Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 733 Baoyu goes out to take the exam

In the hall,
Xue Pan stared, not quite understanding what was being wronged for a few days, what was staying in Hanyuan Palace for a few days, what did it have to do with him, the eldest son Xue, whether those students would take the imperial examination or not?
"Baochai, what did you mean by that? What's the point of being wronged? This pickle tastes really good. You can't eat it anywhere else."

Although meat is delicious, you can't eat it every day. You can eat something lighter occasionally, but that's all. Ordinary people probably can't even afford that, let alone anything else.

Seeing that her brother still didn't understand, Xue Baochai put the bowl and chopsticks on the table, then took out a red test paper from her purse, put it on the table, and pushed it over.

"Brother, this is your examination permit. It is for the Jiangnan Bailu Academy. The recommendation letter is from Jia Yucun, the prefect of Jinling. Today is the day to enter. When Brother Lang comes, you can go with him. The servants outside the door are ready."

Without waiting for Xue Pan's reaction, Xue Baochai walked to the window, opened it, and saw the rain outside, which was falling rather quickly. However, in the corridor of the main house, servants, all wearing bamboo hats, were standing outside waiting. When they saw Xue Pan, they were confused.
Yes, he seemed to be a student of Bailu Academy. His father spent 30,000 taels of silver to buy him in. However, he could not stand the hardship of studying, so he asked his teacher for a long vacation, saying that something happened at home. It seemed that he had not been back for a long time. A few years passed, and he had forgotten about it. Oh, right, he had finished the course after so long,
"Baochai is joking. It's been several years. The teacher has long forgotten me. How can there be any quota? Besides, with your level, it's okay to read books and letters, but if it's really the imperial examination, it's really a waste of time. Let alone the Analects, even the eight-part essays, brother, it's not just a small talk. He knows me, but I don't know him."

Xue Pan waved his sleeves in disdain. This wasn't about spending money to find a woman, or fighting for fun. If they used real swords and guns, they could really fight. But the knowledge of reading and punctuation was a life-threatening problem.
Seeing her brother's weak appearance, Xue Baochai's jade face flashed a trace of amusement. Seeing her mother's worried look, she felt helpless. Her mother just couldn't let go of her worry. Her brother was also urged by her mother in some aspects. He did good things but ended up doing bad things. Her brother's character was also cultivated in this way. Seeing her mother's anxiety, she bent down and sat down, and first comforted her brother;
"Brother, what are you talking about? Now all the scholars in the world have entered the list. You know the reputation of scholars. Even a mere scholar can have a good reputation. Besides, Hanyuan Palace is the place where the prince will take the exam. It would be good for you to go to the palace to see it. As for whether you pass or not, just do your best."

Xue Baochai could only say this much. Although Xue Pan was resisting in his heart, he knew his sister's good intentions. Without saying anything else, he wore a scholar's clothes, held a folding fan, and painted a picture.

At that time, if you went to a brothel for fun, you would be more popular with the prostitutes than ordinary people. The literati and poets were all very popular, not to mention others. Thinking of this, I felt itchy in my heart. The number one brothel in the capital of Dawu was Yanchunlou. After the Enke, there would be poetry gatherings and the election of the courtesan would also be held. At that time, the beautiful dancers were available for your enjoyment.

Even if I didn't pass, I was still a scholar who participated in the special examination. I didn't care whether I passed or not. I felt a little uneasy, but when I looked at the sky outside, it was gray, rainy, and foggy. I felt so uncomfortable.
The key point is that on a rainy day, not only is everything wet, but the other thing is that although I know the characters, even though I can write them, only I know them. It is another matter whether other people know them or not.

Just as I was thinking about it, I suddenly remembered who my sister had just mentioned going with. Brother Lan, it couldn't be that kid Jia Lan, why did he go there too?
"What my sister said makes sense. As for the exam, I can go, but I won't pass anyway, so don't hold out too much hope. Also, who did you just say you were going with? Lang Ge'er? Isn't there anyone else in Rongguo Mansion who will take the imperial examination? How come Lang Ge'er still has a place?"

Xue Pan didn't believe this. If there was, there wouldn't have been such a scene last night. I heard in the morning that someone was beaten almost to death. It was obvious that they were killed.
Xue Baochai's eyes flickered, and some words were hard to say, especially when she discovered that there was something strange between her husband and her eldest sister-in-law. Although she couldn't see any traces, she always felt something in her heart.
"Brother, look at what you said, why can't Brother Lan go? Even if there is no recommendation letter from the Rongguo Mansion, my eldest sister-in-law is from a scholarly family, and there are many friends and relatives in the past who can help her. It is obvious that it will be easy for Brother Lan to take the imperial examination."

Xue Baochai was of course curious about where her elder sister-in-law got the letter of recommendation, but when she thought about how her elder sister-in-law's family was also an old Hanlin official in Beijing, getting a letter of recommendation would be a piece of cake, so she didn't think much about it.
"That's right. It's just a recommendation letter, which can be bought with money. Fine, let's wait for Brother Lan to go with us today so that we can have someone to take care of us. By the way, it's raining outside, why are there so many people waiting in straw raincoats? You don't need so many people to take the exam."

Xue Pan saw that the matter was settled, and had no choice but to pick up the big piece of meat again and continue chewing it. He was afraid that he would not be able to eat it in the next few days, so he just wanted to satisfy his craving for it.

Who would have thought that Baochai, who was originally smiling, suddenly changed color.
"Brother, you should take everyone with you and be careful. It is said that during the imperial examination last year, many candidates had accidents on the way and failed to enter the examination room on time, thus missing the opportunity. I am afraid that someone did it on purpose."

"Humph, that's because you haven't met me, your brother. You can't hold back when dealing with those people. Otherwise, they will think you are afraid of them and take advantage of you, and then you won't be able to get away."

Xue Pan is now fighting and has gained experience. Just like what the Marquis said, when two meet on a narrow road, the brave will win, and whoever retreats will die.
Xue Baochai rolled her eyes and said nothing. Aunt Xue couldn't help but scold her again.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Remember what your sister told you. Don't be careless. After all, Lang'er is also there, so you should keep an eye on him."

"I know, Mom, it's just a small matter."

Xue Pan took on a lot of responsibility and thought a lot about how to write the test paper. He didn't figure it out. The three of them were talking.

outside the door,

The words of the maid Wen Xing came,
"Miss, Brother Lang from the West Mansion's grandmother's house has arrived,"

"Oh, quick, let him in."

Xue Baochai stood up and followed him out, wanting to bring Lan Ge'er in. When she arrived at the door, she saw a man in a light blue robe and a square hat standing outside the door with a shy look on his face, followed by two maids. However, these two people looked familiar.

"It's Lang'er, have you had your meal? Come in quickly."

Jia Lan was not good at speaking, so he nodded and replied;
"Aunt Bao, we have finished our meal. According to mother's instructions, I have to go to the Imperial College with Uncle Xue. I don't know if it's too late."

The sound of "Auntie Bao" made Xue Baochai blush. It was not like that. Her eldest sister-in-law was really... Before she could say anything, Xue Pan in the room heard the noise, drank up the porridge in one gulp, washed his hands, and hurried out. It was the first time someone called him uncle. It was really strange.
"Okay, Baochai, pack your things and don't wait any longer. Prepare the carriage and go to the palace gate to wait. After all, there are so many people and it's raining. If you want to go in, it will take a long time. Lang Ge'er and I will go first. Naturally, first come first served. Once we have arranged a place, we can wait with peace of mind."

Xue Pan did not speak nonsense. He watched the rain outside getting heavier. Those who could go to Hanyuan Palace to take the imperial examination were all high-ranking officials and nobles. They all had a carriage to travel. It was difficult to walk just a few steps into the palace.
"Okay, Wen Xing, let them all come with us and wrap all the things in oil paper so they don't get wet in the rain."

Xue Baochai did not stop him, thinking that what her brother said was not wrong. She even asked the maid to wrap all the things in the package with oil paper to prevent them from getting wet in the rain.
As they were talking, the carriage outside was ready. Xue Pan took the package and carried it on his back without further ado.

"Come on, don't wait any longer, Brother Lan, follow me and ride in the same carriage. Who knows, you will rise to prominence once you go there, and I will also benefit from your fame and fortune."

that's it,
Two people, one big and one small, wearing straw raincoats, accompanied by a maid and a servant, walked out of the corner gate of Lixiang Garden, went to the alley outside, and boarded the carriage. With the sound of a whip, the carriage slowly left with the crowd and disappeared in the rainy fog.

Inside the door, the Xue family mother and daughter were still a little worried, and Aunt Xue couldn't help but murmured;

"Baochai, you say they are okay, right?"

"Mom, don't worry. It's just a short distance and it's raining heavily. What can happen? Let's go back. Mom, you still need to go to the old lady. After all, Jia Baoyu walked through the main gate."

After Xue Baochai reminded her, Aunt Xue suddenly realized that she should go and see him off.

"If you hadn't told me, I would have almost forgotten. Come on, pack up and go over there right away. Don't delay the auspicious time."

Without even asking about the heavy rain outside, he went back to the house holding an umbrella.

Speaking of Rongqing Hall,
In the small courtyard of the Green Gauze Curtain, Jia Baoyu had just gotten up, his face full of fatigue. Last night, he had been reading all night and went to bed at the second watch. He slept for a few hours, but early in the morning, he heard a commotion outside. He woke up and couldn't fall asleep again.
As usual, I got up, changed clothes, washed my face, and ate alone.
"Master Bao, everything is ready. I'll arrange for Mingyan to be sent to you in the carriage. Also, the old lady and the second lady are waiting for you in the inner hall."

Xiren, who was beside him, carefully took a bowl of porridge, blew on it, and placed it in front of Jia Baoyu. Sheyue, who was on the other side, personally took a bun and fed it to him.
Jia Baoyu nodded, still feeling a little nervous. He had not expected that time would pass so quickly and he was already here. If it had not been raining outside, he would not have had the mood to sit here and eat. He ate a few buns and felt full, so he asked,
"when to go?"

"Replying to Master Bao, after you have eaten, you can meet the old lady and the second wife and leave after a conversation. Rongguo Mansion is a little far from the palace, but there are carriages, so Master Bao does not need to worry."

Xiren took the warm brocade cloth and cleaned Jia Baoyu's hands.

"Okay, don't wait, let's go now,"

Jia Baoyu thought about it and decided that it would be pointless to wait any longer, so he might as well go there early and get familiar with the place. He got up and went to the corner gate of Langfang, then walked towards the inner gate.

In the inner hall,
Most of the people who came yesterday had arrived, including Lady Xing, the Second Mistress, Wang Xifeng, and the three sisters. As for Lin Daiyu, Li Wan, and Lady You, they were not there. Grandmother Jia didn't care. There was some awkwardness in the commotion yesterday, but it was understandable.

But a hint of unhappiness flashed in the Second Wife's eyes, and she also felt resentful towards Li Wan in her heart, not to mention that Lin Daiyu and Shi Xiangyun were both "uneducated".

Wang Xifeng sat there, looking at the people in the hall, and sighed in her heart. It was obvious that her elder sister-in-law was determined to leave, and she couldn't be stopped. She could only wait and see how Lang Ge'er did in the exam. If the ancestors really showed up and he passed, her elder sister-in-law would be too clever for her own good and would not be able to leave even if she wanted to.

"Second brother, Baoyu's bag has been packed. It's raining heavily outside."

Grandmother Jia was also worried. A few days ago, the sun was shining brightly, and it didn't rain in the morning or in the evening. But it rained today. Isn't this annoying?
The Second Wife was also a little upset. She still remembered what happened yesterday. Although the old lady had suppressed it, she didn't know how Feng Yatou was doing. Seeing the old lady asking questions, she came back to her senses and thought about the importance of Baoyu's imperial examination and entering the palace today.
"In reply to the old lady, I have already prepared everything for Baoyu. Everything he brought was wrapped in oil paper. In addition, I also prepared a straw raincoat and an oil umbrella in case it rains heavily and gets wet."

For these noble families, these were trivial matters. It was nothing more than the servants being more busy. On the contrary, the imperial examination had changed this year, and no one knew what would happen.
"That's good. As the saying goes, sharpening the knife does not delay the chopping of wood. If you are well prepared, you won't be panic. The most important thing is to enter the hall and make sure you have the examination slips ready. Feng girl, how are the people outside preparing?"

Following Lady Jia's words, Wang Xifeng had already stood up and walked to the old lady.
"Oh, it has been arranged long ago. Lai Da will personally bring people to send Baoyu over. As for what happened last night, I plan to let Lai Wang take the visiting card and go to the Shuntian government office today. I can't sit idle either. After Shuntian government releases the people, I will go to the two clan elders and talk things out."

Of course, Wang Xifeng couldn't just talk about sending Baoyu away. She had to openly say in front of everyone what she should have said and done yesterday. She also needed to let everyone see who caused the problem in the mansion and who solved it.
Sanchun remained silent, sitting there like a table or a bench. Only Mrs. Xing smiled and answered,
"I'm bothering Miss Feng again. Not only do you have to worry about everything in the mansion, but there are always people who are doing something behind the scenes. Sometimes, even if you don't think about others, you should think about yourself, right?"

Mrs. Xing's words were obviously directed at the Second Wife. Wang Xifeng felt relieved when she heard them. Sometimes, Mrs. Xing, the First Wife, was not so annoying.
Only Jia's mother, who was sitting on the kang, looked gloomy and slapped the table with her hand.
"What are you talking about? How can Feng girl, the head of the family, not be involved in the affairs of Rongguo Mansion? I don't understand why some people have to speak in a sarcastic tone. What good can it get? From now on, if you can't speak, don't speak. Just sit there."

It was obvious that Grandmother Jia was angry and spoke more harshly, which made Mrs. Xing's face turn pale and blue, looking extremely ugly.

Seeing this, Wang Xifeng quickly tried to smooth things over and advised:
"Don't be angry, old lady. The first lady is also unhappy. She has been helping out a lot these days. Today is Baoyu's big day. Why are you saying all that? By the way, I don't know how Baoyu is eating. Although it's raining outside, it's better to go early than late."

As soon as Baoyu was mentioned, everyone in the room was excited. It was true. After such a long time, no one knew how Baoyu was eating. Just when Jia's mother wanted to send someone to check on him, Aunt Xue hurriedly took the maid into the inner hall. When she arrived at the room and saw that everyone was there, she raised the corner of her mouth and smiled.

"Oh, the old ladies are all here. I don't know if I'm too late. This morning, I heard a magpie building a nest under the eaves and calling in the nest. I knew that today was a festive day. I just finished my meal and hurried over to share in Baoyu's joy."

Aunt Xue, dressed in purple brocade, walked in with a smile, which made the dull atmosphere in the hall relaxed, and a smile appeared on Grandmother Jia's face as well.

"Look, look, look, it's because Auntie feels sorry for Baoyu that she came here so early in the morning to check on him. Oh, why didn't Baochai come?"

Grandmother Jia looked behind Aunt Xue and saw that she didn't see Xue Baochai following her, so she asked casually,
Aunt Xue pursed her lips, twisted her waist, and walked to Lady Jia with a smile.

"It just so happened that I was feeling a little unwell last night, and it was cloudy and rainy. As a result, I woke up late this morning, so I didn't ask her to come with me to avoid ruining the celebration."

These are all girls' affairs, so they can only be concealed. Grandmother Jia understood it in her heart, and said nothing more. She gestured to Yuanyang beside her,
"Yuanyang, go check on Baoyu. Don't go too late. After all, you are in the palace. I heard that Marquis Luo Yun is preparing for some unified examination. I think the sleeping place will be the same. If you go early, you can choose a good place first."

Jia Mu is indeed well-informed. Luo Yunhou really did it this way. Whoever arrived first would get the card first, and whoever arrived later would have to wait in line at the back.

After giving the order, Yuanyang nodded and was about to go to the side hall.
Just then, Jia Baoyu came in from the side door with two maids. He was dressed in white Confucian clothing and a wide golden belt around his waist. He exuded an air of wealth and nobility, which attracted the attention of everyone in the room. Not to mention, Jia Baoyu's standard outfit for a scholar was really elegant.

Grandmother Jia's face was filled with joy, thinking that everything was ready. She did not even sit on the kang, but stood up and hurried over to hug Baoyu.
"My Baoyu is so thoughtful. Now that you can take the exam, don't be anxious. Just do your best."

Grandmother Jia really felt sorry for Jia Baoyu, and she didn't know how he would get through the next three days.

"When you get there, if there are any inconveniences, tell the inspector and ask him to tell Marquis Luo Yun that he will not make things difficult for you for Madam Wang's sake."

It hurts like this no matter how much it hurts. Grandmother Jia whispered in Baoyu's ear, fearing that Baoyu would be wronged. When the people around heard this, their eyes flashed with many complicated expressions.
Only Wang Xifeng seemed to be unable to listen any longer and advised;

"Oh, old lady, we are not going far away. Just three days in the palace is much better than staying in the Imperial Examination Hall. It is raining today. I don't know how cold I will be if I hide in the examination hall. Even if the rain stops, I will be cold for another day. It's not like Baoyu who is in the palace, away from the wind and rain. This is a good omen."

"Yes, yes, no more words, Second Brother, please ask someone to come in and send Baoyu out."

Jia Mu knew that time was running out, so she called out to the Second Madam,
The second wife stood up hurriedly and winked at Caifeng, who nodded and left.
"Madam, everything is ready. The carriage is in the yard. Baoyu can just get on. Someone, please help Baoyu put on the raincoat first."

Before the maidservants could do anything, Aunt Xue and Wang Xifeng took the raincoat and put it on Baoyu. It was not known whether Baoyu had just woken up or had really realized something, but after putting on the raincoat, he bowed to the people in the room.
"Grandfather, Aunt Xue, Second Sister-in-law, Mother, my son is gone,"

After saying this, he waved his sleeves, put on his bamboo hat, left the house, and got on the carriage in the rain. I don't know who sobbed first, but they all started crying.
(End of this chapter)