The Dream of the Red Chamber: The Story of Baochai 3, Quick Transmigration: Yuan Ning's Scumbag Journey...
“Mother, the gifts are all prepared, we should set off.” Baochai’s gentle voice pulled Aunt Xue back to reality.
Aunt Xue snapped out of her daze, glanced at the gifts Baochai had prepared, and nodded in satisfaction.
These items all looked quite valuable, but most of them were actually from the Xue family's shop—the kind of flashy but impractical goods that Baochai had deliberately chosen. This arrangement showed off their wealth without being too extravagant.
Seeing her mother examining the gifts, Baochai said softly, "Are these gifts acceptable? I've also prepared a few boxes of this spring's pre-Qingming Longjing tea. If you feel the gifts are too meager, you could add some tea leaves to make them more elegant."
Aunt Xue shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips: "No need, these are just right. What good things haven't the Jia family seen? We've shown our appreciation, that's enough, there's no need to waste money."
Under Baochai's constant guidance and brainwashing, Aunt Xue now takes these interactions with relatives in stride, merely going through the motions according to etiquette.
"Let's go." Aunt Xue straightened her sleeves, her tone calm and composed.
Baochai stepped forward and gently took her mother's right arm, with Xue Pan following closely behind.
The three of them stepped out of the courtyard gate, where servants had already prepared a carriage. The carriage curtains were made of the finest Hangzhou silk, and the carriage shafts were inlaid with copper ornaments, which shimmered with a warm light in the morning sun.
Aunt Xue stepped onto the carriage using a footstool, followed by Baochai, with Xue Pan riding alongside on horseback.
When the carriage arrived at the west gate of Rongguo Mansion, several well-dressed old women were already waiting, and two small sedan chairs made of blue silk were parked beside it.
A woman who looked like a steward stepped forward, bowed, and said with a smile, "Greetings to the concubine. Our mistress instructed us to wait here early this morning. Please change into a sedan chair with the young lady."
Aunt Xue nodded slightly and exchanged sedan chairs with Baochai. Xue Pan then followed the servant leading the way and entered on foot.
As soon as I entered the courtyard, I heard a burst of noise and laughter.
When the young maids saw that guests had arrived, some rushed forward to greet them, while others hurriedly ran into the house to report. One maid in a red silk jacket was running so fast that she almost bumped into the old woman who was leading the way.
Aunt Xue frowned slightly. Since Baochai took over the household management, their family had been very disciplined, and the servants' behavior was always orderly and proper.
It's unbelievable that a family of such high status as the Duke of Rongguo's mansion would have such an unruly and undisciplined group of servants.
Aunt Xue thought to herself that it was best to keep such relatives at a distance in the future. Her son Pan'er had worked hard to pass the imperial examinations, and she didn't want such relatives to tarnish the Xue family's reputation.
Stepping into the warm pavilion, a warm fragrance mixed with laughter greets you.
Grandmother Jia was reclining on the couch, wearing an ochre-colored brocade cotton-padded jacket with an unbroken swastika pattern, and a jeweled headband on her forehead, with a smile on her face.
Amber gently massaged her legs with a small hammer. Below, the head maids, such as Yuanyang and Parrot, stood by, much more composed than the younger maids outside.
On two rows of chairs under the couch sat Madam Xing, Madam Wang, Madam You, Li Wan, and the three sisters of the Spring Festival. The room was adorned with jewels and flowers.
After returning the greeting, Aunt Xue led Baochai and Xue Pan to pay their respects to Old Madam Jia: "We have come to greet you, Old Madam!" After saying this, she was about to kneel down to pay her respects according to etiquette.
Grandmother Jia immediately smiled and had someone stop them, her tone very warm: "We're family, no need for formalities! It's been so many years, how have you been, Auntie?"
Aunt Xue was helped up and replied with a smile, "Thanks to you, everything is fine."
Everyone stepped forward to greet each other. After some pleasantries, a maid brought over an embroidered stool and placed it in front of the couch. Aunt Xue sat down to the side, with Baochai and Xue Pan standing behind her.
Aunt Xue smiled and gestured for the maid to present the gifts, saying, "I came in a hurry and only brought some local items from the south, such as silk, tea, and pastries, as well as a Guanyin statue carved from sandalwood. The workmanship is rough, so I hope you won't mind, old lady."
Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "It's so kind of you to think of this and bring it from so far away."
As she spoke, her gaze turned to Baochai and Xue Pan behind Aunt Xue, and she praised them, "Is this Baochai? She's grown into a beautiful young lady. Pan'er has also made progress; I heard he's already passed the imperial examination?"
Aunt Xue replied with a smile, "That's right. It's all thanks to the blessings of our ancestors that Pan'er was fortunate enough to pass the imperial examination. This trip to the capital is precisely to prepare for next year's metropolitan examination."
Grandmother Jia nodded repeatedly and said to Lady Wang, "Your sister has really made it through. She has raised her two children so well. She is a blessed person."
Madam Wang sat at the lower end of the table, a polite smile on her face, and echoed, "What the old lady says is true, my sister is destined for good fortune." However, her smile was slightly stiff and did not reach her eyes.
Grandmother Jia beckoned Baochai closer, took her hand and examined her closely: "Baochai has grown up so well. Her demeanor is so poised and dignified. She looks even better than in the paintings."
She was then asked what books she read and what needlework she did. Baochai answered each question with a smile, her words were appropriate, and her attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, which pleased Grandmother Jia very much.
Just then, footsteps approached from outside the courtyard, accompanied by hearty laughter: "Oh dear, I'm late! I missed welcoming my aunt, sister, and brothers! I deserve a beating!"
Before the words were finished, the curtain was suddenly thrown open. A fragrant breeze wafted in, and Wang Xifeng, dressed in dazzling finery, like a goddess or fairy, walked in.
She first bowed to Grandmother Jia, then greeted Madam Xing and Madam Wang, and everyone else, before walking up to Aunt Xue and warmly taking her hand.
"Aunt, you've finally arrived! I've missed you so much all these years. The whole household has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Aunt, you have no idea how happy even the old lady is with your arrival."
She then turned and looked Xue Pan up and down, exclaiming in exaggerated surprise, "Oh my, this must be Brother Pan! Look at his imposing presence..."
Wow, if I weren't standing next to my aunt, I wouldn't have recognized her on the street. She's practically a reincarnation of the God of Literature!
Her words were quick and lively, making everyone in the room laugh. Aunt Xue laughed too: "You little rascal, you're still so good at talking! Your mouth is as sweet as honey."
Fengjie then walked over to Baochai and affectionately put her arm around her shoulder: "Good sister, I've been waiting for you. Come and talk to me often in the future, and teach me your skills in managing a household, so that I can have an easier time."
Baochai smiled and replied, "Sister Feng is too kind. Everyone knows that you are a heroine among women, managing everything in an orderly manner. I should learn more from you."
Sister Feng clapped her hands and laughed, "Listen to this, Sister Bao knows how to talk. Aunt, how did you raise such a good daughter? Teach me too!"
Grandmother Jia beamed with joy: "You little rascal Feng, with your arrival, the ceiling of this room is about to be ripped off!"
Looking at the lavishness of the room and listening to the flattery, Aunt Xue smiled and went along with it, but she knew exactly what was going on in her mind.
How much of Sister Feng's warmth was genuine, and how much was merely a facade? How much alienation and comparison was hidden beneath Madam Wang's smile?
Even Grandmother Jia's kindness was more about being happy for the prosperity of her relatives.
She picked up the teacup and took a sip. It was a fine Lao Jun Mei tea, with a rich and mellow aroma, yet she inexplicably tasted a hint of the coldness and warmth of human relationships hidden deep within the prosperity of the world.
Turning around, he saw Baochai calmly handling the situation and Xue Pan standing properly beside him, and felt very gratified.
Indeed, her true reliance was on her children's success and her family's prosperity.
Seeing that Grandmother Jia looked tired, Aunt Xue took the opportunity to bid farewell with her children and followed Lady Wang to Rongxi Hall.
Stepping inside, one is immediately struck by the vastness and grandeur of the hall. The magnificent buildings, splendid furnishings, and dazzling golden splendor are truly breathtaking.
The maids and servants in Rongxi Hall were noticeably more disciplined, standing quietly and attentive, demonstrating Madam Wang's strict household management.
After the two sisters took their seats as host and guest, Madam Wang turned the Buddhist prayer beads on her wrist and spoke softly.
“Sister, it’s not that I’m criticizing you, but people of noble birth like ours never expected to advance through the imperial examinations.”
Although my brother-in-law is gone, as long as my brother is here, Pan-ge'er will certainly not lack a life of luxury. Why should we follow the example of those impoverished families and force him to study hard and struggle for that kind of life?
Aunt Xue sighed softly, "Sister is right. I have tried to persuade him several times. But Pan'er insists on continuing to study and take the exams. His teacher also says that he has the talent. I have no choice but to let him be."
Madam Wang's face stiffened; she clearly hadn't expected Aunt Xue to respond in this way.
Aunt Xue took a sip of tea. Did she really think her good sister was as easily fooled as she was when she was a young lady, that she would be easily deceived by a few words?
Lady Wang forced a smile, then turned to Baochai: "Bao'er is growing more and more beautiful. Her looks and temperament are both top-notch. I wonder which lucky family will be able to marry her in the future. Do you have any plans, sister?"
Aunt Xue smiled and said, "I've just returned to the capital and I'm completely clueless. What plan could I possibly have? Besides, Bao'er is still young, and I want to keep her here for a few more years."
Madam Wang smiled and said, "A few days ago, Yuan-jie sent someone back with some gifts and also instructed us not to be too restrictive with Bao-yu. She said that although Bao-yu doesn't like reading serious books, he has a knack for poetry and prose. He might just be able to..."
Lady Wang stopped mid-sentence, picked up her teacup, and gently skimmed off the foam. The unintentional display of superiority only amused Baochai.
This is where the bragging comes in. Yuan Chun followed the path of Consort De and was betrothed to Prince Yong, Yinzhen, as a concubine. In Lady Wang's words, it was as if Yuan Chun's status was so noble, and that things were yet to come.
When Prince Yong ascends the throne in the future, Yuan Chun will at most be a concubine. If she can give birth to a son or daughter, she may be promoted to imperial concubine.
However, given the conduct of the Ningguo and Rongguo mansions, even if Yuan Chun were to be granted the title of Virtuous Consort, she would still be dragged down by these two mansions.
Aunt Xue's smile remained unchanged as she nodded repeatedly: "Yuan-jie is so filial. With Yuan-jie as her elder sister to look after Bao-yu, your good fortune is yet to come, sister."
I heard my sister mention before that your grandmother wanted Baoyu to marry Minmei's daughter, Daiyu, to strengthen their family ties. Why haven't we seen Daiyu this time?
When Madam Wang heard Aunt Xue mention Daiyu, her face turned even more grim: "Young Master Lin is seriously ill, and Daiyu misses her father, so Lian'er accompanied her back to Yangzhou."
......
The gathering of the sisters passed by in a subtle yet dignified manner as Lady Wang boasted about how filial Yuan Chun, a concubine in Prince Yong's mansion, was, and how much Bao Yu was favored by Old Madam Jia, and in a knowing flattery from Aunt Xue.
As she was leaving, Madam Wang saw her to the door and said politely that she would visit often.
In her heart, however, she was annoyed that Aunt Xue was as clueless as ever. She had praised Baoyu to the skies, but Aunt Xue hadn't mentioned anything about a marriage between them.
Instead, they kept stabbing her in the heart, saying things like Daiyu and Baoyu, cousins, were a perfect match.
As Aunt Xue left Madam Wang's courtyard, the smile on her face slowly faded. Her "good sister" had such a clever plan; all that talk about strengthening family ties through marriage was nothing but a lie.
She had some understanding of the Jia family's situation and Baoyu's character from her sister-in-law, Liu.
It is true that the second branch of the Jia family was in charge of the household affairs, but Jia Baoyu, who was born with a jade in his mouth, was raised by the old lady from a young age and was very much loved.
His marriage was not up to her, his good sister, or even Jia Zheng.
The old lady from the Jia family may have said nice things, but in reality, she didn't take the Xue family seriously at all.
In addition, she wanted to marry her granddaughter to her grandson to strengthen family ties. Even if her precious daughter could barely marry into the family, who knows how she would treat her in the future.
Baochai silently supported her mother's arm and whispered, "Mom, are you tired?"
Aunt Xue snapped out of her daze, patted her hand, and said calmly, "I'm not tired. It's just that your aunt's place is so wealthy and arrogant. She's not really one of us. She should come here less often in the future."
She glanced back at the magnificent courtyard, and the sense of security she felt from relying on her children's success only strengthened.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
