Dream of the Red Chamber: A Refined and Elegant Young Man in a Turbid World

Jia Cong remained silent throughout, being very obedient. It wasn't until Grandmother Jia, supported by Yuanyang, slowly came to sit down in the hall that she beckoned him over.

"Cong'er, your second uncle was worried that you would take the wrong path. Studying is no different from being a good person; you should be down-to-earth and honest..."

Now Jia Cong could no longer remain silent, and quickly bowed respectfully.

"Our ancestor was wise. Although I am dull-witted, I know what shame is. I would never do something like having someone else do the work. Second Uncle, you are being a bit too arbitrary..."

"Does Cong'er mean that I made a rash decision without knowing right from wrong?" With Grandmother Jia present, Jia Zheng was displeased but could not lash out on the spot.

"I dare not presume, but literature is a gift from heaven, a stroke of genius. In ancient times, there was Luo Binwang who composed a poem about geese at the age of seven, while I merely made up a few lines of poetry off the cuff..."

Upon hearing this, not only did Jia Zheng narrow his eyes, but even Grandmother Jia showed considerable curiosity.

"Cong'er has indeed made progress. Did you also compose these two lines of poetry?"

Jia Cong was slightly taken aback, wondering if Lu You's poem hadn't appeared either. But he didn't show it on his face, simply replying politely...

"Grandpa, you flatter me. I have been following Mr. Cheng to learn to read and write for some time now, and I have learned a little from him..."

Jia Zheng's expression was somewhat complicated. He was a scholar who prided himself on being well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics and having memorized famous poems. The poems and prose that the young man was talking about were definitely not in his memory.

Even if Mr. Cheng were summoned, he might not be able to compose those two fine lines of poetry on the spot. Poetry and prose often require talent. Apart from the poet Li Bai, most people first have an idea in their minds and then gradually modify the rhymes or tones. The famous "Monk Knocking on the Moonlit Gate" in history is an example of this.

Before Jia Zheng could speak again, a hearty and spirited laugh came from outside the house.

"Grandmother, why is it so lively at home today? Aren't you afraid of disturbing your peace and quiet!"

Upon hearing that it was Wang Xifeng who had arrived, a smile immediately appeared on Grandmother Jia's face.

"Feng'er loves to join in the fun; it's just a few jokes with her children and grandchildren, causing a bit of a commotion..."

Wang Xifeng lifted the curtain and walked lightly into the main hall. She was somewhat surprised to see Jia Zheng and Jia Cong.

"What brings you here, Master and Brother Cong? Are you here to pay your respects to the Ancestor as well?"

Before Jia Zheng could speak, Grandmother Jia interrupted her son with a smile.

"You little monkey, you never come to my temple without a reason. I suppose you have something you need from me again?"

Wang Xifeng was extremely adept at reading people's expressions. She glanced at Jia Cong with a half-smile, then quickly stepped forward, took Jia Mu's arm, and said with a smile,

"There's nothing in this world that even our ancestor doesn't know. Since you and Brother Cong are both here, I'll take the liberty of asking you this once..."

Grandmother Jia chuckled and pinched Wang Xifeng's smooth cheek.

"You little monkey, aren't you afraid of your tongue slipping out? What do you want from me? Tell me..."

Wang Xifeng pointed her slender finger at Jia Cong below the hall.

"Grand Ancestor, isn't it a coincidence? I was just about to come and ask you for help regarding Brother Cong, and here he is! It's been many years since our household has had a son who has studied martial arts and entered officialdom. The other day I saw Brother Cong practicing early in the morning, and he looked like a martial arts expert. Brother Cong is also from the same lineage as Second Master Lian, so I thought I'd come and ask you to invite a master instructor to take a look..."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia couldn't help but glance at Jia Cong a few more times.

"Oh? Zheng'er brought Cong'er here just now, saying that his studies have improved these days, and he's even made some progress in poetry and prose. How come you're saying he has the aptitude for martial arts?"

Although Wang Xifeng had some doubts, the words she had spoken could not be taken back, like water spilled.

"That must be because the feng shui of this household is so auspicious. Look how well-behaved Baoyu is, and now we have Brother Cong, who is talented in both literature and martial arts. How can we not worry about having a worthy successor in the future?"

Grandmother Jia was so pleased with herself that she couldn't stop smiling. She then turned and called Jia Cong over.

"Cong'er, Feng'er said you want to learn martial arts? When did you decide to?"

Jia Cong's eyelids twitched. This Grandmother Jia was truly shrewd; her words and actions had already made it clear that he had gone to ask Wang Xifeng for help, yet he still had to be extremely respectful on the surface.

"My ancestors are wise. Although I have some eccentric talents, I have heard the stories of our ancestors. A true man should ride into the vast sea and conquer the Xiongnu. Please grant my request!" With that, he knelt down with a thud and kowtowed to the ground.

"Good, good, good. I never thought that after all these years, such an ambitious person would emerge in our household. Cong'er, get up quickly, don't get your clothes dirty..."

With Yuanyang's help, Jia Cong dusted himself off and got up, while Jia Zheng stood to the side stroking his beard.

"I never imagined that Cong-ge'er would have such ambitions. I had underestimated you before..." Jia Zheng was engrossed in the court, and he would take a liking to anyone who shared his temperament.

That being said, the expenses for martial arts training are no small sum, and Grandmother Jia also took the opportunity to look at Wang Xifeng.

"Feng girl, then tell me, if you're going to teach Cong'er martial arts, where will the money come from?"

"This... naturally, I will follow the arrangements of our ancestor..." Wang Xifeng shrewdly passed the buck back.

"You clever little girl, you're as cunning as a monkey! When have you ever suffered a loss? Fine, call his parents here. Since our son wants to practice martial arts, do you think he can run away?"

The "mother and father" naturally refers to Jia She; Madam Xing is not fit to manage the household.

A moment later, Jia She, wiping the fine sweat from his forehead, was led inside by a second-class maid.

"Why is the old lady calling for her son in such a hurry? Are your brothers here too? Hmm, what's wrong? Has Cong'er done something wrong again?"

Upon seeing so many people, Jia She's first thought was that Jia Cong had caused trouble, but Jia Zheng stepped forward with a rather sentimental expression.

"Brother, you are mistaken. Cong-ge is exceptionally intelligent; even the old lady says he is destined for greatness..."

Grandmother Jia followed her youngest son's lead.

"Yes, Cong'er is naturally quick-witted and has a high aspiration. As his father, you should think of a way out for him!"

Jia She glanced suspiciously at Jia Cong, who was standing to the side with his head down. He thought to himself, "This son of mine is usually so unassuming, why is he making a scene in front of his old mother today?" He could only nod vaguely.

"What the old lady says is true. Cong'er usually studies with those buddies at Mr. Cheng's place. We should find a way to do better than Lian'er..."

Grandmother Jia waved her hand dismissively, her words subtly alluding to Jia She.

"They're all your own sons, how can you be so biased? You should at least find a way out for Cong'er. Just now, Feng'er happened to come by, and I was thinking that it's been so many years since anyone in the manor has practiced martial arts. I was thinking of letting Cong'er give it a try. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, Jia She broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly shook his head.

"Grandma, you jest. Cong'er is not cut out for martial arts. He was seriously ill a few days ago, not to mention that martial arts training costs a lot of money..."