Chapter 664: Engraced Honor Banquet

The Earl's Mansion, Jia Cong's courtyard.

The eastern dawn glowed bright, casting golden-red shadows along the veranda of the main house, shifting with the hours until the Liuli windows were painted entirely in fiery red, the whole place brimming with morning vitality.

Jia Cong rose and pulled back the bed curtain, seeing Zhen Ying Lady Lian already dressed in her skirt, seated before the dressing table combing her hair in the bronze mirror.

Zhen Ying Lady Lian heard the curtain rustle, turned her head, and saw Jia Cong getting out of bed; she smiled and said, "Young Master, sit down for a moment—I'll be done in a second."

Jia Cong noticed her long, waist-length hair had been combed into sleek, jet-black strands; her small hands darted back and forth, and in moments she had twisted all her dark locks into a neat bun—remarkably skillful.

Seeing Jia Cong staring in awe, Zhen Ying Lady Lian laughed: "Young Master, is combing hair so fascinating that you have to watch it so closely?"

Jia Cong chuckled: "I just find it strange—how can girls' hairdos be so complicated? Combing hair seems harder than writing an essay, yet you do it so effortlessly."

Zhen Ying Lady Lian laughed: "What's so surprising? When times were hard, neighbor girls didn't even let their hair grow past their ears until ten. I started letting mine grow at six and did chores every day—so combing became second nature."

Jia Cong remembered how Zhen Ying Lady Lian had been kidnapped as a child and forced into household labor from a very young age—her life had been hard—and his heart softened slightly.

Zhen Ying Lady Lian giggled: "If you like watching me comb my hair, I'll do it for you every day from now on."

Jia Cong couldn't resist pinching her earlobe and smiled: "Deal."

As Zhen Ying Lady Lian combed Jia Cong's hair and they chatted merrily, Qingwen pushed open the door, holding freshly ironed scholar's ceremonial robes.

Today, the Ministry of Rites held the Engraced Honor Banquet—a state-sponsored feast celebrating newly minted Rank Jinshi, and a symbol of the scholarly elite's peak prosperity.

Lin Daiyu, from a family of third-place Rank Jinshi laureates, was especially familiar with such affairs; she had mentioned it several times these past two days, and Seeing Yingchun had also reminded him repeatedly—none of the girls and maids around Jia Cong dared to be careless.

When Qingwen had helped Jia Cong dress in his scholar's robe, Zhi Shao entered with a bronze basin of hot water, wrung out a warm towel, and handed it to him to wash his face.

Jia Cong noticed Zhi Shao's skin glowed like jade, her eyes shimmered like autumn waters—exquisitely elegant and lovely—and a jeweled hairpin of kingfisher feathers and red gems adorned her bun, its luster restrained yet splendid and noble.

He smiled: "Zhi Shao, this hairpin is truly beautiful."

Nearby, Qingwen spoke quickly: "I saw that hairpin years ago—it was one of Grandma's treasured items, hidden at the bottom of her chest. Of course it's beautiful."

Jia Cong knew Qingwen had once served Jia Mu, so her words were surely correct—he immediately recalled the hairpin's origin…

Zhi Shao's face flushed pink; she murmured to Qingwen: "You're always so quick with your tongue. I picked this hairpin because it's lively and festive—it's been a string of good days for Cong Sanye, so I wore it."

Jia Cong stepped forward and adjusted the hairpin on Zhi Shao's bun: "It looks stunning—wear it every day from now on."

Qingwen, seeing their intimate gestures, smiled faintly, almost envious; Zhen Ying Lady Lian, gentle by nature, merely giggled beside them, unconcerned.

…

After Jia Cong finished dressing, Wu'er had already laid out breakfast in the main hall; everyone sat together to eat.

Jia Cong suddenly asked: "Wu'er, you were busy at the Western Mansion yesterday—what happened with Jia Baoyu?"

Wu'er replied: "You were receiving guests in the Songxuan Hall then, so you didn't hear.

Xiao Hong told me later—she'd been sent by you to report to Grandma.

But no sooner had she finished speaking than Second Master suddenly fainted from a fit of hysteria; Grandma and Second Lady were thrown into panic.

Fortunately, Second Lady Shi, who was present, knew what was what—she said Second Master only fainted from kneeling too long, nothing serious.

But the maids couldn't lift him, so Lin Lin Zhixiao's wife had to summon strong young servants from the outer courtyard to carry him back to his own quarters.

I heard that soon after he was brought inside, the maids applied cold towels to his face, just casually wiping him down—and he woke up right away. He should be fine.

Second Mistress sent an old woman to check on him; when the woman entered the courtyard, she just happened to hear Seeing Caiyun speaking.

She complained that Cong Sanye didn't come sooner—if Cong Sanye had just spoken up, Second Master wouldn't have been forced to kneel, and wouldn't have nearly collapsed."

Qingwen, hearing this, frowned sharply and retorted: "Seeing Caiyun used to be clever, but after years serving Second Lady, she's turned foolish—look at the nonsense she's spouting.

What happened at Rongqing Hall can't be hidden—yesterday was Cong Sanye's joyous day, yet Second Master blurted out in the hall that Cong Sanye passing the imperial exams and becoming a Rank Jinshi was vulgar and base.

That's not just undermining Cong Sanye—it's slapping his face. And now you expect Cong Sanye to save him? That's like making him slap himself, and outsiders will think Cong Sanye is just as foolish as him.

If Cong Sanye really helps him, outsiders will surely say Cong Sanye is a…"

Qingwen's face flushed red as she bit back the rest of her words.

Jia Cong smiled: "Outsiders will say Cong Sanye is an idiot—that's what you mean, right?"

Everyone at the table burst into laughter; Qingwen's face turned crimson, tears welling in her eyes: "Cong Sanye, I didn't insult you—that's what you said yourself…"

Jia Cong chuckled: "What a good maid—you're sharp-tongued and sensible. You're absolutely right. Cong Sanye won't be an idiot."

Hearing Jia Cong praise her, Qingwen instantly brightened: "Cong Sanye, I've waited so long to hear you say something nice!"

Jia Cong smiled: "I've been remiss—I'll praise you often from now on."

Everyone laughed again; Qingwen, still indignant, said: "Cong Sanye's just teasing—you don't sound sincere at all…"

…

Lady Rongguo Mansion, Jia Baoyu's quarters.

Jia Baoyu lay in bed, his expression listless but his complexion normal.

Jia Mu and Lady Wang sat beside him, watching Zhang Zhang Youshi examine Jia Baoyu's swollen knees.

Zhang Zhang Youshi now had the reputation of a divine physician in Lady Rongguo Mansion; two years ago, when Jia Mu fell ill from rage over Jia Cong's mother being granted a noble title, she lay near death—only Zhang Zhang Youshi's miraculous healing restored her fully.

Not long ago, Jia Baoyu suffered a violent hysterical episode, causing chaos—again, Zhang Zhang Youshi's divine needles cured him with a single prick.

So it was natural to call him again when Jia Baoyu fell ill once more.

Yesterday, after hearing Xiao Hong's words, Jia Baoyu was overcome with fury and collapsed; because he was heavy and weak, the maids couldn't move him, so servants from the outer courtyard had to be summoned to carry him back to his room.

He had knelt for nearly two hours in Rongqing Hall, and both knees were now swollen and red; when carried away, his legs were curled up, terrifying Lady Wang.

After being brought inside, Sister Xi Ren and the maids applied hot and cold compresses for hours before his legs finally straightened.

Raised in luxury, he'd always suffered punishment on his buttocks—never before had his knees been targeted.

This kind of severe knee injury was utterly new pain for Jia Baoyu, so he groaned incessantly, making Jia Mu and Lady Wang ache with sorrow.

But when he saw Zhang Zhang Youshi arrive, he unconsciously grew fearful—his groaning stopped instantly, as if he'd suddenly become strong.

In his view, anyone who claimed to be a physician was merely flattering their own reputation—most were pretenders, even despicable.

So he refused to engage with such people—just let them examine him and leave.

Otherwise, this quack might again act recklessly, like last time, jabbing a thick iron needle into his hand—disgraceful to scholars…

Zhang Zhang Youshi applied medicinal ointment to Jia Baoyu's knees, then rose to write a prescription, instructing someone to prepare the herbs—one dose per day.

Jia Mu asked: "Divine Doctor Zhang, is Jia Baoyu's knee injury serious?"

Zhang Zhang Youshi smiled: "Young Master Jia Baoyu knelt too long, and his heavy frame put excessive pressure on his knees, damaging the tibia—hence the swelling.

But it's not serious. With my prescribed external and internal treatments, and bed rest for half a month, he'll be as good as new.

But there's one thing the household must take seriously: within one month, Young Master must not kneel again. If he does, the old injury won't heal before a new one forms—he may suffer permanent damage. Very important, very important. After that, no further concern…"

Hearing this, Jia Baoyu's face darkened; he seethed inwardly: I knew most so-called physicians were frauds—this proves it.

What nonsense this Divine Doctor speaks: "No kneeling for a month, then it's fine"—does that mean kneeling is allowed after a month? Absolute nonsense…

Zhang Zhang Youshi finished his prescription and took his leave, clearly unwilling to linger.

Jia Baoyu found him irritating; Zhang Zhang Youshi felt the same. He'd treated countless patients, yet few as peculiar as this Second Master of Lady Rongguo Mansion.

One moment pretending madness, the next kneeling until his knees gave out—always idle, always inventing new dramas.

He saw Jia Mu and Lady Wang crowd around the bed, and suddenly Jia Baoyu's mouth twitched—as if brimming with grievance, a sight that sent chills down his spine.

Zhang Zhang Youshi feared a sudden relapse of his hysteria—he hadn't brought his acupuncture needles today. If he couldn't revive him, his reputation would be ruined. Why stay longer?

Jia Mu and Lady Wang, reassured by Zhang Zhang Youshi's words that Jia Baoyu's injury was not serious, relaxed and instructed Sister Xi Ren and the maids to care for him well, then departed.

Soon after, Seeing Yingchun, Lin Daiyu, Seeing Tan Chun, and Shi Xiangyun came to visit.

Lin Daiyu had originally not wanted to come—she couldn't keep feigning illness; everyone noticed her health improving, so pretending to be sick now looked too fake.

If word reached her grandmother, it would be embarrassing—after all, they both lived in the two mansions; family etiquette among cousins must be observed.

Jia Baoyu lay in bed, gloomy and resentful, when suddenly he saw silhouettes moving, skirts fluttering—his sisters had come to visit; his mood instantly lifted.

Seeing Lin Daiyu among them, he was overjoyed—ready to weave some poetic, romantic words—yet found no opening.

Seeing Tan Chun and Shi Xiangyun sat on stools beside the bed, showing closer familiarity; Shi Xiangyun chattered nonstop, generating endless topics.

Seeing Yingchun stood behind Shi Xiangyun, holding a box of Liaodong wild ginseng as a gift, telling Sister Xi Ren to give it to Jia Baoyu when he had time to replenish his strength.

The Eastern Mansion's storeroom still held plenty of such Liaodong wild ginseng; the sisters, all young and vigorous, had no use for such potent tonics—only Lin Daiyu used them occasionally for her herbal prescriptions.

As for Lin Daiyu, she stood even farther away than Seeing Yingchun—near the door, as if ready to flee at any moment—this pained Jia Baoyu deeply.

!

Jia Baoyu saw her gently waving a round fan, saying nothing—only when Sheyue came to serve tea did she smile and exchange a few idle words, acting less like a visitor and more like someone just filling a quota.

Jia Baoyu's heartfelt words had nowhere to go; he lamented inwardly: My sister still holds a grudge against me…

Shi Xiangyun was still chattering about heaven and earth when suddenly she remembered something and changed the subject: "I've heard of the Engraced Honor Banquet but never seen anyone attend. Today Third Brother is going—it's so enviable.

It's an imperial banquet, with dishes like dragon liver and phoenix marrow—I wonder what they taste like. When Third Brother returns, make him describe it well—I want to learn something new…"

Seeing Yingchun smiled beside her: "Why wait for Cong's return to ask? Lin's father attended the Engraced Honor Banquet—Lin Daiyu must know the details."

Shi Xiangyun laughed: "How did I forget? Sister Lin must have heard it from her father—tell us about it, please!"

Lin Daiyu had come to visit Jia Baoyu only to fulfill social obligation—she had no intention of speaking much, fearing to provoke him.

That's why, upon entering, she stood far away and didn't join the sisters' conversation.

Now, hearing Shi Xiangyun's chatter, she smiled: "I never asked Father what the Engraced Honor Banquet was like.

But my mother was skilled in painting—she once heard Father describe attending the banquet and painted a picture titled 'The Engraced Honor Banquet of Emperor Jia Zhao Year One,' which has always been kept in my camphorwood chest.

It's painted in exquisite detail—if you're interested, Shi Xiangyun, come to my room later and take a look."

Nearby, Seeing Tan Chun heard Shi Xiangyun and Lin Daiyu's words and inwardly cursed—why did these two sisters bring up this topic?

Seeing Tan Chun was always perceptive and knew best Jia Baoyu's inner wound.

Her brother had grown up pampered in luxury, doted on by Grandma and Lady Wang—he'd never had the will to focus on scholarly pursuits, and being forced to study by Father had bred his contempt for scholars.

Over the years, countless incidents stemmed from this flaw—even today's collapse from kneeling was caused by it.

Shi Xiangyun's nature was open and carefree—she spoke whatever came to mind, with no restraint. Why mention Third Brother's Engraced Honor Banquet?

Seeing Tan Chun glanced at Jia Baoyu's expression and saw his face turning pale, his eyes reddening—her worry deepened.

……

Jia Baoyu was overjoyed to see his sisters come to visit, even Lin Daiyu—who he hadn't seen in a long time—coming with them.

He felt that his suffering had somehow drawn his sisters' concern and favor; even Lin Lin Meimei had come. This pain had truly not been in vain.

As long as things could always be like this, even if he died for these people, he would be willing…

But he had only reveled for a moment before Lin Daiyu's cold distance cooled his heart; now he was back to his usual habit of seeking sorrow and bitterness, filled with unease.

Shi Shi Xiangyun suddenly brought up the En Rong Banquet—only Rank Jinshi could attend—and Jia Baoyu couldn't help but feel utter contempt and anguish.

Even more painful to Jia Baoyu was that both Yun Lin Meimei and Lin Lin Meimei spoke of official careers with such enthusiasm—it made him feel utterly hopeless and heartbroken.

Shi Xiangyun continued smiling: "At home, I've heard that Auntie is extraordinary; even before her marriage, she was a famed talent, proficient in poetry and prose, and a master of painting."

"I must see this painting of the En Rong Banquet that Sister Lin mentioned."

Seeing Tan Chun noticed Jia Baoyu's face growing darker and felt afraid—he might start another outburst, and then it would be hard to manage.

She quickly said: "Since Shi Xiangyun sister is so curious, why not go back with Sister Lin to see it? I'll stay here and talk with Second Brother, then come see the rare painting later."

At this moment, Seeing Yingchun also noticed Jia Baoyu's odd expression and instantly understood Seeing Tan Chun's meaning. She recalled how Jia Baoyu had once thrown the household into chaos over a single word from Lin Daiyu—this couldn't happen again.

She stepped forward to smooth things over: "Today Cong Di isn't home, and the Eastern Mansion will have many guests coming to pay respects—we still have much to arrange."

"Brother Jia Baoyu, rest well. I'll come see you again in a few days. Shi Xiangyun sister, since you want to see the painting, come back with me."

Shi Xiangyun now sensed the tension. Seeing Yingchun tugged her sleeve, and she rose, dazed and confused.

In just a short while, Seeing Yingchun and Lin Daiyu led the dazed Shi Xiangyun out of Jia Baoyu's room, their steps unusually light.

Jia Baoyu had been brewing a flood of passionate words, intending to speak to his sisters, to make them see the error of their ways, to pull them back from the trap of indulging in Jia Cong's scholarly and official praise.

He was just about to begin speaking when his sisters all had things to do and vanished like a gust of wind.

Lin Lin Meimei, closest to the door, left fastest of all—not even a farewell word.

Jia Baoyu felt his full heart of emotion had struck nothing but cotton—endless sky and earth, all things hollow and empty.

Even his Lin Lin Meimei had left—then who would he speak these words to now…?

……

Ministry of Rites.

This morning, at the hour of Chen, all key approaches to the Ministry of Rites were lined with brightly armed imperial guards, sealing off streets and guarding the route.

At quarter past Chen, the Emperor's procession departed from Wumen, traveling along the north-south central axis of the capital, heading straight for the Ministry of Rites.

The En Rong Banquet was an imperial feast granted to newly ranked Rank Jinshi; in the Song era, held in the imperial garden Qionglin Garden, it was also called the Qionglin Banquet.

The En Rong Banquet marked the climax of the imperial spring examination ceremony and symbolized the honor of becoming a Rank Jinshi—a glory scholars had yearned for over a thousand years.

Although the Great Zhou's En Rong Banquet was an imperial feast, by custom the Emperor did not attend in person; instead, a royal prince or an imperial-appointed minister presided.

Yet every time the En Rong Banquet was held, the Emperor's procession would leave the palace and halt at the Ministry of Rites, to signify the Emperor's presence.

Leading the Emperor's procession was his six-horse chariot, topped by a golden silk canopy bearing nine coiled dragons and a radiant pearl; behind it marched dozens of Great Generals, each carrying dragon banners, dragon flags, golden axes, golden maces, and other ceremonial weapons.

Immediately after the Emperor's chariot came Prince Prince Kangshun's four-horse chariot—he was the Emperor's appointed host of the banquet.

Behind Prince Prince Kangshun's chariot followed Grand Secretary Wang Liu Shilun and Cai Xiang, then the four Ministers of the Six Ministries, the Academicians of the Hanlin Academy, and the chief officials of all departments above the fourth rank.

In officialdom, hierarchy was rigidly enforced; the order of officials attending the banquet was strictly regulated, with not the slightest breach allowed.

After Prince Prince Kangshun's chariot, no other official enjoyed the honor of a chariot—even Grand Secretaries and Ministers walked slowly behind the Emperor and the Prince.

Behind the official procession came the three hundred newly minted Rank Jinshi, their order strictly determined by their examination ranking.

Leading the Rank Jinshi procession were the Zhuangyuan Zhang Zhang Wenxu and the Tanhua Chen Chen Qirui—but Jia Cong's figure was absent.

Among the three hundred new Rank Jinshi, Jia Cong alone stood utterly apart—even Zhuangyuan Zhang Zhang Wenxu paled beside him.

For during the Chuanlu Ceremony, Jia Cong had been appointed a Fifth-Rank Hanlin Academician of the Imperial Lecture, a prestigious post making him the highest-ranked among all three hundred new Rank Jinshi.

Thus he did not march with the three hundred Rank Jinshi; according to Great Zhou official protocol, a Fifth-Rank Hanlin Academician ranked above Fourth-Rank Capital Ministers!

The procession of chariots and officials departed from Wumen, traveled along the central north-south avenue, passed Hanzheng Street, and arrived at the Ministry of Rites.

Along the way, countless onlookers gathered to witness the spectacle; whether commoners or attending officials, all eyes were drawn to one sight, filled with awe and astonishment.

In the imposing official procession, after the three Ministers of the Six Ministries, Jia Cong, dressed in his Rank Jinshi ceremonial robe, possessed peerless grace, walking side by side with Hanlin Academician Ge Ge Hongzheng—ahead of all Fourth-Rank officials.

In the entire Great Zhou bureaucracy, only on this day did a startling new pivot emerge… (End of Chapter)