Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall.

When Grandmother Jia heard Baoyu's words, she couldn't help but smile wryly. Although she was getting on in years, she wasn't really senile yet.

Although Baoyu used filial piety as an excuse, which sounded somewhat touching, it was actually a pretext for not wanting to study, and Grandmother Jia was well aware of it.

However, Baoyu had always been pampered, and with such heavy studies at the Imperial Academy, Grandmother Jia felt sorry for Baoyu suffering and secretly hoped he wouldn't have to go.

Grandmother Jia never hoped that Baoyu would pass the imperial examination with flying colors.

Perhaps because she was born into a noble and wealthy family and married into one, she naturally neglected matters of studying and taking the imperial examinations.

Perhaps knowing Baoyu's temperament well, and knowing that he was not a scholar, Grandmother Jia naturally gave up when she saw Baoyu complaining so bitterly.

However, this spot in the Imperial Academy was specially given to Baoyu by Jia Cong. If it is abandoned halfway, Jia Cong will surely be unhappy.

Now, this eldest grandson holds two titles and is the head of two mansions, holding a prestigious position that even Grandmother Jia is wary of.

Moreover, this eldest son of the main branch was a top scholar, and he and his son Jia Zheng were of the same ilk, both valuing education highly.

If Baoyu were to avoid the difficulties and not go to the Imperial Academy, he would not only embarrass his father, but would also be looked down upon, causing discord between the cousins.

In the future, when he has something good, he will no longer need to help Baoyu. After he passes away, he will be even more disdainful of Baoyu.

Therefore, although Baoyu looked panicked and his voice was trembling with tears, Grandmother Jia was caught in a dilemma and did not immediately express her opinion.

……

Although Lady Wang greatly desired her son to be successful and ideally surpass Jia Cong in everything, she was ultimately aware of her own limitations.

Even though she thought it was nonsense that Baoyu could surpass Jia Cong in his studies, she didn't even dare to hope for that.

Originally, they only wanted Baoyu to study and get into a good school, which was already glorious enough in front of outsiders. But now that Shi Xiangyun had brought up the topic, they were all taken aback.

Thinking that his eldest son had studied too hard, which damaged his health and vitality, he suddenly couldn't withstand the pressure and died young.

This matter had become a nightmare for Lady Wang, and now that she heard Baoyu crying out in distress, she naturally panicked.

However, in front of Yingchun, Daiyu, and other younger generations, Baoyu's absurd reasoning led her to immediately agree not to study, which was a huge loss of face for the elders.

She originally thought that the old lady doted on Baoyu, and if she heard Baoyu plead with her about filial piety, the old lady would definitely make a decision, which would save her from losing face in front of the younger generation.

Unexpectedly, the old lady had become worldly-wise. Hearing Baoyu plead so earnestly, she didn't fall for his tricks and refused to express her opinion, leaving Lady Wang somewhat dumbfounded.

……

Seeing Baoyu's demeanor, Yingchun and the others knew that his sophistry was merely a result of his laziness in studying, and that he was using clever words and flattering expressions. They all despised him in their hearts.

Daiyu even began to think of an excuse to leave Rongqing Hall, so as not to stay and listen to Baoyu's nonsense.

Only Shi Xiangyun was straightforward and had clear likes and dislikes. She couldn't stand Baoyu's lack of ambition, but she forgot that she was the one who caused the trouble.

He said, "Second brother, you don't need to talk like that. How can a man have a future if he doesn't study? How can he understand the ways of officialdom and economics?"

My third brother has been studying for many years and I've never seen him disobey filial piety. Didn't Huan brothers also study at the Imperial Academy? Does that mean none of us are filial anymore?

When Baoyu heard Xiangyun talk about official career and economics again, he felt indignant and suddenly felt a sense of righteous indignation. He wanted to criticize Xiangyun for being a corrupt and greedy official.

But remembering his careless words and the sarcasm he received from Xiangyun, he was still shaken and swallowed back the words he was about to say, no longer daring to be so presumptuous.

……

Xiangyun continued, "Third sister, I'm curious about Brother Huan. We rarely see him."

Tan Chun was worried that Bao Yu would go crazy and cause an embarrassing situation. However, when Xiang Yun suddenly interrupted her, she managed to calm Bao Yu down for the time being.

He quickly replied, "Huan'er's talent for studying is far inferior to that of my second brother. As the saying goes, a slow bird has to start flying early."

I had my aunt take care of him, and he was only allowed to study at home and not to go out normally.

My second brother was indeed physically weak and couldn't withstand the hardships of studying, which is understandable.

Huan'er was a tough and resilient boy from a young age, able to withstand any hardship.

He was unruly from a young age, and being born out of wedlock, my husband and I have discussed it and decided that he must be sent out to be tempered so that he can make a living in the future.”

Tan Chun is shrewd and clever. After Shi Xiangyun's words, Bao Yu almost burst into tears. The old lady and the madam have both given up on the idea of ​​him going to the prison to study.

She naturally didn't want to get involved in such matters, so she simply went along with their words and said that Baoyu was weak and couldn't withstand the hardship of studying.

He then slightly belittled his own brother, saying that he was a tough and unrefined man who didn't need to work hard, and that he was born out of wedlock and therefore had no choice but to study to find a way out.

This was to separate the younger brother Jia Huan from the situation, so that Bao Yu's troubles wouldn't cause any problems with his studies and affect his brother's entry into prison for his studies.

……

When Grandmother Jia heard Tan Chun's words, she found them very pleasing to the ear, and Lady Wang could not find any fault with them either.

As for Jia Huan going to study at the Imperial Academy, they subconsciously ignored it.

In their view, if even Baoyu couldn't do it, then Jia Huan, this frozen cat, certainly couldn't either.

Whether he goes to study at the Imperial Academy or not is none of anyone's business; let him do whatever he wants.

Grandmother Jia said, "Third Sister is quite insightful. Studying is certainly a good thing, but Baoyu's health is weak, so we really can't be careless about that."

"Since you're such a thoughtful younger sister, tell me your plan."

When Grandmother Jia said this, Shi Xiangyun, being straightforward, didn't immediately understand what she meant.

Yingchun, Daiyu, Baochai, and others, being perceptive, instantly understood the meaning.

The third sister, just now, compelled by circumstances and following the old lady's wishes, also said that Baoyu was weak and couldn't endure the hardship of studying.

The old lady didn't want to directly criticize the Imperial Academy, lest she cause trouble for her eldest grandson, so she tried to bring up her third sister, intending to use her as a scapegoat.

As long as Tan Chun also said that Bao Yu didn't need to go to the Imperial Academy, this matter would have a pretext for gossip. Afterwards, Jia Cong knew it was Tan Chun's idea, so he couldn't blame her too much.

The old lady wouldn't want to tarnish her reputation, lest she be remembered as a member of a scholarly family, a family whose elders don't admire poetry and literature.

This matter has nothing to do with Tan Chun, so why let her bear the burden of fame for nothing?

The three women felt indignant, worried that Tan Chun, blinded by her own involvement, might be influenced by Grandmother Jia's words and actually say such things.

After a moment's thought, Tan Chun said, "Grandma, Second Brother is the legitimate son of the Second Branch. He will be responsible for the family's future and will not be like ordinary children."

Studying has always been a major concern for men. Although my second brother is physically weak, I am just a girl, so I dare not offer any advice on this matter.

Only someone with insight in the family can come up with a solution that satisfies both sides. Although my third brother is insightful, he is still a junior.

Among the elders in the family, besides the old lady and the wife, the master is the most knowledgeable. It is most appropriate to let the master make the decision on this matter.

Besides, even if the second brother doesn't enter the Imperial Academy, the third brother won't say anything about it and probably won't care too much.

But this matter requires the master's approval, and there's no way to avoid it. It would be better to call the master over to discuss it.

The Imperial College will open for classes after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. If my second brother does not return to the college...

The family needs to hurry up and remove him from the school register so that his spot can be made available to someone else, and my third brother won't have to do someone a favor for nothing..."

……

When Grandmother Jia heard Tan Chun's words, she was dumbfounded. It would be one thing for others if Bao Yu didn't enter the Imperial Academy.

Even if Cong-ge'er was merely feeling uneasy and wouldn't force Bao-yu to go to prison to study, his own son would surely be furious if he found out.

Grandmother Jia went to great lengths to find something to say from others, so as not to lose face and give others something to gossip about among the old relatives of the aristocratic family.

The original intention was to create a pretext and then add fuel to the fire. Out of filial piety and propriety, the son naturally couldn't disobey, so the matter proceeded smoothly.

The scare was so great that Baoyu was half-dead before he even entered the prison to study. What if something bad happened to him?

I never expected that this third daughter was either too muddle-headed or just pretending to be clever; not only did she not go along with my line of conversation, she even brought up her son...

……

Baoyu was deeply moved when he heard Tanchun's words and heard her say that she was weak and could not endure the hardship of studying.

It turns out that my observations have shown me that all women in the world are exceptionally beautiful and talented, which is indeed true in every way.

The third sister, a beautiful young lady, knew her own innocence and integrity, and was determined to speak up for herself.

Having a sister like this makes my life worthwhile.

My third sister was absolutely right; I was born with a body prone to melancholy and illness…

Baoyu was enjoying the beauty in his heart when he was surprised to hear Tanchun's first few words, which were as tender as a gentle breeze and drizzle.

The following few words, however, were like a sharp, biting wind and frost.

The third sister must have lost her mind; she actually wanted to call the master over and ask him to make a decision about this matter.

The fact that his master agreed to let him not go to the Imperial Academy was something Baoyu dared not even think about.

But if the master knew about this, there's no doubt that he would first decide to kill himself.

He was so frightened that his face turned deathly pale, and his grief, anger, and filial piety vanished instantly.

His eyes were glazed over, and he looked as if he was about to faint. He wanted to beg for something, but he didn't know what to say.

My heart felt like it was being stabbed by knives and swords. How had all the people in my family become like this? How could they all act so foolishly?

The third sister was such a clever girl, how could she come up with such a foolish plan? Did they all want to force her to her death?

At this moment, even with Daiyu and the other sisters present, Baoyu couldn't care less about making a fool of himself, because his father Jia Zheng had been summoned, and he would only make an even bigger fool of himself...

He hurriedly stepped forward and knelt before Grandmother Jia, saying in a sorrowful voice, "Grandmother, it's not that I don't want to study. It's just that I'm concerned about filial piety, and my health is weak. Please, Grandmother, do me a favor for Baoyu. Master values ​​an official career and will definitely not allow it."

Grandmother Jia sighed, "Yun'er just explained it clearly. The Imperial Academy has such heavy workloads. Even if you go there to study, you probably won't be able to handle it."

Since you already feel it's inappropriate, just say it out loud now, and say it to me, so that your father can calm down.

"If you only tell me after we get back to the East Wing, and I'm not around anymore, your father might beat you up, and I won't be able to stop him."

Madam Wang agreed, saying, "The old lady is right. The master has always valued education."

Whether Baoyu should attend the Imperial Academy is ultimately a decision for the Master. Since it's something that can't be avoided anyway, it's safer to discuss it with the Old Madam.

Grandmother Jia said to her maid, Emerald, "Go to the East Courtyard and invite Second Master to Rongqing Hall. Tell him I have something to ask him..."

……

As Baoyu watched the jade lift the door curtain, his heart trembled with fear, and his body shook slightly.

Seeing his pathetic state, Shi Xiangyun couldn't help but frown. Baoyu was a smart child when he was young, how did he turn out like this?

His third brother was born in the same year as him, only a month earlier. Not to mention his literary talent, few among his peers could match him.

His martial prowess was unparalleled; at such a young age, he led troops into battle, brandishing his sword and capturing enemy generals—what a heroic spirit he possessed!

Baoyu, however, only knew how to shirk his responsibilities and spent his days thinking about mingling with women.

It's one thing to not study or pursue higher education, but to insist on acting self-righteous and as if everyone else is blind and stupid.

The second master is his own father. Why would he need to act like a mouse before a cat, going out to socialize with others? Wouldn't that just make him even more clueless...?

Although Shi Xiangyun had a lot of complaints, she knew that now was not the time, so she naturally wouldn't add fuel to the fire and continue to verbally abuse Baoyu.

Seeing the scene in the hall, Yingchun felt bored and annoyed. She had come over to greet the old lady, but saw Baoyu putting on an act.

All he could think about was finding an excuse to take his sisters back to the East Mansion, so they wouldn't get involved in such a ridiculous affair.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the hall, and Jade lifted the curtain, allowing Jia Zheng to enter with a serious expression.

Yingchun then stood up and said, "Grandma, since the elders are discussing matters, my sisters and I will excuse ourselves for now and go back to the East Mansion to talk."

Grandmother Jia said, "You may go on your own, lest you get bored staying here. Tomorrow Cong-ge'er is going to war, so you should go back and help him settle in."

Aunt Xue also got up to leave because her daughter Baochai was also leaving. When her sister and brother-in-law were discussing Baoyu, it was not appropriate for her to stand there, so she also got up to say goodbye to Grandmother Jia.

Yingchun and the others bowed to Jia Zheng. The sisters then retreated behind the screen, preparing to pass through the back hall and return to the East Mansion.

Only Shi Xiangyun was lively and curious. She had just entered the inner hall when she secretly returned and hid behind the screen.

Tan Chun was worried because the matter at the Imperial Academy would involve her younger brother Jia Huan. Seeing that Xiang Yun had gone back to eavesdrop, she followed her.

…………

Jia Zheng received the message from the jade and asked the old lady what she wanted to see him about.

All the maids serving Grandmother Jia were extremely clever and resourceful.

Knowing that the matter involved Baoyu and that Jia Zheng was stern, Fei Cui dared not say a word, only mentioning that it concerned admission to the Imperial Academy, and that she knew nothing else.

Unlike Jia Cong, Jia Zheng was not busy and was currently on leave at home. Early this morning, he heard that Grandmother Jia had sent someone to tell Baoyu to come to Rongqing Hall in the West Mansion to have a talk.

Jia Zheng was not actually pleased, because the fifteenth day of the first lunar month was approaching and his son was going to study in the prison. He had taken a break at home to supervise his son's studies.

I had hoped to take advantage of this opportunity to encourage my two sons to study hard, so that my second wife could have a bright future.

At this crucial time for his studies, Jia Zheng did not want Baoyu to go out because the old lady doted on him too much and worried that it would weaken Baoyu's will to study.

However, due to his filial piety and sense of propriety, he could not stop the old lady from seeing Baoyu, which left him somewhat helpless.

I just received a message from Jade, and she spoke haltingly, only mentioning that it was related to the Imperial Academy.

As the saying goes, no one knows a son better than his father. Baoyu had just gone to Rongqing Hall that morning, and now this had happened. Jia Zheng could guess what was going on.

Anger was brewing within him. As soon as he entered Rongqing Hall, he saw Yingchun and the others get up and leave.

Baoyu was even paler, standing there blankly, not daring to sit down, looking like a guilty thief.

……

Seeing his son's state, Jia Zheng couldn't help but get angry. He gave a cold snort, which startled Bao Yu.

He said, "Grandma, what brings you here?"

Grandmother Jia said, "We were just talking about studying at the Imperial Academy. I hadn't noticed before that the coursework there is so heavy."

They only get rest on the first and fifteenth of each month, and have classes every morning and evening for various reasons. It's hard to go home after sunset, so they stay up all night.

Baoyu was physically weak from a young age, and he could not possibly handle such a heavy workload.

I was thinking that when he's two years older and more physically mature, it won't be too late for him to go to prison to study.

I think such an important matter as studying is something you, as the father, should discuss. Baoyu is still young, and there's no rush to start his studies.

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng felt a surge of anger rising in his chest, thinking of the jadeite's hesitant words and Bao Yu's guilty conscience.

I must have been strict with him lately, and this beast has been suffering from his studies, so he has become lazy and has been trying to seduce the old lady, thinking that he shouldn't go to the Imperial Academy!
It's not good to scold or beat him in front of the old lady now; we'll wait until we get back to the East Courtyard to expose him!
……

Although Jia Zheng was furious, he could only suppress his anger and said, "I know that the old lady cherishes Baoyu. This is also the old lady's affection for her grandchildren."

However, the Jia family is not what it used to be. Other families have fifteen-year-old children who are still young and have a long future ahead of them.

But the Jia family's sons are fifteen years old and have accomplished nothing, having already wasted their youth. They should be ashamed of this!
Because the Jia family was not an ordinary family, and their son Cong was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) at the age of fifteen and a Hanlin scholar, all the children in the family should set an example and be more diligent than other families.

Cong-ge'er and Bao-yu are the same age, but Cong-ge'er has already achieved great success, inheriting the legacy of his ancestors. At the age of fifteen, he led troops into battle, inheriting the heroic spirit of the Duke's lineage.

Baoyu, however, continued to neglect his duties in the inner quarters and accomplished nothing. The old lady felt ashamed that her son, a father, had fallen to such a low level.

The son did not demand that he excel in the imperial examinations and achieve top honors, but as a member of the Jia family, he should listen to the teachings of sages and become a gentleman of poetry, literature, etiquette, and manners.

The Imperial Academy was a legitimate institution of learning for the imperial court, a prestigious place of study that the Taira clan's students could only dream of attending.

The Imperial Academy was the place where scholars were nurtured in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Many famous ministers and high-ranking officials of the court were trained at the Imperial Academy. It was truly a crucible for cultivating the character of scholars.

The rigorous curriculum in the prison is naturally based on sound principles; otherwise, how could we cultivate talent for the country?

The future success of children in the imperial examinations is secondary; the fundamental purpose is to cultivate their character, straighten their minds, and establish their aspirations through the influence of the school's atmosphere.

Given Baoyu's past absurdity in studying, the fact that he was able to enter the prison to study with Cong'er's support is already an extraordinary blessing that should be cherished.

If he wastes several years because he is afraid of hardship and difficulty, he will become more and more lazy and unable to study when he gets older. What use will he be then?
The old lady had given her some advice, saying that her son should obey filial piety, but it was the father's fault for not teaching his son properly. The son also wanted Baoyu to succeed, and asked the old lady to understand his good intentions.

……

Grandmother Jia thought that since she had spoken up and given a tactful reason, given her son Jia Zheng's past behavior, he would reluctantly agree, no matter how unwilling he was.

Unexpectedly, my usually stubborn son was acting out of character today, not being as filial as usual, and instead talking non-stop, spouting off a whole carload of words.

This youngest son had suddenly become quite capable, and his words were so righteous and reasonable that even the experienced Grandmother Jia couldn't find fault with them for a moment.

Hiding behind the screen, Shi Xiangyun was quite surprised and whispered in Tan Chun's ear, "Third sister, I never thought Second Master would have such eloquence."

Tan Chun did not reply, but she understood that her master was being pushed to the limit by Bao Yu, because if her second brother continued to be lazy, things would only get more difficult in the future.

……

When Grandmother Jia heard Jia Zheng's words, she was stunned for a moment. She was somewhat hesitant. It was only natural to hope that her son would become successful. She was about to say something to ease the tension.

But then his son spoke first, asking Baoyu, "Baoyu, let me ask you, is it your own decision not to go to the Imperial Academy to study?"

When Baoyu heard his father's words, he felt how aggressive and forceful they were. The meaning behind his words was firm and unwavering, as if he was destined to be corrupted and degenerate into a parasite.

Although he was filled with grief and indignation, he dared not show any strength on his face. He was filled with fear and trembling, hoping only to win the old lady's pity and be saved.

When her father suddenly asked her a question, his words were stern, but not as fierce as they used to be.

Thinking that with the old lady in the house, even if the father was very strict, he would have to restrain himself a bit. With this in mind, he seemed to have more confidence and his courage grew a little.

Thinking back to his earlier statement that going to prison to study would prevent him from fulfilling his filial duties to his grandmother, he felt somewhat uneasy after saying those words.

However, apart from Sister Yun's words of malice, no one in the hall refuted her, which shows that when it comes to matters of filial piety, everyone has to keep their distance.

His father, Jia Zheng, was a man who valued filial piety and propriety above all else. With these kind words spoken to him and the old lady present, his father would surely have nothing to say.

……

Even though he was somewhat certain, his voice still trembled as he spoke, a testament to his long-standing fear of his father's authority.

"My lord, it's not that I don't want to study, it's just that the Imperial Academy's curriculum is too harsh, leaving no room for rest for a whole month. It's really against human ethics and common sense."

If he were to be imprisoned and study day and night like this, he would have absolutely no time to spare to show filial piety to his elderly mother.

The purpose of reading is to be enlightened by sages and virtuous men, to be knowledgeable and reasonable, and to be loyal, filial, benevolent, and righteous.

If one neglects filial piety towards one's grandmother in order to study in prison, wouldn't that make one an unfilial person instead of a person studying in prison? Wouldn't that be putting the cart before the horse?

Baoyu stumbled a bit when he first started speaking, but he gradually became bolder and spoke fluently. However, when he saw his father's unpleasant expression at the end, he suddenly felt uneasy.

No sooner had he finished speaking than a slap resounded in the hall, like a thunderclap in a clear sky. The sound was exceptionally loud and piercing. Baoyu was struck hard on the left cheek and immediately fell to the ground.

Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang were both shocked and stood up involuntarily, their faces full of astonishment. Even Tan Chun, who was hiding behind the screen, was startled.

Shi Xiangyun was caught off guard and startled by the loud slap. Her delicate body trembled involuntarily, and her forehead hit the screen, causing her to wince in pain... (End of this chapter)