The Red Mansion

Chapter 215 The Emperor issues an edict, and Daiyu delivers a handkerchief.
On the evening of the 26th day of the first lunar month, as dusk settled, lanterns were lit in the Yangzhou Saltworks.

Jiang Nian strolled towards the Sibing Hall, where she saw winding corridors and glass lanterns hanging from the eaves swaying gently in the evening breeze, casting dappled light and shadow.

Upon arriving at the Sibing Hall, they saw Lin Ruhai leaning against the headboard in the inner room, with Lin Daiyu and Zijuan also present.

Upon seeing Jiang Nian enter, Lin Daiyu and Zijuan hurriedly bowed. Jiang Nian waved her hand, walked to the bedside, sat down, and smiled at Lin Ruhai, saying, "Uncle, you look even better."

Lin Ruhai smiled slightly: "Thanks to you, and thanks to Mr. Su as well."

Jiang Nian glanced at Lin Daiyu and smiled, "It's also because Sister Lin serves soup and medicine and is always by your side."

Lin Daiyu quickly lowered her head, and Lin Ruhai smiled and said, "That's exactly right."

Jiang Nian then said, “I’ve noticed that my uncle’s complexion has been improving these days, and Mr. Su’s daily treatment time has also been shortening. It would be nice if…” He paused, then turned his gaze to Lin Daiyu, “Lin Daiyu’s delicate condition has been caused by constant medication since she was an infant. Now that Mr. Su is still at the Salt Bureau, why not take this opportunity to ask him to treat her as well?”

A glint of light flashed in Lin Ruhai's eyes as he said, "I think so too. But Mr. Su is a renowned physician of our time, and it is already rare that he can treat my ailing body every day. It is truly hard on him, so it is really inappropriate to ask him to treat Yu'er as well."

Jiang Nian smiled and said, "Uncle, you are overthinking it. Mr. Su is the most kind-hearted. He once told me that Lin Daiyu was born with a deficiency and suffered from many illnesses. If you allow, I will ask him to treat my sister tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu stared blankly at Jiang Nian, her eyes seemingly shimmering with emotion, thinking to herself, "This stinky brother-in-law is actually being so considerate of me!"

Lin Ruhai said with emotion, "My dear nephew, you are so kind." He then turned to Lin Daiyu and said, "Yu'er, why don't you thank me?"

As if waking from a dream, Lin Daiyu bowed gracefully to Jiang Nianying and said softly, "Thank you... for your concern, brother-in-law."

He spoke the words "brother-in-law" very softly.

Zijuan watched clearly from the side. She saw that the girl's ears were red and a strand of her black hair fell down when she lowered her head, covering her beautiful face. Zijuan smiled to herself.

……

……

The next day was the 27th day of the first lunar month.

In the morning, the Hibiscus Pavilion in the back garden of the Salt Academy had been tidied up.

Aunt Qiu, along with her maids, bustled about, arranging the inner room in a simple and elegant manner. In the center hung a plain gauze curtain, from which Lin Daiyu could be vaguely seen sitting gracefully.

Suddenly, Xiao Nan announced, "Lord Jiang has arrived with Physician Su!"

Jiang Nian led Su Tianshi into the hall.

Although Su Tianshi was nearly sixty years old, he was still very energetic, with bright and piercing eyes. When he saw the gauze curtain hanging in the inner room, his brows furrowed slightly.

Jiang Nian noticed this detail and understood. She said to the person inside the curtain, "Sister Lin, let's remove this curtain. Mr. Su is a highly skilled doctor with a kind heart. He is also the benefactor who saved my uncle and a respectable elder. Keeping him behind the curtain not only creates distance but also hinders the diagnosis and treatment."

After a moment of silence inside the curtain, Lin Daiyu softly hummed in agreement.

Zijuan and Xiaonan hurriedly stepped forward to roll up the gauze curtain, revealing Lin Daiyu's true appearance, which appeared delicate and frail.

When Lin Daiyu saw everyone's gazes on her, she lowered her head, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, as if she were embarrassed.

Su Tianshi sat down and carefully examined Lin Daiyu's complexion, inquiring about her daily life and diet. Zijuan answered her questions one by one, her eyes reddening as she spoke of the young lady's frequent insomnia and irregular eating habits. After listening, Su Tianshi took out a pulse pillow, and Lin Daiyu gently placed her wrist on it; her wrist was so thin it seemed as if it would break at the slightest touch.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Su Tianshi took her pulse with three fingers, closed his eyes and concentrated, sometimes frowning slightly, sometimes nodding gently. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he withdrew his hand and sighed, "Young lady's symptoms are due to two reasons: first, congenital deficiency, with both qi and blood depleted; second, excessive worry, causing liver qi stagnation. To cure it completely..." He shook his head, "I'm afraid it will be difficult!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu's fingertips trembled slightly, but she still maintained her dignified posture.

Jiang Nianyu said respectfully, "Please enlighten me on the method of recuperation, sir."

Su Tianshi picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote a prescription on Xue Tao's paper. As he wrote, he said, "Use this prescription for a month, one dose each morning and evening. More importantly, you must relax and not worry too much. I observe that you have a very heavy heart, and if this continues, I'm afraid it will be beyond the cure of medicine."

Lin Daiyu nodded gently, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes.

Jiang Nian saw this and said softly, "Sister, why don't you thank Mr. Su?"

Lin Daiyu rose and bowed gracefully to Su Tianshi, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

After seeing Su Tianshi off, Jiang Nian returned to Furong Pavilion and asked Lin Daiyu, "Did you remember everything Mr. Su said just now?"

Lin Daiyu nodded slightly but remained silent, a strand of her hair falling down her cheek, which she did not bother to brush away.

Jiang Nian took a few steps closer and said solemnly, "I hope you will take the medicine as prescribed by the doctor, and more importantly, try to relax. Don't let Mr. Su's treatment go to waste, and don't let down your uncle and... me, who have put in so much effort!"

Lin Daiyu suddenly looked up, and the sunlight shone directly into her eyes, making her dewy eyes appear as clear as autumn water. She opened her mouth, wanting to say, "Don't bully me anymore," but in the end, she was too embarrassed to say it, and only whispered, "I understand."

……

……

It's already mid-February in the blink of an eye.

That afternoon, the Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion in the back garden of the Salt Academy was warm and cozy. Outside the pavilion, by the Peach Blossom Spring, several peach trees had already sprouted tiny red buds, which was quite beautiful.

Jiang Nian sat alone at her desk, carefully examining a handwritten edict from Emperor Taishun. The edict read:
"I have read your memorial from Yangzhou, which details the rectification of salt administration. You have worked tirelessly, enforced the law impartially, and acted swiftly and decisively, bringing order to the salt administration. I am very pleased and deeply appreciate your dedication to your duties."

According to your petition, although Lin Ruhai had made mistakes in the past, he has tried his best to make amends. When you were reorganizing the salt administration, he sincerely assisted you despite his illness. His actions are pitiful and his contributions are commendable. Since he has repented and reformed, I will not pursue his past transgressions. If his illness improves and his health improves, he will be transferred to the capital to await appointment, as a sign of the court's leniency and compassion.

The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, Zhan Tanlin, is mature and capable, and is hereby promoted to Salt Commissioner of the Lianghuai Salt Transport Commission. He shall go to Yangzhou soon to take up his post.

The position of Chief Salt Merchant of Yangzhou is of paramount importance. Since you and Lin Ruhai have jointly recommended Tang Chengyu, the chief merchant of Yangzhou, who is well-versed in salt affairs, trustworthy, and highly respected, we hereby appoint Tang Chengyu as Chief Salt Merchant of Yangzhou, in charge of supervising all matters related to salt merchants' tax collection, with the aim of enriching the national economy and benefiting the people.

Furthermore, the Emperor Emeritus is on a southern tour and will soon be staying in Yangzhou. I hereby appoint you, Jiang Nian, to oversee all matters concerning the reception of the Emperor in Yangzhou, and to work with local civil and military officials to make careful preparations, so as to demonstrate my sincere filial piety.

Once the Emperor Emeritus has arrived in Yangzhou and all affairs have been settled, you will be relieved of your duties in the salt administration and will be solely responsible for escorting the Emperor. You are hereby ordered to accompany the Emperor on his southern tour, providing diligent protection along the way and awaiting any further orders.

All matters outlined in this edict concern the nation's welfare and the Emperor's countenance. You must fully understand my intentions, handle them diligently, and live up to my trust and profound favor. So be it.

This imperial edict praised Jiang Nian's efforts in reforming the salt administration in Yangzhou; it did not punish Lin Ruhai, but if Lin Ruhai recovered, he would be transferred to the capital to await a new appointment; Zhan Tanlin, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, was promoted to Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai and sent to Yangzhou to take up his post; and based on the recommendations of Jiang Nian and Lin Ruhai, Tang Chengyu was appointed as the head of the salt industry in Yangzhou.

In addition, Emperor Taishun ordered Jiang Nian to take charge of all matters related to receiving the retired Emperor Jingning in Yangzhou. When Emperor Jingning arrived in Yangzhou, Jiang Nian would no longer act as the salt administration of Lianghuai, but would accompany Emperor Jingning on his southern tour.

This last point was actually Emperor Taishun's deliberate intention to allow Jiang Nian to take the opportunity to get closer to Emperor Jingning, strengthen the bond between grandfather and granddaughter, and facilitate Jiang Nian's future recognition of her ancestral lineage. Jiang Nian was repeatedly looking at Emperor Taishun's edict when she suddenly heard the maid Xiao Nan outside the curtain softly report, "My lord, the young lady has arrived."

Jiang Nian said, "Please come in."

A moment later, the curtain was lifted slightly, and Lin Daiyu walked in gracefully. Today she was wearing a light purple padded jacket embroidered with plum blossoms and a moon-white pleated skirt, but she was as slender as a willow branch, with Zijuan following behind her.

Lin Daiyu curtsied, her eyes glancing at the bright yellow silk scroll on the table. Curious, she asked, "What are you looking at?"

She didn't like calling Jiang Nian "sir" or "brother-in-law," and usually just called him "you," which Jiang Nian didn't seem to mind.

Jiang Nian frankly said, "I just received an imperial edict from the Emperor, which is related to my uncle."

Lin Daiyu's eyes lit up, and after hesitating for a moment, she said, "May I take a look?"

After a moment's thought, Jiang Nian handed over the edict.

Lin Daiyu took the document and was delighted to see that the imperial edict stated that Lin Ruhai's past transgressions would not be investigated. However, upon seeing that Lin Ruhai's serious illness had almost completely subsided and his health had improved, and that he was to be transferred to the capital to await appointment, she was taken aback and thought to herself, "Does this mean that Father is going to the capital?"

Without time to think further, Lin Daiyu returned the edict to Jiang Nian and curtsied again, saying, "Thank you for pleading on my father's behalf." She couldn't help but add, "You truly enjoy the Emperor's favor!"

Jiang Nian replied, "I invited Physician Su to save my uncle's life, and now I have pleaded for him and secured a pardon. How does Sister Lin intend to repay such kindness?"

Lin Daiyu was startled, then remembered what had happened before, and two red clouds rose on her face. She said warily, "You...you don't mean you want me to kowtow and thank you again?" As she spoke, she subconsciously took half a step back.

Jiang Nian shook her head and chuckled, "That's not necessary."

Lin Daiyu bit her lip and said, "So... I have to call him 'good brother-in-law' three more times?"

He said it very softly, barely uttering the words "good brother-in-law."

Jiang Nian shook her head again: "No, not exactly."

"Then..." Lin Daiyu's eyes held both wariness and shyness, "How do you want me to repay you?"

Looking at her like this, Jiang Nian couldn't help but smile and said, "I haven't thought about it yet. I'll tell you when I've made up my mind."

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu was first taken aback, then gave a soft snort and turned her face away.

Jiang Nian asked, "Did you come here on some important matter, Sister Lin?"

This question reminded Lin Daiyu of the purpose of her visit. Her face flushed red, and she lowered her head without speaking. Her slender fingers twisted the sash of her dress, winding the silk ribbon around and around.

Zijuan, who had witnessed everything clearly, smiled and said, "My lord, you may not know, but my young lady has come to deliver a gift..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lin Daiyu glared at him and said, "Why did you have to be so talkative!"

This coquettish rebuke startled Zijuan, who stuck out her tongue and dared not say another word.

Seeing this, Jiang Nian's eyes flashed with amusement, and she asked, "Oh? My sister is going to give me a gift?" As she spoke, her gaze swept lightly over Lin Daiyu, noticing that the purse at her waist was bulging, obviously hiding something.

Lin Daiyu felt even more embarrassed when he looked at her. She stole a glance at Xiao Nan and Zi Juan, who were standing to the side, and thought of sending the two maids away. But then she thought that if she sent them away now, it would only make it seem like she was trying to cover up the truth.

After much deliberation, Lin Daiyu finally took out a plain white handkerchief from her purse and handed it to Jiang Nian, her voice barely audible: "Here, for you."

Jiang Nian took the handkerchief and examined it closely. She saw that the four sides of the handkerchief were embroidered with cloud patterns, and a water lily was embroidered in the center. The stitches were fine and dense, showing that a lot of effort had been put into it. The petals were dyed with pink silk threads of varying shades, which set off the green lotus leaves, making them look fresh and lively.

A thought struck him: he remembered that on the Lantern Festival last month, he had casually remarked that he lacked a handkerchief and praised the water lily for its elegance and refinement. He hadn't expected that this Lin Daiyu would remember it so well...

Although he had guessed the reason, he deliberately asked, "Why did you suddenly give me this handkerchief embroidered with water lilies, sister?"

Lin Daiyu's ears turned bright red. She glanced at the two maids, Xiao Nan and Zi Juan, and whispered, "Last month... last month during the Lantern Festival, you said you needed a handkerchief, and you also said... and you said you liked water lilies..." Her words grew softer and softer.

Jiang Nian nodded as if she suddenly understood, but then asked with a smile, "Did you embroider this handkerchief yourself, sister?"

Lin Daiyu gave a soft "hmm" and lowered her head again.

You should know that this Lin Daiyu was spoiled since childhood. Although she knew how to do needlework, she was impatient with it.

In the original novel, Xiren commented on this: "She wouldn't do it. Even so, the old lady was still worried that she would overwork herself. The doctor also said that she should rest and recuperate, so who would dare to bother her? Last year, she spent a whole year making a sachet; this year, half a year has passed, and she hasn't even picked up a needle and thread."

Both Lin Ruhai and Jia Baoyu received needlework made by Lin Daiyu herself.

Jiang Nian is now the third man to receive this message.

Moreover, this exquisite handkerchief with its finely woven pattern was made by Lin Daiyu in less than a month, which is truly remarkable.

Jiang Nian knew that this handkerchief was precious, so he gently stroked the water lily pattern. Just as he was about to say something, he saw Lin Daiyu stealing a glance at him. Their eyes met, and she hurriedly looked away.

"I've given you the handkerchief, I'm leaving!"

After saying this, Lin Daiyu suddenly turned and left.

Zijuan quickly bowed to Jiang Nianfu and hurriedly chased after him.

Lin Daiyu left Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion and walked very quickly.

Zijuan chased after her, panting, "Slow down, miss, be careful not to trip!"

Lin Daiyu then slowed down.

"The handkerchief that you painstakingly embroidered, Miss, has now been given away. Why are you unhappy about it?" Zijuan asked with a deliberately smiling smile as she approached Lin Daiyu.

Lin Daiyu said in a low voice, "Who's unhappy? It's just... humph, I'm not talking to you anymore!"

Before he finished speaking, he quickly started walking again.

A short while later, they returned to the Hibiscus Pavilion. Lin Daiyu slipped into the inner room and closed the door behind her, as if afraid that Zijuan would laugh at her.

"I've noticed that the young lady treats Lord Jiang with the same warmth she showed to Master Bao back in the Rong Mansion. Moreover, she seems quite obedient and well-behaved in front of Lord Jiang..."

Zijuan suddenly thought of something.

(End of this chapter)