The Red Mansion

Chapter 274 The Emperor Bestows Favors, the Master Analyzes

Since Lin Ruhai was transferred to the Hanlin Academy as a fourth-rank scholar, specifically to teach the newly returned prince Yuan Yi, he has become a frequent visitor to the Yuan Yi Duke's residence. He would enter the residence at the beginning of Chenshi (7-9 AM) every day to teach until noon before leaving.

Yuan Yi specially allocated the elegant side room on the east side of the inner study "Lishenzhai" to Lin Ruhai as a place for Lin Ruhai to work, prepare lessons and rest.

At this moment, the commotion over the arrest in the main courtyard had just subsided. The eunuch Gu Baoan, who was bound hand and foot, had been taken into custody. Meanwhile, the torrential rain showed no sign of stopping, cascading down the Duke's mansion and filling the air with moisture.

Yuan Yi did not change out of his official robes as a duke. Although the robes had been soaked by the rain, only the shoulders and hem were slightly damp, which was not a serious matter. He had already made up his mind. Once the rain subsided, he would personally escort Gu Baoan to the Imperial Household Department to meet with the Minister in charge of the Imperial Household Department and Prince Zhuang, and convey Emperor Taishun's edict to severely punish him.

He held an umbrella himself, walked through the rain, and entered the courtyard of "Lishenzhai". He saw his master, Lin Ruhai, standing with his hands behind his back under the eaves of the side room, gazing intently at the rain falling in the courtyard, as if deep in thought or waiting.

Yuan Yi quickened his pace and walked to the eaves.

Lin Ruhai turned his head upon hearing the voice and saw Yuan Yi. He hurriedly tried to bow in greeting, but Yuan Yi beat him to it, adopting the student's courtesy and respectfully saying, "Teacher." Seeing this, Lin Ruhai no longer adhered to formalities and nodded with a smile.

Yuan Yi led Lin Ruhai into the study.

The maid Xiangling took a celadon teacup that Yuan Yi usually used, filled it seven-tenths full with fragrant tea, and then took another celadon cup and served fragrant tea to Lin Ruhai as well.

Lin Ruhai and Yuan Yi had known each other for a long time and were quite familiar with each other, and they also had a master-disciple relationship, so there was no need for excessive formalities. He took the teacup, took a sip, warmed the tea in his throat, and then asked with a smile, "Judging from Fourth Master's expression, everything must have gone smoothly when you went to Changchun Garden to pay your respects today? Did you have any interesting experiences to share?"

Yuan Yi also took a sip of tea and recounted his trip to Changchun Garden that day in detail. From meeting the Emperor at Danning Residence, requesting instructions on punishing Gu Baoan, to being granted breakfast, and finally going to Qingxi Study to pay his respects to the Emperor Emeritus, he explained in detail how the Emperor Emeritus had suddenly decided to test him on the two questions arising from the Book of Changes, and how he had carefully considered his responses. He told Lin Ruhai everything in detail. He had an excellent memory and recounted the questions and answers almost without omission.

Lin Ruhai listened intently, his teacup remaining untouched for a long time.

After Yuan Yi finished speaking, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration: "Wonderful! Fourth Master's memorial was not merely a display of memorized knowledge, but rather a mature and insightful discourse on state affairs, a profound understanding of the world! In self-cultivation, he emphasized 'understanding one's position and fulfilling one's duties,' and 'frugality and virtue to avoid calamity,' which are the ways to solidify one's foundation and ward off disaster; in governing the country, he spoke eloquently that 'reform and innovation' must 'follow the will of Heaven and the people,' and that upholding 'benevolent governance' is 'unchanging throughout the ages,' demonstrating a deep understanding of the art of weighing power and grasping the essence of reform and consolidation. Such insight not only aligns with the teachings of sages but also subtly reflects the mind of an emperor, something only someone deeply versed in worldly affairs and possessing a broad and profound understanding could utter!"

His praise was truly heartfelt. Upon reflection, even if he had been in the same situation, in that split second, he might not have been able to give a more comprehensive, appropriate, or satisfactory answer than Yuan Yi. He genuinely felt that Yuan Yi's comprehension and insight were truly beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Yuan Yi, instead of becoming complacent after receiving praise, gazed intently at Lin Ruhai and asked, "Sir, you are a learned man, well-versed in the ways of the world. In your opinion, what do the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor think of my two presentations? How do they view me?"

Lin Ruhai's expression turned solemn, and he pondered for a long time. He put down his teacup and slowly said, "This humble official is not worthy to presume to guess His Majesty's thoughts. However, at this moment, it is only the Fourth Prince and this humble official. This humble official will dare to say something private. According to common sense, the two emperors will be very pleased to hear this reply, and their appreciation for the Fourth Prince will probably be far beyond what is common."

He paused slightly, lowering his voice even further, but his tone was firm: "Both the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor are discerning rulers with keen insight and skill in judging character. How could the two emperors not see the composure, wisdom, benevolence, and sense of responsibility that Fourth Prince has demonstrated?"

There was an even deeper thought that lingered on his tongue, but he ultimately kept it unspoken. That was: based solely on these two insightful and near-perfect exchanges today, perhaps the idea that "this young man has the potential to be crown prince" had already been planted in the hearts of Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun!

This thought concerns the foundation of the nation and is of great importance. Even in casual conversation between teacher and student, Lin Ruhai would not speak of it lightly.

The sound of rain pattering outside the window, while the aroma of tea wafts through the room.

Yuan Yi pondered silently for a while, vaguely understanding the unspoken meaning of Lin Ruhai's words.

The two continued to enjoy tea and conversation, while the torrential rain outside the window continued to fall, making the room inside the study quiet and elegant.

Suddenly, the young eunuch Tian Feng, looking flustered yet extremely respectful, bowed to Yuan Yi and said in a slightly hurried voice, "Reporting to the Duke, a first-class imperial guard has arrived outside. He says he has received an imperial decree and has some questions for you."

Having just witnessed Gu Baoan being swiftly subdued, Tian Feng now held the young duke in awe and dared not even raise his head when speaking.

Yuan Yi was taken aback. He had only just returned from Changchun Garden, so why had his father immediately sent a first-class imperial guard to come in the rain? What could be the matter?

Lin Ruhai looked thoughtful, clearly sharing the same doubt.

The imperial edict was being issued, how could it be ignored? Yuan Yi immediately composed himself, ordering people to quickly set up an incense table in the main hall to prepare for receiving the edict, while he himself got up and braved the rain to greet the person at the gate. He saw a man standing outside the gate, who was tall and strong, wearing an oiled coat and a bamboo hat.

When the man saw Yuan Yi come out, he took off his bamboo hat, revealing a face that Yuan Yi was very familiar with. It was none other than Ren Pijiang, who could be called a friend of Yuan Yi.

Yuan Yi felt a little relieved when he saw it was him, but he remained composed and said kindly, "So it's Guard Ren. Please come in quickly."

He personally led Ren Pijiang from the central gate of the mansion into the main courtyard, and then to the main hall.

Ren Pijiang took off his wet oilcloth and straw hat, revealing his crisp and elegant imperial bodyguard uniform. Despite the wind and rain, he maintained a dignified demeanor.

He stood in the hall, not proclaiming the decree, but solemnly relaying the message: "By His Majesty's oral decree: I have been thinking of the Fourth Prince, Yuan Yi, who today presented his discourse on the *I Ching* before the Retired Emperor. His insights were outstanding, his thinking meticulous, and his demeanor composed. I am very pleased. Considering his young age and such learning and cultivation, it must be due to the excellent guidance of his teachers. I would like to ask Yuan Yi: Since your early education, who have you mainly studied under? What are their current positions and where are they?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yi immediately understood. Emperor Taishun was pleased with Yuan Yi's proper handling of the day and intended to extend his favor to his teacher, promoting and rewarding his mentor!

Indeed, by the time Emperor Taishun considered this matter, Yuan Yi had already left Changchun Garden. Emperor Taishun, known for his decisiveness and somewhat impatient nature, specifically dispatched Ren Pijiang on horseback to Yuan Yi's residence to inquire. Although Yuan Yi was pleased, he did not show it. After a moment's thought, he faced Ren Pijiang (actually speaking to Emperor Taishun from afar) and respectfully replied:

"Your Majesty, I humbly report: From my childhood ignorance to today, my progress in learning and self-cultivation is entirely due to the meticulous instruction of many teachers. Among them, my birth mother is the foremost. My mother has not only borne me for ten months and raised me for many years, but also fulfilled the responsibilities of a loving mother and a strict teacher. My early literacy and recitation of poetry were all taught by my mother personally, with earnest guidance. I will never forget this kindness and virtue."

He paused slightly and continued, "When I was young, I was taught and guided by Mr. Fang Tingxun for several years, which laid the foundation for my learning. Mr. Fang was a Jinshi in the first year of Taishun, ranking twenty-eighth in the second class, and was exceptionally talented. After passing the imperial examination, he followed the proper procedures and was selected as a Shujishi. He is still studying in the Shuchang Hall of the Hanlin Academy and waiting for the examination."

"Afterwards, I was summoned to the capital by imperial decree. I was deeply grateful to my father, the Emperor, who appointed two gentlemen, Qu Jishan and Qu Tai, to teach me. Both gentlemen Qu were highly learned and skilled in their teaching, from which I benefited greatly. Furthermore, there is my current teacher, Lin Hai, a Hanlin Academy Reader. Although Mr. Lin has not been teaching for long, his knowledge is vast, his experience profound, and his character noble. He is truly a model teacher, and I have benefited immensely from his instruction recently. I humbly thank my father, the Emperor, for his great kindness in choosing such a good teacher for me."

Yuan Yi's reply was clear, logical, and heartfelt. He expressed his gratitude to his mother and explained the situation of each of his teachers, especially pointing out Fang Tingxun's status as a junior scholar.

After Yuan Yi finished speaking, Ren Pijiang's solemn expression as he spoke on behalf of the emperor immediately vanished. He quickly bowed to Yuan Yi again and said respectfully, "This humble official, Ren Pijiang, greets Your Excellency, the Duke. I was preoccupied with official duties just now and was quite impolite. I hope Your Excellency will forgive me."

Yuan Yi hurriedly helped him up, and said with a smile, "Why are you so polite? You came by imperial decree, what crime have you committed? On the contrary, I should thank you for riding so fast in this heavy rain, it must have been very tiring." As he spoke, he took out two hundred-tael silver notes that he had prepared in advance from his sleeve and stuffed them into Ren Pijiang's hand, "This is just a small token of my gratitude for the tea, please do not refuse."

Seeing this, Ren Pijiang waved his hands repeatedly: "Your Highness, how can this be? This humble official would never dare..."

Yuan Yi insisted on putting it in his hand, and said with a smile, "Between you and me, is there any need for such formalities? Do you look down on me?"

Ren Pijiang could not refuse, and seeing Yuan Yi's earnest words, he had no choice but to accept one note and return the other, saying, "I appreciate the Duke's kindness. However, this amount of one hundred taels is already extremely generous, and I really dare not accept more. Please take this note back, Duke."

Knowing his temperament, Yuan Yi did not insist and said with a smile, "If that's the case, then so be it." He then took back one of the cards.

Ren Pijiang accepted the hundred taels of silver notes but did not leave immediately. He was acquainted with Yuan Yi, and Yuan Yi's report was rather long; even with his good memory, he couldn't remember it all. So, he asked Yuan Yi to repeat it, and even took notes to ensure that he could report to Emperor Taishun without any errors or omissions, before taking his leave to report back.

After seeing Ren Pijiang off, Yuan Yi returned to "Lishenzhai".

The rain continued to fall, pattering against the eaves.

Lin Ruhai cast an inquiring glance at Yuan Yi.

Yuan Yi recounted in detail to Lin Ruhai how Ren Pijiang had conveyed the message on behalf of the emperor, and how he had responded to the various teachers and elders.

Lin Ruhai listened intently, stroked his beard, and sighed, "His Majesty's move is quite profound. It is clear that the Fourth Prince's two audiences with the Emperor Emeritus today have greatly pleased His Majesty, and in his great joy, he is eager to bestow favor upon his master's school. This is an unprecedented grace, and it also shows the depth of His Majesty's expectations for the Fourth Prince."

Yuan Yi paused for a moment, then asked, "In your opinion, after Guard Ren reports my reply to His Majesty, which teacher will Father Emperor promote? Or which ones?"

Lin Ruhai pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "In my humble opinion, Chief Censor Qu (referring to Qu Tai) is already a high-ranking and powerful official, and his son, Mr. Qu Jishan, has been specially appointed by His Majesty as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy without going through the Hanlin Academy, and further promoted to the position of Daily Lecturer and Recorder of the Emperor's Daily Life. He is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, and his future is naturally bright. It seems unnecessary to take this opportunity to bestow further favors upon him. As for me..."

He smiled slightly and continued, "I have only been teaching for a short time, and although I am honored by the Fourth Prince's favor, I am afraid it will be difficult for me to be promoted so quickly. I think that this imperial favor will most likely fall on Mr. Fang Tingxun."

Yuan Yi nodded: "What you see coincides with my own. I wonder how Father will promote you, Mr. Fang?"

Lin Ruhai's spirits lifted, and he explained in detail: "Fourth Master, you are wise. Mr. Fang is currently still a probationary official, which is not a real official position. He is a 'Jinshi who observes the administration' and studies in the Hanlin Academy. Although he is called a 'potential prime minister,' he is ultimately a candidate for the position. According to the usual practice, he needs to complete three years of study and pass the 'final examination.' Those who excel will stay in the academy and be appointed as a compiler (seventh rank) or reviewer (seventh rank) in the Hanlin Academy; those who are less qualified will be assigned to positions in the Censorate or other ministries."

Lin Ruhai said with certainty, “Although Mr. Fang is already over forty, His Majesty will not send him to be a circuit intendant or prefect. This is because Mr. Fang is a pure scholar-official with no experience in local administration. If he is suddenly sent to a post outside the capital, although it would be a promotion in rank (circuit intendant is a fourth-rank official and prefect is a fourth-rank official), it would also take him away from the important central government.”

Lin Ruhai continued, "Therefore, I speculate that His Majesty will most likely issue a special decree ordering Mr. Fang to 'leave the academy' ahead of schedule, and to be promoted beyond the usual ranks, directly appointing him to the position of Lecturer or Reader in the Hanlin Academy. Both of these positions are of the fifth rank, serving as a bridge between higher and lower ranks in the Hanlin official system, specializing in lecturing on classics and history, and writing articles. Appointing him to this position based on his experience as a tutor to the princes is perfectly justified and highly appropriate. To leap from a probationary scholar to a fifth-rank lecturer or reader is already a leap of several ranks, an extraordinary favor, yet since he is still within the Hanlin Academy's elite system, it will not seem too abrupt, and it is reasonable."

Yuan Yi listened intently and couldn't help but ask, "If Mr. Fang is indeed appointed as a lecturer or reader in the Hanlin Academy, what will happen next?"

Lin Ruhai smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with insight: "There are roughly three paths ahead. First, to be admitted to the Imperial Study for instruction. However, since you, Fourth Master, do not study there, this path is less likely. Second, to serve as your tutor, just like I do. However, since you already have me here, sending another seems unnecessary. Therefore, I believe the third possibility is the most likely—that is, to serve in the Southern Study!"

"The Southern Study?" Yuan Yi's eyes flashed.

"Exactly!" Lin Ruhai emphasized. "Those who are not from the Hanlin Academy are not allowed to enter the Southern Study. Those who are on duty are called 'Hanlin,' but in reality, they are the emperor's confidential secretaries, serving the emperor daily, participating in drafting edicts, and writing articles on orders. Their noble status, ease of access, and hidden power are unimaginable to the outer court. Placing Mr. Fang in the Southern Study not only allows him to consult with the emperor at any time, but also reflects the emperor's affirmation and trust in his talent."

Lin Ruhai paused meaningfully, then continued, "If Mr. Fang performs his duties diligently after joining the Southern Study, his talents will be fully utilized. With your support, Fourth Master, his promotion speed will surely far surpass that of his peers. As for how he will advance further... I need not say more at this moment."

After listening to this detailed analysis that dissected the intricacies of officialdom, Yuan Yi couldn't help but exclaim, "Sir, you truly understand the ways of the world! This analysis is insightful, reasonable, and extremely thorough. If Mr. Fang knew this, he would surely admire your profound understanding of people."

Lin Ruhai quickly replied modestly, "You flatter me, Fourth Master. I have only been in officialdom for many years and know a little about the rules and intricacies of the court's personnel selection. As for His Majesty's intentions, we still need to wait for the imperial decree."

However, Yuan Yi knew in his heart that Lin Ruhai's prediction would most likely come true...

(End of this chapter)