【Illustrated Record of Fragrance】【46】【Author: Qingzhu Qiu】

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-24

Chapter 46: A Special Recommendation for a Virtuous Official, a Recommendation for a Friend, and a Retirement from Office. Wang Lan, leading his own troops, arrived at the coastal area of Ningbo and Shaoxing, surveyed the terrain, and established camps. Just then, General Yao Shoucheng of Huangyan Town received a proclamation from the governor and led his troops and a fleet of warships to catch up. Knowing Yao Shoucheng's experience and the strong recommendation from his second son, Wang Lan discussed with him how to suppress the pirates. Yao Shoucheng had his naval forces ambush the pirates in the coastal harbors and deployed his land forces at key passes and crossroads. With the arrangements finalized, he personally led several dozen warships, selecting strong and skilled sailors to patrol the seas and monitor the pirates' movements.
Within a few days, they had discovered the pirates' hideout and ordered their naval forces to encircle and annihilate them. These pirates were originally a group of restless civilians who, taking advantage of the famine, plundered merchants everywhere, but had no grand ambitions.
Later, they gathered a group of pirates accustomed to the seas. Once they joined, they felt their power was considerable, and having captured over a hundred ships, they established a leader. This gave them the ambition to seize coastal cities. They knew their hiding place at sea wouldn't last long, and that merchants, having suffered from robbery, had agreed to stay put and travel by road. The pirates had run out of loot, and their group was struggling to feed themselves. They considered attacking two cities to secure their place. However, they were ultimately a disorganized rabble, lacking discipline. While robbing merchants was easy, it was just a chaotic free-for-all. How could they withstand Yao Shoucheng's skilled and vigorous soldiers? Although there were a few veteran pirates, they lacked real skill. After one battle, they were terrified. Furthermore, government troops discovered their hideout, making their survival even more difficult. The bandits planned to abandon their boats and go ashore, reasoning that the government troops were focused on the sea, leaving the land route undefended. They
thought they could seize this opportunity to storm the shore, gain some resources, and then find their own way to survive. Besides, the government troops couldn't stay here long; once they left, they could rebuild their territory. However, Yao Shoucheng had anticipated this; every key pass and sea entrance was guarded. Once ashore, the bandits were in dire straits, and their leader was captured in one fell swoop. As the saying goes, a snake cannot move without a head, and a bird cannot fly without wings. Seeing their leader gone and the government troops closing in, the remaining bandits, each a fierce and malevolent force, dared not fight back and surrendered. Yao Shoucheng then thoroughly searched the sea for the remaining bandits, wiping them out completely without leaving any threat.
Wang Lan was overjoyed to see the fierce bandits eliminated and the coastal areas pacified. At that time, they respectfully requested the king's order to display the eyes of the rebels, and to decide whether the rest should be executed or released. After the distribution was completed, a memorial to the capital was prepared with red flags flying over six hundred li to report the victory. The generals of each camp were also rewarded, and their merits were distributed. Once they returned to Hangzhou, they verified the actual merits and submitted a memorial requesting commendation. Yao Shoucheng was summoned to the camp, given a great welcome, and ordered to return to his post first, awaiting a separate recommendation. Yao Shoucheng bid farewell to Wang Lan and led his troops, both land and naval, back to Huangyan.
Wang Lan chose an auspicious day to return to Hangzhou, and instructed the local officials to thoroughly investigate the situation of coastal residents who had been burned and looted by the rebels, so as to apply for tax exemption. Along the way, everyone was enthusiastic and joyful, welcoming and seeing off the troops everywhere, which need not be described in detail. In less than two days, they arrived in Hangzhou, where all the civil and military officials of the city came to greet them. He immediately ordered the generals in charge to return to their posts, and those in positions to return to their ranks. Then he led the officials into the city, and upon arriving at the government office, three cannon shots were fired. The officials came forward again to offer their congratulations before taking their leave.
Boqing and Erlang also came to offer their congratulations, and Wang Lan thanked them and said goodbye. Servants were already waiting for him, and he changed into civilian clothes and returned to the inner hall. Jingyi and Luozhu then offered their congratulations, and they reminisced about what had happened since they last met. A family banquet was then set up in the main room, and Jingyi mentioned the Baozheng brothers. Wang Lan listened and happily agreed, then sent someone to invite the two young masters to the inner hall. Baozheng and Baokun, upon being invited, entered to greet Wang Lan. Wang Lan also inquired about Xiaoru's well-being and was overjoyed to learn that the brothers had both entered the academy. He then asked about the situation in the capital, and Baozheng answered in detail. After sitting for a while, the brothers rose to leave, and Wang Lan saw them off to the steps and back.
Jingyi then brought up the matter of the Zhu family, saying, "We originally intended to choose an auspicious day for the betrothal, but now that you've returned, I can't worry about what to do with you." Wang Lan laughed, "Neither you nor I care. It was you who was meddling, and you're the one managing everything. I just got back, and I still have so many things to deal with. How could I have the time to ask about this? I guess you couldn't refuse, and you can only complain that you shouldn't have bothered." Luo Zhu laughed, "This matter isn't actually difficult. Master makes it sound like an extremely difficult matter, speaking of it so solemnly. It's just that Madam should ask Master, which is Madam's right." Wang Lan clapped her hands and laughed, "Very good. I forgot. Even if Madam doesn't have the heart to handle it, there's still you. You can do it for me, but you don't need to ask me." Luo Zhu said, "Since you say so, Master doesn't need to ask. The Chen family hasn't sent any of the expenses. The letter said they asked us to cover them. We should write a letter to them, and they will pay us back later. Since their two young masters are going out for the first time, it's inconvenient for them to carry a lot of money on the road. Master should arrange this expense, since the Chen family will have to pay us back tomorrow anyway." Jing Yi also laughed, "Truly not..." "No, you're the one who brought me up. My aunt and I handled the affairs of the Zhu and Chen families, but you're the one who has to use the money. I don't have any spare cash to cover it." Wang Lan said, "You're all too stingy. How could you possibly use your own money for that matter? Even if you used it openly, I would still cover it up secretly. But now you're making such a big deal out of it, don't make me laugh. When I go to visit guests tomorrow, I'll explain to Peng Geng that I'm busy. You should also think about it, the money that's been piling up for months..." "Although the official business has already been dispatched, I still need to review it. Furthermore, the officers accompanying the expedition need to be thoroughly investigated and reported; and the disaster-stricken areas also need to be surveyed and relief provided. These post-disaster matters will take at least two or three months to resolve. It would be better to ask Boqing and Chuqing to do these tasks for me. Besides, a matchmaker cannot be a single person; even if I have time, I should invite one. I told Penggeng this, and he won't blame me, so it's fine." The three of them talked until the night watchman's drum, then the banquet ended and they returned to their rooms to rest.
The next day, Wang Lan visited various places, finally arriving at Zhu Penggeng's house, where he told him what had happened the previous day. Upon returning to his office, he immediately ordered a feast to thank Boqing and Erlang, and also congratulated the Baozheng brothers on their behalf. During the feast, they talked about how they fought against the pirates, how they cleverly captured the ringleader, and how General Yao fought bravely, leading from the front. Erlang laughed upon hearing this, saying, "It's clear that the person I recommended was excellent. He has patrolled the seas for many years and achieved numerous remarkable feats. Therefore, I was certain he would succeed this time. Who knew he would help you quell the pirates? It's all thanks to my recommendation. How will you thank me?" Wang Lan smiled and said, "Don't be impatient, I have my own way of repaying you." He then turned and ordered large cups to be brought. The host and guests cheered and drank heartily until they were thoroughly drunk before parting.
A day later, the inventory of disaster-stricken areas was submitted, and the battle merits of all the accompanying generals were also investigated and ranked. Wang Lan immediately submitted a memorial recommending the generals, promoting or rewarding them according to the magnitude of their merits, without any favoritism. The coastal residents who had been robbed by the pirates also petitioned for a two-year tax exemption. Another memorial recommended Yao Shoucheng, the general of Huangyan Town, for his understanding of military affairs and bravery in battle, requesting that he be promoted to admiral of the Fujian Navy and awarded with honors. He also subtly mentioned Boqing and Erlang, saying, "They came to Hangzhou for some reason and were retained in the military camp as advisors for their meritorious service. Zhu Dengyun, a fourth-rank Grand Secretary, is requested to return to the capital to serve after his retirement. He is to be promoted to the position of Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and given a new official hat. Feng Bao, the former prefect of Huai'an, who was demoted and reassigned, is requested to be reinstated to his original rank and awarded a third-rank title." Wang Lan completed the memorial and immediately sent it to the capital.
Inside, Jingyi and Luozhu were busy handling the betrothal gifts from the Chen family. When the time came, Boqing and Erlang changed into auspicious clothes, rode in sedan chairs, and were accompanied by forty or fifty servants, all dressed in red with flowers, wearing new clothes and hats, carrying the betrothal gifts, and headed towards the Zhu residence. Zhu Penggeng also invited several officials and his brother-in-law Leng Huan to accompany the matchmakers. After a short while, Boqing and the others arrived, and Penggeng greeted them. The guests took turns bowing and offering tea, and the servants and their families were entertained. All the formalities and customs were observed and required no further explanation. When the banquet ended in the evening, the Zhu family, who had prepared return gifts, sent them over. Jingyi inspected them all and handed them to Baowei for safekeeping.
Seeing that everything was settled, Shuangfu discussed with the old servant the need to urge the Baozheng brothers to return to the capital, fearing that their parents would miss them. The Baozheng brothers also wished to return and came to bid farewell to Wang Lan. Wang Lan prepared various gifts and entrusted them to those in the capital. The day before their departure, he prepared a farewell feast for the Baozheng brothers. Early the next morning, the brothers bid farewell and boarded their boat, intending to continue their journey to Jiangsu to see their uncle, which would cause some delay.
After seeing the Baozheng brothers off, Wang Lan, seeing that autumn was turning to winter and all the arrangements were nearing completion, received an imperial edict that recommended all the officials who had contributed, as requested by the governor.
Wang Lan, the acting governor of Hangzhou, was further honored for his meritorious service in suppressing pirates and was officially appointed governor of Hangzhou, and also awarded the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent. Officials from all walks of life came to express their gratitude and congratulations.
Bo Qing and Er Lang also repeatedly expressed their gratitude for the recommendation; seeing that Wang Lan had completed his duties, they took their leave and returned to Nanjing. Wang Lan insisted on keeping them, but they could not persuade him, so they had to agree, and there was inevitably another farewell ceremony.
Bo Qing and Er Lang, with their servants, bought a boat and returned to Nanjing. Let's leave that aside for now.
Now, while Lu Peng was serving in Shanyang County, he secretly sent a letter to the capital exposing Erlang's misdeeds, resulting in Erlang's demotion and dismissal. Lu Peng thought he had succeeded, but Huai Zhiyun, who was inwardly displeased, secretly investigated and confirmed a few of Lu Peng's misdeeds. He then informed his father-in-law, Cheng Shang, who impeached Lu Peng on several counts, ultimately leading to Lu Peng's dismissal. Fearing gossip, Lu Peng secretly returned to the capital to plead his case to his father.
Lu Daotong, seeing his son return impeached, was filled with rage. He knew that Huai Zhiyun had acted on Erlang's behalf and had secretly instigated his father-in-law, Cheng Shang, to impeach him. However, due to Huai Zhiyun's favor towards Erlang, he was powerless to do anything about it, and the resentment remained with Erlang. "If he hadn't impeached my son last time," he thought, "none of this would have happened." Furthermore, because Erlang was ill and unable to attend the re-election, Huai Zhiyun was already frustrated by his inability to find a pretext for action. Suddenly, Wang Lan's successful suppression of the pirates led to Erlang Bao's reinstatement to his original official position, and Lu Daotong shifted his grudges to Wang Lan. He immediately wanted to impeach Wang Lan for falsely claiming credit and receiving undeserved rewards, and for making untrue recommendations. However, when news of the pacification of the pirates arrived, the Emperor was delighted and bestowed upon Wang Lan the title of Grand Tutor. Lu Daotong feared his accusations would be inaccurate and backfire, so he chose to remain patient.
Two months later, he bribed a minor official to submit a memorial, claiming that Feng Bao had not served in the camp and that Wang Lan had acted out of personal favoritism. By the time Chen Xiaoru received the news, it was too late to mend the situation. He could only send someone out of the capital overnight to deliver a letter to Wang Lan, urging him to confess. The next day, an imperial edict was issued, ordering the Governor-General of Fujian to investigate and report back. Meanwhile,
Wang Lan, having received the imperial favor and being appointed Governor of Hangzhou and also granted the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, felt deeply grateful for the Emperor's boundless grace and felt he could not repay even a small favor. Wang Lan intended to take this opportunity to request an audience with the Emperor in the capital, so he could conveniently return to
his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. Just then, Xiao Ru's tutor, He Bing, was promoted from Prefect of Changzhou to Provincial Judge of Hangzhou. When Wang Lan took office as Governor, he petitioned to have He Bing promoted to Acting Provincial Treasurer. He Bing was known for his prudence and integrity, and was a renowned scholar of the time, possessing profound knowledge; Wang Lan held him in high regard. Furthermore, because Xiao Ru was his student, they had a family relationship. When Wang Lan was officially appointed Governor of Hangzhou, He Bing was appointed Acting Provincial Treasurer. Now, wanting to go to the capital for an audience with the Emperor, Wang Lan intended to petition that He Bing, the Acting
Provincial Treasurer, should assume the post. Just as he was making plans, he suddenly received a letter from Xiao Ru. Knowing that Lu Daotong was opposing him and had bribed an imperial censor to impeach and recommend Erlang, he couldn't help but laugh loudly, saying, "Since ancient times, retiring while one is ahead is the wise way to protect oneself. I have always worried that a high position is dangerous, and I have repeatedly wanted to ask to retire, but I was afraid that it would not be allowed. Moreover, the Emperor's grace is so great that it does not allow me to live in comfort. It is rare that he impeached me, so I can take this opportunity to retire. Isn't it that Old Lu has actually helped me? Don't think that I am greedy for official position and unwilling to retire. When I, Wang Zhexiang, was still a student, I had this idea. It would be better to wait until the imperial edict arrives, then I will go to the capital to submit my petition and specially recommend He Bing. I previously wanted to ask for an audience with the Emperor, but now there is no need. It would be better to go directly to the capital." I took my leave to avoid being accused of leaving out of fear of the Lu family's power. Besides, if the Emperor were to grant Old Master Lu's wish under the Emperor's wrath, wouldn't I be scarred for life? The best course of action would be to entrust the matter to a junior scholar in secret, without any obstacles. The more
I thought about it, the more I felt it was best to leave early. So I got up and went to my study. I didn't argue with anyone; instead, I felt quite pleased with myself and drafted a memorial. I described how upright He Bing was, possessing the qualities of a famous minister of ancient times, and how learned and composed he was. I said that entrusting him with important responsibilities was a blessing for the country. I also mentioned how I was often ill, "Recently, after returning from suppressing the pirates, I contracted a sea malaria, and my feet swelled up, making it difficult for me to walk." "Fearing I will fail the Emperor's trust and expectations, I beg to be allowed to return home to recuperate and recover before returning to the capital to seek further favor and a new post." He drafted the document and immediately set off for
the capital. Only after returning to the inner chambers did he inform Jingyi and Luozhu. Jingyi was quite displeased upon hearing this. Wang Lan then laughed and said, "Since becoming an official, I have long been separated from the mountains and rivers of my hometown. From now on, you can follow me in indulging in your carefree ways, traveling with Boqing and others, seeking pleasure every day. Besides, we young people bury ourselves in our studies, merely seeking the highest official rank to bring honor to our families. If I, at the young age of thirty, were to rise through the ranks of the imperial examinations to become a governor, that would be enough. Compared to those who spend their lives studying diligently, the difference is like heaven and earth. If I were to become greedy and cling to a high position, and if any flaws were to appear in the future, I would not be able to live up to my reputation and integrity." From then on, he waited patiently for his resignation letter to return, so he could prepare his explanation and return to his hometown.
After Chen Xiaoru sent a letter to Wang Lan, he immediately began to make arrangements for Wang Lan. Fortunately, the Governor-General of Fujian was an old friend of Chen Xiaoru's and asked him to look after Wang Lan's relationship. A day later, Wang Lan's resignation letter arrived and was registered by the Ministry of Personnel. Chen Xiaoru saw that the letter specifically recommended He Bing to act as governor, which suited his wishes perfectly. He also received a private letter from Wang Lan and began to pull strings. Just then, the Governor-General of Fujian submitted a memorial to the capital, stating that "Feng Bao entered the camp with Zhu Dengyun, and the governor's recommendation of Zhu Songsan in his memorial may have been somewhat excessive due to personal considerations." It turned out that this Governor-General of Fujian had previously served under Zhu Songsan, and this memorial, in effect, confirmed Bo Qing's military achievements. The imperial decree stated: The previous censor's memorial is to be disregarded. Since the governor has requested permission to return to his hometown for recuperation due to illness, this is to be granted. He Bing will be appointed as acting governor of Hangzhou, and the relevant department is aware of this.
Chen Xiaoru was finally relieved upon seeing this. He considered serving in the capital, but found it utterly uninteresting. "Besides, with a thousand powerful and petty men like Lu Daotong in power, usurping the reins of the state, I am ashamed to associate with them. Now that my two sons have entered school, I have at least fulfilled half of my duty to my descendants. Perhaps I should take this opportunity to request permission to return home, still residing in Nanjing, to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature with Boqing, Zhexiang, Chuqing, and others, lest they call me a refined scholar while despising me as a vulgar person." Having made up his mind, he discussed it with Madam Fang.
Madam Fang, always of a tranquil nature, deeply agreed. Shen Langu, upon hearing this, was secretly delighted, for she often missed her parents due to the distance. "Since Xiaoru has resigned his official post and returned to the south, and says he will still reside in Nanjing, it would be perfect to bring my parents to live with me in Nanjing, so we can be together every day. Moreover, my parents have few children, only having me as their only child; you know that while I am thinking of them, they are also thinking of me far away in Yangzhou." The next day, Xiaoru submitted a memorial requesting leave to return to his hometown to repair the ancestral tombs. Unexpectedly, the Emperor's grace was so generous that his request was repeatedly denied. Only after Xiao Ru pleaded repeatedly was his request finally granted, with a year's leave to return to the capital for his official duties. Xiao Ru was overjoyed to be allowed to return home. He packed his bags, took his family, and prepared to depart. His colleagues and officials all came to see him off, but Xiao Ru declined them all. On the day of his departure, he quietly left the capital. He then instructed that he take the route through Yanzhou to visit Han Cha.
Just then, Han Cha received a letter from home saying that Jiang Gong's old illness had recently flared up, and he was experiencing frequent asthma attacks. Han Cha was deeply worried upon hearing this. Thinking of his father, over seventy years old, frail as a candle in the wind and frost, he feared that if anything happened to him, he, as a son, would not be able to personally attend to his father's needs, fulfilling his filial duty—a regret that would last a lifetime. He decided it would be better to follow Bo Qing's example and request permission to care for his parents. Therefore, he inquired with the Shandong governor and asked him to submit a memorial to the emperor. On the day Xiao Ru set off, the Shandong governor's memorial arrived, and he was granted permission, so Xiao Ru was unaware of the situation. While the governor was issuing his official document, he also appointed another official to receive the Dao Zhuan (a high-ranking official). Han Cha received the document, packed his belongings, and gave instructions to his successor, setting a date for his departure. Suddenly, Xiao Ru arrived, and everyone was surprised to find a fellow traveler. Han Cha then kept Xiao Ru with him, and they traveled together.
Along the way, there were dozens of carriages carrying the families and servants of the two officials, making it quite a lively journey. After traveling for more than half a month, they arrived in Nanjing. Wang Lan had returned from Hangzhou a few days earlier, and everyone was relieved to see him.
Jiang Gong was happy to see his son return after resigning from his official post, saying he was content and had not disgraced himself. Although he saw that his daughter-in-law had brought Xiao Lian home, the deed was done, and it was unlikely to be undone. Besides, his daughter-in-law was virtuous and tolerant, and it was her idea; parents shouldn't interfere too much in their children's private affairs. When Madam Jiang saw Xiao Lian, she was overjoyed by her attentive manner and thoughtful treatment. Since Xiao Ru had also returned to the province with his family, Jiang Gong naturally needed to redeem his residence, so he moved in with the Zhu family first, intending to find a rental house later. Xiao Ru and Wang Lan's families returned to their old homes. The women of the various families busied themselves with hosting banquets for each other, a lively affair that lasted for half a month. With the arrangements settled, Xiao Ru and the others spent their free time visiting each other, reciting poetry, drinking wine, or going sightseeing together.
Wang Shi and her second aunt discussed that living in the Wang family mansion was inconvenient, but since they lived in the same city, it wouldn't be difficult to meet. They decided it would be better to move back to Taoye Ferry and live as they pleased. They also invited Xiao Dai's mother, Mu Shi, to live with them. However, Shen Lan Gu had brought her parents to Nanjing and was troubled by having nowhere to stay. Ruo Yu and his wife also didn't want to live in the Chen family mansion, so they joined Wang Shi and the other elderly ladies from the Zhu family. They got along well, chatting and laughing behind closed doors, finding each other very congenial. Shen Ruoyu continued to run a shop in Nanjing, and he refused to visit Xiaoru from time to time. Lan Gu knew that her father was aloof and did not take things indiscriminately, so she could only let him do as he pleased.
One day, Boqing invited Xiaoru, Zhexiang, and others to visit Huizhu's grave. They saw that the plum blossoms in front of the grave had grown into a grove, now in full bloom, no less beautiful than those deep in the Lonely Mountain. The bamboo grove was also lush and dense, whispering softly in the wind, and standing guard like cranes when the moon rose. Wang Lan, seeing this, nodded and sighed, "Wanxiu was unlike anyone else in life, possessing a heart of ice and snow. Even her will was arranged in such a unique way. Truly, no one but him deserves such a refined and elegant grave. I love this great fairyland here; Wanxiu must have ascended to heaven, certainly not fallen into the realm of ghosts." Boqing then told everyone what he had seen in his dying dream. Xiaoru said, "It's no wonder he wanted so many plum and bamboo trees planted on the grave! Zhexiang's judgment was spot on." As they spoke, Lian'er had already arranged the offerings and laid out the prayer list, and everyone paid their respects one by one. Bo Xiao was overcome with grief at the grave, but everyone urged him to stop. After collecting the gifts, they went sightseeing for a while before returning to the city. Bo Qing casually remarked, "Several new plum trees have been added to the small garden, and they are blooming beautifully. You can all come to my place tomorrow and have a get-together." Everyone agreed. The next day, Bo Qing ordered a feast to be prepared, and around noon, Zhe Xiang and the others arrived. They then ate wine and admired the plum blossoms in a pavilion outside the plum garden. Halfway through their drinks, Wang Lan said, "Although we see each other all the time, it's not very convenient. If there are any accidents or unforeseen events, we might not be able to keep our promises. It would be best if we could all live together..." Before Erlang could finish, he clapped his hands and said, "I've long had this idea, and I've come up with a perfect solution. Let me tell you, and you can discuss it. Although our families aren't wealthy, we're all comfortably well-off. Why don't we all pool our resources and buy a piece of land, either inside or outside the city, to build a few houses and a garden with lots of flowers and trees, as a place for seclusion? We can move our families there, and the sisters can see each other often. We can spend our days there, reciting poetry and chanting, much better than going from one house to another, which is expensive and not as convenient. Even Boqing and Ziqian, who have parents, can still visit each other regularly." Xiaoru said, "Chuqing's idea is excellent, and it suits my mind perfectly." Let's do it this way. Zhe Xiang, Bo Qing, and I will contribute three large portions, and Chu Qing and Zi Qian will contribute one. It's not that I underestimate you two, but we have more say in this matter. Zi Qian is raised by his parents, unlike Bo Qing who is raised by his own family, and Chu Qing doesn't have much extra money. This is originally for enjoyment; if both of you were to give up your savings, it would be pointless. Furthermore, Bo Qing and Zi Qian's families cannot move in. Since they already have parents, marriage is meant to honor their in-laws, so... "I feel more at ease letting them work outside, and they'll be more considerate than if I were to serve them myself. If I only care about leisure and pleasure, I'll neglect family ties, and that won't do. They can live together, but must they bring their families over? The three of us can live anywhere we want, and we'd be happy to do so. Ziqian could move out and let you live here. Besides, my wife and the ladies of the various households all wish they could live together, so they'd have a companion." Boqing and Hancha readily agreed.
Xiao Ru continued, “We used to be together, but after we each went to serve in different places, we felt quite distant. Now that we've reunited, it's a rare thing in life. It's just a pity that Zai Tian is missing from our group, and Miss Cheng and Fang Jun are missing from their female relatives, otherwise we would be complete.” Er Lang laughed, “That's not difficult at all. We'll write to Zai Tian and tell him that if he envies our happiness, he will naturally resign and come. If he doesn't come and still clings to his official career and wealth, that's because he considers himself vulgar and doesn't appreciate our secluded elegance. It's his own self-abandonment, and it has nothing to do with us.” Wang Lan laughed, “Zai Tian will definitely be willing once he receives the letter. None of us are so vulgar. We're just afraid that Zai Tian won't be able to do as he pleases. He's currently enjoying great favor with the Emperor. Didn't you hear Xiao Ru say that he gets several [unclear] a year?” This imperial decree is not as free for us to leave as we please. If you don't believe me, you'll see what I mean later." Erlang said, "Whether Tian will come or not is still uncertain, so let's not worry about it for now. This matter cannot be delayed, so just leave it to me to handle. You just need to contribute the money. The other day, I happened to go to Taoye Ferry and saw a dilapidated house next to the old Nie family residence. It had more than ten courtyards and some empty land. I heard that the owner is eager to sell it, and the price is not high, only a little over a thousand taels of silver. I will ask Granny Nie to inquire about it tomorrow. I think it's quiet there, close to us, and Granny Nie and the others live next door, so it would be suitable for Rouyun and the others. First of all, it's rare to have such a large empty land. What do you all think?" Boqing said, "That would be even better. This is everyone's business, so you can make the decision." Everyone drank for a while and then dispersed.
The next day, Erlang went to Wang's house in person to inquire about the sale. Wang said, "His family has been reselling this land for years, but no one has paid any attention. They either complain that the place is empty or that the house is dilapidated. Since you've bought it to renovate the garden, why not just buy this piece of land? What could he possibly object to at this price?" She then sent someone to invite the seller. The seller was also from an old family, and he and Erlang negotiated in person and wrote a contract. Erlang paid the full amount of silver, took possession of the empty house, and asked Wang to look after it temporarily for two days. "Once we choose a date to start construction, someone will come to supervise and stay overnight." Erlang returned and found Boqing, Xiaoru, and the others, saying that he had made the purchase and could discuss when to start construction. Wang Lan said, "The year is almost over, and everyone has their own affairs. Why not start construction after the Lantern Festival? We'll all be free then, and we can take turns looking after it. Are you really leaving it all to Chuqing alone?" Everyone agreed. Xiaoru, Wang Lan, and Boqing contributed a total of 50,000 taels of silver, while Erlang and Hancha contributed 10,000 taels. Erlang was at a loss again. Several good ones had already been put into use, and Erlang would add more as needed.
The group then discussed and agreed on a garden plan, specifying suitable locations for houses, pavilions, mountains, water features, flowers, trees, and shrubs. Four or five houses were to be built on the left side of the garden for the families to live in. The craftsmen were also summoned to inspect the site, and construction was instructed to begin after the Lantern Festival. Boqing then sent a letter to Conglong, informing him of the construction of the garden pavilion. Conglong replied, expressing his delight. "I only regret that I cannot escape this situation, forced to conform to worldly customs. I must find an opportunity to feign illness and resign from my post. I earnestly request that you allocate two shares to me. Don't blame me for living here when I return. I will not tolerate your refusal." Without further ado, he sent ten thousand taels of silver. Erlang was worried about how to manage one of his own expenses, and he couldn't very well borrow money from everyone. "It's obvious I'm trying to be clever and get them to pay while I play the innocent," he thought. "This project with Tian Lai is perfect for covering my expenses, and it should be enough. I'll find a way to make up for the rest later."
Before he knew it, the New Year had passed. All the customs and traditions of the year, including the Lantern Festival and other festive occasions, need not be recounted. After the Lantern Festival, the New Year's work was over. Erlang and the others chose an auspicious day to start construction, called the foreman to collect the money, and began building, aiming to complete it by May. They also invited Mei Xian and Wu Guan to move in first to supervise the craftsmen and help Erlang with the work. Jin Liu and his companion, finding it inconvenient to stay in the new house due to the renovations, borrowed a room from the Wang family. Fortunately, it was very close, and they could supervise the work every morning until dusk before returning to the Wang family's house to rest.
With Mei Xian and Wu Guan sharing the work, Erlang could come every other day, simply paying them and pointing out how to add or subtract items. Because a blueprint had been prepared beforehand and considered to be perfect, the craftsmen simply followed the layout and orientation of the blueprint, making only minor alterations, so it wasn't very troublesome. By the end of April, only one or two out of ten houses and gardens were complete; they were busy digging ponds, planting trees, stacking rocks, and creating springs. They also crafted various furnishings. Xiao Ru and his companions would occasionally come to visit.
One day, they suddenly saw in the official gazette that there was trouble with the foreign customs in Guangdong. Because Cheng Shang had been recommended by the Guangdong military and had been there for a long time, familiar with the key situations, he was transferred to be the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, tasked with reorganizing the foreign customs and tax affairs. Liangjiang then transferred Yun Conglong to fill the vacancy.
Conglong, having read Xiao Ru and his companions' letter and hearing that they were building villas as a place of retirement, was very envious. Although he sent ten thousand taels of silver to attend their gatherings, he always regretted not being able to live like them, carefree and detached from the world. He had resigned several times, but the Emperor refused, saying he was deliberately avoiding responsibility and not concerned with national affairs. Now, having been transferred to Liangjiang, he was happy to be closer to them. Moreover, Cheng Gong's departure was urgent; he had rushed to hand over the two seals of the Grand Canal and was coming to Nanjing to take over his father-in-law's post. Cheng Wanrong and Xiaofeng were also overjoyed, and they also thought of their sisters.
In the blink of an eye, the Dragon Boat Festival passed, and the construction of the new house was completed. Meixian and Wuguan accepted the house according to the drawings. After settling the wages of the craftsmen, they moved into the new house and busied themselves with painting, decorating, arranging tables, chairs, and hanging curtains. They also invited Xiaoru and others to come and inspect the work and discuss the plaques and couplets for the pavilions and halls so that they could be made and hung up. They also asked everyone to discuss where each person preferred to live. Xiaoru then invited Conglong to have wine in the new garden that day so that they could compose the inscriptions together. Everyone arrived at the garden early in the morning to await Conglong. After a short while, a servant came up and reported, "Lord Yun has arrived." Everyone hurried outside to greet him. We wonder how the young scholar and the others will compose poems about the garden's scenery after inviting Conglong. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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【Illustrated Record of Fragrance】【46】【Author: Qingzhu Qiu】

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