The Red Mansion

Chapter 294 Daiyu is affectionate, Baochai is interested

It was a hot summer afternoon.

Although ice basins were placed inside Rongqing Hall of Rongguo Mansion, waves of heat still swept through. Two maids dressed in silk robes held feather fans, one on each side, gently fanning Grandmother Jia, the rising and falling of the fans bringing a touch of coolness.

Grandmother Jia lay reclining on the couch, with a pillow behind her.

Lady Wang sat at the lower end, her fingers twirling prayer beads.

“It’s a good thing that Baoyu and Lan’er went to the neighboring mansion to study and practice martial arts with the Duke today,” Grandmother Jia said slowly, her gaze sweeping across the bright sunlight outside the window. “The two children can not only learn more but also make friends. I just don’t know if they can stand it in this hot weather.”

Just then, Li Wan returned with Jia Baoyu and Jia Lan.

Jia Baoyu staggered into the hall, but before he reached Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, he stumbled and fell to the ground with a thud.

"My child!" Grandmother Jia exclaimed in shock, sitting up straight. "What happened? Help him up!"

The maids and servants rushed forward to help Jia Baoyu up.

When Grandmother Jia saw that Jia Baoyu's forehead was covered in cold sweat, and he could barely stand, with red and swollen palms, she felt distressed and hugged him tightly, asking, "How did you end up like this?"

Jia Baoyu lay on Grandmother Jia's lap, his eyes glazed over, his lips moving but he could not utter a word.

Li Wan stepped forward and bowed, then sighed, “Reporting to the old lady, today at the Duke’s mansion, the Duke tested our studies, and Brother Bao… did not perform well and was punished by standing. Later, he was assigned an essay, which he did not write well and was punished with a ruler. In the afternoon, he practiced martial arts, and the Duke personally supervised him, and he practiced bowing and swordsmanship.”

She glanced at Jia Baoyu, and there was something she couldn't say aloud: "This Baoyu is so pampered, how can he withstand this! It's like a delicate flower encountering a storm."

Jia Baoyu suddenly came to his senses, tugged at Grandmother Jia's sleeve and said, "I'm never going there again! That mansion is more terrifying than a prison, and that Duke is more ferocious than the King of Hell! My legs were about to break from standing there, and my hands were about to break from being beaten! The ruler on my palm hurt like hell!"

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia turned pale and tightened her grip on Jia Baoyu's arm, exclaiming, "This is outrageous! It's clearly torture! In that case, Baoyu and Lan'er need not go anymore!"

Upon hearing this, Li Wan seemed to have a string of question marks suddenly appearing in her mind. What? It's fine if Baoyu doesn't go, but why is he bringing my Lan'er along too?
She hurriedly said, "Please allow me, Madam. The Duchess said that the Duke is teaching according to the student's aptitude. Brother Bao is very intelligent, but he lacks discipline. Now that the Duke is willing to teach him seriously, it is his good fortune. Lan'er has benefited greatly from following the Duke today!"

She quietly tugged at Jia Lan's sleeve. Jia Lan understood and respectfully said, "Grandmother, I have benefited greatly today. Although the Duke is strict, he is sincerely teaching me."

Seeing that Grandmother Jia's expression had softened slightly, Li Wan quickly asked, "Lan'er, tell me, are you still willing to study and practice martial arts with the Duke?"

Jia Lan straightened her still somewhat slender frame and answered crisply, "I'm willing. The Duke even praised me today."

Jia Baoyu shook his head repeatedly in his grandmother's arms, his voice trembling with tears: "I won't go! I'd rather stay home and study than see that King of Hell again!"

Grandmother Jia had calmed down a bit by now. Looking at her beloved grandson in her arms and then at Jia Lan, who was standing straight, she sighed inwardly, "Although Lan'er is young, he is hardworking. It's just that Bao Yu is so delicate..." She couldn't help but think of Jia Bao Yu's pampered life surrounded by women and shook her head inwardly.

At this moment, Madam Wang said softly, "I think we must not let Master know about what happened today. If he finds out that Baoyu can't endure hardship, I'm afraid..."

Grandmother Jia nodded repeatedly: "That's exactly right. If Baoyu's father knew that Baoyu was like this, he would surely resort to family discipline again."

……

……

Li Wan took Jia Baoyu and Jia Lan back to the Rongguo Mansion, while Tan Chun, Xi Chun, and Lin Daiyu remained in the Duke's Mansion.

At this moment, in Yuan Chun's room, the fragrance of lilies was burning, the wisps of smoke rising gently and soothing the soul. Yuan Chun and Tan Chun were practicing calligraphy together, both heads bowed in concentration, their brushes moving across the paper.

Just then, Jin Chuan, a maidservant outside the curtain, announced softly, "Fourth Master has arrived."

Yuan Chun and Tan Chun hurriedly put down their pens and got up to go out to greet them.

The bamboo curtain rustled, and Yuan Yi walked in with a smile. His gaze swept over the writing brush and ink on the table, and he asked with a smile, "So quiet, you're studying hard?"

Yuan Chun smiled and said, "I'm just passing the time by discussing Lady Wei's 'Famous Concubines' with my third sister."

Yuan Yi approached the desk, first bending down to examine Yuan Chun's calligraphy closely, then nodded and said, "Madam's calligraphy is elegant and graceful, possessing the charm of the 'Zanhua' style, and has some of the style of Lady Wei in her prime." After speaking, he turned to Tan Chun's calligraphy, staring intently for a moment, "Although Third Sister is young, her calligraphy, like Lady Wei's, is both elegant and vigorous, showing a rare spirit!"

Tan Chun quickly straightened her robes and said, "Fourth Master, you flatter me. I'm just a beginner at calligraphy, and I haven't even grasped the basics yet. How could I dare to claim the title of 'style and spirit'?" Though she spoke modestly, she was secretly delighted.

Yuan Yi sat down at the desk, picked up a wolf-hair brush, slowly dipped it in the ink in the Duan inkstone, pondered for a moment, and then, with his wrist following his heart, wrote the poem "Bamboo and Rock" on the unfolded paper: "Clinging firmly to the green mountain, its roots are planted in the broken rock. A thousand blows and ten thousand strikes cannot break its strength, it stands firm against the winds from all directions."

This calligraphy is powerful and vigorous, penetrating the paper. Although it draws inspiration from Yan Zhenqing, it is also bold and unconventional, forming its own unique style.

Tan Chun watched with shining eyes and couldn't help but move closer for a closer look.

Yuan Chun smiled and said, "Fourth Master's old poem is truly a masterpiece, and his calligraphy is also naturally elegant. Even if it were placed in the Hanlin Academy, it would stand out."

Tan Chun came to her senses, her cheeks slightly flushed. She first asked about the poem, praised it, and then couldn't help but say, "It is truly a great honor to see Fourth Master's calligraphy today. If Fourth Master is so kind as to offer some guidance, may I ask him a few words?" Although she had a fawning intention, she did not have the usual coyness of a young lady from a noble family.

Yuan Yi immediately offered some pointers: "The key to holding the brush is to keep the fingers firm and the palm hollow, with the palm large enough to hold a pebble; when moving the wrist, the elbow must be suspended, and the energy should flow freely, like holding up a hawk, so that you can write freely."

As he spoke, he demonstrated, his brushstrokes turning and pausing on the paper. He said, “Look at this stroke, it should be like a knife cut and an axe chisel, with immense force; this hook should be like a golden spear turning back, with endless meaning.”

Tan Chun listened intently and carefully copied what was pointed out.

Seeing that she had a solid foundation in calligraphy and a high level of comprehension, Yuan Yi secretly praised her and said with a smile, "Since you truly love this art, I will reward you with a set of the Four Treasures of the Study today. Although they are not rare, they are still quite usable. I will send someone to deliver them to you later."

Tan Chun was both surprised and delighted, knowing that his actions must be extraordinary. She curtsied deeply and said, "I am deeply grateful for Fourth Master's kindness. However, I am young and inexperienced, how can I accept such a favor?"

Yuan Yi smiled slightly: "If you feel unworthy of this, then write a copy of the 'Preface to the Orchid Pavilion' in exchange, how about that?"

Tan Chun looked up and met Yuan Yi's smiling eyes, which held concern and expectation. Her heart skipped a beat for no reason, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head to reply, "Yes, Tan Chun will definitely write with all her heart."

Yuan Yi said no more and left immediately, indicating that there was no need to see him off.

After Yuan Yi left, the room fell silent. Yuan Chun picked up the calligraphy that Tan Chun had just copied and examined it carefully for a while, then praised, "Third Sister's calligraphy is truly worthy of fine brush and ink."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

……

……

Yuan Yi left Yuan Chun Courtyard and strolled towards Hui Fang Garden.

Having finally managed to steal a moment of leisure today, he found himself quite interested in strolling through the garden.

Arriving at Doufeng Pavilion, one sees it planted with exotic flowers and plants. A warm breeze carries a sweet fragrance that permeates the air, attracting bees and butterflies to flutter about.

Suddenly, a slender figure appeared deep in the flower bushes, dressed in a light green silk robe; it was Lin Daiyu.

Lin Daiyu held a round fan in her hand, basking in the sunlight filtering through the lush flowers and leaves. She bent down to admire the flowers, so engrossed that she didn't notice anyone approaching.

Yuan Yi stopped to look around and felt that Lin Daiyu admiring the flowers in front of him was more picturesque than the surrounding blossoms.

Lin Daiyu straightened up, and as her gaze shifted, it met Yuan Yi's. She was slightly taken aback, a faint blush unconsciously rising to her cheeks. She curtsied and said in a soft voice, "I didn't know Fourth Master was here."

Yuan Yi stepped forward a few paces and, through a cluster of flowers, smiled and said, "Secretary Lin, there's no need for such formalities. I've finally managed to steal a moment of leisure today to stroll through the garden, and I never expected to meet you here."

She heard the title "Secretary Lin" again! Lin Daiyu was not annoyed; instead, she felt a secret joy.

Just then, a huge butterfly fluttered directly towards Lin Daiyu. Startled, Lin Daiyu quickly dodged to the side, raising her fan slightly to cover half of her face, revealing only her dewy eyes, which glanced in the direction the butterfly had flown away.

Yuan Yi laughed and said, "This Doufeng Pavilion is planted with flowers all year round. However, as the name suggests, bees and butterflies swarm around it. Secretary Lin should be careful not to get stung by a bee."

Lin Daiyu put down her fan, looked up at him, and said, "That was a butterfly, not a bee."

Before she could finish speaking, a bee buzzed and bumped into her cheek. She gasped and staggered back two steps, about to fall. Yuan Yi reacted quickly, stepping forward and firmly supporting her waist.

Through the thin silk robe, one could feel her skin and her slender figure in that handshake.

After regaining her balance, Lin Daiyu turned to look at Yuan Yi. The two were very close and were both stunned for a moment. He saw that her face still held a trace of panic, like a frightened fawn; she saw that his brows were slightly furrowed and his gaze was focused.

"Did you sting?" Yuan Yi withdrew his hand and asked softly.

Lin Daiyu shook her head, her cheeks flushing as if suddenly smeared with rouge. To hide her embarrassment, she casually brushed the flowers beside her with her round fan and asked, "Does Fourth Master also like these flowers and plants?"

Yuan Yi bent down, casually picked up a pink petal that had been blown down by the wind, and gently played with it between his fingers before replying, "Flowers and plants have feelings; looking at them can soothe the mind and also allow one to glimpse the wonders of creation."

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu couldn't help but scrutinize him closely. The bright sunlight illuminated his features, making them appear exquisite. Although he wasn't as delicately beautiful as Jia Baoyu, he possessed a dignified and imposing presence, with a worldly-wise and composed air about him.

Yuan Yi asked with a smile, "Could it be that I have flowers blooming on my face too? That's why you're staring at me like that?"

Lin Daiyu quickly waved her fan and turned her head away, but she couldn't hide her embarrassment.

Just then, the two heard the tinkling of jade pendants, accompanied by light footsteps. It was Xue Baochai, accompanied by her maid Ying'er, approaching gracefully.

Upon seeing Yuan Yi, Xue Baochai quickly stepped forward to greet him, her voice composed: "I had no idea Fourth Master was here." Then, she smiled and nodded to Lin Daiyu, "Sister Lin, you're here admiring the flowers? What a refined taste you have."

Lin Daiyu half-covered her face with a round fan, looking guilty, and said softly, "It was just a chance encounter with Fourth Master, and we chatted for a few minutes."

Seeing that Xue Baochai had a slight sweat on her forehead and a flush on her cheeks, Yuan Yi said, "Why did you come to the garden in the scorching sun on such a hot day? Be careful not to catch a heatstroke."

Xue Baochai smiled and said, "I felt stuffy and tired inside, so I thought I'd come to the garden for a stroll and get some fresh air. I passed by here and saw that the flowers were blooming beautifully, so I thought I'd pick a few branches to take back and put in a vase. I didn't expect to run into Fourth Master and Sister Lin."

Just then, another bee buzzed in, persistently circling around Xue Baochai's hair. Xue Baochai, usually dignified and composed, couldn't help but feel flustered at this moment, turning her head to avoid it.

Seeing this, Yuan Yi didn't have time to think much. He naturally took Xue Baochai's wrist with one hand, gently pulled her towards him, and protected her behind his back. With his other hand, he swiftly and forcefully swept the bees twice, startling them and causing them to buzz away.

Lin Daiyu, who was watching from the side, saw that Yuan Yi's actions were natural and intimate, and that he and Xue Baochai had an unspoken understanding. For no reason, she felt a pang of bitterness in her heart, as if she had swallowed an unripe plum, and a sour feeling spread through her. She immediately lowered her eyes and said, "I'm feeling a little tired, I... I'll take my leave."

Xue Baochai had regained her composure and said with a smile, "In that case, I'll see Lin Daiyu off."

Lin Daiyu politely declined, saying, "I dare not trouble myself; Zijuan is waiting for me ahead." With that, she slightly curtsied to Yuan Yi, nodded to Xue Baochai, and then turned and gracefully walked away along the flower path. Her emerald green figure gradually disappeared into the distance amidst the dense shade of flowers.

After Lin Daiyu had gone far away, Xue Baochai withdrew her gaze and chatted with Yuan Yi for a few more minutes. Suddenly, she pointed to the brightly blooming flowers in front of her and said in a calm but meaningful tone, "Fourth Master, look, these flowers, though they bloom beautifully, with bright colors and a captivating fragrance, are ultimately delicate. A sudden rain or a strong wind will cause them to wither and fall to the ground. They are not as good as those pomegranate trees over there."

She reached out her hand, guiding Yuan Yi's gaze to several pomegranate trees not far away, and continued, "When the pomegranate flowers bloom, they are like fire and clouds, and what's even more precious is that they can bear fruit, with plump seeds in autumn."

Yuan Yi gave Xue Baochai a deep look.

Knowing that he understood, Xue Baochai lowered her head slightly, looking at the hem of her skirt, her ears turning slightly red.

Yuan Yi reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist, his grip firm: "How could I not know what you're thinking? Don't worry, I'll make you bear fruit like a pomegranate sooner or later."

Xue Baochai gave a soft "hmm" and said no more, gently resting her head on his shoulder.

Seeing this, Ying'er quickly and quietly retreated a little further away, both because she was obedient and because she was used to it.

The cicadas still chirped noisily, and the flowers still smelled sweet.

The bright summer sun shone through the lush flowers and leaves, illuminating the two people embracing outside Doufeng Pavilion, casting their shadows on the ground, which intertwined with the surrounding flowers and trees to create a tranquil picture.

(End of this chapter)