The Red Mansion

Chapter 77 Emperor Taishun summons Jiang Nian

As a provincial examination in the capital area under the emperor's feet, the Shuntian Prefecture Provincial Examination was particularly standardized.

After the names of the candidates in the three examinations were covered, the transcribers would transcribe the copies (red papers) with a red pen to prevent the handwriting from revealing their identities and the examiners from committing favoritism and fraud. The examiners would mark the papers in separate rooms according to the subjects, with each room responsible for a certain number of red papers. They would preliminarily screen out the excellent papers and recommend them to the chief examiner (recommended papers).

The chief examiner, Wang Tingyu, reviewed all the recommended papers, decided whether to accept them, and made a preliminary ranking.

Wang Tingyu then discussed the disputed papers with fellow examiners and finally determined the admission list and rankings.

Then, the Ministry of Rites will send personnel to review the admission test papers to check whether the format, taboos, handwriting, etc. are in compliance with the regulations to prevent cheating.

But this is not the final result.

The Shuntian Prefecture Provincial Examination has a special status. This year's Shuntian Prefecture Provincial Examination was led by Emperor Taishun. In addition to submitting the admission list to Emperor Taishun for his review, the answer sheets of the top ten candidates in the provincial examination must also be reviewed by Emperor Taishun in person to demonstrate the imperial power's control over the imperial examination.

On this day, the chief examiner Wang Tingyu came to Danningju in Changchun Garden to meet Emperor Taishun.

Wang Tingyu respectfully bowed to Emperor Taishun, who was sitting cross-legged on a rosewood couch, and then carefully presented the list of admissions to the Shuntian Prefecture provincial examination and the answer sheets of the top ten candidates.

Emperor Taishun was very concerned about this matter, one of the reasons being that his son, a commoner, was involved.

Emperor Taishun first checked the admission list, his eyes sharp as a torch, starting from the name of the first place winner and reading down.

The list is long, with more than a hundred people in total.

Suddenly, his gaze stopped at the 33rd place, and surprise flashed in his eyes. The name was "Jiang Nian"!
Emperor Taishun thought to himself, "He actually passed the imperial examination! It's truly remarkable that someone who is only fifteen years old can pass the imperial examination, and is ranked 33rd in Shuntian Prefecture!"

He thought to himself again: "Thirty-three, the third day of March, is Yi'er's birthday..."

Emperor Taishun pondered for a moment, then said to Wang Tingyu in a serious tone, "Demote Jiang Nian, who ranked 33rd, and do not allow him to pass the exam."

Wang Tingyu was surprised and asked cautiously, "Your Majesty, could you please explain the reason?"

Emperor Taishun said, "This matter must be kept secret. You must obey orders and remember not to leak them."

Wang Tingyu's heart trembled.

He always strictly observed the etiquette between the emperor and his subjects, showed absolute obedience to the imperial power, was cautious in his words and deeds, and was good at forbearing and avoiding disasters. Moreover, although he was a trusted minister of Emperor Jingning, he was also submissive to Emperor Taishun, knowing that once Emperor Jingning passed away, Daqing would become Emperor Taishun's world.

Although he was very surprised and curious at this moment, he did not ask any more questions. He just nodded respectfully and answered obediently: "I obey your order."

Prince Zhongyi had previously suggested to Emperor Taishun that Jiang Nian take the Shuntian Prefecture provincial examination. If he passed, he should not be given the title of Juren, nor should he be allowed to take the imperial examination. This would prove Jiang Nian's talent without arousing suspicion of imperial interference.

Although Emperor Taishun has not yet decided to recognize Jiang Nian as the prince, Prince Zhongyi believes that Jiang Nian may be recognized in the future, which is why he made this proposal.

Emperor Taishun then reviewed the admission list and the answers of the top ten candidates and slightly adjusted the rankings of the top ten.

After Wang Tingyu took his leave, Emperor Taishun sent a eunuch to summon Prince Zhongyi, who was currently in Changchun Garden.

Prince Zhongyi quickly rushed to Danningju.

Emperor Taishun said to Prince Zhongyi with a complicated expression, "Yier has passed the Shuntian Prefecture provincial examination and ranked 33rd."

Prince Zhongyi's eyes flickered with surprise. "He really passed? A juren at only fifteen, and ranked thirty-third in the Shuntian Prefecture provincial examination, is truly remarkable! It seems that Brother Yi is truly a prodigy, a man of both civil and military talents."

Emperor Taishun's expression remained complex as he continued, "Just now, I have ordered Wang Tingyu to dismiss Yi'er and not allow him to pass the imperial examination."

Prince Zhongyi was not surprised to hear this and nodded: "It is only right to do so in order to avoid suspicion of imperial interference."

Prince Zhongyi added, "Yi'er is such a prodigy, and he's the flesh and blood of His Majesty. He should be employed in the imperial court, and shouldn't be confined to the countryside for so long."

Emperor Taishun pondered for a moment and asked, "What do you propose?"

Prince Zhongyi pondered for a moment and replied, "Yier is not yet of age. You can first appoint him as a third-class guard and not have him on duty, allowing him to concentrate on his studies. Qu Tai will teach him Confucian classics, history books, legal codes, and current affairs, while He Yun will continue to teach him riding, archery, and martial arts. When he comes of age next year, he will be officially admitted to the court."

Emperor Taishun couldn't help but frown.

He had experienced the cruel struggle of nine princes competing for the throne, and he didn't want his prince to enter the court too early. Even if Jiang Nian wasn't a prince yet, he didn't want him to enter the court too early. Moreover, if he gave Jiang Nian the rank of third-class guard now, it would increase the risk of exposing Jiang Nian's background.

After pondering for a long time, Emperor Taishun finally spoke in a deep voice, "I want to meet this boy and examine him in person before making a decision."

……

……

Although the provincial examination was over, Jiang Nian still insisted on studying and practicing martial arts diligently every day.

He values ​​time like gold and is unwilling to waste precious time.

He also knows that only by constantly improving himself can he better grasp the future.

What's more, studying hard and practicing martial arts is a way to strive for progress and will help to improve your luck.

However, after the provincial examination, Jiang Nian's daily reading shifted from Confucian classics to other genres. These included the "Imperially Approved Daqing General Rites," the "Daqing Laws," and books on science and engineering. These helped him gain a deeper understanding of Daqing's rituals, laws, and the science and engineering of the era, which would come in handy in the future.

That day, Jiang Nian read from morning until noon, shutting himself in his study, immersed in a sea of ​​books, as if cut off from the world. After lunch, he practiced calligraphy for another quarter of an hour. Afterward, he habitually took a nap to relieve fatigue.

Naps usually last only half an hour; any longer feels like a waste of time. Furthermore, while a short nap can relieve fatigue, the effect is limited. A long nap can lead to sleep inertia, leaving you feeling even more tired upon waking, and even affecting your sleep quality at night.

When Jiang Nian takes a nap, the servants at home usually don't disturb him unless there is something important.

Something important happened suddenly today.

Butler He Yun suddenly came to the main room in a hurry, breaking the tranquility in the main room.

He walked to the door of Jiang Nian's bedroom, gently pushed it open, and waved to Xiangling who was guarding the room.

Xiangling understood and tiptoed out of the bedroom.

He Yun whispered to Xiangling, "A distinguished guest has come to see you. He has something very important to tell you. Wake you up quickly."

Xiangling blinked, then gently opened the door and walked to Jiang Nian's bed. She stretched out her hand to push Jiang Nian and called out, "Master, wake up, wake up quickly..."

Jiang Nian woke up from his sleep, his eyes a little hazy. He rubbed his eyes and asked, "What's the matter?"

Xiangling said, "Butler He wants to see you. He said a distinguished guest is coming to visit with something very important."

Jiang Nian looked towards the door and saw He Yun. Without delay, he sat up quickly.

Xiangling was about to help Jiang Nian change his clothes, but He Yun gestured for her to leave. Xiangling understood and quietly withdrew. He Yun then walked up to Jiang Nian and whispered, "Master, Guard Ren Pijiang is here. He was sent by the Emperor to deliver His Majesty's instructions."

Jiang Nian's heart was shocked, and he immediately became much clearer.

Ren Pijiang had previously been ordered by Emperor Taishun to secretly travel south to Jiangning to meet Jiang Xuelian, Jiang Nian, and He Yun and his wife. It was also he who conveyed the imperial edict to Jiang Nian, and Emperor Taishun allowed Jiang Nian to enter the capital.

Ren Pijiang was already familiar with Jiang Nian and He Yun. However, Jiang Nian had been in Beijing for two months and had not seen Ren Pijiang in that time.

And today, Emperor Taishun suddenly sent Ren Pijiang to deliver his oral instructions.

Jiang Nian asked He Yun to entertain Ren Pijiang, while he quickly changed his clothes. After changing and rinsing his mouth, he went to the east wing where He Yun lived and met Ren Pijiang.

Ren Pijiang, in his early thirties, was tall and imposing. To maintain secrecy, he did not wear the uniform of a second-class guard.

Jiang Nian and He Yun invited Ren Pijiang into the main hall, asked Xiangling and other servants to leave, and asked Meng to guard under the eaves at the door to prevent others from approaching.

At this time, in the west wing, Xue Baochai and Ying'er stood behind the window, watching everything outside with surprise. Ying'er whispered, "Who is coming? Why are the master, the housekeeper He, and the lady He so cautious?"

Xue Baochai remained silent upon hearing this. She looked through the window lattice towards the main hall, thinking to herself, "Perhaps this visitor is related to my master's mysterious background..."

Inside the main hall, Ren Pijiang stared solemnly at Jiang Nian: "The emperor has a message!"

After saying this, he walked to the center of the hall and stood facing south.

Jiang Nian and He Yun approached Ren Pijiang and knelt before him, saying, "Your humble servant Jiang Nian (your humble servant He Yun) respectfully listens!"

Jiang Nian calls himself a "commoner" and He Yun calls himself a "minister", which is reasonable but seems strange.

Ren Pijiang announced, "I wish to see you two. Tomorrow, starting at 3 p.m., we will go to Changchun Garden in the western suburbs to present ourselves. This matter must be kept secret; do not disclose it without permission!"

Jiang Nian and He Yun said respectfully, "We obey your instructions and thank you!"

The two of them knelt again facing west. The west was the direction of the imperial palace and Changchun Garden.

According to the Daqing etiquette, when the emperor has an oral order to convey to his subjects, the subjects must kneel facing the direction of the palace.

When Jiang Nian stood up, Ren Pijiang bowed to him and said respectfully, "Greetings, Master Nian."

Jiang Nian bowed and said, "Please take a seat, sir."

Ren Pijiang smiled slightly and said, "From now on, you can just call me 'Guard Ren'. I cannot bear the word 'Sir'."

In Ren Pijiang's opinion, since Jiang Nian came to Beijing and was summoned by Emperor Taishun, there was a chance that he would be recognized as a prince.

After Ren Pijiang sat down, he discussed tomorrow's audience with Jiang Nian and He Yun.

After finishing his task, Ren Pijiang was about to say goodbye and leave.

Jiang Nian suddenly took out two silver bills and stuffed them into Ren Pijiang's hand, saying softly, "In the past, I have troubled you to go to the south of the Yangtze River several times, and today you have troubled me to travel so hard. This is a small token of my appreciation."

Ren Pijiang glanced at the banknotes and found that they were two hundred taels each. After a moment's hesitation, he picked up one and handed it to Jiang Nian, saying respectfully, "Master Nian has given me a reward. I dare not refuse it, but I also dare not accept more. By accepting the hundred taels, I am accepting Master Nian's kindness."

Jiang Nian did not push or shove and took back a silver note, but he ignored Ren Pijiang's refusal and together with He Yun, sent Ren Pijiang out of the house.

In the west wing, Xue Baochai and Ying'er were still standing behind the window, noticing what was happening, and were both even more curious about who the newcomer was...

……

……

The next day at noon, it was raining in the capital area.

Jiang Nian got on a carriage.

He Yun put on the uniform of a fifth-rank Dragon Guard Commandant and personally drove the carriage. To maintain secrecy, he did not let the groom Dong Liang drive the carriage this time.

The carriage left the Jiang family and headed west...

In the rain, the carriage drove from the eastern suburbs to Chaoyang Gate. After passing Chaoyang Gate, it meandered across the inner city of Shenjing and headed towards Changchun Garden in the western suburbs.

Inside the carriage, Jiang Nian sat upright, gazing out the window at the rainy streets. The rain, like a curtain, shrouded the bustling capital in a hazy haze, seemingly adding a touch of mystery to his secret journey.

When they arrived outside Changchun Garden, there was still an hour before the audience time at 3:00 PM.

Jiang Nian came early on purpose. Firstly, he was afraid of delaying the audience. Secondly, if Emperor Taishun asked him when he arrived, he would say that he arrived an hour early to avoid delaying the audience, which would satisfy Emperor Taishun.

When it was almost the beginning of the afternoon, Ren Pijiang led Jiang Nian and He Yun into Changchun Garden.

After entering the main palace gate and walking around the Nine Classics and Three Affairs Hall, the group arrived at Danning Residence.

In the warm room, a bronze incense burner in a corner habitually spewed out wisps of ambergris smoke.

Emperor Taishun was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and habitually sat cross-legged on a rosewood Arhat bed.

Prince Zhongyi was also there, wearing a royal hat and a dragon robe, sitting nearby.

Apart from this pair of brothers, there was no one else in the warm room, not even a eunuch. It was obvious that Emperor Taishun had made such an arrangement on purpose.

At this time, Ren Pijiang led Jiang Nian and He Yun, and the three of them walked into the warm room with their heads lowered and slow steps.

Jiang Nian didn't bother to observe Emperor Taishun's appearance. He knelt down and bowed deeply, saying, "Your humble servant Jiang Nian respectfully wishes you the best of luck!"

He Yun also bowed deeply and knelt, saying, "Your Highness, I, He Yun, respectfully greet you!"

Common people? Emperor Taishun was satisfied with Jiang Nian's self-proclaimed title, but also felt a little awkward. He said lightly: "Everyone, get up."

Jiang Nian and He Yun stood up, but both lowered their heads.

Emperor Taishun said, "Raise your heads."

Jiang Nian and He Yun raised their heads.

Emperor Taishun ordered Ren Pijiang to retreat outside the door to guard, and then he looked at Jiang Nian carefully. He thought that although Jiang Nian's appearance was not handsome, he was better than the average appearance, and his physique was strong, which could be considered heroic. Emperor Taishun was satisfied.

Emperor Taishun also looked at He Yun and found that He Yun's eyes were wet, and tears were running down his face. He was usually cold and mean, but at this moment he smiled slightly and asked He Yun: "He Yun, are you unhappy to see your Fourth Master? Why are you crying?"

The boy does not cry easily.

He Yun, a burly, majestic, and steady man, rarely cried in his life. Earlier, in Jiangning, when he witnessed the touching scene of Feng and Xiangling reuniting and weeping in each other's arms, his eyes only moistened slightly, and he hurriedly wiped away the tears with his rough hands, believing that shedding tears was shameful.

At this time he burst into tears.

Hearing Emperor Taishun's question, He Yun wiped his tears and said excitedly, "It has been so long since I last saw the Fourth Master... Your Majesty, I am so overjoyed to now have the opportunity to see you. I can't help but cry with joy."

Emperor Taishun nodded slightly, his eyes fell on Jiang Nian's face again, his expression became serious, and he said in a deep voice: "I want to see the birthmark on your body!"

(End of this chapter)