The Red Mansion

Chapter 246 Yuan Shi Imprisons Jiang Nian Returns to Her Clan

As Jiang Nian predicted, Emperor Taishun did indeed learn of the incident between him and Yuan Shi through his spies.

That afternoon, the sun blazed overhead, its golden rays dazzling.

Jiang Nian was tidying up her study in Ningguo Mansion when Meng Xiong rushed in, saying that the Emperor had sent someone to summon her.

The newcomer was Lu Jin, a first-class imperial bodyguard, leading a group of guards and personal soldiers, including Qi Jianyu, a second-class imperial bodyguard.

Jiang Nian knew Lu Jin, but they weren't close. She was naturally close to Qi Jianyu.

Jiang Nian and He Yun immediately received the imperial decree together.

Qi Jianyu and Jiang Nian's eyes met, and a smile appeared on their lips.

Lu Jin's face was solemn, and his voice was as cold and hard as the clash of metal and stone: "By order of His Majesty, summon the guards Jiang Nian and He Yun to Changchun Garden for an audience immediately, without delay!"

Jiang Nianxin understood perfectly and guessed that it was because Yuan Shi had provoked him earlier that day.

He and He Yun said in unison, "Your subject obeys the decree."

The two were already wearing guard uniforms, so they didn't have to change.

However, Jiang Nian still met with Yuan Chun and told him not to worry. Yuan Chun personally straightened his official hat, her eyes, like autumn water, swirling with worry, as if she had a thousand words to say, but in the end, they condensed into a single whisper, her breath slightly rapid: "Master... I long for your safe return!"

Jiang Nian looked at her deeply and nodded, saying, "Don't worry."

Although the two words are simple, they carry weight.

Jiang Nian and He Yun, along with Lu Jin, Qi Jianyu, and a group of guards, left Ningguo Mansion and rode their horses to Changchun Garden.

A group of guards and personal soldiers surrounded Jiang Nian, clearly indicating that she was being escorted away.

Under the scorching sun, the group of people and horses made a clattering sound as they passed through the bustling streets. Pedestrians on the road gave way at the sight of this spectacle, whispering among themselves.

As we passed through the western gate of the capital, the yellow earth on the official road in the western suburbs was covered with a light dust from the horses' hooves.

Before long, Changchun Garden came into view in the distance.

Deep within that palace garden, who knows what kind of turmoil is brewing today, awaiting Jiang Nian under the blazing sun...

……

……

On the same afternoon, the sun blazed fiercely, its heat intense like fire.

The glazed tiles of the Third Prince Yuan Shi's residence were dazzling in the sun, and even the bluestone slabs below the steps were steaming with heat. The cicadas in the trees chirped incessantly, adding to the oppressive heat.

Yuan Shi was sleeping in his concubine Bian's room. An ice pot sat in the room, its chill slightly relieving the summer heat. Yuan Shi was only wearing a soft, pine-scented silk nightgown, lying on the bed, snoring softly. A maidservant beside the bed held a feather fan, gently fanning him.

In the outer room, Lady Bian, dressed in a jade-colored silk blouse, was reclining on the chaise longue, sketching flower patterns with another maid and chatting idly.

Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves came from outside the mansion.

Ren Pijiang, a first-class imperial bodyguard, led a group of imperial guards, including Zou Jianyuan, a second-class imperial bodyguard, to summon Yuan Shi.

Startled awake, Yuan Shi quickly put on his robe and slippers and went outside. He saw Ren Pijiang with a sword at his waist, his face solemn, and a group of guards and personal soldiers standing silently behind him. Yuan Shi immediately felt uneasy, guessing that it was probably because news of his provocation of Jiang Nian earlier that day had reached the Emperor.

Ren Pijiang solemnly proclaimed: "By imperial decree, the third son of Emperor Xuan, Yuan Shi, is to immediately go to Changchun Garden for an audience, without delay!"

Yuan Shiqiang, bracing himself, accepted the imperial decree and hurriedly asked Ren Pijiang, "Guard Ren, may I ask what His Majesty has summoned me for?"

Ren Pijiang replied calmly, "How could we, your subjects, presume to fathom His Majesty's intentions? His Majesty has instructed that Your Highness should ride forth."

Yuan Shi then looked at Zou Jianyuan, who was standing to the side. Zou Jianyuan kept his eyes down, his expression completely blank.

Yuan Shi, feeling guilty, was chilled to the bone, as if a bucket of snow water had been poured over his head in the dead of winter. His mind was in turmoil, his thoughts churning. Changchun Garden, in his eyes, was now nothing short of a dragon's den or a tiger's lair; how could he possibly want to go there?
When Ren Pijiang saw Yuan Shi hesitate, he solemnly said, "The imperial decree is urgent. Please, Your Excellency, set off immediately."

Yuan Shizhi had no choice but to ride his fine green horse, escorted by a group of guards led by Ren Pijiang and Zou Jianyuan, to Changchun Garden.

The clattering of hooves struck Yuan Shi's heart like a hammer blow.

Yuan Shi saw that the streets and markets were as usual, bustling with pedestrians, while he himself felt like a prisoner, being escorted by the powerful imperial envoy to the perilous palace. The slight coolness brought by the ice pot while he slept, and the gentle breeze fanned by the maidservant, had long since vanished. His heart pounded wildly, and beads of sweat streamed down his forehead, whether from the scorching sun or from the cold sweat welling up inside him, he couldn't tell…

……

……

At the hour of Shen (3-5 PM), the scorching sun was setting in the west. Although Changchun Garden was shaded by dense trees and had a gentle breeze blowing through the water pavilion, it could not block the sweltering heat that permeated the entire area.

Jiang Nian and He Yun followed Lu Jin and Qi Jianyu into Changchun Garden, and then arrived at the heavily guarded Danning Residence.

Lu Jinxian went to the palace to report, and then an imperial decree was issued: His Majesty summons He Yun to an audience first!

He Yun took a deep breath, straightened his official hat and robes, and followed Lu Jin into the warm pavilion inside the palace.

Emperor Taishun had learned through his spies that Yuan Shi had provoked Jiang Nian today. He summoned He Yun and questioned him, and He Yun gave a truthful report, which matched what his spies had said.

At this point, Emperor Taishun had already made up his mind!

Jiang Nian was waiting for the summons when she suddenly heard a flurry of footsteps. Turning around, she saw Ren Pijiang and Zou Jianyuan "accompanying" the third prince, Yuan Shi. Yuan Shi was dressed in a prince's python robe, a very noble outfit, but now his face was ashen, and he had lost his usual arrogance.

Ren Pijiang and Zou Jianyuan were both familiar and close to Jiang Nian. When they saw Jiang Nian, they both nodded slightly. Ren Pijiang even had a smile on his lips before entering the hall to report to Emperor Taishun that Yuan Shi had been brought there.

Upon seeing Jiang Nian there, Yuan Shimeng was struck dumb, confirming his fears—his father's summons was indeed to find Jiang Nian to cause trouble for him!
He glared at Jiang Nian, suspecting that she had complained to Emperor Taishun. After a moment's hesitation, he steeled himself, moved closer to Jiang Nian, stared sharply at her, and asked in a low, menacing voice, "Did you report today's events to the Emperor?"

Jiang Nian said calmly, "This humble servant did not report this. This humble servant came by summons and is waiting for the summons."

Yuan Shi paused, a thought suddenly popping into his head: why not ask Jiang Nian to cover for him in front of the emperor? But as soon as the thought arose, he suppressed it. He really hated Jiang Nian, and he was always proud. How could he bow down and beg for mercy to this bastard? Wouldn't that be utterly shameful!
This internal struggle caused his face to turn red and blue.

He finally threatened, "Let me tell you, when you see the Emperor later, if you dare to say anything about what happened today, and if even one word is detrimental to me, I will make sure you suffer the consequences! You'd better think it over carefully!" After saying that, he stared intently at Jiang Nian, trying to see fear on her face.

Jiang Nian, however, kept her eyes down, seemingly lost in thought, like an old monk in deep meditation, as if she hadn't heard the threat at all.

Yuan Shi felt like he'd punched cotton, a surge of anger rising to his head. He wanted nothing more than to immediately knock this bastard who had dared to defy him to the ground. But a quick glance around revealed the guards standing with their hands on their swords. Dan Ningju's authority was unfathomable, and despite his overwhelming rage, he could only swallow it all.

Just then, He Yun arrived.

He Yun remained calm as he walked to Jiang Nian's side. Imperial Guards Lu Jin and Ren Pijiang followed closely behind. Lu Jin, though not loud, spoke with authority, announcing, "By imperial decree, the third son of Emperor Xuan, Yuan Shi, and Imperial Guard Jiang Nian, are to appear before the Emperor immediately!"

The sound was like the ringing of a golden bell.

Yuan Shi shuddered and his face turned pale.

Jiang Nian straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and together with Yuan Shi, whose face was ashen, they walked towards the warm pavilion of Danning Residence, led by Lu Jin and Ren Pijiang.

Although named "Warm Pavilion," it was summer at the time, and the pavilion was a hidden world inside, with a huge ice pot, from which wisps of white steam rose, making the whole room cool.

Inside the warm pavilion, all was quiet except for the sound of ice water dripping, drip, drip...

Emperor Taishun sat behind a rosewood desk inlaid with mother-of-pearl, a pair of tortoiseshell-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. Hearing footsteps, he looked up at Yuan Shi and Jiang Nian as they entered.

The emperor remained silent, yet an invisible pressure permeated the air, weighing heavily on Yuan Shi and Jiang Nian.

Yuan Shi and Jiang Nian hurriedly walked a few steps to the imperial desk, knelt down, and performed the full kneeling and kowtowing ceremony, saying, "Your subject Jiang Nian respectfully wishes Your Majesty good health!"

After the ceremony, there was no sound of "Get up".

The two had no choice but to kneel on the gold brick floor, heads bowed and eyes lowered, holding their breath in anticipation.

The pavilion was silent, with only the sound of dripping ice.

Yuan Shi knelt beside Jiang Nian, the chill emanating from the ice cauldron seeming to penetrate his very bones.

Suddenly, Emperor Taishun said in a deep voice, "You two, raise your heads!"

Yuan Shi and Jiang Nian slowly raised their heads.

Emperor Taishun's gaze, passing through his glasses, swept across Yuan Shi's face with a cold, electric light before turning to Jiang Nian. His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority: "Jiang Nian, recount in detail how Yuan Shi provoked you today."

Jiang Nian pretended to hesitate and remained silent, as if weighing an immense burden.

Emperor Taishun fixed his gaze on Jiang Nian and emphasized, "I want you to—report the truth!"

Jiang Nian then responded with a "yes" and recounted the situation in detail. He spoke at a steady pace, carefully choosing his words without embellishment, and even stated Yuan Shi's insult of calling him a "bastard" in a straightforward manner.

Yuan Shi knelt to the side, listening with trepidation. He wanted to interrupt, but was forced back by the invisible pressure from the throne.

After Jiang Nian finished speaking, Yuan Shi could no longer contain himself and blurted out, "Father! He's distorting the truth! How could I be such a reckless person? It's just that he's arrogant and disrespectful, and deliberately provoked me. I acted out of anger..."

"Shut up!" Emperor Taishun shouted in a low voice, like muffled thunder rolling through the warm pavilion.

Yuan Shi trembled all over, fell silent as a cicada in winter, only his lips trembled slightly.

The warm pavilion was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and the icy cauldron emitted wisps of cold air, yet it could not dispel the oppressive, stagnant atmosphere before the throne.

Emperor Taishun gazed intently at the two kneeling figures through his glasses.

Yuan Shi was so terrified by Emperor Taishun's silent scrutiny that his scalp tingled and his body went limp. In contrast, Jiang Nian, though also kneeling, stood upright with a calm and composed demeanor, displaying an unyielding composure.

Emperor Taishun already deeply resented his rebellious son Yuan Shi, but greatly admired his illegitimate daughter Jiang Nian. Now, seeing this clumsy and clever, this turbid and this pure, kneeling together, they were truly worlds apart. Therefore, he hated Yuan Shi even more, but admired Jiang Nian even more.

Suddenly, Emperor Taishun spoke, his voice not loud, but like ice breaking: "Lu Jin."

"Your subject is here," Lu Jin, a first-class imperial bodyguard, hurriedly bowed and replied.

"Take Jiang Nian away and keep her under temporary guard in the garden."

"Yes." Lu Jin accepted the order and looked at Jiang Nian.

Jiang Nian calmly kowtowed again, then got up and followed the path.

Only Emperor Taishun, Yuan Shi, and Ren Pijiang, who stood like a statue, remained in the pavilion.

Emperor Taishun had no intention of questioning Yuan Shi about the details of today's provocation. The intelligence report, He Yun's confession, and Jiang Nian's statement—compared, had pieced together the complete picture. He had lost both trust and patience in his son, Yuan Shi.

He rubbed his temples, then looked at Yuan Shi, his voice filled with weariness and disgust: "I ask you, why did you go to provoke Jiang Nian today?"

Yuan Shi stammered, "Your subject... Your subject... It was Jiang Nian who was rude and provoked your subject..."

"Oh?" Emperor Taishun sneered. "When, where, and how did he provoke you? You—tell me in detail."

“This…at that time…” Yuan Shi was speechless.

"Speak!" Emperor Taishun slammed his hand on the imperial desk, causing the writing brush and inkstone to jump around. "Yuan Shi! I think you've eaten the heart of a bear and the gall of a leopard! How dare you deceive the emperor in front of me!"

Yuan Shi trembled with fear, almost collapsing to the ground, and cried out, "Your subject dares not! Your Majesty, please understand!"

"Then tell me the truth! Why did you provoke us?!" Emperor Taishun leaned forward and stared intently, his imperial might as well as a prison.

Yuan Shi's lips trembled, but he clenched his teeth tightly.

Even if he was stupid, he knew that the real reason was something he couldn't say out loud—it was his contempt, jealousy, and hatred for Jiang Nian, this "bastard," and he believed that Jiang Nian had ruined his eighth uncle's grand plan and his important matter of inheriting the throne. He wanted to show off his power and vent his personal anger.

Seeing his appearance, Emperor Taishun suddenly said indifferently, "Before you went to find Jiang Nian today, you lingered at your third uncle's palace for a long time. What private words did your third uncle say to you?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shi was startled, as if struck by a ghost, and stammered, "No... he didn't say anything! My third uncle... he was just giving a casual greeting, I was just going to visit him..."

"Heh, heh heh..." Emperor Taishun actually laughed out loud, but the laughter was chilling. "Good, very good! Not only have you deceived the emperor, but you've also tried to fool me like a muddle-headed fool!"

Yuan Shi kowtowed repeatedly, but gritted his teeth and refused to reveal the truth.

Emperor Taishun stared at him for a long time, until the last trace of warmth in his eyes faded, leaving only a cold and resolute look.

His voice was terrifyingly calm, yet every word resounded like thunder in the warm pavilion: "You called Jiang Nian a bastard and despised his origins? Fine, I'll tell you today that I've made up my mind to let Jiang Nian be recognized as a member of the imperial family, to be rightfully included in the imperial genealogy, and from now on he will be a proper prince!"

His gaze swept over the limp Yuan Shi like a blade: "As for you—you are unrestrained, careless, foolish, stubborn, and wicked! I will strip you of your title and imprison you! From this day forward, I... will pretend I have no son like you!"

This is the harsh Emperor Taishun!

Yuan Shi suddenly looked up, speechless, as if his soul had been ripped out, and froze on the spot.

Ren Pijiang, who was standing to the side, remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was in turmoil: "The Fourth Prince is dead, and now the Third Prince is crippled! On the contrary, Master Nian is about to rise to the top and become a proper descendant of the dragon and phoenix! The will of Heaven is unpredictable, and the political situation in the imperial family is changing rapidly. It is truly... earth-shattering!"

(End of this chapter)