The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 523: Peach Blossom Song by Lin Xiaoxiang

Jia Baoyu pestered Lin Daiyu for a long time. Seeing that she was so happy just because Jia Huan asked someone to send her a few broken peach blossoms, she naturally felt very uncomfortable. She also saw that Qingwen didn't even look at her since she entered the room, as if they were strangers, which made her even more indignant.

At this time, Zijuan had already taken out a handful of copper coins and gave them to Qingwen as a reward according to Lin Daiyu's wishes. The latter thanked Lin Daiyu and walked out of the room with a sweet smile. She didn't even say hello to Jia Baoyu the whole time, as if she had ignored him.

Jia Baoyu hesitated awkwardly for a while, found an excuse to leave Xiaoxiang Pavilion, and chased along the road. When he was almost at Qinfang Bridge, he finally saw a maid with a slim figure walking towards the bridge. Her shoulders were as sharp as a knife and her waist was as swaying as a willow in the wind. It should be Qingwen.

Jia Baoyu quickly quickened his pace and chased after her, calling out, "Qingwen."

The maid in front stopped and looked back, and saw that it was indeed Qingwen with bright eyes and white teeth. However, her pretty face suddenly sank, and she crossed the bridge quickly. Just as she was about to disappear behind the drooping willow branches, Jia Baoyu became anxious and ran as fast as he could. Finally, he caught up with Qingwen near Qinfang Gate. He panted and said with a smile, "My dear sister, why are you walking so fast? Why don't you wait for me?"

Qingwen said coldly, "Why is Master Bao chasing after me? And don't let your sisters scream like that. If someone hears it and tells the Madam, will I be able to live?"

Jia Baoyu said awkwardly, "You are still angry about this. I only found out later that it was Li Ma who complained to Madam, and Madam got angry and drove her away. This old woman is really hateful. I am also very angry in my heart, but she is my wet nurse after all, so I can't do anything. I just curse her in my heart."

"What's going on with Master Bao? What does it have to do with me? I don't want to know. I'm busy with other things. Master Bao, please do as you please." Qingwen walked around Jia Baoyu and went forward.

Seeing Qingwen so cold and heartless, Jia Baoyu felt even more uncomfortable and could not help but sarcastically said, "Ms. Qingwen has now climbed up the social ladder and even ignores me. I don't know what kind of drug Huan Lao San gave you. The affection we have had for each other for five or six years cannot withstand the test of just half a month. Well, from now on, just treat me as if I am gone."

After Jia Baoyu finished speaking, his eyes turned red and he actually started to cry. Wow, this big-faced guy has quite developed tear glands.

Qingwen stopped walking suddenly, but did not turn around. She just sneered and said, "So Master Bao knew that I had served you for five or six years. Then when Madam scolded and humiliated me, did Master Bao say a word to help me? When Madam chased me to Yueweiju, did Master Bao plead for me? That's fine, but when I came back that night, it was cold and rainy outside, why didn't you ask them to open the door? When I was extremely sick, did Master Bao care about my life or death? Now that I am alive, Master Bao is saying something sarcastic. Isn't it ridiculous?"
Haha, since Master Bao said that I am climbing up the social ladder, then I will do so. From now on, Master Huan is my real master. Master Bao, please respect yourself and stop harassing me, so as to avoid unnecessary trouble and gossip."

After Qingwen finished speaking, she left. Jia Baoyu returned to Yihong Courtyard in a state of despair. Seeing this, Sheyue was shocked and asked, "Second Master, what happened?"

Xiren came out of the room upon hearing the noise and saw Jia Baoyu's face in tears, looking like an eggplant hit by frost. She felt distressed and puzzled, and asked hurriedly, "Second Master, what happened? He was fine when he left the house."

Bi Hen gloated, "I'm afraid you're being bullied by Miss Lin again. You know that she doesn't like you, but you still go to her house and ask for trouble."

"Second Master is already in this state, why are you still gossiping?" Xiren wiped Jia Baoyu's tears while secretly complaining that that person was really the disaster star in Second Master's life. If he had known this would happen, he would have better stayed in the south and never come back.

At this time, Jia Baoyu asked, "Did Qingwen come back that night?"

Xiren and Sheyue looked at each other and realized that the problem was with Qingwen. The former smiled and said, "I thought it was nothing and it was not worth it. Why did Second Master suddenly ask this?"

"I just want to ask you, did Qingwen come back that night?" Jia Baoyu said with red eyes and gritting his teeth.

Musk Moon hung her head in silence, Xiren smiled and said, "I remember that night the Second Master was in a bad mood and drank two extra glasses of wine. He got drunk, and we drank some wine with him, feeling groggy, and went to bed early. The next day, the little maids mentioned it and we didn't know Qingwen had come back.

Because of Madam's strict order, the maids didn't dare to let her in, and she went back on her own. The next day, the maid told me about it quietly. I didn't think it was a big deal, so I didn't report it to you. You suddenly asked me about this, but I just saw Qingwen. Did she tell you herself? "

Jia Baoyu sneered, "Haha, you are all good servants!" Then he turned around and ran out of the Yihong Courtyard.

"Where is Second Master going?" Sheyue and Bihen were about to chase him, but were stopped by Xiren, who shook her head palely and said, "No need to chase him. Let Second Master be alone. He is only in this garden, so I believe nothing will happen to him."

Musk Moon sighed and said, "We are doing this for the Second Master's own good, but it's a pity that this little ancestor doesn't appreciate it. Qingwen is really something, she has already left, why would she provoke him again?"

It is said that after Jia Baoyu ran out of the Yihong Courtyard, he went straight to the Rongcui Temple, probably to complain to his confidante Miaoyu.

…………

Two flowers are in bloom, each showing its own beauty. It is said that Jia Huan arrived at the Imperial Examination Hall before dawn to take part in the second round of the imperial examination.

Jia Huan did well in the first exam and should have no problem passing, but to get a good ranking, he still has to give his all in the next two exams.

The content of the second exam was relatively simple, including a historical essay; five judgments, which were simulated judicial verdicts in a trial; and then a simulated writing of an imperial edict, where one could choose one from the following: an imperial edict, an imperial decree, or a memorial.

These contents are naturally not difficult for candidates who have already obtained the title of Juren. As long as they do not make spelling mistakes or damage the test paper, they can basically complete them smoothly. The examiners mainly look at whether the handwriting is beautiful and the writing is outstanding.

The third part of the imperial examination was policy essay, which involved current political affairs. There were five questions in total, each of which required more than a thousand words. It required a lot of thinking pattern and experience and knowledge, which happened to be Jia Huan's strong point.

As a time traveler from later generations, Jia Huan looks at things from the perspective of history, which in itself is a huge advantage. In addition, he had been exposed to practical affairs when he was with Lin Ruhai. His experience in governance crushed other candidates present. Therefore, Jia Huan also completed the third test paper very well. If nothing unexpected happens, he is sure to be in the top ten.

On the evening of February 17, the third round of the imperial examination finally ended. Jia Huan handed in his paper and dragged his tired body out of the examination room. He bid farewell to the headmaster Sun Chengzong and his classmates, then got on the carriage and left. On the way home, he actually fell asleep in the carriage.

Jia Zheng deliberately skipped work and went home early today. He waited in the study early in the morning, waiting calmly for Jia Huan to come and pay his respects and report to him. However, when the sun was almost setting, the rebellious son did not show up. Just when he was confused and annoyed, a servant came to report: "Master Huan fell asleep in the carriage. The old lady asked not to disturb him and asked someone to take him back to Yuewei Residence to rest in a sedan chair. He will come to pay his respects to the master tomorrow."

Jia Zheng could not help but feel disappointed, but this rebellious son was now a treasure in the eyes of the old lady. Since the old lady had spoken, he did not dare to disobey and said angrily, "I know!"

Oh, what a mistake. I got off work too early. It’s so boring!

Normally, when Jia Zheng was off duty at the office and went home, he liked to talk about state affairs with his guests (like bragging). But ever since something happened to the Jia family, those guests no longer came, which made Jia Zheng experience the fickleness of human nature and the vicissitudes of the world.

To get back to the story, Jia Huan slept until the afternoon of the next day and woke up after sleeping for eight or nine hours. He felt refreshed and energetic. He was helped to wash and dress by the two beautiful maids, Ping'er and Mandalin, and enjoyed all the tender care. After having his meal, he went to pay his respects to Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang in high spirits.

It was mid-spring and the weather was getting warmer. Grandmother Jia's condition seemed to have improved a lot. She looked much more energetic today. When she saw Jia Huan, who was handsome and elegant after a bath, her wrinkles on his face looked like smiling spring flowers. She asked him some questions about the exam and then sent Jia Huan away.

At this time, Jia Zheng had not yet returned home from office, so there was no need for him to pay his respects and report for the time being. Therefore, after Jia Huan left Lady Jia's room, he immediately returned to the garden and headed excitedly for the Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

"Brother Huan is here, Xueyan, pour some tea! Xueyan, pour some tea!" The macaw hanging under the eaves had become even fatter. As soon as it saw Jia Huan, it immediately started shouting like "beating gongs and drums".

The Xiang curtain rolled up in response, and Xueyan poked her head out, saying with a smile: "Third Master, come in quickly, we are all waiting for you!"

Jia Huan walked into the room and was immediately greeted by a pair of beautiful eyes with smiles. Wow, there were many girls, some thin and some plump, all chirping and talking, as if the room was full of spring flowers, which was a feast for the eyes. Xue Baoqin clapped her hands and laughed, "Look, the champion is here. I guessed right, he must come here first, no doubt!"

Jia Tanchun covered her face and said, "How can I, as your own sister, feel embarrassed to be outdone by Sister Lin."

Lin Daiyu's cheeks were slightly flushed. She glanced at Jia Huan, who was looking confused, and felt a little shy and happy. She said with a smile, "It's just that I'm here recently. Qin girl, why are you pretending to be a fortune teller?"

Xue Baochai just looked at Jia Huan with a smile, as gentle and dignified as ever.

Jia Huan couldn't help sweating and laughed, "What game are the sisters playing? I'm totally confused."

After living in Jia's house for a while, Shi Xiangyun regained her innocent, optimistic and open-minded appearance. She said with a smile: "Brother Huan has come at the right time. You can read the poem first!"

After saying this, he held up a piece of calligraphy for Jia Huan to see. On it was written "Peach Blossom Song", with the poem going as follows:

The east wind is soft outside the peach blossom curtain, and the morning makeup is lazy inside the peach blossom curtain.

There are peach blossoms outside the curtain and people inside the curtain. People and peach blossoms are not far away.

The east wind wants to lift the curtain, but the flowers want to peek at people, but the curtain won't roll up.

The peach blossom curtain is still open, but the person behind the curtain is thinner than the peach blossoms.

Flowers understand people’s sympathy and they also feel sad. The wind blows the news across the curtain.

The wind blows through the Xiang curtains and the garden is full of flowers, the spring scenery in the yard is even more sad.

The door of the mossy courtyard is closed, and people lean on the railing in the slanting sun.

The person leaning on the railing weeps to the east wind, and stands secretly beside the peach blossoms in a red skirt.

Peach blossoms and leaves are scattered everywhere, the flowers are blooming and the new leaves are green.

Ten thousand trees are shrouded in mist and smoke, and the red walls of the building are blurred.

The secret of heaven burns through the mandarin duck brocade, and I move the coral pillow when I am about to wake up from my spring sleep.

The maid brought water in a golden basin, The reflection of the fragrant spring dipped in rouge and became cold!
What is the similarity between the bright color of rouge and the color of flowers and human tears?

If you compare human tears to peach blossoms, the tears will grow and the flowers will flatter themselves.

Looking at flowers with tearful eyes, tears dry easily, and when tears dry, the flowers wither at the end of spring.

Withered flowers cover the withered people, and the flowers fly and the people get tired easily at dusk.

The cry of cuckoo heralds the end of spring, leaving only the lonely moon behind the curtains!

Jia Huan finished reciting "Peach Blossom Song" silently and could not help but glance at Lin Daiyu, his sword-like brows slightly wrinkled. This peach blossom poem was indeed very well written and the level was impeccable, but it was a little too sentimental.

Xue Baoqin smiled brightly and said, "Brother Huan, guess who wrote it?"

Jia Huan smiled and said, "Of course it's the Xiaoxiang Concubine's Draft."

Baoqin shook her head and said, "Wrong, I wrote it."

Jia Huan said confidently: "It's impossible. This tone of voice is very different from that of Heng Wujun."

Xue Baochai laughed and said, "So you don't understand, Brother Huan. Could it be that Du Fu only wrote the line 'Chrysanthemums in clusters blossom twice, shedding tears in the future'? He also wrote the lines 'Plum blossoms bloom red in the rain' and 'Water lilies grow long in the wind'."

Jia Huan shook his head and said, "Although that makes sense, Sister Bao would never allow Sister Qin to write such mourning words. Although Sister Qin has the talent, she would never write it. It's not like Sister Lin, who has experienced a bereavement, wrote such a sad song."

Xue Baoqin stuck out her tongue playfully and said, "It was indeed done by Sister Lin."

Lin Daiyu lowered her head in embarrassment and remained silent. She was a sentimental person. Although after being "transformed" by Jia Huan, she was more cheerful and healthier than the "medicine jar" Lin Daiyu in the original work, her sentimental nature was difficult to change completely. Yesterday, she was alone on the Qinfang Bridge watching the peach blossoms flowing with the water. She was suddenly moved by the scene and inspired to write this poem. She was quite proud of it, but was criticized by Huan's brother in a tactful way. She felt aggrieved and her eyes were slightly red.

Seeing this, Xue Baochai smiled and said, "Although Pin'er's poem is a little sad, it is unique and elegant, and has great talent. Our poetry club has just stopped for two months. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to start a new club tomorrow?"

Jia Huan also clapped his hands and said hurriedly: "That's right. Since it was started because of Sister Lin's peach blossom poem, how about calling it the Peach Blossom Society? Sister Lin will be the host and start a society tomorrow."

The ladies all cheered, and Lin Daiyu said with a smile, "It's fine for me to be the host, but please don't call it the Peach Blossom Society, and don't write peach blossom poems, so that everyone won't be sad about the passing of spring and autumn and disturb Mr. Huan Sanye's elegance."

The girls couldn't help but look at Jia Huan and laugh.

"Good sister, I was wrong!" Jia Huan bowed to Lin Daiyu with a bitter face, in return receiving a glance of slight resentment from the latter.

Xue Baochai smiled and said, "Pin'er has written a complete poem about peach blossoms. No matter how much we write, we will never be able to catch up. Let's write other poems."

Xiangyun's eyes lit up and she clapped her hands, saying, "I got it. How about writing about willows? The red peaches and green willows are a perfect match for our youth. And instead of writing poems, how about writing lyrics?"

Jia Tanchun said happily: "Good idea, let's do it."

(End of this chapter)