Dream of the Red Chamber: Daiyu and I swapped clothes

Chapter 41: Use the other person's way to repay the other person's kindness

Even after she managed to regain her dignity by arguing her case in court, Lin Daiyu's anger could not be quelled.

Instead, after leaving that magnificent hall, glancing back at the plaque of Rongqing Hall, my heart ached even more.

Now, Lin Daiyu didn't want to linger for a moment longer. Without waiting for someone to lead the way, she walked straight toward the hanging flower gate.

There was no place for her here.

"Stop! You stop right there!"

Hurried footsteps came from behind, and Jia Baoyu caught up breathlessly, spreading his arms to block her way.

After catching his breath, Jia Baoyu raised his eyes, his gaze filled with the arrogance of a scion of a noble family looking down on "external things," and scanned Lin Daiyu from head to toe.

Lin Daiyu had never seen him with such an expression before, and she felt nauseous.

Faced with such "uncouth men" before him, Jia Baoyu naturally showed none of the patience and tenderness one would show to a woman.

New and old grudges surged up, and Jia Baoyu spoke with a sharp edge, "Don't think you've won just because you spout a few pedantic words in the hall! What kind of status do the Old Ancestor and Madam have? They don't bother with a junior like you. Do you really think the Jia family can tolerate your insolence?"

Lin Daiyu gazed at it quietly.

Looking at this incredibly familiar face, the one she once considered a "confidant".

If it weren't for his still-present appearance, she would hardly believe that such arrogant words would come from his mouth, which always said, "Daughters are made of water and flesh."

Throughout the household, which of the ladies didn't praise his thoughtfulness? They all said he was different from other men, that he knew how to be respectful.

It turns out that this "respect" only cares about appearances, and now it seems so cheap.

"Ha," a very soft, cold laugh escaped her lips as she silently thought to herself, "You used to talk so eloquently with me about 'soulmates' and 'unrestrained behavior.' Now it seems you were just saying whatever came to mind. Just because you changed your appearance doesn't mean you're even human anymore. How utterly ridiculous!"

Lin Daiyu's eyes were cold and her tone was extremely indifferent. "Get out of the way."

When had Jia Baoyu ever been subjected to such blatant contempt?

Recently, he has been wronged by the same person twice. How can he accept that?

Jia Baoyu not only refused to yield, but instead puffed out his chest and declared in a grand manner, "We are not of the same ilk! I study not for that damned fame and fortune! Our ancestor said that people like us should be content with wealth and honor, and there is no need to compete with those from humble backgrounds for a place in the imperial examinations. But I insist on seeing who is better in the county examination, so that you will know what the difference between heaven and earth is!"

Taking a deep breath, Jia Baoyu spoke with an air of condescending superiority, "I admit I underestimated you before, not knowing you had read a few classics. But just you wait, after the New Year, my teacher will come to the mansion to lecture me, and on the county examination list, I will surely trample you under my feet!"

Lin Daiyu narrowed her eyes, her gaze losing all warmth and gradually sharpening. "So you've been studying so diligently just to turn the classics of the sages into capital for your bullying? How is this any different from the 'traitors and corrupt officials' you despise?"

After a pause, Lin Daiyu said with certainty, "No, you are not even as good as them. They seek wealth and status, and at least they know how to conceal it. If you were an official, with such a mindset, how could the people under your rule survive? I'm afraid there would be widespread suffering, and you wouldn't even realize it!"

"You...you're talking nonsense!" Jia Baoyu felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his blood surged, and a metallic taste rose in his throat.

Lin Daiyu's words were too harsh and hurtful, negating the very foundation of Jia Baoyu's character.

How could Jia Baoyu think he was inferior to the parasites he despised the most?

But no matter how hard he racked his brains, he couldn't find a single reasonable argument to refute it.

Before he could catch his breath, Lin Daiyu's last words had already fallen. Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a penetrating contempt: "I advise you, you'd better just stay put and keep your wealth in this mansion. That would fulfill your filial duty. Why waste money and drag other good people down with you? You're just bringing shame upon yourself!"

After saying that, Lin Daiyu didn't look at that pale, lifeless face again. With a wave of her arm, she pushed Jia Baoyu, who was blocking her way, aside.

Perhaps due to daily stone lock training, her physical strength has increased. Lin Daiyu thought she hadn't used much force, but she still managed to push Jia Baoyu so hard that he stumbled.

With a "plop," he fell to the ground, nearly tumbling off the veranda and into the pond in the courtyard. Jia Baoyu was both shocked and frightened, sitting there dumbfounded, filled with humiliation, and for a moment he forgot to get up.

"A crude brute!"

Lin Daiyu left Rongguo Mansion without looking back.

……

“Sister Bao, I’m sorry for getting in your way. We can’t even see Young Master Li’s back anymore, but if you lower yourself and chase after him, it should still be in time to see him.”

Li Chen leaned on Xue Baochai's shoulder, accompanying her as she peered out from under the shadow wall at Lin Daiyu outside the hanging flower gate, teasing her with a smile.

Xue Baochai's cheeks flushed instantly. She spat lightly and said, "Pah! You silly girl, always making fun of us with baseless remarks. How can we possibly go to see men outside our families?"

Li Chen laughed and said, "I haven't even seen the person yet, but my heart is already wandering off."

"You brat, you still dare to talk back! If it weren't for the fact that you've started your menstrual cycle, I would have thrown you away."

Xue Baochai raised an eyebrow and said coquettishly.

Li Chen's eyes flickered, and she said softly, "Oh dear, how could you hide your feelings from me, sister? I think that young master Li is quite good too. A gentleman is sought after by a lady, there's nothing strange about it."

Xue Baochai rolled her eyes, wondering where Lin Daiyu had learned such flirtatious talk, and found herself unable to deal with her.

"Can you go back?"

"Of course we should go back. Everyone's gone, they've seen the excitement, what's the point of staying here?"

"You're willing to risk your health just to come and watch the show. I really don't know what to say to you."

Xue Baochai shook her head helplessly and carefully helped Lin Daiyu back into the courtyard.

This turn of events was significant, as it led them to encounter Jia Baoyu, who was getting up, dusting himself off, and displaying a face full of frustration.

Upon seeing the two, Jia Baoyu's gloomy expression vanished instantly, and he immediately greeted them with a smile as bright as a peach blossom in March, asking, "Sister Lin, Sister Bao, what are you doing here?"

Li Chen laughed weakly, "Just here to watch the fun."

Xue Baochai immediately covered his mouth and corrected him, "Brother Bao, don't overthink it. My sister isn't feeling well, so I'm accompanying her out for some fresh air."

Jia Baoyu was still bothered by what had just happened and couldn't help but complain, "You must have heard what that madman said in the hall just now, right? He even talked about taking the imperial examinations."

Li Chen brushed Xue Baochai's hand away, nodded, and said earnestly, "I can hear that too. However, I think he only has a sharp tongue. To pass the imperial examination, one must not only be familiar with the Four Books and Five Classics, but also know rhyme, be able to compose poems and essays, and have good handwriting."

"I think it's Bao Er Ge who is naturally gifted. If he is willing to work hard, he will definitely have a chance to pass the imperial examination."

After Wang Xifeng finished praising Lin Daiyu, Li Chen followed suit, but Jia Baoyu couldn't tell the difference and was secretly delighted.

"Is my sister telling the truth?"

“Really? Really! When Brother Bao comes back with the top score in the county exam, he’ll put them on their toes! We can throw a celebration banquet for you in your room then.”

"Right, Sister Bao?"

Li Chen raised an eyebrow.

(End of this chapter)