Dream of the Red Chamber: I can upgrade my entries!

Chapter 118 Indirectly Points Out the Clan School: A Place Where Filth and Depravity Hides
"Is your little sister hungry?"

Just as everyone was focusing on Jia Yan, hoping that he would distribute the confiscated spoils, Jia Yan seemed unaware, speaking softly and caringly to Xiao Xichun.

"elder brother."

"My belly is flat."

Little Xichun patted her chubby little belly and replied with a wronged expression.

"Uncle She".

"Is the manor so absurd as to not even provide lunch?"

Jia Yan chuckled and made a teasing remark.

"Yes."

Jia She belatedly realized what was happening and instructed Wang Xifeng, "Feng-ge'er, prepare the feast."

"I'll go right away."

Wang Xifeng hurriedly went to make arrangements, with Li Wan assisting her.

“Brother Zhen”.

"You may dine here at the mansion today."

“Those young men from the clan have been making a ruckus all morning, so let’s call them all over and set up a few more tables.”

As always, the wise and discerning Grandmother Jia gave her careful instructions.

"Yes, old lady."

Jia Zhen, along with You Shi and Jia Rong and his wife, took their seats. The matters between the two households would need to be discussed later, and they did not want to go back and forth.

“Yun-ge’er, Qiang-ge’er.”

"Summon them all; the two prefectures will have people to take care of those matters."

After glancing at Jia Yun and Jia Qiang, Jia Yan's seemingly casual remark drew the attention of everyone in the hall.

"Yes, Uncle Yan."

Jia Yun and Jia Qiang naturally understood his meaning. Once the matter was done, they decided to avoid touching the valuables if possible, and the two quickly left.

"Go and arrange for someone to assist them, and treat those waitresses to good food and drink. Do not mistreat them."

Jia She's mind raced, and he immediately spoke to Lin Zhixiao.

"Yes, sir."

Lin Zhixiao understood immediately, bowed slightly, and turned to walk out of Rongxi Hall.

"Rong-ge'er".

"What are you still sitting there for? Do you want me to invite you over?"

Jia Zhen glanced coldly at Jia Rong and said sarcastically.

"Yes Yes Yes"

Jia Rong timidly withdrew from Rongxi Hall.

'well!!!'

Everyone in the Jia family witnessed this scene. Jia She and Jia Zheng couldn't help but sigh. Grandmother Jia acted as if it were none of her business, while a shadow crossed Jia Yan's eyes. With such a father-son relationship, it was hard to guarantee that the same thing wouldn't happen again.

"Sister Lin."

In a secluded spot, Xue Baochai quietly called out to Lin Daiyu.

"Sister Bao?"

Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai did not have much of a relationship in the past. However, the Xue family was wealthy and generous, and they would send each branch of the family a share of good things. They played together and got along quite well.

However, Lin Daiyu was somewhat confused by Xue Baochai's sudden call to her.

"Just now you said that Your Majesty sent people to find medicine and used the Eight Pieces of Brocade to strengthen your muscles and bones. Is this for the purpose of treating illness?"

Xue Baochai's almond-shaped eyes stared intently at Lin Daiyu, her silver-plated face filled with anticipation.

That's true, but...

Lin Daiyu remembered that Xue Baochai had mentioned that she had a congenital illness, and she probably wanted to see if Jia Yan had any treatment options.

"I understand, thank you, sister."

Xue Baochai's eyes brightened even more, as if she had grasped a lifeline, and she expressed her gratitude earnestly.

"This"

Seeing her expression, Lin Daiyu couldn't help but glance at Jia Yan, her mind filled with countless thoughts.

"Second sister."

"Are you worried about Siqi?"

Tan Chun immediately noticed the worry in Ying Chun's eyes and asked with concern.

"Ah."

Yingchun nodded, her gentle and quiet face revealing her sorrow.

Each of the four young ladies in the two Jia families had a head maidservant who had grown up with them since childhood. Siqi was like a sister to her. Now that Siqi had been expelled from the Rongguo Mansion and exiled to Chengde, how could she not worry!
"Second sister, please don't worry."

Tan Chun grabbed Ying Chun's hand and comforted her, "You heard from Brother Yan that she has someone she loves. Now that she has been freed from her slave status, the couple can live in harmony and fly together in the future. It's better than being trapped in this mansion."

"Xiuju is a capable maid who is loyal to you. With her by your side, she will definitely handle many things better than Siqi."

“In the past, the eldest wife didn’t care about you, so the servants were unruly. Now that it’s Lian’s turn, and the master has personally said he will prepare a generous dowry for you, who in the mansion would dare to look down on you?”

"If you ask me, you and Cong-ge'er are both orphans born out of wedlock. It would be more proper for the two of you to interact more."

After all this turmoil in the two mansions, Tan Chun, being the most insightful among the younger generation, knew that from now on, the Jia family would no longer be what it used to be. All of this was a plan for the future. If no one followed Jia Yan's example of military merit and being granted a title, the Rongguo Mansion would end with Jia Lian.

It's better to rely on the younger generation, Jia Huan, Jia Cong, and Jia Lan, than on their fathers, Jia She and Jia Zheng. They are young and naive, but if they are well-behaved now, they will surely develop a bond of kinship in the future and be able to help the Jia sisters.

Lady Wang, the mistress of the second branch of the Rong Mansion, was placed under house arrest. Li Wan was in charge of managing affairs. Tan Chun and Jia Huan, the siblings, were no longer restrained and lived in harmony with Aunt Zhao and her son. Apart from Jia Baoyu being favored by Grandmother Jia, the second branch of the Rong Mansion was considered to be in a harmonious state.

The situation is different for the eldest son's wife. Madam Xing has completely lost face and dignity today, and she can no longer hope to touch the power of managing the household. The one who is truly in charge is Second Sister-in-law Lian. Jia She has also set the rules for after his death, so Yingchun and Jia Cong have autonomy and can be considered as the masters of the household.

Having never received care since childhood, Jia Cong still longed for family affection. However, Jia She and Jia Lian were both strangers to him. On the contrary, Ying Chun had shown more concern for this half-brother in the past, so it was not impossible to establish a sibling relationship between them.

"Ah."

Yingchun, gentle and kind, took Tanchun's suggestion to heart.

Just then, Jia Yun and Jia Qiang led a group of identically dressed young men into Rongxi Hall.

"I have met Uncle Yan, the old lady, the eldest master, and the second master."

The group of people bowed and greeted each other without prior arrangement.

"Okay, okay."

"Boss, whose brothers are these?"

Originally feeling dejected because of Jia Baoyu's injury, Grandmother Jia was reminded of the memories that flooded back when the late Dukes Ning and Rong were alive, Jia Daishan and Jia Daihua were also surrounded by their clan members.

Unfortunately, in the battle of Yuan Cong, Jia Daihua and over a hundred of his men were killed, and the Jia family never again enjoyed such a prosperous period.

"Mother."

"The slightly older Jia Yun is the son of Xiao Wu in the back corridor."

"Jia Qiang is a legitimate great-great-grandson of the East Mansion."

"The younger Jia Guang, Jia Ying, Jia Chen, and Jia Chang came from either the East Mansion or the West Mansion."

"The rest of the boys are Huan-ge'er, Lan-ge'er, and Cong-ge'er's playmates."

Jia She introduced them one by one as if they were his own treasures.

"Xiao Wu's son."

"I never imagined I'd grow up so much."

Grandmother Jia gazed at Jia Yun, recalling how his father had been on good terms with Jia Zhu, but had died young from a cold.

"Yan-ge'er is really good at teaching. In just a few days, these clan members have been completely transformed."

"It is thanks to Yan-ge that the Jia family has the opportunity to prosper in the capital."

Looking at the energetic figures, Jia Zheng was filled with emotion.

“Uncle Zheng is right.”

Jia Zhen chimed in, completely oblivious to the fact that Jia Rong had been eliminated early on.

"mandarin duck."

"These young men have been busy all morning, and two hundred taels of silver have been sent to each household." "Earlier, the estate presented a lot of things, and we picked out some usable items and sent them over as well."

After careful consideration, Grandmother Jia revealed a kind and gentle expression and gave instructions to Yuanyang.

"Yes."

Yuanyang, being sensible, went to prepare the sealed silver.

Wang Xifeng smiled radiantly, and quickly added, "Grandmother."

“These young men are all training their muscles and bones in the East Mansion. Why not select some nourishing foods for them, and send each family one roe deer, one wild boar, one blue sheep, ten chickens, ten ducks, ten geese, one pound of deer tendons, and one pound of sea cucumbers.”

"As you wish."

Grandmother Jia was always satisfied with Wang Xifeng's handling of affairs and didn't say much.

"Thank you, ma'am."

Jia Yun, Jia Qiang, and the others bowed and expressed their gratitude, their expressions remaining calm and composed throughout.

These things were merely icing on the cake for them, since they already received a monthly allowance from Jia Yan and their house had been repaired.

'Excellent!'

Jia She and Jia Zheng witnessed the change in their expressions and were even more impressed.

"Second brother."

Jia Zhen couldn't help but speak up, "There are still some capable people in the Eighth Division of the capital, don't you think?"

"Oh?"

Jia Yan tilted his head and asked, "Who are you referring to, elder brother?"

"Jia Huang, Jia Heng, Jia Lin, Jia Ling, Jia Zhen, Jia Ping, Jia Zao, Jia Heng, Jia Fen, and Jia Fang all have no bad habits and are diligent in managing the household."

"As you know, the two prefectures haven't established any industries, so most of the clansmen have to find their own way to make a living, and their lives are difficult."

Jia Zhen hesitated, as these tasks should have been done by him, the heir to the clan head, but now he had no choice but to pass them on to Jia Yan.

"Jia Huang".

Jia Yan sat upright, thought for a moment, and asked, "Does he have a nephew in the clan school?"

'Ugh!'

Jia Zhen was stunned; how could he know such a thing?

"Uncle Yan."

“I know, it’s Jin Rong.”

Jia Huan said eagerly.

"Since you know about him, then tell us about Jin Rong, not just him, but also the movements of everyone in the clan school."

"It just so happens that Uncle She, Uncle Zheng, and my elder brother are all here today, which lets us know how the clan raises its children."

Jia Yan gave Jia Huan a deep look and gestured.

'Ethnic studies?'

Upon hearing this, Jia She and Jia Zheng vaguely sensed that something was amiss, but they couldn't quite put their finger on it.

"Yes."

With Jia Yan's permission, Jia Huan became even more excited and said loudly, "Jin Rong is arrogant and unreasonable. He often uses foul language to provoke others in the clan school. In particular, he can't stand seeing Brother Bao and Qin Zhong getting along well, and he often picks fights. Brother Xue's adopted brother 'Xiang Lian' is good friends with Qin Zhong. Jin Rong said in private that they kiss and touch each other's buttocks."

"Bastard!"

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng was furious and stood up to reprimand Jia Huan: "What Xiang Lian? You actually use such vulgar language as conversation material!"

"Father, I."

Jia Huan shrank back in fright, not daring to continue speaking.

"Uncle Zheng, please calm down and let them finish speaking. I am quite interested in this Jin Rong, Xiang Lian, Qin Zhong, and Bao Yu."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk!"

Jia Yan said with great interest.

“Since your second brother Yan asked, then I will explain in detail.”

"There's no need to use those filthy words."

Jia Zheng gave Jia Huan a stern look.

"Don't dare."

Jia Huan was somewhat frightened and stood restlessly.

"Brother Huan."

"Let me ask you, is what Jin Rong said true?"

With piercing eyes, Jia Yan spoke each word clearly.

Not entirely wrong.

Jia Huan glanced at Jia Zheng and boldly continued, "Previously, Brother Bao and Qin Zhong were close friends, often with their arms around each other. Later, Brother Xue came and was very generous. He made two handsome 'sworn brothers' with him. We gave them nicknames, 'Xiang Lian' and 'Yu Ai'."

"You wretched child, this disgrace to the family! I regret keeping him alive; I should have killed him just now!"

Jia Zheng was furious, his face turning blue and purple. Since ancient times, homosexuality has been a disgrace, but he never expected that Jia Baoyu would have such a fetish.

'Huh!!'

Yingchun, Tanchun, and Lin Daiyu all showed expressions of disgust.

Xue Baochai and Qin Keqing both had bitter smiles on their lips. Xue Pan was Xue Baochai's older brother, and Qin Zhong was Qin Keqing's younger brother.

"Second dick."

"It's just children being close, it's nothing special."

Grandmother Jia dismissed the matter with a casual remark. Although Jia Zheng was angry, he couldn't say anything more, as it concerned the reputation of the Jia family.

"Puch!"

Jia Yan couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Others wouldn't dare to be so bold; they all suppressed their laughter, as this was simply too much to bear.

"Who is Jin Rong?"

Jia She changed the subject and asked.

"Master."

Jia Yun explained his background: "Madam Huang's maiden name is Jin. Her brother died, and she has a widowed sister-in-law and a nephew. The widowed sister-in-law is Hu, and the nephew is Jin Rong."

"Jin Rong was on good terms with Xue Pan, and Xue Pan gave the Jin family a lot of money for this."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present understood that the reason for everything still lay with Xue Pan.

'elder brother!'

Xue Baochai felt even more ashamed and angry. Xue Pan had brought the same behavior he had in Jinling to the Jia family. How could the Jia family tolerate him?
“Since the two elders, Xianning and Rong, established the clan school, they have been thinking about teaching the clan members, including all their relatives.”

"Unexpectedly, the uneven quality of the students has now become the root of trouble for the clan school."

Jia Zheng shook his head, heartbroken.

"Isn't the clan school under the management of Grandfather Ru?"

"These things, he..."

Jia Zhen suddenly mentioned it.

"Replying to the master."

Jia Qiang smiled wryly and said, "Master Ru does indeed manage the clan school and collect tuition fees and gifts."

"However, it is usually his grandson Jia Rui who is in charge. Jia Rui is always drinking, gambling, and whoring. Whoever gives him money, he will be intimate with them."

"Bastard!"

Not only was Jia Zheng furious, but Jia She and Jia Zhen were equally enraged.

From the day it was established, the clan school provided free education, funded by the two prefectures and clan officials. Even Jia Dairu benefited greatly from it. When did it ever ask for tuition fees or gifts? And it was managed by someone like Jia Rui. No wonder it was such a chaotic place.

If this continues, what kind of people will the eight sons of the Jia family, along with their relatives, be taught to be? No wonder not a single member of the Jia family has passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations, let alone learned anything of substance.

Li Wan couldn't help but glance at Jia Lan. Fortunately, she had sent Jia Lan to the East Mansion; otherwise, wouldn't such a promising student have been wasted?

(End of this chapter)