118 The Story of Baochai in the Dream of the Red Chamber 6: Quick Transmigration - Yuan Ning's Scumbag...
After Xue Pan achieved the third-highest rank in the imperial examination, he was directly appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, a seventh-rank official.
At first glance, this official position doesn't seem very high-ranking. It's a seventh-rank official, which in a local area would be equivalent to a county magistrate. In the capital, a place full of dignitaries, it's even less remarkable.
But those in the know understand that being a compiler in the Hanlin Academy is not a position that ordinary graduates can easily obtain.
The Hanlin Academy was indeed described as "the place where the emperor nurtured talent." There was an unwritten rule in the Qing Dynasty: no one who was not a member of the Hanlin Academy could enter the Grand Secretariat.
Most of the most prestigious Grand Secretaries and Ministers of the Six Ministries in the imperial court were trained in the Hanlin Academy.
This place holds no real power, manages finances, and is constantly embroiled in lawsuits. Its daily routine consists of compiling books and history, drafting imperial edicts, and accompanying the emperor in lecturing and discussing classics. It may seem austere, but it is the place closest to the emperor and the easiest place to gain his favor.
Even if an ordinary Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) passed the second-class examination, he still had to go through another round of imperial examinations to be selected as a Shujishi (a junior official in the Hanlin Academy) and study diligently in the teaching academy for three years.
Three years later, after the final examination, only those who excelled could be appointed as editors or reviewers, thus formally entering the Hanlin Academy.
Those with mediocre grades could only be appointed as county magistrates or as administrators in the Six Ministries, which meant their future prospects were far from bright.
But Xue Pan was incredibly lucky this time. Because Emperor Kangxi personally appointed him as the third-ranked scholar, he skipped all the tedious procedures of the imperial examination, becoming a junior official, three years of hard study, and the final examination. He was immediately appointed as an editor, which made all his classmates envious.
Even he himself was stunned for a long time when he received the imperial decree, wondering to himself, "Could it really be the blessing of our ancestors?"
When the news reached the Jia family, everyone reacted very differently.
Lady Wang was chanting sutras in the small Buddhist hall, praying that the Bodhisattva would bless Yuan Chun and that she would give birth to a son soon.
When Zhou Rui's wife came in to report that Master Xue had not only become the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination, but had also been directly appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, Zhou Rui's wife said that Master Xue had not only become the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination, but had also been directly appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy.
Although she managed a forced smile, she couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness in her heart: "The Hanlin Academy sounds prestigious, but it's ultimately a poor and insignificant department. There's not a single bit of profit to be made; it's incredibly stingy."
She put down the account book, picked up her teacup and blew on it, her tone becoming increasingly dismissive: "My sister is also confused. Does she really think that letting Pan-ge take the imperial examination is some great thing that brings glory to the ancestors?"
With the Hanlin Academy's annual salary of only a hundred or so taels of silver, let alone supporting a family, it probably couldn't even cover decent social engagements.
Hearing this, Wang Xifeng, who was serving nearby, couldn't help but secretly scoff at her aunt for being so short-sighted.
A family like the Xue family, with mountains of gold and silver, surely they wouldn't be short of a little bit of salary from their cousin Pan?
What they want is this refined and dignified appearance, a future path to becoming a high-ranking official.
Remembering her aunt's previous instructions, Feng Jie made up her mind to find opportunities to get along better with the Xue family.
My cousin Pan is a top scholar in his youth, with a limitless future; Bao'er has married into the imperial family, and although she doesn't have a title yet, she has a real imperial sash, and is backed by the Shuncheng Prince's Mansion and the Beile Mansion. This family will likely be a great support in the future.
When the old lady Jia, who was reclining on the couch and having Yuanyang massage her legs, heard about this, she glanced at the three girls, Yingchun, Tanchun, and Daiyu, who were doing needlework below, and began to make plans in her mind.
After a while, she instructed Amber: "Go and invite the Second Madam over."
When Lady Wang arrived, Grandmother Jia said with a smile, "Your nephew has achieved the third rank in the imperial examination, which is a great joy. Our family should prepare a generous gift and go to congratulate him properly."
She paused, then changed the subject, "Speaking of which, the four great families of Jinling have always been closely connected and share a deep relationship."
Pan-ge'er isn't young anymore, is he? He seems to be about the same age as our Ying-ya-tou? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could become relatives and even marry?
The fact that both the aunt and niece married top scholars (those who excelled in the imperial examinations) is quite a story...
The old lady's words made Madam Wang's eyes light up, but she wasn't thinking about the dull and taciturn Yingchun, but rather about Tanchun, who was raised by her side, was pretty, and acted decisively.
She immediately started thinking further ahead: with the Xue family's vast wealth, if planned properly, it might very well end up entirely in Baoyu's hands in the future...
She was burning with excitement, but showed no sign of it on her face. She respectfully agreed to the old lady's words and immediately sent a maid to summon Wang Xifeng after returning home.
As soon as Wang Xifeng entered the door, Madam Wang dismissed everyone around her, pulled her aside, and whispered the old lady's intentions to her. Finally, she said, "Go back to your parents' home today and pass on this message. Ask them to act as matchmakers and make sure this marriage goes through."
Tan Chun is a girl I've watched grow up; apart from her background, she's perfect in every way. Marrying her to Pan Ge'er wouldn't be a waste of his potential.
Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng's heart skipped a beat, and she knew something was wrong. But on the surface, she still had to smile and agree.
When she returned to the Prince's Mansion and met her aunt, Lady Wang Ziteng, she stammered out her purpose, and Lady Wang Ziteng immediately laughed in anger.
She slammed the teacup down on the table with a clatter: "My son! Has your dear aunt gone mad?"
She really dares to think that way. Does she still believe the Xue family is the same imperial merchant family that used to rely solely on the Jia and Wang families?
She took Wang Xifeng's hand and said earnestly, "Feng'er, go back and tell them not to mention this at all, or they'll make enemies."
Just think about it, what is Pan Ge'er's status now? A newly appointed third-ranked scholar! A compiler in the Hanlin Academy! He's someone who's registered with the Emperor.
With his current talent, looks, and family background, he could easily marry even a noblewoman from the Eight Banners. Your two illegitimate daughters, stop making a fool of yourselves.
Seeing Wang Xifeng's uncertain expression, she lowered her voice and said, "I told you last time, don't listen to your aunt in everything."
Your most important task right now is not to seize power as steward, but to quickly win over Master Lian and have a son as soon as possible.
This is the foundation of your position! Otherwise, given how much your matriarch spoils Baoyu, it's hard to say who will inherit the Rongguo Mansion's title in the future.
Think about your father-in-law; he's still the heir to the Jia family title, and now he's been relegated to the stables. You don't actually think Jia Lian's position in the old lady's heart is comparable to Bao Yu's, do you?
These words struck Wang Xifeng like a thunderbolt, sending a chill down her spine.
She then realized that she had been busy and competitive all day long, but had forgotten the most fundamental thing.
On the way back, Wang Xifeng sat in the carriage, pondering her aunt's words over and over again. The more she thought about it, the more alarmed she became. Finally, she made up her mind and decided to take action.
Upon returning to the Jia family mansion, she did not go back to her own courtyard, but went straight to Grandmother Jia's Rongqing Hall.
Upon entering the room, Old Madam Jia was reclining on a warm couch, her back against a large, gold-inlaid, green-shimmering cushion, while a young maid knelt on a footstool to massage her legs.
Wang Xifeng composed herself, put on a perfectly timed smile, stepped forward, and recited the words she had learned from her aunt word for word.
“Grandmother, I went back to my parents’ home today and my aunt let me in on something. She said that Brother Pan’s family… is already discussing marriage.”
The aunt didn't specify which family the young lady belonged to, only vaguely mentioning that she was a noblewoman from one of the Eight Banners.
Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia didn't even lift her eyelids. She was fiddling with a string of sandalwood prayer beads in her hand. After a long while, she finally let out a soft hum.
"Enough, enough. They're now from a family that ranks third in the imperial examinations, and they've even married into the imperial family. Their standards have risen, and they look down on old relatives like us."
"They're still rooted in commerce, and they've only been successful for a few days, yet they've already forgotten their roots." His words revealed a sense of disheartening discontent and resentment.
Wang Xifeng listened intently, knowing that she was just a messenger and the outcome was not up to her.
A few days later, Wang Xifeng seized an opportunity and, taking advantage of Grandmother Jia's good mood, tearfully complained to her: "Grandmother, my health has really deteriorated lately."
She frequently feels dizzy and lightheaded, her body feels weak and limp, and her heart races after walking just a few steps. She also can't sleep well at night, and she fears she can no longer shoulder the heavy responsibility of being a housekeeper…
"Please, my ancestors, have mercy on me and allow me to relinquish this post so I can rest and recuperate for a while..." she said, coughing as she spoke, her face indeed showing signs of a haggard, sallow complexion.
Grandmother Jia raised her eyelids and looked at her carefully. Seeing that the dark circles under her eyes didn't seem fake and that her complexion was poor, she believed her somewhat.
Thinking to herself that it didn't matter who was in charge of the family, and that she wouldn't lack food and comforts anyway, she readily agreed.
"Since you're not feeling well, you should rest. I'll have Yuanyang bring you some top-quality old ginseng from the storeroom to help you recover."
"For now, let your second wife handle the housekeeping duties." So, Madam Wang took back the housekeeper's duties.
Wang Xifeng thus extricated herself from those complicated and troublesome household affairs, secretly seeking medical advice and medicine to quietly recuperate.
The household had long been in debt, and she had spent a lot of money supplementing her dowry during the years she managed the household. Now that she was relieved of her management duties, she felt completely relaxed.
At Baochai's urging, Lady Wang Ziteng sent her trusted nanny to take care of Wang Xifeng.
The experienced old woman thwarted Wang Xifeng's plan to lend money at interest rates, encouraged by Madam Wang, with just a few words.
It wasn't that Baochai was meddling, but this matter damaged the reputation of the Wang family's daughter. Her mother was also a member of the Wang family; their fates were intertwined.
The Jia family's plan to strengthen ties with the Xue family through marriage was never something they deliberately concealed. The conversation between Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang that day spread throughout the entire household within two days.
Xichun and Daiyu secretly rejoiced for Yingchun. Daiyu sat by the window, watching the maid tidy up the newly delivered fresh flowers, and whispered to Xichun.
"If Second Sister can really betrothed to Cousin Xue, it would be a wonderful thing. Cousin Xue is now a third-ranked scholar, and his character and talent are beyond reproach. It would be better than being casually married off by the Master to some unknown family."
Xichun nodded: "Yes, Second Sister is so gentle. If she can marry into a family like the Xue family, which is well-known, kind and wealthy, her future life will be more comfortable."
Unexpectedly, after Wang Xifeng made a hurried trip back to the Wang family, the matter was left unresolved.
From the old lady's courtyard, whispers drifted out, saying that the Xue family had now risen to prominence and looked down on old relatives like the Jia family, wanting to climb the social ladder by marrying a noblewoman from the Eight Banners.
Upon hearing this, everyone understood that the matter was off. Yingchun herself was unfazed; she was always a bit of a blockhead, seemingly indifferent, and continued to quietly sit in the corner, fiddling with her chess scores.
Tan Chun, however, cried after returning to her room. She knew that Wang Xifeng had mentioned her when she went back to the Wang family.
An indescribable sense of grievance and shame gripped her heart.
She felt that the Xue family looked down on her because she was an illegitimate daughter, and that her status was not noble enough and she was not worthy of Xue Pan's status as a newly appointed third-ranked scholar.
Thinking of this, she hated her loud and frivolous birth mother, Aunt Zhao, again. If it weren't for this lowly mother, why would she be looked down upon like this?
She bit her lip, tears streaming down her face, her heart filled with resentment. Why was I not born into the wife's womb? If I were the legitimate son, I wouldn't be suffering such humiliation today.
Ever since Baochai gave him a serious talk, Xue Pan, though only a minor seventh-rank scholar, worked diligently and never dared to slack off.
The Hanlin Academy was staffed by close advisors to the emperor, and it was necessary for staff to take turns working night shifts in case of emergencies.
While on night duty, one may take a short rest, but one must not undress or take off one's clothes. One must remain vigilant at all times, and must immediately get up to deal with any summons from eunuchs or urgent documents delivered.
It's an extremely arduous task that requires you to stay on your guard all night, and it usually falls to newcomers like Xue Pan.
Xue Pan had to work the night shift three times a month. On his first night shift, Baochai specially replaced the jade pendant he usually wore at his waist with a "Good Fortune Pendant".
He then handed him a small bottle of mutton-fat jade, about the size of a thumb, and instructed him, "If you feel sleepy at night, take one."
Xue Pan now has a regular schedule, and by the end of the 7 PM period, he can hardly keep his eyes open.
He yawned widely, stood up and stretched, rubbed his face vigorously, and remembering his sister's words, poured out a pill that emitted a faint fragrance and put it in his mouth.
The pill melted instantly in my mouth, and in just a moment, I felt a refreshing energy rush to the top of my head. The drowsiness from before vanished without a trace, and I felt incredibly energetic, with my mind exceptionally clear and sharp.
He wandered around the small room where he was on duty for a while, feeling bored and wanting to find a book to read, when he heard the door creak open.
The one who entered was a fair-skinned eunuch, followed by two junior eunuchs carrying ram's horn palace lanterns.
The head eunuch glanced at Xue Pan and immediately recognized him as the third-ranked scholar chosen by the emperor. A perfectly timed smile appeared on his face: "Lord Xue, by imperial decree, the officials on night duty in the Hanlin Academy are summoned."
"Since it's Lord Xue's turn to be on duty today, please come with me."
Xue Pan's heart tightened. He suddenly remembered Baochai's instructions and hurriedly took out a delicate purse that he had prepared in advance from his sleeve pocket and quietly stuffed it into the little eunuch's hand.
Inside were gold melon seeds specially made by Baochai. He always carried several such red envelopes with him, specifically for occasions like this.
"Thank you for leading the way so late at night, sir. May I ask what brings His Majesty to summon me so suddenly?"
"I hope Your Excellency can offer some guidance, so that I may be prepared and not behave improperly before the Emperor," Xue Pan asked cautiously.
The eunuch twirled his fingers, feeling the distinct little gold seeds in the purse. He was quite pleased with the boy's aptitude and smiled as he whispered a word of advice.
"Don't worry, Lord Xue, His Majesty is in a good mood right now. As for what it is, you'll find out when you get there."
Upon hearing that Emperor Kangxi was in a good mood, Xue Pan felt a sense of relief, but he still dared not be careless. He followed the young eunuch with trepidation, bowing his head and looking down as they passed through several quiet and solemn palace gates, finally arriving outside the Qianqing Palace.
He followed closely behind the young eunuch, bowing his head as he entered the Southern Study. Caught a glimpse of the bright yellow robe in front of him out of the corner of his eye, he immediately knelt down with a thud, kowtowing and bowing: "This servant, Xue Pan, respectfully wishes Your Majesty good health!"
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