The Red Mansion

Chapter 249 Donning the Python Robe, Recognizing the Two Saints as Relatives

On May 13th, the sky was clear and the sun shone down without any obstruction, illuminating the palaces and pavilions in Changchun Garden in a golden hue, and even the leaves on the trees were dazzlingly green.

Jiang Nian has been detained in the garden's quiet room, which is temporarily serving as a "prison," for three days. Although her movements are restricted and she is worried about her family, she has not wasted her time. During this period, she has read the "Classic of Filial Piety" and has managed to stay calm.

That morning, footsteps were bustling outside the door. Soon the door opened, and in the bright sunlight, Prince Zhongyi walked in with a smile. Behind him were two eunuchs, each holding a vermilion lacquered and gold-painted tray. They had brought a set of prince's robes, which were dazzling and clearly of extraordinary quality.

Before speaking, Prince Zhongyi smiled and said to Jiang Nian, "Great news! His Majesty has just issued an edict announcing your status as a prince, bestowing upon you the name 'Yuan Yi' and conferring upon you the title of Duke! From now on, you are a prince in all right!"

This means that from now on, Jiang Nian has transformed into "Yuan Yi"!

Although Yuan Yi was mentally prepared, upon truly hearing this imperial decree, he still felt a surge of warmth rush from the bottom of his heart to the top of his head. He quickly straightened his robes, performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony, and said loudly, "Your subject Yuan Yi kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your grace!"

After the ceremony, he turned to Prince Zhongyi and bowed deeply, saying, "I also want to thank Uncle Thirteen for his thoughtful efforts!"

Prince Zhongyi nodded with satisfaction: "That's how a family should address each other."

At that moment, Prince Zhongyi gestured for a eunuch to step forward and help Yuan Yi remove the second-class guard uniform he had worn for several days and change into the formal attire of a prince.

He wore a light autumn-colored python robe, its python patterns bold and dynamic, its color dignified and luxurious—the very color reserved for princes. A golden belt cinched his waist, adorned with four gold plaques, each inlaid with a blood-red ruby, dazzlingly bright. This belt was identical in style to that of a prince.

In an instant, with a python robe donned and a gold belt cinching his waist, Yuan Yi's entire demeanor transformed! The autumn-colored python robe accentuated his imposing heroic spirit, while the gold belt and rubies added to his prestige. His original martial and robust physique was now complemented by the dignified and majestic bearing of a nobleman, appearing perfectly natural, as if he were born to be this kind of person!
Even Prince Zhongyi, watching from the side, couldn't help but have his eyes light up and exclaimed, "Excellent! What a magnificent and handsome royal! This outfit suits you so well!"

After changing his clothes, Yuan Yi took a deep breath and followed Prince Zhongyi out of the quiet room that had confined him for three days.

Upon seeing the light of day again, he felt the sunlight rushing towards him, bright and intense, almost blinding. Yuan Yi looked up at the boundless blue sky, the clear and bright heavens and earth, the sunlight making his new robes shimmer and gleam.

He stood at the foot of the steps, his mind adjusting to the bright light, overwhelmed with mixed emotions, which ultimately coalesced into a quiet resolve.

Prince Zhongyi watched with a smile and said, "Let's go, the Emperor Emeritus and His Majesty are waiting to see you."

Yuan Yi nodded, took a step forward, and his footsteps landed on the slightly warm stone pavement under the sun. His steps were steady and firm, as if he were stepping into a brand new, noble, yet uncertain future.

……

……

Yuan Yi followed Prince Zhongyi and walked slowly towards the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs.

Along the way, the eunuchs and guards on duty bowed respectfully upon seeing Prince Zhongyi. As they approached, their eyes fell upon Yuan Yi, dressed in princely robes, standing behind Prince Zhongyi. They were all taken aback, but the noble and imposing robes were unmistakable. They dared not be negligent and bowed respectfully to both Prince Zhongyi and Yuan Yi. Though the formalities were impeccable, a sense of astonishment swept through their hearts.

As Prince Zhongyi and Yuan Yi walked by, hushed whispers arose behind them. These discussions, like undercurrents beneath the surface of water, quietly stirred within the heavily guarded palace grounds.

Arriving at the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs, one sees the magnificent halls and the gleaming white marble steps.

Outside the palace gate, two figures stood like pine and cypress trees, one on the left and one on the right.

The man on the left, with his imposing stature and commanding presence, is Hou Wei, a first-class imperial bodyguard of the retired Emperor Jingning; the man on the right, with his calm demeanor and piercing gaze, is Lu Jin, a first-class imperial bodyguard of Emperor Taishun.

Both of them were seasoned and experienced ministers close to the emperor, and when they suddenly saw the person behind Prince Zhongyi, they were both stunned for a moment! The autumn-scented python robe and golden jade belt shone brightly in the blazing sun, and when worn by that young and strong body, they exuded an imposing noble and majestic aura.

The two bowed to Prince Zhongyi together: "Your humble servant, Hou Wei/Lu Jin, greets Your Highness!"

After the ceremony, Hou Wei turned to Yuan Yi, hesitated for a moment, unsure of the proper way to address him, and could only bow respectfully and say, "This humble servant, Hou Wei, pays his respects to... Your Excellency!" Lu Jin followed closely behind and performed the same greeting.

Prince Zhongyi smiled slightly and asked Hou Wei, "Are the Emperor Emeritus and His Majesty inside the palace at this moment?"

Hou Wei hurriedly replied respectfully, "Your Highness, the two sages are currently having a conversation in the warm pavilion."

“Very good.” Prince Zhongyi nodded. “Go in and announce that I have brought Yuan Yi to see you.”

Hou Wei responded with a "Yes," turned and strode inside. A short while later, he came out quickly, stepped aside to make way, and whispered, "The Emperor Emeritus has summoned Prince and...this gentleman, to pay their respects."

Prince Zhongyi straightened his sleeves and gestured for Yuan Yi to follow. The two entered the hall one after the other.

The hall was spacious and cool, with gold bricks paving the floor, so shiny they could reflect a person's image.

Emperor Jingning's trusted eunuch, Chen Daquan, was guarding the entrance to the warm pavilion. Upon seeing the two enter, he hurriedly bowed and lowered his voice, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness, please... please greet Your Highness."

Chen Daquan's gaze swept quickly over Yuan Yi, and he sighed inwardly, "Truly, life is unpredictable! This young master has such good fortune, rising to prominence in the blink of an eye and becoming a legitimate descendant of a dragon and phoenix!"

Prince Zhongyi did not linger, but led Yuan Yi directly into the warm pavilion by lifting the curtain.

The room was bright and clean, filled with a tranquil atmosphere of books, ink, and sandalwood.

Two supreme rulers sat by the window. The one at the head of the table, with a lean face and wearing reading glasses, was Emperor Jingning; the one at the foot of the table, with a solemn face and wearing nearsighted glasses, was Emperor Taishun.

Upon hearing this, both sages looked past their glasses and onto Yuan Yi. They saw that Yuan Yi was dressed in an autumn-colored python robe with a golden belt inlaid with rubies around his waist. Not only did he exude a heroic aura, but his long-hidden noble and dignified demeanor also seemed to have been brought out, making him look like a born nobleman.

In an instant, both Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun's eyes lit up involuntarily, and an indescribable sense of satisfaction welled up in their hearts. A thought also arose in their minds simultaneously: this young man's appearance, bearing, and imposing presence far surpassed those of Yuan Shi and Yuan Zhou, and even surpassed Yuan Li, possessing a more royal air!

Under the scrutinizing gazes of the four, Yuan Yi remained calm and composed. He knelt down and performed the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows, his voice clear and steady: "Your subject Yuan Yi greets Your Majesty, and Your son Yuan Yi greets Your Majesty! May Your Majesty be well!"

Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun saw that Yuan Yi, without needing prompting, proactively addressed himself as "grandson" and "son," and addressed them as "Grandfather" and "Father," his words conveying a natural sincerity without any awkwardness or stiffness. The two emperors exchanged a glance, both seeing an undisguised look of satisfaction in each other's eyes. Emperor Taishun slightly turned his head, gesturing to Emperor Jingning with his eyes.

Emperor Jingning understood, his gaunt face hardening slightly. He first told Yuan Yi to rise, then said, "Yuan Yi, now that you have returned to the imperial family, you are a true member of the imperial clan. From now on, you must constantly reflect on yourself, be cautious in your words and actions, and guard against arrogance and impetuosity. You must never become arrogant or complacent because of your sudden rise in status. You must know that this position of prince is not for enjoyment, but for heavy responsibilities. You should continue to diligently cultivate virtue, strive tirelessly, and dedicate your loyalty and wisdom to serving the country, so as not to fail the high expectations that I and your father have for you. Do not waste this opportunity."

This admonition, delivered with earnest words, served both as a guide for the newly appointed prince and as a reflection of the elders' concern.

Yuan Yi listened respectfully, and after Emperor Jingning finished speaking, he bowed and replied, "Your subject will respectfully follow the teachings of Your Majesty and will always keep them in mind, never daring to forget them."

Emperor Jingning nodded, then turned his gaze to Emperor Taishun, indicating that it was his turn.

Emperor Taishun adjusted his glasses, his gaze sharp and fixed on Yuan Yi. He suddenly asked, "I heard the other day that you wanted to find some books to read, so I sent someone to deliver a copy of the *Classic of Filial Piety* to you. You've been detained here these past two days; have you read it carefully?"

Yuan Yi hurriedly replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have indeed studied it diligently these past two days. Moreover... when I was young and beginning my education, my birth mother personally taught me to recite and study the Book of Filial Piety, and I have never forgotten it to this day."

What he said was indeed true. According to his memory, his birth mother in this life, Jiang Xuelian, did urge him to read the "Classic of Filial Piety" when he was young.

Upon hearing this, both Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun showed expressions of satisfaction.

Emperor Taishun felt as if something had gently struck his heart, recalling the gentle and beautiful figure that had long since become blurred—Jiang Xuelian, with whom he had shared a love affair in Jiangning many years ago, but whose beauty was short-lived.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Xuelian, it's rare that you've raised our son to be so knowledgeable and sensible! Now that Yi'er has been recognized by his ancestors and is ranked as a prince, you can surely rest in peace and smile with joy in the afterlife..."

This wave of emotion swept by like smoke. He quickly composed himself, his expression becoming serious, and asked, "Oh? In that case, what insights have you gained from reading the Classic of Filial Piety? Why don't you tell your imperial grandfather and me?"

After a moment's thought, Yuan Yi, drawing upon the profound meaning of the *Classic of Filial Piety* and considering his own situation, calmly replied: "In my humble opinion, the *Classic of Filial Piety* states, 'Filial piety is the root of virtue and the source of all teachings.' For a son, filial piety is the foremost of all virtues. Now that I have received the Emperor's grace and returned to the royal family, I should henceforth be even more devoted to filial piety towards my sovereign and father. To my imperial grandfather and grandmother, I should pray day and night for their good health and to be by their side; to my father and mother, I should diligently follow their teachings and wholeheartedly fulfill my filial duties to repay the boundless grace of the Emperor. This is the foundation of human relations and the duty of a subject and son."

He spoke clearly and respectfully, and what was particularly remarkable was that when he mentioned "Empress Dowager," his tone was completely natural and sincere, without any hesitation. This "Empress Dowager" was naturally referring to the Empress Dowager, the principal wife of Emperor Taishun.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingning stroked his beard, nodded slightly, and showed approval.

Emperor Taishun was even more pleased. He had only hoped that Yuan Yi would understand the principles of filial piety, but this son was so considerate. Not only did he not forget his grandmother, but he also respectfully included the Empress, who was not his biological mother, in the list of filial duties. Such a sense of the big picture, consideration for the overall situation, meticulous thinking, and thorough consideration of matters truly... resembled his mother's kind and gentle nature, but even surpassed her!
The warm pavilion was suddenly filled with the warmth and comfort of the imperial family.

Suddenly, Emperor Taishun's expression turned solemn again, and he said in a deep voice, "Yuan Yi, your imperial grandfather and I have agreed that in three days, on the seventeenth of this month, a ceremony to offer sacrifices at the ancestral temple and a ceremony to confer titles upon you will be held in the Forbidden City. At that time, your imperial grandfather will also specially return from Changchun Garden to personally attend these two ceremonies. Your imperial grandfather's kindness to you is truly a great blessing for you. Why don't you quickly kowtow and thank the Emperor for this grace!"

Yuan Yi quickly straightened his clothes and bowed deeply to Emperor Jingning again, his voice earnest: "Your subject kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your boundless grace!" After finishing the ceremony, he turned to Emperor Taishun and bowed respectfully as well, "Your son kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your kindness!"

……

……

Emperor Taishun wanted to personally lead Yuan Yi to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

A eunuch carried a bright yellow sedan chair over, and Emperor Taishun sat down in it. Yuan Yi followed respectfully beside him. The group left the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs and made their way to Ningchun Hall, where the Empress Dowager resided.

This trip covered almost half of Changchun Garden. Along the way, pavilions were scattered, mountains and water reflected each other, and exotic flowers and trees vied for beauty. The scenery was so beautiful that it seemed like it could not be found in this world.

This was not the first time Yuan Yi had seen the scenery deep within Changchun Garden. Moreover, with Emperor Taishun by his side and on his way to pay respects to the supreme ruler of the inner palace, he dared not relax. He walked steadily, without looking left or right, and did not carefully appreciate the scenery. He simply took in the entire beautiful scenery of the garden.

Arriving at Ningchun Hall, the architecture here is simple and elegant, with winding corridors and lush greenery. Although it is the height of summer, there is a cool and tranquil atmosphere. The name "Ningchun" is truly well-deserved.

Emperor Taishun alighted from his bright yellow sedan chair and stepped into the hall, with Yuan Yi respectfully following behind.

As prior notice had been given, the Empress Dowager and the Empress were in the hall at that moment.

In the center of the hall sat Empress Dowager Wu, her face kind and gentle.

To the lower left sat Empress Wu, her demeanor dignified. This empress was forty-five years old this year. She had given birth to Emperor Taishun's first son, Yuan Hui, but tragically, he died at the young age of eight. If he were still alive today, he would be a handsome twenty-nine. This event was a perpetual source of pain for her, and one of the reasons why, despite residing in the inner palace, she often felt lonely.

Yuan Yi stepped forward and performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony, saying, "Your subject Yuan Yi kowtows to Your Majesty, Your son Yuan Yi kowtows to Your Majesty! May you be well!"

The Empress Dowager had already met Yuan Yi and taken a liking to him. Today, seeing Yuan Yi dressed in princely robes, which made him appear even more extraordinary, her smile became even more kind. She raised her hand and said, "Good child, get up quickly."

The Empress nodded slightly, her gaze lingering on Yuan Yi with a mixture of scrutiny and subtle, complex emotions.

The two then each gave Yuan Yi a few words of admonition, nothing more than words like "be diligent, cautious, filial, and respectful to elders" and "do not fail the emperor's grace." Yuan Yi listened respectfully with his hands at his sides and responded to each one.

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Tomorrow at 9:00 AM, bring your wife Yuanchun over and let her meet me and the Empress." This meant that Yuanchun would come to pay her respects as the wife of a prince.

Yuan Yi bowed and replied, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Today was merely the beginning of the family reunion, and with Emperor Taishun present, the Empress Dowager said little. After a brief conversation, Emperor Taishun rose to take his leave. Yuan Yi bowed again and quietly followed Emperor Taishun out of Ningchun Hall.

Stepping out of the cool palace and back into the blazing sun, Yuan Yi slowly let out a sigh of relief.

His identity changed abruptly, and he found himself navigating the world of supreme beings.

The road ahead is long and arduous...

(End of this chapter)