newbobooks Chapter 173 Lin Daiyu's younger brother in Dream of the Red Chamber 6
Chapter 173 Lin Daiyu's younger brother in Dream of the Red Chamber 6
Lin Jiyu replied, "Grandma, you don't know me. I exercise every day and I'm in great health. Besides, my teacher asked me to try it out. If I don't succeed, I can prepare for the next time."
At this point, Grandmother Jia said nothing more, but chatted with Lin Daiyu in detail about returning to Yangzhou.
Suddenly, Jia Baoyu burst in and stared at Lin Daiyu.
He muttered to himself, "Has Lin Daiyu returned?"
When Grandmother Jia saw that Jia Baoyu was about to fall ill again, she quickly said, "Your sister Lin is going to see your son-in-law, and she will be back in a while."
Jia Baoyu was relieved to hear this, but he just stared at Lin Daiyu, who seemed to have grown up and was as beautiful as a flower.
Lin Jiyu pursed his lips and stood in front of Lin Daiyu. In this life, Lin Daiyu didn't seem to like Jia Baoyu. Her feelings for Jia Baoyu were indifferent. It seemed that the matter of the Crimson Pearl Fairy repaying her debt of tears was suppressed. She wondered if it was because of him.
Since Lin Daiyu didn't fancy Jia Baoyu, he naturally wouldn't allow Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu to have too much interaction.
When Jia Baoyu saw Lin Jiyu blocking his way again, he was displeased. Every time Lin Jiyu went to pay his respects to his father, his father would test him on his studies, so he disliked Lin Jiyu very much.
Xue Baochai looked at Lin Jiyu and was shocked. This young master of the Lin family was handsome and elegant, completely different from Jia Baoyu. Compared to Jia Baoyu, Lin Jiyu had a calm demeanor and a scholarly air. Jia Baoyu hated reading, but this young master of the Lin family liked reading and even wanted to take the imperial examination. He was much better than Baoyu.
Some time ago, she applied for a position as a tutor to a princess in the capital, but as soon as her name was submitted, she was rejected.
She is almost fifteen years old now, and her mother is weak and her brother has had such a bad incident, so they can't be relied on. Her mother has been planning to match her with Jia Baoyu, but it hasn't been finalized yet.
Lin Jiyu noticed a gaze and glanced over. It was Xue Baochai. Why was she looking at them? Did she have something to say to her sister?
However, what does it have to do with him that he doesn't have any contact with Xue Baochai?
A few days later, Lin Daiyu, having finished tidying up, summoned Zijuan. Zijuan had a very good personality, unlike the servants of the Rongguo Mansion. Moreover, having been raised by Bai Qing, Zijuan did resemble a servant of the Lin family.
"Zijuan, my brother and I will be going to Yangzhou this time, and it will take several months before we return to the capital. Would you like to come with me?" Lin Daiyu asked.
Zijuan didn't think for long before saying, "Since the old lady has given me to you, I will go wherever you go."
"Alright, go and pack your things. We're heading back to Yangzhou the day after tomorrow," Lin Daiyu instructed.
"Oh! Thank you, young lady."
After everything was finished, the day to return to Yangzhou arrived quickly. The Rongguo Mansion sent servants to help carry the things to the dock, and Lin Daiyu and Lin Jiyu finally boarded the ship back to Yangzhou.
While Lin Daiyu and Lin Jiyu were adrift on the boat, a major event occurred at the Ningguo Mansion: the matriarch of the Ningguo Mansion, Rong Da Nainai, passed away.
Then came the matter of Wang Xifeng assisting in the management of Ningguo Mansion. The reason why Lin Jiyu rushed back to Yangzhou during this period was to avoid this matter. After all, the funeral of Madam Rong was too grand, comparable to the funeral of the Prince. The Emperor would definitely notice this matter.
As for why he didn't save Madam Rong, he could only say that things in the Ningguo Mansion were too chaotic. Jia Zhen was a muddle-headed person, and Jia Rong was a coward. To save Madam Rong, he would have to deal with Jia Zhen and Jia Rong, which was too troublesome. Therefore, Lin Jiyu would not do such a losing proposition.
The river breeze caressed the willows. Before they reached the shore, Lin Jiyu gazed into the distance. In two or three days, he would arrive in Yangzhou. It was already autumn, and next year would begin with the county examination, the prefectural examination, and the provincial examination. If he passed these three rounds of examinations, he would become a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examinations).
"Bai Qing, how much longer until we reach Yangzhou?" Lin Daiyu asked.
"The young lady is really homesick; she's asked about home more than ten times along the way," Wang Mama teased.
Bai Qing replied honestly and steadily, "Miss, we'll arrive at the dock in two or three days."
"Hmph, Granny, you're always teasing me. Did my little brother say anything today?"
"Grandpa Lin told the young lady to rest early and that he wouldn't eat dinner with her."
Lin Daiyu nodded. Her younger brother was indeed very reliable. She often compared him with Jia Baoyu, and the more she compared them, the more she felt that her younger brother was more reliable.
Jia Baoyu was two years older than his younger brother, and sometimes he behaved like a seven or eight-year-old child. She couldn't say that was bad. Perhaps because the Rongguo Mansion was prosperous, the old lady wanted Jia Baoyu to be a wealthy man.
As the saying goes, those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. The relationship between Lin Daiyu and Jia Baoyu was simply that of cousins, which could not even compare to the affection between the three sisters.
Early that morning, Lin Jiyu stood on the deck, looking at the dock in the distance. As the official ship approached, Lin Jiyu saw Lin Er, the son of the Lin family's head steward, waiting.
After the boat docked, Lin Jiyu disembarked under the guidance of Lin Li.
"Young Master!" The dozen or so people behind him greeted him.
"Go and move all the luggage down," Lin Li instructed.
Lin Jiyu nodded, and Lin Daiyu, supported by Bai Qing and Zijuan, slowly walked down the steps, wearing a hat, and sat in the sedan chair.
He mounted his horse and rode towards the Lin residence.
Lin Ruhai is still on duty at the government office today and will not be back until evening.
As soon as the two siblings returned to the Lin family home, they were overwhelmed by a sense of familiarity; this was the home they had lived in for ten years.
Lin Jiyu went to Bailin Courtyard and asked Shuangyue to tidy up a bit. He also asked about the plans of his three head maids, who were now seventeen years old. If they wanted to marry, they could marry one of the good-natured maids. If they didn't want to marry, they could continue to serve him.
Lin Jiyu sat in the main seat and called Shuangyue, Chunzhu, and Zhiqiu over.
"I called you here today to inquire about your marriage plans. Your parents and siblings are all here, so you can think about it carefully," Lin Jiyu said calmly.
Shuangyue blushed. She had been engaged to her mother's cousin three years ago, but unfortunately, the matriarch of the Lin family passed away. After that, she went to the capital with the young master and never thought about getting married.
Chunzhu didn't react much; she needed to discuss it with her parents. Zhiqiu, on the other hand, seemed to have thought of something, and her face turned pale.
Lin Jiyu noticed something was wrong and looked up, asking, "Zhiqiu, is something the matter?"
With a thud, Zhi Qiu knelt down, her face pale, and said, "I lost my parents when I was young and have always lived with my brother and sister-in-law. They haven't been very good to me. I... I want to stay by your side, young master."
Lin Jiyu frowned. Apart from the servants born into the family, those who were sold into the Lin family were not from wealthy families, or rather, their families were very poor.
He said, "I'm bringing this up today so you can think it over carefully. There's no rush. Go and get to work now."
After Lin Ruhai returned to the mansion, he learned that Lin Jiyu and Lin Daiyu had returned. He thought they would not return for another two days. He immediately asked the steward to call Lin Jiyu to the study, as he had some questions to ask her.
“Father.” Lin Jiyu bowed quietly.
"How has the capital been these past three years?" Lin Ruhai asked.
Ever since Lin Jiyu was born at the age of three, Lin Ruhai had been thinking about his future. He had served as the Salt Commissioner in Yangzhou for more than ten years, and in principle, he should have been transferred long ago, but the emperor had not moved him to a different position.
He was the Emperor Emeritus's man. More than ten years ago, he passed the imperial examination with the third-highest rank and married the eldest daughter of the Rongguo Mansion. The Emperor Emeritus then transferred him to Yangzhou. Unexpectedly, a few years later, a coup occurred, a new emperor ascended the throne, and the emperor became the Emperor Emeritus.
But after becoming the retired empress, her health gradually improved, and she began to miss the feeling of holding great power. She competed with the new emperor for power in every way, and some powerful figures sided with the retired empress.
He had assumed the new emperor would appoint someone he trusted as the salt inspector, but the retired emperor's intervention made his position sensitive.
He couldn't back down, nor could he openly betray the retired emperor. He had to avoid offending either side. Lin Jiyu reminded him that the new emperor was only in his early thirties, while the retired emperor was already over sixty. Even if he waited for seniority, he could outlive the retired emperor.
Lin Ruhai began to curry favor with the new emperor and, as instructed by the emperor, worked hard to collect evidence of crimes committed by Yangzhou officials. He then presented the silver bribes he received from those officials to the new emperor. The emperor also sent word this year that he would be transferred back to the capital next year.
"Father, the Rongguo Mansion seems to have a close relationship with the Emperor Emeritus. Most of the powerful and influential people are on the Emperor Emeritus's side. The struggle in the court is fierce. Both the Emperor Emeritus and the new emperor are planning to win people over in the imperial examinations."
"Sigh! What is this all about? You are still young and will not be able to take the imperial examination for several years. Father has secretly switched to the new emperor's camp, but the new emperor will definitely not trust me. He will probably just give me a nominal position or transfer me to the Ministry of Rites."
"Father, don't be sad. If we don't change sides, once the new emperor has fully grasped power, those of us who oppose him will not have a good end."
"Sigh, let's not talk about that. How's your study lately? Are you confident about the county, prefectural, and provincial examinations next year?"
"Father, don't worry."
Lin Ruhai asked some other questions and tested his studies. Lin Jiyu answered them one by one. Lin Ruhai stroked his beard with satisfaction and felt very proud. Although he was over thirty-five years old when he had this son, Lin Jiyu was very studious and was born to take the imperial examination.
He doesn't need to worry that no one will inherit his mantle after he dies.
"During this time, you should review the content that will be tested in the county examination. Go now. Tonight, invite Daiyu over, and the three of us will have a nice meal together."
"Yes, Father, I'll take my leave now." Lin Jiyu, having received Lin Ruhai's signal, rose, bowed, and left the study.
Back at the Berlin Academy, Lin Jiyu sighed deeply. His mission in this world was to wish his sister peace and happiness, and his father good health and longevity.
The task itself wasn't difficult; the challenge lay in the variables. If the new emperor insisted on holding Lin Ruhai accountable, he would have no choice but to lead a rebellion. Fortunately, the new emperor's attitude was favorable.
The course of the world changed starting from the Song Dynasty. Genghis Khan did not appear in history, so there was no Yuan Dynasty. At the end of the Song Dynasty, the current emperor, Taizu, turned the tide and established the current Great Zhou Dynasty.
Time flies. The first snow of winter fell in Yangzhou. It is now the Great Zhou Dynasty, but it feels like the Little Ice Age. As October arrives, the weather turns extremely cold.
With three members of the Lin family this year, it was a lively and joyous Spring Festival for them. Lin Daiyu was very happy ever since she returned to the Lin family.
After the Spring Festival, time began to speed up. This year's county examination was in March. Lin Ruhai was, after all, the third-ranked scholar, and he was very familiar with the imperial examination system. Every day when he returned home, he would be tested on his studies.
"Zijuan, go and take this black chicken soup to your younger brother. He's been studying hard lately, and the weather's cold, so he can't be with him," Lin Daiyu instructed.
The black chicken soup was started yesterday, and it's ready now to nourish my younger brother.
“Yes, miss,” Zijuan replied cheerfully.
After Zijuan returned to Yangzhou with Lin Daiyu, Lin Daiyu opened up to her.
This year, two of Lin Daiyu's head maids were getting married. Lin Daiyu brought two maids up for the wedding, and one of them was her. Since Miss Lin treated her so well, she should also be sincere to Miss Lin. Moreover, she truly felt at ease in the Lin family.
In the Berlin Academy, Lin Jiyu quietly stayed in his small study, pondering the problem his father had given him; thankfully, it wasn't too difficult.
"Young master, Zijuan, the young lady's maid, has arrived," the maidservant called out, lifting the curtain.
"Let her in," Lin Jiyu said softly, putting down her brush.
"Young master, the young lady sent me to bring you black chicken soup," Zijuan said, bowing.
"Put it down. Did your sister say anything?"
"The young lady said that the young master should take care of himself and not overwork himself."
……
After some time, Lin Jiyu went to Suzhou to participate in the imperial examination.
Upon arriving at the Lin family's old residence in Suzhou, Lin Jiyu rested for a few days. Then, following the proper procedures, Lin Jiyu lined up to enter the examination hall. The examination hall environment was truly appalling, but thankfully, it wasn't a badly marked exam hall.
Lin Jiyu was in good health. After finishing the exam one day, he would return to his old house to rest, and then go to the exam hall again the next day. This process was repeated for three days.
Because most of the people who participated in the county and prefectural examinations were young, they could leave the examination hall, but they had to stay in the examination hall for three days for the provincial examination.
After finishing her exams, Lin Jiyu rested at the Lin family home for a whole day before she could recover.
Next, Lin Li was asked to check when the list would be released. He would most likely be preparing for the prefectural examination, so he wouldn't be returning to Yangzhou. After all, the prefectural examination was in a month, which was too rushed.
Lin Li brought news that he was on the list, and even ranked second. Lin Jiyu asked who ranked first, and the first place was given to a twenty-year-old.
A month later, Lin Jiyu entered the examination hall again. This time, she was lucky and still didn't draw a bad number.
After Lin Jiyu finished the exam, he returned to the old Lin family residence in Suzhou. On the third day, Lin Li said that he was still on the list, ranking third.
Although they weren't number one, they still made it into the top three, which is pretty good.
Since the prefectural examination is still being held, he will continue to stay at the old house, and the provincial examination will still be held a month later.
Lin Jiyu reviewed some of the exam questions her father had prepared for her. A month later, Lin Jiyu entered the examination hall with peace of mind. This time, the exam would last for three consecutive days.
Having received the exam questions, Lin Jiyu smiled. These were the very questions her teachers and father had been talking about. If she had guessed the questions correctly, then she was basically guaranteed a spot in the academy exam.