The Good Concubine of the Qing Dynasty [Red Mansion]

Chenyu began to experience a life of attending school during the day and occasionally boarding at night.

Chenyu usually stayed at the Lin residence, leaving early and returning late. If there were any activities or tasks assigned by his teacher, he would stay there for a few days.

Mr. Xu was an interesting person, fond of outings. One day, he might be boating on the lake, the next day chatting with farmers by the fields, and the day after that climbing mountains to enjoy the view.

His daily activities were colorful and varied.

Lin Ruhai occasionally gave his son a test to ensure he wasn’t slacking off, but then he wouldn’t interfere further.

Everyone has their own style of teaching apprentices, and when he chose Mr. Xu for their son, he already understood his character.

If he had any concerns, he wouldn’t have let their son deliver a letter of respect to him in the first place.

This profession was too specialized, and Yun Shuyao had long since lost track of where her son was in his studies. She wouldn’t worry about it; as long as his needs were taken care of, that was enough.

Every day, she kept an eye on the latest rumors.

For instance, where the emperor was now, what he was doing, and whom he had summoned.

Of course, she could never know what was actually said. The information above might not be entirely accurate, but the various news derived from it was still quite interesting.

Moreover, this time the emperor had brought the crown prince and the thirteenth prince with him, and there were people presenting beauties to the two princes. Such news spread the fastest.

For example, Yun Shuyao heard that the Emperor Kangxi was heading south and had arrived in Jinling, where he stayed at the Zhen family. The Zhen family presented countless rare treasures, and then the story emerged that a Zhen family daughter became a concubine to the crown prince. The details were so vivid that she almost believed it.

Yun Shuyao asked Lin Ruhai, “Is it true? Did the crown prince take a Zhen family girl?” Her eyes were full of gossip.

As for whether he didn’t know?

No, gossip was in his nature, and besides, this wasn’t purely gossip.

Lin Ruhai was silent for a moment before answering, “Yes, he did take her.”

Yun Shuyao exclaimed, “I thought it was just a rumor! Is it related to the Zhen Yingjia cousin that was supposed to be given to you?” She became even more excited.

Lin Ruhai said helplessly, “Didn’t you already know?”

Indeed, the concubine of the crown prince was the same person the Zhen family had wanted to marry to Lin Ruhai as a secondary wife. He had rejected her, and now she became the crown prince’s concubine.

The speed and efficiency were undeniable.

Hearing Lin Ruhai confirm it was that person, Yun Shuyao couldn’t help but smile; it was quite amusing.

Lin Ruhai shot her a sideways glance, and she quickly restrained her smile, adopting a serious expression. “The Zhen family is really going too far!”

Lin Ruhai replied, “What’s so excessive about it? Since I rejected her, and she’s of age, it’s natural for them to find her a good match.” He wouldn’t get angry about this; what concerned him were other matters.

The Zhen family was far too arrogant.

While Kangxi was staying in Jinling, someone delivered an invitation.

When Lin Ruhai first arrived in Yangzhou, he had borrowed influence from the Xue family, as their power extended throughout the region.

This was the Xue family.

The head of the Xue family and his wife, along with their son and daughter, were currently in Yangzhou and wanted to choose a day to visit.

Lin Ruhai received the invitation and asked Chenyu, “Is your teacher going to take you to the poetry gathering?”

Chenyu replied, “Yes.”

Lin Ruhai nodded, “In that case, let’s wait until after the poetry gathering.”

This poetry gathering took place twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn, and was the most prestigious poetry event in Yangzhou and the surrounding areas. Performing well at this gathering could quickly bring fame.

Mr. Xue received the reply and looked at the date, realizing why this particular day had been chosen. He couldn’t help but pay attention to how this poetry gathering would unfold.

The gathering would naturally test poetry skills, but the gentleman’s six arts would also be randomly assessed.

Lin Ruhai’s only son shone brightly at this gathering and won first place.

He was only sixteen this year.

Mr. Xue looked at his own son, who was already twelve and hadn’t finished a single book, and felt envious.

Chenyu was given the title of a young talent, and Yun Shuyao asked him, “Are you happy? Proud?”

Chenyu honestly nodded and then shook his head. “At first, I was really pleased with the praise, but then I looked up the previous years’ first-place winners, the number of people who were called young talents, and their current situations. I’ve calmed down now.”

Although he earned this first place through his own abilities and received much praise, many others before him had enjoyed the same privilege.

Many of them truly had talent and knowledge, but those who could achieve great success were still in the minority; receiving compliments was not a big deal.

Moreover, his quick rise to fame this time was partly due to the fact that his father was currently in power in Yangzhou. Countless people wanted to curry favor with his father. He didn’t even need to possess much scholarly ability; even if he were just a pig, they could help spread his name and ensure he gained recognition.

You can’t take it too seriously.

Moreover, those salt merchants still wanted salt licenses, and they would stop at nothing to get them. “And there’s also singing in the brothel…” Halfway through, Chenyu shut his mouth; he let it slip.

Shuyao looked at him sideways: “Did you pick a girl? You know a bit about medicine yourself, so I don’t need to remind you of certain things. And the brothel—you know it’s a place that can bewitch people’s hearts and minds, right?”

Chenyu obediently nodded: “Auntie, I know. I just went to sit there; I didn’t do anything. I didn’t even drink any wine.”

He could tell that the wine had some additives to “enhance the atmosphere.” He had no desire to drink any of it.

Yun Shuyao said, “You know what’s in your heart. If you do anything you shouldn’t, don’t blame me for teaching you a lesson.”

It was one thing to go to social events; daring to pick a girl? Ha.

She couldn’t control others, but she could manage her own son.

Chenyu sat up straight, feeling a bit tense: “Auntie, I promise.”

He quickly changed the subject: “Auntie, I had a dish of braised river delicacies on the boat, and it was extremely delicious. The fish we need is hard to catch, so I ordered two portions, and they will be delivered tonight. You should try it…”

Perhaps it was because Auntie always placed great importance on food and drink, Chenuu and Luoyu never compromised their taste when they had the means. Whenever they found something delicious outside that wasn’t available at home, they would bring it back: one portion for the family and another for the cook to experiment with. If the cook could recreate it better, that was great; if not, it was no big deal.

The next day was the day of the banquet. When Xue’s father saw Lin Ruhai and Chenyu beside him, envy practically overflowed from his eyes. “Congratulations, Master Lin. A tiger father doesn’t raise a dog son. Young Master Lin’s reputation will soon spread throughout Jiangnan and even the entire Qing dynasty.”

Looking at other people’s children and then at his own was indeed a headache.

Lin Ruhai’s smile grew even broader with this compliment. “Master Xue, you flatter me. If this is luck, then this is Xue Pan. I remember he’s only twelve, yet he’s quite impressive!”

Xue Pan was taller than his peers and somewhat plump, giving the impression of being robust and well-fed.

However, he also seemed a bit unstable, with his eyes darting around and a somewhat unruly air about him.

The two men entered a phase of mutual flattery.

Chenyu listened with a smile. He was a bit surprised when he first saw him, and after the compliments subsided, he asked, “Uncle Xue, why do you look so thin?”

Xue’s father chuckled. “I was ill not long ago, but I’m just starting to regain my health.”

Lin Ruhai replied, “I see. Master Xue, you should take care of yourself.”

They were engaging in small talk over there, while Yun Shuyou, Mrs Xue, and Xue Baochai were conversing in the inner courtyard.

Xue Baochai was ten years old this year. It was evident that she was a beauty in the making, and her personality was quite lively, just like many young girls who were doted upon by their parents.

Since it was their first meeting and their statuses were different, they chatted about flowers and plants, jewelry, and then their children, exchanging compliments with one another, while enjoying some food and drink. Time passed quickly. The main event was on the men’s side, and Xue’s father brought his wife and children to show their attitude.

Then Yun Shuyou no longer went out, having arranged for someone to buy some supplies and stack them in the storeroom. Since Lin Ruhai was in charge of the salt business, the officials responsible for public welfare and security had already combed through Yangzhou several times to ensure that the salt merchants who had caused trouble before would not rise again. The city’s appearance and order had also been checked multiple times, and some families had received reminders about certain “content,” just in case the emperor took an interest and summoned them, to ensure they knew how to respond.

This was about maintaining face.

They couldn’t know when the emperor would arrive; even if they were anxious, could they really urge him to come?

If something was interesting, it was normal to stay a bit longer.

However, it was clear that Kangxi was not an emperor given to indulgence; he did come.

Lin Ruhai was among the first to go and welcome him, and then he was kept there.

Lin Ruhai had long been prepared, having written a thick stack of memorials in advance and prepared his speeches, just waiting for the emperor to summon him.

He didn’t come back that day, so Yun Shuyou had someone send him a change of clothes. The next afternoon, someone came to convey that Yun Shuyou and Chenyu were both to change their clothes to meet the emperor.

The clothes had long been prepared. After changing, Yun Shuyou felt a bit excited on the way there. After all, this was the head of a nation! Meeting him up close and speaking to him was quite exhilarating. At the same time, she reminded herself to be cautious and discreet, because this was an era where one could lose their head for a careless word; it was essential to be careful.

She and Chenyu were brought to a pavilion. Outside the pavilion stood some guards, and sitting in the main seat inside, dressed in yellow, was Kangxi.

At this time, Kangxi was over fifty years old but was well-preserved, looking much younger than his actual age. Lin Ruhai was seated next to him, playing chess, and when he saw them arrive, Kangxi paused and set down a white piece.

Yun Shuyou greeted him, and Kangxi asked, “You are Yun?”

He looked her over; she was a beauty, a beauty with the elegance that comes from literary knowledge: “How did you come up with the salt drying method?”

Yun Shuyou had already thought of her explanation. She had said the same thing when talking to the old lady and Lin Ruhai.

In summary, after Lin Ruhai was appointed, she wanted to help because of his position. Plus, she often cooked and had watched the kitchen maid prepare meals. One time, she had soaked some saltwater and left it there without drinking it. After a day in the sun, the water evaporated, leaving coarse white salt crystals at the bottom of the bowl, which inspired her.

“How did you come up with the idea for purifying the strong liquor?” For quite some time, Kangxi had already confirmed that strong liquor indeed had remarkable effects in treating external injuries on the battlefield and could save the lives of many wounded soldiers.

Yun Shuyou replied, “I was inspired by the process of extracting floral water.”

Seeing her composed demeanor, Kangxi smiled at Lin Ruhai and said, “You are fortunate.”

Then he asked Yun Shuyou, “You have made great contributions; do you have any wishes?”