The Red Mansion

Chapter 259 Teasing Daiyu, Learning as Vast as the Sea

That afternoon, the sun grew increasingly scorching, baking the capital city, and the pair of stone lions in front of the Ningguo Mansion were burning hot from the sun.

Lin Ruhai, accompanied by Aunt Qiu and Lin Daiyu, headed towards Ningguo Mansion, which was not far from the Lin residence. Maids Xiaodan and Zijuan followed along.

Xiao Nan really wanted to come along and begged Aunt Qiu for permission. However, Aunt Qiu had other ideas this time. She thought that since Yuan Yi had already agreed to take Xiao Nan away, this matter would not change. Today, she was using the excuse of paying respects to Yuan Chun to accompany the master to visit. If she brought Xiao Nan along, it would seem deliberate. Therefore, she did not bring her.

Yuan Yi was in his study when he heard that Lin Ruhai had come to visit with his family, so he ordered someone to lead them directly to meet him. He was still wearing an autumn-colored python robe and a golden belt inlaid with gemstones, exuding the air of a prince.

Lin Ruhai, Aunt Qiu, Lin Daiyu and others entered the study. Although they already knew that Jiang Nian was now the prince Yuan Yi, they were still taken aback when they saw the majestic figure in the python robe and jade belt. They hurriedly performed the grand ceremony.

Yuan Yi smiled and gestured for them to rise: "Uncle, Aunt, please rise quickly. Sister Lin, there's no need for such formalities."

Although his words were gentle, the difference in social status implied by his attire was already subtly evident.

Lin Daiyu stole a glance at Yuan Yi's attire and felt that the person in front of her was both familiar and unfamiliar. An indescribable shyness welled up in her heart, and she quickly lowered her head to stare at the embroidery on her skirt.

Yuan Yi invited Lin Ruhai to sit down, and also asked Aunt Qiu and Lin Daiyu to sit to the side.

Xiangling served fragrant tea, and Yuan Yi began to chat with Lin Ruhai. He learned that Lin Ruhai had met the emperor today and had been ordered to serve as his teacher. Aunt Qiu occasionally chimed in with a word or two.

During the conversation, Yuan Yi seemingly unintentionally used three items.

First, he unfolded a folding fan with a sandalwood frame and a plain white silk cover, and gently waved it. Embroidered on the fan surface was a graceful water lily, its petals layered and delicate, and an apricot-colored tassel was tied to the bottom of the handle.

This fan was originally a gift from Jia Min to Lin Daiyu. Yuan Yi had "taken over" it, half jokingly and half seriously, when he was in Yangzhou.

Yuan Yi took out a plain white handkerchief and wiped his forehead, which was free of sweat. The handkerchief was edged with delicate cloud patterns, and in the center was embroidered a water lily, dyed with varying shades of pink silk thread. The lotus leaves were emerald green, making the water lily appear even more vivid and lively.

This handkerchief was something he casually mentioned in Yangzhou, saying he was short of handkerchiefs. Lin Daiyu silently remembered it and embroidered it herself to give to him.

Yuan Yi also deliberately played with a sachet hanging from his waist. The sachet was no bigger than the palm of his hand and was exquisitely embroidered: one side was a water lily, and the other side was embroidered with the words "Peace" with even stitches.

This sachet was a gift from Lin Daiyu when they parted in Yangzhou. Lin Daiyu spent nearly a month embroidering it, and the two characters "Peace" were specially added by her, stitch by stitch, when he was detained by Emperor Jingning in the imperial palace, as she was extremely worried and prayed for his safety.

At this moment, Yuan Yi "inadvertently" used and played with these three old objects, which bore distinct marks, in front of Lin Ruhai, Aunt Qiu, and Lin Daiyu.

Lin Daiyu, who had witnessed everything, felt her cheeks and ears burning. She felt both ashamed and embarrassed, and muttered to herself, "That mischievous boy! He's a prince now, and he still loves to play tricks on people! He's clearly doing it on purpose... and he does it in front of Father and Aunt... what will people think if they see this!"

She wished she could disappear into the ground immediately, but she couldn't help but peek up and catch a glimpse of that familiar object in his hand. A complex mix of emotions welled up inside her, a blend of shyness and inexplicable fluttering in her heart...

Zijuan, who was also watching from the side, knew the origin of those three old items. Seeing Yuan Yi casually using and playing with them, and her young lady so embarrassed that she could hardly lift her head, she knew perfectly well what was going on and secretly found it funny, but dared not show it at all.

At this moment, Aunt Qiu respectfully said to Yuan Yi, "Master, I came here with you today, firstly to congratulate you, and secondly to pay my respects to Madam. May I go and pay my respects to Madam?"

Yuan Yi nodded with a smile: "Auntie, you're too kind. She's been talking about you for a long time."

He then instructed Xiangling: "Xiangling, lead Aunt Qiu and Miss Lin to Madam's courtyard."

Xiangling quickly replied "Yes," and stepped forward to Aunt Qiu and Lin Daiyu with a smile, saying, "Aunt, Miss, please come with me."

So, Aunt Qiu, Lin Daiyu, and their maids Xiao Dan and Zijuan, along with Xiangling, left the inner study and headed towards the courtyard where Yuan Chun lived.

As they walked through the corridors and courtyards, Zijuan took advantage of a moment when Xiangling was talking to Aunt Qiu to lean closer to Lin Daiyu and said in a low voice with a smile, "Did you see that, Miss? Just now in the study, the fan, handkerchief, and sachet that the prince used were all your old things!"

Lin Daiyu's cheeks were already burning, and Zijuan's words made her even more embarrassed. She spat out, "You have such sharp eyes! You're so talkative..." Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, but it couldn't hide her panic.

Seeing her like this, Zijuan found it even more amusing and couldn't help but chuckle to herself. But then she remembered where she was and quickly composed herself, not daring to be presumptuous again.

Before long, the group arrived at Yuan Chun's courtyard.

The courtyard gate is spacious, and the flowers and trees are lush. Although it is not as magnificent as the main hall, it has its own exquisite and elegant atmosphere.

Yuan Chun had already received the news. Although she was now the noble wife of a prince, she specially went to the eaves to greet them with a smile. When she saw Aunt Qiu and Lin Daiyu, she still smiled gently and said, "I've been looking forward to your arrival."

Aunt Qiu was flattered by Yuan Chun's courteous and unpretentious treatment and quickly stepped forward to curtsy, saying, "This concubine, Qiu, greets Madam. May Madam be well!"

Even Lin Daiyu followed suit and bowed respectfully, not daring to be negligent.

Yuan Chun personally helped him up, saying, "Please rise, there's no need for such formalities. Please come inside and sit down."

He then affectionately took Lin Daiyu's hand and led her inside.

The guests and hosts took their seats, and maids served tea and fruit.

Yuan Chun smiled and said, "I said before that once you were settled, I would definitely prepare a feast and invite you all to a proper gathering. I just regret that I have been busy with family matters lately and have not had the time, so I have troubled you to come and see me first."

Aunt Qiu bowed and replied, "Madam, you flatter me! As the wife of a prince, you are naturally very busy with many affairs. It is an honor for us to be remembered by you, Madam. We are deeply grateful for your audience today, and we would never dare to trouble you with another banquet."

Lin Daiyu listened quietly to Yuan Chun, feeling warm as she watched her gentle and approachable demeanor despite being a prince's wife.

…… ……

After Aunt Qiu, Lin Daiyu, and the others left the inner study with Xiangling, only Yuan Yi and Lin Ruhai remained in the study, which had been renamed "Lishenzhai".

Yuan Yi, his gentle demeanor towards the women replaced by a more solemn expression, smiled at Lin Ruhai and said, "Now that my uncle has been appointed as my teacher by imperial decree, responsible for my instruction, I shall respectfully address him as 'Master' in matters of learning. I hope that Master will not hesitate to offer his guidance in the future."

Lin Ruhai quickly bowed and clasped his hands, speaking earnestly: "You flatter me! I dare not accept the title of 'Master'. I am a humble official with limited talent and knowledge, but His Majesty has not abandoned me and entrusted me with this important task. I can only do my best to present all my knowledge and learning to you for your consideration. As for teaching, I am truly unworthy of the title. I only wish to discuss and explore with you."

Yuan Yi smiled slightly, then changed the subject casually, asking, "Recently, my father specifically ordered me to carefully study the *Classic of Filial Piety* and inquired about my insights. I wonder what your profound views are on this *Classic of Filial Piety*?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai understood. This seemingly ordinary questioning was actually a test of the prince's knowledge and foundation for his new teacher.

He hesitated for a moment, then straightened his posture, his expression solemn, and slowly said:
"Your Excellency's inquiry prompts me to offer my humble opinion. Although the *Classic of Filial Piety* is short, its profound meaning lies in its concise words. It is truly the cornerstone of Confucian ethics and the essential principle for governing the country and ensuring its stability. Its opening statement clearly states, 'Filial piety is the root of virtue and the source of all teachings,' elevating 'filial piety' to the highest level among all virtues and the origin of all good deeds. However, its profound meaning is by no means limited to the daily greetings and provision of food and clothing by ordinary families."

In my humble opinion, the essence of the *Classic of Filial Piety* lies in "transferring filial piety to loyalty." Within the family, filial piety means serving one's parents with sincerity and cultivating oneself with reverence; within the larger family and the nation, it means loyalty to the ruler and love for one's country, and fulfilling one's duties diligently. Therefore, the *Classic of Filial Piety* states: "The gentleman serves his parents with filial piety, therefore loyalty can be transferred to the ruler; he serves his elder brother with fraternal respect, therefore obedience can be transferred to elders; he manages his household well, therefore governance can be transferred to official duties." This is the way from private to public, from inner sagehood to outer kingship.

Furthermore, the *Classic of Filial Piety* places particular emphasis on the filial piety of the emperor. It states, "He who loves his parents dares not hate others; he who respects his parents dares not be disrespectful to others. Love and respect are fully expressed in serving one's parents, and virtue and teachings are extended to the people, serving as a model for the whole world—this is the filial piety of the emperor." Your Excellency, being of noble birth and extraordinary status, should take this as a mirror in practicing filial piety, setting an example for all, educating the people, and spreading virtue throughout the world—this is the greatest expression of filial piety.

Therefore, reading the *Classic of Filial Piety* is not for the sake of textual exegesis, but to understand its profound meaning of governing the world and transforming customs through filial piety. Now that you have returned to the ancestral temple and received the Emperor's grace, your filial piety towards your father and mother should be integrated into the affairs of family, country, and the world, so as not to fail the Emperor's earnest expectation that you should read this classic.

This discourse not only elucidates the essence of the Classic of Filial Piety, but also closely aligns with Yuan Yi's current identity and situation, and subtly responds to the profound meaning behind Emperor Taishun's order for him to study the classics.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yi couldn't help but show his admiration, saying, "Sir, you are indeed well-versed in the classics and have profound insights! Your analysis is like clearing away the clouds to reveal the sun, which has enlightened me. My father's decision to appoint you to teach me is truly a wise choice. I hope you will continue to guide me in the future."

This praise was truly heartfelt. Lin Ruhai not only possessed solid knowledge but also had the ability to discern the emperor's intentions, making him an ideal candidate for a mentor.

Lin Ruhai bowed humbly and said, "You flatter me, sir. I have only offered my humble opinion, and it is an honor to have your approval."

In fact, after spending several months together in Yangzhou, Yuan Yi already knew Lin Ruhai's character and talent quite well.

Although Lin Ruhai had shortcomings such as poor judgment of people, Yuan Yi admired him quite a bit.

In Yuan Yi's view, Lin Ruhai was a genuine scholar who had passed the imperial examinations and achieved the rank of Tan Hua (third-place finisher), and had lectured the emperor on history at the Hanlin Academy, so his academic foundation was undoubtedly solid and profound. Furthermore, his many years of serving as both a government official in the capital and in other provinces had given him a real understanding of governance and the people's livelihood; he was not the kind of pedantic scholar who only knew how to talk theory on paper. As an official, he was especially known for his integrity and incorruptibility, a rare quality in the superficial officialdom.

Although Lin Ruhai, during his tenure as the Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai, did not achieve any remarkable feats in eradicating long-standing abuses, Yuan Yi did not consider it excessive. The Lianghuai salt administration was indeed deeply entrenched and involved a wide range of people, including not only local powerful families but also princes and ministers in the capital, and even Emperor Jingning himself, whose interests were intertwined. It was no small feat for Lin Ruhai to maintain relative stability while remaining incorruptible and untainted.

Therefore, Yuan Yi believed that with Lin Ruhai's talent, experience, and character, he was qualified to be his teacher. In the future, he could consult Lin Ruhai more often on politics, law, classics, history, and even poetry and literature.

……

……

After dinner that evening, Yuan Yi went into the inner study again, washed his hands and burned incense, sat upright in front of the desk, spread out the thick, tough and smooth porcelain blue paper bestowed by the emperor, took the dazzling real gold ink, concentrated his mind and calmed his spirit, and copied the Heart Sutra stroke by stroke with a neat and rigorous official script.

The gold ink falls onto the deep blue paper, its inner radiance radiating a profound solemnity.

Just then, Yuan Chun walked in quietly and saw Yuan Yi copying scriptures. Several pages of copied scriptures were already stacked on the table. She smiled and praised him softly, "Your Highness is truly filial and devout. You do what you say. You are so eager to copy scriptures to pray for the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager."

Yuan Yi smiled slightly.

Yuan Chun continued, “Your Excellency personally told the Emperor Emeritus, the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress that you wanted to copy the scriptures by hand. The Emperor also specifically instructed that ‘the most important thing in copying scriptures is to be devout.’ Although I would like to share the burden with Your Excellency, it is inconvenient for me to write for you. I can only trouble Your Excellency to do it yourself.”

Yuan Yi laughed and said, "What hardship is there? Being able to show filial piety to my imperial grandfather and grandmother is a blessing for an imperial grandson. I only feel peace and joy in my heart, so how can I talk about hardship?"

Yuan Chun nodded, but suddenly became shy, fidgeting with her sash, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Yuan Yi, being perceptive, noticed this and asked, "What's wrong? Is there something you want to say?"

Yuan Chun's cheeks flushed slightly as she whispered, "There is something I need to discuss... but seeing that you are so devoted to copying scriptures, I decided not to disturb you..."

Yuan Yi smiled and said, "Between you and me, what is there that cannot be said? Please speak freely."

Yuan Chun raised her head, her eyes filled with shyness, and said in a soft voice, "I wanted to ask... where Your Highness plans to stay tonight?" As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly lowered her eyes, her ears turning blush.

Yuan Yi smiled and said, "Since you ask this, you must mean that you want me to stay in your courtyard tonight?"

Yuan Chun lowered her head, her expression shy, clearly confirming Yuan Yi's words.

Seeing her charming shyness, Yuan Yi smiled and said, "In that case, I will stay in your courtyard tonight."

Yuan Chun gave a soft "hmm," her heart filled with joy mixed with a heavy anticipation. She quickly curtsied and took her leave, no longer disturbing him as he copied the scriptures.

Clearly, the Empress Dowager's words during the day about conceiving and giving birth to a son had taken Yuan Chun to heart, and she was now determined to work harder.

The room fell silent again, with only the soft rustling of the brush tip gliding across the blue paper.

(End of this chapter)