The Red Mansion

Chapter 295 Yuan Yi's Admonition, Li Wan's Prayer

It is already the fourth day of the sixth lunar month.

That morning, Yuan Chun actually stepped into the Rongguo Mansion!

Since she was "expelled" from the Rongguo Mansion in April, she has not stepped into her maiden home for more than a month.

Today's exception is made for two reasons: firstly, Jia She's branch of the family has been overthrown, and the household has taken on a new look; secondly, it is for the sake of his beloved younger brother Jia Baoyu's future, so he personally made this trip.

Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang had already received the news and were overjoyed. They led Li Wan, Tan Chun, Xi Chun, Jia Baoyu, Aunt Zhao, Aunt Zhou, and others to gather in front of the hanging flower gate of Grandmother Jia's courtyard to welcome them.

Today, Yuan Chun specially wore the attire befitting a duke's wife, hoping to "return home in glory" and wash away the humiliation of being "expelled" earlier.

Seeing her in such a state, Grandmother Jia was filled with mixed emotions and said, "My child, you've finally returned!"

The crowd escorted Yuan Chun into Rongqing Hall.

The hall was tidy and clean, with ice basins set out, creating a cool atmosphere. Maids stood by, serving tea and fruit.

After they were seated and tea was served, Grandmother Jia said to Yuan-chun, "It's rare to see you back today!"

Yuan Chun smiled and said, "I have come today to discuss something with the old lady and the madam." As she spoke, her gaze swept over Jia Baoyu, who was standing to the side.

Grandmother Jia asked curiously, "What's the matter?"

Yuan Chun then recounted in detail the matter of Yuan Yi establishing a family school.

It turned out that Yuan Yi had already purchased a quiet courtyard house near the Duke's mansion and had specially asked Qu Jishan to recommend a tutor named Lu Qi'en, a scholar who was over forty years old. Yuan Yi originally wanted to ask Lin Ruhai to recommend a tutor, but considering Lin Ruhai's poor judgment of character, he turned to Qu Jishan instead.

In addition, Yuan Yi specially appointed a fifth-rank, third-class bodyguard named Jin Da as the martial arts instructor for his family's martial arts school. Jin Da was in his thirties and was not only proficient in martial arts but also knowledgeable in military strategy. He only needed to teach martial arts and military strategy for one hour each day, which would not interfere much with his duties as a bodyguard.

Yuan Yi also wanted to send his personal guards to stay at home and assist Lu Qi'en in disciplining the students.

At this point, Yuan Chun's tone turned somber: "As far as I know, although Lan-ge goes to the family school every day, Bao-yu hasn't gone for a long time, and Huan-ge is only diligent in his studies. Moreover, Mr. Dai-ru is quite old and only holds the title of Xiu-cai (a lower-level scholar), so the students play around all day and are in a very bad manner."

Now that Fourth Master has established a private school, he has hired scholars who have passed the imperial examinations to teach, and appointed a fifth-rank guard as the martial arts instructor. The rules are strict, and any student who is lazy will be expelled. I specifically asked Fourth Master to allow Baoyu, Huan-ge'er, and Lan-ge'er to attend the school, and I have come today to discuss this with the Old Madam and Madam.”

Upon hearing this, Li Wan was overjoyed. Fearing that Grandmother Jia would refuse, she quickly stepped forward to bow to Yuan Chun and thank her: "Lan'er's good fortune is entirely due to the grace of the Duke and Madam! This child has always been hardworking and will certainly not let this cultivation go to waste."

Aunt Zhao, standing in the corner, was overjoyed to hear that her son Jia Huan was also involved in such a good thing. She followed Li Wan's example and stepped forward to curtsy to Yuan Chun, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Madam!"

Jia Baoyu was immediately terrified, his face turning pale. Recalling the days he had spent studying and practicing martial arts at the neighboring Duke's mansion, being punished and beaten, he still felt a throbbing pain in his palms and his legs go weak. Now, he was being told to go to school at the private school run by that "King of Hell" (a derogatory term for a powerful figure in the underworld). In his fear, he wished he could hide behind his grandmother immediately.

Grandmother Jia also vividly remembered what had happened before, and seeing Jia Baoyu's flustered appearance, she hesitated for a moment before deciding not to let Jia Baoyu go to the family school opened by Yuan Yi. However, she did not want to directly refuse Yuan Chun, so she deliberately asked Jia Baoyu: "Baoyu, are you willing to go with your elder sister's kind offer?"

Jia Baoyu hurriedly sidled up to Grandmother Jia, tugging at her sleeve and pleading, "Grandmother, I think it's quite good to study at home. Besides, I can serve you and Madam day and night, isn't that better than going outside?" As he spoke, he stole a glance at Yuan Chun's expression.

Upon seeing this, Yuan Chun frowned. She had dressed up specially today, mainly to help Jia Baoyu secure a better future, but her younger brother was still so unambitious.

Just as Yuan Chun was about to reprimand him, Grandmother Jia interrupted, saying, "It's fine if Lan-ge goes; he's always been diligent. Bao-yu is weak, so it's better for him to study at home. As for Huan-ge... he can just stay at home and study; there's no need for you and the Duke to worry about him."

Madam Wang quickly chimed in, "What the old lady says is true. Baoyu hasn't been feeling well for the past few days, but he's only just recovered. He can't afford to overexert himself. Besides, he can study at home with his father constantly supervising him, which is just as good."

Standing in the corner, Aunt Zhao heard Grandmother Jia's words and her joy vanished instantly. She dug her nails into her palms and cursed inwardly, "If Baoyu doesn't want to go, then he doesn't want to go, but he won't let my Huan'er go either! We're both young masters in this mansion, but Baoyu is treated like royalty! Grandmother is far too biased and doesn't respect my Huan'er at all. What kind of Grandmother is she? She's clearly a fool!"

Seeing that Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang were determined to protect him, and that Jia Baoyu was truly unwilling to go, Yuan Chun could not force him. She sighed, "Since that's the case, let Lan-ge go to school the day after tomorrow. It's just a pity that such a good opportunity is being wasted." After saying this, her gaze lingered on Jia Baoyu's face for a moment, filled with disappointment and regret.

Tan Chun, who was watching from the side, sighed inwardly: "The old lady and the madam are spoiling Second Brother too much. And Second Brother is so good-for-nothing and doesn't appreciate his good fortune, which has caused Huan'er to miss out on this great opportunity."

She was born to Aunt Zhao, but she disliked the behavior of her birth mother and younger brother Jia Huan. However, seeing that Jia Huan had lost his chance to study because of Jia Baoyu, she couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

She thought to herself, "If I were a boy, I would cherish such a good opportunity to study! But my second brother treats it like trash."

Thinking this, she unconsciously lowered her head and secretly clenched the handkerchief in her hand.

Yuan Chun picked up her teacup, gently stirred the floating tea leaves, and the rising steam concealed the disappointment on her face.

……

……

The sixth day of the sixth lunar month is the day when the Duke's family school opens.

The sky was overcast that morning, but it did not rain.

A morning breeze rustled the leaves of the sycamore trees outside a quiet courtyard near the Duke's mansion.

This courtyard is surrounded by white walls and covered with black tiles, with a black-painted wooden door and a copper ring on the door.

Pushing open the door, a path paved with blue bricks leads directly to the main hall. The courtyard is quite spacious and spotless, with even the moss between the bricks trimmed.

In the main hall, a portrait of Confucius, the most revered teacher, hangs on the wall, and bookshelves are filled with books, exuding the fragrance of ink and paper.

There was another room, inside which were arranged swords, spears, bows and arrows, their cold gleams chilling.

There were also archery targets in the courtyard, clearly used for practicing archery.

At this moment, the tutor, Lu Qi'en, stood solemnly on the steps of the courtyard gate, waiting. This Mr. Lu, well past forty, had once passed the imperial examinations and was a successful candidate in the provincial examinations. He wore a slightly worn robe, his face lean and his gaze calm. Standing beside him was the instructor, Jin Da, a robust and imposing man of martial stature, dressed in the uniform of a fifth-rank guard, his brows exuding the dignified air of someone who had served in the military for many years. Several personal guards and servants stood behind them.

Six other students stood in neat rows, awaiting instructions. Currently, this family school of the Duke of the County only had six students, including Jia Cong, Jia Lan, Dong Feng, and Jin Yi.

Dong Feng has been Yuan Yi's trusted servant for more than two years. In fact, he is only sixteen years old this year. Yuan Yi has made a special exception to let him enter the family school, which is obviously intended to promote him in the future.

Jin Yi is the son of coach Jin Da.

Jia Cong, dressed in brand-new clothes, looked slightly reserved; Jia Lan, on the other hand, straightened her back and had clear eyes, showing composure despite her young age; Dong Feng had changed out of his servant's short clothes and into a new blue cloth outfit; Jin Yi, dressed in a black outfit, looked neat and tidy, exuding a heroic air, befitting his military family background.

At this moment, Yuan Yi and Lin Ruhai arrived together in a sedan chair.

Yuan Yi had already personally inspected the school's layout before, so he did not need to inspect it again today. After Lu Qi'en and Jin Da led everyone to perform the proper rites, he went straight into the main hall and stood before the statue of Confucius.

His gaze swept over the six students with lightning speed. His expression was solemn as he said in a deep voice, "Today is the start of the new semester. You must understand that studying and practicing martial arts are the foundation for understanding principles and cultivating oneself. Mr. Lu is a learned scholar who passed the imperial examination, and Instructor Jin is a fifth-rank military officer. You should always treat them with the respect due to your teachers and keep their teachings in mind at all times."

The school rules are strict; you must all be diligent and hardworking, and not slack off. Those who are playful or lazy will be punished—at best by standing in the corner and receiving a ruler—or at worst, expelled from the school without exception! Have you all remembered this?

The six students bowed in unison and replied, "We will follow the Duke's teachings."

After Yuan Yi finished speaking, he took a half step back.

Lin Ruhai stepped forward and continued the admonition: "In the past, Confucius taught on the banks of the Zhu and Si rivers, with three thousand disciples, seventy-two of whom were sages. Today, you are young and outstanding, and you are fortunate to have this opportunity to gather with such good teachers and helpful friends. You should emulate the ancients' determination to study diligently and learn from each other, so as to improve your character and knowledge. Only in this way can you live up to the expectations of your parents and teachers. In the future, you may become pillars of the country or pillars of your family. It all depends on your down-to-earth work and diligent study today."

His words were full of allusions and profound meaning.

Today, with the instruction of Prince Yuan Yi, a Duke of the Imperial Family, and Lin Ruhai, a tutor to the prince and a fourth-rank scholar of the Hanlin Academy, the six students present are truly honored.

After the instruction was completed, the ceremony of formally becoming a disciple was performed.

The incense table has been set up, and wisps of smoke curl around the statue of the saint.

The six students straightened their clothes, bowed deeply to the statue of Confucius, and then turned to Lu Qi'en and Jin Da, respectfully performing the apprenticeship ceremony.

Jia Lan bowed with meticulous care and utmost solemnity; Dong Feng's movements, though slightly awkward, were precise and flawless; Jia Cong glanced at Jin Yi beside him and saw that Jin Yi was composed, calm, and decisive in every action, so he quickly composed himself and straightened his posture.

At the end of the ceremony, Yuan Yi specifically instructed Lu Qi'en: "Mr. Lu, only a strict teacher can produce outstanding students. These six children are all entrusted to you. I hope you will discipline them strictly and not show any leniency because of personal feelings. This is the way to help them succeed."

Lu Qi'en bowed and said, "Fourth Master, rest assured, I will do my utmost to fulfill your trust."

After Yuan Yi and Lin Ruhai left in their sedan chairs, Lu Qi'en took his seat in the teacher's seat in front of the hall, and the six students each returned to their assigned seats.

Lu Qi'en lightly tapped the ruler on the table, and the classroom immediately fell silent.

He did not rush to begin lecturing. Instead, he called each of the six students to his side one by one and inquired in detail about what books they had read, what they had studied, their progress, and how much they had understood. He asked about everything from basic primers like the Three Character Classic and the Hundred Family Surnames to chapters and verses of the Four Books, and even some historical and miscellaneous studies.

This examination took a full hour, during which Lu Qi'en had grasped each person's aptitude, temperament, and level of knowledge, so that he could teach them according to their individual talents in the future.

After the questioning was completed, Lu Qi'en ordered six students to practice calligraphy. For a moment, the only sound in the hall was the soft scratching of paper and brush, and the faint scent of ink filled the air.

In the afternoon, Instructor Jin Da returned to the school. He first gave a lecture on martial arts in the hall, then led six students to the courtyard. He personally demonstrated and taught swordsmanship. The six students, holding wooden swords, practiced each move—slashing, chopping, parrying, and hooking—according to his commands. After practicing swordsmanship and resting briefly, they practiced archery. Standing outside the marked lines, they held soft bows and light arrows, practicing shooting at the target in the courtyard, the sound of arrows whistling through the air.

By the time school ended in the late afternoon, the sky had become increasingly overcast, and a light rain began to fall, pattering softly on the leaves of the sycamore trees outside the courtyard.

The students bowed to their teacher and instructor to say goodbye and then went their separate ways.

The first day of the Duke's family school quietly came to an end amidst the fragrance of books, ink, glint of swords, shadows of arrows, and the sound of rain.

……

……

At the hour of Shen (3-5 PM), Li Wan was doing needlework by the window in her room when she suddenly heard a maid in the corridor announce, "Lan-ge'er is back." She quickly put down her work and went out to greet him.

Jia Lan, carrying a blue cloth satchel and holding an umbrella, walked out of the rain. Although her shoes and socks were wet and her clothes were damp, her eyes were bright and sparkling.

Li Wan's heart tightened, and she quickly pulled him over, saying, "My son, quickly change your wet clothes, be careful not to catch a cold."

After Jia Lan finished changing his clothes, Li Wan couldn't help but ask, "How did you adjust to school today? Was the teacher strict? Did you get along well with your classmates?"

Jia Lan answered politely, and although her words were hesitant, she clearly described the day's events.

Li Wan listened attentively, and upon hearing the story, she was overjoyed. She couldn't help but hug Jia Lan tightly, her voice choked with emotion: "My son, you must make me proud!"

She thought of the hardships she had endured as a widow over the years, and how gratified her husband, Jia Zhu, would be to see their son so ambitious if he were still alive.

The maid Suyun comforted her, saying, "Grandma should be happy. The young master has become so successful; all your hard work over the years has not been in vain."

Li Wan wiped away her tears and smiled, "That's right."

As her thoughts raced, she remembered Yuan Yi's kindness to Yuan Chun and felt even more grateful. She secretly thought she should make a set of clothes to thank Yuan Chun, but she was in a dilemma regarding Yuan Yi. She was a young widow, and if she gave Yuan Yi shoes, socks, and clothes made by hand, it would inevitably arouse gossip.

Just as he was pondering this, Jia Lan said, "Mother, the teacher has assigned homework, and I need to go and study."

Li Wan watched her son walk towards the desk, and then looked at his focused profile as he sat down at the desk. She felt increasingly gratified, as if her years of widowhood and the hardships of raising him had been somewhat rewarded. She couldn't help but imagine the future glory and prominence that Jia Lan would enjoy.

She quietly walked out and went into her bedroom, where some of her former husband Jia Zhu's old belongings still remained. She stared blankly at these old things, walked to the window, and murmured a prayer to the rain falling outside: "If my husband is watching over me from heaven, please bless Lan'er to become successful and achieve glory and prominence. May I, as a mother, gain status through my son and receive an imperial title in the future!"

(End of this chapter)