indeed an absolute beauty!

Lin Daiyu saw this and cursed inwardly, "What a shameless vixen!"

She was already sweating profusely from walking a long way due to her weak constitution, and now she was feeling irritable, so she took out the sandalwood folding fan that she had specially brought with her that evening, unfolded it with a "whoosh," and started waving it around by herself.

Seeing her like this, Jiang Nian found it amusing and asked with a smile, "It's so cold outside, and the river wind is chilly at night, why are you fanning yourself, Lin Daiyu?"

Lin Daiyu waved her fan while giving him a sidelong glance: "I can fan myself if I want, it's none of your business!"

Before he could finish speaking, a candied hawthorn was suddenly handed to him.

"Here you go," Jiang Nian said with a smile.

Lin Daiyu's eyes lit up, but she turned her head away: "I won't eat it."

But the sweet scent of the candy coating wafted into her nose, causing her throat to involuntarily move.

Without a word, Jiang Nian shoved the bamboo skewer into her hand: "There are few people on the boat, so Lin Meimei can enjoy it as much as she wants. Just eat it from under your veil."

Zijuan chimed in, "Girl, try it! This candied hawthorn is sweet but not cloying, it's delicious!" She then took a bite of her own candied hawthorn, looking quite pleased with herself.

After much hesitation, Lin Daiyu finally lifted a corner of her veil and took a small bite. The sweetness of the sugar coating and the sourness of the hawthorn mingled on her tongue, making it even more delicious than she had imagined.

"Is it delicious?" Jiang Nian asked with a smile in her eyes.

Lin Daiyu gave a soft hum, but unconsciously took another bite. This bite was a bit too big, and she didn't even realize that sugar crumbs were stuck to her lips.

Zijuan, watching from the side, smirked and was glared at by Lin Daiyu. Zijuan smiled and said, "Miss, be careful not to get any sugar residue on your veil or clothes."

Lin Daiyu was eating a candied hawthorn when Jiang Nian suddenly snatched the sandalwood folding fan from her hand and said with a smile, "You're still eating snacks with both hands? I'll hold this fan for you."

Lin Daiyu was taken aback. She was about to lash out, but with everyone else present, she could only let out a soft hum and let it go.

Jiang Nian toyed with the folding fan, noticing that the fan ribs were made of fine sandalwood, warm to the touch and faintly fragrant. The fan surface was made of plain white Hangzhou silk, embroidered with a water lily, its petals layered upon layered. Apricot-colored tassel was tied to the handle, swaying gently with his fanning movements.

Just as he was enjoying the tea, a servant boy suddenly said to Shen Chuan'en respectfully, "Master, the tea is ready."

On the round rosewood table in the center, tea was already poured into a set of Jun ware tea utensils.

Shen Chuan'en smiled broadly: "Lord Jiang, this is Wuyi Mountain oolong tea. Although it's not as rare as Da Hong Pao, it's still quite precious." He then winked at Yu Zhaoying, "Hurry up and serve the tea to the lord!"

Yu Zhaoying hurriedly got up to serve tea. She had specially burned incense today, and a subtle fragrance wafted with every move she made.

"No need," Jiang Nian waved her hand. "I'm not thirsty."

Shen Chuan'en was still unwilling to give up: "You'll know once you take a bite, sir..."

Jiang Nian suddenly said solemnly, "I do not wish to drink tea at the moment, Master Shen, please do not force me."

He already suspected that Wen Zaizhang and Shen Chuan'en were secretly colluding. Wen Zaizhang was Lin Ruhai's trusted advisor. If Lin Ruhai had revealed his plan to deal with Shen Chuan'en to Wen Zaizhang, and Wen Zaizhang had already informed Shen Chuan'en, Shen Chuan'en might have secretly harmed him.

Does anyone know if there's been any tampering with this tea?

Seeing this, Shen Chuan'en was displeased, but he forced a smile and said, "How dare I? In that case, we won't have any tea."

Yu Zhaoying sat back down next to Jiang Nian.

By this time, the painted boat had left the shore. Jiang Nian, fanning herself with Lin Daiyu's folding fan, looked out the window and saw the lights on the shore as bright as day, reflected in the water like a celestial river poured down to earth. The faint sounds of sheng and xiao could be heard, along with the murmuring of water; it was truly a scene of wealth and peace.

The name of the Little Qinhuai River in Yangzhou originates from the Qinhuai River in Jiangning, and the buildings along the banks of the Little Qinhuai River also bear a striking resemblance to those along the Qinhuai River in Jiangning. For a moment, Jiang Nian felt as if she had returned to Jiangning.

Lin Daiyu, munching on a candied hawthorn, caught a glimpse of Jiang Nian fanning himself out of the corner of her eye. She saw his wrist turn slightly, the fan opening and closing creating a gentle breeze that caused a few strands of hair on his forehead to flutter lightly, and the lamplight casting a soft shadow on his sharply defined profile.

The sweetness of the candied hawthorn melted on her tongue, but a strange, indescribable feeling welled up in Lin Daiyu's heart...

(End of this chapter)