Dream of the Red Chamber: Madam, please have some self-respect!

That was quite a malicious remark.

Even though Xue Baochai was usually very good at maintaining her composure, when Daiyu subtly and sarcastically teased her in front of everyone, her gentle smile instantly froze.

Her usually dignified cheeks flushed slightly, and she tightened her grip on her handkerchief. But when she wanted to retort, she felt that whatever she said would be inappropriate and would only make her appear impatient.

In the end, Baochai said nothing, not even bothering to maintain her usual impeccable manners.

She forced a smile and said to everyone, "I suddenly remembered that there are some things at the shop that my mother needs to decide, so I'll take my leave now."

Then, with Ying'er, who also looked displeased, they hurriedly left the courtyard.

Watching Xue Baochai's almost distraught back, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat stagnant.

Tan Chun glanced at Daiyu helplessly, as if complaining that her words were too sharp.

Daiyu, however, paid no attention and picked up her book again, though the cool smile on her lips grew even stronger.

Yingchun kept her head down, only the hand that Tanchun was holding trembled slightly.

During his time recuperating from his injuries, Jia Yun did not waste any time.

He knew that the autumn imperial examinations were approaching and he had to do his best, but he also understood that in order to truly establish himself, in addition to academic success, economic foundation and personal network were equally indispensable.

With four or five months to go before the autumn imperial examinations, he was already thinking about the industries that the "trading company" could expand into.

Inventions were impractical in that era. Therefore, the entertainment industry of later generations provided inspiration.

The theater was a quick way to make money and network with all sorts of people, but he didn't want to follow the old path of singing those clichéd songs about talented scholars and beautiful women. A thought flashed through his mind like a spark—drama!

A new form of narrative with greater freedom.

Jia Yun recalled the classic stories she had read in her previous life and finally chose a theme that was both beautiful and moving, with some supernatural elements, and easy to attract readers—"A Chinese Ghost Story".

Jia Yun lay on the couch, enduring the discomfort behind him, and relied on his memory to transform the love between Ning Caichen and Nie Xiaoqian, the eerie and mysterious Lanruo Temple, and Yan Chixia's chivalrous spirit into words and then compiled them into a vernacular novel.

After finishing writing, the first reader Jia Yun thought of was Lin Daiyu.

Firstly, Daiyu's talent is unparalleled in the Jia family, and with her exceptional discernment, she is bound to offer insightful opinions.

Secondly, Jia Yun remembered that on that day at Rongqing Hall, it was Daiyu who, despite her own frail health, pleaded for him, thus sparing him from further physical suffering.

Jia Yun always kept this kindness in his heart, thinking of finding an opportunity to repay it.

On this day, Jia Yun sent a servant to deliver a neatly copied storybook to Daiyu's residence, saying that it was a story he had written randomly and asking Miss Lin to correct it when she had time.

When Daiyu received the storybook, she was initially surprised, but after reading it carefully, she was immediately captivated by the novel story and poignant emotions.

After reading it in one go, she closed the book and remained silent for a long time, with tears glistening in her eyes.

Zijuan, watching from the side, asked curiously, "What's wrong, Miss? What did Second Master Yun write that made you so sad?"

Daiyu wiped her eyes and sighed, "This Nie Xiaoqian is truly a person with a tragic fate. Her life was filled with hardship, and even after death, her soul could not find peace. She was also driven by that demon to harm people's lives... Fortunately, she met a sincere gentleman like Ning Caichen."

Although she felt the story was somewhat "supernatural and fantastical," the persistence in true feelings and the struggle against fate contained within it deeply touched her sensitive and thoughtful heart.

Daiyu felt that Jia Yun's ability to write such a story demonstrated his ingenuity and sensitivity, which were beyond the reach of ordinary men.

The resentment she felt towards Jia Yun for "causing trouble" had faded considerably.

The next day, the sisters gathered again in the garden.

Daiyu was delighted and asked Zijuan to read the story to everyone.

Zijuan's voice was clear and bright as she told the story in a captivating way, leaving everyone mesmerized.

Xichun was most interested in these stories of gods, ghosts, and the supernatural.

At the tense parts, she gripped the hand of the maidservant beside her tightly. Hearing of Nie Xiaoqian's plight, her eyes welled with tears, and she repeatedly exclaimed, "This story is wonderful! Much better than those old-fashioned plays!"

Strangely enough, although Xichun was the legitimate daughter of the Ningguo Mansion, she was like a stranger to her brother Jia Zhen and nephew Jia Rong.

She usually kept to herself and rarely went out, preferring to associate with her sisters such as Daiyu and Tanchun, or to bury herself in painting. She showed an almost indifferent detachment from the people and things in the Ningguo Mansion.

Tan Chun listened from the side and, seeing Daiyu's high regard for the storybook, couldn't help but feel a little sour.

She knew that being chosen by her grandmother was already a blessing. She didn't plead for her that day because she knew she wasn't important enough and feared that taking the lead would backfire.

Seeing Jia Yun present Daiyu with this carefully written storybook, she understood that it was mostly to express her gratitude for pleading on her behalf, but as a young girl, she couldn't help but feel a little comparison.

However, she was broad-minded and straightforward, and quickly suppressed her sour feeling. Instead, she praised, "Brother Yun is indeed very clever. If this story can really be staged, it will definitely be a sensation."

Jia Yun was greatly relieved to hear the positive feedback, and then sought out Wang Xifeng to discuss opening a theater and staging this new-style "spoken play".

After listening to Jia Yun's idea and carefully reading the novel "A Chinese Ghost Story," Wang Xifeng's phoenix eyes gleamed.

With her shrewdness, she immediately sensed the huge business opportunity.

This story is novel and unique in form. Once it is launched, it will surely attract those high-ranking officials and young nobles who are tired of the old plays. Won't money roll in?

However, amidst her excitement, Wang Xifeng frowned slightly and pondered, "Yun-ge'er, your idea is excellent, and I, your second sister-in-law, also think it's good. But..."

"Running a theater inevitably involves dealing with actors and actresses. You're a scholar now, about to take the provincial exam and pursue an official career. In officialdom, reputation is paramount. Getting too close to actors and prostitutes will ultimately...damage your reputation! Have you thought this through?"

Jia Yun was surprised that Wang Xifeng's first consideration was his future career and reputation, and he felt a slight warmth and some emotion in his heart.

Jia Yun composed himself and said seriously, "Second Madam's concerns are valid. However, the new play I envision is different from ordinary operas. I plan to find some respectable young men from good families who are willing to learn this new art, or those actors who, although in the opera world, have a good reputation and are ambitious. The rules will be strict, and we won't engage in any shady social niceties. We'll only discuss art, not romance. Besides, this opera house is ostensibly the property of the merchant guild, with you and the mansion holding the lion's share. I'm just offering suggestions; I won't be deeply involved. As long as the play is good and the rules are followed, no one else can say anything."

Seeing that he had thought things through thoroughly and wasn't acting on impulse, Wang Xifeng was finally relieved.

A smile returned to her flawless face: "Since you've figured it out, that's good! Alright, leave it to me! I'll go find a suitable garden and a few reliable managers. You should also work on perfecting the script. Once the venue is found, we'll get right to work!"

Feng Lazi is a woman of action; once she makes a decision, she acts swiftly and decisively. She immediately began to plan where there were any vacant buildings or courtyards that she could acquire and renovate.

Perhaps it was because Jia Yun had practiced martial arts, but he was also quicker and more agile. Therefore, he began teaching ahead of schedule.

The following day, Jia Yun officially began teaching.

Since Grandmother Jia had made up her mind to use his help to cultivate the children of the clan, she was quite generous and allocated a quiet courtyard near the outer study to him for his private school.

It even had all the necessary writing implements, such as brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, books, and desks, making it far more formal than the temporary seating arrangements when teaching the girls before. The monthly allowance was also increased significantly, clearly indicating an intention to win them over.

At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), Jia Yun arrived at the school.

Jia Lan was already sitting upright in her seat, her small frame ramrod straight.

Upon seeing Jia Yun enter, he immediately stood up and bowed respectfully, saying, "Good morning, sir!"

Although Jia Huan arrived, he was slumped in his chair.

When he saw Jia Yun enter, he reluctantly stood up, mumbled "Sir" indistinctly, his face full of laziness and reluctance.

Although Jia Huan was a scoundrel, he remembered that he had become an apprentice yesterday and had vaguely heard that Jia Yun was skilled in martial arts, so he did not dare to be too presumptuous.

Jia Yun remained expressionless, his gaze sweeping over the empty main seat, a cold smile creeping across his face.

He said no more, and sat down in the seat of the senior student. He said to Jia Lan and Jia Huan in a low voice, "Now that you've entered the school, you must be punctual. If everyone hasn't arrived yet, you can stand and wait."

Where is the promised punctuality? The most important person, Master Bao, is conspicuously absent.

His maid even came to report that "Second Master is not feeling well and is afraid he will not be able to come today," but she was vague about when he would be able to come.

As Jia Yun listened to the report, he looked at Jia Lan and Jia Huan, who had different expressions, and a faint, cold smile appeared on his lips.

He knew that this job as a "schoolteacher" would probably be far more difficult than he had imagined.

Jia Lan had no objections and stood obediently with his hands at his sides. Jia Huan cursed inwardly but dared not disobey, so he could only stand crookedly with a gloomy expression.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, footsteps and laughter came from outside the door.

Jia Baoyu, dressed in a bright red robe with arrow-sleeved sleeves, arrived late, surrounded by several maids including Musk Moon and Autumn Pattern.

He entered the room and saw Jia Lan and Jia Huan standing there.

Jia Yun, sitting upright with a solemn expression, was momentarily stunned, but then put on his somewhat lazy smile and laughed nonchalantly.

"Hey, what's going on here? What kind of show are you putting on so early in the morning? Nephew Yun, you're taking this way a bit too seriously..."

Good grief, so this was a show of force to intimidate me.

At this moment, Jia Yun narrowed his long, narrow glasses slightly, and a surge of anger rose within him.