The Red Mansion

Chapter 308 Yuan Yi's wish comes true, he takes on a heavy responsibility.

On the first day of the seventh lunar month, Yuan Yi took Yuan Chun to Changchun Garden to perform the "New Year and Full Moon Ceremony".

The trip was uneventful. Yuan Yi paid his respects to the Retired Emperor Jingning, the Empress Dowager, Emperor Taishun, and the Empress before leaving Changchun Garden. Yuan Chun was once again kept behind by the Empress Dowager and did not return to her residence until late afternoon. The Empress Dowager treated Yuan Chun with exceptional kindness, always keeping her there and always bestowing gifts upon her, their relationship somewhat like that of an ordinary mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

A few days later, on the morning of the eighth day of the seventh lunar month, the sky was clear and the trees were lush and green, with cicadas chirping incessantly. Yuan Yi was receiving instruction from his master, Lin Ruhai, in the Lishen Study. The study was filled with the fragrance of books, and Lin Ruhai was lecturing on practical matters of land reclamation. Yuan Yi listened attentively, occasionally asking questions. The two, master and disciple, were engaged in a lively exchange, one earnestly instructing and the other humbly seeking knowledge—a truly harmonious scene of mutual learning and growth.

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves approached from afar outside the Duke's mansion and stopped in front of the gate. Then, the eunuch Tian Feng hurriedly came to Li Shen Zhai to report: "Your Highness, a messenger eunuch has arrived."

Yuan Yi hurriedly straightened his clothes and strode into the main hall. A eunuch in a sunflower-patterned collared robe stood solemnly in the hall, carrying the imperial edict. Upon seeing Yuan Yi enter, the eunuch stood facing south and announced loudly: "By imperial decree of the Emperor Emeritus and His Majesty: the fourth prince, Yuan Yi, is ordered to pay homage at the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs in Changchun Garden at the beginning of the fourth hour of the morning tomorrow. So be it."

Yuan Yi knelt to receive the decree, and immediately ordered someone to bring a silver coin as a reward to the eunuch. The eunuch declined politely for a moment, but finally accepted it, and said with a smile, "Your Highness, please remember to be on time tomorrow. This time, the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor himself have summoned you, so you must not be late."

After seeing the eunuch off, Yuan Yi returned to Lishenzhai and told Lin Ruhai what had happened. Lin Ruhai pondered and said, "I think it's most likely that the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor are going to appoint the Fourth Prince to manage the water conservancy and agricultural affairs of the capital region. It has been almost a month since the floods began in June. Now that the disaster has eased a bit, it is time to plan for the long term. The flood control strategy that the Fourth Prince presented at Changchun Garden last time must have already moved the Emperor's mind."

Yuan Yi nodded; he had the same guess.

……

……

The following day, the ninth day of the seventh lunar month, was also a beautiful day with clear skies.

Although the imperial decree for the audience was to be delivered at the beginning of the 9:00 AM, Yuan Yi naturally had to arrive at Changchun Garden early and could not be late. Therefore, Yuan Yi got up early this morning to prepare, putting on his dark blue duke's court robes and court hat. Yuan Chun personally helped him change, and before he left, she smiled sweetly and said, "I wish Fourth Master all his wishes come true today." Her words carried a hint of expectation and tenderness. Yuan Yi squeezed her hand and nodded with a smile.

The Duke's carriage, surrounded by ceremonial guards, bodyguards, and personal soldiers, left the Duke's mansion. With its vermilion wheels and ornate carriages, and its imposing entourage, the common people and even some nobles and officials along the way gave way and whispered among themselves.

After meandering to Changchun Garden, Yuan Yi arrived outside the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs. Suddenly, he saw an old minister, who was sixty-one years old this year, get up and walk up to him to bow: "Greetings to the Duke."

Yuan Yi quickly stepped aside and respectfully returned the greeting: "Lord Zhuo, please don't be so polite. I am unworthy of such courtesy."

Looking closely at this old minister, he was dressed in the official robes of a first-rank Grand Secretary. Although he was over sixty years old, he was in good spirits, with an upright air between his brows and a refined demeanor in every gesture.

This senior official was Zhuo Shi, courtesy name Ruozhan, a Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall during the reign of Emperor Wenzong.

This Zhuo Shi was truly extraordinary. Born into a farming family in Gao'an, Jiangxi, he studied diligently from a young age. There's a story from Gao'an: During the Yuanfeng era of the Northern Song Dynasty, Su Shi, on his way to visit his younger brother Su Zhe in Junzhou, visited the renowned Genxi River in Gao'an. From then on, the river flowing through Genxi River was renamed Suxi River, and the mountain in Genxi River was renamed Poshan Mountain. The locals considered Su Shi's visit a great honor and held him in the highest esteem.

This reverence had a profound influence on the young Zhuo Shi. For this reason, he adopted Zhuo Shi as his formal name, Ruozhan as his courtesy name, and Bosu as his childhood name.

In the thirty-third year of the Jingning era, Zhuo Shi, at the age of thirty, passed the imperial examination with high honors and was selected as a probationary official, thus beginning his official career. He first served in the Ministry of Justice, and due to his shrewdness and competence, he was transferred to serve as the magistrate of Qianjiang County in Hubei Province. Later, he served as the educational commissioner of Shaanxi Province and the governor of Zhejiang Province. During his tenure in Zhejiang, he promoted water conservancy projects and oversaw the construction of seawalls in Hangzhou and Jiaxing, achieving remarkable results. He also rectified official corruption, enforced the law strictly, and impeached corrupt officials. Furthermore, he pacified the people's livelihood, petitioned for tax reductions and exemptions, and provided relief to disaster victims.

Due to his outstanding achievements in Zhejiang, Emperor Jingning summoned him back to the capital in the sixtieth year of the Jingning reign and appointed him Left Censor-in-Chief, in charge of supervision. In the first year of the Taishun reign, he was again ordered to go to Zhejiang to repair the sea dikes, demonstrating Emperor Taishun's extreme trust in his water management abilities.

After returning to the capital, he was appointed Minister of Personnel, in charge of the selection of officials, and given the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. He served as a tutor in the Imperial Study and was also the main tutor of the former fourth prince, Yuan Li.

In this year, the third year of the Taishun reign, he was awarded the title of Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall, reaching the highest position among officials.

Zhuo Shi was a prominent official during the reigns of both the Jingning and Taishun emperors. He was a renowned Neo-Confucian scholar: his scholarship was based on Song Dynasty Neo-Confucianism, and he practiced it diligently, making him a leading figure in Neo-Confucianism at the time. He was also a pragmatic and capable official: he demonstrated exceptional practical skills in water management. Furthermore, he was incorruptible and upright: throughout his life he was honest and self-disciplined, lived a simple life, and was unafraid of powerful figures. In addition, he was an excellent teacher; the former fourth prince, Yuan Li, benefited greatly from his instruction.

Yuan Yi naturally held such a highly respected senior official in high esteem. After returning the greeting, he asked in a gentle voice, "Is Minister Zhuo also here today awaiting an audience with the Emperor Emeritus?"

Zhuo Shi said, "That's right. I received an imperial edict yesterday that the Emperor Emeritus ordered me to come to the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs today for an audience."

Yuan Yi nodded, a guess forming in his mind: Zhuo Shi, this veteran official, was most skilled in water management; his work on the seawall in Zhejiang was a monumental achievement. It seemed the Emperor Emeritus had summoned him for matters concerning water conservancy and agricultural development in the capital region. But was he to be appointed as the head of water conservancy and agricultural development in the capital region, or merely as an assistant?

Yuan Yi couldn't help but think of Zhu Shi, the "Imperial Tutor and Elder" bestowed upon him by the emperor in his previous life. In the third year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, the emperor appointed Prince Yi to oversee the water conservancy and agricultural development of the capital region, and it was Zhu Shi who assisted in this task.

Thinking of this, Yuan Yi couldn't help but sized up the old minister Zhuo Shi. Although he was over sixty, he stood upright with bright eyes, clearly still full of energy. If he were to oversee the water conservancy and agricultural development of the capital region, with Zhuo Shi assisting, it would be perfect. Firstly, Zhuo Shi was very skilled in this area; secondly, he could take this opportunity to befriend this important minister; and thirdly, he could learn from this "Imperial Tutor."

Just as Yuan Yi was pondering, Zhuo Shi suddenly said, "I heard that the Duke previously presented a strategy for flood control to the Emperor and the Emperor?"

Yuan Yi hurriedly said, "This junior is not very knowledgeable and only has some superficial opinions. I hope Your Excellency will forgive me."

Zhuo Shi replied solemnly, "That's not the case. I have heard of the regulations proposed by the Duke, and they are all insightful. It is evident that the Duke has put in a lot of effort in these matters."

These words were sincere, and Yuan Yi was pleased with them, but he humbly replied, "You flatter me, Your Excellency. I am young and inexperienced, and I still have much to learn from you."

The two waited together outside the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs. After a short while, the Grand Eunuch Chen Daquan walked over quickly with a smile on his face and announced to them, "Your Excellency, Lord Zhuo, the Emperor Emeritus and His Majesty summon you in."

Immediately, Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi straightened their clothes and followed Chen Daquan toward the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs.

The Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs is the main hall of Changchun Garden and the main place where the retired Emperor Jingning conducted state affairs in Changchun Garden.

It was a clear, sunny day, with the rising sun casting golden rays. The Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs, located inside the main gate of Changchun Garden, had a double-eaved hip roof covered with yellow glazed tiles that shimmered in the sunlight. Seventy-two gilded bird-startling bells hung from the eaves, tinkling softly in the breeze, perfectly reflecting the "seventy-two pentads" of the agricultural calendar.

Chen Daquan led Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi into the hall, and then into the warm pavilion.

Inside the warm pavilion, the floor was paved with gold bricks, and bright yellow gauze hung from the windows. Emperor Jingning, dressed in casual clothes, sat on his throne; Emperor Taishun, also dressed in casual clothes, sat beside him at the lower end. Although it was not a formal court assembly, both emperors displayed their imperial bearing.

After Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony, Emperor Jingning got straight to the point, staring intently at Yuan Yi with lightning-fast eyes: "Yi'er, your father and I intend to establish the Water Conservancy and Farming Administration Office, as you previously proposed, and appoint you to manage water conservancy and farmland affairs in the capital region. What do you think?"

Yuan Yi was overjoyed, like a spring tide, but he remained calm and bowed, saying, "Your subject is young and inexperienced, and dares not take on such a heavy responsibility. However, flood control is as urgent as putting out a fire. If my grandfather and father trust me, I am willing to do my best to repay the Emperor's grace."

These words were spoken with neither arrogance nor servility, displaying both modesty and determination. Emperor Taishun, listening nearby, couldn't help but nod secretly, increasingly convinced that this young man was capable of great responsibility. Emperor Jingning, however, remained fixed on Yuan Yi: "Do you know that if this matter is not handled properly, not only will millions of disaster victims suffer, but the very foundation of the nation will be shaken?"

Yuan Yi looked up to meet Emperor Jingning's gaze and said frankly, "I know. Therefore, I am willing to sign a military pledge. If I fail to achieve results within three years, I am willing to accept punishment."

"Very well!" Emperor Jingning finally smiled, a look of satisfaction appearing on his dignified face. "Since you have made this decision, I grant your request."

Yuan Yi knelt down to express his gratitude: "Your subject will certainly live up to the great trust placed in him by my grandfather and father!"

At this moment, Emperor Jingning turned to Zhuo Shi again: "Ruozhan."

Zhuo Shi bowed deeply and said, "Your subject is here."

"I hereby appoint you to assist in the management of water conservancy and agricultural land affairs in the capital region." Emperor Jingning said earnestly, "You are a veteran minister of two dynasties with rich experience in water management. You must work with the fourth prince, Yuan Yi, to handle this matter well. You must not only assist him wholeheartedly, but also offer advice from time to time."

Zhuo Shi accepted the order: "Your subject obeys the decree. I will do my utmost to assist the Fourth Prince in accomplishing this great undertaking."

Emperor Taishun then spoke up, saying, "Yi'er, Zhuo Zhongtang is a pillar of the nation. You should treat him with the respect due to a teacher. If you encounter any difficulties, consult Zhongtang."

Yuan Yi respectfully replied, "Your subject will follow Your Majesty's teachings. It is truly your subject's good fortune to receive guidance from Zhuo Zhongtang."

Emperor Taishun further instructed, "You must remember that this flood control effort is not only to solve the immediate problem, but also to seek long-term benefits. Your grandfather and I have high hopes for you."

Yuan Yi bowed again: "Your subject will certainly be diligent and conscientious, working tirelessly day and night."

After Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun gave a few more instructions, Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi took their leave together.

When we left the hall, the sun was already high in the sky.

Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi walked side by side on the white marble steps of the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs. Sunlight shone on them, casting their shadows in reflection.

Zhuo Shi suddenly stopped and bowed deeply to Yuan Yi: "This old minister, Zhuo Shi, greets Your Excellency, the Duke."

Yuan Yi quickly helped him up: "Your Excellency, there's no need for such formalities. We will rely on you a lot in the future."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

This monumental undertaking of water management and agricultural development in the capital region will begin in the hands of this young and old duo!

……

……

That very day, Emperor Taishun issued an imperial edict, which was sent by express courier to all government offices. The edict emphasized that "water conservancy in the capital region is crucial to the people's livelihood," and announced the establishment of a special Water Conservancy and Land Management Office, appointing his fourth son, Yuan Yi, to oversee water conservancy and land management affairs in the capital region, with Grand Secretary Zhuo Shi assisting. The edict concluded by ordering all relevant government offices to comply with the edict's directives and not to disobey.

This imperial edict was like a thunderclap, stirring up a thousand waves throughout the court and the public. It must be understood that the position of Grand Administrator of Water Conservancy and Agricultural Development in the capital region was not only a powerful and important post, but also a matter of great importance concerning the lives of millions. The fact that the retired Emperor Jingning and Emperor Taishun entrusted this crucial responsibility to the seventeen-year-old Yuan Yi once again sent a signal to the court and the public: Yuan Yi, this prince who had returned from humble origins, was deeply favored by two generations of emperors!
For a time, various government offices in the capital, the residences of nobles, the mansions of officials, and even teahouses and taverns were abuzz with discussion about this.

"This fourth prince has been entrusted with this important task for less than two months since he returned to his clan!"

"I heard that the Fourth Prince made a military pledge in front of the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor himself, and that he will surely see results within three years."

"The fact that a veteran of two reigns like Zhuo Zhongtang is willing to serve as an assistant minister shows that the Emperor's mind is made up."

"..."

On the morning of the ninth day of the seventh month, after Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi received their orders at the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs, Yuan Yi respectfully invited Zhuo Shi to his residence as a prefectural governor to discuss in detail the affairs of water conservancy and land reclamation in the capital region.

When they arrived at the Duke's residence, it was already noon, past the time when Lin Ruhai was supposed to finish his duties. However, Lin Ruhai was very concerned about Yuan Yi's audience at Changchun Garden that day, so he waited in the Duke's residence's Lishenzhai and did not leave.

Lin Ruhai stood under the eaves of the side room and saw Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi enter the courtyard together. Although the two were more than forty years apart in age, they were chatting happily. Lin Ruhai was startled and quickly stepped forward to bow to Yuan Yi, and then respectfully bowed to Zhuo Shi, the old minister he always respected: "Lin Hai greets Minister Zhuo!"

Zhuo Shi returned the greeting with a smile: "Ru Hai, there's no need for such formalities. I've long heard that you've been instructing Fourth Master here, and I'm delighted to meet you here today." He had already changed his address for Yuan Yi to "Fourth Master".

Yuan Yi smiled and said, "Please come inside and talk, sir."

The three of them entered the room together.

Yuan Yi invited Zhuo Shi and Lin Ruhai to sit down and personally served them tea. Then he said to Lin Ruhai, "Sir, today the Emperor Emeritus and His Majesty have issued an edict to establish the Water Conservancy and Land Management Office and appointed me to manage water conservancy and land management affairs in the capital region, with Zhuo Zhongtang as my assistant."

Even though Lin Ruhai had anticipated this, he was still taken aback upon hearing this. He recalled that Yuan Yi had recently consulted him on water conservancy, inquiring in detail about flood control strategies, which he had taken as routine. He never expected Yuan Yi to shoulder such a heavy responsibility today. He couldn't help but marvel: Could it be that Fourth Master possesses the ability to foresee the future? Such foresight and preparedness are truly extraordinary and admirable!

He hurriedly stood up to offer his congratulations: "Congratulations, Fourth Master, on taking on this important responsibility. However, the matter of water conservancy and land reclamation involves countless details. Has Fourth Master come up with a plan?"

Zhuo Shi stroked his beard and smiled, "Ru Hai's concerns are absolutely correct. That is precisely why I have come here."

Since it was lunchtime as usual, Yuan Yi first invited Zhuo Shi and Lin Ruhai to have lunch with him. Zhuo Shi and Lin Ruhai could not refuse and accepted.

After a simple lunch, the three of them began to discuss water conservancy and agricultural development matters in the capital region.

Seeing that Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi, one young and one old, were getting along so well, Lin Ruhai felt even more moved.

(End of this chapter)