Dream of the Red Chamber: Daiyu and I swapped clothes

Chapter 61 Men too?

Choosing a subject to study is like choosing a major in university in the past, where one had to choose one from the Book of Poetry, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, the Book of Changes, and the Spring and Autumn Annals to specialize in.

From the provincial examination onwards, candidates only needed to answer questions on the five classic texts in the examination hall, without having to consider other texts.

As for how to choose the right scripture, there are quite a few tricks to it.

The Book of Songs has relatively simple language and the most abundant reference materials, making it the first choice for most students, but also the most competitive.

The other four classics are either ancient and abstruse or complex, and because fewer people study them, they have become the first choice for gamblers who want to find alternative paths and make big profits with small investments.

However, no ordinary person would ever presume to claim that they should study the Five Classics simultaneously during their elementary education; such a statement would be tantamount to courting death.

Therefore, Xing Bingcheng's surprise was not an exaggeration at all.

After the initial shock, Xing Bingcheng forced himself to remain calm and earnestly advised, "Young master, I know you are exceptionally talented. However, scholarship values ​​specialization. The Five Classics are vast and complex. Trying to study multiple classics simultaneously may lead to a situation where you try to do too much at once and end up with a superficial understanding, which could jeopardize your future. I hope you will reconsider."

As he spoke, Xing Bingcheng wiped the fine sweat from his forehead.

If he were to be taught all five classics at once, this old man would have no choice but to stay up late every night to review the old texts.

At that point, I'm afraid I won't be able to keep even the few strands of hair I already have.

Studying the Five Classics together is not as difficult as teaching them together.

Xing Bingcheng tucked his sleeves in, hoping that the Second Young Master Li would back down.

Let yourself off the hook, and let him off the hook too.

But after a moment of contemplation, Young Master Li raised his eyes, his gaze clear and resolute.

"I will heed your teachings, sir. However..."

Upon hearing the word "naturally," Xing Bingcheng obediently placed the teacup he had just taken from the maid back onto the tea table.

His heart was in his throat; he had a very bad feeling.

"...In my opinion, the first three sessions of the preliminary examination only test the meaning of the classics and the sutras, focusing on memorization. If one studies all five classics, then no question will be unanswerable, giving one a significant advantage. As for policy questions, if one can integrate the essence of the five classics and verify them against each other, one's arguments will be more expansive and profound, incomparable to those who are confined to one classic."

After a pause, Lin Daiyu said in a clear and resonant voice, "Therefore, I wish to emulate the learned scholars of the ancients, first seeking breadth of knowledge, then specializing in a particular subject. I will not set aside a single classic, but will study all five classics together, aiming to be the foremost text on my desk!"

Xing Bingcheng was stunned on the spot.

He initially thought this was just the arrogant behavior of the Second Young Master Li.

Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a decision made after careful planning and meticulous calculation.

How could he possibly persuade him to come back?

I felt a mixture of surprise and admiration, but I couldn't help but think about something deeper.

If I can teach a student like this, how can I not make a name for myself in the future?
This might really be an opportunity for him.

Even if he fails the provincial examination again, with the reputation of being a son of a noble family who passed the county examination, he will no longer have to worry about food and clothing in Wanping County.

"Enough, enough, enough!"

Xing Bingcheng sighed deeply.

Unexpectedly, after decades of immersing himself in the imperial examinations, his chance to turn his fortunes around came from his students. He couldn't help but sigh, but when he spoke again, he said with great enthusiasm: "Since you have such lofty ambitions, I will risk my life to accompany you on your journey! Let's stop here for today and allow me... to go back and make some preparations."

……

That night, Lin Daiyu was writing a manuscript in her room, while Xiangling silently ground ink beside her.

The flickering candlelight made her red dress appear even more gentle, and her eyes were full of tender affection.

Lin Daiyu secretly lamented her misfortune.

Last night, I took pity on her and let her share the bed, just to comfort her, no different from her first night in the mansion.

After all, Xiangling's current predicament was of his own making, so he shouldn't be too harsh on her and act like a heartless man.

But even this kind of entanglement was unacceptable to Lin Daiyu.

For her, especially, sleeping in the same bed as a woman while being a man was truly agonizing.

Even sharing a bed with Zijuan and Xueyan took her a few days to adjust. But right now, it was really difficult for her to leave.

Just as they were pondering how to stop this momentum, they suddenly heard footsteps outside the courtyard, and the two of them looked out the window at the same time.

Xiangling said softly, "Perhaps the master has returned to the manor."

Lin Daiyu felt as if she had been granted a pardon and immediately stood up, saying, "I'll go and pay my respects to my father!"

With that, he put on his clothes and went out, temporarily leaving Xiangling's hesitant gaze behind him.

Inside the main hall, Marquis Li Chong of Zhenyuan sat alone under the lamp, his brows furrowed with weariness.

"Father is well."

Lin Daiyu stepped forward and bowed.

Li Chong raised his eyes and nodded slightly: "Did you give a lesson today, sir?"

"The master said he needs a day to prepare and will speak tomorrow."

"Well, that's fine too."

Li Chong sighed, "Just now, when I passed by the teacher's courtyard, I saw that the candles were still lit and the sound of reciting could still be heard. It is rare to see him so dedicated. Chen'er, you must not let your teacher down."

"My child understands."

The two remained silent for a moment.

Just as Lin Daiyu was about to take her leave, Li Chong suddenly spoke again, his voice low, "Chen-ge'er, are you aware of the case of the flower thief in the capital recently?"

Lin Daiyu's heart skipped a beat.

"Why are we doing this again? I just want to focus on my studies and I really don't want to get involved in this trouble anymore."

He was too busy to attend to matters inside the room, yet he was being questioned for advice in the main hall; he was truly blocked from both sides.

Just as he was about to find an excuse to decline, Li Chong continued speaking on his own.

“This scoundrel is exceptionally cunning and adept at disguise. He often dresses as a woman, making him difficult to track down. If he causes trouble again at the Lantern Festival, I fear my first act as a new official will be to burn him down.”

Li Chong rubbed his temples, revealing a rare hint of dejection in front of his family, and gave a self-deprecating laugh.

Seeing his demeanor, Lin Daiyu felt a pang of unease, but remembering Li Chen's words that it was unrelated to politics, she hesitated before speaking, "Father, there is no need to worry too much."

"Since this thief takes pleasure in creating panic and deceiving the world to steal fame, he will surely strike again during the Lantern Festival when everyone is watching."

"Father could easily turn the tables and lay his trap by planting capable men in several lantern markets under his jurisdiction. Perhaps the decisive moment will come that very night."

Upon hearing this, Li Chong pondered for a moment and slowly nodded: "That's what I was thinking too, Chen'er. You're very thoughtful."

……

When Lin Daiyu returned to her room, she saw that Xiangling had already made the bed and was standing by her side, looking at her expectantly.

After going out for a walk, I completely forgot the purpose of hiding.

Lin Daiyu had no choice but to bite the bullet and let her serve her with washing and massage, just like the night before.

Once everything was settled, Xiangling tried to crawl back into bed, but Lin Daiyu hurriedly stepped in to stop her.

"Sister Xiangling".

Meeting Xiangling's tender gaze, Lin Daiyu racked her brains and managed to come up with a reason, "Tonight... I'm feeling a little unwell, so I'm afraid it's inconvenient for me to share a bed with you."

Xiangling was taken aback and asked with concern, "Master, are you feeling unwell? Should we call a doctor?"

"Uh... that's right."

Lin Daiyu stammered, then suddenly had a bright idea. She feigned illness and said weakly in a low voice, "There are always a few days every month... when I'm not feeling well. Sister, you know that too."

The room fell silent for a moment.

Xiangling blinked, her face filled with confusion and disbelief. After a long while, she stammered, "Master, are you talking about 'menstrual blood'? This... do men have it too?"

(End of this chapter)