The Red Mansion

Chapter 275 Chief Steward of the Interior, the Sixteenth Prince

The torrential rain that fell this morning subsided by noon, turning from a downpour into a drizzle, while the sky remained overcast.

Lin Ruhai has finished his shift and returned home, but Yuan Chun has not yet returned to her residence from Changchun Garden.

After having some lunch, Yuan Yi, without taking a nap, ordered a carriage to be prepared and went to the Imperial Household Department in person.

He rode in the luxurious carriage of a county magistrate, while the eunuch Gu Baoan, who was bound tightly and looked ashen-faced, was thrown into a small carriage with a blue curtain and kept under close guard.

A procession of carriages and horses rolled along the wet cobblestone road, heading straight for the Xihua Gate of the Imperial Palace.

The office of the Imperial Household Department was located not far inside the Xihua Gate of the Imperial Palace. As a prince and duke, Yuan Yi had come to convey the Emperor's decree. After verifying his identity, the guards at the gate respectfully allowed him to pass.

Yuan Yi entered the palace through the Xihua Gate. The palace buildings were magnificent and the walls were deep and steep. Although Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun did not live in the palace, it still appeared solemn and dignified.

Before long, Yuan Yi arrived at the front of the Imperial Household Department.

The Grand Minister of the Imperial Household Department, Prince He Zhuang, whose name was Yuan Lu, was the sixteenth younger brother of the current Emperor Taishun. He was cautious and prudent in his dealings with others, and was good at judging situations. He was well favored and trusted by Emperor Taishun. In the first year of Taishun's reign, the old Prince He Zhuang died without an heir. Emperor Taishun issued an edict appointing Yuan Lu as his successor and to inherit the title of Prince He Zhuang.

In Yuan Yi's view, this sixteenth uncle was a close confidant of Emperor Taishun and also the Minister in charge of the Imperial Household Department. He would inevitably have to deal with this person often in the future, so he held a respectful and friendly attitude towards him.

He had thought that he might not be able to see his sixteenth uncle immediately upon his arrival, and even if he could, he would probably have to wait for a while before being informed.

Fortunately, Prince He Zhuang was in the yamen at the time. Upon hearing that the fourth prince, Yuan Yi, had come to deliver the emperor's edict, he dared not delay and hurriedly went out of the yamen to greet him.

Prince He Zhuang, Yuan Lu, was just over thirty years old. He had a lean face and a steady gaze, and was dressed in the everyday robes of a prince. Upon seeing Yuan Yi, he greeted him with a perfectly appropriate smile, cupping his hands and saying, "Brother Yi, what brings you to the Imperial Household Department today? Please come in, please come in!" His tone was friendly, without any airs of a prince.

Yuan Yi hurriedly stepped forward, performed the nephew-nephew etiquette, and said respectfully, "Nephew Yuan Yi, I'm sorry to bother you, Sixteenth Uncle."

Prince He Zhuang smiled and waved his hand, "No need for formalities, let's talk inside."

He then personally led Yuan Yi into the yamen.

The two took their seats as host and guest, and servants served them fragrant tea.

Before exchanging pleasantries, Yuan Yi briefly recounted how the eunuch Gu Baoan, taking advantage of his position as gatekeeper, had wantonly extorted money from outside guests, displaying insatiable greed and damaging the reputation of the mansion.

After speaking, his expression turned solemn, and he stood up respectfully, saying, "His Majesty has issued an edict."

Prince He Zhuang immediately composed himself, stood up, and listened respectfully with his hands at his sides.

Yuan Yi announced loudly: "His Majesty's decree: The Minister of the Imperial Household Department and Prince Zhuang are hereby ordered to thoroughly investigate this matter and punish them severely as a warning to others!"

Upon hearing this, Prince He Zhuang bowed deeply and replied with utmost respect and solemnity, "Your subject Yuan Lu respectfully obeys Your Majesty's decree!"

However, beneath this outward appearance of obedience, Prince Hezhuang harbored a different mindset.

He had little affection for Yuan Yi, the newly returned prince, and instead harbored some apprehension and dislike towards him.

In his view, Prince Yuan Yi, though born into commoner status, was enjoying increasing imperial favor. His behavior was overly aggressive and he was not a law-abiding citizen. If he were to gain more power in the future, he would surely become a force to be reckoned with and compete with the legitimate sixth prince, Yuan Zhou, for the throne, thus becoming a major threat.

However, he would not easily reveal such thoughts.

He was well-versed in the ways of the world and knew that Emperor Taishun was currently appreciating Yuan Yi. The best course of action for him to comply with the emperor's wishes and protect himself was to act actively and cooperatively, and even to show Yuan Yi a friendly attitude.

Therefore, after receiving the decree, he immediately put on a solemn yet concerned expression and said to Yuan Yi, "Brother Yi, rest assured, this kind of wicked servant who has corrupted the discipline and disgraced the imperial family will be thoroughly investigated and severely punished in accordance with His Majesty's decree. I will not tolerate him! I will give you an explanation as soon as possible and also serve as a warning to others."

Upon seeing his expression, Yuan Yi naturally expressed his gratitude: "Thank you for your trouble, Sixteenth Uncle."

Prince He Zhuang immediately sent men to Xihua Gate to bring Gu Baoan to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

After a few more words of conversation, the uncle and nephew rose to take their leave. Prince He Zhuang personally escorted him to the gate of the yamen, and as he watched Yuan Yi's departing figure, the amiable expression on his face gradually faded, and his gaze became deep and unfathomable…

……

……

Ningrong Street is not far from the palace. Yuan Yi escorted Gu Baoan to the General Manager's Office of the Imperial Household Department to hand over the matter, and then took a carriage back to the mansion. Although it took some time, he returned to the Duke's mansion not long after noon.

At this moment, the rain poured down again, with large raindrops hitting the roof tiles inside the mansion with a crackling sound, and puddles forming in the courtyard.

Because of the heavy rain, the daily martial arts training had to be canceled.

Yuan Yi entered Debentang first, and after Xiangling helped him change his clothes, he sat in Lishenzhai for a while and suddenly thought of Jing Qing.

He came alone without any attendants, carrying a blue cloth umbrella, and walked through the heavy rain to Jingqing's residence. The west side of the residence was adjacent to Huifang Garden. Although the location was a little remote, it was quiet and secluded.

Yuan Yi quietly entered the room and saw that the maids Hongxia and Lüyi were sitting in the outer room doing needlework.

Suddenly, Yuan Yi appeared in the rain and entered quietly. Hongxia and Lüyi were both startled and hurriedly tried to greet him. However, Yuan Yi put a finger to his lips, signaling them to be quiet, and went into the inner room on his own.

Jing Qing was bent over her desk by the window, her slender hand holding a purple brush, writing intently on a piece of paper, completely unaware that someone had entered.

Yuan Yi quietly walked up behind her and stared intently. He saw that the ink on the paper was still wet. It was a five-character regulated poem with delicate handwriting, but it conveyed an indescribable sense of desolation. Upon closer inspection, the poem was full of words such as "lonely cloud," "parting heart," and "deep sorrow," expressing her deep longing for her exiled father, Jing Yunduan.

Yuan Yi suddenly spoke, his voice low but enough to startle the beauty from her reverie: "So you were writing poetry here."

Jing Qing was immersed in the melancholy of the poem when she suddenly heard a voice. She was so startled that she almost dropped her pen. She turned around and saw that it was Yuan Yi. She hurriedly stood up, her expression flustered. Forgetting about the poem, she respectfully bowed and said, "I did not know that Fourth Master had arrived. Please forgive me for not welcoming you from afar."

Yuan Yi reached out and took the poem manuscript, examining it carefully. He saw the following written on it:
Summer Thoughts

A lone cloud reflects the long summer days, and the endless daylight binds my heart with longing.

The cicadas startled the lotus shadows, and the wind stagnated the bamboo light.

My deep sorrow obscures the wild geese's flight; my intense thoughts are hindered by Hengyang.

Who stands beneath the sunny window, their silk robes stained with frost?

Seeing this, Jing Qing was even more embarrassed and uneasy, fearing that her actions might offend someone and arouse suspicion. She quickly explained in a low voice, "Fourth Master, please calm down. I was just missing my father and couldn't help but scribble something down. I had no other intention... Please forgive me, Fourth Master." As she spoke, her eyes even reddened slightly. Yuan Yi finished reading the poem, put down the manuscript, and turned his gaze to Jing Qing. Instead of showing any anger, he smiled gently and said, "Missing one's father is a natural human emotion. What crime is there in that? Besides, although your father was punished for his mistakes, he was still an honest and self-disciplined official who loved the people. Your thoughts of him are commendable filial piety."

Upon hearing this, Jing Qing felt a weight lifted from her heart and was filled with gratitude. She quickly said, "Thank you for your consideration, Fourth Master."

Yuan Yi nodded, and seeing that Hongxia and Lüyi had followed him in, he said to the two maids, "You don't need to serve me here, you can both leave."

Hongxia and Lüyi quickly curtsied and replied "Yes," then quietly slipped out.

Only Yuan Yi and Jing Qing remained in the room.

The sound of rain pattering outside the window added to the tranquility.

Jing Qing, sensing the situation, wiped her eyes and smiled, saying, "Fourth Master, you came in the rain, are you wet? I have prepared some hot tea here..."

Seeing Yuan Yi wave his hand, she added, "If Fourth Master doesn't find it too noisy, how about I play and sing a song for you to relieve your boredom?"

Yuan Yi nodded in agreement.

Jing Qing then took a pipa, held it in her arms, gently plucked the strings, tested the sound, and then opened her lips slightly and began to sing a song called "Rainy Night Bell". Her tone was melodious and poignant, which blended with the sound of rain outside the window, creating a unique and moving charm.

She sang with exceptional passion and dedication, her eyes sparkling with charm and a desire to please.

Yuan Yi sat quietly and listened. When the song ended, she was asked to sing another one.

After singing two songs, Yuan Yi seemed to have had his fill and got up to leave.

Jing Qing quickly put down her pipa and stood up to see him off.

Yuan Yi suddenly stopped, turned to look at Jing Qing, and lowered his voice, saying, "There is something you should keep in mind. Now that I have returned to my clan and become a prince and duke, I dare not be arrogant, but perhaps... one day, I can find an opportunity to mediate for your father, which may help him end his exile and even give him hope of returning to the court."

He paused slightly, his tone turning serious: "Of course, this matter involves national law, and there will be countless difficulties. I can only act according to circumstances, and there is no guarantee that it will succeed. If I am unable to do so at that time, you... must not blame me."

Upon hearing this, Jing Qing was overjoyed, as if she had been struck by lightning, and could hardly believe her ears!

She was stunned for a moment, then overwhelmed by immense joy and gratitude. Without thinking, she knelt down before Yuan Yi with a thud, tears streaming down her face, her voice choked with sobs: "Fourth Master... Fourth Master's great kindness! I... I could never repay it even if I were to be shattered to pieces! Whether it succeeds or not, my father and I are already deeply grateful for your kindness and will never forget it! How could we dare to have the slightest resentment?" As she spoke, she was about to kowtow.

Yuan Yi reached out and helped him up: "Get up. Just keep this to yourself and don't mention a word to anyone, not even your maid."

Jing Qing hurriedly replied, "I understand! I would never dare to reveal even a single word!"

She looked up at Yuan Yi, her eyes filled with hope.

Yuan Yi said no more and turned to leave. Jing Qing hurriedly got up and saw him to the courtyard gate. Even after his figure disappeared from sight, Jing Qing was still excited. The noisy rain in the world seemed to have become much more pleasant at this moment.

In fact, Yuan Yi's intention to rescue Jing Yunduan was not only for Jing Qing's sake, but also for his own. If Jing Yunduan could end his exile and return to the court, it would be beneficial to him.

……

……

At the beginning of the evening, around 5 PM, the clouds dispersed and the rain stopped.

Although the sky was still overcast, the air was much fresher.

Inside Yuan Yi's Duke's mansion, the dripping of water from the eaves gradually subsided, and the puddles in the courtyard reflected the twilight sky.

Just then, Yuan Chun, riding in her carriage as the wife of the Duke, slowly drove into Ningrong Street and returned to the Duke's mansion.

Yuan Chun, supported by Bao Qin, got out of the carriage. Despite being exhausted from a day's work, she showed no signs of fatigue, but rather radiated a calm and serene glow.

She returned to her residence, washed up briefly, changed into casual clothes, and, hearing that Yuan Yi was waiting for her at "Lishenzhai," hurriedly went there.

Inside the study, Yuan Yi dismissed Xiangling and Baoqin, who served him personally.

The room was lit by a bright lamp, its soft light illuminating the many books and creating a serene yet warm atmosphere.

The couple sat facing each other, with a small rosewood table between them.

Yuan Chun’s voice was gentle and calm: “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Fourth Master. Today in Changchun Garden, I was just serving the Empress Dowager and the Empress, chatting about everyday things, and helping the Empress Dowager take a midday nap. After the nap, I had some snacks with her and listened to the female storyteller tell stories... There was nothing special about it.”

She spoke humbly, lightly recounting the passing of the day as if she had merely fulfilled her ordinary duty.

Yuan Yi listened quietly, his gaze sharp. Although Yuan Chun spoke in a plain tone, the fact that she could spend her days by the side of the two most noble women in the land was itself a great favor and recognition. After all, Yuan Chun was no longer a lady-in-waiting serving the Empress Dowager; her current identity was that of the wife of a prince and a duke, and her husband was a newly returned prince.

Yuan Yi smiled slightly, not pointing it out, and said only, "The Empress Dowager and the Empress are both kind. It is your filial piety and blessing to be able to stay by their side and serve them wholeheartedly."

Even so, the approval and understanding in his eyes told Yuan Chun that he already understood.

Yuan Chun felt a warmth in her heart and stopped being overly modest. She paused slightly and said in a low voice, "The Empress Dowager was in a very good mood today and asked in detail about the Fourth Prince. The Empress also summoned me to her side and asked about the Fourth Prince. She spoke with concern and even rewarded me with two bolts of imperial satin, saying that they would be used to make clothes for me." As she said this, her voice became even softer. "I answered carefully, not daring to say more or be impolite."

In fact, Yuan Chun has further won the favor of the two emperors today. She acted prudently and handled things appropriately. At a time when Jia She had just committed a serious crime and the reputation of the Rongguo Mansion was damaged, she won more warmth and a foothold for herself and Yuan Yi in the deep palace.

"Well done," Yuan Yi said approvingly. "The situation in the deep palace gardens is complex, and it is truly remarkable that you were able to handle it so well."

Yuan Chun lowered her head slightly: "It is all thanks to the blessings of Fourth Master that I have been able to receive the Emperor's grace."

Her words were humble, but the slight upturn of her lips revealed her inner satisfaction and pride.

She knew that while her husband's favor was important in this family, the affection she, as the wife, received from the inner palace was also an indispensable asset.

Inside the study, the warm lighting illuminated a young couple struggling to navigate the turbulent world of the royal family, supporting each other through thick and thin. Though they exchanged few intimate words, their unspoken understanding and mutual appreciation were more profound than any ordinary affection.

The couple chatted for a while longer before heading to the inner hall for dinner.

As dusk deepened, the city lights began to illuminate the night.

(End of this chapter)