The Red Mansion in its bustling glory

After parting ways with Zhao Xing and the others, Jia Jue returned to the Jia family mansion.

For a period of time afterward, nothing major happened in the Jia family.

Although Jia Zhen had improper feelings for his daughter-in-law, he didn't dare to make a move on her.

Jia Jue thought to himself, "Perhaps he will be able to succeed once I return from Jinling."

On April 28th, the old lady summoned Jia Jue over.

When Jia Jue arrived at Rongxi Hall, he first bowed to the old lady before sitting down and waiting for her instructions.

"Jue-ge'er," the old lady spoke, "I told you the other day that we're going to Jinling to pray for the Dowager Empress, and it's almost time to set off. You should get ready. The manor has also prepared boats and luggage. In a little while, you and your second sister-in-law can go and take a look. If there's anything incomplete, just let me know."

Jia Jue nodded and agreed repeatedly.

After the old lady finished speaking, Wang Xifeng stood up in front of her and said to Jia Jue, "Let's go, Jue-ge'er."

Jia Jue nodded and followed.

The others in the room looked at Jia Jue with varying expressions.

Daiyu need not say more; her eyes are filled with worry and the sorrow of parting.

Yingchun felt only worry and nothing else.

Xi Chun remained indifferent, her emotions barely discernible.

As for Tan Chun, although there was worry in her eyes, there was also a hint of envy.

She often lamented that she was not born a man, confined to her chambers, unable to display her talents or travel the world.

Leaving those aside for now, let's focus on Wang Xifeng and Jia Jue.

The two walked to the front of the warehouse, only to find that many things were piled up outside the warehouse.

Jia Jue glanced at it and saw that they were all silks, satins, tables, chairs and benches.

Wang Xifeng said, "These things were all moved out in advance to be transported onto the ship for you. This time when you go to Jinling, the manor will be using five ships in total—one large ship and four small ships. You will naturally be on the large ship, along with several maids from your room and a few old women to serve you; the four small ships will have things to carry—incense, candles, paper, and gifts for the Zhen family over there, as well as accommodations for the servants. There are still a few soldiers in the manor who have followed the old Duke through thick and thin, and the old lady has specially invited them back to go with you."

Jia Jue nodded, indicating that he had considered everything very thoroughly.

He then asked, "Can I bring a few maids with me?"

Wang Xifeng said, "Just take your three head maids with you. I think those three are enough. There's no need to bring anyone else. If you have other plans, that's fine too. Just have someone pass on the message to me, and I'll take care of everything."

Jia Jue nodded and smiled, "Then thank you very much, Second Sister-in-law. But there's one more thing, I wonder if you could help me with that?"

Wang Xifeng smiled and asked, "What is it about?"

"I wonder if you could add another small boat, sister-in-law?" Jia Jue asked.

"Add another one?" Wang Xifeng asked. "Why add one?"

Jia Jue said, "It's the two men, the one with the sword and the one carrying the book. I'm thinking of taking them along as well, so they can broaden their horizons."

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "Of course, of course."

Jia Jue also smiled and said, "I am extremely grateful for your help, Second Sister-in-law! When I return, I will definitely send you some nice things."

Wang Xifeng laughed and said, "What's this talk about giving gifts? We're all family, why be so formal? Come, let's take a look together. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, we can exchange it."

Jia Jue followed Wang Xifeng's instructions and checked it again.

These things are all of the best quality. Jia Jue nodded in approval and said, "The things are all good, so there's nothing wrong with them."

Wang Xifeng replied, "In that case, I will instruct them to move it onto the boat."

After saying that, he spoke a few words to an old woman next to him, and then pulled Jia Jue back home.

Back in Rongxi Hall, Grandmother Jia couldn't help but give Jia Jue a few more words of advice, nothing more than to take care of his health, and then let Jia Jue go back.

When Jia Jue arrived at his courtyard, Daiyu, Yingchun, Tanchun, Xichun, and Baoyu followed one after another.

The group of people came over to keep Jia Jue company and chat. As they talked, the topic naturally turned to the trip to Jinling.

Daiyu said, "Now that you're going to Jinling, it might take three or four months. I know the journey is rough by water, and you've never done it before, so you need to be careful."

Tan Chun, standing nearby, laughed and said, "It's really strange. You've been here for so long, and I've never heard such caring words come from your mouth before."

Daiyu blushed and said, "Now that Brother Jue is leaving, I'm just showing concern. Unlike you all, who are only asking for novelties."

Xichun laughed and said, "Yes, yes, we are all heartless and ungrateful, we don't care about Second Brother, only Sister cares."

Daiyu blushed and lowered her head, remaining silent.

Seeing this, Jia Baoyu naturally felt a mix of emotions, a sense of pent-up frustration welling up inside him that he couldn't shake off.

He suddenly felt neglected.

He used to be the center of attention, but not anymore.

The gaze of yesteryear has faded, leaving only the sweet whispers and laughter that remain in my ears today.

He suddenly remembered what he had read in a Buddhist book the other day: "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows, dew, and lightning; thus should they be viewed."

It turns out that all past events, people, and achievements in the world are like dreams, bubbles, morning dew, and lightning—fleeting, illusory, and unreal.

All that glitz and glamour of the past was nothing more than a fleeting dream, vanishing as soon as it was touched.

Thinking of this, Baoyu couldn't help but feel an indescribable sadness welling up in his heart.

Since all that has happened in the past is a dream, and all appearances are illusory, then what is the meaning of these past ten years of life in the world, of living a life of wealth and luxury?

Baoyu was born with an ethereal and Buddhist quality, and now he often reads many Buddhist and Taoist scriptures, just like in the original work, where he often experiences moments of enlightenment. However, Lin Daiyu or Xue Baochai usually suppress these insights.

He wasn't particularly close to Daiyu at the moment, and Xue Baochai hadn't even arrived in the capital yet, so he sat there blankly, his mind churning with thoughts.

Perhaps because he hadn't spoken for so long, Tan Chun finally noticed his unusual behavior and nudged Bao Yu, saying, "Third Brother, say something! Why are you just sitting here without saying a word?"

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, Baoyu forced a smile, but only said a few words to brush it off.

No one seemed to care, and the matter was dropped.

As everyone left Jia Jue's room, Daiyu, walking last, quietly asked Jia Jue, "Are you still keeping the things I gave you a few days ago?"

Jia Jue said, "Of course, you see."

As he spoke, he reached into his clothes and took out two purses.

Daiyu nodded and said, "I have something else to give you." As she spoke, she handed him something.

Jia Jue took it and saw that it was a jade bracelet.

"I've been sickly since I was a child. This was blessed by my father at a Buddhist temple. He said it would keep me safe and sound. You can wear it for now."