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

Shi Xiangyun, who was usually rather naive, felt a little guilty upon hearing this, but given Jia Cong's reputation and how often Baoyu and others had mentioned him over the past year, she simply smiled and got up.

"I would be too kind to accept such kindness from you, Third Brother."

Seeing that Xiangyun was still clinging to Jia Cong, Baochai raised an eyebrow and seemingly casually pulled her along.

"Alright, it's so late at night, you can't even let people have a peaceful night. Go back and rest early." After saying that, she quietly stuffed the small box that Jia Cong had just given her into Ying'er's hand.

Xiangyun, satisfied, didn't linger and walked out the door with a smile.

"Yes, Third Brother wants to have a private conversation with Sister Bao so that no one else can overhear."

Baochai blushed again and spat.

"Stop gossiping like that, or I'll tear your mouth apart."

Xiangyun smiled and dodged briefly, continuing towards the door without stopping, even turning back to wave.

"I'm off now, I won't get in your way!" With that, she disappeared swiftly.

The Hengwu Garden fell silent instantly. Baochai's blush had not yet faded. She glanced at Jia Cong reproachfully, her tone softening, "Look at you, you've spoiled her so much that she's becoming more and more unruly."

Baochai rarely displayed such demeanor, which stirred Jia Cong's heart. However, not wanting to tease her any further, he had no choice but to composed himself and bow respectfully.

"In that case, I'll head back now and bother you again another day."

Baochai gazed at Ying'er tenderly, then helped her back to her room. She opened the box and found an exquisite hairpin. The hairpin head was inlaid with filigree and kingfisher feathers, while the shaft was pure white, with a delicate jade texture like solidified cream. Pearls shimmered between the patterns, making it unlike any ordinary object.

"It's surprising that he still has such thoughts," Baochai muttered to herself. She then called Ying'er to bring her a bronze mirror and tried it on. The beauty in the mirror was stunning, as beautiful as a peach blossom, but the shyness hidden behind her ears only added to her charm.

Two days later, Xiangyun invited Grandmother Jia and others to admire the osmanthus flowers. Grandmother Jia and the others said, "She's in a good mood, so we have to disturb her enjoyment."

At noon, as expected, Grandmother Jia brought Lady Wang, Sister Feng, and Aunt Xue and others into the garden.

With Jia Cong's private savings as a backing, the crab feast was expanded to a larger scale, featuring not only plump crab meat but also several plates of delicacies, which delighted Grandmother Jia and her entourage even more.

Since the banquet was held inside the Grand View Garden, everyone gathered at the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion. They didn't sit in a very formal manner; the masters ate what the masters ate, and the maids also had their own space.

Jia Cong ate a crab with Grandmother Jia, then thanked her and left the table, while secretly winking at Qin Keqing in the corner.

Qin Keqing had spent many days with him, but she could not bear the pain of longing. Taking advantage of the crowd and the chaos, she made an excuse to go to the toilet and quietly left the table.

The two met at the Luxue Nunnery. Jia Cong ordered the door to be closed and instructed the maids, including Ruizhu, to keep watch. Only then did he pull the beauty into his arms, feeling the fragrance emanating from her clothes, and finding her even more charming than before.

Jia Cong smiled and lifted the other's chin. "Does Ke'er know that the Ministry of War issued a document the day before yesterday, and I have been appointed as the commander of a thousand-household garrison. I will be taking office in a few days."

Qin Keqing was forced to look up, gently clutching his hem, and said in a soft voice, "Of course I know. Everyone in the manor says that Third Uncle achieved success at a young age, and that he is truly a person of outstanding character."

Her words held a hint of pride, yet couldn't hide a touch of grievance. Although she was the manager of the perfume workshop, she was ultimately unable to reunite with her lover and found little freedom.

Seeing the sorrow in her eyes, Jia Cong's heart softened, and he pulled her closer to him. "I'm sorry to have to go through this. This position as the commander of a thousand households is just the beginning. Once I've worked my way up and got a higher rank, I'll bring you out and we can be together."

Upon hearing this, Qin Keqing's cheeks flushed crimson, and she buried her head in his shoulder.

"Third...is what my husband said true? I, I don't ask for any glory, I only ask to be able to see my husband every day, that would be enough."

After she finished speaking, she seemed to struggle for a moment, her eyes sparkling with tears, and she boldly leaned forward to gently touch the corner of his lips.

Jia Cong felt a sudden itch in his heart and could no longer restrain himself. He lowered his head and began to entwine and caress the beauty.

Qin Keqing was initially taken aback, but then she softened into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and pouring all her longing from the past few days into this kiss.

In the midst of their tender moment, they suddenly heard Mingyan and Li Rong's hurried voices outside the nunnery gate. They dared not raise their voices, but the sounds were still clear to their ears.

"Third Master, Second Master Bao sent me to find you. The poetry club is opening soon, and the girls are all waiting for you to come and compose poems!"

Jia Cong frowned slightly, a hint of impatience flashing in his eyes, but he knew he couldn't stay long. He gently patted Qin Keqing's back and whispered some words of advice.

"I'll go deal with this for a bit and then I'll come find you later. Be careful on your way back, and don't let anyone notice anything amiss."

Qin Keqing blushed and nodded, reaching out to straighten his wrinkled clothes and speaking softly.

"Go quickly, lest you delay important matters."

Jia Cong kissed her forehead again, then straightened his robes, pushed open the door, and followed Mingyan to Qiushuangzhai.

As soon as Jia Cong's figure disappeared into the reeds, Ruizhu tiptoed in and stood beside Qin Keqing with her head bowed.

"Grandma, I saw that Third Master has already turned past the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion and the bamboo bridge, and is far away. There are no other people around."

Qin Keqing raised her hand to tidy her hair, her cheeks still flushed, and gently placed her hand on Ruizhu.

"Very good, let's hurry up and leave, lest someone see us."

Ruizhu quickly bowed and helped him up.

"Grandma, please don't worry. I knew my place and didn't let anyone see even a glimpse of my clothes."

Qin Keqing nodded slightly. "You've always been so considerate. Come back with me now. Take advantage of the crowd and the chaos to quietly return to your seats, so as not to arouse suspicion."

Jia Cong quickly followed Mingyan away. After Grandmother Jia and her family left Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, Li Wan, Baochai, Daiyu, Tanchun, Yingchun, Xichun, Xiangyun, Baoyu, and others remained. They had originally agreed to form a chrysanthemum poetry club to enjoy the autumn scenery, appreciate the osmanthus blossoms, and eat crabs, continuing their elegant pursuits.

Li Wan had already ordered people to prepare the writing room, with Xuelang paper, pine soot ink, and ivory brushes all arranged on the long table. She had prepared twelve chrysanthemum-themed poems: "Remembering Chrysanthemums," "Visiting Chrysanthemums," "Planting Chrysanthemums," "Facing Chrysanthemums," "Offering Chrysanthemums," "Ode to Chrysanthemums," "Painting Chrysanthemums," "Asking Chrysanthemums," "Wearing Chrysanthemums," "Chrysanthemum Shadows," "Chrysanthemum Dreams," and "Withered Chrysanthemums." She was just waiting for Baoyu to sit down comfortably so that everyone could choose a topic and compose a poem.

Jia Cong approached the long table and saw twelve questions listed on a sheet of paper. Everyone had already stepped forward to choose a question.

Baochai stepped forward slowly, dipped her brush in the ink, and marked "Remembering Chrysanthemums" and "Painting Chrysanthemums." As she was about to sign her name, she turned around and her eyes met Jia Cong's. She remembered the drunken kiss at Qingyan Hall that day, and her cheeks flushed red again. Her plump face was as if it were painted with rouge. She lowered her head and softly uttered the word "Heng." Her movements were gentle and graceful, just like a shy young girl.

Seeing Baochai begin writing, Daiyu slowly stepped forward, saying nothing, and took the brush to cross out the three topics: "Ode to Chrysanthemums," "Questioning Chrysanthemums," and "Chrysanthemum Dream." She glanced at Jia Cong discreetly and saw that he was even more heroic and handsome. Her heart stirred slightly, but she immediately turned her head away, her thin shoulders slightly hunched, feigning aloofness and coldness, and lightly added the word "Xiao," which was precisely her hypocritical nature.

Tan Chun stepped forward and, seeing that no one had chosen "Chrysanthemum Hairpin," she picked up her brush and crossed it out. She then smiled at Bao Yu and said...

"I will compose this poem, 'Chrysanthemums in the Hairpin,' and I have previously instructed that it must not contain any words related to 'boudoirs,' so please be careful!"

As she spoke, Xiangyun walked over and crossed out the fourth and fifth poems, "Facing the Chrysanthemums" and "Offering Chrysanthemums," adding the character "霞" (xia, meaning rosy clouds) to them as well.

Baoyu and the others finished choosing from the twelve chrysanthemum-themed questions, forgetting to leave any for Jia Cong. Daiyu ended up taking three of the questions.

Baoyu quickly pulled Jia Cong over and said with a smile,

"My third brother is very talented. How can he not write a poem today? In my opinion, Lin Daiyu should give him one."

Daiyu gave a soft snort and reluctantly handed over the pen.

"I want to see what kind of style and spirit Third Brother's masterpiece is. Don't let it be just a collection of vulgar and gaudy things that would tarnish your good name."

Jia Cong waved his hand to indicate that it was not necessary. "Poetry is about expressing one's aspirations, not about quantity, nor about being bound by the original topic. I will write another poem, 'Wild Chrysanthemums,' which will only occupy one topic. Please do not think that I am overstepping my bounds, sisters and sisters-in-law."

Baochai stood aside and gently smoothed things over, saying, "Brother Cong is skilled in both literature and martial arts; his work is sure to be excellent. We will wait patiently."

After another meal's time, all twelve questions were completed. Each person transcribed them out and handed them to Yingchun. She then took out another sheet of Xuelang paper and transcribed them all together, adding the person's pen name below each one.

Jia Cong's poems and essays were placed last, awaiting everyone's appreciation. Just as they were about to draw their conclusions, their eyes lit up with delight.

I haven't shared my humble meal with the poets, much less followed the common custom of celebrating the Double Ninth Festival. My beauty, found in the wilderness, is undeniable; I wouldn't diminish my exquisite fragrance if no one were there to appreciate it. Meeting you late at night amidst the verdant hillside, I hastily pluck a sprig of yellow. The flowers should coldly laugh at the Eastern Fence's kind, still seeking favor from Tao Yuanming.

When Li Wan picked up Jia Cong's poem "Wild Chrysanthemums" and read it carefully from beginning to end, she couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "What a wonderful poem! The entire piece is outstanding in its style and lofty in its conception, truly capturing the soul of the wild chrysanthemum perfectly!"

Upon hearing this, everyone gathered around and eagerly passed the book around.

Baoyu was the first to clap his hands and laugh.

"Wonderful! The line 'Willing to diminish its fragrance for no one's sake' is the most exhilarating! I have always despised those who seek fame and fortune and cling to the sages of the past. This wild chrysanthemum, alone in the mountains, possesses its own fragrance, regardless of whether anyone is there to appreciate it or not. It is a hundred times more noble than those who curry favor in the courtyard! Listening to the Snow Guest has such a brilliant mind!"

Tan Chun also praised it,

"When we write about chrysanthemums, whether in remembrance, visits, offerings, or dreams, we are mostly referring to the chrysanthemums in our courtyards or under fences. But Xueke writes about wild chrysanthemums in the mountains and fields, refusing to be a mere follower of poets, not conforming to the custom of the Double Ninth Festival, not diminishing their fragrance because no one is around, and disdaining to borrow Tao Yuanming's fame. His intention is several levels higher, truly a masterpiece of today!"

Even Daiyu remained silent for a long time after reading it.

She was naturally aloof and disliked sycophancy and seeking fame. This poem describes wild chrysanthemums living in seclusion in the mountains, maintaining their fragrance, not flattering the common people, and not coveting empty fame. Every line resonates with her heart.

She was competitive and a bit temperamental; she had initially intended to criticize the "straightforwardness and lack of eloquence," but in the end, she only gave a soft hum.

"The idea is quite unconventional, but the language is too blunt and lacks subtlety and restraint. Oh well, it's still a good poem."

He still refused to back down verbally, but his gaze remained fixed on Jia Cong.

Jia Cong cupped his hands and smiled, "Sisters and sisters-in-law, you flatter me. It was just a spontaneous moment, nothing to mention."

His gaze swept over the crowd, meeting Baochai's eyes. Seeing her full cheeks radiant with spring, gentle and affectionate, he recalled the kiss at the celebratory banquet that day, and his heart stirred slightly. Looking at Daiyu, he saw her aloof and proud yet tender-hearted, and for a moment he felt a pang of tenderness.

Baoyu, who never cared about fame, held Jia Cong's plagiarized work and read it several times, nodding and swaying his head.

"Wonderful! Wonderful! 'Willing to diminish the fragrance for no one's sake,' 'Still seeking favor from Tao Yuanming,' these are truly ingenious and original. Even if I wrote ten or twelve poems, they wouldn't be as good as this one by Brother Cong! Listening to Snow Guest truly deserves the title!"

Li Wan arranged everyone's poems in order, and deliberately placed Jia Cong's "Wild Chrysanthemums" at the beginning of the scroll.

"Today, in our poetry society, Tingxueke's solo poem outshone all others, winning the chrysanthemum poetry crown. It is truly a remarkable story. In the future, when we hold another poetry society, we must invite Tingxueke first to guide us."

After another round of discussion, they ordered more hot crabs and ate them at the large round table. Baoyu laughed, "Today, enjoying crabs and osmanthus blossoms, we mustn't be without poetry. I've already composed one; who dares to write one?" Saying this, he quickly washed his hands, picked up a brush, and wrote it down. Everyone read it and said:

Holding a crab claw, I relish the cool shade of the osmanthus tree; splashing vinegar and pounding ginger, my appetite soars wildly. A gluttonous prince should have wine, but this arrogant young master has no guts. Coldness accumulates in my navel, my cravings make me forget all restraint; the fishy smell on my fingers, even after washing, still carries a fragrance. Originally intended to please the palates of the world, Su Shi once laughed at his life's busyness.

Daiyu laughed, "I could write a hundred poems like this." Baoyu laughed, "Your talent is exhausted now; not only can you not write anymore, but you're also belittling others." Daiyu, without replying or thinking, picked up her brush and wrote a poem in one stroke. Everyone looked at it and said:

Armored warriors, though dead, never forgot their glory; piled high on a platter, their vibrant colors delight me to taste. Tender claws, plump and full, succulent, their shells bulging with fragrant red fat. I cherish their eight legs, so full of flesh; who will urge me to drink a thousand cups to enhance the mood? To this fine delicacy, I celebrate this festive occasion, as the osmanthus sway in the gentle breeze and the chrysanthemums bear the frost.

Baoyu was applauding when Daiyu tore it up and ordered it burned, saying with a laugh, "My poem isn't as good as yours, so I burned it. Yours is excellent, even better than the chrysanthemum poem from before; you should keep it for others to see." Baochai then added with a laugh, "I've also tried my best with one, it might not be good, but I'll write it down to make a fool of myself." Saying this, she also wrote it down. When everyone saw it, it read:

Sitting under the shade of cassia and paulownia trees, raising a cup, Chang'an eagerly awaits the Double Ninth Festival. The road ahead is without direction, the inner workings of life are shrouded in darkness and gloom. Wine cannot overcome the fishy smell, so chrysanthemums are used; to prevent the accumulation of cold, ginger is essential. Now, what good is it to fall into the pot? Only the fragrance of millet and sorghum remains on the moonlit shore.

Upon seeing this, everyone exclaimed in admiration. Baoyu said, "How wonderfully written! My poems should be burned too." Everyone said, "This is a masterpiece about eating crabs. These seemingly trivial topics should convey profound meanings to be considered the work of a great talent. However, this one is a bit too harsh in its satire of the world."