The Red Mansion

Chapter 254 Jia Zheng and his wife, awkwardly kneeling in worship.

While Yuan Yi was taking a nap, Yuan Chun was doing some housework in the east wing of the main hall, but she was thinking about the time.

Although her husband was a prince, he did not change his habit of taking a half-hour nap at noon. He felt tired if he slept too little, but it was not good for him if he slept too much.

Yuan Chun moved back to her courtyard, but did not immediately rush into her bedroom. Instead, she quietly sat down in the main hall.

Inside the main room was a clock, its golden hands moving one tick at a time. Yuan Chun glanced at the clock several times, silently calculating the time. Only after Yuan Yi had finished his afternoon nap for half an hour did she get up, take light steps, walk to the bedroom door, and gently push it open.

The room was quiet. Xiangling was still sitting on the embroidered stool by the bed, leaning slightly to one side. She gently waved a plain silk fan in her hand, sending a cool breeze to the person inside the bed. When she heard the door open, she turned around abruptly and saw that it was Yuanchun who had entered. She quickly and quietly got up and curtsied.

Yuan Chun nodded slightly, walked gracefully to the bedside covered with a jade-colored mat, and sat down on the edge of the bed. She leaned down, looked at Yuan Yi's peaceful sleeping face, and gently nudged his shoulder with her slender hand: "Master...Master...it's time, you should get up."

Yuan Yi heard his name called in his sleep. His eyelashes trembled slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes. As his blurry vision settled, he saw Yuan Chun's beautiful face, which could be both happy and reproachful, close at hand, smiling at him. His consciousness gradually cleared, and he remembered that he was now a prince, and his beloved wife was gently calling him to get up.

When Yuan Chun saw that he had woken up, she smiled sweetly and said softly, "My lord, it has been exactly half an hour."

Yuan Yi understood and immediately sat up, lifting the covers. Although he had only slept for half an hour, he was already full of energy.

He got out of bed, and Yuan Chun and Xiang Ling helped him change. He put on the autumn-colored python robe that symbolized his imperial status and fastened the golden sash inlaid with rubies.

Wearing the prince's robes for the first time today, Yuan Yi couldn't help but feel a sense of novelty and excitement. Moreover, he knew that the news of his return to the imperial family as a prince would surely spread throughout the capital like wildfire. Today, the gates of the Ningguo Mansion would likely be bustling with carriages and sedan chairs, as all sorts of people would come to "pay their respects" to him. Under such circumstances, it was necessary to pay attention to his attire and appearance.

Looking at himself in the mirror, the man in the mirror was handsome and extraordinary, wearing a python robe and a jade belt, exuding nobility and majesty.

Yuan Chun and Xiang Ling stood by, holding their breath and carefully smoothing out the wrinkles on the robes, and straightening the gold square and ruby ​​on the jade belt.

After tidying up, Yuan Yi's gaze was calm and profound, and he had regained his composure and steadiness.

……

……

The news of Yuan Yi becoming a prince spread like wildfire throughout the capital, and on that day, all sorts of people came to the Ningguo Mansion to "visit".

While no official master of the Rongguo Mansion next door has yet personally visited, some of the Jia family members from the collateral branches of the Rongguo Mansion have already heard the news and are eagerly coming to the Ningguo Mansion to curry favor, hoping to gain some benefits.

Yuan Yi knew the saying that a tall tree catches the wind, and since he had just returned to the imperial family and become a prince, he had to be even more careful in his words and deeds. He made excuses not to see any ordinary guests and instructed Yuan Chun to do the same.

It was already late afternoon, and Yuan Yi was in his study, ignoring the noise outside.

He was concentrating behind his large desk, holding a top-quality wolf-hair brush from Huzhou, repeatedly practicing the six large characters "Debentang" and "Lishenzhai" on a large sheet of paper.

Xiangling stood to the side, carefully grinding ink and serving him. Seeing that the same characters had been written more than ten times, covering most of the desk, she finally couldn't resist her curiosity and asked softly, "Why is Master writing these characters repeatedly? I see that quite a bit of ink has been used up."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yi did not look up and said, "'Debentang' is the new name I gave to the main hall of this mansion, and 'Lishenzhai' is the new name of this inner study."

Xiangling smiled sweetly: "As expected, I guessed it was about 70-80% right. But I don't understand, why does Master favor these two names so much? Is there some deeper meaning behind it?"

Yuan Yi then looked up at her, smiled slightly, and asked in return, "Do you know where the four characters '德本' (virtue as the foundation) and '立身' (establish oneself) originate?"

Although Xiangling had read quite a few books, she mainly studied poetry and had not delved deeply into the classics. She had not read the Classic of Filial Piety carefully. She honestly shook her head: "This servant is dull and does not know. Please enlighten me, Master."

Yuan Yi said, “These four characters all come from the Classic of Filial Piety. It says, ‘Filial piety is the root of virtue and the source of all teachings.’ It also says, ‘To establish oneself in the world, to practice the Way, and to make a name for oneself in the next generation to glorify one’s parents is the ultimate expression of filial piety.’ This is the source.”

Xiangling suddenly realized and nodded, saying, "So that's how it is! Master truly values ​​filial piety and understands the principles of righteousness."

Yuan Yi said no more and continued to write on the paper, striving for perfection in every stroke and pouring his heart and soul into it.

After practicing more than ten times, Yuan Yi felt that his brushwork was smooth and his spirit was sufficient. He then spread out a large sheet of paper, concentrated his mind and breath, and exerted force under his wrist to write the six large characters "Debentang" and "Lishenzhai" in one go. The characters were strong and vigorous, and the rules were strict. They exuded a dignified and upright spirit in their elegance and nobility.

He put down his pen and examined the inscription, feeling quite satisfied. He thought to himself, "Your Majesty... if my father knew that these plaques hung in the main hall and study of my residence, and that I personally named and wrote them, all taken from the profound meaning of the Classic of Filial Piety, which expresses filial piety, he would surely be very pleased and would praise them. Even my grandfather, the Emperor Emeritus, would surely be comforted upon hearing this."

He originally intended to name the main hall of the Ningguo Mansion after it, but now he named the inner study "Mianjinzhai," which subtly reflects his lucky charm that "striving hard will bring good fortune."

Upon his return today, he resolutely changed his mind, naming the main hall "Debentang" and the inner study "Lishenzhai".

These two new names, though seemingly simple, were actually a silent and ingenious way for him to demonstrate his filial piety, cultivate his virtue, and win the emperor's favor after careful consideration!

Returning to the royal family is not the end, but a new beginning.

The relationship between the emperor and his son, and between the ruler and his subject, requires even greater effort than before to maintain the emperor's favor and affection.

These two plaques before us represent yet another sail he set out on in the turbulent and unpredictable depths of the royal seas.

……

……

At 3:45 PM, during the summer season, it was the time for officials to leave their posts after a grand celebration. Immediately, the vermilion gates of all government offices opened wide, and officials, both civil and military, gathered in sedan chairs and carriages to return home.

Some of these officials, however, had no intention of returning home. Instead, they headed to the Ningguo Mansion on Ningrong Street, intending to "visit" the newly returned prince, Yuan Yi.

At six quarters past Shen time, a carriage stopped in front of the Ningguo Mansion gate, and two people stepped out of the carriage: Qu Jishan and Fang Tingxun.

Both of them were Yuan Yi's former teachers and were also second-class Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) in the same year.

However, the two men's career paths after passing the imperial examination differed greatly. The top three candidates in the first rank of the Daqing civil service examination were typically appointed to positions in the Hanlin Academy. Those in the second and third ranks had to undergo a court examination; those who passed were appointed as probationary officials (庶吉士), while those who failed were appointed as probationary officials (主事) or county magistrates. Probationary officials studied for three years before undergoing an examination called "San Guan" (散馆). Those who excelled were appointed as compilers (检讨) in the Hanlin Academy, officially entering the Hanlin Academy and known as "Liu Guan" (留馆); the rest were transferred to other positions.

Qu Jishan was the son of Qu Tai, from a distinguished family, and had long been appreciated by Emperor Taishun. After passing the imperial examination, he did not follow the usual procedure of being selected as a probationary official, but was specially appointed by Emperor Taishun as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. He was then promoted to the position of daily lecturer and recorder of the emperor's daily life, which allowed him to frequently attend to Emperor Taishun. He was truly on a meteoric rise with a promising future.

In contrast, Fang Tingxun, a student from a poor family, studied hard and achieved success. Although he and Qu Jishan were both second-class Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examination) and ranked in the same order, he could only take the examination step by step to become a Shujishi (a probationary official). Although he has now been selected as a Shujishi, he still needs to study for three years. Whether he can "stay in the academy" and become a formal Hanlin scholar after three years is still uncertain. He is always worried.

Qu Jishan and Fang Tingxun were acquainted, and today they came together to "visit" Prince Yuan Yi.

A servant immediately relayed the message.

Yuan Yiwen, having been accompanied by his two former teachers, personally led them to wait under the eaves of the inner study.

He wore a light blue python robe and a gleaming golden jade belt. He stood with his hands behind his back on the steps. Although he was young, he already exuded the air of an emperor.

Upon seeing this, Qu Jishan and Fang Tingxun hurried a few steps forward and were about to perform a grand salute at the foot of the steps, saying, "Your humble servants Qu Jishan and Fang Tingxun pay their respects to Your Excellency!"

Yuan Yi quickly offered a gesture of support and smiled, "Gentlemen, please excuse the formalities and come inside for tea."

He maintained his respect for his teachers and elders in his speech, and did not become arrogant because of his suddenly elevated status.

The two men repeatedly said "I dare not," and followed Yuan Yi into the study. Fragrant tea was served. The three of them sat down as host and guest, and Qu Jishan and Fang Tingxun couldn't help but express their feelings about "the imperial bloodline" and "the great joy of returning to the ancestral lineage," their words sincere and their congratulations repeated.

In truth, Qu Jishan had long believed that Jiang Nian was most likely a descendant of Emperor Taishun, but witnessing it firsthand, seeing his former student in his python robe and jade belt, exuding an imposing presence, still filled him with astonishment. He further recalled his private discussions with his father, Qu Tai, who both believed that even if Jiang Nian was indeed of imperial lineage, the chances of him returning to the imperial family were slim, and would be fraught with difficulties. He never imagined that the Emperor's decision would be so swift, and that Jiang Nian would be reinstated so quickly.

Fang Tingxun was even more excited.

He knew that his family background was humble and that he had no powerful ministers or officials to rely on. He had achieved his current position entirely through his own hard work and study. In terms of official career, he was worlds apart from officials like Qu Jishan.

Now that he saw his former student had risen to the rank of a noble prince and was still treating him with the respect due to a teacher, his mind began to stir. His words carried a hint of flattery and obsequiousness, hoping that if he could gain the patronage of this prince, his own career could also be put on the fast track and rise rapidly, just like Qu Jishan. Therefore, he spoke with flattery and carefully considered his words, hoping to please the prince.

Yuan Yi was an extremely perceptive person, and he could see right through the two men's expressions and tones.

He was fully aware of Qu Jishan's surprise and also knew Fang Tingxun's thoughts perfectly, but his face remained warm and gentle. He only talked about old friendships with them and the classics and history, without delving into the political situation.

Inside the newly named "Lishenzhai," the air was filled with the aroma of tea and laughter, creating an atmosphere of harmony between teachers and students. However, beneath the surface, each person harbored their own thoughts, and undercurrents were brewing.

……

……

Just as Yuan Yi was chatting and laughing with Qu Jishan and Fang Tingxun in the inner study, a servant suddenly peeked in from outside the door. After receiving permission, the servant quickly entered and bowed to Yuan Yi, saying, "Reporting to Your Excellency, Master Jia Zheng of Rongguo Mansion and his wife, Madam Wang, have sent a letter requesting an audience and are already outside the mansion gate."

Yuan Yi couldn't help but chuckle to himself: "The Rong family next door finally couldn't sit still anymore. They didn't come at all, but now they've sent Yuan Chun's biological parents over. It must be that old lady's idea, using the guise of family ties to test the waters and mend relations."

He remained expressionless.

Upon hearing that Yuan Yi's in-laws had arrived, Qu Jishan and Fang Tingxun did not linger and quickly rose to take their leave: "Since you have such distinguished guests, we cannot disturb you any longer, so we will take our leave now."

Yuan Yi did not linger, only saying, "Please take care, gentlemen."

He personally escorted the two to the steps outside the study, and then bowed slightly to mark their farewell.

He deliberately did not immediately order someone to invite Yuan Chun over, but instead said to the waiting servants, "Go and summon Master Jia and Madam Jia to come here for a meeting."

Before long, Jia Zheng and Lady Wang were seen walking slowly towards them.

Jia Zheng was wearing the official robes of a fifth-rank official who hadn't changed out of his work at the Ministry of Works, while Lady Wang wore a sandalwood-colored Hangzhou satin jacket covered with gold gourd and double happiness patterns, adorned with pearls and jade, dressed very formally.

Yuan Yi did not go out to greet him, but sat in the study to wait.

When Jia Zheng and Lady Wang stepped into the study, although they already knew that Yuan Yi's identity had changed drastically, they were still dazzled and captivated when they saw their son-in-law, dressed in an autumn-colored python robe and adorned with a golden jade belt, sitting in the main seat with an imposing and noble air.

According to the etiquette and rules of Daqing, even though Jia Zheng and Lady Wang were Yuan Yi's parents-in-law, they still had to kneel and bow to Yuan Yi on formal occasions, and even to Yuan Chun.

This was Jia Zheng's first time paying respects to Prince Yuan Yi, and he was visiting the prince's residence in person. Jia Zheng always valued etiquette and rules, so he dared not be negligent in the slightest. He quickly stepped forward, knelt down, and performed the standard three-kowtow ceremony, saying respectfully, "This humble official, Jia Zheng, Director of the Construction and Maintenance Department of the Ministry of Works, pays his respects to Your Highness!"

Lady Wang followed behind Jia Zhen and hesitated for a moment upon seeing this. Although she was also intimidated by Yuan Yi's imposing manner, she could not reconcile the "son-in-law" she had once hated with the "prince" to whom she had to kneel and kowtow. A sense of awkwardness and resentment quietly grew.

Seeing that her husband had already knelt down, she knew that it would be extremely impolite for her to stand and not bow. So she had no choice but to suppress her discomfort and kneel down as well, performing the three kowtows in the same manner. However, her voice was a few degrees weaker than Jia Zheng's: "Lady Wang greets Your Excellency."

The two men knelt on the ground, only to see Yuan Yi sitting calmly in a chair, showing no humility or willingness to yield, not even offering a perfunctory gesture of support or saying "no need for formalities."

After the two finished their greetings, Yuan Yi remained silent, neither allowing them to get up nor asking any questions. He simply picked up the teacup beside him, gently skimming off the foam, as if he were savoring the aroma of the tea.

The study was utterly silent for a moment.

Madam Wang knelt on the ground and couldn't help but look up at Yuan Yi, feeling even more depressed and embarrassed, as if she were being pricked by needles.

Jia Zheng bowed his head, feeling uneasy and even embarrassed, wondering what the prince's son-in-law's intentions were.

The eerie silence continued, weighing heavily on the hearts of Jia Zheng and Lady Wang...

(End of this chapter)