Chapter 595: Affection Entangled in Truth and Falsehood

The 15th year of Emperor Jia Zhao, 17th day of the 3rd month, Lin Daiyu's courtyard.

This day was an unusual one for both the East and West Prefectures of the Jia family.

Because the 18th day of the 3rd month was the day the Emperor Jia Zhao 15th-year Metropolitan Examination would commence.

According to the spring examination protocols of the Great Zhou, candidates entering the Metropolitan Examination were required to undergo verification and inspection on the evening of the 17th before officially entering the Examination Hall to be locked in.

The candidates would rest for one night in the Examination Hall, waiting for the examination to begin on the morning of the 18th.

Therefore, as a candidate from Yongzhou, Jia Cong had to officially enter the Examination Hall this evening to await the test.

As the sky just began to brighten, Lin Daiyu rose early, had Hearing Zi Juan assist her with washing and dressing, and then led her to Jia Cong's courtyard.

Once she entered Jia Cong's courtyard, she discovered that the side rooms on both sides were lit with candles, and clear, beautiful voices could be heard; she estimated that all the young ladies and maids in the courtyard had already risen.

The flowers, plants, and trees in the courtyard shone with a moist luster in the faint light of the early morning, adding a sense of joy and peace to one's heart.

Because it was not yet fully bright, the glass lanterns hanging under the eaves of the main house were still lit, their golden light shining on the veranda, where pretty silhouettes moved gracefully from time to time.

Just as Lin Daiyu arrived at the entrance of the main house, she happened to see Jia Cong coming out. He was slightly stunned to see her and smiled, "Younger sister, you have come very early today."

Lin Daiyu smiled, "Today is a big day for Third Brother, so naturally I had to come over earlier to boost your spirits.

However, Third Brother really didn't need to rise so early. Starting tonight, you will have to sleep on the wooden boards of the examination cubicles, which are not as comfortable as the bed at home. You really should have stayed in bed this morning to get more restful sleep."

Zhi Shao, who was to the side, smiled and said, "Young Lady, you need not worry. Third Master did not study last night; he and Zhen Ying Lian tidied up the study, organizing all the books he had read over the past half-year onto the shelves.

He also went to bed more than an hour earlier than usual. He didn't say a word all night and slept very soundly."

Lin Daiyu teased, "Third Brother is entering the examination today, and you've even put away your books. Most likely, after you place on the Golden List, you will be too lazy to read poetry and books from then on, and will only seek worldly leisure."

Jia Cong smiled, "I accept your auspicious words, younger sister. But poetry and books must still be read, if only to suppress the vulgarity on one's body. However, the patience for studying until one's hair turns white will likely be diminished somewhat..."

The two stood under the veranda, reflecting the glowing light of the lanterns under the eaves, teasing each other. Their laughter and clear voices were constant, and their intimacy and harmony were beyond words.

After Lin Daiyu and Jia Cong chatted for a while, the two entered the main hall. Lin Daiyu and Zhi Shao opened Jia Cong's examination box to carefully check the items inside.

This examination box was an important item that Jia Cong needed to bring into the Examination Hall, and its craftsmanship was very exquisite.

The bottom layer had the most space and was perforated with small holes, used for storing dry rations and food to be brought into the examination hall.

The middle layer held writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, paperweights, and other stationery, while the top layer contained a few sets of replacement clothing and a soft silk pillow made by Xing Xiuyan.

Additionally, the bedding and blankets for spending the night in the cubicle, as well as the fur-lined cloak used to ward off the cold while answering questions at night, were bundled and tied separately.

In the study, there were also two bamboo tubes that had been dried clean early on, which had been filled to the brim with cooled boiled water by Wu'er early in the morning.

Lin Daiyu saw that everything was carefully and clearly arranged, with nothing left out, and then took a small wooden box from Hearing Zi Juan's hands.

Opening it, she revealed a red clay teapot, two light and sturdy teacups, and a small canister of tea leaves.

Jia Cong took it and toyed with it in his hands. Lin Daiyu smiled, "Although it is the 3rd month now, the spring chill has not yet faded, and the examination cubicles are all open-air; it can be very cold at night.

It is fine for Third Brother to drink the cold boiled water from the bamboo tubes in the morning, but you must be careful not to catch a chill in your stomach by drinking cold water at night, as that would affect your writing, which would be bad.

I know that the examination cubicles all have small stoves; Third Brother can use this red clay teapot to boil hot water to drink, which will warm your stomach at night.

And this small canister of tea leaves is the tea offered as tribute by the Kingdom of Siam that Sister Feng gave us last time. The taste is elegant, and I find it excellent. I am bringing some for Third Brother; drinking it can also refresh your mind."

Jia Cong saw that Lin Daiyu was usually a young lady of wealth, appearing lazy and indifferent to miscellaneous chores.

But she had been full of poetry and books since childhood; in fact, her inner talent was not ordinary. As long as she put her heart into matters, she would be as meticulous as a hair, and even such delicate things would be thought of one by one.

Jia Cong smiled, "Younger sister is truly meticulously thoughtful; you have thought of everything for me. If you were to manage the household and govern in the future, surely ten men would not be your match."

Lin Daiyu took the wooden box from his hands, placed it into the top layer of the examination box, and then locked the box with Zhi Shao. Zhi Shao and Zhen Ying Lian carried the examination box into the study to be placed.

Lin Daiyu smiled and said, "Third Brother, don't flatter people. Regarding the household management and governance you speak of, I have carefully calculated it for you, and there are truly quite a few figures who can do this.

Miss Qu from Jin Ling, Miss Zhen from the Imperial Mausoleum, and that 'Spring Water of the River Resenting Parting'—Third Brother, tell me honestly, what else is there that I don't know about?"

Jia Cong felt slightly embarrassed in his heart and said, "Younger sister is so clever and sharp, what could I possibly hide from you?"

Lin Daiyu sighed slightly and said, "Actually, I understand in my heart that the family business of these two prefectures is worth thousands of gold in the eyes of others, but in Third Brother's eyes, it counts for nothing.

Over these years, you have traveled north and south, and it is actually a good thing that there are people outside who can help you.

Counting it up, I am the lucky one, not stepping out of the main gate, not stepping out of the second gate, peaceful and harmonious, having Third Brother for company since childhood, compared to them, not having to taste those displacements and estrangements..."

Jia Cong heard these words and couldn't help but hold Lin Daiyu's small hand. Suddenly, he heard footsteps coming from the courtyard gate, and saw skirts fluttering in the wind, silhouettes graceful.

It was Yingchun, bringing Seeing Tan Chun, Shi Xiangyun, and Xing Xiuyan; they had also come over before dawn. As for Xichun, she was too young and was still sleeping in.

Lin Daiyu glanced at Jia Cong, her lips pursed slightly, and she reluctantly withdrew her small hand.

Not long after Yingchun and the others arrived, Baochai also came over early from the West Prefecture, and the main hall was filled with people.

Actually, the various matters for Jia Cong's entry into the Examination Hall tonight had basically been prepared by the maids around him, and the sisters coming over didn't really need to worry too much.

It was just that Jia Cong was facing a major event today, and they couldn't help him with anything; they were just coming to keep him company and talk, which would also make him feel more settled and secure.

When the courtyard was fully bright with daylight, Jia Cong had someone notify the kitchen to serve a table of breakfast, and everyone sat around together, eating breakfast in a lively manner.

Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

As soon as the sky was bright, Baoyu came over early, saying he was accompanying Jia Mu for breakfast. Jia Mu was naturally happy in her heart when she heard this, praising him for being thoughtful and most filial.

Actually, Baoyu coming over to accompany Jia Mu for breakfast was just an excuse.

Because according to the usual time, every day after Jia Mu's breakfast, the sisters from the East Prefecture would come to Rongqing Hall to pay their respects and accompany the Old Lady to talk for a while.

Every day, it was only at this time that Baoyu could take the opportunity to spend a few moments with the sisters. Of course, the most important thing was to be able to see Lin Meimei...

Although a scene had been made that day, Baoyu was mostly clear in his heart that it would likely be impossible for him and Lin Meimei to achieve their union.

This made Baoyu's heart ache as if it were splitting, but he was limited to this; the crude, hot-blooded talk of "my fate is determined by me, not by heaven" was not his style.

What he was best at was grieving over spring and lamenting autumn, self-pity, and self-admiration of his own romantic nature.

These routines were what suited him; he had played them to the realm of perfection and often moved himself to the point of being unable to extricate himself.

Today was the same as other days; he had come over in time so that he could chat with the sisters and see Lin Meimei's immortal face again.

Even if he were met with Lin Meimei's furrowed brows and cold treatment, it was still better than not being able to see her at all. After brewing this sadness upon returning, he could pass another day of "sighing at the wind and chanting at the moon," which could also be considered his romantic nature...

It was just that after Baoyu finished breakfast with Jia Mu and waited for a while, Rongqing Hall remained cold and quiet; there was not a shadow of the sisters of the household anywhere.

Just as Baoyu was feeling depressed in his heart, Xue Yima happened to come over to pay her morning respects to Jia Mu, and the two chatted about the reason for the emptiness in the hall.

Xue Yima naturally remembered that today, before dawn, her daughter had risen early to wash and dress. Xue Yima asked and only then learned that today was the day Jia Cong would enter the Examination Hall for the spring examination.

It was no wonder her daughter had risen early. Xue Yima thought back to the day of Jia Cong's provincial examination years ago; hadn't her daughter also risen before dawn to see Jia Cong off to the examination hall?

That time, after Jia Cong finished the provincial examination, he became the Jieyuan. Everyone said that if he passed the spring examination this time, he would be a Jinshi at the very least, and some even said he could win the title of Zhuangyuan.

When Jia Cong lived in the Qingzhi Study of the West Prefecture years ago, he was just a concubine-born son who was not favored in Rongguo Prefecture.

At that time, Xue Yima had even told her daughter that even if Jia Cong really won the title of Zhuangyuan and returned, he would just be a poor Hanlin scholar.

When he reached the age, the result would just be moving out of the prefecture to live separately; he, a concubine-born son, would not be able to touch even a bit of the title and power of Rongguo Prefecture.

Not much time had passed, and Xue Yima had been slapped in the face by reality.

Because times had changed, not only did he not move out of the prefecture to live separately, but he also relied on his own ability to be granted a title, and even inherited the Rongguo title, becoming the co-master of the East and West Prefectures of the Jia family.

This time, if Jia Cong passed the spring examination and gained the status of Jinshi, that would be a true double success in both civil and military affairs. Among the youths in this Divine Capital, who else could compare to him?

Whenever Xue Yima thought of these things, she had to admire her daughter's sharp eye; when Jia Cong had not yet shown his talent, she had early on seen that he would be so outstanding in the future.

Although she knew in her heart that it was very slim for her daughter to be matched with Jia Cong, she would not block her daughter from associating and interacting with him now...

Xue Yima saw that Jia Mu was even more behind the times than herself, and felt strange in her heart.

This Cong Ge'er was her own grandson, and now he held a not-so-ordinary position; the Old Lady actually didn't know about this major event of his today.

Xue Yima smiled, "The Old Lady is a person of good fortune; Cong Ge'er surely didn't want to disturb you, which is why he didn't tell you about this matter, to save you from being bothered.

Tonight is the day he enters the Examination Hall for the spring examination. The Old Lady is about to have great joy. When Cong Ge'er comes out of the examination hall, Rongguo Prefecture will have another Jinshi. Today, the young ladies of the prefecture must have all gone to the East Prefecture to see their brother off; Bao Yatou also went over early this morning.

Speaking of our Jia, Wang, Shi, and Xue families, how many years have passed? Among the descendants who could enter the spring examination, only Cong Ge'er has emerged.

This is such a rare and glorious thing, so it is no wonder that the sisters all take it to heart. In the final analysis, it is also because the Old Lady governs the household well, and the children and grandchildren she has raised are all outstanding."

Xue Yima was best at saying such polite things. Furthermore, last time she was squeezed out by her own sister and almost had to move out of Rongguo Prefecture, it was Jia Cong who gave her great face and urged the Xue family to continue living there.

Even if it wasn't for her daughter's sake, Xue Yima also owed Jia Cong a favor. Now that she was talking about his affairs, naturally, all kinds of good words came out as if they were free.

Baoyu, who was to the side, heard Xue Yima's words and felt like vomiting to death; his heart was filled with inexplicable grief and indignation, and he almost couldn't help but want to roar at the sky.

Only then did he know why these sisters were all nowhere to be seen today.

So today was the day of that "spring examination" entry. Jia Cong was already a Marquis and held a proper official position, yet he still made an unnecessary move to take the spring examination; he was truly a "salary-worm" beyond saving.

Wasn't he just showing off these petty, dog-eat-dog affairs to deceive and dazzle the sisters of the household?

!

Originally, these sisters were all daughters with immortal spirits and extraordinary beauty, but now they had all been dragged into the mud by him; it was truly lamentable and hateful.

Not to mention that even my Lin Meimei had been hooked away.

I fear that even now they are still talking about those muddled words of "career and economy"; it is truly a waste of heaven's gifts. Baoyu's heart was increasingly filled with grief and despair...

Baoyu's brain was chaotic and painful, and suddenly he had a flash of inspiration: should he also go to the East Prefecture to offer congratulations, taking the opportunity to step over that threshold, so that he could be closer to the sisters?

However, he quickly denied his absurd thought; he had also gone astray.

To actually think of going to congratulate on the joy of the spring examination—it was truly disgusting to himself; he had almost tarnished his own innocent self!

Jia Mu didn't notice the soaring thoughts in Baoyu's heart.

She just asked with some puzzlement, "Last time Feng Yatou said that Cong Ge'er was choosing people to enter his room, and she mentioned it to me.

She said the spring examination started on the 18th of the 3rd month, and also said that Cong Ge'er's 15th birthday would have to be spent in the cubicle, and there wouldn't be time to give him a birthday banquet. How did it become that he started fussing on the 17th?"

Yuanyang, who was behind her, smiled, "Old Lady, I heard Wu'er mention this. The spring examination indeed starts on the 18th, but the candidates must enter the Examination Hall to be locked in the night before."

Baoyu heard the lovely Yuanyang sister actually being so clear and enthusiastic about the imperial examination, and felt another wave of grief in his heart...

Only then did Jia Mu understand why the East Prefecture started such a fuss on the 17th.

Although she was the most honored person in the Jia family, she was actually not very enthusiastic about Jia Cong's success in the imperial examination.

Because, in her imagination, Jia Cong was only at the age of "dancing with elephants," not only holding a proper official position but also bearing two titles; he was already honorable enough among his peers.

Whether he passed the Jinshi examination or not was just icing on the cake; it didn't matter at all. According to the Old Lady's thinking, it would be better to be peaceful; contentment brings happiness...

Moreover, Jia Cong was already too prominent, and now he was about to become a Jinshi, making him even more dazzling.

It also made Baoyu, whom she had pampered and praised in the past, appear increasingly small and weak, which made Jia Mu feel somewhat embarrassed...

But even so, no matter which family it was, for a descendant to be able to enter the spring examination was a tremendous honor.

A noble family like the Jia family naturally could not ignore it, not to mention that Jia Cong was now the head of the family.

As the grandmother, Jia Mu still had to consider the face of the family, both inside and out.

She glanced at Baoyu, who was frowning beside her, and sighed slightly in her heart.

Ever since Baoyu was reprimanded by the Imperial Clan Court, his reputation had been ruined. Jia Cong inherited the Rongguo title, the second branch became a side branch, and Baoyu lost his status.

Now, wanting to arrange a marriage with a noble and official family was already extremely difficult, and Jia Mu truly felt heartache.

A few days ago, her second daughter-in-law brought the mother and daughter of the Xia family of Osmanthus to pay a visit, but she didn't expect that after the guests left, her second daughter-in-law revealed her intention, actually wanting Baoyu to marry the Xia girl.

Although the Xia girl had outstanding looks and graceful manners, Jia Mu did indeed appreciate her somewhat; as long as it was a young lady born with a clear and handsome appearance, which one did Jia Mu not like?

But for her to be a match for her Baoyu and marry to be her granddaughter-in-law was another matter; Jia Mu was somewhat unwilling in her heart.

This daughter-in-law of hers was also obsessed; the young ladies she picked for Baoyu were all daughters of merchants, without even thinking about the status of the Jia family.

Before, it was Bao Yatou, and now she had her eye on this Xia girl; it was the same old story.

But for Jia Mu to find a noble and official young lady for Baoyu—although Jia Mu knew some noble ladies from various families, she truly couldn't open her mouth.

She was just afraid that if others heard about marrying Baoyu, they would likely tear down the face of her Duke's title on the spot. She was already old and couldn't afford to lose this old face.

At this moment, Jia Mu remembered those granddaughters of hers who hadn't come to pay their respects today; they must be busy with Cong Ge'er's spring examination in the East Prefecture, just as Xue Yima had said.

She suddenly thought again that for such a major event of Cong Ge'er, the one who must be most worried was his own elder sister, her second granddaughter, Yingchun.

Jia Mu thought of this, and her heart seemed to be lit up...

Her second granddaughter, Yingchun, was a concubine-born daughter, and her status was not prominent before.

Even for marriage, she wouldn't be the main wife of a noble family, and at most could only marry a low-ranking official of an ordinary family.

But ever since Jia Cong was granted a hereditary Marquis title and took her second granddaughter into the East Prefecture's register, making her the eldest young lady of the East Prefecture,

this dull second granddaughter of hers not only gained ability but also had her status elevated.

When Jia Cong inherited the Rongguo title, this second granddaughter of hers followed her brother and changed her appearance, rising with the tide.

During the New Year this year, when noble ladies from several noble families came to pay visits, they all revealed their intention to have Yingchun as a main wife.

Such a good thing would absolutely not have happened in previous years. Jia Mu naturally knew the reason.

Yingchun was still that Yingchun, and a concubine-born daughter was still a concubine-born daughter; who let her have such an extraordinary brother...

Since this Cong Ge'er could raise the status of her second granddaughter, couldn't he also raise Baoyu's?

They were both direct cousins, and added to the fact that Cong Ge'er had always respected Zheng'er, this matter was known to some extent outside, and the connection was not ordinary...

Although Jia Mu was not very enthusiastic about Jia Cong passing the Jinshi examination, she also knew that once her grandson had the status of Jinshi, his career path would likely have a deeper foundation than before.

According to Jia Cong's fortune and methods over these years, his power would likely grow increasingly fierce, and by then, this grandson of hers would likely be even more sought after.

Then, the matter of Yingchun today could not happen to Baoyu—Jia Mu absolutely did not believe that...

Jia Mu figured this out and looked at Baoyu with increasing relief; suddenly, she became unusually enthusiastic about Jia Cong's spring examination.

She smiled and said to Xue Yima, "Aunt, don't laugh at me. I am also muddled with age, actually forgetting that Cong Ge'er has a major event today. This grandmother has been too careless."

Xue Yima flattered and smiled, "The Old Lady has a long life and great fortune, and there are too many good things in your heart to hold them all. Forgetting one or two is a common thing."

Jia Mu smiled, "Yuanyang, take two clever little maids and go to the East Prefecture. Ask Cong Ge'er if there is anything to be busy with before entering the examination, and you help him manage it.

You don't need to serve me here today; just go there and be busy. If Cong Ge'er asks, just say it was my idea.

In the evening, you represent me in seeing him off. I hope he places high on the Golden List this time and brings glory to his ancestors."

Yuanyang heard Jia Mu's words, her smile was bright, and she hurriedly agreed.

Xue Yima heard this and also offered congratulations with a beaming face; she was best at lifting up such a proud person.

Jia Mu said to Yuanyang again, "After seeing Cong Ge'er off, you come back and help me pick two sets of jewelry and headwear. Zhi Shao and Wu'er are to enter his room.

Although there is no phoenix crown or rosy cape, as a grandmother, I must give a meeting gift, so everyone can be lively."

Baoyu, who was to the side, heard the Old Lady suddenly change her nature and actually talk about the imperial examination, and couldn't help but feel bitter in his heart, dumbfounded.

Just as he was being suppressed by the two words "spring examination" to the point of almost fleeing, he suddenly heard that Zhi Shao and Wu'er were to enter Jia Cong's room; this was the first time he had heard of it.

Thinking of these two young ladies, who were the top figures of the two prefectures—he usually didn't have the fortune or fate to even get close and say a kind word.

He didn't expect that such two peerless daughters would eventually belong to a "salary-worm" like Jia Cong, from then on burying themselves in the mud; it was truly pitiful and lamentable.

Although this matter had nothing to do with him, Baoyu still felt a wave of grief in his heart; I fear that upon returning, he would have to grieve over spring and lament autumn again... (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 596 =====