The Red Mansion

Chapter 226 The Emperor's Journey Begins, His Home is by the Sea

A few more days passed in the blink of an eye, and it was the end of March, when the last petals of the flowers had fallen.

The mastermind and insider behind the assassination of Yuan Li remain elusive, with no concrete evidence to support their claims.

The reason why Yuan Li's assassination caused Emperor Jingning grief can be traced back to three main factors:
Firstly, Yuan Li was the crown prince secretly chosen by Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun, which concerned the foundation of the country and was of utmost importance.

Secondly, Emperor Jingning was perfectly aware that this matter must have been caused by someone in the imperial clan coveting the throne, who had committed this heinous act. Recalling the brutal "Nine Princes' Struggle for the Throne," the brothers fighting amongst themselves, and the fact that it was happening again, how could he not feel heartbroken?

The third point concerns the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

In fact, although Emperor Jingning favored his grandson Yuan Li, their relationship as grandfather and grandson was not particularly close. It was only in the last two or three years, after Emperor Taishun ascended the throne, that Yuan Li began to frequently interact with Emperor Jingning.

In contrast, the relationship between Emperor Jingning and his eldest grandson Yuan Xi was much deeper. Yuan Xi was raised by Emperor Jingning from a young age, and the emperor personally taught and instructed him.

Emperor Jingning had many sons and grandsons throughout his life: more than thirty princes, twenty daughters, and over a hundred grandchildren. Many of his children and grandchildren have passed away, and Emperor Jingning experienced the pain of outliving his children throughout his life.

If Yuan Li had not been burdened with the responsibility of becoming the heir apparent, Emperor Jingning would not have been so grief-stricken.

In the past ten days, thanks to Su Tianshi's meticulous treatment, Emperor Jingning not only recovered his health, but also felt some relief from the pent-up emotions in his heart.

Emperor Jingning has been staying in Yangzhou for more than half a month. Due to the thorough investigation of Yuan Li's assassination case, he has mobilized a large number of troops, causing panic and paranoia in Yangzhou.

The news spread like wildfire, reaching the provinces south of the Yangtze River and even the imperial court in the capital, causing a great uproar.

Emperor Jingning knew that it was not advisable for him to stay in Yangzhou for long.

Although the original purpose of this southern tour was to appreciate the scenery of Jiangnan, this unexpected turn of events has dampened his enthusiasm for the trip. However, if he were to return to the capital directly from Yangzhou, it would only confirm the assassination attempt on Yuan Li and increase suspicion.

Emperor Jingning then secretly instructed Emperor Taishun to declare Yuan Li's death as "dying of illness in Yangzhou" in order to cover up the truth.

In addition, on the first day of the fourth month, Emperor Jingning was to move his capital to Jiangning. His original plans to tour Suzhou, Hangzhou and other places were all cancelled.

Jiangning thus became the last stop on Emperor Jingning's seventh southern tour.

……

……

The last day of March.

The city of Yangzhou was shrouded in mist and rain once again, as hazy as fog.

Inside the Saltworks, in Aunt Qiu's room.

Aunt Qiu leaned against the Xiangfei couch, holding a cup of fragrant tea in her hands. In the wisps of tea smoke, her phoenix eyes smiled slightly as she looked at Xiao Nan, the maid standing in front of her.

Aunt Qiu took a sip of tea and asked slowly, "You've been serving Lord Jiang for two or three months now. How do you find it?"

Xiao Nan blushed instantly and whispered, "Lord Jiang... excellent."

Seeing her like this, Aunt Qiu smiled knowingly: "Tomorrow, Lord Jiang will be accompanying the Emperor Emeritus to Jiangning. Are you willing to let him go?"

Xiao Nan became increasingly embarrassed, twisting the handkerchief in her hands without making a sound.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Aunt Qiu asked deliberately.

Xiao Nan lowered her head, and after a long while, she whispered, "I... am reluctant to part with it..."

The voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, yet every word was clear and distinct.

Aunt Qiu put down her teacup and smiled, "In that case, I will give you to Lord Jiang. Would you be willing?"

Xiao Nan was taken aback at first, then knelt down and said, "I...I am willing. It's just that my aunt has been so kind to me, and I should serve you well. If...if I follow Lord Jiang, I won't be able to serve you wholeheartedly. But even if I get there, I will always think of repaying my aunt's kindness."

Aunt Qiu was very satisfied after hearing this.

She had specifically sent Xiao Nan to Jiang Nian's side because she found Xiao Nan to be beautiful and charming, and because she had personally cared for her. She thought that if she could use Xiao Nan to win over Jiang Nian, she would have someone to rely on if something happened to Lin Ruhai, and perhaps she could protect her own interests.

Although Lin Ruhai's health is gradually improving, Aunt Qiu is still determined to give Xiao Nan to Jiang Nian.

Firstly, she still wanted to win over Jiang Nian; secondly, Jiang Nian had done Lin Ruhai a great favor, and was also a benefactor to her Aunt Qiu; and thirdly, after observing for the past two or three months, she saw that Jiang Nian was indeed a rare young talent, and Xiao Nan had clearly developed feelings for her, so she might as well do him a favor, fulfilling both the duty of master and servant and facilitating a marriage.

Aunt Qiu took Xiao Nan's hand and said gently, "In the past two or three months, I have observed that although Lord Jiang is young, he is a rare talent. You have already developed feelings for him, so how can I not grant your wish? Firstly, it will preserve our relationship as master and servant, and secondly, it will help you find a good home and have someone to rely on for the rest of your life."

These words were ostensibly for Xiao Nan's benefit, but they concealed a hidden agenda. Aunt Qiu knew that such words were most likely to move people's hearts, and Xiao Nan would surely be grateful and remember her kindness in the future.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Xiao Nan was immediately moved to tears, knelt down on the ground, and choked out, "My aunt loves me so much, I could never repay her even if I were to work like a cow or a horse."

Aunt Qiu quickly helped Xiao Nan up, and said with a smile, "Don't be like that. When Lord Jiang returns to the Salt Bureau today, I will personally go and talk to him about this matter." Suddenly, she changed the subject and hesitated, "But... I don't know if he will accept you. If he doesn't agree, you mustn't blame me."

Xiao Nan blushed and whispered, "He...he was willing, but..."

He hesitated at this point, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Aunt Qiu raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, "But what?"

Xiao Nan twisted the handkerchief in her hand and said softly, "I dare not hide it from you, Aunt. A few days ago, Lord Jiang said that after Master and Aunt go to the capital, he... he will ask you for me."

"I see," Aunt Qiu chuckled. "That saves me a lot of trouble."

After a moment's thought, Aunt Qiu said seriously, "However, although he is a young master, he is still an official of the court and has served as an imperial envoy for three terms. Such a thing should not be left for him to ask for; it should be given to him by me."

Aunt Qiu was considerate and respectful to men, and she knew how to flatter them, which was one of the reasons why Lin Ruhai liked her.

If it weren't for the deep affection between Lin Ruhai and Jia Min back then, and Jia Min's noble birth in the Rongguo Mansion, Lin Ruhai would have already made Aunt Qiu his official wife.

Although Aunt Qiu is now a concubine, she is practically the mistress of the Lin family.

……

……

Jiang Nian has handed over all the salt administration of Lianghuai to Lin Ruhai and the newly appointed Lianghuai Salt Commissioner Zhan Tanlin, and is now focusing on serving Emperor Jingning.

As evening fell, Yangzhou was shrouded in misty rain, with distant mountains and nearby waters enveloped in a light veil of fog.

Jiang Nian returned from Emperor Jingning's temporary palace. As soon as she stepped into the inner courtyard of the Salt Bureau, she saw that the Four-Tiered Hall was brightly lit. Upon entering the hall, she saw that an exquisite banquet was already prepared, and Lin Ruhai, Aunt Qiu, Lin Daiyu, Xiao Dan, Xiao Nan, and Zijuan were all there.

A brocade tablecloth covered the octagonal table made of nanmu wood, in the center of which a cloisonné enamel hot pot was bubbling away. Around it were seasonal delicacies: spring bamboo shoots stewed with chicken, their color like amber; steamed shad, its silver scales still glistening; crab meat lion's head meatballs, translucent as jade; and several other exquisitely crafted desserts. This was because Jiang Nian was to accompany Emperor Jingning to Jiangning the next day, while Lin Ruhai needed to remain in Yangzhou to hand over official duties before arriving in the capital after the newly appointed Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai took office. Today, Lin Ruhai had specially prepared this family feast to bid farewell to Jiang Nian, without inviting any outsiders.

Lin Ruhai, dressed in a casual dark blue satin jacket, saw Jiang Nian enter and quickly stood up to greet him, saying with a smile, "Nephew, you've come at just the right time; the wine and dishes have just been served."

Jiang Nian returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Uncle, you are too kind. It is only a temporary farewell. We will surely meet again in the capital."

Lin Ruhai took his hand and said, "That's true, but a farewell drink is still necessary."

As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the table.

Lin Ruhai and Jiang Nian took their seats. Jiang Nian then insisted on inviting Aunt Qiu to sit with Lin Daiyu. Lin Ruhai nodded in agreement, and the two then took their seats.

Maids such as Xiao Dan, Xiao Nan, and Zi Juan served at the side.

Xiao Nan kept stealing glances at Jiang Nian with her almond-shaped eyes, and she was exceptionally attentive when pouring wine and serving dishes.

Since Lin Ruhai had just recovered from his illness, and Jiang Nian had never liked drinking, the two of them only had a few drinks during the meal to keep the occasion quiet. Seeing this, Aunt Qiu and Lin Daiyu also drank a little along with them.

After the banquet, Jiang Nian took Xiao Nan back to Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion.

At this moment, the rain outside the pavilion was like a fine weave, hitting the peach trees by the spring. The remaining red petals were scattered, and a faint fragrance wafted in the air, creating a unique and serene atmosphere.

Before long, Aunt Qiu arrived with Xiao Dan despite the rain.

Aunt Qiu pointed at Xiao Nan and smiled at Jiang Nian, saying, "Xiao Nan has been with me since she was eleven years old, for six years now. This girl is both beautiful and clever, so when you came, I specially assigned her to serve you. In the blink of an eye, she has been serving you for two or three months. It is truly a great fate. I also see that she has feelings for you, and I shouldn't let her leave you, so I specially gave her to you."

Even though Xiao Nan had known about this beforehand, she still couldn't help but blush with embarrassment.

Jiang Nian thanked him solemnly, then said, "It's just that it's inconvenient to bring female relatives along while accompanying the Emperor Emeritus on his southern tour. I'll pick up Xiao Nan after my uncle and you arrive in the capital."

Aunt Qiu smiled and said, "That's fine too."

Xiao Dan stood to the side, twisting her handkerchief, her eyes filled with envy.

Aunt Qiu and Xiao Dan had just left Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion when they suddenly saw Lin Daiyu and Zijuan gracefully approaching from the direction of Hibiscus Pavilion.

Upon seeing each other, Lin Daiyu panicked and acted as if she had done something wrong. When she stepped forward to offer her greetings, her voice trembled slightly.

Aunt Qiu knew that Lin Daiyu must have come to say goodbye to Jiang Nian, but she didn't point it out. If she did, Lin Daiyu would feel embarrassed, or even resent her.

Aunt Qiu simply smiled and said, "Lord Jiang will be going to Jiangning with the Emperor tomorrow. Who knows when we will meet again? He has been very kind to your father and has treated you well these past two or three months. If you wish, you can say goodbye to him."

This gave her a way out, and Lin Daiyu felt less embarrassed. She lowered her head and said meekly, "I will listen to my aunt."

Zijuan almost burst out laughing, thinking to herself: It was clearly the young lady who was in such a hurry to come to Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion to say goodbye to Lord Jiang, but she has become the one "listening to her aunt".

Aunt Qiu didn't say anything, and left with Xiao Dan. After walking more than ten steps, she couldn't help but look back, only to see Lin Daiyu had already entered Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion. Under the lamplight, her back was as slender as a willow in the breeze, indescribably graceful.

Aunt Qiu sighed inwardly, "It's a pity that Jiang Nian married his first wife so early. Otherwise, it would have been a great blessing for Daiyu to marry him!"

……

……

When Lin Daiyu and Zijuan stepped into Peach Blossom Spring Pavilion, they saw Jiang Nian packing her things under the lamp. The candlelight flickered red, making Jiang Nian's profile stand out clearly.

When Xiao Nan saw Lin Daiyu arrive, she quickly served her tea.

Lin Daiyu suddenly took out a sachet, her slender fingers trembling slightly, and whispered to Jiang Nian, "You are going on a long journey tomorrow, this... is for you to take with you."

Jiang Nian took the sachet with both hands and examined it closely by the light.

This sachet, no bigger than the palm of your hand, is exquisitely embroidered: one side features a water lily, standing gracefully; the other side is embroidered with the words "Peace and Safety." The stitches are fine and even, clearly showing that a great deal of effort was put into it.

In fact, Lin Daiyu spent nearly a month embroidering this sachet, and the word "peace" was specially added by Jiang Nian stitch by stitch when Jiang Nian was imprisoned.

"Xiao Nan, Zi Juan, you may leave now," Jiang Nian suddenly said. "I have something important to discuss with Lin Meimei."

The two maids exchanged a glance. Though they were filled with curiosity, they dared not say a word and could only obediently withdraw.

Lin Daiyu's ears burned bright red, and her handkerchief was twisted into a knot. Just a few days earlier, Jiang Nian had acted similarly, dismissing the maids to say she had important business to discuss, only to reveal that "Singing of Yangzhou in the Rain" was written specifically for her. What kind of important business was that?

Thinking of this, Lin Daiyu was so ashamed that she couldn't lift her head and just stared blankly at the tips of her embroidered shoes.

However, this time, Jiang Nian's expression turned serious, and she said, "Uncle Lin has just recovered from his illness, and I'm afraid the long journey to the capital will harm his health. Therefore, he still needs to take good care of himself after arriving in the capital, otherwise he may easily fall ill again. As an only daughter, you are not young anymore. After you go to the capital with your uncle, you should continue to serve him and should not stay at the Rongguo Mansion any longer."

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu was first taken aback, not expecting Jiang Nian to suddenly bring up such a thing, and then her mind became in turmoil.

In fact, she had already been considering this matter herself.

She hesitated. On the one hand, as Jiang Nian said, she should indeed continue to serve Lin Ruhai after arriving in the capital. On the other hand, she felt a certain attachment to the Rongguo Mansion, where her maternal grandmother, her group of sisters, and Jia Baoyu were all residing... Moreover, the old lady would surely insist that she continue living in the Rongguo Mansion.

She was initially hesitant about this and planned to consult her father, Lin Ruhai.

Now Jiang Nian has actually said this.

Seeing Lin Daiyu hesitate, Jiang Nian frowned and said in a deep voice, "Do you mean that after you go to the capital with your uncle, you will still live in the Rongguo Mansion and be an unfilial daughter?"

"Who would want to be an unfilial daughter!" Lin Daiyu's eyes reddened with anxiety. "I... I will continue to serve my father after I go to the capital with him!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them, but looking into Jiang Nian's burning gaze, he found it hard to take them back.

Jiang Nian's lips curled up slightly: "That's more like it!"

He secretly gloated: Jia Baoyu, you can no longer live with your Lin sister!

Lin Daiyu was already secretly thinking that when she and her father went to the capital, they would not continue to live in the Rongguo Mansion. The old lady would be sad and might even resent her. And that Brother Baoyu, who spent all his time in the inner chambers, would definitely resent her. Who knew what kind of trouble he would cause...

The room was eerily quiet, which made the sound of rain outside the window all the more noticeable.

Lin Daiyu suddenly felt wronged, turned her back, and muttered, "You're so nosy, huh!"

The murmur was very soft, but Jiang Nian heard it clearly. A smile appeared on her lips, and she thought to herself, "I live by the sea!"

(End of this chapter)