The Red Mansion

Chapter 306 The Heavenly Family Father and Son: A Battle of Wits and Secrets

Yuan Yi followed Emperor Taishun out of Qingxi Study.

The rain fell in fine, slanting drops, and the green bamboo swayed gracefully in the wind and rain, rustling softly. Along the cobblestone path, puddles formed, reflecting the sky and clouds.

Emperor Taishun boarded a bright yellow sedan chair, with Yuan Yi still attending him. The father and son walked slowly towards Ningchun Hall.

Upon arriving at Ningchun Hall, a eunuch was already there to greet them, lifting the curtain.

Inside the hall, the Empress Dowager sat in the highest position, dressed in a crimson everyday robe and wearing a pearl-encrusted ruyi crown, exuding elegance and nobility. Empress Wu wore an apricot-yellow brocade robe, dignified and graceful. Yuan Chun, dressed in the formal attire befitting a duke's wife, stood respectfully beside the Empress Dowager with her head bowed.

After Emperor Taishun paid his respects to the Empress Dowager, Yuan Yi straightened his clothes and bowed respectfully to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

Seeing that Yuan Yi's robes were still stained with rain and his blue satin boots were covered in mud, the Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Get up quickly. It's kind of you to remember to come and pay your respects on such a rainy day." She then smiled at Emperor Taishun and said, "Your Majesty, look at this child. He seems more composed than before."

Seeing Yuan Yi being praised, Yuan Chun was secretly pleased, but she simply stood with her head down, strictly adhering to etiquette.

Yuan Yi then presented the Empress Dowager with forty-nine copies of the Heart Sutra and one copy of the Infinite Life Sutra, all written on blue porcelain paper and in genuine gold ink.

The Empress Dowager carefully examined the manuscript and looked up, saying, "In just one month, you have copied so much, and your handwriting is so neat. Your filial piety is truly commendable."

Then, Yuan Yi returned to Danning Residence with Emperor Taishun.

Emperor Taishun sat on his throne and inquired in detail about matters of water conservancy and land reclamation, even asking about Lin Ruhai's teaching.

Yuan Yi explained in detail.

After listening, Emperor Taishun said, "Lin Ruhai's performance in the salt administration of Lianghuai was mediocre, but he was very dedicated to teaching you."

Yuan Yi knelt and bowed: "Mr. Lin is learned, experienced, and of noble character. I have benefited greatly from his teachings recently. I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness in choosing such a good teacher for me."

After Emperor Taishun helped Yuan Yi to his feet, he nodded and said, "It seems I underestimated him earlier."

After a series of questions and answers, Yuan Yi took his leave and left the garden. Yuan Chun, however, was kept at Ningchun Hall by the Empress Dowager, who told her to return in the afternoon.

By this time, the rain had turned into a light drizzle, like smoke and mist.

Willows lined both sides of the official road, their branches shrouded in mist, while distant mountains appeared as dark as ink.

Yuan Yi rolled up the curtains, letting the damp, cool breeze caress his face. Gazing at the scenery outside the window, he reminisced about the day's events, recalling his audience with the emperor at Qingxi Study, and the praise from Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun. It all felt like a dream, yet so real and tangible.

"The water conservancy and farmland management work in the capital region must be carried out this year." He thought to himself, "I suppose the person in charge of this matter is either me or my thirteenth uncle! I hope it's me!"

He remembered that in his previous life, during the third year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, Zhili suffered a major flood, and Prince Yi was in charge of water conservancy and agricultural development in the capital region. In this life, he might have to replace Prince Yi and shoulder this great responsibility.

As I was pondering this, suddenly, the knocking sound on the roof of the car became louder.

The rain has suddenly intensified!

……

……

Yuan Yi's ascension to the throne as a prince sparked resentment among the imperial family, discussions in the court, and gossip among the common people.

Because both Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun strongly endorsed Yuan Yi's return to the Yuan clan, and because the Eighth Prince's faction was recently destroyed, diverting attention, the matter of Yuan Yi's return to the Yuan clan did not cause a major upheaval.

Even so, many nobles and officials within the imperial court held a negative view of Yuan Yi, the newly returned prince. Fu Qi, a Grand Secretary and concurrently a member of the Southern Study, was one of them.

Fu Qi was conservative. In his view, Yuan Yi was too sharp and talented, but also ruthless, earning him the nickname "cruel official." Moreover, Emperor Taishun's offspring were few, and if Yuan Yi returned to his clan, he might cause chaos in the future by vying for the throne. As a prestigious family that had received imperial favor for generations, the Fu family feared the instability of the court.

Today at Qingxi Study, when Emperor Taishun proposed that Yuan Yi be put in charge of water conservancy and land reclamation affairs in the capital region, Fu Qi immediately couldn't help but object. This was not only because he was already wary of Prince Yuan Yi, but also because he genuinely believed that Yuan Yi was unfit for such a heavy responsibility. If Yuan Yi were to handle the matter well, he would benefit greatly and might even cause great chaos in the future struggle for the throne.

The following morning, Emperor Taishun held a court meeting as usual in Danning Residence.

Emperor Taishun sat cross-legged on his throne, while Prince Zhongyi, Fu Qi, Wang Tingyu, and other important officials sat on stools below him.

After discussing several urgent government matters, the topic turned to the matter of water conservancy and land reclamation in the capital region, which Yuan Yi had reported the previous day.

After much deliberation, Fu Qi saw that Emperor Taishun insisted on appointing Yuan Yi to oversee water conservancy and land reclamation in the capital region. He couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, although the Fourth Prince is exceptionally talented and has some knowledge of water conservancy, such matters concerning the national economy and people's livelihood cannot be judged solely by words. Only a mature and prudent minister can be competent for this task."

He paused, and seeing Emperor Taishun's displeasure, he still forced himself to say, "I suggest that if we really want to carry out large-scale water conservancy and agricultural projects in the capital region, it would be best to let Prince Zhongyi take on this important task. The prince is highly respected and experienced, which will ensure that this matter goes smoothly."

Emperor Taishun frowned slightly. In his view, Fu Qi, this old minister who was over seventy years old, was loyal but too conservative.

Seeing this, Prince Zhongyi smoothed things over, saying, "Minister Fu is too kind. I am not very knowledgeable about water conservancy, but I was full of praise for the Fourth Prince's discourse yesterday." He turned to Emperor Taishun and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that although Yi-ge'er is young, his talent and knowledge are indeed extraordinary."

Seeing that Prince Zhongyi also favored Yuan Yi, Fu Qi became even more anxious: "Your Majesty! Controlling the floods is no small matter. Even Yu the Great, who controlled the floods, had to travel for thirteen years. The Fourth Prince is only seventeen years old. Even if he has extraordinary talent, he still lacks experience. If there is the slightest mistake, millions of lives will be lost!"

These words were spoken with great emphasis, and the hall fell silent for a moment.

Emperor Taishun pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I am well aware of your concerns. However, extraordinary times call for extraordinary people. Yi'er may be young, but how many officials in the court possess such foresight and genuine concern for the people's plight? Yesterday, at the Qingxi Study, he spoke eloquently about the allocation of funds and grain, engineering techniques, and even the reform of officialdom. Such dedication is beyond the reach of ordinary youths."

Seeing this, Prince Zhongyi knew that the Emperor's mind was made up, so he said, "Your Majesty is wise. The plan that Yi Ge'er offered yesterday was indeed well thought out. Moreover, Your Majesty can send an old minister to assist you, so that things will not go wrong."

Emperor Taishun nodded: "What my thirteenth brother said is absolutely right."

Seeing that things had come to this point, Fu Qi knew that further advice would be useless, so he could only remain silent.

…… ……

As Yuan Yi had predicted, the floods in Zhili continued to worsen in the days that followed, becoming increasingly severe. Across the vast province of Zhili, dozens of counties were submerged, fertile fields destroyed, and houses collapsed. Refugees, young and old, fled with their families, their cries of despair echoing through the air; drowned corpses drifted with the current, a horrific sight too painful to behold.

Meanwhile, news of the appointment of princes and ministers to oversee water conservancy and agricultural development in the capital region had already spread throughout the court and beyond. Discussions were rampant in all government offices, noble residences, and official dwellings in the capital.

That afternoon, inside the Qingxi Study, Emperor Jingning was playing chess with Prince Zhongshun and Prince Li, Yuan Xi.

On the chessboard, black and white pieces are interspersed like stars scattered across the board.

Emperor Jingning, dressed in casual clothes, looked relaxed; Prince Zhongshun, holding a black piece, had a hint of urgency in his eyes; Yuan Xi sat to the side, gentle and refined, as always.

Prince Zhongshun, having laid a risky move in the corner, seized the opportunity to say, "Father, the floods in Zhili are so severe now. I have heard that you intend to appoint princes and ministers to manage water conservancy and agricultural development in the capital region?"

Emperor Jingning picked up a white piece, remaining calm and composed: "Indeed, there is such a rule." He then gently placed a piece down, as if strolling leisurely in a courtyard.

Seeing that Emperor Jingning's expression was normal, Prince Zhongshun boldly said, "Yuan Xi has been studying diligently all these years. If we let him manage these water conservancy and land reclamation affairs, he will surely be able to handle them well." As he spoke, he winked at Yuan Xi.

Yuan Xi understood and said gently, "If Grandfather trusts me, I will do my utmost."

The reason why Prince Zhongshun recommended Yuan Xi was because he hated Yuan Yi and did not want Yuan Yi to take on this important task, and also because he wanted to instigate a struggle between Yuan Xi and Emperor Taishun and his sons.

Emperor Jingning looked up at Yuan Xi with affection in his eyes, but shook his head and said, "No need to say anything." He gently placed a white piece in his hand, blocking the path of the black piece. "Xi'er is gentle and kind, and I have always loved him. But flood control is like commanding an army, and only a resolute and decisive person can be competent."

These words, spoken calmly, carried a weight as heavy as a thousand pounds. Although Yuan Xi was not particularly concerned about the matter, hearing them still saddened him. He knew that although his imperial grandfather doted on him, he was never ambiguous when it came to matters of state.

Prince Zhongshun was still unwilling to give up: "Father, although Yuan Xi is gentle in nature, he is the most reliable in doing things."

"My mind is made up," Emperor Jingning said calmly, his gaze still fixed on the chessboard. "You have already shown signs of defeat in this game, so you should focus on the game itself."

These words left Prince Zhongshun speechless and resentful. He hesitated to place his black piece, while on the board, the white pieces, like dragons coiled and tigers crouching, had already forced the black pieces into a desperate situation.

Emperor Jingning placed the chess piece back into the jar with a crisp sound: "Let's stop here for today." He turned to Yuan Xi and said gently, "I read the poems you presented yesterday, and they have a style reminiscent of Wang Wei."

Yuan Xi quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you flatter me. This humble subject merely scribbles something casually and is hardly worthy of being presented in a refined manner."

"Not so." Emperor Jingning shook his head with a smile. "Although poetry is a minor art, it can reveal one's temperament. Your detachment is indeed rare."

Seeing this, Prince Zhongshun felt even more frustrated. After leaving Qingxi Study, he turned and left in a huff.

……

……

The following morning, incense smoke curled up in the warm pavilion of the Nine Classics and Three Affairs Hall, and the rich aroma of ambergris filled the room.

Emperor Jingning sat on his throne, holding a memorial in his hand, engrossed in reading it, when suddenly the Grand Eunuch Chen Daquan came to report: "Your Majesty, Prince Xun requests an audience."

Emperor Jingning was taken aback upon hearing this, and thought to himself: Why has he come today?
Prince Xun, Yuan Ti, dressed in the imperial court robes, strode into the hall. Although the robes exuded nobility, they could not conceal the hint of melancholy in his eyes. He entered the warm pavilion, walked to the emperor's presence, and respectfully performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows: "Your subject Yuan Ti respectfully wishes Your Majesty good health."

Emperor Jingning said gently, "Get up." He then carefully examined Yuan Ti and asked, "What brings you here today?"

Yuan Ti said impatiently, "I have heard that Your Majesty intends to appoint princes and ministers to oversee the water conservancy and agricultural development of the capital region. I have been idle for a long time and am truly ashamed to have failed Your Majesty's grace. Now, the floods in Zhili are severe and the people are displaced. I am always worried when I hear about the disaster. I wish to request Your Majesty to oversee the water conservancy and agricultural development of the capital region so as to serve the court and share Your Majesty's burdens."

Although this former general has long since retired from the military, he still retains some of the sharpness of a valiant warrior in his speech and manner.

Looking back, to ensure a smooth abdication, Emperor Jingning summoned his fourteenth son, Yuan Ti, who was also the Grand General of Pacification, back to the capital. At that time, this powerful general, who had dominated the western frontier, returned covered in the dust of war, fully expecting to be highly valued and perhaps even become the crown prince. Who would have thought that Emperor Jingning intended to abdicate in favor of his fourth brother? Although he bestowed upon him the title of Prince Xun, he effectively sidelined him and placed him under strict surveillance.

Only recently, with the downfall of the Eighth Prince's faction, has the surveillance of Yuan Ti been slightly relaxed.

In truth, Yuan Ti harbored resentment and still coveted the throne. Especially after Yuan Li's death, he felt he had a renewed chance to seize power. Knowing his military power was now waning, he sought, on the advice of others, to take charge of the water conservancy and agricultural affairs of the capital region. This matter was of great importance, involving interests from all sides, and presented him with a golden opportunity to make a comeback.

At this moment, Emperor Jingning gazed at his once-favored son, Yuan Ti, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Recalling Yuan Ti's dashing figure when he commanded troops in the west, and considering the current stability of the court, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. If Yuan Ti were to take charge of the water management in the capital region, trouble would likely arise again.

"I know your intentions," Emperor Jingning said calmly, with a hint of pity in his eyes. "However, flood control is no small matter, and you are not suitable to shoulder such a heavy responsibility."

Yuan Ti said urgently, "Father! Why is it not suitable for me? Back in the west, I also oversaw the construction of irrigation canals, and everyone said I was good at managing them." He became more and more agitated as he spoke, and the veins on his forehead bulged slightly.

"Times have changed," Emperor Jingning interrupted him, his tone turning somber. "How can military affairs in the west and flood control in the capital region be compared?"

Emperor Jingning paused, then said meaningfully, "The eighth, ninth, and tenth princes all ruined things because they were restless and didn't know their place. You should learn from their mistakes and behave accordingly."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, leaving Yuan Ti speechless. Thinking of the fate of his brothers, he couldn't help but shudder. But he remained undeterred, kneeling and pleading, "Father, your son only wishes to serve the court; I have absolutely no other intentions!"

Emperor Jingning felt a pang of sorrow as he looked at the kneeling figure. However, the heart of an emperor must ultimately prioritize the well-being of the nation. Therefore, he said calmly, "My mind is made up. You may leave."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Ti knew that the matter was beyond redemption, and could only bow and say, "Your subject... understands. Your subject takes his leave."

He slowly left the warm pavilion, his once upright figure now appearing somewhat hunched.

As he passed the vermilion threshold of the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs, he couldn't help but look back. The soft curtains of the warm pavilion were already drawn, blocking his view and seemingly severing him from his father.

Inside the warm pavilion, Emperor Jingning suddenly rose, stood by the window, and gazed at the continuous rain outside, watching Yuan Ti's departing figure through the rain. He couldn't help but sigh deeply. He recalled Prince Zhongshun pleading for Yuan Xi yesterday, and Yuan Ti recommending himself today. He also thought of the past struggle for the throne among the nine princes, the recent death of Yuan Li, and the destruction of the Eighth Prince's faction... When will this open and covert struggle within the imperial family ever end?

It seems like this will go on indefinitely!
(End of this chapter)