The Red Mansion

Chapter 277 Sudden Favor, Golden Words
It was noon in the blink of an eye.

Lin Ruhai was about to pack up his books and bid farewell to Yuan Yi to go home after his shift.

Just then, the young eunuch Tian Feng arrived at "Lishenzhai" with a respectful expression. He presented a visiting card to Yuan Yi with both hands and said, "Your Highness, a Hanlin Academy scholar named Fang Tingxun has come to see you. He says he was once your student and is waiting for your instructions."

Yuan Yi did not immediately accept the invitation, but first exchanged a brief glance with Lin Ruhai beside him. Neither of them showed much surprise, but rather a knowing look of "I knew it."

Yuan Yi then accepted the visiting card, glanced at it briefly, and said to Tian Feng, "Go and invite Mr. Fang to come to Lishenzhai for a meeting."

"Yes," Tian Feng replied, bowing and stepping back.

Yuan Yi said to Lin Ruhai, "It seems that Father has already shown favor to Mr. Fang."

Lin Ruhai stroked his beard and nodded, smiling slightly. "That's exactly right. Mr. Fang's hasty visit at this moment must be because the Emperor has bestowed grace upon him, and he has come to express his gratitude to Fourth Master."

He thought to himself, "Yesterday the Emperor sent someone to inquire about my teacher's lineage, and today he has issued this imperial decree. This thunder and rain are both acts of imperial grace, which also shows how much the Emperor loves and respects the Fourth Prince."

Yuan Yi said, "Sir, please wait a moment. How about we meet Mr. Fang together?"

Lin Ruhai naturally agreed, nodding and replying, "It is my duty to accompany you."

Soon after, footsteps were heard outside the door, and Tian Feng led someone in.

The man was about forty years old, with a thin face, dressed in the everyday clothes of a junior scholar, which were washed clean. His brows were filled with barely suppressed excitement and joy; he was none other than Fang Tingxun, Yuan Yi's former teacher.

As soon as Fang Tingxun entered the study, his gaze immediately locked onto Yuan Yi. He quickly took a few steps, stood in the middle of the room, and performed a grand salute as if a mountain of gold and jade were collapsing: "This humble servant, Fang Tingxun, pays his respects to the Duke! I wish to greet the Duke!"

Yuan Yi rose from his seat and stepped forward, offering a helping hand, his tone friendly: "Mr. Fang, please rise! There's no need for such formality between us."

Fang Tingxun stood up and turned to Lin Ruhai, who was standing to the side. He cupped his hands in greeting and said respectfully, "Mr. Lin is here too. I am very grateful to you."

He had met Lin Ruhai before and knew that this Master Lin held a prestigious position in Yuan Yi's household, and was his senior in the imperial examinations and the Hanlin Academy.

Lin Ruhai stood up to return the greeting, smiling as he spoke.

Yuan Yi invited Fang Tingxun to sit in the guest seat and instructed Tian Feng, "Serve tea."

Fang Tingxun modestly declined before sitting down, but when Tian Feng offered him some fragrant tea, he stood up to accept it.

Yuan Yi waved his hand, and Tian Feng understood, quietly retreating.

Only Yuan Yi, Lin Ruhai, and Fang Tingxun remained in Lishenzhai.

Seeing that Fang Tingxun was trying to remain calm, but his face was slightly flushed and his eyes were bright, Yuan Yi knew that there was good news. He smiled and asked, "I see that Mr. Fang looks very well today, and there is joy in your eyes. Has something great happened?"

Upon being asked, Fang Tingxun could not contain his excitement and said in an excited tone, "Replying to Fourth Master, there is indeed a joyous event that I never dared to dream of! Today, a palace eunuch suddenly delivered an imperial edict, summoning me to Changchun Garden for an audience immediately. I was extremely terrified and did not know what it was about. It was not until I arrived at Danning Residence to meet the Emperor that I learned it was because of Fourth Master!"

He paused slightly to calm himself before continuing, "His Majesty said that although you, Fourth Prince, are young, your knowledge and cultivation are extraordinary, which must be due to the guidance of your teachers. Because you mentioned to His Majesty that you were taught and enlightened by me for several years when you were young, which laid a solid foundation for your learning. His Majesty has been so incredibly kind and has specially ordered me to participate in the imperial examination for the final examinations, intending to appoint me as a reader in the Hanlin Academy after I graduate early, and also intending to have me serve in the Southern Study!"

At this point, tears welled up in Fang Tingxun's eyes. He stood up, bowed deeply to Yuan Yi, and choked out, "Such extraordinary favor is truly rare! What virtue or ability do I possess to receive such a great honor? It is all thanks to Fourth Master that I have been able to bask in your grace! I will never forget Fourth Master's kindness in promoting me!"

This bow came from the bottom of my heart, and I was moved to tears.

Yuan Yi smiled and said, "Mr. Fang, you flatter me. I was merely reporting the facts to my father. Please sit down and let's talk."

Fang Tingxun gently wiped away the moisture from the corners of his eyes, and sat down again as instructed, his heart surging with emotion.

He is now in his forties, having reached the age of 40.

Looking back on decades of hard study, only I know the hardships I endured.

In his quest for success in the imperial examinations, he traveled to the capital three times to take the metropolitan examinations, but failed each time, exhausting his family's wealth in the process.

Finally, Heaven smiled upon him, and he passed the imperial examination in the first year of the Taishun reign, ranking alongside Qu Jishan. However, their official careers diverged greatly.

Qu Jishan passed the imperial examination and was immediately appointed by the emperor as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, a position of the seventh rank. He was also promoted to the position of daily lecturer and recorder of the emperor's activities, which allowed him to frequently attend to the emperor. He was truly favored by the emperor.

In contrast, Fang Tingxun, a poor scholar with no one to rely on, struggled to rise through his own efforts. After passing the imperial examination, he could only take the regular examination to become a probationary official, but he still had to study and observe politics in the Shuchangguan (a school for probationary officials) for three years, a period known as "yiye" (肪業). After the three-year period, he still had to pass the rigorous "sanguan examination" (滅館考试), and only those who excelled could "remain in the school" (留館), be appointed as editors or reviewers, and officially become a Hanlin official.

For someone his age and family background, those three years must have been incredibly long and agonizing.
Now, the grace that descended from the heavens has swept away all his worries!

He could graduate early through the imperial examination, and upon graduation, he could become a fifth-rank Hanlin Academy Reader! This was a prestigious position that countless junior scholars dreamed of but could not obtain! Not to mention the favor of "entering the Southern Study," which countless Hanlin scholars dreamed of but could not obtain!

Such an extraordinary encounter left him feeling as if he were in a dream, how could he not weep with joy? At this moment, Yuan Yi slightly turned his head and exchanged a glance with Lin Ruhai, his eyes filled with clear admiration. Lin Ruhai understood, and couldn't help but feel a little smug, because his prediction about this matter yesterday had come true without the slightest error!

Lin Ruhai then smiled and cupped his hands in greeting to Fang Tingxun: "Mr. Fang, congratulations! Your future is truly limitless!"

Fang Tingxun bowed in return: "Mr. Lin, you flatter me. I am a junior scholar with limited knowledge and learning, and I am truly humbled by your kindness. I hope that you will not hesitate to give me your guidance and advice in the future."

Yuan Yi's expression suddenly turned solemn, and he said to Fang Tingxun, "Mr. Fang, it is indeed a great joy that you have received such a special favor today. However, since this favor is so great, and because of me, I have no choice but to overstep my bounds today. I would like to ask Mr. Lin, with his many years of experience in officialdom and his status as a senior member of the Hanlin Academy, to give you a few words of advice. I hope you will listen to them with humility."

Fang Tingxun's expression hardened, and he solemnly said, "Fourth Master, you flatter me. To receive Mr. Lin's guidance is an honor I could never have asked for. How could I not humbly listen to your teachings?"

Yuan Yi nodded and turned his gaze to Lin Ruhai: "Sir, please."

Lin Ruhai understood, cleared his throat, and turned solemn. He earnestly said to Fang Tingxun, "Since you have been instructed by Fourth Master, I have overstepped my bounds. You have received this great favor, which is certainly due to your own talent and learning, but it is also truly thanks to Fourth Master's help. Therefore, your future actions will not only concern your own future, but also be closely related to Fourth Master's reputation. You must always keep this in mind."

He paused slightly, then continued, "The position of Attendant Reader in the Hanlin Academy is responsible for lecturing on classics and history, and writing essays. It is a prestigious and respectable position, requiring one to be devoted to scholarship and maintain upright conduct. Entering the Southern Study is even more significant, as one is truly a key secretary to the Emperor. However…"

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: "Good fortune may be a harbinger of misfortune. The closer one's position is to the Emperor, the more cautious one must be, as if walking on thin ice over an abyss. Every word and action must be taken with utmost care. When serving, one must uphold the duties of a subject, never becoming arrogant because of proximity to power, nor forming cliques or leaking confidential information. One should fulfill one's duties with talent and diligence, and establish oneself with loyalty and prudence; this is the way to longevity. Only by being cautious in one's duties and utilizing one's talents can one establish a solid foundation; otherwise, the higher one climbs, the harder one will fall."

These words were earnest and insightful, offering both guidance and warnings, and clearly analyzing the opportunities and risks.

Fang Tingxun was deeply moved and stood up to bow: "Mr. Lin's words are heartfelt, and I will keep them in mind! I will always reflect on my actions, be conscientious in my duties, and be careful in my words and deeds, so as not to let down Fourth Master's kindness and Mr. Lin's teachings today!"

Yuan Yi observed quietly from the side and saw that Fang Tingxun showed no aversion or resistance to Lin Ruhai's instructions. He was sincere and humbly accepted them, which satisfied Yuan Yi, who nodded inwardly.

After Lin Ruhai finished speaking, Yuan Yi's expression became even more solemn. He said slowly to Fang Tingxun, "Mr. Fang, I have known you for several years and believe I have a fairly good understanding of your academic foundation and character. I trust your talent. However, there is something I have thought about carefully and feel it is necessary to remind you. It may not be pleasant to hear, but it is truly out of my sincere concern for your long-term well-being. I hope you will not take offense."

Fang Tingxun composed himself and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your Highness is too kind. Please speak frankly if Your Highness has any instructions, and I will listen attentively and remember them."

Yuan Yi's gaze sharpened as he looked directly at Fang Tingxun: "From my observation, Mr. Fang seems to place particular importance on this matter of 'money.' I suppose this is understandable. You come from a poor family and studied diligently, failing the imperial examinations three times in your pursuit of fame and fortune, exhausting your family's wealth and enduring countless hardships. You deeply understand the importance and difficulty of acquiring money. Now, you have suddenly received this great favor, been granted an important position, and entered a crucial place. It is likely that the temptation of 'money' will inevitably come your way."

He paused briefly, then continued, "Today I must warn you, sir: I hope you will never stumble because of these four words, 'corruption and bribery'! Throughout history, how many poor scholars have studied diligently for years, finally achieving success and fame, only to fall victim to 'greed', losing their reputation and all their previous efforts? Isn't that heartbreaking and regrettable?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Tingxun felt a sudden tightness in his heart, as if his deepest secrets had been exposed. Yuan Yi's words had struck a nerve.

He knew all too well the bitterness of being penniless, having endured countless hardships of poverty during his journey to the imperial examinations. He possessed an almost instinctive and persistent desire for money and possessions. Now, suddenly receiving such great favor, he subconsciously harbored thoughts of "lifting his head high" and "making up for his past misery." But Yuan Yi's words, which exposed his true feelings, filled him with both shame and a wake-up call.

Seeing his expression, Yuan Yi knew he had taken the words to heart and continued, "Sir, you will have a salary from the court in the future, enough to support your family and maintain your dignity. Besides, since your exceptional promotion is because of me, I will naturally not stand idly by. In the future, during festivals or if your family has any legitimate expenses, I will always give you gifts with courtesy, so that you will not be embarrassed. As long as you maintain your integrity and do not pursue a life of extravagance and indulgence, you will certainly have enough money. Do not ruin your reputation and future for gold and silver."

Fang Tingxun rose and bowed, saying, "Fourth Master's words today are truly invaluable! This humble servant will certainly uphold integrity and not engage in any corrupt activities, so as not to fail Fourth Master's teachings and protection today!"

Seeing his reaction, Yuan Yi's serious expression softened, and a warm smile returned to his face. His tone also became gentle: "I am relieved that you think this way, sir. As long as you remember Mr. Lin's words to me today, I will naturally support you in the future. After all, we have a teacher-student relationship."

The word "support" carries immense weight, implying future assistance and protection.

How could Fang Tingxun not understand? A warm feeling and even greater hope welled up in his heart, and he bowed again to express his gratitude: "This humble servant understands! I will never forget Fourth Master's kindness!"

Now that the atmosphere had eased, Fang Tingxun seized the opportunity and said, "I am deeply grateful for your great kindness and have no way to repay it. I wonder when Fourth Master will have some free time? I would like to prepare a small feast at my humble abode and invite Fourth Master and Mr. Lin to grace us with their presence so that I may express my gratitude."

Yuan Yi smiled and said, "I appreciate Mr. Fang's kindness. But how could I let you go to so much trouble? How about this, tomorrow at Shenshi (3-5 PM), I will host a small banquet at my residence to congratulate you. You can come to my residence at four-quarters past Shenshi tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Fang Tingxun said gratefully, "How could I possibly accept such a favor? It has troubled Fourth Master to host a banquet for this humble servant..."

“No need to refuse, it is only right.” Yuan Yi waved his hand and smiled, then turned to Lin Ruhai, “Mr. Lin, please come along tomorrow at 4:45 PM.”

Lin Ruhai smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Since you have invited me, how could I refuse? I will certainly be there on time."

Yuan Yi seemed to remember something and said to Fang Tingxun, "Oh, right. I will also send someone to invite Mr. Qu. I just don't know if he will be free tomorrow at Shenshi. If he is free, I will invite him to come over for a drink. You are the same age, so you can celebrate together."

Upon hearing this, Fang Tingxun was even more pleased. Qu Jishan and he were not only fellow graduates of the imperial examination, ranking close to each other, but also had some personal acquaintance. Yuan Yi's actions were not only thoughtful but also saved Fang Tingxun's face, showing exceptional consideration and respect.

He exclaimed excitedly, “Fourth Master, your arrangements are so thoughtful, I am deeply grateful!”

For a time, the atmosphere inside the Lishengzhai was harmonious, filled with gratitude for being recognized and the bond between teacher and student.

In fact, Yuan Yi had long intended to support Fang Tingxun, but he hadn't expected Fang Tingxun to receive such a sudden and great favor. In his view, Fang Tingxun was now even more deserving of his support, and might be a great help to him in the future.

Yuan Yi couldn't help but think that although he was a prince who had recently returned to the imperial family from among the commoners, his teachers were all extraordinary. Qu Tai and his son Qu Jishan were obvious examples; Qu Tai was already a high-ranking official, and Qu Jishan would most likely become a powerful regional governor. Lin Ruhai might also rise to a high position, and now, even Fang Tingxun had suddenly received a tremendous opportunity…

(End of this chapter)