The Red Mansion in its bustling glory

When Jia Jue saw that Daiyu had given him her bracelet, he was naturally moved.

He said to Daiyu, "I understand your feelings, but since this bracelet was given to you by your uncle, you should keep it."

Daiyu said, "Since I've given it to you, why do you refuse?"

Jia Jue was about to say something more when Tan Chun returned and said with a smile, "I was wondering why Miss Lin hadn't come over yet. Turns out you two were whispering to each other. What were you saying? I'd like to hear too."

Upon hearing this, Daiyu blushed and quickly replied, "There's nothing to whisper about. I was just walking slowly."

After saying that, he walked over to Tan Chun, helped her up, and said with a smile, "Let's go quickly."

As they talked, the two of them went off together.

Only Jia Jue remained, watching their retreating figures with amusement, still holding the bracelet in his hand.

In the blink of an eye, two more days passed, and the ship and luggage were all ready. It was time for Jia Jue to embark on his journey to Jinling.

Before leaving, Jia Jue came over to say goodbye to the master, and then went to Rongxi Hall to see the old lady.

At that moment, Lady Wang happened to be in Rongxi Hall, which saved Jia Jue the trouble of saying goodbye to her.

Although it was Grandmother Jia who orchestrated this, she was still a sentimental old lady. Seeing her grandson Jia Jue, who had always been by her side, about to leave the mansion and go to Jinling alone, she couldn't help but feel a lot of complicated emotions.

Or perhaps, at this moment, the old lady also felt some regret.

When Jia Jue bowed and bid farewell, the old lady couldn't help but shed tears. At the same time, Lady Wang, Li Wan, Wang Xifeng, and the young ladies such as Lin Daiyu and Tan Chun also couldn't help but shed tears and sob.

Jia Jue laughed and said, "Grandma, Madam, sisters-in-law, and all my sisters, why are you all crying? It's not like I'm not coming back. Besides, going to Jinling to pray for the Dowager Empress is a good thing. Moreover, this trip will allow me to see the vast world outside. As the ancients said, 'Read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles.' In fact, this will be quite beneficial for me. I should be happy."

These words made the old lady laugh again. She said, "Jue-ge'er's mouth, I think it's just as good as Feng La-zi's!"

The old lady's words made everyone else laugh.

Wang Xifeng laughed from the side, "Brother Jue's tongue is something I dare not compare to. He is learned and speaks eloquently; how could I possibly match him?"

The old lady laughed and said, "Look at you, you're all so modest when it comes to talking about it."

After joking around for a while, Jia Jue bid farewell to everyone and got up to leave the mansion.

Daiyu stared at Jia Jue's figure, her gaze lingering until his back disappeared from sight, hidden by the outer corridors and screen walls, but she did not look away.

She always had a sense of familiarity in her heart.

As if she had done the same before, she stared blankly as Jia Jue's figure gradually faded into the distance until it disappeared.

-

Jia Jue rode his horse to the dock.

Xi Ren, Qing Wen, and She Yue have already arrived on the ship and are currently tidying up inside.

Jia Jue looked at the large ship he was to board—it was indeed large, with many rooms, and its construction was magnificent with carved beams and painted rafters.

Two lanterns were mounted on either side of the bow of the boat, each with a character written on it: "贾" (Jia) or "荣" (Rong).

This is the sign, meaning that this ship belongs to the Rongguo Mansion of the Jia family, and other passing ships should give way.

Jia Jue looked at the other small boats, and each of them had two lanterns hanging on them, with the same two characters written on them.

Jia Jue boarded the boat and entered the bedroom, where he saw three head maids bustling about.

When she saw him arrive, Musk Moon quickly poured him water and served him tea.

Jia Jue laughed and said, "The three of you are usually quite busy at home, but why are you even busier here than when you're at home?"

Xiren smiled and said, "You have to think about everything when you're out. Although those people made quite a few preparations, they still don't know your usual habits, so there are some things that don't quite meet your expectations."

Jia Jue shook his head and smiled.

After a few more words, the boat set sail.

This was the first time Jia Jue had left the capital city to go elsewhere since he came into this world.

During this trip to the south of the Yangtze River, we will pass through Yangzhou. I imagine that Uncle Lin is an official in Yangzhou, so I will inevitably have to pay him a visit.

Life on the ship was certainly not as comfortable as it was at home.

After several days of sailing, they finally arrived in Yangzhou.

When they arrived at the Yangzhou dock, Jia Jue disembarked from the boat and saw a group of people waiting for him.

Upon seeing Jia Jue descend, one of the men immediately stepped forward and asked, "Is that Second Master Jue from the Rongguo Mansion?"

Jia Jue smiled and said, "I dare not call myself 'Master,' I am Jia Jue, a descendant of the Duke of Rongguo. May I ask who you are...?"

The man smiled and said, "Since it is Second Master Jue here, that's good. My master is related to your family by marriage; his name is Lin Ruhai."

Jia Jue laughed and said, "So you're a capable person from my uncle's household!"

The man said, "I dare not claim to be a capable person. I am merely managing the household for the master. My name is He Guang, but the master always calls me Guang'er. It is fine for the second master to call me that as well."

Jia Jue nodded and said, "So you are the steward of my uncle's house. You are indeed talented."

He Guang said, "A few days ago, Old Madam Shi sent a letter to Master, saying that Second Master was going to Jinling and would pass through Yangzhou Prefecture on the way. Our Master was naturally overjoyed when he saw it and specially asked us to come and welcome him."

Jia Jue smiled and said, "Thank you all for your trouble." Then, he instructed the servants behind him, "Quickly bring down the gifts we prepared for Uncle Lin at the manor!"

Several servants quickly responded and went to urge him on.

Jia Jue then said to the two men behind him, one carrying a sword and the other a book, "You two should follow me."

The two of them had no objections and followed Jia Jue towards the Lin residence.

The Lin family mansion was not as grand and imposing as the Jia family mansion; its pavilions and towers exuded a delicate and beautiful charm reminiscent of the Jiangnan region.

Upon seeing Lin Ruhai, Lin Daiyu's father, Jia Jue immediately bowed and paid his respects.

When Ru Hai saw this, he quickly came over and helped him up.

After they were both seated, the maids served tea and fruit. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lin Ruhai finally spoke, saying, "I heard that Jue-ge'er has already passed the imperial examination and become a Xiucai (a scholar who passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations). He's truly a promising young man!"

Jia Jue quickly replied, "I dare not accept such praise. To claim talent in front of my uncle is like showing off one's skills in front of Guan Yu—it's overestimating my abilities!"

Lin Ruhai laughed and said, "Why are you so modest? At your age, it's not easy to achieve the top score! My brother Zheng also wrote to me, saying that when he heard you pass the exam, his joy was evident in his writing. He's so proud of you!"

Jia Jue said, "I will naturally strive to improve myself and live up to Father's expectations."

Lin Ruhai smiled, coughed twice, and then said, "I wonder how my daughter Daiyu is doing at home?"

Jia Jue said, "The old lady treats Lin Daiyu like her own granddaughter, so naturally she's very kind to her."

Lin Ruhai nodded and said, "My wife Min was the apple of your eye back then. Now that she has passed away, you naturally treat my daughter with even more kindness. I feel at ease knowing that my daughter is staying at your house."

As he spoke, Lin Ruhai coughed violently several more times.