The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 653 Baochai's Illness
After introducing Ahemaiti, the marriage envoy from Hami, to Jia Huan, Zhao Mingcheng, the Minister of Rites, exchanged a few more pleasantries, took out a gleaming Western pocket watch from his pocket, examined it by the candlelight, and said, "It is now 3:45 AM. The wedding will take place at 3:45 AM, and the Emperor will take his leave at 5:00 AM. It is time for the two marriage envoys to go to the Princess's residence to welcome Princess Kangle. Do not be late."

So Jia Huan and Ahemaiti left the Ministry of Rites and went to the Princess's Mansion to welcome Princess Kang Le, Lin Daiyu. Officials from the Ministry of Rites led the ceremonial guard in front, playing music and fanfare, similar to a wedding procession in the countryside, but the scale was more than a hundred times grander.

Although the Hami Kingdom's wedding envoy was not fluent in Chinese, he was very talkative. He took the initiative to strike up conversations along the way, subtly probing and seemingly insignificant chatter, but in reality, he wanted to test Jia Huan's abilities and extract some information about the Jin court. However, although Jia Huan was young, he was not a novice, and Ahemaiti was destined to waste his efforts.

Meanwhile, Jia Huan and Ahemaiti's party arrived outside the princess's residence, where the princess's scribes and guards were already lined up to welcome them.

It is worth mentioning that the Prince of Dajin's palace had a Chief Secretary position, which was held by a civil official, while the Princess's palace had a Middle Secretary position, which was held by a eunuch. Both positions were equivalent to the role of a general manager, in charge of all affairs within the palace.

The official in Princess Kang Le's residence was named Duan Yong. He was in his early thirties, with dark skin and a tall, thin build, quite unlike the fair-skinned, beardless, and mostly plump palace eunuchs.

This eunuch surnamed Duan seemed stern and unsmiling. When he saw the two marriage envoys, Jia Huan and Ahemaiti, he did not smile much. He simply bowed and introduced himself, "I am Duan Yong, the historian of Princess Kangle's residence. I greet the two marriage envoys."

Ahmaiti quickly patted his chest in greeting and said with a smile, "So it's Eunuch Duan. Ahmaiti, the envoy from the vassal state, greets you!"

While returning the greeting, Jia Huan secretly scrutinized Duan Yong. This eunuch Duan was the actual person in charge of the princess's residence and was probably Emperor Qiansheng's spy. He would also be accompanying Princess Kangle on her marriage to Hami, making him a very important figure. If Jia Huan wanted his plan to be implemented smoothly, he would have to deal with this person first.

Duan Yong welcomed Jia Huan and Ahemaiti into the princess's residence, instructed them to wait outside the second gate, and then went to the inner quarters of the princess's residence to make arrangements.

Taking advantage of this brief respite, Ahemaiti looked around. He saw ornately carved beams and painted rafters, pavilions and terraces, all exquisitely beautiful. He couldn't help but marvel at the wealth of the Jin Kingdom. This was merely the princess's residence, far surpassing the palace of the Hami King. Such wealth was beyond the reach of a small country like Hami. Thinking of Princess Kangle's lavish dowry, Ahemaiti felt a surge of excitement. He wondered what Princess Kangle looked like; if she were ugly, he feared the king wouldn't be pleased.

Ahemaiti's eyes were darting around when he suddenly noticed Jia Huan looking at him. He felt a chill run down his spine and said with a forced smile, "The magnificence of this princess's residence has truly broadened my horizons."

The official from the Ministry of Rites who was in charge of announcing the ceremony beside him curled his lips slightly, a look of contempt flashing in his eyes. He thought to himself, "These people from barbarian countries really haven't seen the world. This is just a princess's residence that has been temporarily converted. It's not even comparable to the residences of ordinary dukes and marquises. He's already so shocked. When he enters the capital to bid farewell to the emperor, won't he be utterly astonished?"

Jia Huan frowned slightly. He always felt that Ahemaiti had ulterior motives, so he became even more cautious.

Just then, a palace maid suddenly peeked out from inside the second gate. When she saw Jia Huan in the distance, her eyes lit up. She waved as if to say something, but was pulled back by two eunuchs behind her who covered her mouth.

It was still dark, and although the surroundings were brightly lit, the distance was still too great for Jia Huan to see clearly. He vaguely felt that the palace maid looked a bit like Xueyan. Just as he was wondering, the palace maid probably broke free and poked half of her body out from behind the door, seemingly wanting to shout. However, she was immediately dragged back by several hands behind her.

This time, Jia Huan saw clearly that the palace maid was undoubtedly Xueyan. His heart tightened, and he stepped towards the second gate. The official in charge of announcing the ceremony was taken aback and quickly reminded him, "Jia Huan, the marriage envoy, please wait outside the second gate."

Jia Huan ignored him and continued walking briskly towards the second gate. Ahemaiti's eyes darted around, and he followed. The official from the Ministry of Rites' face darkened, and he shouted, "Stop! This is an overreach of etiquette!"

Two guards from the princess's residence rushed forward to stop him, but it was too late. Jia Huan had already slipped into the second gate with great speed. Ahemaiti, who was a step slower, was stopped by the guards and could only watch helplessly as Jia Huan disappeared from sight.

"Let her go!" Jia Huan rushed into the second gate and saw two eunuchs grabbing a palace maid and dragging her inside. He immediately shouted sternly.

The two eunuchs were stunned for a moment, and subconsciously let go of her hands. The little palace maid was Xueyan. When she saw Jia Huan, she was overjoyed and cried, "Third Master, our young lady has something urgent to tell you, but Eunuch Duan will not allow it. I sneaked out."

Jia Huan's heart tightened, and he quickly stepped forward to ask, "What happened?"

"I can't explain it clearly right now, please come with me."

Jia Huan nodded decisively: "Lead the way!"

Xueyan quickly turned and ran towards the back courtyard. Two eunuchs blocked her way, saying cautiously, "Envoy Jia, please wait outside the second gate. This is the back courtyard of the princess's residence; no official may enter without permission."

Jia Huan coldly said, "I did not trespass. The princess summoned me urgently. If something happens, can you take responsibility? Get out of my way!"

These two young eunuchs were inexperienced, and Jia Huan, having been on the battlefield for many years and wielding the power of life and death, naturally possessed an intimidating aura. The two were momentarily stunned, watching helplessly as Jia Huan barged into the inner quarters before they finally came to their senses and reported to Eunuch Duan.

Meanwhile, Jia Huan followed Xueyan at a brisk pace. The palace maids they encountered along the way all showed surprise. Soon, Jia Huan arrived outside Lin Daiyu's boudoir.

"Princess, Third Master Huan is here!" Xueyan called out as she rushed into the pavilion.

"Huan Di!" Lin Daiyu stood up in surprise, her jade pendants jingling, and the phoenix crown and pearl ornaments on her head trembling like flowers.

"Sister Lin!" Jia Huan rushed in and was momentarily stunned when he saw Lin Daiyu, who had already changed into a phoenix coronet and wedding robes. She was so beautiful that even the most vivid descriptions of her beauty seemed insufficient to describe her.

As the saying goes, a woman dresses up for the one she loves. Lin Daiyu was deeply in love with Jia Huan. When she saw Jia Huan's amazed expression, her heart was filled with sweetness. She lowered her head shyly, thinking how wonderful it would be if today were her and Huan-di's wedding day.

At this moment, Jia Huan also came to his senses and hurriedly asked, "Sister Lin, why did you ask Xueyan to find me? Is something urgent?"

Lin Daiyu then realized the seriousness of the matter and hurriedly said, "Sister Bao's old illness has flared up again. Duan Yong had someone take her away, and we don't know where she is now."

In ancient times, maids in wealthy families were not allowed to stay in their masters' rooms if they fell ill. They had to be taken out for treatment and could only come back in after they recovered, so as not to infect their masters. In the original novel of Dream of the Red Chamber, Qingwen was criticized by others for staying in Yihong Courtyard when she was sick.

Upon hearing this, Jia Huan's heart tightened, and he asked, "Didn't Sister Bao bring the Cold Fragrance Pills?"

Xiangling said with red eyes, "I brought it. How could I not bring this life-saving thing? When I first brought it into the princess's mansion, I buried it under the flowering tree in the courtyard. Who knew that last month, the young lady fell ill and took out a pill. But Duan Zhongshi found out and forbade the hiding of unknown things in the princess's mansion, so he confiscated them all. The young lady explained that it was medicine to cure her illness, but it was no use."

A flash of anger crossed Jia Huan's eyes as he asked, "Xiangling, you're here, so who's with Baochai right now?"

“Ying’er!” Zijuan replied, “When Duan Zhongshi ordered his men to take Miss Bao away, he did not want anyone else to follow. It was only after our young lady kept pleading that they agreed to let Ying’er take care of Miss Bao.”

Just then, Eunuch Duan walked in with a dark face and said unhappily, "Jia Huan, how dare you enter the princess's boudoir? If word gets out, what will become of Her Highness's reputation? Please leave immediately, or don't blame me for disregarding your dignity!" Jia Huan sneered inwardly and said indifferently, "I was just looking for you. Come, let's talk outside." He then turned and walked outside.

Seeing Jia Huan usurping his place, Duan Yong was so angry that his lips trembled. He glared at Xueyan before turning around and walking out of the house, following Jia Huan into the courtyard.

"Jia Huan, how dare you trespass into the Princess's inner quarters! I'll report you for attempting to make improper advances towards the Princess!" Duan Yong warned angrily.

Jia Huan remained calm, as if he were a dead pig unafraid of boiling water, and said, "Eunuch Duan, you may accuse me if you want, but I only ask you, where is Sister Bao now?"

Duan Yong frowned and asked, "Is the Baochai you're talking about that girl from the Xue family?"

Jia Huan nodded and said, "Sister Bao has a congenital illness. Once she falls ill, she needs the Cold Fragrance Pill to relieve it. Please ask Eunuch Duan to return the pill."

Duan Yong sneered, "In all my decades of life, this is the first time I've ever heard of such a strange disease and such strange medicine. White peony stamens that bloom in spring, white lotus stamens that bloom in summer, white hibiscus stamens that bloom in autumn, white plum blossom stamens that bloom in winter, rainwater from Grain Rain, dew from White Dew, frost from Frost's Descent, snow from Minor Snow... It's utterly absurd. It's obviously made up. For the safety of Your Highness, these things of unknown origin must be confiscated. I'm just following the rules."

Jia Huan said calmly, "You can't talk about ice with a summer insect, and you can't know the ambition of a swan with a sparrow. Even a sage is not omniscient or omnipotent, let alone Eunuch Duan. That Cold Fragrance Pill is Baochai's life-saving medicine. Please return it to her immediately, Eunuch Duan!"

Although Duan Yong was learned and had some free time, he was not an illiterate eunuch. He was ridiculed by Jia Huan's words and his face turned red. He sneered, "Jia Huan, don't forget your own identity. You are no longer the governor of Liaodong. This is not a place where the governor of Liaodong can call the wind and rain. You have no right to order me around!"

Jia Huan stared coldly at Duan Yong and said, "I am not ordering you, but just discussing this with you. The journey to Hami is a long and arduous one, and we are bound to face many dangers. We are in the same boat, and if anything goes wrong on the way, neither of us will be able to shirk our responsibilities."

Duan Yong's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes narrowed dangerously as he said, "Is Envoy Jia threatening our family?"

"I wouldn't dare, I'm just giving you a heads-up. Miss Xue and Princess Kangle are like sisters, and Eunuch Duan will also be staying in Hami to serve Princess Kangle. If something happens to Miss Xue, Eunuch Duan might not fare well either."

Duan Yong's expression shifted uncertainly. Jia Huan took out his pocket watch, glanced at it, and said calmly, "The auspicious time is approaching. The emperor will take his leave at the Fengtian Gate at dawn. Surely, Eunuch Duan doesn't want to be disrespectful in front of the emperor?"

Duan Yong was immediately caught off guard. He snorted coldly and reluctantly took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom and threw it over. Jia Huan caught it, opened the stopper and smelled it. A cool, sweet fragrance wafted out, which was the unique scent of Baochai. It was clear that the bottle contained the Cold Fragrance Pill.

However, when Jia Huan poured the pills from the bottle into his palm, he found that there were only six left and frowned, saying, "Is that all?"

Duan Yongman said nonchalantly, "These pills were originally buried under the flowering tree in an old pottery jar. When they were dug out, the people below accidentally broke them, leaving only these six. The others that were covered in mud were thrown away."

Jia Huan was so angry he wanted to slap this guy a few times. The Cold Fragrance Pill was not easy to make. If he was unlucky, it might take ten or eight years to collect all the ingredients needed to make the medicine.

"Where is Sister Bao now?" Jia Huan asked, suppressing his anger. It was not a good time to cause any trouble.

Duan Yong called over a young eunuch and gave him a few instructions. A moment later, Xue Baochai and Ying'er were brought over.

"Brother Huan!" Xue Baochai was feeling uneasy, wondering where the little eunuch was taking her, when she suddenly saw Jia Huan. She was both surprised and delighted, and her anxious mood inexplicably calmed down.

"Sister Bao, I heard from Sister Lin that your old illness has flared up again? How are you now? Where do you feel uncomfortable?" Jia Huan asked while looking at Baochai's face. He noticed that her pretty face was rosy and her naturally red lips were even more vibrant. He couldn't help but feel puzzled.

Xue Baochai felt a warm glow in her heart. Seemingly noticing Jia Huan's confusion, she said gently, "Thank you for your concern, Brother Huan. My illness is just a heat toxin I was born with. When it flares up, I only have some shortness of breath and feel a little uncomfortable. It's nothing serious."

Ying'er muttered, "Third Master, don't listen to the young lady trying to comfort you. Her illness doesn't seem serious on the surface, but she's quite uncomfortable. She has chest tightness, shortness of breath, can't eat, and can't sleep. To make matters worse, Eunuch Duan took away her medicine. Third Master, could you..."

Xue Baochai blushed and gently interrupted, "Don't be so nosy! Today is the day the princess is leaving home, don't cause trouble!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Huan felt both respect and affection. He took out the bottle of Cold Fragrance Pills and said, "I have retrieved the Cold Fragrance Pills. Ying'er, please give them to Sister Bao quickly."

Ying'er hurriedly took the porcelain bottle, opened it, and smelled it. She exclaimed happily, "It really is the Cold Fragrance Pill! Now the young lady doesn't have to feel unwell anymore. Hehe, Third Master is really good. Hmm, there are only six pills left?"

Jia Huan said helplessly, "The original pottery jars were broken, and only these are left. The rest were discarded by Duan Yong's men."

Xue Baochai clearly didn't want Jia Huan to cause trouble for her, so she quickly smiled and said, "It's good enough that these are left. We'll figure out how to make another pair later."

"Leave the medicine preparation to me. I'll have Lin Zhixiao arrange for people to collect it. The country is so big, there's bound to be a place where it rains on Grain Rain, frosts on Frost's Descent, and snows on Minor Snow," Jia Huan said with a smile.

Ying'er said with a grin, "Third Master Huan is so good to my young lady!"

Xue Baochai blushed slightly and said softly, "Thank you, Brother Huan!"

Jia Huan said in a low voice, "No need to thank me, we're all family. Sister Bao, don't forget what you promised me, after we get back from Hami..."

"Don't say it, I remember it!" Xue Baochai interrupted Jia Huan, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

The eunuch Duan, who was waiting impatiently, reminded him, "Envoy Jia, please get to the point and don't miss the auspicious time."

Xue Baochai said softly, "Brother Huan, go quickly. I'll be fine after taking the Cold Fragrance Pill."

Jia Huan nodded and then left the inner quarters of the princess's residence. After Xue Baochai took the Cold Fragrance Pill, her symptoms indeed subsided quickly, and at this point, it was no longer Duan Yong's turn to doubt it.

Since Xue Baochai was alright and was a maid personally chosen by the Emperor to accompany him in his dowry, Xue Yong let her return to serve Lin Daiyu. Once everything was ready, he summoned the imperial carriage, carried Princess Kangle, and headed towards the second gate.

(End of this chapter)