Dream of the Red Chamber: Daiyu and I swapped clothes

Chapter 40 Defending in Court
Lin Daiyu originally didn't know how to face these close people, but now she realized that they were not close to her at all and were not like the people she remembered.

Summoning her from Rika-in was merely to make a few sarcastic remarks about her.

It fulfilled Baoyu's ambition, provided Fengjie with something to vent her anger on, and finally, Grandmother Jia bestowed a little condescending pity upon her.

Am I just an actor you use to make fun of and amuse yourself?
Lin Daiyu even couldn't help but want to ask Grandmother Jia, "Why should I bow down and become a tutor just because your household has hired a more famous teacher?"

Lin Daiyu could understand that the power of the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion was far inferior to that of the Jia family, but she still could not tolerate such disrespect.

She had never provoked the Rongguo Mansion.

This was not about upholding the dignity of the纨绔 (wan ku, a spoiled and dissolute young man), but rather about Lin Daiyu's own indomitable spirit, and it seemed as if she had glimpsed the true nature of the Jia family.

In the warm pavilion, Li Chen, with his head resting on Xue Baochai's lap, nodded in satisfaction upon hearing such resounding words.

"The fickleness of human relationships and the coldness of the world are but a drop in the ocean for you. There is much more to learn in the future."

Li Chen pondered to himself, then whispered to Xue Baochai, "Sister Bao, we didn't misjudge him, did we? He seems to be a man of principle."

Xue Baochai snapped out of her reverie and softly hummed in agreement, “Indeed, it is not something that can be found in a pond.”

Xue Baochai had a more comprehensive understanding of the Jia family's situation. Although the old master had passed away, even a centipede with a hundred legs does not die easily, and the Jia matriarch's connections and reputation remained.

Having the support of the Jia family would be a great help to any noble son, far more useful than the Xue family.

When Grandmother Jia uttered those words of recruitment, Xue Baochai couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart.

"I've never seen anyone in this mansion refuse the ancestor so directly."

Tan Chun couldn't help but lean forward again, trying to get a clearer view of the young man below the hall.

The people in the hall were not surprised that Lin Daiyu refused so readily. Even Grandmother Jia, who was stroking Baoyu's hand, paused, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, and slowly asked, "Why is that?"

Lin Daiyu straightened her clothes, faced Grandmother Jia and the other elders present, and performed a very solemn bow.

This single gesture caused the atmosphere in the room to momentarily freeze.

Raising her head again, Lin Daiyu's gaze was clear and her voice was bright: "Replying to the old lady, the Book of Rites, Tan Gong I, says: 'A gentleman loves others with virtue, while a petty person loves others with indulgence.'"

"The old lady bestowed upon him the title of a renowned teacher from the Imperial Academy, which is a sign of a gentleman's kindness, as weighty as a mountain."

"But I have also heard the Analects say: 'Wealth and honor are what people desire; but if they are not obtained in the proper way, one should not accept them.'"

"Although my teacher, Mr. Xing, did not achieve great fame, his virtue of 'upholding the Way and being content with poverty, and tirelessly teaching others' is admired by us younger generations. If we are tempted by external things and become fickle, we will not only lose the fundamental principle of respecting teachers and valuing the Way, but also violate the gentleman's ambition to remain steadfast in poverty."

"Moreover, Mencius said: 'He who wrongs himself has never been able to straighten others.'"

“If I, as a junior, were to prioritize immediate gain over the proper relationship between teacher and student, how could I expect to stand upright and act justly in the future? Such an act would not only fail to bring glory to our family, but would likely disgrace our family’s reputation.”

"Therefore, I deeply appreciate the old lady's kindness. However, 'a teacher should not be slighted, and one's will should not be easily swayed,' so I dare not obey!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.

Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, Li Wan, and the others were deeply moved by Lin Daiyu's words. They never expected that someone who was only fifteen years old and had not yet taken the imperial examinations would have such knowledge and insight, not to mention such an unyielding integrity.

Wang Xifeng paused, then quietly moved behind Baoyu, tugged at his sleeve, and whispered, "Good brother, tell me quickly, what exactly did he mean by all that he said in that carriage?"

To Wang Xifeng, what she had just heard was like reading a book written in a foreign language.

Jia Baoyu's face turned bright red, and his previous arrogance had long since vanished. Faced with Fengjie's questioning, he could only shake his head awkwardly. Although he understood the meaning behind it, he couldn't explain it clearly for the time being.

“Baoyu? Aren’t you studying too? Tell me about it, I don’t know many characters.”

In the warm pavilion, everyone's attention was drawn by Lin Daiyu's words. Even Yingchun and Xichun, who were usually indifferent to such matters, couldn't help but look towards the main hall.

Tan Chun murmured, "Why do I find that young man somewhat admirable? Even I felt my heart surge with emotion upon hearing his words..."

Of all those present, no one could analyze the situation better than the other talented woman, Xue Baochai. She couldn't help but sigh softly, "Sister Lin, it seems I'm destined to lose that bet to you."

Li Chen chuckled and asked in return, "Sister Bao, what do you mean by that?"

"Listening to what Young Master Li said, the topic was introduced, the topic was developed, and the discussion began, with a clear structure and lofty aspirations."

“First, he used the Book of Rites to honor his elders; then he used the Analects to clarify his own will; and finally he used Mencius to solidify his principles. His approach was coherent and left no room for argument.”

"With such quick wit and knowledge alone, how could he possibly fail the imperial examinations? In my opinion, he could even compete for the top spot. What's even more remarkable is his integrity... He's no ordinary person."

Tan Chun suddenly interjected, "Ah? Does that mean Brother Bao will be no match for him?"

"Ha, Jia Baoyu." Xue Baochai merely raised the corners of her lips slightly, chuckled, and said nothing more.

Li Chen, who was new to the Four Books and Five Classics, only half understood what Xue Baochai was saying. But after Xue Baochai gave him some pointers, he immediately understood and felt even more delighted.

This is Lin Daiyu demonstrating her talent on the spot, taking Grandmother Jia's words as the topic and immediately composing an essay on the Four Books.

As expected of Lin Daiyu, she possesses the pride of a talented woman!

"System, oh wait, Lin Daiyu, you're really good at using my body to act cool! I'm impressed!"

Li Chen couldn't help but want to applaud her.

If I were to break the deadlock myself, I would probably have to go out in Lin Daiyu's body and say in court, "I have seen this brother before," which would really throw the court into chaos.

That was too rough; I'll use that next time!
Grandmother Jia remained silent in the hall. It had been countless years since anyone had directly refuted her words. She felt a slight anger, but she was not in the right.

In the end, he had no choice but to suppress his anger and said in a complicated tone, "Fine, fine, since you have such ambition, I, this old rascal, will not force you to do something you cannot do. Baoyu, did you hear what they said? From now on, you should not look down on others, as it is also against etiquette."

"I'm tired today. Seeing that the noble lineage has a junior like you, I'm quite satisfied. Yuanyang, help me back."

Two maids responded and helped Grandmother Jia up, leading her to the inner room of the back hall.

Lin Daiyu bowed to Madam Xing and Madam Wang to take their leave, and did not linger any longer.

Looking at her mistress, Madam Wang couldn't help but smile faintly, "You only realize how little you know when you need to use it. Do you understand now? If you don't study hard, how will you compete with others in the county examination?"

When children are arguing, adults shouldn't interfere.

But Jia Baoyu was concerned about his reputation, especially since his sisters were all listening in the warm chamber. He was so embarrassed that he couldn't give up.

He immediately stood up and chased after her out of the lobby.

"Hey! Brother Bao, where are you going?"

Wang Xifeng stared blankly at Madam Wang, unsure of what to do.

Madam Wang appeared helpless, but inwardly she admired his indomitable spirit, saying, "Let him go, you can go and find him later."

Li Wan and Wang Xifeng responded in unison.

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)