The Succession Struggle in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 94 Brothers Gather Before Leaving Beijing

Upon seeing Jia Tanchun suddenly appear before him, Tu Chengyu guessed that this must be some benefit given to the Jia family by his father in order to appease them.

Aside from some speculation, there's a high probability that this suddenly appearing little girl will become his concubine in the future, Jia Tanchun.

Tu Chengyu didn't feel much of a different emotion; he didn't feel the surprise and joy of seeing a legendary figure.

He didn't feel any resistance because the little girl was given to him as part of a deal, and the emperor had forced her on him.

Tu Chengyu's only emotion toward her was curiosity, a great deal of curiosity.

However, now was not the time to satisfy his curiosity. He said to Xing'er:

“We’ll be leaving the palace in a few days, so please prepare a room for Jia Tanchun to stay in today.”

"The other newcomers will stay with the elderly in the courtyard for a few days, and we'll talk about it when we return to the palace."

Although Jia Tanchun was young, she knew that as a newcomer, she should not make herself stand out.

So she quickly said, "Your Highness, there's no need for such trouble. When I'm at home, I often squeeze in with my sisters."

"It's alright for Your Highness to let me rest with the ladies in the courtyard."

Seeing how sensible she was, Tu Chengyu was pleased and, after thinking for a moment, said:
"In that case, you and Xing'er can stay at Anshang for a few days."

Xing'er was Tu Chengyu's personal maid since childhood. After arriving in the palace, she was also the first-class palace maid in this courtyard and lived in a room by herself.

Tu Chengyu's arrangement for Jia Tanchun to live with Xing'er was a very good one.

After arranging things for Jia Tanchun, Tu Chengyu gave a few words of instruction to the newly arrived eunuchs and palace maids.

They were put to the previous arrangement, with the eunuchs all led by Xiao Xuanzi, and the palace staff naturally under Xiao Xing'er's command.

As for Jia Tanchun, this little girl, due to her young age and special status...

Tu Chengyu didn't assign her any specific tasks, only asking her to be his personal maid who served him tea and water.

After saying all that, Xiao Xuanzi and Xiao Xing'er took care of the rest.

Tu Chengyu then moved from a chair to a recliner, preparing to enjoy a rare moment of tranquility before leaving Beijing.

But as he lay on the recliner, having just taken a sip of the first cup of tea that Jia Tanchun had brought him, he heard a chattering sound outside the courtyard.

Then the young imperial uncle's voice was heard:
"Brother Yu, we've come to play with you."

With the arrival of the young imperial uncle, Tu Chengyu naturally couldn't be negligent.

He quickly handed the teacup to Jia Tanchun behind him, turned over and said, "Little Imperial Uncle, come in quickly."

As soon as Tu Chengyu finished speaking, a few breaths later, the young imperial uncle led a group of people in.

Tu Chengyu took a look and realized that there were not only the Little Imperial Uncle, but also the Sixth and Twelfth Princes.

The young imperial uncle came in and the first thing he asked was, "Brother Yu, I heard you're going to Jiangnan for a trip?"

Tu Chengyu replied, "I'm not going to play; I'm going back to my hometown to pay respects on behalf of my father."

The young imperial uncle said, "The worship ceremony will only take a few days, and the rest of the time is up to you, Yu-ge'er, to play."

The little kid was only thinking about playing; little did he know that he had other responsibilities in Jiangnan.

But I couldn't tell them about the job, so I could only give them vague answers.

The young imperial uncle was very envious, but there was no use in being envious, so he kept telling Tu Chengyu:

"Brother Yu, when you come back from Jiangnan, be sure to buy lots of delicious food and fun things from Jiangnan."

Tu Chengyu naturally agreed to the request, saying, "Don't worry, Little Imperial Uncle, I will definitely buy you lots of delicious food and fun things."

Little Twelve, who was standing nearby, immediately chimed in upon hearing this:

"Fifth Brother, what about me? I'm still here."

Tu Chengyu patted Xiao Shier's head and said:
"Don't worry, Twelfth Brother, how could Fifth Brother forget you? My brother also bought you lots of delicious food and fun toys."

After dealing with those two gluttons, it was finally Xiao Liu's turn to speak.

Xiao Liu asked, "Fifth Brother, when are you leaving the capital? Have you set a date?"

Tu Chengyu said, "It's not confirmed yet, but it should be within the next two or three days."

Xiao Liu frowned and said, "As expected, you left so early. In that case, Fifth Brother, you'll have to spend your birthday on the road."

Tu Chengyu replied, "There's nothing we can do about it."

Xiao Liu said, "Since we can't celebrate Fifth Brother's birthday in time, let's celebrate it early."

Tu Chengyu said, "It's just a birthday, let's not make a fuss about it."

Xiao Liu said, "Fifth Brother, this time it's not up to you. All the older brothers are ready to celebrate your birthday early."

"They sent me here today to ask you, Fifth Brother, which day you'd like to hold the ceremony."

Hearing that everyone was ready, Tu Chengyu knew he couldn't refuse their hospitality.

But then I thought about it again, and realized that I would have to pack my things in the next few days, so I really wouldn't have the time.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "There's no time like the present, let's do it today."

“It’s not that complicated for us brothers to get together. We can just have the imperial kitchen prepare some food and send it over.”

Xiao Liu said, "Since Fifth Brother has made up his mind, I'll go tell the other brothers and ask them to come over now."

After saying that, he left, leaving the young prince and the twelfth prince to play there. The young prince, who had been listening to Tu Chengyu and the other boy talking about birthdays, asked, "Brother Yu, what day is your birthday?"

Tu Chengyu casually replied, "The second day of the third month."

After Tu Chengyu finished speaking, no one else reacted, but Jia Tanchun, who was standing behind him, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

Tu Chengyu turned to look at Jia Tanchun, puzzled. He had only mentioned the second day of the third month; what was there to be surprised about?

Jia Tanchun felt four or five pairs of eyes staring at her, and her face instantly turned red. She lowered her head, not knowing what to say.

Tu Chengyu asked curiously, "What's wrong with you?"

Jia Tanchun hesitated for a long while before saying:

"Your Highness, my birthday is also on the second day of the third month, which is why I was surprised to hear your words. Please forgive me."

Upon hearing this, Tu Chengyu chuckled inwardly and said, "What a coincidence."

"Since you and I share the same birthday, let's celebrate your birthday early today, and count that in as well."

Upon hearing this, Jia Tanchun quickly replied, "How could I, your humble servant, dare to celebrate my birthday with Your Highness?"

Tu Chengyu said, "It's just a birthday celebration, why make such a fuss?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Tu Chengyu realized that his arrangement was indeed inappropriate.

Because today is an early birthday celebration, all those who have come are princes of the current dynasty, and even the crown prince will be there.

These people coming to celebrate Tu Chengyu's birthday is perfectly fine, but if a palace maid were to suddenly join them, even if that maid came from a noble family, it would make them feel dissatisfied.

If he really did that, he would not only be making himself unhappy, but also causing trouble for Jia Tanchun.

"This method is not suitable," Tu Chengyu said after thinking for a moment.
"Your birthday is coming soon, and I'm sure your family is preparing things for you to celebrate."

"Since we share the same birthday, I will allow you to send a message home and have them prepare some items to be sent to the palace before nightfall."

Upon hearing this, Jia Tanchun looked at Tu Chengyu with surprise, but said aloud:
"How could I trouble Your Highness on my birthday?"

Tu Chengyu said, "It's getting late. If you keep making excuses in front of me, even if your family has prepared the things, they won't be able to bring them in."

When Jia Tanchun realized that what Tu Chengyu said was true, she was overjoyed.

He also temporarily forgot his plan to keep a low profile and quickly curtsied to Tu Chengyu to express his gratitude.

Then, he hurriedly tried to run out of the courtyard.

Seeing her wandering around like a headless fly, Tu Chengyu shouted:
"Why are you going?"

Upon hearing Tu Chengyu's shouts, Jia Tanchun assumed that Tu Chengyu had changed his mind again, so she quickly stopped and her smile seemed to freeze.

Tu Chengyu, oblivious to her change in mood, continued speaking to himself:
"If you want to send a message outside the palace, go find Xiao Xuanzi. If you run out so recklessly, be careful that the Imperial Horse Administration doesn't arrest you."

Jia Tanchun then realized that it wasn't a change of heart, but rather a lesson for her.

After figuring it out, a smile returned to Jia Tanchun's face.

She curtsied to Tu Chengyu once again, and then happily ran to the backyard to find Xiao Xuanzi.

After Jia Tanchun left, the mischievous little prince, Uncle Tu, mysteriously approached Tu Chengyu and whispered:

"Yu-ge'er, is this palace maid the child bride that your elder brother chose for you?"

Tu Chengyu looked at his young uncle with a wry smile and asked, "Young Uncle, where did you hear all this from?"

The young prince said, "I heard it from my father at lunch."

"Father also said that you, Yu-ge'er, have more than one child bride. There is another one in Jiangnan. Your trip to Jiangnan this time is to see your child bride."

Tu Chengyu was annoyed. Why did his grandfather tell everyone everything?

Tu Chengyu could only give perfunctory answers to the question about the young imperial uncle.

Fortunately, the young imperial uncle only remembered and teased Tu Chengyu a couple of times.

Once the topic was changed, he forgot about it and went to find Little Twelve to play games.

Tu Chengyu, on the other hand, arranged for eunuchs and palace maids to move tables and chairs.

Set up a gathering place in the yard.

When the setup was almost complete, Xiao Liu returned.

As soon as he came in, he said, "Fifth Brother, everyone has been notified. I also gave a heads-up to the Imperial Kitchen on the way."

Tu Chengyu said, "Thank you for your trouble, Sixth Brother. Did you go to the Crown Prince's place when you sent the message?"

Xiao Liu said, "I ran into the Crown Prince on the road. He said he would come over later."

Tu Chengyu was quite happy to hear that the Crown Prince was coming, even though the two brothers had already spoken yesterday.

But yesterday the Crown Prince came on behalf of the Emperor, and he was only talking about official business.

Today's small gathering between brothers, with the Crown Prince's presence, is even more significant for Tu Chengyu.

Knowing that the Crown Prince was coming, Tu Chengyu quickly had the seats rearranged.

Although it was supposed to be a small gathering of brothers, the Crown Prince's status meant that there were many things that needed to be considered.

(End of this chapter)