The Red Mansion

Chapter 311 The Prince Zhongshun's Residence, The Prince Li's Residence

It was already mid-July, and the summer heat in the capital city was gradually fading, with a hint of autumn in the mornings and evenings.

On this day, under a clear blue sky, Prince Zhongshun hosted a banquet at his residence, inviting Prince Li, Yuan Xi, to come and enjoy the feast and the opera.

The vermilion gates of Prince Zhongshun's Mansion stood tall, and the palaces were magnificent. A large plaque with the words "Prince Zhongshun's Mansion" in gilded ink hung above the gate. Yuan Xi's sedan chair came to a stop inside the mansion. A senior eunuch stepped forward, lifted the curtain, and respectfully invited Yuan Xi to alight and proceed to the waterside pavilion in the back garden.

The waterside pavilion was surrounded by wind on all sides and covered with a scarlet carpet. At this moment, the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, and the singing of opera was in full swing, as a newly staged performance of "The Peony Pavilion" was taking place.

Prince Zhongshun sat in the main seat, dressed in a silk brocade robe. Although he was nearly fifty, his ruddy complexion, due to his pampered lifestyle, made him appear as healthy as a man in his thirties. To his lower left sat Prince Li, Yuan Xi, wearing a sky-blue silk brocade robe and a jade belt, exuding a refined and gentle air. Around them sat more than ten scholars and gentlemen, chatting and laughing.

"Brother Xi, try this wine." Prince Zhongshun raised his cup and said, the sandalwood bracelet on his wrist swaying slightly with the movement. "This is a new tribute from Jiangnan, with a clear fragrance and mellow taste."

Yuan Xi quickly raised his cup in response. He saw that the wine was as clear as amber, and before even taking a sip, he could smell its mellow aroma, which told him that it was a precious gift from the emperor. He took a small sip and found it to be indeed smooth and mellow. He couldn't help but praise, "The wine from my third uncle's residence is naturally excellent."

At this moment, a group of maids and palace maids filed in carrying food boxes. The dishes were mostly rare delicacies, along with various seasonal fruits, including lychees, which filled the table.

A scholar dressed in a royal blue robe stroked his beard and praised, "The chefs in the Prince's mansion are no less skilled than those in the Imperial Kitchen. Just look at this braised pork; the knife skills are so exquisite, the slices are as thin as paper."

Prince Zhongshun smiled smugly and pointed to a plate of goose feet, saying, "The chef in charge of cooking in my residence was originally the imperial chef who served the retired emperor. He has some unique skills. Take these crystal goose feet, for example. They require twelve steps, and in the end, they must be sliced ​​while chilled to maintain their crystal-clear appearance."

The crowd toasted and drank, and after several rounds of drinks, the play "Seeking Dreams" was being performed on stage. When Du Liniang sang, "These flowers and grasses are loved by people, life and death are as people wish, and even if one feels bitter and sorrowful, no one will complain," her voice was so poignant and moving that tears actually rolled down her cheeks.

Yuan Xi listened intently, his ivory chopsticks hovering in mid-air. He couldn't help but sigh, "This play is good, but it's ultimately too sad. The thought of Du Liniang dying for love and being reborn for love, such infatuation, makes one's heart ache."

Upon hearing this, Prince Zhongshun laughed and said, "In that case, after this performance is over, we'll change to something more exciting!"

So, after "Seeking Dreams" was finished, they immediately switched to "Havoc in Heaven".

Suddenly, the sounds of flutes and pipes filled the air again, accompanied by the deafening clatter of gongs and drums. The martial arts actor dressed as Sun Wukong somersaulted to the front of the stage, wielding his golden cudgel with ferocious power, creating another scene of singing and dancing. Inside the waterside pavilion, cups clinked, laughter and chatter filled the air, and everyone was captivated by the lively performance, frequently bursting into cheers.

Outside the window, the water rippled gently, and a few egrets skimmed across the surface, creating concentric circles of waves. Several maple trees were already tinged with a faint red, shining brilliantly in the sunlight, like a young girl applying rouge.

……

……

The play had ended, the banquet was over, and both Prince Zhongshun and Prince Li, Yuan Xi, were somewhat tipsy. Prince Zhongshun's face was flushed, while Yuan Xi's eyes were slightly drooling. The two were served water bowls and towels by maids and palace maids, and after rinsing their mouths with fragrant tea, they felt their minds clearer.

Prince Zhongshun suddenly took Yuan Xi's hand, leaned closer and whispered, "Good nephew, come with your third uncle. I have some private things to say to you." Yuan Xi quickly bowed and agreed.

The two left the bustling waterside pavilion and strolled along the winding cobblestone path. Passing through a bamboo fence and flower screen, a delicate flower hall suddenly appeared before them. The hall was surrounded by exquisitely carved lattice windows, and the window frames were covered with gossamer gauze. Sunlight streamed in, turning the entire room into a pale green hue.

The hall was furnished with exquisite elegance, with tables, chairs, and incense burners all of exceptional quality. Among them were four huanghuali armchairs, their backs intricately carved with lotus scrolls, the branches and vines intertwined with delicate detail. Hanging in the hall was a landscape painting by Mi Fu, its canvas filled with mist and clouds; there was also a couplet in gold ink, which read: "The fragrance of osmanthus and orchids fills the air with a gentle breeze; the elegant room is adorned with pearls of ink," the calligraphy flowing and vigorous, reminiscent of the strength and elegance of Yan Zhenqing and Liu Gongquan.

Prince Zhongshun sat comfortably in the head chair and ordered a maid to serve him freshly brewed "Laojunmei" tea. The tea was clear, the buds and leaves resembling eyebrows, and its fragrance was delightful. He then waved for his attendants to leave, and they all waited outside. In an instant, the flower hall was silent, save for the rustling of autumn wind through the bamboo leaves outside the window and the faint scent of incense emanating from the burner.

Prince Zhongshun looked up at Yuan Xi, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness despite the wine. He sighed softly, seemingly unintentionally saying, "Brother Xi, do you know? Recently, Yuan Yi has been in charge of water conservancy and land reclamation affairs in the capital region, enjoying the Emperor's favor!" With that, he picked up a small polychrome covered cup from the Chenghua kiln, took a sip, and kept glancing at Yuan Xi's expression.

Yuan Xi lowered his eyes, looking at the tea leaves floating in his teacup, and remained silent. He knew perfectly well that this uncle had not brought this up without reason.

Seeing that he remained silent, Prince Zhongshun gently placed the small covered bell on the table, making a crisp sound, and said, "It's not that I'm being nosy, Uncle, but flood control and people's well-being are matters of fundamental importance to the nation. How can it be a child's play? Think of the waterways around the capital, which have been flooding for years, and many capable officials have been helpless. Now, it has been assigned to Yuan Yi, who recently returned to his clan from the common people, instead of you, who grew up properly under the family laws and court regulations."

He spoke with a hint of dissatisfaction, raising his voice slightly: "That Yuan Yi comes from humble origins. Although he has the blood of our imperial family, he grew up among the common people. What does he know about flood control? He has only learned a little bit."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Xi had no choice but to reply, smiling slightly. "Third Uncle, please be careful with your words. Since the Emperor and His Majesty have entrusted him with this task, they must trust him. I believe that although Yuan Yi is young, he is quite capable. I had some dealings with him during my previous trip to Jiangnan and know that he is a steady and reliable person." His words were gentle and neither humble nor arrogant, upholding the Emperor's wishes without belittling Yuan Yi.

Prince Chungshun snorted coldly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes: "My good nephew, you are ultimately too kind. A boy raised among commoners, even if he has some cleverness, what extraordinary talent could he possibly possess? I'm afraid..."

He paused, lowered his voice, and said with a hint of sarcasm, "He's nothing more than someone who knows how to guess the emperor's intentions and flatter him. Now that the Emperor Emeritus is extremely devoted to filial piety, and the Emperor is determined to reform, he has cunningly catered to both of their preferences. In my opinion, the success or failure of this water conservancy and land reclamation project in the capital region is still uncertain. If it goes wrong, let's see how he handles the aftermath!"

Yuan Xi's heart skipped a beat. He knew that Prince Zhongshun's words were barbed and touched upon the Emperor's will, so he dared not respond easily. He silently turned the warm teacup in his hand, his gaze falling on a maple tree outside the window that was gradually turning autumn colors. The edges of the leaves had turned a light red, like a beautiful woman in a drunken blush.

Seeing his cautious nature, Prince Zhongshun did not press him. Instead, he gave him a meaningful look, leaned forward slightly, and said in a heartfelt tone, "Xi-ge'er, it's not that your third uncle is stirring things up. You are a boy of upright character and solid learning. Among all the imperial relatives, who doesn't praise you as 'gentle, kind, respectful, frugal, and modest'? It's just..."

He changed the subject: "You are just too gentle and too polite! Otherwise, with your status as a direct descendant and the favor and affection your imperial grandfather showed you, you should have been in charge of the water conservancy and land reclamation work in the capital region. You would have made great achievements there. Why did you let a kid who joined the clan halfway steal the limelight?"

He spoke with earnestness, every word seemingly considered for Yuan Xi's benefit: "Some things, you still have to fight for. In this world, simply being humble and yielding doesn't make others appreciate you. Do you know how many people in the court are watching you right now!"

There are some things that even in private conversations within his own palace, Prince Zhongshun dared not say outright. But he knew that although Yuan Xi was gentle in nature, he was not foolish or slow-witted. Having grown up in the palace, he was well-versed in the ways of the world and could grasp the nuances instantly. He would naturally understand the deeper meaning of his words. Upon hearing these words, Yuan Xi's heart was filled with turbulent emotions, a complex mix of feelings.

He was well aware of his situation. However, having been raised by Emperor Jingning since childhood, he had always adhered to the duties of a subject and dared not easily overstep his bounds. Now, with Prince Zhongshun's guidance, a trace of resentment and loneliness hidden deep in his heart was stirred up, lingering and entwining in his mind.

He looked up at Prince Zhongshun and saw that his third uncle's eyes were sharp and reserved, quietly watching him and waiting for his response.

He opened his mouth, feeling a tightness in his throat, and finally let out a barely audible sigh that blended into the fragrant aroma filling the room.

……

……

Yuan Xi is thirty-two years old this year. He has many wives and concubines, and his offspring are numerous, having already fathered twelve sons and several daughters. Apart from two sons who died young, the remaining ten boys have all survived, a rare feat among imperial descendants. His eldest son, Yuan Chen, is fourteen years old and was born to his principal wife, Lady Wulianghanjiermo. Lady Wulianghanjiermo is the daughter of a Mongol prince and is exceptionally beautiful and spirited.

That day, Yuan Xi returned from a banquet at Prince Zhongshun's residence as dusk was falling. Although he had drunk quite a bit of wine, his steps remained steady, but a deep-seated melancholy lingered between his brows.

When Wulianghanjiermo saw her husband return, she hurriedly went to greet him. Seeing that Yuan Xi's face was flushed, she said softly, "Does Your Highness wish to take a bath and change clothes? I have already ordered someone to prepare fragrant water."

Yuan Xi waved his hand and sat down at the table: "No rush, have a couple more drinks with me."

Seeing that his expression was different from usual and his eyes flickered slightly, Wu Lianghan Jiermoshi did not ask any questions. She immediately ordered the kitchen to send over some exquisite dishes, and then personally took the pot and poured wine for her husband.

The couple sat facing each other, drinking wine, the candlelight flickering.

Seeing that Yuan Xi was holding his wine cup for a long time without drinking, staring blankly at the darkening night outside the window, Wu Lianghan Jiermo asked softly, "Your Highness, did you encounter something unpleasant at the Prince Zhongshun's residence today?"

Yuan Xi shook his head and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp: "It's nothing." After a pause, he added: "Let's call the people in the room to sing and keep us company."

Knowing that he must be troubled and needed music to relieve his worries, Wulianghanjiermoshi ordered her trusted head maid to summon them. In a short while, two beautiful concubines gracefully arrived, one carrying a pipa and the other holding a jade flute.

With a gentle touch, she began to sing "Gui Zhi Er": "When I'm bored, I sit alone under the moonlight, thinking of my beloved, thinking of my nemesis. Moonlight Bodhisattva, be my witness: my feelings for him are true, my feelings for him are true, brother! His feelings for me are false..."

Although the lyrics are somewhat clichéd, the singing is melodious and lingering, like a lament, and even the bamboo shadows outside the window seem to freeze and listen closely.

Yuan Xi seemed to be listening but not really, his mind replaying the words of Prince Zhongshun from earlier that day, each word like a hammer blow to his heart.

Seeing him like this, Wulianghanjiermo gently advised, "Your Highness, too much wine is bad for your health. Be careful you don't have a headache tomorrow."

Yuan Xi put down his wine cup, but his gaze fell on a chessboard in the room: "My hands are itching to play today, how about a game?"

Wulianghanjiermo nodded in understanding and immediately sat down opposite Yuan Xi at the chessboard. This was a set of Yunzi chess pieces bestowed by the emperor. The chessboard was made of the finest sandalwood, and the pieces were warm to the touch. The white pieces were like mutton fat, and the black pieces had a bluish sheen. It was a special gift from the retired Emperor Jingning to Yuan Xi.

The husband and wife sat facing each other, playing chess. Yuan Xi was a master at it, and Wu Lianghan Jiermo, influenced by him, was also quite skilled. However, despite her diligent study over the years, she rarely won. It wasn't that she deliberately let him win; rather, her husband's chess style was meticulous, often producing a thunderous surprise from the silence.

Today was no different. Initially, the two were evenly matched, their black and white pieces crisscrossing the board, locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle. Wulianghanjiermo even held the upper hand at one point, seemingly about to encircle Yuan Xi's large group of black stones in the center. She was secretly delighted, believing victory was assured. However, Yuan Xi remained calm and composed, making a seemingly casual move on the edge, which actually concealed a hidden strategy. In just over ten moves, he seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack, not only saving his large group but also completely engulfing a group of her black pieces.

Wulianghanjiermo put down her chess piece and smiled sweetly: "I thought that since Your Highness is drunk today, I could take the opportunity to win a game against you and boast to my sisters. Who knew that Your Highness's chess skills are so superb, that you could set up such a wonderful game even when drunk? I am truly inferior to you."

She gazed at the chessboard, noticing that although the white pieces appeared scattered, they were actually full of hidden dangers, ultimately deciding the outcome of the game. She couldn't help but sigh, "As expected of a prince, his chess skills possess an aura that can shake the world!"

Yuan Xi was playing with a white chess piece when he heard his wife's words and was taken aback.

"An aura that shakes the world?"

He muttered to himself, his gaze returning to the chessboard, and suddenly felt that the game seemed to be hinting at the current state of the court.
He was the eldest grandson of the retired emperor, and his father had been the crown prince for decades. If his father hadn't ruined things, he should be sitting on the dragon throne now! Recalling Prince Zhongshun's words today, and savoring his wife's unintentional remark about "an aura that could shake the world," he felt a surge of heat in his chest, burning his internal organs.

"Perhaps Uncle San is right? Some things, we should still fight for them?"

He thought to himself, then suddenly stood up, walked to the window, and flung open the hinged window. The night breeze, carrying the fragrance of flowers and trees, rushed in. The moonlight was like water, the shadows of the trees swayed, and the artificial rocks looked like crouching beasts in the moonlight.

Seeing his fluctuating expression, Wulianghanjiermo said softly, "Your Highness, be careful not to catch a cold. It's getting late, you should rest."

Yuan Xi snapped out of his reverie, looked at his wife's concerned face, and forced a smile: "Yes, it's time to rest."

That night, he lay in his brocade tent, listening to the dripping of the water clock, his mind filled with the changing chess game and the profound words of Prince Zhongshun. The seed of "struggle" seemed to have taken root in his heart.

(End of this chapter)