Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

The Great Zhou Palace, Qianyang Palace, the rear hall and warm pavilion.

Upon hearing Emperor Jia Zhao's words, Guo Lin immediately understood their meaning. The emperor's claim that he had heard him mention Xue Pan was merely a pretext used in front of his officials.

The Emperor knew of Xue Pan because last year Jia She was involved in the smuggling of firearms and the illegal trade of salt and iron in the nine border regions.

Following standard operating procedures, the Imperial Carriage Office closely monitored the Rongguo Mansion's activities, and the Emperor reviewed the Imperial Carriage Office's secret documents daily.

It contains various matters concerning the Rongguo Mansion and records the affairs of the Xue family in Jinling. It not only mentions that the Xue family lived in the Jia Mansion, but also mentions two of the Xue family's children.

That's why the Emperor knew about Xue Pan, but he couldn't tell the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review about it openly.

Even though it was an open secret both inside and outside the court that the Imperial Carriage Office monitored high-ranking officials and nobles, it was still not something that could be openly discussed in official circles.

Guo Lin was a confidant of Emperor Jia Zhao. When the emperor suddenly asked about Xue Pan, he immediately understood what was going on.

She said, "Your Majesty, last time when Your Majesty was free from governing, this servant did say some idle words, hoping to amuse Your Majesty."

The Xue family was a prominent family in Jinling, once ranking among the four great families of Jinling along with the Jia family of Rongguo. For generations, the family had been imperial merchants of the Imperial Household Department, and their wealth was considerable.

The eldest branch of the Xue family, surnamed Wang, came from the Wang family of Jinling. The Wang family, along with the Jia family and the Xue family, were among the four great families of Jinling.

Lady Xue, Jia Zheng's wife from the Rongguo Mansion, and Wang Ziteng, the military governor of the capital, were all siblings, and their families had been related by marriage for generations.

Because of this kinship, Xue Wangshi moved to Shenjing (Beijing) with her two children several years ago and settled in Rongguo Mansion.

After Jia Zheng and his wife, the second wife, moved out of the main mansion, Xue Wangshi's family continued to live in the Pear Fragrance Courtyard of the Jia family mansion, and the Xue and Jia families maintained a close relationship.

……

Upon hearing Emperor Jia Zhao's words, Wei Guanyao felt a slight chill in his heart. As a veteran official of the court, he had long known about the emperor's worries.

The emperor ascended the throne in a bizarre and extraordinary way, which involved the retired emperor and the King of Wu.

The four kings and eight dukes all watched coldly, which made the emperor feel quite neglected when he first arrived.

Because the emperor was wary of the powerful and influential old officials, he continuously weakened and suppressed the four princes and eight dukes for more than ten years after ascending the throne.

The Five Military Commands Office harbored many idle nobles. Three years ago, the Emperor abolished the Ningguo Prefecture and rejected the Prince of Beijing's ambition for a military post. Last year, he demoted the Rongguo title.

What the emperor fears most is that these old noble families collude with each other, form close ties, and secretly build up their power, thus creating a veil over the officialdom and the government.

The Jia, Xue, and Wang families are closely connected, and Xue Pan is also involved in the major case of leaking secrets from the military granary, which touches the most sensitive nerve of the emperor. How could he remain indifferent?

Emperor Jia Zhao said, "In that case, Xue Pan and Jia Cong are considered family friends, brothers of the same generation. Since they live in the same household, do they also have close ties?"

Upon hearing Emperor Jia Zhao's words, Wei Guanyao felt a chill run down his spine. The case of the military depot leak was of great importance and had already implicated a military commander who was leading the campaign against the Mongols.

Does this also involve Jia Cong, who leads an army? Is His Majesty's desire to suppress veterans really so intense? Doesn't he worry about affecting the war?

Upon hearing Emperor Jia Zhao's words, Guo Lin immediately understood the situation and was not as worried as Wei Guanyao.

He said, “What Your Majesty said is common sense, but the Xue family’s situation is different. Xue Pan is a playboy who idles away his days and does not do any proper work.”

Jia Cong was a renowned scholar, a distinguished academician of the Hanlin Academy. The two men were worlds apart in temperament and ambition; though they lived in the same household, they likely never interacted.

Upon hearing Guo Lin's words, Emperor Jia Zhao's tightly pursed lips instantly relaxed.

……

Guo Lin was Emperor Jia Zhao’s trusted eunuch and also the head of the Imperial Carriage Office. He had served the emperor for many years, and the two had long since developed a deep understanding.

Guo Lin's words sounded like speculation, but Emperor Jia Zhao knew in his heart that every word Guo Lin uttered in front of the emperor had been secretly investigated by the Imperial Carriage Office.

Emperor Jiazhao said, "In my opinion, it should be so. Jia Cong is mature beyond his years, has outstanding talent and strategy, and is full of wisdom."

He couldn't possibly have any respect for a playboy like Xue Pan, so naturally he wouldn't associate with him.

Minister Wei, according to your memorial, Chen Ruichang was able to become acquainted with Duan Chunjiang because of Xue Pan's mutual introduction.

Besides this, was Xue Pan also involved in leaking military secrets?

When Wei Guanyao heard Emperor Jia Zhao's question, he felt a chill run down his spine. If he answered even one of the questions correctly, the entire Xue family would probably be wiped out.

The Emperor had some reservations about the Duke of Qi's family, but he certainly wouldn't have any consideration for a family that had been imperial merchants for generations.

Xue Panru not only introduced them to each other, but also got involved in the leak of military secrets. The Xue family's fate will definitely be more tragic than that of the Zhen family in Jinling.

The Emperor will most likely exterminate the Xue family, ostensibly to comfort the tens of thousands of dead souls, but in reality, to use the death of the Xue family in Jinling to intimidate and punish the old merits of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes.

……

Having served in officialdom for many years, Wei Guanyao was well-versed in the intricacies and risks of the court, and deeply understood Emperor Jia Zhao's treacherous schemes.

However, he came from a traditional civil service background and was deeply committed to upholding traditional values. It was through his outstanding talent that he obtained the position of head of the three judicial departments.

He, Liu Jing'an, Li Jizong, and Guo Youchang were all the same kind of people, valuing moral integrity and a clean reputation as an official more than their own lives.

Even if Emperor Jia Zhao's words seemed to have a subtle bias, Wei Guanyao would not go so far as to flatter the emperor or distort the truth.

……

He said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, according to the investigation by the Dali Temple, Xue Pan only introduced Duan Chunjiang and Chen Ruichang to each other, but did not participate in the leak of secrets."

According to the laws of the Three Judicial Offices, Xue Pan's mistake was indeed unintentional and he should have had no premeditation. If he were to be convicted according to the law, the Three Judicial Offices would certainly consider and weigh the pros and cons.

Emperor Jia Zhao's expression darkened slightly, and he said, "It was an unintentional mistake, yet it caused a terrible disaster. How can he be absolved of all responsibility simply because of the word 'unintentional'?"

Duan Chunjiang, a lowly grain merchant, how could he have become acquainted with the Duke's grandson and committed such a heinous act without Xue Pan's introduction!
Six hundred and fifty thousand dan of grain and fodder, forty thousand soldiers and civilians lost their lives—how can I, the Emperor, explain this to my subjects, a disgrace to the Great Zhou Dynasty?

Extraordinary circumstances always require extraordinary measures.

Chen Ruichang is the principal offender and his crime is unforgivable. Although Xue Pan's mistake was unintentional, it is unacceptable under the law and in accordance with reason, and he must be severely punished without leniency!
These wealthy families from Jiangnan, who were fond of forming alliances with prominent and influential families, were always quick-witted and acted without restraint.

First there was the Zhen family of Jinling who privately manufactured firearms, and now the Xue family of Jinling is implicated in leaking secrets. I am already fed up with this.

After arresting Xue Pan, the Dali Temple conducted a thorough investigation to confirm his guilt. If there were any other circumstances, the two crimes would be considered one, and no leniency would be shown.

Military and state secrets are of paramount importance to the nation. The leak of military supplies must never be allowed to happen again. I want to use this case to warn the court.

Anyone implicated in a crime, whether a direct descendant of a duke or a relative of a hereditary noble, will be severely punished without exception. Let's see who dares to cross that line again!

Upon hearing Emperor Jia Zhao's words, Wei Guanyao understood perfectly that the Emperor was not using Xue Pan as a pretext to control Marquis Weiyuan, Jia Cong.

Rather, the purpose was to use the severe punishment of the major case of leaking military secrets to warn the old officials and powerful families in the court.

Wei Guanyao then noticed a detail: Guo Lin said that Jia Cong and Xue Pan had no dealings, and the Emperor's expression clearly softened.

Although His Majesty is a man of great cunning and suspicion, his appreciation and regard for this young head of the Jia family is truly extraordinary...

……

North of the capital city, on Yongchun Street, is the Duan Family Grain Shop.

Zhou Ping, accompanied by an attendant, was sitting in the shop, leisurely sipping his tea.

Duan Chunjiang smiled broadly and said, "Last time, when our distinguished guests came, I was not in the shop. I thought I had missed a good deal, and I was truly sorry."

I was quite disappointed that my distinguished guest hadn't come to visit for several days. It was a pleasant surprise that he came today.

The distinguished guest requests twenty dan of green rice. I have business dealings with many wealthy and powerful families in the capital, and this is the first time I have ever seen such a generous request.

"Your family must be a prominent and wealthy clan, otherwise, how could you afford such a grand and opulent display?"

Duan Chun was all smiles and flattery, displaying the demeanor of a smooth-talking businessman.

He was secretly ordered by Anda Khan to infiltrate the capital and open a grain shop. Through Xue Pan, he made acquaintances with the nobles and powerful families in the capital, which made it easier for him to inquire about and spy on military secrets.

Chen Ruichang's affair brought him extraordinary achievements and allowed him to experience the benefits of associating with powerful and influential people.

From then on, he became even more eager to do such things, and he was unwilling to miss any opportunity to do so.

Bijiang rice is a rare delicacy on the market, and only wealthy and powerful families can afford to enjoy it. Even wealthy families dare not use Bijiang rice as their staple food.

Ordinary wealthy families would buy a few loads as daily nourishment and health supplements; if a family bought ten loads at once, it was already an act of extraordinary wealth.

Therefore, Duan Chunjiang concluded that the buyer in front of him must come from one of the most prominent and aristocratic families in the capital.

Such connections are extremely rare, so he naturally made a point of cultivating them.

Seeing Duan Chunjiang's eagerness and the hidden fervor in his eyes, Zhou Ping guessed what he was thinking and felt a sense of contempt and mockery.

……

Zhou Ping said unhurriedly, "Even if I told you the name of my residence, you, a grain buyer, wouldn't recognize it, so I'm too lazy to explain it to you in detail."

Rice is something we eat, so we can't be careless about it. Price isn't an issue, but the quality of the ingredients must be the best and the most reliable.

My eldest son works at the Imperial Clan Court. The person who came the other day was my young master, who is a very important person in the capital.

The young master is going to take up a post in the Ministry of War in the capital. He is used to eating the green rice from the north, so he will take ten loads of rice with him to the south.

The remaining ten loads are to be kept as a tribute to the elders; otherwise, I wouldn't have bought twenty loads at once. Even the best things can't withstand such consumption..." Zhou Ping was meticulous and insightful. Even though Yang Hongbin greatly admired him, he saw through Duan Chunjiang's intention to befriend powerful figures.

Every word he uttered struck a chord with Duan Chunjiang, his words both veiled and revealed the arrogance and domineering nature of a servant of a wealthy family.

He was quite adept at boasting and exaggerating, and the more confidently he spoke, the more Duan Chunjiang believed him.

The fact that the old man was sitting in the Imperial Clan Court really startled Duan Chunjiang.

If Zhou Ping says he works in the Imperial Clan Court, it simply means that the master holds a position in the Imperial Clan Court, but the phrase "sitting in the yamen" implies that he is the chief official.

This was common slang used by officials in the capital, and Duan Chunjiang naturally understood it perfectly. He couldn't help but feel a great shock, almost to the point of being completely astonished.

His eldest son holds a position in the Imperial Clan Court, which means he is none other than the Prince Zhongshun of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the emperor's own brother and the emperor's most trusted and favored son.

That family is one of the most prestigious and powerful families in the world. None of the noble families I knew before could compare to them.

His young master was going to take up a post in the Ministry of War in the secondary capital, which was a very important official position. Although the Great Khan would not be able to drink from the Yangtze River so quickly.

However, establishing important connections in the south is something that requires foresight...

Duan Chunjiang's smile grew even brighter as he said, "Although I have little experience, just a few words exchanged in the hall are enough to tell that this is an extremely prestigious household."

Although I don't have twenty dan of goods in stock in my shop, I have other sources of stock in the city. Please wait a moment in the shop, and I will bring them to you for inspection.

"Next time we need to purchase rice, distinguished guests need not trouble yourselves to come. Just send a servant to convey the message, and the rice will be delivered to your door."

……

Zhou Ping said, "The source of the inventory you mentioned must be your supplier, right? Fine, I'll go with you there."

Upon hearing this, Duan Chunjiang looked troubled and said, "Honorable guest, it's too inconvenient to trouble you with business matters."

Zhou Ping frowned and said, "Manager Duan, don't get the wrong idea. If I find out about your supplier, I might think it will ruin your business."

With our family's wealth being inexhaustible, why would we deign to engage in the affairs of merchants?

The old master and the young master of the manor are both extremely important figures, and there can be no mistakes.

Rice is something we eat, so we can't be careless in our work. We have to see where the rice comes from and keep an eye on it the whole time before we feel at ease.

If Manager Duan really cares about this, I'll just find another business to do.

As Zhou Ping spoke, he stood up and strode out of the store. Duan Chunjiang quickly stepped forward to stop him, smiling and saying, "Honored guest, you have misunderstood me."

I was worried about tiring you out; since that's the reason, please come with me.

…………

Zhou Pingyue's affected manner only strengthened Duan Chunjiang's belief. In the past, wealthy families did not have such rules, and he felt that being a member of the royal family was different after all.

I've heard that when the emperor eats food in the palace, eunuchs have to taste it first, and silver needles are needed to detect any poison before it can be served to the emperor.

It's understandable that these members of the royal family would follow suit and put on such airs...

Even if it broke the rules of business, Duan Chunjiang would still bring Zhou Ping along. He just wanted to keep the act going and didn't want to leave any loopholes.

He had already made up his mind to make this big deal happen no matter what, and he also needed to cultivate a good relationship with this prince's servant.

He smiled and said, "Honored guest, the source of our inventory is located somewhere south of the capital city, just a few minutes' drive away."

Each dan (a unit of weight) of Bi Geng rice yields 105 liang (a unit of weight), but I can deliver 100 liang (a unit of weight) per dan to you.

"I'll give you over five taels of silver as a bonus for each load, as a token of my appreciation to our distinguished guests for tea and wine, and to ask for your continued patronage in the future."

Zhou Ping laughed and said, "Manager Duan really knows how to do business. I can tell you're destined for great things."

Seeing that he had pleased Zhou Ping, Duan Chunjiang was secretly pleased with himself. He then led Zhou Ping onto the grain store carriage and headed south of the city.

Zhou Ping's attendant followed behind the carriage on horseback. Across from the grain store was a food stall where a waiter was busy running back and forth.

He saw Duan Chunjiang leave and glanced at him a few times. As the carriage drove away, he didn't pay much attention, as this kind of thing often happened.

But he didn't notice at all that when Duan Chunjiang's carriage left the shop, a peddler and several passersby on the street all left the street.

And the direction they were rushing towards was the same as the carriage's route, something no one would notice...

……

The carriage traveled south of the city, and Zhou Ping and Duan Chunjiang chatted casually, occasionally lifting the curtain to glance around, seemingly admiring the street scenes along the way.

As the carriage passed Hongde Gate, it saw a large contingent of Imperial Guards swarming in and talking to the gate guards.

Immediately afterwards, many soldiers rushed forward and slammed the two city gates shut. Many people at the city gate stopped and discussed the situation.

Duan Chunjiang was puzzled and said, "It's not even sunset yet, why are the Imperial Guards locking the city gates? Could something have happened in the city?"

Zhou Ping smiled slightly and said, "Manager Duan is ignorant. The Mongol Tartars are currently marching south and are fighting against the imperial army."

When two states are at war, it is only natural to be extra careful and strengthen the defense of the city gates.

With many refugees entering the city recently, things have become somewhat chaotic in the capital. The city gates are being closed earlier than usual.

In another seven or eight days, I fear the nine gates will have to be closed, and no more refugees will be allowed to enter the city. The capital cannot support so many people.”

Duan Chunjiang laughed and said, "It is I who am ignorant. Your distinguished guest comes from a distinguished family and your knowledge is indeed different."

The two men either boasted or flattered each other along the way, and the carriage moved further and further away from Yongchun Street.

When the carriage turned into a street, there were no pedestrians in front or behind, and it was eerily quiet.

Zhou Ping's attendant, who was riding alongside the carriage, suddenly sped up, overtook the carriage, and blocked its path.

The carriage jolted to a stop, and Zhou Ping frowned, saying, "What happened? Why did it suddenly stop?"

As he spoke, he lifted the carriage curtain and nimbly jumped down from the carriage. Duan Chunjiang suddenly felt something was wrong, and the hairs on his body stood on end.

He reluctantly lifted the car curtain and saw Zhou Ping standing by the roadside, looking at him with cold eyes.

Seven or eight people suddenly appeared on the street, dressed in different clothes, each carrying a knife and a lock, exuding a murderous aura.

Duan Chunjiang asked in a trembling voice, "Honored guest, what is the meaning of this?"

Zhou Ping said sternly, "The Dali Temple is handling cases. Duan Chunjiang, your case has been exposed. Arrest him!"

Seven or eight people rushed forward and knocked the driver unconscious.

They then pinned Duan Chunjiang down, tied his hands and feet, gagged him, stuffed him into a carriage, and drove off...

……

East of the capital city, in Huarong Lane.

In the middle of the alley, there was a small, single-entrance courtyard. The gate was gently opened.

As Chen Ruichang walked to the door, Hui Niang smiled charmingly and asked, "Why are you going back so early today?"

Chen Ruichang laughed and said, "The city has been rather unsettled lately, so my elder brother specifically instructed me to stay away from the city. Therefore, I should go back early to avoid gossip at home."

I came over last night and Yun'er was nowhere to be seen. Where has she gone off to? You're too lenient with the servants; now she has no one to serve her."

Hui Niang said, "Yesterday, a neighbor came to tell me that her mother's old illness had relapsed, so I let her go back to take care of her."

He hasn't returned yet; I guess his mother is quite ill.

Chen Ruichang laughed and said, "You just know how to take advantage of kindness." He then gently pinched Hui Niang's soft and pretty face before smiling and leaving.

As soon as Hui Niang left, the smile on her face disappeared. Suddenly, she leaned on the threshold and gagged a few times before quickly going into the courtyard and closing the door.

He muttered to himself, "I need to let Lao Duan know what's going on. It'd better go back to Datong as soon as possible. If I keep messing around like this, something bad will happen sooner or later..."

Just as she was about to go inside, someone knocked on the courtyard gate, and the sound seemed rather urgent.

Hui Niang frowned and muttered, "Didn't we say that the manor forbids you from fooling around outside? You've only gone a few steps and you're back again. You haven't even had your fill of my taste yet, you short-lived lecher!"

She stepped forward and pulled off the bolt, but before she could open the door, the gate was suddenly pushed open, and four or five men rushed in.

Hui Niang turned pale with fright and asked, "Who are you? In broad daylight, you've broken into a private residence. Do you know what kind of place this is?"

This is the outer residence of the Duke of Qi's mansion. You'd better get out of here right now, or you'll regret it."

But the other party was completely unaware of this. The leader was a young man, dressed in a brown, dark-patterned, round-necked robe, with an extraordinary bearing and handsome appearance.

His gaze was dark and sharp. When Hui Niang was glared at by him, she felt as if she were being cut with a knife. Her legs went weak and she dared not throw a tantrum anymore.

The man said, "Tie her up and take her away! Leave two people to search the house, take all the valuables, and don't leave any gaps."

Several men rushed forward, and before Hui Niang could cry for help, they gagged her, tied her hands and feet, and carried her out of the courtyard… (End of Chapter)