The Red Mansion in its bustling glory

As Jia Jue walked toward the temple gate, he saw Abbess Huixin waiting quietly.

Beside the nun stood a verdant old pine tree. A gentle breeze lifted the hem of her nun's robe, and Jia Jue couldn't help but sigh inwardly—time cannot diminish a beauty!

Upon seeing Jia Jue arrive, the nun asked him, "Young master, have you met with that unruly boy?"

Jia Jue replied, "That's right."

The nun nodded and said, "I wonder what the young master thinks of my disciple?"

Jia Jue pondered for a moment and said, "Your disciple is intelligent, talented, knowledgeable, and has an outstanding demeanor, unlike any other mortal."

The nun sighed softly, then said, "In that case, I'll trouble you, young master. You may leave now."

After saying this, the nun walked past Jia Jue and went inside.

Judging from the direction they're heading, they must be going to find Miaoyu.

Jia Jue had doubts and questions in his heart, but in the end he said nothing and just left quietly.

As he stepped out of the temple, he saw two men, one carrying a sword and the other a book, along with a group of servants waiting for him at the entrance.

He handed the box containing the jade ruyi to Qingfeng beside him, and then said to everyone, "The magic weapon has been obtained, let's go back."

After saying that, he left first.

Upon arriving at the Lin residence, Lin Ruhai naturally hosted another banquet for him.

During the banquet, Jia Jue said, "I happen to have a favor to ask of you, Uncle. I wonder if you could help me?"

Lin Ruhai put down his wine cup and said, "Oh? What is it about?"

Jia Jue smiled wryly and said, "Uncle, as you know, I recently passed the imperial examination and became a scholar. Although I came in first place, it was only by chance. The tutor my father originally hired has left, and now there is no one to teach me literature and writing. I wonder if Uncle has any free time and could perhaps offer some guidance?"

Lin Ruhai laughed after hearing this, "I wondered what it was about. Oh, I see. Don't worry, my dear nephew, this will be fine."

Upon hearing this, Jia Jue smiled and said, "Thank you, Uncle! I will be staying in Jinling for quite some time, and there's not much I can do to pray for the Empress Dowager, so I will inevitably have to trouble you with letters."

Ru Hai smiled and shook his head. "Of course," he said.

The two talked for a long time, mostly Lin Ruhai doing the talking while Jia Jue listened, mostly about studying and making progress. The drinking session lasted for two or three hours before it ended.

Two days later, the servants and purchasing agents of the Rongguo Mansion had finished purchasing in Yangzhou City. Jia Jue then bid farewell to Lin Ruhai, boarded the boat again, and sailed downstream.

A few days later, the ship stopped again.

We've now arrived in Zhenjiang.

Zhenjiang has always been a place praised by scholars and literati.

There are also many tourist attractions, such as Xijindu and Jinshan Temple, all located here.

There is a lake in Zhenjiang that is not famous, but the scenery is extremely beautiful, yet the lake has no name.

It was raining today, so Jia Jue, with great interest, brought his sword-wielding companion, the book-carrying figure, the gentle breeze, and the bright moon to this lake.

Someone once said that when it comes to lakes, a sunny lake is not as good as a rainy lake, and a rainy lake is not as good as a snowy lake. At this time of year, a snowy lake is no longer possible, but at least a rainy lake is still worth visiting.

Jia Jue rode in a small boat, drifting on the waves. Raindrops slanted and pattered against the boat's awning. The lake water was azure, merging with the sky. Distant mountains were shrouded in mist, and nearby willows drooped, their verdant hues enhanced by the rain.

Jia Jue leaned on the ship's side and gazed into the distance. He said to the man holding a sword and carrying a book, "I've heard some people say that Qinghu Lake is the best, that it's bright and picturesque. But Yuhu Lake is ethereal and serene, washing away all worldly dust. I think it's even better than Qinghu Lake—just like the human heart, returning to its true nature after leaving behind worldly splendor."

Holding the sword, he said, "Second Master is absolutely right. Although I am a rough man and do not know how to appreciate beautiful scenery, looking at this lake now, with the mist and rain obscuring the sun and the waves calm, it is just right for calming the mind and cultivating one's inner peace."

Fu Shu also said, "A lake in the rain, free from the noise of carriages and horses, and the hustle and bustle of tourists, is only accompanied by the sounds of water, rain, and wind, making it the perfect place to express one's feelings and aspirations!"

Jia Jue laughed, "You two have certainly gotten a lot sweeter with your words!"

Then Jia Jue continued, "You two will inevitably become officials in the future. I don't expect you to achieve great success or hold high positions, but there's one thing you must remember—officials should maintain a tranquil mind and rid themselves of restlessness. Human hearts are unpredictable, and the path to officialdom is treacherous. Only by guarding a pure heart, not coveting extravagance, and not pursuing personal gain, can one go far and achieve steady progress!"

Both the sword-wielding man and the book-carrying man nodded in agreement.

Jia Jue laughed again, "Let's enjoy the scenery first! For now, leaving the world behind and appreciating this beautiful lake and mountain view together is one of life's greatest pleasures!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a lone boat suddenly appeared, drifting out from the depths of the willow shade.

A man stood on the boat, dressed in plain clothes with flowing sleeves, his demeanor elegant and refined, his features clear and bright. Though it was raining, he exuded a carefree and untainted air, untouched by worldly concerns.

The man had a long sword hanging at his waist, the tassel of which fluttered in the wind. He was admiring the rain from his boat, his expression serene and far-reaching, quite like a chivalrous knight.

Upon seeing him, Jia Jue thought to himself, "This man has extraordinary character and is definitely not an ordinary person."

The man also saw Jia Jue. Seeing his dignified appearance and extraordinary demeanor, he thought to himself, "I thought I had seen countless wealthy young men in the capital, and that Jia Baoyu was the most distinguished among them. I never expected to see another one here."

As if on the same wavelength, the two men both ordered the boatman to stop.

The boatman gently rowed his oars, and the two boats drew near. Jia Jue then said, "Your refined taste is evident in our meeting; it is fate that we have met. Why don't we travel together?"

The man replied, "Of course."

Having said that, the man leaped from one boat to the other, his movements light and graceful, like a leaf drifting in the wind, without a trace of clumsiness or heaviness.

Jia Jue offered him a seat, and Qingfeng and Mingyue quickly served him tea.

The man looked at Jia Jue and found him even more striking, with a refined and elegant demeanor. Looking at the two men beside him, one carrying a sword and the other a book, who also possessed dignified bearing, he said, "My surname is Liu, and my given name is Xianglian. I come from the capital. My greatest joy in life is traveling and enjoying nature. May I ask who this young master is...?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Jue asked, "Are you Liu Xianglian?"

Liu Xianglian asked, "Have you heard of me?"

Jia Jue laughed and said, "That's natural. I have a younger brother who is on good terms with you, and I often hear your name mentioned by him."

Liu Xianglian asked, "Oh? May I ask who your younger brother is?"

Jia Jue smiled and said, "That must be Jia Baoyu."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xianglian was startled and laughed, "So you are Baoyu's elder brother! Indeed, you possess extraordinary bearing!"

Jia Jue also smiled and said, "I have long heard of Brother Liu's chivalrous reputation, his disregard for wealth and honor, his travels throughout the world, and his broad-mindedness. It is truly an honor to meet you today."

Liu Xianglian replied, "Brother Jia, you flatter me! I am but a wandering swordsman, without official position or responsibilities, without any attachments, who only loves mountains, rivers, music, and swords. Although I have the title of a descendant of the Duke of Li, who doesn't know that it is useless? The two people beside you, Brother Jia, do have extraordinary appearances, unlike ordinary servants."

Jia Jue said, "These two are not my servants, but my friends."

Both the swordsman and the scholar carrying books said, "Although Second Master says so, we have followed you for many years. How can we abandon the past?"