Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 1132 All is well at the manor

Night was gradually falling in the capital.

After spending the day in the palace, Zhang Jinyu finally had some free time to return to his residence. As he approached the gate of the Marquis's mansion, the copper rings on the vermilion gate gleamed coldly in the twilight. Just as the gatekeeper was about to announce his arrival, Zhang Jinyu had already lifted the curtain, waved his hand, and stepped down from the carriage.

“My lord, in the past few days, many visiting cards from officials of the Six Ministries, as well as the Duke of Zhenguo, have been delivered to your residence. The lady said that I should keep watch and report to you.”

The old gatekeeper was already waiting at the gate, holding a stack of visiting cards. Zhang Jinyu had no interest in looking at them at the moment.

"You handle it as you see fit. I don't have time to deal with these things."

Having said that, he stepped into the front yard, leaving the old steward standing there, feeling utterly helpless. He couldn't possibly burn it down, could he?
In the blink of an eye,
The Marquis entered the side courtyard, turned the corner of the wall, and immediately saw Xiangling standing by the moon gate in the East Garden. She was wearing a long red silk dress and holding a half-wet rag in her hand, waiting for someone.

The girl had sharp eyes and saw the Marquis returning from afar. She was startled at first, her almond-shaped eyes widening in surprise. Then her face flushed, and she lifted her skirt, turned around, and ran into the courtyard. She ran into the covered walkway, her skirt brushing against the balsam bushes by the walkway, picking up a few pink and white petals. She seemed even more flustered than the Marquis.

In the blink of an eye, not even a glimpse of her back was seen, leaving Zhang Jinyu completely bewildered. Her lips twitched almost imperceptibly a few times. However, given her attire, she almost mistook Xiangling for Qin Keqing. Before she could even exchange a few words, she had vanished without a trace. This was truly strange today.

Stepping into the courtyard, his personal guards left. As soon as he entered the corridor, he saw Baozhu pouting and smiling as she greeted him.
"Young master, you're finally back! Miss said—no, Madam said—that the Marquis is coming back tonight, and she specially prepared several dishes that the Marquis likes, and they're waiting for him in the room."

"Oh, it's so late, haven't you had your meal yet?"

Zhang Jinyu was somewhat surprised. Had they not eaten yet, or were they going to Dongyunlou?

"Oh dear, my lord, what time is it? The old lady and the madam have already eaten, of course. They were just thinking that you would be returning late today, so they specifically asked me to keep an eye out. I even had someone make some for that Baili Hong restaurant in the east of the capital."

Baozhu was dressed in a special way today, wearing a red silk dress. I wonder what happy occasion she had. As she spoke, the silver hairpin in her hair swayed from time to time, making her look youthful and vibrant.

"Okay, bring the food in, we'll eat in a bit."

To be honest, spending so much time battling those old foxes in the Imperial Study was not only mentally exhausting, but sitting for so long also took a toll on my stomach. I wonder how Chief Minister Li has managed to endure it all these decades. Thinking of the eldest son's somewhat unfathomable smile, Zhang Jinyu secretly wondered if the Li family father and son had already figured out the Emperor's plans, while he himself was truly unable to understand them.

Following Baozhu, we passed through the courtyard. The ram's horn lanterns under the eaves had already been lit by the maids. The dim yellow light shone through the fine gauze and cast delicate flower shadows on the blue brick ground. The flowers and plants in the courtyard had already been decorated to look like they were in full bloom with spring.

As I walked and pondered, I soon entered the main hall. The first thing I smelled was a faint scent of agarwood, which was refreshing and more soothing than the ambergris in the imperial study.

Looking towards the west flower hall, Qin Keqing and Ruizhu were setting out the meal. Hearing footsteps, they looked up. As they stood up, the pearls at their temples swayed slightly, making a soft rustling sound. Today, they were wearing a long Suzhou brocade dress, which concealed their protruding bellies.

"You've come back just in time; the soup is still warm from the simmering."

With a beaming smile, she slowly sat down with Ruizhu's help.

How could Zhang Jinyu dare to be careless? She quickly walked into the flower hall, slowly sat down, and her gaze naturally fell on the hem of her skirt and the abdomen of her body.

"Madam, please be careful in everything you do. From now on, Baozhu can handle these tasks."

Just then, Baozhu entered carrying a teacup. Seeing that her mistress was personally setting the table, she turned slightly pale with fright.
"Yes, Miss, the young master is right. These things can be left to me to do."

Immediately afterwards, two bowls of flower tea were poured into the teacups.

Although Zhang Jinyu did not say it explicitly, a hint of anxiety in his eyes caught Qin Keqing's attention, and she nodded.
"It's only been a few days, no need to worry, my lord. Rest assured, I will have Baozhu do all these things from now on."

Seeing that her mistress had agreed, Baozhu breathed a sigh of relief and quickly took out the bowls and chopsticks.

Zhang Jinyu took the chopsticks and glanced at the dishes on the table: old duck soup, thyme, crystal palace dumplings, etc. In particular, the old duck soup was served in a white porcelain bowl. The soup was orange-yellow with a few green scallions floating on top. The other dish was crystal dumplings with paper-white skins and pink shrimp meat that could be vaguely seen inside. Both were highly nutritious.

Why is there such a lavish feast today?

He picked up his jade chopsticks and first took a piece of goose foot. The rich braising sauce mixed with the aroma of wine spread on his tongue, which was exactly the flavor he preferred.

Qin Keqing poured him a cup of wine herself, the wine rippled gently in the celadon cup, and she smiled broadly.
"I heard that the banquet in the palace today ended in a very unpleasant manner. At noon, my lord was summoned to the Imperial Study. He must have been racking his brains. When Xiangling saw you return, she was even more anxious than I was. She shouted through the moon gate, 'Quickly bring up the soup!' The old woman in the small kitchen was so flustered that she almost knocked over the clay pot."

She laughed as she spoke, her dimples spreading slightly at the corners of her eyes. The candlelight fell on her thick eyelashes, casting a small, gentle shadow.

Zhang Jinyu chuckled as well. No wonder Xiangling had vanished in the blink of an eye when he returned; she had gone to inform the enemy.

"This girl is getting more and more unruly."

There was no hint of blame in his words. He remembered that when this girl first entered the manor, she was a bit dim-witted, but now she had grown into a graceful young lady. Her features resembled Qin Keqing when she was young, especially when she wore Keqing's clothes. From her figure to her appearance, she was almost a carbon copy.

I quickly ate a few mouthfuls of food before my stomach felt much better.

As darkness gradually fell outside the window, the palace lanterns under the eaves shone even brighter, illuminating the mica paper pasted on the window lattice. The "Three Friends of Winter" painting on the paper came to life under the light: the vigorous pine needles, the sparse plum branches, and the upright bamboo all exuded the charm of ink and brush.

The evening breeze swept through the courtyard, carrying the sweet fragrance of mimosa blossoms into the window, stirring a wisp of hair at Qin Keqing's temple. She raised her hand to tuck the hair behind her ear, revealing her fair earlobe, on which hung a round pearl that swayed gently with her movement.

"Speaking of which, this girl's personality is quite like mine. She's also become much more clever. She's been very attentive in serving me. By the way, yesterday, Second Madam Lian from the Rongguo Mansion sent someone to deliver some freshly picked tangerines, saying they were newly tribute from the south."

Qin Keqing peeled a few oranges with her hands; the flesh was as red as the sunset.
"I tried a few, and the flesh was sweeter than in previous years. Let's taste it."

Zhang Jinyu reached out and took one, putting it in her mouth. The sweet juice slid down her throat, and the coolness dispelled some of her fatigue. The taste was acceptable, but Wang Xifeng came to visit all the time, and the Marquis's mansion had become her home.

"Second Madam Lian is quite thoughtful. She met Jia Zheng in the palace today and heard him say that a new Lotus Fragrance Pavilion has been built in the garden of Rongguo Mansion, and the scenery is quite beautiful."

He answered in a disjointed manner.

"Isn't that right?"

Qin Keqing put down the tangerines; she couldn't eat more than a few bites of these.

“I’ve also heard about the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion. It’s built by the water, with windows on all four sides covered with green gauze. Sitting inside and watching the fish swimming in the water is like being in a painting. She even invited me to come and take a look.”

However, after becoming pregnant, she took great care and gave up the idea.

"It's not convenient right now. We want to wait until things are more stable in the future. Besides these things, what else did she say?"

Zhang Jinyu couldn't agree to this. Not to mention the entire Rongguo Mansion, even within the mansion, one shouldn't go to the riverbank because of the biting cold.

Perhaps I've been too busy these days to check on Lin Daiyu. Fortunately, I send her some things every now and then through the servants. And then there's Xue Baochai, so shrewd and understanding; it's a pity her brother, Xue Pan, has caused so much trouble.

"They didn't say anything,"

Qin Keqing paused, her chopsticks twitching slightly, her brows furrowing.
"But when the fruit was delivered this time, I heard Zhou Rui's wife say a few words about it. This year, for Yuan Chun's visit home, the mansion has added a lot of new gardens. The materials and furnishings purchased have all cost a fortune. Now it looks glamorous on the outside, but only they know the difficulties inside."

She sighed softly, her gaze falling on the mimosa tree outside the window.
"Speaking of which, it's also difficult for Feng'er. It seems that the Chamber of Commerce mentioned that the trade route has been explored once, and next year they will have Jia Yun from Rongguo Mansion lead a team so that Feng'er can participate."

Suddenly, I remembered the caravan business. Although I didn't know much about it, I figured that if I just took a trip there, I could make a lot of money.

Zhang Jinyu frowned. He knew about the trading business; it seemed to be arranged by his mother, but she hadn't explained why. Besides, he didn't care about the profits from such a small transaction. "Let them manage the trading business. Don't worry about it. It's fine if Second Madam Lian gets involved. If she comes to the manor in person, you can ask her about it later. But the Rongguo Mansion is so large and powerful, does it really need this much money?"

Zhang Jinyu was somewhat skeptical. Not to mention the previous encounters where he had taken a lot of money from the Jia family, and the subsequent repayment of the Ministry of Revenue's money, plus the newly built garden, and the news that a fortified village had been built on the estate outside the city, none of these things seemed to indicate a lack of money.

Qin Keqing's eyes were full of laughter as she pursed her lips and replied;
“What you say is right, my lord. I didn’t quite believe it either. The Rongguo Mansion is so large that although there are many expenses, there are also many incomes. Later, I asked about this matter and learned the inside story. It is said that the Rongguo Mansion is not short of money, but Feng’er is.”

Zhang Jinyu suddenly stopped eating and looked at Qin Keqing's gentle smile. Only then did she understand the meaning. Indeed, the Jia family was not short of money, but which branch of the family was not short of money? After all, the money in one's own pocket was the only money.

“That’s true. The Rongguo Mansion’s assets are all in the hands of the second branch of the family, while the money from the first branch is hidden by Jia She. She and Jia Lian didn’t get any family wealth. Fortunately, they gained military merit and were granted titles during the southern campaign to quell the rebellion.”

I wonder if Jia Lian still has You Erjie by his side, and if that child is still alive.

"It's good that the title has been changed. If we have more children in the future, we'll have more options."

Qin Keqing responded with a loving expression. If she had more children in the future, she would definitely have to worry about the matter of the title.

Even Zhang Jinyu was somewhat surprised. Qin Keqing hadn't paid attention to these things before, but now it seemed she had given them more thought. Fortunately, she had earned enough military merits to get by.

"Good. It just so happens that I've also changed a few titles this time, enough for the household's needs. From now on, you should rest more. Leave the household affairs to them. I'm sure there are no servants in the household who won't obey orders."

Zhang Jinyu smiled and replied, her gaze sweeping over the intertwined floral pattern embroidered on the cuffs of her sleeves—the stitches were fine and the colors elegant.
"The material of this jacket is quite unique; it feels delicate to the touch. Is it Suzhou brocade from Jiangnan?"

"This is newly presented Yun brocade from Nanyun,"

Qin Keqing pulled up her sleeve and extended it; it was indeed a flowing cloud-like scepter, as smooth as silk.
"The begonia pattern on it is woven with a mixture of gold and silver threads. When you look at it in the sunlight, it looks like dewdrops are rolling on the petals. It was sent by the empress from the palace yesterday. The old lady of Rongguo Mansion also received a few bolts a few days ago. It is no less than Shu brocade."

When Yun brocade was mentioned, Zhang Jinyu's eyes showed some strangeness. It was as if these were gifts sent by Prince Langyun of the South, and that they had been sent away to nobles in less than a day. This stuff was even rarer than Shu brocade. Shu brocade was expensive because of the long and difficult journey, but Yun brocade was only valuable because of its rarity.

Just then, Baozhu came in carrying a bowl of freshly stewed white fungus and lotus seed soup, and said softly:

“Grandma, Lord Marquis, this soup has been simmering for two hours. The lotus seeds are all cooked until they are soft. There is also a ginseng root in it, which Zixiang ground for us.”

In the white porcelain bowl, the white fungus is crystal clear, the lotus seeds are soft and powdery, and a layer of fine osmanthus petals is sprinkled on top, giving it a sweet and refreshing aroma.

"Okay, bring it over quickly."

Qin Keqing took the bowl, scooped a spoonful with a silver spoon, and brought it to Zhang Jinyu's lips.
"Try it. I put in your favorite rock sugar, but not too much, so it's not greasy."

The warm, sweet aroma melted on her tongue. Zhang Jinyu looked at Qin Keqing's face so close to hers, the candlelight dancing in her eyes like two warm flames. Her heart warmed; she had been in the capital for quite some time now.

"Well, the taste is acceptable. Have a bowl for Madam too."

After instructing Baozhu, he took the bowl and ate it all in one gulp. Qin Keqing nodded, took the porcelain bowl, carefully took a sip, and said again.

"Speaking of which, a few days ago Xiangling tried to make a pair of shoes. Her stitches were crooked, but she insisted on letting you try them on. Seeing how earnest she was, I couldn't bear to say they weren't good, so I just told her to practice some more."

Zhang Jinyu couldn't help but smile as she recalled Xiangling's panicked figure running away.
"It's good that she has the intention. Once she does it well, I'll try it on."

A pair of shoes is no big deal.

The wind outside the window gradually picked up, making the window paper rustle softly. The palace lanterns under the corridor swayed in the wind, casting flickering shadows on the ground. The fragrance of the mimosa flowers grew stronger, mingling with the agarwood incense in the room, creating a comforting aroma.

Qin Keqing pulled her thin robe tighter around her neck.
"Everything is well at your residence. The palace has sent quite a few things these past few days, especially a whole box of Shu brocade. I'm thinking that the things at your residence are fine, but I should make a few more clothes for my sisters in the Rongguo Mansion and send them over. Autumn is just around the corner."

Although there is still more than a month to go, the timing will be just right once the clothes are made.

"No need to be so particular,"

Zhang Jinyu had finished his meal and, after putting down his chopsticks, took her hand; her fingertips were slightly cool.
"They have no shortage of clothes, but you should think more about yourself. Baozhu will manage the affairs in the courtyard, and Ruizhu will take care of the affairs in the house. Make sure you don't skimp on anything you need. You should focus on taking care of your pregnancy."

Qin Keqing's cheeks flushed slightly as she withdrew her wrist, her face still slightly red.
"I already have all of them, but I wanted to include a small token of my appreciation for my younger sisters."

Even so, a gentle smile curved her lips.

The two chatted for a while, talking about everything that happened inside and outside the mansion, until the lights were turned off and they had nothing more to say.

Meanwhile, inside the palace,
In the imperial study room,

After the officials left, the Imperial Study remained completely silent. After an unknown amount of time, the screen behind the east door rustled softly.

Dai Quan, who was serving inside the room, kept glancing at the screen without making a sound.

Behind the screen, in a hidden compartment, the Emperor Emeritus sat in a pear wood chair. The string of his Taoist beads had broken and was rolling on the floor. He wore a worn-out Taoist robe, and his hair was tied up with a wooden hairpin. The wrinkles on his face were much deeper than they had been last year.

His eyes were closed, and he seemed lost in thought. On the table in front of him lay the congratulatory letter that Xu Changwen had handed him, spread out flat. Xia Shouzhong, who was serving him, looked troubled.

"The world belongs to Your Majesty, and no one neglects their own family. Officials, both inside and outside the court, have their duties and responsibilities, all of which are to ensure the stability of Your Majesty's family. To be solely focused on metaphysical cultivation is a delusion in Your Majesty's mind."

The retired emperor silently read the memorial aloud, his face growing increasingly pale. He thought of the arguments among the officials earlier, and how most of them had been so vague and ambiguous. Had he really been so incompetent before?

"Shouzhong, do you think I made a mistake?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, whatever Your Majesty does is right. As for Xu Changwen, his rebellious and treasonous words are not to be believed. This servant also believes that he should be severely punished without leniency."

Xia Shouzhong immediately knelt down on the ground, his face solemn.

outside,

The Empress sighed and laid the copied memorial flat on her desk.

"The previous court hearings were for the Jiangnan Textile Bureau case and the Jiangbei Jade Mine case. The people involved were spread all over Jiangnan. They are now detained in the capital, so there is no need to wait any longer. Let Song Zhen find a way to close the case first. Tomorrow they will try Xu Changwen, so there needs to be a plan."

"Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will send someone to deliver a message to Grand Secretary Song immediately. I just don't know if it is necessary to send a message to Grand Secretary Gu as well."

Dai Quan bowed and agreed, but he was a little confused. If there was to be a trial, and the presiding judge was Grand Secretary Gu, then what was this so-called law?

"Well, also tell him to handle it himself."

As if in response to the Empress, and from the hidden compartment on the east side, a sound came. Dai Quan immediately gave Xiao Yunzi a look, and Xiao Yunzi ran to the back of the screen to peek. Then, a voice came from behind.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus has returned."

"Hehe, good to hear back, good to hear back."

(End of this chapter)