A Crossover of Film and Television: Miao Miao's Life Transmigration

Chapter 181 Lin Daiyu's younger brother in Dream of the Red Chamber 14

Several distinguished guests were visiting their relatives, and on the surface, it was a scene of great prosperity, but behind the scenes, it was a scene of intense competition and corruption.

Meanwhile, the Jia family built a villa for the imperial visit, but Jia Yuanchun didn't enjoy a single day of peace. At three quarters past 1:45 the next day, she set off to return to the palace. All the excitement belonged to others, not to Jia Yuanchun. She had to return to that cannibalistic, dark palace, caught between the retired emperor and the emperor.

With Jia Yuanchun back in the palace, the Jia family can once again enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Lin Jiyu didn't pay much attention to the Jia family's commotion, but Jia Yuanchun bestowed many good medicinal herbs upon Daiyu and some writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones upon Lin Jiyu. The gifts were quite generous, and it was clear that Jia Yuanchun was trying to win over the Lin family, but she didn't dare to give them directly to Lin Ruhai.

The Jia family at least had a high-ranking official who could be related to them. Although he didn't have much real power, he was in charge of the Ministry of Rites, and many civil officials there would deal with the Ministry of Rites.

During the Lunar New Year, many wives and daughters of officials came to the Lin family mansion as guests. As the only female member of the family, Lin Daiyu naturally helped with the reception. She was busy from the first day of the Lunar New Year to the fifteenth day before she could finally relax.

In her spare time, Lin Daiyu remembered that she hadn't yet hosted a banquet for the Rongguo Mansion family. Knowing that they were visiting their relatives, she planned to invite the three sisters (referring to her husband, Lin Daiyu, and her sister) over to compose poems, paint, and play chess in a while.

In February, as the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year gradually subsided, Lin Daiyu sent an invitation to the Rongguo Mansion.

At this time, Jia Yuanchun had already issued an imperial decree, ordering the sisters, along with Jia Baoyu, to move to the Grand View Garden. Of course, Jia Yuanchun didn't act rashly and bring up Lin Daiyu's affairs; she was merely showing concern for Lin Daiyu, since Lin Daiyu still needed her family to live with her.

Yingchun lived in Wanjin Tower, Tanchun lived in Qiushuang Studio, Xichun lived in Liaofeng Pavilion, Shi Xiangyun lived in Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Baochai lived in Hengwu Garden, Li Wan lived in Daoxiang Village, and Baoyu lived in Yihong Courtyard. Except for Lin Daiyu, none of the others changed.

In the Grand View Garden, Jia Baoyu, the three sisters, Shi Xiangyun, Xue Baochai, and Li Wan chatted and laughed in the inner courtyard.

“We should really make this poetry club a success. The Empress praised us a while ago,” Jia Tanchun suggested.

"Oh, I really miss Sister Lin. I've been so busy lately that I haven't seen her in a long time," Jia Xichun said regretfully.

When Jia Xichun mentioned this, Jia Tanchun thought of Lin Daiyu and Jia Huan. Lin Daiyu had a younger brother, and she also had a younger brother. Why were the two so different? Every time, she felt a sense of unease.

Jia Yingchun remained expressionless, fiddling with the chess pieces to the side.

"Hmph, she used to play with us, but now that Lin Daiyu has a father and a brother, she's forgotten all of us. How boring!" Jia Baoyu sighed bitterly. Why didn't Lin Daiyu like him? Every time he went to see Lin Daiyu, she would pretend to have something to do or simply refuse to see him.

"How about we invite Sister Lin to the Rongguo Mansion and hold a poetry club?" Jia Xichun suggested cheerfully.

“That’s a good idea. I’ll write the invitations right away.” Jia Tanchun was a woman of action, and she immediately went to the table to pick up a pen and write.

“Good, good, so who should start?” Li Wan suddenly asked.

Li Wan's son, Jia Lan, will be eleven years old after the New Year. Last year, she was busy with the family visit, so Li Wan did not suggest to Grandmother Jia that Jia Lan be given a different tutor. Jia Lan continued to study at the Jia family home, passing his days in vain, and she had no better solution.

Now that Li Wan has moved to the East Grand View Garden, she is far away from her son and can only see Jia Lan a few times a month. She can only find another opportunity to talk to Grandmother Jia about this matter.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll start,” Tan Chun said directly, taking the opportunity to begin without hesitation.

"Great idea! That way I can see Lin Daiyu!" Jia Baoyu said, overjoyed.

Before she could finish speaking, a maidservant entered and said, "Reporting to Miss, Miss Lin has sent someone to deliver an invitation."

Jia Baoyu asked directly, "Bring it up quickly."

After saying that, he snatched the invitation. It read that the three sisters, Shi Xiangyun, Xue Baochai, and Li Wan were invited to the Lin family to hold a poetry club. The letter also mentioned inviting the daughters of the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, the Censor of the Censorate, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, and so on.

Jia Baoyu looked for a long time but didn't see his name. He was disappointed and his expression fell, his face full of displeasure.

"What? Sister Lin invited us to join the poetry club?" Xichun said.

"Sister Lin is truly on our side. She even mentioned starting a poetry club, and Sister Lin sent out invitations." Tan Chun was naturally delighted. She heard that the people mentioned in the letter were all young ladies from wealthy families. Their Rongguo Mansion never made appointments with other families, nor did they have the opportunity to meet the young ladies of other families.

Now that she has this opportunity, Jia Tanchun must make a good impression.

"So, Lin Daiyu has invited many young ladies. We should make some good preparations." Xue Baochai was quite interested. She usually liked to persuade Jia Baoyu to take the imperial examination and become an official, which showed that Xue Baochai liked to curry favor with the powerful. Now that so many young ladies from official families were gathering together, if she could win the favor of a few of them, that would be a great connection for her.

"Yes, we need to prepare well." Li Wan also had some ideas; it would be great if she could find a tutor for Jia Lan through the daughter of an official.

Shi Xiangyun looked disdainful. She usually disliked associating with those noble ladies. She came to Jia Baoyu's side, who looked unhappy.

Upon hearing the words, "No, Lin Daiyu will not forget me," Shi Xiangyun patted Jia Baoyu on the shoulder from behind.

When Jia Baoyu saw that it was Shi Xiangyun, he lowered his head and shrugged.

"Hmph, why are you looking so down? Can't you see they're all happy? What a spoilsport," Shi Xiangyun said sarcastically.

Jia Baoyu remained silent, lost in his own world.

Seeing this, Shi Xiangyun returned to the three young ladies. The girls had already discussed it and would talk to Grandmother Jia about it later, and make good preparations tomorrow.

Several young ladies sent someone to inform Grandmother Jia that they had set off from the Grand View Garden and it took them almost half an hour to arrive at Rongqing Hall.

As soon as they entered, Grandmother Jia chuckled and teased, "When the little maid came to report earlier, we were wondering what it was about?"

"Ancestor." Sanchun, Shi Xiangyun and others stepped forward and bowed.

Tan Chun, the leader who advocated for the establishment of a poetry club, spoke directly: "Didn't Her Majesty tell us to study hard in the Grand View Garden a while ago? So I proposed to establish a poetry club. As soon as I made the suggestion, Sister Lin sent us an invitation, inviting us to the Lin family to compose poems and paint."

Upon hearing the news, Grandmother Jia quickly instructed Yuanyang to hand her the invitation. Grandmother Jia opened the invitation, which invited the three sisters of the Spring and Autumn Period, Shi Xiangyun, and others, and also mentioned that other officials' daughters had been invited.

“Very well, our Rongguo Mansion will show off its splendor. Yuanyang, go to my storeroom and get some fine fabric to make a set of clothes for the young ladies.” Seeing that the date on the invitation was the day after tomorrow, Grandmother Jia turned to Yuanyang and said.

"Yes, madam." Yuanyang instructed a maid to carry out the order.

In the blink of an eye, Grandmother Jia saw Jia Baoyu looking depressed. Grandmother Jia understood what Jia Baoyu was thinking and pulled him over to sit down.

Jia Baoyu couldn't help but say listlessly, "Sister Lin didn't invite me. I haven't seen Sister Lin in so long."

Grandmother Jia comforted her, saying, "This is your first time hosting a party, so it must be very busy. Once you have some experience this time, we will definitely invite you next time."

Jia Baoyu remained silent, feeling dejected. Grandmother Jia patted him on the shoulder in a comforting manner.

Xue Baochai did not return to the Grand View Garden, but took Xiangling back to the Pear Fragrance Courtyard.

Aunt Xue was still dealing with the affairs of Pear Fragrance Courtyard and the Xue family when she looked up and saw Xue Baochai.

"My child, why are you back?" Aunt Xue exclaimed in surprise. Since Xue Baochai moved to the Grand View Garden, she had not returned. Aunt Xue's days had become boring. Before, she had Xue Baochai to keep her company and talk to. Now, she was busy with affairs every day, and she would only go to Rongxi Hall to sit when Madam Wang had free time.

"Mom, I came back with Tan Chun and the others today to pay my respects to the old lady," Xue Baochai said.

Xue Baochai stepped forward and sat down next to Aunt Xue. She silently glanced at the maids in the room. Aunt Xue waved her hand, signaling them to leave.

Holding Aunt Xue's hand, Xue Baochai said with a bright smile, "Today, a maid from the Lin family sent over an invitation, inviting us to participate in the poetry club. Not only that, but they also invited the daughters of the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, the Censor of the Censorate, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, and so on."

At this point, ambition gleamed in Xue Baochai's eyes. She was determined to get along well with these young ladies, hoping to gain their assistance in the future.

Aunt Xue was overjoyed. She never expected such a good thing. They had been in the Rongguo Mansion for almost five years and had never seen the Rongguo Mansion go out for social events. Apart from the Ningguo Mansion, they only went to the Qingxu Temple.

"Really? My son, you are so talented, you will surely shine among these young ladies."

After receiving the confirmation, Aunt Xue said to herself, "No, I'll have the maid make a dress right now, so I can make a name for myself."

"Mom, no need to bother, the old lady already gave the instructions." Xue Baochai stopped Aunt Xue.

Time came quickly, and the servants of the Lin family were busy running around, while Lin Daiyu stood aside to supervise. They set up games such as pitch-pot, chess, backgammon, shooting rice balls, and tossing balls.

"You all need to be careful. If you break anything, watch your skin!" Bai Qing scolded the maids for being clumsy.

This is the first time the girls have organized a poetry club. It's a big deal, and they can't afford to make any mistakes. Bai Qing has to keep a close eye on things.

Just as the hour of Si (9-11 AM) arrived, a maid came to announce that the young ladies from the Rongguo Mansion, the Shi family, and the Xue family had arrived.

Lin Daiyu asked Zijuan to go to the front and invite them in.

Speaking of Zijuan, she was already a servant in the Lin family. Zijuan was willing to follow Lin Daiyu, and having been by Lin Daiyu's side for many years, she had become accustomed to life in the Lin family. The last time she went to the Rongguo Mansion, she found that she could no longer integrate into the Rongguo Mansion, and told Lin Daiyu that she was willing to follow Miss Lin.

Seeing her sincerity, Lin Daiyu told the old lady about the matter. It wasn't a big deal to begin with, and the old lady took it upon herself to give Zijuan's indenture to Lin Daiyu.

Leading the procession was a young maid, followed by Li Wan and Tan Chun, then Ying Chun and Xi Chun, and behind them were Shi Xiangyun and Xue Baochai.

The Lin family mansion's courtyard is in the Jiangnan style, with pavilions and towers that exude understated luxury.

The Xue family were merchants, and Xue Baochai had been exposed to these things since childhood. She knew that the luxury of the Lin family was not just on the surface, and she was shocked. The Lin family truly lived up to its reputation as a scholarly family.

After walking through the corridor, they arrived at a courtyard where servants were still busy. Lin Daiyu saw them arrive and quickly waved.

"You've finally arrived! Come and sit down," Lin Daiyu said joyfully.

Tan Chun sat down next to Lin Daiyu and joked, "It seems we've arrived a bit early."

"It's clear you miss me," Lin Daiyu said, a rare moment of teasing.

The group started playfully bickering, and Xichun even asked Brother Lin if he had any new paintings so she could appreciate them.

Lin Daiyu sent someone to fetch it, and Xichun was delighted.

Before three-quarters of an hour had passed, the daughters of officials from various families arrived. Lin Daiyu greeted them all with composure. Yingchun and Xichun from the Rongguo Mansion were a little shy, while Tanchun wanted to talk to them, but she didn't know what to say, as no one had ever taken them to any gatherings since they were little.

The poetry club started, and Li Yumin, the daughter of the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, was a poised and generous woman who immediately took on the role of Lin Daiyu's assistant, helping with the arrangements.

The young ladies first admired the flowers, then composed poems about peach blossoms. Lin Daiyu won first place, followed by Meng Nanxi, the daughter of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and He Qingyin, the daughter of the Censor of the Censorate, who tied for first place. Then came Xue Baochai, Shi Xiangyun, and others.

During this period, Li Yumin, who was responsible for writing the poems, had excellent handwriting, which was highly praised.

Both Xue Baochai and Li Wan wanted to befriend the daughters of several officials, but Xue Baochai was a merchant. Li Yumin and others liked Xue Baochai's personality, but unfortunately, they had no intention of getting to know her better. They maintained a distant relationship, and no one could find fault with her.

Li Wan could say even less. She was a widow, and the others were all unmarried young ladies. Grandmother Jia had asked her to come because she remembered that Li Wan had attended a gathering before she married into the Rongguo Mansion, and she wanted her to keep an eye on the young ladies.

Seeing this, Xue Baochai didn't want to make a fool of herself any further and happily joined in their playful antics. She even had lunch at the Lin residence, and the poetry club finally came to a complete end in the afternoon.

"Daiyu, you must invite me next time you hold a poetry club." Li Yumin said, holding Lin Daiyu's hand. This was the most enjoyable poetry club she had ever participated in. In the past, it was always the princess who led the way, and even playing games required following the rules. She was never as happy as she was this time.

Lin Daiyu smiled and agreed. The success of the poetry club would also prove her brilliance.

After the daughters of those officials left, Sanchun and the others waited.

"Sister Lin, when will you start the poetry club again?" Xichun asked reluctantly.

"There's no such thing as a poetry club that's just ended and they're already urging us to hold the next one," Tan Chun joked.

"Sister Lin, look at Sister Tanchun, she's always teasing me," Xichun said shyly.

Li Wan suddenly spoke up: "Next time it will be our Rongguo Mansion's turn to take the lead, and we'll hold a proper poetry club then."

"Then don't try to take mine. We agreed that I'll be the first to start a poetry club next time," Tan Chun said with a smile.

Lin Daiyu looked up, full of curiosity, as if they were arguing about something.

Tan Chun was about to start a poetry club when she coincidentally received an invitation from Lin Daiyu. She told Lin Daiyu about it, and Lin Daiyu laughed.

"Isn't that a coincidence? You must invite me next time."