The Red Mansion

Chapter 237 Agreement Returns to Clan, Rewards Granted to Ning Mansion

Under the bright sun, the glazed tiles and green roofs of Changchun Garden shone brilliantly, and the red railings and painted beams gleamed with dazzling light.

Lin Ruhai had been walking along the way and felt his clothes were soaked with sweat, his forehead dripping with sweat, but he dared not slack off in the slightest. He respectfully handed over the token and waited quietly in the duty room.

Emperor Taishun was holding a meeting with princes and ministers at Danning Residence to discuss matters, and Lin Ruhai waited for half an hour.

Inside the duty room, the sweltering heat was ever-present, seeping into one's very bones.

Just as Lin Ruhai was feeling listless, a eunuch in a crimson robe suddenly approached and said to him, "His Majesty summons you for an audience."

Lin Ruhai quickly straightened his clothes, composed himself, and followed the eunuch through the corridors and winding paths toward Danning Residence.

Upon arriving outside the Danning Palace, one sees a dense array of guards, and all around is deathly silent; so quiet that even the sound of a pin dropping can be clearly heard.

Upon entering the warm pavilion inside the hall, a cool breeze immediately swept over us, as if we were in the early autumn.

The gilded lion-shaped incense burner emitted wisps of ambergris, while the ice-cold mirror exuded a slight chill.

Emperor Taishun, wearing glasses, sat at his desk, dressed in a sky-blue silk robe, his expression indifferent.

Lin Ruhai dared not look directly at him, quickly took a few steps, prostrated himself, and said respectfully, "Your subject Lin Hai respectfully wishes Your Majesty good health!"

Emperor Taishun slightly raised his hand and said, "Get up."

Lin Ruhai thanked the emperor and stood up, his hands at his sides.

Emperor Taishun first inquired about the assassination attempt on his fourth son, Yuan Li, in Yangzhou. Lin Ruhai, trembling with fear, recounted the details in detail, daring not to utter the slightest omission.

Emperor Taishun then inquired about Jiang Nian's reform of the salt administration, and Lin Ruhai gave a detailed and clear account of the situation.

Finally, Emperor Taishun said calmly, "You have just arrived in the capital, so take good care of yourself. We will discuss your duties again after the Emperor Emeritus returns to the capital."

Lin Ruhai kowtowed again and said respectfully, "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's decree and will do his utmost to repay Your Majesty's grace."

Emperor Taishun had previously issued an edict instructing Lin Ruhai to come to the capital to await a simplified appointment. "Simplified appointment" was not the same as "immediate appointment," leaving room for maneuver and negotiation.

Lin Ruhai was a trusted former official of the retired Emperor Jingning. Emperor Taishun would have to discuss his personnel arrangements with Emperor Jingning.

In fact, Emperor Taishun already had a plan in mind.

Although Lin Ruhai's merits and demerits were offset by Jiang Nian's memorial, Emperor Taishun still considered such officials to be incompetent and "dedicated" talents.

Lin Ruhai was originally appointed as a fourth-rank Imperial Academy Reader and Salt Commissioner in Lianghuai. Now that he has returned to the capital, Emperor Taishun intends to transfer him to the Hanlin Academy Reader position in Siping. Although the rank is the same, it is a sinecure with more honor than power.

There's another layer of calculation involved.

If Emperor Jingning truly intended for Jiang Nian to be recognized as a prince and established as a legitimate heir, Jiang Nian, who had secretly passed the imperial examinations and already served the court, would not be allowed to study in the Imperial Study. In that case, a learned scholar would inevitably be chosen to teach him.

Lin Ruhai was originally a third-place scholar in the imperial examinations. He had lectured on history at the Hanlin Academy and had extensive experience as an official. Moreover, he was related to Jiang Nian, making him a suitable candidate.

……

……

Lin Ruhai had only been back in Beijing for two days when, on the sixth day of the fifth lunar month, pomegranate flowers were just beginning to bloom, their crimson flames blazing brightly.

On this day, Ren Pijiang and Dai Shijiao escorted Jiang Nian's ill-gotten gains in Yangzhou to the capital.

Jiang Nian acquired nearly five million taels of silver in Yangzhou, more than he had acquired during his previous two stints as an imperial envoy.

Upon hearing the news, Emperor Taishun left Changchun Garden and personally went to the city to inspect the situation.

Upon entering the storeroom, one sees stacks of vermilion-lacquered boxes and cages, their gilded locks gleaming. Coral, jade, pearls, and precious stones are displayed among them, their brilliance dazzling the eye. Such extravagance surprised even the Taishun Emperor, who was accustomed to treasures, and he nodded slightly in astonishment.

Ren Pijiang reported: "Guard Jiang was strict in enforcing the law and was honest and upright during his mission."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taishun personally reviewed the account books again. Seeing that the entries were clear and orderly, he was even more satisfied and thought to himself, "Yi'er's performance this time was even more effective than the previous two times. He is truly my fine son."

Therefore, she felt even more fond of Jiang Nianke.

An imperial edict was immediately issued: Ren Pijiang had already been awarded a merit for a previous offense, and was now specially promoted to the rank of First-Class Imperial Guard of the Third Rank as a reward. Dai Shijiao was also awarded a merit for a previous offense.

Ren Pijiang and Dai Shijiao quickly kowtowed to express their gratitude.

……

……

Emperor Jingning, the retired emperor, made his seventh southern tour. On the way there, he enjoyed the scenery and stopped frequently, living a leisurely life. On the return journey, however, he quickened his pace, sometimes even traveling day and night.

On the eighth day of the fifth lunar month, the sun blazed overhead, its rays melting stones and turning them to gold, and the dragon boats had already reached Luhe Post Station.

Emperor Jingning did not rest and immediately returned to the capital.

Yuan Li's coffin was temporarily left at the post station—if it were to accompany the emperor, it would inevitably attract gossip and disrupt the solemnity of the imperial return.

Jiang Nian, dressed in the uniform of a second-class imperial guard, with a precious sword at his waist, rode a fine horse and followed closely behind the imperial carriage, exuding a heroic and martial air.

When the imperial carriage had traveled three miles outside Chaoyang Gate, it suddenly saw banners fluttering and canopies reaching the clouds ahead. It turned out that Emperor Taishun had received the news and had personally led the princes and ministers to welcome him. Leading the procession was a bright yellow curved-handled nine-dragon umbrella, under which Emperor Taishun wore a dark blue silk robe with cloud and dragon motifs, and a gold-inlaid jade belt around his waist, displaying great majesty.

The two emperors gazed at each other from afar. Emperor Taishun immediately alighted from his imperial carriage, stepped forward, and walked to Emperor Jingning's side. He straightened his clothes, bowed, and said, "Your subject respectfully welcomes Your Majesty back to the capital. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years."

Emperor Jingning smiled and personally helped him up; the father and son held hands and looked at each other.

Jiang Nian, who was watching closely, thought to herself, "Regardless of the true feelings of Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun, this scene at least looks like a picture of family harmony."

When Emperor Taishun's gaze swept over Jiang Nian, he paused almost imperceptibly, and then turned to Emperor Jingning to inquire about his well-being.

Before long, the two emperors each boarded their carriages, their entourages as magnificent as dragons and their banners obscuring the sun, and they entered Chaoyang Gate in a grand procession, with the people along the way kneeling and prostrating themselves by the roadside.

……

……

When Emperor Jingning returned to the capital, he did not enter the palace, but instead went to Changchun Garden in the western suburbs with Emperor Taishun.

Inside the garden, rocks are stacked to form mountains, water is channeled to create ponds, and exotic flowers and rare herbs grow lushly, adding a touch of coolness and tranquility compared to the imperial palace's forbidden gardens.

The warm pavilion of the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs is exquisitely furnished. On the rosewood table is a Ru kiln beauty vase with several freshly picked flower branches inserted inside, emitting a subtle fragrance.

At this time, only Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun, the two emperors of the Daqing era, were in the warm pavilion; all the palace servants had been dismissed.

Emperor Taishun's brows furrowed in thought. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "Father, I am about to summon Yuan Yi. I wonder what Your Majesty's intention is in bestowing upon him?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingning's eyes flickered slightly. He gently placed the Ding kiln white-glazed teacup he was holding on the small rosewood table, making a clear sound. He sighed and said, "I have been thinking about this matter for a long time. Now... it is time to let him be recognized as an ancestor and included in the imperial genealogy."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taishun, though he had already suspected it, was still startled, though his face showed only three parts surprise and seven parts respect. In his heart, however, it was like a stormy sea, and he sighed inwardly, "My bloodline, which has been scattered among the common people, will finally be enthroned as a prince, and his name will be recorded as 'Yuan Yi'!" The warm pavilion fell silent for a moment, with only the ticking of the water clock reaching the ears.

Emperor Jingning gazed into the distance, looking through the carved window lattice as if recalling his seventh southern tour.

Emperor Taishun lowered his eyes and gazed at the tea in his cup. The green waves rippled gently, and the foam swirled lightly, just like his emotions at that moment, which were turbulent and difficult to calm.

……

……

Jiang Nian, Qi Jianyu, Zou Jianyuan, and Meng Xiong were ordered to enter Danning Residence for an audience.

Inside the warm pavilion, the golden lion-shaped incense burner emitted a fragrant aroma of aloeswood, and memorials were piled up on the sandalwood table.

Emperor Taishun sat cross-legged in front of his desk, wearing glasses perched on his nose.

Ren Pijiang, a first-class imperial bodyguard, stood beside the emperor. He was tall and imposing, with a composed demeanor.

Jiang Nian and the other three straightened their clothes and performed the grand ceremony.

Emperor Taishun first asked Jiang Nian about his work on reforming the salt administration in Yangzhou. Jiang Nian calmly and methodically explained the situation.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taishun immediately issued an edict: Qi Jianyu and Zou Jianyuan were both promoted to second-class imperial guards, and Meng Xiong was promoted from sixth-rank imperial guard to fifth-rank imperial guard.

The three thanked the people and then left.

Only Emperor Taishun, Jiang Nian, and Ren Pijiang remained in the warm pavilion.

Although Emperor Taishun wore glasses, his gaze behind the lenses was like a deep well. He tapped the memorials on the table with his fingers and said slowly to Jiang Nian, "The fourth prince was assassinated in Yangzhou, and the retired emperor was in danger in Jiangning. Please tell me the details of what happened."

Jiang Nian then recounted everything she knew.

After listening, Emperor Taishun pondered for a moment and deliberately asked, "Your reform of the salt administration in Yangzhou and the elimination of long-standing malpractices have already rendered meritorious service to the country; and your protection of the emperor and capture of the thief in Jiangning have further demonstrated your loyalty and bravery. The Emperor Emeritus and I both wish to reward you handsomely. Do you... have any requests?"

After a moment's thought, Jiang Nian respectfully kowtowed and said, "Your subject dares to ask for a residence in the inner city."

Emperor Taishun raised an eyebrow slightly, his dragon eyes narrowed slightly, as if surprised, and said slowly, "Oh? What do you mean by that?"

Jiang Nian, with a respectful yet composed expression, said, “This time, I went south to reorganize the salt administration. My swift and decisive actions inevitably offended powerful figures and made many enemies. Furthermore, the capture of the thief in Jiangning may have aroused the resentment of those behind the scenes. I currently reside in the eastern suburbs, where security is far less than in the inner city. For my own safety, and even more so for the safety of my family, I would be most grateful if I could have a residence in the inner city with adequate protection. Only then can I serve Your Majesty with peace of mind.”

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taishun was not displeased at all. Instead, a hint of satisfaction appeared in his eyes. He felt that Jiang Nian was honest, knew how to protect her personal safety, and valued family and relatives.

After a moment's thought, Emperor Taishun suddenly smiled and said, "In that case, I will bestow upon you the former Ningguo Mansion. What do you say?"

Jiang Nian was taken aback, and quickly bowed to decline, saying, "What virtue or ability do I possess to dare to reside in such a mansion? I hope Your Majesty will rescind your decree."

Emperor Taishun waved his hand and laughed, "You have rendered great service to the country, so living in this mansion is just right for you."

Jiang Nian declined again, but Emperor Taishun refused, and then solemnly kowtowed to express her gratitude.

It turns out that Emperor Taishun had long harbored this intention. The daughter Jiang Nian was marrying was Jia Yuanchun from the Rongguo Mansion, and it would be appropriate for her to reside in the Ningguo Mansion. However, the time was not right before. Now that Jiang Nian had made outstanding achievements and was about to be recognized by his ancestors, bestowing this mansion upon him was a natural progression.

Emperor Taishun then said gently, "In that case, I will assign another twenty imperial guards to accompany you and take turns on guard duty to ensure your safety."

Jiang Nian declined again before solemnly bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."

Ren Pijiang, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "It seems he's going to acknowledge his ancestors!"

When Jiang Nian left Danning Residence, he saw the blazing sun in the sky, but his heart was churning like a turbulent tide, and he could not calm down.

The fact that Ningguo Prefecture bestowed upon him twenty imperial guards, yet he was not promoted or given a title, was a signal that Jiang Nian might soon stand proudly on the imperial genealogy under the name "Yuan Yi"!
……

……

The blazing sun hung high, shining on the official road in the western suburbs of the capital.

Suddenly, a group of people came from the direction of Changchun Garden. Amidst the dust, the first rider was Jiang Nian, who was wearing the uniform of a second-class imperial guard. Although he was dressed in brocade robes and a jade belt, he could not hide the weathered look between his brows.

Following closely behind him was Meng Xiong and a group of the emperor's personal guards, all dressed in fine clothes and riding spirited horses, exuding an imposing aura.

The group stepped into the capital city. The streets were bustling and the city was teeming with people. Taverns and teahouses hung with colorful banners, and the shouts of vendors filled the air. The sedan chairs of wealthy families moved about, carrying fragrant breezes. However, Jiang Nian was eager to return home and did not linger. He went straight through the city, exited through Chaoyang Gate, and followed the official road and dirt road to his residence in the eastern suburbs.

Upon arriving at the house, the entire family had been eagerly waiting for a long time.

Yuan Chun, along with Xue Baochai, Jing Qing, Xing Xiuyan, and a host of maids including Xiangling, Baoqin, Xiren, Qingwen, Jinchuan, Yuchuan, Ying'er, Lüyi, Hongxia, and Qianxue, waited inside the hanging flower gate.

When everyone saw Jiang Nian enter the hanging flower gate looking travel-worn, with beads of sweat on her forehead and her skin a little darker than before, they could tell that she had been traveling for months and had been exposed to the sun and wind.

Yuan Chun's eyes immediately welled up with tears, as the longing she had felt for months and the joy of their reunion turned into tears that rolled down her cheeks.

Although Xue Baochai was usually composed, her eyes were slightly red at this moment.

Yuan Chun wiped away her tears and said with a smile, "Master, you must be feeling the heat after your long journey. Why don't you have some chilled mung bean soup to relieve your fatigue?"

Yuan Chun knew that Jiang Niansu liked mung bean soup, so she often cooked it at home, especially in the summer. Today's chilled mung bean soup was specially prepared by Yuan Chun for Jiang Niansu.

When Jiang Nian entered the main room, she saw that a celadon ice bowl had already been prepared on the table. The mung bean soup in the bowl was clear and bright, with crushed ice floating on it. The cool air seeped up in wisps, and she felt refreshed even before drinking it.

Xiangling quickly picked up a spoon, deftly ladled out a bowl, and presented it with both hands. Having not seen each other for several months, she felt a little shy when she met Jiang Nian's gaze as she presented the bowl.

Jiang Nian took the bowl of chilled mung bean soup and quickly finished it, feeling a cool sensation slide down her throat and into her chest and abdomen. She drank a second bowl before feeling satisfied, letting out a long sigh and saying with a smile, "Refreshing!"

Seeing that his official robes were soaked with sweat and clung to his body, Yuan Chun felt very sorry for him and said softly, "It's so hot, and you've ridden a long way home on horseback. Your clothes are all wet. Quickly take a bath and change your clothes so you don't catch a cold."

Having said that, he ordered someone to prepare fragrant soup, and he and Xiangling served it together.

Inside the bathhouse, steam rose and the fragrant bath water was delightful.

As Jiang Nian immersed herself in the warm water, her muscles and bones gradually relaxed, and the fatigue from months of travel seemed to melt away in the warm water.

Yuan Chun stood behind him, picked up a rhinoceros horn comb, and gently combed his hair while talking softly about the recent situation at home, including the distribution of the two large boxes of Yangzhou local products, but she did not mention that she had been publicly kicked out of the Rongguo Mansion.

His words were gentle, like a spring breeze caressing the ear.

Xiangling knelt to the side, her slender fingers gently pressing on Jiang Nian's shoulder and neck acupoints with just the right amount of pressure, making him feel completely comfortable.

After bathing, I changed my clothes and tied my hair, feeling refreshed.

Jiang Nian changed into an indigo-blue casual outfit, with a black sash loosely tied around her waist, making her appear broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, exuding a heroic aura.

Yuan Chun straightened his collar, couldn't help but examine him closely, and felt a deep affection and sweetness in her heart.

Seeing Yuan Chun staring at her so intently, Xiang Ling smiled and thought to herself, "How wonderful! Master has finally come home!"

(End of this chapter)