The Red Mansion

Chapter 216 The peach blossoms are in bloom, Jing Ning has arrived.
On this day, a warm breeze caressed the face of Yangzhou, peach blossoms were in full bloom and willows were green, and the sun shone brightly.

Jiang Nian, who never attended private banquets hosted by salt merchants, made an exception today and accepted Tang Chengyu's invitation. This was because Tang Chengyu had been officially appointed as the Chief Administrator of Yangzhou by Emperor Taishun and was hosting a banquet at his residence to invite him, which Jiang Nian did not refuse.

Jiang Nian arrived at the Tang residence in a sedan chair and saw towering vermilion gates with plaques hanging above them gleaming in the sunlight.

Tang Chengyu and his entire family were already waiting at the door. When the sedan chair arrived, they hurriedly stepped forward to bow and pay their respects.

"Lord Jiang's presence is an honor to my humble abode!"

Tang Chengyu was dressed in a brand-new royal blue satin robe, his face beaming with smiles. Behind him stood a young boy with his hair in a bun, his face exquisitely beautiful, who was none other than his six-year-old only son, Tang Chun.

Since Jiang Nian had mentioned Tang Chun before, Tang Chengyu specially arranged for Tang Chun and Jiang Nian to form a good relationship today.

Jiang Nian arrived at the main hall, where her gaze was drawn to a piece of imperial calligraphy. This calligraphy, mounted in gold leaf, hung high in the hall, and bore the inscription "Imperial Seal of Emperor Jingning."

Upon seeing this, Tang Chengyu quickly explained, "This is a piece of calligraphy bestowed upon my late father by the Emperor Emeritus when he was alive."

Jiang Nian nodded slightly. He knew that Tang Chengyu's father, Tang Yan, had received Emperor Jingning during his southern tour. Emperor Jingning had even visited Tang's residence and bestowed upon him a piece of imperial calligraphy.

Leaving the main hall and arriving at the back garden, one is immediately greeted by the fragrance of flowers. There are a dozen or so white magnolias in full bloom, their graceful canopies resembling clouds and snow from afar.

The banquet was held in a pavilion next to the flower garden. Fresh seasonal fruits were laid out on the table, and Huaiyang delicacies were served on agate plates. Maids moved about among them, creating an atmosphere of wealth and luxury.

After taking their seats, Jiang Nian noticed that Tang Chun was standing properly behind Tang Chengyu, so she beckoned and said, "Chun-ge'er, come here."

Tang Chun glanced at his father, and after receiving his approval, he took small steps forward and gave a proper bow.

Jiang Nian looked Tang Chun up and down, then turned to Tang Chengyu and asked, "Has he started his formal education?"

Tang Chengyu quickly replied, "Reporting to you, sir, my son hired a tutor last spring and has now finished reading the Thousand Character Classic and is currently studying the Analects."

As she spoke, she took out Tang Chun's calligraphy practice book, which she had prepared in advance.

Jiang Nian opened the book and saw that although the handwriting was childish, it was meticulous. She pointed to one of the pages and asked, "'Clouds rise and bring rain, dew condenses into frost,' what is the meaning of these two lines?"

Tang Chun blinked and answered crisply, "Your Excellency, this means that rising clouds turn into rain, and dew condenses into frost." He added, "The teacher also said that this is about the principles of the changes in heaven and earth."

Jiang Nian nodded and smiled, "Indeed intelligent." Turning to Tang Chengyu, she said, "Your son is exceptionally gifted and will surely achieve great things in the future."

Tang Chengyu waved his hands repeatedly: "You flatter me, sir. This rascal is very naughty. Yesterday, he was punished by his mother for being playful." Despite his words, he couldn't hide the smug look in his eyes and brows.

Jiang Nian then asked, "Do you intend for him to enter officialdom in the future or take over the family business?"

Tang Chengyu said respectfully, "I wish to have him enter officialdom through the imperial examination."

Jiang Nian said, "Springtime brings sunshine and all things to sprout, a sign of prosperity. It is good to enter officialdom through the imperial examinations, but in my opinion, your son should also learn about business as soon as possible while studying hard. If he fails the imperial examinations in the future, he can take over the family business, or even... become the head of the company!"

Tang Chengyu stood up excitedly: "Thank you for your invaluable advice, sir!"

After saying this, he bowed deeply.

On this day, Tang Chengyu prepared a large box of treasures of astonishing value, intending to secretly give it to Jiang Nian, but Jiang Nian refused to accept it.

It's easy to imagine that Tang Chengyu, as the head of Yangzhou, would become a wealthy merchant in Yangzhou and even the Lianghuai region.

Tang Chengyu is already considered half of Jiang Nian's disciple, and there will be a time when he can be put to use...

……

……

In mid-February, spring was in full bloom in Yangzhou.

That morning, in the signing room of the Salt Bureau, Jiang Nian was reviewing documents at his desk.

Suddenly, a personal guard came in to report that Lin Ruhai and Su Tianshi were requesting an audience.

Lin Ruhai walked in slowly, leaning on his cane, followed by Su Tianshi.

Jiang Nian stood up to greet him: "Uncle, what brings you here? Although your illness is gradually improving, you should still be recuperating in the inner quarters."

Lin Ruhai smiled and said, "Mr. Su said that it is actually beneficial to move around a little every day." He then sat down in the chair that Jiang Nian had given him.

Su Tianshi bowed respectfully and sat down to the side.

Lin Ruhai sighed softly: "There is something I need to discuss with my nephew."

He looked at Su Tianshi: "Mr. Su intends to return to Suzhou tomorrow."

Jiang Nian looked at Su Tianshi, who stroked his beard and said, "Seven-tenths of Lin Shiyu's serious illness has been cured. The rest only requires him to take his medicine on time and recuperate quietly. I have been staying in Yangzhou for more than a month, and it is time for me to go back."

Jiang Nian sighed, "Sir, you are truly a divine physician of our time, comparable to Zhang Zhongjing and Yuan Hua. I originally intended to recommend you for the Imperial Medical Academy, but you declined."

These words come from the bottom of my heart.

The previous incarnation of Ye Tianshi was praised as a physician who made great contributions to the history of Chinese medicine, and was described as "a person of the same caliber as Zhang Zhongjing and Yuan Hua". He was not only the founder of the Wenbing School, but also proficient in pediatrics, gynecology, internal medicine, surgery, and ENT. Historical records describe him as "having mastered the medical skills of ancient and modern times", "being able to see the five internal organs by feeling the pulse and observing the complexion", and "his treatments were often miraculously effective". Folk legends say that he was "a celestial physician descended to earth".

The Su Tianshi of this world is a replica of the Ye Tianshi.

"You flatter me, sir." Su Tianshi waved his hands repeatedly. "I am but a country doctor. How dare I compare myself to the sages of the past? The Imperial Medical Academy is good, but it is not as comfortable as practicing medicine in Suzhou."

Jiang Nian remained silent for a while before saying, "Sir, your mind is made up, so I dare not force you to stay. Today, I will prepare another twenty taels of gold as a token of my gratitude and as a travel allowance."

Su Tianshi waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "No! I have already received enough for the consultation fee and thanks, and I cannot accept any more." He hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "My mind is only on my son."

Su Tianshi intended to donate an official position for one of his sons, and had previously asked Jiang Nian and Lin Ruhai for help.

Jiang Nian understood: "Sir, rest assured, I will do my best to handle your son's matter of purchasing an official position."

Lin Ruhai continued, "I promised to do this first. Mr. Su saved my life, and it is only right that I repay this kindness."

Jiang Nian smiled and said, "Uncle, you're too kind. We can handle this together."

……

……

It's already early March.

Jiang Nian has been in Yangzhou for nearly two months.

In the third month of spring, Yangzhou is ablaze with color, with magnolias blooming like snow, crabapple blossoms like rosy clouds, and pear blossoms piled high, creating a scene resembling a jade forest.

In the back garden of the Salt Institute, the peach trees by the Peach Blossom Spring have blossomed in full glory after being caressed by the spring breeze.

That afternoon, Jiang Nian strolled along the Peach Blossom Spring, admiring the flowers. She saw that some peach blossoms were deep red, some were light pink, some were still in bud, and some were already in full bloom. As the spring breeze passed by, the petals fluttered in the air.

The maid Xiao Nan followed behind, occasionally brushing the fallen flowers off Jiang Nian's body.

"It's already early March, and the pear blossoms at the old house in the eastern suburbs of Shenjing have already bloomed, while the peonies at the new house will soon be in bloom!"

At this moment, Jiang Nian thought of Yuan Chun, Xue Baochai, Jing Qing, Qin Keqing and others in the capital.

Just as he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard the tinkling of jade pendants. He turned around and saw Lin Daiyu and Zijuan gracefully approaching.

"You're in such a refined mood today." Lin Daiyu curtsied and then spoke softly, her voice as clear as spring water. Jiang Nian smiled and said, "Sister Lin, you've come at the perfect time. Look how beautifully the peach blossoms are in bloom."

Lin Daiyu approached, looked up at the peach blossoms, and saw that each one was delicate and beautiful. She stretched out her slender hand and gently held a blossom, saying, "They are indeed blooming beautifully!"

Zijuan laughed from the side, "Miss said last month that she wanted to admire the peach blossoms, and today she finally gets to see them."

Lin Daiyu did not answer, but simply observed carefully. Suddenly a gust of wind blew by, scattering a few petals, one of which landed in her hair. Jiang Nian wanted to brush it away for her, but it was inconvenient, so Zijuan reached out and brushed it away instead.

"The peach blossoms here are in bloom," Lin Daiyu suddenly sighed. "It's a pity that the water lilies outside my Hibiscus Pavilion are still withered."

Jiang Nian looked towards the direction of the Hibiscus Pavilion. Although there was some distance between them, he seemed to be able to see the withered lotus leaves in the pond. He smiled slightly and said, "Water hibiscus won't bloom until June. Why are you in such a hurry?"

Lin Daiyu lowered her head and said softly, "By the time it blooms, I will have already left Yangzhou, and I'm afraid I'll never come back in this lifetime."

Jiang Nian smiled and said, "My uncle's health is getting better and he will soon be transferred to the capital to await his appointment. Wouldn't it be a good thing if you went to the capital with him? Besides, there are water lilies to admire in the capital."

Lin Daiyu raised her head and nodded again, her mood improving.

Jiang Nian suddenly broke off a peach blossom that was in full bloom and handed it to Lin Daiyu: "Since you love this flower, why don't you take it back and put it in a vase?"

Lin Daiyu took the flower branch, and her fingertips inadvertently touched Jiang Nian's hand. A blush rose on her face, making her even more beautiful than the peach blossoms.

She thanked him softly and turned to leave, but Jiang Nian called out to her, "Sister Lin!"

Lin Daiyu turned her head and gazed at him.

Jiang Nian suddenly said, "I recently composed a new piece; would you like to hear it?"

Before she could finish speaking, Zijuan clapped her hands and laughed, "Sir, you've composed a new song again? The last song, 'Longing,' is still unforgettable!"

Lin Daiyu glared at Zijuan, who quickly covered her mouth. However, she couldn't help but say, "Since you have such an interest, I'll naturally listen attentively."

Jiang Nian smiled and led Lin Daiyu into the Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion.

The inner room was elegantly furnished, with an ancient zither on it, which Jiang Nian had borrowed from Lin Daiyu last month.

Immediately, Jiang Nian sat down at the zither table, straightened her sleeves, and with a light flick of her fingers, a series of clear notes flowed out. At first, it was like a gentle rain nourishing the earth, gradually becoming like a vast expanse of misty water. The melody sometimes resembled the gentle rocking of a painted boat, and sometimes the clear glow of the bright moon. The music subtly contained tender emotions, like a beautiful woman adding fragrance to the air, or whispering secrets by a railing.

The song ends, but the lingering sound remains.

The song is titled "Singing of Yangzhou in the Rain," which was originally a classic ancient-style song from Jiang Nian's previous life. Now, he has adapted it into a guqin piece, so it is inconvenient to pair it with the lyrics from his previous life.

Zijuan couldn't help but exclaim, "Sir, this piece is even more novel and beautiful than the last one, 'Longing'!"

Lin Daiyu couldn't help but ask, "What is the name of this piece?"

“Singing of Yangzhou in the Misty Rain.” Jiang Nian gently stroked the zither, but her gaze fell on Lin Daiyu’s face.

Lin Daiyu suddenly fell into a daze.

Ever since she heard "Longing" last month, she had secretly hoped that Jiang Nian would compose a song specifically for her. Today, hearing "Singing of Yangzhou in the Rain" so melodious and moving, and with its hidden tender feelings, she wanted to ask, "Was this song written for me?" but she was too embarrassed, and afraid that she would be presumptuous and make a fool of herself.

Seeing that Lin Daiyu was lost in thought, Zijuan quietly touched Lin Daiyu's sleeve.

Lin Daiyu then came to her senses, her ears turning red and her heart pounding. She said, "This music is very good," and then hurriedly took her leave, departing with Zijuan.

Not far away, Zijuan smiled at Lin Daiyu and said, "Miss, the song that Lord Jiang just played seemed to have been specially composed for you."

"Stop talking nonsense!"

Lin Daiyu spat, but secretly rejoiced.

……

……

It's already March 11th.

It has been nearly two months since the retired Emperor Jingning embarked on his southern tour. Traveling down the Grand Canal, enjoying the scenery and stopping frequently, he finally arrived in Yangzhou today, just as the poem "In the third month of spring, amidst the fireworks, I went down to Yangzhou" describes.

Emperor Jingning visited Yangzhou several times, and each time he stayed in the temporary palace in the western garden of Tianning Temple. The dock below the temple was where he boarded and disembarked his dragon boat.

This time too.

That afternoon, around 1:00 PM.

Outside Tianning Temple, mist and rain shrouded the area, while the western palace of the temple had been thoroughly cleaned and the dock was covered with red carpet.

Jiang Nian, who was in charge of welcoming the emperor in Yangzhou, led a group of officials to wait for him, including Lin Ruhai, who had just recovered from his illness, Zhan Tanlin, the newly appointed Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai, Guo Xia, the Prefect of Yangzhou, and other officials; there were also a group of large salt merchants from Yangzhou, led by Tang Chengyu; and the abbot of Tianning Temple and his monks, holding incense burners and ritual implements, stood solemnly in the rain.

People gathered in the distance, but were stopped by government soldiers, and they all stood on tiptoe to look around.

The drizzle, like smoke, shrouded the northern moat in a hazy mist.

Suddenly, a chorus of drums and music could be heard in the distance, and a fleet of boats came breaking through the rain. Among them was a magnificent dragon boat with banners waving at its bow and dragons and phoenixes carved on its hull.

The crowd on the shore immediately held their breath and knelt down.

The dragon boat docked, and a vermilion-lacquered gangway was erected.

First, Prince Zhongshun led his personal guards to clear the way, followed by Yuan Xi, Yuan Li, and others.

Chief eunuch Dai Quan held up a yellow silk umbrella and followed Emperor Jingning out slowly. Emperor Jingning was dressed in a casual robe with cloud and dragon patterns. Although he was over seventy years old, he had a straight back and was in good spirits.

"Long live! Long live! Long live!"

The shouts of the crowd seemed to shake the misty rain, making it sway even more violently.

Emperor Jingning's gaze swept over the kneeling crowd with lightning speed, then stopped on Jiang Nian and slightly raised his hand.

Jiang Nian understood and quickly stepped forward to perform the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony: "Your subject, Imperial Envoy and Guard Jiang Nian, respectfully wishes the Retired Emperor good health. May the Retired Emperor enjoy longevity, health, and eternal peace."

"Rise." Emperor Jingning smiled. "I have heard that you have been diligently carrying out your duties in Yangzhou, and the salt administration has made great progress."

Jiang Nian bowed again: "This is all thanks to the divine might of the Emperor Emeritus and the great blessings of His Majesty. I have only done my duty."

Emperor Jingning nodded slightly, then suddenly noticed Lin Ruhai behind Jiang Nian and asked in surprise, "Ruhai is here too? I remember you were quite ill?"

Lin Ruhai hurriedly kowtowed: "Thank you for your inquiry, Your Majesty. I am now fully recovered."

Emperor Jingning nodded slightly again. Because it was raining, he did not say much and moved to the temporary palace.

The crowd surrounded the imperial carriage as it slowly walked along the red carpet.

Jiang Nian led the way, reminding people from time to time that the steps were slippery.

As we approached the gate of Tianning Temple, we heard chanting through the rain as monks lined up to welcome us.

Emperor Jingning paused and looked around, then exclaimed with emotion, "Eighteen years have passed in the blink of an eye, and I have finally seen Tianning Temple again!"

(End of this chapter)