The Red Mansion

Chapter 255 Qin Keqing's Anticipation, Yuan Chun's Anxiety

An eerie silence lingered in the study for a long time, making Jia Zheng and Lady Wang feel almost suffocated.

Only after Yuan Yi slowly and deliberately put down the white porcelain teacup in his hand, making a soft sound, did he speak, his voice flat and without any ripples: "Get up."

Only then did Jia Zheng and Lady Wang dare to stand up. However, Yuan Yi did not offer them seats as was customary, so the two could only stand awkwardly on the ground, at a loss for what to do. Lady Wang felt a surge of pent-up frustration.

Yuan Yi's gaze swept over the two of them, his expression suddenly darkening, his voice abruptly turning sharp and carrying a sense of oppression:
"If I don't give you any face today, don't blame me. It's just that the Rongguo Mansion's behavior is outrageous!"

“When I was in Yangzhou last time, I was only temporarily detained by the Emperor Emeritus for questioning. Your household heard the news and, without asking any questions, hastily expelled Yuan Chun from the mansion, fearing that she might be involved in any trouble! Did you think of even a shred of kinship at that time?”

"Recently, my family moved, and your household did send some servants to help. However, as soon as they saw that I had a dispute with the Third Prince, they immediately withdrew as if avoiding a snake or scorpion, wishing they could sever all ties with my family as soon as possible!"

"Your Rongguo Mansion's behavior of being arrogant at first and obsequious at second, changing your attitude as easily as turning the pages of a book, is this the behavior expected of a family of scholars and officials?"

“What’s even more hateful are Jia She and his wife, Xing! They’ve come to our door time and again to cause trouble, their words and actions are indecent and outrageous! That Jia She—” Yuan Yi’s voice suddenly rose, carrying a rebuke, “and he has repeatedly uttered vile words, insulting me as a ‘little beast’! What audacity!”

The last five words, "What audacity!" resounded like metal striking the ground, making Jia Zheng and Lady Wang tremble! They suddenly realized that the person before them was no longer the "son-in-law" they could treat with such disrespect, but a prince of the imperial family! If Jia She's outrageous address were to reach the emperor's ears, it would not only be considered a breach of etiquette, but an outright crime of disrespect! Thinking of this, both of them felt a chill run down their spines.

Jia Zheng hurriedly bowed deeply, his voice trembling: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger! It is all my fault... I have failed to manage my household properly, and my elder brother has been unruly and has offended Your Majesty. I am terrified and will certainly discipline him strictly when I return, so that he will not dare to do it again!"

Madam Wang stood to the side, her face pale, utterly silent.

Yuan Yi glanced coldly at the two of them, his expression softening slightly, but still indifferent: "Enough, that's enough for today. You may both go back now. There's no need to see Yuan Chun today; we'll talk about it later..."

This is tantamount to issuing an order to leave.

Jia Zheng was both embarrassed and ashamed, but dared not say more. He could only agree repeatedly and then take his leave.

Although Lady Wang was filled with resentment and shame, she was afraid of Yuan Yi's current status and power, so she could only curtsy and retreat in a sorry state with Jia Zheng.

In fact, Yuan Yi's seemingly merciless humiliation and rebuke today actually revealed that he did not intend to sever all ties with Jia Zheng and his wife.

Ultimately, Jia Zheng was Yuan Chun's biological father and a kind-hearted man; Lady Wang was Yuan Chun's biological mother, and even if she had her faults, she was still quite good to her daughter Yuan Chun. Not to mention anything else, when Yuan Chun asked for Xi Ren and Qian Xue, who were expelled from the Rongguo Mansion, Lady Wang was willing to give them to her. Moreover, the downfall of the Wang family was closely related to Yuan Yi, yet Lady Wang never caused Yuan Yi any substantial harm.

Moreover, Yuan Yi is now a prince and it is not appropriate for him to have too much of a falling out with his parents-in-law.

Yuan Yi's outburst against Jia Zheng and his wife today was an attempt to establish his authority, a warning, and a demarcation of the future.

If it were Jia She or Madam Xing who came today, Yuan Yi would not even give them a meeting.

Yuan Yi had long harbored the intention to severely punish Jia She and Madam Xing, this foolish and wicked couple, and knew that a few words of humiliation and reprimand would not suffice...

……

……

Summer days are long. Even at 5 PM, the sun still hangs brightly in the sky, casting golden rays across the land.

Inside the Ningguo Mansion's inner hall, Yuan Yi was having dinner. The table was laden with cups and plates, and although the women in the hall were not making a sound, there was a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

Just then, Peng Jizhong, the steward of the Qin family in the eastern suburbs, arrived at the imposing gate of the Ningguo Mansion in a small blue silk carriage.

It turned out that although Emperor Taishun had bestowed the vast Ningguo Mansion upon Yuan Yi, the two residences Yuan Yi originally lived in in the eastern suburbs had not been reclaimed. One was near the Qin family's residence, only a hundred paces away; the other was adjacent to the Qin family's residence. Both residences were guarded and maintained by Yuan Yi's servants. Therefore, the Qin family was well-informed, and they had already heard rumors of Yuan Yi's ascension to the throne as a prince. Upon learning this, Qin Keqing was shocked and restless, and eagerly sent her steward Peng Jizhong into the city to find out the definite news.

Peng Jizhong alighted from his carriage outside the gate of Ningguo Mansion and met the servant Dong Feng. He quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and quietly inquired. Dong Feng recognized him as an acquaintance and knew that the Qin family's daughter had a close relationship with his prince, so he told him the truth, recounting how Jiang Nian had returned to the imperial family as a prince and changed his name to Yuan Yi.

Peng Jizhong was certain of this and wanted to see Yuan Yi, but knowing his lowly status, he dared not ask to see "Master Jiang," who was now a prince. He also heard that the prince was having a meal in the inner hall, so he dared not disturb him. He could only thank Dong Feng, board the carriage, and hurriedly return to the eastern suburbs.

In the inner courtyard of the Qin family in the eastern suburbs, in the west wing, Qin Keqing was sitting opposite her head maid Ruizhu, with her younger maid Baozhu serving her beside her. They were all waiting for news. The room was quiet, with only the chirping of cicadas outside the window, which only added to their anxiety.

Suddenly, footsteps were heard outside the door, and Peng Jizhong's voice rang out through the curtain: "Miss, I'm back."

Qin Keqing hurriedly said, "Come in and report back quickly!"

Peng Jizhong lifted the curtain and entered, not even bothering to wipe his sweat, and bowed to report: "Reporting to Miss, I went to the Ningguo Mansion in the city and asked Dong Feng, a servant I know well, about the matter. Master Jiang... no, now he should be called a prince, is indeed of the Emperor's bloodline. Today, he was officially decreed to return to the family and given the name Yuan Yi! The Ningguo Mansion is now a prince's residence!"

Upon hearing this, both Qin Keqing and Ruizhu were delighted.

Qin Keqing hurriedly asked, "Have you seen Nian... have you seen the prince?"

Peng Jizhong said awkwardly, "How dare I ask for an audience? I feel that my status is too lowly, and the prince is having dinner. I have confirmed the matter, so I hurried back to report to the young lady."

Qin Keqing nodded, asked a few more questions, and then ordered Ruizhu to give Peng Jizhong a piece of silver.

After Peng Jizhong thanked him for the reward, he bowed and withdrew, leaving only Qin Keqing, Ruizhu, and Baozhu, the mistress and servant, in the room.

Ruizhu couldn't contain her joy any longer and exclaimed, "It's truly a blessing from heaven! Who could have imagined this! We were all on tenterhooks because Master Nian had offended a prince. And now, in the blink of an eye, Master Nian has become a prince! In that case, after you marry into the family, you'll be one of the prince's concubines! And if he's granted a title of king in the future, won't you become his concubine?!"

Qin Keqing did not respond immediately. Although her heart was filled with joy and happiness, a trace of worry quietly rose up.

She pondered quietly, "Now that he is a prince, our statuses are worlds apart. I wonder if he will still keep his promise to take me into his family? I think... he is not the kind of heartless person; he should. But I wonder if this sudden rise to power and the complexities of life will cause him to postpone taking me into his family for a long time..."

She had long been deeply in love with Yuan Yi and longed for life in that magnificent mansion in the city. Now she couldn't wait to marry into the family and move into the former Ningguo Mansion, now the Prince's Mansion, to stay by his side forever.

Yet, this anticipation is tinged with a hint of worry, a sense of uncertainty about the future...

Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, illuminating her exquisite profile and sketching a portrait of a beautiful woman, one that conveyed both joy and a subtle, lingering melancholy. ...

……

The Ningguo Mansion, once the residence of the founding Duke, is truly magnificent.

Naturally, after moving into this mansion, not only did the mistress Yuan Chun have her own courtyard to live in, but the two concubines, Xue Baochai and Jing Qing, also each had their own courtyards to live in. Although they could not compare to the spaciousness of Yuan Chun's courtyard, they were all small and exquisite.

After dinner that evening, Yuan Chun, Xue Baochai, and Jing Qing couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, wondering where their master would rest that night.

As a result, Yuan Yi chose to rest in Jing Qing's courtyard.

Yuan Chun and Xue Baochai were not surprised, nor did they show any displeasure.

On the eighth day of the fifth lunar month, Yuan Yi returned to the capital and spent the night with Yuan Chun. On the ninth, he stayed at Xue Baochai's place. Originally, it should have been Jing Qing's turn, but he was interrupted by the matter of being detained at Changchun Garden. Now that he has returned, it is only natural that he should make up for it. Moreover, because of his business trip to Jiangnan, Yuan Yi has not stayed in Jing Qing's room for several months.

That night, the summer heat gradually subsided, and the clear moonlight of May 13th bathed the earth like mercury spilled onto jade.

Jingqing's residence was located behind Yuanchun and Xue Baochai's courtyards, somewhat secluded, but exceptionally quiet, with Huifang Garden right next to it on the west side. This was specially arranged by Yuan Yi, as he loved listening to Jingqing play the zither and pipa, and sing those melodious tunes. This secluded place would not disturb others.

Tonight, Jing Qing put a lot of effort into her appearance, wearing an apricot-red, floral-patterned soft gauze shirt and a colorful embroidered skirt. Her hair was loosely styled, with a hairpin inserted at an angle, and she wore a jade bracelet given to her by Yuan Yixin on her wrist. She applied light makeup, yet she still looked charming and beautiful.

She had already ordered her maid to clean the room exceptionally well and even burned a light fragrance of lilies, awaiting Yuan Yi's arrival.

As Yuan Yifang stepped into the courtyard, he saw Jing Qing waiting under the eaves, standing gracefully with captivating eyes and tender gaze, possessing a unique charm. He felt a sense of joy in his heart today, and also felt sorry for her, as they had not been close for a long time, so he took her hand and led her inside. The two maids, Hongxia and Lüyi, had already prepared fragrant tea and hot water and served her attentively.

However, tonight, Yuan Yi did not have Jing Qing play and sing as usual to enhance the mood. He only sat for a short while, drank half a cup of tea, and then indicated that he was going to bed.

Hongxia and Lüyi understood each other, and quickly lowered the curtains, extinguished the lamps, leaving only a candlestick in the corner emitting a dim light. They then quietly retreated to the outer room to wait.

Inside the embroidered curtains, amidst tender and enchanting moments, Jing Qing was all over her, showering her with affection and tenderness.

The moonlight filtered through the gauze window, casting a hazy glow on the pair of mandarin ducks inside the tent.

……

……

The following day, May 14th, was another clear and sunny day with a clear blue sky.

Yesterday, the Empress Dowager gave instructions in person, ordering Yuan Yi to take Yuan Chun to Ningchun Hall in Changchun Garden at 9:00 AM today to pay her respects. In fact, this was to allow Yuan Chun, as the wife of a prince, to formally pay her respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

Although the appointed time was 9:00 AM, according to imperial rules, one cannot wait until the appointed time to arrive. One must go early to pay respects.

Therefore, Yuan Yi and Yuan Chun got up early this morning to prepare.

Yuan Yi then donned the autumn-colored python robe with a golden sash inlaid with rubies.

Yuan Chun did not yet wear the robes of a prince's consort, but her dressing and grooming were even more elaborate and took quite a bit of time. She styled her hair in a bun, wore pearl hairpins and pearl earrings, and dressed in auspicious robes, exuding an air of dignified elegance.

After finishing her makeup, Yuan Chun suddenly remembered something and hurriedly took out a string of lustrous, dark Buddhist beads from the box. She said softly to Yuan Yi, "You should wear these when you go to see the Empress Dowager today."

It was the string of sandalwood prayer beads that the Empress Dowager had given to Yuan Yi.

At the time, Yuan Chun was surprised that the Empress Dowager would give her husband this string of sandalwood prayer beads that she had worn for many years. Now the truth is clear: the Empress Dowager is her husband's own grandmother! It is only natural for a grandmother to give her grandson such an old item.

Yuan Yi understood, smiled, and extended his wrist. Yuan Chun personally put the sandalwood prayer beads on his wrist. The beads encircled his wrist, adding a touch of tranquility.

At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the carriages and ceremonial regalia were ready, and Yuan Yi took Yuan Chun out of the Ningguo Mansion by carriage.

Yuan Chun did not ride in her own jade-canopied, pearl-embroidered, eight-treasure carriage today, but instead boarded the same prince's carriage that had brought Yuan Yi back yesterday. This carriage, now belonging to Yuan Yi, was of extraordinary design and displayed the grandeur of the imperial family.

Although He Yun had already been internally designated to be promoted to second-class imperial guard, the imperial decree had not yet been issued. Today, he was still dressed in the uniform of a third-class imperial guard, riding a tall horse and leading the way with great spirit. Behind him followed a group of imperial guards and servants from the mansion, surrounding the prince's carriage as they wound their way towards Changchun Garden in the western suburbs.

The carriage was spacious, with soft cushions, a small table, and exquisite furnishings, and it was also very smooth to ride in.

Yuan Chun held the handkerchief slightly in one hand and lifted a corner of the curtain with the other, gazing at the street scene flashing past outside the window, feeling somewhat dazed.

Although she had served as a lady-in-waiting to the Empress Dowager and was quite familiar with court etiquette, and her husband, Yuan Yi, had seen the Empress Dowager's countenance several times, today was different—she was going to pay her respects as the Empress Dowager's granddaughter-in-law, accompanied by her husband, as a junior member of the imperial family! Furthermore, she and her husband were also to pay their respects to the Empress. Her husband even mentioned that perhaps the Emperor would also meet with his daughter-in-law today.

Thinking of this, even Yuan Chun, who was used to the grand occasions of the imperial family, couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Yuan Yi, who was sitting to the side, noticed Yuan Chun's nervousness.

He reached out and gently placed his hand on Yuan Chun's slightly cool hand, and said softly, "Don't be nervous. You used to be a lady-in-waiting by the Empress Dowager's side. Don't you know how kind the Empress Dowager is? Even if His Majesty summons you today, there is no need to worry. How could His Majesty make things difficult for his daughter-in-law? Just treat today as an ordinary meeting between family members and follow the proper etiquette. I will take care of everything."

Yuan Chun looked up and met his calm yet encouraging gaze, and her unease instantly dissipated. She gently squeezed his hand in return and smiled sweetly, "Yes, I understand."

With her husband by her side, even seeing the Supreme Being of the Heavenly Palace no longer seemed to inspire fear.

The rumble of the carriage carried the couple, whose identities had changed drastically, towards the royal palace...

(End of this chapter)