The Red Mansion

Chapter 229 Spring Outing to Jiangning, Jingning in Disguise

The following day, the third day of the fourth lunar month, was in late spring.

The weather in Jiangning was fine and sunny, with a clear blue sky.

The imperial carriage of the retired Emperor Jingning departed from the Jiangning Textile Bureau and proceeded along the imperial road directly to the Confucius Temple.

Prince Zhongshun, Yuan Xi, Lei Xiaochen, Zhen Yingjia, Chen Bina, Tang Jina, Jia Yucun, and others accompanied him, as did Jiang Nian.

Arriving at the Confucius Temple. This Confucian temple has flying eaves and brackets, and is resplendent in gold and green. Ancient cypress trees stand in front of the hall, exuding a sense of solemnity.

Emperor Jingning burned incense and paid his respects before the statue of Confucius, and then viewed the ancient stone inscriptions treasured in the temple.

On ordinary days, the Confucius Temple is bustling with scholars, and the market outside the temple is even more lively, with all kinds of shops lined up one after another and the cries of vendors rising and falling. But today, the Confucius Temple is shrouded in silence.

Emperor Jingning was somewhat disappointed, thinking to himself, "The real pleasure comes from traveling incognito, but it's a pity that Li'er was assassinated in Yangzhou, so I can no longer travel incognito so easily." He had always loved traveling incognito, and before reaching Yangzhou on this southern tour, he had traveled incognito more than once.

After leaving the Confucius Temple, we arrived at the Examination Hall. This place for the provincial examinations in Jiangnan was a large-scale site with a continuous stretch of examination cells, capable of accommodating a large number of candidates.

The area around the Imperial Examination Hall is usually quite lively, but today, due to the presence of Emperor Jingning, the examination hall is shrouded in silence.

The imperial procession arrived at the banks of the Qinhuai River.

The Qinhuai River, stretching for ten miles, was originally the most prosperous place in Nanjing. Restaurants and teahouses lined both banks, their vermilion railings and painted beams reflected in the water; the river should have been teeming with painted boats, with singing girls playing the zither and talented scholars reciting poetry, a scene of elegance and romance.

Today, due to the Emperor's visit, the area has been cleared out, and the river is empty with no boats in sight.

Emperor Jingning gazed at the desolate river, his brow furrowing slightly: "Why isn't there even a single boat on the river? How can one appreciate the beauty of the Qinhuai River in such a deserted place?"

Governor-General of Liangjiang Chen Bina hurriedly stepped forward to explain: "Your Majesty, the safety of Your Majesty is of utmost importance."

"Nonsense!" Emperor Jingning said unhappily, "I'm not made of paper, what mishap could possibly happen while I'm boating on the river?"

Chen Bina said nervously, "Your Majesty, please calm down..."

Emperor Jingning waved his hand: "Never mind, never mind."

Emperor Jingning immediately boarded the painted boat, which was more than three times larger than an ordinary pleasure boat, with vermilion railings and carved windows, brocade curtains hanging low, and a bright yellow lantern with the words "Imperial Inspection" hanging at the bow.

Although the painted boats were nice, we ended up cruising the deserted Qinhuai River.

We traveled along the Qinhuai River to Mochou Lake.

Mochou Lake is located west of Jiangning City and is named after the legend of Mochou Girl from the Six Dynasties period.

The lake is wide open, surrounded by weeping willows, with pavilions and towers dotting the landscape.

Emperor Jingning suddenly noticed a stone tablet on the shore with the two characters "Mo Chou" (meaning "no sorrow") written on it. The calligraphy was vigorous and powerful. He stopped and squinted to examine it closely. He then asked Zhen Yingjia behind him, "I remember this calligraphy is the work of Mi Fu, isn't it?"

Zhen Yingjia hurriedly said, "The Emperor Emeritus has discerning eyes; it is indeed a genuine work by Mi Fu. This stele was erected during the Southern Song Dynasty, more than five hundred years ago."

Emperor Jingning stroked his beard and nodded: "Mi Fu's calligraphy is indeed worthy of its reputation." He then turned to Yuan Xi and smiled, "Xi'er does like to practice Mi Fu's calligraphy."

Yuan Xi respectfully replied, "I am dull-witted, and although I love to imitate Mi Fu, I can never capture his spirit."

"It's alright," Emperor Jingning laughed. "The most difficult part of the character 'Mi' is its unrestrained and wild spirit. You have a gentle nature, so it's understandable that you can't learn it."

Everyone laughed upon hearing this.

The painted boat slowly departed from the shore.

The lake shimmered, reflecting the weeping willows on both banks. In the distance, several pavilions appeared and disappeared, like a traditional Chinese ink painting.

Emperor Jingning sat under a yellow parasol at the bow of the boat and ordered the screen to be removed so he could enjoy the view of the lake and mountains.

"I remember the first time I visited this place decades ago, there weren't so many pavilions by the lake then," Emperor Jingning sighed. "Each time I've come here since, Mochou Lake has become more and more beautiful. But now I'm old!"

Zhen Yingjia quickly flattered, "The Emperor Emeritus is healthy, long-lived, and blessed with lasting fortune. Why speak of 'old'?"

Chen Bina then added, "The Emperor Emeritus has a good memory. In recent years, Jiangning has become prosperous, and officials and common people alike have loved to build villas here, so the scenery is naturally even better than before."

Emperor Jingning, inspired by the poetic mood, suddenly pointed to a small pavilion and said to the crowd, "Who can quickly compose a poem on the theme of 'Fish-Watching Pavilion'?"

Everyone fell into deep thought.

Zhen Yingjia was not only mediocre in chess, but also in poetry and prose, while Jia Yucun was not only quite skilled in chess, but also in poetry and prose. Zhen Yingjia glanced at Jia Yucun, who understood that he was being asked to take this opportunity to display his talent. So, Jia Yucun respectfully said, "This humble subject dares to offer a poem."

Emperor Jingning nodded: "Recite it."

Jia Yucun then recited aloud: "A pool of spring water is as blue as the sky, I stand in the pavilion and watch the fish sleep. Don't say there is no joy here, for a tranquil mind is like a hermit on earth."

Emperor Jingning praised, "What a wonderful saying, 'A tranquil mind is the essence of a wandering immortal!'"

Zhen Yingjia quickly echoed, "That's a good poem."

Seeing this, Jiang Nian had to admit that Jia Yucun was indeed very talented.

After the painted boat circled the lake once, Emperor Jingning, having had his fill of sightseeing, finally set off back to the Jiangning Imperial Textile Bureau.

……

……

The following day was the fourth day of the fourth lunar month.

Jiangning remains under a clear blue sky.

Emperor Jingning wishes to view the scenic beauty of Zhongshan Mountain today.

The imperial carriage left the Jiangning Imperial Textile Bureau and headed towards Zhongshan Mountain in the east of the city.

He was still accompanied by Prince Zhongshun, Yuan Xi, Lei Xiaochen, Zhen Yingjia, Chen Bina, Tang Jina, Jia Yucun, Jiang Nian, and others.

Zhongshan Mountain is the premier scenic spot in Nanjing, with majestic peaks and lush forests. Within the mountain are historical sites such as the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Linggu Temple, as well as the Zixia Lake.

When the emperor arrived at the foot of the mountain, a palanquin had already been prepared.

Emperor Jingning waved his hand and said, "Although I am old, climbing these few steps is not a problem for me." He then began to walk up the mountain.

Zhen Yingjia hurriedly advised, "The Emperor Emeritus is of inestimable value; how could he..."

"It's alright," Emperor Jingning laughed. "Back then, I could even climb the Taihang Mountains, let alone this small hill."

No one dared to persuade him further, and could only crowd around Emperor Jingning as he ascended the steps.

Ancient trees tower on both sides of the mountain road, and birds sing and flowers bloom.

Halfway up the mountain, there is a pavilion with the words "Watching the Clouds" written on the plaque.

Emperor Jingning paused to rest, leaning on the railing to gaze into the distance. He could see the entire city of Jiangning in his view, with the Qinhuai River winding through it like a jade ribbon.

"What a beautiful view!" Emperor Jingning exclaimed. "No wonder Zhuge Liang once said, 'Zhongshan is like a dragon coiled, and Shicheng is like a tiger crouching.'"

Yuan Xi continued, "Sun Chen remembers that Li Bai also wrote the line, 'Three mountains half-hidden beyond the blue sky, two rivers dividing the egret isle,' which describes this place."

Emperor Jingning nodded and smiled. Suddenly, he caught sight of Jia Yucun and, recalling the poem Jia Yucun had written the day before, asked him with a smile, "Jia Yucun, could you perhaps compose a poem on the spot to praise Zhongshan?"

Jia Yucun hurriedly replied, "Your humble servant dared to compose a poem yesterday, but I dare not compose another one today. However, I did receive a couplet just now."

Emperor Jingning laughed and said, "What couplet is it? Tell me about it."

Jia Yucun then recited aloud: "Spring mountains smile to welcome the imperial carriage, ancient trees affectionately protect the sacred traces."

Emperor Jingning nodded in satisfaction, secretly praising Jia Yucun.

After a short rest, the imperial procession continued its ascent.

Upon reaching the summit, one can gaze into the distance and see the Yangtze River like a ribbon and Nanjing like a painting, a magnificent sight.

The group stood silently on the mountaintop, letting the mountain breeze caress their faces, each lost in their own thoughts.

After visiting Zhongshan Mountain, Emperor Jingning's imperial entourage then proceeded to Xuanwu Lake. Xuanwu Lake is much more expansive than Mochou Lake, with its vast expanse of blue water dotted with five continents scattered like stars.

After the dragon boat circled the lake once, Emperor Jingning returned to the Jiangning Imperial Textile Bureau.

……

……

On the fifth day of the fourth lunar month, the sky was still clear and the breeze was gentle.

Emperor Jingning wanted to go to Yanziji to view the river.

Those attending him still included Prince Zhongshun, Yuan Xi, Lei Xiaochen, Zhen Yingjia, Chen Bina, Tang Jina, Jia Yucun, and Jiang Nian.

The imperial carriage left the Jiangning Imperial Textile Bureau and headed towards Guanyin Gate in the north of the city.

Yanziji is the foremost of the three famous rocky outcrops along the Yangtze River. Surrounded by cliffs on three sides, it resembles a swallow spreading its wings. The cliffs at the top of the rock are thousands of feet high, overlooking the vast Yangtze River. The "Sunset Glow over Yanziji" has inspired countless poets and writers to compose poems about it.

When the imperial procession arrived at the foot of the cliff, although a sedan chair had been prepared, Emperor Jingning refused to ride in it and walked up.

The crowd escorted Emperor Jingning up the steps, with ancient trees on both sides and the occasional cries of monkeys and birds.

Upon reaching the summit, one can gaze into the distance and see the Yangtze River stretching like a ribbon, with boats like ants—a magnificent sight.

"What a magnificent view!" Emperor Jingning exclaimed. "No wonder Li Bai once said, 'Ascending to a high place, one can behold the grandeur of heaven and earth.'"

After visiting Yanziji, Emperor Jingning then visited Qixia Mountain.

Qixia Mountain is located in the northeastern suburbs of Jiangning City, east of Yanziji, and is famous for its autumn foliage and Buddhist culture.

The mountains are undulating and covered with layers of verdant peaks.

Qixia Temple, an ancient temple nestled in the mountains, was the foremost of the 480 temples of the Southern Dynasties. The grottoes on the Thousand Buddha Cliff are a rare sight in Jiangnan. The scenic beauty of Qixia is renowned throughout the world, and countless literati have left their calligraphy and paintings here.

When the imperial procession arrived at the foot of the mountain, Emperor Jingning refused to board the palanquin that had been prepared in advance and insisted on walking again, saying, "The essence of worshipping Buddha lies in sincerity. How can one ride a sedan chair up the mountain?"

Ancient trees tower on both sides of the mountain path, and the sound of bells and chimes can be heard from the top of the mountain from time to time, adding to the Zen atmosphere.

As we approached the mountain gate, we heard the sound of Buddhist chanting, clear and melodious.

Upon entering the mountain gate, the abbot and the monks were already waiting to greet us.

Emperor Jingning offered incense before the Buddha and then visited the Thousand Buddha Cliff Grottoes. There were thousands of Buddha statues, some sitting and some standing, with solemn and dignified appearances that inspired awe.

Emperor Jingning stood for a long time in front of the largest Buddha statue, seemingly having gained some insight.

……

……

Emperor Jingning arrived in Jiangning on the second day of the fourth month, and the weather was sunny and breezy for three consecutive days.

The emperor toured six scenic spots, including the Qinhuai River in the Moonlight, Mochou Spring Water, Zhongshan Clouds and Trees, Xuanwu Green Waves, Yanji River Scenery, and Qixia Buddha Light.

When Emperor Jingning went on his travels, Jiang Nian always accompanied him. When Emperor Jingning stayed in the imperial palace, Jiang Nian also stayed in the imperial palace and did not go out without permission. He even suppressed his desire to visit Xue Baoqin.

The main reason is that Yuan Li was assassinated in Yangzhou, and Jiang Nian suspects that trouble may also arise in Jiangning. If he goes out without permission, it may arouse suspicion.

Tomorrow is the sixth day of the fourth lunar month, and Emperor Jingning has not yet made any travel plans.

On the evening of the fifth day of the fourth lunar month, the Jiangning Imperial Textile Bureau was brightly lit.

Only Dai Quan and Zhen Yingjia remained in Emperor Jingning's sleeping quarters; all others were dismissed.

In the flickering candlelight, Emperor Jingning gently stroked an old handkerchief on the table, his expression somber.

"I intend to travel incognito tomorrow," Emperor Jingning suddenly said, "to go to Niushou Mountain to offer sacrifices to Jinglan."

He was finally going to travel incognito in Jiangning!

A glint of light flashed beneath Dai Quan's lowered eyelids, while Zhen Yingjia's body trembled slightly.

Eighteen years ago, Emperor Jingning made his sixth southern tour to Jiangning, where Zhen Yingjia's father presented him with a stunningly beautiful woman named Jinglan. This girl possessed the beauty of autumn water and the grace of jade, and was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and was also adept at playing the pipa and singing.

Jinglan had served the Emperor for several days, and although the Emperor intended to take her back to the capital, she refused.

Emperor Jingning did not insist, but bestowed a large sum of money upon Jinglan and ordered Zhen Yingjia's father to take good care of her and secretly monitor her to prevent her from marrying someone else.

Unfortunately, Jinglan was short-lived, passing away less than three years later and being buried at the southern foot of Niushou Mountain. Niushou Mountain in Jiangning has two towering peaks and a flourishing Buddhist culture. The gentle southern slope of the mountain is considered an auspicious site for "gathering and retaining auspicious energy," and wealthy merchants and high-ranking officials preferred to build their tombs there.

Zhen Yingjia knew about Jinglan's matter, and so did Dai Quan.

One of the reasons for Emperor Jingning's seventh southern tour was that he wanted to personally pay respects at Jinglan's grave.

Upon hearing Emperor Jingning's announcement that he would be making an incognito trip to Niushou Mountain to pay respects at Jinglan's tomb the next day, Dai Quan was overjoyed, thinking to himself, "The perfect opportunity to assassinate the Retired Emperor has arrived!"

……

……

On the sixth day of the fourth lunar month, as dawn was breaking, a light rain began to fall in Jiangning.

The rain was as fine as cow's hair and as dense as a spider web, enveloping the entire city in a hazy mist.

After several sunny days, it rained today, as if the heavens knew our wishes and deliberately added some sorrow.

When Emperor Jingning got up at dawn and opened the window, he saw raindrops falling like silk threads on the eaves, but he did not change his mind about going on an incognito tour.

Emperor Jingning changed into an indigo satin robe and dressed like an ordinary wealthy gentleman.

Lei Xiaochen and Zhen Yingjia were also dressed in plain clothes, while Dai Quan dressed as a steward. Hou Weisheng, a burly first-class bodyguard and a trusted confidant of Emperor Jingning, served as a guard.

The group quietly exited through the side gate of the Jiangning Textile Bureau, where two blue cloth carriages were already waiting.

Jiang Nian led a group of guards and personal soldiers, all dressed as merchants, scattered around in twos and threes.

Through the rain, one could only see straw raincoats and bamboo hats floating in the air; if one did not look closely, they would really look like ordinary merchants.

The carriage left the city gate and headed towards Niushou Mountain along the official road. The road was muddy in the rain, and the wheels sometimes got stuck, making the journey slow.

Emperor Jingning lifted the carriage curtain and saw the new green willows by the roadside, glistening after being washed by the rain, and the distant mountains shrouded in mist, which had a unique charm.

“Eighteen years have passed…” Emperor Jingning suddenly sighed.

Zhen Yingjia smiled obsequiously from the side: "The Emperor Emeritus has a good memory. If Miss Jinglan knew this in the afterlife, she would surely be grateful for His Majesty's grace."

Emperor Jingning did not answer, only staring blankly at the rain. That woman back then was truly stunning, especially the way she played and sang with her pipa; it was incredibly moving. What a pity…

As I was deep in thought, I suddenly heard a crow's cry from the woods ahead, a cry that was unusually mournful.

Hou Wei immediately pressed down on the hilt of his sword, and Jiang Nian also made a hand gesture from a distance, and the guards quietly tightened their encirclement.

“They’re just wild crows,” Zhen Yingjia laughed. “It’s only natural for birds to be restless on rainy days.”

As we reached the foot of the mountain, the rain subsided slightly.

The group disembarked and walked. The stone steps were slippery with moss, and Dai Quan and Hou Wei supported Emperor Jingning on either side. The mountain path wound its way through ancient trees on both sides, and raindrops slid from the tips of the leaves, pattering against the umbrellas.

After about 15 minutes, they arrived at a flat area halfway up the mountain, surrounded by pine and cypress trees. Zhen Yingjia led the way to a solitary grave made of bluestone, with the words "Tomb of Jinglan" inscribed on the tombstone.

"This is the place," Zhen Yingjia said softly.

Emperor Jingning was in a daze, unable to connect the Jinglan of yesteryear with the lonely grave before him. When he came to his senses, he took the incense and candles from Dai Quan, lit them himself, and placed them before the grave. As the smoke curled upwards, he gazed at the tombstone for a moment, then looked up at the crowd and said, "You may all leave. I… will be alone for a while."

The crowd retreated ten paces away.

Emperor Jingning gazed at the tombstone for a while, then gently stroked it, as if about to say something, but ultimately remained silent. Suddenly, a drop of water fell on the stone, whether rain or tears, it was unclear.

(End of this chapter)