The Red Mansion in its bustling glory

When Aunt Xue saw Baochai, she spoke frankly and bluntly, leaving Baochai speechless for a moment.

Baochai, however, forced a smile and said, "I know our family's situation. Although people outside say that our family is rich and powerful, we know our own hardships. There are not many capable people in our family now. It would be better for you to go to the palace. If you can be selected, it will also strengthen our family."

Aunt Xue nodded and sighed, "You've had a hard time."

Baochai smiled and said, "What are you saying, Mother? If I'm chosen after entering the palace, wouldn't that be a blessing for me?"

Aunt Xue could only nod and sigh.

The next day.

Inside the Rongguo Mansion, Jia Jue had gotten up early, and Musk Moon had brought him the clothes he needed to go out in.

The carriages, horses, and gifts were already prepared outside the gate; today, he was going to visit the Xue family.

After entering the carriage, they soon stopped at a mansion.

Jia Jue got out of the carriage and looked around. Sure enough, the Xue family mansion was grand and imposing, and from the outside, it was in no way inferior to the Rongguo Mansion.

Someone had already come to inform him, and soon after Jia Juefang got out of the car, someone came over respectfully to guide him inside.

After a winding and circuitous journey, Jia Juefang stopped in front of a magnificent building.

This place appears to be where the Xue family entertained guests.

As soon as he entered, a beautiful woman stood up and affectionately called out to him, "My son~"

This beautiful woman was none other than Aunt Xue. Jia Jue bowed respectfully and said, "Aunt."

Aunt Xue exclaimed "Hey!" and took Jia Jue's hand to make him sit down.

The two chatted idly for a while, when Aunt Xue suddenly said to the person next to her, "Go and call the girl over so she can meet her brother."

The man accepted the order and left. Not long after, a young girl walked gracefully towards him.

This young girl was strikingly beautiful. Though still young, she possessed a voluptuous and lovely figure, which could not be concealed even in her flowing robes. Her temperament was gentle and graceful, quiet and elegant, as if a lady from ancient times had been reborn, leaving an unforgettable impression.

This young woman was none other than Xue Baochai.

At this moment, Baochai entered the hall and saw a young man in white sitting inside. He was exceptionally handsome, with an ethereal air and composed demeanor. Baochai thought to herself, "So this is Jia Jue. He truly is like a piece of divine jade!"

At that moment, the two had met. Baochai was a year older than him, so she called him "Jue-ge'er," while Jia Jue naturally called her "Bao-jie-jie."

When Baochai arrived, the three of them naturally chatted for another hour or so, until Aunt Xue said, "How rude of me! Your brother Pan'er should have come to greet us, but he hasn't been feeling well lately and can't come."

Jia Jue laughed and said, "How is this impolite? We're relatives, why should we hold it against anyone? We're family, why be so formal?"

Aunt Xue laughed and said, "You sure know how to talk."

Jia Jue added, "Knowing that Brother Xue is not well, I brought some good medicine from my residence. Although it is not as good as what is here, it is still a token of my good intentions."

Aunt Xue said, "Jue-ge'er is so thoughtful."

Jia Jue said, "I wonder if Brother Xue has the time to visit him?"

Aunt Xue said, "Baochai, you should take your brother over there."

Baochai nodded in agreement and then took Jia Jue out.

The two continued chatting and laughing on the way, and Baochai said, "I heard that Brother Jue has already passed the imperial examination and become a Xiucai?"

Jia Jue laughed and said, "It was just luck, nothing to mention."

Baochai laughed and said, "Can being the top scholar be just a matter of luck?"

Jia Jue smiled but did not reply.

Baochai said, "Nowadays, there are not many sons of nobles who know how to study and are willing to make progress. Brother Jue is so diligent, he will surely become a great man in the future."

Jia Jue smiled and said, "Although Brother Xue doesn't particularly enjoy reading now, he will surely be outstanding in the future."

Baochai sighed, "Brother Jue is a sensible man. My brother is currently inside and is no longer seriously injured, but he still doesn't want to move around, saying he's lost face. I know my brother has a good reputation, so I won't pursue the matter. I just ask Brother Jue to be lenient in the future."

Upon hearing this, Jia Jue sighed and said, "Sister Bao is indeed tolerant and magnanimous, and knows how to behave politely. That day on the street, I didn't recognize you as my elder brother. If I had, I certainly wouldn't have thrown a punch. I also brought many gifts from my residence, some for Brother Xue and some for Sister Bao. I hope you will understand!"

Xue Baochai sighed and simply said, "That's it then."

Jia Jue looked ahead and indeed saw a courtyard.

The two then went inside.

Upon entering, they found Xue Pan lying casually on the bed, with a young actor in the room, presumably singing for this foolish tyrant!

Upon seeing his younger sister arrive, Xue Pan quickly stood up, his face beaming with smiles, and said, "My sister's here."

Then they saw Jia Jue behind them.

Xue Pan's expression changed, and he exclaimed, "It's you!"

As he spoke, he pointed at Jia Jue with his finger, too angry to speak.

Jia Jue smiled and grabbed the finger Xue Pan was pointing at, saying, "Brother Xue, please sit down first, please sit down."

Then, turning to Baochai, he said, "Would you please move aside, Sister Bao? I'd like to have a private chat with Brother Xue."

Xue Baochai nodded helplessly and had no choice but to leave.

Once only Xue Pan and Jia Jue were inside, Xue Pan said, "You are Jia Jue!"

Jia Jue laughed and said, "Of course, I will be it."

Enraged, Xue Pan abruptly stood up, reaching for a stick while shouting things like "I'll beat you to death to avenge you."

The young actor standing nearby was already too frightened to make a sound and hid to the side.

Jia Jue laughed and said, "Brother Xue, you might as well calm down. I was wrong to punch you twice in public that day, and I apologize in advance."

As he spoke, Jia Jue took out a little trinket from his sleeve that he wanted to give to Xue Pan.

It was a snuff bottle, small and exquisitely made, and quite charming.

Snuff bottles are now almost a must-have for spoiled rich kids. For these noble sons, a snuff bottle represents status and position!

Xue Pan was naturally delighted with it, and for a moment, he forgot all his anger at being beaten.

"Brother Xue isn't angry anymore?"

Jia Jue laughed.

Xue Pan was bad, but even worse, he was stupid, not very bright, and not petty enough.

Once you see some benefits, you forget the drawbacks.

Jia Jue knew this about him, so he accurately pointed out the place he liked, which made him immediately forgive and forget.

Xue Pan thought to himself, since he was no match for Jia Jue to begin with, and now that Jia Jue was willing to apologize, he might as well agree. That way, when he invited Jia Jue to have some fun together in the future, he would feel more confident, right?

At least we can't run into some reckless fool who's afraid of nothing and gets beaten up.

"Don't be angry, don't be angry anymore," Xue Pan said with a smile as he took the snuff bottle. "Although I don't read often, I've heard the saying 'No fight, no friendship,' so I suppose we've become friends through this!"