The Red Mansion

Chapter 261 The reward was astonishing, and the rank of the retainers was elevated.

When Yuan Yi was conferred the title of Duke, Emperor Taishun bestowed upon him an astonishing reward.

It included a large amount of wealth.

There are two other estates. Emperor Taishun had previously bestowed two estates upon Yuan Yi, and with the addition of these two new estates, Yuan Yi now owns four estates.

Since Yuan Yi already had a residence bestowed by the emperor, no new residence was granted this time.

Yuan Yi also received a special and important reward: a unit of troops under the command of a Zuo Ling!

In Daqing, "buqu" refers to servants belonging to the imperial family. Although nominally "servants," their registered status was higher than that of ordinary citizens, their prospects in officialdom were better, and they had better living security.

A Zuo Ling's retinue consisted of more than a hundred men, and together with their families, the population could reach hundreds or even thousands.

Each Zuo Ling (a military unit) was overseen by an officer, who was also called a "Zuo Ling".

A county duke's mansion can be staffed with the following personnel:
There were three ceremonial officers. This included one fifth-rank ceremonial officer and two sixth-rank ceremonial officers. The ceremonial officer was a military officer, but he was in charge of the ceremonial procedures and guidance within the residence.

There were six guards, all of whom were third-rank, fifth-grade guards. They served as the Duke's bodyguards, accompanying him on his journeys and protecting him when he was at rest. They were the Duke's shield and halberd protectors.

There were eight eunuchs. They were in charge of summoning people, guarding the gates, cleaning, and serving within the mansion.

There were six palace maids. They were in charge of the inner chambers, serving the maids in their daily lives, including grooming and personal hygiene.

The guard consisted of sixty men, including both personal guards and civilian officials.

The ceremonial attendants and guards were selected and assigned by the Imperial Clan Court. The Duke could evaluate their performance and request their replacement. However, since the ceremonial attendants and guards were officials appointed by the imperial court, the Duke had no power to appoint or dismiss them independently; the decision-making power regarding their appointment, promotion, and dismissal rested with the Imperial Clan Court. Their salaries naturally came from the imperial court.

The eunuchs and palace maids were selected and assigned by the Imperial Household Department. Although they served the Duke, their salaries, rewards and punishments, and even the power of life and death were all in the hands of the Imperial Household Department. The Duke's mansion only used them temporarily.

The guards consist of sixty men, selected by the Duke from the male retainers bestowed by the Emperor. Their salaries are also paid by the court, and their personnel files are kept in the Imperial Clan Court. However, their daily deployment and use are entirely at the Duke's command, and if they commit serious offenses, the Duke cannot punish them on his own.

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Not long after Yuan Yi returned to the Duke's mansion, the gates were once again bustling with carriages and horses, displaying extraordinary grandeur.

Zuo Ling Wei Jintang came to pay his respects to his master Yuan Yi.

At the same time, the Imperial Clan Court sent three ceremonial officials and six third-class guards.

Just as Yuan Yi was about to address the officers, ceremonial guards, and other personnel, the Imperial Household Department's reward convoy arrived in a grand procession outside the Duke's residence.

Ningrong Street was bustling with carriages and horses, and piles of boxes and trunks, almost blocking the road.

The gifts bestowed were truly dazzling and astonishing:
There were boxes of gold and silver ingots;
There are a large number of high-end silks, brocades, satins and silks, which are colorful and soft in texture. There are also whole chests of precious furs such as mink and fox fur, which are glossy and valuable.
There are also many exquisite porcelain, jade, bronze and enamelware, all of which are finely crafted, accompanied by high-end furniture made of precious woods such as rosewood and sandalwood.

There were also fine bows and arrows, good saddles, and more than ten horses, among which a fine blue horse was particularly magnificent. These horses raised their heads and neighed, their voices echoing through Ningrong Street.

They also sent the deeds to two farmhouses.

Along with them came eight eunuchs and six palace maids to serve the Duke's mansion.

Such overwhelming wealth and such boundless imperial favor made Ningrong Street resemble a bustling marketplace. Carriages and valuables stretched from the mansion gate all the way to the east end of the street, a dense, imposing sight.

Such a commotion naturally alerted the Rongguo Mansion next door.

Jia She and Madam Xing stood outside the black-lacquered gate of the east wing of the Rongguo Mansion, craning their necks to peer inside.

The endless stream of trunks being delivered to the neighboring Duke's mansion, the proud and neighing horses, the group of eunuchs and palace maids... made Madam Xing's eyes widen. Her heart was filled with mixed feelings, a mixture of envy, jealousy, and a bitter resentment that almost burst out of her chest.

She couldn't help but recall what she had told Jia She before: that although Jiang Nian had obtained the Eastern Mansion, it was nothing more than an empty shell. Unexpectedly, less than ten days later, Jiang Nian had risen through the ranks, not only becoming a prince and being granted the title of Duke, but now receiving this astonishing reward! It's truly infuriating to compare oneself to others!
Jia She, standing to the side, also had a gloomy expression, his eyes fixed on the dazzling chests of valuables, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily. Although he was the eldest master of the Rongguo Mansion and inherited the title of First-Class General, he did not manage the official property of the Rongguo Mansion. Grandmother Jia was wary of him in such matters, and he was a big spender, so sometimes they were not well-off.

Seeing Yuan Yi, whom he hated, receive such great rewards and immense wealth felt like needles pricking his heart. A deep sense of jealousy and resentment threatened to overwhelm him. He could only retreat dejectedly into the courtyard, closing the door behind him, but the jealousy and resentment clung to him like a shadow, impossible to shake off.

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After the rewards were distributed, the Duke's mansion was filled with new men, and Yuan Yi took his seat in the main hall to deal with the newly acquired personnel.

Zuo Ling Wei Jintang, three ceremonial officers, and six third-class guards all stood solemnly below the hall, awaiting instructions.

Yuan Yi's gaze swept over the crowd, his expression authoritative but not angry. He said in a deep voice, "Now that you have entered my service, you must be dutiful and dutiful. Remember these eight words well! Otherwise, I will not let you off lightly!"

Everyone respectfully agreed.

Yuan Yi looked at Wei Jintang: "Commander Wei."

Wei Jintang hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This servant is here."

"You shall set about this immediately and select fifty men to serve as guards in the manor," Yuan Yi instructed, speaking slowly and deliberately. "They must be of good character!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Wei Jintang replied loudly.

According to regulations, the number of guards for a prefectural governor is set at sixty.

Yuan Yi's decision to select only fifty guards this time was a result of careful consideration.

Firstly, the newly established mansion should not be too ostentatious, and filling the quota too quickly might attract attention; secondly, the number of guards is quite particular. If the quota is insufficient, the salary for the vacant positions can be retained by the mansion itself, which is a source of income. This is the usual practice in the mansions of the imperial family and nobles in the capital.

Yuan Yi took fifty now, leaving room for adjustment, which could be increased or decreased later depending on the situation. This was indeed a prudent approach.

After the admonition was given, everyone accepted the order and left.

Yuan Yi then took Yuan Chun with him to the inner hall. Eight eunuchs and six palace maids from the Imperial Household Department were already waiting respectfully. Upon seeing their master enter, they all knelt down to pay their respects.

Yuan Yi raised his hand to signal them to rise, his gaze sweeping over them one by one. Eight eunuchs, of varying ages. Six palace maids, though all dressed in palace attire, neatly groomed, and of decent appearance, lacked any striking beauty. Whether out of fear that the new prince would become infatuated with women, or out of a reluctance to assign him beautiful maids, the Imperial Household Department had chosen only those of average appearance.

Yuan Yi disliked being served by eunuchs, but it was the rule and he couldn't refuse. He had already spoken to Yuan Chun, and from now on, Yuan Chun, Xue Baochai, Jing Qing, and other wives and concubines would be served by maids and palace maids, not eunuchs. In fact, he even restricted eunuchs from entering the inner quarters.

At this moment, Yuan Chun was also scrutinizing the eunuchs and palace maids in front of her.

Yuan Yi spoke first, his voice steady yet authoritative: "Since you have been selected by the Imperial Household Department to serve in my household, you are now considered part of this household. From now on, you must strictly abide by all the rules. You must be diligent and careful in your duties, cautious in your speech, and dutiful in your actions. If you make any mistakes, or betray your master and forget your kindness, the household rules and the law will be followed, and you will not be let off lightly!"

The eunuchs and palace maids hurriedly replied, "Your servants will obey the Duke's instructions!"

Yuan Chun then spoke, her voice gentle yet carrying the weight of a mistress: "Now that you are here, do your job well. The manor has its own rules and regulations, and rewards and punishments are clear. As long as you keep to your duties and do your best, the Duke and I will certainly not treat you unfairly."

After the instructions were finished, Madam Feng stepped forward and led the newly arrived eunuchs and palace maids to their quarters to be settled and learn the rules of the mansion.

Yuan Yi and Yuan Chun exchanged a glance. The sudden increase in manpower in the mansion, though impressive, required even more careful management to ensure order and prevent trouble from arising.

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Inside and outside the main hall of the mansion, the valuables sent by the Imperial Household Department were piled up, dazzling and dazzling.

Yuan Yi and Yuan Chun were both present, personally supervising the maids and servants as they carefully counted and organized the items.

Although Yuan Chun was the mistress of the house, she couldn't help but examine all these things closely. Her gaze lingered on a table and chairs made of rosewood inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The wood was delicate, and the mother-of-pearl inlays depicted floral and bird patterns, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and exuding an elegant and noble air.

Yuan Yi glanced at it from the side and said to Yuan Chun with a smile, "These tables and chairs are very nice, and they match the atmosphere of your courtyard. Let's just move them into your room and set them up."

Yuan Chun smiled sweetly at him, did not refuse, and her eyes showed joy.

On the other side, Xue Baochai was silently looking at a set of simple and elegant sweet white glazed porcelain tea set. Its glaze was lustrous and its body was as thin as paper. Although it had no complicated decorations, it had a subtle and noble air, which suited her temperament perfectly.

Yuan Yi, with his keen eyes, noticed this and said, "Do you like this tea set? I think its simple and elegant design suits you quite well. Ying'er, keep it safe and take it home."

Xue Baochai declined the offer briefly before curtsying her thanks: "Thank you for the reward, Fourth Master."

Her expression remained dignified, but a hint of joy shone through her brows and eyes.

Jing Qing was drawn to a delicate enamel-painted kang screen. The screen was decorated with a magpie perched on a plum blossom in enamel, the colors were bright and the image was lifelike, it was extremely exquisite and lovely.

Seeing this, Yuan Yi laughed and said, "This kang screen is lively; it will add some life to your room. Hongxia and Lüyi, you two take good care of it and carry it to your room later."

Jing Qing declined the favor humbly before smiling and thanking her.

Looking at the three beautiful women before him, Yuan Yi was in a good mood and said with a smile, "What I have seen today is just the beginning of the sorting. Once everything is in place and accounted for, I will naturally have more good things to share with you. I will never forget you."

Yuan Chun, Xue Baochai, and Jing Qing all smiled and thanked her.

The busy maids and servants were overjoyed to hear this, feeling that the Fourth Master was generous and that they would naturally benefit as well.

Amidst the glittering jewels, the main hall courtyard was bustling with activity and a festive atmosphere.

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After dinner, Yuan Yi went directly to the inner study, "Lishenzhai". A short while later, he ordered someone to summon He Yun and the Meng couple.

He Yun and Meng Shi arrived as summoned, and upon seeing Yuan Yi sitting at the table, they hurriedly tried to pay their respects.

Yuan Yi smiled and waved his hand: "No need for formalities, sit down and let's talk."

He Yun and Meng Shi repeatedly said "I dare not" and declined for a while before sitting down with their bodies slightly askew.

Yuan Yi then instructed Xiangling, who was standing to the side, "Serve tea to the two of them."

Xiangling presented two cups of freshly brewed fragrant tea. He Yun and Meng Shi accepted them with both hands, their hearts filled with warmth.

Yuan Yi looked at He Yun and his wife with a gentle expression and a kind tone: "I have summoned you here today to discuss something. I have said before that you two are like elders to me. From childhood to adulthood, I have been taken care of and protected by you. This affection is extraordinary. Now that I have returned to my clan and have been granted the title of Duke by the Emperor, I also have troops under my command."

He paused slightly, then continued, “I intend to bring your family of three into my service. This would be of great benefit to you. Putting aside other matters, He Zhong currently has no official rank, and joining my service will provide him with a proper job and a better future. I just don’t know what you think. This is entirely voluntary. If you are unwilling, that’s fine too. Just say so, and there will be no rift between us because of this.”

Yuan Yi's words were truly heartfelt.

Although He Yun had been a confidant of Emperor Taishun when he was a prince more than ten years ago, his household registration was still that of a commoner, not a member of the imperial family. Once he was promoted to the rank of retainer, he became Yuan Yi's "servant," which was very beneficial. His status and position were actually higher, and he also benefited in terms of promotion, hereditary official positions, and salary and benefits.

Upon hearing this, He Yun exchanged a glance with Meng Shi, then stood up and said respectfully, "Replying to Fourth Master! To be honest, my wife and I were just discussing privately today, wanting to beg for your grace to bring us into the troop! We never expected that you would speak first! This is a great favor from you, Fourth Master. We are so grateful that we are moved to tears. How could we refuse?"

Madam Meng also hurriedly stood up, bowing with a beaming smile: "This servant thanks Fourth Master for his great kindness!"

Seeing the two of them like this, Yuan Yi was very pleased and nodded, saying, "That's good. Since you're willing, I'll instruct you to complete the formalities." He then said to He Yun, "I'll try to get this done before you head south to Jiangning."

After He Yun and his wife expressed their gratitude and took their leave, Yuan Yi summoned Meng Xiong. He also asked Meng Xiong to sit down and have some tea, and then told him that he wanted to take Meng Xiong and his wife into his household.

Meng Xiong was granted the honorary title of Sixth-Rank Imperial Guard by Emperor Taishun for his meritorious service while serving under Yuan Yi. At that time, Yuan Yi took the opportunity to release him from slavery, thus freeing him from slavery under the law. However, his social relationships remained closely attached to Yuan Yi.

Upon hearing Yuan Yi's words, Meng Xiong did not hesitate and immediately bowed, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Fourth Master! It is my good fortune that you are willing to give me this honor! Even if it is a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire, I will not flinch at your command!"

The world is ever-changing, and this time Meng Xiong has once again become Yuan Yi's "servant," but in a completely different way than before. He is a retainer of a member of the imperial clan and a duke, and enjoys many benefits.

Yuan Yi accepted his greeting with a smile.

He had his own plans. He decided to first bring the He Yun and Meng Xiong families into his household, as both were his trusted confidants, distinguished by their merits and proven loyalty. As for the servants in his household, there was no rush. This favor of "bringing them into his household" was no small matter; he would proceed slowly to demonstrate its value and make them easier to manage.

(End of this chapter)