Dream of the Red Chamber: Daiyu and I swapped clothes

Chapter 82 Slap in the Face [Seeking First Subscription]

In Baoyu's view, passing the county examination and entering the circle was a sure thing.

The Four Books are just a few words, and they're not very difficult. They're no problem at all.

The final examination poem was on the theme of agriculture and sericulture, which was exactly what he wanted.

He can recite hundreds of these poems a day!

None of them were as difficult as the topics for the poetry gathering with the sisters.

Therefore, he naturally wouldn't go to check the list himself, since it wasn't a case.

These two days were the happiest two days for Jia Baoyu.

Not only did his father, Jia Zheng, stop scolding him, but his relationship with his sisters also warmed up again. Everyone still surrounded him like stars around the moon, chatting and laughing, enjoying themselves immensely.

As for Zhao Fu, I'm already in the inner circle, why should I worry about Zhao Fu?
All that's left is to wait for the prefectural examination in two months.

Whether or not he takes the exam is another matter; he needs to settle accounts with that纨绔 (playboy) from the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion first.

"Brother Bao, why have we been missing the servants for so long without any news?"

Tan Chun couldn't help but ask.

Baoyu sat calmly at the tea table and said, "Third sister, don't be impatient. Good things come to those who wait. Besides, this is just the first act. There are still many more acts to come to show the true skill."

Tan Chun asked admiringly, "Does Brother Bao still want to compete for the top spot in the examination?"

Baoyu's smile deepened, his words humble yet brimming with self-satisfaction. "It's a rare opportunity, I must experience it. To merely go through the motions is not in my nature."

"Pfft...ahem."

Xue Baochai took a handkerchief to wipe Li Chen, who had just choked on water, and frowned as she said in a low voice, "What happened to you, Lin Meimei?"

"I remember happy things."

When Xue Baochai saw his gaze sweep over the smug Jia Baoyu, she knew exactly what he meant and helplessly tugged at her sleeve.

"Regardless, let's just wait and see."

Just then, Xiren hurried over from under the corridor and went straight to Baoyu.

Tan Chun asked anxiously, "Sister Xi Ren, is there any news outside?"

Xiren quickly pretended not to know, and whispered in Baoyu's ear, "Master, come with me quickly, there is something important!"

"What can't be said here?"

Jia Baoyu, who was enjoying himself, was naturally impatient. "I'm here with my sister waiting for news of the county examination."

Xi Ren was speechless and could only urge him again and again, "Master, this is not the time to play around. Something serious has really happened. Come out quickly. If we don't clarify things, I'm afraid we won't be able to get past Master."

As the saying goes, "Strike the snake at its vital spot," and when Xiren mentioned Jia Zheng, Jia Baoyu obediently followed her out the door first.

But she still looked displeased and complained, "Sister, why can't we talk in the room? I finally had a good time with my sisters, and now you have to ruin my mood."

"Sir, let me ask you this: have you thought this through? Are you number thirty-one or number twenty-nine in the Heavenly Ranking?"

Xi Ren's voice was trembling; she just wanted to get to the bottom of things.

Baoyu frowned. "When did I say something wrong? I am number 30 in the Heavenly Class, how could you forget that?"

"Sir! Is it true?!"

"If it's true, how could I possibly forget the number this time?"

Xi Ren's vision went black, and she cried out in despair, "Master, what happened? Number 29 and 31 both got in, one in the inner circle and one in the outer circle, and number 30 was the runner-up!"

"what!"

It was as if a bolt from the blue struck Baoyu's mind, making him feel dizzy and swaying, almost unable to stand.

"I don't believe it, I want to see for myself!"

Jia Baoyu suddenly pushed Xiren away, and as if he had gone mad, he stumbled and rushed out of the mansion.

No matter how much Xiren called after her, she never turned around.

……

Xue Baochai accompanied Li Chen out of the corridor. Since their playful fight, the two hadn't been alone together again. Li Chen knew that Xue Baochai must be engrossed in proofreading her book, so he couldn't delay her any longer.

This is a real money tree!

Today, because of Jia Baoyu's county examination, he was invited by the three sisters of the Spring Festival to gather together, and the atmosphere between the two was a little subtle.

Perhaps Xue Baochai was a little embarrassed, but Li Chen remained the same as always, holding Xue Baochai's arm.

"Sister, Xiren has been working for the old lady for many years and rarely acts so flustered. Do you think it's possible that Baoyu failed the county examination?"

Xue Baochai nodded, calmly analyzing, and said, "Most likely, when Jia Baoyu recited the test poem he wrote earlier, Third Sister pointed out the rhyme, but he insisted that it was borrowed rhyme. I've never heard of him borrowing rhyme in this way before."

Li Chen scoffed, "On the proper path to officialdom, he doesn't focus on his studies; he only thinks about showing off in front of others. With his mediocre abilities, it's uncertain how he would fare if he took the exams seriously. His current situation is to be expected."

She changed the subject, a sly glint in her eyes, "However, I have another matter to ask you, sister."

Xue Baochai raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What are you talking about, sister?"

But a pounding fear rose in her heart; she was afraid that this little devil would cause her some trouble again.

"Sister, tell me, in a competition between two people, is it more harmful to realize one's own shortcomings and withdraw early, or to use all one's strength only to find oneself as insignificant as an ant trying to see the sky, unable to reach the other's back, which is more harmful?"

Xue Baochai carefully read aloud, "Then I'm afraid the latter is more devastating to one's will."

Li Chen nodded in satisfaction. "I thought so too. Then why don't I persuade Jia Baoyu to try harder for the exam?"

With that, Li Chen released Xue Baochai's hand and headed towards Jia Baoyu's room.

Xue Baochai shuddered, thinking to herself, "Lin Daiyu's heart is black even if you cut it open. Why would she go to such lengths for Young Master Li's understanding?"

"No, could it be that Lin Daiyu wasn't just referring to Jia Baoyu?"

The thought sent a chill down Xue Baochai's spine. 'Since that's the case, I can't slack off any longer. The proofreading of the book only needs the last two sections; I must finish them today!'

With these thoughts in mind, Xue Baochai hurried towards Pear Fragrance Courtyard.

Meanwhile, Li Chen arrived at Jia Baoyu's room.

The place was deserted, with only a few maids looking at each other in bewilderment.

The head maid, Qingwen, was the first to be affected.

He wore a light green cotton-padded jacket, with a light blue vest over it, and floral-patterned trousers. His bright eyes were lively and expressive.

Her eyebrows and eyes did indeed bear a resemblance to Lin Daiyu, and her every glance exuded a graceful charm, making her stand out among the group of maids.

The women beside them, such as Musk Moon and Jade Trace, carried a certain alluring charm, as if they had been touched by Baoyu's rouge.

"Miss Lin, please sit down and rest. Second Master has gone out to check the results."

Qingwen stayed by her side, her face showing a hint of worry.

Li Chen accepted the invitation and took a seat. He naturally called her to his side, took her hand, and asked with a touch of naivety, "Good sister, where is Sister-in-law Xiren?"

"Sister-in-law... Sister-in-law?"

Qingwen's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, but no matter how unruly she was, she dared not refute.

The person in front of them was the newly crowned devil of the Rongguo Mansion.

"Xiren went out with the Second Master."

Qingwen responded with her head lowered and eyes downcast.

Li Chen feigned surprise, "You only brought her?"

Qingwen pursed her lips slightly, "Exactly."

"Hmm, isn't that the same night as the Lantern Festival?"

"Yes……"

As Qingwen's increasingly evasive and complex gaze grew, Li Chen contentedly ate the hibiscus cake on his plate.

'Lin Daiyu wouldn't stoop to your level, but if I don't stand up for her, how can I face her for tirelessly working to help me achieve the highest honors in the imperial examinations?'

(End of this chapter)