The Red Mansion

Chapter 228 A Game of Chess Before the Emperor, Whispers on the Board

At Shenshi (3-5 PM) that day, in the main hall of the Jiangning Imperial Textile Bureau, Zhen Yingjia hosted a lavish welcome banquet for the retired Emperor Jingning, featuring all sorts of delicacies from land and sea, seasonal fruits, and exquisite pastries.

Emperor Jingning sat in the main seat, flanked by Prince Zhongshun, Yuan Xi, Lei Xiaochen, Zhen Yingjia, Chen Bina, Tang Jina, and others.

Grand Secretary Fu Qi did not accompany the imperial guards to Jiangning this time, but stayed in Yangzhou to continue investigating the assassination of Yuan Li.

As for Jia Yucun, the prefect of Jiangning, he was not entitled to sit down and stood to the side.

Jiang Nian had already resigned as imperial envoy and was now only a second-class imperial bodyguard, so he was not qualified to sit down and stood to the side.

However, Emperor Jingning suddenly waved his hand to Jiang Nian and said, "Jiang Nian, please take your seat as well. Your efforts in reforming the salt administration in Lianghuai have been quite significant."

As soon as she spoke, everyone looked at Jiang Nian.

Prince Zhongshun, Yuan Xi, Lei Xiaochen, and Tang Jina all believed that Emperor Jingning did this mainly because Jiang Nian was Emperor Jingning's grandson from the common people.

Zhen Yingjia and Chen Bina both seemed to be deep in thought.

Jiang Nian could not refuse, so she had to thank him and take a seat.

After the welcoming banquet ended, Emperor Jingning returned to his bedchamber with Yuan Xi, Jiang Nian, and Zhen Yingjia.

Jia Yucun continued to follow closely beside Zhen Yingjia, maintaining a humble demeanor.

It turned out that after his benefactor, Prince Teng, was convicted and executed, Jia Yucun sought another patron and attached himself to Zhen Yingjia. There were two reasons for this: firstly, the Jia family and the Zhen family had been on good terms for generations, and Jia Zheng personally introduced them; secondly, Jia Yucun was skilled at currying favor.

Jia Yucun had already begged Zhen Yingjia to recommend him before the Emperor during his southern tour to Jiangning, and Zhen Yingjia agreed. Today, at the Jiangning Imperial Textile Bureau to receive the Emperor, Zhen Yingjia specially arranged for Jia Yucun to serve by his side, so that the Emperor would recognize him.

Inside the bedchamber, candlelight flickered red, and incense smoke curled upwards.

Emperor Jingning ordered a chessboard to be set up, intending to play a game with Zhen Yingjia.

Yuan Xi and Jiang Nian stood to one side, while Jia Yucun stood behind Zhen Yingjia with his hands at his sides, occasionally stealing glances at the emperor's face.

Although Zhen Yingjia came from a wealthy and prestigious family, his chess skills were mediocre. In less than half an hour, he lost two games in a row, losing quickly.

Feeling embarrassed, Zhen Yingjia laughed and said, "My chess skills are crude, which has really spoiled the Emperor Emeritus's enjoyment. On the other hand, Prefect Jia is always an expert in this game."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingning looked up and sized up Jia Yucun. Seeing that Jia Yucun was tall and imposing, and that he spoke with refinement and acted with propriety, he said, "In that case, how about you play a game of chess with me?"

Jia Yucun hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed: "Your humble servant dares to ask to accompany the Emperor Emeritus for amusement."

After saying that, he sat down in front of the chessboard with trepidation, but only dared to sit on half a stool.

At the start of the game, Jia Yucun deliberately gained the upper hand. However, as the game progressed to the middle stages, he intentionally fell behind, feigning deep thought, sometimes frowning, sometimes sighing. Emperor Jingning, seeing this, was secretly pleased and played his pieces swiftly. Jia Yucun, however, was secretly observing Emperor Jingning's expression, deliberately missing crucial opportunities at critical moments, yet losing without leaving a trace.

After the game ended, Emperor Jingning won by a narrow margin and was overjoyed: "Your chess skills are indeed remarkable, but I was fortunate to win today."

Jia Yucun hurriedly rose from his seat and kowtowed: "Your Majesty is exceptionally wise and insightful. I have done my utmost, yet I still could not cope with your efforts. Today, I am truly fortunate to receive your guidance."

Emperor Jingning was even more delighted and turned to Zhen Yingjia with a smile, saying, "He is quite a remarkable person."

Seeing that Emperor Jingning was pleased, Zhen Yingjia seized the opportunity to say, "Prefect Jia has achieved remarkable results in his tenure in Jiangning, and the people praise him highly. What is even more commendable is his unwavering loyalty. He is truly a capable person."

Emperor Jingning nodded slightly and then asked Jia Yucun a few more questions about government affairs. Jia Yucun answered fluently, neither boasting excessively nor losing his composure.

Finally, Emperor Jingning said, "I will remember you."

Jia Yucun was overjoyed, but on the surface he became even more respectful, repeatedly kowtowing to express his gratitude.

After the game of chess ended, Emperor Jingning ordered Jiang Nian, Zhen Yingjia, and Jia Yucun to leave, leaving only his eldest grandson Yuan Xi to serve him.

Jiang Nian and Jia Yucun bowed and withdrew, but Zhen Yingjia deliberately slowed his pace. After Jiang Nian and Jia Yucun had left the hall, Zhen Yingjia quietly returned to Emperor Jingning and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty the Retired Emperor has had a long and tiring southern tour. I dare to suggest that the girl Zhirou is skilled in all the arts, especially the zither. If Your Majesty is in the mood, you may ask her to play a piece. If you do not wish to listen to music, you may also prepare ink and serve tea to relieve your boredom and fatigue."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingning couldn't help but recall the image of the beautiful young woman he had seen during the day—a truly stunning beauty. His heart stirred slightly, but he was too old to be as dashing as he once was. Furthermore, the assassination attempt on Crown Prince Yuan Li in Yangzhou still weighed heavily on his mind, and this matter was closely related to Yu Zhaoying.

Upon realizing this, Emperor Jingning felt a sense of loss and waved his hand, saying, "Never mind."

Zhen Yingjia, observing the emperor's expression, saw that the emperor's mind was made up and dared not say more, so he could only take his leave. Clearly, he had originally intended to use Zhirou to curry favor with Emperor Jingning.

Jiang Nian and Jia Yucun left the bedchamber one after the other. Jia Yucun hurried to catch up with Jiang Nian and said with a big smile, "Lord Jiang, it has been several months since we last met last year. I am overjoyed to see you today, sir, whose demeanor is even more impressive than before."

Jiang Nian smiled slightly and cupped his hands, saying, "You're too kind, Grandfather Jia. I was fortunate to have your help when I was in Jiangning." Despite his words, his eyes were clear and unfriendly.

Seeing Jiang Nian respond, Jia Yucun became even more energetic and stepped closer, saying, "I've heard that you, sir, have worked hard and made great contributions in reforming the salt administration in Yangzhou. I would like to prepare a small feast, but I wonder when you will have the time to do so, sir, and show me some hospitality?"

Jiang Nian smiled slightly: "I appreciate Your Majesty's kindness. However, Your Majesty is very busy with official duties during your stay in Jiangning and I'm afraid you will be unable to spare the time." As he spoke, he looked up at the sky and said, "It's getting late, and I still have official duties to attend to. I'll take my leave now."

After saying this, he bowed respectfully, turned and left.

Jia Yucun stood there, watching Jiang Nian's departing figure, his smile gradually freezing. He knew perfectly well that Jiang Nian was just being polite, but in officialdom, such formalities were commonplace. However, the thought of his repeated attempts to curry favor with this young man, Jiang Nian, only to be repeatedly rebuffed, left him somewhat frustrated.

Lost in thought, he suddenly saw Zhen Yingjia come out of the hall and hurriedly went to greet him.

……

……

After leaving the palace, Jiang Nian first visited Qi Jianyu and Zou Jianyuan, chatted briefly, and then returned to her residence at the Jiangning Textile Bureau.

This time, he stayed at the Jiangning Textile Bureau with Emperor Jingning and was given a fairly large room. The room was bright and clean, and the furnishings were elegant. There was also a servant from the Zhen family who served him. This servant was handsome and quick-witted.

Upon seeing Jiang Nian return, the servant hurriedly brought her tea and water and helped her change her clothes.

Jiang Nian removed his official robes and changed into a casual dark blue robe, with only a plain white handkerchief tied around his waist. Sitting alone under the lamp, a cup of tea sat on the table, the candlelight flickering red, highlighting his handsome features.

He recalled Jia Yucun's fawning face from earlier and couldn't help but sneer. This Jia Yucun was truly a shrewd and calculating man; first he attached himself to Prince Teng, and now that Prince Teng had fallen from power, he was currying favor with Zhen Yingjia. Judging from today's events, Zhen Yingjia was clearly recommending him to the Emperor Jingning.

In the original novel, Jia Yucun was promoted from prefect of Jiangning thanks to the recommendation of Prince Teng. Although he has changed his patron now, with his scheming skills, he will probably still rise rapidly in rank.

Jiang Nian was not surprised; in officialdom, people like Jia Yucun, who were adept at social maneuvering, thrived. Just as he was pondering this, the candle wick popped with a "snap," startling him back to reality.

Jiang Nian chuckled self-deprecatingly, thinking, "Why bother with such people?"

I picked up a book and read it carefully by candlelight.

Just as he was engrossed in reading, he suddenly heard a servant outside the door whisper, "Guard Jiang, Prince Li has sent someone to invite you over for a chat."

Jiang Nian was taken aback. This Prince Li was none other than the eldest grandson of the emperor, Yuan Xi. Although she had recently had some contact with Yuan Xi due to accompanying the emperor, she did not know why he had suddenly summoned her at this time.
Jiang Nian closed the book and asked, "Did the visitor say what important matter he/she has to discuss?"

The servant shook his head: "He only said that Prince Li invited you to come over for a talk."

After a moment's hesitation, Jiang Nian got up, changed into her official robes, and followed the visitor to Yuan Xi's residence.

It was nighttime; the shadows of the trees swayed gently, and the distant sound of the water clock echoed.

Yuan Xi's residence was in the east wing of Emperor Jingning's sleeping quarters, only a few dozen steps away from Jiang Nian's residence.

When the guards, soldiers, and eunuchs along the way saw that it was Jiang Nian, some bowed and made way for her, while others greeted her with smiles.

Upon arriving outside the palace courtyard, another eunuch was waiting with a lantern. Seeing Jiang Nian arrive, he hurriedly stepped forward to lead the way.

Several crabapple trees in the courtyard were in full bloom, their blossoms appearing like smoke and mist under the lamplight.

Jiang Nian arrived at the door of the side room. The eunuch went in first to report, and then Yuan Xi's clear voice came from inside: "Guard Jiang, please come in quickly."

Jiang Nian lifted the curtain and entered, finding the room exquisitely decorated, with palace maids serving inside.

Yuan Xi, dressed in casual clothes with a jade belt loosely tied around his waist, sat on a daybed by the window. In front of him was a small huanghuali table with a chessboard on it.

Upon seeing Jiang Nian enter, Yuan Xi personally rose to greet him, appearing quite gentle. Jiang Nian had already had some contact with Yuan Xi, and so far, he felt that this eldest grandson of the emperor was a gentle and mild-mannered person. However, he also felt that Yuan Xi's gentleness towards him was for other reasons as well.

"This humble servant greets Your Highness." Jiang Nian was about to bow when Yuan Xi stopped her.

"Guard Jiang, there's no need for such formality," Yuan Xi said with a gentle smile. "It was my fault for inviting you at night."

Jiang Nian repeatedly said she dared not, but her doubts only grew stronger.

After Yuan Xi took his seat, he asked Jiang Nian to sit opposite him and ordered a palace maid to bring freshly brewed Longjing tea.

Amidst the fragrant aroma of tea, Jiang Nian asked respectfully, "I wonder what instructions Your Highness has given me in summoning me here?"

Yuan Xi reached out and picked up a white jade chess piece, gently rubbing it between his fingertips, and said with a smile, "It's nothing important. I just saw the Emperor Emeritus playing chess, and I also felt like playing. I thought you might be a refined person, so I specially invited you to play a game."

Jiang Nian was taken aback upon hearing this, wondering to himself that the dignified eldest grandson of the emperor and the Prince of Li had summoned him just to play chess that very night? Though puzzled, he did not show it on his face and said, "This humble servant's chess skills are crude, and I'm afraid I'll spoil Your Highness's enjoyment." This was not feigned modesty; his chess skills were indeed crude.

Yuan Xi pushed the black chess box in front of Jiang Nian: "It's alright, it's just a pastime."

The two men are now sitting facing each other, playing chess.

Xiaoxuan, Yuan Xi's personal maid, was serving tea. Xiaoxuan was about seventeen or eighteen years old. Although not particularly beautiful, she had delicate features and was steady and composed in her actions. She poured tea without making a sound even with her sleeves.

Jiang Nian estimated that the palace maid Xiaoxuan was probably serving Emperor Jingning. This time, Yuan Xi accompanied Emperor Jingning on his southern tour, and out of his affection for Yuan Xi, the eldest grandson of the emperor, Emperor Jingning sent Xiaoxuan to serve Yuan Xi.

Jiang Nian is indeed not good at chess, mainly because he doesn't play it often. Yuan Xi, on the other hand, has been playing chess regularly since he was a boy, and often plays chess with Emperor Jingning. He can be considered a master of chess.

In the first game, after only twenty or so moves, Jiang Nian was already showing signs of defeat, struggling to keep up. Yuan Xi moved his pieces swiftly, while Jiang Nian had to rack his brains, and in less than a quarter of an hour, he resigned.

"Your Highness's chess skills are superb; I humbly admit defeat," Jiang Nian said, bowing.

Yuan Xi smiled without saying a word and began arranging the chess pieces: "Let's play another game."

In the second game, Jiang Nian was once again routed. Yuan Xi, though gentle and easygoing, possessed a fierce playing style, often laying a trap before Jiang Nian even realized it. In less than a quarter of an hour, Jiang Nian was again decimated.

"This humble servant is truly ashamed," Jiang Nian said, rising from her seat to apologize. "I dare not disturb Your Highness's enjoyment any longer."

Yuan Xi laughed and said, "It's alright, let's play another round." Then, he suddenly waved to the palace maid Xiaoxuan and the eunuch, "You may all leave."

Xiaoxuan and the eunuch understood each other and quickly and quietly withdrew.

The room was suddenly left with only Yuan Xi and Jiang Nian.

The flickering candlelight cast a red glow, making the black and white chess pieces on the board gleam.

Jiang Nian was secretly surprised, wondering what Yuan Xi's intention was.

Just as he was pondering this, he suddenly saw Yuan Xi place a piece, but instead of picking it up, he asked softly, "I've heard that you are the offspring of His Majesty, who was born into the common people. Is this true or false?"

The question came as a surprise, and Jiang Nian paused in his chess game. He quickly rose from his seat and said respectfully, "Your Highness is wise. Such rumors concern the dignity of the imperial family and should not be believed lightly. This humble servant would never dare to speak recklessly."

Yuan Xi was not annoyed, but instead smiled and said, "This matter is indeed of great importance and cannot be easily believed. I don't blame you for not being able to speak frankly." With that, he placed another piece, "Your turn."

Jiang Nian forced himself to remain calm, sat back down, and while placing a piece, his mind raced: Why did this eldest grandson of the emperor suddenly ask about this matter to my face? Was it a test, or did he have some other motive?
In fact, Yuan Xi had no ill intentions. He was simply curious about the matter. Moreover, he had recently witnessed Emperor Jingning treating Jiang Nian with special favor, which made him even more convinced that the rumors were true. Tonight, he decided to ask her directly, which revealed a bit of his frank nature.

The game of chess continued, with only the soft tapping of chess pieces heard in the room.

Yuan Xi suddenly added, "You don't need to worry. I asked you this tonight purely out of personal curiosity. Speaking of which..." He paused, "If the rumors are true, then you and I can still be considered brothers."

Jiang Nian raised her eyes to look at Yuan Xi and said respectfully, "Your Highness is too kind. I am but a lowly official, how dare I address Your Highness as a brother?"

Yuan Xi waved his hand: "Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

He showed some of his true nature to Jiang Nian tonight, but Jiang Nian was quite wary, which displeased him a little. However, he didn't blame Jiang Nian for it, knowing that Jiang Nian's actions were due to her composure and prudence.

In the third game, Jiang Nian suffered another crushing defeat.

Yuan Xi then said, "It's getting late, you should go back and rest."

Jiang Nian bowed and took her leave. As she stepped out the door, a thought popped into her head: Should I really start learning to play chess properly?
(End of this chapter)