The Red Mansion

Chapter 257 Yuan Yi Requests Reward, Supreme Emperor's Praise

After receiving the grand gifts from Yuan Yi and Yuan Chun, Emperor Jingning glanced at the zither and zither table in the hall and asked the Empress Dowager with a smile, "Your place is quite elegant. Were you playing the zither just now?"

When asked, the Empress Dowager smiled and told Emperor Jingning in detail about Yuan Chun playing the zither and Yuan Yi composing the new song "Acacia". She added, "What's even more remarkable is that Yi'er heard that I love 'Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute' and had been practicing it in private for a long time. Just as he was about to play it for me, the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor arrived at this very moment."

Emperor Jingning, who had always been fond of music, became interested upon hearing this and stroked his beard, saying, "Oh? Is that so? I'd like to hear it. Let him play his self-composed 'Acacia' first, and I'll give it my opinion."

Although Emperor Taishun was not particularly interested in the music and had a mountain of official business to attend to in Danning Residence, he couldn't help but be curious when he heard that Yuan Yi had composed a new song called "Longing". So he suppressed his curiosity and listened with Emperor Jingning.

Yuan Yi stepped forward, bowed, and expressed his gratitude: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace. It is my greatest fortune to have Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, and Your Majesty, Your Majesty, and Your Majesty, listen to me in person. However, my skills in playing the zither are truly crude, and I fear that they may offend Your Majesty's ears. I can only do my best and hope that Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, and Your Majesty will not laugh at me."

Having said that, he walked to the zither table. A palace maid presented him with a copper basin and a towel, which he used to wash his hands. He then added a stick of incense to the incense burner.

Just then, seemingly casually, he took off the string of sandalwood prayer beads from his wrist and gently placed them on a corner of the zither table. This was partly because the beads were slightly in the way when he played the zither, but also a deliberate act to attract attention.

Sure enough, the Empress Dowager noticed it immediately and asked, "Is that a string of Buddhist prayer beads you took off your wrist?"

Yuan Yi replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, these are Buddhist prayer beads that Your Majesty bestowed upon me in the palace last winter."

The Empress Dowager immediately beamed with joy and turned to Emperor Jingning, saying with satisfaction, "Look at this child, he is truly thoughtful! Last winter, when I saw him in the palace, I felt sorry for him, being so young and having a hard time away from home, so I gave him this string of beads that I had been chanting Buddhist prayers for ten years and that had absorbed some Buddhist energy, to bless him with peace. It's kind of him to remember this and wear it today."

Upon hearing this, both Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun showed a gentle expression.

Yuan Yi and Yuan Chun exchanged a glance.

Yuan Chun was secretly delighted, thinking, "I was careful enough to remind the Emperor to wear these prayer beads today. Sure enough, the Empress Dowager was pleased to see them." Her face remained calm and composed, showing no sign of pride.

With everything prepared, Yuan Yi held his breath and focused his mind, his fingertips gently plucking and strumming, and the melodious and novel tune of "Longing" once again resounded in Ningchun Hall.

This time, the person playing the zither was no longer Yuan Chun, but Yuan Yi himself. And those listening below, besides the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and a host of concubines, were also the two supreme emperors, Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun, a truly honorable occasion.

Although Yuan Yi's current qin skills cannot be described as those of a master, he is by no means a novice. In addition, he knows the piece "Xiang Si" by heart, so his fingering is smooth, his emotions are sincere, and he captures the spirit of the piece.

The song ended, but its lingering charm remained.

Emperor Jingning was fond of this art, and upon hearing this, he stroked his beard and nodded.

The Empress Dowager smiled broadly, and the Empress also looked on with admiration.

Even Emperor Taishun, though his expression was calm, secretly praised him: "This young man is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and is also adept at playing the zither. Moreover, he has composed such a unique melody, which is truly rare." Although he was not very interested in string and wind instruments, he believed that the zither, as the first of the "four arts" (zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting), was an elegant pursuit, and that Yuan Yi playing the zither was also a way of showing filial piety.

The Empress Dowager smiled at Emperor Jingning and said, "Your Majesty, I would like to hear him play 'Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute,' so that his filial piety in practicing it so diligently in private can be fulfilled. I just wonder if Your Majesty still has the leisure to hear another piece?"

Emperor Jingning nodded and said, "Since you wish to hear it, I will accompany you." He then said to Yuan Yi, "The Empress Dowager wishes to hear 'Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute,' so please play it for her."

Yuan Yi bowed and replied, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty and Your Majesty for your grace."

Seeing that Emperor Jingning and the Empress Dowager were both engrossed in their conversation, Emperor Taishun felt it inappropriate to leave at that moment and remained seated.

Yuan Yi calmed himself down and readjusted the strings.

"Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute" is an ancient masterpiece with a desolate and tragic mood and complex and difficult fingering techniques, which cannot be compared with lyrical tunes such as "Acacia".

Fortunately, Yuan Yi had indeed worked hard and had mastered the finger techniques. In addition, he had an excellent memory and a calm temperament. Even under the watchful eyes of the four supreme beings, he kept the key points in mind and his hands remained perfectly still.

The music, as it began, was like a sudden sandstorm rising from the borderlands, a mournful lament. Then it rose and fell, like a lament, clearly expressing Cai Wenji's longing and sorrow for her homeland while she was stranded in a foreign land.

As the song ended, the lingering, desolate, and sorrowful melody seemed to still echo between the beams.

Not to mention the four supreme beings, even Yuan Chun, who was well aware of Yuan Yi's zither skills, listened intently and couldn't help but admire him in her heart: "Playing such a difficult piece under such a grand setting, Master is so calm and composed, without a single mistake from beginning to end, with perfect pitch and rhythm. This composure is truly beyond the reach of ordinary people." Her gaze towards Yuan Yi was filled with admiration and pride.

The Empress Dowager was delighted and said, "This 'Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute' is the most difficult to play, yet you played it wonderfully!"

Emperor Jingning nodded and said, "There is a resolute quality in the sound of the zither, which is rare."

Although Emperor Taishun did not praise him verbally, he admired him in his heart.

Yuan Yi rose to express his gratitude, his attitude remaining respectful and humble.

After this incident, his image in the minds of the four emperors and noble ladies in the harem was further enhanced by the addition of the description of him as "skilled in music and with a delicate mind".

Suddenly, Yuan Yi bowed to the Empress Dowager and said earnestly, "Grandmother, my skills on the zither are crude. I just performed two medleys, which are not worthy of Your Majesty's ears. However, I would like to humbly ask Your Majesty for a reward."

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

The concubines and even the empress were all surprised.

Well, this newly returned prince has quite the nerve, daring to ask the Empress Dowager for a reward, right in front of Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun!

A hint of amusement flashed in Emperor Jingning's eyes.

Emperor Taishun frowned slightly, his expression darkening.

Yuan Chun was both nervous and surprised, wondering why her husband would suddenly do such a presumptuous thing.
The Empress Dowager was not offended; instead, she smiled kindly and said, "Oh? You're quite an interesting child. But I wonder what you would like me to reward you with?"

Yuan Yi respectfully replied, “Your Majesty, recently Your Majesty specially ordered me to carefully study the Classic of Filial Piety. Yesterday, Your Majesty inquired about my understanding of it, and I replied, ‘Since I have received the Emperor’s grace and returned to the royal family, I will pray day and night for the health and well-being of my grandfather and grandmother and enjoy their company. As for my father and mother, I will diligently follow their teachings and wholeheartedly fulfill my filial duties to repay the Emperor’s boundless grace.’ These are my heartfelt words.”

He paused slightly before continuing, "I recall when I first visited the Empress Dowager, I was ordered by my father to prepare a filial gift. At that time, I copied the Heart Sutra forty-nine times and the Infinite Life Sutra once, humbly praying for the Empress Dowager's good health and longevity. However, what I used at that time was merely imitation porcelain blue paper with silver-inlaid gold leaf, the materials were crude and hardly worthy of the Empress Dowager's dignity."

"Therefore, today, I, your humble servant, humbly request that Your Majesty bestow upon me some of the imperial blue-green paper and genuine gold ink. I wish to use this precious paper and gold ink to respectfully copy the Heart Sutra and the Infinite Life Sutra, specifically to pray for the good health and longevity of Your Majesty and Your Majesty!"

These words were spoken slowly and deliberately, conveying a sense of sincerity and earnestness.

The atmosphere of surprise and tension that had been there just moments before instantly changed!
It turns out that the "reward" he asked for was not for titles, emoluments, land, or houses, nor for gold, silver, or jewels, but rather for precious materials so that he could more devoutly copy scriptures and pray for blessings for the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager!

How meticulous his thoughts were! How touching his filial piety was!

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taishun's slightly somber expression instantly softened. Emperor Jingning, on the other hand, showed a look of satisfaction, clearly pleased.

Yuan Chun secretly breathed a sigh of relief, deeply admiring her husband's quick wit.

Yuan Yi's request for a reward not only did not displease the emperor, but also transformed a musical appreciation session into a beautiful story showcasing filial piety and harmony between the imperial family and their descendants.

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "It's remarkable that you have such a filial heart! Thinking of your grandfather and me! Very well, today I will reward you with the imperial blue paper and genuine gold leaf."

Emperor Taishun hurriedly smiled at the Empress Dowager and said, "Mother, why don't you let me reward him and help him fulfill his filial piety?"

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "That's fine too."

Yuan Yi turned to Emperor Taishun, kowtowed, and said earnestly, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for the generous reward!"

Emperor Taishun nodded slightly, gesturing for Yuan Yi to rise. He then said, “Since you have such filial piety, you should always remember that sincerity is paramount in copying scriptures. You must wash your hands, burn incense, and clear your mind of all distractions. Every word and phrase must come from the bottom of your heart so that it can reach the ears of Heaven and resonate with the Dao, rather than merely going through the motions and going through the motions.”

Emperor Taishun was very familiar with copying Buddhist scriptures! He was a devout Buddhist and not only read Buddhist classics thoroughly, but also had profound research and practical experience in them, hence his earnest words.

The Empress Dowager, who was also a devout Buddhist, nodded repeatedly upon hearing this.

Although Emperor Jingning could not be called a devout Buddhist, he respected Buddhism; otherwise, he would not have frequently visited famous Buddhist temples.

The Empress was not exactly a devout Buddhist, but she did hold him in high esteem.

Yuan Yi listened attentively, and taking the opportunity, he calmly and clearly elaborated on the topics of "copying scriptures" and "filial piety":

"Your Majesty's teachings are etched in my mind."

Your humble servant has a foolish insight that I humbly request Your Majesty to consider: Your humble servant's copying of scriptures may appear outwardly as a Buddhist practice, but inwardly it reflects a Confucian heart. Ultimately, it all comes down to the two words 'filial piety and righteousness'.

The Classic of Filial Piety states: "Filial piety is the constant principle of Heaven, the righteousness of Earth, and the conduct of the people." Therefore, filial piety is an unchanging and eternal virtue. It also says: "Our bodies, hair, and skin are received from our parents; we dare not damage them—this is the beginning of filial piety. To establish oneself in the Way, to make a name for oneself in posterity, and to glorify one's parents—this is the culmination of filial piety."

Your son copied scriptures to pray for the health and well-being of Your Majesty and Your Majesty, wishing them good health. This is the first step in practicing filial piety, which is not only to cherish one's own body but also to protect the health of one's elders. This is an extension of filial piety.

Your son serves diligently in the court, prioritizing national affairs, in order to live up to your father's expectations. This is the ultimate filial duty of "establishing oneself and practicing morality".

From this perspective, your son's act of copying scriptures with a pure heart is to fulfill his filial duty as a son through the form of Buddhist teachings; and his prayers with a Bodhi mind are to integrate worldly compassion into the moral order of the world. By cultivating both inner and outer virtues and unifying knowledge and action, both filial piety and great vows can be fulfilled.

Your humble servant, in your foolish sincerity, humbly beseeches Your Majesty for a wise judgment.

Yuan Yi's explanation is truly brilliant! He cites classical texts and builds upon them step by step, cleverly integrating the Buddhist practice of "copying Buddhist scriptures" with the core Confucian virtue of filial piety, showcasing his scholarship and profound thinking.

As the emperor of Daqing, it was imperative for him to promote Confucianism.

Let alone Emperor Jingning, even Emperor Taishun, who was a devout Buddhist, preferred Confucianism to Buddhism.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taishun couldn't help but praise, "Well said! You have managed to integrate filial piety and scripture copying so perfectly!"

Both Emperor Jingning and the Empress Dowager showed admiration in their eyes.

Even the Empress, Consort Xi (née Liu), and Consort Yu (née Gong), who were listening quietly, found the discussion novel and insightful, and couldn't help but look at the new prince with even greater respect.

Yuan Chun felt proud, thinking that her husband had acted appropriately and radiantly in this important place of the imperial family.

……

……

Both Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun left Ningchun Hall; one went to Jiujing Sanshi Hall, and the other went to Danning Residence.

The Empress Dowager then dismissed the Empress, Consort Xi (née Liu), Consort Yu (née Gong), and others.

The once bustling Ningchun Hall was now only occupied by the Empress Dowager, Yuan Yi, Yuan Chun, and a few others.

Yuan Chun moved to the Empress Dowager's side, picked up a round fan, and gently fanned the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager, with a kind expression, chatted casually with Yuan Yi and Yuan Chun, her words conveying a grandmother's love for her grandchildren.

Suddenly, the Empress Dowager smiled at Yuan Yi and said, "Yi'er, go and rest in the side room for a while and have some tea. I have some private words to say to your wife alone."

Yuan Yi immediately stood up and bowed respectfully: "Yes, this subject will take his leave."

After saying this, he retreated outside the hall to wait.

Seeing Yuan Yi leave, the Empress Dowager took Yuan Chun's hand, patted it gently, and said with a smile, "Good child, when you were a lady-in-waiting by my side, I saw that you were steady and sensible, and I liked you. Now that you are my rightful granddaughter-in-law, how can I not love you even more?"

Yuan Chun hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, I am foolish and dull. It is truly my greatest blessing to be favored by the Empress Dowager."

The Empress Dowager's smile faded slightly, her tone turning concerned, and her voice lowered: "Speaking of which, it's been over a year since you and Yi'er got married, hasn't it? You're not young anymore, so why haven't we heard any good news yet?"

Caught off guard by the question, Yuan Chun blushed with embarrassment and lowered her head, her voice barely audible: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty is incompetent..." She felt both ashamed and guilty.

Seeing her like this, the Empress Dowager smiled and comforted her, "Don't be like this. A little over a year is neither short nor long. Besides, I know that Yi'er is often traveling outside the capital. You don't need to be ashamed. Just try harder in the future, relax, and you will be able to conceive. If you can give birth to a son for Yi'er soon, it will not only be a great joy for Yi'er, but I will also be happy. I think the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor will also be pleased."

There was something else she couldn't say outright. Emperor Taishun had few children, and now he didn't even have a single grandson or granddaughter. Yuan Shi had once had a son, but he died last year at the age of four; Yuan Li was assassinated before he was married; Yuan Zhou was only fourteen years old and naturally unmarried as well.

If Yuan Yi could have offspring, especially a male heir, Emperor Taishun and even Emperor Jingning would be pleased.

The Empress Dowager spoke privately with Yuan Chun for a while, and then said, "You came with Yi'er today, so I won't keep you any longer. I'll summon you in another day so you can keep me company."

Yuan Chun curtsied and expressed her gratitude: "Your Majesty, I will follow your teachings and thank you for your kindness."

(End of this chapter)