Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Chapter 565 Jia Baoyu's Enlightenment

After two days of renovation, the fatigue from welcoming Yuan Chun's visit to her family had largely dissipated, and the Rongqing Hall of the Rongguo Mansion was bustling with activity once again.

The three sisters, Aunt Xue with Baochai, and You Shi also gathered in the hall to keep Grandmother Jia company.

When the topic of moving the three sisters and others into the garden came up, Grandmother Jia and the others suggested that Baochai also choose a place she liked so that they could move in together and keep the three sisters and others company.

Aunt Xue hurriedly said it was too much trouble and was declining when Xia Shouzhong arrived at the Jia family mansion with the emperor's decree to bestow rewards.

It turned out that after Yuan Chun returned to the palace, Emperor Ningkang learned of the Jia family's return home and felt that it was in accordance with the will of Heaven and the state. Therefore, he was overjoyed and bestowed extra rewards upon them.

After conveying the emperor's decree, Xia Shouzhong smiled and said to Grandmother Jia and the others, "Before leaving, the Imperial Concubine specifically instructed me that you and the others should not forget her instructions before she left, and to have the young ladies move into the garden to study and play as soon as possible."

She specifically mentioned that among the sisters in the family, her two cousins ​​were the most talented and most suitable to reside in the Grand View Garden. She also said that although Bao Yu was not as talented as Lady Lin and Miss Xue, judging from his poems, he also possessed some talent. Therefore, she suggested that Bao Yu, Lady Lin, and Miss Xue should all move into the Grand View Garden together.

Xia Shouzhong bowed and said with a smile.

These old men, who had spent decades in the palace, knew best the procedures for handling affairs outside the palace, and how to act in different ways depending on the people they were dealing with.

The Jia family is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, making them the kind of family that one cannot afford to offend, even without needing to curry favor with them.

The Jia family naturally treated this powerful eunuch, who could speak with the emperor and empress, with great respect. They gave him money for tea and other necessities, and Jia Zheng personally escorted him away.

"Did you hear that, Concubine? This is Her Majesty's decree. You have nothing more to say now."

As soon as Xia Shouzhong left, Grandmother Jia smiled at Aunt Xue.

Aunt Xue nodded and smiled. What else could she say? She could only reply with a smile, "It is Bao'er's honor to be remembered by Her Majesty. We would never dare to disobey Her Majesty's orders. However, Bao'er has a peculiar personality. If she causes you any trouble in the future, I apologize in advance."

"Hahaha, Auntie is too suspicious. If Bao'er is still called eccentric, then our family should be dragged out and given a beating."

Baochai then stood up and bowed to Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and Lady Xing to express her gratitude for their hospitality.

The three sisters, who were already overjoyed at the prospect of moving into the garden, immediately surrounded Baochai upon seeing this, asking her where she would like to live and what they would do together after moving into the garden.

Seeing her sisters and others laughing and joking, Grandmother Jia smiled, but then her gaze shifted to her beloved grandson Baoyu, who was all alone in the corner, and her precious granddaughter Daiyu, whom she couldn't find anywhere. She sighed inexplicably.

Because of the series of events, everyone knew that Daiyu was now a member of Jia Lian's household. Therefore, Daiyu held a special status and rarely went out. Even if she didn't attend an occasion like today, it was understandable. Although Grandmother Jia could understand, she didn't want to see this situation arise.

She enjoys having everyone together in a lively atmosphere.

However, there was nothing she could do. Jia Lian had acted first and informed her later, handling both internal and external affairs meticulously, leaving her unable to stop him. Now, she could only try to find a way to resolve the situation.

Otherwise, we should arrange a marriage for Baoyu first...

Lady Wang thought that Grandmother Jia's change in expression was because she was troubled by Yuan Chun's decree. So she thought for a moment and said to Grandmother Jia, "Grandma, otherwise Bao Yu doesn't need to move into the garden."

Baoyu has reached the age to study, and his master intends to hire a renowned tutor to teach him the essays for the imperial examinations. Moving into the garden would be inconvenient, so it's better for him to stay outside. The Empress was unaware of this situation; her decree was issued out of love and affection. We will explain to the Empress next time we enter the palace, and I believe she will not blame us.”

Lady Wang never intended for Jia Baoyu to move into the garden, but her words were merely an excuse.

The real reason was that Jia Lian had almost lost his temper in public because of Daiyu's matter, and it was only after Grandmother Jia imposed a confinement order on Jia Baoyu that Jia Lian calmed down.

If they were to move Jia Baoyu and Daiyu into the garden together now, Jia Lian would surely object if he found out.

Therefore, only one of Daiyu and Jia Baoyu could move into the garden.

She also wanted her precious son to stay away from Daiyu, so she made up her mind early on not to let Jia Baoyu enter the garden.

Although her reasons seemed reasonable, most of the discerning people present only needed a little thought to know Madam Wang's true considerations.

Even Jia Baoyu thought of this, and his heart was struck again. He wondered, "Could it be that from now on, they will no longer let me see Lin Daiyu?"

The thought of this possibility dampened Jia Baoyu's spirits, and he turned his head away, no longer caring at all whether he could live and play in the garden.

Fortunately, Grandmother Jia could not bear to see Jia Baoyu suffer. Upon seeing this, she glanced at Lady Wang and said, "What is the conflict between hiring a tutor for him and letting him move into the garden?"

Did the Empress order them to move into the garden just so they could play there? It's probably because she thinks the garden has a better environment, is quieter, and is a better place to study.

Besides, your master has hired a private tutor for him. He won't walk more than a few steps each day when he comes out of the garden, and it won't take up much of his time.

Lady Wang was taken aback by Grandmother Jia's attitude and subconsciously asked, "Then what does the old lady mean?"

"As Your Majesty wishes, let Bao-ya, Lin-ya, and Bao-yu each choose a place they like and move into the garden."

Since Grandmother Jia insisted on this, Lady Wang could not go against her wishes and could only nod in agreement. She thought to herself that since Grandmother Jia had already made her stance clear, even if Jia Lian was unhappy, she could blame it on Grandmother Jia. Jia Lian should not make things difficult for his own grandmother over such a small matter.

Seeing that Jia Baoyu was in a bad mood, and knowing that he would also be going to the garden with them to "study", Tan Chun came over and asked Jia Baoyu with a smile: "Second brother, which place in the garden do you like the most? Tell us, and we will definitely not compete with you for it."

Jia Baoyu knew Tan Chun meant well, so he forced a smile and said, "I'm fine with anything. You all just choose. The rest can be left to me, no matter where they are. Anyway, I'm just a superfluous person, so it doesn't matter where I am..."

Tan Chun heard the dejection in Jia Baoyu's words and felt sorry for him.

Gently pulling Jia Baoyu aside, she said with a smile, "Second Brother, what's wrong? Why are you saying such discouraging things? You're not usually like this. Didn't you say that you don't want fame or fortune, and that you'd be content as long as all your sisters and brothers can be together in harmony?"

Although Sister Lin's marriage is settled, she still lives in our house and can keep us company every day. Even if she marries Brother Lian in the future, she won't leave our house and will still be with us. So what difference does it make?

"My second brother always used words to coax us, saying that all sisters are the same, but in reality, he only sees Sister Lin differently. That's why he's doing this on purpose now, just to distance himself from us..."

Tan Chun was two years younger than Jia Baoyu, so she was naturally naive. However, she was intelligent by nature and understood some of Jia Baoyu's disappointment. She wanted to help Jia Baoyu be more open-minded, so she used some of Jia Baoyu's past words to encourage him.

Upon hearing this, Jia Baoyu was indeed taken aback.

Yes, he did say that as long as he could be with his sisters forever, he would be content. Even if he died on the spot one day, as long as he died before his sisters and did not see them shed a single tear for him, he would consider it a worthy death.

How could he not know that it was impossible to stay separated from his sisters forever? Did he not understand that his sisters would eventually grow up and get married?

He knew it, but he didn't want to think about it too much. At least for now, he was happy, wasn't he?

So why was Lin Daiyu so heartbroken when she got engaged?

Could it be that I, too, have fallen into the mundane world? Of the myriad beauties in the world, do I wish to choose just one to drink from and spend my life with? Watching her transform from a delicate, water-like daughter into a woman with lifeless eyes, and finally into the eyes of a dead fish?

No, this is definitely not him; he's not that worldly!

But if the other person is Lin Daiyu, then...

So what? Lin Daiyu didn't like him at all. She was so cold to him that she broke his heart!

At the tender age of thirteen or fourteen, Jia Baoyu, just beginning to experience romantic feelings, was completely unable to understand the intricacies of the situation. He covered his head, feeling utterly confused and exhausted.

"Second brother..."

Tan Chun was a little worried. She knew that Jia Baoyu had some hysteria. She was afraid that she might arouse it, which would lead to good intentions gone wrong and she would get scolded in the end.

Fortunately, Jia Baoyu did not. He let go of her hand, looked at the bright-eyed and white-toothed Tan Chun, and then at Baochai who was talking to Ying Chun and others beside him. However, she would occasionally glance over, clearly showing that she also cared about him. He then realized the situation was a bit sloppy.

He wasn't wrong; the fault lay with the world. The world was corrupt, even the pure and innocent Lin Daiyu was tainted by a touch of vulgarity!

But he wasn't born just for Lin Daiyu; there were so many other wonderful things, and a beautiful daughter waiting for him to discover and appreciate...

Thinking about this, a sudden realization dawned on Jia Baoyu. He even felt that since Daiyu didn't like him, marrying Jia Lian might be the best choice, better than marrying someone else and flying away, never to be seen again.

Thus, it can at least be confirmed that Lin Daiyu stayed in their family for the rest of her life.

He then smiled at Tan Chun and said, "My favorite places are Xiaoxiang and Yihong. Which ones are you planning to choose?"

Seeing this, Tan Chun was also happy and pulled Jia Baoyu to Ying Chun and the others, where they discussed and planned together.

Under Tan Chun's guidance, Jia Baoyu's mentality changed somewhat. However, in the eyes of Grandmother Jia and others, it was just that Tan Chun pulled him aside and whispered a few words to him that made Jia Baoyu go from being sullen to being happy.

Grandmother Jia couldn't help but smile. She even glanced at Tan Chun, thinking that among all her granddaughters, Tan Chun was indeed the most sensible. Seeing that her brother was in a bad mood, she knew to comfort him, unlike the other maids who only knew how to play and care about themselves.

So she specifically said to Tan Chun, "Third Sister, go to your Sister Lin's room first and ask her where she wants to stay. Then you can discuss it together."

Although Grandmother Jia's intention was clear—that Daiyu should choose first, which seemed like a sign of favoritism—Grandmother Jia had always done this, so no one thought much of it.

Anyway, Daiyu's status is not as high as theirs now. Excluding the relationship with Grandmother Jia and Jia Lian, she is still a "County Lady" bestowed by the Emperor. It is only right that they let Daiyu choose first. Therefore, Tanchun accepted the order and happily went to Daiyu's room.

Meanwhile, Grandmother Jia began arranging for maids and servants to enter the garden to serve Yingchun and the others.

The garden is spacious and empty. If it is to be left idle, that's fine. But if people are to live there, then people will naturally need to be arranged to look after it. Especially since Yingchun and the others are all young ladies, they cannot be taken lightly.

"The existing staff will remain the same. We'll add one more old nanny, two maids, and two more people to clean and tidy the courtyard. What do you think, Madam?" Madam Wang suggested.

"That's not enough. Although they may not be rich or noble ladies, since they were born into our family, we can't treat them too badly. How about this, we'll add two old nannies and four maids to each household for now, and adjust accordingly as needed later."

"In that case, I'm afraid we won't have enough manpower. It's been many years since our family has specifically bought servants from outside..."

This is due to the difference in household management philosophies between Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang. Lady Wang wanted to adjust the expenses and scale of the household according to the circumstances.

However, being accustomed to wealth and luxury, Grandmother Jia was most unwilling to lose the prestige that the Duke's mansion should have in terms of pomp and circumstance, lest she become a laughingstock among other families.

"If Auntie doesn't have enough manpower here, why don't you pick a few capable people from our side?" After sitting for a long time, Madam You finally found a chance to speak.

Lady Wang thought it was a good idea. Anyway, there weren't many people left in the Ningguo Mansion, so keeping so many servants would be a waste.

Unexpectedly, Grandmother Jia glanced at Madam You and frowned, saying, "You are the eldest son's family, in charge of the affairs of the whole clan. You can't be left without someone to serve you."

Then, he said directly to Madam Wang, "If the manor is short-handed, just transfer people from here. I don't have much else in my courtyard, but I certainly have plenty of people."

Since Grandmother Jia acted this way, Lady Wang had no choice but to obey.

Lady You retreated with a sheepish expression, knowing that Grandmother Jia disliked their family's "family traditions" and therefore did not want to employ even their servants.

After sitting with the elders for a while, Grandmother Jia, mindful that You Shi needed to take care of her two children, told her to go back first.

Madam You then took a carriage out of the east courtyard and returned home through the main gate of Ningguo Mansion. She happened to see Third Sister You walking towards the west courtyard, so she quickly walked up to her.

"I heard from your second sister that the Marquis took you out of the city for fun. Why did you come back by yourself?"

Sister You was filled with excitement the whole way, but after entering the city, she became a little guilty.

After all, she was the one who tried her best to bring my sister together, and she was also the one who told my sister yesterday that she had someone she liked. If my sister finds out that I beat her to it, I wonder what she will think of me.

Therefore, she dawdled after entering the mansion. Suddenly, she heard You Shi's voice behind her, which startled her, and she staggered.

Madam You rushed forward to support her, looking at her with a puzzled expression.

"I was originally going to their training ground to play, but suddenly someone from the imperial court came looking for him. He thought I was in the way, so he sent me back first."

Third Sister You broke free from Madam You's support and said, feigning composure.

Madam You looked at her. "When I came back just now, I vaguely saw people from the West Mansion driving away in a carriage. Were they bringing you back?"

"Um, I guess so..."

Third Sister You felt she couldn't talk to Madam You anymore, so she quickly said, "Eldest Sister, you just came back from their West Mansion, right? You must be tired. Go back and rest early. I'll be going now."

After saying this, Sister You gave a perfunctory bow and ran away ahead of time.

Although she has always been in good physical condition, she was still a new mother, and her slightly unnatural movements were quite noticeable to someone like Madam You who had been through it all.

"Grandma, you mean Third Aunt..."

Seeing that Madam You was gazing thoughtfully at Third Sister You's retreating figure, Yindie immediately stepped forward to speak.

Madam You shook her head, interrupting her, and led her back to the main hall.

Not long after, she was summoned by Madam You again. "Go to the kitchen and have someone stew some chicken soup to send to the old lady. Remember to stew a lot."

Yindie was a clever woman. As soon as she heard the order, she knew that it was only incidental for Madam You to show filial piety to Old Madam You, and the real purpose was to nourish Third Sister You.

This third aunt is really something.