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

Chapter 119 Lin Daiyu, a Top Scholar; Wang Family Daughter, Secluded Within High Walls

"Yan-ge'er".

"You already knew these things, so why are you only saying them now?"

Grandmother Jia, being cunning and shrewd, saw through it all at a glance, realizing that it was all Jia Yan's premeditated plan.

'what? '

Everyone in the hall turned to look at Jia Yan.

"old lady."

A mocking smile appeared on Jia Yan's lips: "If I were to speak, who knows what others would say about me."

"Now that I have established an ancestral hall and divided my family property, what do the Ning and Rong mansions have to do with me?"

"If the disciples of the Eighth Branch of the Capital are not up to par, I will open another martial arts school in the Marquis of Wu's Mansion."

"This"

Jia She, Jia Zheng, Jia Zhen, and the others froze, and even Grandmother Jia was speechless.

"Ouch."

The shrewd and worldly-wise Wang Xifeng smiled and smoothed things over: "Brother Yan is truly capable. He is a military marquis of the dynasty. Who in the capital city does not admire him?"

“Look closely, these young men of the clan have all grown into outstanding talents after your tutelage.”

"Both families are still counting on Brother Yan to come up with ideas on how to reform the clan school. We should make sure that the clan members produce a few successful candidates in the imperial examinations, who are skilled in both literature and martial arts, so that they can complement each other."

At this moment, the atmosphere in Rongxi Hall was not so tense because of her interruption, and everyone relaxed a lot.

“Feng-ge’er is right.”

Jia She picked up the thread: "Yan-ge'er, it is thanks to you today that the two mansions were able to clean out these big rats."

“Neither Cunzhou, nor Zhen Ge’er, are capable of training children; we are mediocre and incompetent, far inferior to you.”

"Since you are here today, we should do more things and ask you to offer some suggestions."

"Yes!"

Jia Zheng and Jia Zhen echoed each other, completely disregarding the unpleasant expression on Grandmother Jia's face.

Now it is the two families who are relying on Jia Yan, not the other way around. They are much more sensible than Grandmother Jia.

"Uncle She, Uncle Zheng, Elder Brother."

Looking around at everyone, Jia Yan said frankly, "It's not that I'm unwilling to get involved, but what kind of clan school do you want?"

"Is it to teach the children of the clan to read and write, or is it to hope that they will pass the imperial examinations with flying colors?"

'? ? ? '

Jia She, Jia Zheng, and Jia Zhen were all stunned.

"Brother Yan."

"Does it make any difference?"

Wang Xifeng was not skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. She was raised as a boy in her childhood, attended a private school, learned some arithmetic, and knew basic Chinese characters. To her, the clan school taught people to read, which was simply to help them pass the imperial examinations.

"Sister Feng".

Before Jia Yan could speak, Lin Daiyu stood up and explained, "You don't know this, but literacy and reading are completely different from taking the imperial examinations."

"It's just about recognizing some characters, and anyone can do it at any age. Throughout history, the commentaries in the Shuowen Jiezi are the best."

"Our dynasty has compiled the Shunkang Dictionary, which categorizes and arranges the rhyme table and its corresponding Chinese characters according to rhyme, tone and syllable. It contains a total of 47,035 Chinese characters. With this, one can learn to read and write characters."

"If it is for the purpose of taking the imperial examination, taking the scholars in Jiangnan as an example, they start their education at the age of three, and after taking a private tutor, they first learn the Three Character Classic, the Hundred Family Surnames, and the Thousand Character Classic, and then the Standards for Being a Good Student and Child, the Expanded Collection of Wise Sayings, the Elementary Learning, and the Classical Chinese Texts. Elementary education usually also includes calligraphy."

“After the age of six, outstanding students will be taught the Four Books: The Great Learning, The Analects, Mencius, and The Doctrine of the Mean. In addition to being familiar with them, they will also need to start writing essays, which consist of eight parts: breaking the topic, continuing the topic, beginning the discussion, entering the topic, the first paragraph, the middle paragraph, the last paragraph, and the conclusion.”

“After the age of ten, outstanding students begin to study the classics, choosing one from the Book of Poetry, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, the Book of Changes, and the Spring and Autumn Annals as their primary text. Only at this time will they begin to study phonetics and rhyme, and be taught to recite poems and compose couplets.”

"At the age of twelve, a group of outstanding individuals were recommended by their tutors to take the imperial examinations. Those who passed the county and prefectural examinations were called 'child students'. Only child students could participate in the academy examinations. After passing the academy examinations, they obtained the status of student, which is equivalent to a scholar."

"Students were divided into three categories: stipend students, supplementary students, and attached students. Stipend students received government stipends and were given priority to be selected as tribute students of the Imperial Academy. They could also act as guarantors for the children's examinations. Supplementary students were admitted to expand the quota and did not receive stipends, but they could fill vacancies in stipend student positions. Attached students were newly enrolled students with no quota restrictions and the lowest status."

"A scholar who has passed the county-level examination can participate in the provincial-level examination. The provincial-level examination is held every three years in the examination hall of the prefectural capital of each province. Because it is held on the 9th, 12th and 15th of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, it is also called the autumn examination. The chief examiner is appointed by the emperor. Those who pass are called the juren, and the first place is called the jieyuan."

"Those who passed the provincial examination enjoyed privileges such as exemption from corvée labor and not having to kneel before officials. The most important one was their qualification to participate in the metropolitan examination."

"The imperial examination was held every three years in Shenjing. Because it was held on the 9th, 12th and 15th of the second month of the lunar calendar in spring, it was also called the Spring Examination. The candidates were the provincial graduates and students of the Imperial Academy from various provinces. Those who passed were called tribute students, and the first place was called the top scholar in the imperial examination."

"Only those who passed the imperial examination could participate in the palace examination. The emperor appointed ministers to oversee the palace examination, and the successful candidates were divided into three grades: the first grade consisted of three people, the first was called Zhuangyuan, the second was called Bangyan, and the third was called Tanhua, and they were granted the title of 'Jinshi Jidi'; the second grade consisted of several people, who were granted the title of 'Jinshi Chushen'; and the third grade consisted of several people, who were granted the title of 'Tong Jinshi Chushen'."

After this explanation, not only was Wang Xifeng dumbfounded, but every woman in the Jia family looked completely bewildered.

"good."

Looking at Lin Daiyu, Jia Yan nodded approvingly.

"Sister Lin is amazing!"

Little Xichun was exceptionally lively, clapping and cheering with her two little hands.

Yingchun, Tanchun, and Xue Baochai couldn't help but take a second look. The demeanor that Lin Daiyu was now displaying was the true style of the legitimate daughter of the Lin family of Suzhou.

"If it's so complicated, wouldn't it be difficult to even pass the imperial examination?"

Wang Xifeng said blankly.

"Sister Feng".

“I heard my father say that if one can pass the imperial examination before the age of 18, one is already an outstanding person.”

Lin Daiyu added playfully.

"Husband!"

Li Wan was deeply saddened upon hearing this. Jia Zhu had passed the imperial examination at the age of fourteen, which was an outstanding achievement.

'Pearl!'

Jia Zheng also thought of his eldest son and fell silent.

"Why does Lin Daiyu understand so much?"

Suddenly, Wang Xifeng looked up at Lin Daiyu, completely puzzled.

"Hahaha!"

The room erupted in laughter, leaving Jia She, Jia Zhen, and other heads of the Jia family both amused and exasperated.

"Sister Feng".

Tan Chun rolled her eyes: "Uncle Lin is a third-ranked scholar, and the Lin family of Suzhou is a renowned scholarly family."

"Yes."

Wang Xifeng belatedly realized what was happening and chuckled, "If Lin Daiyu were a man, she would surely be a top scholar."

"Hahaha!"

The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers once again.

"elder brother."

"What is a top scholar? I want to be a top scholar too!"

Little Xichun stared wide-eyed and said innocently.

"Okay, from now on, my little sister will become a female scholar."

Jia Yan patted Xiao Xichun's head affectionately.

"Uh-huh."

With Jia Yan's support, Xiao Xichun's confidence grew even stronger.

"grandmother."

Just then, Ping'er led a group of maids carrying dishes into Rongxi Hall, interrupting the conversation. Hungry, the group didn't care about anything else and started eating, temporarily putting the matter of the clan school behind them.

Three tables were set up inside the hall, one for men and one for women, and one for the Jia family members, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

In the East Courtyard of the Rong Mansion, a secluded little courtyard, the doors and windows of the main rooms were all covered with blue bricks, so that not a single ray of sunlight could shine in.

"When Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva was practicing the profound Prajnaparamita, he perceived that the five aggregates are all empty, and thus transcended all suffering and distress. Shariputra, form is not different from emptiness, emptiness is not different from form; form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Sensation, perception, volition, and consciousness are also like this. Shariputra, all dharmas are empty in nature; they are neither produced nor destroyed, neither defiled nor pure, neither increasing nor decreasing."

A figure sat cross-legged on a prayer mat, his hands twirling prayer beads, silently reciting the Heart Sutra.

"Mrs."

"Time to eat."

A maidservant carried in a lunchbox and placed a small dish of side dishes, a dish of green vegetables, and a bowl of rice on the table.

Originally, Madam Wang had four first-class maids, eight second-class maids, and eight third-class maids, but now she has none left. She has only arranged for two rough old women to take care of her. The environment is harsh and far worse than that of Aunt Zhao's courtyard.

"Ah."

Lady Wang wore only a simple monk's robe, her face was indifferent, and her eyes were calm and still, as if she didn't care about anything.

"Mrs."

The old woman looked up at her and hesitated before saying, "The servants said that the master beat Master Bao in Rongxi Hall."

"How is Baoyu?" Madam Wang's eyes flickered slightly.

"Replying to Madam."

"Second Master said he was beaten unconscious and a famous doctor from the capital was invited to take care of him."

"In front of everyone, the old lady said that in six months, everything in the room would be divided into two parts, one for Second Master Bao and the other for Third Master Huan."

"Squeak."

Madam Wang gripped the prayer beads in her hand tightly once more, her veins bulging, and a hint of resentment flashed in her eyes.

"Mrs."

"Aunt Xue came several times, but was stopped outside by the servants."

The old woman whispered.

"Go and tell her not to come again."

Madam Wang suppressed the overwhelming hatred in her heart and said calmly.

"Yes."

The maidservant, carrying the lunchbox, left the room.

'Bastard!'

'There is ample time!'

After she left, Madam Wang's expression became extremely ferocious, like that of a demon.

At the same time, in Pear Fragrance Courtyard, Xue Pan swaggered into the room. Seeing his aunt Xue looking distraught, he couldn't help but ask, "Mom, what's wrong? Where's my sister?"

“Your sister went to Rongxi Hall. Today, there was a great commotion in both households, and the old lady summoned her over as well.”

"Where have you been all this time, running around like crazy?"

Aunt Xue frowned as she looked at her son, who was never home.

"The old lady is still thinking about that matter."

Xue Pan plopped down on the couch, indignant: "So she thinks the Lin family girl isn't good enough for her, so she came looking for us."

“With a pretty face like Baoyu, it would be better for my sister to become a concubine of Zhuge Liang than to marry him.”

"Pah!!!"

Aunt Xue slapped him and scolded, "What nonsense are you talking about? If people hear this, they'll think our family is trying to curry favor with the powerful."

“Your uncle repeatedly told us to stay here for now, and that your destiny will take care of you.”

“Your aunt is now imprisoned. No matter what, Baoyu is still your brother. If you speak so recklessly, what will outsiders think of us?”

"understood."

Xue Pan didn't take it seriously, but he just coaxed Aunt Xue and brushed her off.

"Ugh!!!"

Aunt Xue sighed and said helplessly, "I went there again today, but I was stopped by the servants again."

"I don't know what your aunt did to anger your uncle so that he would torture her like this."

After all, they were sisters born of the same mother, so how could Aunt Xue not miss Madam Wang, especially since they lived so close?

"mom."

Xue Pan said seriously, "You'd better not go."

“This is something that Uncle could do alone.”

"You mean?"

Aunt Xue looked at Xue Pan with a furrowed brow.

"Most likely."

Xue Pan pointed to the east.

"My sister is confused."

Aunt Xue slammed her hand on the table, deeply worried for Madam Wang.

"Mrs."

"Grandma Feng is here."

Tongxi, the maidservant who served Aunt Xue, went inside to report.

"Tongxi, quickly invite her in."

Aunt Xue's expression shifted, and she quickly said...

"Yes, ma'am."

Tongxi turned and went out to deliver the message.

After a while.

"I've met my aunt and uncle."

Granny Feng greeted her respectfully.

"Granny Feng."

"But is something wrong with my sister?"

Aunt Xue asked anxiously.

"Replying to Auntie."

"Madam said that you should not go there in the future."

"Sister she"

Aunt Xue grew increasingly worried.

"mom."

"Your aunt already told you not to go; she's fine there."

Xue Pan drank a large gulp from the teapot spout like a cow drinking water, and said dismissively.

“What the old man said is true.”

"Please don't worry, Auntie, everything is fine."

Granny Feng advised with a smile on her face.

"That's good."

Aunt Xue composed herself and looked at Granny Feng, saying, "Granny Feng has served my sister diligently and congratulated you. Go and get ten taels of silver for Granny Feng."

"Auntie, you mustn't do that."

Although Granny Feng verbally refused, her smile grew even brighter. If she hadn't known that the Xue family was very wealthy, she wouldn't have wanted to make this trip.

"Granny, take it."

Tongxi, being sensible, stuffed the silver into Granny Feng's arms.

"Go and see them off."

Aunt Xue didn't seem inclined to talk much with Granny Feng, but gave Tongxi a look.

"Granny, please."

Tongxi stepped forward to see the guest off.

"Thank you, Auntie and Uncle."

With ten taels of silver tucked in her bosom, Granny Feng's old face beamed with joy as she walked briskly out of Pear Fragrance Courtyard.

After watching her leave, Aunt Xue's face suddenly darkened, and she said in a low voice, "I know my sister; she's not one to accept her fate."

"This behavior does not mean that she has become indifferent; on the contrary, it shows that she has something hidden in her heart."

"This is not a good thing."

"mom."

Xue Pan waved his hand and joked, "My aunt is already confined to the courtyard, what else can she do?"

"Are all the people in this mansion blind? Without the old lady's permission, who would dare to let her out?"

"If you ask me, you should just stay here and stop thinking about anything else. What does this have to do with us?"

"Didn't my second uncle say that he would handle the matter in Jinling, and that my sister's name had been removed from the Imperial Household Department's list?"

"If you're not happy staying here, we can just go back to Jinling."

"Ah."

After hearing these words, Aunt Xue's mood gradually calmed down.

(End of this chapter)