The Red Mansion

Chapter 232 Jiang Nian sacrifices his mother, Baoqin returns the favor

night.

Inside the sleeping quarters of the Jiangning Imperial Textile Bureau, the air was filled with the fragrance of medicine.

The nearly sixty-year-old Su Tianshi was administering acupuncture to the seventy-year-old Emperor Jingning.

Su Tianshi deftly manipulated the silver needle, as if plucking a flower or brushing a willow branch. The needle tip gleamed coldly in the candlelight as he slowly inserted it into Emperor Jingning's acupoints. Emperor Jingning closed his eyes to rest, and the gloom between his brows gradually dissipated.

After the acupuncture was completed, Su Tianshi said softly, "The Emperor Emeritus's body is experiencing a rise in internal heat, and he needs to calm down and recuperate."

Emperor Jingning slowly opened his eyes and sighed, "If I don't burn benzoin tonight, I'm afraid I'll be plagued by nightmares again."

Su Tianshi said, "Although benzoin can calm the mind, it should not be used in large quantities. I will prepare a calming decoction tomorrow and use it together with the incense."

Emperor Jingning nodded slightly and suddenly said, "I intend to return to the capital in two days. Would you be willing to accompany me? I intend to appoint you as the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, a sixth-rank official, so that you can stay by my side more often."

The Imperial Medical Academy of Daqing was headed by the Director, a fifth-rank official, followed by the Left and Right Directors, both sixth-rank officials. Below them were positions such as Imperial Physicians, Clerks, Physicians, and Doctors, all of whom could be called "Imperial Physicians." However, only Imperial Physicians and above were authorized to diagnose the pulse of the imperial family.

Now, Emperor Jingning has immediately mentioned the position of Imperial Censor, which is truly an exceptional promotion.

Upon hearing this, Su Tianshi looked troubled. He had previously declined Jiang Nian's recommendation to join the Imperial Medical Academy, saying he was just a country doctor and unfit for such a position. Now, Emperor Jingning's personal invitation had put him in a difficult position.

Seeing his hesitation, Emperor Jingning smiled and said, "I've heard Jiang Nian say that you aspire to practice medicine and save lives, and I respect your benevolent heart. But since you've formed this medical bond with me, why not come to the capital with me? With you here, perhaps this old body of mine can live a few more years."

Having said that, how could Su Tianshi dare to refuse again? He hurriedly knelt down and said, "I am deeply grateful for the Emperor Emeritus's favor. How could I not obey? However, there are still unfinished matters in Suzhou. Please allow me to return and take care of them before going to the capital to report back."

Emperor Jingning nodded: "Granted."

……

……

Su Tianshi carried his medicine chest out of the bedroom and bumped into Jiang Nian waiting outside.

Upon seeing Su Tianshi, Jiang Nian quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Mr. Su, you've worked hard."

Su Tianshi hurriedly tried to return the courtesy, but Jiang Nian stopped him, saying, "Old sir, there's no need for such formalities. Besides, carrying a medicine chest isn't cheap."

As they were talking, a eunuch in his forties came out of the hall. He was fair-skinned and beardless, with a shrewd look in his eyes. His name was Chen Daquan.

Strangely enough, both of Emperor Jingning's trusted eunuchs, Dai Quan and Wei Geng, ruined things during this southern tour.

Chen Daquan has now unexpectedly been promoted to serve in the imperial court.

Chen Daquan bowed to Jiang Nian and said with a smile, "Guard Jiang, the Emperor Emeritus summons you in."

"Thank you!"

Jiang Nian smiled and cupped her hands in greeting to Chen Daquan, then to Su Tianshi, before straightening her clothes and stepping into the hall.

Inside the palace, Emperor Jingning did not sit on his throne, but leaned back on a couch, wearing a pair of glasses on his nose.

Jiang Nian hurriedly stepped forward to bow.

Emperor Jingning's solemn face broke into a smile: "The case of the assassination of the fourth prince, along with today's assassination attempt, has now been solved. Both cases were committed by the same group of people. Your capture of the ringleader today is a great achievement. Otherwise, I would not have been able to uncover the truth and would still be kept in the dark."

That's true. If Jiang Nian hadn't captured Xiao Zhong alive, Dai Quan wouldn't have lost his composure and revealed his true colors.

However, Emperor Jingning kept the truth well hidden, and Jiang Nian still didn't know who the mastermind was.

Seeing that Emperor Jingning was in a good mood, Jiang Nian mustered her courage and asked, "May I ask who is so bold as to ask?"

Emperor Jingning's expression darkened slightly, and he pondered, "It's just a few restless members of the imperial clan who colluded with Dai Quan to cause trouble. As for who exactly they are..." He suddenly paused, then waved his hand, "You don't need to ask in detail."

The fact that he told Jiang Nian this already shows that he greatly appreciates her.

Seeing that Emperor Jingning was unwilling to say more, Jiang Nian quickly said, "Your subject was rash."

Emperor Jingning smiled again and said, "You have already made a great contribution by reforming the salt administration in Yangzhou; today you have made another great contribution by capturing the bandit leader. After we return to the capital, I will discuss with the Emperor how to reward you properly."

Jiang Nian quickly bowed and declined, saying, "I was merely doing my duty; how could I dare accept a reward?"

Emperor Jingning said, "He should be rewarded."

The two words were spoken with absolute certainty, leaving no room for argument.

Seeing the opportunity, Jiang Nian said, "Your Majesty, I would like to ask for a day off tomorrow. I hope Your Majesty will grant me permission."

"Oh?" Emperor Jingning raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What is it about?"

Jiang Nian said, "Jiangning is my hometown. My mother is buried here, and I would like to go and pay my respects tomorrow."

Emperor Jingning nodded slightly, then asked curiously, "Where is your mother buried?"

Jiang Nian said, "Niushou Mountain."

This answer startled Emperor Jingning. He had just visited Niushou Mountain to pay respects to Jinglan that day, with Jiang Nian accompanying him. Jinglan was a commoner woman he had met in Jiangning years ago, and Jiang Nian's mother was also a commoner woman whom Emperor Taishun had met in Jiangning, who had even given birth to a child for the royal family.

Thinking of this, Emperor Jingning's gaze towards Jiang Nian softened even more.

"Granted." Emperor Jingning pondered for a moment, his tone revealing concern. "Take all your guards and personal soldiers with you. It's best to be careful."

He was already concerned about Jiang Nian's safety. Moreover, Yuan Li had just been assassinated recently. If anything happened to Jiang Nian, he would have no face to return to the capital and face Emperor Taishun.

The eunuch Chen Daquan, who was standing to the side, listened to this exchange and was secretly amazed: "The Emperor Emeritus treats this Guard Jiang very differently. It seems that the rumors are true. This man is probably the Emperor Emeritus's grandson."

Thinking of how he had the opportunity to serve the retired emperor and how Jiang Nian had captured the thief and made meritorious contributions, Chen Daquan couldn't help but secretly think, "From now on, I must treat this young master with respect."

Jiang Nian took her leave and stood under the corridor outside the hall, letting out a long sigh of relief. She thought to herself, "It seems that today's assassination attempt has nothing to do with Emperor Taishun."

……

……

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

The weather is fine.

Jiang Nian left the Jiangning Textile Bureau early in the morning and first went to the Jiang residence in Jiangning. The residence was still well maintained by Qiu Fu and his wife, with bright and clean windows, lush flowers and trees, and an orderly atmosphere.

Jiang Nian then led Qi Jianyu, Zou Jianyuan, Meng Xiong and others towards the southern foot of Niushou Mountain.

The group arrived at the foot of the mountain and saw lush pine and cypress trees, and birds singing and flowers blooming.

Jiang Xuelian's grave is near Jinglan's grave from yesterday; it is also a solitary grave. The tomb is elegantly and tastefully constructed, neither shabby nor overly luxurious. Too much ostentation would easily attract the covetous eyes of grave robbers.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the tombstone.

Jiang Nian personally set out the offerings, burned incense, and kowtowed.

Although he was a transmigrator and had never met Jiang Xuelian, his mother in this life, he felt a deep connection to her, partly because he had absorbed the original owner's memories.

Standing silently before the tomb, gazing at the tombstone, he sighed inwardly, "Now that I'm returning to the capital with the Emperor Emeritus, perhaps I can finally be recognized as a descendant of the Emperor and become a legitimate grandson of the Emperor!"

This isn't wishful thinking. During his trip to the south, he first made a significant contribution by reforming the salt administration in Yangzhou, and yesterday he captured the leader of the assassins, helping Emperor Jingning solve two major cases. Furthermore, Yuan Li is dead, and last night Emperor Jingning said he wanted to discuss rewards with Emperor Taishun. All these signs indicate that he might become a legitimate and righteous imperial grandson.

A mountain breeze blew gently, causing his robes to flutter.

Qi Jianyu, Zou Jianyuan, and the others stood nearby, not daring to disturb them.

After the ceremony, Jiang Nian turned and descended the mountain. Sunlight shone on him, casting a shadow on the ground.

The rolling hills and drifting clouds seem to foreshadow the ever-changing future.

……

……

Jiang Nian paid respects at Jiang Xuelian's grave, and then returned to Jiangning City with Qi Jianyu, Zou Jianyuan, Meng Xiong, and others. The group headed straight for the Xue family's main residence.

Having given prior notice, Aunt Xue had ordered the servants to sweep and clean the courtyard and prepare a banquet. She also summoned Xue Jin, Madam Fan, Xue Ke, and Xue Baoqin, a family of four, to come over.

Jiang Nian dismounted in front of the house and was led into the inner courtyard by Xue Jin, Xue Ke, and Xue Pan, where he saw Aunt Xue, Madam Fan, and Xue Baoqin waiting for him.

Aunt Xue quickly stepped forward and said with a smile, "You must be tired from your journey, please come inside and have a seat!"

As he spoke, he carefully examined Jiang Nian and saw that she was dressed in a close-fitting outfit, with a calm face and composed demeanor.

Jiang Nian smiled and returned the greeting: "You're too kind, I'm sorry to have bothered you today."

Once inside the hall, Xue Baoqin personally served Jiang Nian fragrant tea.

Xue Pan laughed loudly, "Brother, you are truly a favorite of the Emperor! I personally witnessed you serving the Emperor Emeritus that day; how impressive you were!"

Aunt Xue gave him a reproachful look, then smiled at Jiang Nian and said, "It's all thanks to your efforts that our family was able to regain our status as imperial merchants. Today, we can finally thank you in person."

Jiang Nian smiled slightly and said, "We're family, no need for such formalities."

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "There's one more thing I should thank you for. Thanks to your recommendation, Pan'er's uncle went to Suzhou to find that Master Su for treatment, and now he's much better."

Upon hearing this, Xue Jin quickly stood up, bowed deeply to Jiang Nian, and said, "Thank you, Lord Jiang, for introducing me to the divine physician. I will never forget this kindness."

Jiang Nianxu offered a helping hand and said with a smile, "No need for that, it was just a small favor."

The group then discussed business matters. The businesses of the two branches of the Xue family had now been merged, with Xue Baochai holding a 20% stake and managing the business, while Xie Jixing served as the "general manager's assistant" in Beijing.

Immediately afterwards, Jiang Nian said to Aunt Xue, "I came here today to take another look at Baochai's old residence."

Aunt Xue had anticipated Jiang Nian's move and had specially instructed the servants to meticulously tidy up Xue Baochai's former residence. This pleased her, as it showed that Jiang Nian liked Xue Baochai.

At this moment, Aunt Xue hurriedly smiled at Xue Baoqin and said, "Qin'er, you should come with me."

Upon hearing this, Xue Baoqin blushed slightly and responded softly.

……

……

This was the second time Xue Baoqin had led Jiang Nian to Baochai's former residence alone. Although it wasn't the first time, Jiang Nian still walked slowly with her head down, her ears tinged with rouge.

Jiang Nian wasn't in a hurry; she followed slowly behind with her hands behind her back.

Xue Baoqin suddenly stopped, took out a long, rectangular brocade box, turned around and handed it to Jiang Nian: "I...I accepted your gift, this...is a return gift."

After saying that, his eyes darted around, but he dared not look directly at her.

Jiang Nian was slightly taken aback. She took the brocade box and gently opened it. Inside, she found a bone fan lying quietly. The fan surface was painted with a picture of lotus leaves listening to the rain, and the corner was inscribed with the four characters "A Gentle Breeze Comes" in small regular script. It was very exquisite and not cheap.

Because her aunt and parents were watching, Xue Baoqin was hesitant to give a return gift of personal items like sachets or handkerchiefs, as this might invite gossip. After much deliberation, she finally decided to give a fine fan.

Seeing Jiang Nian admiring the item carefully, Xue Baoqin twisted the hem of her dress and said softly, "Summer is just around the corner, this will come in handy."

Jiang Nian looked up and saw the girl with her eyes lowered, sunlight casting dappled golden shadows between her eyelashes. Suddenly, Xue Baoqin stole a glance at him, and in the instant their eyes met, a smile bloomed on her face.

When Jiang Nian first met Xue Baoqin, she noticed that the girl had a pair of big, beautiful eyes.

"I like it very much." Jiang Nian closed the brocade box, a slight smile playing on her lips.

A simple sentence brought joy to Xue Baoqin's eyes and made her steps lighter. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, revealing a small pearl pendant that shimmered gently around her neck.

The two arrived at Baochai's former residence.

Inside the courtyard stood an old pear tree, its branches gnarled and strong. A swing hung under the eaves; the ropes were old but still sturdy, and the wooden planks were smooth, for the servants had just carefully tended to it that day.

Upon arriving at the corridor, Jiang Nian suddenly walked to the swing, reached out to test the ropes, and gently pressed the wooden board. She found that it was neither swaying nor dusty.

Jiang Nian turned to Xue Baoqin and smiled, "I remember you said that Baochai used to swing with you here. She would always let you sit first and then push you from behind."

Xue Baoqin's eyes flickered slightly, and she hummed in agreement.

Jiang Nian smiled even more and said, "In that case, you sit down today, and I'll push you."

Upon hearing this, Xue Baoqin's big eyes suddenly lit up. She couldn't hide her girlish nature after all, and only declined out of politeness. But seeing that Jiang Nian insisted, she gently sat on the swing and gripped the ropes tightly with both hands.

Jiang Nian stood behind her, gently placing her hand on her shoulder, and said, "Sit tight."

Having said that, he slowly exerted force and pushed her forward.

At first, the swing didn't swing very high, and Xue Baoqin was still a little reserved, only feeling a gentle breeze on her face and her hair fluttering. Seeing this, Jiang Nian gradually increased the force in her hands, and the swing swung higher and higher. The wind whistled in Xue Baoqin's ears, and the scenery in the courtyard seemed to fly up and down.

Xue Baoqin initially kept her lips pursed, but soon she couldn't help but laugh out loud. Her laughter was clear and melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate, echoing in the courtyard.

Jiang Nian watched her from behind. She saw her clothes fluttering, her black hair flying, her face beaming with smiles, and her eyes sparkling. She looked even more radiant than pear blossoms in spring.

He didn't lessen his grip, and said, "Higher?"

Xue Baoqin turned to look at him, her eyes filled with joy, and nodded gently: "Mm!"

As the swing swung higher and higher, Xue Baoqin's laughter grew even clearer and crisper.

Jiang Nian pushed her along, thinking that Baochai was now far away in the capital, and the swing in their old residence had been empty for a long time, only to come alive again today.

Just then, Xue Baoqin suddenly cried out, "Ah!" It turned out that the swing had swung too high, and she hadn't been able to sit properly, so her body leaned back slightly. Jiang Nian reacted quickly, stepping forward and holding onto the swing rope with one hand while gently supporting her back with the other, stabilizing her.

Xue Baoqin, still shaken, turned to look at him. They were so close they could hear each other's breaths. Her face flushed, and she quickly lowered her head, whispering, "Thank you..."

Jiang Nian smiled slightly, slowed her grip, and the swing gradually came to a stop.

Xue Baoqin jumped off the swing, tidied her slightly disheveled hair and dress, and was still a little out of breath, but she couldn't hide the smile in her eyes.

Jiang Nian asked, "Did you enjoy yourself?"

Xue Baoqin nodded, her big eyes sparkling like stars: "It's been a long time since I've played like this."

The swing was still swaying, as if savoring the laughter and joy that had just been heard.

(End of this chapter)