The Red Mansion

Chapter 247 The Thirteenth Prince, in Charge of the Imperial Clan Court

It was already late afternoon, and because of the long days and short nights in summer, the sun was still blazing, shining obliquely from the west, and the air in Changchun Garden was still filled with scorching heat.

In the northeast corner of the garden, there is a secluded and secluded place, which is the "Qingxi Study," the sleeping quarters of the retired Emperor Jingning.

The study is nestled among lush bamboo groves. From a distance, the thousands of bamboo stalks cast deep green shadows, as if gently shrouded in azure mist. The rustling sound as the wind passes by adds to the serene tranquility.

A crystal-clear stream seeps out from somewhere among the rocks, meandering and flowing gently along the base of the study before emptying into a small, shimmering lake in front of it.

It was summer, and the lotus leaves in the small lake spread out like countless emerald canopies. A few early-blooming water lilies stood gracefully among them, delicate and beautiful.

At this moment, by the tranquil lake, under the shade of willows, an old man sat quietly, fishing. He wore a soft hat, a gauze robe, and reading glasses. His face was thin and his gaze was serene. He was none other than the retired Emperor Jingning.

Sitting on a small stool beside him was a prince in his early thirties, with clear features and a gentle demeanor. He was Yuan Xi, the eldest grandson of Emperor Jingning, whom he had always doted on.

Several other members of the imperial family were also fishing nearby, all holding their breath and not daring to disturb Emperor Jingning's enjoyment.

One of them, forty-nine years old, had a ruddy complexion and a slightly plump figure. He wore a dark blue python robe, and there always seemed to be a faint smile on his lips, but his eyes revealed shrewdness. This man was Prince Hejian, and also the head of the Imperial Clan Court of Daqing.

This Prince Hejian was Emperor Jingning's cousin by seniority. He had been in the position of Zongling of the Imperial Clan Court for more than ten years, holding the power to manage the affairs of the imperial clan. The compilation of the imperial genealogy, the bestowal of titles and rewards, the education of the imperial clan, and the life, death, honor and disgrace of all the imperial relatives all had to pass through his hands to some extent. He held a prestigious position and wielded great power.

More than ten years ago, Emperor Jingning promoted his cousin Prince Jian to head the Imperial Clan Court instead of choosing a direct descendant of the princes. This was both to demonstrate his reliance on the elder branches of the imperial clan and to ensure the stability of clan affairs.

However, the current Emperor Taishun dislikes Prince Jian.

Emperor Taishun believed that Prince Hejian was a despicable man who was obsessed with various matters and indifferent to the affairs entrusted to him by the emperor.

Emperor Taishun had long wanted to depose the Imperial Clan Court Director, and had even advised Emperor Jingning on this matter. However, Prince Hejian was a confidant of Emperor Jingning, who argued that the position of Imperial Clan Court Director was crucial to the stability of the imperial clan and was of utmost importance. Although Prince Hejian had minor flaws, he had not committed any major offenses, and having served him for a long time, he was familiar with all matters and could not be easily dismissed. Therefore, Emperor Jingning did not agree to the demotion. This became an unspeakable rift between the father and son emperors.

At this moment, Prince Jian's lips curled into a faint smile as he glanced at Emperor Jingning's composed profile, while inwardly he was secretly plotting how to protect Yuan Si, and even Yuan Tang, and Yuan...

The scenery of lakes and mountains, the shadows of bamboo and the sound of pines, seems tranquil and leisurely, but beneath the serenity, undercurrents are surging.

……

……

Under the decree of Emperor Taishun, Jiang Nian and Yuan Shi were temporarily detained in Changchun Garden.

Emperor Taishun sat alone in the warm pavilion of Danning Residence. After his thunderous rage, he felt a sense of loneliness and isolation.

He had originally planned to postpone Jiang Nian's recognition of his ancestry for a while, as his current focus was on the "Eighth Prince Party"—the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Princes. However, Yuan Shi's provocation of Jiang Nian today spurred him to decide to expedite the process of Jiang Nian's return to his ancestral home.

Thinking of this, Emperor Taishun suddenly stood up, a resolute air filling his chest. Without even calling for his carriage, he led only a few trusted eunuchs out of Danning Residence and walked towards Qingxi Study, deep in the bamboo shadows in the northeast corner of Changchun Garden.

As Emperor Taishun walked through the flower-lined willows, the increasing tranquility gradually calmed his restlessness.

Near Qingxi Study, surrounded by lush bamboo and clear streams, it feels like entering a fairyland.

As far as the eye could see, on the shore of a small, shimmering lake, amidst the gently swaying willow branches, the retired Emperor Jingning, wearing a soft hat, a gauze robe, and glasses, was fishing with a rod, looking relaxed and at ease. His eldest grandson, Yuan Xi, sat respectfully beside him, and nearby were several princes and nobles, including Prince Jian.

Emperor Taishun slowed his pace and approached gently.

Yuan Xi, with his sharp eyes, was the first to spot it and quickly stood up to bow.

Prince Jian and the others also noticed this, and immediately there was a rustling of robes as they all knelt down to pay their respects.

Emperor Taishun's expression had already changed to a warm one. He waved his hands repeatedly and lowered his voice, saying, "No need for formalities." When his gaze swept over Prince Jian, he deliberately lingered there, nodding slightly, showing a rare display of politeness.

This is not because he changed his nature, but because he has his own vision and understanding.

Although he disliked Prince Hejian, the prince was both a confidant of Emperor Jingning and the head of the Imperial Clan Court, making him very important to him. Moreover, this was a time when he needed capable people; whether it was dealing with the eighth, ninth, and tenth princes, or the soon-to-be-publicized matter of Yuan Yi's return to the imperial clan, he needed the cooperation and assistance of this prince's clan head. Even though he harbored countless grievances against this prince's clan head, he should now feign politeness and treat him with courtesy.

After calming everyone down, Emperor Taishun walked to Emperor Jingning's side and lifted his robe to pay his respects.

Emperor Jingning raised his hand in a daze: "Enough. Coming here at this hour must mean something important."

Emperor Taishun bowed, lowering his voice to convey both utmost respect and a touch of urgency: "Your Majesty is wise. Your subject does indeed have an urgent matter that I must report to Your Majesty alone, and humbly request Your Majesty's decision."

Emperor Jingning immediately waved to Yuan Xi, Prince Jian, and several other members of the imperial clan, along with their attendants, and said indifferently, "All of you, step back and wait."

Upon receiving the decree, the crowd dispersed like a receding tide.

In an instant, only the father and son, one sitting and one standing, remained on the lakeside.

A gentle breeze swept across the lake, rustling the lotus leaves and adding to the surrounding stillness. It was as if even the light and shadows of the sky had frozen, awaiting a secret discussion concerning the bloodline of the imperial family.

Emperor Taishun sat respectfully on a small stool next to Emperor Jingning, maintaining proper decorum despite being side by side.

Emperor Jingning continued fishing with his purple bamboo rod, his gaze fixed on the single float on the azure waves.

Although the sun had already set in the west, its lingering heat still shone, making the lake surface sparkle with countless golden scales, dazzling to the eye.

The water was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the figures of the father and son. One was leisurely fishing, while the other sat with furrowed brows, like a natural painting. However, the meaning in the painting was as deep as the sea.

Emperor Taishun, having composed himself, recounted in detail the events of the day when Yuan Shi had provoked Jiang Nian. He spoke calmly, without embellishment, but the word "bastard" was pronounced clearly and heavily. After explaining the situation, he announced his intention to strip Yuan Shi of his title and place him under house arrest. Emperor Jingning listened quietly, his fishing rod remaining motionless.

After Emperor Taishun finished speaking, Emperor Jingning's graying brows furrowed. Just then, the float suddenly sank! Emperor Jingning did not rush to reel in the fish, but instead, taking advantage of the force of the bite, he said in a deep voice, "Yuan Shi is indeed unrestrained and reckless. I have long observed him and seen that he is not a promising talent. I told you before that this boy should never be the crown prince. Since you have made up your mind, then strip him of his title and imprison him!"

With that, he flicked his wrist, and a not-so-small fish was lifted out of the water, struggling and writhing in mid-air. Its scales shimmered in the sunlight, yet appeared tragically beautiful.

Emperor Taishun replied, “Your Majesty, with your sagacious wisdom, I have considered that since Your Majesty has already granted permission for Yuan Yi to be recognized as a member of the imperial family and included in the genealogy, in my humble opinion, this matter should be handled swiftly to establish his proper status and prevent further trouble.” Having said this, he held his breath and awaited Your Majesty’s decision.

Emperor Jingning placed the fish into the fish basket beside him, but his gaze remained fixed on the gently rippling lake surface.

After a long silence, Emperor Jingning slowly nodded, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable determination: "Alright! This matter concerns the imperial bloodline and is of utmost importance. There is no need for a court debate, which would only cause trouble. Directly order the Imperial Clan Court to handle Yuan Yi's return to the imperial clan!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taishun felt a weight lifted from his heart and was filled with joy. He was about to express his gratitude when Emperor Jingning changed his tone and said calmly, "Prince Hejian has been in charge of the Imperial Clan Court's seal for more than ten years. Although he has not committed any major offenses, he has also not achieved any great merits. I think it is time to replace him with someone else."

Emperor Jingning paused, his gaze deep: "I will issue an edict tomorrow, appointing the thirteenth prince to take over the position of Grand Master of the Imperial Clan Court!"

These words were truly a stroke of good fortune! Emperor Taishun could hardly contain his joy. His thirteenth brother was undoubtedly the best candidate to reorganize the Imperial Clan Court and implement his own ideas, far superior to the outwardly amiable but inwardly hostile Prince Jian!
Emperor Jingning gazed at the undisguised gleam in his son's eyes, then sighed, his tone tinged with emotion: "I deliberately chose this time to have the thirteenth prince take over. With your thirteenth brother in charge of the Imperial Clan Court, you, as emperor, can rest assured about Yuan Yi's recognition of his ancestry and the handling of the affairs of the eighth, ninth, and tenth princes. From now on, you can rest easy about the internal affairs of the imperial clan."

He paused slightly, as if filled with endless regret: "This can be considered... my compensation to you for Li'er's assassination attempt!"

Emperor Taishun hurriedly rose from his seat and bowed, speaking respectfully and tactfully: "Your subject kowtows to thank Your Majesty for Your Majesty's grace! Your Majesty's plans for your subject and for the country are far-reaching, and your subject is deeply grateful. You can only repay Your Majesty with all your heart and soul!"

Deep within his lowered eyes, however, lay another calculation: "Father attributes this change to compensation for Li'er's death, which is certainly comforting to his heart. However, if it weren't for Yi'er's return to the clan triggering this opportunity, how could the seal of the Imperial Clan Court have so naturally fallen into the hands of my thirteenth brother? Yi'er, you truly are my lucky star, bringing me good fortune once again!"

The sun blazes down on the lake, melting the surface like gold.

A massive transformation has been set in this royal garden.

……

……

At the hour of You (5-7 PM), the sun was setting in the west, but the afterglow was still bright, shining through the window lattices and illuminating the inner hall of Ningguo Mansion.

There was still half an hour until dark, but the Jiang family had already passed their usual dinner time.

The inner hall of Ningguo Mansion, located between the inner ceremonial gate and the grand hall on the central axis, has been carefully swept and cleaned by the servants of the Jiang family. Several tables and chairs that are neither new nor old, a landscape screen, and several antique shelves have been set up around it. Some porcelain ornaments of the Jiang family are scattered on the shelves. It is clear that it has just been set up and is intended for Jiang Nian's daily meals, as well as for the women's future small gatherings and banquets.

At this moment, the inner hall was completely silent, even more so than a temple.

All the women of the Jiang family, from the matriarch Yuan Chun down, including Xue Baochai, Jing Qing, Xing Xiuyan, Xiang Ling, Bao Qin, Ying'er, and others, were gathered here, as was Madam Meng. No one was thinking about the food; their hearts were all set on Changchun Garden in the western suburbs, awaiting news of Jiang Nian.

Yuan Chun sat upright on an armchair inlaid with mother-of-pearl at the head of the table, dressed in a cloud-patterned satin skirt, trying her best to remain calm.

Sitting at the lower end were Meng Shi, Xue Baochai, Jing Qing, and Xing Xiuyan.

Xue Baochai's expression was calm, but her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were slightly worried. Jing Qing and Xing Xiuyan both lowered their heads and remained silent. Meng Shi kept glancing at the door, worried not only about Jiang Nian but also about her husband, He Yun.

The others, such as Xiangling, Baoqin, and Ying'er, all stood quietly and attentive.

The room was filled with a heavy atmosphere, making it almost impossible to breathe.

Seeing everyone's reaction, Yuan Chun forced a gentle smile and spoke softly, reassuring them, "Please don't worry. Master is just going to meet with the Emperor to give a report. His Majesty is discerning and would not easily punish him. Master will surely return safely."

Although she spoke these words to everyone else, wasn't she also trying to reassure herself? However, as the matriarch of the family, she knew that if she showed weakness at this moment, the whole family would be even more anxious, so she had no choice but to suppress her worries deep in her heart and not reveal them.

Just then, they heard hurried footsteps and the curtain rustled as Madam Feng rushed in. Without bothering with proper etiquette, she greeted Yuan Chun, "Grandma, Guard He is back!"

Yuan Chun's heart skipped a beat, and she asked urgently, "Where is Master? Did he come back with you?"

Madam Feng shook her head and said, "I didn't see the master, only Guard He returned."

Yuan Chun's heart sank immediately, as if gripped by an icy hand. She hurriedly ordered, "Quickly, invite Guard He in to report!"

After Lady Feng left, Yuan Chun dismissed everyone else, leaving only Xue Baochai, Jing Qing, and Lady Meng.

Before long, He Yun walked in, his expression calm, and bowed to Yuan Chun, saying, "Greetings to Grandmother."

Yuan Chun disregarded formalities and hurriedly asked, "Why didn't you come back with Master? Did... something happen?"

He Yun looked up and saw that although Yuan Chun tried to remain calm, the anxiety in her eyes could not be hidden. He replied calmly, "Grandma, don't worry. Master will stay at Changchun Garden for the time being."

Yuan Chun's expression changed slightly, and Xue Baochai and Jing Qing exchanged a worried look.

Before they could react with alarm, He Yun lowered his voice and continued, "His Majesty is wise and has not blamed you for what happened to the Third Prince today. Your staying at the garden is not a bad thing, and you will surely return safely."

He Yun had already secretly asked Ren Pijiang, the first-class imperial bodyguard, about it. Although Ren Pijiang dared not reveal the earth-shattering secret of "recognizing one's ancestors and returning to one's clan," he gave a vague hint out of consideration for his friendship with Jiang Nian and He Yun, saying the words mentioned above to put the Jiang family at ease.

Upon hearing these words, Yuan Chun felt much relieved and breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "If that's the case, then it is truly a great favor from Heaven!"

However, while relieved, doubts suddenly arose: if the Emperor did not blame the young master, why did the young master need to stay in the garden?
Xue Baochai and Jing Qing exchanged glances, their delicate brows slightly furrowed, clearly sharing the same thought.

(End of this chapter)