The Red Mansion

Chapter 309 Yuan Yi sets up an office, the Emperor bestows favors

That afternoon, Yuan Yi saw Zhuo Shi and Lin Ruhai off and strolled back to Debentang.

Yuan Chun was waiting under the eaves when she saw Yuan Yi enter the courtyard. She hurried forward and softly called out, "Fourth Master." Her bright eyes were full of concern. She had already heard the news that Yuan Yi had successfully taken charge of the water conservancy and land reclamation affairs in the capital region, and she was very happy. She was waiting for her husband to have some free time to ask him about it.

Seeing her like this, Yuan Yi knew she was worried. He and Yuan Chun entered the east wing room together. Yuan Chun personally poured him tea before asking softly, "Fourth Master, have you truly taken on the heavy responsibility of water conservancy and agricultural development in the capital region?"

Yuan Yi recounted in detail the events of his audience with the Emperor at the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs that day. After listening, Yuan Chun's eyes shone with pride: "Congratulations, Fourth Master, on achieving your wish. Such an important task can only be undertaken by someone of great talent, which also shows how highly the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor regard Fourth Master."

Yuan Yi smiled and said, "This burden is extremely heavy, and I will need your help in the future."

Yuan Chun's eyes gleamed: "I am just a woman, and I cannot share the burden of national affairs with Fourth Master. I can only manage the household affairs for Fourth Master in this inner courtyard so that Fourth Master has no worries."

Yuan Yi smiled and said, "Madam, you are mistaken. The fact that you manage this Duke's mansion so well is my greatest help."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chun was both delighted and moved.

……

……

Although a special Water Conservancy and Land Development Office was established, it was not a permanent institution with an independent and grand government office. Although its name sounds like a "official office," its nature was more like an "official commissioner's office for the management of water conservancy and land development affairs in the capital region."

This means that although Yuan Yi has taken charge of the Water Conservancy and Agricultural Development Bureau, he does not have a fixed office. From now on, he will work in the outer study of his residence. This outer study will be the core place for him to meet with officials, discuss confidential matters, and review documents. Many decisions and orders will be issued from here.

Of course, from now on, Yuan Yi will inevitably have to frequently visit Changchun Garden or the Imperial Palace to pay homage to Emperor Taishun and even the retired Emperor Jingning. He will also inevitably have to frequently leave the capital to personally inspect and survey disaster areas and river construction sites throughout Zhili.

Yuan Yi didn't take a nap today; it was already past his usual nap time, and he didn't want to make up for it. Full of energy, he immediately ordered people to prepare the outer study.

In this Duke's mansion, besides his inner study, Lishenzhai, he also had an outer study. The outer study was located on the east side of the main courtyard, a spacious three-room building with blue bricks and green tiles. There were also some corridor rooms on both sides, all of which could be used in conjunction with each other. Yuan Yi specifically ordered that two bright corridor rooms be set aside, one as Lin Ruhai's duty room and the other for Grand Secretary Zhuo Shi's use.

Yuan Yi's return to the imperial court as the head of water conservancy and agricultural development in the capital region also means that from now on, Lin Ruhai will not only be his mentor but also his core advisor.

In addition, the middle-aged eunuch Fang Ju had been there for over a month. Yuan Yi had carefully observed him and concluded that his temperament was just as his name suggested—he was quite knowledgeable about etiquette and acted with propriety. As for the young eunuch Tian Feng, he was clever and diligent.

That day, Yuan Yi summoned Fang Ju and Tian Feng at Lishenzhai and said to Fang Ju, "From now on, you will be in charge of guarding the gates and summoning people in the mansion."

Upon hearing this, Fang Ju was overjoyed and quickly knelt down to express his gratitude: "This servant will certainly do his duty and live up to the Duke's trust."

Yuan Yi then said to Tian Feng, "Tian Feng, from now on you will serve me by my side."

Although Tian Feng lost his duties as gatekeeper and messenger, he was not discouraged. After all, he had become Yuan Yi's personal eunuch and a trusted confidant. He hurriedly kowtowed and said, "This servant will do his best to serve the Duke well."

From now on, this Duke's mansion will serve as both Yuan Yi's residence and the water conservancy and agricultural management office. It would be more appropriate for a middle-aged eunuch like Fang Ju to be in charge of gatekeeping, summoning guests, and receiving visitors. Tian Feng would be suitable to serve Yuan Yi directly. However, when Yuan Yi is working in his outer study and receiving guests, it would be inappropriate for the maid Xiang Ling to serve him. There must be a distinction between the inner and outer quarters.

This arrangement was well-organized, clearly showing that Yuan Yi had given it considerable thought.

Fang Ju and Tian Feng accepted the order and left to make their own preparations.

……

……

The next morning, Lin Ruhai came to the Duke's mansion as usual to be on duty. He saw that the outer study had been set up and was taking shape. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Fourth Master, you really are decisive and efficient."

Yuan Yi led Lin Ruhai into a corridor and said with a smile, "This is the duty room I specially arranged for you, sir. I wonder if you are satisfied with this duty room?"

Seeing that the corridor room was bright and clean, with a desk and bookshelves, it was a perfect place for reading and working. Lin Ruhai was moved and said, "I am unworthy of such kindness from Fourth Master."

"What are you saying, sir?" Yuan Yi said solemnly. "In the future, we will have to rely on you a lot in matters of water conservancy and land reclamation."

As the two were talking, Grand Secretary Zhuo Shi arrived at the Duke's residence.

Since the outer study room has not yet been fully furnished, Yuan Yi is still in the inner study room, Li Shen Zhai, discussing water conservancy and farmland management matters with Zhuo Shi and Lin Ruhai.

Inside the study, Yuan Yi sat in the main seat, with Zhuo Shi and Lin Ruhai on either side, all three looking focused.

At this point, Zhuo Shi put forward four suggestions, explaining them in detail: "First, the people should cultivate their own land, and according to the amount of land they cultivate, they should be given honorary titles of the ninth rank or above and the fifth rank or below, as a reward."

Seeing that Yuan Yi was listening intently, he explained, "Our dynasty often bestows honorary titles upon those who contribute to the war effort or donate labor. Although these are merely honorary titles and not actual official positions, they greatly enhance one's social status and are extremely attractive."

Lin Ruhai nodded in agreement: "Your Excellency's suggestion is excellent. Such an honorary title is nothing more than an imperial edict to the court, but for the common people, it is a great honor to bring glory to their family."

Zhuo Shi added: "Secondly, commoners who go to work in water conservancy and farmland construction projects will be given low-level practical official positions in the management of water conservancy and farmland, depending on the effectiveness and scale of the projects they supervise. This is for commoners with water conservancy technology and management skills. This is a special channel for commoners to go from being ordinary citizens to officials."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yi nodded and said, "This strategy can both attract talent and inspire the people."

Zhuo Shi continued, "Thirdly, officials who have been demoted or dismissed and who go to work in the engineering department will be allowed to be reinstated after the project is completed. Our dynasty has a tradition of 'dismissed officials serving,' which is a great encouragement to disillusioned officials."

Seeing that Yuan Yi and Lin Ruhai nodded in unison, Zhuo Shi continued, "Fourth, criminals sentenced to exile or more severe punishment who go to work on the project will be granted a reduced sentence. This not only solves the labor problem for the project, but also reflects the principle of 'prudent punishment'."

After listening, Yuan Yi praised, "Your Excellency is indeed a pragmatic and experienced official. This system is pragmatic and motivating, covering the interests and demands of various social strata, including commoners, gentry, officials, and criminals, and mobilizing all available resources to the maximum extent."

Lin Ruhai also sincerely praised, "Your Excellency's plan is comprehensive. It not only solved the manpower problem but also appeased the hearts of all parties. It is truly a wise and experienced way of governing the country."

Having gained Yuan Yi's approval, Zhuo Shi said, "Since Fourth Master approves, I will present this to His Majesty tomorrow."

Yuan Yi nodded, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "Does Your Excellency know of Jing Yunduan, the former prefect of Suzhou?"

Upon hearing this, Zhuo Shi's eyes flashed with understanding: "To be honest, Fourth Master, I am quite familiar with Jing Yunduan. Back in Zhejiang, he even helped me manage the sea dike."

Yuan Yi said, "Jing Yun once urgently misappropriated 50,000 taels of silver from the treasury for disaster relief, using it to purchase charcoal and grain, repair collapsed houses, distribute porridge and cotton clothing. As a result, he was punished and his property was confiscated. He was initially sentenced to beheading with reprieve, but the emperor showed leniency and changed it to exile. This man was undoubtedly an honest and benevolent minister who benefited the people, and he was also skilled in water conservancy."

Upon hearing this, Zhuo Shi immediately understood Yuan Yi's deeper meaning. He knew that one of Yuan Yi's concubines was Jing Qing, the daughter of Jing Yunduan. Yuan Yi's question, ostensibly directed at a former official, was in reality an attempt to find an opportunity for Jing Yunduan to redeem himself.

Zhuo Shi immediately said, "Fourth Master is right. Jing Yunduan is indeed a capable minister in water management. When I report to His Majesty tomorrow, I will request that Jing Yunduan be recalled and transferred to the Engineering Department to serve, so that he can atone for his mistakes." Yuan Yi nodded slightly and said no more. Some things are better left unsaid.

Zhuo Shi did this partly out of consideration for Yuan Yi, and partly because he himself was eager to take this opportunity to rescue his former subordinate, Jing Yunduan. Back when he and Jing Yunduan worked together in Zhejiang, he had greatly admired the latter's talent and character. Later, Jing Yunduan was convicted for his disaster relief efforts, which he deeply regretted. Now that he had the opportunity to help, he was naturally happy to do so.

Lin Ruhai listened from the sidelines, sighing inwardly: Fourth Master's move not only preserved his relationship with his concubine, but also gained a capable minister in charge of flood control and a trusted relative, and demonstrated his benevolence. It was truly a win-win-win situation.

At this moment, Tian Feng came in to refill the tea. Seeing that Yuan Yi and the other two were having a pleasant conversation, he quietly withdrew.

Yuan Yi and the other two discussed some specific details until noon before parting ways.

After seeing Zhuo Shi off, Lin Ruhai lingered and exclaimed, "Fourth Master's act of rescuing Jing Yunduan today was both brilliant and benevolent."

Yuan Yi said, "Jing Yun is indeed a talented person. It's a real pity that he was convicted of a crime during the previous disaster relief efforts."

Lin Ruhai smiled knowingly: "Fourth Master, rest assured. With Fourth Master and Zhuo Zhongtang meeting the Emperor together, and with Zhuo Zhongtang presenting his report, this matter will surely succeed."

……

……

The following day, Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi went to Changchun Garden together and reported to Emperor Taishun in Danning Residence.

As Emperor Taishun's residence and administrative center in the garden, Danning Residence, though not as solemn as the Hall of Nine Classics and Three Affairs, showed a greater sense of intimacy with the imperial family.

Inside the warm pavilion, Emperor Taishun, dressed in casual clothes, sat cross-legged on his throne. Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi had performed the grand ceremony, and Emperor Taishun offered them seats, which they sat sideways on stools. Yuan Yi was actually benefiting from Zhuo Shi's presence; if Emperor Taishun hadn't offered Zhuo Shi a seat, he wouldn't have been able to sit down and present his report to the emperor. Zhuo Shi was now Yuan Yi's subordinate, and it would be inappropriate for Yuan Yi not to sit if Zhuo Shi did.

After sitting down, Zhuo Shi presented the four suggestions discussed the previous day one by one, from granting ranks to civilians who cultivated land, to awarding official positions to those who served, to the reinstatement of dismissed officials and the reduction of sentences for criminals, all in a clear and logical manner. Emperor Taishun listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

After Zhuo Shi finished his report, Emperor Taishun said, "What Ruozhan has presented is in line with my thoughts. The important matters of water conservancy and land reclamation require the recruitment of talented people and the encouragement of the people. These four regulations are hereby approved."

Zhuo Shi hurriedly rose to express his gratitude and then reported, "I have another matter to report. The former prefect of Suzhou, Jing Yunduan, although convicted of embezzling treasury funds, was originally motivated by a desire for disaster relief. Moreover, he is an expert in water conservancy and worked with me in Zhejiang to manage the seawall. He was very diligent and made significant contributions, truly a rare talent. I earnestly request Your Majesty to allow him to be recalled to the engineering office to serve and atone for his crimes."

Emperor Taishun glanced meaningfully at Yuan Yi, who sat below him. Seeing Yuan Yi sitting quietly with his head bowed and his expression as usual, he understood. After a moment's thought, he nodded and said, "Your suggestion is granted. Jing Yun is indeed a capable minister. I also remember his achievements in flood control when he was in charge of Zhejiang."

In fact, Emperor Taishun had always admired Jing Yunduan. When Jing Yunduan was convicted for his disaster relief efforts, Emperor Taishun had already shown appreciation for his talent and was willing to commute his death sentence to exile. Moreover, although Jing Yunduan was exiled, Emperor Taishun secretly ordered people to take care of him, so Jing Yunduan's days in exile were not miserable.

In Emperor Taishun's view, recalling Jing Yunduan now would indeed benefit the irrigation and agricultural development of the capital region. Furthermore, this was also a favor he had done for his son, Yuan Yi. Jing Yunduan's daughter, Jing Qing, was Yuan Yi's concubine, and it was Emperor Taishun himself who secretly ordered Yuan Yi to take her as a concubine.

This arrangement fulfilled both the duty between ruler and subject and the affection between father and son.

Emperor Taishun said to Yuan Yi, "I granted this request because I thought of you."

Yuan Yi hurriedly kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty on behalf of Lady Jing."

Emperor Taishun waved his hand and said, "Get up. If Jing Yunduan can truly redeem himself through meritorious service, it will be his good fortune."

After the memorial was presented, Yuan Yi and Zhuo Shi left Danning Residence. Zhuo Shi whispered, "Fourth Master, rest assured, Jing Yunduan will be able to return to the capital soon."

Yuan Yi cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Your Excellency."

Upon returning to the Duke's residence, Yuan Yi went straight to the courtyard where Jing Qing resided.

Jing Qing was sitting by the window looking at the sheet music when she saw Yuan Yi enter silently. She quickly got up to greet him.

"What brings you here at this hour, Fourth Master?" Jing Qing asked with a smile, personally serving tea.

Yuan Yi sat by the window, gazing at Jing Qing, and slowly said, "Today, Zhuo Zhongtang and I met with the Emperor at Changchun Garden and petitioned to recall your father to serve in the Water Conservancy and Land Reclamation Bureau."

Jing Qing's teacup trembled slightly, almost spilling the tea. She tried to remain calm, but her voice trembled: "Fourth Master, do you mean... Father can go to the capital?"

Yuan Yi nodded: "His Majesty has granted permission. Your father will soon be going to the capital to serve."

Jing Qing hurriedly put down her teacup and knelt down to express her gratitude: "This concubine thanks Fourth Master for his great kindness!"

Before she could finish speaking, she burst into tears of joy.

Yuan Yi had previously told her that now that he had returned to his clan and was a prince and duke, he might one day find an opportunity to help her father end his exile. However, Yuan Yi also said that this matter involved the law of the land, and would be extremely difficult; he could only act according to circumstances, and success was not guaranteed.

Now that Yuan Yi has accomplished this so quickly, how could she not be overjoyed and excited?
Yuan Yi personally helped her up and said, "Get up quickly. Your father is honest and kind to the people, and he is also a capable minister in water management. This recall is a good thing for the country and the people."

Jing Qing wiped away her tears and said, "That's true, but if it weren't for Fourth Master's intervention, Father would probably have spent his life on the frontier, or even lost his life." As she spoke, she was about to bow again.

Yuan Yi stopped her: "Why bother? If your father can redeem himself through meritorious service, he may be reinstated and given an important position in the future."

Jing Qing was moved to tears.

Jing Yunduan's return is of great benefit to Yuan Yi. Firstly, it benefits the reputation of his concubine Jing Qing, which in turn benefits his own reputation. Secondly, a pragmatic and honest official like Jing Yunduan, who is honest and benefits the people, will likely be given important positions in the future by Emperor Taishun, given his style of conduct and the fact that Jing Yunduan is the father of Yuan Yi's concubine.

At this moment, a servant came in to report: "Fourth Master, Auntie, Aunt Xue has arrived."

Immediately, Xue Baochai entered with a smile: "I originally came to visit Sister Jing, but I didn't expect Fourth Master to be here. I'll take this opportunity to pay my respects to Fourth Master."

Seeing Jing Qing's eyes welling up with tears, she quickly asked, "What's wrong?"

Jing Qing glanced at Yuan Yi, and only after receiving Yuan Yi's permission did she tell him that her father was about to go to the capital.

Xue Baochai hurriedly smiled and said, "This is a great joy! Congratulations, sister!" She then said to Yuan Yi, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Fourth Master."

However, she felt a sense of pressure.

(End of this chapter)