Baochai from Dream of the Red Chamber 2, Mwah!
On the day she returned to her parents' home, Aunt Xue woke up before dawn.
A faint blue light shone through the window as she lay in bed, planning her day's itinerary.
This is not just a simple visit to the wife's parents' home. The son needs to take the imperial examination, and the daughter's marriage needs to be arranged. All these things require the help of the elder brother, Wang Ziteng, and his wife.
Just as Aunt Xue got up, Xing'er, who had heard the noise, tiptoed in, lit the candles on the table, and asked softly, "Madam, which outfit would you like to wear today?"
Aunt Xue pondered for a moment: "Take out that purplish-red jacket that was just made, and pair it with the dark blue horse-face skirt."
Xing'er responded and went away. A moment later, she came back with clothes and helped Aunt Xue change: "Madam, you have chosen a good outfit. It is both elegant and not flashy."
Aunt Xue carefully examined herself in the bronze mirror. She saw that although she was over forty years old, she looked no more than thirty because she had lived a good life and taken good care of herself over the years.
Nodding in satisfaction, he then instructed, "Bring the gold and kingfisher feather hairpin with the auspicious double blessings from the makeup box. The earrings should be the pair of pearl earrings to match the hairpin."
Xing'er fetched everything one by one and carefully did Xue's hair. First, she combed Xue's hair meticulously, applied osmanthus hair oil, then styled it into an elegant round bun, and finally inserted the "double blessings of fortune and longevity" hairpin. Xue looked at herself in the mirror again and again before finally feeling relieved.
At this moment, Baochai's gentle voice came from outside: "Mother, have you gotten up? Your daughter has come to pay her respects."
Aunt Xue hurriedly said, "Get up, Bao'er, it's cold outside, come in and warm up."
The curtain was lifted, and Baochai walked in gracefully. Today she was wearing a light lilac-colored long coat embroidered with white magnolias, with a moon-white silk skirt with cloud patterns. The only adornment she wore was a pair of warm, lustrous mutton-fat jade bracelets on her wrists, which further accentuated her calm demeanor and dignified bearing.
Baochai first bowed to her mother, then carefully examined her mother's attire, and smiled, "They say that people are in high spirits when they are happy. Mother, you look radiant today. You must be happy to meet your uncle and aunt."
Aunt Xue wasn't annoyed by her daughter's teasing; instead, she laughed and said, "You little rascal, you're making fun of me now. Is your brother all packed? Don't let him be late for the trip."
Baochai smiled and said, "I've already sent someone to urge him on; he should be better soon."
Just then, Xue Pan's voice came from outside the door: "Mother, sister, are you all ready? The carriage is ready, let's set off early to avoid being delayed on the way."
The curtain was lifted, and Xue Pan stepped in. Today he was wearing a brand-new indigo blue robe, a square scarf on his head, and thick-soled black boots. At first glance, he really looked like a refined and handsome scholar.
However, his walking posture still carried some of his former unruly manner. When he saw Baochai glaring at him, he immediately restrained himself and stood up properly.
Baochai stepped forward to straighten his collar and adjust his handkerchief, saying gently, "Brother, you must not be negligent in etiquette when you visit your uncle and aunt today."
Now that you are the head of the Xue family, your every move is being watched. Master Ling specifically instructed you yesterday to speak little, observe much, and remember not to be impatient.
Xue Pan nodded obediently: "Don't worry, little sister, I remember all of this. Master Ling spent half a day practicing etiquette with me yesterday, so I will definitely not be impolite in front of Uncle."
After the mother and her two children finished getting ready, they went to the hall for breakfast. Aunt Xue had specifically instructed the kitchen to prepare some snacks that Xue Pan and Baochai liked, and also prepared a pot of hot milk tea. After breakfast and rinsing their mouths, they prepared to set off.
A carriage was already prepared outside, and several servants were loading gifts onto it. Aunt Xue went forward to check and, seeing that the Jiangnan specialties, silks, satins, and writing implements were all properly arranged, she boarded the carriage with peace of mind.
The carriage moved slowly along the bluestone streets of the capital, the wheels making a rhythmic rumbling sound as they rolled over the surface.
Looking out the car window at the street scene, Aunt Xue couldn't help but sigh, "I haven't been back to the capital for so many years, and it has changed so much. Look over there, it used to be a silk shop, but now it's a restaurant."
Baochai followed her mother's gaze and said softly, "If Mother would like to go for a stroll, I'll accompany you another day. I heard that several new bookstores have opened in Liulichang; perhaps Brother would be interested."
Xue Pan was initially a little nervous, constantly adjusting his clothes, but upon hearing the word "bookstore," he immediately perked up: "Really? Then I must go and take a look. Master Ling said I should collect more collections of contemporary essays, saying they will be helpful for next year's imperial examination."
Baochai saw this and gently comforted him, "Brother, don't be nervous. Your uncle and aunt are your closest relatives and won't make things difficult for you. You've made great progress now, and even Master Ling praised your writing. Just take it easy."
As they spoke, the carriage arrived at the gate of Prince Teng's residence. There stood vermilion gates and high walls, with imposing stone lions. Upon seeing the Xue family's carriage, the gatekeeper immediately greeted them with a beaming smile, while simultaneously sending a servant to quickly go inside and announce their arrival.
Madam Ziteng personally greeted her at the second gate, smiling before speaking and warmly taking Aunt Xue's hand.
"My dear sister, we've been waiting for you! Was the journey from Jiangnan to the capital arduous? Come in and warm up; your brother has been talking about you all morning."
"You must be tired from the journey. Come in and warm up; your brother has been talking about you all morning."
Aunt Xue hurriedly smiled and said, "I really don't deserve your personal welcome, sister-in-law." Then she said to her children behind her, "Pan'er, Baochai, quickly greet your aunt."
Xue Pan stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Nephew Xue Pan greets Aunt." His movements were standard and his tone was respectful, which made Lady Wang Ziteng nod repeatedly.
Baochai then stepped forward and gave a graceful bow: "Baochai greets Aunt."
Lady Wang Ziteng quickly helped Baochai up, examined her closely, and sighed, "What a beautiful child! Her overall demeanor is even more outstanding than the beauties in paintings."
Then she turned to Xue Pan, "Pan'er has grown up so much, so tall and handsome, I really wouldn't recognize him at first glance."
The group walked in talking as they went. Passing through the covered walkway, they saw an exquisite rockery in the courtyard, with lush pine and cypress trees. Although it was already winter, a few hardy flowering trees still dotted the landscape.
The maids standing in the corridor were all neatly dressed, with their heads bowed and eyes lowered. When they saw their master pass by, they all bowed respectfully, showing that the rules were strict.
Upon entering the main hall, Wang Ziteng was already seated. His expression was solemn yet gentle. Seeing his sister's family enter, a rare smile appeared on his face.
Aunt Xue hurriedly led her children forward to greet them, saying, "Greetings, brother."
Wang Ziteng stood up and offered a helping hand, his gaze lingering on Xue Pan for a moment, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Pan'er has changed so much. If I hadn't come with my sister today, I would hardly have recognized him."
Xue Pan bowed respectfully again: "Nephew Xue Pan greets Uncle. It has been many years since I last saw you, Uncle, but you are still as handsome as ever."
Upon hearing this, Wang Ziteng laughed and said repeatedly, "Good, good! Get up and talk."
He gestured for everyone to sit down, and then ordered a maid to serve tea. "This is newly harvested Wuyi rock tea this year. Sister, please try it and see if you like it?"
Aunt Xue took the teacup, gently sniffed the aroma, and smiled, "Brother, the tea here is naturally excellent."
She took a small sip and found the tea to be rich and mellow with a long-lasting sweet aftertaste. "This tea has a clear and bright color and a delicate aroma. It must be of tribute quality, right?"
Wang Ziteng nodded with a smile: "My sister still knows so much about tea. This was specially sent by the governor of Fujian, who said it was the best Da Hong Pao this year."
Amidst the laughter and conversation, Lady Wang Ziteng inquired about the Xue family's life in Jinling.
Aunt Xue answered them one by one, and then specifically mentioned that Baochai had been very capable in managing the family business over the years.
Upon hearing this, Wang Ziteng looked at Baochai and said approvingly, "It is truly remarkable that Baochai, at such a young age, is able to help her mother with her worries."
Turning to Xue Pan, they inquired about his studies. The two engaged in a back-and-forth conversation, discussing everything from the Four Books and Five Classics to poetry and prose, and also sharing their views on current affairs.
Wang Ziteng nodded repeatedly as he listened. His nephew's words were well-organized and insightful, a complete transformation from before.
"Master Ling's teaching is excellent," Wang Ziteng praised. "I heard he also came to the capital with you this time? I must invite him to meet you next time you come."
Xue Pan hurriedly agreed: "I will definitely invite Master Ling to come and pay his respects to my uncle."
Amidst the laughter and conversation, it was nearly noon. Madam Wang Ziteng smiled and said, "A simple meal has been prepared; let's eat and chat as a family."
The banquet was held in the back hall, where the eight-immortal table was laden with a variety of delicacies. There were famous dishes from the capital as well as several authentic Jiangnan dishes, clearly prepared especially for the Xue family of three.
Madam Wang Ziteng personally served food to Aunt Xue: "I remember when you were a young lady, you loved to eat this honey-glazed ham. I specially asked the kitchen to make it. Do you still taste the same as before?"
Aunt Xue took a bite and nodded repeatedly: "This is exactly the taste! It's so kind of you to remember, sister-in-law."
There were no rules about not speaking while eating or sleeping in the family. During the meal, Aunt Xue talked about how hard Xue Pan had studied over the years and how hard Baochai had worked to manage the household. She was full of pride: "Pan'er was a bit of a rascal before, but since he learned to be ambitious, he has been diligent and hardworking every day."
Bao'er has had a tough time these past few years. She handles all the big and small affairs at home and has never made a mistake. Even the old shopkeepers praise her for being capable.
My sister isn't worried about Pan'er's studies. She's only concerned about Bao'er and wants to ask her brother to intervene and get her exempted from the selection process.
Wang Ziteng nodded repeatedly as he listened, and his eyes showed even more admiration for Xue Pan and Baochai: "It is truly rare for someone so young to be able to do this."
You don't need to worry about Bao'er's selection; your brother will take care of it. Later, ask your sister-in-law to keep an eye out and find a matron who has been released from the palace. Although she'll be exempt from the selection process, the formalities still need to be followed.
After lunch and some casual conversation, Aunt Xue finally took her leave. Madam Wang Ziteng personally saw her off at the second gate, repeatedly urging, "Now that you're in the capital, please visit often."
If Pan'er needs anything during her exams, just let me know. You don't need to worry about finding a nanny for Bao'er; your sister-in-law will send her to your residence in a few days.”
On the carriage ride home, Aunt Xue's eyes and brows were filled with undisguised joy.
Her son, Xue Pan, was ambitious and hardworking, and her daughter, Baochai, was intelligent and well-mannered. She stood up straighter than ever before, and even her voice was louder than usual.
After seeing off Aunt Xue and her family, Madam Wang Ziteng returned to the main courtyard. Looking at Wang Ziteng, who was calmly drinking tea, she smiled and said, "Sister clearly wanted to exempt Bao'er from the selection, so why did you ask me to help find a nanny released from the palace?"
Wang Ziteng put down his teacup: "With Bao'er's looks and talent, marrying into an ordinary family might not be a good thing. If she is properly taught by a nanny released from the palace, her future opportunities may not be worse than Yuan Chun's."
Upon hearing this, Madam Wang Ziteng immediately understood and nodded, saying, "What you say is absolutely right, sir. I will inquire tomorrow and find a good nanny for Bao'er."
The next day was the day when Aunt Xue led her two children to visit the Rongguo Mansion.
That morning, before dawn, the light in Aunt Xue's room was turned on.
Xing'er gently helped her wash up, and noticing the faint dark circles under her eyes, she asked with concern, "Madam, did you not sleep well last night? Would you like to apply a warm towel to your eyes?"
Aunt Xue examined herself closely in the bronze mirror, then shook her head: "It's nothing, I just thought about the past and stayed up a little late. I'll make you a strong cup of tea."
Aunt Xue changed into a crimson silk brocade jacket, with fine mink fur trimmed at the collar and cuffs, and tied a royal blue brocade horse-face skirt with gold trim.
Her hair was styled into an elegant round bun, with a filigree hairpin inlaid with a white jade lotus flower pinned to the side.
The silver hairpin is decorated with lotus patterns embroidered with fine gold thread, and the head is inlaid with a lotus flower carved from a piece of fine mutton-fat jade, with layers of petals, exquisite and translucent.
She wore a pair of jade teardrop pendants on her ears. The jade was a deep green with excellent translucency. Carved into the shape of teardrops, they swayed gently with her movements, adding a touch of elegance to her graceful and dignified demeanor.
Even Baochai, who always preferred simplicity, dressed up with extra care, wearing a light honey-colored satin jacket with a dark floral pattern and a moon-white pleated skirt.
The collar and cuffs are embroidered with intricate lotus scroll patterns in gold thread, while the hem of the skirt is embroidered with orchid patterns in varying shades of green silk thread.
A white jade orchid hairpin is worn at an angle in her hair, and a pair of pearl earrings hang from her ears. Her entire outfit is simply decorated, yet it exudes an extraordinary taste and refinement, revealing both her wealthy family background and the elegance of a scholarly family.
Xue Pan was also impeccably dressed from head to toe. He wore a royal blue robe with cloud patterns, a jade belt around his waist, a gold crown, and thick-soled black boots.
Seeing his mother and sister looking him up and down, he straightened his clothes somewhat uncomfortably: "Isn't it too flashy to go to the Jia Mansion dressed like this? We're just going to visit Auntie, there's no need to dress up so extravagantly, is there?"
Aunt Xue straightened his hat and sash and said gently, "Today we are going to the Duke's mansion. You are now a scholar, so it is only right that you dress up properly."
Baochai nodded. It's fine to go to other people's homes, but when going to the Jia family, one must dress more presentably.
That entire family was opportunistic from top to bottom. In the original owner's life, the Xue family had fallen from grace and wanted to seek the protection of the Jia family, so they dressed relatively modestly.
Now things are very different. Her brother has achieved official rank, her mother has someone to rely on, and they have no desire for her good aunt or the Jia family. Naturally, her family wants to show off the Xue family's wealth.
Speaking of the sisters Aunt Xue, Wang Jingxian, and Madam Wang, Wang Jingshu, although they were both legitimate daughters, the eldest legitimate daughter, Wang Jingshu, was taken away and raised by the old lady of the Wang family after birth. Therefore, she was not favored by the matriarch of the Wang family at that time.
The second eldest daughter, Wang Jingxian, grew up by the side of the matriarch of the Wang family. She was charming, obedient, and sensible, and was deeply loved by her.
When they were discussing marriage, the matriarch of the Wang family took a liking to Jia Zheng, the second son of the Jia family. She thought that since he was the second son, Wang Jingxian wouldn't have to manage the household affairs after marrying into the family. She only needed to keep Jia Zheng in check, and the young couple could live a loving and harmonious life behind closed doors.
The eldest daughter, Wang Jingshu, was taught by the old lady of the Wang family from a young age to be dignified and composed, making her the most suitable person to marry into the family and become the matriarch.
Just then, the head of the Xue family came to ask for a wife from the Wang family for his eldest son. The matriarch of the Wang family thought that she could marry her innocent and lively second daughter to her side so that she could take care of her. The steady eldest daughter married into the Xue family in Jinling and became the matriarch.
Unexpectedly, the old lady interfered and forced Wang Jun, the head of the Wang family, to switch the marriages of the two sisters. Later, she learned that it was because the eldest sister, Wang Jingshu, looked down on the Xue family, the imperial merchants, and insisted on marrying into the Duke's mansion.
After marrying into the Duke's mansion, Wang Jingshu realized that the mansion's prestige was merely superficial. However, she was always strong-willed, and in the correspondence between the two sisters, Madam Wang perfectly maintained her superior demeanor.
Aunt Xue, being good-natured, didn't hold it against her. Although she had married into the Xue family from a lower social class, she became the mistress of the house as soon as she entered the family.
Her husband, Xue Xun, doted on her, and their marriage was harmonious. There were no concubines or illegitimate children to cause trouble. She was far luckier than if she had married that hypocritical Jia Zheng.
In her eyes, her sister's marriage into the Rongguo Mansion was a great honor. Although she seemed to be living a glamorous life in the Jia family and was the mistress of the house, the Jia family's title belonged to Jia She.
It was fine while the old lady of the Jia family was alive, but after she passed away, the eldest and second branches of the family would definitely separate, and after the separation, the eldest sister's family would have no connection with the Rongguo Duke's Mansion.
Jia Zheng has remained firmly in his position as an assistant minister in the Ministry of Works for so many years, never having been moved. As for the wife of a fifth-rank official, one wonders if her dear sister will be able to accept such a fall from grace.
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