The Red Mansion

Chapter 292 Baoyu is punished by standing, while the women stroll in the garden.

Inside the Li Shen Zhai (a place name).

Yuan Yi and Lin Ruhai sat facing each other.

Jia Baoyu, Jia Cong, and Jia Lan, the three young men, stood in front of him.

Although Jia Baoyu was standing in the study, his soul had already drifted to his sisters; Jia Cong lowered his head and dared not move; Jia Lan, the youngest, stood up straight with his hands neatly folded in front of his abdomen.

Yuan Yi said to Lin Ruhai, "Teacher, please do not rush to teach today. Let me test the knowledge of these three young men."

Lin Ruhai laughed and said, "It's their good fortune that Fourth Master personally gave them guidance."

Since the three boys were all young, Yuan Yi would not ask them difficult questions, but only simple questions about the classics. He instructed Jia Cong to take the Analects from the bookshelf, casually turned to the "Xue Er" chapter, and said to Jia Lan, "Lan-ge'er, recite the chapter 'When a disciple enters the house, he should be filial' once."

Jia Lan gently straightened the sleeves of his blue satin robe, stepped forward in response, and said in a clear and melodious voice: "Confucius said: 'A young man should be filial at home and respectful to his elders outside, be careful in his conduct and trustworthy, love all people, and be close to the virtuous. If he has any energy left, he should study literature.'"

It was completed in one go, without a single mistake.

Yuan Yi nodded slightly and asked, "How should we interpret this chapter?"

Jia Lan replied, “This chapter speaks of the fundamentals of learning and being a good person. At home, one must be filial to one's parents; when away from home, one must respect and love one's elder brothers; one should be cautious and honest in speech and action; and one should treat others with kindness and compassion. If one has accomplished these fundamentals and still has the energy, then one may study the poetry, books, and the Six Arts.”

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yi's eyes revealed a look of approval.

Then Yuan Yi turned to Jia Cong: "Cong-ge'er, recite the chapter 'A gentleman who is not dignified will not command respect.'"

Jia Cong paused slightly before reciting: "Confucius said: 'A gentleman who is not dignified will not command respect; learning...learning will not be solid. Uphold loyalty and trustworthiness...do not befriend those who are not as good as yourself; if you make a mistake, do not hesitate to correct it.'"

Despite some pauses, I managed to memorize it all.

Yuan Yi then asked, "What is the interpretation of this chapter?"

Jia Cong hesitated and said, "It means that if a gentleman is not dignified, he will not have authority, and what he learns will not be firmly established... He should be close to loyal and trustworthy people, not make friends with those who are not as good as himself, and have the courage to correct his mistakes."

Yuan Yi said, “Your interpretation is generally correct, but the phrase ‘Do not befriend those who are not as good as yourself’ does not mean that you should not associate with people who are not as good as yourself. Rather, it means that when you associate with others, you should learn from the virtuous and reflect on your own shortcomings when you see those who are not virtuous. As for ‘Upholding loyalty and trustworthiness,’ it means that you should take loyalty and trustworthiness as the foundation of your character. Remember this: A gentleman is dignified and self-disciplined, and only then can he become a useful person.”

Finally, it was Jia Baoyu's turn.

Yuan Yi said, "Baoyu, recite the chapter 'In the application of rites, harmony is of utmost importance'."

Jia Baoyu, looking distracted, immediately quoted Confucius: "Confucius said: 'In the application of rites, harmony is of utmost importance…'"

He just stood there, unable to continue.

In fact, this chapter does not begin with "The Master said," but with "Youzi said." In the Analects, "The Master said" specifically refers to Confucius, while "Youzi said" refers to You Ruo, a disciple of Confucius.

Yuan Yi frowned and said, "Continue reciting."

Jia Baoyu remained speechless.

Yuan Yi then recited the entire passage himself: "Youzi said: 'In the application of rites, harmony is of utmost importance. This is the beauty of the way of the former kings. It is followed in all matters, large and small, but there are things that cannot be done. To know harmony and yet not regulate it with rites is also unacceptable.'"

He then asked Jia Baoyu, "How should this chapter be interpreted?"

Jia Baoyu stammered, "It roughly means... the use of etiquette lies in the value of harmony..." but he couldn't explain it any further.

Yuan Yi sighed, “This chapter discusses the relationship between propriety and harmony. Propriety values ​​harmony, but if one seeks harmony without restraint by propriety, it will not work. For example, in the Rongguo Mansion, if one only talks about harmony without abiding by propriety and law, the servants will lose their manners, the masters will lose their authority, and the entire mansion will fall into chaos. This is the true meaning of ‘Knowing harmony and pursuing harmony, but not restraining it by propriety, is also not feasible.’”

Seeing Jia Baoyu's expression, Lin Ruhai, who was sitting to the side, shook his head slightly, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes.

Actually, Jia Baoyu wasn't originally that bad, but he was really not in the right mood right now.

Yuan Yi looked at Jia Lan again and praised, "Although Lan-ge'er is young, he knows how to put in the effort." He then scolded Jia Cong, "Cong-ge'er still needs to read and think more." Finally, he looked at Jia Baoyu and saw him staring blankly. He couldn't help but say in a deep voice, "You are older than the two of them and are Lan-ge'er's uncle, yet you can't even stand on your own two feet! All you know how to do is roll around in rouge and powder all day long!"

Jia Baoyu's face flushed red from the scolding, and he felt deeply aggrieved. He thought to himself, "Why does he have to come and make things difficult for me now? I wonder what Lin Daiyu and the others are doing right now, whether they're thinking of me..."

Thinking about these things makes me feel even more restless and anxious.

Yuan Yi suddenly had an idea and said to Lin Ruhai, "Teacher, today's lesson will be changed to an exploration of how young people set their goals and pursue learning. Firstly, I am quite interested in this topic, and secondly, I want the three young men to understand the principles of setting goals as early as possible."

Actually, he also wanted to relax today. The topic of "Young People's Aspirations and Dedication to Learning" was something he didn't need to think too hard about. Besides, he also thought that he would have a son someday, and listening to Lin Ruhai talk about this topic today would be helpful in how he would educate his son.

Lin Ruhai understood and replied with a smile, "Fourth Master's idea is excellent."

Immediately, Yuan Yi had Jia Cong and Jia Lan sit down, but made Jia Baoyu stand as punishment.

Lin Ruhai said, "In the past, Ban Gu wrote the Book of Han and praised Huo Qubing, saying, 'How can I have a home when the Xiongnu have not been destroyed?' This is a model of a young man's ambition." As he spoke, he recited, "A man's ambition is to roam the four seas; even ten thousand miles away, we are still neighbors."

Yuan Yi interjected, asking the three boys, "Does any of you know how old Huo Qubing was when he made his mark?"

Jia Lan answered quickly: "He'll be crowned Marquis at eighteen!"

Jia Cong added in a low voice, "The General of the Flying Cavalry was only twenty years old when he decisively defeated the Xiongnu."

Jia Baoyu stood there, looking dazed.

Lin Ruhai then said, “Yan Zhitui said, ‘Accumulating millions of wealth is not as good as having a skill.’” Just as he was about to explain in detail, he suddenly saw Jia Baoyu’s blank expression, so he changed the subject: “For example, jade carving. Even if it is a naturally beautiful object, it still needs to be carved and polished a thousand times to become a useful object.”

At this point, Lin Ruhai asked Jia Baoyu, "Baoyu, tell me, what should you do if you obtain a beautiful jade but do not carve it?"

Jia Baoyu was lost in thought when he was caught off guard by the question: "Without carving...without carving, it is natural..." Seeing Lin Ruhai's face darken and Yuan Yi's face also turn somber, he changed his words and said: "Of course, it should be carefully carved."

Lin Ruhai then recounted Du Fu's poem, "In my youth, I was a guest of honor in the capital. I read ten thousand scrolls, and my writing flowed like a god's," and the story of Wang Xizhi practicing calligraphy by staining the pond with ink… …

……

When Yuan Yi and Lin Ruhai led Jia Baoyu and Jia Lan into Lishenzhai, Yuan Chun led Li Wan, Lin Daiyu, Tan Chun, Xi Chun, Xue Baochai, Jing Qing, and others into her own courtyard, and then ordered someone to summon Ying Chun and Xing Xiuyan.

For a time, the main hall of Yuan Chun Courtyard was filled with a dazzling array of fine silks and jingling jade pendants. A group of beautiful women adorned with jewels gathered together, making it difficult to discern who was superior.

Yuan Chun, sitting at the head of the table, noticed that although her sisters were close relatives, they were all reserved because of her status, and they all held their breath, which made it difficult to enjoy the true pleasures of family life.

So she smiled gently and said softly, "There are no guests here today, just family members chatting and having fun. If we are still so formal, it will only make us feel awkward. Please be more relaxed."

Seeing her speak so earnestly, the tense atmosphere gradually eased, and everyone started chatting and laughing.

After sitting for a while and drinking a cup of tea, Yuan Chun stood up and said with a smile, "This room is rather stuffy. Why don't I lead you to the garden for a stroll to relax?"

Everyone naturally agreed, and so they surrounded Yuan Chun and headed to Huifang Garden.

Speaking of Huifang Garden, when the Yuan family first moved into this mansion, it was somewhat desolate and overgrown with weeds, and the pavilions and terraces were faded. Now, after a thorough cleaning and careful decoration, it has been completely transformed.

The vermilion railings in the garden are winding, and the embroidered curtains hang low. The once-dimmed painted beams and pillars are now radiant and golden; the silted-up ponds are now rippling with clear water.

On a fine summer day, with the sun just rising and the dew still glistening, the flowers and trees in the garden were bathed in golden light, appearing even more lush, vibrant, and full of life.

Yuan Chun and her entourage first went to Dengxian Pavilion. This pavilion was built on a high mound, and one had to climb the blue stone steps and hold onto the carved stone railings. The stone steps were slightly slippery because of the morning dew, and the cloud patterns and cranes carved on the railings on both sides were exquisite and vivid.

Upon reaching the top of the pavilion, one can lean on the railing and gaze into the distance. The streets and markets are faintly visible in the distance, and the garden scenery nearby is all within sight. One can imagine that if one were to admire the moon here on a Mid-Autumn Festival night, it would surely be a wonderful scene where "frost flows unnoticed in the air, and white sand on the riverbank is invisible."

A gentle breeze caressed their faces, causing the skirts and sashes of the women to flutter gracefully, as if they were floating on clouds. It was truly a sight to behold, "If not seen atop Mount Qunyu, then met beneath the moon on the Jade Terrace."

After descending from Dengxian Pavilion, we strolled to Doufeng Pavilion. This pavilion was surrounded by exotic flowers, including roses, Chinese roses, hostas, crabapples, and others whose names I didn't know, all in full bloom, a riot of colors. The fragrance was rich and sweet, invigorating the senses, attracting bees and butterflies in a frenzy. Their colorful wings fluttered incessantly among the flowers, buzzing and chirping, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Tan Chun pointed to the bees and butterflies flitting about and laughed, "Look, they're even busier than us."

Everyone laughed.

Further along, the most magnificent building in the garden—Tianxiang Tower—comes into view.

This two-story building stands tall, with green-tiled roofs, vermilion-lacquered beams, and upturned eaves topped with glazed roof ornaments that gleam in the sunlight, exuding a magnificent aura. A stone platform has been specially built in front of the building, upon which a large grove of peonies is planted. Although not in bloom, their lush green leaves suggest their breathtaking beauty and unparalleled splendor when in full bloom.

This place was where the mansion held banquets, theatrical performances, and lively music, and it was also Jia Zhen's place of debauchery and revelry. Although it was only Chen Shi (7-9 AM), there was already a lively atmosphere of preparations for a feast.

After standing for a while, without immediately entering, Yuan Chun led the group deeper into the garden.

Deep within the garden lies another waterside building called "Ningxi Pavilion." Half of this pavilion is built over the water, with bright windows on all four sides, beneath which shimmering waves reflect. A winding bridge, like a dragon lying on the water, leads into the pavilion.

Standing inside the pavilion, one can see the shimmering water, sunlight scattering across its surface like countless glittering gold fragments. A gentle breeze stirs the still water, bringing refreshing coolness and mist that invigorates the soul. This atmosphere is entirely different from the opulent grandeur of the Tianxiang Pavilion.

After their sightseeing, Yuan Chun noticed the sun was already blazing and said, "We've been walking for half a day, and we must all be a little tired. Let's go back to Tianxiang Tower for a banquet."

So everyone returned to the foot of Tianxiang Tower.

Inside Tianxiang Tower, everything was neatly arranged. In the main hall on the first floor, tables and chairs were set up according to the order of guests and hosts, each covered with a bright red brocade tablecloth. The cups, plates, bowls, and chopsticks were mostly made of official kiln porcelain, smooth and lustrous like jade. Fresh fruits and various exquisite pastries were being served, and maids, palace maids, and servants carried food boxes, bustling about and placing hot dishes. The air was filled with the aromas of wine, fruit, and cosmetics, creating a scene of opulent elegance.

Yuan Chun carefully inspected the banquet setup, checking whether all kinds of dishes and fruits were available and whether the cups and chopsticks were clean.

She was observant and suddenly remembered something. Without letting the women take their seats first, she quickly called over her maids Xiangling, Jinchuan, and Yuchuan, and instructed them: "In this hot weather, the gentlemen must be parched in the study. Quickly fill several bowls with the chilled mung bean soup, and pick out some fruits and pastries, such as lotus root starch cake with osmanthus sugar and pine nut rolls with goose fat, and send them to Fourth Master and Mr. Lin. Just say it was my idea, and ask them to have a little, so they don't have to go to too much trouble."

Hearing this from the side, Li Wan couldn't help but chime in, "Madam is very thoughtful. I have nothing to do anyway, so I might as well go and see if Lan'er is still quiet. I hope we won't disturb Fourth Master."

Yuan Chun nodded in agreement.

Although Tan Chun was young, she was already quite clever. When she saw Li Wan suggest going along, she knew that Li Wan was worried about Jia Lan and that she herself wanted to see him. So she smiled and said, "In that case, I'll go with you, sister-in-law. I didn't get to see enough of the scenery along the way when we were strolling in the garden."

Seeing that Li Wan and Tan Chun were about to leave, Lin Daiyu's heart stirred, and she also wanted to find a reason to go and take a look. It wasn't that she wanted to see Jia Baoyu, but... she wanted to see the Fourth Master. However, she was always proud and proud, and she was also afraid of being in front of everyone, so she suppressed her impulse, lowered her head, and her mind was filled with a thousand thoughts.

……

……

Inside the study, bookshelves are filled with books.

Lin Ruhai sat upright, still eloquently recounting the path of a young man's ambition and pursuit of knowledge, and before he knew it, half an hour had passed.

Jia Lan sat upright, his back ramrod straight, listening with rapt attention; Jia Cong, though somewhat restless, forced himself to stay alert; only Jia Baoyu stood with his hands at his sides, fine beads of sweat already forming on his forehead.

For Jia Baoyu, this half hour truly felt like an eternity. He had to endure the pain of standing and listen to the words of these "parasites," feeling as if ants were crawling all over his body and his internal organs were being twisted into a knot.

Just as Jia Baoyu was lost in thought, Li Wan, Tan Chun, Xiang Ling, Jin Chuan, and Yu Chuan entered in succession. Each of the three maids carried a vermilion food box containing chilled mung bean soup and several kinds of fruits and pastries.

Jia Baoyu's eyes lit up instantly, as if he had received rain after a long drought, and he unconsciously leaned forward slightly. But when he caught sight of Yuan Yi's solemn expression, he quickly pulled his feet back, only stealing glances at his sisters.

Li Wan first greeted Lin Ruhai and Yuan Yi with a deep bow, then her gaze fell on Jia Lan. Seeing her son sitting with Yuan Yi listening to the lecture, she felt a sense of comfort.

Tan Chun, with her keen eyes and sharp mind, noticed Jia Baoyu standing alone and asked Yuan Yi with a smile, "Fourth Master, why is Second Brother Bao standing alone?"

The way he called out "Fourth Master" was so natural and fluent that it made Lin Ruhai glance at him slightly.

(End of this chapter)