The Red Mansion

Chapter 227 The Zhen family welcomes the emperor, and the Xue family observes the procession.

On the first day of the fourth lunar month, the weather was kind, and the rain cleared up in Yangzhou.

At the dock, the imperial carriage of the retired Emperor Jingning set off.

The water shimmered, and dozens of official boats were decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers.

The middle dragon boat, with its gold-lacquered railings and bright yellow dragon flag fluttering on its mast, was the most impressive sight.

Willows lined both banks, seemingly bidding farewell to the imperial army.

Emperor Jingning, dressed in ordinary clothes, was helped onto the dragon boat by Yuan Xi, and his spirits had returned to normal.

Su Tianshi, carrying his medicine bag, followed Emperor Jingning onto the dragon boat. This divine physician was now like a king, and even Prince Zhongshun had to bow and greet him.

Jiang Nian, dressed in the uniform of a second-class imperial guard, also boarded the dragon boat with Emperor Jingning—he had been arranged by Emperor Jingning to serve in the emperor's presence.

Qi Jianyu, Zou Jianyuan, Meng Xiong, and ten of Jiang Nian's personal guards boarded other official ships.

Ren Pijiang, Dai Shijiao, and ten other personal guards who had accompanied Jiang Nian to Yangzhou no longer followed Jiang Nian. Instead, they were responsible for escorting the wealth that Jiang Nian had acquired in Yangzhou to the capital.

During his campaign to reorganize the salt administration in Yangzhou, Jiang Nian acquired valuables worth nearly five million taels of silver. Ren Pijiang and Dai Shijiao were in charge of escorting the goods, which put Emperor Taishun at ease, as did Jiang Nian.

"Weigh anchor—"

With a long shout, the fleet slowly departed from the shore.

Standing on the dragon boat, Jiang Nian gazed at the receding Yangzhou city and couldn't help but recall Lin Daiyu's farewell last night. She reached out and took a sachet embroidered with water lilies and the words "Peace" from her waist. She sniffed it and found it emitted a faint fragrance.

The fleet sailed majestically towards Jiangning, its banners obscuring the sky, a truly magnificent sight.

Because they traveled day and night, and the emperor was on a southern tour, the Grand Canal and the Yangtze River were unobstructed. It only took a little over a day, and the fleet arrived at Jiangning Wharf in the afternoon of the second day of the fourth lunar month.

The sky was clear and blue over Jiangning that day.

The dock had long been splashed with water and the roadbed was covered with yellow earth.

Banners fluttered and the ceremonial guard was imposing.

A group of civil and military officials stood solemnly according to their ranks, including Chen Bina, the Governor-General of Liangjiang; Tang Jina, the Military Governor of Jiangning; Zhen Yingjia, the Textile Commissioner of Jiangning; and Jia Yucun, the Prefect of Jiangning.

Suddenly, a cannon shot rang out, and the dragon boat slowly approached the shore.

As soon as the vermilion-lacquered gangplank was set up, Prince Zhongshun led a group of guards and personal soldiers to be the first to disembark.

Golden maces and axes gleam in the sunlight, while dragon banners and phoenix pennants blot out the sky.

Yuan Xi, Jiang Nian, Dai Quan, and others escorted Emperor Jingning as he slowly stepped out of the dragon boat.

Emperor Jingning's bright yellow robes accentuated his extraordinary majesty.

"Long live! Long live! Long live!"

The shouts were deafening.

Emperor Jingning nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the kneeling officials who were welcoming him.

Jiangning Jiedushi Tang Jina knelt beside Chen Bina, stealing glances at Jiang Nian. He saw that Jiang Nian was dressed in the uniform of a guard, standing below the eldest grandson of the emperor, Yuan Xi, who was dressed in a python robe and jade belt. Moreover, Jiang Nian's demeanor was even more imposing than Yuan Xi's. His solemn face made Tang Jina think that he was quite similar to the young Emperor Taishun.

"The fourth prince, Yuan Li, has died suddenly in Yangzhou. And with Jiang Nian serving the retired emperor so closely, it's likely that this commoner son of the fourth prince will be returning to his ancestral home!"

Tang Jina thought to herself.

After the ceremony, Emperor Jingning prepared to board the bright yellow palanquin, with Jiang Nian attending him.

At this moment, the sun shines brightly on the dock, and a gentle breeze blows across the river.

Xue Jin and his nephew Xue Pan were squeezed into the welcoming merchant procession. Although they were not as close to the front as the officials, they still had a good view.

Xue Pan dressed up carefully today, wearing a bright red arrow-sleeved robe and a five-colored palace sash around his waist, exuding the air of a wealthy young master.

At that moment, Xue Pan was craning his neck to look when he suddenly grabbed Xue Jin's sleeve and exclaimed, "Uncle Jin, look! Isn't that Brother Jiang Nian? He's with the Emperor Emeritus!" Unable to hide his pride, he said, "He truly deserves to be my good brother and brother-in-law; he really makes me proud!"

Xue Jin was both amused and exasperated.

Lord Jiang is your good brother and brother-in-law? He even makes you look good?

Xue Jin slapped Xue Pan's hand away and whispered, "Pan'er, be quiet! Disturbing the Emperor is a grave offense!"

Xue Pan shrank back, unusually behaving himself. Even though he was a simpleton, he knew this was no ordinary occasion and he needed to behave himself. However, his eyes were still darting around, fixed on the direction of the imperial carriage and on his "good brother and brother-in-law" Jiang Nian.

Surrounded by a crowd of stars, Emperor Jingning slowly ascended the bright yellow palanquin. Before boarding, he gave some instructions to Jiang Nian, who was attending him.

"Tsk tsk..." Xue Pan couldn't help but say to Xue Jin, "My good brother and brother-in-law are getting more and more impressive, they've actually accompanied the Emperor Emeritus! My sister really has good taste!"

Xue Jin was both amused and exasperated.

Your sister Baochai has good taste? It wasn't you who took a liking to Lord Jiang; it was Lord Jiang who wanted Baochai as a concubine, and you even asked Prince Teng to help you subdue him.

The imperial carriage slowly departed from the dock, with Jiang Nian riding alongside.

Xue Pan tugged at Xue Jin's sleeve: "Uncle Jin, hurry, let's catch up and see what's going on!"

……

……

Emperor Jingning used the Jiangning Textile Bureau (also known as the Jiangning Zhen Mansion) as his temporary palace on several occasions.

This time it's the same again.

After Emperor Jingning's imperial carriage left the dock, it proceeded in a grand procession toward the Jiangning Imperial Textile Bureau.

Although Emperor Jingning had already issued an edict stating that this southern tour should be simple and frugal, and not extravagant.

However, Zhen Yingjia and the other members of the Zhen family, in order to curry favor with Emperor Jingning, still decorated the Jiangning Textile Bureau as if it were a fairyland.

The three large gates, adorned with animal heads, were wide open, their vermilion lacquer and copper studs gleaming in the sunlight.

A pair of stone lions in front of the gate hold luminous pearls in their mouths, which glow with a faint blue light even in the daytime.

Two rows of young servants in blue robes, all handsome young men, knelt to welcome the emperor, holding golden platters and jade cups.

Emperor Jingning alighted from his palanquin and slowly entered the mansion. He saw that the entire mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful lanterns, and various colored glass palace lanterns hung in the corridors. The artificial hills were layered with greenery, all outlined with gold powder; the pond water was crystal clear, dyed with indigo. A century-old tree had been transplanted to the center, its branches entwined with gold thread, its blossoms adorned with pearls. Even the pebbles paving the steps were specially transported from Taihu Lake, each one as round and smooth as a pearl.

Zhen Yingjia led the way, with Jia Yucun following closely beside him. Zhen Yingjia explained along the way: "This is the newly built 'Wanfu Garden,' named after the phrase 'ten thousand blessings coming to pay homage'... This 'Chengguan Studio' was specially prepared for the Emperor Emeritus to study... Over there is the 'Listening to the Rain Pavilion,' whose windows are all made of glass..."

As you stroll through each place, you'll find endless exquisite luxury.

Emperor Jingning, seeing such extravagance, did not blame him; on the contrary, he admired it, as he had always liked such a lavish atmosphere.

Upon reaching the main hall, one sees a large plaque with nine dragons in red gold on a blue background, bearing the four large characters "Ti Ren Mu De" (meaning "Embrace Benevolence and Immerse in Virtue"), bestowed by Emperor Jingning when he stayed at the Jiangning Textile Bureau during his southern tour.

Beneath the plaque stood a throne, covered with a bright yellow cushion. After Emperor Jingning took his seat, Zhen Yingjia personally served him fragrant tea. The teacups were made of celadon porcelain from the previous dynasty's official kiln, and the tea was clear and refreshing with a unique aroma.

"This is the original Da Hong Pao tea from the mother tree of Wuyi Mountain, a gift from the Emperor Emeritus," Zhen Yingjia said with a fawning smile. "I kept it especially to show my respect to the Emperor Emeritus."

Emperor Jingning took a sip, the fragrance lingering on his lips and teeth.

Just as he was about to praise her, a beautiful young woman emerged from behind the screen. She was dressed in a dress embroidered with gold butterflies and flowers, and held a gilded incense burner. She gracefully stepped forward and bowed.

"This is Zhirou," Zhen Yingjia introduced, "She has come especially to burn incense for the Emperor Emeritus."

Emperor Jingning looked closely at Zhirou and found her to be not only young and beautiful, but also stunningly gorgeous. Her eyebrows were like emerald feathers, her skin like mutton fat, and her eyes were as affectionate as autumn water. When she moved, a gentle fragrance wafted through the air, and her jade pendants tinkled as she bowed.

Zhen Yingjia knew that Emperor Jingning used to have a fondness for beautiful women.

However, when Emperor Jingning looked closely at Zhirou, his expression was not pleased but rather gloomy, because he thought of Yu Zhaoying and then of the assassination attempt on Yuan Li.

Seeing that Emperor Jingning suddenly looked gloomy, Zhen Yingjia became suspicious and quickly ordered Zhirou to burn incense.

Zhirou showed Emperor Jingning the incense burner, and saw that the incense powder inside had been pressed into the characters "Long Live the Emperor." Emperor Jingning exclaimed, "What a fine 'Long Live the Emperor'!"

Zhi Rou then lit incense with her slender fingers, and the green smoke rose and swirled around her.

Seeing that Emperor Jingning's expression had improved, Zhen Yingjia breathed a sigh of relief and knelt down, saying, "May Your Majesty live a long and prosperous life!"

Emperor Jingning was pleased and a satisfied look appeared on his face.

……

……

That afternoon, inside the Xue family's main residence.

Aunt Xue and Xue Baoqin were selecting embroidery threads in the flower hall when they suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside. A maid lifted the curtain and announced, "Master Jin and the eldest master are back!"

Aunt Xue hurriedly put down her work, and Xue Baoqin also straightened her clothes.

Before long, Xue Jin and Xue Pan entered one after the other. Xue Pan looked excited, and even Xue Jin's expression was slightly agitated.

"Incredible!" Xue Pan plopped down in the rosewood armchair, not even bothering to drink his tea. "The grand procession of the Emperor Emeritus today was truly astonishing!"

He then began to recount the story with great enthusiasm.

Xue Pan then said excitedly, "Guess who I saw? Jiang Nian! My good brother and brother-in-law, right next to the Emperor Emeritus, looking so impressive..."

He straightened his back and imitated Jiang Nian's solemn posture, which amused Xue Baoqin, who covered her mouth and chuckled.

"Nian-ge'er has come to Jiangning with the Emperor Emeritus?" Aunt Xue paused in her teacup, a look of joy in her eyes. "Did he say when he would like to come over for a visit?"

Xue Jin said, "Sister-in-law, don't be anxious. Lord Jiang is accompanying the Emperor Emeritus this time, and he has a great responsibility. We shouldn't go to invite him rashly. If he has time, he may come to visit."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Xue unconsciously looked at Xue Baoqin.

Xue Baoqin was dressed in a light blue robe after the rain, with a white jade hairpin in her hair, exuding a delicate charm amidst her simple elegance.

Hearing the discussion about Jiang Nian and seeing Aunt Xue looking at her, Xue Baoqin lowered her head in embarrassment and twisted the handkerchief in her hand.

Since Jiang Nian left Jiangning last year, only a few months have passed, and Xue Baoqin already misses him. Now, hearing that Jiang Nian has returned to Jiangning, her heart is pounding wildly.

"Sister Qin is blushing!" Xue Pan said, pointing at Xue Baoqin with a smile.

"Brother Pan!" Xue Baoqin was filled with shame and anger, and got up to leave.

Aunt Xue quickly pulled Xue Baoqin back, saying, "Your brother is a troublemaker, don't pay him any mind." She then glared at Xue Pan, "If you keep talking nonsense, your uncle will beat you up."

Just then, a maidservant rushed in and reported, "A military officer has arrived at the gate. He says he was sent by Master Jiang Nian to deliver soil!"

Aunt Xue, Xue Jin, Xue Pan, and Xue Baoqin were all taken aback, but then their faces lit up with joy.

Xue Jin and Xue Pan hurried to greet them.

The visitor was Meng Xiong. Meng Xiong clasped his hands in a salute to Xue Jin and Xue Pan, saying, "I have been sent by my master to deliver some local products from Yangzhou."

Last year, when Jiang Nian returned to Beijing from Jiangning, Aunt Xue carefully prepared four boxes of local Jiangning goods for him, worth a lot of money, but she didn't accept any money.

Although Jiang Nian accompanied Emperor Jingning to Jiangning this time and could not bring much luggage, she still specially prepared a box of local products from Yangzhou to give to Aunt Xue as a token of her gratitude for the previous visit.

After Meng Xiong took his leave, Xue Jin and Xue Pan hurriedly carried a box of local products back to the flower hall.

When Aunt Xue learned of the situation, she was overjoyed: "It's so kind of him to have such a thoughtful gesture!"

The box was opened, and inside was a small brocade box with a note attached, saying it was for Xue Baoqin. Inside the small brocade box was a jade bracelet.

Xue Baoqin blushed with embarrassment, but secretly she was delighted.

Aunt Xue hurriedly asked Xue Jin, "Did the messenger say when Nian-ge'er will have time to come and visit?"

Xue Jin said, "It wasn't mentioned."

Aunt Xue nodded, looking forward to it.

As they were talking, Xue Pan suddenly slammed his hand on the table and said, "The Emperor Emeritus is staying at the Zhen residence this time, and the Zhen family is having a great time! When will our family be able to host him? That would be truly prestigious!"

Xue Jin frowned: "Pan'er is confused, what do you think this is..." He stopped abruptly, glanced at Xue Pan's carefree appearance, and then at the maids and servants standing in the hall, before changing his words: "Is it something easy?"

Xue Pan didn't take it seriously and continued to ramble on about what he had seen and heard that day. Before long, he couldn't sit still any longer and stood up, saying, "Mom, Uncle Jin, I have an appointment with a group of friends for drinks, so I'll take my leave now."

In fact, he hadn't made any appointments with his friends, but seeing such a grand spectacle today, and with his "good brother and brother-in-law" Jiang Nian accompanying the retired emperor to Jiangning, how could he not have a good chat and boast with his bunch of cronies?
Aunt Xue scolded, "All you do all day is eat, drink, and have fun! Nian-ge'er is the same age as you, and he's already serving the Emperor!"

"Here we go again!" Xue Pan covered his ears. "Brother Jiang Nian is a star descended from heaven. What are you comparing me to?"

After saying that, he went out and disappeared.

Aunt Xue glanced at Xue Jin and sighed, "Alas, when will this child ever amount to anything!"

Xue Jin comforted her, saying, "Sister-in-law, why worry? Lord Jiang is an extraordinary man. Although Pan'er is mischievous, he will become more stable after he settles down and starts a family."

Aunt Xue asked curiously, "You just said that receiving the emperor at the Zhen residence was no easy task. What do you mean by that?"

Xue Jin looked around, dismissed the maids and servants, and waited until only he, Aunt Xue, and Xue Baoqin remained in the hall before saying, "The Zhen family has already hosted the emperor four times, incurring a huge deficit. After Emperor Taishun ascended the throne, he investigated the deficit. If it weren't for the Emperor Emeritus protecting the Zhen family, they would probably have been punished. Although the Zhen family's outward appearance hasn't collapsed, their inner coffers are empty. Is this extravagant reception a good thing?"

There was one more thing Xue Jin didn't say: When Emperor Jingning passes away, Emperor Taishun will most likely punish the Zhen family!
Xue Baoqin listened intently; although she was a sheltered young woman, she was also interested in matters of family rise and fall.

Upon hearing this, Aunt Xue sighed, "It seems that welcoming the emperor is not a good thing after all!"

Xue Jin nodded.

Seeing the heavy topic, Aunt Xue didn't want to say more. She glanced meaningfully at Xue Baoqin and said with a smile, "Qin'er, Nian-ge'er specially gave you a gift today. You should also prepare a gift so that you can return the favor if you can see Nian-ge'er this time."

Upon hearing this, Xue Baoqin blushed again, secretly wondering to herself, "Will I really be able to see him this time?"

(End of this chapter)