The Red Mansion

Chapter 219 Yuan Li Poisoned While Performing a Dance with His Shadow

The misty rain continued to fall, covering the sky and the land, enveloping the Shugang area.

This rain is neither like a summer downpour nor a chilly autumn day; it is just a gentle, continuous drizzle that dampens clothes, making the mountains, grass, and trees appear hazy and picturesque.

Beneath the central peak of Shugang, amidst the misty rain, stood several figures.

The man at the head was none other than Shen Chuan'en, the former head of the largest merchant family in Yangzhou.

Standing beside Shen Chuan'en was a girl of sixteen or seventeen. Although her face was covered by a veil, only her arched eyebrows and eyes as clear as autumn water were visible. Yet, she exuded a charming and graceful demeanor.

She is Yu Zhaoying.

Yu Zhaoying's attire today is a bit strange. She wears an embroidered dance dress underneath a plain cloak, which makes her figure graceful, yet she is also covered up tightly.

Shen Chuan'en was extremely anxious at this moment, feeling as if he were being tormented by fire.

More than a month ago, Jiang Nian carried out a swift and decisive rectification of the salt administration. Seeing that things were not going well, Shen Chuan'en fled in panic.

For more than a month, Shen Chuan'en has been lucky enough to escape capture, but he has been living in constant fear, hiding in the streets and alleys, no longer living the life of luxury he once did.

Shen Chuan'en was unwilling to give up. After thinking it over, he came up with a bold idea—to take advantage of the Emperor Emeritus Jingning's southern tour to Yangzhou and risk a meeting with him!

He secretly thought that Emperor Jingning had a long-standing relationship with the Shen family, and that Emperor Jingning was benevolent; if he could see the emperor's face, he might be able to obtain forgiveness. If he were lucky enough to gain the emperor's favor, he might even be able to regain control of the Yangzhou salt administration and make a comeback!

He had a long-standing collusion with Wei Geng, a trusted eunuch of Emperor Jingning, and had given him countless gifts of gold and silver in the past. This time, he prepared lavish gifts again, asking Wei Geng to mediate between them.

To increase his chances of success, he specially brought his adopted daughter, Yu Zhaoying, along. He knew that Emperor Jingning was fond of beautiful women, and many years ago, when Emperor Jingning made his southern tour to Yangzhou, the Shen family had presented him with a beautiful woman, who had won the emperor's favor.

Yu Zhaoying is a woman of unparalleled beauty. If she could catch the eye of the emperor, why would Shen Chuan'en not be able to get forgiveness?

However, Shen Chuan'en had already learned from Wei Geng that Jiang Nian was most likely a commoner grandson of Emperor Jingning, and that Jiang Nian was most likely present when he came to Shugang to see Emperor Jingning today—this was not a good thing.

Just as he was pondering this, two eunuchs, both dressed in satin robes, slowly descended the mountain path on the central peak of Shugang. Their steps were light and quiet.

When Shen Chuan'en saw that it was two eunuchs who had come, he was delighted, knowing that Wei Geng had sent someone to guide him.

Sure enough, two eunuchs approached and said, "Chief Eunuch Wei has informed the Emperor Emeritus and has specially ordered us to escort you to Pingshan Hall for an audience. However, no unauthorized personnel are allowed to approach His Majesty's presence."

Shen Chuan'en gave the two eunuchs a lot of gold, and then, together with Yu Zhaoying and a maid carrying a pipa, they slowly walked up the mountain on the slippery stone steps.

The rain slanted down, making a soft rustling sound on the umbrella.

Yu Zhaoying lowered her eyes and gently bit her lip, a complex look flashing in her eyes.

……

……

Yu Zhaoying followed Shen Chuan'en up the steps to the outside of Pingshan Hall. There, she saw a heavily guarded area with swords and halberds like a forest and archers like clouds, creating a solemn and murderous atmosphere.

Yu Zhaoying had never seen such a scene before. She was so frightened that her face turned pale. Fortunately, her veil covered her face, and others could only see the panic in her eyes and her slender fingers tightly clutching her handkerchief.

Seeing this, Shen Chuan'en comforted him in a low voice, "Don't be afraid! We just need to follow the plan."

Even so, he was secretly alarmed and had to force himself to suppress his racing heart and push it back into his chest.

The eunuch Wei Geng was already waiting outside the hall. When he saw Shen Chuan'en arrive, he led Shen Chuan'en and Yu Zhaoying inside.

Just before entering, Yu Zhaoying slightly raised her slender hand and deliberately removed her veil, instantly revealing an absolutely stunning face. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn waters, her lips were bright red, and her cheeks were radiant with spring. She was truly a beauty that could be described as "if not seen on the Jade Mountain, but met under the moon on the Jade Terrace." Even Wei Geng couldn't help but take a closer look.

Inside the hall, Emperor Jingning sat in the main seat, Prince Zhongshun sat to one side, and Yuan Xi, Yuan Li, Dai Quan, Jiang Nian, Lin Ruhai and others stood in attendance.

Shen Chuan'en glanced at Jiang Nian and saw that she looked calm. He felt even more uncertain and could only try to remain calm.

Yu Zhaoying also caught a glimpse of Jiang Nian, and an embarrassed look appeared on her face.

When Yuan Li saw Yu Zhaoying, his eyes lit up.

"This humble subject, Shen Chuan'en, respectfully wishes His Majesty a speedy and peaceful reign!"

Shen Chuan'en prostrated himself on the ground and kowtowed, and Yu Zhaoying followed suit.

Emperor Jingning did not rouse him, but said in a deep voice, "Shen Chuan'en, you have committed a grave crime, yet you dare to flee in fear of punishment. How dare you come to see me today?"

Shen Chuan'en stole a glance at Jiang Nian before kowtowing and saying, "Your Majesty, I am indeed guilty and dare not deny it. Today I dare to ask for an audience, hoping that Your Majesty will remember that the Shen family has donated silver to help with the war effort on several occasions and organized salt merchants to participate in the righteous cause, and also remember our past friendship, and forgive me."

In fact, Shen Chuan'en originally intended to impeach Jiang Nian before the Emperor Emeritus, accusing Jiang Nian of being audacious and cruel, harming the people. However, upon learning that Jiang Nian was likely a grandson of Emperor Jingning who had fallen into exile, he had no choice but to abandon the plan.

Before Emperor Jingning could speak, Shen Chuan'en continued, "Eighteen years ago, when the Emperor Emeritus made his southern tour, he mentioned his fondness for 'Spring River Flower Moon Night,' saying that it would be even more wonderful if a beautiful woman were to accompany him in the dance. I have always kept this in mind, and specially ordered my adopted daughter, Yu Zhaoying, to practice this dance day and night. Now, fortunately, the Emperor Emeritus has returned to Yangzhou, and I have brought my adopted daughter with me to pay my respects. I humbly present this dance, hoping that the Emperor Emeritus will appreciate it!"

As he spoke, he winked at Yu Zhaoying.

Yu Zhaoying understood, looked up at the Emperor Emeritus, and said softly, "This humble woman, Yu Zhaoying, begs Your Majesty for your appreciation!"

Jiang Nian watched coldly from the sidelines, sighing inwardly: "This Shen Chuan'en is truly audacious. Not only did he show up today to request an audience with the Emperor Emeritus, but he also dared to bring a beautiful woman to dance in public, attempting to seduce the Emperor with his beauty."

In fact, Shen Chuan'en was desperate and made such a last-ditch effort.

Emperor Jingning carefully examined Yu Zhaoying and saw that the woman's eyes were full of affection, her flirtatious glances were full of hidden charm, and her every move was naturally alluring. She was truly a rare beauty.

Yuan Li was also carefully observing Yu Zhaoying, his heart fluttering. He was so captivated by her that he suddenly realized he had lost his composure. He quickly straightened his clothes and tried to remain calm, but his eyes still couldn't help but dart towards Yu Zhaoying.

Emperor Jingning had indeed grown old and was no longer the dashing man he once was, but seeing such a stunning beauty stirred up old memories. Eighteen years ago, during his southern tour, he had indeed mentioned to the Shen family that he loved "Spring River Flower Moon Night," and that it would be even more wonderful if a beautiful woman were to dance with it. Seeing this scene today, his imperial face stirred slightly, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "In that case, let's see her dance."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Li was secretly delighted, as he was very eager to see it!

Shen Chuan'en was overjoyed and hurriedly knelt down to the side.

Yu Zhaoying rose gracefully and, in front of everyone, lightly removed her plain-colored cloak, revealing her close-fitting brocade dance dress: a gauze skirt adorned with pearls and a delicate silk sash.

A maidservant entered carrying a pipa and began to play "Spring River Flower Moon Night" with gentle strumming and plucking.

Accompanied by this music, one sees fish reflecting their shadows, their wide sleeves billowing, drawing in fragrant breezes, their skirts fluttering like surging waves, their waists bending and turning like willow branches in the wind, just like Chang'e leaving the moon palace, or Mi Fei wandering in the Luoyang Palace.

It was clearly a place shrouded in misty rain during the day, yet it made one wonder if they had met under the moon in the Moon Palace.

Yuan Li was so engrossed in watching that he unconsciously showed a momentary state of infatuation.

Prince Zhongshun unconsciously stroked his beard, a look of approval on his face.

Even the usually dignified Lin Ruhai couldn't help but nod slightly. Although Jiang Nian also appreciated it, she had her own plans in mind.

He recalled the Lantern Festival night more than a month ago. That night, Yu Zhaoying had given him a flower-patterned note that read, "The banquet at Shen Garden has just begun. I wish to dance for you under the moon. If you do not despise my humble self, I will cherish this pearl in its box and await its dust."

Thinking back now, Yu Zhaoying probably intended to dance "Spring River Flower Moon Night" for him that night, but he refused.

Jiang Nian never expected that on this occasion, amidst the misty rain of March, in the Ping Shan Hall, the Emperor Emeritus would witness Yu Zhaoying's dance in person.

After the dance ended, Yu Zhaoying gracefully bowed, her body slightly damp with sweat, her silk robe clinging to her body, accentuating her exquisite figure. After bowing, she knelt down again, her fair neck lowered.

Emperor Jingning nodded slightly and said, "The dance was quite good."

Suddenly, his dragon eyes narrowed, and he turned to Shen Chuan'en, who was kneeling on the ground. His voice turned icy: "Although your Shen family has rendered meritorious service and has some past relationship with me, you have committed several crimes this time—selling smuggled salt, embezzling salt tax, bribing officials, misappropriating salt production, raising a private army, and manipulating salt prices. How can I forgive you for all of these?"

These words were like thunder, shaking Shen Chuan'en so much that he trembled all over.

The room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and even the drizzle outside seemed to have stopped.

Yu Zhaoying was so frightened that her face turned pale, and she gripped the hem of her skirt with her slender fingers.

Shen Chuan'en suddenly glanced at Prince Zhongshun, his eyes revealing a pleading look.

Prince Zhongshun understood that Shen Chuan'en was asking him to intercede on his behalf. He had received a lot of money from Shen Chuan'en before, and he had already taken a liking to Yu Zhaoying. He thought that Emperor Jingning would not accept this beautiful woman. If he interceded on Shen Chuan'en's behalf now, he could not only get the woman, but also get a large sum of money from Shen Chuan'en.

Thinking of this, Prince Zhongshun stood up, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, please forgive me. The crime committed by Shen Chuanen is a common problem among the merchants of Yangzhou. Considering that the Shen family has donated funds to support the army on many occasions and has served Your Majesty well on many occasions, and that Your Majesty’s southern tour was originally for relaxation, why spoil your mood with such a trivial matter? It would be fine to forgive him.”

Emperor Jingning closed his eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly looked at Jiang Nian: "You were the one who investigated this case, what do you have to say?"

Jiang Nian bowed and said, "With the Emperor Emeritus here, I dare not speak presumptuously. This matter is left to His Majesty's judgment."

He had already discerned that Emperor Jingning intended to forgive, and that Prince Zhongshun and Wei Geng were both on Shen Chuan'en's side. Since his rank was still low, there was no need for him to offend Prince Zhongshun and Wei Geng openly for the sake of a mere Shen Chuan'en. Moreover, he felt that even if Emperor Jingning were to forgive, the forgiveness would be limited.

As expected, Emperor Jingning said to Shen Chuan'en, "I will spare your life out of consideration for our past relationship. However, you will no longer be a salt merchant, and the property that has been confiscated will not be returned."

Shen Chuan'en was filled with mixed feelings, but thankfully his life was spared, so he quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude.

……

……

Although Emperor Jingning pardoned Shen Chuan'en, he did not accept Yu Zhaoying, this stunning beauty, as his concubine.

Shen Chuan'en led Yu Zhaoying out of Pingshan Hall and descended the stone steps of the central peak of Shugang.

The rain was still falling, the raindrops were fine and light, the distant mountains were like dark eyebrows, and the nearby water was shrouded in mist.

Yu Zhaoying had put her veil back on, still wearing her embroidered dance dress, with a plain cloak over it. As she walked, her clothes fluttered, making her look like a fairy on the water.

Shen Chuan'en's expression was unpredictable, sometimes frowning and sometimes smiling, clearly indicating that he was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions and could hardly contain himself.

As I was walking, I suddenly heard hurried footsteps behind me, pounding through the water on the steps.

Looking back, he saw a guard from the Prince's mansion quickly chasing after him and saying to Shen Chuan'en, "Wait! I am a guard from the Prince's mansion. I have come on the Prince's orders to inquire where you are currently residing in Yangzhou. The Prince said he would like to visit you when he has time."

Shen Chuan'en immediately understood: Prince Zhongshun had pleaded for him before the Emperor today, and now asking for his address was clearly an attempt to demand a reward from him.

Thinking of this, he showed no sign of it on his face, but simply smiled and gave the guard of the Prince's Palace an address.

The address was a residence on the shore of Baozhang Lake. This residence was not originally part of the Shen family's property, so it was not confiscated. Now that Shen Chuan'en has received the Emperor's grace of forgiveness, he wishes to stay here temporarily to plan for the future.

The guards of the Prince's mansion received the address and left with their hands clasped in respect.

Shen Chuan'en watched his figure disappear into the misty rain, his eyes darkening slightly as he thought to himself, "Prince Zhongshun has always been greedy. He's probably asking for a large reward for his help today."

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh, "Alas!"

Shen Chuan'en and Yu Zhaoying continued their leisurely descent down the mountain in the rain. When they reached the foot of the mountain, they suddenly heard another series of light footsteps behind them, rustling as they stepped over the wet stone steps.

Looking back, I saw a young eunuch in an indigo palace robe running after me, calling out in a shrill voice, "Please wait!"

Shen Chuan'en stopped to examine the eunuch closely. Seeing that the eunuch was unfamiliar, he became suspicious, but still respectfully bowed and said, "What can I do for you, sir?"

Eunuch Li straightened his sleeves and said in a pretentious tone, "My surname is Li, and I serve the Fourth Prince. My master sent me to ask where you are currently staying."

Shen Chuan'en was taken aback at first—he had no dealings with the Fourth Prince Yuan Li, so why did this prince suddenly send a young eunuch to ask him where he lived?
In a flash, as if struck by lightning, everything became clear, and Shen Chuan'en was overjoyed.

He was incredibly astute and immediately guessed that Yuan Li had likely taken a liking to Yu Zhaoying. Considering that Yuan Li was the secretly designated heir apparent, if he could climb up to this powerful figure, how could he not make a comeback?

Shen Chuan'en immediately smiled broadly and told the eunuch Li the address, adding, "There are several weeping willows in front of the door, making it easy to spot. If the Fourth Prince is willing to move here, I will certainly clear the way to welcome him."

After saying that, he took off the jade pendant he always wore and handed it to Eunuch Li, saying in a low voice, "I have made a hard trip, but I dared not bring any gold or silver with me today to meet the Emperor. So please accept this jade pendant as payment for the tea. It is a small token of my respect."

The eunuch Li accepted the jade pendant, beaming with joy, and nodded repeatedly, saying, "You're a wise man! I will definitely pass on the message."

After saying that, he turned around and walked away with light, quick steps.

……

……

After obtaining Shen Chuan'en's address, Eunuch Li hurriedly returned to Pingshan Hall to report back.

When Yuan Li saw that Eunuch Li had returned, he went to a secluded spot and asked anxiously, "How did it go?"

Eunuch Li whispered the situation in his ear and told him where Shen Chuan'en lived.

Before he finished speaking, Yuan Li's eyes lit up with joy. He slammed his folding fan on his palm and said, "Good!"

Despite being a prince and the "secret" crown prince, his life was actually quite dull. From childhood to adulthood, he was like a caged bird, studying diligently and learning both literature and martial arts. His father, Emperor Taishun, and his mother, Consort Xi, née Liu, both strictly disciplined him.

Now that he is getting older, he is well-versed in matters of love and has a great fondness for beautiful women. However, when he is in the palace or in Changchun Garden, he has no opportunity to indulge in lust. Even the maids in his room are ordinary-looking women specially selected by Consort Xi, Liu.

Therefore, when he saw Yu Zhaoying today, he was very moved, and when he saw Yu Zhaoying dance, he was even more moved.

It was like a long-awaited rain after a drought.

It was as if a bird long confined in a golden cage had suddenly seen the blue sky.

It was as if he had been poisoned, poisoned by something called beauty!
(End of this chapter)